2/3/2012

Community service is rewarding for FSCC Women’s Basketball team

The Fort Scott Community College Women’s Basketball Team was overwhelmed by the large amount of community participation during their Toys for Tots drive this year. The team helped 20 families within FSCC and the Fort Scott community. This was the second year for the event and it was just as successful as the first year.

“Without the Fort Scott community’s involvement we would not have been able to provide those families with a wonderful Christmas for their children,” said head coach Diana Couch. “The outpouring of generosity this year as compared to last was tremendous.”

Toys this year ranged from teddy bears, board games, transformers, and even a bike. Members of the team made weekly rounds to collect the toys from area boxes and also helped to distribute the toys within the community. The FSCC Women’s Basketball is very thankful to all that were involved with this effort.

11/12/2011

#11 Nationally ranked Cottey Comets slip by Hounds 68-64

Growth would be the appropriate word to describe the Greyhound Women’s Basketball team’s play during the Allen County Classic this past weekend. Focused and prepared from the win over Bethel the night before, the ‘Hounds could not wait to face border rival Cottey College. From the tip the ‘Hounds matched the Comets shot for shot and it wasn’t until Eldredge substituted in for Cottey that the troubles began for the ‘Hounds. A series of missed transitional layups and missed shots from the free throw line by the ‘Hounds, followed by Eldredge’s perimeter shooting, going 3 for 8 in the first half from behind the arc, found the Greyhounds trailing at the half 37-28.

“Our halftime talk was about us and what we were doing which would not allow us to be successful tonight,” said Head Coach Diana Couch. “Going 8 for 16 from the free throw line was one of them, being out rebounded for the first time this season was another.” Subtly referring to post players Jataeva Arnold and Burgandie Lewis whose first half fouls limited the ‘Hounds on the boards. “I told them we needed to go back out there and not make the same mistakes again. We need to focus on all the things that went right and do them better.”

A cold start coming out of the locker room allowed the Comets to continue building their lead from 9 to 15 points within the first two minutes. But the ‘Hounds did not hang their heads and began to battle back as Jolee Sharp was able to convert from the behind the arc in back-to-back possessions. But yet again the ‘Hounds defense was out of sync and back to back fouls committed put the Comets back up by 16 their largest lead of the night. FSCC began switching up defensive strategies every few possessions throwing Cottey off balance and the ‘Hounds were able to create turnovers and convert off transition to get within three with 5:33 left on the clock. Cottey and Fort Scott continued matching each other basket for basket until the end sending each other to the line several times with under 34 seconds on the clock. However Cottey finished on top 68-64.

Despite the final score the ‘Hounds outscored the Comets 36-31 in the second half, proving they made the right adjustments. They never gave up and fought to the very end. “We did an excellent job tonight,” said Couch. “Although Cottey walked away with the win, I really feel in terms of our programs’ growth we won tonight. I am so proud of my players because it was the first time that it just all came together. The light went on this evening and I think it just might stay on now.” The ‘Hounds had 9 out of 10 of their players scoring tonight, but Jolee Sharp led the charge finishing with a college career high 30 points and 11 rebounds. This was Sharps second double double in the Allen County Classic this past weekend.

The Greyhounds will be back in action in Arnold Arena this Thursday as they face the JV team from Ottawa University at 6:00pm.

11/11/2011

Greyhounds out pace Bethel for the win

The Fort Scott Greyhound Women's Basketball team opened up with Bethel JV at the Allen County Classic on Friday, November 11. The ‘Houndsmade a quick jump on the Threshers as they held them scoreless the first two minutes of the game. FSCC took advantage offensively in transition converting to make the score 8-0 before Bethel hit their first shot. But Bethel warmed up and was able to get back in the game tying it up 14-14. The ‘Hounds lost focus on offensive execution for three to four possessions but quickly gained their composure to jump back in the lead going on a 10-0 run before Bethel hit their next shot. Erica Smith, Brittany Pearl and Jolee Sharp then contributed from the 3 point line increasing the gap to 35-18 as the horn sounded for halftime.

