Fuentes, Broderson-Jones Named Athletes of Month

Volleyball player Armando Fuentes and softball player Kiana Broderson-Jones have been selected as the Menifee 24/7 Athletes of the Month representing Paloma Valley High School.

Fuentes, a senior and four-year varsity player, is a middle front player and defensive specialist for the Wildcats, who are 15-1 this season and 6-0 in Sunbelt League play. His digs on the back row and consistent play up front show his versatility.

"Armando has had a major impact on our team's success so far this season," said his coach, Katie Bradley. "He consistently plays a strong offensive and defensive game, but his strength has been in his leadership on the court. His positive energy and competitive attitude has made our team a better team."

Last season, Paloma Valley went undefeated in league play and advanced to the CIF quarterfinals. Fuentes said the Wildcats' competitive nonleague schedule this year is designed to prepare for the team for a run deeper into the playoffs.

Paloma's only loss came March 28 to Oak Park in the prestigious St. John Bosco-Valley Christian Classic, featuring some of the top teams from the traditionally strong beach cities.

"We go to compete against those teams to get better for our league and for CIF," Fuentes said. "Those teams are the ones we're going to see in the playoffs."

Fuentes plans to attend Mt. San Jacinto College and accumulate science units before transferring to a medical school and study to be a chiropractor.

Broderson-Jones is one of the top softball players in the area. She is hitting .607 with 2 home runs and 15 RBIs. She has scored 24 runs and has 31 stolen bases in 32 attempts to lead the area. The senior center fielder is one of the top players for the Wildcats, who are 10-5 overall and 3-1 in league play.

With her leadership, the Wildcats are hoping to perform well enough in the Sunbelt League to advance deep into the CIF playoffs. Last year, Paloma Valley was eliminated in the second round in a 1-0 loss to La Quinta.

"I feel like I still have a lot to work on in every aspect of my game," said Broderson-Jones. "Things have been going well for our team, but I can always improve."

Broderson-Jones has a scholarship offer from Wilmington University in Delaware but said she will wait until she finishes playing summer tournaments before making a decision about college.

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