Alisal boys soccer

 Put off turning in those uniforms.
 The state ranked Trojans soccer season isn't over.
 Despite falling 2-0 to Burlingame on Wednesday in the CCS Open Division semifinals, Alisal will receive a bid in the inaugural Northern California Regional Tournament.
 The four semifinalists in the Open Division will receive bids to the tournament event, slated to begin on March 6, as well as the DI and DII champions.
 The Trojans are 15-2-4 this season. They went 11 straight games without a loss before succumbing to Burlingame, outscoring opponents 41-3.

Seaside Finest time change

Seaside’s Finest will hold basketball tryouts for its age group travel teams March 4 and March 11 at Seaside High.

Ages 7th-8th grade registration is at 3:30 p.m., with tryouts from 4-5:30 p.m. High school registration starts at 1 p.m., with tryouts running from 2-3:30 p.m. Fee is $25.

CAL Girls Soccer Team

Coastal Athletic League Girls Soccer Team
First team
Ebony Telford, Anzar
Wendy Guardado, Anzar
Carmen Sahagun, Anzar
Vanessa Bravo, Anzar
Susy Tejeda, Gonzales
Ashely Ochoa, Gonzales
Jazmin Hernandez, Gonzales
Kate Marcotullio, Oakwood
Annie Kaur, Oakwood
Emily Moya, Oakwood
Katie Newman, York
Emily Patz, York
Makenna Davis, Trinity
Juliann McGrath, Trinity
Kayleekai Athen, Marina
Paulina Sanchez, Marina
Second team
Maya Dizon, Anzar
Rossy Guzman, Anzar
Joanna Serrano, Anzar
Christine Hagen, Anzar
Selene Virgen, Gonzales
Marilyn Rodriguez, Gonzales
Paola Leon, Gonzales
Cerys Holter, Oakwood
Anaya Khan, Oakwood
Isabella Rickard, Oakwood
Katie Calciano, York
Josefina Camacho, York
Dallas Johnson, Trinity
Emily Combs, Trinity
Dulce Martinez, Marina
Melissa Casas-Osornio, Marina
Most Valuable Players: Ebony Telford, Anzar, Kate Marcotullio, Oakwood
Coach of the Years: Samuel Vasquez, Anzar, Grant Combs, Trinity
Sportsmanship awards: Annie Kaur, Oakwood, Kyleekai Aten, Marina

Final girls soccer rankings

1. Christopher:

2. Salinas:
3. San Benito:
4. Pacific Collegiate:
5. Gilroy:
6. Alisal:
7. Watsonville:
8. North County:
9. Pacific Grove:
10. Carmel:
On the bubble: Notre Dame, Greenfield, King City, Alvarez, Monte Vista.

Monterey-Sacred Heart Cathedral boys hoops

Central Coast Section Division III Semifinals
Wednesday's game
No. 4 Monterey (18-7) vs No. 1 Sacred Heart Cathedral (14-11) at St. Ignatius, 5:30 p.m.
 Two of the last three Central Coast Section Division III titles have come from these two teams, with the Toreadores winning their first title last season.
 While it will feel like a home game for Sacred Heart Cathedral, which sits just a few blocks from St. Ignatius in San Francisco, the Toreadores have had success in this gym with three straight wins.
 Four of Monterey's five starters were a part of last year's title team. All four are averaging over 12 points a game, including Mohammed Adam, who is dropping in just under 18 points a night.
 The Fightin Irish were just 4-10 in the West Catholic Athletic League, but 10-1 outside league with a 19 point win over Saratoga on Saturday.
 Three of their four league losses were by three points or less. Another setback came in overtime.
 The Toreadores got the rust out from a 10 day layoff in the second half against Soledad, producing a 24 point win with Tahjae Ordonio and Evans Charles putting up double digit numbers.
 The concern for Monterey is Sacred Heart's size. It can at times put a lineup out there where four of the five players are 6-foot 3 or taller.
 The two teams haven't faced each other in the postseason since 2003 when Monterey posted a 66-54 win.

Salinas-Piedmont Hills boys hoops

Central Coast Section Division I Semifinals
Wednesday's game
No. 5 Salinas (17-9) at No. 1 Piedmont Hills (23-2), 5:30 p.m.
 Facing the top seeded team is a challenge in itself. Facing them on their court is another obstacle in the Cowboys path.
 Salinas is no stranger to this team, having beaten Piedmont Hills 52-48 in the quarterfinals in 2015, enroute to reaching the Division I title game.
 What the Cowboys should have coming into this battle is momentum after stunning rival Alisal last Saturday at the very same site.
 Then again how much does Salinas have left in the tank after such an emotional buzzer beating win?
 Champions of the Blossom Valley Mt. Hamilton Division, the Pirates have suffered just two losses all year -- one by four points and the other by three overtime.
 It humbled Palma by 15 and beat Carmel by 13 back in December, and coasted to a 21 point win over Santa Clara last Saturday.
 Salinas will have to contain 6-foot-4 Demarri Floyd in the paint and neutralize point guard Brandon Lowe, or it could be a long night.
 What you get with the Cowboys is balance. You can't focus on one individual, as evident by Kasey Cannon scoring the game winning basket last Saturday.
 Jarrett Edria has been the spark offensively. Yet AJ Saldana and JoJo Paris have risen to the occasion in big moments while Caden Batista has been a defensive demon.
  

What to watch

Boys basketball
 Salinas at Piedmont Hills, 5:30 p.m.
 Monterey at Sacred Heart Cathedral at St. Ignatius, 5:30 p.m.

Softball
 St. Francis at Soledad, 4 p.m.
 North Salinas at King City, 4 p.m.

Baseball
 Monte Vista at Carmel, 3:30 p.m.
 Palma at Santa Cruz, 3:30 p.m.
 North Salinas at King City, 3:30 p.m.
 Pajaro Valley at Marina, 3:30 p.m.
 Salinas at Paso Robles, 6 p.m.

