CALIFORNIA STATE POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY, POMONA

Bronco Sports News

For Immediate Release

Jan. 29, 2002

Contact: Paul Helms

(909) 869-2812

 

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL

MEDIA NOTES

 

2001-02 CPP Record: 15-2. CCAA Record: 11-1

2001-02 National Ranking: 1 (USA Today/ESPN). 2001-02 Regional Ranking: 1

 

Raise The Roof: Cal Poly Pomona’s women’s basketball team will try to extend its 21-game home winning streak with a pair of key CCAA contests this weekend. The Broncos will face Cal State Stanislaus at 6 p.m. Friday night and will then entertain second-place Cal State Bakersfield on Saturday at 5:30 p.m. The game against Cal State Bakersfield has been moved up to 5:30 p.m. for the “Night Of Champions” celebration scheduled for Saturday evening. The Broncos, the No. 1 ranked team in the nation, has a one-game lead over Cal State Bakersfield, while Cal State Stanislaus is tied for eighth with Cal State San Bernardino.

 

Head To Head: Cal Poly Pomona holds an 11-4 all-time edge over Cal State Stanislaus, including a hard-fought 82-75 victory in Turlock on Dec. 8. Anna James (Jr., Orangevale, Casa Roble HS)  scored a season-high 20 points to lead the Broncos, while Lauri McIntosh (Sr., Diamond Bar, Diamond Bar HS) and Margot Richards (Sr., Orangevale, Erskine College) scored 12 points each. The Broncos have won seven straight games against the Warriors. Cal Poly Pomona has a 3-0 all-time record against Cal State Bakersfield, including a come-from-behind 100-86 win in Bakersfield on Dec. 9. McIntosh set a new school record and tied a CCAA mark with 46 points in the victory.

 

About Last Week: The Broncos swept Cal State San Bernardino in a pair of games and, thanks to a Cal State Bakersfield loss at Cal State Stanislaus, took over the CCAA lead. The Broncos won the first matchup against the Coyotes easily, 86-44. The 42-point margin of victory tied a season high and the 44 points allowed were a season-best. The margin of victory was the largest in the series history. Aprile Powell (So., Santa Ana, Century HS) had 18 points, eight rebounds and a career-high seven steals for the Broncos, while Burgundie Porter (Sr., San Dimas, San Dimas HS) had 13 points and five assists. Three days later, in San Bernardino, the Broncos had a bigger battle, but pulled away late for a 87-76 win. The game was tied at halftime, 44-44, and the Broncos didn’t breathe easy until an 8-1 run gave them a 79-68 lead with 6:20 left. McIntosh poured in 27 points to lead the Broncos, while Powell set new season highs in points (23) and rebounds (16). Heather Reeder (Jr., Wenatche, WA, University of Portland) had 13 points and set a new season high for scoring for a second straight game. The victories boosted the Broncos’ winning streak to a season-best seven games.

 

Cream Of The Crop: The Broncos have dominated the CCAA in the past two-plus seasons. Cal Poly Pomona was 20-2 in conference last year and 19-1 two years ago, which adds up to a 39-3 conference record. The 11-1 start gives the Broncos a 50-4 record in their last 54 conference games. Cal Poly Pomona won the 1999-2000 crown by a whopping five games over UC Davis and was three games better than Cal State Bakersfield last year. Over the past three-plus seasons, since the CCAA was expanded, the Broncos are a conference-best 66-8.

 

We’re No. 1: Cal Poly Pomona is the overwhelming choice to win its 18th CCAA crown. In voting done by the conference coaches, the Broncos collected 11 first-place votes to easily outdistance No. 2 UC Davis. The Broncos are also ranked first in the USA Today/ESPN Top 25 Coaches’ Poll and first in the latest regional poll.

