The directions to Rod and Charlene Bayers Jamestown home were simple: Make a left, then a right and look for a big bass boat out front.

Just to the right of their front door is a sign, featuring a bass, welcoming visitors.

A quick tour of their extra ‘bedroom’ is like walking into a bait and tackle shop.

On one wall hangs plastic worms, spinners, grubs, Carolina rigs, jerkbaits, drop shot kits — everything it takes to catch a bass.
   

By PAUL KRISMANITS
For The Union Democrat

“I just got pumped and wanted more,” said an excited Haley Hoblitt after hitting the go-ahead 3-pointer for Summerville during the Bears 43-38 victory over Hughson Tuesday night. “I felt like I could hit them all day.”

The shot was the junior’s second timely basket during a fourth quarter where the Bears had to fight off a Hughson comeback after the Huskies were down the entire game. Hoblitt finished with nine points.

“I’ve got to give credit to Hoblitt for her clutch three,” said Bears leading scorer junior Rachel Dunlap, who contributed 16 points and 12 rebounds. “She really came through for the team. She was great.”
   

The Sonora Wildcat girls’ basketball team lost to Sierra 36-34 in the Valley Oak League opener for both teams.

The Wildcats stayed in control for most of the game, but couldn’t put the ball in the basket consistently, especially in the fourth quarter.

“It was frustrating,” said Wildcat coach Lloyd Longeway. “We missed a lot of shots we should make.”
   

“I bleed green and gold,” says 34-year Sonora head basketball coach Rick Francis. “When I was a Bobcat at Sonora Elementary, I couldn’t wait to become a Sonora High School Wildcat. And when I was away at college, my ultimate goal was to come back to Sonora High and teach, be the varsity basketball coach and athletic director. And it all happened.

“I’m sure the Good Lord has been looking down at me. I’m sure He has also scratched his head many times while looking at me. But ... I get teary-eyed sometimes when I think about this: I’ve been blessed to be a part of a tradition that’s just unbelievable. This school is over 100 years old. And I will always say this: ‘Once a Wildcat, always a Wildcat.’ ”
 

UD: What would Coach Rick Francis say about Rick Francis the high school basketball player?

RF: Well, always worked hard. Always tried to improve himself. I knew with my size that I had to work harder if I wanted to be a good defensive player. I just had a passion for it way back then and I still have a passion for it now. I’d say he was very quick, team oriented player.

UD: When choosing a profession, there was no question: it was coaching, teaching.
 

Pattie and Rick Francis were married in 1976. They have two daughters, Jill and Kimberly.

“Rick has extraordinary qualities,” said Pattie. “He has high integrity. He’s always learning — especially basketball. He’s a good husband and good dad.”

Pattie regularly attends Sonora Wildcat basketball contests.

Her favorite games?

“I like the games best when we’re up by 20 points.”
  

“Ever since I was a little kid, I always wanted to be a Bear,” says Summerville High School junior Zach Roberson.

“I saw a lot of Summerville football games. I saw Justin Tune (class of 2005) play. I saw Korey Larsson (‘07) play. I saw Nate Boyer (‘07) and Jacob Boyer (‘08). I saw tons of talented people play. My sisters went to school here. My dad went here. My uncles, too. I love being a Bear. And I wouldn’t want to be anywhere other than where I’m at — right here.”

That sentiment, to say the least, is mutual.
  

There are quite a few commonalities between Sonora High School senior Dan Link and Summerville junior Zach Roberson.

Athletic talent? Absolutely. Desire to succeed? Yep. Confidence? For sure.

But the most distinguishing thread between these two football stars is ... character.
 

The Columbia College Claim Jumpers won the championship of the Robert Dominik Fuchs’ Memorial Classic on Wednesday night with a 61-56 win over De Anza.

“We really defended tonight,” said Columbia coach Nathan Rien. “I was really proud of guys — especially in the last two minutes.”
 

By RUTH ABREO
For The Union Democrat
   
There was no youth bowling this past week and they will resume sometime after January 1.

Meanwhile on the adult front there were some First Half winners at Sonora Family Bowl and they include: Guys and Dolls with Marion’s Mobile Home Service (Marion Hinman, Alice Larson, Rod Hirtzel, John Moore and John Blatzer) taking First Place; and in the Gamblers Getaway, Terry’s Sew and Vac (Peter Mhsopoulos, Cindy Sorritelli, Robert Smith and Terry Owsley) won the First Half.