Nicole Lehman went out a winner a few minutes ago.
The former all-state basketball player from Lamar was one of the Southwest Missouri State University Lady Bears who just won the Women's National Invitational Tournament by beating West Virginia.
The Lady Bears reached the semi-finals by defeating the University of Iowa, a team which included Stockton High School graduate (and a former Lamar High School player) Jenna Armstrong. The semi-finals and finals were both played on the SMSU home court.
As I watch, Nicole is smiling ear to ear as she was the first player to get to cut down the net at the Hammons Center. It's a wonderful image. I had the opportunity to watch Nicole play several times during her years on Coach Richard Marti's Tigers and I interviewed her several times, devoting a few Sports Talk columns to her.
Nicole is now a part of a historic game. She was a valuable participant in the last basketball win in SMSU history, since the university will be Missouri State University next year.
It couldn't happen to a nicer young woman.