
Photo by: Adrian Sanchez-Gonzalez
Bobcat Women Prepare for Big Sky Tourney
3/6/2022 5:52:00 PM | Women's Basketball
Montana State plays the winner of No. 7 Sacramento State/No. 10 Weber State on Tuesday, March 8 at 5:30 p.m.
WHO: #2 Montana State vs. #7 Sacramento State
WHEN: Tuesday, March 8, 2022 - 5:30 p.m. (MT)
WHERE: Boise, Idaho - Idaho Central Arena
RECORDS: Montana St. 19-12, 14-6; Sac. State 14-15, 10-10
SERIES: Montana State leads series 41-12 (Jan. 24, 1997)
LAST MTG: March 2, 2022 - @ Montana St. 65, Sac. State 52
Or…..
WHO: #2 Montana State vs. #10 Weber State
WHEN: Tuesday, March 8, 2022 - 5:30 p.m. (MT)
WHERE: Boise, Idaho - Idaho Central Arena
RECORDS: Montana St. 19-12, 14-6; Weber St. 10-19, 6-14
SERIES: Montana State leads series 57-33 (1977-78)
LAST MTG: Feb. 5, 2022 - Montana State 74, Weber State 71
VIDEO: MSU's game vs. Sacramento State/Weber State will be streamed live on ESPN+ (subscription needed).
RADIO: MSU's game vs. Sac State/Weber State on 1450 KMMS AM - Pregame- 15-min. prior to tip. Tom Schulz with pbp.
TOURNEY TIME: Montana State finished its regular season 19-12 overall and 14-6 in Big Sky play. The Bobcats and Southern Utah tied for second, behind Idaho State. MSU, based on its 3-1 record against the Nos. 4 & 5 seeds, get the No. 2 seed over SUU, who went 2-2 against Nos. 4 & 5. Montana State plays the winner of No. 7 Sacramento State/No. 10 Weber State on Tuesday, March 8 at 5:30 p.m. If the Cats advanced, they would play in the second semifinal game Wednesday, March 9 at 8 p.m. The Big Sky Championship game is slated for Friday, March 11 at 1 p.m.
BOBCATS BITES: Darian White became the first second player in MSU women's history to record 1,000 points, 400 rebounds, 300 assists and 200 steals. Vicki Heebner Carle (1980-84) is the other player...with its win over No. Arizona on Feb. 12, Tricia Binford moved into second on the all-time Big Sky wins chart, passing Weber State's Carla Taylor (180). Binford (184 wins) is second to UM's Robin Selvig (359).
NOTHING BUT WINNING: With an 19-12 overall mark, MSU Head Coach Tricia Binford recorded her 15th consecutive season without a losing record. Her last losing season - 13-16 overall - came during her second year in Bozeman, 2006-07.
SCOUTING THE HORNETS: No. 7 Sacramento State enters its Monday night games against No. 10 Weber State with a 14-15 overall mark and a 10-10 Big Sky ledger. The Hornets improved by 11 games from the previous season under first-year head coach Mark Campbell. It was the second best turn around at the NCAA Division I level- behind LSU. The Bobcats swept Sacramento State this season, winning 76-69 on Dec. 4 in Bozeman, and 65-52, last Wednesday night in The Nest. In two games with Sac State, Kola Bad Bear, Darian White and Leia Beattie did most of the damage for MSU. Bad Bear averaged 16.5 points and 4.5 rebounds per game, White, 15.5 ppg/5.0 rpg, and Beattie, 13.5 ppg/6.0 rpg. Against MSU, the Hornets were led by Isnelle Natabou (13.5/8.5), Summer Menke (11/6) and Katie Peneueta (10.5/7).
SCOUTING THE WILDCATS: MSU and WSU split this season, with Weber State winning in Ogden (68-63) on Dec. 30, and the Cats returning the favor (74-71) on Feb. 5 in Bozeman. Darian White averaged 24 points and six rebounds vs. WSU. For WSU, Daryn Hickok averaged 25 points and 8.5 boards.
