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People SearchFind an individual who either played a sport or was a member of a support group. Search by last name by clicking on the first letter of the person's last name.
Ms. Anna Petrakova
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Home Phone: -- * * * * * * * * * You may view Anna on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/AnnaVPetrakova * * * * * * * * * * By Paul Nilsen, March 21, 2012 Eurocup Women Final In-form Anna Petrakova has spoken of the need for Dynamo Kursk to improve at both ends of the court if they are to overturn a fourteen-point deficit in the EuroCup Women Final. The Russian forward has been the driving force behind a great campaign for Kursk which had seen them not losing a single game in the competition until last week, when they were left shell-shocked after being on the receiving end of a terrific performance by Kayseri Kaskispor who won 69-55 in the first leg in Turkey. The margin may seem to have given Dynamo Kursk a real uphill struggle in their attempts to place their hands on the coveted EuroCup Women trophy, but they have won several games in Russia by some distance, including a healthy win over Kayseri during the initial phase of the season. What Petrakova is banking on most is that her team can raise standards and make amends. That will require though an uplift in their individual and collective performances during what will be the final game of another thrilling EuroCup Women season. “It will be important to stick together as a team,” Petrakova said. “We must focus on defence and be more active on the boards. It will also help if we move faster on offence. “Kayseri played a great game. They fought hard and made it difficult to execute our game plan. “We missed a lot of easy shots and made too many turnovers,” she admitted. “I also think the huge crowd that came to support the home team helped them a lot mentally. Despite the disappointment for the loss, Petrakova did take time to pay tribute to the record-breaking crowd of over 7,200 that turned up to support their local heroes and the kind of impact it had. “Yes, it is very exciting to see so many people showing up and the fans were so involved in the game which was so helpful for the home team. “I don’t think many players in Europe are used to this kind of crowd.” She added: “It’s also a great experience to be able to stay composed when you know so many people are watching.” Whatever happens in the second leg, there is no denying Petrakova has been one of the top performers this year in the competition and indeed the player herself agrees it has even been the best of her career, which had previously seen her struggle for court time and opportunities. “Yes, I believe this season has been treating me well since I have been able to play a key role on my team and so far we have been successful in EuroCup Women as well as in the Russian League,” said Petrakova. “However, I believe that I always try to play my best each year, but this year in particular, my team-mates have made it possible for me to excel. “I think the secret is the great squad we have at Kursk. We play well together and we have been treated very well by our coaches and the management,” she explained. Clearly relishing her ability to have such a positive impact after being given scope to spread her wings during the last couple of years, Petrakova is suddenly thought to be in the frame for potential inclusion in the Russian Olympic squad. Certainly she has the kind of attributes, including a nice inside-outside scoring ability, you would think head coach Boris Sokolovsky would certainly be tempted by. But for the next few weeks at least and until the season is done and dusted, Petrakova is putting her Olympic bid on hold and trying not to think ahead to possibly parachuting her way onto the roster of the EuroBasket Women champions. “It’s been a dream for me to make the National Team for a few years now, and it’s always in the back of my mind,” she admits. “However it’s going to be my main focus when the summer starts, since right now, my head is only with Dynamo Kursk and trying to win the EuroCup Women!” * * * * * * * * * * * From Russia With Love – Anna Petrakova Update Posted August 17, 2010 in the AN News On October, 25, 2005 the Sun Belt announced its all-time men and women’s basketball teams, which spanned the 30-year history of the league. There were no UL men picked and only Anna Petrakova was named from the UL women’s program. The 6-foot-3 Petrakova became the 10th player in Cajun history to score 1,000 