June 2010 Archives

De'Shawn Ramirez, the elusive running back who dazzled fans with his speed and made secondaries look silly, has been suspended from Monrovia High School and the football team.

The junior-to-be currently is in summer school working to become eligible to attend Monrovia High, said Monrovia football coach Ryan Maddox.

"He's in the process of going through some issues here on campus," Maddox said. "He's gotten himself suspended and he'll start the year suspended. He's got a process before he's eligible to play football for us. Whether he's part of the team or not we'll see as we get closer, but as of right now he's not practiced (with us) or part of the team."

Maddox added that "there's a chance for him to come back, yes."

Ramirez, a 5-foot, 170-pound running back/safety was impressive, athletic, physical and not afraid of contact, adding depth to the Wildcats' stable of running backs.

As a sophomore, Ramirez rushed for 851 yards on 104 carries and scored 10 touchdowns. He broke for runs of 59, 21, 62, 80, 22, 68, 39 and 24 yards, en route to an 8.1 yards average per carry. Ramirez also caught three passes for 113 yards and two touchdowns. He was just as dangerous on special teams, with five kickoff returns amassing 300 yards.

Ramirez was expected to be an integral part of Maddox's lineup this upcoming season. Maddox said he hopes the suspension ultimately serves as a wake-up call.

"Everybody involved would hope this serves as exactly that," he said, "and that he realizes that his decisions have consequences, and start making better choices. He's a very talented football player. He's a good kid. He just needs some direction and focus.

"All the coaches are trying to work with him, but he's gotta want to take the necessary steps to get back in the right direction."

We ran baseball and softball All-Area teams last week, and we resume with the rest of the sports beginning with track on Tuesday. Swimming follows on Wednesday and tennis on Thursday. The Star-News athletes of the year will follow sometime next week....

Below: Last year's athletes of the year, South Pasadena's Steven Colliau and Rio Hondo Prep's Tiffany Horton.

CLICK HERE FOR A PHOTO GALLERY FROM BROWNFIELD'S MEMORIAL SERVICE

By Keith Lair, Staff Writer

LOS ANGELES - There were supposed to be only tears of joy, but when All-Pro linebacker Chad Brown took to the podium at Forest Lawn Hollywood Hill's Hall of Liberty on Friday night, the tears flowed. Inger Miller, a 2000 Olympic gold medalist, jumped up to the podium to give Brown a tissue.

Brown was not crying because of the loss of his high school coach, Jim Brownfield. Brown was crying because of what Brownfield, who coached the Mustangs football team for 16 years, did for him. And for the thousands of athletes who were in similar shoes.

"He had a vision for you," Brown recalled. "You did not know what you could do, but he knew what you could do with your life and he wanted you to do the best you could do."

The athletes were among the roughly 200 who attended a celebration of Brownfield's life. Brownfield died May 24 after a nearly 14-month battle after having heart surgery. He was 81.

The celebration featured 16 speakers, including athletes who were coached by Brownfield, those who played against a Brownfield team, fellow coaches, National Football Foundation executives and a former Tournament of Roses director. Ricky Ervins, who played for the Washington Redskins, was able to make two appearances on the podium.

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CLICK HERE FOR A PHOTO GALLERY FROM FRIDAY'S HALL OF FAME GAME

By Steve Ramirez, Staff Writer

BALDWIN PARK - The best talent in the San Gabriel Valley continues to rest in the East. That was made abundantly clear Friday night.

Diamond Ranch's Gus Viramontes had 208 total yards and threw three touchdown passes and South Hills' Geoffrey Vaughns had 66 yards receiving and two scores as the East won for the second consecutive year and stretched its series lead to 19-10-2 with a 40-0 thrashing of its West counterparts during the 31st San Gabriel Valley Hall of Fame Game at Baldwin Park High School.

The 40 points scored by the East is the most in the series, and the East registered the fourth shutout.

Viramontes, who threw for 150 yards and rushed for 58 more, earned East MVP. Monrovia's Josh Lowden was West MVP.

The West looked like it might get the early advantage after Azusa's Kendrec McDade laid the ball on the ground on his own 37.

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2010 ALL-AREA SOFTBALL
FIRST TEAM
COACH OF THE YEAR: Jaime Preciado, San Gabriel Mission
PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Allie Forillo, La Salle, Sr.
Pitcher: Lauren O'Leary, La Cañada, Jr.
Pitcher: Michelle Floyd, San Marino, Fr.
Utility: Katie Clancy, Mayfield, Jr.
Catcher: Catherine Horner, La Cañada, So.
Infield: Shelby Gogreve, South Pasadena, Sr.
Infield: Anna Edwards, La Cañada, Jr.
Infield: Sterling Shuster, La Salle, Jr.
Infield: Annie Sommers, Maranatha, Jr.
Outfield: Alexis Watanabe, San Marino, So.
Outfield: Jessica Loicano, Temple City, Jr.
Outfield: Colleen McWilliams, La Salle, So.

SECOND TEAM
Pitcher: Lauren Cox, La Cañada, So.
Pitcher: Nicole Holguin, San Gabriel Mission, So.
Catcher: Marissa Sanchez, San Gabriel Mission, Sr.
Utility: Mireya Hernandez, Mayfield, Fr.
Infield: Sam Miller, Arcadia, Sr.
Infield: Alashanee Medina, Keppel, So.
Infield: Megan Latta, Pasadena Poly, Sr.
Infield: Erika James, Marshall, Sr.
Outfield: Emily McQuaid, Arcadia, Sr.
Outfield: Megan Martin, La Cañada, Sr.
Outfield: Lauren Sanchez, Alverno, Sr.

