2009/2010

 

 

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"Valley Christian on the road to open NorCal tourney Lions visit University High of San Francisco"

Kurt Johnson, The Press Tribune - 3/9/10

You get the sense that Valley Christian coach Brad Gunter would rather see the University of Kansas coming out of the opposing locker room than Victory Christian.

The Lions have lost three times this season (of their five total losses) to the Vikings from Carmichael, including the last time they took the court in the Sac-Joaquin Section Division V semifinals.

Under the new state playoff format, the top four SJS teams in each division qualify for a spot in the state tournament field, and though it has to go on the road to do it, that means at least one more game for VCA. Gunter knows the field is strong, but he is just happy to see someone other than Victory Christian on the opposite bench.

“It will take our best game of the year to beat any of these teams in the NorCal playoffs, but I am really excited about it,” Gunter said. “Good thing is they won’t have Victory Christian on the front of their jerseys and that is a big relief.”

As for the team Ryan Cordell and company will match up with, the Lions are headed to City College of San Francisco to take on University High School. It is a team that Gunter has not seen and knows little about.

“I was about as clueless about University as you can imagine until this afternoon,” Gunter said. “I received the scouting report midday. I know that we have a size advantage and we will try to use it, but it looks like we will have to get it across the timeline first. They are an up and down pressing team that is well coached.”

That is not all bad news at Valley Christian, as they Lions also like to run the floor and jack up a lot of shots. For this contest, it seems their opponent will be helping get the tempo going.

“It looks like we will not have to push tempo for this one and just go,” Gunter said. “I have a feeling that this will be a high scoring affair. This is the style that we work on and want and I am very interested to see how we do against a quality opponent.”

University is a team that has played a quality schedule, which includes a win over the No. 3 seed in the D-V field, St. Joseph’s of Alameda. An overtime loss to the top NorCal seed, Branson, was the only thing standing between University and the North Coast Section final. The teams do share a common opponent in Stuart Hall, a team that VCA played competitively during the season that won University’s regular season league title. University lost two contests with Stuart Hall, but then got even by winning the rematch in the conference tournament .

“I am excited about the opportunity for our kids and don’t want them to just show up for the experience, but rather go out and try to get one,” Gunter said. “It does give our players a little comfort knowing that a common opponent has beaten them. Every win in this tournament is a huge deal and we would love to have a couple under our belt.”

The winner of Tuesday’s 7 p.m. game plays at No. 2 St. Francis of Watsonville (27-1), which could arguably be the best team in the tournament.

“They have played a schedule that is far above a normal Division V one and have been very successful,” Gunter said in describing St. Francis. “I would love to get the opportunity to test those waters.”

Gunter is hoping the teams from the Sac-Joaquin Section have success this year in order to earn some much-needed respect for the section. None of the teams from this area was seeded in the top four and thus all must play first round games in the 12-team bracket.

“I think that is too much credit to the Northern Section and not enough to the SJS,” Gunter said. “The only way to fix that for the future is for our section to go win some games now. I just feel bad for Victory that was worthy of a bye in the first round and instead they get a top team and contender in Head Royce in the first round.

“This is a great opportunity for us and we have yet to put four quarters of basketball together this season. We have to knock down shots and finish plays though. At this point of the season it is all about making plays and not just the system. If we can knock down shots and cut down on the turnovers, we have a chance at anybody.”

The Roseville Press - Tribune

 

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"Valley Christian can't recover against Victory First-half deficit proves too much for Lions"

Kurt Johnson, The Press Tribune  - 3/3/10

Kurt Johnson, The Press Tribune

Valley Christian guard Ryan Cordell releases a shot over the outstretched hand of a Victory Christian defender

Sometimes early mistakes become very difficult to overcome. On Tuesday night in Galt, that was certainly the case for the Valley Christian Academy boys basketball team.

The Lions made the trip to Galt High School for a Sac-Joaquin Section Division V semifinal battle with Carmichael’s Victory Christian and came out on the short end of a 73-64 verdict.

The game was an uphill battle most of the way for VCA as it fell behind in the first half and found itself working to overcome the deficit the rest of the way. The Lions (25-5) have taken three of their five defeats this year at the hands of Victory Christian (26-3).

“The biggest concern came true - the name on the front of their jersey,” said Valley Christian coach Brad Gunter. “They are a well coached team that has mentally tough kids that really know each other well. I guess you could say they have our number.”

Both teams came out of the gate charged up for the contest that did not tip until a few minutes past the scheduled 9 p.m. start time. VCA’s biggest problems in the first half were largely of its own making, though the Vikings did a nice job taking full advantage.

In an effort to keep fresh legs (and heads) on the court, Gunter employed a strategy of wholesale substitutions through much of the first half, sending five fresh players onto the floor at the same time. The tactic seemed to work, but with both units, the Lions had too many unforced turnovers and too many missed scoring chances, particularly from the free throw line.

“We had played them twice before and each time had low-scoring affairs that left us thinking too much and them not tired,” Gunter said. “The goal of the line changes was to keep us fresh for a dogfight while continuing to attack on defense in the first half. To a point it did exactly what we wanted.”

Valley Christian caught a bad break late in the initial stanza when an offensive foul committed by Orest Shaynyuk was mistakenly applied to Rob Frank. It was Frank’s third and left one of the Lions’ fiercest competitors on the bench for the entire second stanza.

Eight different VCA players scored in the first half, but they combined for just 26 points, far below the number the Lions usually post in the first 16 minutes. A big first half by 5-foot-10 senior guard Kevin Halverson (10 points) led the Vikings to a 33-26 lead at intermission.

The Lions turned up the defense, with a frenetic attacking press, coming out after the break, and they were successful in cutting into the lead. Each time they got near the top of the mountain, however, Victory was able to hit a couple of buckets to push its advantage back up to the 10-point range, and VCA was never able to get back on top.

Frank, Ryan Cordell and Stanley Winters were all involved in a defensive effort that caused the normally stingy Vikings into a number of miscues.

“I decided that if we were going to go down, we were going out on our terms and try to push the action,” Gunter said. “They normally do not turn over the ball and I am not sure how many we caused, but it has to be well over their season average.”

Neither team shot the ball particularly well, but both also had some big moments in the clutch shooting department. With Winters breaking down the Victory Christian defense off the bounce, and feeding teammates scoring opportunities, Shaynyuk and Jesse Peters both had solid scoring nights for the Lions.

Gunter expected the Vikings to get a lot of their scoring from forward Nathan Coppernoll, who averages 18.4 points per night. The 6-3 senior got his points (17 for the game), but it was not his output that killed Valley Christian. Coppernoll did hit one vital shot, a fade-away 35-footer at the third quarter buzzer that pushed the Viking lead to 12 points heading into the final eight minutes.

“I was happy that we made Nate Coppernol work harder this time around for his shots, but the off players on their team hitting shots in the first half was real uncharacteristic and a huge credit to them,” Gunter said.

One player who came up big in helping Victory hold off the Lions’ second half surge was Coppernoll’s sophomore brother, Clayton, who hit three huge 3-pointers and scored all of his 13 points after the break. He also led the Vikings with 10 rebounds for the night.

Despite Clayton Coppernoll’s big shots, VCA nearly managed to pull this one off. A Cordell 3-pointer with 34 seconds to go cut the margin to two points at 66-64, but it would be last Lion scoring of the game. A foul on the ensuing Victory possession was ruled intentional (a somewhat questionable ruling) set up Victory to put the lead back into two-possession territory and put the game away.

