SHANE WILSON
They did it.
The Emporia State women’s basketball team, in epic fashion, took home the crown jewel of the nation – the National Championship trophy.
I’ve said it in the past, believing myself for the most part, but it turned out to be true. This team had the potential to do extraordinary things, and they did just that last Friday night in St. Joseph, Mo.
Big time players come up with big time plays late into March, and that certainly was the case for this Emporia State team over the course of the six-game 2010 postseason. Brittney Miller, Cassondra Boston and Alli Volkens all made the Elite Eight All-Tournament team, with Volkens capturing the MVP award.
Each player contributed something special to ESU’s magical run to the National Championship. Miller provided excellent on-ball defense and, with her ability to create around the basket, allowed her team to score in more ways than usual. Boston, the natural leader of the team, was nearly lethal when driving to the hoop – something those who have followed her throughout her tenure as a Hornet will surely miss. Boston’s efforts throughout the season earned her several All-American selections from various outlets across the country.
Volkens was on an entirely different level. She was in the zone. She was a forced to be reckoned with on the low block. After looking at her stat sheet (and the MVP award), it’s hard to argue that even her presence in the paint changed the course of the game.
Volkens was unreal.
Needless to say, these three women couldn’t have done the job alone. A truly gifted supporting cast stepped up and made big plays when they needed to in every facet.
For instance, Rachel Hanf’s three consecutive three-pointers all but sealed the deal for the Hornets on their way to defeating Ft. Lewis in the final game of the season. While Boston was forced to sit on the bench due to foul trouble, Lacy Corker provided steady production and reliability at the point. Even Jocelyn Cummings, who had seen sparse minutes throughout the season, came off the bench and provided a spark for the Hornets when they needed it in both the quarters and the semis.
It should also go without saying that the key players and the supporting cast couldn’t have gone as far as they did without leadership and a great game plan from the head coach. In the Elite Eight, Brandon Schneider coached three masterpieces in a row – always knowing when to substitute, who to substitute, who to call on for a big play. It was evident that Schneider’s experience and preparation with this team paid off in a big way.
The Emporia State faithful even played a significant role in the domination of Ft. Lewis. The Civic Arena in St. Joseph was packed with ESU students, faculty, alumni and just plain fans of the game to see the Hornets win.
The place was so loud due to the fans’ chants and cheers, rants and raves that I think both teams got the message: Emporia State isn’t leaving Missouri without a championship.
I think we know how the rest goes.
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