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Sports Notebook...with Brian Gomez
Corona boasts abundance of college-bound athletes

By Brian Gomez

Just call them the Lucky Nine. Highlighted by lineman Allen Smith, Corona del Sol High School is sending nine student-athletes to four-year schools. That’s more than any other Central Region school, including Desert Vista (seven), Mountain Pointe (five) and Marcos de Niza (two).

Smith, ranked No. 7 nationally among offensive linemen, is headed to Stanford University on scholarship. He considered Arizona State University, but chose Stanford to fulfill a promise to his late father.

Goalkeeper Zach Baker has signed with the Stevens Institute of Technology (Hoboken, N.J.) and defender Kegan Reilly has given an oral commitment to Army.

From Corona’s girls soccer team, midfielder Blaine Dugan has signed with the University of Nevada-Reno and defender Shaylyn Scott has signed with the University of Arizona.

The Corona softball team is represented by four players, including pitcher Michelle Farrell (Grand Canyon University), shortstop Katie Laing (University of Notre Dame), catcher/outfielder Whitney Lebowitz (Kent State University) and third baseman/outfielder Cathy Walters (Ohio University).

Reap, others honored

Senior pitcher Chris Reap and senior third baseman Phil Anderegg were named all-state honorable mention picks.

    In softball, Farrell garnered first-team all-state honors, and Laing and Lebowitz were named to the second team. Infielder Kelsey Starr was an all-state honorable mention pick.

Ames back on the court

Former Corona forward Rayshaun Ames, who is serving probation for his alleged sexual involvement with a 13-year-old girl when he was a minor, will play next year at South Mountain Community College.

Ames sat out last season after transferring from Mesa Community College. As a freshman, he averaged 18.7 points and 9.5 rebounds and garnered second-team All-Arizona Community College Athletic Conference honors.

Whitman finishes UNC career

Former Corona pitcher Jeremy Whitman finished his senior season at the University of Northern Colorado with a 1-1 record and a 6.94 ERA. He struck out 17 batters and walked two in 23 1/3 innings pitched.

Northern Colorado (29-23) was eliminated by the New York Institute of Technology in the Division I Independent Invitational.

Zener shines at SMU

As a junior at Southern Methodist University, former Corona middle blocker Ashley Zener totaled a team-leading 135 blocks, 228 kills and 88 digs. Southern Methodist (23-7) advanced to the Western Athletic Conference semifinals, where it suffered a 3-1 loss to San Jose State.

Jandreau posts big numbers

Former Corona setter Natalie Jandreau led Grand Canyon with 1,096 assists in her senior season, to go along with 235 digs, 149 kills and 79 blocks. Grand Canyon (11-16) struggled to a ninth-place finish in the California Collegiate Athletic Association.

Jordan done at Illinois

Finishing his collegiate career, former Marcos de Niza defensive back Taman Jordan posted seven tackles (five solo) and three pass breakups as a senior at the University of Illinois.

Jordan’s season was soured by Illinois’ last-place finish in the Big Ten Conference. The Fighting Illini went 1-11.

Tobin rewrites record books

Chandler Seton Catholic senior John Tobin set school records for the most home runs in a season (eight) and in a career (16). His 61 career walks also is a school record.

Tobin, who is headed to Glendale Community College, ranks sixth in career runs (97), seventh in career RBIs (68) and eighth in career batting average (.356).

Seton Catholic (16-6) lost to Chino Valley in the opening round of the Class 3A state tournament, thwarting its chance at a second straight state title.

Papadeas earns another award

Chandler Valley Christian’s Nathan Papadeas has received first-team All-Metro Region honors for the second straight season. Valley Christian was bounced by Morenci in the first round of the 2A state tournament.

Reach the reporter at brian.gomez@wranglernews.com.

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