January 2011 Archives

So far for football we have two area signees: St. Francis' Patrick Carroll (UNLV) and La Salle's Kishon Sanders (UTEP). We are shooting our football players at the Rose Bowl on Tuesday, and we're also doing video. As for the other sports, we want to shoot them together at the Star-News. Anyone else want to be part of our group photo? E-mail me ASAP at miguel.melendez@sgvn.com

Brooks Elby (Flintridge Prep) North Carolina
Ammar Moussa (Arcadia) Colorado
Sam Pons (South Pasadena) Princeton

ALL CIF MID-VALLEY DIVISION
Offensive Player of the Year - Nick Bueno, Monrovia
Defensive Player of the Year - Derrick Johnson, Monrovia
Coach of the Year - Ryan Maddox, Monrovia
OFFENSIVE TEAM
Pos. Name School Ht. Wt. Yr.
Back Matt Fregoso Rosemead 5-9 170 12
Back: Giovanni Rivera Sierra Vista 5-8 175 12
Back: Marquise Thomas Northview 5-8 160 12
Back: Amjed Aboul-Hosn Village Chrsitian 6-0 210 11
Back: Christian Blanco Monrovia 5-9 160 12
WR: Vinny Venegas Covina 5-9 165 11
WR: Kevin Kolbeck San Dimas 6-4 170 12
WR: Anthony Miller Arroyo 5-7 140 12
WR: Cameron Stanley Whittier Christian 6-0 175 12
WR: Jonathan Henderson Monrovia 6-0 175 12
OL: Dean Bisterfeldt Monrovia 6-1 215 12
OL: Edwin Garcia Azusa 5-10 195 12
OL: Allen Brown San Dimas 6-4 265 12
OL: Moises Torres Covina 5-11 225 12
OL: Jay Pyburn Village Christian 6-2 290 12
OL: Ryan Wallace Whittier Christian 6-3 270 11
OL: Albert Perez Schurr 6-0 255 12
QB: Nick Bueno Monrovia 5-10 170 12
QB: Aaron Cantu Schurr 6-4 195 12
UT: Steven Rivera Arroyo 5-10 180 11
PK: Jaime Toscano Baldwin Park 5-9 170 12

DEFENSIVE TEAM
Pos. Name School Ht. Wt. Yr.
DB: Charlie Cimmarusti Monrovia 5-11 180 12
DB:: Derrin Jenkins Monrovia 6-0 185 12
DB: Anthony Craft Monrovia 6-0 170 10
DB: Mike Amaya Arroyo 5-10 165 12
DB: Demetruis Jackson Baldwin Park 5-9 175 12
DB: Jordan Taylor San Dimas 5-9 165 12
DB: Alejandro Castro Schurr 5-11 170 12
LB: Derrick Johnson Monrovia 6-0 235 12
LB: Rudy Robles Whittier Christian 6-0 200 12
LB: Wardell Crutchfield Baldwin Park 5-10 210 12
LB: Anthony Flores Arroyo 5-10 180 12
LB: Jose Nunez Azusa 5-10 180 12
LB: George Frazier Monrovia 6-2 200 10
DL: Ellis McCarthy Monrovia 6-5 295 11
DL: Edwin Garcia Azusa 5-10 195 12
DL: Sam Torres Arroyo 6-1 180 12
DL: Nick Hynes Covina 6-2 210 11
DL: Jeff Worthy Whittier Christian 6-4 295 12
DL: George Flynn Whittier Christian 6-2 215 12
DL: Albert Perez Schurr 6-0 255 12
UT: Chris Binford Valley Christian/C 5-9 160 12
PU: Stephen Anderson Whittier Christian 5-10 175 12

ALL CIF SOUTHEAST DIVISION FOOTBALL:
Offensive Player of the Year - Chris Solomon, West Covina
Defensive Player of the Year - Maurice Dupleasis, West Covina
Coach of the Year - Mike Maggiore, West Covina
OFFENSIVE TEAM
Pos. Name School Yr.
Back: Max Gama La Mirada 12
Back: Elijah Penny Norwalk 12
Back: Ulises Ochoa Burbank 12
Back: Richard Alvarez La Serna 12
Back: Beejay Lee West Covina 12
QB: Chris Solomon West Covina 11
QB: Andrew Buenrostro La Serna 12
OL: Justin Northern Mayfair 12
OL: Joseph Gibson West Covina 12
OL: Isaac Luata La Mirada 12
OL: Dixxon Diaz Norwalk 12
OL: Darrell Cheng Arcadia 12
OL: Mike Cortez West Covina 12
OL: Phil Alonzo La Serna 12
WR: Aubrey Coleman Walnut 12
WR: Taylor Lagace Arcadia 11
WR: Andrew Rosales La Serna 12
WR: Steven Hernandez Santa Fe 12
WR: Matt Gelalich Bonita 12
UT: George Johnson West Covina 11
PK: Pavle Atanackovic Crescenta Valley 12

