DW 38 Dec. 3, 2015
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Moreau Catholic-Hayward - Football - Junior Despite a 31-27 loss to Marin Catholic-Kentfield in the North Coast Section Division IV semifinals, it was a historic season for both Ison and the Moreau Catholic football team. The Mariners finished the year 11-2, and owe much of that success to the incredible season that Ison had. Ison’s contributions were never more obvious than the team’s last two playoff games. In a 70-34 win over St. Mary’s-Berkeley on Nov. 20, Ison rushed 30 times for 396 yards and four TDs. He also recorded nine tackles and an interception in the victory. In the semifinal loss to Marin, Ison rushed 34 times for 217 yards and two touchdowns while also leading the team with 12 tackles. Ison closed the season with more than 3,000 rushing yards and 45 total touchdowns. Like us on Facebook
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Berry Evans III
Championship Effort Two-time state champ Fiona O’Keeffe ran through pain, nearly willed Davis to a state title
Abigail Fisk
FRESNO — The ending to Fiona O’Keefe’s incredible high school career didn’t end in a third state title for one of the greatest high school cross country runners in the 29-year history of the CIF State Cross Country Championships, but it may be her crowning achievement that goes far beyond sport. O’Keefe, who ran consecutive sub-17 minutes in both of her Division I championships in 2013 and 2014, has been limited in action this fall because of a nagging tendonitis and injured calf. O’Keefe, aware that cross country — especially at this caliber of competition at the high school Fiona O’Keeffe level — is more than just one runner. It’s a team sport, and the Stanford-bound senior knew she had to step up one last time to lead the Blue Devils. “That’s why I am out here,” O’Keefe said. “If this was an individual race, I probably wouldn’t be.” Despite the nagging pain, O’Keefe finished in eighth (17:42) with teammates Sofia Castiglioni (9th, 17:45), Abigail Fisk (11th, 17:50), and Fiona’s sister Olivia (13th, 17:52) to place second in the tightest team race of the day at Woodward Park in Fresno. Great Oak-Temecula won its fourth consecutive Div. I title, edging Davis 44-46. None of the other nine races were decided by less than 10 points. “It’s just been amazing to see these girls come together from the middle of summer. It was a random collection of people,” O’Keefe said. “We really came together as a team and we all genuinely care about each other.” The decision to run wasn’t easy for O’Keefe. “Leading up to the race, I had thoughts in my mind like, ‘should I really do this?’” O’Keefe said. “But it came down to me really regretting it and regretting helping my team. It gives purpose to the last couple of months with being injured and having a rough time for a little there.” As she ran, she said still found time to soak in the final moment that didn’t end her Davis career at the top of the podium, rather as a true leader. “A little, yeah,” she said. “It hurt the whole way. It was amazing seeing Sophia and getting to run with her a lot of the race. It was helpful hearing people cheer ‘Go Davis.’ It was amazing.” ✪ Story By Trevor Horn | Photos by James K. Leash
Kaitlin Derry leads a pack of Bella Vista runners.
state XC ROUNDUP
Sophia Castiglioni
Much like the Davis girls in Division I, Bella Vista-Fair Oaks was unable to upend a team from the Southern Section in Div. II. The Broncos, led by a fourth place finish by Kendall Derry (17:43), finished second to Saugus-Santa Clarita 122-134. It was the second straight year that Bella Vista has had to settle for runner-up status. Gillian Meeks of Gunn-Palo Alto won the Div. II race in a time of 17:16. That was just five seconds ahead of runner-up Megan McCandless from Granada-Livermore (17:21). Glennis Murphy of Redwood-Larkspur finished 5th (17:43). The Aptos High girls won the Div. III team state title, led by a fourth-place finish from Marea Zlatunich (17:47). It is the second consecutive state title for Aptos. Miramonte-Orinda’s Cassy Haskell finished second in the race (17:37). Cate Ratliff of Santa Cruz won the girls Div. IV title in a time of 17:03. Not only was that the best time of any female runner at the state championships, it set a Div. IV girls course record. The Cardinals finished second in team scoring. Santa Cruz sophomore Mari Friedman finished fourth (17:46). Sonoma Valley-Sonoma sophomore Rylee Bowen repeated as the girls Div. V champion (18:12). She beat St. Joseph Notre Dame-Alameda junior Kiera Marshall (2nd, 18:18), Katarina Stashyn of Vacaville (3rd, 18:19), Grace Dailey of Branson-Ross (4th, 18:27) and Emily Perez of