Cal-Hi Sports Insider Blog

Quick-hitting, behind-the-scenes news and notes from the CalHiSports.com staff, including previews of upcoming content and events.

Girls BB: Recognizing Some Classics

By Harold Abend | Published December 17, 2023

The Third Annual Recognize Game Classic at Merritt College in Oakland on Saturday had five teams ranked in the most recent Cal-Hi Sports State Top 25 rankings in action, and as expected four of the top-ranked teams that were favored came out victorious. We were honored to be asked to announce the six games contested and name each game’s MVP on behalf of Cal-Hi Sports.

Note: We hope you enjoy this free post on CalHiSports.com. The next Girls BB State TOP 25 update will be for Gold Club members only. All of our award-winning rankings writeups, analysis and predictions of what’s coming next for the rest of the 2023-24 season also ill be content for our Gold Club VIPs only. To become a member of our Gold Club so you can check out all of our girls basketball content, including state record updates and player rankings in each class, CLICK HERE.

Sofia Bowes had an impactful first half for San Ramon Valley in its big win vs Sacred Heart Cathedral. Photo: Harold Abend.


No. 9 San Ramon Valley (Danville) 72,
No. 14 Sacred Heart Cathedral (SF) 52

After going back and forth early on, Cal-Hi Sports No. 9 ranked San Ramon Valley (7-1) opened the second quarter on a 16-0 run that turned an 18-13 first quarter lead to a 34-13 advantage that ended up at 41-17 at the half. From there, the Wolves pretty much coasted to the finish line.

San Ramon Valley senior Amanda Kerner had a game-high 18 points (four 3-pointers) but all but five of her points came in the second half when the Wolves were already pretty much on cruise control. Because she took charge of the game with all 13 points (three 3-pointers), eight rebounds with a block and an assist coming in the first two quarters, senior Sofia Bowes was named the MVP despite twisting an ankle early in the third quarter that sent her to the bench for the remainder of the game.

“Sofia took control early on in the game and her play was key in the first half,” said San Ramon Valley head coach Joe Cristano. “She deserved the MVP.”

Wolves senior Sierra Chambers had 14 points, five rebound and two assists, and senior Avery Knapp added 11 points, five rebounds, four rebounds and two assists.

Sacred Heart Cathedral (7-1) got 14 points and eight rebounds from junior Madison Eade and 12 points (two 3-pointers) with two steals from junior Aniyah Versosa.

New Mexico-committed Sacred Heart Cathedral senior guard Reza Po was swarmed by the San Ramon Valley defense and held to a single basket and two free throws.

No. 11 Acalanes (Lafayette) 77, Caruthers 51

The small school girls from Caruthers played their hearts out but they were no match for an Acalanes team that has a lone 5-point loss to No. 6 St. Mary’s of Stockton.

Leading 3-2, Acalanes (8-1) went on a 10-0 run and led by as many as 28 points in a decisive victory.

Junior center Ariana Hallstrom showed a complete game and earned MVP honors after going for what turned out to be a Recognize Classic Game high 26 points, including three 3-pointers, five rebounds, four steals and an assist.

Several other Dons had solid games. Standout juniors Sophie Chin and Dulci Vail added 21 points, six rebounds and three steals, and 12 points, five rebounds, three steals and two assists.

Caruthers had three girls with nine points — junior Mia Mola (six rebounds) freshman Jaylee Moore (five rebounds) and senior Gizelle Aguirre.

Caruthers (2-3) has not shied away from tough competition. Of its three losses, this was the most lopsided. The other two were to 49-42 to state No. 18 ranked Brentwood (Los Angeles) and 54-48 to a Texas Episcopal team that boasts Shaq’s daughter, Me’arah O’Neal.

Jayla Stokes had 19 points in the battle for Oakland supremacy won by Bishop O’Dowd over Oakland Tech. Photo: Harold Abend / Cal-Hi Sports.


No. 12 Bishop O’Dowd (Oakland) 58,
Oakland Tech 40

The final score doesn’t really indicate the competitiveness of this game we dubbed “the battle for Oaktown” after Bishop O’Dowd pulled away in the fourth quarter over an Oakland Tech team that’s been taking its lumps.

