TAFT, CA – February 21 was the last conference basketball game for the Taft College Lady Cougars. They won it in stylish fashion as they hosted their second annual Play 4Kay Breast Cancer Awareness and Research Game. It was also a great night for the sophomores playing in their last home game. Taft defeated Lemoore College 62-50.
Taft shot a dismal 14% from beyond the arc and 55% from the charity stripe but managed to win the game defensively. The Cougars scored 21 points off turnovers, 19 second chance points, 30 points in the paint, had 24 deflections. Despite a high 31 turnovers, Taft outrebounded Lemoore 52-32.
With the atmosphere themed in the color pink raising money and awareness for the Play 4Kay event, the Cougars had to also stay focused on the game at hand. Otherwise, a loss may have killed the hopes of them in post season action. Taft Head Women's Basketball Coach Romeo Lagmay, Jr. on the last game of the regular season, "We always have high expectations and standards in our program. We were plagued by injuries and illnesses and still managed to sort it all out for the most part. Another winning season in Cougar Country I am proud of. I am proud of our players putting for the sincere effort, and thankful to our fans and administration for their support throughout another successful journey."
Taft was led by freshman standout Madyn Kassatly with another double double for the season with a game high of 23 points, 10 rebounds, and 5 assists. Another freshman Alesha Gordon had a game high of 12 rebounds, along with 6 points and 3 steals. Kern County local from Foothill High School Tiara Jackson chipped in with 4 points, contributed 6 rebounds, 6 deflections and a team high 6 steals.
Taft ended the season with an overall 16-12 record and 5-7 in the conference. They placed once again fourth in the Central Valley Conference play, but their second winning season in a row under second year head women's basketball Coach Lagmay.
Now they await their outcome if they move on to the 3C2A state regional playoffs on Sunday.