Freshman verbals UCLA
After just her freshman season at Diamond Bar High School, Brahmas shortstop Stephany LaRosa has given a verbal commitment to attend UCLA in 2011. Her mom Rhonda emailed in the good news.
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After just her freshman season at Diamond Bar High School, Brahmas shortstop Stephany LaRosa has given a verbal commitment to attend UCLA in 2011. Her mom Rhonda emailed in the good news.
I'm with the family in Northern California, but read a comment in one of the threads from a blogging friend at the Star-News. Looks like Muir's Mighty Mighty Mustangs are ready for the Southeast. The Orange County school's are gone, replaced by the more athletic teams from Muir and PHS. When I was at South Hills' practice last week I talked to Bogan about the realignment. Muir was one of his curious concerns.
Here's what Stang Fan wrote.
Freddie J,
Great to see you still doing your thing over at the Trib. Tell your pops hello and to keep up the good work with the golf team...and as he well knows, it's always, "Stangs for Life!!!"
Anyhow, just thought I'd pop over to the east blog and kick up a little dust....
You mentioned before on another thread that Muir was "licking its chops" when they found out about their placement in the new Southeast Division. That very well may be the understatement of the year! Quite frankly, the Stangs are "licking their chops," pounding their bellies," "banging their plates on the table," or whatever silly metaphor one can muster to accurately describe the sheer anticipation of FINALLY getting a chance to play SH, CO, LA, and whoever else in our new division who wants it!!!!!!!
You SH and CO fans are HILARIOUS!!!!! You guys are (chuckle) already writing (giggle) yourselves into the (laugh) championship game (LMAO)??? Are you serious? Break it down for me. Analyze. Explain. Why will it be such a cakewalk for you? Please don't give me that HISTORY BS though. You can go on and on about the championships you have won in the past...but I ask you, "who the heck have you played!!!" Amat fans may be myopic, but they are absolutely correct in their assessment of how and why you guys have won rings...D-6 and D-7.
Yes, I know, you "did what you were supposed to" and at least you guys have won a title "in the last 20 years." You are right. You did and you have...we didn't and have not. Congrats. But please don't confuse that with being better than everyone else. Honestly, I'm embarrassed that the Pacific league has dropped from D2 to D3 to D5 to D7 all in just 12-13 years. It's shameful. It probably is best for the teams in our league, even Muir, nonetheless it still hurts to see that happen. My hope is that we can battle back, win a few titles and move back up with the big boys, just as other schools have done in the past. We'll cross that bridge when we get there. But I digress...
I can't WAIT to the playoffs!!! And to keep it as REAL AS I CAN...i hope to the heavens above that we face Charter Oak!!! And you all know why...especially you Farrar!!! BTW, we never received that "thank you" card for that victory over GLendora last year...you remember...the game won on the last play with what I like to call the "Pasadena connection." To quote Mel Gibson from "Ransom", "give (us) back (our) son(s)!!!"
LET'S GO STANGS!!!!!
WNBA star Becky Hammon, a U.S. native, will play for Russia in Beijing
Fred set the bar, adding a few mainstream topics in addition to the many prep topics on this blog. That being said, with the Olympics just around the corner, what a better time to discuss one of the more hot topics of the Beijing Games.
I'm sure you've heard of the Becky Hammon controversy and the WNBA star's decision to play for the Russian women's basketball national team in the upcoming Olympics. The story has made the rounds on ESPN, CNN and a variety of news and sports publications.
One publication labeled her a traitor, while her former coach, who is also the Team USA coach, said her actions were not very "patriotic."
Personally, I back her decision, almost to the point where I might root for Russia over the U.S. when or if they face each other. I'm as patriotic as the next guy, but Hammon appears to be getting a bad rap. She's been painted as the bad girl when that role should go U.S. coach Anne Donovan, who first made the faux pas when she didn't include Hammon on her Top 25 list of players, then fueled the situation by saying, "If you play in this country, live in this country and you grow up in the heartland - and you put on a Russian uniform - you are not a patriotic person, in my mind."