Both teams were missing top players. O’Dowd is without solid sophomore guard Lizzy Quinteros indefinitely. She suffered a knee injury in a late November win over Sacramento McClatchy. Oakland Tech has been without senior star Taliyah Logwood. According to Bulldogs head coach Leroy Hurt and confirmed by Logwood, she should be back from a non-season ending knee injury in approximately two weeks.

Sophomore guard Jayla Stokes led Bishop O’Dowd (4-1) with a game-high 19 points on five three-pointers with six steals and four rebounds. For her efforts Stokes was named the MVP of the game.

The only other Dragons’ player in double-figure scoring was senior Savannah Jones with 13 points plus four rebounds, three assists and three steals.

O’Dowd ran out to a 13-2 lead but Tech fought back with a 10-0 run to close it to 15-12 after one quarter. The run got to 21-6 and the Bulldogs took their biggest lead at 23-19 midway through the second quarter. However, in a game of runs, the Dragons closed the half on a 10-0 run and led 29-23 at the intermission.

Oakland Tech had a 6-0 run to open the second half to knot things at 29-apiece, but O’Dowd answered with a 10-2 run to make it 39-31 midway through the third quarter.

The Bulldogs closed it to 41-35 near the end of the third but that would be as close as they would get. From there they kind of ran out of gas and gave up a 9-0 run that made it 50-35, and at that point the deal was pretty much done.

Oakland Tech (4-6) got solid production from its two sophomore stars, Terri’A Russell and Jhai Johnson, but only four other girls scored and ball handling was and has been a problem for the Bulldogs this season, particularly with Logwood out. Russell had 14 points, eight rebounds, two steals and a block, and Johnson added 13 points, nine rebounds, and three blocks.

No. 15 Cardinal Newman (Santa Rosa) 72,
Liberty (Brentwood) 26

This one was pretty much the Kate Schat show after the Cardinals’ junior standout scored the game’s first seven points and 13 in a first quarter alone that saw Newman bolt out to a 19-5 lead that got to 45-14 at the half. In the end it was the only game at the Recognize Game Classic to go to a running clock after Newman stretched it to 66-23 after three quarters.

Schat probably could have gone for a lot more points but Cardinals head coach Monica Mertle emptied the bench and removed Scat after she dropped in a three-pointer early in the third quarter.

Schat, who is starting to get some additional college interest after a solid summer and fall, was an obvious MVP after finishing with 24 points (three 3-pointers), five assists and two rebounds.

Cardinal Newman (8-2) was an overwhelming favorite coming in, and it seemed like an odd match-up for a showcase event, and Mertle knew that coming in, but she took it in stride.

“I’m ok with it,” Mertle remarked. “It gave me a chance to play my young ones.”

Besides Schat, nine other Cardinals scored led by senior Janelle Pena with 15 points plus seven rebounds and two steals.

Liberty (2-6) got seven points from senior Lea Salinas Beamen.

Eureka 75, McNair (Stockton) 41

The Eureka girls from Behind the Redwood Curtain bolted out to a 13-0 lead and never looked back in an easy victory.

McNair got it down to 20-12 in the early second quarter but by halftime it was 38-19 and a 13-4 run by Eureka to open the second half allowed the Loggers to coast home.

Junior Samara Gaither took home MVP honors after leading Eureka (11-1) with 20 points. Senior Isis Poteet added 14 points and senior Kaitlin Giacone finished with 13 points.

McNair (1-8) was led by sophomore Anjulie Navarro with 16 points including four three-pointers.

Priory (Portola Valley) 69,
Cornerstone Christian (Antioch) 46

Priory (5-2) opened an 8-0 lead that ballooned to 13-1 and by the end of the first quarter it was 25-11 and that would be the closest McNair would get.

Sophomore point guard Adelaide Chan had nine of her game-high 18 points (three 3-pointers) in the first quarter and earned MVP honors for the game mostly due to the fact she took charge early and set the tone for the game.

The young Panthers, with only one senior on the roster, had three other players in double-figure scoring led by Ugreat Daniels with 17 points. Sophomore Jordyn Moss and senior post Carmela Fontes had 15 and 10 points, respectively.

