Blevins, Alderete Named Heritage High Athletes of Month

Paloma Valley High athlete Alexandra Blevins is presented her Athlete of the Month award by Cynthia Nemelka of RE/MAX Diamond Realty.

Senior softball pitcher Alexandra Blevins and sophomore golfer J'men Alderete were named Menifee 24/7 Athletes of the Month for Heritage High School.

The athletes received a certificate and gift card presented by Cynthia Nemelka of RE/MAX Diamond Realty, sponsor of the awards program.

Blevins completed a stellar four-year career at Heritage by posting a 2.78 ERA for the Patriots, who finished second in the Sunbelt League and compiled a 19-12 record on the way to the CIF quarterfinals.

This fall, she is headed for the University of Tulsa on a softball scholarship.

"I'm sad that it's over, but at the same time, I have such a bright future ahead of me," she said. "I completely enjoyed all my years playing softball here and the coaching has been great with coach (Angela) Ramiro; it's been awesome.

"I'm playing travel ball again this summer. For me, softball is a year-round thing. I just want to make sure I keep my speed and more movement on my pitches as I get ready for college."

Alderete (left) this spring became the first Heritage High golfer ever to qualify for the CIF postseason tournament. A former baseball player who suffered a knee injury, Alderete has a personal best score of 37 for nine holes and 76 for 18 holes.

This was the final Athlete of the Month award presented by Menifee 24/7 and RE/MAX Diamond Realty for the current school year.

Broderson-Jones, Ramos Are Paloma Valley Athletes of Month

Kiana Broderson-Jones and Justin Ramos are presented Athlete of the Month Awards by Cynthia Nemelka of RE/MAX Diamond Realty

Softball standout Kiana Broderson-Jones and volleyball star Justin Ramos were named the Menifee 24/7 Athletes of the Month for May from Paloma Valley High School.

The athletes were presented certificates and a gift card by Cynthia Nemelka of RE/MAX Diamond Realty, sponsor of the award program.

Broderson-Jones hit .405 with 21 stolen bases while patrolling center field for the Wildcats, who finished the season with a 21-8 record, advancing to the second round of the CIF playoffs. In her junior season, she developed into a team leader and one of the top players in the program.

"Kiana is a very gifted, driven and hard-working athlete," said her coach, Briana Wells. "Her speed makes her a real threat, both in center field and while she is hitting. When Kiana gets on base, I am confident we will score.

"I have seen Kiana cover great distances to make catches, standing up, that the average outfielder could never make, even with a dive. Kiana has grown into a leader on this team, and we can always count on her to bring everyone together with her dance moves and humor!"

Broderson-Jones hopes to attend UC Riverside after her senior year and play softball there.

Ramos, a senior, played a leading role for the boys volleyball team, which won the Sunbelt League championship with a 12-0 record and advanced to the third round of the CIF playoffs before losing a tough decision to top-seeded South Pasadena.

"The crowd played a big role in that game," said Ramos, an outside hitter. "You could see the pressure was getting to them (South Pasadena) because of how loud the crowd was."

"Justin finished the season as a tremendous leader on the court," said his coach, Katie Bradley. "His offense and defense helped us to compete at a higher level than ever before. He has become a great volleyball player and role model for our future athletes at PVHS."

Ramos will attend Mt. San Jacinto College next year with plans to transfer to UC San Diego.

"It was a great run," he said about his four years as a volleyball player for the Wildcats. "I wanted to take it all the way, but there's no regrets. I'll remember everything about this season."

This is the final Athlete of the Month Award of the school year for Paloma Valley High. The final Athletes of the Month for Heritage High School will be announced on Thursday.

Top Amateur Boxers to Compete in Menifee This Weekend

Joey Rodriguez, 9, of Menifee will return to compete in this weekend's tournament. Joey, shown here with tournament official Steve Harriman, will be appearing in his third fight after losing two close decisions.

Top competitors from throughout California will gather in Menifee this weekend for the sixth annual Southern California State Amateur Boxing Championships.

The event will be hosted by the Riverside County Boxing Club of Canyon Lake and is sponsored by Vukee.com. The two-day tournament will run from noon to 5 p.m. Saturday and 1-5 p.m. Sunday in the community center at Wheatfield Park, 28545 La Piedra Road.

The event features 200 boys and girls from ages 8 to adult in different weight divisions. Approximately 1,200 people attended last year's tournament. The event is sanctioned by the USA Boxing Association, which is governed by the United States Olympic Boxing Team.

The Perris High School ROTC Color Guard will take part in the opening ceremonies. Food vendors will be on hand.

Ticket prices are $10 for general admission, $5 for children and $20 for ringside seats. Proceeds benefit St. Jude's Children's Hospital.

Tournament official Steve Harriman expressed his appreciation to American Medical Response's Riverside and Menifee supervisors and staff for volunteering to have an ambulance present during the tournament. This was required in order to hold the tournament.

Vendor spots and sponsorships for the event are still available. Contact Dario Rodriguez at 951-852-6099. For more information, visit www.socalstateboxing.com or
www.facebook.com/socalstateboxing.