Indiana University Athletics
DeMuth, Valentin All-Big Ten (3-2-04)
3/2/2004 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
March 2, 2004
DeMuth, Valentin Are All-Big Ten
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Bloomington, Ind. - Indiana junior forward Jenny DeMuth earned All-Big Ten recognition from both the conference media and coaches, with sophomore guard Cyndi Valentin earning honorable mention accolades from the media, the conference office announced Tuesday.
A second-team selection by the media and a third-team honoree by the coaches, DeMuth ranks fifth in the Big Ten with 18.5 points per game and fourth in the conference with 7.7 rebounds per game. She is the only Big Ten player ranking in the top five in the conference in both categories. In addition, she ranks fifth in the Big Ten in steals with 2.6 per game.
"Jenny is having a remarkable season and deserves all the honors she is getting," Indiana head coach Kathi Bennett said. "She has really taken her game to another level this year, and we are excited to see her continue in her development."
With an even 500 points scored this season, DeMuth became only the fifth Hoosier ever to score 500 points in a single season. A two-time selection as Big Ten Player of the Week in 2003-04, her 183 free throws made this year established a new school record. Entering the conference tournament, she has registered 13 games with 20 points or more to go with seven double-doubles. DeMuth's 18.5 points per game average stands as the fifth-highest per-game average in Indiana history and the highest average for a Hoosier since 1988.
"This is a tremendous honor to receive," DeMuth said. "There are so many good players in the Big Ten this year and to be recognized as an All-Big Ten selection is very special and something I don't take for granted."
The highest-scoring junior in the Big Ten, DeMuth is the eighth Hoosier to earn All-Big Ten recognition since 2000-01.
Valentin earned honorable mention accolades from the media and is averaging 15.6 points per game. The Big Ten's highest-scoring sophomore, Valentin leads the league and ranks second nationally with a .924 free throw percentage. The Bloomington native scored 20 or more points eight times this year, including a career-high 24 points against Northwestern at Assembly Hall.
"I am happy to be honored like this," Valentin said. "It really is something special and I hope that we are able to use this as a springboard going into the Big Ten Tournament."
A Big Ten All-Freshman selection a year ago, Valentin set a new school record by draining 40 consecutive free throws this season. That mark is the highest total for any Hoosier ever (men or women) and remains intact entering the post-season.
"Most people think of Cyndi as a shooter, but she really improved defensively this year and became a real difference-maker for us," Bennett said. "We are happy to see her recognized."
Media All-Big Ten First Team
Jennifer Smith, Michigan
Lindsay Whalen, Minnesota*
Kelly Mazzante, Penn State*
Tanisha Wright, Penn State
Shereka Wright, Purdue*
Media All-Big Ten Second Team
Cindy Dallas, Illinois
Jenny DeMuth, Indiana
Jennie Lillis, Iowa
Janel McCarville, Minnesota
Caity Matter, Ohio State
Media All-Big Ten Third Team
Angelina Williams, Illinois
Jamie Cavey, Iowa
Kristi Faulkner, Iowa
LaToya Turner, Ohio State
Jess Strom, Penn State
MEDIA HONORABLE MENTION: Tiffanie Guthrie, ILLINOIS; Cyndi Valentin, INDIANA; Tabitha Pool, MICHIGAN; Lindsay Bowen, Kristin Haynie, Liz Shimek, MICHIGAN STATE; Jessica Davenport, OHIO STATE; Jessica Brungo, PENN STATE; Katie Gearlds, Erika Valek, PURDUE; Stephanie Rich, WISCONSIN
PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Kelly Mazzante, Penn State
FRESHMAN OF THE YEAR: Jessica Davenport, Ohio State
COACH OF THE YEAR: Rene Portland, Penn State
* - unanimous selection
^ - six honorees due to tie
Coaches All-Big Ten First Team
Janel McCarville, Minnesota
Lindsay Whalen, Minnesota*
Kelly Mazzante, Penn State*
Tanisha Wright, Penn State
Shereka Wright, Purdue*
Coaches All-Big Ten Second Team
Jennie Lillis, Iowa
Jennifer Smith, Michigan
Lindsay Bowen, Michigan State
Caity Matter, Ohio State
Erika Valek, Purdue
Coaches All-Big Ten Third Team
Jenny DeMuth, Indiana
Jamie Cavey, Iowa
Kristi Faulkner, Iowa
Liz Shimek, Michigan State
Jess Strom, Penn State
COACHES HONORABLE MENTION: Cindy Dallas, Angelina Williams, ILLINOIS; Kristin Haynie, MICHIGAN STATE; Jessica Davenport, LaToya Turner, OHIO STATE; Jessica Brungo, PENN STATE; Katie Gearlds, PURDUE
^COACHES' ALL-FRESHMAN TEAM: Rene Haynes, MICHIGAN STATE; Brandie Hoskins, Jessica Davenport, OHIO STATE; Reicina Russell, PENN STATE; Katie Gearlds, Erin Lawless, PURDUE
PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Kelly Mazzante, Penn State
DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Tanisha Wright, Penn State
FRESHMAN OF THE YEAR: Katie Gearlds, Purdue
COACH OF THE YEAR: Rene Portland, Penn State
Players Mentioned
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