SAC-JOAQUIN EDITION MAY 2018 VOL. 9 ISSUE 148
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On June 22-24 the USA BMX Summer Nationals are racing into Roseville, and here at Placer Valley Tourism we couldn’t be more excited! This three- day event will bring thousands of riders and spectators from around the nation to Oak Creek BMX in Roseville. Since 1985 Oak Creek BMX has been making dreams come true for BMXers young and old, all of which has been made possible because of the dedication of track owners and operators, Bruce and Linda Minton. Their BMX facility has continually been ranked the No. 1 track in Northern California. Last May, Placer Valley Tourism gave a $10,000 capital improvement grant to Oak Creek BMX to help fund a track rebuild that would keep them competitive and eligible for national events. USA BMX rider and long-time champion for Oak Creek BMX Kent Elliot explained, “We got the nation’s best in the BMX track-rebuild business, Billy Allen, to head up this project with the focus being to bring Olympic BMX riders and national events back to Roseville — mission completed!” “We are so excited to bring the Summer Nationals back to Oak Creek BMX,” Chris Luna said. Luna is USA BMX National Coordinator. “Bruce and Linda Minton have done so much for the sport of BMX and we are fortunate to have them as track operators at this facility, This event will attract over 1,000 participants from all over the country as well as other parts of the world, and would not be possible without our great partners at PVT.” Mark your calendars for June 22-24 if you want to see some of the fastest BMX riders nationwide tear it up on the track! Friday, June 22 the racing will take place from noon to 9 p.m., Saturday, June 23 the schedule is 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, June 24 these champion riders will race from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Parking is $10 daily. Oak Creek BMX is located at 648 Riverside Ave., in Roseville. ✪ — All copy and photos provided by Placer Valley Tourism
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Welcome to our fifth year of partnering with the Sacramento River Cats to honor the best high school athletes of the Greater Sacramento region and Sac-Joaquin Section. We’re proud to present the 2017-18 SportStars All-City Team — the biggest one yet! Feel free to join us at Raley Field on May 13 to celebrate all of these athletes, or signup to stream the event from home (see ad on P. 18). — Chace Bryson, SportStars Editor GIRLS CROSS COUNTRY
RUNNER OF THE YEAR: Elena Denner, Oak Ridge The SJS Division I runner-up led the Trojans to a first-place finish in the section final. She followed up with a third-place individual finish — the region’s highest girls individual finish — in the Div. I race at the CIF State Cross Country Championships. Olivia O’Keeffe, Davis The Blue Devils’ senior claimed the SJS Div. I individual title before following it up with an 11th-place finish at the state meet. Sophia Lodigian, Davis Junior finished fifth at the SJS Div. I finals to help Blue Devils to a runner-up team finish. Maddy Denner, Oak Ridge-El Dorado Hills Trojans’ senior helped lead Oak Ridge to the SJS Div. I team championship by finishing fourth in the section final. Natalie Harper, Cosumnes Oaks-Elk Grove Just a freshman, finished third in the SJS Div. I final and claimed 41st place in the CIF Div. I race on her first trip to Fresno. Alize Hartke, Oakmont-Roseville The Vikings’ top runner won the SJS Div. II individual title and earned a top-5 finish at the state meet. Sydney Vandegrift, St. Francis-Sacramento The senior capped career with SJS Div. II runner-up finish, team title before helping Troubadours to sixth-place at the CIF meet. Gabriela Hernandez, Vacaville Bulldogs’ junior finished third in the section Div. II final to help Vacaville earn a second-place team finish before she claimed 27th place at the state meet. Anna Hicks, Ponderosa-Shingle Springs The Bruins’ senior posted a top-30 finish at state after crossing the line fourth at the SJS Div. II final.
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Jaxin Woodward, Vacaville Junior helped the Bulldogs claim second place in the SJS Div. II finals with a fifth-place finish in the section race. Sophie DeBenedetti, St. Francis Troubadours junior earned a top-40 finish at the CIF State Championships after helping team win the SJS Div. II team title. Haley Silva, St. Francis Sophomore delivered a top-10 finish to be part of another SJS Div. II-champion Troubadours squad. Sydnee Kizziar, Vista del Lago-Folsom The senior won the SJS Div. III individual championship to help lead the Eagles to a team section title. Alyssa Barnes, El Camino-Sacramento The Eagles’ junior finished 43rd at state after a fourth-place finish in the SJS Div. III as the Troubadours took the team title. Cathilyn McIntosh, Del Oro-Loomis Senior earned a second consecutive top-5 finish in the SJS Div. III finals and finished 54th at the state meet. Marin Chamberlin, Placer-Auburn The program’s top runner led team to a section Div. IV title with a third-place finish before a 36th-place finish at state. Madison Hutchings, El Dorado Sophomore earned a top-50 finish at the state meet after helping the Cougars take second place in the SJS Div. IV race. Elana Muzzy, Placer A top-5 finish by the senior helped Placer win the SJS Div. IV team title before she added a 43rd-place finish at state. Alyse Sibley, Colfax Falcons senior was the SJS Div. V runner-up and leader of the Div. V section team champions. Azalea Prince, Capital Christian-Sacramento As a sophomore, the Cougars’ top runner finished third at the SJS Div. V finals. Clarissa Nowag-Nelson, McClatchy-Sacramento The 6th-place finisher in the SJS Div. I final came on strong at the state meet to earn a top-20 finish. BOYS CROSS COUNTRY
RUNNER OF THE YEAR: Matt Strangio, Jesuit-Carmichael Marauders sophomore won individual titles and led team titles in the Delta League, sub-section meet and SJS finals. He capped an impressive season with a fourth-place finish in the state Div. I race. Jonah Wiener-Brodkey, McClatchy-Sacramento Senior delivered a runner-up finish at sub-sections and a third at the section meet to lead the Lions to team titles at both events. Jorge Pena III, Woodcreek-Roseville The Sierra Foothill League runner-up claimed a fifth-place finish at the SJS meet before a top-75 finish at state. Amos Karlsen, McClatchy Paced the Lions to an SJS Div. I team championship, finishing sixth at the section meet. Damian King, Bella Vista-Fair Oaks Junior was the Capital Valley Conference, SJS Div. II individual champ, and his 10th-place finish at state was best for section. Alex Benson, Vacaville Senior led the Bulldogs to a Monticello Empire League title and was the SJS Div. II runner-up. Ryan Ioanidis, Mira Loma-Sacramento The Capital Athletic League runner-up finished fourth at the SJS meet in Div. II. Shane Burton, Rocklin Thunder’s top runner led the team to SFL and SJS Div. II team championships and finished as the SJS Div. II runner-up. Garrett Gough, Nevada Union-Grass Valley The Sierra Foothill League champion also claimed the individual title in the SJS Div. III race.
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Sergio Lopez, Del Campo-Fair Oaks Cougars’ junior finished as the Div. III runner-up at both the sub-section and SJS meets before taking 38th at State. Nevin Afong, Christian Brothers-Sacramento The junior helped the Falcons to a Capital Athletic League championship and runner-up finish in the SJS Div. IV race. Jack Hacker, Vista del Lago Senior posted a top-25 finish at state and helped the Eagles claim another SJS Div. III title. Ben Kizziar, Vista del Lago Senior was the team’s top finisher in the SJS Div. III race, propelling the Eagles to the section title. Jesus Reyes, Placer The SJS Div. IV runner-up helped the Hillmen capture the section team title before finishing 13th at the state meet. Connor Ryan, Placer Hillmen junior finished 30th at state and helped power league and section team championships. Micah Filer, Capital Christian Repeated as SJS Div. V champion and finished ninth at the state meet. Tristan King, Bella Vista Paced Broncos to the SJS Div. II team championship and Capital Valley Conference title before finishing 34th at state. Jesus Carrasco, Placer The junior finished 18th at the state meet after leading Hillmen to league and section titles. Collin Ulrich, Liberty Ranch-Galt The SJS Div. IV individual champion had the section’s highest state finish for any division, taking 2nd in the Div. IV race. FOOTBALL
PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Joe Ngata, Folsom Bulldogs junior did it all in leading Folsom to its third CIF State Bowl Championship. The wide receiver had 81 catches for 1,777 yards and 26 TDs. He also managed a rushing score and a 99-yard kickoff return TD. Kaiden Bennett, Folsom The junior quarterback accounted for 5,649 total yards and 73 TDs while guiding the Bulldogs to a 16-0 record. Cameron Cherry, Oakdale Senior running back finished with 2,154 yards on the ground and scored 30 total touchdowns for the Mustangs. Spencer Webb, Christian Brothers Oregon-bound tight end was named SportStars All-NorCal after 61 catches for 1,063 yards and 23 TDs. Max Barth, St. Mary’s-Stockton San Jose State signee paved the way for the Rams to rush for more than 3,000 yards. Will Craig, Granite Bay Cal-bound tackle anchored both lines for the Grizzlies, but was more influential on the offensive side for the SJS Div. II champs. Bryan Catchings, Oak Ridge Bruising blocker was key to the Trojans’ offensive success and will take his blocking talents to UNLV in the fall. Jack Powers, Granite Bay Senior defensive lineman led a stout Grizzlies’ defense with a school-record 23 tackles for loss and 14 sacks. Nate Otto, Oak Ridge Menacing LB totaled 112 solo tackles, four sacks and a blocked punt to earn Sierra Foothill League Defensive MVP honors. Davion Ross, Inderkum Senior DB had six INTs to give him a school-record 18 in his three-year varsity career. He also rushed for over 600 yards. Tyler Hardeman, Folsom Versatile junior defensive lineman recorded 15 tackles for loss and five sacks for the state bowl champs.
