Earning a victory in the first round of the Central Coast
Section Division I playoffs could go a long way for the San Benito
Haybalers next season. So, too, will the fact that the Balers
return three of the four players who recently earned all-league
honors.
HOLLISTER
Earning a victory in the first round of the Central Coast Section Division I playoffs could go a long way for the San Benito Haybalers next season. So, too, will the fact that the Balers return three of the four players who recently earned all-league honors.
After compiling a 5-7 record in the Tri-County Athletic League, which placed them fifth overall, San Benito was left without a first team selection, although did earn two second-team selections as juniors Cooper Sepulveda and Tyler Rickard were honored.
Sepulveda was second on the team in scoring with 9.58 points per game this season; second on the team from behind the arc, making 3s at a 1.12 per game clip; and third on the team from the free-throw line, depositing 1.46 a game on average.
Meanwhile, Rickard was fifth on the team in scoring with 6.73 points per game, but often scored at a rather efficient rate for the Balers. He contributed 1.65 free throws a game as well.
Rickard was named the Sophomore of the Year last season in the TCAL, and for the second year in a row that honor went to a Baler, as Jordan Belton earned Sophomore of the Year status after compiling 7.08 points per game for San Benito.
Belton, who played at Valley Christian as a freshman and transferred to Hollister this year, had a team-high 1.96 free throws a game and made 11 3-pointers during the season.
Freshman of the Year was awarded to Noah Allen of Palma, which earned the TCAL title for a fourth straight year after compiling a perfect 12-0 record.
The honors didn’t stop there for the Chieftains, though, as Chris Benavente was chosen as the league’s Most Valuable Player, leading Palma in both field goals and free throws, while the private Salinas school was also awarded two additional first-team selections in Michael Cahalan and Austin Duke.
Palma head coach Paul Alioto and Gilroy’s Jeremy Dirks shared coach of the year honors as well.
Alisal’s Jonathan Sosa (20.00 PPG) and Gilroy’s Greg Hamik (16.40 PPG) were named Co-Most Outstanding Players of the TCAL, and earned first-team selections as a result.
Other players earning first team nods included Gus Angulo of Alisal, Jordan Gomez of Everett Alvarez, Andrel Gaines of Gilroy, and both Kyle Vasher and Frank Rogers of Salinas.
Along with Sepulveda and Rickard, the second team included Matt Johnson of Palma, Alex Guzman and Rafael Camacho of Alisal, Andres Jimenez of Alvarez, Michael Hartman and Dolapo Opere of Gilroy, Victor Moran of North Salinas and Michael Romiza of Salinas.
San Benito senior Devin Wingo was named to the All-Defensive Team in the TCAL, which included Cristian Plascencia of Palma, Adan Saldana of Alisal, Anthony Borum of Alvarez, Michael Aldridge of Gilroy, Lamar Aiken of North Salinas and Chandler Hubbard of Salinas.
Meanwhile, senior Baler Brian Mendoza was named to the Sportsmanship Team, which included Nick Nunez of North Salinas, Mike Amiya of Salinas, Justin Regester of Palma, Mike Wamungu of Alisal, Michael Turner of Alvarez and Max Fishler of Gilroy.
Tri-County Athletic League Honors
Most Valuable Player: Chris Benavente, Palma
Co-Most Outstanding Player: Jonathan Sosa, Alisal
Co-Most Outstanding Player: Greg Hamik, Gilroy
Co-Coach of the Year: Paul Alioto, Palma
Co-Coach of the Year: Jeremy Dirks, Gilroy
Freshman of the Year: Noah Allen, Palma
Sophomore of the Year: Jordan Belton, San Benito
First Team
Michael Cahalan, Palma
Austin Duke, Palma
Jonathan Sosa, Alisal
Gus Angulo, Alisal
Jordan Gomez, Alvarez
Andrel Gaines, Gilroy
Greg Hamik, Gilroy
Kyle Vasher, Salinas
Frank Rogers, Salinas
Second Team
Matt Johnson, Palma
Alex Guzman, Alisal
Rafael Camacho, Alisal
Andres Jimenez, Alvarez
Michael Hartman, Gilroy
Dolapo Opere, Gilroy
Cooper Sepulveda, San Benito
Tyler Rickard, San Benito
Victor Moran, North Salinas
Michael Romiza, Salinas
All-Defensive Team
Cristian Plascencia, Palma
Adan Saldana, Alisal
Anthony Borum, Alvarez
Michael Aldridge, Gilroy
Devin Wingo, San Benito
Lamar Aiken, North Salinas
Chandler Hubbard, Salinas
Sportsmanship Team
Justin Regester, Palma
Mike Wamungu, Alisal
Michael Turner, Alvarez
Max Fishler, Gilroy
Brian Mendoza, San Benito
Nick Nunez, North Salinas
Mike Amiya, Salinas
