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An in-depth look at Division III Posted Feb. 27, 2001 |
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By Mark
Simon No one likes the dreaded s-word. Not even the teams who earn the label. A geographically diverse group (the roster includes players from Florida, Michigan, Ohio, New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Rhode Island, and New Hampshire) has gotten along just great in earning the program a first-round bye. "They even seem to like me,'' Yosinoff said with a laugh. "This is the best bunch of kids we've had. They play together phenomenally well. We average 81 points a game, but our leading scorer only averages 12.'' Four players — Marci Tillman, Brianne Bognanno, Vicki Shalian, and Julia Demirer have been two-year starters. Tillman is the top scorer, having reached the 1,000 point plateau as a junior. "She's like the female version of Allen Iverson,'' Yosinoff said, "in that she has every move in the book.'' Bognanno was also in consideration for MVP honors. Yosinoff refers to her as the brains of the team. Shalian is a three-sport star who has been among the nation's leaders in stolen bases (she racked up 67 for the softball team last season) and goals (she scored 39 as a freshman for the soccer team), and is the team's top defender. Demirer is an ambidextrous power forward who adapted very well to a position she had never played in high school.. Emmanuel, which is 25-2 entering the tournament, wins with defense and rebounding first. Yosinoff notes that the team's high point totals might stem from leading the nation in rebounds. "We do things that would give anyone trouble,'' Yosinoff said. "We're all over the place. We press, we run, and we rebound. Our biggest strength is our depth. We tend to wear out other teams.'' It also helps the press to play on a court that is 10 feet smaller than NCAA Tournament regulations, and has a look "right out of Hoosiers," according to Yosinoff. So Emmanuel's home game will take place at neighboring Simmons College. They would hope to host any future contests at Northeastern University. The tiny gym may have hurt the Saints in the eyes of its opposition and may explain the team's previous NCAA struggles. Wins over NCAA participants Salem State and Marymount during the regular season have Yosinoff thinking that even better things are ahead. "It's been a great year,'' he said. "We're finally getting some respect. We've had good teams for many years, but we've never gotten respect. Everything has gone right for us so far. I've been to two regional finals, and I think if there was ever a year (to go farther) that this is our best shot." |
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