February 2007 Archives

Congratulations to all the teams playing for championships on Saturday. We welcome your thoughts and predictions on what should be one of the best prep days in West San Gabriel Valley history.
COVERAGE UPDATE: Don't hold me to this, but the tentative plan for Saturday is to have a writer covering every game, and to have photo galleries of every game on our website, in addition to whatever we can get in the newspaper. We realize this is a special day for everyone. While we won't have pictures off all the teams participating in championship games in our sports section to go with the stories, our photo galleries online should provide great memories for all the teams. Also, in boys basketball, we plan on having postgame video interviews online with coaches and participants from our three teams at the Honda Center, Pasadena, La Canada and Renaissance Academy.

SATURDAY'S CHAMPIONSHIP TIMES AND LOCATIONS
Boys Basketball
At the Honda Center in Anaheim
Division II-AA
St. Bernard (21-10) vs. Pasadena (29-2), 2:15 p.m.
Predictions: Robledo (Pasadena), Tolegian (Pasadena), Galetti (Pasadena), Campa (Pasadena)
Division III-AA
La Canada (28-2) vs. Campbell Hall (28-1), 10:45 a.m.
Predictions: Robledo (Campbell Hall), Tolegian (La Canada), Galetti (Campbell Hall), Campa (Campbell Hall)
Division III-A
Renaissance Academy (27-1) vs. Corona del Mar (21-7), 9 a.m.
Predictions: Robledo (Renaissance Academy), Tolegian (Renaissance Academy), Galetti (Renaissance Academy), Campa (Corona del Mar)

Girls Basketball
at the Pyramid in Long Beach
Division IV-A
Flintridge Prep (25-3) vs. Laguna Hills (24-4), 11:15 a.m.
Predictions: Robledo (Laguna Hills), Tolegian (Laguna Hills), Galetti (Flintridge Prep), Campa (Laguna Hills)

Boys Soccer
At Downey High School
Division V championship
Marshall (18-4-2) vs. Salesian (19-3-2), 10 a.m.
Predictions: Robledo (Salesian), Tolegian (Salesian), Galetti (Salesian), Campa (Salesian)

Girls Soccer
At Downey High School
Division IV championship
La Salle (22-2-2) vs. Bishop Montgomery (14-5-6)
Predictions: Robledo (La Salle), Tolegian (La Salle), Galetti (La Salle), Campa (La Salle).

This is your home for WSGV prep sports, so you should have the opportunity to submit thread ideas for discussion. I posted on a thread last week that if you send a question or comment to my email at fred.robledo@sgvn.com, I will post some on a weekly basis. Here are a couple that came in last week.
WHO DO WE POINT THE FINGER AT?
High school football is becoming such a big and lucrative business. We see it grow every year with the big checks that boosters give to many private and public schools. Shouldn't it be time that we can criticize and critique certain coaches and players about their decisions? These kids are in some cases only a year away from playing major college football.
-- from SMG
IF ONLY THEY STAYED
With all the Kare Youth League kids roaming about in the SGV what would Rio Hondo Prep look like if they all chose to attend RHP? Many KYL kids are starting at Temple City, Damien, S. Pasadena, Duarte, etc.
-- from Finchamp

Pasadena coach Kevin Mills is still on paid leave by the Pasadena Unifield School District for allegedly permitting two students to fight inside the PHS lockerrom, and still faces misdemeanor charges for contributing to the delinquency of a minor. With spring football around the corner and summer fast approaching, how long should PHS wait before it decides to name an interim coach or go a completely different direction?
I spoke with PHS co-athletic director Tony Brooks about it on Monday.
Question: With Mills not allowed on campus, who's running the program?
Brooks: (Strength and conditioning coach) Randy Horton was the associate head coach to Kevin, and he is monitoring the weightroom and making sure the kids are doing what they're supposed to do. So, in the short term, he's running things.
Question: If the criminal and PUSD decisions drag into the summer and fall, how long can you wait before either naming an interim coach or looking for a new one?
Brooks: We have an idea as to when we want to move in that direction. May 15 is the date where we have to have something in place, but we still feel Kevin will be exonerated and it will work itself out by then.
Robledo's thoughts: Mills needs a year away from football. If it's PHS' intention to keep Mills if he's exonerated, then name an interim coach for 2007, and bring Mills back in 2008. Mills' reputation has taken a hard hit regardless of the outcome, and if you bring him back to soon, it will likely become a huge distraction for a Bulldogs team that has high hopes this fall. Personally, I hope to see Mills back on the Bulldogs sidelines someday. He's still a young coach from Pasadena with a lot of knowledge to give. But for PHS and Mills, a year apart might serve them both well.
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GUESS WHO'S COMING BACK?

Athletic Director Lou Torres said Moors football coach Gil Ruedaflores will return for a 20th and final season this fall. As long as his health permits, this is great to hear. With Dushine Smith and Anthony Brown back in the backfield, the Moors could send Ruedaflores out in style.

LANCERS WIN IT, 1-0

La Salle claimed their first championship since 2002, and its first outright crown in school history. Sarah Shevlin scored the game-winner as the Del Rey League champions defeated league rival St. Bernard for the third time this season, 1-0, to claim the Division IV title.


Click link for La Salle photo gallery
http://lang.pasadenastarnews.com/socal/gallery2/?folder=preps/030407_lasalle
Click link for story
http://www.pasadenastarnews.com/preps/ci_5353987
Despite losing to Salesian, 6-1, in the CIF-SS Division V finals on Saturday, there was nothing for Marshall to be ashamed of after a terrific season. It was the Eagles' first appearance in a championship game, with many more opportunities to come.

Pasadena defeats St. Bernard, 79-63, to claim CIF-SS Division II-AA championship.

What you have to admire about this Bulldogs team is they set out on a mission after getting bounced in the second round last year as the top seed, and never gave anyone a chance to upset them in this year's playoffs. They were focused, determined, and weren't going to be denied their first championship since 1995.

