Championship pedigree flows in the veins of Allen Community College head womens basketball coach Rachel Janzen. As a player at Southern Nazarene University, Janzen was an NAIA National Champion twice, and returned as an assistant coach to add another championship ring to the collection.
As a first-year coach last season, Janzen received a loud awakening. After starting the season with 12 girls on the roster, Janzen ended the season with six due to disciplinary action. The decimated roster led to a 3-28 record, and ACC finished bottom of the totem pole in the Jayhawk Conference.
That rough first year allowed Janzen to sit back, reflect on what transpired, and prepare for what was to come.
It wasnt a fun year, but I learned a lot about myself as a coach, and what I want in my program. Ive been coaching for 13 years, but had always been an assistant until now, Janzen said. The big difference is as a head coach you make every decision.
Only three players from last seasons squad will return, including key starters Gabby Guzman and Ariel Walker. Last season, Guzman averaged 10.6 PPG, shooting 36.1% from the field and 32.7% beyond the arc. Walker led the team in scoring with 14.1 PPG, shooting 35.2%. Expect the pair to solidify the back court. Also returning will be Kyla Gipson, who was redshirted last season due to a season-ending injury.
Gabby and Ariel will be major for us this season, Janzen said. They are huge leaders on the court which makes a big difference. Also, they are both very talented. They can attack the rim, break down defenses, and shoot the lights out of it.
Saturday was the first chance for Janzens new-look Red Devils to take to the hardwood in Frisco, Texas. ACC were impressive against Coastal Bend and Eatern Arizona, but took the foot off the gas in their final match versus Eastern Oklahoma. Fatigue played a factor in the final match of the three-game trip, as the Red Devils have been battling injuries throughout the preseason. This week will be the first opportunity for the Red Devils to scrimmage five-on-five during practice.
The Texas trip provided a chance for Janzen to see her freshmen in action for the first time. Janzen was impressed with Zariah Sango, a 6-4 forward that can manage the paint on the defensive end. Janzen admits that Sangos offensive game remains a work in progress. Courtney Crippin made an impact with her hustle play, and has the ability to drive at the rim as well.
Being full of new faces is always a challenge for on-court chemistry, so Janzen has incorporated team-bonding exercises for players to familiarize themselves with each other.
We will do team bonding stuff at my house, or in the dorms, Janzen said. We do a lot of stuff off the court which is the most important thing. They all like each other and get along as far as on the court playing together, it just takes repetition.
The key for success for ACC will be finding consistency in their play. On a nightly basis, Janzen intends to not rely on individuals, but for the entire unit to stay consistent within the system. The Red Devils home opener is on Nov. 1, leaving Janzen & Co. 16 days to find their cohesiveness as a team.
