2005-06 Women's Basketball Preview

2005-06 Women's Basketball Preview

This years Grossmont College women's basketball team is looking to build on its recent success under head coach Karen Caires. Entering her fourth season at Grossmont, Caires has transformed the Griffins from a team that lost 20 games in her first year, to one that won 20 games and went to the playoffs last season. The Griffins were 4-24 in Caires first term, 11-13 in her second, and 20-7 last season. The Griffins finished a strong second in the Pacific Coast Conference, at 8-2. Grossmont's only two conference losses came at the hands of PCC Champs Imperial Valley College, who went undefeated in league play.

Grossmont was outed in the first round of the playoffs last year by Compton.

The Griffins feature a balanced roster of six freshman, and six sophomores, that kind of balance will ensure lasting success.

This season will be coach Caires 15^th coaching campaign. Caires came to Grossmont in 2002 following four years as an assistant at the University of Arizona. Caires has coached at almost every level from high school to Division I college ball. Caires will be assisted again this year by Lenny Schlein, and Dustin Puskar.

The Griffins will return six players, but they must also deal with the graduation of two key players from last season's squad. Jessica Cable was first team All-PCC last season and teammate Laqueena Shenault was Honorable Mention.

The Griffins however will be in good hands with returners and team captains Kayla Henry, Heather Thomas, and Marla Mason. Henry was named to the All-State 3^rd team, as well as first team All-PCC last year. Thomas and Mason were named All-PCC Honorable Mention following the 04-05 season.

The Griffin backcourt will feature Thomas and Mason, along with newcomer Brigayle Iglehart. All three can play both guard spots, and will share the ball handling responsibilities.

Caires sees the 5-8 Iglehart as the X-factor for Grossmont this year. The versatile sophomore is a true point guard who is athletic enough to play any of the wing positions, and physical enough to post up.

"She's a playmaker, she's our go to player," said Caires. "She's added a wonderful dimension to our team." Caires hopes to see Iglehart become a playmaker, and a distributor.

Mason is a gritty guard who is also capable of playing multiple positions. Caires said the 5-4 Mason will see action at the point, off-guard, and small forward positions.

"She's our defensive catalyst, and stopper," Caires said of Mason. "She's the heart and soul of this team."

Thomasis a 5-1 guard who has earned the reputation as a clutch performer. Nicknamed "Ice" by coach Caires, Thomas is a player the team trusts with taking the big shot this season. The diminutive guard will handle the ball, but Caires likes keeping her on the wing to exploit her shooting prowess.

"She's our brain trust on the court," Caires quipped. "She's smooth and steady, she doesn't really get rattled."

Henry, who's nickname is Bunso, is the main option in the middle for the Griffins. Bunso means the baby of the family in Tagalog. However among the Grossmont family, Henry is anything but the baby. The 5-11 forward, who can also step outside, will lead the charge on the boards for the Griffins. "She's our powerhouse on the inside," said Caires.

Shakendria Mitchell is a newcomer out of San Marcos whom Caires envisions developing into a strong player for the Griffins. Nicknamed 'Texas' because of her Lone-Star state roots, the 5-5 guard is a defensive standout. "I think she's got a lot of raw talent, she can get away to the rim very nicely," Caires said.

Coming off the bench for the Griffins will be a pair of guards who were teammates last season at Pt. Loma High School. 5-5 Ruby Ramos and 5-8 Teri Bailey will give the Griffs a boost in their first seasons respectively.

A blue collar player, Ramos is an excellent distributor of the ball who works hard every time she is on the court. "She can throw no look passes, and she is really gritty on the court," noted Caires.

Bailey has shown marked improvement since joining the squad this summer, and has a good feel for the flow of the game. While young on basketball experience, Caires expects Bailey to continue to grow as a player as the season moves forward.

"Her improvement has already been a lot." I'm really looking forward to the difference she can make this year."

Alanna Barnes is a returner out of Hoover high. The 5-2 guard is seen as one of the Griffins premier defensive stoppers, who has improved her jumper this past offseason.

Caires noted, "I wouldn't want her guarding me." We're looking for big minutes for her off the bench this year."

Sophomore Laura Felice is a pure shooter who will exploit any space given to her on the court. The 5-8 guard will be used primarily as instant offense off the bench, although she could earn herself some starting time. Caires likes the way Felice has improved on defense, and has become a vocal leader for the team. "We see great things for Laura," said Caires.

Up front the Griffins will use a diverse group that can bang inside, and shoot the 3. Anchored by Henry, the Griffins will feature three freshmen at the forward positions.

Joining Henry in the starting lineup will be freshman forward Gabriella Passentino. The 5-8 Santana product is a skilled rebounder and will be a valuable and versatile player for the Griffins. With her ability to play inside and out, Passentino gives Caires the option of going with different sized lineups to exploit favorable matchups for the Griffs.

"Gabby is the quiet eighth wonder of the world," cracked Caires. "She will get in the game and before you know it, she'll have 10 rebounds. She's one of those special players."

Kelly Boozel is a lanky 6-3 center out of Steele Canyon High. The freshman will help on the boards as her overall offensive game continues to develop. Caires would like to see Boozel add some weight during her time at Grossmont to deal with the physicality at this level.

"I want Kelly eating seven times a day," joked Caires.

Laura Roberts is an intimidating presence in the middle for Grossmont. The 6-2 center is able to play as physically as anyone the Griffs will encounter this year. Roberts has been dubbed, Shaq, after Minnesota's 6-2 Janel McCarvillel.

"She's a banger who will hit the boards," Said Caires.

The Griffs have their sights set on a PCC title this season, but they know they will have to go through Imperial Valley and Palomar.

"This year I want to get past the first round of the playoffs," Caires said.

Caires has also challenged the Griffs academically to maintain a 3.0 GPA.