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  • Basketball: Mesa Verde girls take home awards, set goals for next year

    Basketball: Mesa Verde girls take home awards, set goals for next year

    Pictured above: Julia Gotishan, Maleena Ridore, and Vanessa Flores

    By Marcus D. Smith–
    The 2019-20 season for the Mesa Verde varsity girls basketball team was astonishing, for many reasons.

    For starters, managing to notch their best record in 15 years shows the difference in where the program is currently and where they’re going in the future. In accomplishing such a feat, the Mavericks were able to accomplish league-wide recognition and bring home awards to enjoy with their families and teammates.

    *Local sports coverage on The Sentinel is made possible by our paid subscribers and generous support from Stones Gambling Hall.*

    Team captains Maleena Ridore and Vanessa Flores were selected as members of the 2020 Golden Empire First Team All-League team. Julia Gotishan, a junior, was named Honorable Mention.

    “I’m very proud of how far we’ve come as a team and myself,” said Gotishan. “Coming into this season, I was like ‘this is my season, we’re making it this year, we’re making it a good one.’”

    Gotishan will be ineligible for the next season due to graduating early. She plans to attend Sacramento State and major in engineering.

    Leading the way for the Mavericks in the middle, Ridore averaged a double-double on the season, notching 10.9 points per game and 11.8 rebounds per game. Her consistency led her to be named Player of the Game for Mesa Verde in 11 out of the 26 games played this season.

    As a junior this year, Ridore led the team in shooting with a 47% field goal percentage. Defensively, she averaged just under three steals per game. Ridore was also named the Mesa Verde Most Valuable Player for 2020. Previously, she was named team MVP her freshman year in the 2017-18 season.

    “Honestly, I’d rate this season [as] the best season I’ve ever had…I played with way more potential and I had more confidence,” said Ridore on receiving her team and Golden Empire League awards.

    “I feel great about that one…I feel like I really earned it,” Ridore added.

    Ridore finished the season 14th in all of the state of California for rebounds per game and ninth with total double-doubles. She finished second on the team in scoring and recorded two triple-doubles this season.

    The Mavericks’ scrappy point guard Julia Gotishan led the team in steals with 3.7 per game. She compiled a total of 92 steals for the season and had five or more steals in nine of the 25 games she played in.

    Gotishan added seven points per game and five rebounds per game, as a guard. In the Golden Empire League, she finished within the top 10 in steals, rebounds, and assists. She finished at seventh on the list in steals for the Sac-San Joaquin Section – Division IV.

    “I’m actually very happy that I was able to make a difference,” said Gotishan. “Growing up I was always competitive…once I’m on the court, once I start playing, it’s bad.”

    It was Flores who led the team in scoring in her junior year. She outscored her teammate, Ridore, in total points this season by a free throw, 284 to 283. She averaged 10.9 points per game and was named Player of the Game for eight games this season.

    She also made a team-high 45 three-point field goals this season, which was the second most in Sac-San Joaquin Section this season and 31st in the state.

    Flores scored a season-high and career-high, 26 points, against Hiram Johnson High School in a non-conference matchup on Jan. 7. Flores was also a defensive standout for the Mavericks, as she led the team in blocks with a total of 22 blocks this season.

    Flores was also a recipient of the Mesa Verde Best Teammate Award for 2020.

    “It’s not even just me, the team pushes me too,” said Flores. “We all work together… we could tell that we had a chance to do bigger things. We all have that chemistry, so we all just push each other a lot.”

    Both captains on the team have been a part of the Mesa Verde girls varsity program since their freshman years in 2017. Mesa Verde’s varsity program has improved every year since they joined the program as freshman players.

    Mesa Verde’s Mark Toscano wins Coach of the Year

    The year prior, according to maxpreps.com, the Mavericks girls varsity overall record was 3-19. They helped to improve the team record after their freshman year by a game.

    As Flores and Ridore’s games both grew, the progression of the Mavericks basketball program sprouted into a constant development that is coming into its true form. As sophomores, they won five games overall. They would help more than double their win total this season as juniors. Next year, they will enter their final year as they graduate with the class of 2021.

    “I definitely want to make playoffs next year. I think we could do it,” said Flores.

    The girls have goals looking forward to ending their high school careers with a “bang,” as they have sights on improving their total win record from this year. Not just their overall record, but their league record.

    The girls feel that they allowed games to get away from them in early February. They will be working this summer with their sights set on making the CIF Sac-San Joaquin Section Championship playoffs next season.

    “Oh yeah definitely,” said Ridore on playoff hopes next season. “There was only one game we lost and it was by one point [against Mira Loma] and we would’ve went to playoffs this year. But next year we’re definitely going to playoffs.”

    See more local sports coverage on The Sentinel’s sports page: click here

  • Mesa Verde High School alumnus returns as head football coach

    Mesa Verde High School alumnus returns as head football coach

    Leonard Casillas has been announced as the new Mavericks football coach.

    *Local sports coverage on The Sentinel is made possible by our paid subscribers and generous support from Stones Gambling Hall.

