Women's Basketball

The Sierra College women’s basketball team, a member of the Big 8 Conference, is one of California’s premier programs. Since 1992, more than 50 players have moved on to four-year colleges. During that time, the Wolverines won the 1999 state championship, finished second in the state (2007), fourth in the state (2005), and have captured eight conference titles.

2011-2012 Season

Coach: Brandie Murrish, 6th season (118-50)
2011 postseason:  lost NorCal Regional Final to Santa Rosa (66-48)
2010-2011: 20-12 overall, 10-4 Big 8

Key losses: Tori Carroll (11.9 PPG, 8.3 RPG), Kristin Huffman (12.2 PPG, 7.8 RPG), Sam Hodge (8.6 PPG, 2.4 APG, 34 3-Pointers), Ashlyn Lussier (5.5 PPG, 3.5 APG), Jordan Milhous (4.4 PPG, 3.8 RPG)

Key returnees:  Sasha Brown (4.8 PPG, 2.6 RPG), Alyssa Emeterio (2.3 PPG), Kayla Patton (PPG, APG), Morgan Ragan (PPG, APG), Victoria Turner (9.2 PPG, 4.4 RPG, 2.7 SPG), Kalia Whitfield (4.6 PPG, 4.3 RPG)

Newcomers: Krista County (5-9, Natomas HS)), Raina Loya (5-0, Roseville), Dakota McLarnan (5-4, Oak Ridge), Kezzia Tragesser (6-2, Del Oro, CRC), Michelle Walker (5-10, Colfax), Kirstie Williams (5-4, Bella Vista)

Season Outlook

The keys to success in the rugged Big 8 conference and, ultimately, a deep run in the state playoffs are, in no particular order, the ability to control the boards, a switching, communicating, unselfish, relentless defense, a bench as deep as the Pacific, and the ability to knock down the three when it matters. Sierra College, in the five years of the Brandie Murrish era, has had those components… just not in the same year.

Under Murrish, the Wolverines have played in five consecutive regional championships and one state championship game (2007). Few teams if any – I couldn’t locate any in my research – can boast such gaudy success. But, to get over the hump, and that hump is to win a regional and return to the state title tournament, Sierra must put everything together – on ONE team. On paper, the 2011-2012 Wolverines have size, speed, defensive scheming and ability, depth and, above all else, a slew of players who can hit from beyond.

The Murrish philosophy is no secret. Her teams: focus on fundamentals & rebounding; want to force turnovers and score off their defense and their fast break; want to drive to the hoop and kick it out; want to use depth to run relentlessly on both ends of the floor. That being said, execution is the chariot of genius. For this philosophy to work, key players must stay out of foul trouble, free throws must be converted (they’ll go to the line a lot), and they must be able to drain a three at any given time.

From initial looks, the Wolverines have, from top to bottom, improved upon their 2010-2011 team. Tori Carroll and Kristen Huffman were solid and, at times, spectacular players last year. Sam Hodge and Ashlyn Lussier were consistent guards who made big contributions to Sierra’s success for two years. Jordan Milhous was big off the bench, providing scoring punch and rebounding. Those five will be missed, but to say Murrish has reloaded is to understate this Wolverine roster.

Let's fast-break through this year's Wolverines.

First the returning players…Sasha Brown has worked hard in the off-season to be a genuine outside threat; she’s the team enforcer and is a blur of constant energy; one of two team captains; has the ability to make those around her better…having spent all of last year recovering from a knee injury, Alyssa Emeterio is healthy; fundamentally sound, can shoot from anywhere and seems to always be in the right spot on defense…welcome back, Kayla Patton; was a top player on the 2009-2010 Sierra team; a terrific on-ball defender; an explosive offensive threat who can shoot, drive & dish; she’s tough, and it’s not just the tats…also from the 2009-2010 team, Morgan Ragan returns, bringing an unbelievable shooting range, excellent vision & passing, and the leadership that comes from being a bit older & more experienced; incomparable shooting and passing skills make her the type of point guard the Wolverines haven’t had for a while; averaged 21 a game playing in the San Francisco pro-am league…the second team captain, Kalia Whitfield is a true leader on & off the floor; strong academically and a campus leader; nobody worked harder in the off-season; is physically stronger, a better rebounder and a much-improved shooter; deadly shot from the elbow; quick release on offensive rebound put-backs; scored 32 points in 2011 Cardinal & White game; can run, run and then run some more…Victoria Turner, better known as “V”, is one of the fastest Wolverines ever; great vision and anticipation make her one of the top defenders in community college basketball; will take on other team’s top offensive threat; awesome driving ability combined with great passing skills help her rack up assists; has improved outside shot; scored 40 in 2011 Cardinal & White game; never lets up on either end of the court, not even for a second.

Newcomer Dakota McLarnan comes from a solid Oak Ridge program; has gained the nickname “Jimmer” for her outside shooting virtuosity; can drive and dish; provides constant movement when in the game…expected to be a solid rebounder and defender, Krista County will provide crucial up-front depth; should be a key role player right from the start…expected to be one of the first players off the bench, Raina Loya will inject instant energy; surprisingly strong and athletic for a small player; speed & quickness will be key ingredients of Wolverine press; outstanding shooting range but can drive when defense plays her tight…Michelle Walker is, according to Murrish, “super-strong” and will be a key rebounder; she can run and is a solid defender; comes from an excellent Colfax program…a transfer from CRC, Kezzia Tragesser will be counted upon to battle the Big 8 bigs; strong rebounder & defender; has surprising touch & offensive skills; can’t coach size; a key newcomer…Kirstie Williams was one of Sierra’s top recruits a couple years ago; finally gets her chance to wear the Cardinal & White; has incredible three-point range and can drive and dish, too; a gym rat who was born with a ball in her hands.

Note: Sierra season outlook and Big 8 scouting report opinions expressed are those of Matt Folsom, Basketball Operations Assistant, and are intended for fan education and game enhancement only.