 | Mark Schremmer is a major contributor to KPREPS.com, a website dedicated to covering Kansas high school football. A Pittsburg native and Pittsburg State University graduate, he is assistant news editor at The Topeka Capital-Journal and has covered sports in Kansas since 2000. |
Sports
2012-04-20 15:28:27
The success of the Pittsburg State Women’s basketball season
Q: What was the key to the success of the Pittsburg State women’s basketball team this season?
A: The Pittsburg State women’s basketball team had a remarkable season indeed.
Pitt State advanced to the NCAA Division II Tournament for the first time since 1998 and advanced to the Elite Eight in San Antonio. There, the Gorillas fell 61-58 to Shaw (N.C.), the eventual national champion.
The 2011-12 Gorillas broke more than 20 school records, including most wins in a season (27), fewest losses (6), longest win streak (14), most rebounds and most blocked shots.
“It was a record-setting year,” said Pitt State coach Lane Lord, who earned MIAA and regional coach of the year honors. “We had the most wins in a season, and we broke that by five. We started the season 14-0. I could just go on and on.”
In one season, the Gorillas elevated themselves from an upper-half team in the MIAA to one of the best in the nation.
Pitt State finished second in the MIAA, won the program’s first NCAA Tournament game, earned the South Central Regional title and advanced to the Elite Eight for the first time in program history.
Lord said the success started with his senior class of Britnee Foster, Courtney Tate, Amanda Orloske, Brooke Conley and Larissa Richards.
Conley (12.5) and Richards (11.1) each averaged double figures in points, while Tate, Foster and Orloske provided a strong work ethic and valuable minutes.
“Our five seniors were great role players,” Lord said. “They brought unselfish play and leadership. I think this senior class left their legacy for most wins but also because of their character.”
The strong character of the seniors allowed standout freshman forward Lizzy Jeronimus to flourish. The Shawnee Mission West product helped take the Gorillas to a new level by leading the team in points (15.8 ppg) and assists (95), while being second in rebounds (6.8 rpg). She earned honorable mention All-America honors.
In order to compete for a Division II national championship, you must have Division I quality players. Pitt State’s football team won a national title with the likes of Nate Dreiling and John Brown, who could compete at the D-I level. Jeronimus made the same type of impact for the Gorilla women.
“We had good players in our program, but we really needed a program changer,” Lord said. “When I recruited her I thought she could play in the Big 12 or anywhere in the country.”
The great thing for the Gorillas is that they will have Jeronimus for three more seasons.
“I think her best basketball is ahead of her,” Lord said. “As she matures physically, she’s going to get even better. When you have one of your best players who is one of your hardest workers and is a leader, that’s a recipe for success. She’s a 4.0 student and her work ethic is unbelievable.”
Along with Jeronimus, the Gorillas will return a nucleus of players that includes Drew Roberts, Alexa Bordewick, Morgan Westhoff, Lauren Brown and Y’Cedria Devers.
“Our expectations are very high,” Lord said. “I think we can compete at the highest level.”
