NJCAA News
Labette vs. Northern Oklahoma(#6) Won 94-76  Boxscore
Labette vs. Midland, TX   Won 68-58  Boxscore
News article from Midland, TX

Final Four game Friday, March 16, 2010 @ 6:00pm

Labette vs. Gulf Coast CC Lost 67-51   Boxscore

Playing for 3rd & 4th Saturday, March 20, 2010 @ 5:00

"Winning in February"

"Conference Here We Come"

Hello !! My name is Alexis Ellis, better known as "A-Train" by my teammates and coaches. I am a freshmen from Leavenworth, Kansas. Moving to Parsons was sort of a big change for me because it is two and half hours from home and I had never been so far. The main change was the style of basketball and how fast the college level is compared to my high school level. also the practices are much more intense than at the high school level. While being here I have developed some great friendships with my team, and our team chemistry is amazing. The community of Parsons is so loving and supportive and I enjoy having them there to cheer us to our victories. My coaching staff has been the best coaches that I have ever had. They push us to the fullest on and off the court so that we can be the best person that we can be. They not only want us to succeed on the court, but they want us to succeed in the work force as well and they teach us a lot of good life lessons to remember in the long run.

"The Captain Speaks"

Hello everyone! My name is Kellindra Zackery, also known as K. I am honored to be known as this year's team captain. This is  role I do not take lightly. My team depends on me for my energy, voice and leadership. I wanted to write to you all to introduce myself and let you know where I am from and where this team and I are heading.

I came to Labette Community College from Rutgers University. I thought it would be a hard transition coming from a huge University as Rutgers, but it hasn't been. Actually, it has been great. The town of Parsons and the people of this town are amazing. Everyone is accepting, loving and kind. It is very different from the huge Jersey City I am from where people are busy, cold and mind their own business. I had to get use to the slower pace, but now I consider Parsons my new home.

So I know you are wanting to know the real scoop on the Lady Cardinal Basketball Team so let me fill you in on my prospective as the Captain. J Right now our team is 8-2 and we honestly should be 10-0. We dropped two games early to Cloud and Hutch that we had no business of doing. That has eaten at our team daily and in fact, that is why we have been stepping our game up and working so hard in practice.

Right now I have been very excited with our teams energy levels and hunger in practice. I have never been on a team and coaching staff before that hates to lose as much as I do. We all are focused on one goal; becoming the "Best Team in the Nation!" At the beginning of the year our team chemistry was awful, but now it's like everyone decided that 1 versus 5 would not win us ball games. We all decided that if we combined our talents into one strong force then we could have the chance to be great. we still have a LONG way to go, but i am happy with where we are. Our freshman have really began stepping up and are starting to push the sophomores hard in practice. Our sophomores are realizing that we really only have 3 and 1/2 months left to win a title!

We are heading out to Seward today and we hope to bring you home two big wins going into Christmas break. We will see you next semester as we make a run for a Conference Title. I hope you come along for the ride!!!

Thanks for all your support!

Until next time....It's a GREAT day to be a Cardinal!

Kellindra "K" Zackery #2

"Coach Green's Top 10 Thanksgiving List"

I am thankful that......

1. That God is faithful even when we are faithless!
2. That Kelsey Overacker never runs out of smiles in practice. J
3. That my freshman are getting much better, much quicker!
4. That my sophomores are learning to lead by example!
5. That Shakey's mom makes the BEST sweet potato pie I have ever eaten!
6. That Lauren Andrews never gets tired of encouraging her teammates!
7. That Philicia Kelly has stopped singing at the top of her lungs when we travel in our vans to games!!
8. That we have the BEST fans in the Jayhawk conference!
9. That as time continues to pass, my team continues to get hungrier, bigger, faster, smarter and stronger!!
10. That God has blessed me with 13 AMAZING young women to lead!

GO CARDS and HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Coach Green

"Growing Pains: Going back to the basics"

Hello Cardinal fans!!! Well, our team has been off and running for a month now. During this time we have experienced victories, laughter, trials and pain. Currently our 6th man Jessica Mitchell (J Mitch) is out for the season due to a head injury. We really miss you Jess!!!

Last weekend the Lady Cardinals traveled to Hutchinson Community College to face Nationally ranked opponents in Cloud County and Hutchinson. The team suffered two important losses, but I think the lesson learned was one that was truly a blessing. Our team realized we are not as good as we thought we were and that talent is NEVER enough.

As of Monday, our team has gone back to the drawing board. If you were to come into our practices since our return from Hutch, you would hear sayings such as "attention to detail," "talent is never enough," and "you think you are going hard, but you can go much harder," over and over again! I believe that our team is finally understanding that the best of Labette teams have prided themselves in hard work, passion and DISCIPLINE!

