For the eight year, SportStars has partnered with the Sacramento River Cats to produce the SportStars All-City Team High School Sports Awards. Traditionally, the All-CIty Awards have recognized outstanding achievement by high school athletes throughout the Greater Sacramento Area. This year’s team features more than 500 athletes after we casted a net that represents an approximate 60-mile radius outward from Downtown Sacramento. Each athlete will be honored on the Raley Field diamond in a 10 a.m. ceremony prior to the River Cats’ 1:05 p.m. game on May 21. Until then, enjoy this special section.
— Chace Bryson, Editor
FOOTBALL
Player Of The Year: Mason Hurst, Del Oro (photo top)
Cal Poly-bound receiver was an offensive force with 78 catches for 1,615 yards to help the Golden Eagles to their second consecutive CIF State Bowl Championship appearance. Hurst was especially clutch in the playoffs with 34 receptions and 10 TDs in six postseason games.
GIRLS VOLLEYBALL
PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Macey Hayden, Whitney
Senior OH led Sac-Joaquin Section with 609 kills, and added 87 blocks and 59 aces for the Div. II champion Wildcats.
GIRLS GOLF
GOLFER OF THE YEAR: Lexi Perry, Oak Ridge
Senior was top local finisher at CIF State Golf Championships with a 74 that was good for fifth place. She shared medalist honors at the SJS Div. I North tournament and helped the Trojans to a second-place team finish at the SJS Masters Championships.
Madeline Almeida
GIRLS TENNIS
PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Madeline Almeida, Oak Ridge
The Trojans’ No. 1 repeated as the SJS Div. I singles champion and helped Oak Ridge claim the Div. I team title.
GIRLS CROSS COUNTRY
RUNNER OF THE YEAR: Olivia O’Keeffe, Davis
The Blue Devils’ junior came on strong in the postseason, highlighted by winning the Div. I individual title at the CIF State Cross Country Championships. She was runner-up in the SJS Div. I final and helped Davis earn top team honors in the Delta League and SJS Div. I, and a runner-up finish at the state meet.
BOYS CROSS COUNTRY
RUNNER OF THE YEAR: Michael Vernau, Davis
The Blue Devils’ senior finished his final high school season with runner-up finishes in both the SJS and CIF State Cross Country Championships Div. I races.
GIRLS WATER POLO
PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Katrina Sturm, Davis
The senior goalkeeper was named the Delta League MVP and All-SJS for leading the Blue Devils to a 13th section championship.
CLICK COVER to view our special edition with all 500+ athletes.
BOYS WATER POLO
PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Michael Burgess, Rio Americano
Senior captain set a school record with 76 steals for the SJS Div. II champions. The SJS Div. II and Capital Athletic League MVP also had 80 goals and received a nomination to attend the Air Force Academy in addition to offers from more than a dozen colleges.
BOYS BASKETBALL
PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Jordan Brown, Woodcreek
The Timberwolves’ center is likely the most highly recruited big man from the area since Bill Cartwright of Elk Grove. He led Woodcreek to Sierra Foothill League and SJS Div. I and NorCal Open Division championships as the team finished 32-3. The 6-foot-11 star averaged a double-double and was clutch in helping the Timberwolves reach the CIF State Basketball Championships.
GIRLS BASKETBALL
PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Julia Blackshell-Fair, Vanden
The University of Houston signee was a four-year starter and capped her high school career with a career game. The forward scored 20 points and pulled down 21 rebounds to lead the Vikings’ amazing comeback victory in the CIF State Div. I Championship. For the season, Blackshell-Fair averaged 16.4 points, 10.4 rebounds, 4.7 assists, and 4.0 steals per game.
BOYS SOCCER
PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Spencer Hoyle, Folsom
The Bulldogs’ senior led the team with 19 goals and added 9 assists as Folsom reached the No. 1 ranking in the state during its undefeated season.
For the full list of 500 athletes, check out our SportStars All-City May issue.
