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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 basketball school.

Pasadena made its message loud and clear with a dominating 71-50 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, 61-64.

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Blake Hamilton recorded three thunderous dunks to finish with 12 points, 10 rebounds, three steals, two blocks and two assists. John Haywood finished with 11 points, eight rebounds, three steals and three assists. Perris Hicks also had a solid game with 12 points, three steals and two blocks. Ajon Efferson, a sophomore point guard, is looking to grow into his role, finishing with eight points, three assists and two rebounds with a block and a steal.

Pasadena opened the quarter on an 8-0 run and led 26-9 before Muir finally went on a run, albeit modest. The Mustangs had an 8-0 run in the first quarter that barely left a dent.

It didn't help that Muir was outrebounded (38-31) and committed more turnovers (15 to 10). Pasadena also dished out more assists, 13-4.

Pasadena shot 45 percent (27 of 60 from the floor while Muir struggled throughout, shooting 17 of 45 from the floor. Jelani Mitchell and Dion Nelson tried helping the Mustangs stay on pace, each scoring 13 points. Brian Carrier (3 points, 10 rebounds) started in place of 6-5 forward Andre Frazier, who sat out his second consecutive game because of concerns raised over his eligibility. He sat out Tuesday's game against Crescenta Valley when the Mustangs clinched the school's first league title in over a decade. Muir coach Gamal Samlley said they are keeping him out for precautionary reasons and that the school should know by today if he's OK to play. the CIF-Southern Section has not ruled him ineligible, but Muir officials are keeping him out to be cautious. 

Frazier's presence was severely missed. As Jolley muscled his way into the basket it opened up the inside game for the rest of the team, too.

Pasadena wanted to assure the CIF committee that it earned a No. 2 seed in Division 3AAA when the brackets are released on Sunday. The Bulldogs two losses in league this season came by a combined five points, and five of its seven losses have come to teams ranked top 50 in the state.

"We thought we left something on the court (in the last meeting," Pasadena coach Tim Tucker said. "We knew we wer emuch better than we played last time and we wanted some momentum going into CIF. We want CIF to know how good we are and believe we have a big run ahead of us."

Pasadena wanted its message to be clear, that two losses in league and not ending as a 10-time league champion doesn't mean the Bulldogs talent has gone down. On the contrary.

"There's a lot of talk in this town," Tucker said. "And Jolley felt there was too much talk going on, too. People got it confused that we're the second team in the city. We're not the second best etam in the city. We know how good we are. Jolley knows how good he is. We just came out here and proved it.

"I congratulate Muir on a good season and a league championship, but we got nine in a row. We know how good we are."

Muir, currently No. 5 in Division 4AA, started three seniors who are not regular starters because it was senior night. By the time Mitchell, Carrier and Taturs Mayberry entered the game Pasadena had already taken the early momentum.

Muir's trapping defense went missing, and the Mustangs' trademark play of building runs came only in the first quarte.r  Muir is used to dictating the pace, but just couldn't make it happen.

"They went at us and stopped our sideline breaks a little bit," Smalley said. "We just didn't cur the counters. Once Muir starts to slow and walk a game then you see other teams have advantages."

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.

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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This season, Emoni Jackson is averaging a double-double for the second consecutive year. She leads the team in scoring at 16.8 points per game and rebounds at 12.4. She leads the team in blocked shots (26), is second with 1.5 assists per game and has a team-high 2.4 steals per game.

All the while facing double and triple teams.

"I'm not surprised because I know I can do it," she said of her double-double average. "I'm proud that I've been able to score as much as I have. I just have to work harder and keep trying to get better."

The 6-foot-1, near-A student plays shooting forward for her travelball team, the Cal Sparks. But without Jordan Jackson on the wing and Polk in the middle, she has had to play center and power forward.

"Right now we need her as a (power forward or center)," Johnson said. "If we lose her we're basically done.

"She's stronger and we've been working on her inside moves. That is one of the biggest things she's improved on. She's not falling away. She's going to the basket harder.

"They're triple- and double-teaming her and they're playing zone on us.

"She's developing her outside shot, but I told her to not do too much because we need her inside."

Jackson had the "can't-miss" label at Muir last year.

"She's one of a kind," Johnson said. "She gets the double and triple teams and it frustrates her. However, we teach her that's how it's going to be the next two years. Get used to it. Wear a mouthpiece."

Johnson projects her to be a future All-America player, just like 2009 Muir grad Eliza Pierre. She said she already has received at least eight recruiting letters from NCAA Division I programs, including several Pac-12 schools.

"I feel like I have a lot of things to work on just to get better and better and to work on my shooting," she said. "I'm starting to take smarter shots and making better shot decisions. I need to slow down and pay attention."

Johnson said he recently has seen improvement in her free-throw shooting.

"She's worked hard in practice," he said. "Instead of getting 16 points a game, she'll be getting 20 because she is hitting her free throws."

