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BREAKING NEWS: Gamal Smalley placed on administrative leave (Pasadena Star-News)

FULL STORY: Muir forfeits 20 games, will miss playoffs (Pasadena Star-News)

By Miguel A. Melendez, Staff Writer

Muir High School's Robert Galvan has temporarily been relieved of his duties as athletic director pending an investigation into what led the boys basketball team to forfeit 20 games and miss the playoffs, district officials said Wednesday.

Pasadena Unified School District spokesman Adam Wolfson said the district will not issue a statement regarding Galvan. Charles Park, an assistant principal in charge of activities, will be the acting athletic director, Wolfson said.

"The hope is that once the investigation is completed into the forfeiting of the Muir basketball games, the district will issue a statement, barring litigation," Wolfson said.

Muir was forced to forfeit the games because it failed to prove a valid change of address for a key player, thus eliminating the Mustangs from the CIF-Southern Section Division 4AA playoffs.

Galvan's reassignment comes a week after boys basketball coach Gamal Smalley was placed on administrative leave and instructed not to have any contact with players and team parents.

PUSD hired an independent investigator to look into the issues, and Smalley is expected to speak with an investigator later this week.

At the heart of the issue was whether Muir had evidence to prove that Andre Frazier, a 6-foot-5 senior forward, had a valid change of address upon his transfer last year from Fairfax. He initially went to Bellarmine Jefferson, transferred to University High School in Los Angelesand then to Fairfax before coming to Muir. He has since transferred back to Fairfax.
Galvan was in his first season as athletic director, and was the school's third athletic director in four years. He will continue as a physical-education teacher and baseball coach.

Galvan did not return a message seeking comment.

The investigation is expected to be completed in the next two weeks, Wolfson said.

In addition to the forfeits, Muir missed its chance at an at-large berth after its application was submitted past the deadline set by the CIF-Southern Section. Paperwork was due no later than 11 p.m. on a Friday, but it wasn't faxed until the next evening.

Muir made three tournament championship appearances, was ranked in the Top 50 in the state and was 24-2 at season's end, poised to continue its dream season with a strong playoff push in the so-called "Super Division" in which the Mustangs were seeded fifth.

Muir was the only public school in the division's final Top 10 poll, and it was expected to prove its worth against perennial powerhouses like La Verne Lutheran and L.A. Price, both private schools.

Principal Sheryl Orange has not made a public comment about the forfeits, and her only statement came in a release issued through the district after Muir was ruled ineligible for the playoffs.

By Miguel A. Melendez Staff Writer

The thorough analysis couldn't have come at a better time for Pasadena High School's Blake Hamilton.

The senior guard currently is weighing his options on where he'll play college basketball. Schools have been looking at him closely, including Sacramento State, University of Pacific, Hawaii and Long Beach State, among others.

The 6-foot-4 Hamilton had one of his best games of the season with 19 points, 10 rebounds, four assists and two blocks in the Bulldogs' 81-67 semifinals win over Beverly Hills last week to clinch a spot in this weekend's Division 3AAA title game against Arroyo Grande.

Hamilton knew that college coaches were there evaluating him, but what he didn't know was that he was playing in the presence of a former NBA scout.

Clarence Gaines Jr., a former scout with the Chicago Bulls, attended the game with his young son and said he was asked by a friend to watch the game and keep a close eye on Hamilton.

Gaines wrote a nearly-600 word analysis on Hamilton and posted it on TwitLonger:

"Long wing span & vertical extension - average size hands," starts Gaines. "Speed, quickness & acceleration. Very coordinated. Explosive - good jumping ability with a step. Light on his feet, quiet runner, lowers stress on the joints."

Pasadena coach Tim Tucker was made aware of the piece and was thrilled about it.

"I thought he was pretty spot on," Tucker said. "I think if Blake was a junior he'd be a high Division 1 player because he'd have another year to mature."

Tucker added that Hamilton would benefit from a year at a prep school.

"He'll be Division I player one way or another," he said.

Hamilton received news of the article through Twitter, and he was delighted to say the least.

"I really like what he wrote about me," Hamilton said. "He was real accurate and it'll really be good for me because I know what I need to work on that can help me with my game."

Hamilton said he'll use the article to market himself to other schools.

"I think it'll give me a good image," he said.

Gaines did have some criticism.

"Only aspect of his defensive game I was disappointed in was on the ball defense," Gaines wrote. "Plays high & let average athletes get to the rim on him a couple of times. Depending too much on length & hands to play instead of moving his feet. Plays high defensively. Needs to get lower. Improved core & lower body strength should remedy this weakness in time."

Hamilton said he appreciated the feedback, especially on areas where he needs to improve.

The final verdict?

"Wouldn't hesitate to recommend this kid to a mid-major Division 1 program," Gaines wrote. "Wouldn't be too concerned with worrying if he is a 3 or a 2. He's got wing skills, but I think he can also play on top of the floor.

"I like versatile players who can do a lot of things well. He fits that template."

The first thing that comes to mind when people talk about Pasadena High School is its rich history in boys basketball. No doub the Bulldogs are synonymous to succecss when it comes to the CIF-Southern Section playoffs.

Pasadena (24-6) will make its 11th trip to the finals when it meets Arroyo Grande (22-8) at a time, date and site to be determined later this week.

That the Bulldogs are making an 11th trip is impressive enough, but perhaps even more impressive is the rich history than links that success to Pasadena coach Tim Tucker and his family.

The Tuckers have been involved in nine of those 11 appearances. 

Pasadena made its first finals appearance in 1943 when it lost to Redondo in the major division. It would be 29 years before the Bulldogs reaturned to the big stage, led by legendary coach George Terzian and All-American and Oregon State four-year starter George Tucker. 

Pasadena in 1972 reached the major division final, losing to Verbum Dei. Pasadena returned in 1973 and again lost to Verbum Dei.

Tim Tucker was a member of the very first Pasadena team to bring home and help fill the school's trophy case. Pasadena beat Long Beach Poly in 1977 to win the CIF-SS major division championship, state and mythical national championship. Tucker, a senior, then led the Bulldogs again in 1978, exacting revenge against Verbum Dei to bring home the school's second CIF-SS title.

"It's special," Tim Tucker said. "To watch my brother play here and to play gfor George Terzian was pretty amazing because playing for Terzian was like playing for John Wooden of high school basketball back in the day.

"To come to this school and be known as George Tucker's little brother was amazing, and then to go on and win two championships and become the head coach here is all pretty shocking and amazing. I never thought that would have happened, and to be here 17 years is still amazing."

The other time a Tucker famiily member was not part of a finals run was in 1995 when Pasadena beat JW North in overtime, 60-58, under head coach Bill Duwe.

Tim Tucker made his first finals run as a head coach in 2002 when the Bulldogs lost to famed coach Gary McKnights and nationally-ranked Mater Dei, 55-49, in the Division II-AA finals at the then-Anaheim Pond. Pasadena returned to the finals in 2005 and lost to Russell Otis and nationally-ranked Compton Dominguez, 57-51, also at The Pond.

The third time proved to be the charm, as Tucker in 2007  led Pasadena to its fourth CIF championship with a 79-63 win over St. Bernard in Division II-AA at the Honda Center. Tucker's son, Landon, was part of that team as a junior, too.

Pasadena reached the Division II-AA finals in 2009 under Tucker, losing to Eisenhower 79-73 at the Honda Center.

Tucker said he's hungry to join Terzian as Pasadena's only two-time CIF champion, but regardless of what happens Pasadena will always be home, and it's not just talk.

From Tucker's older brother, sister, to himself, his sons and daughter, they've all suited up for Pasadena.

"They talk about Bulldogs for life," he said. "We're a Bulldogs family, that's for sure."

By Miguel A. Melendez Staff Writer

LYNWOOD -- The Keppel High School girls basketball team couldn't convert with 2.5 seconds left in the game as Lynwood escaped with a 62-60 win Tuesday night in the semifinals of the CIF-Southern Section Division 2AA playoffs.

