WOMEN'S BASKETBALL: Young Bulldogs Have Good Days Ahead

The Ferris women's basketball team vs. Indianapolis (Photo Scott Whitney)

Strangely enough for me, I had just my first two opportunities of the season to see the Ferris State University women's basketball team in action as they competed against the University of Indianapolis, on Friday, and St. Joseph's College on Saturday.

The Bulldogs knew they had a couple of tough tests on their hands against the Greyhounds and the Pumas. Unfortunately for Ferris, the team suffered a pair of losses to the regional opponents.

It was a tough pair of games as Ferris struggled turning the basketball over in both games and had a difficult time finding consistency shooting the basketball. The Bulldogs had fairly consistent play from sophomore guard Sarah DeShone and had some strong moments from freshman center Christina Branch. Branch had 16 points and 17 rebounds against the Pumas on Saturday. Tricia Principe, a senior guard, didn't shoot as well as she normally does from the field and the 3-point arc, but was able to get to the free throw line to help her team get on the scoreboard. DeShone had 16 while Principe had 18 against St. Joseph's.

The Bulldogs have more depth this year and that should pay off as the team's chemistry comes to better and it can cut down on the turnovers.

One thing is clear: The future is bright in this program. Strengthened by strong sophomore and freshmen classes, Ferris is headed toward big things in the years to come.

MEN'S BASKETBALL: Red-Hot Indianapolis Team Stops Bulldogs

Kenny Brown shoots a free throw. (Photo/Scott Whitney)

The University of Indianapolis proved to be a good team as it came to Big Rapids on Friday afternoon to face Ferris State University on the hardwood.

The game was a good test for the Bulldogs who will need these kinds of regional games to prepare them for what is ahead in the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference. The level of play that the Greyhounds brought to the court is pretty much what Ferris can expect on most nights in the GLIAC (some nights it will be an even higher level of competition).

Indianapolis had a guard-oriented scoring attack that challenged the defense of the Ferris backcourt. The Greyhounds had decent size inside as well with 6-9 and 6-7 players logging a good number of minutes on the hardwood. The Bulldogs have been playing without the injured Jim Boylan, a 6-9 center, but other players have stepped up as guys like Jerrell Sanders and Daniel Sutherlin have picked up their work on the boards to solidify the rebounding and shot blocking.

As the Bulldogs look ahead to road tests next week at Lake Superior State and Saginaw Valley State, the team will need to put all phases together and come up with the balanced, consistent scoring it will need to win road games in the GLIAC - not to mention the defense and rebounding that is necessity to win on the road in the league.

Ferris must continue to get strong with its consistent defense effort to challenge the shooters and deny dribble penetration as much as possible. Interior defense and rebounding also will be important from here on out for the Bulldogs.

Indianapolis was an appetizer. Regional games (out of conference) are important, but the real way for a team to control its destiny is to handle its business in the conference.

FOOTBALL: Annese Knows The Hard Work Is Ahead For Ferris Program

New Ferris head football coach Tony Annese speaks to the media.

New Ferris State University head football coach Tony Annese has a lot of respect for the history of the Bulldog football program - even as he has been hired to push it ahead to greater heights.

It looks like Coach Annese is ready to put his stamp on a Ferris program that has players ready to climb up the ranks of the GLIAC and battle it out with traditional league powerhouses like Grand Valley State University and others. Having such a strong history in West Michigan, Annese has been able to follow the history of the Ferris program and envision future success for Bulldog football.

"I'm excited and humbled about the opportunity to coach Division II football at Ferris," Annese said. "There is a tremendous football tradition at FSU and this is a great chance to follow in the footsteps of some outstanding coaches and teams that have been here in the past. We have a lot of work in front of us, but I'm looking forward to developing many new relationships and building opportunities to be successful."

The hard work is indeed ahead for Annese. He will have to begin evaluating the program, hire a staff, jump right into recruiting and look ahead to spring practice. 

This is the honeymoon, and it's special and fun, but Annese is ready to get to work.

