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Bulldogs, Hawks honored
Marissa Renteria
Ceres High junior guard Marissa Renteria was named to the WAC First Team. - photo by Dale Butler

A newcomer to Ceres High’s girls basketball program, Marissa Renteria did a little bit of everything for the Bulldogs this winter.

The junior guard was rewarded for her outstanding play during the Western Athletic Conference’s year-end head coaches’ meeting on Feb. 20 at Grace Davis High School.

Renteria was named to the WAC First Team.

Central Valley senior post player Makayla Dennison was named Central Valley High School’s Central California Conference Sportsmanship Award winner.

“I wasn’t aware of her (Renteria) before she came out for summer league,” Bulldogs’ head coach Megan McGill said. “I was like, ‘Oh my goodness, this girl has to play.’ I saw how great of a player she was. I was expecting her to be a contributor.”

“Marissa doesn’t like the spotlight,” she added. “She’s a quiet leader. She leads by example. She works so hard. Her teammates see that and rally behind her.”

Renteria ranked first on the team in points, assists and steals, and second in rebounds and 3-pointers made.

She averaged 13.3 points, 5.2 rebounds, 1.4 assists and 4.4 steals per game for the sixth-place Bulldogs (3-11).

She totaled 332 points, 129 rebounds, 110 steals and 35 assists.

“She was our leading scorer,” McGill said. “Most of her points came off steals and driving to the basket. She’s also a really good facilitator. She’s smart. She sees the floor well. She knows how to get the ball to her teammates. She understands the game so well. Her defense was consistent throughout the year.”

Renteria buried 15 3-pointers during the course of the season.

“It was nice to see her add shooting to her arsenal,” McGill said. “She’s always been able to get to the rim. She’s quick and athletic.”

Renteria did not play basketball at Ceres High as a sophomore and freshman.

The last time Renteria played organized basketball was in the eighth grade.

“It’s definitely impressive,” McGill said while talking about Renteria’s smooth transition. “She exceeded my expectations. She’s going to continue to improve. She’s such a hard-working player. She learns very quickly. She goes to the park and practices on her own.”

Dennison played varsity basketball at Central Valley for three seasons.

She was one of the Hawks’ team captains this winter.

Central Valley placed last in the CCC standings with an 0-12 record.

Makayla Dennison
Hawk post player Makayla Dennison was named Central Valley’s CCC Sportsmanship Award winner. - photo by Dale Butler