The 2011-2012 school year featured memorable performances in various sports from Northgate, Las Lomas and Berean Christian athletes.

But no one made a bigger mark than some aquatics stars at Las Lomas.

In the fall, the Knights swept the North Coast Section Division II water polo championships.

It was the first NCS water polo title in program history for the Las Lomas girls, which finished the year with a 25-3 record and beat defending champion Campolindo 10-5 in the title game. An excellent and experienced senior class led by Danielle Johnson, Mackenzie Brokaw, Erin Donaghue, Shannon Baer and Addie Green also helped the Knights to the Diablo Foothill Athletic League title.

The Las Lomas boys' water polo title was a little less likely. Not only did the Knights graduate several key starters from a team that won the 2010 NCS title, they found themselves down 10-2 to top-seeded Alhambra in the championship game.

But a furious comeback resulted in a 11-10 Knights win and a second straight NCS Division II title for the team.

Section titles were rare beyond that for Walnut Creek teams, but two Las Lomas individuals shined on the big stage. Las Lomas junior Jackson Miller earned the 200-yard freestyle title at the NCS swimming championships in May in a section record time. A two-sport athlete, Miller also helped the Knights football team to a 9-3 record an NCS Division II quarterfinals appearance as the team's quarterback.

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Lomas senior pole vaulter Cimran Virdi also won an individual section title at the NCS Meet of Champions with a mark of 12 feet, 5 inches on her first attempt.

She leaves for MIT as the section record holder in the event with a mark of 12-9 from the 2011 championships.

Here are some other highlights from the 2011-2012 school year:

  • Northgate's girls volleyball team won the Diablo Valley Athletic League title with a perfect 12-0 record. Outside hitter Michelle Lawrence was named DVAL MVP.

  • The girls basketball team at Northgate was also dominant in league play, going 11-1 and 15-13 overall. Greer Kleber earned league MVP honors.

  • Berean Christian's girls volleyball team finished second to Northgate in DVAL play, then advanced to the NCS Division IV quarterfinals.

  • The Northgate girls swimming team earned the DVAL championship for the fourth consecutive season. The Broncos' boys team was second.

  • A year after winning the NCS Division II dual championship, the Las Lomas wrestling team took second place.

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