11/24 | Youngstown State in Las Vegas | 5:30 (Varsity Network)

[RhowdyRam02]

Rhode Island travels to Las Vegas to play in the Las Vegas Holiday Classic which is taking place in the Orleans Hotel & Casino to play the Youngstown State Penguins today before playing the Portland Pilots tomorrow. Unfortunately it appears the Varsity Network is the only way to follow along for these two.

Today we'll be playing 2-2 Youngstown State for the first time ever. Forward Emily Saunders seems to be their best player, leading the team in points (15 per game), rebounds (7.5 per game), and blocks (1 per game). Guard Dena Jarrells is the only other double digit scorer on the team at 10 points per game, while leading the team in assists, though her 17 assists are matched by her 17 turnovers. Malia Magestro leads the team with 2.5 steals per game.

Massey Ratings give the #94 Rams an 81% chance of beating the #198 Penguins with a predicted final of 65-54

[NHRamFan]

Although the opponents aren't high quality, this is a great chance for the Rams to continue to suss out roles, as well as build team cohesion.

[jcru]

Quick update:

Cincinnati getting smoked by now #10 NC State 53-22.

[Jersey77]

We really need to win both these games in Las Vegas in convincing fashion.

[jcru]

After one quarter: 18-10 URI

If I'm not mistaken, Youngstown St took their second lead of the game at 8-10, and URI ground out a 10-0 slow, methodical run for the second half of the quarter to make it what it is now. Last score was a three by Phillips.

[jcru]

YSt get's first blood for 2.

Phillips hits the second and third of three, 3 pt attempts. To make it 24-12, Phillips 3 of 5 from 3P land

[jcru]

They must be keying in on Toure, who just had her third turnover of the game, not halfway into the 2nd quarter

[jcru]

Phillips is having a game. Game scoring leader thus far with 16. 5 of 7 from the field, 4 of 5 from 3pt range, 2-2 from the stripe. 1 assist, 1 rebound, 0 turnovers in 22 mins

[jcru]

Phillips with another 3 pointer. 19 pts

[jcru]

Toure with a 3 pointer, that gives her 12 pts for the game, back on the bench with 4 fouls

[jcru]

End of third.

Points by quarter:

URI: 18, 13, 12..... 43
Y St: 10, 10, 10..... 30

[jcru]

End of game.

Points by quarter:

URI: 18, 13, 12, 20..... 63
Y St: 10, 10, 10, 20..... 50

[Jersey77]

Appreciate you keeping up with this JCRU, thanks.

[jcru]

You are most welcome, Jersey.

[kal-65]

nice win for the wrams----only negative is they committed 22 turnovers

[Rhody15]

The football team and now women’s teams has done this after wins, but can we please get something better than a small elementary school white board with sharpie that says “Rhody Wins”

Literally anything would look more professional than this.

[jcru]

lol. If Tammi is anything like moi, I'm hyper superstitious when it comes to winning. that tiny dry erase board is here to stay. They probably haven't even erased it, they just pull it out for a photo op when they win. It probably has a layer of clear lacquer on there to make sure it can't be erased.

[eli#10]

22 turnovers won't win many games against better teams. Two transfers have been major disappointments.

[Billyboy78]

Nice to see that Sophie's shot is back. Have to clean up those turnovers before we get to conference play.

[ramster]

22 turnovers won't win many games against better teams. Two transfers have been major disappointments.

Hyman did come through with 14 rebounds but shooting woes continued with 2-6 FG, 0-1 3P and 0-1 FT
While Davis went 2-6 FG, 0-1 3, 1-2 FT

Thru 6 games:
Hyman
FG 25-63=39.7%
3P 1-16=6.3%
FT 2-5=40%

Davis
FG 17-49=34.7%
3P 0-9=0%
FT 7-12=58.3%

Not a good start for GRAD Transfers given starting positions

Haven't been impressed with either one. Others on bench may get frustrated with their playing time if they aren't already.

[Jersey77]

22 turnovers won't win many games against better teams. Two transfers have been major disappointments.

Hyman did come through with 14 rebounds but shooting woes continued with 2-6 FG, 0-1 3P and 0-1 FT
While Davis went 2-6 FG, 0-1 3, 1-2 FT

Thru 6 games:
Hyman
FG 25-63=39.7%
3P 1-16=6.3%
FT 2-5=40%

Davis
FG 17-49=34.7%
3P 0-9=0%
FT 7-12=58.3%

Not a good start for GRAD Transfers given starting positions

Haven't been impressed with either one. Others on bench may get frustrated with their playing time if they aren't already.

