FAYETTEVILLE – University of Arkansas women’s basketball coach Tom Collen began the spring signing period with the first-ever Michigan signees for the Lady Razorbacks, Quistelle Williams, this week.
Williams adds to the Lady’Backs’ top 25 ranked national recruiting class which recently produced four all-state first team selection and three statewide or all-star game MVPs.
Alabama’s Lyndsay Harris and Kentucky’s Ceira Ricketts led the way for their respective states in two of the most prestigious girls’ all-star games. Harris was the MVP of the 18th-annual Alabama-Mississippi All-Star Game. The Hoover, Ala., shooting guard faced off against her future Arkansas teammate, Ashley Daniels of Coldwater, Miss. Ricketts racked up 23 points to lead the Kentucky all-stars in the Ohio-Kentucky game, and was named to play in the upcoming Kentucky-Indiana All-Star series.
Daniels led her Coldwater team to a second-straight Mississippi state title, as did Carlisle, Ark., guard Julie Inman. Like Ricketts, Inman has one more all-star appearance as she will suit up for the East in the Arkansas All-Star game at Bud Walton Arena in June.
Here’s a quick review of the senior seasons of the Lady Razorback fall signees:
CEIRA RICKETTS
Ricketts scored 23 points to lead her home state team in the Ohio-Kentucky All-Star game in early April. She is also one of 12 players selected to represent the state of Kentucky at the annual two-game series against the Indiana All-Stars this June. Ricketts was picked as one of the 10 all-state players by the Kentucky Associated Press.
The Fairdale point guard picked up several triple double games this season including 19 points, 18 rebounds and 10 steals with Bullitt Central. Among her top scoring games was a 35 point effort a 75-56 win by the Lady Bulldogs over Bullitt East.
The highlight of the year on the box score came against Pleasure Ridge Park as the 5-9 point guard had a quadruple double with 21 points, 17 rebounds, 10 assists and 10 steals in the Sixth Region Tournament. She was within three blocked shots of an almost unheard of quintuple. Ricketts had a near miss at a second quad this season, turning in 29 points, 13 steals, 12 boards and eight assists against Southern, but has four in her six-year varsity career.
For her career, Ricketts scored 3,113 points to rank 11th all-time in Kentucky girls’ basketball history. She added 1,124 rebounds and 614 assists. Ricketts almost had a triple-K with 914 steals, which ranks second all-time among Blue Grass state prep girls. She was also voted the homecoming queen for FHS.
ASHLEY DANIELS
Daniels repeated as the Mississippi state champion in Class A as Coldwater went 35-1 this past season. Although playing in the state’s smallest division, Coldwater was ranked fourth in the state overall rankings, and Daniels was named to the Jackson Clarion-Ledger’s first-team all-state team.
This past season was the third trip to the state championship game for Daniels, who scored her career high with 36 points as a freshman. As a senior, Daniels’ top game was 26 against Horn Lake as she averaged 19.8 ppg and 8.7 rpg.
Daniels was selected to represent the Magnolia State in the annual Alabama-Mississippi All-Star Game.
LYNDSAY HARRIS
Harris led Hoover High in points and assists her senior season as the Buccaneers went 30-2 overall and ran the table in HHS area. Twice this season the 5-9 shooting guard canned seven three-pointers, the first setting the record at the Fort Smith, Ark., Tournament of Champions where she was named MVP.
Harris’ three-point ability in crunch time was on display in late March as she was named the MVP of the Alabama-Mississippi All-Star Game. With her team trailing by five, Harris hit two treys in the last 30 seconds of regulation – the second with just five ticks remaining -- to send the game into overtime. She finished the game with 18 points in only 18 minutes played, including 5-of-9 from behind the arc, as the Alabama squad pulled out the OT victory, 89-86.
Harris was first-team Class 6A all-state by the Alabama Sports Writers Association and 2008 Super All-Metro by the Birmingham News. The News also tabbed Harris as the player of the year for the South-Hoover region. She was also a McDonald’s All-America nominee in Alabama.
JULIE INMAN
Inman led Carlisle to a second straight state championship in Arkansas’ Class AA division. The two-time MVP of the Class AA tournament, Inman had 18 as the Lady Bison defeated Augusta, 55-41, to finish the season 26-7 overall. The Arkansas Activities Association named Inman to the 2008 Class AA All-State team and to the East Squad of the all-division all-star game, set to play June 19 at Bud Walton Arena.
JAMESHA TOWNSEND
Townsend transferred high schools as a senior, and was ruled ineligible along with several other girls and boys basketball transfers this past year to participate for her new school in the San Diego area. Last season, the 6-2 forward averaged 12 ppg for La Jolla’s County Day.