CLICK ON THREAD FOR STORIES, TIDBITS AND PHOTOS OF FIRST TEAM

2010 ALL-AREA BASEBALL
FIRST TEAM
COACH OF THE YEAR: Steve Gewecke, Alhambra
PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Dylan Covey, Maranatha, Sr.
Pitcher: KJ Edson, Arcadia, Jr.
Pitcher: Aaron Murphree, Monrovia, Sr.
Utility: Jonathan Larson, Arcadia, Sr.
Catcher: Dave Hubinger, St. Francis, Jr.
Infield: Nick Bueno, Monrovia, Jr.
Infield: Charlie Baxter, Pasadena Poly, Sr.
Infield: Dusty Sanderson, Temple City, Sr.
Infield: Garrett Tuck, Arcadia, Sr.
Outfield: Branden Pultz, Temple City, Sr.
Outfield: Jonathan Beltran, Alhambra, Sr.
Outfield: Greg Saldate, Alhambra, Sr.

SECOND TEAM
Pitcher: Ethan Bramschreiber, St. Francis, Sr.
Pitcher: Chris Calver, Monrovia, Sr.
Catcher: Adrian Velasco, Monrovia, Jr.
Utility: Angel Acosta, Gabrielino, So.
Infield: Bowdien Derby, La Salle, So.
Infield: Danny Beckwith, Maranatha, Sr.
Infield: Robert Nakamura, Monrovia, Sr.
Infield: Justin Smith, Temple City, Sr.
Outfield: Jordan Kutzer, Pasadena Poly, Jr.
Outfield: Justin De La Nuez, Monrovia, Sr.
Outfield: Tim Kim, La Cañada, Sr.

CLICK ON THREAD FOR STORIES, TIDBITS AND PHOTOS OF FIRST TEAM

The impact Jim Brownfield had on his students and athletes alike was immense.

It's appropriate then that Brownfield, who was a teacher and coach for more than 40 years in Southern California, will have a memorial service spread across two days at three different sites.

There will be a "Celebration of Life" for Brownfield on Friday at Forest Lawn Hollywood Hills. The public memorial in the Hall of Liberty will be open to the public from 6 to 8 p.m. Doors open at 5 p.m.

A capacity crowd of 1,300 is expected to attend the memorial where there will be video tributes and guest speakers from those who were students or worked alongside Brownfield's career.

On Saturday, Loyola Marymount will have a memorial dedication from 2 to 5 p.m. Some members of the 1969 Loyola University footbal team that won a national championship during Brownfield's lone year as head coach are expected to attend.

There also will be a memorial at Muir High School's football field from 4 to 7 p.m. More than 50 former Brownfield students are scheduled to speak. Both memorials will be open to the public.

Under Brownfield, Muir won two CIF-Southern Section football titles in 1985 and 1986. He led the girls Mustangs track team to four CIF-SS track titles and two CIF State titles in 1985 and 1989. He also served as an assistant under John McKay at USC and was enshrined into the National High School Athletic Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 1998.

Brownfield, who died at 81 on May 24 after heart complications, did not want a funeral. He was cremated nearly two weeks after his death.

Brownfield's brother, Warren, said the fact there will be several memorials is a testament to the lives Brownfield influenced over his career.

"It's very touching to see how many people's lives he's touched," he said, "and now they're all coming back to pay their respects."

Brownfield coached Muir to national prominence in the 1980's and 90's, compiling a 191-41-1 record, 22 league title sand six CIF championships as coach in various sports across 16 years.

Among Brownfield's former students are 1996 Olympic gold medalist Inger Miller and Linetta Wilson; Ricky Ervins, the 1990 Rose Bowl MVP at USC who helped the Washington Redskins win Super Bowl XXVI his rookie season; and Pro Bowl NFL linebacker Chad Brown.

Brownfield's memorial was initially scheduled to be held in the Court of Champions at the Rose Bowl, but the site already was booked.

2010 ALL-ALMONT LEAGUE
MOST VALUABLE PLAYER
Lauren Herman, Schurr

PITCHER OF THE YEAR
Alashanee Medina, Mark Keppel

FIRST TEAM
Natalie Gutierrez, Alhambra
Carmelita Wimberly, Alhambra
Ashly Lopez, Bell Gardens
Brittani Hirose, Mark Keppel
Cecily Ramirez, Mark Keppel
Brianna Becerra, Mark Keppel
Anisa Carrasco, Montebello
Valerie Aguilar, Montebello
Jaquelynn Hilton, San Gabriel
Jacklyn Zacarias, Schurr
Megan Coronado, Schurr
Aishia Ruiz, Schurr
Monique Troncoza, Schurr

SECOND TEAM
Brittanie Garcia, Alhambra
Donna Lara, Alhambra
Lisette Cruz, Bell Gardens
Angelica Pena, Mark Keppel
Vanessa Mendez, Mark Keppel
Amanda Ruacho, Mark Keppel
Jacqueline Lopez, Montebello
Michelle Contreras, Montebello
Brandy Torres, San Gabriel
Lauren Coronado, Schurr
Jaimee Rivera, Schurr
Jessica Rivera, Schurr
Kandace Mendez, Schurr

HONORABLE MENTION
Mollie Zorrilla, Alhambra
Vanessa Juarez, Bell Gardens
Breanna Jimenez, Mark Keppel
Sabrina Cerventes, Montebello
Gabby Rivera, San Gabriel
BriAnna Bolanos, Schurr

2010 ALL-ALMONT LEAGUE
MOST VALUABLE PLAYER
Luis Saballos, Bell Gardens

PITCHER OF THE YEAR
Jonathan Beltran, Alhambra

FIRST TEAM
Greg Saldate, Alhambra
Frankie Wright, Alhambra
Juan Crespo, Alhambra
Isaiah Marin, Alhambra
Joshua Flores, Bell Gardens
Albert Flores, Bell GArdens
Gilbert Ortega, Bell Gardens
Andrew Fraire, Mark Keppel
Dennis Cisneros, Montebello
Michael Aguilar, Montebello
Christian Madrid, Schurr
David Aguilar, Schurr

SECOND TEAM
Christian Alas, Alhambra
Vailele Peko, Alhambra
Luis Solis, Alhambra
Rafael Barrios, Alhambra
Danny Romero, Bell Gardens
Dennis Orozco, Bell Gardens
Carlos Gonzalez, Bell Gardens
Max Katz, Mark Keppel
Walter Aguilar, Montebello
Alex Guerrero, Montebello
Nathan Delgado, Schurr
Matthew Mayo, Schurr
Dale Beck, San Gabriel
Luis Huerta, San Gabriel

