A season of superlatives

While this year’s high school basketball All-Empire team marks the end of some outstanding careers, for two players it also hints of a possible special season next year.

Gone from the prep ranks are Players of the Year Amanda Johnson of Maria Carrillo, Turea Jones of Rincon Valley Christian, Tyler Hunt of Middletown and Ian Butler of Fort Bragg.

Large-school boys co-Players of the Year, Lucas Devenny of Piner and Justin Herold of Maria Carrillo both return next season for their senior years.

It was a special year for both the boys’ and girls’ programs at Maria Carrillo. Led by the 6-foot-7 Herold and All-Empire first-teamer Andrew Corsberg the Puma boys shared their first North Bay League championship and landed a spot in the North Coast Section Division II playoffs.

Herold scored at a 21 points a game clip, averaged 15 rebounds and six blocks a game. He was a dominating inside presence, after not playing basketball seriously until his freshman year.

He had as many as 12 blocks in a game and had three triple-doubles — points, rebounds and blocks.

Some of the most competitive and exciting games of the season were when Herold matched up with Devenny, Piner’s 6-9 center.

Devenny averaged 20 points and 12.7 rebounds a game and shot 64 percent from the field. He displayed outstanding moves around the basket and the ability to clog the key on defense.

Devenny, too, was a skilled shot blocker and made opponents change the trajectory of shots to avoid them from being blocked.

Johnson finished a remarkable career in which she averaged double figures for three years and over 20 points a game her final two years. She is considered among the best female players ever in the Empire.

Johnson played just about every position on the floor, averaged over double figures in rebounds and often answered double-teaming with a variety of passes to teammates.

Johnson, headed to the University of Oregon next season, also led the way as Carrillo posted a perfect NBL record (14-0) and the best mark (28-2) for any team in the Empire.

Hunt and Butler shared small-school boys’ Player of the Year honors.

Hunt, 6-5, scored both inside and outside while averaging 23 points and 12 rebounds a game. He also set a Lake County single-season boys points record (618).

Butler, a 6-1 guard, whose defensive play was crucial in getting Fort Bragg’s offense to run smoothly, enjoyed the unique distinction of winning league MVP honors in basketball and soccer.

Butler averaged 16 points, five rebounds and four steals a game and rarely left the floor. Fort Bragg won its league and went 21-8 on the season.

Jones, Rincon Valley Christian’s top scorer at 17 points a game, also helped lead the Eagles to a league championship and spot in the NCS Div. V playoffs.

Jones, one of the top athletes all-time at RVC, also shot 55 percent from the field, and was a holdover from an Eagles team that reached the NorCal finals against eventual state champ Branson in 2007.

PLAYERS OF THE YEAR

Lucas Devenny, Piner

The 6-foot-9 junior center blossomed into one of the Empire’s top players this season. He averaged 20 points and 12.7 rebounds a game, as well as four blocks.

“He improved a lot with his back to the basket,” said Piner coach Mike Erickson.

Devenny saw plenty of double- and even triple-teaming when he ventured down low. While most of his baskets were inside, Devenny also developed an accurate mid-range jumper and took an occasional 3-pointer, shooting 64 percent from the field.

“He was consistent every night and a dominant presence for us,” Erickson added. “He was a more polished player.”

Some of the best Empire games of the season were when Devenny matched up with the area’s other talented junior big man, Maria Carrillo’s Justin Herold.

Devenny has long arms and an excellent drop step under the basket. He was a strong defender, whose size and blocking ability discouraged opposing guards from penetrating the key.

Devenny continues to hone his game, playing for an East Bay AAU traveling team and has already made appearances in West Virginia and Denver.

Justin Herold, Maria Carrillo

While the 6-7 Herold, a junior, had played of varsity basketball as a sophomore and showed better than average ability, his main sport was baseball, specifically a pitcher. But from the start of the basketball season it was clear that the inexperienced Herold had become a basketball force. His numbers included 21 points, 15 rebounds and six blocks a game. He shot 50 percent from the field and displayed a dominating inside presence at times.

“Justin is a real special athlete and grasped how the game works and excelled,” said Carrillo coach Jerry Deakins. “His potential is untapped.”

