Ray Hamill/HumboldtSports.com – Del Norte head coach Cris Rice talks to his players during a timeout in a recent game.

By Ray Hamill — The Del Norte High School basketball community has been recognized by the North Coast Section and Sonoma Valley High School for the excellent sportsmanship they displayed during last week’s section boys basketball playoff game.

The Warriors welcomed the Sonoma Valley boys team to Crescent City for a Division-5 quarterfinal on Friday night and it took two overtime periods to separate the two teams in an enthralling and exciting showdown.

The visiting Dragons walked away with a 71-69 win and a lot of admiration and respect for the Del Norte boys and community.

“From the moment we arrived, we were welcomed with warmth and hospitality,” Sonoma Valley Athletic Director Mike Boles wrote in an email penned to the NCS to express the school’s appreciation.

“Athletic Director (Robert) Hadfield, Coach (Cris) Rice, and Principal (Alison) Eckart were very accommodating and ensured we had every thing we needed. 

“From the adult fans in the crowd, to the students, the Radio broadcaster (John Pritchett and John ‘Mad Dog’ Horner) and workers at the score table, everybody was pleasant and demonstrated a sincere care for our traveling party.”

The loss brought an end to the season for the Warriors, but their hospitality didn’t end there.

“Every member of our traveling party (10 parents, and two bus drivers) all expressed their appreciation of everyone they encountered that was connected to Del Norte HS,” Boles continued. “It was an outstanding high school environment made better by the Del Norte staff led by Principal Eckart who congratulated our team members and wished them well. It was Sportsmanship and a welcomeness of the highest level.”

The expression of sincere appreciation was also acknowledged by the NCS administration.

“We truly appreciate you and your community for welcoming the Sonoma Valley basketball team to Del Norte and continuing the positive sportsmanship even after a tough loss,” NCS Assistant Commissioner Sonjha Phillips told Eckart and Hadfield.

“We know championship season is filled with emotions, and the fact that Sonoma Valley felt such a warm welcome and departure speaks volumes of the both of you and your entire community. 

“Thank you for being great hosts and showing positive sportsmanship throughout the entire competition.”

NCS Commissioner of Athletics Pat Cruickshank also expressed his gratitude to the Warriors.

“Thank you all for this wonderful display of good sportsmanship,” he said in an email to the Warriors and the league.