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
DeWanna Bonner & Sherell Hobbs Named Co-MVP's At Auburn Basketball Awards Banquet
AUBURN - Junior's DeWanna Bonner and Sherell Hobbs were named co-Most Valuable Players at the women's basketball awards banquet Monday at Auburn Hotel & Conference Center.
Bonner, an honorable mention All-American, led Auburn on both sides of the ball this season and became just the second ever Tiger player to lead the team in scoring and rebounding three consecutive years. She finished as the league's second leading scorer with 18.4 points and rebounder, averaging 10.0 rebounds per game. Bonner was Auburn's leading scorer in 18 of the 31 contests she played in and notched 15 double-doubles in that span.
A first team All-SEC selection by the league's coaches and the Associated Press, Bonner ranks ninth all-time at Auburn in scoring with 1,446 points and rebounding with 758 boards. She is one of only six players ever to be in the top 10 in both categories. She finished this season ranked fourth in career scoring average (15.7), third in rebounding average (8.2), second in free throws made (382), third in free throws attempted (497), fourth in free throw percentage (76.9) and 10th in blocks (84).
Bonner concluded her junior campaign, fifth on the season record books for points (571) and rebounds (311), second in free throws made (168) and attempted (207), seventh in scoring average (18.4) and fifth in rebounding average (10.0).
She also became the all-time leading rebounder for the junior class during the Arkansas game in the first round of the SEC Tournament. Bonner averaged 24.5 points and 13.5 rebounds in the SEC Tournament and was named to the All-Tournament team, becoming the first Auburn player since Tara Williams in 1997 to receive the honor.
Hobbs led Auburn in steals (77), while also averaging 13.1 points and 5.7 rebounds a game. Hobbs improved her game in league play, turning in 15.8 points and 5.7 rebounds a game. Her SEC scoring average ranked fifth in the league. Hobbs went a span of 17 games this season where she scored in double figures and finished the season with 25 double digit performances.
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Hobbs, an honorable mention AP All-SEC selection, finished the season ranked 27th at Auburn in scoring with 965 points and is tied for eighth on the career steals list with 170 grabs. She ended the season tied for fifth on the season record books for steals with 77. Hobbs had at least one steal in 29 games this season, including the final 26 contests.
Also earning awards at the banquet was senior Juanitta Wallace and Tamela McCorvey. Wallace, who earned her bachelor's degree in Information Systems Management this past December, earned the "Eye of the Tiger" award. The award is given to the athlete who is the total team player and who has strong work ethic both on and off the court. Wallace truly embodies the Auburn spirit and has is a positive role model to her peers.
McCorvey, who will earn her bachelor's degree in sociology in August, was named a National Strength and Conditioning Association All-American. The program recognizes collegiate athletes whose athletic accomplishments, in the opinion of their strength coach, reflect their dedication to strength training and conditioning. These athletes are also recognized for their academic and personal accomplishments and their integrity as student athletes.
The Tigers concluded their 2007-08 campaign in the first round of the NCAA Tournament in Stanford, Calif. Auburn fell 66-56 to No. 20 George Washington on March 22 and concluded the year with a 20-12 ledger and was 7-7 in SEC play.
Bonner, an honorable mention All-American, led Auburn on both sides of the ball this season and became just the second ever Tiger player to lead the team in scoring and rebounding three consecutive years. She finished as the league's second leading scorer with 18.4 points and rebounder, averaging 10.0 rebounds per game. Bonner was Auburn's leading scorer in 18 of the 31 contests she played in and notched 15 double-doubles in that span.
A first team All-SEC selection by the league's coaches and the Associated Press, Bonner ranks ninth all-time at Auburn in scoring with 1,446 points and rebounding with 758 boards. She is one of only six players ever to be in the top 10 in both categories. She finished this season ranked fourth in career scoring average (15.7), third in rebounding average (8.2), second in free throws made (382), third in free throws attempted (497), fourth in free throw percentage (76.9) and 10th in blocks (84).
Bonner concluded her junior campaign, fifth on the season record books for points (571) and rebounds (311), second in free throws made (168) and attempted (207), seventh in scoring average (18.4) and fifth in rebounding average (10.0).
She also became the all-time leading rebounder for the junior class during the Arkansas game in the first round of the SEC Tournament. Bonner averaged 24.5 points and 13.5 rebounds in the SEC Tournament and was named to the All-Tournament team, becoming the first Auburn player since Tara Williams in 1997 to receive the honor.
Hobbs led Auburn in steals (77), while also averaging 13.1 points and 5.7 rebounds a game. Hobbs improved her game in league play, turning in 15.8 points and 5.7 rebounds a game. Her SEC scoring average ranked fifth in the league. Hobbs went a span of 17 games this season where she scored in double figures and finished the season with 25 double digit performances.
