After coach, two players arrested, Mariposa High basketball restarts with new coaches
The Mariposa High boys basketball team returned to the basketball court this week, including a victory over Waterford on Wednesday night.
The Mariposa County School District had suspended all basketball activities at the school after the Merced County Sheriff’s Office announced last week that two basketball players were arrested on suspicion of sex crimes. Head coach Pierce Chaney also was arrested and charged with felony child abuse and misdemeanor failure to report.
The school district and sheriff’s office haven’t released any details about the reasons behind the arrests.
The district announced former Grizzlies coaches Trace Desandres, Bruce Vegley, and Joe Lewis were brought back to run all Mariposa basketball activities for the rest of the season.
The Grizzlies defeated Waterford 51-27 on Wednesday night to improve to 13-14 overall and 6-5 in the Southern League. Mariposa is currently tied with Delhi for second place.
“Before resuming basketball activities, our MCHS administrative team has worked tirelessly to ensure that conditions for practices and competitions are safe for all of our student-athletes,” said Mariposa County School District Superintendent Jeff Aranguena in a statement posted on Facebook. “Additionally, we have implemented additional supportive measures to ensure their well-being.”
Late last week the Mariposa County Sheriff’s Office announced two players were arrested and are facing multiple charges of sex crimes.
“Throughout this process, our administrative team has been actively engaged in supporting individuals affected by the allegations,” Aranguena said. “We have ensured that support services are readily available, prioritizing the well-being and support of our students and community members.”
Aranguena said the district is “constrained in what we can share with the public.”
“We aim to learn and grow from this situation, emerging as a stronger school community,” Aranguena added. “Following the conclusion of the District’s investigation, we will release communications about our findings to the extent permitted by law.”
