The Voice - Student Newspaper

Sutherland out, Madison in as women's coach

The Lady Gauchos' whirlwind season touched down on the Glendale coaching staff two weeks ago.

Women's basketball head coach Tom Sutherland was released from his coaching duties as a result of an undisclosed incident within the team.

When asked for a statement regarding the situation, Alberto Sanchez, V.P. of Student Affairs at GCC, stated, "I can't discuss the incident or the happening because it is a personnel issue."

Former assistant coach Dean Madison has since stepped in as interim head coach.

Originally from Nebraska, Madison has been coaching for 27 years, having experience in both the head coach and assistant positions.

The team hasn't allowed the coaching transition to throw them off.

Ceslii Granado, the conference's assist leader with 6.2 per game admits, "We really don't talk about it. We play for the team and win for each other."

Madison's play adjustments were quickly apparent against South Mountain following the coaching change.

Glendale drove the ball to the hoop more often, rather than relying on outside shots. After a close first half, GCC had a strong run late in the second half to cap off a 107-92 win. The following weekend, GCC defeated nationally-ranked and potential playoff opponent Mesa, 98-95.

They couldn't continue the momentum on Feb. 11 as they suffered a loss against struggling Cochise College, 96-92.

GCC's defense has focused in on working out their conference-worst defense as the playoffs loom. Janessa Adeleye, averaging 13.5ppg, admits that the biggest change Madison has made is with the defensive strategy.

The team has added a 2-2-1 trapping defense.

"We've gone to both a trapping and a slow down defense, which has really paid off for us", says Madison.

Whereas before Glendale pressed to induce the running game, their full-court defense now actually aims to stop the ball and create turnovers before the ball crosses half-court. Glendale has also made changes offensively.

"Madison emphasizes that when you don't have an open [3-point] shot, you drive it to the basket", says Adeleye.

Despite the changes, the Gauchos have still been able to put up points and play consistent defense. Earlier in the season, Glendale was prone to give up 120 points one night, and hold their opponents in the low 40's the next.

In a stretch of five games, the team has allowed 91, 98, 92, 95 and 96 points respectively.

"Teamwork, concentration, focus and preparation" will be key in this final stretch of games as the ladies gear up for the playoffs, says sophomore Krystall Pratt.

Coach Madison understands that the team needs to be in top form if they hope to be a threat in the post-season. That certainly wasn't the case last Saturday at home against conference power Arizona Western. The Gauchos scored a season-low 47 points. No one for Glendale scored in double-figures.

Their previous low had been 74 against non-conference opponent Howard College on Jan. 3rd.

"We're just looking forward to getting into the playoffs and going one game at a time," Madison said. "Our goal is to go to Peoria, Illinois."

Before the national tournament in Illinois, however, Glendale still needs to focus on getting out of its own division, where they currently sit third with four games to play.

With the Lady Gauchos three games ahead of fourth-place Scottsdale and four games behind second-place Mesa, it's a safe bet that Glendale will reach the divisional four-team playoffs in March.

Due to the spread between Scottsdale, Glendale and Mesa, it's likely Glendale and Mesa will face each other in the first round. The two teams have split the season series this year.

Please send comments to mnpetersen@gccvoice.com and jshepard@gccvoice.com