The women’s basketball team improved to 9-0 on the season after defeating the University of Texas-Arlington 75-63 Sunday afternoon, matching their best start since the 1980-81 season. With the victory the Wildcats also extended their nonconference home win streak to 28 games.
Senior Guard Shalee Lehning led the Wildcats as she posted a team high 21 points, while also added nine assists and seven rebounds.
The Mavericks were led by Tamara Simmons, who scored 24 points and kept UTA in a close battle during the first half. However a late push put the Wildcats up 34-25 heading into the half time break.
“We had great games from our foundations players” head coach Deb Patterson said. “I think [Ashley] Sweat and [Shalee] Lehning just really dominated the game with their presence on the offensive and defensive end.”
Coming out of the half time break, the Wildcats struck quickly with five points coming from Lehning to take a commanding 17-point lead.
“I think she is capable of being whatever the game requires,” Patterson said. “We have a point guard here that can score in any number of ways, and that is a tremendous weapon.”
The Mavericks chipped away at the Wildcats’ second half lead by way of a 13-6 run to cut the lead to four with 12:29 left in the second half. However, the Wildcats’ defense anchored by senior Forward Marlies Gipson held off the UTA surge.
Gibson recorded a game high five blocks to increase her career total to 200, five shy of the school record held by two time All-American Nicole Ohlde (2001-04).
“I don’t know if in the entire time that I have been in the Big 12 I’ve seen a shot blocker like Marlies,” Patterson said.
Patterson said she was pleased with what the team accomplished during the home stand and, following Sunday’s victory the Wildcats will begin their final road trip of the season before the start of conference play. The three game road trip begins Dec. 20 as they Wildcats take on Indiana State with tip off set for 5:35 p.m.
“It was a great home stand it was good to be home,” she said. “I think it’s been a good week, I think when your core group of players begin to find their game and you see numbers like the numbers you saw from our core group here it’s good.”
Monday, December 15, 2008
Friday, December 12, 2008
Cats look to stay perfect
The women’s basketball team will conclude its four-game home stand and try to extend its season-opening win streak to nine games Sunday night when they take on the University of Texas-Arlington Mavericks.
Tipoff is set for 1 p.m. as Bramlage Coliseum will host a basketball double-header with the men’s team featured at 6 p.m.
The Wildcats (8-0) are off to their best regular-season start since the 1980-81 team began their season with a 9-0 start. With their impressive record, the Wildcats are represented in both the national polls. They enter Sunday’s contest ranked 25th in the Associated Press poll and climbed to the 18th spot in the ESPN/USA Today Coaches poll.
This will mark the first time the Mavericks and Wildcats have squared off in their histories. UTA (3-4) is coming off of a 77-72 win at Rice University on Saturday.
Historically, the Wildcats have fared well against opponents from the Southland Conference with an overall record of 12-3. This matchup will be the second of three for K-State against members of the Southland Conference. The Wildcats defeated UTSA in Bramlage Coliseum 80-51 on Nov. 23.
Following the first eight games last season, the Wildcats had posted a .500 record going 4-4, after being handed a 68-56 loss at the hands of Wisconsin-Green Bay on the road.
Junior forward Ashley Sweat has attested the success of this team to their ability to overcome adversity during the game.
“I think a lot of the games we were right there, and we just couldn’t find a way to win,” she said. “That is the difference between last year and this year. Even if we aren’t playing our best, we are finding ways to win.”
Sweat has been the leading scorer for the Wildcats this season, averaging 15.0 points per game, and scored a team-high 20 points in the Wildcats’ previous game against Creighton. Sweat has registered a team-high in points in six of the eight games this season.
Following the game against UTA, the Wildcats will leave Bramlage Coliseum for their final non-sconference road trip. The three-game road trip will begin with a Dec. 20 matchup against Indiana State.
Tipoff is set for 1 p.m. as Bramlage Coliseum will host a basketball double-header with the men’s team featured at 6 p.m.
