Published: March 19, 2008 10:49 am         

Garrett title chase resumes today

Lakers face Rhode Island in national tournament opener

EAST PEORIA, Ill. — The Garrett Lakers, who won the Region XX championship two weeks ago, now set their sights on a national championship at the Junior College Division II National Tournament today at Illinois Central College.

Coach Thea Garland’s Lakers (23-4) will play the Community College of Rhode Island (25-6) in the tournament opener today at noon (CDT). The CC of Rhode Island was ranked No. 16 in the final Division II national poll.

In other first-round games, Illinois Central (24-8) plays Mesa, Ariz., (13-19), Muskegon, Mich., (27-3) takes on Mott, Mich., (19-12), and Genesee, N.Y. (23-4) faces Penn Valley, Mo., (22-11).

Kirkwood, Iowa (28-6) will play the Garrett-Rhode Island winner on Thursday at 2 o’clock. Others in the 12-team field with opening-round byes are Carl Sandburg, Ill., (26-7), Johnson County, Kan., (26-8) and Kankakee, Ill., (28-2).

Of the 12 teams in the tournament, eight were ranked in the final national poll. Kirkwood was No. 2, Kankakee No. 3, Johnson County No. 4, Carl Sandburg No. 8, Illinois Central No. 10, Genesee No. 12, Rhode Island, and Muskegon No. 17.

The Lakers take their 23-4 record to the national tournament for only the second time in the school’s history. Among the wins were victories over 13th-ranked Allegany as well as Hagerstown and Cecil, which received votes in the final national poll but were unranked.

Garrett beat Hagerstown 59-42 in the Maryland JUCO Tournament, and avenged two earlier losses to Allegany by beating the Trojans 67-53 in the Region XX semifinals.

The Lakers then beat Cecil 71-66 in the Region XX title game on March 2 at Frederick to earn the spot in the national tournament.

“When we came out of the locker room, I’ve never seen us more together as a team. Everybody wanted it,” center Mindy Sharp said of the championship game.

“All the team’s hard work is paying off,” Sharp said. “After we beat Cecil for the Region XX championship, I’ve never screamed so much in my life. I was so excited. I can’t wait to get to Illinois.”

“We’ve come a long way,” said Garland. “We were immature in the beginning. We continued to get better over the course of the year, not only athletically, but also mentally. I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished.”

Sophomore Tegra Hillman made the All-Maryland Junior College Tournament team and was also the Region XX Tournament MVP after scoring 20 points in the final. Sharp had 18 and Tanika Jeffers 17.

“I was shocked and crying when they announced my name. But they were tears of joy,” said Hillman, who plays both point guard and shooting guard for the team. “I’m so excited and glad we made it this year because it’s my last year at Garrett.”

Sharp also made the All-Region XX Tournament team. Jeffers, a freshman, made the All-Maryland Junior College Tournament team.

“We are proud of the accomplishments that our women’s basketball team has made this season,” Garrett College Athletic Director Ann Wellham said. “Garrett is one of only 12 community colleges in the United States that has qualified for the Division II National Tournament. These young ladies have worked very hard to get to where they are today and I am certain that they will represent us well.”

Garland attributed the Lakers’ success to their hard work, dedication and the support of the college. College President Dr. Paul Dauphinais was a regular at Lakers games this season.

“It was great to see the president at our games," she said. “I believe his being there was one of the driving forces behind the success we’ve had this year. The team seeing him at the games lending his support was uplifting.”

“Getting to a national tournament in a sport such as basketball is a great accomplishment for the team, the coaches and the school,” Dauphinais said. “I am happy for all of the players and wish the team the very best in Illinois.”

Fans can follow the team’s progress at the national tournament by visiting the school’s web site, www.garrettcollege.com, and clicking on the NJCAA National DII Women’s Basketball Tournament link.

The tournament begins today and concludes Saturday.