2010/2011

 

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"Fear The Beard

It worked for the San Francisco Giants and now it is working for the Valley Christian boys basketball team"

Click the following link to see the KCRA interview with Coach Gunter

KCRA 3 - VCA Fear the Beard

 

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"Oakmont’s Elliott, Sidhu win CVC wrestling titles Valley Christian clinches SMAL title with Faith Christian loss"

Staff reports - The Press Tribune - 2-15-11

Valley Christian clinches – Valley Christian Academy clinched the outright Sacramento Metro Athletic League championship Friday night when Sacramento Country Day defeated Faith Christian 49-35.

The Lions (21-3, 10-0 SMAL) took a three-game lead over Faith Christian (19-6, 7-3) with two games remaining. Valley Christian is fourth in the latest Sac-Joaquin Section Division V power rankings, which were released Monday. The Lions played host to Faith Christian on Tuesday night and finish the regular season Friday night at Wilton Christian.

 

The Roseville Press - Tribune

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"Valley Christian clinches share of league title Granite Bay JV still rolling"

Staff report-The Press Tribune - 2-11-11

Valley Christian Academy clinched a share of the Sacramento Metro Athletic League title with a 69-56 victory Thursday night at Sacramento Adventist.

A win over Faith Christian on Tuesday night in Yuba City or Wilton Christian on Friday would give the Lions (21-3 overall, 10-0 SMAL) the outright championship, but they want more.

“We would love to win both and see if we can jump to the No. 3 seed headed into playoffs,” coach Brad Gunter Jr. said.

The host Capitals (12-6, 5-5) battled Valley Christian to a 29-29 halftime deadlock, and the Lions took a 46-42 lead into the final period.

Gunter said the Lions didn’t adjust to Sac Adventist’s defense before establishing an inside offense late, which freed the guards. The Lions pressed all game, and the Capitals eventually began missing shots, which led to fast breaks for Valley Christian.

“The main twist on the halftime speech was a challenge to the team to make the adjustments and let’s accept the challenge and overcome,” Gunter said. “We came out in the second half and performed much better. Lanes started to open up as the game got closer to the finish.”

Sac Adventist hit eight three-pointers, many with the shot clock under five seconds.

“The nice thing was we never panicked and took on the challenge and executed down the stretch in the half-court game,” Gunter said. “Even with them trying to slow tempo, we were able to put up 69 points … and had many opportunities to score more than that. This might be the greatest thing for us as we prepare for playoffs.”

Jason Gish led the Lions with 28 points, and Kris Kobzeff had 11 points and nine rebounds. Joey Parker had six points, eight assists and six of Valley Christian’s 13 steals, and Jesse Peters had six points and seven rebounds. Greg Ellis had two crucial blocked shots late in the game.

 

The Roseville Press - Tribune

 

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"High-scoring siblings at Valley Christian Carly and Jason Gish battle one on one in the yard at home; in the gym, they've helped the Lions rule the SMAL" By Robbie Enos/Roseville Press Tribune - 2-9-11

Tim Lloyd - Carly Gish isn’t quite head and shoulders over younger brother Jason when they play one on one in the family yard, but he admits she wins many of their games. Each is the leading scorer on their Valley Christian team, and both teams are 8-0 in the Sacramento Metro Athletic League.

Jason Gish was asked about the friendly basketball competitions he has with his sister, Carly. As for who wins the majority of the games, he laughed and said, “Carly does.”

Valley Christian Academy boys varsity coach Brad Gunter Jr. was asked if he actually believed Jason, given his 10-inch height advantage. Gunter responded with a resounding, “Yes!” and had a large chuckle himself.

The stat sheet makes it all the more believable. Carly Gish leads the Lady Lions in scoring at 19.1 points per game, and her younger brother is the leading scorer on the boys team at 19.4.

Carly is a 5-foot-5 senior point guard who uses her speed to run opposing teams ragged, and Jason is a 6-3 junior shooting guard whose left-handed stroke has made him a nightmare for defenses.

The two have been in the Valley Christian system since kindergarten, and the sibling rivalry is more than fun and games. It’s a key to success.

“To be honest with you, I think the siblings check the paper and maxpreps nonstop,” Gunter said. “They feed off each other. They’re in constant competition but in a loving way.”

The games can range from mini head-to-head scoring contests to one-on-one games in the backyard. Whatever it may be, the Gish siblings keep each other on their toes.

“We scrimmage each other at home. We have a basketball hoop outside,” Carly said. “We’ll scrimmage a lot. He’ll give me tips because he’s my brother.”

The scrimmages at home are just the beginning. Their coaching of each other has created a heavyweight box score between the two. Jason put up 22 points against Buckingham Charter in the Lions’ 72-19 victory Friday night. Carly scored a career-high 39 points in a 68-54 win over Wilton Christian on Jan. 28. She has three 30-point games in a row after scoring 35 in a 67-40 win over Buckingham Charter on Friday.

“Mainly, we push each other with the one-on-one outside,” Jason said. “We usually have little competitions like, ‘Let’s see how many you can score and let’s try and beat each other.’ She’s tough to beat. It’s fun.”

It’s a win-win situation for Valley Christian. Both teams are 8-0 in the Sacramento Metro Athletic League. Valley Christian’s boys team – 19-3 overall – is fourth in the latest Sac-Joaquin Section Division V power rankings, which were released Monday, and the Lady Lions (18-4) are seventh.

“The nice thing about the two of them, even though they’re trying to outdo each other with points, they’re actually leading us to wins,” Gunter said. “Carly is our leader on the girls team, and Jason has turned into one of the best threats we have. Even though they’re going at each other points wise, they’re actually the heart and soul of what we do as a team.”

The experience is something the siblings have treasured. Getting the opportunity to help each other grow as players has made their play that much better and the games all the more meaningful.

“It’s been great,” Carly said. “Going to the same school and getting to watch his games after mine and learning from him is just a great experience.”

 

The Roseville Press - Tribune

 

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"Lions hold opponent to 3 points in second half Press snuffs Buckingham Charter; Valley Christian girls also win big"

By Robbie Enos/Roseville Press Tribune - 2-7-11

Tim Lloyd - Valley Christian’s Jeremy Tyller (4) outjumps a Buckingham Charter player for a rebound during Friday night’s 72-19 victory.

Valley Christian Academy had one heck of a game Friday night, defeating Buckingham Charter 72-19 in a Sacramento Metro Athletic League contest. No joke. No misprint.

While the 53-point blowout may seem like a fairy tale, Valley Christian’s full-court press and 20 steals suffocated any offensive effort by the Knights (6-13, 1-7 SMAL).

There were exceptional performances for the Lions (19-3, 8-0) all over the court. Aaron Perchaz dominated the post to the tune of 10 points and five rebounds. Josh Flanagan came off the bench to score 10 points and make four steals. Point guard Joey Parker grabbed six steals and distributed four assists.

Leading the way for the Lions was 6-foot-3 left-handed shooting guard Jason Gish, who scored 22 points, grabbed 12 rebounds and matched Parker’s assist total of four. Gish camped in the left arc and waited to unleash his stroke. He was the main enforcer on fast breaks, flinging no-look passes and commanding the floor after snatching rebounds.

“The big key for us was communication,” Gish said. “That was the big thing that we were working on all practice. What helped us was that communication that brought us up, helping us know where that back door was, and shouting at our teammates so they would know.”

Lions coach Brad Gunter Jr. was impressed with the team’s early start and 47-16 halftime lead, which was missing in their first game against Buckingham Charter on Jan. 11 in Vacaville. In that game, Valley Christian scored four points in the second quarter and trailed by five at the half. The Lions would have a great run in the second half and win 77-38.

“Defense was the key for us, defensive pressure in the full court,” Gunter said. “This is the exact same team that we went to their place … and we were down by five at halftime. We had a 63-7 run in the second half to blow it away, but we worked real hard in our practices leading up to (Friday night) to make sure that our communication for the full-court press was dialed in.”

Valley Christian had eight steals in the first quarter to take a 25-8 lead. There were another seven steals in the second period.

Gunter called off the press in the second half, and Valley Christian performed even better in the half court. The Lions allowed just three points in the second half. Backup point guard Kevin Kobzeff had three steals in the second half.

Varsity girls
Valley Christian 67, Buckingham Charter 40 – Carly Gish led the way for the Lady Lions (18-4, 8-0 SMAL) with 19 points in the first half and 35 total, her third consecutive 30-point game.

“We didn’t have many calls on our side, so we had to kind of play an outside game,” Gish said. “We had to shoot from the three-point line. We kept driving, but it wasn’t working.”

 

The Roseville Press - Tribune

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"Valley Christian widens its lead in SMAL"

Staff reports - The Press Tribune - 2-4-11

Valley Christian Academy took a 2½-game lead in the Sacramento Metro Athletic League into its game against Buckingham Charter on Friday night after defeating Sacramento Country Day 76-37 on Tuesday.

“Sac Country Day has played very well in league play of late, and for us to go to their home court and win in this fashion says a lot of the progression of our team,” Lions coach Brad Gunter Jr. said.

Joey Parker scored 15 of his 20 points in the first half, including 10 in the first quarter, as Valley Christian (18-3, 7-0 SMAL) took a 45-21 halftime lead over the Cavaliers (8-7, 4-4). Parker made four three-pointers. He also had eight assists and four steals.

Jason Gish scored a game-high 29 points and had six assists and four steals. He also made four three-pointers and was 7 for 8 from the free-throw line.

Jesse Peters and Greg Ellis held Country Day’s big men to 17 total points. Peters had eight points and eight rebounds. Six players had more than five rebounds, and the Lions totaled 56 rebounds, 17 assists, 14 steals and four blocked shots.

Freshman girls
Roseville 36, Granite Bay 35 (OT) – Summer Muir made the go-ahead basket with 10 seconds left in overtime to help the Tigers (8-10, 1-5 SFL) beat the Grizzlies for their first league victory. Hannah Houts scored four points in overtime for Roseville.

Roseville lost to Del Oro 33-11 and Nevada Union 52-29 in its previous two games. Baylee Spencer led the Tigers with 10 points against Del Oro, and Muir scored seven. Houts and Natalia Espino scored six each. Muir scored 10 points against Nevada Union and Sierra Alejandrez six.

Roseville lost to Woodcreek 41-23 on Thursday. Espino led the Tigers with nine points.

The Roseville Press - Tribune

 

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"Lions are feasting in the red zone Valley Christian keeps winning, so coach keeps his beard dyed; Lady Lions roll over Wilton Christian to 6-0 start in SMAL" By Kayla Nix/Roseville Press Tribune Correspondent- 2-1-11

Coach Brad Gunter Jr. isn’t sporting a hefty dark red beard for nothing.
Host Valley Christian Academy recorded its sixth consecutive Sacramento Metro Athletic League win in fine fashion Friday night, pounding Wilton Christian 90-51.

Gunter said he agreed to dye his beard red, as opposed to his usual gray, and let it grow if the team reached the top 10 in the norcalpreps.com rankings. Valley Christian now is ranked 10th so Gunter’s fate was sealed and the beard keeps growing as the Lions keep winning.

“We found out (last) week we’re on the bubble for state rankings in Division V for CalHi Sports, and that’s the first time in school history,” Gunter said.

Valley Christian Academy (17-3, 6-0 SMAL) put up 20 points to Wilton Christian’s 11 in the first quarter and kept its offense going.

“Our biggest thing was we wanted to run their legs out in the first half. That was the ultimate goal, to get their legs,” Gunter said. “They’re so talented, especially with their guards, if you leave them in it they can hit from anywhere on the floor.”

That game plan worked. The Lions led 43-24 at halftime and didn’t let up.

“They’re actually a really good basketball team,” Gunter said of Wilton Christian (5-11, 4-3). “The problem is, they’re not that deep.”

The Lions, however, are very deep. Jason Gish made five three-pointers and scored a game-high 21 points, and reserve Jeremy Tyller took over in the fourth quarter and scored 14 of his 20 points.

“His athleticism is off the chart,” Gunter said. “Now that we’re 20 games into the season, he’s starting to catch on. The reality is, he’s our 10th man. But when our 10th man has that much athleticism, it makes it very, very, very nice. He’s able to come in and make an impact quick.”

Varsity girls
Valley Christian 68, Wilton Christian 53 – The Lady Lions went into Friday night’s game down four players and facing a Patriots team that didn’t lose a game in the Harvest Christian League the last four seasons.

But Carly Gish scored a career-high 39 points, and Midori Bounds helped hold Wilton Christian’s Kendra Jeffcott to 14 points, 6.9 below her season average, as the Lady Lions improved to 16-4 overall, the best start in school history, and 6-0 in the SMAL.

“(Bounds) did an incredible job defending (Jeffcott) and not fouling while Carly Gish handled the job of offense,” Lady Lions coach Kim Contreras said.

Gish made five three-pointers, and Heather Frank made 10 of 10 at the free-throw line and scored 18 points. Sam Shoemake scored eight points.

“It feels good to be at the number one spot in the league, and we are hoping to maintain this momentum through the second half,” Contreras said.

Woodcreek 49, Rocklin 39 – Fia Hoskinson scored six of her seven points during an early run that helped the Timberwolves (14-8, 3-2 Sierra Foothill League) take a 9-0 lead over the Thunder (13-9, 3-2).

Joleen Chanco scored 14 of her 18 points in the second half for Woodcreek and shut out Joie Camalo in the fourth quarter. Camalo scored 16 points in the first three periods. Chanco started the third quarter with three baskets and scored nine of the Timberwolves’ 12 points in the period. She was 5 for 6 at the free-throw line in the fourth quarter and 10 for 14 overall.

Sammy Gonzalez scored nine points on three three-pointers, one with 2:30 left in the game and the shot clock expiring.

Del Campo 49, Oakmont 38 – The Vikings (13-9, 0-5 Capital Valley Conference ) trailed 28-16 at halftime in their loss to the Cougars (9-13, 1-4). Shelby Kelch led Oakmont with 13 points.

Valley Christian Academy 90, Wilton Christian 51
Wilton Christian (51)
Dees 3 0-0 8, Campbell 2 0-0 4, Cody Lewis 4 1-3 9, Cole Lewis 3 0-0 9, Welch 6 2-3 14, McCormick 2 0-0 5, Flanagan 1 0-0 2. Totals 21 3-6 51.
Valley Christian (90)
Parker 2 2-6 6, Peters 0 2-2 2, Gish 7 2-2 21, Perchaz 3 3-4 9, DeFiebre 1 0-0 2, Flanagan 2 0-0 5, Kobzeff 2 0-0 5, Tyller 10 0-1 20, Ellis 3 2-3 8, J. Bowden 1 0-0 2, C. Bowden 1 0-0 3, Hagerty 2 0-0 4. Totals 34 11-18 90.

Wilton Christian   11   13   15   12 – 51
Valley Christian    20   23   24   23 – 90

Three-point goals – Wilton Christian 6 (Cole Lewis 3, Dees 2, McCormick 1), Valley Christian 8 (Gish 5, Flanagan 1, Kobzeff 1, C. Bowden 1).

 

The Roseville Press - Tribune

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"Tyller’s dunk gives Valley Christian a spark Woodcreek girls top Granite Bay in front of 1,100 in Pink Zone game"

Staff reports - Press Tribune - 1-25-11

Valley Christian Academy defeated Faith Christian 68-55 in a Sacramento Metro Athletic League boys basketball game Friday night in Yuba City.

The Lions (16-3, 5-0 SMAL) took a 44-41 lead into the fourth quarter against Faith Christian (14-5, 2-2) and received a spark from Jeremy Tyller, who shook the rim with a slam dunk with 4:30 remaining.

“From that point on, we were able to execute well enough to come out of there with a W,” Valley Christian coach Brad Gunter Jr. said.

Officials called 55 fouls, which led to 73 free-throw attempts.

Center Jesse Peters got into foul trouble, but the Lions’ reserve big men totaled 28 rebounds. Tyller had a double double with 10 points and 13 rebounds, Greg Ellis grabbed 11 rebounds, and Aaron Perchaz had 10.

Valley Christian was 20 for 66 from the field, including 5 for 21 on three-point attempts, and 23 for 40 from the line.

Jason Gish led Valley Christian with 20 points. He also had six rebounds and four steals. Joey Parker had 10 points, six rebounds, five assists and three steals. The Lions totaled 56 rebounds, 12 steals and 11 assists.

 

The Roseville Press - Tribune

 

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"Lions win league opener by 51 Valley Christian switches to zone defense, records largest victory margin this season; Lady Lions roll"

By Kayla Nix/Roseville Press Tribune Correspondent 1-12-11

 

Tim Lloyd Midori Bounds (5) of Valley Christian takes a shot over the defense of Sacramento Country Day’s Allison Walter (12) during their Sacramento Metro Athletic League opener Friday night. Bounds scored 14 points for the Lady Lions in their 55-28 victory.

Valley Christian Academy had the upper hand in all aspects of its 77-26 victory over Sacramento Country Day on Friday night.

A major twist was Valley Christian’s defense. The squad that is consistent with a press switched gears for the Sacramento Metro Athletic League opener at home.

“We decided we weren’t going to come out and press,” Lions coach Brad Gunter Jr. said. “We usually press for four quarters. We decided not to. ... By golly, it sort of worked.”

Why the change for the 12-3 squad?

“Against Sac Country Day, in the history of our schools playing, it has been a tougher game at their gym than it has here,” Gunter said. “We’ve always had, whether it be a mental edge or whatever it is, at our place. It’s been tough to play there. So we decided to, if we need it, we’ll go to it and keep something a little in the back pocket. We didn’t have to bring it out at all.”

The defense was effective against the visiting Cavaliers. Valley Christian held its opponent to four points in the first quarter and six in the fourth, all of which came in the final minute and 19 seconds on two three-pointers by Jack Lewis.

Valley Christian’s tough offense helped record the largest margin of victory this season.

“I knew we had the advantage, but I didn’t expect that kind of advantage,” Gunter said. “I expected us to definitely be the favorite. I wasn’t expecting a 50-point spread.”

The Lions showed their dominance early with a 13-0 run in the first quarter. The Cavaliers didn’t score until the 2:40 mark.

Joey Parker and Jason Gish led the way with 16 points each for the Lions. Gish made four three-pointers. All 13 players who stepped onto the court for Valley Christian scored.

“Offense was in spurts,” Gunter said. “Defense created all the easy stuff. Our half-court offense came in spurts. We’d go in two- and three-minute stretches where we were pretty much unstoppable. We got what we wanted. We also stood around for a minute, two minutes at a time.”

Valley Christian’s girls also started SMAL play with a big 55-28 victory over the Cavaliers. The Lady Lions are 11-4 overall and have won 10 of 11.

Midori Bounds and Samantha Shoemake each scored 14 points for Valley Christian, which led 38-11 at halftime. Carly Gish scored 13 points and Heather Frank 12.

 

The Roseville Press - Tribune

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"Valley Christian girls win with power in reserve Granite Bay JV boys, girls now 12-0 after winning tournaments; Grizzlies win JV Lynch Invitational; free throw contest, basketball clinic scheduled for Sunday"

Staff reports - Press Tribune - 1-4-11

With one starter and four reserves on the floor at the end, Valley Christian Academy defeated visiting Woodland Christian 48-36 on Thursday night in its final nonleague tuneup.

The Lady Lions (10-4) play host to Sacramento Country Day at 6 p.m. Friday in their Sacramento Metro Athletic League opener.

Heather Frank scored a game-high 21 points for Valley Christian, and junior Jessi Avila stepped in and contributed strong defense while playing the entire game for a team missing three players.

Frank, Sam Shoemake and Emily Flood fouled out, leaving Carly Gish as the only Lady Lions starter on the floor at the end. Gish scored 10 points and Shoemake eight.

 

The Roseville Press - Tribune

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"Valley Christian loses to new-look Brookside Christian Roseville girls win Dixon consolation final; Granite Bay will play for Mesa Verde JV tourney title"

Staff reports - Press Tribune - 12-30-10

 

Valley Christian Academy traveled to Stockton on Tuesday and ran into a different Brookside Christian team than the one that went 0-3 in the Bradshaw Holiday Jamboree three weeks ago and was blown out in its first six games.

The Knights have welcomed several late arrivals from the football team, which had its season extended into the middle of December because of a berth in the CIF Division IV State Bowl Game.

Valley Christian (10-3) lost to Brookside Christian (1-6) and its 10 three-pointers 78-65.

The Lions missed the front end of four one-and-one opportunities and were 4 for 14 total from the free-throw line. Coach Brad Gunter Jr. said his team missed put-backs and open shots. The Lions also missed defensive assignments throughout the game.

“We had matchup advantages all over the floor and just could not get it done,” Gunter said. “If we were going to lose a game, this might have come at the best time. Wednesday’s practice was the best practice we have had all year.”

Jason Gish and Jesse Peters scored 13 points each for Valley Christian. Kris Kobzeff scored nine points, and Micky DeFiebre and Joey Parker scored eight apiece.

Valley Christian is host to Woodland Christian at 7:30 p.m. tonight in its final tuneup before Sacramento Metro Athletic League play begins Friday, Jan. 7, at home against Sacramento Country Day.

The Lions will enter that game ranked No. 6 in Division V in Northern California by norcalpreps.com.

The Roseville Press - Tribune

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"Valley Christian enjoys a big start Coming off a league title, high-scoring Lions are 10-2"

By Bill Poindexter/Press Tribune Sports Editor -

12-25-10

Tim Lloyd Valley Christian junior Jason Gish (2) has made more than half of his baskets from three-point range (44), but the Lions’ scoring leader (18.9 points) can attack the basket, too.