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Laiatu Latu, Jesuit The defensive lineman amassed 12 sacks, two blocked punts and two interceptions as a senior. Marshaun Hunter, Del Campo Play-making linebacker had more than 100 tackles, two interceptions and four fumble recoveries and had 14 total TDs. Dakota Van Dyke, Cosumnes Oaks Wolfpack linebacker used his sideline-to-sideline speed to record 154 tackles, including 20 for loss. Trevor Brohns, Del Campo Ball-hawking defensive back led the SJS with 10 interceptions. Tanner Ward, Folsom Versatile defender saw time at multiple positions, and came up big with nine tackles and a sack in Div. 1-AA state bowl. Travis Warren, Placer Two-way star was key to Hillmen’s SJS title. Had 146 receiving yards, two TDs and an interception in the 4-AA state bowl. Justin Poerio, Oak Ridge Trojans’ jack-of-all-trade caught 78 balls, returned kicks, booted field goals and intercepted five passes. Gino Campiotti, Manteca Northern Arizona-bound dual-threat quarterback led Buffaloes to SJS Div. III title with 3,807 yards of offense and 52 total TDs. Anthony Bradley, Sacramento Despite missing some action, the Dragons wideout scored in all nine games played and accumulated 844 yards and 15 scores. Nico Sarale, Oakdale Fresno State signee captained the Mustangs and led the way for their powerful Wing-T rushing attack. Kyle Reis, Manteca Hulking blocker anchored the Buffaloes’ offensive line and claimed his second consecutive SJS championship. Gunnor Faulk, Christian Brothers Senior quarterback led the Falcons to a Capital Athletic League title with 3,607 total yards and 55 total TDs. Dominick Norris, Vista del Lago Eagles’ power back led the SJS with 2,275 rushing yards and scored 48 TDs. Dusty Frampton, St. Mary’s-Stockton Cal-Poly bound RB rushed for 1,647 yards as a senior to finish his high school career with 4,702 yards and 83 rushing TDs. Dauson Booker, Central Catholic-Modesto Senior led the running attack with 1,838 yards and 27 total TDs. James Sweet, Lincoln The Fighting Zebras senior WR led the SJS with 82 receptions and scored 16 TDs through the air. Andrew Hem, McNair Eagles junior receiver hauled in 77 passes for 1,350 yards and found the end zone 17 times. Andrew Cokley, Vista del Lago Cal Poly signee was a huge presence on the Eagles’ offensive line as the team averaged nearly 240 rushing yards per game. Isaiah Rutherford, Jesuit Two-way junior star accounted for 1,423 all-purpose yards on offense, but colleges are lining up to sign him as a defender. Isaah Crocker, Inderkum Three-year starter capped an outstanding career with 1,080 allpurpose yards and 11 receiving TDs on just 18 catches. Marco Baldacchino, Oak Ridge Versatile QB challenged defenses with his arm and legs to the tune of 1,892 passing yards, 782 rushing yards, 27 total TDs. Evan Tattersall, Granite Bay Cal-signee starred on both sides as he rushed for 571 yards and 12 TDs and added 58 tackles and two sacks on defense. Ryan Whalley, Del Oro Long-distance FG specialist connected on 5 of 7 attempts, including a 52-yard postseason game-winner.
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Kaden Richardson, Folsom Junior center stepped up to lead the Bulldogs’ offensive line en route to league, section and state titles. Austin Baze, Bear River Four-year two-way starter rushed for 682 yards and 11 TDs and recorded 79 tackles, four sacks and two fumble recoveries. Jason Gallagher, Jesuit Marauders’ senior linebacker earned Delta League Defensive MVP honors with 140 tackles, three sacks, one interception. Tre Jenkins, St. Mary’s-Stockton Senior safety led the Rams with 91 tackles and recorded 10 passes defensed in the secondary. Richard Cornelius, Folsom The Bulldogs senior anchored the secondary, making 55 tackles and adding three interceptions. Kellon Gillespie, El Dorado Cougars LB led the SJS with 169 tackles and recorded doubledigit tackles in 9 of 11 games. GIRLS GOLF
GOLFER OF THE YEAR: Sienna Lyford, Granite Bay Grizzlies’ No. 1 was medalist at SJS Masters and divisional tournaments and finished second at the NorCal Tournament to help qualify Granite Bay for the state tournament. Vanessa Richani, Granite Bay Consistent play helped the Grizzlies win divisional, SJS Masters team titles before taking second at NorCals, fourth at state. Marie Dean, Davis Blue Devils’ No. 1 golfer finished as the SJS Masters runner-up for the second consecutive year. Sofia Young, Benicia Senior paced Panthers all season and qualified for SJS Masters Tournament with a runner-up finish at the Division II tourney. Emma Sand, Oak Ridge Senior part of the Trojans’ one-two punch that placed the team second in the Div. I North tournament and at the SJS Masters. Caleigh Clark, Oak Ridge Trojans’ No. 1 was low team scorer at the SJS Masters and NorCal tournaments as Oak Ridge finished as section runners-up. Natalie Pietromonaco, Placer Senior capped an impressive high school career with a second consecutive SJS Div. IV individual title. Anitra Khoth, Lincoln-Stockton The senior paced Trojans to a Tri-City Athletic League title and third-place team finish at the SJS Div. I South tournament. Hannah Prosser, Bear River Bruins’ No. 1 led Bear River to a runner-up finish in the section Div. IV tournament and fired a 77 at SJS Masters. Patricia Sweeney, St. Francis Junior led a young Troubadours’ team with low scores at the Div. I North tournament and SJS Masters. Hailey Reitz, Granite Bay Grizzlies’ junior was part of a consistent group that claimed division and section team titles and a fourth-place finish at state. Lexi Martin, Pleasant Grove The Eagles’ senior paced the team to third-place finishes in the SJS Div. I North and SJS Masters tournaments. Skyler May, St. Mary’s-Stockton Led the Rams to a SJS Div. I South team title as the individual medalist before posting a 78 at SJS Masters. Kayla Diaz, McClatchy Div. II medalist qualified for state with rounds in the mid-70s at the SJS Masters and NorCal tournaments. Sadia Sadiq, Pleasant Grove Eagles’ No. 2 helped Pleasant Grove qualify for the SJS Masters and NorCal tournaments.
Joe Ngata Yewon Jang, Granite Bay The Grizzlies freshman fired a 76 to finish with a team- and section-best 15th-place individual finish at state. Madison Kindberg, Escalon Cougars’ senior claimed SJS Div. V tournament medalist honors to pace Escalon to a team title. Katie Harris, Antelope Titans’ top golfer was the SJS Div. II individual runner-up and followed that with a solid 76 at SJS Masters. GIRLS TENNIS
PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Jacqueline Tan, Franklin-Elk Grove Bound for a sterling tennis career at UOP next fall, Tan won eight consecutive sets in four matches to claim the SJS Div. I singles title. Alexis Sam, Bear Creek-Stockton The sensational freshman didn’t lose a single game in league and finished runner-up in the SJS Div. I singles tourney. Adithi Benush, St. Francis-Sacramento No. 2 in the St. Francis ladder, Benush played a huge role in a Div. I team title and also reached the Div. I singles quarterfinals. Kyla Jackson, St. Francis-Sacramento Jackson and twin sister Kyra won the Div. I doubles tennis title and a Div. I team title. Kiya Jackson, St. Francis-Sacramento See twin accolades above. The sisters have appeared in consecutive team and doubles title matches since 2016. Ali Isaac, Del Oro-Loomis Two-time All-City selection, the soph was runner-up in Div. I doubles and enjoyed a team section runner-up finish. Emma Dobson, Del Oro-Loomis Dobson helped lead team to Div. I runner-up and took second in Div. I doubles tournament. Lillian Okamoto, Davis A team and singles semifinalist in the section playoffs her junior season, Hawaiian-born Okamoto is committed to Utah State. Jenasis Yarrell, El Capitan-Merced Two-time Merced Sun-Star Tennis Player of the Year is only a sophomore. Made Div. I singles semifinals before losing to Tan. Mia Linam, Cosumnes Oak-Elk Grove The sophomore was a Capital Valley League champion and Div. II singles champion.
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Madison Shields Kaira Bernaldez, Ponderosa-Shingle Springs A two-time Capital Valley Conference champion, Bernaldez, a sophomore, was the Div. II singles runner-up. Lexi Accinelli, Rio Americano-Sacramento Accinelli led Rio to a team title in Div. III and was a Div. II doubles runner-up alongside Emma Chally. Sofia Smith, Vista del Lago-Folsom A Div. II singles semifinalist, Smith was No. 1 in the Vista del Lago ladder and led the team to a Div. IV title. Devika Pantpradtinidhi, Oak Ridge-El Dorado Hills The two-time All-City pick was the top player for Div. I semifinalist Oak Ridge, also the SFL co-champion alongside Del Oro. Taylor Ishida, McClatchy-Sacramento A sensational doubles player alongside Natalie Wong, Ishida enjoyed a 4-0 run through the Div. II pairs tournament. Natalie Wong, McClatchy-Sacramento Wong captured a Div. II doubles title with Taylor Ishida and reached the Div. I quarterfinals in team tennis GIRLS VOLLEYBALL
PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Julia Handy, Turlock Despite being the predominant setter, the Arizona-bound Handy did just about everything at some point or another. She had 1,218 assists (9.7/set) and added 252 digs, 192 kills, 92 aces and 70 blocks as Turlock reached the CIF Open semifinals. Jazmyn Tubbs, Turlock Handy’s top target, Tubbs led the 34-win Bulldogs with 391 kills while adding 271 digs, 49 aces and 24 blocks. Olivia Keller, Beyer-Modesto She posted one of the most explosive freshmen seasons in the state with 520 kills, 220 digs, 56 aces and 39 blocks. Alexa Edwards, St. Francis Followed up her MaxPreps All-America freshman season with a year that included 521 kills, 339 digs, 50 blocks and 41 aces. Kathryn Kramer, St. Francis Delivered 403 kills and the junior added 134 digs and 60 aces. Mady Schildmeyer, St. Francis A senior leader at setter, Schildmeyer posted 1,107 assists (9.7 per set) while adding 255 digs and 57 aces. Megan Trottier, Woodland Christian Trottier’s 593 kills ranked fourth (MaxPreps.com) in the state and second in NorCal. Also had 306 digs for Div. VI NorCal champs.
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Haley Burdo, Cosumnes Oaks Another Swiss-Army setter who coupled her more than 1,000 assists with 209 digs and 97 aces. Amaria Kelley, Cosumnes Oaks Burdo’s lead beneficiary, the junior finished 528 kills and added 189 digs, 78 aces and 61 blocks. Riley Moore, Del Oro The senior led the Golden Eagles in kills (393) and aces (52) while also posting 176 digs. Kathlin Martinez, West-Tracy She paced the 28-win Wolfpack with 402 kills and was second on the squad with 272 digs. Andreia Keane, Rocklin Led the Thunder with 353 kills and added 224 digs and 201 service points with 34 aces. Mariah Ahid, Hilmar She blistered opponents at the net, finishing with a team-best 417 kills for the SJS Div. IV champs. She also had 359 digs. Hannah Pearce, Hilmar The super-efficient setter delivered 1,107 assists and also found time for 307 digs and 85 kills. Julin Kenison, Ponderosa Junior outside hitter was arguably the top offensive weapon for SJS Div. II champions; she led team with 10 kills in section final. Kendall Kott, Ponderosa One of two setters to help pace a team which went 34-6 on the season and won a Div. II title. Zoe Zimmerman, Ponderosa Another member of Bruins’ stellar 2019 class, provided the Div. II section champs strong punch from opposite hitter position. Madison Shields, Oak Ridge Likely to star on the sand in the future, the senior defensive stalwart was among the best liberos in the section in 2017. Gracie Rowland, Oak Ridge Led Trojans in hitting in most matches, including last one when she was 16 of 18 on kill attempts in a CIF quarterfinals loss. Abby Marjama, Granite Bay The 6-foot outside hitter helped power Granite Bay to a 30-14 mark in 2017; she’ll attend UC Irvine in the fall. Regan Heppe, Nevada Union A senior leader, Heppe helped lead the Miners to the SJS Div. II finals. She had 238 kills and 132 digs on the year. Faith Menary, Nevada Union Just a sophomore, Menary led the Miners in kills with 254. She also posted 118 digs, 73 blocks and 58 aces. Liliana Light, Pleasant Grove Bound for Hawaii, Light showcased her talent and versatility with 323 kills, 393 assists, 123 digs and 55 blocks in 2017. Desiree Neal, Inderkum With Neal leading the way offensively, the Tigers went 23-8 on the season. Neal had 184 kills through the team’s first 41 sets. Ashley Vanderpan, Elk Grove Vanderpan returned from a lengthy illness that sidelined her for several months to serve as the Thundering Herd’s setter and emotional leader. Sophia Alley, River Valley The 6-3 Fresno State-bound junior middle hitter was an imposing threat on both offense and defense for the Honkers. Caitlin Dillon, El Dorado Senior outside hitter helped guide Cougars to a 22-win season with 244 kills and 306 digs. Samantha Brown, Tracy Impressively skilled libero, Brown ranked third (MaxPreps.com) in the section with 594 digs. She also had 46 kills and 50 aces. Cassie Corbett, Tracy The Bulldogs’ leading hitter finished with 346 kills and converted 43 percent of her attempts. She also eclipsed 200 digs.
