May 2009 Archives

Anything and anyone you want to talk about. Instead of the Sunday Tribbin logo, check out this sick wiffle ball thrower. BTW, I sure am glad the Lakers aren't playing a Game 7 tonight. I like them in six over Orlando.

Were you able to follow the games on Twitter Friday? If not, read all about them here. Like I said, nobody covers SGV sports like we do.

Scott French, one of my favorite reporters, covered San Dimas' 11-7 win over El Segundo. Coach Mike Regan on the call that turned the game.
"It's karma. That's what happens, man. (The umpire) tried to homer us, and our guy hit a grand slam. That's how it works. ... That was the worst call I've seen in my whole life of baseball. That was just ridiculous, man. Zero integrity. He knew in his heart that was the wrong call, and that's what happens, man. The baseball gods, right there." -- San Dimas coach Mike Regan

I was at the South Hills-Bonita extra-inning thriller, where two South Hills freshman made the difference. CJ Saylor squeezed home Derek Klena in the bottom of the eighth for the 3-2 win.
"I got the sign and I just had to get the bat on it. It was over my head and I just went after it. Incredible." -- South Hills' freshman CJ Saylor

Bishop Amat pounds La Quinta, 14-5; Damien's dream runs ends, and Charter Oak comes up short against Beckman. Afterward, Chargers coach Tom Quinley talked, sort of. "I don't have much to say," Quinley said after a base-running miscue prevented the Chargers from possibly tying the score or taking the lead in the sixth. "We had a couple of blunders ... I don't have anything to say. It was too bad, because we were just as good as they were. It shouldn't have come out the way it did. But that's baseball."

CIF-Southern Section Baseball Playoffs
Tuesday's Semifinals games
Division IV
Bishop Amat at San Dimas, 3:15 p.m.
Division III
South Hills at Corona del Mar, 3:15 p.m.

The San Gabriel Valley's annual Red/Blue senior all-star baseball game is at Mt. SAC on Monday, June 8 at 7 p.m. Admission is $5/adults and $2/parking. For the complete rosters and coaches of each team, click thread.

Scoring Updates:
Division II
Crespi 6, Damien 2 -- It was 2-2 late before Crespi took control
Division III
South Hills 4, Bonita 3: Freshman CJ Saylor squeezed home Derek Klena in the bottom of the eigth for the victory.
Beckman 5, Charter Oak 3 -- Chargers rally comes up short
Corona del Mar 6, Los Altos 3 -- Conquerors lose chance to meet South Hills in semi's.
Division IV
Bishop Amat 14, La Quinta 5 -- Lancers trail early, then cruise home.
San Dimas 11, El Segundo 7 -- Saints trail 7-6 going into top of the seventh, tied it 7-7, then Matt Thrawll hits a grand slam.

CIF-SS Playoffs
Baseball
Friday's quarterfinals results
Division II
Redlands East Valley 3, San Luis Obispo 2
Crespi 6, Damien 2
Chino Hills 3, Foothill 2
Huntington Beach 10, Yucaipa 2

Division III
Beckman 5, Charter Oak 3
Lancaster 3, Downey 0
Corona del Mar 6, Los Altos 3
South Hills 4, Bonita 3 (8)

Division IV
Bishop Amat 13, La Quinta 5
San Dimas 11, El Segundo 8
Torrance 3, Fullerton 2
Kaiser 5, St. Paul 4

Extra, Extra, the Tribune is the leader in SGV sports. Sorry Mid-Valley, but this is how we roll. You want coverage, here it is.
Los Altos wins; South El Monte wins; Glendora wins; Bishop Amat loses heartbreaker; Northview bows out; Arroyo comes up short

Don't listen to me: I was 3-for-10 in softball predictions Thursday, but couldn't feel better about being wrong. If Glendora and Los Altos meet in the championship, it might be the biggest area match-up in a title game ever. Can you think of one any better? San Dimas, this is what they do, clown around until it's time to get serious, and they get serious in the playoffs. I have said for two years they have talent, and hopefully that talent takes them to a title game. South El Monte hasn't even been tested, but they will be in the semifinals against La Salle, who is very similar to the Eagles, but I Iike the Eagles to advance. Wouldn't that be something if we had area teams in three different championship games. C'mon girls, take it home from here.

All-Area -- With softball down to five area teams, it's a good time to revisit player of the year and Tribune first-team all-area candidates. You pick one POW and 11 first-teamers.
Player of the Year: ?
First team
Pitcher: (2); Catcher: (1); Infielders: (4); Outfielder: (3); Utility: (1)

CIF-Southern Section Playoffs
Tuesday's Semifinals
Division III
Tesoro ( 25-4) at Los Altos (23-6)
Glendora (21-4) at Chino Hills (23-10-1)
Division V
Village Christian (26-5) at San Dimas (24-4)
Heritage (19-10) at Whittier Christian (22-6)
Division VI
South El Monte (21-6) at La Salle (24-5)
Maranatha (22-6) at Marymount (23-4)

"Masters is all about surviving. You just want to make it and move on." -- Diamond Ranch standout Karynn Dunn.

Qualifiers for Tonight's Masters Meet in Cerritos

Avove: Bishop Amat and UCLA bound Sheldon Price in the 100 meters.

Charter Oaks' Eric Rogers is quick learner to master triple jump. He goes for a Masters title tonight.

The East San Gabriel Valley is sending a six-pack to today's CIF-Southern Section Track and Field Masters Meet at Cerritos College in Norwalk. The goal for each of these athletes, who are competing in 10 total events, is not so much to win but to qualify for the CIF-State Meet the following week in Clovis.

Last Week's Divisional Results
CIF-Southern Section Division I, II, II, IV Results, All Here!

What do you make of former Mt. SAC and UCLA football assistant DeWayne Walker, now with New Mexico State, getting arrested for a DUI, then released without charges after he blows a .01. He allegedly failed three field sobriety tests, which makes you wonder how tough these tests are sober.

I never thought we would be a game away from a Glendora-Los Altos championship. But guess what, the Tribune's top two teams are knocking on the door. We have all the softball final scores listed below

Final Results
Division II
Los Altos 2, Ayala 0 -- Goodbye Bulldogs, Patterson outduels UCLA-bound Hall, gives up just two hits as Conqs go to the semifinals.
Glendora 3, Oaks Christian 0 -- Yes, the Tartans knocked off the No. 2 seed on the road as Waldusky throws another shutout.
Tesoro 1, Chino 0, 10 innings
Chino Hills 3, Crescenta Valley 2
Tuesday's semifinals
Tesoro vs. Los Altos
Chino Hills vs. Glendora

Division IV
El Segundo 1, Bishop Amat 0, 9 inn -- The Lancers had the bases loaded and one out in the bottom of the ninth and couldn't tie it. When you read the story, you will understand how heartbreaking this was.
Hesperia 4, North Torrance 1
La Quinta 3, Torrance 1
Paloma Valley 5, Santa Monica 0

Division V
Whittier Christian 6, Northview 0
San Dimas 6, Barstow 1
Village Christian 4, San Jacinto 0
Heritage 5, West Covina 4, 9 inn
Tuesday's semifinals
San Dimas vs. Village Christian
Heritage vs. Whittier Christian

Division VI
La Salle, 6, Arroyo 2
South El Monte 9, Ramona Convent 0
Marymount 5, Grace Brethren 0
Maranatha 3, Oxford Academy 1
Tuesday's semifinals
La Salle vs. South El Monte
Marymount vs. Maranatha

Today's pregame softball predictions: First off, good luck to everyone, you all have represented yourselves and the Valley well, but I'm not sure how many teams we're going to have left in Tuesday's semifinals. Let's start in the Division III. I'm sure it sounds great to have an All-Sierra Final Four, but the reality is there is a better possibility of all four getting swept. Chino won't beat Tesoro, Glendora won't beat Oaks Christian, and Chino Hills won't beat Crescenta Valley. Los Altos has a very, very good shot against Ayala, but the Bulldogs will likely be the only Sierra team to advance. I don't see Bishop Amat beating powerful El Segundo in Div. IV, but I love San Dimas and West Covina's chances of moving on in Div. V. In Div. VI, mark it down, Arroyo will knock off La Salle and meet South El Monte in the semfinals on Tuesday.

With so many teams performing well late in the season, you will probably not see as many teams with two or three players on the first team, which make it even more difficult. Basically what we try and do is put together the best 12, which includes the player of the year and 11 on the first team. Infielders are not by position, they're the best four infielders, period.

Player of the Year: ?
First team
Pitcher: (2); Catcher: (1); Infielders: (4); Outfielder: (3); Utility: (1)

Below: We will try to avoid co-players of the year, but last year was unavoidable. Who could forget these two, Marc Andrade and Jordan Fox.

I know I promised a list of top ten quarterbacks and spring football stuff, but as you can tell baseball and softball is alive and well like it's the first round, plus I have all-area to think about next. But I know all of you have bundles of free time and want to talk about the spring practices you have been at, and the quarterbacks you have seen and expect to see take off next year. So tell us, who should we look out for, and who are the new arms we must pay attention too.

Below: I know Rowland's Michael Ball is in the mix, heck, he might even be the best of all. When you can run, pass and are as athletic as he is, that's a dangerous combination in high school, and he still is only going to be a junior after leading the Raiders to the semifinals last year.

The playoffs change everything don't they? Some coaches I had in mind have been eliminated while others I wasn't thinking about are now in contention. Why don't you help sort this out, who are your leading contenders in baseball and softball?

The blog took off on Tuesday, we had more hits than Scott Wolff's USC blog, and were within a few hundred of Brian Dohn's newspaper-group leading UCLA blog, and those are pretty-much national blogs with a huge Southern California presence. We do it right and we do it proud in the San Gabriel Valley, so thanks to all of you for making me look good. I was tweeting as many games as I could, getting updates from Northview-St. Paul, Bishop Amat-La Habra, Bonita-Alhambra, San Dimas-La Canada softball, as well as the game I was at, Glendora-Knight softball. It was compelling, Bonita, Bishop Amat and Northview all trailing early, then hearing about Bonita's grand slam, Amat's huge rally in the seventh, then finally learning that defending champion Northview is no more, losing to St. Paul. It was an incredible day, and with so many teams left, seven in baseball and yes, eight in softball, we have got a lot more tweeting to do. You want surprises, how about three Miramonte league baseball teams in the quarterfinals, thanks to Los Altos' magical playoff run. You want matchups? How about South Hills and Bonita on Friday. You want momentum, how about Damien's 20-3 win over Dos Pueblos. You want predictions, I'm standing by mine that San Dimas will keep going and win the Division IV title. You want tough, how about Los Altos and Glendora softball moving to the quarters along with, um, West Covina, Bishop Amat and Arroyo. I'm telling you, we're just getting started.

Coaches comments ...
"Hey, sometimes you have to battle and sometimes you have to tip your cap and that's what we had to do with La Habra. They played a great game and we had to make a great push at the end to win. We'll play any team anywhere, whatever the challenge. Look at our schedule, we're not afraid to play anyone." -- Bishop Amat coach Andy Nieto.

"There is no shame in losing to St. Paul. The shame is for a group that has accomplished so much (over the past four seasons) and has been more successful than any class in Northview history, this is the last day they played. This is not indicative of what kind of team this. And that's the shame - that we played so poorly." -- Northview coach Darren Murphy.

"We have had big hits from everybody in the lineup all year. Our offense and defense has carried us." -- Damien coach Al Leyva

"We were very concerned. We were getting the feeling that it was getting away. We were doing everything right and just not getting it. I was concerned about getting a bit panicked. I think we showed our composure. Jason (Plowman) gets that grand slam. He's a gamer." -- Bonita coach John Knott

CIF-SS Playoffs
Baseball
Friday's quarterfinals
Division II
San Luis Obispo (23-5) at Redlands East Valley (22-6)
Crespi (18-11) at Damien (21-8)
Foothill (21-7) at Chino Hills (18-10)
Yucaipa (27-2) at Huntington Beach (17-12)

Division III
Beckman (24-4) at Charter Oak (17-9)
Downey (23-6) at Lancaster (20-7)
Corona del Mar (17-10) at Los Altos (14-11)
Bonita (21-5) at South Hills (19-8)

Division IV
La Quinta (21-7) vs. Bishop Amat (25-5) at Rio Hondo College
San Dimas (21-5) at El Segundo (23-8)
Fullerton (21-7) at Torrance (23-7)
St. Paul (18-12) at Kaiser (20-8)

CIF-Southern Section playoffs
Thursday's Quarterfinals
Softball
Division III
Chino (19-13) at Tesoro (24-4)
Los Altos (22-6) at Ayala (23-9)
Chino Hills (22-10-1) at Crescenta Valley (26-1)
Glendora (20-4) at Oaks Christian (26-4-1)

Division IV
Torrance (22-11) at La Quinta (20-4)
North Torrance (19-13) at Hesperia (17-6)
Santa Monica (24-6) at Paloma Valley (21-7)
El Segundo (27-3) at Bishop Amat (18-12)

Division V
San Dimas (23-4) at Barstow (15-9)
Village Christian (25-5) at San Jacinto (18-5)
Whittier Christian (21-6) at Northview (17-8)
West Covina (16-10) at Heritage (18-10)

Division VI
La Salle (23-5) at Arroyo (15-9)
Ramona Convent (15-2) at South El Monte (20-6)
Grace Brethren (13-6) at Marymount (22-4)
Oxford Academy (19-6) at Maranatha (21-6)

Northview loses: It happened, the Vikings, trailing 6-2 early, kept chipping away, making it 6-3, then 6-4, then it was over. St. Paul pulls off the big upset, knocking off No. 2 and defending champion Northview, 6-4.
Bishop Amat wins: The Lancers trailed 2-1 going into the bottom of the 7th and scored eight runs to take a 9-2 lead over La Habra, then hung on for a 9-5 victory.
Bonita wins: Trailing 2-0 early, the Bearcats cruise, beat Alhambra 9-2 to get South Hills next.
South Hills wins: Don't know anything except they beat Hemet, 7-5
Los Altos wins: The Conquerors did it again, shocks Santa Monica, 3-1.
San Dimas wins: Saints beat Sonora 4-0, Josh Leyland hit two run homer and Salcido goes the distance to get shutout.