“The young Coppernol put a bit of a dagger in the heart, but I was very proud of the fight that the players came back with,” Gunter said. “It was a two-point game until the intentional foul call at the end and then we were in shoot the first shot mode after that.”

Free throws were a big part of the story as the Vikings hit 19-of-24 while Valley Christian nailed just 8-of-19 from the charity stripe.

Cordell scored 19 points to lead the Lions, while Peters and Shaynyuk each tallied 10 points. Peters led the squad on the backboards with nine. Marcel Louis-Jaques made a strong return from an injury and scored nine points, while reserve guard Jason Gish also scored nine and pulled down seven rebounds. Winters scored just two points, but his five rebounds and five assists were a big part of the Lion effort.

The win sends Victory Christian on to Arco Arena Friday night to take on Ripon Christian in the D-V title game. The Lions season does not end here as the top four in each division of the Sac-Joaquin Section advance to next week’s Northern California playoffs. VCA will find out where it will play in that tournament this weekend.

“Arco would have been great but this is a huge stepping stone for our program,” Gunter said. “Last year we were 16-12 and made it to the second round, this year 25-5, made it to the final four and Nor Cal and we have a lot in the tank for the next six years. Based on what everybody has coming back next season, I like our chances to get back to Galt and see if we can get over the next hump.”

The Roseville Press - Tribune

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"Valley Christian preps for section semifinal, Victory Christian Lions look to advance in

Division V"

Kurt Johnson, The Press Tribune - 3/2/10

Tim Lloyd, Special to The Press Tribune

VCA point guard Stanley Winters is a force at both ends of the floor

Trying to turn a major playoff semifinal matchup into just another game in the minds of his players is the goal for Valley Christian Academy boys basketball coach Brad Gunter as he prepares his squad for Tuesday night.

“I am more concerned with the name on the front of their jersey than anything else,” Gunter said in describing his team’s Sac-Joaquin Section Division V semifinal date with a top-seeded Victory Christian team that has beaten VCA twice this year. “We had this same problem with Bradshaw and overcame that hurdle and hoping to do the same tonight. We have an opportunity at Arco, section title, and a host in Nor Cal playoffs on the line and that is a lot of pressure. I hope that we are the first team to realize that this is another basketball game and can get into a rhythm offensively quickly.”

The Lions struggled to get past Sacramento Waldorf in Friday’s second-round battle, but that game helped Valley Christian prepare for the style of play they will see against the Vikings.

“I think it was good for us that we did not play well and were able to overcome,” Gunter said. “We have had a few games this season that we can call back to memory that we have played poorly and won the game. I expect this to be a dogfight all four quarters and success in the memory bank can only help with that.

“We have one day to prepare for them and trying to simulate their defensive pressure is tough to do. We saw a great glimpse of it in playing Sac Waldorf Friday night and we didn’t respond too well. I am hoping that a reality check of sorts will kick in at practice and we can focus on ball movement a little more.”

Valley Christian will look to its strong core of seniors to deliver big performances as it moves deeper into the playoffs. Senior guard Ryan Cordell is one of the Lions’ key players. At more than 20 points per game, he is the most reliable scoring option on the floor, but Gunter has a lot of other guys to go to in a pinch.

On the perimeter, seniors Rob Frank and Stanley Winters give the Lions strong play at both ends of the floor, and sophomore sharpshooter Jason Gish can go off for major offense. In the paint, a combination of Jesse Peters, Orest Shaynyuk and Zach Stoever must also play well.

Victory Christian comes in off a narrow win of its own, against a Global Youth Charter team that VCA handled easily twice this season. Gunter is quick to discount those who would read anything into those comparative results.

“I know that Global almost got them, but Global runs a five-guard, outside-orientated, drive-and-kick offense,” Gunter said. “Against a man defense that pressures the ball, Global can give anybody fits.”

The Vikings offense revolves around 6-foot-3 senior forward Nathan Coppernoll, who is the team leader in scoring (18.4 points per game), rebounding (8.5) and assists (3.1).

“They are a tough nose man-to-man defensive team that likes to slow it down, but can run if needed,” Gunter said. “They will run up your back if you do not get back. (Nate) Coppernoll is everything to them offensively and is all over the place when he does not have the ball.”

Coppernoll’s younger brother, sophomore Clayton, is a threat from the outside, as is 5-9 senior guard Brad Hoffelt. Hoffelt is the only other Victory player who averages double-digit scoring. The core of this team has been playing together for a long time, which gives the squad a bit of an advantage.

“The biggest thing is that they have played together as a unit since the seventh grade and they do not make very many mistakes defensively or offensively,” Gunter said. “They have a little size to go with their pressure defense, but we have to attack the rim and not settle for contested outside jump shots. Their weakness is their depth. We are much deeper than them, but have to try and attack very smart players.”

After enjoying the luxuries of playing on its home court, Valley Christian must now face the adversity of the road, with a neutral site game that is not scheduled to start until 9 p.m.

“The late start time doesn’t really concern me,” Gunter said. “We practice normally from 7-9 p.m. and most of the time my players do not respond until the later minutes of practice.

“Home court is definitely a huge advantage, but I am more concerned with the magnitude of the game and what is at stake. We have played in a lot of obscure places with no or little fan support and have responded well. The magnitude of the game is the real issue. Players get too amped up and because its Victory Christian it will be worse to calm my players down. A lot of the kids on both teams go to the same church and their two previous wins early in the season loom large in my players mind.”

Gunter points to his team’s need to protect the basketball and to take it away from the Vikings as keys to an upset win for his No. 4 seeded Lions. He also notes that in the earlier matchups this year, VCA has missed a number of close shots, which has somewhat negated its advantage on the backboards.

The Lions are wary of a Viking team that got this far a year ago, but was unable to advance.

“Victory was in the final four last year and lost to eventual section champion Bradshaw Christian,” Gunter said. “They were disappointed last season and in fact I think a little shocked that they did not advance. They have a chip on their shoulder to get to Arco and finish the task left undone last season. We prepare by trying to focus on what we need to do and not the other team. We have to execute on both offensive and defense.”

The game is the fourth of four on the docket Tuesday night at Galt High School and is scheduled to top at 9 p.m. The winner will move on to the section championship game Friday night at Arco Arena.

 

The Roseville Press - Tribune

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"Lions survive Sac Waldorf second round challenge Valley Christian reaches Division 5 semifinals"

Kurt Johnson, The Press Tribune - 2/27/10

Tim Lloyd, Special to The Press Tribune

Valley Christian forward Orest Shaynyuk takes the ball through the lane Friday against Sac Waldorf

 

Sometimes the approach that a win is a win has to carry you through when nothing else will.

For the Valley Christian Academy boys basketball team Friday night, survival was the best they could do, and survive they did.

“You take them how you can get them,” said Valley Christian coach Brad Gunter. “We did not play our best basketball of the season tonight, but most of that is a credit to Dean Stark and the Sac Waldorf players. We are fortunate to beat them, but at this point of the season I will take it.”

The Lions were down early and rallied in the second quarter to make it a tight one at intermission, but it was not until clutch defense and free throws down the stretch that they sealed a hard-fought 68-65 win over Sacramento Waldorf in the second round of the Sac-Joaquin Section Division V playoffs.

“They are a tough well-coached team,” Gunter said. “They got up on us in the first quarter by their pressure defense. Our advantage was our size but we could not, more like wouldn’t distribute the ball and attack from the weak side. The second quarter we did a much better job of sharing the ball and instead of four guys scoring in the first quarter, six players had points in the second.”

