“My favorite memory from my years of playing basketball was when I broke my friends ankles.” Â —
Sebastian Marquez
Ryan Chavez II
Long before he became a Valley champion, Ryan Chavez II played in his first AAU Nationals as a second grader, with his father serving as coach of the basketball club.
“My dad helped me learn the game, he ran our AAU Club and was my coach for most of my career,” Chavez said.
The junior continues to play in AAU while shining on the court at Immanuel High School, where he became a Valley champion as a freshman. Adding to his accolades, Chavez owns three AAU National Championships.
The Valley hooper feels blessed for the unique opportunities he has received because of basketball. That includes his experience of competing at the Disney ESPN Complex, as well as the time he played in Indiana for the US Open USA Basketball Championships.
“I’m blessed to have the people and opportunities that I’ve had in my life and I thank God above all,” the student-athlete said.
Chavez is recognized for his shooting ability and high basketball IQ, as well as ball-handling skills. Before tipoff of every game, the young man leads his team in prayer. He also shows his leadership skills at home, where he is a big brother to four sisters.
Equipped with the work ethic he has learned from basketball, Chavez feels prepared to chase his goal of becoming a college graduate and eventually working as a lawyer.
Derrick Green
Derrick Green found his passion for soccer at the age of three while playing at the Visalia YMCA. Now 13 years old, Green is playing for the CenCal Cosmos and the San Francisco Glens Soccer Club.
The young futboler, who started playing the game with encouragement from his dad, has already made many unforgettable memories on the field, including a goal in the NorCal Championship.
Green said soccer has taught him patience and motivated him to do better in school, where he has achieved a 4.0 GPA. With hopes of someday playing professionally, Green said he trains at least four times a week, focusing on strength and conditioning, as well as touches on the ball.
The teen said the hard work has especially helped his decision making on the field.
In his free time, the student-athlete said he spends time with family, plays his PS4 and kicks back with his dog.
Sebastian Marquez
Sebastian Marquez said he started playing basketball in the first grade, but didn’t take the game seriously until fourth grade. The Reyburn Intermediate eighth grader learned the game from his father, as well his cousin, Caden, and friend, Riley.
After middle school, Marquez is determined to play on the varsity team in high school. In the long run, the hooper’s dream is to play at UCLA, then the NBA.
The confident young man credits basketball for teaching him to believe in himself. On the court, Marquez is proving his confidence in various ways.
“The strongest parts of my game are my ball handling, play making, and shooting,” he said.
The Fresno hooper shows no mercy when he’s on the court, whether he’s playing in a game against a rival school, or on the playground with his friends.
“My favorite memory from my years of playing basketball was when I broke my friends ankles,” he said.
Marquez also tackles his academics with the same amount of pride.
“My proudest moments off the court was when I got straight A’s,” the middle school student said.
When he’s not playing basketball, Marquez said he likes to watch anime, play video games and listen to music.
