Pioneer Sports Shorts for August 2021
CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CA (Aug. 20, 2021) — Although we continue to face challenges dealing with COVID-19 and its variants, most local sports organizations and schools have returned to somewhat regular training and competition schedules.
With this encouraging turn of events The Pioneer is now resuming our popular Sports Shorts feature that we put on hiatus in March 2020. This has been part of our sports section since The Pioneer started in May 2003. Please feel free to submit news items to us at sports@pioneerpublishers.com.
Mt. Diablo High junior Yasmine Garrett named first-team all-State basketball
Junior forward Yasmine Garrett of Mt. Diablo High School was named to the first-team all-State Division IV girls basketball team for the 2021 season by CalHiSports.com. Coach Ronnie McGee credited Garrett with helping the Red Devils to their first winning season in at least 20 years, including a four-point win over Pittsburg High. She averaged 21 points a game and was the second leading scorer in the Diablo Athletic League. Garrett had games during the spring season with scoring totals of 40, 37 and two 24-point outputs. “Her efforts are changing the culture of Mt. Diablo girls basketball program for the future,” coach McGee said of his incoming senior.
Current, former De La Salle football players make college choice news
Even before he begins his senior season for De La Salle High, defensive back Zeke Berry announced his decision to attend the University of Arizona after his graduation next spring. Berry, who impressed in January at the National Preps Collegiate Showcase as the Defensive MVP to raise his profile as the No. 1 Bay Area recruit, will join his Spartan teammates in their season opener next Friday in Stockton against St. Mary’s.
Former DLS star Henry To’oto’o made national news when he entered the transfer portal after his sophomore season at the University of Tennessee and eventually announced he was headed to national champion Alabama. The Crimson Tide was a favorite to land the 2019 Spartan grad before he selected Tennessee. He had two excellent seasons with the Volunteers but was one of several high-profile transfers after a change in the Tennessee coaching staff following the 2020 season. He’s been touted as a potential starter for Alabama after recent pre-season workouts.
All Out Sports youth leagues taking signups
Blaze Basketball tryouts for boys and girls in second through 12th grades are begin held this month at Clayton Community Gym. Hopefuls should register online at blazetravelball.com/tryouts. For complete information on All Out Sports League adult and youth programs including camps and clinics, visit alloutsportsleague.com.
Terrapin swimmers excel at Sectional Championship
The Terrapins Swim Team sent 20 senior level athletes to compete at the CA/NV Long Course Sectional Championships in Roseville last month. This was the first higher level meet the team has participated in a year and a half.
The meet featured over 650 athletes from all over California and Nevada with the Terrapins finishing fifth on the men’s side and 11th overall. Leading the way was veteran Adrian Dulay, who won the men’s 200 breaststroke and was fifth in the 100 breast (both new National cuts). Gigi Baldacci won the consolation final of the 100 breast and Danila Litikin won the consolation final in the 200 breast and was third in the consolation final of the 100 breast. Diego Castaneda made the championship final of the 400 IM in his first sectional meet and Mason Wendler was top 27 in the 400 freestyle in his initial Sectional. Diana Chan contributed on the women’s side with three top 27 performances and Jessica Larson scored for the women in the 100 back.
Mt. Diablo High School announces latest Sports Hall of Fame inductees
Mt. Diablo High School Sports Hall of Fame will hold its induction dinner honoring their 2020 inductees on Saturday, Nov. 6, at Zio Fraedo’s in Pleasant Hill. This year’s recipients are Jim Wharton (Class of 1967), John Capas Morales (‘68), Tim O’Connor (‘86), Sandi Gomes Yoland (‘84) and Bob Penny (‘70).
For tickets contact Lou Adamo by phone (925-212-9332) or mail (Hall of Fame Dinner, 1401 Stonecreek Ct., Martinez, CA 94553). Tickets are $55 and checks should be made payable to MDHSSHOF. Proceeds help fund girls’ and boys’ athletic and academic programs at the school.
Junior Optimist taking fall league baseball signups
Junior Optimist Baseball League is having co-ed baseball this fall for ages 4-9 years old. Fall Ball will be held on eight Saturdays starting Sept. 11 through Oct. 30 at the JOBL Complex in Concord. The program is considered both instructional and recreational baseball. JOBL fall ball has been held for the better part of 20 years while the traditional spring JOBL season was first held in 1963. Visit joblconcord.com for more information and to register.
St. Bonaventure CYO cross country, basketball still taking registrations
St. Bonaventure CYO basketball and cross country programs are both taking registrations.
Coach Joe Sullivan says the first cross country practice for boys and girls in third through eighth grades is Aug. 20 at Newhall Park at 3:45 p.m. Basketball begins in September and runs through the playoffs in the new year. Boys and girls in second through eighth grades can take part in CYO basketball. For more details on cross county contact Sullivan by email rleprcn@pacbell.net or phone (925) 969-0207. For St. Bonaventure basketball contact Ferd Santos stbonaventurecyo@gmail.com or (925) 270-9390. Registration is taken online at stbonaventurecyo.com.
Diablo Valley Wolves 05 girls Surf Cup U17 finalists
Coach Zach Sullivan’s Diablo Valley Wolves 2005 girls reached the under 17 championship game of the prestigious Surf Cup last month in San Diego. The local competitive team lost a shootout 4-3 after tying Laguna United FC 2005 Blue 1-1 in the championship game. Earlier the Diablo Valley Wolves team had won a shootout in the semi-finals.
The Wolves 05 are currently ranked 11th in Northern California and play in the National Premier League. The team includes, front row from left, Emily Beeson, Kate Saari, Kelly Flores, Erika Salazar, Hailey Kenny, Juliannah Colchico, Jacqueline Tamayo, Abigail Salgado, Aubrielle Irwin, Indigo Whiteley; back row, Zuleyka Berumen, Morgan Purvey, Caroline Tobin, Shelby Bonham, Tylin Norman, Liliana Bailey, Gabriella Kummer, Reagan Thomas and coach Sullivan.
MDSA Storm 09 boys champions in 1st tournament in 19 months
MDSA Storm 09 Boys Elite were first in their division at the San Ramon Summer Classic last month. Coaches Pete Laverick and Billy Torrez saw their team return to tournament play for the first time in 19 months in the under 13 Division. The local MDSA team came through the group stage undefeated and clinched the first-place trophy with a 3-2 victory over Pittsburg Youth Academy in the White Division final. The team includes, front row from left, Aaden Torrez, Elias Freij, Alex Lahanas, Jamie Laverick, Ieuan Azarcon; back row, coach Torrez, Cooper Smith, Jacob Asselin, Baron Schultz, Teddy McGee, Cayden Baker, Alexander Hernandez, Giovanni Delgado, Coach Laverick. Not pictured, Ryan Kern, Lauren Liming, trainer Frank Gavidia.