    By Marcus D. Smith–
    After a one-and-done 2019 year for the Mavericks former varsity football coach Bryan Golder, Mesa Verde High School looks to bring in a fresh face for 2020 — one that is familiar with MVHS, as he is an alumni of the school.

    Mesas Verde introduced Leonard Casillas as the new head football coach for the Mavericks’ varsity team. Casillas comes with tons of experience ranging from playing to coaching at Mesa Verde High School.

    “It’s a huge opportunity for me, It’s always been my dream ever since I started coaching, to be the head coach at Mesa Verde…to get the opportunity to come back, I’m real excited about that. I have a lot of roots here, being an alumni,” said Casillas.

    Casillas comes in to succeed Golder, who coached the Mavericks to a winning season. Casillas watched closely as to what the Mavericks were doing last year. In some parts, he was impressed, other departments he saw room for improvement.

    “Just to be back here and be in the position I’ve always wanted, I’m so excited about it,” he said. “[We’ll] bring some traditions back, but also a new culture and build off that foundation of last year and the winning season.”

    Casillas plans to bring in his own coaching staff as he has already gone to sign Kenny Tubbs to be his defensive coordinator.

    “[He’s] a great guy. I’m excited. I’m probably going to learn some things from him. He has a lot of knowledge to bring to our staff,” said Casillas in regard to the Tubbs hire.

    Casillas and Tubbs have frequently talked to the returning players from the 2019 team discussing their likes and dislikes from their season.

    The overall swing was there were not any dislikes, except the feeling that they could have done better. There were many things the players liked from last season and it was the overall family bond they created.

    “They really like that culture with that last staff… just building that family atmosphere. That’s a big thing on me,” said Casillas.

    It was important to them, as well as the culture of Mesa Verde football as they look to build upon a foundation. The team saw some recent success in comparison to previous years, although they still didn’t make the playoffs.

    “I think it’s a huge thing right now, with the last coaching staff leaving, there were kids that were kind of heartbroken [about] what happened…Just building those relationships with them, talk to them,” said Casillas on mending the wounds the previous head coaches left by their abrupt departure.

    “I think it’s real important to just build that relationship. Let them know that ‘hey I plan on being here for a long time, I’m loyal,” said Casillas. “When you’re done playing football here and you’re an alumni, it’d be nice to see you, to come back and talk to these younger kids on what you built here.”

    Despite being a fresh face for the boys to see on a consistent basis, Casillas is big on culture and changing the program for the future.

    “Another thing is commitment and just hard work,” he said. “Right now, we have kids that are already excited in the weight room and they’re putting in hard work,” he added.

    Casillas looks to continue the tradition that they have grown accustomed to as he prepares to install his methodical football essence.

    “I seen last year on film (that) they have the tools to be a winning team: now what are we going to do?’’ Casillas rhetorically asked. “So that’s why I’m putting in the work now and I’m just asking them to do the same for me. Put in the work, if I’m going to put in the work.”

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    Off the field, Casillas and the staff are remaining true to their words in putting together different ways to find time to bond with the team as they move closer to spring football training and eventually transition into summer and autumn.

    Last week, the Mesa Verde football team held a crab feed fundraiser event, where they fed members of the community a tasty bunch of crustaceans, sponsored by Mahoney’s Seafood.

    “Worked our first crab feed,” coach Casillas tweeted after the event. “These young men did an outstanding job. I received many compliments about their service, great job guys.”

    The Mavericks also volunteered for the 8th Annual Surf N’ Turf, held by Agape Villages, Foster Family Agency on Feb. 21, where they served an all-you-can-eat crab and barbecue Tri-tip dinner. The event was held at the Blue Goose Event Center in Loomis, Calif.

    These are the first of many events that the Mavericks will be hosting to raise money and funding for the Mesa Verde football program and Mesa Verde athletics department. The next fundraiser will be Mesas Verde High School’s Second Annual Golf Tournament, held on May 2 at River Oaks Golf Course.

    That event is sponsored by STARS (Science, Technology, Arts, and Reading for Students) of the San Juan Education Foundation. Once registered, they will provide golf utilities, a cart, the perfect range, snacks, and a dinner included.

    More information about the upcoming event is available at www.mesaverdesports.com.

    Marcus D. Smith
    Marcus D. Smith

    Follow and support local sports coverage with a subscription to The Sentinel for just $4/mo:click here to subscribe.

    Sports Reporter Marcus D. Smith covers high school sports in Citrus Heights. Smith is a Sacramento-area native and earned his bachelor’s degree in journalism in 2017.

  • Mesa Verde players win Golden Empire League awards, lose playoffs

    Mesa Verde Mavericks sophomore guard Anthony Arguelles pulls up for a mid-range jumper. // Marcus D. Smith

    By Marcus D. Smith–
    Following their victory against Casa Roble last Friday, Mesa Verde took their talents to Rocklin to take on Western Sierra Collegiate Academy in the first round of the CIF Sac-San Joaquin Section Championships – Division IV.

    The game came on the same day as the Golden Empire League awards announcements, where Mesa Verde’s very own student athletes were able to take home some awards.

