Balance Act Propels Ventura Into State Championships

After last week’s upset loss in the regional playoffs, the Ventura College men’s basketball team will not be going to the JC state tournament this year.

But the Pirates’ women’s team will be going, thanks to superior depth that did in Compton in Ventura’s 86-59 victory in the third round of the Southern California regional Saturday night at Ventura College.

Freshman forward Lynda Amari led Ventura with 21 points, 10 rebounds and four steals off the bench, but the top-seeded Pirates (33-1) beat the ninth-seeded Tartars (24-8) with balance.

Four players scored in double figures. Adria Sneed and Amirah Leonard each scored 17, and Cindi Jensen had 13. Sneed also had 12 rebounds and five steals, and Leonard had seven rebounds and five assists.

“I did it for the men’s team,” said Amari. “I was waiting for this game all week.”

The Tartars did not threaten the Pirates despite a full-court press that caused 20 turnovers.

The defending state champion Pirates, riding a 26-game win streak, will begin the state tournament Thursday at DeAnza College.