Game Overshadowed by Coach’s Collapse

Canyons Coach Greg Herrick was hospitalized after collapsing just a few minutes after his team lost in the Southern California community college women’s basketball playoffs Saturday at Orange Coast.

Although the reason for the collapse remains unknown, a Costa Mesa paramedic said it was an apparent seizure.

Herrick, who suffered a heart attack a little more than a year ago, left the gym on a stretcher but was conscious. He was breathing on his own and responded when questioned by a firefighter.

He is listed in stable condition at Hoag Memorial Presbyterian in Newport Beach. No other details were released.

The players had just started shaking hands after Pirates’ 74-66 victory when Herrick fell to the ground and started shaking. Orange Coast trainer Dan Bright was among the first to rush to Herrick’s aide.

Several Canyons players cried while looking on and were consoled by parents and others.

Several players prayed near the coach and most of the stunned crowd of about 400 remained in the gym for about five minutes until they were asked to leave.

Canyons assistant coach Harlan Perlman said Herrick was fine during the game and never had suffered anything like this before.

Orange Coast Coach Mike Thornton said he asked Herrick about his health before the game. He said Herrick told him he had just had his one-year checkup in early February after his heart attack last year and that everything was fine.

Orange Coast (25-9) advances to the state tournament for the third time in six seasons. The Pirates were led by sophomore guard Jennifer Ludwicki, who scored 23 points and was 12 for 12 from the free-throw line.

The teams were tied at halftime and Canyons’ last lead was 61-60 with 5 minutes 49 seconds left.

Ludwicki was fouled while making a layup. The three-point play put the Pirates ahead, 63-61, with 4:53 to go.

Becky Loshak and Natalie Weeks each added 16 for the Pirates. Loshak made a three-pointer to put the Pirates up, 66-61, with 4:15 left to play.