It was the second consecutive game that No. 1 seed Keppel (27-4) faced an opportunity to win the game with a last-second shot attempt. Alyson Lock went coast-to-coast in the quarterfinals and converted the layup as time expired while Canyon of Canyon Country attempted to inbound the ball.

This time the chance barely presented itself as Keppel heaved a pass to mid-court. The catch wasn't made in time and the Aztecs couldn't control possession as time expired.

Lock was fouled with 56.5 seconds left in the game and converted two free throws to tie the game 60-60 after being fouled on a steal off a Lynwood inbounds pass. 

Lynwood (24-4) missed two free throws on the ensuing possession and after a series possession exchanges that included two Keppel misses, Lynwood's Jazmine Johnson scored the winning basket on a running layup with 3.1 seconds left in the game.

Keppel coach Hon Trieu called a timeout with 2.5 seconds left in the game to formulate a plan, but to no avail. It was the Aztecs' second consecutive year of reaching the semifinals under Trieu, who is in his second season at the helm. Keppel will likely make the CIF State playoffs when the pairings are announced on Sunday.

Lock split a double team for a layup to make it 60-55 with 3:38 left in the fourth quarter. Then with 2:52 left in the game, Lynwood coach Ellis Barfield was issued a technical foul for cursing at an official. Keppel's Samantha Lee, who finished with seven points, made 1 of 2 free throws to make it 60-56. Keppel's Sandra Gao then hit a layup to make it 60-58 with 2:47 left. 

Keppel forced Lynwood to attempt an off-balance shot with a second left on the shot clock. The attempt missed and Keppel called a timeout with 1:40 left in the game. The Aztecs on the ensuing possession missed a 3-point attempt folowed by Lynwood's Amber Blockmon getting fouled with 1:02 left in the game. She missed both free throws but the Knights maintained possession after the Aztecs couldn't control the ball under the basket as the ball went out of bounds with 1:00 left in the game. But it wouldn't matter as Lock would make a steal before being fouled. She hit both free throws for the Aztecs' final scoring.

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Had a chance to meet Clarence Gaines Jr., a former scout with the Chicago Bulls, and he's put together a very thorough analysis on Pasadena senior guard Blake Hamilton, who scored 19 points and recorded 10 rebounds in the Bulldogs' 81-67 win over Beverly Hills in the semifinals of the CIF-Southern Section Division 3AAA playoffs on Friday night.

Here's some of what he wrote with much more if you click on the link at the bottom:

Thoughts on Blake Hamilton - 6'4" 180lbs. Pasadena High School - 2/24/12 vs. Beverly Hills High School

Good job of playing safety position. Can cover up others mistake and protect the basket against high school competition. Got a couple of shot blocks as a help side defender. Also played at the point of the press. Love his rebounding ability & have no doubt it will transfer to the next level. Powers out off the dribble & goes coast to coast for several baskets.

CLICK HERE TO READ THE REST OF THE ANALYSIS ON BLAKE HAMILTON

CLICK HERE FOR A PHOTO GALLERY FROM THE PASADENA-BEVERLY HILLS GAME

By Miguel A. Melendez, Staff Writer

It wouldn't be a Pasadena High School boys basketball game without a little scare.
Beverly Hills proved its worth in the first half keeping the Bulldogs on their heels despite their significant size advantage.

But it never seems to fail.

Pasadena finds its rhythm in the second half, makes big runs in the third quarter on transition plays just like it wants to play.

And that's what helped the Bulldogs secure an 81-67 win Friday night to punch a ticket into next week's CIF-Southern Section Division 3AAA championship game at Honda Center.

Second-seed Pasadena (23-7) will face Arroyo Grande, which beat Palm Desert in the other bracket, 51-44. The date has not yet been determined.

The Bulldogs return to the finals since the 2009-10 season when they lost to Eisenhower.

Pasadena wasn't going call its season a success simply by reaching the finals. Bulldogs coach Tim Tucker has made several trips there and has come away with just one ring in 2007.

In contrast, Beverly Hills (29-10) was making its first trip to the semifinals in 42 years, but the Normans sure played like they had been there before, withstanding Pasadena's physical play in the first half.

Beverly Hills' Austin Mills was key in keeping the Normans within 37-32 at halftime. Mills finished with a game-high 23 points, draining 3-pointers from well beyond the arc. Siavache Yoktafar at 5-foot-6 was the smallest player on the court, but he proved elusive and relentless, hitting four 3-pointers for 12 points. He even made a steal in front of the 6-5 Brandon Jolley.

But like many of its victims, Pasadena overwhelmed Beverly Hills with fastbreak runs and led by as many as 17.

"Stops and runs, stops and runs," Tucker said.

Jolley asserted himself into the offense, and a lot of that had to do with Pasadena moving the ball and looking for him in isolation. His teammates found him and Jolley scored with authority en route to a team-high 22 points on 8 of 16 shooting to go along with 10 rebounds, four assists and two blocks.

Blake Hamilton found his mid-range jumper, knocking down clutch shots in the third quarter to finish with 19 points, 10 rebounds, four assists and two blocks and freshman Jeffrey McClendon added 12 points off the bench.

"He's not a freshman anymore," Tucker said. "He's going to be a great player. He's a defensive specialist, gets charges and stops. But he started to knock down some big shots, too."

Perris Hicks filled in flawlessly at point guard after Ajon Efferson (11 points) rolled his left ankle and was forced to sit out the entire second half.

"We're going to evaluate him tomorrow," Tucker said. "Perris took over at (point guard). We could have panicked, and I was worried. But we moved the ball around and got it done. That's why we're a team. One guy goes down and we have someone that can step up."

By Miguel A. Melendez Staff Writer

John Haywood went on and on when describing his role as a senior guard on the Pasadena High School boys basketball team.

"I"m fast, I can put a spark on the team," Haywood starts. "I can help my team in multiple ways like passing the ball and playing strong defense and motivating the team."

Pasadena coach Tim Tucker summed it up with four words.

"He's a floor general."

Haywood is a three-year letterman whose subtle contributions on the court often go unnoticed. He remains a cool and collected regardless of the situation.

"It never changes," Tucker said. "I've seen him come in sick and he still acts the same. You wouldn't know it."

He's a role player when he needs to be, a defensive specialist with explosive speed that can posterize defenders regardless of size. It was his incredible athletic ability that allowed him to dunk over a 6-foot-9 center from Arizona earlier this year.

"He can get to the basket faster than anybody else," Tucker said.

But he's more than speed and brawn muscle.

"He's the glue of the team," Tucker said. "He's the leader, and as he goes we go."

Look for Haywood to lead the Bulldogs at 7 tonight when they host Beverly Hills in the semifinals of the CIF-Southern Section Division 3AAA playoffs at Pasadena High.

On the surface it's not hard to notice Haywood. His 6-1 frame and flat-top fade make him stand out, as does his vocal presence. While his numbers (9 point average, four rebounds three steals) don't suggest star-like numbers, Haywood's tailored his game to whatever his team needs him to be, and perhaps that's when he shines the most.

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RELATED LINK

Muir forfeits 20 games, will miss playoffs (Pasadena Star-News)

The controversy surrounding the Muir High School boys basketball team's disqualification from the CIF-Southern Section Division 4AA playoffs is far from over.

According to sources, the Pasadena Unified School District has placed Muir coach Gamal Smalley on administrative leave pending a thorough investigation surrounding the program having to forfeit 20 victories after the use of an ineligible player, thus eliminating the No. 5 seeded Mustangs from playoff contention.

Smalley on Wednesday afternoon was escorted off campus by assistant principal Charles Park and asked to turn in his keys before immediately meeting with district officials at headquarters.

Muir principal Sheryl Orange and athletic director Robert Galvan could not be reached for comment. Smalley did not return repeated voice mails and text messages left on his cell phone seeking comment.

Smalley also has been instructed not to have contact with his players or team parents and, according to sources, is expected to speak with an independent investigator hired by the district.

Smalley has compiled a 76-30 record in three seasons at the helm, leading the Mustangs to a Division 5AA finals run lastas year. Muir was the only public school listed in the final Division 4AA top 10 poll. It was 24-2 at season's end, ranked in the top 50 and poised to make a run in the so-called "Super Division".

