May 2010 Archives

Glendora's Adam Plutko walked five but threw a no-hitter in a 2-1 victory over Placentia Valencia in the Division 2 semifinals. John Alexanders double scored Clinton Harwick and Jacob Smigelski in the first inning, and that was all the Tartans needed to advance to just its second semifinal ever, and first since 1989. Bishop Amat fell behind 6-1 early and never made it back, losing a shocker to Torrance, 7-3 in the D-4 quarterfinals. Bonita wins big, knocks off Lancaster 11-1 to reach semifinals for the fist time since 2001. We just learned that El Toro shutout Damien, 7-0

Above: Glendora's Adam Plutko threw a no-hitter in Friday's 2-1 victory.

Baseball
Friday's games
Division 2
Glendora 2, Placentia Valencia 1
El Toro 7, Damien 0
Division 3
Bonita 11, Lancaster 1
Division 4
Torrance 7, Bishop Amat 3

Jacki Campa smacked a two-out hit to center to drive in two in the bottom of the seventh to give Bonita a dramatic 4-3 come-from-behind win over Mission Viejo. South Hills scored seven runs in the 7th to pull out a 10-3 victory while Glendora and San Dimas both lost after going to the seventh in tie games. Village Christian scored three in the bottom of the 7th to pull out a 3-0 win over the Saints and Glendora gave up a run in the bottom of the seventh to lose 3-2 to Warren.

Bonita game story
South Hills game story
San Dimas game story
Glendora game story

CIF-Southern Section Quarterfinals
Thursday's results
Division 3
Bonita 4, Mission Viejo 3
Warren 3, Glendora 2
Division 5
Village Christian 3, San Dimas 0
South Hills 10, Cerritos Valley Christian 3

BE CAREFUL WHAT YOU WISH FOR: Bonita will face Ayala's Jessica Hall in Tuesday's semifinals. After Ayala won, an O.C. reporter told Hall that Mission Viejo was beating Bonita and that's who they would likely face next. Hall sounded disappointed she wasn't going to face Bonita, noting that they wanted to face the Bearcats all along. This all stems from Bonita getting the No. 1 ranking, and No. 4 Ayala openly questioning the Bearcats' credentials when the playoffs started. Well Ayala, now it's time to walk the walk. You're not the only team playing with a chip on you shoulder.

by Aram Tolegian, staff writer
Things are picking up at Los Altos as the Conquerors work through their second week of spring practice under new coach Jim Arrellanes. The Conquerors have 70 players in the program and not much in the way of position battles is known at this time. The quarterback position appears to be a two-headed monster in David Foyet and Shane Birnala, with the battle expected to continue well into the summer. One thing Arellanes does know is that returning skill player Scott Tibbs will get the ball in a lot of different ways. (To continue, click thread).

By Aram Tolegian, staff writer
Workman High School football coach Scott Morrison isn't ready to talk about position battles or coaching staff roles. He's too busy making up for lost time after being recently hired to take over the Lobos' program earlier this month. Workman has started spring practice and the early numbers are good with Morrison reporting that about 65 players are in the program and that number could grow. (To continue, click thread).

By Steve Ramirez, Staff Writer
The Valley will double its pleasure at next week's CIF-Southern Section boys tennis divisional finals, scheduled for The Claremont Club on Wednesday. Arroyo and Rowland high schools both advanced with victories in the semifinals on Tuesday. The Knights, the top seed in Division 5 after being a finalist last season, scored a 12-6 victory over Linfield Christian and will face No. 2 Arlington at 2:30 p.m. on Wednesday. Arroyo, which beat Arlington in the semifinals last year, lost to Segerstrom in the championship round last year.

Last year San Dimas' Ariel Shore (soccer, softball) and South El Monte's Manny Acosta (football, basketball, baseball) were named the athletes of the year. Who should take that picture this year?

The annual San Gabriel Valley Senior All-Star baseball game is on Sunday, June 6 at Alhambra High School's Moor Field instead of Mt. San Antonio College, where the game has been in recent years. Game time is scheduled for 2 p.m. Alhambra coach Steve Gewecke and Nogales' John Romano run the event, and have released the rosters ...

Blue Team
Head Coach: Nick Lemas (Arcadia), Assistants, Brad Blackmore (Monrovia), Dave Moore (Monrovia), Joe Laski (Gabrielino)
Infielders: Brian Tuttle (Bonita) SS, Erik Lewis (Damien) 2B, Evan Heighley (Bonita) 1B, Robert Nakamura (Monrovia) 2B, Mike Maldonado (Montebello) 1B, Garrett Tuck (Arcadia) SS/1BJonathan Larson (Arcadia) 2B/1B
Outfielders: Bobby Oatman (Damien) LF, Joseph Eusebio (Amat) LF, Greg Saldate (Alhambra) RF, Justin De La Nuez (Monrovia) CF, Anthony Ramos (Bonita) LF, Jonathan Tom (Arcadia) LF/CF
Pitchers: Paul Paez (Amat), Brandon McNitt (Amat), Dylan Covey (Marantha), Jonathan Beltran (Alhambra), Aaron Murphree (Monrovia), Derek Penilla (San Dimas), Danny Beckwith (Marantha), Ruben Chavira (Walnut)
Catchers: Jerry McClanahan (Amat), George Ortega (Damien), Keith Clapp (Gabrelino). Chris Alas (Alhambra)

Red Team
Head Coach: Kevin Smith (South Hills), Assistants, Barry Bacon (TC), Rich Remkus (Gladstone), Jacob Barendregt (Baldwin Park)
Infielders: Brandon Cage (Glendora) 3B, Jake Shirley (South Hills) 3B, Christian Ibarra (South Hills) SS, Alan Gonzales 1B, Adrian Carillo (Pasadena) 2B, Dusty Sanderson (TC) 2B, Tom Remkus (Gladstone) 1B, Charlie Baxter (Pas. Poly) SS.
Outfield: DJ Wallace (Charter Oak) RF, Jeff Crowe (Diamond Bar) RF, Chester Pak (Diamond Bar) CF, Chris Holden (Charter Oak) LF, Branden Pultz (TC) RF, Louis Torres (Sierra Vista) LF, Efren Aguilera (Baldwin Park) CF
Pitchers: Adam Plutko (Glendora), Jacob Smigelski (Glendora), Dakota Behr (South Hills), Brian Hill (La Salle), Eddie Pedroza (Northview), Justin Smith (TC), Christian Huerta (Sierra Vista)
Catchers: Joe Winterburn (Glendora), Cody Doyle (South Hills), Arman Valenzuela (Northvew)

Coaches and players can't talk about the "next" round, but reporters can. Huge semifinal coin flips were held at the CIF-SS office on Wednesday, with the results as follows. In D-2 baseball, Glendora would be at home against Mira Costa and on the road at La Mirada. Damien is home no matter what against either Yucaipa or Santa Barbara. In D-3, Bonita is on the road at either San Gorgonio or Paloma Valley and Bishop Amat would be home over sweltering Indio (thank goodness) and on the road against Fullerton. In softball, Bonita would be on the road at Ayala or Aliso Niguel in D-3 while Glendora would be home against Chino Hills, or on the road at Oaks Christian. In D-5, San Dimas would be home against Whittier Christian or on the road at San Marino. South Hills would be at home against either Savanna or La Canada.

Below: Bonita coach Ken Carlson, hoping to guide his No. 1 Cats all the way to the finals.

Three of the four softball teams hit the road in the quarters while three of the four baseball teams are at home. I'm starting to really, really wonder if Bonita and Glendora are on a collision course in the D-3 softball playoffs. When you hear of how the Tartans won it, surviving in 12 innings after La Habra's dramatic comeback, and Bonita getting another shutout from the big lefty, it makes you wonder if this is destined to happen. San Dimas and South Hills in particular have looked great in the D-5 playoffs, but now they're both facing powerful Olympic League teams, which also boasts No. 1 Whittier Christian, which is still in the playoffs. In baseball, there have been some upsets in D-2, particularly Damien, which knocked off No. 3 Redlands East Valley. It's appearing more and more that with some fortune, Glendora and Damien could reach the semis, then who knows? Is that too much to ask? Bonita, Bonita, Bonita, the baseball team we (I) keep overlooking. All they've done is win, and now they're doing it dramatically in the form of seventh-inning rallies, the formula teams use to stretch chemistry to championships. If you're not pulling for them, you don't like feel-good stories. Bishop Amat? I got the text they were trailing 6-4 in the 6th and almost dropped my cell. Twenty minutes later, they were up 14-6 and cruising. Now at home, or uh, at Rio Hondo College and with the "Animal" on the mound, should Amat honks really be worried?

Above: Glendora's "Gnarly" Carly Argyle survives a 12-inning marathon in a win over La Habra.

CIF-Southern Section Quarterfinals
Thursday's games
Softball
Division 3
Mission Viejo at Bonita, 3:15 p.m.
Glendora at Warren, 3:15 p.m.
Division 5
San Dimas at Sun Valley Village Christian, 3:15 p.m.
South Hills at Cerritos Valley Christian, 3:15 p.m.

Baseball
Friday's games
Division 2
Placentia Valencia at Glendora, 3:15 p.m.
Damien at El Toro, 3:15 p.m.
Division 3
Lancaster at Bonita, 3:15 p.m.
Division 4
Torrance vs. Bishop Amat at Rio Hondo College, 3:15 p.m.

Long trips worth it for Glendora, Bishop Amat, but not South Hills ... Read on

Damien knocks off third-seed Redlands East Valley, behind more strong pitching and timely hitting.
Mier lifts Bonita to dramatic win in the bottom of the seventh.

CIF-Southern Section baseball playoffs
Today's second round results
Division 2
Glendora 5, Harvard-Westlake 3
Damien 6, Redlands East Valley 2
Division 3
Lancaster 8, South Hills 7
Bonita 2, Downey 1
Division 4
Bishop Amat 14, Colony 6
Indio 14, Northview 4
Division 5
Lompoc 4, Sierra Vista 0

San Dimas pitcher Kortnie Clark shows her relief after the Saints held on for a 7-5 win over West Covina. San Dimas took a 7-0 lead into the bottom of the seventh, but a homer and grand slam got the Bulldogs back in it. They actually brought the tying runner to the plate, but a pop out ended it.

Today's CIF-SS Playoff Results
Softball
Division 2
Bonita 1, Sunny Hills 0
Glendora 11, La Habra 6, 12 innings
Division 4
Aquinas 3, Bishop Amat 2
Division 5
San Dimas 7, West Covina 5
South Hills 18, Barstow 0
La Canada 4, Northview 3
Division 6
Grace Brethren 10, South El Monte 8
La Salle 2, Arroyo 1

By Aram Tolegian, Staff Writer
Walnut High School's football team has gotten an early jump on the season, but that hasn't made the quarterback battle an easier decision for coach Mike O'Shields. The Mustangs are auditioning three would-be signal callers for the job of throwing to Washington-bound receiver Aubrey Coleman. The race is between senior-to-be Brandon Roach and juniors-to-be Kevin Lopez and Chris Mendez. (To continue, click thread)>

Add Hawaii to the list of offers that South Hills standout offensive lineman Siosi Aiono has received. Aiono, who took home MVP honors for offensive linemen at a recent Nike event, already has offers from BYU and San Jose State with more expected to roll in -- Aram Tolegian

Jim Brownfield, who coached John Muir High School to national prominence in the 1980s and 90s, died Monday. He was 81. The two-time national coach of the year spent 16 years at Muir - from 1980-1996 - compiling a 191-14-1 record, 22 league titles and six CIF championships. Under Brownfield, Muir won two CIF-Southern Section football titles in 1985 and 1986. He led the girls Mustangs track team to four CIF-SS track tiles and two CIF State tiles in 1985 and 1989.

