Prep Blog
Joie Camalo had 26 points and Alison Willie added 12 as No. 18 Rocklin defeated No. 11 Nevada Union 63-39, handing the Miners their first Sierra Foothill League girls basketball loss tonight in Rocklin.
In other games involving The Bee Top 20 girls teams:
• Courtney Brignac's 21 points led No. 5 El Camino to a 66-23 Capital Athletic League win over Whitney. El Camino is 21-4 on the season, 8-0 in league.
Kelly Bender had 22 points, Michael Bryson 21 and Anthony Williams 18 as No. 6 Foothill defeated No. 14 Center 81-67 to lock up the outright Pioneer Valley League boys basketball championship tonight in Foothill Farms.
It was Foothill's 18th consecutive win as it moved to 9-0 in league and 23-3 overall.
Christopher Smith, who had missed the last four games with a sprained ankle and wasn't expected to play, topped Center (18-7, 6-3) with 25 points. Kenneth Parker added 17 points as the Cougars saw their two year reign as league champions come to an end.
Center won the Capital Valley Conference in 2009-2010 and the PVL last year. Foothill finished second both seasons.
In other games involving Bee Top 20 boys teams:
Deja Conger had 20 points and Daijah Joe-Smith added 12 points and 16 rebounds as No. 9 Florin defeated No. 8 Kennedy 53-38 in a Metro Conference girls basketball game tonight at Florin.
The win moved third place Florin (19-5, 8-3) to within a game of second place Kennedy (17-7, 9-2).
In other games involving The Bee's Top 20 girls teams:
Parker Uu and Bryce Pressley each had 20 points as No. 2 Jesuit defeated No. 5 Pleasant Grove 57-54 in a Delta River League boys basketball game tonight in Elk Grove.
Colfax Nordquist topped Pleasant Grove with 15 points.
The game was close throughout. Jesuit led 31-27 at the half and 42-40 after three quarters.
Jesuit remains a game behind first place Sheldon in league. Pleasant Grove drops to third.
In other boys games involving Bee Top 20 boys teams:
Several members of FC Elk Grove, a competitive soccer program, will participate in a NCAA letter of intent signing ceremony 7 p.m. today at the Elk Grove Unified School District Trigg Center.
Among those scheduled to participate are University of Portland-bound and U.S. U-18 Women's National team camp invitee Devlyn Jeter of Rosemont and Cosumnes Oaks student Kira Wagoner, headed to Oregon.
FC Elk Grove director of coaching Cesar Plasencia will make a few opening remarks.
Some odds and ends to cap football National Signing Day.
Last Wednesday was the first day athletes could sign binding letters of intent but not the only day.
So for every Shaq Thompson and Arik Armstead, there are plenty like Charlie Vue and Brendan Keeney.
Vue is the superb kicker with the perfect grades from Grant who could be close to signing with someone such as San Jose State.
It was a pleasure to join Mike Finnerty on the latest SureWest Sports Show from last week that airs today, with links to previous shows.
We broke down the significance of National Signing day, anchored by Finnerty one-on-one interviews with Shaq Thompson and Pleasant Grove's Arik Armstead. We also talked about basketball movers and shakers in the region, including the high hopper that is Kyi Thomas as he took on Jesuit in a battle of Bee and SureWest No. 1 vs. No. 2.
Click here for the link.
Nicole Lierly had 14 points and Lauren Mickel 13 as No. 11 Nevada Union defeated Woodcreek 53-47 tonight to remain undefeated in Sierra Foothill League girls basketball.
In other games involving The Bee's Top 20 girls teams:
• Marissa Wimbley had 25 points in No. 2 Pleasant Grove's 54-46 Delta River League win over St. Francis.
• Ericka Magana had 24 points and Riana Byrd 18 in Inderkum's 73-63 nonleague win over Davis.
K.J. Logue had 16 points and Cristian Salhani 15 points and 14 rebounds to lead No. 9 Bella Vista to a 63-47 win over No. 10 Del Campo in a Capital Valley Conference boys basketball game tonight at Bella Vista.
The win gives first place Bella Vista a one-game lead over the Cougars in the CVC.
Davit Saghateylan led Del Campo with 14 points.
In other games involving Bee Top 20 boys teams:
• Joseph Barnes had 21 points, De'Von Boyd 18 and Erik Kinney 16 as No. 3 Sacramento defeated Rosemont 92-50 in a Metro Conference game. Before the game, Sac High coach Derek Swafford was honored for his 300th win with the Dragons.
Fair Oaks boys basketball rivals No. 9 Bella Vista and No. 10 Del Campo will break a first-place deadlock when they meet tonight in a Capital Valley Conference game at Bella Vista.
Both are 19-4 overall and 5-1 in league.
Defending league champion Bella Vista defeated Del Campo 64-57 on Jan. 18 at Del Campo but was upset 55-53 by Oakmont two nights later.
Pleasant Grove, St. Mary's of Stockton and Sacramento are seeded No. 1 in the top three divisions of the latest Sac-Joaquin Section girls basketball power ratings that were released today.
It's the second of three ratings to be released before the playoff brackets are posted on Sunday, Feb. 19.
In D-I, Pleasant Grove, No. 2 Armijo, No. 3 Kennedy and No. 4 Lincoln of Stockton hold the top spots. Woodcreek is on the bubble at No. 17.
The top 16 teams qualify for the postseason.
Sheldon has moved to the top of the Sac-Joaquin Section Division I boys basketball power ratings released today by the section office.
It's the second of three ratings to be released before the playoff brackets are posted on Sunday, Feb. 19.
In D-I boys, the top four seeds are Sheldon, No. 2 West, No. 3 Pleasant Grove and No. 4 Franklin. Jesuit, which topped the first rankings last Monday, is at No. 5.
Davis, meanwhile, climbed back into the playoff picture and is in the last qualifying spot at No. 16 after winning its last three Delta Valley Conference games, two in overtime.
National power Salesian of Richmond came to Sacramento Saturday night looking for a competitive game against Bee No. 1 Sheldon.
The Pride got that and more, needing a dramatic comeback late, led by their outstanding 6-foot-6 junior Jabari Bird, to post a 63-61 win in front of another packed crowd at Sheldon.
Trailing 57-54 with two minutes to play, Salesian went on a 9-1 run to go up 63-58 before Sheldon's Kyi Thomas hit a three-pointer with 6.6 seconds. But the Huskies couldn't corral a Salesian missed free throw with 4.7 seconds as the Pride ran out the clock.
Devin Herenda, a 5-foot-9 setter from El Camino, is one of PrepVolleyball.com's 18 finalists for national freshman player of the year.
Last fall, the ninth grader helped El Camino to a 37-4 record in earning All-Capital Athletic League and Bee All-Metro honorable mention recognition.
Herenda averaged 12.1 assists per set (1089 total) while adding 169 digs and 79 kills.
Former Bella Vista wrestler Jennifer Page, now competing on scholarship as a freshman at Oklahoma City University, recently won the 143-pound title at the Women's College Wrestling Association national championships in Bristol, Tenn.
Page defeated 2011 Junior World bronze medalist Alli Ragan of Tennessee's host King College in the final 3-1 and 3-2.
The kinesiology major had defeated Ragan at the National Duals earlier in January.
Page, one of six Oklahoma City individual champions, helped the team win its fourth straight WCWA national title.
Chico State senior point guard Jay Flores, a 2007 Jesuit graduate, has made the Capital One Academic All-West Region team for his excellence in the classroom and on the court.
Only athletes with cumulative GPAs of 3.30 or higher who have played in at least 75 percent of their team's games are eligible for Academic All-Region honors.
Flores, a business major, is now eligible for Academic All-America honors as well. That announcement will come on Feb. 22.
"This is such a huge honor, and no one deserves it more that Jay Flores," said Chico State coach Greg Clink in a press release. "Jay is the epitome of what it means to be a student athlete....His leadership on the court, in the classroom, on campus and in the community is inspiring."
Flores also has the Wildcats on the precipice of one of their best seasons ever. They're 16-5 overall and tied for first in the California Collegiate Athletic Association at 10-5 entering tonight's game against San Francisco State.
Flores leads the team in minutes played, steals and assists and is also averaging 9.1 points and 3.7 rebounds per game.
The Davis boys basketball team and its unique up-tempo "The System" isn't going down without a fight.
The Blue Devils, appearing well out of the Sac-Joaquin Section Division I playoff picture a week ago, have bounced back with three consecutive Delta Valley Conference wins.
It started last Friday with an 86-84 triple overtime win over Elk Grove and continued on Wednesday with an 94-81 overtime win against Grant.
Tonight the visiting Blue Devils left Laguna Creek in shock in running past the Cardinals 104-66.
Avonna Lee had 16 points, Marissa Wimbley 13 and Jordan Grays 11 as No. 2 Pleasant Grove coasted to a 60-47 Delta River League win over Ponderosa in a girls basketball game tonight.
The win hiked Pleasant Grove's league record to 7-0. The Eagles are 16-7 overall.
In other games involving Bee Top 20 girls teams:
Kyi Thomas' tip-in at the buzzer lifted No. 1 Sheldon past visiting and No. 2 Jesuit 71-70 tonight in a boys basketball battle between Delta River League front-runners.
Bryce Pressley hit a three-pointer from the corner with 10 seconds to play to give Jesuit a 70-69 lead.
With no time outs, Sheldon scampered up court and Armani Hampton put up a running shot that didn't fall but the 6-foot-4 Thomas - he of the amazing 44-inch vertical leap and with a football scholarship to Sacramento State - got to the ball and tipped it in.
Michael Bryson scored 22 points and Anthony Williams added 12 as No. 6 Foothill defeated Bear River 61-53 in a Pioneer Valley League boys basketball game tonight in Lake of the Pines.
In other games involving Bee Top 20 boys teams:
• Darius Graham led four players in double figures with 20 points as No. 3 Sacramento beat Hiram Johnson 83-47 in a Metro Conference game.
Sophomore Mia Maglinte scored 11 points to lead No. 12 Del Oro to a 29-28 win over No. 19 Rocklin in a Sierra Foothill League girls basketball game tonight in Loomis.
It was the first league game for Del Oro since Nevada Union defeated the Golden Eagles 44-42 on Friday, snapping Del Oro's 63-game win streak in league play.
