Herrick hits 600 career wins, College of the Canyons downs Rio Hondo, 78-67

GLENDALE — College of the Canyons head coach Greg Herrick picked up his 600th career victory at the college on Friday, as the Cougars fought for a historic 78-67 win over Rio Hondo College during day one action of the Glendale Crossover.

The victory, which by virtue of schedule, came nearly two weeks after Herrick claimed career win No. 599 prompted an emotional post-game celebration from the group of friends, family, colleagues, fans and supporters who were in attendance.

"This acknowledges all of the players over the course of the last 29 seasons that contributed to the 600 wins," said Herrick, moments after being presented with the official game ball and having an opportunity to address the crowd. 

"I get the credit, but the team, and all the players are the ones that should get all the credit because they're the ones that did it," added Herrick, who took over the COC women's program prior to the 1992-93 season.

"I'm very happy, I'm proud of what we've done all these years, but it's all about the players," he said. "With all the players that I've coached, there is a love affair with all of them. If they were all here, I'd thank every one of them."

Herrick's 30-year tenure at College of the Canyons has included 16 Western State Conference (WSC), South Division Championships (1994, 1995, 1997, 1998, 2000, 2001, 2004, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2016 and 2018) in 29 seasons. COC did not compete during the 2020-21 year due to cancellations brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. 

His teams have also qualified for the CCCAA Southern California Regional Postseason in 23 seasons, including a run of 21 straight appearances from 1994-2014.  In 1997, Herrick guided the Cougars all the way to the state championship game, eventually finishing runner-up to Ventura College.

Herrick has also been named the WSC, South Coach of the Year on 10 occasions.

As of Friday night, Herrick boasts a career record of 600-277 at the college, good for a .684 winning percentage.

Herrick's tenure at College of the Canyons has been one of the most successful of any head coach in CCCAA women's basketball history.

"College of the Canyons gave me the opportunity to coach the sport I love so much," said Herrick. "When somebody gives you that opportunity and gives you the freedom to build the program in your image, I am overly appreciative of that. I will never forget them for giving me this chance."

No. 4 state ranked Canyons (9-1) was able to bounce back for the win against Rio Hondo (5-8) after suffering its first loss to San Joaquin Delta College its last time out on Dec. 4. That matchup vs. No. 1 ranked Delta came in the championship game of the 45th Annual Gilcrest Invitational on Dec. 4.

On Friday, the two teams played to a 39-39 halftime tie as the Roadrunners attempted to take a page from the Cougars' playbook with a fast-paced offense and pressing defense.

Canyons took a slim 57-56 lead into the fourth quarter before creating some separation thanks in large point to seven points from Justice Walters across the final 10 minutes of play.

Walters came off the bench but finished with a game-high 25 points on an 8-of-19 shooting night that included four three-pointers. Her three-point basket with 5:19 to go in the game put COC ahead by eight points with the Roadrunners unable to get much closer.

"Rio Hondo gave us everything they had," said Herrick. "We didn't really get after it until the end."

COC freshman LuLu Salloom finished with 14 points and 16 rebounds. Sophomore Malia Semana was next with 13 points and seven rebounds. Danni Diaz and Monique Febles finished with 12 and 10 points, respectively.

Rio Hondo received 20 points from Rosalie Avalos and 15 from reserve Jiselle Cabrera to help keep pace with Canyons.

COC outrebounded the Roadrunners 41-27 and shot better than 70 percent (27-of-38) from the foul line. By comparison, Rio Hondo was 7-of-12 from the charity stripe.

The Cougars will return to action on Saturday, Dec. 18 vs. No. 13 state ranked Allan Hancock College in day-two action at the Glendale Crossover. That contest is scheduled to tip at 1 p.m.

Canyons is off to the best start in program history currently averaging 73 points per game to rank third in the WSC, South. Herrick and the Cougars appear poised to compete for another WSC title when conference play begins on Jan. 5. 

"I told the players, we've always been the hunter, now we are the hunted," said Herrick. "Other teams want to beat us. We're highly ranked and have a pretty gaudy record. 

"There are a lot of good teams out there," added Herrick, "but if things go our way, you've got to consider us having a chance, and maybe favorites, to take the conference."

(Jesse Munoz, College of the Canyons Athletics)