Cornerstone Christian (9-1) lost for the first time this season. The Cougars were led by the Alexander sisters. Sophomore Laila Alexander had 13 points and senior Mecca Alexander added 12 points.

Harold Abend is the associate editor of CalHiSports.com and the vice president of the California Prep Sportswriters Association. He can be reached at marketingharoldabend@gmail.com. Don’t forget to follow him on Twitter: @HaroldAbend

CIF State Football Title Game MVPs

By Mark Tennis | Published December 12, 2023

We have picked one for every game we’ve seen since the first one of the modern era in 2006, and have chosen one based on posted stats & media coverage for every other state final. Perhaps the hardest one this year was for Woodland Christian in D5-A. We also have one freshman and three sophomores who are joining our collection.

FOR SATURDAY GAME WRITEUPS AT SADDLEBACK COLLEGE, PASADENA CITY COLLEGE & EL CAMINO COLLEGE, CLICK HERE.

FOR FRIDAY GAME BREAKDOWNS AT SADDLEBACK COLLEGE, PASADENA CITY COLLEGE & EL CAMINO COLLEGE, CLICK HERE.

Note: We hope you enjoy this free post on CalHiSports.com. After the preseason, all weekly and final state rankings are available only to our Gold Club members as well as our state stat star of the week honor rolls. To check out getting a Gold Club membership to see all of those rankings plus all of our updated state record lists, totally authentic historical features, recruiting player ratings and more, CLICK HERE.
Read more…

FINAL CIF Regional Projections

By Mark Tennis | Published November 25, 2023

There’s no time to explain all of these placements as they have been done late on Saturday night after all results are in and the actual pairings by the CIF will be out by Sunday afternoon. We’ll have reactions to those in a full post on Sunday night.

Also, remember we don’t know which teams if any have opted out of these games. We are not official by the CIF in any way and these are done just to give folks a guide to what possibly may happen on Sunday. All of these teams are section champions. Which teams are home or away also are unknown. Every section will have home games and teams that traveled one year for a regional game are likely to be at home the following year.

Congratulations to all teams who have earned their spots on this board. Compiled as of Saturday night, Nov. 25.

TO SEE OUR FULL STATEWIDE CIF SECTION SCOREBOARD WITH HIGHLIGHTS & BREAKDOWNS FOR MANY OF THESE TEAMS, CLICK HERE.

PLEASE CHECK OUT GETTING A GOLD CLUB SUB TO THIS WEB SITE FOR ALL STATE RANKINGS, ALL OF THE UPCOMING ALL-STATE TEAMS, STATE RECORD UPDATES, STATE STAT STAR LISTS, AND MORE. TO SIGN UP, CLICK HERE.

OPEN DIVISION
Mater Dei of Santa Ana (CIFSS D1) 12-1 vs.
Serra of San Mateo (CCS Open) 12-0

DIVISION 1-AA
De La Salle of Concord (NCS Open) 10-2 vs.
Clovis North of Fresno (Central Sec D1) 13-0
Mission Viejo (CIFSS D2) 11-3 vs. Granite Hills of El Cajon (SD Open) 12-0

DIVISION 1-A
Folsom (Sac-Joaquin D1) 11-2 vs. Pittsburg 13-0 (NCS D1)
St. Bonaventure of Ventura (CIFSS D3) 11-3 vs. La Serna of Whittier (CIFSS D4) 11-3

DIVISION 2-AA
Rocklin (SJS D2) 12-1 vs. Grant of Sacramento (SJS D3) 11-2
St. Augustine of San Diego (SD D1) 10-4 vs. Orange Vista of Perris (CIFSS D5) 11-3

DIVISION 2-A
Los Gatos (CCS D1) 11-2 vs. El Cerrito (NCS D2) 11-1*
Central Valley Christian of Visalia (Central Sec D2) 13-1 vs. Del Norte of San Diego (SD D2) 11-2

DIVISION 3-AA
Acalanes of Lafayette (NCS D4) 9-4 vs. McClymonds of Oakland (Oak) 8-2*
Birmingham of Van Nuys (L.A. City Open) 11-2 vs. Simi Valley (CIFSS D6) 9-5

