Herrick Is Set for Another Run to Top With Canyons

Greg Herrick is preparing for another transition game, one that could lead him away from College of the Canyons after six seasons as women’s basketball coach.

But there’s one piece of unfinished business before he goes.

“My goal is to win a state championship,” Herrick said. “Really, that’s all that’s left.”

Canyons came close last season, losing to Ventura, 68-59, in the state final in San Jose.

Herrick, as he has in two notable coaching stints in the region, has built a winner at Canyons. The Cougars have gone undefeated in Western State Conference play three of the past four seasons and were 33-5 overall last season.

This season, with the return of All-WSC forwards Gohar Tumanian and Zevette Mitchell, and a deep bench, Canyons should remain among the region’s best teams and a state-title contender.

Freshmen centers Laura Tweedy and Michelle Durham, both 6 feet 4, provide size the team has lacked in recent years.

“Last year we were guard-oriented,” Herrick said. “This year, we’re Land of the Giants.”

For his part, Herrick, 44, hinted it might be time to search for higher mountains to ascend. He has spent as many seasons at Canyons as he did at Cleveland High, which he led to two City Section boys’ 3-A Division titles from 1979 to 1985.

Herrick spent five years as boys’ coach at Hart, winning two Foothill League titles before making the transition to the women’s game in 1992.

Nine victories shy of 300 for a career, another transition might be due.

“I’m right at about that six-year feeling,” Herrick said. “I’ve never stayed longer than that in one place.

“You stay somewhere, build the program until it’s one of the best around and then move on. You try to get to the elite eight, and once you’re there, anyone can win it.”

Canyons’ three returning starters will blend with several talented freshmen in Herrick’s up-tempo attack. A weakness could be inexperience at guard. Regardless, Herrick figures to have his team running.

As for the transition game, Herrick promises Canyons will develop into “the best there ever was.”

Here’s a look at the region’s women’s teams:

ANTELOPE VALLEY

COACH: Jackie Lott, eighth season.

LAST SEASON: 16-14; tied for second in Foothill Conference at 11-5.

Lott calls this team the most talented in her tenure. The Marauders have three returning starters, good perimeter shooting and depth. Guards Kristen Phillips, Chanel Edwards and Amy Egan received All-Foothill honorable mention last season. Phillips averaged 12.6 points and led the Marauders in three-point shooting with 63 of 160, 39%. Edwards averaged 10.7 points, Egan 6.9. Point guard Tiffany Coke averaged 7.9 points last season at Quartz Hill.

CANYONS

COACH: Greg Herrick, sixth season.

LAST SEASON: 33-5; first in Western State Conference Southern Division at 12-0.

The Cougars, 39-3 in conference play and division champion three times in four years, should remain a power. Returning starters Gohar Tumanian and Zevette Mitchell were all-conference selections last season. Tumanian, a 5-10 forward, averaged 15.3 points and 7.2 rebounds. Mitchell, a 6-foot center, averaged 11.8 points and 10.4 rebounds. Forward Maxine Unverferth, an all-conference selection in 1996, returns after sitting out one season. Guards Narineh Hartoonian and Wendy Gussner also return.

GLENDALE

COACH: Dyan Miller, second season.

LAST SEASON: 10-17; tied for third in WSC Southern Division at 7-5.

Miller continues a rebuilding job at Glendale, where several players return, including two starters. Sophomore forward Karen Shirikjian, an All-WSC honorable mention last season, averaged 14.8 points and 5.4 rebounds. Guard Ida Aghajanian is the other returning starter. Guards Vanessa Cortes and Leslie Michener, and forward Claudia Alvarez played last season. Newcomers include freshmen twins Erica and Erin Hightower from Pasadena High.

MOORPARK

COACH: Sherry Ruter, third season.

LAST SEASON: 20-12; third in WSC Northern Division at 6-4.

The Raiders lost most of their top players from last season. Center Melissa Shoden, who averaged 7.3 rebounds, and forward Jamim Halsey are the only returning starters. Forwards Rachel Rough and Rebeka Beteiraz, and guard Tara O’Donnell also return. Top freshmen include Judy Tuimoloau, who averaged 10.7 points and 9.5 rebounds for Channel Islands High, and Christina Mosesso, who averaged 9.4 points for Simi Valley.

OXNARD

COACH: Alex Flores, eighth season.

LAST SEASON: 1-27; sixth in WSC Northern Division at 0-10.

Flores is hoping experience will help reverse Oxnard’s fortunes. The Condors, who had only seven players last season, have five returning players and 12 on the roster. Forward Liz Grajales, who averaged 12 points and 10 rebounds, is the team’s only returning starter. Freshman forward Makela Owens did not play last season.

PIERCE

COACH: Jim Couch, first season.

LAST SEASON: 1-28; sixth in WSC Southern Division at 0-10.

No players return from last season--which probably is good news. The Brahmas’ only victory was over Oxnard. Guards Cheryl and Felicia Flores (no relation) averaged 12.3 and 9.1 points under Couch at Bell-Jeff. Guard Donya Walker was an integral member of Oxnard High’s Division I-AA championship team.

VALLEY

COACH: John Taylor, fifth season.

LAST SEASON: 24-11; second in WSC Southern Division at 10-2.

Valley is gunning for a fourth consecutive 20-victory season and fourth consecutive playoff appearance. The Monarchs will rely on two returning starters. All-WSC forward Tanya McLaughlin averaged 12.3 points and 5.1 rebounds. Point guard Nyoki McKeith averaged 2.9 assists. Guard Noelani Westall will play an increased role this season. Among the newcomers are three players from Palisades High, including cousins Meresaini and Melolini Malaki. Both are forwards and natives of Hawaii. Freshman Alexandra Gravani was an All-City forward for Birmingham High in 1995.

VENTURA

COACH: Ned Mircetic, eighth season.

LAST SEASON: 35-1; first in WSC Northern Division at 10-0.

Ventura, two-time defending state champion, has lost only four games in three years. The Pirates have four returning players, including guard Amirah Leonard, who averaged 16 points last season. Leonard made 49.5% of her shots and scored 19 points against Canyons in the state final. Mircetic admits Ventura probably won’t be as dominant. Forward Hali Metelak, who played sparingly last season, is sidelined for at least two weeks because of a stress fracture in her foot. Sophomore guard-forward Lynda Amari, a returning starter, averaged 9.6 points. Top freshman include guard Anicia Rimm of Oxnard and April Kozar, who averaged 23.9 points and 16.7 rebounds last season for Fillmore.