I DARE YA: Darian White, a preseason All-Big Sky Conference selection, leads the Bobcats in scoring (15.6 ppg), assists (127), steals (78) and free throws made (138). She has been in double figure scoring in 27 games, including a career-matching 32 points at Northern Colorado on Friday night. Against the Bears, the Boise product connected on 13 of 18 from the field and 5 of 5 at the line. In addition, she grabbed eight assists, posted five steals and dished out two assists. White saw her streak of 36 consecutive games in double digit scoring snapped at Southern Utah - eight points - on Feb. 10. At North Dakota on Nov. 20, she had a career-high seven steals. The reigning Big Sky Conference Defensive Player of the Year pulled down a career-high 12 rebounds against Montana State Billings on Dec. 9. White has broken into several career MSU top 10 statistical categories this season: including steals, 5th, 219; free throws made, 3rd, 348; assists, 8th, 322; and free throw percentage, 11th, 77%. White is currently averaging 2.6 steals per game, which leads the Big Sky, while her 4.2 assists per outing ranks third in the league. Against NAU on Jan. 20, she became the 26th Bobcat to record 1,000 points. Her current total of 1,213 points ranks 17th all-time in MSU history.
KUDOS TO KOLA: Junior Kola Bad Bear has played in all 31 games, including 29 starts. On the season, the 6-2 forward is averaging 10.5 points and 5.3 rebounds per contest. Her 5.3 rebounds lead the team and ranks No.20 in Big Sky action. Bad Bear had a breakout weekend for the Bobcats at the Holiday Beach Classic in San Luis Obispo over Thanksgiving averaging 13.5 points and 7.0 rebounds, while shooting 61.1% from the field. Bad Bear was named Big Sky Player of the Week for her efforts against MSU Billings and Utah Valley. For the two games, she averaged 19 points and 10.5 rebounds per game, while shooting 61.9% from the field and 84.6% from the line. Bad Bear pulled down a career-best 17 rebounds in MSU's win over MSU Billings. Her 13 offensive boards against the Yellowjackets are unofficially the highest total in NCAA Division 1 hoops this season. Bad Bear also notched a career-best 21 points in MSU's win over MSUB. In Big Sky Conference play this season, Bad Bear is averaging 11.2 points and 5.2 rebounds per game. On Wednesday night, she had her best outing in Big Sky play at Sac State scoring 20 points (7-11 FG, 5-6 FT) and grabbing 4 rebounds.
OUT ON A LIMB: Sophomore Katelynn Limardo has started the last 30 games for the Bobcats, after opening the season with 16 points and seven rebounds against Carroll College coming off the bench. The product of Silver City, N.M. (a town where lawman Harvey Whitehall was the first to arrest Billy the Kid, known at the time under the alias Henry Antrim in 1875), is averaging 7.8 points and 3.9 rebounds per outing. In addition, Limardo is shooting 37.2% from the field and 84.8% (39-46) from the line. On the season, Limardo has recorded 11 double figure scoring games, including a Big Sky season-high 15 points in MSU's win over Northern Arizona on Jan. 20. Against the Lumberjacks, she went three of nine shooting, added three triples and was six of six at the line. Limardo also pulled down a season-best nine rebounds in MSU's win over Idaho on Jan. 17. Over Thanksgiving, her three 3-pointers in the 4th quarter at Cal Poly lifted MSU to the win. Last winter, she started all 24 games and averaged 6.6 points and 4.5 rebounds. Limardo had her best game of the 2020-21 season at Eastern Washington on Feb. 13, scoring a team-high 17 points. Against EWU, she went 5 of 5 from long distance.
DON'T MESS WITH TEXAS: Leia Beattie has played in all 31 games for the Bobcats, including 29 starts. She currently is averaging 9.1 points and 4.4 rebounds per contest. Beattie had a career outing in MSU's win over Sacramento State on Dec. 4 scoring 18 points, while pulling down eight rebounds. Coupled with her play against Northern Colorado to open Big Sky, she garnered ROAR Organic #BigSkyWBB Player of the Week accolades after averaging 14.5 points. 6.0 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 1.5 steals per game. Beattie comes to Montana State with a familiar Treasure State pedigree. Her mother, Kelly (Pilcher) was a two-time All-Big Sky selection at Montana and is sixth all-time in assists. In addition, her 15 assists versus Boise State and Northern Arizona still rank first in single-game history. Beattie's aunt/coach at Midland Christian Academy, Carla (Beattie) Cunneen, is also a former Lady Griz and was the 1996 Big Sky Sixth Player of the Year. Last season, Beattie played in 23 games and averaged 3.7 points per game. Against Northern Colorado last Friday night in Greeley, Beattie recorded 13 points, including three triples. She also added two rebounds and an assist.
THE TALK: Senior Gabby Mocchi has played in 28 games, including starts in the last 21 outings. The 6-1 senior from Champlin, Minn., recorded a career-high 21 points in MSU's win at Idaho on Feb. 7. Against the Vandals, Mocchi hit seven of nine shots, including a career-best four 3-pointers. Mocchi is averaging 6.7 points and 3.8 rebounds per game. She pulled down a season-best nine boards in MSU's win over Seattle U on Dec. 18. In Big Sky play, Mocchi is averaging 7.8 and 4.1 rebounds per game. On the season, she is shooting 83.3% (35-42) at the stripe.
