Six Students Honored as Paloma Valley Athletes of the Week

Front row, from left: Jordan Hill, Dazhana Jackson, Cody McCoy. Back row, from left: Christopher Owens, Armando Fuentes, Karynne Johnston.

Six team leaders in their respective team sports have been recognized as Paloma Valley High School Athletes of the Week by Menifee 24/7.

Junior pitcher Karynne Johnston pitched a perfect game for the Wildcats softball team against Perris, striking out nine. She also pitched two innings in a win over Elsinore and struck out five of the six batters she faced. She was 2 for 2 at the plate against Perris as well. Paloma Valley is in first place in the Sunbelt League.

Senior outfielder Cody McCoy had a big week in two league games last week. He was 4 for 9 with 3 RBIs and 3 runs scored in wins over Lakeside and Temescal Canyon for the Wildcats, who are undefeated in the Sunbelt League. He also switched positions to take over at second base and made four outstanding defensive plays in one of those games.

Senior Christopher Owens posted victories in the high jump and triple jump and filled in on a leg of the 4x100 relay for the boys track team in the Inland Empire Championship meet.

Senior Dazhana Jackson broke the school record in the shot put by two feet with a throw of 39-5 in a girls track meet against Perris. According to coach Juan Merida, she is also a great mentor to the younger throwers on the team and has received some scholarship offers.

Junior Armando Fuentes made some big plays in wins over Tahquitz and Heritage for the boys volleyball team, which is undefeated in league play. He plays middle front and is also a defensive specialist for the Wildcats.

Junior Jordan Hill specializes in singles play but has moved over to doubles to help out the boys tennis team. Coach Alison King praises his willingness to help better the team and his work in the classroom.