Depth Key As Grace Women’s Hoops Eyes Season Opener
October 29, 2022 at 2:55 a.m.
Depth Key As Grace Women’s Hoops Eyes Season Opener
By Grant Cook-
The fast, furious and fearless mantra, or “F3” as Davis calls it, describes the mentality that he wants his team to play every game with. “We want to be fast on both ends of the floor. We want to play with a furious attitude and a chip on our shoulder, and we want to do what we do and play with a fearless mentality,” he said.
“We have had a great offseason,” Davis added. This is a group of girls who have high expectations for themselves and bring a competitive hunger.”
Davis’s team will be no stranger to the F3 way as it returns 10 players, including all five of the regular starters from last season. Among the returning players is Maddie Ryman, who earned NAIA and NCCAA All-American recognition, and NCCAA Third Team All-American Karlee Feldman.
“Obviously these were two players that put up big numbers for us,” said Davis of the All-American performers. “They are still going to play a big role for us, but we need other players to step up and take a little bit of the responsibility off of them.”
Last year Ryman had a breakout campaign, averaging 17.1 points per game and scoring the seventh-most points in a single season in Grace’s history. Ryman also led the team in assists and steals.
“A big focus for Maddie this year will be making everyone around her better,” commented Davis on the standout guard. “For us to get where we want to be, she needs to elevate those around her on a daily basis.”
After transferring into the program last season, Feldman wasted little time making her presence felt. Feldman was a menace on the boards, averaging 10.9 rebounds to go along with 14.3 points per game. She set the program record for single season rebounds (391), blocks (54) and double-doubles (22). Feldman capped off her first season as a Lady Lancer by being named the Crossroads League Newcomer of the Year.
The rest of last year’s starting five, Kenzie McMahon, Kiersten Findley and Kaylee Patton will also be expected to take a step forward this season according to Davis. “These girls are entering their third year in the program, and we expect them to contribute and lead both on and off the court.”
Peyton Murphy and Kensie Ryman are a pair of talented sophomores who will look to continue to build on strong freshman campaigns.
“To play at the level we want to be at, we need four to six players that can score 10-15 points on any given night,'' Davis added. “I think this group of returners can play a vital role in us achieving that.”
The Lady Lancers will also welcome back to the court Kate Rulli, who was sidelined last season due to injury. Carissa Wiegman and Kate Schlatter are also entering their third and fourth years in the program respectively.
To join the strong supporting cast, Grace brings three new faces to the fold this season.
Jenna Blakley transferred from Kentucky Christian where she averaged 15.1 ppg and shot 43 percent on 3-pointers last season. She earned NCCAA Second Team All-American status last year.
After starring at Columbia City High School, freshman Bekah Marshall makes the short trip west to Grace where her length and shooting ability provides Grace with unique depth off the bench.
The final newcomer is Molly Long. The 6-foot-2 forward was praised for her versatility and ability to play multiple positions on the floor.
“All three of these ladies are competitive players who want to win,” said Davis. “They are hard-working, unselfish players, and we are excited for their future with our program.”
The trio will be joining a team known for its speed and defensive intensity, both of which figure to remain a signature of the Lady Lancers.
“This is the deepest team that we have had in my five years,'' Davis said. “We have a rotation that can be 8-12 players deep, which is something we haven't had before. It’s going to allow us to play faster than we ever had in my tenure.”
The Lady Lancers were top three in the Crossroads League in rebounding margin and points allowed per game. Davis figures that both will once again be strengths of his squad. “With our length and versatility I think that we can be an elite defensive and rebounding team.”
Davis also heaped praise on the program's culture, which he credits to maturity and ownership that the upperclassmen have displayed. “We have a lot of girls entering their third and fourth seasons in the program, and they have done a great job at holding each other accountable. Championship teams are player-led teams, and that is what we hope to achieve here.”
Grace tied the record for program wins last season with 20, but Davis believes that was just a taste of the program’s potential.
“I think last year showed us how good we can be if we do the things we do well. We could have won five more games last season, but we weren’t ready for those moments,” Davis said. “We have the talent, and we have put in the work. Now we have to be prepared to deliver when the lights are the brightest.”