Herold was a strong defensive force, blocking numerous shots and making shooters change trajectory. Herold had three triple-doubles, including double figures in blocks.

“He was able to time his jumps and was just so quick to the ball,” Deakins said. “He’s a big, strong kid.”

Herold helped Carrillo log its best-ever season at 19-10 and reach the North Coast Section Div. II playoffs. The Pumas tied with Piner and Cardinal Newman for a share of its first North Bay League championship.

Herold is also playing with AAU traveling teams, working on his game and looking forward to next season.

FIRST TEAM

Robby Burroughs, Montgomery

One of the Empire’s top 3-point shooters, Burroughs, a 6-foot senior, was also known for his drives to the basket and clutch shooting. “The best thing about Robby is he could create his own shot off the dribble,” said Montgomery coach Tom Fitchie. Burroughs averaged 20 points, seven rebounds and 3.7 assists and two steals a game. He also was a 79 percent free-throw shooter and made 88 3-pointers. Burroughs beat double-teams by passing to the open man. He led the way in Montgomery’s upsetting the three NBL teams who tied for the league championship and winning the NBL tournament.

Luigi Valencia, Windsor

The 5-9 guard rarely stopped moving on the court. A bundle of energy who handled the point for the Jaguars, Valencia so impressed Sonoma County League coaches he was named MVP of the league. “He was very unselfish and had great court vision,” said Windsor coach Steve Kramer. “His awareness of his teammates and getting them the ball was outstanding.” Valencia had 12 and 13 assists in games. He averaged 7.6 points, made 32 3-pointers and averaged eight assists. Helped Windsor to a 20-8 record and SCL championship.

Josh Duncan, Santa Rosa

The Panthers’ top scorer at 15.2 points, the 6-foot Duncan is another returner next year from an outstanding junior class. “He’s very skilled, can play both point and shooting guard and is a very good shooter,” said Santa Rosa athletic director Gary Dellepere. A solid player, Duncan could both shoot from outside and drive to the hoop. He also averaged 4.1 rebounds and 2.1 steals a game.

Kyle Mills, El Molino

Impressed coaches with his desire and passion for the game. Came back from a serious automobile accident to lead the Lions in scoring at 15.2 points a game. The 5-10 senior was the spark that helped the Lions win five consecutive league games and make the Div. IV playoffs, where they lost to heavy favorite Marin Catholic, 45-42. “He was our leader and had a work ethic that was just tremendous,” said El Molino coach Eugene Patterson. “He had an extremely good season, but he also had outstanding character.” He also averaged 4.1 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 2.3 steals a game.

Danny Binz, Cardinal Newman

The 6-3 junior backed up a strong sophomore season in which he was a starter on Newman’s Div. IV state team with another solid year. Binz led Newman in scoring at 15.6 points a game, while shooting 49 percent from the field. A versatile player who also rebounded well and played strong defense, Binz also averaged 10.3 rebounds. Excellent on the fastbreak and creative around the basket. Figures to be one of the best players in the Empire next season, establishing himself as high-scoring, tough-defending forward.

Malek Hurd, Casa Grande

One of the most athletic players in the Empire, maybe most amazing is Hurd played most of the season with a torn meniscus ligament. The 6-3 senior averaged 13.5 points and 4.6 rebounds. He was a 79 percent free-throw shooter, made 50 3-pointers and averaged 3.1 assists and two steals a game. “Malek played the wing and played hard,” said Casa coach James Forni. Hurd was also know for his tough, pressure defense and helping Casa go 19-10 and reach the NCS Div. II playoffs.

Andrew Corsberg, Maria Carrillo

One of the top shooting guards in the Empire, Corsberg, a 6-1 senior, was also a key figure in Carrillo putting together its best season and reaching the Div. II playoffs. “Most people didn’t know that Andrew played the last seven games with a broken bone in his wrist,” said Carrillo coach Jerry Deakins. “He knew we needed him and sacrificed some offense to get the other kids involved. His sophomore and junior years he was our go-to guy.” Corsberg averaged 13.1 points a game, made 42 3-pointers and averaged 3.2 assists and 2.8 steals a game.