Valley Christian Academy is thinking big this season – big on the basketball court, big in the Sac-Joaquin Section power ratings, big in the Sacramento Metro Athletic League and big in the Division V playoffs.
The Lions have compiled a 10-2 record with a championship, a runner-up and a third-place finish in tournament play – “Best tournament finishes in school history,” according to coach Brad Gunter Jr. – and average 72.4 points per game. Their only losses were to perennial Division V state power Branson of Ross and Division III Weston Ranch of Stockton.
Valley Christian’s immediate focus before league begins is games at Brookside Christian on Tuesday in Stockton and at home against Woodland Christian on Thursday. Two victories would put the Lions in contention for the No. 1 seed in the section power ratings, which would be a first for the school.
The roster is loaded with experience, size and speed.
Jason Gish is a 6-foot-3 junior who leads the team in scoring at 18.9 points per game on 50-percent shooting from the field. He’s also a 44-percent three-point shooter and averages 4.8 rebounds, 2.4 steals and 1.9 assists. All of those numbers are up over last season, when the Lions shared the SMAL title with Bradshaw Christian. Gish runs the break, attacks the basket, moves without the ball and plays defense.
Jesse Peters, a 6-7 center, averages 12.8 rebounds and 2.8 blocked shots. He started the season with 60 rebounds and 19 blocks in four games against tough competition at the Redwood Classic in Boonville.
Both are attracting attention from colleges.
Running the show is guard Joey Parker, a 5-9 senior who pushes the tempo, “which gets the ball into Gish’s hands,” Gunter said. “Even with our size, we want to run and gun.”
Parker averages 12 points, 7.3 assists and 2.8 steals. The Lions have dominated some games by going to their big men (eight players on the roster are 6-3 or taller) and others with their break. Football players Aaron Perchaz, Micky DeFiebre and Jeremy Tyller provide muscle. Perchaz, Tyller, Josh Flanagan and Josh Bowden have combined for 11 games in double figures, and 6-6 senior Greg Ellis has a 17-rebound game. The team is shooting 51 percent from the field.
“We have some nice pieces to do something this (season),” Gunter said.

Valley Christian girls seek first league title
Six of the 11 players on Valley Christian’s girls team now know what it means to win a league championship, having earned the school its first SMAL volleyball title just a few weeks ago.
Now, they want one in basketball.
“We’re hoping to put a banner on the wall,” said fifth-year coach Kim Contreras, known on campus as Miss Kim. “We got to share in the excitement with the boys last year, and we want a piece of the excitement this year.”
The time is now. Contreras starts four seniors who have played together for four years and a junior who’s in her third season with the team. The bench is young.
“We have about 30 girls in the whole school,” Contreras said. “Basically, we take students and turn them into athletes.”
Carly Gish, an All-SMAL first-team choice for a volleyball team that didn’t lose until the section final at UC Davis, leads the Lady Lions in scoring at 15.1 points per game and climbing – she has scored at least 20 points in three of the last four games.
“Carly can run the offense, but she also knows how to attack,” Contreras said. “Her quickness helps her on fast breaks – steals and layups. When her three-point shots are on, she can stick them all day.”
Samantha Shoemake, another All-SMAL volleyball first-team pick, averages 11.7 points. Junior Heather Frank, an All-SMAL second-team selection in volleyball, averages 12.6 points.
“She’s stepping up to the plate as a leader this year and preparing for next (season),” Contreras said of Frank.
Contact Bill Poindexter at billp@goldcountrymedia.com.

VALLEY CHRISTIAN LIONS

VARSITY BOYS
Last season: 25-6 overall, 13-1 in the Sacramento Metro Athletic League, tied for first with Bradshaw Christian; advanced to the Sac-Joaquin Section Division V semifinals.
Game of note: The Lions travel to Stockton on Tuesday to play Brookside Christian. Both lost in the Division V section semifinals last season, Valley Christian to Victory Christian, which won the title. The Lions already have taken out the champ this season, by a whopping 73-43 on Dec. 13. Throw out Brookside’s 0-6 start. The Knights were taking the court minus several players who were advancing to the CIF State Division IV Bowl Game in football. Now, they’re back.

SEASON SCHEDULE
Date      Opponent
Dec. 1    a-Point Arena W, 97-80
Dec. 3    a-Calif. School for the Deaf W, 84-49
Dec. 4    a-Branson L, 52-43
Dec. 4    a-Marin Academy W, 66-63
Dec. 7    El Dorado Adventist W, 78-31
Dec. 9    b-Elliot Christian W, 70-23
Dec. 10  b-Argonaut W, 59-49
Dec. 11  b-Weston Ranch L, 80-57
Dec. 13  Vs. Victory Christian W, 73-43
Dec. 18  c-Summerfield Waldorf (Santa Rosa) W, 79-43
Dec. 18  c-Auburn Christian W, 80-39
Dec. 20  At Forest Lake Christian W, 83-46
Dec. 28  At Brookside Christian
Dec. 30  Vs. Woodland Christian
Jan. 7     Vs. Sacramento Country Day
Jan. 11   At Buckingham Charter
Jan. 14   At Elk Grove Lutheran
Jan. 18   Vs. Sacramento Adventist
Jan. 21   At Faith Christian
Jan. 28   Vs. Wilton Christian
Feb. 1    At Sacramento Country Day
Feb. 4    Vs. Buckingham Charter
Feb. 8    Vs. Elk Grove Lutheran
Feb. 10  At Sacramento Adventist
Feb. 15  Vs. Faith Christian
Feb. 18  At Wilton Christian
a-Redwood Classic in Boonville
b-Bradshaw Holiday Jamboree (Elk Grove)
c-Jesse West Trinity Prep Winter Classic (Napa)
All games at 7:30 p.m. except for Brookside Christian at 6 p.m. Dec. 28 and Elk Grove Lutheran at 8 p.m. Jan. 14.


VARSITY GIRLS
Last season: 17-10 overall, 11-3 in the SMAL, second to Bradshaw Christian; advanced to the Division V quarterfinals.
Games of note: One has been played. The Lady Lions were blown out by defending Division V champ Bradshaw Christian 69-24 in the first round of the Bradshaw Holiday Jamboree on Dec. 16, but take a number: So have four other Bradshaw opponents. Beyond that, Valley Christian has a four-game league stretch between Jan. 14 and 21 that includes Elk Grove-Lutheran, Sacramento Adventist and Wilton Christian, all with winning records.

SEASON SCHEDULE
Date     Opponent
Nov. 27 At Sacramento Waldorf L, 39-36
Dec. 2   a-San Juan W, 61-44
Dec. 3   a-Head-Royce L, 49-41
Dec. 4   a-Victory Christian L, 51-44
Dec. 7   El Dorado Adventist W, 56-15
Dec. 9   b-Highlands W, 61-49
Dec. 10 b-Sutter W, 50-34
Dec. 11 b-Greenville W, 51-16
Dec. 13 Vs. Victory Christian W, 49-22
Dec. 16 c-Bradshaw Christian L, 69-24
Dec. 17 c-Elliot Christian W, 45-33
Dec. 18 c-Victory Christian W, 56-38
Dec. 20 At Forest Lake Christian W, 57-29
Dec. 30 Vs. Woodland Christian
Jan. 7    Vs. Sacramento Country Day
Jan. 11  At Buckingham Charter
Jan. 14  At Lutheran (Elk Grove)
Jan. 18  Vs. Sacramento Adventist
Jan. 21  At Faith Christian
Jan. 28  Vs. Wilton Christian
Feb. 1   At Sacramento Country Day
Feb. 4   Vs. Buckingham Charter
Feb. 8   Vs. Lutheran
Feb. 10 At Sacramento Adventist
Feb. 15 Vs. Faith Christian
Feb. 18 At Wilton Christian
a-Lady Viking Classic (Victory Christian)
b-Coach T Memorial at Valley Christian
c-Bradshaw Holiday Jamboree (Elk Grove)
All games at 6 p.m. except for Lutheran at 6:30 p.m. Jan. 14 and Faith Christian, TBA on Jan. 21

The Roseville Press - Tribune

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"Milani's three-pointer gives Woodcreek win in Stockton Lady Timberwolves win Speck opener; Oakmont, Roseville girls fall in Rotary tourney"

Staff reports - The Press Tribune - 12/10/ 2010

 

Woodcreek High School’s boys and girls basketball teams won first-round games as the second week of tournament action began Thursday night.

Games continue today, and the tournaments conclude Saturday.

The Timberwolves boys edged McNair of Lodi 63-61 at the McDonald’s Edison Classic in Stockton.

John Peska scored 21 points, Tyler Milani 19 and James Geyer 16 for Woodcreek (6-0), which is scheduled to play either San Joaquin Memorial of Fresno or Manteca at 7 p.m. tonight.

Woodcreek led by eight with three minutes left, but McNair made three three-pointers in a row to go up by one. Taking possession with a little more than 40 seconds remaining, the Timberwolves ran down the clock before Milani drained a three-pointer from the corner with 14 seconds left.

The Timberwolves then came up with a turnover for the win.

Woodcreek warmed up for the tournament by winning at Bella Vista 72-65 in overtime Tuesday night. Devin Murphy scored 18 points, Peska 17, Geyer 16 and Sam Anderson 14, and the Timberwolves outscored the Broncos 12-6 in overtime.

Valley Christian 78, El Dorado Adventist 31 – The host Lions had a huge size and speed advantage and rolled to leads of 32-11 after one quarter and 57-20 at halftime Tuesday night.

Jason Gish scored a game-high 26 points and had seven rebounds, and Joey Parker had nine points, 10 assists, eight steals and five rebounds. Aaron Perchaz had 11 points and seven rebounds, Josh Flanagan scored 10 points, and Jesse Peters had 10 rebounds. Eleven of Valley Christian’s 13 players scored.

Roseville splits back-to-back games– Junior Latrelle Swayne scored 16 points to lift the visiting Tigers over Casa Roble 57-50, but the next night, Roseville was outscored 27-4 in the first quarter by host Yuba City in a 67-47 loss.

Girls varsity

Woodcreek 51, Christian Brothers 48 – Trailing by seven with less than four minutes remaining, the Timberwolves (4-1) tied the score on a steal and layup by senior point guard Jolene Chanco.

Fia Hoskinson and Sammy Gonzalez each hit a three-pointer during the comeback, and junior forward Kayla Gardner made the go-ahead bucket with less than a minute to play as Woodcreek won its opener in the Dorothy Speck Tournament in Davis.

Christina Mandich scored 13 points and Hoskinson 12.

The Timberwolves attacked the Falcons’ press in the third quarter and erased a 12-point deficit while holding CBS to four points in the period.

On Tuesday, the Timberwolves built a 20-point lead in the third quarter, and Chanco had a breakout game with 18 points in a 57-51 victory over visiting Vacaville. Destiny Standifer scored 10 points, and all 13 Woodcreek players saw court time.

Whitney 53, Oakmont 50 – The Vikings had a good look at the basket in the final seconds, but the shot bounced away in the first round of the Oakmont Roseville Rotary Tournament.

Oakmont drew three charging violations from the Wildcats in the first half but trailed 25-16 at halftime. The Vikings attacked the basket in the second half, erased the deficit and took a 43-42 lead but quickly gave it back.

Freshman Emilee Gavia led the Vikings with 17 points, including 9 of 9 free throws, and Oakmont was 20 for 26 at the line. Senior Sabrina Ali had a double double with 16 points and 11 rebounds, and Nicki Holm came off the bench to score eight points.

Oakmont plays at 3:30 p.m. today and either 10 a.m. or 11:30 Saturday.

Freshman Morgan Green led Whitney with 19 points, and Alex Rodriguez scored 16.

Antelope 52, Roseville 45 – Lolly Fitzpatrick scored 10 points for the Tigers in their first-round loss to the Titans in the Oakmont Roseville Rotary Tournament. Roseville is scheduled to play at 5 p.m. today and either 10 a.m. or 11:30 Saturday.

Valley Christian 56, El Dorado Adventist 15 – Heather Frank and Sam Shoemake scored 18 points each and Carly Gish 16 for the Lady Lions (3-3).

 

For the full article visit

The Roseville Press - Tribune

 

 

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"2010 All-Metro Volleyball"

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By John Parker
Special to The Bee Published: Thursday, Dec. 9, 2010 - 12:00 am | Page 6C Last Modified: Tuesday, Dec. 14, 2010 - 10:36 am

The Sacramento Bee

 

HONORABLE MENTION

• Midori Bounds, Valley Christian • Maddie Cannon, Rio Americano • Simone Durham, Roseville • Vanessa Edwards, Cordova • • Paige Folger, St. Francis • Bridget Herenda, El Camino • Michelle Hernandez, Bella Vista • Tatum Jungsten, Del Oro • Michaela Leonard, Placer • Madison Macauley, Ponderosa • Jen Petrovich, St. Francis • Alex Rader, Ponderosa • Sara Schell, Bear River • Haley Simmons, Oak Ridge

– John Parker

 

SECTION CHAMPIONS

Division I

• St. Mary's (Stockton) defeats St. Francis 3-0.

Division II

• Rocklin defeats El Camino 3-1.

Division III

• Vista del Lago defeats Union Mine 3-1.

Division IV

• Ripon defeats Golden Sierra 3-0.

Division V

• Ripon Christian defeats Bradshaw Christian 3-1.

Division VI

• Woodland Christian defeats Valley Christian 3-1.

For the full article in the Sacramento Bee
Read more: http://www.sacbee.com/2010/12/09/3243882/2010-all-metro-volleyball.html#ixzz18m4vsgaS

 

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"Valley Christian opens Bradshaw Jamboree with blowout"

By Bill Poindexter, Roseville Press Tribune sports editor - 12/9/2010

Valley Christian Academy advanced to the semifinals of the Bradshaw Holiday Jamboree with a 70-23 rout of Elliot Christian of Lodi on Thursday in Elk Grove.

Junior Josh Flanagan made three of the Lions’ six three-pointers and scored 15 points. Junior Jason Gish had 14 points and six rebounds, and senior point guard Joey Parker scored 13 points. Parker scored seven points in the third quarter and combined for nine assists with junior point guard Kris Kobzeff.

Senior Jesse Peters led Valley Christian with 11 rebounds, and he had two blocked shots and two steals. The Lions totaled seven blocks and seven steals. Senior Aaron Perchaz and sophomore Josh Bowden had seven rebounds each.

Valley Christian’s aggressive pressure defense limited Elliot Christian to two points in the second quarter and one point in the fourth.

The tournament continues Friday and Saturday.

 

Valley Christian 70, Elliot Christian 23

Elliot Christian (23)

Schmidt 1 1-1 3, Blythe 0 1-2 1, Liu 1 0-0 2, S. Gotelli 3 2-2 9, Passey 2 4-4 8. Totals 7 8-9 23.

Valley Christian (70)

Gish 5 2-3 14, Ellis 0 2-4 2, Bowden 2 0-0 4, Kobzeff 1 2-2 4, Flanagan 6 0-0 15, Perchaz 2 1-2 5, Peters 3 1-2 7, DeFiebre 1 0-0 3, Parker 3 7-7 13, Tyller 1 1-4 3. Totals 24 16-24 70.

Elliot Christian      9   2 11   1 – 23

Valley Christian  22 14 21 13 – 70

Three-point goals – Elliot Chr. 1 (S. Gotelli), Valley Chr. 6 (Flanagan 3, Gish 2, DeFiebre). Total fouls – Elliot Chr. 14, Valley Chr. 10. Fouled out – A. Gotelli

 

The Roseville Press - Tribune

 

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"Football players are honored on all-conference teams Granite Bay's Cooper, Wright and Andrews earn awards in SFL; Oakmont's Caliste is top all-purpose player in CVC"

Staff reports - The Press Tribune - 12/8/2010

 

Sacramento Metro Athletic League

Final regular-season standings

                    League Overall

Varsity            W-L   W-L

Delta                  8-0   10-0

Foresthill           6-2     6-4

Valley Chr.        3-5     3-7

Cristo Rey         2-6     2-8

Woodland Chr. 1-7     2-8

 

All-SMAL team

Coach of the Year – Bob Lee, Delta.

Player of the Year – Gerald Santos, RB, Delta.

First team

Valley Christian – Caleb Bowden, DL; Micky DeFiebre, OL; Wright Hagerty, DB; Aaron Perchaz, LB.

Delta – Austin Blair, QB; Jay Callis, TE; Eric Davis, LB; Jairo Gutierrez, DB; Cameron Neves, DL; Gerald Santos, RB; Avory Trejo, WR.

Foresthill – Tyler Giles, DL; Alex Harley, LB; Travis Marshall, RB; Zach Moss, DB; Jace Pack, LB.

Cristo Rey – Anthony Duenas, OL; Gerardo Romero, WR; Kahlil Williams, RB.

Woodland Christian – James Morgan, WR; Travis Morrow, OL.

Second team

Valley Christian – Brian Alvarez, LB; Josh Bowden, OL; Logan Grubaugh, OL; Jordan Stoever, DL.

Delta – Fernando Cruz, OL; Brandon Hanie, DB; Dylan Stall, DL; Octavio Ventura, OL; Cory Wallace, TE.

Foresthill – Wes Archbold, LB; Nick Gleason, DB; Ian Sykes, WR; Brandon Trimble, OL.

Cristo Rey – Alex Hernandez, DB; Julian Lara, RB; Presley Ramirez, DL.

Woodland Christian – Bobby Taylorm LB.

Honorable mention

Delta – Ray Garcia, LB; Vince Heffington, RB.

Foresthill – Jordan Boyer, DL.

Cristo Rey – Dylan Ruiz, LB.

Woodland Christian – Anthony Castaneda, LB.

 

The Roseville Press - Tribune

 

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"Exhausted Valley Christian takes third in Redwood Classic Lions lose to Branson, beat Marin Academy; Granite Bay JV girls win Mira Loma tournament"

Staff Reports- The Press Tribune - 12/8/2010

 

Valley Christian Academy had a rare basketball doubleheader Saturday, and with players exhausted, the Lions came back from an early 14-point deficit to beat Marin Academy 66-63 for third place in the Redwood Classic in Boonville.

The Lions lost to perennial state contender Branson of Ross 52-43 in the afternoon and trailed Marin Academy 22-8 after the first quarter.

“This game was a mental challenge, to say the least,” Lions coach Brad Gunter Jr. said.

Valley Christian gradually came back, and Gunter began making “hockey-style lineup changes” late in the third quarter, subbing five at a time to give his players rest.

Tied at 63, the teams traded turnovers, and Valley Christian called a time out with 11 seconds remaining. Gunter set up a play to isolate all-tournament choice Jason Gish against a “gassed” defender. Gish had the ball at the top of the key and fired a three-pointer with one second left. Swish.

“This was a huge step and win for our program,” Gunter said of the matchup of teams in the NorCal top 10 last season. “Now we have competed against one of the best and beaten one of the best and officially know that we can compete at that level.”

Gish scored 12 of his 28 points in the last three minutes. All-tournament choice Joey Parker had seven points, 12 assists, seven rebounds and three steals. Aaron Perchaz had eight points and seven rebounds, and Jesse Peters had 12 rebounds and five blocked shots.

Earlier, Valley Christian led Branson by 10 with a minute left in the third period, but two three-pointers and a layup after a turnover erased the lead. Branson outscored the Lions 14-2 in the final quarter.

Parker had 13 points, five assists and five steals, and Peters had eight rebounds and four blocks.

The Lions advanced to the semifinals with an 84-49 victory over the California School for the Deaf. They opened with a 23-0 run and scored 36 points in the first quarter.

Gish scored 29 points, Parker had 14 points and 10 assists with no turnovers, and Peters had 11 points, 18 rebounds and two blocks. Also, Greg Ellis grabbed 17 rebounds, Perchaz scored 10 points and Micky DeFiebre eight.

In other tournaments:

Granite Bay girls – The Grizzlies lost to McClatchy 56-43 in the Christian Brothers 2K10 Classic. Granite Bay outrebounded McClatchy 26-20, and Shelbi Tooley scored 10 points. Cayley McDowell and Alexa Wolf each hit two three-pointers, but the Grizzlies lost Katrina Reeves to an ankle injury.

Granite Bay cut its turnovers to 22 one night after committing 38 against fast and physical River City in a 61-42 loss. McDowell and Wolf had nine points each, and Lindsay Nelson grabbed eight rebounds.

“Our issues right now are fixable,” coach Melissa Triebwasser said. “We only have one game (this) week, so we will get things turned around.”
Granite Bay JV – The Grizzlies won the Mira Loma Matador Madness Tournament with a 36-15 victory over Rio Americano in the final. Rio was scoreless in the second quarter. The Grizzlies defeated Cosumnes Oaks 60-34 and Golden Sierra 55-26 en route to the final. Freshmen Jennifer Manduca and Taylor Nelson are averaging 12.3 and 11.5 points.

 

The Roseville Press - Tribune

 

 

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"Roseville boys open with two basketball wins Tigers girls, Valley Christian boys fall in Foundation Games"

Staff reports - The Press Tribune - 11/30/2010

Tim Lloyd, Kris Kobzeff (white jersey) of Valley Christian and Eddie Litvinov of Highlands slide into the key during a battle for a loose ball during their Foundation Game on Monday night.

 

Roseville opened the high school basketball season a little earlier than most teams, beating Grant 80-71 on Saturday night.

The Tigers built a 19-point lead in the first half and overcame a sluggish third quarter to put away the Pacers in the fourth.

“Not bad for our first game,” Roseville coach Greg Granucci said. “We have a lot of young guys on the team. They have to get used to the varsity pace.”

Sophomores Marcus Garcia and Cole Jacobs led the Tigers with 18 and 14 points, and Andy Schmidt scored all 12 of his points in the second half.

Roseville was just 18 for 33 from the free throw line.

“We have a lot of improvement to do, but it was a good first game and nice to get a win,” Granucci said.

The Tigers came back Monday night to beat Placer 71-67 in a Foundation Game in Auburn. Mark Reece scored 19 points for Roseville, and Nick Blaser and Garcia had nine each

The Roseville girls lost to Placer 45-33 in the opener of the doubleheader. Senior Kayla Granucci led the Tigers with 13 points.

In another Foundation Game, Valley Christian Academy lost to visiting Highlands 66-57. The Lions trailed by three with 21 seconds remaining when they missed a contested three-pointer.

Valley Christian also committed 27 turnovers against Highlands, which returns much of the team that won its league title last season.

“This early in the season, I understand there will be execution issues, but the effort adjustment by my players in the second half leaves me very optimistic for the season,” Lions coach Brad Gunter Jr. said. “This was a great early test.”

