May 2007 Archives

When: Friday, June 8
Where: Arcadia High School
Time: Home Run Derby, 4 p.m.; Game, 6:30 p.m.

Above: Monrovia pitcher Brittany Bateson
Private team
Coaches: Dennis Williams (FSHA); Frank Russo (Alverno)
Players
Kjirsten Speer, Flintridge Prep
Mary McCluggage, Flintridge Prep
Chanel Buccola, La Salle
Erika Palffy, La Salle
Antoinette Beaston, La Salle
Aimee Larew, Maranatha
Jackie Graciano, San Gabriel Mission
Lillian Edwards, FSHA
Kathryn Poet, FSHA
Elle Navarro, FSHA
Alexis Garcia, FSHA
Ashley Armenta, Mayfield
Anna Losoreli, Mayfield

Public team
Coaches: Ed Andersen (Arcadia); Bob Ellingsworth (Arcadia)
Public roster
Jenna Rodriguez, Arcadia
Brittany Bateson, Monrovia
Danielle Armenta, Rosemead
Kelsey Duhling, Gabrielino
Lauren Meza, Keppel
Yvette Herzfeld, Arcadia
Courtney Mihm, Monrovia
Rachel Torres, San Marino
Jazmin Martinez, Alhambra
Shelby Gibbs, Arcadia
Samantha Rogers, Monrovia
Melissa DiPane, Arcadia
Vanessa Vasquez, Gabrielino
Leanna St. Angelo, Rosemead
Cassie Gogreve, South Pasadena
Note: Monrovia's Krissy Mihm and Katie McWhirter unavailable because of prior commitments.

For the second time since 1952, there will be no Shrine All-Star Football Game this summer.
Because of a lack of organization, the Al Malaikah Shrine was forced to cancel this year's game about six weeks ago.
"Multiple people got sick and it just seemed to snowball," Shrine recorder Tom Reoch said. "We were only going to be left with a few weeks to organize. We were kind of left high and dry.
"Rather than put on a second-class event, we're holding off until next year."
The game has long been an important fund-raiser for Shriners Hospital for Children, which has 22 locations throughout North America. Its Los Angeles hospital provides free treatment for more than 7,500 children.
For decades, the event was a can't-miss, mid-summer classic for Southland football fans. But what once were sell-out crowds at the Coliseum turned into only a couple thousands fans at Citrus College for last year's renewal.
The only other time it was cancelled was in 1984 because of a last-minute dispute over the game site.
Evaporating television coverage, declining ticket sales and the emergence of localized all-star games have taken their toll on the Shrine Game.
Reoch, however, guaranteed the game would return next year despite all of the factors against it.
"It has absolutely nothing to do with that," Reoch said when asked if the cancellation is because of the game's growing struggles. "We don't do it to make money. The money we make goes to the children, so we're always looking for more people to go watch the game. But that was not the reason it was canceled."
Most people will view this year's postponement as a sign the game soon could become extinct, but there have been a growing set of indicators pointing to such a possibility for years.
The once popular North vs. South format that pitted the state's top recently graduated football talent was ended after the 1994 game.
Fans got a brief reprieve with a California vs. Texas matchup until 2001. The game went back to a North vs. South format for the 2002 contest.
But interest sharply decreased when the game format switched again in 2003 to a Public vs. Private format between only Southern California public and private schools. That arrangement has led to a watered-down talent pool and some uncompetitive games dominated mostly by the Public team.
Los Altos' Greg Gano, who coached the final California vs. Texas matchup in 2001, is worried, like most people, that a game with such history might be on its last leg.
"I think it's unfortunate because that was the elite game for years," Gano said. "I was really happy I coached it. It was really a great thing to do."
Controversy swirled over the selection process of last year's game when it was alleged some roster choices were made because of business ties between player parents and game organizers, or preferential treatment from coaches.
Despite all its troubles, Reoch is confident the Shrine Game will return next summer after its one-year hiatus.
"I'll guarantee it will be back next year much bigger and better," he said. "It's very disappointing for us because this was a fund-raiser for the hospital. But it will definitely be back."

The heart of a champion prevails .... Monrovia trailed Woodcrest Christian 14-8 and gave up nine unearned runs thanks to six errors, but came back and won 15-14. The 'Cats will play Bishop Amat in Saturday's finals at UC Riverside. Amat beat Temple City, 3-1.
Below: Monrovia celebrating last year's Division V championship. Could you ask for a better final, the defending champs against the division's top seed.

Below: Bishop Amat celebrating Tuesday's 3-1 victory over Temple City.

Tale of the tape
No. 2 Monrovia (24-5) vs. No. 1 Bishop Amat (25-4-1)
Monrovia's playoff road: Beats Aquinas (4-0), Campbell Hall (7-6), St. Paul (6-1), Woodcrest Christian (15-14).
Bishop Amat's playoff road: Beats La Puente (12-6), Murrieta Calvary Chapel (7-2), Montclair Prep (8-5), Temple City (3-1)
Projected starting pitching: Eddie McKiernan, Monrovia (12-1, 0.91 ERA, 111 strikeouts) vs. Maverick Olivares, Bishop Amat (10-0, 1.56 ERA, 78 strikeouts).
Monrovia's top hitters: Erik Allen (.471, 27 RBIs), Eddie McKiernan (.436, 18 RBIs), Patrick Greene (.364), Curtis Cowell (.347, 23 RBIs).
Bishop Amat's top hitters: Jordan Fox (.477, 18 RBIs), Andrew Mistone (.455, 26 RBIs, 10 doubles), Maverick Olivares (.398, 25 RBIs), Chris Eusebio (.372, 22 RBIs).

Predictions
Fred J. Robledo: Will Monrovia start McKiernan and bring someone else in the seventh inning, or start Eddie in the second inning, and let him finish. I hope the latter is true. In any case, I've seen Monrovia and McKiernan enough to know that if Monrovia plays defense behind Eddie, they're going to win. I watched Monrovia commit three errors in McKiernan's only loss, a 4-3 setback earlier in the season against Northview. I watched the Cats self-destruct with six errors on Tuesday, but McKiernan came in the fourth inning and settled everything down, then threw shutout innings in the fourth, fifth and sixth to allow the Cat's to rally and pull out a miracle, 15-14 over Woodcrest Christian in the semis. I'll set the over/under at 2. If the Cats commit 2 errors or less, they win. Anything more than 2, and the Lancers walk away with the title.

Aram Tolegian, Tribune prep editor: "Bishop Amat." Tolegian says. "They're too good from top to bottom. All things considered, they're the best team in the San Gabriel Valley. McKiernan's good enough to shut them down, but I don't see it happening."

Darren Murphy, Northview coach. Vikings lost to Bishop Amat and beat Monrovia: "That's a tough matchup," Murphy said. "I like Bishop Amat's overall depth. They're better than people assume. When you see Amat, you know you can play with them, but you hope your kids aren't blown away with the Amat mystique. I like pitching in the playoffs, and Monrovia will be in it with McKiernan. The fact McKiernan has won a championship, and Amat hasn't, that's makes it a great game. Overall, though, I'd have to go with Amat's overall depth. You think they're beatable, but they find a way to pull out wins."

