April 2009 Archives

Softball: Temple City moves up a few notches in Top 10

By Miguel Melendez on April 28, 2009 7:41 PM | Permalink | Comments (36) |

STAR-NEWS TOP 10 RANKINGS
Compiled by Keith Lair

1. Flintridge Sacred Heart (13-2)
Showdown at Alemany on Thurs.

2. La Salle (14-5)
Split doubleheader with S. Pas

3. Keppel (14-3)
Sweeping through Almont League

4. Maranatha (13-6)
Won seven of last nine games

5. Temple City (13-7)
Big win over La Cañada

6. La Cañada (9-6)
Must regroup for final push

7. Rio Hondo Prep (9-6)
On six-game winning streak

8. Ramona Convent (9-1)
Rebounded from tough 1-0 loss

9. Alhambra (10-7)
Still in Almont League hunt

10. Mayfield (11-7)
Three league games remaining

SOFTBALL LEAGUE STANDINGS

Click here to read the rest of the Star-Ledger's story Ramses Barden

Baseball: Strongest and deepest RHL season ever?

By Miguel Melendez on April 28, 2009 2:33 PM | Permalink | Comments (14) |

It's not everybody's best team but that doesn't mean this season's Rio Hondo League isn't the strongest and deepest.

That's what Monrovia High School baseball co-head coach Brad Blackmore said when asked to discuss the parity this season.

"It's good for the league overall," he said. "Personally, I'd rather be 8-0 and three or four games on top, I'm not going to lie to you.

"This is as strong and deep I've seen as a whole. It's not everybody's best team but it's evenly matched, and you can throw South Pasadena in there, too."

La Cañada (14-2, 6-2) and the Wildcats (11-6-1, 6-2) are tied for first while San Marino (12-6, 6-3) and Temple City (12-7, 6-3) are tied for second, respectively.

South Pasadena's (6-12, 2-7) record doesn't look competitive on paper but they've put a scare on its counterparts.

"They haven't had a lot of wins but they've played everyone tough," Blackmore added. "We should be battle-tested for the playoffs."

What's stranger are the scenarios that can play out. A bad week from Monrovia can easily mean going from a first-place tie to dropping fourth and possibly outside looking in come playoffs.

"That's the thing," Blackmore said, "you're up one game on one or two teams but a loss here and there and suddenly you can drop to fourth because it's so close; somebody is going to be fourth real quick."

CLICK ON THREAD AT THE BOTTOM OF PHOTO TO CONTINUE READING

Continue reading Baseball: Strongest and deepest RHL season ever?.

Football: Eagle Rock/Glendale staff heads to Temple City

By Miguel Melendez on April 28, 2009 9:19 AM | Permalink | Comments (46) |

There was much talk last season about the Eagle Rock coaching staff leaving for Glendale to help coach Rafik Thorossian. The tide has turned to this side of town as Temple City newbie Anthony White has hired three former Eagle Rock/Glendale coaches to join his rapidly growing coaching staff at Temple City High. Jerry Chou will be the Rams' defensive coordinator. He was previously the head coach at Eagle Rock and led the Eagles to two CIty Section championships in 2005 and 2006. Michael McKay will be the offensive coordinator, and he too served in the same capacity while at Eagle Rock. If you remember Jude Oliva was offered and accepted the offensive coordinator position at Temple City, but later had a change of heart and returned to San Gabriel. Now, here's the kicker (you ready?) ... Thorossian has joined the Temple City staff as well. He'll be coaching the running backs. That means White has three former head coaches on his staff. White's not messing around here. He means business and these additions are true evidence of that. Glendale went 1-9 two seasons ago. When Thorossian brough Chou and McKay on board the Nitros went 6-4 and missed the playoffs by a coin flip. White took some time to talk about how his staff came about and what we can expect from the Rams offense this upcoming season.

From The Sidelines: You must be some charmer because in a matter of a month you now have a high-quality staff that are not just veteran coaches but proven winners. Is that just the way you operate in general, realizing it's always best to surround yourself by smart people to become successful?

Anthony White: Well one of the things is I'm a history teacher. JFK wasn't the smartest man on earth. (Winston) Churchill and Rockefeller (either) but what they did was surround themselves by the brightest people that cared as much as them. That's what I'm trying to do; being as positive and productive as possible.

FTS: Nobody can question that you've not only been positive but also very productive. Playing at Utah must have prepared you for all this since your coach had such a superb coaching staff, too.

White: Kyle Whittingham and Urban Meyer were big influences. Whittingham (Utah), Mike Stanford (UNLV), Dan Mullen (Mississippi State), Gary Anderson (Utah State) and Meyer (Florida) were all coaches on staff my senior year at Utah, and I learned from that, too.

FTS: How did this all happen, Chou, McKay and Thorossian coming to Temple City?

White: Well, I know (offensive line coach) Tony Sumida. He was my coach at Rosemead High, and he knew them. I had not met them personally but knew what they had done at Glendale. I reached out to them and they came on board. You always hear about free agents out there who can improve your staff and that's what we wanted to do here at Temple City.

FTS: So now that you pretty much have your staff in place, what kind of offense will you be running?

White: We return a stout offensive line and we return one of the best running backs in the San Gabriel Valley (in Max Ruckle). We want to run the ball but be balanced as well. You don't have to throw 50 yards to be a passing team, just throw short passes to move the chains. We want to run the ball, eat some clock and be smart.

FTS: Is it too early to tell who will replace Morgan Hatch at quarterback?

White: Still too early. But one of the great things about McKay is that he was a quarterback at Tulane University. With McKay we'll be smart about throwing high percentage passes.

FTS: Is it safe to say the offense will be running through Ruckle?

White: It's safe to say the offense is going to run through our offensive line and Max Ruckle will be huge of what we do at Temple City. We have about 25 players that didn't play last year or the year before and they're coming back for their senior year, so that's exciting. The number that I had when we had our first meeting was 84 players. That's up to 96 now. The first offensive and defensive practice was yesterday and we finished with 57 kids not counting the kids in track, volleyball and baseball.

For the record, Temple City's schedule is the same as next year, except instead of playing San Gabriel the Rams take on Arcadia in Week 3. It's being dubbed the "Brawl for the Mall."

Football: Jordan Canada's mom speaks out

By Miguel Melendez on April 28, 2009 8:29 AM | Permalink | Comments (64) |

Here's a quote from Gala Canada, mother of Jordan and Jaime Canada. Jordan and Jaime left Duarte High and are now enrolled at South Hills. With so such speculation surrounding her son's transfers, Gala Canada contacted the Star-News to give her reasons for the move. I've left messages for Duarte officials seeking reaction, and if they choose to do so, we will give you their response.

"I need to make the statement clear, that's partially the reason," said Gala Canada in reference to the firing of coach Wardell Crutchfield, who has since been replaced by Tip Sanders. "That's the only reason (Jordan and Jaime) were at Duarte was because of Wardell, but they're leaving for a number of things. The athletic programs need help and someone needs to look at that. I have spoken to (Duarte) principal (Eric Barba) and athletic director (Robyn Garcia). The program needs a lot of help. I volunteered all last year to bring as much assistance I could, but I'm one person. They didn't leave just because of the firing. We love coach Crutchfield but this (lack of support) started last year with the principal. This has been going on for a long time and I've had enough. (South Hills) had a little bit of everything. I looked at a lot of schools. This wasn't just a decision we were going to make out of the blue. There was research that went into it and I evaluated a lot of schools."

Football: Blair at St. Margaret's in Week 0?! Yup

By Miguel Melendez on April 28, 2009 7:47 AM | Permalink | Comments (58) |

No, that wasn't a typo. Blair will be traveling to the deep south of Orange County where they'll take on the defending back-to-back-to back CIF-Southern Section and CIF State champion St. Margaret's. it's hard to say why either school would agree to play this game. Sure, Maggies is in the small schools division but talent-wise one can argue the Tartans are the superior team. For answers we went straight to the source and asked Gary Parks, entering his second full season as the Vikings' coach. He gives us a brief outlook of the season and what went into scheduling such a heavy weight to start the 2009 season.

From The Sidelines: I see St. Margaret's is on your schedule. What is up with that?!?!?

Gary Parks: (Laughs) ... We need to find out where our program is early. We're returning eight lineman, our front is going to be averaging 6-foot-2, 275 pounds so we want to see what we're doing early.

FTS: I can see the advantage Blair would have in playing a perennial powerhouse in St. Margaret's, but what's the advantage for St. Margaret's playing Blair? Why would they agree?

Parks: Really, we chatted a bit and, yeah, there would be no advantage for them. It's be a disadvantage for them because if we win the game it looks bad for them, but they want to see their team competing public schools."

FTS: How did all this come about?

Parks: Pretty much I knew him through my ex coach and mentor, Lalo Mendoza. I was consulting with him and I told him we wanted to play a quality opponent and I was just asking him what he thought of St. Margaret's. He said that would be a great game for us. They're well-disciplined and well-coached. There's no better coach. it would be good to go back and learn from our mistakes. I just got the number from Lalo and gave him a call and we talked about it. He mentioned to me he had some concerns because they're a small school. I told him, 'Coach, you're back-to-back champions .. ' He called back a few days later and said we would play. This is going to be a one-year contract. We want to be able to establish ourselves as a top notch program. We want to be able to compete with whatever CIF offers; league, division championships and state championships. Our goal is to be competitive to claim those titles in the future.

FTS: Why so many road games to start the season?

Parks: We're doing this because next year we're getting our artificial surface. The plan is since we don't make gate money at Pasadena City College, we'll play on the road and have them play at our new field the following year so we get the gate money.

Here are some of the schedules we've received thus far. If you have any more give me a ring coaches. You know my digits:

BLAIR -- Sept. 4 at St. Margaret's; Sept. 12 at Don Bosco Tech; Sept. 25 at La Salle; Oct. 2 at Wilson; Oct. 9 at Brawley; Rio Hondo League action.

LA SALLE -- Sept. 4 vs. Village Christian; Sept. 11 vs. Maranatha; Sept. 18 at San Marino; Sept. 25 vs. Blair; Oct. 2 at Monrovia; Oct. 9 at Temple City; Oct. 16 at Verbum Dei; Oct. 30 vs. Mary Star; Nov. 6 vs. Cantwell; Nov. 13. at Don Bosco Tech, 2 p.m. (All games 7 p.m. unless noted)

MARANATHA -- Sept. 4 vs. Linfield Christian; Sept. 11 at La Salle; Sept. 18 Bye; Sept. 25 vs. Bakersfield Christian; Oct. 2 at Calvary Chapel Downey; Oct. 9 vs. Kilpatrick; Oct. 16 vs. Brentwood; Oct. 23 at Montclair Prep; Oct. 30 vs. Sierra Canyon; Nov. 6 at Marshall; Nov. 13 vs. Campbell Hall (All games 7 p.m.)

Maranatha football coach Joel Murphy wanted to schedule some local high schools for the upcoming season. He was unsuccessful, however.

"Because of their pre-existing contracts, our new league expansion, and inability to be flexible with some dates, it just didn't seem to work out," Murphy said. "That's what you get when you're the new kid on the block huh?

