Ventura to host 2018, 2019 CCCAA Basketball Championships
SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The California Community College Athletic Association Men’s and Women’s Basketball Championships will return to Ventura College for the first time since 2011 and for just the third and fourth times ever when the Pirates host the 2018 and 2019 tournaments, it was announced by the organization on Tuesday.
Next year’s event will run from Mar. 8-11 at Ventura’s Athletic Event Center with the women’s quarterfinals on the first day and the men’s following the next. The semifinals and championships for both the men and the women will occur over the next two days. In 2019, the tournament will be held Mar. 7-10 with the men starting the first day and the women beginning on the second.
“The CCCAA is proud to return its marquee basketball event to Ventura College,” said Carlyle Carter, CCCAA Executive Director & CEO/President. “It’ll be exciting to showcase not only some of the best basketball talent in California but also one of its most beautiful locations.”
Ventura Athletics Director Will Cowen said the Pirates are excited to again host and indicated preparations for next year’s CCCAA Championships will begin soon.
“Since 1951, Ventura has been regarded as one of, if not the greatest basketball communities in California,” he said. “Our community supports basketball at every level and has demonstrated that loyalty on a consistent basis over the years. On behalf of the department of intercollegiate athletics, we are proud to once again host this great event for two years. Our staff and business partners in the community will begin preparations immediately following this announcement.”
Ventura last hosted the state championship in 2011, nearly 40 years after first holding it in 1972 and ’73. The Pirates programs have won a combined 11 state basketball titles, including winning the women’s banner in 2014. They also hosted the women’s state championship in 1993.
“I think that everyone at Ventura College is honored to host the CCCAA State Basketball Championships again,” said 27th-year head coach Ned Mircetic, who has led the Pirates to all seven of its women’s state championships. “Basketball runs deep in the Ventura community, and the state championships continue the long tradition of basketball in Ventura. We are honored to be a part of it.”
Former Pirates player and sixth-year head coach Joey Ramirez offered similar sentiments. “Ventura is one of the most beautiful areas in California and we are honored to be hosting again.”
This year’s CCCAA Championships are scheduled for Mar. 9-12 at Las Positas College in Livermore.