It’s not been a season for a betting girl, as it has been IMPOSSIBLE to predict which Comets team might show up to play. Last night, however, Coop was in the house (as she often is), and the team on the floor (sans Swoopes, who was out with an injury) was ALL business, and quite reminiscent of franchise years one through four! Tina Thompson had a great evening with 33 points, and Sheila Lambert (she’s made this team fun to watch) ended the game with a career high 19 points!
It was great to see former University of Houston star (putting it mildly) and WNBA rookie, Chandi Jones, back on the floor in Houston and starting for the Shock. It’s pretty safe to say that there were many UH fans in the stands (solely) to see her return!
Emotions ran high through half time, as Houston Mayor Bill White, on behalf of the City Council, proclaimed yesterday (and night)... Cynthia Cooper Day in Houston. (Had I only known, I would have insisted on holiday pay!). Coop, surrounded by family, friends and the Comets team (who cut half time short), was visibly moved to tears as they unveiled the Number 14 jersey, hanging in the rafters. I think it’s safe to say that there wasn’t a dry eye in Toyota Center as they played the highlight reel, ending with a shot of Coop and Kim.
So... Coop’s jersey now hangs, very appropriately between Kim Perrot’s and the four world championship banners. And that makes me smile.
I felt sadness, though, yesterday... as I thought of the permanence of jersey retirement... an era passed... and the excitement Cynthia always brought to our game. I think, now, I’ve come to terms with it... preferring now to cling to the dream of Coop yanking that jersey down for one more show! You all know, if anyone were ever capable of doing it, it would be Coop... on heart alone!
Coop is truly a class act. She’s done so much for her friends and family... and for the City of Houston. Fortunately, we won’t have to miss her off the court!
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