    From last week: Mesa Verde boys varsity enjoy Senior Night win, playoff berth

    Junior forward Franklin Smith made the 2020 Golden Empire League All-League team.

    “I didn’t think as a junior starting half-way through the season…that I would make an impact on this team the way I did,” said Smith. “To get the rebounds and be a second or first option, it feels great.”

    His teammate, sophomore guard Anthony Arguelles, was named 2020 Golden Empire League Most Valuable Player.

    Arguelles averaged 23 points per game and 4.8 assists per game, while helping lead the Mavericks to the second-best record in the Golden Empire League and obtaining a playoff berth.

    “Coming in, I wanted to win it,” said the newly crowned MVP. “My first game my mindset was: ‘I want to win league MVP as a sophomore in my first year of high school basketball,’ because I didn’t play last year.”

    Three more players from Mesa Verde High School made the Golden Empire League All-League Honorable Mentions list: sophomore Damien Robbins, and seniors, Alex Bufkin and Angel Rubio.

    With a first round matchup awaiting to be played, the two seniors were the only members of the team who have had some previous experience in the playoff atmosphere.

    Blame it on inexperience, as the team all season has allowed teams to jump out in the lead early in the first quarter. Blame it on jitters, it was the majority of the team’s first chance at this brand of basketball. The playoff atmosphere is much different.

    “This [was] a very important game. It gave our sophomores and our freshmen some experience in the playoffs, so we can know what to expect for next year,” said Mesa Verde Varsity Head Coach Anthony Watkins.

    Given the final score resulting in a, 69-51, loss for the Mavericks, the scoreboard does not completely depict the game. There were a lot of learning points for the guys who experienced playoff basketball for the first time tonight.

    It’s win or go home.

    Typically the one who punches first, is the one who has a better chance of becoming the victorious one. However, all season long, the Mavericks have found themselves down in the first quarter, or going into the fourth quarter and somehow finding a way to pull out a victory.

    It was in the beginning of the game’s deficit that handicapped Mesa Verde for the remainder of the game. Western Sierra jumped out to a 10-0 run in three minutes to begin the game. The Mavericks ended with run after a fast break layup from senior Angel Rubio, with 4:55 remaining in the first quarter.

    At the end of the first eight minutes of play, Mesa Verde was down, 21-12. It seemed for the rest of the game, whenever the Mavericks made a push, the Wolves had an answer for them.

    “Everybody was playing to their best ability. We were running our play, we ran motion, [which is] what we were supposed to do — it just wasn’t working,” said Arguelles.

    The game was as close as six points, early on in the third quarter. Western Sierra would soon connect on a barrage of threes and easy second chance buckets if they missed. They took over the game in the end.

    With 2:01 remaining in the game, Arguelles would exit the game after taking a hard foul, landing directly on his knee. The final buzzer would eventually sound, putting an end to the 2020 basketball season.

    “Our team is young, we have sophomores starting. I feel that they’re going to get more mature,” said Smith. “I’m going to get more mature, as a senior, and we’re going to be a force. It’s going to be good.”

    Looking into the next season, they’ll take the lessons they learned from a grit and grind season such as this one. Mesa Verde will be looking to build on the momentum, the culture, and winning attitude that was developed this season and go further next season.

    “I definitely want to further than a play-in game. I want to make it all the way to state, I want to win state. I think we’re definitely going to have the talent to do it,” said Arguelles on his confidence in his team.

    Coach Watkins, plans to begin summer league workouts and tournament play in May. As they reflect on the makings of this season, they intend to come back even better in the winter.

    “I think what we’ll try to do is put together a summer schedule that challenges us. And then we’ll put together a tougher, slightly tougher schedule for the season,” said Watkins, on increasing the level of competition in which the boys will face.

    “We’re going to get together in May, the first Monday in May. We’re going to put a nice summer schedule together, 30 games in 30 days, and we’ll see what happens.”

    Marcus D. Smith
    Marcus D. Smith

    Follow and support local sports coverage with a subscription to The Sentinel for just $4/mo: click here to subscribe.

    Sports Reporter Marcus D. Smith covers high school sports in Citrus Heights. Smith is a Sacramento-area native and earned his bachelor’s degree in journalism in 2017.

  • Mesa Verde boys varsity enjoy Senior Night win, playoff berth

    • 6’4 forward, senior, Alex Bufkin finishes the layup on the fastbreak for an easy two points during a Feb. 11, 2020 game. // MDS

    *Local sports coverage on The Sentinel is made possible by our paid subscribers and generous support from Stones Gambling Hall.

    By Marcus D. Smith–
    Mesa Verde boys basketball held their final regular season league game on Tuesday, Feb. 11, when they hosted Casa Roble High School on the Mavericks’ Senior Night.

    This wasn’t any ordinary game as the boys were playing for much more.

    For starters, this was Senior Night and that meant the seniors needed to go out with a victory as they were honored on their last high school varsity basketball game ever being played in the Mesa Verde large gymnasium.

    Victory, check.

