June 2010 Archives

We had just about every high school football coach along with a pair of top players in for pictures the last two weeks in preparation for our fall magazine. We asked the coaches to fill out prospectus sheets, and one of the questions asked is if they had a favorite saying, so I thought I would share a few ...

La Puente's Brandon Rohrer had an interesting one, quoting Glendora basketball coach Mike LeDuc, "If I was any better, then I couldn't take it."

Mr. Philosophical, South Hills' Steve Bogan wrote, "He walked out of that tomb -- and that changes everything."

Arroyo coach Jim Singiser probably answered it the best, "I will always care more about what was done than said. "

Then of course you have the funny guys, like Bonita coach Eric Podley, who wrote, "Just ask coach Gano."

And in true form, Damien's Greg Gano showed one cheap shot deserves another, jokingly writing "Come-on Lou," which is just another friendly jab in his longtime rivalry with Charter Oak's Lou Farrar.

And uh, Diamond Ranch's Roddy Layton? He was too cool to answer, still talking up his much anticipated game with Diamond Bar, and not letting me forget I ranked South Hills ahead of them in our final 2009 poll...

Breaking on Miguel Melendez's Star-News blog: De'Shawn Ramirez, the elusive running back who dazzled fans with his speed and made secondaries look silly, has been suspended from Monrovia High School and the football team. The junior-to-be currently is in summer school working to become eligible to attend Monrovia High, said Monrovia football coach Ryan Maddox. "He's in the process of going through some issues here on campus," Maddox said. "He's gotten himself suspended and he'll start the year suspended. He's got a process before he's eligible to play football for us. Whether he's part of the team or not we'll see as we get closer, but as of right now he's not practiced (with us) or part of the team."

By Steve Ramirez, Staff Writer
Arroyo High School used to be an afterthought in boys tennis. Then sophomore Sam Ho entered the picture. The Knights have since set school history by advancing to the CIF-Southern Section divisional finals each of the past two years. Ho has led those efforts with a near-perfect record when it counted most - during the playoffs. For his efforts, Ho is the Tribune's boys tennis Player of the Year. (To continue, click thread).

2010 ALL-AREA BOYS TENNIS
First Team
Coach of the year: Kelley Wong, Rowland
Player of the year: Sam Ho, Arroyo, So.
Singles: Marcelo Bautista, Rowland, Sr.
Singles: Phillip Kozan, Diamond Bar, Sr.
Singles: Thinh Tran, Arroyo, Sr.
Doubles: Terry Mork, Sr./Austin Chen, Sr., Diamond Bar
Doubles: Kelvin Wong, Sr./Adam Yu, Sr., Rowland
Doubles: erry Holmes, Sr./Bryan Pham, Sr., Arroyo
Second Team
Singles: Michael Vuong, Rowland, Sr.
Singles: James Beardsley, San Dimas, Jr.
Singles: Albert Lee, Wilson, Sr.
Doubles: Alvin Li, Jr./Jonathan Tang, Jr., South Hills
Doubles: Brian Ledyard, Sr./Josh Thompson, Sr., San Dimas.
Doubles: George Karatorosyan, Sr./David Schiebe, Sr., Bonita

By Steve Ramirez, Staff Writer
For one, it was the continuation of a career that might go down as the best in Valley history. For the other, it was breakout party and a peek at better things to come. Glendora High School's Gretchen Jaques, who added to her list of CIF-Southern Section titles, and Damien's Jason Haney, who had a solid showing in his first appearance at the CIF-SS Division 2 meet, showed they simply are the best. For their efforts, these athletes are the Tribune Swimmers of the Year. (To continue, click thread).

2010 ALL-AREA SWIMMING
BOYS
First Team
Coach of the Year: Andrew Gates, Damien, Sr.
Swimmer of the Year: Jason Haney, Damien, So.
Sprints: Chris Lodolo, Damien, Sr.
Middle: Johnny Beal, Damien, Jr.
Middle: Bennett Yuan, Diamond Bar, So.
Middle: Henry Shieh, San Dimas, Sr.
Middle: Damon Pitre, Damien, Sr.
Second Team
Sprints: Kenny Ho, West Covina, Sr.
Distance: Carson May, Damien, So.
Middle: Nick Phan, Walnut, Sr.
Middle: Matt Sapien, Covina, Sr.
Middle: Danny Lam, Sierra Vista, So.

