After the girls’ basketball team earned the title of Central Section Division V Champions for their first year, three team members received the all-league award and one, senior Paige Maltos, was named MVP, March 5.
Maltos was awarded MVP of the West Sequoia League, while senior Tatiana Fontes, junior Ashlyn White and sophomore Nicole Hensley made the all-league team. In addition, Eagle coach Josh Tosland was named Coach of the Year.
Every coach in the league votes for the most outstanding players, and the one player who gets the most votes is considered the MVP. The next five after the MVP are considered the first team and the last five are the second team.
“It was an honor to get chosen last year for the second team and an even bigger honor this year,” Fontes said. “Our team has made a good showing in the all-team selection in the past three years.”
As this is the first time for White, she says she feels privileged to be considered along with the other members.
“I was surprised, but it’s something you don’t really think about until it gets brought up,” White said. “I feel privileged to get this award along with Paige and Tatiana.”
Although a sophomore, Hensley received the same distinction as Fontes and White.
“It feels really awesome to be on the second team. I was very surprised when I was chosen simply because I am the youngest on the team,” Hensley said. “But I feel that Bridget [Teixeira, ’11] deserved this nomination over me because she’s a great leader out on the court and she contributes offensively and defensively; she is a great player.”
Maltos cites her team as a key reason for her being selected as MVP.
“I was really surprised because there were tons of others who could have gotten it and deserved it,” Maltos said. “But it’s not only through my own actions that I got nominated; it was the help of the entire team.”
Hensley says Maltos’s work ethic and dedication contributed to her being awarded.
“Paige really deserved this award,” Hensley said. “She has been consistent all year long and has put in a lot of hard work to be the player she is. I saw this coming because she really comes through every game. Playing with Paige gives me security because I know that, when I shoot or drive and miss it, she will be there to get the rebound.”
According to Fontes, every player who received a distinction earned the recognition.
“Every single player who has received an honor has deserved it,” Fontes said. “Even our coach has been given Coach of the Year, a recognition that he deserves.”
The girls’ basketball team traveled Southern California for the second round of state playoffs, after defeating Poly of Pasadena, 53-49, on March 9. They lost to Montclair Prep Sepulveda, 61-37, March 11. The season has now ended.
For more information, read the March 5 article, Girls’ basketball team earns Central Section DV title or read the girls’ basketball sport shorts.
