A preview of BVAL 2016 high school basketball league play, which begins Jan. 15
2016 BVAL Basketball Calendar featuring the best players from each school, as chosen by their coaches. Antioch: forward Jake Perkey and guard Cee Cee Brown; Deer Valley: guard Brandynn Manning and guard Artearra Coffey; Liberty: guard Kavon Wise and guard Jamesha Green; Freedom: guard Tessa Cortez and guard John Ketchel; Pittsburg: guard Ifaenyi Udoh and guard Adorah Buggs; and Heritage: guard Anthony Dennis and forward Mikaila Wegenke.
By Luke Johnson
The Bay Valley Athletic League is in the midst of basketball season with league play just weeks away. The boys’ teams appear to be undersized, but make up for it with speed and long-range shooting ability; while the girls’ teams feature star players battling it out for the number one spot.
Freedom High School has claimed the BVAL Title the past two seasons in the boys’ division, and with a recent victory over two-time defending North Coast Section Champion Monte Vista, 48-46, the Falcons are poised to be in contention for a third consecutive pennant.
The only player remaining from both of FHS’s championship squads is senior guard John Ketchel (6’0”), who brings veteran leadership and offensive versatility to the team. Joining him are senior forward DeShawnte Collins (6’4”) and sophomore guard Baylei Coston (5’8”), who is said by coach Drew Torres to have the potential of being one of Freedom’s all-time greats.
Expected to give Freedom a run for its money is Heritage, who is the only remaining undefeated team in the league (10-0). Taking charge for the Patriots is their version of the Splash Brothers, seniors Marcus Wallace (5’9”) and Jason Augliera (6’2”), whom are accompanied by First Team All-BVAL selection junior Anthony Dennis (6’2”) and sophomore prospect Jonathan Ned (6’6”).
After graduating nine players, Liberty is still a team to keep close tabs on with a 9-1 record; while Deer Valley, Pittsburg and Antioch have near .500 records thus far into the season.
Opposing the biggest threat in the girls’ division is Liberty, who is ranked 33rd in the state and holds an 11-1 record. The Lions are powered by seniors Jamesha Green (5’8”) and Kaily Bigley (6’2”), who both received First Team All-BVAL honors a year ago.
On their tail is reigning BVAL Champion Pittsburg, who is led by returning league MVP Adorah Buggs (5’6”), currently possessing a 5-2 record.
The league will unexpectedly be without one of its biggest superstars, Cydnee Kinslow, who has signed her National Letter of Intent to Pepperdine University and will forgo her senior season at Freedom — as she has already graduated a semester yearly.
“It’s a great opportunity for her to get a jump start on her college career, on and off the court,” Pepperdine coach Ryan Weisenberg said.
The 6-foot-2 center dominated last year with a stat line of 16.2 rebounds, 13.2 points and 9.8 blocks per game.
Along with Freedom, Antioch, Deer Valley and Heritage consist of new head coaches, all of whom currently sport below .500 records.
Get your free copy of the 2016 BVAL Basketball Calendar section inside the January issue of the Antioch Herald, in homes and in racks and stacks throughout town.
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