Chicago Sun-Times

100- year- old to Sister Jean: ‘ It’s over’

- BY MADELINE KENNEY Staff Reporter

Sister Jean Dolores- Schmidt threw her hands up in excitement after the final buzzer Saturday against Kansas State in Atlanta. Loyola was going to the Final Four for the first time since 1963.

Sister Jean didn’t doubt Loyola would make it to the Final Four, especially after the Ramblers defeated Nevada a few days before.

Before Saturday’s tip- off against the Wildcats, the 98- year- old basketball­loving nun had a member of Loyola’s Athletic Department cancel her dentist appointmen­t that was scheduled for the following Saturday. She clearly was planning her trip to San Antonio for the Final Four.

It seems the nation can’t get enough of Sister Jean, Loyola’s fairy godmother in the Ramblers’ Cinderella story. She’s captivated the nation with her attitude and passion for Loyola. Within two days of being on the market, Sister Jean became the best- selling bobblehead in Bobblehead Hall of Fame history, selling more than 5,000 units.

But former Bulls guard and Michigan star Jalen Rose’s grandma isn’t buying into the hype.

Rose shared a video on Instagram Monday of his 100- year- old grandmothe­r, Mary Belle Hicks, calling out Sister Jean.

“Sister Jean, it’s been a good ride,” Hicks said. “But it’s over Saturday.”

Rose spent part of three of his 13 NBA seasons with the Bulls. He played three years for the Wolverines andwas selected 13th overall in the 1994 NBA Draft.

 ??  ?? Mary Belle Hicks
Mary Belle Hicks
 ??  ?? Sister Jean
Sister Jean

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