Spring Semester Sports Wrap-Up

Being that the Spring Semester has ended, it's time to do a quick recap on some of the grand and not-so-grand events during the semester for the Cerritos sports teams.

Highlights;

- The women's track and field team winning the state title;

After coming within two points of doing so in 2005, the women went for the gold this time around, Led by the heptathlete trio of Jacqueline Taylor,Tatyanna Ricks and Katie Black, the team earned its second state title in school history. Taylor is considered to be one of the best heptathletes in school history. There's no doubt in that.

- Maltessa Neely;

She was hands-down the standout player for the women's basketball team this year. In her freshman season she averaged 16.8 points and 10.8 rebounds, categories in which she led the team. She also had an 80% free-throw percentage and was second on the team in assists with 2.0.

There were several games where she was the only player who scored in double figures. Her stats also earned her a spot on the All-South Coast Conference South Division 1st team. If she comes back next season, hopefully she can lead the Falcons further into the playoffs

- Paul Tse and Hanna Anzai reaching state finals in swimming;

The lone representatives from the teams of their respective genders earned All-American honors and competed in three events each. Anzai won a medal for placing sixth in the 100-yard freestyle.

Out of the three events that each athlete competed in, they reached the championship round in two of them. With each competition, they improved on their times. That shows determination and to go out and give each competition your best, win or lose. If only every athlete, professional and amateur, had that attitude...

Disapointments;

- Brian Tollette allegedly leaving the men's basketball team before their second-round playoff loss to Ventura College;

Though the circumstances behind Tollette's departure are unknown, it still had a negative effect on the team as they entered into the game. I'm very sure it was hard for the team to try and focus on the game when they had off-the-court issues to deal with.

It is worth noting that in Cerritos first round game against Bakersfield College, Tollette had arguably his best game of the season, scoring 13 points and getting 17 rebounds, a season-high for him. Maybe he knew that it would be his last game, so he went out and gave his best performance. No one really knows but the man himself.

The basketball team, which only had one sophmore on the team last semester, looks very promising for next year. If they all return, the team can make a serious run for the divisional title and maybe even the state title.

- The baseball team failing to make the playoffs for the second year in a row;

What made this season so dissapointing was the fact that the team performed much better than last year.Though they finished with a winning record (27-17 overall, 16-8 in league) and came very close to gaining a playoff spot, the team's inconsistency throughout the season caught up with them.

- The women's basketball team losing both games to its hated rival Long Beach City College;

Anytime a team loses to its rival once in a season it's always a big deal. Doing so for the first time in 19 years makes it a bigger deal. But losing to that same team twice in a season adds insult to the injury.

After years of blowing out Long Beach, the tides turned somehow.The women's team lost at home on Feb. 15, 54-42 and 51-40 on Jan. 25 at Long Beach's gym. That would tell you that the games were not as close as they should have been.

Maybe next season will start another 19-year winning streak for the Lady Falcons.