By Ray Hamill — It was a big weekend for local sports in more ways than one, with plenty of options for our weekly awards.

On the wrestling mats, Del Norte senior Skyler Moore closed out a very impressive prep career with a big showing at the CIF state championships in Bakersfield, and that earns him the nod as one of our athletes of the week.

At College of the Redwoods, meanwhile, another Del Norte standout continued to impress at the collegiate basketball level, with Dennise Horton playing a pivotal role in the Corsairs’ big playoff win.

And that earns her the nod for our second athlete of the week.

As for our team of the week, who else could it be but the Ferndale boys basketball team, which won the North Coast Section Division-VI championship on Saturday.

And the Cats had to do it the hard way, winning back-to-back road games against the top two seeds in the bracket.

ATHLETES OF THE WEEK

Submitted photo

Skyler Moore

Del Norte Wrestling, Senior

Moore will be missed by the Warriors after a stellar career on the mats at Del Norte High.

In addition to three league titles over the past three years, Moore was voted H-DNL Outstanding Lower Weight Wrestler at this year’s league championships, before going on to place at the NCS championships for the third straight year.

He capped a standout career by finishing 3-2 at this past weekend’s state meet, placing in the top 16 at 145 pounds.

For more on Moore’s big weekend, see All five local qualifiers make some noise at state championships …

Dennise Horton

CR Basketball, Freshman

Horton was an unstoppable force for the Corsairs in their historic and thrilling 62-60 win over Skyline in their playoff opener on Friday night.

The freshman was pivotal at both ends of the court, scoring 18 points and holding the Trojans’ chief scoring threat in check on defense.

For more Horton’s big weekend, see Redwoods women find a way to hold off Skyline …

TEAM OF THE WEEK

Ferndale Boys Basketball

The Wildcats are NCS champions after pulling out a decisive 60-42 win at No. 2 seed California School for the Deaf on Saturday night.

The Ferndale boys also defeated top seed St. Bernard’s 46-45 in a thrilling semifinal earlier in the week, ending an 11-game losing streak against their Little 4 rivals.

And team defense was key for the Cats in their big playoff run.

For more on Ferndale’s big weekend, see Defense lifts determined Wildcats to section championship …