The waiting game has continued through the holiday season for Emporia State forward Brittney Miller.
The freshman, who injured her left knee in ESU’s 111-51 victory over Central Methodist on Dec. 14, received an MRI on Dec. 23. Because of the close proximity to Christmas, doctors still have not gotten back to her on the results.
ESU’s coaches are fearing the worst, as early indications point to a possible torn ACL, which would be a season-ending injury.
“But until you get an MRI to determine it,” ESU coach Brandon Schneider said, “you don’t know.”
Miller injured the knee after driving to the basket and colliding with a defender. She left the game and did not return.
The good news for ESU is that a medical redshirt would still be an option with Miller. The rule states a player can only be eligible if she played in fewer than 20 percent of her team’s games.
Miller — who got a late start after playing volleyball for ESU — has only played in six basketball games this season, meaning she could return next year as a redshirt freshman.
If severe, the knee injury also could affect Miller’s playing status with the volleyball team. The freshman was fifth on the Hornets with 2.67 kills/game this year as a freshman.
The recovery for a torn ACL, which typically runs between six months and a year, could result in her missing part or all of the 2008 volleyball season.
Miller, who was named Miss Kansas Basketball in 2007, averaged 20 points, eight rebounds and 4.7 steals per game last season at Paola High School.
She posted 4.5 points and 3.2 rebounds per game in limited action this year.
Boston still not 100 percent
ESU point guard Cassondra Boston still is trying to get fully healed after suffering a sprained ankle on Dec. 3.
Boston played seven minutes against Shaw on Dec. 17 before sitting out the rest of the Hoop ’n’ Surf Classic in Honolulu.
The sophomore practiced both Wednesday and Thursday, with Schneider saying the guard was about “70- to 75-percent” healthy.
“She’s a lot better than she was in Hawaii,” Schneider said. “We tried to do some stuff in Hawaii, and there was just no chance. She couldn’t cut on it or anything.”
Schneider said Boston was expected to play in ESU’s next game on Jan. 2 against Fort Hays State, though Boston still might not be at full strength at that point.