St. Joseph Notre Dame (5th, 18:32) for an all-NorCal top 5. St. Joseph Notre Dame junior Cooper Teare edged out Jack Van Scoter of Flintridge by .001 of a second for the Div. V boys title. Both runners finished in 15:07. Flintridge had four runners in the top 20 and beat Marin Academy for the team title 43-168. Justin Robison of Lynbrook-San Jose delivered the fastest Bay Area boys time of the day (15:06) while finishing second in the Div. II race. Jesuit-Sacramento finished third in Div. I boys, the only NoCal team in the top 5. Sean Kurdy (15:27) finished in 16th and Benjamin Holland (15:28) came in 17th to lead the Maurauders. Michael Vernau of Davis was the top NorCal runner in Div. I in eighth place (15:07). âœŞ
Jacqueline DiSanto
beware
OF BEARS With no defining star, Menlo-Atherton heads to first state final with superior depth, skyrocketing confidence
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verything about the first game was telling. Playing for the CIF NorCal Division I title on its home floor, bolstered by the biggest crowd it’s had all year on its Danville campus, the Monte Vista High girls volleyball team came out strong and crisp. Only to find out what so many other teams have over the past month and a half: Menlo-Atherton can’t be pushed around. The Bears showed whey they hadn’t lost since Nov. 3, matching the Mustangs swing for swing in a first game that featured 21 ties, 10 lead changes and saw neither team lead by more than two. Menlo-Atherton won that first game 25-23 on a kill from Courtney Foliaki, the fifth different player to notch a kill for the Bears during the first game. “What makes our team special is that every one contributes,” said senior outside hitter Leanna Collins, who posted five of her 13 kills during that first game. “It’s one of those things where it’s such a team effort that we couldn’t do it without any one of the players.” Menlo-Atherton’s collective roster has been on a mission since it came three points shy of winning the Div. I NorCal title a year ago. The 2014 team was 30-3 before falling to Pitman-Turlock in five games. Pitman advanced to the state final where it lost in in a three-game sweep to Redondo Union-Redondo Beach — that’s the team Menlo-Atherton will face in the program’s first ever state finals appearance on Dec. 5 after defeating Monte Vista in three straight. “I think we just really wanted it this year,” Collins said. “Especially after the heartbreak last year. We were just like ‘You know what, we’ve shown that we can do it. We just need to take the next step.’” Monte Vista, featuring an intimidating lineup of height and power, once again tried to flex its muscle to open the second game. The Mustangs took a 6-1 lead behind the hitting of Morgan Burroughs and Maclaine Fields. Menlo-Atherton first-year coach Fletcher Anderson called timeout and simply reminded the Bears to play their volleyball. That was all it took. Menlo-Atherton reeled off a 12-5 scoring run and never looked back. They won the second match 25-17 and trailed only once very early in the third game
before cruising to a 25-18 close-out. “I came into a really tight-knit family,” said Anderson, a Los Gatos High graduate who played volleyball at Long Beach State and overseas before beginning his coaching career at Vision Volleyball Club of Los Gatos. “They’re a really close team and they play really hard for each other. This is their goal and this is what they wanted to do. I’m basically just trying to harbor a good environment for it. “They’re so awesome. They bring so much heart and fire and competitiveness and as many adjectives I can think of: they’re just studs.” At 6-feet, junior middle blocker Eliza Grover is the Bears tallest player. But the team had very little trouble against the size of Monte Vista. Showcasing stellar defense, excellent passing and a consistent service game, Menlo-Atherton simply wore down the Mustangs. Junior setter and captain Kirby Knapp had 46 assists over the three games and junior defensive specialist Alexa Roumeliotis finished the match with 31 digs. Collins and junior Jacqueline DiSanto provided most of the firepower. DiSanto, listed at just 5-foot-6, was especially impressive with 14 kills, 13 digs and significant momentum-building plays throughout the night. “Whenever we’re in trouble, we just throw it to her,” Anderson said of DiSanto. “She doesn’t care that she’s undersized. You can’t tell her that. She knows that she can bang with the best and tallest of them. She’s not scared. She’s not afraid.” Following the match, DiSanto was asked what it felt like to see the final point hit the deck. “It’s just the best feeling,” she said. “A lot of these girls, we play club together. We see each other every day at school. They’re just like my family and seeing them each day just makes me so happy. When we’re on the court we want to play for each other. It’s not about one single person; it’s about every one achieving the same thing together.” The Bears had just two days to prepare for Monte Vista. They’ll have three days to prepare for Redondo Union and UC Santa Barbara-bound star Megan Rice. “We’ll tell them just to keep our momentum and keep what we’ve built,” Anderson concluded. “Keep playing like we can play and play our, M-A, Menlo Atherton volleyball.” ✪ — Story by Chace Bryson | Photo by Phillip Walton
