ARCATA – Checking off his list of performance essentials, HSU men's basketball head coach
Steve Kinder found most of the aspects fulfilled in last week's first two games of the California Collegiate Athletic Association season.
His team rebounded with zeal, it's intensity was high from start to finish, and the Lumberjacks' trademark hustle was evident. "We played hard, and there was no letdown in desire," Kinder said. So with those needs satisfied, what was missing from HSU's effort that left the Jacks winless in league?
"Our one glaring weakness was the quality of shots we were taking", Kinder said. "The selection was extremely poor. We'll be working on being more disciplined, fundamental and patient."
Following Monday's video analysis session, Humboldt State will address those issues the remainder of the week before going on the road. The Lumberjacks' only contest is Saturday's battle with travel partner Cal Poly Pomona, scheduled for a 7:30 p.m. tip-off in the Broncos' Kellogg Gym.
After making their way back to Arcata on Sunday, the Jacks will have little or no time to prepare for Monday evening's non-league game against Linfield College. Scheduled start time is 7:30 in Lumberjack Arena.
Track the Jacks
Audio: Every Humboldt State men's basketball game is broadcast live on the local airwaves on KATA 1340 AM, the North Coast's ESPN affiliate owned by BiCoastal Media. J.B. Mathers handles the play-by-play responsibilities, beginning with the pregame show 15 minutes prior to tip-off. The audio is also streamed live online at
http://socialstreamingplayer.crystalmedianetworks.com/radio/kataam.
Video: Follow HSU vs. CPP through the Broncos' live streamed video service, featured at
http://broncoathletics.com/news/2013/11/7/WBB_1107134050.aspx.
Live Stats: Cal Poly Pomona will provide the familiar live statistics tracker on the Broncos' web site at
http://sidearmstats.com/csupomona/mbball/.
Head-to-Head History
Last year's series sweep gives Cal Poly Pomona a 13-12 edge over HSU all-time in a rivalry that the narrow margin defines. The Broncos claimed a 66-54 win over the Jacks on Nov. 21 in Pomona, then defeated Humboldt State, 69-47, in Arcata on Dec. 15. …It's been 31 years since Humboldt State and Linfield College faced one another for only the second time in the programs' histories. The teams reunite next week, each looking to break the 1-1 historical deadlock.
Statistically Speaking
Three hundred and five schools and their variable rosters of athletes will be sorted weekly in the NCAA Division II statistical rankings. Here's a look at where the Jacks rank, team-wise and individually, in selected national and CCAA categories following seven games.
Instant Impact
Junior
Allan Guei continues to provide solid direction on the court, giving the young Jacks a quality presence at point guard. Playing his first season at HSU after transferring from Cal State Northridge, Guei currently ranks second in the CCAA and 10th in the nation in assist to turnover ratio at 4.5. Guei's shot selection has also been superb, placing him second in the CCAA and 20th nationally with a 66.1 field goal percentage. In Saturday's loss to CSU San Bernardino, Guei achieved HSU highs in points (22) and rebounds (7).
Looking Back
The last time HSU began CCAA play with a pair of losses was the 2006-07 season when the Lumberjacks fell to CSU San Bernardino and Cal Poly Pomona on opening weekend. Following that setback, they won 23 of their next 24 games before falling to the CSUSB Coyotes again in the championship game of the NCAA Division II West Regional.
Probable Starters
Lumberjacks
#4
Parker Farris, 6-4, 180, Fr., G, McKinleyville
#22
Will Taylor, 6-4, 220, So., G/F, Eureka
#15
Brandon Pomrehn, 6-8, 230, Jr., C, Arcata
#25
Allan Guei, 5-9, 163, Jr., G, Los Angeles
#32
David Howard, 6-7, 230, Jr., F, Chicago
Cal Poly Pomona
#10 Barry Bell, 6-2, 205, So., G, Oakland
#11 DeRonn Scott, 6-6, 185, Sr., G, Etiwanda
#24 Chad Haysbert, 6-8, 225, Jr., F, Sacramento
#33 Daniel Rodriguez, 6-1, 200, Jr., G, Covina
#40 Jordan Faison, 6-7, 220, So., F, Lake Forest
Linfield College
#4 Tanner Brill, 6-0, 190, Fr., G, Longview, Wash.
#5 Ryan Cali, 5-10, 180, Jr., G, San Jose
#14 Jackson Gion, 6-3, 175, Fr., G, Morgan Hill
#21 Ryan Potter, 6-2, 155, Fr., G, Molalla, Ore.
#24 Cody Jurgens, 6-5, 195, So., F, Hillsboro, Ore.
Scouting the Opposition
Cal Poly Pomona's Broncos have been slow out of the gate, bringing a 2-3 overall record and 1-1 CCAA mark into the single-game week. Facing the same squads as HSU last weekend, the Broncos split, falling to CSU San Bernardino, 62-53, and defeating UC San Diego, 70-63. In the latter contest, the Broncos rallied from 21 points down, outscoring the Tritons 49-23 in the second half. …Senior guard DeRonn Scott has been CPP's most consistent scorer with a 14.6 points per game average. Jordan Faison, the only non-guard in the Broncos' starting lineup, averages 12.6 points and a team-best 5.2 rebounds a game. …Known for their confounding match up zone, the Broncos again pose a preparation challenge. "Coach Kamansky's program is nationally respected for the defense they play," Kinder said. "They have enjoyed great success with it over the years." …Linfield College was etched into the Jacks' schedule because of the relationship between Kinder and first-year head coach Shanan Rosenberg. The two became acquainted while Rosenberg was serving 11 years as head coach at Foothill JC, where he developed players that include currently injured Lumberjack
Brett McConnell. Sealing the deal was the two coaches' affinity for steelhead fishing. Rosenberg has frequently joined Kinder for an outing on the Smith River during summer months. …Linfield, a school located in McMinnville, Ore., is 2-3 overall coming off a 84-69 loss to George Fox on December 7. The Wildcats play Northwest Christian in Eugene, Ore. on Saturday before traveling to Arcata.
Kinder's Komments
"Both (Cal Poly Pomona and HSU) have the luxury of preparing for only one opponent this week." … "We're looking for 40 minutes of high intensity basketball. If we execute our game plan for 40 minutes, I expect us to be successful." … "I told our players that as the season progresses, each team will improve. We need to leapfrog over some teams and improve more than they do."