FOOTBALL: Annese Hiring Should Strengthen Ferris' West Michigan Recruiting

New Ferris head coach Tony Annese

One thing right off the bat that looks promising as Ferris State University has hired Grand Rapids Community College head football coach Tony Annese could be recruiting.

Annese has strong West Michigan ties from his days as a high school coach to the work that he has done to turn GRCC into a national power on the junior college level. Like many who have followed Bulldog football for a number of years, I hope that Annese can use those relationships he has with Grand Rapids-area and Muskegon-area coaches to add to Ferris' recruiting prowess.

The Bulldogs need to win recruiting battles in West Michigan, and - yes - that does mean winning some head-to-head recruiting battles against Grand Valley State University, and others. If the Bulldogs can win a high percentage of recruiting battles in West Michigan, that alone makes Ferris a top-flight GLIAC program. Yes, the high school football in West Michigan is indeed THAT GOOD.

I look forward to Coach Annese renewing his relationships with West Michigan coaches, but doing it now in Ferris' crimson and gold colors.

WOMEN'S BASKETBALL: Ferris Stuns No. 7 Michigan Tech

Sarah DeShone

They did it, again - upsetting a nationally-ranked team.

Ferris State University stepped its game up and met the challenge presented by a Michigan Tech University team that came to Big Rapids ranked seventh in the nation in Division II, but left with a loss as it heads down to Allendale to face Grand Valley State University.

The Bulldogs were sharp en route to a 71-56 win over the visiting Huskies. Sarah DeShone was superb once again for Ferris as she scored a game-high 24 points in the victory. Christina Branch had 13, Nikki Arner had 11 and Tricia Principe added 10 as the Ferris starting lineup posted a strong effort. DeShone was the key as she hit 10-of-16 shots and from the field, including 2-of-4 from outside of the 3-point arc.

The win was a big one for Ferris, but it won't mean as much if the Bulldogs can't follow it up with a win Monday night at 6 p.m. against Northern Michigan University in Big Rapids.

MEN'S BASKETBALL: Bulldogs Need To Bounce Back

Jerrell Sanders

Ferris State University knew that Michigan Tech was going to be a tough opponent coming into Sunday's game and the Huskies proved to be just that with a 77-64 win in Big Rapids.

The Bulldogs had a tough time handling big man Ali Haidar inside as he posted a double-double performance with 17 points and 12 rebounds in the win. MTU also had good guard play to assist its cause as the program improved to 4-0 in the league. Tech shot an unbelievable 70 percent from the field in the victory and that is virtually impossible to do against a typical Ferris defensive effort.

The Bulldogs shot just 37 percent from the floor and that was not enough against a sizzling Michigan Tech squad that was on its game.

Ferris, led by standout forward Jerrell Sanders has no time to worry about that loss with Northern Michigan University coming to Big Rapids for a Monday night game in Wink Arena at 8 p.m. NMU is coming in off a 67-60 loss at Grand Valley State University on Sunday afternoon.

The Bulldogs badly need a win to hang tough in the early North Division GLIAC race.

FOOTBALL: New Coach Will Face High Expectations

Ferris State University is in the midst of a search for its next football coach and it will mark the dawn of a new era on the gridiron.

The pressure will be greater as expectations will be much higher since Ferris and long-time head coach Jeff Pierce parted ways.

The Division II football world has offered a few whispers about who will become the next head coach. There are a few well-known names in Michigan that are involved in the speculation and there will be some names that are perhaps not so well known that will emerge.

One advantage the next coach will have is that Ferris is a school held in high regard by a lot of communities around the state where high school football is strong. One of the primary tasks of the new coach will be to build (or perhaps strengthen) bonds in those recruiting hotbeds to bring that talent to Ferris to play football.

You can bet that whoever becomes the new coach that the individual will be ready to go to work - he better be ready. The opportunity is great, but so too will be the expectations.

MEN'S BASKETBALL: Ferris' Hot Start To Season Will Be Tested

Head coach Bill Sall's Ferris State University squad knows the task is tough this weekend as it prepares to face a very good Michigan Tech University team and a Northern Michigan University squad that could be on the rise in the conference.

