Bay Area Issue 167 July 2019

BAY AREA EDITION JULY, 2019 VOL. 10 ISSUE 167

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utside of planning and putting together our annual NorCal Football Preview, there’s no project I enjoy working on more each year than our Bay Area 75 athlete countdown.

Building the exclusive list consistently reminds me how lucky I am to be covering high school athletics in such a talent-rich region. This year was certainly no different.

This issue contains our seventh attempt at ranking the region’s top 75 athletes from the previous school year. It may have proven to be the toughest year yet to get the list cut to 75 — and then to rank it.

When building the list, we try not to worry about any criteria other than the athlete has to compete for a school within one of the nine Bay Area counties. So it’s always interesting to look at the list after the fact that and see how it shook out.

This year’s list included 40 boys and 35 girls, but the girls dominated the Top 15 spots. Girls take up nine of the first Top 15, including No. 1. Also, this is the first year I can remember that at least three different athletes competed for a U.S. National Team at one point during the school year — yes, they were all female. There were also a pair of Gatorade National Player of the Year winners. And the list also included two freshmen for the first time.

Just to highlight how exclusive the list was this year, allow me to list five of them who were among our final cuts.

JULIA LEONTINI (Monte Vista-Danville soccer): A Stanford signee who had 19 goals and seven assists for the CIF Div. I NorCal champs.

KACEY ZOBAC (Valley Christian-San Jose softball): Her brother Steven made the list for baseball — and she’s elsewhere in the issue as a 1st Team All-NorCal softball catcher — but the Cal-bound slugger’s .607 average and 11 home runs weren’t enough.

SEAN BILTNER (St. Ignatius-S.F. soccer): Arguably one of the Bay Area’s best defenders, and a 3rd-Team All-USA Soccer Selection by USA Today/TopDrawerSoccer.com.

JULIA SCARDINA (Marin Catholic-Kentfield softball): All this Utah-bound slugger did was hit .671 with 13 homers and 55 RBI. DANIELLE SUH (Dougherty Valley-San Ramon golf): The San Jose State-bound senior shot back-toback-to-back 73s at the NCS, CIF NorCal and CIF State Championships. The score earned her a top-3 finish at NorCals and top-8 placing at state.

We could expand the near-miss list to 20 names and there would still be more worth mentioning. But that’s what makes this fun for us, and hopefully fun for you. Check out our list and let us know what you think. We’re pretty sure you’ll have an opinion. ✪

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t was all about aces and A’s as baseball and volleyball teamed up for a new Oakland A’s Volleyball Night promotion at the Coliseum. The Northern California Volleyball Association served as a partner with the A’s on this inaugural event on June 17 for the game against the Baltimore Orioles.

Sabrina Blackwell of the A’s came up with the idea for the pairing, seeing that the A’s had youth events for sports like baseball and swimming. She had a long history as a player with NCVA, so a teaming of the two sports was a natural. The idea began to come to fruition when she attended one of her sister’s tournaments and spoke with Evan Orlando, NCVA Event Housing and Marketing Manager.

Blackwell played for NCVA-member clubs for seven years, six with Los Gatos area club, Vision, and one year for City Beach of Santa Clara. A graduate of Thomas More High in San Jose, Blackwell played at Cal and then at graduate school at USF. It’s safe to say the sport is in her blood.

So Blackwell, an account executive in group sales and hospitality for the A’s, thought the blend of baseball and volleyball would be a smash hit. Just like a massive kill by an NCVA star or a home run by A’s star Matt Chapman, this event was a major hit. More than 400 girls ranging from ages 8 to 17 filled a sizeable area along the third base side of the Coliseum.

Through their special tickets via NCVA-member clubs, each of the players received a commemorative A’s miniature volleyball. A group of NCVA players were selected to go on the field, and two of the girls had their names announced over the public address system to the Coliseum crowd.

Blackwell would like to bring theww promotion back and expand upon it, since first-time events have the potential to grow into even bigger promotions. With NCVA having over 400 member clubs throughout its Northern California region, the potential is there for many more outside hitters, setters and liberos in the stands at future events.

“It was really cool, especially seeing the young girls and how excited they were,” Blackwell said. “A lot of them had never been to a baseball game, so that was great in creating awareness for the sport.” ✪ — Story by Mike Wood, Photo courtesy of Oakland Athletics

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Behind the Clipboard by Clay Kallam

Can Money Make The Player?

NOT EXACTLY

There’s a guy in our baseball program who comes from a very rich family. He has all the best equipment: lots of bats, different gloves for outfield and infield, and new spikes every two weeks, it seems like. On top of that, he travels all over to work with different coaches, and even went to Washington to spend some time at Driveline. He’s not a bad guy, and he’s an OK player, but it just doesn’t seem fair. I know I’d be better if I had all equipment and training, and so would a lot of other guys. Should the coaches think about all those advantages when they decide on who makes the team, and who plays where?

L.B., Montclair

I

t’s pretty easy to get worked up about the rich getting richer, especially as you get older.

And there’s no question that training and equipment can help a player improve – not to mention other kinds of training (conditioning, say) and support (the right foods all the time, injury care).

So when you say it’s not fair, you’re absolutely right.

But pull the camera back a bit, and think awhile about the bigger picture. You’re a good player and a good athlete.

I don’t know how tall you are or anything, but let’s just say there’s a guy on your team who’s six feet tall, can throw hard and is very fast.

What exactly did he do to become six feet tall? Well, he had the right parents, just like the rich kid. He can throw hard, which is something you either have or you don’t. You can throw a little harder with training, but you can’t make a weak arm into a strong one. Why can he throw hard? He was born with the right set of genes. And he’s fast – same thing.

So it’s not like everyone is treated “fairly” when it comes to athletic tools. There might be someone who could pick up grounders better than anyone on your team – but she might be 5-1 and unable to hit the ball hard enough to get it past the pitcher. That’s not fair, either, really. She has a skill, or maybe even skills, but other factors make those skills irrelevant.

And then what about the kid whose parents have issues? He could have been really good, but he could never get to practices consistently because of his parents’ problems. And he never had the opportunity to do a lot of things because there was no money in the household.

Is that fair?

What it comes down to is this: We’re all dealt a certain hand in life, starting with our DNA. What we have to do is the best we can with those cards to play. The rich guy has better cards in some respects than you do, but you might be faster or have more power. How much of that was what you were born with? And how much of that was how hard you worked? And maybe the guy with all the advantages works really hard too.

Here’s another way to look at it: You’re a good player, and you can play high school varsity sports. How many other guys would love to have your ability and your opportunities? How many other guys would like nothing more than to be on a varsity team and enjoy that whole experience?

If you look at it that way, you’re the lucky one. Maybe the rich guy is luckier, but from that perspective, you sound a little bit greedy. You’ve got all this going for you already, and you want more advantages?

