Hancock Women's Basketball Expects to Soar Even Higher in 2017-18

Fresh off its most successful season in more than 20 years that included 17 wins and a playoff appearance, expectations are high going into the 2017-18 campaign for the Allan Hancock College women's basketball season. Cary Nerelli returns for his fifth season as head coach of the Bulldogs. The Bulldogs open the season with three road games starting at 5 p.m. on Friday, November 3 at L.A. Southwest. Hancock defeated LASC last season 53-36.

"The coaching staff feels positive about our prospects for a successful season," said Nerelli, the CIF Hall of Fame coach who has won more games than the previous season in his first four years with the Bulldogs. "We return three starters and four reserves from last year's team. We see experience as one of our biggest strengths."

Guards Taylor Lee-Hammer (pictured on left) and Karly Beyers (center), and center Grace Rosa (right)are back. They were three of the team's four-leading scorers last season.

"They provide a solid foundation at key positions on both offense and defense," said Nerelli. "Taylor serves as our quarterback and will run the offense and key our defense. Karly elevated her perimeter shooting, which was already dynamite, and added the ability to drive into the key. Grace will anchor the inside on both ends of the court."

Beyers, a Pioneer Valley High School graduate, averaged almost 10 points per game and shot 35-percent from beyond the arc. Lee-Hammer, an all-conference pick as a freshman, averaged 12.6 points and ranked third in the state by shooting 44 percent from 3-point territory.

"I am beyond excited and ready to go out there and play," said Lee-Hammer. "I am very confident in our team and feel like we are one giant step above where we were last year."

Rosa, a Paso Robles High School graduate and 2017 all-conference selection, averaged 12.3 points and 7.4 rebounds per game. She said she focused this offseason on improving her footwork, ability to read defenses and passing.

"Experience will be a major asset," said Rosa. "I truly feel that the strengths each player has as an individual will make the team stronger as a whole."

Nerelli said the two remaining starting spots belong to sophomores Anamarie Fruge, a Pioneer Valley High School graduate, and Hannah Walls, who graduated from Valley Christian Academy.

"After receiving little playing time as freshmen, the two worked tirelessly in the spring and summer. They earned the opportunity to start. I am proud to see how much they have progressed through hard work," said Nerelli.

Redshirt freshman and post player Calley Pruett and sophomore guard Vanessa Ortiz will also provide depth off the bench. Freshman Brianna Rubalcaba, a Madera High School graduate, will provide a spark off the bench.

"I really like Brianna's aggressiveness and attitude on the court. She is a solid defender and her offensive game continues to improve," added Nerelli.

The Bulldogs do not feel added pressure coming off last season when they qualified for the playoffs and finished with the program's highest win total since 1994-95.

"Making the playoffs last season serves as a springboard for this season," said Nerelli. "With so many returners from last year's team, the women expect to make the playoffs and do some damage this season."

"We want to continue attaining new accomplishments, setting the bar higher and building our reputation so teams don't take us for granted," added Lee-Hammer. "We can accomplish this with hard work."

Following Friday's season opener, Hancock will play at LA Harbor Friday, November 10 before traveling to Taft on Nov. 15. Hancock's home opener will be Tuesday, Nov. 21 against Reedley.