Paloma Valley High Athletes of the Week: March 20, 27

Week of March 20 honorees, from left: Kai Lin, Will Nguyen, Hayden Kaas, Blake Matrone, Jacob Canales. Not pictured: Winter Carreno. Menifee 24/7 photos: Kristen Spoon

Menifee 24/7 is pleased to honor top athletes from Paloma Valley High School, as nominated by their coaches. Here are the Athletes of the Week for the weeks of March 20 and March 27:

Hayden Kaas had 63 kills and 32 digs for the boys volleyball team the week of March 20. He was a big factor in the Wildcats' victories over West Valley and Hemet, as well as in a third-place finish in the Foothill High School Tournament.

Blake Matrone hit .500 the same week for the baseball team with 4 RBIs, including a two-run home run against Temescal Canyon.

Swimmer Jacob Canales broke the school record in the 100 breaststroke and was a member of the 200 medley relay team that also set a school record. He helped the team beat Citrus Hill.

Winter Carreno of the girls track team recently broke her own school record in the high jump with a leap of 5-4. She has caught the attention of college coaches and recently took an unofficial visit to Cal.

The successful doubles team of Kai Lin and Will Nguyen is one of several talented tandems for the boys tennis team.

Honored the following week was the doubles team of Anthony Madrazo and Carter Portman. In a recent league victory over Temescal Canyon, Madrazo and Portman not only defeated all their opponents, they slammed 18 overhead balls out of the court.

Swimmer Leilani Giles won the 100 butterfly and posted a CIF qualifying time in a meet against Temescal Canyon.

Gary Carney of the boys track team lowered his 100 time from 11.38 to 11.06 at the Mt. Carmel Invitational. At the same meet, Sam Willis posted personal bests in the long jump and high jump with a 21-5 long jump and a 6-foot high jump an hour later. He is only a sophomore and came in third in his flights for both.

Pitcher Jacob Umathum picked up the win against Perris and a save against Heritage for the baseball team.

Volleyball player Lofton Edwards "has stepped up to play a variety of positions as needed and continues to play great offense and defense," said his coach, Katie Bradley. "His positive energy on the court is contagious and helps our team play our best."

These athletes are eligible for the March Athlete of the Month award.

Week of March 27 honorees, from left: Gary Carney, Sam Willis, Lofton Edwards, Leilani Giles, Anthony Madrazo, Carter Portman. Not pictured: Jacob Umathum.