CIF-SS Baseball game predictions
Tuesday's second round, 3:15 p.m.
Baseball
Division II
Damien 20, Dos Pueblos 3
Chino Hills 3, Notre Dame 1
Division III
Charter Oak 6, Palmdale 1
Los Altos 3, Santa Monica 1
South Hills 7, Hemet 5
Bonita 9, Alhambra 2
Division IV
Bishop Amat 9, La Habra 5
San Dimas 4, Sonora 0
St. Paul 6, Northview 4
Division V
Sultana 10, Sierra Vista 5

RESULTS: Coaches, parents, please call in results to 626-962-8811, Ext. 2233 or 2242 or email to scores@sgvn.com. Also post a quick score on the blog as soon as you get it, the more that do this, the quicker we all the results.

Baseball Standings and Schedules
Del Rey League
Miramonte League
Mission Valley League
Montview League
San Antonio League
Sierra League
Valle Vista League

Glendora update: Trailing 1-0 and getting one-hit going into the bottom of the seventh inning, the Tartans rally past Knight for a 2-1 victory when the coaches daughter, Lindsay Mitchell, hits a one-out bases-loaded single to right to drive in the tying and winning runs.
San Dimas update: They trailed 1-0 going into the sixth, scored twice to beat La Canada, 2-1.

Softball advance preview
Tuesday's softball game results
Second Round
Division III
Los Altos 1, Oak Park 0
Ayala 4, Aliso Niguel 1
Chino Hills 2, Alemany 1 (9)
Glendora 2, Knight 1
Division IV
Bishop Amat 5, Lakeside 0
Division V
San Dimas 2, La Canada 1
San Jacinto 8, Azusa 0
Village Christian 4, South Hills 2
Northview 4, Woodcrest Christian 3
Whittier Christian 2, Rowland 0
West Covina 10, Santa Ana Calvary Chapel 3
Division VI
Arroyo 2, Big Bear 1
South El Monte 18, Desert Mirage 1, 5 innings
La Salle 12, Campbell Hall 0

RESULTS: Coaches, parents, please call in results to 626-962-8811, Ext. 2233 or 2242 or email to scores@sgvn.com. Also post a quick score on the blog as soon as you get it, the more that do this, the quicker we all the results.

Softball Standings and Schedules
Del Rey League
Miramonte League
Mission Valley League
Montview League
San Antonio League
Sierra League
Valle Vista League

Anything and anyone you want to talk about. But mainly this is for football folks to talk about what's going on in spring practice. Any good quarterback duals happening out there?

From the L.A. Times: Dannie Farber, a senior All-City receiver from Harbor City Narbonne who helped the team become City Section co-champions last season, was shot and killed while eating at a restaurant in Compton on Sunday night, according to a Los Angles County sheriff's spokesman. He was 18.

Above: This photo courtesy of CWSomaha.com shows the quest for all 64 teams in the NCAA Division I baseball tournament - Omaha's Rosenblatt Statium.

As you all know, Fred's biggest passion outside of prep sports, is his beloved Lakers.
Mine includes the Cal State Fullerton baseball team, which is on the right path on the Road to Omaha and the College World Series. I followed the Titans to Omaha in 2001 and 2003, and have been to every home Regional and Super Regional since 2000. I also traveled to a regional in San Diego two years ago. To continue reading click thread

I always find the second game of the baseball playoffs the most interesting. I remember a few years back watching Temple City's big stud Ryan Tucker pitch game one, pitch game two (started a new week), throw three innings in game three, and come back to start in the semifinals (game four) because it's a new week again. Your No. 1 pitcher can almost carry you to the championship game if that's what you choose to do. Division IV hasn't played since last Thursday, so what do teams like Northview, Bishop Amat and San Dimas due on Tuesday? Do they stay with their No.1's or go to their No 2's like a normal week. Even teams that played Friday have the same decision, especially a team like Sierra Vista, who has a No. 1 in Christian Huerta that could carry them a few rounds. These are do-or-die scenarios, so expect the best to be on the hill if they're available?

Below: The Northview-St. Paul game is a perfect example, will Vikings coach Darren Murphy stay with Eric Ruvalcaba (pictured below), who threw a shutout in the first round or go to left Eddie Pedroza? The same is true for St. Paul, do they stay with No. 1 Gabe Encinas, or take their chances with hard-throwing Chris Wilson, the former South Hills Covina resident who knows the Vikings well? Decisions, Decisions.

I listened to what everyone said about expanding our blog coverage to the Inland Empire. I will not overdue it, but I think including all Sierra League teams in here is fine because of the crossovers with Glendora, Diamond Bar and Damien. We should also be including Ganesha and Pomona too. Football is a different story. Each week I will do an Inland Empire football top ten in the fall, and let the Scouting Guru do his thing as well. There's nothing wrong with giving I.E. folks a thread to talk. So, the Guru has a Spring Top Ten Inland Empire Poll that he broke down over the weekend. Check it out by clicking on the thread....

This looks like a first round, so many San Gabriel Valley teams still alive in the "Sweet 16," but Tuesday is separation day. With that in mind, what are the must-cover games?

CIF-SS Baseball and Softball playoffs
Tuesday's semifinals
Baseball
Division II
Dos Pueblos (16-11) at Damien (20-8)
Notre Dame (23-5) at Chino Hills (17-10)
Division III
Charter Oak (16-9) at Palmdale (14-13)
Los Altos (13-11) at Santa Monica (17-14)
South Hills (18-8) at Hemet (17-9-1)
Bonita (20-5) at Alhambra (17-10)
Division IV
Bishop Amat (24-5) at La Habra (17-8)
San Dimas (20-5) at Sonora (18-10)
Northview (21-4) at St. Paul (17-12)
Division V
Sierra Vista (19-6) at Sultana (15-8)

Softball
Division III
Los Altos (21-6) at Oak Park (17-10)
Ayala (21-10) at Aliso Niguel (19-10-1)
Alemany (21-7) at Chino HIlls (21-10-1)
Knight (21-5-1) at Glendora (19-4)
Division IV
Lakeside (14-8) at Bishop Amat (17-12)
Division V
San Dimas (22-4) at La Canada (19-7)
San Jacinto (17-5) at Azusa (16-8)
South Hills (16-9-1) at Village Christian (24-5)
Northview (16-8) at Woodcrest Christian (17-9)
Whittier Christian (20-6) at Rowland (14-13)
Santa Ana Calvary Chapel (19-6-1) at West Covina (15-10)
Division VI
Big Bear (14-11) at Arroyo (14-9)
South El Monte (19-6) at Desert Mirage (13-10)

Qualifiers for Friday's Masters Meet in Cerritos

Diamond Ranch's Karynn Dunn won in her signature events, the 110 hurdles, long and triple jump, giving her six Division III individual titles since last year. How did the Price siblings and other fair? Read it all from our track man, Andrew Campa.

Also, check out Keith Birmingham's photo gallery, more than three dozen pictures from Saturday's championships.

CIF-Southern Section Division I, II, II, IV Results, All Here!

"All season we tossed wiffle balls at the girls before games. This is my first year as head coach, and If I had known that this was not allowed during the playoffs, I would not have done it -- Calvary Murrieta coach Tiffany Bleil.

The Division V's top softball seed Calvary Murrieta forfeited its 4-0 victory over Barstow because it participated in an illegal pre-game whiffle-ball batting practice. Yes it's true, and San Dimas could benefit because they were on track to meet Murreita in the quarterfinals. Why does it feel like the punishment doesn't fit the crime. Take away a home game maybe, but the season? I've always hated this rule, and wonder why opposing coaches or athletic directors call you on it. If a coach see's this happening, why can't you walk over and explain what they're doing is illegal. If he argues and continues on, then pursue it and turn it over to CIF. But if the coach shows genuine remorse, and may not know the rule and stop immediately, then shake hands and play. Or like I always say, "Do the Right Thing." Who wants to win this way? And more importantly, you're punishing kids that worked all season, and their entire careers for an opportunity they will never get back because of a silly rule. I know as a competitor, I wouldn't want to put my uniform back on if I advanced this way.
Steve's take: This one of the rare occasions where Fred and I disagree. To me, this is a rule to combat an unfair advantage, and Calvary Murrieta won a playoff game by having an unfair advantage. The Murrieta coach can say she didn't know the rule, but isn't there an adage that states ignorance of the law is no excuse? She states that they hit with whiffle balls throughout the season. I guess she doesn't know that there's a difference between that and the real thing. But I think what it really comes down to is: There was a playoff game played, the team that won had an unfair advantage, and when that happens, the winner must forfeit.

We have boundaries for the Tribune, Bulletin and Sun, but we can do whatever we want on the blog. With more commenters trickling in from Ayala, Chino Hills, Chino etc, as we move forward we will include these teams in the blog so their fans have a place to vent and talk about their games. It won't be as thorough as our local teams, but as we get into the fall, I will do an Inland Empire top ten football thread, and track their scores on Friday nights. So this is to all you Inland Empire folks, which teams should I concentrate on most and why?

Update: Bonita's Nico Calderaro pitched a complete game six-hitter, leading the Cats to an easy 8-0 win over Pacific.
Update: South Hills jumped on top of Quartz Hill 4-0, then hold on to win 4-3 behind a solid outing from pitcher Derek Klena, who went the distance and got a game-ending grounding with the tying runner aboard in the 7th.
Update Nogales: Just got the word, Palmdale upset the Nobles, 4-3
Update: Chater Oak: Chargers pounded Cajon, won 13-3.
Update: Sierra Vista: Dons are the lone area survivor in Div. V, beating Arrowhead Christian 6-5.

South Hills' Derek Klena goes the distance to help the Hills score a 4-3 win in round one.

Friday's results
Division III
Charter Oak 13, Cajon 3
Palmdale 4, Nogales 3
South Hills 4, Quartz Hill 3
Bonita 8, Pacific 0
Los Altos 4, Orange 2

Division V
Sierra Vista 6, Arrowhead Christian 5
Downey Calvary Chapel 4, South El Monte 2
Mary Star 8, La Puente 5
Paraclete 2, Western Christian 1
Santa Ynez 4, Gladstone 0

Quick Look ahead to Tuesday's semifinals
Baseball
Division II
Dos Pueblos (16-11) at Damien (20-8)
Notre Dame (23-5) at Chino Hills (17-10)
Division III
Charter Oak (16-9) at Palmdale (14-13)
Los Altos (13-11) at Santa Monica (17-14)
South Hills (18-8) at Hemet (17-9-1)
Bonita (20-5) at Alhambra (17-10)
Division IV
Bishop Amat (24-5) at La Habra (17-8)
San Dimas (20-5) at Sonora (18-10)
Northview (21-4) at St. Paul (17-12)
Division V
Sierra Vista (19-6) at Sultana (15-8)

Softball
Division III
Los Altos (21-6) at Oak Park (17-10)
Ayala (21-10) at Aliso Niguel (19-10-1)
Alemany (21-7) at Chino HIlls (21-10-1)
Knight (21-5-1) at Glendora (19-4)
Division IV
Lakeside (14-8) at Bishop Amat (17-12)
Division V
San Dimas (22-4) at La Canada (19-7)
San Jacinto (17-5) at Azusa (16-8)
South Hills (16-9-1) at Village Christian (24-5)
Northview (16-8) at Woodcrest Christian (17-9)
Whittier Christian (20-6) at Rowland (14-13)
Santa Ana Calvary Chapel (19-6-1) at West Covina (15-10)
Division VI
Big Bear (14-11) at Arroyo (14-9)
South El Monte (19-6) at Desert Mirage (13-10)

The Tribune ball goes to Damien after its 4-1 win over No. 4 seed Palos Verdes

Because I know how important my picks are to you, I'm keeping tabs on the results, with a 15-7 mark in the first-round, going 10-4 in softball and 5-3 in baseball on Thursday.

