Star-Jibber: Thanks for all the memories, Pasadena
Wow. What a season. We all had our ups and downs (more downs from me, some might argue) but all in all it was an exciting season. I have to say my favorite stretch of the year had to be covering the exciting race in the Rio Hondo League for baseball. Football was fun, too, but that part of the baseball season was by far the best.
One never truly knows the challenges that come with taking over as preps editor. I took some hard bumps on the chin, but it's a learning lesson for the upcoming seasons. The ideas already are flowing and can't wait when they transcend from the mind and onto this blog, newspaper, etc.
These last couple days have been a bit quiet here on the blog and much of that is due to the final selection of the All-Area teams. I selected the baseball and boys tennis teams while Keith took care of the rest. Keith and I each gave our input on the baseball and softball teams, each of us ultimately making the final selection for our respective teams. As always, someone will feel certain players were left out, and while sometimes that may be the case it's just the way things go. We strive to make the most objective view possible. I'm confident in my baseball team and after discussing with Keith I'm confident we've put together two solid teams.
The All-Area teams will publish after the Lakers are over. When the Lakers clinch Sunday we'll know hopefully by Monday specific dates for All-Area publication (Yes, the Lakers will clinch in five).
Starting next week we'll dive into the all-star games in baseball and football. For now I just want to take the time to say thanks to all the parents, coaches, and athletes who made this job as enjoyable as one might think. While it can be challenging at times I truly am grateful to be in the position that I am: A sportswriter going on season No. 9 in the business.
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About this blog
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Melendez worked as a correspondent for the San Gabriel Valley Tribune for three years and later landed a job as a freelance writer at the Los Angeles Times before accepting an offer at The Orange County Register covering high schools. Melendez covered Major League Soccer at The Register for three years before being promoted to report on the Lakers, Angels and Dodgers for the Web. Melendez also worked for the Daytona Beach News-Journal, Fresno Bee, Oakland Tribune and The Boston Globe. E-mail opinions, suggestions and tips to miguel.melendez@sgvn.com. |
La Salle can't stay down, too many good people around that program.
BTW, there is no shame "losing" a passing tourney game, it is a glorified practice against strangers, wearing your best shirt.
Damn, I like that definition.
Sorry
I was at the Muir/La Salle game. Didnt really notice anyone keeping score, but I guess they beat La Salle. Anyways La Salle has some talent this year. They have a new kid at quarterback that looks pretty good, he also plays defense I believe. That Kishon kid is big now!!! Should be a force to reckon with. Muir kids were physical, figured as much, but what surprised me was some of the Lancer kids being just as physical!!! Team looks rejuvenated, and I love the back of their shirts, which states the Teams motto...Redemption!!! I left this passing league game feeling very optimistic.
Muir beat la salle. This team is not as athletic as last year but they still have speed and they're pretty phyiscal !
It's on!!!! Might see you there Stang. GO LANCERS!!!
Miguel,
Will you be at the CV passing tournament on Sat.?
Muir vs la salle. At 4pm at la salle . Miguel u should drop by
Football schedules are on CalPreps for those interested -
Miguel, that's good news. Was worried there because you never responded to questions. Keep up the good work and I'm looking forward to all area.
Anonymous- You misread it. I wrote the entry at 6:46 to Anonymous, who is probably you.
My logic is this, how can people pick All Area teams when they have seen so few games?
There are some players that will not be picked this year that should be obvious first teamers that have been on everybody's suggested list and I pointed out a couple. Your entry saying that RHL teams essentially will not be picked for first teams is absolutely correct, because that is how it will be and how it has been, but disturbing because you seem to support it. That is why I think that you are part of it, if not Keith himself.
Its ok though, many of these kids have bigger fish to fry than the list that is messed up every year. I have not even seen it but it is very predictable.
None of this is to say that the kids who are going to be on it do not deserve it, but the lack of attention is so obvious in the process that I, along with many people, including Miguel know that it doesn't have a very good chance at being accurate. That is why he is apologizing for it ahead of time.
That is why I picked out the two obvious choices that are likely to be left out so that people can see it ahead of time. There are a few others in the area that are so obvious, that if they are left off the list, people can see right away what a flawed system it is. Those kids in my opinion are:
Jessica Ferri - FSH
Morgan Barchan - Arcadia
Tiffany Rubin - Keppel
Marnie Hiller - Maranantha
Maddie Herlache - LaSalle
Katie Tripoli -LaSalle
Veronica Grant - Temple City
Shelby Gogreve - South Pasadena
There are other kids that deserve to be there, but these kids are flat out no-brainers, end of story. I would deal with it if a few of these players end up on second team, but if any of these kids do not make either list, the compilers might as well hang it up. Because all of these kids have exceptional talent and have had profound effects on their teams.
