Reedley, Taft Set for Valentine’s Day Rematch

TAFT, Calif. (Interstat) — A key California community college women’s basketball rematch is set for Saturday when the Reedley Tigers visit the Taft Cougars.

The matchup features two teams jockeying for postseason position. Taft (17-8 overall) enters with a slightly better record, but Reedley (15-9) won the first meeting 80-74 at home on Jan. 21. That result adds stakes to the Valentine’s Day contest.

Reedley arrives riding high from a dominant 99-39 road victory at Porterville on Wednesday. The Tigers were led by a spectacular performance from sophomore guard Taylor Sutherland, who scored 36 points and grabbed 11 rebounds in just 32 minutes. Sutherland has been a consistent force and will be the focal point for the Tigers’ offense.

Taft is also coming off a convincing win, having defeated Merced 78-55 on its home floor Wednesday. The Cougars were powered by sophomore forward Laila Gines, who posted 24 points and nine rebounds. Her interior battle with Reedley’s Sutherland will be a critical matchup.

Recent trends show both teams have been inconsistent in conference play. Since beating Taft in January, Reedley has gone 2-2, including a 47-point loss to Sequoias. Taft is 3-2 in its last five, with losses to top-tier opponents Fresno City and Sequoias.

The game will be a test of momentum. Reedley’s offense exploded for 99 points last outing, while Taft’s defense held Merced to 55. The Cougars will seek to avenge their earlier loss and protect their home court.

Following this game, Reedley faces a quick turnaround with a home game against Fresno City on Tuesday. Taft’s next contest is at Lemoore on Feb. 20.

Tip-off is scheduled for 5 p.m. PST at the Taft College Gymnasium.