Warriors struggling without Williams
Girls’ basketball team lacking a dominating presence in the paint
By Stephen Dorman sdorman@theacorn.com

JANN HENDRY/Acorn Newspapers TO THE HOOP—Above, Westlake’s Mhiahh Vickers goes strong to the basket during Monday’s 72-63 overtime loss at Agoura. Vickers scored a team-high 28 points as WHS fell to 0-9 on the season. Below, Taryn Sherman waits for a teammate to get open.

The frustration continues to mount for the Westlake High girls’ basketball team.

A playoff qualifier and second-place finisher in the Marmonte League last season, Westlake has struggled to gain any positive momentum this year.

Prior to Wednesday night’s game against Thousand Oaks High, the Warriors’ overall record stood at 0-9. WHS lost its league opener at Agoura High, 72-63, in overtime on Monday. With the win, Agoura’s record improved to 5-5 and 1-1 in league.

“Our biggest problem so far has been a brutal preseason schedule,” Westlake head coach John D’Agostin said. “We’ve played some top competition, and because of that we aren’t ready to play in close games yet.”

Over the past week and a half, the Warriors have dropped three tight contests. WHS went to overtime against Pacifica but lost by a point. Last Saturday at the Ventura Optimists Invitational, Westlake was defeated by Thousand Oaks 47-45.

Earlier this week, Charger center Taylor Lord was unstoppable vs. the Warrior front line. Lord posted 37 points, 18 rebounds and three blocked shots as Agoura rapidly pulled away in overtime.

“It’s been a tough stretch for us,” D’Agostin said.

Much of the Warriors’ difficulties can be traced back to the spring when the team found out allcounty center Lindsey Williams, last year’s leading scorer and rebounder, was moving to Chicago for her senior year.

Williams’ departure left a large void on both ends of the floor.

Without a dominating presence roaming the paint, Westlake had to rework its offensive game plan. Role players are now being counted on to score more points, and the team’s depth was tested early and often during preseason tournaments.

“It’s hard not having someone in there who’s aggressive and an overpowering person in the post,” said senior guard Emma Grossman, the Warriors’ only returning starter this year.

“But our players are still working hard every day to try and get better.”

D’Agostin said his squad continues to search for its identity—especially on offense. Junior guard Mhiahh Vickers has helped pick up the slack with her up-tempo, aggressive play, the coach said.

During her first two seasons, Vickers was often called upon to provide energy off the bench. She wasn’t asked to score much, as defense was her forte.

This year Vickers has a much bigger role in the Westlake offense. In the Agoura game she scored 28 points, including hitting a last-second shot in regulation to send the game into overtime. It was the second time in the past week that she’d extended a game with a buzzer beater.

“She’s been our go-to person and has really stepped up,” D’Agostin said. “She’s a real competitor.”

To be successful, D’Agostin said Westlake must continue to improve its play in the post.

Juniors Darcy Evelhoch and Laurence Anderson are being asked to guard taller athletes down low, and the Warriors’ success in league could depend on how fast the two can adapt to the physicality and aggressive nature needed to play below the basket.

Senior Taryn Sherman, freshman Taylor Ignoto and Grossman all see a lot of playing time at guard. Each is being asked to contribute offensively to help Westlake right the ship.

Despite the tough start, the Warriors believe they can bounce back before it’s too late.

“We’re not where we thought we’d be coming into the season, but we haven’t given up yet,” D’Agostin said. “We’re still playing hard and the kids are hanging in there. I think we’ll be back.”