Manuel Veloria
Within the first 10 minutes of the Pierce College women’s basketball team’s first game of the season, against Victor Valley College, Nov. 7, it was evident who had already won the game.
The Brahmas walked away with a 98-28 victory. They started out with a strong run, shaking and shattering the Rams from the tip-off. Even with a big lead, Coach Jim Couch didn’t take things lightly, constantly screaming from the sidelines, “go hard to the basket” and “spread out.”
The Rams finally scored seven minutes into the game, but Pierce already had a 29-point lead. After nine minutes, Victor Valley only had two points, committed eight fouls and were down by 30 points.
At the end of the first half, the Brahmas’ hard work was reflected in the scoreboard, leading 57-7. “We came prepared and we’re getting at it,” said Couch when asked about his expectations of the first game during halftime. “The players are doing a good job. The transition is good from offensive and defensive.”
Breon Williams, a student watching the Brahmas, said, “they have an excellent defense.” As the teams enter the second half, the Rams continued to struggle. The visitors were already worn out from the unstoppable Brahmas.
Pierce continued its immense lead. With two minutes until the final buzzer, faces from the dispirited Rams hope for time to go faster.
The Brahmas were determined to keep playing until the game ended. With a 70-point blow out, the Brahmas showed their sportsmanship by shaking their opponents hand in center court and looking ahead to the new season. Lana Tomlin, head coach of Victor Valley, said, “I wasn’t expecting that Pierce (would have) a full bench in the roster.” She continued, “I have only eight players, not to mention that three of my players got fouled out.”
Couch points out that having a full bench helped the Brahmas, as it gave every player in the team a chance to replenish their energy.
“Having at least 14…15 players, helped us a lot,” laughed Couch as he tried to remember how many players he has on his roster. “This team has improved and is better than last year.” Pierce player Emmilee Ringleberg said, “we were well prepared for this first match and we’re also in good physical condition.” She finished with 17 points and 13 rebounds. “We have a lot of team effort and we all worked as a team.”
Aside from the score, this victory didn’t come easy, they prepared for the 2007-08 semester by weight training two days a week and running four days a week since the beginning of the semester.
With a record of 25-6 last year, the best in the history of Pierce College women’s basketball, Jim Couch, who is starting his 11th year as head coach, is turning the game up a notch, challenging his players to be the best this season.
“Were the best talent wise this year,” said Couch, “They all can play, it’s a matter of getting them to the same level.”
He said that some players are often self-absorbed and parents have high expectation, because they believe their child should have gone to a four-year university right out of high school.
“Most players think their ready to play at a division one college, but they’re not,” said Couch. “A junior college is a reality check.” His goals are to make sure his players are successful by being the best students and having the team aim high.
Last season the coach was forced to forfeit 24 games due to clerical errors regarding some of the players. Despite the set back, this season the 20-player roster is equipped with shooters, rebounders and players who can move the ball up court.
“I want to prove we have a quality program at Pierce,” said Couch. “I want to prove we have a good athletic and academic program,” said Richardson.
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