Now I know that’s not what you meant, and it is true that money can smooth a path, but before you worry too much about those who are better off, take a few minutes to think about those who would love nothing more than to be standing in your shoes. ✪

Clay Kallam has been an assistant athletic director and has coached numerous sports at a handful of high schools throughout the Bay Area. To submit a question for Behind the Clipboard, email him at claykallam@gmail.com.

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YEARBOOK SPECIAL EDITION: FALL 2018

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CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: Cardinal Newman-Santa Rosa quarterback Jackson Pavitt dives for the goal line in the team’s season-opening win over Sutter. • James Logan-Union City captain Maxine Tuazon awaits a serve at the net. • Liberty-Brentwood cheerleaders hold up a sign as players gather behind it prior to the second half of the CIF Div. 1-A State Bowl Championship.

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YEARBOOK SPECIAL EDITION: FALL 2018

TOP: Pittsburg’s Isaiah Chatman, left, and Antioch’s Juilan Rios clash during the 100th Big Little Game Rivalry in November.

BOTTOM: The Foothill-Pleasanton girls volleyball team jubilantly reacts to scoring a point during a match at the Christine Craft Invitational Tournament.

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SPORTSTARSMAG.COM There is always more online! ›› Look at full galleries of our best pictures of the fall ›› Review our final NorCal football and volleyball rankings ›› Read what NorCal media members listed as their favorite moments and athletes from 2018-19

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YEARBOOK SPECIAL EDITION: WINTER 2018-19

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: SalesianRichmond’s USCbound post Angel Jackson draws three Pinewood-Los Altos Hills defenders during West Coast Jamboree Platinum Division final. • James Logan-Union City senior Brahjon Thompson glides into the key to attempt a finger roll during the CIF Div. I state final. • De La Salle-Concord freshman Jeremiah Dargan finishes off a dunk during North Coast Section Div. I championship at Saint Mary’s College.

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YEARBOOK SPECIAL EDITION: WINTER 2

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2018-19

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Monte Vista-Danville girls soccer players celebrate following an overtime golden goal by Megan Edelman (right) to win the CIF Div. I NorCal Championship 2-1 over Davis. • University-S.F. senior Charley Moore drives to the basket during the CIF Div. III State Championship game at Golden 1 Center. • Players from the Oakland High girls basketball team embrace following the Warriors’ 51-35 win over McFarland in the CIF Div. III state final. Their championship broke a 14-year state championship drought for the Oakland Section. • Campolindo-Moraga players enjoy the moment while they wait for the presentation of their CIF Div. II state championship medals.

SPORTSTARSMAG.COM There is always more online! ›› Look at full galleries of our best pictures of the winter ›› Review our final NorCal boys and girls basketball rankings ›› Read what NorCal media members listed as their favorite moments and athletes from 2018-19 Follow us on Twitter & Instagram, like us on Facebook!

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YEARBOOK SPECIAL EDITION: SPRING 2019

SPORTSTARSMAG.COM There is always more online! ›› Look at full galleries of our best pictures of the spring ›› Review our final NorCal baseball and softball rankings ›› Read what NorCal media members listed as their favorite moments and athletes from 2018-19 CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: Oregon-bound Amador Valley-Pleasanton sprinter Chinyere Okoro, center, reaches the finish line first during her 100 meter heat at the NCS Tri-Valley Championships. • BellarmineSan Jose pitcher Derrick Turner pitches during the Boras Baseball Classic NorCal Championship game against Archbishop Mitty-San Jose. • Heritage-Brentwood pitcher Jeffrey Heinrich reacts to the Patriots getting a big out in the NCS Div. I final. • Nicholas Bamont of Acalanes-Lafayette takes a big lead off third during an NCS Div. I playoff game against Dublin. • Foothill-Pleasanton celebrates its NCS Div. I softball championship and perfect 28-0 season.

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Welcome to the countdown of the Top 25 athletes of our 7th annual Bay Area 75. SportStars’ countdown of the top 75 Bay Area athletes from the 2018-19 school year began online on June 28 and continued to the reveal of the final 25 here. The only criteria used in generating the list were the athletes must be from one of the nine Bay Area counties, and they must have played in a sport which culminated in a sanctioned section title or reached a national-level of success (i.e., won a national championship or been appointed to a youth national team). All sports fans know rankings are an opinion, and certainly subjective. They also spark debate and conversation, which is why we love them. Let the 2019 #BayArea75 debate begin!

—Chace Bryson, Editor

FIRST50

The first 50 athletes in the countdown are listed here. Full bios can be viewed exclusively by visiting SPORTSTARSMAG.COM/BA75-2019

75. Jarrett Anderson (Harker School-San Jose, Sr.), Hoops/VB

49. Viktor Rajkovic (Branson-Ross, Sr.), Hoops

74. Kari Geissberger (Marin Catholic-Kentfield, Jr.), Volleyball

48. Tommy Barnds (Sacred Heart Prep-Atherton, Sr.), Lacrosse

73. Maxwell Anderson (Moreau Catholic-Hayward, Sr.), FB/Hoops

47. Nick Yorke (Archbishop Mitty-San Jose, Sr.), Baseball

72. Samantha Wallenstrom (Marin Catholic-Kentfield, Sr.), XC/Track

46. Hope Alley (Foothill-Pleasanton, Sr.), Hoops/Softball

71. Shamar Garrett (De La Salle-Concord, Jr.), Football/Track

45. Larsen Weigle (Sacred Heart Prep-Atherton, Sr.), Water Polo

70. Leah Pease (Marin Catholic-Kentfield, Sr.), Volleyball

44. Chinyere Okoro (Amador Valley-Pleasanton, Sr.), Track

69. Megan Grant (Aragon-San Mateo, Fr.), VB/Hoops/Softball

43. Sophia Kosturos (Miramonte-Orinda, Sr.), Swimming

68. Evan Williams (St. Francis-Mountain View, Sr.), Football 67. Samantha Sternfels (Tamalpais, Jr.), Water Polo 66. Paul M. Rosa (Wilcox-Santa Clara, Sr.), Football 65. Jenna Richardson (San Marin-Novato, Sr.), Volleyball/Lacrosse 64. Jack Gardner (De La Salle-Concord, Sr.), Golf 63. Alannah Scott (San Ramon Valley-Danville, So.), Lacrosse 62. Sterling Parker (Alhambra-Martinez, Sr.), Volleyball 61. Nina Flynn (Leland-San Jose, Sr.), Water Polo 60. Gabrielle Peterson (Healdsburg, Sr.), Cross Country/Track 59. Devereaux Harrison (Vacaville, Sr.), Baseball 58. Brett Thompson (James Logan-Union City, Sr.), Hoops 57. Noa Ngalu (Menlo-Atherton-Atherton, Sr.), Football