points during the 2004-2005 season, when she earned All-Sun Belt Conference honors for the second straight year and led the Cajuns to a first-ever Western Division title as well as the finals of the Sun Belt Tournament. Click here for Anna’s Athletic Network profile which contains an update of her experiences since graduating from the university http://athleticnetwork.net/site.php?pageID=55&profID=11823 Anna recently visited Louisiana with her friend Sokol, who is also a Russian professional basketball player. Anna’s beau, Nikita, is also a professional basketball player in Russia. Anna and Sokol are pictured below petting one of the crocs at Prejean’s Restaurant, Carencro, on their recent visit to Louisiana. Brush up on your Russian and enjoy the links below of Sokol, Nikita, and Anna. Nikita’s link http://www.cskabasket.com/team/?a=player&p=4067&season=59&lang=en Anna’s link http://www.wbcspartakspb.ru/player/petrakova-anna Anna’s link with the Russian National Team in Red Square (she is top center, #14) http://www.rian.ru:80/photolents/20100803/261374349_5.html While a student at UL, Anna worked in the Student Athlete Academic Center during her last year. Click here for her picture with the SAAC staff http://athleticnetwork.net/site615.php Thank you, Anna, for remaining connected with the AN and for serving as Captain of the Women’s Basketball Network. Former athletes and support groups members are encouraged to contact the AN with information and pictures so profiles can be updated and viewers can be made aware of major events in your life’s journey. Please keep your email address current so you remain connected with the AN. Thank you. Peace, Ed Dugas Dr. Ed Dugas, Coordinator * * * * * * * * * * AN Newsletter sent Aug. 17, 2010 Jambalaya Newsletter – Shelley Landry, Anna Petrakova, Mike Desormeaux & more Remember Shelley Landry, Athletic Trainer 1997-2004? She is now serving her second tour of duty overseas in the Louisiana Army National Guard. Shelley is the first female to submit her information and picture for inclusion on the Military Page. Thank you, Shelley, for your service to our country. Click here for Shelley’s profile http://athleticnetwork.net/site.php?cid=&pageID=55&profID=11846 Please click on the Photo Gallery, Military Page, to view the list of those former athletes and support group members who serve/served in the U.S. Military. Please email athleticnetwork@louisiana.edu to identify others who should be included on the listing. Your assistance so these heroes may be recognized is appreciated. Remember Anna Petrakova, Women’s Basketball 2001-05? Anna has been playing professional basketball in the Russian Professional Basketball League for women. Click here for her story, “From Russia With Love – Anna Petrakova Update” http://athleticnetwork.net/site.php?cid=&pageID=37&newsID=9282 It includes a link to her profile. Remember Michael Desormeaux, Football 2004-08? Mike is back at his alma mater, Catholic High of New Iberia. Click here to view Mike’s profile http://athleticnetwork.net/site.php?cid=&pageID=55&profID=10401 Shelley, Anna, and Mike are good examples of former athletes and a former support group member who remain in contact with the AN by providing a current email address, a current profile, and who remains updated. Thanks to both of them for providing information and pictures. You are encouraged to keep your email address current and send your pictures, links, information. Thank you. The spotlight feature during August is on the 1970 football team, our last bowl team. In view of this special event for the university, the story includes links to several support groups – Sweethearts, Cheerleaders, Band, Homecoming Court. Recently a story was posted in the AN News entitled, “For Whom the Buildings Are Named” by Bruce Turner, Head, Special Collections, Dupre Library. Please note that this story has been moved to the Facilities Page. To view click Photo Gallery, Facilities, then the title of the story. Cajun Field enters its 40th year and viewers are encouraged to participate in the poll of Cajun Field’s most memorable moments. Click on the news story posted on the AN and rank your choices. GIA Team Meal was a hugh success. Marty Cannon has provided a link in the story to the GIA website so viewers can enjoy the photo gallery taken of the meal. Thank you GIA for continuing a wonderful tradition. FAN Day is Sunday, Aug. 22 from 5-7 p.m…football, soccer, volleyball players and coaches will be there – click the news story for all the details. Ladarius Green, Matt Desormeaux, Kelli Jestes, and Gayla Foster are current