HONORABLE MENTION
Jesus Lopez, Alhambra
Juan Morales, Alhambra
Israel Gonzalez, Bell Gardens
Fernando Colmenares, Bell Gardens
Nick Leonard, Mark Keppel
Anthony Milan, Montebello
Mike Maldonado, Montebello
Carlos Arredondo, Schurr
Oscar Sarabia, Schurr
Jesus Valdez, San Gabriel
Paul Lopez, San Gabriel

A while back I wrote that Vailele Peko would be the more suitable player to run the deception-based offense that is the Wing-T offense, recently installed by first-year Alhambra head football coach Lou Torres. I had written that Peko's speed, agility and athleticism made him the obvious choice to head the offense. Well, you can throw all that out the window. We've just been informed that Peko has transferred to powerhouse La Habra. The news came this morning and was delivered by Torres in an interview this afternoon. This is a big loss for the Moors' football team and baseball team, but a huge gain for the Highlanders. To what extent this news will affect the Moors is still uncertain. The fact of the matter is there will be a new face and some dry feet taking snaps in the backfield with a sophomore likely to take the reigns at quarterback. The benefit Alhambra has going for itself is the fact it returns an experienced line that will provide protection in the pocket and on the run as well.

Courtesy of Covey family

RELATED LINKS

Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel: Top pick Covey meets Brewers

MLB.com: Brewers use top pick on prep righty Covey

Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel: Brewers take 18-year-old pitcher Covey in draft

Pasadena Star-News: Maranatha's Covey selected 14th overall by the Milwaukee Brewers

MLB.com reports that Dylan Covey donned the Milwaukee Brewers' uniform for the first time on Monday. The right-hander, along with his parents and his two older brothers, made a 45-minute drive south from Pasadena, Calif., to visit with Milwaukee players before their Interleague series against the Angels. MLB.com goes on to report that the first player to greet Covey was none other than future Hall of Fame pitcher Trevor Hoffman. I interviewed Trevor's brother, Glenn, a while back in San Diego and he's a real class act. We must have sat in the clubhouse for an hour having lunch, and this was after I was done interviewing him and Bud Black. I'm sure Trevor comes from the same fabric. What a thrill to get your first "welcome aboard" handshake come from a legend. If you missed it, there's also video of Covey's selection on Draft Day and analysis from MLB Network studio analysts, which includes another legend, Peter Gammons. By the way, BrewCrewBall.com has a great Q&A with Dylan. Pretty good stuff, and a really funny picture of a hybrid Dylan/Hulk photo in the comments section.

No time to relax in the summer, over the next two months Keith and I will be working on PrepXtra, a magazine of 40-50 pages that will serve as our prep football preview instead of the traditional six-page newspaper special section that we produce every fall. This will be similar to our Rose Magazine and with the additional space we will be able to write a preview of every football team in the area, not just a league overview with a capsule. It's the most ambitious project we've tried yet, which will include columns, features, and of course a cover story and picture that will set up the 2010 season. I'm taking suggestions on the cover shot and story, and any other items you would like to see in the magazine.

Last year's cover: The top six area athletes making headlines are featured. We've gone the traditional route, but we're taking suggestions for this year's cover shot. Any thoughts?

2010 ALL-ALPHA LEAGUE
MOST VALUABLE PLAYER
Dylan Covey (12) Maranatha)

CHAMPIONSHIP COACH
Brian DeHaan, Maranatha

FIRST TEAM
Evan Abraham (11) Brentwood
Jonathan Lopez (12) Calvary Chapel Downey
Matthew Picos (12) Calvary Chapel Downey
Spencer Troutman (12) Calvary Chapel Downey
Danny Beckwith (12) Maranatha
Erik Johnson (12) Maranatha
Mark Jebbia (11) Maranatha
Mylz Jones (10) Paraclete
Ben Sitz (12) Paraclete
Tim Torsney (12) Paraclete
P.J. Kinney (12) Village Christian
Tyler Neil (12) Village Christian

SECOND TEAM
Aaron Fritts (9) Brentwood
Joshua Jones (12) Calvary Chapel Downey
Danny Salas (11) Calvary Chapel Downey
Matt Chavez (12) Maranatha
Schafer Chulay (12) Maranatha
Sam Frakes (11) Maranatha
Tony Li (12) Maranatha
Daniel Rasmussen (9) Maranatha
Alez Macbeth (12) Paraclete
David Metzgar (9) Paraclete
Steven Gorman (12) Village Christian
Brett Rolls (12) Village Christian

2010 ALL-ALPHA LEAGUE
MOST VALUABLE PLAYER
Shannon McQueen (12) Crossroads

CHAMPIONSHIP COACH
Scott Sommers, Maranatha

FIRST TEAM
Jenny Cherry (12) Campbell Hall
Kaitie Czuchaj (11) Maranatha
Lauren Cruz (9) Maranatha
Leah Heefner (12) Maranatha
Natalie Moreno (12) Maranatha
Annie Sommers (11) Maranatha
Erika James (12) Marshall
Cierra Newton (10) Marshall
Amy Zeronian (9) Marshall
Alayna Held (11) Windward
Hannah Holmes (9) Windward
Nora Martin-Resnick (10) Windward

Below: One of my favorite photos of the year ...