VCA caught a break with a key Sac Waldorf injury in the fourth, and then they fouled out one of the Waves top scorers with three minutes left, but even with that, this one went to the wire.

The Lions pulled out all of the stops on the defensive end, at one point going to a triangle-and-two to take away Sac Waldorf’s top scorer. In the final minute, Valley Christian’s defense was able to force difficult shots, allowing first Ryan Cordell and then Jesse Peters to score from the charity stripe to pull out the victory.

Sophomore Jason Gish scored 15 points to lead a balanced scoring attack. Cordell added 14, while Rob Frank scored 11, Orest Shaynyuk tossed in 10 and Peters scored eight.

The win puts VCA through to the section semifinals Tuesday night in Galt. The game time will be announced Saturday afternoon. It also guarantees the Lions a spot in the Northern California tournament regardless how they fare in the D-V final four. The top four in each division now qualify for the NorCal playoffs.

 

The Roseville Press - Tribune

 

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"Valley Christian girls longest run comes to an end Second round loss to Bradshaw Christian closes out year"

Galen Kusic, Press Tribune Correspondent  - 2/25/10

 

Tim Lloyd, Special to The Press Tribune

Valley Christian forward Samantha Shoemake takes the ball to the basket against Bradshaw Christian Thursday night.

 

While Tuesday's 75-27 Sac Joaquin playoff loss to Division V powerhouse Bradshaw Christian was bitter, Valley Christian Academy's season was sweet- advancing to the second round for the first time in school history and posting one of the Lions' best records in the past ten years.

"I think the biggest accomplishment is we come from a school of 28 girls that are students first," said head coach Kim Contreras. "They play every sport, and to go as far as we did this year...I can't ask for anything more. These girls did extroardinary."

Tonight was tough, as the Pride of Bradshaw Christian put on a clinic in ball movement, full court man pressure defense, unselfish play and crashing the boards.

The Lions got down to the Pride early 14-0 and never could mount a rally to get back in the game, as Bradshaw led 44-9 at the half. Bradshaw was driven by powerful interior play from center Cheyenne Williams, who dominated the glass with 16 points, 7 rebounds, three steals and three assists.

Jordie Smith lashed the nets both inside and out, leading the Pride with 22 points, four steals and three blocks. Point guard Ferrandi Espinosa was all over the court, adding 13 points, seven rebounds, six steals and four assists while guard Ashlee Jones contributed 11 points and six steals.

"We were feeling really good and we didn't want it to be anything like the last two games we played against them," said junior center Samantha Shoemake. "That's what I wanted, I didn't want to be blown out like today."

The Lions never quit, as Shoemake led the squad with 13 points, 7 rebounds and two steals. junior point guard Carly Gist put up seven, while sophomore wing Heather Frank added four.

"The last two games we played them extroardinary," said Shoemake. "At the end of last season we only lost to them by nine, it just didn't happen today."

The most impressive high point of the season for the Lions was beating Forest Lake Christian out of Auburn on Tuesday.

"It was so exciting, we had lost to them two years straight," said Gish. "I'm just glad we pulled it together and won."

The 63-61 first-round win was not easy, but with only five to six girls in the rotation- the out-manned Lions managed a way to hold on to the victory.

"Our girls were tired of losing to them," said Contreras. "We were more confident, because we had Samantha back from injury. They came in strong. They were physically and emotionally tired, but they just pushed through. They held it, they were calm, they ran the clock down and they took the victory."

Valley Christian ends the year 17-10, and 11-3 in Sac Metro league play.

"At the beginning of the season we were shaky, we didn't think we were going to win anything," explained Gish. "Getting to the playoffs and beating Forest Lake, we accomplished our goal. We're happy with that. We always pulled it together as a team, when we lose and when we win - we were as a team. We knew it was Bradshaw, but we put what we had out there."

The Lions' junior wing Midori Bounds had a strong game on the boards, snatching seven, while senior guard Mandy Vail left nothing on the court- grabbing six rebounds.

"I think the three girls that made first team and second team all-league really proved themselves tonight," said Contreras.

 

The Roseville Press - Tribune

 

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"Valley Christian dispatches Big Valley in D-V opener"

Robbie Enos, Press Tribune Correspondent  - 2/25/10

 

Kurt Johnson, Press Tribune file photo Jesse Peters of Valley Christian in a game earlier this season.

 

The Valley Christian Academy boys basketball team got its playoff quest off on the right foot Wednesday night.

The Lions (24-4) owned the backboards with a 38-20 rebounding advantage and rolled to a big first round win over Big Valley Christian out of Modesto, 75-46.

Senior forward Ryan Cordell led the charge with 19 points, but it was a true team effort that propelled VCA to victory. Twelve different lions scored points on the night and 37 of VCA’s points came from non-starters.

“Push tempo, play a lot of guys, and try to get their big guy in foul trouble,” was head coach Brad Gunter’s strategy going into the game. “I had a feeling they were going to come in and slow it down on us, and they did. So the concern wasn’t necessarily on the defensive end, it was to push the offensive end.”

Valley Christian’s quick tempo offense and aggressive defense threw Big Valley for a loop and kept them to just 13 first quarter points. Six different lions grabbed rebounds in the period with Cordell, senior center Jesse Peters, and senior forward Orest Shaynyuk grabbing two a piece.

Cordell, the foul-drawing machine, nailed six points from the charity stripe. Big Valley got big three-point shots from Corey Wells and Luke Lemings in the second quarter, but they were still down 34-23 at half.

VCA senior guard Stanley Winters came out on fire in the second half. Winters scored five points off two steals, and contributed seven total points for the third quarter. Cordell stayed consistent with seven points of his own. Shaynyuk grabbed three rebounds.

With a 54-33 lead going into the fourth quarter, the Lions cruised to victory. Sophomore guard Jason Gish scored all of his nine points in the fourth quarter, including a few reverse lay-ups to throw Big Valley for a spin. Junior forward Aaron Perchaz had three boards, and Valley Christian finished its opponent off.

Caleb Theodore of Big Valley led the squad with eight rebounds. Tyler Aderholt was the leading scorer with 15 points including three field goals from beyond the arc.

Peters led VCA with six rebounds.

Gunter is wary about No. 4 Valley Christian’s next foe. Sacramento Waldorf (21-7) is the fifth seed in the Division V tournament field.

“If we get Waldorf, they are a well coached, unbelievably disciplined, hard nosed, man-to-man team,” Gunter said. “We will approach it totally different than tonight. Honestly we’re going to enjoy tonight, and then tomorrow figure out a game plan. The biggest thing with Waldorf is that when you have a coach over there with 500 wins under his belt, he’s going to have a few things up his sleeve.”

While Gunter and the team are proud of their accomplishment, they are more focused on the road ahead.

“Our goal is really (the section semifinal round in) Galt,” Gunter said. “We are taking it one game at a time. This next game is the biggest one of the season.”

 

The Roseville Press - Tribune

 

 

 

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"Valley too much for Forest Lake"

By Eric J. Gourley Journal Sports Writer

LAKE OF THE PINES — After four straight losses to Forest Lake Christian over the last three seasons, Samantha Shoemake and her Valley Christian teammates were more than ready for another shot at the Falcons.