My only agenda is to affect change in this environment for the better so that they make better decisions in the future.
Guys, I'm not going anywhere! I was simply saying thanks for a wonderful Year One and that I'm looking forward for the years to come. I love this town and it's my new hometown. Not sure how this all propelled to me leaving (the title, perhaps?) but never did I mention I was leaving. Remember, I wrote this above:
"The ideas already are flowing and can't wait when they transcend from the mind and onto this blog, newspaper, etc."
Countdown to Kickoff begins now!
Anonymous at 6:46 is the same as MS. The agenda is clear though the logic is not.
Any word on Miguel's replacement since he hasn't answered if he's leaving which in this world generally means yes he is?
Any news on a new girls' basketball coach at Monrovia HS?
Anonymous,
You sound like a person who may have some inside information. I would assume that there would be very few players on the All-Area team from the RHL because Keith Lair reported on a total of four softball games all year and only one was from the RHL. My guess is that the majority of the players on the team are from Maranantha, LaSalle, FSH, Arcadia and a mix of other teams. There will be some La Canada players because they garnered too much attention to ignore them. The majority of first teamers will be repeaters from last year's first and second team. Not that these kids do not deserve it, because they are fine players. However, because Miguel did the majority of the coverage, getting Keith to do the All Area team is disturbing, but I would expect nothing else at this point. You would think that watching some games would be a pre-requisite. By the way, Miguel, the battle in RHL softball also came down to the wire between four teams and was equally exciting as the baseball showdown.
It will be very sad when the two best short stops, Veronica Grant and Shelby Gogreve are not on the first team All Area, but full rides to Syracuse and Indiana should remedy that. (I would like to hear anyone's argument ahead of time that they were not the best short stops.)
Miguel,
Congrats on your Lakers in 5 prediction.
It is an indicator of your strides in all around improvement. (San Marino by AT LEAST 2 touchdowns over TC)
Well, we all blow it now and then, I had Rosemead beating Paraclete...and still think they should have.
TC had an interesting time at LA Southwest College passing tourney. Morningside, and a few other City speedburners throwing the straight fly pattern at 50 plus yards.
Not sure why RHL Fan termed it "MVP Pitcher". If that were the case, why wouldn't you call it "MVP Infielder", "MVP Outfielder", "MVP Catcher", and "MVP Utility". There is one MVP award (or in this case Co-MVP).
To me, some of the RHL All League awards are head scratchers. The selection system is a little flawed from the standpoint that the number of All League slots that a team get is dependent on final league standings and that team's coach has the primary influence on filling their slots. True MVP awards are are determined by concenses of all of the coaches in that league (not by one coach who has "x" slots to fill-in names from their own team). Also, when you see League "Co-MVP's", and "Co-Pitchers", it is an indication of political compromise.
Also, take note that what RHL Fan is listing was only RHL, not All Area. It will be interesting if a so-called RHL MVP doesn't even make All-Area 1st team or RHL All Leaguers who aren't even 2nd team All Area.
Last point, generally aren't All League selections primarily based on regular season results, not playoff results? Regardless, with or without pitching stats in the playoffs, Herlache would be my All Area pick for pitcher along with Forillo. O'Leary and Clancy are good just not as good in my opinion, that's why they'd be my 2nd team All Area pick too. Any other considerations for Pitcher awards with few or no full 7 inning game victories makes them not a consideration. Awards aren't for potential, they are for results.
MS,
I can agree with most of your selections but Herlache as a 1st teamer? She didn't throw a single pitch in post season play. Utility? Yes, Pitch, No.
Other poster,
How did Hartwick get a co Mvp? Not a good selection, IMO.
tcchamps
Sorry dude. Crystal ball must be broke
MM, you enjoying the game?
Rio Hondo All League
Co MVP's
Abby Ulf - La Canada (Sr.)
Amanda Castro - Soth Pas (Sr.)
Co MVP Pitcher's
Lauren O'Leary - La Canada (So.)
Kelsey Hartwick - TC (So.)
Lauren Cox - La Canada (Fresh)
Anna Edwards - La Canada (So.)
Amanda Ulf - La Canada (Sr.)
Devon Zerebko - La Canada (Sr.)
Veronica Grant - TC (Sr.)
Jessica Loicano - TC (So.)
