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Lady Coyotes continue to fight for fourth

Cerro Coso still mathematically in the hunt for playoff berth

By Nathan Ahle, The Daily Independent

Heck, the all-time winningest women's coach in Cerro Coso history, picked up his 50th win at the helm of the team Saturday.

In a season marred by injuries and shorthanded rosters, the Cerro Coso Lady Coyotes basketball team continues to fight for its playoff life.

The Coyotes defeated Mt. San Jacinto College 78-39 Saturday night at Cerro Coso, keeping their fourth-place position in the Foothill Conference.

"It was a big win," said Coyotes Head Coach Tom Heck.

According to Heck, Cerro Coso (15-8, 9-4 Foothill) led the entire way, and took a 35-19 lead into the locker room at the half.

"It was a good team effort tonight, and we did a little better at cutting back on the turnovers," said Heck.

The coach called the scoring "balanced" for the Coyotes, with four players scoring in double-figures for Cerro Coso.

Amy Rucker led all scorers with 17 points, followed by Frederica Morgan with 16 points and 22 rebounds. Emma James, Fernanda Yazzie and Cetra Banks also added 12 points to help the cause.

Heck added that the game was the final one at home for James, Morgan, and Rucker.

"It was good to see Frederica Morgan end her home career like she started it - dominating the boards," said Heck.

The Lady Coyotes have clinched fourth place in the nine-team Foothill, and will travel to Lancaster to face the Antelope Valley College Marauders (24-4, 12-0 Foothill) Wednesday night. The Lady Marauders are the fourth-ranked team in Southern California.

"In most years, our record and a fourth-place finish would have gotten us a playoff spot," said Heck. "But not this year, due to the reduced number of playoff teams."

The coach added that his team would need to beat Antelope Valley Wednesday night and get some help from other teams in the conference that play this Saturday while Cerro Coso is idle.

Notes: Heck, the all-time winningest women's coach in Cerro Coso history, picked up his 50th win at the helm of the team Saturday. In his third season, Heck has an overall record of 50-33. Michellyn Joseph has left the Coyotes to move back to the Los Angeles area.

February 17, 2004

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