Andrew Campa, Star-News correspondent "Bishop Amat," Campa said. "Amat is a division one team playing in division five. They've been the most consistent team in this division, and they breezed through a relatively tough Del Rey League. You like Monrovia's heart, but it can only take you so far."

Scott Galetti, Star-News staff writer: "Bishop Amat," Galetti said. "Eddie's only available for six innings, and once they get past him, I'm not sure if the rest of Monrovia's staff can hold Amat down. I witnessed a game where Amat scored ten runs after La Salle's starter went out earlier in the season. After seeing what happened without Eddie against Woodcrest Christian, I'd have to go with Amat."

Brian Baiotto, Tribune prep correspondent: "I definitely think Bishop Amat is going to win because they've kind of been cruising through the playoffs. They're just too sound of a team. I just don't think McKiernan can beat them alone, as great as he is."

ST. FRANCIS UPDATE: Knights coach Mike Solar said he is leaving to become girls athletic director at Alemany.

Also, following Saturday's championship is Sunday's SGV All-Star game at Mt. SAC, 6 p.m.
Here are the rosters

Red Team
Max Valerio Arcadia
Corwin Kim Arcadia
Mark Larini Arroyo
Omar Soto Baldwin Park
Maverick Olivares Bishop Amat
Sergio Munoz Bishop Amat
Chris Eusebio Bishop Amat
Matt Baudino Bonita
Nick Torres Charter Oak
Mark Mendrun Damien
Chris Sandez Duarte
Andrew Viotti Duarte
Greg Cuevas Nogales
Tony Gracia Nogales
Robert Rodriguez Northview
Will Davis Northview
David Leonard San Dimas
Angel Marti South Hills
John Salazar South Hills
Matt Rueda South Pasadena
Joe DePinto St. Francis
Evan Simontisch St. Francis
Matt Quintero St. Francis
Justin Franta Walnut
Ed Caraza West Covina
Nick Field West Covina

Blue Team
Jacob Giambalvo Alhambra
Bryan Davila Alhambra
Javier Estrada Alhambra
Julio Raymundo Azusa
Cesar Beltran Blair
Adrian Farfan El Monte
Michael Ortega El Monte
Danny Macias Gabrielino
Ricky Pokorny Gabrielino
Mitchell Maseredjian La Canada
Scott Vincent La Puente
Frank Moreno Los Altos
Evelio Ahumada Los Altos
Eddie McKiernan Monrovia
Nick Fabanish Monrovia
Erik Allen Monrovia
Chris Galaviz Montebello
William Loza Montebello
Leander Benjamin Mountain View
Demaris Ellis Pasadena
Matt Forgatch San Marino
Braulio Velasquez Sierra Vista
Adrian Franco Sierra Vista
Mike Mendoza Temple City
Kyle McDonald Temple City

Above:Rasmussen gets high-five's after scoring the only run in Friday's 1-0 quarterfinal win over Oxford Academy.

CIF-SS playoffs
Tuesday's Division VI semifinals
No. 1 Pasadena Poly (24-1) at No. 4 Beaumont (23-4)
No. 2 San Jacinto (22-6) at Bishop (17-4)

Notes: If Pasadena Poly advances to Saturday’s CIF-SS Division VI championship at UC Riverside and Rasmussen only has a few innings left to pitch, that’s just fine for Panthers coach Wayne Ellis.
Ellis knows senior Tim Feess (8-1, 1.14 ERA) is more than capable of starting in Saturday’s final, but the huge hurdle is getting there, even with Rasmussen starting in the semifinals against host Beaumont.
Rasmussen (12-0, 0.25 ERA) threw a no-hitter and struck out 13 in Friday’s 1-0 quarterfinal victory over Oxford Academy.
“Robbie’s probably going to throw,” Ellis said. “He felt fine on Saturday and we want to give ourselves the best chance of reaching the championship, and that’s with Robbie on the mound. If things work out and we can get Tim in there a little sooner, that’s fine. I have faith in both of them.”
Beaumont shutout its first two playoff opponents before hammering Desert Christian, 19-7, in Friday’s quarterfinals.
Beaumont could start Brent Bray (8-3, 2.20), who struckout 18 in the Cougars’ 16-0 opening-round win over Bell-Jeff. They could also start Larry Collins (7-0, 2.04) or Jeff Cashmer (6-1, 1.43), both of whom are having fine seasons.
Rasmussen’s single-season strikeout total reached 198 on Friday, which ranks 10th all-time in the CIF-SS history books. With two more strikeouts, he will become the first pitcher to reach 200 strikeouts in a season since Apple Valley Christian’s Craig VanHulzen struck out 216 in 1990.

Above: Monrovia celebrating last year's Div. V championship.

Tuesday's Div. V semifinals
No. 2 Monrovia (23-5) at Riverside Woodcrest Christian (25-4), 3:15 p.m.
Temple City (20-7) vs. No. 1 Bishop Amat (25-4-1), East LA College, 3:30 p.m.

Monrovia notes: Perhaps the signature moment during Monrovia’s march to the 2006 Div. V championship came in last year’s semifinals against Woodcrest Christian when McKiernan belted a walk-off homer in the eighth inning at home to defeat the Royals, 3-2.
But in 2005 it was this same Royals team that knocked Monrovia out of the playoffs in the second round, 3-2, which sets up a rubber match between the divisional rivals this afternoon.
“We’re expecting another monster game,” said Monrovia co-head coach Dave Moore. “It’s been a great game both times we’ve played them. They’ve got some of their key players back and so do we. It’s gonna be a dogfight, what else can you say.”
McKiernan (11-1), the reigning Div. V and Star-News player of the year, started and pitched 5 2/3 innings in Friday’s 6-1 quarterfinal victory over St. Paul.
With only ten innings allowed each pitcher per week, Moore said he will follow the same game plan he used in last year’s semifinals, which is to not start McKiernan, and let the game dictate when to bring him in.
Moore also isn’t announcing who he’s starting.
“It could be pitching by committee and then bring in Eddie, I don’t know,” Moore said. “I have other guys I have total confidence in, but again, you have to see how the game is going. We’ll go inning by inning and see where we’re at.”
The Royals beat Cantwell Sacred Heart 4-1 in Saturday’s quarterfinals and have won 14-straight.
Royals starter Kyle Matthews (11-2) pitched all seven innings in Saturday’s win, which means they will likely start undefeated Nicolas Maberry (8-0, 1.62 ERA), who started in their 5-4 second-round win over Hesperia.

Above: Will the Rams be celebrating in the semifinals?

Rams notes: When the CIF realignment was announced last year, Bishop Amat stuck out like a sore thumb, dropping all the way from Div. I to become the Div. V’s instant favorites.
The Lancers have been the top-ranked team since the season started, and with nonleague wins over Northview (6-2), Crescenta Valley (4-3) and a clean sweep of the Del Rey League (12-0), they’re still expected to march straight to the championship.
Lancers ace Maverick Olivares (10-0) pitched all seven innings in Friday’s 8-5 victory over Montclair Prep, so the Lancers will likely start another undefeated pitcher in Chris Eusebio (9-0, 1.82 ERA), who pitched a complete game in the Lancers’ 7-2 win over Murrieta Calvary Chapel.
But don’t expect the Rams to be intimidated, not after facing McKiernan three times this season, along with facing Pasadena Poly’s Rob Rasmussen back in March.
The Rams have won five straight, and will start Brian Dearth (7-3, 1.94 ERA), who hasn’t allowed an earned run in his last 14 innings. Dearth had 13 strikeouts in the Rams’ 3-1 victory over Gabrielino, and threw two scoreless innings in their 5-3 semifinal victory over Brentwood on Friday.

