LIVERMORE – (By John M. Sherrard) – The California Community College Athletic Association women's state championship came down to two South Coast Conference teams who knew each other very well.
It's tough in any sport to defeat an opponent three times in one season, but conference champion Mt. San Antonio College did just that and won its seventh state title, tying Ventura College with the most ever in the 32-year history of the CCCAA.
"It's a tremendous feat to win a seventh title," Mt. SAC 6th year head coach Brian Crichlow said, as the players were cutting down the net. "I remember years ago when I came here as an assistant coach we were always shooting for the best we could be. They (Ventura) were the marquee team and that's what we shot for all these years."
Mt. SAC, ranked No. 1 in the state and the Southern Region and playing in its fifth consecutive title game, compiled an amazing 68 wins against only two losses in the last two seasons. The Mounties also extended their winning streak to 25 games this season.
The top-ranked Mounties, trailing by as much as 19 points late in the first half, came all the way back for a 57-55 win over East Los Angeles College for its third championship in the last five years Sunday afternoon at Las Positas College.
Mt. SAC sophomore guard Gina Henderson (Monrovia HS) gave the Mounties their first lead of the game with a floating jump shot with 2:23 left in the game for a 52-50 lead.
"This (championship) means everything to the team," Henderson said. "I truly believe our team wanted it more than them. They (ELAC) came out on fire in the first half, but games are won in the second half."
Henderson, who was named to the all-state first team, was knocked down in the semifinal game and then after her go-ahead shot in the final, hurt her lower leg. But, after a couple minutes on the bench she came back in to finish the game.
"I'd do anything for my team," she said. "This means everything. I get banged up and hurt just for the championship."
Mt. SAC sophomore guard Tahniya Sweatt (John Muir HS) gave the Mounties a 56-55 lead, only their second of the game, with a short jump shot with 16 seconds left in the game.
ELAC had a chance to take the lead back with 8.9 seconds remaining, but missed a short jump shot. After Sweatt (8 points) was fouled and made one of her two free throws, ELAC failed to convert on an inbounds pass as the clock expired and the team stormed the court.
Leading the way for the Mounties (34-1) was sophomore all tournament guard Alize' Lofton (Lynwood HS) with a game-high 21 points, followed by forward Jonnae Vermillion (Corona Santiago HS) with 10 points. The freshman also had 10 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals and a blocked shot and was named tournament MVP.
Freshman guard Caira Benton (Arcadia HS) added eight points, along with four rebounds and 2 steals.
"This means everything being down and to come all the way back to win the championship is a blessing," Vermillion said.
ELAC led by as much as 19 points late in the first half, but Lofton and Vermillion had a big second half with 15 and 10 points respectively to bring Mt. SAC all the way back.
Freshman guard Allissa Gomez led ELAC with 13 points, including six rebounds.
For more information contact Mt. SAC Sports Information Office at 909-274-4630.
