2008 Woodie Awards
No. 2 in state
Lady Mustangs make history getting to the final game, but fail to beat Mt. SAC
Ivan Moore
Issue date: 3/17/06 Section: Sports
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The Lady Mustangs' exceptional season came to a disappointing end Sunday, March 12. After topping Pasadena 60-56 in the quarterfinals, and then Riverside 77-66 in the semi-finals, the Delta women's first foray into the California Community Colleges Women's Basketball Championships ended with a defeat by the Mt. San Antonio College Mounties, 80-57.
Looking for the right words to describe her team's attitude during the game, Delta player Necolia Simmons said that she knew the girls were "satisfied" just to be at this level.
Their progress in the playoffs is historic, as it marks the first time in Delta history that the women's basketball team has reached the state finals.
"I'm proud of that fact," Delta head coach Gina Johnson said after the game. "I'm excited for these girls. It's an honor for me to coach this group."
The Lady Mustangs' calling card energy and tenacity on defense weren't factors in Sunday's game. At times it seemed that they had swapped those traits with their opponents.
Mt. San Antonio benefited from exemplary play by their guards, who combined to contribute 15 assists, impressively strong outside shooting, and a transition game that echoed that of Delta at their best.
"They beat us in transition," Delta guard Sammy Jew confirmed after the game. "They knew our weakness, which was being slow in rotation."
The Mounties simply did not miss an open shot, and took advantage of every opportunity given them in the paint.
Mt. San Antonio center Lauren Ervin's play earned her a tournament MVP award. She finished with 23 points, eight rebounds, four assists, and two blocks.
"I don't want to take anything away from the Delta guards," Mt. San Antonio head coach Laura Beeman said after her team's win. "They are great players. We knew we needed good ball pressure, and to control the tempo of the game."
The Mounties did just that, and in the process kept the Lady Mustangs at bay for the entire game. Besides the first few minutes of the game, the gap in the scores was never less than 15 points. When it did seem like Delta was gaining momentum with six unanswered points, coach Beeman called a well-placed timeout, effectively deflating the Delta offense.
"The wind was out of our sails," coach Johnson said.
Delta post player Necolia Simmons, who was named the top player in Northern California for the regular season, as well as voted onto the All-Tournament Team for the post-season, was clearly disappointed after the game, but remained hopeful about next season. The freshman is looking forward to next year.
"This loss just makes me and my teammates want to work harder on our game," she told The Impact. "Maybe some people will be out partying this summer; I'm going to be in the gym." She outrebounded and outscored the tournament MVP with 12 boards and 24 points. Sophomore Jennifer Layton turned in seven points and two blocks, and freshman Samantha Oelsner had 10 points, including a basket from behind the arc.
When asked what made the difference in the game, the Lady Mustangs seemed to agree it was a combination of a lack of their trademark energy, coupled with the great play from the Mounties' guards.
"(Ervin) is good…" Simmons said, "but it was their guards that won the game for them." She went on to say that she still feels good about the season.
"We went undefeated in league," she said. "We should be proud of ourselves."
Sophomore guard Sammy Jew was in agreement with her teammate.
"We had a great season. We can hold our heads up high," she said.
With some players leaving for possible play at the higher level (university scouts were in the audience at the game), the team will inevitably face changes next season. But many key players, including guards Ashley Kitchen and Rose Docena, as well as Necolia Simmons, will be returning. This won't be the last time the Lady Mustangs will take a shot at the state title.