Submitted photo – The Arcata seniors

There’s still some unfinished business for them to take care, but the Arcata Tigers honored their senior class before their final home game of the regular season on Tuesday night.

And it’s a senior class that has made quite an impact with the program over the past few years.

The class includes reigning Big 5 co-MVPs and twin sisters Tae and Mae Wolford, as well as Mia Cueto, Kelty Barker, Lucy Dieker, Izzy Allen and Syriah George.

“I’m really grateful for all seven of these kids,” Arcata head coach Charlie Espinoza said. “They’ve bought into the program and they have a great amount of pride for the school and what we are building as a basketball family.

“They embody the ‘Grow. Grind. Gratitude.’ mantra we have in our program. I’m blessed to be able to be part of their lives and basketball journey.”

After the pre-game ceremony, the Arcata players took care of business against the Fortuna Huskies, winning the game 65-49 and improving to 6-0 in the Big 5.

“It was a very special night celebrating the magnificent seven,” Espinoza added.

The victory secured a second straight outright conference championship for these players and gives them a top seed and a first-round bye for the upcoming Dick Niclai tournament.

And once they get there, this group will be hoping to secure the program’s first Niclai tournament title since 2018.

The talented senior class are led by the Wolford sisters, who have been two of the best players in the H-DNL ever since breaking into the varsity squad and continue to set the standard here on the North Coast.

Espinoza spoke highly of all seven seniors, describing Mae as “a cornerstone in this program,” and someone who has inspired so many young athletes.

“Dominating the glass and (her) ability to attack the rim has put absolute fear in NCS opponents,” the coach said.

He has been equally impressed with her twin sister, who “has dedicated countless hours to the sport.”

“Her leadership has impacted so many of her teammates,” Espinoza said of Tae, adding “she will continue to grow as an athlete and a person in her next journey.”

Both sisters will play college ball, although no final decision on where has been made yet.

The Arcata head coach also praised the contributions of the other seniors on this year’s team.

Allen “has committed to being the best version of herself,” he said. “Izzy has been the gold standard for being a teammate.”

George’s impact on the team has grown in recent weeks and she has played a key role in the charge towards this year’s league title.

“Syriah is one of the funniest and happiest the program has had in it,” Espinoza said, adding that she “has risen to the occasion to impact winning.”

Cueto had a huge game on Senior Night, finishing with 20 points in the win, including five 3-pointers.

“She has grown so much in her time as a Tiger,” Espinoza said, adding “Initially a catch and shoot 3-point specialist, Mia has committed to becoming a great defender and has the ability to make plays for others.”

Barker, according to the coach, “is one of the kindest and most supportive teammates. Her positive attitude and energy has always uplifted her teammates and impacted winning.”

Dieker too has played a key role in her time with the program.

“Lucy Dieker is one of the best teammates this school has ever seen,” the coach said. “Her constant joy and encouragement radiate through the program and empower all of her teammates.”