San Gabriel Valley Newspaper Group Managing Editor Steve Hunt, the Pasadena Star-News prep editor during Jim Brownfield's tenure at Muir, wrote a touching column on Monday honoring Jim:

James Lewis Brownfield was one of the most amazing men I ever had the good fortune to know, report on, and count as a friend. I was unprepared for his death Monday, even though I knew he had been in poor health since he underwent heart surgery more than a year ago. (To continue, click thread)

CIF-Southern Section Division 1-4 finals results with videos.

Above: Bishop Amat High School's Kylie Price wins in the 100 meter race during the CIF-SS Track and Field Finals at Cerritos College.

By Steve Ramirez, Staff Writer
Kylie Price was right Saturday. The Bishop Amat High School junior won two events to highlight area performances during the CIF-Southern Section track and field championships at Cerritos College. Price finished first in the Division 3 long jump and 100-meter run and also was a solid second in the 200. Covina's Remontay McClain, who won the Division 3 100; Bonita's Jabre Millon, who won the Division 3 triple jump; and Diamond Ranch's Marquise Cherry, who was first in the Division 3 long jump, were the other area competitors with first-place efforts. (To continue, click thread)

By Brian Day, staff writer
WEST COVINA - The baseball field at South Hills High School was found vandalized Saturday, a day after athletic authorities ruled in favor of the school in a contested victory. The vandalism resulted in an estimated $500 worth of damage, West Covina police Lt. Dave Rozeboom said. The incident is being investigated as felony vandalism. (To continue, click thread).

The most interesting part of the CIF-Southern Section's decision to deny Montebello's protest that South Hills took an illegal pre-game batting practice, and thus should forfeit its 3-2 victory, was the section's acknowledgment that a rule was violated, but not severe enough to warrant a disqualification from the playoffs. "At the end of the day, nobody is here to penalize kids," Southern Section Director of Information Thom Simmons said. "Did a penalty occur? Sure. Did a team gain a competitive advantage? No. Did they (South Hills) win on the field? Yes. In the rules, it says a team `may' be removed from the playoffs for something like this. Not that they `will' be. The rule allows us that leeway. We don't think it was worthy of removing a team from the entire playoffs." I'll be honest, I thought if you violated this rule it was a slam-dunk disqualification. Simmons' remarks and explanation were enlightening, to say the least. It's good to know the section has the power in some instances to ask, "does the punishment fit the crime?" To weigh the rule versus the spirit of the rule, which Steve Ramirez so elegantly explained commenting on a previous thread, should be used in more situations. Click the thread to read what Steve wrote

For the record, Steve wrote this prior to CIF's ruling.

Above: Dorian Granados hit a three-run homer to break a 3-3 tie in the fifth inning to lead Damien to a 6-3 victory over Palos Verdes.

Friday's first-round results
Division 2
Damien 6, Palos Verdes 3: Damien High School junior Dorian Granados is proof that playoff heroes aren't predictable, they're timely. After Damien rallied from three runs down in the fifth inning to tie the score 3-3, Granados hit a two-out, three-run homer off the scoreboard in left to lead the Spartans to a come-from-behind 6-3 victory over visiting Palos Verdes.

Glendora 4, Peninsula 1: Glendora High School set the tone early and let its dominant pitching do the rest in a 4-1 CIF-Southern Section Division 2 first-round baseball playoff victory Friday against visiting Peninsula.

Division 4
Bishop Amat 10, Patriot 0: The Lancers rode ace Paul Paez to a 10-0 victory over Patriot that sends the Lancers into Tuesday's second round where they'll face Colony.

Northview 7, Barstow 2:Damien Chico had three RBIs and a key two-run double in the first inning and Northview jumped to a quick six-run lead en route to a 7-2 victory over the visiting Aztecs on Friday.

Garey 9, San Dimas 1: Apparently no one told Garey High School ace Vincent Velasquez that he was facing the reigning CIF-Southern Section Division 4 baseball champions. The senior right-hander threw a complete game, allowing just an unearned run and striking out a career-high 17 batters to lead the host Vikings to a 9-1 victory over San Dimas in the first round of the playoffs on Friday afternoon.

Montebello files protest of South Hills' 3-2 win: Montebello has apparently filed a protest in South Hills' 3-2 win, alleging that South Hills took illegal batting practice before the game. The Montebello staff told our Steve Ramirez they will discuss it with their athletic department to see if they have a case. South Hills coach Kevin Smith has denied it.

South Hills wins protest -- CIF officials denied Montebello's protest of Thursday's Division 3 first-round playoff win by South Hills, 3-2. The Oilers argued the Huskies conducted an illegal batting practice before the game. After watching video of the incident provided by Montebello, CIF ruled there was in fact a an illegal batting practice, but it was not enough to warrant a disqualification of South Hills from the playoffs. The rules allow CIF to make a judgment call in situations such as this.

"At the end of the day, nobody is here to penalize kids," Southern Section Director of Information Thom Simmons said. "Did a penalty occur? Sure. Did a team gain a competitive advantage? No. Did they (South Hills) win on the field? Yes."

"In the rules, it says a 'may' be removed from the playoffs for something like this. Not that they 'will' be. The rule allows us that leeway. We don't think it was worthy of removing a team from the entire playoffs."

CIF-Southern Section Playoffs
Tuesday's second round games
Baseball
Division 3
South Hills at Lancaster, 3:15 p.m., (pending protest)
Downey at Bonita, 3:15 p.m.
Division 5
Sierra Vista at Lompoc, 3:15 p.m.

Softball
Division 2
Glendora at Sunny Hills, 3:15 p.m.
Ayala at Burbank Burroughs, 3:15 p.m.
Glendora at La Habra, 3:15 p.m.
Division 4
Aquinas at Bishop Amat, 3:15 p.m.
Division 5
San Dimas at West Covina, 3:15 p.m.
South Hills at Barstow, 3:15 p.m.
La Canada at Northview, 3:15 p.m.
Division 6
South El Monte at Grace Brethren, 3:15 p.m.
La Salle at Arroyo, 3:15 p.m.

BREAKING NEWS: Montebello has apparently filed a protest in South Hills' 3-2 win, alleging that South Hills took illegal batting practice before the game. The Montebello staff told our Steve Ramirez they will discuss it with their athletic department to see if they have a case. South Hills coach Kevin Smith has denied it.

Softball
Story: Bonita 6, Kaiser 0
Story: San Dimas 12, Pasadena Poly 0
Story: West Covina 3, Temple City 1
Story: Whittier Christian 1, Rowland 0

Baseball/Softball Roundup: Sierra Vista High School baseball standout Christian Huerta is used to taking matters into his own hands. And that's exactly what he did on Thursday to advance the Dons to the second round of the CIF-Southern Section Division 5 playoffs. Huerta had a two-run home run, an RBI double and went the distance as he struck out nine to get Sierra Vista past San Jacinto, 3-2.

Thursday's first-round playoff results
Baseball
Division 3
Hemet 8, Diamond Ranch 4
Colton 6, Charter Oak 5
Gahr 10, Walnut 9
South Hills 3, Montebello 2
Bonita 3, Elsinore 1
Division 5
Sierra Vista 3, San Jacinto 2
Campbell Hall 12, South El Monte 5
Lompoc Cabrillo 28, La Puente 5

Softball
Division 3
Bonita 6, Kaiser 0
Glendora 7, Quartz Hill 1
Ayala 7, Patriot 0
Division 4
Bishop Amat 10, Rancho Alamitos 0
Division 5
Whittier Christian 1, Rowland 0, 10 innings
West Covina 3, Temple City 1
San Dimas 12, Pasadena Poly 0
Village Christian 2, Duarte 0
South Hills 23, Azusa 1
Mayfield 3, Covina 0
Northview 6, Calvary Chapel 4
La Canada 15, Sierra Vista 0
Division 6
South El Monte 5, Mary Star 0
Arroyo 25, Whitney 0

"We called him Mr. Accuracy because he was on the money with every throw," lead quarterback coach Matt James said in an ESPN report. "I can only remember one ball hitting the ground all day, and that was late in the camp on a post-corner route.

By Aram Tolegian
Glendora's Jeffries adds to growing list of laurels. Weeks after being named the top quarterback at the Nike Camp at USC, Glendora's Chad Jeffries wowed scouts and recruiters at last weekend's Elite 11 regional camp at Cal-Berkeley. "We called him Mr. Accuracy because he was on the money with every throw," lead quarterback coach Matt James said in an ESPN report. "I can only remember one ball hitting the ground all day, and that was late in the camp on a post-corner route. He's being way under-recruited right now and is a definite Division I prospect. He has good enough size, can make all the throws and is an athletic kid. He was probably my No.1 guy today."

By Aram Tolegian, Staff Writer
Just because school is out when the Damien High School football team hits the field for practice doesn't mean the Spartans don't have something to learn. In fact, that's about all Damien will be doing this spring and summer as coach Greg Gano tries to make do with a youthful roster the veteran coach is asking to do many things differently on offense. "We're putting in a lot of new things on offense," Gano said. "We're going to do a lot of different things, so a lot of what we do this spring is teaching."

By Steve Ramirez, Staff Writer
From day one, Eddie Pedroza has been the Northview High School baseball team's leader. That won't change when the Vikings open up the CIF-Southern Section playoffs with a first-round home game against Barstow on Friday. The manner in how the left-hander leads will. Pedroza, one of the top pitchers in the area the past three seasons, and the guy most have tabbed as the key to the Vikings making deep run through the Division4 playoffs, has had to change his modus operandi a bit after injuring a tendon on the elbow of his throwing arm two weeks ago.

It happened at Powell Valley High School in Virginia, and a local columnist defends his decision to identify the teenager for doing it. It's one of the ironies of journalism: We can spend 13 months on a controversial series that eventually wins the Pulitzer Prize for Public Service and not receive a single criticism from readers. And then we run a daily story on a high school athlete urinating on a baseball field during the National Anthem and the floodgates open. Such was the case with our Thursday story about a Powell Valley High School student in Big Stone Gap, Va. The sophomore and star quarterback, the son of a coach/physical education teacher, urinated in public last month on a $20 bet. What if this happened in our backyard, how do you think we should handle it?

Question: What games do you want covered the most?

Thursday's first-round games
Division 3
Diamond Ranch at Hemet, 3:15 p.m.
Colton at Charter Oak, 3:15 p.m.
Gahr at Walnut, 3:15 p.m.
Montebello at South Hills, 3:15 p.m.
Elsinore at Bonita, 3:15 p.m.
Division 5
San Jacinto at Sierra Vista, 3:15 p.m.
Paraclete at Gabrielino, 3:15 p.m.
South El Monte at Campbell Hall, 3:15 p.m.
La Puente at Lompoc Cabrillo, 3:15 p.m.