The Lions camped in Forest Lake’s passing lanes for easy steals, tied up the Falcons for countless jump balls and held off a spirited rally over the final four minutes to beat the hosts 63-61 in a Sac-Joaquin Section Division V playoff opener Tuesday night.

Valley will face top seed Bradshaw Christian, an 87-12 winner over Lodi Academy, on Thursday night. The Sacramento Metro League rivals met twice this season, with the Pride beating the Lions both times.

Forest Lake had bounced Valley in the first round of the playoffs two years in a row and beat them twice in nonleague action earlier this season.

“Oh my gosh, everyone in the locker room was talking before the game about how we had to beat them,” said Shoemake, who had 17 points. “The third time’s the charm. We just figured we had to go out and give our best. Win or lose, if we go out and give our best, we can’t go wrong.”

In the third meeting this season, No. 9 Valley looked prepared to avenge the losses from the outset.

The tenacious Lions (17-8) raced to first-quarter leads of 9-3 and 14-8. The No. 8 Falcons took their only advantage, 16-14, on a Maggie Aubuchon layup early in the second quarter, but Valley’s Carly Gish answered with one of the three 3-pointers she banked in over the next five minutes as the Lions had control at halftime, 34-23.

“We really weren’t playing our game in the beginning and we just stepped up in the second half,” said Aubuchon, who scored a team-high 16. “We got a good pep talk and it turns out we wanted it more than we thought we did.”

Forest Lake (15-10) opened the half with three straight baskets to cut the deficit to five before Valley rediscovered its shooting touch and resumed the pressure that forced many first-half turnovers. The Lions led by as many as 15 late in the third quarter.

“They were really aggressive to the ball and unfortunately the officiating that we typically see calls it really tight, so there was a lot of contact that normally gets called,” Falcons head coach Linda Clough. “They were very physical. In the olden days basketball used to be called a non-contact sport, but definitely it’s not that now. There was a lot of physicality. It caused the ball to change possession a lot more, but you’ve got to play through what’s been called.”

Trailing 52-38, the Falcons reduced the deficit to single digits on a pair of Molly Huusfeldt free throws with 4:48 left. Huusfeldt and Laura Ritchart brought the crowd back into it with back-to-back 3-pointers over the next two minutes and Forest Lake continued to chip away.

“They’re great fighters,” Clough said. “They’re great battlers. They have huge hearts and it’s not over until it’s over. I’m proud of them for that.”

Ritchart buried another trey with 54 seconds left to make it 62-59, but Gish – who led all scorers with 21 – made a free throw with 37.3 remaining. Ritchart was fouled going up to the hoop with 8.3 seconds left and made one free throw to cut the deficit to two, but the Lions played keep-away without getting fouled as time expired.

“It all wraps up in determination,” Aubuchon said. “They had more determination than we did and they are strong, even though we’re bigger.”

Ritchart finished with 14 points for the Falcons, while Emily English scored 12 and Huusfeldt added 10.

 

The Roseville Press - Tribune

 

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"Lions begin pursuit of crown"

" Valley Christian at home for playoff opener"

Kurt Johnson, The Press Tribune

Kurt Johnson, The Press Tribune Valley Christian's Ryan Cordell leads his team into the postseason Wednesday night on its home floor

There is a sense of uncertainty around the gym at Valley Christian Academy as the Lions prepare for their first postseason game this week. After earning the No. 4 seed among the elite teams in Division V boys basketball, VCA drew a matchup against a team it knows nothing about.

“I am hearing from one of my buddies that their guard play is their strongest weapon, but don’t know if they push the ball, press, zone, or man-to-man,” said Valley Christian coach Brad Gunter. “Unfortunately this might be a game that we adjust on the fly, and that is not what you want as a coach going into a do-or-die playoff situation.”

The Lions have dominated almost everything in their site this season, and this one figures to be more of the same, but there is work to do.

“With the huge win on Friday night (against Bradshaw Christian) I feel that we are finally ready for the challenge,” Gunter said. “We still have areas that we need to improve on, but Friday night’s win gave helped the mindset of my players. We now know that we cannot just compete with the top teams but we can actually beat them. Three wins would take us to Arco and a showdown with either Ripon Christian or Bradshaw. I would love to take my chances at either squad on a big floor.”

Valley Christian scores more than 76 points per night, with a number of players getting involved in the scoring. Senior Ryan Cordell scores 21 points per game to lead the way, while senior Rob Frank (10.5) and sophomore Jason Gish (11) also average double figures.

Point guard Stanley Winters scores nearly eight points and dishes out more than six assists per contest. Jesse Peters and Orest Shaynyuk each pull down more than eight rebounds a game. This is a deep team that loves to pressure the ball and run the floor.

Big Valley will be looking to slow the game down. The Big Valley Lions score just 51 per game and do a lot of their scoring from beyond the 3-point arc. Big Valley Christian’s three leading scorers – 5-foot-10 senior guards Corey Wells and Taylor Aderholt and 6-3 senior forward Caleb Theodore – all take as many shots from three-point range as they do from closer range.

For now, Gunter and his squad will take it one game at a time. A win against Big Valley sets up a likely duel with Sacramento Waldorf, a team that VCA knows well. The Lions would host that game on Friday night, looking to reach the section semifinals next Tuesday in Galt.

That matchup might bring on top-seeded Victory Christian, a team that handed Valley Christian two of its losses this year.

“I am excited to see how my players will react in each of the matchups, but do not want them to look ahead of any game,” Gunter said. “At this point of the season, just like all year, it is a one game at a time approach and I think my players are starting to get it.”

Wednesday's game tips at 7 p.m. in the gym at Valley Christian.

 

The Roseville Press - Tribune

 

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"Playoff atmosphere to arrive early at VCA Lions to face Bradshaw Christian for league title Friday night" Kurt Johnson, The Press Tribune - 2/16/2010

 

Kurt Johnson, The Press Tribune

Ryan Cordell (5) leads his Valley Christian team into a huge game Friday night against Bradshaw Christian.

 

When the team on top of your league is also the team that won the section title a year ago, the battle for the league title can seem like a huge step.

 

At Valley Christian Academy, there has been a mental block associated with attempts to knock off Bradshaw Christian. The Lions only league loss this season came on the road at Bradshaw, and when the two hit the floor at VCA’s senior night Friday, a league title will be the motivation.

 

“We need to find out if we can ignore the name on the front of their shirts,” said Valley Christian coach Brad Gunter. “This is a big game for us.”

 

While he has not disclosed it to his squad, Gunter and his coaching staff have been slowly getting ready for Bradshaw for three weeks now, since the loss to the league leaders earlier this season.

 

“We have slowly worked on things that we can use in the Bradshaw matchup. Little things defensively and offensively have been put into place the second time through league in preparation for that last game,” Gunter said. “We have not looked past anybody, but as a coaching staff we have done certain things on both sides of the ball that has helped us beat other opponents and hopefully made the key things that we need for Bradshaw second nature for our players. I am excited at the chances on Friday night. We have a chance to get back a win from one of the three teams that we have lost to.”

 

Despite two wins last week, the Lions dropped a spot in the Division V power ratings that were released Tuesday. Strength of schedule moved Ripon Christian all the way to the No. 2 spot.

 

The key rankings are the ones that will be released Sunday after the conclusion of the regular season. Those will come with brackets for the postseason tournament.

 

“A higher seed means opponents in that second-tier category. Falling to the four seed would mean a team like Sac Waldorf or Brookside Christian,” Gunter said. “Those types of teams are scary. They are well coached and have the records to prove it. Those types of teams could easily travel and upset you and nobody would be surprised.”

