W. Basketball: Season ends with loss to rival Long Beach City

Mia Avalos scored 12 points against Long Beach City
Mia Avalos scored 12 points against Long Beach City

Even though a shot at the postseason was off the table, the Cerritos College women's basketball team was looking to end the season on a win and share of the division title. Facing crosstown rival Long Beach City College, the Falcons (12-14, 6-2) suffered a 68-48 and settled for second place in the South Coast Conference South Division.

Playing from behind the entirety of the game, Cerritos put together several offensive runs that pulled them close to Long Beach City. Down by 10 (24-14) in the second quarter, sophomore Jayden Estrada (Anaheim HS) knocked down a three-pointer, while freshman Lauryn Nakamura (Cypress HS) added a free throw to allow the team to stay close.

Early in the third quarter, the deficit became 14 points (35-21) until freshman Jazzmin Briggs (Lakewood HS) scored on a layup and added a pair of free throws, while Nakamura also hit a basket to get to within 35-27. However, the Vikings had an answer each time and was able to win.

Nakamura led the team with 14 points and four steals, with freshman Mia Avalos (Pioneer HS) adding 12 points and three rebounds for the Falcons. Estrada contributed nine points and six rebounds, with Briggs (eight rebounds) and freshman Natalie Poppin (La Habra HS) each scoring six points.

Photos by Daryl Peterson