By Russell Navarrette
East Los Angeles College men’s basketball dominated its last game of the season after beating Rio Hondo College away 109-86 on Feb. 14.
ELAC received its 23 consecutive win, with an 8-0 home record, 11-0 away, and 8-0 against south coast conference teams. The Huskies have not lost since November against Copper Mountain College in the San Bernardino tournament event. ELAC finished the season with an overall record of 27-1, and will face the winner between Saddleback College and Antelope Valley College on Saturday in the Men’s gym.
ELAC had five players that scored double digits and a team total of 25 assists. Freshman forward Keallen Allen, lead scorer for the men’s basketball team, shared the spotlight with teammate sophomore guard Deshaun Highler, who scored 17 points and went 3-4 from the three-point line.
Sophomore forward Joseph Hampton dominated off the bench, scoring 16 points with 3 assists. Hampton has been one of the top scorers for the Huskies the last 4 out of 5 games.
The team reflected head coach John Mosley’s energy, he was relentless and competitive. Yelling at the refs to get the calls right, and being active throughout the game despite the large lead.
Highler received a technical after he scored, for unsportsmanlike behavior and Hampton had to calm himself down after he received a couple fouls. He would later foul out of the game.
Athletic director and ELAC head football coach Bobby Godinez, who has been part of East Los Angeles College since 2016, gave nothing but praise to head coach John Mosley, his coaching staff and the success they have had over the past 8 years. Also, helping his players find success academically and in obtaining scholarships.
Coach Godinez added, “Since he’s been here he’s been in the playoffs every single year. So, at East Los Angeles College, the basketball program has never been as prominent as it is now, and this team is the best team he’s had.”
Since 2012 ELAC has had a winning record of 20 wins or more, five regional playoff appearances, two regional finals, and one state appearance.
The Men’s basketball recruiting has also found success in players, such as; Solomon Hunt, who was on last year’s team and was selected as the South Coast Conference mvp and recently signed with Chicago State University, and Rodrick J Williams who led ELAC to a conference title and currently, is finishing his college career at Boise State and can be potentially drafted to the National Basketball Association.