Central Valley Senior Showcase 2019

at Turlock High: Thursday, March 21, 2019

A special publication of the

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Central Valley Senior Showcase

Five Years Strong

BY FRANKIE TOVAR

This year’s Central Valley Senior Showcase marks a leap forward in talent and competition. Formerly made up of senior players from ten local schools, this year’s rosters are comprised of seniors selected from 50 eligible schools across seven leagues.

All-Leaguers, MVPs and

FRANKIE TOVAR TURLOCK JOURNAL

champions — all sharing the same court for a final sendoff in front of fans and supporters for a night of fun and opportunity.

The

Turlock

Journal is happy to continue this tradition of showcasing local athletes while rewarding hard work with scholarship awards. Big thanks to all the players, parents, coaches, schools, volunteers, businesses and sponsors for making tonight possible. Now get ready for tipoff and enjoy the Fifth Annual Central Valley Senior Showcase!

Girls 5:30pm - Boys 7:30pm Coaches:

Girls (A) John Williams – Turlock High – CCAL Champions (N) Leonard Davis – Atwater High – CCC Champions Boys (N) Travis Thompson – Turlock Christian High – SJS D7 Runner Ups (A) Keith Hunter – Golden Valley High – CCC Champions

Event Sponsors:

City of Turlock Oak Valley Community Bank Golden Bear Physical Therapy 51 Fifty Energy Drink Emanuel Medical Center

Assyrian American Civic Club Central Catholic High Schools KW Recovery Lab

Event Donors:

Blown Away Salon and Spa Canal Veterinary Hospital Carnivore’s BBQ Sandwich Shop Crivelli’s Shirts and More Crust and Crumb Dean’s Pizza Dust Bowl Brewing Co. Glitz Fine Clothing Lowe’s Main Street Footers Salon Rouge Yonan’s Jewelers Yonan’s Floral

Special thanks to CrimeTek Security, Backstage Academy of Dance and TUSD. Subscribe.

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Wednesday, March 21, 2019

Abigail Kirkendall

Alexa Gomez

Turlock Christian High

Escalon High

Hello I am Abigail Kirkendall. I attend Turlock Christian High School and will be continuing my academic career at Grand Canyon University to obtain my Bachelor of Arts in Government with an emphasis on Legal Studies.

Alexa Gomez was born on December 12, 2000 in Modesto, California. She’s an eighteen year-old senior at Escalon High and will be attending Stanislaus State University in the fall majoring in Kinesiology.

I have played basketball all throughout life and now will play the last game of my career. I have had a passion for the game ever since I was a young kid and have always enjoyed the game.

Alexa has played basketball for 7 years now and is still indecisive if she will continue playing in college. She enjoys coaching little kids in the game of basketball and cherishes all the practices and games she had this last season. Now as she has these final months of school she is looking forward to her future and what it has in store or her.

What will you miss the most about high school basketball?

The competition and the ability to connect with other players.

College: Grand Canyon University

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Who is your greatest inspiration?

My greatest inspiration has been my Mom. My mom has taught me to never give up even in the hardest of times and to not wait for things to happen to make

Annie Winton

Camryn Silva

Livingston High

Ceres High

Annie Winton was a 4-year varsity basketball player and a part of two league championship teams in 2016 and 2019.

She was selected as first team all-league in 2017, the 2018 WAC Co-MVP and 2019 TVL MVP. Annie averaged 31.3 points/ game in the TVL in 2019 with an overall average of 27.1; ranked 2nd in California; 29th nationally. She made 113 3-pointers in 2019; 3rd in the state. In 11 games of the 2019 season, she had 30+ points, including a career-high 43 in a 65-55 win over Gregori High School. She finished her career at LHS having scored 1,879 points.

Annie will have received 13 high school varsity letters. She was a 4-year varsity starter in golf making all-conference in 2016 and 2017 and was named the 2018 TVL League MVP. She is also a 4-year varsity starting shortstop named 1st team all WAC in 2017 and 2018. Annie also lettered in varsity soccer in 9th grade. Annie maintains a 4.0 GPA and will

I’m a three year varsity player for Ceres High School. After high school, I plan on attending Sonoma State University where I will double major in Psychology and sociology.

them happen. She’s my greatest role model and the strongest person I know College: CSU Stanislaus

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What will you miss the most about high school basketball?