2015 CIF State Girls Volleyball Championships Schedule and matchups for the girls volleyball state championships on Dec. 5 at Santiago Canyon College in Orange. All games will be streamed online at www.twccommunity.com DIVISION V: Branson-Ross (29-9) vs. Upland Christian-Rancho Cucamonga (27-7), 10 a.m. DIVISION IV: Notre Dame-Belmont (31-10) vs. Laguna Blanca-Santa Barbara (20-8), 12:30 p.m. DIVISION III: Valley Christian-San Jose (30-8) vs. Olympian-Chula Vista (29-10), 3 p.m. DIVISION II: Archbishop Mitty-San Jose (34-5) vs. Village Christian-Sun Valley (34-7), 5:30 p.m. DIVISION I: Menlo-Atherton-Atherton (27-7) vs. Redondo Union-Redondo Beach (35-4), 8 p.m.
Behind do-everything running back Ryan Robards, Elk Grove has a very real shot at an SJS title & more
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lk Grove running back Ryan Robards has excellent vision that allows him to see the field in front of him and wait for the holes created by his offensive line to open up. But no one — including Robards himself — saw the senior taking the Sac-Joaquin Section by storm and setting season rushing and touchdown records for a storied Thundering Herd program. “We had some question marks as a team at the beginning of the season and, ironically, one of those was the running back position,” Elk Grove head coach Chris Nixon said. “We were just hoping for (Robards) and a few other backs to split reps and have a solid running back by committee, but the experiment (of giving Robards a chance to be the primary ball carrier) succeeded and we took off from there.” To call Robards’ school record 2,723 rushing yards and 40 rushing touchdowns on the ground a success is an understatement, especially when the lineage of Thundering Herd running backs includes Lance Briggs, Robert Frazier, Wadus Parker, and James Kidd, who set the previous records during the 1991 season. Kidd did his damage in 14 games while Robards accomplished the task of setting new marks in just 13 contests. Not to mention that Elk Grove could still potentially play up to three more games. Elk Grove for sure will get one more game. That comes in the SJS Div. I championship Saturday, Dec. 5, against three-time defending SJS champion and defending CIF Division I State Bowl champion Folsom. The Bulldogs sport an identical 13-0 record on the season and
have a state-best streak of 29 consecutive victories and 15 straight SJS playoff wins. Robards and his teammates understand the high stakes, but look at it like every one of their previous games during the 2015 campaign. “We have been able to stay focused all year long on the next game we have to play,” Robards said. “We know that come game time, it doesn’t matter who has been getting the attention. If we play Elk Grove football, we believe that we can play with anybody.” After he established himself firmly as the lead back with a 277-yard, three-touchdown effort in the Herd’s second game of the season, Robards seemingly did it all in leading Elk Grove to a perfect record. In addition to posting triple-digit yards and at least one rushing TD in the team’s final 12 games, Robards has thrown a touchdown pass, returned both an interception and a fumble for scores, caught a touchdown pass and returned a punt for a score. He’s also made 6-of-7 field goal attempts, including successful kicks from 42, 47 and 51 yards. A kickoff return for touchdown is the only unchecked box for ways to score. “He’s a phenomenal athlete and has a motor that just keeps going,” Nixon said. “At the start of the season, I was concerned about his durability, but this kid can play on both sides of the ball all game long and not take a play off. “I can’t keep him off of the field.” Nixon can’t keep him off the field. Can Folsom keep him out of the end zone? More than a few football fans will be at Sacramento State to find out. ✪
Story by Jim McCue | Photos by James K Leash
ncs and sjs
championship weekend We take a quick glance at the eight section football finals being played across the North Coast & Sac-Joaquin Section on Dec. 4-5.
