The modest Beauchemin was handed the game ball shortly after the final horn sounded. His players congratulated him before he greeted family members near one of the baskets.
“It’s unbelievable because we weren’t very good when we started out conference at 0-2,” said Beauchemin, who is 500-395 (.559%) since taking over the Glendale college position in 1979 from Ed Goorjian. “It’s a credit to these guys because now we’ve come alive.
“I know that this win was a lot harder than the other 499. But, I’m happy for these guys because it’s a huge win.”
The Vaqueros (16-11, 5-3 in the division) received a game-high 30 points from freshman guard Markus Monroe to rally past L.A. Valley College (16-8, 5-3). The Monarchs handed the Vaqueros an 89-85 road loss Jan. 12.
It appeared that the Monarchs would sweep the season series, as they built a 47-41 halftime lead. However, the Vaqueros stormed back in a hurry to earn their fourth consecutive win.
Freshman forward Curtis Leslie scored 16 of his 26 points in the second half. He completed a three-point play to give the Vaqueros an 87-75 lead with 6:52 remaining.
“We came out wanting to build on our winning streak,” said Leslie, who was named the conference’s player of the week. “It’s exciting for Coach Beauchemin to get 500.”
Freshman forward Zareh Zargaryan recorded 13 points, 10 rebounds and a game-high nine assists for the Vaqueros.