Gabilan Division Girls Soccer

Gabilan Division Girls Soccer Team
Most Valuable Player: Aurea Martin, Christopher
Offensive MVP: Brooke Oleson, Salinas
Defensive MVP: Kimi Chin, Salinas
Goalie of the Year: Alexia Torculas, Notre Dame
First team
Aurea Martin, Christopher
Natalie Smith, Christopher
Ally Echauri, Christopher
Jackie Sanchez, Christopher
Brooke Oleson, Salinas
Kimi Chin, Salinas
Alexa Aguirre, Salinas
Stephanie Castillo, San Benito
Alexandra Mendoza, San Benito
Shantay Tamez, San Benito
Tatiana Cardoza, Gilroy
Stephanie Trujillo, Gilroy
Annalee Robledo, Watsonville
Annah Ramirez, Watsonville
Alexia Torculas, Notre Dame
Lorena Gonzalez, Alvarez
Second team
Isabel Schween, Christopher
Jordan Anaya, Christopher
Samantha Rabusin, Christopher
Fatimah Ahmed, Christopher
Taylor Burbank, Salinas
Holly Ediger, Salinas
Tammy Torres, Salinas
Arlette Fausto, San Benito
Vanessa Garcia, San Benito
Carly Lowi, San Benito
Maddie Eastus, Gilroy
Kelley Nebisnick, Gilroy
Jasmine Orendain, Watsonville
Denise Corrales, Watsonville
Kate Riordan, Notre Dame
Juliana Adams, Alvarez
Honorable mention
Isabella Jimenz, Christopher
Hanna Crawford, Christopher
Elise Engquist, Christopher
Isabella Perez, Salinas
Madison Salmina, Salinas
Mackenzie Salmina, Salinas
Jada Taylor, San Benito
Luz Areiga, Gilroy
Olivia Bozzo, Gilroy
Elyanna Magdaleno, Watsonville
Jessica Zavala, Watsonville
Gabriella Felix, Watsonville
Elena Shaheen, Notre Dame
Presley Garcia, Notre Dame
Chloe Plumley, Notre Dame
Elisa Solis, Alvarez
Sportsmanship team
Katie Tomasello, Christopher
Taylor Burbank, Salinas
Mariana Magana Ruiz, San Benito
Maddie Eastus, Gilroy
Brianna Guerrero, Watsonville
Christine Wooler, Notre Dame
Ency Soto, Alvarez

Pacific Division Girls Soccer

Pacific Division Girls Soccer Team
Coach of the Year: Carissa Purnell, Alisal
Most Valuable Player: Cyenna Maldonado, Alisal
Offensive MVP: Yvette Rojas, Seaside
Defensive MVP: Marcella Gudiel, North County
Most Valuable Goalie: Syerra Montes, Monte Vista
Newcomer of the Year: Jasmine Castillo, Pajaro Valley
Sportsmanship award: Monte Vista
First team
Cyenna Maldonado, Alisal
Natalia Rios, Alisal
Yesneia Tinajera, Alisal
Bianca Cruz, Alisal
Marcella Gudiel, North County
Nicole Garcia, North County
Alissa Delgado, North County
Syerra Montes, Monte Vista
Kailey Morrell, Monte Vista
Sophie Bessa, Monte Vista
Yvette Rojas, Seaside
Aileen Morales, Seaside
Dennise Torres-Alfaro, North Salinas
Samantha Herrera, North Salinas
Ashley Escobedo, Monterey
Jasmine Castillo, Pajaro Valley
Second team
Jaqueline Medel, Alisal
Hilary Medel, Alisal
Hicet Ramirez, Alisal
Briana Torres, Alisal
Gina Huerta, North County
Daisy Magdaleno, North County
Evelyn Orosco, North County
Megan Zanardelli, Monte Vista
Emily Edgerle, Monte Vista
Caroline Sullian, Monte Vista
Vanessa Carrillo, Seaside
Adriana Meza-Linares, Seaside
Alejandra Mejia, North Salinas
Andrea Villalobos, North Salinas
Arislady Cruz, Monterey
Jasmine Paniagua, Pajaro Valley
Honorable mention
Xidelia Marquez, Alisal
Maria Espinoza, Alisal
Beatriz Maravillo, Alisal
Stephanie Rivera, North County
Marcella Gudiel, North County
Alissa Delgado, North County
Alison Zulaica, Monte Vista
Madison Bindi, Monte Vista
Isabel Hollingsworth, Monte Vista
Maya Rammauth, Seaside
Yasmin Herrera, Seaside
Dezerae Arias, North Salinas
Erika Haugen, Monterey
Emma Arroyo, Pajaro Valley
Sportsmanship team
Hilary Medel, Alisal
Marcella Gudiel, North County
Clarissa Alvarez, Monte Vista
Renee Jones-Huggins, Seaside
Montserate Nava, North Salinas
Jhailyn Bryant, Monterey
Nancy Montejano, Pajaro Valley

MTAL Girls Soccer

Mission Trail Athletic League Soccer Team
Most Valuable Player: Roxana Ortiz, Pacific Collegiate
Coach of the Year: Kelly Binger, Pacific Collegiate
Midfielder of the Year: Gaby Giraldo, Pacific Grove
Forward of the Year: Katie Martinez, Greenfield
Defender of the Year: Arylene Nunez, Soledad
Goalie of the Year: Delilah Rocha, Greenfield.
First team
Roxana Ortiz, Pacific Collegiate
Madeline Payne, Pacific Collegiate
Gina Gwiazda, Pacific Collegiate
Robin Lambidakis, Pacific Collegiate
Jada Ware, Pacific Grove
Diana Hughes, Pacific Grove
Gaby Giraldo, Pacific Grove
Jessica Purdom, Carmel
Liuyi Yang, Carmel
Katie Martinez, Greenfield
Dulce Avalos, Greenfield
Jatziri Gaxiola, King City
Yesenia Silva, King City
Arylene Nunez, Soledad
Leona Lind, Santa Catalina
Annie Shear, Stevenson
Second team
Natalia Ortiz, Pacific Collegiate
Amaya Denis, Pacific Collegiate
Valentina Vanos, Pacific Collegiate
Clara Lindley, Pacific Collegaite
Gazel Isek, Pacific Grove
Grace Hardin, Pacific Grove
Becky Phillips, Pacific Grove
Olivia Meyers, Carmel
Serena Valdez-Klemek, Carmel
Danielle Rocha, Greenfield
Delilah Rocha, Greenfield
Paloma Gasca, King City
Fatima Guevara, King City
Michaela Mojica, Soledad
Niamh Burke, Santa Catalina
Lucy Lynch, Stevenson
Sportsmanship Team: Soledad
Sportsmanship Individual: Lucy Lynch, Stevenson

