Cosumnes River vs. Diablo Valley (Coaches vs. Cancer 2015)

PLEASANT HILL -- Diablo Valley hosted its' inaugural Coaches vs. Cancer - Suits and Sneakers benefit game to raise money for the American Cancer Society.  

The biggest highlight of the night came from John and Deanne McCullough, our honorary guests for the evening, as they presented the game ball to the referrees before the women's game, and addressed the crowd in-between the men and women's games.  John and Deanne are the parents of former DVC All-American swimmer, Lauren McCullough, who tragically passed away last February during her second bout with Ewing's Sarcoma.  A big thank you goes out to the entire DVC community for stepping up and making this night one to remember for a long time.  

Student-athletes from Aquatics, Softball, Volleyball, Tennis, Track & Field, Soccer and Lacrosse were represented in full-force; packing the gym with unheralded noise and helping stuff the donation buckets for ACS to the tune of over $1,000.  We even had an appearance from our rarely seen Vikings mascot!  

The Coaches vs. Cancer program is a nationwide collaboration between the American Cancer Society and the National Association of Basketball Coaches. The initiative leverages the personal experiences, community leadership, and professional excellence of coaches nationwide to increase cancer awareness and promote healthy living through year-round awareness efforts, fundraising activities, and advocacy programs.  

Norm Stewart, former head coach of the University of Missouri's men's basketball program, cancer survivor, and member of the National Association of Basketball Coaches, provided the vision and inspiration for the Coaches vs. Cancer concept. He started the program by challenging fans to pledge a dollar amount for every three-point shot made by his team during the season. The concept evolved into a nationwide effort uniting coaches, fans, players, and communities across the country to fight cancer.  Since 1993, coaches and their supporters have raised more than $87 million for the American Cancer Society.  Thanks to Coaches vs. Cancer and other programs, the American Cancer Society is the most effective cancer-fighting organization in the world, doing the most to help people with cancer today and working tirelessly to find cures for the disease tomorrow.  For more information about the American Cancer Society, please visit cancer.org

____________________________________________________________

The Lady Vikings did not disappoint in front of a full crowd and broadcast audience, shooting a scorching 54% from the field en route to an 87-46 win over the Hawks of Cosumnes River.  

Sabrea Coleman (Soph. from Deer Valley HS) led the way with 15 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 assists.  Jophiea Irvin (Soph. from Rodriguez HS) added 10 points on 5 of 8 shooting, 5 rebounds, and 3 steals.  "Keke" Scott (Soph. from Hayward HS) ignited the crowd near the end of the 1st half by picking up a couple of And-1 floaters in the lane.  Scott finished the night with 11 points on 5 of 7 shooting.  Felicia Clarissa (Fresh. from Indonesia) explained it all, leading the bench scoring with 12 points, including two shots from long-distance, 5 rebounds, and 2 assists.

The Lady Vikes improved their record to 19-4 overall, 8-0 in conference play as they've now won 13 games in a row and 17 of their last 18.  They currently sit in the top spot of Northern California, and #2 in state polls.

Coach Vaughn and the Vikes will travel to Rocklin this Tuesday night to face Sierra College.  

DVC returns home next Friday night for a 5:30 PM showdown with American River College.  

DVC Insiders Steven Thayer and Joe Hickey were on the call for the UStream broadcast.  Watch here: http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/58258849 (Skip to the 20 minute mark for player introductions/start of the game)

PHOTOS COURTESY OF JENNIFER MARVIN & JM IMAGES