Michael Fulton of Berean Christian Phillip Walton photo
Brad Aquino of Oakdale Jim Johnson photo
NCS
SJS
›› Division I: No. 1 De La Salle-Concord (11-1) vs. No. 3 Foothill-Pleasanton (12-0), Saturday, 7 p.m. at Dublin HS — Experienced, talented Foothill won’t be afraid of nationally-ranked Spartans, but it’s unlikely to matter. PREDICTION: De La Salle 45, Foothill 20 ›› Division II: No. 1 Clayton Valley Charter-Concord (11-1) vs. No. 3 Concord (9-4), Saturday, 7 p.m. at Diablo Valley College — Concord has won 7 of its last 8 with the only loss coming to rival Clayton Valley. The final was 42-22, but Concord led at the half. PREDICTION: Clayton Valley 34, Concord 20 ›› Division III: No. 1 Campolindo-Moraga (12-1) vs. No. 2 Analy-Sebastopol (13-0), Friday, 7 p.m. at Diablo Valley College — Analy has played 22 games since Oct. 3, 2014, and has lost just one time. It was a 62-46 loss to the Cougars in last year’s NCS Div. III semifinal. PREDICTION: Campolindo 35, Analy 31 ›› Division IV: No. 1 Marin Catholic-Kentfield (11-1) vs. No. 2 Cardinal Newman-Santa Rosa (11-2), Saturday, 7 p.m. at Rancho Cotate HS, Rohnert Park — Marin Catholic has won 11 straight since a season-opening loss. Cardinal has won 10 straight since a 28-0 loss Clayton Valley on Sept. 11. PREDICTION: Marin Catholic 40, Cardinal Newman 38 ›› Division V: No. 1 Berean Christian (11-1) vs. No. 2 St. Bernard Academy-Eureka (11-1), Saturday, 7 p.m. at Alhambra HS, Martinez — A refreshing Div. V matchup features Berean trying to win its first ever section title and St. Bernard seeking its first since 2003. PREDICTION: Berean Christian 41, St. Bernard 24
›› Division I: No. 1 Folsom (13-0) vs. No. 2 Elk Grove (130), Saturday, 7 p.m. at Sac State – Folsom QB Jake Jeffrey (6 total TDs in semifinal win) and Elk Grove RB Ryan Robards (10 TD in three playoff wins) will be the focus of the respective defenses. PREDICTION: Elk Grove 31, Folsom 28. ›› Division II: No. 3 Rocklin (10-3) vs. No. 5 Del Oro-Loomis (7-6), Friday, 7 p.m. at Sac State — These two Sierra Foothill League teams are no strangers to each other, and both come in having won five straight. Rocklin won the first meeting 28-3 on Oct. 9. PREDICTION: Rocklin 28, Del Oro 27. ›› Division III: No. 1 Central Catholic-Modesto (13-0) vs. No. 2 Oakdale (12-1), Friday, 7 p.m. at Lincoln HS, Stockton – Three-time defending CIF State Bowl champion Central Catholic has had no trouble moving up a division. Its toughest opponent to date has been Oakdale, who the Raiders edged 42-37 on Nov. 13. PREDICTION: Central Catholic 42, Oakdale 41.
Power Step A look at common ankle and foot injuries and how they often occur
health watch: michelle cappello Increased competition can lead dedicated young athletes to push themselves to their limits, causing more foot and ankle injuries than ever. According to the Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, 25 percent of athletic injuries are foot and ankle related. These injuries result in athletes being sidelined from competition in order to rehabilitate. The foot/ankle serves as the shock absorber and propulsion engine for the athlete. For the foot to sustain enormous pressures (several tons over the course of a one-mile run), it requires coordinated use of its numerous muscles and bones. During running sports, the body must be able to absorb tremendous ground reaction forces, upwards of 2-8 times the body weight. On average, the foot strikes the ground 1,750 – 2000 times per mile. This means an average high school soccer player will need to have the foot/ankle strength, along with optimal form, to control 250 pounds of force 3,000 times during the course of one soccer game. If you hit the ground with good form, good strength and endurance, you will be able to avoid the pitfalls of an injury into other joints throughout the body. Here are the top foot/ankle injuries we see in the sports medicine clinic. Read how to recognize the risky habits during these sport skills that can predispose you to injury and limit your sports performance: Ankle Sprain: Most commonly sprains are to the outside ligaments of the ankle during decelerating (quick change of directions, or landing from a jump). During high-speed agility movements, if you land on the outside of your foot (the pinky side) versus the big toe side, your ankle is at risk to roll over to the outside (ankle sprain), and create compression of the bones on the outer part of your foot (metatarsal stress fractures). Achilles tendonitis and calcaneal apophysitis (heel pain): With this, you feel pain with running and sprinting. If you push off your foot with your toes pointing more to the outside, rather than the direction you are sprinting, it can place an excessive strain on the arch of your foot and your Achilles tendon (calf muscle tendon). Turf Toe: This injury involves pain at the joint typically known as the ball of the foot. Usually caused by too much pushing off the big toe and not enough push off with the back of the ankle. You will need to stretch and strengthen the calf to take pressure off the ball of the foot. âœŞ Michelle Cappello is a physical therapist and clinical director for Sports Medicine For Young Athletes, a division of UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital Oakland with a facility also located in Walnut Creek.