DIVISION 3-A
Escalon (SJS D4) 11-1 vs. Marin Catholic of Kentfield (NCS D3) 12-1
Mayfair of Lakewood (CIFSS D7) 10-3 vs. Mt. Miguel of Spring Valley (SD D4) 12-1

DIVISION 4-AA
Casa Roble of Orangvale (SJS D5) 12-1 vs. Soquel (CCS D2) 11-2
Jurupa Hills (CIFSS D8) vs. Mission Oak of Tulare (Central Sec D3) 9-5

DIVISION 4-A
Pleasant Valley of Chico (Northern Sec D2) 9-3 vs. Palma of Salinas (CCS D3) 6-7*
Rio Hondo Prep of Arcadia (CIFSS D9) 13-1 vs. Torres of Madera (Central Sec D4) 11-3

DIVISION 5-AA
Hughson (SJS D6) 10-3 vs. Miramonte of Orinda (NCS D5) 9-3
La Jolla Country Day (SD D3) 11-3 vs. Torrance (CIFSS D10) 10-4

DIVISION 5-A
Woodland Christian (SJS D7) 13-0 vs. Palo Alto (CCS D4) 8-5
Banning of Wilmington (LA City D1) 8-6 vs. Ramona of Riverside (SS D11) 9-5

DIVISION 6-AA
St. Vincent de Paul of Petaluma (NCS D6) 11-2 vs. Orland (Northern Sec D3) 11-1
Sweetwater of National City (SD D5) 7-6 BYE

DIVISION 6-A
Colusa (Northern Sec D4) 12-0 vs. South San Francisco (CCS D5) 12-1
Cerritos (CIFSS D12) 9-5 vs. Wasco (Central Sec D5) 8-5

DIVISION 7-AA
Portola (Northern Sec D5) 12-0 vs. Ferndale (NCS D7) 9-4
St. Monica of Santa Monica (CIFSS D13) 11-3 vs. Fairfax (LA City D2) 10-4

DIVISION 7-A
Lincoln of San Francisco (SF) 9-3 vs. Strathmore (Central Sec D5) 10-4
Bell Gardens (CIFSS D14) 9-5 vs. Jordan of Los Angeles (LA City D3) 11-3

Five of the Most Fun Sports-Related Things to Do in California

By Special To CalHiSports.com | Published November 22, 2023

California is the ultimate sports state. It has 21 major professional sports franchises across football, ice hockey, soccer, and other popular sports, as well as a ton of sports-related landmarks for you to check out. As a sports fan, you’re spoiled for choice, which is why visiting California should be at the top of your “to-do list.” If you already live in Cali, then that’s even better. So, what are the best sports-related activities to do in California? Let’s take a closer look.

Watch the LA Lakers

The LA Lakers are one of the most popular and successful sports franchises of all time.
When you think about the NBA, the first team that comes to mind is always the LA Lakers. With 17 NBA titles, 32 appearances in the NBA Finals, and some truly iconic players (including the likes of Kobe Bryant and Magic Johnson), it’s impossible not to be in awe of the Lakers’ NBA history. This is why thousands of passionate fans head to the Crypto.com arena every season to watch the Lakers play — and you should do, too.

LA Lakers tickets typically start at around $30 but average out at around $261 per seat. If you can get your hands on a ticket to go and watch them play, you’re in for an experience of a lifetime and definitely won’t regret it.

After arriving at the arena, you should soak in the atmosphere, hang out with other fans, and even play some real money online slots on your phone after taking your seat. Usually, there’s a long buildup to NBA games as well as lots of intervals, which is why lots of Lakers’ fans play online slots in between the action.

Play Beach Volleyball

California is home to some of the world’s best beaches, including: Pfeiffer Beach, Big Sur, Capitola Beach, Huntington Beach.

When the sun is shining and the vibes are great, you should head down to one of these beaches to play beach volleyball with your friends. It’s a classic Californian activity to do, which is why you’ll typically see lots of people playing beach volleyball at the weekends.

