Player of the Year: California
The window on the Gatorade State Baseball Player of the Year race is closing, and the search for elite student-athletes is in full swing. The award recognizes not only athletic excellence, but also high standards of academic achievement and exemplary character demonstrated on and off the field. Here are two top candidates who meet the basic award criteria as determined by our ESPNHS team that administers the program’s selection process.
Max Fried
Senior LHP/outfielder, Harvard-Westlake (North Hollywood)
2012 Team record: 24-5
2012 Team standing: Lost in second round of Division II CIF Southern Section tournament
2012 W-L record: 8-2
2012 ERA: 2.02
2012 Strikeouts: 105
2012 Innings: 66
2012 Batting average: .448
2012 RBI: 20
2012 Runs: 27
Academics: A average
Collegiate destination: UCLA
How he’s played himself into the State POY conversation: 2010 and 2011 First Team All-CIF; 2011 Area Code Games participant; 2011 Perfect Game All-American Classic; Ranked No. 4 in the Class of 2012 by ESPNHS; Ranked No. 7 in the Class of 2012 by Perfect Game; 2011 First Team All-State
Ty Moore
Senior LHP/outfielder, Harvard-Westlake (North Hollywood)
2012 Team record: 23-5
2012 Team standing: Will play in Division I CIF Southern Section quarterfinals on May 25
2012 Batting average: .415
2012 RBI: 23
2012 Runs: 29
2012 Stolen bases: 10
2012 W-L record: 11-1
2012 ERA: 0.81
2012 Strikeouts: 65
2012 Innings: 60.33
Academics: B-plus average
Collegiate destination: UCLA
How he’s played himself into the State POY conversation: Ranked No. 98 in the Class of 2012 by ESPNHS; Ranked No. 77 in the Class of 2012 by Perfect Game; 2011 First Team All-State; 2011 OC Register Player of the Year; 2011 Louisville Slugger All-American
Make no mistake, the Gatorade State Baseball Player of the Year race isn’t over yet. Time remains for one standout student-athlete among thousands to rise to the top of our list. Here are some more of many who’ve been in the conversation throughout the 2011-12 campaign.
Hunter Virant: Senior LHP, Camarillo (CA)
Dominic Smith: Junior outfielder, Serra (San Diego)
Jeremy Martinez: Junior catcher, Mater Dei (Santa Ana)
Justin Garza: Senior RHP, Bonita (La Verne)
Think we're missing a deserving Gatorade State Player of the Year candidate in your state? Let us know via e-mail at ESPNHS_GPOY@ESPN.com.
Max Fried
Senior LHP/outfielder, Harvard-Westlake (North Hollywood)
2012 Team record: 24-5
2012 Team standing: Lost in second round of Division II CIF Southern Section tournament
2012 W-L record: 8-2
2012 ERA: 2.02
2012 Strikeouts: 105
2012 Innings: 66
2012 Batting average: .448
2012 RBI: 20
2012 Runs: 27
Academics: A average
Collegiate destination: UCLA
How he’s played himself into the State POY conversation: 2010 and 2011 First Team All-CIF; 2011 Area Code Games participant; 2011 Perfect Game All-American Classic; Ranked No. 4 in the Class of 2012 by ESPNHS; Ranked No. 7 in the Class of 2012 by Perfect Game; 2011 First Team All-State
Ty Moore
Senior LHP/outfielder, Harvard-Westlake (North Hollywood)
2012 Team record: 23-5
2012 Team standing: Will play in Division I CIF Southern Section quarterfinals on May 25
2012 Batting average: .415
2012 RBI: 23
2012 Runs: 29
2012 Stolen bases: 10
2012 W-L record: 11-1
2012 ERA: 0.81
2012 Strikeouts: 65
2012 Innings: 60.33
Academics: B-plus average
Collegiate destination: UCLA
How he’s played himself into the State POY conversation: Ranked No. 98 in the Class of 2012 by ESPNHS; Ranked No. 77 in the Class of 2012 by Perfect Game; 2011 First Team All-State; 2011 OC Register Player of the Year; 2011 Louisville Slugger All-American
Make no mistake, the Gatorade State Baseball Player of the Year race isn’t over yet. Time remains for one standout student-athlete among thousands to rise to the top of our list. Here are some more of many who’ve been in the conversation throughout the 2011-12 campaign.
