If there are better players around, Weston Ranch coach Chris Teevan argues there isn’t one more valuable than Gavin Wilburn.
The third-year junior did it all for the Cougars in their impressive 2018-19 campaign, which included a 30-game winning streak, Sac-Joaquin Section Division III title and an invitation to the CIF State Open Division Championships. Wilburn also led them to an undefeated run through the Valley Oak League and was voted all-league MVP.
“I can’t say he’s the best player in the section because I haven’t seen every player, but he definitely proved to be the most valuable player in the section,” said Teevan, the VOL Coach of the Year. “I think his value can’t be measured.”
Built like a bull at 6-foot-3, 180-pounds, Wilburn can play with guile and finesse as well as sheer strength. He averaged 11.6 points, 7.7 rebounds, 3.4 assists, 1.2 steals and 1.1 blocks in the regular season. Although he’s a capable scorer with range that extends out to the 3-point arc, Wilburn oftentimes gives up shots to focus on other areas that his team needs.
“We ran a lot of stuff through him knowing he was going to see a lot of double-teams,” Teevan said. “He walked out of a lot of games with one point or five points. When a top player has that unselfish mindset everything is easier for his teammates. He makes the right play, no matter who ends up shooting the shot.
“Defensively, he can guard 1 (point guard) to 5 (center). He has also really matured a lot emotionally and as a person.”
Weston Ranch (12-0, 31-2 overall) and Manteca (8-4, 21-11) each had two All-VOL first team selections.
Sophomore Donjaé Lindsey and senior Devin Small made the cut for Weston Ranch. Lindsey was the Cougars’ leading scorer at 15.3 points per game, while Small added 9.9. Earning all-league for Manteca were third-year senior guard Jorge Cedano (14.0 points, 5.1 rebounds, 4.1 assists) and high-flying 6-4 forward Domonick Victor (14.6 points, 8.6 rebounds, 1.4 blocks).
Manteca senior Isaiah Victor and Sierra junior Kendrick Currey earned second-team honors. East Union junior guards Christian Cuevas and Parmbir Khattra made honorable mention along with Manteca’s Jordan Burciaga and Weston Ranch sophomore Mi’Son Coilton.
The all-defensive team includes Weston Ranch’s Titus Haley, Manteca’s Miguel Sequiera, Sierra’s Jaedon Malone and East Union’s Asiah Scott.
