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Cerritos College sophomore guard Christian Alvis-Labadie (Whittier Christian HS), who head coach Russ May referred to as his "field general', has signed with NAIA Simpson University. Alvis-Labadie, a two-year starter at point guard, averaged 5.5 points, 2.7 rebounds and 2.6 assists per game, is the first of five sophomores who will be signing with four-year schools.

"Christian improved from his freshman year with his leadership in the locker room and on the court," said May. "He is a student of the game and became an extension of the coach on the court. I think he really had a deeper level of our team and how we wanted to play his sophomore year."

An injury during his sophomore season forced him to miss five games and when he returned, assumed a role position off the bench with limited minutes. He scored a season-high 14 points in a win over El Camino College, which included four three-pointers, while he also was a good rebounder. Alvis-Labadie pulled down 10 rebounds against Long Beach City College and also dished out six assists against Allan Hancock College.

After a freshman season where he averaged 6.9 points, 3.0 assists and 2.7 rebounds a game, Alvis-Labadie was recruited by Biola University and almost signed with them. But when things fell through, May saw his team's chances of performing well increased. The team went on to post a 22-7 record, share the South Coast Conference South Division championship and berth into the Southern California Regional Playoffs. In his freshman year, Alvis-Labadie and the Falcons advanced to the CCCAA Final Four.

"When he didn't sign with Biola, his return meant that we had a solid, experienced floor general on a team with many freshmen," added May. "it also provided him with extra motivation to go out and earn another scholarship. It was disappointing that he spent the last part of the year injured and unable to compete at 100%. But he fought through it and was still able to earn himself a very nice scholarship to a very good institution who's basketball program is on the rise."

"Christian's strengths include his leadership and his ability to manage the game as a point guard," continued May. "He has a very high basketball IQ combined with his athleticism and toughness. He provided great leadership and stability for our team."

This past season, the Redhawks posted a 17-11 record, which came to an abrupt end when they were upset in the first round of the Cal-Pac Conference Tournament by Embry-Riddle University, 75-72.