Jason Gish led Valley Christian with 16 points, Jeremy Tyller scored 10, and Jesse Peters had nine points, 17 rebounds and two blocked shots.

 

The Roseville Press - Tribune

 

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"Valley Christian volleyball comes up short Lady Lions fall in Division VI section final"

By Bill Poindexter - The Press Tribune - 11/20/2010

 

Philip Wood/The Press-Tribune Valley Christian Academy senior Midori Bounds tips the ball over the net Thursday night against Woodland Christian in the Sac-Joaquin Section Division VI championship match at UC Davis. Valley Christian went down in four games.

DAVIS – The Valley Christian volleyball machine finally ran out of gas.
The Lady Lions and their small pride of eight faced what head coach Maria Hill described as their toughest competition yet, trailed in a match for the first time this season, came up short in a marathon second set and lost to top-seeded Woodland Christian 3-1 in the Sac-Joaquin Section Division VI championship Thursday at UC Davis.

“They were just pooped out,” Hill said. “They had a squad of 11 or 12. We have eight. I just had no subs, no rest, nothing for my girls. I said just pour it out.”

Valley Christian rebounded to win the third set before Woodland Christian prevailed 25-18, 41-39, 20-25, 25-13.

The second set featured nine lead changes, 27 ties, nine set points for Woodland Christian and seven set points for Valley Christian.

“We thought we had it won like four or five times, and they pulled out saves on us,” Lady Lions assistant coach Chris Patterson said.

Woodland Christian went 17-6 overall and was 4-6 at one point. One loss was to Buckingham Charter 3-1. Valley Christian defeated Buckingham twice. The Cardinals won the Central Valley Christian League title and finished with a 13-match run.

“Woodland was amazing,” Hill said. “Woodland did not make errors. That team was just digging. They dug a lot.”

Valley Christian didn’t collect a blue section banner, but seniors Presleigh Sinerius, Midori Bounds, Carly Gish and Sam Shoemake helped the Lady Lions set several school marks. They swept 20 matches this season and won 70 games to seven for their opponents. They finished with the best volleyball record in school history (23-1), won the Sacramento Metro Athletic League to give Hill her first title and advanced to their first section final. The four seniors went a combined 75-18 over four seasons.
In fact, Valley Christian’s only four losses over the past two years have been to Woodland Christian, Ripon Christian and Bradshaw Christian of Elk Grove (twice). All were at UC Davis on Thursday night. Ripon Christian defeated Bradshaw Christian for the Division V championship on the adjacent court.

“We had a wonderful season,” said Hill, an eighth-grade teacher at the school. “The girls just had great chemistry. So many amazing moments.”

The Roseville Press - Tribune

 

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"Another sweep for Valley Christian, and a berth in the Division VI final"

By Robbie Enos - The Press Tribune - 11/15/10

 

Tim Lloyd, Valley Christian senior Midori Bounds powers down a kill during Thursday’s Sac-Joaquin Section Division VI semifinal match

 

Valley Christian Academy’s girls volleyball team rolled over Victory Christian 3-0 on Thursday night, advancing the Lions to the championship match in the Sac-Joaquin Section Division VI playoffs next Thursday, Nov. 18, at UC Davis.

The Lions were 12-0 in the Sacramento Metro Athletic League for the school’s first league championship and are now 23-0 this season. This is the best record in school history.

“It’s really special because our school has never gone this far before and never had this good of a record,” senior Carly Gish said. “This has been the biggest accomplishment for us. I’m really excited to go to Davis and fight for the section title.”

 

The Roseville Press - Tribune

 

 

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"Young Valley Christian ends with loss, looks ahead to 2011"

By Robbie Enos - the Press Tribune - 11/2/10

 

Tim Lloyd, Valley Christian quarterback Wright Hagerty (16) turns the corner against Delta's Jerry Lalonde (76), Cory Wallace (80) and Jay Callis (88).

 

Delta High School ran left, right, up, down and around the Valley Christian defense for 384 yards and defeated the Lions 41-13 in their season finale Saturday at Highlands.

The Saints (9-0, 7-0 Sacramento Metro Athletic League) passed twice the entire game and intercepted four passes to dominate.

Valley Christian’s only scores were two Micky DeFiebre field goals, one from 45 yards, and a late Aaron Perchaz rushing touchdown. Delta’s Gerald Santos rushed for 135 yards in just eight carries – an average of nearly 17 yards a carry – and scored three touchdowns in the first half.

The Lions finished 3-7 overall and 3-5 in league play. Head coach Todd Conroy talked about the youth of his team all season and looks forward to the future. There were just five seniors on the roster, five juniors, 10 sophomores and six freshmen.

“We have a lot of great young guys,” Conroy said. “We have a huge junior and sophomore class. We are going to be prepared for next season. We really are.”

Seniors leaving the team include tight end and safety Levi Young, who had four receptions this season; tight end and linebacker Caleb Bowden, a key blocker on the line; and Jeremy Tyller, who had 259 yards rushing, 270 yards receiving, scored seven touchdowns and made four interceptions.

Perchaz was the Lions’ leading rusher with 684 yards, and he scored six touchdowns. He rushed for 110 yards in 24 carries in his final game. DeFiebre led the team with 42 solo tackles and 70 combined tackles going into the Delta game.

“This season, I taught my players leadership – becoming young men and leaders in their field,” Conroy said. “I hope they learned something from this when they go off to college. We have a couple of guys, Aaron Perchaz and Micky DeFiebre, that actually have a shot at some scholarships.”

Tackle Josh Bowden, guard DeFiebre, center Nick Ruth, guard Nick Norwood and tackle Jordan Stoever were the primary starting linemen all season. Behind their blocking, the Lions rushed for 1,364 yards.

“The league is evolving, and we like the way the league is going,” Conroy said. “We have some good freshmen that are coming in. We have just developed our flag football program, so we are excited about that. We’ve got some excited kids that are going to be playing next year.”

 

The Roseville Press - Tribune

 

 

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"Valley Christian tops Division VI power ratings for volleyball"

By Bill Poindexter - The Press Tribune - 10/23/10

 

Courtesy Sam Shoemake

 

Coach Maria Hill and the Valley Christian Academy volleyball team aren’t celebrating anything yet, but as the regular season has progressed, the Lions have recorded one accomplishment after another:
Valley Christian was undefeated at 17-0 overall – including 14 three-game sweeps – and 8-0 in the Sacramento Metro Athletic League heading into Friday’s match against Wilton Christian. The Lions also were closing in on the school’s first league championship in volleyball.

And on Monday, the Lions learned they were No. 1 in Division VI in the first power ratings of the season released by the Sac-Joaquin Section.
“I’m really proud of the girls. They’ve just really worked hard,” Hill said Thursday. “We knew from last year this would be the year if we were going to do it. We don’t want to jinx it, but they’re thrilled.”
Buckingham Charter of Vacaville, the only team to take Valley Christian to five games so far, is the 11th seed in Division IV.

Hill asked her team to become more versatile this season. Senior Sam Shoemake had always been a hitter, but she’s been sharing the responsibility of setting with junior Heather Frank.

“That’s been the key to our success. We’ve made the girls be versatile,” Hill said. “In volleyball, it’s usually one position. Sam has really stepped up and gone from being a major hitter to setting.”

In Division II, Oakmont is No. 10, Roseville is No. 12, and Woodcreek is No. 30. Rocklin, which is No. 1, defeated Roseville in four games Thursday night.
Granite Bay is No. 24 in Division I. The Grizzlies won the Division II section championship in 2004

 

The Roseville Press Tribune

 

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"Unbeaten Valley Christian closes in on first volleyball title"

Staff reports - The Press Tribune - 10/20/2010

While football stadiums were filling for another Friday night under the lights, fans were filling the gymnasium at Valley Christian Academy for what was described as the biggest match of the season.

Valley Christian’s volleyball team, which has never won a league title, closed in on its first by sweeping Buckingham Charter of Vacaville 25-11, 25-13, 25-23.

The Lions improved to 17-0 overall and 8-0 in the Sacramento Metro Athletic League with four regular-season matches remaining.

Valley Christian needed all five games to defeat Buckingham Charter 3-2 on Sept. 21, but the Lions took big leads in the first two games this time to roll.

Midori Bounds led the way with 14 kills, and Carly Gish had 10 kills for the Lions. Sam Shoemake had 16 assists, and PresLeigh Sinerius and Heather Frank had 12 service points each.

“Carly played an incredible all-around game. She really led the way for us,” Lions coach Maria Hill said.

The Valley Christian JV team ran its league record to 5-0 (8-2 overall) with a 25-12, 25-8 win over Buckingham Charter

 

The Roseville Press - Tribune

 

 

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"Valley Christian QB has the Wright stuff Hagerty throws go-ahead TD pass on trick play, then clinches win with interception"

By Robbie Enos, The Press Tribune - 10/13/2010

 

WOODLAND – Quarterback Wright Hagerty made an evening to remember for Valley Christian Academy football fans Saturday night, throwing the winning touchdown pass and making a clutch interception in the Lions’ thrilling 29-25 win over Woodland Christian.

The Lions (3-4, 3-2 Sacramento Metro Athletic League) assembled a play normally dreamed up in a Madden video game. Hagerty pitched the ball to fullback Aaron Perchaz, who tossed the ball back to Hagerty, who threw a 41-yard pass to a wide-open Jeremy Tyller in the end zone with 2:35 left in the game.

“I was so glad when I saw Jeremy catch that pass,” Hagerty said. “I love that kid.”

Woodland Christian then drove into Valley Christian territory after a 34-yard pass from Dillon Milton to Justin Rodegerdts. Hagerty made the clinching interception two plays later and returned it into Woodland Christian territory.

“I had seen him throw that same pass before earlier in the game,” Hagerty said. “So when I saw it again, I anticipated it and jumped it.”

The miracle touchdown was the finish of a 21-point fourth quarter. Valley Christian coach Todd Conroy saw a weakness in the Cardinals’ defense on the outside. The Lions ran an end around to the right side with Tyller six times in the fourth quarter, resulting in 45 yards. Right guard Nick Norwood and tackle Christian Thompson led the way on each carry.

“We ran that play so frequently because we couldn’t get up the middle,” Conroy said. “We were stopped in the middle, and our passing game wasn’t working very well. So when we started to utilize our speed, that gave us some confidence.”

“I was kind of excited to get the ball and run a little bit,” Tyller said. “But it was really a team effort out there. It was great to see us end out there with such a great play.”

Perchaz rushed for 72 yards in 17 carries and Tyller for 60 yards in 14 carries.

Down 25-8 after three periods, the Lions put together an 11-play, 81-yard touchdown drive to start the fourth. Tyller scored from eight yards out on the suddenly unstoppable counter with 7:01 left, setting up the dramatic finish.

Woodland Christian dominated at the start. Its spread offense created 160 yards through the air in the first half. The Cardinals’ 3-4 base defense allowed zero points and just 50 total yards by that point. The only spark for Valley Christian heading into the half was an 80-yard kickoff return by Tyller with 15.2 seconds left.

Conroy hopes to carry the momentum into Saturday’s game against Cristo Rey.

“We’re going to start getting our injured guys back,” he said. “We’re looking forward to coming out. We have to win our next three if we want to be a force in the league. That’s what we’re doing.”

 

The Roseville Press - Tribune

 

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"Valley Christian coughs up a loss to Delta Lions' three fumbles lead to 30-0 halftime deficit"

By Robbie Enos, The Press Tribune - 9/25/2010

 

CLARKSBURG – Undefeated Delta High School dominated Valley Christian Academy 43-14 in a Sacramento Metro Athletic League game Friday night.
The Saints rushed for 333 yards and kept the Lions out of the game thanks to an explosive offense in the first half and a clock-chewing machine in the second half.

Valley Christian fumbled three times, twice in the first half, leading to a 30-0 deficit. Aaron Perchaz rushed for 135 yards, but the Lions had little offensive fire after that.

“It was actually our offense and not our defense that was responsible for those points,” Valley Christian coach Todd Conroy said. “We had three turnovers, and they took advantage of all three. So if you take 21 points away, it’s a well-played game, but it took us some time to get ourselves back together. Offensively, shooting ourselves in the foot hurt us.”
The Lions’ turnover woes started right away when Jeremy Tyller fumbled a pitch from quarterback Wright Hagerty, giving Delta the ball. Tyller fumbled again on a nearly identical play on Valley Christian’s next possession. Delta capitalized on the first turnover with a 37-yard drive resulting in a Vince Heffington touchdown run.

Delta running back Gerald Santos took over the offense from there, getting all of his 171 yards rushing before the end of the half. Santos scored on a 13-yard run in the second quarter thanks to a giant hole created by linemen Jacob Escobar and Cameron Neves. Saints quarterback Austin Blair hit Avory Trejo in the end zone with 3:11 left before halftime.
The Saints opted for fresh legs in the second half, distributing carries among four backs to contain the lead. Trejo scored early in the third quarter on a 35-yard counter behind blocking by Fernando Cruz and Octavio Ventura on the left side. Jake Lee led the second-half squad with 43 yards and a touchdown to end the third.

Valley Christian ended the shutout when Perchaz rushed for a 35-yard touchdown to start the fourth quarter.

“We actually pounded the ball up the middle pretty well,” Conroy said. “Our outside run helped us really well. We’re going to have to work on making our spread offense a little better and make some adjustments, but inside we’re doing pretty well.”

The Lions tried some trickery with a running back pass play, netting a 35-yard gain from Perchaz to Levi Young. On the final play of the game, Hagerty flipped the ball to Perchaz for another option. Perchaz then threw the ball back to Hagerty, who found Tyller in the end zone for a 38-yard score.

The Lions have a nonleague game against Big Valley Christian of Modesto next Saturday.

 

The Roseville Press - Tribune

 

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"Valley Christian volleyball wins in 5, moves to 10-0"

By Press Staff , The Press Tribune - 9/24/2010

 

Valley Christian Academy was taken to five games by Buckingham Charter but emerged with a 3-2 victory Tuesday in Vacaville, then had enough left in the tank to sweep visiting Elliot Christian of Lodi 3-0 on Thursday to raise its volleyball record to 10-0.
Trailing 11-6 in the fifth game, the Lady Lions used the serves of junior Heather Frank to take a 14-13 lead, and Sam Shoemake set up outside hitter Midori Bounds for the final kill in a 25-23, 23-25, 25-20, 27-29, 15-13 victory. The Lady Lions stormed onto the court after winning the 2½-hour match.
“I’m just so proud of the way my girls battled till the last point,” coach Maria Hill said. “This is the kind of match that can only make us stronger.”
Junior Liz Peterson had 16 kills for Valley Christian. Bounds had 14 kills, and Frank had 19 points in 27 serves.

Valley Christian started 10-0 for the second year in a row with a 25-14, 25-20, 25-23 win over Elliot Christian. Shoemake’s play at the net, the hitting of Bounds, the digging of PresLeigh Sinerius and the all-around play of Carly Gish lifted the Lady Lions.
Valley Christian controlled the match but trailed 20-16 in game 3, when sophomore Erin Patterson went on a seven-point run at the service line to put the Lady Lions ahead 23-20.

The Roseville Press - Tribune

 

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"Valley Christian wants to feed on its first volleyball league title"

By Brett Ransford, The Press Tribune - 9/18/2010

Midori Bounds, Valley Christian

 

High school girls volleyball has taken to the net for a new season. Roseville-area teams have slipped on the kneepads and are jumping into league play ready to revisit rivalries.

From the Sierra Foothill League, Roseville and Granite Bay made it through one round of the Sac-Joaquin Section Division II playoffs last season. From the Sacramento Metro Athletic League, Valley Christian finished at a lofty 19-3 but was knocked out in the first round of the Division V playoffs by eventual champion Ripon Christian.

Valley Christian assistant coach Chris Patterson said that even with fewer than 80 students at the school, the eight-person roster has few weaknesses.

“Maria has done an outstanding job getting them ready for a long and successful season,” Patterson said, referring to head coach Maria Hill. “We'll see how the season goes, but I think Valley is poised to make a huge run this year.”

Patterson said expectations are nothing short of winning what would be the school’s first league title, and the Lions are off to a good start, having won all five matches while losing just one game. Seniors Sam Shoemake, Carly Gish, Midori Bounds and PresLeigh Sinerius will be tasked with bringing home the trophy. Bounds was the early team leader in kills, Sinerius in digs and Heather Frank in assists.

 

The Roseville Press - Tribune

 

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"Valley Christian volleyball stays undefeated Jessup women earn conference soccer awards"

Staff reports, The Press Tribune, 9/14/2010

Carly Gish

Valley Christian Academy improved to 4-0 with a 25-12, 25-16, 25-10 volleyball victory over Victory Christian at home Thursday night.

Seniors Carly Gish, Sam Shoemake and Midori Bounds combined for 18 kills as the Lady Lions easily dispatched Victory Christian. Valley Christian has lost just one game in four matches.

Junior Heather Frank continued her stellar play after moving from outside hitter and defensive specialist to setter.

“She was on her game, getting all the girls involved, including a couple of very nice back sets,” Valley Christian head coach Maria Hill said.

Gish had big serving runs in each game and totaled eight kills. Shoemake and Bounds had five kills apiece.

The Roseville Press - Tribune

 

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"Valley Christian runs over Cristo Rey Lions face Foresthill next in a big SMAL game "

By Robbie Enos, The Press Tribune - 9/15/2010

How many passing plays does it take to win a football game? According to Valley Christian Academy, just six.

The Lions opted for a punishing rushing attack to defeat Cristo Rey 45-6 in a Sacramento Metro Athletic League game Saturday, gaining 341 yards. Combined with a consistent Aaron Perchaz, who averaged 4.4 yards per carry, and explosive plays from Jeremy Tyller, who had a 60-yard touchdown run, Valley Christian (2-1, 2-0 SMAL) pounded the rock all game. Nine players carried the ball.

“Our backs were great,” Valley Christian head coach Todd Conroy said. “We’ve got a bunch of guys that are fast. Perchaz is a big fullback, but we have a lot of guys that are 100 pounds lighter than him playing the same position.”

A stingy Lions defense allowed Cristo Rey only 162 yards on the ground and forced four turnovers. Tyller made a name for himself on defense as well with two interceptions, one of which he returned for a touchdown.

“We made an adjustment and saw that if they ran to the outside we could block them,” Conroy said. “We kept them inside the tackle boxes; that was the biggest thing. We saw that they were trying to get outside, so we just changed it up and stopped them.”

Conroy credited the offensive line, anchored by center Nick Ruth and guards Nick Norwood and Micky DeFiebre, who led the way on Perchaz’s carries and quarterback Wright Hagerty’s five sneaks for 40 yards.

“Linemen were very good,” Conroy said. “We actually have been working hard with our linemen. We only have seven linemen total, so it comes down to playing both sides of the ball. They’ve been really working hard as a unit.”

Valley Christian took the ball down the field on its first possession and scored on an 11-yard run by Perchaz. Cristo Rey fumbled on its next two possessions, and the Lions converted both into touchdowns – an 11-yard run by Levi Hagerty and a 60-yard run on a well-executed end around by Tyller. He then returned an interception 40 yards for a score.

“The quarterback was pretty good,” Tyller said. “But our defense is pretty strong, and we did a good job.”

The Lions rushed for 73 yards and two more touchdowns in the third quarter.

The game grew more frustrating for Cristo Rey, as it marched 12 plays before Tyller snatched his second interception in the end zone.

Next for Valley Christian is Foresthill (1-2, 1-0 SMAL) at 1 p.m. Saturday at Highlands High School.

“We are going to be playing a little bit tougher team, a little bit more disciplined team,” Conroy said. “The biggest thing that we have to keep getting better at is that we can’t make mistakes, and that’s what happened when they scored their touchdown. That’s a mistake that we have worked on, about being aggressive toward the quarterback and toward the ball.”

Added Tyller: “We are going to be practicing hard and getting our team in shape, getting them ready for Foresthill … and we plan on dominating them.”

Granite Bay 31, Oakdale 28 – Brendan Keeney threw a late seven-yard touchdown pass to tight end Spencer Briare as the Grizzlies defeated the Mustangs at the Far West Showcase on Saturday in Dublin. Oakdale went ahead 28-24 with just under two minutes remaining. Dominic Lucia ran for two touchdowns and Danny Thomas ran for one for Granite Bay.

Valley Christian 45, Cristo Rey 6

Valley Christian 14 12 13 6 -- 45

Cristo Rey 0 0 0 6 – 6

VC -- Perchaz 11 run (kick blocked)

VC – L. Hagerty 11 run (run failed)

VC – Tyller 60 run (kick wide)

VC – Tyller 40 interception return (run failed)

VC – Dillman 1 run (DeFiebre kick)

VC – Wise 8 run (kick right)

CR – Romero 8 pass from Williams (run failed)

VC – Roush 24 pass from W. Hagerty (kick blocked)

Individual statistics

RUSHING – Valley Christian, Perchaz 15-66, Tyller 7-121, Dillman 6-17, W. Hagerty 5-40, L. Hagerty 5-37, Heckman 3-27, Wise 3-18, Roush 3-14, Alvarez 1-1. Cristo Rey, Romero 13-91, Lara 13-57, Castillo 5-(minus 5), Williams 1-19.

PASSING – Valley Christian, W. Hagerty 3-6-0, 45. Cristo Rey, Castillo 3-11-2, 41; Williams 1-2-0, 8.

RECEIVING – Valley Christian, Roush 1-24, Tyller 1-16, Heckman 1-5. Cristo Rey, Lopez 2-31, Romero 2-18.

 

The Roseville Press - Tribune

 

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"Woodland Christian Cardinals trumped in opener at Valley Christian"

By Democrat sports staff Created: 08/29/2010

Woodland Christian's Sergio Villanueva, white jersey, attempts to catch a pass in the end zone against the Valley Christian Lions on Saturday. The Cardinals wide receiver had a team-high eight receptions for 87 yards. (Roger Long/Bigfootphoto.com)

During summer scrimmages the Woodland Christian High School football team didn't have much trouble moving the ball. The Cardinals did, however, have trouble getting into the end zone.

