Garza named Central football coach

Justin Garza was hired as Central High's football coach Wednesday, returning to where his career began 13 years ago.

"It's a unique move just because I have history here," said the 36-year-old, whose two-year stop at Sunnyside was highlighted by the Wildcats' second league football title in their 12-year history in 2010, when they won the County/Metro Athletic Conference. "I felt if I was going to make a jump, this would be the place."

Garza assisted former Central coach Wayne Koligian from 1999-2004 before beginning a five-year run at Reedley in 2005.

Garza, who replaces Casey Quinn at Central, is considered a rising star in the Central Section coaching fraternity.

"Justin Garza going anywhere is scary," said Clovis West's Mike Parsons, who will oppose him in the Tri-River Athletic Conference. "He's one of the best, and he's going to have them ready to go."

BOYS BASKETBALL

• Fourth-ranked Buchanan made the biggest statement yet for a No. 1 seed in the section Division I playoffs by winning 55-47 at No. 2 Bakersfield behind Alex Fertig's 31 points. The Bears, also ranked behind No. 1 Bullard and No. 3 Central but now destined for a big promotion, will play at defending D-IV champ Washington on Friday before opening Tri-River Athletic Conference play Tuesday at Central. "Buchanan could win it all," says Central coach Loren LeBeau, who scouted Wednesday's game.
• William Stallworth had 22 points, Keonta Vernon 19 to go with 15 rebounds and No. 10 Tulare improved to 14-3 overall and 4-0 in the East Yosemite League by beating Delano 75-45.

GIRLS SOCCER

• Buchanan, No. 2 in The Bee's first section rankings of the season, won 3-2 in overtime over TRAC rival and No. 10 Clovis East. Elise Krieghoff, Caitlyn Kreutz and Hannah Coyle scored for the Bears (10-1-1, 2-0).