The Watsonville High boys’ basketball team wrapped up one of the best seasons the program has put together, which included a league title for the first time in 10 years.
Senior guard Richie Ortiz led the way for the Wildcatz (17-7), who finished as co-champion of the Pacific Coast Athletic League’s Santa Lucia Division.
Ortiz was recognized by the coaches within the league earlier this week after he was named to the all-league first-team.
The speedy guard averaged about 20 points per game and he loved to dish the ball to his open teammates, which helped his assist average this season.
Ortiz was also no slouch on defense as he racked up several steals this season, especially in clutch situations.
Sophomore center/forward Brody Legions earned all-league second-team honors after his terrific first season on the varsity team. He was a strong presence under the rim and he can get streaky once he finds a rhythm with his shot.
Senior guard Jacob Marinez earned a spot on the Richard Chamberlin Sportsmanship Team
Watsonville finished tied with Soledad High with an 11-1 record in league play and they split the regular season series.
Despite winning a share of a league title, the Wildcatz’s season came to a bitter end after the Aztecs were awarded the automatic berth to go to the Central Coast Section playoffs.
A coin toss was done by the CCS committee and it went in favor of Soledad. The Wildcatz had to apply for an at-large bid but they were left out of the postseason.
Soledad guard Daniel Raso was named the division’s Most Valuable Player.
Santa Lucia Division
Most Valuable Player: Daniel Raso, Soledad
First team
Adan Garcia, King City
Anthony Martinez, Greenfield
Gabe Mendez, Gonzales
Richie Ortiz, Watsonville
Daniel Raso, Soledad
Jason Mendoza, Soledad
Second team
Kareem Allen, Marina
Jordan Webb, Marina
Bryce Blair, King City
Naythen Hernandez, Greenfield
Brody Legions, Watsonville
Jjey Martinez, King City
Richard Chamberlin Sportsmanship Team
Kona Apilado, Rancho San Juan
Angel Avila, Greenfield
Jesus Barragan, Gonzales
JayDe Beaudry, Marina
Adan Garica-Loa, King City
Jacob Marinez, Watsonville
Jorge Olivarria, Soledad
Elgie Bellizio Sportsmanship School: Rancho San Juan
Cypress Division
Most Valuable Player: Malachi Douyon, Pacific Collegiate
First team
Malachi Douyon, Pacific Collegiate
Owen Gallegos, Gilroy
Martin Safranka, Oakwood
Sandro Kokochasvili, Oakwood
Langston Watson, Oakwood
Jeter Olivares, Seaside
Second team
Noah Dowd, Gilroy
Carlos Madrigal, Gilroy
Andrew Almaraz, North Salinas
Luka Kokochasvili, Oakwood
Charlie Buckley, Pacific Collegiate
Mason Faatuai, Seaside
Richard Chamberlin Sportsmanship Team
Dylan Allinson, Gilroy
Kiefer Nguyen, Oakwood
Sebastian Ramirez, North Salinas
Weston Ow, Pacific Collegiate
Anthony Medina, Seaside
Jardin Celestino, Pajaro Valley
Elgie Bellizio Sportsmanship School: Pacific Collegiate
Arroyo Division
Most Valuable Player: Max Castro, Anzar
First team
Max Castro, Anzar
Warren Du, Anzar
Daniel Xu, York
Rain Li, Kirby
Anthony Toriz, Ceiba
Harold Lusk Jr, Trinity
Second team
Gio Aguirre, Ceiba
Erixson Sundiam, Anzar
Nico Jones, Kirby
Noah Kramer, Trinity
Kaleb Bouwens, Trinity
Wyatt Mattocks, Pacific Point
Richard Chamberlin Sportsmanship Team
Tony Liu, York
Zach Jasso, Pacific Point
Diego Martinez, Trinity
Noe Torres, Ceiba
Howard Fu, Kirby
Andre Dio Anzar
Elgie Bellizio Sportsmanship School: Kirby
Mission Division
Most Valuable Player: Jalen Brown, Alvarez
First Team
Jalen Brown, Alvarez
Eric Green, Alvarez
Tyler Pacheco, San Benito
Jayden Freidt, San Benito
Trent Toole, Stevenson
Evan Johnson, Stevenson
Second Team
Eric Villalobos, Alvarez
Zac Espero, Alvarez
Luke Finney, Monte Vista Christian
Darnell Adler, Stevenson
Jacob Gomez, North Monterey County
Audon Forgus, Stevenson
Richard Chamberlin Sportsmanship Team
Cepeda Lilly, MVC
Gabriel Perez, Alvarez
Miles Guardino, St. Francis
Bryant Vazquez, San Benito
Alex Ahuja, Stevenson
Nico Torres, NMC
Elgie Bellizio Sportsmanship School: Stevenson
