High Schools: October 2008 Archives

El Camino Real returning shortstop Alex Mejia has committed to an Arizona baseball scholarship.

"Arizona is getting a quality player -- in the classroom and on the field," El Camino Real coach Josh Lienhard said. "He's a well rounded kid."

gerry.gittelson@dailynews.com

Rojello "Rocky" Magdaleno, a longtime community baseball figure and the grandfather of 10-year Major League pitcher Russ Ortiz from Montclair Prep, died Tuesday. He was 84.

Magdaleno lettered in baseball and track at San Fernando High, served in WWII, and coached at various youth leagues in Van Nuys, North Hills and Encino. He also worked as a letter carrier.

"He had an influence on hundreds of kids," said grandson Shad Ortiz. "We did not have a dad in the picture, and he stepped up to be our father figure and male role model. I remember playing catch with him in our front yard in Van Nuys and going to Buddy's bataway on Van Nuys Boulevard, where it was seven pitches for a quarter."

gerry.gittelson@dailynews.com

Austin Walker, a top returning junior shortstop at Crespi, committed to a UC Irvine baseball scholarship a couple of weeks back. Not to be outdone, three days later Walker's brother, Adam, a Crespi senior, committed to play Lacrosse at Div. III Fontbonne University in St. Louis.

gerry.gittelson@dailynews.com

Ranny Lowe, a top returning shortstop for Notre Dame of Sherman Oaks, has committed to Pepperdine, where he'll join fellow Knights' returning infielder Kelly Dugan.

As a junior, Lowe batted .289 with 21 runs to help Notre Dame to the Southern Section Div. III championship. Lowe transferred to Notre Dame from Montclair Prep.

gerry.gittelson@dailynews.com

Marti Sementelli, a sophomore baseball player at Burbank High, pitched a no-hitter Sunday to lead a team from New England to a 3-0 victory to win the women's national baseball championship in Tucson. The 5-foot-2 right-hander allowed three hits and struck out nine in seven innings.

gerry.gittelson@dailynews.com