42. Hannah Jump (Pinewood-Los Altos Hills, Sr.), Hoops 41. Megan Edelman (Monte Vista-Danville, Jr.), Soccer 40. Alexis Bishop (San Marin-Novato, Jr.), Hoops/Softball 39. Lucas Allen (Campolindo-Moraga, Sr.), FB/Soccer/Baseball 38. Taumafa Tuinauvai (James Logan-Union City, Sr.), Volleyball 37. D’Von Lang (Valley Christian-San Jose, Sr.), Football/Hoops 36. Dino Kahaulelio (Cardinal Newman-Santa Rosa, Sr.), FB/ Hoops/Baseball/Rugby 35. Amit Elor (College Park-Pleasant Hill, Fr.), Wrestling 34. Jamir Shepard (Palo Alto, Jr.), Football/Hoops 33. Isaiah Foskey (De La Salle-Concord, Sr.), Football

56. Julia Sangiacomo (Justin-Siena-Napa, Sr.), Volleyball

32. Mika Jin (Irvington-Fremont, Jr.), Golf

55. Kyren Paris (Freedom-Oakley, Sr.), Baseball

31. Max Saunders (Bellarmine-San Jose, Sr.), Swimming

54. Josh Pakola (St. Francis-Mountain View, Sr.), Football

30. Nick Kresnak (Acalanes-Lafayette, Jr.), Football/Baseball

53. Bubba Gomez (Fremont Christian, Sr.), Hoops/Baseball

29. Nate Rutchena (Monte Vista-Danville, Jr.), Football/Hoops

52. Cameron Reynolds (Clayton Valley-Concord, Sr.), Track

28. Ali Bamberger (Carondelet-Concord, Sr.), Hoops

51. Klara Astrom (Pinewood-Los Altos Hills, Sr.), Hoops

27. Kyle Harrison (De La Salle-Concord, Jr.), Baseball

50. Daniel Heimuli (Menlo-Atherton-Atherton, Sr.), Football

26. Kaylee Pond (Acalanes-Lafayette, Jr.), Hoops/Softball

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25. GILES JACKSON (Freedom-Oakley, Sr.), Football After spending a summer establishing himself as one of the top slot receiver recruits in the country, Jackson was as electric as advertised. His versatility and explosiveness left him just a kickoff return shy of the TD Bingo blackout. He had 14 receiving scores, four rushing TDs, two interception returns, a punt return TD and a 99-yard fumble return. He finished with 1,923 allpurpose yards, 1,414 of which came on 74 pass catches. He suits up for Michigan in the fall.

24. KYLE PARCO (De La Salle-Concord, Sr.), Wrestling The Fresno State-bound grappler found himself as the state’s top-ranked 132-pounder early in the year and never gave it up. He won his third consecutive North Coast Section title before going 5-0 at the CIF State Championships with three wins by pin. He also earned tournament titles at the Bakersfield Rumble, James Riddle Invitational, Doc Buchanan and Temecula Valley.

23. ANGEL JACKSON (Salesian-Richmond, Sr.), Basketball A USC signee and a McDonald’s All-American, Jackson was arguably the most feared post player in the Bay Area. She averaged 16.2 points, 12 rebounds and 3.6 blocks. She scored in double figures in 33 of her 34 games with 23 double-doubles. She also had one triple-double of 26 points, 11 rebounds and 10 blocks in a 66-60 win over Sacred Heart Cathedral-S.F. on Jan. 5.

22. KALANI KOSSA-RIENZI (Berkeley, Jr.), Soccer Kossa-Rienzi was the catalyst for a Berkeley team that went 24-1-4 overall and secured its second NCS title in three years with a 4-1 win over De La Salle. The Washington commit had two goals and one assist in the championship match and ended his season with 25 goals and 18 assists. He was named 2nd Team All-USA Boys Soccer by USA Today and TopDrawerSoccer.com.

21. AUSTIN JONES (Bishop O’Dowd-Oakland, Sr.), Football Jones closed out a stellar prep career with a senior season of 2,005 rushing yards and needed just 219 carries (a 9.2 yard/carry average). The Stanford signee rushed for 24 TDs. He added 378 receiving yards and another TD. He also started at cornerback on defense. De La Salle defensive coordinator Terry Eidson told SportStars that Jones “was hands down the best athlete we faced this season.”

20. ELIZABETH FLEMING (St. Ignatius-S.F., Sr.), Volleyball Fleming heads to Duke in the fall after terrorizing the West Catholic Athletic League for the past three seasons. In her final year she was the WCAL Co-Player Of The Year and named 1st Team All-State by Cal-Hi Sports. She had 507 kills with 121 blocks in 42 games as the Wildcats reached the Central Coast Section Open Div. final for the second straight year.

19. JAY BUTTERFIELD (Liberty-Brentwood, Jr.), Football, Basketball Rivals.com lists the Oregon commit as the No. 3 QB in the country for the 2020 Class. His numbers make it easy to see why. The 6-foot, 6-inch slinger passed for 3,294 yards and 43 TDs over 14 games. He completed at least three TD passes in every game but two in leading the Lions to a 13-1 mark and CIF 1-A State Bowl title. During the winter, he was a major weapon off the bench for an undefeated league champion squad that went 21-6 overall.

18. CONNOR BARBATO (Rancho Cotate-Rohnert Park, Sr.), Football, Basketball, Lacrosse He was a SportStars All-NorCal selection in football after one of the best two-way seasons a player could have. He caught 55 passes for 1,134 yards and nine TDs as a tight end for the 11-2 Cougars. And on defense he posted 107 tackles and 23 sacks. In 21 basketball games he led Rancho with 11.9 points per game and added six rebounds a contest. In the spring, he finished out his senior year making a small contribution to the lacrosse team. He accepted a walk-on offer with UCLA football.

17. STEVEN ZOBAC (Valley Christian-San Jose, Sr.), Baseball The SportStars NorCal Player of the Year, Zobac was also one of five finalists for Cal-Hi Sports’ Mr. Baseball State Player of the Year Award. The Cal-bound talent batted .465 with 40 hits, 28 runs, 23 RBI, 12 doubles and five home runs. He also went 6-1 with four saves, a 0.23 ERA and 75 strikeouts in 60.2 innings of work. He led the Warriors to a third straight CCS Open Div. title and threw four hitless innings to start the final. He also knocked in both runs in a 2-0 victory.