 

The Thomas Guide: Paul Thomas is in his eighth season as Cal Poly Pomona’s head coach. He has a current record of 155-61 at Cal Poly Pomona. He picked up his 150th career victory at Cal Poly Pomona on Jan. 11 when the Broncos defeated UC San Diego, 76-73, in La Jolla. Thomas has been named CCAA Coach of the Year three times and guided the Broncos into the postseason in five straight seasons. The Broncos have also won four CCAA titles during the Thomas years, including two straight, three in the past four years and four in the past five years.

 

Three Tremendous Years … And Counting: The last three-plus seasons have been especially impressive for the Broncos. After the wins over Cal State San Bernardino, Cal Poly Pomona is now 91-14 during that time span, including a remarkable 66-8 mark in the CCAA. Their record at home is even more amazing. The Broncos are 47-2 at home in the last three-plus seasons and have won 21 consecutive games in Kellogg Gym.

 

McIntosh Is Marvelous: Lauri McIntosh (Sr., Diamond Bar, Diamond Bar HS), who was a Kodak All-American as a sophomore in 2000, is a Player of the Year candidate this season. McIntosh is second in the CCAA with a 23.2 points per game average and leads the conference in field-goal percentage by making 59.7 percent of her shots. In her most recent games, McIntosh had 27 points and eight rebounds in 31 minutes at Cal State San Bernardino and nine points and four rebounds in just 18 foul-plagued minutes at home against the Coyotes last Wednesday. The nine points were a season-low and marked the first time this season McIntosh had not reached double figures. McIntosh was the Most Outstanding Player of the CCAA/GNAC Classic in Kellogg Gym after scoring 30 points in a 76-71 win over Seattle Pacific on Dec. 28 and adding 25 points to lead the Broncos to a 85-65 win over Western Washington on Dec. 29. She was also named CCAA Player of the Week for the second time this season. McIntosh broke Cal Poly Pomona’s single-game scoring record on Dec. 9 when she poured in 46 points against Cal State Bakersfield. The old record of 44 was set by Niki Bracken in 1988. McIntosh also tied Bracken’s school record for most field goals in a game with 18. The 46 points also tied a CCAA record. McIntosh followed that up in her next game by tying a school and conference record after making all 11 of her field-goal attempts in a 99-66 win over Cal State L.A. She also equaled a career high with 16 rebounds in the season-opening win against Azusa Pacific. McIntosh is quickly moving up the Cal Poly Pomona career scoring list. After starting the season ninth on the list, McIntosh is now third with 1,832 points. Next up is Jessica Eggleston (1994-98), who is second with 2,038 points.

 

The Return Of Aprile: The Broncos got a much-needed boost when Aprile Powell (So., Santa Ana, Century HS) returned to the lineup after missing six games following knee surgery and two more games while completing university academic requirements. Powell, a Kodak All-American last year as a freshman, has been in the starting lineup for the past five games. Powell had her most productive game of the season Saturday at Cal State San Bernardino when she set new season highs for points (23) and rebounds (16). Earlier last week, Powell had 18 points, six rebounds and a career-high seven steals against the Coyotes. Powell has led the Broncos in scoring three times this season. She contributed 18 points and seven rebounds in 24 minutes in the Broncos’ season opener against Azusa Pacific and then underwent surgery to repair a torn lateral meniscus on Nov. 27. Powell returned for the CCAA/GNAC Classic and scored just one point in the Broncos’ 76-71 win over Seattle Pacific. She had 12 points, three rebounds and three steals the following night in a win over Western Washington. Powell completed one of the best freshman seasons in the program’s storied history last year. She was a Kodak All-American, the Most Outstanding Player in both the NCAA Division II West Region and Elite Eight Tournaments and led the Broncos in scoring (16.8 points per game) and rebounding (10.4 per game).

