It was no surprise that North Salinas dominated the Tri-County
Athletic League first-team selections.
It was no surprise that North Salinas dominated the Tri-County Athletic League first-team selections.
After all, the Vikings were unbeaten and mostly untested during a stellar season in which they outscored their TCAL foes by an average of 21.3 points. In fact, North Salinas not only had three girls on the first team but the Most Valuable Player in Briana Mathews. Joining Mathews on the first team were Dominque Hill and Edthel Lugo. Darren Jackson garnered Coach of the Year honors.
Gilroy senior Dana Schoeneman was one of the eight first-team selections. The 6-0 post player averaged 10 points and as many rebounds in helping the Mustangs to a second-place tie with Salinas and the league’s second best record at 17-6.
Other first-team selections were Mia Musones and Hannah Larick of Salinas, Nathalie Godoy of Notre Dame, Vanessa Farias of San Benito, Kristal Gutierrez of Alisal and Chelsea Von Winning of Alvarez.
Three other Gilroy girls gained honors. Senior Russhelle Preeshl was among the honorable mention list. Rowena Tabilas was the Mustangs’ Sportswoman of the Year. And Vanessa Wilkins was Defensive Player of the Year.
“I really like the fact that they eliminated second team because I think it makes players have to earn (honors), GHS coach James Wilkins said. “I felt it was a very good meeting of honesty we’re coaches didn’t have an agenda.”
Wilkins was also pleased with the “second” season, that is the league schedule.
“At the beginning, a majority of our girls did not know how to dribble well,” Wilkins said. “The girls worked hard and improved. It helped (assistant coach) Ana (Patejdl) and I realize that we need to work to get better next year.”
The Mustangs did, however, earn a home game as the No. 8 seed in the Central Coast Section playoffs. They face Homestead at 5pm Wednesday.