I’ll miss getting hyped with my team before games the most.

College: Sonoma State University

have completed a semester of college coursework upon graduation. She plans to play basketball at the collegiate level somewhere close to home.

What’s your most memorable moment on the basketball court?

College: Undecided

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Central Valley Senior Showcase Grace Higle

Jada Washington

Oakdale High

Turlock High I’ve been playing basketball for six years, half of which I’ve been playing for Turlock High.

Grace is a 3-year varsity starter at guard for Oakdale High School, 2-year Captain, 2018 Team Offensive Player of the Year, 2019 Team MVP, and 2019 VOL All-League First Team recipient.

What’s your most memorable moment on the basketball court?

The most memorable moment I’ve had during basketball was when my team had one league my first year playing with them. My sister and I were new to the school and winning that championship was super cool, especially because we got to do it together.

She recorded game highs of 36 points and 7 made 3’s, finishing the year averaging 17.0 points, 8.0 rebounds, 4.1 steals, 3.5 assists, and 1.1 blocks per game.

Who is your greatest inspiration?

My coach has been my greatest inspiration because she helped me realize my potential on and off the court and pushed me to constantly improve in every facet.

Though it was a difficult journey, I achieved far more than I ever thought possible, both on the court and in the classroom, and I am excited about the

opportunity to play at the next level and earn my degree.

College: Undecided

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Hold your meetings and events at

The Assyrian American Civic Club of Turlock We can help you with all of your catering needs! Big or Small!

2618 N. Golden State Blvd. Turlock, CA 95382

(209) 668-4668

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Wednesday, March 21, 2019

Jaydon Williams

Jessica Pedretti

Turlock High

Modesto High

I started playing basketball in 7th grade my dad was a coach and my older sister played so I tagged along, I have been playing ever since. I made the Varsity team my freshman year at Turlock High school.

My greatest inspiration is my parents, Dominic and Alice Pedretti. They taught me that I can accomplish anything as long as I give 100% to whatever I put my mind to.

My parents encouraged me to try my hardest to succeed on and off the court.

I have many, great basketball memories with my parents. I remember the late nights, outside on the driveway, learning post moves from my mom as she played defense. And, after many practices, my dad would always stay and challenge me while I was practicing my three point shot. They always believed in me.

The last three years I was named MVP of the league. My junior year I had a little set back I tore my ACL but I was dedicated and came back faster and stronger.

What player do you model your game after?

Kawhi Leonard never gives up and plays great defense. He is a two way player.

College: CSU Stanislaus

What will you miss most about high school basketball?

I will miss the camaraderie with my teammates. Long bus rides, intense pregames, exhausting conditioning, team

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meals, and running fivers together built relationships that I will never forget.

College: Modesto Junior College

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Central Valley Senior Showcase Mary Cotton

Melissa Brady

Lathrop High

Enochs High Melissa Brady is a 6’1� senior at Enochs High School. She has played Varsity basketball for three years and received the CCAL First All-Team twice.

My name is Mary Elizabeth Jade Cotton.

I am 17 years old and born on July 31st, 2001. I am a twin and the fifth child of a family of nine which includes my father, my mother, my four brothers and my two sisters. I have lived in Lathrop, California my entire life. I currently attend Lathrop High School where I am a senior and have played varsity basketball for the last four years.

I love basketball, which I learned from my father, older and younger brother. I have played basketball from the age of four and I hope to play at the college level, eventually transitioning to the WNBA or playing abroad.

What will you miss most about high school basketball?

The one thing I will miss most about high school basketball is playing with all my

This season she averaged 15 points, 14 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 1.7 blocks. She was rewarded MVP of her team both junior and senior year and academic all-league three years. She plans to go to Modesto Junior College and later transfer to a four-year.

LHS varsity teammates; especially Kaysey, Ayon, Kryshara, Jasmine and Khiya.

College: Undecided

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What is your most memorable moment on the basketball court?

My most memorable moment on the basketball court is hitting a gamewinning shot against East Union in a tournament. I loved this moment because for the adrenaline it gave me and how excited my team got.