Update: On Wednesday we will announce rosters for second-annual Public vs. Private senior all-star game at Arcadia High school on Friday, June 8.

Above: Alverno pitcher Michelle Escamilla is also one of the best hitters on the team.

CIF-SS Division VI
Tuesday's semifinals
No. 4 Riverside Christian (17-7) vs. Alverno (24-3) at San Gabriel Mission, 3:15 p.m.
No. 2 Woodcrest Christian (21-5) at No. 3 Murrieta Calvary Chapel (25-4-1), 3:15 p.m.

Notes: It’s Alverno vs. the Big Sky league in the semifinals.
The Big Sky league has all three teams left, but the Jaguars and Escamilla have been on a roll.
Escamilla (21-1) threw her third straight shutout of the playoffs in defeating top-ranked Paraclete, 4-0, in Friday’s quarterfinals.
Riverside Christian, the No. 4 seed, advanced with a 2-1 victory over Cantwell Sacred Heart in eight innings.
Today’s other semifinal matches No. 2 Woodcrest Christian (21-5) at No. 3 Murrieta Calvary Chapel (25-4-1), leaving the Jaguars to make sure it’s not an all Big Sky league final.
“That’s one heck of a league,” Jaguars coach Frank Russo said. “Riverside might have seven losses, but look at who they’ve played. We’re going to have our work cut out. It hasn’t been easy to get here, and it won’t be easy the rest of the way.”
The three Big Sky league teams finished in a three-way tie for first, all with 6-2 league records.
Riverside Christian is led by freshman pitcher Asia Alvarez, who is 8-3 with a 1.70 ERA.
But the Jaguars counter with perhaps the best pitcher in the division in Escamilla.
The junior has 278 strikeouts in 139 innings with a 0.70 ERA. She’s hoping to lead the Jags to their second divisional title since 2004, when they were led by pitching sensation Jessica Stewart.

Above: Temple City's Mike Mendoza lets out a scream as he approaches home plate after hitting a monster home run to take a 2-1 lead over Gabrielino during the Rams' 3-1 win.

CIF-SS Playoffs
Thursday's Quarterfinals
Division V
Monrovia (22-5) at St. Paul (12-18), 3:15 p.m.
Game Notes: I know the Del Rey League is tough and boasts the division's top-team in Bishop Amat, but 18 losses is 18 losses. The Swordsmen beat two ordinary teams in the playoffs, Whittier Christian (5-1) and Workman (11-4), and Monrovia's Eddie McKiernan has five innings left to pitch after throwing five in relief in Tuesday's 7-6 win over Campbell Hall. La Salle beat St. Paul 6-1 late in the season so is there any reason to believe the Wildcats won't advance?
Prediction: Monrovia and the key will be how much McKiernan has to pitch with a Tuesday semifinal game looming.

Temple City (19-7) at Brentwood (19-4), 3:15 p.m.
Game Notes: Let me say this about Brentwood and there impressive record. They lost twice, and lost big to Mission Hills Alemany (13-7 and 6-0) and Alemany finished 8-19 and last in the Mission League. Brentwood also lost to Whittier Christian (3-1) , a team that St. Paul defeated in the playoffs. The Rams got a great effort from Brian Death on Friday and have Kyle MacDonald and Mike Mendoza available, and they're both more than capable.
Prediction: Temple City. Why not, they have played a tougher schedule, and three of their losses came against McKiernan. I don't expect the Rams to get past Bishop Amat in the semifinals, but they should be playing on Tuesday.

Division VI
Oxford Academy (20-4-1) at Pasadena Poly (23-1), 3:15 p.m.
Game notes: Should be another stiff test for Poly, but with Robbie Rasmussen only throwing three innings in Tuesday's 2-1 win over Desert Hot Springs, it leaves the UCLA-bound lefty with a full seven innings on Friday. In three innings, Rasmussen (11-0) struck-out nine straight to end the game. He has struck out 151 in 64 innings and only has allowed three earned runs all season.
Prediction: Should be a close game, Oxford Academy has a team ERA of 2.45, but the problem is they only bat .284 as a team. Against Rasmussen, that's not going to get it done.

Above: Rams lefty Kaitlin Ellingsworth isn't overpowering, but she gets the job done.

Above: Michelle Escamilla not only threw her second straight shutout of the playoffs in a 2-0 win over Notre Dame Academy, but she also belted a homer in Tuesday's win.

CIF-SS Playoffs
Thursday's Quarterfinal
Division V
El Segundo (19-9) at Temple City (17-11), 3:15 p.m.
Notes: El Segundo pitcher Jenna Rich threw a no-hitter and struck-out ten in Tuesday's 1-0 victory over South Pasadena. It was Rich's fifth no-hitter of the season. El Segundo managed only three hits of South Pasadena Nichole Parada and scored in the first inning on rich's lead triple, which was chased in by Sam Heyman.
Prediction: I like the Rams' chances, especially at home. If they can beat Monrovia 2-1, why can't they knock off El Segundo? Ellingsworth's ERA is 2.11, and if she can hold them to two runs or less, Temple City has enough firepower to push three or four runs across. Bottom line ... I'm taking El Segundo but won't be surprised if the Rams advance.
For story on El Segundo's win over South Pas, clink link
http://www.dailybreeze.com/sports/prep/articles/7644627.html?showAll=y&c=y

Division VI
Friday's quarterfinal
Paraclete (22-6) vs. Alverno (21-3) at San Gabriel Mission, 3:15 p.m.
Notes: Alverno will play on Friday instead of Thursday because Paraclete has graduation on Thursday. Could Michelle Escamilla's numbers be any more impressive? She's 20-1 with 267 strikeouts in 132 innings with a 0.74 ERA. She also bats .419 with nine doubles, seven home runs and 36 RBIs. And she's getting help from her top three hitters, Michelle Baroldi (.472), Lauren Sanchez (.434) and Barbara Parker (.429). Paraclete beat Marshall twice (12-1, 12-0) and Pasadena Poly (10-3) and have two steady pitchers in Kaylyn Kolesar and Maddie Paige, but what they do well is hit, with a team batting average over .350. If Escamilla can get by this team, she can get by anyone.
Prediction: I like Alverno because good pitching beats good hitting. The only record that matters is Escamilla's 20-1 mark. I thought it would be years for another Jessica Stewart to come along at Alverno, but Escamilla might be ever better.