Brittany Vasquez - TC (Sr.)
Katrina Skogsberg - So. Pas (Sr.)
Shelby Gogreve - So. Pas (Jr.)
Courtney Dunlap - So. Pas (Jr.)
Brooke Cowell - Monrovia (Jr.)
Kelly Williams - Monrovia (So.)
Alexis Watanabe - San Marino (Fresh)
OK, I'm on 3 - 6 in the 5th.
Sorry, that's my post
Sorry, that anon was my post
tcchamps:
LOL
No really the #3 horse So Behold with Garcia
You might want to do a 3-6 Exacta
Tom S.
We'll give you the acid test. Who do you like in the today's 5th Race?
Setting the record:
No crystal ball here, if I had one I'd be at the horse races and not posting here.
Miggy had the All CIF Southern section baseball teams listed in yesterdays paper C2.
Don't know where MM got the list
tom s you must have a crystal ball or know someone who knows more than the cif office.http://www.cifss.org/all_cif.php
Since he hasn't answered, I'd say the handwriting is on the wall. Miguel could be going back to the OC where he was more comfortable. Hope not.
Tuck got second time? im surprised
Why is there no CIF for Track? Swim? My kid was did well on a strong DII team and was hoping to make it. No go.
Anyone know why these two sports are left out?
Looks like somebody took my moniker!
I am not privy to the Pacific League's team, but that person stole my screen name.
to bad there cif league is much worse then the area.
All Pacfic league
MVP Smoley Arcadia
1st Team-Rutherford Arc, Bernstein PHS, Larson Arc, Caroll Arc,
2nd Team- Tuck Arc, Nigolian Arc, Smouse Arc, Clelend Arc.
From our local schools
Congratulations to Jessica Ferri, who was named Mission League MVP. This is a tremendous accomplishment in a very competitive league.
Congratulations to all the Maranatha players and coach for being selected to the All CIF Southern Section Baseball Division V team.
Player of the Year: Dylan Covey
Coach of the Year: Brian DeHaan
1st Team: Tony Li and Cory Popham
2nd Team: Jordan Calloway
Guys, way to represent!
good recommendations. my daughter has played with many of these girls in either rec ball, travel ball or for school. They are all excellent players and lovely young women. I do think Kirk Nishiyama should be given kudos for the amazing things he is doing with FSHA softball.
Probably decided at this point but here's my opinion to maybe create some softball blog discussion.
My suggested Softball All-Area Awards:
Player of the Year - Jessica Ferri (FSH)
Coach of the Year - Mike Harper (LaSalle)
1st Team:
Pitchers - Allie Forillo (LaSalle)
Herlache (LaSalle)
Catcher - Katie Tripoli (LaSalle)
Infielders - Veronica Grant (Temple City)
Shelby Gogreve (South Pasadena)
Tiffany Rubin (Keppel)
Amanda Ulf (La Canada)
Outfielders - Morgan Barchan (Arcadia)
Shannon Brooks (Monrovia)
Marnie Hillier (Maranantha)
Abby Ulf (La Canada)
Utility - Katrina Skogsbergh (South Pasadena)
2nd Team:
Pitchers - Lauren O’Leary (La Canada)
Katie Clancy (Mayfield)
Catcher - Meghan Luera (FSH)
Infielders - Annie Sommers (Maranantha)
Amanda Castro (South Pasadena)
Anna Edwards (La Canada)
Alexis Wantanabe (San Marino)
Outfielders - Jessica Kosharek (Temple City)
Laura Parada (South Pasadena)
Amanda Mowery (Alverno)
Utility: Jessica Loicano (Temple City)
Honorable Mentions: Sterling Shuster (LaSalle)
Barbara Parker (Alverno)
Brittany Vasquez (Temple City)
Ashley Perez (Temple City)
Lauren Cox (La Canada)
Kimmie Sommers (Maranantha)
Kelsey Hardwick (Temple City)
Miguel, that title is very concerning.
Please tell us you're not leaving the PSN...
By the title, are you leaving the paper?
Wait a minute, I thought his name is "Miquel" not "Miguel"!
Miguel:
Now you done it. You used the Baseball word. Chky going to go ballistic and hold your wonderful words of appreciation hostage. Consider yourself at home.
The All-Area teams in each sport have been finalized. Second team and honorable mention in baseball and softball will be finalized Monday.
Sorry,
that is the All-Area Softball team.
Miguel,
Although they have not been published, have you selected the All-Area Teams yet? Or are you still finalizing them?