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Three Buffaloes make All-VOL team, Central Catholic’s Wentworth is MVP
All-VOL boys basketball
Manteca guard Evani Gaeta tries to separate from Sierra defender Lucas Garcia in a Valley Oak League game. - photo by Wayne Thallander

T.P. Wentworth has successfully completed the second leg of his quest for the Valley Oak League MVP Triple Crown.

The Ripon resident and three-sport star at Central Catholic (10-0, 25-7 overall) was voted all-league MVP for basketball after he won the award as quarterback and linebacker for the Raiders’ football team in the fall.

All-VOL boys basketball
Sierra’s Anthony Grady defends East Union ball handler Robby Espinosa

VOL runner-up Manteca (8-2, 20-10) has three seniors on the All-VOL first and second teams, while Sierra (5-5, 16-12) is represented by two.

Manteca’s Peyton Nieman earned a spot on the first team after making the second team last year. He paced the Buffaloes with 12.7 points per league game along with 4.2 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 1.1 steals.

Point guard Evani Gaeta joins Nieman on the first team after averaging 10.8 points, 5.1 rebounds, 4.3 assists and 1.4 steals. Forward Elijah Nelson (8.3 points, 5.4 rebounds) was named to the second team.

Sierra guard Anthony Grady was elevated to the first team after getting second-team recognition as a junior. He led the Timberwolves with 12 points, five rebounds and four assists. Senior forward Joshua Seals (11 points, 11 rebounds) earned second-team honors.

All-VOL boys basketball
Manteca’s Peyton Nieman takes a tough shot in the key while closely defended by Kirk Simoni of East Union. - photo by SEAN KAHLER
All-VOL boys basketball
Manteca’s Peyton Nieman takes a tough shot in the key while closely defended by Kirk Simoni of East Union. - photo by SEAN KAHLER
The 6-foot-6 Wentworth helped Central Catholic repeat as champion, averaging 14.9 points, 7.9 rebounds and 3.0 assists in league. His game-winning jump shot at Manteca ultimately prevented another title share with the Buffs. Wentworth is headed to Clemson on a baseball scholarship.

East Union forward Vincent Hudson, Manteca forward Micah Crawford and Sierra center Collins Schluer are part of the All-Defensive Team.

Leland Crabb (East Union), Micah Crawford (Manteca), Emil Esperanza (Sierra), Jackson Fay (East Union), L.J. Legan (Manteca) and Tim Sarginson (Sierra) earned honorable mention.

Central Catholic’s Mike Wilson is Coach of the Year.