Lewis & Clark Caverns

This past weekend my family adopted Giuliana, my assistant coach, for the day and took her to the Lewis & Clark Caverns. Giuliana, who is originally from California, was quite impressed even on the drive up where we got to stop and visit with a family of deer. I couldn't tell who was more excited between Giuli and the kids. The kids, including Giuli, drew some pictures on the drive. Justin drew a bat to torment Giuli on what she may see in the caves. Giuli in return drew Dracula. Then Brooklyn drew a picture in which Justin complemented by saying it looked like a treasure map. Giuli immediately destroyed Brooklyn's confidence with her remarks of "No it doesn't! It looks like a bunch of scribbles." I am a little worried for Giuli's nieces and nephews. As we waited for our tour to start Justin found a caterpillar which Giuli thought may be poisonous so he had fun tormenting her with it in his hand. I might add that neither one of MY kids were afraid of the one inch sized insect.

The hike lasted over two hours and was absolutely breaktaking, especially if you are claustrophobic. We didn't have the pleasure of seeing any bats, but Giuli now knows what a stalagmite is. To the Mendiolas, we had a lovely time adopting your daughter for the day, and as she is home visiting this week my only advice is to keep the crayons out of reach. Coach Bin

P90X

It's spring once again, so you know what that means in the Binford household, P90X! Todd bought this workout dvd last year and, when you own a boat, May becomes very motivational. I want to be completely honest here. Our level of commitment isn't exactly "Eye of the Tiger". It's not like I am good enough to play in the WNBA or anything as Kalli Durham so kindly proved a month back. However, sunshine does get you fired up about feeling good, looking good and proving to Tony "DVD Instructor" that we can do the plank run as well as anyone. Justin and Brooklyn have also jumped in on occassion, whether it's "Ab Ripper" or Brooklyn's favorite "Wacky Jacks." So to Tony, the Binford Household is "Bringing It!"

China

Katie Bussey made it to China after a flight delay from Bozeman. After repacking everything into carryon luggage, Katie sprinted through the San Francisco airport like it was another 300 yard shuttle. After a week of cramming in her finals early and doing a 10 hour commercial shoot for the Bobcat Club, Katie has now had a chance to rest. Katie, we hope you didn't get stuck in a middle seat. Last night was also the annual ALL banquet competition at MSU where all programs compete against each other and Katie missed winning the Best Female Single Event & Season Performances. Congrats and good luck tonight against the Australian National Team. If you want to follow Katie go to www.netscoutsbasketball.com to catch up how her USA Team is doing. Go Cats & Go USA! Coach Bin

Spring Evals

Can you believe it is already spring?

I can't believe this is the last week of our spring workouts even. We have been testing all week and Chris our strength and conditioning coach has worked our ladies!

We had all kinds of PR's such as Jackie Elliot getting a dip. Maybe I should brag more of the vertical improving four inches.

Every single player got a PR in something whether it was the bench, hang clean, or even our speed and agility test.

On the court watch out for Tish Adams posting up on the block next year because she was an animal and on speed and agility she led the way. Watch out for Emily Allen on the agility as she may run you over.

Kalli Durham led our vocal communication. I think she got that from her father. Jk Mark.

Kayla returned the spring to get her conditioning base established. Chelsea looks strong and determined, and Ashly Albert led the charge with her consistency and leadership.

We took advantage of resting the Rugby squad of Rachel Semansky and Ausha Cole.

Now our staff heads all over to find the next future Bobcats. This morning my daughter was so upset she couldn't go on the plane with me that she brought me her piggy bank to pay for her ticket.

It's hard to leave my family, but exciting to evaluate the next tier. As you can see with our returners coming back, our signees coming in, I am inspired about what is ahead for our program.

Final Four Combine- By Katie Bussey

Going into the Combine this past weekend, I was unsure of what to expect. I didn't know any other players that were going to be attending, and wasn't sure how many coaches and agents were going to be watching the show. After checking in on Friday and coming in contact with some of the other players, I was anxious to see how I was going to measure up against players from some of the best conferences in the nation, and was reassured knowing there were a few other players from mid major conferences as well.

