Interviews

Sophia and Jocelyn were the only two Seniors in the 2024 CKM Softball class. Covid 19 made High School Athletics largely disappear in 2020. So those who maintained and continued to get better deserve special praise. 

Jocelyn started softball in elementary school, and got serious about it in Junior High. Sophia made a serious dedication to the game around the same time. By the time they got to McClatchy, they were emerging from the near total blackout from sports that began in 2020.

"Every year would begin with field work. There is a lot to do every season to get the field ready to play on," said Sophia, "Just so we didn't injure ourselves." The work necessary to maintain the softball field moving forward should decrease dramatically. The 2024 CKM Softball season unfolded downtown at Roosevelt Park, as a result of an entire tear down and rebuild of the Varsity Softball, Varsity Baseball and JV Baseball fields. The massive multi million dollar project is set to be completed in late August, and will completely change and update the look of the facilities.

The team did the best of an unusual year, vying for the Metro League title in the final weeks of the season and making their way into an opening round road Playoff game. The pitching in Metro League was legit this year. Said Jocelyn, "The riseball is the hardest pitch to hit. When a pitcher knows how to throw that right, it's tough." Sophia was able to take advantage of a failed riseball, hitting a home run over the fence in a road game. "I got a riseball that didn't rise. Those are my favorite lol." 

The only two Seniors on the team were unseasoned Frosh in 2021, when CKM Softball legend Ashleigh Dendas was a Senior. "We really tried to be Seniors how Ashleigh did it, and let the Frosh know they are welcome and important. Because it can be a little bit intimidating." 

Both are carrying the load of a full six classes. Sophia: "I have six classes this year. I'm part of VAPA. The VAPA students are so talented. A friend of mine got an art scholarship to UCLA last year." Jocelyn: "I go zero period through fifth, so I have six classes as well. My favorite teacher is Mrs. Jablonski." 

Student Athletes typically have a hunger burning within, and they can also work one up over the course of a long day involving classes and practice/games. "I love sushi. Mikuni's is my favorite," said Jocelyn. "I'm all about my Mom's home cooking," replied Sophia. 

The final question asked to all CKM Athletes is... "Who would you like to give a shout out to for where you are today?" Sophia: "My parents and my little sister. She has told me she wants to be like me. That is so sweet. I have the opportunity to continue with softball. I'm going to play at Folsom Lake City College." Jocelyn: "Got to give a shout out to my parents for sure. And my boyfriend. He went to every game." 

Coaches at CKM are truly special. Their abundance of dedication and expertise is the fuel that powers CKM Sports down the track. Softball Head Coach Chris Abar is a true example of this. "I'll miss this team, and Coach Chris and Coach Vince," said Jocelyn. Sophia finished the interview with, "They do a lot of things for CKM Softball that most coaches wouldn't even think about doing."  

The CKM Men's Soccer Team has been a flagship of McClatchy Sports for well over a decade. Coach Izzy Ramirez took over for Boyce Vaughn a few years ago, and the transition has resulted in one of the most impressive seasons in program history. I sat down with Senior superstar Frank Thao for a lunchtime interview about him and the squad.  

Frank attended H.W. Harkness for elementary school, and began playing soccer in 5th grade.

"I took to competitive soccer soon when I started playing for SSA (Sacramento Soccer Alliance). That year, we won State Cup 12U."

Frank jumped around from private and club teams in the offseasons of his youth, arriving at Freeport Boulevard in the fall of 2020 anxious to play with longtime teammates at the high school level. He has played an important role at the Varsity level since the restrictions involving covid were lifted. 

"We are 11-2-3 right now, and undefeated in Metro." These words were spoken in mid-January, about a month after a truly magical game for Frank and CKM Soccer. 

On the afternoon of December 19th, 2023, Frank set an all time CKM Soccer record that will be tough to tie and borderline impossible to break, tallying five goals in regulation against a fierce rival.

"We were playing Christian Brothers. At CB. Game started. It was quick and back and forth. I scored a goal about ten minutes in. We were down at halftime 2 to 1. I scored about 40 seconds into the second half. I scored two more goals, then I scored again in the last two minutes." CKM prevailed with a 6-3 victory in a season that featured 21 wins.    