 

Dialing Long Distance: Anna James (Jr., Orangevale, Casa Robles HS) is already the most prolific 3-point shooter in Cal Poly Pomona history and keeps adding to her total. She leads the team this season and is second in the CCAA with 32, which brings her career total to 162. She connected on a season-high five 3-pointers (in six attempts) in a win over Chico State on Jan. 5. She also had four 3-pointers in a 99-66 win against Cal State L.A. on Dec. 14 and had four against West Florida on Nov. 30. She had three in the second half of the win over Sonoma State last Saturday. James has the best single-season total in Cal Poly Pomona history with 71 in 2000-01. She also nailed a clutch 3-pointer to open the overtime period in the Broncos’ 87-80 victory over North Dakota in the NCAA Division II championship game last season. James has been one of the most consistent scorers this season for the Broncos and is second on the team with a 13.0 points per game average. She also leads the Broncos in free throw shooting (50-64, 78.1 percent). James started the first 13 games of the season for the Broncos before coming down with the flu and coming off the bench in games against San Francisco State and Sonoma State. James returned to the starting lineup for the games against Cal State San Bernardino.

 

Who’s New: The Broncos have welcomed five newcomers to the program, including two who played high school basketball locally. Christy Gardner (G, Ontario, Ontario HS) and Britt Sumida (G, Chino Hills, Ayala HS) are incoming freshmen to Cal Poly Pomona. Transfers Kiarra Drummond (F, Los Angeles, Univ. of Texas El Paso), Heather Reeder (G, Wenatche, Wa., University of Portland) and Leah Whatley (G, Suisun, Tarleton State) are also new to the program. A sixth player, Brandi Fletcher (Fr., Pomona, Diamond Ranch HS), is redshirting this season.

 

Program History: The Broncos’ fourth national championship in 2000-01 just added to the program’s rich women’s basketball history. Cal Poly Pomona has also reached the national title game seven times, has four national Player of the Year winners (Jackie White, 1983; Vickie Mitchell, 1986; Debra Larsen, 1987 and Cathy Gooden, 1989), four Most Outstanding Players in the NCAA Tournament (Jackie White, 1982; Vickie Mitchell, 1985; Debra Larsen, 1986; Aprile Powell, 2001), 29 All-American awards earned by 19 different players, 17 NCAA postseason appearances, 17 CCAA titles, 9 CCAA Player of the Year awards and 41 postseason victories.

 

A Little Of This, A Little Of That: To say Cal Poly Pomona has had to battle more than its fair share of injuries and illness would be an understatement. Nine players have started at least one game for the Broncos this season and only guard Leah Whatley (Sr., Suisun, Tartleton State) has started all 17 games. While winning the national championship last season, the Broncos had four players start all 30 games and one start 25. Burgundie Porter continues to shine for the Broncos, both offensively and defensively. Porter is fourth on the team in scoring (10.2 points per game) and leads the Broncos in steals (40, 2.4 per game). She is tied for the team lead in assists (53, 3.1 per game). Porter set a new career high earlier this season against Cal State Dominguez Hills with seven steals. She also had nine points and nine rebounds in the game. Porter, whose last-second shot beat Seattle Pacific in the NCAA Division II West Regional final, hit the go-ahead 3-pointer against the Falcons with 1:53 left in the Broncos’ 76-71 victory in the rematch in the CCAA/GNAC Classic. … Cal Poly Pomona is third in the nation in scoring (83.4 points per game) and 24th in 3-point field goals made per game (6.1). … In 17 games this season, Cal Poly Pomona has outrebounded its opponents, 725-607 … Lauri McIntosh leads the team with 123 rebounds (7.8 per game). … Cal Poly Pomona has forced 409 turnovers in its first 17 games and made 205 steals.

 

Coach’s Corner: (About last week): “After we got off to kind of a slow start, we did a really good job in the middle 30 minutes (of Wednesday’s win). For 30 minutes, we played pretty well with a lot of different people playing so that was encouraging. Then we turned around on Saturday night and I don’t think we put together a consistent effort. I am very pleased and encouraged that we seem to be getting better at closing and finishing games and making the plays when we have to. I give San Bernardino credit. They came out and didn’t say, ‘oh well, this team just beat us by forty, let’s lay down for them.’ They battled and competed and made it very difficult for us to get any type of a rhythm going. A lot of credit should go to San Bernardino.”

(About moving into sole possession of first place in the CCAA): “Bakersfield was with us last year also and we took care of business on our home court and then won a big game up there.”