Not much was different on Saturday in the Cardinals' season-opening 34-0 defeat at the hands of the Valley Christian Lions.

The Cardinals (0-1) got the ball inside the red zone five times, but couldn't manage anything to show for on the scoreboard.

Quarterback Bobby Taylor completed 14 of 31 passes for 171 yards and Sergio Villanueva caught eight balls for 87 yards for the Cardinals, who turned the ball over on downs inside the Valley Christian 20 three times. Villanueva also had one carry for 22 yards.

"It's a rough way to start the season," said Cardinals head coach Justin Smith. "I think we played much better than the score indicated."

At halftime, the Cardinals trailed 6-0. But Valley Christian ran away with the game after an early second-half dive up the middle from near midfield for a score.

The Cardinals defense forced three fumbles and five different players recorded a sack. Strong side free safety James Morgan had 11 tackles, including two for loss.

WCHS has a bye this week, and hosts Delta on Sept. 11.

A frustrated Smith said his team's goal is to find the end zone in its next contest.

"We'll get there," he said.

 

Woodland Daily Democrat

 

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"Valley Christian opens season (and league) with shutout

Perchaz rushes for 145 yards, touchdown"

By Kayla Nix , Thr Press Tribune - 8/28/2010

Marc McLaughlin, Valley Christian's Wright Hagerty locks up Woodland Christian's Sergio Villanueva during a high school football opener Saturday at Highlands High School.

Valley Christian Academy started in fine fashion Saturday by beating Woodland Christian 34-0.

The Sacramento Metro Athletic League opponents battled at Highlands High School, kicking off league matchups in a Zero Week start.

“We’re looking forward to what we can do in league,” Lions coach Todd Conroy said. “This was a league game so we’re starting off Zero Week with a league game.”

The Lions pushed across the first score on a 33-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Wright Hagerty to sophomore Clint Heckman for a 6-0 lead after Micky DeFiebre’s extra-point kick was blocked with 5:07 left in the opening quarter.

The score was quiet until the 9:22 mark of the third when Aaron Perchaz blasted through the line into open space for a 40-yard score to give Valley Christian a 13-0 lead.

With just 16 players suited up, many of the Lions played both ways, such as DeFiebre, who never came off the field.

Bryan Roush rushed four yards for another touchdown with 2:30 left in the quarter. Hagerty ran for the two-point conversion to give the Lions a 21-0 advantage.

“It was wonderful for the guys to come out and work hard in the second half,” Conroy said. “The first half we weren’t too proud of them. The second half they came out and really did what they needed to do.”

Valley Christian capitalized on a fumble by Woodland quarterback Bobby Taylor with 6:50 left in the fourth quarter. Hagerty scooped up the ball and ran 95 yards for the score and a 28-0 lead.

The last score came on a 16-yard run by Roush.

Hagerty completed 5 of 10 passes in the first half and didn’t put the ball in the air in the second. Perchaz ran 14 times for a game-high 145 yards.

Woodland Christian’s goose egg was enforced by Valley Christian’s defense but wasn’t helped by its struggling offense. The Cardinals were held to fewer than 100 yards of offense in the second half and 192 total.

“They were very physical. We couldn’t run the ball inside too well,” Woodland Christian coach Justin Smith said. “Whenever they take that away inside, it really condenses your ability to pass and do things outside.”

Valley Christian 34, Woodland Christian 0

Woodland Chr. 0 0 0 0 - 0

Valley Chr. 6 0 15 13 - 34

VC – Heckman 33 pass from W. Hagerty (kick blocked)

VC – Perchaz 40 run (DeFiebre kick)

VC - Roush 4 run (W. Hagerty run)

VC – W. Hagerty 95 fumble return (DeFiebre kick)

VC – Roush 16 run (kick blocked)

Individual statistics

RUSHING – Woodland Chr., Brooks 8-27, Taylor 7-29, Ayala 2-14, Stocking 2-(minus 6), Villanueva 1-21. Valley Chr., Perchaz 14-145, Heckman 8-76, Roush 6-50, W. Hagerty 6-35, Bowden 3-0, Wise 1-(minus 1).

PASSING – Woodland Chr., Taylor 14-34-0, 108; Villanueva 0-1-0, 0. Valley Chr., Hagerty 5-10-0, 93.

RECEIVING – Woodland Chr., Villanueva 5-29, Morgan 4-58, Canevari 3-17, Ayala 2-4. Valley Chr., Heckman 3-72, Perchaz 2-21

 

The Roseville Press - Tribune

 

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"Valley Christian is ready, and it better be

Lions jump right into league fire in opener"

By Bill Poindexter, The Press Tribune - 8/28/2010

 

Philip Wood, Aaron Perchaz of Valley Christian will be going right at opponents this season.

Valley Christian Academy doesn’t have the luxury of playing three or four weeks of nonleague games. The Lions are cutting right to the chase.

They’ll open the football season against Woodland Christian at 1 p.m. today at Highlands High School, and it’s a Sacramento Metro Athletic League game. The SMAL is doing home-and-home series this season, which leaves Valley Christian with two nonleague games.

“We would have played (Woodland Christian) as a preseason game, so we just made it our first league game,” Lions coach Todd Conroy said.

With four SMAL matchups in the first five weeks, there is no margin for error.

Valley Christian had a balanced offense last season – 1,151 yards rushing, 1,092 yards passing – and scored 31 touchdowns. Defensively, the Lions had 25 takeaways and 38½ sacks. The problem was an inability to capitalize.

“We’d end up going backward. We made mistakes,” Conroy said. “That’s going to be different this year. We know what to do with the ball.”

Aaron Perchaz will help make sure of that. The 6-foot-1-inch, 220-pound senior is drawing the interest of colleges, according to Conroy, and will lead Valley Christian at fullback and middle linebacker. Perchaz led the Lions with 95 tackles last season, and he had 3½ sacks.

Valley Christian will use quarterbacks Wright Hagerty and Caleb Bowden to run its multiple sets on offense – the wing, spread and double wing, among others. Hagerty will do more of the throwing, possibly to Bowden, who also plays tight end. Hagerty doubles as a receiver.

Protecting the quarterbacks is a big line, including strong senior guard Micky DeFiebre (215 pounds) and sophomore Josh Bowden, who is Caleb’s younger – but not little – brother. Josh is 6 feet 5 and 235 pounds.

The Lions have just six seniors on their roster, but Conroy believes they can compete with some of the bigger schools.

“We’re looking a lot better,” he said. “We’re stronger. We’re pretty fearless. It used to be we’d stack up with some folks, then get tired, but we’re going to be OK.”

 

The Roseville Press - Tribune

 

 

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2009/2010

 

"Change of plans for Valley Christian pitcher"

Staff Report, The Press Tribune - 6/22/2010

Kurt Johnson, Press Tribune file photo Valley Christian's Ryan Cordell is headed for Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia on Division I baseball scholarship

 

After being told that there was no scholarship money available at his college of choice, Valley Christian Academy pitcher Ryan Cordell had made other plans.

The right-hander was heading to Sierra College for a year with hopes of transferring at that point to Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia.

All of that changed last week when an injury situation opened up a scholarship at Liberty and on Monday, Cordell signed a letter of intent to play baseball at the school.

Cordell, who also plays a strong shortstop and swings the bat very well will have options there. He was also a first-team all-league basketball player for the Lions.

 

The Roseville Press - Tribune

 

 

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"Lion latches onto school’s second scholarship VCA’s Frank brings defense, intensity to Simpson University"

Kayla Dubchansky, Press Tribune Correspondent  - 6/18/2010

 

Tim Lloyd, Special to The Press Tribune Rob Frank is just the second player in the history of Roseville’s Valley Christian Academy to earn a college basketball scholarship.

Rob Frank accomplished something at Valley Christian Academy that only one other student before him had done – he got a scholarship to play college basketball.

“It feels amazing,” Frank said. “I didn’t really think I’d be able to do it. God blessed me and has given me the opportunity to play college basketball.”

The 6-foot-4, 18-year-old is just the second person in the history of the VCA basketball program to earn a scholarship. In the fall, he will attend Simpson University in Redding.

“I’d love to be playing after college,” Frank said. “But my focus is I want to be a firefighter. Just being able to play basketball and go to school works out amazingly.”

Frank, who averaged 10.4 points per game during his senior season, chose Simpson for the many benefits it provides him. He has a lot of relatives and friends in the area and will be living with his grandmother. Frank will spend some time in the classroom with his uncle, a professor at Shasta College.

“I wanted a new beginning,” Frank said. “I wanted to be able to move and venture out on my own. (Firefighting) is something I’ve wanted to do since I was little. It seems likes a really cool job to me. My uncle is a fire marshal in Redding. A lot of my friends’ parents are firefighters.”

The talented basketball player has a lot on his plate coming up. He’ll attend Simpson where he will major in business and play basketball. He will also take night classes at Shasta College for fire services.

“I have relatives up there,” Frank said. “One of my cousins is a senior there next year. Love the campus. It’s a Christian school. I can live with my family up there and everything works out perfectly.”

Most things Frank has done up until now have been with the end goal of being a firefighter in mind.

“Basketball has taught me leadership,” Frank said. “Following directions, taking criticism, work as a team and that will help me a lot in firefighting.”

Frank offered agility for the Lions this season and has a great wingspan according to his high school coach, Brad Gunter. Frank hit for 46 percent of his field goals and averaged about four steals a game.

“He brought length,” Gunter said. “From a basketball coach’s stand point he’s 6-foot-4 ½ inch guard with the wing span of a seven-footer. Defensively he brought length in the passing lanes. His ability to steal the ball was unbelievable because of his wingspan. He also took the heat off of Ryan Cordell to be honest. They shared wings. If you overloaded on Ryan, Rob killed you from the three-point line.”

Gunter said Frank will bring a lot of ability to his new team at Simpson.

“(One thing he brings is) his ability to score,” Gunter said. “His defensive presence was huge for us this year and also his competitiveness and desire to win. He shut down or held in check some top players. His physical attributes really helped us.”

The hardest part for Frank about moving to Redding will be being away from his friends and immediate family. He has four sisters, one older and three younger that he will have a tough time being away from.

“It’s going to be hard. I’m going to miss them a lot,” Frank said. “I’ve grown close with my sister Heather. This was her sophomore year and we’ve been close. It’s going to be really, really hard.”

Frank will be spending his last few months in this area looking for a job, playing basketball as much as he can and getting in quality time with his friends and family before the move.

FYI:

Rob Frank

6-foot-4 senior guard

Valley Christian Academy

2009-10 by the numbers – 10.4 points, 4.3 steals, 3.1 assists per game

 

The Roseville Press - Tribune

 

 

 

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"Two Roseville students honored by Comcast High school students receive $1,000 through the Comcast Leaders and Achievers Scholarship program"

The Press Tribune - 6/17/2010

Discussions of California’s educational budget cuts were put on hold Thursday as elected officials joined Comcast at the state capitol to award more than $196,000 in scholarships to students.

The ceremony saluted 176 high school seniors from 120 cities who won a 2010 Comcast Leaders and Achievers Scholarship of $1,000. Roseville seniors Brianna Flood of Valley Christian Academy and Evanne Conley of Woodcreek High School were among those honored.

The scholarship program recognizes seniors for their leadership skills, positive attitude, academic achievement and commitment to community service.

Two students were surprised with $10,000 scholarships and 20 of the winning students had their name drawn for a netbook computer to use at college. The students and their families were also honored at that evening’s Sacramento Rivercats baseball game.

Since its inception in 2001, the program has awarded more than $13.3 million in college aid to some 13,300 high school seniors. Visit www.comcast.com/inthecommunity for more information.

 

The Roseville Press - Tribune

 

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"High honors for VCA baseball Lions place four players on all-league first team"

Kurt Johnson, The Press Tribune - 6/11/2010

 

Kurt Johnson, The Press Tribune Junior Casas was one of the most feared hitters in the SMAL, and his bat gave Valley Christian a dominant one-two punch.

For the 13th year in a row, the Valley Christian Academy baseball team sat atop the standings when the dust cleared in the 2010 baseball season.

The squad was unable to finish it off with its third straight section title, but it was another great year for the Lions and a number of VCA players. Ryan Cordell shared the Sacramento Metro Athletic League’s top individual honor, as he was named co-MVP along with Bradshaw Christian’s Brady Dragmire.

“Cordell was very good for us this season,” said Valley Christian coach Brad Gunter. “He was our No. 1 pitcher and seemed to never miss a pitch when needed at the plate. His work ethic, competitive spirit, and just being a great young man has made him a great asset and representative of what the program is about. He is a player and young man that will be tough to replace.”

Three other Lions were honored as first-team all-league players for their work this season, as all contributed heavily to Valley Christian’s success.

Centerfielder Paul Finnell turned a fast start into an outstanding season and provided the pop Gunter needed at the top of his batting order.

“Paul Finnell had a great senior year at the plate for us,” Gunter said. “He actually changed our line-up early in the season because he got off to such a good start. Paul gave us some pop in the leadoff spot. In the two big games against Faith Christian this season Paul led off the game with home runs.”

Jimmy Shaw was not exactly on the radar when the 2010 season began. The freshman left-hander started out on the junior varsity, but earned a call-up to the varsity very early in the season and became a huge asset for the Lions as a No. 2 hitter and its No. 2 pitcher as well.

“After an early call up to varsity, Shaw never gave up the starting first base spot, and was our two hitter the rest of the season,” Gunter said. “I knew Shaw was going to be a special player, but he progressed a year ahead of schedule and became our No. 2 pitcher behind Cordell. As a freshman his stats are the best of any freshman we had ever had, and he has the potential if he keeps progressing to be the best prospect in school history.”

Junior Casas earned high praise and first-team all-league honors with his work as an indispensable part of the Valley Christian offensive attack and his role as a versatile and talented defender.

“Casas was a big reason for Cordell’s success at the plate this season,” Gunter said. “With Casas hitting behind Cordell, teams had to pitch to Cordell and when they did, Cordell made them pay. When they pitched around Cordell, Casas provided the RBIs and the pop to make us successful.”

The junior was also critical to the Lions season. As Valley Christian struggled to find defensive answers at shortstop when Cordell was pitching, the centerfielder provided late-season answers.

“We were struggling to find the defense behind Cordell and moving Casas to shortstop supplied a sure-handed glove up the middle,” Gunter said. “Having no shortstop experience, Casas told me he would do whatever was needed to help us win. Casas is an absolute gamer and a major reason we were able to succeed this season. He does whatever is needed for us and his bat is always a key to our success.” 

 

FYI:

SMAL baseball 2010 all-league team

Co-MVP

Ryan Cordell, Valley Christian Academy

Brady Dragmire, Bradshaw Christian

First team

Jr. Casas, Valley Christian Academy

Paul Finnell, Valley Christian Academy

Jimmy Shaw, Valley Christian Academy

E.J. Edinburg  , Bradshaw Christian

Jake Adkins, Bradshaw Christian

Alex Popovich  , Bradshaw Christian

Daniel Atkins, Faith Christian

Josh Dunham, Faith Christian

Anthony Kersting, Trinity Prep

Honorable Mention

Micky DeFiebre, Valley Christian Academy

Quentin Moore, Valley Christian Academy

Coach of the Year - Brad Gunter Jr., Valley Christian Academy

 

The Roseville Press - Tribune

 

 

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"Sacramento Metro Athletic League softball all-league team"

Staff Report , The Press Tribune - 6/11/2010

 

Kurt Johnson, Press Tribune file photo Valley Christian's Abby Moore was co-MVP of the Sacramento Metro Athletic League.

 

Sacramento Metro Athletic League softball all-league team

 

Co-MVP

Macy Chase, Bradshaw Christian

Abby Moore, Valley Christian Academy

 

First team

Midori Bounds, Valley Christian Academy

Brianna Flood, Valley Christian Academy

Carly Gish, Valley Christian Academy

Heather Frank, Valley Christian Academy

Libby Purthill, Buckingham Charter

Taylor Hill, Buckingham Charter

Hannah Baber, Faith Christian

 

Honorable Mention

Keri McClintock, Valley Christian Academy

PresLeigh Sinerius, Valley Christian Academy

 

Co-Coaches of the Year

Shawnda Bowen, Valley Christian Academy

John Hill, Buckingham Charter

 

The Roseville Press - Tribune

 

 

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"MVP brings big talent to small school Valley Christian’s Cordell finishes high school career strong"

Kayla Dubchansky, Press Tribune Correspondent - 6/11/2010

Kurt Johnson, The Press Tribune   - Valley Christian’s Ryan Cordell heads toward the plate on one of his 14 home run trots this season.

Ryan Cordell was a one of a kind athlete at a small school who made a name for himself in his four years at Valley Christian Academy.

This year Cordell was named Sacramento Metro Athletic League baseball co-MVP.

“That was really great,” Cordell said. “That’s the first time I’ve gotten any MVPs for baseball. That was really great that it was a good year.”

VCA won the league title, but lost the section championship game to league rival Bradshaw Christian, falling 4-2 in the championship game. Cordell shared the MVP honors with Bradshaw’s Brady Dragmire.

“He probably should have won the vote outright,” Gunter said. “We decided as a league that the kid from Bradshaw deserved to be there.”

The 6-foot-3 Cordell was also a first team all-league player on the basketball court this season.

As if his athletic success wasn’t enough, Cordell works hard on the academic side as well, boasting a 3.5 GPA. Gunter described Cordell as the kid who stays late after practice, shows up early and has an incredible work ethic.

Gunter should know. He spent a lot of time with Cordell, coaching him in basketball and baseball, as well as holding the position of athletic director for Valley Christian.

Cordell attributes his talent to perseverance and doing that little something extra.

“Ever since I started playing baseball, just trying to get better every single day and working on the little things makes me as good as I am right now,” Cordell said.

Cordell, who was 10-2 on the year with a 1.21 ERA, has had people looking at VCA. The senior right-hander struck out 117 batters while walking just 11 during the season. Gunter described his strikeout-to-walk ratio as “ridiculous.”

Cordell was a part of the Lions team that won two consecutive section championships. Along with his tough pitching, Cordell batted .578 with 14 homeruns.

“We would never have made it the last two years (without him),” Gunter said. “The first one he was a solid player with us. He’s an impact player at the plate and on the field. The last two years we’ve ridden his arm. Without him we wouldn’t have been in those situations. Last year he got us there and then battled his way through the title game. This year he picked up all three playoff wins. Two in starting spot and closed another. He’s a major reason we had those two section titles.”

With the attention Cordell’s gotten this season, he’s been given the opportunity to take it to the next level and play some college baseball. Cordell’s goal has been to attend Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia.

“Last summer I took a trip back there and went to camp, met coaches and I loved the school. My goal is to play there after a year at Sierra College,” Cordell said. “As far as the career goes I don’t really know, division one college baseball (is the goal) and if that takes me to the pros that’d be great.”

Presently, Liberty is unable to give Cordell a scholarship.

“He’s just such a great young man,” Gunter said. “He just deserves whatever he gets. When I walk away I don’t have to worry about him whatsoever. And as a coach that’s probably the biggest pat on the back you can give a player.”

Cordell currently plans to attend Sierra for a year before transferring to Liberty. However, San Diego Christian has offered Cordell a scholarship. Cordell said he will take a look at San Diego, Both of his parents graduated from the Southern California school.

 

The Roseville Press - Tribune

 

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"VCA works overtime to win key playoff contest

Lions battle through tough spots in search of section title"

Kurt Johnson, The Press Tribune  - 5/24/2010

Kurt Johnson, Press Tribune file photo Ryan Cordell tripled and scored the winning run in the eighth inning Saturday.

In a back-and-forth affair at Galt Community Park Saturday, the Valley Christian Academy took the opener of a best-of-three seriers with Stone Ridge Christian.

It took extra innings, but the Lions managed to pull out a thriller 8-7 in the semifinal round of the Sac-Joaquin Section Division VII tournament.

"What a game," said Valley Christian coach Brad Gunter. "Not the way you want it to go, but at this point of the season I will take it."

VCA scored two in the first frame, but found itself down 3-2 after three stanzas as Stone Ridge got to freshman southpaw Jimmy Shaw for one in the first and two more in the home half of the third. Things changed in the Valley Christian fourth, thanks to junior Junior Casas.

Casas blasted a two-run home run to right field to put the Lions on top, and then the added another tally in the inning to take a two-run advantage. Valley Christian added a pair of insurance runs in the top of the seventh courtesy a trick play and a run-scoring bunt in a first-and-third situation.

"We thought the four run cushion was plenty," Gunter said. "Momentum quickly swung in their favor and everything that could go wrong did. Balls off their bat found holes in the field, and a costly miscue at third base cost us an important second out.

Before it could escape the home half of the seventh, Stone Ridge had scored four runs to tie the game and Gunter had made the move to ace Ryan Cordell as his fourth pitcher of the day. Cordell had tossed a complete game just three days earlier.

Cordell was touched for two quick hits, and with runners on second and third and just one out, in danger of losing the game, the Lions intentionally walked the bases loaded and then turned to their ace right-hander. Cordell did the job, and pitched his way out of the situation, sending the game to extra innings.

Cordell was the center of attention in the eighth as well, as his one-out triple turned into a run on a throwing error. With the lead in his hands, the senior set down the top three hitters in the Stone Ridge lineup in order in the home half to seal the victory.

Cordell had a double and triple among his three hits on the day. Donovan Allen also had three hits for the Lions. Casas, with his long ball, and Paul Finnell with a triple also pitched in with extra-base hits.

VCA had a ton of chances in the game, as it also drew eight walks and had two batters hit by pitches.

The series continues at 4 p.m. Tuesday. If Valley Christian can win that game, it will advance to the section title game on Memorial Day. A Stone Ridge victory will force a winner-take-all third game immediately following that Tuesday encounter.

 

The Roseville Press - Tribune

 

 

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"One more step for Lady Lions"

Staff Report, The Press Tribune - 5/24/2010

Kurt Johnson, Press Tribune file photo Midori Bounds did the pitching for VCA Saturday in Stockton.

The Valley Christian Academy softball team took one more step in its quest to be a section championship team Saturday.

