June 2008 Archives

It's vacation time, and I'm in the big city, seeing a college buddy of mine while experiencing the town of all towns.
After surviving a 7-hour layover in Dallas, I arrived in the Big Apple about 3 a.m. (ET) Monday morning.
After a few hours of rest, it was off to Coney Island and the world famous Nathan's hot dog stand.

Then it's off to Yankee Stadium, the "House the Ruth Built" as the Yankees drop a tough 2-1 decision to Texas. But local product Jason Giambi contributes a triple.

Here I am from seat in the right field stands.
One thing I noticed at Yankee Stadium, the fans stay to the bitter end. The stands were 95 percet full at the end of the game. Growing up a Dodgers' fan, it's a completely different experience.
The Yankees lost on this night, but we get another chance to see 'em on Thursday when the take on the hated 'Sox.

An open discussion, whoever and whatever you wanna talk about.

We're looking for summer passing league results. South Hills won the University of San Diego passing league tournament, defeating Helix, 24-23 in the final. Along the way, SHills beat St. Francis 21-16, Clexico 41-8, West Hills 23-13 and Valley Center, 26-25.

Our scouting guru has been all over the place, at summer passing leagues, football camps, and said he has a better idea of the top ten returning players for the 2008 season. As for me, I'm on vacation, but I'll be monitoring this blog regularly and posting topics. If any of you have a topic you want discussed, email me at fred.robledo@sgvn.com.

Above: I've heard a lot of complaining about us not being at the Bonita passing tournament, but give me a break, I'm on vacation and Steve is on vacation in New York. July is our month for R@R. Man, I wish I was back in Cabo.

1. Sheldon Price (Cornerback, Bishop Amat) - Has done nothing wrong to let go of the throne as the top-rated football player in the valley. Looked great at the Bonita Tournament and seems to be sitting on a big year at Amat. He is a solid UCLA commit.

2. Cameron Deen (Quarterback, South Hills) - Had a nice camp up at Washington and showed up well at the University of San Diego passing league tournament. He has done nothing wrong to give up his status as the second best football player in the area. He will be a fall Pac-10 offer kid. Liked the way he helped rally his team to wins in San Diego against two CIF San Diego Section champions in Valley Center and Helix.

3. Brandon Sermons (Cornerback, Diamond Ranch) - On the majority of Pac-10 conference boards, this is the best cornerback on the west coast. Just recently got offered by Oregon State and we feel that is the school to beat to get his services. Upside is undeniable and rates way higher than Upland Internet phenom Osahon Irabor. It just might come down to the two Oregon schools to getting a verbal commit from him. Don't look for USC or UCLA to offer him. And it's such a shame!

4. Brent Seals (Safety, Bishop Amat) - Had a chance to get a good look at him at the UCLA skills camp and we really like the kid. So do a lot of schools, but the Pac-10 schools want to see his senior film. We feel he is a nice Mountain West conference, D-1AA scholarship player, but he is an easy kid to root for. We like your game, Brent!

5. Adam Muema (Class of 2010, Running Back, Charter Oak) - Blew up the scout.com combine in Oakland several weeks ago running a hand-timed 40 in 4.62 and a vertical jump of 40 inches on the vertex machine. Some schools (like Oregon) might stop on him because of his height (he measured 5-9 1/2, 175) but we think has all the makings of being a Pac-10 player.

6. Ricky Johnson (Class of 2010, Running Back, West Covina) - Was the talk among scouts and college coaches in the spring...and for all the right reasons. We have nothing new to say about the prospect and are looking forward to seeing him at the Claremont Tournament.

7. Ify Umodu (Class of 2010, Cornerback, South Hills) - Welcome to the newest member of our top-10 list and get used to hearing his name. He has the potential (and that is key word here) to being the best football player in the area this 2008 season. And we have no problem in saying that he could be better than SH legends Bryan and Jeremy Payton when his time is completed at SH. Comes from an athletic family (two older brothers are Division 1 football signees) but this is the best athlete in the family. He measures 6-3, 185 with very little body fat. Plays both wide receiver and cornerback, but we feel that his best position is cornerback. If you thought Sheldon Price was good, this kid has the potential to being even better. Very athletic with long arms, a great burst when he gets into open space and a game-breaker. We don't recall him getting beat at corner on Saturday at USD. Loved his performance and on a team that has great athletes, this one really sticks out.

8. Darian Johnson (Class of 2010, Cornerback, Bishop Amat) - Let's keep the greetings going be welcoming another new player to our list. And according to BA coaches, this is the only D-1 prospect out of their school for the class of 2010. Had an outstanding performance at the University of Oregon football camp earlier this month and showed up well at the Bonita Tournament last week. A bit on the smallish side, but very athletic with great hips and is technically sound for the position. Another polished defensive back put together by the best defensive back coach in the San Gabriel Valley, Daylon McCutheton. A Pac-10 offer prospect to be sure.

9. Geoffrey Vaughns (Class of 2010, Wide Receiver, South Hills) - If you are noticing a pattern here, it's that we really like the 2010 class in the SGV. It can safely be said that they're more natural athletes in this class than we've ever seen. We got to see this guy at the Elite 11 QB workout in Las Vegas and they must have thrown 150 footballs at this guy and it seemed like he caught every one of them. This is a natural athlete that shines when the lights are turned on. SH matched him up defensively at cornerback against St. Francis' superstud Deitrich Riley (who sports offers from USC and UCLA) and he outworked him consistently in their victory at the USD passing league tourney. Solid player here!

10A. Wallace Gonzalez (Class of 2011, Wide Receiver, Glendora) - We hate to put freshman on any top-10 list, but in the case of the prospect, he is the exception. We caught this kid in action at the Bonita tournament against Los Altos and he got us very excited. He is a legitimate 6-4, 190 and is a true football player. Long arms with huge hands, he plays physical for someone his size and was making great play after great play against LA. Right now, he is one of the top players in Southern California for his graduating class. Tartan fans should expect to be seeing Pac-10 coaches at their game in the near future. A star in the making!

10B. Miles Bevel (Class of 2010, Free Safety, South Hills) - Has filled out very nicely and had a nice performance at the scout.com combine in Los Angeles several weeks ago. We just think this kid is sitting on a big year and will be a key recruit for colleges at this time next year. Much like BA's Seals, it's easy to root for this guy. He is such a nice kid that loves to play the game.

In closing .... One other thing, SGV football fans need to remember this name...Chad Jefferies. He is going to be a sophomore at Glendora and plays QB. This kid has the potential to be a Division 1 football scholarship signee when his time at Glendora is completed. He is right up there with Deen and could end up seeing significant playing time this season. He is very polished, throws a great football and is very accurate. Rumored to be working with Chris Rix. We think he could be better than QB legend Jacob Crook!

Specialization is taking over.
Whether it's football, basketball, baseball or soccer, more and more high school athletes are picking a sport and sticking with it.
Year-round club teams are the norm and certainly worth it for special athletes on the cusp of an athletic scholarship.
But there's nothing more fulfilling and gratifying than the multi-sport superstar on campus. Or in this case, the San Gabriel Valley.
To continue reading, click thread

Above: South El Monte's Tommy Cogburn had three touchdowns on Friday.

So much for the West missing all those headliners who chose Saturday's Fiesta Bowl instead. They were pumped man, firing each other up like it was some sort of playoff game. Loved that emotion. Yeah, there was a chip on on their shoulders, and none bigger than the rock South El Monte High School's Tommy Cogburn knocked off his, stealing the show at the 29th annual Hall of Fame game at Bassett High School. The Eagles receiver scored three touchdowns and set up another to lead the West to a 34-14 victory, which ended the East's six-game winning streak. Cogburn's going to Fullerton J.C., but you know what, he's better than a lot of guys on scholarship. He's a foot-baller, plain and simple. West Covina's Isaac Tucker had the big game for the East, scoring a touchdown and returning a 90-yard kickoff that set up the East's other touchdown. The East quarterback tandem of Ayala's Matt Baca and South Hills' Brandon Parham could never get anything going. The East trailed 14-0 at half at cut it to 21-14 after three, but this was the West's night. They wanted it more, that much was obvious.

Video of Friday's game

Boys tennis player of the year: Victor Chien
School: Diamond Bar
Year: Senior
Position: Singles
Accomplishments: Chien earned area player of the year honors for the second consecutive season after leading the Brahmas to the school's first CIF-Southern Section divisional tennis title. The senior was also Sierra League singles champion and advanced three rounds at the CIF-SS individual championships. He keyed Diamond Bar's victory over Palm Desert in the Division II finals by sweeping three sets, 6-0, 6-0, 6-0.
What he said: "It was a remarkable year. We worked hard, because last year we made it to the finals, but lost to San Marino. That left us really bitter, so this year we really wanted to win it."

Coach of the year: Dave Hamel
School: Diamond Bar
Accomplishments: Hamel has played a big part in the Brahmas' success, which this year included the best finish in school history as Diamond Bar captured its first CIF-Southern Section divisional crown when it beat Palm Desert on games for the Division II title. It was the second consecutive season Diamond Bar had advanced to the divisional finals, losing last season to San Marino. The Brahmas were led this season by two-time player of the year Victor Chien.

What: San Gabriel Valley Hall of Fame Game
Where: Bassett High School
When: Friday, 7:30 p.m.
Who: East vs. West

Hall of Fame notebook from Wednesday's practice.

Above: Covina's Charles Shorts

By Steve Ramirez
LA PUENTE - There's nothing tiny about Charles Shorts.
The former Covina High School football standout, at 5-foot-10, 220 pounds, stands tall in stature, and on the football field, where he's proven to be one of the best in the area the past few seasons.
"Charles is a great football player," Covina coach Darryl Thomas said. "He is probably one of the best, if not the best, defensive linemen we've ever had, at least since I've been at Covina. "His motor never stops and he had to do it last year when he was sometimes double and triple teamed. He made All-CIF in a year when we didn't make the playoffs, so that shows how good he is."
Shorts, who will be a key player for the East squad in Friday's San Gabriel Valley Hall of Fame All-Star Game at Bassett, was really good last year. The key to his success was his knowledge of the game and his versatility. His strength was coming off the edge for the Colts' defense, but he also was a force on offense, averaging just over nine yards a carry as a running back. He's hoping he's saved the best for last when he concludes his high school career Friday night.

To continue reading, click thread

Boys Volleyball player of the year: Kimo Mateo
School: Los Altos
Year: Senior
Accomplishments: The senior came up big as the Conquerors survived a slow start to advance to the CIF-Southern Section Division III second round.
Mateo, who earned Miramonte League MVP honors, keyed the second-half surge and finished with more than 17 kills a match.
What he said: "It was a very rewarding season. We didn't get off to the start we wanted, but we all worked together and it was fun at the end."

Coach of the year: Kimo Mateo, Los Altos

First Team
Roland Michael Agbunag, Sierrra Vista, Setter, Sr.
John Cordero, Los Altos, MB, Sr.
Jacob Gener, Bishop Amat, Libero
Judd Mateo, Los Altos, Setter, So.
Nick Nazarroff, Los Altos, Def, Sr.
Lamar Tisdom, Diamond Ranch, Oh, Sr.

Kimo Mateo Interview

Above: Track standout Jordan Smith, 18. holds her yearbook from Charter Oak High School on Monday. Smith and fellow members of the Black Student Union were targeted and names other than their own appeared in the yearbook. Smith said they are "ghetto names."

After reading this story, Charter Oak High School should absolutely recall and reprint all yearbooks to anyone who requests one. Giving students stickers to cover the mistake isn't enough. Charter Oak track standouts Jordan Smith and Sierra Brooks were two of the students inappropriately named in the photo.