    “I remember I had some senior friends last year, and it didn’t really hit me. I was like ‘ahh, it’s just another game,’” said Angel Rubio, reflecting on his Senior Night pre-game ceremony and playing his final game. “Then I came here [and] I was under the arch and the balloons with my mom and girlfriend… It was just like, ‘I don’t know, wow.’”

    “After four years, I’ve given this program everything I had…it’s all coming to an end,” added Rubio, the 6’2, senior guard. “I stepped off the court for the last time today, and it just felt surreal.”

    A win would protect their playoff berth. Last season the Mavericks sent their class of 2019 off with a win on Senior Night and a play-in game in the CIF Sac-Joaquin Section 2020 Boys’ Basketball Championships’ – Division IV playoffs.

    So with this season coming to a conclusion, it was only right that the seniors went out with as victory, defeating Casa Roble, 56-42, also giving the Rams their 27th loss of the season.

    Playoffs, check.

    Rubio also recalled telling his then-senior friends who made playoffs last year that he knew the team would make playoffs again the following year: “It’s just crazy because they got a playoff send-off last year, now me and the other seniors get it too.”

    The boys started the season 0-13, and playoffs were way far fetched and not on the minds of the “Verde and orange.” It seemed more or less attainable at the time.

    The Mavericks played a bunch of playoff-tested competition in the non-conference games early on in the season, giving the team time to build chemistry, grow together, and fully prepare for the level of talent they would be facing in the Golden Empire League.

    • Alex Bufkin (middle) with his mom (left) and dad (right) looking on proudly, as the final high school game approached. // MDS
    • Angel Rubio (middle) sharing a moment on Senior Night with his mother (left) and girlfriend, Audrina Espino of Mesa Verde varsity girls basketball team (right). // MDS

    “There’s a lot of good things from this team. I think the chemistry we have together, most of the moments we’ve made together as a team,” said 6’4 senior big-man, Alex Bufkin. “Going from starting off like [0-13] to now, making playoffs. I think that’s incredible as a team going forward. I don’t think I’ve ever seen that really, but, here we are and I’m happy to be here.”

    At first, Mesa Verde was waiting patiently for their full team to blossom as they were awaiting for athletes coming from other sports and physicals for other students to be cleared.

    Once the New Year ball dropped, it seemed it all came together for the Mavericks.

    “We started off rough: we were a whole new club, with a whole new offense. But we got through, we got used to it,” said Bufkin. “We started to trust it now, and it’s working out for us. And I can’t wait to see where this goes.”

    After notoriously going winless to start the season, they won 10 games in 2020. It included a win streak of five games from Jan. 11 to Jan. 24, where the team began to gel and chemistry started to show on the hardwood. The Mavericks only lost five games in 2020.

    “We just hit a moment where everything was clicking…everything was flowing,” said Rubio regarding that streak, which was his most memorable moment from this team.

    The seniors of the team were ecstatic about how the season ended and look forward to accomplishing more milestones in the playoffs. This year they are shooting for better results and look to advance further in the playoffs than last year, as they add to a memorable high school career.

    Bufkin said transferring to Mesa Verde and “making playoffs both of the years that I’ve been here,” were among his most memorable high school career moments. After being cut from the hoop team at Bella Vista High School his freshman and sophomore years, Bufkin transferred to Mesa Verde.

    Last season, the Mavericks season had a first round exit of the playoffs, losing, 77-61, to the Mountain House Mustangs.

    In the loss, then junior, Bufkin grabbed four rebounds and blocked a shot, while Angel Rubio scored two points, also a junior at the time. Now, their second chance at playoff success stands right around the corner.

    On Feb. 18, Mesa Verde will travel to Rocklin to face Western Sierra Collegiate Academy. The Wolves finished 13-1 in their respective Sacramento Metropolitan Athletic League, and 24-2 overall. Tip-off is scheduled to occur at 7 p.m.

    “I expect it to be tough. I expect the crowd to be wild…we just [have to] bring our A-game,” said Bufkin. Bufkin scored six points and pulled down 11 rebounds on his Senior Night against Casa Roble.

    Three seniors were honored for Mesa Verde High School senior night, Angel Rubio, Alex Bufkin, and Jaden Burger.

    Burger declined to speak on basketball matters following the game. The 6’4 senior says he’s excited to prepare for baseball, following the conclusion of basketball season. Burger was also the starting quarterback for the Mesa Verde varsity football team, making him a three-sport athlete.

    Mesa Verde High School varsity basketball ended its league season winning back-to-back games, by an average of deficit of 12.5 points. The Mavericks won three of their last five games, looking ahead to Western Sierra, who average 55.3 team points per game. As a team, Mesa Verde averages 50.1 points per game on 48% field goal shooting.

    Marcus D. Smith
    Marcus D. Smith

    Follow and support local sports coverage with a subscription to The Sentinel for just $4/mo: click here to subscribe.

    Sports Reporter Marcus D. Smith covers high school sports in Citrus Heights. Smith is a Sacramento-area native and earned his bachelor’s degree in journalism in 2017.