It has been Hammon's dream to play in the Olympics. She's earned that chance be being one of the top players in the WNBA, if not the top star. Russia gave her the chance to live out her Olympic dream, when her own country wouldn't.
What's wrong with that?
Charter Cove's Tyler Garkow makes a pitch in a recent American Legion 18th District playoff game at Charter Oak High School. Charter Cove advanced with two forfeit wins.
In case you missed, the Charter Cove Post 555 baseball team won the American Legion 18th District championship last week after getting forfeit wins against South Pasadena and Diamond Ranch last week.
The team, which consists mainly players from Charter Oak High School along with Northview's Aaron Elias, Marc Andrade and Robert Williams and Covina's Tyler Pill, advanced to the 6th Area tournament this week, which is scheduled Thursday-Sunday at UCLA.
Charter Cove won the 6th Area last year before finishing third in the State Tournament.
Ryan Doeppel bounced a one-out, bases-loaded single through a drawn-in infield to score Matt Quintero in the bottom of the ninth inning, giving Arroyo Seco a 2-1 victory over San Gabriel Valley in the Babe Ruth Baseball 16-18 Southern California state tournament championship game Friday night at Arcadia High School.
Doeppel's game-winning hit brought to an end a marvelously played, extra-inning contest that featured at times spectacular pitching and defense by both teams that created missed opportunities.
To continue reading, click thread
An open discussion, whoever and whatever you wanna talk about. I'm gone for another week but Stevie R., will be here to handle all the duties.
These are the football playoff groupings for 2008-10.
Pac-5 Division: Moore, Serra, South Coast, Sunset, Trinity.
Inland Division: Big 8, Citrus Belt, Inland Valley, Southwestern.
Western Division: Bay, Golden, Mission, Ocean, San Gabriel.
Northern Division: Channel, Foothill, Marmonte, Pac-7, Pacific View.
Central Division: Baseline, Mt. Baldy, San Andreas, Sierra, Sunbelt.
Southwest Division: Century, Empire, Freeway, Orange, Sea View.
Southeast Division: Almont, Del Rio, Miramonte, Pacific, San Antonio.
Eastern Division: Desert Sky, Desert Valley, Mojave River, Mountain Pass, Sunkist.
Southern Division: Garden Grove, Golden West, Orange Coast, Pacific Coast, Suburban.
Northwest Division: Camino Real, Del Rey, Los Padres, Pioneer, Tri-Valley.
Mid-Valley Division: Mission Valley, Montview, Olympic, Rio Hondo, Valle Vista.
East Valley Division: Academy, Alpha, Christian, De Anza, Frontier, High Desert.
Northeast Division: Big Sky, Desert Mountain, Prep, San Joaquin, Santa Fe.
Fred's thoughts: I absolutely love the Southeast Division, throwing Pacific League schools, Muir, Arcadia, etc, to go against the Miramonte and San Antonio. Then you have the Almont and Del Rio from the Whittier area. This is a true area championship. Also, the Valle Vista can compete in the Mid Valley Division. In fact they might be the toughest league right now, and that's not a joke. No more Oaks Christian for Covina and San Dimas, the Valle Vista champion could actually win CIF next year.
For every football practice I've visited, there are girls volleyball players sweating it out in the gyms nearby. Stevie R., did a great job with weekly top ten's, features and game coverage last year, but we want to do more this fall. Hope we get some girls volleyball folks that can keep us up to speed with all the heavy hitters. Let's start by discussing the best returning players, teams, and whatever you think makes for interesting girls volleyball discussion.