athletes who highlight the News Box with their stories (see News Stories below). The Alumni Association is offering a game package for the Georgia game on Sept. 4 (check deadlines). Click on www.athleticnetwork.net and the story of your interest in today’s AN News Box. • Shelley Landry, Athletic Trainer 1997-2004, first female placed on Military Page Peace, Ed Dugas Dr. Ed Dugas, Coordinator * * * * * * * * * * My hometown is Moscow,Russia. I received Player of the Year recognition in Sun Belt Conference for the 2003-2004 season. August 11, 2010 * * * * * * * * * * Basketball: Women improve November 06, 2005 – Cajuns’ effort much better in victory over Jackson Babes, former star center. Bruce Brown Two things became apparent Saturday night at Earl K. Long Gym. First, the Louisiana Ragin’ Cajun women showed marked improvement from their first exhibition game to their second, pouring in 52 points in the first half and topping the Jackson Babes 89-79. After managing just 54 points in an 82-54 loss to Everyone’s Internet last Tuesday, the Cajuns gave the 264 fans on hand reason for hope. Secondly, Anna Petrakova still has game. She scored 27 points and had 14 rebounds for Jackson, playing in a different uniform after a sterling career at UL that included Sun Belt Player of the Year in 2004 and two all-conference campaigns. “Obviously, Anna played really well,” UL coach J. Kelley Hall said. “We wanted Yolie (Yolanda Jones) to go against good players, which will continue to make her better as she gets a little more familiar with our team.” “It’s coming along,” said Jones, who finished with 23 points, 10 rebounds and 4 assists. “This night felt better. I was nervous on Tuesday. I’m starting to see where the other players are on the floor, and how they play.” Petrakova, on the other hand, needed a half to get into a rhythm. “I knew it wouldn’t be easy,” she said. “For one thing, they (the Cajuns) know everything about me. For another, I know nothing about my (Jackson) teammates. And third, I wasn’t sure what position I was playing. The 4? The 5? Both? “I made some adjustments in the first half and felt more comfortable in the second.” The Babes also got 15 points each from ex-Cajun Bernette Tolston and Ta’Keshia Lewis as well as 12 from Pam Hudson. “I had fun,” said Tolston, who has been coaching 8th grade basketball at the Academy of Sacred Heart at Grand Coteau. “It was an experience.” Charles, who nailed 5-of-9 3-pointers and had 18 points, ignited the early offensive fireworks for the Cajuns. “He (Hall) knew our offense would come,” Charles said. “We were stepping up well on defense and rebounding. At least it was better than Tuesday. We came out strong, and just knew we would win this game.” “We’re not focused on offense right now,” Jones said. “We got our offense from our defense. It all goes back to defense. We worked hard this week, and we’ll work hard next week, too.” The Cajuns, who open the season next Friday at SMU in the Preseason NIT, out-rebounded Jackson 43-40. Ashley Blanche scored 15 points and dished out 9 assists, while freshman Whitney Dunlap drained 5-of-8 3-pointers for 15 points of her own. “Our defense gave us some good open looks when we pushed it in transition early,” Hall said. “We had some good open looks. I was glad to see that we shot the ball well. We’ve got to continue to get better defensively and rebounding the ball. “I was pleased at times. We just have so many new kids. Jackson is an experienced team, and an experienced team will exploit young kids.” “It was very interesting,” Petrakova said. And productive, in many ways. Basketball: Petrakova to play against ex-teammates October 28, 2005 – Bruce Brown Coach J. Kelley Hall has given the OK for adding spice to the second of two exhibition games his Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns women’s basketball team will stage next week. The Cajuns will host Everyone’s Internet on Tuesday and the Jackson Babes on Saturday, Nov. 5, at Earl K. Long Gym before beginning the season Nov. 11 at SMU in the Preseason WNIT. Suiting up for the Jackson Babes next weekend will be a familiar face. Anna Petrakova enjoyed a stellar career with the UL program, helping the Cajuns scale unprecedented heights last season with a 22-9 finish and a Sun Belt Conference Western Division title. She was the Player of the Year in the Sun Belt as a junior and an All-Sun Belt performer again as a senior last season. Now, although she has exhausted her collegiate eligibility, Petrakova remains in school finishing her degree. She also has remained in shape. “Anna’s going to play