  • Seniors lead Mesa Verde Girls Varsity to best season in 15 years

    Mesa Verde High School girls varsity senior class of 2020 (left to right players only) #3 Christina Vermillion, #14 Xochitl Villanueva, #23 Audrina Espino. // Marcus D. Smith

    *Local sports coverage on The Sentinel is made possible by our paid subscribers and generous support from Stones Gambling Hall.

    By Marcus D. Smith–
    Mesa Verde High School sent their seniors off riding into the sunset on Tuesday after defeating Casa Roble, 35-19, as they concluded their final basketball game of their high school careers.

    It was about as flawless as the girls played all season. With the win, they solidified their historic season by capturing the best record for the Mesa Verde girls varsity program in 15 years. The Mavericks finished with a record of 12-14.

    “I’m proud of my girls and how well they did this season,” said Mesa Verde Girls Varsity Head Coach Mark Toscano, in conclusion of the 2019-20 basketball season. “These girls putting in the work and never quitting when it got hard over the season, I couldn’t be more proud.”

    With this being the final game of the season for the senior class of 2020, the Mavericks made sure to leave it all on the floor. Despite smiling faces for photo ops, the girls were emotional to start the game as they began to actualize the idea that they were playing in their final basketball game.

    It wasn’t just the end of a season, it was the end of a career for the senior class.

    “It hit me right when I got on the court to play: I was like damn this really is my last game,” said Mesa Verde High School senior forward Xochitl Villanueva.

    Senior guard Christina Vermillion left it all on the floor as she helped put the game away against Casa Roble.

    Mesa Verde outscored the Rams in the fourth quarter, 14-3, and Vermillion, who was once ranked sixth in the section in assists, had taken matters into her own hands. She scored seven points in the final eight minutes of the game.

    “The most outstanding moment was seeing everyone come together and playing their heart and souls out for the last time,” said Vermillion. “It really gets to me because basketball was the only thing I looked forward to everyday, it doesn’t feel like reality, and it’s hard to accept that it is.”

    A wave of emotion circulated through the gym the entire night. You were able to vividly see the tears running down the cheeks of the players throughout the beginning, middle, and end of the game.

    On cue, there was a Maverick right there to hug and hold their fellow teammate as it would be the final time they could do so on the court, while wearing a Mesa Verde jersey.

    “It was so bad. I was trying not to cry like every second, I cried like three times today. It was fun, I’m going to miss it for sure, because I’m not playing in college. I’m going to miss it a lot,” said senior guard Audrina Espino, in conclusion of her basketball season with the team. “The time we spent together, every memory we had, I’ll always cherish it.”

    Being able to enjoy the night with family and friends made it worth while for the girls at Mesa Verde High School. Getting the victory was more of the icing on the cake. It seemed as if the girls played with a chip on their shoulder the entire night.

    They were coming off a long-lasting duel with Woodland High School that ended in a narrow defeat for the Mavericks, losing by four, 41-37, in the final minute of the game.

    See more local sports coverage on The Sentinel’s sports page: click here

    Mesa Verde would finish fourth in the Golden Empire League standings for girls varsity basketball. Unfortunately, only the top three leaders of the league will get the chance to advance to the section playoffs.

    Despite the girls not playing at the next level, they each will continue their education. Espino plans to pursue nursing school and become an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT). Villanueva plans to major in zoology at Humboldt State University. Vermillion plans to attend Sacramento State and major in nursing in the next Fall semester.

    Marcus D. Smith
    Marcus D. Smith

    Follow local sports with a subscription to The Sentinel for just $4/mo:click here to subscribe.

    Sports Reporter Marcus D. Smith covers high school sports in Citrus Heights. Smith is a Sacramento-area native and earned his bachelor’s degree in journalism in 2017.

  • San Juan wrestling team wins League Championships; preps for Sections, Regionals

    San Juan wrestling huddling on Friday, before their next match. // Marcus D. Smith

    *Local sports coverage on The Sentinel is made possible by our paid subscribers and generous support from Stones Gambling Hall.

    By Marcus D. Smith–
    They came. They saw. They conquered. The San Juan High School varsity wrestling team went into league championships last week hungry as ever for a win and a chance to advance to Sections for the boys and Regionals for the girls.

    “We are exactly where we are supposed to be mentally and physically,” said wrestling assistant head coach, Cory Bonincontri. “As long as we wrestle our match, we will be very competitive.”

    San Juan would set out to accomplish the goal that they had their eyes set on at the beginning of the season, making Sections and Regionals.

    The Spartans had their wrestlers win first place in girls competition and place third for boys’ competition.

    There were five total first place winners for the Spartans and two MVPs overall. The MVPs consisted of juniors: Yana Linko, who wrestles in the 143-class, and Myliah Sauceda Hills, who wrestles at the 189-class. Both Hills and Linko were also crowned league champions.

    “After league championships, I’m feeling a bit surprised. Wrestling isn’t my main sport and I do it to condition before the football season,” said Linko. “I’m surprised I’d gotten this far. I’ve grown to like it more throughout this season and I’ve gotten a feel at how competitive it is.”

    Joining Hills and Linko as league champions were juniors Carmen Sagulian, of the 160-class, and David Sferdian, of the 182-class, along with senior Mirwais Akrami, of the 138-class, and freshman Chance Phillips, of the 145-class.