The inefficiency from 3PT really sticks out, 1-25 UGH.

[jcru]

Might be a little early to give them the axe. Let's see how they are going forward. But, yeah, cannot argue with those numbers.

Of the freshman, DeChant is like Phillip's understudy, an outside shooter/wing player.
Vital is a clever guard but is new to this level. she should see increasing minutes.
Ledden has a ton of upside, can do a lot of things well, but she's not a guard, she is clearly a forward, and would not be expected to replace either of those two.

[ramster]

Ledden is a guard. She shoots the 3 point shot. Listed on roster as a guard. She is not competing with the forwards of the team for playing time.

Nobody is giving Hyman and/or Davis the axe.
I was not impressed with Davis from game 1, and remain the same after 6 games.
Hyman had some struggles with 3P shooting at Syracuse. Not looking good so far here.

Leddon and DeChent are both highly regarded freshmen. They have had family/friends at games and obviously they come to see them play.

It's one thing to bring in GRAD Transfers in summer who play good to great. It's another to bring in Hyman and David, put them in starting roles Game 1 and have them not play up to expectations. Players on bench and family members see it.

These players have connections. They committed to URI after their Junior years in HS.

You have to keep recruiting players on your current roster that you want to keep. Providing Ledden and DeChent more playing time, especially when 2 GRAD Transfer players ahead of them are shooting a combined 1-25 on 3Ps and not good at FTs either might be a good move at this point.

[jcru]

I realize that Ledden is listed as a guard, partially, on the site, on the roster that is. Not in her own bio.

However, is that really her game? When she is substituted in, she is substituted in for a similar position as Dutat, and she is not a guard.

I mean, the men's team plays more than two guards. I don't consider Weston nor Montgomery a guard, so they keep it to three or less.

[ramster]

I realize that Ledden is listed as a guard, partially, on the site, on the roster that is. Not in her own bio.

However, is that really her game? When she is substituted in, she is substituted in for a similar position as Dutat, and she is not a guard.

I mean, the men's team plays more than two guards. I don't consider Weston nor Montgomery a guard, so they keep it to three or less.

Ledden warms up pregame with the guards in pregame drills by position (guards or bigs) she practices shooting 3's

From the signings a year ago.......
KINGSTON, R.I. — Rhode Island women's basketball head coach Tammi Reiss announced the signing of three Rams for the 2023 season on National Signing Day Wednesday. The signing class of strong guards Eva DeChent, Katie Ledden, and Sophia Vital have all signed their letters of intent to further their athletic and academic careers at the University of Rhode Island. "I'm so excited for this 2023 class! We are so blessed to have Eva, Katie, and Soph join our Rhody family," said Reiss. "We have been recruiting these three young ladies for years now. They are high culture kids with amazing families. All three are fierce competitors and add unique talents to our team."

Eva DeChent
5' 11 | Guard | Putnam Valley, N.Y. | Putnam Valley
Averaged 23.8 points, 10.8 rebounds, and 6.2 assists per game at Putnam Valley in 2021-22… Added 6.1 steals per game… Her 1,419 points and counting is the most all-time at Putnam Valley… Named All-Section for three straight seasons… Named the New York State Class B Player of the Year… Section 1 Champions her freshman and junior season… Regional Champs her sophomore year before COVID-19 cut the season short… Reached the State Final Four as a junior with Putnam Valley… Played with the NY Extreme AAU.

Tammi Reiss on Eva: "EVA is a dynamite scorer! She is a triple threat scorer with deep 3-point range. This kid plays the game with flair and is extremely fun to watch. She is very versatile and can play the 1 or 2 for us. I call her the silent assassin, because she lets her game do the talking."

Katie Ledden
6'0 | Guard | Clark, N.J. | Rutgers Prep
In 2021-22, averaged 15 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game… Also added 2.6 steals and 1.2 blocks per game… After three seasons at Rutgers Prep, Ledden has 887 points, 468 rebounds, 148 steals, 118 blocks, and 105 assists… Had a decorated junior season, earning NJSIAA All-State Third Team and All-Non-Public Second Team honors while also being named to First Team All-Area and All-Skyland Conference Teams… 2020-21 Third Team All-Skyland Conference… Was Rutgers Prep Team MVP after her freshman season and Earned Third Team All-Union County Conference… Rutgers Prep was ranked No. 2 in New Jersey in her junior year… In the classroom, Ledden has been an Honor Roll student for all three years of school… Played AAU for Team Sharp

Tammi Reiss on Katie: "Katie is true New Jersey guard! Hard-nosed, hard work through and through. She has great length and size for the guard spot. Katie loves basketball and lives in the gym, always working on her game. She gives us much needed 3 level scoring and has a high IQ for the game. Katie is my Rocky Balboa!"