SECOND TEAM
Mackenzie Cendrowski (11) Campbell Hall
Jasmine Anderson (10) Crossroads
Laura Brow (12) Maranatha
Sara Kert (12) Maranatha
Elysha McAllister (9) Maranatha
Katelyn Thordarson (10) Maranatha
Heather Wilson (11) Maranatha
Natalie Hale (10) Marshall
Ruth Kamm (10) Marshall
Hilary Bernstein (12) Windward
Danielle Joy (9) Windward
Ashley Smith (9) Windward

2010 ALL-MISSION VALLEY LEAGUE
MOST VALUABLE PLAYER
Angel Acosta (Soph) - Gabrielino

FIRST TEAM
OUTFIELD
Andrew Valdez (Sr) - Gabrielino
Manny Pantoja (Sr) - South El Monte
Josh Arambula (Sr) - Arroyo
INFIELD
Brendan Campbell (Soph) - Gabrielino
Johnny Moreno (Soph) - Gabrielino
Lalo Acevedo (Sr) - South El Monte
Jerry Ponce (Jr) - Mountain View
David Guerrero (Jr) - Arroyo
Mike Gradillas (Sr) - Rosemead
CATCHER
Keith Clapp (Sr) - Gabrielino
PITCHER
Matt Nguyen (Sr) - South El Monte
Freddy Pereyra (Sr) - Mountain View
UTILITY
Vinnie Albelo (Soph) - Gabrielino, P/1B/2B/3B/RF
Mark Roche (Jr) - Arroyo, P/3B/1B
DESIGNATED HITTER
Ray Benavides (Sr) - South El Monte

SECOND TEAM
OUTFIELD
Joey Sloane (Sr) - Gabrielino
Bryan Villa (Sr) - South El Monte
Mark Acosta (Sr) - South El Monte
INFIELD
Hector Guzman (Soph) - Mountain View
Antonio Ruiz (Fr) - El Monte
Casey Lopez (Jr) - El Monte
Isaac Rodriguez (Soph) - Rosemead
Paul Cruz (Jr) - Rosemead
CATCHER
Gus Hernandez (Sr) - El Monte
PITCHER
Roman Davalos (Jr) - Arroyo
Danny Farfan (Jr) - El Monte
UTILITY
Martin Gutierrez (Sr) - South El Monte, C/P
Felix Hernandez (Soph) - Mountain View, P/SS/OF

HONORABLE MENTION
Matt Lok (Sr) - Gabrielino, OF/2B
Nathaniel Sarkar (Jr) - Gabrielino, 1B/3B/DH
Angel Moroyoqui (Soph) - Mountain View, OF
Christian Duarte (Sr) - Mountain View, OF
Willie Moguel (Sr) - Rosemead, DH

By Keith Lair, Staff Writer

Expect the Pasadena High School football team to be fast this fall.

It's what Randy Horton knows and expects and what he said the Bulldogs have been working on all spring. Horton was approved to coach the football team by the Pasadena Unified School District last month.

He replaces Mike McFarland, who went 5-5 in his only year with the Bulldogs. McFarland has taken over at Temple City. Horton was an assistant coach at Temple City last season under Anthony White, who was with the Rams for only one season.

"We're going to be up-tempo," Horton said. "We're treating this like a college program because we want the kids to get used to that."

Horton was the speed coach for former UCLA coach DeWayne Walker. The 40-year-old has also been a personal trainer for NFL players and those who have participated in the NFL combine. Some of the players he has worked with include Arizona defensive back Matt Ware and St. Louis linebacker K.C. Asiodu.

This will be the first time he has been a head coach. After Walker, who coached Horton at Mt. SAC, left UCLA in 2007, Horton became the defensive coordinator at Pasadena in '08 and then was the strength and conditioning coach at Temple City last season. He also was an assistant coach at Pasadena in '05 and '06. He was a finalist for the Pasadena position when McFarland got the job.

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2010 ALL-DEL REY LEAGUE
MOST VALUABLE PLAYER
Rio Ruiz, Bishop Amat, So.

MOST VALUABLE PITCHER
Paul Paez, Bishop Amat, Sr.

FIRST TEAM
Paul Paez, Bishop Amat, Sr.
Jerry McClanahan, Bishop Amat, Sr.
Brandon McNitt, Bishop Amat, Sr.
Joseph Eusebio, Bishop Amat, Sr.
Adrian Franco, Bishop Amat, Jr.
Jay Anderson, Bishop Amat, Jr.
Bernardo Zavala, Bishop Amat, Jr.
Rio Ruiz, Bishop Amat, So.
Nick Oddo, St. Paul, Sr.
Gabriel Encina, St. Paul, Sr.
Evan Sanchez, St. Paul, Sr.
Anthony Gonzalez, St. Paul, Jr.
Bowdien Derby, La Salle, So.
Chris Williams, La Salle, So.
Eddie McLaughlin, Bishop Montgomery, Sr.

SECOND TEAM
Andrew Chico, St. Paul, Sr.
Tim Gonzalez, St. Paul, Sr.
Chris Wilson, St. Paul, Sr.
James Harmon, La Salle, Sr.
Michael Bottala, La Salle, Sr.
Brian Hill, La Salle, Sr.
Garry Goebel, La Salle, Jr.
AJ Kissinger, Bishop Montgomery, Sr.
Johnny McLaughlin, Bishop Montgomery, Jr.
Christian Sarabia, Bishop Montgomery, Jr.
Andrew Garbe, Bishop Montgomery
James Morgutia, Cantwell Sacred Heart, Jr.
Chris Montero, Cantwell Sacred Heart, Jr.
Alex Avellaneda, Cantwell Sacred Heart, Fr.
Francisco Hernandez, Cantwell Sacred Heart, Sr.

2010 ALL-CAMINO REAL LEAGUE
MOST VALUABLE PLAYER
Allie Forillo, La Salle, Sr.

MOST VALUABLE PITCHER
Allie Forillo, La Salle, Sr.

FIRST TEAM
Allie Forillo, La Salle, Sr.
Sterling Shuster, La Salle, Jr.
Victoria Baltazar, La Salle, So.
Samantha Krost, La Salle, Sr.
Stephanie Ferri, La Salle, Fr.
Colleen McWilliams, La Salle, So.
Danielle Cullen, St. Monica, Sr.
Alex Villa, St. Monica, So.
Alex Wolansky, St. Monica, Jr.
Haleigh Pellecer, St. Monica, Sr.
Alyssa Gutierrez, Mary Star, So.
Rikki Legaspi-Valdez, Mary Star, Fr.
Veronica Webb, Mary Star, So.
Emily Demers, Mary Star, So.
Alexandria Thompson, Serra, Jr.

