Clarksville, Ark.- Lori (Myers) Hines adjusted quite well to the rigors of college basketball coming from the tiny town of Perryville, Ark., and now, on the ten-year anniversary of leading her team to a conference title, the record-setting Hines will receive the biggest honor of her athletic career.
Hines will be inducted into the University of the Ozarks Sports Hall of Fame on January 27 during a special ceremony in Mabee Gymnasium. “I am very honored and very surprised to be inducted into the Hall of Fame,” said Hines. “I am certainly thankful for this. I received the news when I was on campus for the alumni game. To be in the place where I played and hear this was special.” Hines blossomed into one of the top basketball players in Ozarks history, and her impact on the school’s record book continues to loom large. The 6-foot-1 center remains second at the school in career scoring (1,504) and fifth in career rebounding (661). She also holds the career record for highest field goal percentage (61%). Her senior season was especially rewarding as she led the Lady Eagles to an American Southwest Conference co-title and earned NAIA All-America second team honors. She additionally received the ASC Player of the Year and the ASC Defensive Player of the Year awards after averaging a double-double (20.8 points/11.1 rebounds) that season. With enough hardwood to fill her locker, it was the championship that stood out the most that season. “One of my most memorable moments at Ozarks was the conference title we won during my senior year,” said Hines, who starred from 1993-97. “Because of the championship, we were able to extend our play into the post-season. I was thankful to be able to play for the opportunity to go to the NCAA tournament.” Hines led Ozarks to a combined 72-35 record during her playing days while averaging 18.8 points, 6.8 rebounds and 1.6 blocks per game during that span. She earned NAIA All-America honorable mention and NAIA Midwest All-Conference her junior season and was an All-AIC performer her sophomore year. She used quick feet and a deft touch around the basket to dominate the paint. “I could wheel around people,” said Hines, who played two seasons of professional basketball in Australia. “I had quick feet for a post player. I think that’s why I always had a high shooting percentage. I could score in the paint. I had to learn to play defense and rebound, but I could always find a way to score.” Hines considers the friendships she developed among the most enjoyable times on Ozarks campus. “I enjoyed the relationships I developed with my teammates,” said Hines. “I am still to this day friends with many of them. I chose Ozarks because it was small and I felt comfortable there. I grew up in a small town, and I felt right at home. I found the people to be friendly there. I fit in better there than anywhere else. I’m glad I made the decision to attend Ozarks.” Hines believes her time at Ozarks helped develop the skills needed in her current profession. She is the head senior high girl’s basketball coach at John Milledge Academy, a private college prep school in Milledgeville, Ga. “I learned a great deal from Coach (Jack) Jones and I believe this has helped me in my profession,” said Hines. “He pushed me to compete and play hard and I tried to do whatever he asked of me whether it was rebound or score. My experiences at Ozarks helped me today deal with the day-to-day duties of coaching.” Others also had an impact during her playing days. “My high school coach (Larry Wilson) checked on me throughout my college career,” said Hines, who had her #54 jersey retired by Perryville High School. “He was a positive influence in my life. He knew obtaining a degree was important. I am so thankful for my parents and my grandfather, too. I don’t think they ever missed a home game. That meant the world to me.” Hines and her husband, Will, reside in Eatonton, Ga. Hines and Kenneth Little, who starred in track and field from 1978-81, make up the 2007 Hall of Fame class. The induction ceremony will take place following the women’s basketball game on January 27. The women’s game is set to begin at 1:00 p.m. A lunch honoring Little and Hines will be held in the Seay Student Center cafeteria at 11:30 a.m. that day. Current members of the Hall of Fame will also be introduced during the induction ceremony. Tickets to the luncheon can be purchased by calling the alumni office at (479) 979-1234.
Topics: Athletics