New Coaches Hope It’s Not Same Old Story in Pacific

Allen Freemon and Errol Garnett have more in common than just the fact they were basketball teammates at Occidental College in 1992-93.

They also are among three new girls’ basketball coaches in the Pacific League.

Freemon of Crescenta Valley High, Garnett of Glendale and Jack Van Patten of Hoover have been familiarizing themselves with their teams in recent weeks, including in the Santa Clarita Shootout at College of the Canyons.

Each coach faces a unique challenge.

Two weeks ago, Freemon, 28, took over a program in turmoil after successful Coach Damian Scribner was dismissed amid allegations he had an improper relationship with a female student.

Scribner was 46-8 in two seasons at Crescenta Valley, which has claimed at least a share of the last four Pacific League titles.

“I’m looking forward to the challenge,” said Freemon, who coached the boys’ junior varsity at St. Francis in 1996-97 and ‘97-98. “The expectations here are very high.”

Roddy Gregory, an assistant at Crescenta Valley for four seasons, has helped smooth the transition and coached the Falcons to a 40-29 victory over El Camino Real on Friday in a consolation game.

Expectations are high at Glendale, where Garnett, who replaced Jerry Mike, hopes to light a fire under the Dynamiters.

Crescenta Valley and Muir have dominated the league in the 1990s.

“My philosophy is, ‘If you want to play basketball for fun, go play at the Y,’ ” said Garnett, whose team lost to Canyon in a consolation game. “If you want to play and actually compete, come to Glendale.”

Hoover has been one of the least competitive teams in the region.

Van Patten must build from a program that has gone 14-44 the last three seasons and won only three of its last 30 league games.

“The girls have responded very well,” said Van Patten, a Hoover graduate and the school’s athletic director the last three years. “I’m enjoying this immensely.”

Hoover is 13-8 this summer after a loss to Quartz Hill.

“I don’t know what he does, but whatever it is, it’s working,” said Christine Hayrapetian, who scored 23 points against Quartz Hill.

Royal 53, Hart 45--Kristen Galbreath scored 22 points for Royal, which will play Burroughs tonight at 7:30 for the championship.

Briana Brigandi scored 12 points and Amanda Patton had 11 for Hart.

Burroughs 43, Valencia 28--Shaina Zaidi and Sara Larquier each scored 12 points and Gracie Coronado added 10 for Burroughs in the other semifinal.

Megan Honaker had 11 points for Valencia, which will play Hart at 6:15 p.m. for third place.

Crescenta Valley 40, El Camino Real 29--Kristie Umemoto scored 22 points for Crescenta Valley in a consolation game.

Christina Aguinaga scored 19 points for El Camino Real.

Canyon 32, Glendale 24--Alison Rendich and Courtney Koenig each scored 10 points for Canyon in a consolation game.

Highland 38, Burbank 22--Denisha McQueen scored 14 points for Highland in a consolation game.

Quartz Hill 51, Hoover 43--Sharron Herbert had 14 points for Quartz Hill in a consolation game.