The Modesto Bee’s All-District Boys Basketball teams for 2016
Large School
Note: Made up of players from the Modesto Metro Conference, Valley Oak League, Western Athletic Conference and Central California Conference.
Coach of the Year: Brett Lewis, Manteca
Players of the Year: Christian Ellis and Robinson Idehen, Modesto Christian
First Team
Georgie Dancer, Beyer: The Sacramento State-bound guard was averaging 20 points and eight rebounds before an ACL injury cut short his senior season.
Jared Rice, Central Catholic: There weren’t many players quicker off the dribble than this explosive junior guard, who led the Raiders in scoring (16.2) and free throws made (111).
Talolo Limu-Jones, Davis: Captained the Spartans into the playoffs in coach Dan Pacheco’s final season. The Eastern Washington-bound football talent averaged 19.3 points and was named to three all-tournament teams.
Kenny Wooten Jr., Manteca: Many believe Wooten has the potential to flourish into an NBA talent at Nevada. The springy 6-foot-9 forward was the district’s best around the rim, as a finisher and shot-blocker.
Anand Hundal, Manteca: This 6-9 center possesses a full arsenal of low-post moves, but what makes him dangerous is his ability to step out and knock down the 15- to 20-foot jump shot.
Second Team
Joshua Hamilton, Central Catholic: Sophomore point guard (12.7 points, 5.2 assists) put the Raiders on his shoulders during their run to the Sac-Joaquin Section Division IV championship.
Dwight Young, Manteca: The 5-10 junior point guard wasn’t afraid to take the big shot for the Buffaloes, whether it was a late-game free throw or a deep three.
Darrian Grays, Modesto Christian: A likely candidate to replace Christian Ellis at the point, Grays finished the season as the Crusaders’ top three-point shooter (47 of 122, 37 percent).
Jando Diaz, Pitman: The Central California Conference MVP averaged 17.2 points, 5.7 rebounds and 2.9 assists and led the Pride to its first CCC title.
Peter Hamilton, Central Catholic: In his third season at the varsity level, Hamilton sacrificed scoring (9.9 points) to lead the Raiders in rebounding (8.6) and blocked shots (1.1).
Honorable Mention
MMC: Jordan Hollins-Buckner, Modesto Christian; Josthin Dawkins, Modesto Christian; Jay Chen, Modesto Christian; Maurice Woods, Johansen; Brian Perry, Beyer. VOL: Tydus Verhoeven, Manteca; Jess Spivey, Sierra; Junior Ballard, Lathrop; Gyse Hulsebosch, East Union. WAC: Isaiah Knott, El Capitan; Spirit Ricks, Patterson. CCC: Oscar Moreno, Turlock; A.J. Stewart, Merced.
Small School
Note: Made up of players from the Trans-Valley League, Mother Lode League, Southern League, Central California Athletic Association.
Coach of the Year: Bob Jaekle, Mariposa
First Team
Cole Stevens, Ripon: The Trans-Valley League’s Most Outstanding Player was an all-around talent, ranking in the top five in the TVL in scoring average (17.3), rebounds (6.0) and assists (3.5).
Zach Cortright, Ripon Christian: The junior transitioned to point guard for first-year coach Mark Hofman and blossomed into the TVL MVP. He averaged a team-best 14.7 points.
Dalton Rockwood, Mariposa: A Southern League first-team selection, Rockwood was the catalyst in the Grizzlies’ historic run to a Sac-Joaquin Section Division V title.
Eli McLaurin, Summerville: The Mother Lode League MVP averaged 13.4 points and showed his tenacity in the D-IV section playoffs, shaking off a nasty fall that required stitches in a win over San Juan.
Ryan Halvorson, Argonaut: The 6-7 forward was one of the top big men in the section, regardless of division, averaging 18.6 points, 12.5 rebounds and 2.4 blocked shots for the Mustangs.
Second Team
Aaron Paschini, Ripon: At his best off the dribble, the junior guard finished third in the TVL in scoring at 16.6 points.
Alec Cano, Hilmar: Averaged 16.4 points but will be remembered for years for beating Escalon with a half-court shot at the buzzer.
Eric Shaw, Amador: Led the Stanislaus District in scoring at 25.3 points, the fifth-best average in the section.
Cody Haines, Ripon: A football talent, Haines brought the same level of toughness to the block for the Indians; nearly averaged a double double.
Ty Beidleman, Ripon Christian: A first-team all-TVL selection, the 6-6 junior showcased a soft touch and averaged 9.7 points.
Honorable mention
MLL: Ethan McLaurin, Summerville; Nate Patterson, Sonora. TVL: Caleb Hansen, Escalon; Sam Lattig, Escalon; Tommy Pangan, Escalon; Nik Keydeniers, Riverbank; Wolfgang Lopez, Riverbank; Will Fiveash, Hughson. SL: Isaac Starks, Denair; Noah Rockwood, Mariposa. CCAA: Max Tyson, Turlock Christian; Caleb Hoag, Big Valley Christian.
James Burns
This story was originally published April 9, 2016 at 4:41 PM with the headline "The Modesto Bee’s All-District Boys Basketball teams for 2016."