Aloha High School in Beaverton, Oregon, plays in the toughest conference in Oregon. But despite that, 6'2" Maria Hassett thrives and dominates, and has earned All-Conference (Oregon's toughest league)honors. A very skilled post player, Hassett is a strong, physical player who can bump and bang down low, or use her advanced skill set to out-finesse opposing players.
High on Gonzaga's wish list from the beginning, Maria is just "what the doctor ordered" for the women's program... Post players Ashley Burke and Delphine LeCoultre will be gone to graduation after this coming 2004-05 season. Hassett will help to quickly fill that void. It goes without saying Maria was needed as much as wanted.
Maria Hassett is a classic steal.
Because her high school team lost most of her support players after her sophomore year, Maria found herself double- and triple-teamed on most nights and, hence, her scoring numbers actually dropped from sophomore to junior year, averaging almost 15 ppg as opposed to 18 ppg. But even without a strong supporting cast, she led her Aloha Warriors to a solid winning season against the likes of Jesuit High School, Southridge and other 4A Portland powers. Because of her reduced stats and just missing the state tournament, Hassett flew under many school's radars.
But not under Gonzaga's radar.
Congratulations to the Gonzaga coaching staff, and welcome to the Gonzaga community, Maria and family.