St. Francis High’s star backcourt, sophomore Maya Calfee and freshman Liliana Whitmeyer, took turns lighting up opponents on the basketball court this season.

Often, the teammates went off in the same game, and that wasn’t good news for opponents, especially in Pacific Coast Athletic League Cypress Division play.

The star duo was a one-two punch no division foe could compete with. The Sharks (22-3 overall, 14-0 league) proved that by going unbeaten in their division to repeat as champion and advance to the Central Coast Section Division V semifinals.

For all they did, Calfee and Whitmeyer shared MVP honors in the Cypress.

Sharks coach Jesse Yniguez not only had a young backcourt, he believes he had the best one in Santa Cruz County.

“I believe I do,” he said. “I’m blessed to have those two. It’s not often you get two players that good, of that caliber, at one school. When you have two players like this, it’s fun to watch and it’s fun to coach.”

On the season, Calfee totaled 316 points, 106 rebounds, 85 steals, and 38 blocks, and Whitmeyer totaled 454 points 94 rebounds, 71 steals, and 17 blocks

“I’m proud of both of these young ladies and their accomplishments,” Yniguez said. “They took this team into the playoffs and played as hard as they could. I’m excited to see what they will accomplish in the upcoming season.”

Both guards often defended the opponent’s top scoring threats.

“They played the same position, but they’re two different players,” their coach said.

Whitmeyer, a shooting guard who occasionally played point, proved her penchant for finishing, and Calfee, a point guard, shined as a facilitator on offense, and was more willing to get into the fray on defense.

“Maya is going to do what it takes to get the job done,” Yniguez said. “She’ll go get the rebound, make a block. And she’s not afraid to take the ball to the basket. She can also create her own shot.”

Calfee was also named the division MVP as a freshman.

Yniguez first heard about Whitmeyer, who played club basketball with the boys on Hands Down, Man Down, when she was in fifth grade. He also coached at Mission Hill Middle School in Santa Cruz and got to see her in action.

Needless to say, when he found out she was coming to St. Francis, he knew she was going to be something special for the Sharks, playing alongside Calfee.

“I knew she could play,” Yniguez said. “I was very impressed with her. When you’re playing with the boys, your game is gonna be pretty good.”

Yniguez said Whitmeyer doesn’t need much space to get a shot off.

“She’s not afraid to engage that way,” her coach said. “She does take charge when she’s on the floor.”

In addition to their shooting and defensive skills, both players showcased their stamina after shining in flag football in the fall.

“They were aggressive, too,” Yniguez said.

As good as they were, both are going to have to step it up in the offseason. The Sharks, who started just one senior this season, will compete in the Mission Division, one rung below the Gabilan, in 2025-26.

Calfee and Whitmeyer were also named to the first team, along with Pacific Collegiate sophomore forward Kat Buckley, Palma senior Francesca Rossi, King City senior Amity Hearne, and Greenfield sophomore Aleena Salas.

Gabilan

Salinas junior guard Alice Uchida was voted MVP of the Gabilan Division, the top tier of the PCAL. She averaged 13.1 points for the champion Cowboys (18-9, 11-1), who advanced to the CCS D-I playoffs.

Watsonville freshman guard Isabella Alvarez, who averaged 15.8 points per game for the runner-up Wildcatz (19-6, 9-3), was named to the first team. She helped the ‘Catz qualify for the CCS D-I playoffs.

Salinas senior Jennifer Rivera and junior teammate Alice Uchida were also named to the first team, as were Hollister junior Madelyn Davis, Alisal junior Nayeli Gil-Silva, and Monterey sophomore Jeanine Williams.

Mission

Pacific Grove senior guard Savannah Hardy was named MVP of the Mission Division after leading the Breakers (20-6, 12-0) to the title and the CCS playoffs. She averaged 14.1 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 3.7 steals.

Stevenson freshman guard Kobie Crutcher was chosen Offensive Player of the Year for the third-place Pirates (20-6, 8-4). She averaged 16.2 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 3.1 blocks.

MVC senior guard Sophia Cortes, who averaged 17.7 points per game, was named to the first team for the sixth-place Mustangs (7-17, 3-9).

Stevenson sophomore Peyton Sanchez and freshman teammate Kobie Crutcher were also named to the first team, along with Carmel senior Savanna Radowicz, North Monterey County senior Ashley Torres, and Pacific Grove senior Savannah Hardy.

Santa Lucia

Marina sophomore forward Shekinah Williams and Gonzales senior center Angelina Navarro shared MVP honors in the PCAL’s Santa Lucia Division.

Williams, who averaged 19.1 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 4.9 steals, led the Mariners (19-3, 14-0) to their second title in school history. Navarro, who averaged 17.1 points, helped the Spartans (12-2, 12-2) take second place.

York junior Asya Wilson was named Offensive POY for the fifth-place Falcons.