Flint Monarchs win the WBCBL's North East Regionals

By Eric Woodyard | Flint Journal 

SWARTZ CREEK, Mich. Prior to the Flint Monarchs opening North East Regional Tournament contest, the 2011 All-Region teams were released. 

Nan Moore's name was not on that list and she felt as if she was snubbed. 

The Monarchs guard wanted to plead her case as she put on a shooting clinic to everyone watching the games at The Cage Field House on Saturday evening. 

Moore poured in 38 total points on 10 three-pointers in a pair of back-to-back contests as the Monarchs ended the season with a North East Regional championship. 

They will now advance to the WBCBL national tourney in Atlanta, Ga. Moore's birthplace on August 6-7 as the No. 2 ranked team in the league. 

Honestly I felt I deserved to be first or second team (All-Region) statistically but sometimes people go based off the people they know, said Moore, who has recorded 12 or more points in the last four games. 

Sometimes its political, she added. All year Ive been a three-point shooter. 

Flint (12-3) defeated the Detroit Black Hawks (9-5) in the title game 89-80. 

The Monarchs dusted off the Columbus Hidden Gems 86-59 in the semifinals. 

Moore posted 19 points in both battles. Against Columbus she also grabbed five rebounds, dished out four assists, and gathered three steals.

Nan Moore had a helluva basketball tournament, Monarchs head coach Deonta McChester said. I'm just so happy for Nan and shes not happy with this right now because she wants to win a national championship. 

Kaihla Szunko finished with 18 points and seven boards and Sharonda Hurd came off the bench to contribute 19 points versus the Black Hawks. Four Monarchs scored in double figures versus Detroit and Flint led by as many as 21 points. 

The group finished 8-0 on their home floor this season and have won six consecutive matches. 

The Flint Monarchs celebrate after winning the North East Regional Tournament.
This is what we wanted all year, said Szunko, a late addition to the franchise. I didn't really know what to expect coming in so I didn't know what my role would be but this is a good thing. 

Moores teammates Jasmine McCall and Latisha Luckett snatched First-Team All-Region honors and Natasha Morris was added to the second team. 

Morris was also named the regions co-MVP with Detroits Joei Clyburn while their first-year head coach Deonta McChester picked up the Coach of the Year award.

I was shocked, said McChester of his recognition. Its really an honor for your peers to think that you're doing a great job and that you have a committed team and I want to thank them but again I don't get that Coach of the Year award if I don't have a great team and right now I have a great team headed in the right direction.