for Jackson,” Hall said during Thursday’s practice. “I talked to the Jackson people the other day, and they were fine with it. Anna has been working out and I know she’s looking forward to playing.” With nine new players and the challenge of the NIT awaiting them, the Cajuns need to use the exhibitions to further prepare them for the season. “As a team, we need to find out our weak points,” center Sherita Anderson said. “We need to find them early, so we won’t do it again. “For myself, I need to see how long my stamina lasts. If so, I should be able to last in a real game.” Hall will use every player in next week’s contests, utilizing a new NCAA rule allowing players to see action in exhibitions without jeopardizing possible redshirt status. “I’m going to play everybody,” Hall said. “This is the first time the rule has been in effect, so you should use it to see where you are. “Unfortunately, we’re playing good teams. Everyone’s Internet is coached my members of the (WNBA) Houston Comets staff, and they have (former Middle Tennessee star) Patrice Holmes on their team. And Jackson is a good team that will have Anna. “You’ve got to look at the big picture. You want to get pushed. That helps you get ready early.” Hall said the team is blending well, considering the new personnel. “We’ve had 16 (pre-Thursday) practices,” he said. “Of those, 10 have been good, two or three weren’t good and two or three were average. That’s good with the new faces we have.” That may help when the Cajuns have a chance to see a familiar face in a different uniform next week. Originally published October 28, 2005 Anna Petrakova Sole Women’s Pick (All-time Sun Belt Teams) October 25, 2005 – MURFREESBORO, Tenn. – The Sun Belt Conference used the occasion of its basketball media day Monday to formally announce its all-time men’s and women’s basketball teams, spanning the 30-year history of the league. The teams were part of the league’s continuing anniversary celebration which will include all-time teams in each of the league’s 19 sports. But don’t look for a lot of University of Louisiana representation on the team. There were no men’s picks from the Ragin’ Cajun program, and only just-graduated Anna Petrakova was named from the UL women’s program. The league anniversary football team announced in August included players who never played in the Sun Belt, since the league did not introduce football until the 2001 season. In contrast, the basketball teams announced Monday included only players who actually participated in Sun Belt games. Since UL did not become part of the Sun Belt until 1991 when the league consolidated with the American South Conference, that eliminated many potential UL selections such as Dwight “Bo” Lamar (1969-73), Andrew Toney (1976-80) and Kim Perrot (1986-90), the school’s top two all-time men’s scorers and the all-time women’s scorer. The most glaring omission among former Cajun stars in the Sun Belt era was guard Michael Allen, who averaged 20.9 and 22.7 points in his final two seasons in 1992-93 and 1993-94. Allen was a two-time all-conference pick and was the league’s Player of the Year in 1994 when he led the Cajuns to a 22-8 record, the league tournament title and a berth in the NCAA Southeast Regional. “Michael Allen was an incredible player,” said Cajun coach Robert Lee, who was head coach at Opelousas High during Allen’s UL career. “He was the type player who could do so many things and made it look easy.” A 26-member media panel made the selections, with the team including 21 NBA draft picks, 42 All-Americans (25 men, 17 women) and 34 Sun Belt Players of the Year (20 men, 14 women). Petrakova, a native of Moscow, Russia, who moved to Baton Rouge during her senior year in high school, was a two-time All-Sun Belt pick (2004-05) and was the league’s Player of the Year as a junior and on last spring’s all-tournament team. She ranks as UL’s number four career scorer, number two rebounder and all-time leading shot blocker. “She was just a tremendous all-around player,” said UL women’s coach J. Kelley Hall. “You look at the numbers and she’s in every offensive category there is. She was a joy and a delight to coach, and she deserves to be on that team.” TV schedule announced UL’s men’s team will make at least four and possibly five national and regional television appearances during the 2005-06 season, and the women’s squad will be featured in one broadcast. All of the scheduled men’s TV contests will be on the road, including the Dec. 27 game at LSU (Cox Sports), the Jan. 7 game at Denver (Fox Sports Net), the Jan. 26 game at Western