Coach Bluder’s squad has been picked to finish 3^rd in their conference by the coaches’ preseason poll behind Final Four finalist Maryland and Michigan State.

Iowa has been a host for the first round of the NCAA tournament for the last two years.  Coach Bluder pointed out during her press conference that the rules have changed and the top 16 teams host the first round of the NCAA tournament.

One of the season goals for the Iowa women’s basketball team is to prove to the country that they are one of the best sixteen teams in the nation. To host one of the tournament games gives the fans an opportunity to come out to Carver and watch their performance in the NCAA tournament.

RETURNING PLAYERS

The Hawkeyes have four returning starters from last year, three of whom are seniors.

The first returner being senior Sam Logic, who has become one of the most talented players in the nation at guard.

Secondly, Bethany Doolittle a senior will occupy center, and be one of the premiere shot blockers in the conference.

Thirdly, Melissa Dixon also a senior, known as a three point specialist, will be back playing shooting guard.

Finally, Ally Disterhoft, the sophomore and Iowa City native, worked her way into the starting line-up half-way through the season at guard.

Sam Logic, a four year starter, looks to lead the Hawks to its 8^th straight tournament appearance. She has already shattered the assist record, but will continue to add to that this season.

Bethany Doolittle is 109 blocked shots away from tying the Iowa record held by Morgan Johnson. It will be a tough task but is attainable. It will be a great senior season from the center of Iowa.

The accolades does not change their style of play because of one common goal, winning as a team at the end of the day.

Ally Disterhoft will be expected to fill bigger shoes this season. She will take that challenge with great pride while doing anything to help the team win. Whether that’s getting an old fashion three point play or shooting from beyond the arc.

The other key players returning are Kathryn Reynolds (senior), Kali Peschel (junior), Nicole Smith (junior), Claire Till (junior), Alexa Kastanek (sophomore), and Hailey Schneden (sophomore) who will hold important roles this season.

Kathryn Reynolds is a great leader on and off the court and has graduated in three years and is starting her first year at Law school. Even though Reynolds stats are not significant as a guard, Bluder said, “When she talks, everybody listens.”

Nicole Smith a center did not play much last year with a right knee injury.  You should expect to see her healthy and more involved this year.

Claire Till the forward has not been able to practice much with her current knee problems she has been having. Coach Bluder mentioned, “Just being able to guard a five is a lot easier for Till than having to go out on the perimeter and having to close out on a driver.”

Alexa Kastanek played in 34 games last year as a freshman, and is expected to fill the same type of role as guard similar to last year.

Hailey Schneden a forward, who is a non-scholarship athlete played in 11 games last year.

INCOMING PLAYERS

The new incoming freshman are: Christina Buttenham, Chase Coley, Whitney Jennings, and Carly Mohns.

Christina Buttenham was named to the 2014 Canadian Junior Women’s National Team. She missed summer workouts because of that but is catching up quickly and will play a wing position.

Whitney Jennings was named Indiana Miss Basketball. As a guard she is a very fast ball handler with an excellent jumper and three point shot. Coach Bluder said, “I don’t know how you keep Whitney Jennings off the floor, and that’s a great problem to have, isn’t it?”

Chase Coley was the Gatorade player of the year in Minnesota. She gives more depth at the Center position and reminds Coach Bluder of a Freshman Bethany Doolittle.

Carly Mohns a forward, was a first team All-State honoree in Wisconsin. “She’s a great rebounder and that’s something Iowa really needed,” coach Bluder said.

Bluder talked about how other Big Ten teams take the non-conference schedule lightly. Under her leadership Iowa has never taken that route. This gives the Hawks a leg up on competition, because of the stiffer competition from non-conference opponents allows the team to be ready for the Big Ten schedule.

She feels the biggest improvements need to be made on defense and rebounding, because when you are playing an up tempo game, the defense will get a lot of chances to be scored on.

Lisa Bluder also gave her staff, which has been together for a long time, a great deal of appreciation since they bring multiple abilities that mesh well with each other to bring out the best in the players on and off the court.

Iowa plays St. Ambrose in an exhibition game on Sunday November 9^th at 3 p.m.

The post Hawkeyes Women’s Basketball Media Day Recap appeared first on KRUI Radio.

The news of Nicole Smith’s injury is disheartening, especially considering the impact it will have on her season. Meniscus tears can be particularly tricky, often requiring not only surgical intervention but also a substantial recovery period.

