On Saturday, Feb. 25, the Sinclair women’s basketball program honored five players on sophomore night before the game against Cuyahoga Community College.
The players that were honored include all five members of the starting unit. Danielle Forrer, India Taste, Hailee Rittinger, Brandi McDaniel and Katie Von Lehmden were all presented with poster boards of themselves and specially made Adidas track jackets to commemorate the two years they played for Sinclair.
“They’ve worked hard over the last two years and a lot has happened,” Assistant Coach Jessica Threats said. “But despite all that, they’ve given their all, the whole time.”
The Tartan Pride won the game 63-55, outscoring their conference opponents 19-6 in free throw margin.
“They came out in the second half and finished and played hard,” Threats said. “They proved what they’ve proven all year. No matter the numbers, whatever. Put your heart in it and you’ll get whatever you want. They definitely deserve this win tonight and I’m glad they can go out with a win at home.”
Leading scorer for the game was Taste, tallying 19 points on 7/11 shooting while securing 5 rebounds in the winning effort. Right behind her was Von Lehmden with 14 points and 7 rebounds.
After the game, Athletic Director Jack Giambrone praised the group for their hard work and dedication to Sinclair basketball.
“When they first came here we told them that we wanted them to be really great in the classroom, great in the community, and great in the competition and they believed that,” Giambrone said. “They bought into it and they performed it. We’re really proud of them and I really think the best is yet to come.”
As the season comes to a close, the team is approaching the NJCAA District 12 Tournament, which will take place at Owens Community College in Toledo on March 6, Giambrone said.