Kentucky (ESPN2) and the Feb. 25 Arkansas-Little Rock game (ESPN Plus). UL’s Feb. 18 home game in ESPN’s Bracket Buster Saturday could be selected for one of that network’s 10 televised games that day. The UL women’s team will be featured in a Jan. 5 home game on ESPN Plus when the Cajuns welcome Denver. In all, the first conference television schedule released Monday includes 22 television appearances (15 men and seven women) including the March 7 league tournament championship games. SOME LIKE MIKE: The league coaches nominated players from their own squads for the preseason all-league team prior to the voting, and UL coach Robert Lee nominated Michael Southall to the squad despite his two years of absence from the program. Lee nominated returnees Dwayne Mitchell and Chris Cameron, who both made the league squad, along with Southall and newcomer Ed Turner. Apparently, some of the league coaches felt Southall’s extended down time wasn’t that important. At least one league coach had Southall among his first-team selections, and two others put him among second-team picks. NEW LOCATION: The Sun Belt Conference’s Basketball Media Days, currently in progress here at Middle Tennessee, are being held outside New Orleans for the first time since the current format was inaugurated. League associate commissioner Todd Stewart said Monday the decision to go to the site of the postseason tournament for media days was made in June, and had nothing to do with New Orleans being basically unavailable due to Hurricane Katrina. “We made the call in June,” he said. “We thought it would be an opportunity to increase interest in the tournament and give the media a preview of what to expect when they come in March.” Middle Tennessee will host the league tournament March 2-7 at the under-renovation Murphy Center, an 11,520-seat facility. Today’s press conferences and interview sessions will be held on the refurbished basketball floor, following Monday evening activities at the adjacent and brand-new MTSU Hall of Fame building. “All the renovations aren’t done yet,” said MT coach Kermit Davis, “but we think it’s important to show those that are complete. We’re going to set up everything on the floor in a game-like situation so people can get a feel of how the tournament will be at the end of the season.” Next season’s media day event will be held in Lafayette, with UL hosting the 2007 Sun Belt Conference Basketball Tournament March 2-6 at the Cajundome. All-Time Sun Belt men’s basketball team Derek Fisher, UALR, 1992-96; Muntrelle Dobbins, UALR, 1993-97; Chico Fletcher, ASU, 1997-2000; Oliver Robinson, UAB, 1978-82; Steve Mitchell, UAB, 1982-86; Jerome Mincey, UAB, 1982-86; James Ray, Jacksonville, 1977-80; Otis Smith, Jacksonville, 1983-86; Gerrod Henderson, La. Tech, 1999-2002; Lonnie Cooper, La. Tech, 1996-99; P. J. Brown, La. Tech, 1989-92; Tommy Gunn, MTSU, 2001-04; Eric Channing, New Mexico State, 2000-02; Wayne Cooper, UNO, 1974-78; Ervin Johnson, UNO, 1989-93; Hector Romero, UNO, 2001-03; Cedric Maxwell, UNC Charlotte, 1974-77; Chad Kinch, UNC Charlotte, 1977-80; Byron Dinkins, UNC Charlotte, 1986-89; Kenny Gattison, Old Dominion, 1983-86; Chris Gatling, Old Dominion, 1988-91; Terry Catledge, USA, 1983-85; Jeff Hodge, USA, 1986-89; Ed Rains, USA, 1978-81; Rory White, USA, 1978-82; Tellis Frank, WKU, 1984-87; Kannard Johnson, WKU, 1984-87; Chris Marcus, WKU, 2000-02; Darnell Mee, WKU, 1991-93; Chris Robinson, WKU, 1993-96. All-Time Men’s Player Cedric “Cornbread” Maxwell, UNC Charlotte. All-Time Men’s coach Gene Bartow, Alabama-Birmingham All-Time Sun Belt women’s basketball team Jacque Nero, UAB, 1990-92; Sonja Tate, ASU, 1990-93; Shyla Tucker, ASU, 1991-94; Michaela Pavlickova, Denver, 1998-2001; Dalma Ivanyi, FIU, 1995-99; Gergana Slavtcheva, FIU, 1998-2002; Anna Petrakova, Louisiana, 2002-05; Vickie Johnson, La. Tech, 1993-96; Debra Williams, La. Tech, 1993-96; Amanda Wilson, La. Tech, 1996-99; Tamicha Jackson, La. Tech, 1997-2000; Alisa Burras, La. Tech, 1998-99; Betty Lennox, La. Tech, 1999-2000; Patrice Holmes, MTSU, 2001-05; Cassandra Lumpkins, UNO, 1992-94; Kristin Wilson, UNC Charlotte, 1984-87; Jalie Mitchell, North Texas, 1999-2002; Anne Donovan, Old Dominion, 1982-85; Medina Dixon, Old Dominion, 1982-85; Tracy Claxton, Old Dominion, 1983-85; Adrian Vickers, USA, 1987-90; Ella Williams, USA, 1986-89; Orphie Moore, USA, 1984-87; Clemette Haskins, WKU, 1984-87; ShaRae Mansfield, WKU, 1998-2001; Lillie Mason, WKU, 1982-86; Kim Pehlke, WKU, 1989-92; Tiffany Porter-Talbert, WKU, 2003-05; Natalie Powers, WKU, 1998, 2000-02; Kami Thomas, WKU, 