KEEP FEEDIN' DEDEN: Lexi Deden, a 6-1 sophomore forward from Missoula, is sixth on the Bobcats in rebounding averaging 3.7 boards per game. In addition, she is seventh on the squad averaging 5.5 points per contest. Deden had her best outing of the season at North Dakota on Nov. 20. Against the Fighting Hawks, she recorded her first collegiate double-double with 17 points and a career-best ten rebounds. For the game, she went four-of-nine from the field and was nine-of-ten at the charity stripe. In MSU's loss at Montana on Feb. 26, Deden posted a team-high 14 points on 5 of 10 shooting. The Deden name is also familiar in Montana basketball circles. Her mother Dawn (Silliker) played at Montana from 1984-88. At UM, Silliker was a 1,000-point scorer and was an all-Mountain West pick. In addition, Lexi's aunt and former coach at Sentinel High, Karen Deden, played at Washington and is in the Husky Hall of Fame. Last season, Deden recorded a career-high 22 points in Montana State's win over Northern Arizona on Jan. 23 when she connected on 10 of 14 from the field.
ASHLEY'S ACCOLADES: Senior Ashley Van Sickle has played in all 31 games this season and is averaging 3.1 points and 2.4 rebounds per game. The Arvada, Colo., product helped the Bobcats defeat Montana for the seventh consecutive game on Jan. 24 playing 20 minutes and posting seven points. Against UM, Van Sickle went three-of-three from the field and was one-of-one from long distance. She also dished out three assists, pulled down two rebounds and had one blocked shot. Van Sickle notched a season-best nine points as the Bobcats defeated Idaho State on Feb. 3, which included a pair of 3-pointers. Against Portland State on Jan. 22, Van Sickle grabbed a career-best seven rebounds. On Senior Day, she posted five points and five rebounds as the Bobcats knocked-off Southern Utah.
THE PRIDE OF ROSEMOUNT: Sophomore Taylor Janssen has played in all 31 games and is averaging 6.4 points and 2.7 rebounds per outing. During MSU's three-game road swing to UI, SUU and NAU, Janssen averaged 8.0 points and 1.7 rebounds. The 6-3 product of Rosemount, Minn., registered a career-high 16 points in MSU's overtime loss at Southern Utah. For the game, Janssen went five of seven from the field and five of six from the line. Under the boards, she pulled down a career-high nine rebounds in Montana State's win over Weber State on Feb. 5 in Worthington Arena. On the season, Janssen is shooting 39.1% from the field and 78.6% (33-42) at the free throw line. Earlier this season, Janssen made 19 consecutive free throws before missing against Weber State on Feb. 5. The all-time Bobcat record is 25 by Rebecca Mercer during the 2007-08 season.
ALL JACKED UP: Madison Jackson has played in 21 games. She was sidelined for 10 games due to a hand injury. Jackson had her best outing of the season against Northern Arizona on Jan. 20 recording 10 points and three rebounds. Jackson went 4 of 4 from the field and 2 of 2 from long distance. On Feb. 21 at Portland State, the Parma, Idaho product scored six points and added two rebounds and two steals.
RANSON NOTE: Sophomore Ava Ranson has played in 25 games and is averaging 1.4 points per contest. The 5-10 product of Boise, Idaho had her best game at South Dakota State. Against the Jackrabbits, Ranson recorded eight points on three-on-nine from the field, including a pair of three-pointers. Ranson recorded a Big Sky best five points against Portland State on Jan. 22.
MENTIONING MIA: Freshman Mia Hughes has played in 15 games, including three starts. The product of Woodinville, Wash., is averaging 1.7 points and 1.9 rebounds per contest. She had her best outing of the season at North Dakota with seven points and six rebounds- all points came at the free throw line where she went seven-of-eight. Hughes is currently hitting at a 94.1% (16-17) clip from the line.
