Marynell's Memories - Aug. 8
Dream head coach Marynell Meadors is serving as an assistant coach for Team USA for the London 2012 Olympic Games, and will provide updates on her experiences throughout her trip. The following is her entry for Aug. 8:
Hey Everyone!
Just a quick note to update everyone. We are down to two games to bring home the GOLD!
We played very well against Canada and just felt like we have alot more depth and athleticism than most teams. As we move into the semifinals to play Australia, we must become more disciplined, especially on the defensive end. Our defense has to be outstanding for 40 minutes and we must continue to push the action and run the floor on offense. Australia has many weapons we must contain. First, Lauren Jackson will bring her best game to beat the Americans. Second, Liz Cambage (Tulsa) has gained alot of weight and is showing signs of maturity with her game and besides she is 6'8" and athletic. Third, Suzy Batkovic (Seattle) is playing very well. All three of their bigs are 6'5 or taller. We think we need to really make it difficult for their guards to get into some kind rhythm offensively, so our goal is to play alot of pressure defense and make it hard for them to get the ball to their bigs.
Having a great time in London and actually had a chance today to tour some. I can't thank USA Basketball enough for giving me this opportunity and I look forward to my continued work with them. This has been an awesome experience and one that I will cherish forever. Looking forward to returning to Atlanta on Sunday to continue the Dream's quest for a WNBA Championship. The schedule for the remaining games (all times London) is:
Thursday, August 9
5 PM USA-Australia
9 PM France-Russia
Saturday, August 11
5 PM Bronze Medal Game (semifinal losers)
9 PM Gold Medal Game (semifinal winners)
I will check in again in a couple of days.
See You Soon!
Marynell
Hey Everyone!
Just a quick note to update everyone. We are down to two games to bring home the GOLD!
We played very well against Canada and just felt like we have alot more depth and athleticism than most teams. As we move into the semifinals to play Australia, we must become more disciplined, especially on the defensive end. Our defense has to be outstanding for 40 minutes and we must continue to push the action and run the floor on offense. Australia has many weapons we must contain. First, Lauren Jackson will bring her best game to beat the Americans. Second, Liz Cambage (Tulsa) has gained alot of weight and is showing signs of maturity with her game and besides she is 6'8" and athletic. Third, Suzy Batkovic (Seattle) is playing very well. All three of their bigs are 6'5 or taller. We think we need to really make it difficult for their guards to get into some kind rhythm offensively, so our goal is to play alot of pressure defense and make it hard for them to get the ball to their bigs.
Having a great time in London and actually had a chance today to tour some. I can't thank USA Basketball enough for giving me this opportunity and I look forward to my continued work with them. This has been an awesome experience and one that I will cherish forever. Looking forward to returning to Atlanta on Sunday to continue the Dream's quest for a WNBA Championship. The schedule for the remaining games (all times London) is:
Thursday, August 9
5 PM USA-Australia
9 PM France-Russia
Saturday, August 11
5 PM Bronze Medal Game (semifinal losers)
9 PM Gold Medal Game (semifinal winners)
I will check in again in a couple of days.
See You Soon!
Marynell