Hunter Virant: Senior LHP, Camarillo (CA)
Dominic Smith: Junior outfielder, Serra (San Diego)
Jeremy Martinez: Junior catcher, Mater Dei (Santa Ana)
Justin Garza: Senior RHP, Bonita (La Verne)
Think we're missing a deserving Gatorade State Player of the Year candidate in your state? Let us know via e-mail at ESPNHS_GPOY@ESPN.com.
California Girls Soccer POY: Ryan Walker-Hartshorn
May, 23, 2012
May 23
5:23
AM ET
By Ben Rohrbach | ESPN.com
A dedicated ESPNHS team managed this spring's Gatorade Girls Soccer Player of the Year selection process, resulting in winners based on the program's three pillars: athletic production and impact in the 2012 season, high academic achievement and exemplary personal character.
For her 27 fellow Gatorade State Spring Girls Soccer Player of the Year winners, click here.
For the 22 Gatorade State Fall Girls Soccer Player of the Year winners, click here.
THE WINNER: Ryan Walker-Hartshorn
THE BASICS
School: Bishop O’Dowd (Oakland, Calif.)
Grade: Junior
Position: Forward
Height: 5-foot-11
THE PILLARS
Athletic achievement: Walker-Hartshorn led the Dragons to a 21-3-2 record and the CIF-North Central Section Division II tournament championship this past season. She scored 22 goals and passed for 14 assists, including six goals and three assists in Bishop O’Dowd’s four-game postseason run. A member of the U.S. Soccer Under-18 Women’s National Team, for which she plays outside back, Walker-Hartshorn was the 2012 All-East Bay Girls Soccer Player of the Year. She concluded her junior year with 61 goals and 29 assists in her prep career.
Academic excellence: Walker-Hartshorn has maintained a 3.35 GPA in the classroom.
Exemplary character: She has volunteered locally as a youth mentor and tutor, at a homeless shelter and at a child care center.
For her 27 fellow Gatorade State Spring Girls Soccer Player of the Year winners, click here.
For the 22 Gatorade State Fall Girls Soccer Player of the Year winners, click here.
THE WINNER: Ryan Walker-Hartshorn
THE BASICS
School: Bishop O’Dowd (Oakland, Calif.)
Grade: Junior
Position: Forward
Height: 5-foot-11
THE PILLARS
Athletic achievement: Walker-Hartshorn led the Dragons to a 21-3-2 record and the CIF-North Central Section Division II tournament championship this past season. She scored 22 goals and passed for 14 assists, including six goals and three assists in Bishop O’Dowd’s four-game postseason run. A member of the U.S. Soccer Under-18 Women’s National Team, for which she plays outside back, Walker-Hartshorn was the 2012 All-East Bay Girls Soccer Player of the Year. She concluded her junior year with 61 goals and 29 assists in her prep career.
Academic excellence: Walker-Hartshorn has maintained a 3.35 GPA in the classroom.
Exemplary character: She has volunteered locally as a youth mentor and tutor, at a homeless shelter and at a child care center.
The window on the Gatorade State Girls Soccer Player of the Year race is closing, and the search for elite student-athletes is in full swing. The award recognizes not only athletic excellence, but also high standards of academic achievement and exemplary character demonstrated on and off the field. Here are two top candidates who meet the basic award criteria as determined by our ESPNHS team that administers the program’s selection process.
Maya Theuer
Senior defender, The Bishop’s School (La Jolla, Calif.)
2012 Team record: 9-4-2
2012 Team standing: Lost in San Diego Section Division IV tournament second round
2012 Goals: 5
2012 Assists: 1
Career goals: 9
Career assists: 3
Academics: A-minus average
Collegiate destination: Stanford University
How she’s played herself into the State POY conversation: Averaged 0.4 points per game this season. No. 16 ranked recruit in Class of 2012 as rated by ESPNHS. U.S. Soccer Under-18 Women’s National Team member. 2012 Coastal League Player of the Year.
Maya Theuer
Senior defender, The Bishop’s School (La Jolla, Calif.)
2012 Team record: 9-4-2
2012 Team standing: Lost in San Diego Section Division IV tournament second round
2012 Goals: 5
2012 Assists: 1
Career goals: 9
Career assists: 3
Academics: A-minus average
Collegiate destination: Stanford University
How she’s played herself into the State POY conversation: Averaged 0.4 points per game this season. No. 16 ranked recruit in Class of 2012 as rated by ESPNHS. U.S. Soccer Under-18 Women’s National Team member. 2012 Coastal League Player of the Year.