NOTABLES: *MSU is 6th in the nation in free throws made at 457 makes. Only Troy (529), Murray State (484), Sam Houston (479), Oklahoma (473) and Eastern Kentucky (458) have made more free throws than the Bobcats. *MSU ranks 11th in the nation averaging just 12 turnovers per game. Colorado State leads the country at 9.9 per contest. *MSU ranks 13th in the nation in free throw percentage at 78.4%. The University of Iowa leads the nation hitting 84.2% at the line. *The Bobcats have claimed three Big Sky regular season titles in the last six years. MSU won regular season championships in 2016, 2017, and 2020. *Sophomore Leia Beattie was named the ROAR Organic #BigSkyWBB Player of the Week for Dec. 7. Beattie's mother, Kelly Pilcher, who played at Montana (1990-94), is a three-time Big Sky Player of the Week, making the duo the only mother/daughter combination to achieve the honor in Big Sky history. And taking the Big Sky Player of the Week theme even farther in family matters, the all-time nod has to go to MSU's Hommes clan. Brooke Hommes was the first to earn POW honors in 1994, followed by sister Blythe (Hommes) Hintz, who is a former league MVP (1997) and a 4x POW, and niece Jasmine Hommes garnered POW honors on four occasions and was the 2016 Big Sky Conference Most Valuable Player.
SOLID STAFFING:
*Tricia Binford has coached in 510 games overall and 298 in Big Sky action. Her 289 career wins are the most by any basketball coach in MSU history and is the third most in BSC women's history behind Montana's Robin Selvig (865) and Weber State's Carla Taylor (308). Her 184 Big Sky victories rank second only to Selvig's 359 (38 years).
*MSU associate head coach Sunny Smallwood is one of the longest tenured assistants at the NCAA Division I level. Smallwood began her career at Washington State in 1990 and has gone on to serve at Washington, Cal, Nebraska, Boise State and Arizona. Before starting her collegiate career, she spent 7 years as head coach at Boise High School. In In six of her nine seasons at Nebraska the Cornhuskers won at least 20 games capped in 2009-10 as Nebraska went 32-2 overall earning a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament before advancing to the Sweet 16. Cornhusker head coach Connie Yori swept all five National Coach of the Year awards that season, as well. Smallwood spent 11 years as an assistant coach at Washington. She served as recruiting coordinator, and for eight seasons, as the lead assistant coach. During her time in Seattle, she helped lead the Huskies to six NCAA Tournament appearances, which included a trip to the Sweet 16 in 1995 and an Elite Eight appearance in 2001.
*MSU assistant Blaire Braxton is in her second season on the bench under the tutelage of Tricia Binford. Braxton's accolades include most games played (125), and along with Madeline Smith and Oliana Squires, was a part of the winningest class in school history as the threesome accounted for 82 victories. A two-time All-Big Sky academic selection, Braxton played a major role in guiding the Bobcats to a 25-6 overall mark and a record-setting 19-1 ledger in league play during the 2019-20 campaign. Braxton bookend her career with a pair of league titles, helping the Bobcats to the 2017 Big Sky crown and MSU's first NCAA tournament appearance in 24 years as a freshman.
*Katie Bussey, who played at MSU from 2008-2012, and was a WBCA Honorable Mention All-American her senior season, joined Binford's staff in mid-June. After graduating from MSU with a degree in kinesiology in 2012, Bussey played professionally in The Netherlands, Sweden, and Germany. At Montana State, Bussey is second on the all-time career scoring list with 1,710 points- just 51 behind all-time leader Kathleen McLaughlin Howard. She stills hold the school record for most points in a game with 41 against Idaho State on Feb. 2, 2012. Bussey is MSU's all-time three-point makes leader with 254 triples. At the time she left Montana State, her three-point total was best in Big Sky history. In all, Bussey's name appears in the top 10 of nine career categories and seven single-season records. Bussey completed her senior season averaging 17.3 points, 3.5 rebounds and 3.3 assists per game, en route to earning All-America Honorable Mention kudos, the first Bobcat to earn the honor since Blythe Hommes in 1997. Bussey was the 2009 Big Sky Freshman of the Year, and garnered unanimous first-team accolades in 2012, second-team honors in 2011, and honorable mention recognition in 2010. Off the court, she was MSU's Big Sky Conference Scholar Athlete of the Year in 2012 and was a four-time all-Big Sky Academic selection.
NO PLACE LIKE HOME: In the last 10 seasons dating back to the 2012-13 campaign, the Cats have posted a 105-30 (77.8%) mark within the warm confines of Worthington Arena and a 72-22 (76.6%) ledger in Big Sky action on the home hardwood.
STILL RELATIVELY YOUNG: Last season MSU had one of the youngest squads in the nation with seven total freshmen, six of which were true-freshmen. Twelve of 15 players on the Bobcat roster had two years of NCAA Division I experience or less. Looking at MSU's starting line-up heading into the tournament, and with the 'free' season of eligibility due to COVID-19, in all reality, the Bobcats take to the floor with two sophomores - Darian White and Kola Bad Bear, two freshmen - Katelynn Limardo and Leia Beattie and senior - Gabby Mocchi.