What: 28th annual Hall of Fame Game
Where: Bassett High School
When: Friday, July 6

Above: Temple City's Dwight Broadnax will compete for West Squad in Hall of Fame game.
Hall of Fame Roster
West Squad
Coach: Joel Murphy, Maranatha
Joshua Parish, South Pasadena, FB/LB
Zion Babb, Alhambra, WR/DB
Wendell Jackson, Muir, WR/DB
Dwight Broadnax, Temple City, RB/WR\
Shawn Sparks, Monrovia, RB/SS
Jose Navarro, Eagle Rock, WR/CB
Jermaine Thomas, Duarte, WR/RB
Andy Saldana, La Salle, RB/LB
Kris Robison, Arcadia, WR/DB
Brandon Lee, Maranatha, FB/MLB
Colin Jones, Maranatha, RB/LB
Ray Arriola, St. Francis, TE/DE
Mashad Miller, Duarte, FB/LB
David Potts, Monrovia, QB
Lance Mitchell, Muir, QB/FS
Sean Kelley, Monrovia, K
Saile Ramirez, San Gabriel, QB
Lavelle Peterson, La Canada, RB
Charles Hallinhan, San Gabriel, WR/DB
Nathan Bury, La Salle, RB/LB
Andreas Beasley, Pasadena, G/DT
Adam Salcedo, Eagle Rock, OL/DL
Anthony Gonzalez, Rosemead, G/DL
Jerry Murrieta, Alhambra, T/DL
Alex Jimenez, La Salle, OL/TE, DL
Steve Omras, Gabrielino, OL/DT
Martin Muratalla, El Monte, OL/DT
Justin Luthey, La Canada, Ol/DL
John Schachtner, St. Francis, C
Brian Soumakian, Temple City, OL/DL
Andrex Roxas, St. Francis, OL/DL
Matt Moreno, Temple City, WR/DB
Conner Berry, South Pasadena, WR/DB
Rodrigo Delgado, Alhambra, TE/LB
Eric Montenegro, Bell Gardens, DT
Richard Duran, Schurr, C/DT
Eric Jimenez, Keppel, FB/SS
Chris Villarreal, Salesian, WR/DB
Michael Aguilar, Garfield, RB
Chaz Feury, Maranatha, WR/DB

Head coach: James Heggins, Baldwin Park
East Roster
Phillip Aguayo, WR, Bonita
Greg Benson, LB, Diamond Ranch
Todd Bruno, LB, Glendora
Philip Chase, QB/DB, Rowland
John Cornell, RB, Claremont
Jon Couwenhoven, DL, Rowland
Nic Curry, DB, South Hills
Emilio De La Garza, OL, Charter Oak
Terrance Dennis, DB, Diamond Ranch
Ralph Diaz, DL, Covina
Jordan Edmond, RB, Glendora,
Travis Eschardies, WR, Damien
Eric Flores, OL, Gladstone
Rex Foss, WR, Los Altos
Eric Gomez, WR, Ganesha
Josh Gracieux, DL, St. Paul
Aaron Harris, RB, Baldwin Park
Evaristo Herrera, OL, Baldwin Park
Anthony Hile, LB, Damien
Michael Hooper, LB, Bonita
Ivan James, WR/DB, Garey
Jamal James, WR/DB, Covina
Jon Joe, WR, San Dimas
Michael Johnson, WR, Charter Oak
Sam Lavea, DE, Los Altos
Mishaun Marshall, RB/DL, Nogales
Greg Martinez, OL, Montclair
Mike McDonough, QB, Covina
Mark Mendrun, QB, Damien
Ricky Montoya, LB, Baldwin Park
Mike Natividad, OL, West Covina
A.J. Pasalo, LB, Charter Oak
Brian Percell, DL, Pomona
Jose Perez, OL, St. Paul
Shaun Rosenthal, LB, West Covina
Darius Ridge, DB, Claremont
John Salazar, WR/DB, South Hills
Alex Silva, QB, Workman
Richard Skolaski, OL, Northview
Marvin Walker, DB, Chino
William Wallace, RB/DB, West Covina

Here's Scott Galetti's update on the Pasadena Star-News area boys volleyball teams.
Flintridge Prep the lone survivor in CIF-SS playoffs
Flintridge Prep is the last boys volleyball team left standing after defeating No. 2-seeded Brethren Christian in three games, 25-17, 25-20, 25-23 in the Division V quarterfinals. The Rebels will host No. 3 Salesian in the semifinals on Wednesday.

CIF-SS Playoffs
Quarterfinals
Friday's Results
Division II
Valencia (30-6) defeated Arcadia (20-9), 25-16, 25-21, 25-18
Division IV
Bishop Montgomery (18-7) defeated South Pasadena (18-5), 22-25, 25-21, 21-25, 28-26, 15-13
Oaks Christian (22-2) defeated La Salle (22-9), 25-23, 25-17, 25-24
Division V
Flintridge Prep (17-8) defeated Brethren Christian, 25-17, 25-20, 25-23
Semifinals
Wednesday
Salesian at Flintridge Prep, 7 p.m.

Above
Flintridge Prep players celebrate victory over Brethren Christian.

Above
Flintridge fans get behind their team against Brethren Christian.

Here's Scott Galetti's update on the Pasadena Star-News area boys volleyball teams.
Four teams remain in CIF-SS playoffs
Arcadia, South Pasadena, La Salle and Flintridge Prep will compete in quarterfinal action.

CIF-SS Playoffs
Quarterfinals
All games on Friday
Division II
Arcadia (20-8) at Valencia (29-6), 7 p.m.
Division IV
Bishop Montgomery (17-7) at South Pasadena (18-4), 7 p.m.
Oaks Christian (21-2) at La Salle (22-8), 7 p.m.
Division V
Brethren Christian at Flintridge Prep (16-8), 8 p.m.

Above
South Pasadena against Carpinteria in opening round.

Rasmussen, McKiernan don't start, but they finish strong ...

Tuesday's second-round games
Division III
Nogales 3, Alhambra 2, 10 innings
Division V
Temple City 3, Gabrielino 1
Monrovia 7, Campbell Hall 6, 8 innings
Division VI
Pasadena Poly 2, Desert Hot Springs 1
San Jacinto 5, Maranatha 2

Who expected the Rams to be the only Rio Hondo League team left standing, and what can you say about Alverno and pitcher Michelle Escamilla, who threw her second straight shutout in the playoffs.

Tuesday's second-round schedule
Division III
Kaiser 5, Arcadia 2
Division V
San Dimas 4, Monrovia 1
Torrance 9, Westridge 0
El Segundo 1, South Pasadena 0
Temple City 6, L.A. Baptist 2
Division VI
Alverno 2, Notre Dame Academy 0

Can Monrovia do it again? ...

For CIF-SS baseball pairings, click link

http://cifss.org/playoff.htm
Division II
Thursday's first round
Arcadia (Pacific #2) at Righetti (Pac7 #1)
Note: Tough draw for the Apaches with potential games against Palos Verdes and El Toro just to reach the quarterfinals

Division III
Friday's first round
WC winner (Ontario or Highland) at Alhambra (Almont #1 and No.3 seed)
Note: El Rancho and La Mirada are potential opponents for Moors to reach quarters

Division V
Friday's First Round
Top Half
Bosco Tech (Camino Real #2) at Calvary Chapel Murriea (Big Sky No. 2)
St. Monica (Del Rey #3) at Gabrielino (Mission Valley #1)
Duarte (Montview #2) at Temple City (Rio Hondo #2)
Bottom Half
San Marino (Rio Hondo #3) at Cantwell Sacred Heart (Camino Real #1)
Wild card (Aquinas or St. Bernard) at Monrovia (Rio Hondo #1 and No. 2 seed)
Division Note: Wildcats have to be happy with No. 2 seed, which means they wouldn't meet top-ranked Bishop Amat until the finals. San Marino also has a great draw, facing an average No. 1 team in Cantwell Sacred Heart, then could potentially meet Montview League champion Sierra Vista in the second round. Would love to see Temple City and Gabrielino advance and meet in the second round, and both have enough pitching to reach the second round. If Bosco Tech is lucky enough to advance to second round, it runs into Bishop Amat.

