I admit it.
When the Lady Demons fell behind Texas A&M Corpus Christi by 21 points with under nine minutes left in Saturday afternoon's game at Prather Coliseum, I resigned myself to the fact that Northwestern was headed toward their first Southland Conference loss of the season. I feel certain you could hear it in my voice as I called the action on 100.7 KZBL-FM in Natchitoches, and on nsudemons.com.
I should have known better.
Yes, the Lady Demons went down to defeat, 75-66. However, three days after coming from 16 points down in the second half to win at Southeastern Louisiana, NSU rallied to cut the Islanders' lead to five points--on two occasions.
The Lady Demons did not shoot the ball well, especially from behind the three-point line. However, in her post-game radio interview, Head Coach Jennifer Graf focused on her team's defensive play. Coach Graf's philosophy is if you're not getting it done on offense, that's all the more reason to play tighter defense.
One thing is clear--this Lady Demons team will never be out of a ball game, no matter how big the margin. They don't know the meaning of the word "quit".
That's something their radio play-by-play man needs to keep in mind!
Tony Taglavore
Voice of the Lady Demons
Saturday, January 16, 2010
Down on the Gulf, or is this south Louisiana?
No, those weren't crawfish ponds we drove through Friday in south Texas on the way to Corpus Christi, but it looked that way.
Up to eight inches of rain fell in these parts over the last 60+ hours, although the skies cleared today and we had Chamber of Commerce-looking weather, if a little windy.
The Demons' basketball road trip began Thursday night with a run to Humble, Texas, around the airport, with the idea to carve in half the longest league road trip of the season. The team practiced at Houston Baptist, where we had the chance to visit with NSU alumnus Barbara Tolar, wife of the late Demon football great Charlie Tolar. Barbara works in the HBU athletic department after nearly 30 years working at Rice.
She went to great effort to help us get the team bus pulled up right to the back door of the gym so the team wouldn't have to walk through rain about 100 yards out to the parking lot at HBU.
Now that we're here at the American Bank Center in Corpus, another big name from NSU history comes front and center. The Demons' basketball scoring king, Billy Reynolds, is here to watch his son, Justin, a junior forward for the host Islanders.
This is their first home game in 52 days, a scheduling mistake that they don't want to repeat.
Billy and Demons coach Mike McConathy had a nice visit about an hour before tipoff. They were darlings of the Louisiana basketball scene 33 years ago as both ended their playing days with over 2,000 points.
Billy wanted us to pass along special greetings to his NSU coaches, Tynes Hildebrand and Derwood Duke. Reynolds lives in Houston and had a great visit with Dr. Duke, now Natchitoches Parish superintendent of schools, at the TAMCC game in Prather Coliseum last year. Sure bet that Billy will make the four-hour trip to Natchitoches for the meeting of the Demons and Islanders next season.
Up to eight inches of rain fell in these parts over the last 60+ hours, although the skies cleared today and we had Chamber of Commerce-looking weather, if a little windy.
The Demons' basketball road trip began Thursday night with a run to Humble, Texas, around the airport, with the idea to carve in half the longest league road trip of the season. The team practiced at Houston Baptist, where we had the chance to visit with NSU alumnus Barbara Tolar, wife of the late Demon football great Charlie Tolar. Barbara works in the HBU athletic department after nearly 30 years working at Rice.
She went to great effort to help us get the team bus pulled up right to the back door of the gym so the team wouldn't have to walk through rain about 100 yards out to the parking lot at HBU.
Now that we're here at the American Bank Center in Corpus, another big name from NSU history comes front and center. The Demons' basketball scoring king, Billy Reynolds, is here to watch his son, Justin, a junior forward for the host Islanders.
This is their first home game in 52 days, a scheduling mistake that they don't want to repeat.
Billy and Demons coach Mike McConathy had a nice visit about an hour before tipoff. They were darlings of the Louisiana basketball scene 33 years ago as both ended their playing days with over 2,000 points.