Preseason boys lacrosse rankings

Lacrosse
1. Scotts Valley:
2. Carmel:
3. Stevenson:
4. Salinas:
5. Palma
 On the bubble: York, Christopher.

Mt. Pleasant-Soledad boys soccer

Central Coast Section Division II Semifinals
Tuesday's game
No. 8 Mt. Pleasant (17-1-4) vs. No. 4 Soledad (16-1-4) at Westmont High, 7 p.m.
 Based on their seeds and looking at their records, these are two of the more underrated teams in the Division III playoffs.
 Soledad's only loss on the season was to state ranked Alisal back in December. It has yet to suffer a loss in 2018 -- unbeaten in its last 14 games.
 The Aztecs took advantage of its home field two capture its first two postseason games. Mt. Pleasant is three years removed from the programs first CCS title in 2015.
 Carlos Esqueda has produced 23 goals this year Soledad, while Alexis Ortiz has 10 goals and Alexis Sanchez nine goals to go along with a team high 10 assists.
 Soledad has been in the CCS semifinals on two other occasions, falling to Burlingame in 2014 and Sacred Heart Prep in 2015.
 Of its four career postseason wins, two have come this year. This is Soledad's 11th career playoff appearance in the programs 18 seasons.

Alisal-Burlingame boys soccer

Central Coast Section Open Division Semifinals
Tuesday's game
No. 6 Burlingame (14-3-4) vs. No. 2 Alisal (14-1-4) at Milpitas High, 7 p.m.
 The Trojans quest for a third Central Coast Section title in eight years begins with its defense, which has allowed just 12 goals all season --  three during an 11 game unbeaten run.
 Alisal's defense rose to the occasion in last weeks Open Division quarterfinals, putting the clamps on Los Altos while the offense got a pair of overtime goals to advance.
 Ranked No. 6 in the state by MaxPreps, the Trojans (14-1-4) offense has relied on Angel Amezcua and Carlos Pacheco, who have combined for 24 goals and 15 assists.
 In fact, Amezuca has more goals (16) than Alisal has given up in the entire season. Joel Garcia has quietly assisted on eight goals while Abraham Montano had his biggest goal last week.
 Burlingame won the Peninsula Bay Athletic League, allowing just 16 goals on the year. Seeded No. 6 in the Open Division, it upset WCAL power Mitty 2-0 to advance.
 The Panthers haven't won a CCS title since 1996. They played for the Division III title in 2014 after knocking off Soledad in the semifinals.

Seaside Finest time change

Seaside’s Finest will hold basketball tryouts for its age group travel teams March 4 and March 11 at Seaside High.

Ages 7th-8th grade registration is at 3:30 p.m., with tryouts from 4-5:30 p.m. High school registration starts at 1 p.m., with tryouts running from 2-3:30 p.m. Fee is $25.

Carmel-Half Moon Bay boys hoops

Central Coast Section Division IV Semifinals
Tuesday's game
No. 3 Carmel (19-6) vs. No. 1 Half Moon Bay (22-5) at Hartnell College, 7:30 p.m.
 The only setback in the last 12 games for the Mission Trail Athletic League champion Padres came on Feb. 10 when they fell 65-49 to Half Moon Bay.
 The reason for a non-league game in the heart of the league season was simple. It was the potential for this moment.
 Now can Carmel erase the mishaps it had in falling to the top seeded Cougars, who dispensed of Palma 61-43 last Saturday.
 There will be no element of surprise for the Padres, who had not faced a program with the size that Half Moon Bay possess, starting with 6-foot-7 post Ethan Menzies.
 The senior is averaging just under 19 points and 11 rebounds a game for the Cougars, who shared the Peninsula North Division title with Jefferson.
 Guard Sam Treanor makes things happen, averaging 13.8 points and over six assists a game for Half Moon Bay, who fell in the CCS Division IV title game last year to Menlo 42-40.
 The Padres will have to be creative in getting the ball to 6-5 freshman JT Byrne, who dropped in 26 points in Saturday's win over Harker.
 Byrne may need help in containing Menzies, who had 26 points in the teams first meeting. Kai Lee will force Half Moon Bay to defend on the perimeter, having scored 22 against Harker.

Final girls basketball rankings

1. Seaside: Season high 12 game winning streak snapped in Division III quarterfinals.

2. North Salinas: Ousted in the DI quarterfinals by Silver Creek for the second straight year.

3. San Benito: Dropped a 47-44 nailbitter to Santa Clara in the DI quarterfinals.

4. Soledad: Record breaking season for MTAL champs ends in DIV second round.

5. Notre Dame: Pacific Division champions upset in the DV quarterfinals.

6. King City: Has made 36 postseason appearances in the last 38 years.

7. Stevenson: A 40-point effort from Ambreece Gaskins wasn't enough in DV playoff loss.

8. Alisal: With the core coming back, there is a lot to build off of going into next season.

9. Gilroy: Stumbled down the stretch, going just 2-5 in a first round postseason exit.

10. Watsonville: Was beaten in the second round of the Division I playoffs.

 On the bubble: Christopher, Alvarez, Monte Vista, North County, Salinas.