"We did a great job of not coming out cold tonight," said FSCC Head Coach Diana Couch. "We really stressed gettinga jump on things from the tip and the team did a good job of attacking the basket early. We fell off track a few possessions trying to create things that were not there, butwe were able to refocus and get things done."

The ‘Hounds came out of the locker room a little less aggressive and the Threshers came out ready to play. Defensively the ‘Hounds struggled to stop the penetration and kept finding themselves out of position. Bethel took full advantage and went on a 6-0 run before FSCC gained their focus. The Greyhounds faced a tougher defensive front, which gave them a bit of a problem when it came to getting their shots up. Jolee Sharp quickly took charge penetrating and creating problems for the Thresher defense and giving the ‘Hounds their offensive advantage again. But the clock stopped as Freshman Kelsa Noeller was fouled on a second chance shot that found her on the floor grasping her knee, she wouldnotreturn to the game. In her place Megan McDermed stepped in and shot what would have been Noellers free throws knocking them both down. Sharp than beganconnecting with her former Fort Scott High School teammate McDermed and the ‘Hounds found themselves scoring on transition once again.

"I am so proud of these young ladies tonight," said Couch. "We lost our focus several times but we were able to snap out of it and get back on track. Everyone was doing their job tonight and that made usa better team. Our offensive execution gave everyone the opportunity to contribute and that is what our program is about,teamwork."

As the final buzzer sounded the Hounds finished on top 59-49. "We still have quite a bit of work to do before January but thisgame was a step in the right direction. So many good things happened tonight that they outweigh the bad," said Couch. "Ourbiggest concern after the game was realizing that Bethel out scored us inthe second half 31-24. Fortunatelywe were able to pin point when that lead took place and why, knowing that allows us to get better." The ‘Houndsfinishedthe game hitting 40% from the floor and 42% from the three-point line, while holding Bethelto 31% from the floor and22% from the three-point line. All Greyhounds contributed to the points column with Jolee Sharp leading the charge finishing with 23 points and 12 rebounds and Megan McDermed was second in scoring with 9 points and 4 rebounds. Jateava Arnold stepped up her rebounding and finished with 6 points and 13 rebounds.

The Greyhounds will face Cottey College at 2:00 pm tomorrow.

11/9/2011

Greyhound Women’s Basketball sponsors “Toys for Tots” in Bourbon County

The Fort Scott Community College Women’s Basketball program is sponsoring the community service project, “Toys for Tots” again this year. This is the second year the ‘Hounds will be helping “Toys for Tots” since the resurgence of the charity to Bourbon County last season. The Greyhounds have volunteered to be in charge of the entire city of Fort Scott and have placed donation boxes throughout town. Community members are asked to donate a toy at one of the drop off locations.

“Toys for Tots” is run by the United States Marine Corps Reserve and was founded in 1947. In 2003, “Toys for Tots” was named the “Outstanding Nonprofit Organization of the Year” and “Best Children’s Charity;” and has been ranked as one of the top 10 charities by Forbes magazine. They received a four-star rating from the Charity Navigator.

“Last year we saw an amazing amount of generosity by the community of Fort Scott,” said FSCC Head Women’s Basketball Coach Diana Couch. “When my assistant, Coach Reihmann and I volunteered for this charity we didn’t know what kind of outcome to expect, because the charity has been out of Bourbon County for so many years. We were thrilled with amount of participation and were able to help many families because of it. The best part for us was experiencing the Christmas spirit, people caring for others and calling us to let us know of a hardship someone was having and us being able to supply these families with enough gifts to make their child’s Christmas special. But that could not all be done without the support of this community. So we hope that while community members are out doing their holiday shopping, they will keep in mind that they can make a difference in the life of a child with just one gift.”

