Signing on the dotted line
From left, Brady Zuniga (UNLV), Ryan Arnold (Santa Clara), Chris Cunningham (Santa Clara), Joel Licon (Loyola Marymount), Garrett Johnson (Fresno State), Rich Pedroza (Cal State Fullerton), Josh Leyland (Washington State), and Jiovanni Mier (USC). Not pictured but signing today is San Dimas' Kevin Ponzo, going to Utah
Northview High School third baseman Ryan Arnold and Bishop Amat pitcher Brady Zuniga will be fierce rivals this spring.
The two-time defending CIF-SS Division V champion Lancers move to Division IV, home of the 2007 champion Vikings.
Northview defeated Bishop Amat in last year's Glendora tournament championship game, and with both teams in the same division, it adds fuel to an already intense rivalry.
But Arnold and Zuniga put that aside on Wednesday, feeling more like teammates after signing their national letters of intent to UNLV on the first day of the early signing period for non-football student-athletes.
Eight locals visited our offices to take pictures on Wednesday, for story click thread
"It's great, Ryan's a great guy and has a great team," Zuniga said. "We look forward to running into them again.
"The new division creates more competition and hopefully we will see them in the finals. But yeah, after it's all over, we can focus on UNLV. I can't wait, playing in college is something I've always wanted to do."
Northview shortstop Rich Pedroza signed with Cal State Fullerton, following in the footsteps of his brother, Sergio, who also attended Cal State Fullerton and is now in the Tampa Bay Rays organization.
"Different coaches get into coaching for different reasons," Northview coach Darren Murphy said. "Winning championships is exciting, but I've told the kids watching them move on, and in this case, doing something extraordinary like signing a Division 1 scholarship is why I'm here."
Bonita created its own inner-rivalry with infielder/outfielder Jeff Gelalich signing with UCLA and shortstop Jiovanni Mier signing with USC.
Mier, a Tribune first-team selection as a junior, batted .479 with 30 RBIs. Gelalich hits .423 with 18 RBIs.
"I've always been a fan of USC, so it's cool I get to go there," Mier said. "Even though Jeff's going to UCLA, there's no bad feelings. He's my best friend.
"I think it's great we're going to rival schools. We can still hang out, but when it's time to play, we're both competitors and want to win."
Bearcats pitcher/first baseman Jason Plowman signed with Azusa Pacific.
San Dimas catcher Josh Leyland signed with Washington State after batting .370 as a junior. "It's a little cold up there, but I like it a lot," Leyland said. "Just to get a scholarship and in the Pac-10, that's what I always wanted. It's a dream come true."
Diamond Ranch's Joel Licon signed with Loyola Marymount after batting .359, 11 RBIs, and helping the Panthers reach the Division IV championship, losing to Northview.
Two Diamond Ranch boys basketball players signed letters of intent Wednesday.
Chris Cunningham, a 6-foot-10 center, signed with Santa Clara after averaging 15 points. Swingman Garrett Johnson, a 6-foot-5 slasher who averaged 17 points, signed with Fresno State.
18 Comments
Leave a comment
Links
Tribune Prep Sports
Miguel Melendez's prep blog
In the Huddle
ESPN
OC Varsity
San Bernardino Sun Preps
LA times Varsity Blog
Daily Bulletin Preps
Whittier Daily News Preps
LA Daily News Preps
Long Beach Press Telegram Preps
Daily Breeze Preps
Dyestat Track and Cross Country
MaxPreps
Rivals.Com
College Level Athletes
Miguel Melendez's prep blog
In the Huddle
ESPN
OC Varsity
San Bernardino Sun Preps
LA times Varsity Blog
Daily Bulletin Preps
Whittier Daily News Preps
LA Daily News Preps
Long Beach Press Telegram Preps
Daily Breeze Preps
Dyestat Track and Cross Country
MaxPreps
Rivals.Com
College Level Athletes
I said they "will be" fierce rivals come this spring, because when you're a competitor, it becomes a rivalry.
Hey Fan, ask the Pro scouts about Urban! I was at the game when at least 15 radar guns were on him. My son is only a Junior, but talk about exciting. He was clocked at 92 that game I saw it with my own eyes, know he said she said stuff my own eyes. Jake, is a low-key kid don't try to tear him down. I'm just hoping my son gets some exposure while the scouts are there looking at him.
I got the same feeling like they didn't like eachother.
Why put Brady and RJ as fierce rivals when they are actually friends and have teammates for the past 3 years. You make it sound like they do not like each other.
Drinking the haterade!
Jake Urban is a great kid, and player. Why all of this jealousy? I coached him several years he is a very intense, hardworking, baseball player.He is respectful on and off the field, he is very mature kid. I spoke with him last Sunday at a scout ball game, he was very kind, and humbled by the attention he has received by all the Scouts. His family has always been loving and supportive of him, and yes there is a lot of them at the games. I think it's great, but there has always been jealousy surrounding him. i don't know if it's his big following (his family) or just plain jealousy.D.B.L.L. you must not know Jake at all....Dumb yea, as a FOX.
D.B.L.L. insider Why so jealous and hateful? be happy for all the boys! Fred, delete post's that personally attack the kids! Congratulations boys!!!!!
Congratulations, Josh!
Not only are you a terrific player, but a terrific kid with a great family.
Best of luck!
Great article. Good job young men. Your hard work has paid off. Now just have a great year. Joel Licon is a great young man. congrats young man, you diserve it, your a hard working kid
Way to go Joel Licon
Steven G from Walnut
Congratulations to all these kids.... Nothing but great wishes for you guys.... Strive!!!!
Anybody else signing to play on the collegiate level that has not already been listed?
The kid from Diamond Bar is Urban, last I heard he decided on UCSB.
Where did Kevin Ponzo from San Dimas sign?
What happened to the kid who signed from Diamond Bar in baseball? Urwin?
I have seen RJ and Brady develop into fine young players on the SGV Arsenal. I'm sure they will make great additions to the Rebel program.
That's Joel Licon who has signed to play baseball at LMU, not Kyle Lengyl.
Congratulations Joel!!!
You are a great baseball player and a fantastic young man.
Great article. Love to read about our local kids and their accomplishing such big goals. It proves if you work really hard and dream big, good things can happen.