College: Modesto Junior College

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Yosselin Castillo Pacheco High

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Wednesday, March 21, 2019

Alicia Jones

Amaya Ervin

Beyer High

El Capitan High

My name is Alicia Jones a senior at Beyer High school born February 26, 2001. I’ve been playing at beyer for 4 years plus 8th grade when my coach got me to play for his travel team. I love to play basketball because of the team aspect, also the adrenaline and physicality without it i feel like somethings missing in my life it truly is my life and I love it. Other than basketball I enjoy going on road trips, visiting new places and I do enjoy a lazy day here and there.

I was born on the 18th of December in 2000. I grew up in Stockton California in a close net family. On my free time I like to either cook or draw. One interesting fact about me is that I was the first greatgrandchild, grandchild and first girl child of my family.

My mom is my best friend, she is also my inspiration in life. I look up to her because she is a very strong and determined person. I enjoy doing things like spending quality time with my family and laughing with friends. As a kid I loved Track & Field, getting medals and just competing.

Track & Field was fun and was the first competitive sport I’ve ever played in life. I ran track ever since I was little girl up until now. I really enjoyed track but now my favorite sport is basketball.

What is your most memorable moment on the basketball court?

My most memorable moment on the basketball court is when we beat Modesto Christian and Lathrop my junior and senior year for league because no one thought we would ever win those games plus my team played crazy good those games too.

College: Undecided

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was going to fall in love with the sport. It not only brought me friends but gave me a passion to life.

College: Undecided

My fondness for basketball started freshman year of high school. Basketball is like my escape place. I had no idea that I

Emanuel Medicall Center is proud to o support the best and brightest senior nior basketball players rs from the area.

In such a tight-knit community, it’s always important to acknowledge greatness – and the student athletes on display here today certainly deserve our admiration and respect.

Congratulations to all of the participants!

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Central Valley Senior Showcase Andrea Garcia

Ayon Carter

Mountain House High

Lathrop High

Andrea (Andie) Garcia is a senior at Mountain House High School from Tracy, California. She first started playing basketball in third grade, then began playing AAU basketball in fifth grade. She is a four-year varsity player and has been the starting point guard for MHHS.

What player do you model your game after?

I model my game after the intensity of Maya Moore and Russel Westbrook.

Who/what is your greatest inspiration?

My greatest inspiration is my mom for dedication to thrive no matter what.

During her senior year she averaged 19.0 points, 6.7 assists, and 6.0 rebounds per game. She holds the all-time record in scoring, assists, and steals for MHHS.

College: Undecided

After high school she plans on attending a UC, majoring in either biology or kinesiology for physical therapy. Off the court, she likes to spend time with her family and friends, watch movies, and listen to music.

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Donja Payne

Kelsey Valencia

East Union High

Atwater High

What is your most memorable moment on the basketball court?

My most memorable moment on the court was my freshman year 2015 when we beat Manteca high and I got to play against Larretta.

I began playing basketball when I was 8 years old. I also play volleyball and run track. Before I got into high school, I was fully set on getting a scholarship to run track. My 8th-grade year I and a couple of teammates, who just so happened to be my friends, began playing for Atwater High’s Falcon Blue team (mini travel team for future Falcons).

College: Undecided

We spent a lot of time playing together all through the spring and summer. We traveled to games 2-3 times a week and usually rode with our coach, JR Davis. We thought he was a pretty cool guy because he would never complain when we would ask him to stop at McDonald’s or the gas station for snacks.

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It was on those trips that my teammates became more like sisters. If it wasn’t for that summer or this Atwater program I would not be getting the opportunity to

play basketball at the next level. In college, I will be studying to become either an elementary or high school teacher.

College: Undecided

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Wednesday, March 21, 2019

Kinsey Langley

Koleka Felt

Hughson High

Johansen High

I am Kinsey (Kiki) Langley, a Hughson High senior born and raised in Hughson, California. I’ve had a love for the game since I was 12 years old. Throughout high school I have created countless memories and friendships on the court. When I’m not playing basketball, I enjoy running cross country, eating chips in my bed and attending concerts with my sister.

