College of the Redwoods Athletics

As they get set for their playoff opener on Wednesday night, three College of the Redwoods women’s basketball players have received all-conference recognition.

Both Kyla Albee and Aniah Gaither have been named to the All-Golden Valley Conference First Team, while Caidence Young has been included on the all-conference freshman team.

Gaither, a former Eureka Logger, led the GVC in rebounding with 10.4 a game, but her contributions were felt in more ways than that.

“Aniah has grown so much as a basketball player this season,” CR head coach Bree Northern said. “She is the consistent inside presence for us. 

“Whether she is getting it done on both ends of the floor, posting multiple double-double games, or battling inside against teams’ toughest players, Aniah has made her presence greatly known in the GVC this season.”

The 2023 Eureka high graduate also averaged 9.7 points a game this winter.

“Teams have to prepare for her and that is a testament to her hard work and determination she carries in each game,” Northern said.

Albee, who graduated from Ferndale High, has been equally impressive this season for the Corsairs.

“Kyla is one of the hardest working athletes I have ever been around and she always finds a way to get it done for us,” her coach said. “She is a serious threat on both ends of the court, picking apart opponents’ defenses and shutting down their offensive threats.”

College of the Redwoods Athletics

Albee, who graduated from Ferndale High in 2023, led the Corsairs in scoring this season with 12.3 points a game and was third in conference with a 43.5 field goal percentage.

“She has such a smooth way about her game, getting to the bucket with ease,” Northern added. “Kyla has been doing it all for us this season, not only on the court but (she) also has taken on a role of leadership and has helped guide our team to the success we have seen this season.”

Young, meanwhile, had an immediate with the team after graduating from South Fork High School last year.

And she did so in multiple ways.

“Caidence has done a great job in her first season at CR,” Northern said. “She has proven herself as a solid offensive threat and can shoot the ball from anywhere. 

College of the Redwoods Athletics

“If a team leaves her open, she has the ability to make them pay.”

Young averaged 7.6 points a game and was second in conference in 3-point shooting percentage (34).

And Northern believes she will only get better.

“I am really excited to see her continue to grow in her game and watch her dominate next year as a sophomore leader,” the coach said.

The Corsairs will open the playoffs at Santa Rosa on Wednesday night and will carry plenty of momentum into the postseason after a strong finish to the regular season that saw them win three of their final four games.