Cypress, CA - The Cypress College basketball program is making history today. For the first time since the 1987-88 season, both the men's and women's basketball team will be entering conference play with more than 10 wins.
The Lady Chargers have been off to a strong start this season, playing their way to a 13-4 record before their first Conference game against Orange Coast College. Cypress is coming off of a championship title in the Grossmont Tournament and a third-place finish at the Antelope Valley College Tournament. The Chargers have established themselves as one of the hottest shooting and defensively menacing teams in the state. Head Coach Margaret Mohr has led her team to become the 14th best offense in the state, averaging 70.6 PPG thanks to their hot three-point shooting and ability to turn their defense into offense. The Chargers are also ranked fifth in the nation in opposing turnovers, forcing 25.4 turnovers per game.
The Chargers offense is defined more by their teamwork than a key player. Dominique Culho leads the team in scoring with 11.1 PPG, but the team has seen a fair share of players shine offensively each game. Sylvia Garcia currently averages 9.6 PPG and 6.1 RPG off the bench and has helped the team with her energy and versatility. Alyssa Movchan is the team's second leading scorer at 10.4 PPG and has been the team's hot hand in several games, including her 16 point performance against Glendale.
Coach Mohr has not been short on frontcourt depth this season, having three interchangeable parts to score from the paint. Captain Erika Nilsen has been a stable presence beneath the rim, averaging 8.9 points and 5.6 rebounds per game while her partners Monique Mesa and Bianca Silva combine for 15.4 points and 9.1 rebounds per game. All three players have also shown the ability to hit shots from outside the paint, creating more space for others on offense.
Orange Coast College features a fairly balanced lineup, with several players who can give the Chargers trouble. Although the Pirates sit with a 9-7 record, Cypress College cannot afford to sleep on their conference rivals. Jenna Rodriguez has been one of the leading post players in the state, averaging 13.8 points and 8.3 rebounds per game. She has been accompanied by versatile scorer in Sami Little, who boasts 12.2 PPG and 5.9 RPG, and point guard Chyann Pendergrass who averages 9.7 PPG and 5.4 APG.
The Chargers will travel to face the Pirates on Wednesday night at 7PM.
Stay connected with the Chargers through social media. Follow Cypress College Athletics on Twitter @CypressChargers. Check in with the Chargers on Facebook/CypressChargers and on Instagram @CypressChargers.