Enjoy an Oracle Park Stadium Tour

Home to the San Francisco Giants, Oracle Park is an awesome stadium and a treat for any MLB fan to visit.

If you enjoy watching baseball, you should definitely try to get tickets to watch a game at Oracle Park. And if you can’t get your hands on tickets, don’t worry — go on an Oracle Park Stadium Tour instead.

During the Oracle Park Stadium Tour, you’ll get to see behind-the-scenes places where only the players go, including the dugout and trophy room. Plus, if you’re lucky, you might get to meet some San Francisco Giants players.

Head to an LA Galaxy Game

Are you a fan of soccer? If the answer is yes, you have to go and check out LA Galaxy while you’re in California. Each MLS season, LA Galaxy plays at the iconic Dignity Health Sports Park, and the average ticket price is only $45, so it’s super affordable to watch them play.

Visit a Golf Course

If you love golf, then visiting one of California’s golf courses should be a priority.
To start with, it’s recommended you go to Cypress Point at Pebble Beach, which is widely regarded as the best golf course in California. Remember to bring your ‘A’ game, though, because there are a lot of good players there.

Five Ways to Enjoy Your Passion for Sports Online

By Special To CalHiSports.com | Published November 9, 2023

With the digital revolution, enjoying your passion for sports has become easier and more exciting than ever. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a casual observer, the internet offers a multitude of ways to engage with your favorite sports. From catching live games to connecting with fellow enthusiasts, here are five fantastic ways to immerse yourself in the world of sports online.

Live Streaming and Highlights

The convenience of live streaming and highlight videos can’t be overstated. With platforms like YouTube and dedicated sports streaming services, you can watch your favorite teams and athletes in action.

These platforms offer a wide range of options, from full game broadcasts to condensed highlights, making it easy to stay updated and relive memorable moments. It’s like having a front-row seat to the most thrilling sports events worldwide.

Sports Betting

As an example of how the online world can complement your sports passion, let’s consider the world of sports betting. While it’s important to gamble responsibly, sports betting can add an extra thrill to the games you follow. Many reputable online sportsbooks offer a variety of betting options, including match outcomes, player statistics, and more.

If you have a keen interest, you might want to explore the top online casino to elevate your sports betting enjoyment. However, always exercise caution and ensure that you never wager more than your budget allows.

Gaming and Esports

Esports or electronic sports, have gained immense popularity in recent years. Online gaming platforms allow you to not only play sports-themed video games but also watch professional esports tournaments. You can follow your favorite teams and players as they compete in games like FIFA, NBA 2K, and Rocket League. This unique fusion of sports and technology offers a fresh and entertaining way to enjoy your passion.

Additionally, it introduces you to a new dimension of sports entertainment, where the boundaries between traditional athletics and digital prowess blur. Whether you’re competing in virtual matches or cheering for esports superstars, it’s a captivating realm that adds a modern twist to your sports enthusiasm.

Engage with Online Communities

The internet is home to countless sports forums, social media groups, and fan websites where you can interact with fellow sports enthusiasts like those through Cal-Hi Sports. Share your insights, discuss game strategies, or simply banter with like-minded fans. These online communities are a great way to stay connected and exchange views on your favorite sports, making it a more immersive experience.

Moreover, they offer a platform for staying updated with the latest news, rumors, and behind-the-scenes stories, fostering a sense of belonging within the global sports community. Whether you’re celebrating victories or commiserating over losses, these online forums provide a sense of camaraderie that enhances your sports passion.

Fantasy Sports Leagues

For those seeking a more hands-on experience, fantasy sports leagues are a great option. You can create your own virtual team, draft real-life players, and compete against others based on their actual performance. Websites and apps dedicated to fantasy sports make it easy to manage your team and track player statistics, adding a new layer of excitement to every game.

This unique blend of strategy and sports knowledge allows you to step into the shoes of a team manager, making decisions on player selections, trades, and tactics to outwit your opponents. It’s not only an engaging way to follow your favorite sports but also a way to test your sports acumen against fellow enthusiasts.