 

For now, Valley Christian will focus on trying to win the SMAL title and leave the tournament seeding in someone else’s hands.

 

“The atmosphere in the gym on Friday night is going to be crazy,” Gunter said. “Everyone from parents, alumni, students and just basketball fans has had this one on the calendar all season.

 

“On top of everything else it is our senior night, which has a lot of emotions in itself. Once again I think which ever team can control their emotions and treat it like any other game first will win. I am excited. These are the games that the kids tell their grandkids about.”

FYI:

Feb. 16 power ratings D-V top five:

1 Bradshaw Christian

2 Ripon Christian

3 Victory Christian

4 Valley Christian

5 Sacramento Waldorf

The Roseville Press - Tribune

 

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"Lions put squeeze on Lemons Valley Christian picks up 21st win against state’s leading scorer'

Kurt Johnson, The Press Tribune

Kurt Johnson, The Press Tribune VCA guard Ryan Cordell drives baseline during the first half of Friday's game

The top high school basketball scorer in the nation was in town Friday night, but his efforts were not nearly enough against a charged up Valley Christian team.

The Lions of Roseville’s Valley Christian Academy put themselves in position to play for a league title with a convincing 99-70 win over Robbie Lemons and Sacramento Country Day.

Lemons had to work for every one of his 37 points against a swarming VCA defense, but managed to hit his season average on the strength of nailing 19-of-20 free throws.

“Robbie is such a great player,” said Valley Christian coach Brad Gunter. “We wanted to get up in his shirt and make him work hard. Our traps on him were not designed to steal the ball, but to force him to give it up. He is really an unselfish player.”

Senior Rob Frank did much of the heavy lifting in the first half as he took the assignment on Lemons. The 6-foot-4 guard was the only Lion starter not to score in double figures, but his nine steals told the story of his dominating performance.

“Rob had his best defensive game of the year tonight,” Gunter said. “He and Stanley Winters were difference-makers.”

It was Winters who seized control of the game in the first half. His pressure on the ball and in pushing it at the Cavaliers set a tone in the early going. The VCA point guard scored 10 points and added four rebounds, four steals and two assists before intermission.

Before foul trouble got him, Jesse Peters was a major force in the paint for Valley Christian with eight first quarter points. Much of his work came as he worked the offensive glass.

While leading scorer Ryan Cordell struggled with his shot in the initial stages of the game, his teammates delivered.

“We have been working hard to make sure that we are not the Ryan Cordell show,” Gunter said. “He gets out there with Lemons and wants to match points with him. He was able to do that earlier at their place. Tonight, once we convinced him to let his guys do it, his game took off.”

Cordell did not score in the initial stanza, but in the second, as VCA exploded its advantage from six points at the quarter break to 54-30 at the half, he dropped in nine points.

Sophomore guard Jason Gish scored seven before the break, and Zach Stoever, who also did a ton of work on the offensive window, scored nine with three offensive boards.

As Cordell picked up his offensive game, along with Gish, the Lions roared away from Sac Country Day, and when JV call-up Kris Kobzeff scored a lay-up and drew a foul in the closing minute, he had a chance to take his team to the century mark. The charity toss bounced away, leaving the final margin at 29 points.

As expected, Lemons filled the stat sheet with 37 points, 15 rebounds and five blocked shots for the Cavaliers. Richard Walter added 14 points and seven boards for Sac Country Day (7-5 in the SMAL, 16-6 overall).

Cordell finished the game with 24 points and 10 rebounds to lead six Lions in double figures. Gish scored 16, while both Winters and Peters tossed in 12. Peters also snagged eight boards. Stoever and Orest Shaynyuk each tallied 10 points for VCA.

The Lions (11-1, 21-4) travel to Yuba City to take on Faith Christian (2-9, 5-13) Tuesday night before returning home to close out the season against league-leading Bradshaw Christian (12-0, 19-6) next Friday night. First place in the SMAL and also a possible No. 1 seed in the Division V playoffs should be on the line against a team that VCA has struggled against.

“This was a really big win for us,” Gunter said. “We’re not looking past Faith, but this sets up a big one for next Friday night. We’ll have to see if we can ignore the name on the front of their shirts and play our game.”

 

The Roseville Press-Tribune

 

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"VCA JV claim league tourney title Young Lions blow out Faith Christian"

Staff Report, The Press Tribune - 2/13/2010

Kurt Johnson, Press Tribune file photo

VCA's Josh Bowden dominated the first-ever SMAL tournament

The first-ever Sacramento Metro Athletic League tournament title is in the hands of Valley Christian Academy.

In what Lions' coach Mike Parker hopes will become an annual tradition, VCA hosted and won a postseason tournament that brought in the top four teams in the league regular season standings. The one-day event concluded with the Lions poounding Yuba City's Faith Christian 72-40 in the title tilt.

In its first game, Valley Christian started slowly as a number of starters opened the game on the bench for disciplinary reasons. Leading Sacramento Adventist just 26-21 at intermission, the VCA starters erupted with a 20-3 advantage in the third stanza and then rolled to a 52-32 victory.

Josh Bowden scored 16 points and pulled down 10 rebounds to lead the way, as Wright Hagerty added 10 points and Kris Kobzeff scored eight and handed out five assists.

The win by Roseville-based VCA brought on the championship matchup with Faith Christian, a winner over Bradshaw Christian earlier in the day.

The Lions trailed 8-2 out of the chute and 15-12 at the end of one quarter, but then they outscored Faith Christian 47-17 in the second and third periods to run away and hide.

"We were really struggling early," Parker said. "We were sleepwalking and throwing the ball away, but we scratched back."

Valley Christian went to the full court press to speed the game up and it worked for them.

"We rarely do that as we don't need it in this league," Parker said. "We drew some things up and went after them. We were able to cause some problems and get some turnovers. That really changed the course of the game and got my guys going."

Bowden scored 25 in the nightcap, and eight of his 11 boards game on the offensive glass. Josh Flanagan scored 13 points, while Hagerty added 10 and Kobzeff 11 points.

The win ends VCA's season at 19-7.

The Roseville Press-Tribune

 

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"Changing kids' lives through coaching VCA’s Gunter builds successful sports program at small school"

by Kurt Johnson, The Press Tribune - 1/27/2010

 

Kurt Johnson, Press Tribune file photo

Valley Christian’s Brad Gunter gathers his team around him during a game last season.

 

While four schools around town boast high-profile athletic programs in the competitive Sierra Foothill League, there is a fifth school that flies largely under the radar.

 

When people discuss private school high school sports, they usually talk about powerhouse programs like Jesuit and Christian Brothers, but all over the region are small schools just like Valley Christian Academy. With slightly more than 100 high school students on campus, the Lions have built a strong record of athletic success.

 

Opened in 1979 as Tabernacle Baptist School, VCA has been about family from the outset. Pastor Brad Gunter, Sr. opened the school when his son, Brad, was in the first grade.

 

“Dad established sports at VCA so I could play,” said Brad Gunter, Jr., who currently serves as the school’s vice principal and athletic director, while coaching both baseball and boys basketball. “When I returned to VCA after college, dad gave me the green light to build the entire athletic program.”

 

Gunter played basketball for his father through high school, and his baseball career extended through tours at Sierra College, Liberty University and Sacramento State.

 

What Gunter has built at Valley Christian now is a program that provides incredible sports opportunity to students at a school with such a small population. The focus is on succeeding on the field of play, but incorporates much more than that.

