COS ready to host Gilcrest Tournament

College of the Sequoias will host the 40th Annual Gilcrest Tournament during Dec. 1-4. It is the only 16-team women's basketball tournament left in the state of California.

COS Giants head coach Ray Alvarado has high praise for the tournament and believes it is far above the rest.

"The Gilcrest is the No.1 tournament in the State so it's definitely a great challenge," Alvarado said. "It has much significance for the regular, and postseason."

The prestigious tournament is named after legendary COS basketball coach and 2015 COS Hall of Fame inductee; Tom Gilcrest. Gilcrest is the only coach ever to have won a state championship in the Central Valley Conference.

Eight teams from Northern California and eight teams from Southern California play in the weekend-long tournament.

Usually, at least two teams that make it to the semi-finals of the Gilcrest Tournament go on to compete at the CCCAA State Tournament.

Having home court advantage is a key advantage for COS, and Alvarado believes it is more than just that.

"Anytime you can play at home is a bonus," Alvarado said. "The kids are comfortable and they can play in front of their family and friends."

The Giants are led by freshman guard Zharia McCollum. McCollum has scored a team high 86 total points this season, and recorded a double-double in her last game vs. Orange Coast.

Sophomore point guard Alyssa Gonzales has been vital in making sure the team is performing up to a high standard. She made the CVC All-Tournament Team for her performance two weeks ago.

Alvarado is looking to lead his squad to their third straight tournament final appearance this season. The Giants first opponent is South Region No. 11 Cerritos. Tip-off is at 7 p.m. at the Porter Field House on Thursday.  

"Our expectation is the same for each game: Play hard, play unselfish, and play with passion" Alvarado said.

COSgiants.com will have a daily recap of the tournament. For the full tournament bracket, click here: http://cosgiants.com/sports/wbkb/2016-17/2016_gilcrest.pdf