Preps | Ramani Parker, Central Section basketball rankings & more | Fresno Bee

Top girls basketball recruit Ramani Parker committed to Louisville this week, but you won’t see the Central High junior on a high school court this season.

Parker played for the Grizzlies last season and this past December before her parents decided to pull her from the team after the Eastside College Prep tournament in East Palo Alto.

Parker said she is training for the AAU season with former Fresno State standout Demetrius Porter’s Lady Heat team. She was a finalist for the USA Basketball U-16 National team last spring.

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“Right now it’s a strength and conditioning and skill development for me,” Parker said. “And of course bringing my 3.6 GPA up to 4.0.”

The 6-foot-4 Parker is ranked No. 15 by ProspectsNationa.com for the 2019 class and No. 3 as a forward.

Parker said Louisville, currently ranked No. 2 in the nation, was attractive for several reasons:

“Louisville has a premed program that I’m interested in,” she said, adding she wants to become a neurosurgeon. “Also, the fact that the head coach is coming to see my practices and them calling me and texting me everyday, truly shows that they really want me and really care. Coach (Jeff) Walz tells me that I’m his No. 1 priority.”

Parker’s dad, Ralph Parker, said, “We wish the team the best, but for her to focus more on strength and conditioning. More development and with the USA trials coming up … just keep pushing her the direction she’s headed.”

Grizzlies coach Geoffrey Clayton gave praise to Parker and said his team is moving on.

“We are all happy for her and her family,” he said. “We wish them nothing but the best. We are moving forward with the girls that we have. They are all committed to the program and are improving everyday. Blessed to be a part of their process.”

Shakeup in Top 10 boys rankings

San Joaquin Memorial was riding high. That was until the Panthers boys visited Sanger in a County/Metro Athletic Conference showdown.

Morice Norris paced the Apaches with 25 points for an 85-75 victory over The Bee’s previously top-ranked Memorial.

As a result, Central High moves to the top of the rankings by virtue of victories over No. 3 Clovis West, No. 7 Bakersfield and Clovis North.

Milestone for Tulare Union coach

Tulare Union rolled past Delano 69-35 on Tuesday, giving Mark Hatton his 500th career coaching win.

“I’m just humbled and honored and so thankful for all of my 26 teams! Without my players I am nothing, with them, we Play Hard! I love TU! Love my principal and athletic director! 500 has been an awesome ride!” Hatton wrote on Twitter.

Former Bakersfield High coach Mark Hutson leads the section with 511 wins.

Mt. Whitney denied Hanford coach Brad Felder his 500th win in a 58-57 victory on Wednesday. Hanford plays at home Friday night against rival Lemoore.

Milestones for players

Clovis West senior Madison Campbell and McFarland High junior Dyaneli Diaz each reached 1,000 points for their careers.

Campbell did it with 12 points in the Golden Eagles’ 68-46 victory over Buchanan on Wednesday.

Diaz scored 23 in the Cougars’ 99-16 victory over Farmersville on Jan. 12.

Clovis North boys soccer holds lead

Clovis North is off to a quick start.

The Broncos defeated previously unbeaten Clovis 1-0 on Jan. 12. Rajvir Johal scored the goal for the Broncos (13-2-2, 4-0), who will meet the Cougars (17-1-3, 3-1) again on Jan. 30.

Clovis North visits Buchanan (10-7, 2-2) on Friday.

Former Reedley baseball coach dies

Paul Mitchell, who for 61 years served as the PA announcer and statistician for Reedley College football and basketball games, died Jan. 13.

He was 87.

Mr. Mitchell moved to Reedley in 1946 when he was 16. He was the Reedley High baseball coach before beginning his 61-year journey at Reedley College.

Mr. Mitchell is survived by his wife Madeleine, daughter Susan, sons Andy, Jeff and Dan, nine grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

Funeral services are pending.