Friday's first-round games
Division 2
Peninsula at Glendora, 3:15 p.m.
Palos Verdes at Damien, 3:15 p.m.
Division 4
Patriot at Bishop Amat, 3:15 p.m.
Barstow at Northview, 3:15 p.m.
San Dimas at Garey, 3:15 p.m.

Question: What are the most intriguing games to cover on Thursday?

Thursday's first-round Softball Games
Division 3
Kaiser at Bonita, 3:15 p.m.
Quartz Hill at Glendora, 3:15 p.m.
Patriot at Ayala, 3:15 p.m.
Division 4
Rancho Alamitos at Bishop Amat, 3:15 p.m.
Division 5
Rowland at Whittier Christian, 3:15 p.m.
Temple City at West Covina, 3:15 p.m.
Pasadena Poly at San Dimas, 3:15 p.m.
Village Christian at Duarte, 3:15 p.m.
Azusa at South Hills, 3:15 p.m.
Covina at Mayfield, 3:15 p.m.
Northview at Calvary Chapel, 3:15 p.m.
Sierra Vista at La Canada, 3:15 p.m.
Division 6
Mary Star at South El Monte, 3:15 p.m.
Whitney at Arroyo, 3:15 p.m.

By Aram Tolegian, Staff Writer
First impressions aren't everything when it comes to a football team, but new Nogales High School coach Sebastian Hernandez has liked what he's seen from his players in their first week of spring practice. "The talent level is better than I thought when I first took the job," Hernandez said. "I'm much more optimistic now. I thought there would be less talent judging from their record the past several years." (To continue click thread)


Halftime use to be showtime at Nogales. Hernandez is trying to change that.

By Aram Tolegian
Charter Oak long snapper Tanner Gibas won the National Kicking and Snapping Spring Event put on by Chris Sailer Kicking/Rubio Long Snapping in Las Vegas last weekend. Gibas, who is also expected to start at linebacker for the Chargers, beat out 79 other long snappers from 40 states to take home the prize. His time, from first movement to ball arriving at the punter, was .68 seconds. (To continue, click thread).

The records continued to fall for Glendora High School junior Gretchen Jaques at the Belmont Plaza Pool in Long Beach during Tuesday's CIF-Southern Section Masters Meet, which is a collection of the best of the best from the four CIF-SS divisions. Jaques, who owns the CIF-SS overall record in the 200-yard individual medley, a time of 1 minute, 57.91 seconds she set at the Division 2 finals on Saturday, blew away the competition in the Masters medley. She won by almost four seconds, finishing in 1:58.88 to set the Masters Meet record and breaking Chaminade's Meghan Hawthorne's previous record of 2:01.18 that she set in 2008. Jaques also set a Masters record later in the 100 breaststroke, winning in 1:00.47 to break Jordan Danny of Hart's 2008 record of 1:02.19.

El Rancho wanted no part of Diamond Ranch's Rouric Bridgewater, perhaps the best kept secret in the San Gabriel Valley (I know, blame us). Bridgewater, batting .588 with 10 home runs, 40 RBIs, 11 doubles and four triples, hit a home run in the first inning then was intentionally walked four times in the Panthers' eight-inning 9-8 win. The lesson here: Maybe if they waked him five times El Rancho would have won.

Above: La Serna's Connor Burke (7) knocks the ball loose from Los Altos catcher Steven Camberos (2) as he slides in safely at home plate in their 2-1 wild-card win over the Conquerors.

Tuesday's Wild Card results
Baseball
Division 2
Chaminade 3, Diamond Bar 2
Division 3
Diamond Ranch 9, El Rancho 8, 8 innings
Palmdale 6, Nogales 3
La Serna 2, Los Altos 1
Division 4
La Salle 3, Covina 2
Division 5
San Jacinto 10, Mountain View 0
Serrano 3, Gladstone 1
Santa Ynez 7, Azusa 3

Softball
Division 3
Cajon 10, St. Lucy's 0
Dana Hills 4, Los Altos 2
Division 5
Rowland 15, Gladstone 0
Covina 13, Tahquitz 0
Sierra Vista 1, Montebello 0

Division 2
This is like trying to predict the Central Division football playoffs, where upsets aren't really upsets, and anyone can be knocked off in any round. This is the toughest of all the divisions, but the fact is even if you're a Glendora fan and want to pencil them through with your heart, it's a the smart bet anyway because they have a great No. 1 in Adam Plutko with the staff support to go deep. It's a challenge, but the Tartans have as good as shot as anyone. Damien could get No. 3 seed Redlands East Valley in the second round, but I'm not sure they have the pitching depth to win round-after-round like Glendora. Same goes for Diamond Bar, who have to win a wild-card game. So, here is how it will shake out.
Semifinals
Glendora vs. La Mirada
El Toro vs. Crespi
Championship
Glendora over Crespi

Division 3
Beckman and Alhambra are the top two seeds, but South Hills is still the best in the division and will prove it again. Huskies pitcher Andrew Morales showed me a lot in his 4-3 loss to Bishop Amat. He wasn't afraid of the pressure or the crowd, nearly out-pitching Amat's Paul Paez. He's a gamer plus they have a guy named Dakota Behr who can pitch too. Bonita has been such a surprise, but too bad they would have to play the Huskies in the quarters. If they didn't do it last year, not sure how they can this year. Walnut will be my sleeper, getting an unproven team like No. 4 Hemet in the second round that they can handle, so here is how it shakes out.

Semifinals
Beckman vs. Walnut
South Hills vs. Alhambra
Championship
South Hills over Beckman

Division 4
Look, if Bishop Amat doesn't win it, it will be the biggest upset in any division by far. Hope that doesn't add any pressure, it's just the truth. They know it, you know it, we all know it. So who will be there with them? I absolutely loves Northview's draw, especially if Eddie Pedroza is healthy. Oaks Christian could be dangerous if they meet in the quarters, but I like them to sneak though. St. Paul, Monrovia and Palm Desert are the best bets in the bottom half. Don't sleep on St. Paul, they have a 1-2 punch on the mound better than anyone outside of Amat.

Semifinals
Bishop Amat vs. Northview
St. Paul vs. Palm Desert
Championship
Bishop Amat over St. Paul

Division 5
This is actually a difficult division. Maranatha has a major league first-round draft choice pitching, Woodcrest Christian and Tahquitz ae for real, making it a real chore for Sierra Vista or La Puente to advance past the second round. I love Sierra Vista's chance when Christian Huerta's pitching, but that might not be enough, especially if they reach the quarters and face No. 1 Woodcrest Christian.

Semifinals
Woodcrest Christian vs. Montclair Prep
Maranatha vs. Tahquitz
Championship
Maranatha over Woodcrest Christian

Bishop Amat has been formidable since the freshman took over

Division 3
The big question is Bonita really the top seed? You will have a better answer by the second round when they likely face Freeway League champion Sunny Hills and Yolando Rios, who has a 0.77 ERA after against a pretty tough schedule. My heart wants Bonita, but some strange losses down the stretch to Charter Oak and Los Altos make me wonder. Glendora on the other hand is playing well, hitting the ball as well as I've seen them it the past three years. So, here's my final four.
Semifinals
Sunny Hills vs. Ayala
Glendora vs. Oaks Christian
Championship
Oaks Christian over Ayala

Division 4
The only local is Bishop Amat and I've got a great feeling about this. Once they take care of Rancho Alamitos at home, they will likely get No. 4 seed Aquinas (23-2-1). They have a great record but haven't played anyone, losing to Bonita 8-1 early in the season in the Palm Springs tournament. Compare that to Amat, losing to the likes of Mater Dei 1-0 and beating St. Joseph at the near of the year and I like the Lancers. Here is how this will shake out.
Semifinals
La Quinta vs. Bishop Amat
Torrance vs. Santa Monica
Championship
Santa Monica over La Quinta

Division 5
There is no way I'm picking against San Dimas this time of season, especially the way they came on again, pounding Northview at the end of the season. This team just get it, and I like their road, going through a fourth seed like Duarte to get to the semifinals. The Saints should beat Pasadena Poly, and West Covina could be dangerous, but I like their trip to the semifinals. Northview and South Hills are on the bottom half, but I just don't see it.
Semifinals
Whittier Christian vs. San Dimas
Cerritos Valley Christian vs. La Canada
Championship
Whittier Christian over Cerritos Valley Christian

Division 6
This will be short and sweet. South El Monte is the fourth seed, but Arroyo is probably still better. Either way, neither of these teams have enough pitching to get it done. If South didn't do it with Reina, they probably won't do it this year. I don't see either team getting past the second round
Semifinals
Marymount vs. Oxford Academy
Oak Hills vs. La Salle.
Championship
Marymount over Oak Hills

Above: Anderson rushed for 1,121 yards and 22 touchdown in helping the Lancers capture the Serra League title and advance to the second-round of the Pac-5 Division playoffs.

Breaking News: Keith Anderson, the father of Bishop Amat junior running back/outfielder Jay Anderson, informed us this afternoon that Anderson will not play football for the Lancers in the fall, opting to concentrate on his studies and baseball his senior season.
"It was a difficult decision, but Jay's not going to play football," Keith Anderson said. "I called and spoke with (Bishop Amat coach) Steve Hagerty and informed him. It was a decision as a family, after his mother and I sat down and talked with Jay about it that we all felt as a family it was best for him to focus on baseball his senior year."
Although Anderson had not been attending mandatory football weightlifting sessions so that he could concentrate on baseball and his studies, Keith Anderson believed that wouldn't have prevented him from playing football, which was speculated.
"I think it all would have been worked out if Jay was going to play," Keith Anderson said. "If Jay decided later he wanted to play, I'm sure Steve wouldn't of said flat out that you couldn't play football at Bishop Amat. He never told me that, and I don't think he would have handled it that way."
Keith Anderson said his son wants to focus on baseball in hopes of earning a scholarship and being the best baseball player he can by concentrating on the sport all year round.
"He's (Jay) never had a chance to do this, to be in the type of showcase tournaments that he's wanted to be in because of football," Keith Andreson said. "He's done a lot of great things in football that we're all proud of, but he's looking forward to the opportunity of devoting himself 100 percent to baseball."

By Fred J. Robledo
There were no real surprises following the CIF-Southern Section baseball playoff pairings on Monday, with Sierra League champion Glendora High School the top seed in Division 2, and Del Rey League champ Bishop Amat the top seed in Division 4, which is where the Tartans and Lancers finished in the polls. Defending Division 3 champion South Hills, which lost a game to Walnut down the stretch, was awarded a No. 3 seed, with wild-card games on Tuesday afternoon and first-round games on Thursday for Division's 3 and 5, and Friday for Division's 2 and 4. (To continue, click thread)

CIF-Southern Section area Baseball Pairings are here, or you can go straight to the CIF-Southern Section website to view the pairings sheets.

