Softball rankings and standings
Tribune Rankings
1. Los Altos (14-5)
I wasn't ready to call Diana-lynn Patterson a dominant pitcher at the beginning of the season, but the junior is turning into one. I wouldn't call her overpowering, but she's definitely getting stronger as is the Conquerors' defense and hitting. For me, they've already won the Miramonte, nobody's going to touch them, but can they do well in the Division II playoffs, where they're No. 2 behind top-ranked Crescenta Valley? No. 3 is Burbank, with Whittier's La Serna at No. 6. That's a tough playoff group but after watching Burbank and Crescenta Valley over the years, Los Altos' chances are looking better and better. I'm not saying they're better, just looking more competitive.
2. Northview (15-4)
Absolutely in control of the Valle Vista League after beating Covina again and improving to 9-0 in the VVL. What's disappointing is the the Vikings aren't ranked In Div. V. I know the VVL isn't as deep as the other leagues, but when I see a team like La Canada at No. 6, and I know the Colts are better than them from previous dealings with the Spartans, then something's wrong. I'm not saying the Vikes will go far, a quarterfinal playoff appearance is about as far as they will go, but they do deserve to be ranked.
3. Bishop Amat (12-8)
You look at the Lancers' overall record and say, "what's the big deal?" The big deal is their tough schedule, and their No. 8 ranking in Div. IV, a division the Lancers can do well at when you look at the teams. But they have to hit the ball better. I know they have the pitcher and I know they can play defense. Heck, they almost beat Mater Dei. But they need to hit with consistency to make a playoff run. In the Del Rey, they're 3-0 and looking like they will cruise.
4. Covina (10-4)
Remember when the Colts beat the Star-News' top team, Alverno, 2-1, in the Duarte tournament then followed it with a win over San Dimas to open the VVL? That was so long ago. The Colts haven't won a big game since, losing both encounters against Northview, then losing to Charter Oak 4-3 in the Charter Oak tourney over the weekend. Too bad, because I thought they had what it took to take the VVL. But once again, Fred was wrong.
5. Sierra Vista (14-3)
The Montview League has its big showdown on Thursday when the Dons (7-0) take on Azusa (6-1) for a two-game lead and basically the league title. The Dons also aren't ranked in Division V, showing up in the others category along with Northview. But that's reasonable. The Dons haven't played good-enough competition to be ranked, and their defense isn't as sharp as the other top teams in the area. But when it comes to pitching, they're legit.
6. Charter Oak (15-7)
I watched the Chargers almost get mercied by Los Altos and thought, "what a shame, if they only had someone in the circle." Their pitchers are respectable, just not good enough to hold the good teams to one or two runs to give their offense a chance to win. And when they get down, you can tell how it sucks the life out of their team. Offensively and defensively, they're as talented as anyone. But the circle has let them down all season, and will continue to do so.
7. St. Lucy’s (10-8)
If it weren't for St. Lucy's overall record, I would have them ranked much higher because its 2-1 10-inning victory over Ayala last week is the biggest win over an opponent this season. Ayala has beaten very sound reputable teams all over the Southland, and they only beat St. Lucy's 2-0 earlier in the week before settling for a split in their home-and-home series.
8. Glendora (9-7)
It's also not fair ranking Glendora this low, but like St. Lucy's, what to you do with a 9-7 overall record? But here's a 2-2 team in the Sierra, the most difficult league in the area by far, only a game back from 3-1 league leaders Ayala and Chino Hills. I guess I can use the Bishop Amat football argument to rank St. Lucy's and Glendora higher, but the teams ahead are deserving... right?
9. Bonita (11-9)
No, the Cat's aren't going to catch Los Altos, but they've beaten Diamond Ranch, Diamond Bar, Charter Oak and Wilson in winning four of their last five games. They should at least finish second in the Miramonte with Charter Oak falling and falling fast.
10. South El Monte (10-6)
The Mission Valley League, like the Montview, isn't the strongest but the Eagles are 4-0 in the MVL, and probably won't lose another game in league.
CIF rankings
Division III: 1. Crescenta Valley, 2. Los Altos, 3. Burbank, 4. Laguna Hills, 5. Beckman, 6. La Serna, 7. Fullerton, 8. Bloomington, 9. Santa Monica, 10. Cajon.
