Women’s and Men’s basketball had a turn for the worse during the 2009-2010 season; they pumped out only seven wins combined. Both teams look to next year to improve after one of the worst seasons in Mesa basketball history.
Men’s basketball statistics indicate a drop in several categories. Field goal percentage was down from 42 percent in the 08′-09’season to 38.3 percent this year. Points per game dropped from 71.3 to 57.8, free throw percentage reduced from 67 percent to 60.1 percent and lastly three point percentages saw a double digit decrease from last year’s season, 35 percent to 24.7.
“We were a poor shooting team in all areas,” said Head Coach Ed Helscher. “If we continue to make progress on defense, reduce turnovers, and improve our shooting percentage we will see a much better team next season.”
Even with the poor shooting percentages this year, Coach Helscher indicated improvements in some areas.
“Our defense improved.especially defense on the ball and not giving up many second shot opportunities,” said Helscher. “We started to reduce the number of turnovers. I like to say we valued the ball more and learned how to make better decisions.”
A couple of members became academically ineligible while others decided to red shirt and sit out of this season. Out of the 13 team members, 11 were freshmen.
Six-foot-2 forward, Cliff Adams led the team with 10.1 points and 6.3 rebounds per game and was viewed as the most consistent player of the season.
“Cliff Adams was our team leader, and what I’m really pleased with is how his defense improved during this season,” said Helscher.
Coach Helscher awaits the return of a few key sophomores as well as one freshman. Hoping to provide an impact, red-shirts Arsenio Shelley and Darren Hugie will practice this summer and return to the starting line-up. In addition, six-foot-6 Mike Thomas, who played for Crawford High School, plans to join next season’s roster.
Even with better statistics and an overall better record, women’s basketball could not make it out of the Pacific Coast Atlantic Conference.
Even with a 4-21 record, women’s basketball Head Coach Michael Hootner thinks the season was a huge success.
“This was the hardest working group I’ve had in 18 years,” said Hootner. “From last year to this year, we averaged eight more points per game, seven less turnovers, and won one more game. We will continue to build upon this next year starting with summer ball.”
Hootner thought his only sophomore, Annessa Jamison really stepped up this season.
“She played three positions; point guard, shooting guard and small forward,” said Hootner. “She also improved in every statistical category from her freshman year.”
With the exception of blocks, the Lady Olympians improved in almost every aspect. Rebounds and three-point percentage remained relatively equal compared to last season.
Guard Shelby Watson was the best shooter field goal percentage-wise as she shot 42 percent from the field.
“It was my first year of college basketball and I enjoyed every minute of it,” said Watson. “Even though our record wasn’t the best, we grew a lot as a team and were able to come together throughout the season.”
Freshmen Cathleen Cruz led the team with her three-point percentage.
“I felt the season was a roller coaster,” said Cruz. “We had struggles throughout the season on and off the court but at the end we put the puzzle together and became a family.”
Cruz knows she will return to the team next year.
“I plan on returning because Coach Hootner has always been there for me since the day I moved from Phoenix,” said Cruz. “His program is outstanding and his personality makes him a great man. I also love playing with these girls. They always keep me motivated.”
The lady Olympians basketball team hopes to progress their skills and get ready for next season.
“We learned that we can improve every game despite the outcome, and that’s what matters,” said Coach Hootner.