College Athlete of the Week

 Jacob Tonascia, CSUMB baseball: Homered and drove in six runs in one game and had a pair of hits in another for the Otters, finishing with six hits in the series.
 Honorable mention: Brad Powers, MPC baseball; Gavin Jarvis, MPC baseball; Courtney Hennings, CSUMB softball; Gabe Katich, CSMB baseball; Kyle Guerra, CSUMB baseball; Joseph Gutierrez, Hartnell baseball;

What to watch

Boys basketball
 Carmel vs. Half Moon Bay at Hartnell College, 7:30 p.m.

Boys soccer
 Burlingame vs. Alisal at Milpitas, 7 p.m.
 Soledad vs. Mt. Pleasant at Westmont, 7 p.m.

Baseball

 Soquel at Alvarez, 3:30 p.m.

 Alisal at Greenfield, 3:30 p.m.

 Carmel at Aptos, 3:30 p.m.

Softball

 Gilroy at North Salinas, 3:30 p.m.

 Monterey at Carmel, 4 p.m.

 St. Francis at Alvarez, 4 p.m.

 Pacific Grove at Notre Dame, 4 p.m.

 Seaside at Aptos, 4 p.m.

 San Lorenzo Valley at Gonzales, 4 p.m.

 Marina at Pajaro Valley, 4 p.m.

Volleyball
 Carmel at Pacific Collegiate, 6:30 p.m.
 Alvarez at Scotts Valley, 6:30 p.m.
 Soledad at Pajaro Valley, 6:30 p.m.
 Santa Cruz at Monterey, 6:30 p.m.

College baseball
 West Valley at MPC, 2 p.m.
 Mission at Hartnell, 2 p.m.

College softball
 De Anza at Hartnell, 1 p.m.

Pacific Division girls basketball

Pacific Division Girls Basketball Team
Most Valuable Player: Kelly Kinion, Notre Dame
First team
Kelly Kinion, Notre Dame
Angela Leavitt, Notre Dame
Katerina Javier, Christopher
Mikaela Arista, Alisal
Aaliyah Foster, Alvarez
Savanah Quintana, Watsonville
Jayleen Solórzano, Pajaro Valley
Chenel Vernon, Monterey
Second team
Grace Briley, Notre Dame
Mariah Schlapfer, Notre Dame
Mikaela Santiago, Christopher
Maricarmen Padilla, Alisal
Julsa Vega, Watsonville
Jayonah Chaboya, Alvarez
Michelle Ibarra, Pajaro Valley
Sharrell McDowell, Monterey
Defensive team
Kelly Kinion, Notre Dame
Makenzie Barnes, Christopher
Jasmine Jimenez, Alisal
Jackie Barocio, Watsonville
Esmeralda Navarro, Alvarez
Heidi Ibarra, Pajaro Valley
Sharrell McDowell, Monterey
Honorable mention
Ally Tomasello, Notre Dame
Morgan Haughey, Notre Dame
Makenzie Barnes, Christopher
Destiny Plascencia, Alisal
Evelyn Rios, Watsonville
Isabella Dorado, Alvarez
Alexandria Romero, Pajaro Valley
Katelyn Calvetti, Monterey
Sportsmanship team
Claire Gastello, Notre Dame
Sophie Ayala, Christopher
Giselle Ruiz, Alisal
Jennifer Vasquez, Watsonville
Lisa Fiege, Alvarez
Lucia Vega, Pajaro Valley
Jada Williams, Monterey

Gabilan Division girls basketball

Gabilan Division Girls All-League Team
Most Valuable Player: Jordan Olivares, Seaside
Coach of the Year: Mike Turnan, Seaside
First team
Jordan Olivares, Seaside
Daja Scott-Mitchell, Seaside
Destiney Urzua, North Salinas
Alyssa Ito, San Benito
Kaia Adams, Gilroy
Mackenzie Tellez, Monte Vista
Makenzi LaPorte, Salinas
Jocelyn Cazarez, North County
Second team
Khrystianna Edwards, Seaside
Aleah Jakubowsky, Seaside
Natalie Morales, North Salinas
Kaiya Dickens, San Benito
Maggie Brinkman, Gilroy
Madison Hill, Monte Vista
Christina Chagnon, Salinas
Rebecca Castro, North County
All Defensive Team
Jordan Olivares, Seaside
Nevaeh Black, North Salinas
McKinzie Lothrop, San Benito
Malia Mah, Gilroy
Aleah Rafat, Monte Vista
Kayla Stone, Salinas
Cassady Healy, North County
Honorable mention
Jocelyn Hernandez, Seaside
Marianne Tuazon, Seaside
Arianna Gonzalez, North Salinas
Jayleen Trejo, San Benito
Alyssa Harden, Gilroy
Lauren Delos Santos, Monte Vista
Leslie Cital, Salinas
Faith Moore, North County
Sportsmanship Team
Gabby Arreola, Seaside
Maiya Harper, North Salinas
Berenice Martinez, San Benito
Vanessa Zozaya, Gilroy
Mariah Gonzalez, Monte Vista
Cameron McDonald, Salinas
Jumeika Lopez, North County

Preseason golf rankings

Golf
1. Palma:
2. Stevenson:
3. Carmel:
4. Salinas:
5. San Benito:
 On the bubble: Pacific Grove, Monterey, King City.

Field hockey clinic

​California Field Hockey will host a one-day clinic on March 18 at Monterey High. The event is for ages 8-18 of all levels. Cal field hockey coach Shellie Onstead will direct the camp. The event will run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with an hour lunch break. Fee is $150. Register at www.californiafieldhockeycamp.com/monterey-ca.html or go to mhsfieldhockey@sbcglobal.net.

