Salina Journal News: NJCAA Third: Upstart Labette captures consolation game, finishes 3-1 at tournament

NJCAA Third: Upstart Labette captures consolation game, finishes 3-1 at tournament

3/21/2010

Salina Journal

Finishing third in the nation could be considered overacheiving for the Labette Cardinals, considering two weeks ago many people thought they were only the third best team in Kansas.

Labette, which began the NJCAA Women's Championship as the No. 11 seed, closed out the season with a 76-72 victory over Casper College (Wyo.) in Saturday's third-place game at the Bicentennial Center.

The Cardinals defeated two highly ranked teams in their regional tourney to qualify for nationals, then finished this week with a 3-1 record. The third-place finish equalled the best performance by a Kansas representative in the last eight years.

"We've flown under the radar for awhile," said Labette coach Jaime Green. "But I think this team proved that talent and hard work can get you a long ways.

"I don't think it's hit me just yet, and I'm not one for tears, but I will miss my team."

Labette shot 50 percent from the free throw line in Friday's semifinal loss to Gulf Coast, Fla., but improved that figure significantly in the victory over Casper. The Cardinals made 27 of 37 free throws (73 percent) and outscored the Thunderbirds by 21 at the line. They also made 12 of 14 in the game's final five minutes with the outcome still in doubt.

"I'm not going to lie. I'm still thinking about (Friday's loss)," said Labette sophomore Philicia Kelly. "But we had to get over that. We had a chance to play for a third-place trophy.

"We had a great run, and I would rather be number one, but this is pretty good considering where we started."

Casper had its surprising run in the tournament end with back-to-back losses. The Thunderbirds (33-5) were the tourney's 12th seed and led Labette 58-56 with 5:33 remaining. But an 8-0 Cardinal run had Casper playing from behind the rest of the way.

"My girls battled so hard," said Casper coach Dwight Gunnare. "There were times tonight when they could have given in, but we had numerous people hit big shots to keep us in the game."

Labette's Kelly and Kellindra Zachery each had three-point plays in the Cardinals pivotal run, with Kelly's putting her team up 64-58 with 3:49 to play.

The Thunderbirds stayed close by hitting four 3-pointers in the game's final 2:10 -- the first by reserve Megan Wilson and the next three from Lindsey Fearing. But Casper never had the ball with a chance to tie or take the lead in the final four minutes.

Kelly had 23 points and finished 9 of 10 at the line, four of those in the last two minutes. Shetiarra Pledger made 7 of 10 free throws in the second half, as part of her 11 points, while Zachery led all scorers with 26 points. Kelly, Pledger and Zachery each finished with a double-double.

"I think both teams realized this was going to be a game about integrity and character," Green said. "Nobody wants to finish fourth when you can win and finish third. If you can end the year with a win, I know that would help keep my stomach from hurting all summer."

"We definitely have all the respect in the world for the Labette program," Gunnare said. "This was a fun game, and both teams battled hard until the end."

Juliana Paunovic had four of Casper's eight 3-pointers and finished with 18 points, while Fearing added 13 points.