Pintos wrap up basketball season with awards banquet

California High School basketball players who received special awards at the annual California Pintos Basketball Awards Banquet March 12 at the CHS commons, from left, are junior Chase Ramsdell, Most Improved Player; senior Curtis Lehman, Defensive MVP; sophomore Jaden Barr, Offensive MVP; junior Cole George, Hardest Worker Award; and senior Jason Wolverton, Pinto Toughest Player Award.
California High School basketball players who received special awards at the annual California Pintos Basketball Awards Banquet March 12 at the CHS commons, from left, are junior Chase Ramsdell, Most Improved Player; senior Curtis Lehman, Defensive MVP; sophomore Jaden Barr, Offensive MVP; junior Cole George, Hardest Worker Award; and senior Jason Wolverton, Pinto Toughest Player Award.

The annual California High School Pinto Basketball Banquet was held March 12 at the high school commons, where players, coaches, family and friends gathered to reflect on the 2012-13 season.

Following a carry-in dinner, CHS Head Coach Blair Scanlon opened the awards ceremony by thanking many for their support throughout the season, including parents of the athletes, the CHS Administration, local media outlets and the Pinto Basketball Booster Club, to name a few.

Scanlon then recognized each of the Pinto basketball players for their personal achievements and contributions throughout the season.

Scanlon and CHS Assistant Coach Lance Conner presented letters to each of the lettermen.

Scanlon spoke about each team's season. The freshman team finished 3-1-1, while the JV finished 14-3, and the varsity, 14-11.

"Our varsity season was up and down until we got going," Scanlon said. "We only had eight guys to start with since our football team was doing so well, so we missed a lot. Then Jerry Lutz, our point guard, was out for the year with an injury, and Dylan (Albertson), our leading scorer, got hurt. We definitely had our share of road blocks, but we made the best of it and I believe we over-achieved. Our district was probably the best in the state. We came up a little short in our last game. It's tough to lose like that. I felt bad for our seniors; I wanted them to win the district championship."

The following awards were presented:

Scanlon recognized student assistant Josh Witthaus and thanked him for his hard work and dedication. "Josh is at every practice. He's there for whatever I and the players need. He's a hard worker and just a great guy."

Scanlon thanked Coach Conner (who is leaving at the end of the school year) and Coach Landon Porter (who was not present) for their dedication. "Coach Conner leaving is a huge loss to our program, but he will be an asset anywhere he goes."

In closing, Scanlon said he will coach next season using the same approach he had this season. "I'll work very hard. We have to get better and catch up. We'll keep working and keep playing. Next year, the sky is the limit. We've got a good group of guys."