DEFENSIVE TEAM
Pos. Name School Yr.
DB: Anthony Molina West Covina 12
DB:Jerry Smith Mayfair 12
DB: Christian Ballesteros La Serna 12
DB: Christian Mahlstede Santa Fe 11
DB: Jacoby Carter Diamond Ranch 12
DB: Garrett Horine Bonita 11
DL: Justin Meaders West Covina 11
DL: Toionou Faamatua Norwalk 12
DL: Howard Vaughn Muir 12
DL: Ivan Ramirez La Serna 12
DL: K.C. Huth Bonita 12
DL: Nick Brown Burroughs/B 12
DL: John Pale Mayfair 12
LB: Maurice Dupleasis West Covina 12
LB: Craig Jones La Serna 11
LB: Victor Wei Arcadia 12
LB: Ryan Seidler Burbank 12
LB: Eric Mikity Bonita 12
UT: Casey Barbello Burroughs/B 12
UT: Jake Houts La Serna 12
PU: Manuel Meza Santa Fe 12

The 2010 Star-News All-Area team is in today's PrepXtra Magazine, which you will find packaged in today's Star-News with stories online on our preps page. The magazine includes a San Gabriel Valley all-encompassing team, plus the selections from the San Gabriel Valley Tribune as well. Hope you enjoy! You can purchase copies of PrepXtra at the Star-News or Tribune offices as well.

2010 STAR-NEWS ALL-AREA TEAM
PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Nick Bueno (Monrovia) Sr.
OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Andrew Elffers (Maranatha) So.
DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Ellis McCarthy (Monrovia) Jr.
COACH OF THE YEAR: Ryan Maddox (Monrovia)

FIRST TEAM OFFENSE
QB: Andrew Elffers (Maranatha) Jr.
RB: Matt Fregoso (Rosemead) Sr.
RB: Joshua Simangunsong (Temple City) Sr.
OL: Patrick Carroll (St. Francis) Sr.
OL: Chris Salgado (Alhambra) Sr.
OL: Alan Felix (San Marino) Sr.
OL: Danny Huerta (Muir) Sr.
OL: Dean Bisterfeldt (Monrovia) Sr.
AP: Blake Edwards (Pasadena Poly) Sr.
WR: Travis Talianko (St. Francis) Jr.
WR: Jay Henderson (Monrovia) Sr.
WR: Matt Nelson (South Pasadena) Sr.
PK: Gilmar Tenes (San Gabriel) Sr.

FIRST TEAM DEFENSE
DL: Nathan Hamming (Pasadena Poly) Jr.
DL: Clarence Irvin (Arcadia) Jr.
DL: Michael Singelyn (St. Francis) Sr.
DL: Ellis McCarthy (Monrovia) Jr.
LB: Derrick Johnson (Monrovia) Sr.
LB: Tim Sanderson (Temple City) Sr.
LB: Nick Preciado (Rio Hondo Prep) Sr.
LB: Oliver Campbell (San Marino) Sr.
DB: Taylor Lagace (Arcadia) Jr.
DB: Charlie Cimmarusti (Monrovia) Sr.
DB: Kevon Seymour (Muir) Jr.
P: Ian Sternau (St. Francis) Sr.

CLICK TO SEE ALL-ENCOMPASSING TEAM, STAR-NEWS SECOND TEAM AND STORIES

CLICK HERE FOR A PHOTO GALLERY FROM WEDNESDAY'S MATCH

By Miguel A. Melendez
MONROVIA -- This much is now clear: there's rich talent on each side of the San Gabriel Valley.

That message was sent loud as the East withstood a frantic rally from the West to record a thrilling 25-22, 27-25, 23-25, 21-25, 16-14 victory in the inaugural San Gabriel Tribune vs. Pasadena Star-News Girls Volleyball Senior All-Star game at Monrovia High.

