CR men’s and women’s basketball teams advance to state tournament

The College of the Redwoods Men’s Basketball team has won the Golden Valley Conference title for the second straight year, claiming back-to-back championships for the first time in program history. The CR Women’s Basketball team claimed second place in the GVC. Both teams will compete in the state tournament this week.

CR Men finished 14th seed in the Northern California Conference and hosted Diablo Valley College on March 1 in the first round of playoffs. CR Women also finished 14th seed in The Northern Conference, and will head to City College of San Francisco to face the number 3 seed on Thursday, March 3 at 5:30pm.

“In such a difficult season for all basketball programs at every level, winning a championship in 2022 deserves a little extra celebration,” said Men’s Coach Ryan Bisio. “Whether it was COVID, mental health, the upheaval of traditional schedules, major weather disruptions, etc. Our group inspired so many people with their unique ability to keep their hopes and dreams alive. Their championship pedigree will resonate throughout the annals of history, and their commitment to unconditionally investing in each other makes their success all the more sweet.”

Individual GVC awards given to CR Men’s team members for this season include:

· Jon Nchekwube – Golden Valley Conference MVP, 1st Team All-State of California

· Donald Willis – 1st Team All-Golden Valley Conference

· Drew Gillette – 1st Team All Golden Valley Conference

· Zac Claus – 1st Team All Golden Valley Conference

· Bradley Willis – Golden Valley Conference All Defensive Team

CR Women’s GVC Conference awards include:

· Ashley Quigley – All-State 3rd team selection; first team All-Conference, This winter she finished second in the GVC with an average of 19.8 points per game and led the conference in 3-point shooting percentage with an impressive 44.4%.

· Makayla Napoleon – 1st team All-Golden Valley Conference

· Gracie Betts – Honorable mention for All-Golden Valley Conference

· Rachel Valdez – All-Golden Valley Conference all-freshman team

“As we saw early in pre-season, San Francisco is an excellent team, but I firmly believe they are beatable,” says Women’s Coach Jain Tuey. “It will be a challenge not having our point guard Gracie Betts due to her injury, but if we take care of the ball in our possessions and play with high energy and execute I feel really good about how we can match up for our opening playoff game.”

Coach Bisio also has something to celebrate, as he won the Men’s Golden Valley Conference Coach of the Year award.

“Coach Bisio has done outstanding work in the recruitment, retention, and development of all his student athletes since his hiring three years ago,” says CR Athletic Director Bob Brown. “Their success on the court is a direct reflection of the hard work he and his staff have put in. He is very deserving of this coach of the year recognition.”

The women’s March 5 game will stream here https://www.youtube.com/user/ccsfwbb