Season Outlook - Lady Devils Basketball

2006 - 2007

Coming of a 27-10 year and winning the Central Valley Conference title for the fifth time in the last nine years, the Lady Blue Devils looked poised for another run at the title and birth in the State Playoffs. While losing eight sophomores, they do return four freshmen of which three were starters. Two of the returning starters (Pamela Bounkhoune, and Fantasia Newsome) started in 36 of the Lady Devils’ 37 games last year.

In what can be considered the smallest team in women’s basketball history here at Merced College, the 2006-07 Lady Blue Devils possess a lot of talent in very good three-point shooting, speed, passing, and Pt.-Guard play. “Though we for the first time do not have a single player over the height of 5-11, we look to turn the game into a full court: From the in bounds to the basket game,” said Coach Huddleston. “Look for us to hustle, run the court, and pass with an energy not seen in many years,” said Coach Huddleston.

The 2006-07 version of the Lady Blue Devils includes four returning sophomores, and eight incoming freshmen. Even with the Conference MVP, and All-State selection Guard Tonesha Jackson, 2nd Team All-Conference Quantelle Daniels, starting Post Alma Armendariz, and three point shooter Adwoa McGee, the Lady Devils return Post Christie Bryant (7.6 pts, 5 rebs), Pt-Guard Pamela Bounkhoune (5.9 pts), and All-Conference Forward/Guard Fantasia Newsome (6.4 pts, 4 rebs). These three will give the Lady Devils big game experience at all the key positions. These three and Zella Holmes meshed with eight new freshmen that are termed “Gym Rats” by Head Coach Allen Huddleston, will bring the Lady Devils a lot of excitement.

All eight incoming freshmen bring with them a tremendous love for the game, and outstanding shooting, passing, and defensive skills. That is not all they excel in. “They are also good students and good people to be around,” said Coach Huddleston. The incoming freshmen include: G Jhinnae Clark (Merced, CA), G Ashley Willison (Madera, CA), Wendy Vork (Kingston, ID), Kristie Lemburg (Modesto, CA), G Rachel Martinez (Madera, CA), G/F Chamelle Lewis (Madera, CA), G Lakeya Sears (Fresno, CA), and Tarina Hodges (Hesperia, CA).

With the very difficult schedule the Lady Blue Devils play, team chemistry is paramount. A great mix of returning sophomores and incoming freshmen has made this possible. Starting with the post players Christie Bryant, Torina Hodges, and Zella Holmes you have three players that are very versatile. They can all step out and possess a very good strength, mid-range game, run the court, and create match up problems for other teams. Christie Bryant is the most versatile being able to shoot the three, finish well with either hand, and has the ability to take over a game. Torina Hodges is extremely strong, possessing very good rebounding skills. “When she gets her hands on the basketball it is like a human spider web,” said Coach Huddleston. She could be one of the best rebounders in Lady Blue Devil history. Zella Holmes while not playing a lot last year has spent the off-season working very hard on all her basketball skills. She is probably the most improve player from last year.

With a good point guard many games can be won, and games that seem to be getting away can be brought back under control. The Lady Blue Devils possess three outstanding point guards in Pamela Bounkhoune, Lakeya Sears, and Rachel Martinez. Pamela is one of the most talented point guards ever here at Merced College. “She can make everyone around her better. She can create her own shot anytime during the game,” said Coach Huddleston. As seen last year, Pam possesses the ability to make the big shot when the game is on the line. Lakeya is a physically gifted individual. “Lakeya can do some amazing things while playing defense,” said Coach Huddleston. Lakeya is a great passer, and extremely quick. Lakeya is all over the court and has-gotten the nickname of “Pac-Man”. Rachel has a very good mid-range game, and excellent court vision. “She is an emotional leader and plays with a lot of intensity and heart,” said Coach Huddleston.

The shooting guards and number three guards are lead by Fantasia Newsome, and include Kristie Lemburg, Wendy Vork, Ashley Willison, and Jhinnae Clark. Fantasia runs the court very well, can post up, or pull up and shoot the three. “I expect teams to have trouble matching up with her,” said Coach Huddleston. She is a hard worker and team leader. Chamelle is one of the most versatile players. She can post up, shoot the three from all over the court, block shots, rebound, and is a very good defensive player. Kristie plays with a lot of toughness. With her three point shooting she can spread the floor. She also runs the court very well. “Wendy is like dynamite, in that even though she is not real big she can explode,” said Coach Huddleston. She does many things very well including blocking shots, running the court, and has an outstanding pull up jumper. “Wendy is very unselfish. A consummate team player and captain of the team,” said Coach Huddleston. Ashley is an excellent three-point shooter. She is fast, an outstanding defensive player, very physical, and very passionate for the game. “If you are looking for Ashley you can almost always find her in or around the gym,” said Coach Huddleston. Jhinnae is the best defensive player on the team. Extremely fast, and attacks the basket aggressively. “She plays what I call the ‘Dog Pound’ defense, very aggressive and with lots of energy. You will know what I mean when you see her play,” said Coach Huddleston.

Now with this molding of coaching, old players, and new players look for these Lady Blue Devils to not only vie for the conference championship, but be in contention for a spot in the State Playoffs. In their way will be the very tough Merced Coca Cola Tourney, COS Tourney, Delta tourney, Irvine Tourney, and DeAnza Tourney around Christmas time. Mixed in with these tournaments are games with Sacramento City College, Cosumnes River College, and Ohlone College.. Once they have made it through this preseason, the Lady Blue Devils will then tackle the tough Central Valley Conference. Trying to stop them from repeating as conference champions will be Cochampion Reedley College, and NorCal Regional Playoff teams Modesto JC, and Fresno CC. Also in their way is Porterville, COS, and Taft College all of would like to knock the Lady Blue Devils off.