Sophia Vital
5' 5 | Guard | Chelsea, Mass. | Tabor Academy
Led Tabor Academy in assists and rebounds… Averaged 10 assists, 7 rebounds, and 8 points per game… Named NEPSAC MVP at Tabor Academy her junior season… Tabor Academy AA NEPSAC Champions… Named Dual County League MVP in 2018-19 at Cambridge… Played for the Bay State Jaguars in the Under Armour League of the AAU

Tammi Reiss on Sophia: "BIG SOPH is a true PG that is a natural born leader! Her biggest asset is that she has eyes in the back of her head and is an amazing passer. She makes everyone around her better. I would have loved to play with her! She has that confidence and swag that I love in my PG's. She is my baby "Magic".

[jcru]

[Billyboy78]

Chantelle Blagrove is another highly regarded guard. Does anybody know why she hasn't been in uniform yet? She was a redshirt last year, so it can't be that. Is she hurt?

[ramster]

to be honest, Ledden is tall and lanky plus she likes to drive to the bucket. What really sticks out to me is how much effort she puts into trying to get open on the court. I'd love to see her get more playing time, and Eva DeChent as well. They are both talented and I'd love to see them both get to show what they can do.

With the gap created by Cairns and Renat transferring to FGCU and Toledo respectively PLUS the poor 3P Shooting performance of the 2 GRAD Transfers it seems a good time to let Ledden and DeChent get more minutes. Both can shoot the 3P and DeChent can score from multiple areas of the court.

Appreciate all of your updates and expertise.

[Billyboy78]

22 turnovers won't win many games against better teams. Two transfers have been major disappointments.

Hyman did come through with 14 rebounds but shooting woes continued with 2-6 FG, 0-1 3P and 0-1 FT
While Davis went 2-6 FG, 0-1 3, 1-2 FT

Thru 6 games:
Hyman
FG 25-63=39.7%
3P 1-16=6.3%
FT 2-5=40%

Davis
FG 17-49=34.7%
3P 0-9=0%
FT 7-12=58.3%

Not a good start for GRAD Transfers given starting positions

Haven't been impressed with either one. Others on bench may get frustrated with their playing time if they aren't already.

I wonder if Tammi goes to the portal again to replace Hyman and Davis, blocking minutes from the young players again next year?

[RhowdyRam02]

Chantelle Blagrove is another highly regarded guard. Does anybody know why she hasn't been in uniform yet? She was a redshirt last year, so it can't be that. Is she hurt?

According to the radio broadcast yesterday there's some kind of knee issue

[ramster]

22 turnovers won't win many games against better teams. Two transfers have been major disappointments.

Hyman did come through with 14 rebounds but shooting woes continued with 2-6 FG, 0-1 3P and 0-1 FT
While Davis went 2-6 FG, 0-1 3, 1-2 FT

Thru 6 games:
Hyman
FG 25-63=39.7%
3P 1-16=6.3%
FT 2-5=40%

Davis
FG 17-49=34.7%
3P 0-9=0%
FT 7-12=58.3%

Not a good start for GRAD Transfers given starting positions

Haven't been impressed with either one. Others on bench may get frustrated with their playing time if they aren't already.

I wonder if Tammi goes to the portal again to replace Hyman and Davis, blocking minutes from the young players again next year?

She brings in 1,2 or 3 every year. Problem this year SO FAR and things can change is that these 2 GRAD Transfers are not good or excellent 3P Shooters, could argue they are not good. And we lost 2 very good 3P shooters to Transfer. This puts a lot of pressure on Phillips.

I think it is still early and Tammi is assessing the team, giving players opportunities. She will need to address 3P Shooting in order to win the A10 Championship imho.

Puts a lot of pressure on Phillips to be the only proficient 3P starter although Toure may take on more and more of the 3P role with Magassa in the starting 5. Toure has a nice shooting touch.

To answer the question, yes I think Tammi will continue to bring in Grad Transfers and Transfers building her team the best possible way year after year. She is also very humble and learns from her mistakes and she admits to her mistakes.

[PeteRI]

Good conversation. I agree the grad transfers have been unimpressive and I'd like to see a lot more of Eva and Katie.