Billy wanted us to pass along special greetings to his NSU coaches, Tynes Hildebrand and Derwood Duke. Reynolds lives in Houston and had a great visit with Dr. Duke, now Natchitoches Parish superintendent of schools, at the TAMCC game in Prather Coliseum last year. Sure bet that Billy will make the four-hour trip to Natchitoches for the meeting of the Demons and Islanders next season.
Thursday, January 14, 2010
A Win to Remember
There are wins, and then there are wins.
The Lady Demons' 79-74 come-from-behind victory over Southeastern Louisiana University Wednesday night in Hammond was definately a win.
In the first half, NSU looked like they were stuck in mud, watching SLU blow past them en route to a 11-point lead at intermission--and it could have been worse.
It did get worse in the second half, as the Lady Demons found themselves trailing by 16 points.
But while NSU has many things, one thing it does not have is "quit".
The Lady Demons chipped away, refusing to give up. Brittany Houston scored 27 points to lead five players in double figures. Anna Cate Williams--the reigning Louisiana Sports Writers Association's Player of the Week, finished with 15 points (all in the second half). In the final 6:45, NSU went 7 of 7 from the field and 8 of 8 from the free throw line. And by the time the clock showed 00:00, NSU had rallied to go 2-0 in the Southland Conference--both wins coming on the road.
In many ways, this victory was more impresive that Saturday's 30-point romp past Nicholls. The Lady Demons were completely outplayed in the first half and, frankly, showed no signs they would make a game of it in the second half.
But credit Head Coach Jennifer Graf for pulling together her squad at intermission. I wasn't in the lockerroom to listen, but whatever she said worked. Now, no matter what situation NSU finds themselves in the rest of the season--playing with the lead or playing from behind--they have the confidence to know they can handle it.
When you broadcast some 30 games during the season, most of them tend to run together.
Not this one. Color Analyst Matt Bonnette and I agree--we will remember this one for a long time. And I have a feeling so will the Lady Demons. Congratulations to the players and coaching staff on a job well done!
Tony Taglavore
Voice of the Lady Demons
The Lady Demons' 79-74 come-from-behind victory over Southeastern Louisiana University Wednesday night in Hammond was definately a win.
In the first half, NSU looked like they were stuck in mud, watching SLU blow past them en route to a 11-point lead at intermission--and it could have been worse.
It did get worse in the second half, as the Lady Demons found themselves trailing by 16 points.
But while NSU has many things, one thing it does not have is "quit".
The Lady Demons chipped away, refusing to give up. Brittany Houston scored 27 points to lead five players in double figures. Anna Cate Williams--the reigning Louisiana Sports Writers Association's Player of the Week, finished with 15 points (all in the second half). In the final 6:45, NSU went 7 of 7 from the field and 8 of 8 from the free throw line. And by the time the clock showed 00:00, NSU had rallied to go 2-0 in the Southland Conference--both wins coming on the road.
In many ways, this victory was more impresive that Saturday's 30-point romp past Nicholls. The Lady Demons were completely outplayed in the first half and, frankly, showed no signs they would make a game of it in the second half.
But credit Head Coach Jennifer Graf for pulling together her squad at intermission. I wasn't in the lockerroom to listen, but whatever she said worked. Now, no matter what situation NSU finds themselves in the rest of the season--playing with the lead or playing from behind--they have the confidence to know they can handle it.
When you broadcast some 30 games during the season, most of them tend to run together.
Not this one. Color Analyst Matt Bonnette and I agree--we will remember this one for a long time. And I have a feeling so will the Lady Demons. Congratulations to the players and coaching staff on a job well done!
Tony Taglavore
Voice of the Lady Demons
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Lady Demons Go For 2-0 SLC Start
It's late-afternoon in South Louisiana, and the Lady Demons are getting their game face on in preperation of tonight's Southland Conference game at Southeastern Louisiana University in Hammond.
The team began the day right--with a big 'ol breakfast at Cracker Barrel. Then, it was a Noon shootaround, followed by a little rest and relaxation. After a pre-game visit to Subway, it was back to the hotel to make final preperations for tonight's game.