In other games involving Bee Top 20 girls teams:
Today's stories and graphics on national signing day
Leading off: Runaway poll a part of signing-day frenzy
Signature moments: The area's largest single-season group of football recruits puts pens to paper
Area recruits: Where they're headed
Five more Bulldogs headed to next level
Sac State, UC Davis: Impact players brought aboard
Live chat replay: The Bee's Joe Davidson talks letter-of-intent signings
Photo galleries
HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETES SIGN LETTERS-OF-INTENT
Briana Womack had 17 points and Ayanna Edwards 16 as top-ranked Sacramento cruised to a 79-9 Metro Conference win over Burbank in girls basketball tonight.
In other games involving Bee Top 20 teams:
• Lynette Johnson tallied 18 points and Lori Wong 16 as No. 7 Kennedy defeated McClatchy 61-33 in a Metro game.
• Daijah Joe-Smith had 16 points as No. 8 Florin defeated Johnson 59-15 in Metro play.
• Haley Shaner's 25 points helped No. 16 West Campus defeat Mesa Verde 75-41 in a Golden Empire League contest.
No. 5 Pleasant Grove, which lost to No. 2 Jesuit and No. 1 Sheldon in boys basketball games last week, bounced back tonight by beating No. 11 Oak Ridge 60-52 in a Delta River League game in Elk Grove.
Cody Demps led four Eagles in double figures with 19 points. Bryce Scott had a game-high 30 for Oak Ridge.
In other games involving The Bee's Top 20 boys teams:
• Dakarai Allen had 42 points in leading top-ranked Sheldon to a 71-56 win at No. 15 Folsom.
• Bryce Pressley's 15 points helped Jesuit to a 64-26 Delta River win over Ponderosa.
• Theo Johnson had 20 points and Darin Johnson 18 as No. 8 Franklin defeated Monterey Trail 70-31 in a Delta Valley Conference game.
An era is coming to a close at Roseville High School. Soon, there will be one less Cunha roaming an academic hallway.
Zac Cunha bounds into his final months before graduation, before embarking on a scholarship tour to Minot State University in Minot North Dakota, where the stout senior will play quarterback on scholarship for a Division II program in the charming town of Minot. His father Larry will return as a teacher and football coach with the Tigers, where he's been a fixture in Roseville orange and balck for more than 25 years in producing consistent winners with a golden reputation as a classy achiever.
Cunha and his father returned from a recruiting trip to Minot over the weekend. The town, the school, the academics, the football family - it all felt right, and the feeling was mutual.
In the last two years, no area program has sent more scholarship players to four-year football programs than Folsom.
Last year the Bulldogs, coming off their 14-1 CIF State Bowl championship season, saw six players sign on National Letter of Intent Day, including MaxPreps.com National Player of the Year Dano Graves, the Bulldogs' star quarterback, and tight end Marcus Hendricks, both with the Air Force Academy.
Also signing that day were wide receiver Tyler Trosin (Oregon State) and all-purpose star Jordan Richards (Stanford) to the Pac-12; linebacker Burton DeKoning to Nevada and offensive lineman Stephen Sippel to Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo.
At 3:30 p.m. today, five more members of Bulldog Nation will participate in a signing ceremony in the school's library.
Josh Flanagan led four Valley Christian players in double figures with 32 points as the Lions defeated Wilton Christian 107-68 in a Sacramento Metro Athletic League boys basketball game tonight in Roseville.
It was the highest point total of the season for coach Brad Gunter Jr.'s up-tempo Lions.
The team's previous high was 105 in a win over West Campus Dec. 19.
Valley Christian is 14-6 overall, 7-0 in league.
Avonna Lee had 18 points and Dejza James 15 as No. 2 Pleasant Grove defeated No. 3 Oak Ridge 56-51 in a Delta River League girls basketball game tonight.
In other games involving Bee Top 20 girls teams:
• MacKenzie Conarro had 16 points to lead No. 6 St. Francis to a 62-42 win over Ponderosa.
• Brianna Burgos had 15 points and Kedina Monroe 14 in No. 10 Sheldon's 65-37 Delta River League win over Folsom.
• Ericka Magana had 25 points and Riana Byrd 18 in No. 13 Inderkum's 71-12 Tri-County Conference win over Pioneer.
Jarvis Waktins had 17 points to lead No. 4 Antelope to a 66-41 win over Whitney in a Capital Athletic League boys basketball game tonight.
In other games involving Bee boys top 20 teams:
• Erik Kinney had 33 points as No. 3 Sacramento beat No. 7 Burbank 81-71 in a Metro Conference game at Burbank.
• Matt Donlan had 28 points and Trey Belton 20 in No. 16 Capital Christian's 73-58 Golden Empire League win over No. 18 Lindhurst.
• Keith Duronslet had 16 points in leading No. 12 Kennedy to a 62-40 Metro win over McClatchy.
Trying to stop the No. 3 Sacramento High boys basketball team is like playing Whac-A-Mole.
Just when you figure you have one of the No. 3 Dragons' scorers under wraps, another one pops up to fill the basket.
Entering tonight's Metro Conference showdown at No. 7 Burbank, five different Dragons had led or co-led their team in scoring during their first eight Metro Conference games, all wins.
Now make that six.
Three Nevada Union High School football players will be signing the appropriate paperwork early Wednesday morning as they prepare for the next chapter of their student-athlete lives.
They are: defensive back Josiah Paye to Stanford, fullback Connor Keith to San Diego State and center Alec Sarner to the University of San Diego.
Paye is the next Paye to go to Stanford, following brother John and sister Kate, both exceptional athletes on The Farm in their day. Paye started at quarterback for NU as a junior and then made plays as a senior leader in the secondary as a senior, all while maintaining the sort of grade-point average that makes most people nod in envy, at 4.5.
Shaq Thompson bounded across his Grant High School campus Tuesday morning with a Washington Huskies sweat top and beanie, his smile the only thing more radiant than the purple colors.
The All-American safety said that he initially planned to make his college choice on National Letter of Intent Day on Wednesday, like scores of athletes across the country. But he concluded that Washington fit him the best while sitting at home with his mother Patty late Monday night. So he made his announcement via text and Twitter and had discovered he didn't toss an turn over night for the first time in a good while.
"I'm really happy and relieved, and now I can get a good night's sleep, rest and relax, because it's been hard," Thompson said outside a Grant computer class.
Placer United Soccer Club, which will have a record 29 high school seniors from their program move on to play at four-year colleges, will hold a signing ceremony and celebration 6:30 p.m. Wednesday in Loomis.
Those moving on are:
El Camino joins The Bee's Top 20 boys basketball rankings for the first time this season at No. 20.
After losing to No. 4 Antelope 56-51 in the Capital Athletic League opener Jan. 17, the Eagles have since defeated Cordova 59-55, Whitney 49-41 and Mira Loma 65-35.
The Eagles (11-9, 3-1) play host to Rio Americano (8-12, 3-1) tonight.
Shaq Thompson made it official via texting and via a Tweet - and that's the new generation of recruiting for you - as his exhausting and emotional whirlwind has met a bit of closure.
The Grant High School All-American safety wrote in a text moments ago that he will go to Washington on a scholarship tour for the following reasons, "It's where my heart is; second highest grad rate in Pac-12; love the coaches."
The agreement was sealed after Thompson made an unofficial recruiting trip to Washington over the weekend. He had taken an official visit during the fall, and was hosted by his close friend and former Grant teammate James Sample, a Huskies safety.
By Joe Davidson
jdavidson@sacbee.com
Gavin Andrews received plenty of college football recruiting interest, but the 6-foot-6, 340-pound guard for Granite Bay High School understood one thing for certain.
He really liked Oregon State. From the start and right to the end, and he didn't have to endure a whirlwind of recruiting with flights across the country, endless phone calls and speculation.
Everything about OSU felt right, Andrews said. The overall program, the academic setting, the football facilities, the coaches, the location in Corvallis.
Andrews was an early verbal commitment to the Beavers and never wavered. He did not accept any other recruiting trips, and he gladly welcomed Beavers coach Mike Riley to his Placer County home last month to sit and talk, along with Andrews' mother, Kara.
"Colorado was my second favorite, but I really liked OSU," Andrews said. "I'm very happy about it."
What's more, Andrews is a small-city kind of guy who loves the mountains, lakes, rivers and woods.
"I'm definitely an outdoor guy," Andrews said. "I'll have fun in my free time. We'll get some other recruits, teammates, and go on some fishing trips."
Andrews is as friendly, jovial and kind as he is football enormous and gifted. He fills out his jersey, and he won all the trench wars as a senior for a Grizzlies team that won its final six games and took down Sac-Joaquin Section top seeds Lincoln of Stockton and Pleasant Grove in the semifinals and championship, respectively.
In the Division I title game at Sacramento State, Andrews often lined up across from Pleasant Grove lineman ace Arik Armstead, causing tremors as Armstead is no pup at 6-8 and 295. Their battles could continue as Armstead will be going to Oregon.
Andrews, sporting a hearty beard in honor of his line coach Mike Lynch after that section title conquest, talked glowingly of his family and friends who have watched him play since his youth. Within days, he shed the beard when he learned that the Grizzlies did not land a CIF State Bowl bid (it went to Bellarmine of San Jose).
"But you know what? The beard's back," Andrews said with a laugh. "It's in full force now."
Andrews was a state-meet wrestler earlier in his prep career but he dreaded having to lose up to 50 pounds to make weight - days of steamed vegetables for lunch while his pals grubbed on fast food. He does want to trim a bit at Oregon State.
Most of all, Andrews said he is grateful for the scholarship opportunity.
"I feel very fortunate," he said. "A scholarship is really something nice to cherish. What my mom gave me, all she's done for me...it's amazing. At the beginning she was concerned about football, but we took the risk and look at the rewards. She's getting a pretty good return on it, me too."
He also spoke highly of his head coach Ernie Cooper - The Bee's 2011 Coach of the Year - and Lynch. It wasn't uncommon for Andrews to hang out with the coaches well after practice - to talk about the game, about school, about his future, about family.
"What those coaches have done with me...it's quite an amazing thing," Andrews said. "I feel lucky."
For more news and updates, follow on Twitter: sb_joedavidson
Pleasant Grove (Division I), St. Mary's-Stockton (D-II), Sac High (D-III), Colfax (D-IV), Brookside Christian-Stockton (V) and Victory Christian (V-VI) are the top seeds in the first Sac-Joaquin Section girls power ratings released today.