But word came the week leading up to the Mustangs' season finale that the program was under review after the CIF-SS contacted Muir about possible ineligebility concerns surrounding Andre Frazier. The prominent 6-foot-5 forward had previously attended Fairfaix, University High of Los Angeles and Bell-Jeff. At issue was whether there was a valid change of address after transferring from Fairfaix. 

School officials made a frantic effort providing documentation, but it proved to be insufficient. School officials exhausted every option that included the application for an at-large berth, which was denied by the CIF-SS.

Orange issued a statement saying that "a valid change of residence could not be sufficiently established" and that as a result "Muir decided to forfeit the games." When the Pacific League re-submitted its final league standings, Muir was not included.

Frazier has since transfered back to Fairfax.

Above: Paramedics tend to Muir's Tahniya Sweatt, who finished with 10 points.

By Miguel A. Melendez Staff Writer

PASADENA -- The Muir High School girls basketball team exceeded expectations this year, what with key players not available in the tailend of the Mustangs' season.

It was only a matter of time until Muir's lack of depth would become an issue. That day finally came Wednesday as the Mustangs couldn't keep up with St. Bernard, losing 67-49 in the quarterfinals of the CIF-Southern Section Division 4AA playoffs.

Muir (27-4) won the Pacific League championship despite at times having no more than two players on the bench. But even a full bench might not have made a difference against a more skilled St. Bernard (23-7), which overwhelemed the Mustangs with its full-court press and aggressiveness on the glass.

While Muir shot a woeful 30 percent in the game that ultimately led to its demise, it was the last thing on player's mind at game's end, which came with 1:35 left in the game.

Muir senior Tahniya Sweatt, who finished with 10 points, suffered a neck injury after going for a loose ball. It's uncertain whether her momentum going after the loose ball had her crashing against the first row of the bleachers or if she was pushed out of bounds. Fans in the front row were adament that she was deliberately pushed out of bounds, but Muir coach Gary Johnson said he did not believe it was intentional. The game was halted for a few minutes before it was determined that an ambulance would be needed. That's when Johnson called the game.

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We will post results immediately on the new Prep Scores Results Blog as soon as coaches or representatives from teams call them in. If you look at the Star-News prep sports page, you'll see the blog in the top right corner which will be updated throughout the evening as soon as results are called in or emailed to us. You can call in results to 626-962-8811, ext. 2233, 2242 or email results to scores@sgvn.com.

GIRLS BASKETBALL
TODAY'S SECOND ROUND
DIVISION 2AA
Keppel at Newbury Park
QUARTERFINALS
DIVISION 3A
La Canada at Covina
DIVISION 4AA
St. Bernard at Muir
DIVISION 4A
La Salle at Campbell Hall
DIVISION 5A
Avalon at AGBU/Pasadena
DIVISION 6
Rio Hondo Prep at Santa Maria Valley Christian

GIRLS SOCCER
CIF-SS PLAYOFFS
TODAY'S SECOND ROUND
DIVISION 2
Los Osos at Arcadia
DIVISION 3
Claremont at Pasadena Poly
DIVISION 6
Ocean View at La Canada
South Pasadena at Sage Hill
San Marino at Loara
DIVISION 7
Viewpoint at Alhambra
Firebaugh at Rosemead

GIRLS WATER POLO
TODAY'S SEMIFINALS
El Segundo vs. Pasadena Poly at Fullerton College, 4 p.m.

By Miguel A. Melendez Staff Writer

PASADENA -- It wasn't exactly shock and awe, but the Pasadena High School boys basketball team came close to it.
With precision, speed and execution, the second-seeded Bulldogs blitzed Bonita in the first quarter to end on a 15-3 run, en route to a 64-50 win Tuesday night in the semifinals of the CIF-Southern Section Division 3AAA playoffs.

Pasadena (22-7) will host Beverly Hills (20-9) in Friday's semifinals at Muir.
Bonita (25-5) had no answer for the Bulldogs in the first quarter, succumbing to their pressure that resulted in nine first-quarter turnovers. The Bearcats finished with 19 turnovers.

Pasadena led 22-7 after the first, and although Bonita, which trailed by as many as 19, made a valiant second-half run it never closed the gap under 10.

"The first five minutes we sort of got blitzed," Bonita coach Greg Eckler said. "It was just too late before we found ourselves. I wish we had back those first five minutes."

Pasadena coach Tim Tucker scouted Bonita two weeks before the season ended, knowing well that the Bearcats presented a challenge with their deft perimeter shooting, led by Matt Adamo's 14 points. Brandon Ko proved tenacious for the Bearcats, finishing with 13 points, six assists and five rebounds. The Bulldogs reversed roles, this time getting off to a strong start before complacency ensued in the second half.

"I didn't want (Bonita) on my side of the bracket," Tucker said. "This is the game I pointed that was scary to me, and they prove dit. When we could have knocked them out early we didn't. I thought we just outlasted them. I don't think we did anything great down the stretch."

Blake Hamilton accentuated the Bulldogs' speed with two fastbreak dunks to finish with 16 points and a game-high 14 rebounds along with three blocks and three steals. Sophomore point guard Ajon Efferson led the way for Pasadena with a game-high 18 points and three assists.

The Bulldogs shot better (42 percent on 20 of 47) than the Bearcats (36 percent on 20 of 55) but what seemingly kept Bonita in the game was its offensive rebounding edge (14-7) and ability to take the Bulldogs out of their element. Pasadena's run-and-gun offense and easy buckets in transition was virtually nonexistent in the second half.

"We'd take quick shots and we go down the court and play defense for 25 seconds," Tucker said. "They were making the game longer for us than we were making it for them, thus we looked real tired down the stretch."

John Haywood's steal and fastbreak layup with 6:06 left in the game gave Pasadena a 27-8 lead. But it was Bonita on the ensuing possession had three offensive rebounds before Bryan Mahood (12 points, 5 rebounds) hit an 8-foot jumper, much to the chagrin of Tucker, who called a timeout.

"We were standing around, making one pass and shooting the ball," Tucker said. "Every fourth (possession) we did (run our offense) but for the most part we didn't."

Pasadena forward Brandon Jolley, who finished with 11 points, eight rebounds, 8 assists and three steals, said the team lacked mental focus.

"We got a lead and decided to take it easy," he said. "We were just thinking they were not a good team, and we were helping them."

Pasadena did just enough to get by. Hamilton's dunk on a fastbreak off a Haywood no-look pass made it 31-18 with 1:22 left in the second quarter. Jolley found Hamilton down the baseline for another dunk with 1:01 left in the game to make it 61-47.

"Every time I thought we made a run, they answered," Eckler said. "Every time. They'd hit a three or a jumper. They're really good."

By Keith Lair Staff Writer

TORRANCE -- The La Cañada High School boys basketball team has had a habit of missing its fair of easy shots and turning the ball over this season. The Spartans have done their fair share of forcing opponents into the same circumstances, too.

Tuesday night, it was turnovers that finished off La Cañada's season.

The Spartans turned the ball over four times in overtime and host South scored a 59-58 victory to advance to Friday's CIF-Southern Section Division 3AA semifinals.

"Turnovers were critical," La Cañada coach Tom Hofman said. "We didn't handle our composure well and we didn't get good shots because we were running around."

La Cañada twice rallied from deficits, Darrell Dansby scoring on a backdoor layup with 14 seconds in regulation to send the quarterfinal game into overtime.

"When Darrell made the backdoor, it was great and it gave us momentum," center Conner Boyd said. "But we just couldn't get it together in overtime."

The Spartans of South, the tournament's fourth seed, scored the first basket of the extra 4-minute period, Garrett Niida on a layup.

La Cañada, the tournament's third seed, turned the ball over on two consecutive trips down the court. Gibran Sewani scored on a layup for a 55-51 South lead with 2:13 to play. Dansby, who had nine of his team-high 16 points in the first quarter, missed on a 22-footer. Both teams turned the ball over and then La Canada's Tim Kim missed a 6-footer.