Grace will kick off the 2022-23 campaign with a home game against Michigan-Dearborn on Saturday at 8 p.m.
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The fast, furious and fearless mantra, or “F3” as Davis calls it, describes the mentality that he wants his team to play every game with. “We want to be fast on both ends of the floor. We want to play with a furious attitude and a chip on our shoulder, and we want to do what we do and play with a fearless mentality,” he said.
“We have had a great offseason,” Davis added. This is a group of girls who have high expectations for themselves and bring a competitive hunger.”
Davis’s team will be no stranger to the F3 way as it returns 10 players, including all five of the regular starters from last season. Among the returning players is Maddie Ryman, who earned NAIA and NCCAA All-American recognition, and NCCAA Third Team All-American Karlee Feldman.
“Obviously these were two players that put up big numbers for us,” said Davis of the All-American performers. “They are still going to play a big role for us, but we need other players to step up and take a little bit of the responsibility off of them.”
Last year Ryman had a breakout campaign, averaging 17.1 points per game and scoring the seventh-most points in a single season in Grace’s history. Ryman also led the team in assists and steals.
“A big focus for Maddie this year will be making everyone around her better,” commented Davis on the standout guard. “For us to get where we want to be, she needs to elevate those around her on a daily basis.”
After transferring into the program last season, Feldman wasted little time making her presence felt. Feldman was a menace on the boards, averaging 10.9 rebounds to go along with 14.3 points per game. She set the program record for single season rebounds (391), blocks (54) and double-doubles (22). Feldman capped off her first season as a Lady Lancer by being named the Crossroads League Newcomer of the Year.
The rest of last year’s starting five, Kenzie McMahon, Kiersten Findley and Kaylee Patton will also be expected to take a step forward this season according to Davis. “These girls are entering their third year in the program, and we expect them to contribute and lead both on and off the court.”
Peyton Murphy and Kensie Ryman are a pair of talented sophomores who will look to continue to build on strong freshman campaigns.
“To play at the level we want to be at, we need four to six players that can score 10-15 points on any given night,'' Davis added. “I think this group of returners can play a vital role in us achieving that.”
The Lady Lancers will also welcome back to the court Kate Rulli, who was sidelined last season due to injury. Carissa Wiegman and Kate Schlatter are also entering their third and fourth years in the program respectively.
To join the strong supporting cast, Grace brings three new faces to the fold this season.
Jenna Blakley transferred from Kentucky Christian where she averaged 15.1 ppg and shot 43 percent on 3-pointers last season. She earned NCCAA Second Team All-American status last year.
After starring at Columbia City High School, freshman Bekah Marshall makes the short trip west to Grace where her length and shooting ability provides Grace with unique depth off the bench.
The final newcomer is Molly Long. The 6-foot-2 forward was praised for her versatility and ability to play multiple positions on the floor.
“All three of these ladies are competitive players who want to win,” said Davis. “They are hard-working, unselfish players, and we are excited for their future with our program.”
The trio will be joining a team known for its speed and defensive intensity, both of which figure to remain a signature of the Lady Lancers.
“This is the deepest team that we have had in my five years,'' Davis said. “We have a rotation that can be 8-12 players deep, which is something we haven't had before. It’s going to allow us to play faster than we ever had in my tenure.”
The Lady Lancers were top three in the Crossroads League in rebounding margin and points allowed per game. Davis figures that both will once again be strengths of his squad. “With our length and versatility I think that we can be an elite defensive and rebounding team.”
Davis also heaped praise on the program's culture, which he credits to maturity and ownership that the upperclassmen have displayed. “We have a lot of girls entering their third and fourth seasons in the program, and they have done a great job at holding each other accountable. Championship teams are player-led teams, and that is what we hope to achieve here.”
Grace tied the record for program wins last season with 20, but Davis believes that was just a taste of the program’s potential.
“I think last year showed us how good we can be if we do the things we do well. We could have won five more games last season, but we weren’t ready for those moments,” Davis said. “We have the talent, and we have put in the work. Now we have to be prepared to deliver when the lights are the brightest.”
Grace will kick off the 2022-23 campaign with a home game against Michigan-Dearborn on Saturday at 8 p.m.
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