Beeville, Tx- Head Women's Basketball Coach Nate Pursewell today announced the team accolades for the 2019-2020 season. Besieged by injuries the Cougars finished the 2019-2020 campaign with a 2-28 overall record (1-17 in Region XIV play).
Said Purswell, "We started the year out with high expectations. With all the adversity to start the year, throughout the year, and to end the year.; those expectations were failed. But the learning curve was not and my hope is that this team learned to persevere through all times and grow. You hear the phrase "never give up"; well this team was that phrase and no matter what anyone thought or said this team walked on the court and left their best, every night. I am super proud of their growth and their future, as well as their accomplishments this year. When things don't go your way, keep on going. This team will graduate nine players in May with their associates degree and that is what makes me as a coach most proud!."
Heart Award - Per Purswell, "For the player who kept fighting and working no matter what. Overcame a lot of challenges while maintaining a positive attitude." Aubrey Guerra. Guerra a 5'9" Sophomore Guard out of Pleasanton returned in late December from a knee injury suffered a year ago. She fought her back to make an immediate impact on the team. She lead the Cougars in minutes per game with 30 and in free throw percentage with 83.7, while finishing second in 3-pt shooting percentage with 27 and third in points per game with 10.8.
Cougar Award - Said Purswell, "This award goes to the student-athletes who led by example in the classroom, on and off the court. A player who was involved and excelled in all facets of the program. Thankfully, we had two - Olivia Chisolm and Aneth Jimenez. Chisolm a 5'5" Sophomore Point Guard from Houston led the Cougars in assists and averaged 4.5 ppg while starting every contest for the Cougars this season. Jimenez a 5'7" Redshirt Freshman Forward from Odessa was among team leaders in free throw percentage with 81.6 and a three point percentage of 22; missed several games late in the season after suffering a knee injury.
Coaches Award - From Purswell, "This goes to the player who was always showed up early and would leave late. Who worked extra and never would stay down or give up." Cassie Hogan. Hogan a 5'8" Sophomore Guard from Douglass was a steady influence on the Cougars all season scoring in double figures in nine games including a career high 29 in the final game of her CBC career.
Most Valuable Player - According to Purswell, "This player contributed the most value to the team throughout the year; in both practice and in games." Marley Martinez. Martinez the 5'6" Sophomore Guard from San Diego was truly the heart beat of the Cougars this season. She led the defense this season by leading the team in steals with 2.7 pg, logged a team high 28.1 minutes per game while in playing in all 30 of the Cougar contests.
The All-Region XIV Honor Mention selection scored in double-digits in 22 games this season, averaging 12.6 on the season; including a 21-point effort on the road at Kilgore College on February 19th.
Thank you to all the women of Cougar Basketball and best wishes in the next chapter of their lives!