Jefferson Completes Her SMC Basketball Career:

Elizabeth Jefferson was cut from the Santa Monica College womens’ basketball team on her first try.But if anyone is searching for an example of sheer determination, the guard from University High will do.A couple of years later, Jefferson came back, made Coach Lydia Strong’s squad as a reserve and then became a starter. When the season ended Saturday night in a 70-52 loss to Citrus College, Jefferson started her 21st game, played most of the way and scored nine points.SMC had only six players for the game as a couple of regulars joined center Jasmine English, who is out with a knee injury, on the sidelines.Referring to a batch of injuries, Strong commented: “It’s been a long, strange season.”Jefferson was a steadying influence and her solid play, including a three-point basket, kept SMC in contention early in the game. SMC led, 16-13 before falling behind at halftime, 37-27.Ultimately, the Corsairs were worn down, with only center Fabienne Lorenz providing relief for the starters. At one time, Citrus substituted five players at once.English, a freshman from Palisades High, was the team’s best player until she was injured. Surgery may be required and Strong is hopeful that English will be able to play next season.