La Cañada was then forced to foul and Amar Kukreja gave South a 57-51 lead with 49 seconds remaining. Kim hit two foul shots and Kukreja and Sewani made single foul shots to give South a 59-53 lead with 18 seconds remaining.

Boyd missed a desperate 3-pointer,got his own rebound and scored with 4 seconds to go to cut it to four. Kukreja stepped out of bounds on the inbounds pass and Jay Srinivasan hit a 3-pointer at the buzzer.

He made four 3-pointers in the game, two in the fourth quarter to rally La Cañada, 17-11, from a six-point deficit.

It was not quite the offensive play Hofman wanted down the stretch.

"We didn't do the job on offense," Hofman said. "We tried to get it inside to Conner and we were a little too much helter-skelter. We put the ball on the ground too much too early. They weren't setting up the way we wanted them to."

The 6-0 deficit to start the extra period did not help, Boyd said.

"I don't know what happened in overtime," he said. We let them score six uncontested points and we had to try and come back from that. It's pretty hard to do."

It appeared as if South, 18-11, would make this a no-contest game in the opening minutes. South had six offensive rebounds in the first half, nearly all of them resulting in put-back baskets for a 14-4 lead. Hofman sent in Boyd, the son of USC basketball great Bob and the grandson of UC coach Bill Sewani, who had six points in the first quarter and 13 in the game, missed his next five shots.

"Conner did a great job defensively," Hofman said. "He contained him very well. We could have been blown out right away."

Dansby got La Cañada with his nine first-quarter points on 4-of-5 shooting, including a 3-pointer.

La Cañada could have opened a lead in the first half, but missed seven foul shots. Three South starters had three fouls
each before halftime.

"We were pressuring the ball and a lot of calls did not go our way," South coach Leo Klemm said. "We played smart and man-to-man mostly in the second half. No gimmicks. We wanted to keep everybody in front of us."

La Canada, which shot a surprising 64.2 percent from the floor in the first half, shot 33.3 percent in the second half.

"We had so many chances to score," Hofman said. "We didn't do it. It was a great season."

By Miguel A. Melendez Staff Writer

LA CAÑADA-FLINTRIDGE -- It's usually the La Cañada High School boys soccer team that keeps teams on its heels.

Mountain View flipped the script on Tuesday.

The visiting Vikings, mounting constant pressure, made a set piece and attack down the wing count in a 2-0 victory in the second round of the CIF-Southern Section Division 5 playoffs.

Mountain View (13-4-5) lost the coin flip and will be on the road and face the Lakeside-Paso Robles winner.

La Cañada (14-6-5) bows out of the playoffs in the second round for the third consecutive season. The Spartans' season practically came in full circle. The teams previously tied 1-1 in the season opener. In that game, the Vikings also were dominant and finished with a 23-3 advantage in shots.
Mountain View wasn't as dominant this time, but it came close.

The attack was constant throughout and it paid dividends in the 22nd minute when Ricardo Diaz connected on a header off Alan Miranda's free kick. Diaz, who was unmarked, connected near the goal post and caught La Cañada sophomore goalkeeper Graham Labran-Boyd out of position. By the time he turned to make a save attempt it was too late.

"Just mistakes and letting kids get unmarked," first-year La Cañada coach Alex Harrison said. "(Labran-Boyd) couldn't turn in time to get to the play, but that's youth as well."
The Spartans built some momentum early in the second half, but it dissipated almost as quickly as they got it going after the Vikings' Jesus Mariscal broke free. His shot was virtually uncontested from 18 yards and deflected off the goal past and into the net for a 2-0 lead in the 47th minute.

La Cañada's Armand Bagramyan, a junior forward with 23 goals and 15 assists, was kept in check. He faced a swarm of defenders whenever he took possession. The Spartans' best chance came in the 46th minute after a free kick. But Garrett Apel's shot attempt from 40 yards went just wide of the net. In the 76th minute, Bagramyan's free kick sailed just over the cross bar.

"We knew who to mark," Mountain View's Carlos Zarate said. "We used that to defend their tactics. We knew (Bagramyan) was the most dangerous player on the field."
Zarate and Mariscal proved to be constant threats from the wing, and their deft ball-handling tested Labran-Boyd. The young keeper got help from Joseph Kim, Aidan Tourani and Jonas Dehmel, all of whom helped clear shot attempts.

In short, the pressure was on.

"We kept a lot of possession," Mountain View coach Felipe Corona said.

It was tough for La Cañada to push forward without senior midfielder Zaki Khan and freshman forward Juan Carrasquero. Khan was limited to a few set pieces because of lingering ankle injuries and Carrasquero tore his left anterior cruciate ligament in the first 10 minutes of a first-round match. With the Spartans' experience, size and speed missing, the Vikings pounced by making constant substitutions.

"We gave away the middle of the field all day long," Harrison said. "(Khan) is good at winning the ball and works for every loose ball. Not only that, he's 180 pounds. If he can't get the ball he slows you down with his body. He has size in there that we just don't have.

"Mentally, they're nervous. They have 35 guys on their roster and have guy after guy they can put in. It's tough."

By Erik Boal Staff Writer

LA CAÑADA FLINTRIDGE -- In a game of inches, not even the well-placed right foot of Luke Hatanaka could rescue the St. Francis boys' soccer team Tuesday.

By the time St. Francis and Ventura broke their post-match huddles, neither coach was certain whether Kevin De Los Santos' header in the 86th minute resulted in the ball crossing the goal line for the winning score.

But despite 12 saves from goalkeeper Luca Coppola and plenty of resilience demonstrated by a short-handed Golden Knights' lineup, Ventura managed to preserve its unbeaten season with a 2-1 overtime victory in the second round of the CIF-Southern Section Division 1 playoffs.

"I couldn't see if it was on the line or not," Ventura coach Todd Tackett said. "What I do know is that is not your normal 8-8-8 team. Glen (Appels) always does a great job of preparing his team well this time of year. We knew we'd be in for a fight."

After Erick Sandoval scored the tying goal in the 73rd minute by redirecting a 20-yard free kick from Joe Hernandez inside the right post, the battle extended to a 10-minute sudden-death period.

Although Billy Abdallah made a sliding tackle to save a shot by Juan Leon in the 83rd minute, St. Francis couldn't escape Ventura's next throw-in unscathed.

De Los Santos elevated in the middle of the penalty area and headed a shot over Coppola's head, but Hatanaka was waiting on the goal line to clear the ball. Unfortunately for the St. Francis junior defender, his effort was for naught as the center official signaled Ventura had scored the winning goal.

"I looked at the (sideline referee) and he had his flag down and was running back toward midfield, so I thought that indicated it wasn't a goal," Golden Knights coach Glen Appels said. "That's a tough call to make at that point. It has to be really decisive when you're in sudden-death overtime. I think our guys were looking at it through brown-and-gold-colored glasses, but in that situation the entire the ball needs to be across the entire line."

Despite surrendering a goal in the fifth minute to Matt Laterza, Ventura (22-0-6) managed to earn a measure of revenge following a 2-0 setback to St. Francis (8-9-8) in the second round last season.

"The word on our white board was 'redemption,'" Tackett said. "I thought they defended really well. We struggled to get our offense going against them, but in golden goal, anything can happen. It was nice to get that last one in. At halftime, I told them to 'make this game a memory for yourself.' They believe they can do it and they continue to find a way."

With St. Francis playing the majority of the second half and overtime without injured midfielders Reed Izumi and Eric Bocanegra -- who assisted on Laterza's goal -- along with Austin Frank and Laterza both playing through nagging injuries, a lack of depth became a factor for the Golden Knights.

Still, Laterza had a shot carom off the crossbar early in the second half and Ventura goalkeeper Eric Kam came up with a point-blank stop on a breakaway attempt by Frank in the 66th minute, denying St. Francis a two-goal advantage.

"If Matt's shot were two inches lower, we'd be talking about our game Thursday," Appels said. "I told them at halftime that we can't just hope to sit back and defend for 40 minutes and that's why the chances we had to go up 2-0 and didn't convert cost us. But we did everything we could with what we had, relying on our freshmen to play against their seniors. Our guys fought to the last second and to the last inch, literally to the last inch. But they're not undefeated for no reason."