The Wildcats (8-0) are off to their best regular-season start since the 1980-81 team began their season with a 9-0 start. With their impressive record, the Wildcats are represented in both the national polls. They enter Sunday’s contest ranked 25th in the Associated Press poll and climbed to the 18th spot in the ESPN/USA Today Coaches poll.
This will mark the first time the Mavericks and Wildcats have squared off in their histories. UTA (3-4) is coming off of a 77-72 win at Rice University on Saturday.
Historically, the Wildcats have fared well against opponents from the Southland Conference with an overall record of 12-3. This matchup will be the second of three for K-State against members of the Southland Conference. The Wildcats defeated UTSA in Bramlage Coliseum 80-51 on Nov. 23.
Following the first eight games last season, the Wildcats had posted a .500 record going 4-4, after being handed a 68-56 loss at the hands of Wisconsin-Green Bay on the road.
Junior forward Ashley Sweat has attested the success of this team to their ability to overcome adversity during the game.
“I think a lot of the games we were right there, and we just couldn’t find a way to win,” she said. “That is the difference between last year and this year. Even if we aren’t playing our best, we are finding ways to win.”
Sweat has been the leading scorer for the Wildcats this season, averaging 15.0 points per game, and scored a team-high 20 points in the Wildcats’ previous game against Creighton. Sweat has registered a team-high in points in six of the eight games this season.
Following the game against UTA, the Wildcats will leave Bramlage Coliseum for their final non-sconference road trip. The three-game road trip will begin with a Dec. 20 matchup against Indiana State.
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Lehning gains motivation through childhood challenges, becomes leader at K-State
It wasn’t a fair match up, and Shalee Lehning knew it. Matt was nine years older than his sister, yet he insisted that Shalee find a way to compete with him during their childhood pick-up basketball games.
He was older, more athletic and consistently blocked her shot attempts and won most of the games. Yet, Matt challenged her to find a way around him and to the basket as if he knew his sister would eventually develop into a premier point guard.
“I think that instilled this fire and perseverance inside of me, because I had to find a way to do things a different way than I wanted to,” Lehning said.
That fire and perseverance eventually caught the eye of K-State head coach Deb Patterson in 2005.
Before the 2005 season, head coach Patterson knew she needed a leader who would fill the role of point guard on her team. She also knew she would hand over a large responsibility to that player to lead a young team in a tough Big 12 Conference.
But after the first week of practice that year, the young 5’8” freshman from Sublette, Kan., who found a way to score on her older brother, stepped up to take yet another challenge.
“We were hoping that she could handle the reins of being a young point guard playing major minutes,” Patterson said.
Beginning with her first season in 2005, Lehning became an integral aspect of Patterson’s team. She played in all 34 games averaged 7.0 points and 5.6 assists per game, and set a freshman single season record for assists with 189.
“She has always been a great leader, and very tough,” Patterson said. “She was up to all of the challenges that we put in front of her and she wanted to be challenged. She demonstrated all along a very unique ability to lead and to be tough.”
Her quick success and leadership during her freshman season was recognized as she was selected to the Dallas Morning News Big 12 All Newcomer Team.
“When I came in as a freshman I had no expectations other than I wanted to find a way to contribute to my team. Whatever that needed to be I wanted to do it,” Lehning said.
As her career progressed, Lehning developed a reputation as one of the premier ball distributors in the nation. She set single season assist records each year, and eventually set the record for career assists, passing Megan Mahoney (2002-2005) during the Nov. 25 game this season against University of Texas San Antonio with her 590th assist.
“Every great passer has innate instincts,” Patterson said. “They see things two and three seconds before most people do. They see things developing in the future, and her ability to do it with such speed and precision is what sets her apart.”
Last season, Lehning led the Wildcats to the program’s first outright Big 12 regular season championship. The Wildcats finished the season with a 22-10 regular season record. Averaging 11.3 points and accumulating 203 assists, Lehning was named First Team All Big 12.
Before this season, Lehning was nominated for the John Wooden player of the year award.
“I kind of got the goose bumps,” Lehning said. “To even be considered a candidate is very humbling. I’m grateful for the blessing that I’ve had here and the opportunity to play.”
