Emporia State Finding Stride at Right Time

By David Boyce

A five-point loss nearly two weeks ago in the semifinals of the MIAA Women’s Basketball Tournament didn’t leave coach Brandon Schneider discouraged.

Schneider chalked up the temporary setback as a case in which Central Missouri played very well, particularly in the first half.

“After we lost to Washburn at home (on Feb. 24) we had some really good practices,” Schneider said. “I felt like our practices were headed in the right direction.

“We didn’t win the Central Missouri game, but you have to give Central Missouri a lot of credit for how they played. We still felt like we were headed in the right direction. Our girls were excited about competing in the NCAA Tournament. They were really looking forward to playing some new teams.”

So Schneider took his Hornets team to the South Central Regional in Canyon, Texas feeling pretty confident.

Emporia State found its midseason stride and won its fifth regional title. The Hornets knocked off the host and No. 1 seed West Texas A&M 76-69 in the semifinals and then demolished Northeastern State 76-45 in the championship game on Monday night.

“We definitely got off to better starts, and defensively we really played committed on that end of the floor,” said Schneider, comparing the MIAA Tournament to the regional tournament.

“We really played well. Northeastern is hard to guard. They are in constant movement with a lot of screening. We knew we had to be committed to playing hard every possession. We felt like that was the key.”

The Hornets are now one of eight NCAA Division II women’s basketball teams left playing.

Emporia State, 27-5, will take on No. 3 ranked Michigan Tech at 8:30 p.m. Tuesday in the Elite Eight at the St. Joseph Civic Center.

The previous four trips the Hornets made to the Elite Eight were in Arkansas. The closer proximity should help Emporia State with its very loyal fan base.

“Emporia State fans traveled really well to that distance so we anticipate having a great crowd in St. Joe,” Schneider said.

The way the Hornets have played in the last three games, they definitely make it worth the price of gas to see them. Emporia State won its three regional games by an average of 19 points.

And in the regional championship game, balanced scoring ruled. Sophia Lenard, Jamie Augustyn and Brittney Miller each scored 12, and MIAA player of the year Cassondra Boston added 11.

Boston was the MVP in the regional tournament and Lenard and center Alli Volkins made the all-tournament team.

“Our inside players really stepped up,” Schneider said. “Allie Volkins really had a tremendous tournament. Sophia Lenard has come off the bench and provided scoring.

“Our players are really playing for each other and they understand that everybody got to contribute in different ways. In order for us to be successful we can’t rely on Cassondra making every play.”

From all indications, the Hornets are clicking as a complete team at the right time. They are using the seven days between games to get ready for what should be their toughest task of the season.

Michigan Tech beat Drury 84-68 in its regional championship game and is 31-2.

 “One key is not to over prepare,” Schneider said. “You have to focus on what really has gotten you to this point. We will prepare for our opponent and put a game plan together.

“It’s eliminating all the other distractions with fans, parents and everybody patting you on the back. You have to stay humble and stay hungry.”

The Hornets appear to be ready for any opponent. They are looking like the team that won 14 in a row from Dec. 5 to Jan. 30.

To reach David Boyce, contributing writer for the MIAA, e-mail dboyce@themiaa.com.