16. ZOIE HARTMAN (Monte Vista-Danville, Sr.), Swimming Headed to swim at SEC swimming-power Georgia, Hartman closed out her high school career with six gold medals in May. That included four NCS titles — the 200-yard individual medley, the 100 breaststroke and two freestyle relay wins — along with repeat CIF State Championship gold performances in the 200 IM and 100 breaststroke. At the NCS meet, Hartman set a new 200 IM record of 1 minute, 55.76 seconds. It was a mark slightly more than four-tenths of a second faster than the previous record held by Olympic medalist Maya DiRado.

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15. ASHLEY YEAH (Los Gatos, Sr.), Tennis Yeah completed her Los Gatos tennis career ranked by TennisRecruiter.com among the Top 15 girls tennis recruits in the nation for the 2019 Class, and No. 1 in NorCal. She became the Central Coast Section’s first ever three-peat singles champion when she defeated Cupertino’s Kate Duong 6-1, 3-6, 1-0 (tiebreak score of 7-2). She also led Los Gatos to a third straight CCS team title. She will play at Illinois in the fall.

14. ANGELINA ANDERSON (Carondelet-Concord, Sr.), Soccer Considered one of the best young goalkeepers in the nation, Anderson is already an international staple. The Cal signee helped the USA to the 2018 CONCACAF Women’s U-17 Championship, playing in four of the five matches as the USA qualified for the U-17 2018 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Uruguay last November. Anderson was the starting keeper and team captain for that squad, which finished 1-2. With Carondelet, she allowed just 12 goals in 19 games with 79 saves.

13. TEHYA BIRD (Cloverdale, Jr.), Volleyball, Basketball, Softball The Oregon softball commit is our highest ranked three-sport athlete on the list. Her 2019 video game-like softball stats included batting .754 with 46 hits, 60 runs, 48 RBI, 15 doubles and 13 homers at the plate. Plus she added a 23-1 pitching record with a 0.88 ERA and 215 strikeouts in 144 innings. She was the league MVP in basketball, leading the Eagles to a 26-7 record. And was a 1st Team All-League selection for volleyball.

12. RYAN REYES (Gilroy, Sr.), Wrestling Reyes was arguably the highest profile wrestling transfer in the state when he moved from Buchanan-Clovis to Gilroy prior to his senior year. The hype was not ill-placed. Reyes stormed his way to a CIF State title at 195 pounds; The Fresno State-bound star went 5-0 at the state meet with a pair of pins and an 18-3 tech fall.

11. NICOLE MAY (Foothill-Pleasanton, Jr.), Softball May was an easy call for the SportStars NorCal Pitcher of the Year Award. The Oklahoma commit posted a 0.32 ERA and a 24-0 record with 246 strikeouts in 151 innings of work. She also hit .463 with 38 hits and 27 RBI for a Falcons team which went 28-0 and won the NCS Div. I title.

May threw a one-hit shutout in the final and drove in the game’s only runs on a 2-run homer.

10. ETHAN HU (Harker School-San Jose, Jr.), Swimming With the Bay Area such a hotbed for swimming talent, it’s not easy to stand out among the elite.

Unless you have a postseason like Hu delivered this spring. He won CIF State titles in the 200 individual medley and 100 butterfly — setting meet records in both events. That came on the heels of the CCS Championships in which he set meet records in the same two events while also setting a third meet record with the Eagles’ 200 medley relay team.

9. JEWEL ROEMER (Acalanes-Lafayette, Jr.), Water Polo Roemer is widely considered to be NorCal’s best female water polo prospect since two-time Olympian Maggie Steffens — and she’s already been a teammate of Steffens on the US Senior Women’s National Team. Roemer was one of two high schoolers on the 14-player roster that competed in the 2019 FINA Women’s Intercontinental Tournament in Australia from March 26-31. She even scored a goal in the Gold Medal match, a 14-12 win over the host country. The junior attacker also led the Dons to a 27-0 season and NCS Div. I crown.

8. ASHLEY TRIERWEILER (Carlmont-Belmont, Sr.), Basketball, Softball The Santa Clara-bound softballer was a SportStars All-NorCal outfield selection after batting .568 with 50 hits, 38 runs, 22 RBI and 15 stolen bases. She was the Peninsula Athletic League’s Softball Player of the Year. And prior to softball season, she was the PAL South Division Basketball MVP for a Scots team that finished 18-8 overall.

7. SOPHIE JONES (Menlo School-Atherton, Sr.), Soccer A first-star rated midfielder by TopDrawerSoccer.com, Jones became her school’s first ever Gatorade National Player of the Year in the 34-year history of the awards. The Duke commit led the Knights to a 20-2-2 record and the CCS Div. I championship, recording 18 goals and 16 assists despite missing the final two games of the season while training with the U.S. Soccer Under-20 Women’s National Team. She played in the 2018 FIFA Under-17 World Cup in Uruguay in November.

6. HENRY TO’OTO’O (De La Salle-Concord, Sr.), Football The SportStars NorCal Defensive Player of the Year for the second straight year, To’oto’o was the physical and emotional leader to the region’s best defense. He accounted for 76 tackles (17 for loss), 42 solo tackles, four sacks and two fumble recoveries. On the eve of the CIF Open State Bowl Championship, he broke his foot during a walk-through practice. He would still make six tackles the following night. In February, he made his commitment to Tennessee live on ESPN.

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SIONE VAKI (Liberty-Brentwood, Sr.) Football Vaki was the SportStars NorCal Football Player of the Year and a Cal-Hi Sports 1st Team All-State selection after catching 70 passes for 1,394 yards and 20 TDs. He also had a rushing TD, a kick return TD and an interception return TD. Vaki finished second on the Lions defense with 97 tackles and added four interceptions, two fumble recoveries and two forced fumbles. Liberty won the CIF Div. 1-A State Bowl after Vaki made a critical tackle to force a turnover on downs late in the fourth quarter.

AKIL EDWARDS (St. Patrick-St. Vincent-Vallejo, Sr.) Football, Basketball Edwards was his school’s best football and basketball player. He chose football as his sport at the next level, committing to Weber State as an athlete after spending the fall as arguably the North Coast Section’s best dual-threat quarterback.

He amassed 1,443 yards passing with 20 TD, and had just under 1,000 yards rushing despite missing some time due to a knee injury. The Bruins basketball team celebrated a 20-12 season powered in large part by Edwards’ per-game averages of 19.6 points, 4.1 rebounds and 3.9 assists.

JAZLYNN SHEARER (Silver Creek-San Jose, Sr.) Track When track stars crack the Top 5 of this list, it’s usually after doing something extraordinary at the CIF State Championships. Shearer checked that box for sure on May 25 when the UNLV signee just missed winning three golds.

Shearer took home state titles in the 100 hurdles, and the triple jump (where she finished more than nine inches better than the runner-up’s top jump). She was forced to settle for silver in the long jump. She nearly went quad-gold at the CCS Championships, winning in the 100 hurdles, triple and long jump while also finishing second in the 100 meter dash.