Division IV: 1. Aquinas, 2. La Quinta, 3. Templeton, 4. Ocean View, 5. Downey, 6, Alemany, 7. Warren, 8. Bishop Amat, 9. Dos Pueblos, 10. Indio
Division V: 1. Torrance, 2. El Segundo, 3. North Torrance, 4. Rim of the World, 5. Village Christian, 6. La Canada, 7. Burroughs, 8. Victor Valley, 9. Hesperia, 10. San Jacinto, Others, 11. Keppel, 12. Northview, 13. Sierra Vista
SOFTBALL STANDINGS AND SCHEDULES
Christian League
Del Rey League
Miramonte League
Mission Valle League
Montview League
San Antonio League
Sierra League
Valle Vista League
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Miguel Melendez's prep blog
In the Huddle
ESPN
OC Varsity
San Bernardino Sun Preps
LA times Varsity Blog
Daily Bulletin Preps
Whittier Daily News Preps
LA Daily News Preps
Long Beach Press Telegram Preps
Daily Breeze Preps
Dyestat Track and Cross Country
MaxPreps
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College Level Athletes
The San Gabriel Valley Senior Softball All Star Game is set for Wednesday, June 4th at Mt. Sac. Game time is 6pm. Area coaches need to get their nominations in by the first week of May to have their athletes considered. Email nominations to me at sfisch@cvusd.k12.ca.us. Thanks
The San Gabriel Valley Senior Softball All Star Game is scheduled for Wednesday, June 4 at Mt. Sac. Game time will be 6pm. SGV high school coaches please get your nominations to me by the first week of May. Email your nomination(s) to me at sfisch@cvusd.k12.ca.us. Thanks
I have been following the SGV teams for a couple years. Dianna Lynn is by far the superrior pitcher in the valley especially with a couple of runs lead. She has a middle infield that any pitcher would die for, their catcher has improved this past offseason, good to see. They are the number 1 team in the valley and I don't believe it is all talent, their coaching knows how to manage the game.
As for Amy at AMAT, she is a good pitcher but not great. She continues to telegraph her pitches and has not improved since her sophmore year. As teams see her a second time around they tend to get to her as was the case last year in league. Glad to see Ariel playing 1st more that has been a big improvement both with defense and with the bat. She seems to stabilize the infield. As for the outfield, there is not a better outfield out there, they all have speed and can track the ball down. I saw a catch by the right fielder in the La Serna game that I was sure would be a HR but she tracked it down for a big out and she has a gun as well. At Catcher the freshman will be a mainstay for the future of the program as long as the coaches can keep it together.
Saw a couple Wilson games and their pitcher is pretty good but not in the same catagory as the other two at that stage of their high school years. But she is a hell of a player as was her sister. I was expecting more from them as a team!!!
Fred it was the freshmen Breeanna Sandoval who got the lead off single followed by Clarice Spathias to score the first run for Bonita. Slappers don't get much ink but when they do you better get it right'
She is back but if she isn't a favorite it doesn't matter. Good luck to her next year and the rest of the group coming back. To bad the administration and athletic director don't see what we see on the field!!
FED UP
your right they do suck.changes need to be made soon starting off with the 3rd baseman Crystals been one of their stronger players since her freshman year,wasnt she one of the only ones that got a hit in their lose last year to cal high? which couldve moved them to the finals.and yet the coach acts like shes not as important as others when in fact her bat is probably their strongest.if theyld quit messing with the stats then theyld see whos really doing what. an error is not a hit!move Crystal back to 3rd. next year when everyone else graduates will she finally get some recognition?
bahs
not only do you not know how to spell...your 3rd sentence doesnt make sense {WHEN AMY NEEDS TO GET OUT THE KEEP HER IN} what is that? proof read your own comments
Thanks reality czech!
by the way i still stand by what i said about amy,shes weak! and as i said im not the only one who thinks this!
Charter oak coaches SUCK!!! Except for Coach Smith it's time for some changes in that program!!!
BAHS fan,
I always think that it's funny when someone calls out another blogger for their spelling. They ALWAYS make spelling errors of their own.
You're NOT your
pretty NOT preety
they NOT the
compared NOT compareded
I though that I might help.
Area fan,
Hey you know your talking about amy like she is terrible Amy is a preety competitive pitcher when she wants to be. Now the only thing is coaching. When amy needs to get out the keep her in. Yes, I agree about Chelsea, Jackie is 10 times better and a hell of a framer compareded to her. Area fan do you know how to spell?
Charter oak is one of the best defensive teams out there. That is true it's the rec. ball pitching that's killing them. Them pitchers need to stop going to Richard Flores(San dimas area wanna be instructor coached cal heat) for instruction hes nothing bur a rip-off.
good to see la is still #1!!! i gotta agree with both of these comments b4 me. especially joe conquerors.
area fan
i think you hit it on the nail.great talent no pitching
hey fred
i couldnt agree more with these rankings...with that said i adisagree with you on the amat pitcher? and i know some of the team does as well...they should put their junior pitcher areil in more shes faster with more accuracy,she is by far not as wild as amy. who is mediocre at best! great defense that infield is probly one of the top 2 around here form 1st thru 3rd.thgey have a great freshman catcher,if martin knows whats best he wont put in chelsea.the outfield has speed and are just as awesome,its really to bad they dont have pitching,its almost as bad as charter oaks.with a stronger pitcher they could win cif no doutb.but their stuck with amy??
Fred,
I can tell by your statement that your not completely sold on Diana-Lynn Patterson. Why is that? The numbers speak for themselves. And guess what? She's done it for the past 3 years. 2 time MVP in the Miramonte League. If that's not dominant...then I don't know what dominant is. Some games she over powers you. Some games she hits spots and make you hit pitches that you don't want to hit. She is clearly the best pitcher/player in the area.....HANDS DOWN! I think it's time for you to go ahead and come out and say she is the best player around in our area. She's Earned it.