Nobody, I mean nobody, thought La Canada would come within 20 points of top-ranked Campbell Hall in Saturday's championship. It was unbelievable to look on the faces of other media members on press row as Adam Malik's game-winning attempt with seconds left fell short. The Spartans eventually fell 61-57 in overtime, but their loss was the talk of the day.

Renaissance Academy's third-straight trip to the finals ended in another loss to Corona del Mar, 67-59. But this one was much different than the previous two blowout losses against Price. The Wildcats are building something special in Flintridge, and without a senior on the roster, they will be back.

No need to hide your faces, it was a terrific season for the Flintridge Prep girls basketball team, who lost to top-ranked Laguna Hills, 57-42 in Saturday's championship at the Pyramid.

Since I get a vote, I'm taking this guy in the stripes...

This is the fourth annual Star-News/Tribune boys and girls all-star game between our sister newspapers. The Star-News boys and girls own a proud 2-1 record in the series and we plan on stretching it. Don't let me down team, you don't know what it's like around Tribune Aram when he's gloating. He's still talking smack about last year's Trib boys win. How could this happen? We had Kyle Austin, Rhett Anderson and a great cast? Are you kidding me, we should of smoked them, but the Trib ran us off the floor. I can still see coach Tucker shaking his head from the stands. At least with the girls we got even. Aram kept telling me how great the east was, how great the Bishop Amat players were, blah, blah, balh. What happened, Brittany Spears toyed with all of them and the Star-News ran away with it.
Obviously this leads to the question: Who do you want on this year's team. Remember, it's a senior game only. Your nominations, please?

Re-alignment has been great for the West San Gabriel Valley. When was the last time we had six boys basketball teams, four girls basketball, three boys soccer, three girls soccer, and a water polo team still alive this deep in the quarterfinal and semifinals rounds of the CIF-SS playoffs. You're keeping us busy, but it's a lot of fun. Good luck, and keep on representing the WSGV! Any guess as to how many of these teams will reach championship games?
Boys Hoops: Pasadena, Maranatha, La Salle, Renaissance Academy, South Pasadena, La Canada
Girls Hoops: Monrovia, Flintridge Prep, Muir, Maranatha
Boys Soccer: La Canada, Marshall, Bosco Tech
Girls Soccer: La Salle, Maranatha, Westridge
Girls Water Polo: Tempe City

Is this a legitimate question? I read this discussion on a recent post. When I started at the Star-News in 2003, La Salle played a lot of home games at Monrovia, and Maranatha bounced around from field to field. And frankly, they weren't very good. The small school's were ruled by Pas Poly, RH Prep and Flint Prep.
If you were a player, you couldn't, and still can't beat what St. Francis has to offer in terms of tradition, exposure and the competition of the Mission League and the upper-division opponents. But with La Salle and Maranatha's recent success and the beautiful facilities that will now be showcased on Friday under the lights, are we seeing something special about to emerge? I'm not saying they will rise to stardom like Oaks Christian. But are they starting to close the gap on the West San Gabriel Valley's Golden Boys?
BELOW: St. Francis QB Luke Collis, who informed coach Jim Bonds he is going to Nevada.

Let's start with an easy question. Is there a better pitcher returning than Monrovia's Eddie McKiernan? My guess is that Pasadena Poly's Robbie Rasmussen, Alhambra's Noe Ramirez, St. Francis' Luke Collis and La Salle's Matt Kohorst make a good argument.

When it comes to softball hurlers, does Arcadia's Jenna Rodriguez stand alone? Maybe Monrovia's Brittany Bateson, South Pasadena's Nichole Parada, Gabrileno's Kelsey Duhling, Alverno's Michelle Escamilla or Rosemead's Danielle Armenta could challenge her.

CLICK THREAD FOR ARCADIA ELKS SPRING CLASSIC ROUND-ROBIN BASEBALL PAIRINGS

CIF-SS SCHEDULE
BOYS BASKETBALL
Saturday's CIF Championships at the Honda Center in Anaheim
Division II-AA
Semifinals
St. Bernard (21-10) vs. Pasadena (29-2), TBA
The top-ranked Bulldogs have stormed into the final, winning all four playoff games by more than 20 points, and with the dominant one-two punch of Nigel Ajere and Trevon Harmon, who also have a supporting cast of players that would be standouts anywhere else. The Bulldogs will play the role of Goliath, facing a team that hasn't won a single-game in the playoffs by more than five points and one that finished third in the Del Rey league. St. Bernard advanced by defeating No. 7 Arroyo Valley 57-52. The Bulldogs are hoping for their first title since 1995, and their first under coach Tim Tucker, who took the Bulldogs to championship games in 2002 and 2005.
Division III-AA
Semifinals
La Canada (28-2) vs. Campbell Hall (28-1), TBA
Amazing job by the Spartans, knocking off eight-time defending V-A champion Price, 60-57, in the semifinals to advance to their first championship game since 1992, when they won it all. Now, close your eyes because you may not want to see what I'm going to write about their opponent. Hofman noted that Campbell Hall might be the best team in the state. Campbell Hall opened the playoffs with a 109-50 win over New Roads, followed by wins over Oaks Christian (99-34), Savanna (78-30) and Oak Park (74-35) in the semifinals. The Vikings' only loss came against St. Andrews of Rhode Island, 79-77, and they have truly one of the best players in California in 6-foot-4 junior Jrue Holida, who averages 22 points and nine rebounds.
Division III-A
Renaissance Academy (27-1) vs. Corona del Mar (21-7), TBA
You have to take your hat off to Wildcats coach Sid Cooke, who took a nothing program and turned it into a team that is playing in their third consecutive divisional championship, and with a realistic chance of winning it all. The Wildcats were blownout in their two previous V-A championship appearances against eight-time defending champion Price. But the move up to III-A has been a blessing. The Wildcats will face a Sea Kings team that has won ten straight games, but for a chance, you have to consider the Wildcats the favorites to take home a title.
GIRLS BASKETBALL
Division IV-A
Championship at the Walter Pyramid in Long Beach
Flintridge Prep (25-3) vs. Laguna Hills (24-4), TBA
Classic No. 1 vs. No. 2 matchup. The No. 2 Rebels advanced with a 48-45 victory over No. 3 Beaumont while top-ranked Laguna Hills defeated Sierra Vista, 62-48.