"Maybe next year we can get a game with a Rio Hondo or Pacific League school. Now, I'm not saying we'd win by any means, but it'd be good for us to start playing these guys."

No, it wouldn't be good. It would be AWESOME. But, again, what team would want to schedule a team like Maranatha. This is no knock on the Minutemen who advanced to the semifinals of the CIF-Southern Section playoffs before losing to, um, yes, St. Margaret's. I guess there would be no advantage for a team like, say, Monrovia, or Temple City, but starting with baby steps wouldn't be bad. Try South Pasadena and La Canada.

For now, Murphy was able to schedule Bakersfield Christian. Not exactly a name that pops out, but look at their resume. Bakersfield Christian comes to town on Week 3. They are the back-to-back CIF Central Section champions. They went 12-1 last year with its only loss coming to Oaks Christian in Week 0.

"Needless to say," Murphy said, "we've got our hands full with some big desert boys."

Football: Ramses Barden the next Plaxico Burress???

By Miguel Melendez on April 27, 2009 6:26 PM | Permalink | Comments (26) |

This is one of the headlines in the Newark (N.J.) Star-Ledger after the New York Giants selected former Flintridge Prep and Cal Poly star Ramses Barden in last weekend's NFL Draft:

New York Giants' wide receiver pick Ramses Barden can expect comparisons to Plaxico Burress

From The Star-Ledger:

The new big target for Eli Manning is Ramses Barden, a 6-6, 229-pound receiver from Cal Poly the Giants selected in the third round of the NFL Draft Sunday at Radio City Music Hall. The team traded up six spots -- with their division rival, the Eagles -- to grab Barden, who is one of only three players in Division 1-AA/Football Championship Subdivision history (Jerry Rice being another) to catch more than 50 career touchdowns.

Barden's measurables are similar to those of Plaxico Burress (6-5, 232), to whom he was being loosely compared before the draft. He and the Giants can expect those comparisons to continue as he joins first-round pick Hakeem Nicks in a group of receivers trying to compensate for the loss of Burress.

"They have similar body types," general manager Jerry Reese said. "But the Plax we saw was a seasoned veteran. This is a young kid coming from Cal Poly with a huge wingspan and was very productive.

"Small-school guys, we like them to dominate and he stuck out like a sore thumb like Kevin Boss at his level of comp."

It'll likely be a while -- if ever -- before Barden is able to dominate at the NFL level the way Burress often did. So there's still a matter of the immediate upgrade the Giants need for their passing game, particularly after the offense struggled in the aftermath of Burress accidentally shooting himself last November.

The Giants believe they did upgrade over the weekend -- with several targets and not just one. They believe Barden can contribute immediately as a red-zone threat while Nicks' strong body type makes him "NFL-ready."

Softball: Is it possible for Prep League to get hotter? Yes!

By Miguel Melendez on April 27, 2009 4:46 PM | Permalink | Comments (19) |

Taking a closer look at the Prep League this week....

It has been an interesting week for the Prep League where things have tightened up significantly and it is still up in the air as to who will take the crown. Currently there are three teams in a virtual tie for first place - all with two losses. Rio Hondo Prep (6-2), Mayfield (6-2) and Flintridge Prep (5-2). Don't count out Pasadena Poly with three losses either - there is definitely a scenario where the Prep League ends up with a four-way tie for first place. But first....

RIO HONDO PREP - Rio Hondo made the biggest move last week beating both Mayfield (4-1) and Flintridge Prep (3-2) behind the outstanding pitching of sophomore Charley Parker and a solid defense. Rio Hondo was able to take advantage of mistakes by their opponents without making any errors on their part. Rio Hondo should be able to take care of business in their next three league games and will finish league play vs. Pasadena Poly on May 15th. Next up is Westridge on Tuesday.

FLINTRIDGE PREP - After a disappointing 3-2 loss to Rio Hondo Prep, Flintridge Prep will be hungry for a win against Mayfield on Tuesday. Lydia Kay was excellent on the mound and hit a two run homer in the bottom of the first against Rio Hondo to tie the game at 2-2. She held the Kares until the top of the 7th when mistakes allowed a runner to score and put the Kares up for good. Of the top three teams, Flintridge Prep has the toughest remaining league schedule with games against Mayfield and Pasadena Poly. Flintridge beat Mayfield in their first meeting, 4-1, but lost to Pasadena Poly, 7-3, in their first meeting.

MAYFIELD - Mayfield started the week slowly coming off spring break with a 4-1 loss to Rio Hondo Prep, but picked things up significantly with a 4-3 come-from-behind win over Pasadena Poly on Friday. In the Poly game, Katie Clancy struck out 14 and now has a league-leading 90 strikeouts and an 0.65 ERA in league play. This is the first year that Mayfield has swept Pasadena Poly in league play in at least 25 years, possibly ever. Mayfield has a big challenge against Flintridge Prep on Tuesday at Brookside Field No. 3, hoping to avenge the earlier loss to Flintridge.

PASADENA POLY - Pasadena Poly has had a tough season but can rebound if they can mount a late season surge. Last week they started the week with a convincing 10-0 win over Chadwick, but then suffered a disappointing loss to Mayfield. This week they face Webb and Chadwick and should win both games. Their biggest challenge will come against Flintridge Prep the following week and then against Rio Hondo Prep to close out their league season on May 15th. If they can overcome these challenges they will at worst be tied for second in the Prep League or possibly in a 4-way tie for first.

So, here is the four-way tie scenario: I am assuming the four league leaders all beat Chadwick, Westridge and Webb in their remaining games. If Flintridge Prep beats Mayfield then Pasadena Poly beats Flintridge Prep and Rio Hondo Prep all four teams would have three losses in league play and there would be a four-way tie. Somebody check the rulebook, because I am not sure how you would settle that one....

NFL Draft: Blair's Sean Smith picked by Miami Dolphins

By Miguel Melendez on April 27, 2009 1:32 PM | Permalink | Comments (56) |

Former Blair Viking star Sean Smith was slected in the second round (61st overall) by the Miami Dolphins in last weekend's NFL Draft. The All-American was Rio Hondo League offensive back of the year, leading Blair to one of its best seasons while rushing for 1,500 yards with 18 rushing touchdowns. He also had 547 yards receiving and over 400 yards in kickoff returns.

Click here for a Q&A with Smith from the Florida Sun-Sentinel

Click here for a story on Smith by the Florida Sun-Sentinel

Click here to read Smith's bio

Softball: Flintridge Sacred Heart to play Alemany, again

By Miguel Melendez on April 27, 2009 12:31 PM | Permalink | Comments (20) |

Photo courtesy of Eric D. Danielson

So remember that Flintridge Sacred Heart win over Alemany when the Tologs scored in the bottom of the seventh to record a 4-3 win? Never happened. The Tologs can forget about beating Alemany for the first time in school history. That's because Alemany protested before its game against FSHA at Glendale Sports Complex, saying the pitcher's circle was at 43 feet instead of the regulated 40 feet. Alemany athletic director Mike Solar put in a call to CIF the day of the game and they said they still had to play the game. League principals had a hearing and Tologs athletic director Stephanie Contreras was informed the league voted they had to replay the game. FSHA plays at Alemany on Thursday which will technically be the team's first meeting in the series. The schools have not yet decided when they'll replay the game. "It's hard on the girls," Contreras said. "They beat them fair and square; no advantage or disadvantage. It's unfortunate."

Basketball: Inaugural Rio/Pac All-Star Game a success!

By Miguel Melendez on April 27, 2009 11:19 AM | Permalink | Comments (31) |

Though a few proms, a Lakers playoff game, a few travel ball tournaments, and one other All-Star Game kept a some away Saturday night, the 400 folks that showed up to support "Coaches vs. Cancer", Steven Adams, and the first Rio/Pac All-Star Game was a huge success. Co-founders Gamal Smalley and Tim Tucker would like to thank everyone who came out and volunteered their time including public address announcer, radio personality, Roland Bynum from 102.3 KJLH, the officials, all the camera men and coaches. "To see Steve Adams smiling with the fans posing for pictures and having a good time was especially rewarding for me, knowing that just a few months ago he was in serious condition after undergoing major surgery for a brain mass," Smalley said. Buckley High girls basketball coach Byrd Milic stopped by to show his support, too. Coach Milic's 12 year old daughter was staying a few rooms down from Adams in the Children's Hospital, battling cancer. A special "Life Time Achievement Award" was made to coach Tom Holfman celebrating his 500 career wins and dedication to coaching over a 23-year span at La Canada High. "My heart was overflowed with joy as our surrounding communities showed a loving spirit with donations, goodwill, fun sportsmanship, and we even had two great ball games," Smalley said. "Thanks to the Star-News for (their) support, for you really made this effort a success."

FINAL SCORES
Pacific Girls 78, Rio Hondo Girls 59 -- Pacific leading scorer Anna Shahinian (Glendale) 20 points; Lidia Rivas (Glendale) 20. Rio Hondo leading scorer Nicol Biesek (South Pasadena) 26 points.

Pacific Boys 108, Rio Hondo Boys 103 -- Pacific leading scorer Joe Henson (Pasadena)17 points; Deon Geary (Blair) 26, MVP honors.

Meeting of the two minds: Melendez, Stags03 meet

By Miguel Melendez on April 27, 2009 10:51 AM | Permalink | Comments (15) |

Forgive my late start to the week. But before I go on to post anything else about softball and baseball I am compelled to tell my fellow football bloggers what went down this weekend. As you know, there are some real faithful bloggers here, and they're usually found during the football season. There's the Mayor Goldenarm who always has insightful notes anything related Rams football and football, too. There's also our buddy The Stang Fan who knows all Muir. And who can forget Huckster? (I know, I'm trying to forget, too) There's also our buddy Stangs03, which brings me to this post. I was out Saturday night with some friends at night spot in Alhambra. As I walk up to the waitress to order a drink someone extends their hand to shake my hand. He calls me by my first and last name. Says it's a pleasure to meet him. He says he's a big fan of the blog. I'm flabbergasted he recognizes me, but then comes the shocker: "I'm Stangs03." I was just amazed. We talked about football, the April Fool's joke and trying to figure out the identities of Goldenarm and The Stang Fan, but to no avail. It was a meeting of two minds, alright.

Baseball: My oh my, Temple City beats LC, 4-3, in 10 inn.

