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CHS, CV talent garner WAC recognition
Bulldog guard Haaydn Martinez a first-team selection
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Ceres High junior Haaydn Martinez was named to the Western Athletic Conference First Team. - photo by DALE BUTLER/The Courier

Three of Ceres High's five starters were recognized in a vote by the Western Athletic Conference varsity boys basketball head coaches this past month.

Central Valley had one player earn all-conference honors.

Haaydn Martinez, Christian Garcia and Austin Stiles were rewarded for leading the Bulldogs to a third-place finish in the WAC (8-4).

Gurshan Chahal filled a key role as the Hawks placed fourth in the conference standings (7-5).

Haaydn was selected to the WAC First Team.

The junior guard averaged 16.8 points and 2.3 rebounds per game.

"He put in a lot of work before the season started," Ceres High head coach Julio Marquez said. "He developed into an all-round scorer. This year, he was more confident with the ball. He did a lot of different things to generate points."

Christian, Austin and Gurshan earned second-team all-league honors.

Garcia, a sophomore post player, averaged 13.0 points and 8.1 rebounds per game.

"If he continues to develop his game and work hard, he could easily be a first-teamer next year," Marquez said. "He has a high ceiling."

Stiles, a senior guard/forward, averaged 11.8 points and 2.6 rebounds per game.

"He was a big reason for our success the last two years," Marquez said. "He really came into his own. He got a lot better."

Chahal, a junior point guard, averaged 12.0 points, 6.0 rebounds and 6.0 assists per game.

Ceres High beat Central Valley twice (62-59, 69-52) this season.

The Bulldogs edged out the Hawks for the WAC's third and final playoff berth.

"We got a lot of guys returning," Marquez said. "Not one person will be able to replace him (Stiles). It will be a team effort."