Hancock Women's Basketball Opens Season at Home Friday at 3 p.m.
Armed with a talented core of returning starters and a new crop of dynamic freshman, the Allan Hancock College women's basketball team has high hopes for the 2016-17 season. The Bulldogs open the season Friday, November 4, at home against L.A. Southwest. Tipoff inside Joe White Memorial Gymnasium will be at 3 p.m.
"We have all the pieces to be a very competitive team," said fourth-year head coach Cary Nerelli. "The chemistry is great with this team. What I've really noticed is that they play for one another, rather than just playing with each other."
The Hancock women are coming off a 16-win season, the program's highest single-season win total in 20 years. They feature four key returning players, including the top three scorers and rebounders from last year's team: guard Syenna Ramirez, wing Destinee Garcia, post player Kelly McClain and guard Ne'Chelle Martinez.
"The team this year works really well together on and off the court," said Ramirez, who averaged 16.4 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists per game as a freshman. "We practice with more intensity and more passion. I'm so excited for this season."
"I cannot wait to start the season," added Garcia, who averaged 8.3 points, 7.5 rebounds and 3 steals per game last season. "We have improved on offense and defense. We've also had the best practices the last two weeks."
Nerelli said Garcia and Ramirez showed tremendous initiative in the offseason working to extend their shooting range and improve their ball handling skills to take them to the next level. He said Martinez would provide added depth when she returns from an injury.
Nerelli welcomes a talented recruiting class that includes starting point guard, Taylor Lee-Hammer, an All-State basketball player from Colorado. The 5'7" guard averaged almost 14 points and three steals per game as a senior.
"Taylor is a natural point guard with tremendous knowledge of the game. She plays the game the way we want it to be played and shows great ball handling and court leadership," said Nerelli.
Freshman guard Karly Beyers was an All-League basketball and softball player at Pioneer Valley High School. She averaged about 10 points, six rebounds and three assists per game her senior year.
"Karly is just a pure shooter. She is lethal when she comes off picks. She is working to create her own shots," said Nerelli.
Nerelli said six-foot-two Grace Rosa will provide the size, strength and aggressiveness his team needs in the paint this season. She averaged nearly 16 points, 11 rebounds and three blocks per game her senior year at Paso Robles High School.
He also spoke highly of freshman Naomi Leopardi. The 28-year old has a bachelor's degree from Minnesota State University, Moorehead, where she played rugby. She last played competitive basketball 10 years ago when she was an All-State basketball player at Big Sandy High School in Montana.
"Her basketball skills are sharpening on a daily basis. She can play inside and outside. She radiates confidence and the other players feed off it," said Nerelli.
Nerelli discovered the five-foot-10 post player when he saw her during a pickup basketball game at Vandenberg Air Force Base, where he husband is stationed. Leopardi said she could not pass up the opportunity a second time.
"Ten years ago, I turned down the chance to play a four-year university right out of high school. I've always regretted it," said Leopardi. "Basketball is one of those games you don't forget. The 10-year absence made my drive and desire to play that much more."
Leopardi said her Hancock teammates accepted her from the start.
"When we play basketball, there is no age difference. We are all here to play for each other and to improve every day," she added.
Nerelli declared Leopardi, Lee-Hammer, Garcia, Ramirez and Rosa his starting five.
The Hancock women play two of their first three games at home. Following Friday's game against L.A. Southwest, Hancock will play at L.A. Harbor on Friday, Nov. 11, before hosting Taft on Thursday, Nov. 17.