America East coaches made wrong decision

We Mainers who follow University of Maine and America East women’s basketball had our attention distracted somewhat by January’s devastating ice storm, but it seems several of the league’s head coaches must have had their heads buried in a snowbank for the past three months.

There’s no other logical way to explain their recent actions.

America East announced Wednesday its coaches had chosen Vermont sophomore Karalyn Church as the league Player of the Year. With coaches prohibited from choosing their own players and the vote veiled by confidentiality, six placed Church atop their ballots. Four named University of Maine senior Cindy Blodgett the best player.

It’s a travesty.

On Thursday, the definitive sports publication in America, Sports Illustrated, ran a three-page color spread about Blodgett, who went out that evening and scored 38 points to help Maine thump Drexel in the America East quarterfinals.

Friday night, the dynamic Blodgett led the Black Bears to a 77-70 semifinal victory over Northeastern as they seek a fourth consecutive trip to the coveted NCAA Tournament.

Blodgett, who is averaging 27.6 points per game, still has a legitimate shot at winning an unprecedented third straight NCAA scoring title. Her 2,964 career points rank her fourth on the all-time scoring list.

It is imperative to point out Karalyn Church is a heck of a player and a polite, well-spoken young woman. She’s averaging 24.3 points, 7.8 rebounds, and is shooting 61 percent from the field.

But better than Blodgett?

The main difference between Blodgett and Church is the ability to dictate what happens on the court. Church, a 6-footer, is heavily reliant upon her teammates’ ability to get her the ball.

Blodgett (5-9) is a superior ballhandler whose shifty moves and body control enable her to create scoring chances for herself and her teammates. She can take over a game singlehandedly.

Further, Blodgett was statistically superior to Church in every category except field-goal percentage and blocked shots. She accomplished that despite missing two weeks with an injury.

Undoubtedly, there is some jealousy and resentment among rival coaches about the success and attention Blodgett, UMaine, and coach Joanne Palombo-McCallie have earned. But that would be petty, considering Blodgett’s dynamic presence enhanced the local and regional interest in the women’s game.

Certain coaches have publicly decried the lack of attention and respect given to women’s basketball. Blodgett drew the spotlight to her, putting thousands of fans in the seats while gaining notoriety for UMaine and the league in several national publications.

This week’s America East tourney is another prime example of Blodgett’s influence. For the first time, the event is being held at a single site – Alfond Arena. It’s a showcase, with a big-time atmosphere, and it’s not just for UMaine, but for all the teams.

Rather than playing in front of 150 fans in a rinky-dink gym, Blodgett’s allure has enabled all teams to play in front of large crowds while receiving extensive media coverage and first-class treatment.

America East players, coaches, and fans owe a debt of gratitude to Blodgett, whose groundbreaking efforts make her the league’s greatest player not only this season, but ever.

Pete Warner is a NEWS sportswriter.