AVC NOTEBOOK: CENTER'S 'WAKE-UP CALL'.

Byline: Sean Ceglinsky Staff Writer

Antelope Valley College entered the 2003 season ranked seventh in the state, according to the California Community College Men's Basketball Coaches Association.

But it appears the Marauders might have some trouble keeping pace with the state's elite, especially if Jonathan Holland isn't contributing. The 6-foot-10, 315-pound sophomore center didn't play for Antelope Valley in its first tournament because he failed to comply with team rules and attend a class.

``There has to be some integrity involved,'' said coach Newton Chelette, whose no-nonsense approach shouldn't come as much of a surprise.

Entering his 15th season, his players always have known that academics come before athletics. It's his way or else, regardless of natural ability - of which Holland has plenty.

``He just had to take care of business and he didn't. I think he's learned his lesson,'' Chelette said. ``I hope it served as a wake-up call. You never know.

``My players are student-athletes. It goes hand in hand. That's just the way it is. There has to be consequences. There's a message we're trying to send to him.''

Without a big presence inside, Antelope Valley struggled in the Fullerton tournament, losing by six points to fourth-ranked Saddleback. The Marauders also lost to host Fullerton by three.

AVC will resume play Friday against Valley in the Oxnard tournament and will play throughout the weekend.

--One-two punch: In the Fullerton tournament, the Marauders got impressive performances from Wendell White and Mike Webb, expected to be one of the better backcourt tandems in Southern California.

They combined for 40 points in the Marauders' 72-66 second-round victory over Valley.

White is regarded by some publications as one of the top guard prospects on the West Coast, and Webb committed to the University of Pacific last week.

--Record-setter: Portala George's play was outstanding in what was an otherwise disappointing season for the women's volleyball team (9-9 overall), which failed to qualify for the Southern California Regional playoffs.

The Palmdale High graduate came within two kills of tying the single-game record when she totaled 25 against Chaffey this year. George finished with the single-season stuff-block record (125) and her .462 hitting percentage was the best by an Antelope Valley player in the past 10 years.

``She improved a lot and did a good job for us,'' Antelope Valley coach Jane Cwayna said of George, who owns the career stuff-block record (220). ``She works real hard and is very coachable. Hopefully, someone is smart enough to pick her up.''

At 6-foot-1, George has the size to help a Division I or Division II program, but according to Cwayna, the sophomore has yet to be contacted by any schools.

--Starling effort: Women's basketball coach John Taylor team knew he had a special player when he landed Mariqueta Starling, a freshman from Long Beach Jordan.

And the 6-foot center has done nothing to disappoint so far after scoring 19 points and adding 14 rebounds in a 77-72 victory last week over Ventura, a program that has been in the state-championship game in each of the past four seasons.

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