WHEN: Tuesday, March 8, 2022 - 5:30 p.m. (MT)
WHERE: Boise, Idaho - Idaho Central Arena
RECORDS: Montana St. 19-12, 14-6; Sac. State 14-15, 10-10
SERIES: Montana State leads series 41-12 (Jan. 24, 1997)
LAST MTG: March 2, 2022 - @ Montana St. 65, Sac. State 52
Or…..
WHO: #2 Montana State vs. #10 Weber State
WHEN: Tuesday, March 8, 2022 - 5:30 p.m. (MT)
WHERE: Boise, Idaho - Idaho Central Arena
RECORDS: Montana St. 19-12, 14-6; Weber St. 10-19, 6-14
SERIES: Montana State leads series 57-33 (1977-78)
LAST MTG: Feb. 5, 2022 - Montana State 74, Weber State 71
VIDEO: MSU's game vs. Sacramento State/Weber State will be streamed live on ESPN+ (subscription needed).
RADIO: MSU's game vs. Sac State/Weber State on 1450 KMMS AM - Pregame- 15-min. prior to tip. Tom Schulz with pbp.
TOURNEY TIME: Montana State finished its regular season 19-12 overall and 14-6 in Big Sky play. The Bobcats and Southern Utah tied for second, behind Idaho State. MSU, based on its 3-1 record against the Nos. 4 & 5 seeds, get the No. 2 seed over SUU, who went 2-2 against Nos. 4 & 5. Montana State plays the winner of No. 7 Sacramento State/No. 10 Weber State on Tuesday, March 8 at 5:30 p.m. If the Cats advanced, they would play in the second semifinal game Wednesday, March 9 at 8 p.m. The Big Sky Championship game is slated for Friday, March 11 at 1 p.m.
BOBCATS BITES: Darian White became the first second player in MSU women's history to record 1,000 points, 400 rebounds, 300 assists and 200 steals. Vicki Heebner Carle (1980-84) is the other player...with its win over No. Arizona on Feb. 12, Tricia Binford moved into second on the all-time Big Sky wins chart, passing Weber State's Carla Taylor (180). Binford (184 wins) is second to UM's Robin Selvig (359).
NOTHING BUT WINNING: With an 19-12 overall mark, MSU Head Coach Tricia Binford recorded her 15th consecutive season without a losing record. Her last losing season - 13-16 overall - came during her second year in Bozeman, 2006-07.
SCOUTING THE HORNETS: No. 7 Sacramento State enters its Monday night games against No. 10 Weber State with a 14-15 overall mark and a 10-10 Big Sky ledger. The Hornets improved by 11 games from the previous season under first-year head coach Mark Campbell. It was the second best turn around at the NCAA Division I level- behind LSU. The Bobcats swept Sacramento State this season, winning 76-69 on Dec. 4 in Bozeman, and 65-52, last Wednesday night in The Nest. In two games with Sac State, Kola Bad Bear, Darian White and Leia Beattie did most of the damage for MSU. Bad Bear averaged 16.5 points and 4.5 rebounds per game, White, 15.5 ppg/5.0 rpg, and Beattie, 13.5 ppg/6.0 rpg. Against MSU, the Hornets were led by Isnelle Natabou (13.5/8.5), Summer Menke (11/6) and Katie Peneueta (10.5/7).
SCOUTING THE WILDCATS: MSU and WSU split this season, with Weber State winning in Ogden (68-63) on Dec. 30, and the Cats returning the favor (74-71) on Feb. 5 in Bozeman. Darian White averaged 24 points and six rebounds vs. WSU. For WSU, Daryn Hickok averaged 25 points and 8.5 boards.
I DARE YA: Darian White, a preseason All-Big Sky Conference selection, leads the Bobcats in scoring (15.6 ppg), assists (127), steals (78) and free throws made (138). She has been in double figure scoring in 27 games, including a career-matching 32 points at Northern Colorado on Friday night. Against the Bears, the Boise product connected on 13 of 18 from the field and 5 of 5 at the line. In addition, she grabbed eight assists, posted five steals and dished out two assists. White saw her streak of 36 consecutive games in double digit scoring snapped at Southern Utah - eight points - on Feb. 10. At North Dakota on Nov. 20, she had a career-high seven steals. The reigning Big Sky Conference Defensive Player of the Year pulled down a career-high 12 rebounds against Montana State Billings on Dec. 9. White has broken into several career MSU top 10 statistical categories this season: including steals, 5th, 219; free throws made, 3rd, 348; assists, 8th, 322; and free throw percentage, 11th, 77%. White is currently averaging 2.6 steals per game, which leads the Big Sky, while her 4.2 assists per outing ranks third in the league. Against NAU on Jan. 20, she became the 26th Bobcat to record 1,000 points. Her current total of 1,213 points ranks 17th all-time in MSU history.
