Walnut, Calif. -- The Mt. SAC Women's Basketball Team is stepping into the 2024-2025 season with high hopes and fresh talent under the leadership of Head Coach Brian Crichlow. With ten newcomers, including eight freshmen, the team is ready to take on new challenges while leaning on the experience of returning players to navigate the court.

"This team is young; we have ten newcomers who are learning a whole new system and way of doing things," said Coach Crichlow. "It's a little different here at Mt. SAC than what they are used to, but the veterans we have coming back played valuable minutes for us last year. Their leadership has been crucial in helping the younger players adapt."

Key returners like Daisia Mitchell, Frances Potts and Aanisah Moncrief have been instrumental in guiding the new talent. "Those three have been huge lifts for the younger group because they know they can ask them anything or come to them for help in any situation," Crichlow added.

Reflecting on last season's success, which saw the team win 27 games, Coach Crichlow remarked, "We had a group of players who bought in and fought for each other. It's hard to predict how this year will go; some teams I thought would be strong struggled, while others exceeded expectations. If we can put it all together, I believe we have a talented group of young ladies that can achieve our ultimate goal: winning a state championship."

Crichlow emphasized the importance of understanding the high expectations that come with playing at Mt. SAC – a place where winning is the standard. "The newcomers are starting to get a feel for what it means to play here. They thought they knew what to expect, but the work, structure, and discipline required has been more demanding than they've experienced in their basketball careers so far. However, after participating in a nontraditional tournament and a recent scrimmage, they are beginning to look like a true Mt. SAC team."

Leading up to the season, the team was focused on perfecting the fundamentals, sharpening their defensive skills, and preparing themselves for the pace of the game at the collegiate level. "Our bread and butter is defense," Crichlow stated. "Conditioning both the mind and body to play tough defense for 40 minutes is crucial."

Each year presents the challenge of assessing the talent and figuring out how all the pieces fit together. "A lot of kids were probably the best player on their team in high school," Crichlow remarked with a chuckle. "But when they get here, they must recognize that we have everybody's best player. I don't need them to do 100 things perfectly; I just need them to do one or two things exceptionally. If everybody does their part, the team will be successful."

As a women's coach for the past 30 years, Crichlow proudly addressed the increasing visibility of women's sports. "For so long, women's sports and women's basketball have been overlooked," he lamented. "But now, we're finally getting the recognition we deserve. With the rise of NIL and increased opportunities, our players can aspire to enter the sports network and truly thrive. I love turning on the TV and seeing women represented, rather than being inundated with men's sports. Women are becoming the standard; we've come a long way."

During the team's recent retreat in Palm Springs, players participated in team bonding activities, shared discussions about expectations and goals, and even held a talent show. "It was a great opportunity for everyone to connect off the court," said Crichlow. "When they see each other in a different light, talking about life, family, and their experiences, it helps them realize that they aren't just basketball players; they're human beings with feelings and emotions. Once they understand each other as individuals, trust develops, leading to improved communications during games."

The ladies took time to reflect on what was important to them as a team and set goals for the upcoming season. "They want to be part of our program history," Crichlow beamed. "They don't want to just be players; they want to bring their kids back to the school one day to see a trophy in the showcase or a banner hanging in the gym, proving their contribution to greatness and ensuring they are remembered."

The team is set to open the season at the Mt. SAC Tip-Off Tournament taking place from November 1-3. The Mounties will go head-to-head with Antelope Valley on Friday, face No. 3 ranked Moorpark on Saturday, and compete against No. 1 ranked Sequoias on Sunday. They are entering the season as the No. 4 ranked women's basketball team in the state.

Fans are encouraged to come out and support the Mounties as they embark on what promises to be an exciting season. Get ready for a season full of fast breaks, thrilling plays and a drive for victory. Go Mounties!

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For additional information, please contact the Mt. SAC Sports Information Office at 909.274.4630.