BELOW: That's Mustangs defense

GIRLS BASKETBALL
Saturday's games
Division I-A
Quarterfinals
Muir (26-1) at San Clemente (23-5), 7:30 p.m.
The Mustangs travel to deep Orange County for the second consecutive playoff game, and put their 19-game winning streak on the line against the dangerous Tritons, who defeated Palos Verdes, 59-47, in the second round. Early in the season, the Tritons nearly upset the division's top-ranked Hart, losing, 50-48. The Tritons are balanced, with three players averaging in double figures.
Division II-AA
Quarterfinals
Monrovia (20-4) at Diamond Ranch (26-1), 7:30 p.m.
The Panthers' only loss came against Bishop Montgomery, 66-57. But don't sleep on the Wildcats, who have lost twice to Muir and another to Bishop Amat, so there is nothing they haven't seen as far as quality teams. If the Wildcats hope to win, however, they must stop the division's top player in Nina Earl, who averages 21 points and six rebounds.
Division IV-A
Semifinals
Flintridge Prep (24-3) at Beaumont (24-3), 7:30 p.m.
The No. 2 Rebels take a 15-game winning streak on the road after disposing of Murrieta Calvary Chapel, 52-40 in the quarterfinals. Beaumont, No. 3, should be the Rebels' toughest test in weeks. They own a 14-game winning streak after defeating University, 56-47, in the quarters.
Division V-AA
Quarterfinals
Maranatha (19-10) at Whittier Christian (22-6), 7:30 p.m.
The No. 6 Minutemen have done well to advance to the semifinals, but they will have their hands fulll against top-ranked and league foe Whittier Christian. The team's split during league action, with Whittier Christian winning 39-35 the first time, and Maranatha returning the favor with a 27-25 win at home on Feb. 2.

BELOW: Star-News No. 1 St. Francis goes down in second round against Servite, losing, 4-2

BOYS SOCCER
Tuesday's games
Semifinals
Division V
Bassett (18-3-2) at Marshall (15-4-3), 3 p.m.
The Eagles are in a great position to advance to their first soccer final in school history after defeating San Gorgonio, 2-1, in double overtime on Friday. Bassett is the Montview League champion, but they were fortunate to defeat Arroyo, 1-0, in the quarterfinals. Arroyo was without its best striker, who was red-carded in the previous game against Pasadena Poly. Arroyo outshot Bassett, 12-5, but Bassett won it on a penalty-kick in the second minute.
La Canada (14-6-2) at Salesian (20-2-1), 3 p.m.
The Spartans have walked a tightrope in the playoffs, winning two games in overtime and another by a goal over Carpinteria (2-1) in the second round. They have a much tougher road to the finals than Marshall, having to to take on the No. 3 seed, who has cruised to the semi's with a 4-0 win over Azusa, a 2-0 win over Santa Paula, and a 3-1 win over Filmore in Friday's quarterfinals.

La Salle cruises past visiting St. Joseph 2-0 to reach Div. IV semifinals while Westridge falls to defending champ Mayfair 5-0 in Div. III, and Maranatha loses to Notre Dame Academy 2-1 in Div. V quarterfinals.

A closer look at Tuesday's semifinal showdown.
Division IV
No. 3 La Salle (22-2-2) at No. 3 Granite Hills (21-2-4), 3 p.m.
Noteworthy: Granite Hills tied for the divisional co-champioship last season and has outscored its opponents 14-1 in the playoffs, including Thursday's crushing 4-0 victory over Lompoc Cabrillo for their 19th shutout of the season. These are arguably the two best teams left in the division. On the top half of the bracket, Bishop Montgomery, who La Salle beat twice in the Del Rey League, is hosting the other semifinal over Mojave River League champion Serrano, who defeated a wild card team to reach the semis. The Lancers have been impressive too, outscoring their three playoff opponents 8-1, but they better bring their championship swagger to Apple Valley, because this will likely decide it all ...
Granite Hills coach Mike Bradbury talking about their 4-0 win over Cabrillo
"I couldn't have ordered better weather," Bradbury said. "I decided if we won the coin toss, we'd bunker down and rely on our defense to get a goose egg in the first half. As long as I've been up here, I've always known that the wind in your back is as good as a goal in their net."
To read about Granite Hills' 4-0 win over Cabrillo, click thread.

Click below for pairings sheets and latest updates from CIF
http://cifss.org/playoff.htm

CIF-SS SCHEDULE
BOYS BASKETBALL
Tuesday's Games
Division II-AA
Second Round
Pasadena (25-2) at Chaffey (14-14), 7:30 p.m.
Division III-AA
Second Round
Temple City (14-14) at Savanna (19-7), 7:30 p.m.
Oak Park (21-6) at Monrovia (13-12), 7:30 p.m.
La Canada (25-2) at Crossroads (17-10), 7:30 p.m.
Windward (20-7) at South Pasadena (18-9), 7:30 p.m.
Division III-A
Quarterfinals
Santa Fe (22-7) at Renaissance Academy (26-1), 7:30 p.m.
Division IV-A
Quarterfinals
Cerritos Valley Christian (22-6) at La Salle (22-5), 7:30 p.m.
Division V-AA
Quarterfinals
Maranatha (18-8) at Murrieta Calvary Chapel (18-14), 7:30 p.m.
Marshall (20-7) at Linfield Christian (19-8), 7:30 p.m.

