U.S. Virgin Islands Paradise Jam (Division I Women)Nov 22, 2016 by Brett Regan
Women's Paradise Jam Team Breakdowns
Women's Paradise Jam Team Breakdowns
Breaking down the women's teams participating in the 2016 Paradise Jam in St. Thomas.
ST. THOMAS, U.S. Virgin Islands -- The luxurious location, the court, and the hospitality remain the same. The only thing changing is the teams playing at the University of the Virgin Islands this weekend.
Following an action-packed men's event, it is time for the women to take over the 2016 Paradise Jam, and every game will be exclusively on FloHoops.
Unlike the men's tournament, this is a little different format. No longer is there a bracket, just two divisions playing in round-robin format. North Carolina State, Kansas State, LSU, and UTEP will compete in the Island Division, while Florida State, Gonzaga, Michigan, and Winthrop will battle in the Reef Division.
Who will win? There's only one way to find out. HERE'S HOW TO WATCH.
Record: 3-0
Leading Scorer: Kayla Goth (14.7 ppg.)
The tallest team in the country is looking to make a statement here. That's right, the Wildcats, who are returning much of their core from last season's NCAA Tournament squad, seek to dominate the Island Division. Kayla Goth is the leading scorer, but the offense runs through post Breanna Lewis, who averages nearly a double-double, and other weapons like Kindred Wesemann make this team fun to watch and dangerous for opponents.
Record: 3-1
Leading Scorer: Alexis Hyder (14.0 ppg.)
It began as one of the best starts in years for the LSU program, but a loss to UConn spoiled the perfect mark not long ago. But while the Lady Tigers have found success, they have already experienced close calls against Wake Forest, Rice, and at Louisiana Tech. This will be a good place to get back on the right track and keep finding ways to win.
Record: 4-0
Leading Scorer: Chelsea Nelson (10.8 ppg.)
N.C. State might not have a dominant scorer, but it is the most balanced team in the Paradise Jam. With seven players averaging over seven points per game, the Wolfpack have made it look easy so far. Additionally, playing both Saturday and Monday before making the trip could be a great benefit and preparation tool for what this event will be like for a team lurking to at the top 25 with some more key wins.
Record: 1-2
Leading Scorer: Sparkle Taylor (18.3 ppg.)
Being well rested after a far-from-ideal start could be exactly what the doctor ordered for UTEP. After losing to Northern Arizona and Texas Southern, the Miners blew out Western New Mexico before having a week off to get ready to face three tough teams with strong starts in the Island Division.
Record: 3-1
Leading Scorer: Shakayla Thomas (16.8 ppg.)
It's not often that a team can suffer a loss early in a season and move into the top 10 the following week, but that's exactly what happened with No. 10 Florida State. Then again, anyone who hangs with a team like UConn before coming up just short deserves the ranking. Make no mistake, either. The Seminoles are legit and have players like Shakayla Thomas and point guard Leticia Romero to make this the best team headed to the island right now.
Record: 3-0
Leading Scorer: Jill Barta (16.0 ppg.)
The Bulldogs are efficient and can light it up from the outside. Connecting on 35 of 75 from 3-point range has helped with comfortable wins over Nicholls State and UC Irvine at home and at Stanford. Reigning WCC Player of the Week Jill Barta is coming off a 26-point performance against the Cardinal, and now Gonzaga is in the national spotlight with cracking the Top 25.
MICHIGAN WOLVERINES
Head Coach: Kim Barnes Arico
Record: 4-0
Leading Scorer: Katelynn Flaherty (19.5 ppg.)
For the first time in this young season, Michigan failed to score 100 points. But hey, a win is a win and the Wolverines enter the Paradise Jam unblemished. They are also untested. That will change being in the Reef Division with two top 25 teams, but let it be known this team can score at a high clip and a 52-0 run against Howard last week is proof.
Record: 1-3
Leading Scorer: Erica Williams (19.3 ppg.)
It was a promising start with a win, but three straight losses have the Eagles headed into the Paradise Jam's toughest division without any momentum. Erica Williams will need to be even more special to turn things around.
