Report by LBCC

Long Beach City College freshman forward Rayven Sellers has been named the California Community College Athletic Association (CCCAA)/California Community College Sports Information Association (CCCSIA) State Women’s Athlete of the Month for December, which was announced this afternoon.

Sellers has been a major bright spot in an otherwise tough 2009-10 LBCC women’s basketball season. During the month of December, Sellers averaged 15.5 points, 12.4 rebounds, and 5.1 assists over eight games. Her best outing of the month occurred on December 4 when she nearly had a triple-double against Santa Ana with 22 points, 14 rebounds, and 8 assists.

Early in the season because of injuries and ineligibilities, LBCC started its games with just 5-6 players on its rosters. During the month of December, Sellers played all 40 minutes in six of LBCC’s eight contests and posted five doubles-doubles (points/rebounds) in those games.

For the season, Sellers is averaging 16 points, 12.6 rebounds, and 4.3 assists per game. Her 12.6 rebounds currently ranks tied for fifth in the state, while her 4.3 assists ranks tied for 17th in the state. Overall, she has totaled 10 double-double games this season.

“Through all the adversity, Rayven continues to work hard and play well,” said interim head coach Reggie Ellis. “She’s our floor leader and our go-to player. She is also an extension of me on the floor.”

On Wednesday night, Sellers led the Vikings with a season-high 25 points and 18 rebounds in LBCC’s 68-47 loss at El Camino College Compton Center. Long Beach is 3-14 overall this season.

Perry Webster of Saddleback College’s men’s basketball team was named the December Men’s Athlete of the Month.

Sellers is the sixth Viking to earn the state honor since the program’s inception in 2005. Past LBCC state athlete of the month selections include:

Manuel Batista, Men’s Soccer (September 2008)

Randy Serrato, Baseball (February 2008)

Eric Williams, Men’s Basketball (January 2007)

Ashling Taylor, Women’s Water Polo (November 2006)

Pearson Smith, Men’s Basketball (February 2006)