CIF-SOUTHERN SECTION PLAYOFFS
Division 2
Friday's first-round
Top Half
Wild-Cards on Tuesday
Top Half
No. 1 Glendora vs. Peninsula-Norwalk winner
Foothill vs. Arroyo Grande-Harvard-Westlake winner
Upland vs. Arlington-Redlands winner
Arcadia vs. Valencia-Atascadero winner
La Mirada vs. Rancho Cucamonga-Vista Del Lago winner
Alemany vs. Rialto-Burbank winner
Mira Costa vs. San Marcos-Nipomo winner
No. 4 Cypress vs. Woodbridge-Burroughs winner
Bottom Half
No. 3 Redlands East Valley vs. Bellflower, San Luis Obispo winner
Damien vs. Palos Verdes-Pasadena winner
Canyon Springs vs. Pacifica-Alta Loma winner
El Toro vs. Dos Pueblos-Loyola winner
Paso Robles vs. Chaminade-Diamond Bar winner
Santa Barbara vs. Los Osos-AB Miller winner
Mayfair vs. Crescenta Valley-Northwood winner
No. 2 Crespi vs. Yucaipa-Rancho Verde winner

Division 3
Thursday's first-round
Wild-card on Tueday
Top Half
No. 1 Beckman vs. Highland-Warren winner
Colton at Charter Oak
Bell Gardens at California
La Quinta at Ocean View
Rancho Alamitos vs. Cajon-Corona del Mar winner
Santa Monica at Quartz Hill
Gahr at Walnut
No. 4 Hemet vs. Diamond Ranch-El Rancho winner
Bottom Half
No. 3 South Hills vs. Beverly Hills-Montebello winner
Santa Fe at Lancaster
University at Downey
Bonita vs. Orange-Elsinore winner
San Gorgonio vs. Nogales-Palmdale winner
Garden Grove at Culver City
No. 2 Alhambra vs. La Serna-Los Altos winner

Division 4
Friday's first-round
Top Half
Wild-Cards on Tuesday
No. 1 Bishop Amat vs. Patriot-Oak Park wild-card winner
Colony at Estancia
South Pasadena at Savanna
Torrance vs. Victor Valley-Cathedral wild-card winner
Fullerton vs. South Torrance-Calvary Chapel winner
Temple City at Oaks Christian
Jurupa Valley at Indio
No. 4 Nortvhiew vs. Bastow-Century wild-card winner
Bottom Half
No. 3 St. Paul vs. Costa Mesa-La Canada wild-card winner
Kaiser vs. Troy-La Quinta wild-card winner
San Dimas at Garey
El Segunodo vs. Carpinteria-Magnolia wild-car winner
Monrovia vs. Covina-La Salle wild-card winner
St. Bonaventure at Sonora
Anaheim at Granite Hills
No. 2 Palm Desert vs. Don Lugo-Laguna Beach wild-card winner

Division 5
Thursday's first-round
Wild-Cards on Tuesday
Top Half
No. 1 Woodcrest Christian vs. Aquinas-Desert Mirage winner
Sultana at Calvary Chapel
Serra at Lompoc
Sierra Vista vs. San Jacino-Mountain View winner
St. Monica at Heritage
Gabrielino vs. Paracle-St. Josephs winner
Big Bear at Arrowhead Christian
No. 4 Montclair Prep vs. Gladstone-Serrano winner
Bottom Half
No. 3 Maranatha vs. Calvary Murrieta-Twentynine Palms winner
Citrus Hill at Hesperia
South El Monte at Campbell Hall
Western Christian vs. Azusa-Santa Ynez winner
La Puente at Lompoc Cabrillo
Cathedral vs. Whittier Christian-Rim of the World winner
Linfield Christian at Yucca Valley
No. 2 Tahquitz vs. Ontario Christian-Village Christian winner

By Fred J. Robledo
Bonita High School softball coach Ken Carlson wasn't bothered at all when Ayala coach John Ameluxen last week discussed the Bearcats' lofty No. 1 ranking in the final Division 3 poll, questioning the Bearcats' strength of schedule and noting their non-existent history in the postseason. On Monday, the Miramonte League champion Bearcats were awarded the top-seed in the CIF-Southern Section Division 3 playoffs, with wild-card games Tuesday and the first-round on Thursday. (To continue, click thread)

CIF-Southern Section area softball pairings listed below, or you can go straight to the CIF-Southern Section website to view the pairings sheets.

CIF-Southern Section Softball Playoffs
Division 3
Wild Card Games
Tuesday, 3:15 P.M.
A--Lancaster at Kaiser
B--Pioneer Valley at Burbank
C--St. Lucy's at Cajon
D--Fullerton at Aliso Niguel
E--Charter Oak at La Reina
F--Fillmore at Quartz Hill
G--Righetti at Sherman Oaks Notre Dame
H--Dana Hills at Los Altos
I--San Gorgonio at Chino Hills
J--Arcadia at Paramount

First Round, Thursday
Wild-card A at Bonita
Wild-card B at Sunny Hills
Wild-card C at Mission Viejo
Oak Park at Downey
Wild-card D at Alemany
Wild-card E at Highland
Paso Robles at Burbank Burroughs
Patriot at Ayala
Wild-card F at Glendora
La Habra at Tesoro
Crescenta Valley at Colton
Wild-card G at Warren
Wild-card H at Atascadero
Wild-card I at Summit
Chaminade at Knight
Wild-card J at Oaks Christian

Division 4
Wild Card Games
Tuesday, 3:15 P.M.
A--Morro Bay at St. Paul
B--Westminster at Culver City
C--El Segunod at Lompoc

First Round, Thursday
Wild-Card A at LQ La Quinta
Hawthorne at Buena
W. La Quinta at Ocean View
Hemet at South Torrance
Paloma Valley at Serrano
North Torrance at St. Joseph
Rancho Alamitos at Bishop Amat
Palm Springs at Aquinas
Wild-card B at Torrance
Dos Pueblos at Lompoc Cabrillo
Indio at Hesperia
Ontario Christian at Lakeside
Ventura at L St. Joseph
Segerstrom at Pomona Catholic
Apple Valley at Garden Grove
Wild-card C winner at Santa Monica

Division 5 wild-card games
Tuesday, 3:15 p.m.
A--Gladstone at Rowland
B--Rio Hondo Prep at Riverside Notre Dame
C--Magnolia at Temple City
D--Godinez at Village Christian
E--Tahquitz at Covina
F--Paraclete at Flintridge Prep
G--Victor Valley at Riverside Christian
H--Montebello at Sierra Vista

First Round, Thursday
Wild-card A at Whittier Christian
Western at Schurr
Costa Mesa at San Marino
Wild-card B at Calvary Murrieta
Wild-card C at West Covina
Pasadena Poly at San Dimas
Ridgecrest Burroughs at Beaumont
Wild-card D at Duarte
Keppel at Cerritos Valley Christian
Wild-card E at Mayfield
Woodcrest Christian at Barstow
Azusa at South Hills
Wild-card F at Heritage
Wild-card G at Savanna
Northview at Santa Ana Calvary Chapel
Wild-card H at La Canada

Division 6 Wild Card
Tuesday, 3:15 p.m.
A--Bishop Diego at Gabrielino
B--Los Angeles Lutheran at Mary Star
C--Lone Pine at Windward
D--Holy Family at Baptist Christian

Thursday, First Round
Wild-card A at Marymount
Viewpojnt at St. Monica
Lancaster Desert Christian at Alverno
Twentynine Palms at Maranatha
Marlborough at Oxford Academy
Big Bear at Bermuda Dunes Desert Christian
Silver Valley at Grace Brethren
Wild-card B at South El Monte
Wild-card C at Oak Hills
San Gabriel Mission at Ramona Convent
Mesa Grande Academy at Yucca Valley
Providence at Nordhoff
Carpinteria at Faith Baptist
Marshall at Boron
Whitney at Arroyo
Wild-card D at La Salle

It's usually an easy choice as to which is the toughest Southern Section division for the baseball playoffs. It's Division 1, right? Except 12 Division 2 teams were ranked in The Times' final regular-season top 25 rankings compared to 11 Division 1 teams.

Private high schools can very publicly be made to look foolish when they play fast and loose with the rules, as the case at Santa Margarita shows.

Check out the Masteres Heet Sheets. for Tuesday's final swimming event of the season at the Belmont Plaza Pool in Long Beach, which starts at noon in the prelims and 5 p.m. for the finals.

By Fred J. Robledo
In the CIF-Southern Section Divisional swimming championships there is at least a day between the preliminary races and the finals, but you get no such rest in the Masters, which is the final high school swimming event of the season. The Masters, which began in 2006, brings together the best of the best from the four CIF-SS swimming divisions and wastes no time crowning its champions, with the preliminaries at noon Tuesday, and the finals at 5 p.m., all at the Belmont Plaza Pool in Long Beach. (To continue, click thread)

Below: This is priceless, Glendora and Walnut huddling and showing each other respect after Saturday's CIF-SS Division III finals. Glendora won the final relay, but Walnut won the team title to edge out Glendora.

The CIF-Southern Section track and field championships for all divisions are on Saturday at Cerritos College in Norwalk, starting at 10:30 a.m. $9 general admission, $5 students/kids, $5 parking.

CIF-SS Division I Results
CIF-SS Division II Results
CIF-SS Division III Results
CIF-SS Division IV Results
Best combined marks from Saturday's four CIF-SS Divisions

BAKERSFIELD - There will be no back-to-back state titles for the Mt. San Antonio College softball team.
But the Mounties didn't go quietly.
Amanda Fama hit two home runs and Vanessa Alvarado had three hits as Cypress withstood two Mt. SAC rallies to win its first California Community College Athletic Association title since 2006 with a 7-6 victory at Bakersfield College on Sunday.
Mt. SAC (38-13), getting two RBIs each from Christie Nieto and Tarra Smith (Covina), rallied from a 4-0 deficit to tie the score and trailed the Chargers 7-6 when Crystal Venegas grounded out with runners on second and third to end the game.
"We pulled out all our magic tricks," said Mt. SAC coach Kelly Ford, who won state titles with the Mounties in 2003, '05, '07 and last season. "I'm just so proud of these athletes. To get to the (championship game) seven years in a row is not easy. There were so many people in the state who counted us out.
"I knew they had it in them, and like today, they just kept coming back."

By Fred J. Robledo, Staff Writer
An afternoon of shock and awe unfolded at the CIF-Southern Section Divsion II swimming finals at the Belmont Plaza Pool in Long Beach on Saturday.
The awe belonged to Glendora High School's Goliath Gretchen Jaques, who broke two Division II meet records that she set in the prelims on Friday in the 200 yard individual medley and 100 breaststroke, as well as win two more titles in relays.
But the shock belonged to four wide-eyed girls from Walnut, Christina Vu, Tiffany Hsu, Emily Hu and workhorse Andrea Grant, who rallied from nowhere and benefited from a Tartans disqualification in the 200 freestyle relay to capture the Division II team title, the Mustangs' first championship since 1994. Walnut finished with 158 points to capture the team competition with Glendora finishing second with 147 points. (To continue click thread)

Anything and anyone you want to talk about. With baseball and softball playoffs starting next week, swimming ending this weekend and track getting ready for its biggest three weeks of the season, the end of another high school sports season is near. Which reminds me, any thoughts on the boys and girls athletes of the year? Or just talk about what you want, that's what Just Tribbin is for ...