A dedicated ESPNHS team managed this spring's Gatorade Boys Soccer Player of the Year selection process, resulting in winners based on the program's three pillars: athletic production and impact in the 2011 season, high academic achievement and exemplary personal character.
For his 19 fellow Gatorade State Spring Boys Soccer Player of the Year winners, click here.
For the 30 Gatorade State Fall Boys Soccer Player of the Year winners, click here.
THE WINNER: Ema Boateng
THE BASICS
School: Cate School (Carpinteria)
Grade: Junior
Position: Midfielder
Height: 5-foot-6
Weight: 165 pounds
THE PILLARS
Athletic achievement: Boateng led the Rams to a 20-2-1 record and the CIF-Southern Section Division VII tournament championship this past season. He scored 32 goals, passed for 19 assists and was a repeat selection as the Southern Section Division VII Player of the Year. A two-time Division VII First Team All-State honoree, Boateng concluded his prep soccer career with 79 goals and 49 assists. Officially a member of the Class of 2013, he has earned enough credits to attend University of California Santa Barbara this fall.
Academic excellence: Boateng has maintained a 3.75 GPA in the classroom.
Exemplary character: He has volunteered locally as a participant in multiple school-wide community service projects in addition to coordinating and coaching at a summer youth soccer camp.
For his 19 fellow Gatorade State Spring Boys Soccer Player of the Year winners, click here.
For the 30 Gatorade State Fall Boys Soccer Player of the Year winners, click here.
THE WINNER: Ema Boateng
THE BASICS
School: Cate School (Carpinteria)
Grade: Junior
Position: Midfielder
Height: 5-foot-6
Weight: 165 pounds
THE PILLARS
Athletic achievement: Boateng led the Rams to a 20-2-1 record and the CIF-Southern Section Division VII tournament championship this past season. He scored 32 goals, passed for 19 assists and was a repeat selection as the Southern Section Division VII Player of the Year. A two-time Division VII First Team All-State honoree, Boateng concluded his prep soccer career with 79 goals and 49 assists. Officially a member of the Class of 2013, he has earned enough credits to attend University of California Santa Barbara this fall.
Academic excellence: Boateng has maintained a 3.75 GPA in the classroom.
Exemplary character: He has volunteered locally as a participant in multiple school-wide community service projects in addition to coordinating and coaching at a summer youth soccer camp.
The window on the Gatorade State Boys Soccer Player of the Year race is closing, and the search for elite student-athletes is in full swing. The award recognizes not only athletic excellence, but also high standards of academic achievement and exemplary character demonstrated on and off the field. Here are two top candidates who meet the basic award criteria as determined by our ESPNHS team that administers the program’s selection process.
Ema Boateng
Junior midfielder, Cate School (Carpinteria, Calif.)
2012 Team record: 20-2-1
2012 Team standing: CIF Southern Section Division VII tournament champions
2012 Goals: 32
2012 Assists: 20
Career goals: 79
Career assists: 50
Academics: A-minus average
Collegiate destination: University of California-Santa Barbara
How he’s played himself into the State POY conversation: No. 18 ranked recruit in Class of 2013 as rated by ESPNHS. Two-time CIF Southern Section Division VII Player of the Year. Two-time All-CIF Division VII First Team All-State selection. Graduating in three years.
Ema Boateng
Junior midfielder, Cate School (Carpinteria, Calif.)
2012 Team record: 20-2-1
2012 Team standing: CIF Southern Section Division VII tournament champions
2012 Goals: 32
2012 Assists: 20
Career goals: 79
Career assists: 50
Academics: A-minus average
Collegiate destination: University of California-Santa Barbara
How he’s played himself into the State POY conversation: No. 18 ranked recruit in Class of 2013 as rated by ESPNHS. Two-time CIF Southern Section Division VII Player of the Year. Two-time All-CIF Division VII First Team All-State selection. Graduating in three years.
California Boys Hoop POY: Grant Jerrett
March, 22, 2012
Mar 22
5:46
AM ET
By Ben Rohrbach | ESPN.com
A dedicated ESPNHS team managed the Gatorade Boys Basketball Player of the Year selection process, resulting in winners based on the program's three pillars: athletic production and impact in the 2011 season, high academic achievement and exemplary personal character.
For his 50 fellow Gatorade State Boys Basketball Player of the Year winners, click here.