In 2008 as a senior she guides the Wildcat offens with a prolific and deceiving ease. As an effective manager organizes their employees, Lehning has a keen awareness of her teammates on the court. The unselfish point guard has established herself throughout her distinguished career as a truly exceptional leader at the point.
“Great point guards are able to run your team many times without direction,” Patterson said. “They are able to take and to lead into the heat of battle, and that’s what she does so well.”
With Lehning as point guard, the Wildcats are off to their best start since the 1980-81 season. The season has been highlighted with her third career triple-double performance during the Nov. 25 game at Arkansas State. During the game she posted 11 points, 14 rebounds and 12 assists in route to a 69-58 win. With the performance, Lehning set a Big 12 record with three triple-doubles.
“It was one of those games where when things are going well for you, you can just tell,” she said. “It was actually one of the first times I knew where my numbers were at so I was going after it, but I have to give my teammates credit because they are the ones knocking down shots to get me the assists.” While Lehning has come a long way from getting shots blocked by her older brother, she still is determined to leave a legacy at K-State. She has been humbled by the individual awards gained along the way, yet has her sights set on team-oriented accomplishments.
“I just want people to know that our senior class and me individually gave it all I had every time I stepped foot on the floor,” Lehning said. “That I was more consumed with our team and representing the Kansas State jersey more than any individual accolade that I could get.”
He was older, more athletic and consistently blocked her shot attempts and won most of the games. Yet, Matt challenged her to find a way around him and to the basket as if he knew his sister would eventually develop into a premier point guard.
“I think that instilled this fire and perseverance inside of me, because I had to find a way to do things a different way than I wanted to,” Lehning said.
That fire and perseverance eventually caught the eye of K-State head coach Deb Patterson in 2005.
Before the 2005 season, head coach Patterson knew she needed a leader who would fill the role of point guard on her team. She also knew she would hand over a large responsibility to that player to lead a young team in a tough Big 12 Conference.
But after the first week of practice that year, the young 5’8” freshman from Sublette, Kan., who found a way to score on her older brother, stepped up to take yet another challenge.
“We were hoping that she could handle the reins of being a young point guard playing major minutes,” Patterson said.
Beginning with her first season in 2005, Lehning became an integral aspect of Patterson’s team. She played in all 34 games averaged 7.0 points and 5.6 assists per game, and set a freshman single season record for assists with 189.
“She has always been a great leader, and very tough,” Patterson said. “She was up to all of the challenges that we put in front of her and she wanted to be challenged. She demonstrated all along a very unique ability to lead and to be tough.”
Her quick success and leadership during her freshman season was recognized as she was selected to the Dallas Morning News Big 12 All Newcomer Team.
“When I came in as a freshman I had no expectations other than I wanted to find a way to contribute to my team. Whatever that needed to be I wanted to do it,” Lehning said.
As her career progressed, Lehning developed a reputation as one of the premier ball distributors in the nation. She set single season assist records each year, and eventually set the record for career assists, passing Megan Mahoney (2002-2005) during the Nov. 25 game this season against University of Texas San Antonio with her 590th assist.
“Every great passer has innate instincts,” Patterson said. “They see things two and three seconds before most people do. They see things developing in the future, and her ability to do it with such speed and precision is what sets her apart.”
Last season, Lehning led the Wildcats to the program’s first outright Big 12 regular season championship. The Wildcats finished the season with a 22-10 regular season record. Averaging 11.3 points and accumulating 203 assists, Lehning was named First Team All Big 12.
Before this season, Lehning was nominated for the John Wooden player of the year award.
“I kind of got the goose bumps,” Lehning said. “To even be considered a candidate is very humbling. I’m grateful for the blessing that I’ve had here and the opportunity to play.”
In 2008 as a senior she guides the Wildcat offens with a prolific and deceiving ease. As an effective manager organizes their employees, Lehning has a keen awareness of her teammates on the court. The unselfish point guard has established herself throughout her distinguished career as a truly exceptional leader at the point.
“Great point guards are able to run your team many times without direction,” Patterson said. “They are able to take and to lead into the heat of battle, and that’s what she does so well.”
