The University of Mississippi Athletics
Lady Rebels Celebrate Annual Postseason Banquet
4/28/2008 | Women's Basketball
Presented by the Fast Break Club, the Rebel Roundup consisted of a fun family atmosphere that offered Lady Rebels fans of all ages the opportunity to celebrate the Lady Rebel basketball team and the 2007-08 season. One of the many highlights for the banquet was a live band that performed classic songs for all different decades. While the music was playing, attendees sat down to a delicious catfish dinner and glass of sweet tea courtesy of Bofield’s. Everyone in attendance also had the opportunity to walk away with $150 in conjunction with just one of the many games played during the two hour event. The Lady Rebels featured a game called split the pot to help raise money for Ole Miss’ trip to The children in attendance also participated in various activities and games, including an inflatable jumper, a potato sack race and an area to show off their hula hoop skills.
Ole Miss senior academic counselor Drew Clinton opened the ceremony by awarding Lady Rebel freshman Kayla Melson with the highest grade point average award, while sophomore Shantell Black earned the most improved grade point average award.
Junior center Shawn Goff won the Lady Rebel iron award for the second consecutive year for her dedication in the weight room and in the off season. Sophomore Bianca Thomas was honored with the Eleanor Shaw super sub award for her role this season coming off the bench. Thomas averaged 8.3 points per game and shot 38.8 percent from behind the three-point arc. In addition, Thomas paced the team by shooting 76.9 percent from the free throw line, including a stretch where she made 21 consecutive free throws.
Sophomore Elizabeth Robertson was given the most improved player award after improving her scoring total from 2.1 to 7.9 points over her freshman and sophomore campaigns. Robertson led the team with 42 three-pointers made and finished the season shooting 32.8 percent from beyond the arc.
Black collected her second award of the night as she was named the Lady Rebel defensive stopper after a season in which she led the team with 66 steals. Black was ranked sixth in the SEC and 90th in the nation with 2.28 steals per game. Senior Carla Bartee was named the outstanding rebounder following a season in which she led the team and ranked seventh in the conference with 8.0 rebounds per game. Bartee posted eight games in which she pulled down double digit rebounds, including a career-high 18 boards against UAB.
On the offensive side, Goff was given the team offensive award after leading the team and ranking 12th in the SEC with 13.0 points per game. Goff turned in three games during the season in which she scored at least 20 points, and finished the year having scored in double digits in 24 of the 29 games in which she appeared.
Senior Danetra Forrest earned the Lady Rebel award due to her hard work, enthusiasm, unselfishness, devotion and commitment to her team. Her traits both on and off the court exemplify the true meaning of a Lady Rebel. Melson capped the evening by winning the Carol Ross endowed scholarship for her work in the classroom. In addition to her dedication in the classroom, Melson signifies the spirit of coach Ross because of her defensive-minded ability.
