Thanks to Jill Lause & Casey McDowell

[bg_bball]

The 2 seniors on a very underclassmen-led team...

To many people who don't follow us closely, they might just brush off the loss of these 2 girls going into next year. But it's quite a loss to see these 2 leave...

Casey had an up and down season with the mid-season injury, but she was always a reliable player with whatever role she was placed in. I takes a great player to accept losing her starting spot and continuing to go hard in a lesser role. That just shows the character that Casey brings to this team.

Jill is probably the most overlooked part of this team. Jill might not have put a whole lot of time on the court, but she contributed in so many other ways. Many of you forget that Jill is still on the practice floor working her tail off everyday just like everyone else, and has so for 4 years, without complaint. She keeps the team loose and anyone who watches her from time to time on the sideline can back me up on that.

I could go on and on about our seniors, but I just thought that they deserved their own thread after such a great season, and careers, for our women's basketball program.

[Bleeding Orange]

HERE, HERE!

Wow. I was literally just about to make this post when I happened upon yours. And, I must admit, you said it better than I could have. Very nice post, and few truer words have never been spoken.

One extra note on Jill - she is a girl that could have gone to many D-I schools and made an immediate impact. She has size, determination and tenacity, and she would have been a starting asset to many teams. She could have very easily transfered and seen much more PT at other schools, but she is a Falcon, through and through. There are very few players at BG now, or in the past, that I hold in higher regard than Jill. She has been one of the greatest emotional forces on this team over the past several years, and though she was not one of the leaders on the court, few can deny that she was among the greatest leaders on this team during her time here. I am so sorry to see her go, but there is no doubt in my mind that she is going to have a very, very bright future.

Casey, as you mentioned, espoused the same type of character especially this season. For her to battle and contribute as much as she has given the hand that she was dealt this year says volumes about her.

Every year it is sad to see seniors go, but for me, this one is especially sad. I, as many of you have I'm sure, have admired these two women throughout their careers. There is no doubt in my mind that this team will be very, very good - perhaps better than we were this year. But, there will be two missing elements next year that will be very hard to replace.

Thank you Jill and Casey - you are perhaps the two greatest examples of what being a Falcon is all about.

[BGFalconfromCincy]

She keeps the team loose and anyone who watches her from time to time on the sideline can back me up on that.

I agree with that, I also watch her from time to time and she is always having fun and its great to watch someone who may not play a lot still have fun, and it's always great to see the benches reaction when Jill gets in and scores.

Casey and Jill may not make the biggest impact on the court, but I believe off the court they most make a huge impact, and they will be missed. Good luck in the future Casey and Jill

[always a falcon]

What they all said. They will be successful in what ever they choose to do. They showed us their character all through their careers here. It will be an asset to them as they head out into the real world.

Thanks for everything Casey and Tall Jill!

[Falconfliccbone]

I agree with every thing else already posted. I thought it was a great moment when Jill scored. Casey had an outstanding game. I believe early in the first half she was the leading scorer. When both Casey and Jill came out and they showed the emotion on their face of knowing their college career was done, I almost cried. To see that level of dedication on their faces is impressive and makes me proud of them.
I also love our Falcon fans. I thought it was awesome that almost all of the orange-clad audience stood and clapped as they left the game and continued to applaud until the end of the game. I thought it was a fitting tribute to these two wonderful seniors. Great job Jill and Casey..you will be missed next year.

[Falconfreak90]

Great post. I just read on the official site that Casey is going to help coach the Green hoops team next year! That's great. Will be a pleasure to have her here with the Bulldogs!

Thank you Jill and Casey and congrats!!!

[Peregrinner]

I agree with everything said here. I always admired Jill and Casey. They didn't play the most minutes, but I can honestly say that it always seemed like they were some of the biggest contributors on the team.
When Jill made her shot yesterday, I nearly lost it.. it was such a great moment, the move, the shot, and the score. Then, when Casey left the court crying, I could barely contain myself. That was when I realized that not only was this dream of a season over, but so were the college careers of two great people.
Thank you Jill and Casey for everything, and good luck in everything you go on to do in your futures.