I sense confidence--and excitement--on the heels of last Saturday's season-opening, 30-point win at Nicholls. In many ways, NSU and Southeastern are a lot alike. Both teams can shoot the three, and both teams have talented inside players.
It should be a lot of fun, as the Lady Demons try to start the conference season 2-0--with both wins coming on the road. I hope you join Matt Bonnette and I on 100.7 KZBL-FM in Natchitoches, 92.1 KSYR-FM in Shreveport, and at www.nsudemons.com. Pre-game at 6:45, Tip-off at 7pm.
Fork 'em, Lady Demons!
Tony Taglavore
Voice of the Lady Demons
The team began the day right--with a big 'ol breakfast at Cracker Barrel. Then, it was a Noon shootaround, followed by a little rest and relaxation. After a pre-game visit to Subway, it was back to the hotel to make final preperations for tonight's game.
I sense confidence--and excitement--on the heels of last Saturday's season-opening, 30-point win at Nicholls. In many ways, NSU and Southeastern are a lot alike. Both teams can shoot the three, and both teams have talented inside players.
It should be a lot of fun, as the Lady Demons try to start the conference season 2-0--with both wins coming on the road. I hope you join Matt Bonnette and I on 100.7 KZBL-FM in Natchitoches, 92.1 KSYR-FM in Shreveport, and at www.nsudemons.com. Pre-game at 6:45, Tip-off at 7pm.
Fork 'em, Lady Demons!
Tony Taglavore
Voice of the Lady Demons
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Hello from Hammond
The Lady Demons rolled into Hammond around 9:15 Tuesday night, in advance of their Southland Conference game Wednesday at 7 against Southeastern Louisiana University.
As road trips go, this one is off to a uneventful start--and that's a good thing! We stopped in Lavonia for a delicious dinner. The fried seafood choices were tempting, but I was a good boy and had the grilled Talapia. Coach Black enjoyed a big 'ol cheesburger and fries, and reports it was yummy!
We are staying at the Hampton Inn. The best part? It's next to a Cracker Barrel! Can't wait for the team breakfast Thursday at 10am. Love me some Cracker Barrel!
Afterwards, it's a Noon shootaround, followed by a little rest and relaxation. Then, it will be time to head to the University Center. Here's hoping the Lady Demons will head back to Natchitoches late Wednesday night with a 2-0 conference mark. Be sure and listen to all the action on 100.7 KZBL-FM, and at nsudemons.com. Matt Bonnette and I will bring you the call, starting with the pre-game show at 6:45.
Fork 'em, Lady Demons!
Tony Taglavore
Voice of the Lady Demons
As road trips go, this one is off to a uneventful start--and that's a good thing! We stopped in Lavonia for a delicious dinner. The fried seafood choices were tempting, but I was a good boy and had the grilled Talapia. Coach Black enjoyed a big 'ol cheesburger and fries, and reports it was yummy!
We are staying at the Hampton Inn. The best part? It's next to a Cracker Barrel! Can't wait for the team breakfast Thursday at 10am. Love me some Cracker Barrel!
Afterwards, it's a Noon shootaround, followed by a little rest and relaxation. Then, it will be time to head to the University Center. Here's hoping the Lady Demons will head back to Natchitoches late Wednesday night with a 2-0 conference mark. Be sure and listen to all the action on 100.7 KZBL-FM, and at nsudemons.com. Matt Bonnette and I will bring you the call, starting with the pre-game show at 6:45.
Fork 'em, Lady Demons!
Tony Taglavore
Voice of the Lady Demons
Monday, January 11, 2010
Sound The Horn - Jason's Here!
OK, he's going to hate me for that one but I am not alone in having a big smile on my face over the fact that new Assistant Athletic Director for Marketing Jason Horn started his job today. Jason actually interviewed and accepted the position back in the fall but needed time to make the personal and professional transition from Orlando to Natchitoches.
