SBCC will open its women’s basketball campaign by hosting two tournaments in the next two weeks, starting with the Bash by the Beach.
On Friday, the Vaqueros will take on the Glendale Vaqueros at 7 p.m. L.A. Southwest and Fullerton will clash in the 5 p.m. opener. Saturday’s schedule features the third-place game at 3 p.m. and the championship at 5 p.m.
On Nov. 15-17, the Vaqueros will host their eight-team MTXE Tournament. They open on Nov. 15 vs. San Diego Mesa at 7 p.m.
“It’s exciting to start our season on our home court,” said fifth-year assistant coach Melissa Jimenez. “This team communicates really well, on and off the court. They’re very honest with each other.
“I think we have the full package this year — we have great guards, along with good post players and point guards. We have a lot of older players who’ve redshirted. We have experienced players who know our system and most of our freshmen have been with us since the summer.”
Nine players graduated off last year’s 13-14 squad that placed third in the WSC North at 7-5. The returnees are 5-11 guard/forward Sara Crane and 5-9 guard/forward Keia Nobles.
The Vaqueros also have five players who redshirted last year in Taylor DeSilva, Jessica McGowan, Jennifer Thompson, Brooke Amenta and Michelle Herrera. Five players are from local high schools — Crane, Jasmine Mata and Stefanie Salinas of Dos Pueblos; 6-3 Zoe Echternacht of Santa Barbara and Courtney Houston of Bishop Diego.
“Our bread and butter will be our quick break,” explained Jimenez. “We’re going to run the ball, that’s how we get fast points. Another thing is our post game, we’re working on screen-and-rolls to get the inside-out game.
“We’re in shape and we’re ready to go. It’s time for us to play against somebody else.”
