Westridge starts year at No. 1

hey Fred,
Are you going to have any threads on wrestling?

what happened to the boys thread fred?

What are the rules for a red card in high school soccer. If a player gets a red card, whether its two yellows or 1 red. Doesn't the team play a player down...

Correct me if I'm wrong Freddie boy, but didn't Maranatha only loose one Senior last year from a team that went to the Semi's. And you're still not thinking of them. Hmmm...interesting :)

JohnM
Nice top ten, we'll compare at the end of the year.

OK Fred....here is my top 10 with a brief reason for each pick.

RANK SCHOOL
1 Pasadena
Lots of players returning from league championship team.
2 Sacred Heart
Most talented team but also very young.
3 Monrovia
Lost big time players but still looks very strong.
4 Maranatha
Very aggressive team with big goal scorers.
5 South Pasadena
Best and unluckiest RHL team in 2005.
6 Westridge
Some great players but depth is the question.
7 Arcadia
Traditional powerhouse declining but still tough.
8 Flintridge Prep
3-1 so far-only loss to #3 Monrovia
9 Arroyo
Won Duarte Tourney pool vs. San Marino & Temple City
10 La Salle
Lots of talent but can they put it together?

You got it Fred...I'm headiout to Duarte to watch the girl's soccer tournament and I will post it tonight.
Please say hi to your dad. We are old Herald Examiner co-workers and he was one of my favorite people there.

So JohnM, lets see your top ten?

Fred...was anyone from the Star News at the game? If so, they could have spent most of it near the goal Maranatha was attacking because that was where 80% of the game was played.
If windass doesn't get his angry "stars" under control and coach the team himself then it could be a long season.
And by the way coach Windass, when your trying to motivate your players by telling them to make the opponent "wish they never set foot on this field" can send the wrong message to a group of teenage athletes. If you are going to lack class at least use a voice that can't be heard in a three mile radius of the field....it might also cut down on the number of damaging fould your players commit and cards they collect.

There sure are a lot of girls soccer experts in here.
I'd like to see some of you put your nicknames next to a top ten and we'll see where you finish at the end of the season.
Westridge's big three didn't start training until this week because they were on a volleyball team that won a cif championship and advanced to the state playoffs.
I defend them as the top choice.
And, anyone that has spoken to Westridge coach Jason Windass knows he's as knowledgeable as any soccer coach in the area. Don't worry, they're in good hands.

I was at the Maranatha-Westridge game and to put it mildy Westridge was very fortunate to get a tie. Maranatha is definitely a top ten area team and Westridge is not a number 1 team....but I understand TSN had to rank someone number one.
Westridge players on the defensive side of the field were arguing and criticizing each other the whole game...and the three players pictued with the Star News girl's soccer preview were the ones handing out the most abuse. I found it surprising that a coach would allow his players to treat each other that way at any time, much less during a game.
Attention Westrdige soccer players: just because the Star News ranked you number one doesn't mean it's true! You still have to play the game and after seeeing you play one you are not even close to a number one team...."Number One Whiners" might be a better title.

So Fred: With the tie with Westridge does that move us up to the top 10?

I have to admit, two teams I definitely underestimated in girls soccer are Maranatha and Mayfield.
The parity in the area is as close as ever.

Today's Varsity Girl's Soccer scores

Maranatha (1)
Westridge (1)

TIE GAME
Not bad for a would-have-been #11 team against the #1 choice.

Stay tuned. :)

Im surprised at both your rankings Fred, I have to say Our girls soccer team is looking good lead by the Thurman girls. And well our Boys team is like it is every year, loaded with talent, but no discipline.

Im thinking Temple City is a better team than La Canada this year on the boys side and maybe even San Marino...they lost barely any players...

Girls Soccer? Interest?
You betcha!
Not so long ago I requested info on Girls Volleyball and that was promptly handled.
I know most folks right now are interested in the finals of CIF Football and basketball is right around the corner. Nevertheless, the girls soccer in this area should be very exciting this year. Half these girls play club soccer and many will be competing against schools with players from their own club teams.
This happens with other sports like volleyball and softball but I think it is more prevalent with soccer.
Perhaps because more kids play it that the other sports.

People are concerned about your pick of Marshall as #1. Some even laughed!
The new coach talks about being disciplined I hope that will work for him. As far as the other teams
We will have to see how thing turn out.
The coach form LCHS made and interesting comment about his goalie what about the other team members. The goalie is a new addition to the Varsity team....
Some coaches did even comment about their players just the team....what that all about!

for the boys soccer standings...its very surprising to see marshall at first...and then san marino at 4th...i think there will be some surprises in the RHL league and Pacific.
Example. Blair be one to wacht out and in the Pacific league most powerhouses like muir and arcadia lost everyone...so it be good to wacht them up...

Scratch what I said earlier. La Salle Varsity Boys Soccer will still have their game v. Marshall F. today. The time was moved from 530 to 330 pm.