The team ended up making a run through the CIF SJS Playoffs as a #7 seed. This involved impressive road wins, including slaying #2 Davis along the way. It was an action-packed run full of thrills that resulted in falling just short in the Section Championship vs Jesuit at Consumnes River College. 

"My favorite class is Statistics. I have AP Computer Science, ROTC, and I'm a peer tutor. We try our best to help out English-learning students." A terrific interview, the engaging and confident student athlete has a truly impressive Senior schedule, reflecting a variety of life interests.

Frank is one of six children, including two younger brothers and two older brothers. The olders both played Soccer for CKM. He has a tight knit family that is proud to be CKM, and ready for dinnertime. "My favorite food is whatever my Mom is cooking that night."  

"The first time I wrestled in my life was my sophomore year. I thought it was going to be easy. It was tough. But I started to like it. I've always been strong." 

Brianna Hernandez is going to graduate in a few months. In her sophomore year, she placed 2nd at Regionals, 3rd in Masters, and qualified for the CIF State Tournament. Incredible results within a four month span for someone who took up a sport for the first time. 

Her Junior year was a bit more impressive, as she accomplished similar feats and made it deep into the CIF State Tournament. Wresting is very unique among the 19 sports played at the Varsity level at CKM, because it involves two people going one on one in a physical nature. I asked the humble yet confident record setter about her mental approach before she steps onto the mat. 

"I've got to have a clear mind. I have to stay focused on what I'm going to do. And more importantly, what I'm not going to let them do." 

Defense can be the best form of offense. When asked about her offense... "I have a good chicken wing. You get their back, and then take their arm behind their back."  

The Senior has a full six period schedule, but doing heavy academic lifting in her early years has led to four elective classes. Her favorite is creative art.

Her Senior year of wrestling had its ups and downs. "My first tournaments went well. But then I hurt my shoulder. I thought I was good and wanted to come back, but I injured it again." 

The injury ended up being season ending, but Brianna's mark on the program and impact on the future is clear. Last year, her and Maylan Bevens, a very accomplished wrestler as well, were the only two females on the team. This year, there were eight. I asked the humble Brianna if she thinks they had an impact. "Um..... (chuckles) I like to think so." 

CKM Wrestling has the only father and son coaching duo in school history. Of the same DNA, they are two men from two different generations. "Coach Smith is very old school. And wow, he's really strong..... Joel is also great. He can just give me a look, and I know what it means."  

"My friend’s sister’s boyfriend was the Water Polo Goalie for CKM at the time. He said it was fun, and I should try it. So I did.” That’s how things often work out involving high school sports, and in the case of Braeden Mann, things have worked out well. The Senior recently gave an interview in the CKM Gym at lunchtime.

The conversation quickly went to the specifics of water polo, a demanding and multi-faceted sport that, simply put, has two levels. Above the water and below the water. Braeden spoke of the goings on in the blurry abyss. “That’s the roughest part of the game, really. Punches, elbows, kicking…. it all happens. But, it’s just a part of the sport. Every time you get hit, it’s a reminder, “Ah, this is water polo!” But you got to give it back.”

I noticed a bond within the team this season, and their pregame routine of huddling in a circle in the shallow parts with their arms around each other’s shoulders is about more than just getting pumped up. “We game plan in the huddle. And we’ve been in some intense games. It’s all about staying calm. We’re a very confident team.”

The Postseason is not only a possibility, but an expectation for many CKM squads. Men’s Water Polo dates back to the early 1990s, when greats such as Keegan McNamara, Tim Culleton and Jeff Cole were tossing the yellow sphere into the nets. In the late 90s, the program was led by the likes of Brian King, the current Head Coach.

Braeden is well aware of the history of the team, and the accomplishments of his squad. “Last year, we became the first CKM Water Polo team to win a D1 Playoff game. Our goal this year was to get to at least #6 in the section.”

This year’s Men’s Water Polo Team went 5-0 in the Metro Conference, winning the only match that mattered 15-8 over River City. They advanced to the CIF SJS Section Playoffs, where they dispatched of Pittman 20-8 for their second ever D1 postseason victory, before falling in the second round.

