An Outstanding Start Bx Brxce Tinker
The brightest spot in the 1998-1999 season for the Lady Miner's Basketball team is perhaps the potential for greatness in one particular player that was evident this season. A freshman from Ballwin, Missouri, Janel McNeal graduated from Parkway West High School. McNeal had a phenomenal season this year with the Lady Miners. In her first season of Division II college basketball, McNeal surpassed all expectations for herself and was showered with honors. Early in the season, Janel was named Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the Turkey Day Classic Tourney at the University of Missouri-Rolla. The Mid-American Intercollegiate Athletics Association confernece awarded her the Freshman of the Year honor. McNeal earned Honorable-Mention status on the All-MIAA team as well. McNeal was solid in every one of her games. She averaged a double-double in every game of the Lady Miners' conference schedule with an average of 10.7 rebounds per game. The boards were dominated by McNeal. She had more rebounds than any other player in the entire conference and an amazing 9.6 boards per game average. Shooting 52.7 percent from the field, McNeal led the Lady Miner 's in scoring with 15.9 points per game. She finished eighth overall in scoring in the confernece. With such a strong presence at the forward position, it is obvious that as McNeal continues to improve and dominate, the Lady Miner 's will be sure to follow her lead.
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