If our team can embrace change and identify the need for change throughout the year, then the season will be one to remember.

Until next time.....

It's a GREAT day to be a CARDINAL!

Coach Green

"Meet the Team"

Hello!! My name is Kelsey Overacker and I am a freshman from Cherryvale, Kansas. Moving to Parsons wasn’t a big change for me, but the style of basketball definitely is something that has been a big difference to what I am used to. Getting the chance to play with girls from much bigger schools and towns is a great experience; they are such a joy not only to play with but to be around daily as well. I have been able to build some great relationships on this team already; we have so many different styles and personalities. Putting all of our talent and abilities together is what will make us successful on and off the floor. 

As the season approaches and we head to Crowder on Friday, we will be bringing a great lineup. Allow me to introduce you to my teammates! :) 
One of our transfer guards from Philadelphia, Satoria Bell, is a player that brings many great qualities to the floor, she is not only a great offensive player, but she is one of our top defenders as well, we couldn’t ask for a more well rounded player. 

Another great addition we had this year is post player Kellindra Zachery. Kellindra brings a tremendous amount of abnormal energy, leadership, and experience to the floor for us; she will be a great target for our guards and a big threat for all the teams we face. 

One of our few freshmen this year is a local favorite out of Frontenac, KS, Hannah Ketterman. Ketterman has a very successful background and we look for that to carry over into this year, she is one of our most consistent shooters who can quietly pick apart an opponent. 

Katelyn Sunde, a freshman guard from Iowa is also one of our big shooting threats. Sunde has a great eye into the post and makes her very difficult to guard. 

A very versatile player and someone we will depend on for both her inside and outside game is sophomore Jessica Mitchell. Mitchell has the ability to shoot the outside shot on one possession and come back on the next and pull down a rebound and finish underneath for us.

Freshman guard Jasmin Smith is definitely a special player for us, she is a very quick and explosive player who will be able to drive to the basket and produce a lot of buckets, free throw opportunities, and she will also open up her fellow shooters on the floor, we look for her to make a big impact in the league this year. 

Labette is also fortunate to welcome sophomore transfer Philicia Kelly, the Bahamian guard is one of our best finishers on the floor, she absorbs contact very well and we look for her to help us finish in key situations. 

Returner from last years squad, Linda Henderson will be one that we see dominating people on the defensive end of the floor, Linda has a great defensive style who will cause havoc to opponent’s ball handlers, not only that but Henderson brings a nice shot for us as well. 
Helping pull down some important rebounds for the Lady Cardinals is going to be sophomore returner Lauren Andrews. Andrews’ experience and her ability to come up in big situations is something we will depend on this year, look for #24 to have a big year. 

Alexis Ellis, a freshman forward out of Lansing will be putting some shots on our opponents and grabbing big rebounds for the Lady Cards, she is a very strong and physical player who has a great will to win. 
Sophomore returner, Shetiarra “Shakey” Pledger is one of our most athletic players; she is one of our top defenders and has a very consistent shot. Shakey is a great leader not only vocally, but she leads by her actions and energy on the floor. 

Fan favorite Monique “Money” Johnson has the ability to be one of the best post players in the conference this year. She can rebound, finish underneath, knock down free throws, and play great defense as well.

The team is very fortunate to have a coaching staff that has prepared us not only physically but mentally as well. We had a great preseason, but now we need to have an even better start of the season starting this Friday. Expect to see great emotion, energy, and heart as the Lady Cards look to start their quest for a Championship on Friday!!!


Hope to see you in the stands!! 


Kelsey Overacker #20

This week's post written by Sophomore Forward Jessica Mitchell

"Talent + Hardwork = Success"..........

Hey!! My name is Jessica Mitchell, also known as J Mitch! I am from Seligman (Washburn) Missouri. I transferred to Labette last year at second semester. Transferring to Labette was a big change from the past school I went to. The practices are much more intense, they welcomed me with open arms, and this year's team chemistry is even better!! We all get along great and we push each other on and off the court. The town of Parsons, Kansas is great!!! The people here support us 100% and they are behind us all the way and are always doing stuff for us and we all love it and appreciate it very much!! I come from a very small town so to come here was not a big change. I could not ask for any better coaches here at Labette! They are there whenever you need them. Also I love the fact that they push me every day in practice, and in the classroom to do my best and become the best player and person I can be.

I am very excited for our season to get underway!! We have already played in one Jamboree on October 11th and we went 3-0. WE all were ready and very prepared to play in our first jamboree and we also learned what things we needed to change and work harder on! The one thing I love the most about our team this year is we love a challenge and work so hard and push each other to be the best and to reach our maximum potential! I see us this year winning the Conference and making it all the way to the National Tournament and that's what we strive for everyday in practice!!!

