May 11, 2023 | by Taylor Pill

WATERTOWN, Wis. -- At last week's post-season Athletic Awards Assembly, new head coach Paul Brown announced team awards and reflected on the 2022-23 women's basketball season - one that was filled with highs and lows alike for a spirited group of almost entirely new players.

That's right - Coach Brown started the season with just two returning players to the roster and 10 new faces, ending up with 11 rookies and three returners from the previous year once the season was established and fall sports were over. But the team quickly came together in the system, snatching a decisive 62-32 win over Emmaus Bible College on November 17 to give Coach Brown his first win for the program.

First win at Maranatha for Coach Brown is a 62-32 HOME WIN over Emmaus!

Congratulations, Coach, and big things ahead! �� pic.twitter.com/U4velUag7c

— Maranatha Athletics (@MBUSabercats) November 17, 2022

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After a rigorous and challenging mid-season schedule, the Sabercats pulled together just when it mattered most to win three of their last six games going into the North Region Tournament. The most memorable of that stretch came when Katelyn Morrison reached the 1,000 career points mark in a 52-43 win over Emmaus Bible College on February 23.

ONE THOUSAND FOR KATELYN ��

Katelyn Morrison just hit 1,000 career points!! She is chasing 15th all-time in program history for career points and she deserves every one of them.

Congrats, Katelyn, and keep shooting!

➡️ https://t.co/P2XyVkK3GB pic.twitter.com/5MB3A9N3Z1

— Maranatha Athletics (@MBUSabercats) February 23, 2023

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�� The moment she broke 1,000 pic.twitter.com/vBfi1MaCLl

— Maranatha Athletics (@MBUSabercats) February 23, 2023

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The next big moment came in the North Region Tournament, as the Sabercats held off Central Christian College of the Bible in the first round, winning 60-51. But the run ended before it really began, as the North Central University Rams were in full control in the next round, ending the Sabercats' season with a commanding win.

Their final record was 6-17, but that didn't stop Coach Brown and the team from a season of learning, growth, and a positive outlook for the seasons ahead.

"Overall, so excited for a great season," said Head Coach Paul Brown. "Not in terms of wins and losses, but we learned a lot about each other and we used the words 'learn' and 'grow' a lot - whether that is learning the sport, learning who we are, or learning and growing in Christlikeness. I'm so thankful for my wife and my kids, that they could be alongside in this journey we had this year. We had a lot to learn this season, and I hope we gained a deeper understanding of the love of the game, and I'm hoping that progresses us into next season."

AWARDS

The team awards from Coach Brown were as follows:

Most Improved - Delaney Thompson

Coach's Award - Michal Wagner

Most Valuable - Katelyn Morrison

Awards from the NCCAA National Office were as follows:

NCCAA All-Region - Katelyn Morrison (2nd Team)

Scholar-Athlete - Abbie Herbster, Katelyn Morrison

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MORE

For more on the Maranatha Women's Basketball program, go here.