Houston Roundball Review mp3s: women's hoops

Coach Coale: 03/04/08

kgardner@thehrr.com — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 19:52:13 PST

This week's interview with Oklahoma head coach Sherri Coale focuses more on the Sooners upcoming regular season finale -- this Thursday versus the Texas A&M Aggies -- than OU's previous two games.

Oklahoma (21-6 overall, 11 and 4 in the Big 12) while the Aggies (22-7 overall) own a 10 and 5 Big 12 record. The winner of Thursday's game greatly improves the chances of receiving a first round bye in next week's Big 12 Conference Tournament.

Coach Coale discusses last Wednesday's road win (65 to 55) over Texas Tech as well as Sunday's ugly home loss (65 to 50) to the Texas Longhorns.

Coach Coale discusses OU's need to play more focused and the obvious need to take care of the basketball and reduce the turnovers versus the Aggies.

Take a listen: "...play like we're capable..."

Coach Coale: 02/26/08

kgardner@thehrr.com — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 09:56:21 PST

Following last Sunday's blowout loss to Baylor, the Oklahoma Sooners (20-5, 10-3) bounced back with a road win over Kansas State (68 - 65, Feb. 20) and a ten point home win (81 - 71, Feb. 24) over state rival Oklahoma State.

Regarding the win over K-State, OU Coach Sherri Coale discusses the sluggish start versus Kansas State; Jenna Plumley's toughness; sophomore guard Rose Hammond's contribution in the game; and, her players making plays to win the game.

Coach Coale discusses the team's better first-half start versus the Cowgirls; the sold-out crowd; as well as Amanda Thompson's stellar play in the game.

Lastly, Coach Coale discusse tomorrow's match-up with Texas Tech (16-11, 4-9); and, the importance of finishing in the top four in the Big 12 for the Big 12 Conference Tournament.

Take a listen: "...players have to make plays..."

After Wednesday's game in Lubbock, the Sooners host the Texas Longhorns Sunday, March 2, at 12:30 pm CST.

Coach Coale: 02/19/08

kgardner@thehrr.com — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 09:44:05 PST

This week's interview is a bit shorter than usual -- only because I'm fighting a cold / flu.

However, Oklahoma's Sherri Coale discusses last Tuesday's win over Texas A&M (68 - 56) including OU's "Pink Out". Coach Coale discusses Sunday's blowout loss in Waco versus Baylor (79 - 59) -- including sophomore Amanda Thompson's playing despite battling the flu.

With tomorrow's big game versus Kansas State (18-6, 10-1 in Big 12) next, Coach Coale talks about the Sooners' practice on Monday and being much more ready for the game in Manhattan, KS, than the team was versus Baylor.

Take a listen: "...not very good in any phase of the game..."

After the game versus K-State, the Sooners (18-5, 8-3 in Big 12) will play Oklahoma State (20-4, 8-3) February 23, in Norman, OK.

Coach Coale: 02/12/08

kgardner@thehrr.com — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 09:34:08 PST

This week's interview with Oklahoma head coach Sherri Coale was a little different.

In addition to the usual discussion about OU's previous games (64 -57 win at Missouri and 82 -66 win over Colorado), Coach Coale discusses tonight's "Pack the Place Pink" night versus Texas A&M.Oklahoma (17-4, 7-2) lost to the Aggies (17-6, 5-4) twice during Big 12 play last season.

In addition to the significance of tonight's game in the Big 12, the match-up also is a part of the Women's Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA)'s "Think Pink" initiative. Coach Coale mentions all of the "Think Pink" activities involved with tonight's game.

Take a listen: "...Pack the Place Pink..."

Coach Coale: 02/05/08

kgardner@thehrr.com — Tue, 05 Feb 2008 11:23:16 PST

This week's interview with Oklahoma head coach Sherri Coale follows the established HRR tradition: recap the previous week's games (67 to 51 win over Kansas and 74 to 58 win over Texas). However, since I attended the game versus the Longhorns, Coach Coale and I spoke about the game in detail.

