The Ventura College women’s basketball team continues to destroy everything and anything that comes in their path.
The Pirates have won 58 out of their last 60 games, dating back to the 08′-09′ campaign, and probably could have beaten a helpless Cuesta College team blindfolded.
The Pirates looked as though they were playing a middle school team, easily taking care of the Cougars 66-26 Wednesday night at the Ventura Athletic Center. The Pirates never trailed and held the Cougars to four points in the first 14 minutes of the first half.
The Pirates (24-1, 8-0 Western State Conference) quickly jumped out to an 8-2 lead, pounding away the Cougars (4-17, 2-8) on pick-and-rolls, allowing themselves to take easy buckets. The Cougars, on the other hand, struggled to get the ball in the cylinder and had a 9-minute scoring drought at one point.
According to Pirates head coach Ned Mercetic, getting easy baskets and better shot selections has helped the Pirates take games so easily.
“You have to space the floor really well,” he said. “When our timing and sequencing is where it needs to be, we are tough to beat.”
Pirates starting point guard Amanda Padilla also mentioned the importance of being able to get easy shot opportunities, as well as keeping your options open on the offensive end.
“If we shoot layups, then crash [boards] and the outside game is open,” she said. “We always have a counter to what the defense throws at us.”
The Pirates were led by sophomore leader Chanelle Brennan, who knocked in 18 points, including 11 in the first half, while Padilla added 13 points.
Mercetic has guided his team to an impressive 24-1 record, despite losing four of his five starters from last season’s 34-1 campaign.
Mercetic contributes this success to his team playing at a high level every game.
“We’ve played hard,” he said. “When we play hard and just play hard, things fall in place.”
The Pirates look to continue the Mercetic dynasty when they host WSC rivals Moorpark College Saturday, Feb. 6 at 5 p.m. for the annual Barbeque Fundraiser.
