Balers recognized for TCAL play
After averaging 15.46 points a game, tops in the Tri-County
Athletic League, Vanessa Farias was named co-MVP of the TCAL this
year, leading the Lady Balers to their second straight league title
and second straight section title.
Farias, who eclipsed the 1,000-point total for her career at San
Benito High in just the second game of this season, had more than
1,400 points logged by season’s end.
Balers recognized for TCAL play
After averaging 15.46 points a game, tops in the Tri-County Athletic League, Vanessa Farias was named co-MVP of the TCAL this year, leading the Lady Balers to their second straight league title and second straight section title.
Farias, who eclipsed the 1,000-point total for her career at San Benito High in just the second game of this season, had more than 1,400 points logged by season’s end.
Farias also led San Benito in 3-pointers made and free throws this past year.
The senior guard will share the honors with North Salinas’ Bina Abbott, who averaged 13.67 points per game, but pulled down a league leading 11.14 rebounds per game as well.
Both the Lady Balers and Vikings finished with matching 11-1 records in the TCAL this year to split the league championship honors.
The two teams also split coach of the year honors as well, as San Benito’s David Kaplansky and North Salinas’ Darren Jackson were both awarded the title.
Farias’ MVP status also made her a first team all-league selection as well, joining teammate and point guard Erin Glasspool.
Glasspool, a sophomore who played her first full year of varsity basketball this past season, averaged 5.36 points per game. But she came on toward the end of the year, dropping 12 points on Gilroy in the Division I semifinals and 10 points on Evergreen Valley in the Central Coast Section championship.
The Lady Balers had three second team all-league selections as well, including Megan Halstead (9.0 ppg), Victoria Aguilera (5.67 ppg) and Kelsey Russell.
Russell’s presence was certainly felt on the defensive side of the ball, and she was named to the all-defensive team as a result.
Jennifer Guerrero, meanwhile, was named to the “Pursuing Victory with Honor” team.
For the Baler boys, Tyler Rickard was named sophomore of the year in the Tri-County Athletic League. Although his final point average was 8.63 a game, the sophomore guard came on at the end of the season when he pocketed a career-high 27 points against Independence in the Division I second round and a team-high 14 points against Piedmont Hills in the quarterfinals.
The team’s leading scorer in post Dominic Zanella was named first team all-league after he led the Haybalers to the tune of 11.96 points per game. The senior Zanella also led San Benito in field goals, free throws and rebounds with 7.59 boards.
Senior point guard Tim Von Urff was named second team all-league. Von Urff led the team in assists with 2.88 a game.
Meanwhile, senior wing Jason Canchola was named to the all-defensive team, while Colten Alvers was selected to the sportsmanship team.
San Benito finished its season in the Central Coast Section quarterfinals with a 15-13 record after going 6-6 in the TCAL. The Balers finished tied for third place in league with Alisal.
Palma’s Paul Alioto was named coach of the year, and Alisal’s Jonathon Sosa was named the league’s MVP.
