April 2008 Archives

Let's just say you had to see this one to believe it.
South Pasadena raced out to a 7-1 lead after two, but Nichole Parada was pulled after two innings. Temple City took advantage and scored eight runs on just one hit and six walks to take a 9-7 lead after three. The Tigers tied it with a pair of runs in the fourth, and took the lead for good in the fifth on a pair of two-run homers by Michelle Mun and Amanda Castro.
Temple City is still in the driver's seat for the league championship, but the Tigers remained just one game back behind La Canada, a 2-1 winner in eight innings over Monrovia, for second.

Your thoughts.

Alhambra caps off big day with 7-4 win over Keppel.

Above: Alhambra pitcher Silvia Romero. (correspondent photo by James Carbone/SXSPORTS)

After finishing second at the Crescenta Valley tournament, South Pasadena earns second straight RHL championpionship with sweep over Gabrielino.

Question: Which area team has the best chance of going far in the playoffs?

Monrovia High's junior pitcher continues to impress.

STAR-NEWS RANKINGS
Records before Tuesday
1. Alhambra (19-3)
Slowed down by South East
2. Monrovia (15-6)
Tripped up by Temple City
3. Temple City (15-6)
Wins over Monrovia and La Canada
4. Gabrielino (15-6)
Upset by Arroyo
5. Pasadena Poly (16-3)
Winners of 14 consecutive
6. St. Francis (12-12)
On seven-game losing streak
7. La Salle (13-9)
Won three of four
8. San Marino (12-4-1)
Slowed down by South Pasadena
9. Arcadia (12-9)
Showdown for second with Burroughs Friday
10. La Cañada (10-7)
Spartans on two-game slide

STAR-NEWS RANKINGS
1. Arcadia
Tough loss at Claremont
2. South Pasadena
Finalists at Crescenta Valley
3. Flintridge Prep
Handed Chadwick first league loss
4. La Salle
At Bishop Montgomery Thursday
5. San Marino
Impressive win over La Canada

I've talked to a few coaches who are quite happy about this ruling.
There are some who believe this could put a damper, or even an end eventually to club sports, although I'm not ready to buy that just yet.

My Question: What are your thoughts? Will this help every team and school, or just a select few? Also, what about coaches in one sport wanting to practice or work out at certain times, and a player has a game in another sport? Will this do away with the multi-sport athlete?

Click below to read the CIF-Southern Section press release.

Rams hold off Spartans, increase league lead to 1 1/2

Above: Temple City pitcher Kaitlin Ellingsworth is helped off the field after being hit by a line drive during the third inning. She remained in the game and played at first base. (Staff photo Keith Birmingham)

In case you haven't noticed, we've been having problems again with the blogs as of late. We're supposed to be getting an overhaul on the system on Monday. During this time, there will be times where you will be unable to post anything. We're sorry for the inconvenience.

Moors run off with titles again in track, Maranatha earns first league title in golf

Rams pitcher has contributed both on the mound and at the plate.

Above: Temple City High School pitcher Brian Dearth. (SGVN/Staff Photo Keith Birmingham/SXSports)

Apaches impress despite 1-0 loss to Burbank, the No. 3 team in the CIF-SS Division III rankings

Above: Arcadia pitcher Patricia Stark, right, and catcher Caitlin Grimes. (Staff photo Keith Birmingham)

Ryan Maddox, an assistant head coach/defensive coordinator at West Covina High School the past three years, has been selected as new head football coach at Monrovia.

Left: New Monrovia head football coach Ryan Maddox.

Question: What are your thoughts on this hire?

Key battles highlight softball schedules

Arcadia hosts Burbank Thursday hoping to jump into a tie for second in the Pacific League. The Apaches lost the first meeting to the Bulldogs 12-1.

