The Elk Grove Matt Hayes

This Matt Hayes, as opposed to the senior at Yuba City High, is a 6-foot-1, 170 pound Pleasant Grove High junior who is now playing for 707's Finest this spring and summer.

Leon Williams, his 707's coach, offered an up-to-date assessment on Hayes: "Matt's one of the better shooters in northern California and definitely one of my better players. He knows how to score but isn't overly selfish. I've known him since the fifth grade and he's very polite and respectful and a great teammate. He's good at helping defensively and team defense but we want him to keep his focus more."

Members of the Delta River League, Pleasant Grove is coming off a 24-7 overall record, 6-4 in league. Yes, all-around contributor Cody Demps is moving over to Sacramento State and thus leaving a big hole but a trio of seniors-to-be, Hayes included, are set to step up:

* Hayes, who contributed 11 points a game

* Malik Thames at 15.5 points per game

* Cole Nordquist with 12.9 points a contest

Highlights of the Eagles' season included beating Franklin 63-54 February 24 in the semifinals of the Division I playoffs, before falling to Jesuit by just two on February 29, 64-62. A 64-57 takedown of Castlemont on March 8 was another to remember before losing to De La Salle 54-40 to conclude the season.

Asked to name something about himself that the public isn't aware about him, Hayes responded with: "people don't know that I'm a born leader." Pleasant Grove will be needing that expressed on the court next season.

Hayes is looking to major in mathematics come college and is wide open as to preferences.