PC women's basketball ready for new season

With a strong returning nucleus and an influx of local talent, Porterville College women’s basketball coach Dave Kavern is optimistic about his team’s prospects coming into the upcoming season.

“I think we’re going to be competitive and entertaining,” Kavern said.

The team does lack size as its tallest players, Katrina Goulbourne and Maribel Bravo are both 5-10. But what the team lacks in size it should be able to make up for in its ability to harrass opponents with its defensive pressure. “We’re going to be short,” Kavern said. “We’re not going to be slow. We’re going to be fairly athletic.”

With the lack of size, Kavern said all of his players will need to be versatile. “They’re interchangeable,” said Kavern about his players’ ability to play different positions.

Here’s a look at this year’s Pirates:

Alia Alvarez – The freshman from Porterville High had an impressive showing in last spring’s Central Valley All-Star Basketball Game and she should be able to help out PC right away. Alvarez played point guard at PHS, but will be a combo guard for PC, seeing time at the point and off guard positions. “She really shoots the ball very well,” Kavern said. “She’s got good court vision.”

But Kavern noted Alvarez will be up against bigger players who are just as quick, so it will take time for her to adjust to the college level.

Maribel Bravo — The sophomore from Strathmore earned all-Central Valley Conference honorable mention honors last year for PC is a post player who can step out and shoot the three-pointer. “Probably one of the best passing big girls I’ve ever had here,” said Kavern, who also said Bravo should go on to play at the four-year level. “Sometimes her biggest weakness is she’s too unselfish.”

Katrina Goulbourne — Another returner from last season. Goulbourne can play small or power forward as she has outstanding leaping ability and is an outstanding rebounder.  Goulbourne is a much improved post player after attending the Pete Newell Big Women’s Camp this past summer, Kavern said.

Eva Gutierrez — Another returner from last season, the sophomore from Strathmore will be one of PC’s all-around and defensive leaders. Kavern said Gutierrez has the potential to play at the four-year level. He also said Gutierrez will need to play “substantial minutes for us to be successful.”

Jeidi Gutierrez — Eva’s younger sister from Strathmore, Gutierrez could contribute right away, especially on defense. “She’s been a very pleasant surprise,” Kavern said. “She’s a very intelligent defensive player.”

Erica Hughes — Hughes played for PC two years ago and redshirted last year. Although she’s just 5-7, Kavern said Hughes has excellent post moves inside. “He strength is inside,” Kavern said.

Jocelyn Lemus — The freshman from Strathmore will be an off guard for PC and is another solid defensive player. “She’s very good on our trap and in the press,” Kavern said.

Chrissy Medina — The 5-2 guard is “extremely quick,” Kavern said.”She’s going to be very important to us.”

Jackie Padron — Another returner from last year, Padron has ironically improved her left-handed skills due to a finger injury over the summer. “She’s really improved with her left hand,” Kavern said. “One of our better defensive players with the press.”
Kavern said with Eva Gutierrez and Padron leading the way, PC should be able to cause havoc with its pressure.

Destiny Zarate — Zarate is a 5-7 forward. Kavern said Zarate is a “very good passer. She sees the floor extremely well.”