SECOND TEAM
Katie Smither, La Salle, Fr.
Meaghan Allen, La Salle, So.
Leslie Flores, St. Monica, Sr.
Shaina Hernandez, St. Monica, Jr.
Emily Miller, St. Monica, So.
Elizabeth Gomez, Mary Star, So.
Alina Rivas, Mary Star, So.
Soiel Atenza, Mary Star, So.
Danielle Odums, Serra, Fr.
Kelly Bautista, Serra, Sr.
Emily Cooper, Serra, Sr.
Chynna Council, Serra, Fr.
Alexandria Edward, St. Bernard, Sr.
Cimone Pernell, St. Bernard, Fr.
Sara Dennis-Keep, St. Bernard, Fr.
Somer Johnson, St. Bernard, Fr.

2010 ALL-PREP LEAGUE
MOST VALUABLE PLAYER
Megan Latta, senior, Pasadena Poly

MOST VALUABLE PITCHER
Katie Clancy, junior, Mayfield

FIRST TEAM
Katie Clancy, junior, Mayfield
Laurel German, junior, Pasadena Poly
Mireya Hernandez, freshman, Mayfield
Katherine Kilmer, senior, Webb
Kara Kirby, junior, Rio Hondo Prep
Megan Latta, senior, Pasadena Poly
Sarah Luccenti, freshman, Chadwick
Jessica Parada, freshman, Mayfield
Charley Parker, junior, Rio Hondo Prep
Brenda Soto, sophomore, Westridge
Stephanie Tercero, junior, Pasadena Poly
Denis Van Der Goot, junior, Flintridge Prep
Emma Vine, senior, Flintridge Prep

SECOND TEAM
Lauren Armenta, junior, Mayfield
Kayli Bra, junior, Rio Hondo Prep
Claire Davis, freshman, Westridge
Abby Deckop, junior, Flintridge Prep
Carson Dittman, senior, Chadwick
Hannah Dunham, senior, Pasadena Poly
Kelly Habib, sophomore, Westridge
Megan Kilmer, sophomore, Webb
Hannah Martin, junior, Rio Hondo Prep
Claire Penney, freshman, Mayfield
Julia Skrovan, junior, Westridge
Julia Tsai, junior, Pasadena Poly
Kelly Wang, junior, Flintridge Prep

2010 ALL-RIO HONDO LEAGUE
MOST VALUABLE PLAYERS
Nick Bueno, Monrovia, Junior
Aaron Murphree, Monrovia, Senior

FIRST TEAM
Chris Calver, pitcher, Monrovia, Senior
Calvin Copping, pitcher, Temple City, Sophomore
Adrian Velasco, catcher, Monrovia, Junior
Jairo Jiorge, infield, Monrovia, Junior
Dusty Sanderson, infield, Temple City, Senior
Robert Nakamura, infield, Monrovia, Senior
Justin Smith, infield, Temple City, Senior
Stevie Yortsos, Infield, San Marino, Senior
Jimmy Bradley, outfield, Monrovia, Senior
Tim Kim, outfield, La Cañada, Senior
Justin De La Nuez, outfield, Monrovia, Senior
Brandon Perry, utility, South Pasadena, Junior
Julian Jarrard, utility, Junior
Branden Pultz, outfield, Temple City

SECOND TEAM
Brett Smith, pitcher, Blair, Senior
Chris Warren, pitcher, San Marino, Senior
Anthony D'Oro, pitcher, South Pasadena, Junior
Robert Bañuelos, catcher, Blair, Senior
Ruben Jara, catcher, Temple City, Senior
Tyler Ryan, infield, South Pasadena, Senior
Michael lee, infield, La Cañada, Senior
Doug Mayberry, infield, San Marino, Junior
Niko Horwith, infield, La Cañada, Senior
Scott Stetson, infield, La Cañada, Junior
Alec Vigil, outfield, Temple City, Junior
Jonah Jarrard, outfield, Temple City, Sophomore
Brian Swanson, outfield, South Pasadena, Junior
Tarik El'Abour, outfield, San Marino, Senior

2010 ALL-RIO HONDO LEAGUE

MOST VALUABLE PLAYERS
Anna Edwards, La Cañada, Junior
Shelby Gogreve, South Pasadena, Senior

MOST VALUABLE PITCHERS
Lauren O'Leary, La Cañada, Junior
Lauren Cox, La Cañada, Sophomore

FIRST TEAM
Catherine Horner, La Cañada, Sophomore
Megan Martin, La Cañada, Senior
Kayla McCue, La Cañada, Junior
Alexis Watanabe, San Marino, Sophomore
Michelle Floyd, San Marino, Freshman
Jackie Martinez, San Marino, Sophomore
Catherine Barth, San marino, Senior
Danielle Rodriguez, Temple City, Senior
Lenae Sanchez, Temple City, Senior
Jessica Loicano, Temple City, Junior
Schae Simpson, Monrovia, Sophomore
Courtney Dunalp, South Pasadena, Senior
Brooke Cowell, Monrovia, Senior

SECOND TEAM
Kelsey Drange, La Cañada, Freshman
Shirley Drange, La Cañada, Junior
Selena Mohr, La Cañada, Freshman
Laura Wilson, San Marino, Senior
Sami Jakeway, Temple City, Sophomore
Jessica Flores, Temple City, Junior
Brianna Lucas, Monrovia, Senior
Kelly Williams, Monrovia, Junior
Laura Parada, South Pasadena, Junior
Mackenzie Johnson, South Pasadena, Senior

2010 ALL-PACIFIC LEAGUE
Player of the Year: Garrett Tuck, Arcadia High School
Coach of the Year: Nick Lemas, Arcadia High School

FIRST TEAM
Lonnie Kauppila- Burbank High School
Jonathan Larson- Arcadia High School
K.J. Edson- Arcadia High School
Ryne Kahikina- John Burroughs High School
Christian Garia- John Burroughs High School
McCauley Taylor- Burbank High School
Elliot Surrey- Crescenta Valley High School
Troy Mulcahey- Crescenta Valley High School
Nate Rousey- Crescenta Valley High School
Chris Rucker- Pasadena High School
Robert Lain- Pasadena High School

