Josh RichardsonOrange Coast, FreshmanVolleyballRichardson, a middle blocker...

Josh Richardson

Orange Coast, Freshman

Volleyball

Richardson, a middle blocker from Newport Harbor High, may be the center of the Orange Coast defense, but he went on the offensive last week. Richardson had 22 kills, two solo blocks, and 10 digs as the Pirates beat San Diego Mesa, 15-13, 9-15, 15-11, 15-10. He came back with 21 kills, five solo blocks, and eight digs as Orange Coast beat two-time defending state champion Golden West, 9-15, 15-13, 15-7, 15-9.

Baseball

Johnny Nguyen

* Saddleback, freshman. He had four hits, including a key eight-inning double that drove in two runs, as the Gauchos beat Cypress, 6-4.

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Heather Cunningham

Irvine Valley, Freshman

Basketball

One of the main reasons Irvine Valley won the Orange Empire Conference title this season was its depth, and Cunningham, a freshman forward from El Dorado High, is the best example. Despite being a reserve, she averaged a team-best 16 points a game. She had 15 points in a 77-55 victory over Fullerton, then got 24 points in a 73-63 victory over Cypress. She also made 19 of 22 free throws in the two games.

Track and Field

Kim Watts

* Golden West, sophomore. She accounted for 15 1/4 points, winning four events, as the Rustlers beat Orange Coast and MiraCosta in a three-way meet.