Sports

The Anzar High girls soccer team started off the season with 23 girls in its program. But that number dwindled to 17 a month in to its current number of 14. Due to some absences last week, the Hawks only had 11 players available in a 1-1 tie with York on Jan. 11.

Even though Bryce Mattson is currently the sixth-ranked wrestler in the 152-pound weight division in the Central Coast Section, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see the San Benito High junior contend for league and section championships this season. Haybalers coach Steven Salcedo said Mattson has opened eyes around the section, impressing onlookers with his athleticism, improving technical skills and boldness to not back down from any challenge.

With eight goals in nine matches entering this week’s play, Jonathan Garcia has already surpassed his output from last season. Although Garcia has made improvements in his game from a physical standpoint, the San Benito High senior striker said a renewed mindset has boosted his play.

San Benito High had one of its best finishing quarters in recent memory, turning what was an offensively stagnate night into a dramatic, 13-point, come-from-behind 45-32 win over host Christopher on Jan. 5.

Ishmael Medina is the type of athlete who coaches love and embrace. And with good reason. The San Benito High senior works hard, takes to coaching well and is diligent in the classroom. Medina wrestles at 145 pounds, has a cumulative 3.86 GPA and is taking three Advanced Placement classes this semester.

Sergio Sanchez has been cut twice during his high school basketball career, but it hasn’t deterred him from having a breakout season. The 6-foot-3, 180-pound senior center used the past shortcomings to come back stronger than ever. The Haybalers have benefited from Sanchez’s improved play entering Friday’s league contest.

In the first several minutes of every match, Manny Ceja measures up his defender in a couple of different ways. A student of the game, the San Benito High junior forward has become a potent goal-scorer by being aware of his surroundings and sizing up opponents.

Before the start of her junior year, Jessica Curto’s family moved from the Sacramento area to Hollister. While it’s never easy for a teenager to switch high schools, Curto said the transition was made easier by her San Benito High teammates.

Down to stoppage time, the San Benito High girls soccer team looked as if it would have to be relegated to a draw with visiting Sobrato in their non-league contest on Dec. 21. It would’ve been a tough pill to swallow given the fact that the Haybalers had controlled the run of play, dominating the possession for long stretches.

Starting at the age of 5, Davonte Butler had a schedule: Go to Morgan Hill to hit in the batting cages or play in a game before showing up at San Benito High to watch his older brother, Anthony, dazzle for the basketball team.