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Riley Patterson, Sonora She reached triple digits in kills (320), digs (45) and total blocks (110) to help lead Wildcats to CIF Div. III NorCal final. Sarah Rosasco, Sonora A senior middle blocker for the Wildcats, she delivered 147 kills while also providing 110 blocks. Kaitlyn Morenzone, Manteca Valley Oak League’s MVP after posting 456 assists, 262 digs, 157 kills and 74 aces to help snag first VOL title since 1991. Kacy Bolding, Manteca She was named VOL’s Most Outstanding Player after compiling 349 assists, 163 digs, 131 kills and 35 blocks. Ambria Schneringer, Central Catholic-Modesto A powerful hitter, Schneringer led the VOL with 351 kills while also adding 222 assists, 171 digs, 78 blocks and 44 aces. Kaylie Honberger, Whitney With 310 kills and 180 digs as a junior, the Wildcats are looking forward to what Honberger can do next season. Catherine Cordano, Christian Brothers Falcons’ junior libero was named the Capital Athletic Conference MVP after help lead the team to the SJS Div. III semifinals. Chloe Bautista, St. Mary’s-Stockton Another one of the section’s elite defenders, the sophomore had 534 digs in 2018 and added 78 aces as well. GIRLS WATER POLO
PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Brooke Doten, Davis Blue Devils’ star tallied a whopping eight goals to help Davis claim its 14th-straight SJS championship. The junior led the Blue Devils to the regional semifinals and was named All-SJS. Avery Van der Linden, Whitney The junior led the SJS with 179 total points and 114 goals, while adding 65 assists in 29 games last fall. Scout Brown, Davis A UC Santa Barbara-commit, the senior was a threat at both ends of the pool for the SJS Div. I champion Blue Devils. Scout Sanders, Granite Bay Sanders tallied 106 goals and 144 total points. All-Sierra Foothill League selection also registered 38 assists and 82 steals. Mia Abner, Bella Vista The Capital Valley Conference MVP led the Broncos to a 22-11 record and the SJS Div. II finals. Nicole Iturraran, Tokay-Lodi Main offensive threat in 2017 helped lead her program to the second seed in the Div. II section playoffs and the semifinals. Megan Slater, Sonora Wildcats freshman tallied 101 goals in 29 games, including eight in the section championship. Kelly Riedel, River City The senior earned 101 goals and added 36 assists to carry her squad to the section playoffs and a 22-9 record. Kendall Houck, St. Francis The sophomore registered a team-high 44 goals, 38 assists and finished second on the squad with 49 steals. Skylar Winter, Ponderosa A multi-sport athlete, Winter led the Bruins with 85 goals as they reached the second round of the SJS playoffs. Rachel Redman, McClatchy Lions senior was a solid offensive force with 73 goals and 22 assists for the season. Hailey Williams, St. Mary’s (Stockton) Senior earned 94 total points thanks to 82 goals and 12 assists as the Rams went 10-0 in the Tri-City Athletic League in 2017. Niki Morgan, Whitney Finished with 90 goals, 42 assists in 30 games for the Wildcats. Shannon Young, Roseville The junior team captain registered 87 goals, including a pair of double-digit goal games.
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Grace Johnson, Bret Harte The senior tallied a team-high 79 goals with 37 assists to lead the Bullfrogs. BOYS WATER POLO
PLAYER OF YEAR: Joseph Cavazos, Jesuit Delta League junior registered a team-high 70 goals in 2017, including seven in the opening round of the Div. 1 section playoffs, as the Marauders won the championship. Matthew Hosmer, St. Mary’s-Stockton Junior tallied a team-high, and conference-best 161 goals in 29 games last year as his team reached the section semifinals. Cole Dixon, Rio Americano Junior southpaw led the Raiders to the All-Capital Athletic League title and SJS Division II Dale Currie championship. Daniel Fineberg, Davis Helped Blue Devils reach finals of the SJS playoffs before bowing out to Jesuit in the title game. Lewis Gale, St. Mary’s As a junior, Gale led the Rams to the Div. I section semis and amassed 298 saves along the way. Liam Egan, Ponderosa Bruins’ star added to his stellar résumé with 159 goals, including a double-digit goal game against Roseville mid-year, as a senior. Brank Otestviech, Bella Vista Capital Valley Conference MVP finished third in section with 116 goals in just 30 games last year. Patrick Guinn, Rocklin Thunder senior among the section’s top scorers with 99 goals and 35 assists with 76 steals. Grant Greenlow, Kennedy Junior contributed 116 goals to the Cougars’ offense while leading team to SJS Div. I playoffs. Kyle Westman, Kennedy Junior goalie tallied a section-best 323 saves in 33 games as his team reached the Div. I playoffs. Drew Grantham, Woodcreek Had 115 goals in 31 games last year as Woodcreek reached second round of Div. I playoffs. Joey MacLeane, Granite Bay The senior goalkeeper led the Grizzlies to the semifinals of the SJS playoffs and was a contributor on the USA 18U National Championship team. Malakai Thomas, Bella Vista The Broncos underclassman surpassed the century mark with 106 goals as a sophomore in 2017. Zach Fookes, Buhach Colony-Atwater Led the Bulldogs to a berth in the Div. 2 section title game as the No. 3 seed in the playoffs. Dylan Evans, Woodcreek The junior tallied 221 saves en route to the Div. I section playoffs and a 22-9 overall record. BOYS BASKETBALL
PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Dale Currie, Sheldon-Sacramento The unquestioned leader of the Huskies averaged 15 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 steals per game en route to the NorCal Open Division championship. Bryce Johnson, St. Mary’s-Stockton The Rams’ junior forward led the Sac-Joaquin Section with 26 double-doubles while averaging 17.8 points and 12.3 rebounds per game for the section Div. 2 champions. Mason Forbes, Folsom Harvard-bound big man led the Bulldogs to a Sierra Foothill League title and a NorCal Open Division playoff berth, and averaged 18 points, 13 rebounds and 3.5 blocks per contest. Elias King, Jesuit-Carmichael Marauders’ senior center is fielding Div. 1 offers after scoring 22 points and 10 rebounds per game to cap a solid high school career. Zachary Chappell, Capital Christian-Sacramento Six-foot-3 point guard was a catalyst on both ends of the floor, averaging 20 points, 4 assists, and 3 steals per game for the Golden Empire League champion Cougars.
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Aquira DeCosta Martis Johnson, Folsom Speedy guard ran the point for the SFL champion Bulldogs and averaged 14 points, 4 rebounds and 2 steals per game. Cole Johnson, Sacramento Country Day Cavaliers’ senior forward was a force down low, averaging 13.4 points and 11.3 rebounds per contest. Kaito Williams, Sheldon 6-foot-1 junior played key role in Huskies’ run to the CIF Open Division state final that included a Delta League championship. Andre Kelly, Lincoln-Stockton The senior forward averaged nearly 21 points and 12 rebounds per contest as he recorded 17 double-doubles for the Trojans. Nate Karren, West Campus-Sacramento Senior captain led team to SJS Div. IV title while scoring 16.4 points per game, adding 9.5 rebounds and 3.7 assists. Jalen Patterson, Liberty Ranch-Galt Led team to NorCal Div. 4 semis with 22.8 points and 4.5 assists per game, scoring in double digits in 31 of 32 games. Josh Hamilton, Central Catholic-Modesto Senior guard led team with 27 points in the SJS Div. 3 final and averaged 21.1 points, 5.4 rebounds and 3.5 assists per game. Junior Ballard, Modesto Christian Senior led Crusaders in scoring with 16.9 points per contest and hit a 35-foot game-winning shot in the SJS Div. I title game. Aaron Murphy, Modesto Christian Junior forward a steady performer for the SJS Div. 1 champrs, scoring 11.4 points per game and pulling down 7.3 rebounds. Xavion Brown, Sheldon Explosive soph was highlight-reel and will play a large role in Sheldon’s Delta League and NorCal title defenses next season. Rick Barros, Capital Christian The versatile senior excelled at the 2 or 3 and averaged 15.3 points and 7.2 rebounds for the Cougars. Matt Willis, Whitney-Rocklin Senior wing and Wildcats’ captain poured in 14.4 points per game while leading his team to the SJS Division II semifinals. Dee Juan Pruitt, Grant-Sacramento Athletic junior forward/wing led the fifth-seeded Pacers to the SJS Div. 2 final and NorCal semifinals. De’Shaun Pickens, Antelope Senior led the team to Capital Valley Conference title and a No. 1 playoff seed with 12.3 points and 5 rebounds per contest.
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Andre Albason, Christian Brothers-Sacramento Gritty senior guard scored 15.7 points and dished out 4 assists per game for the Falcons. Kai Huntsberry, Placer-Auburn Shined for the Hillmen to lead Placer to the Sac-Joaquin Division IV final and a Pioneer Valley League title. Garren O’Keefe, Colfax Falcons’ captain was a major factor in the team advancing to the SJS and NorCal Division V championship games. Darren Tobias, Bradshaw Christian-Sacramento Sophomore paced the Pride with 15 points, 6 rebounds, and 2 steals per game to advance to the SJS D-5 semifinals. Levelle Bailey, Burbank-Sacramento The junior’s all-around game yielded 15.6 points, 9.6 rebounds, 6.5 assists, and 2.2 steals per contest for the Titans. Griffin Trull, Sacramento Adventist Senior guard led the Sac-Joaquin Section with 108 3-pointers made to help his team capture its first NorCal title in Div. VI. Ricardo Lopez, Pioneer-Woodland Senior wing made 97 3-pointers en route to an 18.5 points per game average. Kaleb Carter, Stagg-Stockton Senior center nearly averaged double-double with 12.1 points and 9.8 rebounds per game, and added 5.5 blocks per contest. Chris Aibuedefe, Del Oro-Loomis Consistent senior post player poured in 10.9 points per game and added 9.7 rebounds per outing for the Golden Eagles. Michael Robinson, El Camino-Sacramento Junior captain was the Eagles’ leading scorer with 16.7 points per game, and he also pulled down 4.3 rebounds per contest. Akili Daniels, Sacramento Senior anchored the backcourt with 14.5 points per game to help Sacramento claim another Metro League championship. Adam Orr, Ponderosa-Shingle Springs The senior scored in double digits in 25 of 27 games to lead the Bruins with a 19.6 ppg average. Izayah Talmadge, Sacramento Junior teamed with Daniels in a potent guard tandem and contributed 16.9 points and 6.5 rebounds per game. Chris Wriedt, Sheldon Huskies’ 6-foot-10 center was imposing on both ends, posting up and cleaning glass for the NorCal Open Division champions. Dom Johnson, Sheldon Volunteering to come off the bench, and was easily area’s best sixth man, averaging 12 points and leading a stingy defense. GIRLS BASKETBALL
PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Aquira DeCosta, St. Mary’s Baylor-bound McDonald’s All-American averaged 18.3 points, 13.1 rebounds, 2.9 steals, 2.2 assists and 2.1 blocks per game. She led the Rams to a sixth consecutive SJS Division I championship and 19th overall. McKenzie Forbes, Folsom McDonald’s All-American led team to best season in history with 21 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals, 2 blocks per game. Ariel Johnson, St. Mary’s Rams’ senior guard averaged 10.7 points per game on a deep and talented roster, and came up big in the SJS Div. I playoffs. Kamryn Hall, McClatchy-Sacramento Junior post helped the Lions claim another Metro Conference championship with a strong presence at both ends of the court. Kelsey Forrester, Davis Senior guard finished the season averaging 17.3 points per game while scoring in double digits in 27 of 28 games. RyAnne Walters, Sacramento The junior paced the Dragons’ offense and helped Sacramento earn the No. 5 seed in the SJS Div. 2 playoffs.
