After Three Games, Balance, Depth and Some Questions

 

Warren Grimes

Stanford has won its three opening games.  All were home games against talented but unranked opponents.   The average margin over these three opponents was 33.6 points.  In the most intense of these contests, Santa Clara managed to hold Stanford to a single digit lead until the final 4 minutes of the game. 

This young Stanford team has balance and depth.  Seven players are averaging 17 or more minutes on the floor.  Four players have double digit scoring averages, including freshmen starters Lara Somfai and Hailee Swain.   No one is dominating scoring stats.   Somfai leads the way with a double-double average (14.3 points and 10.3 boards), followed by veterans Nunu Agara (13 points), Chloe Clardy (12.7 points) and freshman Hailee Swain (12.3 points).  Just below the double-digit threshold are Talana Lepolo (8.7 points) and Alexandra Eschmeyer (8 points).

Although this margin will likely fall as stronger opponents are scheduled, the team is averaging 19 more boards than its opponents.   Two of the top three rebounders are freshmen: Somfai is averaging 10.3 followed by Agara’s 7.3 and Eschmeyer’s 6.7.

Two of the team’s top performers have come off the bench in all three games.  Chloe Clardy has more total minutes than anyone else (29.5 average), is third in scoring, leads the team in steals, and is tied for the lead in three-point conversions.  Clardy is a personal favorite – smooth and relentless.  Eschmeyer is also coming off the bench to be an interior force who has converted from the outside (2 of 3 three-pointers so far).  Eschmeyer failed to score in the Cal Poly game but still contributed (3 boards and 3 impressive assists). 

Another strong point so far is the team’s 81 percent free throw shooting.  I expect this team to draw its share of fouls, so conversions will be vital for success.  Stanford also has go-to players who can create as the shot clock winds down.  Nunu Agara is a proven asset but is now joined by freshmen Hailee Swain and Lara Somfai.

There are still questions.  The team has played multiple minutes with three guards on the floor (Lepolo, Swain and Clardy).  That offense should work well depending on the opponent.  Against taller teams, a different lineup may be needed.  At 6’1”, starting forward Courtney Ogden showed moxie at the end of last season but has started slowly this season.  She came alive against Cal Poly scoring 12 with 7 rebounds.  Her defensive skills, height and flexibility on offense are vital parts of the starting lineup.  Ogden is second on the team in blocks (after Eschmeyer).  To be a top team, Stanford needs consistency from Ogden. 

There is still much improvement to be had, including from players who have yet to leave a significant mark.   Freshman Carly Amborn has played less than 9 minutes so far, but she’s 3 for 3 from three-point range.  Will she win more playing time against zone defenses?

The biggest question facing  this young team is how they will perform on the road against tougher opponents.  That question will be answered shortly as Stanford heads north to play Washington State and Gonzaga.