CKM would have hosted Pittman in the first round, but the L-shaped configuration of the pool means both referees cannot walk the full sidelines, rendering it unsuitable for CIF Postseason play.

Braeden’s Frosh year was “the COIVD year”, when athletics were hustled to a hasty halt, resulting in far fewer Frosh signing up for teams. Thus, there were only three Seniors on the 2023 squad. Braeden, Nick Renner and Lincoln Sabini. All three served as Captains this year.

Braeden has a younger sister who is taking up water polo, "I've taught her a couple tricks," and I've found it to be very common for younger siblings to follow in the path of their older sibling when it comes to CKM Athletics. The Senior has a zero period, which means an early 7am start time, but it also means his day is over when the lunch bell rings. Playing water polo in college has everything to do with where he lands next fall. "If it's a University, I don't know. But if it's a comunity college, then probably." After the physical demands of a water polo match, Braeden can put away a good amount of Taco Bell or Panda Express.

Every CKM Student Athlete is asked who they would like to give a shout out to regarding where they are, and their level of success at CKM. When asked, Braeden responded, “One hundred percent, (Head Coach) Brian King. He played at CKM and was a solid collegiate player. When he needs to teach us something, he hops in the pool and just dominates us." 

Junior Hai Okenfuess didn’t pick up a tennis racquet until he was a Freshman at CKM. “It’s a fun sport.” He hit the ground running in his youth… “I played baseball for seven years and soccer for five years, growing up.”

The International Dwarf Games unfolded in Cologne, Germany this past summer, and Hai competed in over 10 events. Volleyball and badminton were his favorites. He also competed in the 4x100, 50 meter dash and the shot put. “It was really fun to play against people my height.”

Hai and his younger brother were born in Vietnam in the first decade of the modern century, and adopted by awesome parents who also have dwarfism and are all in on sports and scholastics. He is a citizen of both the United States and Germany, and has aspirations to go to college overseas.  Having crossed the Pacific Ocean as a toddler and the Atlantic Ocean as a teenager is a rare distinction.

He proudly represents the first CKM student athlete with Dwarfism, and would like to give a shout out to his teammates for constant support.

A product of Crocker Riverside and Cal Middle School, Hai spoke about the recent CKM Tennis Season. “We won Metro, which was awesome. Then we lost to Jesuit in the Playoffs, which was heartbreaking.”   

Hai’s favorite class is ceramics. “My least favorite class is Chemistry.”

The Class of 25 student athlete utilizes the opportunity to get as much sleep as possible on any given weeknight. He gets to sleep around 10, and gets a full night’s rest in advance of a full school day featuring seven classes.

“I wake up at 7:00. Get out of bed at like 7:10. I make it to zero period on time. I live about three minutes away.”

Senior pitcher and second baseman Shon Lor did amazing things on the CKM Baseball Field and other diamonds throughout California over the last three seasons. He shined in 2023, leading the Lions to the Cif SJS Playoffs with a 2.36 ERA. Shon threw 118 innings throughout his Varsity career, striking out 150 batters. This equates to 1.3 Ks per inning — enough to put him among the greats to ever take the hill a half mile west of Freeport Blvd.

He also hit a few dingers over the fence, which was put in place in 2021. When asked about the chance to jog the bases knowing many CKM greats have sprinted around the bases for decades… “Yes. It feels pretty good. But we try to ‘live in the V’, as Coach Brian says.”

Every regular season schedule runs the gamut in terms of the level of competition. Out of Conference games often involve traveling around Northern California and facing top notch squads. The Metro League is lopsided, to put it gently. River City has become the most formidable foe in recent years. “Yeah…. We go from hitting low 70s to high 80s in the same week, but you gotta do what you do.”  

CKM has a Playoff streak going on several years, and a Coach that has won well over 300 games. The final game of the season unfolded in Stockton in the first round of the CIF SJS 2013 Playoffs, and Shon was given the ball. “In the postseason, you’re playing against the best. It’s fun.”

The Senior gave it his best in hostile territory, holding down a potent lineup while McClatchy took a 3-1 lead into the 5th. He appeared to spin a curveball perfectly into the bottom corner of the strike zone, for what would have been strike three and the third out, but it turned out not to be CKM’s day.

