BLOG 38: Thelen and Fleming earn all-conference accolades

By Sandy Gholston

BIG RAPIDS – Sharpshooting guard Teghan Thelen was solid from start to finish while Ashley Fleming opened a lot of eyes with her strong play (especially on the boards) during the second half of Ferris’ women’s basketball season.

Thelen earned second-team All-Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference North Division honors for her efforts as a senior. The former prep star at Pewamo-Westphalia High School was one of the league’s most consistent shooters and had many nights throughout the season when she put the Bulldogs on her back and helped will the team to victories. Thelen was the team’s leading scorer as she averaged 12.5 points and four rebounds.

Fleming was a battle-tested warrior who, by the end of the season, opened up a lot of eyes with her willingness to play through pain and play above fatigue to help the Bulldogs play much better basketball during the season’s second half. The former Rogers City High School standout earned GLIAC North Division All-Defensive Team honors for her play on the hardwood. Fleming averaged 9.7 points, 5.4 rebounds and had a team-best 21 blocked shots.

Thelen and Fleming deserve plenty of credit for these honors and also for setting the stage for what hopefully will be a strong 2009-10 season for the returning players. Ferris finished the 2008-09 season with a record of 13-15 overall and 10-12 in the GLIAC.

If you have any questions, ideas or comments feel free to contact Sandy Gholston at sgholston2@netzero.com