Whelihan Endures a Tough Season
It has been a tough season for Pacific Christian first-year Coach Tom Moody. His top player, 6-foot-10 center Axel Margaritha, had season-ending shoulder surgery in January. Guard Josh Whelihan has been hobbled by a stress fracture all season.
The Royals have lost 23 of their first 27 games. But in the Royals’ few victories, Whelihan, from University High, has produced.
He scored a career-high 47 points in a season-high 36 minutes in a 90-81 victory over LIFE Bible Jan. 27. He came within two points of Charles Ross’ single-game school record set in 1993.
“Josh has been up and down this season,” Moody said. “But it’s been mainly because sometimes, he simply couldn’t play.”
Even with curtailed playing time, Whelihan still posted big numbers in the victories. He scored 25 points in 17 minutes during a 101-90 victory over Point Loma Nazarene Nov. 8. He had 28 points in 19 minutes in a 119-96 victory over Palm Beach Atlantic Nov. 28.
“It’s been tough for Josh because this is his senior year too,” Moody said.
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Rainouts: The recent storm forced the cancellation of the Chapman baseball season opener, because it left Hart Park unplayable for Wednesday’s game against The Master’s. Southern California College had two Northern California games, at Cal State Hayward and Menlo, rained out.
And the rain also washed out an SCC men’s basketball game.
SCC had its Golden State Athletic Conference game at Westmont postponed one day because because of a power outage at the campus in Santa Barbara.
“We were more concerned about roads,” SCC Coach Bill Reynolds said. “We didn’t want to venture to see if we could get through, then get there and not be able to play.”
SCC began its three-game stretch playing against the conference’s front-runners with a 93-85 loss to Westmont Wednesday. SCC plays at Azusa Pacific tonight and hosts Biola Tuesday. All three of those opponents entered the week tied for first in conference.
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Honors: SCC’s Elaine Whittemore was selected Golden State Athletic Conference player of the week. She averaged 21 points and 13 rebounds and shot 69% from the field in two victories last week.
The Vanguards, ranked 25th in the NAIA, took over sole possession of first in conference with a 66-55 victory over Concordia and an 81-58 victory over Point Loma Nazarene.
SCC did lose a key nonconference game to UC San Diego, 91-78, Tuesday. The Tritons are ranked fourth in the NCAA Division III West Region.