Okay, so that’s a lame headline, but I had to come up with something. I wish it was more of an East-West underclassman game so I could brag how much better the East side of the Valley is over the slumping West. But we already knew that, right?

By Miguel Melendez
PASADENA – The heavy, dark clouds threatening rain could not dim the spotlight from the future baseball stars in San Gabriel Valley. The second annual Underclassman All-Star Game set the stage for the North to shine with a 15-5 victory over the South on Saturday night at Jackie Robinson Stadium. Glendora junior Jacob Smigelski earned MVP honors after striking out three in two innings and allowed just one run on three hits. He also also walked, stole a base and scored a run. “I tried to fire it out there and try my best,” Smigelski said. “It was fun playing with all the guys.”

Continue reading “Glendora’s Jacob Smigelski earns MVP honors and the North proves that San Gabriel Valley Baseball is better near the Foothills, 15-5” »

The word about the Underclassman All-Star Game apparently has gotten around. KG Sports Training Foundation founder Kiko Garcia made calls to local high school baseball coaches when putting together the inaugural game in 2008. This year, his phone is ringing with local coaches on the line. The second annual game is set for Saturday, June 20 at Jackie Robinson Stadium at Brookside Park. The skills competition – featuring 60-yard dash timing and agility courses – at 3:30 p.m. and the game will follow at 6. Glendora’s Dan Henley will coach the North and South El Monte’s Gil Adame will coach the South. The rosters will be finalized this weekend.

Continue reading “The second annual baseball underclassman all-star game set for June 20 at Jackie Robinson Stadium; Glendora’s Henley will coach the North” »

I got an email from Northview and East coach Jim Arellanes that basically said after we published the rosters for the Hall of Fame game yesterday, two huge players missing, Diamond Ranch’s Bryan Bonilla and West Covina’s Albert Cid, both will likely play now. When we get the final word, we will let you know.

I have every area all-league list with the exception of the Sierra League, which I have put in several calls for, but still haven’t received it. I will continue posting a new league everyday continuing on Monday with the Montview League, followed by the others.

Miramonte All-League Teams
Baseball
MVP – Nico Calderaro, Bonita, pitcher
First Team
Jason Plowman, Bonita, utility
Kenny Kissell, Charter Oak, pitcher
Ronnie Blagg, Los Altos, pitcher
Jake Bailey, Charter Oak, catcher
Jiovanni Mier, Bonita, infield
Chris Allen, Charter Oak, infield
Jonah Northrop, Charter Oak, infield
Joel Licon, Diamond Ranch, infield
Matt Sanchez, Wilson, infield
Corey Hare, Bonita, outfield
Jeff Gelalich, Bonita, outfield
Josh Surdo, Charter Oak, outfield

Softball
MVP – Diana-Lynn Patterson (pitcher) Los Altos; Courtney Gano (shortstop), Los Altos
First Team
Amber Bachman, Bonita, utility
Vanessa Bracamonte, Wilson, utility
Chloe Wurst, Bonita, pitcher
Roxy Avalos, Los Altos, catcher
Clarice Spathais, Bonita, infield
Crystal Venegas, Charter Oak, infield
Monique Villasenor, Charter Oak, infield
Latisha Dedeaux, Los Altos, infield
Lexi Garcia, Los Altos, infield
Breeanna Sandoval, Bonita, outfield
Andrea Sprague, Charter Oak, outfield
Victorea Contreras, Los Altos, outfield

For Second team and honorable mention, click thread
Continue reading “Miramonte All-League baseball and softball teams” »

I admit it, I turned into somewhat of a Fisher-hater during the playoffs. I say no, no, no, every time he launches a three … Thought he was too old, too slow, lost his touch … Never again. Live with it, die with it, Fish can take it wheneverrrrrr he wants.

The CIF-Southern Section does not release this list for another week or so, but the word is already out. The Orange County Register had it posted on their webpage, so click here and congrats to all the honorees… There is one huge omission, where is Jiovanni Mier in Division III? Gets drafted 21st overall, but he is not on the first or second team list.
Continue reading “Derek Klena and Josh Leyland earn CIF player of the year honors; Kevin Smith and Mike Regan earn CIF coach of the year honors” »

left: Charter Oak’s Chris Allen will quarterback the East.

I know the teams already are practicing for the San Gabriel Valley Hall of fame All-Star football game on Friday, June 26, which will be coached by Rosemead’s Matt Koffler (West) and Northview’s Jim Arellanes (East). So what took so long to post the rosters? The tournament organizers never sent them, so I hounded the coaches today and have them posted here. The East looks strong, South Hills’ Cameron Deen and Charter Oak’s Chris Allen at quarterback with Rowland’s Brian Stansell, Bishop Amat’s Deshawn Gaisie and Diamond Ranch’s Brian Spirlin in the backfield — that’s going to be tough to beat. The West counters with Rosemead’sTra Sumler and Monrovia’s Marquise Williams in the backfield. Rosemead’s Angel Alejandre and South El Monte’s Jose Garay will share time at quarterback. At first glance I will establish the East as a favorite by a touchdown. Last year I predicted an East blowout and they got blownout, so who knows. Click the thread for the rosters

Below: Rosemead running back Tra Sumler will lead the West.

Continue reading “Hall of Fame All-Star football game on June 26 at Bassett HS: The Rosters are finally here!” »