Area teams joining Pleasant Grove among the top 16 are: No. 3 Oak Ridge, No. 4 Kennedy, No. 6 Nevada Union, No. 7 Monterey Trail, No. 8 Grant, No. 10 St. Francis, No. 13 McClatchy and No. 14 Franklin.
Those area teams among the top 16 in D-II are: No. 2 El Camino, No. 4 River City, No. 6 Florin, No. 7 Del Oro, No. 8 Inderkum, No. 9 Rio Americano, No. 11 Del Campo, No. 13 River Valley, No. 14 Rocklin, No. 15 Antelope.
The second power rating will be released on Feb. 6 and the third on Feb. 13. Playoff brackets will be posted on the afternoon of Sunday, Feb. 19.
Sacramento High football standouts Devin Benjamin and Jalen Angel-White have verbally committed to Idaho State and the University of San Diego, respectively, and will sign letters of intent at a school ceremony 9:10 a.m. on Wednesday in the Mel Lawson Theater.
Angel-White, a strong safety and wide receiver, was the Metro Conference co-Player of the Year and Bee All-Metro first team defensive back this season. He was twice voted team captain by his teammates and made All-Metro Conference first team as a sophomore and junior at linebacker.
This season Angel-White led the Dragons in receptions with 62 for 985 yards and 12 touchdowns. He also had five interceptions and four fumble recoveries.
As a junior, he had 22 receptions for 317 yards and 323 yards rushing and three touchdowns on 37 carries and 57 tackles, two fumble recoveries and an interception. Angel-White led the team in tackles as a sophomore with 67.
The 6-foot-3 Benjamin was a two-time All-Metro Conference wide receiver who had 61 catches for 1,159 yards and 13 touchdowns during his two-year varsity career. As a senior, he also had two interceptions and returned a punt for a touchdown.
They helped coach Paul Doherty's Dragons to a combined 13-9 record and two playoff appearances.
Jesuit (Division I), Antelope (D-II), Foothill (D-III), Modesto Christian (D-IV), Capital Christian (D-V) and Victory Christian (D-VI) are the top seeded boys basketball teams in the first Sac-Joaquin Section power ratings released today.
In D-I, Sheldon is seeded No. 2, Bethel of Vallejo No. 3 and West of Tracy No. 4. Other area teams ranked among the top 16 are No. 5 Franklin, No. 6 Burbank, No. 7 Pleasant Grove, No. 8 Kennedy, No. 10 Oak Ridge and No. 14 Granite Bay.
In D-II, Sacramento is No. 2, McNair of Stockton No. 3 and St. Mary's of Stockton No. 4. Other area teams seeded among the top 16 are No. 6 Bella Vista, No. 7 Del Oro, No. 8 Del Campo, No. 12 Rio Americano, No. 13 El Camino, No. 15 River Valley and No. 16 Yuba City.
The second power rating will be released on Feb. 6 and the third one on Feb. 13.
Brackets will be posted on the afternoon of Sunday, Feb. 19.
Capital Christian coach Ab Alvarez reports that three players from the Sac-Joaquin Section Division V champion Cougars boys soccer team will sign letters of intent to play in college.
They are:
• Jonny Murray, goalkeeper, University of San Diego.
• Keenan Armbrust, forward/defender, Azusa Pacific University.
• Micah Alvarez, midfielder; Azusa Pacific.
Another season, another hearty collection of college-bound football talent for the Folsom Bulldogs.
Over the weekend, two linemen gave verbal commitments to further their academic and shoulder pad ways with Jordan Alleva headed to the University of San Diego, a Division I-AA power, and Yuvraaj Madra to Weber State of the Big Sky Conference, also a Division I-AA member.
Folsom coach Kris Richardson has raved about Alleva and Madra all season - as leaders, as players, as great finds for the programs they selected. Richardson said Alleva was his most physical, brawling linemen, as proud as he was tough.
By Joe Davidson
jdavidson@sacbee.com
UPDATED Feb 1...
Our regional football list that could grow a bit today in the unpredictable nature of recruiting. We will post updates throughout the day of who formally signs...follow on Twitter: sb_joedavidson and on www.sacbee.com
OFFENSE
* QB Tanner Trosin Folsom Cal Poly
State single-season passing and total offense leader ready to run Mustangs triple option
* QB Jake Rodrigues Whintey Oregon
Already enrolled with Ducks; ideal for Oregon's spread offense with arm, legs, drive.
* QB Austin Young Colfax Southern Utah
Big at 6-5 and linebacker tough; Thunderbirds beat Sac State, UC Davis last season.
* QB Zac Cunha Roseville Minot State University
Scholar with cannon arm thrilled to be at Division II program and small-city living.
* RB Deon Ransom Elk Grove Sacramento State
Can run with speed, power, block, catch and a good personality to boot.
* RB John Wiernicki Liberty Ranch Air Force
Sac-Joaquin Section's leading rusher in 2011 burst onto the scene; just getting started.
* FB Connor Keith Nevada Union San Diego State*
Has over come blown right and left knee and keeps plugging pride, perseverance.
* WR Corey Palin Whitney Butler University
A scholar who can catch touchdowns; overcome injuries to secure ride.
* WR Dalen Jones Woodland Fresno State
Was dynamite as spread QB for Wolves and can also play in secondary; great athlete.
* WR Dylan Collie Oak Ridge BYU
Next Collie to head to Provo; incredible work ethic, leadership; versatile, proud.
* WR Doug Vernon Folsom Cornell
Excellent hands, big, strong, a terrific target across the middle; great student.
* WR Kyi Thomas Sheldon Sacramento State
Has 44-inch vertical leap, which helps; played football just one year and now loves it.
* WR Michael Thomas Cosumnes Oaks UNLV
Overcame injuries to become national recruit; superb skills, ready to run with the Rebels.
* WR Carson McMurtrey Folsom Cal Poly
A real steal for D-IAA Mustangs; overcame injuries to blow past defenders down the stretch.
* WR Logan Smith Vista del Lago University San Diego
All-time single-season records for receptions; makes amazing grabs with hands, body control.
* WR Devin Benjamin Sacramento Idaho State
Excellent leaper at 6-3, good handsl huge upside as emerging talent.
* TE Nate Iese Sheldon UCLA
Explosive off the end as a DE, too, and can fly down field as a receiver; exploded on scene.
* TE Jalen Cope-Fitzpatrick Whitney USC
Superb hands and blocker; was sure not to wear beloved Raiders gear when Lane Kiffin made home visit.
* TE Josh Letuligasenoa of Elk Grove Cal Poly
Affable outside of shoulder pads and dominant inside them; joins brother Lefi in the trenches.
* OL Steven Moore Elk Grove Cal
Was core leader for revived Herd team that went 12-1; at 6-7 has a pro body now; great work ethic.
* OL Gavin Andrews Granite Bay Oregon State
Loved OSU from the start; powerful, proud and dominated all comers all season at 6-6, 340.
* OL Yuvraaj Madraf Folsom Weber State
Excellent pass blocker, good feet who protected Tanner Trosin from harm; joins Big Sky Conference.
* OL William Boule Oak Ridge Eastern Washington
Quietly excelled for playoff team with good games against great competition.
* OL Jordan Alleva Folsom University of San Diego
Coaches called him smash-mouth tough-guy brute for Bulldogs.
* OL Alex Sarner Nevada Union University of San Diego
Studious line leader can long snap, center snap as a center.
* OL Watson Tautuiaki Elk Grove Western Oregon
Late commitment for powerful Herd center who keyed prolific running game.
* OL Tobin Gramyk Roseville University of San Diego
Powerful with a gift of leg drive for team that could run or pass.
* OL Nicky Kelly Casa Roble Humboldt State
Line leader for yet another playoff team heads to state's remaining D-II program.
* K Jon David-Smith of Oak Ridge to Southern Oregon
Excellent leg who also boomed punts for Trojans and could see immediate action.
* K Marcus White Pleasant Grove UC Davis
Led state in kickoffs with cannon leg; father Russ played TE for UCD in the 1980s.
DEFENSE
* DL Arik Armstead Pleasant Grove Oregon
Area's No. 1 recruit all time with overwhelming interest; long, powerful, eager.
* DL Charles Fairamo Grant Nevada
Was sold on Pack from the start; overcame foot injury to have strong Pacers season.
* DL Antonio Perez of Sheldon to Idaho
A scholar had offers from six other schools; jokes he can't wait to play in the snow.
* DE Roman Andrus Oak Ridge BYU*
Had some dominating moments; joins teammate Collie to Provo tour.
* LB Alex Bertrando Del Oro Nevada
Bee Defensive Player of Year has excellent pursuit; can hit, cover, run.
* LB Tanner Huber Del Oro BYU*
Teamed with Bertrando to power Golden Eagles to CIF State Bowl game.
* LB D.J. Dunn Pleasant Grove Air Force
Punishing tackler who loved flight simulator ride on recruiting trip.
* LB LeDontrae Gooden Cosumnes Oaks Southern Oregon
Unsung talent is fast, ferocious, a real find for small-college in Ashland.
* LB Darion Jackson Sheldon Southern Oregon
Piled up tackles for playoff team; instinctive, quick, good hitter.
* LB Cameron Buell Casa Roble Humboldt State
Tackling machine was defensive enforcer and leader for CAL champs.
* DB Norm Sadler Del Campo Cal Poly
Defensive stalwart for another Cougars playoff team; excellent coverage man, hitter.
* DB Desmond Lewis Pleasant Grove Air ForceScholar has superb coverage skills; very fast; joins teammate Dunn for 5 more years.
* DB Shaq Thompson Grant Washington
Nation's No. 1 safety has incredible closing speed and big-play ability; electrifies in open field.
* DB Marcus Rios Cosumnes Oaks UCLA
Makes plays on special teams, too; had Miami, Notre Dame, Washington in pursuit until Monday.
* DB Andrew Williams Cosumnes Oaks Idaho
Set school record with 230 rushing yards - as a QB; excellent athlete.
* DB Jalen Angle-White Sacramento University of San Diego
Versatile as he had nearly 1,000 yards receiving; hitter
* DB J.T. Frank Jesuit Holy Cross
Scholar had six interceptions and keyed a D that made return to playoffs
* DB Josiah Paye Nevada Union Stanford*
Played QB as a junior, made plays on D as a senior; next Paye to head to The Farm
* Preferred walk-on
Follow for more updates on Twitter: sb_joedavidson
Note to other media: please attribute Sacramento Bee as your source when copying this list
PHOTO CAPTION: Del Oro tight end/linebacker Alex Bertrando is off to Nevada. Bee Photo by Jose Luis Villegas/Sacramento Bee
The home visits are over, the road trips, too. Now it's extra think-tank time for Shaq Thompson.