The East All-Stars, made up of senior standouts from the Tribune circulation area, were thought to be a more balanced team. But the West All-Stars, made up of players from the Star-News circulation area, proved every bit their worth.

No more than three points separated each team in the first two sets, eventually won by the East. There also were 13 ties in each set.

CLICK ON THREAD TO CONTINUE READING

CLICK HERE FOR A PHOTO GALLERY FROM TUESDAY'S GAME

By Keith Lair Staff Writer

PASADENA - Those geometry lessons paid off for the Maranatha High School boys basketball team on Tuesday night.

Box-and-one defenses are common in shutting down a scorer. The Minutemen went one better in their 63-58 nonleague victory over visiting Pasadena Poly. They played a triangle-and-two defense.

The goal was to stop the Panthers' Hunter Merryman and Daniel Wohl.

"What made me think of it was when Hunter and Daniel had like 60 points against Flintridge Prep," Maranatha coach Tim Godley said. "If they do that to us, we're going to get killed. So it worked."

The Minutemen tried out the defense in Monday's practice session.

"We were not going to let them touch the ball," the Minutemen's Josh Chamberlain said. "We'll let the other guys beat us."

The Minutemen opened with the traditional 2-3 zone defense and Merryman had eight points and Wohl three in the Panthers' 14-point first quarter. Then they switched to the triangle-and-two.

"Do I have the guts to do it?" Godley said. "They beat us up in the zone, so I thought maybe it would throw them off a bit."

CLICK ON THREAD TO CONTINUE READING

CLICK HERE FOR A PHOTO GALLERY FROM TUESDAY'S MATCH

By Fred J. Robledo
If the Bishop Amat High School girls soccer team has visions of winning a CIF-Southern Section Division 3 title, it can look directly at its defense, specifically sweeper Jessie Gener and stopper Alyssa Cabral, whose chemistry is growing with each shutout.
Visiting La Salle had its chances in Tuesday's Del Rey League game that could have forced a three-way tie for first, but it didn't have a lot of quality chances, firing off just six shots and only a couple that forced Amat goalkeeper Nicole Ragano to work up a sweat.
Bishop Amat's Selena Quezada and Yazmin Montoya ended the drama late, scoring in the 73rd and 76th minutes respectively to give Amat breathing room in a 3-0 victory.
But more importantly it was Amat's fifth straight shutout -- a sign that the Division's second-ranked team could be hitting its stride as the playoffs near.

CLICK ON THREAD TO CONTINUE READING

By Miguel A. Melendez, Staff Writer

It's easy to understand how Anthony Harris feels about becoming La Salle High School's new athletic director.

"This is fate," he said. "Like I was supposed to be here. This is a good fit, not only for myself, but for the school as well."

Undoubtedly so.

The search for La Salle's new athletic director was an exhaustive process and, after the school narrowed the field of more than 250 applicants to six finalists, Harris emerged as the "best choice to lead La Salle athletics into the future."

"He is exactly who we need as athletic director, working to ensure that every Lancer team succeeds on the field and in the classroom, as well as making sure our programs operate with respect and integrity," La Salle President Richard Gray said in a statement.

Harris, a former Muir football and track star, held the same position at Campbell Hall in North Hollywood for a decade and served as the school's head football coach for seven years and head track coach for five.

Bob Kohorst, who serves on the board of trustees at La Salle and served as chairman of the athletic director's search committee, said the school was amazed at the flood of quality applicants. Among them were current Division I athletic directors, a professional women's basketball coach in New Zealand and a headmaster in Egypt, both of whom had Southern California ties.

"We were hopeful we'd have one or two quality candidates," said Kohorst, a 1971 La Salle graduate who had two sons recently graduate from the school. "I think we had 10 to 15 very good candidates. The selection was very difficult."

That the position became highly coveted was by design.

CLICK ON THREAD TO CONTINUE READING

On the surface it may seem as if Muir (10-7, 3-4) is worried about its position in the Division 5AA top 10 poll as it endures a four-game losing streak in the Pacific League.

But such is not the case according to Mustangs coach Gamal Smalley, who said the coaches who vote in the poll that determines playoff seedings know about Muir's schedule.

"I think people know our capabilities," Smalley said. "I don't think we'll be unranked. The coaches know who we are."