Click here to find out more!
Hobbs, an honorable mention AP All-SEC selection, finished the season ranked 27th at Auburn in scoring with 965 points and is tied for eighth on the career steals list with 170 grabs. She ended the season tied for fifth on the season record books for steals with 77. Hobbs had at least one steal in 29 games this season, including the final 26 contests.
Also earning awards at the banquet was senior Juanitta Wallace and Tamela McCorvey. Wallace, who earned her bachelor's degree in Information Systems Management this past December, earned the "Eye of the Tiger" award. The award is given to the athlete who is the total team player and who has strong work ethic both on and off the court. Wallace truly embodies the Auburn spirit and has is a positive role model to her peers.
McCorvey, who will earn her bachelor's degree in sociology in August, was named a National Strength and Conditioning Association All-American. The program recognizes collegiate athletes whose athletic accomplishments, in the opinion of their strength coach, reflect their dedication to strength training and conditioning. These athletes are also recognized for their academic and personal accomplishments and their integrity as student athletes.
The Tigers concluded their 2007-08 campaign in the first round of the NCAA Tournament in Stanford, Calif. Auburn fell 66-56 to No. 20 George Washington on March 22 and concluded the year with a 20-12 ledger and was 7-7 in SEC play.
After Blowout, Team USA Falls to China in Title Game
BEIJING, China -- Former LSU All-American Sylvia Fowles scored 14 points and pulled down eight rebounds, but the USA Basketball Women’s National Team could not overcome China as the U.S. fell, 84-81, in the 2008 Good Luck Beijing Tournament Gold Medal Game in Wukesong Arena on Saturday.
The loss comes two days after USA (4-2) beat China (5-1) by 25 points, 86-61, to set up the rematch in the Gold Medal Game.
Although the team only managed to shoot 47 percent from the field, Fowles connected on 58 percent of her shots on 7-of-12 shooting in 23 minutes on the floor. Fowles also recorded USA’s only two blocked shots of the game.
In the game two days ago, Fowles helped lead the U.S. over China by pouring in 20 points and collecting 16 rebounds.
In six games in the tournament, Fowles averaged 17 ppg and 10.5 rpg to lead the U.S. in both categories.
Fowles will head to Chicago to join her new team, including fellow former Lady Tiger, Quianna Chaney. The Chicago Sky tipped off training camp April 23.
Sylvia Fowles quotes
How did this game differ from the first game against China?
“They came out with a lot more energy. Once they started clicking as a team it was hard for us to click on defense. That's something that USA just doesn't do. Once they started getting in their groove we weren't able to get into our groove defensively and that put us into the hole.”
You were able to fight back and take the lead in the second half. Tell me about that run:
“That stretch, we worked so hard to get back but we didn't work hard enough to maintain it. China just came back, did a lot of things that were unexpected. We didn't crash the boards and we didn't get back on a couple of plays where they got easy layups. It's something that we could have controlled but mentally we just weren't there.”
What can you learn from this?
“That pool play means nothing. You can come in and do all the things you want to do right but the game that really counts is the championship game. Coach G summed it up quite well in the locker room, you have to be ready for everything. The refs, you have to be ready for how they're going to come out and play and you have to click. All five have to click on the same page when you're all out there on the floor together.”
If you have the opportunity to return to Beijing in August, will this serve as a little extra motivation for you?
“It's going to leave a bitter taste in my mouth for a long time, even if I don't get back here in August. I'll be looking forward to it whenever I do make a (USA Basketball) team. I'm going to always remember China and it's going to be different every time we play them because you never want to feel this way again. I'm looking forward to meeting up with them again.”
The loss comes two days after USA (4-2) beat China (5-1) by 25 points, 86-61, to set up the rematch in the Gold Medal Game.
Although the team only managed to shoot 47 percent from the field, Fowles connected on 58 percent of her shots on 7-of-12 shooting in 23 minutes on the floor. Fowles also recorded USA’s only two blocked shots of the game.
In the game two days ago, Fowles helped lead the U.S. over China by pouring in 20 points and collecting 16 rebounds.
In six games in the tournament, Fowles averaged 17 ppg and 10.5 rpg to lead the U.S. in both categories.
Fowles will head to Chicago to join her new team, including fellow former Lady Tiger, Quianna Chaney. The Chicago Sky tipped off training camp April 23.
Sylvia Fowles quotes
How did this game differ from the first game against China?
“They came out with a lot more energy. Once they started clicking as a team it was hard for us to click on defense. That's something that USA just doesn't do. Once they started getting in their groove we weren't able to get into our groove defensively and that put us into the hole.”