From left, Bowdien Derby, Nick Brown, Chris Williams and Noeh Martinez are key players on the La Salle High School baseball team. (Sarah Reingewirtz / Staff Photographer)

Note: Softball preview will run a week from today here on the blog and in the newspaper.

STAR-NEWS PRESEASON TOP 10 RANKINGS
1. La Salle
2. Temple City
3. Alhambra
4. Arcadia
5. Monrovia
6. Maranatha
7. South Pasadena
8. St. Francis
9. La Canada
10. San Marino

By Miguel A. Melendez Staff Writer

The consensus around the West San Gabriel Valley is Bowdien Derby of La Salle High School is the area's best returning pitcher.

He proved himself last year with an outstanding season and nearly led the Lancers to an upset win over Palm Desert in the second round of the CIF-Southern Section Division 4 playoffs.

Derby will lead a Lancers team primed for a run in the Del Rey League this season.

The proof was there last year when La Salle took powerhouse Bishop Amat to extra innings in the first league game with Derby on the mound.

With more depth in the rotation and helped by transfers, it's no wonder the Lancers look poised. It's also what makes them the Star-News' preseason No. 1 team.

1. La Salle (18-11)

It starts with Derby, who is a two-time Star-News All-Area selection and was nothing short of spectacular as a junior, particularly in the season finale against Palm Desert.

He was clocked at 91 mph in front of pro and college scouts and his performance was so impressive it had Dodgers legend Steve Garvey on the phone with his former team to ask them to take a closer look at a star in the making.

What makes Derby an even more valuable asset is his versatility. He went 10-1 last year in 15 appearances that included seven complete games and five shutouts. He compiled 101 strikeouts and a 0.94 ERA.

He's also arguably the area's best shortstop. He batted .435 with three home runs, 19 RBIs and 12 doubles and earned first-team All-CIF-SS honors. Derby should have a strong supporting cast this season.

Chris Williams is a returning starting senior center fielder who earned second-team All-Area honors as a junior after batting .364 with 31 RBIs and six home runs.

La Salle took some lumps without pitching depth, but look for Austin Wallis to change that. He recorded one win and three saves in 12 appearances with a 2.10 ERA.

He primarily was a closer last year and is vying for the No. 2 spot.

La Salle has three top transfers in juniors Antonio Ruiz (El Monte), Jonathan Krieg (Loyola) and David Sanchez (Cathedral). Ruiz will help in the infield and battle Wallis for the second starting spot in the rotation. Krieg will be an outfielder and Sanchez will be a catcher.

"I'm very confident in the group we are fielding," La Salle coach Harry Agajanian said. "We're going to give teams a good run this year. We have a strong preseason schedule that will help us prepare for league."

Rarely do you see a blockbuster game to start the season, but that's what the Lancers have on hand next week when they play Temple City in the Elks Tournament opener.

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We will post results immediately on the new Prep Scores Results Blog as soon as coaches or representatives from teams call them in. If you look at the Star-News prep sports page, you'll see the blog in the top right corner which will be updated throughout the evening as soon as results are called in or emailed to us. You can call in results to 626-962-8811, ext. 2233, 2242 or email results to scores@sgvn.com.

BOYS BASKETBALL
CIF-SS PLAYOFFS
TUESDAY'S GAMES
QUARTERFINALS
DIVISION 3AAA
Bonita at Pasadena
DIVISION 3AA
La Canada at South Torrance
DIVISION 5A
Holy Martyrs at Rio Hondo Prep
Rolling Hills Prep at AGBU/Pasadena
DIVISION 6
Arshag Dickranian at Renaissance Academy

BOYS SOCCER
TODAY'S GAMES
SECOND ROUND
DIVISION 1
Ventura at St. Francis, 3 p.m.
DIVISION 5
Cajon at Monrovia, 3 p.m.
Mountain View at La Canada, 3 p.m.
South Pasadena at Cajon, 3 p.m.
DIVISION 6
Marshall at San Jacinto, 3 p.m.
DIVISION 7
Bosco Tech at California Military Institute, 3 p.m.

BOYS SOCCER
TUESDAY
WILD CARD
DIVISION 4
Duarte at Bishop Montgomery
Los Altos at Pasadena
DIVISION 5
Garden Grove at South Pasadena
DIVISION 6
Flintridge Prep at Yucca Valley
San Jacinto at Marshall

THURSDAY
FIRST ROUND
DIVISION 1
St. Francis at Upland
DIVISION 4
North Torrance at La Salle
DIVISION 5
Baldwin Park at Monrovia
Paso Robles at Maranatha
Winner WC E at La Canada
DIVISION 6
Pasadena Poly at Brentwood
DIVISION 7
Riverside Prep at Bosco Tech

GIRLS SOCCER
FRIDAY
WEDNESDAY
WILD CARD
DIVISION 3
Mayfield at Barstow
DIVISION 7
Hillchrest Christian at Alhambra
Kern Valley at Rosemead
Gabrielino at Wildwood

FRIDAY
FIRST ROUND
DIVISION 1
Flintridge Sacred Heart at Capistrano Valley
DIVISION 2
Pasadena at Long Beach Wilson
San Marcos at Arcadia
DIVISION 3
Chino Hills at Flintridge Prep
Lancaster at Pasadena Poly
DIVISION 6
La Canada at Crean Lutheran
Santiago/GG at South Pasadena
Temple City at St. Margaret's
San Gabriel Mission at San Marino

By Miguel A. Melendez Staff Writer

What was considered one of the most remarkable stories of the year ended numbinbly cold for the Muir High School boys basketball team.

Muir was forced to forfeit 20 games because the school failed to prove a valid change of address for a key player, thus eliminating the Mustangs from the CIF-Southern Section Division 4AA playoffs.

The forfeits also means Muir (4-22, 3-11) no longer is the Pacific League champion. It was an impressive season for the Mustangs who appeared to have dethroned nine-time defending champion and rival Pasadena. The Bulldogs' reign continues, if only on paper.

At the heart of the issue was whether Muir had evidence to prove that Andre Frazier, a 6-foot-5 senior forward, had a valid change of address upon his transfer last year from Fairfax. He initially went to Bell-Jeff, transfered to University in Los Angeles and then to Fairfax before coming to Muir.

Frazier missed two key league games last week against Crescenta Valley and Pasadena after concerns were reaised over his eligibility. For precautionary reasons, Muir sat him out while it investigated. Muir officials made steps to establish its position that Frazier -- who averaged 11 points, eight rebounds and four blocks per game -- did in fact make a valid change of address. Among other things, Muir provided documentation to the CIF-Southern Section office and sent truancy officers to Frazier's current and previous residence to verify.

Dr. Charles Park, an assistant principal in charge of activities, was in communication with the Southern Section's office, which finally informed Muir late in the week that not enough evidence was provided. By late Saturday afternoon, Muir came to its decision that it would forfiet nearly its entire season.

"After being alerted by CIF, Muir administration investigated and determined that a player on the boys basketball team was not eligible to play because a valid change of residence could not be sufficiently established," said Muir principal Sherryl Orange in a statement. "Out of an abundance of caution, Muir decided to forfeit the games."

"We're shocked," Muir coach Gamal Smalley said. "I know our administration worked really hard to make sure they could provide everything that CIF was asking for, and I thought they came close."

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My story on Muir's forfeit is being edited right now. As soon as it's done I'll post the detailed piece here. I spoke with Muir coach Gamal Smalley for about an hour, but I'm posting a statement he sent me earlier in the day. This is it in its entirety. Check back for the story later and in Monday's Star-News.

I learned earlier in the week that our season was in jeopardy because of some administrative technicalities  with regards to transfer papers on one of our student athletes.  Though I was suffering from a week long fever, minor surgery, and a complete feeling of helplessness, trying to sleep at night was impossible since the sound of my heart beat felt like crashing symbols. By Friday's game it was pretty clear that our entire team was affected by the troubling news, though we kept it to ourselves and gave it our best. 

