Men’s Basketball: Team Faces Challenges in Recent Contests
Last week, College of the Redwoods’ men’s basketball team endured a tough match against the number one team in the state, San Francisco, losing 118-59. This defeat followed their earlier success in the Live Like Geno tournament, where they achieved two impressive victories: a thrilling 106-102 overtime win against Los Medanos and a solid 78-66 victory over Mendocino.
As they prepare for a two-game road trip to Hartnell and Cabrillo over the weekend, head coach Justin Claus reflected on the game against San Francisco, emphasizing the impact of injured sophomore Ty Dahlin. Claus stated, “I think that was one of our first real battles of dealing with the sort of thing which Ty would’ve just been another person who could handle pressure.” He added that although the team faced challenges in handling high-level defense, the experience gained is invaluable for their growth.
Looking ahead, Claus predicts contrasting playing styles in their upcoming matches against Hartnell and Cabrillo. He noted, “Hartnell plays a brand of basketball we really respect and like.” Conversely, he warned that Cabrillo would present its own set of challenges with its athleticism and defensive pressure.
Despite the challenges, Claus remains optimistic about his team’s ability to adapt. “We have a confidence that once we get settled in the half-court we’re going to be able to connect and make some things happen,” he mentioned.
He highlighted standout performances in practice, particularly from point guard Marcos Rosales, who has stepped up to embrace a more significant role following Dahlin’s injury. “Every day, there’s no complaint with the reps he’s getting handling pressure,” said Claus. Sophomore Nate Sweet is also recognized for his leadership and vocal presence in practice.
Women’s Volleyball: Mixed Results in Conference Play
The College of the Redwoods volleyball team had an inconsistent outing last Wednesday at Shasta, managing to take the first set 25-17 but ultimately losing the match 3-1. Despite achieving a hitting percentage of .250, the team fell in subsequent sets with scores of 25-16, 25-11, and 25-23. Lily Rust-Kelley led the charge for Redwoods with 20 digs, while Roenn Doran and Millennia McKindley contributed seven kills each, and Anisha Mae Rechelluul provided 22 assists.
This performance came on the heels of a series of losses, leaving Redwoods with a Golden Valley Conference record of 0-9 and an overall record of 3-18. The team faced challenges due to a lack of available players but found moments of promise. Rust-Kelley had 14 digs in their doubleheader against Feather River, while Olivia Hommer had nine kills in the second game. The team remained competitive against Siskiyous, with set finishes of 25-22, 25-23, 25-19.
The volleyball team will honor its sophomores during their final home match at 3 p.m. Friday against Butte.
Women’s Basketball: Strong Performance at Junior College Crossover
The Redwoods women’s basketball team achieved a split in recent Junior College Crossover games. They began the week by defeating Napa Valley 61-47 in a strong opener, with students Nora Talty and Mayleah Jackson each scoring 15 points. Head coach Bree Northern praised her team for setting a competitive tone from the start.
However, the team faced a setback against Modesto, struggling to cope with their opponent’s pressure and losing 72-47. Despite the loss, Talty managed to score 14 points and grab six rebounds.
The squad rebounded impressively the following day, with a 73-58 win over Merced. Talty led the team with 21 points, and Jackson contributed significantly with 15 points and seven steals. Coach Northern emphasized the team’s resilience and effective ball movement throughout the game.
The Redwoods women’s basketball team is set to compete against Chaffey and Santa Ana at the San Mateo Tournament this Friday and Saturday.
Wrestling: Positive Momentum at Redwood Duals
The College of the Redwoods wrestling team has shown promising performance in recent weeks. At the Redwood Duals on November 1, athletes Jacob Torres, Jared Williams, and Isaiah Bell all recorded 1-1 outcomes. Later, at Santa Rosa on November 6, Torres won his match, showcasing his strong season performance. Coaches believe that both Torres and Bell have a break to reach state-level competitions this year.
Head coach Brandon Benvenuti expressed gratitude towards Cal Poly Humboldt coaches Jim and Lennie Zalesky for attending the Duals, marking an important moment as both programs reunite after 30 years. The team will next compete in the Mike Clock Open at Chabot College this Thursday.
To keep updated with College of the Redwoods sports, follow the teams as they navigate the remainder of their seasons.
