West L.A. Men’s Basketball Reached State Tournament After Defeating East L.A.
March 10, 2022
By Amanda Scurlock
Sports Writer
The West Los Angeles College Wildcats men’s basketball team (27-3) lived by the three to defeat the East Los Angeles College (ELAC) Huskies (25-5) 85-73 during round three of the Southern California Regional Playoffs.
The crosstown rivals never met in such a high-level playoff game, according to East L.A. men’s basketball head coach John Mosley. This “Cats vs Dogs” grudge match was a well-attended affair.
Wildcats guard Justin Williams scored 26 points, guard Roy Clarke and forward Kalique Mitchell made seven rebounds each. Huskies forward JT Langston came off the bench to contribute 14 points and center Bryan Penn-Johnson grabbed eight rebounds.
The Wildcats shot at 52.9% in three-pointers with three of their starters taking shots from deep. By the half, West LA was up 42-31 against the Huskies. Four Wildcats players made three blocks each, stifling the Huskies’ offense.
Clarke made plays on offense and defense for the Wildcats. He got his teammates involved with six assists while scoring 19 points; Clarke also made three steals. Forward Matthew Mayes scored six rebounds and five assists. All except one player on the West L.A. roster scored during the rivalry bout.
The Wildcats also took care of the ball with the team only making nine turnovers and out rebounding the Huskies 37-34.
East Los Angeles made costly mistakes throughout the contest, committing 18 turnovers. The 24 fouls that the Huskies made gave the Wildcats several free throw opportunities. The East L.A. Bench delivered key contributions with guard Justin Gladney making five assists while pouring in eight points, Penn-Johnson making 13 points and three blocks, and Langston making seven rebounds.
Mosley and the Huskies came into national prominence after being featured in “Last Chance U: Basketball” on Netflix.
This victory gives the Wildcats a spot in the California Community College Athletic Association (CCCAA) State championship for the first time ever. They will be one of eight teams competing in a three-day tournament held at West Hills College Lemoore in Central Valley.
West L.A.’s quest towards a State title begins on March 11 when they battle the Las Positas Hawks at 1:00P.M.