With the basketball season winding down, the men’s and women’s teams have had an equally tough time. Both have surprisingly similar records.
The men were 11-18 while the women were 11-17 as of Wednesday afternoon.
The men’s team is experiencing a rebuilding season, with a group of players who have never played college basketball before.
“We had no returners, all freshmen. Given that context we’ve done pretty well,” said coach George Nessman, who is in his first season as the head coach. Nessman came to BC this fall from Porterville College.
The men’s team lost 74-60 to a tough College of the Canyons at home on Feb. 15, almost guaranteeing that they won’t make the playoffs, according to Nessman.
“We had a slow start to the season because everyone (of us were) freshmen but I feel like we are progressing,” said Peter Rajniak, a 21-year-old transfer student from San Diego Mesa College.
Members of the women’s team are looking toward the playoffs with high hopes, although it will be difficult after they fell to College of the Canyons, 77-58, on Feb. 15 at the Gil Bishop Sports Center.
“We’re all good friends and it’s going to be sad when it’s over and we have to go our separate ways,” said 19-year-old sophomore guard Taylor Seay.
The women are led by coach Paula Dahl, who is in her ninth year as the head coach.
“They’re a great group of kids that work extremely hard and they have been a great group to work with,” she said.
Some players said they hope to make the postseason playoffs.
“The team has gotten a lot better since November and if we make the playoffs we could be a Cinderella team,” said Cory Edgemond, a 19-year-old freshman guard who has been a standout player for the Renegades.
BC’s men’s and women’s basketball teams play there final game Saturday at 5:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.