Traverse City Record-Eagle

Top 10 Sports Stories of 2011

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  • No. 1 Story of the Year

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  • Jasmine Hines won the state's Miss Basketball, and set plenty of records in the process. Record-Eagle/Keith King

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January 1, 2012

Top 10: Hines leaves her mark

Central Lake star the only player with 3,000 points

By MIKE ECKERT meckert@record-eagle.com

CENTRAL LAKE — Last year, Jasmine Hines' decision to play basketball at Michigan State was the Record-Eagle's No. 3 sports story.

To say she had an even better year in 2011 would be an understatement.

In 2011, Hines wrapped up her career high school career at Central Lake with records, honors and accolades. And in a blink of an eye, she transitioned into a college player at Michigan State. Her success lands her as the No. 1 sports story for 2011.

"It's been a great year," Hines said. "But in college, it's almost like rebuilding and starting over. That was high school and this is college. Hopefully, not myself, but the team, will have more accomplishments."

The year started with Hines chasing down former Harbor Light Christian standout Stephanie Hass for the state's all-time scoring record, as well as former Glen Lake star Liz Shimek for the rebounding record. Before it was over, she claimed both records.

On Feb. 15 in front of a packed crowd at Central Lake — including MSU coach Suzy Merchant — Hines scored her 2,733rd point to move past Hass, who was also in attendance.

When Hines' career ended with a 52-41 loss to Waterford Our Lady in the Class D state semifinals, she had 3,034 career points. That made her the only player in state history — boy or girl — to score more than 3,000.

"Now that I'm (in college) and I'm not averaging 30 points a game, it is kind of crazy to think about," Hines said. "It really hasn't hit me. When people get 1,000 points in high school, that's a big accomplishment. I got 3,000. It's kind of weird to think about."

During the run, Hines was named Miss Basketball.

"It's at the top of my accomplishments," Hines said. "Just because I've wanted it ever since I was little. I didn't think about all these records, but I wanted to get Miss Basketball. I knew I had a good shot at it, but it was still crazy to think about winning it. I was really nervous about going against the kids from downstate. But I guess it all worked out."

And, it's continued to work out.

Hines headed to East Lansing to join the defending Big Ten champion Spartans. Already this year, she's travelled with the team to Florida and Texas, as well as a trip to Mexico just before Christmas for the Carribean Classic.

Heading into Big Ten play, Michigan State was 8-5. Hines has played in 12 games, averaging 10 minutes, 2.2 rebounds and 4.3 points.

"It was a rough start," Hines said. "Coming from a small school, I didn't learn as much as the other girls knew coming in. So it was a big learning process at first. But now it's getting easier. I love the team and I love the coaches. They're all so helpful with me. Without them, I'd be lost."

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