Noble Finds Her Touch for Ventura

Shatasha Noble has not played basketball in more than two years, but she is showing signs of regaining her game.

Noble, a sophomore from Paso Robles High, scored 25 points and Ventura College defeated College of the Canyons, 73-50, in a Western State Conference interdivisional women’s game Thursday night at Ventura.

Ventura (19-0), ranked No. 1 in the state, may have found the offensive force needed to complement its stifling defense.

Noble transferred to Ventura from Sheraton Community College in Wyoming last spring to compete for the Pirates’ track and field program, but came out for basketball with prompting from Ventura Coach Ned Mircetic.

She entered the game averaging only nine points, but when left in one-on-one defensive situations, her athleticism was too much for Canyons to handle.

Noble used a variety of moves to the basket and simply out-jumped Cougar defenders on second efforts. She scored 17 points in the first half to help the Ventura put the game away early.

“We played very solid on defense all year, but on offense, we haven’t come together yet,” Mircetic said. “[Noble] is capable of doing that. She’s really athletic and she has enough athleticism to create her own shots.”

Ventura’s defense was effective from the start. The Pirates had 11 steals.

Under the Pirates’ pressure, Canyons (9-5) struggled and made just two field goals in the first nine minutes, allowing Ventura to take an 18-4 lead.

The Cougars committed 11 turnovers during that stretch and finished with 36.

Canyons’ shooting did not improve as the game progressed, and the Cougars made only 15 of 52 shots (28%).

“We made them work hard on every possession,” Mircetic said. “They missed a couple of easy shots but they had to work to get them.”

Ventura guard Renae Hofmann had four steals, but more importantly, found Noble at the right times for easy baskets. Teammate Sandra Kaufhold scored 16 points.

Canyons, which failed to have a player score in double figures, received eight points each from Tasha Allen and Leanne Bennett.