    “I am very excited going to sections, it has been tough but I feel like I will make it far, and my mindset going in is ‘win, win, win,’” said Phillips. “I know there’s gonna be tough competition but everyone’s beatable.”

    The Spartans will begin wrestling activities during Sections and Regionals on Friday, Feb. 14, as the kids will put on and represent for San Juan High School.

    “I’m feeling ready for Friday. I’m ready to put in more work and advance on by giving it my best,” said Sagulian. “I’m really looking forward to Regionals, in my mind I’m just trying to think about winning and advancing to masters. I feel this is the best way to prepare so I can speak it into existence and take home the win.”

    The type of confidence is spreading among the entire wrestling team as they prepare for their next battle.

    “My mindset going in is going to be focusing on what I need to do to have fun and get the win,” said Sferdian.

    No matter what the outcome will be come Friday, Head Coach Andy Villegas couldn’t be more proud of his team assembled together.

    “A lot of the girls put it a lot of work in this, all winter…All of my boys made sections,” said Villegas. “I’m just really proud of them.”

    Marcus D. Smith
    Marcus D. Smith

    Local sports coverage is included each week in The Sentinel’s Thursday and Sunday e-Editions. To sign up free, click here.

    Sports Reporter Marcus D. Smith covers high school sports in Citrus Heights. Smith is a Sacramento-area native and earned his bachelor’s degree in journalism in 2017.

  • San Juan High School celebrates Senior Night as basketball season wraps up

    San Juan Spartans senior basketball players class of 2020, left to right: Alejandra Perez, Trinity Dudley, Cristian Angulo, Wyatt Winalski, Romeo Bryant, Elijah Vernon. // Marcus Smith

    *Local sports coverage on The Sentinel is made possible by generous support from Stones Gambling Hall.

    By Marcus D. Smith–
    It was a true battle back and forth as San Juan High School girls and boys varsity teams battle-tested the Golden Sierra Grizzlies during the Spartans’ Senior Night on Friday.

    The Spartans basketball program honored six seniors total, two from the girls team and four from the boys team. Trinity Dudley and Alejandra Perez represented the San Juan girls varsity basketball team, while Cristian Angulo, Romeo Bryant, Elijah Vernon, and Wyatt Winalski represented the boys varsity team.

    The players were honored inbetween the girls and boys basketball game with flowers, chocolates, and mini basketballs that showcased their 2020 varsity basketball season.

    The San Juan High School coaches and faculty put on a ceremony that highlighted the players and some of their greatest moments throughout their tenure as a Spartan leading up to their special evening.

    “I got the privilege to play with these boys and especially with the young talent that’s on the team and I couldn’t be thankful enough for them, for a great season, and I’m just ready for baseball,” said boys varsity senior Wyatt Winalski.

    Winalski will be playing baseball, which is his main sport. Winalski also played quarterback for the San Juan Spartans varsity football team.

    As basketball comes to the end of the road for many of the students, most have plans to attend college after high school. Whether a two-year or a four-year college, the aspiration for higher education hasn’t decreased.

    There is a certain empty feeling you get when there’s no more practices to attend, no more obligation to act for someone other than yourself. The end of high school sports can be a bittersweet reality to a lot of futures.

    “It’s been an amazing three years for me, for my home girl (Alejandra Perez) it’s been an amazing four years for her,” said girls varsity senior Trinity Dudley of her teammate that she battled with. “Being able to be with that team is just amazing.”

    Dudley plans to attend Sacramento City College to study for nursing school.

    The bonds will forever hold value as the camaraderie that was created through the blood, sweat and tears that were shed fighting on the hardwood together will forever hold its core.

    For the last four months, the seniors were able to set the bar for the next class of athletes, as they carry on the tradition of San Juan High School and continue to build on the culture that was established this past season.

    “I think what I’m going to miss most is the connection that I created with all my teammates,” said girls varsity senior Alejandra Perez. “Being here for four years, that bond really gets strengthened (with the team) and with my coach who’s helped me tremendously over the last four years.”

    Perez hopes to attend UC Berkley or UCLA next year.

    She and her fellow teammates helped create a culture of hard work, dedication and passion, not only for the game but also for one another. The chemistry of the athletes translated on to the court because of the trust that was gained off the court.

    The respect that was mounted was transcendent into the way the team interacted with each other. Through each win, loss, or hard battle, the Spartans retained a tight bond and could come to the defense of their fellow soldier when the time came about.

    “They mean a lot, you know, making friends,” said boys varsity senior forward Cristian Angulo. “We’re a brotherhood now. It goes on for life and it feels good to have these memories.”

    Angulo is looking to attend Sierra College or American River College, with hopes to walk-on and play sports.

    San Juan Spartans Cheerleaders preparing for the senior night ceremony. // Marcus Smith

    Both the girls and boys lost against the Golden Sierras Grizzlies. The boys lost by one point, 58-57, while the girls lost by seven, 37-30. San Juan High School basketball programs will not qualify for the playoffs. The outcome of the scoreboard and their playoff hopes was overshadowed by the meaningfulness of the evening and the ceremony that was put on for the kids.