I share the hurt and disappointment with my student athletes and families who worked so hard to make this season such a memorable beacon of light for John Muir High Basketball.  Our student body and alumni gave us tremendous support and we made such great strides this season with a 24-2 record, one of the best in school history.  I will be forever grateful for the support and extremely proud of our team.  This set back is deeply felt by our seniors who worked so hard to make the most out of their final season after last year's climb to the CIF Championship game. 

However I didn't sign up to be the Muir Coach through good times only. This is a very sad and challenging time but I am here to help my seniors navigate through their college and career destinations. We can't dwell on where we are now, who made initial complaints and why. We must turn our eyes to the future. I know Administration is making changes to assure safe guards so that nothing will ever fall through the cracks like this again.  As for the underclassmen in our program, if you think we worked hard this year you haven't seen anything yet.  I'm ready to roll up my sleeves to make our program strong as ever.  There is an old saying, that you can't keep a good man down, well you can if he stays down.  That's not me, that's not Muir, and we will rise from this. 

Why, you ask? Cause that's what we do! 

Stangs 4Life!

CIF-SS PLAYOFFS
FRIDAY
DIVISION 1AA
Alhambra at Palmdale
DIVISION 2AA
Thousand Oaks at Keppel

WEDNESDAY
DIVISION 3AAA
Magnolia at Pasadena
DIVISION 3AA
Rosemead at Torrance
La Canada bye
Los Altos at Gabrielino
Yorba Linda at Temple City
DIVISION 3A
San Dimas at South Pasadena
St. Francis at Mountain View
DIVISION 4AA
Bosco Tech at Workman
La Salle at Windward
Maranatha at 29 Palms
Blair at L.A. Price
La Verne Lutheran at Marshall
DIVISION 4A
San Marino at Buckley
DIVISION 5AA
Cate at San Gabriel Academy
Santa Clara at Flintridge Prep
DIVISION 5A
Rio Hondo Prep at Boron
CSDR at AGBU/Pasadena
DIVISION 6
St. Monica at Renaissace Academy

CIF-SS PLAYOFFS
SATURDAY
DIVISION 1AA
Arcadia at Brea Olinda
DIVISION 2AA
Coachella Valley at Keppel
DIVISION 2A
San Gabriel at Serrano
DIVISION 5A
AGBU/Pasadena at Academy Excellence

THURSDAY
DIVISION 3AAA
Pasadena at West Torrance
DIVISION 3AA
West Valley at Rosemead
Ramona at Monrovia
Barstow at South Pasadena
DIVISION 3A
La Canada bye
DIVISION 4AA
Flintridge Sacred Heart at Muir
El Segundo at Pasadena Poly
San Marino at Duarte
DIVISION 4A
Mayfield at Marlborough
La Salle at Riverside Prep
DIVISION 5AA
Flintridge Prep at St. Genevieve
San Gabriel Mission at Villanova Prep
DIVISION 6
Rio Hondo Prep at Shallhevet

The Muir High School boys basketball team's postseason is over before it even got started. You can forget about the Mustangs' Pacific League title, too.

Due to not being able to prove a valid change of residence for one of its players, Muir has forfeited 20 games and will be ineligible for postseason competition.

The Mustangs finished the regular season at 24-2 overall and 13-1 in the Pacific League, and in the process halted rival Pasadena's nine-year run as league champions.

Prior to Sunday's CIF-Southern Section playoff pairings announcements, the Pacific League resubmitted its order of finish to reflect Muir's forfeitures.

More to come ...

CLICK HERE FOR A PHOTO GALLERY FROM THE MUIR-PASADENA GAME

By Miguel A. Melendez Staff Writer

PASADENA -- Too much has been made of the fact the Pasadena High School boys basketball team was dethroned as nine-time Pacific League champions this year.

That it came at the hands of crosstown rival Muir only amplified the so-called concern over the state of the Bulldogs' program.

But Pasadena wanted it to be known whose town this still belongs to, and why the Bulldogs are considered the area's prominent basketball school.

Pasadena delivered its message in emphatic fashion, closing out the regular season with a dominating 71-53 win to close out the regular season in front of a standing-room only crowd Thursday night.

There was no denying who wanted this win more, and Pasadena (19-7, 12-2) clearly sent a message by stifiling Muir (23-2, 12-1) with its staple defense. The offense would soon follow, as the Bulldogs shot 10 of 15 in the first quarter alone. That kind of momentum allowed Pasadena to increase its lead to as many as 21 in the third quarter, and soon Muir began feeling the effects of a hungry Bulldogs team that was seeking vengeance after losing the first meeting, 64-61.

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Not sure the reason behind Pasadena Police not allowing media to park in the lot directly in front of the gym for the big game tonight, which is running late by the way. I talked to a police officer who said they were not allowing anybody to park there. Muir AD Robert Galvan has no pull and conceded to police instructions. I got here at 2:30ish and was allowed to park there instead of parking about a block away. Our photographer, who has equipment to unload, couldn't even drive in to do that. When I asked if there was a reason for not allowing media to park there his response was, "I'm not going to get into it with you."

I'm not trying to be a jerk. If there's a legitimate reason for not allowing anybody else to park in the lot, fine. But what's the harm in allowing media to park there? The lot is almost full, maybe about four spaces available. Seems to me like allowing a female photographer to park there would be harm to no one. There are five police cars parked in the lot and about 12 police officers are expected to be at the game.

I understand police is trying to prevent what happened last time, a fight broke out after the Muir-PHS game and Muir had trouble getting to its bus.

I'm just puzzled why there can't be some discretion.

Also, the girls game didn't start until 3:45 p.m. so expect the boys game to start around 5:40ish. Ther'es still some seating available as I'm writing this with 4:48 left in the second quarter of the girls game.

No pre-sale tickerts will be available for tonight's Pasadena-Muir game. Several hundred were left stranded outside in the first meeting, including dozens who bought pre-sale tickets but couldn't enter the gym after it reached maximum capacity. To prevent that problem, Muir officials are asking that fans who want to get to the game get there as early as possible. The girls game starts at 3 p.m. followed by the boys game at 5 p.m. The first Muir-PHS meeting sold out at halftime of the girls game. You've been warned.

There's nothing to settle in the Pacific League standings, where the Muir High School boys basketball team sits comfortably atop. The Mustangs bring home their first league title in boys basketball after dethroning nine-time league champion and rival Pasadena.
Muir (24-1, 13-0) is the outright champion after beating Crescenta Valley (21-5, 10-3) on Tuesday, meaning all that's on the line is bragging rights when Muir hosts Pasadena (18-7, 11-2) today at 5 p.m.

Pasadena lost to Muir in the first meeting, 64-61. It's believed to be the Mustangs' first win over their rival in league in at least a decade.

Pasadena coach Tim Tucker, in his 17th season at the school, said he can't remember the last time the Bulldogs were swept by Muir, or Crescenta Valley for that matter, which has handed Pasadena three of its four losses in league during a 10-year span.

Even if there league-placement implications were on the line, it wouldn't matter because Muir and Pasadena play in different divisions. Muir is No. 9 in Division 4AA, which also includes powerhouse La Verne Lutheran and L.A. Price. Pasadena is No. 2 in Division 3AAA and is considered a favorite to reach the final.

Muir has the upper hand in the Star-News rankings as well. The Mustangs are No. 1 while Pasadena is No. 2. The swap came after Muir's win a few weeks ago over its rival and marked the first time the Star-News didn't have Pasadena No. 1 in at least four years. Muir currently is No. 52 in the state. Pasadena is No. 55 and dropped a few spots after losing to Crescenta Valley on a late field goal.
Whatever the case, Pasadena is out to get Muir, especially after watching its rival fans storm its own court.

Pasadena will field the same lineup (Brandon Jolley, Blake Hamilton, Ajon Efferson, Perris Hicks and John Haywood) and has no plans on resting its players with playoffs looming.

"I'm playing to win the game," Tucker said. "I don't know what they're going to do."

Muir's lone concern is whether 6-foot-5 forward Andre Frazier will play. He sat out Tuesday's game for precautionary reasons after questions over his eligibility were raised upon his transfer from Bell-Jeff last year.

"I'm hoping that everything will be worked out," Smalley said.