Every interview involves the question pertaining to a favorite class. “My favorite class is psychology,” said Shon. This makes sense, because holding a ball in your hands and attempting to throw it by / fool a hitter is certainly an exploration into the mind. “Baseball is a psychological sport. Especially pitching.” 

It’s easy to forget that COVID affected large chunks of student athlete’s careers in 2020 and 2021, but Shon got his hands on the happy stringing instrument, which could have unknowingly helped his skills involving tossing a seamed baseball. “I was bored during COVID, and I took up the ukulele. I’m self-taught haha. It’s fun.” 

Every athlete interview ends with a chance to give a shout out to whomever for where you are today. Said Shon, “I have to credit my Dad. He pushed me past my limits to be the baseball player I am. And my teammates. They motivate me every day."

Senior Susie Long is headed to Harvard to play soccer next fall, and she has had a hard core approach to the world's most popular game from the first time she put a foot to a ball. "Honestly, I was very competitive from the beginning, when I was five. When I was six, I scored 10 goals against a boys team. I realized there could be something more here."   

"I've broken both collarbones, I've broken my leg... and my hand." Soccer is truly a contact sport, and breaking four bones before the age of 20 represents a true dedication to a sport. Having seen soccer close on the home sidelines right next to awesome Coach Katie Ulan, who has a voice that echos off the side of the gym from 600 yards away, I can verify that. 

"I want to play soccer in Europe someday." Susie is confident and talented, and was as ready for an interview as any student athlete  I've got to know. She is also the fastest female player I've seen on the immaculate CKM soccer field, put in place in late 2017.  

She made a move from a striker in her first years on the team to the primary defender, responsible for preventing goals, as opposed to scoring them. 

The CKM Women's Soccer squad did huge things in the postseason, beating #1 ranked Davis before falling short in the Section Finals. "It is the most successful team we've had in history. I'm so proud to be a part of it." 

Susie's favorite class is psychology, and when asked about her favorite aspect of soccer, she responded, "It quenches my competitive thirst. There's nothing specific about it, but after I play soccer I go home and watch soccer. I really can't get enough of it."    

Every athlete interview ends with the question, who would you like to thank for where you are today? Susie: "My family. Especially my Mom. She pushes me to be the best I can."   

“I started tennis at nine years old,” said Trevor Fong, a 6’2” Senior with a build for the sport. Soft spoken and unassuming with a good sense of humor, Trevor plans on attending UC Davis in the fall and study biology, with a goal of being an optometrist someday. 

​

The CKM tennis courts were skillfully repaved in the summer of 2018, about a year before the respectful and clearly confident competitor arrived at Freeport Boulevard.  Trevor has taken advantage of the situation, establishing himself as the clear #1 on a very talented squad, and tennis is a year round thing. “I’ve done a lot of competitive tennis. Florida, Texas, all over.” 

​

I mentioned that my nine year old daughter was going to be taking tennis lessons soon at a well-known club in East Sacramento. Trevor chimed in, “I took lessons at the same place. My Coach was Eric Roberson.” Eric Roberson is a recent inductee into the CKM Athletics Hall of Fame, and an incredibly accomplished tennis player. Small world. 

​

The pace of Varsity tennis on Court #1 is intense and impressive. Trevor hits the ball as hard as any player I’ve seen in over five years as the RtR Head of Media, and it’s fun to see up close. “I typically break a string every three or four days. It happens when you use a lot of topspin. ” 

​

When asked if he knows the greats of the past, Trevor nodded, then started dropping names of guys in their 30s. “Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic…” I chuckled and stopped him. “No, I mean guys from the past, past.” Trevor didn’t miss a beat. “Oh, okay. You mean Arthur Ashe, John McEnroe?” He clearly is a student of the game. “I love them all.”

​

Speaking of McEnrore, I asked Trevor if he had ever broken a racket in anger. “No.” 

​

I end every student athlete interview by asking who they would like to give a shout out to. “Shout out to my family. They have supported me and help me realize tennis is my passion. And my friend Emon van Loben Sels. 

