2001 State Champions

A Personal Reflection

By Chelsea Chowning, Class of 2003

Winning the 2001 Sweet Sixteen Girls State Tournament has to be one of the most memorable events of my life. It is nearly impossible to describe and, other than those of us who were fortunate enough to be a part of such an unbelievable experience, no one can imagine how special it was.

Just getting there was a tremendous task in itself. In girls basketball, the 11th Region is one of the toughest in the state. After we beat one of the favorites in the 11th Region, Bryan Station, we faced a tenacious Woodford County just two nights later. After a sloppy first half we pulled out a win in the second half. The Region finals were against Henry Clay who was most experts’ choice as the Region’s best team. This game was the most intense I have ever played in. After a series of what seemed to be game-ending events by both teams we came away with a one point victory and a trip to the Sweet Sixteen!

Although the 2001 Sweet Sixteen State Tournament was my second trip (and the seniors’ third trip), this year’s tournament was incomparable. In preparation we worked hard for two weeks working on various defenses and even put in some new offensive sets. Each day our anticipation grew to the Wednesday when we faced the 1st Region champion, Marshall County. We knew the Lady Marshals were scrappy and tough and their program was built on a rich winning tradition. After our nerves settled we were able to beat Marshall County 53-34.

Next came Jackson County which was the game everyone had been waiting for. They were by far and arguably the #1 team in the state for the entire season. The Lady Generals were ranked in the top 10 of a number of national polls as well and had not lost a game alt season to any team from Kentucky. Lexington Catholic had faced them five times in the last two years with Jackson County winning the last two games by a combined score of 40 points (both games were in the ‘00-’0l season). An intense rivalry had developed between us and them. Even though Coach Todd made certain that we didn’t look past Marshall County and took it one game at a time, it was almost impossible not to anticipate a rematch.

It was time to play the game. The score was about even at halftime as we controlled the game with our spread out “Knights” offense. In the second half we slowly pulled away. Their frustration just caused us to succeed more. Hearing the final buzzer excited us all as we had won 54-39. However, we stayed calm because we knew we had another game the next morning.

Our semifinal game of the state tournament was against a sharpshooting, quick Henderson County. We had a small lead the entire game and were able to hang on for the 53-45 victory and a chance to win the state title.

Before the tip-off of the State Tournament championship game I was more than nervous, but also more focused than I had ever been. Coach Todd told us that after doing what nobody thought we could--winning our Region, beating the seemingly unbeatable Jackson County team, and making it to the state finals-if we lost against Manual High School in this game we would not have completed out quest. A loss that evening would be a nightmare to each of us for the rest of our lives.

It wasn’t looking too good for us because the taller and faster Lady Crimsons went into halftime with a 24-15 lead. We came out from halftime and just kept plugging away… Chipping off point after point ... until we were back in the game. Much like the 11^th Region final game, another wild turn of events occurred in the closing minutes. It ended with Sarah Schell’s buzzer-beating, game-winning fade away from the baseline. This victory meant we had overcome all odds and were the 2001 Sweet Sixteen Girls Basketball STATE CHAMPIONS! At that point I do not know what I was feeling--pure joy is the only way I can describe it. It hadn’t hit us yet what we had accomplished so we just all enjoyed the moment.

Looking back it’s hard to say what was the best part about the entire experience. Winning the final game in such a close contest and beating #1 Jackson County come to mind. Also, the experience as a whole—spending time with teammates, growing together, living as a family, having our little superstitions and pregame rituals--are all ir replaceable memories that only our team shares.

For me those last four victories were the last games my mother, Nancy Chowning, who passed away in October, 2001, ever saw me play in. Its very special that she was able to see us win the State Championship and lam happy that my last game she got to see was such an incredible accomplishment for us. It puts a smile on my face to remember how excited and proud she was that night.

Being a part of the 2001 Girls Basketball State Championship team is a great honor that I am most proud of. The fun we had and the memories we made that March will be with me forever!