Trio of firsts spotlight Adams, McDonald and Calhoun as CCCSIA/CCCAA Athletes of the Month for December
SACRAMENTO - There were a number of firsts that highlight December’s CCCSIA State Athletes of the Month.
Football running back John McDonald became Laney College’s first-ever athlete of the month since the award began back in 2005.
Also for the first time in the AOTM history, the top women’s award is shared by two athletes in American River volleyball player Maddie Adams and Moorpark basketball player Breanna Calhoun.
The Moorpark selection is that college’s first winner (like Laney in either gender) while American River’s Adams is the first female choice from that college since track and field sprinter Christina Hibbert won the May award 13 years ago.
The only other time that Co-winners were selected was on the men’s side back in March, 2007 when Fresno City basketball’s Mike Marcial, now the head coach of a new men’s hoops program at College of San Mateo, and Saddleback golfer Gavin Reid (later played at USC) shared the honor.
Men’s Athlete of the Month
John McDonald, Laney College, Football, 5-foot-9, 180 pounds, So. Running Back
In leading Laney to the 2018 CCCAA state football championship, McDonald was a workhorse for the Eagles as he carried the ball 38 times for 217 yards against Ventura. His consistent rushes allowed the Eagles to consume the clock in nearly 42 minutes in time of possession. Even though he didn’t score a TD in the 40-35 win, eleven of his carries resulted in first downs as he kept moving the chains for Laney. He was named the game’s MVP. McDonald played prep football for Lincoln High in Stockton.
Women’s Co-Athletes of the Month
Maddie Adams, American River College, Volleyball, 5-foot-8, So. Libero
Adams put on a defensive clinic in helping ARC win its first-ever state women’s volleyball championship last month. She totaled a state tourney-high 75 digs in 3 victories, including 27 to defeat defending state champ Irvine Valley in the semifinals. Averaging 5.8 digs per set, her play helped her make All-State Tournament, winning against the likes of El Camino, IVC and Fresno City over three contests. ARC was an original No. 5 seed in the North and her leadership helped the Beavers get over the top. Leading the entire state in digs this year, Adams is from Rocklin High.
Breanna Calhoun, Moorpark College, Basketball, 5-foot-6, Fr. Guard
Calhoun led Moorpark to a 7-1 record in the month with stellar statistics across the board. She averaged 20.5 points, 5.8 assists, 3.9 steals and 3.9 rebounds. She was 50 percent from the floor and made 36 free throws (64 percent) in the month. She scored 33 points in a win over West LA. She put together a high-octane 20 points, 13 assists double-double with 8 rebounds and 6 steals in a win over Mission. Her overall play helped Moorpark to the South Region’s No. 1 ranking and current state No. 2 ranking. Calhoun is a product of Bishop Alemany High.
(Robert Lewis, CCCSIA)