In such cases, it’s vital for athletes to understand their rights and options, especially when their health and performance are on the line. This is where resources like the Elsner Law Firm can play a critical role. They specialize in personal injury cases and can provide athletes with the necessary legal guidance to navigate the complexities that injuries can bring, including potential compensation for lost playing time.

In the wake of such injuries, having the right equipment on hand can make a significant difference in the recovery process. For athletes, especially those in high-impact sports, a well-stocked sports first aid kit is an essential tool to manage and treat injuries effectively before medical professionals can provide further care. These kits typically contain a variety of supplies designed specifically for sports-related injuries, such as sprains, strains, cuts, bruises, and more.

The importance of quick and effective initial care cannot be overstated, as it can help minimize the long-term impact of an injury and facilitate a smoother recovery. For those seeking to equip their team or facility with reliable sports first aid kits, these cloth kits offer an excellent option. The cloth material is both durable and flexible, making it ideal for withstanding the rough demands of sports environments while also ensuring comfort and ease of use. These kits typically include all the necessary items for basic sports injury care, such as bandages, ice packs, antiseptic wipes, and splints.

The flexibility of the cloth allows the kit to fit into small spaces, making it portable and easy to store. Whether you’re treating a minor injury or providing immediate care for something more serious, having a well-organized, quality kit can be a game-changer in managing sports-related injuries efficiently and effectively.

The setback Nicole Smith faces highlights how injuries, particularly those requiring surgical intervention, can disrupt an athlete’s career and long-term plans. The road to recovery demands patience and proper medical care, but it’s equally crucial for athletes to be aware of the broader implications of such injuries, including potential missteps in treatment. In sports, where every detail matters, even a small oversight in medical care can significantly affect an athlete’s recovery and future performance.

One such concern involves treatments like intramuscular injections, which are often administered for pain relief, anti-inflammatory purposes, or to support recovery. However, an incorrect intramuscular injection can lead to severe complications, such as nerve damage, muscle atrophy, or infections. For athletes navigating these challenges, the guidance of a vaccine injury lawyer can be indispensable.

These professionals specialize in protecting the rights of individuals who have suffered adverse outcomes from medical procedures, ensuring they receive fair representation and potential compensation. Athletes like Nicole, dealing with both physical and legal hurdles, benefit from this expertise, safeguarding their health and future in sports.

Smith was the backup center, and the only depth with serious height besides Bethany Doolittle.  Now Bluder is going to try and have one of her power forwards take over the backup center duties in her absence.

“We are having Claire Till learn a lot of the five position for us, “ Bluder said, “obviously not the big bulky body you like to see at the five, but at the same time she’s tough.”

Till led the team in rebounding with nine in their exhibition, and played very well in the zone scheme at the five with her ability to get around the court.

The injury really does hurt Iowa’s ability to play against teams with any height, but in other aspects of the game it gives them an ability to open up some other parts of their game. Thanks to lawyers of https://www.sweetesq.com/, who helped claim most of the injury related medical bills.

Bluder said that Iowa is now with Till running the five going to go even more up-tempo and really try and use their mobility to their advantage. Samantha Logic is a great fit for running up and down in an offense with her ability to find assists off of the transition.

Iowa as a team assisted on 26 of 36 field goals in the exhibition and Bluder said this is the type of team that is going to have a higher field goal percentage.

“Our players know. They are going to pass up an average shot to bet a better shot by making one more pass.” Bluder said.

Ally Disterhoft is adapting to the one more pass mentality very well.  Multiple times she passed up a shot that would have been a guaranteed take her senior year and Iowa City West, but now embracing the one more has led to more opportunity for the freshman.

With Till moving to the five, now only Disterhoft and Kali Peschel will be available to play the four, perhaps allowing her to feel more comfortable in the position. Bluder said that Disterhoft would definitely see more minutes this weekend during the two home games for the Hawkeye challenge.

Another downside to the Smith injury is the fact that with the rule changes occurring and as teams commit more fouls as they get used to how the official’s call the game, Iowa may be forced to get Kathryn Reynolds back into the lineup sooner than they believed.

The other bright side of the injury, if there is another one is that it happened very early in the season. This allows Smith to potentially get back on the court in late January to gear up for a month of conference play and potentially Iowa’s sixth straight try at the NCAA tournament.

The post Iowa Women’s Basketball: Nicole Smith injury brings roster depth issues up early appeared first on KRUI Radio.