Jake Steiner, Windsor

Was the leading scorer in the SCL at 15 points a game. Steiner, a 5-8 senior, had among the best shooting form in the Empire and had some of the hottest shooting streaks around. Made eight 3-pointers in a game against Casa Grande. “He’s super competitive and hates to lose at anything,” said Windsor coach Steve Kramer. A catch and shoot player, Steiner made 95 3-pointers and shot 41 percent from beyond the arc. Taking most of his shots from well outside, he also shot 47 percent from the field.

SECOND TEAM

Simon Semere, Sr., Piner

Scott Sewell, Sr., Windsor

Tony Baldocchi, Jr., Cardinal Newman

Matt Nadolski, Jr., Casa Grande

Anthony England, Sr., Montgomery

Henry Gill, Sr., Analy

Matt Egelhoff, Jr., Rancho Cotate

Vince De Quattro, Jr., Petaluma

Diego Hall, Jr., Maria Carrillo

HONORABLE MENTION

Buddy Johnson, So., Elsie Allen

Kyle Anderson, Sr., Windsor

Mario Pascal, Jr., Piner

Julian Minuzzio, Jr., Sonoma

Brett Walker, So., Ukiah

Ryan Wheeler, Sr., Analy

Anthony Alicea, Jr., Rancho Cotate

Bari Mims, Sr., Cardinal Newman

Taylor Pasion,, Sr., Casa Grande

COACHES OF THE YEAR

Jerry Deakins, Maria Carrillo

Steve Kramer, Windsor

PLAYERS OF THE YEAR

Tyler Hunt, Middletown

The 6-foot-5 senior shot from the outside as well as using his height around the basket, finishing with 23 points and 12 rebounds a game.

He’s Middletown’s all-time leading scorer and his 618 points were the most scored by a Lake County boy in a single season. He was named co-MVP of the North Central League I North.

“He’s the best player I’ve ever coached,” said Middletown’s Mike Mullin. “He could step back and shoot from beyond the (3-point) arc. A big man on the perimeter made for a tough matchup.”

Hunt was a good defensive player, but keeping him on the court and out of foul trouble was important. “He’s very smart. If he got a couple fouls, he knew what to do not to get any more.”

Hunt was an 85 percent free-throw shooter and shot 38 percent from the 3-point line and close to 60 percent from the floor. He had some of his best games against the best teams. He scored 27 points in a game against NCL I South champ Cloverdale. Hunt isn’t sure he’ll try to play in college. He owns a 3.9 GPA.

Ian Butler, Fort Bragg

The 6-foot-1 senior guard was not only one of the Timberwolves top basketball players and co-MVP of his league, but also was MVP of the North Central League I North in soccer.

Butler contributed whatever was needed for the Timberwolves, who were league champs and finished 21-8.

He scored at a 16-points per-game clip and had five rebounds and four steals a game. “A lot of our success started with our ability and Ian’s ability to defend,” said Fort Bragg coach Tim Anderson. “The amount of pressure he could put on the ball was outstanding. He has quick hands. He also showed a willingness to get other guys looks.”

Butler rarely came out of a game and was also known for his great endurance, which he also displayed on the soccer field.

Butler scored over 1,000 points in his high school career and went over the 1,000 point mark with 25 points in a game against Cloverdale. He’s also the school’s all-time leader in steals. Butler was a four-year starter for the Timberwolves.

FIRST TEAM

Robby Rowland, Cloverdale

The 6-5 sophomore is another of the top athletes in the Empire. Named co-MVP of the NCL I South, Rowland is also a baseball pitcher. He averaged 19 points and 12.3 rebounds a game and was an inside force for a team that went 24-5. He also averaged four assists. “He played both inside and outside,” said Cloverdale coach John Gastineau. “He was a good 3-point shooter, had good inside post moves and passed the ball well.

Isaac McQueen, Kelseyville

The 6-6 senior was an inside presence for the Knights. Averaged 16.5 points and 9.5 rebounds a game. Shot 48 percent from the field and 53 percent inside the 3-point line. A smart player who used size to his advantage. “He could pound it inside and did a little of everything for us,” said coach Scott Conrad. “He could post up or shoot it from outside.”

Dre Gomes, St. Helena

A smooth player and good jumper, the 6-2 senior, was a steady player and hard worker. He averaged 15 points and 9.5 rebounds. A three-year varsity starter who also received all-league honors as a junior, Gomes could both shoot from the outside and drive to the basket.

