Merced High’s Thompson passes career milestone in basketball

Merced High School senior Lexi Thompson recently passed a career milestone.

The four-year guard surpassed 1,500 career points with her 19 points in a Jan. 19 loss to Atwater. She had 1,531 points entering Tuesday night’s game against Buhach Colony.

“It’s really a big accomplishment,” Thompson said. “It’s not something you really set a goal for when you start. I was happy and surprised at the same time when I found out.”

Thompson’s point totals have improved each season. She scored 336 points as a freshman, 354 as a sophomore, 422 as a junior, and she has 419 this season.

Thompson’s fondest memories playing at Merced come from her teammates.

“What I’ll remember most is the girls I’ve been able to play with,” Thompson said. “I remember being in middle school and watching Tekerra (Borden) and Ja’Lara (Walker). In eighth grade, it was Jordan (Pierce), Symone (Gilliam) and myself, and now it’s us three still as seniors.

“I’ll also remember coming in playing against players like Jessica Silva and Allison Wisdom at Buhach Colony.”

While the milestone is nice, Thompson is still focused on helping Merced reach the playoffs. The Bears (14-8, 2-3 Central California Conference) begin the second half of conference play in fourth place. The top three teams qualify for the postseason.

“We have to come out and play hard for all four quarters,” Thompson said. “We have to play together as a unit, as a team. The goal is always to win games, but as long as we improve, I think we’ll be successful.”

Chowchilla’s Stewart, Stone Ridge Christian’s Hooker named second-team all-state

Chowchilla’s Anthony Stewart and Stone Ridge Christian’s Mark Hooker were named to the second team on Cal-Hi Sports’ All-State Small School football team.

Stewart was recognized as a multipurpose player after playing defensive back, running back and on special teams. He rushed for 1,701 yards and scored 27 touchdowns.

Hooker was named second-team defense after recording 32 sacks.

Dave Henderson memorial to be held in Dos Palos on Saturday

A public memorial service for former Dos Palos High baseball and football star Dave Henderson will be held at 1:35 p.m. Saturday at the Dos Palos High gym. Doors will open at noon.

Henderson, an outfielder who played six of his 14 major-league seasons with the Oakland A’s, died Dec. 27 after suffering a heart attack. He was 57.

Henderson was born in Merced and grew up in Dos Palos. He was drafted in the first round by the Seattle Mariners in 1977 after a decorated high school football and baseball career as a Bronco.

Henderson was a three-year varsity football player as a tight end, running back and strong safety. He helped lead Dos Palos to Valley Championships in 1975 and 1976. He also led the Broncos’ baseball team to Valley Championships in 1976 and 1977.

Henderson’s baseball jersey (No. 22) and football jersey (44) are retired at Dos Palos. The baseball field at the high school is also named in his honor. He was inducted into the school’s Hall of Fame as part of the inaugural class in 2012.

This story was originally published January 26, 2016 at 5:25 PM with the headline "Merced High’s Thompson passes career milestone in basketball."