Central Valley’s boys basketball program experienced a major turnaround this past winter by securing its first Sac-Joaquin Section playoff berth since the 2016-17 school year.
The Hawks tripled their win total from the previous season.
Central Valley will rely on a host of veteran players and several newcomers as it strives for additional success this year.
“We have a lot of experience,” Hawks’ head coach Mike Rodriguez said. “Our core guys played key minutes last year. If we play like we’re capable of, there’s a chance for us to get back to playoffs.”
Central Valley has a roster size of 14 players.
The Hawks have nine returners, including Alexander Aguilar (Sr.), Jaycob Casias (Sr.), David Gutierrez (Sr.), Michael Martinez (Sr.), Jace Mclennon (Sr.), Caden Mendonca (Sr.), Silas Rodriguez (Sr.), Blake Silva (Sr.) and Jaylan Tagadaya (Sr.),
Central Valley has five newcomers: Steve Duran (Jr.), Jante Smith Jr. (Jr.), Sebastian Gonzalez (So.), Xavier Manor (So.) and Parteek Sohal (So.).
The Hawks lost five players to graduation, including Albert Arevalo, Emmanuel Carranza, Andre Flores, Jellmar Mata and Nicholas Dominguez.
“The chemistry is really good,” coach Rodriguez said. “They’re all friends. They hang out.”
Gutierrez, Mclennon, Tagadaya and Silas Rodriguez have been named team captains for the 2025-26 season.
Gutierrez, Mclennon and Tagadaya are third-year varsity players. Silas Rodriguez is a second-year varsity player.
Mclennon earned first-team all-WAC honors as a junior.
He averaged 16.8 points, 5.3 rebounds, 2.8 steals and 2.2 assists per game while starring at shooting guard.
Gutierrez averaged 6.5 points and 1.3 rebounds per game.
Rodriguez averaged 3.8 points and 2.4 rebounds per game.
Tagadaya averaged 3.2 points per game.
Mendonca averaged 2.3 points and 1.9 rebounds per game.
Martinez averaged 2.2 points and 1.3 rebounds per game.
Silva averaged 1.2 points per game.
“Those four (Gutierrez, Mclennon, Tagadaya and Silas Rodriguez) are our leaders,” Mike Rodriguez said. “They have the most experience at the varsity level. They show up and work hard. They get along with everybody.”
Central Valley enjoyed one of its most successful seasons to date in 2024-25.
The Hawks compiled a 16-13 overall record, finished third in the WAC standings with a 10-4 mark and qualified for the Division-I playoffs.
Central Valley won just five games during the 2023-24 campaign.
“We’re headed in the right direction,” coach Rodriguez said. “We have guys that are dedicated.”
The Hawks’ WAC schedule consists of home-and-road games against the Ceres High Bulldogs, Beyer Patriots, Grace Davis Spartans, Johansen Vikings, Livingston Wolves, Lathrop Spartans and Pacheco Panthers.
Beyer (25-14, 13-1) claimed the conference title last year.
Grace Davis (19-10, 11-3) and Johansen (19-9, 9-5) took second and fourth, respectively.
Ceres High (10-18, 5-9) and Lathrop (10-18, 5-9) tied for fifth place.
Livingston (9-19, 2-12) and Pacheco (5-16, 1-13) finished sixth and last in the league standings.
“For the most part, all of the teams are pretty even,” coach Rodriguez said. “Talent and size wise, Beyer is ahead of everyone else. You’re going to have to play close to a perfect game to beat them.”
Crosstown-rivals Central Valley and Ceres High will face off twice this season.
The Hawks will host the Bulldogs this Friday
The game will get underway at 7 p.m.
Central Valley edged Ceres High by scores of 54-50 and 58-52 last year.
“The gym is always filled,” Mike Rodriguez said while talking about the crosstown matchup. “There’s a lot of energy. All the kids know each other. The games are always fun and typically competitive. Blowouts are rare. We try to treat it like every other game. You don’t get extra wins for beating them.”