Muir at one point was No. 1 in Division 5AA. It dropped a spot last week, but remained second behind Flintridge Prep in Monday's new poll. The Mustangs are coming off a 54-51 loss to Pasadena in a game in which they led by as many as 16 points.

"They know we're not supposed to lose four straight," Smalley said. "We had teams beat. We beat (Crescenta Valley) by 18 earlier and Glendale by double digits (both in tournament play), so they know they're supposed to beat those teams (come league).

"Developing consistency with young teams is where we're at."

The objective, however, is clear.

"Our motivation is we have to rally in the second half to get a playoff spot," Smalley said. "Because once we're in anything can happen."

CLICK HERE FOR THE LATEST BHOOPS DIVISION POLLS

DIVISION 5AA POLL
1. Flintridge Prep
2. Muir
3. St. Margaret's
4T. Mission Prep
4T. Crossroads
6. St. Joseph/SM
7. Brentwood
8. Fairmont Prep
9. Bosco Tech
10. Loma Linda Academy
11. Blair
12. Santa Clara
13. St. Monica
14. St. Genevieve
15. Village Christian
16T. Western Christian
16T. Xavier Prep

The facts are this: La Salle's Antoine Peterson hasn't had much success on the football field as the Lancers' head football coach. La Salle finished 0-10 last season and are a combined 6-25 in Peterson's three seasons as head coach since taking over Ealar Gallagher. Those numbers undoubtedly would make any coach at any level wonder about his job security, but not Peterson.

Anthony Harris, the newly-hired athletic director at La Salle, said Monday in an interview that he gave Peterson his full support. In fact, Harris will join Peterson's staff as offensive coordinator. And that's just the beginning.

"We haven't had a lot of success but we're getting ready to do something special," Peterson said.

Harris, who will takeover duties from John Matheus on July 1, said he felt comfortable offering his support despite the Lancers finishing 0-10 last season.

"As a new athletic director coming in I knew he was here," Harris siad, "but I didn't want to be a part of the decision on whether coach stayed or went, because I didn't have an opportunity to evaluate him.

"Then when I met with him after getting the position I felt comfortable supporting him as the athletic director and helping the program as the offensive coordinator. I feel like i can mentor him. I feel like I can find a dynamite staff that's going to help him take a step back from being defensive coordinator and focus on being a head coach, and getting quality guys as football coaches to really get it done for him."

La Salle returns 19 from last year's team, including 15 from the JV team that won the league championship. Also returning are the eight sophomores who started last season.

Peterson said he'll bring "four or five new guys" and added "we'll keep five guys who have been loyal to me." Peterson went on to say that Harris wanted him to be the defensive coordinator.

"But I really didn't want to do that," Peterson explained. "He understood where I was coming from. I really want to oversee the program. I don't want to be tied down as far as calling the game because I have to take you back to last season. I was really never in the flow of the game. I like to oversee everything and run it the way it's supposed to be run."

Peterson said the school is close on bringing the new coaches. As for having Harris on board, Peterson said it was a natural fit.

"There's is a trust factor with Harris on the offensive side of the ball," Peterson said. "I see big things coming. I guess you have to go through things to become something."

More on Harris' hiring in Tuesday's paper...

Above: Monrovia's Nick Bueno graced our first pre-season cover. To get a copy on the All-SGV edition, you have to be a subscriber, buy a newspaper on the rack or pick one up at the Star-News office.

The dates have changed a couple times, but it's looking like this time we're all set for good. The All-San Gabriel Valley magazine will run in Thursday's paper. It's a definite must-have if you're a San Gabriel Valley football fan. Also, we've mentioned here before that football players who plan to sign on Feb. 2 should e-mail or call me with your destination. So far, nobody has called or texted, but I have gotten a hold of a few athletes, three to be exact, who have said they'll sign. If you are a football player planning on signing Feb. 2 and want to be in our Feb. 1 Rose Bowl picture with the rest of the Valley football athletes, you must call me at the office (626.578.6300, ext. 4485) or e-mail me (miguel.melendez@sgvn.com) so we can include you on the list.