The Bulldogs are off to a hot start this season at 3-0 in league play. But, the Huskies also are 3-0 as they visit Big Rapids on Sunday.

The GLIAC race is tough with as many as seven (possibly eight teams) legitimately feeling that they can win the championship.

Northern comes in at .500 overall and 2-1 in the league. The Wildcats continue to add talented pieces to the puzzle as they are still (relatively speaking) in the beginning of a new era in program history.

Both battles will be good tests for Ferris, led by the hot shooting of guard Kenny Brown, the versatile play of Daniel Sutherlin and Jerrell Sanders and the contributions of an excellent freshman class featuring the likes of Drew Lehman and Dietrich Lever. While the risk is high the reward is potentially great if Ferris can put together a pair of wins coming off of exam week on campus.

Sunday, Dec. 18
Women's Basketball vs. Michigan Tech, 1 p.m.
Men's Basketball vs. Michigan Tech, 3 p.m. Live Radio On Sunny 97.3 FM (Men's game only) Both Games Available Live Online Via Bulldog Sports Network Live Bulldog Sports Network Audio Broadcast Live Bulldog Sports Network PPV Video Webcast Live Internet Statistics Live Facebook Scoring Updates Live Twitter Scoring Updates Monday, Dec. 19
Women's Basketball vs. Northern Michigan, 5 p.m.
Men's Basketball vs. Northern Michigan, 7 p.m. Live Radio On Sunny 97.3 FM (Men's game only) Both Games Available Live Online Via Bulldog Sports Network Live Bulldog Sports Network Audio Broadcast Live Bulldog Sports Network PPV Video Webcast Live Internet Statistics Live Facebook Scoring Updates Live Twitter Scoring Updates

WOMEN'S BASKETBALL: Big Weekend To Show Progress So Far

Ferris State University has a big opportunity coming up this weekend when it hosts Upper Peninsula schools Michigan Tech University and Northern Michigan University on Sunday and Monday in Big Rapids.

The Bulldogs have enjoyed a solid degree of success with good health and the influx of talented newcomers, such as center Christina Branch. Branch is averaging more than seven points and seven-plus rebounds per contest for Ferris. Sophomore guard Sarah DeShone continues to improve and is averaging 15.2 points to lead the squad. Senior guard Tricia Principe continues to be a dependable scoring and perimeter shooting threat while talented and versatile sophomore forward Nikki Arner is showing her star potential more and more with each game.

Tech will be a good test coming in as a nationally-ranked team with talented players all over the court. The Huskies are a well-coached team that is accustomed to success. Ferris will be tested in a major way on Sunday. This game will give the Bulldogs a good feel for where they stack up as the league season really gets going. Monday, Ferris is home against Northern in what should be another competitive game. The Wildcats are an eyelash below .500, but can play with anyone in the conference.

Nothing can be taken for granted.

Check out the game notes, here.

Sunday, Dec. 18
Women's Basketball vs. Michigan Tech, 1 p.m.
Men's Basketball avs. Michigan Tech, 3 p.m. Live Radio On Sunny 97.3 FM (Men's game only) Both Games Available Live Online Via Bulldog Sports Network Live Bulldog Sports Network Audio Broadcast Live Bulldog Sports Network PPV Video Webcast Live Internet Statistics Live Facebook Scoring Updates Live Twitter Scoring Updates

Monday, Dec. 19
Women's Basketball vs. Northern Michigan, 5 p.m.
Men's Basketball vs. Northern Michigan, 7 p.m. Live Radio On Sunny 97.3 FM (Men's game only) Both Games Available Live Online Via Bulldog Sports Network Live Bulldog Sports Network Audio Broadcast Live Bulldog Sports Network PPV Video Webcast Live Internet Statistics Live Facebook Scoring Updates Live Twitter Scoring Updates

WOMEN'S BASKETBALL: DeShone Continues To Shine, Earns Player Of The Week Honor

Sarah DeShone

Ferris State University women's basketball sophomore guard Sarah DeShone continues to shine in her second season in the crimson and gold colors.