Labette basketball is all about working hard and putting your whole heart into the game, it shows your passion and love for basketball. If you have that then you will accomplish great things!!

Great day to be a Cardinal!!

J. Mitch #10

This week's post written by Head Coach Jaime Green

"Off and Running"..........

This past Sunday our Lady Cardinal Women's Basketball Team took to the hardwood and participated in the Juco Jamboree at Central Missouri State University. Our team displayed a lot of energy, emotion and passion. The Lady Cardinals swept all three games finishing at 3-0 for the weekend. I was very pleased with our team and the effort and pride they demonstrated. At jamboree's it is easy to allow yourself to think, "I don't have to go my hardest, because after all, these games don't count." However, our team played as if it were for a championship! I am both anxious and excited to go to battle with this team. We give God all the glory!

Be sure to catch us on Facebook by following the link on the left!

It's a GREAT day to be a Cardinal!

Coach Green - Head Women's Basketball Coach

This week's post written by Freshman Hannah Ketterman

The Freshman Prospective.......

Hey!!! My name is Hannah Ketterman. I am from Frontenac, Kansas. This is my first season of college basketball and I am glad to be at Labette! Adjusting to the town of Parsons wasn't that hard for me coming from a smaller town I knew what to expect and everyone gave friendly greetings. The community supports us in many ways and our coaches always make sure we have what we need.

Adjusting from high school basketball to college basketball is so different its crazy!!! It's like a night and day difference but I love it! Everything from basketball drills on the court to lifting weights is intense! Everything seems more up beat and the energy level is always up!

Team chemistry is very very important not only on the court but off the court as well, and I think our team chemistry is only getting better as the season progresses. It has been about 3 months and I already feel close to my teammates like I've known them forever. Everyone is always working hard and never taking a day off.

The team is focusing on becoming more mentally tough. Coach said it at practice, "things aren't gong to be handed to you, you have to earn it." So when things are hard you have to push through and keep going. Our first games are only a week away and I am pumped!! The team is ready to battle!!!

For me to be successful at Labette, COMMITMENT and HARD-WORK is the key!!!

Peace Out!!

Hannah Ketterman #3

This week's post written by Head Coach Jaime Green

3 Days and Counting.......

The weather is changing, one can hear the talk of upcoming basketball games around campus and the excitement of Lady Cardinal Basketball is in the air. So what is all the excitement about? Three days and counting until the 1st day of official practice!!!

Our student body and fans are so excited to come and view our 1st official practice on Thursday. It has become a tradition at Labette to have the first day of practice open to the community and our fans. It is an opportunity to meet our players as well as watch our team gear up for the fast approaching season.

The past 25 days have been a grueling mental and physical test on our players minds and bodies. The team has put in many hours in the weight room, on the track and in agility workouts. Thursday is the day where the team finally gets to focus solely on basketball.

We invite you to come and join us this season as we compete for the ever alluring Jayhawk Conference Title.

In Hoops!

Coach Green
 

There's no place like Labette..........

Hello Labette, my name is Robin Kantin, but Notoriously known as "Coach K." I am the assistant Women's Basketball Coach here at Labette. Being a native of the Metropolitan areas of Maryland, I am used to the very fast-paced and busy life! I never presumed I would end up in Parsons, KS, being from the East Coast, but God seems to always place me where he feels like I am supposed to be. After finishing out my Missouri Southern campaign in Joplin, Missouri in 2008, I thought that an hour move West to Parsons, Kansas to begin coaching and teaching would be an easy transition for me. This is my second season coaching under the wings of Head Coach Jaime Green and it has been a roller coaster of excitement! From taking charge in study hall to constantly reminding our players to hold their follow through, my job as the assistant coach for Labette Community College has been a life changing experience not only for my players, but for myself as an individual. From day one, I've learned that these key elements are a must in order to perform my job to the best of my ability; patience, discipline, trust, energy, and a constant passion to want to learn more.

