Bulldog hoopsters honored at banquet

The Douglas Bulldog basketball team was honored at its yearend awards banquet last Wednesday at the Douglas Noon Lions Club.

The players received their certificates of participation, pictures and several were honored for their performances this past season.

Bulldog varsity coach Oscar Mariscal said despite his teams 10-15 season they had a very good season and all the kids gave a good effort each and every game.

“We played against some very good teams,” he said.

The coach added several of his players’ stats were good enough that they were ranked in the top 10 in Division II, Section I.

Ignacio Valenzuela, who led the team in rebounds with 186 total rebounds, was named the outstanding senior. Mariscal said Valenzuela had 103 defensive rebounds and 83 offensive.

Eduardo Ysea received the Bulldog award after leading the team in scoring with a 15.2 points per game average. He hit 56 three pointers and had 59 steals.

Luis Padilla was honored for his free throw shooting connecting on 75 percent of his shots.

The coach said while the team may not have made it to state this year he is proud of the kids and the effort they gave.

Douglas’ junior varsity basketball coach Poncho Acosta talked about his teams 8-10 season.

“The kids worked hard in practice and it showed on the court,” he said.

Acosta presented Kenny Lucero with the Bulldog award and Mark Ochoa with the MVP.

Freshman basketball coach Abe Grijalva recognized his kids and talked about their 6-6 season.

Being this was his last basketball team the coach said this group of kids was extra special because it was his last team.

“We could have easily been 10-2 or 8-4,” he said. “Some of the games just didn’t go our way.”

The coach said he was very proud of his players and thanked not only them but also his volunteer assistant Riki Valdez.

The coaches honored Jake Paun as the most improved; Alejandro Villalobos with the coaches award and Jesus Cisneros with the Bulldog award.