 

“Coach Gunter taught all of us that there was a time for humor (most of the time) and there was a time to be serious (game time),” said Warren Rosebrock, who played soccer, basketball and baseball at VCA. “I remember the trips to and from the games to be almost as fun as the game. Whether we were headed to a basketball game in Napa or a baseball game in Marysville he always kept us loose and ready to go.”

 

“I knew that I wanted to eventually coach early on in my college career,” Gunter said. “VCA gave me the opportunity to shape the programs how I wanted and make the true priorities in life matter more then the outcome of a game. The byproduct has been a lot of wins, but more importantly a lot of alumni that have succeeded as husbands, dads and great men.”

 

From the early days with 24 high school students and just a boys and girls basketball program, the school has grown to include football, girls volleyball, JV and varsity boys basketball, girls basketball, JV and varsity baseball, softball and co-ed golf.

 

“The goal has always been to never leave a student with the emptiness of non participation,” Gunter said. “We didn’t want kids to suffer from attending a small school by not offering what other public schools in the area offered. When we had enough that were interested in a sport, I pushed to start the program.”

 

“Sharing athletes is a huge way of life on this campus. If you have a great football player, you convince the baseball or basketball players to play that sport to help the football player out and vice versa.  What we offer for our size of school is a credit to our students, coaches, and parents. It is even mind blowing to me at how much we are able to offer year after year.”

 

Gunter’s best memories have come outside the lines.

 

“One of the greatest moments was the first time Daniel Claiborne brought his newly born little girl by the gym to see me,” Gunter said. “Those are the moments that mean the most to me.”

 

He has also seen his former players persevere through difficult situations and has come to admire them.

 

“I had an alum (Scott Shannon) that coached our JV baseball team for two seasons,” Gunter said. “He has his wife Rachel were expecting their first child. They were told early on that the child would not survive, but still made the tough choice to go through with the pregnancy.

 

“I was so proud of Scott and Rachel. Even though this was the toughest situation I had ever seen, they stayed strong and didn’t let it destroy them. They did eventually have a healthy baby girl over a year later. Scott and Rachel are heroes of mine.”

 

Gunter has used his philosophy of building character first to put some highly successful teams on the court and the diamond. When the Lion baseball team hits the field in the spring, it will do so as the two-time defending section champions.

 

The varsity boys basketball team is in the middle of a highly successful season as well, as it builds towards a hoped-for long playoff run.

 

Through it all, Gunter juggles the time commitments of school and coaching with an active family life.

 

“My family is amazing, especially my wife Megan,” Gunter said. “They understand completely and give me the flexibility to do what is needed to do for the ministry. I make every effort to attend all their functions and games even if that means I have to miss a practice.”

 

Gunter has even added the coaching of his kid’s teams to his schedule.

 

“Brad Gunter has an unbelievable heart for kids on and off the court and field,” Claiborne said. “He is great at motivating kids to be the best they can be in sports but more importantly how to be the best they can be in life. His knowledge for sports is absolutely amazing and he is incredibly smart, but his true passion is changing lives.”

Coach's Corner:

Brad Gunter

Valley Christian Academy

Family – Wife Megan (from Cupertino; they met on a blind date) and three kids (Micah, 12, seventh grade; Claudia, nine, fourth grade, Cloe, nine, fourth grade)

Favorite sport to coach – “My first love, and people will be shocked to hear this, is basketball. Baseball is what I have the most experience in, but there is nothing like a basketball game to get the juices flowing.”

Coaching philosophy – Character first. “Sports are a great tool to use to mentor young minds about life. I feel that you can teach a lot through sports – be on time, take responsibility for actions, work hard, and perseverance.”

Mentors – “My dad is without a doubt the biggest influence in my life. He has shown through example that putting others first is more rewarding than anything else. I also had a great JC baseball coach (Steve Eakes – Highlands H.S. Athletic Director), who taught me to do things the right way and still be a competitor doing it.”

Favorite quote – “Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.”

Last book read - Josh Hamilton’s Beyond Belief

 

Roseville Press-Tribune

 

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"VCA attacks, smothers Lemons and Sac Country Day Lions run to top of SMAL standings"

by Kurt Johnson, The Press Tribune - 1/18/2010

Kurt Johnson, Press Tribune file photo Valley Christian's Ryan Cordell outscored Robbie Lemons of Sac Country Day Saturday night.

Small gymnasiums filled with big excitement are often the story when the top teams of the Sacramento Metro Athletic League get together.

On Saturday night, that scene played out at Sacramento Country Day High, where the Valley Christian Academy boys basketball team dominated the host team 87-51 in an unexpectedly lopsided contest.

“The gymnasium, which seating capacity is smaller than ours, was standing room only,” said Valley Christian coach Brad Gunter. “In fact, people were standing in the outer hallway to watch the game. It was an amazing atmosphere.”

It was billed as a clash of the titans with 14-2 Sac Country Day led by 6-foot-4 senior guard Robbie Lemons welcoming 14-3 VCA. Lemons is the leading scorer in the state, averaging more than 38 points per game, and has been recruited to play at Stanford next season. For the second time this season (the Lions also dominated Forest Lake Christian with UC Davis-bound Josh Ritchart) Valley Christian overwhelmed a heralded player with its team approach.

“I know this sounds funny, but we held Lemons to 28 points (10 under his average),” Gunter said. “We had a man on Lemons everywhere he went and when he touched the ball a quick double-team followed. The young man is talented, and not a ball hog as some might perceive. He is one of the greatest team players I have ever seen.”

“The best part of our defense was our anticipation out of scramble mode once Lemons passed the ball,” Gunter added. “Even with 4-on-3 situations in the half court, we seemed to contest every shot and take great angles to recover on their misses.”

The Lions delivered another high-octane first half in which they tallied 50 points and led 50-24 at the break. Ryan Cordell, guarded all night long by Lemons, outscored the Cavalier star as he poured in 34 points.

While Cordell stole the show offensively, it was the team effort on the backboards that really set the tone for Valley Christian.

“The big story of the night was controlling the boards,” Gunter said. “Our six big men helped keep Sac Country Day off the glass all night, and limit them to one-and-done situations. We had a team total of 56 rebounds on the evening and I think that is a season high.”

Eleven of Serge Lazersku’s 15 rebounds came at the offensive end for VCA, and Jesse Peters grabbed 12 boards.

It was the usual running game that worked once again for the Lions, who put up 86 shots in the game. Point guard Stanley Winters dished out seven assists.

“We used 14 players on the night and were in constant attack mode,” Gunter said. “Offensively we tried to run. I was hoping to tire their team out on both sides of the floor. Every time they made an adjustment on one of our players, the ball would quickly go to the mismatch on the floor and back to attack mode.”

Sophomore Jason Gish had 16 points on the evening and was a huge match-up problem for the Cavaliers’ man-to-man defense.

Valley Christian (5-0 in the SMAL, 15-3 overall) hosts Faith Christian of Yuba City Friday night before next week’s SMAL game of the week when the Lions travel to face defending section champion Bradshaw Christian.

 

Roseville Press - Tribune

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"Valley Christian struggles, still beats long-distance foe"

by Kurt Johnson, The Press Tribune - 1/11/2010

Kurt Johnson, The Press Tribune

VCA forward Jesse Peters

A tight contest that pushed his team to its limit to earn a victory was a surprisingly good sight for Valley Christian Academy boys basketball coach Brad Gunter Saturday night.

