Miss Double-Double was best scoring-rebounding threat in area
By Mike Ramczyk
Sports Editor
Her friendly, serene demeanor draws you in.
Burlington senior Ellen Stang is smart, tall, blonde and can pass as the typical “girly” girl.
In fact, Stang modeled bridal dresses last weekend at the Bridal Showcase at Veteran’s Terrace in Burlington.
But don’t let the long hair and infectious smile fool you: Ellen is a beast on the basketball court.
Recently named to the Burlington Standard Press All-Area team, Stang put up record-breaking numbers for the Lady Demons in her illustrious career.
And she didn’t do it the easy way. Stang fought for every loose ball, wrestled for every rebound and hustled for every point.
She averaged 16 points and 11.8 rebounds per game this season for Burlington, which finished the season strong and improved vastly from last year.
Stang was the only Division 1 player to average 15 points and 10 rebounds a game, and she finished her career as the only Demon to tally 300 points and 300 rebounds.
Ellen led Racine County in rebounding, earning first team all-county honors. This summer, she will represent Burlington in the WBCA All-Star game. She also earned first team all-conference honors.
Stang’s huge season has placed her second in the school’s all-time rebounding annals and ninth in scoring.
Sports have always been in the Stang household, and Ellen’s mother, Cheryl Umnus, is one of the best players in Burlington history.
The Standard Press recently interviewed Stang about her Burlington career, her passion for basketball and her future plans.
SP: How much do these postseason awards mean to you?
ES: I’ve put a lot of work into the sport, and it means so much because it feels like I have reached my goals that I have set for myself.
More importantly, it means so much because it demonstrates the strength of the Burlington girls basketball team. I am so grateful for Coach Parker and her coaching staff; they are phenomenal.
SP: Your scoring ramped up this year, and your rebounding is top-notch. How are you able to get so many double-doubles? What’s your mentality on the court?
ES: When the ball goes up, I always want to be in a position to block or rebound the ball. If my team does not have the ball, we cannot score. Possession is key.
SP: Where did these hoops skills come from? Is your family athletic?
ES: My whole family really enjoys athletics, so I grew up being exposed to many sports. I started playing basketball in second grade and loved it ever since.
SP: Do you plan on playing hoops in college? Do you know where you’re going?
ES: After high school I am attending the University of Wisconsin-Madison and plan to major in business/accounting.
SP: What did you learn from playing with Burlington in your 4 years?
ES: Hard work pays off. Sometimes it is not always about winning, it’s about growing and learning. The camaraderie I felt with the girls on my team and the other teams was special. One of the most memorable moments was the last Delavan game.
SP: What are your plans for the spring and summer?
ES: I will play in the Racine County vs. Kenosha County all-star game in April. Also, I’ll play on the WBCA D1 state all-star team. I am going to try something new and be goalie for the Burlington girls soccer team. I will also be working at Christy’s Bon Bon Belle as an intern stylist and model.
HI, MY NAME IS … ELLEN STANG
Basketball is: hard work and a lot of fun.
I made first team all conference because: I worked hard and developed my skills over the last 4 years.
Favorite movie: There are so many movies that I love, so I cannot pick a favorite.
Favorite music: I love country music.
Food ritual? I avoid eating a lot before my games so I do not get stomach aches.
Twitter, Facebook or Instagram, why? Twitter, so I can keep up with my favorite sports reporter, Mike Ramczyk.
Favorite hobby beside hoops: When I am not playing basketball, I enjoy working out at the Wellness Center and spending time with family and friends.
If you could have dinner with one person dead or alive, who would it be and why?
I would like to have dinner with both of my grandfathers because I never got to meet them.
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