More significantly, both teams featured a hot-shooting, hard-charging guard, who carried their team, even when hurt. The first, Hayleigh Lankster, plays for WSU. She can drain a three-pointer from anywhere on the court, yet she doesn't shy away from taking it to the basket in the middle of what looks like a traffic jam. She was carrying her Shockers on her back Sunday when suddenly she collided with one of the Drake players. She was lying face-down on the floor, and when she stood up, it was apparent that she was badly injured. The trainer placed a towel over her face, and I wondered how many teeth she had knocked out and how badly broken her nose was. I didn't think she would be back. Wrong. About 5 minutes later, out walks Hayleigh from the locker room and she immediately went back into the game. The only sign of an injury was a band-aid across her nose. She had to be in pain, but she still made several more shots and lay-ups. Yesterday's Wichita Eagle said they didn't know yet what damage she had done; I know if that had been me, I would still be on the table in the locker room, crying!
Jacob Pullen plays for Kansas State. He can drain a three-pointer from anywhere on the court, yet he doesn't shy away from taking it to the basket in the middle of what looks like a traffic jam. (Didn't I just say that?) He was carrying the 'Cats on his back willing them to win, when, while taking the ball to the hole, he was fouled, pushed out of bounds, landing on his hand. In obvious pain, he went to the bench for a minute, only to come back and shoot free throws. Broken bone? I wouldn't doubt it, but you wouldn't know it from his play the remainder of the game (except that he didn't use his hand much.) He played the rest of the game (even scored a few points), and afterwards said, "There's nothing I would rather do than play basketball. I hurt my hand and wrist, but it is fine. It will be fine."
Two tough guards these kids. Two great players. No wonder their fans and coaches love them!
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