Photo by Zack Poisal
Published on October 17, 2009
Zack Poisal
Staff writer
The Ventura College Pirates men’s basketball team is on a mission to bring back a lost tradition one step at a time.
Starting with the hiring of new Assistant Head Coach Joey Ramirez, the Pirates put the icing on the cake of change by bringing back the exciting midnight madness practice seems to have VC on the right track.
Ventura’s midnight practice was the second official practice for VC and the first time the public was able to see the team.
The madness showcased five, five-minute inter-squad scrimmages, a jaw dropping dunk competition, and was topped off with a lights-out three-point competition.
The inter-squad scrimmage featured numerous fast-break points by Hawaii native Jon Keen, dripping-wet three pointers by Ventura High School graduate Paul Batausa and defensive hustle plays from every single player on the court. The dunk competition featured Jon Keen, Jeremiah Slowik, Jordan Harris and Troy Watson. Watson beat out his competitors, taking the slam dunk crown.
Moises Barrera gave his teammate Seth Bradish a large lead after the first minute, draining 16 three-pointers in his minute of action. Barrera and Bradish would eventually be named three-point champions, outlasting Paul Batausa and Pierce Brooks 20-16.
Jordan Harris is one of the four returning players this year which include: Jeremiah Slowik, Justin Jimenez, and after his one year hiatus Troy Watson comes back to play for the Pirates.
Harris has been granted a leadership role this year for a squad dominated by freshman.
“It feels a little different,” Harris said. “Last year we had a lot more sophomores, and leaders.”
Even though there is a lack of sophomores on the team this year, Harris still expects the team to be competitive, and wants to play hard every game.
“I expect to win, win a lot of games, play hard and be a top competitor,” Harris said.
Although Ventura features many new faces with their new talented freshmen class, there are players that have grown up watching the Pirates every year.
Freshman Nolan Smith grew up watching the Pirates play, as well as having family play for them, including his father Don Smith and brother, Hylas Smith.
Smith is looking forward to a successful season, noticing that every single player and coach is working hard to make the program successful.
“We are coming together pretty well, the comradely is getting there, the chemistry is getting there,” Smith commented. “The coach staff is working hard, so I think are going to be pretty successful.”
“We play hard” is Ventura’s motto; it is posted all over the gym, and it is the motto Head Coach Will Cowen believes his team should play by.
“Play hard every night,” Cowen said. “Compete for a conference championship.”
Ventura College starts their journey for a championship Nov. 7, when they anticipate a large home crowd to cheer them on against Citrus College. Tip-off is set for 2 p.m.