By Mike Blake
This week, Kern Vally High School has multiple honors. Despite being on the short end of a tough 69-62 girls basketball loss in overtime last week to Desert, the play of three players stood out as consummate performances. Sophomore Ellie Jeans pulled down 14 rebounds, dished out three assists and was credited with three steals on defense; and junior Jessie Bunting also dominated the glass with 14 boards and contributed 20 points. However, sophomore Jayda Bushling earned the top honor this week for a stat line of 30 points, 12 rebounds – 10 off the defensive glass – four assists and three steals. Kern Valley girls basketball coach Bill Gallis agreed with our choice, saying, “She did everything she could for us.”
Coach Gallis said, “She hit the free throw with 10 seconds left in regulation to put us up by one and she matched their best player point for point.”(Note: Bushling actually outscored Desert junior Destiny Hart, 30-27 and Bushling took only 18 shots compared to Hart’s 37).
”She kept us in it all night long and played a fabulous game under pressure,” Coach Gallis said.
Honorable mention this week, in addition to Bushling’s teammates, also goes to Kern Valley girls soccer player Kassandra Guarneros. Kern Valley girls soccer coach Paul Armes said, “Soccer defenders don’t really get the stats to brag about. But Kass has saved the team so many times in clutch situations. She is a lock down defender, sends our corner kicks and is the captain of the defense. And unsung hero who deserves recognition.”
On the boys’ side, basketball coach Michael Henson said two standout student-athletes deserve to share the award. ”Sophomore Bryce Smoot and freshman Shiloh Galvan should share player of the week award,” Coach Henson said. “The boys played a hard- fought game against Desert, with Shiloh and Bruce playing both playing at high levels, “ Coach Henson said.
“Shiloh has become a great player this year and is able to dribble through the press break and make great passes or find his spot and pull up shooting. In a tough overtime loss to Desert, 69-62, Henson said, Bryce almost had a double-double while Shiloh Galvan did his thing and lead the broncs in scoring.”
Galvan finished with a team-high 14 points and added four assists and two steals. and Smoot delivered 12 points, nine boards, two blocks and two steals.
Congratulations to this week’s honorees and all Kern Valley High School student athletes who give their all for the Broncs.