You were able to fight back and take the lead in the second half. Tell me about that run:
“That stretch, we worked so hard to get back but we didn't work hard enough to maintain it. China just came back, did a lot of things that were unexpected. We didn't crash the boards and we didn't get back on a couple of plays where they got easy layups. It's something that we could have controlled but mentally we just weren't there.”
What can you learn from this?
“That pool play means nothing. You can come in and do all the things you want to do right but the game that really counts is the championship game. Coach G summed it up quite well in the locker room, you have to be ready for everything. The refs, you have to be ready for how they're going to come out and play and you have to click. All five have to click on the same page when you're all out there on the floor together.”
If you have the opportunity to return to Beijing in August, will this serve as a little extra motivation for you?
“It's going to leave a bitter taste in my mouth for a long time, even if I don't get back here in August. I'll be looking forward to it whenever I do make a (USA Basketball) team. I'm going to always remember China and it's going to be different every time we play them because you never want to feel this way again. I'm looking forward to meeting up with them again.”
Lady Bulldogs Return to Postseason After Strong Start to 2007-2008 Campaign
STARKVILLE, Miss. - After a successful 2006-2007 campaign that saw Mississippi State in postseason play, expectations were high for a squad that returned all five starters and letterwinners from the previous season. Imesia Jackson returned as the lone senior starter for a team that also featured two juniors and two sophomores in the starting lineup. Combined with an experienced bench and young, raw talent, and MState had a recipe for success.
The 2007-2008 version of the Mississippi State Lady Bulldogs tipped off their latest campaign in the win column. Sharon Fanning’s crew stormed out of the gate to a 4-0 record, the best start to a season for a Lady Bulldogs’ team since 1999-2000. Production from different sources is a key in basketball and early on in the season, the Lady Bulldogs received it.
During their four game winning streak to begin the season, MSU had at least three players score in double figures and saw at least seven Lady Bulldog’s contribute with points. Sophomore Alexis Rack paced the offensive attack as she averaged over 13 points a game through the early stages of the campaign.
Mary Kathryn Govero also provided a big spark off the bench for Sharon Fanning. The freshman forward from Mt. Salus Christian School in Clinton pitched in over seven points a game to get the Lady Bulldogs off to a quick start.
In the early stages of the season, the success continued for the young bunch of Bulldogs. After a brief setback in Cancun, Mexico, the Lady Bulldogs were back to their winning ways with another four game winning streak, including victories over in-state rival Southern Mississippi and historical power Louisiana Tech. During that four game span, MSU’s average margin of victory was more than 24 points. The Lady Bulldog was once again paced by Rack, but also, Tysheka Grimes began to establish herself as a scoring threat.
The sophomore forward from Baton Rouge, La., scored in double figures in three of the four games as the Lady Bulldogs stormed out to an 8-2 record. The MState defense also played a huge role in the team’s best start since the 2002-2003 season. During the span, opponents shot 32 percent from the field and all four of MSU’s opponents were held to 57 points or less.
From there, Fanning’s crew did not look back as her team started their third four-game winning streak of the season after a loss to Georgia Tech. This streak though, proved to be one of the most impressive thanks to four double digit victories, two of them by at least 40 points. The Lady Bulldogs’ depth was shown with at least eight players scored points in every game and three times MSU had 11 or more players contribute with points.
In the 2008 home opener, MState put together one of the more notable performances in program history. On January 7th, MSU defeated in-state foe Mississippi Valley State by 59 points, 104-45. During the game, MSU shot 64.9 percent, a new team record. Fourteen of the 15 players on the roster scored, including a game-high 20 points from Rack. This game marked the first time since the 2000-2001 season the Lady Bulldogs hit the century mark. The 59-point margin of victory tied for the fifth-highest in school history.
Three Lady Bulldogs reached milestones during the non-conference slate as Richard, Jackson and Rack eclipsed the 500-point mark in their careers. The trio joined junior Robin Porter as the only Lady Bulldogs to have reached the milestone. After the non-conference season, MSU stood at a 12-3 record as they prepared for the always tough Southeastern Conference portion of their schedule.
The conference slate got off to a rough start for the Lady Bulldogs, but quickly found their way back to the win column after a five point win over archrival Ole Miss. The MState defense smothered the Lady Rebels as Ole Miss shot only 26.3 percent for the game. Richard paced the MSU offense with 14 points to improve Fanning’s record to 22-14 over the primary rival.
From there, the Lady Bulldogs did not have to wait long to notch their next SEC victory. Four Lady Bulldogs scored in double figures as Mississippi State beat Alabama by 13. With six assists in the game, junior guard Richard moved into the career top 10 list for assists.
