LAS VEGAS — Amanda Adamson, a 6-foot junior forward, played in all but one game for New Mexico this season after sitting out a transfer year from Syracuse. The 2004 Heritage High School graduate went to the Class 5A state finals as a junior. After contributing to New Mexico’s first-round win over BYU in the Mountain West Conference women’s tournament Wednesday, she reflected on her prep tourney experience.
Q: Do you still follow the state tournament?
A: Absolutely. My cousin, Sarah Hix, plays for Broomfield.
Q: What are your best memories of the high school tournament in Colorado?
A: We got to the finals against ThunderRidge my junior year. It was a tough game but it was fun. They had so many great players — Abby and Emily Waner, Emily Fox. Then as a senior we lost in the first round.
Q: You played in the Pepsi Center. Do you think CHSAA should move the games back to the Pepsi Center since the Mountain West left Denver to return to Las Vegas?
A: I think so. It’s such a cool experience to play in the Pepsi Center. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. It’s such a cool place to play.
Q: Did you look at any Colorado schools when you decided to leave Syracuse?
A: I looked at Colorado State and Denver but I didn’t want to stay in-state.
Q: Why did you go to Syracuse, and why did you leave?
A: I wanted to go far away from home at first. Syracuse has a really good education school (her first major, before communications). Then I decided New Mexico has an established coaching staff, a winning tradition (six straight NCAA appearances), good players and it’s close enough my parents can come to a lot of my games.
Q: What are the differences between the Big East and Mountain West?
A: The Big East is a little more physical. Here we have really good shooters.
Q: What’s it like to play at The Pit, which always leads the MWC in attendance?
A: It’s awesome. All the fans are great. It’s a great experience and everyone is pumped.
Tournament time fun
Former Heritage High School star Amanda Adamson details her favorite things about Colorado’s state basketball tournaments:
1. All your family comes to the games.
2. It’s high school, so everyone comes to the tournament.
3. There are good rivalries. They are better because you have to win or go home.
4. There’s a lot of attention — the media and the crowds.
5. The best thing is winning.