In Softball, I picked Bishop Amat, South Hills, Rowland and Arroyo to all lose, and they won, probably the most surprising was Bishop Amat's 7-1 win over 20-4 Morro Bay, and Arroyo's 6-0 win over 17-1 Baptist Christian. I hate to toot my own horn, but I have been saying all along my reason for Glendora being No. 1 was the Sierra League, which not only went 4-0, but Chino knocked off No. 1 Cajon, 6-0. That's a big ups to the Sierra. The Miramonte was lucky to not get swept thanks to Los Altos' late rally to win in ten innings. Remember, it's not the stats and the records that matter, it's who you play. Also, give it up to Rowland as well, beating a very good Sierra Vista team, but more importantly, the San Antonio league softball, which I thought was average at best, went 3-0 in the first round with South Hills and West Covina both winning. Congrats, but don't get use to it ...

In Baseball, Division II crushed me, I went 1-3, picking Chino Hills and Damien to lose, and Chino to win, and missed all three. The big one was Damien, beating a 25-4 Palos Verdes team on the road 4-1 after playing a wild-card game. Can you give me a "Just like Basketball" chant? For the simple fact that three Sierra league teams played wild cards, it's a credit to their league that they went 2-2 in the first round with Glendora also winning. Division IV was easy, Bishop Amat, Northview and San Dimas cruised as expected, and Baldwin Park fell. That was probably the easiest 4-0 prediction I ever had.

Northview update: No problem, the Vikings win 5-0 after Eric Ruvalcaba throws six shutout innings, allowing three hits. He also scored twice and hit a two-run homer. Bishop Amat also took care ob business, winning 4-1 over Calvary Chapel at home. BTW, St. Paul beat Oaks Christian 2-1 in eight innings, they will play Northview next on Tuesday.

RESULTS: All head coaches should call in results to 626-962-8811, Ext. 2233, 2242 or email to scores@sgvn.com, and since you're reading this, at least POST your score on this game thread so we can get scores updates ASAP, thanks.

Today's CIF-Playoff results

Division II
Redlands East Valley 4, Glendora 0
Damien 4, Palos Verdes 1
Chino Hills 4, La Mirada 3
Huntington Beach 5, Chino 3

Division IV
Bishop Amat 4, Santa Ana Calvary Chapel 1
Northview 5, Granite Hills 0
St. Paul 2, Oaks Christian 1, 8 innings
San Dimas 5, Laguna Beach 1
Fullerton 13, Baldwin Park 2

Los Altos High School, with its season on the brink, showed Thursday, it's rich in heart as it is in talent.
Sophomore Courtney Gano hit a key double to spark a two-run rally in the seventh and freshman Lexi Garcia singled home Erica Cota in the 10th and the Conquerors rallied to score a 4-3 victory over visiting Sonora in a CIF-Southern Section Division III first-round game.
Los Altos, getting two RBIs from Garcia and a solid effort in the circle from senior Diana-lynn Patterson, improved to 21-6 and will face Oak Park, 2-0 winners over Burbank Burroughs Thursday, in the second round on Tuesday.
The Conquerors, getting sacrifice flies from Garcia and Patterson, scored two runs in the seventh to tie it at 3 before Garcia singled with two outs and the based loaded in the 10th to win it, 4-3.
Los Altos coach Lydell McCullough: "I was a little worried there. But we've been doing this all season. This is a veteran group and they never give up, and they believe they can get back in any game, any time."
Courtney Gano: "We just never gave up. I know (early in the game) we were a little nervous because we didn't know how (Sonora) was, but we came through. We never gave up. We showed heart."
Lexi Garcia: "I knew I had to come through. I had a feeling I was going to get (the hit)."

With senior Diana-Lynn Patterson in the circle, can Los Altos finally make a deep playoff run? The Conquerors are off to a good start with a 4-3 victory over Sonora on Thursday.

RESULTS: All head coaches should call in results to 626-962-8811, Ext. 2233, 2242 or email to scores@sgvn.com, and since you're reading this, at least POST your score on this game thread so we can get scores updates ASAP, thanks.

CIF-Southern Section playoff schedule
Thursday's first-round results
Division III
Los Altos 4, Sonora 3, 10 innings
Chino Hills 4, Bonita 1
Glendora 3, Dana Hills 1
Knight 5, Charter Oak 3
Division IV
Bishop Amat 7, Morro Bay 1
Division V
South Hills 14, Keppel 4
San Dimas 16, Schurr 2
Azusa 2, Victor Valley 0
Northview 10, Savanna 1
Rowland 6, Sierra Vista 1
West Covina 6, Cerritos Valley Christian 1
Santa Ana Calvary Chapel 6, Covina 5
Division VI
Arroyo 6, Baptist Christian 0
South El Monte 24, Sacred Heart of Jesus 0

We love it when a coach speaks out. Star-Newbie reporter Miguel Melendez talked to Temple City coach Barry Bacon about the CIF playoff format, where just about anybody makes the playoffs. The Rams are in the Rio Hondo League and in Div. IV with San Dimas, Bishop Amat and Northview. Much like the Sierra, the Rio was a close race between several teams with Temple City finishing third and La Canada fourth, but did it really matter? Read on, Bacon tells you why it doesn't?

The best brother-sister tandem in the nation? Steve Ramirez talks to the Lancers standouts and tells their story

CIF-SS Divisional Finals Info
Saturday, May 23rd @ Cerritos College
Field events @ 11 a.m.
Running events @ 1 p.m.

Southern Section's top performers

Saturday's CIF-Southern Section prelims results
Division I, Division II, Division III, Division IV

Who you should look for?
Saturday could be a banner day for locals at the CIF-Southern Section divisional track and field finals. Several area competitors put themselves in solid positions toward possible individual titles following strong efforts at their respective CIF-SS prelims. To continue, click thread

The Skinny on the Releaguing:
After a vote by 42 principals and two appeals hearings, The Mt. SAC-area league realignment for 2010-14 will go to a final vote on October 22 in Long Beach by the seven-league representatives that form the Mt. SAC area.
Three proposals are on the table for the Mt. SAC area league representatives to consider after Wednesday's CIF-Southern Section Executive Council meeting passed Rowland's appeal to move from the proposed San Antonio/Miramonte League to the Valle Vista by a near unanimous margin.
However, a lot would have to happen for Rowland's appeal to actually become reality.
What happens next is the seven league representatives that form the Mt. SAC area, which include the Valle Vista, Montview, Sierra, San Antonio, Mt. Baldy, Baseline and Miramonte League's, will each have one vote at the October meeting. To continue reading and peak at all the proposals, click thread

Above: Diamond Bar's Erica Miller is on the South Team.
Admission: $5, Parking $2. Game Time: 6:30 p.m.

Rosters for the San Gabriel Valley Senior All-Star softball game are here and ready for your discussion. The game is on Wednesday, June 3 at Mt. San Antonio College. Since the CIF finals are on June 6, any players on a team that gets to the CIF finals is obviously ineligible. The North team is coached by St. Lucy's Pam Crampton. They are scheduled to practice on Monday, June 1. The South is coached by El Monte's Kendra Navarro, and will practice on Tuesday June 2.

For rosters click thread

CIF-Southern Section playoff schedule
Thursday and Friday first-round and predictions
Note: All games start at 3:15 p.m.

Division II, Thursday's games
Redlands East Valley (20-6) at Glendora (19-7), Robledo (Glendora)
Damien (19-8) at Palos Verdes (25-4), Robledo (Palos Verdes)
Chino Hills (16-10) at La Mirada (18-11), Robledo (La Mirada)
Huntington Beach (15-12) at Chino (19-7), Robledo (Chino)

Division IV, Thursday's games
Santa Ana Calvary Chapel (17-11) at Bishop Amat (23-5), Robledo (BAmat)
Laguna Beach (14-13) at San Dimas (19-5), Robledo (SDimas)
Baldwin Park (15-10) at Fullerton (19-7), Robledo (Fullerton)
Granite Hills (17-8) at Northview (20-4), Robledo (NView)

Division III, Friday's games
Cajon (13-12) at Charter Oak (15-9), Robledo (COak)
Palmdale (13-13) at Nogales (21-7-1), Robledo (Nogales)
Quartz Hill (19-8) at South Hills (17-8), Robledo (SHills)
Pacific (12-12) at Bonita (19-5), Robledo (Bonita)
Los Altos (12-12) at Orange (18-7), Robledo (Orange)

Division V, Friday's games
Arrowhead Christian (9-15-1) at Sierra Vista (18-6), Robledo (SVista)
South El Monte (11-7) at Downey Calvary Chapel (17-6), Robledo (DCC)
Mary Star (12-13) at La Puente (13-8), Robledo (Mary Star)
Paraclete (14-11) at Western Christian (17-8), Robledo (WChris)
Gladstone (19-5) at Santa Ynez (21-3), Robledo (Santa Ynez)

CIF-Southern Section playoff schedule
Thursday's first-round and predictions
Note: All games start at 3:15 p.m.
Division III
Sonora (17-12) at Los Altos (20-6), Robledo (Los Altos)
Chino Hills (20-9-1) at Bonita (20-5-1), Robledo (Chino Hills)
Dana Hills (18-10) at Glendora (18-4), Robledo (Glendora)
Charter Oak (14-11) at Knight (20-5-1), Robledo (Knight)
Division IV
Bishop Amat (16-12) at Morro Bay (20-4), Robledo (Morro Bay)
Division V
Schurr (10-13) at San Dimas (21-4), Robledo (SDimas)
Azusa (15-8) at Victor Valley (14-10), Robledo (Azusa)
Keppel (18-5) at South Hills (15-9-1), Robledo (Keppel)
Northview (15-8) at Savanna (16-12), Robledo (Northview)
Rowland (13-13) at Sierra Vista (19-3), Robledo (Sierra Vista)
Cerritos Valley Christian (11-12-1) at West Covina (14-10), Robledo (WCovina)
Covina (15-10) at Santa Ana Calvary Chapel (18-6-1), Robledo (SACC)
Division VI
Arroyo (13-9) at Baptist Christian (17-1), Robledo (Baptist Christian)
Sacred Heart of Jesus (11-4) at South El Monte (18-6), Robledo (SEMonte)

The Executive Council is scheduled to meet this afternoon to make a final decision about the Mt. SAC Area realignment. Glendora and South Hills won their appeals earlier this month, moving Glendora from the Baseline back to the Sierra, and South Hills moving from the Sierra to the San Antonio/Miramonte. Charter Oak lost its appeal to move out of the Sierra and Rowland lost its appeal to move from the Miramonte/San Antonio to the Valle Vista. Both Charter Oak and Rowland have filed final appeals to the Executive Council. Anything can still happen. The Council will look at the original proposal and the suggestive proposal from the hearings committee and make a decision. Hopefully.

ORIGINAL PROPOSAL BY MT.SAC PRINCIPALS
Baseline League - Alta Loma, Etiwanda, Glendora, Los Osos, Rancho Cucamonga, Upland
Sierra League - Ayala, Charter Oak, Chino Hills, Claremont, Damien/St. Lucy's, South Hills
Miramonte/San Antonio League - Bonita, Diamond Bar, Diamond Ranch, Los Altos, Rowland, Walnut, West Covina
Mt. Baldy League - Chaffey, Chino, Colony, Don Lugo, Garey, Montclair, Ontario
Valle Vista League - Baldwin Park, Covina, Nogales, Northview, Pomona, San Dimas, Wilson
Montview League - Azusa, Bassett, Duarte, Ganesha, Gladstone, La Puente, Sierra Vista, Workman

RELEAGUING COMMITTEE PROPOSAL THAT PASSED
Baseline League - Alta Loma, Etiwanda, Los Osos, Rancho Cucamonga, Upland
Sierra League - Glendora, Ayala, Charter Oak, Chino Hills, Claremont, Damien/St. Lucy's.
Miramonte/San Antonio League - South Hills, Bonita, Diamond Bar, Diamond Ranch, Los Altos, Rowland, Walnut, West Covina
Mt. Baldy League - Chaffey, Chino, Colony, Don Lugo, Garey, Montclair, Ontario
Valle Vista League - Baldwin Park, Covina, Nogales, Northview, Pomona, San Dimas, Wilson
Montview League - Azusa, Bassett, Duarte, Ganesha, Gladstone, La Puente, Sierra Vista, Workman

Above: If former West Covina quarterback Jacob Shirley plays plays football and Jordan Canada becomes eligible, how dangerous will this make the Huskies?

At South Hills High School, the question still remains whether Jacob Shirley, who started at quarterback for West Covina as a sophomore before transferring to South Hills, will come out and challenge for the quarterback spot his senior year.
Freshman Vince Hernandez and sophomore Brock Booth are battling it out for the starting spot in spring, but Bogan is hoping to add a third to the depth chart.
"We talked to (Shirley) and let him know we would love him to play football," Bogan said. "But that's a decision he will have to make." Duarte transfer running back Jordan Canada is practicing with the Huskies and making quite an impression. "Let's just say he looks pretty good," Bogan said. "I looked up good in the dictionary and there he was." Canada still has to get clearance from the CIF-SS before he is eligible.