What: San Gabriel Valley Hall of Fame Game
Where: Bassett High School
When: Friday, 7:30 p.m.
Who: East vs. West

Former teammates: West Covina's Ryan Henson trying to chase down South Hills' Dorian Wells

By Fred J. Robledo
Ryan Henson arrived at West Covina High School with more questions than answers.
He had gone to Bishop Amat and Mater Dei, but his football resume consisted of nothing more than height and weight. How quickly that changed.
There's no doubting Henson's ability any more, not after the strong safety earned CIF-Southern Section Southwest Division second-team honors in his senior season.
There also were first-team All-San Antonio League and Tribune second-team all-area selections. Henson, who had 137 tackles - 68 solo - and two interceptions, is one of the headliners for the West team in Friday's San Gabriel Valley Hall of Fame All-Star Game at Bassett High.
"It's exciting to be here with all these guys," said Henson, who is hoping to continue his career at Mt. SAC. "This is a game I've been looking forward to for a long time.
"I'm one of those guys who has a lot to prove. I moved around my last year, so I kind of went unnoticed. But I think I can play with a lot of guys moving on to the next level, and this is another way to show it."
To continue reading, click thread

Girls Swimming athlete of the year: Gretchen Jaques
School: Glendora
Year: Freshman
Accomplishments: Jaques swam like a seasoned veteran this season.
She clearly proved to be the Valley's best after scoring a double at the CIF-Southern Section Division II finals. The freshman won the 50-yard freestyle with a solid time of 23.20 seconds before taking the 100 free in 50.39. She followed that up at the CIF-SS Masters meet by winning the 100 free in 50.35 and finishing a solid second in the 50 free with a time of 23.48.
What she said: "I'm really excited, especially since I am only a freshman. Before the season, I wanted to get to the (divisional) finals and Masters. I'm really relieved that I did it, and I hope to do better next year."

Coach of the year: Janet Pollard
School: Glendora
Accomplishments: Pollard has proven to be one of the top swimming coaches in the area, and she proved it again this year, leading the Tartans to a top-five finish in Division II at the CIF-Southern Section championships.

What she said: "This was just a phenomenal group of kids. They worked really hard and came together as a team. Winning the Sierra League six years in a row is an amazing accomplishment."

First Team
Victoria Gibb, St. Lucy's, Jr.
Andrea Grant, Walnut, Fr.
Ashlyn Haigh, Bonita, So.
Madeline Marbach, St. Lucy's, Fr.
Angela Kanigowski, Rowland, Sr.
Michelle McCadden, Glendora, Jr.
Amber Pezzolla, Bonita, Jr.
Bailey Westerhoff, Charter Oak, Jr.
Emily Yu, Walnut, Fr.
Bellona Yuan, Diamond Bar, Sr.

Second Team
Brittany Bateman, Bonita, Jr.
Kristine Magnusson, Duarte, Sr.
Michelle Louie, Wilson, Sr.
Jessica Hebert, San Diamas, Sr.
Hayley Maddox, Charter Oak, Fr.
Michelle Utama, Walnut, Jr.
Stephanie Rodriguez, Wilson, Sr.
Katie Neumann, Bonita, Sr.
Diana Lake, Charter Oak, Jr.
Lauren Saylor, Bishop Amat, So.

"You know how I be. Last week Kobe couldn't do without me,"
-- Shaquille O'Neal

Shaq, Shaq, what were you thinking? I know it was just a freestyle rap -- I laughed when I saw it the first time, but why go there? People are going to believe these are Shaq's true feelings, joking or not. Most members of the media have carefully downplayed it after Shaq's apology, but the Maricopa County Sheriff wants the Big Dummy's badges back. Apparently he's been fired for his racially insensitive comments. What do you think? Should we dismiss it as playful fun. If this was Kobe free-styling about Shaq being fat, out of shape, and going out in the first round, would the media be harder on Bryant?

Boys swimmer of the year, Walnut High's Vincent Pai
Year: Senior
Accomplishments: Pai added to the success of Walnut's winning tradition by taking home CIF-Southern Section division and Masters titles. He was the only area swimmer to score a division title, after taking first place in the 100-yard breaststroke with a time of 56.64 seconds at the Division II finals. He then followed it up with a Masters title, taking the 100 backstroke and lowering his time to 56.58. He also won the event at the Division II finals in 2007.

Boys coach of the year, Charter Oak's Howard Hyde

First Team
Dave Arnold, Glendora, Sr.
Gilbert Bonilla, Los Altos, Sr.
Ethan Bradley, Charter Oak, Sr.
Thomas Chavez, Bishop Amat, Sr.
Michael Cossey, Covina, Sr.
Tyler Ennis, Charter Oak, So.
Matt Lake, Charter Oak, Sr.
Conner Luster, Damien, Jr.
Jordan Rivas, Charter Oak, Sr.
Aaron Woods, Damien, Jr.

Second Team
Brendan Cheng, Walnut, Sr.
Stephen Dohner, Charter Oak, Sr.
Ryan Evans, Damien, Sr.
Alex Huang, Rowland, So.
Carlos Ibanez, Damien, So.
Jake Johnston, Bonita, Jr.
Scott Jones, San Dimas, Jr.
Michael Joyce, Charter Oak, So.
Nicholas Katoh, Diamond Bar, Sr.
Henry Shieh, San Dimas, So.

What: San Gabriel Valley Hall of Fame Game
Where: Bassett High School
When: Friday, 7:30 p.m.
Who: East vs. West

Above: Bishop Amat's Marcus Wagner

By Steve Ramirez, staff writer
LA PUENTE - Marcus Wagner approaches the annual Hall of Fame All-Star football game with sort of a chip on his shoulder.
It's not that the Bishop Amat High School graduate feels slighted, but he does feel like he has something to prove when the East San Gabriel Valley all-stars square off against their West counterparts in the annual summer classic, scheduled for 7:30 Friday night at Bassett High School.
"I'm pretty excited about the game," said Wagner prior to a practice session at La Puente High School. "To come from not having a great season (in the fall), and being injured in the third game, and getting picked to play in the Hall of Fame game, is a real blessing for me.
"I feel like I have a whole lot to prove. I didn't have the type of year I wanted, and dealing with the injuries were tough. I just want to try and play my best (Friday)."
Wagner is the younger brother of Michael Wagner, who was an All-Valley running back in the late 1990s before playing for Iowa State. Marcus Wagner showed a glimpse of his ability last fall, rushing for nearly 600 yards and four touchdowns despite playing in just half the team's five games.
"I think the big thing with me is my vision," Wagner said. "I see the whole field really well.
"My speed is there, my power is there, but I rely on my vision more than anything else."
But former Bishop Amat coach Mark Verti, who coached him last season, said Wagner's best attribute is not limited to what he can do on the field. It's the other intangibles that add to Wagner's greatness.
"He's just a great football player," Verti said. "He's smart, intelligent and knows the game really well. "But he's such a team leader; even when he was hurt and couldn't play, he was really pushing our guys to play their best."
Part of that comes from older brother Michael Wagner, who was one of the top running backs in the CIF-Southern Section in the late '90s.
The elder Wagner rushed for nearly 4,000 yards in three seasons with the Lancers. The influence on Marcus Wagner came from witnessing what his brother had to do away from the field to put up big numbers. Marcus Wagner transferred that knowledge to his own situation last fall.
"He had a big effect on me," he said of his older brother. "He was my biggest role model.
"It was a great experience for me. It's nice to have an older brother like that, someone to look up to. I've always tried to just fill his shoes."
Marcus Wagner filled them nicely in his opening game last season, rushing for 200 yards in a 41-38 loss to Los Osos. But an injury in a Week 3 loss to Hart limited his ability for most of the rest of the season.
"He was just a big part of our football team," said Verti, whose team finished just 3-7 last season. "He had that big game in the opener and was having a solid game before he got hurt against Hart. "We missed him a lot."
Wagner's college plans include playing for Mt. San Antonio College, which advanced to the CCCAA state championship game last fall.
But before he can help the Mounties make another push for a state title, he has some unfinished business to take care of on Friday.
"(The West) has some great athletes," Wagner said. "It's an honor to play against them; I'm looking forward to it. The neat thing about this game is to play with all the great players from the East you hear and read about all season. I used to hang out with these guys, after school, after football. I know them really well, so we have really good chemistry. I think it's going to be a pretty good game."

This fall we'll post a Bishop Breakdown thread on Monday's to evaluate Friday night's games, the players, coaching staff's, and the next opponent.

With the coaching staff in place, this feels like a make or break year at Bishop Amat. It's probably not fair to expect too much from Steve Hagerty and staff in their first season, but there's nothing like the excitement and emotions of a quick turnaround. Whatever happens, week-by-week, we'll follow the ride.

What: Hall of Fame All-Star football game
When: Friday, 7:30 p.m.
Where: Bassett High School
Also: That other game on Saturday somewhere in East L.A.

Whittier Daily News reporter Andrew "Happy" Campa is working hard to stir up controversy, even calling me out for issues I have with the Fiesta Bowl reps scheduling their game the same weekend as the Hall of Fame game knowing they draw players from the same area.

Read what Andrew, my colleague and friend, wrote about it ...

"What I'll say about the matter is this has more to do with a lack of communication than it has to do about a rivalry between bowls. I spoke with Fiesta Bowl Chairman Mike Aldapa a few weeks ago about this issue and he said it was an honest mistake.
The Fiesta Bowl organizers moved their game up a week from last year's date specifically not to compete with the Hall of Fame Game. Aldapa is not a coach and perhaps that's what hurt him. He was not in contact with the Hall of Fame Game organizers when this decision was made. Much to the surprise of those associated with the Fiesta Bowl, they were shocked that the HOF game moved up a week as well. Now, I have great respect for my esteemed colleague Fred Robledo of the San Gabriel Valley Tribune but I have to disagree with his column "Where's the Loyalty?" on his blog (www.insidesocal.com/tribpreps). He questioned "Why did the Fiesta, knowing the date of the Hall of Fame, schedule their game a day later?"
Had Mr. Robledo spoken to Aldapa or anyone else associated with the Fiesta Bowl, he would have known that there was no malice with the scheduling of the game. I spoke to one Fiesta Bowl coach who said the allegations made on Robledo's blog were a "slap in the face to all the coaches involved" and that there was "absolutely no way the Fiesta Bowl was trying to defame the Hall of Fame Game." It seems like there was miscommunication not only between both bowl game organizers but between the SGV media (which has yet to actually attend a practice) and the Fiesta Bowl coaches (who have problems answering their phones)."

Robledo: "Nothing like a colleague throwing you under the bus, but he's young, gung ho, and we kid each other all the time, so no biggie. But, had Mr. Happy asked if the SGV media has attended practice, he would have known that Steve Ramirez has been to the East practice, because he's working on a story that runs tomorrow. He would also have known that Star-News reporter Scott Galleti has been covering the West squad. Communication, Andrew? Okay, I really like Andrew, but he's fooled if he believes the Fiesta Bowl people aren't smart enough to call the Hall of Fame organizers so they could compare dates, especially after having the same problem last year. The Hall of Fame has been around for a while, if the Fiesta respected their tradition, their boundaries, and wanted what's in the best interest of the players, it would have MADE SURE the dates weren't conflicting, so players could have the option of participating in both games. The Fiesta knows it's taking high profile players from the Hall of Fame, so I have little sympathy for them. If Andrew believes the Fiesta guessed when the Hall of Fame game would be based on last year's date, then I'm guessing he's pretty naive."

An open discussion, whoever and whatever you wanna talk about.

Click thread for results from Los Altos basketball tournament

Los Altos' Diana-lynn Patterson earns MVP

Glendora's Reese Mitchell named coach of the year

Coach of the year: Reese Mitchell (Glendora)
Player of the year: Diana-lynn Patterson (Los Altos)
First team
Pitcher: Hannah Fraijo, Northview, Sr.
Pitcher: Amy Lwin, Bishop Amat, Sr.
Catcher: Sydney Stewart, Diamond Ranch, So.
Infielder: Jessica Traxler, Bishop Amat, Sr.
Infielder: Natalie Hernandez, Glendora, So.
Infielder: Brittany Gallegos, Charter Oak, Sr.
Infielder: Samantha Slonicker, San Dimas, Sr.
Outfielder: McKenna Gooden, Charter Oak, So
Outfielder: Diana Payan, South El Monte, Sr.
Outfielder: Brittany Flores, Sierra Vista, Jr.
Utility: Dana Waldusky, Glendora, Jr.