KUDOS TO KOLA: Junior Kola Bad Bear has played in all 31 games, including 29 starts. On the season, the 6-2 forward is averaging 10.5 points and 5.3 rebounds per contest. Her 5.3 rebounds lead the team and ranks No.20 in Big Sky action. Bad Bear had a breakout weekend for the Bobcats at the Holiday Beach Classic in San Luis Obispo over Thanksgiving averaging 13.5 points and 7.0 rebounds, while shooting 61.1% from the field. Bad Bear was named Big Sky Player of the Week for her efforts against MSU Billings and Utah Valley. For the two games, she averaged 19 points and 10.5 rebounds per game, while shooting 61.9% from the field and 84.6% from the line. Bad Bear pulled down a career-best 17 rebounds in MSU's win over MSU Billings. Her 13 offensive boards against the Yellowjackets are unofficially the highest total in NCAA Division 1 hoops this season. Bad Bear also notched a career-best 21 points in MSU's win over MSUB. In Big Sky Conference play this season, Bad Bear is averaging 11.2 points and 5.2 rebounds per game. On Wednesday night, she had her best outing in Big Sky play at Sac State scoring 20 points (7-11 FG, 5-6 FT) and grabbing 4 rebounds.
OUT ON A LIMB: Sophomore Katelynn Limardo has started the last 30 games for the Bobcats, after opening the season with 16 points and seven rebounds against Carroll College coming off the bench. The product of Silver City, N.M. (a town where lawman Harvey Whitehall was the first to arrest Billy the Kid, known at the time under the alias Henry Antrim in 1875), is averaging 7.8 points and 3.9 rebounds per outing. In addition, Limardo is shooting 37.2% from the field and 84.8% (39-46) from the line. On the season, Limardo has recorded 11 double figure scoring games, including a Big Sky season-high 15 points in MSU's win over Northern Arizona on Jan. 20. Against the Lumberjacks, she went three of nine shooting, added three triples and was six of six at the line. Limardo also pulled down a season-best nine rebounds in MSU's win over Idaho on Jan. 17. Over Thanksgiving, her three 3-pointers in the 4th quarter at Cal Poly lifted MSU to the win. Last winter, she started all 24 games and averaged 6.6 points and 4.5 rebounds. Limardo had her best game of the 2020-21 season at Eastern Washington on Feb. 13, scoring a team-high 17 points. Against EWU, she went 5 of 5 from long distance.
DON'T MESS WITH TEXAS: Leia Beattie has played in all 31 games for the Bobcats, including 29 starts. She currently is averaging 9.1 points and 4.4 rebounds per contest. Beattie had a career outing in MSU's win over Sacramento State on Dec. 4 scoring 18 points, while pulling down eight rebounds. Coupled with her play against Northern Colorado to open Big Sky, she garnered ROAR Organic #BigSkyWBB Player of the Week accolades after averaging 14.5 points. 6.0 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 1.5 steals per game. Beattie comes to Montana State with a familiar Treasure State pedigree. Her mother, Kelly (Pilcher) was a two-time All-Big Sky selection at Montana and is sixth all-time in assists. In addition, her 15 assists versus Boise State and Northern Arizona still rank first in single-game history. Beattie's aunt/coach at Midland Christian Academy, Carla (Beattie) Cunneen, is also a former Lady Griz and was the 1996 Big Sky Sixth Player of the Year. Last season, Beattie played in 23 games and averaged 3.7 points per game. Against Northern Colorado last Friday night in Greeley, Beattie recorded 13 points, including three triples. She also added two rebounds and an assist.
THE TALK: Senior Gabby Mocchi has played in 28 games, including starts in the last 21 outings. The 6-1 senior from Champlin, Minn., recorded a career-high 21 points in MSU's win at Idaho on Feb. 7. Against the Vandals, Mocchi hit seven of nine shots, including a career-best four 3-pointers. Mocchi is averaging 6.7 points and 3.8 rebounds per game. She pulled down a season-best nine boards in MSU's win over Seattle U on Dec. 18. In Big Sky play, Mocchi is averaging 7.8 and 4.1 rebounds per game. On the season, she is shooting 83.3% (35-42) at the stripe.