I had a chance to speak with Damien coach Greg Gano after opening spring practice on Monday. Here is what he said about the challenge of taking over a 3-7 team.
"It was a great first day. We had about 130 kids who were all enthused and ready to go. Everyone wants to know what team we're going to have, but it's way too early to tell. The most important thing is getting everyone comfortable with the coaching staff and buying into what we want to do. From that standpoint, we're off to a good start."
Gano's top assistants at Los Altos, Lee Fair and John Howing, both moved to Damien with Gano, who got another gem when former Monrovia high school coach Steve Garrison joined his staff as well. Garrison took the year off after resigning at Monrovia, where he took the Wildcats to three CIF-SS divisional finals in the 1990s.
"Steve fits in perfectly, and he brings a lot of enthusiasm to the table," Gano said.
Wilson athletic director Dave Merrill also is joining Gano's staff. Not bad for a first impression.
"You have to surround yourself with quality coaches and quality people," Gano said. "Kids aren't stupid. They hear things and they read things. Hopefully we have that type of staff that they respect and want to play for."
Junior James Guillen is still playing baseball, but he returns at quarterback after throwing for 1,319 yards and ten touchdowns. Running back Phillip Sainz returns too, but the biggest change will come in how Gano utilizes his players, particularly younger players that will challenge upper-classmen for starting spots.
"I don't know if we have that super player, but we have a lot of good football players that if you blend them together right, we could have something," Gano said. "I think the biggest difference is that we're not going to platoon as many players as in the past. We're going to have kids playing both ways. I come from the old school, your best kids have to be on the field."
He also talked about a nonleague schedule that includes Bishop Amat, Charter Oak, Rancho Cucamonga and St. John Bosco.
"The biggest difference from starting at Los Altos and starting at Damien is the schedule," Gano said. "Rancho is one of the best teams in the state, and everyone else we play are great football teams too. It's a challenge, it really is, but that's why I came here, to take it on."

I received word that two of South Hills' best, Wayne Goss and Alex Barrios, who were both injured during the Huskies' Southeast Division quarterfinal run, will attend Division III's California Lutheran, joining former Huskies standout Jacob Calderon, who was named to the 2008 American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) Division III All-America Team. With South El Monte's Jose Garay going to La Verne, it's great to see these players continue their careers and get a good education.

Jack Renkens from Recruiting Realities will be at Diamond Ranch at 7 p.m. tonight to give his motivational speech on the recruiting process, and it's free for anyone interested in attending. Renkens is a motivational speaker who tours the country informing parents, players and coaches about the realities of the recruiting process and college sports.

With all the talk about Bishop Amat and Northview, the spoiler will be San Dimas.

SCORING UPDATES
Today's wild-card resutls
Division II
Glendora 10, West Torrance 1
Damien 10, Miller 4
Chino Hills 5, Burroughs 2, 8 inn
Division III
El Rancho 6, Walnut 3
Laguna Hills 6, Wilson 1
Los Altos 3, Elsinore 3
Division IV
Baldwin Park 6, Carpinteria 5
Division V
Cathedral 3, Arroyo 2
Citrus Hill 14, Azusa 3
Gladstone 9, Bosco Tech 2

Division II locals: Glendora (WC), Damien (WC), Chino Hills (WC), Chino.
Division II seeds: 1. El Toro, 2. Yucaipa, 3. Notre Dame, 4. Palos Verdes.
What should happen: The Sierra teams received tough draws, but it is what it is, making it extremely tough for the wild card teams to get out of week one. This isn't like softball, pitching is a problem since teams will throw No. 1's today and go with No. 2's in the first-round on Thursday.
Prediction: Glendora and Damien will win wild card games at home. The Tartans would get another wild-card winner in round one, but then a huge second round game against top-seed El Toro ends their season, but will be fun to watch. Damien might want to throw their No. 2 today in hopes of having a chance on Thursday against No. 4 seed Palos Verdes. I know that's not conventional wisdom, but why not take a shot. I wouldn't be surprised if a Sierra team gets to the quarters, but getting two that far doesn't appear realistic.

Division III locals: Charter Oak, South Hills, Nogales, Bonita, Walnut (WC), Wilson (WC), Los Altos (WC)
Division III seeds: 1. Beckman, 2. Bonita, 3. San Gorgonio, 4. Lancaster
What should happen: First, scratch all the wild cards, none of them will get to the first round. The top seeds are tough, but this could be a division full of surprises.
Prediction: For a No. 2 seed, Bonita could face a very tough game in the second round against Alhambra, but they should survive to face South Hills in the quarterfinals. In fact, I like Bonita's chances of reaching the championship game. In fact, pencil it in. Nogales is my sleeper. They have a great No. 1 pitcher in Andrew Melchor, arguably as good as anyone in the division. Melchor could pitch games one and two, and two could be against Charter Oak in the second round. The quarterfinals could come against No. 1 Beckman, which likely ends Nogales' season. But don't count out the Nobles, I've seen teams ride No. 1 pitchers in the playoffs, and they're riding this destiny thing. Does Bonita win it all? I'm not feeling it, but won't be surprised if they do.

Division IV locals: Bishop Amat, Northview, San Dimas, Baldwin Park
Division IV seeds: 1. Bishop Amat, 2. Northview, 3. Torrance, 4. San Dimas.
What should happen: Bishop Amat and Northview meeting in the championship game, but hold that thought.
Prediction: I felt all along that Northview and Bishop Amat are good, just not as good as last year. But that doesn't mean they're not good enough to get back to the championship, I just won't be surprised if they get knocked out along the way. Northview's big hurdle could come in the second round against St. Paul, who has two solid pitchers to throw at them. Here's how I will break this down, San Dimas will play Bishop Amat in the semifinals, and I'm predicting the big upset, Saints over the Lancers in a thriller. Northview will get past St. Paul and find its way to the championship, but San Dimas comes full circle and knocks off the Vikings in Anaheim. It's about redemption, hunger, and a good story (haha). Bishop Amat-Northview seems to good to be true. This is the year of the spoiler, and who better to play the role than Mike Regan's Saints.

Division V locals: Sierra Vista, South El Monte, La Puente, Arroyo (WC), Azusa (WC), Gladstone (WC).
What should happen: Quick early exit by local teams? Not so fast. There aren't a bunch of world beaters in this division, and we have some teams that could make runs.
Predictions: I like Gladstone to win its wild card, but then it gets No. 2 Santa Ynez. Season over. Because Sierra Vista has one of the best pitchers in the division, I like their chances of reaching the quarterfinals, then it gets tougher against No. 1 San Jacinto. La Puente could win their first game, but Maranatha's a tough second round game. All in all, I'm rooting for the Dons. Wouldn't be shocked at all if they got to the semifinals, but history tells us otherwise.

Above: South El Monte's Reina Gaber hopes to take the Eagles all the way

Today's Wild-Card games
Division III
Charter Oak 6, Arcadia 4
Chino Hills 4, Mission Viejo 2, 10 innings
Division V
Schurr 8, Gladstone 3
Rowland 2, Riverside Notre Dame 1
Covina 9, Magnolia 1
Cerritos Valley Christian 6, La Puente 0

Division III locals: Los Altos, Bonita, Glendora, Charter Oak (WC).
Top Seeds: 1. Cajon, 2. Oaks Christian, 3. Crescenta Valley, 4. Ayala
What should happen: Top seeds should do well. This is an extremely tough draw for the best teams in our area. Even if Glendora gets past either Downey or Dana Hills, they would probably get Knight in the second round, a 16-4-1 team that could mean good night for the Tartans. Chances are Los Altos will likely get Sonora, a tough 16-12 team that finished third in the competitive Freeway league. That's a coin toss. Then there's Bonita, who will likely get Chino Hills. Tartans coach Reese Mitchell said Chino Hills is the best hitting team in the Sierra, which probably means one-and-done for the Cats.
Prediction: Bonita will not get out of the first round and because of its late season scoring problems, Glendora will probably lose in the second round. If Los Altos gets past round one, I like their chances of reaches the quaterfinals, but that's as far as they can go.

Division IV locals: Bishop Amat
Top Seeds seeds: 1. Ocean View, 2. El Segundo, 3. Santa Monica, 4. St. Joseph.
What should happen: You would expect the Lancers to make another deep run after reaching the championship last year, but this isn't the same team and the road appears much tougher.
Prediction: The Lancers lose in game one against Morro Bay, the second place team from the Los Padres league with a 20-4 overall record. They're probably the best team from the Los Padres, but they finished a game back of St. Joseph.

Division V locals: San Dimas, Azusa, South Hills, Northview, Sierra Vista, West Covina, Gladstone (WC), Rowland (WC), Covina (WC), La Puente (WC).
Division V seeds: 1. Calvary Murrieta, 2. Riverside Christian, 3. Montebello, 4. Village Christian.
What should happen:This is the division where you will likely play "something" Christian. The only team with a realistic chance of doing anything is San Dimas, though it has a tough road having to likely play top-seed Calvary Murrieta in the quarters. The only wild-card team with a chance of moving on is Rowland, which could give Sierra Vista all it can handle in a first-round game, though I will go with the Dons.
\Predictions: San Dimas gets to the quarterfinals and gets knocked out. West Covina will get to the second round and the more I look at the draw, I like Sierra Vista's chance of reaching the quarters should they get past Rowland. Other than than, everyone else will be one-and-done.

Division VI locals: South El Monte, Arroyo
Division VI seeds: 1. La Salle, 2. Maranatha, 3. Marymount, 4. South El Monte
Thursday's first round: Arroyo at Baptist Christian; Sacred Heart of Jesus at South El Monte
What should happen: Anything, it's a wide-open division with no bonafide threats. This isn't a great year even by La SAlle and Maranatha's standards, and they're the top seeds.
Prediction: South El Monte will win the championship. With the exception of Lone Pine (16-6), I don't see anything stopping the Eagles from marching to the semifinals and probably playing La Salle, who they will beat. Reina Garber is a senior and ready for this, and this team has played tougher competition in local tournaments.

Bill Schroeder was a little man who accomplished big things.
Among those accomplishments was the "inventing" of All-CIF teams. Before Schroeder, individual honors in high school athletics were viewed as gauche. Now, they are an accepted part of the sports landscape.
Schroeder inaugurated All-CIF teams in 1937. Working at the Helms Hall of Fame, he saw two things: 1) High school sports were becoming increasingly popular; 2) Southern California's prep athletes were among the nation's best.

Click here for a look at the CIF-SS playoffs draw

Bishop Amat celebrates second of back-to-back Division V titles. The Lancers are looking to 3-peat and are expected to be the top seed in Division IV.

Division II seeds: 1. El Toro, 2. Yucaipa, 3. Notre Dame, 4. Palos Verdes.
Tuesday's wild-card: West Torrance at Glendora, A.B. Miller at Glendora, Chino Hills at Burroughs Burbank.
Thursday's first-round: West Torrance/Glendora winner vs. Pasadena-Redlands East Valley winner; Damien/AB Miller winner at Palos Verdes; Chino HIlls/Burroughs winner at La Mirada, Huntington Beach/Glenn winner at Chino.

Division III seeds: 1. Beckman, 2. Bonita, 3. San Gorgonio, 4. Lancaster
Tuesday's wild card: Walnut at El Rancho, Wilson at Laguna Hills, Los Altos at Elsinore
Friday's first round: Cajon at Charter Oak, Quartz Hill at South Hills, Pacific/Eastside winner at Bonita; Palmdale/Montebello winner at Nogales; Walnut/El Rancho winner at Downey; Wilson/Laguna Hills winner at Lancaster; Los Altos-Elsinore winner at Orange.

Division IV seeds: 1. Bishop Amat, 2. Northview, 3. Torrance, 4. San Dimas.
Tuesday's wild-card: Carpinteria at Baldwin Park
Thursday's first round: Santa Ana Calvary Chapel/North Torrance winner at Bishop Amat; Laguna Beach at San Dimas, Granite Hills/Indio winner at Northview

Division V seeds: 1. San Jacinto, 2. Santa Ynez, 3. Maranatha, 4. Woodcrest Christian
Tuesday's wild-card: Cathedral at Arroyo; Citrus Hill at Azusa, Gladstone at Bosco Tech.
Friday's first-round: Arrowhead Christian at Sierra Vista; South El Monte at Downey Calvary Chapel, Mary Star at La Puente; Arroyo/Cathedral winner at San Jacinto; Azusa/Citrus Hills winner at Maranatha; Gladstone/Bosco Tech winner at Santa Ynez.

Click here for a look at the CIF-SS playoffs draw

West Covina celebrates Friday's San Antonio League clinching victory over South Hills

Division III seeds: 1. Cajon, 2. Oaks Christian, 3. Crescenta Valley, 4. Ayala
Tuesday's wild card: Arcadia at Charter Oak
Thursday's first round: Sonora/Paramount winner at Los Altos, Chino Hills/Mission Viejo winner at Bonita; Downey/Dana Hills winner at Glendora; Arcadia/Charter Oak winner at Knight.

