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Hurd leading the way for red-hot Musketeers
In 14 games, Hurd has already scored over 20 points seven times and is averaging 18.4 points per contest. Hurd has especially turned it up a notch in Moorpark's two Marmonte League games, scoring 30 points against Simi Valley and 27 against Royal. According to Moorpark head coach Adam Wo h l s t a t t a r, Hurd shows no ill effects in the clutch either. " A g a i n s t Royal, she hit a key free throw to tie the game before we eventually won. And against Buena, she hit a big 3pointer to send the game to overtime before we eventually lost," Wohlstattar said. "She doesn't feel any pressure. She plays loose and without fear." Hurd said after hitting a key shot last season in the Ventura Tournament, she now feels more relaxed with the game on the line. "In the Ventura Tournament last year, I hit a game winning 3pointer with about 10 seconds left," Hurd said. "Megan (Natelson) started out with the ball and then dished it out to (Laura) Barker. She drove and then kicked it back out to me where I hit the shot. I knew it was good as soon as I put it up, and I raised my hand a little since I knew it was good." Although Hurd said she would like the ball with the clock winding down, it all depends on what has happened earlier in the game. "Yeah, I would like the ball, but it all depends on who has the hot hand that game," Hurd said. "If Megan or Barker is shooting well, then they are good players to take the last shot, too. That's one thing I love about this team- we have a lot of players that can beat you." Beating teams is something the Musketeers have been doing a lot lately. Last year MHS finished second in the Marmonte League with a 104 record. This year Moorpark started out with a ninegame winning streak. Besides the team's only loss, Moorpark has beaten their opponents by more than 10 points in all but three games. With Hurd playing the way she's been in her final season at Moorpark, that trend could continue. "This is my third season coaching the girls' team at Moorpark, and I have also served as an assistant for five years before that," Wohlstattar said. "In all my time here, I have never seen a better pure shooter than Tiffany. That includes both guys and girls." Hurd, a natural lefty, said that her shot has become even better this season after spending a lot of time working on her game with several teammates. "I feel a lot more confident this year," Hurd said. "Me and Barker shot almost every day at her church this past offseason. I think I like shooting outside shots from 3-point range the best. Shooting is my game, but I will still drive to the hoop if that is what's needed." In Wohlstattar's three seasons running the Musketeers team, he said he has seen major improvements in Hurd's game, including her maturity. "She has always been a good shooter, but she has also matured quite a bit over the last two years," Wohlstattar said. "She has become a smarter player and handles the ball better. She has very long arms and has used them by rebounding the ball well (6.6 rebounds a game), and I think she is now playing with more tenacity than ever before." The team expects Hurd to be a leader, both on and off the court. "I think, as a senior, I have to be more of a leader," Hurd said. "I'm not a captain, but I think I can get pretty loud out on the court. I'm quiet at times, but I can also be pretty vocal." Although Hurd has not made up her mind yet on where she wants to play basketball in college, she is enjoying her last season wearing the green and gold. "I am really enjoying my senior year," Hurd said. "The friends I made being around everyone while playing basketball is what I enjoy the most. Being on the team and the excitement of games, I like too." Hurd and Moorpark host Thousand Oaks tonight at 7 p.m. |
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