In the Rio Hondo League, the much-anticipated game for sole possession of first place Friday between Temple City and La Canada has turned into one team trying to catch the other after the Spartans fell to San Marino 7-5 Wednesday. La Canada will definitely remember the Titans, but can still make its mark in the league title race with a victory. Both teams enter the game with a win in the three-game series. Friday's tilt will decide the tiebreaker.

Senior Brian Dearth strikes out 12 to lift Temple City to 1-0 victory.

Above: Temple City pitcher Brian Dearth against Monrovia (Correspondent photo Larry Goren)

My thoughts: This was another great pitching matchup between Dearth and Richard Kilbury. It was the type of game you wish there wasn't a losing team.

Two Star-News Coaches of the Year announced their resignation as Blair High School football coach Tip Sanders and girls basketball coach David Jensen have announced they are moving on.

Above: Lavell (Tip Sanders)

Above: Former Blair girls basketball coach David Jensen, right, at the Tribune/Star-News All-Star Basketball Classic. (Staff photo Keith Birmingham)

Pasadena Poly swimmer to compete in Olympic Trials backstroke races June 29-July 6 in Omaha, Neb.

Above: Pasadena Poly swimmer Andrew Saeta. (Staff Photo by Sarah Reingewirtz)

My thoughts: This kid reminded me of a human windmill last year at the CIF and Masters meets. He's fast, talented and has an incredible wingspan. There is nothing but upside for Saeta, and he has a chance to do something special.

After Alhambra, who are the best teams in the area this week? Also, since they lost since the rankings, should the Moors drop from the top next week?
Lots of Rio Hondo League presence in the CIF polls this week.

Above: San Marino's Nick Wilson. (SGVN/Staff Photo Keith Birmingham/SXSports)

STAR-NEWS RANKINGS
Records before Tuesday
BASEBALL
1. Alhambra (18-1)
School-record win streak at 17
2. Monrovia (12-5)
Wildcats have won three straight
3. San Marino (12-3-1)
Two of three losses to Monrovia
4. St. Francis (12-10)
Banged up and fading fast
5. Temple City (13-6)
Tough loss to San Marino
6. Gabrielino (14-5)
Won seven straight and 13 of 14
7. Pasadena Poly (14-3)
Winner of 12 consecutive
8. La Salle (12-8)
Solid out of league play
9. Arcadia (10-9)
Tripped up by La Salle
10. La Cañada (10-5)
Spartans on four-game win streak

There were no reports from Division V or VI, which means the CIF polls are the same. Why don't the reps from each division post each week? Is it low on the priority list?

Big game this week in the Rio Hondo League with La Canada visiting Temple City Friday.

STAR-NEWS RANKINGS
Records before Tuesday
1. Alverno (17-3)
14 consecutive wins, 11 by shutout
2. Temple City (13-4-1)
2-1 in Charter Oak Tournament
3. La Cañada (10-4)
Beat South Pasadena again
4. Keppel (12-3)
Tough 3-2 loss at Montebello
5. Flintridge Sacred Heart (7-7)
Won once in past six games
6. South Pasadena (10-10)
Doubleheader sweep of La Salle
7. Arcadia (8-6)
Showdown for second on Thursday
8. Flintridge Prep (10-3)
Five consecutive victories
9. Gabrielino (8-5)
Lost hold on MVL lead
10. Mayfield (9-6-1)
Big win over Pasadena Poly

This is an extra post from a week ago since we've been having so many problems both posting and receiving responses.

Is there any team in this area that could give Oaks Christian a run for its money like Muir did last season? Are there any teams that could give Mater Dei a game like West Covina was hoping to do on the East side? Which team would you like to see from the West side take on the likes of Bishop Amat?

Also, feel free to E-mail suggestions for future posts.

Pasadena star leads way in Classic

Above: Pasadena's Keion Bell soars over three players to cap his victory in the slam-dunk contest during the fifth annual San Gabriel Valley Tribune/Pasadena Star-News All-Star Classic at Azusa Pacific's Felix Event Center.