By Miguel Melendez on April 24, 2009 6:54 PM | Permalink | Comments (10) |

Just got back from a three-hour marathon at Temple City High School where the pesky Rams edged La Canada, 4-3, in 10 innings on an overcast Friday afternoon in Rio Hondo League action. Temple City improves to 12-7 overall and 6-3 in league while the Spartans drop to 14-2 overall and 6-2 in league. You wanted some parity in league, well you got it. Four teams are right in the thick of it with Monrovia and San Marino making a strong push. This game was an exciting one. It's what high school baseball is all about. Jordan Halladay scored the winning run on Branden Pultz's RBI single. The bases were loaded with just one out. Pultz singled to the shortstop. He bobbled the ball a bit but the play wouldn't have mattered as Holiday was well on his way home. Patrick Munro picked up the victory for Temple City, whose momentum was suffocated in the eighth inning on two questionable calls. Pultz was tagged out on his way to second after Christian Cano's hit. After Pultz's tag, Ian Donnelly threw the ball to first to get Cano out for the double play, putting an end to that inning. It appeared that Pultz beat the tag and Cano beat the throw to home, but there was little Temple City coach Barry Bacon could do. The Rams also didn't help their own cause in the fifth inning as the Spartans scored two runs on Temple City's defensive debacle. Luis Carrasquero singled and advanced to second on an overthrow to first. Jeff Oeschel doubled but advanced to third on the bobble in the outfield and eventually scored on the overthrow to home, giving La Canada a 3-2 lead. Temple City tied the game, 3-3, in the next inning on Dusty Sanderson's sacrifice fly to score Halladay. La Canada got off to a 1-0 lead in the first on Max Russell's RBI single to right, scoring Eric Smith who drew a walk. But the Rams came right back in the bottom of the first on Pultz's double to the gap, scoring Sanderson and Morgan Hatch to give Temple City a 2--1 lead. It was only a matter of time until plays started going Temple City's way, the best coming its way in the 10th when Halladay was called safe at third after Cole Kendall's high throw to third. The rest is history. Time to knock out the story. I'll be back in a bit with photos from the game.

Softball: Temple City makes its move, beats LC, 2-1

By Miguel Melendez on April 24, 2009 6:44 PM | Permalink | Comments (17) |

Don't have all the details but I know La Canada had a perfect game going through the sixth until the Rams crashed the party, winning, 2-1, to blemish the Spartans' record. Mayfield beat Pasadena Poly, 4-3, and Rio Hondo Prep beat Flintridge Prep, 3-2, courtesy of Mr. Clancy. Mario Aguirre will give us the breakdown on the TC-LC softball game in tomorrow's paper, but why wait until then? If you were there, chime in. All other updates/breakdowns are welcomed, too.

Melendez: Pasadena's Tim Tucker takes cancer to task

By Miguel Melendez on April 24, 2009 12:43 PM | Permalink | Comments (54) |

MIGUEL MELENDEZ COLUMN

This column appeared on page 3B of the Star-News sports section on Friday, April 24

They say that behind a good man stands a great woman.

For many of us, it's our mother.

After all, who are we without them?

The last couple of weeks have been particularly tough on Pasadena High School boys basketball coach Tim Tucker. He, along with former Blair boys basketball coach Gamal Smalley, helped put together the first-ever Rio/Pac All-Star Basketball Game, to be played Saturday at Pasadena High.

The game will benefit Steven Adams, the Pasadena junior forward who in February underwent 10 hours of brain surgery to remove a mass behind his right eye that put pressure on the brain, causing double vision and headaches.

The mass was not found to be cancerous, but not many can count themselves as lucky.
In helping organize the event, Tucker is constantly reminded of the ordeal he went through the week of Thanksgiving last year. As a result, he's hoping this game becomes something bigger than area high school fans watching two well-known leagues compete against one another.

Adams spent nearly two months at Children's Hospital recovering from surgery. He started school Monday, walking and talking -- simple acts that surprised many, including Tucker.

"There's a lot of stories out there where kids won't play again," he said.

"To see Steven walk is crazy for me, because if you saw him when it first happened ... I didn't think he'd ever be able to do this again. We're blessed."

Proceeds from the event, co-organized by the Rev. Coy Turentine from Deliverance Tabernacle Church in Pasadena, will help pay for Adams' hospital bills and months of rehab that lie ahead.

Adams' cause, however, snowballed into something bigger.

Continue reading Melendez: Pasadena's Tim Tucker takes cancer to task.

Boys Volleyball: TC gets a scare, dispatches Titans in 5

By Miguel Melendez on April 24, 2009 8:27 AM | Permalink | Comments (27) |

Here's what I wanna know: Where was Aaron Kappe when the boys basketball team needed him? I posed that question to the 6-foot-7 senior after the game. His response: He said it just wasn't his sport and played club volleyball instead. OK, I understand that. But it's still hard to overlook what would have been of the Rams' basketball season if they had Kappe clogging up the middle, dunking here and there and making some crazy blocks. *gasp* The Temple City boys volleyball team jumped to a 2-0 lead and had to overcome a frantic attack by San Marino to dispatch the Titans in a five-set, 25-20, 25-20, 20-25, 26-28, 15-12 victory in Rio Hondo League action Thursday afternoon in front of a boisterous crowd at Temple City High. The Rams stayed on course with the win and in Gabrielino's rear view mirror. The Eagles (16-2, 4-0) are on a 10-game winning streak. They'll take on La Canada (Tuesday) and San Marino (Thursday) before visiting Temple City on Cinco de Mayo. If Temple City is to topple Gabrielino they'll have to limit its silly mistakes like missing serves and working on their passes. By the way, I've said it before and I'll say it again. Our very own award-winning Star-News staff photographer Keith Birmingham is the best in the business. If you look at the picture above it's the back side of Temple City's Kappe. The picture below is what it looks like on the other side with San Marino's Charles Liao, Phillip Cheung and Sean Su trying to get the block. Click here to check out his photo gallery from Thursday's match.

Baseball: Lack of good pitching in the WSGV? Really?

By Miguel Melendez on April 23, 2009 11:56 AM | Permalink | Comments (17) |

It's an easy question that's probably going to get very complex answers. But, really, is there lack of good pitching in the West San Gabriel Valley or, for that matter, the entire San Gabriel Valley? That's the question I've been posed by an anonymous blogger who e-mailed last week. But after watching Arcadia's Bryce Rutherford and most recently San Marino's Andrew Sloan (above) I'm convinced that there is NO lack of good pitching in the WSGV. Who would even make that argument? Playing travel ball year round, can that affect our high school pitchers in the long run? Should curve balls be allowed in Little League? Is there a lack of good pitching coaches at our area high schools? I'm not saying that's the problem, just throwing darts on the board here. (I didn't mention Maranatha's Dylan Covey or Monrovia's Richard Kilbury because I haven't seen them pitch) I've been told that as a reporter it's been unfair for me to see "the pitching and play in general is horrid all around" but I'm not quite sure. I've had fun covering baseball this year. Granted, it's the first full season of high school baseball I've covered in my eight years as a sportswriter, but fun nonetheless. Coming to mind is the Temple City-San Marino game early in the season; Glendora's win over Arcadia in the Apache Invitational (no offense, Apaches), just to name a few. At the very least, this topic makes for a good discussion among you baseball honchos. Enlighten me....

Baseball: Blackmore gets tossed, Titans win big, 10-2

By Miguel Melendez on April 22, 2009 9:01 PM | Permalink | Comments (37) |

Click here to check out and buy photos from Wednesday's game shot by Star-News staff photographer Keith Birmingham. People, he's the best in the biz.

Senior Andrew Sloan pitched four strong innings, allowed two runs on only two hits and struck out four batters to lead San Marino to a 10-2 win over a baffled Monrovia on Wednesday afternoon in Rio Hondo League action. San Marino jumped to an early 3-0 lead in the first after Dylan Bensinger's line drive down the third base line was good for a double, driving in Jonathan Merhaut. Kevin Gute's double cleared the bases to score Michael Thompson and Bensinger to make it, 3-0. Bensinger finished the day going 2 for 3 with a double and three RBIs. The Wildcats got on track in the second when Justin De La Nuez scored on Robert Nakamura's RBI single to right field. With the bases loaded, Richard Kilbury's RBI single brought Chris Calver home to make it, 3-2. Kilbury's ball got a lucky bounce that got away from first baseman Joe Forgatch, allowing the run to score. But that's as close as the Wildcats would get, leaving the bases loaded in the second after Sloan's shaky start to the inning. He walked three batters but still got out of the jam and a 1-run lead. This was Monrovia's first game back after a 20-plus day hiatus from the Rio Hondo League. They were the last team in the league to go on spring break and played in a tournament the week they went on break while the rest of the league returned for league action. Wildcats co-head coach Brad Blackmore didn't see the end of the game. He was tossed in the sixth inning by infield umpire Walter Brown after a lengthy and heated protest. San Marino loaded the bases and scored five runs to take a 10-2 lead. Nothing went right for Monrovia in the sixth. After Forgatch singled, Tarik El-abour came to the plate and showed bunt. Aaron Murphee's pitch appeared to have make contact with the bat but the umpire signaled El-abour to head to first. Blackmore protested the call and was tossed. San Marino loaded the bases on Stevie Yortsos's bunt and Merhaut singled in Thomas Lopez who was pinch-running for Forgatch. Things unraveled after that. El-obour scored after Thompson walked, Gute's single to left drove home Yortsos and Merhaut to make it, 9-2, and Chandler Caldwell's single up the middle scored Thompson for the game's final run. Interesting game. Afterwards, Monrovia co-head coach Dave Moore said he wasn't sure when the team would be coming into the game focused or not focused. He said the Wildcats wanted to tie the game with every swing. "But that's not our ball game. That was our biggest problem," Moore said. The Rio Hondo League is not going to be won in the next week or so and it could come down to the final game of the season. This much we know, the Titans can hang. By the way, there was someone at the game making weird analogies, especially late in the game, talking about hotels, Park Ave., letting the ice cream melt, pepperoni's and HomeTown Buffet. I had no idea what any of that meant but I sure was in the mood for some all-you-can eat pizza at Shakey's after the game with a side of Ben & Jerry's ice cream.

BREAKING NEWS: Blair's Gamal Smalley resigns

By Miguel Melendez on April 22, 2009 2:29 PM | Permalink | Comments (21) |

Gamal Smalley confirmed moments ago he has resigned as Blair's boys basketball coach. "We had a parting of the ways last week," he said. "We had a mutual agreement with (Blair) principal Rich Boccia to seek an opportunity somewhere else." Smalley spent two seasons coaching the Vikings and a year and a half as the school's athletic director. Smalley requested a meeting with Boccia at the end of the season and was granted a meeting last week. "We sat down and he informed me that he decided to move in a different direction," Smalley said. "It was understandable. He told me he's doing a lot of reorganization within the school and athletic departments." Boccia did not return a message seeking comment. Smalley tookver a Vikings program that went 0-10 in league the previous season and had won just two games the year before. "I was really happy with what we were able to do there," Smalley said. "It was a gigantic task." Smalley suggested that the school needed to find a full-time person on staff to make it work. "You have to have people on campus but in that particular (post) they need someone full-time that's there," he said. Blair went 13-10 this season and missed the playoffs after a fourth-place finish in the Rio Hondo League.

