West Hills women's basketball banquet honors players, Don Warkentin, former president

Friday, April 1, 2016 - 10:03am By Ed Martin, The Leader Editor

There were plenty of smiles, tears, plenty of awards, and even a few one liners at Wednesday’s West Hills College women’s basketball team’s end-of-season banquet. The Golden Eagles recently concluded their best season ever, compiling an impressive 19-10 record and finishing second in the Central Valley Conference.

But while plenty of Eagles won awards, and attendees munched on Dickey’s barbecue, it was the tear-rendering tribute to former West Hills College President Don Warkentin that brought forth a few emotions, and even a few laughs.

Golden Eagle Coach Andrea Picchi, whom Warkentin hired four years ago to coach the school’s first basketball team, tearfully announced that beginning next season, the annual West Hills College Lemoore Basketball Tournament will be known as the West Hills Don Warkentin Classic.

“This program is always going to be here because of him,” said Picchi. She related the story of how she got hired, explaining that four years ago she was on the verge of leaving basketball and taking a full-time job as a police officer.

“I believe things happen for a reason,” she said. “I was at a crossroads. He saved me and I wouldn’t be here if not for him,” because It was Warkentin, who after a grueling interview before a 20-person panel, interviewed her, and a few days later he offered her the job.

And he’s been in her corner ever since.

But there was plenty more to be proud of at Wednesday’s get-together in the West Hills College Lemoore Conference Center, including honoring a two-time All-State basketball player in the form of Samantha Earl, who will no doubt continue her college career at a major university. Earl is also a two-time All-Conference player.

Also honored as first teamers were Jordan Lassiter, Kim Alfors and freshman Michelle Brown. Brown led the state in field goal percentage. Alfors was also named an Academic All-State player, the second time for her.

The quiet Janissa Pates was honored as the Nick and Edna Ivan’s Award winner. The talented Pates was honored for her unselfish demeanor and her ability to help the team in any way. Nick and Edna (Edna, a school trustee for nearly 50 years) were longtime supporters of West Hills College.

Finally, sophomore Angela Cuevas was named the Golden Eagle Award recipient for her no nonsense, hard-working approach to the team.

“We had a most successful year,” said Picchi. “It’s not about the numbers, it’s about the people.”