The Bobcat Nation

NW Nazarene is a pretty good D-2 program from Nampa, Id.
Our team's full-court press made it pretty rough on them. Would have easily passed the century mark if we could have hit a reasonable percentage of free throws, but good to get all those misses out of the way in an exhibition game. Team is long, fast, and has a lot of talent up and down the roster. Teegan Erickson and Dyan Phillip weren't suited up. Heinz played a lot and looked pretty darn good-so hopefully all her injuries are healed and behind her. Issy Bunyan's outside shooting is in mid-season form-everybody else not so much, but that will come. An extremely talented group with no seniors! Just give Taylee Chirrick the defensive POY again-that's a far-gone conclusion.

Questions I had going into the Game:

1) Do we have a Go-To shooter that can get buckets when we need them.
Answer- Yes. I believe Bunyan can take that role, as well as about 2-3 others if needed

2) What will our Inside game look like
Answer- I think the combo of Harris and Johnson down low on Defense is outstanding. They also move so fast after rebounds, that I don't think Big Sky teams with true "Centers" will be able to keep up all game.

3) Who will take over the Point
Answer- Bunyan seems to be the best fit for a true Point, with her smooth play and maturity. Also think that about 3-4 other players can easily rotate in.

4) Young/New players fitting in
Answer- This will take time, but the young players are really good. They will make mistakes, especially in the OOC games, but that is to be expected. By the time Conference starts, MSU should be the deepest team in the Big Sky once again.

5) Returning players getting better
Answer - YES.. Main one I focused on was Brooke, and she played free and fast. She will be a handful on the defensive side, and had great leadership when on that side of the court. She also "Took her shot" more, and the confidence was in full force.

Overall: This team will get better as the season goes on, but as a friend told me last night "Defense travels" and this team is REALLY GOOD at defense.

Thanks or the post SACCAT With so many great answers.

I've been patient in waiting for Erickson to start shining on the floor and can accept that she wasn't ready last year. Now with her not dressed for this exhibition game my mind goes to the bad thoughts of injury like seems to have happened to more than one of our promising bigs through the years. Is there any news that you can share on this?

Teagan Erickson has a minor thumb injury. She should be good to go in a week or so.

Cat449yrs wrote: ↑

Tue Oct 28, 2025 1:29 pm

Teagan Erickson has a minor thumb injury. She should be good to go in a week or so.

Sigh of relief thanks

Joe Bobcat wrote: ↑

Tue Oct 28, 2025 1:34 pm

Cat449yrs wrote: ↑

Tue Oct 28, 2025 1:29 pm

Teagan Erickson has a minor thumb injury. She should be good to go in a week or so.

Sigh of relief thanks

Yes, Teagan has a thumb injury that is healing naturally rather than a surgery. Hopefully back in a few weeks. She looks a bit taller and has put on some good weight, so I am excited to see her play this year.

Joe Bobcat wrote: ↑

Tue Oct 28, 2025 12:49 pm

Thanks or the post SACCAT With so many great answers.

I've been patient in waiting for Erickson to start shining on the floor and can accept that she wasn't ready last year. Now with her not dressed for this exhibition game my mind goes to the bad thoughts of injury like it seems to have happened to more than one of our promising bigs through the years. Is there any news that you can share on this?

Ms Erickson is going to trouble for a lot Big Sky team. I really like the rotation of Johnson, Harris, and Erickson inside.

Frustrated I could not watch this on TV, am very anxious to see this team. Go Cats!!!!!!

84CatGrad wrote: ↑

Tue Oct 28, 2025 4:56 pm

Frustrated I could not watch this on TV, am very anxious to see this team. Go Cats!!!!!!

November 4th VS Carroll will be the 1st ESPN+ game.

Yeah, different years and some players, but Nazarene played Idaho State and Oregon State last season and played closer games against both. They aren’t some patsy.

The Bobcats played another exhibition last night against Bushnell and won by a score of 88-37, forcing 44 turnovers with 31 steals. They only shot 5 of 33 on threes, so sounds like the score could have been much worse. Taylee Chirrick: 11 points, 14 rebounds, 5 assists, 3 steals. I cannot wait to watch her this year, such a fun player!

MSU01 wrote: ↑

Fri Oct 31, 2025 4:56 pm

The Bobcats played another exhibition last night against Bushnell and won by a score of 88-37, forcing 44 turnovers with 31 steals. They only shot 5 of 33 on threes, so sounds like the score could have been much worse. Taylee Chirrick: 11 points, 14 rebounds, 5 assists, 3 steals. I cannot wait to watch her this year, such a fun player!

Ouch! 5-33 on threes, somebody needs to get in gym and get some muscle memory going. I agree about Taylee. She stands out just being in the crowd — simply looks athletic even standing still. I’m very ready to see if this team can dial in a 10-player rotation and some consistent offense. Going to be an exciting year. So many players who can run — fast.