Brownell Academy wins eighth-grade title
GILROY – The Brownell Academy eighth-grade boys basketball team won the 9th annual Junior High School Shootout played Saturday at the new Solorsano Gymnasium in Giroy.
The Bruins, who hold an impressive 20-2 record this season, defeated Taylor Middle School in the championship game, 33-19. Tournament MVP Derek Jensen netted seven points for the Bruins in their championship victory.
Brownell’s eighth-graders also received first team All-Tournament honors for Christian Lam; second team All-Tournament honors for Ryan Costa; and Defensive Player of the Tournament for Adrien Rodriguez.
South Valley’s eighth-grade squad finished in third place, defeating Quimby Oak in the consolation finals. Tigers honored were first team All-Tournament selection Jacob Dexter and second team All-Tournament pick Kevin Grove.
In the seventh-grade division, South Valley took fifth place with Jordan Cania named second team All-Tournament. The Taylor Middle School Bulldogs won the seventh-grade title, while St. Mary’s, of Gilroy, finished in second place.
St. Mary’s honorees were first team All-Tournament Justin Wheat; second team All-Tournament Kyle Hypes; and Defensive Player of the Tournament Matt DiPietro.
There were eight competing schools, including South Valley, Brownell and St. Mary’s of Gilroy as well as Los Banos Jr. High, Los Arboles Jr. High, Burlingame Intermediate, Taylor Middle School, and Quimby Oak Jr. High.
