JOHN KOVACH | Colleges Hlebovy helps Indiana State rank No. 1

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. -- Celeste Hlebovy, a Boardman High graduate, has helped the Indiana State women's basketball team to achieve the No. 1 academic ranking in the nation among NCAA Division I teams for the 2002-2003 school year.
Hlebovy, a 6-foot-0 senior forward majoring in marketing, contributed a 3.6 grade-point average to her team's 3.639 average that led the nation and was 1.5 points higher than the second-place team.
The Sycamores' top ranking was announced by the Women's Basketball Coaches Association and its chief executive officer, Beth Bass.
During the 2001-2002 school year, Indiana State was ranked No. 3, with Hlebovy contributing a 3.6 GPA.
High standards
Hlebovy said the school and team emphasize academic success.
"They set the [academic] standards high for kids to achieve," said Hlebovy, who was home last week during fall break.
She said players are encouraged to achieve.
"We have to turn in our midterm grades to the coach, and if you fall below a 3.4 you have to return to study table. You have to put in six hours [a week] at study table," said Hlebovy.
"It's a place where you have to go to do your homework, and there are tutors available if you need them."
However, "I have never had to go to study table."
Hlebovy is determined to do well academically.
"Especially after basketball, you are going to have to get a job, so grades are important," she pointed out.
Coach Jim Wiedie said Indiana State was motivated to be No. 1.
"We finished third last year (2001-02), so our team was bound and determined to be number one this year (2002-03)," said Wiedie.
"This is such a testament to the type of players we have and the support we get from our coaching staff and Academic Enrichment Department."
Also No. 1 in scoring
Hlebovy also helped Indiana State to lead the nation in scoring last season with 80 points a game, and post a 22-9 record to tie the school record for most wins in a season. The Sycamores also shared the Missouri Valley Conference championship and received a bid to the Women's NIT.
Hlebovy played in 31 games as a non-starter and averaged 5.3 points and 3.5 rebounds with 27 steals. She made 55 of 124 shots from the field for 44.4 percent, including 4-for-16 from 3-point range. She was 48-for-60 from the foul line for 81.7 percent.
Hlebovy believes her strong points are "driving to the hoop and shooting 3-pointers," and defensive rebounding.
"Our coach stresses defensive rebounding," she pointed out.
Indiana State also finished in the top 10 in two other statistical categories last season. The Sycamores ranked No. 6 in 3-point shooting percentage (39.4, a school record), and No. 7 in steals per game (12.7).
In addition, the team ranked No. 16 in 3-point field goals per game (7.0), No. 18 in winning margin (13.1 points), No. 22 in free throw percentage (76.0) and No. 41 in winning percentage (71.0).
Eyes big senior year
Hlebovy is hoping for a big senior season for 2003-2004.
"It looks like I may start this year," she said, noting that she had been a starter as a freshman.
"This is my last year of eligibility." But, "I won't graduate until December, 2004.
The Sycamores will begin practicing next Saturday. The season opener is Nov. 9 at home against Southern Illinois-Edwardsville at 3 p.m. in Hulman Center.
Hlebovy is the daughter of Mary and Dennis Hlebovy, and was coached at Boardman by Ron Moschella.
kovach@vindy.com