Featuring a hungry lineman at El Diamante, a softball star shining on and off the field, an up-and-coming basketball prospect, a hooper proving to be a key piece of a dynasty.
Eutimio Peña
El Diamante’s Eutimio Peña continues to work hard during the pandemic to prove his worth. The senior offensive lineman, who has three offers so far, wants to prove his work ethic more than anything.
“I work hard at everything I do and prepare for the future,” he said. “I plan to play college ball and work my hardest to succeed at any level of competition.”
As a junior, Peña was named to the 2nd Team All-League. The relentless student-athlete has earned offers from Whittier College, Clarke University and Allegheny College.
“Football is important to me because it gave me opportunities to do things that I never thought I would be able to do,”
Peña said. “It was also motivation to do better in school.”
In addition to clearing the line for his team, Peña has his hands full as El Diamanté’s Choir President.
“One thing that I am most proud of off the field is being elected Choir President at El Diamante,”
Peña said. “It meant a lot because to see a football player as a choir president is very unusual.”
Aniyla Byrd
Aniyla Byrd is only 14-years-old, but she has already gained reputation as a rising softball star and a philanthropist. The young woman, who has been donating Easter baskets since the 6th grade, continued to give back this past spring when she joined her teammates at Central High School and visited young patients at a hospital, giving away 45 Easter baskets filled with toys, activity books and candy.
“It’s always good to put a smile on people’s faces, it’s always good to give back and do a good deed when you can,” Byrd told CBS 47.
When she’s not leading the Grizzlies at Central High School, the sophomore thrives with her travel team, Cen Cal Dirtdogs.
“My priorities are God, family, academics and softball. I strive to be an amazing student athlete, while still giving back to individuals in need by leading fundraisers for patients in the hospital,” Byrd wrote in her online profile.
The young community leader wants to attend a 4-year college, play softball at the collegiate level and purse a degree in healthcare.
“I love helping people and I’m a firm believer that hard work and dedication pays off,” she said. “I am extremely thankful for every opportunity that I have been blessed with.”
Dre Davis
Dre Davis has already caught the attention of scouts at the age of 14. Basketball scout Spencer Pulliam said the 6-feet-6 hooper from Fresno “is only beginning his journey”, but his “growth and development is worth monitoring.”
“He is a reliable presence in and around the lane,”
Pulliam said in a video breakdown. “The West Coast prospect has displayed reliable hands in conjunction with his tremendous motor. Davis’ no-nonsense approach and his steady demeanor and his desire to compete should allow him to continue to find ways to be productive on the court at the next level.”
Speaking with Youth1, Davis said he models his game after his older cousin, Jalen Green, a potential No. 1 pick in the 2021 NBA draft.
“I try to model my game after my cousin Jalen because he can do everything on both sides of the floor,” Davis said.
The young prospect’s work ethic is already well-documented.
“My goal is to get at least 800 shots up per day.” Davis said. “I want to become an elite 3-point shooter and work on my ball handling as well.”
Outside of basketball?
“I love cars, I love to go to car shows or the drag strip with my dad whenever I have a free weekend,” the young hooper said.
Samaria Velazquez
Samaria Velazquez has been described as a player who has the total package when it comes to her skillset on the basketball court.
The San Joaquin Memorial guard is a big part of the reason why the Panthers have won three straight valley titles.
As a freshman, Velazquez proved her defensive prowess in the Division IV Valley Championship game. Despite struggling offensively on the big stage, Velazquez recorded four steals to help her team come from behind and take down Sierra Pacific High.
“I’m just glad that I could help,” Velázquez told Vida en el valle after the win.
The point guard came up with another stellar defensive effort in this year’s
Division II Valley Championship game, totaling five steals to help the Panthers defeat Mission Prep.