Just when Pasadena (13-6, 7-0) was getting on a roll the Bulldogs are dealt with a huge blow. Pasadena coach Tim Tucker learned today that Todd Lewis Jr. is out for the season with a fractured right foot. Lewis, a reigning Star-News All-Area first teamer, will wear a cast for the next two months from an injury suffered sometime before the holidays, Tucker said. Lewis went to the hospital earlier today where doctors determined he had been playing with the fracture. Tucker said Lewis reinjured his foot against Muir on Friday when Nick Holden landed on his foot. "It's a big blow," Tucker said. "And (Brandon) Jolley is still not out on the court. They're one of the best one-two combinations. We'll try to play Jolley sometime next week." Lewis is one of the best shooting guards in the Valley. His one-handed dunk in the third quarter against Muir sparked the Bulldogs' late run to help them secure a 54-51 victory. He's a flashy, athletic guard who attacks the basket with strong will and is a true game changer. The 6-foot-4 Lewis averaged 17 points and eight rebounds last season, playing an instrumental part in leading the Bulldogs to a Pacific League championship, a run to the CIF-SS Division 2A finals and the semifinals of the CIF State Division II Southern California Regional. He scored a game-high 21 points on 10-of-18 shooting in the Division 2A final to earn first-team All-CIF honors.

La Cañada 60, Los Osos 36
Dario CiVon scored a game-high 20 points and Conner Boyd had 14 for the Spartans, who improved to 18-2. Michael McGlashan had 12.

Maranatha 57, Walnut 39
Josh Chamberlain scored 24 points and Jeremy Major had 16 and the Minutemen (16-5) were too strong for the Mustangs (11-8). Bryan Gholar had 15 points to lead Walnut.

Flintridge Prep 103, Covina 54
Kenyatta Smith scored 23 points and Kory Hamane had 21 and the Rebels (14-4) rolled to an easy victory. Edgardo Campos had 14 for the Colts (12-9).

CLICK HERE FOR A PHOTO GALLERY FROM FRIDAY'S GAME

By Miguel A. Melendez, Staff Writer

PASADENA - What will undoubtedly go down as one of, if not the most thrilling, Pasadena-Muir boys basketball games in recent history will also leave coaches scratching their heads.

Pasadena recovered from a first-half shellacking to storm back from a 16-point deficit and escape with a 54-51 victory over rival Muir in front of a boisterous crowd Friday night.

Muir (10-7, 3-4) closed to within 50-48 after Tevin Polk converted two free throws with a minute left.

Pasadena (13-6, 7-0) responded with a Blake Hamilton fade-away jumper that went in with a second left on the shot clock.

Polk drew a foul and converted two more free throws to make it 52-50 with 13 seconds left before Pasadena's Carl Robinson, checking in for the first time in the game, was intentionally fouled. He missed the front end of a one-and-one, and a scuffle ensued under the basket before Deshawn Hayes was fouled after coming up with the ball and was sent to the line with six seconds left. His first free throw attempt bounced off the back of the rim. He made the second to make it 52-51.

Pasadena's Chris Hanayan, who finished with five points, was fouled and made both free throws with two seconds left to seal the victory. Muir's last-second attempt missed everything.

Pasadena did itself no favors in the first half as Muir opened the second quarter with a 16-0 run. The Bulldogs committed seven consecutive turnovers in that stretch, allowing Muir to take a 29-13 lead with 3:47 left, much to the chagrin of Pasadena coach Tim Tucker, who called a timeout to settle his players.

CLICK ON THREAD TO CONTINUE READING STORY

San Marino's had a tough year. The Titans have lost seven games by six points or less. On Wednesday, San Marino pulled off a stunner in dramatic fashion, and the Titans have junior guard Max Taw to thank for that. The set up: San Marino was up by one with less than two seconds left. Blair made 1 of 2 at the free throw line. Enter Taw. This YouTube clip is worth your time, trust me.

CLICK HERE FOR A PHOTO GALLERY FROM THURSDAY'S MATCH

By Keith Lair, Staff Writer

LA CAÑADA FLINTRIDGE - The shots came from close range and far out. What they did not do was go in.

St. Francis High School took 23 shot attempts in its Mission League game against visiting Chaminade on Thursday evening. Only one went in.

The Eagles took seven shots. They scored with a minute to play for a 2-1 victory, sending the Golden Knights to their first league defeat of the season.

"We've caught some teams in the last minute, so I guess it is our time to deal with that," St. Francis coach Glen Appels said.

Senior Nick Barbarino knocked in the game-winner with a minute remaining, scoring on a counterattack.

