Their College Choice!

While the two have impressed teammates, opposing high school players and coaches, Gupilan and Tani have also caught the eye of a number of college coaches as well.

In a ceremony Thursday in the Bell-Jeff gym, the two seniors signed their national letter of intent to play at NCAA Division I colleges.

Gupilan, a 5-foot-8 guard, is headed to the University of Buffalo and Tani, a 5-7 guard, will be playing for the University of Western New Mexico.

“These two have meant just so much to our program since they came in three years ago,” said Bell-Jeff Coach Bryan Camacho of the pair that has been playing together since the fourth grade. “I’m very proud that they are going to get the opportunity to continue their education and play basketball at a higher level.”

Being a Southern California native, Gupilan said she realizes what the winters can be like in snowy and cold Buffalo, N.Y. But her desire to continue her basketball career, and to receive a good education, outweighed any negatives she had about attending school on the East Coast.

“I would go wherever as long as I can get a free education,” Gupilan said. “I just need to get my education done, and if I’m able to play basketball at the same time, that’s just a double bonus.”

Tani said she is excited about making the jump to college.

“I’m really ready for the challenge, and I’m excited,” she said. “This has been my dream ever since I started playing basketball. “

Both players have helped turn Bell-Jeff into a powerhouse and a nationally recognized program the past few years.

This past season, Gupilan was the Santa Cruz League Player of the Year and All-CIF first-tram honoree, averaging 13.8 points, 5.8 assists and 5.1 rebounds a game. In addition, she is a three-time All-CIF winner, a two-time All-State pick and a two-time All-Area first-team selection.

Tani was a first-team all-league pick, averaging 7.2 points and 3.3 steals a game. She is also a three-time first-team all-league selection.

The players helped Bell-Jeff to a 25-7 record, a league championship and a berth in the Division IVA semifinals.

In 2009, leading the Guards to a 34-1 record, Gupilan and Tani helped lead Bell-Jeff to Southern Section and state titles. The state crown was the first won by any team in city history.

“These universities are getting two quality kids with a great deal of character,” Camacho said. “They deserve this and we are so proud of them.”