Second team
Pitcher: Jill Huntsmann, Covina, Sr.
Pitcher: Reina Garber, South El Monte, Jr.
Catcher: Heather Harrison, Northview, Jr.
Infielder: Courtney Gano, Los Altos, Fr.
Infielder: Aissa Oddo, Bishop Amat, Sr.
Infielder: Sarah Gonzales, Walnut, Sr.
Infielder: Latisha Dedeaux, Los Altos, Jr.
Outfielder: Ariel Shore, San Dimas, Jr.
Outfielder: Michelle Mounts, St. Lucy's, Sr.
Outfielder: Jessica Ulrich, Covina, Sr.
Utility: Kortnie Clarke, San Dimas, So

Northview's Marc Andrade and Bishop Amat's Jordan Fox share player of the year honors

Northview coach Darren Murphy is named coach of the year

Interview with Andrade

First team
Pitcher: Aaron Elias, Northview, Sr.
Pitcher: Paul Paez, Bishop Amat, So.
Catcher: Robert Williams, Northview, Sr.
Infielder: Tommy Reyes, Bishop Amat, Sr.
Infielder: Christian Ibarra, South Hills, So.
Infielder: Jiovanni Mier, Bonita, Jr.
Infielder: Andrew Mistone, Bishop Amat, Sr.
Outfielder: Tyler Pill, Covina, Sr.,
Outfielder: Danny Pertusati, Damien, Sr.
Outfielder: Michael Edwards, Glendora, Sr.
Utility: Chris Drossel, San Dimas, Sr.

Second team
Pitcher: Nico Calderaro, Bonita, Jr.
Pitcher: Eddie Pedroza, Northview, So.
Catcher: Jake Bailey, Charter Oak, Jr
Infielder: Jordan Leyland, San Dimas, Sr.
Infielder: Rich Pedroza, Northview, Jr.
Infielder: Nick Greene, Diamond Ranch, Sr.
Infielder: Darren Dworak, Damien, Sr.
Outfielder: Keith Murakami, Bishop Amat, Sr.
Outfielder: Danny Roddy, South Hills, Sr.
Outfielder: Brett Bennett, Bonita, Sr.
Utility: Brady Zuniga, Bishop Amat, Jr.

Interview with Jordan Fox

Girls Track Athlete of the Year

Karynn Dunn
School: Diamond Ranch
Year: Junior

Accomplishments: Her amazing season started with four individual titles at the Miramonte League finals, winning the 100 meters, 100 hurdles and the long and triple jumps. She didn't slow down at the CIF-Southern Section Division III meet, taking home three individual titles. She won the 100 hurdles in 14.53 seconds, won the long jump with a leap of 19 feet, 10 inches and turned in the best performance of all the divisions in the triple jump at 40-13/4. At the Masters Meet, Dunn qualified for the state finals in the long and triple jumps with a second-place showing in the long jump (18-10) and a fourth in the triple jump (38-113/4). Her bid for a state title in the long jump came up short with a second-place 19-6 leap and she was fifth in the triple jump, leaping 39-23/4.

Coach of the Year: Eric Starkey, Covina
First Team
Sierra Brooks, Charter Oak, Jr.
Tara Buffum, St. Lucy's Jr.
Chantel Diaz, Covina Sr.
Renee Hays, Bishop Amat Sr.
Jenna Huilon, Los Altos Sr.
Cursty Jackson, Rowland Sr.
Erika Kalmar, San Dimas So.
Richelle Najera, Walnut Sr.
Kylie Price, Bishop Amat fr.
Secoral Yanez, Covina Sr.
Shannon Mckee, San Dimas, Fr.

Second Team
Carol Chang, Rowland, Sr.
Marissa Horton, St. Lucy's, Fr.
Lliana Ibrahim, Bishop Amat, So.
Marilyn Jimenez, West Covina, Jr.
Ariana Lugo, Los Altos, Sr.
Kristen McCarthy, Bishop Amat, Sr.
Brittney Munoz Rosemead, So.
Jessica Nunez, South Hills, Jr.
Daniela Perez, Covina, Jr.
Christina Sullivan, Bonita, Sr

Thinking about the all-star practices, spring workouts and summer passing leagues is a good time to remind everyone to drink lots of water. Seriously, when is it too hot to practice? The heat is deadly if you don't take care of yourself, so be careful, take breaks and don't push yourself, it's not worth it. It's about this time of the year or later in the summer when you hear of a football tragedy because of the heat. Be careful. I've had enough just sitting in my house, I can't imagine what it's like out on the field, especially those with artificial surfaces, that's like walking on fire.

Boys Track Athlete of the Year: Taylor Herrera
School: Damien
Year: Junior

Accomplishments: The sprinter improved over the course of the season. It started with his domination in the Sierra League finals, winning the 100 and 200 meters, as well as leading his team to the 1,600-meter relay title. He continued his amazing performances in the CIF-Southern Section Division II meet, Masters Meet and state meet. Herrera ran a 10.63 to finish second in the Division II 100 finals and ran a 21.66 to finish third in the 200 finals. At the Masters Meet, Herrera proved to be the area's best sprinter, finishing fifth in the 100 (10.75) and seventh in the 200 (21.87), an incredible accomplishment considering he was up against the best sprinters in Southern California. Herrera's effort in the 100 earned him a prestigious ticket to the state championships, where he was 15th overall with a 10.93, and an experience that will only help as he gears for 2009.
Coach of the Year: Dr. Mike Williams, Damien
First Team
Cordell Allmond, Walnut
Kyle Warren, Diamond Bar
Tim Gilmore, Wilson
Tommy Cogburn, South El Monte
Kris Danielson, Damien
Garoon Gibbsracho, Damien
Graham Vickers, Diamond Ranch
Joey Divizia, Glendora
Marcus Fortugno, Charter Oak
Arieus Williams, Covina

Second Team
Blake Tillis, Los Altos
Q'Sean Miller, South Hills
Thomas Finnigan, Glendora
Joel Baze, Diamond Bar
Drew Annas, San Dimas
Sheldon Price, Bishop Amat
Samuel Rockwood, Diamond Bar
Marcus Buckley, Diamond Ranch
Gabe Acero, Bonita
Daniel Montes, Covina

Our crime guy Frank Girardot wrote a somewhat controversial column in Tuesday's newspaper. I'll let you read it on his Crime Scene blog and let you be the judge. I thought it was interesting with all the talk that Snoop Dogg's son could be enrolling at Diamond Ranch.

Like the Bonita-San Dimas Smudge Pot, and the Muir-PHS Turkey Tussle, Monrovia and Duarte are putting together the First Annual, "MD Classic," on September 12. It's a great idea and long overdue for the neighboring schools. There will be a trophy for the winner to hold for a year, and an MVP award honoring the memory of Monrovia's Edward "Tuttie" White and Duarte's Brandon Lee. What makes it even more special is that players, coaches and members of the community from both schools will be invited to share a picnic BBQ a week earlier on Sept. 6 at Monrovia's Recreation Park, which hopefully brings the communities closer together. It's something that everyone should support.
"I think it's a big deal," Duarte football coach Wardell Crutchfield said. "When I came to Duarte, I didn't realize how big the rivalry was. I was at a game one time and heard a Monrovia kid say 'I don't care what happens, as long as we beat Duarte.' It's something that's long overdue, and having a BBQ together is great for the community, especially with all the stuff we've had going on. It's a win-win situation."
To read the letter I received telling me more about this game, click thread

The Hall of Fame All-Star football game is on Friday, June 27 at Bassett High School. A night later, the second annual Fiesta Bowl is at L.A. Wilson High on June 28. Why did the Fiesta, knowing th date of the Hall of Fame, schedule their game a day later? And even worse, the Fiesta is watering down the Hall of Fame East roster with Star-News area kids normally in the Hall of Fame, and now it's become a tug-of-war, with Star-News kids forced to choose. It's come down to coaches recruiting against each other for the best players. I have no problem with the Fiesta Bowl, It's the City vs. Southern Section kids, and a great idea. But the Southern-Section kids are primarily Pasadena area-players, so that game should have been scheduled a week earlier, two weeks earlier, anything, so that they're not competing. It's a shame when I see Muir and PHS kids skipping the Hall of fame for the Fiesta, especially since it was Muir's legendary coach Jim Brownfield who practically put together the Hall of Fame and still has so much to do with it. I know he's disappointed, and this could have been avoided had players and coaches from the East side remembered how good the Hall of Fame had been to them. Or maybe it's simply that the Pasadena-area kids are tired of getting beat up by the Tribune-area kids. Maybe they've had enough. If anything, if these all-star games continue playing the same weekend in the future, new boundaries need to be created.

Above: Muir running back Willie Youngblood

San Gabriel High School defensive coordinator Donald Bernard, working under head coach Keith Jones for the Fiesta Bowl, told our Andrew Campa that Muir stud Willie Youngblood is skipping the Hall of Fame game to play in the Fiesta Bowl. In fact, I've got a roster from the Fiesta that lists Arcadia' Kevan Walker in the Fiesta, that Pasadena quarterback and Star-News player of the year Tyron Crockom will also compete in the Fiesta. Even worse is that Arroyo quarterback Brian Partida and Gabriel Zendejas are in the Fiesta, after Arroyo had been the host of the Hall of Fame game for so many years. Again, where's the loyalty? This is such a huge blow to South El Monte head coach Erick Escamilla, who is coaching the West squad. I know he was scrambling for players, and now I'm worried that next week's game is going to be a mismatch, because the West squad had to share too many players with the Fiesta. 25-players are on the Fiesta roster that would have been eligible for the West squad. It looks like most of Muir, Pasadena, Arcadia, San Gabriel and Alhambra is skipping the Hall of Fame, which is sad.

"The kids are torn," Escamilla said. "I've had some say they were playing, then they backed out, and I'm hearing the same things about players that will not play in ours. I just don't know. We had a recent practice with 38 or 39 showing up. But I won't know our full roster for a couple days. The kids are still deciding. But you know what, we've got a great group of kids and we'll deal with it. I'm from South El Monte, so we're use to being the underdogs. It's like anything else, we'll play as hard as we can and do the best we can. But yeah, it's obviously a blow because this is just affecting our team and not the West squad."

Feel free to post summer passing league schedules or your observations from summer passing league games. I know a lot is going on the next couple weeks, so check in and tell us how things are going. This is how the blog is useful, when all of you become on-site reporters when we can't be there.

The 16th annual Covina Classic Passing Tournament is happing this weekend at Covina High School. It's a 14-team field that includes Baldwin Park, Chadwick, Covina, Covina "B", Gladstone, Los Amigos, Moreno Valley, Northview, Ontario Christian, Perris, Silverado, South El Monte and Workman. The first scrimmage begins at 1:30 p.m. Friday and goes until 6:45.

While we're waiting for the Tribune All-Area teams to come out, the L.A. Times list for baseball and softball has been posted. Bishop Amat's Jordan Fox was the lone San Gabriel Valley honoree on the Times' All-Star baseball team. In softball, Glendora coach Reese Mitchell earned coach of the year honors, but no San Gabriel Valley players cracked the first team.

Word out of South Hills is that the King of Cameron Ave., quarterback Cameron Deen, might commit soon. The 6-foot-2, 188-pound senior-to-be is ranked No. 35 nationally on Rivals.Com, with a 5.5 three-star rating. Check out his bio on rivals, which lists Alabama, Arizona State, Georgia, N.C. State, Washington and Washington State. My guess is he'll choose a Pac-10 school.

Updated: Word is that Washington has the inside track and that he could verbal next week.

Book Rule 313, the Association Rule. This rule stated, "During the school year, prior to the established date for authorized before and after-school practice in a particular sport and following an individual's or team's last authorized competition, a student may receive athletic instruction in a C.I.F. Southern Section approved sport only during one regularly scheduled physical education period in which the student is enrolled and earning credit for that particular sport."
Since that time, the C.I.F. Southern Section Office has received many calls and emails with questions on what effects this rule change will have on our member schools. The following information is designed to help answer some of the more frequent questions that have arisen. To read the Q&A, click thread

Hi all,

I just thought you'd be interested in my most recent posting on my NHRA blog. It refers to a Funny Car crew chief who resigned to "spend more time with his family."
I guess if high school and college coaches can use that excuse, so can NHRA competitors. We all must have that family commitment.