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Makaila Sanders, Foothill-Sacramento Senior scored a section-best 26.3 points per game and added 8.7 rebounds, 4.4 assists and 2.6 steals per outing to guide the Mustangs to a Pioneer Valley League title. Arianna Spann, Antelope The 6-foot-1 junior was strong in the post for the Titans, averaging 12.6 points and 8.9 rebounds per contest. Yasmin Gupta, Sacramento Country Day Cavaliers four-year starter averaged more than 22 points per game for the second consecutive season and eclipsed the 1,000-point career mark. Nailah Dillard, Inderkum-Sacramento The Tigers’ versatile junior poured in 23.5 points per game and added 6.7 rebounds per contest. Tiana Lowery, River City-West Sacramento Senior guard led SJS with a 46 percent 3-point shooting, averaged 23.9 points and 4.5 steals. Brianna Juniel, Christian Brothers Captained Falcons to SJS, Capital Athletic League titles averaging 18.3 points and 8.1 rebounds. Elena Hall, Capital Christian The Cougars’ senior led the team in scoring with 17.1 points per game and also contributed 9.7 rebounds, 5.2 steals, and 2.3 blocks per contest. Anaya Mejia, Bradshaw Christian Sophomore guard led a young Pride roster to a Sierra Delta League championship and to the NorCal Div. 4 final with 20.4 points and 9 rebounds per game. Madison Parry, Del Oro Golden Eagles’ forward played beyond her sophomore status by scoring a team-high 17.4 points per game and pulling down 9.9 rebounds per outing. Johnna Dreschler, Forest Lake Christian-Auburn The senior averaged a section-best 17 rebounds per game to go with 15 points per contest as she recorded 21 double-doubles and 10 games with 20 or more rebounds. Mallory Rath, Bear River-Grass Valley The Bruins’ post finished her high school career year with a team-best 15.7 rebounds per game and grabbed a career-high 30 rebounds in one game. Marisse Jackson, Foothill Senior center was a rebounding machine for the Mustangs, averaging 13.7 boards per game and grabbing at least 10 rebounds in 27 games. Caleigh McClenahan, Colfax Falcons’ 6-foot-2 senior center posted 21 double-doubles and averaged a double-double with 12.7 points and 13.1 rebounds per contest. Keyara McCoy, Elk Grove Sophomore forward averaged double-double with 10.3 points and 11.8 rebounds per game. Lindsey Moody, Vista del Lago-Folsom The Eagles’ 6-foot-1 junior post continued to be a shot-blocking menace, averaging 3.6 blocks per game to go with 10.2 points and 11.6 rebounds per outing. Elisa Cantu-Abdallah, Marysville Senior guard led the Sac-Joaquin Section with 84 3-pointers made, and shot 44 percent from beyond the arc to average 25.0 points per game. Jada Lewis, Whitney Wildcats’ junior made 79 3-pointers, and averaged 16.7 points and 9.0 rebounds per contest. Alli McDonald, Union Mine-El Dorado The sophomore averaged 16.3 points per game for the Sierra Valley Conference champs and made 41 percent of her 3-point attempts. Deirdre Huff, Vanden-Fairfield Senior captain led the Vikings to a sixth consecutive undefeated Solano County Athletic Conference season with 13.9 points, 4.4 assists and 3.3 steals per game.
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Taylor Low, Lincoln-Stockton Helped the Trojans to a Tri-City Conference championship by averaging 15.7 points, 3.8 assists and 3.2 steals per contest. Marlee Nicolos, St. Francis-Sacramento Senior was model of consistency, scoring in double-digits in 17 of 23 games to average 14.5 points and 9.5 rebounds. Nia Johnson, West Campus Senior captain averaged 16.4 points per game en route to Golden Empire League, section and state championships. Kiara Jefferson, West Campus KJ was a key cog in the Warriors’ state Div. III title run, scoring 14.7 points per game and adding 2.9 steals per contest. Shayley Harris, Folsom 6-foot-6 junior is a UCLA commit and anchored the middle for Folsom en route to a Sierra Foothill League championship. Nia Lowery, McClatchy Junior wing was solid on both ends of the floor in helping the Lions to an undefeated Metro Conference title. Charity Gallegos, Folsom 5-foot-4 freshman point guard played big all year while leading the Bulldogs to an SFL title and SJS Div. 1 final appearance. BOYS SOCCER
PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Kevin Grewal, Folsom
Kevin Grewal Bria Shine, Christian Brothers The Falcons’ sophomore averaged a double-double en route to league and SJS Div. III championships. Jzaniya Harriel, Antelope Freshman made an immediate impact with 14.2 points and 8.2 rebounds per game as Antelope claimed the section Div. 2 title.
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Junior forward found the net a team-high 29 times last year as Folsom claimed the Div. I title. Arath Chavez, Galt Senior forward led the Warriors to No. 1 seed in Div. IV and a section title, amassing 73 points (28 goals, 17 assists). Guillermo Alvarez, Escalon Cougars’ junior team captain registered a section-best 142 points with 60 goals and 22 assists for the Div. V runner-up.
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Ben Kikanovic, Antelope Senior striker led the Titans to the D3 section title with 38 goals and 7 assists this past season. Mateo Pasqua, West Campus The Warriors’ junior striker tallied 17 assists and netted 25 goals, including one against Chico in a major upset over the top team in the NorCal playoffs. Marco Sobrevilla, Livingston Senior goalkeeper led the Wolves to the section title game, amassing 215 saves in 2017-18 while allowing just 12 goals. Jordan Vice, Jesuit Senior captain led the Marauders in scoring with 26 goals and 14 assists as the team finished 24-4-1 overall. Axel Anguiano, Highlands Senior captain helped the Scots win the Sierra Delta League and reach the section semifinals, registering 28 goals and 11 assists along the way. Jorge Espinoza, Millennium-Tracy Falcons’ sophomore scored 25 goals en route to a Div. 7 section championship and a NorCal regional berth. Edwin Menera, Linden The Lions’ leading scorer with 32 goals led his squad to a 12-0 record in league play this past year. Noah Robinson, West Campus Senior forward scored 16 goals, added 6 assists for the section Div. 5 champion Warriors, including a score in the NorCal finals Quentin Petcu, Folsom Bulldogs senior midfielder tallied 15 goals and 18 assists for the No. 4-ranked team in the state. Luiz Arevalo, Venture Academy-Stockton Junior midfielder scored 47 goals and assisted 17 other scores en route to a Central Cal Athletic League title.
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Davian Marquez, Galt Junior scored 25 goals in 2017-18 — all wins for his program. Josh Gaeckle, Woodcreek-Roseville Junior forward registered 23 goals and led the Timberwolves to their best record in more than a decade. Jacob Ramos, Woodcreek Tallied 17 goals and a team-high 14 assists for the T-Wolves. Ethan Atterberry, Folsom Senior midfielder scored seven goals and assisted 16 more in just 19 games for the Div. 1 section champions. Brian Sanchez, West Campus The senior goalkeeper allowed just 16 goals in 31 games this past year, while saving 97 shot attempts. Josh Edwards, McClatchy Senior captain for the Lions, who went 14-0 in the Metro conference and reached the D1 section finals. Charlie Wall, River City The Raiders senior broke the century mark with 125 saves, while allowing just 18 goals in 19 games. GIRLS SOCCER
PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Maya Doms, Davis Junior forward was the leading goal-scorer for the Blue Devils, who won the section title and reached the quarterfinals round of the first NorCal Regionals. Sydney Klink, Liberty Ranch-Galt Hawks’ leading scorer had 45 goals in 2017-18 en route to an unbeaten league record (9-0-1). McKenna Brown, Liberty Ranch Junior instrumental in leading the Hawks to section finals in Div. IV with 44 goals and a team-high 27 assists.
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McKenna Chupka, Davis Tallied four straight playoff shutout wins in the Div. 1 section championships to help her team win its third straight title. Ariana Coronado, Woodland Senior striker scored 30 goals, assisted on 18 as Woodland won its fourth straight SJS title and its first NorCal title. Sydney Schultz, River City Senior forward registered team’s only goal in the Div. II section final to beat Roseville — one of 42 goals for Schultz. Anastacia Bancroft, Marysville A multi-sport athlete, Bancroft registered a team-high 37 goals and tallied 11 assists on the pitch as a junior. Jadyn Shinn, Sierra-Manteca Junior midfielder had 41 goals, 10 assists, including both goals in a 2-1 victory over Manteca in the Div. II section final. Jaedyn Sanders, Enochs Sophomore forward led her team to the Div. I playoffs after tallying a team-best 36 goals and 13 assists. Mackenzie Gill, Roseville Junior led with 15 goals as her squad reached the section finals. Taylor Curtis, Center-Antelope En route to the Div. III section title, Curtis had team-best 22 assists and added 12 goals, including one each in the title game. Izzy Cusano, Granite Bay Junior forward helped lead the Grizzlies to the Div. I title game with a team-best 17 goals this past year. Brooke Rubinstein, Davis Blue Devils team captain helped lead the team to a 22-0-4 record through the section playoffs. Clara Lenihan, Center Senior tallied two of her 33 goals this past year in the section championship game to help her team beat Liberty Ranch 4-2.
Maya Doms Mackenzie Hatanaka, Woodland Senior goalkeeper registered 119 saves in the cage for the No. 16-ranked team in the state. Molly Mahoney, Rio Americano-Sacramento Posted 12 shutouts in her freshman season as the Raiders posted an unbeaten 10-0 record in league play.
