Orange Coast’s Balance, Depth Result in Impressive 10-0 Start

Mike Thornton, the Orange Coast women’s basketball coach, is devoting time to a task that no doubt makes other coaches envious.

Thornton, in his 10th season, spends a few minutes each day trying to temper his players’ building fervor.

Thornton is happy that the Pirates have won two tournaments and are 10-0. But he also wants his team to realize that the season has barely started.

OCC still has seven games, including hosting a tournament this month, before Orange Empire Conference play starts Jan. 6.

“The kids are really excited,” Thornton said, “but we hardly ever talk about winning games. We just talk about being the best team we can be.”

Orange Coast was a pretty good team last year led by sophomore forward Jennifer Ludwicki, who averaged 24 points. The Pirates were 25-10, losing in the first round of the state tournament.

But this team has potential to be better than that, thanks to a number of talented players. But unlike last season, the offense is more balanced.

Four players are averaging 11 points or more, led by freshman guard Erin Tomlinson (12.2 points) and sophomore forward Ani Saraydarian (12.1).

Freshman forward Sarah Middlebrooke and sophomore center Natalie Weeks are averaging 11 points each.

Adria Sortino is also back at point guard.

“This is the deepest team I’ve ever had,” Thornton said, “Nobody feels like they have to go out and score 20 or 25 points a game.”

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Fullerton, which has lost four in row, is expecting the return of sophomore point guard Joyce Sudario who has missed two games because of sore shins.

Sudario, who is averaging nine points, eight assists and five steals, is expected to play Friday at Cerritos.

Steve Kresal can be reached at (714) 966-5904 or by e-mail at steve.kresal@latimes.com.