Leticia Ridley Photo © Frank Gregorek

Fantastic ride comes to an end

Grossmont's women's basketball team saw a wildly successful 2009-10 season come to an end at Fullerton College 45-54 in the state playoffs.

Grossmont's Leticia Ridley was the only Griffin in double digits with 12 points and 4 rebounds. Forwards Phylicia Schultz and Brittany Robinson each pulled in a game-high 8 rebounds.

Although the season came to an end, head coach Karen Caires beams with pride over the steps the program took.

2009-2010 PCAC Standings

"We have worked so very hard to make the jump and the team did it! Hosting in the first round of the Southern California Regional was a result of months and months of hard work that started last spring."

Phylicia Schultz Photo © Frank Gregorek

The Grossmont roster will turn over by more than 50% for the 2010-11 season with 7 sophomores moving on from this season's roster of 12 players.

"These sophomores and hard working freshman have my respect and admiration," said Caires.

"We became a team that finally got to the 'we' and understood the strength of our pack of Griffins together!"

Caires also praised the students and family members who supported Grossmont all season long, culminating in making the trek up to Fullerton for the season's final game.

"I am thankful to all our wonderful fans and family who made the trip to the Fullerton game. We had a fantastic showing of the Green and Gold!"

Sinoi Lesau Photo © Frank Gregorek

"To update all the fans, Fullerton advanced to the State Finals and were runners-up to State Champions Ventura College who beat them by 12."

Never ones to rest, Caires and her Griffins are already preparing for the next campaign.

"We are already back to work next week starting March 22nd for our spring advanced techniques and strategies course. All players interested should sign up for our summer Exercise Science 207 course which begins June 14."

Any prospective athletes with questions should contact Patrick Arure our Athletic Advisor at 619-644-7423.

Finally Caires had a simple, yet heartfelt message for her team and their supporters, "thanks for a great year and Go Griffs!"

The Griffins will celebrate their season with the annual team banquet on March 24 in Griffin Gate at 6:45 pm.
 

Brittany Robinson Photo © Frank Gregorek

Fullerton will be toughest test yet
South Region quarter-final preview

Antelope Valley Photos

(2/27) Grossmont (25-5) will continue their march towards the state championships traveling to face #2 State-ranked Fullerton Saturday night.

The Hornets, who are the #1 seed in the South Bracket, beat #16 Santa Barbara 82-64 in their first-round game Saturday night.

The Grossmont staff was on hand for that game, one night following the Griffins thrilling playoff victory.

Fullerton (29-1) won the Orange Empire Conference championship with a conference record of 12-0.

The Hornets' only defeat came on November 22nd against the state's #1 team Ventura, 47-64. Since then Fullerton has rattled off 24 straight wins heading into Saturday's quarter final matchup with the Griffins.

Grossmont, rated #17 in the state, remained undefeated at home dropping visiting Antelope Valley 69-56 Friday night.

Fullerton features a deep team with 9 players who average at least 5 points per game. Three of the Hornets top six scorers come off the bench. Sophomore guard Taiyande Huskey leads the team in scoring with 13.6 points per game.

The Hornets use an all-sophomore starting lineup, but have several impact freshman coming off of the bench. The team's leading rebounder, Asleigh Adams, is a 5-9 freshman who averages 5.3 boards and 6.5 points per game.

Tiffany Klein Photo © Frank Gregorek

On the season Fullerton averages four made-three pointers per game, connecting on 121 of 363 (33%) attempts. In comparison Grossmont has 154 made threes on the season, an average of just over 5 per game.

The team's top long range shooters are guards who come off the bench; 5-7 freshman Rachel Hatch, and 5-9 freshman Jhakia McDonald. Hatch has made 26 three-pointers while averaging 6.5 points and 3 rebounds per game. McDonald, the team's second-leading scorer, has connected on 25 long-range shots averaging 10 points and 4 rebounds per game.

Fullerton, much like the Griffins rely on a stifling defense to induce turnovers and control rebounds.

The Hornets have the #8 ranked defense in California, allowing only 53 points per game. Fullerton has racked up a whopping 558 steals per game. The Griffins have accounted for 381 takeaways on the season.

