ADAM WENGRONOWITZ | guest writer
After a golden year for the Cougars, the NAIA Division I Women’s Basketball National Championship deals a harsh blow. Coming into the year pre-ranked No. 16 in the nation, the future was cloudy. And with only two returning starters, a bucket full offreshmen and sophomores, and a new head coach, the Cougars were unsure what the next few months would hold.
Nevertheless, the 2007-2008 season started off with a bang as the Cougars captured their fi rst 11 of 12 games and swept archnemesis Biola in both contests. The versatile Cougars continued to show their dominance and effi ciency as they stayed in the NAIA top ten while holding a GSAC record of 16-4. Led by seniors Sarah Leathers, Abby Johnson and Kate Shipp, APU’s women of the court seemed like they were prepped for a grand showing at this year’s championships.
Winning 24 out of 31 games in the regular season, the Cougars snagged the third seed in the fourth bracket heading into the tournament. However, the fi rst round game of the NAIA Division I Women’s Basketball National
Championship ended on a rather sour note on Mar. 20, with the Cougars repeating last year’s disappointing fi rst round loss.
The Cougars faced what was supposed to be an easy opponent in Wiley (Texas), but the Wildcats proved to be too much to handle. With their speedy street ball style of play, and constant man-to-man pressure, the Wildcats scratched and attacked a Cougar offense unable to respond.
Forcing 26 turnovers, Wiley’s fast paced defense bewildered and left the Cougars stunned 69-63. Not only that, but Wiley also shot 42 percent from the 3 point line which left the Cougar defense stretched thin. Despite the constant pressure though, sophomore center Kristie Hala’ufi a managed to rake in a game-high 16 points alongside junior forward Nikita Gordon’s 13 points and nine rebounds.
Senior guard Sarah Leathers found herself stuck on the bench after picking up two early fi rst half fouls which paved the way for freshmen Michelle Byrd to get a signifi cant amount of playing time. Putting nine points and four assists on the board, Byrd demonstrated a readiness to take control next year. Wiley never led by more than six points, thanks in part to standout freshmen Jessica Raber and senior forward Abby Johnson who have contributed mightily throughout the season.
The Cougars, however, led by as many as seven points early on in the game 18-11. Unfortunately, the lead fell apart and the Cougars went into the break trailing 32-29. “In the beginning, when our shooters were on, we had a really positive energy,” Hala’ufi a said. “Once our posts were scoring too, we felt like we were unstoppable. However, their speed was unbelievable, and even though we had prepared for it, there’s only so much you can do with a limited time to get ready.” Although the Cougars failed to reach the peak this year, it is only a matter of time before they are back on the trail to the top.
KAPU Sports Director Robert Schwandt, who fl ew to Tennessee to broadcast the game, has high hopes for the Cougars next year. “It’s great to see such a young squad out there,” Schwandt said, “Especially one with this kind of fl at out talent. Expect them to be in the top 10 again next year and make an impact in the tournament.”
Upon refl ecting on the season Schwandt brought up one of his favorite moments. During one of the APU-Biola games, he recalled an inbounds play, that if executed correctly, would leave Hala’ufi a wide open for a jumper.
“Without that shot, they would not have won the game,” Schwandt said. “It was a defi ning moment in coaching as well because the play was called by assistant coach Megan Fate.”Schwandt also remembered the high fi ves and smiles on the players faces after the momentous play, which shows the great comradery exemplifi ed on head coach T.J Hardeman’s team.
Hardeman proved an important asset to the team and demonstrated his prowess both as a coach and mentor. “He did great,” junior forward Nikita Gordon said. “He fi t right in and made us feel comfortable. As soon as he became head coach, he immediately began to teach us new things and bring our playing back to the basics.” Not only did Hardeman show exceptional talent as a coach, he also proved the same as a mentor.
“He made us better each day,” Gordon said. “He taught us to be better players on the court, and better women off the court.” All things considered, Hardeman’s Cougars are defi nitely on the up and up. Look for them to make tremendous leaps and bounds during the 2008-2009 season.