The Grant High School All-American safety said he has narrowed the final four college scholarship destination programs down to three, with the real sense it might actually be down to a final two. The programs are, in no particular order: Cal, Oregon, Washington and UCLA. He said, "There are three schools still in it, and I can't tell the schools, but everybody will see Wednesday (on National Signing Day) and I'll make my final choice."
Thompson is the Sacramento-area's next real curiosity. On Sunday at his family church in Sacramento, Pleasant Grove All-American lineman Arik Armstead announced that he will go to Oregon. Armstead and Thompson have become close friends in the past several months, a bond that grew during their week together at the U.S. Army All-American Bowl in San Antonio when Thompson ribbed Armstead as "Big Ole Arik."
Arik Armstead made it official in a place of family comfort - the family church - today as he boiled down his college football recruitment.
He will be an Oregon Duck, and let Duck Nation and Eugene in general rejoice as they have landed an exceptional talent who is equally as humble and genuine.
Pleasant Grove High School All-American defensive end, all 6-foot-8 and 295 pounds of him, made his announcement at The House Christian Church on Broadway in Sacramento in front of an overflow gathering of family, friends, teammates, coaches and a throng of media.
The home visits are over, the road trips, too. Now it's extra think-tank time for Shaq Thompson.
The Grant High School All-American safety said he has narrowed the final four college scholarship destination programs down to three. The programs are, in no particular order: Cal, Oregon, Washington and UCLA. He said tonight, "There are three schools still in it, and I can't tell the schools, but everybody will see Wednesday (on National Signing Day) and I'll make my final choice."
Four possibilities, three serious contenders, one winner. Which program is the odd one out?
It had to end sometime.
No. 11 Del Oro's 63-game Sierra Foothill League girls basketball winning streak came to an end tonight with a 44-42 loss to unranked Nevada Union in Loomis.
It was Del Oro's first league loss since a 34-23 defeat to Placer on Jan. 9, 2006, so long ago that the Hillgals now play in a different league.
Sydney Porter led Nevada Union (11-10, 5-0) with 18 points. Brianna Ruiz had 22 for Del Oro (12-9, 4-1).
In other girls games involving Bee Top 20 teams:
The top-ranked Sheldon boys basketball team bounced back from its 39-35 upset loss on Wednesday to No. 12 Oak Ridge in a big way tonight.
Breaking open a close game, the Huskies went on a 19-0 second-half run to defeat No. 3 Pleasant Grove 74-57 in front of a turn-away crowd at Sheldon High School.
Sheldon (16-4, 4-1) junior point guard D'Erryl Williams turned in a dominating performance in finishing with 22 points, 11 rebounds and five blocks.
Dakarai Allen added 16 points, Ryan Manning 12 and Kyi Thomas 11 for Sheldon. Malik Thames topped Pleasant Grove with 22 points.
It was Pleasant Grove's second loss in a row after falling 75-57 to Jesuit on Wednesday. The Eagles (18-3, 3-2) started the season 18-1.
In other games involving Bee boys Top 20 teams:
Twelve Jesuit students will participate in an NCAA letter of intent signing ceremony 8 a.m. Wednesday at the Carmichael school's gym.
Those scheduled to participate are:
Gabe Araj, Pacific, baseball; Ben Corfee, UC Davis, golf; Jacob Crayne, Utah, diving; Zach Green, Oregon State, baseball; Steve Guzman, UC Davis, soccer; Logan James, Stanford, baseball; and Nick Kramer, Georgetown, swimming.
Others slated to participate are Chris Macasaet, Pacific, golf; Louis Mejia, Pacific, baseball; Gus Orlando, Seattle, tennis; Jeff Rose, Seattle, soccer; Pete Wajda, Chico State, soccer.
By Sunday, we'll know - and then normalcy for all.
Arik Armstead, Pleasant Grove High School's towering and dominant 6-foot-8, 295-pound All-American linemen, will make his college scholarship announcement on Sunday.
He will announce at his family church - The House Christian Church - on Broadway in Sacramento. There will be prep teammates, coaches, family, friends and local media on hand, and why all the fuss? He's a unique talent, a unique kid know for his humility as much as his considerable football and basketball talents and upside. He has been on everyone's short list on national recruits and seemingly every prep All-American team across the country, including MaxPreps, Sports Illustrated, Parade and a host of others.
Jenna Klein tallied 19 points to lead No. 3 Oak Ridge to a 63-38 win over Ponderosa in a Delta River League girls basketball game tonight in Shingle Springs.
In other girls games involving Bee Top 20 teams:
• Niel Valmores had 16 points and Ishana Burch 13 as No. 10 Christian Brothers defeated Casa Roble 65-29 to remain unbeaten in Capital Valley Conference play.
• Sarah Hagar scored 20 points to lead No. 18 Bear River to a 63-34 Pioneer Valley League win over Center in Lake of the Pines.
No. 14 Del Oro solidified its hold on first place in Sierra Foothill League boys basketball tonight by beating visiting and No. 19 Granite Bay 61-38.
With No. 18 Roseville falling 47-46 to Woodcreek, Del Oro (5-0) now holds a two-game lead in league over Granite Bay (3-2) and Roseville (3-2).
In other boys games involving Bee Top 20 teams:
Just talked to Arik Armstead on the phone, and there's a sense of relief and pride in the voice of the All-American lineman for Pleasant Grove High School.
He is finished with the recruiting trips, the in-home visits - all of it - and now will continue to confer with his parents, Guss and Christina, to figure out exactly where he might be the next 4-5 years of his life.
On Tuesday, Auburn and coach Gene Chizik stopped by the Armstead's Elk Grove home for a visit. On Wednesday, Cal and the defensive staff stopped by. Then it was USC with Lane Kiffin, waving an Armstead jersey playfully (and no, Armstead couldn't keep the jersey).
Here's the deal with Shaq Thompson of Grant High School, everyone's No. 1 safety prospect in the land: he's stressed out of his mind about this recruiting chaos to the point of exhaustion and migrane headaches. Normally booming of good cheer, Thompson has "been in a fog lately," his mother Patty said. "We all want to get this over with. It's really changed Shaq."
Thompson was all set to go to Cal, was excited to join other incoming freshmen to help boost the Bears' fortunes in Berkeley. He told me about this leading up to his announcement during the U.S. Army All-American Bowl and after.
The wrench in the Cal feel-good story for Old Blues was hurled by Tosh Lupoi, the former Cal coach who recruited Thompson for well over a year and is now hot on his heels as the recently hired Washington assistant coach. Thompson is torn. First it was all Cal. Now Washington is in the mix. And so is Oregon. And so, suddenly, is UCLA.
No. 12 Oak Ridge, putting the clamps on top-ranked Sheldon's fast-paced offense, upset the Huskies 39-35 tonight in a Delta River League boys basketball game in El Dorado Hills.
Oak Ridge led 17-9 at halftime and 24-20 after three quarters.
Bryce Scott led Oak Ridge with 15 points. Kyiron Thomas topped Sheldon with 10.
In other games involving The Bee's Top 20 boys teams:
At one point during tonight's Delta River League boys basketball showdown between No. 2 Jesuit and No. 3 Pleasant Grove, a Pleasant Grove fan bellowed, "Where's Uu!"
It wasn't in the form of a question.
It was a frustrated plea to Pleasant Grove's on-their-heels defenders to keep their eyes on Jesuit senior sharpshooter Parker Uu.
The 6-foot-4, 210-pound guard seemed to be everywhere on the floor, hitting bombs from long range or using his sturdy frame to score inside.
He finished with a game-high 18 points in leading the Marauders past the visiting Eagles 75-57, snapping Pleasant Grove's 12-game winning streak and forcing the Eagles (18-2, 3-1) into a three-way tie for first with the Marauders (17-4, 3-1) and top-ranked Sheldon.
The Delta River League has earned this season's top Sac-Joaquin Section boys and girls basketball strength ratings.
The strength ratings, compiled by a section seeding committee based on nonleague games played before Jan. 6, help influence qualifying and positioning for the postseason.
The Delta River boys and girls both received an 8.2 rating.
The Delta River League boys includes The Bee's No. 1 Sheldon, No. 2 Jesuit, No. 3 Pleasant Grove, No. 12 Oak Ridge and No. 15 Folsom.
The Delta River League girls includes No. 2 Pleasant Grove, No. 3 Oak Ridge, No. 6 St. Francis and No. 9 Sheldon.
Briana Womack tallied 19 points as top-ranked Sacramento defeated McClatchy 61-47 in a Metro Conference girls basketball game tonight in Oak Park.
In other games involving Bee Top 20 girls teams:
• Avonna Lee's 23 points helped No. 2 Pleasant Grove defeat No. 6 St. Francis 68-56 in a Delta River League game. MacKenzie Conarro led St. Francis with 25 points.
Jordan Broyles and Austin Soldano each scored 16 points to lead No. 14 Del Oro to a 64-53 win over No. 18 Roseville in a Sierra Foothill League boys basketball game tonight in Loomis.
In other games involving Bee Top 20 boys teams:
• Gabe Bealer led four players in double figures with 19 points as No. 5 Antelope defeated Cordova 69-48 in a Capital Athletic League contest.
Teammates before, now and in the future, Desmond Lewis (right) and D.J. Dunn (below) of Pleasant Grove High School returned from a recruiting trip to the Air Force Academy ecstatic with the experience and possibilites.
The seniors have given verbal commitments to the Falcons, which will become binding on National Letter of Intent day on Feb. 1.
Dunn and Lewis got to experience a flight simulator after touring the grounds, the school, the football facilities.
By Joe Davidson
jdavidson@sacbee.com
Austin Young's first varsity position at Colfax High School was tight end. Falcons coach Tony Martello wanted his promising young talent to learn the game inside out - the blocking, pass catching, physicality of the trenches.
Then Young emerged as a quarterback the last two seasons for the small-school power, passing for more than 5,000 yards and 58 touchdowns in two playoff seasons, including 2,752 and 33 touchdowns for an 11-1 team in 2011.
