Menifee 24/7 is pleased to honor Athletes of the Month for September at Paloma Valley High School. Honorees were selected by the coaches of their respective sports and were recognized with a presentation of certificates and photo opportunity on campus.
Football player Neeko Scott “has been super disruptive on the defensive line for a defense that is only giving up 8 points a game,” said his coach, Juan Merida. “His play has elevated everyone around him. He has 23 tackles, 7 tackles for loss, 1 sack, 4 QB hurries and 1 forced fumble. He has been a leader off the field and his 6-week GPA is a 3.33.”
Flag football quarterback Mandi Ball “has been a driving force for our team,” said coach Orell Colbert. “We have won 10 of our last 11 games, and throughout all 11 games, she has consistently produced multiple touchdowns, either through the air or on the ground. Her impact goes beyond the numbers. Mandi competes, leads, and continues to step up when her team needs her. Her ability to make plays with both her arm and her legs has played a major role in our team’s success this season.
“As we continue to grow as a first-year program, Mandi has helped set the standard for what we want Paloma Valley Girls Flag Football to represent. For her performance, leadership, consistency, and contributions to our team’s success, Mandi Ball is deserving of Athlete of the Month for September.”
Michael Jenkins is a four-year varsity athlete in boys cross country. He ran a 15:47 at the Woodbridge Invitational — the fastest cross country time for a Wildcat since 2016. At the first league meet, he helped lead the team to a strong third-place finish in Ivy League.
“Michael’s work ethic and positive attitude have had a great impact on the team’s culture,” said coach Joe Ellett. “He never quits in a workout and inspires others to keep going as well.”
Sophomore McKenna Cameron ran a 19:35 at the Woodbridge Invitational for the girls cross country team. This was the fastest time for a Wildcat since 2018. She led the team to a strong third-place showing at the team’s first league meet.
“McKenna’s drive and attention to detail in her training have led her and the other girls to reach new heights and have belief in their ability to run fast and strong,” said her coach.
Junior Morgan Ripley is a 4.0 student and the team’s No. 1 seed on the girls golf team. She has been a dedicated member of the program since her freshman year and is currently ranked No. 15 out of 55 golfers in the Ivy League.
“Morgan consistently comes prepared, works hard, and leads by example both on and off the course,” said her coach. “She is always willing to help her teammates and is one of their biggest supporters, rooting for and encouraging them during matches. Morgan’s strong performance, academic excellence, dedication to golf, and support of her teammates make her an outstanding student-athlete and a very deserving Athlete of the Month.”
Tennis player Elizabeth Raines “provides outstanding leadership and is an exceptional student-athlete with a 4.0 GPA,” said coach Chuck Kemp.
Volleyball player Lacie Lomenick “is our kill leader, dig leader, and is third in aces,” said coach Stephen Kass. “She is our captain and our leader, the heart and soul of our team.”
Alexander “AJ” Acosta has been selected to represent the boys water polo team.
“AJ has been selected by his coaches for demonstrating what the role of a captain should look like,” said coach Mikaylah Harder. “AJ has had a great senior season as one of our goalies. His strengths are much more than skill in our sport. He is hard working, has a positive attitude, is a role model to our underclassmen, dependable, and leads by example.”
