If Brandon Schneider had his way, White Auditorium would be filled to the rafters on Saturday afternoon for Emporia State’s Senior Night.
In the coach’s mind, it would be the only fitting tribute for Michelle Stueve in her final home collegiate game.
“I don’t know who’s had a better career in terms of individual accomplishments and attention she’s brought to our community and our university,” Schneider said. “I’m really, really happy for her.”
It will no doubt be an emotional day, as players, coaches and fans alike say goodbye to one of the greatest players in Lady Hornet history.
Stueve, who has 2,294 career points, will leave ESU as the MIAA’s all-time leading scorer. With 987 rebounds, she’s also fifth in that conference category, and also could move as high as third before the season ends.
A brief ceremony honoring Stueve will be held before the 1:30 p.m. tip.
“I guess it’s kind sad thinking about seeing everybody for the last time at White, but at the same time, I’m going to try not to look at it like that until it’s over because it might mess me up in the game,” Stueve said. “There’ll be a lot of emotions, but I’ll just try to focus on the game and do what I can.”
Because most of the spotlight will be on Stueve, Schneider said it would be important for the other Lady Hornets to play well early.
Southwest Baptist comes in at 19-7 and is one spot ahead of ESU in the Regional rankings at No. 4.
“I don’t doubt (Michelle) for one second, but you want your other kids to step up and shoulder some of the burden as a player plays through some of those things,” Schneider said. “It’s tough. Only the athletes that have been through it know what it feels like.”
The Bearcats defeated the Lady Hornets, 76-73, in the teams’ first meeting on Jan. 5. They are led by 5-foot-6 guard Erika Souza, who averages 18.6 points per game.
In Stueve’s four years, ESU has gone 49-6 at White Auditorium.
The Lady Hornets have already clinched the No. 2 seed in next week’s conference tournament and will play either Truman or Missouri Western at 6 p.m. Thursday night in Kansas City, Mo.
6 Hornets to play in final home game
Depending on one’s view, the Emporia State men either face a no-win or a no-lose situation during their final home game Saturday against Southwest Baptist.
The Hornets already know they have clinched the No. 8 seed in the MIAA Tournament, meaning they will play the noon game against No. 1 SBU on Friday at Municipal Auditorium.
“I don’t know what their mentality is going to be, but we’ve got to get better and play well,” ESU coach David Moe said. “We’ve got to try to maintain our confidence.”
The Hornets snapped a six-game losing streak on Wednesday, taking down Truman 84-72 to secure their spot in the MIAA Tournament.
Senior Wes Book said the goal now is to carry over that momentum.
“I was telling everybody it’s just the beginning now,” Book said. “We’ve got to build back up the mountain that we’ve been trying to get up the whole season.”
One milestone to watch for will be that of point guard DeAndre Townsend.
The senior, despite playing in just his second year with ESU, needs just 12 points to hit the 1,000-point plateau.
Six ESU seniors will be honored before the game, including Townsend, Book, Caleb Tegtmeier, Marvin Lee, Andrew Davison and Jordan Fithian.
Comments
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hartford (anonymous) says...
I am so proud of Michelle Stueve! We started watching her in Junior High! I will be as excited to see how well Kayla Krueger does her next three years. I predict she will come close to Stueve's records!
February 29, 2008 at 2:24 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
joejoe2 (anonymous) says...
She will not even be on the team next year. She is just not athletic enough to play at this level. I loved watching her in high school, but lets be honest with ourselves. A girl with her talent are a dime a dozen at this level.
February 29, 2008 at 2:32 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
emporialifer (anonymous) says...
Congratulations to Michelle on all her accomplishments. It has been so much fun watching her play for the past 4 years, and she will definitely be missed. Thank you for all your hard work and dedication over the years Michelle and best of luck in your future endeavors.
February 29, 2008 at 3:18 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
emporia (anonymous) says...
Michelle is an AMAZING person. Not only is she an outstanding athlete but her education is very important to her. I also know that she has good strong morals and that family is VERY important to her. I am very sad to see her ending her career with ESU. We have enjoyed watching her, also. Congratulations, Michelle. You will be missed.
February 29, 2008 at 7:53 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
create (anonymous) says...
My gosh, Michelle, four years have gone by so quickly. I am so proud of all your accomplishments, both on the court and in the classroom. Congratulations and another click!
February 29, 2008 at 8:14 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )