2018, a year to remember in local sports: Part One

As we near the end of another year it’s only fitting that we look back and pay tribute to some of the best moments in local sports.
Although there were too many stories to list, we’ve tried to capture some of the highlights from the first half of 2018 in words and photographs. 
We’d also like to take time to thank the many contributors that help make our sports pages a true product of the community each week. Your continuing support is greatly appreciated.
The following is part one of a two part series. 
(1) Championship season – The Windsor High School varsity boys basketball team celebrated in February after capturing their second North Bay League title in a three-year span. Led by departing coach Travis Taylor, the 23-6 Jaguars were led by senior league MVP Riley Smith (1,182 career points), and all-leaguers Travis Carlozzi, Justin Smith and Jordan Merical.  Photo provided
(2) Inside force – Senior post-player Gabby Giddings (#24) finished a stellar four-year varsity basketball career among the top scorers in Lady Jaguar history, eclipsing the 1,000-point mark. Led by head coach Joe Passalacqua, Windsor wrapped up a solid 11-15 season just out of playoff contention. Other team leaders included four-year seniors Sabrina Simili, Hannah May and Mattie Murphy and junior Tori Russotti. Photo by Greg Clementi
(3) Tough on the mat – The WHS wrestling team, led by head coach Rich Carnation, enjoyed one of their best years ever, winning North Bay League and North Coast Section dual titles, qualifying 13 athletes to the NCS meet and two to the prestigious CIF State Championships in March. NCS qualifiers were 113-pound Brandon Fong, 120-pound Justin Campbell (6th place), 126-pound Tony Russotti, 132-pound Conor Brown (6th place), 138-pound Brennan Brown, 160-pound Josh Wagner, 182-pound Lorenzo Leon, 197-pound Alex Cruz, 220-pound Ben Smith and heavyweight Austin Jacob. Representing the Jaguars at state were NCS champions 108-pound junior Blake Fredrickson and 152-pound sophomore Trent Silva. Fredrickson went on to a sixth-place state medal. Photo provided.
(4) Spring heat – Junior softball pitcher Kayla Scott fired to the plate for the Lady Jaguars during a competitive 2018 campaign. Under the guidance of head coach Morgan Rasmason, the Jags wrapped up a strong spring season with an overall record of 9-12, falling just short of NCS playoff consideration. Other team leaders included Alyssa De Casas, Camille Kahnberg, Averie Gherett, Kassandra Jaramillo, Gracie Hernandez, Anis Acevedo, Caitlyn Murphy, Natalia Baca and Savanna Cordova. Photo by Guy Foster
(5) Making a splash – Sophomore NBL champion Connor Wong capped a great spring season in May at the prestigious North Coast Section Swimming & Diving Championships in Livermore, turning in a pair of strong performances. Seeded 29th in the 200 IM, Wong logged a sensational time of 1:58.47 to finish in 23rd place overall. Seeded 21st in the 100 Butterfly, Wong clocked a time of 52.76 to finish in 28th place. Led by coach Kelli Wong, other team standouts included Sam Ampuero, Justin Hume, Jared Boettger, Ava Smith and Solana Jolly. Photo by Greg Clementi
(6) Big stick – Senior baseballer Joey Pignataro took a cut in spring baseball action for the Jaguars. Led by coach Dave Avila, Windsor turned in a solid 2018 season with a record of 5-9 in the NBL and 9-13 overall, just missing out on a postseason playoff berth. Among the many highlights of the season was a 3-2 win over playoff bound Cardinal Newman in May. Other key players were outfielders Tanner Tobon and Patrick Tappin, shortstop Carson Ramocinski, catcher Nick Pariani, infielder Patrick McGee, first-baseman Kevin Winter and pitchers Cy Soltanizadeh, Eric Begley and Tyler Hellums.  Photo by Greg Clementi