Jessica's last Basketball Banquet

3/23/11 - Tonight is the NOHS Girls Basketball Season Banquet.

Jessica and Coach Pfaff

What a great night - the air is filled with excitement and anticipation of a wonderful dinner and program.

Jessica and Coach Nancy Martin

The banquet was held at the North Oldham High School Media Center to save money for the program.  Betsy worked very hard to decorate and make sure the room was festive for the girls and their families.  Dinner was a mexican spread from Qdoba's - the girls absolute favorite choice.  They got quesadillas (as per requested) and the rest of us had the open taco bar (yum).  After dinner, Nancy Martin started the evening with a bunch of thank you to everyone that helped with the program.  She also spoke about the season and about the Varsity program and each of the girls.  Then Coach Pfaff spoke about the Junior Varsity program.  Jessica never played on JV with Coach Pfaff but he also ran the practices with Coach Grimm, and she has him as her Business Math teacher.  She has developed a great relationship with him and a mutual respect and appreciation for each other.

Coach Martin did an excellent job talking about the season and each of the Varsity players.  Jessica will be hard to replace.  Coach Grimm followed up with the awards and recognitions.  Lucy Gibson was awarded the all-time assist record - 150 club.  Nicole Bryant (during the Bethlehem game) was awarded the 1000 point club award, and Jessica Lowe was awarded the 500 rebound club.  For the best of the season, Lucy Gibson was named as the Best Defensive Player, Nicole Bryant was recognized as the Best Offensive player and Jessica was presented the  MOST VALUABLE PLAYER of the season award.  Grimm said there was no doubt who the award went to this year from a statistical point.  She was #1 in rebounds, #2 in points, #1 in steals, #2 in assists, #1 in charges taken and defensive assists, and #2 in blocked shots.  She had such an OVERALL and all around game, but it wasn't her statistical data that made it so obvious that she was MVP.  It was her presence on the court - her command of the paint and her confidence and example to others that most impressed the coaches.  Coach Martin said she could not remember as day, in 5 years that Jessica Lowe ever complained or griped about a drill, practice or run.  She was so tender and kind in her comments about Jessica.

Jessica and Coach Craig Grimm

Jessica already misses her time with her basketball friends.  I think this group of girls will be together and stay together as friends forever!

Mikayla Roach, Meghan Welle, Jessica Lowe, Coach Pfaff, Lucy Gibson, and Nicole Bryant

Jessica and her friend and teammate Nicole Bryant - both All District Players

Watching Jessica progress and play basketball for five years has been one of the greatest joys in our lives.  We've loved it, pushed through the hard times, laughed at the good times, and cheered the great times.  I can't believe it's come to an end.  What a joy to be a part of it!