Boys basketball rankings

1. Monterey: Next up for the reigning CCS Division III champs is stop seed Sacred Heart Cath.

2. Salinas: Can its emotional last second win over Alisal carry over into the DI semifinals?

3. Alisal: Lost just three games all year -- two to rival Salinas.

4. Carmel: A rematch with Half Moon Bay looms Tuesday in DIV semifinals.

5. Palma: Turning in uniforms this year early will be temporary.

6. Monte Vista: Disappointing end on and off the court for this program.

7. Pacific Grove: Never really got back on track after stumbling late in MTAL season.

8. Seaside: Pacific Division champions put together the biggest single season turnaround.

9. Alvarez: As much offense as it put up, a lack of defense caught up with them.

10. Stevenson: Ousted in the Division V semifinals.

 On the bubble: Soledad, Christopher, King City, San Benito, North Salinas.

Preps of the Week

Boys
 Matt Martinez, Ben Perez, Alvarez wrestling: The pair both won Central Coast Section wrestling titles for the Eagles. For Martinez, it was his third straight.
Honorable mention: Billy Hollman, Soledad basketball; Matthew Briscoe, Seaside basketball; Danny Aguillon, Alvarez basketball; Jose Arreola, King City baseball; AJ Fitzgerald, Palma golf; Sacramento Figueroa, Palma basketball; Tahjae Ordonio, Monterey basketball; Zach Pesl, North Salinas baseball; Carlos Esqueda, Soledad soccer; Jack Sendell, Pacific Grove basketball; Luis Martinez, Alvarez volleyball; Winston Elstob, Stevenson basketball; Michael Carnazzo, Monterey baseball; Kasey Cannon, Salinas basketball; Vince Flores, Palma baseball; Kai Lee, Carmel basketball; Sebastian Reynoso, Alisal basketball; Saul Gonzales, Palma wrestling; Riley Siason, Alvarez wrestling. Mike Lizaola, Palma wresting; Bobby Ochoa, Gonzales wrestling; Alfredo Mendoza, Salinas wrestling.
.
Girls
 Carolina Johnson, North Salinas: The senior battled back from a loss by winning three straight matches to finish among the top eight in the state at 111 pounds.
 Honorable mention: Victoria Cabrera, Alisal wrestling; Megan Flores, King City basketball; Soana Laulotu, Carmel basketball; Vada Courtney, Pacific Grove basketball/softball; Mikaela Arista, Alisal basketball; Jocelyn Cavarez, North County basketball; Aailiah Robles, Alvarez softball; Dillan Chiewpanich, Carmel soccer; Isabelle Perez, Salinas soccer; Alize Durate, Soledad softball; Ambreece Gaskins, Stevenson basketball; Elena Felix, Alvarez wrestling; Destiny Sanchez, Alisal wrestling; Marisol Licea, Alisal wrestling; Catie Montante, Monterey wrestling.

What to watch

Baseball
 Trinity at Marina, 3:30 p.m.
 Alisal at Gonzales, 3:30 p.m.
 Monterey at Wilcox, 7:30 p.m.

Football coaching clinic

The Winning Football Coaching Clinic will take place Saturday, March 10 at Ridgemark Golf Club in Hollister.

 Scheduled to speak include UCLA defensive coordinator Jerry Azzinaro, Central Catholic head coach Roger Canepa, Salinas coach Steve Zenk and San Benito coach Bryan Smith.

 Pre-registration is $50 before March 1, $75 the day of clinic. Registration starts at 8:30 a.m. Call 831-664-8506

OJBA Tryouts

OJBA is holding AAU high school basketball tryouts for boys and girls March 10 and March 17 from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. at Monterey Peninsula College. Contact Robbie Johnson at 831-917-2264 or Curtis Olivares at 831-207-6228.

Jackson all stars

Sign ups for the Jackson all stars boys and girls basketball teams, ages 8-17 will be held March 16 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at Harden Middle School in Salinas, and March 17 from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Round Table Pizza in Alvin Square, Salinas. Go to jacksonallstars.com.

Preseason tennis rankings

Tennis
1. Carmel:
2. Stevenson:
3. Salinas:
4. Monterey:
5. Monte Vista:
 On the bubble: York, Watsonville, Alvarez, Pacific Grove

Ryan Jensen

Former Salinas High hurler Ryan Jensen made an auspicious debut as a starting pitcher for the Fresno State baseball team, tossing seven shutout innings in a season opening win.

The right-handed pitcher allowed just two hits while striking out five for the Bulldogs, who opened the season with four straight wins over Michigan State.

Jensen made 29 appearances last year as a true freshmen for the Bulldogs, all in relief. Jensen was a three-sport standout at Salinas, earning all-county honors in football and baseball.

Carter Aldrete

Carter Aldrete has roped three extra base hits in his first four games for the Arizona State baseball team.

The sophomore third basemen is hitting .313 with two doubles and a triple for the Sun Devils. He’s also scored four runs and stolen a base.

 

 In the field, Aldrete, who moved from second to third this year, sports a fielding percentage just under .900.

Aldrete, who faced the Arizona Diamondbacks in an exhibition game last Wednesday, was a four-year starting shortstop for Monterey, earning a spot on The Herald’s All-County team twice.

What to watch

College baseball

 CSU-San Bernardino at CSUMB, 11 a.m.

Seaside's Finest

Seaside’s Finest will hold basketball tryouts for its age group travel teams March 4 and March 11 at Seaside High.

Ages 7th-8th grade registration is at 3:30 p.m., with tryouts from 4-5:30 p.m. High school registration starts at 5:15 p.m., with tryouts running from 6-7:30 p.m. Fee is $25.

Wrestling rankings

1. Gilroy:

2. San Benito:

3. Alvarez:

4. Monte Vista:

5. Palma:
6. Gonzales:

7. Salinas:

8. Watsonville:

9. Alisal:

10. Monterey:

 On the bubble: Carmel, Pacific Grove, North Salinas, Christopher.