Division IV seeds: 1. Ocean View, 2. El Segundo, 3. Santa Monica, 4. St. Joseph.
Thursday's first round: Bishop Amat at Morro Bay

Division V seeds: 1. Calvary Murrieta, 2. Riverside Christian, 3. Montebello, 4. Village Christian.
Tuesday's wild card: Gladstone at Schurr; Notre Dame at Rowland, Covina at Magnolia, Valley Christian at La Puente
Thursday's first round: Gladstone/Schurr winner at San Dimas; Azusa at Victor Valley; Keppel at South Hills; Northview at Savanna; Rowland/Notre Dame winner at Sierrra Vista; Valley Christian/La Puente winner at West Covina; Covina-Magnolia winner at Calvary Chapel.

Division IV seeds: 1. La Salle, 2. Maranatha, 3. Marymount, 4. South El Monte
Thursday's first round: Arroyo at Baptist Christian; Sacred Heart of Jesus at South El Monte

Saturday's CIF-Southern Section prelims results
Division I, Division II, Division III, Division IV
The CIF-SS Finals are Saturday at Cerritos College

We've got a superstar in the neighborhood, Glendora's Gretchen Jaques followed her two titles as a freshman with two more titles and her name in the record books after breaking a 30-year-old mark. Even if you're not a swim fan, she catches your attention. And so does Walnut's Andrea Grant, an emerging super soph too. She won the 200 free, and finished second to Jaques in the 100 free. Nothing like the beginning of a great rivalry, and in the muscle events, even better.
For all of the CIF-Swimming Results, including the heat sheets for Tuesday's Master Meet in Long Beach, click here. Jaques has the top Masters qualifying marks in 50 and 100 free. Grant is seeded fourth in the 200.

My only complaint is what does Nogales have to do to get ranked in Division III? If South Hills is No. 5 and Nogales beat them 2 of 3 and has a better overall record, shouldn't the Nobles at least be ranked? Whatever happens, this has been an incredible coaching job by John Romano (above).

Area's league champions
Del Rey: Bishop Amat; Miramonte: Bonita; Mission Valley: Gabrielino; Montview: Sierra Vista; San Antonio: Nogales (South Hills could tie today with win over WC); Sierra: Chino; Valle Vista: Northview

CIF-Rankings heading into Monday's pairings
Division II: 1. El Toro, 2. Yucaipa, 3. Notre Dame, 4. Palos Verdes, 5. Upland, 6. Pacifica, 7. San Luis Obispo, 8. Arcadia, 9. Foothill, 10. Cypress. (No Glendora, Damien or Chino).

Division III: 1. Beckman, 2. Downey, 3. Bonita, 4. Hemet, 5. South Hills, 6. Alhambra, 7. San Gorgonio, 8. La Serna, 9. Lancaster, 10. Paramount.

Division IV: 1. Bishop Amat, 2. Northview, 3. San Dimas, 4. Torrance, 5. Palm Desert, 6. Fulleton, 7. Colony, 8. Anaheim, 9. La Quinta, 10. Patriot.

Division V: 1. San Jacinto, 2. Downey Calvary Chapel, 3. Santa Ynez, 4. Maranatha, 5. Gladstone, 6. Woodcrest Christian, 7. Linfield Christian, 8. Citrus Hill, 9. Campbell Hall, 10. Western Christian.

The Queens of Cameron will be crowned today. After South Hills' 4-1 victory on Wednesday, South Hills (15-8-1, 7-4) and West Covina (14-9, 7-4) are locked in a tie heading into today's final game at West Covina at 3:15 p.m. West Covina should have wrapped this up already, but two of its four league losses have come against the Huskies, and a sweep would provide the final knockout blow. I don't know if it's a case of South Hills having their number, but I'm guessing the Bulldogs won't get swept without a fight.

Click for instant swimming results from the CIF-SS Division preliminaries and finals

San Dimas's Henry Shieh competes in the 100 yard butterfly during the CIF Division IV swim finals at Mt. SAC on Thursday.

Thursday: Division IV finals, San Dimas' top individual finish was a sixth by Scott Jones in the 100 breast in 1:01.86. "I did the best that I could," he said. "All that training paid off." He later helped the Saints to a fourth- place finish in the 400 relay. The team, which included freshman Michael Wells, Cody Moore and Henry Shieh, swam a 3:27.00. The Saints were followed by Maranatha and Gabrielino.

Story: Mt. SAC fills in as host for CIF

Feature Story: Rowland's Garcia coming up big in the pool

Breaking News: Due to pump problems at the Belmont Plaza Pool in Long Beach, CIF has moved all swimming preliminaries and finals to Mt. San Antonio College College through Saturday. The Div. IV finals begin tomorrow at 6 p.m., and includes the great swimmers from San Dimas and a super freshman from Sierra Vista named Danny Lam.

SCHEDULE UPDATE AT MT. SAC:
Division II Prelims - FRIDAY, MAY 15 competition starting at 10 a.m.
Division I Finals - Friday, May 15, competition starting at 6 p.m.
Division III Finals - Saturday, May 16, competition starting at 10 a.m.
Division II Finals - Saturday, May 16, competition starting at 4 p.m.

Above: After winning two individual titles as a freshman, Gretchen Jaques, is hoping to add two more titles and set meet records in today's championships.

FRIDAY'S RECAP FROM DIV. II PRELIMS
Glendora High School's Gretchen Jaques and Walnut's Andrea Grant are close friends and focused competitors about to embark on a journey that could spark an exciting rivalry over the next two years. Both sophomores, Jaques stormed onto the scene by winning the CIF-Southern Section Division II 50 and 100-yard freestyle titles as a freshman, with Grant finishing fourth her freshman year in the 200-freestyle. At Friday's Division II prelims at Mt. San Antonio College, Grant won her heat in the 100 freestyle in 51.01, then turned and watch Jaques swim a 50.44 to qualify first overall, with Grant second. They will square off in the 100 freestyle finals when the CIF-SS Division II swimming championships resume Saturday at Mt. SAC beginning at 4 p.m.
Jaques said the Div. II 100-free meet record of 49.77 set in 1979 by Wilson High School's Jill Sterkel is within reach.

"The point I stress to parents and student-athletes is the need to be proactively open-minded throughout the discovery process of finding the right school. My message is very simple - It's A Game, Know The Rules!" -- Jack Renkens, founder and president

No, this isn't a where-is-Roddy Layton-going-now thread, rather Layton called yesterday to inform you about an excellent opportunity for all parents and high school athletes in the San Gabriel Valley curious about the recruiting process. This is open to all sports, not just football and it is free, how great is that? On Tuesday, May 19, Jack Renkens from Recruiting Realities will be at Diamond Ranch at 7 p.m., for anyone interested in listening. Renkens is a motivational speaker who tours the country informing parents, players and coaches about the realities of the recruiting process and college sports.

Layton's message: "As a player who has gone through the recruiting process, a parent, and as a coach, I highly recommend coming. In the last few seasons I have had an opportunity to listen to speakers at Rivals, The Army All-American Bowl and the National Youth Football Association. Jack Renkens is really good at getting the valuable information out in an entertaining and realistic way. The presentation begins at 7:00 so we suggest showing up early for a seat."

Anything and anyone you want to talk about.

I know I talked about spring football news this week, but I simply don't have the time to run down coaches with baseball and softball league races and swimming and track hitting the heart of their season. This is busy time. So for now, why don't you tell us what you see, what you're hearing. I found it interesting that one of our correspondents, John Honell, said a Glendora coach told him they will have the best quarterback in the Valley next year, maybe one of the best they ever had when all is said and done.

RESULT: Glendora 3, Ayala 2; Chino 13, Damien 5

Sierra League Baseball title: Will Damien (18-7, 8-6) do Glendora (17-7, 9-5) a favor and beat Chino (18-7, 10-4) today. The Spartans are already locked in third place. Even if they win and Glendora lose's at Ayala, Glendora can do no worse than second because it defeated the Spartans in the season series. If Damien wins and Glendora wins, the Tartans tie for the league title with Chino, but also win the tiebreaker to finish first for the playoffs. The Spartans will pull it off. Those up-and-down fans hating on Damien need to remember one thing. Remember what happened in basketball? If the Spartans win it could be just the momentum they need to knock off a league champion in the first round of the playoffs.

Above: Ayala's Jessica Hall throws back-to-back shutouts. Because she's going to UCLA, I'll give her props.

Result: Ayala 5, Glendora 0
Sierra League softball title: Glendora (18-3, 8-1) is at Ayala (20-9, 7-2) after getting hammered 8-0 earlier in the week at home against the Bulldogs. That will not, I repeat, not happen again. I'm sure the Bulldogs are feeling good about themselves, but all they have done is give the Tartans the motivation they need to win the title today. But we should point out, regardless of what happens, the Tartans already have clinched at least a share of it. I bet Glendora takes it, 2-0

Result: Gabrielino 5, South El Monte 1
Mission Valley League baseball title: What's better than a win-or-go-home championship game at the end of the season. South El Monte (11-6, 10-4) is at Gabrielino (13-11, 10-4) for all the marbles. South won the first meeting 9-4, then Gabrielino came back and won the second game 9-4 too. Anything can happen, there is no dominant pitcher, which makes this wild race to the finish even better. I bet the South takes it, 8-6.

For a year I have had to stare at his smile and the same ugly "Beat LA" green shirt worn constantly by night sports editor Jason Cunningham, who is from Boston and couldn't look any more like a Celtics fan. But do we really want the Celtics to lose tonight against the panic-stricken Magic? I'm so worried about Cleveland that I'm actually hoping the Celtics finish off Orlando and somehow, someway, pull off another miracle and beat Cleveland. I don't know about you, but I want the rematch with Boston. But if the Lakers lose again tonight in Houston, we do have a problem.

I can't wait for the parade

After building one of the better girls varsity volleyball programs in the Valley, Los Altos girls varsity coach Anthony De La Vara said he was fired by principal Cheli McReynolds. De La Vara said the reasons given were vague, "She said some parents weren't happy with me and some kids were afraid of me, but she wouldn't put anything in writing detailing why she made her decision." The Tribune received a letter from the president of the Los Altos volleyball booster club in support of De La Vera, who said he has continuously fought for equal gym time with the school administration, and several other Title IX issues, which he thinks played a role in his removal. A coach in the Valley for nearly 30 years, De La Vara graduated at Los Altos and has also coached at West Covina, South Hills, Covina and was an assistant many years for the Los Altos boys program. "I love that school and what I was building there," De La Vara said. "I don't want to say anything bad, they have great kids and I wish them nothing but the best."

I copied this from Miguel Melendez's Star-News blog....

Bshop Amat coach Andy Nieto and the rest of his team showed its support for La Salle baseball coach Harry Agajanian who was suspended Monday for what's left of the the regular-season in what La Salle officials are calling a violation of school policy. Without going into all the details, school officials can confirm that Agajanian's suspension stems from a players refusal not to play in a game against Cantwell Sacred Heart. Agajanian sent that player to the bus after his refusal to play, and words were later exchanged. School officials met, and felt a suspension was warranted. The Lancers played Bishop Amat yesterday and the coaches taped Agajanian's number on their hats. It was a gesture that surely meant a lot for Agajanian. How classy of your opponent to show support. It shows how well-liked Agajanian is among his colleagues. Agajanian had a meeting today with the principal to discuss his future with the baseball program. We'll have more as it becomes available.

Story: Mt. SAC fills in as host for CIF
Feature Story: Rowland's Garcia coming up big in the pool

Breaking News: Due to pump problems at the Belmont Plaza Pool in Long Beach, CIF has moved all swimming preliminaries and finals to Mt. San Antonio College College through Saturday. The Div. IV finals begin tomorrow at 6 p.m., and includes the great swimmers from San Dimas and a super freshman from Sierra Vista named Danny Lam.

Click this link for instant swimming results from the CIF-SS Divisional preliminaries and finals.

SCHEDULE UPDATE:
Division II Prelims - Friday, May 15, competition starting at 10 a.m.
Division I Finals - Friday, May 15, competition starting at 6 p.m.
Division III Finals - Saturday, May 16, competition starting at 10 a.m.
Division II Finals - Saturday, May 16, competition starting at 4 p.m.

We received a memo from Media News Group Executives outlining future plans that will likely end free access to our newspaper websites. You may have to pay a subscription fee or register to gain access. How this affects the blog, I do not know. However, here is an important part of the memo that reads, " We will begin to move away from putting all of our newspaper content online for free. Instead, we will explore a variety of premium offerings that apply real value to our print content. We are not trying to invent new premium products, but instead tell our existing print readers that what they are buying has real value, and to our online audience (who don't buy the print edition), that if you want access to all online content, you are going to have to register, and/or pay. If a non-subscriber wants the newspaper content in its entirety online, they will be directed to some sort of registration or pay vehicle (and if they are a print subscriber, they will have full access at no charge). To be clear, the brand value proposition to the consumer is that the newspaper is a product, whether in print or online, which must be paid for. In other words, you can help yourself and help us all out by going back to the old days of home delivery, it's cheap, and will give you access to everything else for free. You can read the memo by clicking the link above to learn more. There is no set date when this will all begin, but I'm curious, how do you feel about these changes?

