Sports - Local Colleges

POSTED: Wednesday, Nov. 26, 2008

MEN'S COLLEGE BASKETBALL: Orcas hope to ride Ehrlich, Webb to success

Perhaps no one at Whatcom Community College is more grateful to be playing basketball than 20-year-old sophomore Steve Ehrlich.

For the first time since he was 14, Ehrlich is looking forward to a second consecutive full season.

And if there is anyone at Whatcom who wants Ehrlich to have an injury-free season more than he does, it's coach Chris Scrimsher and power forward Steve Webb, the Orcas' leading returning scorer.

Ehrlich, a versatile 6-foot-5 guard/forward who can shoot from almost anywhere, missed his sophomore and junior years at Squalicum High School because of back surgery each year. Then he sat out much of his senior season after spraining an ankle in the opening jamboree.

"That junior year was especially pretty tough," Ehrlich said. "But (former coach) Mike McKee was really good about keeping me involved with the program."

Scrimsher, though, had known about Ehrlich since he was a potential-laden AAU middle school player, so when he showed up for open-gym workouts at WCC, the coach knew right away he had a worthwhile project.

"I recruited coach Scrimsher," Ehrlich said with a grin.

"Oh, I saw a lot of potential in his play," said Scrimsher, who is in his 13th season at WCC. "I knew it would take a little while to knock the rust off. But we recruit based on athletic ability, personality and academics, and Steve fit into our program in all three areas."

Because Ehrlich came in with so little experience, he redshirted his first year at WCC. Last season, in a sixth-man role, Ehrlich averaged about eight points and four rebounds as the Orcas went 23-9 overall, 12-4 in the conference and finished fifth in the NWAACC playoffs.

"Steve's a starter now, and not by accident, but by sheer hard work," Scrimsher said. "He was a big contributor in the conference playoffs, then he put in the time on the weights and skill development. I look for mismatches (in games), and since Steve has just as good post moves as our posts, he really gives us versatility. You know, he actually could have played that first year here."

Ehrlich, though, is grateful he redshirted.

"I knew I needed a year in the program (without playing)," he said.

Webb, who was a key factor in Lynden's Class 2A state title in 2007, averaged about 12 points and six rebounds as a true freshman at WCC, and he especially appreciates how Ehrlich has stuck with basketball.

"That (Ehrlich's injuries) probably would have bothered me a lot more than Steve," said Webb. "I think he's great. He's got those long arms, and he's a hard guy to get around. And he can shoot the three or drive."

Webb, like most of his WCC teammates, had never heard much from Ehrlich about his injury frustrations. Webb is just glad he's on the same team with a healthy Ehrlich.

"A lot of the guys on our team don't know anything about what Steve's gone through," said Scrimsher, who has nine players from outside Whatcom County. "You always see Ehrlich with a smile. He's a kid I really enjoy coaching."

Scrimsher said the maturity of both Ehrlich and Webb figures to make a huge difference for the Orcas (1-0), who next play in the three-day Pierce Tournament beginning Friday, Nov. 28, in Tacoma.

"I always describe Steve Webb as a thoroughbred," Scrimsher said. "What a fierce competitor. He'll scratch and bite you to win - but I mean that as an analogy, of course."

"Oh, I will," Webb said with a laugh.

Scrimsher recalls scouting Webb on the soccer field, since he didn't play football, not that the coaches didn't try to recruit him.

"Wow, when I saw that lateral speed, and that mental and physical toughness, I knew how much we wanted Webb," Scrimsher said.

"Steve Webb doesn't know he's 6-3 - he thinks he's 6-6."

Zac Andrus, a 5-10 point guard from Vashon Island, is the other returning starter. Ryan Sweet, a 6-7 transfer from Olympic College, and Don Perconti, a 6-4 freshman from Clarkston High, also are ticketed to start, with former Squalicum standout Royal Prendergast, a 6-3 sophomore guard/forward, performing as sixth man.

Top reserves include 5-9 sophomore guard Jeremiah Larson from Bellingham High and 6-0 sophomore guard Tyler Monroe from Stanwood. Connor Oldham, a 6-3 freshman from Blaine, also is working hard to earn playing time, Scrimsher said.