(About this weekend’s games): “I think these are two big games for both conference placing and regional rankings. There are some big games in our conference and the GNAC. For the West Region, this is one of those weekends that could help separate some of the contenders from some of the possible host institutions to teams that have a chance to get elevated. There are some key matchups. You take someone like Stanislaus. They’ve won four of their last five games and have to be feeling a little bit better about themselves. If they got on a roll, you look at them as being someone with a dark shot of getting in. If you beat the No. 1 team on their home court and have a lot of games remaining on your home court, you have a shot.”

(About the recent play of Aprile Powell): “I’m very encouraged with how she’s coming along. We were always pointing at the middle of February for her being back at full strength and we’re still about two weeks away. She’s been playing a lot of minutes anyway and she’s starting to get a good feel for the game and getting confident out there. She is starting to get more confidence with her shots from the perimeter. Now, we have to get her to go to the basket when the defenders start to come out on her.”

(About the recent play of Heather Reeder): “I think she’s a very important piece of the puzzle. She did a very good job of playing complete games. She came out focused and intense and that’s a big part of what it takes to play at this level.”

(About the excitement expected this weekend with Spirit Week and Night of Champions): “I think our team is looking forward to this weekend. Stanislaus has a lot of talent. They have a Player of the Year candidate (Shannon Donnelly) who is getting back into playing shape. We have to be able to defend her. Our team is quite aware of the Night of Champions and they are excited it’s Homecoming Week and that they’ll be playing on their home court.”

 

-- Head Coach Paul Thomas

 

 

4                    KIARRA DRUMMOND (F, Jr., Los Angeles, University Texas, El Paso)

Last Week: Went scoreless in two minutes at Cal State San Bernardino on Saturday; had one point and one rebound in 16 minutes vs. the Coyotes on Wednesday.

2001-02: Averaging 1.9 points, 2.1 rebounds and 0.4 assists. Had nine points and six rebounds in win at Cal State Stanislaus (12-8-01).

Season Highs: Points – 9 at CS Stanislaus (12-8-01); Rebounds – 8 vs. Cal State L.A. (12-14-01); Assists – 2 at CS Stanislaus (12-8-01).

Career Highs: First year with Broncos.

 

BRITT SUMIDA (G, Fr., Chino Hills, Ayala HS)

Last Week: Scored two points in three minutes vs. Cal State San Bernardino on Wednesday; DNP-CD at Cal State San Bernardino on Saturday.

2001-02: Averaging 1.0 point, 0.0 rebounds, 0.0 assists. Has appeared in five games and played a total of nine minutes.

Season Highs: Points – 2 vs. Cal State San Bernardino (1-23-02), vs. Azusa Pacific (11-24-01), vs. Cal State L.A. (12-14-01).

Career Highs: First year with Broncos.

 

LEAH WHATLEY (G, Sr., Suisan, Tarleton State)

Last Week: Had 10 points, two rebounds, two assists and three steals vs. Cal State San Bernardino on Wednesday; had eight points, four rebounds and three assists at Cal State San Bernardino on Saturday.

2001-02: Averaging 8.0 points, 3.0 rebounds and 3.1 assists per game. Shares the team lead in assists with 53.

Season Highs: Points – 17 vs. CS Dominguez Hills (12-15-01); Rebounds – 7 vs. Cal State L.A. (12-14-01); Assists – 6 at Chico State (1-5-02).

Career Highs: First year with Broncos.

 

SALMA RASHEED (F, So., Walnut, Walnut HS)

Last Week: Scored 10 points with four rebounds vs. Cal State San Bernardino on Wednesday; had four points and one rebound at Cal State San Bernardino on Saturday.

2001-02: Averaging 6.8 points, 2.6 rebounds and 0.3 assists per game. Has appeared in all 15 games this season and started three times.

Season Highs: Points – 15 at UC San Diego (1-11-02); Rebounds – 6 at UC San Diego (1-11-02), vs. Cal State L.A. (12-14-01). Assists – 2 at Chico State (1-5-02).

