After one of the more productive freshman seasons in Cerritos College women's basketball history, guard Ilani Avila (Downey HS) has signed with NCAA Division III Whittier College. A 2nd Team CCCWBCA All-State selection, Avila was also voted the South Coast Conference South Division Tri-Player of the Year. She helped the Falcons (20-9) to a share of the division championship and reach the 2nd Round of the Southern California Regional Playoffs. Avila, who will have three years of playing eligibility, was also named the MVP of the Riverside City Tournament (pictured, lower left).

"Ilani's competitive nature and great leadership qualities showed up for the team and coaching staff every single practice and game," said head coach Trisha Kozlowski. "She's as tough as they come and a talented player who will only continue to improve her game for the next level. Her work ethic and willingness to do anything asked of her has made her a joy to coach this past year."

Over the course of the season, Avila averaged 17.2 points a game to lead the team, as well as finishing second on the team with 5.2 rebounds a game and a team-leading 2.4 assists per game. She scored over 20 points 11 times, including a season-high 33 points against Rio Hondo College and produced 30 points against Los Angeles Trade-Tech College. Avila, who missed three games due to injury, netted 34 three-pointers and was a solid 114-of-147 (77.6%) from the free throw line.

A second-generation Falcon, Avila's dad, Julio, was a member of the men's basketball team from 1995-97, while her mom Liz was a 2nd Team all-conference pick on the women's basketball team in 1995 as a sophomore before transferring to Cal Poly Pomona.

Avila will be joining a Poets team that qualified for the NCAA Division III Playoffs for the first time in program history after winning the SCIAC Tournament championship for the first time ever. They posted a 16-9 record and had their season end on a 62-57 loss to #5-ranked Whitman (WA) College. They are losing their leading scorer to graduation and will look to Avila to fill an offensive role for the team.

"I have no doubt she will be someone who will contribute immediately for the Whittier College basketball program," added Kozlowski. "Ilani will flourish in a high academic liberal arts environment. I'm looking forward to following her journey the next three years both on and off the court. Couldn't be happier for Ilani and the entire Avila family.

Avila will be majoring in English and has aspirations of being a teacher.