With Lehning as point guard, the Wildcats are off to their best start since the 1980-81 season. The season has been highlighted with her third career triple-double performance during the Nov. 25 game at Arkansas State. During the game she posted 11 points, 14 rebounds and 12 assists in route to a 69-58 win. With the performance, Lehning set a Big 12 record with three triple-doubles.
“It was one of those games where when things are going well for you, you can just tell,” she said. “It was actually one of the first times I knew where my numbers were at so I was going after it, but I have to give my teammates credit because they are the ones knocking down shots to get me the assists.” While Lehning has come a long way from getting shots blocked by her older brother, she still is determined to leave a legacy at K-State. She has been humbled by the individual awards gained along the way, yet has her sights set on team-oriented accomplishments.
“I just want people to know that our senior class and me individually gave it all I had every time I stepped foot on the floor,” Lehning said. “That I was more consumed with our team and representing the Kansas State jersey more than any individual accolade that I could get.”
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Cats continue winning streak with defeat of Bluejays
The Wildcats protected their perfect regular season start Tuesday night at Bramlage Coliseum as they defeated the Creighton Bluejays 64-55.
However, the victory did not come easy, as the Wildcats found themselves in an early hole when the Bluejays began the game with a quick 13-2 run behind the sharp shooting of junior guard Chevelle Herring.
“I didn’t feel as though we started the game with a lot of productive energy, and defensively we were pretty passive,” head coach Deb Patterson said. “We were trying to play hard but we were very slow to get going.”
Creighton built the early lead as Herring went 3 for 4 shooting, including two consecutive three pointers to open the first half.
Herring continued to be a challenge for the Wildcats as she finished with a game high 23 points.
“Herring had a tremendous night for them,” Patterson said. “I think she is a very fine player.”
Yet the Wildcats crawled their way back into the game following a timeout with a 16-5 run. Junior Forward Ashley Sweat hit two field goals, along with a 3-pointer by Kelsey Nelson to help the Wildcats gain momentum that would carry them into half time with a 26-22 lead.
“Our only thought was that we have to battle back,” Sweat said. “We already dug ourselves a hole. I think we play well enough as a team together if we are firing on all cylinders, [showing] that we can definitely come back from that.”
The Bluejays managed climb back into the game as they tied the score at 35 with Herring connecting on a lay-up with 14:59 remaining in the second half.
Yet the Wildcats responded again as Sweat scored nine consecutive points to help the Wildcats build a lead that they would never give up. Sweat was dominating in the second half as 16 of her 20 points came after the halftime.
“We needed to find a solution down the stretch, something we could go to and she [Sweat] made not just great plays off the catch but she got herself open well,” Patterson said. “And just had an overall really good night on both ends of the floor for us.”
The defense was highlighted by senior forward Marlies Gipson who had a game high five blocks and five defensive rebounds.
“I think in critical stages in the games all year long, Marlies has stepped up and really asserted herself on the boards and as a shot blocker.” Patterson said.
With the win, the Wildcats are off to an 8-0 start, and Patterson contributes to the way in which her team is finishing games.
“We are finding ways to complete games — sometimes it’s ugly and sometimes it’s with blemishes so to speak in the course of the game, but we are finding a way to win and when it’s all said and done that’s what it’s all about,” Patterson said.
However, the victory did not come easy, as the Wildcats found themselves in an early hole when the Bluejays began the game with a quick 13-2 run behind the sharp shooting of junior guard Chevelle Herring.
“I didn’t feel as though we started the game with a lot of productive energy, and defensively we were pretty passive,” head coach Deb Patterson said. “We were trying to play hard but we were very slow to get going.”
Creighton built the early lead as Herring went 3 for 4 shooting, including two consecutive three pointers to open the first half.
Herring continued to be a challenge for the Wildcats as she finished with a game high 23 points.
“Herring had a tremendous night for them,” Patterson said. “I think she is a very fine player.”