5-6 guard Sarah Jackson leads the team with 3.3 steals per game, followed by Huskey at 2.9 and McDonald at 2.5.

The Griffins head into this week with a head of steam and are buoyed by the excitement of their first playoff win in years. "We're looking forward to a great week of practice," said Caires.

Fullerton Hornets likely starting lineup

Record against common opponents

Breanna Durant Photo © Frank Gregorek

Griffins post commanding victory, will face #1 seed Fullerton

Antelope Valley Photos
Box Score

(2/26) The Grossmont women made a statement that they were not merely satisfied to have qualified for the state playoffs on Friday night. The Griffins used their reliable defense and timely shooting to best the state's #6 team, visiting Antelope Valley College, 69-56 to advance in the California state playoffs.

Grossmont, the number 8 seed in the Southern region, will play travel to #1 Fullerton next Saturday night.

The win improved Grossmont Coach Karen Caires' record to 25-5 on the season.
"What a great historical moment for Grossmont basketball," said Caires.

Grossmont's turnover-inducing defense was again on display as the defended and disrupted a usually steady Antelope Valley squad. The Marauders turned the ball over 26 times while Grossmont collected 19 steals.

"I have a lot of respect for John Taylor and his program," said Caires.

Sinoi Leseau Photo © Frank Gregorek

The Griffins were also keyed by their three-point shooting connecting on 8 of their 22 attempts (36%). Tiffany Klein, Ariel Meek and Sinoi Lesau all hit a pair of three-balls.

Forward Brittany Robinson paced the scoring with 13 points. Robinson operated as a point forward as well dishing out 6 assists to go with 7 rebounds and 5 steals.

Klein connected on 50% of her shots from the floor to score 10 points. Meek was the only other Griffin in double figures with 10 points.

Ten Grossmont players scored in a game where the entire roster saw action by halftime.

"I am so proud of this team," said Caires. "They battled from beginning to end and played as one unit, that has been our success all year."

Phylicia Schultz contributed a balanced effort with 7 points, 8 rebounds, and 4 steals.

Women host Antelope Valley

(2/22)  The Grossmont College women, by virtue of earning the #8 seed in the state playoffs will host Antelope Valley College Friday night at 7pm.

Antelope Valley, located in Lancaster CA, went 25-5 overall and 12-2 in conference finishing in a three-way tie for first place in the Foothill Conference with San Bernardino and Mt San Jacinto. Antelope Valley.

The Marauders are ranked #6 in the final state poll, while the Griffins are rated #17.

Grossmont lost to the Marauders in overtime of the Championship game of the Santa Barbara Tournament 62-71 on November 15th.

Marauder Head Coach John Taylor has won the conference title the past two seasons. Taylor is in his tenth season and has compiled a 183-85 record.Antelope Valley is led by All-Conference selections Tijera Mathews, Siedah Wilson and Brittni Hulsizer.

Mathews, who was named first-team All-State, is a 5-10 sophomore forward and leads the team in scoring at just under 12 points per game. Mathews made the most three-pointers on the team with 43, shooting a 35% clip from outside. She is also the team's second-leading rebounder at 6.5 per game.

Wilson is a 5-7 point guard and the team's second-leading scorer at 7.9 ppg. The sophomore has connected for the second-most three-pointers on the team with 36 to go along with a 2.9 assist per game average.

Hulsizer is a 5-10 sophomore forward and averaged 7.8 ppg and 6.4 rebounds per game. Six-foot Brittani Jefferson is the team's leading rebounder at 6.7 per game. The freshman shoots 52% from the field, averaging 7.4 points per game.

AVC also gets significant contributions from Shanara Clark and Brandi Dawson. Clark is a 6-2 freshman center who averages 7.7 points and 5.7 rebounds per game. Dawson is a 5-6 freshman guard who averages 7.4 points, 2 rebounds and two assists per game.

The Marauders and Griffins figure to match up evenly with Antelope Valley averaging 67.5 points per game compared to Grossmont's 68.1.

Ridley, Robinson earn All PCAC

(2/21) Grossmont's Leticia Ridley and Brittany were named to the First Team All Pacific Coast Athletic Conference Team today.

