Northeastern Oklahoma A&M Athletics

Under the leadership of Head Coach BJ Smith, the 2002 Lady Norse Basketball team captured the Region 2 Championship with a commanding 77-55 victory over Carl Albert State College. With the win the Lady Norse earned a spot in the NJCAA Women’s Basketball National Tournament in Salina, Kansas. 
 

Entering the tournament with the No. 1 ranking and a 32-0 record the Lady Norse came in as the No. 1 seed.  NEO opened the tournament with a 74-70 victory over Southern Utah, followed by a 78-73 quarterfinal win against Arizona Western. With a decisive 79-55 victory over Chattanooga State in the semifinals, the Lady Norse advanced to the Championship game to face the No.4 seed Seward County Community College.   
 

The Lady Norse finished the season as National Runner-Up with an outstanding 35-1 record, averaging 103 points per game while holding opponents to just 55.2 points per contest. Guard Maria Villarroel led the nation in scoring at 24 points per game, earning First-Team NJCAA All-American honors. Joining her on the All-American team was guard Brandi Russia. 
 

Coaches 
Head Coach: BJ Smith
Assistant Coaches Darin Grover, Rick Karr