What BGSU Basketball is All About!

Junior Simone Eli passes to a teammate during the 2010-11 Championship season. Simone, a walk-on her first two years, has earned a scholarship for her remaining two years because of her hard work and dedication to the program.

The following is a story that recently appeared in the Port Clinton News Herald about junior Simone Eli. Written by Matthew Horn, it is a fantastic article not only about Simone, but about what our program is all about, and the biggest factor in our success - team chemistry, and having a team of players and coaches that care for each other. Hope you enjoy the story - I know our staff sure did!

Genoa grad plays role on MAC championship team

Eli awarded scholarship as junior

Simone Eli had one field goal and two free throws for five points in 23 minutes over 13 games as a sophomore wing for Bowling Green State University's women's basketball team last season.

But Falcons coach Curt Miller considers Eli to be a very important piece to a puzzle that includes Mid-American Conference titles and NCAA Tournament appearances each of the last two years.

So what will Eli have as a junior? A scholarship.

"Simone is a feel-good story for our program," Miller said. "It's about her, but also our program. A player who scored one basket from the field last year earned a full-ride athletic scholarship. That tells you that sometimes the good guys are rewarded.

"She has earned a scholarship for a perennial champ because of her character and what she means to the team. That could never be reflected in stats. She understands she won't be a superstar in our program but she holds a valuable place."

Eli, a Genoa graduate, has relished her role simulating the opposition's top shooter in practices.

"She can help us stretch the floor and make 3s," Miller said. "She has a unique ability that many in Division 1 basketball don't -- she can make 3s when closely guarded. She has a quick release she can get off while contested.

"She creates driving lanes. That's more important than any stat. She brings the intangibles you need in a winning program."

Eli, who passed on full scholarship Division II opportunities to be part of the Falcons, takes pride in her role but is not satisfied with her playing time.

"I've accepted that and cherished that role," she said. "Twenty minutes or 20 seconds -- it's been my championship as well as everybody else's on the team. An opportunity has been presented for this season and I plan on earning more playing time.

"I knew when I chose to come to BG I wasn't going to be placed on scholarship till I was a junior and that it wouldn't be given to me. I'll work hard every day in practice and off the court. There is an opportunity for everybody on the team."

The Falcons have only one senior on the roster for the next season.

"We have five young freshmen," Miller said. "There are nine players on the roster in their freshman or sophomore season so it's important to show leadership and help the younger kids understand the championship culture we've created at Bowling Green."

Eli has developed into a bit of a fan favorite, a phenomenon common for some role players in successful programs. The fan base got a kick out of Eli burying a three-pointer for the Falcons' final points at Anderson Arena.

Miller, however, playfully won't let Eli forget she failed to get back on defense in her elation and also gave up the final basket.

Eli was second-team all-Ohio, Northwest District co-player of the year and Suburban Lakes League player of the year as she averaged 20.6 points, 4.6 assists and 2.8 steals as a senior for the Comets. She was part of two SLL championship teams, scored 1,000-plus points and established a program record with 176 threes in her career.

"Coming out of high school and having the success I had, it grounds you," she said. "It's been a humbling experience, but I haven't just sat back and waited. I had a great opportunity to watch Lauren Prochaska play and learn that position where she dominated for four years."

Eli, who plans to become a sports broadcaster, is in line to graduate a year early and pursue a master's in media communications. Her work ethic extends off the court as she's currently an intern at FOX Toledo and will be sports director for BG-24, the television station at BGSU, next semester.

Eli is liked and respected by teammates.

"Championship programs are built in the locker room," Miller said. "We've had the best team chemistry and cohesiveness of any team in the MAC. We work very hard to bring in high-character kids."

The Falcons have a familial bond as a team that even includes the community.

"It's my best friends," Eli said. "I couldn't ask for a better coaching staff. My teammates mean the world to me. We support each other in success and failure. Luckily, there aren't too many failures to talk about.

"(Winning is) the cherry on top of the cake."

Eli has experienced what she considers to be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity advancing to the NCAA Tournament twice. She hopes to become a more integral part of the Falcons' formula the next two seasons.

"I'm honored to play for such a great program and community," she said. "There's been nothing as rewarding than to wear a Bowling Green jersey. My dad (Art) played baseball in the early 80s. To follow in his footsteps and make my family proud ... they've supported me all the way, and it's meant the world to me to represent Genoa.

"We expect to be successful and win the MAC."

Email Matthew Horn at mhorn@gannett.com.