Wednesday's games
South Hills 4, West Covina 1
Rowland 4, Walnut 2
Friday's games
South Hills at West Covina, 3:15 p.m.
Walnut at Rowland, 3:15 p.m.

Here's the up to date standings heading into Friday's games.
West Covina 7-4 (14-9) - Home on Friday for outright league title.
South Hills 7-4 (15-8-1) - At West Covina on Friday for outright league title.
Walnut 6-5 (12-11) - At Rowland on Friday to clinch playoff berth or stay home.
Rowland 6-5 (11-13) - Home against Walnut to clinch playoff berth or stay home.

As first reported by Joe Amat (who says we never give him credit), Hall of famer Joe Montana is joining the Oaks Christian football coaching staff. The staff already includes 19-year NFL veteran Clay Matthews, Bob Richards and Bob Bates, two former California coaches of the year, and former University of Tennessee quarterback Casey Clausen, the older brother of Jimmy. "Our coaching staff is second to none," Oaks Christian coach Bill Redell said. "It is a very experienced staff and the average age of our staff is 65. Nobody cares who gets the credit because by the time the game ends, none of us can remember who should get the credit." Montana, who, according to Redell, will be in the press box. The move has brought about a change in the head coach's philosophy. "We have a policy where we don't want fathers coaching their kids," Redell said. "But we made an exception. So the new rule is, if you've been a three-time Super Bowl MVP, you can come out and coach your kid."
Note: BTW, Oaks Christian plays Muir in week 3

South El Monte quarterback Jose Garay, who earned Tribune first-team honors as a junior, has decided to attend the University of La Verne and continue his stellar football career. This is a great fit for a tremendous athlete who will do wonders for their program. Garay holds all but one school passing record at South, including most passing yards in a season, 2,712; most passing yards in a game, 491; most TDs in a season, 31, most TD's in a game, 6, and career passing yards, 7,215 and career TD passes, 77.

Nogales 8, South Hills 1: Nobles pitcher Andrew Melchor impoved to a perfect 8-0, and also scored twice as the Nobles defeated the Huskies to earn at least a share of the Miramonte League title, and the No. 1 seed from the Miramonte going into the Division III playoffs.

Today's big games
San Antonio League
Nogales 8, South Hills 1
Sierra League
Chino 8, Damien 3
Glendora 5, Ayala 4
Miramonte League
Wilson at Bonita, 3:15 p.m.

Above: Nogales' Andrew Melchor takes his undefeated 7-0 record to South Hills today with the San Antonio League title on the line.

Baseball top ten rankings
1. Bishop Amat (21-5) - The Lancers need a sweep against La Salle this week to hold on to the No. 1 ranking in Division IV. Anything short of that could drop them to No. 2 and possibly No. 3. But it's not going to happen, not when you have two aces in Paez and Zuniga going back-to-back.
2. Northview (18-4) - Finishing the season with a pair against Ganesha means you can already mark it down, the Vikings will finish 20-4 and win their fourth straight Valle Vista League title. This also means they should be ranked No lower than No. 2 in Div. IV, and could get to No. 1 if Amat trips up.
3. Glendora (16-7) - How big was last week's sweep over Chino? The Tartans went from needing to win to secure a playoff berth, to a tie for second with Damien, and only a game back of Chino for first place. The race to the finish is on.
4. San Dimas (17-5) - - Those two extra-inning losses against Northview has to naw at them, but it also shows they're just as much a threat to win the Div. IV title as Bishop Amat and Northview.
5. Damien (18-6) - The Spartans' stumble against Diamond Bar leaves them a game back of Chino with two against the Cowboys this week. A sweep and they earn at least a piece of the title.
6. Bonita (17-5) - With Charter Oak losing last week to Los Altos, the Bearcats need to win one of two games from Wilson to earn the Miramonte League title. Now how hard is that? If you have been paying attention to the upsets, apparently harder than it appears.
7. South Hills (17-7) - The Huskies lead Nogales by a game heading into today's showdown at home with the Nobles, will will likely pitch Andrew Melchor, who is undefeated with a 7-0 record, and who beat South Hills earlier in the season.
8. Nogales (20-7-1) - They did what they had to do, keep themselves in position, only a game back heading into the rubber match against South Hills today. They've got their ace throwing, so all systems are go.
9. Charter Oak (15-8) - The Chargers should finish second after last week's loss to Los Altos. They just don't have the horses they had the previous two years, but they're still a hard out when it counts.
10. Sierra Vista (17-6) - The Dons wrapped up the Montview League title and won seven of eight to crack the top ten rankings for the first time this season.

Baseball Standings and Schedules
Del Rey League
Miramonte League
Mission Valley League
Montview League
San Antonio League
Sierra League
Valle Vista League

<a href="http://www.maxpreps.com">MaxPreps High School Sports</a>

Glendora gets beat: Ayala's Jessica Hall pitched a one-hitter to defeat Glendora 8-0; setting up Thursday's showdown at Ayala for the Sierra League title.

Read today's player profile of South El Monte High School's Reina Gaber. I enjoyed talking to her, she's mature beyond her years and a great example of what a student-athlete should aspire to be.

Girls Softball top ten rankings
1. Glendora (18-2) - After climbing to No. 4 in Monday's Div. III poll, the Tartans have their sights set on the Sierra League title, finishing with Ayala today and Thursday, needing to win either game to win the title outright. If they get swept, they finish in a tie, but Ayala wins the head-to-head and goes as No. 1 to the playoffs.
2. Los Altos (18-6) - They can wrap up the Miramonte with wins over Charter Oak and Wilson, the only thing stopping Los Altos is Los Altos themselves. But we think they have cured that problem.
3. Bonita (20-4-1) - They finish this season with Charter Oak then get re-energized for a playoff run. The Cats could be sleepers, they have done well in tournaments and they play with a hunger that wins close playoff games.
4. San Dimas (19-4) - The Saints are closing in on an undefeated run in the Valle Vista League, but still need to sharpen up for the playoffs.
5. South El Monte (16-6) - Can clinch the Mission Valley League outright with a victory over Arroyo. Of all the teams in our top ten, I really believe the Eagles have the best chance of winning a title in Division VI.
6. Sierra Vista (18-3) - What's going on with girls sports at Sierra Vista? First the basketball team compiles a mighty impressive record, and now the softball team. I watched them last week and they're for real. They have some very strong hitters 1-4. Definitely a sleeper to watch in the playoffs
7. Bishop Amat (14-12) - The Lancers will be at St. Paul in a key game to lock down at least third in the Del Rey and a playoff spot. If the Lancers lose, they will be tied for third with St. Paul, but the Lancers finish with Cantwell while St. Paul finishes with Bishop Montgmomery.
8. Northview (13-8) - Considering how much pitcher Hannah Fraijo meant to the Vikings last season, this was a great job of coaching to keep the Vikes in the top ten and in a fight for second in the VVL.
9. West Covina (13-9) - Winners of five straight, the Bulldogs get South Hills Wednesday and Friday with a chance to win the San Antonio title. Great year, great coaching job.
10. South Hills (13-8-1) - Real simple, they need to beat Nogales today, then sweep West Covina to win the San Antonio. Hey, it's simple to write, not simple to do.

Today's games
Del Rey League
Bishop Amat at St. Paul, 3:15 p.m.
Miramonte League
Los Altos at Charter Oak, 3:15 p.m.
Diamond Ranch at Wilson, 3:15 p.m.
Mission Valley League
South El Monte at Arroyo, 3:15 p.m.
Mountain View at Gabrielino, 3:15 p.m.
Montview League
Sierra Vista at La Puente, 3:15 p.m.
Gladstone at Bassett, 3:15 p.m.
Duarte at Workman, 3:15 p.m.
Sierra League
Ayala at Glendora, 3:30 p.m.
Diamond Bar at Chino Hills, 3:30 p.m.

Softball Standings and Schedules
Del Rey League
Miramonte League
Mission Valley League
Montview League
San Antonio League
Sierra League
Valle Vista League

Whittier prep editor Roger Murray has covered high school baseball longer than just about anyone in Southern California, and knows his stuff, believe me. After watching Bishop Amat freshman third baseman Rio Ruiz, Murray offered this flattering compliment on his Whittier Blog ...
Bishop Amat third baseman Rio Ruiz is everything and much more that the hype said he would be when he enrolled at the school. A 6-foot-1,175-pound (he looks bigger) standout at third base (could probably play anywhere on the field) and a disciplined hitter with maturity beyond his years at the plate. And the kicker - he's a freshman. He is not the Lancers only talented player, but the fact he's a freshman is what amazes when you watch him perform."
By the numbers: Batting .360, 28 RBIs, 4 triples, 5 doubles, two home runs

Getting it right: I don't want to pat myself on the back or say the blog had anything to do with it, but a week after pointing out the glaring injustice of the Glendora High School softball team not being ranked in the Division III poll all season, the Tartans are suddenly sitting at No. 4 this afternoon. You're welcome Tartans.
Division III: 1. Oaks Christian, 2. Cajon, 3. Crescenta Valley, 4. Glendora, 5. Tesoro, 6. Patriot, 7. Los Altos, 8. Bonita, 9. Righetti, 10. Chino Hills.
Division V: 1. Calvary Murrieta, 2. Riverside Christian, 3. Woodcrest Christian, 4. Village Christian, 5. San Jacinto, 6. San Dimas, 7. Sierra Vista, 8. Keppel, 10. Heritage.
Division VI: 1. La Salle, 2. Maranatha, 3. Marymount, 4. South El Monte, 5. Ramona Convent, 6. Oxford Academy, 7. Grace Brethren, 8. Campbell Hall, 9. Big Bear, 10. Viewpoint.

Click this link for instant swimming results from the CIF-SS Divisional finals this week at Belmont Plaza Pool in Long Beach. The heet sheets have been released.
IMPORTANT UPDATE Division IV Prelims. Due to problems at Belmont Plaza, the Division IV Swimming Prelims will be held at Mt. Sac on Tuesday, May 12th Warmup @ 10:30 AM, Competition @ Noon

Softball all-star game: South Hills coach Scott Fisch does a great job organing the San Gabriel Valley Senior All-Star game, which will be held Wednesday, June 3, 6:30 p.m. at Mt. San Antonio College.
The coaches
North coach: Pamela Crampton, St. Lucy's
South coach: Kendra Navarro, El Monte
Admission: $5 and $2 parking

Important note: Coaches of senior players should send nominations to Scott Fisch at sfisch@cvusd.k12.ca.us. Please include players name, position and cell phone number. The Teams will be released around May 22 either on the San Gabriel Valley Tribune blog or through the newspaper. I am helping Scott identify players, so go ahead and make your arguments on the blog too.

I would like to nominate Sierra Vista pitcher Brittney Flores...

North schools include: Arcadia, Azusa, Baldwin Park, Bonita, Charter Oak, Covina, Duarte, Gladstone, Glendora, La Canada, Monrovia, Northview, Rosemead, San Dimas, San Gabriel, San Marino, Sierra Vista, St. Lucy's, Temple City, Western Christian (20)

South schools incluce: Arroyo, Bassett, Bishop Amat, Diamond Bar, El Monte, Gabrielino, Ganesha, La Puente, Los Altos, Mountain View, Nogales, Pomona, Rowland, South El Monte, South Hills, Walnut, West Covina, Wilson, Workman (19)

San Bernardino baseball coach Patrick Mills could be in trouble after pulling his team off the field after being ejected. He already was an interim coach taking over a team that is 3-21.

Someone was asking how I'm going to select the top two, maybe three pitchers for the all-area team when there are so many with similar numbers to consider. I started taking a good look at all the teams and man, you can make an argument for so many. The CIF playoffs always helps sort this out, but take a look this list I put together ... of course in no particular order.

Bishop Amat lefty Paul Paez.

Christian Huerta, Sierra Vista, 6-2, 1.94 ERA, 78 strikeouts
Paul Paez, Bishop Amat, 7-3, 2.11 ERA, 82 strikeouts
Erik Salcido, San Dimas, 8-1, 1.58 ERA, 61 strikeouts
Brady Zuniga, Bishop Amat, 9-1, 1.62 ERA, 63 strikeouts
Matt Whitehouse, Damien, 6-1, 2.78 ERA, 60 strikeouts
Nico Calderaro, Bonita, 6-2, 1.72 ERA, 64 strikeouts
Adam Plutko, Glendora, 5-3, 2.56 ERA, 49 strikeouts
Kenny Kissell, Charter Oak, 4-1, 2.65 ERA, 32 strikeouts

Then there are the unknowns who do not report stats, but we know who they're
Derek Klena, South Hills, Huskies ace has them in control of San Antonio
Andrew Melchor, Nogales, having a tremendous season
Eddie Pedroza, Northview, Junior lefty came up big in series with San Dimas
Eric Ruvalcaba, Northview, Where would the Vikings be without this transfer?