A typical day for me as our Lady Cardinal's assistant starts out in the mornings with my sugar-filled coffee and individual group work! How our first group performs on the floor with their energy and work ethic can make or break the mood of our coaching staff for the rest of the day. I may be the type of coach where I have been told I take all emotion out of my decisions, but I feel like the best way to teach these girls discipline is to, "BREAK THEM OFF!" Group Work, Conditioning on the Track, Weight Room, Practice Drills, Study Hall, Individual Meetings, Curfew Checks, Community Service, and Team Meetings are all words associated with my job as an assistant coach. With this being said, you would assume that my players all duck their heads when they see me in the halls or in between classes, but this is not the case. I usually get the tap on the back or, "Hey how are you Coach K?" Here at Labette, our coaching staff believes it is IMPERATIVE that we have and maintain healthy relationships with our players to help them grow as individuals both on and off the floor before we can grow as a team. Every bit of my energy goes into making sure our players are reaching their utmost potential by simply being available to help them with their needs. The purpose of our school and our women's basketball program is to prepare our student athletes for, "The Next Level," and to help them know how to LEAD at the next level. We are always striving to teach our girls how to become powerful women of society no matter what race or cultural background they are from or their past experiences. From windy cities to sandy beaches to plows and farms, our players all put on the Lady Cardinal Jersey and become ONE! Under a strong, passionate coaching staff we will breed Strong, Educated women of society. We are nothing less than a family here at Labette Community College. Our program is a special one that stands out from all others and when people graduate from here they always come back. It's like the movie, "Wizard of OZ," our players click their red slippers and think; "There's No Place Like Home!"

Coach Robin Kantin
Assistant Women's Basketball Coach
 

The Silent Leader....

Hello, my name is Satoria Bell and I am from Philadelphia, Pa better known as the city of brotherly love. I currently live in Parsons, Ks and attend Labette Community College. Transitioning from a big city with lots of violence to little ole Parsons was a huge culture shock. Although I love my hometown a lot, I could not be happier with where I am today. From new friends, to family, to coaches, to neighbors, to those you don't know everyone is friendly and walks around like it has been the best day of his or her lives every day. Being part of a successful program like the Labette  Women's Basketball team, kind of puts the icing on the cake for Parsons. Not only do the coaches care for us as athletes, but they care for us as if we were one of their own. Our coaching staff goes out of their way to do the unexpected and provide for us even if it means giving up their personal time. With the things our coaches provide and do for us, then comes a debt we as a team must pay. It consists of commitment to one another, respect, competing on and off the court, giving our best effort, and understanding what it takes to be a cardinal. My teammates and I take a lot of pride in being a cardinal and understand that it is our job to uphold the success of the program and to also surpass the negativity targeted against our program. Everyone plays a major role in our success. We are all equally important to the team and are all on one accord. Without one another, we as a team will not succeed and reach our goals. When we fail as an individual or team, we must understand the reasons why we failed and do our best to correct the problem. We also understand the thoughts behind the conditioning, drills, sprints, etc. If I could count the number of times my teammates and I have pouted about doing something I would lose count, but one thing I can guarantee is that after we leave the Labette program that anyone would not disagree that we were successful in many ways and improved overall as an individual. I cannot stress enough since our coaches constantly drill in our minds that "HARD WORK BEATS TALENT, WHEN TALENT DOESN'T WORK HARD." We as a team live by that motto and will succeed by that motto. With that said I am looking very forward to the upcoming season and cannot wait to represent our program. Thank you for your time.

Holla at ya girl...LOL

#1 Satoria Bell
 

Leading by Example

Hello! My name is Lauren Andrews and I am a sophomore power forward from Phoenix, Arizona. This is my second season at Labette Community College and I am so EXCITED for the season to get underway. I want to invite you to take a seat and pull up a chair as I give you a little inside look to what I think this year's team is all about.

Conditioning and Individual workouts have already begun and I am so proud of my teammates. Everyone worked so hard this summer and it was evident in our pre-season testing. I believe that the keys to our success this year will be for our team to work hard everyday and continue to build upon team chemistry. Last year our team represented and embraced the motto, "Talent is Never Enough!" This year we are preaching and leading our new teammates with the same philosophy. As a returner, I take great pride and responsibility in leading myself and leading my teammates. We want our whole team to remember that you can only get so far on talent, but HARD WORK combined with TALENT.....that will surpass complacency every time!

My teammate, sophomore guard Shetiarra "Shakey" Pledger, summed it up best yesterday when she said "I cannot wait to go to battle with this team!" Yup, I agree with Shakey! We have the opportunity to have a great season IF we stay FOCUSED, improve quickly and learn to embrace HARD WORK.

Until next time.....It's a GREAT day to be a CARDINAL!

#24 Lauren "L.A." Andrews
 

This week's post written by Head Coach Jaime Green

It's a Great Day to be a Cardinal!!

Welcome Cardinal Fans!!! We are excited to give you an inside look into this year's team through our official Lady Cardinal Women's Basketball blog. Each week we will be introducing you to some of our new and returning players and members of our coaching staff through our blog. We invite you to experience the thrill of victories, the laughter of good times, and the emotions and memories of our accomplishments as you follow us throughout the season.

Be sure to catch us on Facebook by following the link on the left!

See you on the hardwood!

Go Cardinals!
Coach Green - Head Women's Basketball Coach