Ashland, OR-In what can be described as the most beautifully chaotic 40 minutes of the season, Menlo Women's Basketball put on a "march madness masterclass" during the second round of the NAIA National Tournament. Through three quarters of action the Oaks were held to only 34 total points. They trailed by as much as 23 with .24 seconds left in the third. Then the fourth quarter happened. What followed was some of the most inspired basketball and coaching this writer has seen. On the biggest stage, in a hostile environment in the words of assistant coach Jessica Rogers all that mattered was "we believed." Menlo has punched its ticket to Sioux City, Iowa and cemented themselves as one of the last 16 programs still standing. After tonight's performance, no one wants to see the Oaks from Atherton, California!
Solid Start to the Action
In the first quarter Menlo came out aggressively looking to set the tone from the tip. Jordyn Rosette was locked in from deep, hitting two threes in the first frame of action. Five other Oaks would score at least one bucket in the first quarter as well. Despite the teams field goal percentage being roughly 35% they were relentless on the glass with 16 first quarter rebounds, eight of them being of the offensive variety. It was apparent early on that the duo of Jasmyne Huggins and Kiara Brown would be a mismatch nightmare down low as the two seniors combined for eight rebounds in the first 10 minutes of the game. Overall, it was a solid start that saw Menlo hold a two point lead heading into the second period.
The Raiders Make Their Move
While the first quarter was a tightly contested affair, the second was highlighted by Southern Oregon throwing their best punch at the Oaks. Menlo's offense struggled to find a rhythm, only hitting two shots in the entire quarter. Meanwhile, the Raiders seemingly couldn't miss shooting a blistering 60% from the floor. By the time the halftime buzzer sounded it would be a 13 point lead in favor of the Raiders. Still, Menlo remained composed and most importantly continued to compete.
Menlo Makes the Magic Happen
Southern Oregon would go on to win the third quarter 21-14 that was seemingly capped off with a buzzer beating three by the Raiders Mallory Williams. Yet, said three points would be waved off thanks to an official replay. From that moment on Southern Oregon's 23 point lead evaporated thanks to one of the grittiest 10 minutes of basketball the Oaks have played all year. The rally would really begin with roughly 4:20 on the clock with Kiara Brown knocking down a three to get the Oaks within 11 points. The next 47 seconds included three straight three pointers, an SOU turnover and a big time defensive stop. In less than a minute, Menlo pulled within five. Alberte Frisch would earn a trip to the free throw line with 1:37 on the clock, hit both of her shots and chop what was a 23 point lead down to three. The following play would seize what little momentum the Raiders had left with Shay Boley doing her best impression of an NFL defensive back. Boley picked off a high arching inbounds pass, whipped a pass to Kiara Brown who then found an open Jordyn Rosette for a game tying three pointer. From here on out Boley and Jasmyne Huggins would come up with a pair of steals that led to free throws. The veteran duo would go 4-4 from the line to push the Oaks ahead of Southern Oregon for good.
Big Time Performances From Big Time Players
Kiara Brown has long been viewed as one of the best players to ever suit up for Menlo. In an elimination game, on the road when her team needed her most, Brown strapped on a cape and submitted her best superwoman impression. In the final quarter of play Brown scored 10 points, grabbed two rebounds, dished out an assist and blocked a shot. Those 10 points would come on a close to perfect 4-5 shooting display. Number 11 in blue only further cemented her place in Menlo Women's Basketball history.
Meanwhile, Jordyn Rosette also reminded everyone in attendance that she is, in this writer's opinion, one of the best players in the nation. Rosette played a game high 40 minutes never once coming out and during Menlo's cold shooting stretch did her best to keep the team within striking distance. She was also a huge part of the Oaks run to get back into the game. By the time the final buzzer sounded Rosette had scored a game high 21 points, came away with a pair of steals and scorched the nets with 57% shooting percentage from three.
Jasmyne Huggins and Shay Boley may not have had their biggest scoring performances but both players made huge plays down the stretch. Huggins grabbed eight boards and had a game high 4 steals. Her effort on the defensive end was critical in slowing down the Raiders offense. She also knocked down five of her six free throw attempts, none bigger than the two that gave Menlo the lead with just over a minute left. Meanwhile, Boley overcame early foul trouble to secure seven rebounds, hand out five assists and come up with three huge steals, all of which were in the fourth quarter.
Up Next…
Overcoming huge odds Menlo has booked their ticket to Sioux City, Iowa as one of the final 16 programs still standing. The next opponent on deck will be against the quadrants number one seed Campbellsville out of Kentucky. That matchup will take place next Friday at 11:00 AM central time. For those who don't believe in the magic that is college basketball in the month of March, these Menlo Oaks would like to have a word! Sixteen teams remain alive in the hunt for the red banner. Stay tuned for more updates on the Oaks hunt for a title!
Menlo College is currently a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), and the Golden State Athletic Conference (GSAC). To learn more about Menlo Athletics visit www.menloathletics.com or follow Menlo Athletics on Instagram (@menloathletics), X (@MenloAthletics) or Facebook (Menlo College Athletic).