As usual, she also discusses their next opponent (at Missouri, Wednesday, Feb. 6). Coach Coale candidly states she's concerned about her team having a let down versus the Tigers.

Take a listen: "...more on intent on what we do..."

OU is now 15-4 overall and 5-2 in the Big 12.

OU's Sherri Coale: 01/29/08

kgardner@thehrr.com — Tue, 29 Jan 2008 09:44:28 PST

This week's interview with Oklahoma Sooners head coach Sherri Coale discusses the Sooners' wins over Texas Tech (78-39) and Georgia (65-57) as well as previews the January 30th home game against the Kansas Jayhawks.

Coach Coale specifically discusses OU players Amanda Thompson, Courtney Paris, Danielle Robinson, Jenna Plumley.

She also mentions Baylor and Kansas State currently being undefeated in Big 12 play. Plus, Coach Coale says how proud she is of Sooners' men's head coach Jeff Capel and the job he's done thus far this season.

Take a listen: "...exclamatory in everything she did..."

Coach Coale: 1/22/08

kgardner@thehrr.com — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 09:38:10 PST

For the second straight week, the Oklahoma Sooners split their two conference games. The Sooners defeated Nebraska last Wednesday; but, lost to Baylor on Sunday (84-73).

In this week's interview Sooners' head coach Sherri Coale discusses the two games; the OU fans; and Wednesday's game versus Texas Tech.

OU is 2-2 in the Big 12 while Tech is 1-3.

Listen to the interview: "...great women's college basketball game..."

OU also hosts Georgia, this Sunday, January 27. Tip-off is set for 4pm and the game will be shown on ESPN2.

Coach Coale: 1/15/08

kgardner@thehrr.com — Tue, 15 Jan 2008 10:04:39 PST

Today's weekly interview with Oklahoma Sooners head coach Sherri Coale re-capped the Sooners' 1 and 1 week last week versus Iowa State and Oklahoma State. Coach gave a lot of credit to Oklahoma State's Andrea Riley for her tremendous performance (45 points) versus OU.

Please take a listen to the interview: "...in the zone..."

The Sooners (10-3, 1-1) host Nebraska (13-3, 2-0) tomorrow, January 16, at 6pm before hosting Baylor on Sunday, January 20, at 2pm (ESPN2).

Coach Coale: 1/8/08

kgardner@thehrr.com — Tue, 08 Jan 2008 11:54:50 PST

This week's HRR interview with Oklahoma head coach Sherri Coale is the first of 2008.

The Sooners begin Big 12 play tomorrow, January 9, in Ames, Iowa, versus Iowa State.

Listen to the interview: "...when Big 12 starts..."

OU's next game is Saturday, January 12, in Stallwater, Oklahoma, versus Oklahoma State; however, Coach Coale didn't discuss that game at all because, all coaches do, she's taking the schedule one game at a time.

Coach Coale: 12/18/07

kgardner@thehrr.com — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 12:42:57 PST

Because of the upcoming holidays, this week's interview with OU's Sherri Coale will be the last one of 2007.

Coach discusses Sunday's solid road win over Michigan State; Amanda Thompson's performance in that game; her grade for team to date; etc.

Take a listen:

"...a C plus..."

Coach Coale: 12/11/07

kgardner@thehrr.com — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 09:47:15 PST

This week's HRR interview with Oklahoma Sooners' head coach Sherri Coale discusses OU's wins over Illinois and Tulsa as well as the teams in the Big 12's South Division; the Big 12 overall; freshman Danielle Robinson (and former OU players La'Neishea Caulfield); and also the Sooners' upcoming match up with Michigan State on December 16.

Check out the interview:

Coach Coale: "...we'll keep pushing at it..."

Sherri Coale: 12/04/07

kgardner@thehrr.com — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 10:27:01 PST

This week's interview with Oklahoma's Sheryl Coale touches on a few different topics: the Sooners' two victories last week; playing Illinois tomorrow and Tulsa later this week; the stats correction in Cancun, Mexico; and the creation of the WBCA's Kay Yow Fund.

Take a listen:

"...an inspiration for millions..."

