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CV's Martinez competes in all-star game
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Central Valley senior Phylicia Martinez took her place alongside some of the Stanislaus District's best girls basketball players at the Six-County All-Star Classic on Friday, April 30 at Modesto Christian High School.

The 5-foot-10 post player reunited with Hawk head coach Jesse Padilla, who served as an assistant for the Red Team. Phylicia played in more than 70 games during her three-year stint with Central Valley's varsity team.

"It came around full circle for her and I," Padilla said. "We had a good time. We joked the whole game."

Martinez tallied four points against the Blue Team, which pulled way for a 75-56 victory.

It didn't take long for Phylicia to break into the scoring column.

She converted an inside basket off an assist from Cassie Coble of Patterson when she entered the game early in the second quarter.

Her second basket came off an offensive rebound in the fourth quarter.

Martinez's family and friends cheered from the stands. Former teammates Jessica Rodriguez, Gigi Sahota, Eva Noorzai and Vivien Fermil were in attendance.

"She had a lot of support," Padilla said.

Phylicia made history by becoming the first Central Valley girls basketball player to participate in the all-star game.

Former Hawk Julie Calderon, who's considered the program's greatest player, turned down an invitation in 2009 so she could attend prom.

Calderon and Martinez were teammates for two seasons at Central Valley. They also played together during the Ceres Youth Basketball League.

"She (Phylicia) fit right in," Padilla said.

Martinez's prep basketball career at Central Valley spanned four years. She averaged 8.1 points and 5.9 rebounds at the varsity level.

Phylicia was named to the Valley Oak League second team as a senior. She posted double-doubles during the Hawks' wins over Sonora and Manteca, and controversial loss to Oakdale.

"It was like having another coach on the floor," Jesse said. "She knows the game because she's played it for so long."

Padilla relished the opportunity to coach Martinez one last time.

He enjoyed working with her during the two practices leading up to the all-star game.

They also had dinner together, along with her family.

"It was fun all the way around," he said.