Photos by Ray Hamill/HumboldtSports.com – Eureka junior Xavier De La Rosa

By Ray Hamill — A pair of juniors and a returning program feature in our weekly awards this week, after big weeks for all three.

Eureka junior Xavier De La Rosa has been one of the most consistent players in H-DNL boys basketball this winter, and if anything his influence appears to be growing as the Loggers make a late-season push.

Even more impressive, De La Rosa has been a force at both ends on the court, often tasked with defending the Loggers’ opponents’ best player while leading his team on offense.

Last weekend, De La Rosa scored a game-high 21 points to help lead the Loggers past St. Bernard’s 63-48, ending the Crusaders’ 16-game winning streak.

He followed that big performances against Shasta on Tuesday.

Our second athlete of the week is another junior.

St. Bernard’s Garrett Shanahan continues to showcase his importance to the best team in the H-DNL this winter with his all-around game.

The multi-sport standout is one of several talented players on the Crusaders’ roster, but few players do as much to help set their teammates up for success.

As one opposing coach suggested to me this week, Shanahan could be the second best player in the H-DNL right now, behind only Arcata’s Luke Lemke (who also had a big week).

Our team of the week award, meanwhile, goes to the College of the Redwoods softball team.

The CR women returned with a bang last weekend, playing their first games in almost two years after being forced to cancel the 2025 season due to a lack of numbers.

Head coach Micaela Harris got her first win in charge of the program in her first game at the David “Hawk” Wilder Memorial Tournament in Glendale, as Redwoods dropped just one of four games, finishing 2-1-1.

ATHLETES OF THE WEEK

Xavier De La Rosa, 

Eureka Basketball, Junior

De La Rosa established himself as one of his team’s most important players last year as a sophomore, and his influence with the Loggers has steadily grown since then.

“His ability to defend and still be an offensive threat for us is a rare combination,” Eureka head coach Andrew DeHart said.

The junior standout followed his big performance against St. Bernard’s with 19 points at Shasta.

For more on his big week, see our weekend Boys Basketball Roundup …

Garrett Shanahan 

St. Bernard’s Basketball, Junior

Shanahan continues to play a key role for the Crusaders, who are 18-2 on the season and cruising towards another Little 4 championship.

They may have lost to the crosstown rivals on Saturday night, but Shanahan had a big night for the team, finishing with another double-double, including 18 points and 10 rebounds.

The SB boys have multiple players who should be considered for conference MVP honors this year, but few have had the consistent all-around impact of Shanahan.

For more on his big week, see our weekend Boys Basketball Roundup … 

Submitted photo

TEAM OF THE WEEK

College of the Redwoods Softball

Everyone loves a good comeback story.

Last weekend, the CR women played their first games in almost two years and did not disappoint.

Harris and her players finished opening weekend with two wins, a tie and one loss, including big victories over Cuesta (20-5 in their season opener) and San Diego City (9-1).

Several players stepped up for the team, including new pitcher Mackenzie Dean, who posted both wins in the circle, as well as Emily Gomez, Jordyn Hattery and Carlee Harper, among others.

For more on their big week, see Back with a bang, CR women impress on opening weekend …