Although experts say defense win championships, the Ventura College Pirates have discovered that team cohesiveness, rather than talent, among other things, is not necessarily what it takes to be successful.
The Pirates completed their dream season with a 59-47 win over Fullerton College to take the State Championship crown Sunday afternoon at Cal Lutheran’s Gilbert Arena.
According to Pirates head coach Ned Mircetic, the team’s strong camaraderie overpowered the use of talent, and was what guided the Pirates to their first State Championship since 2002.
“I couldn’t be more prouder of them because there wasn’t any time during the season we could just rely on talent,” Mircetic said. “We had to do it as a team, and we did it.”
Pirates sophomore point guard Amanda Padilla could also not be any more proud of what her team was able to accomplish.
“It feels amazing,” she said. “I mean putting VC [Ventura College] back on the map…as one of the best programs in California.”
Chanelle Brennan was garnered with the State Tournament MVP, rightfully so after her 33-point performance, and the sophomore tandem of Padilla, Ward, Brennan and Kris King compiled a 68-2 record over their two seasons of stellar dominance.
The Pirates (34-1) proved to be ready to take the throne, scoring the first 10 points of the game, holding the Hornets (32-2) to a dismal 28 percent from the field.
Ward considered it an honor to be representing Ventura College.
“I’m just so blessed to be here,” Ward said. “[I’m] so proud of our team. We fought day in and day out in practice all year.”
Padilla contributed the team’s success to their strong bond among one another, believing that the talent level was not what got them to the State Tournament.
“We’re like sisters,” Padilla said. “…We have great chemistry together, so I think that’s really important.”
Mircetic was happy to see the team’s growth, as he questioned how his team would fare losing four of their five starters from last season’s team that was eliminated in the State Semifinals.
“At the beginning of the year…I was not quite sure how we would end up,” he said.
However, the Pirates defied the odds and fared better than last season’s 34-1 squad, earning their sixth state championship, which have all been under Mircetic.
During her experiences playing VC basketball, Padilla believes it falls back on their coach.
“He’s [Mircetic] an amazing coach,” she said. “The best in California…it’s an honor to play for him.”