GIRLS BASKETBALL
Wednesday's games
Division I-A
Second Round
Muir (25-1) at Woodbridge (18-8), 7:30 p.m.
Division II-AA
Second Round
La Canada (17-10) at A.B. Miller (26-2), 7:30 p.m.
Monrovia (19-4) at Edison (17-8), 7:30 p.m.
Divsion II-A
Second Round
Keppel (20-7) at Temescal Canyon (20-6), 7:30 p.m.
Division IV-A
Quarterfinals
Calvary Chapel Murrieta (20-6) at Flintridge Prep (23-3), 7:30 p.m.
Division V-A
Quarterfinals
L.A. Baptist at Alverno, 7:30 p.m.
Maranatha (18-10) at La Reina (20-5), 7:30 p.m.

GIRLS SOCCER
Tuesday's games
Second Round
Division III
Arroyo Grande (17-6-1) at Westridge (11-2-5), 3 p.m.
Division IV
La Salle (22-2-1) at Lompoc (12-4-3) at 3 p.m.
La Canada (13-5-4) at Santa Maria St. Joseph's (16-9-1) at 3 p.m.
Division V
Maranatha (22-2-3) at Big Bear (18-7)
Division VI
Marshall (12-4) at Lancaster Desert Christian (20-1-2) , 3 p.m.

BOYS SOCCER
Wednesday's games
Second round
Division I
Servite (17-3-6) at St. Francis (25-4), 3 p.m.
Division V
Arroyo (15-3-4) at Pasadena Poly (11-8-2), 3 p.m.
Marshall (13-4-3) at Sierra Vista (17-5-2), 3 p.m.
La Canada (13-6-2) at Carpinteria (17-7-1), 3 p.m.
Division VI
Malibu (9-4-2) at Bosco Tech (17-4-1), 3 p.m.

By Andrew Campa Correspondent
Inside SOCAL
MONROVIA - As some of his counterparts prepare for Saturday's CIF-Southern Section Northern Division individual wrestling championships, Temple City's Cary Smith is left with little more than disgust and disappointment.
Smith, who arguably was the Rio Hondo League's top heavyweight, will not have an opportunity to wrestle again this season after being disqualified from the league finals for showing up late for weigh-ins.
TO CONTINUE READING, CLICK BELOW

Check out this Lavelle Peterson highlight video. Still no word on where Lavelle is going to college. Rumor is he's going to Glendale Community College, but haven't been able to confirm it..

If anyone has an interesting highlight video, or anything sports related in the West San Gabriel Valley that they would like to see on this blog, put in on YouTube and contact me at fred.robledo@sgvn.com.

CAN YOU BEAT THE SO-CALLED EXPERTS?
ROBLEDO AND CAMPA'S PLAYOFF PREDICTIONS
Boys Basketball
Valencia at Muir - Robledo (Muir); Campa (Valencia)
Montebello at Temple City - Robledo (Montebello); Campa (Temple City)
Monrovia at Schurr - Robledo (Schurr); Campa (Monrovia)
Alhambra at La Canada - Robledo (La Canada); Campa (La Canada)
Santa Clara at Keppel - Robledo (Keppel); Campa (Keppel)
South Pasadena at Carpinteria - Robledo (South Pas); Campa (Carpinteria)
Renaissance Academy at Laguna Hills - Robledo (Renaissance); Campa (Renaissance)
Providence at Pasadena Poly - Robledo (Pas Poly); Campa (Providence)

Girls Basketball
Golden Valley at Muir - Robledo (Muir); Campa (Muir)
Temple City at Claremont - Robledo (Claremont); Campa (Claremont)
Wilson at La Canada - Robledo (Wilson); Campa (La Canada)
South Pasadena at Inglewood - Robledo (Inglewood); Campa (Inglewood)
Redlands at Monrovia - Robledo (Monrovia); Campa (Monrovia)
San Marino at Diamond Ranch - Robledo (Diamond Ranch); Campa (Diamond Ranch)
Alhambra at Placentia Valencia - Robledo (Valencia); Campa (Valencia)
Morro Bay at Keppel - Robledo (Keppel); Campa (Keppel)
Santa Fe at Rosemead - Robledo (Rosemead); Campa (Rosemead)
California Lutheran at Westridge - Robledo (Westridge); Campa (Westridge)
Rio Hondo Prep at Hesperia Christian - Robledo (RH Prep); Campa (Hesperia Christian)
Pasadena Poly at Laguna Blanca - Robledo (Pas Poly); Campa (Laguna Blanca)
Maranatha at San Fernando Valley Christian - Robledo (Maranatha); Campa (SF Valley)
Alverno at Cornerstone Christian - Robledo (Cornerstone); Campa (Cornerstone)

Boys Soccer
Montebello at St. Francis - Robledo (St. Francis); Campa (St. Francis)
Lompoc Cabrillo at Arcadia - Robledo (Arcadia); Campa (Arcadia)
La Salle at Oxnard Pacific - Robledo (Pacific); Campa (Pacific)
Santa Paula at San Marino - Robledo (San Marino); Campa (San Marino)
Pasadena Poly at Monrovia - Robledo (Monrovia); Campa (Poly)
St. Genevieve at Marshall - Robledo (Marshall); Campa (Marshall)
Silverado at La Canada - Robledo (La Canada): Campa (La Canada)

Girls Soccer
Pasadena at Westlake - Robledo (Westlake); Campa (Westlake)
Irvine at Arcadia - Robledo (Irvine); Campa (Arcadia)
Righetti at Flintridge Prep - Robledo (FPrep); Campa (Righetti)
Wilson at Westridge - Robledo (Westridge); Campa (Westridge)
South Pasadena at La Salle - Robledo (La Salle); Campa (La Salle)
La Canada at Santa Fe - Robledo (La Canada); Campa (Santa Fe)
Big Bear at Gabrielino - Robledo (Gabrielino); Campa (Gabrielino)
Woodcrest Christian at Alverno - Robledo (Woodcrest); Campa (Woodcrest)

Let the discussion begin
South Pasadena and La Salle clash in a Div. IV first-round game on Friday while La Canada has the difficult task of going to Santa Fe and playing on that cow pasture they call a field.
Westridge has a difficult road in Div. III, and Maranatha looks primed for a run in Div. V