“This was the game that we needed,” Gunter said. “It was a dogfight after the first couple of minutes. We jumped out to a quick 11-2 lead and then the basket seemed to shrink. On the road I understand, but we were at home. We just could not make shots tonight.”

The Lions came from behind by outscoring visiting Monte Vista Christian 14-5 in the final stanza to take a 58-54 win in a non-league game. The visitors from the Monterey area had controlled the pace of scoring, particularly in the second period and took a five-point advantage into the final eight minutes.

The five-point lead was still intact with less than a minute to go, but Valley Christian took care of business with their pressure defense and at the free throw line to complete their comeback and claim victory.

Jesse Peters knocked down two free throws with a little over 30 seconds left in the game that finally gave the Lions the lead as they put VCA up by one point. After a Jason Gish steal and a defensive stop, Gish hit 3-of-4 charity tosses down the stretch to put the game in the win column for the Lions.

Ryan Cordell was the only Valley Christian scorer in double figures, but he had to battle for every one of his 25 points.

“They did a great job on Cordell all night, but he still got 25 points,” Gunter said. “The problem was, we could not hit from anywhere. Outside of Cordell, we had players with open looks all night long and could not hit the shot. We won ugly tonight, but it might be the exact thing we needed for the future.”

The Lions took a ton of shots, but were off the mark most of the night, connecting on just 3-of-32 from beyond the three-point line. The squad needed 84 total shots to get to 58 points. Stanley Winters and Peters each scored eight points for VCA.

The Lions host Buckingham Charter in a Sacramento Metro Athletic League game at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday night

 

Roseville Press - Tribune

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"A youthful perspective on city government. City appoints teens to join commissions and boards"

By Megan Wood - The Press Tribune - 1/7/2010

Courtesy Micky DeFiebre Age: 16 Junior at Valley Christian Academy Youth Commissioner for the Transportation Commission Hobbies: basketball, football, baseball and working on computers

There are four new faces at Roseville’s City Hall this year.

Jacob Priley, Josephine Kao, Alexander Kludjian and Micky DeFiebre are the newest members of some of the city’s boards and commissions.

These youth commissioners join the city board and commission members to provide a younger point of view on the issues that come before the members, said Megan Macpherson, Roseville communications manager.

The high school aged youth members were announced in December and begin fulfilling their roles as commissioners this month attending meetings, analyzing agendas and packets and for some, partaking in the decision-making process.

Here, The Press Tribune introduces you to the four newest members to walk the halls at 311 Vernon St.

Jacob Priley

Age: 16

Sophomore at Roseville High School

Youth Commissioner for the Parks and Recreation Commission

Quote to live by: Carpe Diem

Following in the footsteps of his father, Jacob Priley is the newest member of the Parks and Recreation Commission.

Priley, who said his family has been involved with the city of Roseville for as long as he can remember said he feels like becoming a youth commissioner is a way for him to carry on the legacy that his father, John Priley, began in the Parks and Recreation department.

“Roseville has one of the greatest parks and recreation systems,” Priley said. “I felt I could make a difference on the board.”

Priley’s personal goal for the next 12 months is to reach out to his fellow high school-aged peers to seek out their opinions on Roseville’s Parks and Recreation programs and find ways for all residents to feel a sense of ownership of their local parks.

Priley is active with student government and acts as sophomore class president and parent club liaison at Roseville High School.

Bob Smith, former chairman of the Parks and Recreation Commission said that as a voting member Priley would take part in naming new parks and would be a part of various subcommittees like working for the Maidu Interpretive Center.

“We were thrilled with Jacob, his involvement with the community, resume and outstanding skills really set him apart,” Smith said. “The feedback from the selection committee was stellar.”

Josephine Kao

Age: 14

Freshman at Mira Loma High School

Youth Commissioner for the Library Board

Where you have seen her: Frequent contestant in the Scripps National Spelling Bee, teaching classes at the Martha Riley Library and winner of the 2007 UNICEF greeting card design contest

Josephine Kao is no stranger to civil service, especially when it comes to Roseville libraries.

For the past several years she has devoted every spare minute to various library projects like the Spelling Club, which she now teaches, Teen Library Council and even raising money to donate to the opening of the Martha Riley Library in 2008.

“Working for the Library Commission was my first choice, they’ve been the main thing I’ve been focused on since sixth grade,” Kao said.

Her extensive knowledge and experience volunteering for the Roseville libraries made applying that board alone a no-brainer Kao said.

Now that Kao will be a full voting member of the Library Board, Kao said she hopes to outreach to her peers who aren’t aware of the services the libraries provide while balancing her own opinions and ideas.

“I know that the way I see the libraries and the way my peers view them are completely different,” Kao said. “It’s definitely going to be a balancing act to take the different sides from the board, my peers and then my own opinions.”

David Uribe, vice chair of the Library Board said that of the 12 applicants looking to join as youth commissioners, it was Kao’s experience and involvement with the libraries that really stood out to him.

Uribe’s goal for Kao is to not only bring a youth perspective, but to also reach out to her peers and educate teens about the facilities.

“A lot of my friends only use the library if they have to. They aren’t aware of what else they offer,” Kao said. “But the libraries these days aren’t just for adults anymore.”

Alexander Kludjian

Age: 17

Junior at Roseville High School

Youth Comissioner for the Grants Advisory Commission

Future Aspirations: Hopes to run for president in 2032.

Alexander Kludjian is getting a head start on his college studies beginning with a crash course in local government.

Kludijan joins the Grants Advisory Commission saying he needed a change of scenery after being active in numerous student government groups and clubs.

“I wanted to get involved and learn from this experience. I’m used to being around my peers in student government at school,” Kludjian said. “This is a way for me to have a voice and really make a difference.”

Kludjian had his heart set on joining the Roseville Grants Advisory Commission because of his interest in the city’s funding process.

“I think sometimes teens get lost in the shuffle and being on the board, I want to change the reputation that the youth in our community has placed on them,” Kludjian said. “Even though I’m not a voting member, I think I can make convincing arguments and be a part of discussions to fund projects that are in the interest of teens.”

Stanford Hirata, chairman of the Grants Advisory Commission said Kludjian’s enthusiasm and drive to make a contribution to the city was exactly what was needed in a youth commissioner.

“We were looking for someone that understood what it means to be involved in the community and showed an ability to make good decisions,” Hirata said. “Alex really fit all of our requirements and then some.”

Micky DeFiebre

Age: 16

Junior at Valley Christian Academy

Hobbies: basketball, football, baseball and working on computers

Micky DeFiebre can utilize his recent experience of relying on Roseville’s public transportation system when he begins serving the Transportation Commission this month.

For the better part of last year, Roseville’s public transit was DeFiebre’s only mode of transportation from his home in Lincoln to Roseville.

“I have a really good understanding of the public transportation system in Roseville from where bus stops are and bus routes,” DeFiebre said. “It also taught me a lot about time management and money, which I think more kids my age need to be learning.”

That’s precisely DeFiebre’s goal for the coming year, to encourage more teens his age to learn the public transit system as a way to gain independence and reduce the impact on the environment.

“I think that’s the main thing with teens, they want to be more independent and the ‘green’ movement is a big trend,” DeFiebre said. “I think it will just take a little bit of education to get my peers behind using public transit.”

Despite having only lived in Roseville for a few months, Robert Lyss of the Transportation Commission said DeFiebre’s extensive knowledge of public transit as well as his interest in urban planning made him the right man for the job.

