2000-2001 Season Review

According to many critics, a rebuilding season was on the horizon, but for the Blazer basketball players, success and winning was the only option.  CSB walked onto the hardwood with no seniors on the roster.  Michelle Barlau was back after recovering from a broken neck, suffered late in the 1999-2000 season. Danni Hannon was about to see her first significant varsity playing time and Mia Peterson would have to take a large leadership role.  Role players from last season’s team, Jackie Bye and Andrea Bennett, had to turn into scorers.  What resulted was amazing:   The Blazers won 10 of their first 11 games and started the MIAC schedule 9-0 overall.  Head Coach Mike Durbin, in his 15th season, led the team to a 21-5 finish marking the 14th consecutive season of 19 wins or more.  The Blazer season ended with a second round loss in the inaugural MIAC tournament and narrowly missing the NCAA tournament. 

The Blazers were ranked as high as 9th in the nation by D3hoops.com and swept Saint Thomas in two games by a combined score of 4 points, including a buzzer beater from the baseline by Hannon in a 66-65 victory on Dec. 9 at Claire Lynch Hall.

Barlau (16.9 ppg) and Hannon (11.5ppg) were named to the All-MIAC team, as well as being selected as the MIAC players of the week at certain points during the season.  Andrea Bennett (9.9 ppg) and Mia Peterson (10.8 ppg) were All-MIAC Honorable Mention.  Barlau was also named Kodak All-American Honorable Mention.

Athletic Department
College of Saint Benedict
37 South College Avenue
St. Joseph, MN 56374
320-363-5301
Fax 320-363-6098