YHS Basketball Co-League Champs 2017 (photo credit Chris Graffigna)
OAKHURST — The sixth-seeded Yosemite High School girls basketball team is heading to the Central Section Division II playoffs in Porterville on Thursday, Feb. 23, playing the third-seeded Monache High School at 7 p.m.
Click on images to enlarge.
Team members (back row from left to right) Grace Fries, Sophie McGoldrick, Allison Bernardi, Siena Oswald, Hailey Rich, (front row left to right) Lilly Graffigna, Linnea Leinau, Carly Baldwin, Trinity Curtis, and Kelsey Montalto. The team is coached by Gary Blate and assisted by Chris Graffigna.
The co-league champions finished their league with an 8 – 1 record after a slow start.
“We have four sophomore and one junior starter,” says Badger Coach Graffigna, “and it’s a great achievement to turn the season around and make the playoffs.”
Siena Oswald led the league in rebounds and Gracie Fries was second in league scoring. Additional team and individual statistics can be found at by following this link to MaxPreps.com.
Carly Baldwin is the sole senior on the team this season.
“This season was a learning experience for all of us,” notes Carly.
“Along the way, we grew together on and off the court. Somewhere through it all everything clicked and we started playing with confidence and power. I couldn’t imagine a better team. They made my last year better than I could imagine. I wish them the best of luck for years to come.”
5 Lilly Graffigna PG So. 5-4
10 Trinity Curtis G So. 5-4
14 Carly Baldwin G Sr. 5-4
15 Allison Bernardi F Jr. 5-9
20 Linnea Leinau G So. 5-5
21 Kelsey Montalto G Jr. 5-4
22 Sophie McGoldrick F So. 5-10
24 Grace Fries G So. 5-6
30 Siena Oswald F, C Jr. 5-10
35 Hailey Rich F, C So. 5-10
Photos courtesy of Carly Baldwin and Dara Baldwin except as indicated.