Above: Pasadena's Keion Bell (3) drives to the basket as Glendora's Dominic Tiger-Cortes looks on during the second half of the Fifth Annual San Gabriel Valley Tribune/Pasadena Star-News Area All-Star Classic. (Staff Photo Keith Birmingham)

My Thoughts: The best moment of all, in my opinion, came in the slam-dunk contest. Pasadena's Keion Bell produced on his earlier promise to steal the show with four perfect 10's. First, he dunked over Pasadena teammate Tyron Crockom, who was sitting in a chair to reach the finals.
In the finals, he performed a dunk I saw him do in practice (over slightly shorter people). This time, however, he donned a Batman cape and put it down, much to the delight of the large crowd on hand at the beautiful Felix Event Center.
The battle between Bell and Glendora's Dominic Tiger-Cortes was all that. The two stars went head-to-head and showed why they're the best in their respective areas. Tiger-Cortes led the game in scoring with 35 points, but Bell scored at will, pouring in a team-high 29 to lead the Star-News team.
Tiger-Cortes was lights-out in the 3-point contest, sinking seemingly every attempt he tossed up. I can't recall any makes hitting the rim.
Overall, it was a great game with lots of twists and turns.

3-Point and slam-dunk Contests

Bishop Amat's Kristen McCarthy leads way with 18 points

Above: Flintridge Prep Courtney Robinson (14) fights for the rebound in the first half during the Fifth Annual San Gabriel Valley Tribune/Pasadena Star-News Area All-Star Classic at Azusa Pacific University's Felix Event Center. (SGVN/Staff Photo Keith Birmingham/SXSports)

Thoughts: The Tribune had a definite size advantage in this game and the combination of McCarthy, Bishop Amat's Ashleigh Adams, Covina's Ashley Adams and Diamond Bar's Dayna Lee couldn't be stopped. Blair's Stephanie Defrance and Alhambra's Tiffany Chu provided the scoring for the Star-News, mainly in the second half, while Maranatha's Natasha Herring did her best against the taller Tribune players in the paint.

Bottom line: The turnout was outstanding and I want to say thanks to David Jensen for taking the time to coach the team, the players for participating, and all the fans that came out. It was a great night.

Area's best players convene at Azusa Pacific

Three-sport standout McGinley among all-stars

Above: San Marino's Chevy McGinley. (Staff Photo Keith Birmingham)

Spartans and South Pasadena combine for six errors

Above: La Canada's Devon Zerebko scores past the tag of South Pasadena's catcher Katrina Skogsbergh in the second inning of the Spartans' 7-3 win over the Tigers at La Canada High School. (Staff Photo Keith Birmingham)

My Comments: Both teams showed signs of being able to smack the ball, but there were too many mistakes in the field for a big game (there could've been a couple more errors chalked on, but they were ruled hits). The bottom line, if it can get past San Marino, La Canada will set up a big showdown with Temple City on Friday.

The Star-News will be well represented on Saturday during the fifth annual Tribune/Star-News All-Star Classic.

Girls Star-News 3-point contestants
Tiffany Chu, Alhambra
Chrishawn Frierson, Muir
Jennifer Duong, Temple City

Boys Star-News 3-point contestants
DeJuan Chambers, Blair
John Harewood, Pasadena Poly
Phillip Brown, Monrovia

Boys Slam-Dunk contestants
Keion Bell, Pasadena
Marcus Harvey, Pasadena
Dorian Hampton, Marshall

I had a conversation with former Star-News and current Tribune prep editor Fred Robledo Thursday. The conversation got going when I mentioned I was covering Flintridge Prep's boys volleyball match against three-time defending CIF-SS Division V champion Viewpoint (a match that turned out to be an outstanding one). He scoffed at the fact the we've been covering volleyball this season. I mentioned to him that, in some cases, boys volleyball in this area, has actually outdrawn baseball and softball in terms of attendance.