After a tough road loss to Auburn, the Lady Bulldogs had one of their most memorable games of the season against eventual national champion, Tennessee. In a game that featured several runs, MSU led the perennial power by seven at the break, one of the few times during the season the Lady Volunteers trailed at the half.
Rack was a force to be reckoned with throughout as she sank seven from behind the arc to finish with a career-high 32 points, the first Lady Bulldog to score more than 30 since Jackson during the 2006-2007 season.
Unfortunately MState was not able to hang on as the Lady Vols proved too tough, but it gave MSU much needed confidence after conference play proved to be a rocky road.
In the very next contest, the Lady Bulldogs continued the momentum from the Tennessee game. On "Think Pink" Sunday, MSU hosted Florida and soon the Gators were seeing stars after the Lady Bulldogs jumped out to a 20-0 lead. Grimes was one of the stars for Sharon Fanning as she recorded her fifth double-double and the MState rolled to an 83-71 victory. The 20-0 MSU run against Florida coupled with a 21-0 run in the Tennessee game, marked the first time in school history MSU posted back-to-back 20+ point scoring runs in conference games.
After a tough loss to Ole Miss, MSU then played host to traditional conference power Georgia, and once again, the Lady Bulldogs proved tough for its visitors. Richard paced the MState offense with 15 points but the Lady Bulldogs from Athens snuck out of Starkville with a slim four point victory at 60-56.
Columbia, S.C. was the next stop on the map for Mississippi State as the played the Gamecocks of South Carolina. Defense once again played a big part of MSU has they forced 24 South Carolina turnovers. On offense, Richard scored in double figures for the third straight game, as the Lady Bulldogs secured their first conference road victory of the year with a 58-54 victory.
The final two regular season SEC games were a daunting task for the Lady Bulldogs as they faced off against two 2007 NCAA Final Four teams, and eventual 2008 NCAA Final Four teams, Tennessee and LSU. After a tough loss in Tennessee’s Thompson Boiling Arena, the Lady Bulldogs played host to the Lady Tigers on Senior Day. Rack and Donnisha Tate lead the team with 11 points as Fanning’s bunch gave LSU all they could handle before dropping a tough decision to close out the regular season and clinching the ninth seed in the SEC Women’s Basketball Tournament after a 4-10 record in the conference.
Prior to the SEC Tournament, the conference office announced its annual awards winners. Govero was selected to the All-Freshman team, as voted on by the league’s coaches. Junior Lauren Roberts was named to the SEC Community Service team for the first time in her career.
In the Lady Bulldogs’ first round match up, MSU was pitted against familiar foe Ole Miss. Both teams split the regular season series and MState was looking to win the rubber match. Grimes recorded her sixth double-double of the season in the contest but unfortunately it wasn’t enough as the Mississippi State fell by five to drop them to 16-14 on the season. While it was a disappointing loss, Fanning and her team still found themselves in postseason play after an invite to the Women’s National Invitational Tournament, the tournament in which the Lady Bulldogs advanced to the third round last season.
The Lady Bulldogs received a first round bye in the tournament and ended up traveling to Hattiesburg to play Southern Mississippi, who beat Arkansas-Little Rock in their opening game. In what ended up being her final game in a Mississippi State uniform, Jackson scored 11 points and brought down eight rebounds for the Lady Bulldogs who lost 66-65 on a three-pointer in the waning seconds of the game by Southern Mississippi.
Not only did MState succeed on the floor, but the Lady Bulldogs got it done in the classroom as well. Richard was named to the ESPN the Magazine Women’s Basketball Academic All-District Second Team. The Lamar, Miss.-native posted a 3.66 in civil engineering. Richard earned the Robert H. Wood Civil Engineering Scholarship and is a member of the National Society of Collegiate Scholars. She has been named to the Dean’s List every semester at MSU and has been named to the Southeastern Conference Academic Honor Roll.
When the SEC announced its Winter Academic Honor Roll, MState sent a program and league-best eight Lady Bulldogs to the team. Senior Amy Reeder and juniors Porter, Richard and Roberts earned the honor for the third consecutive year. Senior Miayorka Johnson and sophomore Bethany Washington were named to the team for the second straight year, while senior Jackson and sophomore Carrie Landers were named for the first time.
Six MSU Lady Bulldog basketball players and one generous supporter were honored at the annual awards banquet in April. Richard was honored with the Free Throw Percentage Award, Most Assists Award, Best Defensive Player Award and the Big Dawg Award. Roberts was given the Community Service award.
Jackson picked up the Field Goal Percentage Award and Deflections and Charges Award, shooting 45.4 percent from the field, while taking a team-high 20 charges. Meanwhile, Govero was honored by receiving the Coaches Award. Grimes took the Best Rebounder Award. Tate was honored as the Most Improved Player.