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JT Stinson Amber Liston, Folsom The junior scored 19 goals and assisted her Bulldog teammates on another 11 as Folsom moved up to No. 32 in the state. Lacie McArdle, Placer The senior goalkeeper had 72 saves and led the Hillmen to the No. 2 seed in the section playoffs and the semifinals. Olivia Mattoos, Pleasant Grove-Elk Grove The senior helped the Eagles reach the second round of the playoffs as she tallied 15 goals and 12 assists. Emily Doty, Pleasant Grove The senior forward had a team-high 17 goals for the Eagles. BOYS WRESTLING
WRESTLER OF THE YEAR: Lawrence Saenz, Sr., Vacaville Saenz lost a controversial 138-pound final at state, but his runner-up CIF performance included three pins and a 17-5 rout in his third match. Set the school record for career wins.
William Giron, So., Turlock Giron won his league and division before placeing eighth at state to win a medal. Caydin Wickard, So., Golden Valley-Merced The SJS 113-pound Masters champ as dominant and he went 4-2 at state to finish in the top 12. Henry Porter, Fr., Oakdale Henry erupted through the 120-pound CIF bracket with three consecutive upsets to reach the finals and earn silver. Angelo Martinoni, Sr., Folsom SJS Masters 126-pound champion had a quarterfinals upset and eventually finished fifth. Eli Blake, So., Del Oro-Loomis Blake made a name for himself by winning Masters and going 6-2 at state to collect a seventh-place medal at 132 pounds. Jake Ryan, Sr., Oakdale 145-pound SJS champ picked up first state medal in his last opportunity. Ryan was 6-2 at state and won three matches by pin. JT Stinson, So., Del Oro Stinson was never in real danger of elimination and bagged his first state medal. Seventh on the 152-pound podium. Noah Blake, Jr., Del Oro Three-time CIF medalist was third this year (160 pounds). He will enter the 2018-19 season as a clear gold medal favorite. Gabe Martinez, Jr., Oakdale Martinez enjoyed a terrific run at state and will relish his silver medal at 170 pounds. Breck Jeffus, Sr., Turlock Jeffus won an SJS Masters title at 182 pounds. He went 3-3 at state and settled into eighth place. Colby Harlan, Sr., Oakdale Harlan had an undefeated record, until a late upset at state forced him to settle for the silver. Isaiah Perez, Sr., Pitman-Turlock Perez was 25-2 with 22 pins. He pinned his first three opponents and went 5-2 at state to be a runner-up at 220 pounds. Jake Levengood, Sr., Vacaville The state heavyweight runner-up won a tight 1-0 decision to reach the CIF finals and enjoyed a stellar 50-3 season. GIRLS WRESTLING
CO-WRESTLER OF THE YEAR: Rory Coscia, Sr., Enochs-Modesto Two-time state champ beat SJS rival Tara Othman 4-3 in overtime in the 116-pound CIF finals to defend title. Coscia, 128-9 in four seasons, bound for Campbellsville University in Kentucky.
CO-WRESTLER OF THE YEAR: Candice Corralejo, Sr., Del Oro Corralejo is now 97-1 in two years after winning 131-pound gold for her second straight CIF title. She’s a four-time state qualifier and easily the best wrestler in Del Oro’s storied history. Hailey Ward, So., Turlock Two-time state qualifier won an SJS region title and won Masters at 101 pounds. At state she went 5-2 to finish fifth. Elysia Urrea, Sr., Lincoln-Stockton Urrea executed a four-point sequence in the final moments of the 106-pound state final to win CIF gold in 12-10 fashion. Esmeralda Arroyo, Sr., Elk Grove Arroyo took fourth at Masters before a seventh-place finish in the CIF 111-pound bracket. Alayna Swilley, Sr., Ripon The two-time state qualifier was the 121-pound runner-up at Masters. Dyanna Gutierrez, Jr., Armijo-Fairfield Gutierrez was third at Masters, but won five big matches in the consolation bracket at state to finish fifth at 126 pounds.
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Audrey Elgarico, Sr., Elk Grove The first SJS Masters champion in school history won with consecutive pins. Reached CIF semifinals, was fourth in the state. Faalia Martinez, Sr., Oakdale Martinez rolled through the SJS Masters with convincing wins and got a late pin in 143-pound section finale. Liliana Vergara, Jr., Gregori-Modesto Southern Region and SJS Masters champn captured three pinfalls in the 150-pound state bracket en route to silver. Yelena Makoyed, Jr., Bella Vista-Fair Oaks Three pins, major decision gave Makoyed a Masters title. At state, she pinned three opponents to take the 160-pound silver. Courtney Juarez, Sr., Atwater Went 5-2 at state, beating Southern Section champ Kiri Schell 9-1 on her road to a fourth-place CIF medal at 170 pounds. Nayeli Pelayo, Sr., Central Valley-Ceres Pelayo was both Southern Region and SJS Masters runner-up before a 4-3 run at state and sixth-place medal at 189 pounds. Tavi Heidelberg, Jr., McClatchy-Sacramento SJS Masters champion used four first-round pins to reach the state finals, where she won CIF gold at 235 pounds. BASEBALL
PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Evan Gibbons, Franklin-Elk Grove Arguably one of the best two-way talents in the section, the Sac State-commit was hitting .328 with 20 hits, 16 runs, 15 RBI and a .453 on base percentage through April. On the mound he was 4-1 with a save and 72 strikeouts over his first 44.1 innings. Matt Clayton, Yuba City University of Nevada-bound slugger is hitting .614 with 38 runs, 43 hits, 33 RBI and 18 extra-base hits through 24 games. Logan Myers, Yuba City Junior ace went 6-1 with 59 strikeouts and just eight walks over his first 40.2 innings. Also hit .306 with 15 runs, 12 RBI. Jeremy Buck, Cordova As of April 30, was batting .478 with 23 runs, 33 hits, 17 RBI and was among the section leaders in doubles (13). Cameron Butler, Modesto Christian Promising freshman was batting .444 with team-bests in hits (36), RBI (26) and stolen bases (26) through April 29. Brett Graber, Capital Christian-Sacramento Senior leader helped Cougars go 20-3 in first 23 games by batting .490 with 26 runs, 24 hits, 25 RBI and 21 stolen bases. Trey Rice, Capital Christian-Sacramento Provides a great 1-2 lineup putnch with Graber. Through April 29, Rice was hitting .592 with 22 runs, 29 runs and 29 RBI Jordan Trammell, Woodland Christian Helped Cardinals go 18-4 over first 22 games. Hit .551 with 38 hits, 43 RBI and a 5-0 record with a 1.48 ERA over 23.2 innings. Nick Vogt, Davis Helped lead Blue Devils to 12-9 start by batting .425 with 25 runs, 31 hits, 16 RBI, 12 stolen bases and 11 doubles. Parker Crosby, Escalon Hit .458 with 24 runs, 31 hits and 14 RBI through April 29. Was 8-0 with a 1.48 ERA, 46 strikeouts and two walks in 50 innings. TJ Nichols, Oakmont-Roseville Sophomore two-way standout was 6-2 with a 3.50 ERA and 37 strikeouts over his first 38 innings, hit .268 through April. Cooper Hjerpe, Woodland Junior went 6-0 with a 0.57 ERA in April, ranking second in section with 87 strikeouts in just 36.2 innings. Jake Pina, Franklin-Elk Grove Sophomore infielder and catcher hit .333 with 15 RBI and two home runs to help fuel the WIldcats’ 18-4 start through April. Zach Meddings, Franklin-Elk Grove The junior posted a 6-1 record and 1.54 ERA through his first 36.1 innings of work. He also hit .274 with 19 runs and nine RBI.
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Blake Peterson, Granite Bay Senior led Grizzlies in both runs (16) and hits (28) through April; he batted .364 with nine RBI and 12 stolen bases. Trevor Johnson, Granite Bay Senior outfielder and left-handed pitcher was batting .362 with a team-leading 13 RBI through April. Was 3-3 with a 2.86 ERA. Dennis Boatman, Woodceek-Roseville UCLA-bound star hit .389 with 21 runs, 28 hits, 11 RBI and 12 doubles through the Timberwolves’ first 23 games. Cameron Allie, Oak Ridge-El Dorado HIlls Santa Clara-committed OF batted .411, led team in hits (30), RBI (17), extra-base hits (11), stolen bases (12) through April. Mason Poisson, Del Campo-Fair Oaks The junior leads the Cougars in every major offensive category, including runs (22), hits (30), RBI (22) and extra-base hits (12). Jeffrey Jamison, Del Campo Speedy Fresno State-bound shortstop had 18 runs, 19 hits and was 22 of 25 in stolen base attempts through first 23 games. Jack Filby, McClatchy-Sacramento Filby hit .368 with 11 runs, 21 hits and 17 RBI through first 21 games. The UCLA-commit was also 3-2 with a 2.13 ERA. Jack Hinrichsen, McClatchy Cal-bound arm went 5-3 with a 1.42 ERA and 61 strikeouts over his first 39.1 innings of work. He also hit .280 with 10 RBI. Tyler Lozano, St. Mary’s-Stockton In just 13 games, infielder/catcher batted .550 with 16 runs, 22 hits, six RBI and seven doubles. He’s headed to USC in the fall. Christian Almanza, St. Mary’s Helped Rams win 16 of their first 21 games by hitting .450 and leading the team in runs (22), hits (27) and RBI (29). Tanner Carlson, Elk Grove Long Beach State signee belted 21 hits with two triples and 21 runs scored as Elk Grove pushed to a 14-4-2 overall record. Blake Dickman, Elk Grove A transfer from Colorado, the senior is hitting .356 with 15 RBI, and has sped to seven triples in 20 games. Josh Alvarado, Tracy Senior is hitting .333 with 22 knocks, 13 RBI, two doubles, two triples, two home runs and even notched a save on the mound. Nikolas McClaughry, Rocklin Through April, he’s batting .443 with 31 hits and 26 runs. He’s also a perfect 12-for-12 on stolen base attempts. Jacob Tucker, Christian Brothers-Sacramento Senior sporting a 0.38 ERA after 36.2 innings, with four wins and 54 strikeouts. He’s also hitting .418 with 23 hits, 17 runs. Nick Keller, Rio Americano-Sacramento A junior, Keller has belted 20 hits and scored 11 runs in 21 games. He’d also stolen five bases for 15-9 Rio Americano. Kevin Fitzgerald, Laguna Creek-Stockton He hit .548 in his first 21 games ] with 34 hits, 26 RBI, 11 doubles, four triples, seven stolen bases and three home runs. Cole Bendle, Cosumnes Oaks-Elk Grove A .358 hitter with 19 hits, eight doubles and 12 RBIs, Bendle is a big reason for Cosumnes Oaks’ 14-7 campaign. Jordyn Berry, Roseville San Jose State-commit has sped to 24 runs scored and belted 20 hits with three home runs. Hunter Dorraugh, Vacaville Vacaville’s 16-6 campaign has been bolstered by the 20 hits, 12 RBIs, 21 runs and 13 stolen bases from this Sac State commit. Joey Daini, Benicia His 34 hits, .531 batting average, seven home runs, 26 runs scored and 28 RBI were a big reason for Benicia’s hot start. Christian McInerny, Benicia Senior ace McInerny has struck out 54 batters in 41 innings and allowed only one earned run, for a bewildering 0.17 ERA.
