Mildred’s Venable gets last minute opportunity

By Michael Adams

MAYPEARL Sat, May 17 2008

— Mildred’s Jordan Venable got a phone call Wednesday that she will never forget.
The Lady Eagles’ senior guard found out that she was going to get the chance to play in the 2008 Texas Roundup All-Star Game in Maypearl due to another player backing out at the last minute.
Venable took the opportunity and had just three days to prepare for the event.
“I got pretty excited,” Venable said. “I wasn’t expecting it and this was just an awesome experience. I am really thankful to just be nominated.”
Venable was an alternate selection and saw a total of 20 minutes of playing time for the Red All-Star team.
Playing opposite of Blooming Grove’s Kelsie Tipping, Venable saw the same minutes as her Golden Circle rival.
Venable said it made the experience more amazing.
“That was pretty cool,” she said. “It was just like being back home.”
Venable had just one point and two steals in the contest as her team fell to the White All-Stars 77-74.
Her first five minutes of the game were quiet as the senior didn’t have a single shot opportunity.
Returning to the game with five minutes left in the first half, Venable shot a pair of free throws and took a three-point attempt, but none of the shots were able to go through the basket.
Venable got another chance at the 15 minute mark in the second half and picked up a pair of steals in five minutes, but still was held without a point.
With 4:25 left in the game, Venable finally got in the score book hitting the first of a pair of free throws.
“It was very short notice, but this was a great experience,” Venable said. “I got a lot out of it and it was a lot of fun.”
Tipping said it was nice to see Venable playing in the game next to her and wished she would have got the chance to play on her team.
“I didn’t expect her to be here because I didn’t see her name on any of the rosters,” Tipping said. “It was really nice to see her get the chance to play in this..”

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