SRJC’s men’s and women’s basketball teams both concluded their seasons on March 3 after losing in round four of the Northern California Regional Playoffs. The men’s team narrowly lost to Yuba College on the road in Marysville, 86-83. The women’s team lost to Foothill College, 57-49 in Los Altos Hills.
The men’s team finished the season with an overall record of 26-6 and a conference record of 13-1. The Bear Cubs earned a first round bye in the playoffs by winning 13 games in a row winning the Big 8 Conference. After winning their first two playoff games, the Bear Cubs had won 15 of their last 16 games including seven hard fought games that were won by five points or less. The players proved that they had heart and could find a way to win games in crunch time with the game on the line. Saturday in Marysville, in front of a capacity crowd Yuba’s players proved they could also win big games in crunch time.
Big 8 Conference MVP Sama Taku led the Bear Cubs in scoring and rebounds with 27 points and 10 rebounds. Forward Connor Gillette scored 11 points and got to the foul line 13 times, making 7 free throws.
The experience gained from this season’s deep playoff run and rigorous schedule will be invaluable next year for freshman standouts Max Fuji, Xavier McCall, Bobby Sharp, Connor Gillett and Myles Jerrett.
The women’s team defended their state title valiantly this season after losing key players and having a team loaded with freshman. With every team in the state gunning to take down the defending state champions, the Bear Cubs consistently won all season and put together a great run, at one point winning 17 of 18 games. The Bear Cubs nine-game winning streak came to an end versus Foothill College in Los Altos Hills on Saturday.
Despite rebounding well and getting to the foul line more than twice as often as Foothill, the Bear Cubs only shot 55 percent from the free throw line. Poor ball control may have contributed as well. The Bear Cubs had 23 turnovers while Foothill had only 8.
Big 8 Conference MVP Jen Tsurumoto led all Bear Cubs players with 18 points, shooting 6-8 from the free throw line. The Bear Cubs will lose key sophomores Tsurumoto, Ashley Morgan, Jenna Reed and Faatimah A.
Several freshman players on this year’s team have the potential to be great next season. Anandi Jiminez and Mckenzie Mangino each proved they have the ability to be dominant at times. Whitney Edens, Arianna Hanson and Cynthia Arata all had flashes of brilliance this season, making big plays during critical games throughout the year.