My name is Koleka Felt and I am 18 years old. I’ve played basketball since I was 7 years old. Basketball has always been my favorite sport. Ever since I was little sports have consistently given me a reason to work hard towards things I love. Not only has playing 4 years of varsity basketball taught me to become a better basketball player, but it has also taught me many life lessons. I appreciate all the coaches I’ve had for encouraging me to become the best player I could be. Being awarded MVP for basketball is very humbling and I am proud of myself for trying to be the best player I possibly can. After high school, I plan on going to MJC for 2 years. Then, I will transfer to a 4 year college. I have the goal of getting my nursing degree and becoming a midwife.

Continuing basketball into college would be an amazing accomplishment that I hope to succeed in in the future.

After I graduate in May, I plan to go to Stanislaus State and pursue my education by majoring in chemistry. I am grateful for everything the Hughson High School basketball program has done for me as a person and as an athlete, I am glad to have spent my high school career as a Husky.

What player do you model your game after?

Since I started playing basketball I have modeled my game after the great Steve

Nash, I remember watching his flashy assists and instantly falling in love with the game.

College: CSU Stanislaus

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Lexi Valencia

Milea Appling

Atwater High

Mariposa High

I started playing basketball for Atwater Rec. when I was 8 years old. From the moment my first practice was over I realized how fun the sport was and how much I loved it. I continued to play basketball, began playing volleyball, and continued with track.

College: Modesto Junior College

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My greatest inspirations are my grandparents and mom. My grandma always hypes me up before a game and gives me confidence in myself and my abilities.

My grandpa was the whole reason why I fell in love with basketball. He’d always take me down to the basketball court by our house and he taught me how to shoot and dribble the ball. My mom has been so selfless throughout my whole high school career. She’s always put me playing basketball above everything, taking me to travel basketball tournaments, practices, and just encouraging me to be the best I can be.

Growing up with a sister, let alone one the same age as me, meant we were constantly challenging each other in everything we did. That is definitely what fed into my competitive nature.

Being primarily a track kid my whole life, playing at Atwater made me a basketball player. Atwater High will always be a big part of where I came from, and my coaches will always be the reason I succeed in life.

What’s your most memorable moment on the basketball court?

My most memorable moment on the basketball court was my sophomore year when I made a half-court shot at the buzzer.

Because of them I will be given the opportunity to play college basketball and for that I am forever grateful.

College: Undecided

College: Undecided

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10 Alex Guerrero

Cade Alger

Gustine High

Ripon Christian High

I started playing basketball in the 6th grade at Dartmouth Middle school in San Jose. My basketball journey began when I was asked to try out for the team that year. Although I was not very athletic at the time, my Dad always encouraged me to give it 110%. This is where I learned the basic fundamentals of basketball. The next school year my family and I moved.

I started 7th grade at Gustine Middle School. I continued to play basketball during my time here. During the summer breaks I was in AAU travel basketball.

These experiences prepared me for the higher level competition I would face in high school. As a freshman at Gustine High I made the Varsity basketball team.

I received an honorable mention reward my freshman and sophomore year and I was a first team All-League player my junior and senior year. I led my team to the playoffs for the first time since the mid-90s and set a record for most career

I am from Oakdale, California and I attend Ripon Christian High School. I come from a family of six with 3 sisters that have been married or are getting married soon. I have three nieces who always come to almost all of my sporting events.

I have attended Ripon Christian since Kindergarten and have been involved in athletics since grade school. I started off playing basketball in the Escalon City League during grade school and have loved basketball ever since. I also have played football since second grade all the way up to this year where we came up short in the section final. I started playing volleyball my junior year and am continuing to play my senior year.

Basketball has always been my favorite sport but I still enjoy competing in football and volleyball. I plan to take my basketball talents to the next level and play at college for four years while I am studying for a degree in business. I am

points for Gustine High School. I could not have accomplished any of these achievements if it was not for the support of my parents, Alex and Ester Guerrero, my siblings, and friends. I also want to thank my coaches; Jason Oliveira, Charlie Kothenbeutel, Mike Barnett, and Jeremy Estabillo.

College: Gavilan College

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hoping to make my college decision in April or sooner.

What’s your most memorable moment on the basketball court?

Winning the Division 6 Section Championship my junior year College: Undecided

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Cameran Sherwood Turlock High

Faith » Academic Rigor » Family » Community » Integrity

My name is Cameran Sherwood and I am a senior at Turlock High School. I was humbly blessed to play and start for three years on the Varsity Basketball team under head coach Doug Cornfoot. This past season was my most memorable season by far, and at the end of the year I was honored to receive the CCAL MVP award.