She has a tattoo of sister Autumn and a basketball on the inside wrist of her right arm. Emoni, the oldest of four siblings, was 9 when Autumn, then 5, died of a heart defect. Underneath Emoni's name is the number 24, signifying Autumn's April birthday and the jersey number she wears.

"I just think of her," Jackson said. "That's why my mom let me get the tattoo. She's watching over me and making sure that I do the best I can. It's my inspiration."

She's also become an inspiration for her teammates.

"We have strong players and a lot of potential," she said. "We are all trying to help each other and even though I'm just a sophomore, they listen to me."

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.

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.

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).

"I want to go in there and be an impact player," he said. "I don't want to redshirt. I think if I work really hard I can go in there and start as a true freshman."

McCarthy, who seamlessly can switch from tackle to end and often is compared to Detroit Lions star Ndamukong Suh, said UCLA's new coaching staff made an impression with its relentless determination to get him.

"I know that if I go in there those coaches are really going to prepare me," he said. "It's been a dream of mine since I was a little kid to go to the NFL."

How big a recruit was McCarthy? Martin called at 5 a.m. on signing day to make a final, though not necessary, push.

Muir's Kevon Seymour, a four-star recruit ranked as the nation's No. 9 cornerback, signed with USC. He made a verbal commitment on national television at the U.S. Army-All American game. Seymour is listed as an athlete but he's expected to play a key role in returning punts and kickoffs.

For Seymour, a chance to stay close to home and earn a degree from a prestigious university was too good to pass up, never mind that USC still has not hired a defensive backs or cornerbacks coach.

"USC wants to win," said Seymour, flanked by his family and girlfriend during a signing ceremony at Muir. "They'll find coaches that'll make the corners and DB's progress. That's why I'm not worried. The history, the vibe and the connections made it feel like it was a good place for me. My family can get to the games. I want my baby sister to experience the games and that'll make her want to do good. I'm just trying to start a pipeline for my family."

When Martin left Washington for UCLA, he persuaded his Washington recruits to do the same. Arcadia's Taylor Lagace, projected to play safety, followed suit and signed with UCLA.

"Right when coach (Martin) left Washington he told me the day of to go with him," Lagace said. "To play in my hometown was always a dream."

That Lagace gets a chance to play alongside McCarthy and former area standouts Dietrich Riley (St. Francis) and Todd Golper (Arcadia) is an added bonus.

Arcadia quarterback Myles Carr (2,484 yards, 30 touchdowns, six interceptions) earlier committed to Stony Brook University in New York, but not long after he got a phone call from Fresno State offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach Dave Schramm, who visited Carr at Arcadia and invited him on an official trip. Once there, Carr received an offer and signed with the Bulldogs. The distance also played a big factor in Carr's decision.

"I wouldn't want my parents to go all the way to New York to see me play," he said. "It's better when it's a 3 1/2-hour drive."

Monrovia's Luke Williams drew interest from Arizona State and San Diego State, but it was UC Davis that showed more interest as its coaching staff made an effort to see Williams play. That vested interest is what made Williams, a 6-3 wide receiver, sign with the Aggies.

Williams received an offer over the weekend and saw the papers come through Wednesday morning.

"I just feel blessed," Williams said. "I'm going to try to do very well in college so my family can continue to be proud of me."

St. Francis' Travis Talianko was a San Jose State commit for some time and kept his word by signing with the Spartans. That other schools showed little interest will fuel his motivation.

"I kind of take that personally," said Talianko, a three-time Star-News All-Area honoree. "I'm definitely going up there with a chip on my shoulder and something to prove."

St. Francis' Kristion Grbavac rounds out the area football signees. Grbavac, a first-team All-Area lineman, signed with the University of San Diego.

There was a bit of a twist when Muir running back Tairen Owens did not sign as expected with UCLA.

Owens, who first committed to Washington, switched to UCLA but said on Wednesday during Seymour's signing ceremony he's exploring his options. Among the school's he's also considering are Arizona State and San Diego State.

Flintridge Sacred Heart's soccer team, a national powerhouse that was ranked No. 1 this season, is sending seven athletes to Division I schools: Katie Johnson (USC), Alexa Montgomery (Arizona), Breeana Koemans (Northeastern), Lindsey Espe (Belmont), Jillian Jacobs (Loyola Marymount), Tera Trujillo (New Mexico) and Katelyn Almeida (New Mexico).

South Pasadena's Taylor Colliau signed with Valparaiso and Arcadia's Hayle Greep signed with Cal State Northridge. Alverno's Celina Minissian signed with St. Mary's.

In water polo, Pasadena standout Alegra Hueso signed with USC while Pasadena Poly's Colin Woolway is headed to Harvard.

Pasadena Poly's Jack Birkenbeuel will continue his soccer career at UC Irvine, which is ranked in the top 10 nationally this season.