Rebel Nation Celebrates The Lady Rebel Seniors

Tonight, Rebel Nation, Women's Basketball boosters, Former players, Future players, Athletic Department staff, UNLV staff, Lady Rebels coaching staff, The Lady Rebels, and their families gather at the Redd Room within the Thomas & Mack Center to celebrate the program's five seniors.

Our 2009 seniors are #1 Dominigue Harris, #25 Raquel Jupiter, #33 Shannon Oberg, #24 Shamela Hampton, and #5 Brittany Halberg.

My family and I will miss seeing them play. Tommorow is likly the last game on their home court at the Cox Pavilion, but still lots more basketball to be played. The Mountain West Conference Championship Tournament, and a bid into the NCAA or NIT Tournament is still a real possibilty.

During the program itself, Brittany presented a slide show about some of the lighter side of the Lady Rebels. Then Head Coach, Kathy Olivier did introductions, thanks, spoke about the seniors, and future of the program as well.

The returning players introduced, and talked about the seniors. Then that senior talked. Each and everyone of the talks was very emotional and moving.

You see these women come and play the game they love. Grow as a person, and a player. You get close to some, but respect all them. So events like this are bitter sweet because it hard to let go. But them again in the back of your mind you know they are off to bigger and better things in their lifes. My family and I wish them the very best.

Zachery and Jenna are going to miss Brittany alot. She is the first player my children have known well, and really interacted with. Many times just mentioning Brittany name, who bring a change in behavior. They always want to see her and her teammates play, and win. The Lady Rebels are super role models for them.

They served a sunday bar, cake, soda and water during the gathering.

Throughout the night, many picture were taken. Towards the end of the night, I was able to get a team picture with all the players and coaches. Below is the that special picture.

2008-09 Lady Rebel Highlights

UNLV earns first win over Utah since 2004 season, breaking an 11-game losing streak to the Utes

Two wins over top 75 RPI teams (New Mexico, Utah)

UNLV set a school record in its win over Utah, making shooting 95.6% (23 of 24) at free throw line. It also tied for the 12th best performance in a game in the nation this year

Shamela Hampton became the 18th Lady Rebel to reach the 1,000 career point mark

UNLV's Shamela Hampton and Jamie Smith rank 1-2 in the MWC in double-doubles.

Brittany Halberg was named CoSIDA Academic All - District VIII First Team, the first first -team selection since Linda Frohlich in 2002

Jamie Smith is the nation's third-leading freshman rebounder

Posted a 3-0 start for the first time since 2002-03 season

Defeated Nevada, Reno by 13 point to remain perfect against their in-state rivals from the north (12-0 all-time in Las Vegas against UNR)

Won on the road at Wyoming for the first time since the 2002-03

12 three-pointers against Sacramento State in the season opener tied a school record

Jamie Smith has shattered the MWC record for rebounds by a freshman (currently at 258, previous record was 199)

Shamela Hampton and Erica Helms named Mountain West Conference Player of The Week (12/1 and 11/24 respectively)

Jamie Smith has clinched Mountain West Conference recored for most double-doubles by a freshman (2008-09 season)

Began new traditions of Rebel Reunion Alumni Night, High School Tip-Off Night, and Middle School Leadership Academy

Improved Mountain West Conference win total and overall team win total from previous season

Initiated first ever Junior Rebel Tune-Up Clinic which had over 300 participants

Renovated team lounge, women's basketball office suites, and team lockerroom and improved fundrasing efforts

Secured the #56 ranked recruiting class as listed by ESPN's HoopGurlz (2009 class)

Lady Rebels Hunt Down The Lobos

The UNLV Lady Rebels over came a 10 point hole, and horrible calls by the officials to stun and upset the New Mexico Lady Lobos, 57-51.

The same Lobos back on Jan 7th, blew out the Rebels, 75-49 in New Mexico.

Coach Olivier and her staff had the Rebels well prepared for the re-match at the Cox Pavilion. The plan and modification were well executed. The players and fans for both sides were into this game.