After losing by a single run in the semifinal round last season, this year's Lions came from behind to win their semifinal contest before falling in the title game.

"We are focusing on the win today," said Valley Christian coach Shawnda Bowen. "Every year we get a step closer. Hopefully next year we can take another step."

VCA started slowly in the Saturday morning semifinal, getting down 4-0 before rallying in the fifth frame. A two-out four-run outburst drew the Lions even, but they still need to do it again, scoring two in the seventh to beat Millenium 6-5.

Midori Bounds pitched well for Valley Christian, and kept her team close enough for Brianna Flood to provide the seventh inning heroics.

"It was a great way to end her senior year," Bowen said regarding Flood's game-winning hit.

Flood singled home Keri McClintock to provide VCA with its margin of victory. McClintock had a pair of doubles for the Lions, as did Bounds to pace the offensive attack. Abby Moore added a triple.

Valley Christian got an emotional lift from the presence of junior Carly Gish, who had broken her nose at a Friday practice, but returned to action for Saturday's games.

"We played really awesome (against Millenium) and I was hoping the momentum would carry over into the next game," Bowen said.

The championship final followed Saturday soon after the completion of the win over Millenium.

The Lions could not match Jim Elliott Christian, which continued its domination of Division VII in the Sac-Jaoquin Section with its 14-0 win over VCA in that title game.

Bounds had two more hits in the contest, but Valley Christian managed just three as a team as it fell one win short of the crown.

 

The Roseville Press - Tribune

 

 

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"Lady Lions bury Brookside in playoff opener"

Staff Report, The Press Tribune - 5/20/2010

It was no contest from the outset Wednesday night at the Lodi Softball Complex.

The Valley Christian Academy softball team scored early and often as it blew out Brookside Christian 20-0 in the opening round of the Sac-Joaquin Section Division VII playoffs.

Abby Moore pitched all five innings in the contest that was shortened due to the 10-run mercy rule, limiting Brookside to just one hit while striking out nine batters.

Moore also had two hits for a VCA team that poured on the offense. Midori Bounds, Keri McClintock, Brianna Flood and Erin Patterson each had three hits for the Lions, while Sierra Trask also had a pair of hits.

The win moves Valley Christian into the semifinals of the single-elimination tournament. The Lions face Millenium of Tracy at 10 a.m. Saturday at Arnaiz Field in Stockton.

The winner of that game will move on to the title game at 1 p.m. Saturday, with the likely opponent being Jim Elliott Christian.

 

The Roseville Press - Tribune

 

 

 

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"Valley Christian wins playoff opener Cordell delivers strong performance on the mound"

Staff Report, The press Tribune - 5/20/2010

Kurt Johnson, Press Tribune file photo - Valley Christian's Junior Casas got the Lions off to a good start Wednesday.

A dominating pitching performance by Ryan Cordell and an eight-run third inning were all that was needed for Valley Christian Academy playoff win Wednesday.

The VCA baseball team opened its defense of the Sac-Joaquin Section Division VII title with an 11-0 whitewashing of Millenium from Tracy.

Junior Casas blasted a two-out, two-run home run in the first inning to put the Lions on the board, but that was just the appetizer to the offensive feast that followed. Paul Finnell lead off the third with a base hit, and after a bunt hit by Jimmy Shaw, the hits kept coming.

The stanza was highlighted by a two-run blast off the bat of Matt Meeink. Micky DeFiebre and Joey Parker also delivered solid contributions in the batter's box for Valley Christian.

While the scoring was going on, the Falcons of Millenium High got nothing started against Cordell, as 14 of the 15 outs he recorded in the five-inning shortened contest came by way of the strikeout. He allowed just three hits and hit one batter on his way to the complete game shutout.

The win propels the Lions into the second round of the tourney and a best-of-three series with Stone Ridge Christian of Merced, an 8-2 first round winner over Faith Christian. Game one of the series will be played at noon Saturday, with game two and three (if necessary) set for Tuesday.

The Division VII early rounds are all being played at Galt Community Park

 

 

The Rosevillle Press - Tribune

 

 

 

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"Valley Christian is back in search of a third title Lions peaking at right time for postseason run"

Kurt Johnson, The Press Tribune  - 5/19/2010

Kurt Johnson, The Press Tribune - Freshman Jimmy Shaw has been a big find for VCA as a No. 2 starter.   A slow start to the season has given way to a red-hot finish for the Valley Christian Academy baseball team. The Lions have caught fire at the right time, and ran the table in Sacramento Metro Athletic League play on their way to this week’s opening of the Sac-Joaquin Section Division VII tournament. VCA is the two-time defending champions of the tourney, but coach Brad Gunter sees this year’s field as a bit more challenging. “This year there are four leagues combined into two. That makes things a little more difficult to win in the first round,” Gunter said. “Usually I would start somebody other than our ace, but not this season. We have to get to the next round and so (Ryan) Cordell will throw on Wednesday night.” As the champions of the SMAL and the defending champs, the Lions enter these playoffs as the favorites, and they are strong at the top of the pitching rotation. Senior Ryan Cordell has been here before and he has been dominant on the bump again this season. The revelation for Valley Christian has come in the form of a 6-foot-3 freshman southpaw, Jimmy Shaw. The newcomer has stepped up to the No. 2 starter role for the Lions and his performance will be key to their postseason hopes. The good news is that he has already proven himself in big games, including out-pitching Bradshaw Christian ace Brady Dragmire last Friday in the league title-clinching victory. Valley Christian opens up with Millennium of Tracy, the fourth place team from the Harvest Christian League. Gunter doesn’t know much about the Falcons. “It looks like they have at least five solid hitters in the line-up as far as average and the other guys seem to have decent stats that say they know how to handle a bat,” Gunter said. “I am not sure if they are a small ball team or not though and that always concerns me when you have a do or die situation.” While he expects the run to be tougher, Gunter is confident that his team is well prepared for the challenge. “Our overall schedule is the toughest in this division and I am hoping that pays off starting Wednesday,” Gunter said. “We have traveled a lot this season and have played rather well on the road. I am hoping that we can pull from al those positive moments and use them to our advantage in the tournament.” The opener is set for 7 p.m. Wednesday night at Galt Community Park, with the winner moving on to a best-of-three series that will begin Saturday at the same location.   The Roseville Press - Tribune

 

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"Reigning champs are favorites in prep baseball playoffs" - By Bill Patterson, The Sacramento Bee - 5/18/2010

Read more: http://www.sacbee.com/2010/05/18/2757811/prep-baseball-favorites-are-reigning.html#ixzz0oO1UUnbR

 

Yuba City seeks a four-peat, Jesuit and Valley Christian three-peats and Rocklin a repeat in their respective divisions for the upcoming Sac-Joaquin Section baseball playoffs. Once again, the field includes a star-studded bunch, with at least 17 players scheduled to play on scholarship next season, if they're not drafted next month and sign a professional contract.

Here's a look at the fields:

 

DIVISION VII

FAVORITE

• Valley Christian (16-7): Rugged preseason has prepared Lions well for section title repeat. Senior Ryan Cordell (.577, 14 home runs, 47 RBIs; 7-1, 1.56 ERA) is one of the best, regardless of division.

Read more: http://www.sacbee.com/2010/05/18/2757811/prep-baseball-favorites-are-reigning.html#ixzz0oO2bcfj6

 

 

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'Lady Lions sweep Bradshaw, head to postseason" Staff Report , The Press Tribune - 5/17/2010

Kurt Johnson, Press Tribune file photo - Abbie Moore played her final home game at Valley Christian Friday against Bradshaw Christian.   With back-to-back 11-1 wins over rival Bradshaw Christian on Thursday and Friday, the Valley Christian Academy softball team locked up is fourth straight undefeated season in the Sacramento Metro Athletic League. The Lions pounded out 10 hits in Thursday's win to back the complete-game pitching of Midori Bounds. Freshman Keri McClintock continued to impress with the bat as she rapped a double and Heather Frank had three hits to lead VCA. The two teams were on Valley Christian's home field at Cresthaven Park in Roseville Friday for the regular season finale, and the result was the same. Seniors Brianna Flood and Abby Moore closed out the home careers at VCA with strong performances as the Lions rolled by the same score as the previous day. McClintock had three hits in this contest, while Frank added a triple and a home run. Moore banged out a pair of hits and Bounds added a big two-bagger. "We are coming together just in time for the playoffs," said VCA coach Shawnda Bowen. The Lions open the Sac-Joaquin Section Division VII playoffs Wednesday at 5 p.m. against Brookside Christian at the Lodi Softball Complex. The winner of that game will move on to the semifinals at 10 a.m. Saturday morning at Arnaiz Field in Stockton. The D-VII final will be played Saturday as well, with a 1 p.m. start time.   The Roseville Press - Tribune

 

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"VCA locks up SMAL title with win over Bradshaw Lions's Shaw solid on the mound"

Kurt Johnson, The Press Tribune - 5/15/2010

Kurt Johnson, The Press Tribune - Freshman Jimmy Shaw delivered a big performance Friday for Valley Christian.   Kurt Johnson, The Press Tribune VCA shortstop Ryan Cordell pops up at third and heads home Friday with his team's first run   Both the present and the future look good for the baseball team at Valley Christian Academy. As the Lions prepare to enter the Sac-Joaquin Section Division VII playoffs as two-time defending champions, they capped their league season with a masterful performance. Facing Bradshaw Christian ace Brady Dragmire with the league title on the line, Valley Christian got just enough offense and a pitching gem of its own in winning its 13th straight Sacramento Metro Athletic League title outright with a 3-2 victory Friday. That result did not look likely for the Lions a few weeks ago as they struggled out of the gate, but Brad Gunter’s crew hit the ground running once it go to the league schedule and did not look back. “It was a huge win for sole possession of our 13th straight league title plus a No. 1 seed in the CIF tourney,” Gunter said. “Who would have thought we could turn this season around? I am so proud of all the players and grateful to all my coaches for all of their hard work.” Ryan Cordell brought the offense for VCA on Friday, scoring in the first after beating out an infield single, and then moving to second on an error before scoring on a throwing error committed trying to throw him out stealing third base. The senior shortstop, who is himself the Lions’ ace pitcher, tacked on the team’s other two runs with a two-run home run in the home half of the third. With Cordell having pitched this week’s first game against Bradshaw (8-2 in the SMAL, 15-11 overall), the battle against Dragmire was left to Lion freshman left-hander Jimmy Shaw. The southpaw matched Dragmire’s performance on the day, almost to the number as both pitchers went the distance while allowing just four hits, striking out 11 hitters and walking just two. The Pride picked up single runs in the third (doubles by Tyler Takahashi and E.J. Edinburgh did not get one home, but a sacrifice fly did get them a single run). An Edinburgh home run in the fifth plated the second run for Bradshaw Christian. Both teams will be playing the D-VII tournament beginning next week, with VCA (10-0, 16-7) slated to open against Millennium High at 7 p.m. Wednesday night at Galt Community Park.     The Roseville Press - Tribune

 

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"Lions clinch at least share of league title Valley Christian beats Bradshaw"

Kurt Johnson, The Press Tribune - 5/12/2010

 

 

The Sacramento Metro Athletic League title is on the line this week as Valley Christian Academy and Bradshaw Christian play a pair of games.

The two teams entered the week unbeaten in league play, but after Tuesday's action, the Lions are left alone atop the standings. A 13-9 win gives VCA at least a share of the league title for the 13th straight season, and it can lock up sole possession with a win in the comeback game Friday on its home field.

"With the way we started the season, I feel this is a huge accomplishment," said Valley Christian coach Brad Gunter. "I had very high hopes this season and everything has been a battle, even yesterday, but I am happy for the kids that they have persevered through it all and can hang up another ball on the wall."

The final score did not tell the game's real story as the Lions essentially dominated the contest before a late flurry of defensive miscues allowed Bradshaw back in, at least on the scoreboard.

With two out and Jimmy Shaw on in the first frame, Valley Christian's No. 4 hitter, Junior Casas hit a home run over the left-center field fence to give pitching ace Ryan Cordell an early advantage.

The Lions added three in the second after two were out, and the Casas left the yard again during a four-run third as VCA built a 9-0 lead.

"The fans told us that those were the first home runs ever at Bradshaw’s field," Gunter said. "The wind was blowing straight in which made it even more impressive. Throughout the game we hit five other shots to the fence and seem to have productive at bats the rest of the game."

Cordell gave up two earned runs in the third inning, but the other seven scored against him were unearned. and the rest were unearned. Valley Christian was up 12-2 and two outs away from putting the finishing touches on a 10-run mercy rule in, but the defense went south for the Lions.

"Cordell had a dominating performance on the mound, but every error killed us," Gunter said. "We have to play better defense on Friday to get sole possession of the title."

Cordell struck out 12 and allowed just six hits in the game.

Paul Finnell had a pair of triples and three RBIs among his three hits on the day. Casas (double and two home runs), Joey Parker (two doubles, two batted in) and Micky DiFiebre also all banged out three hits. Cordell, Shaw and Quentin Moore had two hits a piece as the Lions rapped out 20 hits in the contest.

Freshman southpaw Jimmy Shaw will take the hill Friday as VCA (9-0 in the SMAL, 15-7 overall) tries to claim the solo league title. The youngster will have to do battle with Bradshaw (8-1, 15-10) ace Brady Dragmire and his 0.60 ERA.

 

 

The Roseville Press - Tribune

 

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"Valley Christian unloads for two big wins"

Staff Report, The Press Tribune - 5/7/2010

Press Tribune file photo - Midori Bounds pitched VCA to a win over Sacramento Adventist   Behind another strong pitching performance from Midori Bounds, Valley Christian Academy softball team shut out Sacramento Adventist 11-0 Thursday in the Sacramento Metro Athletic League. In addition to tossing the complete game victory in a contest shortened to five innings by the 10-run mercy rule, Bounds also hit a home run for the Lady Lions. Abby Moore also blasted a home run and drove in three runs, and Heather Frank had a pair of hits, including a double. Earlier in the week, it was Moore in the circle as Valley Christian buried Sacramento Country Day. Moore struck out eight and allowed just two hits and she also hit a home run in the victory. Carly Gish and Bounds each had three hits for the Lions, with Gish lashing a triple. Keri McClintock and Presleigh Sinerius each had a pair of hits.   The Roseville Press - Tribune

 

 

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"Freshman southpaw pitches VCA to non-league win" Staff Report, The Press Tribune - 5/7/2010

Kurt Johnson, Press Tribune file photo   -Valley Christian's Ryan Cordell has hit 13 home runs this season   Freshman Jimmy Shaw tossed a complete game five-hitter and senior Ryan Cordell hit his state-leading 13th long ball Thursday for the Valley Christian Academy baseball team. The impressive performances lifted the Lions to a 4-1 win against Mesa Verde as VCA stepped outside the Sacramento Metro Athletic League. The Lions gave up an unearned run in the first inning, but scored one in the second and three in the third to take the lead. Shaw made it stand up, limiting the Mavericks to five hits over six innings before yielding the bump to Matt Meeink to close it out. "For the most part, Shaw pounded the strike zone and cut up their hitters all day," said VCA coach Brad Gunter. "He induced so many jammed pop-ups and weak ground balls. It was an amazing outing by the young lefty pitcher." Shaw also had a pair of hits, including a double to complement the big bat of Cordell, who blasted a two-run home run. Junior Casas also had two hits. The Lions (13-7) are in Yountville to take on Trinity Prep Friday before closing out the season with two against Bradshaw Christian next week.   The Roseville Press - Tribune

 

 

 

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"Another blowout win for Valley Christian"

Staff Report, The Press Tribune - 5/7/2010

Kurt Johnson, Press Tribune file photo - Valley Christian's Gabe Miramontes scores a run in a game played last season.   A 12-run first inning outburst told the story of Tuesday's 18-0 Valley Christian win over Trinity Prep of Napa. With Ryan Cordell on the hill, that was way more than enough offense for the Lions, who coasted from there as the right-hander struck out 10 on his way to another shutout win. Cordell allowed just one hit in the mercy-rule shortened five inning contest. Cordell and Gabe Miramontes each had three hits for VCA, with the Lion pitcher including a three-bagger among his hits and Miramontes driving home two runs. Paul Finnell had two hits, including a grand slam home run, while freshman Jimmy Shaw also homered while contributing a pair of knocks. Valley Christian was set to play a non-league game at Mesa Verde Thursday before heading to Napa for the rematch with Trinity Friday.   The Roseville Press - Tribune

 

 

 

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"VCA gets key win in Vacaville"

By Kurt Johnson, The Press Tribune  - 4/27/2010

Press Tribune file photo Junior Casas has been coming on strong for Valley Christian   The Valley Christian Academy baseball team put it all together Saturday night in Vacaville. Playing under the lights against a talented 17-3 Vacaville Christian squad, the Lions dominated and took the game 15-2 in a five inning battle shortened by the 10-run mercy rule. Both teams had their ace pitchers on the mound at the outset, but only VCA's Ryan Cordell got it done. Vacaville went through five different hurlers before the night finally came to an end for them. A Cordell triple followed by a Junior Casas base hit put the Lions on top in the first frame, and the contest was tied at 2-2 after three innings. It was in the fourth that Valley Christian finally busted this one wide open. The Lions tallied five times in the fourth, added three more in the fifth and closed it out with five more in the sixth. "This was a huge confirmation that we are getting closer to where we need to be as a baseball team," said VCA coach Brad Gunter." Cordell struck out eight in going the distance for the Lions. He allowed just four hits. He also had four hits, including a pair of triples, to pace the offense. Casas banged out three hits, while Paul Finnell, Jimmy Shaw, Mickey DiFiebre and Quentin Moore each had two knocks. VCA (4-0 in the SMAL, 9-7 overall) lost to Maxwell High (21-2 overall) in another non-league tussle Monday and will look to get things going back in league play when it faces Faith Christian (2-1, 11-4)this week. The first game in that series was scheduled for Tuesday, but the rain will likely push it to Thursday or make it part of a Friday doubleheader.   The Roseville Press - Tribune

 

 

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"VCA sweeps away Lutheran in Friday doubleheader" Kurt Johnson, The Press Tribune  - 4/24/2010

Kurt Johnson, Press Tribune file photo Ryan Cordell hit four home runs and drove in 17 runs in Friday's twinbill   The Valley Christian Academy baseball team put a double hurt on Lutheran Friday. The Lions outscored Lutheran 48-2 in the two games of a doubleheader as they seemed to find the offense that has been missing from the attack. The day began with a 10-run first inning for VCA as it went on to an 18-0 win. Paul Finnell and Junior Casas combined to toss the shutout. Ryan Cordell hit a pair of grand slams to lead a 14-hit Lion attack. Finnell also had a pair of hits, including a long ball and three runs batted in. Junior Casas and Quentin Moore each had two knocks. A 13-run second stanza and a nine-run third highlighted VCA's 30-2 win in the second game of the twinbill. Valley Christian ripped 22 hits, with Cordell and Casas leading the way. Cordell hit two more home runs, and also roped a pair of two-baggers, while driving in nine runs. Casas also hit two round-trippers, with four hits and seven RBIs. Gabe Miramontes went the first four innings on the bump in game two. "Cordell and Casas had amazing days," said VCA coach Brad Gunter. "I don’t care what level we are playing, we have not been able to play this well all year. Today was the first day that I felt we were starting to turn around as a baseball team. Thank goodness it is in the right direction." The Lions visited Vacaville Christian in a non-league game Saturday night.   The Roseville Press - Tribune

 

 

 

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"Big early offense, no-hit pitching makes VCA huge winner"

Staff Report , The Press Tribune - 4/15/2010

Press Tribune file photo - Junior Casas continues to play well for Valley Christian.   When a baseball teams bangs out 12 hits in game and scores 14 runs, it is usually tough to beat. When 10 of those runs come in the first two innings of a high school game, it is tougher yet as the 10-run mercy rule comes into play. On Tuesday, on its home field, Valley Christian combined that kind of offense with three pitchers who combined to toss a no-hitter as it crushed Sacramento Country Day 14-0. The game was the Sac Metro Athletic League opener for both teams. Kenneth Whitehurst got the start, with Aaron Perchaz and Paul Finnell each working an inning in a game shortened to five frames by that mercy rule. The trio did not allow a hit all day long. Finnell was also an offensive star, with two hits, including a double and two RBIs. Ryan Cordell blasted a pair of long balls, had three total hits and chased home three. Junior Casas also delivered two hits to the Lion attack.     The Roseville Press - Tribune

 

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"Another 10-run win for VCA softball"

Staff Report, The Press Tribune - 4/10/2010

A six-run first frame got things started and a four-run fifth ended them as the Valley Christian Academy softball team pounded Buckingham Charter 13-3 Friday.

The Sacramento Metro Athletic League win was the Lady Lion's third in as many league starts. Abby Moore went the distance on the mound in a game shortened to five innings by the 10-run mercy rule.

Moore, Midori Bounds and Keri McClintock all had two hits for Valley Christian, while Heather Frank added a double.

 

The Roseville Press - Tribune

 

 

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"Valley Christian KOs Auburn Valley Christian"

Staff Report , The Press Tribune - 4/10/2010

Kurt Johnson, Press Tribune file photo - Ryan Cordell struck out 15 in Friday's win.   Four first-inning runs was more than the Valley Christian Academy baseball team needed Friday behind the dominating pitching of Ryan Cordell. The right-hander struck out 15 and tossed a complete game two-hitter as the Lions shut out Auburn Valley Christian 5-0. Valley Christian managed just five hits of its own, but that was enough to get the job done in this final non-league tune-up before the Lions head into Sacramento Metro Athletic League play next week. Aaron Perchaz had two of those hits, including a double, and drove in four runs for VCA. Junior Casas also had a two-base hit for the Lions.   The Roseville Press - Tribune

 

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"Valley Christian wins big"

Staff Report , The Press Tribune - 4/8/2010

Behind a 14-hit attack and strong pitching from Abbie Moore, the Valley Christian Academy softball team pounded Faith Christian of Yuba City 23-3 Tuesday.

Midori Bounds and Keri McClintock each had three hits for the Lady Lions to lead the powerful offensive explosion. Moore, Carly Gish and Sierra Trask had two-hit days for VCA.

