Dec. 18, 2004
With a week to plan for the game ahead, we made good use of our time! With two days off before finals to do what we pleased, you kind of feel empty without some type of basketball in your life. I mean sure we could be studying but that's not as fun. Little did Jordan, Vic, and I know that when we went to go shoot around, we would run into Emily and Coach Mulkey at the Ferrell Center. So, we all shot around together, well, not Coach Mulkey she was watching Mackenzie's practice on the other end of the court, but the four of us that were there did. We tried the small shoot-around thing again the next night, and there was Sophia and Abi. We ended up playing a little 3-on-3. It seems like even when we try not to, we meet up with each other! I mean on our two days off you'd think we would enjoy the time apart, but in reality we enjoy the time together much more.
Wednesday came and we met on purpose this time for practice. We went over the usual game preparations, worked on guarding people defensively and attacking them offensively. We knew what we had to do to win the game against Penn State and went over it until it was engraved in our minds it seems. They had key players we had to devote some extra attention to, and we watched film and to help prepare for them. We went through the same routine of practice for the next two days as well, until Saturday finally came around!
Everyone was anxious to just tip the ball off and get the game under way. Steff got the game started and got me personally fired up. She stepped up big time and got the ball rolling for us offensively! We had our hands full defensively and I think we gave the best example of what team defense really is as a result of it.
Maybe it was finals that got us in the mode to focus and concentrate, maybe it was something in the pre-game meal, or maybe it was the atmosphere and attitude in the locker room before the game! Whatever it was, we played a first half that most people wish for! We couldn't miss from the perimeter and they couldn't stop us in the paint! We went into the locker room, not in amazement but with extreme confidence. I think that was the performance we had been waiting for since Nov. 14.
It was almost relieving to finally put it out on the court. Although half-time is not the time to get too excited, especially since we were down 19 against LSU and made that comeback! So with our heads still on straight, we went out and played an equally satisfying second half, to top off the game of my life! I have no great explanation for my performance and I probably won't ever be able to put it into words. I have chosen to accept it gracefully and welcome it from here on out. I seriously give the majority of the credit to my teammates because if you think about it, I did nothing spectacular to get myself points. They were all off of great passes or screens and that's why I love this team. We do things and do them together, which led to our 21 point victory.
Well that game was a great study break over the weekend but it was back to the grind Sunday to prepare for the rest of finals and our trip to Washington. After we finally finished finals, we loaded the charter bus and headed to Dallas to fly out. We arrived in Seattle just in time to watch the sunset as we landed. It was absolutely gorgeous to see the mountains above the clouds and here we were flying into this postcard looking view. With mountains on one side, the space needle on the other, we arrived in a place where I would now consider living at some point in my life!
We practiced after a long day of travel and got up and down the floor a good amount of times. After practice we got a taste of culture at a local restaurant. It was very nice and right on the water. We had a great view of downtown right from our tables. I think everyone tried something new from the seafood menu. I personally went with the clam chowder, and I can't stand seafood, but I was feeling adventurous. I was doing well until I bit into something a little too squishy for my liking and then I quit! All in all it was a good meal and it was a good experience!
Game time finally came and we were hoping for a little Penn State momentum to overflow into this match-up. For Sophia's 21st birthday she decided to give us a little present with her offense. Steff and Sophia inside kept us alive despite a small deficit in the first half. They were both very consistent and solid for us. Emily and I were good for a couple threes as well to secure a tie ball game into the half. With that we went on to pull away from a very good Washington team. They were shooting lights out the first half but we picked up the defensive pressure a bit and along with some extra rebounding, we managed to get out of there 8-1.
Heading back to Waco was a lot harder for me, mainly because we stayed up the night before having pillow fights, but also because we lost two hours. It's hard to believe we started the day traveling at 6:30 a.m. and didn't reach the Ferrell Center until 4:30 in the afternoon. We started practice Friday at Midway High School early that morning with Florida on our minds.
After practice we got a few hours to unwind and until our Christmas party at Outback. It was fun and we all enjoyed ourselves but the most fulfilling part of the night was when we went over to the house of this family we adopted. We all chipped in some money to provide a family with presents who otherwise would have had nothing this Christmas. Inside Baylor Sports came along for the ride as we all car pooled to the house. We gave them presents, sang songs, and of course what would a Baylor gathering be without a group Sic 'em Bears!
And as if we hadn't seen enough of each other all day, a few of us decided to go see a movie afterwards. Steff, Tiff, Jordan, Vic, Angela, Chisa, Chanelle, Beth, Hillary, Abi, and I all went to go see Spanglish. It was very cute and funny. It was kind of lengthy but like I said it had been a long day!
We had an early practice this morning and now here we are. Of course you could watch the game tomorrow on ESPN2 but it is sooooo much better in person. Get your tickets, and come on out! It's an afternoon game and great idea for a family outing. We encourage you also to come out to any game during the holidays to support the Lady Bears. Its good stuff I promise! Hopefully ill see you soon!
-Chameka