By Aram Tolegian, Staff Writer
Bonita coach Eric Podley is still waiting to get all his players back from other sports, but when he does, the makings of one of the area's top offenses should begin. It starts with returning quarterback Garrett Pendleton and continues with a receiving corps that's got height and speed to burn. The Bearcats are six deep at running back, according to Podley. And sophomore-to-be Reggie Turner is somebody to keep an eye on. (To continue click thread)

BAKERSFIELD -- Mt. San Antonio College has been in this
situation before.
But can the Mounties do it again?
If Mt. SAC expects to win the school's fifth state softball title
and its second
in a row, the Mounties will have to.
Mt. SAC is in this position after splitting two games Saturday at the
California Community College Athletic Association championship
tournament at Bakersfield College.
The Mounties dropped a 2-1 setback to Cypress in the semifinals
before coming back to score a 7-4 victory over Cosumnes River, who
they pounded, 12-0, in the opener on Friday, in an elimination game
Saturday night.
Now Mt Sac (38-12) will face Cypress for the state title at noon. The
Mounties must sweep two games from the Chargers, who are seeking
their first CCCAA state title since 2006. A second game today, if
necessary, will be 30 minutes after the first game.
Mt SAC, which is in the state title game for the seventh consecutive
season, was in this position last week when the swept two games from
Fullerton to win a super regional at Cerritos college.
But it won't be easy, especially against Cypress, which looked
formidable in its 2-1 victory on Saturday.
The Chargers got a solid seven innings from Alyssa Freight, who gave
up just four hits. Cypress pushed across a run in the sixth to take a
2-1 lead.
Mt. SAC, getting two RBIs each from Korinne Randazzo and Samantha Sloniker, came back to advance to the championship round with a 7-4 victory over Cosomnes River.

Friday was both good and bad for two area college softball teams.
Mt. San Antonio continued its quest for its fifth CCCAA title and its second consecutive state title with an impressive 12-0 victory over Cosumnes River in the first round of the State Final Four at Bakersfield College.
The Mounties got big help from three former local standouts = Northview's Heather Harrison, Los Altos' Sarah Velasquez and Covina's Tarra Smith. Harrison hit two home runs and had three RBIs and Velasquez hit a pinch-hit grand slam. Smith also had three hits as Mt. SAC advanced to face rival Cypress in the semifinals tonight at 5:30 p.m. The winner advances to Sunday's championship round. The loser plays an elimination game today at 8, against either Cosumnes or College of the Siskiyous.
I will be in Bakersfield later today and will attempt to provide updates.
Friday wasn't so good for La Verne, who lost two games and was eliminated from the NCAA Division III Regionals in Pineville, La.
The Leopards dropped a tough 1-0 setback to host and top-ranked Louisiana College in the opener and then after hold leads of 4-1 and 8-5 dropped an 11-8 decision to No. 2 Texas-Tyler in an elimination game. La Verne, which got two RBIs each from Ashley Paul (Glendora) and Mandy Brenner (South Hills) and two stolen bases from Melissa Carlson (San Dimas) finished 27-20.
.

Glendora junior Gretchen Jaques broke a record at Friday's CIF-SS Division II prelims at the Belmont Plaza pool that she won't soon forget. Jaques' winning qualifying mark of 1:59:00 in the 200 individual medley broke U.S. Olympian Janet Evans' 1989 record of 1:59.96 that she set with El Dorado High School. Evans is arguably the most celebrated U.S. women's swimmer ever. Jaques, who entered the race with a qualifying mark of 2:04.06, shattered her personal best and will compete for the title on Saturday.
More breaking News: Jaques also set a record in the 100 breaststroke, winning in 1:01.03, breaking the Div. II meet record of 1:01.96, set in 2008 by Hart's Jordan Danny.

This could break the heart of Bishop Amat football fans, but the word is, through several reliable sources, that junior running back Jay Anderson is not on the spring football roster, and might possibly not play football at all next season. Those speculating that he might transfer can forget it, a family member telling me he's not going anywhere. (To continue, click thread)

There is a great chance of this happening, with Glendora in Division II, South Hills the reigning champ in Division III and Bishop Amat heavy favorites in Division IV, despite losing the Del Rey League finale to St. Paul. You can even have a sleeper like Sierra Vista make a run in Division V, and don't count out Bonita in Division III. Player of the year, coach of the year, all-team first team honors, all this stuff will be decided over the next few weeks. There is no clear cut favorites at this point, the postseason will determine all that, but enjoy it, the next few weeks should be exciting. The Pairings are released on Monday.

Above: Glendora pitcher Adam Plutko put together a spectacular season. Next up, the CIF playoffs.

Click here for a complete list of swimming prelims, finals results and schedules.

Above: San Dimas's Henry Shieh in the 200 yard IM during the CIF-SS Division 4 swim finals at Belmont Plaza Pool

Division IV Swim Finals: San Dimas High School's Henry Shieh got a pair in Thursday night's CIF-Southern Section Division 4 finals at Long Beach's Belmont Plaza indoor pool. He finished fourth in the 100-yard breaststroke in 1 minute, 2.58 seconds and sixth in the 200 individual medley in 2:05.06. He had a personal best in the IM. "All of my strokes were the same," the senior said. "But the biggest improvement was on the turns on the butterfly and the backstroke. I thought I swam pretty well."

Saturday's Division II @ III Preview: The area's best boys and girls swimmers will take an important step toward CIF-Southern Section individual titles when they compete at the Division II prelims, scheduled for this morning at 10 at Belmont Plaza in Long Beach. Locals led by Glendora's Gretchen Jaques, Walnut's Andrea Grant and Rowland's Kylie Garcia have a good shot at individual championships. Damien's Jason Haney and Johnny Beal also will be in the running for Division II glory. Jaques and Grant won CIF-SS titles last season. The finals are scheduled for Saturday at 4 p.m., also at Belmont Plaza. Jaques, who has won the 50-yard and 100 freestyles the past two seasons, is competing in the 200 individual medley and 100 butterfly this season, but hardly has missed a beat.

Saturday, at Mission Viejo HS: Division I Prelim heet sheets.
Saturday, at Moorpark HS: Division II Prelim heet sheets.
Saturday, at Estancia HS: Division III Prelim heet sheets.
Saturday, at Carpineria HS: Division IV Prelim heet sheets.

Above: Glendora's Lauren Justus in the 3,200 meters.

By Steve Ramirez, staff writer
This is a big weekend in track and field, which will have Saturday's CIF-SS divisional prelims. They will be held at four sites. Division 1 is at Trabuco Hills High in Mission Viejo; Division 2 at Moorpark High; Division 3 at Estancia in Costa Mesa and Division 4 at Carpinteria High. All four meets begin with field events at 11 a.m., with the running events scheduled to begin at noon. The finals are scheduled for Saturday, May 22. The area will be led by sprinters Beejay Lee of West Covina and Remontay McClain of Covina. They have two of the quicker times in California in the 100 and 200 meters, respectively. Bishop Amat's Kylie Price, one of the better competitors in the 200 and long jump, also is expected to do well.

South El Monte 4, Arroyo 3: With all the twists and turns of a good novel, it was only fitting that Thursday's Mission Valley League showdown between the South El Monte and Arroyo high school softball teams ended with some drama. Angie Aguinaga led off the bottom of the seventh inning with a triple to the left-center-field gap and was awarded home plate when the throw in went into the South El Monte dugout for a 4-3 win that gave South El Monte its fifth consecutive league title.

Glendora 3, Ayala 1: For the third consecutive year, the Glendora High School softball team earned a piece of the Sierra League title with Ayala, but this one had a special feel to it. Glendora scored two runs in the bottom of the sixth to squeeze out a 3-1 victory. The Tartans defeated Ayala's UCLA-bound pitcher Jessica Hall for the first time and earned their first win over the Bulldogs in three years.

Above: Diamond Bar's Andrew Cameron threw for 1,795 yards and 11 touchdowns in 2009

By Aram Tolegian, staff writer
Diamond Bar coach John Martin may have a simple solution to his developing two- headed monster at quarterback - play both Andrew Cameron and Harry Omana, who transferred from Mater Dei late last season. "Both of them will play a little bit," Martin said. "Both do things a little bit different." Cameron, a senior-to-be, has plenty of experience. Omana, a junior-to-be, is versatile. When spring practice begins Monday, the two should put on quite a show. Quarterback is just one place where Martin has plenty of experience back. Diamond Bar returns 17 of 22 starters just in time to head into a new league and division: The Brahmas are leaving the Sierra League for the newly formed Hacienda League, which will produce exciting local matchups on a weekly basis. Diamond Bar is also changing to the Southeast Division.

National Reaction story: Commentators, bloggers and the national media continued Wednesday to debate the finish of a dual track meet that ended in controversy when a pole vaulter was disqualified for wearing a friendship bracelet.

Our Keith Lair, who covered the event, says don't blame Monrovia coach Mike Knowles: One website said that Knowles could have suggested to Laird to remove the bracelet long before she jumped. Well, it was so cold that the athletes were not removing their sweats until they got on the runway, so there is no way Knowles could have known earlier that she was wearing a bracelet.

Why do I feel like I jinxed it with the previous thread, or broke up a no-hitter by talking about it. Folks, this just in, St. Paul beat Bishop Amat 3-2 in the Del Rey League finale today, ending Amat's 47-game league winning streak, and ending Paul Paez's undefeated season. Bishop Amat had just moved to No. 2 in Baseball America's National Rankings, but this surely will drop them way down. Gabe Encinas got the win for St. Paul, who scored in the bottom of the sixth to break a 2-2 tie. Both pitchers went the distance. We will have more in tomorrow's newspaper, but you can blame us, it's the Tribs fault.

St. Paul 3, Bishop Amat 2: St. Paul High School's baseball team ended its regular season on an impressive note Wednesday, defeating Del Rey League rival Bishop Amat, 3-2. Gabriel Encinas threw a complete game for the Swordsmen, who snapped Bishop Amat's 37-game league unbeaten streak. Encinas (8-2), who signed to attend Loyola Marymount, scattered six hits and struck out five

Sierra Vista 12, La Puente 7: Sophomore Giovanni Rivera and senior Christian Huerta had three RBIs apiece and Sierra Vista won its second consecutive league championship with a 12-7 victory over the Warriors.

The latest Baseball America/National Coaches poll ranks Bishop Amat No. 2 in the country, jumping all the way up from their previous spot of No. 24. In 2001 Bishop Amat was crowned USA Today's National Champion. I know they already clinched league, but don't say today's game at St. Paul doesn't mean anything. The Lancers also are trying to extend their 37-game league unbeaten streak. Check out "The Big River," Rio Ruiz, he's on the cover.

After all these years covering preps, I've never seen a better sophomore than shortstop Ruio Ruiz. Just enjoy it, he's around two more years and will likely go down as one of the all-time greats. When you consider the teams and pitchers he's faced throughout the season, his team-leading .520 batting average along with 28 RBIs and four home runs is amazing. Imagine if Amat had a fence, the homer total could be so much more. I guess the only negative thing I could say about him is he's going to USC, :), someone should remind him he looks better in blue.

This thread is running in Miguel Melendez's Star-News blog, I just had to share it with you. Apparently Monrovia called a South Pasadena pole vaulter for wearing a friendship bracelet, which cost South Pasadena the league title ... read on...By the way, shouldn't high school officials remind participants to take off jewelry before events start? If you're a coach (from any school) and you see this, shouldn't you walk up and remind the person to take that off. To me that's sportsmanship, not waiting until the end of the competition to call someone on a technicality that you probably knew all along that you could call at anytime.