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TJ Wheeler, Beyer-Modesto Is 4-1 with a 2.36 ERA and 26 strikeouts in 29.2 innings. He also led Beyer offensively through April with 30 hits, 25 RBI. Cody Moore, Ponderosa-Shingle Springs Heading into May, the senior was hitting .404 with 23 hits, 12 RBI and four doubles. He had also stolen 17 bases. Mitchell Cox, El Camino-Sacramento Camino’s leading hitter has posted 21 RBI, 23 hits and scored 22 runs through April. Cox, a senior, also has stolen nine bases. Jun Park, Pioneer-Woodland Senior is hitting .612 with 41 hits, 32 RBI, three triples, two home runs and 28 runs scored through 22 games. Brennan Rozell, Lincoln Lincoln’s senior slugger smashed 31 hits with 30 runs, 17 RBI and 10 doubles over the first two months of the season. Chris Fisher, Linden Fisher hitting .360 with 29 hits, 13 RBI and 17 runs through April. He’d also tossed 30.2 innings with a 2.05 ERA and 31 strikeouts. Titus Groeneweg, Will C. Wood-Vacaville Cal State-Fullerton commit hitting .407 with 24 hits, 13 RBI through April. He also sported a 0.98 ERA in 35.2 innings. Jason Brandow, Vintage-Napa Bound for Cal State-Fullerton, hitting .415 over his first 16 games. Had 17 hits, 17 RBI, three home runs, 10 stolen bases. BOYS GOLF
GOLFER OF THE YEAR: Matthew Sutherland, Rio Americano Among the Capital Athletic League and SJS’ most consistent golfers. As a sophomore in 2017, Sutherland qualified for the Northern California regional tourney by carding an even-par 72 at The Reserve at Spanos Park in his first SJS Masters. Chase Sienkiewicz, Jesuit-Carmichael Senior seeking third trip to NorCal tournament and his first Delta League title and shot at an SJS Masters team title. Griffin Long, Davis Junior has hopes of repeating as Delta League Player of the Year and SJS Masters team champion. Ryan Parry, Jesuit Junior shot a team-low 75 at last year’s SJS Masters and will play a key role in his team’s quest for another section title. Nico Dolley, Oak Ridge-El Dorado Hills Senior has helped the Trojans to last two SJS Masters tournaments, and is team’s No. 1 golfer heading into postseason play. Sam Sommerhauser, Whitney-Rocklin Sophomore hopes to claim a section Div. II championship and NorCal regional tournament berth. Eric McMullen, Christian Brothers-Sacramento Senior will be tested by CAL foes before attempting to lead his team to a berth in the SJS Masters. Dylan McDermott, Granite Bay Freshman lefty could get Grizzlies back atop the Sierra Foothill League and to challenge for a top-three finish at Masters. Bryce Kvick, Del Campo-Fair Oaks Long Beach State-commit aims to advance past the SJS Masters where he has played well the last two years. Cade Knight, Woodcreek-Roseville Clear leader of the Timberwolves, Knight can finish his high school career with a slot in the SJS Masters. BOYS LACROSSE
PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Bradley Kishaba, Davis Senior co-captain led the way for team which battled to a three-way regular season tie for first in the Sacramento Valley Lacrosse Conference. Mdfielder is committed to San Diego St. Cole Koeberer, Davis Koeberer was a key part of the Davis offensvie attack in 2018. He will continue his lacrosse career at Colorado State.
Nate Soeth, Davis He will graduate as the Blue Devils’ all-time leader in shooting percentage. He heads to UC Santa Barbara in the fall. Wade Matern, Davis The backbone of the defense for the past four years, the UC Davis-bound Matern is the program’s all-time saves leader. Ryan Rogers, Oak Ridge The talented junior attacker helped lead the Trojans to a 7-3 mark in SVLC play and is committed to Utah. Jacob Rodkiewicz, Vista del Lago Played bigger than his 5-foot-6 frame as goalkeeper, helping lead team to a mark of 9-6 in only the program’s second year. Will Carrera, Vista del Lago A great close defender with strong stick skills, the sophomore is a reason the Eagles should have bright future. Josh Grahame, Granite Bay Senior defender had 31 ground balls and 11 takeaways through April 24 as the Grizzlies built a 14-3 overall record. Matt Fowler, Granite Bay A junior midfielder, Fowler captained the Grizzlies attack with 26 goals and 15 assists through April 24. Ryan Hicks, Jesuit Senior defender helped Marauders to a 13-4 record through April 28, earned a scholarship to Maryville University (St. Louis). David Zingaro, Jesuit Another talented defender for Jesuit. He too has signed to Maryville University. GIRLS LACROSSE
PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Brianne Gross, Oak Ridge Arguably one of the best talents produced in the region, the Vanderbilt-bound midfielder is a four-time All-SVCA selection (and favorite to win her second MVP). Skylar Schuette, Oak Ridge One of the top attackers for the league-champs, Schuette has an NCAA Div. II scholarship to the University of Indianapolis. Aly De Caro, Oak Ridge Another senior leading the Trojans attack, she’s signed to play for Savannah College of Art and Design in Georgia. Victoria Macres, Granite Bay Junior keeper stood out during a tough second year for the Grizzlies. She’s committed to play for the University of Denver.
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Maggie Pinkston, St. Francis Senior goalkeeper had 92 saves and a 52.8 save percentage to help lead the Troubadours to an 11-4 record through April. Sophia Gorona, St. Francis The freshman midfielder made an immediate impact, producing 32 goals and 17 assists in her first 14 games. Ellie Baker, Davis A senior midfielder, Baker had 26 goals and 13 assists through April for a Blue Devils team which was 10-4. Chloe Meyer, Davis Her 31 goals ranked second on the Blue Devils. She also had eight assists on the season. Alex Agnew, Davis Junior MF led team with 64 points (35 goals, 29 assists) through April 28 and has more than 100 assists in her career.
Shea Moreno SOFTBALL
PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Shea Moreno, Sheldon-Sacramento A UCLA signee, she can play third base or catcher and leads the Huskies’ regardless of position. The team captain leads Sheldon in batting average, home runs and RBI. As a four-year contributor, she can finish her high school career with four SJS Div. I titles to go with 150-plus hits, 100plus runs, and 100-plus RBI. Lexi Webb, Oakdale Talented two-way junior batted .600 with nine home runs and 34 RBI, and was 13-0 in the with a 0.65 ERA and 101 strikeouts through 18 games. Chelsea Mari, Benicia Senior can play at third or second, and leads team with a .615 batting average, 34 hits, 29 runs. Grace Owen, Sheldon Junior pitcher took over as the Huskies’ workhorse in the circle, compiling a 7-1 record and 1.02 ERA through April. Mia Santos, Kennedy-Sacramento Cougars’ senior utility player is leading a run toward a playoff berth with team bests in batting average, stolen bases and RBI. Katie Chambers, Millennium-Tracy Junior was batting .671 with 47 hits, 40 runs and 28 RBI heading toward the stretch drive. Kiannah Pierce, Sheldon Young Husky has not suffered any sophomore slump, batting .519 and leading the three-time defending SJS Div. I champions with 28 RBI. Abigail Parises, St. Mary’s-Stockton The Rams’ senior 1B/3B was leading the team in batting (.595) and swinging a very hot bat as postseason approached. Sam Oliver, Sheldon A mainstay in the middle of Sheldon’s stacked batting order, the sophomore was batting .404 with six doubles through April. Kiana Parrish, St. Mary’s The senior was the Rams’ biggest power source with 10 extra base hits, including a team-high four home runs through April. Carley Morfey, St. Mary’s Rams’ senior was the team’s ace with an 11-3 record in the circle and an offensive leader with team-highs in hits and RBI. Angelica Cano, Elk Grove Junior led the Thundering Herd with 26 RBI through April. Ariyana Miranda, Elk Grove Thundering Herd’s junior shortstop led the team with 32 runs, 32 hits and 10 doubles. Natalie Nash, Del Campo-Fair Oaks The Cougars’ senior led their surging offense in hits and RBI while batting .529 to lead Del Campo to the Capital Valley Conference title.
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Katelyn Dendas, McClatchy-Sacramento Senior captain is slugging the Lions towards another Metro Conference crown with a .683 average, five homers and 19 RBI. Serena Shine, Bella Vista-Fair Oaks Freshman outfielder was a table-setter for the Broncos’ big bats, hitting a team-high .542 with 32 hits and 23 runs. Kaitlyn Maddux, Bear River-Grass Valley Bruins’ senior led the team with a .575 batting average, 23 hits, 15 runs, and also provided six wins and a save as a pitcher. Makenzie Macfarlane, Whitney The junior catcher was a steady presence behind the plate and had a .449 batting average and 22 hits through April. Mazie Macfarlane, Whitney Wildcats’ junior led the team in batting average, hits, runs and hit three home runs through the end of April. Katelyn Snow, Bella Vista Senior captain was the Broncos’ cleanup hitter, driving in a team-high 37 runs and belting eight home runs through April. Maia Rader, Bella Vista Senior shortstop was a four-year starter who amassed more than 150 hits, scored more than 120 runs, stole 100 bases in career. McBride Tamisha, Burbank-Sacramento Sophomore led the Titans with a .596 batting average, 28 hits, 25 RBI and 20 runs scored through the end of April. Dallas Atchley, Lincoln The senior catcher belted a team-high seven home runs with 21 RBI for the Fighting Zebras. Kelly Barr, Del Oro-Loomis Senior infielder put together her best season with a .395 average and team-high four homers and 15 RBI through April. Arishma Singh, Burbank The Titans’ speedy senior led the SJS with 34 stolen bases and added a .396 batting average and 15 runs. Chloe Smith, St. Francis The Troubadours’ junior is committed to Villanova and led the team with a .523 batting average, four home runs and 24 RBI. Lindsay Poulos, Granite Bay Junior pitcher threw the Grizzlies to the top of the Sierra Foothill League standings with a 12-2 mark, 0.95 ERA and 130 strikeouts in 92 innings. Blake Craft, Yuba City Honkers’ right-hander posted an 11-4 record, 0.49 ERA and 216 strikeouts ovet her first 100 innings pitched. Alexis Detwiler, Casa Roble-Orangevale The junior infielder led the Rams with a .489 batting average and added four homers. Giana Hays, Christian Brothers-Sacramento Versatile junior has Falcons poised for another playoff run with a .440 batting average, 22 hits, 17 runs and 15 RBI through April. Rachel Gordon, Pioneer-Woodland The senior three-year start was having her finest season with a 15-0 record, 0.76 ERA and 162 Ks in her first 92 innings of work. Tatum Wentworth, Pioneer Patriots’ sophomore was leading the team with a .520 batting average, four home runs and 26 hits. Sophie Jacquez, Pleasant Grove-Elk Grove Sophomore shortstop was key at setting the table for the Eagles, batting .450 with a team-high 27 hits and 19 runs. Kianah Corey, Pleasant Grove The Eagles’ senior captain led the team through April with a .451 batting average, four home runs and 16 RBI. Courtney Jack, Franklin-Elk Grove Wildcats’ senior was a four-year starter and led the team with seven homers through April with 23 RBI and 21 runs scored. Jordyn Hutchins, Woodland Christian Just a sophomore, she leads the SJS in numerous offensive categories, including batting average (.788) and home runs (12).
