"The WBCA is happy to present Renne with the grand prize in the Art of Women's Basketball competition," said WBCA CEO Beth Bass. "This contest is an excellent way for schools to showcase the artistic talent of their students and involve the game of women's basketball."

The WBCA and Minute Maid have partnered for the third year of the "Art of Women's Basketball" program, which was conducted in Indiana, the host state of the WBCA National Convention and the NCAA Women's Final Four.

The program was established to give elementary, middle and high school students the opportunity to share in the excitement of the Women's Final Four. Students are asked to create a design or drawing that shows the "gracefulness, strength, passion and competitiveness" of women's basketball, while incorporating Minute Maid's commitment to helping young women lead a "healthy, active lifestyle."

"Minute Maid and Coca-Cola are glad to join the WBCA in sponsoring "The Art Of Women's Basketball" art competition," said Bill Marty, Division Public Relations Manager, Tri-State Coca-Cola Bottling Co. "Along with Wal-Mart our retail partner, we appreciate the opportunity to support the arts at the local schools in our market place."

The Children's Museum of Indianapolis (TCM) and the WBCA viewed the entries and judged the artwork based on originality and creativity; appropriateness to the theme; and overall composition and design. A first-prize winner was selected in categories: Grades 4-6, Grades 7-9 and Grades 10-12. The Grand Prize winner was selected from the group of first place winners and will receive a check for $2,000. The first-prize winners will receive $500 and the consolation prize winners each receive $100.

The finalists will be recognized during the 2005 "WBCA Night of All-Stars" doubleheader on Saturday, April 2, 2005 at Nicoson Hall on the campus of the University of Indianapolis. The doubleheader event is a part of the WBCA National Convention and features the WBCA High School All-America Game, presented by Nike and the WBCA All-Star Challenge Game, with the first event set to tip off at 4:30 p.m. CST.

Hoop City, held at the Indiana Convention Center will display the finalists' artwork in Art Alley from April 2 through April 5.

Founded in 1981, the WBCA promotes women's basketball by unifying coaches at all levels to develop a reputable identity for the sport and to foster and promote the development of the game in all of its aspects as an amateur sport or women and girls. For more information about the WBCA, please visit WBCA.org.