High expectations for BC men in basketball
| Tuesday, Nov 10 2009 11:36 PM
Last Updated Tuesday, Nov 10 2009 11:36 PM
With three straight 20-win seasons, a trip to the State Final Four and a Western State Conference title to his credit in four years as the men's basketball coach at Bakersfield College, expectations continue to be high for Rich Hughes.
And with the return of three all-Western State Conference guards, power forward Bobby Fisher and a group of talented freshman from local high schools, the Renegades hope to have enough to measure up.
"We have a team that does some things pretty well," Hughes said. "If they can learn to play together as a team and put some emphasis on defense, I think we could have a really successful season."
The Renegades open their season Friday against Pasadena as the defending champions of Ventura Tournament.
"Those four guys coming back bring a lot of experience and a lot of big games," Hughes said. "But it will be our first game and it will be ugly. Hopefully we can play hard, do some things and come out with a few victories."
Former Bakersfield point guard Ricky Wofford, an honorable mention all-WSC pick last year, is expected to run the offense. He also led the team in 3-point shooting percentage, connecting on 41,1 percent of his shots from long range. He will be joined by all-WSC guard Skyler Vaden and honorable mention selection E.J. Kirby, giving the 'Gades plenty of experience in the backcourt.
Former Liberty standouts Cody Darling and Calen Coleman, who led the Patriots to the Southeast Yosemite League title and a berth in the Section Div. II title game, and North High product Richie Wagoner also figure to be in the mix.
"We've had about the same number of local kids the past couple of years, but this year we have some more 'name' kids that people remember," Hughes said. "They all bring something to the table. This is probably the best perimeter shooting team I've ever coached in 13-14 years of coaching period. We shoot it well, we have a lot of guys who can really penetrate it to the basket and we have good low post players."
Fisher figures to be top on the list. The 6-foot-5, 225-pound sophomore from Chicago is back after sitting out last season. He was an all-tournament selection in the Elite Eight for BC two years ago.
"Anytime you can pick up a guy like that, it sure does help," Hughes said. "We had a falling out and I felt like Bobby wasn't making good decisions and he wasn't ready academically to be where he needed to be. But he sat out a year and did what he was supposed to do and he's been great, and we're glad to have him back."
Former Bakersfield High center Cooper Damron also joins the team after toying with the idea of playing football for the 'Gades, and should compete for time inside with 6-6 freshman Derrick Johnson from Chicago.
"You got to get out there and play and see how they are when the lights are on," Hughes said. "In practice it's not quite as stressful, you have to perform when the lights are on so this weekend will be good for us."
