The Black and Gold Attack is Back for Women’s Basketball

TAFT, CA – (Photo by Doug Keeler)

After losing three of the first four games of the new year, going 0-2 in last place of the conference standings, the Taft College Women's Basketball Team has resurfaced and found a way to win its last two games emerging in the middle of conference play and improving to an overall record of 13-7 and 2-2 in conference.

"It's been a struggle most definitely. We've been only playing with 5-7 players due to injuries, illnesses, academics, and so on and so on. Other players have emerged and have now become focal points and problems for other teams. I told the team this was pure evidence that every person in that locker room, practices and games is as important to anyone wearing that black and gold uniform. I am so proud and thrilled as well as a bit surprised of those individuals stepping up to the plate. As I, and many other coaches, have been saying, that's what it is all about: capitalizing on opportunity and seizing the moment. When we are at full capacity, it becomes dangerous for our opponents," said Taft Head Women's Basketball Coach Romeo Lagmay, Jr.

On January 15, Taft defeated Porterville College on the road 97-70. They outrebounded Porterville 57-39 and had the most team assists 24-14. Taft shot 46% from the field and 35% from beyond the arc. Ella Waufle led the team with 27 points and 4 steals, along with 5 rebounds and 4 assists. Waufle made 4 of 9 three-point shots. Kahree Horton scored her second career high of 21 points and had 7 rebounds. Horton went 3-9 from 3-point range. Faith Wilson collected a double double of 19 points and 11 rebounds, along with 3 assists and 3 steals. Madyn Kassatly also had a double double of 14 points and 13 rebounds with 6 assists. Unfortunately, Kassatly went out of the game with a mild concussion and will be sitting out the next contest. Alyah Blackwater scored 11 points and led the game with 7 assists.

At home on January 18, the Cougars rolled in another victory against Merced College 65-55. Without their leading rebounders and scorers in Amaya Payne (out with a two-week illness) and Kassatly, Taft would show why they are such a dangerous team and not to be taken lightly. The Cougars would storm out the gates winning the first quarter 25-12. Merced would never take the lead, but still managed to cause 29 turnovers for Taft, converting 17 points from them. With their center post player Alesha Gordon fouling out of the game in the fourth quarter with 11 rebounds, Taft would be left with six players under six feet tall (five not reaching over 5'7), while the Blue Devils boasted two standing players at 6'2 and 6'1. The dominating, scrappy and feisty efforts of Taft would edge Merced outrebounding them 47-36. Taft had more assists 14-9 and more players in higher scoring columns. The Cougars shot an outstanding 44% from three-point land, while holding Merced to a dismal 8%.

Horton outshined herself again scoring a game high 24 points, shooting 6-10 from three-point range. She also had 3 rebounds and 3 steals. Ella Waufle scored 18 points with a team high of 4 steals. Alyah Blackwater contributed a strong double double of 15 points and 11 rebounds, shooting a perfect 8-8 from the charity stripe. 5'5 sophomore Mary Pahukoa grabbed 7 rebounds but had the most important and tough assignment of guarding Merced's twin towers in the post.

The Lady Cougars return to home action again on Wednesday, January 22 at 6:00 pm facing off against Reedley College who sits one spot ahead of Taft in the Central Valley Conference standings.