Fans, welcome to the first of many Schieman Basketball Blog's as UC Sports Network's Chris Schieman brings to you his thoughts from the road about how the Ursuline Arrows basketball season is going. As he travels the road with the team, broadcasting every game this season - Schieman will write blog entries and can also provide audio interviews and possibly photos and videos to bring you closer to the action.

Hi everyone, this is broadcaster Chris Schieman. It's Fall, and that means it's time for another basketball season for the Ursuline Arrows. It's my pleasure to bring you live play-by-play of the entire season, starting with Saturday's game at Lake Erie. Basketball has always been my favorite sport and I'm really excited for this year.
 
As far as the team goes, the Arrows come into the season with a young roster and they will be tested early. I'm really interested to see how a young team like this responds to a very tough road schedule.  Nine of the first 12 games are on the road with just three home games in November and December.
 
I think that people assume that because these athletes are young, that the travel doesn't affect the play on the court much, but I have been on the road with veteran teams in situations like this and I know the toll it can take, not only on chemistry, but on the nerves! You get sick of each other, sick of eating fast food, and it becomes a mental road block.  It doesn't mean that it can't be overcome and should not be used as an excuse, but I don't think the casual fan realizes the effort it takes.
 
The Arrows welcome back a couple of players who made major impacts last season. Sophomore Jaylene Taylor should continue to develop in the post and when I spoke with her in the preseason, she made note of how much she hates losing. Expect her to step into a leadership role. 

Sharp-shooters Laura Campbell and Michele Hare return and according to coach Schorr a few of the new addidtions can hit it from deep.
 
This early in the season it's hard to tell who among the nine newcomers can have the most impact. One person I would look out for is freshman Paige Rowan.  I'm not sure how much time she'll get on the court, but after speaking with her a few times during the soccer season, I was very impressed with the way she carried herself. Rowan has a confidence about her that I hope she's able to transfer to her teammates. Basketball teams will win if they believe in themselves, confidence with talent can be a dangerous combination if it comes with discipline. If Rowan plays on the court like she does on the soccer field, she should have a great year.
 
As the season begins, I will be able to see what style of basketball the Arrows are going to play, who will be making major contributions, and I will get to know more of the incoming freshman and junior college transfers.

This year I will also be blogging, especially on the road. While this first blog is a little word-heavy, future blogs will include more audio, pics, and video of the team about what's happening on the road and in Pepper Pike. The blog is meant to give fans a behind-the-scenes look at the action, and allow me to provide further insight into the games and season.
 
In addition to the blog. this year we will be incorporating more social media and interactive features into the broadcasts (like this blog, for example).  In keeping with that theme I will be doing more posting on my social media outlets. You'll see more information from me about game times and broadcasts. 
 
I think it's important working at a school at this level to be as involved as possible with listeners. One of the reason's why I work at a college like Ursuline is the closeness and the sense of community. It's something I take very seriously, and one of my goals is to be as open and available with fans as possible. So please don't hesitate to find me on Facebook, Twitter, E-mail, or just talk to me on the chat feature during our live broadcasts on the UCSN. 

I'm always available for questions or comments, especially about the broadcasts. We want to make sure that the listeners are having a positive experience, and if you aren't you should let me know!  The links are:
 
Twitter:  @Chris_Schieman
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/#!/profile.php?id=100002066845484
Email:  cschieman82@gmail.com
 
I also accept good recipes!
 
Very excited to be a part of another great basketball season here at Ursuline.  It should be a lot of fun connecting with all of you as well!