Sophomore Madi Hess of the women’s basketball team is the 21st Taco Bell Athlete of the Week for the 2012-13 academic year. She is earning the award for the second time of her career after putting together a pair of clutch performances and helping the Tornados win both of their games on the road this week in come-from-behind fashion.
Hess led the Tornados in scoring (13.5 ppg) by shooting an efficient 63.6 percent from the floor, including 57.1 percent from long range, and 81.8 percent from the free throw line while also tying for first on the team in assists (2.5 pg) and ranking third in steals (1.5 pg). She most notably scored a career-best 18 points, which included pouring in 15 in the second half, in the 66-59 comeback win over Texas Lutheran on Saturday after the Tornados trailed 32-27 at the break. With TLU ahead 48-47 and under eight minutes to play, Hess hit a 3-pointer and then a layup to give her team a 52-48 advantage and the lead for good. She also hit four clutch free throws in the final minute.
Earlier in the week, Hess registered nine points and a team-best three assists in a 67-57 comeback win in overtime against Schreiner on Thursday. She had four points and two assists in the extra session after registering four points and one assist in the second half.
Concordia has won a season-high seven games in a row, which includes five road victories during the stretch. The Tornados have also won two of those road games in overtime despite never holding a lead in the second half, which included the 67-57 triumph over Schreiner.
A communication major from Cedar Park, Texas, Hess is the daughter of Diane and Jim Hess. She has one brother, Tanner.