These are the publication dates for the Tribune All-Area teams
Boys Track, June 20
Girls Track, June 21
Baseball, June 22
Softball, June 23
Boys Swimming, June 24
Girls Swimming, June 25
Boys Volleyball, June 26
Boys Tennis, June 27
Boys Athlete, June 29
Girls Athlete, June 30

If it's summer, then its time for summer basketball tournaments, and Los Altos has a good one this week, which is scheduled Thursday through Sunday. The entry list includes Valle Vista League champion Northview; Glendora, which advanced to the divisional semifinals last season, and some solid teams from Orange County and the Inland Valley.
To view the schedule, click thread

Above: What are they cheering, basketball, football? No, that's a girls volleyball crowd.

I know the arrogant Bishop Amat fans on this blog are going to think this is a slam dunk, but it's not. If this were just football, maybe, because nobody can lose as consistently as they have and still pack the house. But if we're talking about best high school sports fans, period, I'm not sure if Amat is numero uno. Believe it or not, I was impressed with Bonita this season. Whether it was football, basketball, baseball or girls volleyball, they packed it, were rowdy, maybe too rowdy at times, but I loved the passion. Glendora is right there too. Look at how they travel in football and basketball. They probably have the best booster club of all. South Hills, Charter Oak, Los Altos, they're all great in football, but not sure if they're great across the board. Of the three, South Hills has the edge. Northview, in baseball only, blew everyone away in terms of following one particular team. It was a dream season, and their fans were as clutch as the boys. South El Monte, there's a sleeper nobody probably thinks of, but they consistently have passionate crowds in football, basketball, baseball and all sports.That community gets behind their school as much as anyone, win or lose. So, based on the 2007-08 sports season, here are my top five.
1. Bonita
2. Glendora
3. South El Monte
4. Bishop Amat
5. South Hills

Before his injury, Los Altos' Bryce Mahmud-McBride was the front-runner for player of the year. It's a shame he didn't get to finish the season, just look at this guy go. He absolutely punished Damien.

Cheerleader classics

I wanted to believe, but this Celts team wanted it that much more than the Lakers. It was a great ride, but what a horrible ending. I don't mind losing, but I hate to see a team give up. I'll still wear my Lakers shirt proudly, but a few guys have to go by next season.

We've had several calls wondering when our All-Area stuff is coming out for baseball, softball, track, swimming, and tennis. Well, blame the Lakers. Since we like to use 3/4 of the front page to feature our All-Area standouts, we've put the All-Area on hold until the Lakers season is over, which obviously will be on Thursday when their celebrating a championship in Boston. So, take a little prep break and enjoy tonight's Game 6. I'm going back to B.J.'s in West Covina where I haven't seen them lose a game in the playoffs.

By the way, for all you Kobe haters out there caught up with Schilling calling him out for ripping his teammates, read how the great Michael Jordan inspired his

One of our sports guys, Jason "Richie" Cunningham, walked in looking like this today. Sad thing is, now I've got to buy him a pizza.

How can you work with Tiger on the prowl. Reporter Jennifer McLain is trying to boost her numbers on the Leftovers from City Hall blog, so she rats us out with this snapshot as Tiger's about to close out his 14th Major. You might find McClain jogging weekday morning's on Cypress Ave., -- honk and say hi.

Your questions....
From FoSchizzle: Any news on Snoop Doggs Kid? He's a good athlete, I believe he's going to Diamond Ranch. What kind of effect would that bring to the school and it's staff?
Robledo: First his name is Corde Broadus, but they call him "Spanky," he's a very good athlete, will be a wide receiver or quarterback and is expected to be a very talented player someday. I would be all for it, simply because Snoop has done a lot for youth football, and I think he would continue with that kind of support in high school, regardless of his past problems and everything else that comes with being Snoop. I talked to coach Layton this morning, who said he's not sure where Spanky's going. He's heard that he might go to DRanch, but feels Long Beach Poly is probably where he will wind up. I even heard Bishop Amat, but we'll find out next week when freshman enroll for summer school.

From JCaz: Fred, You mentioned that Northview tried to get Bishop Amat on the schedule this year but ended up with South Hills instead. Well, I am curious as to how these sort of things work themselves out. So, without naming any names or giving away any secrets how is it that schools accept or reject an offer from other schools?
Robledo: It's not that difficult, It was probably the middle of the season last year when Vikings coach Jim Arellanes told me he was trying to up his schedule for 2008, and he mentioned BAmat and SHills. I talk to coaches all the time about potential games, sometimes it doesn't work out because of scheduling dates, and sometimes a certain team doesn't want to face another. I know of a few prominent schools around here that will not face Bishop Amat, and certain coaches have told me it's because they don't want to lose players to them.

From Why: Why isn't Charter Oak and Glendora playing again?
Robledo: From what I understand Glendora chose to to play them again, not because they lost last year, but certain events that transpired, which the Tartans coaching staff wouldn't go into.

Or, maybe this is your answer :)

Before the game: Down, 3-1, I'm over it. Win tonight at the pressure moves back to Boston. Just like Kobe said, it's an NCAA tournament now, they're in the Elite 8 and need three straight to win a title. When the season started, you all would have taken that. Those questions directed at Kobe on Saturday were amazing. Here's a guy applauded all season for his leadership, how he's motivated his teammates to the finals, then Curt Schilling, one of the worst teammates ever, questions him for barking at guys during a timeout, like that's something new. It was something the Kobe-hating media was licking their chops for, I mean, Derek Fished laughed after his third-straight Kobe-leadership question, saying, "Wow. Sounds like everybody is getting their 'what happens when we lose' stories together, huh?" Or, for better perspective, read the questions Kobe was asked and how he answered them while the series is still ongoing.
Question: Kobe, there's been all this attention on all your gestures and, you know, what they mean for your relationships with your teammates. In that context, can you say, you know, is it still your position that you want to stay with the Lakers, and if they were to offer an extension this summer, would you sign it?

Kobe: First of all, you're talking like the season is over. You see what I'm saying? So like for me to even answer that question and speculate what's going to happen this summer, this season ain't over. It's far from over. So for me to talk about that would be acknowledging defeat, and that's something I just don't do.

Question: I only bring it up in the sense that can you explain what the relationship is, with the gestures, if you seem to be angry with them sometimes? What is the relationship?

Kobe: It's -- our relationship is great. I mean, I think people pay attention to it a lot more than you do when you lose than you do when you win. When you win it's great leadership. When you lose, it's -- you're a tyrant. You've got to take it and roll with it."

Guess we'll find out if he's the leader or the tyrant in a few hours. Until then, Happy Fathers Day everyone. Should be a great sports day after Tiger limps up and accepts his 14th major trophy just before tip-off.

An open discussion, whoever and whatever you wanna talk about.


Congrats to all the Graduates: Jessica Becerra shares a kiss with Baldwin Park football player Ralph Inocentes during Baldwin Park's graduation ceremony.

Stat of the day: In case you're wondering how this blog does, we average from 3,500 to 5,000 hits most days. We had nearly 7,000 hits when we live-blogged the Northview-Diamond Ranch championship game. It's the most-viewed high school blog of all our newspapers, which includes the Daily News, Press Telegram, Daily Breeze, San Bernardino Sun, Ontario Bulletin, Star-News and Whittier Daily News. It's all because of you. What's amazing is that the huge sports blogs in our newsgroup, Scott's Wolff's USC blog and Brian Dohn's UCLA blog, average about 8-10,000 hits right now. All those numbers should rise during football season. In any case, we're not far behind considering they're more of a Southern California and National Blog, compared to our little hidden treasure in the SGV. If you have ideas on how we can improve our hit-counts, I'm always listening.

The top five teams in 2008 are easy, we're looking at Bishop Amat, South Hills, Charter Oak, Bonita and San Dimas. Diamond Ranch, Damien and South El Monte are right there too. In fact, I had a short conversation with Bishop Amat assistant Rodney Sermons last week, who said the Lancers would rebound from a 3-7 with a 7-3 or better. That's optimism. On the other end of the spectrum, who will be the biggest disappointments. Which teams have big expectations, and will not live up to them. Well, that's what I'm here for, to tell you who the top five underachievers in 2008 will be.

1. Diamond Ranch: The Panthers are one of our top teams, there's no doubt about that and I don't want to put them here, but I have no choice. If the season is about wins and losses, then they're in trouble, regardless of how good they look on paper. If you take away the forfeits, Diamond Ranch went 7-3 in 2007 and on paper should be better in 2008. You've got Brandon Sermons, Brian Spirlin and Bryan Bonilla all back, but they did lose Joe Carillo at QB. But the problem is their schedule. They over-scheduled, and that will affect them when the losses start to pile up. Let's say they beat Muir, which is a big if, in the opener. Then they follow with Colony, Oaks Christian, Chino Hills, Bishop Amat, Charter Oak and Bonita. I'm sorry, but they'll be 2-6 or 3-5 at best. I'm guessing their best hope is to survive it all, make the playoffs and make a run. But I don't think you can lose that much and believe in yourself enough to flip the switch in the playoffs.

2. Glendora: Following its first Sierra League title since 1993 and its 9-3 season and quarterfinal appearance in the Inland Division playoffs is going to be a rude awakening. The Tarts lose nine Sierra League first team players, including MVP Michael Edwards and RB Jake Vega. Yeah, QB Drew Kaluzny is back, but you're talking about facing a schedule that includes Upland, Etiwanda, West Covina, El Dorado and then the Sierra League. That's too much. Pasqy is a great coach, but if this team does better than 4-6 I will be surprised.

3. Los Altos: Your first question should be how can they be here after going 5-5 and missing the playoffs last year? There is no expectation, right? Wrong, this is Los Altos, so there is always expectations. Coach Greg Gano is gone and Felipe Aguilar will do a good job as his successor, but this is going to get worse before its gets better. They will lose their opener against San Dimas, they could out-physical Northview to go 1-1, then I see them losing their next seven to Ayala, West Covina, La Serna, Bonita, South Hills, Diamond Ranch and Charter Oak. As bad as Wilson is, they could lose that too because of Tim Gilmore. I'm predicting 3-7 at best, but I won't be surprised if they finish 2-8.

4. Northview: This is supposed to be their season right? Oscar Robles at QB, Kevin Jones and Anthony Farmar at the wideouts. They're competing In the much-more winnable Mid-Valley Division. But you know what, they don't have running back Jason Knowles back and I don't like what they have in the trenches. As good as they were offensively last year, I never felt they got it done on the defensive side. I'm not saying they're going to be under .500, but this is a team that wanted to schedule Bishop Amat and did schedule South Hills, because they thought this was their year. They went 7-3 and lost in the first round in 2007 and won't be physical enough to fare much better this season. I'm guessing they'll go 7-3 and could fall to 6-4 and with a little luck, could make the Mid-Valley quarters, but that's it. If you're thinking about a storybook ending like the baseball team, that ain't happening.

5. West Covina: With Jacob Shirley at QB, they wouldn't be on this list, but they're now. Shirley is skipping his junior season to concentrate on baseball, and you can't play West Covina's schedule and be starting over at QB. It's that simple. Ricky Johnson is a great running back. They've got huge returnees like Albert Cid (lineman) and Alonzo Nevarrez (linebacker). But they lost their D-coordinator to Monrovia, and have Bishop Amat, and South Hills to contend with. They will go something-like 6-4, make the playoffs and get beat by a Miramonte League team in the first or second round.

The morning before: I don't know if I can handle another night at BJs in WestCov, but I certainly recommend it for anyone looking for a place to watch the Lakers win Game IV tonight ... and they will win. I'll gather with friends, watch it out my house, and hopefully not break anything. It's not easy when you're watching Odom take jump shots and Gasol getting pushed into the crowd, but at least they play defense and I'm resigned to the fact that both teams are going to struggle offensively, so just deal with it. Bottom line, if Kobe keeps attacking the basket this thing will be tied, 2-2, heading to the Fathers Day showdown on Sunday.

