Valley Girls’ Coach of the Year

So sure was Melissa Melton of Alemany High that her team would win the Southern Section Division II-A title and qualify for the state playoffs, she delayed plans for her wedding until April. And finding the right blend of experience and youth, the seven-year coach not only guided the Indians to the section championship but to within one basket of the state Division II final.

Two freshmen and a sophomore along with two seniors started for Melton. The unit was so balanced that all five scored in double figures. Playing in the Mission League, one of the toughest in Southern California, Alemany went 9-1 and 28-5 overall.