Banning High Cross Country, Volleyball, Tennis Teams Ready for Fall Season

The Fall sports season isn’t just about high school football.

In Banning, it also means it is time for volleyball, tennis and cross country.

Here is a look at the teams.

Cross country

Banning High's boys cross country team has reached the CIF finals each of the past three seasons. And the Broncos have settled for runner-up honors in the Mountain Pass League each of the past four seasons as well, according to seventh-year coach Ron Duncan.

“We have been very close to that league title,” Duncan said. “But at least it is good enough to get us into CIF.”

The team returns its top runner in Leo Carrillo, whose personal, three-mile best last season was 16:24. Other experienced returners include seniors Ruben Alvarez, Pekthra Chhor and Ricardo Orozco. Junior Carlos Sanchez and Robert Norte will compete for spots in the lineup as well.

The girls’ team will be led by Cheyenne Wright, a senior with a 21:20 personal three-mile best. Two other returners include juniors Silvia Aguilar and Kaylee Daugherty.

Banning cross country key meets:

Saturday, Sept. 10, 7:30 a.m. – Season opener @ Colton Swarm (Colton High School)

Saturday, Oct. 8, 7:30 a.m. - @ Inland Empire Challenge (Glen Helen Regional Park, San Bernardino)

Saturday, Oct. 22, 7:30 p.m. - @ Mt. SAC Invitational (Mt. San Antonio College, Walnut CA)

Volleyball

Broncos volleyball coach Anna Torres held her team’s season opening workout on Monday.

She saw plenty of young, inexperienced volleyball players.

“There are a lot of underclassmen,” Torres said. “That’s a good thing.”

The practice was an official tryout for Torres and assistant coaches Jorge Castillo and Roman Aja. Nearly 70 athletes showed up.

“We are just trying to figure out what girls are serious and who really wants to be here,” Torres said. “We want to know who knows a little about volleyball so we can have something to start with, a foundation.”

Banning does have a handful of returners. That group includes Kim Bussing, Sabrina Hironimus, Sabrina Pappas, Gabriele Jimenez and Cindy Fuentes.

Last season was a struggle, so much so that Torres couldn’t recall her team’s win-loss record. The Broncos, however, are aiming to make the playoffs for the first time in several years.

“Last year was a little rough,” Torres said. “As long as we put in the time and the effort, we will do well this year.”

Banning volleyball key matches:

Tuesday, Sept. 6, 3:15 pm. – Season opener at Loma Linda Academy

Thursday, Sept. 8, 4:30 p.m. – Home opener vs. Twentynine Palms

Wednesday, Oct. 5, 4:15 p.m. - @ def. MVL champion Rim of the World (Lake Arrowhead)

Girls tennis

Broncos’ longtime girls tennis coach Lois Miller would like her team to make a return to the postseason.

The last time Banning qualified for the CIF team tournament and sent a player to the individuals was 2009.

That may be difficult this season because the team is stacked with young, inexperienced players.

“We will try to teach everyone something new,” said Miller, who said she has coached Banning’s girl’s tennis team for much of the past 20 years.

Banning has two returning players in senior Jamie Head and sophomore Jazmyn Jordan.

Jordan, who said her mother Kari was a MVP player for Banning, was helping to conduct practice on Monday.

“It’s going to be tough for some of us but I think it will actually be a fun season,” said Jordan, who finished fourth at last season’s Mountain Valley League finals. “They will get better and helping out will make me better. I still have a lot to learn.”

Girls tennis key matches:

Thursday, Sept. 8, 3:15 p.m. – Season opener vs. visiting Twentynine Palms

Tuesday, Sept. 20, 3:15 p.m. - @ Indio Shadow Hills

Monday, Oct. 10, 3:15 p.m.- Home vs. Jurupa Hills