Redding Soccer Park will take a break from soccer and make way for the lacrosse world this February. The 6th Annual Redding Lacrosse Boys Kickoff Jamboree will
play multiple league games at one location and avoid travel later in the season.” Additional attractions to the event include a vendor fair featur-
take place from Feb. 26-28 and feature the age groups of U13 to
ing some of the top lacrosse companies in the country. Coaches
U18. The Jamboree typically hosts between 35 to 40 teams from
and players can check out the newest gear in between games.
predominantly Northern California and Nevada. The event isn’t tournament-structured, but more of a multiple-
Teams can register online at www.reddinglacrossejamboree. com with just a $50 deposit. The remaining balance will be due
game set-up that provides teams a chance to fit three or four
once the game schedule is published in early December. Once
games into one weekend. The schedule is worked out between
the game schedule is complete, cost for teams will measure out at
the organizers and registered teams so that competitive equity is
$95 per contest.
observed and teams aren’t playing clubs they face during league. “Typically, teams are only able to play 12 to 15 games during
For players who aren’t currently on a team, the event is exploring a new “House” team option in which individual players can
a regular season,” Jamboree director Lewis Chamberlain said. “So
register to play for a house team. Keep an eye on the website for
getting three to four in over a weekend is big. It’s also a chance to
more information on this option. ✪
SHASTA CASCADE
SPORTS FEST The Shasta Cascade Sports Festival — arriving May 27-29 — is an event so big it takes three cities to make it happen! Redding, Anderson and Shasta Lake have joined forces to offer athletes, families and friends of all ages a festival that will become a tradition for years to come. What better place to have a come-one-come-all, bonanza of athletic fun? The Shasta Cascade Sports Festival includes a longcourse triathlon, a marathon and half marathon, Olympic distance tri and duathlons, 5K and 10K run/walks, non-competitive bike tours and tons of kids events. Approximately 2,000 athletes are expected to tackle Shasta County’s finest outdoor courses, and the three-day weekend will be its own Sports Expo, packed with gear, clothing, health products, live entertainment, food and beverages, a beer garden and all of the region’s usual beauty and adventure. The Shasta Cascade Sports Festival is on track to becoming one of the top athletic events in the West, and a destination race for athletes and families from across the nation. Visit the website today: www.ShastaSportsFest.com ✪
Big League Dreams 20155 Viking Way 530-223-1177 November 21-22: Youth Baseball: Hardball North December 5: BLD Flag Football March 2016: High School Baseball and Softball: Dates TBD redding.bigleaguedreams.com
Shasta Magic Basketball www.ShastaMagic.com Tournaments (4th-12th graders) March 19-20, 2016: Shasta Magic Elevation Tip-Off April 23-24, 2016: 12th Annual Battle for the North State
Shasta SportsFest www.ShastaSportsFest.com Shasta Cascade Weekend Sports Festival California’s premier race, Memorial Day Weekend 2016
Redding Soccer Park www.ReddingSoccerPark.com Lacrosse: www.ReddingLacrosse.com February: Lacrosse Opening weekend Redding Boys Jamboree U13-High School.
Diestelhorst Dash
Nov. 26: Diestelhorst Dash, free event for children up to age 8. Free! Turn up ready to run. www.ShastaRegional.com
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Granite Bay senior Josiah Luna pushes his way across the finish line as Tokay-Lodi senior Anthony Lemus follows close behind during the Div. II race at the Sac-Joaquin Section Cross Country Championships on Nov. 14. Photo by James K. Leash