These were our final rankings from 2007
1. South Hills (16-8) Riding seven-match win streak
2. Los Altos (22-9) Gains some sweet revenge
3. Walnut (19-7) Best No. 2 in the area
4. Gladstone (20-6) Was perfect in Montview
5. Bonita (12-4) Slippin' and a slidin'
6. Bishop Amat (17-9) On four-match win streak
7. St. Lucy's (13-10) Has looked good lately
8. Diamond Bar (16-11) Opens playoffs at South Hills
9. San Dimas (16-6) Closed deal in Valle Vista
10. Glendora (10-5) Advances after big win
View from the sidelines: I was busy with the video camera, but that was the score whispered to me in what seemed like just an informal game of touch football at Thursday's passing league game between South Hills and Bishop Amat. Nobody keeps score, the winners just nod and wink afterward. South Hills looked better all the way around, but like everyone says, it's just a passing league game. Whatever it was, South Hills was more polished and QB Cameron Deen had everything to do with it. When talent and confidence come together, you've got something and that was the difference between Deen and the three QB's auditioning at Amat. Deen started five-for-five, marched down the field and moved it around with ease for the most part. Of the three Amat QB's, sophomore Josiah Thropay probably had the best day, and looks like the most natural QB. But senior incumbent Nick Lenhart is still the man to beat out, with Jerry McLanahan not far back. All of them had their moments, but I think the Amat coaches are waiting for one of them to step forward and not look back. Right now you see three guys who seem to be looking over their shoulder too much.
Tomorrow I'll post video interviews with both coaches, along with highlights from the game.
School's out, the kids are bugging, so now what? I'll tell you what, the NFL's junior player development camp is coming to Baldwin Park High School. And here's the best part: The camp is completely free for kids ages 12-14.
Registration is on Saturday at Baldwin Park HS at 2 p.m., and the camp runs Monday-Saturday, 5-7 p.m., at Baldwin Park's beautiful facility.
The kids will be under the direction of Baldwin Park coach James Heggins and his coaching staff, but through the NFL, everything is paid for. The kids will take home a free bag, jersey and a pair of shorts. You can't beat it, what an opportunity.
"This is something the NFL does a lot on the East coast and Pete Smolin at Cantwell Sacred Heart has been involved with it for a while," Heggins said. "When I heard about it I kept bugging the NFL people and we got it done. It's a great chance for us to teach these kids, give back to the community and it won't cost their parents a thing."
It's one of those summer days where I'm sitting in the office coming up with another top ten for y'all to chew on. How about this, the top ten sports in the SGV you want to read or follow most. No. 1 is easy, obviously football sets the tone for everything else, but what follows may or may not surprise you, so here goes.
1. Football - Absolutely and without question, this is the straw that stirs the drink in high school athletics.
2. Baseball - I am convinced this is the area's No. 2 sport. Not just in terms of talent across the SGV, but in fan interest, blog participation and readership.
3. Boys Basketball - In Orange County and other area's this is No. 2, but not in our backyard. There are still the Glendora's that keep the SGV on the map, but boys hoops in this area ain't what it once was. But obviously, still popular regardless.
4. Girls Basketball - Girls soccer and softball are closing in, but girls hoops still gets the nod at No. 4. Bishop Amat has obviously helped in that regard along with Walnut, Covina and others. While it's not a very big blog topic, there are more fans at girls basketball games than any other girls sport.
5. Softball: You can make an argument that softball is closing in on girls hoops in this area. Well attended crowds, solid history here, and it was a better than expected blog topic.
6. Girls Soccer: Yes, the girls before the guys. Girls soccer is the most participated girls team sport in the country at the moment. Club soccer is booming and there is a lot of reader interest. But my problem is the best girls don't always play because of club commitments. But it's still a sport that draws lots of reader interest and was a better than expected blog topic.
7. Wrestling: With Northview and South Hills, wrestling is still a huge thing. Back in my day, though, gyms were filled during big dual meets, but not as much today. I lived during the days of "Vision Quest." the best wrestling movie ever made. But as far as reader interest goes, not what it once was.
8. Track & Field: This gets better later in the season. It's big during Arcadia, Mt. SAC, and the postseason. Like wrestling, mostly individual and you wind up covering the same standouts every week.
9. Boys Soccer: This might irritate some people, but this is where boys soccer is. I hardly ever get complaints about boys soccer coverage, it's rarely talked about on the blogs, and part of that is because the SGV isn't a hotbed for boys soccer like it is in girls. For me personally though, boys soccer is one of my favorites.
10. Girls Volleyball: I'm finding this is a sport on the rise in the SGV. Places like Bonita, San Dimas and Los Altos showed a lot of passion. We'll definitely do more with girls volleyball this fall.
