Last season the SRJC women’s basketball team cruised to first place in the Big 8 Conference and earned a state final four appearance. This season is looking no different.
The team compiled an overall record of 26-7 last season and 13-1 in conference. The Lady Bear Cubs are dominating conference play again this season with an undefeated record of 7-0. Their overall record is 17-5.
Whenever you’re discussing Lady Bear Cub basketball, you have to mention coach Lacey Campbell because of her influence towards the team’s recent success. Coach Campbell is in her fifth season as head coach and is seeking her third straight Big 8 Conference Coach of the Year Award. Last season she was also selected the CCCWCA (California Community College Women’s Coaching Association) Coach of the Year.
Mia Greco and Krysten Copeland are the only returning players from last year’s Big 8 Conference championship squad. However, Lauren Rudy, Michaela Halpin and Chelsea Williamson returned after redshirting last season and should provide great experience for the younger players.
“The redshirters from last season have really stepped up this year. They’re doing everything that’s asked of them and more,” coach Campbell said.
Greco, along with freshmen starter Jennifer Tsurumoto, have stepped into the team leadership roles because of their strong work ethics and positive attitudes. Greco and Tsurumoto are currently the leading scorers, with Greco averaging 13.9 points per game and Tsurumoto averaging 13.6 ppg.
Coach Campbell thinks the team has the quickest guards in the league, which provides many opportunities in transition. “The guards with the outside shooting and the team’s communication are probably all the strengths,” said coach Campbell. Coach Campbell also wants the team to push the ball inside and post up because it would spread the floor for the shooters.
Ashley Morgan, Marie Sweet and Copeland are the top post players for the Lady Bear Cubs. Morgan leads the team in rebounds with 8.3 rebounds per game (rpg) and has a staggering 123 total defensive rebounds. Morgan averages 9.1 ppg and her versatile offense is a huge asset. Along with her post presence, she can spread the floor with her three point shot, sinking 30 this season.
Copeland and Sweet are the hard working post players using their size and length to disrupt the inside. Copeland averages 8.3 ppg and has racked up 34 blocks. Copeland also averages 6.5 rpg.
Coach Campbell said she’s impressed with the contributions from all the players and enjoys the depth of the team.
The Big 8 Conference is highly competitive this season, and if the Lady Bear Cubs want to make the same type of run they did last season, they have to stay concentrated. “Five out of the top 15 teams in the state are in our conference, so the players have to take the season game by game and stay focused,” coach Campbell said.
The team’s next home game is Feb. 8 against Sierra.
