COMMENTARY:
By JIM SEIP
Daily Record/Sunday News
Meredith Cox didn’t prepare for this. She never expected to lose.
She prepared for her career to end in Hershey, in another state championship game — not one game before.
So when the end came in the state Class AA semifinals Tuesday, so did tears.
York Catholic had more scorers, more ball-handlers and more experienced players than the defending champs. But Cox (pictured) was a winner. With about one minute to go, she thought to herself: Not yet. We can do it. We can pull out another win.
By then, she may have been the only one from Delone thinking ‘Win!’
At that point York Catholic’s lead fluctuated between a two- and three-possession margin. And with York Catholic playing a spread-and-stall offense, Delone had no chance to rally.
So Squirette coach Gerry Eckenrode did the classy thing.
With 14.6 seconds, he gave the most accomplished basketball player to ever come out of Adams and York counties a curtain call.
“It was an opportunity for people to show their appreciation for her four years of dedication,� Eckenrode said. “I think everyone recognized what she accomplished.�
Cox broke down walking off the court. She buried her face in her hands.
Eckenrode didn’t let her leave like that.
He met her near midcourt and wrapped his arms around her. He whispered to her, something about a great four years and a great job defending the state crown.
It was a scene to remember.
Cox in tears.
Eckenrode’s eyes squeezed shut, holding on for a hug.
Delone players on the court were in tears.
York Catholic players and coaches stood applauding.
“Watching Meredith at the end kind of brings a tear to your eye,� said York Catholic coach Andy Bria, who coached Cox for two years in AAU basketball. “That’s a great kid and a great player.�
Cox won three state championships. Her high school winning percentage was a staggering 85 percent. Delone went 117-21 during her career. And the Squirettes’ 11 losses this season are more than Cox experienced in her previous three years combined.
From the time she burst on the scene as a freshman, she gave Delone a chance to win every game. She orchestrated Delone’s 18-game winning streak in the state tournament.
And only two girls from the YAIAA — Fairfield’s Lauren Beckley and William Penn’s Barb DeShields — scored more career points than Cox’s 2,097.
But Cox is more than just points.
She made teammates that might otherwise be average talents look like stars.
It was fitting that Cox didn’t leave the gym by sneaking out a back door. There were too many people she needed to see before she heads to Georgetown in the fall.
Parents crowded around her.
Former players surprised her by tapping her on the shoulder and reaching out for hugs.
Marisa Elliot, a state champion from the 2005 team, and Jana Zinn, a state champion from the 2004 team, wanted to talk.
But perhaps the real depth of Cox’s career is best illustrated by the reaction of York Catholic’s players.
Amanda Weaver, Megan Stewart and Schuyler Merritt stood around the Cox greeting crew, waiting for an opening.
“We’re just standing in line,� Weaver said, breaking the ice as the three Irish girls offered Cox hugs.
“She’s an all-around awesome player,� York Catholic’s Danielle Colombo said. “She’s a team player — everybody knows that.�
Cox, her eyes puffy, tried to explain the end game.
“It’s hard,� she said, “for three of four years you win.�
Delone won district titles and state titles. This year, Cox said they had no trophies.
They were only fighters. Despite starting the season with a 7-7 record, they became state competitors. And that’s the tough part. Cox wanted more than a moral victory.
“I wasn’t ready to end it,� she said. “I was ready to win.�
And perhaps that’s what made her one of the best. She never gave up.
“She gets my vote,� Eckenrode said. “She’s the best girls’ basketball player I’ve ever seen.�
Reach Jim Seip at jseip@ydr.com
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