This is the new era! In that coaches and players working together in harmony to perfect a game plan, make need adjustments, and carry them out on the court.

The standard at UNLV is very clear: Go, Fight, Win !!! Being nationally ranked, Mountain West Championships, and even runs for the National Championship are all earthier expected or in the stated goals.

Shamela Hampton and Jamie Smith teamed up for other set of double -doubles. Brittany Halberg hit 3-pointers during key moments in the game. Starter and bench player worked in many different combinations, that in the end the Lobes didn't have an answer for.

Another key was the much improved free throw shooting. I don't have the exact stats, but can tell you that the rebels missed very few. This closed the gap, and also added points without losing time on the game clock.

The Cox Pavilion had a prize fight like feel to it. New Mexico had some loud fans that made the trip to support them. Rebel Nation was there as well, but it Being National Girls and Women in Sports Day , the numbers were greater. We had a close to the full squad of Cheerleader with Hey Reb as well, and the Band. My family and I did our part, dressed in Rebel gear, and have megaphones we got at the UNLV Bookstore.

After the game we wait for player and coaches to come back up as they left the area for their lives as college students.

Zac and Jenna got a "Kids grow up to be Rebels" poster, and at first had the players sign it, but by the end they had family, event staff, and just about anyone sign it. It was cute, and got a few laughs

I got to talk with Ms. Halberg, and meet Brittany's twin sister. I gave them the web address to this blog, so hopeful they will take a look or comment. Brittany is a favorite of Zac and Jenna. We will miss her as she graduates this year, and start a new chapter in her life.

I also got to talk with Head Coach, Kathy Olivier. I ask her about passes for the upcoming Mountain West Conference Tournament that is again being hosted at the Thomas and Mack Center on the UNLV campus.

We also congratulated other players and coaching staff members as they came through the arena on the way out or to offices.

It was an exciting game, and wonderful event. Just a super way to spend a Saturday afternoon.

The Lady Rebel's are now on the road for the next two games, but will be back in Las Vegas very soon.

Coach Olivier Leads in the Return of Rebel Pride

UNLV Lady Rebels Head Coach, Kathy Olivier, (pictured on right with me) had a near perfect debut last night. As her Rebels soundly beat Sacramento State 92-71. The team also scored 90 or more points in a game for the first time since Jan 2, 2005.

Brittany Halberg hit six 3-point shoots on the way to 22 total points. Shamela Hampton has a double - double with 18 points and 12 rebounds.

This was also a total team effort, with the bench coming and giving the starters rest. The bench expanded the lead, and helped at key moments during the game.

If anything needs some work coming out of this game, its not missing free throws shots, and not coming out cold for the first few minutes of the second half. That said, the Rebels never trailed in this game. The couching staff's plan of attack work very well.

For more on this game please visit, http://www.unlvrebels.com/

This really was a new era for Lady Rebel Basketball as 1,046 fans were in the Cox Pavilion. My hope is the retention rate is high for the rest of the season. I did my part as I brought my friend, Steven, as a new season ticket holder himself this year. This is my family's 5 year as a season ticket holder.

It was super to see the bond and support of UNLV's Woman Sports programs, as members from Volleyball, Soccer, Swimming, and Softball Teams were in attendance. The Rebel Cheerleaders and The Rebel Girls Dance Team were performing or in the stands.

UNLV Softball is another sport in which I'm a season ticket holder. There season will start on February 6th. It was nice to see team members Marissa Nichols, Kendall Fearn, and Traci Odegard among others. (Traci, my children and I pictured below)

After the game, I attended a social with other season ticket holders, player's parents, former and current players, and the couching staff. It was a great fun for my children and I to see everyone. I was excited to see Samantha Stickerler again, who left the team mid season last year after the loss of her father. I wish her nothing but the best in the future.

Couch Olivier joked with Steven and I that she could tell we are going to be trouble. She really has no idea. Steven and I will be dropping in on practices as well, attending games, and other events all season long.