The first part of the combine consisted of a 3-minute skills drill; speed, vertical and agility testing; and shooting drills. I performed well in each of the drills and felt at ease knowing I compared well to the other athletes. That afternoon we scrimmaged for the first time, and I learned that team Switzerland (my team) was one of the top two teams in the combine. I felt confident knowing that I was thought of as one of the top players there so when the scrimmages started I did not feel nervous in any way, and played well. Our team was very talented, and it was an incredible experience playing with the talent that I was able to play with. On Saturday we played two games, which concluded the combine.

While at the combine, I learned more about the process of becoming a professional women's basketball player. It was amazing to see all of the potential professionals in the room, and I was so glad to be included in the group. I have dreamed of becoming a professional basketball player for as long as I can remember, and I am truly blessed to know that this dream may soon be my reality. This experience will be one that I will never forget.

The combine was conveniently located in Denver CO, and I was lucky to have my parents watching my performance at the combine. My mom and I drove for 10

hours and she drove the entire way (bless her heart). We stopped at many gas stations along the way so that I could run around and keep the blood circulation flowing through my legs. Who knew that the 10 hour drive would be the most exasperating of the trip! But it was all part of the great memory! I was also one of very few with their college coaches in attendance, and I appreciated the support from both my coaches and my parents. My parents and I enjoyed our short time together, especially in the record breaking 80 degree weather! Unfortunatley we were not able to stay and watch the games at the Final Four, but did walk down the 16th street mall. It was amazing to see all of the support for Women's Basketball in Denver and it was a great environment for the tournament this year. The overall experience was very special to me and I am so lucky to have had the opportunity. That's the size of Griner's shoe as compared to mine by the way. Ha!

Toughness

One of the most important atributes to a winning program is toughness, both mental and physical. Just look at the Final Four teams suiting up this weekend and you can guarantee that all of them are tough.

Our team kicked off our spring training with the mentality of getting tougher; in the weight room, on the court, and in our conditioning.

One of our workouts the coaches had to play with the team because we were short in numbers. As a result, Kalli Durham showed her toughness & wacked me in the nose with her elbow.

After 2 stictches at least I can say my team got the possession because it was an offensive foul!

Coach Bin

It's a Wrap

My wise father once said, "If you keep winning you will become National Champions." I haven't been able to accomplish that feat yet, but I will say our 2011-2012 team had many successes along the way and a lot to be proud of.

Let's start with our pre season:
7-5, undeafeated at home, and only gained five pounds from the All You Can Eat Crab Leg Feast at the Colorado Thanksgiving Tournament.

Our returners Katie and Rachel led our charge, Ashley and Chelsea stepped into scoring roles from last year's injuries, and incoming freshmen Jackie and Kalli showed sparks of great potential.

Conference:
The most competitive conference race of my seven years. Nearly every game ending in single digit spreads helped me lose the five pounds I gained in the preseason.

I am so proud of the identity our team maintained throughout the year, perseverance!

Not quite getting comfortable with leads, we found ourselves losing a heartbreaker at home to ISU at the buzzer. Who knew we would be better coming from behind for the win at their place, thanks to Katie Bussey's thrilling 41 point performance to tie the Big Sky Single Game Scoring record.

Our regular season concluded with a dazzling shooting display by our entire team with 12 made 3 pointers. If only we would have shot that well at our place so we could have gotten the free Chalupas at Taco Bell. Never enough from a coaching perspective is it.

Post Season. This is what you play for! We opened up with our favorite rival, the Lady Griz. Our tenacious defense jumped on the Griz early and rode that momentum into the semi-finals. The game capped one of our most complete games of putting offense and defense together on the same night. It sounds so simple doesn't it?

We finished off our year a little short coming into the next round against a tenacious team, and once again another Bear. UNC kept the Bobcats cold that night, but the future looks hot for the Cats.

I want to congratulate Katie on another Big Sky record, most 3 pointers in a career with 254. Just imagine how many she has shot over the years! Katie was a 1st Team All Conference player and has an invitation to the Final Four Combine next week. We want to wish her the best in her professional career.

To the returners, led by senior and 2nd Team All Conference player, Rachel Semansky, we have a lot to be excited about. We will compete every day, hold the bar high for every teammate, and do it for each other.

To our newcomers, you have had unbelievable high school careers. It is time to retire your old jerseys and put on the Blue and Gold. The 2012-2013 season begins TODAY.

Coach Bin