Now he's moving on. Young, 6-foot-5 and 230 pounds, has given a verbal commitment to play for Southern Utah of Cedar City. The Thunderbirds went 6-5 last fall, including wins over Sacramento State and UC Davis. Southern Utah will join those teams in the Big Sky Conference this fall.
Young joins an impressive list of Colfax quarterbacks who has played on scholarship over the years, including Nate Ray to Fresno State (as a defensive back) and Marcus Arroyo to San Jose State (and now the quarterbacks coach at Cal).
For more news and updates, follow on Twitter: sb_joedavidson
By Joe Davidson
jdavidson@sacbee.com
Marcus White doesn't just have a leg. He has a canon with a shoe at the bottom.
The Pleasant Grove High School senior led the state in touchbacks, booming an amazing 6,971 yards worth of kickoffs to pin teams into the end zone. He also scored 107 points, sports good grades with a 4.2 grade-point average, is a fine athlete in general, and now had a scholarship.
He has given a verbal commitment to play at UC Davis and outgoing coach Bob Biggs, an Aggies fixture for more than 40 years as a player and coach. Biggs will coach the 2012 season, his 20th as the Aggies head man, and then retire.
"I am excited to work with Coach Biggs for one year before he retires as he was my dad's position coach when he played for UC Davis back in the early '80's," White said.
White was a three-year starter for Pleasant Grove, helping the Eagles reach three Sac-Joaquin Section Division I titles with one championship. He averaged 42 yards a punt, including an amazing 84-yarder.
He also played receiver and defensive back, plenty eager to block, hit and hammer foes. Really, how many kickers can squat 450 pounds?
His grandfather Roger White played defensive end and split end for UCLA's 1954 national title team, and father Russ White played tight end under Biggs at UCD.
For more updates and news, follow on Twitter: sb_joedavidson
It's another big week of showdown matchups in area boys basketball, especially the ultra-competitive Delta River League.
No. 18 Roseville, which moves into The Bee's Top 20 for the first time after beating defending Sierra Foothill League co-champion Granite Bay 69-66 on Thursday, plays at No. 14 Del Oro tonight in a battle of league unbeatens. Both are 3-0 in the SFL.
On Wednesday, No. 2 Jesuit plays host to No. 3 Pleasant Grove and top-ranked Sheldon plays at No. 12 Oak Ridge in Delta River League games. Sheldon and Pleasant Grove are both 3-0 in league.
It was a battle of Metro Conference boys basketball unbeatens tonight in Oak Park between No. 4 Sacramento and No. 11 Kennedy.
For most of the first half, it was a competitive game.
Then Sac High and senior point guard Darius Graham dialed up the intensity a notch.
Kennedy was left gasping.
With Graham, the UC Davis scholarship signee, hitting four three-pointers and finishing with a game-high 22 points, the Dragons rolled to a 77-39 win.
By Joe Davidson
Jdavidson@sacbee.com
UPDATED on Jan. 24
The phones are ringing off the hook at the Armstead house in Elk Grove, and there's been a steady stream of some of the biggest football faces in the country at the front door and on the family couch.
Arik Armstead is a wanted man, with scores of colleges providing a full-court press to talk to him, to visit him, to land his considerable football and basketball gifts. The 6-foot-8, 295-pound Pleasant Grove High School All-American lineman will entertain home visits in the coming days from the following schools, with a heavy load of visitors on Thursday:
* Cal (Bears have been on him since his freshman season, with football coach Jeff Tedford and basketball boss Mike Montgomery in for home visits; new DL coach hire Todd Howard is interesting as Howard was the first to offer Armstead a scholarship - 3 years ago when Howard was at UCLA; Cal staff visited with Armstead's on Sunday).
* USC (Trojans coach Lane Kiffin, defensive coordinator father Monte and defensive line coach Ed Orgeron made a home visit tonight - Tuesday; speculation of bad blood with Armsteads and Kiffin certainly wouldn't include a home visit; USC should be preseason top 3 team this fall).
* Auburn (Tigers head coach Gene Chizik and assistant will make home visit on Wednesday; have visited the school before; Tigers won BCS title in 2010).
* UCLA (Bruins and new coach Jim Mora pay a visit on Wednesday; Bruins already have scored well on recruiting).
* Washington (practically the entire defensive staff in for a visit Thursday, including former Cal assistant Tosh Lupoi; hoops coach Lorenzo Romar also has been in constant contact).
* Oregon (coach Chip Kelley stops by on Thursday, days after turning down Tampa Bay Bucs job and a day before visiting another national top 5 recruit in Grant safety Shaq Thompson).
* Notre Dame (Irish coaches have been regulars on campus - in class, even - and for home visit).
"It's crazy but it's cool," said Armstead's father Guss Armstead, who has a notebook and calendar full of expected visits. "We really can't complain. We're blessed. It's a unique situation. Our boys are really good kids. They're humble. They're handling this really well."
And about USC, seemingly out of the running long ago? Guss Armstead said it made no sense to turn down a home-visit offer from Kiffin, whom Armond played for.
Arik has no more campus visits. His last visit was to Auburn, a trip he took with brother Armond and their father. Arik said he would love to play with his brother in college, but it certainly isn't a deal breaker.
Armond has one more season after starting on the defensive line in previous seasons with USC. Armond did not play this past fall for USC due to an undisclosed medical condition that was never life threatening. Armond will return to USC in the coming weeks to work on his master's degree. He could still play another season for USC, which will likely be a top three preseason team next season. Armond also happens to be an intriguing NFL prospect at 6-5 and 295 pounds, able to play tackle or end.
Arik gave USC a verbal commitment before his junior season then de-committed in November to accept recruiting trips to Alabama, Notre Dame, Oregon, Cal and Auburn.
The Armstead brothers had hoped to make their college choices earlier last week, and Arik was ready to take classes at either Cal, Notre Dame or Auburn as he was enrolled, not uncommon for blue-chip prospects who graduate from high school early. But petitioning the Southeastern Conference to transfer takes weeks and not days, and the news of Lupoi leaving Cal for Washington stunned Arik.
Said Arik, "I'll take my time and make the best decision. It got too rushed. We'll figure things out."
Armstead said earlier that he does like Todd Howard, the new Cal defensive line coach and joked that he hoped the coach still remembered him. Son, he remembers.
In the meantime, the brothers have been savaged on social media outlets such as Twitter, with frustrated fans - or those feeling jilted - firing off venomous notes. The brothers nod their heads and wonder.
Photo by Brian Baer
For more news and updates, follow on Twitter: sb_joedavidson
By Joe Davidson
jdavidson@sacbee.com
It isn't just the body and ability and work ethic drive that wows people about Nate Iese.
He's about as polite a young man as you will see, so long as you are not lining up across him in the trenches, and he takes his academic load as seriously as he does his pursuit of the ball or a ball carrier. Iese once sheepishly asked his Sheldon High School football coach Josh Crabtree if he could take a practice session off to work with homeless people through his church, to which Crabtree said he'd thump him if he didn't go.
Iese this past fall quickly emerged as a national recruit, fast and ferocious as a rush end at 6-foot-5 and 250 pound and equally as difficult a handle as a tight end. He has receiver speed with soft hands and was a sight to behold at his size racing down field. In a scrimmage before the regular season, Iese took a quarterback snap and rumbled down field, racing past some defenders and over others.
In short: a complete player.
When Jim Mora, fresh on the UCLA job, saw Iese run the floor in a basketball practice, gliding up and down with biceps to die for, the new coach muttered on the spot that he had to have him.
Now he's got him.
Iese on Thursday night gave a verbal commitment to play for UCLA. He has been enamored - and mutual - with the Bruins for months. He took a recent recruiting trip to the campus in Los Angeles, saw the Rose Bowl, soaked up the academic appeal and continued his good rapport with assistant coach Angus McClure, the former Sacramento State standout lineman and assistant coach.
"I'm really excited," Iese said. "I'm glad I was able to make this decision. They've been recruiting me since the beginning. I really like Coach Angus. He's very good at what he does. You can tell some coaches come and recruit and treat it as a job. Angus takes pride in what he does with recruiting and that really impacted me. He really stood out."
Iese chuckled in admitting he wasn't sure if that was Coach Mora at that recent basketball practice. He knew he was someone important, but was trying to concentrate on drills, too, and cracked that it's a good thing he didn't run into a wall or fall down.
Iese said he was so impressed with UCLA that he felt it the right thing to do in canceling a home visit with Cal on Thursday night and a weekend recruiting trip. UCLA, he said, is home now. Iese also had offers from Nebraska, Cal, Washington (from Tosh Lupoi on Wednesday night), Nevada and others.
Iese said he is willing to play either tight end or defensive end, and ideally, perhaps play both.
Iese also credited Crabtree and his Linemen Win Games coordinator Jon Osterhout, a good friend of McClure from their Sac State days. Osterhout has helped groom scores of linemen through his program that specializes in technique, conditioning and the thinking aspect of the game (for more information: linemenwingames.com).
For news, updates, stories and links, follow on Twitter: sb_joedavidson
Editor's note: This story's headline has been corrected.
Bee photo by Randy Pench
Cole Jacobs had 23 points and Latrelle Swayne and Andrew Schmidt added 12 apiece as Roseville outscored No. 15 Granite Bay 20-8 in the fourth quarter to post a 69-66 win over the visiting Grizzlies (10-10, 2-1) in a Sierra Foothill League boys basketball game tonight.
Scott Romuk had 20 points and Jerry Hansen 18 for Granite Bay.
The win keeps Roseville (12-8, 3-0) in a first place tie with No. 16 Del Oro in the SFL.
The Golden Eagles (13-7, 3-0) defeated Nevada Union 55-43 tonight as Jordan Broyles had 19 points for the winners.
In other games involving The Bee's boys basketball Top 20:
Former Del Oro quarterback Mason Magleby has transferred from Nevada to Sacramento State, where he starts school on Monday.
Magleby completed his sophomore season with Nevada as the No. 3 quarterback. He passed for 109 yards this past season and four touchdowns with no interceptions. Magleby joins a Sac State program also deep in quarterback play, though Hornets coach Marshall Sperbeck invites position competition.
Magleby was a three-sport star at Del Oro, also in basketnball and baseball, where he was a Bee All-Metro pitcher and was drafted by the Baltimore Orioles. In football, he helped the Golden Eagles win three consecutive SFL titles. He was a senior captian and team MVP in 2007, passing for 1,900 yards and rushing for 700.
