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into January 16th’s game, started this
season from scratch knowing it
was a rebuilding year for the team.
Out of the 12 players on the roster,
10 are freshmen. The two sophomores
played a total of six games
last year, with the team folding and
forfeiting due to academic reasons
and injuries.
Many different players have put
up quality numbers on various
nights, but when talking to SCC
women’s basketball coach Derek
Witt, he stated that one of the main
weaknesses to improve on is playing
together as a team.
“We’ve had a number of different
girls step up this year, but the key
is to get the squad, with as many
freshman as we have, to all step up
on the same night,” said Witt.
With a team that always has
different groups stepping up, the
players who have stood out are
guards or forwards, freshman
Jesica Anisspour, and sophomore
Fran McDonald, with sophomore
forward Jena Walentowski being
the most consistent player and
team scoring leader.
Some positives this season include
the fact this season hasn’t
always been a lot of fun for the
players in trying to rebuild the program,
but they have stuck with it.
“They have kept a great attitude
throughout this process,” said Witt.
“In watching them grow, the freshmen
are at the point where they’re
starting to turn the corner, and seeing
them staying positive and seeing
results is really encouraging.”
Another positive note for the
season has been the addition of
freshman Cassie Zeigler, who
wasn’t with the team when the
season started. Zeigler, who has
been attending SCC all year, originally
didn’t want to play college
basketball. On a basketball trip
to a tournament in Walla Walla,
Yakima Valley CC’s coach encouraged
Coach Witt to talk to Zeigler
about joining Witt’s team, claiming
she was a talented player.
Zeigler, who was raised in
Yakima, was shocked when she
received a call from Witt. But after
spending time with the women on
the basketball team, she became
more interested and joined them.
“She has been a great asset, and
has brought a lot of positive energy
to the team,” said starting
point guard, freshman Veronica
Gordon.
Even though the Dolphins don’t
have a glamorous record, this is
where Witt expected to be at this
point when coming into the season
with the daunting task of getting
this team back on it’s feet.
“I tell the team that this program
is like building a house, and
we’re building the foundation right
now,” said Witt. “I’m not one of
those people that will come in here
win at all costs and get out. I’d rather
build a solid situation, so that’s
what we’re doing, and the girls are
buying into it.”
The women’s team will continue
their step-by-step quest with
a game at 5:30 p.m. this Saturday
against Skagit Valley here at
Shoreline.
“This year we have a full string
of players, a new coach, and we’re
starting from ground zero,” said
Gordon. “It’s a complete turnaround
from last year, and I think
it’s going to keep growing.”
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