Between trying to market and promote 14 sports, sell sponsorships which bring valuable revenue to the department (anyone out there heard that times are tough in higher education in Louisiana?), and work with other areas such as the athletic web site, merchandising, and branding, Jason will be a busy guy but he wouldn't have it any other way. He brings to NSU a wealth of experience in intercollegiate athletics marketing and a burning desire to take marketing and promotions at NSU to another level on the heels of the many good things that were accomplished by his predecessor, Ryan Holloway (now at Rice University).
Welcome, Jason - from coaches, staff, and fans of Demon and Lady Demon athletics!!
Greg Burke, Athletic Director
Between trying to market and promote 14 sports, sell sponsorships which bring valuable revenue to the department (anyone out there heard that times are tough in higher education in Louisiana?), and work with other areas such as the athletic web site, merchandising, and branding, Jason will be a busy guy but he wouldn't have it any other way. He brings to NSU a wealth of experience in intercollegiate athletics marketing and a burning desire to take marketing and promotions at NSU to another level on the heels of the many good things that were accomplished by his predecessor, Ryan Holloway (now at Rice University).
Welcome, Jason - from coaches, staff, and fans of Demon and Lady Demon athletics!!
Greg Burke, Athletic Director
Sunday, January 10, 2010
She was Hotter than August!
Yes, basketball is a team sport. However, Saturday in the deep South Louisiana swampland, Anna Cate Williams put on a individual shooting show that won't soon be forgotten.
The 5'8 senior guard from Many, Louisiana, was hotter than August on a chilly January afternoon. She scored a career-high 27 points--including a astounding 7 of 8 from three-point range--to lead the Lady Demons to a 30-point win in their Southland Conference opener against Nicholls.
As I said on the radio, someone needed to call 9-1-1, because Anna Cate Williams was on fire!
All of the Lady Demons have their own special quality. Anna Cate's is her tremendous work ethic. Sure, she has talent. After all, she is playing NCAA Division-1 basketball. However, Anna Cate is as good as she is because of her desire to get better. And she isn't afraid to work--and work hard--to achieve her success.
At most home games, I arrive at Prather Coliseum before the team hits the hardwood for their pre-game warm-ups. I can't rememer a time the past year and a half when Anna Cate wasn't the first Lady Demon on the court.
Until Saturday, Anna was having what might be considered a "off" year. She was shooting 27 percent from the field, and had lost her spot in the starting line-up. I spoke with Anna Cate earlier this year, and she was disappointed with her performance. She has a lot of pride, and it was clear Anna Cate was not happy with how she was playing.
That's one of several reasons why I was so happy to see her have a game to remember Saturday. Smiling, fist-pumping, high-fiving. AC was in the zone. The basket must have looked as big as the nearby Gulf of Mexico. She couldn't miss. Anna Cate ended up just two three-pointers shy of tying the school record.
During a commercial break on the radio post-game show, (thanks to Associate Sports Information and color analyst Matt Bonnette for coaxing Anna Cate to come on-air), I asked Anna Cate if she knew how many points she had scored, and/or how many three's she had drained. She knew neither. Typical Anna Cate. Oblivious to individual numbers. All she cared about was that her team won.
Sunday, I ran into Anna Cate and Lyndzee at lunch in Shreveport. Anna Cate was wearing a coat--as well as a beautiful engagement ring. I told she didn't need the coat--she was probably still hot from Saturday! She said she still couldn't believe her performance.
Believe it, Anna Cate. And believe it can happen again, because good things happen to good people.
Tony Taglavore
Voice of the Lady Demons
The 5'8 senior guard from Many, Louisiana, was hotter than August on a chilly January afternoon. She scored a career-high 27 points--including a astounding 7 of 8 from three-point range--to lead the Lady Demons to a 30-point win in their Southland Conference opener against Nicholls.
As I said on the radio, someone needed to call 9-1-1, because Anna Cate Williams was on fire!
All of the Lady Demons have their own special quality. Anna Cate's is her tremendous work ethic. Sure, she has talent. After all, she is playing NCAA Division-1 basketball. However, Anna Cate is as good as she is because of her desire to get better. And she isn't afraid to work--and work hard--to achieve her success.