I also was blessed to get to start and play for three years on the Varsity Football team and two years on the Varsity Tennis team.

High School athletics have taught me so much about life and about myself. I have developed some great friendships that will last me a lifetime as a Turlock High Bulldog and I will always cherish the time I had on the court and field. I have yet to decide on where I plan on going next year for college, but I know the best is yet to come.

A Central Catholic graduate will be a spiritually-developed person, an academically-prepared student, a socially-responsible leader and a globally-conscious citizen.

What will you miss most about high school basketball?

The thing I am going to miss most about high school basketball is the spirit and energy my school brought to every game.

College: Undecided

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Wednesday, March 21, 2019

BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT 3-Point Shooting Contest

MARCH 30 2019

Stanislaus State

Turlock, Ca

Jr High & High School Students 5-9 pm

$25 Per Team

Boys & Girls

Register at: centralvalleyfca.org

By March 25, 2019

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Central Valley Senior Showcase Devon Acker-James

Drew Pritchard

Mariposa High

Denair High

Who is your greatest inspiration?

My brother is my greatest inspiration and he pushed me to be the best person I can be.

My name is Drew Pritchard and I am in the graduating class of 2019 at Denair High School. I have been playing Varsity Basketball since my sophomore year. I had received First-Team All-League honors my sophomore and junior year as my senior year results are still pending.

College: UC Santa Barbara

I have also received honors as First Team All Turlock Journal last season as a junior.

Playing these last two seasons at Denair as point guard I have led the team to more league wins that combined in the 5 years prior. I also led the team to our first playoff victory in 7 years. Going to Turlock schools all my life I was nervous coming in as a freshman because I did not know whether or not I would be accepted.

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That is the beauty of sports as it creates a gateway for all people to bond and these four years have been some of the greatest times of my life. As it really is true, it is not

Ethan Fisher

George Carter

Turlock Christian High

Brookside Christian

My name is Ethan Fisher and I was born and raised in Turlock, CA. I’ve been playing organized basketball since sixth grade. I have three younger siblings of whom also play basketball.

Basketball has been an important part of my life ever since I can remember. I began playing AAU basketball when I was 7 years old. I’ve also been playing basketball with Brookside Christian Schools since 7th grade. I had a solid foundation and have really grown in my game the last few years at the varsity level. I am very thankful for the privilege of attending a private school, which has helped shape me into the person I am today. With my family’s support, my school and church, I have learned how important character and integrity is. I strive not only to be an elite athlete, but a man of character and discipline as well.

In my personal life, I really enjoy spending time with my family including family members who live in Kentucky. One of my favorite memories is when we recently attended a University of Kentucky basketball game with my grandfather.

The energy at the game was really intense

Aside from living in South Carolina all of my freshman year, I’ve played every year from sixth grade. I also love baseball and going to professional games. All in all, I’m just grateful to play one of the games that I love and am extremely blessed.

What will you miss most about high school basketball?

I’ll no doubt miss being around the guys and just the overall atmosphere that is high school basketball. Whether it was getting away to the outdoors with the team or our student section fueling our energy on the court, it’s something I’ll never forget and miss for sure.

College: Undecided

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about the destination but mostly about the journey.

Who do you model your game after?

Kyrie Irving College: Modesto Junior College

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and I remember feeling excited about playing at that level in the near future.

My all- time highpoint is playing and dunking on an NBA court this year where we won the SJS championship.

What player do you model your game after?

Kevin Durant College: Undecided

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Wednesday, March 21, 2019

Joseph Perez

Max Sanchez

Modesto High

Central Valley High

My name is Joseph Perez and I have been a part of the Modesto High School basketball program for the past 4 seasons.

Over these past 4 years, I learned a lot basketball and life. Besides being a coachable player, I learned about being a responsible young man off the court. I think that every coach that I have played for would be proud of the person I am today.

During my junior year, I was voted Honorable Mention All-MMC and was voted First Team All-CCAL this past season. I’m very grateful for my time and experiences playing at Modesto High School with all my teammates and look forward to continuing to play next season at MJC.

I began playing basketball in 8th grade.

