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Published on 11/24/1997 All articles from this issue

Foothill women aiming for state title

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Special to the Town Crier

The Foothill College women's basketball program is quickly establishing itself as the team of the 1990s in Northern California community college circles.

Since the 1993-94 season, when they tied rival De Anza College, the Owls have stormed through the Coast Conference en route to four consecutive championships. They've been ranked as high as first in Northern California and third in the state. The Owls have reached the second round of the state playoffs twice and the third round once. They've won 99 games over the past four seasons. Foothill was 28-2 in conference play the last two years, which included a 20-game win streak.

However, the one title that has eluded the Lady Owls thus far is the state championship. That goal just may be on the horizon. The 1997-98 Owls appear to have the talent to challenge for the state crown. While some schools rebuild, Foothill reloads.

Coach Jody Craig has plenty of ammunition. The second-year coach from Calgary, Canada, returns two starters - including reigning conference MVP Krista Knapp. Prized freshman recruit Heather Green of Menlo School heads the lengthy list of athletic newcomers.

"While we're not tall, our athleticism and quickness is more noticeable," Craig said. "This gives us the ability to raise our tempo offensively and create havoc defensively."

Knapp, a native of Alberta, Canada, terrorized the conference last year by averaging 17 points and five rebounds per game. Knapp, who recorded a 35-point effort at shooting guard last year, has been switched to small forward.

"The move of Krista gives us a legitimate inside threat," Craig said.

The Canadian connection continues with outside threat Rene Carriere, who's also considered the team's top defender. The Calgary-born sophomore averaged 15 points per game and was voted Most Inspirational Player by her teammates. She was named second-team all-conference as well.

While the Canadians combined for 32 points per game, Amy Stadler sat out last season after receiving second-team all-conference honors in 1995-96. Stadler's return gives the Lady Owls stability, experience and versatility to run the floor.

The fourth starter is Nia Brown, a 5-foot-7 point guard from Gunn High. Though not regarded as a scorer, she adds board skills and directs the fast-breaking offense.

Green rounds out the starting lineup. Craig says Green "slipped through the cracks at recruiting time." The 5-foot-10 freshman played superbly as a high school sophomore and junior, but because of a coaching shuffle and injuries during her senior year, recruiters shied away. Craig didn't, and the coach hopes Green will give the team another dangerous scorer and rebounder.

In addition to Green, Craig went looking for more pieces to the puzzle and may have found them. The other newcomers include Shawna McGlennon and Teresa Guerra from St. Francis High, Diseph Igonio of Piedmont Hills, Lindsay Diggs of Half Moon Bay, Tamara Robertson of Milpitas, Carrie Martin of Prospect and Calgary native Paula Jopp.

Due to realignment, Foothill has moved from the Southern Division of the Coast Conference to the stronger North Division this year. Despite the move, Craig remains confident in her team's chances.

The Owls, who are off to a 1-2 start this season, play at Merced tonight at 5 p.m.

A Foothill men's basketball preview will follow next week.