McClatchy Women’s Basketball is a well-oiled machine lubricated by the likes of local legends such as Jeff Ota, Jessica Kunisaki and Jackie Wada. Every season, there are a handful of athletes who do huge things on the Harvey and Janice Tahara Court inside of the historic CKM Gym.

​

Two of the standouts this season are Tamaria “Mari” Rumph and Kaela Stancil-Williams. During a lunch break, RtR recently got an interview with both on the sidelines of where they put in work.

​

“I started here as a Freshman. I’m back here for my first full year after some bumpy times…. But it’s good now.” Mari had a wild and unusual trip through high school in the era of a pandemic. Back in the 2019 season, a crowded and loud student section would chant, “She’s a Fresh‐man!! She’s a Fresh‐man!!” following her hardcourt heroics, almost all of which involved top level speed and awareness. After two transfers, she returned to Freeport Boulevard last year and immediately re assumed the role of floor general. 

​

“I’m going to be in Baltimore at Morgan State next year.” The current Lion will be a Bear on the East Coast, and the college actively recruited the lightning-quick playmaker who hit the biggest shot of the 2021‐22 season in the final seconds of a dramatic game against Lincoln in the Playoffs.  

​

Mari is the starting point guard, and she talked about her role in the perennially successful program when asked if it is by design or by instinct. “It’s like half and half. Coaches coach me, but it’s also my own approach to the game.”

​

Kaela Stancil‐Williams has been sticking three point shots as if she is after Assistant Coach Jackie Wada’s mark of 308 splashes from beyond the red arc. This is a rare situation where the teacher may be teaching the student too well. “I began on Varsity as a Freshman. I worked a lot with Coach Jeff and Coach Jackie on my shot.”

​

Often being within a few feet of the sidelines, I’ve noticed some similarities with Kaela’s launch pattern and that of Steph Curry. She smiled when I mentioned that. “I actually do study Steph Curry haha. But I’ve also just done what’s natural to me. Girls shoot a lot different than boys.”

​

When asked about her school day, Kaela responded, “Being in HISP is a lot of work, and playing basketball is a full day. My favorite class is Literature. I would say my favorite book is The Great Gatsby.” Kaela is a Junior who has two younger sisters, one of whom is also on the Varsity squad.

​

Same question to the class of '23 point guard. “My day is pretty easy as a Senior. I only need to take four classes. I have a weightlifting class. My favorite class is Government with Mrs. Jablonski,” said Mari.

​

I ask every student athlete I interview who would they like to thank or give credit to for where they are today.

Mari: “I need to give a shout out to my family. For being there physically, mentally and financially. Basketball is not a cheap sport.”

​

Kaela: “First, I need to thank my family. Then, our coaches. We work a lot on basketball, but they are trying to help us to be better people as well.”

​

The team recently had a game televised on Access Sacramento. They absolutely lit up the rims in the gym during the evening telecast, running up a season high 97 points. The Lions are currently undefeated in Metro League with just two of the 12 games left.

CKM Women’s Basketball has lost only four Metro League games in the last eight seasons, dating back to their Division 1 State Championship in 2015. As of publication, they are 21-5 overall and headed for another Playoff appearance.

Malcolm Moore is a Senior Catcher. 6'2". A little over 200 lbs. Four-Year Starter. He is taking three AP classes, and Psych 300 at SCC. And yeah, he has the potential to be the best CKM Athlete in the modern millenium. His journey to this point started early.

“I was out practicing with my brother’s team when I was 5. My brother was 8, and playing little league. I seriously thought I was on the team with him."

These days, the humble guy with a good sense of humor is all about doing big things on the high school diamond while he still can. “This is my Senior year of high school. I’m really just focused on having fun and winning games with my team."

Malcolm is a big part of one of the most successful teams in CKM history. Coach Mike DeNecochea recently won his 300th game at the helm of CKM Baseball, and explained his motivaion. "The kids keep me going. This team is amazing. So resiliant." CKM is 19-2 today. 

​

The entire roster desreves praise. Especially Seniors Gabe Henderson, Mason Ogihara, Anthony DiSantis, Jordan Perinati, Aidan Keene, Julian Carmona, Josh Cerelala and Mauricio Rutledge.