Mrs. Mary Evelyn Maxwell of Tupelo was honored with the Sixth Player Award, presented annually to those who go above and beyond. The Maxwell family has supported MSU Athletics for more than three decades.
The 2007-2008 version of the Mississippi State Lady Bulldogs tipped off their latest campaign in the win column. Sharon Fanning’s crew stormed out of the gate to a 4-0 record, the best start to a season for a Lady Bulldogs’ team since 1999-2000. Production from different sources is a key in basketball and early on in the season, the Lady Bulldogs received it.
During their four game winning streak to begin the season, MSU had at least three players score in double figures and saw at least seven Lady Bulldog’s contribute with points. Sophomore Alexis Rack paced the offensive attack as she averaged over 13 points a game through the early stages of the campaign.
Mary Kathryn Govero also provided a big spark off the bench for Sharon Fanning. The freshman forward from Mt. Salus Christian School in Clinton pitched in over seven points a game to get the Lady Bulldogs off to a quick start.
In the early stages of the season, the success continued for the young bunch of Bulldogs. After a brief setback in Cancun, Mexico, the Lady Bulldogs were back to their winning ways with another four game winning streak, including victories over in-state rival Southern Mississippi and historical power Louisiana Tech. During that four game span, MSU’s average margin of victory was more than 24 points. The Lady Bulldog was once again paced by Rack, but also, Tysheka Grimes began to establish herself as a scoring threat.
The sophomore forward from Baton Rouge, La., scored in double figures in three of the four games as the Lady Bulldogs stormed out to an 8-2 record. The MState defense also played a huge role in the team’s best start since the 2002-2003 season. During the span, opponents shot 32 percent from the field and all four of MSU’s opponents were held to 57 points or less.
From there, Fanning’s crew did not look back as her team started their third four-game winning streak of the season after a loss to Georgia Tech. This streak though, proved to be one of the most impressive thanks to four double digit victories, two of them by at least 40 points. The Lady Bulldogs’ depth was shown with at least eight players scored points in every game and three times MSU had 11 or more players contribute with points.
In the 2008 home opener, MState put together one of the more notable performances in program history. On January 7th, MSU defeated in-state foe Mississippi Valley State by 59 points, 104-45. During the game, MSU shot 64.9 percent, a new team record. Fourteen of the 15 players on the roster scored, including a game-high 20 points from Rack. This game marked the first time since the 2000-2001 season the Lady Bulldogs hit the century mark. The 59-point margin of victory tied for the fifth-highest in school history.
Three Lady Bulldogs reached milestones during the non-conference slate as Richard, Jackson and Rack eclipsed the 500-point mark in their careers. The trio joined junior Robin Porter as the only Lady Bulldogs to have reached the milestone. After the non-conference season, MSU stood at a 12-3 record as they prepared for the always tough Southeastern Conference portion of their schedule.
The conference slate got off to a rough start for the Lady Bulldogs, but quickly found their way back to the win column after a five point win over archrival Ole Miss. The MState defense smothered the Lady Rebels as Ole Miss shot only 26.3 percent for the game. Richard paced the MSU offense with 14 points to improve Fanning’s record to 22-14 over the primary rival.
From there, the Lady Bulldogs did not have to wait long to notch their next SEC victory. Four Lady Bulldogs scored in double figures as Mississippi State beat Alabama by 13. With six assists in the game, junior guard Richard moved into the career top 10 list for assists.
After a tough road loss to Auburn, the Lady Bulldogs had one of their most memorable games of the season against eventual national champion, Tennessee. In a game that featured several runs, MSU led the perennial power by seven at the break, one of the few times during the season the Lady Volunteers trailed at the half.
Rack was a force to be reckoned with throughout as she sank seven from behind the arc to finish with a career-high 32 points, the first Lady Bulldog to score more than 30 since Jackson during the 2006-2007 season.
Unfortunately MState was not able to hang on as the Lady Vols proved too tough, but it gave MSU much needed confidence after conference play proved to be a rocky road.
In the very next contest, the Lady Bulldogs continued the momentum from the Tennessee game. On "Think Pink" Sunday, MSU hosted Florida and soon the Gators were seeing stars after the Lady Bulldogs jumped out to a 20-0 lead. Grimes was one of the stars for Sharon Fanning as she recorded her fifth double-double and the MState rolled to an 83-71 victory. The 20-0 MSU run against Florida coupled with a 21-0 run in the Tennessee game, marked the first time in school history MSU posted back-to-back 20+ point scoring runs in conference games.
After a tough loss to Ole Miss, MSU then played host to traditional conference power Georgia, and once again, the Lady Bulldogs proved tough for its visitors. Richard paced the MState offense with 15 points but the Lady Bulldogs from Athens snuck out of Starkville with a slim four point victory at 60-56.
