Downey’s Jonathan Prata continues to pick up accolades

DOWNEY – The Downey High School wrestling program and 106 pound state champion Jonathan Prata continue to receive accolades from the wrestling season. Downey sent a school record four wrestlers to the state wrestling meet at Rabobank Arena in Bakersfield several weeks ago.

For his efforts, Jonathan Prata has earned the honor as the Long Beach Press Telegram’s Wrestler of the Year. Prata suffered only two losses this year and avenged his Master’s Meet loss against the same Eddie Flores of Northview in the state wrestling final. Prata won that match decisively 8-1.

Downey had one wrestler named to the First Team Dream Team and three wrestlers named to the Second Team Dream Team. Roland Dominguez (120) was named to the First Team Dream Team and Dillon Ajtun (113), Armando Padilla (138) and Nick Arrellano (160) were all named to the Second Team Dream Team.

Warren standout wrestler Kenneth Gonzalez (182) was also named to the Second Team Dream Team. State qualifier Alexis Galvan (220) was not named to a Dream Team but certainly deserves mention for his outstanding effort and season. 

Both Downey head coach Miguel Soto and Warren head coach Tim Brogden are extremely proud of their wrestling teams this year and how well they performed in postseason competitions.  

■ The Warren High School boys’ volleyball team currently has an overall record of 0-3 and began S.G.V.L. play yesterday against Paramount at Paramount (score unavailable at press time). 

The Bears were defeated by Bellflower at Warren 3-2 on 2/28, were defeated by El Segundo at El Segundo 3-0 on 3/7 and were defeated by Valley Christian at Valley Christian 3-0 on 3/16. Warren hosted Bell Gardens on Tuesday in their final preseason match.

The Bears will be competing in the St. John Bosco Tournament later today where they are scheduled to play Valencia. Warren will continue S.G.V.L. play when they host Gahr next Tuesday and when they travel to cross-town rival Downey on Thursday.

Warren finished last season with an overall record of 24-7 and a San Gabriel Valley League record of 8-2. Gahr (23-7, 9-1) was the S.G.V.L. champion and looks to be the team to beat again this year. Warren was defeated by Cathedral in the quarterfinal round of the C.I.F. Division 3 playoffs last season. This season, due to their strong finish last season, Warren will be competing in Division 2. 

Coach Lane, his staff and players are all looking forward to that challenge and the start of S.G.V.L. play. 

■ The Warren High School baseball team currently has an overall record of 6-2 and will begin S.G.V.L. play when they travel to Paramount on April 4. 

The Bears recently competed in the Quartz Hill Tournament where they finished 3-1. Warren defeated Canyon 1-0 on 3/9, defeated Eastside 12-0 on 3/11, were defeated by Quartz Hill 10-5 on 3/14 and defeated Lancaster 5-4 on 3/15.

The Bears were defeated by Redlands East Valley 10-5 on 3/17 and played Cantwell-Sacred Heart on Tuesday (score unavailable at press time). Warren will host Laguna Hills later today in a doubleheader and will travel to Aquinas next Wednesday. 

The Bears are also scheduled to compete in the Beaumont Tournament next week against Jurupa Hills on 3/30 and Royal on 3/31.

Coach Pearson, his staff and players are all looking forward to the start of S.G.V.L. play. Gahr, Paramount and cross-town rival Downey will once again be the teams to beat. The Bears finished last season with an overall record of 16-14 and a S.G.V.L. record of 5-5.

■ The Downey High School boys’ swim team currently has an overall record of 5-1 and will begin S.G.V.L. action when they swim against cross-town rival Warren on April 11. 

Downey defeated Cal High 122-44 on 3/7, defeated Kennedy 103-67 on 3/9, defeated Santa Fe 107-63 on 3/14, defeated Oceanview 106-64 on 3/16 and defeated La Serna 112-57 on Tuesday. 
Downey’s lone defeat came against Cerritos on March 2. The loss to Cerritos was the first dual meet loss in the last 41 competitions dating back to 2013. Downey has since rallied to win their last five competitions. 

The Vikings have been led this season by seniors Marcus Powell, Dominik Del Carpio, John Choi and Thomas Erling. Underclassmen also contributing to the effort are: Werner Rosales, Nathan Lopez, Jesus Marguia, Humberto Banuelos, Uriel Angeles, Jerry Aquinada and Matt Farias.

Coach Delhousay, his staff and players are all looking forward to the start of league action and making another strong showing in C.I.F. competition.

■ The Downey High School girls’ swim team currently has an overall record of 6-0. Downey has defeated C.I.F. Division 4 defending champion Cerritos, Cal, Kennedy, Santa Fe, Oceanview and La Serna in dual meet competitions. 

The Lady Vikings return senior captain Valerie Vazquez and junior Alejandra Villa to a very talented, young team. Six outstanding freshman also contributing to the effort include: Nektaria Anagnostou, Nicoletta Anagnostou, Jania Gregorio, Maritza Ochoa, Maria Visoso and Marie Olmedo.

The Lady Vikings have already achieved C.I.F. automatic qualifying times in two relays and look to qualify more swimmers in more events. Coach Salomon, his staff and swimmers are all looking forward to the start of league competition.