Thursday, March 06, 2003

Valparaiso University's Jeanette Gray (Valparaiso, Ind./Valparaiso H.S.) was named to the Mid-Continent Conference First Team on Thursday when the conference office released their postseason awards. Meredith Baugher (Berea, Ohio/Berea H.S.) and Katie Boone (Greenwood, Ind./Center Grove H.S.) were both Honorable Mention selections.

Gray has averaged 11.7 points and 7.1 rebounds per game for the Crusaders this season, leading the team in both categories. Her scoring numbers rank tenth in the Mid-Con, while she is fourth in rebounding. A Second Team All-Conference selection as a junior, she is shooting a team-best 43.9% from the floor and is second on the team with 1.78 steals per game. She ranks eighth in the Mid-Con in steals as well. Earlier this season, Gray became just the second Crusader in school history to score 1,400 career points and grab 700 rebounds.

Baugher has continually improved her performance over the course of the season, and shifted into high gear once conference play began. For the season the sophomore is averaging 8.9 points and 5.4 rebounds per contest, ranking eighth in the Mid-Con grabbing 2.33 offensive boards per night. In conference play, Baugher leads the team in scoring, tallying 12.1 points per game, while grabbing 6.6 rebounds per Mid-Con game.

Boone also ranks among the Mid-Con's best in several categories. The Newcomer of the Year in the conference last year, she ranks fourth in assists, dishing out 4.00 helpers per contest. The sophomore also is sixth in steals with 2.23 thefts per game and ranks third with a 1.55 assist-to-turnover ratio. Valpo's point guard also gets to the offensive glass, ranking seventh in the Mid-Con with 2.41 offensive rebounds per game.

The Crusaders will open up the Mid-Continent Conference Tournament on Saturday afternoon against Oral Roberts. Tip-off in the quarterfinal match-up is set for 2:15 p.m.