Division IV: The road to the CIF-SS Division IV girls soccer championship begins with a local match-up of area powers. Del Rey League champion La Salle (20-2-2) earned the No. 3 seed and has high expectations entering the tournament, but the Lancers will be tested in the first round against visiting South Pasadena (10-8-6) — the third place team from the deep Rio Hondo League.
“We’re excited to be playing one of the top ranked teams in the division, and I’m hoping they overlook us,” said Tigers coach Terry Cassidy. “I saw them in the Flintridge Sacred Heart tournament, so I’m familiar with some of their players. But we’re as healthy as we have been all year, and if we keep it close going into the second half, there could be an upset in the making.”
La Canada (12-5-4), the Rio Hondo League co-champion, enters the playoffs as a No. 2 team from the RHL and with a very difficult first-round game on Friday.
The Spartans will be on the road against Santa Fe (15-5-3), the second-place finisher from the Del Rio League, which boasts top-seeded La Serna.
Monrovia (11-5-4) owns the No. 1 seed from the RHL after finishing in a tie with La Canada, and will play the winner of Wednesday’s wild-card game between Perris (7-13-4) and Palm Desert (12-6-2).
Division II: After finishing second in the Pacific League, Arcadia (14-6-3) earned a Div. II first-round home game against Irvine (9-11-1).
Irvine finished second in the powerful Pacific Coast League behind champion University.
If the Apaches reach the second round, they will likely face No. 2 Hart (22-3-1) in the second round.
Pasadena (11-4-3) earned a wild-card berth after finishing fourth in the Pacific League, and will be on the road Wednesday against Westlake High School (9-2-8). The winner will face Golden League champion Highland (12-4-7).
Division III: Prep League runner-up Westridge (10-2-5) will face Miramonte League second-place finisher Hacienda Heights Wilson (12-7-1) in the first round of the Div. III playoffs at home on Friday.
Wilson finished second in the Miramonte to East San Gabriel Valley league power Bonita, and will provide a stiff test for the Tigers, who reached the Div. IV quarterfinals last season.
Division V: Alpha League champion Maranatha (21-1-3) secured the top-seed for the Division V playoffs, and will meet the winner of Wednesday’s wild-card game between Nordoff and Paraclete in a first-round match on Friday. Gabrielino (10-4-3), the champions from the Mission Valley League, opens the first round at home against De Anza League runner-up Big Bear.
If Gabrielino and Maranatha advance, they will meet in the second round.
Division VI: Delphic League champion Marshall (11-4) and Horizon League champion Alverno (7-9-1) both have Div. VI first round home games on Friday.
The Eagles will face the winner of Wednesday’s wild-card between Sierra Vista and Bell-Jeff.
Alverno will host Woodcrest Christian (17-8), the second place team from the Big Sky League.
NOTE: Scheduled updated after each round.
CIF-SS PLAYOFF SCHEDULE
Division II
Friday's first round
Irvine (9-11-1) at Arcadia (14-6-3), 3 p.m.
Division III
Friday's first round
Wilson (12-7-1) at Westridge (10-2-5), 3 p.m.
Flintridge Prep (12-9-3) at Santa Monica (21-1-3), 3 p.m.
Division IV
Friday's first round
Palm Desert (13-6-2) at Monrovia (11-5-4), 3 p.m.
South Pasadena (10-8-6) at La Salle (20-2-1), 3 p.m.
La Canada (12-5-4) at Santa Fe (15-5-3), 3 p.m.
Division V
Friday's first round
Nordoff (15-8) at Maranatha (21-1-3), 3 p.m.
Big Bear (17-7) at Gabrielino (10-4-3).
Division VI
Friday's first round
Sierra Vista (12-10-3) at Marshall (11-4), 3 p.m.
Woodcrest Christian (17-8) at Alverno (7-9-1), 3 p.m.

St. Francis has a heck of a road in Division I, and Arcadia must be frustrated having to play a wild-card in Div. III after finishing second in the Pacific League.
Marshall has the best chance of winning a title in Div. V, but maybe La Canada or Monrovia can be a surprise from the Rio Hondo League. Also keep on eye on Bosco Tech in Div. VI

Division I: St. Francis has been the Star-News’ top-ranked boys soccer team since December, but the Golden Knights have a difficult road in the CIF-SS Division I playoffs, which is infested with talent.
The Knights (24-4) finished second in the Mission League behind Loyola, and will have a first-round game on Saturday at home against Montebello (15-6-3), the second-place team from the Almont League.
If the Knights advance, they will play the winner between Servite and Claremont in the second round, with a potential quarterfinal against No. 3 Los Alamitos.
Division III: The Arcadia High boys soccer team must be fuming after advancing to the Div. III championship game last year.
The Apaches (12-7-5) finished second in the Pacific League behind champion Hoover, but still must play a wild-card game on Wednesday at home against Lompoc Cabrillo (9-11-3), the fourth place team from the Los Padres League.
If the Apaches advance, they will face Freeway League runner-up La Habra (23-5-1) in the first round on Saturday.
Division IV: La Salle snuck into the Div. IV playoffs after finishing third in the Del Rey League.
The Lancers (8-5-8) will be on the road Saturday against Oxnard Pacific (13-5-3), the second-place team from the Pacific View League.
Division V: Olympic League champion Marshall (12-4-3) was not seeded in the Division V playoffs, but the Eagles could turn out to be a sleeper.
Marshall will host St. Genevieve (15-5-2), the Santa Fe League runner-up, in the first-round on Saturday at home.
Rio Hondo League champion La Canada (12-6-2) will square off against Desert Sky League runner-up Silverado (6-2-11) at home on Saturday.
Monrovia (10-6-5) finished second to La Canada in the RHL and also has a home match against Prep League runner-up Pasadena Poly (10-8-2) in the first round.
After finishing third in the RHL, San Marino (8-9-4) will host a wild-card game against Santa Paula (10-6-4) at home on Wednesday.
Division VI: Camino Real League champion Bosco Tech (16-4-1) will play the winner of Wednesday’s wild-card between Buckley and Wildwood on Saturday.
Note: Schedule updated after each round.
CIF-SS playoff schedule
Division I
Saturday's first round
Montebello (15-6-3) at St. Francis (24-4), 3 p.m.
Division II
Saturday's first round
Arcadia (13-7-5) at La Habra (23-5-1), 3 p.m.
Division IV
Saturday's first round
La Salle (8-5-8) at Oxnard Pacific (13-5-3), 3 p.m.
Division V
Saturday's first round
Pasadena Poly (10-8-2) at Monrovia (10-6-5), 3 p.m.
St. Genevieve (15-5-2) at Marshall (12-4-3), 3 p.m.
Silverado (6-2-11) at La Canada (12-6-2), 3 p.m.
Division VI
Saturday's first round
Wildwood at Bosco Tech (16-4-1), 3 p.m.