Here's what Fred wrote over on his side of town.
"I was talking with Star-News prep editor Scott Galetti, who is convinced that boys volleyball is just as popular on the West side of the Valley as baseball and softball. He says there are more fans at volleyball games in the Star-News area, but I think there are more fans as a whole in baseball and softball. That's what sports guys do, we disagree. How about on the Tribune side of town? Should I be giving boys volleyball, track and swimming the same coverage we give baseball and softball during the season? We've already started covering track now that the big meets are here, and I usually wait until we get closer to CIF before I start dialing in on volleyball and swimming. What are your thoughts?

I've stated from Day 1, much to the dismay of New York, that I feel it's important to give every sport as much coverage, especially if it's warranted. And, as in the case of the other sports, we cover the top games.
Now I never said I was convinced that boys volleyball is as popular as baseball and softball, I just conveyed that the crowds at the big matches that I've attended have been bigger at times. Case in point, a couple of weeks ago when Crescenta Valley and Arcadia had their big night-time doubleheader with baseball and volleyball at the same time, the crowd in the gym at the volleyball match was larger than the baseball crowd, which large to say the least.
Yes, there wasn't a seat to be had at the baseball game and there were people lining each side in the outfield. But the stands inside are larger than the small stands at a baseball field.
I've mentioned this before on the blog, last season, before they put in the stadium seats, San Marino had a big baseball game with Temple City. The crowd was decent, but I ventured over to the gym to take a quick peak at what was going on in San Marino's boys volleyball match with South Pasadena and the crowd was larger than any basketball game I've seen there.
And, let's face it, baseball generally outdraws softball, although the bloggers will tell you otherwise.
What are your thoughts?

San Marino jumps out to 5-0 lead before holding on in 5-3 win over Temple City.

Above: San Marino's Nick Wilson ,18, earned a he first inning during a baseball game between San Marino and Temple City April 16. 2008 at the Temple City High School. (SGVN/Staff Photo Keith Birmingham/SXSports)

Gabrielino's Kim a standout in two sports

Above: Gabrielino's Annie Kim. (Staff Photo Keith Birmingham)

La Salle High School decided to ultimately stay in-house by naming Antione Peterson new football coach

Question: How do you folks like this move?

STAR-NEWS RANKINGS
Records before Tuesday
1. Alhambra (15-1)
On school-record 15-game win streak
2. Monrovia (12-5)
Stopped slide with huge win over Northview
3. St. Francis (12-8)
Has dropped three straight and five of six
4. Temple City (12-5)
Strong finish at Apache Invitational
5. San Marino (10-2-1)
Moved up to No. 5 in CIF Div. V rankings
6. Gabrielino (12-5)
Won five straight and 11 of 12
7. Pasadena Poly (12-3)
Winners of 10 consecutive
8. Arcadia (10-9)
Dropped two straight and four of six
9. La Salle (11-8)
Struggling in tough Del Rey League
10. La Cañada (8-5)
Off after wins over Temple City and Monrovia

STAR-NEWS RANKINGS
BOYS VOLLEYBALL
1. Arcadia
Enjoyed a week off
2. South Pasadena
Finished two-week vacation
3. La Salle
Faced No. 6 Bishop Montgomery Tuesday
4. Temple City
Enjoyed an off-week
5. Flintridge Prep
Huge match at Viewpoint Wednesday

STAR-NEWS RANKINGS
Records before Tuesday
1. Alverno (14-3)
Escamilla: 20 Ks past two games
2. Keppel (11-2)
Big 9-6 win over Alhambra
3. Flintridge Sacred Heart (6-4)
Tough Mission League losses
4. Temple City (10-3-1)
Played San Marino Wednesday
5. La Cañada (9-4)
Big South Pas game Friday
6. South Pasadena (6-9)
Beat Pasadena Poly, 3-2
7. Arcadia (7-6)
Has won five of past six
8. Gabrielino (7-4)
Two 10-run victories
9. La Salle (7-7)
Lost to Alverno, 2-0
10. Alhambra (10-5)
Still playing well