Pasadena, which will wear the same black uniforms it wore against Crescenta Valley, has one thing on its mind and it's blatantly clear.

"It's payback tomorrow," Tucker said.

I'll be the first to admit I have not caught as much soccer as I would have wanted to this season, and it's really a shame with all the good talent throughout our side of town. I've been such a stranger to the sport this season that St. Francis coach Glen Appels said "Are you lost?" when I dropped in unannounced to one of his practices while on my way to a Muir-Crescenta Valley basketball game. It's a complete 180 turn from when I spoke with Appels almost on a weekly basis last year. Nevertheless, any chance I have had to hit the pitch I've enjoyed the soccer very much, and the same goes for girls soccer. Pasadena's boys soccer team has a lot of raw talent and great upside. I caught La Salle earlier this week and was really impressed with their play. Their attack is fluid and non-stop. I'll be live from Loyola today where the Cubs will host rival St. Francis. It's simple, if the Golden Knights win they clinch a share of the tough Mission League title and head into Division I playoff action with some serious momentum. St. Francis tied Loyola in the first meeting, a surging comeback by the Golden Knights to continue their strong play in league play. La Salle will try to clinch its first league title since 2006 when it visits St. Paul today. The Swordsmen are struggling this season, so the Lancers should come away with a good result, provided they don't enter the game too confident. Bosco Tech is 7-0-2 in league and looks to complete the sweep at home today. I'll try to update you with these scores later today.

By Miguel A. Melendez Staff Writer

PASADENA -- The last step atop the Pacific League ladder proved to be the toughest.

Not only did the Muir High School boys basketball team have to face a Crescenta Valley team that derailed Pasadena's chances of repeating as league champion for the 10th consecutive year, it did so without its most physical forward.

When the shock of losing Andre Frazier finally wore off in the second half, the Mustangs turned up the heat like they always do, but it was Jelani Mitchell's clutch free throws in the waning minute that paved the way for a 66-63 win over the visiting Falcons on Tuesday night to claim the school's first league title in over a decade.

Muir (24-1, 13-0) got off to a rough start offensively, and the absence of a big body in Frazier (6-foot-5, 180 pounds) showed. Frazier sat out for precautionary reasons after Muir officials learned his eligibility might be in danger upon his transfer from Bell-Jeff last year. A clerical error was identified on Monday, though it's uncertain how significant an error was made. Over those concerns, however, Smalley decided to sit Frazier while paperwork with Bell-Jeff and the CIF-Southern Section is sorted out in an effort to save Frazier's eligibility while keeping Muir's unbeaten league record intact with one game left in the regular season before the playoffs.

Nevertheless, Muir used an 8-0 run in the third quarter to take its first lead of the game 40-39 on a Mitchell 3-pointer with 4:21 left in the third quarter. Mitchell, a junior  guard, finished with 16 points and hit five free throws in the final 38 seconds to seal the win.

Muir overcame a sloppy start, missing 8 of its first 9 attempts in the first quarter. The Mustangs' suffocating defense was there from the start, forcing Crescenta Valley (21-5, 10-3) into a turnover just 10 seconds into the game.

But Muir's cold start meant climbing an uphill battle from the very start. Its speed was met by a virtual wall in the first half, and Mitchell was kept silent as he took only two shot attempts in the first half. Muir at halftime, 37-31.

"I reamed him at halftime because we can't have a guy like him taking just two shots in the first half," Muir coach Gamal Smalley said. "We need a guy of his caliber to shoot like we know he can shoot."

Mitchell took the message and ran with it, creating chances with fluid passing at the top of the key to create spacing. Tevin Polk reaped the benefits, scoring a game-high 18 points. Polk wasn't the only key contributor.

Muir's Dion Nelson was effective as the game went on, finding his soft stroke from mid-range. He finished with 16 points, but it was his game-high seven steals that really gave the Mustangs momentum.

"His seven steals were a real big game-changer," Smalley said.

Crescenta Valley went hot in the first half with Dylan Kigour, who seemingly couldn't miss from the 3-point line to finish with 14 points. Cole Currie and Christian Missi each scored 15 points and Davis Dragovich added 14. The Falcons maybe got a little too greedy from beyond the arc, going cold from there in the second half. By the time Crescenta Valley started feeding it to the bigs inside it was too late.
 
Polk in the third quarter got the Mustangs started with a drive-in layup followed by Mitchell's very own with 5:05 left in the third quarter. Crescenta Valley turned the ball over on the ensuing possession and Mitchell squared up for a 3-pointer to pull Muir within 40-39. Crescenta Valley called a timeout, but it wouldn't matter, the Mustangs were in a defensive zone, trapping the Falcons on nearly every inbounds pass. 

Despite no success inside in the first half, Polk's determination never waned. He continued attacking inside that led to free throws and even a dunk followed by a fastbreak layup to help the Mustangs retain a 51-49 lead heading into the fourth quarter.

Maurice Ballard, who finished with nine points, opened the fourth quarter with a 3-pointer. Brian Carrier played in place of Frazier and did a solid job making it hard for the Falcons' tall front court. Taturs Mayberry finished with six points and five rebounds.

All that's left now is Thursday's game against rival Pasadena, which will have no playoff or league standing implications.

Bragging rights, however, is still up for grabs.

By Gerry Gittelson, Correspondent

LOS ANGELES - Village Christian High won a league championship in boys basketball for the first time in 17 years Tuesday with a 70-47 victory over visiting Maranatha to clinch the Olympic League title before a near-capacity crowd at Village Christian.

With a significant height advantage, combined with crisp fundamentals and all-out hustle, the Crusaders scored the first eight points while jumping to a quick 12-point lead after five minutes.

Village Christian, which last won a basketball title in 1995 in the Alpha League, steadily built a 20-point lead, and Maranatha never threatened.

"It feels great, especially to do this in my senior year," Village Christian's Marquis Salmon said.

Salmon scored 19 points, including a crowd-pleasing dunk on an alley-oop, and the 6-foot-7 forward also had seven rebounds and played smothering defense against standout guard Jeremy Major.

Major, who committed to Pepperdine two weeks ago, scored 27 points, but he managed to make just 6 of 22 shots, as the 5-9 junior had difficulty finding open looks against Salmon, who is almost a foot taller.

"It was hard, but it's all right - I've played against bigger players before," Major said. "It's all good. This was a chance to up my game."

Salmon and Major are friends off the court, and Salmon implored Village Christian coach Jon Shaw to let him guard Major.

"I told my coach I wanted the challenge," Salmon said.

Village Christian has benefited from the summer arrival of top sophomores Marsalis Johnson and Bryan Alberts and impact junior Alex English from Alemany. Johnson scored 17 points with 11 rebounds and six blocks, and Alberts scored 15 points with seven assists, five steals and five rebounds.

"Those three have made a big impact," Major said.

Maranatha (19-6, 6-2) shot 27 percent from the floor, including 3 of 23 on 3-pointers. The loss snapped a five-game winning streak.

Village Christian (23-2, 7-0), ranked No. 2 in the DivisionV-AA poll, has won 21 of its past 22 games.

Andrew Elffers had nine points for Maranatha. No one else scored more than four.

By Keith Lair, Staff Writer

LA CANADA-FLINTRIDGE - Calm, cool and league champions.

That is what the South Pasadena High School boys basketball team can claim after scoring a 44-38 victory over host La Canada to clinch at least a share of its first Rio Hondo League title in 21 years.

The Tigers made nearly all of their free-throw attempts in the fourth quarter to beat the Spartans, who have had a virtual lock on the league title the past 20 years. La Canada has won the last two titles and 10 of the last 11.

The Tigers made 10 of 12 free-throw attempts in the fourth quarter.

"You have to make them when they count," South Pasadena coach Timothy Brown said. "I tell the guy that it's not free time when you're practicing them."

The Spartans can only share the crown if host Temple City beats South Pasadena on Thursday and the Spartans defeat host Monrovia. They would finish tied for the league title, but South Pasadena would be the No. 1 playoff seed by virtue of its season sweep of the series.

James Kawakami made all six of his free-throw attempts, his only points of the game, when the Spartans were desperately trying to keep it from getting out of hand.