BREAKING NEWS: Marshall's Jerry DeLaurie resigns

By Miguel Melendez on April 22, 2009 2:26 PM | Permalink | Comments (37) |

Marshall boys basketball coach Jerry DeLaurie has resigned, Marshall athletic director Jason Taylor confirmed. "The administration has accepted his resignation and wishes coach DeLaurie well," Taylor said. DeLaurie spent three seasons at Marshall, leading the Eagles to a 57-25 record and a trip to the semifinals and quarterfinals appearences in the CIF-Southern Section playoffs. DeLaurie cited a tenous schedule for his resignation. His duties as physical education teacher has increased at David Starr Middle School in the Burbank Unified School District. "It's tough to get over (to Marshall)," DeLaurie said. "The first year was tough but I had a lot of seniors coming back and I hung in there for one more year, for them." DeLaurie said there were some minor issues in his short tenure at Marshall "but I got over them," he said. "Not having a gym, that's pretty tough," DeLaurie said. "But the main reason is I teach in Burbank. It just wasn't fair for the kids to wait until I arrived." There is an opening at Burroughs High and DeLaurie confirmed he will inquire about that position. In his first season at Marshall, DeLaurie was the athletic director at AGBU in Canoga Park, and in that capacity it was easier for him to leave for games at Marshall. The following year, DeLaurie left AGBU to teach in Burbank. "Last year was tough and this last season was even tougher," DeLaurie said. Marshall athletic director Jason Taylor said the school will begin looking for DeLaurie's replacement. "Ideally we would like to hire a credentialed teacher but we will be considering walk-on applicants as well," Taylor said. "We're seeking to select a candidate that has experience managing a multiple-level basketball program. "Are we going to rush through the interview process? No. But at the same time our goal is to have the new coach in place before the school year ends, which is approximately 6-8 weeks from now."

Softball: Flintridge Sacred Heart Academy is sizzling!

By Miguel Melendez on April 22, 2009 11:31 AM | Permalink | Comments (27) |

Photo courtesy of Eric D. Danielson

Flintridge Sacred Heart is hot, and it wasn't just because of the 104 degree heat Tuesday in the San Fernando Valley at game time. The Tologs continue to make softball history at their school with beating another Mission League powerhouse, Chaminade (8-8, 1-2). As was the case with Alemany (10-6, 1-1), prior to this season Flintridge Sacred Heart Academy had never beaten either Mission League opponent in softball. This season they have beaten both in their first meetings of the season. Flintridge Sacred Heart Academy (13-2, 3-0) extended its winning streak to 12 after a 5-3 victory over Chaminade. Jessica Ferri led off with a solo home run (8th of the season) and Flintridge Sacred Heart Academy never relinquished the lead. Ferri picked up the victory, scored three times and had three stolen bases, including home. Sophomore Alanna Pires had a game-high three RBIs.

Baseball: Is Monrovia gaining ground for top spot?

By Miguel Melendez on April 22, 2009 10:56 AM | Permalink | Comments (23) |

BASEBALL TOP 10 RANKINGS
Compiled by Miguel A. Melendez

1. Arcadia (14-3)
Big week for Apaches

2. Monrovia (10-5-1)
Glad to be back in RHL action

3. La Cañada (13-1)
Positioning itself for takeover?

4. Temple City (10-7)
Got blanked by San Marino

5. St. Francis (14-8)
Knights are 4-2 in league

6. Alhambra (10-5)
Moors may have figured it out

7. San Marino (10-6)
Titans walk the walk vs. TC

8. Maranatha (13-4-1)
Minutemen getting on track

9. Bosco Tech (12-3)
Tigers are 6-1 in league

10. Pasadena (10-8-1)
Played Arcadia tough

BASEBALL LEAGUE STANDINGS

Softball: Mayfield moves up a few spots in latest poll

By Miguel Melendez on April 22, 2009 10:21 AM | Permalink | Comments (49) |

SOFTBALL TOP 10 RANKINGS
Compiled by Keith Lair

1. Flintridge Sacred Heart (9-2)
A perfect (3-0) spring break

2. La Cañada (9-3)
Plays at Temple City on Friday

3. La Salle (12-4)
Doubleheader at S. Pas on tap

4. Keppel (12-3)
Four straight double-digit Ws

5. Maranatha (11-6)
Time to make move in league

6. Ramona Convent (8-0)
Finally played after two weeks

7. Mayfield (10-6)
Next two games are crucial

8. Monrovia (7-7)
Waiting for injured to return

9. Temple City (10-7)
Back to Rio Hondo League play

10. Alhambra (9-6)
On six-game winning streak

SOFTBALL LEAGUE STANDINGS

Baseball: Arcadia beats Burroughs, 10-3, tied for first

By Miguel Melendez on April 21, 2009 9:56 PM | Permalink | Comments (16) |

UPDATE 1: After a promising start in which he struck out Sean Kahikina swinging, Bryce Rutherford allowed A.J. Durpe to double to right field and Raymond Palafox reached first on a balk. Rutherford regained control, getting Johnny Schewer and Erik Suarez to pop up for the final two outs and end the threat. 0-0

UPDATE 2: David Huntzinger singled up the middle and Garret Tuck walked. Tim Smoley was hit by a pitch on the first throw by Burroughs pitcher Ryne Kahikina to load the bases. Rutherford struck out swinging on a 2-2 count. Pat Carroll was hit by a pitch on the second throw to drive in Huntzinger and give the Apaches a 1-0 lead. Mike Nigolian struck out swinging on a full count with bases loaded to end Arcadia's threat in the first.

UPDATE 3: The Apaches were seemingly in control but Kyle Hart got an infield single to reach first. He later stole second base and reached third after Myles Grene's ground out. With Kahikina at the plate, Rutherford threw a wild pitch that allowed Hart to score and tie the game, 1-1. We're in the bottom of the second with an Apache at second and one out.

UPDATE 4: Rich Cleeland scored on Jon Larson's RBI single up the middle, giving the Apaches the lead again, 2-1, with two outs. Tuck walked on four pitches, putting runners on first and second with two outs and Tim Smoley at the plate. He was hit in the ankle and proceeded to move to first. But the umpire called him back and negated the play, telling Tuck and Larson to move back to their previous position. Smoley swung on the next pitch but sent the next pitch way over right field for a three-run home run to to give the Apaches a 5-1 cushion. You can thank the umpire and the Burroughs fans who protested the walk for Arcadia's runs. Had Smoley just walked to first who knows if the Apaches even score. Anyway, we're in the top of the third.

UPDATE 5: Johnny Schwer's RBI triple scored Palafoux, who walked, to pull the Indians to within, 5-2. We're in the bottom of the third.

UPDATE 6: Arcadia scored four runs in the fourth. So much for a pitcher's duel, too. Kahikina was taken out after giving up consecutive hits to Josh Natham and Huntzinger. Larson's single to center drove home Natham to make it, 6-2. Huntzinger scored after a wild pitch, but give credit to Tuck who was alert at the plate and told him to come home after the Burroughs catcher reacted late. Larson scored on Rutherford's line drive and Smoley scored on a squeeze to make it, 9-2. We're in the fifth now.

UPDATE 7: Burroughs' Sean Kahikina scored on Rutherford's wild pitch, bringing the Indians to within, 9-3. Rutherford walked Dylan Werchowsky to put runners on the corners. As a result, Rutherford was taken out and replaced by AJ Smouse. We're in the bottom of the fifth.

UPDATE 8: Tyler Dominguez scored from second on an RBI single up the middle from Larson to give Arcadia a 10-3. We're in the top of the sixth and we're approaching deadline!!!!

UPDATE 9: That's the ball game. Rutherford robs Burroughs of a home run in the seventh to give the home crowd something more to cheer about. Arcadia is now tied for first with Burbank which defeated Hoover, 19-0, earlier in the day. Time to crank out the story.

=============================================================

There's a big showdown tonight and no I'm not talking about the Utah-Lakers series (we all know the Lakers will win in a sweep). No, we're talking about a Pacific League showdown when Burroughs visits Arcadia tonight at 7. According to the Los Angeles Times, Burroughs is expected to start sophomore sensation Ryne Kahikina who is 5-0. Rutherford (5-1) takes the mound with a 1.75 ERA and 57 K's. The Apaches took the first meeting, 2-1. Lets hope we're treated to another good one tonight. I will be there. Anyone care for some live updates?

Football: Duarte's Tip Sanders will start from scratch

By Miguel Melendez on April 21, 2009 8:06 AM | Permalink | Comments (16) |

Note: I put in several calls and left a message with LC coach Dan Yoder but to no avail. I'll try again later today and bring you the latest, I hope, in Wednesday's paper.

It's been nearly two months since Duarte High School named Lavelle "Tip" Sanders as the school's football coach, replacing Wardell Crutchfield who was abruptly fired because the school wanted to go in a different direction. It hasn't taken long but already Sanders faces the daunting task of regrouping a divided team. Four varsity players transfered out of the school because they were unhappy with the firing of Crutchfield, leading the Falcons last season to the quarterfinals of the CIF-Southern Section Mid-Valley Division playoffs. That he'll have to practically start from scratch has become a challenge. "From what I'm seeing it's going to be a year we'll rebuild completely," he said. "They tell me some of the kids transferred but I'm looking forward to the challenges." Duarte's missing piece to the puzzle next seasonwill be standout running back Jordan Canada. He rushed for 1,956 yards and 19 touchdowns. "I don't take it personal," Sanders said. "I coached (Canada's) dad and he worked with me. They said that was something they wanted to do. They said that it was a change they wanted to do." Sanders revived the football programs at Blair and Marshall high schools previously. He currently works as security at Blair and coached the junior varsity program last season. He has not formally met the entire team just yet. "I met five guys they said played last year," Sanders said. "Right now we're in a weight program at 6:30 a.m. with four lineman." There will be a football camp open to the public on Saturday at Durate from 9 a.m. to noon. "I'm hoping they all show up this Saturday," Sanders said. "This is the official meeting before spring ball on May 15. I'm hoping that everybody comes out to the camp Saturday." Sanders will target the middle school players at the camp. "If I'm going to start a program I'll start at the bottom," he said. "Seventh and eighth graders; I don't think there's too much I can do with juniors and seniors there already." Including himself, Sanders will have a total of eight coaches in the program. Some coaches he's kept from the previous coaching staff and others will be coming with Sanders. "Some of the coaches are willing to try it again so I'm going to give them a shot," he said. "I kept four of them that came to the coach's meeting."

Arrest has been made in connection with burglaries

By Miguel Melendez on April 20, 2009 3:35 PM | Permalink | Comments (33) |

An arrest has been made in connection with a spree of burglaries at four area high schools. Mark Wallace and Martha McRae, both in their 40's and from La Cañada, were arrested and released under their own recognizance, according to an L.A. County Sheriff's Department official. Wallace, who has a serious criminal history, and McRae are pending a court date, according to Detective Roger Burt with the Crescenta Valley Division. In a span of a month, La Cañada, Arcadia, Flintridge Prep and Rio Hondo Prep were hit with burglaries. Glendale and Crescenta Valley high schools were also hit. About 95 percent of the stolen items were recovered at a storage unit in Montrose after the L.A. County Sheriff's Department served search warrants at Wallace's apartment and storage unit. Over $30,000 in sports equipment from La Cañada, including scales and brand new baseball uniforms, were recovered. Flintridge Prep's softball pitching machine, Rio Hondo Prep's musical instruments, valued at over $30,000, were also recovered. Computers, servers and surveillance cameras stolen from Glendale and Crescenta Valley high schools were also recovered as was a brand new $8,000 clay mixing machine for a science class at Arcadia High. "I don't know what they were going to do with all that equipment," Burt said. "I've never had a thief that was a school specialist." Burt believes the suspects did not act alone. "There were others," he said, "but like any good thief they won't give up accomplices." According to La Cañada High vice principal Joanne Davidson, the suspects unsuccessfully attempted to sell the pitching machine on eBay. From there, the dominos fell in place and detectives zeroed in on the suspects. "This is a great recovery," Burt said. "It's not often we get (the stolen items) back."