Columbia, S.C. was the next stop on the map for Mississippi State as the played the Gamecocks of South Carolina. Defense once again played a big part of MSU has they forced 24 South Carolina turnovers. On offense, Richard scored in double figures for the third straight game, as the Lady Bulldogs secured their first conference road victory of the year with a 58-54 victory.
The final two regular season SEC games were a daunting task for the Lady Bulldogs as they faced off against two 2007 NCAA Final Four teams, and eventual 2008 NCAA Final Four teams, Tennessee and LSU. After a tough loss in Tennessee’s Thompson Boiling Arena, the Lady Bulldogs played host to the Lady Tigers on Senior Day. Rack and Donnisha Tate lead the team with 11 points as Fanning’s bunch gave LSU all they could handle before dropping a tough decision to close out the regular season and clinching the ninth seed in the SEC Women’s Basketball Tournament after a 4-10 record in the conference.
Prior to the SEC Tournament, the conference office announced its annual awards winners. Govero was selected to the All-Freshman team, as voted on by the league’s coaches. Junior Lauren Roberts was named to the SEC Community Service team for the first time in her career.
In the Lady Bulldogs’ first round match up, MSU was pitted against familiar foe Ole Miss. Both teams split the regular season series and MState was looking to win the rubber match. Grimes recorded her sixth double-double of the season in the contest but unfortunately it wasn’t enough as the Mississippi State fell by five to drop them to 16-14 on the season. While it was a disappointing loss, Fanning and her team still found themselves in postseason play after an invite to the Women’s National Invitational Tournament, the tournament in which the Lady Bulldogs advanced to the third round last season.
The Lady Bulldogs received a first round bye in the tournament and ended up traveling to Hattiesburg to play Southern Mississippi, who beat Arkansas-Little Rock in their opening game. In what ended up being her final game in a Mississippi State uniform, Jackson scored 11 points and brought down eight rebounds for the Lady Bulldogs who lost 66-65 on a three-pointer in the waning seconds of the game by Southern Mississippi.
Not only did MState succeed on the floor, but the Lady Bulldogs got it done in the classroom as well. Richard was named to the ESPN the Magazine Women’s Basketball Academic All-District Second Team. The Lamar, Miss.-native posted a 3.66 in civil engineering. Richard earned the Robert H. Wood Civil Engineering Scholarship and is a member of the National Society of Collegiate Scholars. She has been named to the Dean’s List every semester at MSU and has been named to the Southeastern Conference Academic Honor Roll.
When the SEC announced its Winter Academic Honor Roll, MState sent a program and league-best eight Lady Bulldogs to the team. Senior Amy Reeder and juniors Porter, Richard and Roberts earned the honor for the third consecutive year. Senior Miayorka Johnson and sophomore Bethany Washington were named to the team for the second straight year, while senior Jackson and sophomore Carrie Landers were named for the first time.
Six MSU Lady Bulldog basketball players and one generous supporter were honored at the annual awards banquet in April. Richard was honored with the Free Throw Percentage Award, Most Assists Award, Best Defensive Player Award and the Big Dawg Award. Roberts was given the Community Service award.
Jackson picked up the Field Goal Percentage Award and Deflections and Charges Award, shooting 45.4 percent from the field, while taking a team-high 20 charges. Meanwhile, Govero was honored by receiving the Coaches Award. Grimes took the Best Rebounder Award. Tate was honored as the Most Improved Player.
Mrs. Mary Evelyn Maxwell of Tupelo was honored with the Sixth Player Award, presented annually to those who go above and beyond. The Maxwell family has supported MSU Athletics for more than three decades.
Tennessee to Offer Commemorative DVD and Poster
It was another memorable ride for the University of Tennessee Women’s Basketball Team this year as the Lady Vols brought home their eighth National Championship.
Fans can relive the magic with the Lady Vols “Sweet Repeat” DVD, a production from the Lady Vol Network. This DVD follows the Lady Vols on their march through a rigorous regular season, the SEC Tournament Championship and the NCAA Tournament culminating in back-to-back consecutive national championships. The approximate ship date will be June 1, 2008. Fans can also order the official 2008 Lady Vol Basketball National Champions Poster. This special edition poster features Coach Pat Summitt cutting down the net, the Lady Vols celebrating, the 2007-2008 back-to-back national championship trophies and reproduction autographs from the 2008 National Champion Lady Vols. Fans can pre-order the DVD or order posters at www.volnetwork.tv.