I didn’t get any experience from it as I played very little. I tried out for the freshman team at Central Valley High School and made it, this was a confidence booster. I came off the bench freshman year just to hit shots. I worked a lot on expanding my game and grew 3 inches from 5’8, and when I came back the following season Coach Dickson at the time decided to try me out for varsity. He decided to keep me there when I helped propel our teams to wins during the preseason and regular season. I played varsity 3 of the 4 years I was at Central Valley and became captain of the varsity team my senior year.

Some characteristics basketball gave me were hard work, responsibility, creating relationships and being a leader. I am currently 6’2 going on 3, 165 pounds and played the small forward position. Things I do well on the court are making the extra

What will you miss most about high school basketball?

I’m going to miss shooting deep threes

and getting the crowd hyped up. Not only that, but playing for my coach and teammates. I’ve probably been with them more than my family.

College: Modesto Junior College

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Michael Vivo

Nate GotgotaoWashington

Waterford High

Elliot Christian

Throughout high school I played football, basketball, and baseball. A 3-year varsity starter in football and a 4-year varsity starter in both basketball and baseball.

I am undecided on where I will attend college, but I plan to play both football and baseball and majoring in liberal studies. However, I plan to pursue a sports career, and if that does not work out at least be part of the game through coaching.

In my senior year I was selected First Team All-League after leading team and ranking second in league in scoring with 19 points per game. I’ve set a personal scoring record of 39 points at Rio Linda off of 12 field goals, 7 of them being 3 pointers (December 27, 2018). I have been the Team Captain from freshman to Varsity level basketball.

I want to thank all my family and friends for their continuous love and support through all my ups and downs. Sports have given me so much and has trained me to be a better man in the real world.

I also want to thank my coaches for the support and allowing me to grow and get better each year.

Who is your greatest inspiration?

Definitely my Dad. He works very hard and does everything he can to be at every practice, game, or event me or my sisters participate in.

College: Undecided

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pass, hitting big shots, pushing the tempo and bringing leadership to the court. I have played basketball a total of 5 years and I plan on continuing my basketball career, but am more focused on pursuing my education further.

College: Undecided

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What’s your most memorable moment on the basketball court?

My most memorable moment on the basketball court was when I scored 39 points against Rio Linda High. I felt unstoppable and every shot was dropping for me. In the beginning of the game I scored my teams initial 10 points within 3 minutes of the game and from there my mind went into its zone and I was able to keep my rhythm going.

College: Undecided

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Central Valley Senior Showcase Steffin Winston

Zach Silva

Denair High

Turlock Christian High

Hello, my name is Steffin Winston and I was born in Martinez California on June 15, 2001. I soon came to the small town of Denair, California to kick off my life with interesting and amazing memories and experiences. Ever since I moved to Denair I didn’t have very much to complain about. The only thing that I would change is the size.

At first I hated being in a small town because it was very hard to meet new people and make new friends because you knew everyone in Denair weather you are walking to the store or just driving through town. You still manage to see someone you know every time. The one thing I have noticed is once you become an athlete you get to meet tons of new people from different places.

Being an athlete made me realize that no matter how small your town or school is that you can still go out and get your name heard from other people

My name is Zachary Silva and I am a senior at Turlock Christian High School.

I have lived in Turlock nearly all my life, having only lived in Utah when I was younger. I have four other siblings in my family and my parents John & Michelle Silva. I have been playing basketball ever since I was six years old. I would not be the person I am today without basketball.

I am a four-year varsity starting point guard for Turlock Christian. Right now I am in the process of choosing which university I will attend and with whom I will continue my basketball career. around the state. To conclude this short autobiography I’ll say something super cheesy and that is, I’m just a small town kid chasing big dreams.

Who do you model you game after?

Russell Westbrook.

College: CSU Stanislaus

What’s you most memorable moment on the basketball court?

Hitting a three-pointer this year at the buzzer, sending us into double overtime, which eventually led us to beating the #1 seed a playing at Golden One for the Section Championship game.