KEEP FEEDIN' DEDEN: Lexi Deden, a 6-1 sophomore forward from Missoula, is sixth on the Bobcats in rebounding averaging 3.7 boards per game. In addition, she is seventh on the squad averaging 5.5 points per contest. Deden had her best outing of the season at North Dakota on Nov. 20. Against the Fighting Hawks, she recorded her first collegiate double-double with 17 points and a career-best ten rebounds. For the game, she went four-of-nine from the field and was nine-of-ten at the charity stripe. In MSU's loss at Montana on Feb. 26, Deden posted a team-high 14 points on 5 of 10 shooting. The Deden name is also familiar in Montana basketball circles. Her mother Dawn (Silliker) played at Montana from 1984-88. At UM, Silliker was a 1,000-point scorer and was an all-Mountain West pick. In addition, Lexi's aunt and former coach at Sentinel High, Karen Deden, played at Washington and is in the Husky Hall of Fame. Last season, Deden recorded a career-high 22 points in Montana State's win over Northern Arizona on Jan. 23 when she connected on 10 of 14 from the field.
ASHLEY'S ACCOLADES: Senior Ashley Van Sickle has played in all 31 games this season and is averaging 3.1 points and 2.4 rebounds per game. The Arvada, Colo., product helped the Bobcats defeat Montana for the seventh consecutive game on Jan. 24 playing 20 minutes and posting seven points. Against UM, Van Sickle went three-of-three from the field and was one-of-one from long distance. She also dished out three assists, pulled down two rebounds and had one blocked shot. Van Sickle notched a season-best nine points as the Bobcats defeated Idaho State on Feb. 3, which included a pair of 3-pointers. Against Portland State on Jan. 22, Van Sickle grabbed a career-best seven rebounds. On Senior Day, she posted five points and five rebounds as the Bobcats knocked-off Southern Utah.
THE PRIDE OF ROSEMOUNT: Sophomore Taylor Janssen has played in all 31 games and is averaging 6.4 points and 2.7 rebounds per outing. During MSU's three-game road swing to UI, SUU and NAU, Janssen averaged 8.0 points and 1.7 rebounds. The 6-3 product of Rosemount, Minn., registered a career-high 16 points in MSU's overtime loss at Southern Utah. For the game, Janssen went five of seven from the field and five of six from the line. Under the boards, she pulled down a career-high nine rebounds in Montana State's win over Weber State on Feb. 5 in Worthington Arena. On the season, Janssen is shooting 39.1% from the field and 78.6% (33-42) at the free throw line. Earlier this season, Janssen made 19 consecutive free throws before missing against Weber State on Feb. 5. The all-time Bobcat record is 25 by Rebecca Mercer during the 2007-08 season.
ALL JACKED UP: Madison Jackson has played in 21 games. She was sidelined for 10 games due to a hand injury. Jackson had her best outing of the season against Northern Arizona on Jan. 20 recording 10 points and three rebounds. Jackson went 4 of 4 from the field and 2 of 2 from long distance. On Feb. 21 at Portland State, the Parma, Idaho product scored six points and added two rebounds and two steals.
RANSON NOTE: Sophomore Ava Ranson has played in 25 games and is averaging 1.4 points per contest. The 5-10 product of Boise, Idaho had her best game at South Dakota State. Against the Jackrabbits, Ranson recorded eight points on three-on-nine from the field, including a pair of three-pointers. Ranson recorded a Big Sky best five points against Portland State on Jan. 22.
MENTIONING MIA: Freshman Mia Hughes has played in 15 games, including three starts. The product of Woodinville, Wash., is averaging 1.7 points and 1.9 rebounds per contest. She had her best outing of the season at North Dakota with seven points and six rebounds- all points came at the free throw line where she went seven-of-eight. Hughes is currently hitting at a 94.1% (16-17) clip from the line.
NOTABLES: *MSU is 6th in the nation in free throws made at 457 makes. Only Troy (529), Murray State (484), Sam Houston (479), Oklahoma (473) and Eastern Kentucky (458) have made more free throws than the Bobcats. *MSU ranks 11th in the nation averaging just 12 turnovers per game. Colorado State leads the country at 9.9 per contest. *MSU ranks 13th in the nation in free throw percentage at 78.4%. The University of Iowa leads the nation hitting 84.2% at the line. *The Bobcats have claimed three Big Sky regular season titles in the last six years. MSU won regular season championships in 2016, 2017, and 2020. *Sophomore Leia Beattie was named the ROAR Organic #BigSkyWBB Player of the Week for Dec. 7. Beattie's mother, Kelly Pilcher, who played at Montana (1990-94), is a three-time Big Sky Player of the Week, making the duo the only mother/daughter combination to achieve the honor in Big Sky history. And taking the Big Sky Player of the Week theme even farther in family matters, the all-time nod has to go to MSU's Hommes clan. Brooke Hommes was the first to earn POW honors in 1994, followed by sister Blythe (Hommes) Hintz, who is a former league MVP (1997) and a 4x POW, and niece Jasmine Hommes garnered POW honors on four occasions and was the 2016 Big Sky Conference Most Valuable Player.