In other Del Oro news: Del Oro senior tight end Tanner Huber will be a preferred walk on at BYU, where he reports in June. Huber was a key piece to Del Oro's Sierra Foothill League title team, one that went on to claim the program's eighth Sac-Joaquin Section championship with a Division III repeat and was the lone section team to play for a state title.
Also from Del Oro, Bee Defensive Player linebacker Alex Bertrando has accepted a scholarship to Nevada. He picked the Pack early in the season.
For more news and updates, follow on Twitter: sb_joedavidson
Lineman Antonio Perez of Sheldon High School has big goals. Wants to study business and criminal justice, to earn a degree - and to man the trenches on a college football team.
Fresh off a recruiting trip to Moscow, Idaho, the senior said he has given a verbal commitment to play for Idaho of the Western Athletic Conference.
He has also been offered by Sacramento State, Weber State, Army and Cal Poly. Though he will still take a recruiting trip to Army, he sounded quite firm on Idaho.
"I chose Idaho because it just felt like a great fit," Perez said. "I loved the small-college town of Moscow and Idaho has an amazing business school."
Perez said he is relieved that Letter of Intent day is just around the corner, on Feb. 1 when signatures make scholarship deals binding.
"I'm so glad this process is over," he said. "I think every other player who is being recruited would agree that these last few weeks are stressful."
Also from Sheldon, receiver Kyi Thomas has given a verbal to Sacramento State and tight end Nate Iese is deciding between UCLA, Nebraska, Nevada and Washington.
For more updates/news, follow on Twitter: sb_Joedavidson
De'Von Boyd had 17 points to lead No. 4 Sacramento to a 74-52 Metro Conference boys basketball win tonight over No. 19 Valley.
In other games involving boys basketball Top 20 teams:
• In his first game back since injuring his ankle at the Father Kelly Tribute Jan. 7 at Jesuit, Michael Bryson led four players in double figures with 15 points as No. 6 Foothill defeated Bear River 58-52 in a Pioneer Valley League game.
By Joe Davidson
jdavidson@sacbee.com
We know who the major national recruits are this time around are - Shaq Thompson of Grant and Arik Armstead of Pleasant Grove - so now say hello to the cream of the 2013 crop for the Sacramento region.
His name is Eddie Vanderdoes, a powerfully built 6-foot-4, 295-pound defensive lineman for the Placer Hillmen, a tradition-rich program. We call him "Floor Safe" because he's about as wide as one, as unyielding and as sturdy as a run-stopper with the skills and motor to pursue plays, too.
Just a junior, Vanderdoes on Wednesday night received another scholarship offer, this one from Washington and freshly hired defensive line coach Tosh Lupoi, who was also hot on the Vanderdoes trail when he was the position coach at Cal.
On Thursday, Vanderdoes received an offer from Nevada. He's the hot junior regional recruit.
Vanderdoes also has offers from Cal, UCLA, Oregon State and San Jose State, and expect that list to swell ten-fold before long. Vanderdoes also has interest from Maryland, Georgia, Oregon, olorado, Texas A & M and Mississippi State
"I'm excited," Vanderdoes said in a text.
He has good reason to be. Some scouting services have Vanderdoes as the No. 1 defensive linemen prospect on the West Coast, certainly in California.
Vanderdoes is also a power pitcher prospect in the spring, so imagine those legs and that leg drive on the mound.
For more news/updates, follow on Twitter: sb_joedavidson
Bella Vista Broncos senior star K.J. Logue has mixed emotions when it comes to playing Fair Oaks boys basketball rival Del Campo.
The 6-foot-6 forward loves the packed gym, the raucous rooting sections and the playoff-type atmosphere.
But there's also the flip side.
"I must have played against these guys about 20 times, going back to seventh grade," Logue said after helping the No. 8 Broncos to a 64-57 Capital Valley Conference win over the No. 9 and host Cougars. "It's the battle of the Oaks. It's how it's always been. You grow up with them, so it's tough because you know it's super competitive. You're friends with them, so you know you can't lose to them."
By Joe Davidson
jdavidson@sacbee.com
Finally, some clarity and the sound of a bit of relief in their voices.
Armond Armstead said today that he will return to USC any day now to take classes toward a master's degree. He last month graduated from USC with a degree in sociology. The former defensive lineman starter who sat out the 2010 season due to a series of medical tests - he reports that he is just fine - said he hopes to transfer over the summer to resume his playing career, perhaps to Notre Dame or Auburn, and there are a host of others looking at hm, too. He could also entertain the NFL draft after workouts.
His brother Arik, meanwhile, will wait until national Letter of Intent on Feb. 1 to decide, the first day high school players from across the land can formally sign binding contracts with a school. The 6-foot-8, 290-pound All-American lineman had hoped to be taking classes this week, and was enrolled at Norte Dame, Cal and Auburn.
He still lists those schools and Oregon as possibilities - just like last week - though other schools have been in contact, too. And yes, the brothers still love the idea of playinjg together, but they learned this week that is easier said than done considering the obstacles (transfer petitions, etc.) and fit.
Stressful? Dramatic? A chore?
"Most definitely," Arik said from his Elk Grove home. "Different loops, twists and things to go through. It's too gut wrenching so I'll take more time to decide. There's a lot of stuff to think about. This is the biggest decision of my life."
As of Sunday night, Arik was greatly intrigued with Cal - the location, the education, position coach Tosh Lupoi. Cal coach Jeff Tedford and Lopoi stopped by the Armstead home on Sunday evening. By Monday morning, Lupoi stunned the Bears and his recruits by accepting a coaching spot with the Washington Huskies.
The loss of Lupoi stung?
"Most definitely," Arik said. "Really like him. That was a guy I was hoping might groom me the next few years. It definitely affects everything."
Armond, meanwhile, said he is eager for some normalcy. No more speculation - at least for now.
"Everything became too rushed," he said. "Too much to do, too little time, too much stress. I'm taking everything step by step. I am relieved - dealing with all the drama, a side show, everyone freaking out (fans across the country). It's not really fun. The fun thing is going to school, playing ball. People lose sight of that."
As for competing again, Armond said, "I'm very eager to play again."
And on his brother, "I want him to do what's best for him. He'll be living at a school for four years. We may still play together but that takes time to put together."
Because Arik has graduated, he cannot return to his high school basketball team, which is ranked No. 3 regionally by The Bee and has the sort of lineup that can make a Northern California large-school title run. Still, Arik harbors no regrets.
"You can't regret anything or go back and change anything, and I'll be busy trying to figure out what's best for me (long term)," Arik said.
For more news/updates, follow on Twitter: sb_joedavidson
By Joe Davidson
jdavidson@sacbee.com
Moms know best, the saying goes, but in this recruiting situation regarding her sons Armond and Arik Armstead, Christina Armstead doesn't know what to think.
Her mind is swimming, as are those of her towering linemen sons and husband Guss, and in a chat with her today, there is no decision on where they will play football next.
Together? Seperately? Stay tuned.
"The saga continues," Christina said, allowing a laugh.
Armond is the 6-foot-5, 290-pound block of a former starting defensive lineman for USC who graduated last month and wants to transfer and play out one more season - healthy - before bounding in to the NFL Draft. Arik, all 6-8 and 295 pounds of shadow-casting upside, is also a graduate, days ago, from Pleasant Grove High School via on-line courses.
This early graduation was by design. The All-American lineman wanted to be attending classes this week - at Cal, Notre Dame or Auburn. He was greatly intrigued with Cal, particularly with position coach Tosh Lopoi, who was with Tedford on Sunday night for an Armstead family home visit. On Monday morning, Lopoi stunned Cal - and those he was recruiting - by leaving Berkeley for the Washington Huskies.
Arik said Monday that a "major reason I was thinking about Cal was coach Tosh."
Is Cal still in play? Perhaps, but the Lopoi departure changes things and perhaps greatly enhances the desire for the Armstead brothers to play together. USC wasn't going to release Armstead to play for a rival like Cal, so that certainly muddles matters.
Could the Armsteads wind up at Washington? Far too early to tell, and it sounds like a long shot, but calls are flying into the Armstead home from recruiters across the country - some for the Armstead brothers to play together, mostly to have them separately.
"Our whole motto, our whole thing, our goal...our kids love each other and Arik would do anything to help Armond and vice versa," Christian continued. "We'd love to have them play together and they really love that too. It'd be so hurtful to the heart if they're not together, and that's why we're holding off on a decision because they really don't know. We're looking into all the options of playing together first."
The options we do know are this: Auburn and Notre Dame for the sons together. Armond and father Guss joined Arik for a recruiting trip over the weekend to Auburn of the mighty Southeastern Conference and winners of the BCS championship following the 2010 season. As a mid-year graduate, Armond has been told he can enroll right away at Auburn, contrary to reports that SEC schools do not accept mid-year transfers or those who have graduated.
"Actually, as a graduate, it makes it easier," Christina said. "But we have to petition the SEC for that transfer and that can take two days or three weeks and we're thinking, 'Oh Lord...let this nightmare end."
On Sunday, Armond and Guss took a trip to Notre Dame. More intrigue and possibilities. Auburn coaches have visited the Armsteads in Elk Grove countless times, and Notre Dame coaches have also paid visits.
So the Armsteads ponder, brainstorm and wonder and wait.
For UPDATE on Armstead decision, click here.
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Jarvis Watkins had 19 points and Gabe Bealer added 16 points as No. 5 Antelope defeated El Camino 56-51 in the Capital Athletic League boys basketball opener tonight.
In other games involving Bee Top 20 boys teams:
• Nate Brillington had 21 points and Jerry Hansen 18 as No. 15 Granite Bay defeated Nevada Union 85-54 in a Sierra Foothill League game.
• Alan Kidwell led a balanced Del Oro attack with 10 points as the No. 16 Golden Eagles defeated Woodcreek 56-42 in an SFL game.
• Matt Donlan scored 20 points to lead four Capital Christian players in double figures as the No. 17 Cougars defeated Marysville 82-46 in a Golden Empire League game.
With its convincing 88-70 win over Jesuit on Friday, Sheldon takes over the No. 1 spot held by the Marauders since The Bee's first top 20 boys basketball rankings debuted on Dec. 7.
The two-time Sac-Joaquin Section Division I champion Huskies (13-3, 2-0) play only their third home game of the season on Friday against Ponderosa (8-10, 0-2) in a Delta River League game, then play defending CIF Northern California Regional champion Bishop O'Dowd of Oakland 6 p.m. on Saturday at Contra Costa College in San Pablo.