SECOND TEAM
Haram Park- Arcadia High School
Jonathan Tom- Arcadia High School
Brandon Lawton- John Burroughs High School
David Goldberg- Burbank High School
Brandon Zepeda- Burbank High School
Kyle Pomeroy- Crescenta Valley High School
Zak Fields- Glendale High School
Bobby Romero- Hoover High School
Adrian Carillo- Pasadena High School
Kevin Winder- Pasadena High School

HONORABLE MENTION
Kristian Noguchi-Salazar- Arcadia High School
Nate Albers- John Burroughs High School
Dylan Mersola- Burbank High School
Cole Currie- Crescenta Valley High School
Bennett Koss- Glendale High School
Tyler Delzell- Hoover High School
Ives Brown- Pasadena High School
Keon Seymore- John Muir High School

2010 ALL-PACIFIC LEAGUE
Player of the Year: Erin Ashby Jr. Pitcher/Infield, Crescenta Valley High School
Coach of the Year: Jose Valle-, John Burroughs High School

FIRST TEAM
Infielders
Kassy Uchida Sr.- Burbank High School
Megan Schafer Sr.- Burbank High School
Alyssa Sovereign Sr.- Crescenta Valley High School
Sydney House Jr.- Crescenta Valley High School
Vanessa Simile Sr.- John Burroughs High School
Pitchers
Christina Iezza Sr.- Hoover High School
Casey Ramirez Jr.- Glendale High School
Heather Haynes So.- John Burroughs High School
Catchers
Samantha Miller Sr.- Arcadia High School
Shannon Trujillo So.- John Burroughs High School

SECOND TEAM
Infielders
Hallie White Jr.- John Burroughs High School
Kaitlyn Williams Fr.- Hoover High School
Allison Lacey So.- Crescenta Valley High School
Kassi Smith Sr.- Burbank High School
Outfielders
Emily Odio Sr.- John Burroughs High School
Meghan Spencer Fr.- Glendale High School
Ashley Ortiz Sr.- Burbank High School
Emily McQuaid Sr.- Arcadia High School
Jena Serranzana Sr.- John Burroughs High School

HONORABLE MENTION
Infielders
Taylor Bulivac Jr.- John Burroughs High School
Korbin Law Sr.- John Muir High School
Alyssa Meredith Sr.- Burbank High School
Blaire Barchan Jr.- Arcadia High School
Outfielders
Kenya Buckley So.- Hoover High School
Nicole Salas Sr.- Crescenta Valley High School
Catcher
Janette Avina So.- Glendale High School

Beginning Friday and each day forward, I'll post All-League lists from those we've received. We have the Rio Hondo, Prep (softball) and Camino Real League lists. I have some names of those in the Pacific and Almont who made first/second team, but I'd like to have the entire list if possible so we can post them. E-mail them to miguel.melendez@sgvn.com. Thanks!

Friday: Pacific League (baseball/softball)
Saturday: Rio Hondo League (baseball/softball)
Sunday: Prep League (softball)
Monday: Camino Real League (softball); Del Rey League (baseball)

Still need Almont League (baseball/softball), Prep League (baseball) and Alpha League (baseball).

The annual KG Sports Training Foundation Underclassmen All-Star Game will take place Saturday at 2 p.m. at Gladstone High School. The foundation will award a $1,000 scholarship and a $50 gift card to a local sporting goods store. Keppel coach Houston Hernandez and his staff will coach the Blue team, and Covina coach Pete Loaiza will coach the Grey team, flanked by Darren Murphy (Northview), Tom Quinley (Charter Oak), Gil Adame (Covina) and Andrew Hanson (Covina) as his assistants. Click on thread to see the rosters for both teams.

Above: Arcadia's Amar Moussa ,right, races against Loyola's Elias Gedyon ,left, and Trabuco Hills Jantzen Oshier in the 1,600 meter run during the CIF-SS Track and Field Masters meet at Cerritos College May 28, 2010 in Cerritos. (SGVN/Staff Photo by Keith Birmingham/SPORTS)

By Keith Lair, Staff Writer

CLOVIS - The high school track and field season is not quite over for some athletes.

Yes, the CIF State finals have come and gone but some area athletes have not slowed down. Arcadia High School's Ammar Moussa has been invited to compete in the inaugural Jim Ryun High School Dream Mile on Saturday in New York City.

"That meet will have 15,000 people in a bowl and it is really cool," the junior said. "It is set up for a great time."

The meet is part of the adidas Grand Prix and will be at sold-out Icahn Stadium. The event includes numerous events with world-class athletes.

Moussa won the CIF State cross country title last November and finished third in the CIF State 3,200 meters last Saturday. He also won a CIF-Southern Section Division I title in the 3,200.

Ten boys and 10 girls have been selected from around the country to compete in the meet. The international Grand Prix circuit will make only one other stop in the U.S., in Eugene, Ore.

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Above: UCLA Bruin starting left handed pitcher Rob Rasmussen (27) of Arcadia and former Pasadena Poly standout during the Dodgertown Classic at Dodger Stadium as the Bruins beat the Trojans 6-1 in front of 14,000 plus fans February 28. (SGVN/Staff Photo by Keith Birmingham/SPORTS)

Rob Rasmussen gave up signing with the Dodgers as a 27th-round selection three years ago in Major League Baseball's first-year player draft.

The former Pasadena Poly standout said he wasn't ready for the pros and was adamant about attending UCLA.

Ready or not, here he comes.

The former Star-News Player of the Year on Tuesday was selected 73rd overall in the second round by the Florida Marlins.

The junior left-hander is in the midst of leading the Bruins in the NCAA Super Regionals. UCLA plays Cal State Fullerton beginning Friday at Jackie Robinson Stadium for a trip to the College World Series.

He struck out seven in six innings to record his 10th win of the season and lead UCLA to its second NCAA Super Regionals in the last four years. He has 108 strikeouts this season with a 2.90 ERA and 27 walks in 90 innings.

Rasmussen was one of nine UCLA players selected in the draft and became the earliest Bruins draft selection since 2006, when David Huff was drafted in the supplemental first round (39th overall) by the Cleveland Indians. Rasmussen also was the first UCLA player drafted in the second round since 2007, when Brant Rustich was selected by the New York Mets.