The Lions (2-0 in SMAL play) are back in action Friday against Buckingham Charter.

 

The Roseville Press - Tribune

 

 

 

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"Lions get comeback win over Lincoln VCA gets big non-league victory"

Kurt Johnson, The Press Tribune - 4/8/2010

Kurt Johnson, Press Tribune file photo - Paul Finnell, center, had a big home run in Tuesday's VCA win over Lincoln Big innings were the order of the day when the Lincoln High baseball team visited Valley Christian Tuesday. Fortunately for the Lions, one of their crooked numbers was one higher than one of Lincoln's and they took the game 7-6. The Zebras hung four runs on VCA starter Gabe Miramontes in the very first inning and added two more in the third to take a 6-0 advantage. The Lions cashed in after two were out in their half of the third with a pair of two-run doubles plating four runs. "Errors early cost us, but timely and clutch two-out hitting overcame," said Valley Christian coach Brad Gunter. "Today was a good mental toughness win for our team as we (get ready to) start league. We will see if we can cut down on the errors and continue to get timely hitting." The two-baggers, off the bats of Ryan Cordell and Junior Casas pulled Valley Christian within two runs at 6-4. Cordell was right in the middle of it again in the fifth frame when the Lions scored three more runs after the second out. Paul Finnell got it started with a solo home run and then Cordell blasted a two-run shot that put the Lions on top to stay. Cordell delivered the final exclamation point out of the bullpen when he struck out two of three batters he faced to save the win for reliever Kenneth Whitehurst. VCA plays Auburn Christian in a non-league home game Friday before opening Sacramento Metro Athletic League play next week.   The Roseville Press - Tribune

 

 

 

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"Lions hit the road to find their game Valley Christian knocks off St. Bernard’s"

Kurt Johnson, The Press Tribune 3/30/210

Kurt Johnson, Press Tribune file photo   - Valley Christian right-hander Ryan Cordell had his best pitching performance of this season Saturday in Eureka It started the SureWest spring break tournament early in order to keep an important date way up north, and it was worth it for the Valley Christian Academy baseball team. The Lions did take part in the local big-school holiday classic, but they burned their ace pitcher Saturday in Eureka, where they knocked off small-school powerhouse St. Bernard’s 2-0. “A 5 1\2 hour drive, stay in a hotel, and colder weather than normal might have just what the doctor ordered for us,” said VCA coach Brad Gunter. “This was a great win for our program.” Ryan Cordell went the distance, shutting out the Crusaders on three hits, while striking out 13 and walking just one. “Cordell was outstanding,” Gunter said. He worked ahead in the count and went after them. It was the outing that we needed from our ace in such a big game.” Cordell also knocked in the first run on a fielder’s choice in the first frame, and then Quentin Moore knocked in the second run in the second. There was no scoring the rest of the way. The Lions returned home and were immediately back on the field for two games Monday. Losses to Ponderosa and Roseville do not put a damper on the reasons Valley Christian includes that event on its schedule. “The tournament is a step up, but it gives a look at where we need to be at the end of the season,” Gunter said. “We will never face teams in our section playoffs and league as good as the teams in this tournament. Finding small things that we have done well in the tournament gives us a huge advantage over similar size schools.”   The Roseville Press - Tribune

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"First win a relief for VCA"

Kurt Johnson, The Press Tribune  - 3/26/2010

Press Tribune file photo - Paul Finnell hit a home run for Valley Christian Thursday Finally putting a game in the win column brought welcome relief for Valley Christian baseball coach Brad Gunter. After losing their first four games of the season, the two-time defending section Division VII champions beat Grant 4-1 on the road Thursday. The Lions tallied single runs in the first, fourth and fifth frames to build a 3-0 lead behind freshman pitcher Jimmy Shaw, and he made it stand up with some help from the bullpen. "Congratulations to our lefthanded freshman pitcher, Jimmy Shaw," Gunter said. "It was his first varsity start and to come out and pound the strike zone and force the action was very impressive. He also had a hit on the day to top things off." After the Pacers got one back in the home half of the fifth, VCA added a run in the seventh to set the final margin. The Lions made the most of their seven hits and survived four errors in the process, largely because they limited Grant from cashing in. The Pacers managed just three hits in the contest. "It was a much better brand of baseball against Grant," Gunter said. "All three pitchers worked ahead in the count and errors today were not costly because our pitchers got right back on the mound and pounded the strike zone." Shaw allowed those three hits in his five innings on the bump, and he also struck out three, but he did't issue a single free pass. In fact, with Matt Meeink and Ryan Cordell each setting the side down in order in one inning, Valley Christian did not walk anyone in the entire game. Both Meeink and Cordell struck out two of three batters they faced. Paul Finnell hit a solo home run in the fifth and Donovan Allen had a double to lead the VCA offense, while Cordell drove in a pair of runs. The team is on its way to Eureka for a Saturday date with St. Bernard, the top team in Division V three of the last four seasons. Following that contest, the Lions will participate in the SureWest-Woodcreek Invitational with a pair of games on Monday.   The Roseville Press - Tribune

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"Rocky start for VCA baseball"

Kurt Johnson, The Press Tribune 3/25/2010

Press Tribune file photo - VCA's Ryan Cordell is off to a good start with the bat, but needs to get the pitching back at the elite level "Not the start we were looking for," said Valley Christian baseball coach Brad Gunter after his team's 13-10 loss to Casa Roble Monday. The game, which allowed the teams to get an early start on next week's SureWest spring break tournament, puts the two-time defending Division VII section champions at 0-4 out of the chute. After leading Antelope last Friday in a game playedat American River College, VCA committed eight errors after the fourth inning and saw an 8-3 lead turn into a 15-9 loss. For the game, the Lions committed 10 miscues. Victory Christian was the opponent on Saturday, and seven errors was the story there as the Lions were unable to win even with ace Ryan Cordell on the bump. Victory Christian took a 15-3 win in a game shortened to five innings by the 10-run mercy rule. Cordell hit a huge home run in the first inning for VCA, but the hits were few and far between. In fact, the Lions scored their three runs on a pair of Cordell long balls and a bomb off the bat of Matt Meeink. "In our minds we thought okay, here we go (after the Cordell home run)," Gunter said. "Not the case. We proceeded to botch every routine play after that. We just could not get anything going. It seemed like whenever we had something good happen it was followed by a huge mistake and then a big hit from them." In Monday's date with Casa Roble, the mistakes were back. This time, the Lions jammed the sacks, down three in the final frame, but could not get the runs home with the heart of the batting order. "We lost 13-10, but at least we competed today and hope we can cut the mistakes down to actually grab a win," Gunter said. VCA is at Grant Thursday to make up an earlier rainout and they travel to Eurekafor a game Saturday against St. Bernard’s. The balance of the SureWest Woodcreek tournament will be played out Monday and Tuesday. The Lions will be at Casa Roble at 10 a.m. Monday to take on Ponderosa and then will visit Roseville at 4 p.m. Bracket play will follow with a final game Tuesday. "0-4 is a tough start to what was hoped to be a great season, but we will stick with it and battle until the end," Gunter said. "At least today there were signs of life."   The Roseville Press - Tribune

 

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"Rough start for VCA baseball" Staff Report  - 3/19/2010

Press Tribune file photo Ryan Cordell hit a two-run home run in the fifth for Valley Christian's only scoring Thursday   A large collection of unearned runs buried the Valley Christian Academy baseball team on its home field Thursday against Pioneer of Woodland. Down 1-0 through three frames, the Lions got hit with an eight-run fourth and five-run fifth that led to a 14-2 loss in VCA's first game of the season. A two-run home run by Ryan Cordell in the home half of the fifth provided all of the Valley Christian runs as the Lions managed just four hits. "We walked seven and hit three and committed four huge errors," said Valley Christian coach Brad Gunter. "Most of the runs given up today were unearned. We looked like it was our first game of the year and hope to turn it around quickly." VCA played Antelope at 4 p.m. Friday at American River College.   The Roseville Press - Tribune

 

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"Valley Christian on the road to open NorCal tourney Lions visit University High of San Francisco"

Kurt Johnson, The Press Tribune - 3/9/10

You get the sense that Valley Christian coach Brad Gunter would rather see the University of Kansas coming out of the opposing locker room than Victory Christian.

The Lions have lost three times this season (of their five total losses) to the Vikings from Carmichael, including the last time they took the court in the Sac-Joaquin Section Division V semifinals.

Under the new state playoff format, the top four SJS teams in each division qualify for a spot in the state tournament field, and though it has to go on the road to do it, that means at least one more game for VCA. Gunter knows the field is strong, but he is just happy to see someone other than Victory Christian on the opposite bench.

“It will take our best game of the year to beat any of these teams in the NorCal playoffs, but I am really excited about it,” Gunter said. “Good thing is they won’t have Victory Christian on the front of their jerseys and that is a big relief.”

As for the team Ryan Cordell and company will match up with, the Lions are headed to City College of San Francisco to take on University High School. It is a team that Gunter has not seen and knows little about.

“I was about as clueless about University as you can imagine until this afternoon,” Gunter said. “I received the scouting report midday. I know that we have a size advantage and we will try to use it, but it looks like we will have to get it across the timeline first. They are an up and down pressing team that is well coached.”

That is not all bad news at Valley Christian, as they Lions also like to run the floor and jack up a lot of shots. For this contest, it seems their opponent will be helping get the tempo going.

“It looks like we will not have to push tempo for this one and just go,” Gunter said. “I have a feeling that this will be a high scoring affair. This is the style that we work on and want and I am very interested to see how we do against a quality opponent.”

University is a team that has played a quality schedule, which includes a win over the No. 3 seed in the D-V field, St. Joseph’s of Alameda. An overtime loss to the top NorCal seed, Branson, was the only thing standing between University and the North Coast Section final. The teams do share a common opponent in Stuart Hall, a team that VCA played competitively during the season that won University’s regular season league title. University lost two contests with Stuart Hall, but then got even by winning the rematch in the conference tournament .

“I am excited about the opportunity for our kids and don’t want them to just show up for the experience, but rather go out and try to get one,” Gunter said. “It does give our players a little comfort knowing that a common opponent has beaten them. Every win in this tournament is a huge deal and we would love to have a couple under our belt.”

The winner of Tuesday’s 7 p.m. game plays at No. 2 St. Francis of Watsonville (27-1), which could arguably be the best team in the tournament.

“They have played a schedule that is far above a normal Division V one and have been very successful,” Gunter said in describing St. Francis. “I would love to get the opportunity to test those waters.”

Gunter is hoping the teams from the Sac-Joaquin Section have success this year in order to earn some much-needed respect for the section. None of the teams from this area was seeded in the top four and thus all must play first round games in the 12-team bracket.

“I think that is too much credit to the Northern Section and not enough to the SJS,” Gunter said. “The only way to fix that for the future is for our section to go win some games now. I just feel bad for Victory that was worthy of a bye in the first round and instead they get a top team and contender in Head Royce in the first round.

“This is a great opportunity for us and we have yet to put four quarters of basketball together this season. We have to knock down shots and finish plays though. At this point of the season it is all about making plays and not just the system. If we can knock down shots and cut down on the turnovers, we have a chance at anybody.”

The Roseville Press - Tribune

 

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"Valley Christian can't recover against Victory First-half deficit proves too much for Lions"

Kurt Johnson, The Press Tribune  - 3/3/10

Kurt Johnson, The Press Tribune

Valley Christian guard Ryan Cordell releases a shot over the outstretched hand of a Victory Christian defender

Sometimes early mistakes become very difficult to overcome. On Tuesday night in Galt, that was certainly the case for the Valley Christian Academy boys basketball team.

The Lions made the trip to Galt High School for a Sac-Joaquin Section Division V semifinal battle with Carmichael’s Victory Christian and came out on the short end of a 73-64 verdict.

The game was an uphill battle most of the way for VCA as it fell behind in the first half and found itself working to overcome the deficit the rest of the way. The Lions (25-5) have taken three of their five defeats this year at the hands of Victory Christian (26-3).

“The biggest concern came true - the name on the front of their jersey,” said Valley Christian coach Brad Gunter. “They are a well coached team that has mentally tough kids that really know each other well. I guess you could say they have our number.”

Both teams came out of the gate charged up for the contest that did not tip until a few minutes past the scheduled 9 p.m. start time. VCA’s biggest problems in the first half were largely of its own making, though the Vikings did a nice job taking full advantage.

In an effort to keep fresh legs (and heads) on the court, Gunter employed a strategy of wholesale substitutions through much of the first half, sending five fresh players onto the floor at the same time. The tactic seemed to work, but with both units, the Lions had too many unforced turnovers and too many missed scoring chances, particularly from the free throw line.

“We had played them twice before and each time had low-scoring affairs that left us thinking too much and them not tired,” Gunter said. “The goal of the line changes was to keep us fresh for a dogfight while continuing to attack on defense in the first half. To a point it did exactly what we wanted.”

Valley Christian caught a bad break late in the initial stanza when an offensive foul committed by Orest Shaynyuk was mistakenly applied to Rob Frank. It was Frank’s third and left one of the Lions’ fiercest competitors on the bench for the entire second stanza.

Eight different VCA players scored in the first half, but they combined for just 26 points, far below the number the Lions usually post in the first 16 minutes. A big first half by 5-foot-10 senior guard Kevin Halverson (10 points) led the Vikings to a 33-26 lead at intermission.

The Lions turned up the defense, with a frenetic attacking press, coming out after the break, and they were successful in cutting into the lead. Each time they got near the top of the mountain, however, Victory was able to hit a couple of buckets to push its advantage back up to the 10-point range, and VCA was never able to get back on top.

Frank, Ryan Cordell and Stanley Winters were all involved in a defensive effort that caused the normally stingy Vikings into a number of miscues.

“I decided that if we were going to go down, we were going out on our terms and try to push the action,” Gunter said. “They normally do not turn over the ball and I am not sure how many we caused, but it has to be well over their season average.”

Neither team shot the ball particularly well, but both also had some big moments in the clutch shooting department. With Winters breaking down the Victory Christian defense off the bounce, and feeding teammates scoring opportunities, Shaynyuk and Jesse Peters both had solid scoring nights for the Lions.

Gunter expected the Vikings to get a lot of their scoring from forward Nathan Coppernoll, who averages 18.4 points per night. The 6-3 senior got his points (17 for the game), but it was not his output that killed Valley Christian. Coppernoll did hit one vital shot, a fade-away 35-footer at the third quarter buzzer that pushed the Viking lead to 12 points heading into the final eight minutes.

“I was happy that we made Nate Coppernol work harder this time around for his shots, but the off players on their team hitting shots in the first half was real uncharacteristic and a huge credit to them,” Gunter said.

One player who came up big in helping Victory hold off the Lions’ second half surge was Coppernoll’s sophomore brother, Clayton, who hit three huge 3-pointers and scored all of his 13 points after the break. He also led the Vikings with 10 rebounds for the night.

Despite Clayton Coppernoll’s big shots, VCA nearly managed to pull this one off. A Cordell 3-pointer with 34 seconds to go cut the margin to two points at 66-64, but it would be last Lion scoring of the game. A foul on the ensuing Victory possession was ruled intentional (a somewhat questionable ruling) set up Victory to put the lead back into two-possession territory and put the game away.

“The young Coppernol put a bit of a dagger in the heart, but I was very proud of the fight that the players came back with,” Gunter said. “It was a two-point game until the intentional foul call at the end and then we were in shoot the first shot mode after that.”

Free throws were a big part of the story as the Vikings hit 19-of-24 while Valley Christian nailed just 8-of-19 from the charity stripe.

Cordell scored 19 points to lead the Lions, while Peters and Shaynyuk each tallied 10 points. Peters led the squad on the backboards with nine. Marcel Louis-Jaques made a strong return from an injury and scored nine points, while reserve guard Jason Gish also scored nine and pulled down seven rebounds. Winters scored just two points, but his five rebounds and five assists were a big part of the Lion effort.

The win sends Victory Christian on to Arco Arena Friday night to take on Ripon Christian in the D-V title game. The Lions season does not end here as the top four in each division of the Sac-Joaquin Section advance to next week’s Northern California playoffs. VCA will find out where it will play in that tournament this weekend.

“Arco would have been great but this is a huge stepping stone for our program,” Gunter said. “Last year we were 16-12 and made it to the second round, this year 25-5, made it to the final four and Nor Cal and we have a lot in the tank for the next six years. Based on what everybody has coming back next season, I like our chances to get back to Galt and see if we can get over the next hump.”

The Roseville Press - Tribune

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"Valley Christian preps for section semifinal, Victory Christian Lions look to advance in

Division V"

Kurt Johnson, The Press Tribune - 3/2/10

Tim Lloyd, Special to The Press Tribune

VCA point guard Stanley Winters is a force at both ends of the floor

Trying to turn a major playoff semifinal matchup into just another game in the minds of his players is the goal for Valley Christian Academy boys basketball coach Brad Gunter as he prepares his squad for Tuesday night.

“I am more concerned with the name on the front of their jersey than anything else,” Gunter said in describing his team’s Sac-Joaquin Section Division V semifinal date with a top-seeded Victory Christian team that has beaten VCA twice this year. “We had this same problem with Bradshaw and overcame that hurdle and hoping to do the same tonight. We have an opportunity at Arco, section title, and a host in Nor Cal playoffs on the line and that is a lot of pressure. I hope that we are the first team to realize that this is another basketball game and can get into a rhythm offensively quickly.”

The Lions struggled to get past Sacramento Waldorf in Friday’s second-round battle, but that game helped Valley Christian prepare for the style of play they will see against the Vikings.

“I think it was good for us that we did not play well and were able to overcome,” Gunter said. “We have had a few games this season that we can call back to memory that we have played poorly and won the game. I expect this to be a dogfight all four quarters and success in the memory bank can only help with that.

“We have one day to prepare for them and trying to simulate their defensive pressure is tough to do. We saw a great glimpse of it in playing Sac Waldorf Friday night and we didn’t respond too well. I am hoping that a reality check of sorts will kick in at practice and we can focus on ball movement a little more.”

Valley Christian will look to its strong core of seniors to deliver big performances as it moves deeper into the playoffs. Senior guard Ryan Cordell is one of the Lions’ key players. At more than 20 points per game, he is the most reliable scoring option on the floor, but Gunter has a lot of other guys to go to in a pinch.

On the perimeter, seniors Rob Frank and Stanley Winters give the Lions strong play at both ends of the floor, and sophomore sharpshooter Jason Gish can go off for major offense. In the paint, a combination of Jesse Peters, Orest Shaynyuk and Zach Stoever must also play well.

Victory Christian comes in off a narrow win of its own, against a Global Youth Charter team that VCA handled easily twice this season. Gunter is quick to discount those who would read anything into those comparative results.

“I know that Global almost got them, but Global runs a five-guard, outside-orientated, drive-and-kick offense,” Gunter said. “Against a man defense that pressures the ball, Global can give anybody fits.”

The Vikings offense revolves around 6-foot-3 senior forward Nathan Coppernoll, who is the team leader in scoring (18.4 points per game), rebounding (8.5) and assists (3.1).

“They are a tough nose man-to-man defensive team that likes to slow it down, but can run if needed,” Gunter said. “They will run up your back if you do not get back. (Nate) Coppernoll is everything to them offensively and is all over the place when he does not have the ball.”

Coppernoll’s younger brother, sophomore Clayton, is a threat from the outside, as is 5-9 senior guard Brad Hoffelt. Hoffelt is the only other Victory player who averages double-digit scoring. The core of this team has been playing together for a long time, which gives the squad a bit of an advantage.

“The biggest thing is that they have played together as a unit since the seventh grade and they do not make very many mistakes defensively or offensively,” Gunter said. “They have a little size to go with their pressure defense, but we have to attack the rim and not settle for contested outside jump shots. Their weakness is their depth. We are much deeper than them, but have to try and attack very smart players.”

After enjoying the luxuries of playing on its home court, Valley Christian must now face the adversity of the road, with a neutral site game that is not scheduled to start until 9 p.m.

“The late start time doesn’t really concern me,” Gunter said. “We practice normally from 7-9 p.m. and most of the time my players do not respond until the later minutes of practice.

“Home court is definitely a huge advantage, but I am more concerned with the magnitude of the game and what is at stake. We have played in a lot of obscure places with no or little fan support and have responded well. The magnitude of the game is the real issue. Players get too amped up and because its Victory Christian it will be worse to calm my players down. A lot of the kids on both teams go to the same church and their two previous wins early in the season loom large in my players mind.”

Gunter points to his team’s need to protect the basketball and to take it away from the Vikings as keys to an upset win for his No. 4 seeded Lions. He also notes that in the earlier matchups this year, VCA has missed a number of close shots, which has somewhat negated its advantage on the backboards.

The Lions are wary of a Viking team that got this far a year ago, but was unable to advance.

“Victory was in the final four last year and lost to eventual section champion Bradshaw Christian,” Gunter said. “They were disappointed last season and in fact I think a little shocked that they did not advance. They have a chip on their shoulder to get to Arco and finish the task left undone last season. We prepare by trying to focus on what we need to do and not the other team. We have to execute on both offensive and defense.”

The game is the fourth of four on the docket Tuesday night at Galt High School and is scheduled to top at 9 p.m. The winner will move on to the section championship game Friday night at Arco Arena.

 

The Roseville Press - Tribune

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"Lions survive Sac Waldorf second round challenge Valley Christian reaches Division 5 semifinals"

Kurt Johnson, The Press Tribune - 2/27/10

Tim Lloyd, Special to The Press Tribune

Valley Christian forward Orest Shaynyuk takes the ball through the lane Friday against Sac Waldorf

 

Sometimes the approach that a win is a win has to carry you through when nothing else will.

For the Valley Christian Academy boys basketball team Friday night, survival was the best they could do, and survive they did.

“You take them how you can get them,” said Valley Christian coach Brad Gunter. “We did not play our best basketball of the season tonight, but most of that is a credit to Dean Stark and the Sac Waldorf players. We are fortunate to beat them, but at this point of the season I will take it.”