LIAM ANDERSON (Redwood-Larkspur, Sr.) Cross Country, Track As distance running goes, it would be extremely difficult to have had a better year at it then the Stanford-bound phenom from the North Bay. Anderson won his second CIF State title when he won five kilometers at the Div. III championship race in 14 minutes, 56 seconds — the fastest time by any boy at the event. Then he followed that by attending the Nike Cross Nationals in Portland and setting the five kilometer course record en route to becoming the first Californian to ever win the event. All of which earned him Gatorade National Runner of the Year honors. In the spring, his CIF State Meet performance included a 3rd in the 1,600 meters and 2nd in the 3200.

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1

HALEY JONES Archbishop Mitty, Sr. Basketball

Sometimes, there’s just no shaking greatness.

Haley Jones will undoubtedly go down as one of the Bay Area’s most dominant and decorated high school girls basketball players. And her career ceiling remains nearly limitless as she begins the collegiate chapter of her career at Stanford this fall.

It’s why, despite several legitimate challengers this season, Jones was too difficult to bump from the No. 1 ranking she earned last season. So one year after becoming the first female athlete to top the Bay Area 75, Jones becomes the first athlete — period — to hold the top spot for consecutive years.

Jones showcased her greatness in several ways for the 25-3 Central Coast Section Open Div. champions.

Versatility is the greatest weapon for the Cal-Hi Sports Ms. State Basketball Player of the Year and McDonald’s All-American.

At 6-1, she is tall enough to both score and defend in the paint, especially at the high school level.

Jones is quick enough to guard top-shelf perimeter players; fast enough to lead or finish a break; and strong enough to hold her own around the basket.

Finally, she can handle like a point guard, shoot like a two guard, penetrate like a strong forward and work inside like a post.

She finished her season averaging 26.1 points, 12.1 rebounds, 4.4 assists, 3.7 steals and 2.8 blocks per game.

But No. 1 was the key number here. And that’s the number she’ll help the Cardinal chase for the next four years. ✪

chart toppers History of Bay Area 75 Athletes To Earn The No. 1 Ranking Haley Jones

Archbishop Mitty-San Jose

Basketball

2018-19

Haley Jones

Archbishop Mitty-San Jose

Basketball

2017-18

Marquel Johnson

St. Patrick-St. Vincent-Vallejo

Football, Basketball, Baseball

2016-17

Football

2015-16

Najee Harris Antioch Ivan Rabb

Bishop O’Dowd-Oakland

Basketball

2014-15

Drew Anderson

Miramonte-Orinda

Football, Basketball, Baseball

2013-14

Aaron Gordon

Archbishop Mitty-San Jose

Basketball

2012-13

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W

ith three Central Coast Section Open Division titles under his belt, Steven Zobac has plenty of material to choose from when he looks back on his favorite moments in a Valley Christian-San Jose uniform.

The latest memory certainly stands out for Zobac. In his final high school game, he worked four hitless innings to earn the win and drove in the only runs of the game with a two-run double in Valley Christian’s 2-0 championship victory over Archbishop Mitty-San Jose. The heroics came one year after Zobac earned the win on the mound and picked up the game-winning RBI via hit by pitch in the Warriors’ 4-3 championship win over Los Gatos in 2018.

Individual heroics aside, the learning process throughout his time as a Warrior stands out most for Zobac. That’s why, when pressed to name a favorite, he points to Valley Christian’s 4-3 win over Serra-San Mateo in the 2017 title game as a seminal moment in what would eventually become a tremendous high school career.

“It gave me an opportunity to see what winning is truly like,” said Zobac, who served as a backup catcher throughout his sophomore year. “I’ve played on teams where you win some games, you lose some games and nothing really happens. The first championship we got my sophomore year, even though I didn’t play a lot, I got to see what a true team was like and real winning was like. That gave me a really big advantage over my next two years.”

What Valley Christian head coach John Diatte would also learn is just how impactful Zobac could be in a number of different ways.

The Warriors’ longtime coach made the decision to move Zobac to the mound as a junior. The big fastball that resulted set the stage for a path to two-way stardom.

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“We threw him out there and he was 88-89 and we decided we were going to use him as our closer,” Diatte said. “He kind of had the same role going into this season and it kind of evolved. We needed him to start and he took on that role, too. Steven’s resilient, he’s a great kid, works hard; he’s one of those players that coaches love because he’ll do whatever we ask him to do and embraces his role.”

After beginning to make an impact in 2018, Zobac’s senior year put him squarely in the conversation as one of the best players in California. On the mound, his high spin rate led the right-hander to develop a curve ball in addition to his slider. He finished 2019 with a 6-1 record, four saves, 75 strikeouts and a 0.23 ERA. In just over 90 innings pitched as a junior and senior, Zobac allowed a grand total of two earned runs.

Zobac’s impact certainly wasn’t limited to the mound. He hit .465 with 12 doubles, five home runs and 23 RBIs even though opportunities to hit were scarce late in the season as teams pitched around him with more frequency. As an outfielder, Zobac learned and improved to the point that Diatte says he will be a plus defender in college.

He’ll take all of those characteristics to Cal in the fall when he heads to Berkeley alongside his sister, Kacey, herself a highly touted addition to the Golden Bears’ softball team. But, perhaps even more important than a skill set that projects well on the college level is a work ethic and a desire to keep learning.

“I could go on and on and on about him because he’s such a great kid and he works so hard,” Diatte said. “He’s a great team leader, a great teammate, everybody loves him in the clubhouse. He’s just a fun kid to have around.” ✪ — Story by Ben Enos, Photo by Doug Stringer

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A

s the De La Salle Spartans chased their third straight North Coast Section Division I championship in 2018, sophomore pitcher Kyle Harrison played a huge role. He boasted a 9-1 record on the mound with a sterling 1.17 ERA — but was not given the ball for the championship game.

That was something he made sure wouldn’t happen again in 2019.

“He could have pitched the final last year, but I don’t like throwing sophomores into a championship game,” coach David Jeans said. “Although he was ready, you have to have that chip on your shoulder coming into these games — something he clearly had this year.”

Harrison proved his coach right. He allowed just two hits over 5.1 innings. He gave up one earned run and struck out 10 to help the Concord school top Heritage-Brentwood 10-1 and roll to an unprecedented Div. I four-peat. It was a performance that made his selection as NorCal Pitcher of the Year a no-brainer.

“I was ready to get the nod,” Harrison said. “I was excited to compete and prove to my teammates I had as much faith in them as they had in me.”

Along with his calm and “keep grinding mentality,” Harrison had the numbers to assure his teammates he was ready for every big moment this season.

