A snapshot of the 2024-25 season for the GCC women's Basketball team was on display in the 55-50 win over Cypress College Saturday March 8 in the Verdugo Gym in the third round of the Southern California Regional Playoffs. Glendale, the No. 4 seed in the playoffs improved to 25-4 and Cypress, the No. 5 seed, finished the season 21-9.

 

While the game featured two of the top teams in Southern California, the action was fast paced and frenetic as both teams battled for 40 minutes from end line to end line as each possession was challenged as soon as the ball was inbounded. GCC lead 20-11 after the first quarter but Cypress outscored the home team 17-8 in the second quarter to send both teams into halftime tied at 28-28. The third quarter saw the Lady Vaqs open up a 40-32 lead and extended that to 13 at 49-36 early in the fourth before the Chargers cut the lead to 51-50 with just minutes left on the clock before free throws by Sammy Velasquez and Shushan Krikorian sealed the win.

 

The scoring output was critical for GCC but it was the inspirational defensive play of WSC Souith Co-Player of the Year Shadel Ffrench that was definitive as the freshman hauled in 19 rebounds including eight on the offensive glass and an amazing three on one play that resulted in two of her six points and added three steals and two blocked shots to her stat line. Three starters scored in double figures led by Velasquez with 16 including four 3-pointers, Krikorian had 15 as well as seven rebounds and returning all-state player Malia Ulery had 12 points, five assists, four rebounds and two steals.  

 

Glendale opens up the state playoffs Friday March 14 at 3 pm against San Joaquin Delta College, 21-8, at Mt. San Antonio College. The single elimination playoffs are made of four teams from Southern California and four teams from Northern California