Arcadia the area’s No. 1 team? I don’t think so, at least not with Bryce Rutherford gone from the mound, but Garret Tuck is still a solid pitcher and the Apaches will need plenty from him. Maranatha, Monrovia? Now that’s a good debate. Regardless of how the top 10 looks in few months, I’m hopeful for another exciting Rio Hondo League spectacle. My money’s on Temple City this year, but Justin De La Nuez and Nick Bueno over at Monrovia will surely will have something to say about that. Gabrielino opened some eyes last year in the Mission Valley League, led by then-freshman standout Angel Acosta. Word is he’s matured this year and has become a more vocal leader, which is rare in a sophomore ace pitcher. He should be fun to watch. The big question is, did he finally cut his hair? If you get a chance you should check out this kid they call Dylan Covey. He goes to Maranatha High. The proof is in the pudding: 1.23 ERA; .123 Opp BA; 127 K’s; 7 complete games; 3 shutouts; 11 wins, 2 losses; struck out 13 and allowed only one run in the CIF-SS Division V championship game. He also batted .370 and he’s a hell of an outfielder when he’s not on the mound. I wouldn’t run on him and head for third. Then again, I wouldn’t even make it to first base. Oh, and Covey’s expected to be a top 10 pick in this year’s MLB Amateur Draft. How’s that for a little baseball? The challenge, however, still lies on the top 10? Who’s No. 1?