TAFT, CA – It was a historical season for the Taft College Women's Basketball program this season. The Lady Cougars ended the season with an overall 19-11 record and losing in the Northern California Regional Playoffs in the second round to #6 seed Laney College 46-80. Taft won the opening round defeating #11 Chabot College.
Laney College showed why they were the #4 team ranked in the 3C2A North Regional Polls and why they have the State Player of the Year in Northern California. The Lady Eagles started off hot in the first quarter winning it 23-9, but Taft would hang in there and win the second quarter 13-9 going into halftime down 22-32. However, Laney was just too strong all-around and throttled off outscoring Taft 48-24 in the second half.
The Eagles outscored the Cougars 22-6 in transition, 29-11 points off turnovers, points in the paint (50-24) and 22-4 with second chance points. Laney also had more team assists (14-7) and steals (16-10). Both teams were fairly the same in assists and deflections. Laney outrebounded Taft 46-37.
Taft tied the school's record with the most wins with 19 and advancing to the second round of playoffs. Four Cougars were awarded Central Valley All-Conference Honors: Celicia Enos, Brandy Edwards, Yareli Gomez and Siera Bradford.
Taft College Women's Basketball Head Coach Romeo Lagmay, Jr. expressed his remarks, "We had an amazing season in all regards. Laney was something we barely have not seen all season, and they are exceptionally good. However, I was never disappointed in the team's overall efforts because one thing they did consistently all season was never give up and fight hard. I am proud of all the players athletically and academically. They will continue to be active in the community and on campus, representing this program well. We thank our amazing fans for their support, and we cannot wait to do it all over again next season."
All four conference honorees will be playing in the upcoming sophomore showcase held at Chaffey College on Friday, March 15, featuring all the top 3C2A women's basketball sophomores in the state.