8 key stories from high school sports excellence in the area
Local high school athletes and teams showcased excellence across multiple sports, highlighting individual and collective achievements. A Hughson quarterback demonstrated his prowess at a prestigious national camp, reinforcing the area’s emerging talent. The region celebrated championship moments, including a flag football team securing its first section title and a volleyball squad avenging a past loss to claim victory.
Basketball programs excelled, with Escalon girls extending their unbeaten run and Ripon Christian’s boys securing another league title. Numerous athletes earned all-state selections and committed to major collegiate programs, further cementing the area’s reputation for athletic success.
NO. 1: STILL PERFECT: ESCALON MOVES TO 16-0 ON SAMMY LANG GAME WINNER IN TVL OPENER
Lang scored a game high 25 points to lead Escalon to a one-point win in a TVL nail-biter. | Published January 5, 2024 | Read Full Story by Quinton Hamilton
NO. 2: NEARLY 20 MODESTO-AREA FOOTBALL PLAYERS EARN STATE, SECTION AWARDS. SEE WHO MADE LISTS
Players from schools small and large earned All-State and All-SJS awards. | Published February 6, 2024 | Read Full Story by Quinton Hamilton
NO. 3: VANDER VEEN, BEIDLEMAN LEAD RIPON CHRISTIAN TO TVL BOYS HOOPS TITLE
Jake Vander Veen scored a game-high 19 points and Jace Beidleman had a 14-rebound, 10-block double double. | Published February 10, 2024 | Read Full Story by Quinton Hamilton
NO. 4: HOW TEAMWORK, DEFENSE AND A HIGH SCHOOL REUNION LED TO BIG VALLEY BASKETBALL TURNAROUND
The Lions had 20 wins for the first time since 2007-08 and won their first home playoff game since 2008-09. | Published February 14, 2024 | Read Full Story by Quinton Hamilton
NO. 5: ‘IT WAS SURREAL’: INSIDE HUGHSON QUARTERBACK ROBERT MCDANIEL’S OFFSEASON, ELITE 11 EXPERIENCE
Hughson High quarterback Robert McDaniel was invited to the nation’s best QB competition in a big offseason. | Published June 29, 2024 | Read Full Story by Quinton Hamilton
NO. 6: NOTEBOOK: MODESTO NATIVE NICOLE WARWICK TALKS COLLEGE CAREER, OLYMPIC TRIALS, TURNING PRO
The Modesto Christian High graduate nearly qualified for the 2024 Paris Olympics. | Published July 25, 2024 | Read Full Story by Quinton Hamilton
NO. 7: CHAMPIONSHIP SATURDAY: HUGHSON FLAG FOOTBALL, RIPON VOLLEYBALL BRING HOME TITLES
Ripon won its title in three sets, Hughson never trailed in flag football. Big Valley Christian lost a five-set volleyball thriller. | Published November 10, 2024 | Read Full Story by Quinton Hamilton…