Lady Saints Ranked #7 in the Nation

It was the last true test of how things are going for the Lady Saints - beating Grace University of Omaha, Nebraska last Monday night with a score of 74-46.  Over the course of the past 6 years, three teams have served to do nothing but haunt the ladies and their former coach -- Manhattan, Ozark and Grace.  With a coaching change, some added players to the arsenal and some very dedicated veterans, the Central women's basketball team are finally finding out what it means to win.

Even though the ladies had a five game winning streak busted up by two NAIA/NCCAA Division I games in Kentucky the first weekend of December, they were not disheartened.  These games seemed only to bolster an impressive offense, and gave the young women the opportunity to hone their defensive skills against strong offensive teams.  Beating Manhattan 68-50, then Calvary 68-42, before going on to beat Ozark 63-27 could cause any player to become overwhelmed with pride.  The games in Kentucky served as a reminder that there WILL be bigger giants to face on the road to the National tournament.

The Grace game was a good place for the fans and competition to see the mettle of which Central is comprised.  The steady offensive assault is constantly fluctuating between 5-6 players, making it hard to predict just which woman is going to be the leading scorer.  This factor has served to frustrate most of their conference foes.  In the game against the Royals, freshman Jennifer Willis had 14 points, 12 boards and 4 blocks.  Kelsi Mueller, another freshman, added 16 points, 12 boards and 6 steals. Raven Woods added 13 points, 5 boards and an impressive 7 assists.  Point guard, Taylor Terry had 8 assists to go with her 7 points.   Mazie Dowdy had 12 points and Barbie Askew had 10 points.

"There are plenty of people to score, something that has never happened here at CCCB.  It's very exciting basketball.  The girls are passing with confidence, knowing that whoever gets the ball has the potential to score.  That is a great feeling," added AD Menear.

Staying calm and trying to keep things in perspective has become a full-time job for Coach DeRonte Polite.  He was hesitant to announce the recent coaches poll that ranks the Lady Saints at #7 in the nation.  He didn't want the expectations for his team to go even higher, if that were possible.  He certainly didn't want them to get comfortable.  With a little bit of trepidation, the team sat down during finals week to celebrate the ranking, but to establish a firm foundation before heading into a two week break.  When the ladies return on January 4th they will begin preparing for a tough second semester of play.  Their first game will be against Calvary Bible College on January 9th here in Moberly. A tough schedule is ahead.  But the Lady Saints are in a great position.