Wildcats Seek Consecutive Conference Title

By Destine Gibson, Student Intern

 

West Los Angeles College's women's basketball team is looking to defend their conference title this season. 

 

"Last year was all gas no breaks, this year we're one team one goal," head coach Twan Herron said. "It's just a total buy in and that's what we're excited about. Changing the program, changing the culture of what we do, but our style is still the same."

 

The program experienced a resurgence last season by achieving its first winning season in nearly 10 years. They led the Western State-South Conference and dethroned College of the Canyons in a memorable buzzer beater to earn the conference title. Herron was also named Coach of the Year. West LA advanced to the second round of the CCCAA Regional Playoffs and ended the season with a 22-6 record. 

 

Of the Wildcat's 10-man lineup, half are comprised of new faces. Despite the loss of top scorer Brianna Anugwom to the University of California, Santa Barbara, the team has retained team leaders such as sophomore guards Daija Black and Heyavin Johnson. 

 

"[Brianna's shoes] are tough shoes to fill, but we're actually not looking to fill them," Herron said. "We have players that are stepping up now and adding to what they did last year and getting better this year. They're just going to do what they do and do it a little bit better."

 

The Wildcats make up for the lack in numbers with their depth of talent. As a desirable program coming off of a conference championship, the Wildcats managed to snag key recruits such as freshman guard Tricia Delph from Fairfax High School, freshman guard Lauren Jones from Culver City High School and small forward Elaina Charles from Roybal Learning Center. 

 

"Those are three big time recruits that are going to be special and do something this year to help us regain another title," Herron said. 

 

West LA aims to build on their success by bringing home a State title. By continuing the winning-culture that the program has created, they also hope to cultivate school spirit. 

 

"It's the Wildcat way to come out and support us," Herron said. "We're trying to change the culture of the school and bring together the students and the student-athletes, and make this more of a college atmosphere."