Let the predictions begin
Muir and Flintridge Prep have the best shot at titles, but Keppel and Monrovia could be sleepers.

Division I-A: The Mustangs (24-1) have been in tougher tournaments like the Ayala Best of the West, and have played tougher opponents. This is the Mustangs' tournament to lose. UCLA bound guard Darxia Morris need to return to top form after a recent ankle injury, but if they get going, they will wind up playing Hart for the championship.
Division II-AA: This is a tough division even though five of the six Rio Hondo League teams made the playoffs, but only Monrovia (18-4) has a shot at reaching the quarters at beyond. The Wildcats could meet No. 2 Diamond Ranch in the semifinals. Don't expect any other RHL team to get past the second round.
Division II-A:This is a division where Keppel (19-7) could do some damage as the No. 5 seed. If the Aztecs win a couple games and get to the quarterfinals, look for them to give No. 3 seed and undefeated Cajon (26-0) all it can handle.
Division IV-A: Four Prep League teams are in this division, but only No. 2 Flintridge Prep (22-3) has a shot at doing anything. The Rebels are as athletic as anyone, and play fundamental basketball too. Don't see anyone standing in the way of a Rebels championship appearance.
Division V-AA: Maranatha (16-10) is the No. 6 seed and could meet Whittier Christian in the semifinals if they can get past No. 4 La Reina in the quarters.

CIF-SS PLAYOFF SCHEDULE
Division I-A
Saturday’s first round
Golden Valley at Muir, 7:30 p.m.
Division II-AA
Thursday’s wild card
Temple City at Claremont, 7:30 p.m.
Saturday’s first round
Wilson at La Canada, 7:30 p.m.
South Pasadena at Inglewood, 7:30 p.m.
Redlands at Monrovia, 7:30 p.m.
San Marino at Diamond Ranch, 7:30 p.m.
Division II-A
Saturday’s first round
Alhambra at Placentia Valencia, 7:30 p.m.
Morro Bay at Keppel, 7:30 p.m.
Division IV-A
Thursday’s first round
California Lutheran at Westridge, 7:30 p.m.
Rio Hondo Prep at Hesperia Christian, 7:30 p.m.
Pasadena Poly at Laguna Blanca, 7:30 p.m.
Saturday’s second round
TBA at Flintridge Prep, 7:30 p.m.
Division V-AA
Thursday’s first round
Maranatha at San Fernando Valley Christian, 7:30 p.m.
Division V-A
Thursday’s first round
Alverno at Cornerstone Christian, 7:30 p.m.
Note: Will update throughout the week.

Let the playoff predictions begin.
Pasadena, La Salle, Marshall, Maranatha, and Renaissance Academy all have realistic shots of reaching championship games.

Division II-A: This is Pasadena's division to lose. The top-seeded Bulldogs (24-2) might get a test in a potential second-round game against Fullerton (21-6), and there could be a dangerous quarterfinal against Redlands (22-4). But look for the Bulldogs to advance to their second final in three years, and win it all this time.
Division III-AA: At least third-seeded La Canada (24-2) knows it won't be playing Santa Margarita in the semifinals for the third straight season. If the Spartans get that far again, however, six-time V-AA champion Price (23-4) could stand in the way. The Spartans could potentially meet Keppel in the quarterfinals. The Aztecs have a good draw and a real possibility of getting there. There are seven locals in this division, and don't be surprised if at least two reach the quarters.
Division III-A:Renaissance Academy is the No. 2 seed in a division where it feels like it can win it all after consecutive V-AA championship appearances and losses to powerful Price. Nobody wants to face the Wildcats in this division, and based on nonleague and tournament victories, this No. 2 seed is legit. I'm picking Renaissance to win it all.
Division IV-A:La Salle (21-5) earned the No. 4 seed and has a great draw. You can mark them straight through to the semifinals with a potential matchup against top-seeded Twentynine Palms (24-2) in the semifinals. This would be a rematch the Lancers would love to have after losing to them earlier in the season. The Lancers could potentially meet Pasadena Poly in the quarterfinals.
Division V-AAMaranatha (17-8) earned the top-seed and Marshall (18-7) is No. 6. Here's hoping for a semifinal clash between two local rivals, and if that happens, I'm going with Marshall after losing twice previously to Maranatha. There has been internal struggles at Marshall, but if everyone is healthy and they put their petty issues aside, they could win a championship with the best player in the division in Shawn Benn.
Note: Schedule updated after each round
CIF-SS PLAYOFF SCHEDULE
Div. II-A
Friday’s first round
Golden Valley at Pasadena, 7:30 p.m.
Div. III-A
Friday’s first round
Montebello at Temple City, 7:30 p.m.
Monrovia at Schurr, 7:30 p.m.
Alhambra at La Canada, 7:30 p.m.
Santa Clara at Keppel, 7:30 p.m.
South Pasadena at Carpinteria, 7:30 p.m.
Div. III-A
Friday's second round
Paloma Valley at Renaissance Academy, 7:30 p.m.
Div. IV-A round
Friday's second round
Pasadena Poly at Cerritos Valley Christian, 7:30 p.m.
Saturday's second round
Yeshiva at La Salle, 7:30 p.m.
Div. V-AA
Friday’s second round
North County Christian at Maranatha, 7:30 p.m.
Summit View vs. Marshall at Muir, 7:30 p.m.