Football: Dietrich Riley impressive at Nike Combine

By Miguel Melendez on April 20, 2009 11:29 AM | Permalink | Comments (263) |

Dietrich has about a dozen offers. I saw him wearing a UCLA sweater one time and I gave him a hard time about it. We Bruins can dream, right? My boy formerly of the Los Angeles Times said Dietrich is one of two area players who have true pro potential. Lets hope he doesn't forget us when he gets to the big time. I'll try to do the same ...

From ESPN.com

Athlete Deitrich Riley (La Canada, Calif./Saint Francis) worked out at running back and actually stood out at the position, prompting some observers at the camp to speculate that he probably could play on the offensive side of the ball in college. Most programs are recruiting Riley as an athlete or on the defensive side. Southern California, Michigan, Notre Dame, UCLA, Oklahoma and others have offered. Look for the Wolverines to get a visit from the 6-foot, 190-pounder this summer.

"That's my natural position," Riley said. "That's the position I love to play and I just wanted to come out here and show that I could play it."

Riley rushed for more than 800 yards last season for his high school team.

Football: No re-leaguing issues on this side of town

By Miguel Melendez on April 20, 2009 9:47 AM | Permalink | Comments (41) |

Some of you were wondering what was going on with re-leaguing in our area, called the "Foothill Area." Some areas are still holding meetings and going through the process such as the "Mt. SAC Area" which features most of the ESGV. San Marino principal Loren Kleinrock heads the Foothill Area which consists of about 70 schools. There are no changes in our area, according to Mr. Kleinrock. Gahr High proposed to change leagues but it was resoundingly not approved. The Marmonte League wanted to move into the Foothill Area but it was also not approved. Gahr High can appeal to the CIF-Southern Section at a May 6 meeting, but because it was a unanimous vote to not approve it's unlikely the vote will be overturned. That's it for our area. Not real changes, if at all. But just for kicks, lets throw on a hard hat and play the role of Mr. Kleinrock. If you could move some teams around, who would you move to and why?

ESPN's Rise Magazine releases All-Greater L.A. Team

By Miguel Melendez on April 20, 2009 9:11 AM | Permalink | Comments (25) |

There are no WSGV players on the list but it's worth taking a look anyway. The ESGV had some picks including Bonita's Jiovannia Mier, rated the No. 15 recruit in the ESPNU rankings. Mier hit .479 with three homers, 30 RBIs and 15 steals last year. He has signed with USC but could be an early-round pick in the upcoming MLB Draft.. Click here to check out the list.

Softball: Big week in Prep League action

By Miguel Melendez on April 20, 2009 8:34 AM | Permalink | Comments (12) |

Here's a breakdown of the Prep League this week, enjoy ....

Mayfield (5-1) - Certainly Mayfield has a shot to win the Prep League. Their next three games (Rio Hondo Prep, Poly and Flintridge Prep) will probably decide their fate in the Prep League this year. If they win all three, then I think they will win the Prep League outright. If they win 2 of 3 then they should at least tie for first. Anything other than that and they will need help. The only player out right now is Julie Monohan who would probably be the starting third baseman if she were healthy. She cracked a bone in her arm during the first weekend of the Downey Tournament and has been out ever since. She started at 3B pretty much all year last year for Mayfield. I am definitely worried about how they will play against Rio Hondo Prep on Tuesday as they haven't done much of anything last week.

Flintridge Prep (3-1) - League wise they have played everyone once except for Webb and Westridge - both of these games they should win easily, so I would put them in a tie with Mayfield. Flintridge Prep is pretty deep in the pitching area but weak at catcher. Their best pitcher is senior Lydia Kay who is also their best catcher. Their second pitcher is Denise Van Der Goot who is solid. One of the big advantages they have is that Lydia is a lefty and Denise is a righty, so they can mix things up if they need to. The player to watch for the future on this team is freshman Stephanie Bathke. Stephanie is an excellent athlete, very fast, good bat, decent pitcher, great center fielder.

Pasadena Poly (2-2) - They won the Prep League last year and only lost two players. The Latta sisters should be two of the best hitters in the league and they are a solid fielding team. At the beginning of the season I would have definitely picked them as one of the top teams and I expect that they will still be a contender for the top spot. They should beat Webb and Chadwick and finish the first half at 4-2 in league. I think it is possible they could win all six games in the second half of their league season, but the way they are playing that may be hard to justify. They looked very solid against Flintridge Prep last Tuesday, but not so much against South Pasadena when they were without their coach and several girls.

Rio Hondo Prep (4-2) - Last year, Mayfield beat them easily at the Rose Bowl field but lost to them on the road. Mayfield beat them at their field and got lucky because as RHP was starting to mount a comeback they were caught batting out of order, ending an inning where they had a bunch of momentum. They seem to be a solid hitting and fielding team that is very good when their pitcher is on and not nearly as good when she is off. They lost in close games to Mayfield and to Flintridge Prep and could easily content for the league championship if they can turn those losses around in the second half.

Chadwick (1-3) - Last year Mayfield split with them, winning at home and losing at Chadwick. This year Mayfield beat them 4-3 on a 7th inning run, but I don't think the game was that close. They have a tremendous amount of team speed, good solid defense and good hitting, but almost no pitching. Their pitcher doesn't walk many batters but she is throwing in the low to mid 40's. I am not sure how they won so many games at the beginning of the season, but my guess is that it is because of their team speed. They might sneak up on one of the top 4 and beat them, but I don't think they can contend for one of the top 4 spots.

Westridge (1-3) - They haven't played Flintridge Prep and Webb in league yet. Not sure how they did against Poly but I assume they lost. Westridge lost quite a bit with the graduation of their seniors last year. The only pitcher on their current roster is freshman Kelly Habib. Kelly works hard at her pitching and throws a lot of strikes, but is not very fast. Nicole Martel should be one of the best hitters in the league, but I haven't seen her stats. They don't have the defense or the team speed that Chadwick has or the hitting that any of the other teams have, so I think it will be a tough year for them.

Webb (0-12) - Webb went 0-12 in league last year and is probably destined to do the same again this year. I don't know much about their team except from playing them, but they don't seem to have any strengths except that they keep coming out to play and seem to have fun. They don't have stats or a roster on Max Preps.

............All football, all the time............

By Miguel Melendez on April 20, 2009 8:23 AM | Permalink | Comments (20) |

Good morning, guys and gals. At the request of Mayor Goldenarm, here is your football thread. I bet teams are glad there are no mandatory workouts with another scorching day headed our way. I worked up a sweat walking from the parking structure to my seat! I plan on interviewing Tip Sanders and Dan Yoder later today. Any specific questions you guys want answered? Anyway, you guys think it's too early for a top 10 poll? .... I caught myself on that one; a newbie I am.

.......Send us your nominations.......

By Miguel Melendez on April 19, 2009 8:14 PM | Permalink | Comments (11) |

We run athletes of the week in Wednesday's paper. If there's someone you think deserves the honor leave a comment with his/her stats from last week. I'll pick someone by Monday's end.

.......Star-Jibber....... Too early to talk Players of the Year?

By Miguel Melendez on April 18, 2009 11:03 AM | Permalink | Comments (28) |

Discuss anything and everything you want ... We've reached the halfway point of the season and most teams settle back into league play come next week. I won't throw any names just yet but I'm curious to hear who your "player of the year" is for baseball and softball.

Baseball, softball league races heating up!

By Miguel Melendez on April 17, 2009 9:18 AM | Permalink | Comments (28) |

*Someone asked if we were covering the PHS-Arcadia baseball game today. The answer is, yes. Keith Lair will be there on assignment and we're also sending a photographer. I will be at the South Pasadena-La Canada softball game. This is going to sound weird, but I just woke up a few minutes ago and I had a dream i was covering Monrovia vs. Rio Hondo Prep in softball. I got to the game in the sixth inning and the score was 3-1, Monrovia. Any psychologists care to dissect that dream? Time to go get a hair cut...

Tournaments were fun and all, but it's about time we're getting back to business and picking up where we left off.

Some leagues started action this week but everyone else will go full steam next week.

With that in mind, let us bring you some of the tight league races with predictions in both baseball and softball as we get ready for the CIF-Southern Section playoffs.

First up, baseball.

Almont League: Alhambra (5-1) is leading Montebello (4-2) and Schurr (4-2) but not by much. The feeling here is the Moors will regroup, find the offense they've so desperately been lacking and not like the feeling of a reigning league title taken away from them.

Camino Real League: Bosco Tech, fresh off its win over Southlands Christian in the Tech Classic, is holding steady atop the standings with a 6-1 record. But St. Monica (5-2) and Cathedral (4-3) are gunning for the Tigers, who take on Cathedral in back-to-back games next week. Bosco Tech certainly has the bats to keep pace but the Tigers are also digging themselves early holes. They did that not just once but three times in the tournament this week. At one point it's going to come back and bite them. Still, I can't say it wasn't fun watching them explode for all those runs. Keep your eye out on senior Justin Mota (.383, 5 HRs, 24 RBIs). The kid is a stud.

Mission League: St. Francis (4-2) has fallen to third behind Notre Dame (3-1) and Crespi (5-1). Back-to-back games against Alemany next week is followed by back-to-back games against Loyola and Notre Dame. The Golden Knights need a sweep against Alemany and at least a split to keep any hope for a league championship alive.

Pacific League: Arcadia suddenly looks vulnerable after losing two games in the Apache Invitational and then dropping a 6-4 decision to Burbank this week. The Apaches (4-1) sit in second behind Burroughs (5-1) and they visit Pasadena (3-2) at 3 today. Can you say upset? Burbank (4-1) is third by virtue of its loss to Arcadia.

Prep League: Pasadena Poly (4-1), Flintridge Prep (3-2) and Rio Hondo Prep (2-2) are still in the hunt, the Panthers holding the edge thus far. Poly hosts the Kares at 3:30 p.m. Saturday. The Panthers are led by Matthew Saeta who is batting .364 with three home runs, 17 RBIs, six doubles and one triple. The scary thought? He's only a sophomore. Hunter Merryman helped the Panthers with a three-run homer in a 7-4 win over Flintridge Prep last week. Poly will separate itself from the pack.

Rio Hondo League: Much has been written about Monrovia (5-1) not playing a league game for about 20 days. When they get back, the Wildcats will find a big bullseye on their back. La Canada (4-1), Temple City (4-3) and San Marino (3-3) are not going down quietly. The Titans blanked the Rams this week, 4-0. Today at 3:30, the Spartans visit South Pasadena (2-4) which at one point looked to be in the hunt as well. The intriguing game next week will be Monrovia at San Marino. We'll take the Wildcats to go all the way.

And now, softball:

Alpha League: Maranatha (1-0) and Campbell Hall (1-0) are tied for the top spot. The debate for who belongs will come to rest, for at least a bit, when both teams meet next week at Maranatha.