He finished the 2019 campaign with a flawless 10-0 record while piling on 103 strikeouts and giving up a miniscule 11 runs. Oh yeah, he also hit .286 with 24 hits, 13 runs and 20 RBI. Although unfathomable to assume Harrison could get even better for his senior season, the coaching staff sees room for growth given his work ethic and tireless dedication to his teammates. Jeans insists he found a way to level up for his guys when it counted the most.

“He took the responsibility on his shoulders that 32 other kids were

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relying on him,” the coach said. “He matured into realizing he can carry this team in big moments.”

Now that the 2019 championship banner is in hand and the school year is done, Harrison finds himself doing what every kid does during his or her summer vacation: Hitting the weights and attempting to find what next season’s team identity will be.

Ok, so maybe not every kid takes baseball as seriously as he does. Yet that’s what has earned him his leader role moving forward.

“Being a mentor is huge for me.” Harrison said. “The past seniors helped me and I want to return the respect for the next generation.”

Not willing to rest on the accomplishments of a past season, he has adopted the phrase, “It starts now,” as the preparation for a fifth straight title begins before a new school year will.

Sticking to that mantra, Harrison is taking part in the Prospects Development Pipeline league hosted by Major League Baseball at the IMG Academy in Florida. Although the three-week long camp could potentially land him a spot on the Under-18 USA National team, he continues to express his desire to get home and apply what he’s learned.

With their UCLA-committed ace ready to rock for his final season in Spartan green, De La Salle players continue to remind each other that the 2020 championship banner isn’t hanging in the gym yet.

“2019 is done. Those seniors got their names up their forever, now it’s this team’s turn,” Harrison proclaimed.

Personal legacy is not necessarily a motivating factor for Harrison, but make no mistake, he wants to leave De La Salle on the right note. Winning and building bonds with teammates is the only way he knows how to accomplish that. ✪ — Story by Jesse Gomez, Photo by Jean-Paul Toshiro

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SECOND TEAM PITCHERS Brandon Chalk, Vacaville, Sr William Kempner, Valley Christian-San Jose, Sr. Josh White, Monte Vista-Danville, Sr.

FIRST TEAM PITCHERS Cooper Hjerpe, Woodland, Sr.: The 6-foot-2 lefty was dominant for the Wolves, posting a 1.43 ERA and finishing sixth in the Sac-Joaquin Section with 105 strikeouts. He added six home runs and a .427 batting average.

Kyle Harrison, De La Salle-Concord, Jr.: Left-handed UCLA commit and our NorCal Pitcher of the Year went 10-0 with a 1.26 ERA and struck out 103 batters over 61 innings pitched. He allowed two hits and struck out 10 over 5.1 innings in the NCS Div. I final.

Joey Schott, St Francis-Mountain View, Jr.: The right-hander was the West Catholic Athletic League Pitcher of the Year after going 6-2 with a save, striking out 52 and walking just 12.

CATCHERS Cody Brockman, Modesto Christian, Sr.: An offensive machine, Brockman hit .476 with 39 hits and 36 runs in just 25 games. He added 23 RBI, 12 doubles and 12 stolen bases.

Daniel Susac, Jesuit-Carmichael, Jr.: Marauders’ backstop tallied 31 hits, 19 RBI, seven doubles and three homers over 30 games for the SJS Div. I runners-up.

Jack McCullar, Las Lomas-Walnut Creek, Sr.: The Diablo Athletic League-Valley MVP led the Knights with a .461 average and 37 RBI. He’ll play next for the Univ. of Puget Sound.

INFIELDERS Nick Yorke, Archbishop Mitty-San Jose, Jr.: Univ. of Arizona commit led the Monarchs with a .505 batting average with 50 hits, 38 runs scored, 40 RBI and seven home runs among his 19 extra-base hits.

TJ Nichols, Oakmont-Roseville, Jr.: His impressive season for the SJS Div. II champs included nine wins on the mound with a 0.24 ERA and 91 strikeouts. He also hit .523 with 45 hits, 20 RBI and 10 doubles.

Zach Meddings, Franklin-Elk Grove, Sr.: The Nevada-bound star pitcher and infielder posted an 8-1 record on the hill with a 1.54 ERA. He also added 35 hits, a .376 average, 18 RBIs and four home runs in 28 games.

Chris Santiago, De La Salle, Sr.: The Saint Mary’s College signee was the NCS champion’s leading hitter. He batted .407 with 13 doubles, three home runs and a team-best 38 RBI. Kyren Paris, Freedom-Oakley, Sr.: Among the Bay Area’s smoothest gloves at shortstop, Paris has already begun his professional career after being the secondround pick of the L.A. Angels. He hit .312 with 83 hits, 34 RBI and 71 runs over four seasons with the Falcons.

Adam Crampton, Oakland Tech, Sr.: Stanford-bound shortstop hit .551 with 19 of 38 hits going for extra bases. He scored 35 runs, knocked in 23 and stole 21 bags.

OUTFIELDERS Nick Vogt, Davis, Sr.: UC Santa Barbara-commit led the Blue Devils with a .337 batting average with 31 hits and 33 runs. Vogt also led his squad with 31 RBI and five homers.

Mason Poisson, Del Campo-Fair Oaks, Sr.: Slated to suit up for Sac City College after leading Del Campo with a .490 batting average and 39 RBI. He also hit 12 doubles and five homers.

Devereaux Harrison, Vacaville, Sr.: The Long Beach State-bound two-way star was a legitimate Player of the Year candidate after going 6-0 with a 0.71 ERA and three saves on the mound while also hitting .390 with 39 hits, 29 runs, 29 RBI and 11 doubles.

Eddie Park, Valley Christian-San Jose, Jr.: The Stanford commit led the Central Coast Section Open Div. champs in runs (43) and hits (40). He also played errorfree for 32 games.

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CATCHERS Tyler Soderstrom, Turlock, Jr. Carson Blatnick, Oakmont-Roseville, Jr. Matthew Sugden, Foothill-Pleasanton, Sr. INFIELDERS Nathan Van Patten, Bear River-Grass Valley, Sr. Hunter Dorraugh, Vacaville, Sr. Alex Kendrick, Buhach Colony-Atwater, Sr. Eamonn Lance, DrakeSan Anselmo, Sr.

Mason Poisson

Josh Kasevich, Palo Alto, Sr. OUTFIELDERS CJ Hutton, Folsom, Jr. Ryan Harvey, Woodcreek-Roseville, Sr. Blake Burke, De La Salle, Soph.

Glenallen Hill Jr., Santa Cruz, Sr. Robbie Hamchuk, Leigh-San Jose, Sr. MULTI-PURPOSE Jonathan Cymrot, Valley Christian, Soph.

Max Ramirez, Los Banos, Sr.