"That was crazy," he said. "I have never scored so late in the game. It was crazy. That whole finish was crazy."

He said it was his first high school goal.

"It was very hard," he said. "I guess that was the best stretch in my life."

The Golden Knights (8-7, 4-1) were making their best effort to break the tie late in the game. With four minutes to play, Sean Fitzpatrick had back-to-back throw-ins from near the corner in which St. Francis header attempts failed.

Chaminade (6-4-3, 4-2) got the ball to midfield, but a foul led to a free kick by Jake LaPorte 45 yards out with two minutes to play. It was knocked out of bounds by the Eagles and Eric Bocanegra's corner kick led to a missed header attempt.

Chaminade quickly threw its counterattack with Jonathan Rose leading a three-on-two attack.

CLICK ON THREAD TO CONTINUE READING

Above: A photo of me 18 pounds heavier along with my first football signees three years ago.

Rose Bowl general manager Darryl Dunn has graciously allowed us to take pictures and do interviews for the February 2 football signing day for the Whittier Daily News, Pasadena Star-News and San Gabriel Valley Tribune. Once we get a list of all the signees together, we will invite them to the Rose Bowl, where players can get a close-up view of the stadium. We will gather everyone together for the shoot and interviews on Monday, Feb. 1, the day before signing day so that on the actual signing day, we can take pictures of the players at the school's actually signing their national letters of event. I guess you can call it a two-day celebration.

From ESPN RISE

For last week's performance, coupled with performances all season and academic excellence, Pasadena Poly's Michelle Miller is the ESPN RISE Cal-Hi Sports State Athlete of the Week.

ESPN RISE Cal-Hi Sports produces the State Record Book & Almanac, and along with ESPN RISE High School Girls Basketball, is a member of the ESPN RISE family of high school web sites.

The winner receives a certificate that if printed out on heavy stock paper is suitable for framing. It will have the school colors and the No. 32 on it.

The story will be used on the ESPN RISE Cal-Hi Sports web site and on the ESPN RISE High School Girls Basketball site as well. Once it has been posted I will post the link.

Miller joins Tailer Butler of Narbonne and Johnny Dee of Rancho Buena Vista (Vista, Calif.) as winter semester winners this year.

