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Falcons dominate to stay undefeated in conference

Jayden Estrada attempting a layup in the first quarter of the Cerritos College vs. LA Harbor women's basketball game in the Cerritos College gymnasium on Jan. 24 2025.
Jayden Estrada attempting a layup in the first quarter of the Cerritos College vs. LA Harbor women’s basketball game in the Cerritos College gymnasium on Jan. 24 2025.
Duran Ventura

The Cerritos College women’s basketball secured a 57-36 victory over LA Harbor College to remain undefeated within the South Coast Conference, as they were left with only four players in the fourth quarter.

Despite a dominant final score, the game wasn’t without its challenges, especially in the first quarter.

The first period saw LA Harbor playing far better than their 0-17 record might have suggested- the Falcons struggled to find their rhythm.

They trailed 13-16 as the teams headed into the second quarter, Cerritos’ forward Mia Avalos reflected on the team’s slow start.

“We started off pretty slow I’m not gonna lie, slower than we usually start,” Avalos said.

Much of LA Harbor’s early success was due to the efforts of Nyah Belton who exploded for 15 points in the first quarter alone.

Belton was nearly perfect shooting 6-for-6 from the field and demonstrating a near-unstoppable presence in the paint. “I just believe in myself and believe in my team,” she said.

Cerritos head coach Trisha Kozlowski knew that keeping Belton in check was crucial to the team’s chances.

“You had to be physical, you had to keep contact with her because once she’s off the ground, you’re done,” she said.

The first half, especially, was marked by intense physicality, the game often felt less like a contest of basketball skills and more like a battle of wills with both teams relentlessly competing for every rebound and possession.

In one particular moment, Cerritos guard Lauryn Nakamura was fouled hard, and she commented on the foul after the game.

“I didn’t know what she was going to do to me, I just wanted to get the ball and be aggressive, and if anything, they’d call a foul,” Nakamura said.

While Nakamura’s toughness was on display, the Falcons weren’t exactly on their best behavior either, as they committed a total of 17 fouls throughout the game.

At one point in the fourth quarter, Cerritos was left with just four players on the court after two had fouled out.

Despite the foul trouble, the team’s resiliency never wavered.

This season has been especially difficult for Cerritos, with multiple injuries sidelining key players- Kozlowski acknowledged the struggles her team had faced, including losing point guard Genesis Salinas to an injury.

Salinas had been averaging over 10 points and 4 assists per game before the injury- “We’ve had some season-ending injuries, which are not what you plan for,” Kozlowski said.

She continued, “But I think the players have not given up. We had to use this opportunity to be fighters.”

In the absence of Salinas, other players like guard Jayden Estrada stepped up and made a significant impact in her expanded role.

Estrada finished the game with nine points, four assists, four rebounds, and three steals.

“I have to, We only have six players, so we all kind of have to step up and stay out of foul trouble,” Estrada said about her new responsibilities.

The Falcons’ second-half performance was much stronger, with Nakamura dishing out eight assists to keep the offense flowing with Falcons forward Natalie Poppin also played a crucial role, leading the team in scoring with 16 points.

Their collective efforts helped Cerritos build a strong lead to close out the game with a comfortable win.

The Falcons’ ability to fight through adversity, especially with key players injured, has shown the strength and character of the team- players like Estrada stepping up and leaders like Nakamura and Poppin contributing in big ways, Cerritos looks poised to remain a contender in their conference as the season progresses.

The Falcons will face a tough road test when they travel to El Camino College on Jan. 29 as they try to maintain their 2-0 conference record.

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About the Contributors
Felix Palencia
Felix Palencia, Staff Writer
Felix Palencia is a staff writer for Talon Marks, covering community news and sports. Outside of reporting, he enjoys visiting theaters to catch the latest films and cooking food. Felix aims to transfer to a CSU, with aspirations of building a career in either economic or sports journalism.
Duran Ventura
Duran Ventura, Community Editor
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