The Lower Columbia women’s basketball team had a great resurgance in 2002-2003. The Lady Devils went from 12 wins the prior season to 20 wins in 2003 and a berth in the NWAACC Tournament.
The Lady Devil’s, who finished with a 20-8 overall record in 2002-03, took second place in the Western Division. They opened league play with nine consecutive victories, part of an 11 game streak overall.
Using an attacking full-court defense, LCC excited the fans with a myriad of lay-ups and drives set up by the pressure. It was truly a fun brand of basketball.
Krystal Seward was named to the Western Division first-team. She averaged 13.3 ppg, 3.4 apg, 37% from three-point range and 82% from the free-throw line. Karla Flinn had a great sophomore season, averaging 9.8 ppg on a myriad of slashing drives. Vanessa Williams averaged 9.8 ppg and shot 45% from the floor. Kerri Curtiss was a second-team all-Western player averaging 8.9 ppg and 5.6 rebounds per tilt. Those four sophomores will be sorely missed in the future.
The future looks good with the returners next season. Talana Watson had a solid first year, averaging 9.5 ppg and 5.8 boards a game. Staci Hendricks was amazing from beyond the arc, making 70 treys. LCC opponents had just 79 three's. Holley Gadley provided stability in ball-handling plus she chipped in with 7.5 ppg. Kristy Wright and Holly Presseisen both were major contributors and Andrea Graa had 11 steals in limited minutes. She served as a virtual player-coach.
Coaches Hoseney, Cochran and Byers were pleased with a great turnaround this season and they hope the experience of the NWAACC Tourney will make it a yearly thing at LCC.
It truly was a great season for LCC Women's Basketball.