BigMLover,

I don't think Jenkins lacks fundmentals... she was awesome at clifton. My opinion is that she hasn't developed the team concept yet, but once she does though then Monrovia will bring home CIF banner.

oopppsss sorrry for my accidental postings!

Marshall had an outstanding season in 2004-2005, semi good season last year(2005-2006) made it to CIF 2nd or 3rd team in it's league, but I don't know about this year . I do know that many of the boys graduated last year.. We'll see what happens...

Where does ARROYO from the MVL stand? They used to be one of the best teams in So Cal, back when they were coached by Jim Singiser (before he became head football coach). I can remember them winning six or seven undefeated MVL championships in a row...

"Jenkins is more of a street blacktop type of player making the transition to a hardwood player."

What are you talking about, real hsfbfan?

Maryum has played organized basketball... both at school and in clubs... for 5+ yrs! Her game is awesome! It appears that she has patterned herself after Magic Johnson... at least that's who she reminds me of... with her height at the point and her ballhandling and passing abilities.

Your "observation" may be attempting to describe her athleticism... but the implication is that she lacks fundamentals... you couldn't be farther from the truth.

Kayle... we know your excited... just hit the Post button once, honey.

Well, hello...haha...SOUTH PASDENA GIRL'S SOCCER is going to have a great year. Have we not forgotten that they are among the notoriously well known soccer programs as being a powerhouse. These girl's breathe soccer. Yes, they lost to Monrovia last year BUT have we not forgotten their what is it 4 or 5 peat ownership of the Rio Hondo League all the previous year?...including a CIF win in 2003?

watch out...

Well, hello...haha...SOUTH PASDENA GIRL'S SOCCER is going to have a great year. Have we not forgotten that they are among the notoriously well known soccer programs as being a powerhouse. These girl's breathe soccer. Yes, they lost to Monrovia last year BUT have we not forgotten their what is it 4 or 5 peat ownership of the Rio Hondo League all the previous year?...including a CIF win in 2003?

watch out...

Well, hello...haha...SOUTH PASDENA GIRL'S SOCCER is going to have a great year. Have we not forgotten that they are among the notoriously well known soccer programs as being a powerhouse. These girl's breathe soccer. Yes, they lost to Monrovia last year BUT have we not forgotten their what is it 4 or 5 peat ownership of the Rio Hondo League all the previous year?...including a CIF win in 2003?

watch out...

Just a little news from La Salle, the Varsity soccer match vs. Marshall has been cancelled due to the football game.

Fred, San Marino, your number four ranked girls soccer team tanked in the Duarte Tournament finishing third in its pool behind Arroyo and Temple City.
The key to Westridge success will not be its returning players but the five talented freshmen who should see lots of playing time. If the freshmen don’t contribute, Westridge won't even be the number one Prep League team in the area. Flintridge Prep has the area's top goalkeeper and a slew of returning starters.
Thanks for covering girl's soccer.

Philliy B,
Monrovia's girls basketball is going to be for years to come. Wagner is working with alot of undeveloped/raw talnet. It will be interesting to see how things play out. Jenkins is more of a street blacktop type of player making the transition to a hardwood player. She is very exciting to watch.

What's up with Monrovia's boys basketball? They have a new coach..hmm..jared mix. A blast from the past. He'll bring tons of enegry to the program.

Marshall plays LaSalle tomorrow at 3:30 at Marshall...should be interesting...

Well, id be more than willing to blog about soccer. For those who know, or dont know, the Mark Keppel program has been terrible the last couple of years, with last year being the worse, what with the team dying not even mid season. For the last couple of years theyve gone 1-19 or 0-20 overall, pretty much like their football team. Main problem was or is dicipline.

Anyway this year theyve got a whole new coach with a brand new attitude towards the program. He has really changed the attitude of the players thus far. In their first scrimmage they lost to Northview 1-4 but gave them a very good game. I went to their first preseason game yesterday against Sierra Vista, the returnin champions of their respective league. I was expecting a comfortable win form Sierra Vista, by half they lead 2-0. However in th e second half i saw very good teamwork and alot of heart from the keppel boys. They managed to tie the game 2-2.

It was a quite suprising result, which tells me that this year keppel might do something in their respective league.

Keppel 2
Sierra Vista 2

Supersoccer fan, I'm impressed. Since you called it, I'll give away tomorrow's top choice. You're right, it is Marshall.

We've fallen off Burbank, La Salle JV has no easy W's this year. Not to mention they moved us up a Division. Thanks CIF!

Well I hope its not LaCanada! It may be Marshall boys, but the lost many talented players to graduation...I'll be waiting!

Don't know why I was thinking basketball. You should get Burbank on your schedule...easy W for you.

I think you misunderstood me burbank, I coach soccer so we must practice outside.

double8's-
you practice outside? you've got a nice football field, lights, etc...and you practice outside?
Somebody needs to start writing some checks to the school.