    “Tonight it was just about them, right?” said San Juan High School boys varsity head coach Fred Bryant, on the students’ Senior Night despite the losses. “[It] was about the seniors, for them it being their last home game of the year. How do they want to go out? Have fun, compete, everybody just have high energy.”

    “I didn’t put a lot of emphasis on the game, but on the night and what that meant for them and their families,” said Bryant.

    The season will officially conclude Tuesday, when the Spartans travel to Vacaville Christian to conclude the season.

    Marcus D. Smith
    Marcus D. Smith

    Follow local sports with a subscription to The Sentinel for just $4/mo: click here to subscribe.

    Sports Reporter Marcus D. Smith covers high school sports in Citrus Heights. Smith is a Sacramento-area native and earned his bachelor’s degree in journalism in 2017.

  • San Juan Spartans wrestling enjoy a route on Senior Night

    • Spartans get ready for the first match of their senior night to take place. // MDS
    • Junior, Hejran Akrami, pinning down his opponent and taking control of the match. // MDS

    *Local sports coverage on The Sentinel is made possible by generous support from Stones Gambling Hall.

    By Marcus D. Smith–
    San Juan High School and its wrestling team enjoyed a night of fun, family, and stiff competition as the Spartans celebrated their Senior Night last week.

    They hosted Highlands High School for their special match on Jan. 29. San Juan High School also welcomed neighboring Mesa Verde High School after accepting the invitation to compete in an exhibition match after Highlands.

    The Spartans defeated Highlands, 48-18. The score was not kept for the exhibition match against Mesa Verde.

    Junior David Sferdian, who came into the match undefeated (7-0), lost his first match of the season. Sferdian is in the 170-pound weight class.

    Not discouraged, he and fellow teammates are looking forward to the next matches: League Championship, Sections, Regionals, and State Tournament all coming in the month of February.

    The Spartan’s Senior Night was sponsored by Texas Roadhouse, with proceeds going to the San Juan High School wrestling program.

    On Feb. 1, the wrestling team held another fundraiser, which received warm regards. Two goals for the Spartans were to raise money for the wrestling program and get the wrestlers ready for League Championships on Friday, Feb. 7

    This is going to be a win or go home for the wrestlers competing. Those who win their matches will advance to the Section Championship in the following week.

    See more local sports coverage on The Sentinel’s sports page: click here.

    WHAT’S HAPPENING IN HOOPS:

    San Juan Basketball

    Feb. 4 Boys 7:30 p.m., Girls 6 p.m. @ Rio Vista

    Feb. 11 Boys 7:30 p.m., Girls 6 p.m. vs. Golden Sierra (Senior Night)

    Mesa Verde Basketball

    Feb. 4 Boys 7 p.m., Girls 5:30 p.m. @ Mira Loma

    Marcus D. Smith
    Marcus D. Smith

    Feb. 11 Boys 8 p.m., Girls 6:30 p.m. @ Woodland

    Sports Reporter Marcus D. Smith covers high school sports in Citrus Heights. Smith is a Sacramento-area native and earned his bachelor’s degree in journalism in 2017.

  • Citrus Heights boys, girls basketball games pause to honor Kobe Bryant

    Sophomore guard Nanik Tagore channeling his inner-Mamba with a shot from deep. // Marcus D. Smith

    *Local sports coverage on The Sentinel is made possible by generous support from Stones Gambling Hall.

    By Marcus D. Smith—
    Mournful is how to describe the news of Lakers legend Kobe Bryant that shook the world as if it were hit by an earthquake with an 8.24 magnitude. Bryant, along with eight others, including his 13-year-old daughter, Gianna, died in a helicopter crash traveling to compete in their next basketball game in Southern California on Jan. 26.

    The entire week, there have been tributes paying respects to those who’s lives were lost. From the NBA down to high school basketball, players paid homage in a multitude of ways such as changing their jerseys, taking violations to start the game, or simply acknowledging with a moment of silence.

    That level of respect didn’t stop in Citrus Heights.

    On Tuesday, Jan. 27, when San Juan High School hosted Highlands High School, each team took the time to honor the late-legend and the others in their own ways.

    Up first were the girls varsity team(s), who took a shot-clock violation on their first possession. This originally began in the NBA with the 24-second shot clock violation as a tribute since Bryant wore the number 24. High School girls basketball has a 30-second shot clock, making the gesture just as meaningful.

    “It was definitely a big impact…you didn’t have to really watch basketball like that to understand the impact that he had on everybody,” said San Juan High School junior guard Paris Burney. “He’s a huge inspiration. Lately I’ve been watching him and he’s really been keeping me motivated.”

    The boys varsity teams were next to play and next to pay tribute. They agreed to set the shot clock to 24 seconds on the first possession for the team that wins the tip-off and eight seconds for the next team’s possession.

    “His dog mentality, he never stopped going whether that was in practice, games, doesn’t matter…he’s always [going to] work,” said San Juan Spartans sophomore guard Nanik Tagore. “I read his book ‘Mamba Mentality.’ It’s just working…countless reps, and just applying that is [how] I get to be where I am today.”