Deadspin's reaction from this story was harsh, so harsh in fact I couldn't print it, but read on with caution if you wish.

Even Sports Illustrated chimed in:

South Pasadena's Robin Laird thought she won meet April 29 with final pole vault. But opposing coach pointed out she had string friendship bracelet against rules. Laird was disqualified on technicality, giving Monrovia the victory and league title.

Our Keith Lair covered the event:

There likely will be very little friendship when the South Pasadena and Monrovia high school track and field teams meet next time.

That's because a friendship bracelet decided the Rio Hondo League girls title.

With the pole vault deciding Thursday's dual meet, Monrovia needed at least a second-place finish to claim its first league title.

South Pasadena's Rachel Ma and Monrovia's Samantha Boltz and Gabby McBride all cleared 7-0. South Pasadena's Robin Laird, the Tigers' best pole vaulter, passed at the height.

With a crosswind and both teams watching, cheering wildly on makes and groaning on misses, Laird easily cleared 7-6. Monrovia co-coach Mike Knowles pointed out Laird was wearing a friendship bracelet. Any jewelry calls for automatic disqualification. The coaches called CIF-Southern Section officials to confirm the disqualification.

"I hate that," Knowles said. "I didn't want to do that. I've lost a CIF title because a girl had one diamond earring she forgot to take out in the 4 by 400 relay."

Laird's disqualification gave the Wildcats a 65-62 win.

Migue Melendez's take: Winning at all costs? I'm not a fan of it, and in this particular case I was not a fan of how Monrovia won the league title. Clearly, Laird won the event in dominating fashion. According to the Sports Illustrated report, South Pasadena coach PJ Hernandez asked Monrovia coach Mike Knowles "you really want it to come down to this?" I know, rules are rules, but c'mon. Really?

By Aram Tolegian, Staff Writer
Damien High School's athletic upgrades took another big step this week with the unveiling of the school's weight room located at Spartan Hall. Damien had already redone its baseball and football fields and built a new gym. Now students have what school staff are calling a state-of-the-art weight room to go along with it. (To continue click thread)

By Aram Tolegian
Walnut will host Baldwin Park in a passing game with a fall feel on Friday at 7 p.m. The game will be 11 on 11, with both teams treating preparations as if it were a typical regular-season game. Baldwin Park returns a veteran team but has questions at quarterback, so Friday's game should help Braves coach James Heggins get a first look at what he's got to work with. Fans will also get to see Mustangs standout Aubrey Coleman, who recently committed to Washington

San Dimas' Kayla Norrie hit a two-run homer, had four hits, six RBIs and was a triple short of a cycle to lead San Dimas (17-7, 12-2) to a 15-5 rout over Northview (18-6, 12-2) in six innings to move into a first-place tie in the Valle Vista. In other big games, Duarte (12-6, 10-1) came back and beat Azusa (15-5, 10-2) 6-5 and can clinch the Montview league title with a win over Workman on Thursday. In the Sierra League, Ayala (24-4, 8-1) took a one game lead over Glendora (19-5, 7-2), though the Tartans will meet them again on Thursday at home in hopes of sharing the title.

Above: San Dimas junior shortstop Aleena Avalos reached base all five times in Tuesday's win.

Story: Ayala 2, Glendora 0
Story: Duarte 6, Azusa 5
By Fred J. Robledo, Staff Writer
San Dimas High School catcher Kayla Norrie calls it late season team bonding while shortstop Aleena Avalos said when the Saints turn it on, there is no turning it back off.
Whatever the reason, late season charges have come to define the Saints in recent years, and they're doing it again. San Dimas, who has reached the CIF-Southern Section Division 5 semifinals the past three years and the championship game last year, mercied rival Northview 15-5 in six innings on Thursday to move into a first-place tie in the Valle Vista League with the Vikings, though the tiebreaker goes to the Saints after taking two-of-three in the season series. (To continue, click thread).

Charter Oak High School announced today that Damien High school assistant John Phillips has been named the new boys basketball coach, replacing Ray Walker, who resigned. Charter Oak also named former Northview coach Todd Quinsey the girls basketball coach, taking over for Keisa Pineda. Quinsey is a Trib favorite of ours, he is a former correspondent who also worked phones for us.

Here's this week's baseball rankings:
1. Bishop Amat (25-2) - With two undefeated pitchers in Paul Paez and Brandon McNitt and a 47-game Del Rey League winning streak and nonleague and tournament wins that would make anyone jealous, all that's left is another CIF championship.
2. Glendora (20-2-1) - Someone asked me what Glendora has to do to get respect. They pointed out that winning the Sierra is the toughest chore in the Valley, and that they've won two tournaments. My answer to that is they're not the only power ranked behind Amat, arguably the best in the state.
3. Damien (17-5) - Huge sweep over Diamond Bar, they've clinched a playoff spot and will finish no worse than second in the Sierra. Another great season in a tough league.
4. South Hills (17-5) - How do you go from nearly beating and arguably outplaying Bishop Amat in a 4-3 loss, to a 5-3 loss against Walnut? They will finish with two games against Rowland, and need to win convincingly to show they still have the swag.
5. Bonita (17-4-1) - the Bearcats clinched the Miramonte title with two wins over Wilson last week, and now get two nonleague games with Walnut this week. That's a nice feeling, they can rest and do whatever they want before the playoffs start.
6. Northview (16-5-1) - Huge win at San Dimas to clinch the VVL title after losing earlier in the week in a blur after lefty Eddie Pedroza left with what looked like an injured elbow, though we've been told it was his forearm. We hear that he's likely to be back for the playoffs, which is really, really good news for the Vikes.
7. Diamond Bar (14-9) - Despite getting swept last week by Damien, the Brahmas are a solid third in the Sierra, a position not many thought they would be in when the season started. How would you like to be a league champion and draw them and Mathews in the first round? Talk about not fair.
8. Sierra Vista (17-5) - Huge 3-2 win over La Puente to take a one-game lead in the Montview heading into a final showdown against the Warriors on Wednesday to clinch the title outright.
9. Charter Oak (14-8) - Not a great season, but not a bad one either. They will finish second in the Miramonte but the real disappointment is Los Altos, who they will meet twice this week. The Conqs are 14-8 overall, but 4-6 and fourth in league.
10. San Dimas (15-7) -- Nice stand at the end of the year to have a shot at the VVL title, but not enough firepower or arms on the mound to get it done. Still, they could be a dangerous postseason opponent.

Here's this week's softball rankings:
1. Glendora (19-4) - It's been a long wait, but finally the Tartans hook up with Ayala on the road today and at home Thursday for the Sierra League title. Both teams enter the final series of the season with 7-1 records in the Sierra.
2. St. Lucy's (16-10) - The Regents' late season charge leaves them one game back of Chino Hills for third in the Sierra with two games against Chino this week. Diamond Bar takes on Chino Hills for a pair. Plus they own a win over Ayala and Bonita, moving them to No. 2.
3. Bonita (20-4-1) - Followed a loss to Charter Oak with another loss to Los Altos. Not exactly what you want with the playoffs nearing. Add to that a loss to St. Lucy's, and they've dropped three of four and fall to third in our standings.
4. Northview (18-5) - The Vikings are 12-1 in league but need another win over San Dimas today to clinch the VVL title outright.
5. Charter Oak (16-11) -- All of a sudden the Chargers have won seven straight, including a win over Bonita to take firm control of second in the Miramonte.
6. West Covina (16-7) - The San Antonio League champs lost a nonleague game to Charter Oak and earlier in the season lost to Los Altos, showing the strength of the Miramonte compared to the San Antonio.
7. San Dimas (16-7) - When the Saints turn it on, they really turn it on, owners of three straight shutouts and six straight wins with the payoff possibly coming today against Northview, the last team to defeat them.
8. South Hills (17-7-1) -- Earned a nice sweep over Walnut to keep sole possession of second in the San Antonio.
9. Azusa (15-4) - The Aztecs are 10-0 in league, but the title on the line with finale today against Duarte (9-1) for the outright title.
10. Arroyo (18-2) - Facts are facts, they have the best won-loss record in the Valley, but losses have come against Covina and Gabrielino. Without any eye-opening quality wins, it's hard to rank them higher than this.

By Aram Tolegian, Staff Writer
Charter Oak High School football coach Lou Farrar has been through plenty of spring practices and it never gets old. But the veteran Chargers coach had a very good reason why he was looking forward to this year's spring activities, which began Monday as the Chargers started their quest for a third consecutive CIF championship.
"I'll tell you what, I'm so excited, I'm not blowing smoke either," Farrar said. "My daughter and son-in-law went on a cruise last week, so my wife and I had their three kids for a week. I kept saying I can't wait for football because that's the sanctuary. This is the only place I can go where I have total control and everybody listens to me ... not like my grandkids." To continue reading, click thread

By Fred J. Robledo, Staff Writer
Arroyo High School's softball team is not happy with the Mission Valley League's decision to ask it to forfeit a 2-0 victory over South El Monte on April 2 for allegedly conducting an illegal pre-game batting practice. In fact, Arroyo has refused to acknowledge the forfeit in the league standings while it appeals the decision, even though no appeal date has been set and both teams are to meet for the final time Thursday in a game that will decide the league title.
The forfeit would have had no bearing on the league title had Arroyo (18-2, 12-1) not lost last week to Gabrielino 5-4. That opened the door for South El Monte (12-5, 11-2), whose only two losses have come against the Knights, though one is the game in question. (To continue, click thread)

We will be covering all CIF-Southern Section swimming finals Thursday through Saturday. CIF-SS prelims begin tomorrow and for all the heet sheets and results immediately after, click this link the rest of the week, it does a wonderful job updating the results soon after the swimmers finish.

Bishop Amat won its 37th consecutive Del Rey League game and clinched its fourth straight Del Rey League title with an 8-1 win over St. Paul, capped by another strong two-hit complete game from pitcher Brandon McNitt, who improved to 8-0. The Lancers got a bit boost offensively on an inside-the-park grand slam from Bernardo Zavala in the second inning that gave the Lancers a 4-0 lead. Sierra Vista pitcher Christian Huerta held on for a 3-2 victory over La Puente after giving up both runs in the 7th inning to give Sierra Vista a one-game lead over La Puente with both teams meeting again on Wednesday at Sierra Vista.

Bishop Amat 8, St. Paul 1: Senior pitcher Brandon McNitt is the reason Bishop Amat High School baseball coach Andy Nieto doesn't like naming anyone as his staff ace. Most would assume that label would belong to senior lefty Paul Paez, who is 11-0 with a 0.56 ERA. But McNitt has put together a season that would make anyone envious, and it was on full display in Bishop Amat's 8-1 victory over St. Paul on Monday that clinched the Lancers' fourth consecutive Del Rey League title.

Sierra Vista 3, La Puente 2: Sierra Vista High School took a huge step toward defending its Montview League baseball championship on Monday when it scored two runs in the bottom of the seventh inning to come from behind and beat La Puente 3-2.

For the complete list of Aram's all-encompassing SGV top 25 football spring football poll click the link. Here is a quick peak at the top five. Personally, there is no way I would have Diamond Ranch ranked that high, Glendora, West Covina and Muir would look better in that spot.