Ryan Jackson Collin Barber, Pleasant Valley-Chico, Sr.: The 6-1 lefty led the Northern Section with 10 home runs while batting .493 batting with 37 hits, 42 RBI and 45 runs scored. He signed with the Houston Astros after being a fourth-round selection.

MULTI-PURPOSE Steven Zobac, Valley Christian-San Jose, Sr.: Our NorCal Player of the Year, the Cal-bound talent batted .465 with 40 hits, 28 runs, 23 RBI and 12 doubles.

He also went 6-1 with four saves, a 0.23 ERA and 75 strikeouts in 60.2 innings of work.

Nick Kresnak, Acalanes-Lafayette, Jr.: The hard throwing righty gave the Dons production on the mound and from the plate. He had a team best .366 batting average, stole 16 bases and pitched 45 innings with a 1.09 ERA. Ryan Jackson, Heritage-Brentwood, Jr.: The middle infielder and hard-throwing righty led the Patriots to the NCS Div. I final by batting .582 with 53 hits and 28 RBI. He also went 4-0 with two saves and a 0.76 ERA. ✪

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Daniel Carrion, Winters, Sr. ✪

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I

f Oakdale’s Cal-Hi Sports State Championship softball team is the Avengers, then Lexi Webb is surely its Iron Ma’am.

The Mustang’s home-run clubbing, strikeout pitching, Thanos-killing senior was the hero we deserved this Spring, and a relatively easy choice as the SportStars Magazine NorCal Softball Player of the Year.

She led Oakdale to a 29-1-1 season, tossed two perfect games, smashed 10 home runs and collected 43 RBI — and her Sac-Joaquin Section championship ring doesn’t even have an infinity stone.

“If you watched Lexi at any point this season, you would see right away how determined she was to make this year special,” Oakdale coach Larry Loger said. “And while the reason I am getting calls and why she is getting accolades is softball, I have to tell you that she is as every bit a good person as a softball player.

“I have known her since she was little girl at Kerr Park playing rec’ ball, and it is really neat to see what she has become.”

Webb will depart Oakdale for a softball scholarship at Fresno State this fall. Her bio on the Bulldogs athletic site will read something like this: Lexi Webb was a four-year standout at Oakdale High in the Valley Oak League, where she was hailed its MVP. She was also the Modesto Bee Spring Sports Athlete of the Year, the Front Row Preps Softball Player of the Year, Cal-Hi Sports Medium School Player of the Year and SportStars Magazine NorCal Softball Player of the Year.

Her senior year, Webb tossed 271 strikeouts with just seven walks across 154 innings, allowing only seven earned runs (0.63 ERA). She also pitched 13 shutouts and threw two perfect games. At the plate, Webb hit .598 with 43 hits, 43 RBI and 10 home runs. She also managed 24 extra-base hits, walked 28 times and stuck out just three times.

It’s a sterling bio. “(Being recognized as a Player of the Year) makes me proud because all my hard work has paid off,” Webb said. “ It makes me feel blessed with the opportunities I have

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been given.”

She’s come a long way.

Two years ago, Webb was a respected prep recruit, but mostly highlighted for her hitting. When she developed her pitching, especially over the offseason in 2018, she became a must-have player for collegiate programs. She throws 66-68 MPH and aggressively challenges even the best hitters.

“She is one of the best pitchers I have ever seen” Loger said. “She can fool you in a number of ways. It really comes down to determination with her.”

Webb had initially committed to Southern Alabama, but Fresno State landed her final commitment, partly because of their eagerness to play her as a pitcher/hitter and partly because of the successful program/coaches — but mostly because of the proximity to home.

Fresno State’s West Coast schedule in the Mountain West Conference will allow Mom and Dad (Loretta and Steven Webb) and sisters (Elizabeth and Lesie Webb) to attend games. Since 13-year-old Lesie has Angelman Syndrome, travel is a real issue, and Lexi is a real-good big sister.

“Lesie’s mind will be like a 2-year-old’s for the rest of her life,” Lexi explained. “She likes softball and she can kind of process it, communicating with her eyes, but sometimes she falls asleep after a long day.”

Big sister should thrive in a conference that contains Colorado State (39-12 in 2019), San Jose State (37-16) and UNLV (36-14). Fresno State was fourth this year at 37-20.

Oakdale alum Haley Fuller also plays third base for the Bulldogs. She’s one of the four players that Lexi boasts as her greatest player-influences from the Mustangs program. She also listed Arizona standouts Kindra and Maddi Hackbarth and Oklahoma star Grace Green. She said the former Oakdale players taught her how to be a leader, how to take over a team and impact the game.

The Thanos-killing stuff was self-taught. ✪ — Story and photo by Ike Dodson

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T

here’s often no better compliment for an elite athlete than calling him or her a “big game performer.”

When the stakes are highest, the best players are the toughest to beat.

Nicole May checks that box. Over and over again.

“Every big game, she gets bigger,” Foothill-Pleasanton softball coach Matt Sweeney said following the North Coast Section Division I championship, which the Falcons won 2-0 over Heritage-Brentwood.

“The Sheldon game in the (Livermore) Stampede. The playoff games and championship. It’s hard to keep that kind of level throughout the course of the year.”

But May sure can sure summon it.

In the NCS final against Heritage, the Oklahoma commit spun a one-hit shutout gem. She struck out 13 and walked just one — against a Heritage lineup that entered the game hitting over .400 as a team and averaging 9.7 runs through its first 27 contests.

“Nicole today. Holy cow,” Sweeney marveled. “She’s typically at 6162 (miles per hour) and today’s a big game and she’s at 63-64.”

And then there’s this: She knocked in the championship game’s only runs with a 2-run home run in the third inning. The final was 2-0.

“I was just trying to go with it and score the runner that was on base,” she said later. “And it went over, so I’ll take that. Obviously.”

The fact that May is just a junior and returns for one more season is something Sweeney will definitely take. Obviously.

May was an easy selection for NorCal Pitcher of the Year after going

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24-0 with a 0.32 ERA and 246 strikeouts in 151 innings pitched. She allowed just seven earned runs and only 13 walks.

Her offensive numbers were nearly as impressive — a reason she was one of five finalists for Cal-Hi Sports’ Ms. Softball State Player of the Year award. She hit .463 with 38 hits and 28 RBI over 28 games. She had eight doubles and five home runs.

Foothill’s championship was its second in three seasons, but the 2019 title came with the best record produced by any NCS Div. I team — 28-0. Previously, the section’s best undefeated record belonged to the Falcons’ cross-town rival, Amador Valley-Pleasanton. The 2014 Amador Valley NCS championship team went 27-0.

May was asked after the game what it took to get through a grueling 28-game schedule without a single blemish.

“We just tried to focus on coming out and competing, and not like, ‘If we don’t win this, we’ll lose our streak,’” she said.