1983-86. All-Time Women’s Basketball Player Anne Donovan, Old Dominion. All-Time women’s coach Leon Barmore, Louisiana Tech. Originally published October 25, 2005 Petrakova could go in round three April 16, 2005 – Bruce Brown Anna Petrakova is trying to keep a clear head and a clear cell phone line these days. The No. 4 scorer in Louisiana’s Ragin’ Cajuns women’s basketball history will be among those tuned in to ESPN2 for the 11 a.m. start of today’s WNBA Draft, and the team showing the most interest is the Connecticut Sun. “The scout from the Sun called me yesterday and said there was a slight possibility they would take her in the third round,” UL coach J. Kelley Hall said on Friday. “Seattle and San Antonio both requested film on her earlier in the year, but Connecticut flew to Miami to see her when we beat Florida International down there. “If they don’t take her, he said they could invite her to camp, and that there would be only two or three others they would bring in for a chance to make it as free agents.” The WNBA Draft includes three rounds. Connecticut has the No. 8 pick in Round One, Round Two (No. 21 overall) and Round Three (No. 34 overall). Sun coach Mike Thibault is not afraid of a youthful roster. He welcomed six new players last season, including No. 4 overall pick Lindsay Whalen, and marched to the East Division title with an 18-16 record. Last year’s draft also included Jessica Brungo, Ugo Oha and Candace Futrell. “They definitely see Anna playing in the league,” Hall said. “But her age (Petrakova turned 20 last December) is hurting her right now. They may want her to play in Europe for a couple of years, and they’ll surely follow her progress over there.” The 6-foot-3 Petrakova became the 10th player in Cajun history to score 1,000 points during the 2004-2005 season, when she earned All-Sun Belt Conference honors for the second straight year and led the Cajuns to a first-ever Western Division title as well as the finals of the Sun Belt Tournament. The Moscow, Russia, native finished her college career with 1,252 points, 774 rebounds (second all-time) and 188 blocked shots for the school record in that department. She had a UL-record 10 blocked shots last Dec. 13 against Prairie View A&M. Petrakova, the Player of the Year in the Sun Belt as a junior, helped the Cajuns post a perfect 13-0 record at home last season. Originally published April 16, 2005 April 10, 2005 – UL stars Petrakova, Wade forced to settle for second team. From staff reports LSU’s Brandon Bass and Seimone Augustus have been named men’s and women’s Players of the Year on the 2005 All-Louisiana Basketball Team selected by a panel of voters for the Louisiana Sports Writers Association. SEC Player of the Year Bass is joined on the men’s first team by teammate Glen Davis, the LSWA Freshman of the Year, as well as La. Tech’s Paul Millsap, Ricky Woods of Southeastern Louisiana and UNO’s Bo McCalebb. Tiras Wade, the Most Outstanding Player in the Sun Belt Conference Tournament for the Sun Belt champion Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns, tied with SLU’s Woods for Newcomer of the Year honors. Wade and teammate Brian Hamilton were selected to the LSWA second team, while UL’s Orien Greene and Dwayne Mitchell were honorable mention choices. Anna Petrakova, who helped lead Louisiana’s Ragin’ Cajuns to a 22-9 record and the finals of the Sun Belt Conference Tournament, was a second-team selection on the women’s list. Teammate Ashley Blanche received honorable mention. SLU’s Billy Kennedy was named the Coach of the Year. UL’s Robert Lee got two votes as Coach of the Year after guiding the Cajuns to the Sun Belt title and an NCAA Tournament berth in his first season. St. Martinville’s Darrel Mitchell of LSU and North Vermilion product Casey Meador of Louisiana College were both honorable mention on the men’s team. National Player of the Year Augustus led LSU to the NCAA Women’s Final Four, an achievement that also earned Pokey Chatman Coach of the Year recognition. LSU’s Sylvia Fowles was the Freshman of the Year, while Grambling State’s Juleen Smith was Newcomer of the Year. Joining Augustus on the LSWA women’s first team are LSU teammates Fowles and Temeka Johnson, along with La. Tech’s Tasha Crain and Southern’s Rolanda Monroe. Petrakova awarded another chance March 06, 2005 – Bruce Brown DENTON, Texas – She’s off the hook. She had picked up her third foul with 2:27 remaining in the half when Louisiana’s Ragin’ Cajuns were in control of the Panthers, and she watched in agony from the bench as FIU scored the final nine points of the half to creep