Cats Celebrate Historic Season
9/8/2020 8:21:00 PM | Women's Basketball
With four of its five seniors in Bozeman for what should have been Gold Rush weekend, the Montana State women’s basketball team celebrated its 2019-20 season, which was abruptly halted on March 12 due to COVID-19.
With four of its five seniors in Bozeman for what should have been Gold Rush weekend, the Montana State women's basketball team celebrated its 2019-20 season, which was abruptly halted on March 12 due to COVID-19.
Head coach Tricia Binford announced the team's award winners at its annual banquet over the weekend.
Big Sky Conference Player of the Year Fallyn Freije was named team MVP, while also earning the Ginny Hunt Bobcat Pride award. Freije completed her senior season with the Bobcats averaging a team best 13.7 points and 7.7 rebounds per game
"It took so many pieces to come together at the right time," Binford said. "And Fallyn played a major role. She was a tremendous leader who possessed winning habits. She was committed to working hard and she was committed to her teammates, and that's what it takes to exemplify being a Bobcat and winning the Ginny Hunt award."
Senior Blaire Braxton was named the Pulfrey-Brick Breeden award winner for her efforts in practice day-in and day-out. Currently a Bobcat assistant coach, Braxton played in all 31 games, and along with Madeline Smith, played in more games (125) than any other MSU players who have donned the Blue and Gold. Braxton, Smith, and Oliana Squires were part of two Big Sky Conference championship teams.
"We pick the best practice player each day, and Blaire's effort this season was very consistent," Binford said. "Her leadership by word and action was an important reason for our success."
Big Sky Freshman of the Year Darian White was named MSU's Defensive Player of the Year. The Eddy – named for former Bobcat standout Angel Nickelson- is given to the player leading the charge on the defensive end of the floor.
White paced the team with 76 steals and was third on the squad pulling down 4.8 rebounds per game. On a national level, White finished 25th in the nation in steals, and 31st in steals per game (2.45).
"Darian set the tone last winter with her work in the off-season," Binford said. "She was a lock down defender who brought it every day. Her effort was contagious on the defensive end."
A pair of freshmen were name most improved players. Kola Bad Bear and Madison Jackson both came off the bench to provide a spark for the Bobcats. The duo combined for 218 points and 145 rebounds.
Ashley Van Sickle, who sat out her junior year due to injury, was named the Bobcat Strength and Conditioning award winner for her efforts in rehabbing. Bobcat supporters Chuck and Sheryl Wyman, along with MSU President Waded Cruzado were named Ellen Kreighbaum award recipients for efforts to the program that went above and beyond.
"We're so thankful we were able to finally celebrate this special team given the challenges these last few months with gatherings," Binford said. "We're grateful to have had four seniors and some of our parents able to make the event and pay tribute to such a historic season."
The Bobcats finished the 2019-20 season 25-6 overall and 19-1 in Big Sky Conference play. MSU won its sixth Big Sky title and its 19 league victories were a new Big Sky record for women's basketball. The Bobcats also ended the season on a 17-game winning streak, which matches the MSU record, and continues heading into the 2020-21 campaign.
"Special thanks to our support staff and administration in pulling off this combination of both live and virtual banquet," Binford added.
Head coach Tricia Binford announced the team's award winners at its annual banquet over the weekend.
Big Sky Conference Player of the Year Fallyn Freije was named team MVP, while also earning the Ginny Hunt Bobcat Pride award. Freije completed her senior season with the Bobcats averaging a team best 13.7 points and 7.7 rebounds per game
"It took so many pieces to come together at the right time," Binford said. "And Fallyn played a major role. She was a tremendous leader who possessed winning habits. She was committed to working hard and she was committed to her teammates, and that's what it takes to exemplify being a Bobcat and winning the Ginny Hunt award."
Senior Blaire Braxton was named the Pulfrey-Brick Breeden award winner for her efforts in practice day-in and day-out. Currently a Bobcat assistant coach, Braxton played in all 31 games, and along with Madeline Smith, played in more games (125) than any other MSU players who have donned the Blue and Gold. Braxton, Smith, and Oliana Squires were part of two Big Sky Conference championship teams.
"We pick the best practice player each day, and Blaire's effort this season was very consistent," Binford said. "Her leadership by word and action was an important reason for our success."
Big Sky Freshman of the Year Darian White was named MSU's Defensive Player of the Year. The Eddy – named for former Bobcat standout Angel Nickelson- is given to the player leading the charge on the defensive end of the floor.
White paced the team with 76 steals and was third on the squad pulling down 4.8 rebounds per game. On a national level, White finished 25th in the nation in steals, and 31st in steals per game (2.45).
"Darian set the tone last winter with her work in the off-season," Binford said. "She was a lock down defender who brought it every day. Her effort was contagious on the defensive end."
A pair of freshmen were name most improved players. Kola Bad Bear and Madison Jackson both came off the bench to provide a spark for the Bobcats. The duo combined for 218 points and 145 rebounds.
Ashley Van Sickle, who sat out her junior year due to injury, was named the Bobcat Strength and Conditioning award winner for her efforts in rehabbing. Bobcat supporters Chuck and Sheryl Wyman, along with MSU President Waded Cruzado were named Ellen Kreighbaum award recipients for efforts to the program that went above and beyond.
"We're so thankful we were able to finally celebrate this special team given the challenges these last few months with gatherings," Binford said. "We're grateful to have had four seniors and some of our parents able to make the event and pay tribute to such a historic season."
The Bobcats finished the 2019-20 season 25-6 overall and 19-1 in Big Sky Conference play. MSU won its sixth Big Sky title and its 19 league victories were a new Big Sky record for women's basketball. The Bobcats also ended the season on a 17-game winning streak, which matches the MSU record, and continues heading into the 2020-21 campaign.
"Special thanks to our support staff and administration in pulling off this combination of both live and virtual banquet," Binford added.
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