1. Bishop Amat -- I seriously have no idea how any team will be able to cover Wallace Gonzalez.
2. La Habra -- The Highlanders really don't get all the credit they deserve for being one of the Southland's perennial powers.
3. Charter Oak -- Already hearing rumblings about how good the incoming frosh class is going to be. It never ends.
4. South Hills -- Line play will be key for Huskies in new league/division and they've obviously got it.
5. Diamond Ranch -- Panthers drop a spot over QB concerns. Let's see what happens in spring and summer.

This L.A. Times story reports that football coaches salaries are skyrocketing, with several well-to-do private schools paying more than six digits. John Mack at Crespi reportedly receives well over 100,000 per year.

Bishop Amat beats Whittier Christian: There was just no denying either the Bishop Amat High School boys volleyball team or middle blocker Adam Balderas. The 6-foot-4 senior connected on 16 kills and six blocks and was dominant in the Lancers' 25-23, 26-24, 20-25, 23-25, 15-7 victory over host Whittier Christian in Monday's wild-card round of the CIF-Southern Section Division 4 playoffs.

Southern Section Boys Volleyball
Division 4
Monday's wild card
A--Bishop Amat at Whittier Christian
B--Gabrielino at Viewpoint
C--Westminster La Quinta at Los Altos
D--Holy Martyrs at Keppel

First Round
Tuesday's matches, 7 p.m.
Winner wild card A at #1 El Segundo
Redlands at Temple City
Winner wild card B at #4 Garey
Winner wild card C at San Gabriel
Winner wild card D at #2 Rancho Alamitos

The Scouting Guru has been all over the San Gabriel Valley and beyond, and like always, he's offered to share his thoughts, free of charge. Don't hate, enjoy it for what it's worth, which is one man's opinion on the talent in the San Gabriel Valley.

The Guru Says: I had a column in my computer ready to get you updated on what is going on in the recruiting circles. My thoughts from the Nike Camp and Combine along with other interesting tidbits from throughout the area. But, I decided to change things up when the clock hit 1:20 p.m. on Friday afternoon. That was the exact moment that an era in the San Gabriel Valley had come to an end. It was the moment when South Hills High School Principal Judi North decided to retire in late June as the principal of South Hills High School.

In the Huddle Breaking News: Workman High School named former Damien coach Scott Morrison head coach on Friday afternoon. Morrison replaces Fred DeLilio, who went 13-17 in three seasons before resigning this offseason. Morrison was let go by Damien following the 2008 season and replaced by Greg Gano.

South Hills High School principal Judith North announced she will retire at the end of the school year during an emotional assembly at the school on Friday afternoon.

North, arguably one of the best sports principals in the Valley, has been a visible figure at all Huskies sporting events during her time at the school.

"Most intellectuals can't lead," South Hills football coach Steve Bogan said. "Judi North is an intellectual who could lead. She has to be going into semi-retirement because I could never see her not involved in people's lives."

Northview 13, San Dimas 7: Northview claimed its fifth consecutive league championship on Friday with a 13-7 victory over defending CIF champ San Dimas while the Saints secured their fifth consecutive runner-up finish in a league that has produced the past two CIF-SS Division 4 champions.

Damien 6, Diamond Bar 3: Damien High School remained in the chase for the Sierra League baseball title with a come- from-behind 6-4 victory over Diamond Bar on Friday afternoon. The Spartans trail Glendora by one game with two games left. Trailing 4-0 against Brahmas ace Kenny Mathews, the Spartans (17-5, 10-3) sent 10 batters to the plate and scored six runs in the top of the fifth to pull out the victory.

By Aram Tolegian, staff writer
San Dimas High School isn't the only place experiencing a numbers boom due to recent football success. Azusa coach Joe Scherf reports that his usual headcount of 60 players has grown to 75 as the Aztecs ready for spring ball. The reason? Azusa's march to the Mid-Valley Division semifinals last season. "We're getting a lot of different kids to come out," Scherf said. "I'm sure the number will dwindle back down to about 60 kids in the program when the season gets here."

Above: Erika Kalmar part of four league titles and four meet records.
Valle Vista League Finals: Several records fell at Thursday's Valle Vista League track and field finals at Baldwin Park High School, a day highlighted by the brilliant performance of San Dimas High senior Erika Kalmar, who not only walked away with four first-place medals but was part of four meet records as well.

Sierra League Finals: Many in attendance at the Sierra League track and field finals Thursday cheered when it was announced that Brea Buchanan of Ayala High School had broken two meet records. Buchanan merely giggled.

Above: San Dimas' Katherine Salcedo setting a record in the 100 hurdles.

A California legislative committee advanced a bill Wednesday that would place a two-year moratorium on the use of metal bats in high school baseball, responding to safety concerns that were raised when a Marin County teenager was severely injured earlier this year.

"The hyper-performance of high tech metal baseball bats has gone too far. It's increasing the risk of serious injury and yes, death, for young people and we have to do something about it." -- Assemblyman Jared Huffman, D-San Rafael

By Aram Tolegian, staff writer
It's his strongest team ever. It's his fastest team ever. So why won't West Covina High School football coach Mike Maggiore call next season's Bulldogs his best team ever?
"There's a little thing called football skill," Maggiore said. "This is the strongest and fastest team I've had, but that doesn't make a football team great. But it should help us out. When the Bulldogs begin spring practice next week, Maggiore will have more than 50 players on the roster who can clean 200 pounds in the weight room. He'll also have 10 who can bench more than 300 pounds.
When you combine that kind of power with the type of speed the Bulldogs have in track star and running back B.J. Lee, it's easy to see why West Covina is expecting big things in the fall.

By Aram Tolegian, staff writer
Bishop Amat quarterback Brock Booth has advanced to the next round of Steve Clarkson's Dreamaker quarterback competition. Booth pulled it off with a strong showing at Clarkson's camp held at the Rose Bowl in late February. Booth was among those chosen out of the group to head to Santa Barbara for the next round where he'll compete against what Clarkson calls "an even stronger group of athletes".

Go ahead and try making sense of this ... Ernest Banaag, the most successful coach in Mayfield Senior School history, will not have his contract renewed for the 2010-11 school year. Banaag, in his four years at the parochial school, led the volleyball team to three consecutive CIF-Southern Section championships. Banaag said school officials said they wanted the program to "go in a different direction."

"That's all they would tell me," said Banaag, who coached the team for four years. "They wanted to go in a different direction. I don't know what direction winning CIF three years in a row is. If it was for due cause, then I would understand. If it was three losing seasons, I would be happy to go. I did not fulfill my duties. I asked them if they slept on it if it would change their minds and they said no."

Robledo's thoughts: The school should give an explanation. You have a coach publicly asking for one after winning three straight titles. I would understand if the coach went quietly because there was some inner turmoil with a student or teacher that they both didn't want going public, but for him to be let go out of the blue after everything he has done for the school doesn't make sense. It's not fair to the coach because of the way he was fired, it makes it look like he's done something wrong that we don't know about. If he says he hasn't, and asks for an explanation, the school should do the responsible thing and give one.

Glendora 9, Chino 3: The Glendora High School baseball team got an early test from visiting Chino in a Sierra League game Wednesday before an unheralded player came off the bench and sparked a five-run inning to help the Tartans remain unbeaten at home with a 9-3 victory.

Damien 12, Diamond Bar 8: For the first time in recent memory the three playoff teams from the Sierra League have been decided before the last week of the season. Damien High School, the Tribune's fourth-ranked team, took advantage of five hit batters and seven walks to beat seventh ranked Diamond Bar 12-8 on Wednesday afternoon.

Sierra League standings:
Glendora 19-2-1, 10-2
Damien 16-5, 9-3
Diamond Bar 14-8, 8-4
Friday's games
Chino at Glendora, 3:15 p.m.
Damien at Diamond Bar, 3;15 p.m.

By Fred J. Robledo, Staff Writer
The Northview High School baseball team was close enough to taste its fifth consecutive Valle Vista League title, but left with a nauseating feeling after San Dimas' Matt Lee hit a dramatic grand slam in the seventh inning shortly after Vikings pitcher Eddie Pedroza was removed after injuring his elbow on a curve that left him grimacing in pain with two outs to go.
Lee's grand slam to left -- his second homer of the season, came with the Saints trailing 2-1 with the bases loaded and two outs, paving the way for a 5-3 victory after the Vikings tacked on a run in the bottom half. (To continue click thread)

By Aram Tolegian, Staff Writer
It's amazing what a CIF-Southern Section championship will do for a football program's numbers. Just ask San Dimas High School football coach Bill Zernickow, who said he expects the number of players out for spring ball to nearly double from recent years. Zernickow estimated 90 players will be out for spring practice, up from the usual 50. He credited the turnout to the program's success. (To continue click thread)

By Dave Werstine, Staff Writer
The Del Rey League softball race is interesting now. St. Joseph had a chance to all but wrap up consecutive championships Tuesday afternoon. However, visiting Bishop Amat ruined the celebration, eking out a 1-0 decision to draw even with the Jesters for first place. "We are in a good situation," said Lancers coach Jesse Mendez, whose team can claim at least a share of the title, with Bishop Montgomery and St. Paul to close the regular season.

Above: Bishop Amats Lauren Vargas safe on second base despite the efforts of Natalia Garcia. The Lancers beat St. Joseph 1-0. Photo by Brittany Murray / Press Telegram

Above: Bishop Amat coach Andy Nieto deserves a lot of credit for not just putting together one of the toughest schedules in the state, but for winning and giving the SGV all the state-cred it deserves.

Here's this week's baseball rankings:
1. Bishop Amat (22-2) - Just another ordinary week in Lancerland, a 4-3 win over South Hills followed by an 11-1 blowout over Lakewood to capture the Redondo Tournament title. After the schedule they played, I don't want to hear any Division 4 complaints after they add another section title in a few weeks.
2. Glendora (18-2-1) - It's amazing to me that this far into the season the Tartans have just two losses, especially considering how difficult the Sierra League is. They were rewarded this week with the No. 2 ranking in Division 2.
3. South Hills (14-4) - Nobody really believes in moral victories. Yes, it was a 4-3 loss to Bishop Amat, but some think they outplayed, out-pitched, and out-hit the Lancers, they just couldn't come up with the crucial at-bats. That's baseball and why a loss in this fashion isn't really a loss.
4. Damien (15-5) - The Spartans continue to stay close to the Spartans, sweeping last week to remain 8-3 in league, just a game back of Glendora with two weeks left.
5. Northview (14-4-1) - Have we been sleeping on Northview? Could there still be a huge Northview-Bishop Amat showdown in the Division 4 playoffs? Well, the Vikes are No. 3 in D-4 and 10-0 in league. They can all but wrap it all up with a win over San Dimas on Wednesday.
6. Bonita (15-4-1) - What once was a comfortable lead in the Miramonte is now just a one game lead over Charter Oak after losing to Diamond Ranch. They finish with two games each against Walnut and Wilson.
7. Diamond Bar (14-7) - The Brahmas sweep over Chino sets up a big week with two games against Damien. Like Damien, they're also 8-3 in league and a game back of Glendora. The survivor this week should do no worse than second in league.
8. Charter Oak (13-8) - The Chargers kept pace with the Bearcats with a much needed sweep over Wilson, doing it in style with back-to-back shutouts. These Chargers are something, one week they look ordinary, the next they look unbeatable.
9. Sierra Vista (14-5) - A loss to Azusa last week leaves them in a tie with La Puente for the Montview League lead, setting up a great finish with a pair against the Warriors next week for all the league title.
10. San Dimas (14-6) -- After a horrible start, the Saints are 9-2 in league and control their own destiny with a pair against Northview this week. They got clobbered in their first meeting with the Vikes, will be interesting to see how far they've come on Wednesday.

