The Voice - Student Newspaper

Women stumble into postseason

By Justin Shepard
Online Editor, The VOICE

When The Voice went to print, the division's fourth-ranked Glendale Lady Gauchos' basketball team (10-12 ACCAC, 15-15 overall) was preparing to face the first ranked Mesa Thunderbirds in the ACCAC Division II semifinals on Mar. 3.

Glendale clinched a playoff berth for the first time since the 2004 season.

Despite the team successfully accomplishing their first goal of making it to the post-season, the last two weeks leading up to the playoffs have been anything but gratifying as the ladies have lost six consecutive games.

A combination of poor team chemistry, sour shooting and lazy effort on the defensive end were all to blame for the team's fall to the last eligible spot for the playoffs.

Interim head coach Dean Madison admitted, "We just need to play better together and just get the job done. The girls aren't playing hard enough to get over the hump."

The all important team chemistry factor was lost at the wrong point of the season, contributing to the team's collapse.

"I think we have a lot of people who don't feel like being here", says sophomore Brittany Lopez.

Madison also pointed out that the sophomores needed to step up and push the freshman to play harder.

On the defensive end, the team allowed an average of almost 97 points per game during the six game skid, and offensively posted a mere 77.3 points per game.

The team allowed conference power Central Arizona to put up 121 points in a 53-point loss on Feb. 24. Three days later they allowed Chandler-Gilbert to take control of a close game in the waning moments.

Even considering the lack of momentum for the Gauchos, the team is excited to have a chance at playing for a championship. If the team can unite and return to their winning ways, there's no saying how far Glendale can go.

"I think it's exciting. After not being in the playoffs last season and having a [losing record], it's absolutely amazing", says sophomore Kaitlyn McCanna.

Coach Madison and his team headed to Mesa's Theo Heap gym on Mar. 3 to take on the red-hot reigning Division II champions. While GCC has been slumping in recent weeks, Mesa (18-4 ACCAC, 26-4 overall), has been dominating their opponents as of late, including a big win over second-ranked Pima.

Glendale would have to beat the Thunderbirds if they hoped to keep their title hopes alive. If not, their season would conclude.

Despite Mesa being ranked fourth in the national poll heading into the post-season, GCC proved they can contend with them during the regular season.

In the first matchup on Dec. 10 hosted by GCC, Mesa defeated Glendale 114-100. However, on Feb. 7, Glendale beat the Thunderbirds 98-95 on their home court. That was GCC's last victory before their downward spiral.

Each of the Lady Gauchos play a crucial role for any hope of post-season success.

Brittany Lopez entered the playoffs grabbing 8.5 rpg. Freshman Janessa Adeleye was averaging 14 ppg, and Cesslii Granado continues to lead the conference with 6 assists per game.

Mesa's roster included several strong players including Brooke Jackson.

Jackson, the ACCAC Division II player of the week heading into the post-season, was strong offensively and defensively averaging 18.2 ppg along with 2.7 steals a game.

After sustaining a knee injury midway through the season, Jackson has caught fire of late.

Glendale is determined to get back on track and prove they can end the season on a high note. Considering that GCC was able to beat Mesa recently, the team admits that this is a confidence booster as they prepared to play them again.

Coach Madison said it best when he said, "I told the girls that I guarantee Mesa is nervous about us."

Please send comments to jshepard@gccvoice.com