Chargers Headline Round 2 of Playoffs in Cypress
Cypress Set to Host LBCC on Saturday, February 28
| Final | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | T |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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16 | 12 | 5 | 9 | 42 |
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12 | 7 | 19 | 13 | 51 |
Team Stats
Long Beach
| Game Statistics | Long Beach | Cypress |
|---|---|---|
| Field Goals | (16-63) | (21-62) |
| Field Goal % | 25.4% | 33.9% |
| Rebounds | 40 | 47 |
| Assists | 7 | 9 |
| Turnovers | 15 | 13 |
| Pts off Turnovers | 12 | 13 |
| 2nd Chance Pts | 14 | 16 |
| Pts in the Paint | 18 | 20 |
| Fastbreak Pts | 2 | 0 |
| Bench Pts | 8 | 2 |
CYPRESS, CA - The 2026 3C2A Women's Basketball SoCal Regionals progress to Round 2 at Cypress College on February 28. The Chargers approach the playoffs as a highly accomplished team in the Orange Empire Conference, spearheaded by standout forward Christaesha Jackson and a well-rounded supporting lineup. Holding the No. 6 seed in the 3C2A SoCal Regionals, the Chargers secured a bye in the initial playoff round. Long Beach City College, seeded at No. 11, overcame Ventura College in the first round to advance in the regionals and face the Chargers in the upcoming round 2.
For Cypress, Jackson, the Chargers' interior anchor, was named Orange Empire Conference Offensive Player of the Year, following her Defensive Player of the Year award from the previous season. She continues to impress, securing a spot on the CCCWBCA First Team All-State selection for the second time. Jackson's consistent performance reflects in her recent five games, where she achieved double-digit scores and secured three double-doubles. Leading the OEC in rebounding with an impressive average of 9.7 boards per game, she also stands out in scoring at No. 4 with 15.3 points per game, No. 5 in field goal percentage at 44.6%, and No. 2 in total blocks with 41. Her versatile skills make her a pivotal player for the Chargers, providing a strong presence on both offensive and defensive fronts.
The Chargers' perimeter production adds an important second punch. Guard Mariah Henderson, named to the CCCWBCA Third Team All-State and First Team All-Conference, brings another high-level scoring threat at 14.6 points per game. Her ability to create off the dribble and attack closeouts complements Jackson's work in the paint and on the glass. Forward Marina Interiano, who sits No. 4 in the OEC rebound leaderboard at 8.4 per game, earned Second Team All-Conference honors, as did freshman Marina Leiva, giving Cypress a deep, physical frontcourt capable of matching the size and physicality that typically emerges in playoff basketball.
That balance was on full display earlier this season when Cypress hosted Long Beach City in a nonconference matchup that could foreshadow a potential playoff meeting. In that overtime decision, the Chargers pulled away 65-57 after a defensive clampdown in the extra period. Jackson powered a dominant double-double with 15 points and 13 rebounds, adding four assists, two blocks and four steals to control the game on both ends. Henderson added 12 points and eight rebounds, delivering key plays during the late surge, while Cypress outscored the Vikings 13-5 in overtime behind disciplined defense and timely scoring around the rim. That performance demonstrated the Chargers' ability to close tight games in a postseason-style environment.
UP NEXT: Cypress will face the Long Beach Vikings in Round 2 of the 3C2A Regionals on Saturday, February 28th at 7 p.m.
Stay connected with the Chargers through social media. Follow Cypress College Athletics on X (Formerly Twitter) @CypressChargers. Check in with the Chargers on Facebook/CypressChargers and on Instagram @CypressChargers.