Others to consider: Cross Country, swimming, girls and boys water polo.
Caught up with Arroyo football coach Jim Singiser before his much deserved trip to Maui, (so jealous). He said that 6-1, 180 pound, senior-to-be Austin McFarland will take over at quarterback for 2,000 yard departing senior Brian Partida. McFarland led the Knights to the championship of their own 12-team passing league tourney over the weekend, losing to Northview 24-15 after defeating West Covina, Montebello and Alhambra. McFarland, a shortstop on the baseball team, was a solid sophomore quarterback on JV before becoming a wide receiver his junior season with Partida on board.
"He's (McFarland) a good athlete, very smart and has done a real good job all summer long. He's a guy who puts the ball where it needs to be put, he's not going to put you in danger."
The Knights don't have many seniors, but after having a talented freshman class, there will be 14 or 15 sophomores on varsity.
"We won't have that senior leadership but we'll be talented," Singiser said. "We'll be young, but we won't make excuses. We know that South El Monte and Rosemead look awfully tough. But it will be interesting to see how South does without Tommy Cogburn. He was so much of their offense. But again, they've got (QB, Jose) Garay and other guys, so they'll be fine."
While Arroyo has done well in summer passing leagues, Singiser said you can't read too much into it.
"We had a kid out last year that we were convinced would be a starting all-league corner," the coach said. "But once he got the gear on he couldn't tackle a girls third grade class. You find out who has a great arm and who the athletes are, but you never know until you get the pads on."
Wilson football coach Greg Hoyd said the the school is conducting physicals this afternoon (Thursday) at 3 p.m. For more info you can reach Hoyd at 949-678-7547.
Enough of that, what's going on with Tim Gilmore? Hoyd said everything fine, he's been in camp, looks terrific, and there is no doubt he'll be in a Wilson uniform this fall. Even Gilmore said as much during the Masters Track Meet, "It makes me mad [what people have been saying] because they are questioning my loyalty to Wilson," said Gilmore. "But people will see, they'll see I'm loyal to Wilson."
What is interesting is that Hoyd has purposely not watched any film on Gilmore. "I've heard enough great things about him to know he can play," Hoyd said. The coach said he is focusing on Gilmore personally, which means getting his academics sorted out because there are a lot of colleges contacting Hoyd and the school. "You've got to assess him as a person first, and Tim's been great. He hasn't given anyone any problems."
While Hoyd hasn't seen Gilmore in the backfield, he was impressed during a summer passing league game with Gilmore at safety, where he will split time.
"I haven't seen a guy with his speed in a while," Hoyd said. "He covers so much ground. He ran across the field and made an interception he has no business making. He's special. We just have to make sure we package him right. But outside of Tim, we do have a lot of concerns.
"Coming from Orange County, you have to get bigger and stronger and that means getting everyone to buy into the weight room. You can play with 5'10, 5'11 lineman, but they better be beasts, or it isn't going to work. The most difficult part has been changing the climate, but I feel we're making strides every day.
You won't see these two giants going at it in the fall, so this is as good as it gets. Don't miss the four-way passing league at South Hills on Thursday, which starts off with none other than South Hills vs. Bishop Amat at 5 p.m. Why don't they play an annual "nonleague" game? That's a good question. From everything I've heard, this game is on the table whenever South Hills wants it.
The games that follow South Hills-Amat Thursday include ...
Colton vs. St. Bonaventure
South Hills vs. Colton
Bishop Amat vs. St. Bonaventure.
St. Bonaventure vs. South Hills
Colton vs. Bishop Amat.
It should all be over around 8, so enjoy.
These aren't necessarily the best traditional rivalries, but the best rivalries in the San Gabriel Valley today.
1. Bonita-San Dimas - There is real emotion in this. Even in down years, the Smudge Pot is a huge game and draws thousands of fans. This year should be one of the best ever, with two teams capable of competing for CIF championships in their respective divisions. By the way, I'm going with Bonita at home in '08.
2. South Hills-West Covina - This was a good rivalry that became a great rivalry when West Covina beat South Hills for a CIF title a few years back. South Hills is usually the favorite, but the Bulldogs always play them tough.
