VALLEY SPORTS : Nevada Selects Fann in Spring Football League’s Draft

Albert Fann, Cal State Northridge’s all-time leading rusher and a former NCAA Division II All-American tailback, was among seven former Matador players selected Monday in the Professional Spring Football League’s inaugural draft.

Fann, linebacker Ken Wallace and receiver Charles Collins were selected as territorial choices by the Nevada Aces, who also took linebacker Dave Benefield (ninth round) and tight end Richard Ane (17th) in the draft’s open phase. Offensive lineman Barry Voorhees was picked in the second round by the New England Blitz and linebacker Mario Hull in the 19th by the New Mexico Rattlesnakes.

The 10-team league is scheduled to open its first season Feb. 29.

Another area standout, Mike DiFonzo of Pierce College, signed an NCAA national letter of intent Monday to play next season at Oregon.

DiFonzo, a 6-foot-4, 290-pound offensive tackle from Chatsworth High, was a first-team all-state selection.

MEN’S BASKETBALL

Freshman guard Zak DeMatteo has left the Cal State Northridge basketball program and transferred to Westmont College in Santa Barbara.

DeMatteo, formerly of San Marcos High in Santa Barbara, was redshirting this season. He was also expected to play volleyball for the Matadors.

As a senior at San Marcos, DeMatteo averaged 16.4 points and 6.9 rebounds a game.

BOYS’ BASKETBALL

Alemany 77, Chaminade 63--Doug Tait scored 25 points to help fill the void created when senior Richard Dice was injured in a Mission League game at Chaminade.

Dice (23.1-point average) suffered a sprained ankle in the first quarter, and although he remained in the game, finished with two points for the Indians (9-7, 3-1).

Junior Chris Bello scored 19 points for Alemany.

Holy Martyrs 47, Oakwood 42--Sako Balian scored a game-high 14 points and added 10 rebounds to lead Holy Martyrs (7-5, 1-1) in a Liberty League game at home.

Providence 59, Yeshiva 50--Junior Barry Dabbaghian scored a game-high 22 points to lead host Providence (6-6, 1-0) in its Liberty League opener.

GIRLS’ BASKETBALL

Bell-Jeff 51, Flintridge Sacred Heart 41--Christina Ticsay scored 16 points, including four three-point baskets, to lead Bell-Jeff (14-3, 2-0) in a San Fernando League game.

Holy Martyrs 50, Oakwood 24--Aline Altibarmakian scored a game-high 12 points to lead Holy Martyrs (11-2, 1-0) in a Liberty League opener.