Yet the Wildcats crawled their way back into the game following a timeout with a 16-5 run. Junior Forward Ashley Sweat hit two field goals, along with a 3-pointer by Kelsey Nelson to help the Wildcats gain momentum that would carry them into half time with a 26-22 lead.
“Our only thought was that we have to battle back,” Sweat said. “We already dug ourselves a hole. I think we play well enough as a team together if we are firing on all cylinders, [showing] that we can definitely come back from that.”
The Bluejays managed climb back into the game as they tied the score at 35 with Herring connecting on a lay-up with 14:59 remaining in the second half.
Yet the Wildcats responded again as Sweat scored nine consecutive points to help the Wildcats build a lead that they would never give up. Sweat was dominating in the second half as 16 of her 20 points came after the halftime.
“We needed to find a solution down the stretch, something we could go to and she [Sweat] made not just great plays off the catch but she got herself open well,” Patterson said. “And just had an overall really good night on both ends of the floor for us.”
The defense was highlighted by senior forward Marlies Gipson who had a game high five blocks and five defensive rebounds.
“I think in critical stages in the games all year long, Marlies has stepped up and really asserted herself on the boards and as a shot blocker.” Patterson said.
With the win, the Wildcats are off to an 8-0 start, and Patterson contributes to the way in which her team is finishing games.
“We are finding ways to complete games — sometimes it’s ugly and sometimes it’s with blemishes so to speak in the course of the game, but we are finding a way to win and when it’s all said and done that’s what it’s all about,” Patterson said.
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Women prepare to play Creighton after taking Wildcat Classic crown
Following the Wildcats’ third consecutive Commerce Bank Wildcat Classic championship, K-State will continue its non-conference schedule in a match-up against Creighton (2-4) tonight with tip-off set for 7 p.m.
The Wildcats (7-0) defeated the Arkansas Razorbacks 65-56 in the championship game of the Wildcat Classic, following a dominating 80-22 win over Alcorn State in the opening round.
The lopsided victory provided valuable playing experience for the Wildcats’ bench players.
“I am happy to see that everyone got to play tonight,” senior guard Shalee Lehning said. “People got good minutes and these are the type of games that give people experience and that is something that will benefit us in the future.”
Arkansas proved to be stiff competition as the team continued to pressure the Wildcats by cutting early K-State leads.
Head coach Deb Patterson was pleased with her team’s performance, particularly with the offense.
“I think we beat a great basketball team tonight and I was extremely pleased with the play of our post game,” Patterson said. “I thought we stepped up and played extremely well in the paint but, all in all, I think it was a game where our players really connected well on the offensive end of the floor.”
The Creighton Bluejays of the Missouri Valley Conference now come to Manhattan to finish a two-game road trip after falling to No. 6-ranked Oklahoma 69-49 in Norman.
Following the impressive performance in the Wildcat Classic, K-State entered the AP poll this week for the first time this season at the 23rd slot.
The Wildcats were previously represented in the USA Today/ESPN Coaches poll at the 23rd spot and remain there in the current poll.
The homestand will conclude following tonight’s game against Creighton when the Wildcats face the University of Texas at Arlington Sunday with tip-off set for 1 p.m.
The Wildcats will then take their final non-conference road trip, which includes three games in late December.
Photo Credit: Jonathan Knight
Friday, December 5, 2008
Wildcats attempt to remain undefeated in home tournament
The undefeated women’s basketball team returns home Friday as they play host to the annual Commerce Bank Wildcat Classic.
Coming off their second road trip of the season, the Wildcats (5-0) will face Alcorn State (0-7) at 6 p.m. in Bramlage Coliseum.
The Wildcats have fared well in the past at the Wildcat Classic, having won nine tournament titles in the 12-year history of the event and they have won the previous two tournaments.
“This tournament is something that we take pride in because it is the one tournament that our fans get to watch, so we are really excited for this,” said senior guard Shalee Lehning.
With a perfect 5-0 record heading into the Wildcat Classic, the Wildcats recently were ranked 23rd by the latest USA Today/ESPN Coaches poll. The Wildcats will look to improve on their record as they face a struggling Alcorn State team led by first-year head coach Tonya Edwards.
