The562’s Athletes of the Week is sponsored by the Long Beach Century Club.
Congratulations to our Athletes of the Week and thanks to the Long Beach Century Club and Naples Rib Company for their support.
HIGH SCHOOL
Cika Talaga, Long Beach Poly Girls’ Volleyball
Talaga was dominant in Poly’s sweep over Lakewood this week. The junior captain hit .636 with 16 kills and 7 digs over the Lancers. She also contributed to the Jackrabbits’ 13 aces throughout the game.
Bailey Holder, Long Beach Poly Flag Football
Holder has been on the hunt for Pick 6s lately – and she’s found them. The sophomore snagged two against Wilson for the Jackrabbits and returned another interception in Poly’s shutout win over Lakewood.
Sama’Jay Jackson, Jordan Football
Jackson was huge in helping the Panthers get their first win of the 2025 season. The junior quarterback threw for over 150 yards and two touchdowns in Friday night’s win. He also added 60 yards on the ground to lead Jordan to a 16-6 victory over Bell Gardens.
Kade Casillas, Lakewood Football
Casillas had over 200 total yards for two touchdowns in Lakewood’s 35-7 win over Mayfair. The quarterback took one in himself and then hit Kagiso Boikanyo for a 95-yard TD in the win that brought the Milk Bucket Trophy back to Lakewood for the first time in over a decade.
COLLEGE
Natelle El Mokbel, LBSU Soccer
El Mokbel scored the difference-maker in the Beach’s win over New Mexico State. The freshman dribbled the ball to the corner of the penalty box and curled it in to put her team up 2-1 – a lead they held on to the rest of the game.
Corbin Stanley, LBSU Men’s Water Polo
The center had a big week in the water for the Beach. Stanley impressed in Long Beach’s three exhibition games over the weekend, scoring four goals against Golden West and a hat trick against LBCC. He was also named the Big West Player of the Week for his contributions against USC and Chapman.