Video pro Raul Rau and correspondent Andrew Campa provide highights from Friday's Almont League boys basketball game between Schurr and Keppel High School's. This is a must see, the atmosphere at Keppel is one of the best in the San Gabriel Valley.

Click link for highlights
http://lang.sgvtribune.com/multimedia/asps/021007_spartans-final.asp
NOTE: Click the link below for the CIF-SS boys and girls basketball playoff pairings. Boys and girls soccer and water polo pairings are released on Monday.
http://cifss.org/playoff.htm
For story on Sunday's CIF pairings, continue reading.

http://lang.sgvtribune.com/multimedia/asps/020807_xsigning-final.asp

Rio Hondo League wrestling coaches offered differing interpretations Monday of a rule that led to Temple City High School's disqualification from Saturday's league finals.

Coaches voted to disqualify the Rams, who finished third in the RHL team standings behind Monrovia and La Cañada, because they arrived a few minutes late for weigh-ins. As a result, several wrestlers were stripped of the opportunity to compete for league titles and an appearance in the CIF-Southern Section individual tournament.

The weigh-ins were scheduled to begin at 7 a.m. at San Marino High, with wrestling set to start at 9:30 a.m.

According to Temple City coach Eric Broca, his team was delayed because the team bus was late. He said his wrestlers were all weighed in by 7:30 a.m., however.

Monrovia coach Ed Avedissian and the meet coordinator, disputes that. He said Temple City arrived at 7:30 a.m. after all the other teams had already been weighed in.

Broca said his wrestlers shouldn't have been punished so severely for being a few minutes late.

"It was my understanding that there is a starting and closing time for weigh-ins, and the closing time was 7:30 a.m., which is two hours before the meet begins," Broca said. "At CIF events, they require that you're weighed in two hours before the meet, so I thought we were fine."

However, at CIF-SS sanctioned events, if wrestlers are not present by the time weigh-ins are closed, they're automatically disqualified.

The Temple City wrestlers were stretching and getting ready for the meet when Avedissian called the coaches in for a meeting.

"I was informed that we were going to have a silent vote on whether or not we should be disqualified," Broca said. "They voted 4-2 to disqualify us. We were devastated."

When Broca informed his wrestlers of the coaches' decision, he said some broke down in tears.

"You're going to punish the kids, and for what, because of a technicality that is not spelled out in our league bylaws, and something the coaches decided to vote on minutes before the meet?" Broca said. "That's terrible."

Monrovia athletic director Randy Bell wouldn't defend or endorse the disqualification. He said, however, that all league wrestling coaches met on Jan. 31 to discuss the weigh-in times, and that it was made clear that 7 a.m. was the starting and closing time for wrestlers to be present.

The confusion appears to involve whether the starting and closing times are the same.

"What was upsetting to the coaches is that everyone agreed on the starting and closing time, and that Temple City had two wrestling coaches present for it," Bell said. "There shouldn't have been any confusion. In wrestling, if kids are allowed to weigh in much later than other kids, that is considered a big unfairness.

"I'm not saying I agree wholeheartedly with that, but wrestling people are very touchy about this, because that extra five or 10 minutes can be used to shed the pound or two you need to make weight."

Temple City senior Eric Becher still qualified for CIF-SS at 215 pounds because there were only three wrestlers in his weight class.

Avedissian, who said he had trouble sleeping over Saturday's decision, later talked Monrovia junior heavyweight Johnny Becerra into defaulting his third-place finish so that Temple City's senior heavyweight could continue in CIF

Question of the week: Who are the area's most improved boys and girls soccer teams?
Below: Loyola's Josh Brown (14) and St. Francis' Dan Buckley (8) go for a header during game at St. Francis.

Star-News Boys Soccer top ten rankings
1. St. Francis (23-4)
They can win it all in Division I, or go out in first round. That's how competitive it is.
2. Bosco Tech (15-3-2)
Tigers wrap up Del Rey League title
3. Marshall (11-3-3)
Olympic League champions still aren't ranked in Div. VI
4. Arcadia (11-6-5)
Pacific League title hopes slim after 3-2 loss to Glendale
5. La Canada (10-6-2)
In the battle of RHL leaders, Spartans beat San Marino, 1-0
6. Monrovia (8-6-5)
Can finish second in RHL with big week
7. San Marino (7-9-4)
Can't complain about 4-2-2 league record
8. South Pasadena (8-7-5)
In playoff hunt, but needs a big week to pull it out
9. Temple City (6-5-6)
Playoff hopes on life support
10. La Salle (7-5-8)
Close 1-0 loss to Bishop Amat on Monday.
Local CIF rankings of note:
Div. I:1. Long Beach Wilson, 2. Millikan, 3. Bell Gardens, 4. Royal, 5. Loyola, 6. Santa Margarita, 7. Los Alamitos, 8. St. Francis, 9. Servite, 10. Chino.
Div. V: 1. Colton, 2. San Gorgonia, 3. Salesian, 4. Fillmore, 5. Cajon, 6. La Canada, 7. Sultana, 8. San Marino, 9. Monrovia, 10. Carpinteria.
Div. VI: Bosco Tech No. 7.