I have been handed a project for a new magazine that we're going to publish. I don't know all the details of the magazine or the publication day yet, I just know it has to be completed in the next couple of days. For football, they want to know the following:
Runaway moment of 2008? Team of 2008? Top athletes and college prospects? Athletes to watch next year? Programs to watch next year.

Best team of 2008? Hmm, let me think about that

Since spring football is up and running, how about this list of top ten players to watch out for next fall. In no particular order.
Adam Muema (RB, Charter Oak)
Miles Bevel (RB, South Hills).
Ricky Johnson (RB, West Covina)
Geoffrey Vaughns (WR, South Hills)
Darian Johnson (CB, Bishop Amat)
Leonard Rhodes, (RB, Walnut)
A.J. Powell (S, Charter Oak)
Ify Umodo (WR, South Hills)
Amari Staten (RB, Diamond Ranch)
Jordan Canada (RB, Duarte/South Hills)

Coming Wednesday, Area's top ten quarterbacks, ranked in order.

I'm expecting a big crowd at Bishop Amat this afternoon to watch the Lancers wrap up the Del Rey League title with a sweep over St. Paul. Can you believe they won at St. Paul (14-11, 7-2) so easily on Tuesday, 7-1, with the Swordsmen's big ace on the mound? It should be more of the same, the Lancers (20-5, 9-0) are peaking. Nobody combines pitching, defense and hitting as well as the Lancers. Sorry Northview and San Dimas, I'm predicting right now the Lancers will win their third straight CIF title.
Steve's take:I'll be the devil's advocate and go with Northview to beat Bishop Amat for the CIF-SS title. The Vikings have that never-quit attitude, which usually comes into play in the big games. They remind me of the 2004 Cal State Fullerton Titans, who had that same mentality on the collegiate level. And if memory serves me well, the Titans upset No. 1 Texas to win the national title that year.

By the way, I was looking at the Star-News baseball poll, and figured I would do an all encompassing baseball poll between our two area's. A top 20 would look like this based on games through Thursday.

1. Bishop Amat (20-5, Tribune)
2. Northview (18-4, Tribune)
3. Glendora (16-7, Tribune)
4. Arcadia (18-4, Star-News)
5. San Dimas (17-5, Tribune)
6. Damien (18-6, Tribune)
7. Bonita (16-5, Tribune)
8. Monrovia (15-7-1, Star-News)
9. South Hills (16-7, Tribune)
10. Charter Oak (15-7, Tribune)
11. Alhambra (15-7, Star-News)
12. San Marino (15-7, Star-News)
13. La Cañada (15-5, Star-News)
14. Temple City (14-9, Star-News)
15. Nogales (19-7-1, Tribune)
16. Diamond Bar (12-11, Tribune)
17. Maranatha (18-5-1, Star-News)
18. Pasadena (13-10-1, Star-News)
19. St. Francis (15-12, Star-News)
20. Bosco Tech (14-6, Star-News)

Anything and anyone you want to talk about.

Next week is the final week of the regular season in baseball, and the start of spring football for many. Which schools do you want to hear from first? What interests you most about spring football? Before I jump into this and we start our long campaign to the fall with the spring top ten and ranking of the players by position, what else do you want me to ask or report back on?

Noooooo, Manny Ramirez tests positive for performance-enhancing drugs and will be suspended 50 games. Why, why, why Manny?

"Right now they put us in an eight-team league where we will be fighting for sixth and seventh place in all sports. Some sports will be able to compete, but our girls won't have a chance, it's not fair." -- Rowland principal Robbie Robinson.

At Thursday's appeal hearing, I was moved at how passionate Rowland principal Robbie Robinson was. There is no way, no way that Rowland should be in the Miramonte/San Antonio league along with West Covina, South Hills, Bonita, Diamond Bar, Diamond Ranch, Los Altos and Walnut. If Wilson and Nogales were granted relief to the Valle Vista, tell me why you wouldn't allow relief for Rowland as well? You want stats, Robinson pointed out in his written argument that Rowland has been to the playoffs a total of eight times in all sports during the past six and a half years, and in non-league games against Diamond Bar, Bonita and Diamond Ranch, they have yet to win a single girls head-to-head contest in at least three years. He pointed out that demographics, much like Wilson, are 79 percent Asian/Hispanic, making it difficult to compete in the "power sports." "1,900 kids from some of these other schools are not the same 1,900 kids that we have. We have a minority school and a great school, but you're comparing apples and oranges, and that bothers me." Robinson went on to say that three athletic directors from the Valle Vista would welcome there move, but that others were non-committal. "Three AD's said we were a good fit, but other AD's said they needed to talk to their football coaches and when they came back, they thought we were a good fit everywhere except in football." The Valle Vista League is already easy, my thinking is that the traditional schools like Northview, Covina, San Dimas and Baldwin Park like it that way, but give me a break, Rowland makes their first trip to the semifinals in football since 1964, and coaches are worried about their football team? Didn't Covina have a great football team a couple years back with McDonough? Didn't Northview have a two good years, San Dimas and Baldwin Park there also. Give me a break, the Valle Vista League AD's need to get together and sign a petition welcoming Rowland into the league to make it an even eight-team league by the next hearing on May 20. Stop looking out for yourselves, and do what's right. This politicking has to stop.

Glendora (15-7, 7-5) threw the first stone earlier in the week, knocking off league-leading Chino (18-6, 9-3) on the road 3-1, setting up today's showdown at Glendora. Another win and the Tartans move a game back of the Cowboys with two to play, and would own the tiebreaker if the two finish tied at the end of the season. Taking advantage of Glendora's win was Damien (18-5, 8-4), who moved a game back of Chino with Tuesday's 4-1 win over Diamond Bar (11-11, 5-7). Damien hosts Diamond Bar today, and can move into a tie for first with a win and Glendora win, which would set up an exciting final week. Can you imagine if that scenario comes to fruition, you would have Chino and Damien tied going into a home-and-home series next week, with Glendora playing last-place Ayala. Glendora owns the tie-braker over Damien, so if all three finish in a first-place tie, Glendora goes to the playoffs at the No. 1. Everything, however, depends on what happens this afternoon.

Today's games
Sierra League
Chino at Glendora, 3:15 p.m.
Diamond Bar at Damien, 3:15 p.m.
Valle Vista League
Covina at Northview, 3:15 p.m.
San Dimas at Pomona, 3:15 p.m.
Ganesha at Baldwin Park, 3:15 p.m.
Montview League
Sierra Vista at La Puente, 3:15 p.m.
Duarte at Workman, 3:15 p.m.
Bassett at Gladstone, 3:15 p.m

High school swimming and track leaue finals take place today and Friday. Because we do not have the manpower to send reporters to all these league finals that deserve coverage, Steve Ramirez will be in the office Tonight and Friday night taking your calls to get a write-up and boxscores in the newspaper for all league finals events. If you want your results in the newsapaper, please bug your meet director to call in the results afterward to 626-962-8811, Ext. 2233 or Steve directly at 2296. If you want coverage, this is the only way to try and satisfy everyone, thanks.

This is the latest after today's appeals for Glendora, South Hills, Rowland and Charter Oak over the Mt. SAC realignment. Note, this is not final. There is a final meeting before the Executive Council on May 20.

Glendora: Won its appeal to move back to the Sierra League, which would make the Sierra league a six-team league with South Hills moving out. The Sierra would be Glendora, Charter Oak, Chino Hills, Ayala, Damien/St. Lucy's and Claremont.
South HIlls: Won its appeal to be moved back to the Miramonte/San Antonio League, which would make it an eight team league along with Bonita, Diamond Bar, Diamond Ranch, Los Altos, Rowland, Walnut, West Covina.
Charter Oak - Lost its appeal to reorganize the Sierra League and/or move down to the Miramonte/San Antonio League, which only would have worked if Rowland moved down to the Valle Vista.
Rowland - Lost its appeal to move down to the Valle Vista and make it an eight-team league.

Note: There also was a proposal voted down that would have included moving Charter Oak and South Hills to the Miramonte/San Antonio, with Glendora going to the Sierra league and Rowland going down to the Valle Vista league without moving other teams that are already in place. That proposal lost 5-3.
Fred's thought: This would have been the proposal that satisfied all four parties, however when a committee member asked if anyone on the floor objected, only one raised their hand, Diamond Ranch principal Monica Principe. "I do not support it," Principe said of allowing Charter Oak and South Hills into the Miramonte/San Antonio League, making it a seven-team league with Rowland moving to the Valle Vista. "It would make it very difficult for us to compete."

What's next: This is far from over. The original proposal and the proposal that was passed at the CIF-Southern Section Releaguing Committee on Wednesday now goes to the executive council May 20. Charter Oak and Rowland have the right and probably will file an appeal to the Executive council to be heard again.

ORIGINAL PROPOSAL BY MT.SAC PRINCIPALS
Baseline League - Alta Loma, Etiwanda, Glendora, Los Osos, Rancho Cucamonga, Upland
Sierra League - Ayala, Charter Oak, Chino Hills, Claremont, Damien/St. Lucy's, South Hills
Miramonte/San Antonio League - Bonita, Diamond Bar, Diamond Ranch, Los Altos, Rowland, Walnut, West Covina
Mt. Baldy League - Chaffey, Chino, Colony, Don Lugo, Garey, Montclair, Ontario
Valle Vista League - Baldwin Park, Covina, Nogales, Northview, Pomona, San Dimas, Wilson
Montview League - Azusa, Bassett, Duarte, Ganesha, Gladstone, La Puente, Sierra Vista, Workman

RELEAGUING COMMITTEE PROPOSAL THAT PASSED
Baseline League - Alta Loma, Etiwanda, Los Osos, Rancho Cucamonga, Upland
Sierra League - Glendora, Ayala, Charter Oak, Chino Hills, Claremont, Damien/St. Lucy's.
Miramonte/San Antonio League - South Hills, Bonita, Diamond Bar, Diamond Ranch, Los Altos, Rowland, Walnut, West Covina
Mt. Baldy League - Chaffey, Chino, Colony, Don Lugo, Garey, Montclair, Ontario
Valle Vista League - Baldwin Park, Covina, Nogales, Northview, Pomona, San Dimas, Wilson
Montview League - Azusa, Bassett, Duarte, Ganesha, Gladstone, La Puente, Sierra Vista, Workman

For reaction, click thread

Update: Huerta strikes out 14 in 4-1 win over La Puente.

Feature on Sierra Vista junior pitcher Christian Huerta, who threw a no-hitter and struck out 18 against Workman earlier this season.

Today's Big Showdowns
Del Rey League
Bishop Amat (19-5, 8-0) at St. Paul (14-10, 7-1): Bishop Amat won the first meeting 1-0, and does not want to return home on Friday with a do-or-die game against the Swordsmen. If they take care of business today, Friday's a moot point. The pick: St. Paul.
FINAL SCORE: Bishop Amat 7-1, Paul Paez pitched another complete game, allows five hits and strikes out 11 as the Lancers inch closer to the Del Rey League title. Freshman Rio Ruiz hit a deep two-run homer and finishes with three RBIs and three hits.

Montview League
La Puente (11-5, 7-1) at Sierra Vista (16-5, 9-1) -- The Dons can close in on the title and have their ace in Huerta starting for them at home. They have played two-more league games but are even in the loss column. The Warriors, who played Bishop Amat tough last year, won't go easy. The Pick: Sierra Vista.
FINAL SCORE: Sierra Vista wins 4-1 as Huerta, who struck out 18 in a game earlier this season, finished with 14 strikeouts to continue his amazing season.

Sierra League
Damien (17-5, 7-4) at Diamond Bar (11-10, 5-6) -- The Brahmas must win the first of a home-and-home at home. If they lose, they can start kissing any playoff plans goodbye. The Pick: Diamond Bar
FINAL SCORE: Damien 4, Diamond Bar 1, which moves the Spartans a game out of first place, and with another win at home against the Brahmas and a win by Glendora, and the Spartans will be tied for first going into the final week.

Glendora (14-7, 6-5) at Chino (18-5, 9-2) -- The rest of the Sierra League is pulling for the Tartans to knock off Chino on the road so they don't run away with the title. The Tartans need to win to make sure they don't slip out of playoff contention. The Pick: Chino
FINAL SCORE Glendora 3, Chino 1. Backs against the wall, no problem. This makes Friday's rematch even better. Another Tartans win sets up a crazy final week.