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

1. Pasadena (11-6)
Visits Muir on Friday

2. Flintridge Prep (13-4)
Rebels reign in Prep League

3. Pasadena Poly (15-1)
Panthers struggle vs. Prep

4. La Cañada (15-2)
Visits Monrovia tonight

5. Keppel (13-5)
Hosts Montebello on Friday

6. Muir (10-5)
Missing Deshawn Hayes

7. Maranatha (13-5)
Lost to Whittier Christian

8. Renaissance Aca. (11-6)
On 6-game winning streak

9. La Salle (12-6)
Serra on deck

10. Bosco Tech (14-4)
Darkhorse in Camino Real

STAR-NEWS TOP 10 RANKINGS
Compiled by Keith Lair

1. Pasadena Poly (15-1)
Miller averaging double-double

2. Keppel (15-1)
Thirteen consecutive victories

3. Duarte (13-1)
Brown the real deal

4. Muir (11-5)
Showed vulnerability in loss

5. Rio Hondo Prep (12-3)
Plays Pasadena Poly Saturday

6. Pasadena (11-6)
Muir game on horizon

7. Monrovia (8-6)
Four consecutive wins

8. Flint. Sacred Heart (11-7)
Played Flintridge Prep Tuesday

9. Arcadia (8-7)
Four consecutive defeats

10. La Salle (12-7)
Won 2 of last 3

STAR NEWS TOP 10 RANKINGS
Compiled by Miguel A. Melendez

1. La Cañada (15-0-2)
Visits rival Monrovia today

2. St. Francis (8-6)
Knights are 4-0 in Mission Lg.

3. La Salle (14-0)
Visits Bishop Amat today

4. Pasadena Poly (8-5-1)
Beat rival Flintirdge Prep, 3-1

5. Monrovia (10-5-1)
Win streak on line today

6. Marshall (8-1)
Eagles making quick rise

7. South Pasadena (7-5-1)
Played La Cañada tough

8. Maranatha (5-7-3)
Bounced back nicely with win

9. Duarte (6-6-2)
Beat Azusa 3-0

10. Temple City (4-7)
Can't afford more losses

STAR-NEWS TOP 10 RANKINGS
Compiled by Keith Lair

1. Flint. Sacred Heart (11-0-1)
At Harvard-Westlake Monday

2. Ramona Convent (11-3-3)
Beat reigning CIF champs, 5-1

3. Flintridge Prep (10-2-3)
Rebels haven't lost this year

4. Pasadena Poly (8-0-3)
Outscored opponents 36-10

5. La Salle (10-4-2)
Back-to-back shutouts

6. Mayfield (4-5-2)
Played Poly to scoreless tie

7. Alverno (8-2-2)
One more nonleague game

8. La Cañada (5-4)
Knocked off San Marino

9. San Marino (9-2-2)
Off to 1-1-1 start in league

10. Maranatha (7-7-3)
1-1 start in league

Joel Murphy, who spent five seasons as Maranatha's head football coach where he compiled an impressive 47-16 record, has resigned. Murphy, in a statement, cited a new promotion as the school's director of student ministries. In a short time, Murphy vaulted Maranatha into a local powerhouse with a finals appearance in 2006, quarterfinals in 2007, semifinals in 2008, quarterfinals in 2009 and most recently the quarterfinals in the Minutemen's first season competing in the tough Mid-Valley Division. "We areimmensely grateful for Coach Murphy and the great distance he has brought the Maranatha football program," Maranatha athletic director said in a statement. "Joel has infused tremendous pride in the Maranatha football program and reinvigorated our student-athletes. Coach Murphy has instilled the belief that Maranatha student athletes can be successful through hard work and dedication in any area of their life. Joel will remain at Maranatha High School but will focus on his responsibilities as Director of Student Ministries. We would like to thank the Murphy family for their dedication to the Maranatha community over the many years and we are excited for what the future holds for them. We fully trust that the Lord has great plans for Joel and will continue to use him to impact the lives of countless young people both here at Maranatha and beyond."

Murphy in a statement said it was a privilege to be the head football coach.

"Having part of the Maranatha football program for 13 years, being the head coach for the past five years was a dream," he said. "I literally watched the program rise from the ashes of not being able to field a varsity team to one who now sends multiple athletes to Division 1 programs. These seasons will forever be a highlight of my life. Yet, I step humbly into another season of life as I have officially stepped down as the head football coach.

"In my new position as Director of Student Ministries I have a desire and passion stirring within to create a climate of authentic community and true spiritual growth here at MHS. I long to be obedient to the position He has placed me and know that to create a program of such high caliber, the additional 30+ hours a week for football make it impossible.

"I can't thank each of you enough for the support you've given me and this program. I'm confident that God has amazing things in store and am excited to see the person he brings in to run the program. Please pray for this season of transition for me, my family, and the entire football community."

Personal note: It's tough to see Joel go. He was gracious even before I came to work at the Star-News. He was an outstanding coach and very well respected among his colleagues and reporters alike who covered his program over the years. He will always be remembered as the coach who took a program from the bottom and worked it into a football power that it is today. The next person coming in will have some big shoes to fill. Maranatha will begin searching for their next coach immediately. Interested candidates should contact Athletic Director, Brian DeHaan, at b_dehaan@mhs-hs.org.

CLICK HERE FOR A PHOTO GALLERY FROM THURSDAY'S RALLY

RELATED LINKS

Pasadena Star-News: A perfect 10 for Monrovia

Pasadena Star-News: Monrovia should just size up the rings now

Pasadena Star-News: Forgetting the past

By Miguel A. Melendez, Staff Writer

MONROVIA -- A celebration 75 years in the making took place Thursday night at Library Park where city dignitaries honored Monrovia High School's football team for bringing home its first ever CIF-Southern Section championship.

In their 10th finals appearance last month, the Wildcats defeated Whittier Christian, 38-8, to capture the Mid-Valley Division title in front of a standing-room only crowd of 4,557 at Arcadia High.

Prior to bringing home the title, Monrovia was the only school in Southern Section history to reach nine finals appearances without bringing home a divisional title. Monrovia made its first CIF finals appearance in 1935.

The football team and coaching staff rode in a fire truck, school bus and carriage. It departed from Monrovia High heading east on Colorado Boulevard and turned north on Myrtle Avenue in the heart of Old Town District.