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Kayla Renner, Oak Ridge-El Dorado Hills Senior outfielder led the Trojans with a team-best 26 hits and 17 stolen bases through April. Bryanna Rielley, Del Campo Through April, the senior outfielder had 25 hits and a .472 average to go with 24 runs scored. Amanda Ajari, Benicia Panthers’ junior slugged a team-high five home runs and driven in 29 runs, and allowed just one hit in 10 innings in the circle. Isabell Cargill, Tracy Junior outfielder paced Bulldogs with .554 batting average and team-best 36 hits and 21 runs scored through first two months. Brianna Leavell, Rio Linda As of May 1, the junior had section-leading five no-hitters and 11 wins, a 0.69 ERA and 224 strikeouts in just 112.1 innings. Sammie Luckie, Del Campo Cougars’ junior led the team in batting with a .543 average and slugged 25 hits in the first 15 games of the season. Rachel Cid, Tracy The Oregon-bound shortstop will finish a stellar four-year career with more than 180 hits, 150 RBI and 120 runs. Grace French, Benicia The senior ace sports a 7-1 record and 1.18 ERA despite pitching against top competition. BOYS SWIMMING
SWIMMER OF THE YEAR: Colby Mefford, Oak Ridge-El Dorado Hills Defending state record-holder in the 200-yard medley relay with help from his older brother, while his 400-yard freestyle relay team finished fourth at state after a section-record 3:03.82 time the week prior. Gianluca Urlando, McClatchy-Sacramento Finished second at state in 2017 in the 100-yard backstroke after a second in the 500-yard free event at sections. Ben Dillard, Oak Ridge A member of the 2017 state-record holding relay team, Dillard became a section champ in the 200-yard IM last year. Timothy Lee, Vanden-Fairfield First in the 100-yard free, second in the 200-yard free event at sections and took fifth in the former at state as a junior last year. Ian Low, Franklin-Elk Grove As a sophomore last season, Low collected fifth-place finishes in the 200-yard free and 500-yard free at sections. Hayden Johnson, Jesuit-Carmichael The Marauders’ freestyle specialist took fourth at sections in the 500-yard race and sixth in the 200-yard event. Shane Denison, Oak Ridge Another standout for the Trojans, Denison was seventh in both the 500-yard free, 200-yard free at 2017 sections. Joseph Zales, Sacramento Country Day Nearly reached state last year as a sophomore with a sixthplace finish in the 500-yard free event at sections. Will Roberts, Jesuit Took home second place in the 100 individual medley at sections and third at state as a junior. Andrew Britton, Gregori-Modesto A returning section and state champion in the 100-yard backstroke, Britton will look for a repeat this time around. Jack Gillespie, Granite Bay A strong freshman campaign nearly resulted in a state bid in the 200 IM and the 100-yard butterfly. Finn O’Haimhirgin, Bella Vista-Fair Oaks A section champ in the 50-yard freestyle as a sophomore last year, O’Haimhirgin will look to improve upon his finish this year. Tyler Greene, Granite Bay As a junior, the Grizzlies’ standout took fourth in the 50-free at 2017 sections and seventh in the 100-yard freestyle.
Maia Rader Ty Wells, Ripon Reached state as a junior in the 100-yard butterfly after a thirdplace finish at sections. Jonah Harm, El Dorado-Placerville Fourth-place finish in the 100-yard butterfly at sections and sixth-place finish in the 100-yard breaststroke. Spencer Richard, Granite Bay Earned state consideration last year in the 100-yard butterfly and finished sixth at sections in the 100-yard backstroke. Evan McCormick, Oak Ridge As a freshman last year, the Trojans’ standout took home a top10 finish at sections in the 100-free and 100-breast. Nathan Sellers, Jesuit A fifth-place finish in the 100-breast at sections nearly earned Sellers a state bid last year as a junior. Tyler Babcock, Davis After a strong start to his career, Babcock looks to compete for the section title in the 100-yard free this season. Rylan Little, River Valley-Yuba City A section champ in the three-meter dive as a junior, Little returns to defend his title this season. Adam Estrella, Bella Vista-Fair Oaks Just a few points behind in the section championships last year, Estrella looks to upend Little of his dive title in 2018. GIRLS SWIMMING
SWIMMER OF THE YEAR: Chloe Clark, Granite Bay As a junior, Clark is poised to once again dominate the 200 IM and the 100-yard backstroke at sections after a pair of automatic bids in both events as a sophomore. Amalie Fackenthal, Sacramento Country Day Set the record in 50-yard free at sections as a junior with a 22.75, shaved time off that for state record a week later (22.45). Kailee Nabeta, Rio Americano-Sacramento The Raiders’ junior finished a split second behind Fackenthal in the 50-free at sections and took seventh at state. Mia Motekaitis, Davis Senior has been stellar in the 200-yard freestyle, finishing first at sections as a junior and sixth at state and the 100-yard butterfly. Molly Wilson, St. Francis-Sacramento Returning SJS and Delta League diving champion, Wilson has signed with Cal Poly to continue her prep career.
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Emily Dusky, Napa Took home 12th at state last year after qualifying for the 100yard backstroke as a freshman. Melia Stout, Granite Bay The standout diver finished third in the section last year and could move up this season. BOYS TENNIS
PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Alex Miller, Placer-Auburn
Cody Hargadon, Davis Blue Devils’ senior was solid in the 50- and 100-yard free events last year as a junior and should once again finish in the top five. Tina Reuter, Rio Americano-Sacramento As a junior last year, Reuter finished third in the 200 IM and fourth in the 200-yard freestyle at sections. Halladay Kinsey, Rio Americano-Sacramento Finished first in heat at state in the 100-yard butterfly and was less than a second off the section record with a 54.40 last year. Zoe Cosgrove, Davis The Blue Devils’ distance swimmer took second at sections in the 500-yard free last year as a sophomore. Lizzie Menzmer, Rio Americano She took third in the 100-yard butterfly at 2017 sections and her 400-yard freestyle relay team brought home a win at state. Kristina Murphy, Christian Brothers-Sacramento Reached state as a junior a year ago in the 200-yard IM and 100-yard breaststroke, the later of which she won at sections. Katie Yule, Folsom As a freshman last season, the Bulldogs’ standout claimed third place in the 200- and 500-yard freestyle races at sections. Emma Lawless, Nevada Union-Grass Valley As a junior, the Miners’ standout took second in the 200-yard freestyle and the 100-yard backstroke at sections. Gianni Pitto, Lodi Reached state as a junior a year ago and took eighth in the 100-yard breaststroke. Madeline Woznick, Lodi Finished third in the 50-free to reach state as a soph last year. Caitlin O’Neil, Merrill West-Tracy As a freshman last year, O’Neil took fourth in the 100-yard freestyle at sections, but just missed state consideration. Hannah Joseph, Folsom Joseph finished among top six at sections in the 100-yard free and the 50-yard free as a freshman last year. Annie Bristow, Western Sierra-Rocklin Nearly earned a state bid last year as a junior with a 5:04.74 time in the 500-freestyle at sections. Kelsea Wright, American Canyon As a junior last season, Wright took sixth in the 200-yard free and seventh in the 500-yard free at sections.
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He won the SJS Div. II co-ed singles title as a freshman and is a heavy favorite to repeat again this May. He’s considered a fourstar recruit by TennisRecruiting.net. Jason Hensler, Placer SJS Div. II co-ed doubles champ with partner Kolby Hedden last year, and seeks repeat with a new partner in 2018. Luke Mulert, Oak Ridge-El Dorado Hills A freshman, Mulert made immediate impact as a singles player. Sean Barstow, Folsom A 3-star recruit by TennisRecruiting.net, Barstow is among several regional talents for Class of 2020. Logan Sam, Bear Creek The junior defended his San Joaquin Athletic Association league singles title in mid-April. Ravi Nelson, Rio Americano Another member of the dynamite 2020 class, the 4-star recruit was a perfect 8-0 through April 24 Bryce Burnham, Granite Bay Just a freshman, Burnham is considered a 3-star recruit and helped Granite Bay open the season 11-0. Pavan Murugesh, Granite Bay Sophomore (yeah, Class of 2020) anchors one of the top runs on the Grizzlies’ singles ladder. Jonah Tran, Jesuit-Carmichael Could potentially end up being the best of the region’s 2020 class, currently ranked among top 100 nationally. Connor Hersch, Davis The junior standout doubles player helped Blue Devils built a 12-2 record through April. Lingan Benin, Davis Versatile singles player for Blue Devils didn’t drop his first match until mid-April. BOYS TRACK AND FIELD
ATHLETE OF THE YEAR: Jake Grimsman, Vista del Lago-Folsom Signed to compete with perennial NCAA power BYU, the high jumper has mastered the elite seven-foot barrier by clearing it on three separate occasions. The 7-3 mark he landed March 31 to win the Stanford Invitational is No. 1 in the United States. Sondre Guttormsen, Davis Norwegian national pole vaulting star bound for UCLA vaulted 18 feet, 2.75 inches to win the Arcadia Invitational. David Phillips, Jr., Dixon Phillips is cooking at 10.80 seconds in the 100 meters and sports a 21.53 in the 200, best in the SJS. Patrick Acholonu, Pleasant Grove-Elk Grove The senior has sped to a 10.83 mark in the 100 and should make state if he can match that performance at Masters. Kristofer Castillo, American Canyon Gifted sprinter has Top-10 SJS times in both the 200 and 100 (currently third), and is also dangerous in the 400. Ryan Mulholland, Del Oro-Loomis Sophomore had SJS’ seventh-best mark in the 100 at 10.93 at the Sierra Foothill League Tri-Meet, fourth in 200 with a 21.97. Andrew Franco, Whitney-Rocklin His 21.67 time in the 200 ranked second in the section as of April 28, as did his 48.40 time in the 400.