Nick KozaGrant Jerrett is the No. 9 ranked recruit in the Class of 2012 as rated by ESPNU.THE WINNER: Grant Jerrett
THE BASICS
School: Lutheran (La Verne, Calif.)
Grade: Senior
Position: Power forward
Height: 6-foot-10
Weight: 220 pounds
THE PILLARS
Athletic achievement: Jerrett averaged 22.3 points, 10 rebounds and 2.4 blocks per game this past season, leading the Trojans (25-8) to the CIF Division IV Southern Section quarterfinals. A 2012 McDonald’s All-American Game selection and a 2012 Jordan Brand Classic game invitee, he is the No. 9 ranked recruit in the Class of 2012 as rated by ESPNU.
For his 50 fellow Gatorade State Boys Basketball Player of the Year winners, click here.
Nick KozaGrant Jerrett is the No. 9 ranked recruit in the Class of 2012 as rated by ESPNU.THE BASICS
School: Lutheran (La Verne, Calif.)
Grade: Senior
Position: Power forward
Height: 6-foot-10
Weight: 220 pounds
THE PILLARS
Athletic achievement: Jerrett averaged 22.3 points, 10 rebounds and 2.4 blocks per game this past season, leading the Trojans (25-8) to the CIF Division IV Southern Section quarterfinals. A 2012 McDonald’s All-American Game selection and a 2012 Jordan Brand Classic game invitee, he is the No. 9 ranked recruit in the Class of 2012 as rated by ESPNU.
The window on the Gatorade State Boys Basketball Player of the Year race is closing, and the search for elite student-athletes is in full swing. The award recognizes not only athletic excellence, but also high standards of academic achievement and exemplary character demonstrated on and off the field. Here are two top candidates who meet the basic award criteria as determined by our ESPNHS team that administers the program’s selection process.
Aaron Gordon
Junior guard/forward, Archbishop Mitty (San Jose, CA)
2011-12 Team record: 28-3
2011-12 Team standing: Will play in CIF Division II quarterfinals on March 13
2011-12 Points per game: 22.9
2011-12 Rebounds per game: 12.9
2011-12 Assists per game: 2.9
2011-12 Blocks per game: 2.1
2011-12 Steals per game: 1
Academics: B average
Collegiate destination: HS Junior
How he’s played himself into the State POY conversation: 2011 First team All-State; 2011 and 2012 League Player of the Year; 2011 San Jose Mercury News Player of the Year; USA Basketball U16 team member; No. 3 recruit by ESPNU Super 60
Grant Jerrett
Senior power forward, Lutheran (La Verne, CA)
2011-12 Team record: 25-7
2011-12 Team standing: Will play in CIF Division IV quarterfinals on March 13
2011-12 Points per game: 22.3
2011-12 Rebounds per game: 10.2
2011-12 Assists per game: 2.6
2011-12 Blocks per game: 2.5
2011-12 Steals per game: 0.8
Academics: B-plus average
Collegiate destination: Arizona
How he’s played himself into the State POY conversation: 2012 McDonald’s All-American; 2012 Jordan Brand Classic selection; No. 9 recruit by ESPNU 100; 2010 and 2011 First Team All-CIF; 2010 and 2011 First Team All-State; 2012 Chick-Fil-A tournament MVP;
Make no mistake, the Gatorade State Boys Basketball Player of the Year race isn’t over yet. Time remains for one standout student-athlete among thousands to rise to the top of our list. Here are some more of many who’ve been in the conversation throughout the 2011-12 campaign.
Katin Reinhardt: Senior shooting guard, Mater Dei (Santa Ana, CA)
Gabe York: Senior shooting guard, Lutheran (Orange, CA)
Jabari Bird: Junior guard, Salesian (Richmond, CA)
Xavier Johnson: Senior forward, Mater Dei (Santa Ana, CA)
Think we're missing a deserving Gatorade State Player of the Year candidate in your state? Let us know via e-mail at ESPNHS_GPOY@ESPN.com.
