Shafter Lady Generals No. 5 in county rankings

The Shafter High sports teams are in full swing in the winter season, with the Lady Generals basketball team being ranked in the top five in Kern County.

The Shafter High Lady Generals Basketball team, coached by Shawn Pennel, have moved up the rankings and are currently No. #5 in Kern County and #9 in the Central Section among Division II teams.

Led by Ariana Vega, who is averaging 12 points a game, and freshman sensation Eliyah Sanchez, who is averaging nine points a game, the Lady Generals have beat a number of teams who are much larger and bigger in numbers.

In their last contest, the Lady Generals beat league opponent Chavez High School 52-43. In that game, Natalie Herrera led the Lady Generals with 12 points, with Vega getting 10 points. The team also has an impressive defense, with Sanchez leading them in steals, pressuring the opponents into turnovers.

Shafter will play league opponent Arvin High on Jan. 28 at Arvin, and will continue their SSL season with a game against Robert F. Kennedy on Jan. 31. They will take on McFarland on Feb. 2, and will then play their rival Wasco on Feb. 4.

The Shafter High Boys Basketball team had a rough start to the season, but they have came out blazing in the SSL, having a 2-1 record in the SSL. Their only league loss was Monday night against Wasco, 39-38.

The team, coached by Jeff Waldrip, has a mix of upper and lower classmen, not having a lot of height on the team, but using their quickness to get open on offense and to play a pressure defense that can shut down the opposing team.

The Generals will play Arvin on Feb. 2, and then will take on the Eagles of Immanuel on Feb. 4. They will return to league play on Feb. 7, with a SSL contest against the Thunderbirds of Robert F. Kennedy.

The Boys and Girls Soccer teams have played well and are hunting for another great season. The boys, coached by Jorge Maldonado, will be playing at McFarland on Jan. 28 and will then play Arvin in a home and away series next week, with them hosting Arvin on Jan. 31 and traveling to Arvin on Feb. 2.

Supporters may attend the sporting events and cheer on the local teams, but masks are required for the basketball games.