Big Syl: "Houston's not a bad place"

kgardner@thehrr.com — Sat, 01 Dec 2007 15:57:11 PST

After Thursday's big victory (77 to 46) by LSU over Houston, LSU's Sylvia Fowles (Big Syl) spoke with me and a few other members of the media.

She talked about the win; playing for Van Chancellor; and possibly playing for the Houston Comets in the WNBA.

Fowles: "...Houston is not a bad place..."

Greg Williams: "everybody in the country"

kgardner@thehrr.com — Fri, 30 Nov 2007 10:45:23 PST

Remember this name: D'Frantz Smart. Google (or whatever search engine you use) the name.

Trust me.

Smart officially signed with the Rice Owls this past Tuesday.

Smart, a 5-0 guard who is coached by Corry Irvin at Whitney Young High School in Chicago, totaled 13 points, four assists and two steals per game as a junior for the Dolphins. She was a 2007 Chicago Tribune and Chicago Sun Times All-Area selection in addition to an Illinois All-State pick. Smart also participated in the Adidas All-American camp for two years and earned the Junior Orange Bowl MVP. In her first three seasons, Young High School is 87-8 and has not lost a game at home. Franz was ranked No. 110 overall and No. 22 at point guard by HoopGurlz.com.

I've seen her play; and, I truly believe D'Frantz can be a program changer for the Rice Owls in Conference USA. Fans will love watching her play.

Listen to what Owls head coach Greg Williams had to say about her:

"...everybody in the country would be recruiting her..."

Greg Williams discusses 4 signees

kgardner@thehrr.com — Fri, 30 Nov 2007 10:30:19 PST

This past Tuesday, Rice Owls head coach Greg Williams announced the Owls signed four players for their 2008 - 2009 recruiting class.

Comments from Coach Williams are included in the press release sent by the team's sports information director.

But, people who follow The HRR realize you can listen to interviews with coaches, too.

Therefore, please listen to what Coach Williams said to us before Wednesday's practice:

"...come in and play as a freshman..."

Coach Coale: 11/27/07

kgardner@thehrr.com — Tue, 27 Nov 2007 10:17:14 PST

Today's weekly interview with Oklahoma head coach Sherri Coale is lengthy.

Coach Coale discusses OU's wins over Arizona State and Mississippi State from last week; the end (or not) to Courtney Paris' tremendous streak of double-doubles; Ashley Paris' superb play thus far this season; freshman guard Danielle Robinson's stand out play and recruitment to OU; a little bit about the women's college hoops landscape; a few notes regarding the Women's Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA); the tremendous support from the Oklahoma Sooners fans; and, of course, tonight's match up against North Texas.

So, it's clear why today's interview is about 13 or 14 minutes.

Take a listen:

"...Oklahoma people are special..."

Sherri Coale: 11/20/07

kgardner@thehrr.com — Tue, 20 Nov 2007 11:48:17 PST

In today's weekly interview with OU's Sherri Coale, Coach Coale discusses the Sooners' game last Thursday versus Tennessee; the team's upcoming participation in the Caribbean Challenge; and the two high school seniors, Whitney Hand (Fort Worth, TX) and Jasmine Hartman (Bellaire, TX), OU signed last Wednesday.

Take a listen.

Sherri Coale: "...we were undaunted..."

Danny Hughes: "...battled back..."

kgardner@thehrr.com — Mon, 19 Nov 2007 21:38:17 PST

In first half of tonight's UH - Middle Tennessee State match up, the Houston Lady Cougars showed the home crowd what they missed last week in California: turnovers.

Lots of turnovers. 16 total.

During one awful stretch (from 12:36 to 4:11), the Lady Cougars turned the ball over eight times.

Needless to say, UH trailed MTSU at halftime; however, the deficit was only seven points (41 to 34).

Houston committed only five turnovers in the second half; and, almost erased a 10 point deficit in the final two minutes and one second; however, UH (1-3) lost 69 to 68 to the Blue Raiders (2-1).

After the game, Houston's interim head coach Danny Hughes was glad his team "...battled back..."