    Both San Juan boys and girls would fall to Highlands, but at that moment there were other matters more endearing.

    “Sunday was a hard day and I understand it was harder for the families who were closer to Kobe and the others that were lost,” said San Juan High School varsity head coach Fred Bryant. “We lost a great one, as far as in the flesh. You know, the physical form we lost a great one, but his legacy will (live) on.”

    On Friday night, Jan. 31, Mesa Verde hosted Dixon High School and decided to allow a 24-second moment of silence before the start of the varsity basketball games. Following the moment, a recording was played of Whitney Houston’s version of “The Star-Spangled Banner” in her Super Bowl XXV performance.

    Marcus D. Smith
    Marcus D. Smith

    Mesa Verde girls basketball lost to Dixon, 51-19, but boys basketball won, 49-43. Their next games are at Mira Loma High School.

    Sports Reporter Marcus D. Smith covers high school sports in Citrus Heights. Smith is a Sacramento-area native and earned his bachelor’s degree in journalism in 2017.

  • INTERVIEW: Mesa Verde coaches reflect on recent wins

    INTERVIEW: Mesa Verde coaches reflect on recent wins

    File photo, Coach Mark Toscano in the huddle making team adjustments with Mesa Verde Mavericks girls varsity. // Marcus D. Smith

    This article appeared exclusively in The Sentinel’s new Sports-Only e-Edition: Sign up here.

    By Marcus D. Smith–
    Mesa Verde boys and girls varsity basketball teams headed to Casa Roble High School on Jan. 24 and each came home with a win. The girls defeated Casa Roble, 29-27, while the boys won, 63-59 in overtime.

    In short Q&A interviews over the phone with girls Varsity Head Coach Mark Toscano and boys Varsity Assistant Head Coach Anthony Hodge, the two shared their thoughts on the recent games and where they rate themselves at the halfway point in league.

    MDS: What are your thoughts after a close win as such?

    MT: It was a battle. The game was too close. Casa put up a great fight I’ll give them that. However, we had one of our poorest nights shooting the ball, which really hurt us. Maleena [Ridore] got into foul trouble early, and having her out due to that hurt us some. Vanessa [Flores] led the way with 12 points and 10 rebounds, which gives her back to back double doubles.

    We lost the lead going into the 4th quarter. We made an adjustment and starting running lots of back door cuts and exposed Casa’s overplaying on the defensive end, which brought us back into the game. Sophomore, Traci Mitchell gave us the go-ahead bucket late in the fourth, and Vanessa sealed the game with a free throw with less than a minute left to give us the two point lead and end it. Overall a solid defensive performance and I’ll take the win.

    MDS: How do you assess the team at the halfway point of league?

    MT: Right now, I like where we are at. We have a few things that need adjustments, but overall we are in a good spot in league and just need to prepare for our next game.

    MDS: Will the girls be sustainable with the back to backs coming up, including seeing Pioneer again?

    MT: Yes they will be fine. We have a non-league game coming up against Western Sierra which will be good for us to work on a brand new press break we put in. Pioneer I’m not worried about. They have a good program, but so do we. I have a great relationship with their head coach; he’s a good guy.  We have a new press break and offense we put in and the girls love it, so we look to battle them.

    MDS. Main focus going into the second half of league?

    MT: Honestly, beating Woodland is our focus. Where we stand at the moment we need to beat Woodland at the place, and if things play out they way it looks, then we would tie them for third place and have a chance to get a play-in game to go to playoffs. That’s our focus.

    Like I said, we have a new press break that Woodland has never seen, so playing Pioneer and Dixon will be chances for us to work and perfect it so we will be ready for Woodland. My girls are hungry for them. They know that we are good enough to beat them and Woodland just caught us on a bad night. We got this!

    Interview with Anthony Hodge:

    MDS: What are your thoughts after a close win, especially in OT?

    AH:  We showed a lot of grit in the game and [fought] out a tough win. We missed a lot of free throws and lay-ups . Also with Anthony [Arguelles] scoring 14 points in the fourth [quarter] to keep us in the game and big plays down the stretch from our two senior captains, Alex Bufkin and Angel Rubio, it was an all around team effort.

    MDS: How do you assess the team now that you’re at the halfway point of league?

    AH: We control our own destiny and if we win out would be co-league champs at minimum. This would be an amazing accomplishment after an 0-13 start to the season. We are on a five-game winning streak including seven of our last 10. It’s not going to be easy, but if we execute and work hard this is an achievable goal.

    MDS: Lastly, what’s the message to the team going into the second half of league?

    AH: Message to the team is: we only have five games left. We have to take care of our business one quarter and game at a time. It’s up to us to take it to another level if we want to win the Golden Empire League.

    This article appeared exclusively in The Sentinel’s new Sports-Only e-Edition: Sign up here.

    Sports Reporter Marcus D. Smith covers high school sports in Citrus Heights. Smith is a Sacramento-area native and earned his bachelor’s degree in journalism in 2017.