The Greyhound Women’s Basketball Program will be in charge of collection and distribution of toys for Fort Scott as well as throughout Bourbon County. The toy drive has already started and will run through Monday, December 12. Toys that do not receive homes here in Fort Scott will be donated to families in other areas. Donation boxes can be found at Dollar General, Family Dollar, The Dollar Store, Walgreens, Walmart and the Academic Building here on the Fort Scott Campus near the Student Services Office. Feel free to contact Diana Couch or Katie Reihmann at 620-223-2700 Ext. 725 for any questions in regards to “Toys for Tots”.

11/8/2011

Greyhound Women drop a game to the Spires

The FSCC Women’s Basketball team traveled to Leavenworth, KS to face the University of St. Mary’s JV team Monday night. University of St. Mary’s is the new home for former Greyhound Kendra Mattox. The ‘Hounds have been traveling to Leavenworth in the pre-season for the last three seasons and every year struggle when they face the Spires. This year would be no different.

The ‘Hounds started off with a great defensive effort getting stops from the start and scoring off transition, but the Spires would not go away easily, constantly matching the ‘Hounds shot for shot. “Our only issue the first half was that we could not take care of the ball, we did not value it,” said Head Coach Diana Couch. “In some cases we worked so hard to get it and then not hold on to it, it was like a game of hot potato at some points. No one wanted to take control of things, we just ran around aimlessly.” But the ‘Hounds managed to hold onto the ball long enough to head into the half up 23-22.

“In the second half I decided to try a little different line up and it worked to our benefit,” said Couch. “We had five players leave it all on the floor tonight.” At one point the ‘Hounds had five defensive stops in a row and transitioned but could not convert. A three possession mistake in defensive coverage cost the ‘Hounds as Spires post player Stallbaumer hit back to back to back three’s giving them the lead. No one from the bench stepped in to offer to help the exhausted ‘Hounds on the court as they continued to battle to fight back.

“We did not go into this planning a loss or even a lesson it just played out that way,” said Couch “and we need to start accepting our roles and responsibilities so something like this never happens again. I think there was value in what happened to tonight and I hope our young players see that and grow from it. We will play as a team, we just hope it does not take many more games like the last two before it happens.”

The Hounds had 8 out of 12 players score, the top three being Burgandie Lewis who achieved another double- double, her second in three games. She finished with 12 points/11 rebounds and Jolee Sharp had 10 points/7 rebounds and Brittany Pearl had 8 points.

The Fort Scott Greyhounds will be playing close to home this weekend as they travel to Iola for the Allen County Classic. Game times are set for Friday at 2:00 pm versus Bethel JV and Saturday at 2:00 pm versus Cottey College. Come show your support!

11/6/2011

Greyhounds struggle to compete with Crowder College

From the first possession to the last the Greyhounds struggled with Crowder’s denial style defense and could not get an entry pass made to even begin a play. "Wow," said third year Head Coach Diana Couch. “We had three point guards struggle and the wings did nothing to help them. They stood around waiting for the pass instead of working to get open.” The ‘Hounds committed 27 turnovers in the first half. “Thank goodness our defense was working hard to keep us in the game.” The Greyhounds converted about 1 out of 3 possessions in the first half and did a great job of taking Crowder out of their three-point shooting game. This kept the ‘Hounds within striking distance as they headed into the locker room at the half down by 9 with a score of 27-16.

“At the half we basically discussed the enormous amount of turnovers. I expressed the need to control ourselves and not let the defense dictate what we do,” said Couch.

Unfortunately things did not change for the ‘Hounds in the second half. Couch went through her point guards and put in sophomore Jolee Sharp back at the point guard spot to lead the team. The Greyhounds saw their turnovers drop from 27 in the first half to only 10. But that was not enough as Crowder widened the lead and the ‘Hounds found themselves down with less than two minutes to go in the game. “We decided at that time to take a look at some individual players efforts and make sure they got on the floor to finish the game,” said Couch. “Despite our lose Burgandie Lewis and Jolee Sharp gave a tremendous effort to try and keep us in the game, both finishing with double-doubles.”

