Powell is UCSB’s Mr. Big Shot


Former Glendora star James Powell fills it up for UC Santa Barbara.

James Powell was key part of Glendora High School’s last CIF-Southern Section championship team, and now the former Tartan is enjoying success on the collegiate level, shining in the 805 area code for UC Santa Barbara.
Powell is averaging 11.2 points a game for the Gauchos and have become one of the most-prolific shooters in the school’s history. He leads the team with 119 3-pointers this season, and broke school records for highest 3-point shooting percentage in a season last year as well as highest 3-point shooting percentage for a game.

Brown seeks Super ending


Former Bishop Amat star Ralph Brown is hoping for a Super ending on Sunday.

When Ralph Brown was calling the San Gabriel Valley his stomping grounds in the mid 1990s, he was a shifty running back on Bishop Amat High School’s last CIF-Southern Section divisional championship team.
The Hacienda Heights native is still shifty, but now to opposing quarterbacks. Brown, who would later star in the defensive secondary at Nebraska, is again wearing red these days, playing in the defensive backfield for the Arizona Cardinals, who have set franchise history by winning two playoff games.
Brown has done his part, grabbing an interception in each of the team’s wins – a 30-24 victory over Atlanta on Jan. 3 and a 33-13 romp over Carolina this past Saturday.
The nine-year NFL veteran now will go for a Super ending when the Cardinals host Philadelphia in Sunday’s NFC championship game, with the winner advancing to the Super Bowl in Tampa, Fla. on Feb. 1.
Good luck from the SGV, Ralph!

Utah, keyed by ex-area players, states its case for No. 1


Former Damien and Citrus College star Freddie Brown runs after one of his 12 receptions for Utah in the Utes’ 31-17 victory over Alabama in the Sugar Bowl on Friday.

What was that word? A Ute? What is a Ute?
– Fred Gwynne as Judge Chamberlain Haller in “My Cousin Vinny”

Alabama knows what a Ute is today, especially after the Utah Utes made their claim to be ranked No. 1 in the final Associated Press football poll.
Utah’s argument?
A convincing 31-17 victory over Tide in the Sugar Bowl on Friday. The victory over Alabama, which was ranked No. 1 for five consecutive weeks during the regular season, allowed the Utes, helped by former Damien High School and Citrus College star Freddie Brown and former Pasadena City standout David Reed, to become the only undefeated team in the bowl championship division, finishing 13-0.
Utah coach Kyle Whittingham believes that should be enough to move his team to the top spot.
“I know where I’m voting us. I’m voting us No. 1. End of story,” Whittingham said after Friday’s victory in New Orleans. “I don’t know why they wouldn’t deserve that consideration. Somebody has to explain to me why they wouldn’t. There is only one undefeated team in the United States of America right now in Division I football, and it’s these guys right here.”
Brown did his part by being Utah’s leading receiver Friday, catching 12 passes for 125 yards. He also had a key 33-yard reception that led to an important TD drive in the third quarter. Reed had two catches for 58 yards, including a 28-yard TD reception that gave the Utes’ a 28-17 lead in the second half.
Utah’s roster also includes former Mt. San Antonio College players Aiona Key, Viliamu Nau and Aaron Tonga and Monrovia High’s Patrick Greene.