Ridley is a freshman point guard out of San Diego. Ridley was also named second-team All-State from the southern region. She averaged 14 points on the season along with 2 steals and 3 assists per game.

Robinson is a two-year starter out of Horizon High School in San Diego. The 5-7 forward averaged just under 10 points per game and 8 rebounds for the 2009-10 season.

Forward Phylicia Schultz was named an honorable mention by the conference. Schultz, a 5-8 sophomore, averaged 7 points and 6 rebounds per game.

ALL-PACIFIC COAST ATHLETIC CONFERENCE WOMEN’S BASKETBALL TEAM

Player of the Year
Kiara Stinson, Palomar

Coach of the Year
Sheri Jennum, Palomar

First Team
Briattany Robinson, Grossmont
Leticia Ridley, Grossmont
Kiara Stinson, Palomar
Tagisia Togisala, Southwestern
Lauren Matheney, Palomar
Camille Smith, Imperial Valley
Bethany Wong, San Diego City College
Megan Conroy, MiraCosta
Meagan O’Farrell, Palomar
Jasmine Bonds, Southwestern
Amanda Jamison, San Diego Mesa

Honorable Mention
Grossmont – Phylicia Schultz, Tiffany Klein, Breanna Durant, Ariel Meek, Sydney D’Angelo, Alex Lamourelle
Palomar – Amber Glasser, Melanie Wilkerson, Natalie Curran, Stephanie Bishop
Southwestern – Tiffany Depfer
MiraCosta – Rachel Darby, Ali Congini
Imperial Valley – Johanna Uribe, Marissa Gonzalez
San Diego City College – Michelle Brown, D’Arjene Porter
San Diego Mesa – La Queshia Donald, Shelby Watson
Cuyamaca – Nada Hanna, Belinda Pickens

Griffins are PCAC Co-Champs

Box Score

(2/19) The assignment for Grossmont was simple, beat visiting Southwestern and assure themselves of at least a share of the Pacific Coast Athletic Conference Championship.

Southwestern made that task anything but simple. While Palomar College, who shared first place with Grossmont hosted 0-21 Cuyamaca, the Griffins were facing a 16-10 Jaguar team that had just upset Palomar on the road.

Despite digging themselves a 10 point hole midway through the first half, the Griffins came out on top 66-59. That win coupled with Palomar's 93-28 drubbing of Cuyamaca means that the Griffins are the Co-Champs of the PCAC.

More importantly though was the fact that the win over Southwestern gave the Griffins the tiebreaker advantage over the Comets to claim the Conference's automatic playoff berth.

Despite a chilly shooting night for both squads (a combined 35.5% from the field) the Griffin defense was the key as it has been all season. Grossmont held a 42-37 rebounding advantage, and turned the ball over just 15 times compared to 22 by Southwestern.

Leticia Ridley once again paced the scoring with an ultra-efficient 18 points and 8 rebounds. Ridley connected on 5-of-7 shots from the field, and 8-of-10 free trows.

Ariel Meek was the only other Griffin in double digits with 11 points and 4 assists.

On the defensive front Brittany Robinson had 11 rebounds, 3 steals and a block. Phylicia Schultz chipped in 6 points, 9 rebounds, 2 steals and a block.

Victory over City, Palomar loss open the door

Box Score

(2/17)  The Grossmont women have positioned themselves to claim a share of the Pacific Coast Athletic Conference championship with a win over visiting Southwestern College on Friday at 5:00pm.

The Griffins (23-5, 11-2) earned that opportunity with a win of their own, and a Palomar loss on Wednesday night.

Grossmont took care of visiting San Diego City College 75-53 at home while Southwestern College upended first-place Palomar.

The Grossmont win and Palomar loss evened both teams conference records at 11-2. If Grossmont and Palomar both win or lose Friday, they will be co-Champions. Palomar hosts Cuyamaca College at 7pm Friday.

Having split the season series, the tiebreaker for playoff seeding comes down to each team's record against the next team in the standings, which is Southwestern.

Palomar split with Southwestern 1-and-1, while the Griffins are 1-0 against the Jaguars. That means if Grossmont can defeat Southwestern at home Friday night, the Griffins will gain the automatic playoff berth.