"His mother and I are very, very excited," Rasmussen's father, Dale, said.

"Rob has worked very hard. It's a great thing for Rob, the Bruins and our family."

Rasmussen was limited to nine games as a freshman because of a broken foot he suffered after being hit by a line drive in his college debut. He missed 10 weeks before returning near the end of the season.

As a sophomore, Rasmussen went 4-2 with a 6.45 ERA in 18 games (six as a starter).

Former St. Francis standout Christian Bergman, now at UC Irvine, was selected in the 24th round (740th overall) by the Colorado Rockies.

Bergman was 9-3 this season and an All-Big West second-team honoree after pitching 101 2/3 innings, striking out 78 and walking just 16. Bergman pitched a near-perfect game this season, facing the minimum batters in a one-hit win, and was voted the Collegiate Baseball "Louisville Slugger" National Player of the Week for his performance.

By Keith Lair, Staff Writer

TEMPLE CITY -- Megan Martin missed playing softball.

Sure, she played fall and travel ball, but she said she just missed playing at the high school level. She played for La Ca ada High School her freshman year, but didn't return to the team until the recently concluded season.

And when she came back, she was content to play in the outfield, not where she typically plays in travel ball: pitcher.

"I've been doing it since fourth grade when I started playing softball," she said of pitching. "I played fall ball and it reminded me how much fun softball was and I just came back."

She had a good reason for not being able to pitch. The Spartans won their second consecutive Rio Hondo League title behind the pitching of Lauren O'Leary and Lauren Cox, who pitched in nearly every game.

"It did not really bother me," she said. "I really like playing the outfield a lot. I knew I would play every game. Both Laurens have done phenomenal jobs. They're great pitchers."

The lone game they did not pitch, Martin started. She pitched four innings in a 10-2 nonleague win over Maranatha.

On Tuesday, Martin baffled Private School hitters with her change-ups and the Public team defeated the Private team for the first time, 2-0, in the Public vs. Private All-Star softball game played at Temple City's Live Oak Park.

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Above: There were nearly 75 friends and family members who attended Dylan Covey's MLB Draft party. The room literally shook when MLB Commissioner Bud Selig made the announcement on MLB Network. The excitement and awe was captured by Star-News photographer Eric Reed. Our many thanks to the Covey family for allowing us to be part of the day, and many thanks to the Lee family for allowing us into their beautiful home.

By Miguel A. Melendez, Staff Writer

PASADENA -- The normally cool, calm and collected Dylan Covey couldn't hold his emotions anymore.

The senior pitcher from Maranatha High School erupted in celebration after he was selected 14th overall by the Milwaukee Brewers in Major League Baseball's first-year player draft on Monday.

Dozens of friends and family members packed Dr. Sam and Angela Lee's residence in Pasadena to anxiously await the inevitable.

Covey exploded onto the national scene in his sophomore year when he pitched at the PGWWBA World Championship in Jupiter, Fla. He struck out 18 batters in a game against the Kansas City Royals scouts team and drew raves from the reported 350 or so scouts in attendance.

The 6-foot-2, 200-pound senior right-hander led the Minutemen (19-10) to the CIF Southern Section Division 5 quarterfinals this past season and posted a 7-1 record with three saves, a 0.40 ERA, 138 strikeouts and 20 walks in 70.2 innings. He also hit .414 with a home run and 17 RBIs and led the Minutemen to a Division 5 championship last year.

Covey's 96 mile-per-hour fastball wowed more than several dozen scouts who attended his games this year.

His sharp breaking ball reaches an above-average velocity in the 78-82 mph range. Aside from his athletic gifts it was his humble demeanor that made him attractive to so many professional teams.

It culminated in MLB Commissioner Bud Selig announcing Covey's name. It didn't matter that he mispronounced it.

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Below: Dylan Covey's image on the TV screen after being picked 14th overall by the Milwaukee Brewers. As he put it, it was his last day as a kid.

The Public vs. Private All-Stars begin practice today at Live Oak Park in Temple City. The Private All-Stars begin practice at 4 p.m. followed by the Public All-Stars at 6 p.m. The annual All-Star game is Tuesday beginning with the home run derby at 4:30 p.m. followed by the game at 6 p.m. Click on thread to see team rosters.

By Keith Lair, Staff Writer

CLOVIS - Sam Pons dreamed he was running as fast as he could and was getting passed right and left.

Fortunately, dreams don't always come true.

The junior from South Pasadena High School took the lead in the 3,200 meters halfway through the race and pulled away to win a CIF State track and field championship on Saturday night in front of 9,572 at Clovis' Buchanan High.

"I imagined winning this race and then imagined seeing a shadow, and that's the worst feeling in the world when you know you can't go any faster," he said of his dream. "Nobody was there this time. It may have been the hardest race I've ever run. I hurt a lot.

"But I'm the state champion right now."

Pons covered the eight laps in a personal-best time of 8 minutes, 55.40 seconds, the seventh-fastest time in the nation. Arcadia junior Ammar Moussa, the CIF State cross country champion, finished third in 8:57.42, also a personal best.

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Above: Temple City's Dusty Sanderson tags out Monrovia's Justin De La Nuez during SGV All Star Baseball Game at Moor Field in Alhambra.

By Nathan Cambridge, Correspondent

ALHAMBRA - Sunday's 15th annual San Gabriel Valley All-Star Game played at Alhambra High School's Moor Field marked an opportunity for 49 high school seniors to represent their schools for the final time.

The Red team took it to another level by hitting three home runs in a 12-7 victory over the Blues.

Glendora's Joe Winterburn, starting at catcher for the Red team, hit a three-run home run in the first inning. Winterburn won overall MVP honors to add to a resume that included winning a CIF-SS Division2 championship on Saturday.

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By Miguel A. Melendez, Staff Writer

LOS ANGELES -- Jose Lima's recent passing caught the Dodgers and the rest of the baseball world by surprise.

Lima, a 20-game winner and an All-Star during a 13-year major league career, died of an apparent heart attack in his Pasadena home May 23.