The Lions were down early and rallied in the second quarter to make it a tight one at intermission, but it was not until clutch defense and free throws down the stretch that they sealed a hard-fought 68-65 win over Sacramento Waldorf in the second round of the Sac-Joaquin Section Division V playoffs.

“They are a tough well-coached team,” Gunter said. “They got up on us in the first quarter by their pressure defense. Our advantage was our size but we could not, more like wouldn’t distribute the ball and attack from the weak side. The second quarter we did a much better job of sharing the ball and instead of four guys scoring in the first quarter, six players had points in the second.”

VCA caught a break with a key Sac Waldorf injury in the fourth, and then they fouled out one of the Waves top scorers with three minutes left, but even with that, this one went to the wire.

The Lions pulled out all of the stops on the defensive end, at one point going to a triangle-and-two to take away Sac Waldorf’s top scorer. In the final minute, Valley Christian’s defense was able to force difficult shots, allowing first Ryan Cordell and then Jesse Peters to score from the charity stripe to pull out the victory.

Sophomore Jason Gish scored 15 points to lead a balanced scoring attack. Cordell added 14, while Rob Frank scored 11, Orest Shaynyuk tossed in 10 and Peters scored eight.

The win puts VCA through to the section semifinals Tuesday night in Galt. The game time will be announced Saturday afternoon. It also guarantees the Lions a spot in the Northern California tournament regardless how they fare in the D-V final four. The top four in each division now qualify for the NorCal playoffs.

 

The Roseville Press - Tribune

 

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"Valley Christian girls longest run comes to an end Second round loss to Bradshaw Christian closes out year"

Galen Kusic, Press Tribune Correspondent  - 2/25/10

 

Tim Lloyd, Special to The Press Tribune

Valley Christian forward Samantha Shoemake takes the ball to the basket against Bradshaw Christian Thursday night.

 

While Tuesday's 75-27 Sac Joaquin playoff loss to Division V powerhouse Bradshaw Christian was bitter, Valley Christian Academy's season was sweet- advancing to the second round for the first time in school history and posting one of the Lions' best records in the past ten years.

"I think the biggest accomplishment is we come from a school of 28 girls that are students first," said head coach Kim Contreras. "They play every sport, and to go as far as we did this year...I can't ask for anything more. These girls did extroardinary."

Tonight was tough, as the Pride of Bradshaw Christian put on a clinic in ball movement, full court man pressure defense, unselfish play and crashing the boards.

The Lions got down to the Pride early 14-0 and never could mount a rally to get back in the game, as Bradshaw led 44-9 at the half. Bradshaw was driven by powerful interior play from center Cheyenne Williams, who dominated the glass with 16 points, 7 rebounds, three steals and three assists.

Jordie Smith lashed the nets both inside and out, leading the Pride with 22 points, four steals and three blocks. Point guard Ferrandi Espinosa was all over the court, adding 13 points, seven rebounds, six steals and four assists while guard Ashlee Jones contributed 11 points and six steals.

"We were feeling really good and we didn't want it to be anything like the last two games we played against them," said junior center Samantha Shoemake. "That's what I wanted, I didn't want to be blown out like today."

The Lions never quit, as Shoemake led the squad with 13 points, 7 rebounds and two steals. junior point guard Carly Gist put up seven, while sophomore wing Heather Frank added four.

"The last two games we played them extroardinary," said Shoemake. "At the end of last season we only lost to them by nine, it just didn't happen today."

The most impressive high point of the season for the Lions was beating Forest Lake Christian out of Auburn on Tuesday.

"It was so exciting, we had lost to them two years straight," said Gish. "I'm just glad we pulled it together and won."

The 63-61 first-round win was not easy, but with only five to six girls in the rotation- the out-manned Lions managed a way to hold on to the victory.

"Our girls were tired of losing to them," said Contreras. "We were more confident, because we had Samantha back from injury. They came in strong. They were physically and emotionally tired, but they just pushed through. They held it, they were calm, they ran the clock down and they took the victory."

Valley Christian ends the year 17-10, and 11-3 in Sac Metro league play.

"At the beginning of the season we were shaky, we didn't think we were going to win anything," explained Gish. "Getting to the playoffs and beating Forest Lake, we accomplished our goal. We're happy with that. We always pulled it together as a team, when we lose and when we win - we were as a team. We knew it was Bradshaw, but we put what we had out there."

The Lions' junior wing Midori Bounds had a strong game on the boards, snatching seven, while senior guard Mandy Vail left nothing on the court- grabbing six rebounds.

"I think the three girls that made first team and second team all-league really proved themselves tonight," said Contreras.

 

The Roseville Press - Tribune

 

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"Valley Christian dispatches Big Valley in D-V opener"

Robbie Enos, Press Tribune Correspondent  - 2/25/10

 

Kurt Johnson, Press Tribune file photo Jesse Peters of Valley Christian in a game earlier this season.

 

The Valley Christian Academy boys basketball team got its playoff quest off on the right foot Wednesday night.

The Lions (24-4) owned the backboards with a 38-20 rebounding advantage and rolled to a big first round win over Big Valley Christian out of Modesto, 75-46.

Senior forward Ryan Cordell led the charge with 19 points, but it was a true team effort that propelled VCA to victory. Twelve different lions scored points on the night and 37 of VCA’s points came from non-starters.

“Push tempo, play a lot of guys, and try to get their big guy in foul trouble,” was head coach Brad Gunter’s strategy going into the game. “I had a feeling they were going to come in and slow it down on us, and they did. So the concern wasn’t necessarily on the defensive end, it was to push the offensive end.”

Valley Christian’s quick tempo offense and aggressive defense threw Big Valley for a loop and kept them to just 13 first quarter points. Six different lions grabbed rebounds in the period with Cordell, senior center Jesse Peters, and senior forward Orest Shaynyuk grabbing two a piece.

Cordell, the foul-drawing machine, nailed six points from the charity stripe. Big Valley got big three-point shots from Corey Wells and Luke Lemings in the second quarter, but they were still down 34-23 at half.

VCA senior guard Stanley Winters came out on fire in the second half. Winters scored five points off two steals, and contributed seven total points for the third quarter. Cordell stayed consistent with seven points of his own. Shaynyuk grabbed three rebounds.

With a 54-33 lead going into the fourth quarter, the Lions cruised to victory. Sophomore guard Jason Gish scored all of his nine points in the fourth quarter, including a few reverse lay-ups to throw Big Valley for a spin. Junior forward Aaron Perchaz had three boards, and Valley Christian finished its opponent off.

Caleb Theodore of Big Valley led the squad with eight rebounds. Tyler Aderholt was the leading scorer with 15 points including three field goals from beyond the arc.

Peters led VCA with six rebounds.

Gunter is wary about No. 4 Valley Christian’s next foe. Sacramento Waldorf (21-7) is the fifth seed in the Division V tournament field.

“If we get Waldorf, they are a well coached, unbelievably disciplined, hard nosed, man-to-man team,” Gunter said. “We will approach it totally different than tonight. Honestly we’re going to enjoy tonight, and then tomorrow figure out a game plan. The biggest thing with Waldorf is that when you have a coach over there with 500 wins under his belt, he’s going to have a few things up his sleeve.”

While Gunter and the team are proud of their accomplishment, they are more focused on the road ahead.

“Our goal is really (the section semifinal round in) Galt,” Gunter said. “We are taking it one game at a time. This next game is the biggest one of the season.”

 

The Roseville Press - Tribune

 

 

 

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"Valley too much for Forest Lake"

By Eric J. Gourley Journal Sports Writer

LAKE OF THE PINES — After four straight losses to Forest Lake Christian over the last three seasons, Samantha Shoemake and her Valley Christian teammates were more than ready for another shot at the Falcons.

The Lions camped in Forest Lake’s passing lanes for easy steals, tied up the Falcons for countless jump balls and held off a spirited rally over the final four minutes to beat the hosts 63-61 in a Sac-Joaquin Section Division V playoff opener Tuesday night.

Valley will face top seed Bradshaw Christian, an 87-12 winner over Lodi Academy, on Thursday night. The Sacramento Metro League rivals met twice this season, with the Pride beating the Lions both times.

Forest Lake had bounced Valley in the first round of the playoffs two years in a row and beat them twice in nonleague action earlier this season.

“Oh my gosh, everyone in the locker room was talking before the game about how we had to beat them,” said Shoemake, who had 17 points. “The third time’s the charm. We just figured we had to go out and give our best. Win or lose, if we go out and give our best, we can’t go wrong.”

In the third meeting this season, No. 9 Valley looked prepared to avenge the losses from the outset.

The tenacious Lions (17-8) raced to first-quarter leads of 9-3 and 14-8. The No. 8 Falcons took their only advantage, 16-14, on a Maggie Aubuchon layup early in the second quarter, but Valley’s Carly Gish answered with one of the three 3-pointers she banked in over the next five minutes as the Lions had control at halftime, 34-23.

“We really weren’t playing our game in the beginning and we just stepped up in the second half,” said Aubuchon, who scored a team-high 16. “We got a good pep talk and it turns out we wanted it more than we thought we did.”

Forest Lake (15-10) opened the half with three straight baskets to cut the deficit to five before Valley rediscovered its shooting touch and resumed the pressure that forced many first-half turnovers. The Lions led by as many as 15 late in the third quarter.

“They were really aggressive to the ball and unfortunately the officiating that we typically see calls it really tight, so there was a lot of contact that normally gets called,” Falcons head coach Linda Clough. “They were very physical. In the olden days basketball used to be called a non-contact sport, but definitely it’s not that now. There was a lot of physicality. It caused the ball to change possession a lot more, but you’ve got to play through what’s been called.”

Trailing 52-38, the Falcons reduced the deficit to single digits on a pair of Molly Huusfeldt free throws with 4:48 left. Huusfeldt and Laura Ritchart brought the crowd back into it with back-to-back 3-pointers over the next two minutes and Forest Lake continued to chip away.

“They’re great fighters,” Clough said. “They’re great battlers. They have huge hearts and it’s not over until it’s over. I’m proud of them for that.”

Ritchart buried another trey with 54 seconds left to make it 62-59, but Gish – who led all scorers with 21 – made a free throw with 37.3 remaining. Ritchart was fouled going up to the hoop with 8.3 seconds left and made one free throw to cut the deficit to two, but the Lions played keep-away without getting fouled as time expired.

“It all wraps up in determination,” Aubuchon said. “They had more determination than we did and they are strong, even though we’re bigger.”

Ritchart finished with 14 points for the Falcons, while Emily English scored 12 and Huusfeldt added 10.

 

The Roseville Press - Tribune

 

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"Lions begin pursuit of crown"

" Valley Christian at home for playoff opener"

Kurt Johnson, The Press Tribune

Kurt Johnson, The Press Tribune Valley Christian's Ryan Cordell leads his team into the postseason Wednesday night on its home floor

There is a sense of uncertainty around the gym at Valley Christian Academy as the Lions prepare for their first postseason game this week. After earning the No. 4 seed among the elite teams in Division V boys basketball, VCA drew a matchup against a team it knows nothing about.

“I am hearing from one of my buddies that their guard play is their strongest weapon, but don’t know if they push the ball, press, zone, or man-to-man,” said Valley Christian coach Brad Gunter. “Unfortunately this might be a game that we adjust on the fly, and that is not what you want as a coach going into a do-or-die playoff situation.”

The Lions have dominated almost everything in their site this season, and this one figures to be more of the same, but there is work to do.

“With the huge win on Friday night (against Bradshaw Christian) I feel that we are finally ready for the challenge,” Gunter said. “We still have areas that we need to improve on, but Friday night’s win gave helped the mindset of my players. We now know that we cannot just compete with the top teams but we can actually beat them. Three wins would take us to Arco and a showdown with either Ripon Christian or Bradshaw. I would love to take my chances at either squad on a big floor.”

Valley Christian scores more than 76 points per night, with a number of players getting involved in the scoring. Senior Ryan Cordell scores 21 points per game to lead the way, while senior Rob Frank (10.5) and sophomore Jason Gish (11) also average double figures.

Point guard Stanley Winters scores nearly eight points and dishes out more than six assists per contest. Jesse Peters and Orest Shaynyuk each pull down more than eight rebounds a game. This is a deep team that loves to pressure the ball and run the floor.

Big Valley will be looking to slow the game down. The Big Valley Lions score just 51 per game and do a lot of their scoring from beyond the 3-point arc. Big Valley Christian’s three leading scorers – 5-foot-10 senior guards Corey Wells and Taylor Aderholt and 6-3 senior forward Caleb Theodore – all take as many shots from three-point range as they do from closer range.

For now, Gunter and his squad will take it one game at a time. A win against Big Valley sets up a likely duel with Sacramento Waldorf, a team that VCA knows well. The Lions would host that game on Friday night, looking to reach the section semifinals next Tuesday in Galt.

That matchup might bring on top-seeded Victory Christian, a team that handed Valley Christian two of its losses this year.

“I am excited to see how my players will react in each of the matchups, but do not want them to look ahead of any game,” Gunter said. “At this point of the season, just like all year, it is a one game at a time approach and I think my players are starting to get it.”

Wednesday's game tips at 7 p.m. in the gym at Valley Christian.

 

The Roseville Press - Tribune

 

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"Playoff atmosphere to arrive early at VCA Lions to face Bradshaw Christian for league title Friday night" Kurt Johnson, The Press Tribune - 2/16/2010

 

Kurt Johnson, The Press Tribune

Ryan Cordell (5) leads his Valley Christian team into a huge game Friday night against Bradshaw Christian.

 

When the team on top of your league is also the team that won the section title a year ago, the battle for the league title can seem like a huge step.

 

At Valley Christian Academy, there has been a mental block associated with attempts to knock off Bradshaw Christian. The Lions only league loss this season came on the road at Bradshaw, and when the two hit the floor at VCA’s senior night Friday, a league title will be the motivation.

 

“We need to find out if we can ignore the name on the front of their shirts,” said Valley Christian coach Brad Gunter. “This is a big game for us.”

 

While he has not disclosed it to his squad, Gunter and his coaching staff have been slowly getting ready for Bradshaw for three weeks now, since the loss to the league leaders earlier this season.

 

“We have slowly worked on things that we can use in the Bradshaw matchup. Little things defensively and offensively have been put into place the second time through league in preparation for that last game,” Gunter said. “We have not looked past anybody, but as a coaching staff we have done certain things on both sides of the ball that has helped us beat other opponents and hopefully made the key things that we need for Bradshaw second nature for our players. I am excited at the chances on Friday night. We have a chance to get back a win from one of the three teams that we have lost to.”

 

Despite two wins last week, the Lions dropped a spot in the Division V power ratings that were released Tuesday. Strength of schedule moved Ripon Christian all the way to the No. 2 spot.

 

The key rankings are the ones that will be released Sunday after the conclusion of the regular season. Those will come with brackets for the postseason tournament.

 

“A higher seed means opponents in that second-tier category. Falling to the four seed would mean a team like Sac Waldorf or Brookside Christian,” Gunter said. “Those types of teams are scary. They are well coached and have the records to prove it. Those types of teams could easily travel and upset you and nobody would be surprised.”

 

For now, Valley Christian will focus on trying to win the SMAL title and leave the tournament seeding in someone else’s hands.

 

“The atmosphere in the gym on Friday night is going to be crazy,” Gunter said. “Everyone from parents, alumni, students and just basketball fans has had this one on the calendar all season.

 

“On top of everything else it is our senior night, which has a lot of emotions in itself. Once again I think which ever team can control their emotions and treat it like any other game first will win. I am excited. These are the games that the kids tell their grandkids about.”

FYI:

Feb. 16 power ratings D-V top five:

1 Bradshaw Christian

2 Ripon Christian

3 Victory Christian

4 Valley Christian

5 Sacramento Waldorf

The Roseville Press - Tribune

 

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"Lions put squeeze on Lemons Valley Christian picks up 21st win against state’s leading scorer'

Kurt Johnson, The Press Tribune

Kurt Johnson, The Press Tribune VCA guard Ryan Cordell drives baseline during the first half of Friday's game

The top high school basketball scorer in the nation was in town Friday night, but his efforts were not nearly enough against a charged up Valley Christian team.

The Lions of Roseville’s Valley Christian Academy put themselves in position to play for a league title with a convincing 99-70 win over Robbie Lemons and Sacramento Country Day.

Lemons had to work for every one of his 37 points against a swarming VCA defense, but managed to hit his season average on the strength of nailing 19-of-20 free throws.

“Robbie is such a great player,” said Valley Christian coach Brad Gunter. “We wanted to get up in his shirt and make him work hard. Our traps on him were not designed to steal the ball, but to force him to give it up. He is really an unselfish player.”

Senior Rob Frank did much of the heavy lifting in the first half as he took the assignment on Lemons. The 6-foot-4 guard was the only Lion starter not to score in double figures, but his nine steals told the story of his dominating performance.

“Rob had his best defensive game of the year tonight,” Gunter said. “He and Stanley Winters were difference-makers.”

It was Winters who seized control of the game in the first half. His pressure on the ball and in pushing it at the Cavaliers set a tone in the early going. The VCA point guard scored 10 points and added four rebounds, four steals and two assists before intermission.

Before foul trouble got him, Jesse Peters was a major force in the paint for Valley Christian with eight first quarter points. Much of his work came as he worked the offensive glass.

While leading scorer Ryan Cordell struggled with his shot in the initial stages of the game, his teammates delivered.

“We have been working hard to make sure that we are not the Ryan Cordell show,” Gunter said. “He gets out there with Lemons and wants to match points with him. He was able to do that earlier at their place. Tonight, once we convinced him to let his guys do it, his game took off.”

Cordell did not score in the initial stanza, but in the second, as VCA exploded its advantage from six points at the quarter break to 54-30 at the half, he dropped in nine points.

Sophomore guard Jason Gish scored seven before the break, and Zach Stoever, who also did a ton of work on the offensive window, scored nine with three offensive boards.

As Cordell picked up his offensive game, along with Gish, the Lions roared away from Sac Country Day, and when JV call-up Kris Kobzeff scored a lay-up and drew a foul in the closing minute, he had a chance to take his team to the century mark. The charity toss bounced away, leaving the final margin at 29 points.

As expected, Lemons filled the stat sheet with 37 points, 15 rebounds and five blocked shots for the Cavaliers. Richard Walter added 14 points and seven boards for Sac Country Day (7-5 in the SMAL, 16-6 overall).

Cordell finished the game with 24 points and 10 rebounds to lead six Lions in double figures. Gish scored 16, while both Winters and Peters tossed in 12. Peters also snagged eight boards. Stoever and Orest Shaynyuk each tallied 10 points for VCA.

The Lions (11-1, 21-4) travel to Yuba City to take on Faith Christian (2-9, 5-13) Tuesday night before returning home to close out the season against league-leading Bradshaw Christian (12-0, 19-6) next Friday night. First place in the SMAL and also a possible No. 1 seed in the Division V playoffs should be on the line against a team that VCA has struggled against.

“This was a really big win for us,” Gunter said. “We’re not looking past Faith, but this sets up a big one for next Friday night. We’ll have to see if we can ignore the name on the front of their shirts and play our game.”

 

The Roseville Press-Tribune

 

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"VCA JV claim league tourney title Young Lions blow out Faith Christian"

Staff Report, The Press Tribune - 2/13/2010

Kurt Johnson, Press Tribune file photo

VCA's Josh Bowden dominated the first-ever SMAL tournament

The first-ever Sacramento Metro Athletic League tournament title is in the hands of Valley Christian Academy.

In what Lions' coach Mike Parker hopes will become an annual tradition, VCA hosted and won a postseason tournament that brought in the top four teams in the league regular season standings. The one-day event concluded with the Lions poounding Yuba City's Faith Christian 72-40 in the title tilt.

In its first game, Valley Christian started slowly as a number of starters opened the game on the bench for disciplinary reasons. Leading Sacramento Adventist just 26-21 at intermission, the VCA starters erupted with a 20-3 advantage in the third stanza and then rolled to a 52-32 victory.

Josh Bowden scored 16 points and pulled down 10 rebounds to lead the way, as Wright Hagerty added 10 points and Kris Kobzeff scored eight and handed out five assists.

The win by Roseville-based VCA brought on the championship matchup with Faith Christian, a winner over Bradshaw Christian earlier in the day.

The Lions trailed 8-2 out of the chute and 15-12 at the end of one quarter, but then they outscored Faith Christian 47-17 in the second and third periods to run away and hide.

"We were really struggling early," Parker said. "We were sleepwalking and throwing the ball away, but we scratched back."

Valley Christian went to the full court press to speed the game up and it worked for them.

"We rarely do that as we don't need it in this league," Parker said. "We drew some things up and went after them. We were able to cause some problems and get some turnovers. That really changed the course of the game and got my guys going."

Bowden scored 25 in the nightcap, and eight of his 11 boards game on the offensive glass. Josh Flanagan scored 13 points, while Hagerty added 10 and Kobzeff 11 points.

The win ends VCA's season at 19-7.

The Roseville Press-Tribune

 

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"Changing kids' lives through coaching VCA’s Gunter builds successful sports program at small school"

by Kurt Johnson, The Press Tribune - 1/27/2010

 

Kurt Johnson, Press Tribune file photo

Valley Christian’s Brad Gunter gathers his team around him during a game last season.

 

While four schools around town boast high-profile athletic programs in the competitive Sierra Foothill League, there is a fifth school that flies largely under the radar.

 

When people discuss private school high school sports, they usually talk about powerhouse programs like Jesuit and Christian Brothers, but all over the region are small schools just like Valley Christian Academy. With slightly more than 100 high school students on campus, the Lions have built a strong record of athletic success.

 

Opened in 1979 as Tabernacle Baptist School, VCA has been about family from the outset. Pastor Brad Gunter, Sr. opened the school when his son, Brad, was in the first grade.

 

“Dad established sports at VCA so I could play,” said Brad Gunter, Jr., who currently serves as the school’s vice principal and athletic director, while coaching both baseball and boys basketball. “When I returned to VCA after college, dad gave me the green light to build the entire athletic program.”

