Mizzou Basketball Awards Banquet
4/16/2009 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
April 16, 2009
The Mizzou Women's Basketball team hosted their annual banquet Tuesday night at the Holiday Inn Select in Columbia. The evening entailed memories of the season filled with laughs, hugs, and tears of joy. The ball room at the Holiday Inn was filled to capacity with fans that wanted to get a final peak of the 2008-2009 women's basketball team.
The Missouri staff handed out 8 different awards voted on by players, staff and booster club members. The lone senior on the team, Alyssa Hollins, came away with the Most Valuable Tiger and the "String Music" Award.
Alyssa Hollins led the team in scoring this year with 13.1 ppg, started all 30 games, brought down 102 rebounds and 52 steals. Alyssa finished her career as a 1,000 point scorer and the all time leader in 3-point field goals made at Missouri. Hollins gave a touching speech thanking everyone that has helped her along the way. Her leadership, maturity, and loyalty to her fans and teammates will be greatly missed.
RaeShara Brown came away with three awards including The "Special Delivery Assist" award, Brown led the Tigers with 71 Assists on the season, The "Intimidator Defense" award, and the "Fighting Tiger Hustle" Award." Rae Rae, her nickname that her teammates call her, had a great season stepping up this year as a crowd pleasing defensive stopper. Brown's tenacious defense and all out hustle at all times gave her a starting spot throughout the season recognized by her peers and fans. Brown also finished the season leading the Big 12 in steals, a great accomplishment given all of the great defensive individuals in the league.
The "Glass Attacker" Rebounding Award was given out to Jessra Johnson. Johnson was a fierce inside presence all season long for the Tigers. She finished the year with 208 rebounds and one of the top rebounders in the Big 12. The Tigers look for Johnson to step up big next year as one of four seniors the Tigers will have next year. She will be the leading returning scorer and rebounder for the Tigers.
Rebekah Mills won the "Heart and Soul Leadership" Award. Mills at all times presented leadership for the tigers on and off the court. She spends a lot of time in the community and reaching out to the youth of Columbia. Mills is a player everyone respects and this award fits her perfectly.
Christine Flores rounds up the awards with the "Most Improved Tiger" Award. Flores was impressive from day one, but throughout the season her post moves improved and she became more physical around the basket. Next year she will be a vital part to the Tigers deep front court.
With the awards handed out and the memories recorded, the Tigers are ready to get to work. Individuals workouts have begun and the ladies are turning up the intensity. The new season is here and the Tigers are stepping up to the challenge! Bring on the Big 12!
