Seniors dominate all-league lists

The All-Desert and Imperial Valley League boys’ basketball first and second teams were dominated by experienced and senior athletes making for a competitive year among all the local teams. Both leagues’ Player of the Year winners were seniors. Palo Verde’s Manuel Arroyo picked up the Desert League honor, while Grant Hansink was the selectee for the IVL.

Both athletes helped their teams to winning seasons with Arroyo helping the Yellowjackets to another Desert League title, while Hansink helped lead the Eagles to the CIF-San Diego Section Div. IV title game.

In the Desert League, six of the 10 first and second team spots went to seniors, while the remaining four spots went to juniors.

In the IVL, nine of the 10 first and second teams’ players were seniors, with the final spot going to a sophomore. For the Desert League champs from Palo Verde Jermey Ward and Andres Whitson also had all-league mentions.

In the IVL, the squad from Brawley Union High edged out Central to win its second straight league crown, with Jon Zarate, Daniel Gonzalez and Austin Brewer all appearing on the allleague list.

For the Spartans, Diego Navarro, Diego Baez and Khalil Wyatt were selected as all-league honorees, with Wyatt being the only underclassman to appear on either league’s list. Wyatt completed his sophomore year earlier this month.

2018 boys’ basketball All-Desert League first team

Izrael Tampubolon, Calipatria High Ben Rolfe, Holtville High Robert Quintero, Imperial High Manuel Arroyo, Palo Verde Valley Jermey Ward, Palo Verde Valley

2018 boys’ basketball All-Desert League second team

Julian Medina, Calipatria High Issac Perez, Calipatria High Tavo Loya, Holtville High Haider Away, Imperial High Andres Whitson, Palo Verde

2018 boys’ basketball All-Imperial Valley League first team

Daniel Gonzalez, Brawley Union High

Jon Zarate, Brawley Union High Carlos Camacho, Calexico High Diego Navarro, Central Union High Grant Hansink, Southwest High

2018 boys’ basketball All-Imperial Valley League first team

Austin Brewer, Brawley Union High Alan Esparza, Calexico High Diego Baez, Central Union High Khalil Wyatt, Central Union High Ryan Silva-Bradley, Southwest High

Calipatria High’s Izrael Tampubolon (middle) makes his way in between defenders during the annual Imperial Valley College Senior All-Star game held at IVC last month. Tampubolon earned All-Desert League first team honors this season. VINCENT OSUNA FILE PHOTO

PHOTO Southwest High’s Grant Hansink attempts a shot over a San Diego High player during the CIF-SDS Div. IV title game in early March. Hansink picked up Imperial Valley League Player of the Year honors this season. KARINA LOPEZ

Brawley Union High’s Austin Brewer attempts to make a drive to the basket as Central Union High’s Diego Baez defends. Both players picked up All-IVL second team honors this season. KARINA LOPEZ FILE PHOTO

Central Union High’s Diego Navarro earned All-IVL first team honors this season for the Spartans. VINCENT OSUNA PHOTO