 

Gunter played basketball for his father through high school, and his baseball career extended through tours at Sierra College, Liberty University and Sacramento State.

 

What Gunter has built at Valley Christian now is a program that provides incredible sports opportunity to students at a school with such a small population. The focus is on succeeding on the field of play, but incorporates much more than that.

 

“Coach Gunter taught all of us that there was a time for humor (most of the time) and there was a time to be serious (game time),” said Warren Rosebrock, who played soccer, basketball and baseball at VCA. “I remember the trips to and from the games to be almost as fun as the game. Whether we were headed to a basketball game in Napa or a baseball game in Marysville he always kept us loose and ready to go.”

 

“I knew that I wanted to eventually coach early on in my college career,” Gunter said. “VCA gave me the opportunity to shape the programs how I wanted and make the true priorities in life matter more then the outcome of a game. The byproduct has been a lot of wins, but more importantly a lot of alumni that have succeeded as husbands, dads and great men.”

 

From the early days with 24 high school students and just a boys and girls basketball program, the school has grown to include football, girls volleyball, JV and varsity boys basketball, girls basketball, JV and varsity baseball, softball and co-ed golf.

 

“The goal has always been to never leave a student with the emptiness of non participation,” Gunter said. “We didn’t want kids to suffer from attending a small school by not offering what other public schools in the area offered. When we had enough that were interested in a sport, I pushed to start the program.”

 

“Sharing athletes is a huge way of life on this campus. If you have a great football player, you convince the baseball or basketball players to play that sport to help the football player out and vice versa.  What we offer for our size of school is a credit to our students, coaches, and parents. It is even mind blowing to me at how much we are able to offer year after year.”

 

Gunter’s best memories have come outside the lines.

 

“One of the greatest moments was the first time Daniel Claiborne brought his newly born little girl by the gym to see me,” Gunter said. “Those are the moments that mean the most to me.”

 

He has also seen his former players persevere through difficult situations and has come to admire them.

 

“I had an alum (Scott Shannon) that coached our JV baseball team for two seasons,” Gunter said. “He has his wife Rachel were expecting their first child. They were told early on that the child would not survive, but still made the tough choice to go through with the pregnancy.

 

“I was so proud of Scott and Rachel. Even though this was the toughest situation I had ever seen, they stayed strong and didn’t let it destroy them. They did eventually have a healthy baby girl over a year later. Scott and Rachel are heroes of mine.”

 

Gunter has used his philosophy of building character first to put some highly successful teams on the court and the diamond. When the Lion baseball team hits the field in the spring, it will do so as the two-time defending section champions.

 

The varsity boys basketball team is in the middle of a highly successful season as well, as it builds towards a hoped-for long playoff run.

 

Through it all, Gunter juggles the time commitments of school and coaching with an active family life.

 

“My family is amazing, especially my wife Megan,” Gunter said. “They understand completely and give me the flexibility to do what is needed to do for the ministry. I make every effort to attend all their functions and games even if that means I have to miss a practice.”

 

Gunter has even added the coaching of his kid’s teams to his schedule.

 

“Brad Gunter has an unbelievable heart for kids on and off the court and field,” Claiborne said. “He is great at motivating kids to be the best they can be in sports but more importantly how to be the best they can be in life. His knowledge for sports is absolutely amazing and he is incredibly smart, but his true passion is changing lives.”

Coach's Corner:

Brad Gunter

Valley Christian Academy

Family – Wife Megan (from Cupertino; they met on a blind date) and three kids (Micah, 12, seventh grade; Claudia, nine, fourth grade, Cloe, nine, fourth grade)

Favorite sport to coach – “My first love, and people will be shocked to hear this, is basketball. Baseball is what I have the most experience in, but there is nothing like a basketball game to get the juices flowing.”

Coaching philosophy – Character first. “Sports are a great tool to use to mentor young minds about life. I feel that you can teach a lot through sports – be on time, take responsibility for actions, work hard, and perseverance.”

Mentors – “My dad is without a doubt the biggest influence in my life. He has shown through example that putting others first is more rewarding than anything else. I also had a great JC baseball coach (Steve Eakes – Highlands H.S. Athletic Director), who taught me to do things the right way and still be a competitor doing it.”

Favorite quote – “Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.”

Last book read - Josh Hamilton’s Beyond Belief

 

Roseville Press-Tribune

 

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"VCA attacks, smothers Lemons and Sac Country Day Lions run to top of SMAL standings"

by Kurt Johnson, The Press Tribune - 1/18/2010

Kurt Johnson, Press Tribune file photo Valley Christian's Ryan Cordell outscored Robbie Lemons of Sac Country Day Saturday night.

Small gymnasiums filled with big excitement are often the story when the top teams of the Sacramento Metro Athletic League get together.

On Saturday night, that scene played out at Sacramento Country Day High, where the Valley Christian Academy boys basketball team dominated the host team 87-51 in an unexpectedly lopsided contest.

“The gymnasium, which seating capacity is smaller than ours, was standing room only,” said Valley Christian coach Brad Gunter. “In fact, people were standing in the outer hallway to watch the game. It was an amazing atmosphere.”

It was billed as a clash of the titans with 14-2 Sac Country Day led by 6-foot-4 senior guard Robbie Lemons welcoming 14-3 VCA. Lemons is the leading scorer in the state, averaging more than 38 points per game, and has been recruited to play at Stanford next season. For the second time this season (the Lions also dominated Forest Lake Christian with UC Davis-bound Josh Ritchart) Valley Christian overwhelmed a heralded player with its team approach.

“I know this sounds funny, but we held Lemons to 28 points (10 under his average),” Gunter said. “We had a man on Lemons everywhere he went and when he touched the ball a quick double-team followed. The young man is talented, and not a ball hog as some might perceive. He is one of the greatest team players I have ever seen.”

“The best part of our defense was our anticipation out of scramble mode once Lemons passed the ball,” Gunter added. “Even with 4-on-3 situations in the half court, we seemed to contest every shot and take great angles to recover on their misses.”

The Lions delivered another high-octane first half in which they tallied 50 points and led 50-24 at the break. Ryan Cordell, guarded all night long by Lemons, outscored the Cavalier star as he poured in 34 points.

While Cordell stole the show offensively, it was the team effort on the backboards that really set the tone for Valley Christian.

“The big story of the night was controlling the boards,” Gunter said. “Our six big men helped keep Sac Country Day off the glass all night, and limit them to one-and-done situations. We had a team total of 56 rebounds on the evening and I think that is a season high.”

Eleven of Serge Lazersku’s 15 rebounds came at the offensive end for VCA, and Jesse Peters grabbed 12 boards.

It was the usual running game that worked once again for the Lions, who put up 86 shots in the game. Point guard Stanley Winters dished out seven assists.

“We used 14 players on the night and were in constant attack mode,” Gunter said. “Offensively we tried to run. I was hoping to tire their team out on both sides of the floor. Every time they made an adjustment on one of our players, the ball would quickly go to the mismatch on the floor and back to attack mode.”

Sophomore Jason Gish had 16 points on the evening and was a huge match-up problem for the Cavaliers’ man-to-man defense.

Valley Christian (5-0 in the SMAL, 15-3 overall) hosts Faith Christian of Yuba City Friday night before next week’s SMAL game of the week when the Lions travel to face defending section champion Bradshaw Christian.

 

Roseville Press - Tribune

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"Valley Christian struggles, still beats long-distance foe"

by Kurt Johnson, The Press Tribune - 1/11/2010

Kurt Johnson, The Press Tribune

VCA forward Jesse Peters

A tight contest that pushed his team to its limit to earn a victory was a surprisingly good sight for Valley Christian Academy boys basketball coach Brad Gunter Saturday night.

“This was the game that we needed,” Gunter said. “It was a dogfight after the first couple of minutes. We jumped out to a quick 11-2 lead and then the basket seemed to shrink. On the road I understand, but we were at home. We just could not make shots tonight.”

The Lions came from behind by outscoring visiting Monte Vista Christian 14-5 in the final stanza to take a 58-54 win in a non-league game. The visitors from the Monterey area had controlled the pace of scoring, particularly in the second period and took a five-point advantage into the final eight minutes.

The five-point lead was still intact with less than a minute to go, but Valley Christian took care of business with their pressure defense and at the free throw line to complete their comeback and claim victory.

Jesse Peters knocked down two free throws with a little over 30 seconds left in the game that finally gave the Lions the lead as they put VCA up by one point. After a Jason Gish steal and a defensive stop, Gish hit 3-of-4 charity tosses down the stretch to put the game in the win column for the Lions.

Ryan Cordell was the only Valley Christian scorer in double figures, but he had to battle for every one of his 25 points.

“They did a great job on Cordell all night, but he still got 25 points,” Gunter said. “The problem was, we could not hit from anywhere. Outside of Cordell, we had players with open looks all night long and could not hit the shot. We won ugly tonight, but it might be the exact thing we needed for the future.”

The Lions took a ton of shots, but were off the mark most of the night, connecting on just 3-of-32 from beyond the three-point line. The squad needed 84 total shots to get to 58 points. Stanley Winters and Peters each scored eight points for VCA.

The Lions host Buckingham Charter in a Sacramento Metro Athletic League game at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday night

 

Roseville Press - Tribune

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"A youthful perspective on city government. City appoints teens to join commissions and boards"

By Megan Wood - The Press Tribune - 1/7/2010

Courtesy Micky DeFiebre Age: 16 Junior at Valley Christian Academy Youth Commissioner for the Transportation Commission Hobbies: basketball, football, baseball and working on computers

There are four new faces at Roseville’s City Hall this year.

Jacob Priley, Josephine Kao, Alexander Kludjian and Micky DeFiebre are the newest members of some of the city’s boards and commissions.

These youth commissioners join the city board and commission members to provide a younger point of view on the issues that come before the members, said Megan Macpherson, Roseville communications manager.

The high school aged youth members were announced in December and begin fulfilling their roles as commissioners this month attending meetings, analyzing agendas and packets and for some, partaking in the decision-making process.

Here, The Press Tribune introduces you to the four newest members to walk the halls at 311 Vernon St.

Jacob Priley

Age: 16

Sophomore at Roseville High School

Youth Commissioner for the Parks and Recreation Commission

Quote to live by: Carpe Diem

Following in the footsteps of his father, Jacob Priley is the newest member of the Parks and Recreation Commission.

Priley, who said his family has been involved with the city of Roseville for as long as he can remember said he feels like becoming a youth commissioner is a way for him to carry on the legacy that his father, John Priley, began in the Parks and Recreation department.

“Roseville has one of the greatest parks and recreation systems,” Priley said. “I felt I could make a difference on the board.”

Priley’s personal goal for the next 12 months is to reach out to his fellow high school-aged peers to seek out their opinions on Roseville’s Parks and Recreation programs and find ways for all residents to feel a sense of ownership of their local parks.

Priley is active with student government and acts as sophomore class president and parent club liaison at Roseville High School.

Bob Smith, former chairman of the Parks and Recreation Commission said that as a voting member Priley would take part in naming new parks and would be a part of various subcommittees like working for the Maidu Interpretive Center.

“We were thrilled with Jacob, his involvement with the community, resume and outstanding skills really set him apart,” Smith said. “The feedback from the selection committee was stellar.”

Josephine Kao

Age: 14

Freshman at Mira Loma High School

Youth Commissioner for the Library Board

Where you have seen her: Frequent contestant in the Scripps National Spelling Bee, teaching classes at the Martha Riley Library and winner of the 2007 UNICEF greeting card design contest

Josephine Kao is no stranger to civil service, especially when it comes to Roseville libraries.

For the past several years she has devoted every spare minute to various library projects like the Spelling Club, which she now teaches, Teen Library Council and even raising money to donate to the opening of the Martha Riley Library in 2008.

“Working for the Library Commission was my first choice, they’ve been the main thing I’ve been focused on since sixth grade,” Kao said.

Her extensive knowledge and experience volunteering for the Roseville libraries made applying that board alone a no-brainer Kao said.

Now that Kao will be a full voting member of the Library Board, Kao said she hopes to outreach to her peers who aren’t aware of the services the libraries provide while balancing her own opinions and ideas.

“I know that the way I see the libraries and the way my peers view them are completely different,” Kao said. “It’s definitely going to be a balancing act to take the different sides from the board, my peers and then my own opinions.”

David Uribe, vice chair of the Library Board said that of the 12 applicants looking to join as youth commissioners, it was Kao’s experience and involvement with the libraries that really stood out to him.

Uribe’s goal for Kao is to not only bring a youth perspective, but to also reach out to her peers and educate teens about the facilities.

“A lot of my friends only use the library if they have to. They aren’t aware of what else they offer,” Kao said. “But the libraries these days aren’t just for adults anymore.”

Alexander Kludjian

Age: 17

Junior at Roseville High School

Youth Comissioner for the Grants Advisory Commission

Future Aspirations: Hopes to run for president in 2032.

Alexander Kludjian is getting a head start on his college studies beginning with a crash course in local government.

Kludijan joins the Grants Advisory Commission saying he needed a change of scenery after being active in numerous student government groups and clubs.

“I wanted to get involved and learn from this experience. I’m used to being around my peers in student government at school,” Kludjian said. “This is a way for me to have a voice and really make a difference.”

Kludjian had his heart set on joining the Roseville Grants Advisory Commission because of his interest in the city’s funding process.

“I think sometimes teens get lost in the shuffle and being on the board, I want to change the reputation that the youth in our community has placed on them,” Kludjian said. “Even though I’m not a voting member, I think I can make convincing arguments and be a part of discussions to fund projects that are in the interest of teens.”

Stanford Hirata, chairman of the Grants Advisory Commission said Kludjian’s enthusiasm and drive to make a contribution to the city was exactly what was needed in a youth commissioner.

“We were looking for someone that understood what it means to be involved in the community and showed an ability to make good decisions,” Hirata said. “Alex really fit all of our requirements and then some.”

Micky DeFiebre

Age: 16

Junior at Valley Christian Academy

Hobbies: basketball, football, baseball and working on computers

Micky DeFiebre can utilize his recent experience of relying on Roseville’s public transportation system when he begins serving the Transportation Commission this month.

For the better part of last year, Roseville’s public transit was DeFiebre’s only mode of transportation from his home in Lincoln to Roseville.

“I have a really good understanding of the public transportation system in Roseville from where bus stops are and bus routes,” DeFiebre said. “It also taught me a lot about time management and money, which I think more kids my age need to be learning.”

That’s precisely DeFiebre’s goal for the coming year, to encourage more teens his age to learn the public transit system as a way to gain independence and reduce the impact on the environment.

“I think that’s the main thing with teens, they want to be more independent and the ‘green’ movement is a big trend,” DeFiebre said. “I think it will just take a little bit of education to get my peers behind using public transit.”

Despite having only lived in Roseville for a few months, Robert Lyss of the Transportation Commission said DeFiebre’s extensive knowledge of public transit as well as his interest in urban planning made him the right man for the job.

“It was also the intangibles that made him right. He’s very articulated and has an interest in city government,” Lyss said. “We were very lucky to have several qualified applicants but Micky came with the intangibles and a little bit of everything that we were looking for.”

 

Roseville Press-Tribune

 

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"Young Lions cruise past Sac Adventist"

Staff Report  - The Press Tribune - 1/7/2010

Kurt Johnson, The Press Tribune Valley Christian guard Kris Kobzeff (3).

During a 27-7 first quarter eruption, it was apparent to Valley Christian Academy boys junior varsity basketball coach Mike Parker that his team had a decided advantage in its Tuesday night encounter with Sacramento Adventist.

Beginning in the middle of that opening stanza, the coach began making full use of his 15-player full roster, providing loads of playing time up and down the VCA bench. The Lions coasted to a 68-47 final while giving a lot of minutes to everyone on the roster.

Josh Flanagan scored 13 points to lead a balanced scoring attack the featured three other Lions in double figures – Kris Kobzeff and Josh Bowden with 11 each and Clint Heckman with 10 off the VCA bench. Kobzeff also nabbed five steals, while Bowden pulled down eight rebounds. Wright Hagerty grabbed nine boards to lead Valley Christian in that department.

The Lions (1-0 in Sacramento Metro Athletic League play) are at Global Youth Charter Friday night.

“We have no idea what to expect from Global Youth,” Parker said. “This is the first year they have had a JV program.”

 

Roseville Press-Tribune

 

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"Valley Christian runs off Sac Adventist in league opener"

Lions score 64 points in first half

by Kurt Johnson, The Press Tribune - 1/6/2010

Kurt Johnson, The Press Tribune Point guard Stanley Winters had another solid night for Valley Christian.

A dominating performance started off the Sacramento Metro League season for the Valley Christian Academy boys basketball team.

“In baseball terms, it was as close to a perfect game or no-hitter as you can get in basketball,” said Valley Christian coach Brad Gunter. “All 14 players played incredibly well.”

The Lions scored early and often, delivering a 36-point first quarter on the way to a 96-29 victory over Sacramento Adventist. Only a low-scoring nine-point final quarter kept VCA from reaching triple digits in the game as the Lions put up 64 points before the break.

“We controlled every aspect of the game and every loose ball, rebound, and lucky break seemed to go in our advantage,” Gunter said. “We scored within two seconds of the opening tip and the rest of the night went according to plan. Sac Adventist is a solid basketball team and deserving of their record (7-1) coming into the night, but everything went our way. Our starters played less then half the game and we took off the full court pressure in the first quarter, but our bench played just as hard an efficient as the starters. It is a great start to the league season.”

Ryan Cordell led four Valley Christian players in double figures with 22 points Tuesday night. Stanley Winters had 14, Rob Frank scored 13 and Jason Gish added 13 as well.

The Lions visit Global Youth Charter in a key league game Friday night in Antelope. VCA lost a pair of games to GYC twice a year ago by a total of three points.

 

Roseville Press-Tribune

 

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"The best kept secret in town"

by Kurt Johnson, The Press Tribune - 12/22/09

I felt like I was in a scene out of the movie Hoosiers.

I know I was in Roseville, and not Hickory, but there is a high school gym in this town that reminds me of those that Gene Hackman coached in during that movie. A school with just 101 registered high school students that is establishing a tradition of basketball excellence.

I took a trip to the gym at Valley Christian Academy Monday night to watch the Lions take on Forest Lake Christian, with their UC Davis-bound big man Josh Ritchart. The small facility was packed with an enthusiastic crowd for a non-league game played during the holiday break.

It was not the first time I have been to a game at VCA, a small private school that competes at a high level in Division V basketball and that has won two straight D-VII baseball titles. Brad Gunter is the athletic director and coaches both the baseball team and the boys basketball team.

I was at the Rocklin Holiday Tournament last week as well, and at least on the nights I was there, the crowd was small. That will change when SFL regular season hoops begins in January, but it was nice to discover the best kept secret in town in an electric atmosphere over at Valley Christian.

The Lions won the game in a rout. This team can flat out play, and their style of play reminds me why I love basketball – pressure defense, running the floor at high speed and raining 3-pointers. Head over there some night, and I promise you will not be disappointed.

Roseville Press-Tribune

 

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"Lions roar early against Forest Lake"

"VCA gives Ritchartfits in the paint"

by Kurt Johnson, The Press Tribune - 12/21/09

 

Superstar big man Josh Ritchart led his Forest Lake Christian team into hostile environment Monday and got more than he bargained for.

With extra chairs brought in to find seats for a capacity crowd that gathered in the cozy gym at VCA, the crowd was into the battle from the outset.

“The gym was electric tonight and was a huge motivation for our players,” said Valley Christian coach Brad Gunter. “Alumni, family and friends provided and amazing atmosphere, especially so early in the year. For kids to play in that type of environment is something they will remember the rest of their lives and that is what was so special about it.”

The Valley Christian Academy boys basketball team made Forest Lake’s 6-foot-8 Ritchart work for everything he got and the result was an impressive 77-48 VCA win in front of its home crowd. In the process, the Lions got a measure of revenge against the team that knocked them out of the playoffs one year ago.

“Overall it was a huge win for our program,” Gunter said. “We knew that a player of Ritchart's caliber needed our full attention and last year we lost in the playoffs because we forgot he was on the floor. This year we did not want that same mistake.”

While sophomore guard Jason Gish was scoring eight points in the opening quarter, mostly on the fast break, to get the offense going, the most impressive work was happening on the defensive end.

Center Jesse Peters, forward Orest Shaynyuk and at times 6-3 guard Ryan Cordell took turns putting the clamps on Ritchart, who has already committed to play his college ball at UC Davis next season. Zach Stoever and Greg Ellis took turns off the bench at helping on the big man. The Falcon center scored just nine points before intermission, but hit just two field goals.

“Defensively we wanted to deny Josh the ball and double whenever he touched it,” Gunter said. “We had planned double teams based on where he caught the ball, but in the first half we went after the steal a little to much instead of the game plan of containment. We also tried to switch defenses each time down the floor, but pressure the guards no matter what look was behind. Our players did a good job overall with the defensive game plan, but Josh still scored 20 on the night. It shows you how good he is.”

Point guard Stanley Winters and Peters each grabbed four rebounds in the first eight minutes, and Shaynyuk grabbed three and added a pair of blocked shots as VCA turned rebounds, steals and blocks into transition offense and a 21-11 advantage.

“The game plan was tempo,” Gunter said. “We wanted a high paced game that allowed our athletes to run. I knew we would have issues with turnovers, but I felt that if we made it a fast tempo game, that would help us in the fourth. The offensive explosion in the first half was a nice surprise. We try to score 24 each quarter as a goal, but to actually do that was a nice surprise.”

The second quarter was even more impressive as the Lions outscored Forest Lake 30-8 to essentially put the contest away. Cordell scored 11 points in the second stanza (16 in the first half) to lead the charge.

The second half was mostly a mere formality, as the game got a bit sloppy, but the damage had been done and VCA sealed the victory.

Cordell scored 23 points to lead all scorers, while Gish scored 13. Shaynyuk (11 points, 12 rebounds, two blocks) and Peters (nine points, 10 boards, two blocks) both filled up the stat sheet while holding down the interior defense.

The Lions are at Woodland Christian next Tuesday.

Roseville Press-Tribune

 

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