3. Los Altos-Charter Oak - This slips from No. 1 to No. 3 with the departure of Gano. I loved the Farrar-Gano side story, and now that L.A. may slip from the area's elite, it's still a huge game, but not worthy of our top two.
4. Glendora-Damien - The perfect public vs. private league rivalry. Or is Glendora a private disguising itself as a public? No, that would be South Hills, L.A. or COak? Just kidding guys. Having said that, this is a much better game at Damien. I haven't warmed up to Citrus yet, wish Glendora had its own stadium.
5. Northview-Covina - It's one of the dreamy games at the District Field every year. There's a lot of history, it's usually for the Valle Vista League title and lets face it, they don't like each other that much. And now that the VVL is in the Mid-Valley Division, the league's elite could meet deep in the playoffs too.
For all you Saturday Morning Quarterbacks, here's your chance. The Foothill-Citrus Football Association is seeking candidates to become high school football officials for the upcoming season. No experience necessary .... okay, just kidding, but that's how it feels sometimes. Those interested should contact Jack O'Cain at 626-919-8200.
While we're on the subject, how would you rate the referees in the San Gabriel Valley? On the sidelines every week, some coaches get a way with a lot more than others. Maybe its because some coaches have been around a long time, or some have the respect of certain referees, but it's like the NBA, the superstars, or in this case the super coaches, can bark longer and louder.
In the Varsity Times Insider Blog, former prep sports editor Bob Rohwer wrote that he was part of the 150 layoffs on Monday, which has decimated their prep sports staff. In his last entry, Rohwer wrote:
Don't know if you're aware of the layoffs going on at The Times, but we lost 150 reporters and editors on Monday ... and I am one of them, along with most of our high school sports staff.
This will be my last blog for Varsity Times Insider.
Not sure what The Times' prep coverage will look like beginning this fall, but columnist Eric Sondheimer will still be around, so you can expect as much excellent coverage as one reporter can possibly give you. Remember to keep your eye on the ball, and maybe I'll see you at a game.
-- Bob Rohwer, former prep sports editor
A website called Tellzell has posted the names of those who lost their jobs, which includes a good friend in Jaime Cardenas, who did a great job covering the San Gabriel Valley for the Times. Some other notable names on the list included longtime veteran reporters Steve Springer, Larry Stewart, Eric Stephens, Bob Miezerski and Peter Yoon.
The Webb School in Claremont is looking for a varsity girls basketball coach, varsity baseball coach, JV tennis coach, assistant wrestling coach and an assistant girls varsity volleyball coach. If you're interested, contact athletic director Stephen Wishek at 909-482-5257 or swishek@webb.org
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Hit and Run Baseball will be hosting a youth baseball camp at Bishop Amat High School to children ages 5-14 (K-8th grade). The camp is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., August 4 to 7 at the Bishop Amat baseball field. The cost is $200 made payable to Hit and Run Baseball. Camp Director will be Andy Nieto, head baseball coach at Bishop Amat.
Walks-in are welcome to the camp. For information, call (626) 818-3142
You saw what South El Monte's Tommy Cogburn did in the all-star game, virtually taking over with his speed, quit cut moves and sure hands. His three touchdowns made the difference and that's what a great wide receiver can do, change the game in an instant. These are our top ten game-breakers for 2008.
Above: Damien's Taylor Herrera
1. Taylor Herrera, Damien, Sr.
He's flat-out the best talent in the area and right out of the Cogburn mold. A CIF-stud in the 100 meters and quick. He's listed at 6-1, 170 pounds, was a second-team All-Sierra League selection as a junior after hauling in 49 receptions for 612 yards and seven touchdowns. The only question is at quarterback, and if there is someone who can utilize him on a consistent basis.
2. Geoffrey Vaughns, South Hills, Jr.
Only had 16 receptions for 173 yards as a sophomore, but the 5-foot-10 stud was playing behind Brandon Parham and Dorian Wells for the most part. He's emerged during the summer as one of the best prospects in the San Gabriel Valley, has great hands and lets face it, with Cameron Deen at QB, Vaughns will get a lot of use and should have a spectacular season.