Preseason swimming rankings

Swimming
Boys
1. Carmel:
2. Salinas:
3. San Benito:
4. Stevenson:
5. Monterey:
 On the bubble: York, Pacific Grove, Seaside,

Girls
1. Carmel:
2. San Benito:
3. Salinas:
4. Stevenson:
5. Monterey:
 On the bubble: Pacific Grove, Seaside, Christopher.

Saratoga-Seaside girls hoops

Central Coast Section Division III Quarterfinals
Saturday's game
No. 6 Saratoga (21-4) at No. 3 Seaside (21-3) at Aptos High, 6:15 p.m.
 The Gabilan Division champion Spartans have had a week to recharge the batteries for what they believe will be an extended run into the postseason.
 Co champions of the Santa Clara Valley El Camino Division, Saratoga tuned up for Seaside with a lopsided 58-40 win over James Lick.
 While Seaside has rattled off 12 straight wins, the Falcons have won 11 straight, and are 19-2 since dropping two straight back in December.
 Jordan Olivares and Daja Mitchell have taken turns carrying the offensive load for Seaside this year, with Mitchell being a beast on the boards and Olivares a thief on defense.
 Jocelyn Hernandez and Khrystiana Lynch have both been defensive demons for the Spartans while Aleah Jakubowsky has provided a spark on the perimeter.
 Seaside, which received a double bye, has not played in the CCS quarterfinals in 12 years. During that span, it is 0-10 in second round games.

Jensen Main

The former Stevenson pitcher didn’t wait for support in the circle, as she belted a three-run homer, while hurling a complete-game six hitter in New Mexico’s 5-2 win over Cal State, Northridge.

The sophomore hurler had struggled in her first three outings for the Lobos before pitching a gem. At the plate, she’s hitting .333 with four runs batted in. The home run was her first collegiate shot.

Last year Main was primarily a pitcher for New Mexico, receiving just 11 at bats. She was second on the team in wins last year with seven.

 Main was a four sport standout at Stevenson, earning The Herald’s Female Athlete of the Year in 2016.

Stevenson-Eastside Prep boys hoops

Central Coast Section Division V Quarterfinals
Saturday's game
No. 7 Stevenson (14-11) vs. No. 3 Eastside College Prep (17-7) at Pinewood High, 2:45 p.m.
 Eastside plays in the West Bay Division, which saw eight teams make the postseason this year, beating Harker and Sacred Heart Prep down the stretch.
 The Pirates closed the season winning five of their last six, then having little trouble in disposing of  Summit Prep on Thursday.
 Stevenson isn't shy about launching 3-point shots, knocking down eight in the win over Summitt Prep. Patrick Donohue, Winston Elstob and Anthony Horne all had two or more on Thursday.
 Donohue and Elstob have taken turns leading the Pirates in scoring along with Connor Olin and Ben Abrams.
 The Panthers have held 10 teams under 40 points this year. Not surprisingly, they are 10-0 in those games. Stevenson has been held under 40 points just twice all season.

Harker-Carmel boys hoops

Central Coast Section Division IV Quarterfinals
Saturday's game
No. 12 Harker (13-13) at No. 4 Carmel  (18-6) at Hartnell College, 2:45 p.m.
 The Eagles 11-13 record entering the postseason might have fooled some people. It plays in one of the strongest leagues in the section, finishing eighth in the West Bay Athletic League.
 Outside of league play, Harker went 8-4, ending Pacific Grove's season on Thursday with a 58-45 win on the road.
 The Mission Trail Athletic League champion Padres have tried to remain sharp during a 10 day layoff, scrimmaging Monterey on Wednesday.
 Freshman JT Byrne put up Most Valuable Player numbers in the MTAL this season, averaging over 15 points a night. The 6-foot-6 post was also a demon on defense.
 Paired with 6-foot-5 Kevin Cook, Carmel brings its version of the twin towers in the paint, enabling 6-3 guard Kai Lee to get open looks on the perimeter.
 Zach DeZee and Joe Garello are a presence on offense and defense for the Padres, who played for a CCS title in 2016.
 Carmel closed the regular season 10-1 -- with the one loss coming to top seed Half Moon Bay in a non-league game two weeks ago.


 

Palma-Half Moon Bay hoops

Central Coast Section Division IV Quarterfinals
Saturday's Game
No. 9 Palma (14-12) vs. No. 1 Half Moon Bay (21-5) at Hartnell College, 1 p.m.
 No one played a more difficult overall schedule among Division IV playoff opponents this year than the Chieftains.
 So despite a No. 9 seed, it's not a surprise that Palma won its first two playoff games to reach today's quarterfinals, avenging a loss to Monte Vista in the process.
 Co champions of the Peninsula North Division, Half Moon Bay had an eight game winning streak stopped by Sequoia in its regular season finale.
 But the Cougars present challenges, starting with forward Ethan Menzies, who comes into the game averaging 18.7 points and 10.3 rebounds a game.
 The Chieftains have seen eight different players lead the team in scoring this year, including Colin Neff, who had 13 in the win over Monte Vista on Thursday.
 Defense has been the key for Palma, who has held two opponents in the postseason to 30 and 45 points. It's 8-3 when it holds a team under 48 points.

What to watch

Boys soccer

 No. 7 Los Altos at No. 2 Alisal, 7 p.m.
 No. 12 Menlo  at No. 4 Soledad, 5 p.m.

Boys wrestling
 CCS Championships at Independence High, San Jose, noon.

Girls wrestling
 State Championships at Visalia Convention Center, noon.

 Boys basketball playoffs

 Alisal vs. Salinas at Piedmont Hills, San Jose, 1 p.m.
 Palma vs. Half Moon Bay at Hartnell College, 1 p.m.

 Soledad vs. Monterey at St. Ignatius, San Francisco, 2:45 p.m.

 Stevenson vs. Eastside College Prep at Pinewood, Los Altos, 2:45 p.m.

 Carmel vs. Harker at Hartnell College, 2:45 p.m.
Girls basketball playoffs

 Notre Dame vs. Castilleja at Alma Heights,  1 p.m.
 North Salinas vs. Silver Creek at Santa Clara High, 4 p.m.

