REV favored in Citrus Belt League boys basketball as Redlands alums shine

Sports Notebook

REV favored in Citrus Belt League boys basketball as Redlands alums shine
Citrus Valley High basketball players Carmine Amaya and Aiden Todd appeared at the recent CBL Media Day. (Photo by John Murphy)

The Citrus Belt League boys basketball media day was held recently at Redlands East Valley High. There were representatives from all six CBL schools.

The first games begin November 24.

Citrus Valley hopes to improve on a 6-15 overall record (2-8 in the CBL).

“You know you’re going to have a tough year when you have kids who just show up for practice and then leave,” Citrus Valley coach Yon Okorodudu said. “We have to kick kids out of the gym. They play for club teams and they train and some of them get up at 4 or 5 in the morning and put in some significant work.”

Last year Redlands High struggled with a 3-16 overall record (0-10 in the CBL), but Terriers’ second-year coach Joey Sponheim hopes 2025-26 will be better.

“Last year we had a lot of moments where we thought we did really well, but we just couldn’t put a full game together,” Sponheim said.

"With a combination of some JV guys coming up and some newcomers, we’re looking to become more competitive and a much better defensive team,” Sponheim said.

Redlands East Valley, with four returning starters and three returning all-league players, is the CBL favorite. Coach Mike Aranda is naturally hopeful.

“We’re really looking forward to this season,” Aranda said. “Our guys want more. We have a veteran team with seven returning varsity players. We have a tight-knit team and these guys never want to leave the gym.”

Redlands East Valley High graduate Jaelan Phillips was traded by the Miami Dolphins to the Philadelphia Eagles for a third-round pick.

PHILLIPS SHINES AS AN EAGLE

Redlands East Valley High grad Jaelan Phillips was recently traded to the Philadelphia Eagles. (Photo by John Murphy)

It appears the edge rusher is a nice addition for the Eagles as Phillips made six tackles in a recent 10-7 victory against the Packers including a tackle for a loss, two quarterback hits, and a forced fumble.

"I'm just glad I can come in and help the team," Phillips told the Sporting News. "My biggest thing coming in, no ego, just wanted to earn the respect of my teammates and the coaches and the fans and everybody.”

It appears the Philadelphia Eagles have hit on a recent maneuver in bringing edge rusher Jaelan Phillips to the team for a third-round pick.

The Redlands East Valley High grad had six tackles including one for loss, two quarterback hits, and a forced fumble in a recent 10-7 victory against the Packers.

"I'm just glad I can come in and help the team," Phillips said to The Sporting News. "My biggest thing coming in, no ego, just wanted to learn the respect of my teammates and the coaches and the fans and everybody.”

Against Detroit in a win on Sunday night, Phillips added a sack. Also, when he was introduced as a starter, instead of stating his college, he said, "Redlands, California."

TRETAULT HONORED

Redlands East Valley High grad Jenna Tretault was recently honored. (Courtesy photo)

Redlands East Valley graduate Jenna Tetrault was named the California Collegiate Athletic Association soccer goalkeeper of the year.

Tretault helped Cal Poly Pomona win the CCAA’s regular-season title, earning a No. 4 national NCAA Division II ranking.

Tetrault, a redshirt freshman who did not play soccer for REV (opting instead for elite soccer club experience), also earned first-team all-CCAA honors.

The Broncos, defending national champions, are 14-2-3 overall and 7-1-3 in the CCAA to repeat as regular-season champions. Cal Poly Humboldt upset the Broncos in the CCAA tournament semifinals on Friday, 1-0.

REDLANDS LOSES TO POMONA-PITZER

Pomona-Pitzer defeated the University of Redlands football team on Saturday in the Southern California Collegiate Athletic Conference third-place game.

Pomona-Pitzer scored three times in the second quarter. The visitors tallied on a 19-yard Jack Walker field goal, A 22-yard pass from Nick Kim to Walker, and on a safety.

Redlands quarterback Tobey Schmidt threw for 83 yards and Mark Mitchell III ran for 95 yards and caught passes for 28 yards.

Redlands finished the season with a 6-4 record. Pomona-Pitzer went 5-5.

LOPEZ, CAMPOS HELP LIFE CAL BAPTIST

Two players from Redlands helped Cal Baptist University to a Western Athletic Conference women’s soccer title and an NCAA berth.

The players are Citrus Valley High grad Avy Lopez and Grace Campos who played on season at Redlands East Valley High. Campos also played on the FC Legends.

The NCAA tourney began Friday.

FORMER TERRIER MAKES ALL-CONFERENCE

Redlands High grad Sakiah Williams made first team All-CCAA. (Courtesy photo)

Redlands High graduate Sakiah Williams was voted to the CCAA collegiate Athletic Association first team for helping Cal State San Bernardino go 8-6-5 overall this season, including a 6-3-2 record in CCAA play – a tie for third place in the regular season.

Sakiah excels as a back line defender and played the most minutes of any of her teammates this season with 1,717 minutes played over 19 matches. She also scored four goals.

Reach John Murphy at berdooman@gmail.com and follow at @PrepDawg2.

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