Aaron Gordon
Junior guard/forward, Archbishop Mitty (San Jose, CA)
2011-12 Team record: 28-3
2011-12 Team standing: Will play in CIF Division II quarterfinals on March 13
2011-12 Points per game: 22.9
2011-12 Rebounds per game: 12.9
2011-12 Assists per game: 2.9
2011-12 Blocks per game: 2.1
2011-12 Steals per game: 1
Academics: B average
Collegiate destination: HS Junior
How he’s played himself into the State POY conversation: 2011 First team All-State; 2011 and 2012 League Player of the Year; 2011 San Jose Mercury News Player of the Year; USA Basketball U16 team member; No. 3 recruit by ESPNU Super 60
Grant Jerrett
Senior power forward, Lutheran (La Verne, CA)
2011-12 Team record: 25-7
2011-12 Team standing: Will play in CIF Division IV quarterfinals on March 13
2011-12 Points per game: 22.3
2011-12 Rebounds per game: 10.2
2011-12 Assists per game: 2.6
2011-12 Blocks per game: 2.5
2011-12 Steals per game: 0.8
Academics: B-plus average
Collegiate destination: Arizona
How he’s played himself into the State POY conversation: 2012 McDonald’s All-American; 2012 Jordan Brand Classic selection; No. 9 recruit by ESPNU 100; 2010 and 2011 First Team All-CIF; 2010 and 2011 First Team All-State; 2012 Chick-Fil-A tournament MVP;
Make no mistake, the Gatorade State Boys Basketball Player of the Year race isn’t over yet. Time remains for one standout student-athlete among thousands to rise to the top of our list. Here are some more of many who’ve been in the conversation throughout the 2011-12 campaign.
Katin Reinhardt: Senior shooting guard, Mater Dei (Santa Ana, CA)
Gabe York: Senior shooting guard, Lutheran (Orange, CA)
Jabari Bird: Junior guard, Salesian (Richmond, CA)
Xavier Johnson: Senior forward, Mater Dei (Santa Ana, CA)
Think we're missing a deserving Gatorade State Player of the Year candidate in your state? Let us know via e-mail at ESPNHS_GPOY@ESPN.com.
A dedicated ESPNHS team managed the Gatorade Girls Basketball Player of the Year selection process, resulting in winners based on the program's three pillars: athletic production and impact in the 2011 season, high academic achievement and exemplary personal character.
For her 50 fellow Gatorade State Girls Basketball Player of the Year winners, click here.
HoopGurlz/ESPNHSMater Dei (Santa Ana, Calif.) senior guard Nirra Fields is a member of Canada's U19 Women's National Team.THE WINNER: Nirra Fields
THE BASICS
School: Mater Dei (Santa Ana, Calif.)
Grade: Senior
Position: Guard
Height: 5-foot-10
THE PILLARS
Athletic achievement: Fields led the Monarchs to a 30-3 record, the Southern Section Division I-AA championship and a berth in the state tournament against Burbank (Calif.), played Wednesday. She averaged 22.5 points, 7.2 rebounds, 4.5 steals and 2.4 assists through 33 games. A member of Canada’s U19 Women’s National Team, Fields is both a McDonald’s All-American Game and a Women’s Basketball Coaches Association All-America Game selectee.
For her 50 fellow Gatorade State Girls Basketball Player of the Year winners, click here.
HoopGurlz/ESPNHSMater Dei (Santa Ana, Calif.) senior guard Nirra Fields is a member of Canada's U19 Women's National Team.THE BASICS
School: Mater Dei (Santa Ana, Calif.)
Grade: Senior
Position: Guard
Height: 5-foot-10
THE PILLARS
Athletic achievement: Fields led the Monarchs to a 30-3 record, the Southern Section Division I-AA championship and a berth in the state tournament against Burbank (Calif.), played Wednesday. She averaged 22.5 points, 7.2 rebounds, 4.5 steals and 2.4 assists through 33 games. A member of Canada’s U19 Women’s National Team, Fields is both a McDonald’s All-American Game and a Women’s Basketball Coaches Association All-America Game selectee.
The window on the Gatorade State Girls Basketball Player of the Year race is closing, and the search for elite student-athletes is in full swing. The award recognizes not only athletic excellence, but also high standards of academic achievement and exemplary character demonstrated on and off the field. Here are two top candidates who meet the basic award criteria as determined by our ESPNHS team that administers the program’s selection process.
Nirra Fields
Senior Guard, Mater Dei High (Santa Ana, CA)
2011-12 Team record: 29-3
2011-12 Team standing: Plays Brea Olinda in Southern Section Div. 1AA final, 3/2; Ranked No. 10 in ESPNHS Fab 50
2011-12 Points per game: 21.4
2011-12 Rebounds per game: 7.2
2011-12 Assists per game: 2.2
2011-12 Steals per game: 4.0
Academics: B average
Collegiate destination: UCLA
How she’s played herself into the State POY conversation: Ranked No. 11 senior by ESPNHS; McDonald's and WBCA All-American; Standout for Canada's U-19 Women's National Team.