Division VI
Tuesday's wild card
Mammoth (Desert Mtn No. 3) at Rio Hondo Prep (Prep No. 3)
Thursday's first round
WC winner (Pacific Hills or New Roads) at Pasadena Poly (Prep No. 1 and top seed)
Maranatha (Delphic No. 2) at Rolling Hills Prep (Harbor No. 1)
Note: Only Poly could stand in Poly's way of reaching championship and winning it. They've got what they want, a No. 1 seed and the division's best pitcher in Robbie Rasmussen. Enjoy the ride. Should Maranatha advance in first round, it would likey face No. 2 seed San Jacinto.

Let the chase begin ...

For CIF-SS softball pairings, click link

http://cifss.org/playoff.htm

Division III
Friday's first round
WC winner (La Reina (TriValley No. 3) or Bonita (Miramonte No. 3)) at Arcadia (Pacific No. 1 after winning coin toss over CV.
Note: Apaches got what they wanted, the league's No. 1 entry and a home game in first round.
Only problem is they could potentially meet Garden Grove in the second round, and top-ranked Oaks Christian in the quarters.

Division V
Wednesday's wild card
Alhambra at Rim of the world with winner facing Silverado (Desert Sky No. 1)
Workman at Rio Hondo Prep with winner facing San Dimas (Valle Vista No. 1)
South Pasadena at Baldwin Park with winner facing Fillmore (Frontier No. 1)
Sierra Vista at Pasadena Poly with winner facing LA Baptist (Olympic No. 1)
Friday's first round
Top Half
Schurr (Almont No. 2) at Monrovia (Rio Hondo No. 1)
Westridge (Prep No. 2) at Malibu (Frontier No. 2)
Bottom Half
El Segundo (Pioneer No. 3) at Mayfield (Prep No. 1 and No. 3 seed)
Northview (Valle Vista No. 2) at Temple City (Rio Hondo No. 2)
Division Note: Monrovia not seeded while three teams from the Pioneer League (North Torrance, Pioneer No. 1, is #2 seed), Torrance (Pioneer No. 2 is No. 4 seed) and El Segundo (No. 3 entry from Pioneer League is the No. 3 seed, will play Prep League champion Mayfield in first roun. Not only is Monrovia not seeded, they could have a potential huge second-round game against Valle Vista league champion San Dimas. You know who's sitting pretty is South Pasadena going the wild-card route. If the Tigers defeat Baldwin Park, they will have a good shot against Fillmore in the first round, which means they could play the Mayfield-El Segundo winner in second round. (Randy Medina is still fuming). Temple City has a winnable first-round game against an Almont League team and could give LA Baptist all they could handle in the second round.

Division VI
Wednesday's wild-card
Sacred Heart (Horizon No. 3) at Ramona Convent (Sunshine No. 3) with winner facing Cantwell Sacred Heart (Camino Real champion)
Marshall (Alpha No. 3) at Gabrielino (Mission Valley No. 3) with winner facing No. 2 Woodcrest Christian (Big Sky No. 1)
Friday's first round
Alverno (Horizon No. 2) at Windward (Delphic No. 2)
Lancaster Desert Christian (Desert Mtn No. 2) at SG Mission (Horizon No. 1)
Division note: Alverno's forfet cost them the No. 1 entry, but playing on the road in the first round against a winnable opponent isn't so bad considering they will likely be at home in the second round against possibly Notre Dame Academy, which will be tough. They might also meet Paraclete, the Alpha League champion and top seed in the quarters, so the forfeit to Mission was costly in that respect.

La Canada High School's boys swimming team successfully defended its CIF-Southern Section Division II title with a victory on Saturday. Flintridge Sacred Heart earned second place on the girls side.

In diving held Tuesday at Westlake High, La Canada’s John Geyer won the boys 1-meter diving competition for the second straight year with a score of 546.80. Teammate Brandon Liu was third (381.65).
In the girls competition, Pasadena Poly sisters Felicitas and Cosima Lenz placed first and second respectively.
Felicitas Lenz won it with a score of 495.05, just ahead of her sister Cosima, who finished with 489.05.
South Pasadena’s Caitlin Yuen was sixth overall (386.3) and Flintridge Sacred Heart’s Brittany Salas finished eighth (368.55).

For results, click link
http://www.polytechnic.org/cifss/

Here's Scott Galetti's update on the Pasadena Star-News area boys volleyball teams.
Apaches tame Mustangs
Arcadia opened up the CIF-Southern Section Division II playoffs with a three-game victory over West Valley, 25-19, 29-27, 25-13. The Apaches will take on El Modena in the second round on Tuesday.

Above
Arcadia earlier this season.

Matadors bounced in first round
Lancaster defeated No. 3 San Gabriel in a Division III opening round game in four games, 25-17, 29-27, 20-25, 25-21.

Tigers survive scare
South Pasadena (17-4), got past Carpinteria, 25-15, 17-25, 25-17, 19-25, 15-12 in a Division IV opener. The Tigers will travel to Whittier Christian on Tuesday.

Above
South Pasadena celebrates point against Carpinteria.

In other Division IV action, La Salle advanced with a three-game win over San Marino, 25-15, 25-22, 25-22. The Lancers will play North Torrance on Tuesday. Gabrielino fell to Mayfair in three games, 25-16, 25-18, 25-18.

Rebels get past Whitney
In Division V, Flintridge Prep defeated Whitney in four games, 15-25, 25-21, 25-18, 25-13 and will face Windward on Tuesday. The Rebels beat Windward in four games on March 6.

Above
Flintridge Preps' Dylan Walker, left, and Graham Bradley.

In other Division V games, Bell-Jeff eliminated Pasadena Poly in five games, 23-25, 25-22, 27-29, 25-14, 15-11, St. Paul defeated Southwestern Academy in four games, 25-15, 20-25, 25-14, 25-11 and Salesian defeated San Gabriel Academy in three games on Wednesday, 25-8, 25-10, 25-19.

CIF-SS Playoffs
Second Round
All games on Tuesday at 7 p.m.
Division II
El Modena at Arcadia (19-8)
Division IV
La Salle (21-8) at North Torrance
South Pasadena (17-4) at Whittier Christian
Division V
Flintridge Prep (15-8) at Windward

Mike Mooney began coaching at Temple City in 1999 and compiled a 61-30-2 record in eight seasons, which included four Rio Hondo League titles, and a 33-6-1 record against RHL foes. Mooney’s win total ranks second all-time in Temple City history behind Bob Hitchcock's 196 accumulated wins from 1960 through 1981.
Mike Mooney on his coaching future and move to San Marino
"My coaching days are done for the foreseeable future but a window has been left open should I miss the game too much. I have been hired as an administrator, and been told that I can do as much coaching as I wish. This was not an option for me at Temple City had I opted to advance my administrative career there.
“This was a most intriguing selling point as I weighed the decision. I am currently undecided about my coaching future. At this point, my focus is on making a solid and professional transition into a new school and administrative setting. It is comforting to know that San Marino would be completely supportive."

