COLUMBUS - For both Minster and Chaminade-Julienne, they have plenty to
celebrate about the 2003-04 season that concluded over the weekend in
Columbus.
Minster, who most people thought could win the title when they
beat Marion Local in the post-season, lived up to their billing with an easy win
in the Division Four title game.
They don't have anyone who averages 20
points per game, but their balance is incredible.
Senior Robyn Hoying
struggled from the field shooting, but was clutch from the free throw line,
hitting 8-for-8 in the game. Also, Karen Brackman, who will be one of Ohio's top
seniors next season, came through with her solid play.
That is something
coach Nann Stechschulte prides her team on, the fact that everybody has a part
in the state championship. Minster proved that a team doesn't need to have a big
scorer to win the big game, just a complete team.
C-J on the other hand
does have some big scorers, but ran into a powerful Mount Notre Dame team who
was too much to handle last night. Mel Thomas without a doubt showed that she is
the best player in Ohio this year, scoring 21 points, but more importantly,
playing a complete game.
For the Lady Eagles, you have be very excited
about their season. They lost Brandie Hoskins (Ohio State) and Ashley Goldsberry
(Findlay) to graduation last year, and returned a group of juniors who were
still learning.
They learned fast, as Maria Getty, Aisha Jefferson,
Lindsey Goldsberry, and Jena Schafer maybe surprised some people going
undefeated with their tough schedule, maybe the toughest in Ohio this
year.
What about next year? Sure, they are the local favorites to make it
back to Columbus, with those four even getting better.
Getty had a tough
shooting game in the finals, but only had two turnovers, and hit 7-for-8 from
the line. That performance didn't sway knowlegable basketball fans from saying
she is the state's premiere junior point guard.
Jefferson also had a
great final four. She played great those two days, and increased her stock for
the college level.
Goldsberry and Schafer often get overlooked on this
team, but they are both solid players. Lindsey is going to Bowling Green, and
will work on getting stronger for the next level. Schafer will also get looks
over the summer, and has the talent to play at the next level.
Those two
teams will both be expected to challenge for another trip to the state next
year, but there were other teams this season that opened some eyes and returns
some top players for next level.
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