Boys BB: 2023-24 Transfer Rundown

By Ronnie Flores | Published November 7, 2023


Here’s a quick-hitting list of transfers that will impact this year’s boys basketball state rankings. It’s been a hectic off-season and we offer a rundown of where some of California’s elite players ended up, including some who left the state, and some who just transferred as recently as the past week. Look for our preseason Cal-Hi Sports state rankings on November 9. The 2023-24 season officially begins November 13. The CIF state basketball championships are scheduled to take place March 8-9, 2024. Read more…

Boys BB: Preseason FAB 50 Show

By Ronnie Flores | Published October 31, 2023

Our Managing Editor Ronnie Flores, who takes the lead on our boys basketball content as well, was an analyst and producer for the recently-released “Preseason FAB 50 Show” by Ballislife.com. The hour and a half long show broke down the boys basketball preseason FAB 50 National Team Rankings Flores produces each year (CLICK HERE to view rankings). This is the 37th consecutive season for the FAB 50, which started as the National Prep Poll by high school hall of fame journalist Doug Huff of West Virginia in 1987-88. Cal-Hi Sports Editor Mark Tennis combined forces with Huff to create the FAB 50 for the 1999-2000 season and the trio worked on it together until the conclusion of the 2011-2012 season.

The show’s other analyst is Texas scout Ani Umana and it’s hosted by former San Diego State standout and WNBA player Chelsea Hopkins.

The California teams in the preseason FAB 50 this year are defending CIF open champ North Hollywood Harvard-Westlake at No. 11, Bellflower St. John Bosco at No. 19, Santa Ana Mater Dei at No. 42, Eastvale Roosevelt at No. 44, and Chatsworth Sierra Canyon at No. 46.

Look for Flores’ Region-By-Region Top 20 Rankings (including the West Region) on November 7 and for our preseason state rankings by November 9. The 2023-24 season will be the 44th consecutive season that Cal-Hi Sports/ CalHiSports.com will provide state rankings in boys hoops.

What to Know About the Connection Between Sports Enthusiasts and Online Gambling

By Special To CalHiSports.com | Published October 4, 2023

In a world where entertainment options are endless, the relationship between sports enthusiasts and online gambling has emerged as a fascinating and intertwined phenomenon. While the ethics of gambling remain a subject of debate, there’s no denying that these two realms share a close bond, driven by mutual benefits and ever-evolving trends.

A Thrilling Partnership: Sports and Gambling

The marriage between sports and gambling has deep historical roots, with both entities often seen as kindred spirits in the world of entertainment. This enduring connection is evident in the way many websites seamlessly integrate sports betting and casino gaming. When one delves into the world of online casinos and sportsbooks, it becomes apparent that enthusiasts have a plethora of options to choose from.

Sponsorship Synergy: A Global Example

Sports events often require substantial financial backing, and this is where sponsors step in to provide the necessary support. Securing sponsors is crucial for the financial health of sports events, and casinos have emerged as prime candidates. These gambling establishments boast a vast audience of sports aficionados who frequently engage in sports betting, making them ideal partners for sporting ventures.

For instance, let’s consider top rated Australian online casinos as an example. They can successfully leverage their brand by sponsoring various sports events, creating a mutually beneficial relationship. When sports fans place bets on their favorite teams or players at these online casinos, they not only contribute to the excitement of the game but also engage more deeply with the casino brand, opening doors to a world of entertainment beyond sports.

A Profitable Fusion: Joining Forces

The convergence of casino gaming and sports betting into a unified market has proven to be a lucrative endeavor. This combination allows individuals to use real money for sports wagers, slot machines, poker, and more, all from a single online platform.

Moreover, online casinos often entice new players with generous promotions, such as depositing $1 and receiving 100 free spins in a matter of seconds, even without prior experience. Accessibility is another key advantage – anyone with an internet-connected device can partake in online casino games, allowing for flexible and convenient gameplay.

The Influence of Sports on Casino Games

Sports-themed online casinos take the gaming experience a step further, offering more immersive gameplay than traditional online venues. Players can choose from a range of options, including basketball-themed slots, roulette with a sports twist, or even blackjack adorned with their favorite team’s logo. These games allow sports fans to relish the atmosphere of a stadium while enjoying the thrill of betting from the comfort of their own homes.