Question: Who will be Temple City's next coach? And how long before Mooney gets the itch to coach again?
For the complete story on Mooney's resignation, click thread.

Which West SGV team not named Rio Hondo Prep will be the next to win a CIF Championship?


New York's two cents: My bet is on Monrovia. Why? We have veteran coaches and a strong talent base every year. This past class got a lot of attention, but the truth of the matter is that we always have that amount of talent. David Potts was probably the exception, but we always have plenty all around. Furthermore, we play in the Mid-Valley Division which is not exactly stacked. Verbum Dei is strong and talented but so is Monrovia. La Salle was loaded with seniors last year and it will be interesting to see if they can reload. St Francis is tough, but they are not good enough for their division. Same with Muir. It will be interesting to see if Maranatha will get to the dance again sometime soon.

Fred's two cents: Maranatha, with what they have back, has the best chance by far to win a divisional title. But if you're talking about a public school, I like Alhambra's chances. They beat Schurr during Almont play, and Schurr went on to win the Southeast Divsional title. Alhambra has the backfield duo of Anthony Brown and Dushine Smith, and with Ruedaflores retiring, how do you bet against them. In the Rio, I like Monrovia's chances too, but not to win a CIF title.

CIF-SS prelims begin on Saturday, for results, click link
http://dyestatcal.com/
Division I -- at Trabuco Hills HS
Division II -- at Moorpark HS
Division III -- at Downey High HS
Division IV -- at Carpenteria HS
Divisional finals on Saturday, May 19 at Cerritos College

Several area athletes hope to do just well enough at Saturday's CIF-Southern Section track preliminaries to advance to the May 19 divisional finals at Cerritos College.
The Muir High School girls track team is aiming to win its third Division III team title in four years. The division prelims are at Downey High.
Standout Kiani Profit enters the competition with the second-best mark in the division in the 300 hurdles (44.26), with teammate Jalisa Williams seeded eighth (46.36) and hoping to reach the finals.
Profit and Williams, along with Jasmine Clark and Lindsay Cooper, are seeded second in the 400-meter relay.
The Mustangs could also have as many as four standouts in the 100-meter hurdles finals, with Williams (seeded second, 14.40), Profit (fifth, 14.70), Taylor Mills (seventh, 15.10) and Clark (eighth, 15.10) hoping to gain valuable team points to help the Mustangs' cause.
Cooper, only a sophomore, could be one of the difference-makers after running the division's fastest time in the 100 meters (12.00), a race the Mustangs were shut out in last year. Cooper also could be a factor in the 200 meters.
In the field events, the Mustangs hope to earn points from Mills in the triple jump, along with Clark (5-0) in the high jump. They both have marks that leave them on the final's cut line.
There are several other Division III performers with chances for individual crowns.
Temple City's Shastee vanderWyk has the leading mark in the pole vault (11-0), as does Temple City boys pole vaulter Hoku Ho (14-0).
Monrovia senior Markus Monroe enters with the top qualifying mark in the boys triple jump (44-9,) and Rosemead's Josh Correa is on track to win the shot put (58-4) and advance to the finals in the discus (156-2).
In Division I, 2006 state finalist Zion Babb of Alhambra is favored again in the 110-meter hurdles (14.14) and wants to show he's serious about reaching state again at his prelims at Trabuco Hills High in Mission Viejo.
The Division IV preliminaries at Carpinteria High feature several of the area's small school standouts.
La Salle distance runner Margaret Sitker has the second best mark in the 3,200 meters (11:41.06) and could also finish in the top three in the 1,600 meters. He is seeded fourth in the 1,600 (5:21.74).
La Salle's Westley Riley ran a 2:00.22 in the 800 meters for the second-fastest time in the division, and teammate Austin Williams is hoping to advance, running the fourth-fastest time (2:02.60).
Westridge's Shahar Thomas is seeded fourth in her signature events after winning Prep League titles in the long jump (17-9) and triple jump (36-10).
And then there is La Salle's Shelby McCray, who has a chance to win two individual titles. McCray is a huge favorite in the discus with a top qualifying mark of 116-1, far better than her closest competitor, who has turned in a 111-6.
McCray is also seeded third in the shot put (35-0) and has a realistic shot of winning that event, too.

CIF-SS finals at Belmont Plaza Pool in Long Beach
Division IV finals, Thursday, 6 p.m.
Division I finals, Friday, 6 p.m.
Division II finals, Saturday, 10 a.m.
Division III finals, Saturday, 6 p.m.
CIF-SS Division II swim finals
For results immediately following races, click link
http://www.polytechnic.org/cifss/

Above: The great Ryan Chiu

Above: The one and only Christopher Luu

By Scott Galetti
LONG BEACH – Keppel High School swimming coach Ish Perez had a feeling he would be hitting the water for a swim. After his Aztecs swept the 2007 CIF-Southern Section Division IV boys and girls swimming and diving championships Thursday at Belmont Plaza Pool, his dip was a refreshing one.
After two years of playing second fiddle behind Oaks Christian, the day to bask in the limelight finally came for Keppel’s boys team. Keppel rode the record-breaking effort of Ryan Chiu to their first boys swimming title.
To continue reading, click thread

Are the champs ready to do it again?

STAR-NEWS TOP TEN
1. Pasadena Poly (19-1)
You have Robbie Rasmussen, arguably the best lefty in West San Gabriel Valley history. You have a team that has won 19-straight after losing their opener against Monrovia in what was one of the best games of the season. You have the Elks tournament champions leading the Division VI poll from start to finish. I know this is baseball and anything can happen, but starting fitting 'em for those rings. There is no way Poly is finishing without a championship.

2. Alhambra (19-4)
This is a team that takes after their competitive coach, Steve Gewecke. How can you not like playing for this guy? The city of Alhambra isn't exactly the grooming-ground for baseball players, but somehow they've managed to win three straight Almont League titles because they're fundamentally sound, and play with tremendous heart. And, and this is a big and, they've got the area's third best pitcher in Noe Ramirez after Rasmussen and McKiernan, who we'll just say are the best righty and lefty around. We're not arguing who's best anymore.

3. Monrovia (18-5)
We thought they didn't have enough pitching after Eddie. We thought they might not be hungry enough after winning last year's championship. We were wrong. In one of the most competitive Rio Hondo's in recent years, the Wildcats struggled at first, then played like champions in defending their title. And like I've said all along, I'll take McKiernan against anyone in the CIF playoffs, including those boys in blue at Bishop Amat.

4. Gabrielino (16-6)
The area's Cinderella story. They've clinched at least a tie in the Mission Valley League for the first time in school history, and can clinch it outright on Tuesday against Arroyo. This is a team that hasn't been to the playoffs in years, and now they're playing like they think they can cause some damage in the postseason. This is great for Gabrielino, who hasn't had the best sports year at the school, but they have kids who love their sports.

