Former College of the Canyons women’s basketball player Sha’Tasha Allen was inducted into the California Community College Women’s Basketball Coaches Association Hall of Fame in a ceremony Friday, March 13, during the CCCAA State Tournament at Cerritos College.

Allen, who played point guard at COC from 1998 to 2000, finished her Cougar Career as the women’s basketball program’s all-time leading scorer (1,242 points).

She also holds school records for most free throws attempted in a season (216), most free throws made in a season (163) and most free throws made in a game (16).

Allen was a member of the college’s 1999-2000 WSC Championship team, leading the state in assists for that season. She is also a two-time WSC Player of the Year and All-State team selection (1998-99, 1999-00).

However, upon arriving at COC Allen was somewhat hesitant to accept her role as the team’s new point guard. As a two-time All-Los Angeles City Section forward from Banning High School Allen was highly reluctant to switch positions.

“Tasha was adamant about not playing point guard,” said COC women’s basketball coach Greg Herrick. “In fact, she told me she couldn’t do it.”

But after months of encouragement, trial by error and extra practice time Allen was able to develop the skills needed to play — and excel — at that position.

In her freshman year (1998-99) Allen averaged 18 points per game to lead the Cougars to a 20-10 record and second place finish in the Western State Conference. Canyons also made an appearance in the Southern California Regional Semi-Finals that postseason.

The following year Allen spent her sophomore season once again terrorizing COC opponents by scoring 19.4 points per game and leading the state in assists once again. Canyons posted a 12-0 record in WSC play and claimed a conference title, while Allen earned “Player of the Year” and All-State honors. The team also advanced to the state tourney’s Elite Eight.

At the conclusion of her COC playing career Allen accepted an athletic scholarship to California State University, Northridge (CSUN) where she attempted to help resurrect a struggling program.

Although the Matadors won only 11 games in her two seasons there, Allen was named an All-Big West Conference Honorable Mention honoree as a senior (2001-02) before graduating with a degree in nursing later that year.

Allen would later go on to serve as a volunteer assistant coach with the COC women’s basketball program.

“When the chips were down, Tasha was always the one player you’d want to have the ball,” said Herrick. “Her induction into the CCCWBCA Hall of Fame is an exclamation point on the career of one of the state’s best players of all time.”