Question: Should Bishop Amat be in the top 10? It's tough because of their 10-11 overall record, though they have played a monster schedule. Here's the thing, they're 7-2 in the Del Rey League and playing St. Joseph's today for the outright lead in the Del Rey. You tell me.

Here's this week's softball rankings:
1. Glendora (17-4) - Tartans suffer a 5-4 loss to Chino Hills, but remain in a tie for first place with Ayala thanks to St. Lucy's win over the Bulldogs.
2. Bonita (19-3-1) - Look at the losses, Charter Oak, St. Lucy's and Glendora with a tie against South Hills. The Bearcats are better than this, you know it, I know it, and something tells me when the playoffs arrive, they will show it.
3. St. Lucy's (14-10) - Lets see, a sweep of San Dimas, a victory over Bonita, Ayala, and Charter Oak Tourney champs, but a miserable 1-5 in the Sierra.
4. Arroyo (17-1) - We told you a month ago that Arroyo wouldn't lose another game once the Mission Valley League started. Looks like we were right. But when it comes to quality wins, can't rank them above the top three.
5. West Covina (15-6) - Big sweep over Rowland last week, even if the second-game came with a bit of controversy. The San Antonio title is theirs unless they trip up big-time.
6. Northview (16-5) - The Vikings in control for now, but they will end the season next week against San Dimas and Covina for all the marbles.
7. San Dimas (14-7) - Didn't need a crystal ball to know the Saints start winning this time of year, and with four straight wins, can't wait until they meet Northview one more time next week.
8. Charter Oak (13-11) -- Back-to-back wins over Los Altos and Bonita are good enough to grab top ten attention again.
9. South Hills (15-7-1) -- Look like they will finish second in the San Antonio and will need to do better in the games-you-have-to-win category down the stretch.
10. Azusa (14-4) - They're in the same boat with Arroyo, just too good for their league and will probably go undefeated in the Montview as well, already 9-0 with two weeks left.

By Aram Tolegian, Staff Writer
If you're a Rowland High School football fan and you're worried about the recovery of star quarterback Michael Ball from a broken collarbone, coach Craig Snyder has a message for you: Don't be. Snyder said his quarterback is fully recovered from the injury that cut short his junior season. Ball has been running track and will be in the football flow once that ends. (To continue click thread)


Above: The collarbone injury that sidelined Michael Ball. Now he's back and ready to go.

By Steve Ramirez, Staff Writer
There are some sports that often seem like the family business. It seems that way for the Grants, whose sister trio of Rebecca, Rachel and Andrea has each enjoyed success competing for the Walnut High School swimming team during this decade. Andrea Grant, a junior, is the latest of the sister act, winning a CIF-Southern Section Division II individual title last season and looming as one of the favorites to win two events this year.

Above: Bishop Amat's Rio Ruiz after belting a three-run homer in last week's 4-3 win over South Hills.

CIF-Southern Section Baseball Polls
Division 2
1. Glendora, 2. Chaminade, 3.Crespi, 4. Redlands East valley, 5.Cypress, 6. Bellflower, 7. Foothill, 8. Santa Barbara, 9. Los Osos, 10. Arcadia
Division 3
1. Beckman, 2. South Hills, 3. Alhambra, 4. San Gorgonio, 5. Hemet, 6. Rancho Alamitos, 7. Bonita, 8. California, 9. Ocean View, 10. Culver City.
Division 4
1. Bishop Amat, 2. Palm Desert, 3. Northview, 4. St. Paul, 5. Fullerton, 6. El Segundo, 7. Sonora, 8. Monrovia, 9. Torrance, 10. San Dimas.

CIF-Southern Section Softball Polls
Division 3
1. La Reina, 2. Bonita, 3. Glendora, 4. Ayala, 5. Oaks Christian, 6. Alemany, 7. Cajon, 8. Tesoro, 9. Atascadero, 10. Downey.
Division 5
1. Cerritos Valley Christian, 2. La Canada, 3. Village Christian, 4. West Covina, 5. Whittier Christian, 6. South Hills, 7. Heritage, 8. Calvary Murrieta, 9. Riverside Christian, 10. Savanna.
Division 6
1. Marymount, 2. Arroyo, 3. South El Monte, 4. La Salle, 5. Ramona Convent, 6. Oaks Hills, 7. Oxford Academy, 8. San Gabriel Mission, 9. Nordoff, 10. Faith Baptist.

Since last week's Bishop Amat 2-1 victory over South Hills in front of more than 1,200 folks under the lights at Mt. San Antonio College, some interesting things have happened. South Hills and Northview have agreed to meet on a Friday night next year, as well as Bishop Amat and South Hills meeting again, and we hear their could be more nonleague "mega matchups" under the lights next season. And there's more, Bonita and Northview are teaming together to create a San Gabriel Valley tournament at the beginning of the season, one that could match the best teams of the SGV with several of the best from the Inland Empire. They're hoping for a quality 32 team tournament with several commits already. Locally, South Hills, Damien, Bonita, Northview, Los Altos and Covina are in. Redlands East Valley, Yucaipa, Rancho Cucamonga and Los Osos are committed from the IE. This has all the making of something great, with organizers hoping first-round games could match SGV teams against I.E. teams so we could keep a count of how the two areas perform against each other. It's a wonderful idea, and a great way to start the year. Team interested in participating (hint, hint Bishop Amat) should contact John Knott at Bonita or Darren Murphy at Northview.

On a side note: Yes, this tournament is scheduled the same week as the Glendora tournament, which obviously will affect it now that Northview, Bonita, Alta Loma as well as Bishop Amat will not attend. Sort of a good news, bad news, I know, but I like the idea of a huge area tournament.

In West Covina's 2-1 softball victory over Rowland last week, the game-winning run shouldn't of been allowed, according to rule 7.09 (L) and 7.08 (B) of the rulebook. Rowland and West Covina were tied 1-1 in the second inning when West Covina had runners on first and third with one out. On a ground ball to short, the shortstop went to first, where the baserunner was ruled out for interference after running inside the baseline and knocking over the first baseman. The runner on first was allowed to go to second, and the runner on third allowed to score, which was the difference for West Covina in a 2-1 game, and which cost the Raiders a chance to control their own destiny for a league title had they won the game. Rowland coach Craig Snyder didn't protest, but the rule states the runners on first and third should not have been allowed to advance: The Rule States: If the runner does not avoid the fielder, the ball is dead and he is out. No other runners may advance beyond the base they last held at the time of the interference. If the batter-runner has not reached first base, runners remain at their bases held at the time of pitch.

Snyder said: "I apologized to my team, I should have protested. I knew what I was arguing was right, and if I had to do it over again I would have protested, no doubt about it. I screwed that up."

It's a big league finals week for track and swimming and we want to report your results. Obviously we can't be at every final, but we want to report on every final we can, so organizers are encouraged to call our office extensions (2233, 2242) and speak to Steve Ramirez at the conclusion of your meets at the end of the week. Steve will stay inside taking your calls on Thursday and Friday to write about your finals so help us, help you. Good luck to everyone, and you can start by posting where and when your league finals are taking place.

League Final Dates
The Miramonte League will kick off the week in swimming with its finals Tuesday at Las Flores Park in La Verne at 12:30 p.m. The rest of the swimming schedule has the Valle Vista League finals at San Dimas on Thursday at 2 p.m.; the Sierra League at Glendora, also on Thursday, at 3 p.m.; the San Antonio League at Walnut on Friday at 3 p.m., and the Montview League, also on Friday, at Sierra Vista at 2 p.m.
League finals in track are Thursday and Friday. The Thursday meets are the Sierra League at Ayala at 3 p.m.; the San Antonio League at Walnut at 3; the Montview League at Bassett at 3:15; the Valle Vista League at Baldwin Park at 3:15, and the Del Rey League at Serra in Gardena at 4:30. Friday's schedule has the Miramonte League at Bonita at 3 p.m. and the Mission Valley League at Gabrielino at 4.

This story won't go away, The O.C. Register published a letter written to parents by Santa Margarita principal Ray Dunne in the wake of an open house rules violation in which the school admitted wrongdoing, but would not discuss publicly what the penalties were. Apparently this letter didn't sit well with CIF officials, who told the L.A. Times' Eric Sondheimer they might consider re-opening their investigation into the alleged recruiting violations.

Riverside Press-Enterprise: Don Markham has resigned as the Rialto High football coach. Markham was put on administrative leave as coach Tuesday following allegations that were submitted to the school. The district would not elaborate on the allegations. According to the story, Markham said he has been accused of manhandling players, to which he responded. "The important thing for me is to clear my name," Markham said. "It's kind of discouraging. Somebody said to me today that you don't want this to be your legacy and you don't want it to end like this."

Rosemead is hoping that by ditching maroon for white helmets that it will somehow make them a tougher football team, according to coach Matt Koffler, who told Aram he wants to see his kids work harder and play tougher. I guess with white helmets you'll look like a warrior with every scratch of your opponents paint, but I'm not sure it will make you play like a warrior. That has to come from within. If this works I'm petitioning UCLA to drop the powder blue.

If Saturday night's championship game of the Redondo Tournament were a prize fight, Bishop Amat would have knocked out Lakewood in the first round. Bishop Amat (22-2) scored seven runs on six hits in the top of the first inning off Lakewood's Danny Ittner to claim the White Bracket title, 11-1, in front of a packed stadium. Brandon McNitt (7-0) went six strong innings for Bishop Amat, allowing just one unearned run on four hits to pick up the win.

CENTER LEFT TO RIGHT: Kelsey Salter Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, Paul Paez University of San Diego, Matt Johnson University of New Mexico, Davis Cazares New Mexico, Josh Tierney Univ. of Redlands, Jerry McClanhan UC Irvine, Damien Haynes Howard University, Alexander Ragsdale Colorado State, Daniel Kane University of Redlands, Anthony Lee University of La Verne, Anthony Avila Occidental College, Nancy Rodriguez University of La Verne.

A banner spring signing period for 13 Bishop Amat High School student-athletes ended with a bang at a lunchtime ceremony put on by the school to honor their achievements. Parents and friends were allowed to attend, and the athletes paid their thanks to the school and their families.

Mission Valley League, Gabrielino 7, South El Monte 6: In his heart, Gabrielino High School baseball coach Joe Laski gave sophomore right-hander Angel Acosta a victory and a save. In the rule book, a pitcher cannot receive credit for a win and a save in the same game.

Montview League, Sierra Vista 5, Azusa 1: Avenging its first Montview League baseball loss of the season, Sierra Vista High School scored three runs in the first inning and held on to beat Azusa 5-1 Friday afternoon. A two-run home run by Christian Huerta capped the three-run first for the host Dons (14-5, 7-1). That was all starting pitcher Elias Novelo needed as he struck out seven and won his sixth game of the season against no losses.