College of the Redwoods Athletics

By Ray Hamill — Resilient is probably the word that best describes the four College of the Redwoods sophomores who were honored before Wednesday’s regular-season finale in women’s basketball.

The class of Molly Slayton, Lily Hoban, Lily Shelton and Ronnee Norwood had to overcome a lot of adversity during their time with the team, but their perseverance and resilience is what has most impressed head coach Jain Tuey.

“For them to stick it out and stay dedicated and come back, it was really great to see them have some success in conference (as sophomores),” Tuey said. “I think (what’s impressed me) is mainly their dedication.”

Shelton, who is in her third year with the program, took a medical red-shirt last year, in a season where the team suffered way too many injuries and was unable to match the preseason expectations because of it.

Slayton and Norwood each also have suffered a variety of injuries in their time at CR, but they’ve continued to battle and that’s something that should be rewarded with a playoff appearance next week.

(The playoff brackets will be announced on Sunday, but Tuey expects the Corsairs to make the field.)

Hoban, meanwhile, started every game during her time at CR and has been a key contributor, while playing multiple roles.

“She had some pretty big games for us,” Tuey said of the forward from Sonoma. “Overall she’s a very consistent player for us. She works extremely hard at practice and is just a great kid. She gives it her all.”

As a sophomore, Hoban was second on the team in points (235) and rebounds (155).

Shelton, one of two former Fortuna Huskies among the sophomores, along with Norwood, also played a key role this year after coming back from a torn ACL quicker than anticipated.

“Her coming back and sticking with it and rehabbing and getting back and really impressing was tremendous,” the coach said. “She progressed quicker and faster than expected and it was really amazing seeing her finish out her sophomore year.

“Her resilience and dedication and the work she put in during the offseason. I’m so happy that she was able to impact the team the way she did.”

Norwood also played a pivotal role and has been an inspirational team leader this season, consistently sending out encouraging team texts and showing what it takes to compete at this level.

“She’s just a fighter,” Tuey said. “And she knows what it takes to beat teams and to win conference games and get to the playoffs. And she knows what it takes to push the team.”

Slayton, who also played volleyball for the Corsairs, is another player who has had to battle injuries, but continues to persevere and have an impact with the team.

And the former Del Norte Warrior appears determined to go out with a bang, while playing some of her best basketball down the stretch.

“Molly’s a great kid and so easy to coach,” Tuey said. “She’s got quite a few minutes (late in the season). She’s always in the right place and makes the right reads offensively and defensively. She’s just a solid kid you can count on.”

After honoring their sophomores on Wednesday night, the Corsairs closed out the regular season with a 51-33 win over Shasta.

The victory lifted the CR women to 11-14 on the season and 5-3 in the Golden Valley Conference, and secured a share of second place in the final conference standings with Siskiyous, behind champion Butte (8-0).

Slayton and Ellie Pesch led a balanced offensive performance with eight points apiece, while Shelton, Olivia Railsback and Kyla Albee each added six points and Norwood and Moriah Bowles each had five points.

Hoban had a team-high seven rebounds, while Railsback added team-highs in assists (seven) and steals (seven).

The Corsairs are likely to open the playoffs on the road.