“It was also the intangibles that made him right. He’s very articulated and has an interest in city government,” Lyss said. “We were very lucky to have several qualified applicants but Micky came with the intangibles and a little bit of everything that we were looking for.”

 

Roseville Press-Tribune

 

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"Young Lions cruise past Sac Adventist"

Staff Report  - The Press Tribune - 1/7/2010

Kurt Johnson, The Press Tribune Valley Christian guard Kris Kobzeff (3).

During a 27-7 first quarter eruption, it was apparent to Valley Christian Academy boys junior varsity basketball coach Mike Parker that his team had a decided advantage in its Tuesday night encounter with Sacramento Adventist.

Beginning in the middle of that opening stanza, the coach began making full use of his 15-player full roster, providing loads of playing time up and down the VCA bench. The Lions coasted to a 68-47 final while giving a lot of minutes to everyone on the roster.

Josh Flanagan scored 13 points to lead a balanced scoring attack the featured three other Lions in double figures – Kris Kobzeff and Josh Bowden with 11 each and Clint Heckman with 10 off the VCA bench. Kobzeff also nabbed five steals, while Bowden pulled down eight rebounds. Wright Hagerty grabbed nine boards to lead Valley Christian in that department.

The Lions (1-0 in Sacramento Metro Athletic League play) are at Global Youth Charter Friday night.

“We have no idea what to expect from Global Youth,” Parker said. “This is the first year they have had a JV program.”

 

Roseville Press-Tribune

 

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"Valley Christian runs off Sac Adventist in league opener"

Lions score 64 points in first half

by Kurt Johnson, The Press Tribune - 1/6/2010

Kurt Johnson, The Press Tribune Point guard Stanley Winters had another solid night for Valley Christian.

A dominating performance started off the Sacramento Metro League season for the Valley Christian Academy boys basketball team.

“In baseball terms, it was as close to a perfect game or no-hitter as you can get in basketball,” said Valley Christian coach Brad Gunter. “All 14 players played incredibly well.”

The Lions scored early and often, delivering a 36-point first quarter on the way to a 96-29 victory over Sacramento Adventist. Only a low-scoring nine-point final quarter kept VCA from reaching triple digits in the game as the Lions put up 64 points before the break.

“We controlled every aspect of the game and every loose ball, rebound, and lucky break seemed to go in our advantage,” Gunter said. “We scored within two seconds of the opening tip and the rest of the night went according to plan. Sac Adventist is a solid basketball team and deserving of their record (7-1) coming into the night, but everything went our way. Our starters played less then half the game and we took off the full court pressure in the first quarter, but our bench played just as hard an efficient as the starters. It is a great start to the league season.”

Ryan Cordell led four Valley Christian players in double figures with 22 points Tuesday night. Stanley Winters had 14, Rob Frank scored 13 and Jason Gish added 13 as well.

The Lions visit Global Youth Charter in a key league game Friday night in Antelope. VCA lost a pair of games to GYC twice a year ago by a total of three points.

 

Roseville Press-Tribune

 

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"The best kept secret in town"

by Kurt Johnson, The Press Tribune - 12/22/09

I felt like I was in a scene out of the movie Hoosiers.

I know I was in Roseville, and not Hickory, but there is a high school gym in this town that reminds me of those that Gene Hackman coached in during that movie. A school with just 101 registered high school students that is establishing a tradition of basketball excellence.

I took a trip to the gym at Valley Christian Academy Monday night to watch the Lions take on Forest Lake Christian, with their UC Davis-bound big man Josh Ritchart. The small facility was packed with an enthusiastic crowd for a non-league game played during the holiday break.

It was not the first time I have been to a game at VCA, a small private school that competes at a high level in Division V basketball and that has won two straight D-VII baseball titles. Brad Gunter is the athletic director and coaches both the baseball team and the boys basketball team.

I was at the Rocklin Holiday Tournament last week as well, and at least on the nights I was there, the crowd was small. That will change when SFL regular season hoops begins in January, but it was nice to discover the best kept secret in town in an electric atmosphere over at Valley Christian.

The Lions won the game in a rout. This team can flat out play, and their style of play reminds me why I love basketball – pressure defense, running the floor at high speed and raining 3-pointers. Head over there some night, and I promise you will not be disappointed.

Roseville Press-Tribune

 

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"Lions roar early against Forest Lake"

"VCA gives Ritchartfits in the paint"

by Kurt Johnson, The Press Tribune - 12/21/09

 

Superstar big man Josh Ritchart led his Forest Lake Christian team into hostile environment Monday and got more than he bargained for.

With extra chairs brought in to find seats for a capacity crowd that gathered in the cozy gym at VCA, the crowd was into the battle from the outset.

“The gym was electric tonight and was a huge motivation for our players,” said Valley Christian coach Brad Gunter. “Alumni, family and friends provided and amazing atmosphere, especially so early in the year. For kids to play in that type of environment is something they will remember the rest of their lives and that is what was so special about it.”

The Valley Christian Academy boys basketball team made Forest Lake’s 6-foot-8 Ritchart work for everything he got and the result was an impressive 77-48 VCA win in front of its home crowd. In the process, the Lions got a measure of revenge against the team that knocked them out of the playoffs one year ago.

“Overall it was a huge win for our program,” Gunter said. “We knew that a player of Ritchart's caliber needed our full attention and last year we lost in the playoffs because we forgot he was on the floor. This year we did not want that same mistake.”

While sophomore guard Jason Gish was scoring eight points in the opening quarter, mostly on the fast break, to get the offense going, the most impressive work was happening on the defensive end.

Center Jesse Peters, forward Orest Shaynyuk and at times 6-3 guard Ryan Cordell took turns putting the clamps on Ritchart, who has already committed to play his college ball at UC Davis next season. Zach Stoever and Greg Ellis took turns off the bench at helping on the big man. The Falcon center scored just nine points before intermission, but hit just two field goals.

“Defensively we wanted to deny Josh the ball and double whenever he touched it,” Gunter said. “We had planned double teams based on where he caught the ball, but in the first half we went after the steal a little to much instead of the game plan of containment. We also tried to switch defenses each time down the floor, but pressure the guards no matter what look was behind. Our players did a good job overall with the defensive game plan, but Josh still scored 20 on the night. It shows you how good he is.”

Point guard Stanley Winters and Peters each grabbed four rebounds in the first eight minutes, and Shaynyuk grabbed three and added a pair of blocked shots as VCA turned rebounds, steals and blocks into transition offense and a 21-11 advantage.

“The game plan was tempo,” Gunter said. “We wanted a high paced game that allowed our athletes to run. I knew we would have issues with turnovers, but I felt that if we made it a fast tempo game, that would help us in the fourth. The offensive explosion in the first half was a nice surprise. We try to score 24 each quarter as a goal, but to actually do that was a nice surprise.”

The second quarter was even more impressive as the Lions outscored Forest Lake 30-8 to essentially put the contest away. Cordell scored 11 points in the second stanza (16 in the first half) to lead the charge.

The second half was mostly a mere formality, as the game got a bit sloppy, but the damage had been done and VCA sealed the victory.

Cordell scored 23 points to lead all scorers, while Gish scored 13. Shaynyuk (11 points, 12 rebounds, two blocks) and Peters (nine points, 10 boards, two blocks) both filled up the stat sheet while holding down the interior defense.

The Lions are at Woodland Christian next Tuesday.

Roseville Press-Tribune

 

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