No. 2 Jesuit plays at No. 12 Oak Ridge on Friday, then hosts parochial rival Christian Brothers on Saturday.
By Joe Davidson
jdavidson@sacbee.com
Quarterbacks and receivers tend to fly off the shelf at Folsom High School when it comes to college football shopping.
Doug Vernon is the next bargain.
The Bulldogs' 6-foot-4, 195-pound receiver is headed to Cornell University of the Ivy League, proof that not only is the senior a terrific talent in shoulder pads, he's a remarkable student.
Vernon caught 52 passes for 721 yards and nine touchdowns for a Bulldogs team that marched back to the Sac-Joaquin Section Division II title game.
"Doug is just scratching the surface of his football potential," Folsom coach Kris Richardson said. "He's extremely intelligent, has a great work ethic and leadership skills. He's a huge target over the middle and a dominant blocker on the perimeter, and he's fast."
Vernon's quarterback was Tanner Trosin, The Bee's Offensive Player of the Year who set state records for most yards passing in a single season (5,185) and total yards in a single season (6,364). Trosin recently gave a verbal commitment to play for Cal Poly San Luis Obispo.
Another Folsom receiver, Carson McMurtrey, is also bound for Cal Poly, where they will join 2010 state championship teammate Stephen Sippel, a center.
McMurtrey caught 51 passes for 987 yards and eight touchdowns for Folsom despite missing games with injuries. He is also a fine punter.
Also from that 2010 team, NorCal receiving record holder Tyler Trosin earned a scholarship with Oregon State, and quarterback Dano Graves signed with Air Force.
For more prep news and updates, follow on Twitter: sb_joedavidson
A recruiting trip to Fresno State was enough to change his mind.
Dalen Jones of Woodland High School on Monday evening gave Fresno State a verbal commitment to play either receiver or defensive back.
He decommitted from Washington State in making his Fresno State destination more formal. National Letter of Intent is Feb. 1, when signatures make scholarship commitments binding.
The Fresno State experience was an emotional one for Jones, who played quarterback for Woodland and led the Wolves to the Sac-Joaquin Section Division II playoffs.
In early December, Jones was expecting a home visit from Fresno State coach Pat Hill, who for years has mined the Sacramento region for prospects, only to learn the veteran leader had been dismissed. Fresno State coaches kept in contact, however.
Jones passed for 2,043 yards and 23 touchdowns with just three interceptions - playing the position out of necessity as the team's most outlandish athlete. He ran for 1,008 yards and 11 scores for an 8-3 team.
For more prep news and updates, follow on Twitter: sb_joedavidson
In front of a packed house and two large and raucous standing rooting sections at Antelope High School for the marquee neighborhood finale of the two-day, 10-game Common Good Classic, the towering duo of Isaiah Ellis and Gabe Bealer helped No. 5 Antelope break open a one-point game at halftime to defeat No. 13 Center 60-46 in a boys basketball game tonight.
The 6-6 Ellis and the 6-5 Bealer, both juniors, dominated the inside in blocking and altering shots, rebounding and combining for 34 points. Jarvis Watkins added 16 points for Antelope (16-1).
Christopher Smith led Center (13-4) with 17 points.
"Our 10 days off really showed early on," said Antelope coach Rob Richards. "We were a little indecisive, little slow, little lethargic. Our guys should have known better. Center is a great ballclub. They're playing well. We can't come out like that. But we woke up at halftime and started to bang inside and got back to our basketball."
In orther Common Good games today:
By Joe Davidson
jdavidson@sacbee.com
Dylan Collie is his own man now. He's a Collie, to be sure, but he's no longer "Zac's kid brother" or "Austin's brother."
He's Dylan Collie, BYU football - and yes, a member of the Collie BYU clan that also included father Scott a generation ago.
Collie, the terrific Oak Ridge High School receiver, spoke glowingly of his recruiting trip in Utah, the BYU campus visit, the academic possibilities, the football facilities, the Mormon mission ideas, the next chapter of his life.
And this time, he went to BYU not directly affiliated or attached to Zac, now in real estate in Folsom, or Austin, a receiver for the Indianapolis Colts.
"I was so excited to be there, it got me juiced," Collie said tonight. "It was fun to go when I was younger and went with a brother, but I was always Austin or Zac's younger brother. This time, it was me, and that made it special."
Collie said the entire weekend was memorable, right on down the pizza slices and the talk of faith and football.
And here's a refreshing twist about Collie: he's in no dire hurry to grow up. He wants to maximize every last day at Oak Ridge, in El Dorado Hills.
"I was never a kid who wanted to grow up and get out of here," he said. "When I was 6 or 7 years old, I was scared to grow up. I'm more of a guy wanting time to slow down. I absolutely have loved El Dorado Hills and all the people. It's going to be hard to leave because of all the people.
"I'm in no hurry to go. I'd love to go back and play some games 100 percent healthy (after missing time with injuries). But as slow as I want these months to go, I can't wait until Sept. 1 against Washington State."
Collie expects to be in uniform on that date, the season opener. He play the season then head off for a two-year mission, destination unknown.
As much as Collie embraces the BYU name and tradition and for what it all stands for, he earlier had visions of Oregon Ducks green, especially after striking up a friendship with Whitney quarterback Jake Rodrigues, a Ducks recruit.
"At first, I would have loved to have gone to Oregon," Collie said. "They were interested. They came to Oak Ridge for visits. I wanted to commit to a school before the season, and then later, one day it hit me: there is no other place like BYU. I'm very excited to be going there."
Follow Dylan Collie on Twitter: DRC_09
For more news, profiles and updates: follow us on The Bee on Twitter: sb_joedavidson
By Joe Davidson
jdavidson@sacbee.com
Cal Poly San Luis Obispo has received verbal commitments from four Sacramento-area products in recent days and weeks. They are:
* Folsom quarterback Tanner Trosin, The Bee's Offensive Player of the Year who set state records for yards passing in a single season and total offense
* Folsom receiver Carson McMurtrey, who overcame injuries to stretch teams with his speed and hands; he is also a superb punter.
* Del Campo defensive back Norm Sadler, a good cover man, a hitter and leader for another Cougars playoff team
* Elk Grove linebacker/tight end Josh Letuligassenoa, a team captain leader who powered the Herd to a 12-1 season, before losing to Folsom in the playoffs. He will join older brother and former Bee Athlete of the Year Lefi at Cal Poly.
Cal Poly coach Tim Walsh will be in Sacramento for home visits on Tuesday.
Josh said earlier tonight that he is still weighing options.
For more area news and updates, follow on Twitter: sb_joedavidson
By Joe Davidson
jdavidson@sacbee.com
Just over a week ago, Jesse Formaker watched Deer Valley as it competed in the Jesuit Father Kelly Tribute and nodded at the Antioch team's size, skill and depth.
Now Deer Valley is nodding.
Rallying from six down with just over three minutes to play, the Franklin Wildcats and their delighted coach Formaker toppled the Wolverines of the North Coast Section 54-51 in the Martin Luther King Showcase at Cal's Haas Pavilion.
Forward Theo Johnson had 16 points for the Wildcats of Elk Grove, who moved to 14-4 and have their eyes set on a fifth consecutive Delta Valley Conference title. Victory Rustin, another forward, had 15 points and provided superb defense in stretches on national recruit 6-foot-9 big man Marcus Lee, who had just four points.
Darin Johnson added 13 for Franklin and guard Arieas Toney was again solid and effective at guard. Kelton Newman, the team captain, was also strong, Formaker said.
"I was very pleased with how the boys played," Formaker said, walking the streets of Telegraph Hill. "Victor defended the heck out of Lee. Lee's long, tall, moves well, and at first our kids were intimidated by him a little because we don't get to see guys like that in our area."
Formaker enjoyed the experience personally, too. He is a Cal graduate, loved his time there and joked he may spend several more hours on Telegraph before heading home.
* Special thanks to Twitter updates from our reporter friends Jimmy Durkin of the Bay Area News Group and Harold Abend of Cal-Hi Sports. Follow Harold at HaroldAbend and Durkin at Jimmy_Durkin.
For more news and updates: sb_joedavidson
Kyi Thomas of Sheldon High School has been recruited before, on his own campus, to play football, and now football will provide a path for the senior athletic marvel.
Thomas took a recruiting trip to Sacramento State over the weekend and today accepted a scholarsip offer to play receiver for the Hornets, giving the program a verbal commitment.
Thomas said he has to thank his prep football coach, Josh Crabtree, who would sit and marvel as the public address announcer for Huskies basketball games in recent years, agape as Thomas dominated his craft. Crabtree convinced the 6-foot-4 wing to give football a try, and when college football recruiters saw him working out in basketball, they wondered, "Who the heck is that?"
Thomas played receiver for Sheldon this past fall, catching 638 yards worth of passes and five touchdowns in a still-learning season. His 44-inch vertical leap are among his many athletic gifts.
Sac State this weekend also got a verbal commitment from Elk Grove High running back Deon Ransom, making for two major gems.
Sheldon tight end Nate Iese, also a basketball player, is deciding between Nebraska, UCLA and Cal. Sheldon defensive lineman Antonio Perez is picking between Sac State, Army, Idaho and Weber State.
The Huskies sent defensive tackle Marcus Paige-Allen to Cal Poly San Luis Obispo last season (Crabtree visited him over the weekend on the Central Coast) and tight end Mansel Simmons to Washington State.
For more news and updates, follow on Twitter: sb_joedavidson
Recruiting. It never ends, and it's never boring.
The news within the last hour of Cal recruiting guru Tosh Lupoi bolting to the Washington Huskies for a significant pay raise to help coach that defense is a two-way blow that could leave a lasting ripple effect for recruits across the land.
The hire marks a significant boost for Washington as prime recruiters are prized employees, and Lupoi has earned a reputation as one of the country's best.
It's an even bigger blow to the Bears in Berkeley with this being the final, frantic weeks of recruiting, including scores of home visits just this weekend.
By Joe Davidson
jdavidson@sacbee.com
It's wheels up for Arik Armstead as he headed back today from his last recruiting trip, his mind full of possibilities.
Does he become a Cal Bear? An Auburn Tiger? An Oregon Duck? A Notre Dame Fighting Irish? The ministry instead?