The morning after: How do you sleep after that? To watch a 24-point lead disappear in the most crucial game of the series is heart-wrenching. It was the worst I've felt since watching UCLA lose to Miami in 1998 when they were a game away from playing for the national title in football. What's going on? First the Bruins go down in three straight Final Fours and now the Lakers are on the brink of losing their second NBA Finals in a row. I don't know how you come back from 3-1. I guess I'll look at like an NCAA tournament. The Lakers are in the Elite 8 and have to win three straight to win the title. They win Sunday and they're in the Final Four. I guess what I'm saying is I'm not ready to throw in the towel. I'm going to keep waving it until they knock us out for good.

What our blogging Laker haters are saying ....
Luck of the Irish: Boston in Six, Lakers don't have enough.
Go Gang Green: The Celtics will win the series, the Lakers were lucky someone other than Kobe stepped up (Tuesday), if not for Sasha, the Lakers lose. Back to the old Lakers standing around and watching Kobe play 1 vs. 5. Pierce will not shoot that bad (Thursday). and Garnett will get more. Celtics win game 4 lose game 5 and kill the Lakers at home in game 6.
Gang Green: Girley Pau is no match inside for our Big Three. Perkins, Powe, Garnett, and P.J. are making life miserable for Pau Gasol. This mismatch has been exploited and the Lakers know it. This is a lopsided series.

They don't call it All-CIF anymore, the new name is All-LA84, which makes no sense at all, so lets call it what it is, All-CIF. Congrats to Aaron Elias (Div. IV) and Jordan Fox (Div. V) for earning player of the year honors. Here's a list of all our local honorees. For a complete list, click thread.

Above: Aaron Elias not only earned co-MVP honors, but led his team to it first CIF title since 1971.

Division III
First Team
Christian Ibarra, So, South Hills; Danny Roddy, Sr, South Hills.
Second Team
Tyler Buffington, Sr, South Hills.

Division IV
Players of the Year: Kyle Skipworth, Sr, Patriot; Aaron Elias, Sr, Northview
First Team
Marc Andrade, senior, Northview; Matt Ayers, Sr, Charter Oak; Nick Greene, Sr, Diamond Ranch; Jiovanni Mier, Jr, Bonita; Tyler Pill, Sr, Covina; Robert Williams, Sr., Northview.
Second Team
Brett Bennett, Sr, Bonita; Tyler Garkow, Sr, Charter Oak; Gus Lanuza, Sr, Diamond Ranch; Shane Fraijo, Jr, Northview

Division V
Player of the Year: Jordan Fox, senior, Bishop Amat.
First Team
CJ Beatty, So, Western Christian; Andrew Mistone, Sr, Bishop Amat; Paul Paez, So, Bishop Amat; Tommy Reyes, Sr, Bishop Amat; Mark Reynoso, Sr, Western Christian.
Second Team
Manny Acosta, Jr, South El Monte

Best Oh-So-Close

Above: South Hills players praying for an extra-point in the CIF-SS semifinals that would have send them to the championship game. They missed it and lost in overtime to El Dorado.

Best, He's-our-Hero

Above: DTC, Dominic Tiger-Cortes celebrating a dramatic CIF second-round victory over El Toro, 56-53.

Thrill of Victory

Above: Bishop Amat celebrating a CIF championship.

Above: Northview celebrating a CIF championship

Above: La Puente player carried off the field after dramatic win over Duarte to claim the Montview League title.

Worst Moments

Above: Fans at a Bonita-San Dimas game fighting at a girls volleyball game. Outrageous!

Above: Duarte-Gladstone in postgame brawl.

Agony of Defeat

Above: Bishop Amat's Amy Lwin after heartbreaking loss in championship softball game

Above: Covina feeling the pain after blowing a ninth-inning chance against Northview, a game in which Vikings won 3-0 in 11 innings.

Salute to Mr. 500

Above: Gladstone coach Rich Remkus after winning 500th game.

Laura Beeman has found a winning formula at Mt. SAC.

Here's my top list of the best coaches and programs in the area for both college and high school.
I've been thinking about doing a list like this for some time, and thought that now we've reached the end of the school year for both the college and high school seasons, this would be the appropriate time.
I also went just with the criteria of what coaches have done since 2000 and only active coaches, although if a coach retired during this school year, I included him/her on the list.

1. Laura Beeman, Mt. SAC, women's basekball - Is there anyone better? Beeman, with former Pomona High coach Brian Crichlow as an assistant, has put John Wooden-like numbers, guiding the Mounties to the CCCAA elite eight seven times since 2000, winning four state titles in the past five seasons. This year, she became just the second coach in state history to win the CCCAA tournament three consecutive seasons and scored her 300th win in just her 13th season. Her resume, which this summer includes a spot as an assistant coach for the WNBA Sparks, is unmatched by anyone in the area, regardless of sport or level.

2. Richard Wiard, Bishop Amat, girls basketball - Wiard, who is taking a season off next season, has turned the Lancers into the area's most elite high school program. During his tenure, Bishop Amat advanced to four consecutive CIF State tournament championship games between 2004-07, winning back-to-back titles in 2005-06.

3. Kelly Ford, Mt. SAC, softball - She's guided the Mounties to three state championships (2003, '05, '07) and her teams have advanced to the CCCAA state tournament each of the past six seasons. She has earned more than 300 victories in just six seasons with the Mounties. This year they were a state finalist.

4. David Ochoa - Northview, wrestling - Ochoa has transformed the Vikings into the elite wrestling program in not only the Valley, but the CIF-Southern Section as well. Norhtview is also a big-time player at the CIF State Championships each season. He led Northview to a top 5 state finish in 2006 and his teams have twice sent as many as six wrestlers to the state tournament in the past five seasons, a CIF-SS record until Temecula Valley qualified eight this past season.

5. Steve Bogan, South Hills, football - The former Edgewood star has turned the Huskies into a area football power, winning four CIF-SS divisional titles this decade and advancing to the finals five times. When his team won the Division IX title in 2000, it was the school's first CIF-SS title since 1974.

6. Greg Gano, Los Altos, football/softball - The former West Covina star, who stepped down as Los Altos' football coach earlier this spring, won three CIF-SS titles this decade and advanced to four CIF-SS divisional finals. He also guided the Conquerors softball team to the Miramonte League title this past spring.

7t. Kevin Reid/Mike Barnett, Azusa Pacific, men's and women's track and field - The duo have played a big part in the Cougars being one of the top track and field programs in the NAIA. They have each coached APU to three national titles. Barnett's team winning 2003, '04 and '07, while Reid's squads were at top in '01, '02 and this past season.

9. Doug Todd, Mt. SAC, men's track and field - He has led the Mounties to CCCAA titles in 2000-02 and a co-title in '05. His teams dominated the CCCAA track and field in the 1990s.

10. Lorraine Hansen, Walnut, girls soccer - The Mustangs have been the elite girls soccer program in the area, dominating the San Antonio League and winning three CIF-SS divisional titles this decade.

Honorable mention: Lou Farrar, Charter Oak, football; Mike Maggiore, West Covina, football; Charm Doyle, South Hills, girls volleyball; Andy Nieto, Bishop Amat, baseball; Tom Quinley, Charter Oak, baseball; Darren Murphy, Northview, baseball; Mike Le Duc, Glendora, boys basketball; Don Pollard, San Dimas, softball; Walt Martin, Bishop Amat/Wilson, softball; Phil Wolf, APU, men's soccer; Rick Croy, Citrus, men's basketball; Paul Svagdis, APU, baseball.

I tried watching it at friends house, my house, nothing works. Now it's on to BJ's in West Covina for Game III. If the free-throw shooting is even remotely close, the Lakers win. If they stop shooting pull-up Js and attack the basket, they win. If they lose, it's fixed and you won't hear from me for a day or so.
Afterward: It's tough to watch a game at a bar when it's back and forth like that, especially when there's an annoying Celtics fan. It was ugly, but at least they manned up and got it done. Pau and Lamar haven't done anything in three games, but at least it's a series. Look forward to Thursday.

If you could send your kid to any school in the San Gabriel Valley to play football, where would you send him?

The Hall of Fame All-Star football game is on Friday, June 27 at Bassett High School. South El Monte High School's Erick Escamilla will handle the West squad and start practices on Thursday.The East team will be coached by La Puente's Ray Hernandez, who will begin practices at the school on Friday.

Above: Bishop Amat running back Marcus Wagner joins a backfield that also includes Charter Oak's Kanaan Snowden and West Covina's Isaac Tucker.

East Team
Head coach: Ray Hernandez, La Puente
Players, School, position
Angel Acevedo, Baldwin Park, FS
Mike Acosta, Garey, FB/LB
Drew Annas, San Dimas, WR
Matt Baca, Ayala, QB
Domaminc Blanco, Charter Oak, LT/G
Chris Burns, California, G
Jose Castellon, California, C
Ben Counce, Azusa, DB
Ryan Cress, Sonora, WR
Robert Diaz, Northview, LG/LT
Jon Earnest, South Hills, FB
Michael Edwards, Glendora, WR
Kevin Estipular, Ayala, LB
Oliver Estrella, Nogales, TE
Joseph Garcia, La Puente, LB
Richard Gurrola, Gladstone, DB
Mikey Harrell, Charter Oak, WR
Ryan Henson, West Covina, WR
Mike Howard, Charter Oak, LB
Jason Knowles, Northview, RB
Damon Kuklinski, South Hills, LB
Nick Longoria, Los Altos, DL
Jose Martinez, Garey, FB/LB
Aaron Michaelis, Bonita, OG
Shelton Miles, Diamond Ranch, RB
Oscar Molina, Baldwin Park, DE
Steve Molina, Ganesha, RB/LB
Andre Ortega, Pioneer, LB
Brandon Parham, South Hills, QB/WR
Carlos Rios, La Puente, WR
Robert Rodriguez, West Covina, P/PK
Ramel Rose, Chino, WR
Charles Shorts, Covina, LB
Julian Silva, Bishop Amat, TE
Kanaan Snowden, Charter Oak, RB
Isaac Tucker, West Covina, RB
Mike Valdez, West Covina, C
Marcus Wagner, Bishop Amat, RB
Ray Washington, Charter Oak, DB
Alonzo Webb, Bassett, RB
Tanner Zylstra, Bonita, TE
Hugo Zuniga, La Puente, DL

For West Roster, click thread

Christian League
Miramonte League
Mission Valley League
Montview League
San Antonio League
Sierra League
Valle Vista League

Week-to-week games of intrigue
Sept. 5 - Bonita at Covina
Sept. 12 - San Dimas at South El Monte
Sept. 19 - West Covina at Bishop Amat
Sept. 26 - South Hills at Duarte
Oct. 3 - Charter Oak at Damien; South Hills-Northview
Oct. 10 - Diamond Ranch at Bishop Amat; San Dimas at Bonita
Oct. 17 - Bishop Amat at St. Francis
Oct. 24 - Glendora at Damien
Oct. 21 - Diamond Ranch at Los Altos
Nov. 13 - Charter Oak at Bonita; South Hills at West Covina

1. South El Monte -- The Mission Valley league champs in football made it to the CIF quarterfinals and the MVL champs in basketball made it to the semifinals. In addition the softball team won league and advanced to the CIF semi's and they won a league title in girls basketball.

2. Northview - The Valle Vista League and CIF champs in baseball also were league champions in boys basketball, co-champs in softball and tri-VVL champs in football. The Vikings wrestling team won the Eastern Division individual team championship and was regarded as the best team in the SGV.

3. South Hills - The Huskies football team won the San Antonio league title and advanced to the semifinals. The baseball team won league and advanced to a CIF title game. The South Hills wrestling team won a league title and a CIF-SS divisional team title.

4. Glendora - The Tartans football team won the Sierra and advanced to the quarters. The boys basketball teams advanced to the CIF semifinals and the Tartans softball team advanced to the championship game. Freshman Gretchen Jacques won two CIF swim titles.

5. Bishop Amat - The Lancers baseball team won its second straight CIF title and the softball team won league and advanced to the championship game. The Lancers' girls basketball was regarded as best team in the area after finishing second in the Del Rey League.

