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Written by: Neosha Franklin (This article was also featured in the St. Charles Women’s Journal)
With one National Championship on their back in 2014, the St. Louis Surge Women’s Basketball team will be competing for a repeat championship August 1 in Greenville, South Carolina. The Surge trumped two member teams of the Women’s Blue Chip Basketball League (WBCBL), in the Mid-West Regional Tournament on Saturday, July 18, 2015, at Missouri Baptist University. Defeating the Missouri Arch Angels, 89-52, in the semi-finals brought their record to 9-1 and later they again triumphed against the Nebraska Strikers with a 96-60 victory, claiming the Mid-West trophy, bringing their record to 10-1. Now, the team is preparing to bring home another St. Louis championship victory.
With their triumph behind them, the Surge hit the gym harder than ever in preparation for the National Tournament. Studying film and reviewing their competition, the Surge is training to confront teams they have not faced all season.
Brittany Carter, (#23) starting guard, says she’s looking forward to competing in the national championship.
“I think we will match up well with the competition. We have size, great shooters, and an inside presence on the block so I think
we will match up well,” said Carter. “I’m looking forward to the opportunity of playing on a stage I have never played on before. I have never had the chance to play for a national title or even a championship title and actually win; it would mean a lot to pull off a big win like the national championship,” said Carter.
The Surge will take on the San Antonio Crusaders in the first bracket of the championship and Rebecca Harris, (#13) starting guard, says they will have to play smart.
“I am really looking forward to returning to that championship atmosphere. All the teams are the best of the best from their area and everyone is walking around very confident and with their heads held high. We haven’t seen several teams play yet. We have some knowledge of teams we have played in the past, but those games are in the future and that’s not our focus right now,” said Harris. “We play the San Antonio Crusaders first and I think we have to play smart and competitive; we don’t want to give anyone an opportunity to get comfortable with us.”
The Surge regular season is only three months, which makes chemistry and teamwork our first priority when jelling together as a unit.
“The leadership of our veterans impacts the team on and off the court. It’s extremely important. With our season being so short, the organization does not have the luxury of time, and reiterating our culture and expectations,” said Khalia Collier, Surge Owner and General Manager. “The rookies have to pick up on things quickly, and the best way for them to do that is to see the veterans leading by example.”
Throughout the season, the Surge has averaged 100 points a game, which not only shows their competitive nature and talent, but energizes their fans, which they call Surge Nation. Fans have an opportunity to engage in a fun, competitive and entertaining basketball game and their support motivates the team.
“Our fans are engaged one hundred percent and as a result it motivates us players to do our best to make sure we put on a show that fans will enjoy,” said starting guard (#1) Bianca Beck.
“Our fans are our biggest supporters and we couldn’t do this without them. Surge Nation is more than just about being a fan, but being a true supporter of not only women’s sports, but all sports,” said Collier. “This year we have received a tremendous amount of support and I know that Surge Nation is here to stay.”
Collier has made it her duty to not only shift the perception of women’s athletics, by placing women’s athletics at the forefront of basketball. Since 2011, Collier has worked day-in and day-out to ensure that she has created a platform for her players to pursue their dreams on and off the court – it’s bigger than basketball. Players acknowledge the hard work Collier has put into the program and really emphasizes how important it is to make an impact in the St. Louis community.
“It’s a great feeling to be a part of this process. In my life I make sure I emphasize community service and giving back and to have the opportunity to be a part of something such as this, is more than what I could have imagined,” said Beck. “To be a part of the surge organization truly is bigger than basketball. The opportunity to not only give back to the community, but to women’s sports is truly a blessing and I’m hopeful that I have done my part as an individual to assist in the progressive movement of women’s sports in St. Louis.”
The final home game of the season is July 25, 2015, but the Surge will return for the 2016 season in May. Fans are encouraged to stay connected to the team by following the Surge on Facebook at facebook.com/stlsurgebasketball and on Twitter and Instagram at STLSurge. More information can also be found at www.stlsurgebasketball.com.