“It was awesome. We had a really good group of girls and we came and grind everyday. We just come out to play.”

May will come out to play again in 2020 as part of a very similar lineup to the one that went undefeated. That lineup will include heavily-recruited slugging catcher, Courtney Beaudin, as well as spark plug Hailey Hayes at second. Expectations will be high.

Which means more big moments. And more of Nicole May raising her game.

None of which is good news for the rest of NorCal softball ✪ — Story and photo by Chace Bryson

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SECOND TEAM PITCHERS Delia Scott, HeritageBrentwood, Sr. Karina Faasisila, Tracy, Sr. Bailee Reed, Antioch, So. CATCHERS Reyna Cota, River CityWest Sacramento, Sr. FIRST TEAM PITCHERS Nicole May | Foothill-Pleasanton | Jr.: A no-brainer for NorCal Pitcher of the Year honors after posting a 0.32 ERA and a 24-0 record with 246 strikeouts in 151 innings of work. She also hit .463 with 38 hits and 27 RBI. Marissa Bertuccio | Golden Valley-Merced | Sr.: The Sacramento State-bound hurler led the state with 28 wins. Bertuccio posted 17 shutouts, tossed three nohitters and struck out 308 batters in 203.2 innings of work.

Elizabeth Avery | Bishop O’Dowd-Oakland | Sr.: She posted a 19-4 record and a 0.77 ERA. The Boston University signee also tallied 297 strikeouts over 154.2 innings while hitting .525 with 14 doubles and eight homers.

CATCHERS Courtney Beaudin | Foothill-Pleasanton | Jr.: She entered the offseason uncommitted, though 2019 NCAA national champion UCLA is considered the frontrunner. Beaudin hit .493 on 39 hits with 28 RBI and seven homers.

Kacey Zobac | Valley Christian-San Jose | Sr.: Cal-bound talent is a monster at the plate — .607 average, 37 hits, 33 RBI, 11 double, four triples and 11 homers — and behind it. She threw out 10 of 13 attempted base stealers.

Makenzie Macfarlane | Whitney-Rocklin | Sr.: She led the Wildcats to the program’s first-ever SJS title. The Utah State signee hit .489 with a team-high 35 RBI to go with 46 hits and 21 runs.

INFIELDERS Savannah Price | East Nicolaus | Jr.: Price was a major cog in a potent Spartans offense that steamrolled opponents en route to a Northern Section title. She batted .500 with 50 runs, 27 extra-base hits, 41 RBI and 23 stolen bases.

Kiannah Pierce | Sheldon-Sacramento | Jr.: The North Carolina commit sparked the Huskies in the field and at the top of the batting order, leading the team with a .562 average, 54 hits, 34 runs, and nine doubles.

Xiara Diaz | Heritage-Brentwood | Sr.: A Cal Poly-signee, Diaz was an offensive force for the NCS Div. I runners-up. She hit .587 with 54 hits, 51 runs scored, 39 RBI and 11 home runs. She also was 36-for-36 in stolen base attempts.

Megan Grant | Aragon-San Mateo | Fr.: Grant showed immediately why UCLA already has her commitment. She hit .500 with 42 hits, 51 RBI, 11 doubles and 13 home runs — as a freshman.

Savannah Whatley | Archbishop Mitty-San Jose | Jr.: The West Catholic Athletic League’s Co-Player of the Year batted .574 with 39 hits, 22 runs and 25 RBI. She’s committed to Utah.

Julia Scardina | Marin Catholic-Kentfield | Sr.: Quite simply, she can mash. She’ll take her bat to Utah in the fall after using it to hit .671 with 47 hits, 55 RBI, 10 doubles and 13 homers for the 25-1 NCS Div. III champions.

Hope Alley | Foothill-Pleasanton | Sr.: In addition to impeccable play at shortstop, the Pittsburgh-bound Alley was also the leadoff hitter for the 28-0 Falcons.

She had 37 hits and scored 30 runs to go with four homers and 15 RBI. OUTFIELDERS Diamond Holland | Bishop O’Dowd-Oakland | Jr.: Cal-bound talent made everything go for the Central Coast Section Open Div. champions. She hit .493 with 36 hits, 35 runs scored and 26 stolen bases.

Mazie Macfarlane | Whitney-Rocklin | Sr.: Formed a potent 1-2 punch with twin sister Makenzie. The versatile OF/1B led the Wildcats with a .533 batting average, 48 hits and 47 runs.

Kelsey Hall | Bella Vista-Fair Oaks | Sr.: Slugging outfielder will take her talents to Fresno State after punishing opposing pitchers. Hall batted .563 with 40 hits and 40 RBI.

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Angelita Fuentes, Notre Dame-Sherman, So. Alexis Bishop, San Marin-Novato, Jr. INFIEDLERS Hannah Damore, St. Francis-Mountain View, Sr. Kaylee Pond, Acalanes-Lafayette, Jr. Ariyana Miranda, Elk Grove, Sr. Tianna Bell, Heritage, Sr. Nicole Hammoude, Bishop O’DowdOakland, Sr.

Xiara Diaz

Nina Pennisi, Chico, Sr. Ellen Ebbers, FoothillPleasanton, Sr. OUTFIELDERS Ashely Trierweiler, Carlmont-Belmont, Sr. Tai WIlson, VandenFairfield, So. Sydney Frankenberger, California-San Ramon, Sr. Tatum Hayes, Granada-Livermore, Sr. MULT-PURPOSE Tehya Bird, Cloverdale, Jr. Hannah Ortega, Linden, So. Kyle Potes, Las Plumas-Oroville, Jr. ✪

Elizabeth Avery Morgan Hess | Heritage-Brentwood | Sr.: Idaho State will be getting this smooth-hitting lefty who hit .495 with 46 hits, 44 runs scored, 32 RBI and 12 doubles during her senior year.

MULTI-PURPOSE Lexi Webb | Oakdale | Sr.: Our NorCal Player of the Year led Oakdale to its sixth SJS championship by going 18-1 in the circle with a 0.65 ERA while striking out 248 batters in just 139 innings. At the dish, the Fresno State-bound star crushed 11 homers while batting .597 with 45 RBI. Jordyn Hutchins | Woodland Christian | Sr.: The Stanford commit slugged her small school to an SJS Div. VI title. Hutchins batted .580 with nine homers and 31 RBI. She also pitched 84 innings and went 11-1 with a 1.83 ERA. Cayla Williams | Santa Teresa-San Jose | Sr.: Williams was a big reason behind the Saints’ nine-win improvement from last year. She hit .629 with 61 hits, 37 RBI and 13 doubles. Pitching, Williams was 12-1 with 77 strikeouts and a 1.62 ERA. ✪

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