Fred- I think you'll be surprised by the Girl's soccer teams from Burbank and Burroughs. I'm not sure about the Boy's teams, especially after Burbank lost to So Pas 1-0.

Here's something depressing:
Girls B Ball
So Pas 58
Burbank 38
Boys Soccer
So Pas 1
Burbank 0

Well, since I coach JV boys I will catch a lot of the Varsity boys games. I probably won't get a chance to see V. girls too much.

How about this for dedication, my boys practice at 6am-and it's been freezing out there this week! I do get to see the JV girls a lot and they are loaded. The LS girls program will have success for some years to come.

Philly B
The Monrovia girls team is going to be very, very good. Muir is Muir, but I like shooter Vanessa Hernandez, and Maryum Jenkins, they're going to be solid, as well at point guard Krystyn Jacobs. And with a 6-foot freshman in September Offutt, they will be just fine. Young and talented, but still good enough to win the RHL.

Fred you are right about how Monrovia lost three important players. But Medina is a very good coacha and I think the rankings will only motivate the team to be what it was last year.

With the girls basketball team at monrovia. It was hard to read about them getting blown out like that to muir. But muir runs things when it comes to girls b-ball. I still think monrovia will give la canada a run for their money in league

GIRLS BASKETBALL SCORES ON MAXPREPS I CAN'T BELIEVE.
Here is what life at Pasadena High School is like after losing two-time Star-News player of the year Brittany Spears and Amber Mays.
Notre Dame 69, Pasadena 18
Grant 65, Pasadena 4 (ouch, hurts just typing it).

Campa's writing the boys soccer preview, but we've consulted and agree, and it probably will be a surprise, just like I think Westridge surprised a few people.

Hey,
LancerDouble 8's ...are you refering to the girls or the boys... Fred I cant imagine which boys team you will profile.
I am very familiar with most of them and most of the popular or powerful ones are rebuilding this year....so we'll see!

Big M
We'll see, but I will predict now that Monrovia will not make the playoffs. San Marino, South Pasadena and La Canada are better, and Temple City could be on its way back.

standings?... err, rankings.

You're right about replacing graduated stars, Fred... but this edition of Lady Cats will make noise quickly. After the Duarte tourney this weekend you'll need to revise your standings...

Unfortunately Fred, you'll be hearing more of me on the soccer and hoops blogs. (I played both at La Salle) and I'm the JV soccer coach at my alma mater as well. I'll keep you posted on our Varsity, although we are not the soccer program that we once were.

I know the Duarte girls soccer tournament is going on, so I'd like to hear from anyone teams playing in that tournament. I know Monrovia beat Flint Prep 3-1 on Wednesday.
I am surprised by the Temple City girls start, beating San Dimas 3-0 and off to a 2-0-1 start. I should never count out a Bill Martin coached squad

Supersoccerfan, lets just say you will be surprised with the No. 1 boys soccer team too...
I stand by my Westridge selection, I have faith in that team.
The Arcadia boys don't have much coming back, you're right about that. But they're always dangerous, and have few young players returning.

TomS, Maranatha would have been No. 11, but can prove me wrong against Westridge.

I heard about that Monrovia-Westridge scrimmage, but Westridge was missing both Thorne's and Davis, who were playing in the volleyball state playoffs. Huge difference when the heart and soul of your team is missing.

For what it's worth, Fred, Monrovia and Westridge scrimmaged last Monday and (I didn't tell you this because they don't keep scores in scrimmages...) it was 4-0 Monrovia. Westridge might have been missing players...I don't know.

Come on Fred: What’s up with Maranatha not on the top 10 after a strong showing last year. Big game tomorrow against #1 Westridge. Should provide a good gauge as to where this year’s team stands.
Oh:
GO MINUTEMEN
GO MINUTEMEN!!!!!!!!!!

Basketball Score:
Temple City 55
Maranatha 72
The game was actually pretty even at half. I think Maranatha was up by a couple of points. Once the fourth quarter came though--it was all MHS! They seem to have a pretty young team with 4 Sophomores, but I tell you what, those young pups can play! I did notice though that they beat TC with a very limited roster. I'm guessing that's because there are a handful of football players (MHS is in the Semi's for the 1st time in school history) that are on the basketball team as well. That is probably good news for MHS, bad news for opponents.

I don't understand how Westridge is 1. What about Maranatha, or Marshall girls they both went to CIF and move on to more than the first round. Yes Iam very willing to blog about soccer. Lets guess what boys team you will proflie Arcadia....remember all of their big guns are gone too!

BTW, Monorovia girls soccer coach Randy Medina tells me I'm crazy and that the Wildcats will be much better. But I can't see them losing three super standouts like Puffinburger, Chacon and Kevorkian and picking up where they left off.

That's exactly what I'm talking about Burbank. And more than just scores, it would be nice if fans posted top scorers, and gave us insight on each game.

Hey Fred, you mean like..
Boys Basketball
Burbank 66
San Marino 31

Boys Soccer
Burbank 2
Monrovia 1