At most home games, I arrive at Prather Coliseum before the team hits the hardwood for their pre-game warm-ups. I can't rememer a time the past year and a half when Anna Cate wasn't the first Lady Demon on the court.
Until Saturday, Anna was having what might be considered a "off" year. She was shooting 27 percent from the field, and had lost her spot in the starting line-up. I spoke with Anna Cate earlier this year, and she was disappointed with her performance. She has a lot of pride, and it was clear Anna Cate was not happy with how she was playing.
That's one of several reasons why I was so happy to see her have a game to remember Saturday. Smiling, fist-pumping, high-fiving. AC was in the zone. The basket must have looked as big as the nearby Gulf of Mexico. She couldn't miss. Anna Cate ended up just two three-pointers shy of tying the school record.
During a commercial break on the radio post-game show, (thanks to Associate Sports Information and color analyst Matt Bonnette for coaxing Anna Cate to come on-air), I asked Anna Cate if she knew how many points she had scored, and/or how many three's she had drained. She knew neither. Typical Anna Cate. Oblivious to individual numbers. All she cared about was that her team won.
Sunday, I ran into Anna Cate and Lyndzee at lunch in Shreveport. Anna Cate was wearing a coat--as well as a beautiful engagement ring. I told she didn't need the coat--she was probably still hot from Saturday! She said she still couldn't believe her performance.
Believe it, Anna Cate. And believe it can happen again, because good things happen to good people.
Tony Taglavore
Voice of the Lady Demons
Judy Clark Sighting
Initially, it didn't register but it should have.
A couple of months ago, I had a phone conversation with former Lady Demon basketball great Judy Clark and she told me that she was in her first year of coaching girls basketball at DeQuincy High School.
Well, as I sat in the Merryville High School gymnasium this past Friday evening rooting on my daughter, Catherine, and her St. Mary's Lady Tiger teammates, it suddenly occurred to me that the opposing coach was none other than the former #34 Lady Demon great herself....Judy Clark.
While her team came out on the short end to the Lady Tigers, they played an intense, full-court game reminiscent of the Lady Demon teams that were so successful with Judy running the point guard position. I talked with Judy briefly after the game and she said it will take time to get the program where she wants it to be - every coach at some point in their career can truly relate to that statement - but she was upbeat and still had that warm smile and gracious personality.
And, no, unlike her coaching mentor James Smith, she did not take off a sports jacket when the game got intense and did not engage in a small side wager with St. Mary's coach Stan Humphries by having each of them put a quarter on the scorer's table prior to the game (as Coach Smith used to do with former SFA counterpart Gary Blair)!
Although, as a postscript to this blog, I will add that after the game, Stan - who became good friends with Coach Smith while living in Natchitoches during his days with the San Diego Chargers - placed a call to James to give him a quick Judy Clark update.
Greg Burke, Athletic Director
A couple of months ago, I had a phone conversation with former Lady Demon basketball great Judy Clark and she told me that she was in her first year of coaching girls basketball at DeQuincy High School.
Well, as I sat in the Merryville High School gymnasium this past Friday evening rooting on my daughter, Catherine, and her St. Mary's Lady Tiger teammates, it suddenly occurred to me that the opposing coach was none other than the former #34 Lady Demon great herself....Judy Clark.
While her team came out on the short end to the Lady Tigers, they played an intense, full-court game reminiscent of the Lady Demon teams that were so successful with Judy running the point guard position. I talked with Judy briefly after the game and she said it will take time to get the program where she wants it to be - every coach at some point in their career can truly relate to that statement - but she was upbeat and still had that warm smile and gracious personality.
And, no, unlike her coaching mentor James Smith, she did not take off a sports jacket when the game got intense and did not engage in a small side wager with St. Mary's coach Stan Humphries by having each of them put a quarter on the scorer's table prior to the game (as Coach Smith used to do with former SFA counterpart Gary Blair)!
Although, as a postscript to this blog, I will add that after the game, Stan - who became good friends with Coach Smith while living in Natchitoches during his days with the San Diego Chargers - placed a call to James to give him a quick Judy Clark update.
Greg Burke, Athletic Director
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