And the rest ...
5. San Marino (14-5)
This is another feel-good story. They can finish second in the Rio Hondo League by winning out, and at one time the Titans had a good chance to win the RHL when all they were hoping for was a playoff spot. And can they do the impossible and sweep Monrovia on Thursday? They've won the first two games against the 'Cats, but they haven't faced McKiernan, who said he will pitch, and guaranteed a victory when I interviewed him last week. But let me ask this bloggers, if Monrovia wraps up the league title outright on Tuesday against South Pas, would you pitch McKiernan on Thursday with the playoffs starting next week, or rest him?
6. Arcadia (14-9)
If we were ranking teams based on the last month, the Apaches would be three or four. Think of it, they're 11-1 in the Pacific after a horrible nonleague start against quality teams. They're pitching and hitting has improved and they're tied with powerful Crescenta Valley heading into Friday's night's big showdown at home. Don't miss it, it starts at 7 p.m. If the Apaches can get past CV and win the Pacific outright, it would be the shocker of the year.
7. Temple City (15-7)
The Rams are unfortunate in that Monrovia realized they were the second best team in the RHL, so they pitched McKiernan all three times against him to earn a sweep over the Rams. Take those losses away and the Rams are 15-4 and 9-1 in the RHL. Hey, life's not fair. The Rams did the same thing to Monrovia when they had the mighty Ryan Tucker.
8. St. Francis (16-8)
Don't want to beat a team while they're down, but what happened? Is the Mission League really that good? I know the upper-half of league is very strong, but that doesn't excuse the Knights getting swept by lowly Harvard-Westlake last week when they still had an outside chance of reaching the playoffs.
9. Bosco Tech (13-9)
Hey, the Tigers can play some ball, or at least that's what Andrew Campa tells me, who has seen them a few times. But they have lost twice to San Marino, and again to La Salle, so I'm not so sure. But they should finish second in the Camino Real, so they deserve to be in the top ten.
10. Maranatha (12-10-1)
Okay Minutemen fans, since you have a shot to earn a share of the Delphic League title if you sweep last place Kilpatrick this week t end the regular season on a four-game losing streak, you've earned your right to be here.

Who will win the next championship ...

Above: La Salle celebrates last year's CIF-SS Division VI title.

STAR-NEWS TOP TEN POLL
1. Arcadia (19-4)
Apaches have done everything asked to earn No. 1 spot. They won local showdown against Monrovia and and can clinch outright Pacific League title outright at home against Crescenta Valley on Thursday. But to win a CIF championship in Division II is a monster task.

2. Monrovia (18-3-1)
Coach Randy Medina unveiled new bats at Monday's practice after last week's 1-0 loss to Temple City. But as my old golf coach use to tell me, it's not the Arrows its the Indians. Cat's need to start swinging like they did early in the season to have a chance in CIF playoffs.

3. Alverno (19-3)
Bad News: Alverno had to forfeit last week's win over Mission after learning that two freshman starters participated in a recreation league in Highland Park. One freshman was suspended two games, and another four games. Good News: That the Jaguars learned this now instead of next week during the CIF playoffs, which would have ended their season.

4. Temple City (15-9)
How do they shutout Monrovia, 1-0 on the road? You have to give the Rams and coach Ellingsworth a lot of credit. They have good pitching, but not the superior pitching that other top teams enjoy. This group battles, they believe in themselves, and who knows, they might go a couple rounds in the playoffs.

... And the rest
5. Gabrielino (10-6)
We took a lot of heat for their lofty Star-News ranking, and then they go and lose to South El Monte to fall to second place in the Mission Valley League. But hey, the Eagles are a CIF semifinalist from last year, have most players back, and deserve to be here over the others below.
6. South Pasadena (13-9)
With nine losses already, finishing with Monrovia and Temple City could be a disaster. Let's be honest, this is a disappointing season for the Tigers, who have one of the area's top pitchers. Having said that, if they can finish strong and earn wins over the two best teams in the RHL, it could do wonders for their confidence going into the playoffs.
7. FSHA (9-10)
They're 9-10, but so what. The Tologs, just like their soccer team, have great nonleague success against local teams and then run into difficult once they hit the Mission League, which is tougher than any local leagues around. You wonder how they would do in the Rio Hondo, Pacific or even the Prep League? But too bad we'll never know.
8. Keppel (10-7)
An obvious second-tier team in the area. The Almont League isn't that strong in softball, but give the Aztecs a lot of credit. They've improved a lot since last season.
9. Mayfield (9-6)
If Mayfield wins out against Poly and Westridge this week, they clinch the Prep League title, ending Pasadena Poly's 23-year reign on top of the Prep League standings. They play Poly first, but they have a showdown against Westridge on Thursday, and with Westridge only have two league losses to Mayfield's one, Westridge can earn a share of the title with a win over the Cubs.
10. Alhambra (10-10-1)
Lost a tough 13-12 game to Keppel, but still in a good position to earn a playoff berth.

Here's Scott Galetti's update on the Pasadena Star-News area boys volleyball teams.
Local rematch highlights first round of playoffs
The CIF-Southern Section playoffs begin on Friday and there is plenty of area presence. Arcadia High School will host West Valley in the Division II playoffs. Looming in the future is a potential rematch against San Marcos and a battle with defending champion Valencia. An interesting local matchup will take place at La Salle when the Lancer host San Marino in a Division IV opening-round tilt. The Lancers beat the Titans in four games earlier this season.

CIF-SS Playoffs
All games on Friday at 7 p.m.
Division II
West Valley (16-4) at Arcadia (18-8)
Division III
Lancaster (7-9) at San Gabriel (20-5)
Keppel (6-13) at Quartz Hill (19-0)
Division IV
San Marino (14-6) at La Salle (20-8)
Carpinteria (8-8) at South Pasadena (16-4)
Gabrielino (11-7) at Mayfair (21-6)
Division V
Pasadena Poly (12-7) at Bell-Jefferson (17-7)
Whitney (8-8) at Flintridge Prep (14-8)
San Gabriel Academy 9-8) at Salesian (15-3)
St. Paul (9-8) at Southwestern Academy (9-4)

Apaches get the point
For the second straight season, Arcadia High School (18-8, 9-1), ranked No. 9 in the final CIF-Southern Section Division II poll, finished the regular season tied with Claremont for the Pacific League championship. The Apaches will enter the Division II playoffs which begin this week as league champion by virtue of scoring more points in head-to-head action. Thank goodness there are no coin flips. The question now is how far can Arcadia go in arguably the toughest division?

Above
Arcadia earlier this season.

Tigers bounce back from loss to nab RHL title
South Pasadena (16-4, 7-1), ranked No. 7 in final Division IV poll, lost to San Marino in four games before sweeping Gabrielino to win the Rio Hondo League for the fourth time since 2000. San Marino (14-6, 6-2) finished in second while Gabrielino was third.

Above
South Pasadena Celebrates RHL title in win over Gabrielino.

Gabrielino makes huge strides
Gabrielino (11-7, 5-3) finished the RHL campain with a third-place finish after a loss to South Pasadena. Tommy Tsoi had 13 kills and middle blocker James Renes added 10 kills in the Eagles' season finale.

Above
Gabrielino in action against South Pasadena in the season finale.

La Salle falls short of league crown
La Salle High School (20-9, 6-2), ranked No. 9 in the CIF-Southern Section Division V poll, lost to Del Rey League champion Bishop Montgomery in three games 25-18, 30-28, 25-22. The Lancers finished in second place and will face host San Marino. Michael Fey had 12 kills in the loss to Bishop Montgomery and followed that up with 10 more in a three-game win over Cathedral in the season finale.

Above
La Salle in action against San Marino earlier this season.

