The Fresno City College Men’s and Women’s basketball programs are once again proving they are two of the best in the Central Valley conference. Both teams are ranked in the top three of the Central Valley Conference and in the top ten in the state.
The women are 5-0 in the Central Valley Conference. They are led by top scorers Tabitha Torres,Taryn Sayama and Sarina Sayama.
The Rams also depend on Sophomore Nicole Chapple. Through out the entire season Chapple, Torres and the Sayamas have averaged scoring in the double digits.
Each game, the women play for each other as well as their coaches. They pour their heart into the game as they dive and slide across the court. No loose ball goes unnoticed and is immediately retrieved.
With an unrelenting defense, they push themselves to the brink throughout each game. While their defense seems rushed, their offense is calm and their shots are well thought out.
Brian Tessler is the passion and motivation behind the scenes of the women’s basketball team. As head coach, he demands the best from his players both on the court and off.
The women are thankful for Tessler and for everything else that has brought them success this season.
“We credit our success to our coaches. We also do weight lifting with coach Madec(men’s coach), and we worked with Jennifer Alcorn(boxing champion),” said Nicole Chapple.
Excellence is a common trait for the men’s basketball team as well. With a record of 23-3, the men are currently ranked No.1 in the conference and No.5 in the state.
Last year the men lost in the semifinals of the state tournament. “Winning state and getting better is our focus,” said guard Thomas Jordan.“Winning and having confidence in each other as a whole keeps us positive.” Despite the success they had so far this season, the entire team is still striving to get better everyday. “We need to get better at team defense, hustling, and working hard,” said DeAndre Madlock.
Head coach Ed Madec has been the coach of the FCC men’s team since 2006. Since then he has a record of 174-30.
This season the team is led by three returning sophomores: 6 foot 3 inches guard Tomas Sanchez, 6 foot 4 inches guard Marcus Hall and 6 foot 11 inches DeAndre Madlock.
These men are the driving force behind FCC’s success this season.
“Coach Madec has taught us how to become men on and off the court,” said Sanchez.