Career Highs: Points – 15 at UC San Diego (1-11-02), vs. UC San Diego (1-12-01); Rebounds – 8 vs. UC Davis (1-19-01), vs. CS San Bernardino (1-24-01); Assists – 2 at Chico State (1-5-02), at Grand Canyon (3-2-01).

 

BURGUNDIE PORTER (G, Sr., San Dimas, San Dimas HS)

Last Week: Had 13 points, five assists, two rebounds and one steal vs. Cal State San Bernardino on Wednesday; had six points, five assists and three rebounds at Cal State San Bernardino on Saturday.

2001-02: Averaging 10.2 points, 4.5 rebounds and 3.1 assists per game. Has reached double figures in eight of 17 games; had a career-high seven steals vs. Cal State Dominguez Hills (12-15-01). Tied for the team lead in assists with 53.

Season Highs: Points – 21 vs. Azusa Pacific (11-24-01); Rebounds – 10 vs. Seattle Pacific (12-28-01). Assists – 7 vs. West Florida (11-30-01).

Career Highs: Points – 23 vs. Chico State (2-11-00); Rebounds – 11 vs. CS Bakersfield (12-15-01). Assists – 7 vs. West Florida (11-30-01).

 

CHRISTY GARDNER (G, Fr., Ontario, Ontario HS):

Last Week: Scored two points with three rebounds and one assist vs. Cal State San Bernardino on Wednesday; went scoreless with one rebound in three minutes at Cal State San Bernardino on Saturday.

2001-02: Averaging 1.7 points per game, 1.7 rebounds and 0.6 assists per game. Appeared in 17 games this season.

Season Highs: Points – 6 at CS Stanislaus (12-8-01); Rebounds – 5 at CS Bakersfield (12-9-01); Assists – 3 at CS Bakersfield (12-9-01).

Career Highs: First year with Broncos.

 

LAURI MCINTOSH (F, Sr., Diamond Bar, Diamond Bar HS):

Last Week: Scored 27 points and grabbed eight rebounds on Saturday at Cal State San Bernardino; limited to just nine points, four rebounds and two assists in 18 minutes vs. Cal State San Bernardino on Wednesday.

2001-02: Is second in the CCAA and third in the NCAA Division II in scoring with 23.2 points per game and is shooting a CCAA-best 59.7 percent. Also averaging team-best 8.5 rebounds and 1.9 assists per game. Set a new school record and tied CCAA record with 46 points in win at Cal State Bakersfield (12-9-01). Tied school and CCAA record by making all 11 shots against Cal State L.A. (12-14-01).

Season Highs: Points – 46 at CS Bakersfield (12-9-01)* New School and CCAA Record; Rebounds – 16 vs. Azusa Pacific (11-24-01); Assists: 6 vs. Sonoma State (1-19-02).

Career Highs: Points – 46 at CS Bakersfield (12-09-01). Rebounds – 16 vs. Azusa Pacific (11-24-01), vs. Sonoma State (1-8-99); Assists – 6 vs. Sonoma State (1-19-02).

 

ANNA JAMES (G, Jr., Orangevale, Casa Roble HS)

Last Week: Scored five points with two rebounds in 19 minutes vs. Cal State San Bernardino on Wednesday; had two points and two rebounds in 11 minutes at Cal State San Bernardino on Saturday.

2001-02: Averaging 11.9 points, 3.4 rebounds, 2.5 assists per game. Is third on the team in scoring. Reached double figures in 11 of 17 games.

Season Highs: Points – 20 at Chico State (1-5-02), at CS Stanislaus (12-8-01); Rebounds – 6 at CS Bakersfield (12-9-01); Assists – 6 vs. Azusa Pacific (11-24-01).

Career Highs: Points – 26 at Azusa Pacific (11-21-00); Rebounds – 12 at CS Dominguez Hills (1-6-01); Assists – 6 vs. Azusa Pacific (11-24-01).

