PC women's hoops to have more depth

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hile it has lost its top two scorers from last year, the Porterville College women’s basketball team should have plenty of players to pick up the slack as it enters the 2011-2012 season.

“This year we have a little more depth just because of our numbers,” PC coach Dave Kavern said.

Kavern also said his team should be less dependent on one or two scorers as it was last year on its top two scorers from last year, Alex Shew and Stevee Thomas. “We have more balance that we didn’t have last year,” Kavern said.

Here’s a look at the Pirates for this season:

Carmen Millan, Cesar Chavez — The sophomore is one of several returning players from last year and one of five centers on the team, something the Pirates also lacked from last year. “She’s not afraid to battle inside and mix it up with people,” Kavern said.

Eva Gutierrez, Strathmore — The freshman forward should be a key player on the press as the Pirates should also be able to go small when needed. Gutierrez could also be another outside shooting threat for PC. “She’s athletic,” Kavern said.

Kee’maya Snowden, Andre Agassi, Las Vegas — Snowden, a forward, returns after missing virtually all of last season with an ankle injury. “She’s a big, strong kid,” Kavern said. “We certainly have some size this year.”

Bethany Reed, Monache — Reed, a guard, was a standout player at Monache. “We’re happy to have her here,” Kavern said. “Youwant to have one of the best local kids around.” Kavern said Reed is an outstanding shooter and a smart player.

Dominique Perkins, Tulare Western — Perkins, a freshman center, is another player who will provide strength and size inside for PC.

Regine Mecenario, Delano — The sophomore was a starter last year and is expected to help pick up the scoring slack. She could be the best shooter on the team. “She can create her own shot,” said Kavern about Mecenario, who did score 19 points in a win last year over College of the Sequoias.

Janette Garado, Corning — The freshman guard should be one of PC’s top players. “She runs the floor well,” Kavern said. “She can knock down the three.”

Ra-Ra Gomez — The returning starting point guard from last year looks to have an even better season this year. “She did a good job last year,” Kavern said. “With a year’s experience, she’s just that much better.” Kavern said Gomez worked hard over the summer and he wants her to shoot more this season.

Jaclyn Padron, Delano — The freshman will be a swing-type player who will see time at shooting guard and small forward.

Mercedes Gonzalez, Mendota — The 5-10 freshman forward will be another player who will bang inside for Porterville.

Danielle Carrillo, Mendota — The freshmen guard is currently playing volleyball for PC and practices with both the volleyball and basketball teams. “She is extremely athletic,” Kavern said.

Katrina Goulbourne, Redwood — After two standout seasons for PC in volleyball, Goulbourne is now playing basketball for PC. Goulboure who’s another center who can run the floor and with her leaping ability, should be one of the Pirates’ top rebounders.

Tanzania Dunn, Edison — The sophomore center redshirted last year. “She’s doing well,” Kavern said.

Maribel Bravo, Strathmore — The freshman is an outstanding passing center and can also step out and shoot the three.

Taylor Means, Granite Hills — Means is grayshirting this season.

Kavern is proud that his team is made up of heavily local players. “To me, thta’s what it’s all about,” he said. “You try to get the best local kids around.”

Fresno City will again be the Central Valley Conference favorite with Merced looking strong again. Kavern said he believes his team, along with Reedley and COS, could challenge to finish in the upper half of the standings.

W

hile it has lost its top two scorers from last year, the Porterville College women’s basketball team should have plenty of players to pick up the slack as it enters the 2011-2012 season.

“This year we have a little more depth just because of our numbers,” PC coach Dave Kavern said.

Kavern also said his team should be less dependent on one or two scorers as it was last year on its top two scorers from last year, Alex Shew and Stevee Thomas. “We have more balance that we didn’t have last year,” Kavern said.

Here’s a look at the Pirates for this season:

Carmen Millan, Cesar Chavez — The sophomore is one of several returning players from last year and one of five centers on the team, something the Pirates also lacked from last year. “She’s not afraid to battle inside and mix it up with people,” Kavern said.

Eva Gutierrez, Strathmore — The freshman forward should be a key player on the press as the Pirates should also be able to go small when needed. Gutierrez could also be another outside shooting threat for PC. “She’s athletic,” Kavern said.

Kee’maya Snowden, Andre Agassi, Las Vegas — Snowden, a forward, returns after missing virtually all of last season with an ankle injury. “She’s a big, strong kid,” Kavern said. “We certainly have some size this year.”

Bethany Reed, Monache — Reed, a guard, was a standout player at Monache. “We’re happy to have her here,” Kavern said. “Youwant to have one of the best local kids around.” Kavern said Reed is an outstanding shooter and a smart player.

Dominique Perkins, Tulare Western — Perkins, a freshman center, is another player who will provide strength and size inside for PC.

Regine Mecenario, Delano — The sophomore was a starter last year and is expected to help pick up the scoring slack. She could be the best shooter on the team. “She can create her own shot,” said Kavern about Mecenario, who did score 19 points in a win last year over College of the Sequoias.

Janette Garado, Corning — The freshman guard should be one of PC’s top players. “She runs the floor well,” Kavern said. “She can knock down the three.”

Ra-Ra Gomez — The returning starting point guard from last year looks to have an even better season this year. “She did a good job last year,” Kavern said. “With a year’s experience, she’s just that much better.” Kavern said Gomez worked hard over the summer and he wants her to shoot more this season.

Jaclyn Padron, Delano — The freshman will be a swing-type player who will see time at shooting guard and small forward.

Mercedes Gonzalez, Mendota — The 5-10 freshman forward will be another player who will bang inside for Porterville.

Danielle Carrillo, Mendota — The freshmen guard is currently playing volleyball for PC and practices with both the volleyball and basketball teams. “She is extremely athletic,” Kavern said.

Katrina Goulbourne, Redwood — After two standout seasons for PC in volleyball, Goulbourne is now playing basketball for PC. Goulboure who’s another center who can run the floor and with her leaping ability, should be one of the Pirates’ top rebounders.

Tanzania Dunn, Edison — The sophomore center redshirted last year. “She’s doing well,” Kavern said.

Maribel Bravo, Strathmore — The freshman is an outstanding passing center and can also step out and shoot the three.

Taylor Means, Granite Hills — Means is grayshirting this season.

Kavern is proud that his team is made up of heavily local players. “To me, thta’s what it’s all about,” he said. “You try to get the best local kids around.”

Fresno City will again be the Central Valley Conference favorite with Merced looking strong again. Kavern said he believes his team, along with Reedley and COS, could challenge to finish in the upper half of the standings.