(East Los Angeles College)––The California Community College Athletic Association’s (CCCAA) Southern California 2019 Regional/JUCO basketball playoffs begin today, Saturday, March 2nd for both the East Los Angeles College Men’s and Women’s Basketball Teams. The #3 seed Lady Huskies (25-6), South Coast Conference, open the evening’s serious-minded hoop affairs with a 5:30 pm tip-off against #8 seed, the Orange Empire Conference’s Cypress College Lady Chargers (20-9). The South Coast Conference’s Huskies Men’s team (24-4) and #2 seed in the bracket, then takes the court to match-up with the #13 seed, Western State Conference member, the Santa Monica Corsairs (18-11) in the 7:30 pm game.
As a special guest, ELAC football team’s widely acclaimed student-athlete and defensive back, Antoinette “Toni” Harris, will sing the National Anthem prior to both games. She became an overnight sensation and an instant media attraction due to her appearance in the now world-famous, NFL’s Super Bowl 53 Toyota commercial. And to add more luster to her story, she recently signed a National Letter of Intent to continue her college education in the Fall by accepting a football scholarship to Central Methodist University/CMU (Fayette, Mo.), making her the first female skill-position player to merit the award, according to the school. She is the first female to be recruited as a safety. Many local media outlets were present during her recent press conference held on campus, which was led by Huskies’ Head Football Coach and current Athletic Director, Bobby Godinez.
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The CCCAA Men’s Basketball Championship will be hosted by Ventura College (Ventura, Calif.) from Thursday, March 14, then March 16-17, 2019. The Women’s Tournament will also be held at Ventura College, on Friday, March 15th, Saturday, 16th, and Sunday, March 17th.
Photo Gallery: Courtesy of Mario Villegas, Toni Harris, Photo, East L.A. College Athletic Dept.