Thr Perfect Ending:
Basketball Regains State Title
by Katy Weller
All the hard work paid off in the end. After three months of daily two hour practices and games almost twice a week, the varsity basketball team was ready for the reward. That reward came on Sat.. March 5 at the Devaney Sports Center in Lincoln. An exciting 52-49 win over the North Vikings earned the Crusaders the prized state championship trophy. "I felt confident from the beginning that this team could play with anyone," said head varsity basketball coach and assistant principal Mr. Jim Miller. After winning the Metro and District tournaments, the Crusaders were seeded No. 1 headed into the Class A state championships. Hard work and dedication during months of practice were key elements in the preparation for the state basketball tournament. "This year the team was focused because we didn't start the season expecting to win state," said senior Michaela Wuebben. "We had to work for it."
The Crusaders defeated Bellevue West and Grand Island in the semifinals and the basketball team cruised into the championship game for the 10th time in Marian history with a desire to win. "Winning the state tournament gave closure to all our hard work during the season," said sophomore Liz Greisch.
Sophomore Meghan Martin agreed, "This year gave us important experience that will help us next season."
Not only was this year's title Marian's first state championship since 1985, the varsity team also set numerous varsity records. They include the most points scored in a season, 1,809, which averages to 69.6 points per game. Senior Anna Jones holds the all-time record for 3-pointers with 78 shots in one season. Senior Jaime Miller had a 60% 3-point basket percentage, which is the highest in Marian history.
With a 25-1 record, the varsity basketball team was made up of freshman Andrea Lightfoot, sophomores Liz Greisch and Meghan Martin, juniors Mandy Cyr, Jessica Denis, Sara Mancuso, Stephanie Patton, Laura Spanheimer, and Katie Stanzel, and seniors Anna Jones, Jaime Miller, Amy Sibbernsen, and Michaela Wuebben.
Although the 1999-2000 varsity basketball team had a long and winding road to victory, they learned many priceless lessons about sportsmanship, teamwork, and friendship along the way. "People always talk about a team, but I truly think that this year we were the perfect example of a team," said Mr. Miller. "Everyone pulled together to play as a team and make it better."