DeShone just earned Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Women's Basketball North Division Player of the Week honors for her efforts on the hardwood as she continues to emerge as a more-than-capable player and a team leader out of the backcourt for the Bulldogs.

She averaged 15.5 points last weekend as the Bulldogs split a pair of contests down in Ohio as Ferris dropped a contest to Tiffin University, but bounced back to earn a victory over Ohio Dominican University.

Read more about DeShone's honor, here:
http://www.ferrisstatebulldogs.com/sports/wbkb/2011-12/releases/20111206v8r88y

HOCKEY: CCHA Looking Tough Early

Ferris State University's Chad Billins

The Central Collegiate Hockey Association is looking pretty tough and hardly the picture of a team that is a couple of years away from pretty much disappearing off the national college hockey scene.

The league is looking strong with Ohio State University as the current leader with 29 points followed by Ferris State University's opponent this weekend, the University of Notre Dame, which has 24 points. Western Michigan University, on the strength of a weekend sweep of the Bulldogs now has 22 points, fourth-place Lake Superior State University has 20 points and fifth-place Ferris has 19 points.

Michigan State University is sixth while perennial league powers Miami University and the University of Michigan are struggling right now in the lower division of the CCHA.

2011-2012 CCHA CONFERENCE STANDINGS
		CONFERENCE									OVERALL
		GP	W	L	T	SW	Pts.	GF	GA		W	L	T	GF	GA
1	Ohio State	12	9	2	1	1	29	42	26		12	3	1	53	31
2	Notre Dame	12	7	2	3	0	24	36	28		10	5	3	55	50
3	Western Michigan	12	6	4	2	2	22	33	28		8	4	4	49	34
4	Lake Superior	12	6	5	1	1	20	31	32		10	6	2	46	43
5	Ferris State	12	6	5	1	0	19	28	27		10	5	1	43	30
6	Michigan State	10	6	4	0	0	18	32	23		10	5	1	56	41
7	Northern Michigan	12	4	5	3	2	17	28	31		7	6	3	41	40
8	Miami	12	4	6	2	1	15	26	31		8	8	2	48	48
	Michigan	12	4	6	2	1	15	36	32		8	8	2	64	47
10	Alaska	14	4	8	2	0	14	26	33		7	9	2	39	41
11	Bowling Green	12	1	10	1	1	5	14	41		6	10	2	32	49
Teams are awarded three points for each win in regulation or overtime, and one point for an overtime tie. Conference games tied after 65 minutes advance to a three-player shootout with the winning team receiving an extra point in the standings (denoted in the SW column).

WOMEN'S BASKETBALL: LaCross Joins Bulldog Roster As A Talented Frontcourt Player

April LaCross was signed by Ferris State University during the early-signing period. LaCross, a 6-foot forward from Forest Hills Central High School in Grand Rapids, joins a Ferris recruiting class that includes Alexis Miller of Caledonia High School.

LaCross was a first team All-Ottawa Kent Black Division player last season as she averaged 10.8 points, 4.5 assists, 3.9 steals and 3.6 rebounds. She helped lead Forest Hills Central to a record of 21-3 overall and a district championship.

"April is a versatile player who knows the game and has a soft shooting touch," said Ferris women's baskeball head coach Tracey Dorow. "We are eager to see April in a Bulldog uniform and are confident she will feel right at home in our program."

WOMEN'S BASKETBALL: Miller Brings A Tough Edge, Lots Of Talent To Bulldogs

Ferris State University was pleased to sign 5-7 guard Alexis Miller of Caledonia High School. Miller is one of the top guards coming out of the Grand Rapids area this year.

Miller, who averaged 17 points per game last season for Caledonia, which finished 13-8. She also averaged four assists, three rebounds and two steals.

"Lexi has developed into one of the best point guards in the state of Michigan and we're thrilled she has chosen to continue her career at Ferris," said head women's basketball coach Tracey Dorow. "She's extremely quick with the ball and finds a way to setup her teammates for success.

"Additonally, she's a feisty defender and a fierce competitor who we expect will make an immediate impact in our program," she added.

She will be a great addition to the roster this season.