2016-17 Around the West

February 21, 2017 The keys to unlocking a UMAC crown Can anyone stop Northwestern from earning its seventh straight automatic NCAA tournament berth? What are the most important factors to winning a two-round conference tournament? Nathan Ford breaks it down with UMAC coaches in Around the West.

February 14, 2017 The Sound and the history Puget Sound knocked off all of the top contenders in the NWC. By doing so, the Loggers clinched the program's first outright NWC title. Nathan Ford explains how they did it, plus guides us through all of the other conference races out West.

February 8, 2017 Count out Tommies at your own risk St. Thomas stumbled early this season, but the defending men's champs are gaining momentum when it matters most. Meanwhile, the women's team is dominating, eager to avenge last season's disappointing finish. More in Around the West.

January 31, 2017 Weathering the storm Missing the 2016 tournament? Losing one of his top running mates to injury? Michael Scarlett can handle that pressure. He's become a complete player for a deep Stags team intent on running the SCIAC table. More in Around the West.

January 24, 2017 The kind of player who can change a program Laurie Kelly was the kind of player capable of succeeding at a higher level. Now, as a Division III head coach, she is tasked with recruiting her own game-changing players to Gustavus Adolphus. She found her first in Mikayla Miller. More in Around the West.

January 17, 2017 Heart of a champion Josh Ruggles is a heart surgery survivor and a world record holder. Now, finally, the Loras sharpshooter once again holds a title he cherishes most: college basketball player. Nathan Ford has more in Around the West.

January 11, 2017 What's in the water in Walla Walla? Whitman's men's and women's teams are a perfect 26-0 to start the season. You better learn their new nickname soon, as the newly-christened Blues are prepared to make their name known deep into March.

January 4, 2017 Resetting the West The holiday season is over and conference play is in full swing. Nathan Ford resets the West Region conferences to prepare you for an exciting finish to the 2016-17 season.

December 7, 2016 Shooting to win with winners who shoot When Peg Swadener took over a 1-24 Willamette program, she knew what kind of players she wanted to recruit. Now, her team's style and culture is translating to wins. More in Around the West.

November 29, 2016 Addition and subtraction at Cal Lutheran The Kingsmen lost head coach Rich Rider when he retired abruptly just before the season started. They added transfer Wolfgang Wood, and elevated longtime assistant Geoff Dains to interim head coach. It's all added up to a 4-0 start. More in Around the West.

November 22, 2016 Prairie Wolves ready to run Nebraska Wesleyan is officially a member of Division III and the IIAC. Their style might look familiar, but it aims to be one-of-a-kind. Nathan Ford has more in the first Around the West column of the season.