The Genies rode a rollercoaster of emotional ups and downs throughout the 2004 AAU Division II Western National Championships, opening and closing the week-long tournament with heart-stopping, last-second losses to their in-state rivals the Arizona Elite, and ultimately finishing in a very respectable but disappointing fourth place. Saturday’s opening game matchup with the Elite saw the teams tied at the end of regulation, before the Genies forged a one-point lead with six seconds remaining in overtime. The Elite inbounded the ball at the far end of the court to point guard Simone Westbrook, who then raced past halfcourt, but lost control of the ball as she attempted a crossover move just outside the three-point line. With no chance to attempt a game-winning shot, players from both teams sprawling on the floor 25 feet from the basket trying to gain possession of the ball, and just one second remaining, the Genies were inexplicably whistled for a foul. Westbrook calmly sank both free throws and the Genies were left with their most controversial and frustrating loss of the season. After splitting their next two games in pool play, the Genies stormed back from a 17-point second half deficit to shock the nationally recognized South Bay (Calif.) Waves, 57-53 in overtime. That gave the Genies a 2-2 pool record and placed them as a #4 seed heading into Monday’s double-elimination championship bracket. There, the Genies started strong, winning three of their first four games – the one setback being a three-point loss to the eventual tournament champion NJB Stars, a game in which the Genies held a ten-point second half lead – to advance to the Final Four, and a rematch with the Elite. In a game rich with irony, the Genies found themselves trailing 32-31 with one second remaining when the Elite was whistled for a foul as the Genies attempted a game-winning shot. However, both subsequent free throws were off the mark and the Genies were left to contemplate what might have been in settling for the fourth place trophy. Despite the disappointing ending, the Genies came away from the tournament having earned national respect from players, coaches and administrators from around the country. Their hustle, teamwork and ability turned the heads of many, and garnered compliments from virtually everyone who saw them play. Additionally, the girls proved to themselves they can play competitively with the top programs in the country. For the nine-game tournament the Genies were led in scoring by Cara (13+17+6+18+19+17+6+12+7 = 115 points), followed by Ashton (5+1+3+2+12+3+10+3+13 = 52), Tara (5+8+3+11+3+8+6+6+0 = 50), Amber (6+2+4+8+4+4+4+8+9 = 49), Kelsi (6+6+6+4+7+2+2+10+0 = 43), Cecilia (3+0+7+10+8+0+0+2+1 = 31), Alyssa (0+0+3+4+12+2+6+0+0 = 27) and Alexis (0+2+6+0+0+0+3+5+2 = 18). Ashton topped all rebounders with 98, followed by Amber (87), Cara (66), Cecilia (59), Tara (43), Kelsi (28), Alexis (21) and Alyssa (13). The Genies finished the 2004 season with an impressive 49-18 record, having reached the title game in 10 of the 14 tournaments they entered, and having won seven tournament championships.
Results:
Your Wish Is My Command:
Back To Main Page
2004 Tournament Results