​

Coach Mike chimed in recently after a come from behind, extra inning win in San Diego. “They hung in there. The top of the 7th. We’re down three runs. Hendo walked. Malcolm hit one of his moonshots. All of a sudden, we’re down one. Brandon Silva smacked one really hard. That put us ahead. Leo came in the bottom of the 8th, and it was lights out.” 

Now, the specifics. Malcolm has a swing built by coaches and refined by himself over the last few years. It is potent, poetic and powerful, beginning with a timing mechanism that involves bringing his elbows together like a large preacher resting on a small podium. 

​

Fastballs, curveballs and changeups all take thier chances if thrown over the plate, as many opposing pithers have dealt and dealt with. In ideal situations, they are met with a swift swing and a distinctive clank of a modern metal bat. 13 times this year, Malcom has homered, making him the leader in all of California high school baseball with just a handful of games left to play. 

What types of food fuel this level of student athlete? "I'm all about getting my protein." When asked his favorite foods.... "I love brisket.... I love sushi....and oysters." 

​

Malcolm has committed to Stanford, but there is a chance that he could be drafted high by an MLB team. 

I attempted to get insight into his decision by way of humor. "Suppose St. Louis drafts you in the first round. Are you Going to be a Cardinal or a Cardinal?"

​

Demonstrating some media savvy, the Senior chuckled and deflected the question, following up with, "Seriously – If I knew, I would tell you."   

The scouts have been showing up to film, time and otherwise observe one of the best baseball players to come through CKM in a long time. Cheers to the future. 

Kelly Gray has completed a Water Polo season in which she scored 105 goals, smashing the all-time CKM Varsity Women’s record. In many games, Kelly had a hand hotter than the summer sunshine in Sacramento, and the triple-digit total ranked 9th nationally.

Her journey toward this year began early in life. “I’ve been a swimmer since I was five. By the time I got to high school, I was swimming just to train for Water Polo.” The confident and sharp Junior recently spent a lunch period in the CKM Gym to give us an interview.

Water Polo is a very strategic and physically demanding game. The wavy and distorted visuals that take place under the water are every bit as important as what can be seen above. Knowing how to do “eggbeaters” is essential to knowing how to handle yourself in the pool and score goals.

What’s an eggbeater? “Eggbeaters are moving your legs in opposite directions in a circle underwater. It allows you to get higher when you need to get higher. It also allows you to stay still when you want to,” explained Kelly.   

​

The goal-scoring machine tallied eight or more goals in a game four times, and scored 12 goals in a pivotal Metro League game against Monterey Trial in late October. Water Polo goal dimensions can be tough for goalies to defend. When it involves a top-ranked national scorer, it can be almost impossible. “When I have a clear shot of the goal, it’s about 90 percent.” (It’s probably closer to 99%).

“My Dad likes to call himself my manager. I keep a count of my goals in my head, but if I’m off at all – he will let me know after the game.”

Kelly’s Dad is longtime local sportscaster and newsman Walt Gray, one of the most recognizable figures in Sacramento media going on 30+ years. Her Mother is local Meteorologist Monica Woods, widely regarded as the best in the business.

When asked about the longest shot she has ever made, Kelly laughed a little bit while recalling the moment. “I was a little past half court. We were up enough where we knew we were going to win. I decided to shoot it, and I made it. Right away, Coach Plescia yelled, “Why did you do that!?!”

Coach Plescia has retired and is moving to Hawaii after over 10 years of leading the CKM Women’s Varsity Squad. 

​

Kelly’s school day starts just after 7am, and Water Polo games mean it sometimes extends late into the evening. “I’m in Student Government, so I start really early at zero period. But I love being with my friends. I’m in VAPA, and my favorite class is art with Mrs. Morrison. It’s 3-D art. I really like it.” 

With her Senior year still a bit over the horizon, her college forecast will come into focus in the next year or so. “I want to play Water Polo in college. It want to go somewhere on the coast. I love to surf and do coastal things.”   

CKM Football has experienced a quick turnaround under the leadership of new Head Coach Zach Cuda. The Social Science teacher has taken the longtime blueprint of a tough-nosed running team and utilized it with some big-time playmakers.  