Kyle Domenichelli, Cloverdale

One of the key members of Cloverdale’s 24-win team, the 5-10 senior guard was the defensive catalyst and point guard who made sure all of the Eagles scorers got touches. One of the top defenders in the NCL I, Domenichelli averaged 6.3 points, 4.4 rebounds, six assists and four steals a game.

Kevin Freeman, Lower Lake

The 6-5 senior was one of the most talented players in the small-school ranks. He averaged 13.8 points and six rebounds a game. “He was pretty versatile and could play any position for us,” said coach Marty Udy. His forte was driving to the basket where he showed great athleticism.

Jordan Washington, Point Arena

One of the all-time athletes for the Pirates, the 5-9 senior averaged 23.4 points, 5.2 assists, five rebounds and three steals. He finished his career with 1,454 points. “He was good defensively, handled the ball and just does things on the court you can’t teach,” said Point Arena head coach Warren Galletti.

Mitch Delfino, Cloverdale

When the 6-3 junior got on one of his scoring binges, there was none hotter. He scored 35 and 36 points in games. He averaged 13.1 points a game and was the second leading scorer for the Eagles behind Rowland. He led Cloverdale with 69 3-pointers in 164 attempts, a 42 percent shooter from behind the arc.

Thomas Tesfa, Roseland Prep

The 5-10 senior completed a 3-year varsity career by averaging 17.6 points and nine rebounds a game. He helped lead Roseland Prep to its first league championship (NCL II South) and first NCS Div. V playoff appearance.

SECOND TEAM

Matt Freitas, Sr., Fort Bragg

Armando Martinez, Sr., Clear Lake

Chris Bickford, Sr., Willits

Tyler Lawson, Sr., Cloverdale

Tommy Siragusa, Sr., St. Vincent

Taylor Anderson, Sr., Mendocino

Brett Snyder, Sr., Willits

Bailey Tucker, Sr., Tomales

Gerald Jones Jr., Sr., Roseland Prep

HONORABLE MENTION

Brad White, Sr., Fort Bragg

Mike Duman, Jr., Kelseyville

Daniel Hanson-Hirt, Sr., St. Vincent

Nick Pereira, Sr., Leggett Valley

A.J. Harris, Sr., Lower Lake

Chris Yeakey, Sr., St. Helena

Jackson McMahon, Sr., Calistoga

Ian Sinott, Sr., Point Arena

COACHES OF THE YEAR

John Gastineau, Cloverdale

Tim Anderson, Fort Bragg

Luis Escobar, Roseland Prep

PLAYER OF THE YEAR

Amanda Johnson, Maria Carrillo

Before she had a scholarship to Oregon or three Empire Player of the Year awards, Maria Carrilo coach Steve Azevedo remembers Johnson, as a freshman, running line drills by herself after practice.

More than three years later, it’s no coincidence that Johnson’s work ethic, combined with her talent, led to a historic career.

“She’s one of the top players to ever come out of here,” Azevedo said.

Johnson, a senior forward, capped her career in style, averaging 24 points and 10.5 rebounds in the face of constant double-teams to lead the Pumas to a 28-2 record, including a 14-0 mark in the North Bay League.

After Carrillo went 14-14 in Johnson’s freshman season, it went 75-12 and had a 42-1 league record. Johnson was an all-state Division II selection this past season.

FIRST TEAM

Cassie Baroni, Ukiah

Baroni, a senior guard, led the Wildcats to a 17-12 record with 12.9 points a game, many coming on fearless drives to the basket. “She was all about hustle,” Ukiah coach Randy Harrelson said. “There was no softness. She was all out. She’s a slasher. You give her the ball and she can make something happen.” Baroni was a four-year varsity player who began starting midway through her freshman season.

Kaitlin Derby, Petaluma

Derby could hurt opponents in a variety of ways. “She was an inside and outside presence,” Petaluma coach Doug Johnson said. On the outside, Derby, an adept shooter, broke the school record for 3-pointers in a career. On the inside, Derby, a 6-foot-2 senior forward, broke the school record for most blocks in a career. Derby averaged 14.8 points and has signed with Cal Poly Pomona.