 Seaside vs. Saratoga at Aptos, 6:15 p.m.

 Stevenson vs. St. Francis, Watsonville at Alma Heights, 6:15 p.m.

Men's basketball

 CSUMB at Stanislaus State, 7:30 p.m.

Women's basketball

 CSUMB at Stanislaus State, 5:30 p.m.

College baseball

 CSU-San Bernardino at CSUMB, 11 a.m.

College softball

 CSUMB at Sonoma State, noon.

Some names to watch this spring in girls track

The spotlight will be on Santa Catalina junior Laurel Wong, who finished in the top five last year in the state in the pole vault.
 Wong won the CCS pole vault title and has a best of 13-feet-2. She's also one of the areas top 100 meter sprinters and long jumpers.
 Notre Dame's Kate Riordan made a splash in her first season running the 300 low hurdles, reaching the CCS finals with a mark of 46.31.
 Teammate Angela Leavitt is among the top distance runners in the county, having reached the state cross country championships two straight years.
 Keep an eye on Monterey sprinter Trinity Mobley, who ran 12.82 last year as a freshman in winning the Pacific Division title.

Preseason boys volleyball rankings

Volleyball
1. Carmel:
2. Alisal:
3. Christopher:
4. Palma:
5. Salinas:
 On the bubble: Monterey, Gilroy, Pajaro Valley.

Some names to watch this spring in boys track and field

 Don't blink.
 That's how fast sophomore Azjani McGill is. Last year as a freshman at Monterey, he reached the Central Coast Section finals in the long jump.
 McGill was a Pacific Division champion in the 200 (22.55) and long jump (20-10 1/2). He's a threat to dip under 11 seconds in the 100.
 If Palma is going to make it six straight Gabilan Division track titles, it will need big efforts from its distance core, namely Sam Lavorato and Tommy Padilla.
 The pair went 1-2 last year at the Gabilan Division finals. Lavorato reached the state meet this past fall in cross country for the second straight year.
 Keep an eye on two-time Gabilan Division high jump champion Reno DiTullio of Palma, who will chase a spot in the state meet.
 A sprinter to watch in the Mission Trail Athletic League is Damian Acosta, who will be the favorite in the 100 and 200 meter sprints.

Boys soccer rankings

Top 10 boys soccer
1. Alisal:
2. Soledad:
3. San Benito:
4. Gonzales:
5. Watsonville:
6. Alvarez:
7. North County:
8. Monterey:
9. Salinas:
10. North Salinas:
 On the bubble: Seaside, Gilroy, King City, Carmel, Greenfield.

Silver Creek-North Salinas girls hoops

Central Coast Section Division I Quarterfinals
Saturday's game
No. 6 Silver Creek (14-11) vs. No. 3 North Salinas (17-7) at Santa Clara High, 4:30 p.m.
 No county team has more experience in the postseason over the last two decades than the Vikings, who are making their 17th trip to the dance in the last 18 years under Darren Jackson.
 During this run, North Salinas has won three Central Coast Section Division I titles, and has been to the finals three of the last four years.
 It also has postseason history with Silver Creek, having faced them three straight years, falling 38-33 last year in the quarterfinals.
 The Raiders extended their season with a 59-45 win over Alisal on Thursday.
 Changes in the North Salinas lineup in the second half of the season have seen Destiny Urzua rise up and provide another offensive option alongside freshman Natalie Morales.
 While losing senior starter Jozzette Reyes to a season ending knee injury, the Vikings have rallied for their teammate, closing the season with five straight wins.
 Silver Creek, which shared the Blossom Valley Mt. Hamilton Division title, is as hot as any team in the postseason, having rattled off seven straight wins.

Soledad-Monterey boys hoops

Central Coast Section Division III Quarterfinals
Saturday's game
No. 12 Soledad (14-12) vs. No. 4 Monterey (17-7) at St. Ignatius, San Francisco, 2:45 p.m.
 You don't need to remind Monterey coach Greg Daniels the last time these two teams met in the postseason in 2015.
 Soledad did the unthinkable, going into Monterey and beating them 53-49.
 None of the current core from either team was around then. But for the Aztecs, it is a reminder of what can happen -- even as heavy underdogs.
 Plus, Monterey has struggled in the past in quarterfinal games, dropping eight straight before ending the drought last year enroute to the programs first Central Coast Section DIII title.
 While the Aztecs remained in rhythm with a pair of postseason wins, Monterey scrimmaged Carmel on Wednesday in an attempt to remain sharp.
 The Toreadores fab four starts with Mohammed Adam, who led the team in scoring at just under 17 points a game this past season.
 Mohanid Adam and Evans Charles both dropped in over 13 points a night while Tahjae Ordonio also averaged over 11 points a game.
 The concern for Monterey all season has been the depth behind the four juniors, who were all a part of last year's title team.
 Soledad's attack starts with 6-foot-6 Billy Hollman, who has been a double-double machine.
The senior had 24 points in the teams playoff opening win, then knocked down two clutch free throws in the final seconds of a win over Aptos on Thursday.
 Beto Tinajero has given Soledad another scoring dimension while Isaac Lopez and Gabriel Burgoz have been contributors in the postseason.

