McKnight Named Coach of the Year

Gary McKnight of Mater Dei has been chosen boys’ basketball coach of the year by the National Federation Interscholastic Coaches Assn.

In 15 seasons at Mater Dei, McKnight is 446-34 with 11 Southern Section and three state titles. The Monarchs (24-2) have won five consecutive Southern Section titles and are the top-ranked team in Orange County. Mater Dei should be the top-seeded team when the Southern Section Division I-A playoff pairings are announced Sunday.

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Terry Evans, Savanna High’s first-year boys’ basketball coach, has resigned to take a teaching position at Salinas High, Athletic Director Tom Voigt said Thursday.

Evans has led the Rebels to two more victories than they had during 1995-96 season. He will remain with the team until the season is over, Voigt said. Savanna (6-18, 3-6) is in fourth place in the Orange League, a game behind Western. The Rebels play at second-place Valencia Friday night.

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Tracy Sharp, Esperanza goalkeeper, signed with Loyola Marymount to play soccer, Aztec Coach Phyllis Scarborough said. Sharp was an All-Sunset League selection last season and has 12 shutouts this season for sixth-ranked Esperanza (17-4-3, 6-2-2).