CLICK ON THREAD TO CONTINUE READING STORY AND PLAYERS REACTION

The city of Monrovia will hold a championship parade for Monrovia High School's football team beginning at 6:30 tonight. It'll proceed east on Colorado and head north on Myrtle before arrivig at Library Park, approximately around 7. The parade will have police escort and the footbal team will parade on fire trucks. Monrovia beat Whittier Christian 38-8 for its first ever CIF-Southern Section Mid-Valley Division championship. It was the 10th try for the Wildcats. City dignitaries will speak upon arriva, s will Monrovia football coach Ryan Maddox. We will have a story and photo on A1 in Friday's Star-News,and I'll also have more inside the sports page.

2010 ALL-AREA GIRLS VOLLEYBALL
Player of the Year: Tirah Le'au, Monrovia, Sr.
Coach of the Year: Steve Beerman, Pasadena Poly

FIRST TEAM
Camille Coffey, Flintridge Sacred Heart, Senior
Alex Daugherty, La Salle, Senior
Taylor DeGraaf, Arcadia, Senior
Alexis Genske, Pasadena Poly, Junior
Eirene Kim, La Cañada, Senior
Hannah Schraer, Mayfield, Senior

By Keith Lair, Staff Writer

PASADENA - "The Beast."

Perhaps there is no other fitting name.

And why not? Tirah Le'au's relatives carry a sign into Monrovia High School volleyball matches with that moniker printed on it, next to her number 5. They would chant "Tir-ah" in an endearing way and stomp their feet in appreciation of a wicked spike.

She hit the ball harder than any other player in the San Gabriel Valley in 2010. Sets came to the front row. Sets came to the back row, where she was equally as powerful. Picking up 30-40 kills a match was standard procedure. So were efforts by opposing teams to try and stop the 6-foot University of Georgia-bound outside hitter.

"We did not win the league title, but we made improvements," Le'au said. "I'm happy with how everything went."

Le'au can put a smashing shot just out of reach of some of the best middle blockers anywhere. She forced opponents to change game plans. It's why she is the Star-News girls volleyball Player of the Year.

"Let her play her game and stop everyone else," La Ca ada coach Brock Turner said after the second match of the season against the Wildcats.

The Spartans won that match in four games to clinch the Rio Hondo League title, but the players were crying. Not tears of joy, but because Le'au had almost single-handedly ended La Ca ada's 112 consecutive-game league winning streak. Le'au had 42 kills, four blocks and a pair of aces.

"I don't think that any team could have stopped her," Monrovia coach Wayne Teng said. "They did not have a solution for her. They tried to stop the other players. Our other girls are a little bit inexperienced. We tried to get (Le'au) involved a little more. We needed a little bit more experience in the long run."

Without any other club players on the Wildcats, Le'au, a four-year starter, could never leave the court.

CLICK ON THREAD TO CONTINUE READING STORY AND SECOND TEAM LIST

The money shot: Interviewing TCU QB Andy Dalton alongside ESPN's Erin Andrews.

BLOG ON THE DISABLED LIST
As you probably already know, several blogs throughout SGVN have been malfunctioning for several days, this blog having the most problems. Entries that I post do not show up for several hours, sometimes days. Because of this, I will not post any new entries unless it's to update you on the blog or until we're functioning properly. I wish we had better news, but it is what it is.

I'm not gonna lie to you, I'm glad December is over. The holidays are fun as always, but the schedule sure throws a wrench at you and at times puts havoc on planning and so on. We finished our PrepXtra all-area football magazine, and it's set to publish Jan. 20 at a newsstand near you. Working on the magazine meant more office writing and less games to cover, but I did get a chance to cover the La Salle/Temple City tournament, which was a lot of fun from start to finish. Watch out for Maranatha when the playoffs roll around. The Minutemen have more size, strength and depth this season. Jeremy Major and Josh Chamberlain are fun to watch, but the hustle and sheer determination from Stephen Van Spronsen is the epitome of a true team player. As I get back in the swing of things here let me know what big games you guys would like to see covered this week. I'll comb through schedules and make my own list, but it's always good to get your input as well. We're also running all-area this week beginning with girls volleyball Tuesday, boys water polo on Wednesday, cross country Thursday and girls tennis on Friday. Also, I know some of you are annoyed with all the spam comments we're getting on the blog, and our folks here and in Denver are working the servers to fix it. Hopefully it's resolved soon. Hope you all had a wonderful holiday season, now let's get back to it.