3. Manny Acosta, South El Monte, Sr.
The returning first team All-Mission Valley wide receiver has size, 6-foot-4, nearly 200 pounds and has great hands. He was the second option to Cogburn last season, but still had 35 receptions for 624 yards. He's going to be QB Jose Garay's No. 1 option, and they will throw the ball a lot. He could wind up leading the area in receiving yardage when the year is through.
4. Kevin Jones, Northview, Sr.
The returning first team Valle Vista League wideout had 42 receptions for 680 yards and seven touchdowns. As a junior he was one of the area's best athletes, excelling in basketball and baseball, and will no doubt be a game-breaker for the Vikings this senior season. If the Vikings are going to break through and beat out San Dimas for the VVL title, Jones will have a big say in it.
5. B.J. Gonzalez, Glendora, So.
A true star in the making. As a freshman he was listed at 6-5, 200 pounds and had 19 receptions for 273 yards and two touchdowns, then lit it up in the Bonita passing tournament, showing that he's the real deal for the next three years. No doubt one of the best sophomores in Southern California, and a real treat for Tartans fans worried about going through a rebuilding season.
6. Derrick Price, Bonita, Sr.
The Bearcats are loaded offensively, and with QB Terry Paradez back, Price is going to have another great season as well. He had 23 receptions for 425 yards, and should become the number one target. They also have Dewayne Gatti, giving Bonita a legitimate one-two punch at wideout.
7. B.J. Oyefeso, Rowland, Sr.
The Raiders had a forgettable 2007 season, which made Oyefeso's second team All San Antonio league selection even more appreciated. He's certainly deserving of this list, he has great hands and can run after the catch, but again, he will go unnoticed unless the Raiders return to contention in the San Antonio.
8. Ify Umodo, South Hills, Jr.
At 6-3 and 185 pounds, will be a great compliment to Vaughns and another bonafide target for Deen. His best postion is at cornerback, but one of the best two-way players for sure. No wonder South Hills lit up all the passing leagues.
9. Alonzo Navarez, West Covina, Sr.
If the Bulldogs get their quarterback situation sorted out now that Jacob Shirley won't be back, they'll have a good place to start in Nevarez, who was a second team San Antonio selection as a junior.
10. Daoud Ibrahim, Bishop Amat, Sr.
Lancers coach Steve Hagerty likes his 5-foot-10 wideout, but a lot remains to be seen. There is a three-way battle for QB between Nick Lenhart, Jerry McLanahan and sophomore Josiah Thropay, who transferred in from Monrovia. McLanahan is apparently pushing Lenhart, but if he does not win out, he will go back to WR, where he could become the top option. In any case, Ibrahim is the man of the moment at wideout.
Hi All,
I just wanted to let you know about my latest update on Prep Stars: Where are you now?
I write about former Bishop Amat baseball players - pitcher Dan Haren of the Arizona Diamondbacks and infielder Michael Young of the Texas Rangers - who will play in the 79th MLB All-Star Game at Yankee Stadium on Tuesday.
Remember this name, Rio Ruiz.
From everything I hear the 6-foot freshman-to-be could start on Bishop Amat's baseball team right now, and could be starting at quarterback when he's a sophomore. I have some close friends who know the kid very well and they can't wait to follow his high school career. All they keep telling me is he's the next "Great One." I mentioned his name to Lancers baseball coach Andy Nieto, and his eyes lit up. He said everything I've heard is legit, and many more think he could go Div. I in baseball or football, and that it's all up to him. He's a baseball player first, but he's excited about playing football at Amat too.
We wrote a story on Ruiz in our weekly papers a couple months back, click this thread to read it
We're a month away from working on the football tab, so time to start thinking about the best-of-the best at their position. With summer league finishing up, we'll start with the top quarterbacks.
1. Cameron Deen, South Hills
Nobody has raised their stock like this kid has. He's had a great spring and summer, has Pac-10 heavyweights after him, and in these parts, should tear it up. The 6-foot-2, 188-pound senior-to-be is ranked No. 35 nationally on Rivals.Com, with a 5.5 three-star rating. I'm starting to believe that South Hills should be No. 1 when the rankings come out this fall. The King of Cameron is Cameron.