Salinas-Alisal boys hoops

Central Coast Section Division I Quarterfinals
Saturday's game
No. 5 Salinas (15-9) vs. No. 4 Alisal (22-2) at Piedmont Hills, 1 p.m.
 Someday the Central Coast Section will get it right and have quarterfinal games played at the higher seeds home in basketball, like it does for soccer and football.
 For now two Salinas teams will make the 75 mile drive to San Jose in front of a sprinkling of fans instead of a sold out gym for Saturday's quarterfinal rematch.
 Perhaps a mutual site for round three between the two Gabilan Division rivals will give us the game we'd hope we would see in the first two meetings.
 While the two teams split their head-to-head battles in league, neither were close as Salinas ended the visiting Trojans 15-game winning streak with a 30-point blowout.
 Two weeks later the Gabilan Division champion Trojans returned the favor in their gym with a 20-point pasting.
 No doubt, Alisal has a different look as 6-foot-8 Sebastian Reynoso has become more involved in the offense, sharing the ball with Adriano Betancourt and Josue Gil-Silva.
 Gil-Silva led the team in scoring at just under 18 points a game on the season. Reynoso averaged over 15 points a game in the second half of the season.
 The Cowboys have had a different player step up each game, starting with senior Jarrett Edria. In its win over Independence Thursday, AJ Saldana led a balanced attack with 12 points.
 Flying under the radar all season has been Caden Batista, who had 11 rebounds on Thursday, while JoJo Paris has heated up in the second half.

What to watch

College baseball

 CSU-San Bernardino at CSUMB, 2 p.m.

 MPC at Los Medanos, 10:30 a.m.

College softball

 CSUMB at Sonoma State, 2 p.m.

 West Hills at MPC, noon.

 Mendocino at Hartnell, noon.

Baseball
 Trinity at Harker, 3:30 p.m.
 Gonzales at North Salinas, 3:30 p.m.
 King City at San Jose, 3:30 p.m.

Softball
 Alvarez at King City, 4 p.m.
 Soledad at Pajaro Valley, 4 p.m.
 North County at Harbor, 4 p.m.

CCS boys wrestling seeds

Central Coast Section Wrestling Finals
Friday at Independence High, San Jose
Local Seeds
106 -- Zachary Thompson (Palma). Rank: 2.
120 -- Riley Siason (Alvarez). Rank: 3. *Note: Siason has been to the state meet three straight years at 106 pounds.
132 -- Damon Barcenas (Salinas). Rank: 6. Eric Correa (Gonzales). Rank: 7.
138 -- Saul Gonzalez (Palma). Rank: 2. Jakobie Chaboya, Alvarez. Rank: 3.
145 -- Alfredo Mendoza (Salinas). Rank: 1. Gavin Whiteside (Pacific Grove). Rank: 6.
152 -- Christian Antonio (North Salinas). Rank: 5. Kurt Brophy (Carmel). Rank: 6.
160 -- Ernesto Portillo (Alvarez). Rank: 7.
170 -- Ben Perez (Alvarez). Rank: 2.
182 -- Matt Martinez (Alvarez). Rank: 1. *Note: Martinez is a two-time state meet qualifier.
195 -- Roberto Ochoa (Gonzales). Rank: 3.
220 -- Mike Lizaola (Palma). Rank: 6.
 *The top three in each weight class advance to the state championships.

CCS wrestling

 Matt Martinez will look to defend his Central Coast Section title at 182 pounds Friday when the two-time state meet qualifier takes to the mats for Alvarez at the section finals.

 The senior has not lost to an opponent in the CCS this year at 182 pounds. In fact, his only losses on the season have come at a higher weight class.

 Bidding for a fourth straight trip to the state meet in a third different weight class is teammate Riley Siason. The senior has gone to state at 106 and 113 pounds.

 Wrestling at 120 pounds, Siason is seeded third. The top three in each weight class advance to the state championships. Last year he was second at 113 pounds.

 The Eagles have four wrestlers with state meet aspirations as Ben Perez is seeded No. 2 at 170. The senior won the Monterey Bay League title. Jakobie Chaboya is seeded No. 3 at 138.

 A fifth place finisher last year at 145 pounds, Salinas' Alfredo Mendoza will go into the meet seeded No. 1 in his division. Pacific Grove's Gavin Whiteside is ranked sixth.

 Palma's Saul Gonzalez will go into the CCS meet seeded No. 2 at 138 pounds while teammate Mike Lizaola is seeded No. 6 at 220.

 Mission Trail Athletic League champion Roberto Ochoa of Gonzales is seeded No. 3 at 195 while North Salinas' Christian Antonio is seeded No. 5 at 152.

Preseason girls track rankings

Girls track
1. San Benito:
2. Notre Dame:
3. Alisal:
4. Santa Catalina:
5. North County:
6. Salinas:
7. Monterey:
8. Carmel:
9. Watsonville:
10. North Salinas:
 On the bubble: Alvarez, Pacific Grove, Monte Vista, Christopher.

Headed to state girls wrestling championships

Qualifiers for this weekend's State Wrestling Girls Championships in Visalia
111 pounds
 Carolina Johnson, North Salinas (CCS champion).
126 pounds
Victoria Cabrera, Alisal (CCS champion)
160 pounds
Elena Felix, Alvarez (third at CCS)
170 pounds
Marisol Licea, Alisal (second at CCS)
189 pounds
Destiny Sanchez, Alisal, (third at CCS)
235 pounds
Catie Montante, Monterey (CCS champion).
 *Note: The top three in each weight class qualified for the state championships.

Palma-Monte Vista hoops

I'm not sure the Chieftains gained anything out of Tuesday's opening round win, other than remaining in rhythm going into tonight's third meeting with Monte Vista in the Division IV playoffs.
The two Gabilan Division rivals split their two meetings, with both winning nailbitters on their home court.
While Monte Vista limped into the playoffs with two straight losses, it finished a game ahead of the Chieftains to earn a second round home game.
 Lucas Schmidt is a load for any opponent in the paint as the 6-foot-10 post creates mismatches with his size and ability to grab offensive rebounds for the Mustangs.
 Monte Vista utilized Myles Greene more in the second half as the guard dropped in 31 points in a win over Salinas.
 The Chieftains don't have a true shooting threat. Instead, six different players have led the team in scoring during a 13-12 season.
 The return of Peyton Seelye from an appendicitis four weeks ago helps, as he had 13 in the teams playoff win over Gonzales.
 Colin Neff and Peter Powers have shown flashes along with Garrett Maker, who had 19 points in a loss to Monterey in the regular season finale.