South Pasadena made 23 of its 27 free-throw attempts. La Ca ada was 7 of 15 from the line.

"I wasn't thinking," Kawakami said of his shots. "I was just trying to get the ball in the basket. (The free-throw difference) was huge. It changed the whole game."

Neither team shotthe ball particularly well. The Tigers shot 27 percent (9 of 33) from the field and the Spartans shot 29 percent (13 of 44). La Ca ada, which has held to opponents to 44 points or fewer in 18 of 25 games this season, led in the first half, but the Tigers seemed to take control.

With the score tied at 31 at the start of the fourth quarter, Harry Yadav sank a 3-pointer on his first shot attempt of the game.

"You just have to be ready," he said. "I got the opportunity and I'm glad I made it."

Alireza Jabalameli, who got the Tigers back in the game in the third quarter by scoring nine of his 17 points, hit a foul shot for a four-point lead with 1:56 to play.

"I just needed to put my team on my back," he said. "But at the same time I made sure our players got involved."

La Canada twice cut the lead to three down the stretch, but the Spartans were never able to tie it.

By Keith Lair, Staff Writer

PASADENA - Everything fell on Emoni Jackson's shoulders before she knew it.

That was not supposed to be the case. The Muir High School sophomore figured to be the third or even fourth cog in the Mustangs' return to the top of the Pacific League in girls basketball this season. But junior Jordan Jackson was lost for the season before it even started because of a knee injury. Senior Tyler Polk followed with a knee injury that will require surgery later this month.

Suddenly, Emoni Jackson was the "it" girl.

"Emoni has had to take on a big chunk and she's been responding," Muir coach Gary Johnson said. "Basically we lost two girls that were supposed to be starters. Without them we're 22-3 and that is really something to say.

"Back then, we did not think they would be able to key on her every game. We knew Tyler Polk would give us 10 or 12 points inside every game."

The Mustangs, who did not win the league title for the first time in a decade last season, clinched the championship on Friday with a 64-36 victory over Glendale. They close out the regular season with games today at Crescenta Valley and Thursday against Pasadena. The Bulldogs handed the Mustangs their lone loss in league, 36-34, but then had to forfeit the victory.

"That was our first game where we weren't in the right mindset," Emoni Jackson said of the loss. "We missed a lot of free throws and had a lot of turnovers. It woke us up and let us know we can't mess around."

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Muir clinched a share of the Pacific League title with a big win over Glendale. Andre Frazier and Jelani Mitchell each had 17 points and Dion Nelson and Tevin Polk had 13 points. Muir can clinch the league title outright with a win on Tuesday at home against Crescenta Valley. I'll be there for the game.

By Keith Lair, Staff Writer

LA CRESCENTA - The Pasadena High School boys basketball team did an exceptional job of keeping the ball away from Crescenta Valley's Christian Misi in the second half.

But the Falcons found their 6-foot-5 go-to senior when it counted, and he knocked down a 3-pointer with 7.0 seconds remaining to give Crescenta Valley a 61-60 victory over Pasadena on Friday night.

"They got a hand up on me, but it went in, so it was all right," Misi said of the shot from 20 feet out from near the Falcons bench.

"Once it left his hands it looked beautiful all the way," Crescenta Valley coach Shawn Zargarian said.

It is the first time the Falcons have beaten the Bulldogs in seven years, a stretch of 13 games.

The Bulldogs are in danger of not winning a Pacific League title for the first time in a decade.

"We're getting beaten by teams we haven't been beaten by," Pasadena coach Tim Tucker said. "That happens. You can't keep going forever. We had our way and we will have our way again."

Pasadena (10-2 in league) plays host to Hoover on Tuesday and then visits first-place Muir (12-0) on Thursday.

Crescenta Valley (10-2) plays at Muir on Tuesday and then at Arcadia.

Tied at 58, Pasadena worked the ball down low to Brandon Jolley, who scored five of the Bulldogs' six field goals in the fourth quarter. He backed in against Rudy Avila, made the shot for a 60-58 lead and was fouled with 37 seconds to play.

Jolley missed the free-throw attempt, but John Hayward got the offensive rebound. Tucker called timeout when Hayward was surrounded by a trio of Falcons.

Hayward then had to inbound the ball from the corner but was unable to get the ball in, resulting in a five-second violation with 31.3 seconds to play.

"It was really our mismanagement," Tucker said.

"We knew we had a timeout and we didn't call timeout. If we call timeout, we're probably the ones celebrating.

"It was a tough spot. They played good defense out of it. But again, somebody has to call timeout."

Crescenta Valley, which trailed by as many as eight points, waited patiently for the last shot. Misi came off a double screen and Cole Currie, dribbling near the halfcourt line, hit him with the pass. The Bulldogs had a hand in his face, but Misi took the shot anyway.

"It was a great shot," Tucker said. "We contested it."

The Bulldogs called a timeout with 6.0 seconds to play. Hayward dribbled the length of the court and appeared to have the lane, but Misi and Avila, at 6-7, stepped up and the 5-10 senior guard tried to kick the ball back up top. Ajon Efferson scrambled for the ball and threw up a 3-point heave after time expired.

I am very happy to announce that San Gabriel Valley Newspaper Group has entered into the world of gambling as it pertains to horse racing, sports betting and poker.

In doing so, we have launched the BET IT AND SWEAT IT blog. There you will find constant updates, insights, opinion and interaction between those of us who like to partake in horse racing, sports betting and poker, be it as a hobby or a serious endeavor.

I'm quite certain you will find this blog VERY ENTERTAINING and VERY INFORMATIVE.

You can start by reading my Super Bowl prediction column. And then be back on Friday afternoon at 1:30 p.m. for a webcast that will feature Covers.com handicapper Dave Malinsky, FOXSports.com's assistant managing editor Zack Pierce live from Indy and Pro Football Weekly's Editor and handicapping columnist Mike Wilkening.

Back row: St. Francis' Travis Talianko (San Jose State), Monrovia's Luke Williams (UC Davis); Arcadia's Taylor Lagace (UCLA). Middle row: St. Francis' Kristion Grbavac (USD, University of San Diego); Muir's Kevon Seymour (USC); Arcadia's Myles Carr (Fresno State) Front row: Monrovia's Ellis McCarthy (UCLA)

The long, at times strenuous and even invasive, road to national signing day is over as 20 area athletes made their college choices official by signing letters of intent on Wednesday.

The West San Gabriel Valley's impressive list was led by seven football players who will remain in the state of California.

At the forefront is Monrovia High School's Ellis McCarthy, who signed with UCLA. The 6-foot-5, 305-pound defensive tackle heads UCLA's list of commitments after decommitting from Cal a few weeks ago. He committed to Cal during an announcement at the U.S. Army All-American Bowl Game earlier this month, but the USA Today All-American changed his name after the loss of Cal defensive line coach Tosh Lupoi, who went to Washington.

McCarthy narrowed his list to USC, Cal and Oregon (he said he was only allowed three hats at the podium, otherwise would have also included UCLA). McCarthy said he felt the full-court press from UCLA after it hired Jim Mora, who in turn brought in top coaches that included former Muir standout Demetrice Martin, a childhood friend of McCarthy's father, Ed.

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Back row: Pasadena Poly's Jack Birkenbeuel (UC Irvine); Flintridge Sacred Heart's Lindsey Espe (Belmont). Third row: Flintridge Sacred Heart's Tera Trujillo (New Mexico); Flintridge Sacred Heart's Breaana Koemans (Northeastern); Flintridge Sacred Heart's Alexa Montgomery (Arizona); Pasadena Poly's Colin Woolway (Harvard). Second row: South Pasadena's Taylor Colliau (Valparaiso); Flintridge Sacred Heart's Katelyn Almeida (New Mexico); Flintridge Sacred Heart's Jillian Jacobs (Loyola Marymount). Front row: Arcadia's Hayley Greep (Cal State Northridge); Alverno's Celina Minissian (St. Mary's); Flintridge Sacred Heart's Katie Johnson (USC). Not pictured: Pasadena's Alegra Hueso (USC).