Great post hilltopdawg!
I'm going to step into this conversation and take up for Laken because I know she deserves all the respect in the world. That girl has worked hard for EVERYTHING she has gotten. You don't find many teenagers who spend their free time in a gym working on their strength, jump shot, defensive skills, etc. as Laken does. And it's not the fact that her parents have pushed her either...she works hard at her own free will. I wish everyone had the grit and determination that she had. I know her and her family well and believe me, they're not gloating on the fact that their child is a star athlete. They are a great down to earth and Christian family. They want her to be the best...but they don't beg for attention for Laken...they want to see the entire team do well first and foremost. And speaking of the team, we are not taking anything away from the rest of the girls by congratulating Laken. As it has been said, without the skills and unselfishness of the rest of the team Laken couldn't have accomplished the things she has. If by getting on here and praising Laken is offensive to the rest of the team or their parents, it should not be because the rest of you are getting the praise you deserve as well.