within 31-24 at intermission. Worse yet, the senior center knew she’d have to play the final 20 minutes on pins and needles. “I felt a little restrained (in the second half),” Petrakova said. “When you have fouls to spare, you can take risks. But when you have three you have to be careful. I tried to be productive on defense without fouling.” Petrakova’s foul total stayed at three while she scored 24 points and pulled down 10 rebounds. She also scored the crucial basket and free throw with 30 seconds to play as the Cajuns held on for a 61-60 victory. But it was worrisome at the break. “I knew Florida International was a good team, and Milena Tomova had not really come out yet,” Petrakova said. “I knew she would open up. “I felt in a way it was my fault, especially the third foul when I pushed the other player. I felt pretty bad.” UL coach J. Kelley Hall was asked whether he considered sitting Petrakova when she got her first foul at 4:19 and then a second at the 3:40 mark of the first half. “No,” Hall said. “Some coaches sit a player down when she gets that second foul, but what if the third foul never comes? Also, the way she got the third foul – from the top of the key with us on offense. I haven’t seen that before.” But since Petrakova did get nailed for No. 3, Hall knew what FIU would do after the break – find Tomova, then find Petrakova. Tomova heated up just as expected, scoring 25 of her tournament-record 32 points after halftime. “I was glad we were still up by seven at the half,” Hall said, “but I was concerned because I knew they would come at Anna in the second half. And, they pretty much did. Whichever one had her guarding them, that’s who would shoot the ball. “She’s a better defender than she showed today.” The Cajuns were able to withstand the Tomova assault, and even prevailed after trailing 58-53. Hall saw it coming and he wanted his team focused for crunch time in the final three minutes. Tomova’s last bucket was the one that put her team up 58-53 with 2:30 left. On FIU’s final possession, the Panthers couldn’t find her. And, in a stroke of poetic justice, it was Tomova who fouled Petrakova on her winning three-point play. The smile on Petrakova’s face when she made her last basket and went to the line was 50 percent joy and 50 percent relief. She was off the hook, and the Cajuns had moved on to the semifinals. Originally published March 6, 2005 Petrakova, Blanche both honored March 03, 2005 – Bruce Brown Anna Petrakova didn’t need long to decide which experience was more enjoyable. Last year, Petrakova was named the Player of the Year in the Sun Belt Conference, but Louisiana’s Ragin’ Cajuns were one-and-done in the conference tournament and finished the season 13-15. This year, Petrakova is again a first-team All-Sun Belt selection, with the Player of the Year award going to Western Kentucky’s Tiffany Porter-Talbert. But the Cajuns are 20-8 and enter this weekend’s tournament action as the Western Division champions for the first time in school history. “The Western championship is more fun,” said Petrakova, who averaged 16.8 points, 9.6 rebounds and a Sun Belt-best 2.46 blocked shots per game. She averaged 18.6 points per game of a year ago, but her time on the court has decreased thanks to greater depth on this year’s squad. “When you’re chosen Player of the Year, people expect a lot out of you,” Petrakova said. “That’s when your teammates step up. I didn’t do as much this year, and that’s when they stepped up.” The team concept remains the focus for Petrakova, who admitted it was gratifying to be UL’s first repeat all-conference performer since four-time honoree Kim Perrot (1987 Southland, 1988-90 American South). “I’m honored and stunned to be named again,” Petrakova said. “That comes from working hard as a team. I don’t really focus on individual goals, so when I get an honor I think the whole team does. I’m grateful for that.” While Petrakova was a first-team choice on the 10-player list, point guard Ashley Blanche was on the next five as an honorable mention selection. “It means a whole lot,” said Blanche, who hit the game-winning shot in last Saturday’s dramatic 64-63 win over Arkansas State to clinch a solo West title for UL. “I never thought about it, especially in my junior year. “It’s definitely an honor to be on that type of team, especially with where we stand.” Blanche had the best assist-to-turnover ratio in the Sun Belt at 2.12 (136 assists, 64 turnovers in 27 games played), substantially ahead of No. 2 Patrice Holmes (1.42). The Cajuns picked up a third member of the Sun Belt honor roll when UL coach