The kokanee at New Melones Reservoir are on the bite, a bit earlier than usual, and they run around 11-to-12 inches, with an occassional larger one turning up.

Even though small, they make for some tasty filets. They are found throughout the main lake, spillway and on up to Coyote Creek, above the 49 bridge. They seem to prefer lures, such as Uncle Larry’s spinners, Sockeye Slammers and Glitterbug Hoochies in pink or red and, of course, tipped with scented corn.

Summerville High School cheerleading tryouts will be held on April 13 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. inside the gym.  

Tryouts are open to students in eighth through 11th grade. There will be a lunch break from 12-12:30.

Registration packets are available at the Summerville High School office as well as elementary feeder schools. 

For more information, call Janet Blaum at 352-5091.

Summerville senior Joey Brocchini (11, above) works for the Bears against the Calaveras Redskins in the first inning on Wednesday in Tuolumne. Amy Alonzo Rozak / Union Democrat

With the game tied 5-5 in the home half of the sixth inning, Brocchini stepped to the plate and smacked a grounder through the infield and into to center field that brought home Colton Ebbers from third base.

On the mound in the seventh, Brocchini walked Redskin Brian Golston to lead off.

But Brocchini bounced back and struck out the next two and picked Golston off first to ice the victory. Brocchini had six strikeouts in seven innings of work.

The Summerville Bears and Calaveras Redskin softballers split a Mother Lode League doubleheader on Wednesday in Tuolumne.

Rick Francis applauds his team's effort on Jan. 30, 2009, the day of his 600th victory. Amy Alonzo Rozak / Union Democrat File Photo

Wildcat legendary basketball coach Rick Francis stepped down Tuesday after guiding the boys’ program for the last 37 years.

“It’s that time,” said Francis, who coached at Sonora for 42 years. “It wasn’t an overnight decision. I’ve been thinking about this for awhile and I discussed it with my lovely family and decided it’s time to let someone else take over.”

Summerville's Teska Hapig-Ward (above, left) dribbles with Bret Harte's Sam Crabtree defending. Amy Alonzo Rozak / Union Democrat

Her score gave the Bears a 2-0 lead they would hold onto for their first Mother Lode League victory of the 2013 girls’ soccer season.

The Bret Harte Bullfrog golfers shot a season low on Tuesday to remain unbeaten in the Mother Lode League.

The Bullfrogs shot a 202 to defeat Argonaut (231) at Castle Oaks.

The youth bowlers are back on the lanes and youngsters Ruby James, 6, and Dallas Lattin, 4, were shooting their best. They bowled 80 and 88 pins over their averages with series scores of 191 and 184, respectively. That’s great bowling!   

An oddity occurred recently when two members of the same team both bowled a clean game with the same score — a 193.  That was Jerry Bruce’s and Suzanne McGee’s claim to fame from the Umchu Full House league.

Twain Harte Elementary reclaimed the team championship at the 42 annual Pinecrest Invitational held Friday at Dodge Ridge.

Sixty-seven skiers and snowboarders competed in the long-running event.

“It was a huge success this year,” said Bret Rimmer, event director. “We had 10 schools participate, including Sonora High for the first time in many years. We had over 60 competitors and we had a good showing for snowboard girls. I was really happy to see the two biggest high schools in the county participate. Overall, it was really successful and we had a lot of fun.”

Soulsbyville 4th-grader Evan Lear (above) screams down the slopes Friday during the Pinecrest Invitational. Amy Alonzo Rozak / Union Democrat

Over 60 skiers and snowboarders competed Friday in the 42nd annual Pinecrest Invitational held at Dodge Ridge. Twain Harte Elementary School reclaimed the championship trophy won last year by Pinecrest.