Fans can relive the magic with the Lady Vols “Sweet Repeat” DVD, a production from the Lady Vol Network. This DVD follows the Lady Vols on their march through a rigorous regular season, the SEC Tournament Championship and the NCAA Tournament culminating in back-to-back consecutive national championships. The approximate ship date will be June 1, 2008. Fans can also order the official 2008 Lady Vol Basketball National Champions Poster. This special edition poster features Coach Pat Summitt cutting down the net, the Lady Vols celebrating, the 2007-2008 back-to-back national championship trophies and reproduction autographs from the 2008 National Champion Lady Vols. Fans can pre-order the DVD or order posters at www.volnetwork.tv.
Balcomb holds postseason awards banquet
April 23, 2008
NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Head Coach Melanie Balcomb gathered players, coaches, staff and fans at the Vanderbilt Marriott last week for the 2008 Commodore Women's Basketball Awards Banquet.
Senior Liz Sherwood and juniors Christina Wirth and Jennifer Risper were among those honored at the event, emceed by radio veteran Charlie Mattos. Vanderbilt won a school-record 11 regular season Southeastern Conference games this year and advanced to the NCAA Sweet 16 for the third time in five years.
Sherwood -- the lone senior on the 2007-08 team -- was named the Coaches' "Go-To Player" after averaging 10.8 points per game and connecting on 62.7 percent of her shots from the field. In only three seasons at Vanderbilt, Sherwood scored 1,056 career points to currently rank 24th on VU's all-time scoring list.
Wirth took home three pieces of hardware -- the Academic Award, the Give-Back Award and the Commodore Award. A human and organizational studies major, Wirth leads the team in GPA and earned CoSIDA Academic All-District honors this season. On top of her hard work in the classroom and on the court -- where she averaged a team-high 13.1 points per game and was named first-team all-conference -- Wirth has been extremely active in community service efforts throughout Vanderbilt's campus.
Risper was lauded as the team's defensive MVP. Her 91 steals during the 2007-08 campaign marked the highest single-season total since Deborah Denton made 92 steals in the 1988-89 season. For her achievements, Risper also earned second-team All-SEC and SEC All-Defensive team honors.
Freshman Hannah Tuomi earned the honor of Most Improved. Tuomi earned a spot in the Commodores' starting lineup in early January that she would not relinquish. The 6-1 post player notched her first career double-double at Tennessee and was named to the SEC's All-Freshmen Team.
Vanderbilt will return 12 letterwinners, including all five starters, to next year's squad as Balcomb enters her seventh season in Nashville.
2007-08 VU Women's Basketball Postseason Awards
Commodore Award: Christina Wirth
Go-To Player: Liz Sherwood
Defensive MVP: Jennifer Risper
Most Improved: Hannah Tuomi
Academic Award: Christina Wirth
Give-Back Award: Christina Wirth
NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Head Coach Melanie Balcomb gathered players, coaches, staff and fans at the Vanderbilt Marriott last week for the 2008 Commodore Women's Basketball Awards Banquet.
Senior Liz Sherwood and juniors Christina Wirth and Jennifer Risper were among those honored at the event, emceed by radio veteran Charlie Mattos. Vanderbilt won a school-record 11 regular season Southeastern Conference games this year and advanced to the NCAA Sweet 16 for the third time in five years.
Sherwood -- the lone senior on the 2007-08 team -- was named the Coaches' "Go-To Player" after averaging 10.8 points per game and connecting on 62.7 percent of her shots from the field. In only three seasons at Vanderbilt, Sherwood scored 1,056 career points to currently rank 24th on VU's all-time scoring list.
Wirth took home three pieces of hardware -- the Academic Award, the Give-Back Award and the Commodore Award. A human and organizational studies major, Wirth leads the team in GPA and earned CoSIDA Academic All-District honors this season. On top of her hard work in the classroom and on the court -- where she averaged a team-high 13.1 points per game and was named first-team all-conference -- Wirth has been extremely active in community service efforts throughout Vanderbilt's campus.
Risper was lauded as the team's defensive MVP. Her 91 steals during the 2007-08 campaign marked the highest single-season total since Deborah Denton made 92 steals in the 1988-89 season. For her achievements, Risper also earned second-team All-SEC and SEC All-Defensive team honors.
Freshman Hannah Tuomi earned the honor of Most Improved. Tuomi earned a spot in the Commodores' starting lineup in early January that she would not relinquish. The 6-1 post player notched her first career double-double at Tennessee and was named to the SEC's All-Freshmen Team.
Vanderbilt will return 12 letterwinners, including all five starters, to next year's squad as Balcomb enters her seventh season in Nashville.
2007-08 VU Women's Basketball Postseason Awards
Commodore Award: Christina Wirth
Go-To Player: Liz Sherwood
Defensive MVP: Jennifer Risper
Most Improved: Hannah Tuomi
Academic Award: Christina Wirth
Give-Back Award: Christina Wirth
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