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Zachary Larrier, Monterey Trail-Elk Grove His 47.12 personal best won the Arcadia Invitational 400 meters and ranked No. 1 in the state as of April 28. Damaris Burt, Kennedy-Sacramento A 100, 200 and 400 relay star, Burt was fourth in the section a year ago and is top-10 in the SJS this season. Devin Bright, Cosumnes Oaks-Elk Grove Cruising under 49 seconds in the 400 after going runner-up in the tough Walden Invitational, Bright should earn a state berth. Quinton Alexander, Vanden-Fairfield Fifth in the SJS last year at 800 meters, the junior had a 1:52.62 mark os No. 2 in the state, No. 1 in the section through April. Abraham Maldonado, Atwater No. 4 in the 800 last year and No. 2 in SJS through April. John Hagerman, Merced 1,600 and 800 star a real contender to qualify for the state meet in two events. He’s the only senior in the top-5 of both. Karl Winter, St. Mary’s-Stockton Winter’s 4:16.39 is the best mark of any SJS runner in the 1,600 this season as of May 1. Matt Strangio, Jesuit-Carmichael The 4:16.49 at the Bronco Roundup was No. 2 in section through April. Also No. 1 in the SJS with a 9:00.20 in the 3,200. Collin Ullrich, Liberty Ranch-Galt He was No. 6 in the state with a 9:02,73 in the 3,200 through April and also third in the 1,600 in the SJS. Santiago Ruiz, Gregori-Modesto Southern region distance superstar was stout at the Dublin Distance Fiesta. He has a top-10 mark in both the 3,200 and 1,600. Jamar Marshall, St. Mary’s Marshall tagged the No. 2 time in the state when he ran a 14.10 in the 110 hurdles at the Mt. SAC Relays in late April. Warren Williams, West-Tracy A relay and hurdling star, Williams is destined for the SJS Masters finals in multiple events. Jermain Worthy, Bella Vista-Fair Oaks As of May 1, he leads 300 hurdlers in the SJS with a 38.83 and was top-10 in both the 110 hurdles and the long jump Pierre Scott, Cosumnes Oaks-Elk Grove He ranked No. 2 in the SJS in the 300 hurdles and was a member of the third-ranked 1,600 relay team. Tazio Rosenberg, Davis The SJS leader in the shot put after April heaved a 52-7 at the Walden Invitational and a 167-2 discus in the Delta League. Sebastian Garcia, Jesuit Garcia has big throws in both events, a 52 in the shot put and a 167-2 in the discus. Jordan Baker, Rio Americano-Sacramento Baker won the Bella Vista Bronco Invitational with a 51-4 shot put and should be a state contender. Dominique Navarrette, El Capitan-Merced The top discus thrower in the section at 186-1. Eric Werner, Granite Bay Senior has thrown more than 170 feet three separate times, including a 178 at the Lancer Invitational. Donovan Jones, Roseville He’s chasing Grimsman of Vista del Lago in SJS, but could still win a CIF medal; he’s cleared 6-6.5 this year. Quincy Butler, Mountain House A 6-5 in the high jump at the Delta Mustang Invitational makes Butler a serious CIF contender. Simen Guttormsen, Davis The brother of pole vault sensation Sondre Guttormsen, Simen could make it a family affair atop the podium. James Baker, Del Oro-Loomis Ranked as the No. 3 SJS pole vaulter, he could punch his CIF ticket with a leap of 15 feet or higher at Masters.
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Silas Fredeen, Turlock The fourth and final 15-footer among SJS pole vaulters, he hit his mark at a league meet. DeAndra McDaniel, Natomas-Sacramento Junior is top-10 long jumper in state and No. 1 in the SJS with the 23-foot leap; he also has section’s top triple jump. Larynz Stallworth, Grant-Sacramento Senior long jumper has a 229.25 personal best long jump from the Stanford Invitational. Jonah Kosakiewicz, Turlock A 22-7.5 in the long jump makes Kosakiewicz an immediate contender to reach the state tournament. Cameron Lewis, Pleasant Grove His 45-3.5 in the triple jump ranks him second in the SJS at that event through April. Eric Robertson, West The section’s best senior in the triple jump, he hit 45-2.25 at the Husky Invitational. GIRLS TRACK AND FIELD
ATHLETE OF THE YEAR: Maddy Denner, Oak Ridge-El Dorado Hills Michigan-bound Maddy Denner is the reigning 1,600-meter state champion and 3,200-meter state runner-up. She posted California’s best (and the nation’s second-best) mark in the 3,200 this season when she bolted to a 10 minute, 8.01 second time at the Mt. SAC Relays.
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Jacob Cole Emily Costello, Vista del Lago-Folsom Senior sports top 400-meter time among SJS runners through April. She also has a top-5 SJS times in the 100 and 200. Tai McDonald, Sheldon-Sacramento Returning section champ, the senior has a top-3 SJS time in the 100 and 200, is on one of the state’s top 400 relay squads. Zharia Dixon, West-Tracy Sophomore has the No. 2 100 time in the section through April. Imani Dupree, Sheldon Soph speedster has a top-12 state mark in both 100 and 200. Thalia Reid, Sheldon The runner-up in the SJS Masters 200 last year sported top-7 section times in all three sprint events through April. Sadye Peschke, Bella Vista-Fair Oaks The section’s top returning hurdler had the state’s seventh-best 300 hurdles time as of May 1; She’s also a 400-meter talent. Anitha Graves, Woodcreek-Roseville The Stanford Invitational champion entered May with the best 800 time in the section. Elena Denner, Oak Ridge Notre Dame-bound distance star ranks No. 3 in the SJS in 3,200 through April, and owned section’s No. 2 time in 1,600. Olivia O’Keeffe, Davis O’Keeffe was runner-up in the 1,600 at last year’s state tournament. She also owned the top 800 in the SJS as of May 1. Angelena Williams, Golden Valley-Merced Could be section’s top 100-meter hurdler, if she can repeat dazzling 14.46 mark to finish second at the Stanford Invitational. Nia Collins, Monterey Trail-Elk Grove Collins is the section’s No. 2-ranked runner in the 100 hurdles and No. 3-ranked 300 hurdler. Mackenzie Fletcher, Ponderosa-Shingle Springs She could qualify for state in both hurdles events if she transforms her conference success into postseason glory. Ceonna Pipion, Vista del Lago Spectacular 400, 200 and 100-meter runner also leads both hurdle teams and scores absurd points in league meets. Jaxin Woodward, Vacaville The reigning SJS runner-up in the 800 is expected to be a postseason threat.
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Briseida Garcia, Gregori-Modesto Garcia is easily the top 800-meter runner in the southern half of the SJS and landed a terrific 2:15.44 at the Stanford Invitational. Cassi Land, Sonora The best small-school distance runner isn’t far behind the section’s elite talent in the 3,200. Whitney Barnes, Pitman-Turlock The top shot put talent in the SJS was third last year and heaved a spectacular 43-foot, 3-inch toss in league play. Shantel Nnaji, West No. 2 in the shot put and no, 3 in the discus, Nnaji could make state in two events. Kiashe Hobby, Grant-Sacramento Senior talent heaved a 39-11 to win the Thunder Invitational and could make the state tournament with a similar throw. Melisa Toilolo, West Only a sophomore, ranks top-10 in discus and tossed a personal best 39-8.5 shot put for fourth at the Arcadia Invitational. Emma Harper, Oakdale As of May 1, this freshman was the section’s top discus thrower by nearly four inches. Had 138-6 mark at the County Clash. Markayla Billings, Cosumnes Oaks-Elk Grove Sophomore ranked as SJS’ No. 2 in the discus with a 134-8 at the Bella Vista Bronco Invitational. Tiyanane Kamba-Griffin, Davis Talented high jumper leaped to a 5-6 in Delta League action and could win this event at the SJS Masters. Hannah Lybbert, Davis Lybbert has jumped 5-4.25 this season and should challenge for a state qualification. Audrey Simmons, Sonora Sonora’s jumping sensation is fourth in the high jump and fifth in the pole vault. Isabella Palchak, St. Francis-Sacramento Palchak had the fourth-best high jump mark at Masters last year and has already cleared that mark by two inches (5-3). Meghan Ladd, St. Francis-Sacramento Sixth in the section as a freshman pole vaulter, Ladd is already No. 1 in the SJS with a tremendous 12-0 mark. Elle Souza, Kimball-Tracy Souza ranked No. 2 in the section at 11-6 (pole vault) and 188.5 (long jump) through April. Brooke Hoppe, Golden Sierra-Manteca Hoppe has also hit 11-6 in the pole vault, and is a tremendous talent hailing from a student body of just 347. Marin Chamberlin, Placer-Auburn The multi-event star at Placer has won big events in the 800, 1,600, 3,200-meter run, pole vault and 1,600 relay. Katie Juarez, Bret Harte-Angels Camp An 18-8 long jumper, Juarez is seeking to become the school’s best athlete since fighter T.J. Dillashaw. Jaala Downes, Kimball The best long jumper in the SJS was seventh in the SJS a year ago, her top 2018 mark ranked No. 5 in the state entering May. Jaelyn Lockhart, Will C. Wood-Vacaville Lockhart has the best leap of any section triple-jumper at 38-7. Elyse Nordheim, Vista del Lago Also a relay talent, Nordheim is No. 2 in the SJS at 37-9.5 in the triple jump through April. Abby Lo, Davis Lo is a multi-event star that does her best work in the triplejump, where she leaped to a Top-3 SJS mark of 37-7.
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BOYS VOLLEYBALL
PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Jacob Cole, Roseville Senior outside hitter was tops in the SJS in hitting percentage and eclipsed 1,500 career kills to power Roseville to an undefeated regular season mark. He combined his 450-plus kills and .468 hitting percentage with more than 100 service aces. R.J. BIllena, Jesuit-Carmichael Senior libero is among the best defensive specialists in the SJS. Ian Smith, Elk Grove Thundering Herd’s junior OH led all section players with more than 470 kills and a 7.4 kills per set average entering May. Freddy Batiratu, El Camino-Sacramento The junior hitter led the Eagles in kills as they battled for the top spot in the Capital Athletic League. Griffin Walters, El Camino The Eagles’ junior setter was distributing nearly five assists per set for up-and-coming program. Sam Hales, Nevada Union-Grass Valley Senior setter guided offense to the tune of more than 400 assists in the regular season to go with 40-plus service aces. Nico Saboonchi, Whitney-Rocklin Wildcats’ senior is a three-year letter-winner and key to the program’s attempt to claim its fourth SJS title. Danny Sharrah, Whitney The 6-foot-6 senior is the Wildcats’ top hitter and is signed to continue playing at Dominican College. Nick Ashbaugh, Nevada Union Cal Poly-San Luis Obispo signee is a senior captain leading the Miners’ charge for their first SJS title. Riley Larson, Golden Sierra-Manteca The Grizzlies’ senior co-captain leads the SJS Div. III title contenders with 236 kills. Lucas Larson, Golden Sierra The younger brother of Riley is also a co-captain and has averaged 8.2 assists per set as the team’s setter. Tobias Roat, Rio Americano-Sacramento Senior hitter is the Raiders’ captain and top offensive weapon in quest for a third section title in four years. Shane Atkins, Rocklin Six-foot-6 junior OH is leading the Thunder’s charge to return to the top of the Sierra Foothill League. Cooper Baddley, Roseville Tigers’ senior captain reached 300 kills and 300 digs as Roseville played to defend its SJS and NorCal regional crowns. Brian Nuevo, Roseville Senior took over at the setter position and had a section-best 751 assists through April. Brandon Ehly, El Dorado-Placerville Senior hitter is versatile enough to be a defensive specialist. Paul Paquin, El Dorado Senior MH used his 6-foot-5 frame to lead the Cougars in blocks and added a team-high 20 services aces. Justin Daneluk, Franklin-Elk Grove Scrappy senior DS frustrated opponents with his SJS-high 472 digs that he kept up at a 7.5 digs per set clip. J.T. Demure, Granite Bay Junior hitter reached 400 kills and 200 digs as he tried to power the section’s most prolific program to a sixth overall SJS title. Michael Graser, Woodcreek-Roseville Senior hitter was the leader of the Timberwolves’ threepronged offensive attack with a team-best 150 kills. Cameron Williams, Woodcreek The Timberwolves’ senior MB pounded down 111 kills to go along with a team-best 73 blocks. Dawson Fugate, Del Oro-Loomis Long Beach State-bound star assumed more of a setting role after leading the team with 393 kills in 2017. ✪
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