RiverHawks Exceed Expectations, Just Missing Elite Eight
TAHLEQUAH, Okla. --- When the 2009-10 Northeastern State women’s basketball season tipped-off in Orlando, Fla., at the Disney Classic in November, no one expected the young RiverHawks to post a school record for wins (28) and reach the championship game of the NCAA Division II South Central Regional Tournament.
But the opening game against Gannon University, the No. 1 team in NCAA Division II, who reached the Elite Eight in St. Joseph, Mo., was a glimpse of what was to come for Northeastern State. The RiverHawks lost by a single point, but it show Northeastern State head Coach Randy Gipson that his club could compete at a high level.
“When you add up everything that this team did this year it exceed expectations.” said Gipson.”I would say they achieved to the maximum level. What impressed me the most is that we never lost to anybody we were suppose to beat. We didn’t have any upset losses. With a 35-game schedule that requires a pretty high level of maturity,” said Gipson.
Gipson, who is now just one win away from posting his 500th victory as a collegiate head coach after the RiverHawks recorded a 28-7 record en route to the Lone Star Conference North Division title and an at-Large berth in the NCAA Division Tournament, believes his club came of age at the Disney Classic.
“When we were down in Disney, even after the first game I didn’t know Gannon was as good as they ended up being (37-1),” said Gipson.
“I thought we competed real well for 40 minutes (losing 67-66). We came back to win the next two games, a blow out win and then came back when we had flat first half and won on a last second shot.
“The Disney experienced we encountered had a lot of different challenges and we met those challenges. It showed me signs that we could be a real good team.”
The RiverHawks’ two seniors Jessica White and Sarah Millar provided the leadership, spark throughout the season, now must be replaced and Gipson said that will be very difficult.
“You don’t replace them.” said Gipson. “Those two were unique players and definitely provided leadership. They left their mark. In terms of being productive players, Sarah (Millar) as a 3-point shooter, made a lot of important shots and J.J (Jessica White) was more of a workhorse type of player that did a lot of things pretty well, rebounded, 3-point shots, and defended well.
“I think their determination made us more of a team. They really helped us to develop teamwork,” said Gipson, adding, "You replace them by others on the team learning from their example.”
With the graduation of Millar and White, Gipson will be looking for leadership entering the 2010-11 basketball season. The leadership in all probability comes from seniors to be Jasmine Webb and Megan Fraley.
“Both Megan and Jasmine ended up being outstanding players for us. “said Gipson. “Megan in her first year of our program was very good at making big plays. She got better and better in setting up the team’s execution. She will return next year with a better understanding at the point guard spot to lead the team.
“Jasmine became a real solid player toward the end of the season. She scored a lot as a sophomore but she developed into a very good defensive player that she needed to be for us.
“We have two players (Jasmine and Megan) that have developed a lot confidence because of their play. They will emerge as natural leaders for this team next year. Because they are both hard workers, and both have had a lot of success on the floor. I think those two things will help them in the leadership department next year,” said Gipson.
It was the play of freshmen Taylor Lewis, Tosh Tyler, and Sarah Green who contributed mightily toward the latter half of the season, maturing as the season went along.
“The freshman had the kind of year that you want them to have,” said Gipson. “They had the opportunity to contribute, and, when they did, they took full advantage of it. They really helped our team in spot situations throughout the season. Those three freshmen learned the college game through the hard-knock method by just practicing everyday and sitting on the bench a lot, but also got to play in many key moments. They made some big plays for us.”
The key for next season will be the play of four juniors next year, Alix Perkins, Cristy Nitz, Jasmine Wright and Kendra Dean.
“All four of those kids are going to be ready to be consistent players,” said Gipson. “They were still learning this year as sophomores. As freshman they were pressed into duty and they were trying. But they really didn’t understand what to do sometimes. As sophomores they were still learning the game a little more. Learning the why of the game and why we did certain things.
“I think those kids will make a big bump next year towards being high quality consistent players. I believe they will emerge to be better players than they were this year.”
While the season didn’t play out they way the RiverHawks wanted in the end, it was a major success, something Gipson never expected when practice began in October.
“Reaching the regional championship wasn’t’ something we planned for,” said Gipson. “Given our experience level we wanted to get to the NCAA Tournament. To get in as a three seed and make it all the way to the region final probably exceeded our expectations.
“I think this group of kids is very competitive and hungry for more. They believe they can win anytime they step on the floor. A lot of these kids have played in state tournaments, and expect to do well.
“With the success we had this year they know it can be a reality (Elite Eight) at the college level.” said Gipson.