Nirra Fields
Senior Guard, Mater Dei High (Santa Ana, CA)
2011-12 Team record: 29-3
2011-12 Team standing: Plays Brea Olinda in Southern Section Div. 1AA final, 3/2; Ranked No. 10 in ESPNHS Fab 50
2011-12 Points per game: 21.4
2011-12 Rebounds per game: 7.2
2011-12 Assists per game: 2.2
2011-12 Steals per game: 4.0
Academics: B average
Collegiate destination: UCLA
How she’s played herself into the State POY conversation: Ranked No. 11 senior by ESPNHS; McDonald's and WBCA All-American; Standout for Canada's U-19 Women's National Team.
A dedicated ESPNHS team managed the Gatorade State Boys Cross Country Runner of the Year selection process, resulting in winners based on the program's three pillars: athletic production and impact in the 2011 season, high academic achievement and exemplary personal character.
For his 50 fellow Gatorade State Boys Cross Country Runner of the Year winners, click here.
THE WINNER: Darren Fahy
THE BASICS
School: La Costa Canyon (Carlsbad, Calif.)
Grade: Senior
Height: 5-foot-11
THE PILLARS
Athletic achievement: Fahy raced to the Division 2 individual state championship this past season with a time of 15:03, leading the Mavericks to fourth place as a team. He won the Foot Locker West Regional championship in 15:29.0 and finished 17th at the national Foot Locker Cross Country Championships. He also had victories at the Mt. Carmel Invitational, the Stanford Invitational and the Mt. Sac Invitational.
Academic excellence: Fahy has maintained a 3.74 GPA in the classroom.
Exemplary character: A devoted member of his church community and a summer youth track coach, he has volunteered locally making skateboards for underprivileged children.
For his 50 fellow Gatorade State Boys Cross Country Runner of the Year winners, click here.
THE WINNER: Darren Fahy
THE BASICS
School: La Costa Canyon (Carlsbad, Calif.)
Grade: Senior
Height: 5-foot-11
THE PILLARS
Athletic achievement: Fahy raced to the Division 2 individual state championship this past season with a time of 15:03, leading the Mavericks to fourth place as a team. He won the Foot Locker West Regional championship in 15:29.0 and finished 17th at the national Foot Locker Cross Country Championships. He also had victories at the Mt. Carmel Invitational, the Stanford Invitational and the Mt. Sac Invitational.
Academic excellence: Fahy has maintained a 3.74 GPA in the classroom.
Exemplary character: A devoted member of his church community and a summer youth track coach, he has volunteered locally making skateboards for underprivileged children.
California Girls XC ROY: Sarah Baxter
January, 12, 2012
Jan 12
5:04
AM ET
By Ben Rohrbach | ESPN.com
A dedicated ESPNHS team managed the Gatorade State Girls Cross Country Runner of the Year selection process, resulting in winners based on the program's three pillars: athletic production and impact in the 2011 season, high academic achievement and exemplary personal character.
John Nepolitan/ESPNHSSarah Baxter is the returning Gatorade California Girls Cross Country Runner of the Year.THE WINNER: Sarah Baxter
THE BASICS
School: Simi Valley (Calif.)
Grade: Sophomore
Height: 5-foot-4
THE PILLARS
Athletic achievement: Baxter raced to the Nike Cross Nationals championship this past season with a time of 17:38. The state’s returning Gatorade Girls Cross Country Runner of the Year, Baxter was unbeaten on the season and captured the Division 2 state championship in 17:08. She also won titles at the Mt. SAC Invitational, the Ventura County Championships, the Marmonte League Championships and the Southern Section Championships.
Academic excellence: Baxter has maintained a 3.30 GPA in the classroom.
John Nepolitan/ESPNHSSarah Baxter is the returning Gatorade California Girls Cross Country Runner of the Year.THE BASICS
School: Simi Valley (Calif.)
Grade: Sophomore
Height: 5-foot-4
THE PILLARS
Athletic achievement: Baxter raced to the Nike Cross Nationals championship this past season with a time of 17:38. The state’s returning Gatorade Girls Cross Country Runner of the Year, Baxter was unbeaten on the season and captured the Division 2 state championship in 17:08. She also won titles at the Mt. SAC Invitational, the Ventura County Championships, the Marmonte League Championships and the Southern Section Championships.
