Pirates looking for continued growth, success in 2022-23 campaign

COSTA MESA -- Last year, the Orange Coast College women's basketball team took a giant leap from surviving a full season to thriving through a full season. This year, the Pirates want more ... a LOT more.

"This group has set some big goals for this year," OCC head coach Sammy Doucette said. "We anticipate to be very competitive against a very tough schedule. Our returners have been working hard all summer to prepare for this year and I think this group is way ahead of where we were last year. Last year's team got us back on the map and now there is going to be a target on our backs and the girls are looking forward to that challenge."

Coast has six returning players from last year's 20-9 playoff team, including starters Karina Cabrera (16.3 points, 3.0 assists per game average last year) and Annie Trinh (11.0 points, 3.5 assists per game). Both will be looked upon to continue their fine play from their freshman seasons. "Annie didn't come alive for us until Alexis (Legan) took a seat," Doucette said. "I'm looking for her to be a bit more selfish this year and when her shot is there, have the confidence to take it.

"Karina played hard for us last year and made her shots," Doucette said. "This year, we want her to work even harder and continue to make her shots."

While it won't be easy to replace last year's leading scorer in the Vanguard University-bound Legan (21.8 points, 9.3 rebounds, 3.1 assists per game), the Pirates bring into the mix another player, who can also put up video game-type numbers with the addition of Golden West College transfer Meghan McIntyre.

As a Rustler, McIntyre was off the charts, averaging 22.4 points, 8.7 rebounds, 4.7 assists and 5.1 steals per game. Her addition to the Pirates will bring this team to an entirely new level. 

Last year, McIntyre hit double figures in 23 of 25 games played, including a season-best 41 points, 13 rebounds and seven steals against Los Medranos.

"We recruited Meghan out of high school and she decided on GWC, but last year, I think she saw what we were building over here and she reached out to me after the season to see if she could be a part of it," Doucette said. "She's a true point guard, who can score, dish out passes, grab rebounds ... she can do it all. In addition to getting her shots and getting other people her shots, she's also our best defender, who we can run both sides of our game through. She's a stud and we are happy to have her with us."

Another transfer who is looking for a fresh start at OCC is guard/forward Gabby Samiy, who came to Coast via Irvine Valley and Cypress colleges following a standout career at Edison HS. "She's a long and lanky 5-9 shooter, who is quick and very fundamentally sound," Doucette said. "She's not the type to make rash decisions, but when she decides to shoot, she can knock them down anywhere."

Returner Karissa Chvilicek comes back to the Pirates and will bring some power and rebounding down low, as will fellow sophomore Ashlee Dorantes, who played in a limited role, but when she did play, she averaged 5.1 points and 5.7 rebounds per game. "These ladies know their roles up and down this lineup," Doucette said. "Everyone is on the same page and we know if everyone does their job, we can have a very successful season."

Another post returner for the Pirates is 6'0 sophomore Savannah Seiler, who had 27 starts for Coast last year and averaged 5.4 points and 5.9 rebounds per game. "Savannah can work in the post, but she can also step out and stretch out the other team's defense with her shot and that will open up lots of options for us," Doucette said.

Freshman guard Jade Quinonez adds to the depth of the Pirate backcourt, leading with her hard work over her voice. "She's very quiet and emotionless, but she works so hard on both sides of the floor," Doucette said. "She's definitely surpassed my expectations and I can't wait to see her continue to grow and improve all of her game."

Look for a pair of pint-sized guards -- 5'3 freshman Emmeline Law and 5'4 sophomore Noelle Duffey to run the floor and create opportunities for the Pirates in key situations. "Emmeline is a lights-out, 3-point threat for us," Doucette said. "Noelle will play a huge role off the bench for us and will give us key minutes in pressure situations."

While the quantity of the Pirate lineup only runs 10 deep, all 10 players can make a difference for Doucette, which allows for matchup advantages and the ability for key players to rest when needed. "As of now, I've got a backup for everyone and all can contribute for us," Doucette said. "It will be important for us to go hard all the time in order to maintain our expectations. They have set the bar high and it's my job to show them what type of work and sacrifice goes into obtaining those goals."

OCC kicks off the 2022-23 season at the San Diego Mesa Tournament and will take on the host Olympians on Friday, beginning at 5 p.m. Coast's first home game will be on Friday, Dec. 2 against Glendale College, beginning at 7 p.m.