Orland High freshman Hailey Kagle has improved throughout the year in her first season wrestling. Kagle has gone from not placing at tournaments to now finishing in first place.

Prep Athlete of the Week — Chico E-R

Freshman Hailey Kagle keeps getting better for Orland wrestling

In the words of his Chico High wrestling coaches, Rieker Pineda has been through hell and back.Pineda has dealt with difficult dynamics at home for much of his life. At times, it has affected the mental side of his approach to wrestling since taking up the sport in seventh grade.During his senior season, however, he's responded well to mental hurdles on and off the mat. As Pineda and the Panthers gear up for stretch run of the postseason, he talked to the E-R about the recent weeks of his season, which inlcluded overcoming a collarbone injury a few weeks ago, his goals for the rest of it, and where he came from.Read more at: https://www.chicoer.com/tag/prep-athlete-of-the-week/.

Chico senior wrestler Rieker Pineda displays toughness on and off the mat

Senior midfielder Bella Snider has a commanding presence for the Chico High girls soccer team. She's developed into a leader for the Panthers as they make a push for an EAL title.

Bella Snider's leadership vital for Chico girls soccer team

The expectations for Andy Khalil were fairly high when he joined the Pleasant Valley High boys soccer team last season as a junior.Khalil had his moments for the Vikings during the season as they advanced to the CIF Northern California Regional semifinals. At other times though, Khalil felt the strain of living up to the expectations that came with earning a varsity spot.Once the season was over, Khalil took it upon himself to ask coaches — both from PV and his Chico Cal Soccer Club team — what he needed to improve on. Behind the scenes, he dedicated the offseason to work on those things with the hope that he would earn a full-time starting role. When he returned for his senior season, his progression was evident to PV head coach Nick Lopez. Not only did Khalil earn a starting position in the defensive midfield, but he was also named one of the Vikings' four captains.Read more at: https://www.chicoer.com/tag/prep-athlete-of-the-week/.

Pleasant Valley's Andy Khalil progresses into full-time starter

As the Bulldogs’ starting point guard, Tony Murillo has to find a balance between looking for his own shot and getting those around him involved.“If I’m open I’m going to take my shot, but if I’m not I’m going to make the right play and get my teammates involved,” Murillo said. “I’m not very selfish. I like to go for assists.”Now a senior, Murillo appears to have discovered the right balance to keep the Gridley High boys basketball team moving in a positive direction. His 3.9 assists per game rank fourth in the Northern Section, to go along with an average 12.5 points, 3.4 rebounds and 2.9 steals. By most accounts, he’s an all-around player for the Bulldogs (15-7) and the numbers don’t lie.

Gridley’s Tony Murillo performs as an all-around point guard

Durham High senior Melody Elwood can be a force in the post. Elwood has loved basketball since the sixth grade and has helped Durham to an unblemished MVL mark.

Melody Elwood's intense play powers Durham girls basketball team

Senior Tyler Dolan has settled in as a main shooter for the Oroville High boys basketball team.

Tyler Dolan gets buckets for Oroville boys basketball team

Between school, extracurricular activities, such as FFA, and playing three sports, Amber Kurth has to manage her time wisely throughout the year. But she wouldn’t have it any other way.“She’s one of our farm girls,” Orland coach Tim Milhorn said, “and I’ll tell you what… the farm girls on our team, they get stuff done."During the winter season, soccer moves to the forefront of her priorities. Kurth, a senior midfielder who leads Orland with six goals, has helped the Trojans to a 6-4-2 overall record, all while serving as one of the team's three captains for the season.

Amber Kurth's work ethic powers Orland girls soccer team

Madi Gray talks about working her way up the Pleasant Valley varsity team's roster as a four-year senior, singing "The Star-Spangled Banner" before most home matches, and the Vikings' 34-1 season thus far.

Madi Gray's intellect, intangibles are vital to Pleasant Valley volleyball team

Chico High wide receiver Abe Del Real was determined to be faster and stronger coming into his senior year. The senior has been one of the Panthers' most dominant weapons as Chico heads into the postseason.

Hard work continues to pay off for Chico High's Abe Del Real

Senior swimmer David Cheng has found success thanks to the supportive environment provided by his teammates. Outside of the pool, Cheng values volunteering and music.

Pleasant Valley’s David Cheng channels team spirit into wins

Chico High's Ally Richelieu is still fairly new to the game of tennis. But the junior Panther has been able to establish a mental edge to help carry her in the postseason.

Mental toughness carries Ally Richelieu into Division I finals

Makenna Joyce has always been a natural leader since her freshman year. Each season, the Pleasant Valley volleyball player has learned to thrive in the fast-paced, quick tempo Vikings offense.

Makenna Joyce unleashes for Pleasant Valley volleyball

Before he carved out a crucial role in the Orland football team's backfield, the Trojans couldn't even find a proper spot for Beni Martinez on offense. The reason he didn't get many opportunities on offense had nothing to do with a lack of talent, but rather, Orland's scheme not meshing his skill set. That hasn't been the case in 2019. Martinez has rushed for 306 yards and six touchdowns this season, while averaging 5.5 yards per touch. On defense, his 33 tackles rank third on the team.

Fullback, linebacker and homecoming king — Beni Martinez does a lot for Orland football

Las Plumas High tennis player Katy Cotter doesn't seem to crack under the pressure. It's one of the many strengths the senior Thunderbird has relied on as being the No. 1 singles player.

Katy Cotter continues to lead for Las Plumas tennis team

Interviews with the top athletes in Butte County, California, featured each week in the Chico Enterprise-Record newspaper.

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Prep Athlete of the Week — Chico E-R

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