Tracy Pontius followed up a memorable season by being name by earning an All-America Honorable Mention yesterday. Pontius finished up a superb sophomore season last week, averaging 14.8 points and 4.1 assists per game. She also led the Falcons in assists, three point field goals made (77) and three point percentage (43.0 percent). Pontius emerged as the Falcons’ solid compliment to fellow sophomore Lauren Prochaska over the course of the season. Her ability to play the role of the floor general served BG well in their transition game and half court offense. ‘Tracy doesn’t like to talk, but she never shies away from the moment,’ head coach Curt Miller said. ‘She likes when the bright lights and big stage are on.’ Pontius had four outstanding moments in particular during the season. The first came in a game against Northern Illinois. Pontius, a native of Morton, Ill., had a coming out party of sorts as she posted a career high in points with 31, and led the Falcons to an overtime victory over the then Mid-American Conference West Division leaders. The second came in a game against Western Michigan. In the Falcons first game after the suspension of Niki McCoy, the Falcons were struggling with the lowly Broncos. WMU led the Falcons for most of the game, always keeping about a four point distance. With under a minute to play in the game, BG trailed by four points. On consecutive trips down the floor, Pontius drove to the basket and got two lay ups to fall. Her two field goals tied the game and sent it into overtime, where the Falcons would eventually emerge victorious. ‘For Tracy to step up and get those two big lay ups, was a real credit to her,’ Miller said. The third came in a game at Buffalo. Pontius had played 40 minutes of mediocre basketball, as had her fellow Falcons, and BG found themselves going into overtime against the MAC East Division cellar dweller Buffalo. Trailing by two in overtime, Pontius went on a legendary shooting streak. Five consecutive trips down the floor ended with Pontius draining a three point shot. By the time she had finished raining threes, the Falcons were in position for another win. ‘Pontius’ single handed performance, that was just an amazing offensive performance,’ Miller said. The fourth came in the MAC Tournament. Prochaska, fresh off being named the MAC Player of the Year, had hit a cold streak, and the Falcons needed somebody to step up. Pontius gladly did just that. Along with help from McCoy on offense, Pontius led the Falcons all the way to the MAC Championship game before being beaten by Ball State. After that game, Pontius was named MAC Tournament Most Valuable Player, despite not being on the winning team. After receiving the award though, an emotional Pontius seemed too shaken to enjoy the award. ‘Last year still stings, and then losing this just makes it worse I guess,’ Pontius said. Pontius now joins 46 other players on the list of All-America players. Joining her on the list of honorable mentions are Rashanda McCants of North Carolina, the brother of NBA player Rashad McCants, and Oklahoma State’s Andrea Riley, who earlier this season was named to the preseason All-America team. Now Pontius can enjoy this honor. Her career is only half over, and already Pontius is reaching legendary heights for the Falcons. Pontius usually plays the role of sidekick to Prochaska lead role. On this day however, it’s Pontius being recognized as one of the best women’s college basketball players in America.
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All-America
April 1, 2009
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