College: Undecided

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Anoop Nagra

Elijah Hughes

Buhach Colony High

Ceres High

My name is Anoop Nagra and I am currently a senior at Buhach Colony High School. Alongside playing basketball for 4 years in high school, I have consistently achieved academic success by maintaining a 4.2 GPA junior and senior year. I also played for a variety of AAU travel basketball teams for 6 years. While training to be an elite basketball player, I also involve myself in school clubs, such as being vice president of HOSA (Health Occupational students of America). I want to thank my parents, family, and friends who are all responsible for motivating me every day to be the best person on and off the court.

My name is Elijah and I’m 18 years old.

Basketball came in my life when I was about three. My dream since I knew how to talk has been to make it to the NBA. I tried out for basketball in 7th and 8th grade but I didn’t make the team because they said I was too big and slow. My 9th grade year I tried out and made my first basketball team ever. It was lit. The team was one of Ceres High’s best and funniest teams. 10th grade is when I told myself that I wanted to go far in basketball. I started losing weight.

College: Undecided

Who is your greatest inspiration?

My parents because they have made a handful of sacrifices for me therefore I represent them in everything I do.

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Starting at about 280 lbs, at the end of the year I was about 265lbs. 11th grade I was on it the summer before basketball. I was on the grind and this year I’m 225 lbs and can finally dunk. This year has been good because my coaches never gave up on me even when they wanted to. They stayed on me the whole time.

Who do you model your game after?

The player I model my game after is King James.

College: Undecided

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Wednesday, March 21, 2019

Etrell Bowers

Gundeep Hayer

Golden Valley High

Pitman High

My name is Etrell Bowers and I’m 18 years old. I’m from Sacramento, California and I’ve been playing ball for 7 years. I’m 6’4, 205 pounds. I’m graduating this year class of 2019 from Golden Valley High School.

I love playing sports year round and I’m pretty athletic.

My name is Gunndeep Hayer, I am 18 years old and I have lived in Turlock my whole life. I have 2 older siblings. I love all of my family as well as my friends and can’t thank them enough for all they have done for me. I have played basketball almost my whole life and also played soccer up until sophomore year. I have played AAU for StanCo for 4 years and enjoyed the everlasting memories I have created with my teammates. Also, a huge thank you to all my coaches for making me a better athlete and person. For my future, I plan on attending a four year college to further my studies.

What’s your most memorable moment on the basketball court?

Throwing down my first dunk College: Merced Junior College

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Who do you model your game after?

I model myself after Kobe Bryant not only because he is the greatest player of all time, but because of his Mamba mentality and how he holds himself to a certain standard.

Jacob Dominguez

Jaq Quinn

Orestimba High

Mariposa High

I am Jacob Dominguez a 17 year old student athlete at Orestimba High. I am blessed to have an amazing family and friends whom helped me become the young man I am today. I am a 4 sport athlete and am excited to pursue a career in teaching. It’s an honor to be in this event and I thank everyone who’s helped me get to this point.

Hi my name is Jaq Quinn. I have been a three sport athlete my entire life and all through high school. I have been a varsity football and basketball starter since sophomore year and I was selected to be a captain my junior and senior year for both teams. I am also an active member in my FFA chapter. I participate on many teams, attend leadership conferences and I have served as an officer for the past three years. This year I was elected Chapter Vice President. I am planning on attending Texas A&M to pursue a career as a large animal veterinarian.

College: Undecided

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College: Undecided

Who is your greatest inspiration?

My former coach, coach Jackle, he always pushed me to be my best, and he taught me not only how to be a good player on the court but how to be a good person off the court. He has inspired me to work hard for my goals, and shown me that I can do anything I put my mind to.

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College: Oklahoma State University or Texas A&M

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16

Central Valley Senior Showcase Jaquile Ingram

Jorge Cedano

Modesto High

Manteca High

I am Jaquile Ingram and have been a 4-year member of the Modesto High School basketball program. During my junior season, I was voted 2nd Team AllMMC. Additionally, I was voted 1st Team All-CCAL this past season. In addition to basketball, I have also been a member of the Modesto High football program.

This past season, I was voted Modesto Bee All-District Defensive Back, CCAL Special Teams Player of the Year, and 1st Team All-CCAL Defensive Back. I will miss playing sports at Modesto High but am looking forward to pursuing my athletics and academics in college over the next 4 years.

My name Is Jorge Cedano I live in Manteca California and attend Manteca High. I’m 17 years old and love my family and basketball. I plan on getting into the medical field once I’m in college and becoming a nurse.