Mission League: This league is loaded, led by Flintridge Sacred Heart (2-0). Chaminade (1-0), Harvard-Westlake (1-1) and Notre Dame (1-1) appear to make up the final three CIF playoff spots, but the question is which team will finish where? The Tologs are at Chaminade next week. Jessica Ferri will need to continue her dominance on the mound if FSHA is to finish atop the standings.

Prep League: Mayfield's (5-1) lone defeat came to Flintridge Prep (3-0) which currently sits atop the standings. They'll meet next week but will face Rio Hondo Prep (3-2) and Pasadena Poly (0-2) first. The Cubs are led by Katherine Clancy's 1.25 ERA and 163 strikeouts this season.

Rio Hondo League: Wow, talk about tight. La Canada (4-0) holds the clear edge but the final two automatic playoff spots are all up for grabs. Monrovia (3-2), Temple City (3-3) and South Pasadena (2-2) will fight it out. The Tigers won't have it any easier today when they travel to play the Spartans.

So much intrigue among league one has to wonder why there's spring break at all.

Oh, that's right, silly me.

miguel.melendez@sgvn.com

Baseball: Maranatha loses to Western Christian

By Miguel Melendez on April 17, 2009 9:08 AM | Permalink | Comments (5) |

By Keith Lair, Staff Writer

CHINO - It was the kind of game Western Christian High School coach Mark Gebbard wanted to see - the kind of game that Maranatha co-coach Brian DeHaan would rather forget.

Gebbard sent R.J. Pabon out to the mound, his No. 3 pitcher, and the senior shut down the Minutemen for a 9-2 victory in pool play of the 22nd annual Brian Hamilton baseball tournament at Chino High on Thursday afternoon.

"R.J. is really learning to compete on the mound and in his last three starts he is starting to realize his presence on the mound and pitch, not just throw," Gebbard said. "He had a lot of movement on his fastball and occasionally our young middle infield will give us fits, but they did a good job."

Pabon scattered three hits in six innings and most of the balls hit were grounders. He hit three batters and gave up one walk, and except for one inning, stayed out of trouble.

"I knew they were a tough team," Pabon said. "I knew my stuff was good enough. I don't think they could get to my fastball because of the movement."

It might be a preview of a CIF-Southern Section Division IV playoff game. The Minutemen, who reached the Division VI championship game last season, are ranked fourth and are 1-1 in the tournament, 11-4-1 overall, heading into today's game against St. Joseph's of Santa Maria. The Lancers are unranked in the division, and are also 1-1 in the tournament, 10-5 overall. They play Damien today.

Continue reading Baseball: Maranatha loses to Western Christian.

Baseball: San Marino's Sloan finally beats Temple City!!

By Miguel Melendez on April 16, 2009 10:09 AM | Permalink | Comments (24) |

San Marino's Andrew Sloan didn't go on spring vacation to get ready for his big game against Temple City. The 6-foot-4 senior drew college scouts to the game and he didn't disappoint. In his athletic career at San Marino, Sloan had never beaten Temple City in ANY sport. Not football, not basketball and until Wednesday not baseball. He lost to the Rams earlier in the season, but this time around he was ready. Sloan can cross the Rams off that list. The right-hander pitched 5 1/3 innings of three-hit ball and struck out seven in a 4-0 victory in Rio Hondo League play.

Softball: FSHA in double-header today vs. Glendale

By Miguel Melendez on April 16, 2009 9:54 AM | Permalink | Comments (17) |

A big thanks to FSHA parent Steve Ferri who updates us weekly on the girls. They will try to extend their winning streak to 11 today when they take on Glendale at 11 a.m. and at 1 p.m. in a double-header at Glendale Sports Complex. It should be noted that FSHA (10-2, 2-0) will be playing the rest of its home games at GSC. FSHA is led by Jessica Ferri's .636 batting average with seven home runs and 17 RBIs on 40 plate appearances. Meghan Luera, batting .333, leads the team with two triples.

Don't look now, but Don Bosco Tech making noise

By Miguel Melendez on April 16, 2009 9:23 AM | Permalink | Comments (14) |

Got to watch Bosco Tech play twice this week. I gotta say I was impressed. Bosco Tech beat Southlands Christian, 16-6, in the Tech Classic championship game. Keep your eye out on Justin Mota. The senior is batting .383 and nobody in the tournament wanted a piece of him, especially after his towering home run to left field in a win over Mountain View on Monday morning. He also hit a home run in the opening-game vs. Southlands Christian. Like I said, nobody wanted a piece of him yesterday. He walked twice and popped up once, yet he was still a force. He scored three runs after his teammates came through at the plate. Luke Garcia had an RBI double but none came through more than Nicholas Velasquez who hit a grand slam. It was his first home run of the year. The thing about Bosco Tech is they play maybe two legit seniors. Everyone else on the team are sophomores and juniors. This team could be exciting to watch the rest of the season. They're 11-4 overall and sit atop the Camino Real League standings at 6-1. Bosco Tech coach Jim McDonald said he is worried about the team's focus. He said they came in "too confident" in their last league game. The Tigers won but should have bee more focused, McDonald said. It'll be fun tracking these kids over the next two years.

Pasadena's Steven Adams released from hospital today

By Miguel Melendez on April 16, 2009 9:21 AM | Permalink | Comments (22) |

It should be noted that Pasadena High School's Steven Adams, who underwent 10 hours of brain surgery to remove a mass behind his right eye that put pressure on the brain, has been in the hospital since the end of January. He's made good progress and will be released from Children's Hospital today. The junior forward grew to 6-foot-10, and he's gained weight back, too. For the past month, Adams was able to leave the hospital for a few hours on one day out of the weekend but had to return. He's begun running again, but has trouble opening his left hand. Adams can begin working out but can't play competitive basketball just yet. Adams will undergo countless hours of therapy every day after school, but Pasadena basketball coach Tim Tucker said he looks great. "This is nothing short of a miracle, because where he is now from where he was, it's not even close," Tucker said. "He looks good. He shot the ball the other day and hit four three-pointers." Tucker and Blair coach Gamal Smalley put together the first-ever Inter- league Basketball All-Star Game, pitting the Rio Hondo League against the Pacific League. The proceeds from the benefit on April 25 at Pasadena High will help pay for Adams' hospital and rehab bills. For more information on donations, contact Pasadena athletic director Tony Brooks at (626) 396-5880.

Baseball: Maranatha takes a min-retreat to the beach

By Miguel Melendez on April 15, 2009 11:01 AM | Permalink | Comments (30) |

Oxnard isn't exactly the vacation destination on our top 10 list of places to visit, but if you have a nice beach house with a great ocean view then there's no reason to complain. I've spent a few days in Oxnard on assignment. It's not bad, but like I said, it's better when you're near the beach. The Maranatha baseball team spent three days and two nights at a beach house in Oxnard. Brian DeHaan is calling it a mini-retreat. The hope is that the Minutemen formed a tighter bond after a three-game winless streak (two losses, one tie) in the Alpha League. DeHaan said their play in that stretch was uncharacteristic. They walked a bunch of kids and made multiple errors, he said. A few days of playing ball on the beach will hopefully erase those bad memories. They play in the Chino Tournament today and after their game they'll all head over to Chavez Ravine to catch a Dodger game. Someone donated 24 tickets to the team. Must be nice. They have a big test later in the week when they take on St. Joseph's. They were ranked No. 1 in the CIF-SS Division V poll earlier this season. Maranatha dives back into league action next Wednesday when they'll try to get back on course against Brentwood at home. Still haven't had a chance to watch Dylan Covey pitch. But my buddy who used to write about sports at the L.A. Times gave me this assessment a few weeks ago: "There are two legit guys in your area that have pro-potential. One of them is (St. Francis running back/defensive back) Dietrich Riley and the other is Dylan Covey."

Chkyrslf: 'Miguel, I did some work for you .... '

By Miguel Melendez on April 15, 2009 9:19 AM | Permalink | Comments (72) |

My buddy Chkyrslf did a little homework for me that I wanted all of you to read. Interesting points, some valid, some not. I address his concern at the bottom.

From Chkyrslf:

On the current page in terms of amounts of threads per sport it breaks down like this (I did not count the ones that were not based on one sport):

10 baseball threads
9 football threads
4 basketball threads
2 track and field threads
1 softball thread

I also calculated the amount of posts per thread by sport on average for this page:

baseball - 9 (comments) per thread
football - 6.7 (comments) per thread
basketball - 1 (comment) per thread
track and field - 2 (comments) per thread
softball - 27 (comments) per thread

(Since there was only one softball thread on this page I calculated the whole season. There has been a total of 12 softball threads this whole season averaging at 21.83 posts per thread. Baseball in a total of 26 threads has averaged 23.84 per thread and football with 18 threads has posted 18.94 per thread. The other sports do not rival these three sports even when they are in season. Soccer has its moments.)

No one would argue covering baseball and updating football info (it is clearly the best sport and the most popular), but is there any reason that you are not keeping up with softball. Perhaps it is the same reason that you continue to put up non-athletic pictures of softball players on the threads as you continue to put up glorious and athletic pictures of football and baseball. Perhaps it is the fact that your softball correspondent hates softball and treats it that way. I go to softball and baseball games and the crowds at the softball games are the same if not bigger. On all levels it is the media that determines which sports are more important and it seems like your decision has been made. It is a big reason why women's sports cannot get ahead, you listen to sports talk shows and when the subject comes up, it the commentators that poo-poo the female sports. It would be nice to get some enthusiasm behind the coverage. Last year I suggested getting a woman to cover the women's sports, but apparently you went with the same ol' same ol'...

I would like to suggest for people to watch a lot of the college softball that is currently playing on cable tv and follow it to the College Women's World Series. It is really fun to watch and it gets great ratings. For the last several years it has had numbers that rivaled the Men's College World Series with much less advertising and it has beaten the NHL's ratings as well.

Could you address this for me Miguel?

My response: When softball threads are posted it takes them a while to catch some steam, while baseball threads seem to catch on rather quickly. I don't know that having a woman cover softball would better help the cause, and I'm not so sure Keith Lair doesn't like softball. I actually like softball, but the fact of the matter is my eye does tend to lean towards baseball since it's the sport I cover most. I don't think the media, at least not here, dictates the coverage. In fact, I have more parents/coaches/volunteers who send baseball info than I do with softball, which is just one parent from FSHA who sends info on a consistent basis. We have two full-time reporters to cover approximately 30 high schools in five or six different sports. I've always said: parents/coaches are strongly encouraged to e-mail updates. In the long run it helps me look ahead as far as coverage goes. Interesting tidbits always can make the blog, too. This so-called neglect of softball won't be for long. I've been on the job eight months. Things will change but I'm going to need some time first to assess the situation. I welcome your suggestions.