Grossmont jumped all over visiting City College running out to a 41-16 halftime lead. The Griffins played everyone on their roster spreading the statistics around.

Guard Leticia Ridley was the leading scorer with 15 points. Phylicia Schultz had 13 points to go with 4 rebounds and 3 steals.

Forward Brittany Robinson had a game high 15 rebounds and 5 assists to go with 4 points. Sinoi Lesau canned 3-of-4 three pointers for 9 points, while guard Ariel Meek also added a trio of threes for 9 points.

Tipoff for Friday is set for 5:00pm against Southwestern. The women's game will be followed by the Grossmont men hosting City College at 7.

D'Angelo honored by conference

(2/16) Grossmont basketball player Sydney D'Angelo was named an honorable mention Athlete of the Week by the Pacific Coast Athletic Conference.

D’Angelo, a 6-foot-1 sohomore forward from Our Lady of Peace High School, led the state No. 17-ranked Griffins to an 84-44 win over rival Cuyamaca with 27 points and eight rebounds. She also blocked two shots in a 73-47 victory over Mesa.

Women roll over Mesa

Box Score

(2/12) The Grossmont women continued their winning ways Friday night with a win over visiting San Diego Mesa 75-47.

Ariel Meek hit 2-of-5 from three point distance and 5-of-7 free throws for a team high 13 points.

Breana Durant scored 12 points and Leticia Ridley had 11.

Forwards Brittany Robinson and Phylicia Schultz each had 7 points and 8 rebounds.

Griffins get back in win column

(2/10) Less than a week after a disappointing loss at conference-leading Palomar, Grossmont took down last-place Cuyamaca 84-44.

Grossmont coach Karen Caires deployed a new-look starting five and the Griffins took care of business against their cross-town foes.

Grossmont's Sydney D'Angelo had a team-best 21 points to lead the way. Phylicia Schultz chipped in with 16, Jen Gaines had 11 and Ariel Meek scored 9.

The Griffins return home Friday the 12th at 5:00pm to host 3-18 San Diego Mesa.

Grossmont wins sixth straight

(1/29) The Griffins won their sixth straight decision over visiting Mira Costa 61-51.

Grossmont improved to 19-4 overall on the season.

Forward Phylicia Schultz paced the Griffins with 19 points and 11 rebounds. The sophomore was an efficient 6-of-9 from the floor and 7-for-8 from the foul line.

The Griffin pressure forced 27 Mira Costa turnovers.

Point guard Leticia Ridley added 13 points and 4 steals. Forward Brittany Robinson had 10 points 6 rebounds and 4 steals in the win.

Grossmont next plays host to Imperial Valley College on Wednesday February 3rd at 5:00 pm as part of a Mens-Womens doubleheader.

The Griffins will be looking to avenge their only conference loss, a 77-89 setback at IVC on January 8th.

Grossmont ends Palomar win streak at 33

Box Score

(1/13) The Grossmont College women moved into a first place tie wit visiting Palomar college, defeating the Comets 68-64.

Palomar came into the game riding an incredible 33-game Pacific Coast Conference winning streak. By virtue of the win, the Griffins hold the tiebreaker with the Comets should the two finish with identical conference records.

The Griffins received a huge lift from forward Brittany Robinson who had a team best 19 points to go with 6 rebounds. Guard Leticia Ridley had 16 for the Griffins. Forward Phylicia Schultz had a game high 9 rebounds, and guards Alex Lamourelle and Tiffany Klein added 7 apiece.

The Griffins next host Cuyamaca Friday at 5pm.

Lady Griffins capture tournament title

Box Score

(12/30) Grossmont took home the championship of the 22nd Annual Holiday Tournament with a 75-65 win over Mt San Jacinto.

The Griffins entered play ranked #16 in the state of California, and took down the state's #5 ranked Eagles convincingly.

Grossmont guard Leticia Ridley was named tournament Most Valuable Player. Ridley scored 20 points in the final to go with 8 rebounds, five assists and three steals.

Grossmont's Phylicia Schultz was named to the all tournament team behind a 12 point 7 rebound performance against Mt San Jacinto.

Forward Brittany Robinson pulled down 12 rebounds to go with her 8 points, and Ariel Meek had 11 points and three steals.