Academic excellence: Baxter has maintained a 3.30 GPA in the classroom.
Eye on POY: California boys cross country
January, 4, 2012
Jan 4
10:58
AM ET
By Steve Ouellette | ESPN.com
The cross country season may have concluded, but the search for Gatorade State Boys Cross Country Runners of the Year is in full swing. The award recognizes not only athletic excellence, but also high standards of academic achievement and exemplary character demonstrated. These state meet winners made a case in their respective classifications, but did they do enough on and off the course this past season to capture the prestigious statewide honor?
Sergio Gonzalez
Senior, Arcadia High (Arcadia, CA)
2011 Team postseason standing: 2nd (Div. 1)
2011 State meet finish (Place—time): 1st—15:05
2011 Nike Cross Nationals Finals (Place—time): 25th—15:49.7
Darren Fahy
Senior, La Costa Canyon High (Carlsbad, CA)
2011 Team postseason standing: 4th (Div. 2)
2011 State meet finish (Place—time): 1st—15:03
2011 Foot Locker regional (Place—time): 1st—15:29.0
2011 Foot Locker nationals (Place—time): 17th—15:33.7
Sergio Gonzalez
Senior, Arcadia High (Arcadia, CA)
2011 Team postseason standing: 2nd (Div. 1)
2011 State meet finish (Place—time): 1st—15:05
2011 Nike Cross Nationals Finals (Place—time): 25th—15:49.7
Darren Fahy
Senior, La Costa Canyon High (Carlsbad, CA)
2011 Team postseason standing: 4th (Div. 2)
2011 State meet finish (Place—time): 1st—15:03
2011 Foot Locker regional (Place—time): 1st—15:29.0
2011 Foot Locker nationals (Place—time): 17th—15:33.7
Eye on POY: California girls cross country
January, 2, 2012
Jan 2
5:28
PM ET
By Steve Ouellette | ESPN.com
The cross country season may have concluded, but the search for Gatorade State Girls Cross Country Runners of the Year is in full swing. The award recognizes not only athletic excellence, but also high standards of academic achievement and exemplary character demonstrated. These state meet winners made a case in their respective classifications, but did they do enough on and off the course this past season to capture the prestigious statewide honor?
John Nepolitan/ESPNHSSarah Baxter defeated an outstanding field at the NXN finalsSarah Baxter
Sophomore, Simi Valley High (Simi Valley, CA)
2011 Team postseason standing: 4th (Div. II)
2011 State meet finish (Place—time): 1st—17:08
2011 Nike Cross Nationals Finals (Place—time): 1st—17:38
Vanessa Fraser
Junior, Scotts Valley High (Scotts Valley, CA)
2011 Team postseason standing: 10th (Div. IV)
2011 State meet finish (Place—time): 1st—17:46
John Nepolitan/ESPNHSSarah Baxter defeated an outstanding field at the NXN finalsSophomore, Simi Valley High (Simi Valley, CA)
2011 Team postseason standing: 4th (Div. II)
2011 State meet finish (Place—time): 1st—17:08
2011 Nike Cross Nationals Finals (Place—time): 1st—17:38
Vanessa Fraser
Junior, Scotts Valley High (Scotts Valley, CA)
2011 Team postseason standing: 10th (Div. IV)
2011 State meet finish (Place—time): 1st—17:46
California Volleyball POY: Emily Sklar
December, 14, 2011
12/14/11
5:45
AM ET
By Ben Rohrbach | ESPN.com
A dedicated ESPNHS team managed the Gatorade State Volleyball Player of the Year selection process, resulting in this winner based on the program's three pillars: athletic production and impact in the 2011 season, high academic achievement and exemplary personal character.
For her 49 fellow Gatorade State Volleyball Player of the Year winners, click here.
PrepVolleyball.comEmily Sklar earned Division II state title match MVP honors.THE WINNER: Emily Sklar
THE BASICS
School: Presentation (San Jose, Calif.)
Grade: Senior
Position: Outside hitter
Height: 6-foot-2
THE PILLARS
Athletic achievement: Sklar led the Panthers to a 41-2 record and the Division II state championship this past season. The returning Player of the Year as named by the San Jose Mercury News, she amassed 584 kills, 487 digs, 61 blocks and 33 service aces while recording a .332 hitting percentage and .412 kill percentage. Sklar totaled 41 service receptions, 22 kills, 12 digs, four blocks and one ace in a 3-1 state title match win against La Costa Canyon (Carlsbad, Calif.), capturing Division II state championship Most Valuable Player honors.
