The Morro Bay High School Athletic Boosters Club has named its MBHS Athletes of the Month for December, as the school’s athletics wind down Fall 2022 play and new sports open play for the winter season.
Booster’s Ciub President, Ken Hotaling said, “As the school transitions into the new athletic season, the MBHS Athletic Boosters would like to honor students that participate in “Winter” sports. This month’s winners are Jessica Chavez of the Girls Soccer team; and Christopher Carreno Diaz and Josh Failia of the Boys’ Basketball squad.”
Girls Soccer
Varsity Girls’ Soccer coach, Kim Wishon, said, “Jessica Chavez was nominated by her team as captain to lead this year’s girls varsity pirate soccer team. As a senior she is already signed to play in college at the University of Redlands in Southern California. “Last year she was awarded MVP, Platinum Pirate and was one of the Top 3 goal scorers on the team.”
Coach Wishon said Chavez is a rock on defense. “Jessica is a solid and steady presence in our defensive line,” Coach Wishon said. “Her style of play is steady, consistent and raises the bar for her teammates. She puts in 110-percent effort and is a true team player.”
Her sportsmanship is at a high level. “She is a positive, quiet leader,” Coach Wishon said, “respects her coaches, teammates, opponents and officials. She plays fair and has the grit and determination to win. We look forward to another great season with Jessica!”
The Girls Soccer season starts Dec. 2-3 at the Back Bay Invitational in Newport Beach. The girls then travel to Bakersfield to compete in the prestigious, Garces Tournament, Dec. 9-10 and with a home opener Dec. 13 hosting Templeton. JVs start at 4:30 p.m. and Varsity at 6.
They start Ocean League play Jan. 3 hosting Mission Prep.
Boys Basketball
First year boys’ basketball coach, Kevin Russell, praised his two team leaders and Athletes of the Month — Christopher Carreno Diaz and Josh Failia.
“Josh has been the glue holding our ship together,” Coach Russell said. “He is our student manager who has been working hard behind the scenes.”
“Chris demonstrates selflessness on a daily basis and has contagious positive energy.”
The Boys’ Team will be hosting the Harding Invitational Tournament this week, Dec. 1-3 with teams from SLO County and the Central Valley competing in the annual holiday tournament.
The Pirates will start League play Jan. 3 at Paso Robles and then travel to Santa Maria on Jan. 6 before their home league opener on Jan. 9 against Orcutt Academy. JV game tips off at 5 p.m. and Varsity at 6:30.
