Comets unanimous No. 1 in latest poll
SAN MARCOS, CA (1/4/2023) -- After wrapping up their non-conference schedule, Palomar remains undefeated and are unanimously the No. 1 team in the State in the CCCWBCA poll.
The Comets went on a revenge tour checking off teams left and right who have ended their seasons in years past. A 76-44 victory over Merced on the final day of the Lady Charger Classic at Cypress College was stop number one. At the Tommy Arellano North-South Showcase at Moorpark College, the Comets faced stops number two and three on their tour. The Pasadena City College Lancers hung in there with the Comets, but the fast temp the Comets are known for, was no match as the Comets pulled ahead and secured the 80-51 victory.
The next day, Palomar faced their second team from the North, San Joaquin Delta College. The Mustangs and Comets went back and forth throughout the entire first half of play, but the Comets received their words of wisdom from head coach Leigh Marshall at the half and it was all gas and no brakes from there. The Comets secured the 59-47 win in a rematch of last season's Elite Eight matchup.
The final stop on the revenge tour was Irvine Valley College. Last season the Comets were exposed on the road as the Lasers stunned the Comets. It was a different story this season. With a point to prove, Marshall let her team go and the Comets defeated the Lasers 73-33 to stay perfect on the season.
To round out their non-conference schedule, No. 1 Palomar hosted the PCAC/OEC Holiday Crossover event last week and didn't allow Santa Ana College or Riverside City College within 30 points to finish this part of their schedule 14-0.
Palomar's success this season stems from many things culminating into the force that is Palomar College Women's Basketball. Sophomore Deajanae Harvey, last season's SoCal Player of the Year, is on the warpath to win the award once again. She is averaging 25.6 points per game. She had a season-low 11 points last week against Santa Ana but bounced back with a 35-point performance the next night against Riverside City. Harvey has five double-doubles on the season and one triple-double. As consistent as Harvey is on both ends of the court, her teammates fill in the gaps. Sophomore Rory Hetrick, a ball mover and defensive player, leads the state with a 52.6 three-point percentage. Sophomore Kayla Williams is a big body under the basketball and is a force on the glass, averaging 7.8 rebounds a game. Sophomore Gabby Sebit brings height to the team and averages a block a game. Sophomore Faith Schwantner brings the crafty defense, stealing the ball an average of two times a game, but causing numerous turnovers.
This Comet team brings the heat and fun to the court. The high-flying Comets keep pushing the tempo and show no signs of slowing down anytime soon. Palomar will begin conference play this week, opening up against San Diego City College on Wednesday night before hosting Grossmont College on Friday. The Comets are going for their second consecutive title and their 13th in program history.