Academic excellence: Sklar has maintained a 3.91 GPA in the classroom.
Exemplary character: In addition to donating her time as a youth volleyball instructor and peer Spanish tutor, Sklar has volunteered on behalf of Sacred Heart Community Service and the Second Harvest Food Bank, and as a fundraiser for Invisible Children. She completed a two-week service-mission trip to Ecuador in 2009.
For her 49 fellow Gatorade State Volleyball Player of the Year winners, click here.
PrepVolleyball.comEmily Sklar earned Division II state title match MVP honors.THE BASICS
School: Presentation (San Jose, Calif.)
Grade: Senior
Position: Outside hitter
Height: 6-foot-2
THE PILLARS
Athletic achievement: Sklar led the Panthers to a 41-2 record and the Division II state championship this past season. The returning Player of the Year as named by the San Jose Mercury News, she amassed 584 kills, 487 digs, 61 blocks and 33 service aces while recording a .332 hitting percentage and .412 kill percentage. Sklar totaled 41 service receptions, 22 kills, 12 digs, four blocks and one ace in a 3-1 state title match win against La Costa Canyon (Carlsbad, Calif.), capturing Division II state championship Most Valuable Player honors.
Academic excellence: Sklar has maintained a 3.91 GPA in the classroom.
Exemplary character: In addition to donating her time as a youth volleyball instructor and peer Spanish tutor, Sklar has volunteered on behalf of Sacred Heart Community Service and the Second Harvest Food Bank, and as a fundraiser for Invisible Children. She completed a two-week service-mission trip to Ecuador in 2009.
California Football POY: Zach Kline
December, 1, 2011
12/01/11
5:46
AM ET
By Ben Rohrbach | ESPN.com
A dedicated ESPNHS POY team managed the Gatorade State Football Player of the Year selection process, resulting in this winner based on the awards program's three pillars: athletic production and impact in the 2011 season, high academic achievement and exemplary personal character. For his 50 fellow Gatorade State Football Player of the Year winners, click here.
Tom Hauck/ESPNHSZach Kline earned an invite to the Elite 11 quarterback camp this past summer.THE WINNER: Zach Kline
THE BASICS: Anatomy of a POY
School: San Ramon Valley (Danville, Calif.)
Grade: Senior
Position: Quarterback
Height: 6-foot-2
Weight: 205 pounds
THE PILLARS: Gatorade criteria
Athletic achievement: Kline has led the Wolves to a 9-3 record and a berth in the CIF North Coast Section Division I semifinals against Monte Vista (Danville, Calif.), scheduled for Dec. 3. He passed for 3,079 yards and 32 touchdowns, completing 195-of-289 attempts while throwing just six interceptions through 12 games. A 2012 U.S. Army All-American, Kline was also an Elite 11 quarterback camp invitee.
Academic excellence: Kline has maintained a 3.28 GPA in the classroom.
Exemplary character: A devoted member of his church community, Kline has volunteered locally as an elementary school guest speaker and on behalf of Locks of Love, a non-profit organization which provides hairpieces for financially disadvantaged children suffering from medical hair loss.
Tom Hauck/ESPNHSZach Kline earned an invite to the Elite 11 quarterback camp this past summer.THE BASICS: Anatomy of a POY
School: San Ramon Valley (Danville, Calif.)
Grade: Senior
Position: Quarterback
Height: 6-foot-2
Weight: 205 pounds
THE PILLARS: Gatorade criteria
Athletic achievement: Kline has led the Wolves to a 9-3 record and a berth in the CIF North Coast Section Division I semifinals against Monte Vista (Danville, Calif.), scheduled for Dec. 3. He passed for 3,079 yards and 32 touchdowns, completing 195-of-289 attempts while throwing just six interceptions through 12 games. A 2012 U.S. Army All-American, Kline was also an Elite 11 quarterback camp invitee.
Academic excellence: Kline has maintained a 3.28 GPA in the classroom.
Exemplary character: A devoted member of his church community, Kline has volunteered locally as an elementary school guest speaker and on behalf of Locks of Love, a non-profit organization which provides hairpieces for financially disadvantaged children suffering from medical hair loss.