Armstead, the All-American lineman from Pleasant Grove High School, visited Auburn over the weekend with brother Armond and father Guss. They checked out basketball practice - Armstead wants to play both sports in college - visited the football facilities and talked as a family about the academic structure, the chance to multi-task as an athlete.
Where to go?
Armstead's father said his team "will get home and pray on it" and make a decision by Monday morning. Armstead said he would ideally like to start attending classes as early as Tuesday. He said Sunday that he is enrolled at Cal, Notre Dame and Auburn, and that should provide all the proof needed on just how tight this three-school race is.
How can Armstead be enrolled into three schools at once? Enrolling before committing has become something of the norm for blue-chip recruits who graduate from high school at mid year. Keep in mind that nothing becomes binding until an athlete actually attends a class.
Ideally built to play offensive tackle at 6-foot-8 and 290 pounds, Armstead said he prefers to play on the defensive line, either tackle or end (much like Armond did at USC). Auburn offers a chance to compete in the muscle-bound Southeastern Conference, home of the last six BCS champions and eight total since its inception in 1998.
Notre Dame is unique for tradition and athletics. Cal has Armstead intrigued because of its academic standing, its new football stadium, the proximity to his Elk Grove roots and because scores of friends are headed there, including Grant star Shaq Thompson.
What's more, the Armstead brothers would like to play together. Armond was a two-year starter at USC before sitting out this past fall with a medical condition. He has medically been cleared and the family said he was never in any danger.
Arik gave a verbal commitment to USC following his sophomore season but opened his options in the fall and accepted recruiting trips to Alabama, Notre Dame, Oregon and Cal. It's ironic to note that USC coach Lane Kiffin is in the Sacramento region today to make a home visit to Whitney tight end Jalen Cope-Fitzpatrick, a longtime pal of Armstead (they attended Jesuit as freshmen and played football and basketball there).
On Sunday night, Armond visited with Notre Dame football coaches. He also has a great deal of mutual interest with Auburn, though the brothers insist each will make their own decision independent of the other.
All told, Armstead is the most heavily recruited linemen in Sacramento-area history. Others of note from the lines include Gordon King of Bella Vista and Stanford, a first-round pick of the New York Giants in 1978, Reggie Rogers of Norte Del Rio and Washington and a first-round pick of the Detroit Lions in 1987, Jason Fisk of Davis and Stanford and a second-round pick in 1995 and Vei Moala of Grant from last season (now at Cal).
For more updates, follow Joe Davidson on Twitter: sb_joedavidson
By Joe Davidson
jdavidson@sacbee.com
Sacramento State football could has received a verbal commitment from one regional star and could get more in the coming days and weeks.
The Hornets this weekend hosted a recruiting trip for Deon Ransom of Elk Grove High School, a tailback/safety prospect, and Kyi Thomas of Sheldon, a receiver with incredible leaping ability (he's also a superb basketball prospect).
Ransom and Thomas have been offered scholarships, and as of Sunday afternoon, Ransom gave a verbal commitment to play for the Hornets. UPDATE: On Monday, Thomas gave a verbal to play for Sac State (see story link).
Thomas has yet to make a decision but did say he is greatly flattered and wildly intrigued.
A three-year starter for the Thundering Herd, Ransom was a tough, instinctive and proud performer. He was a key part to his program's resurgence in 2011, rushing for 1,825 yards and 27 touchdowns for a 12-1 team. Elk Grove won four games in each of the previous two seasons.
Elk Grove coach Chris Nixon has raved about his leader for more than a year. He's delighted with this Sac State news.
"Great kid, works hard in the classroom and is a complete football player: great runner, terrific blocker and fearless hitter," Nixon said.
Elk Grove lineman ace Steven Moore has given a verbal commitment to attend Cal. Another Herd captain, lineman Josh Letuligassenoa, has been offered a scholarship by Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, where his brother Lefi plays.
Thomas, meanwhile, tried football for the first time this past fall - effective on-campus recruiting by football coach Josh Crabtree - and said he loved the experience. With a 44-inch vertical leap, Thomas can jump out of a gym and well over a defensive back. He said football wasn't an option before last fall but it most certainly is an option now.
The 6-foot-4, 190-pound Thomas had 38 catches for 628 yards and five touchdowns for the Huskies.
* Also for Sheldon - Sheldon tight end Nate Iese has been offered by Cal, in addition to Nevada, Nebraska and UCLA. He will take a recruiting trip to Cal next weekend. Iese said his top two at the moment are UCLA and Nebraska, with Cal offering last week.
* More Sheldon - Sheldon defensive lineman Antonio Perez took a recruiting trip to Sac State Big Sky Conference rival Idaho over the weekend. He said he has earlier been offered by Sac State, Army, Cal Poly and Weber State, where he will on Jan 20th, West Point on the 27th (Army came for a home visit last week).
For more news and updates, follow Joe Davidson on Twitter: sb_joedavidson
Del Campo's boys basketball team is every bit a throwback.
The Cougars are a bunch of no-names from the neighborhood who are playing so well these days that 10-year coach Dave Nobis admits to feeling rejuvenated.
No. 10 Del Campo is 15-3 after breaking open a tight game in the fourth quarter and beating defending Sierra Foothill League co-champion and No. 15 Granite Bay 61-49 in today's Common Good Classic at Antelope High School.
Tercail Hadley, Aaron Redd and Robert Perry each had 10 points as unranked Valley upset No. 6 Burbank 48-45 in a Metro Conference boys basketball game tonight.
In other games involving top 20 teams:
• Dakarai Allen had 29 points, four steals and three blocks and D'Erryl Williams added 18 points, 11 rebounds and seven assists in leading No. 2 Sheldon past No. 1 Jesuit 88-70 in a Delta River League game. Kurt Parker led Jesuit with 18 points.
For one half Friday night in Carmichael, it lived up to a battle of The Bee's top-ranked teams and rivals who always seem to bring out the best in one another.
The No. 1 Jesuit Marauders trailed the No. 2 Sheldon Huskies 37-35.
Then came the blitz.
Sheldon opened the second half with a 13-2 run, outscored Jesuit 31-15 in the third quarter and coasted to an easy 88-70 Delta River League win.
By Joe Davidson
jdavidson@sacbee.com
You have to love "sources" in the new social media world where everyone scrambles to get it first.
In the NBA, I have a source that tells me "sources" that break trade rumors or assistant coaching hires are actually agents who want that news to get out.
On the high school and college sporting front, I don't know how a source can be any more in tune, in touch or iron-clad than the immediate family.
Let's take Arik Armstead, the national recruit football linemen from Pleasant Grove High who is with his brother Armond and dad Gus in Alabama as we type away here for a recruiting trip to visit the Auburn Tigers.
I talked to Arik at length earlier and to his dad, too, and contrary to fast-circulating reports, the 6-foot-8, 290-pound linemen man mover is not formally enrolled at Cal, meaning he is not a for-sure lock to be a Bear. Could Armstead wind up a Bear?
Absolutely, and that's my guess. But at the moment, not true.
What has caused confusion is Armstead's name appearing in the Cal student directory online. This is a common tactic for student/athletes who aspire to graduate from high school early and enroll into college immediately.
But here's the important element here: it's not unique to have a recruit's name listed in a directory and he never showing up. If anything, it's a holding-pattern situation so if Armstead does indeed decide on Cal, he has a head start with a course load.
And this clincher: Armstead, or any student, must attend classes at a college to formally become a member of that institution.
The Armstead family will announce late this weekend which college Armstead will call home.
I don't need a source for that. That comes from the family themselves. We'll have a Bee story Saturday that looks into Armstead's decision to graduate early, to leave his Pleasant Grove basketball buddies behind and the hopes of playing at least one college season with brother Armond, who wants to transfer from USC.
For more updates, follow on Twitter: sb_joedavidson
Nate Brillington scored 34 points to lead No. 15 Granite Bay to a 77-70 Sierra Foothill League win tonight over Woodcreek.
Nick Howe led Woodcreek with 20 points.
In another SFL game involving a top-20 team, Austin Saldano, Taylor Bergthold and Nick Lewis each had 12 points as No. 16 Del Oro beat Rocklin 79-36.
Lynette Johnson scored 23 points and Lori Wong added 15 as No. 10 Kennedy defeated No. 5 Florin 53-51 in a Metro Conference girls basketball game tonight.
In other games involving Bee Top 20 girls teams:
• Jehiah Cook had 22 points and Briana Womack 13 to lead top-ranked Sacramento to a 73-41 Metro win over Rosemont.
Katie King scored 20 points to lead No. 8 River City past Liberty Ranch 62-29 tonight in a Sierra Valley Conference girls basketball game in West Sacramento.
River City is now 17-1 overall, 3-0 in league.
Malik Thames scored 25 points, Colfax Nordquist 16 and Cody Demps 13 as No. 3 Pleasant Grove defeated No. 12 Oak Ridge 73-66 in overtime in the Delta River League boys basketball opener tonight in El Dorado Hills.
Bryce Scott had 26 points for Oak Ridge.
The game was tied 57-57 in regulation.
The win moved Pleasant Grove to 16-1. Oak Ridge is 9-7.
In other boys games reported to us involving teams ranked in The Bee's top 20:
In the wildest area boys basketball game in sometime, Grant defeated Davis 109-101 tonight in the Delta Valley Conference opener for both in Del Paso Heights.
De'Sean Parsons led six Pacers in double figures with 34 points. Tyler Sousa topped Davis with 24 points. Fourteen Blue Devils scored.
Davis is using a up-tempo offense called "The System" that has turned the once staid and low-scoring team into the state scoring leader.
But it's produced mixed results in wins and losses. Davis is now 8-8 overall and 0-1 in league after losing its third straight and fifth in the last six games.
Grant is 9-9, 1-0 in league.
Nine area wrestlers medaled at the prestigious Doc Buchanan Wrestling Invitational in Clovis on Saturday.
Folsom's Connor Pollock placed second at 126 pounds, losing by pin to Anthony Valencia of St. John Bosco of Bellflower in the championship match.
Bella Vista's Shayne Tucker (138), Oak Ridge's Keaton Subjeck (160), Center's Khymba Johnson (195) and Foothill's Mike Lowman (285) all won third place medals.
Elk Grove's Martin Ramirez (132) placed fourth and teammate Josh Letuligasenoa (220) finished sixth. Folsom's Lorenzo De La Riva (120) and Ponderosa's Nick Traquato (170) placed seventh.
Folsom finished 10th in the team standings. Clovis won the team title.