Accessibility and User-Friendliness

One of the most significant advantages of online gambling is its accessibility and ease of use. Whether it’s poker, sports betting, or slot machines, these activities can be pursued from virtually anywhere with an internet connection. Unlike traditional casinos, there’s no need to dress up or adhere to specific hours of operation – online gambling is available 24/7, making it a convenient choice for enthusiasts.

Safety and Security

One of the most critical aspects of online gambling is the assurance of safety and security. Reputable online casinos employ robust encryption and security measures, subjecting themselves to regular audits by independent third parties to ensure the integrity of their platforms. This focus on data protection and fair play instills confidence in players, knowing their funds and personal information are secure.

In Conclusion

The relationship between sports enthusiasts and online gambling is a complex and evolving one. Both worlds benefit from their interconnection, with casinos finding sponsorship opportunities in the sports industry, and sports events attracting a more engaged audience through gambling affiliations. While the ethics of gambling remain a subject of debate, it’s clear that these two entertainment domains will continue to share an intriguing synergy, offering enthusiasts a diverse array of entertainment options.

An Insight into the Intersection of Online Gaming and Sports

By Special To CalHiSports.com | Published October 4, 2023

Two colossal realms of entertainment — online gaming and traditional sports — have been converging in remarkable ways. As technology reshapes people’s lives, these once disparate worlds are now merging, creating a fascinating crossroads of experiences. Explore the exciting intersection of online gaming and sports, uncovering their synergies, their shared fan base, and the potential impact on both industries.

Esports: The New Arena

Esports, the realm of competitive video gaming, has emerged as a global sensation. Esports tournaments are filling massive stadiums and drawing millions of online viewers. What makes this phenomenon even more captivating is the overlap between esports and traditional sports. Numerous professional athletes, spanning from soccer to basketball, are avid gamers, establishing a bridge between these two worlds. This synergy has given rise to thrilling collaborations, such as NBA 2K leagues and partnerships between esports organizations and major sports franchises.

Gamification of Sports

The gamification of sports has elevated the fan experience to unprecedented heights. Sports apps and websites offer real-time updates, fantasy leagues, and interactive content that fully immerse fans in the game. This gamified approach blurs the lines between online gaming and traditional sports, cultivating a more engaged and interactive fan base. As fans craft their fantasy teams or predict match outcomes, they are, in essence, participating in a form of gaming that deepens their connection to the sport. There are even sports-themed games on sites like Real money casino online USA, which offers a wide variety of games, including slots, online blackjack, and online poker.

Betting on the Action

Within the realm of sports betting, the convergence of online gaming and traditional sports becomes notably evident. Some gaming sites, known for their diverse gaming options, have now ventured into the world of sports betting. This seamless integration combines the excitement of sports with the thrill of gaming, drawing in traditional sports enthusiasts and gamers alike. Many websites now provide online platforms where fans can place bets on their favorite teams and athletes, adding an extra layer of engagement that enriches the overall experience.

Virtual Reality (VR) Spectacles

Virtual reality is revolutionizing how you experience sports and gaming. VR headsets transport fans to the very heart of the action, allowing them to witness games from the best seats in the house or even step into the shoes of their favorite athletes within virtual environments. This remarkable technology bridges the gap between gaming and sports, creating immersive experiences that captivate a broader audience. Esports tournaments held in VR and sports training applications further underscore this convergence, promising endless possibilities at this captivating crossroads.

Bottom Line

The intersection of online gaming and sports is a dynamic fusion of two cultural phenomena that continue to shape leisure activities. Esports, gamified sports experiences, sports betting, and virtual reality spectacles are at the forefront of this convergence.

This trend enriches the fan experience, attracts a wider audience, and unleashes new opportunities for innovation in both industries. As technology evolves, you can only anticipate this fusion becoming more intricate, offering fans exciting new ways to engage with their favorite sports and games. The future holds boundless possibilities at this thrilling crossroads of online gaming and sports, including the
seamless integration of online casinos in the USA that offer real money gaming, enhancing the overall entertainment experience.

