The Phoenix Banner Mercury wrapped up their season with by attending the National Women’s Wheelchair Basketball Tournament (NWWBT) in Champaign, IL.  With their finish in last year’s national tournament, the Mercury had a first round bye in the 12-team tournament.

The first game for the Phoenix Banner Mercury was against the newly formed Los Angeles Lady Warriors.  It was the second game of the day for LA, but the first for Phoenix.  The afternoon game started out a little slow for both teams.  Both teams struggled to score in the first half, with a 12-12 tie at half time.  The Banner Mercury came out firing in the second half, building a lead and holding on for their first win.  Jen Ruddell led the team in scoring with 24 points.

After that first win, the Banner Mercury had time to prepare for their next match up, the University of Alabama Rollin’ Tide.  The two teams had faced each other a number of time throughout the season, with Alabama winning each match-up.  Alabama came out looking to shut down Jen Ruddell and Emily Hoskins, two of the Banner Mercury’s leaders.  With Ruddell and Hoskins neutralized the rest of the Banner Mercury team struggled.  Unable to find the bottom of the hoop, the Banner Mercury searched for an answer.  Too many turnovers hurt the Banner Mercury as they fell to Alabama, 61-22.

With their first lost of the tournament, the Banner Mercury played later in the day against in state rivals, University of Arizona Wildcats.  The Banner Mercury started the game flat and Arizona was able to take advantage of it.  Arizona held a 20 point lead over Phoenix at halftime.  The second half began with a strong start by the Banner Mercury.  They were able to cut into the Arizona lead, but turnovers again hurt their progress.  Jen Ruddell and Kirsten Everitt-Sharpe lead the Banner Mercury in scoring, but it was not enough to come for the win.  The Banner Mercury lost their second game 65-46.

With their second lost, the Banner Mercury’s last game of the tournament was in the 5th/6th place game against the Chicago RIC Sky.  The two teams had split their series in the regular season, so this game was nabbed to be a good one.  Both teams came out executing their game plan early on, trading baskets in the first half.  Neither team able to build a big lead.  The score was tied at 20 after the first half.  The second half saw adjustments made on both sides.  Unfortunately for the Banner Mercury shots stopped falling in the second half and Chicago was able to pull away.  The Banner Mercury lost to Chicago 51-39 and ended the tournament with a 6th place finish overall.

With the three University teams finishing in the top three spots, the Banner Mercury players and coach were happy with their finish, 6th overall in the women’s division, but 3rd among club teams.  Two of the Banner Mercury players were honored at the banquet following the tournament.  Emily Hoskins was selected to the Second All-Tournament team and Jen Ruddell was selected to the First All-Tournament team.  The Banner Mercury will be represented well at the US Women’s Paralympic team tryouts.  Players Jen Ruddell, Emily Hoskins, Jen Howitt, and Kirsten Everitt-Sharpe have all been invited along with coach Robbie Taylor already on staff for the team.