Baseball: Don Bosco Tech joins the Top 10 party

By Miguel Melendez on April 15, 2009 9:01 AM | Permalink | Comments (16) |

STAR-NEWS TOP 10 RANKINGS
Compiled by Miguel A. Melendez

1. Arcadia (13-2)
Apaches humbled in tourney

2. Monrovia (9-3)
Wildcats finally playing ball

3. La Canada (10-1)
Spartans getting in groove

4. Temple City (10-6)
Rams back from Las Vegas

5. Maranatha (10-3-1)
Two losses, one tie in league

6. St. Francis (12-8)
Back in league play

7. Alhambra (7-5)
Trying to figure out Moors

8. San Marino (8-6)
Big game at TC today

9. Bosco Tech (10-4)
Quietly making some noise

10. Pasadena (8-7-1)
Test with Arcadia on Friday

BASEBALL LEAGUE STANDINGS

Softball: Flintridge Sacred Heart back on top of polls

By Miguel Melendez on April 15, 2009 8:51 AM | Permalink | Comments (15) |

STAR-NEWS TOP 10 RANKINGS
Compiled by Keith Lair

1. Flintridge Sacred Heart (9-2)
Three games in spring break

2. La Canada (8-3)
Lost to West Ranch

3. La Salle (12-4)
On three-game streak

4. Keppel (11-3)
Began real season on Tuesday

5. Maranatha (11-6)
Won five of last seven games

6. Ramona Convent (8-0)
Scored double digits six times

7. Monrovia (7-5)
Plays in Charter Oak tourney

8. Temple City (8-6)
Ended break with DH sweep

9. Mayfield (10-6)
Knocked off Maranatha, 4-1

10. South Pasadena (6-7)
Returns to play La Canada

SOFTBALL LEAGUE STANDINGS

Basketball: Rio/Pac All-Star Game set for April 25

By Miguel Melendez on April 14, 2009 4:23 PM | Permalink | Comments (40) |

After Steven Adams underwent 10 hours of brain surgery to remove a mass behind his right eye that put pressure on the brain, Pasadena High School boys basketball coach Tim Tucker quickly sprung into action to find ways that would help the Adams family pay for the expensive surgery. Adams spent most of February in the hospital where he was under self-induced coma. His season was over in the middle of the Bulldogs' season and missed six weeks of school, too. Tucker and Adams' teammates began fund raising, making T-shirts and selling them on campus with full proceeds going to the Adams family. That small idea snowballed into something greater when Tucker and Blair coach Gamal Smalley got together to form the first Inter-league Basketball All-Star Game, pitting the Rio Hondo League versus the Pacific League. The game is set for April 25 at Pasadena High with the girls game beginning at 5 p.m. and the boys at 7.
"I contacted Tuck about doing something special for our kids and suggested an all star game between our leagues," Smalley said. "Tucker, who had already began a number of fund-raising ideas for Steven and his family, was excited about the idea and suggested portions of the proceeds be donated to help Steven's rehabilitation process and local charities." Double Pump Inc. and Grassroots Sports Industry stepped up to the plate and helped with sponsorship. "I called the Pump brothers and they were like, whatever we can do to help we are there," Tucker said. Since Tucker and Smalley are both members of the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC), they decided to contact the NABC about their possible involvement and inclusion of the Coaches vs. Cancer programs it promotes and will also donate proceeds from the gate to that charity as well.

Ralph Punaro (South Pasadena) will coach the Rio Hondo girls; Gary Johnson (Muir) will coach the Pacific girls; Tom Hofman (La Cañada) will coach the Rio Hondo boys and Shawn Zargarian (Crescenta Valley) will coach the Pacific League boys.

Rio Hondo League girls roster: Lauren Oshiro (San Marino); Tiffany Liu (San Marino); Kim Tsou (La Cañada); Lora Benedetti (La Cañada); KC Christiansen (La Cañada); Kara Yoshihara (South Pasadena); Nicol Biesek (South Pasadena); Michiko Chavous (Blair); Jasmine Gordon (Monrovia); Maryum Jenkins (Monrovia); Vanessa Hernandez (Monrovia); Ashley Quiñonez (Monrovia).

Pacific League girls roster: Kim Wong (Arcadia); Christine Howard (Arcadia); Katie Nelson (Burbank); Kristin Crawford (Burbank); Ashley Alexander (Burroughs); Cassandra Pozos (Burroughs); Anna Shahinian (Glendale); Lidia Rivas (Glendale); Chelsea Baquerio (Hoover); Paige Robinson (Muir); Chloris Turner (Pasadena); Alexis Shibata (Pasadena).

Rio Hondo League boys roster: Chris Smith (Monrovia); Chris Bullock (Monrovia); Thomas Bushnell (Monrovia); Clarke Anderson (La Cañada); Riley Heaton (La Cañada); Deon Geary (Blair); Katorio Walker (Blair); Kobe Sugihara (San Marino); Garry Wu (San Marino); Djon Ellams (South Pasadena); Aaran Mendoza (South Pasadena); Brice Hill (Blair).

Pacific League boys roster: Darnell Allen (Arcadia); Drew Matsuda (Arcadia); Andre Alexandrian (Burbank); Dareh Zadoorian (Burbank); Kyle Hart (Burroughs); Cameron Blocker (Burroughs); Ric Yoo (Crescenta Valley); Narbeh Ebrahimian (Crescenta Valley); David Mansuryan (Glendale); Derenik Kaloosi (Glendale); Rei Hernandez (Hoover); Rene Karamian (Hoover); Paul King (Muir); James Owen (Muir); Joe Henson (Pasadena); Travis Flye (Pasadena); Darius Johnson (Pasadena).

Baseball: Monrovia happy to be back in action

By Miguel Melendez on April 14, 2009 11:07 AM | Permalink | Comments (9) |

Monrovia (9-3, 5-1) was last week's lone team from the Rio Hondo League not on spring break. Now that the Wildcats are, everybody else returns. The rest of the league resumes Rio Hondo action this week while the Wildcats head to the Don Lugo Tournament, where they'll open at Ayala on Wednesday. Too much sitting around for the Wildcats may or may not do them any good. They hit the weights a bit and practiced, too, but nothing compares to playing real games, of course. But the wait is over.

DON LUGO TOURNAMENT
GROUP A: Arroyo; Ayala; Baldwin Park; Diamond Ranch
GROUP B: Don Lugo, La Puente, Chino Hills, Duarte
GROUP C: Rowland, Monrovia, South Hills, Nogales

Today at Ayala: Nogales vs. Duarte, 9:30 a.m.; La Puente vs. Monrovia, 12:30 p.m.; La Puente vs. Ayala, 3:30 p.m.
Today at Don Lugo: South Hills vs. Baldwin Park, 9:30 a.m.; Arroyo vs. Rowland, 12:30 p.m.; Arroyo vs. Don Lugo, 3:30 p.m.

Wednesday at Ayala: Diamond Ranch vs. Duarte, 9:30 a.m.; Diamond Ranch vs. Nogales, 12:30 p.m.; Monrovia vs. Ayala, 3:30 p.m.
Wednesday at Don Lugo: Chino Hills vs. South Hills, 9:30 a.m.; Chino Hills vs. Baldwin Park, 12:30 p.m.; Rowland vs. Don Lugo, 3:30 p.m.

.....It's time for Dodger Baseball!!.....

By Miguel Melendez on April 13, 2009 9:04 AM | Permalink | Comments (51) |

It's Opening Day at Dodger Stadium later today when the Boys in Blue take on the hated San Francisco Giants. And for the first time in five years I will not be there. It's all good though. I will be making my way over to Don Bosco Tech in a little bit for the Bosco Tech Classic. The Tigers host Mountain View at 9:30 a.m. Hopefully I'll have a bracket to share with you later today. Feel free to also send an updated bracket from the St. Paul Tournament.

Dodgers Season Prediction: They'll lose in the NLCS. If they can acquire a true ace they'll reach the World Series, and it's on from there!

.............Star-Jibber.............

By Miguel Melendez on April 10, 2009 4:19 PM | Permalink | Comments (42) |

Discuss anything and everything you want ...

Melendez: Applauding volunteer efforts

By Miguel Melendez on April 10, 2009 9:34 AM | Permalink | Comments (4) |

MIGUEL MELENDEZ COLUMN

This column appeared on page C3 of the Star-News sports section on Friday, April 10

Next time you head out to a tournament of some kind, think about the time and effort that goes into putting it all together.

It's spring break for most schools and that means baseball teams - or teams in other sports for that matter - are probably playing in a tournament of some kind.

We get the leisure of waltzing to the field or court to watch little Johnnie play at a scheduled time. We sip our favorite drink, chow down a hot dog (or three) and cozy up in the stands with our favorite fleece blanket and weather whatever conditions for the remainder of the game.

When the game's over, we pack our bags, say our goodbyes and head to the comfort of our homes.

But think about the countless hours that go into putting it all together by an army of working ants in the form of coaches, parents, players and volunteers whose aim is to bring you the best amenities.

Sometimes they succeed and sometimes they probably don't, but certainly nobody can fault their best of intentions.

Usually the person handling the gate money or coordinating parking is the first to hear of a complaint. It's our natural instinct to go off on the first person we see who might look official enough to take our heat, failing to realize we went Bobby Knight-style on grandpa who simply wanted to help his grandson's team by volunteering his precious free time.

Most tournament directors will tell you it's rare when they heap praise for running a smooth event, perhaps the saying, "No news is good news" applies here.

Still, it's nice to let them know their hard work does not always go unappreciated.

The Star-News has covered plenty of tournaments this school year, many of which ran smoothly.

But we bring you the Apache Invitational, a blueprint that mirrors the effort of tournament organizers across the San Gabriel Valley.

CLICK ON THREAD TO CONTINUE READING

Continue reading Melendez: Applauding volunteer efforts.

Track & Field: Muir's Cooper shoots for the stars

By Miguel Melendez on April 10, 2009 8:11 AM | Permalink | Comments (5) |

41st ARCADIA INVITATIONAL
When the lights go on, the stars come out!
When: Today-Saturday
Where: Arcadia High
Tickets: Friday night relays session - Adults $7 | Students $7 | Children 12 and under $5. Saturday (all day admisison) - Adults $15 | Students with High School ID $10 | Children 12 and under $5. Note: Saturday's invitational portion usually sells out. Maximum capacity is 7,200.

By Keith Lair
Staff Writer

Lindsay Cooper is aiming high.

When track and field aficionados recall famous Muir High School sprinters in the future, the senior wants to be mentioned in the same breath as Alice Brown and Inger Miller. Matching those two Olympian's feats will be no small task though. The pair set school records and won CIF-Southern Section titles en route to eventual world championships and Olympic gold.

"I really want to leave an impression on high school track," Cooper said. "I want to at least break the record here at Muir for the 100 and 200. I'm really pressing myself to break both of those records.

"I know it is (good company), but I go here, too. My expectations are that is what I want to do. That is my goal. It's exciting to compete here with everybody who came before you. You're carrying a load, you're trying to be the best. You're trying to do things everybody has accomplished. You're trying to make a name for yourself like everybody else did."

That record-breaking instinct can all be attributed to what Cooper did not do last year. She finished third in the CIF-Southern Section Division III 100-meter hurdles with a personal best of 14.90 seconds.

But it was not fast enough to make it to the CIF-SS Masters Meet.

Yet, she sat in the Cerritos College stadium last May watching competitors in the event run slower times than she did in the finals.

She called it "heartbreaking."

CLICK ON THREAD TO CONTINUE READING

Continue reading Track & Field: Muir's Cooper shoots for the stars.

Baseball: You're going to love this new gadget ....

By Miguel Melendez on April 9, 2009 12:26 PM | Permalink | Comments (25) |

Look at that, even the Moors are pumped about this.....