​

One player who has put up huge numbers in the past few weeks is Kazi Lewis ('23). Coming off a 176-yard rushing performace with an interception against Mira Loma in Week 3, Kazi worked behind an O-Line that dominated Florin, ammassing 276 yards and a CKM record 6 rushing touchdowns. 

​

During a waterbreak in the middle of a well-oiled practice on a hot summer afternoon, Kazi wiped the sweat off his brow, eschewed the chance to rest or drink water and graciously gave us a short interview. 

​

"It all happened because of my O-Line. I believe in my team, and they believe in me. If they put the ball in my hands, I have to deliver."

A humble guy, Kazi totally keeps things in persepective, but he lit up with a smile when asked if he ever takes a moment to step back and reflect on his historic game. 

​

"Yeah, I actually think about it all the time. Like 'Dang, did I score six?! That's something.' But I have a lot more to do and work on."

Vicente Hernandez is one of a collection of about a dozen two-sport Senior student athletes. 

​

During the winter months, he is the biggest and strongest member of the CKM Men's Basketball Team, which experienced a major turnaround this year and won 13 games after winning just three the previous season.

"We really picked it up and supported each other this last year. A lot of good communication. And then, it was the coaches." 

​

Vinnie is a sturdy 6'6", and could be a scary individual on the court and the diamond if he chose to go that route. But he is a gentle and genuine guy who has played some big roles on McClatchy teams in the last four years.

"My pump fake is my go to move. They almost always jump over my back, so I get a foul or an and-one." 

​

The first time he played organized basketball was in his Sophomore year, and he had a cup of coffee with the varsity team that season.

During the Spring, he spins the magic pebble as a primary pitcher on the CKM Baseball Team. "When I take the mound, I'm out there to get my innings in and help my team. There's no stress. It's fun."

Vicente scattered two hits and one earned run in a 3-inning start vs CB earlier in the month, and doubled deep down the right field line to drive in the first two runs of the game for CKM in what turned out to be a 10-2 victory. 

The team came into the 2020 baseball season primed for battle. "We're looking real good. So many players have worked really hard in the offseason."

I could hear the excitement in Vinnie's voice when he spoke about this year's team, including the depth of their pitching staff. "We got seven guys who can take the mound."

The day after the CB game, Spring Sports were screeched to a halt. The team, coaches and the many fans of CKM Baseball are still awaiting official word as to whether or not the season and school year will resume in some abbreviated form.   

​

The latest from SCUSD is the classes in all sports operations are now postponed until May 4, and there remains a distinct possibility that Spring Sports will not resume.

Hopefully, the many people behind-the-scenes who wanted to happen will work in unison with all other moving parts, and some type of season can be salvaged once it is healthy enough to gather in groups again.

Imani "Cash Mani" Felix is comfortable with that nickname, but not as comfortable as she is on a basketball court. Like a shark makes its way through salty waters, Imani weaves her way through defenses, scoring by twos and threes on the CKM Court and courts throughout Northern California. 

​

"My mom has always pushed me forward." Imani has been on the Women's Varsity Squad since her freshman year. Her talents have grown thanks to the tutelage of coaches including CKM great Jeff Ota, as well as motivation from a supportive mom. 

​

Imani took up basketball in 4th grade after seeing a cousin do things on the hardwood. Within a few years, she was on a traveling squad. Her basketball career has moved fast, and the 2018-19 season is already in the rear view.

​

"Last year, Kam and Nia had most of the points," said the Junior with an array of college options, ranging from local offers to Ivy League interests. "This year, we need to be smarter and work together more. We also have to practice defense more, because Kam and Nia aren't there to block shots." 

​

CKM Women's Basketball has been big in NorCal since a 2015 State Championship. 

Imani's favorite class, much like the vast majority of RtR Athletes of the Week, is math. "It's so easy."   

​

Like Samaya Beatty said during her AoTM interview last year around this time, Felix expressed her feelings about the true camaraderie and connection the team has. "This team is so close because we've been around each other for so long." 

​

This is in part because many players have been balling together since Sutter Middle School, and in part because they start practicing for the upcoming year a few days after school lets out in early-June. 

​

When asked the final RtR shout-out question, Imani responded: "I want to give a shout out to my teammates and my mom."