COC BEAT: CANYONS SEARCHING FOR RIGHT COMBO : COACH SMELSER SAYS STRUGGLING TEAM NEEDS MORE ROLE PLAYERS.

Byline: Lee Barnathan Staff Writer

Wanted: a few more role players.

The College of the Canyons men's basketball team (5-8) continues to struggle as it searches for the right combination of shooters, rebounders and defenders.

``It's a matter of learning their roles,'' Canyons coach Lee Smelser said. ``Are you a scorer? Rebounder? How can you help? We're trying to pinpoint what we can do and cut down the question marks.''

So far, only guard Erskine Robinson and forward Nana Gbewonyo have their roles set. Smelser wants Robinson to lead, and the sophomore has responded. He doesn't just run the offense, he also averages seven assists and 10 points per game.

Gbewonyo has been a scorer, getting 15.8 points per game.

Now for everyone else.

Mike Goldman: He's a point guard not playing his natural position, so Smelser wants him to play the shooting guard and score. Goldman hasn't accomplished this consistently. One night the shots fall, and then they don't.

Rashard Walker: He plays hard and goes all out. Smelser likes that but would prefer Walker play with some control. Walker has his moments when he can do no wrong, but too often he shoots up bricks that aren't close again and again.

``Thought he might be the most consistent, and he hasn't,'' Smelser said.

Anthony Ellison: He was an All-Western State Conference selection last season, so Smelser expected more of the same. However, Ellison sprained an ankle, took a week to recover and then sprained the other ankle. He's still hobbling.

Travis Stephens: He twisted an ankle last week, too, so his strength in the post is limited.

Nic Echivestre: He's one of the bright spots. The Saugus High graduate has been the Cougars' most-consistent freshman. Smelser would like to see his development continue.

The Cougars complete their nonconference schedule with two tournaments: Glendale, which begins today (COC plays L.A. Southwest at 5 p.m.), and their own, which begins Dec. 27. Depending on their success, they could play as few as six games and as many as eight.

The search continues.

``We're trying to get everyone on the same plane,'' Smelser said, ``and then we can really make some things happen.''

Women's update: At the women's game Tuesday night against Taft, several alumni, including Zevette Mitchell, LaCresha Clark and Terra Bruessel, watched with dismay as the team routed,Taft 94-53.

These players set state records and/or guided their teams to state runner-up finishes. They didn't see a team on the court able to duplicate their accomplishments. They saw a group making numerous errors and appearing not to work hard.

Coach Greg Herrick agrees. Although he calls this team his most talented, it's just 8-4 without a win over a ranked team. Nor are the 11 freshmen understanding Herrick's up-tempo system.

``The young ones don't get it yet,'' Herrick said. ``They don't think they need to do things with a sense of urgency.''

The three sophomores get it. Tasha Allen scored 27 Saturday against Barstow and held Barstow's top scorer to five points, then scored 11 against Taft.

Another sophomore, Kameelah Purdom, is on a scoring tear, getting 20 points against Barstow and 22 against Taft.

Herrick isn't concerned yet. His teams often peak later in the season. Still, he would like to see an improved work ethic.

``When they learn to play like champions, they they'll realize the expectations I have for them,'' Herrick said. ``They haven't stepped it up yet.''

CAPTION(S):

Photo

PHOTO (color) Erskine Robinson has averaged seven assists per game for Canyons.

Tom Mendoza/Staff Photographer