This list is of the top ten impact players in 2008. These are the players that mean the most to their teams, either in a dominant role as a QB or RB, or someone who plays a lot of different roles. It's a player that teams can't live without and ones that we expect can carry teams to league titles and CIF championships.

Above: Wilson's Tim Gilmore (center) and San Dimas' Nico Barbone (far left) were hyped up as juniors and delivered. Don't expect their senior year to be any different.

1. Tim Gilmore, Wilson -- Wilson not only wouldn't of been in the playoffs without him last year but I'm not sure if they would have won more than two games without him. Troubling thing for Gilmore is that Wilson graduated a lot of good players, have a new coach, so he will be needed even more this season, on both sides of the ball. Can he carry a team? Yeah, with his ability, he's instant offense and is impossible to catch in the open field. Defensively, he can only do so much, and the big concern for Wildcats fans is that Gilmore doesn't get worn out by the time they get to the Miramonte.

2. Adam Muema, Charter Oak - Special. He did things as a sophomore that I haven't seen in a young kid in a long time. His cutback ability is phenomenal and he keeps his balance like a little Maurice Drew. If what we're hearing is true that he's muscled up and worked his butt-off in the offseason, then we might be in for a real treat. He might be an unstoppable force the next two years, and I'm predicting right now he'll be the Miramonte League MVP.

3. Nico Barbone, San Dimas -- He did it all as a junior and the Saints went 9-3 to earn a share of the Valle Vista league title. He works hard, he plays hard and his team believes in him. I'm not trying to thrown in the jinx, but I really believe Barbone can lead this team to not only the Valle Vista league title, but the Mid-Valley Division championship. Remember, the Saints also have Erek Brown and Daniel Joseph in the backfield along with QB Mick Kalmar. This new divisional realignment is set up for them.

4. Jose Garay, South El Monte -- The Tribune's quarterback of the year as a junior is back, and he'll have fellow senior Manny Acosta as his No. 1 target. This kid has so much confidence that I expect him to lead the Valley in touchdown passes and yards. The Eagles' offense can compete with anyone, especially with Jonathan Mendoza in the backfield to help out.

5. Cameron Deen, South Hills - With news that running back Evan Heard will not be back, it will be up to Deen to lead the Huskies offense. He reportedly did well at Nike Camp and has the size and arm strength that Div. I schools look for. He's calm under pressure, remember he led the Huskies on a last-minute drive in the semifinals that should have been good enough to get them into the championship if not for a missed extra point.

6. Ricky Johnson, West Covina - With news that Bulldogs quarterback Jacob Shirley will not be back, Johnson will be called upon more than ever, and the Bulldogs have the size up front to give him an opportunity to be one of the Valley's best. He's got sprinters speed and without him, the Bulldogs would really in serious trouble.

7. Taylor Herrera, Damien -- The area's best wide receiver is also a talented defensive back and we saw this spring that his speed ranks among the best in the state. He needs to be the Spartans' big playmaker, and can do a varieity of things, which includes returning kicks and punts, who knows, maybe catching a couple passes out of the backfield wouldn't be such a bad idea.

8. Brent Seals, Bishop Amat -- If the Lancers are going to turn the corner it starts with defense and Seals, arguably the best linebacker in the area, needs to lead the charge. He's got the size, strength and speed, and when you think of everything that Amat has coming back along with its new coaching staff, you look at Seals, who is also a very good student, and you see a leader. If he has a great season and keeps the "D" together, watch out.

9. Brandon Sermons, Diamond Ranch -- You know that DRanch folks were nervous after learning that his brother Rodney Sermons returned to coach at Bishop Amat. Well, Brandon, who was declared ineligible at the end of the season because of botched paper work, didn't leave and is one of the best pure football players and athletes in the area. The DB and safety covers a lot of ground, but also can be a big threat on offense at wide receiver. Expect the DRanch coaching staff to use him in a variety of ways.

10. Jeremy Brown, Los Altos -- The kicker is probably the Conquerors most dangerous weapon. He's instant offense when the Conq's hit the redzone and his kickoffs will force opposing teams to start on the 20. Can a kicker carry a team? No, but some say he's one of the top 40 kickers in the country, and I'm one who believes Los Altos won't be as bad as some say, and in close games, Brown will be the difference-maker.

Former Temple City great Ryan Tucker was called up this weekend by the Florida Marlins and made his Major League debut on Sunday. He earned his first victory by allowing just two hits in five innings in the Marlins' 9-2 victory over Cincinnati. Tucker graduated in 2005 and his senior year had great duels with a then-sophomore named Eddie McKiernan from Monrovia. What I will remember most about Tucker is covering a Monrovia-San Marino game and seeing Tucker at the game, trying to hide behind his sunglasses and cap up in the stands with a clipboard scouting the Monrovia hitters, who he was going to face next. He prepared like a big-leaguer in high school, from his pre-game and post-game warm-up and warm-downs to how he prepared for each batter.

Click on the link to read the story from MLB.com.

This comes from the blogger you know as, "New York"
Should competitive athletics be a required part of a school's curriculum?
In the face of a national obesity crisis as well as a generation of new entrants to the work force lacking competitive spirit and work ethic, I think having a few years of team competition and camaraderie would be healthy. Mind, Body, Soul.

Associated Press -Wisconsin fans of high school sports may soon get this message: Show your team spirit, but don't expose anything else.
The sportsmanship committee of the Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association
recommended banning fans with bare or painted chests from indoor games last month. The
proposal will take effect if a committee of state athletic directors OKs it next week and
the association's Board of Control approves it June 19.
"People say, 'Hey, we are attempting to take the fun out of high school sports.' That isn't
the intention at all," Tom Shafranski, assistant director of the association, said.

Above: Bonita's Jiovanni Mier celebrating a home run. He was named the league MVP.

All Miramonte League
Baseball
Most Valuable Player
Jiovanni Mier, Bonita
First Team
Tyler Garkow (Charter Oak), Nico Caleraro (Bonita), Jake Bailey (Charter Oak), Nick Greene (Diamond Ranch), Matt Winkler (Charter Oak), Matt Ayers (Charter Oak), Matt Sanchez (Wilson), Ryan Henley (Bonita), Brett Bennett (Bonita), David Magallon (Los Altos), Michael Vinnitsky (Diamond Ranch), Andy Tomsio (Wilson).
Second Team
Noah Northrop (Charter Oak), Gus Lanuza (Diamond Ranch), Andrew Moreno (Los Altos), Josh Contreas (Los Altos), Jericho Kelsey (Diamond Ranch), Jesse Gonzalez (Diamond Ranch), Miguel Gonzalez (Wilson), Terry Paredez (Bonita), Josh Surdo (Charter Oak), E.J. Reyes (Charter Oak), Jeff Gelalich (Bonita).

Above: Los Altos' Diana-lynn Paterson named league MVP
Softball
Most Valuable Player
Diana-lynn Patterson (Los Altos)
First Team
Vanessa Bracmonte (Wilson), Amber Bryant (Diamond Ranch), Victoria Contreas (Los Altos), Latisha Dedeaux (Los Altos), Brittany Gallegos (Charter Oak), Courtney Gano (Los Altos), McKenna Gooden (Charter Oak), Sarah Heitz (Diamond Ranch), Amanda Herrera (Charter Oak), Jackie Ramirez (Diamond Ranch), Brittany Search (Wilson), Clarice Spathias (Bonita), Sydney Stewart (Diamond Ranch).
Second Team
Roxy Avalos (Los Altos), Jacki Campa (Bonita), Katie Cayot (Charter Oak), Alyssa Felix (Wilson), Samantha Heitz (Diamond Ranch), Ciara Liscano (Bonita), Amber Lopez (Los Altos), Erin Ogawa (Wilson), Amanda Salazar (Los Altos), Breeanna Sandoval (Bonita), Justine Tullis (Charter Oak), Chloe Wurst (Bonita), Brittany Subia (Charter Oak).

Above: Amat's Paul Paez named pitcher of the year

All Del Rey League
Baseball
Most Valuable Player
Jordan Fox, Bishop Amat
Most Valuable Pitcher
Paul Paez, Bishop Amat
First Team
Jordan Fox (Bishop Amat), Tommy Reyes (Bishop Amat), Andrew Mistone (Bishop Amat), Keith Murakami (Bishop Amat), Nick Bergara (Biship Amat), Paul Paez (Bishop Amat), Casey Flores (St. Paul), Chris Carillo (St. Paul), Andre Chico (St. Paul), Gabriel Encinas (St. Paul), Eric Debelak (Bishop Montgomery), Anthony Estrada (Bishop Montgomery), Eddie McLaughlin (Bishop Montgomery), Ryan Doeppel (La Salle), Michael Palffy (La Salle).
Second Team
Brady Zuniga (Bishop Amat), Brandon McNitt (Bishop Amat), Ryan Bell (St. Paul), Evan Sanchez (St. Paul), Chris Wilson (St. Paul), Matt Akiyama (Bishop Montgomery), Ashton Pittman (Bishop Montgomery), Dominic Dessert (Bishop Montgomery), Brendan Gripp (La Salle), Ernie Martin (La Salle), Michael Bottala (La Salle), Jose Munoz (St. Monica), Andrew Loef (St. Monica), Daniel White (St. Monica), Michael Redondo (St. Monica).

Above: Amat shortstop Jessica Traxler named league MVP
Softball
Most Valuable Player
Jessica Traxler, Bishop Amat
Most Valuable Pitcher
Amy Lwin, Bishop Amat
First Team
Jessica Traxler (Bishop Amat), Amy Lwin (Bishop Amat), Aissa Oddo (Bishop Amat), Amanda Hastings (Bishop Amat), Alyssa Ramirez (Bishop Amat), Kaelynn Armenta (St. Paul), Renae Ramirez (St. Paul), Tara Allis (St. Paul), Ashley Larios (St. Paul), Alexandria Davis (Bishop Montgomery), Bea Meneses (Bishop Montgomery), Heather Speck (St. Joseph), Samantha Garcia (St. Joseph), Kaitlyn Tripoli (La Salle).
Second Team
Samantha Sifuentes (Bishop Amat), Tara Anguiano (Bishop Amat), Erika Gonzalez (Bishop Amat), Jessica Sanches (St. Paul), Katrina Morales (St. Paul), Danielle Motts (St. Paul), Carly McElroy (Bishop Montgomery), Danielle Sicillia (Bishop Mongomery), Kimberly Kurata (Bishop Montgomery), Christina Rosenblown (St. Joseph), Natalia Garcia (St. Joseph), Lindsey Wopshall (La Salle), Madeline Herlache (La Salle), Allison Forillo (La Salle).

APU's Kirk Nieuwenhuis was picked by the New York Mets in the MLB draft.

For those of you who missed it, Major League Baseball held the opening rounds of its 2008 First-Year Player Draft Thursday. And it proved to be rewarding for Azusa Pacific junior Kirk Nieuwenhuis, who was picked 100th overall by the New York Mets.
Nieuwenhuis hit .400 with 15 home runs and 68 RBIs in helping the Cougars reach the NAIA World Series for the second consecutive season this spring.
Here's my story for Friday's edition

This comes from Whittier Daily News prep legend Roger Murray. I liked his take so I'm posting it. To continue reading, click thread.

It's been a year since Aram left for FoxSports and the Big Fella's more involved now. Check out his Major League baseball rankings on the Fox site. BTW, he doesn't comment, but if you want to say hello he reads our blog all the time.

The big news coming out of Vikings camp was whether or not Jim Arellanes would still be be head coach, which you couldn't say for sure a month or so ago.
Arrellanes was one of the many Covina Unified School District employees to be on the list for possible layoffs.
He only received news a few weeks ago that he'll be retained, so all is well with Viking Nation.
"I was very concerned," said Arellanes, who will begin his third year at the Covina school in the fall. "I know where I stand on the seniority list, this only being my second year. But at the same time, by district was trying to protect me. It was scary, but two weeks ago, I was removed from the list and was re-hired back. But it was a scary few months."

Oscar Robles will be one of the top returning quarterbacks in the area.

