LSU signee named Louisiana Miss Basketball

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The following was written by Chris Singleton for the LSWA and printed in The Advocate:


HOUMA — When Theresa Plaisance took her first steps onto the Vandebilt Catholic campus two years ago, she described it as walking into a new world.

After starring at Ursuline Academy of New Orleans as a freshman and sophomore, Plaisance transferred to Vandebilt before her junior season when her mother, DoBee Plaisance, landed the women’s basketball coaching job at nearby Nicholls State University.

At first, Plaisance said the transition to a new school was difficult because she didn’t know anyone. She also struggled with playing in a new system under longtime Vandebilt coach Kathy Luke, who wanted the 6-foot-5 standout to play the post instead of the guard position she played at Ursuline.

Although it took some time to get used to a new school and basketball position, Plaisance eventually enjoyed success, leading Vandebilt to a Class 4A state-runner up trophy in 2009.

A year later, she etched her name into Vandebilt history by leading the school to its first state championship in basketball with a 70-51 victory over Jennings in the 4A title game. She scored a game-high 24 points with 11 rebounds, five blocked shots and three assists to win the game’s outstanding player award.

For her success this year, Plaisance has been voted the 2010 Farm Bureau Miss Basketball by the Louisiana Sports Writers Association.

The award is one of many that Plaisance, an LSU signee, has won since moving to Vandebilt, including being named a two-time Gatorade Louisiana Player of the Year, a 2010 McDonald’s All-American and the Class 4A player of the year.

Plaisance said winning Miss Basketball was a great way to cap her senior season.

“It’s a huge honor and I really appreciate it,” Plaisance said. “It’s been a great year, and it will always be special just because we brought the first basketball championship of any kind to Vandebilt. That means more to me than anything.”

As a senior, Plaisance averaged 16 points with 10 rebounds and two blocks to lead the Lady Terriers to a school-best 35-1 record. She said her success wouldn’t have been possible without her teammates.

“I owe it all to them,” Plaisance said. “My teammates come first to me. This team has been very special, and we’re all so close that we’re like a family.”


Read the entire article at: http://bit.ly/9q51tK

Posted by Bill Martin