Lady Tiger basketball standout signs with Emporia State University
Baylee Fincher, a two-time all-conference selection as a member of the Cowley College women's basketball team, recently signed a letter of intent to continue her studies and playing career at Emporia State University.
Since coming to Cowley from Ponca City High School, Fincher has filled up the stat sheet. After averaging double figures in scoring as a freshman, she was even better as a sophomore as she led the Lady Tigers in scoring (15.5 points per game), assists (3.6 per game), and steals (2.4 per game), to go along with 5.4 rebounds per contest. Fincher's 482 points scored during the 2021-2022 season were the program's 20th most points in a single season.
Back for a third season, due to the free COVID year, Fincher is averaging a team-high 14.3 points while shooting 48.4 percent from three-point range. She is also averaging 4.2 rebounds, 3.0 assists, and 2.2 steals per game.
Her 801 career points rank 14th all-time in the history of the Lady Tiger basketball program.
"Baylee is a gamer that finds a way to compete each game," Cowley head coach Todd Clark said. "It has been great having her in the program, and we wish her much success."
Fincher will join an Emporia State squad coached by Toby Wynn, who was the head coach at Seward Community College for 13 seasons prior to coming to Emporia. The Hornets are off to a 2-0 start to the 2022-2023 season.
"Baylee is going to a really good program with a really good coach," Clark said. "This is a good match for Emporia State and Baylee. Baylee fits Toby's style of play."
Fincher has helped Cowley to a 5-2 start and a record of 40-21 in her two-plus seasons at the school.
"I am thankful for Coach Clark and Coach Thrasher for helping me grow as a player and pushing me to be who I am now," Fincher said.
Fincher plans to major in radiology tech and continue her success on the basketball court.
"Emporia State felt like home," Fincher said. "After my visits to Emporia State, I would always compare other schools I visited to them."