MTSU's Holt Stepped Up

kgardner@thehrr.com — Mon, 19 Nov 2007 21:22:42 PST

Monday night at Hofheinz Pavilion, I got my first look at Amber Holt of Middle Tennessee State.

Um, I'm impressed. Check out Holt's stat line:

30 points (13 for 27 from the field); 15 rebounds; 4 assists; 2 steals; and 1 blocked shot -- 4 turnovers, too.

With the game tied at 49, Holt scored 9 consecutive points and assisted on another basket during a 13 - 0 run.

MTSU led 69 to 58 with 2:01 left in the game. MTSU won the game 69 to 68.

After the game, Amber said, "...I have to step up..." She did just that.

Good luck, Nneka

kgardner@thehrr.com — Mon, 19 Nov 2007 14:14:46 PST

This decision was rumored a few weeks ago; but, it was confirmed this afternoon at Cy Fair High School.

Nneka Ogwumike, senior post for the Cy Fair Bobcats, and the top unsigned girls high school player in the nation (according to HoopGurlz.com) finally announced which college she'll attend for the next four years...

...Nneka came in to the room wearing the t-shirt representing the school of her choice; and, the celebratory cake gave the news away as well.

Nneka chose to attend "...Stanford University..."

Good luck, Nneka.

OU topped by Tennessee

kgardner@thehrr.com — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 14:10:49 PST

The inaugural ESPNU Invitational took place Thursday night in Tampa, FL. Four teams (Duke, USF, Tennessee, and Oklahoma) competed in the event. Duke defeated USF 89 to 52 in the first game of the double-header while Tennessee edged Oklahoma 70 to 67 in the finale.

After the Tennessee - OU game, Sooners' head coach Sherri Coale and players Courtney Paris and Danielle Robinson spoke with the media.

Here's the press conference:

"...two icons in the sport..."

Lady Vols Edge OU

kgardner@thehrr.com — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 14:06:37 PST

The inaugural ESPNU Invitational took place Thursday night in Tampa, FL. Four teams (Duke, USF, Tennessee, and Oklahoma) competed in the event. Duke defeated USF 89 to 52 in the first game of the double-header while Tennessee edged Oklahoma 70 to 67 in the finale.

After the Tennessee - OU game, Lady Vols' head coach Pat Summitt and players Candace Parker and Shannon Bobbitt spoke with the media in a post-game interview session.

Here's the press conference:

"...generate some excitement for the Final Four..."

Coach Coale: 11/13/07

kgardner@thehrr.com — Tue, 13 Nov 2007 18:44:05 PST

Losing the season-opener to Maryland (76 to 66) this past Sunday, did not deter Oklahoma's Sherri Coale. Nor does facing top ranked Tennessee this Thursday in Tampa (in the inaugural ESPNU Invitational) give her cause for concern.

Coach Coale told The HRR she believes her young team will be "...a lot less shell-shocked..." versus Tennessee.

Sherri Coale: 11/06/2007

kgardner@thehrr.com — Wed, 07 Nov 2007 14:55:14 PST

My plan to post my first weekly interview with Sherri Coale on Tuesday -- the day of the interview -- went down the toilet thanks to a wayward tape recorder. Fortunately, the recorder was able to record the entire interview before it died.

Here's the interview
-- some of it pertains to last night's exhibition game between the Sooners and Oklahoma Christian --

November 6, 2007: Coach Coale

Another interview will take place next week; and throughout the season.

Listen to Sherri Coale Each Week

kgardner@thehrr.com — Mon, 05 Nov 2007 20:03:57 PST

Oklahoma Sooners head coach Sherri Coale has agreed to a weekly interview segment with The HRR.

The first one will be Tuesday, November 6.

Snippets of the interviews should air on Sports Rap (weekdays from 5 to 7pm, except for 5 to 6pm on Tuesdays, on KCOH 1430 AM (KCOHRadio.com); however, all of the interviews will be posted on TheHRR.com in mp3 format.

If you want to keep up-to-date with the interviews, you can get TheHRR's mp3s feed or you can get TheHRR's mp3s blog via Email.