I'm very much a New England style of fan. We take great interest and pride in the teams we follow. We are the extremely loyal. We are first ones to lavish praise for a job well done. We are also the first to speak up when thing are not good or need improvement. I grew up with Red Sox, Bruins, Celtics, and Patriots. I know great joy and equally great heart ache.

I truly believe as I told Coach Olivier, that she is a breath of fresh air to this program. She and her staff have the team working harder then ever. They also have The Lady Rebels enjoying playing the game and being a team. That can only be a winning combination.

Here are some pictures of my children, and my children with UNLV mascot, Hey Reb.

It was a great and exciting night out for my children and I. We really enjoy ourselves! We are all looking forward to Tuesday night. The Lady Rebels take on Southern Utah at the Thomas and Mack Center as the first part of a double header with the Runnin' Rebels, Men's Basketball program.

On the way to bring Steven home, we stop at a 24 -hours Dunkin' Donuts and had a treat. It was a special way to cap off the event.

After dropping my friend, and heading back to my complex, I got a nice reward. Two children fast asleep in their car seats. I hated to do it, but woke them up for the short walk from the parking spot. They got their shoes off and were almost immediately fast asleep again. Dreaming no doubt of one day being a Rebel themselves.

A perfect ending, to a perfect night out!

I leave you with one last picture, it's of the scoreboard at the Cox Pavilion. Enjoy!

UNLV Lady Rebels - A New Era Begins

Last Spring, this Woman's basketball program was in ruin. As I sat watching the 1st round of the Mountain West Conference Championships at the Thomas and Mack Center, I saw them give up on themselves and their coach. It was heartbreaking. There was sadness and tears as the players walk up the tunnel ramp. There were some players that skip it all together, choosing to leave another way.

It didn't take long for the firings to start, just about a week after that horrible loss, the whole staff was gutted, except Elizabeth Linkous. After what seemed like a long search, former Rebel, and UCLA Head Coach, Kathy Olivier, was hired.

Couch Olivier in a letter to season tickets holders list some of the improvements already made as team lounge renovations, new flooring in the women's basketball suite of offices, upgrating to team locker room, and new plasma televisions in the offices, team lounge, and locker room.

Tonight, a new era and season will start for the UNLV Rebels at the Cox Pavilion vs Sacramento State Hornets. Tip -off is expected around 7pm PST.

My Children's favorite player, #5 Brittany Halberg (pictured above), and four other Seniors are among the returning players.

unlvrebels.com says,

"The good news for the team is that it returns four starters, and seven of its
top eight scorers from 2007-08. The one loss however is a big one, as they will
be without the services of Sequoia Holmes, the 2007-08 Mountain West Conference
scoring champion who graduated this past May and went on to play both in the
WNBA and overseas in Europe."

Tonight, will also be Lady Rebels Reunion:

1:00-2:00pm
Open Shootaround, Cox Pavilion

5:00-6:15pm
Pregame Social, Si Redd Room
(Beer and wine will be served)

6:30pm
Lady Rebel Alumnae form “Rebel Reunion Row”

7:00pm
Tip-off, UNLV v. Sacramento State

7:50pm
Half-time, Alumni Introductions, Cox Pavilion

9:00pm
Post-game reception, TMC Concourse
(H’our derves will be served)

Also on unlvrebels.com:

"All tickets are just $1, while its also Rebel Reunion night, as Lady Rebels of
the past will be attending the game and will be honored at halftime. The game is
also part of UNLV's food drive with Three Square, in which fans are asked to
bring two canned food items to the game."

Earlier this month, I was at the ticket office to pick up my tickets, and I had a chance to sit in on a practice. My children were there as well. What I saw was great! The players were working hard to learn a new system, but also enjoying themselves as well. There seemed to be a wonderful chemistry between the players and the couching staff.

I will be blogging on key games, and events all season long.

UNLV is part of The Mountain West Conference, which also home to nationally ranked BYU, and Utah. We shall see how this all plays out on the hardwood courts.

I'm very excited about this team and this season. Go, Fight, Win !!!

Here is a link to the full unlvrebels.com article: http://unlvrebels.cstv.com/sports/w-baskbl/spec-rel/111308aag.html