Season, fourth-place finish another step forward for Saxony Lutheran girls basketball team

COLUMBIA, Mo. -- Saxony Lutheran sophomore Brianna Mueller told herself that nothing was different when she and her teammates stepped onto the Mizzou Arena court for the first final four game in the program's history.

But that's an easier thing to tell yourself than to make yourself believe.

"I think coming in yesterday we were all really nervous and jittery and freaked out because the lights were a little bit brighter, there were a lot more people than what usually come to our games, and 'Oh my gosh,'" Mueller said. "But really it's just the same. It's the same group of girls that you play with, it's the same size basketball, it's the same everything. You've just got to tell yourself that."

The Crusaders lost both games at the final four by wide margins, and took home the fourth-place trophy. But the end of the season still signified a step forward for the program and the eight sophomores who anchor it.

After a state sectional loss ended their season a year ago, the Crusaders won both a sectional and quarterfinal game this year before their back-to-back losses to end the season 24-6.

"We've had a lot of good memories already," said sophomore Raegan Wieser, who led her team with 16 points in Friday's third-place game. "This has been a great experience for us. And now that we have this one year of experience, we know what it's going to be like coming into next year. We haven't really played with this many fans and this big court. But we just told ourselves, like, it's not any different than any other game. It's just our own team out there on the court. I think this will help us with next year being ready."

Saxony coach Sam Sides was quick to point out that no return trip to the final four is guaranteed for his players, but taking another step forward next season is the obvious goal and both Wieser and Mueller smiled widely when the topic of "next year" came up.

Sides said he expects his players to learn from the states losses rather than linger on them, just like they did after their state semifinal loss on Thursday.

"They were really down yesterday," Sides said after the third-place game. "They were really hurt. But a couple hours after they seemed back to their normal selves. Today I thought we responded pretty well. I was kind of concerned about that. You know, quick turnaround from last night. We stayed and watched that game. It was 11:30 probably when we got back to the hotel after eating, and I wasn't sure how they was going to respond with their energy levels. I thought it was pretty good under the circumstances."

The players were down but not inconsolable after Saturday's loss.

"Their attitude was better today than it was yesterday. I mean, they were heartbroken yesterday, but they bounced back. And again, they're together as a group as I've ever had probably, and they support each other. They mean that about having each other's back because they're good friends, they support each other and they'll be in a good mood here in about an hour probably."

Sophomore Grace Mirly said the team's bond was strengthened by the entirety of the state experience rather than any particular moment or game.

"I bet any team that comes up here, they grow so much stronger," Mirly said. "I know for our team it was incredible. I just can't explain it. There's no words honestly."

Like the others, Mirly acknowledged there was no promise of a return to the final four. But if she and her teammates earn another trip, they promise to be better prepared.

"Next time we won't be so shell-shocked," Mirly said. I mean, 'next time' saying that we do, but we won't be so shell-shocked. We'll know what to expect, we'll be calmer and we'll be able to play more Saxony Crusaders ball."