Great Season!
For those who don't believe in global warming . . . it was in the 90s today in our nation's capital . . . in April! Fortunately, the BasketCases and hundreds of other Maryland fans -- 435 others to be exact -- had a cool place to take shelter from the sweltering heat: the annual Maryland team banquet!
Every banquet has a silent auction, packed with plenty of Terps memorabilia, and this one was no exception. Lots of great items and plenty of silent bidding wars that stretched a few credit cards.
The signed ACC Champions backboard sign was a particularly popular item and went for a hefty sum.
As did every signed photo of Marissa and Kristi.
Marissa and Kristi were both mobbed from the moment they stepped into the room. Each graciously signed autographs and posed for photos.
ACC Rookie of the Year Lynetta Kizer also posed (graciously) at her first team banquet.
Emery Wallace, Yemi Oyefuwa, and Jackie Nared . . . all looking very stylish!
The tradition continues.... Rebounder Daphne has Kristi sign the WNBA ball signed two years ago by Shay Doron and last year by Crystal Langhorne and Laura Harper.
Then it was Marissa's turn to sign....
With 437 fans in attendance, the Riggs Alumni Hall was completely packed. In fact, the team decided to forgo the usual head table this year to make room for about six additional tables of fans. And the individual tables were increased from seating 8 to seating 10 to accommodate all the fans who wanted to attend.
Coach B surprised outgoing Rebounders President Obie O'Brien and his wife, Marilyn (who preceded Obie as President), by honoring them for their many years of service to the Rebounders and to the team. This was a well deserved recognition for two really terrific people!
Coach B presented the shortest dress award (previously held by Marissa Coleman) to Jackie Nared, and correctly guessed that Jackie's parents were not in attendance!
Marissa and Kristi enjoying the proceedings.
Coach B noted that it did not take Marissa long to switch her wardrobe from Maryland red to Mystics blue. We've got to admit, the color looks good on her!
Kim Rodgers, Marissa, and Lynetta
To no one's surprise, this year's MVP award went to both seniors, members of the winningest class in Maryland history.
Kristi was the first of the seniors to deliver her farewell remarks. They were warm, funny, and clearly heartfelt.
Marissa's farewell speech. When it came time to tell her teammates how much they meant to her, Marissa broke down in tears.
A final hug as college teammates....
... now professional competitors.Photo Credits: DC BasketCases
posted by BasketCases @ 11:07 PM
14 comments
14 Comments:
That was a very joyful but, sad banquet. I will miss KT and Riss.
Hey Basketcases, thanks for the great photos and story. Fortunetly, we will see both these great ladies again, just not on the same team.
GREAT pics! Thanks for sharing! I'm expecting GREAT things from these two young ladies, both on and off the court!
thanks for the great photos and tag lines. :) i'm jealous that the basketcases get to go to all these fun events. hey, ladies! hope you didn't stretch your credit cards too much. LOL
scullyfu
Great shots ladies, as usual. Have a Mystics tidbit. WNBA.com has an interview with Chamique. I was about to get on her for not acknowledging the fan support she got in DC, but she mentioned us. Circle June 7th - home game against ATL.
With Jackie Nared at the banquet does this mean she will be playing next year for the Terps? I have not seen much press on her. What about her sister, is she a target?
Jackie's been on the roster since January. She redshirted this semester and will be playing in the fall. As for whether her sister is "a target," we certainly hope so! :-)
Was Anjale there (crosses fingers)?
Yes, Anjale (and everyone on the team) was there. Sorry we didn't post a photo of her. She's standing behind Coach B (partially blocked) in the 7th pic from the bottom.
-- BC
Thanks! I've gotten so worried b/c of the rumors. I've finally just stopped with the message boards b/c, frankly, I'm really sick of people who haven't got much going on in their lives dismantling others (i.e., Coach B and the young ladies who represent MD). Really, the message boards are full of the type of people who wish injury on our players (KT, as an example) and generally are sad little people w/o much in their lives, evidently. Thanks for keeping your blog positive and informative!
Is Emery Wallace finished with her BB career at UMD or was it just this year due to her injuries?
Unfortunately, after repeated injuries and several surgeries, "Coach Emery" has been forced to hang up her sneakers for good.
She remains with the team as a Medical Hardship, and is there at every practice and game, cheering on and inspiring her teammates.
Though she can no longer play for Maryland, but she is still very much part of the Terps Basketball family.
--BC
Don't pay attention to all the rumors...one of the sites is run by the angry boyfriend (under a fake name) of a former MD employee who was let go and he does nothing but try to stir up trouble. It is pretty pathetic.
Anybody have video of Riss and KT giving their speeches?
And thanx for the photos! :)
One thing you forgot to talk bout in your post was Brenda's gracious mention of Drey Mingo and Marah Strickland at the banquet. During Brenda's speech, she spoke about these two talented athletes and how much they meant to the program. Even though they weren't there, she thanked them for their efforts for the team and wished them well in their basketball paths. I thought that was a particularly selfless thing for Brenda to do. It's obvious she not only loves the game but truly cares about the young ladies in her charge.
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