Leopoldo, Rodriguez Earn Honors

Jason Leopoldo of Thousand Oaks and Amy Rodriguez of Santa Margarita are the Gatorade state players of the year in boys’ and girls’ soccer.

Leopoldo, a 5-foot-6 senior forward who has committed to UCLA, led the Lancers to the Southern Section Division II title last year and second place in the Marmonte League this season. The All-American player has a 3.8 grade-point average.

Rodriguez, a 5-3 senior forward, led the Eagles to the Serra League title this season. The U.S. national under-19 team member has a 3.4 GPA.

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Boys’ Basketball

Ryan Bellflower, a developmentally disabled student at Clovis East, received a hero’s escort from the court Wednesday after he sank a three-point shot at the buzzer.

The shot didn’t win the game, a 70-60 victory over Fresno Buchanan, but it warmed the hearts of fans, who raced onto the court as two football players hoisted Bellflower atop their shoulders and carried him away.

Bellflower, who spent two years as a manager for the girls’ basketball team, was given a spot on the boys’ team for his senior season. Coach Tim Admundsen played the 5-6 Bellflower during fourth quarters of games that were already decided.

“I only go in in the fourth quarter,” said Bellflower, an 18-year-old who has the mental capacity of someone half his age. Bellflower’s older brother said the moment caught up with Ryan as they drove home.

“He started bawling,” said Justin. “He said, ‘Bro, this is the greatest moment in my life.’ For him to understand that concept tells you how far he has come.”

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Passings

Bill McKee, who coached basketball at Van Nuys Grant for 27 years, died Wednesday night at his home in Maui. He was 73.