SOLID STAFFING:
*Tricia Binford has coached in 510 games overall and 298 in Big Sky action. Her 289 career wins are the most by any basketball coach in MSU history and is the third most in BSC women's history behind Montana's Robin Selvig (865) and Weber State's Carla Taylor (308). Her 184 Big Sky victories rank second only to Selvig's 359 (38 years).
*MSU associate head coach Sunny Smallwood is one of the longest tenured assistants at the NCAA Division I level. Smallwood began her career at Washington State in 1990 and has gone on to serve at Washington, Cal, Nebraska, Boise State and Arizona. Before starting her collegiate career, she spent 7 years as head coach at Boise High School. In In six of her nine seasons at Nebraska the Cornhuskers won at least 20 games capped in 2009-10 as Nebraska went 32-2 overall earning a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament before advancing to the Sweet 16. Cornhusker head coach Connie Yori swept all five National Coach of the Year awards that season, as well. Smallwood spent 11 years as an assistant coach at Washington. She served as recruiting coordinator, and for eight seasons, as the lead assistant coach. During her time in Seattle, she helped lead the Huskies to six NCAA Tournament appearances, which included a trip to the Sweet 16 in 1995 and an Elite Eight appearance in 2001.
*MSU assistant Blaire Braxton is in her second season on the bench under the tutelage of Tricia Binford. Braxton's accolades include most games played (125), and along with Madeline Smith and Oliana Squires, was a part of the winningest class in school history as the threesome accounted for 82 victories. A two-time All-Big Sky academic selection, Braxton played a major role in guiding the Bobcats to a 25-6 overall mark and a record-setting 19-1 ledger in league play during the 2019-20 campaign. Braxton bookend her career with a pair of league titles, helping the Bobcats to the 2017 Big Sky crown and MSU's first NCAA tournament appearance in 24 years as a freshman.
*Katie Bussey, who played at MSU from 2008-2012, and was a WBCA Honorable Mention All-American her senior season, joined Binford's staff in mid-June. After graduating from MSU with a degree in kinesiology in 2012, Bussey played professionally in The Netherlands, Sweden, and Germany. At Montana State, Bussey is second on the all-time career scoring list with 1,710 points- just 51 behind all-time leader Kathleen McLaughlin Howard. She stills hold the school record for most points in a game with 41 against Idaho State on Feb. 2, 2012. Bussey is MSU's all-time three-point makes leader with 254 triples. At the time she left Montana State, her three-point total was best in Big Sky history. In all, Bussey's name appears in the top 10 of nine career categories and seven single-season records. Bussey completed her senior season averaging 17.3 points, 3.5 rebounds and 3.3 assists per game, en route to earning All-America Honorable Mention kudos, the first Bobcat to earn the honor since Blythe Hommes in 1997. Bussey was the 2009 Big Sky Freshman of the Year, and garnered unanimous first-team accolades in 2012, second-team honors in 2011, and honorable mention recognition in 2010. Off the court, she was MSU's Big Sky Conference Scholar Athlete of the Year in 2012 and was a four-time all-Big Sky Academic selection.
NO PLACE LIKE HOME: In the last 10 seasons dating back to the 2012-13 campaign, the Cats have posted a 105-30 (77.8%) mark within the warm confines of Worthington Arena and a 72-22 (76.6%) ledger in Big Sky action on the home hardwood.
STILL RELATIVELY YOUNG: Last season MSU had one of the youngest squads in the nation with seven total freshmen, six of which were true-freshmen. Twelve of 15 players on the Bobcat roster had two years of NCAA Division I experience or less. Looking at MSU's starting line-up heading into the tournament, and with the 'free' season of eligibility due to COVID-19, in all reality, the Bobcats take to the floor with two sophomores - Darian White and Kola Bad Bear, two freshmen - Katelynn Limardo and Leia Beattie and senior - Gabby Mocchi.
Players Mentioned
Bobcat Insider TV Show
Wednesday, January 26
vs. Seattle (Live Stream Video)
Saturday, December 18
Inside The Brick (Lexi Deden)
Thursday, November 04
Inside The Brick (Leia Beattie)
Tuesday, November 02