Editor's note: Polk-Hordville Girls Basketball Coach Craig Brown submitted the following letter Sunday, the day after player Lisa Garrett was killed in an accident.

 Dear Sports Fans:

 I am the girls basketball coach at Polk-Hordville, and I just finished coaching the worst game of my life. It had nothing to do with the offensive plays, nothing to do with defense, not even anything to do with the score. It had to do with one player, or rather the absence of one player. Lisa Garrett.

 Saturday night, we played in the first round of the Cross Roads Conference Tournament, and like other coaches, I was concerned only with what we needed to do to win the game. When one of my starting post players was late for the bus, I was concerned, even angry. Time constraints dictated that we had to leave, and she was still not there. How could she let the team down like this? She led the team in rebounds, consistently put points on the scoreboard and provided motivation for the team not only in words, but in actions as well. I hoped she would meet us at the game, as the team depended on her for so much.

 Something had to be wrong. Lisa would be late from time to time, but it was not like her to miss the bus. I continued preparing for the game, taping ankles, making player changes in my head, adjusting the rotations, etc. Pre-game was to start in 10 minutes, and there was still no word of where she might be. By this time, I was extremely concerned and feared the worst. Most of the time, I worry about twisted ankles and such, but rarely give any thought to a player's safety.

 It was just before pre-game started that my worst fears were confirmed. Lisa was killed in a car accident while trying to get to the bus. I was in total shock. The rest of the team knew something was wrong, but I lied to them and told them that it was a family emergency, and Lisa was not going to be joining us tonight. We would have to go out, play ball, and do it without her. Rumors were flying in the locker room, but I simply told the team that they were just rumors and not to worry about it until we knew for sure. It was killing me not to tell them, as I have always been honest with my players. They put their trust in me and work extremely hard to do whatever I might ask of them, only so they can get a few minutes of court time. I feel the least I can do is be honest with them.

 The game started, and it seemed to me that the team was just going through the motions. I tried to get angry with them ... tried to motivate them, but how could I criticize the team when I was doing the exact same thing on the bench? I honestly cannot remember what was said during any of the timeouts or during halftime. I remember I was angry at halftime, but I don't know what I was angry about. We were down 10 points at the time, but I have no idea if that was part of why I was upset. I guess I was just trying to put on the facade that everything was OK.

 The third quarter was better, but I am sure that it had nothing to do with what I said or did. I was still going through the motions. I had no idea what to tell the team to get them to perform. Luckily, in the fourth quarter, Lisa Garrett decided to show up. In body she was gone, but in spirit, she was there and ready to play ball. Suddenly, we were getting steals and converting those steals into points. The team was on fire, and we soon made up the 7-point deficit we had at the start of the quarter. We went on to outscore our opponent 20 to 6 in the fourth quarter, enough to give us the win. After the game, I told the team that Lisa was killed in a car accident, and the entire team broke into tears. It was by far the hardest thing I have had to do as a coach, and I pray that it will be the last time I have to do it. No one should have to go through this.

 I have been trying to make sense of it since it happened. How could this happen to a junior in high school, when she had her whole life to look forward to? She was a talented athlete with a strong work ethic, and she deserved better than this. I can only assume that God needed a post player on his team.

 I have no idea if the team will decide to continue to play in the tournament, or if we will use the time to mourn the loss of our friend and teammate. All I know is that Lisa helped us win the game, and she will be in my thoughts every time I walk on the court from this point on.

 Coaches, let the kids know that you care about them before it is too late. Appreciate every day that you are with them. They are playing for you as well as themselves. Don't let them slip from your lives without them knowing how much you care about each and everyone of them.

 Lisa, I want you to know that even though I criticized you, I respected your ability and valued your input. I appreciate the fact that you always listened to what I had to say and tried your best to accommodate my wishes. I will miss the laughs we had in practice about the stupid things that happened. I wish I had just five more minutes with you so I could tell you what you meant to me. The team and I loved you; and you will always have a place in my heart.

 God, take care of my girl. Just give her the game plan and whom she has to guard, and she will do what she can to help you win the game. Thanks for letting her come back and help us finish the game Saturday.

 Girls Basketball Coach

 Craig Brown

 Polk-Hordville High School

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