J. Kelley Hall was named co-Coach of the Year with Arkansas State’s Brian Boyer. Hall led the Cajuns to their first winning season in 17 years and just the second 20-win season in school history in addition to beating Arkansas State as the final step in winning the West. Boyer’s ASU team tied for second in the Eastern Division at 18-9, 11-3 with Middle Tennessee (19-8, 11-3), both one game behind Western Kentucky (19-8, 12-2). “I am extremely proud of everything we have accomplished this season,” Hall said. “We’ve worked hard all year long and nobody thought we could win a championship this soon. I think that says a lot about the players and our team. “Anna and Ashley both deserved their All-Sun Belt honors. They have been vital to our success this season.” Joining Petrakova on the first team are Arkansas State’s Ali Carter, Adrianne Davis and Rudy Sims, MT’s Holmes (the Defensive Player of the Year), WKU’s Porter-Talbert, Leslie Logsdon and Freshman of the Year Crystal Kelly, Arkansas-Little Rock’s Jocelyn Love and Florida International’s Milena Tomova. South Alabama’s JoAnna Williams was Newcomer of the Year. Originally published March 3, 2005 Basketball (W): Petrakova surpasses 1,000 pts. January 18, 2005 – Bruce Brown LAFAYETTE – J. Kelley Hall demands a lot of Anna Petrakova, but he knows she’s the type of player who’s capable of responding with special performances. Louisiana’s Ragin’ Cajuns dropped a 57-56 contest at South Alabama last Saturday, their first Sun Belt Conference defeat after a 2-0 start, but Petrakova turned in a dominating effort. The 6-foot-3 senior hit 13-of-18 shots and scored 28 points to become the 10th player in school history to surpass the 1,000-point plateau. With 1,019 points, she is two away from ninth-place Shaunda Bedel-Johnson’s 1,021, and 40 shy of former teammate Charlotte Green’s 1,059. The Moscow native also pulled down 18 rebounds, moving into fourth place on that career list with 641 and within 16 of No. 3 Bernadette Griffin’s 657. She also has 42 blocked shots this season and 156 for her career, closing in on former teammate Sarah Richey’s career-record 163 rejections. “Anna stepped up and had a big game,” Hall said. “I was hard on her at the start of the game, but I expect a lot out of her. “It’s a shame that she had to reach 1,000 points in a game we lose by one point. It’s a big milestone for her and she did it against a very good team. She also had 18 rebounds. “I’m hoping she’s going to put in some dominating performances.” Petrakova, the reigning Sun Belt Conference Player of the Year, is averaging 17.7 points and 10.6 rebounds for the 12-4, 2-1 Cajuns. Her numbers are even more remarkable considering the constant attention she receives from opposing defenders, some of which isn’t legal. “Opponents keep two hands on her all the time,” Hall said. “The first response when people do that is to turn around and fight, and they always catch the one who responds, not the first one. Two hands in the back is supposed to be an automatic foul. “She continues to draw a lot of attention. Denver made up their minds she just wasn’t going to score (UL won anyway, 69-54, as both Onna Charles and Tiffany Washington had 20 points). She had some big put-backs at South Alabana. Without that, we wouldn’t have even been close.” Petrakova’s standout performance aside, South Alabama still has the Cajuns’ number. The last five USA-UL matchups have gone to the Jaguars by scores of 62-37, 55-51, 57-54, 52-49 and 57-56 since Hall took over in 2002. It’s similar to New England’s hold over the Indianapolis Colts in the NFL. But it’s still early in the Sun Belt chase. “We’re getting back to business as usual,” said Hall, whose Cajuns host New Mexico State on Thursday at Earl K. Long Gym. “I felt our team was good enough to beat them. They’re the team we need to beat, the measuring stick in the Western Division. Fortunately, we have 12 games to go. “We’ve got to be more physical, and we’ve got to do it without fouling. Against South Alabama, we need to start out shooting the ball well, and go ahead and bury them. “I said before the game if we get to 60 (points), we win the game, because I knew they wouldn’t score 60. The kids played hard, but didn’t necessarily always play smart, and they’re very good at home. That’s the third year in a row we’ve led them inside of a minute to play.” The Cajuns are that close to becoming the team to beat in the West. With Anna Petrakova on their side, they’ve got a chance to get over that hump. Originally published January 18, 2005
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