The long-awaited resurgence of a once-proud Diamond Bar program appeared to be underway last season when the Brahmas won their first four games. It was promptly put to an end by three losses to open league, including a 41-0 beat down at the hands of Diamond Ranch. Under new head coach Ryan Maine, Diamond Bar is hoping this is the seaon of the real resurgence.

“It’s tough because they’re not going to believe you until you go out and win games,” Maine said.

The Brahmas may feature the most-touted quarterback in the league as 6-foot-4 Henry Omana finally takes over his own team after rotating last season. Maine expects the strong-armed pocket passer to have a breakout year directing the spread offense along with a healthy dose of help from running back Jamaal Clayton, one of seven returning starters on offense along with standout receiver George Katrib.
Continue reading “Maybe this time, it really is Diamond Bar’s year” »

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Diamond Ranch was heading for apparent league title contention last season until dropping its final two games to Bonita and West Covina, who later played for the CIF title, by a combined score of 79-20. An uncharacteristic first-round playoff loss following consecutive trips to the CIF-SS Southeast Division championship game and the loss of its starting quarterback to baseball have created some uncertainty for Diamond Ranch this season.

The Panthers are replacing more than they expected after losing two running backs to college football and their star receiver in addition to a quarterback they figured would return. With Cesar Carillo electing to focus on baseball, senior Isiah Locke will step in to quarterback a team that will rely on a strong offensive front.

“We like what we’re doing up front on both sides of the ball and that’s where is starts,” Diamond Ranch head coach Roddy Layton said. “If we have strong line play that will establish the running game and help open up the pass.”
Continue reading “Diamond Ranch replacing more than it expected” »

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MVP: Justin Garza, Pitcher, Bonita, Jr.

First team
P: Kenny Mathews, Diamond Bar, Sr.
P: Henry Omana, Diamond Bar, Jr.
P: Kyle Peck, Los Altos, Sr.
P: Jacob Chonsky, Walnut, Jr.
INF: Robert Mier, Bonita, Sr.
INF: Justin Row, Bonita, So.
INF: Rouric Bridgewater, Diamond Ranch, Sr.
INF: Gio Morales, Los Altos, Jr..
OF: Matt Gelalich, Bonita, Sr.
OF: K.C. Huth, Bonita, Sr.
OF: Josh Viloria, Diamond Bar, Sr.
OF: Will Walters, Walnut, Sr.
C: Dylan Goodwin, Diamond Ranch, Jr.
Utility: Mark Lindsay, Bonita, Sr.
Continue reading “All-Hacienda League baseball team” »

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MVPs: Courtney Gano, Bonita, Sr., Stephany La Rosa, Diamond Bar, Sr.

First team
Bree Sandoval, Bonita, Sr.
Aninssa Sanchez, Bonita, Fr.
Jazzlyn Costa, Bonita, So.
Liz Rubalcava, Diamond Bar, Jr.
Brianna Gonzalez, Diamond Bar, So.
Alyssa Villapando, Los Altos, Jr.
Mariah Midyette, Los Altos, Jr.
Lexi Garcia, Los Altos, Jr.
Mercedez Cundiff, Rowland, Sr.
Kaylea Snaer, Rowland, So.
Justine Chavira, Walnut, Sr.
Taylor Castro, West Covina, Jr.
Dakota Monarrez, West Covina, Sr.
Alex Blanco, West Covina, Jr.
Continue reading “All-Hacienda League softball team” »

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The Diamond Bar softball team’s turnaround already was substantial before the Brahmas officially became league title contenders last week.

After a winless run through the Sierra League last season, Diamond Bar (12-9, 7-2) is a game behind first-place West Covina in the new Hacienda League thanks in large part to a 4-3 win over Bonita on April 27.

Last season, Diamond Bar posted a 6-18 overall record that included an 0-10 mark in league. The Brahmas surpassed last season’s win total a month into this season.
Continue reading “Diamond Bar softball: winless to league champs?” »

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Diamond Ranch offensive lineman Alvaro Estrella secured a priority walk-on from Fresno State on Thursday, meaning the senior will be guaranteed a spot on the Bulldogs next season but will not be receiving a scholarship. Estrella passed up a scholarship offer from Hampton, a FCS school in Virginia. Diamond Ranch kicker Jeff Stamp signed with Ottawa University, an NAIA school in Kansas. Ottawa head coach Kent Kessinger personally visited Diamond Ranch to sign Stamp.

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Entering the final game of the regular season with 23 wins in 25 games, Bonita girls basketball coach Darren Baumunk admitted he still needed some convincing.
Losing eight straight meetings to one team apparently leaves a lasting mark.

Bonita defeated nemisis Diamond Ranch Friday night 66-58 to earn its second win over the second-place Panthers this season and finish undefeated in the Hacienda League.
Bonita built a 17-point lead in the first quarter but much like the first meeting allowed Diamond Ranch to storm back. It took a put-back with two seconds remaining for the Bearcats to claim the first meeting, a 50-48 win on Jan. 24.

“We had gone 0-8 against these guys coming into this year and sometimes you think maybe it was by luck that shot went in last time,” Baumunk said. “I don’t think we had gotten over that hump with them until tonight.”

Continue reading “Bonita girls hold off DR again, claim Hacienda title” »

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Player of the year: Chris Solomon, RB/LB, West Covina, Jr.
Offensive player of the year: Garrett Pendleton, Bonita, QB, Sr.
Defensive player of the year: Maurice Dupleasis, West Covina, LB, Sr.

FIRST TEAM
Offense
QB: George Johnson, West Covina, Sr.
RB: Beejay Lee, West covina, Sr.
RB: Chase Price, Diamond Ranch, Sr.
RB: Giamani Johnson, Bonita, Sr.
RB: Jacoby Carter, Diamond Ranch, Sr.
TE: Frankie Avalos, Los Altos, Sr.
OL: Mark Laffin, West Covina, Sr.
OL: Ray Amaya, West Covina, Jr.
OL: Jon Logan, West Covina, Sr.
OL: Joseph Gibson, West Covina, Sr.
OL: Mike Cortez, West Covina, Sr.
WR: Aubrey Coleman, Walnut, Sr.
WR: Jason Tsukada, Walnut, Sr.
WR: Leonardo Freeman, Rowland, Sr.
PK: Brian Drulias, Diamond Bar, Jr.
Continue reading “All-Hacienda League football team” »

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First round
West Covina over Bellflower
Santa Fe over Burbank
Diamond Ranch over Mayfair
Burbank Burroughs over El Rancho
La Mirada over Muir
Bonita over California
Arcadia over Norwalk
La Serna over Walnut

Quarterfinals
West Covina over Santa Fe
Diamond Ranch over Burbank Burroughs
Bonita over La Mirada
La Serna over Arcadia
Continue reading “Football playoff predictions: Southeast Division” »

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Given that its league began play two games earlier this season, Diamond Ranch had to begin its annual turnaround a little earlier in 2010. No longer in the five-team Miramonte League, rather the seven-team Hacienda League, the Panthers have adjusted their schedule accordingly.

Despite an 0-3 start to the season – the Panthers began 2008 and 2009 with 1-6 records but finished each season with a CIF championship game appearance – Diamond Ranch has won its first three league games to position itself nicely for a stretch run at the Hacienda League title. Diamond Ranch trailed Walnut 21-0 at halftime but pulled off a 35-28 win in overtime Oct. 8 before exploding for 21 fourth-quarter points in a 35-14 victory over Rowland on Saturday.
Continue reading “Diamond Ranch is right on schedule…” »

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