San Marino enters CIF playoffs on a high note
San Marino (14-6, 6-2) won the silver division of the Crescenta Valley tournament and then handed South Pasadena its only RHL loss of the season to finish in second place.

Above
San Marino against La Salle earlier this season.

San Gabriel steamrolls through Almont
San Gabriel (20-5, 8-0), a finalist in 2003, enters the Division III playoffs as the No. 3 seed.

Star-News top five
1. Arcadia (17-9)
Earn first-place distinction by a nose over Claremont
2. San Gabriel (20-5)
No resistance in Almont League
3. South Pasadena (16-4)
Avoids three-way tie for title with win over Gabrielino
4. La Salle (20-9)
Finishes second in league
5. San Marino (14-6)
Strong second-place finish behind South Pasadena

Final CIF polls (As of May 7)
Division II: 1. Corona Del Mar, 2. Santa Barbara, 3. Valencia (Valencia), 4. Dos Pueblos, 5. Laguna Beach, 6. San Marcos, 7. Santa Ynez, 8. Oxnard, 9. Arcadia, 10. San Luis Obispo.
Division III: 1. Santa Monica, 2. Valley Christian (Cerritos), 3. San Gabriel, 4. Paraclete, 5. Los Altos, 6. Quartz Hill, 7. Loara, 8. Campbell Hall, 9. Downey, 10. El Rancho.
Division IV: 1. Oaks Christian, 2. Bishop Montgomery, 3. Mayfair, 4. Arrowhead Christian, 5. La Quinta (Westminster), 6. Santiago (Corona), 7. South Pasadena, 8. OakPark, 9. La Salle, 10. Norco.
Division V: 1. Viewpoint, 2. Brethren Christian, 3. Salesian, 4.Chadwick, 5. Sage Hill, 6. Laguna Blanca, 7. Flintridge Prep, 8. Oakwood, 9. Tarbut V' Torah, 10. Glendale Academy.

The blog supervisor said we're reaching a milestone ...
She reported that we're roughly 10,000 hits from 300,000 since starting this blog last August. This site averages about 1,000 hits a day so we're on track to reach it around May 15. Again, thanks to everyone who has visited and contributed. It's been a memorable year, and it's only going to get better as we approach next fall.

Who has the best chance of winning a CIF-SS Divisional title?

Is there any doubt Division VI is Pasadena Poly's to lose? They would have won it last year if Rasmussen was healthy, and with him powering through in every statistical category imaginable, and the Panthers' supporting cast delivering along with him, how can you picture the Panthers with anything but a CIF trophy?

Alhambra is enjoying their third straight strong season under coach Steve Gewecke, and just when you think they couldn't top the year before, they do it again. They're a perfect 11-0 in the Almont League, and now in Division III and against a group of teams they can compete and defeat, skies the limit. They have the pitching. They have the hitting, and against the type of competition they have faced, they deserve their shared No. 1 ranking with Poly.

It's going to be a wild ride in Division V. Defending champion Monrovia still has the ace in Eddie
McKiernan, but Temple City, San Marino and Gabrielino all have proven they have enough to make a dream run. I still like the Wildcats' chances in the postseason because of McKiernan, the reigning Star-News MVP. Don't miss Thursday's game, Temple City at Monrovia in what should be another RHL classic.

Star-News Top Ten Poll
1t. Pasadena Poly (16-1)
Rob Rasmussen and Co. on a mission
1t. Alhambra (18-3)
Poly’s great, but so are Moors
3. Monrovia (16-5)
Back in RHL drivers seat
4. Temple City (14-6)
Rams at ‘Cats on Thursday
5. St. Francis (16-6)
Needs big finish in Mission
6. Gabrielino (15-5)
9-2 mark leads MVL
7. San Marino (12-5)
Stinging 4-0 loss to La Canada
8. Arcadia (11-9)
Three-way tie for Pacific lead
9. Bosco Tech (11-9)
Stumbling to finish
10. La Salle (10-10)
Only 1-6 in Del Rey League

CIF Polls
Division III: 1. Cajon, 2. Westminster La Quinta, 3. South Hills, 4. Paramount, 5. Alhambra, 6. Quartz Hill, 7. Santa Ana Calvary Chapel, 8. Crespi, 9. Hemet, 10. San Gorgonio
Division V: 1. Bishop Amat, 2. Sultana, 3. Monrovia, 4. Woodcrest Christian, 5. Grace Brethren, 6. Carpinteria, 7. Cerritos Valley Christian, 8. Gabrielino, 9. Duarte, 10t. Cantwell Sacred Heart, Temple City.
Division VI: 1. Pasadena Poly, 2. San Jacinto, 3. Beaumont, 4. Vasquez, 5. Lancaster Desert Christian, 6. Kern Valley, 7. Bishop, 8. Bloomington Christian, 9. Twentynine Palms, 10t. Oxford Academy, Boron.

Who has the best chance of winning a CIF-SS championship?
You can't go wrong with Monrovia in Division V. The Wildcats have knocked on the door the past two years only to lose heartbreakers in the playoffs. This group of seniors has won four straight Rio Hondo League titles, and has played in enough tough tournaments to sharpen themselves.

Alverno is a mystery in Division VI. They've dropped from No. 2 in the rankings to No. 4 over the weeks without losing a game. They have the pitcher in Michelle Escamilla, and quality players like Sarah Trevino. Don't be surprised if they reach the championship. One team not ranked is Gabrielino, which also has enough quality pitching and hitting to be a surprise.

That leaves us with the Star-News' top-ranked Arcadia, which unfortunately, resides in Division III, which is equivalent to murderer's row. Oaks Christian, Los Altos, La Serna, Fullerton, the list goes on. The Apaches have the talent and pitching to beat anyone, but they can also get beat by anyone in the division. They'll need timely hitting and the playoff-performance of her life from pitcher Jenna Rodriguez to have a chance.

Star-News Top Ten
1. Arcadia (17-4)
Perfect 10-0 in Pacific
2. Monrovia (18-2-1)
Won fourth straight RHL title
3. Alverno (18-2)
Winning and winning easy
4. Gabrielino (10-5)
Won seven of last eight
5. Temple City (13-9)
Finishes with Spas, Monrovia
6. South Pasadena (11-9)
Five one-run losses
7. Alhambra (10-8-1)
Impressive 5-1 league record
8. Keppel (9-6)
Should finish third in Almont
9. FSHA (8-8)
Once again, Mission too tough
10. Mayfield (9-6)
Beat Pas Poly 5-4

CIF POLLS
Division III: 1. Oaks Christian, 2. Los Altos, 3. La Serna, 4. Laguna Hills, 5. Cajon, 6. Quartz Hill, 7. Fullerton, 8. Arcadia, 9. Hemet, 10. Charter Oak.
Division V: 1. Hesperia, 2. Monrovia, 3. North Torrance, 4. Torrance, 5. El Segundo, 6. LA Baptist, 7. San Jacinto, 8. San Dimas, 9. Northview, 10. Temple City
Division VI: 1. Murrieta Calvary Chapel, 2. Woodcrest Christian, 3. Paraclete, 4. Alverno, 5. Notre Dame Academy, 6. Cantwell Sacred Heart, 7. Oxford Academy, 8. South El Monte, 9. Saddleback Valley Christian, 10. Desert.