Shelbyville Lady Golden Bears Basketball

Shelbyville girls won't be lacking for incentive Commentary by Steve Hanlon Indianapolis Star March 15, 2001 Shelbyville High School coach John Fair understands what a wonderful season it has been for the Golden Bears girls basketball team. For the first time in many moons, the Golden Bears were ranked in Class 3A (No. 9 in the final poll). The Bears had a deep bench, talented players and a tenacity that many football teams could use. But one thing was lacking: stepping up to get it done against top opponents. "I think we did a nice job of playing hard and getting our name out there," said Fair. "We did a lot of things we haven't done before, but we've got to start playing well in big games. That's our next step. We've got to start winning big games because we have the talent to do it." With much of the pain gone and tears dried from their upset loss to Franklin in the sectional championship game, the Bears now have something else to shoot for next season. Shelbyville was invited to participate in the 2001 City Securities Hall of Fame Classic in New Castle in December. At 10 a.m. Dec. 28, Frankfort will play Wawasee, led by girls state scoring leader Shanna Zolman, while Shelbyville will battle Jennings County in the second semifinal. Early in January, the Golden Bears beat these same Panthers 63-54, as freshman Gretchen Haehl scored 23 points; the Panthers' Jenny Pfeiffer scored 30. "It's pretty exciting, a great honor," said Haehl, who averaged 10.5 points per game and 3.9 assists. "It will be a great experience, and we'll enjoy it, a once-in-a-lifetime experience. I want people to know I love the game. I work hard, and I love competing. "This will give us the experience we need, and we'll know what's out there. I was really nervous at the sectional, and I didn't play well. Hopefully, with this, we'll be able to come back next year." Center Grove experienced the Hall of Fame this past season, but got there from a different perspective. The Trojans were invited for as much of the past as they were for the present. Shelbyville is still trying to get where the Trojans are -- one of the top programs in the state every year, and getting this vote of confidence from the Hall of Fame is a great push in the right direction. But the Hall of Fame is not just about "team." This is the showcase event where the state's best players are put on display. Fair believes this is the kind of tournament that could showcase Haehl. "Gretchen was one of the top 10 freshmen in the state," he said. "If there was a better freshman point guard, I didn't see her. "We'll ask Gretchen to play more of the two (shooting guard) this year, and (twin sister) Gwen will play the point some. Gretchen had a great year, but she realized that playing varsity as a freshman was a lot harder than expected. "Against Franklin, except for Sarah Laird, it was girls playing against women. Now, we've got something to push us to get stronger this summer and to work on our games with a goal in mind." Fair has a number of talented players coming back -- juniors Susan Kolls, Ashley Matney and Ashley Cole; sophomores Katie Douglas, Allison Berger and Jessica Horner; as well as freshman Haley Wise. Fair will need to find some offense from this group with Laird's graduation, and now is the time to find the shots that weren't there during the sectional. And next December in New Castle Fieldhouse, the Golden Bears will have the state's attention as they show everyone how far their game has come. "I think it's a great deal, because I knew it was an honor to get in," said Gwen Haehl. "I look forward to it because I want to play against the best. I want to play against somebody they call great. I hope the atmosphere and excitement will help me bring my best game." -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Contact Steve Hanlon at (317) 865-4903 or via e-mail at steve.hanlon@starnews.com Copyright 2001 Indiana Newspapers Inc. • Print or e-mail this story • Click for permission to reprint • PRC# 1.2119.984637371