The Dodgers honored their former pitcher Sunday on Viva Los Dodgers Day by replaying on the video screen the 2004 performance at Dodger Stadium in which he sang the national anthem and "God Bless America." It drew the crowd to its feet for a rousing ovation.

Melissa Lima, Jose's former wife whom he was married to for 12 years and separated from in 2005, attended Sunday's game along with her son, Jose Lima Jr., and other friends and relatives. Melissa said Dodgers owner Frank McCourt personally invited the family.

"It was amazing," Melissa said. "I couldn't even imagine seeing him again, and there he was. It was like he was real. He was real because I could feel he was standing beside us."

CLICK HERE FOR A PHOTO GALLERY FROM STAR-NEWS PHOTOG KEITH BIRMINGHAM

Any Dodger fans out there? I covered the Braves-Dodgers game Sunday, and leave it to the Boys in Blue to go to extra innings the day the Celtics play the Lakers in Game 2 of the NBA Finals. Suffice it to say, I caught only the last 10 seconds of the game, but the Dodgers made it a great game.

By Miguel A. Melendez, Staff Writer

LOS ANGELES -- This habit of winning games late - and in extra innings, no less - is getting old for Dodgers manager Joe Torre.

No, really.

"It started with the last game on the road trip," Torre said. "It's good practice, but it helps me age a little quicker."

That may be so, but catcher A.J. Ellis certainly rejuvenated his teammates enough to run him down in center field to celebrate his winning single in the 11th inning that gave the Dodgers an electrifying 5-4 win over the Atlanta Braves on a sun-soaked Sunday afternoon at Dodger Stadium.

It was the Dodgers' fourth walk-off win in the past week and sixth this season and it was Ellis, a career minor leaguer before finding his form in the big leagues with the Dodgers, who made his lone hit count to complete a comeback from a fifth-inning 4-1 deficit.

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CLICK HERE FOR A PHOTO GALLERY FROM FRIDAY'S MARYMOUNT-LA SALLE GAME

By Miguel A. Melendez, Staff Writer

IRVINE - An unlikely source of power emerged when the La Salle High School softball team needed it most on Friday.

Freshman Katie Smither stepped to the plate in the grandest stage in front of a boisterous crowd, and she didn't waver.

Smither, unable to shake nerves and emotions running high, not only showed she belonged, she owned the moment.

Smither went 3 for 3 with a home run, double and a single to power the Lancers past Marymount of Los Angeles 6-0 to win the CIF-Southern Section Division 6 championship at Deanna Manning Stadium.

La Salle (25-6) avenged its 3-2 loss to Marymount (24-7) in last year's final to win its second CIF-SS championship in four years. It proved to be a pleasant departing gift for seniors Allie Forillo, Samantha Krost and Ashley Rodriguez, who also celebrated her birthday.

"We had one thing in mind all year, and that was to get to the CIF championship game regardless of who we were going to play," La Salle coach Rich Diaz said. "These girls believed in each other and played with a lot of desire, and there was no stopping them.

"We played a good team, but somehow we had a feeling that we wanted it more."

Marymount clearly wasn't the same team that emphatically won the title last year. The top-seeded Sailors committed too many errors (four) to overcome a staggering offense in the lopsided loss. La Salle scored six runs on 11 hits. Marymount had only four.

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By Miguel A. Melendez, Staff Writer

PASADENA -- There's a sweet charm and infectious smile to Allie Forillo that follows her no matter the setting.

Good vision and an eye for anticipation is the result of deep focus and centering that Sterling Shuster zones into, no matter the objective.

Together, the La Salle High School softball team captains blend to make a perfect pair of role models.

They're exactly what La Salle will need when it takes the field against Marymount in the CIF-Southern Section Division 6 championship game Friday afternoon at Deanna Manning Stadium in Irvine.

While Forillo and Shuster have their eyes set on that elusive CIF championship plaque -- they brought home a runner-up plaque after losing 3-2 to Marymount last year -- they go about the mission in different ways.

That their interests vastly differ makes them unique.

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Maranatha High School's Dylan Covey joined elite company Tuesday when he was named Gatorade's California Baseball Player of the Year.

The award recognizes outstanding athletic excellence, high academic achievement and exemplary character demonstrated on and off the field. Covey now becomes a finalist for the prestigious National Player of the Year award announced later this month. Past state winners include Derek Jeter (Michigan), Roy Halladay (Colorado) and Chipper Jones (Florida).

The 6-foot-2, 200-pound senior right-hander led the Minutemen (19-10) to the CIF Southern Section Division 5 quarterfinals, posting a 7-1 record with three saves, a 0.40 ERA, 138 strikeouts and 20 walks in 70.2 innings while batting .414 with a home run and 17 RBIs.

A 2009 Aflac All-American and the 2009 Division 5 Player of the Year, Covey is rated as the No. 2 prospect in 2010 by Perfect Game USA and No. 4 by Baseball America.

Covey maintained an unweighted 3.04 GPA and is active in his community where he has volunteered as part of multiple community service initiatives on behalf of his church's youth group.

"Covey is the best high school pitcher I've ever seen and I've seen some good ones," Pasadena Poly baseball coach Wayne Ellis said. "He consistently hit 94 and 95 miles per hour on our radar gun. He's as good as anyone I've ever seen."

Covey signed to play at the University of San Diego, but is expected to be an early first-round selection in Major League Baseball's Amateur Draft on Monday.

Twenty eight of the 30 Major League teams have met with Covey over the last year. He's expected to meet with San Diego Padres general manager Jed Hoyer.

After a tough loss to Campbell Hall in the quarterfinals last week, Covey and his family met with officials from the Milwaukee Brewers. The Padres, Brewers, Angels and Dodgers are showing strong interest in Covey. He and his family met with the head scout of the St. Louis Cardinals last Sunday and will meet with the Philadelphia Phillies tonight and the Minnesota Twins on Thursday night.

Covey hit the national radar screen his sophomore year at the PGWWBA World Championship in Jupiter, Florida. There, he struck out 18 batters in a game against the Kansas City Royals scouts, drawing rave reviews from the 350 or so scouts in attendance.

We will document Covey on Draft Day and bring you the scoop Monday.