DATE: February 25, 2025
CONTACT: Shasta College Athletics
RELEASE: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Shasta College Men's and Women's Basketball TeamsHead to Regional Playoffs
REDDING, CA – The Shasta College men's and women's basketball teams are set to compete in the California Community College Athletic Association (CCCAA) regional playoffs on Wednesday, Feb. 26, at the Shasta College gym. The women's team will face Taft College at 5:30 p.m., with the winner advancing to the second round in San Francisco on Saturday, March 1. The men's team will take on Sierra College at 7:30 p.m. with the winner of that competition traveling to defending State champion West Valley also on Saturday, March 1. Both teams have had standout seasons, earning top conference finishes, and securing playoff berths.
Women's Team
The women have earned an overall record of 17-11 placing second in the GVC conference after finishing 6-2 and are seeded #10 in the northern region. The Lady Knights road to the playoffs has been fueled by sophomore captains Emma Gaddy, averaging 15 points and 3.6 assists per game in conference play, Graceyn Harlan averaging 14.8 points and 10 rebounds, Gigi Velasquez with 9.9 points and 9 rebounds, and Bailey Matos averaging 9.8 points and 6 rebounds. Emma & Graceyn both received 1st Team All-Conference Honors, and Gigi & Bailey received All-Conference Honorable Mention! Freshman Diana Lomeli also earned a spot on the All-Freshman Team.
Head coach Stacy Mizuta credits the team's success to their "hard work, high character, and loyalty to each other."
Men's Team
The Knights closed out the season with a 15-12 overall record, finishing second in the GVC conference after finishing 6-4 and are seeded #15 in the northern region. They also recorded the second-biggest turnaround in the state in total wins compared to the 2023-24 season. Leading the charge for the Knights this year has been Freshman Ashton Smith averaging 17.7 points and 3.6 assists per game, Freshman William Amoah averaging 15.7 pts and 8.2 rebounds per game, and sophomore Chris Schlessinger averaging 10.0 pts per game 8.1 rebounds per game and 4.5 assists per game.
Assistant coach Ashton Pomrehn attributes the team's success to "perseverance, overcoming adversity, gaining continuity as a group, believing in each other, and coming together as a team."
Shasta College encourages fans to come out and pack the gym to support the Knights in their playoff matchups. Those unable to attend can follow the action online at https://www.team1sports.com/college/?S=shastacollege.
For additional information, please contact the Athletic Department at (530) 242-7595.
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Shasta College serves students across Shasta, Tehama, and Trinity Counties in rural far-northern California as one of the 116 campuses in the California Community College system. As the only public post-secondary institution in this 10,132 square mile area, Shasta College offers a wide range of programs including certificates, associate degrees, transfer options, and a fully online Bachelor of Science in Health Information Management. With campuses in Redding, Tehama, Weaverville, and Burney, as well as numerous online courses, Shasta College provides accessible, high-quality education in far-northern California. The college has been recognized with numerous grants for its innovative programs that contribute to the success of students and the broader community.
In November 2016, the passage of Measure H, a $139 million general obligation bond, enabled significant advancements at Shasta College. These include the construction of an ultra-modern state-of-the-art Computer Information Systems (CIS) instructional center, a Public Safety Training Center for Fire Academy and interagency training, a new Veterans Support and Success Center, completion of the Industrial Technology/Machining center, an Athletic Field House, a new Student Services building at the Tehama Campus, and the Community Leadership Center (CLC) in downtown Redding. Measure H also funded an additional solar array on the Redding campus, which, together with an existing solar array, will meet 80% of the college's energy needs. Additionally, major technology infrastructure upgrades have been implemented, and the college is remodeling its Library, set to reopen in Spring 2025.
In 2025, Shasta College will proudly celebrate 75 years of service to the community. The college is especially proud of its innovative and community partnerships with industry leaders such as SHIELD, McConnell Foundation, CalFire, Sierra Pacific Industries, and many of our healthcare and dentist offices and providers. With a 337-acre main campus that includes a working farm, cutting-edge Early Childhood Education instructional and childcare center, heavy equipment and logging operations program, Shasta College continues to be a leader in higher education. It offers extensive student support services, including counseling, tutoring, financial aid, and veterans' services. Shasta College remains committed to fostering student success and community enrichment through its comprehensive educational offerings and robust community partnerships.