Home - Women's Basketball
Season Outlook
The 2011 Northwest Athletic Association of Community Colleges (NWAACC)women’s basketball season has quickly approached. Western Region play
will tip off in high fashion with plenty of strength throughout the
league. Contending for a spot in the playoffs with four out of nine teams
advancing to the NWAACC Tournament at the Toyota Center in Kennewick, WA
will be your Pierce College Raiders!
The Raiders who finished the 2010-11 season with a record of 8-8 in Western Region
play fell one game shy of an NWAACC appearance. Coming off a year where all nine
spots on the team were filled by freshmen, this veteran squad of seven sophomores
has high expectations as they enter the 2011-12 season. With the possibility
of four starters returning from a year ago, the Raider’s Women’s
Basketball will continue to build on last years’ experience. The
Raiders are looking to make some noise and be in the top half of the
Western Region Conference play.
The Raiders have plenty of motivation to start the season off strong.
There were a few pivotal games last season that proved to be detrimental to the
success of this young team. The Raiders dropped three games by four or
fewer points down the stretch including a two-point loss to rival
Tacoma who eventually secured the last spot and a playoff bid to
NWAACC’s.
A strong supporting cast of underclassmen will accentuate this veteran
staff. A fast paced, run –and-gun offense and pressure defense will
help elevate this team to the next level. Look for Freshman Kawehi Hagai
(FR, Kapolei, HI) to make an immediate impact on this guard laden team
and take the reins at the point guard position. She will help lead a
talented group of players. Her explosive first step and ability to get
to the basket will put her at the top with the elite guards in the league.
Lanaya Daniels, (FR, Tukwila, WA) and Yasmine Hernandez (FR, Converse,
TX) round out this freshman class and will battle for a spot on the
floor in the wing and forward positions.
Leading the way for the sophomores is 2011 NWAACC Western Region
All-Star, Unique Taufa'asau (SO, Federal Way, WA) who was third in the
league in scoring averaging just under 18 points a games while shooting
an impressive 44% from the field. Although Taufa’asau is capable of
playing a lot of minutes and averaged over 35 minutes a game last season
the Raiders with more depth this year will help provide much needed rest
for this all-star to improve productivity towards the end of the season.
Joining Taufa'asau as a returning starter is Taylor Riley (SO, Kent,
WA). Riley put up impressive numbers almost averaging a double-double
every game last season. With just over 11 points a game and 8 rebounds
Riley will be a huge contributor for the Raiders! Her athleticism makes
her a versatile player who is capable of playing at either the guard or
forward positions. Shooting guard Haley Hancock (SO, Eatonville, WA)
will be in the backcourt with Riley. Hancock is a sharp shooter and will
add depth to the guard position providing a threat on the perimeter.
Last season amongst those who shot over 100 3-pointers in a season
Hancock was atop the list shooting 31-percent. She was also third in the
West Region in total minutes played just behind her counterparts who
played at least three more games during post season play.
Jessica Bush (SO, Buckley, WA) Janay Creamer (SO, Lacey, WA) and Jonnae
Brown (SO, Tacoma, WA) will solidify the frontcourt for the Raiders.
Bush last season averaged 5-points and 6 rebounds a game. Her
development during off-season training will add confidence to her game.
Standing 6-feet tall Bush will provide a much needed presence close to the
basket. Creamer brings a lot of energy and strength to our low post position.
Although Creamer saw limited action as a reserve last
year she is expected to step in and have a bigger role this season.
Brown is a quick and aggressive player and will contribute to the defensive efforts of the
team. Having sat out last season, Brown is stepping in where she
left off and will continue to make strides as the season progresses.
Transfers Natasha Trinidad (SO, Lacey, WA) and Shaina Gustafson (SO,
Clark Fork, ID) add experience and composure to the squad and are
expected to contribute and make an impact right away. Trinidad is a
transfer from defending NWAACC Champions, Yakima Valley, and was also
a member of the 2006-07 WIAA 2A Championship team.
Her winning attitude will add to the fire lit under these
Lady Raiders! Gustafson, a transfer from Wenatchee Valley brings a spark
on the defense end. Look for her challenge the top players in this
league. Her defensive energy ignites her offense. You will often find Gustafson
scoring in the open floor on transition plays.
Brian Purugganan
Women's Basketball Head Coach
(253) 576-4830
NWAACC Scores
For regional community college sports scores, visit Northwest Athletic Association of Community Colleges.
Basketball Recruiting
Looking to join the Raiders? Send us your information by filling out the online version of the student athlete information form.