2. Jose Garay, South El Monte
This is without a doubt one of my favorites. He's not going to be recruited like Deen because of his size, but if you're just talking high school, he rivals Deen and will probably put up better offensive numbers than Deen. And lets face it, Erick Escamilla is a great coach, he showed it in the all-star game and with a competitor like Garay, he will ride him all fall.
3. Chris Allen, Charter Oak
He's as good as Charter Oak needs him to be. What I mean by that is they have a great junior running back in Adam Muema, who will probably be option number one. But this is Allen's third year starting, so it will be interesting to see how many attempts he gets per game. But from a pure quarterback standpoint, he's as good as anyone around here. He threw for 1,575 yards last year, and had a 64 percent completion percentage. I bet with Muema he's going to rack up the RAC yards.
4. Terry Paradez, Bonita, Sr.
The 5-foot-10, 180 pound senior-to-be led the Miramonte in passing as a junior, throwing for 2,140 yards, 21 touchdowns and has a trio of talented receivers back in Derrick Price, Dewayne Gatti and Jiovanni Mier. This could get scary if Podley decides to open it and ride his senior QB. By the end of the season, Paradez and Garay could reach the 3,000 yard plateau.
5. Nick Lenhart, Bishop Amat, Sr.
Was very inconsistent as a junior, but so were the Lancers. From a talent standpoint, he's dangerous and with QB coach Chris Rix mentoring him, skies the limit. From all accounts the Lancers have looked great during the summer, and Lenhart is a big reason why.
6. Drew Kaluzny, Glendora, Sr.
Not sure what the Tartans will do with Kaluzny. He had a modest junior season throwing for over 1,400 yards, led the Tarts to a Sierra league crown and the quarterfinals of the playoffs, but there is a sophomore named Chad Jeffries that our scouting guru has been raving about. He says Jeffries is a Div. I prospect, and is rumored to be working with Rix as well. We'll see how this develops. But obviously a good problem for coach Pasky.
7. Oscar Robles, Northview, Sr.
Let's be honest, we hyped him up pretty good as a junior, but he struggled, throwing for just 972 yards and 10 touchdowns in an offense designed for a quarterback to put up big numbers. Maybe with a year under his belt, he'll be ready because he has all the tools and the Vikings have a lot of weapons to get him going, like Anthony Farmar and Kevin Jones.
8. Hunter Warren, Diamond Bar, Sr.
You can't blame Diamond Bar's miserable 2007 season on Warren, he finished with 1,649 yards and threw for over 100 yards in all ten games. He did throw 12 interceptions, but a lot of those came during desperate moments when games were already decided. Look for him to put up great numbers once again.
9. Angel Alejandre, Rosemead, Sr.
Threw for 1,867 yards and 14 touchdowns and will only get better. He had five games where he threw for over 200 yards and threw for 234 and 243 against Arroyo and Gabrielino, respectively.
10. Mick Kalmar, San Dimas, Sr.
He nearly threw for 1,000 yards in an offense designed to run, run, run behind Nico Barbone and Co. It should be more of the same his senior year, but what a luxury to have an experienced QB to bail you out should the run game run into problems. If anything, Kalmar will be the QB of the Mid Valley Division champion Saints.
Watch this video of the LA Times' Jaime Cardenas interviewing Lenhart....
An open discussion, whoever and whatever you wanna talk about. I'm back for a week, so tell me what's happening? All I've been hearing is how South Hills has been tearing up the summer passing leagues, but how about everyone else? Who looks like the big winners and losers?
Something for the South Hills Cameron Crazies
Ah yes, nothing like watching Little Leaguers celebrating a championship. Congrats to the boys from Pasadena (above) and Covina National for moving on.