Lorraine Etchell, Ursuline

Etchell, a senior guard, added a strong left hand to an versatile game that translated into 16.3 points, 6.2 rebounds, 3.9 steals and 2.3 assists a game. “She’s a very athletic kid,” said Ursuline coach Jeff Paul. “She was able to knock down the 3 and drive to the basket. She developed her left hand and could hold her own going both ways.” Etchell scored in double figures in every game for Ursuline, which finished 14-15.

Mia Greco, Petaluma

Meet the engine of Petaluma’s high-octane program. Greco, a junior point guard, averaged 11.5 points to help lead the Trojans to a 20-8 record, including an 11-1 mark in the SCL and a share of the league title. “She basically ran the ballclub,” Petaluma coach Doug Johnson said. With Greco directing traffic, the Trojans have a 45-13 record (23-1 in SCL) the past two years.

Brittany Jones, Montgomery

After graduating four starters from a team that set a school record with 29 wins, the Vikings relied on Jones to carry the load this season. And she delivered. Jones, a junior guard, led Montgomery with 17.5 points, 4.8 steals and 3.0 assists, a big reason why the Vikings hardly resembled a rebuilding team. Montgomery went 20-9, with four of their losses coming against NBL champion Maria Carrillo.

Didi King, Casa Grande

King, a senior guard/forward, led 15-11 Casa Grande with 11.7 points a game and added 7 rebounds and 2 steals. The 5-foot-7 King was a three-year starter who flashed her versatility througout her career. She started at point guard as a sophomore and played in the post as a junior when the Gauchos fielded a roster without a 6-footer. She played in both the frontcourt and backcourt this past season. “It was something we’ve asked her to do since she’s been with us,” Casa Grande coach Dan Sack said. “And she did it very well.”

Charlene Popoff, Windsor

Popoff, a senior forward, had a nose for the ball and averaged 11.2 points and 9.7 rebounds in NBL games. “She was a rebounding machine,” Windsor coach Joe Passalacqua said. “She was a very high-motor player.” Passalacqua said teams paid dearly when they failed to double-team Popoff. In a 58-48 win against Analy, she had 25 points and 24 rebounds. She also had 33 points and 15 rebounds in a 71-62 win against Livermore.

Sarah Semenero, Sonoma

Semenero often saved her best for the most opportune times. For example, in a heart-stopping, 71-67 double-overtime win against Petaluma, she had 38 points, 14 rebounds, seven assists and five steals. As result, the Dragons shared the SCL title with Petaluma with an 11-1 record. “There were some games where she strapped us on her back and willed us to win,” Sonoma coach Sil Coccia said. “In the biggest games she stepped up the most.” Semenero averaged 20 points, 8.3 rebounds, 5.0 steals and 3.0 assists. She has signed with Cal Poly Pomona.

SECOND TEAM

Ariana Demery, Sr., Maria Carrillo

Tessa Giammona, Sr., Elsie Allen

Gabby Hirsh, Sr., Montgomery

Bryana McGuirk, Sr., Santa Rosa

Carrie Reid, Sr., Ukiah

Steph Sevilla, Sr., Sonoma

Jen Tsurumoto, So., Analy

HONORABLE MENTION

Sheila Brady, Sr., Sonoma

Addison Brush, Jr., Healdsburg

Amanda Briare, Sr., Maria Carrillo

Jessica Doohan, Jr., Analy

Brittany Harrington, Sr., Petaluma

Sierra Perez, Sr., Casa Grande

COACHES OF THE YEAR

Steve Azevedo, Maria Carrillo

Sil Coccia, Sonoma

PLAYER OF THE YEAR

Turea Jones, Rincon Valley Christian

En route to Rincon Valley Christian’s 13-0 romp through to a league championship, Jones, a senior guard, was often seated on the bench deep in the second half of blowout victories.

But when the competition was more intense, Jones didn’t leave the court. And she didn’t disappoint.

“She was definitely the leader of the team,” RVC coach Doug Crouse said. “We rose and fell depending on how she played. And she almost always played well.”

At the Bentley Shootout in San Luis Obispo, for example, Jones averaged 33 points in losses to Mission Prep and Castilleja, powers that had a combined 46-11 record.