Following an action-packed men's event, it is time for the women to take over the 2016 Paradise Jam, and every game will be exclusively on FloHoops.
Unlike the men's tournament, this is a little different format. No longer is there a bracket, just two divisions playing in round-robin format. North Carolina State, Kansas State, LSU, and UTEP will compete in the Island Division, while Florida State, Gonzaga, Michigan, and Winthrop will battle in the Reef Division.
Who will win? There's only one way to find out. HERE'S HOW TO WATCH.
ISLAND DIVISION:
KANSAS STATE WILDCATS
Head Coach: Jeff MittieRecord: 3-0
Leading Scorer: Kayla Goth (14.7 ppg.)
The tallest team in the country is looking to make a statement here. That's right, the Wildcats, who are returning much of their core from last season's NCAA Tournament squad, seek to dominate the Island Division. Kayla Goth is the leading scorer, but the offense runs through post Breanna Lewis, who averages nearly a double-double, and other weapons like Kindred Wesemann make this team fun to watch and dangerous for opponents.
LSU LADY TIGERS
Head Coach: Nikki VargasRecord: 3-1
Leading Scorer: Alexis Hyder (14.0 ppg.)
It began as one of the best starts in years for the LSU program, but a loss to UConn spoiled the perfect mark not long ago. But while the Lady Tigers have found success, they have already experienced close calls against Wake Forest, Rice, and at Louisiana Tech. This will be a good place to get back on the right track and keep finding ways to win.
NC STATE WOLFPACK
Head Coach: Wes MooreRecord: 4-0
Leading Scorer: Chelsea Nelson (10.8 ppg.)
N.C. State might not have a dominant scorer, but it is the most balanced team in the Paradise Jam. With seven players averaging over seven points per game, the Wolfpack have made it look easy so far. Additionally, playing both Saturday and Monday before making the trip could be a great benefit and preparation tool for what this event will be like for a team lurking to at the top 25 with some more key wins.
UTEP MINERS
Head Coach: Keitha AdamsRecord: 1-2
Leading Scorer: Sparkle Taylor (18.3 ppg.)
Being well rested after a far-from-ideal start could be exactly what the doctor ordered for UTEP. After losing to Northern Arizona and Texas Southern, the Miners blew out Western New Mexico before having a week off to get ready to face three tough teams with strong starts in the Island Division.
REEF DIVISION:
No. 10 FLORIDA STATE SEMINOLES
Head Coach: Sue SemrauRecord: 3-1
Leading Scorer: Shakayla Thomas (16.8 ppg.)
It's not often that a team can suffer a loss early in a season and move into the top 10 the following week, but that's exactly what happened with No. 10 Florida State. Then again, anyone who hangs with a team like UConn before coming up just short deserves the ranking. Make no mistake, either. The Seminoles are legit and have players like Shakayla Thomas and point guard Leticia Romero to make this the best team headed to the island right now.
No. 25 GONZAGA BULLDOGS
Head Coach: Lisa FortierRecord: 3-0
Leading Scorer: Jill Barta (16.0 ppg.)
The Bulldogs are efficient and can light it up from the outside. Connecting on 35 of 75 from 3-point range has helped with comfortable wins over Nicholls State and UC Irvine at home and at Stanford. Reigning WCC Player of the Week Jill Barta is coming off a 26-point performance against the Cardinal, and now Gonzaga is in the national spotlight with cracking the Top 25.
MICHIGAN WOLVERINES
Head Coach: Kim Barnes AricoRecord: 4-0
Leading Scorer: Katelynn Flaherty (19.5 ppg.)
For the first time in this young season, Michigan failed to score 100 points. But hey, a win is a win and the Wolverines enter the Paradise Jam unblemished. They are also untested. That will change being in the Reef Division with two top 25 teams, but let it be known this team can score at a high clip and a 52-0 run against Howard last week is proof.
WINTHROP EAGLES
Head Coach: Kevin CookRecord: 1-3
Leading Scorer: Erica Williams (19.3 ppg.)
It was a promising start with a win, but three straight losses have the Eagles headed into the Paradise Jam's toughest division without any momentum. Erica Williams will need to be even more special to turn things around.