Mircetic Says He’s Not Leaving Position

Ned Mircetic received the biggest ovation of anyone from Ventura College during postgame awards presentations Saturday night at UC Irvine’s Bren Events Center.

Ventura failed in its bid for an unprecedented third consecutive state women’s title, but the Pirates’ boisterous following made clear their feelings for the architect of the team’s success.

Mircetic has a record of 234-35 in eight seasons at Ventura, including victories in 107 of the past 110 games.

“I know he could go on to the next level,” said Tara McLean-Emery, Mircetic’s top assistant for three years. “But he’s built something here that he likes. He’s driven to teaching the girls to play 100%. That’s what it’s all about.”

Mircetic might easily jump to the helm of Ventura’s men’s program. The program will be in need of resurrection once it is reinstated after a two-year probation imposed by the Western State Conference expires in 1999.

Mircetic, 44, a former assistant to former Ventura men’s coach Phil Matthews, would be a logical choice for the job.

But Mircetic mused about the notion all of two seconds.

“Six years ago, maybe,” Mircetic said. “But now, no way. I’m a women’s coach.

“I’m very happy here. I didn’t have any built-in prejudices about coaching women when I started. Other than the athleticism, it isn’t that different from the men’s game. It’s highly competitive, just as emotional and [the players] work just as hard.”

Concerns that the women’s program would suffer from the demise of the men’s team were unfounded. The Pirates have not broken stride and supporters still fill the stands at home games and on the road.

Talented high school players from the region continue to flock to Ventura and next season should be no exception.

“I always wanted to go to Ventura College,” said center April Kozar, a freshman from Fillmore High. “I wanted to play for a winning team. If you listen to everything he says, you’ll win.”

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Sophomore guard Amirah Leonard, most valuable player of the state tournament last year at San Jose State, set a school single-season record with three three-pointers in the state final Saturday against San Jose.

Leonard finished with 84, eclipsing Angela Williams’ record of 82 set in 1990.

Leonard, who scored 69 points in three games, and teammate April Kozar were selected to the all-tournament team.

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Canyons Coach Greg Herrick, who suffered a seizure seconds after the Cougars’ playoff loss last week to Orange Coast, watched the North-South all-star game Thursday at Concordia University.

Herrick, 45, collapsed during postgame handshakes and was rushed to a hospital. He was treated and released early the next day and is suffering no signs of illness.

“At this point, I don’t know what happened or whether it can happen again,” Herrick said. “I’m a little mentally fatigued.”

Herrick said, contrary to published reports, he did not suffer a mild heart attack a year ago.

“I didn’t have a heart attack,” he said. “I just had chest pains and I went and had all the tests they give to people who have heart attacks. There’s no heart disease at all. It wasn’t that big a deal. I’m not even taking that medication anymore.”

Herrick met with his players on Thursday for the first time since his collapse. The coach said he intends to return next season.

“I’m just grateful for everyone,” Herrick said. “I met with the team and they were a little nervous. I did what I normally do--make jokes.”

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Tanya McLaughlin of Valley had 18 points and nine rebounds, and Zevette Mitchell of Canyons had five points and five rebounds in the South’s 95-90 victory at Concordia.