What’s your most memorable moment on the basketball court?

My most memorable moment on the basketball court was being a part of the state team my freshman year.

College: Undecided College: Modesto Junior College

What will you miss most about high school basketball?

What I will miss the most about high school basketball is being able to play with and against people I grew up with.

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Marcus McCutchen

Nephrey Donasco

El Capitan High

Enochs High

I started playing basketball in the 2nd grade. I remember Coach Hunter teaching me how to do a layup and how to jump stop I could especially never forget him yelling at me every time I double dribbled.

Basketball has always came naturally for me on the IQ end of things. When I really started getting serious about basketball around 12 or 13 years old I played StanCo this really elevated my game and opened the door to elite movies I still use today.

High school basketball has been what some may consider a success and I’m ready to take my talents to the next level.

My name is Nephrey Gabriel Donasco and I have been a three-year starter on the Enochs Varsity team. I earned Second Team All-League as a junior and First Team All-League this year as a senior.

I was the top scorer of the league with 19.9 points per game. I am an AP student with a 4.0 GPA and have been taking honors classes for all four years of high school. I am planning to attend CSU Stanislaus where I plan to play basketball.

I will be majoring in Nursing.

Who is your greatest inspiration?

My greatest inspiration is my grandma and number fan fan Isabel Garcia.

What’s your most memorable moment on the basketball court?

The most memorable moment on the court is when I dropped 34 points.

College: Undecided

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Wednesday, March 21, 2019

Ricardo Ramirez

Vincent Olmo

Waterford High

Ripon High

Hi, my name is Ricardo Ramirez and I am 18 years old. I attend Waterford High School and I’m well on track to graduate in May. I have been playing basketball all my life. I fell in love with the game early and haven’t stopped playing since. This game has taught me so much and has given me some of the best memories. I also play football and baseball, which I love to play, but basketball is by far my favorite sport. I have had so much support from my family, friends, and coaches along the way. I hope to go to college and play basketball, but if that doesn’t work out for me I plan on finding a job in construction after I graduate.

I am a kid born and raised my whole life in Ripon, CA. I’ve always grown up playing multiple sports with basketball and baseball being my favorite ones to play. I’ve been playing basketball for as long as I can remember. I have my parents and God to thank for all my success on the court as they have instilled the values that are present in me today. The game of basketball has been one of the biggest influences on my life and has taught me so much about life itself. I’m looking forward to what basketball and life has for me in the future.

Who is your greatest inspiration?

My Mom, the hardest working person I know. She works two jobs so I can play sports instead of having to get a job.

What’s your most memorable moment on the basketball court?

My most memorable moment would be the TVL Championship game my senior year where my team and I clinched the TVL title for the third straight year.

College: Undecided

College: Undecided

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18

Central Valley Senior Showcase

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19

Wednesday, March 21, 2019

LENDING IN YOUR COMMUNITY At Oak Valley Community Bank we’re committed to supporting the borrowing needs of the communities we serve. Here are a few examples of projects we’ve recently financed for clients.

Call Us About Your Next Project Today!

$1.9M

$7.5M

Manufacturing Facility Line of Credit

Ag Production & Distribution Real Estate & Line of Credit

$500K

$250K

Food Industry Revolving Line

Non-Profit Organization – Real Estate

$8.0M

$4.2M

Commercial Real Estate – Government

Mike Garcia

Victoria Gaffney

343.7607

343.7601

Commercial Banking Market Manager

Commercial Loan Officer

Jeff Hushaw

Commercial Loan Officer

844.7544

Commercial Real Estate – Office

Laura Weaver

Escalon Branch & Area Manager

343.7633

Deep Roots ~ Strong Branches

www.ovcb.com Elisa Luna

Debbie Baglietto

Kristine Griffin

Dianna Bettencourt

343.7632

396.1581

758.8034

633.2867

Oakdale Branch Manager

Manteca Branch Manager

Ripon Branch Manager

Turlock Branch Manager

Oakdale • Sonora • Modesto • Turlock • Patterson Escalon • Ripon • Stockton • Manteca • Tracy • Sacramento

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Central Valley Senior Showcase

City of Turlock for sponsoring

the CVSS

www.cityofturlock.org