‘You don’t become an MVP overnight.’ Atwater basketball star earns top conference award
Atwater High basketball player Karissa Hukill achieved success from her hard work.
The junior often practiced with high intensity and focus, then follow up by spending an extra hour working out with former Atwater star Lexi Valencia.
“She worked every day,” Atwater coach JR Davis said. “She probably sleeps with a basketball.”
The hard work and dedication paid off as Hukill helped lead the Falcons to a fourth consecutive Central California Conference championship with a perfect 12-0 run through conference play.
In addition, the CCC coaches selected Hukill as conference MVP.
“I was very honored and humbled,” Hukill said. “It’s exciting. You don’t become an MVP overnight. I think it shows how much time and effort I put in. I worked hard for this.”
Hukill averaged 18.3 points per game during CCC play to go along with 5.6 rebounds, 4.2 assists and 4.3 steals.
“She probably works harder than anyone else around,” said Davis, who was named the CCC Coach of the Year. “Her not getting the award last year motivated her. It kind of kick-started her into overdrive this year. She worked above and beyond every day.”
Hukill said it was a special season with the Falcons being a close-knit group who thrive amid high expectations.
“It was an amazing season, but we want more than a league title,” Hukill said. “I want to win section and go far in the state playoffs.”
The Falcons also landed three players on the all-CCC first team in juniors Jolie Hart, Andrea Sandoval and Cami Gibson.
The Falcons trio was joined on the first team by El Capitan’s Avnoor Bains, Merced’s Averie Steverson and Patterson’s Siena Musson and Taylor Mason.
The all-CCC second team was comprised of Atwater’s Saige Harcksen, El Capitan’s Madysen Dietz and Shantelle Magana, Patterson’s Daneilla Garcia and Merced’s Amiya Brown.
Atwater’s Maidson Hiler, Buhach Colony’s Kelly Freeman, Central Valley’s Jannel Valencia, El Capitan’s Felicity Parker, Golden Valley’s Abigail Soto, Merced’s Jada Davis and Patterson Macyn Cozart were named to the Sportsmanship Team.
CCC Boys Basketball
After leading the Patterson High boys basketball to a co-CCC championship with Atwater, Tigers senior David Nnaji was named the conference MVP by the CCC coaches.
Nnaji averaged 18.4 points per game.
It was the Falcons’ fourth consecutive CCC championship.
Atwater had two players named to the all-CCC first team in Khoi Nguyen and AJ Banks. Other first-team members were Golden Valley’s Braden Castleton and Ricardo Perez, El Capitan’s Braylen Centeno, Merced, Aiden Cervantes and Patterson’s Amari Coley.
Atwater’s Kanoa Smith and Patterson’s Dwight Jones were named the CCC co-Coaches of the Year.
The all-CCC second-team selections were El Capitan’s Diego Ultreras, Atwater’s Nice Trejo, Golden Valley’s Zay Goode, Merced’s Jordan Thomas and Patterson’s Devin Hudson.
Those named to the Sportsmanship Team were: Atwater’s Brayden Alvarado, Buhach Colony’s Diolle Guidry, Central Valley’s Andre Flores, El Capitan’s Jesus Zavala, Golden Valley’s Joey Spielman, Merced’s Donovan Marshall and Patterson’s Doug Avelar.
