PAGE 6 I THE MEREDITH HERALD | FEBRUARY 4, 2009
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BASKETBALL FIGHTS
TILL THE END
Amanda Bitler
Contributing Writer
A nail-biter basketball game in the “Spoon” Tues.,
January 27th, came down to the final minutes as the
Meredith Avenging Angels fell to the Averett Cougars
(58-52). The Angels now drop to 0-11 in the USA
South Conference, while the Cougars advance to 5-4 in
the Conference.
After the Angels started off strong, the Cougars
pressed fiill court fi-om the start of the game, something
other teams have used to hurt the Angels this year. Oth
er tactics can also help; the Cougars warmed up with a
“flopping” drill where they would take the hit from the
player with the ball and get a chaige called on them.
Used in much of the first half, this device ran up Angel
team fouls and got Averett to the free throw line earlier
than they might have otherwise.
Half time saw the Averett Cougars ahead 29-28, and
in the second half they built the lead quickly to 9 ahead.
But the Angels rallied past this and built a substan
tial lead of their own. With 6’1” Angel center Kristin
Stewart established under the basket, the Angels were
able to hit several times from the low post, keeping the
ball in their possession with good offensive sets and a
tough zone defense that cut Averett’s scoring and gave
us many important rebounds. With nine minutes re
maining, the Angels led by six.
But then, with about five minutes left, Cougars’ se
niors 3-point shooter and point guard Taylor Poirier fi-
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nally took over the game, breaking down the Meredith
zone with drives, free throws and some 3-point daggers.
From there the Cougars fought back to gain the lead with
three minutes left and never looked back.
The Angels were led in scoring by Kristin Stewart with
15 points and Brittany Cornelius with 10, while the Cou
gars saw Taylor Poirier ring up a remarkable 30 points.
Despite the loss, this may have been the best game the
Angels have played this new year.
The Angels close out the season with four home games,
next Sunday, Thursday, Monday and Saturday. ■
BEING THERE
Herb Score
Sports Editor
Pnoto counesy Mtnditn Conaga Alhlelics Websile
Gentle readers: Important Part at End!
Yes, we lost to Peace College last week on our end of
the annual cross-town hoops duet. The short take: we
turned the ball over too often, didn’t execute our offense
well and shot too low a percentage, especially in the
first half. Our opponents were older, more experienced,
faster, and could work an assassin’s offense around two
players with extraordinary skills and a disciplined cast
of role players to support them—hence our demise.
And yet: We never gave up. We never DO give up.
We regrouped for the second half, shot a higher per
centage than the other team did, played very good zone
defense and got more rebounds. Mary Woessner was
perfect from the floor and added six boards. Kristin
Stewart established herself down low and made 11/13
free throws. Megan Rahn and Brittany Cornelius were
all over the court, gathering 26 points, 13 rebounds and
five assists between them.
As usual, we played a better second half than first,
which is hard to do when you are on a long losing streak.
The loss to a stronger Averett team last Tuesday night,
covered in another article, was even closer. Exceptional
student-athletes. Incredible heart.
But my real message begins here: Alabama foot
ball coach Bear Bryant captured the essence of college
sports when he said, “I have yet to see 80,000 people get
together and holler like maniacs about a history class.”
To this, add Woody Allen’s line: “90% of life is showing
up.” It’s all there.
Those who showed up for the basketball game got
something better than any digital simulation because to
gether they created a single supercharged community.
The shared hopes, the fears, the edge of the seat excite
ment, the overwhelming roller coaster ride of it all -
these are not available at any price. Don’t take my word
on this, readers. Come find out.
' There is indeed agony in defeat. But the real thrill
lies not so much in victory as in showing up and caring.
(Just ask any Cubs or Indians fan!) For this opportunity
I extend heartfelt thanks to the basketball team, their
coaches and the staff who together made it possible. 1
very much hope to see another full house in Weather-
spoon soon, because it really is about being there.H
UPCOMING
EVENTS
Wednesday, Feb. 4
Basketball @ N.C. Wesleyan
Friday, Feb. 6
Soft Ball vs.. LEES-MCRAE @
1 p.m. and 3 p.m.
Sunday, Feb. 8
Basketball vs. Chris. Newport
Pinkzone Game @ 2 p.m.
Thursday, Feb. 12
Basketball vs. METHODIST @ 7 p.m.
Sunday, Feb. 15
Soft Ball vs. BLUEFIELO STATE @
2 p.m. and 12 p.m.
Monday, Feb. 16
Basketball vs. GREENBORO @ 7 p.m.
Wednesday, Feb. 18
Soft Ball vs. Guilford @2 p.m.
and 4 p.m.