I can't say that I miss covering baseball games in July, but there is certainly a lot going on in the San Gabriel Valley. Have you been following the Pasadena Southwest Little League team, who beat Arcadia National to reach the sectionals. Or closer to home, how about the little guys at Covina National, who won the District 19 title by beating my Little League alma mater, West Covina National, 4-3, at Cypress Park. And of course, there's always the two-time "why do they call it the" World Series champion Babe Ruth 16-18 team. the 10-time World Series champions will try to make it three in a row starting with the eight-team Southern California State Tournament which runs Saturday through Friday at Arcadia High School.
I'm hearing that UCLA has offered Diamond Ranch cornerback Brandon Sermons. The brother of former Bishop Amat and USC standout Rodney Sermons is a hot commodity, however. Several Pac-10 schools are after him so it will be interesting to see how this turns out.
Above: L.A. Times photo of Nick Montana, Trevor Getzky and Trey Smith.
Valle Vista league teams won't have to worry about having Joe Montana, Wayne Gretzky and mega star Will Smith in attendance this playoff season. But what a box office attraction for Oaks Christian High School, the high school mecca to the stars. Montana's son Nick, Wayne's son Trevor and Will's son Trey are all on the team this season. Can you say paparazzi. Read about it in today's LA Times
The All Valley Sports Academy and former Denver Broncos great Terrell Davis will join their team of coaches at their Football Skills Camp on July 19-20 at Bonita High School's Glenn Davis Stadium.
"Sports training is more than just a physical workout," Davis said. "It's about working out the mind and having a positive attitude. This, along with consistent physical training is the blueprint for success."
The two-day camp will include classroom and on-field training.
For more information, contact Kevin Glaspy, (626) 824-0852.
Hi all,
I've updated Prep Stars: Where are you now? blog.
I write about former area prep stars Jason Giambi of South Hills and Aaron Rowand of Glendora, who are among the 10 players fans can vote for in the All-Star Game Final Vote.
Lets back these two local players and help them make the MLB All-Star Game.
An open discussion, whoever and whatever you wanna talk about. I'm on vacation for another week, so use this thread for all you football chatter. Curious to know who looked the most impressive during the summer passing leagues, if everyone's still healthy and what are your predictions for the fall? Man, I can't wait till the fall.
LA Times veteran Eric Sondheimer wrote, "The semifinals of the Bonita tournament featured Valencia, Moreno Valley Rancho Verde, Bonita and Fontana A.B. Miller. In the championship game, Rancho Verde defeated Valencia, 42-12. Rancho Verde, coached by former Los Angeles Fremont Coach Pete Duffy, is loaded with college prospects, including running back Daniel Jenkins, linebacker Eric Martin, receiver Terrence Miller, safety Richard Spencer and receiver Kapeilie Pomee.
In the Conejo Valley tournament, Thousand Oaks won the top division championship, beating Palmdale in the final and defeating Canyon Country Canyon in the semifinals. Quarterback Ian Shultis and receivers Curtis Dempster, Bobby Mullaney and John Lister were the Lancers' top players. Westlake and Riverside J.W. North also won division titles.
In the San Bernardino tournament, Pasadena Muir won the championship, defeating Paloma Valley in the final.
Note: That would be the same Muir that will compete in the playoffs with our heavyweights from the Miramonte and San Antonio. I can tell you this, Muir started licking their chops after learning of the division realignment, they feel from a physical standpoint they can compete in this division, and with their athletes, that should put them over the top.
Well, my final day in New York ended with experiencing what ESPN refers to as "The Greatest Rivarly in Sports."
Personally, I always that that was USC vs. UCLA. But I have to admit this seemed like more than a baseball game tonight. It actually had that feel of a UCLA-USC football game.
You could just feel the excitement at the beginning, but it soon subsided as the Red Sox, who have owned the Yankees since rallying from three games down in the 2004 American League Championship Series, scored two runs in the first, two more in the second before settling for a 7-0 win.
I'm glad I was able to witness this classic series and this ball park for the first time.
They can now give it to the wrecking ball.
Here's I am at Thursday's game.
After the game my friend and I dropped by the famed "Restaurant" on the 'Seinfeld' series, and no I didn't see Jerry, Elaine, Kramer or even George. And the place doesn't look anything like the stage set.
But here I am at the "Restaurant."
Now, it's time to come home. Thank you, New York, for a wonderful time.
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