Tipton Out for the Season

DAYTON, TN (12-20-07) -- Bryan College head basketball coach, Jamy Bechler, announced today that the Lady Lions' starting shooting guard, Hillary Tipton, will miss the remainder of the season with a knee injury.  "Hillary had successful ACL reconstruction surgery today", said Bechler. "We were pleased that she was able to have such a top-notch surgeon working with her.  He works with many of UTK's athletes.  Hillary is excited to begin rehab and she has a good support system with her family, the doctors, and our athletic training staff, in particular Michelle Brenner."  Tipton is expected to make a full recovery and be ready for the start of the 2008-2009 season.  Her injury occured in the 83-75 victory on December 1 against Bluefield College.  At the time of the injury, the 5'8" Tipton was averaging 7 ppg, 6 rpg, and shooting 35% from the 3-point arc. "Hillary was really the key to us winning our first two AAC contests.  Her on-ball defense, versatility, toughness, and explosiveness are irreplaceable.  She is definitely missed and our team must figure out a way to step up and rise to this challenge."  The Lady Lions have not won since Tipton suffered the injury.