Courtesy of Fred J. Robledo who was tipped by fellow blogger Joe Amat, we now have this new feature/gadget to play with thanks to the masterminds at MaxPreps.com. We've grouped together the area teams so you now have area leaders, standings and schedules of your favorite teams at the tip of your hands and only a mouse click away! It is now more imperative than ever that coaches update their schedule/results on MaxPreps so all your information is reflected accurately here. FYI, softball is not available just yet but when it is I'll get it up here, too. Let me know what you think of this new item and how often we should throw it on the blog. Should we make it a weekly item?

Blair to hold coaches clinic and free football camp

By Miguel Melendez on April 9, 2009 11:23 AM | Permalink | Comments (17) |

Blair football coach Gary Parks announced the school will host a coaches clinic on May 1 and free football camp on May 2. The coaches clinic will begin at 6 p.m. A $10 donation will get you into the clinic and dinner will be served. Fairmont Prep defensive coordinator Pete Morado will talk about transitioning from Bear 4-6 to 3-3-5; St. John Bosco offensive coordinator Joe Cordova will talk about "The Balance Attack"; and Crenshaw's Luther Waters will give insights on inside zone and outside blocking. The free football clinic will follow the next day and begin at 9 a.m. with drills running through noon. From 1-4 p.m. there will be 7 vs. 7 scrimmages and also a lineman competition (power clean, bench, farmer's walk and obstacle course). UCLA's Justin Edison and Brian Price, along with other Bruins to be named later, will conduct the football clinic. Kenechi Udeze from the Minnesota Vikings will also make an appearance. For more information contact Blair coach Gary Parks at 626.396.5820, Ext. 80076 or 323.378.4637.

Track & Field: 41st Arcadia Invitational starts Friday

By Miguel Melendez on April 9, 2009 10:34 AM | Permalink | Comments (6) |

41st ARCADIA INVITATIONAL
When the lights go on, the stars come out!
When: Friday-Saturday
Where: Arcadia High
Tickets: Friday night relays session - Adults $7 | Students $7 | Children 12 and under $5. Saturday (all day admisison) - Adults $15 | Students with High School ID $10 | Children 12 and under $5. Note: Saturday's invitational portion usually sells out. Maximum capacity is 7,200. We'll have a profile feature on Muir's Lindsey Cooper in Friday's paper.

Football: TC's White adds more coaches to his staff

By Miguel Melendez on April 9, 2009 8:38 AM | Permalink | Comments (54) |

There was plenty of buzz and hype at Temple City High School when the hiring of Anthony White as the next football coach was announced. White, at a lunch meeting two weeks ago, met with a surprisingly large group, 82 in all, who expressed interest in playing next season - and that's not counting the incoming freshman. Though Temple City is on spring break this week, White said around 40 players spent an hour of weight lifting and an hour of running. White has also been kept busy with putting together a coaching staff. In a matter of just days, White recruited high-profile coaches in Zeke Prado (East Los Angeles College) and Jude Oliva (San Gabriel). Oliva was to assume the role of offensive coordinator but later changed his mind.
Still, White has not had trouble bringing in coaches. He's brought in five freshman coaches, four junior varsity coaches and he's locked down two more varsity assistant coaches in Addison Hawthorne and Randy Horton. Hawthorne will help with the cornerbacks and work with Michael Cable, who was retained from Randy Backus' staff. Hawthorne worked closely with Horton, who was the defensive coordinator at Pasadena last year. Horton also was a finalist for the head football coaching vacancy recently filled by Western Missouri University's Mike McFarland. "I think it'll be a good experience," Horton said. "It's a new start. (White's) a very energetic coach. I think he brings a lot to the playbook." Horton will be the strength and conditioning coach at Temple City. Previously, he was an assistant strength and conditioning coach at UCLA "I think that's a good advantage for me," he said. "I do work with a few NFL players, too, so I'm sure they'll buy what I'm selling quick." White also added Danny Marquez and David Villareal to the staff. They will serve as assistant lineman coaches. They previously played at Pasadena City College and West Virginia State. The offensive and defensive coordinator positions are still open, but White said he has capable guys on his staff who could fill those positions. White hopes to finalize his staff by April 20. Spring practices are slated for May 18. The slew of coaches will be paid through 11 1/2 stipends issued to the program from the Temple City Unified School District. Some stipends were cut to spread and cover the entire staff. "When you coach high school you coach because you love the game and you love the kids," White said. "That's the kind of coaches I'm trying to bring in."

Baseball: Glendora wins second straight Apache Invite

By Miguel Melendez on April 8, 2009 9:48 PM | Permalink | Comments (19) |

UPDATE 1: The championship game won't start until 7:30 p.m. Conditions here are cold and windy. The scenario here is reminding me of the Rosemead-Paraclete CIF-SS Mid Valley Division championship game in Lancaster when fans had personal heaters with them in the stands. It's pretty cold here. I'm not typing as fast as I usually do. It doesn't look like it's going to rain but I may have just jinxed it for all of us for saying that. I just hope I get this story in on time and before deadline.

UPDATE 2: Bryce Rutherford is on the mound. There's a guy in the announcer's booth with a radar gun. He won't tell me what he's throwing (he said we'll see when the game starts). It's still cold but I'm going to stick it out. I have to. Game's about to start. Lets play some ball.

UPDATE 3: Mathew Nava's single to right field allowed Kyle Layton to score from second base after initially drawing a walk to lead off the second inning, giving Glendora a 1-0 lead. Wallace Gonzalez also drew a walk but with two men on base, Rutherford managed to get out of the jam, getting the next two betters to fly out for the final two outs.

UPDATE 4: Glendora is still leading, 1-0, as we head to the top of the fourth. Just heard the guy with the radar gun is a scout from the St. Louis Cardinals. He left already. Check that, Glendora leads, 2-0, after Layton's towering home run to right on the third pitch. That ball got out so quick it should get frequent flier miles. John Valerio, Arcadia's PA announcer, gets the assist on that one.

UPDATE 5: Arcadia's biggest threat came in the fourth inning when it had the bases loaded. They got there courtesy of a few breaks but couldn't take advantage. After Rutherford's line drive to right field, Tim Smoley reached base after catcher's interference and Carroll loaded the bases after getting hit in the ankle. Glendora's Michael Gonzales recovered and threw two quick strikes to Michael Nigolian who struck out swinging on the next pitch to end the threat. We're in the bottom of the 5th, Glendora still leads, 2-0. The scout from the Cardinals is back. Think he fell for the spell of the delicious cheeseburgers here. I'm not going to lie, I fell for the spell, too.

UPDATE 6: Layton got a base hit in the sixth and advanced to second on an error after Jonathan Larson misplayed the ball in left field. Layton then went on to score on Joseph Winterburn's RBI single, giving Glendora a 3-0 cushion. We're in the middle of the 6th.

UPDATE 7: There would be no umbrellas or a comeback from the Arcadia High School baseball team for that matter.

Bryce Rutherford was stymied by Glendora's Kyle Layton who scored all three runs to lead the Tartans to a 3-0 win on a chilly Wednesday night in the final of the Apache Invitational at Arcadia High.

Arcadia (13-2) suffered its second setback of the season. They dropped one two nights ago to Beverly Hills, 5-4, and needed a late rally to oust West Covina, 5-3, on Tuesday night.

Glendora (11-4) meanwhile was still riding its wave of momentum that carried over from an 8-7 win in 10 innings over San Dimas and 5-3 win over Nogales on Tuesday afternoon. This was the Tartans' second straight Apache Invitational championship.

Whether it was a cold shoulder (Rutherford had not pitched since Saturday) or jitters from watching a St. Louis Cardinals scout clock his pitches with a radar gun, it's unclear what led to Rutherford's uncharacteristic performance. The same could be said of Arcadia's defense which committed two costly errors. The Apaches also left seven runners on base.

Ruhterford was upped by Michale Gonzales who went the distance, throwing 87 pitches and allowing only four hits and six strikeouts. Rutherford pitched six innings and struck out seven, but a wild pitch in the second put the Apaches in an early uphill battle.

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Tonight's final pitting Arcadia and Glendora is scheduled for 7 p.m. but last night's Arcadia-West Covina game didn't start til 7:40 p.m. The rain didn't help either but the Apaches got things in control after trailing, 3-2. David Huntziner and Bryce Rutherford came up with key singles in the sixth inning and Jon Larson executed a successful squeeze play en route to a 5-3 victory over West Covina. After the start was delayed 39 minutes because of other tournament games, there was no rain until West Covina's Daniel Clark's third pitch of the game. It then rained off and on for an hour - through three innings - before umpires finally decided to wait out a final burst. It never rained the rest of the way. I will be there tonight. I THINK Bryce is pitching tonight but I'm not sure. Rain is forecast for tonight but hopefully someone saves me a space next to the announcer. See you all later tonight.

BREAKING NEWS: Former Muir football and track coach Jim Brownfield hospitalized

By Miguel Melendez on April 8, 2009 2:38 PM | Permalink | Comments (32) |

Former Muir football and track coach Jim Brownfield, 80, has been hospitalized at Kaiser Permanente on Sunset in Hollywood. The legendary coach might need heart surgery. As many of you know, Brownfield ran the Hall of Fame all star football game for many years, and is one of the greatest coaches in San Gabriel Valley history. Our thoughts go out to the Brownfield family. We'll keep you posted when we learn more.

Baseball: Monrovia moves to No. 2 in latest Top 10 poll

By Miguel Melendez on April 7, 2009 4:34 PM | Permalink | Comments (10) |

BASEBALL TOP 10 RANKINGS
Compiled by Miguel A. Melendez

1. Arcadia (12-1)
Apaches caught by surprise

2. Monrovia (9-3)
Sitting atop Rio Hondo League

3. La Cañada (10-1)
Spartans on four-game win streak

4. Maranatha (8-2)
Lost big to Calvary Chapel

5. Temple City (9-4)
Las Vegas not so nice to Rams

6. St. Francis (10-5)
Consecutive losses to Crespi

7. Alhambra (6-5)
Moors are 4-1 in Almont League

8. San Marino (8-6)
Vengance on Titans' mind

9. Pasadena (7-7-1)
Four straight losses for Bulldogs

10. La Salle (7-6)
Has lost five out of last six

BASEBALL LEAGUE STANDINGS

Softball: Top four spots remain the same in Top 10

By Miguel Melendez on April 7, 2009 4:13 PM | Permalink | Comments (31) |

SOFTBALL TOP 10 RANKINGS
Compiled by Keith Lair

1. La Cañada (8-2)
Big Rio Hondo League victories

2. Flint. Sacred Heart (9-2)
On eight-game winning streak

3. La Salle (11-4)
Won Camino Real League opener

4. Maranatha (10-5)
Won four of last five games

5. Keppel (11-3)
Three double-digit wins in row

6. Monrovia (7-4)
Three consecutive victories

7. Ramona Convent (6-0)
Returns to action next week

8. Temple City (6-6)
Still in a slide

9. Arcadia (3-4)
2-2 in Pacific League

10. South Pasadena (6-7)
Knocked off Long Beach Poly

SOFTBALL LEAGUE STANDINGS