Baseball top ten rankings
1. Bishop Amat (19-5) - The Lancers have won four straight, including a 15-0 win over South Torrance to capture the Redondo tournament on Saturday. They're No. 1 in Division IV, and have cracked the L.A. Times' top ten Southland poll.
2. Northview (15-4) - The Cardiac Kids are at it again, winning two extra-inning thrillers from San Dimas to take over control of the Valle Vista, where they're hoping to claim their fourth straight league title.
3. Damien (17-5) - The Spartans have won seven of eight after sweeping Ayala last week, moving into sole possession of second in the Sierra League behind Chino. This should be a big week with a home-and-home against Diamond Bar.
4. San Dimas (15-5) - - How do you shake off not one, but two heartbreaking defeats to Northview? By finishing strong, which we expect the Saints to do. Sooner or later, what goes around, comes around.
5. Bonita (15-5) - After a mini-slump the Bearcats regained control of the Miramonte with Friday's win over Charter Oak after losing to the Chargers earlier in the week. Wouldn't say they're firing on all cylinders, but their latest win has to help.
6. Glendora (14-7) - The Tartans have split with Chino Hills, Diamond Bar and Damien in the Sierra, leaving themselves in third with a couple weeks left. This could be a make or break week as far as playoff are concerneds, because they have a pair of games against league-leading Chino.
7. South Hills (15-7) - The Huskies are now 6-1 in the San Antonio league after a huge sweep over Walnut. But they still only have a one-game lead over Nogales in the loss column.
8. Charter Oak (14-7) - The Chargers have been up and down all season, but what they have proved is they're no pushover for anyone. This is a team that can go out in the first round of the playoffs, or make a deep run.
9. Nogales (18-7-1) - The Nobles are surging again, winners of four straight with a pair of games against West Covina. If the Nobles survive, it will set up a huge game next week against South Hills for the league title.
10. Diamond Bar (11-10) - Back-to-back losses to Chino hurt their playoff hopes, but they can climb right back into it against Damien this week. The trouble is, that's easier said than done.

Baseball Standings and Schedules
Del Rey League
Miramonte League
Mission Valley League
Montview League
San Antonio League
Sierra League
Valle Vista League

<a href="http://www.maxpreps.com">MaxPreps High School Sports</a>

Girls Softball top ten rankings
1. Glendora (16-2) - After sweeping Division III's No. 7 Chino Hills and moving to a perfect 6-0 in the Sierra League, the Tartans were so impressive they still didn't make the Div. III top ten poll. At least we got it right.
2. Los Altos (17-6) - With its huge win at Bonita to all but wrap up another Miramonte League title, the Conquerors seemed prim for a playoff run. Beating Mater Dei will do that to your confidence.
3. Bonita (17-4-1) - There is nothing for the Bearcats to feel bad about after last week's loss to the Conquerors. They have done well in tournaments, and will be a hard out when the playoffs begin.
4. San Dimas (17-4) - The Valle Vista isn't what it was last year, except for the Saints. The problem is they have lost to Glendora, Bonita, Los Altos and St. Lucy's. They do not have a win on their resume worth bragging about, but you look at their pitching and lineup and know that they're capable.
5. South El Monte (14-6) - The Eagles now have a full two-game lead in the Mission Valley League and are running away with it. If you like numbers, check out all-everything Reina Gaber's numbers: Batting .619 with 23 RBIs, 7 homers, 8 doubles and three triples. In the circle she has a 0.75 ERA, with 126 strikeouts.
6. Bishop Amat (13-12) - A tough loss last week to St. Joseph, but they remain in third in the tough Del Rey and should get a playoff spot. But that first round playoff game is looking tougher by the week.
7. Sierra Vista (16-3) - They keep on keeping on, and now with pitcher Brittney Flores back in the circle, the Dons have to be dealt with.
8. Northview (12-7) - The Vikings have won four straight to take over second by themselves in the VVL, but lets see how they do with a big test at San Dimas on Friday.
9. South Hills (12-6) - A huge sweep over Walnut last week has turned the San Antonio into a wild-race to the finish, with four teams separated by a game in the loss column.
10. West Covina (11-9) - The Bulldogs surged into the lead in the San Antonio with a win over Walnut last week, and continue to swing the bat as well as anyone.

Softball Standings and Schedules
Del Rey League
Miramonte League
Mission Valley League
Montview League
San Antonio League
Sierra League
Valle Vista League

High school swimming and track league prelims and finals take place this week, with CIF-Southern Section preliminaries set to begin next week. Because we do not have the manpower to send reporters to all these league finals that deserve coverage, Steve Ramirez will be in the office on Thursday and Friday night taking your calls to get a write-up and boxscores in the newspaper for all league finals events. If you want your results in the newsapaper, please bug your meet director to call in the results afterward to 626-962-8811, Ext. 2233 or Steve directly at 2296. If you want coverage, this is the only way to try and satisfy everyone, thanks.

Above: Glendora's super sophomore Gretchen Jaques getting ready for her time of year.

The schedule for league track and swimming prelims and finals is as follows:
Montview League: Swimming, prelims Wednesday and finals on Friday at Sierra Vista High School. Track, finals at Bassett High School on Thursday.
Mission Valley League: Track, league prelims Wednesday at Mountain View, finals on Friday at Gabrielino.
Miramonte League: Swimming, prelims today and finals on Friday at La Flores Park. Track, prelims on Wednesday and finals Friday at Bonita High School.
San Antonio League: Swimming, prelims on Wednesday and finals Friday at Walnut High School. Track, prelims today and finals on Thursday at Rowland High School.
Sierra League: Swimming, prelims today and finals Thursday at Glendora High School. Track, finals at Diamond Bar on Thursday.
Del Rey League: Swimming, finals Friday at Las Flores Park. Track, finals Thursday at JSerra High School.
Valle Vista League: Swimming, prelims on Wednesday, finals on Friday at Baldwin Park High School. Track, prelims today and finals on Thursday at Baldwin Park High School.

For the area's top track marks, click thread

Why is everyone on the fence with Glendora?

The CIF-Southern Section Division III softball polls are unexplainable. I'm sorry, but unlike our silly Tribune polls, these polls are used to rank teams for the playoffs. Where is Glendora? This was funny a few weeks ago when they played just one game in a month's time, but what's the excuse now? For a school that advanced to a championship game last year, this poll is difficult to understand. Is this politics as usual?

Just Released, May 4, Division III - 1. Oaks Christian, 2. Tesoro, 3. Cajon, 4. Crescenta Valley, 5. Summit, 6. Patriot, 7. Chino Hills, 8. Ayala, 9. Los Altos, 10. Bonita. Others: Alemany, Righetti and Downey. Note even a mention of Glendora.

The argument: Glendora is 16-2 and 6-0 in the Sierra League. The Tartans swept Chino Hills last week (4-0 and 5-3), and Chino Hills is still No. 7! Glendora beat Bonita without its best pitcher, 2-1, and Bonita is No. 10! Glendora captured the Charter Oak tournament and lost to Division II's No. 6 Etiwanda in the championship of the San Dimas tourney. They split with Upland, ranked No. 5 in Division II. They also beat Bishop Amat and San Dimas rather easily. I thought the pollsters were being unfair to Rosemead football in the fall, but this may be the most ridiculous poll ever. This is taking forever to get right.

There was a huge gathering at last year's Glendora tournament championship between Northview and Bishop Amat. Northview won then, and went on to win the Division IV title. Bishop Amat went on to win its second consecutive Division V title. They have not met this season, but the banter continues. If they finish 1 & 2 in the Division IV polls, they could only meet in the championship game. If that game came to fruition, it would be the most anticipated Valley championship since who? Someone told me that Covina's 10-7 win over Northview in the 1979 final at Angels Stadium was the biggest area championship ever. Are there others that come to mind?

Northview High School football coach Jim Arellanes has been through this before. Fearing budget cuts might cost him his job, Arellanes applied to become Monrovia High School's football coach last spring, and was a finalist before the school named West Covina defensive coordinator Ryan Maddux to succeed Steve Garrison.
After learning last month that his name was on a list of possible teachers that could be laid off in the Covina School District, Arellanes recently applied for the vacant Corona Santiago head football coaching position, a job that is rumored to be filled by A.B. Miller's Jeff Steinberg. To continue reading, click thread.

After a great week of baseball, it's time to focus on the Tribune's No. 1 and Division IV's top-ranked Bishop Amat baseball team. The Lancers won their fourth straight with a 15-0 win over South Torrance to capture the Redondo tournament, improving to 19-5. This week the Del Rey League title is at stake. The Lancers (8-0) can all but wrap it up with a win at St. Paul (7-1) on Tuesday at 3:15 p.m., but if the Lancers stumble, the rubber match will be at Bishop Amat on Friday.

Anything and anyone you want to talk about. I'm accepting athlete of the week nominations

Art Wilson knows his horse racing, he really does, but this was a classic prediction that we will tease him about for a long time. Here is how he started his column on the Kentucky Derby.
Here's the first thing I did while handicapping today's Kentucky Derby - I took out a black pen and drew lines through five horses. They have zero chance. Zilch. Nada. My 14-year-old Labrador/Shepherd would have more of a shot, and he doesn't get around very well anymore. The Five? Mine That Bird, Join in the Dance, Atomic Rain, Nowhere to Hide and Flying Private. If you're planning to bet win money on any of those 3-year-olds, do us all a favor and just make out a check to the charity of your choice right now.Save yourself the anguish of rooting for a horse that might be lucky to finish before NBC signs off. Of Course, Mine that Bird, the 50-1 shot, won it. What's worse, his prediction or mine that Hatton would win?.

I got a text late last night from a usually reliable source that Diamond Ranch coach Roddy Layton has left and become the new coach at Corona Santiago. I also read a couple messages on the blog this morning asking about these rumors. I will be gone for most of the day, but I thought I would put it out there. If this happened, it came as a complete surprise. I will follow up later, but I'm sure Diamond Ranch folks can shed some light. Again, I have not talked to Roddy, so until I confirm it, this is just speculation. Update 3:56 p.m. The usually reliable source said that he's hearing that Jeff Steinberg of A.B. Miller will become the next coach at Santiago. So who knows? Don't expect many more updates, the big fight is tonight, and Hatton's going to beat him like the 50-1 shot in the Derby.

FINAL UPDATE 5 P.M. I just received a text from coach Layton saying the Santiago rumor is not true and that he never applied. "I believe in what we are doing at the Ranch and the DR Family," Layton wrote. Thanks for clearing that up coach, and glad you're staying.

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The most unlikely hero, junior outfielder Anthony Ramos, hit a two-run home run in the fourth inning that stretched a 3-2 lead into a 5-2 cushion that gave the Bearcats the breathing room they needed to close the door on Charter Oak. With the scored tied 2-2 in the fourth, Bonita's Jiovanni Mier was on third with two outs when Evan Highly appeared to hit a routine ground out to third to end the inning. With the Chargers running back to the dugout, it was appealed, and the home plate umpire ruled that Chargers first baseman Kenny Kissell came off the bag on a throw in the dirt, allowing Mier to score for a 3-2 lead. Two pitches later, Ramos hit the big homer, a devastating blow to the Chargers. Bonita pitcher Nico Calderaro was great. After giving up a two-run homer to Chris Allen, he led 5-4 when he got Allen to strikeout with the bases loaded in the fifth inning, then got a ground out to end the game with the tying runner on second in the seventh. Bonita is now 15-5 and 7-3 to take a half game lead over Charter Oak, 14-7, 6-3. More importantly, Bonita holds the 2-1 series advantage should they finish in a tie.

A heart-warming email from Jayme Macias, Secretary of the Covina Hills Girls Fastpitch.
I received an email from my sister in La Mirada. The La Mirada Little League President's granddaughter, Hannah, has been diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma stage IIA Breast Cancer. She plays on a 10U Girls Softball team. They are in need of donations. I am going to ask my team for donations. If we can get a few teams to donate, we can send one donation in the name of Covina Hills Girls Softball. It is wonderful when we can come together and help out others! As a league we will have a donation jar at the Snack bar for All Star try-outs on Saturday and at the Championship games on Sunday for Hannah at Covina Park (4th Ave At W Badillo St.). Please let your parents know what we are doing and why. Remember to hug them and love them, because we are so fortunate at this time. Our league believes it is for the girls, in this case any softball child is one of ours.
Thanks again,
Jayme

By Airan Scruby, Staff Writer
LA MIRADA - Hannah is 10 years old, but she is fighting a grown-up battle.
Hannah Powell-Auslam, a fifth-grader at Escalona Elementary School, is being treated for breast cancer. "It's very surreal," said Jeremy Auslam, Hannah's father. "We can't be the only ones." Incidents of breast cancer among pre-pubescent children are extremely rare. To continue reading, click thread

Fred J. Robledo
Charter Oak, Glendora, Rowland and South Hills high schools filed appeals with the CIF-Southern Section after 42 high school principals from the Mt. SAC area voted on new league alignments that would take effect in the fall of 2010. The appeals will be heard on Wednesday, with the CIF-SS issuing a release asking that: the appeal should address any or all of the three criteria -- geography, enrollment or competitive equity, with the appealing school showing how any or all of the criteria were not addressed in their placement. To continue reading, click thread

By Brian Day
COVINA - Police arrested two teens Wednesday who were allegedly planning to indiscriminately open fire on fellow Covina High School students at an upcoming school assembly. The 15- and 16-year-old suspects, both West Covina residents, admitted their plans to police after they were arrested shortly before 2 p.m., West Covina Police Chief Frank Wills said.