 

KIM KENNEDY (G, Sr., Walnut Creek, Carondelet HS)

Last Week: Had no points but a season-high four assists in 16 minutes at Cal State San Bernardino on Saturday; had no points, two rebounds and one assist vs. Cal State San Bernardino on Wednesday.

2001-02: Averaging 1.9 points, 0.9 rebounds and 1.7 assists. Appeared in 16 of 17 games this season, averaging 15.6 minutes per game.

Season Highs: Points – 6 at CS Stanislaus; Rebounds – 2 (Three times, most recent vs. Western Washington 12-29-01). Assists – 4 at Cal State San Bernardino (1-26-02).

Career Highs: Points – 10 at San Francisco State (2-20-99); Rebounds – 6 vs. Grand Canyon (1-13-01); Assists – 8 at Tusculum College (11-27-99).

 

HEATHER REEDER (G, Jr., Wenatchee, WA, University of Portland)

Last Week: Set season highs in scoring in both games. Had 10 points with four rebounds and five steals vs. Cal State San Bernardino on Wednesday; followed that up with 13 points and three rebounds at Cal State San Bernardino on Saturday.

2001-02: Averaging 3.6 points, 2.2 rebounds and 0.6 assists per game. Has appeared in all 17 games this season.

Season Highs: Points - 13 at Cal State San Bernardino (1-26-02); Rebounds – 6 at CS Stanislaus (12-8-01); Assists: 2 (Three times, most recent vs. Western Washington, 12-29-01).

Career Highs: First season with Broncos.

 

MARISA LATTIN (F, So., Oceanside, El Camino HS)

Last Week: Had two points, two rebounds and one assist at Cal State San Bernardino on Saturday; had two points and one assist in 13 minutes vs. Cal State San Bernardino on Wednesday.

2001-02: Averaging 2.8 points, 2.3 rebounds and 0.6 assists per game. Appeared in all 17 games this season and started five times.

Season Highs: Points – 12 at UC Davis (1-4-02); Rebounds – 5 at North Dakota State (12-1-01), at UC Davis (1-4-02); Assists – 1 (Eight times, most recent at Grand Canyon (1-12-02).

Career Highs: Points – 12 at UC Davis (1-4-02); Rebounds – 8 vs. Sonoma State (2-18-00); Assists – 3 vs. Cal State L.A. (1-28-00).

 

MARGOT RICHARDS (G, Sr., Orangevale, Erskine College)

Last Week: Scored four points and grabbed three rebounds in 10 minutes against Cal State San Bernardino on Wednesday; had two points and two rebounds in 13 minutes at Cal State San Bernardino on Saturday.

2001-02: Averaging 5.7 points, 2.9 rebounds and 1.1 assists per game. Appeared in all 17 games and started eight games.

Season Highs: Points – 12 at CS Stanislaus (12-8-01); Rebounds – 7 vs. West Florida (11-30-01); Assists – 2 (Five times, most recent at Grand Canyon (1-12-02).

Career Highs: Points – 16 at Azusa Pacific (11-21-00); Rebounds – 7 vs. West Florida (11-30-01); Assists – 2 (Nine times, most recent vs. Western Washington, 12-29-01).

 

APRILE POWELL (C, So., Santa Ana, Century HS)

Last Week: Scored a season-high 23 points to go along with a season-high 16 rebounds Saturday at Cal State San Bernardino; had 18 points, eight rebounds and a career-high seven steals against Cal State San Bernardino on Wednesday.

2001-02: Averaging 15.2 points, 7.8 rebounds and 0.9 assists per game. The returning All-American and Elite Eight Most Outstanding Player in 2000-01 has appeared in nine games this season and started the last five. Is second on the team in scoring.

Season Highs: Points – 23 at CS San Bernardino (1-26-02); Rebounds – 16 at CS San Bernardino (1-26-02); Assists – 2 at UC San Diego (1-11-02).

Career Highs: Points – 31 vs. Sonoma State (2-2-01); Rebounds – 18 vs. North Dakota (3-24-01); Assists – 2 (Six times, most recent at UC San Diego (1-11-02).