Under new head coach Todd Mitmesser, the Hillsdale College women’s basketball team plans to take advantage of new NCAA rule changes with a fast-paced game strategy, bolstered by a strong bench that has used preseason injuries as a chance to build team unity.
The Chargers will tip off their season on Nov. 13 at 6 p.m. against Illinois-Springfield in Lebanon, Illinois.
Led by six seniors, the Chargers have developed together despite suffering multiple injuries during the preseason. At one point, 11 out of the team’s 18 players were injured, including five out of six seniors, according to senior forward Sarah Theut.
“People would say, ‘You’re joking,’ and we were like, ‘No. We literally have 11 people out right now,’” Theut said.
Guard Kayla Geffert, who was named Preseason Second-Team All-GLIAC in the North Division, was the only senior on the court for a good portion of the preseason.
“It was tough, especially for me, because I’m not much of a vocal leader,” Geffert said. “Trying to help out as best as I could during the preseason definitely made me step up.”
“It’s nice to have everyone back, because I need these guys,” she said, pointing to her teammates on her right and left.
Geffert said learning a new offense has unified the team now that all but three players have returned to practice.
“We’re all freshmen,” Theut said. “We don’t know what to expect. We’re all learning, so we’re all on the same level.”
Mitmesser said preseason practices have focused on improving one-on-one skills and speeding up the tempo of the game.
“We’re going to really look to run, so it’s an up-tempo style,” Mitmesser said. “Everything we do involves a lot of transitioning from defense to offense to see how quickly we can get the ball down the court and get open shots.”
Theut said emphasis on quick attacks over finely-orchestrated plays has allowed her to play more by instinct.
“Mitmesser focuses on reading and reacting,” Theut said.
Senior guard Kelsey Cromer said Mitmesser’s game strategy allows for more freedom on offense.
“It’s not like you have to follow a certain protocol. It’s up to you to make decisions,” Cromer said. “It poses a bigger threat, because we don’t even know what’s going to happen next.”
There’s not only new coaches and new players this season for the Chargers; the NCAA has changed the rules of the game. This year, the NCAA is switching from two 20-minute halves to four 10-minute quarters per game.
“I thought I was going to hate it, but it’s good to focus on a shorter amount of time,” Theut said. “I think it’s better for us, mentally, to make changes if something needs to be fixed.”
The shift from halves to quarters penalizes poor defense by providing more free-throw opportunities, Mitmesser said. Under existing rules, a team gets to shoot one-and-one free throws once their opponent commits seven fouls in the half. Now with the shift to quarters a team will be in the double-bonus after the fifth team foul in each quarter.
Mitmesser said the change allows individual players to contribute to the team by improving their free-throw shooting.
“There’s certain things you can do to get more playing time,” Mitmesser said. “It’s the value of the individual to help the team.”
Mitmesser, who has coached for 24 years in high school and college programs across the country, said his coaching philosophy meshes well with Hillsdale College’s principles.
“On this team, every player has a job,” Mitmesser said. “You have to improve your own skills to make the team better. That’s something this college believes in, the power of the individual.”
The Chargers tested out the new rules under their new coach in a scrimmage on Nov. 4.
“We had our first quiz,” Mitmesser said. “Our first test is this weekend. We’ll see how we do.”