Scary lineup: The Vikings could be very dangerous this fall. They return quarterback Oscar Robles and his two leading targets - receivers Kevin Jones and Anthony Farmer, who combined for 75 receptions for more than 1,000 yards receiving and 11 TDs. "It helps having all those experienced guys back," Arellanes said. We were forced to play sophomores three years ago and now those guys have two years experience in the program. We have the potential to do good things, but we still have a lot of work to do. We have to come together and have guys step up and if they do, we could have a really good year."

New Tailback: While the Vikings do return three key ingredients from last season, the missing piece is running back Jason Knowles, who graduated. Arellanes is planning to fill the position in a variety of ways. He talked about three-back sets, taking advantage of the several fullbacks he will have access to. He also praised the work in the spring of All-State wrestler Frank Martinez, who is getting a look, and Cameron Germany, who didn't play last season. "That was a big question going into the spring," Arellanes said. "But we did get a few answers. We still have to see what they look like in pads, but we will have some options."

New division: Arellanes, like his counterparts in the Valle Vista League, likes the move to the Mid-Valley Division, which should provide more competitive balance. "its exciting be able to compete against teams in our area," he said. They are a lot like us, with the same type of kids, and they are not five hours away. This gives us a chance to be competitive and a shot to make a run in the playoffs, not just us, but our league. It's something we're excited about."

Renewing a rivalry: The Vikings nonleague schedule, includes several new opponents, including traditional powers Los Altos and South Hills. But its the revival of their intra-Covina District rivalry with the Huskies, which took a hiatus when South Hills was moved out of the Valle Vista League after the 2001 season, that excites Arellanes. "It's going to be big for the city," he said. "We both play at District Field, so it should be packed that night."

2008 Schedule
Sept. 11 Los Altos
Sept. 19 @ Arroyo
Sept. 26 Rowland
Oct. 3 South Hills
Oct. 10 Nogales
Oct. 17, @ Baldwin Park
Oct. 24 Covina
Oct. 30 @ Ganesha
Nov. 6, San Dimas
Nov. 14 @ Pomona
Note: Northview is the visiting team against South Hills on Oct. 3 and the home team vs. Covina on Oct. 30.

The Hall of Fame All-Star football game is on Friday, June 27 at Bassett High School. The two coaches already have been selected and they're wonderful choices. South El Monte High School's Erick Escamilla will handle the West squad, which is made up primarily of Star-News schools and those from the Mission Valley League. The East team will be coached by La Puente's Ray Hernandez, another deserving coach after what he's done to turn around the Warriors football program. Bassett coach Leon Ward said that players will have their physicals on Sunday and that teams will start practicing next week. Rosters will be released on Monday, once the Sunday physicals are finished.

We should applaud Baldwin Park, Sierra Vista and Bonita for having the best stadiums around while La Puente, West Covina and Rowland have invested in artificial surfaces to improve their facilities. But what about the rest of the San Gabiel Valley? When are some of the so-called heavyweights going to step up?

1. Covina District Field - This is a no brainer. With South Hills, Northview and Covina all sharing the stadium, why am I still parking on dirt. Don't get me wrong, this is one of my favorite places to watch a game. It's an intimate setting because unlike school stadiums, there's no track separating the fans and players. But, c'mon, you could could take care of football, track and soccer for three schools with one state-of-the-art facility. Someone needs to get the ball rolling on this.

2. Los Altos/Wilson - Talk about a raw deal. The plan was in place to add an artificial surface to Los Altos, La Puente and Wilson, and because La Puente shares with Workman, La Puente got its stadium built first. But after unexpected costs and drainage problems, the Los Altos and Wilson projects have been on hold, with no plan in place to move forward. Something has to happen here, these are rock-hard surfaces. Clearly, there's a difference between the soft grass at Covina District and Bishop Amat, compared to the cement-like surfaces at the Hacienda Heights schools.

3. Damien -- Bad lighting, bad parking, old stadium. It's a great place to be when the stadium is packed, but it needs work and the field is terrible. Great looking basketball venue, but football pays the bills, so the Spartans need to get going on this. There seems to be enough space to build something nice. Look at St. Francis' stadium as a model.

4. Diamond Ranch -- How long are they going to play at Ganesha High School? They've got a field on campus that could be a great stadium if they go to work on it. It's really intimate with great views of the surrounding hills. A good example of a new school that didn't plan right.

5. Bishop Amat -- It's already a great venue, but plans are in place to make it even better, maybe by 2009 or 2010. From what I understand, the plan it to build a new stadium adjacent to Orange Ave. Great idea, but something that should have been done before the basketball venue was built.

by John Honell
WALNUT - Playing like they had been together for four years, rather than one practice and a barbecue, the North beat the South, 10-3, in the San Gabriel Valley All-Star softball game at Mt. SAC on Wednesday night.
"These girls are true all-stars," North coach Jeff Butler said. "We had one practice on Monday. We did some outfield stuff, did some infield stuff, then hit off the machine. We kind of separated them so we were even at different positions. Then we had a barbecue and here we are."
To continue reading, click thread

An open discussion, whoever and whatever you wanna talk about.

Check this out, a school gets fined $1,000 for intentionally beaning an umpire. To read the story, click thread

The big news out of West Covina camp is not what's coming back, but who's leaving. After grooming sophomore quarterback Jacob Shirley, whom coach Mike Maggiore hoped would be one of the Valley's best over the next two years, Shirley has opted to quit football and focus solely on baseball. Further, there's a buzz that Shirley will transfer to South Hills to focus on baseball. It makes sense with South Hills having Cameron Deen back, but couldn't you picture Shirley becoming the starting Huskies QB as a senior. "I don't know about him leaving the school, he hasn't said anything about that," Maggiore said. "But we've talked and he isn't going to play football next year. He's a baseball guy, he plays a lot of games all-year round and that's what he feels like he needs to focus on. It's a big loss, but we've got guys we're working on to take over."

Above: Quarterback Jacob Shirley will not be back his junior season.

QB Auditions: It will likely come down to George Johnson (sophomore) or Ryan Gonzales (senior), but Maggiore hasn't ruled out using fullback Jesse Ili. "That's what the spring and summer is for, to work that out," Maggiore said. "We like our options and feel like we're going to have a good (supporting cast) regardless."

Coaching staff: The Bulldogs lose defensive coordinator Ryan Maddux, now the head coach at Monrovia, and did not return offensive coordinator Brian Murphy. "Losing Ryan hurts, but the timing of it was even tougher, because the decision came in late April and forced me to juggle things," said Maggiore. The Bulldogs have added experience by bringing in assistant Jason Heilman, who graduated at West Covina and played at Temple, and Don Allen, who was at West Covina from 1999-2002. Allen played at BYU and most recently was on Mt. SAC's coaching staff. "Two quality guys," Maggiore said. "As of now, I'm going to run the offense, but we'll see how things go. We might change a few things up."

Outlook: "I think the biggest difference between this team and last year's is leadership and work ethic," Maggiore said. "We've also go a lot of depth and the line and linebacker positions. We've got 20-24 guys who can really play football."
Obviously the big names are guys in the trenches like Albert Sid, Alonzo Nevarez, and running back Ricky Johnson, who has added speed and is becoming a monster in the weight room.

On Southeast Division: "It's similar to the division we played in before," Maggiore said. "Teams like us, South Hills, Los Altos and Charter Oak had some real success in the past against some of these teams, but now you throw in the Pacific with Muir and Arcadia, and they're usually pretty tough."

On facing Amat: It's a great opportunity," Maggiore said. "If this was a battle of coaches, we would be in trouble with the big names they've added over there. Our kids are already talking about it, and it should be fun when it finally happens."

2008 Schedule
Sept. 5 El Rancho
Sept. 12 Blair
Sept. 19 @ Bishop Amat
Sept. 27 @ Glendora
Oct. 3 @ Los Altos
Oct. 10 Diamond Bar
Oct. 17 @ Walnut
Oct. 24 Rowland
Oct. 31 Bye Week
Nov. 7. Nogales
Nov. 13 South Hills

Above: Northview's Marc Andrade shared MVP honors with Covina's Tyler Pill (Below).
All Valle Vista League
Baseball
Co-MVP's
Marc Andrade (Northview); Tyler Pill (Covina)
First Team
Pitchers: Eddie Pedroza (Northview), Aaron Elias (Northview), Chris Drossel (San Dimas)
Infielders: Jordan Leyland (San Dimas), Victor Valenzuela (Covina), Rich Pedroza (Northview), Ryan Arnold (Northview), Shane Fraijo (Northview).
Outfielders: Omar Rodriguez (San Dimas), Ruben Ramirez (Northview), Gabe Jaramillo (Northview), James Salas (Baldwin Park).
Catcher: Robert Williams (Northview).
Utility: Kevin Gradecki (San Dimas.

Second Team
Pitchers: Kevin Ponzo (San Dimas), Justin Smith (Covina), Gerardo Arias (Baldwin Park).
Infielders: Alonzo Torres (San Dimas), Steve Wilson (Covina), Cody Waterbury (Covina).
OUtfielders: Anthony Banda (Ganesha), Kevin Jones (Northview).
Catcher: David Severin (Covina.
Utility: Efren Aguilera (Baldwin Park).

Above: Northview's Hannah Fraijo named league MVP
Softball
MVP: Hannah Fraijo (Northview)
First Team
Pitchers: Kortnie Clarke (San Dimas); Jill Huntsmann (Covina)
Infielders: Brianna Rodriguez (Ganesha), Samantha Slonicker (San Dimas), Gipsy Ramirez (San Dimas), Ariel Martinez (Covina), Chrissy McPhail (Northview).
Outfielders: Ariel Shore (San Dimas), Jessica Ulrich (Covina), Makaila Garcia (Northview).
Catcher: Heather Harrison (Northview), Tara Smith (Covina).
Utility: Aleena Avalos (San Dimas).
Designated Player: Brittany Holman (Covina).
Second Team
Pitcher: Chelsea Bubsy (Ganesha).
Infielders: Andrea Montoya (Covina), Valerie Zavala (Covina), Karolina Arteaga (Northview), Aleja Parra (Pomona).
Outfielders: Sara Reltan (Covina), Delicia Fernandez (Covina), Ashley Mata (Northview).
Catcher: Yumiko Hiroto (San Dimas).
Utility: Ashley Moore (Ganesha).

Above: San Antonio MVP Tyler Buffington celebrating a home run.
All San Antonio League
Baseball
MVP
Tyler Buffington, South Hills
First Team
Ismael Caudillo (Nogales), Derick Klena (South Hills), Jonathon Delia (Walnut), Cody Doyle (South Hills), Jose Huera (West Covina), Christian Ibarra (South Hills), Matt Fredricks (Rowland), Joan Majarro (Nogales), Rocky Byrne (Rowland), Jacob Shirley (West Covina), Dan Roddy (South Hills), Thad McAlpin (South Hills), Steven Garcia (Walnut), Sean Allen (Rowland).

Second Team
Brent English (Walnut), E.J. Macias (South Hills), Daniel Clark (West Covina), Ruben Salazar (Rowland), Cameron Deen (South Hills), Francisco Aguilera (Nogales), Irving Corrales (Nogales), Michael Martinez (South Hills), Roland Cruz (Walnut), Christian Arias (West Covina), Isaac Hernandez (Nogales), Jon Hernandez (West Covina), Richie Ramos (Rowland), Nathan Lee (Walnut), Michael Pacheco (West Covina).

Softball
MVP
Sarah Gonzales (Walnut)
First Team
Mica Lopez Del Haro (Rowland), Tina Quon (Rowland), Laura Banvelos (Rowland), Samatha Morales (Rowland), Maura Aguilar (South Hills), Satia Quintero (South Hills), Samantha Nieves (South Hills), Nichole Fox (Nogales), Lynette Directo (Nogales), Betty Rosales (Nogales), Camille Herrera (West Covina), Dekota Monarrez (West Covina), Codi Arends (Walnut), Deliah Arenas (Walnut), Justine Chavira (Walnut).