On The OLu Sidelines With A Neighbor

By Mark Tennis | Published August 27, 2023

Donna and Doug Sherman are shown with their sons Rod and Ron. They live in Stockton across the street from Cal-Hi Sports. Ron lives in Stockton as well. Rod is in his third season as head football coach at Orange Lutheran. Photo: Mark Tennis.


Our unique connection to the Orange Lutheran football program comes from being neighbors with the head coach’s parents.

FOR OUR KEY TAKEAWAYS FROM BEING AT SEASON OPENERS IN THE BAY AREA, CLICK HERE.

The offensive coordinator at Orange Lutheran when the school won the CIF D2 state title in 2006 was Rod Sherman, who left the school in 2007 to help build a similar program at Valor Christian in Highlands Ranch, Colo. The goal at Valor was the same at California Christian-based schools like Oaks Christian, Valley Christian (San Jose) and OLu. They were all schools that started small but wanted to go big.

The school in Colorado didn’t want Sherman to be athletic director and head coach so his best friend, Brent Vieselmeyer, came with him to be head football coach. Brent was the defensive coordinator at OLu in 2006 under head coach Jim Kunau. They won their first state title there in 2009 in a lower division and were quickly moved up to the state’s highest class. Valor won state titles in 2010 and 2011 and kept winning them in 2012 when Rod took over as head football coach while continuing as athletic director. Valor Christian later won state titles under Sherman in 2012, 2013, 2015 and 2016.

Rod Sherman wasn’t sure about one call during the Orange Lutheran-De La Salle game but very rarely questioned the officials. Photo: Willie Eashman.


Starting not long after 2007, updates on how Rod was doing in Colorado became easy to come by. His parents, Doug and Donna Sherman, had retired and moved from Southern California to Stockton where their other son, Ron, lives. They both also are Stockton natives and are graduates of Stagg High in Stockton. It just so happened they bought a house across the street from where yours truly, the longtime editor of Cal-Hi Sports, has been living since 1997.

Doug and Donna are often seen riding their bikes through the neighborhood and Doug still happily mows his own lawn. They almost made it a yearly tradition to head to Colorado during the state championship weeks there as Valor Christian often went to them and almost always won.

One of the players that Rod and Brent coached at Valor was running back Christian McCaffrey, the son of former Denver Broncos’ standout Ed McCaffrey, who is now playing for the San Francisco 49ers and was earlier runner-up for the Heisman Trophy at Stanford. After the 2017 season and despite an 11-1 record, Rod had to leave Valor Christian. Ed then became head coach (although he only stayed for two years before going to Northern Colorado University). Rod had become the head coach at Arapahoe High in Littleton, which was the school he was at when he took the OLu job in 2020. Brent is now on the staff of the NFL’s Washington Commanders and previously was a head coach at Santa Margarita.

Since 2021, almost every weekend during the season, Doug and Donna have traveled from Stockton to Orange County to see Rod’s teams play. Their most recent trip was just last weekend to see the Lancers defeat Serra of Gardena and also to see the first freshman game of their grandson, Deacon, who is one of Rod and wife Kristin’s four children. This week’s game for OLu at De La Salle is the first time they’ve seen one of Rod’s teams play and then be able to sleep in their own beds afterward in more than 15 years.

It was a busy time for the Shermans after the game last Friday as well. Rod and Kristin were planning to take one of their daughters to college two days later in Arizona. Kristin will have to come back to Orange County to coach a football team just like Rod since she has taken on the role of being the OLu flag football coach. Doug and Donna took off in their RV for one night on Saturday near Sequoia National Park and were then going to be in Southern California for OLu’s home game next week vs Eastside Catholic of Washington. They are then going to head to Arizona for OLu’s fourth game against Chandler High. Kristin’s parents live there so all four grandparents will be there for that game.

Doug was on the sidelines for the game vs De La Salle and likes to get a sideline pass for all of his son’s games. It was a different experience for us from the usual as well, watching a lot of plays with someone you see frequently all the time so close to home.

Mark Tennis is the co-founder and publisher of CalHiSports.com. He can be reached at markjtennis@gmail.com. Don’t forget to follow Mark on the Cal-Hi Sports Twitter handle:

    Latest News

    Insider Blog