Above: San Marino's Nathalie Merhaut, left, and Erin Eastwood of South Pasadena go after the ball during South Pasadena's 2-1 win over San Marino.
Star-News Girls Soccer top ten rankings
1. La Salle (20-2-1)
Is there any question Lancers are area's best team?
2. Maranatha (18-1-3)
73 goals for and only nine against.
3. FSHA (10-6-5)
Tologs blew lead in final seconds to tie Harvard-Westlake, 2-2
4. Westridge (10-2-5)
Loss to Mayfield a stunner, but nice 7-0 win over Alemany
5. La Canada (10-5-3)
Facing Rio Hondo League contenders this week.
6. Monrovia (10-4-3)
Don't think they can beat Spartans on Thursday.
7. South Pasadena (9-7-6)
Hottest team in RHL still has shot at the title.
8. Arcadia (12-6-3)
Impressive 8-2-2 record in Pacific League
9. Flintridge Prep (10-9-3)
Came on strong in second half of season
10. Gabrielino (8-4-3)
Closing in on Mission Valley League title

CIF rankings of note:
Div. IV: 1. La Serna, 2. Granite HIlls, 3. La Salle, 4. Paloma Valley, 5. Santa Ana Valley, 6. Serrano, 7. Sultana, 8. Santa Fe, 9. La Quinta, 10. Magnolia. (It's a joke no RHL teams are on this list)
Div. V:1. Maranatha, 2. Marymount, 3. St. Bonaventure, Cerritos Valley Christian, 5. Brentwood.

Question of the week: Who is the area's most improved boys and girls basketball teams?
Below: Renaissance Academy's Justin Cook (21) goes for a shot during game against Pacific Hills.

Star-News Boys Basketball top ten rankings
1. Pasadena (23-2)
Muir will give Bulldogs a better than expected test on Thursday
2. Renaissance Academy (21-1)
How big of power is coach Sid Cooke building here?
3. La Canada (22-2)
Too bad the Spartans have to compete in a division with Harvard-Westlake and Price
4. La Salle (20-5)
Undefeated in Camino Real. Sure do miss those league games against Verbum Dei
5. Maranatha (17-7)
Trying to sweep Pacific Hills on Thursday and run table in Delphic
6. Keppel (16-8)
Should be an all-out slugfest for Almont title against Schurr on Friday
7. South Pasadena (18-7)
Victory over Blair ended in brawl.
8. Muir (13-11)
How in the world did they recover and move into second in Pacific?
9. Marshall (17-7)
When Shawn Benn gets healthy, Eagles are contender in V-AA playoffs
10. Alhambra (15-9)
Needs a victory over Montebello on Friday.
CIF rankings of note:
Div. II-AA: 1. Pasadena, 2. Bishop Montgomery, 3. Colony, 4. Hart, 5. Temecula Valley
Div. III-AA: 1. Campbell Hall, 2. Price, 3. La Canada, 4. Oak Park, 5. Savanna, 6. Lompoc, 7. South Pasadena, 8. Santa Ana Valley, 9. Crossroads, 14. Keppel
Division III-A:1. Serrano, 2. Renaissance Academy, 3. Cathedral City.
Div. IV-A:1. Twentynine Palms, 2. St. Anthony, 3. Whittier Christian, 4. La Salle, 5. Cerritos Valley Christian.
Div. V-AA1. Maranatha, 2. Pacific Hills, 3. LA Adventist, 4. Murrieta Calvary Chapel, 5. Fairmont Prep, 6. Liberty Christian, 7. Marshall.

Above: La Canada's Joy Lelo hopes to lead Spartans against Wildcats on Thursday.
Star-News Girls Basketball top ten rankings:
1. Muir (23-1)
If everyone stays healthy, they win a CIF title
2. Monrovia (16-4)
Running table in Rio Hondo would be impressive
3. Keppel (19-7)
Aztecs' 11-straight wins clinches Almont title
4. La Canada (15-9)
Can they beat Wildcats on the road to clinch tie for league title?
5. Flintridge Prep (19-3)
Far and away, best of best in small school race
6. South Pasadena (16-5)
They're good, but Monrovia and L.C. are just better
7. Westridge (15-3)
Let's see if playing FPrep at home makes a difference
8. Rosemead (12-11)
Still contending for Mission Valley League title
9. Alhambra (12-11)
Finishing third in Almont isn't bad at all
10. Maranatha (15-8)
Making Star-News rankings debut

CIF rankings of note:
Div. I-A: 1. Hart, 2. Redondo, 3. Muir, 4. JW North, 5. San Clemente, 11. Burroughs.
Div. II-AA: 1. AB Miller, 2. Diamond Ranch, 3. Norco, 10. Monrovia
Div. II-A: 1. Ayala, 2. Vista Murrieta, 3. Cajon, 4. Perris, 5. Keppel
Div. IV-A:: 1. Laguna Hills, 2. Flintridge Prep, 3. University, 4. Westridge, 5. Sierra Vista
Div. V-AA: 1. Whittier Christian, 2. Village Christian, 3. Providence, 4. Villanova Prep, 5. La Reina, 6. Maranatha.

The Rio Hondo League boys soccer title is on the line Friday.
San Marino (7-8-4, 4-1-2, 10 points), No. 6 in Div. V, defeated La Canada (9-6-2, 5-2, 10 points) 2-1 on Jan. 17, but the winner of today's game will take over sole possession of first place.
For video highlights and interviews with coaches and selected players ON SATURDAY MORNING, click the box below or visit the Star-News prep web page.
http://lang.sgvtribune.com/multimedia/asps/020307_lacanVSsanmar.asp

The good and The bad:
The Bad: Be in position. Coaches can live with a bad offisde call, but I've seen far too many referees, either as linesman or in a two-man, throwing up the flag or whistling an offisdes when they're trailing the play by ten yards and not in position to make the call. Either get in shape, or keep up.
The Good: That there are enough referees in the first place. We can voice our complaints, but it's hard to find enough qualified referees for 3:15 p.m., games when there are so many gaves to be covered. Obviously, there are going to be many more inexperienced than experienced referees, but each year it gets slightly better.
The Bad: Too many inconsistent yellow cards. For example, on a dead-ball free kick, some refs instantly give a yellow card for encroachment on a quick re-start. Others give a verbal warning to keep the