Coyote Athletics : Women's Basketball : Headlines

Lady Coyotes pillaged by Marauders in season finale, 63-34

By Cheeto Barrera, Sports Editor, The Daily Independent

DAILY INDEPENDENT PHOTO

The Cerro Coso women's basketball team closed out its season playing Antelope Valley College, the No. 6 team in Southern California, losing 63-34 on Monday night.

The Lady Coyotes close out the season with a 18-12 overall record and 5-8 in Foothill Conference play.

Monday also marked the final time that sophomores Angel Lash and Dar'Shelle Lynch will suit up as Coyotes. They were honored before the start of the second half with a few words from coach Tom Heck and flowers.

Lash finished her game with six points and five rebounds and Lynch finished with two points.

Cerro Coso struck first to open the game with Ashley Logan hitting a jumper, but the lead was short lived with the Marauders going in a 13-2 run.

The Coyotes were able to control the scoring run by Antelope Valley, with both sides unable to get momentum going through the first 10 minutes of the first half.

“Once it starts going up and down, you're just help less,” Heck said. “They bring five in and five out. They have a group that just plays defense and they're good at it. They have an offensive group. They don't have too many weak spots.”

Logan led the team with 11 points. Brittany Graybill led the team in rebounds with eight boards.

Cerro Coso had opportunities in the beginning, having several open looks, but their shots wouldn't go down.

Heck said the team too often has a hiccup on offense that leads to the other team having a chance to make a fast break and open up a lead.

The Coyotes turned the ball over 28 times and were out rebounded 36-27.

“We basically our own worse enemy and I just feel sorry for us because we make such poor passes some times and its our offense sometimes that makes the other team's offense better,” Heck said. “I told the kids I know your tired and I know you're hurting but we have got to learn to pass better.”

But despite it all, Heck still praised his players.

“Give our kids credit,” Heck said. “They're playing in pain. I've got three kids out there tonight who probably shouldn't have been playing.”

Heck added that being banged up and playing against a team like Antelope Valley is a tough assignment.

“Playing a team like this with what we have right now it is like a leaky dam with 30 water holes and you have to pick and choose which ones you put your finger in,” Heck said. When they have so many weapons like that we had to try to choose which holes had the most water coming out basically.

The loss comes on the heals of a 66-56 loss to San Bernardino Valley.

Both teams were tied at the half and with six minutes to play in the game. But Graybill and Logan both got into foul trouble, and San Bernardino were able to take a 10 point lead for the game.

“It was a real good game for us,” Heck said. “We just ran out of gas and people. It was a real great effort for us.”

San Bernardino was able to capitalize on Coyote turnovers, despite having one of the best rebounding nights.

Tuesday, February 13, 2007

For more on this story please subscribe to The Daily Independent at: dieditor@ridgecrestca.com