“I think that first-round game we can’t take anyone lightly,” associate head coach Kamie Ethridge said. “We have to be better ourselves, and we have to work on our stuff - we’re going to make sure we’re ready for Alcorn State.”
Both Alcorn State and Mississippi Valley State come to Manhattan representing the Southwest Athletic Conference. Historically, K-State is 13-0 when facing members of the SWAC and head coach Deb Patterson is 8-0 against the conference in her 13 years at the helm of the Wildcats.
In their previous meeting on Dec. 2, 2006, the Wildcats defeated Alcorn State 81-41.
However, despite what history shows, Ethridge is determined that the Alcorn State Braves remain focused.
“You can’t think too much about your opponent, you’ve got to really concentrate on what you do to be successful,” Ethridge said.
The University of Arkansas, representing the SEC in the Wildcats Classic, provides a possible matchup that could serve as an early test for the Wildcats. The Razorbacks come into the tournament with a 6-1 record after knocking off Memphis (5-2) at Memphis on Wednesday.
“The chance to play Arkansas — those are the types of players that we are going to play in the Big 12 night in and night out,” Ethridge said. “Everything in a preseason schedule [gives you a chance] to see different types of styles and different types of players and different types of teams and prepare yourself for what you are going to see in your league.”
The Wildcats will look to use their home court advantage this weekend to continue and build momentum heading into Big 12 Conference play which begins Jan. 10 against Kansas.
“It’s going to be a constant upward hill for us,” Lehning said. “There is going to be no pinnacle, hopefully. We can’t look at the polls, and we can’t look at our 5-0 record, because it takes one game to knock us off. So we have to make sure we maintain our focus and our competitive spirit.”
Coming off their second road trip of the season, the Wildcats (5-0) will face Alcorn State (0-7) at 6 p.m. in Bramlage Coliseum.
The Wildcats have fared well in the past at the Wildcat Classic, having won nine tournament titles in the 12-year history of the event and they have won the previous two tournaments.
“This tournament is something that we take pride in because it is the one tournament that our fans get to watch, so we are really excited for this,” said senior guard Shalee Lehning.
With a perfect 5-0 record heading into the Wildcat Classic, the Wildcats recently were ranked 23rd by the latest USA Today/ESPN Coaches poll. The Wildcats will look to improve on their record as they face a struggling Alcorn State team led by first-year head coach Tonya Edwards.
“I think that first-round game we can’t take anyone lightly,” associate head coach Kamie Ethridge said. “We have to be better ourselves, and we have to work on our stuff - we’re going to make sure we’re ready for Alcorn State.”
Both Alcorn State and Mississippi Valley State come to Manhattan representing the Southwest Athletic Conference. Historically, K-State is 13-0 when facing members of the SWAC and head coach Deb Patterson is 8-0 against the conference in her 13 years at the helm of the Wildcats.
In their previous meeting on Dec. 2, 2006, the Wildcats defeated Alcorn State 81-41.
However, despite what history shows, Ethridge is determined that the Alcorn State Braves remain focused.
“You can’t think too much about your opponent, you’ve got to really concentrate on what you do to be successful,” Ethridge said.
The University of Arkansas, representing the SEC in the Wildcats Classic, provides a possible matchup that could serve as an early test for the Wildcats. The Razorbacks come into the tournament with a 6-1 record after knocking off Memphis (5-2) at Memphis on Wednesday.
“The chance to play Arkansas — those are the types of players that we are going to play in the Big 12 night in and night out,” Ethridge said. “Everything in a preseason schedule [gives you a chance] to see different types of styles and different types of players and different types of teams and prepare yourself for what you are going to see in your league.”
The Wildcats will look to use their home court advantage this weekend to continue and build momentum heading into Big 12 Conference play which begins Jan. 10 against Kansas.
“It’s going to be a constant upward hill for us,” Lehning said. “There is going to be no pinnacle, hopefully. We can’t look at the polls, and we can’t look at our 5-0 record, because it takes one game to knock us off. So we have to make sure we maintain our focus and our competitive spirit.”
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