Bruce Turner Reaches 300 Win Milestone
By Stephen Morales
Photos courtesy of Bobby Godinez
For over 20 years, Bruce Turner has led the East Los Angeles Women's Basketball Team to unprecedented success. Turner has led the Huskies to five Elite Eight Appearances, two Final Fours and one appearance in the 2016 State Title game. Along with the program's 92% transfer rate, the program has been on solid footing since 2006.
The common denominator has been Coach Turner, who once again hosted the Annual Okawa Classic in late December showcasing top teams from around the state.
This years Okawa Classic was extra special for Coach Turner as not only did the Huskies go 3-0 to improve their record to 7-9 on the year, but Coach Turner also won his 300th career game during the second game as the Huskies defeated San Bernardino Valley College 66-49.
Knowing what the night could mean as their coach sat on win 299, the Huskies went to work early making sure a historic night would happen. The Huskies rolled to a 17-6 lead early before taking a 31-19 lead at the half. The Huskies maintained that defense presence in the second half taking a 50-32 lead at the end of 3 quarters and finishing with the 66-49 win.
Miracle Millinghaus finished with 18 points while Moriah Mosley and Asiah Harris had 11 points each. The Huskies finished with 59 total rebounds.
Even as the final buzzer sounded, his team congratulated him, and the crowd applauded him, Coach Turner remained as humble as ever.
"I don't really focus on the number per say" Coach Turner said postgame "But how much better kids are when they leave here, and all those other things, wins and stats will happen."
One of Coach Turner's big emphasis, along with Huskies Men's Coach John Mosley has always been the family atmosphere they run their programs with. With the Okawa Classic held post-Christmas, it is always a welcome sight to see many alumni return and watch. This year was extra special as many more returned in order to see history.
"It means they know they are always part of the family" Bruce added with a smile. "They are always welcome home"
Ever the coach in a big moment, Coach Turner was already looking ahead to 2025. "Were looking to return to that status in state and regain our respect."
The season will continue but for one moment, the focus was all on Bruce Turner and 300 wins.
Husky Athletic Director Bobby Godinez honored the coach. "Its such an amazing accomplishment to win so many games at this level. It shows the dedication and hard work to his craft and ultimately such a blessing for our girls to have such an invested coach to lead them"
Kinesiology Department Chair and Professor Sara Ortiz also saluted Coach Turner. "Reaching 300 wins is a remarkable achievement that speaks to Coach Turner's hard work, commitment, passion, and leadership. He has not only shaped successful athletes but has also paved the way for women's sports to be recognized and celebrated. We are so lucky to have him here at East Los Angeles College."
We at East Los Angeles Athletics congratulate our coach and our friend Bruce Turner on his 300th win and look forward to many more this season and beyond!