Women advance to finals of 22nd Annual Holiday Tournament

• Click here to follow the action in the 22nd Annual Women's Holiday Tournament

Box Score

Grossmont College earned a place in the championship game of its own tournament with a 50-47 win over Saddleback College Tuesday night.

Grossmont will play Mt San Jacinto Wednesday December 30th at 3pm for the Championship.

Grossmont's defense was the key, holding the Gauchos to just 26% shooting from the floor. Point guard Leticia Ridley was an efficient 6-for-9 from the floor en route to a game high 17 points. Ridley was saddled with her fourth foul with just over six minutes to play, and went to the bench until the final two minutes of play.

Ariel Meek was the only other Griffin in double digits with 10 points.

The win sets up what figures to be a great championship against Mt San Jacinto. The Eagles are ranked #5 in the latest state poll, and the Griffins are #16.

Also be sure to follow Grossmont on Twitter for scores immediately following each game.

Ridley named Athlete of the Week

(12/6) Grossmont College basketball
player Leticia Ridley has been
selected as the Pacific Coast Athletic
Conference’s Women’s Athlete of
the Week.

Ridley, a 5-foot-7 freshman
guard from San Diego High School,
helped lead the Griffins, who are
ranked 17th in the state and 11th in
Southern California, to the
championship of the Lady Charger
Classic at Cypress College.

Ridley scored 14 points and also
had five rebounds, three assists and
four steals in a 49-44 win over East
Los Angeles in the semifinals. She
tallied 18 points as the Griffins beat
state No. 14-ranked Cypress 83-81 in
the championship game.

Griffins off to quick 2009 start

(11/29) The Grossmont women have started the 2009-2010 season with a 4-1 record and have advanced to today's final game of the Santa Ana Tournament.

Grossmont is currently the #10 ranked team in Southern California.

Newcomer Leticia Ridley has been Grossmont's leading scorer at 14 points per game. Returning sophomore forward Brittany Robinson is the other Griffin scoring in double digits with a 10 point per game average.

Robinson and freshman forward Chelsea Maurer are leading the team with a 5 rebounds per game average.

The Griffins have scheduled four out of area tournaments to attempt to add more games to a schedule which was reduced from 28 to 24 games by statewide budget cuts.

Grossmont plays at home on December 28th in the opening round of the 22nd Annual Holiday Tournament against Reedley at 5pm.

Griffins in the community

Photo Gallery

On October 22nd the Grossmont College women's basketball team helped teach the kindergarten class at Our Lady Grace School in San Diego. Coach Karen Caires and the entire team was on hand to teach the youngsters all about basketball on 'Letter B Day'.

Fittingly players Brittany Robinson and Breanna Durant introduced their teammates and led drills. The team took the class out to the basketball court to team them the finer points of the game and did some kid-friendly drills like baby bunny bumps.

New Blog Created!

To keep you up to date on the latest with the Women's Basketball team, we created a new blog that you can follow.

Check it out at http://gogriffins.posterous.com

We will be posting updates for our games throughout the season. Stay tuned.

D'Angelo earns academic award

(10/21) Grossmont College Women’s Basketball coach Karen Caires announced today that Sydney D’Angelo has been named CCCAA (Cal. Comm. College Athletic Association) Academic All State.

She is one of five recipients across the state.

She has a cumulative G.P.A. of 3.864 and will be a two year team captain.

Coach Caires' off-season update

Training Photos

(9/30) Grossmont head coach Karen Caires has been keeping her players busy preparing for the 2009-10 campaign. Coach recently checked in to update the team's progress, and her outlook for the upcoming season.

This Fall Semester began with a group of returners and new players ready to “go to work”. The team finished second in the Pacific Coast Conference last year to Palomar and finished the season with a sour taste with a loss to Mira Costa.

The team has several sophomores and some mature Freshman who are back from the four year level and ready to burst on the scene. The team has been “up at dawn and diggin’ in; and working hard so we can win!” - This has often times been their chant at workouts.

They are a close knit group and continue to push to get better. The website will soon be posting their roster, photos and bios …so stay tuned. Hope to see all you fans in December on the 28th at our Grossmont Tourney!

Go Griffins!
Coach Caires