Del Norte High School has received high praise from the North Coast Section for its “excellence in sportsmanship” during the recent NCS basketball playoffs.

A letter from Sonoma Valley High School athletic director and basketball coach Mike Boles triggered the congratulations. Sonoma Valley traveled to Del Norte this past Friday, winning an emotional double-overtime thriller, 71-69, in the quarterfinals of the Division 5 playoffs. 

“From the moment we arrived, we were welcomed with warmth and hospitality,” Boles said. “Every member of our traveling party … all expressed their appreciation of everyone they encountered connected to Del Norte High. It was an outstanding high school environment made better by Del Norte staff, led by Principal (Alison) Eckart, who congratulated our team members and wished them well. It was sportsmanship and welcomeness of the highest level.”

North Coast Section – the governing body for athletics along the North Coast all the way to the East Bay – added its congratulations.

“We know championship season is filled with emotion, and the fact that Sonoma Valley felt such a warm welcome and departure speaks volumes of both you and your entire community,” wrote NCS Assistant Commissioner Sonjha Phillips. “Thank you for being great hosts and showing positive sportsmanship throughout the entire competition.”

Del Norte High Athletic Director Robert Hadfield thanked Boles for his kind words, saying that providing a welcoming environment to athletic visitors is a standard for the school.

“We want our guests to have a quality athletic and educational experience,” the veteran A.D. said. “The fact that (Boles) mentioned our band, our bench people, our radio crew and our fans says it all.”