Paloma Valley High School Athletes of the Week: Feb. 20

Menifee 24/7 honors area high school athletes for their accomplishments. Coaches of each sport are invited to submit one athlete per week for recognition. Here are this week's honorees from Paloma Valley High School:

Water polo player Sarah Freeman had a great week. She got to play in her first CIF playoff game, then her second and third as well. All season long, she has been the team's leader in steals and goals. She helped her team advance to the CIF quarterfinals by scoring 8 goals, having 10 steals, and making 3 assists.

"Sarah is really great," said coach Joe Ellett. "I see her serve the team daily by helping set up the pool, encouraging her teammates, and absorbing what the coaches are teaching her. This week, I saw a new evolution in Sarah. She became a vocal leader during the games. Her words before games, in timeouts and between quarters really helped the team to excel and stay focused on playing Wildcat water polo. I am thrilled by the opportunity to keep working with Sarah for another year."

Basketball player Damario Willard averaged 18 points, 4 rebounds and 2 assists in two playoff games last week.