The ‘Hounds finished with 6 out of 12 players scoring, but leading the team were sophomore Jolee Sharp with 11 points/10 rebounds and freshman Burgandie Lewis with 11 points/15 rebounds.

11/5/2011

‘Hounds open with a win at home in Gladbach Classic

The Fort Scott Community College Women’s Basketball team opened their season at home this past Friday night versus Southwestern Iowa. The ‘Hounds did not disappoint a large crowd mixed of those in attendance to honor Jim Gladbach and his work with FSCC athletics and the FSCC Women’s Basketball fans who were excited for the home season to begin.

The ‘Hounds took an early lead in the game and did not look back. Southwestern Iowa did not let the Greyhounds cruise away easily; their 8-man roster worked the ‘Hounds right up until the halftime buzzer when Jolee Sharp committed a foul on a drive by Southwestern Iowa. Sending a sole player to the line as everyone watched from the sidelines as time had expired. The Southwestern Iowa player hit both shots to send the Spartans into the locker room only down by three.

“Mental mistakes early on can cost us in the end,” Head Coach Diana Couch told her team in the locker room. “We can’t give up last second shots or commit fouls at the end of the half like that. You play defense all the way to the end, even if we are up.”

The ‘Hounds came out of the locker room flat and moved at half speed for much of the second half. “We just weren’t moving with any energy or purpose offensively, just running through the motions and not getting the full options of any of the offensive sets,” said Couch. “I am hoping it is freshman jitters working themselves out.” The Hounds continued to work the offensive sets following through at times; enough to pull off a 56-45 win.

“I just think we could have done much better,” said Coach Couch “a lot of hesitation in the players held them back…. whether it was fear or uncertainty, they held back. I can’t wait for everyone to see them when they let loose.”

Top three contributors for the ‘Hounds were Jolee Sharp with an impressive start to the season leading all scorers with 18 points going 7 for 9 from the floor, 1 for 1 from the 3pt line, 3-5 from the line and having 5 assists and 4 steals. Brittany Pearl chipped in 8, going 2 for 4 from the 3pt line and Erica Smith had 7.

11/1/2011

First Annual Gladbach Greyhound Classic

Fort Scott Community College will be hosting the First Annual Gladbach Greyhound Classic sponsored by the Holiday Inn and Comfort inn & Suites of Pittsburg, KS, November 4 – 5.Teams participating in the tournament include Crowder College, Independence Community College, Southwestern Iowa Community College, and the Fort Scott Community College Greyhound Women’s Basketball Team.

The classic is named after Greyhound supporter Jim Gladbach.Gladbach has been involved in the women’s basketball program for over ten years.“Jim is a great supporter of our team and we are priviledged to host this classic in his honor,” said FSCC head women’s basketball coach, Diana Couch. “To this day you will find Jim on the sidelines during practice, helping encourage our young women.We are very fortunate to have his support.”

Gladbach was born April 29, 1931 and is a graduate of Lillis H.S. in Kansas City, Mo.He received his bachelor’s degree from Central Missouri State University and his master’s degree from Pittsburg State University.Gladbach’s teaching and coaching career included stints at Sacred Heart H.S., Pittsburg State, Cloud County Community College, Neosho Community College, and Fort Scott Community College from 1998-2002.

Gladbach was inducted into the University of Central Missouri Hall of Fame with the 1951 Basketball Team.He resides in Fort Scott, is married to Pat, has five children, fourteen grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.

The Gladbach Greyhound Classic will tip-off on Friday, November 4 with Independence Community College vs. Crowder College at 6:00pm.The ‘Hounds will take on Southwestern Iowa at 8:00 p.m. in Arnold Arena.Between the two games Friday night, Jim Gladbach will be presented with a plaque.Saturday’s schedule will include a 2:00 p.m. tip-off of Independence vs. Southwestern Iowa and at 4:00 p.m. FSCC vs. Crowder College.