Second Team
Tori Bernard (South Hills), Alison Guimmayen (South Hills), Heather Velasquez (South Hills), Mercedez Cundiff (Rowland), Brandi Gandara (Rowland), Rae Anne Redmon (Rowland), Tamera Robles (Nogales), Samantha Gontol (West Covina), Andrea Guitierrez (West Covina), Junnae Dai'Re (West Covina), Pres'Jel Dai'Re (West Covina), Samantha Lepp (Walnut), Christine Ramirez (Walnut), Savannah Aguilar (Walnut), Melissa Montano (Walnut).

I know this isn't reflective of the Glendora softball community, but there's a Tartan out there not very happy with us. I think he went overboard, and once again, this is probably one of those people who don't know there are 30 other softball teams, and 31 baseball teams that we cover too. Anyway, some of the info was good so I thought I'd share it.

This comes from longtime San Gabriel resident ...
I am writing to tell you that I was very dissapointed in your lack of coverage of the Glendora Tartan softball team. Why, because their "improbable" run was not that at all. It simply says you know nothing about the teams in the San Gabriel Valley you cover. That team had girls on it who had played together for many years in high level travel ball and more importantly they were long time friends. No one quit and no one gave up, they very much played for each other. The seniors are well respected and the others wanted them to go out winners, and that means more than you would ever learn.

To continue reading, click thread

Over the next few weeks we'll talk to coaches and get their spring impressions, starting with defending Miramonte League champion Charter Oak (10-2-1), who had nearly 130 kids out for spring practice. I asked about the conditioning of quarterback Chris Allen (who threw for 1,575 yards, 15 touchdowns), the improvement of soon-to-be junior running back Adam Muema (692, 9 TDs), the two "new" kids from Monrovia High School, and some of the surprise impact players. We also talked about the divisional realignment and schedule.

Farrar on Allen: "He looks outstanding. He had a good offseason workout program and is about 20-25 pounds lighter. He's doing what he needs to do to have a great senior season. There was this and that about him not being in shape, but that couldn't be further from the truth. We expect a lot from him next fall."

Farrar on Muema: "He had the best offseason I've seen in 15-20 years. I'm serious, I haven't seen a kid work that hard, he practically grew up in the weight room. With his talent and work ethic, he has a chance to do something very special. We've had a lot of good running backs, but Adam has the potential to have one of the best two-year runs that we've ever had."

Biggest Surprises -- The Chargers are about six deep at running back, and with a talented QB like Allen, they need receivers to balance everything out. Eric Rogers, a 6-foot-4 basketball and track specialist, has done well after not playing a down as a junior. Kyle Rycraw only had seven receptions in 2007, but the soon-to-be senior should be the No. 1 option, and has improved his stock as well. Farrar also noted that linebacker/tight end Tyler Perri has improved more than he anticipated.

Monrovia transfers: There have been rumors floating around about new faces on campus, and both are from Monrovia High School. The Chargers have added a pair of juniors in Brandon Golden, a running back who had 24 carries for 68 yards, and Leon Youngblood, a linebacker/running back who had 11 tackles and two sacks. "They look like they can fill some holes," Farrar said. "They've got some catching up to do, but they're certainly talented guys."

On Southeast Division: (Almont, Del Rio, Miramonte, Pacific, San Antonio) -- "I like that we don't have to drive as far, and I like the rivalries it creates with the other Valley teams, it's going to be fun. I wouldn't necessarily say we're (Miramonte and San Antonio) the front runners. Muir and Arcadia always have good teams, and we know they play tough football in the (Almont and Del Rio).

2008 Schedule
Setp. 5 -- @ Aliso Niguel
Sept 12 - Pioneer
Sept. 19 - Diamond Bar
Sept. 26 - @ Rancho Cucamonga
Oct. 3 - @ Damien
Oct. 10 - @ Etiwanda
Oct. 17 - Diamond Ranch
Oct. 24 - Wilson
Oct 31 - Bye
Nov. 7 - Los Altos
Nov. 14 - @ Bonita

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Maxpreps
California Top Ten
1. Poway (San Diego country)
2. Simi Valley
3. El Toro (Lake Forrest)
4. Grossmont (El Cajon)
5. Valley Christian (San Jose)
6. Mater Dei
7. Northview
8. Notre Dame (Sherman Oaks)
9. Cathedral (San Diego)
10. Stockdale (Bakersfield)

Above: Glendora pitcher James Janclaes was named to the Sierra first team.
All-Sierra League
Baseball
MVP
Zach Collier, Chino Hills

First Team
Matt Lowenstein (Chino Hills), Chris Sulcer (Chino Hills), Phil Holinsworth (Chino Hills), Jonny Montoya (Chino Hills), Danny Pertusati (Damien), Darren Dworak (Damien), Nick Amrhein (Damien), Corey LeVier (Diamond Bar), Michael Edwards (Glendora), James Janclaes (Glendora), Cody Regis (Glendora), Danny Fernandez (Chino), Ethan Miller (Ayala), Mike Rowland (Ayala), Richard Perry (Ayala).

Second Team
Kenny Langwasser (Chino Hills), Ray Romero (Chino Hills), Ray Ortega (Damien), Mark Garcia (Damien), Tony McClenoon (Damien), Matt Krause (Damien), Jake Ludvik (Diamond Bar), Brian Stauffer (Diamond Bar), Kevin Roundtree (Glendora), Joseph Woodward (Glendora), Garrett Branske (Chino), Zach Patton (Ayala), Kevin Cho (Ayala), Jack Schellin (Ayala), Evan Brock (Ayala).

Above: Tartans sophomore Natalie Hernandez earns Tri-MVP honors

Softball
Tri-MVP
Natalie Hernandez (Glendora), Stephanie Thompson (Chino Hills), Jessica Hall (Ayal).

First Team
Kyle Landeros (Glendora), Dana Waldusky (Glendora), Kelly Nolan (Glendora), Briana Dworak (Glendora), Nalani St. Germain (Ayala), Mary Massei (Ayala), Nicole Haley (Ayala), Skylar Segura (Chino Hills), Talee Snow (Chino Hills), Katie Manchester (Chino Hills), Michelle Mounts (St. Lucy's), Allie Braden (Chino), Dee Dee Burns (Chino), Stephany LaRosa (Diamond Bar), Erica Miller (Diamond Bar).

Second Team
Audrie Becerra (Glendora), Talie Ferrari (Glendora), Danielle Soda (Glendora), Amy Ricciardi (Ayala), Allie Farmakis (Ayala), Stephanie Martinez (Ayala), Erika Girard (Chino Hills), Sam Bennett (Chino Hills), Diana Rugamas (Chino Hills), Jennifer Charca (St. Lucy's), Danielle DeLaRiva (St. Lucy's), Kaitlyn Swan (St. Lucy's), Bre Saucedo (Chino), Alex Simmons (Chino), Cierra Garcia (Diamond Bar).

Above: La Puente's Mike Cuevas was part of the Montview MVP trio.

2008 All-Montview League
Baseball
Tri-MVP
Brent Millan (Azusa), Mike Cuevas (La Puente), Miguel Lopez (Sierra Vista).

First Team
Pitchers: Michael Faram (Duarte), Miguel Lopez (Sierra Vista).
Catchers: Aaron Martinez (Azusa), Ryan Daniels (Duarte).
Infielders: Spencer Stute (Duarte), Daniel Lopez (Gladstone), Mike Cuevas (La Puente), Carlos Rosales (La Puente).
Outfielders: Jaime Aparicio (La Puente), Steve Barrientos (La Puente), Daniel Tarula (Azusa).
DH: David Munoz (Sierra Vista).

Honorable Mention
Pitchers: Jesus Espinoza (La Puente), Henry Anaya (La Puente).
Infielders: Hector Mojica (Azusa), Angel Robles (Duarte), Brandon McGukin (Azusa), Jeremiah Trujillo (Gladstone), Christian Huerta (Sierra Vista).
Outfielders: Jacob Loefke (Azusa), Benny Peterson (Azusa), Oscar Moreno (Duarte).
DH: Fernando Campos (Duarte).

Above: Sierra Vista junior named Montview league MVP
Softball
MVP - Brittany Flores (Sierra Vista)
First Team
Veronica Ramirez (Azusa), Jessica Metzger (Basset), Vanessa Medrano (Duarte), Amanda Carta (Duarte), Lupita Contreas (Duarte), Veronica Gonzales (La Puente), Roxanne Rodriguez (La Puente), Jackie Ortega (La Puente), Monica Gomez (Sierra Vista), Samantha Osegura (Sierra Vista), Alyssa Lozano (Sierra Vista), Arielle Romero (Sierra Vista), Raquel Hernandez (Workman), Erica Valenzuela (Workman), Crystal Quintanilla (Workman).
Second Team
Jessica Esparza (Azusa), Nina Cruses (Azusa), Victoria Ossa (Azusa), Kailey Montez (Azusa), Jasmine Martinez (Azusa), Jazmin Mendez (Azusa), Emelyn Martinez (Duarte), Tawny Anzaldo (Duarte), Vanessa Rosas (Gladstone), Carmen Carillo (Gladstone), Andrina Ortiz (La Puente), Denise Villalobos (La Puente), Alysa Lopez (Workman), Carmen Araujo (Workman), Ariel Borunda (Workman), Cecilia Lopez (Workman), Ana Beltran.

The San Gabriel Valley North-South senior all-star softball game is Wednesday at Mt. San Antonio College at 6 p.m. The North practices today (5-7 p.m.) at Northview while the South Practices Tuesday (5-7 p.m.) at Bishop Amat. Admission for Wednesday's game is $5/adults, $3/students and children.
To view rosters of both teams, click thread

The baseball season is officially over which means it's officially time to start picking the 2008 baseball all-area teams. We've got a players of the year, coach of the year, four infielders, two pitchers, three outfielders, catcher, and utility. This is what Steve and I will be hammering out the next two days, but what a great year it was. I can't remember having such a difficult list to choose from, especially when it comes to pitching in the SGV.

Prep Legend Steve Hunt said the Tribune had athletes of the year during his tenure in the late 80's and 90's, and has given the okay to bring it back. It's a great award because it celebrates the two to three-sport athlete, which for me is what high school sports is all about. I hate that specialization is taking over, that more and more kids are forced to choose a particular sport and stick with it. When I was a kid you played everything and when you got to high school you picked out something in the fall, winter and spring, which for a giant like me meant cross country, soccer and tennis. Go ahead, make the jokes, it would have been golf instead of tennis, but we didn't have a golf team. Anyway, you get the idea, so who should we consider.

Red beats Blue, 9-7.
Alhambra's Noe Ramirez earns MVP
South Hills Danny Roddy earns defensive player of the game

The arm of Alhambra High School's Noe Ramirez and the bat of Monrovia's Vince Vega led the Red team to a 9-7 victory over the Blue in the 14th annual San Gabriel Valley All-Star baseball game on Sunday at Mt. San Antonio College.
Ramirez won the Cory Lidle Award as the game's most valuable pitcher. He started and pitched two scoreless innings, struck out the side in the second inning and gave up one hit.
"This is a big deal. That is some good baseball out there. All I had to do out there was hit my spots," Ramirez said. Vega singled and doubled in two plate appearances and earned the Most Valuable Hitter award. Vega hit a two-out fastball for a double to deep left-center in the sixth inning to drive in a run.
"It was a good opportunity," Vega said. "(The award) just puts icing on the cake. That polishes it off, you know, to go out there and play my game and it was enough today."
Blue team member Dan Roddy of South Hills took home the Most Valuable Defensive Player award.
"It's a great group of kids this year and they played their hearts out," said Monrovia's Dave Moore, who coached the Red team. "It was a heck of a ballgame. (For) both sides pitching was good at times and the hitting was good most of the game.
"The kids really hacked, and it's great to get together 54 players who are upper echelon caliber in the San Gabriel Valley."
The Blue finished with 13 hits while the Red had 12 but never trailed.
The Red team took an early lead and had a five-run advantage by the sixth inning. The Blue team came back late with two runs in the seventh and three in the eighth.
Temple City left-hander Brian Dearth, however, came in to pitch a scoreless ninth inning and earned a save.