Jones, who led the Eagles to a 23-8 record and into the NorCal finals, was an all-state Division V selection. She averaged 17 points and shot 55 percent from the field.

FIRST TEAM

Jordan DeSilva, Fort Bragg

DeSilva, a senior forward, led the 18-9 Timberwolves with 13.6 points and 8.5 rebounds a game. Fort Bragg coach Dave Goble says she was an all-around force who was instrumental in the Timberwolves’ run to the NCL I North title. “She was a very strong offensive player,” Goble said. “And she was very good working on the boards.”

Cecilia Feehan, Mendocino

Feehan, a senior point guard, averaged 11.5 points and led the NCL II North in steals (5.1) and assists (4.1) as the Cardinals claimed the league title. Mendocino coach Lin Barrett says Feehan could almost single-handedly disrup the opposing team’s offense when the Cardinals applied full-court pressure. “She was a factor,” Barrett said. “She could really hurt you.”

Karissa Lang, Fort Bragg

Lang, a senior guard, directed the show for Fort Bragg, which went 18-9 and won the NCL I North title. Lang averaged 13.3 points, 5 assists and 4 steals a game. A four-year starter, Lang scored over 1,000 career points and helped turn around the program. The Timberwolves had a 15-2 league record the past years. They were 1-17 in Lang’s first two seasons.

Jodi Snider, Kelseyville

Snider, a senior guard, led the 20-8 Knights in points (12.7), rebounds (7.4), steals (3.7) and assists (2.7). A two-time first-team NCL I North selection, Snider had some memorable stat lines, including 17 points, 10 steals and 7 rebounds in a win against Middletown. She also had 15 points and 19 rebounds in a win against St. Bernard’s.

Nacomi Spaulding, Cloverdale

Spaulding, a senior forward, was an inside-outside presence on a team that went 24-5 and cruised to the NCL I South title. Spaulding averaged 14.3 points, 8.2 rebounds and 3.4 assists per game. “She had solid inside moves,” Cloverdale coach Rick Berry said. “She could shoot the 3. She played hard and got better as the year progressed.”

Liz Tomforde, Rincon Valley Christian

After playing in the post as a junior, Tomforde moved to point guard, a transition she made look easy. She averaged 8.5 points, 6.5 rebounds and 3.5 assists. On defense, where she played inside, she averaged three blocks. Tomforde was so good at her new position it took some of her teammates a while to get used to the move. “A lot of them weren’t expecting to get a pass right then and there,” RVC coach Doug Crouse said. “But by the end of the year they expected it.”

Lorraine Villa, Cloverdale

Villa, a senior guard, averaged 12.8 points, 5.2 rebounds and 4.3 assists per game. Those numbers are nice. But it was what she did beyond the boxscore that made her special says Cloverdale coach Rick Berry. Villa, for example, had an instinct for helping out on defense and was eager to take a charge. “She’s not real flashy,” Berry said, “but she does all the little things right.”

Maria Woodruff, Mendocino

Woodruff, a senior forward, led the NCL II North with 17.0 points a game and averaged 10.4 rebounds to lead the Cardinals to the league title. Woodruff, the league MVP, roamed inside, but could also flash deft ball-handling skills. “She had a complete and total finesse game,” Mendocino coach Lin Barrett said. “She was so smooth going to the basket.”

SECOND TEAM

Brittany Castaneda, Sr., Willits

Lauren Hall, Sr., Cloverdale

Victoria Jara, Sr., Willits

Lindsey Marshall, Jr., Potter Valley

Jodie Mazzuchi, Sr., Tomales

Crystal Orozco, Sr., Cloverdale

Kelly Piper, Sr., Point Arena

Lauren Sutherland, Jr., Leggett Valley

HONORABLE MENTION

Danielle Bettencourt, Sr., Lower Lake

Katie Bruce, Jr., Fort Bragg

Ariele Dwyer, Sr., St. Vincent

Jaime Lampert, Sr., Cloverdale

Rhy Rovelli-Alyxander, Jr., Sonoma Academy

Kaila Sterbank, Jr., Clear Lake

COACHES OF THE YEAR

Rick Berry, Cloverdale

Doug Crouse, Rincon Valley Christian