GIRLS
First Team
Coach of the Year: Lani Ruh, Walnut
Swimmer of the Year: Gretchen Jaques, Glendora, Jr.
Sprints: Andrea Grant, Walnut, Jr.
Sprints/Middle: Kylie Garcia, Rowland, Sr.
Middle: Emily Yu, Walnut, Jr.
Middle: Courtney McCadden, Glendora, Jr.
Distance: Madeline Harbach, St. Lucy's, Jr.
Second Team
Sprints: Tiffany Hsu, Walnut, Sr
Middle: Christina Vu, Walnut, Fr.
Middle: Ellie Jaques, Glendora, Fr.
Middle: Kelly Corso, Glendora, Jr.
Middle: Emily Donohoe, St. Lucy's, Jr.

Aram Tolegian has more on Jeffries' signing on "In the Huddle," including a Q&A with the soon-to-be Aztecs quarterback.
Q&A:
Aram: What if my theory comes true -- you guys beat Charter Oak and Notre Dame makes an offer. Will you change your mind?
Chad Jeffries: No. I'm pretty sure about this commitment.

Scouting Guru writes: Glendora High School quarterback Chad Jeffries has officially ended his recruiting by announcing (Monday) evening that he has committed to San Diego St. Jeffries, a first-time all-CIF quarterback in the Central Division, chose San Diego State over Oregon St, Utah and UTEP. "This is a dream that has come true," Jeffries said. "I felt that this was the perfect fit for me and I feel that I really have a chance to compete for the starting position when I arrive at SDSU." To continue click thread

By Steve Ramirez, Staff Writer
Timing is everything in sports, and no two area high school athletes had better timing than Bishop Amat's Kylie Price and Covina's Remontay McClain. They showed it with impressive performances at the CIF State track and field championships. McClain became Covina's first state champion in more than eight decades and Price, with a solid second-place finish, enjoyed the best effort by a Lancer in recent memory. For their efforts, McClain and Price have been named 2010 Tribune track and field Athletes of the Year. (To continue reading click thread).

2010 ALL-AREA TRACK AND FIELD
Boys
Coach of the Year: Dr. Mike Williams, Damien
Athlete of the Year: Remontay McClain, Covina, Jr.
First Team
Sprints: Beejay Lee, West Covina, Jr.
Hurdler: Koree Hines, Diamond Ranch, Sr.
Distance: Anthony Castro, Glendora, Jr.
Field: James Grigorian, Diamond Bar, Sr.
Field: Marquise Cherry, Diamond Ranch, Jr.
Second Team
Sprints: Patrick Macmullen, Damien, Jr.
Hurdles: Ricky Johnson, West Covina, Sr.
Distance: Jayson Perez, South El Monte, Sr.
Field: Jabre Millon, Bonita, Jr.
Field: Ryan Sanders, Walnut, Sr.

Girls
Coaches of the Year: Athlete of the Year: Kylie Price, Bishop Amat, Jr.
First Team
Sprints: Erika Kalmar, San Dimas, Sr.
Sprints/Field: Katherine Salcido, San Dimas, Jr.
Distance: Marissa Horton, St. Lucy's, Jr.
Field: Sarah Barnum, St. Lucy's, Jr.
Field: Illiana Ibrahim, Bishop Amat, Sr.
Second Team
Sprints: Shannon McKee, San Dimas, Jr.
Sprints: Khalahah Todd, Northview, Jr.
Distance: Ashley Holguin, South Hills, Sr.
Field: Katie Yeager, South Hills, Sr.
Field: Jackie Ford, Covina, Sr.

"We haven't decided," Ruiz's father, Rudy, told the L.A. Times as to whether his son would choose to miss three football games to play baseball. "He really wants to play football this year and start at quarterback. I don't think he wants to let his team down."

LA Times: Southern California is well represented among the 39 players selected for the USA Baseball U16 trials that will take place Sept. 25 through Oct. 6 in Houston. The team will end up being 20 players. Players were chosen based on their performances at tournaments in Florida and Arizona. Among the players selected are well-known high school standouts such as shortstop Rio Ruiz from La Puente Bishop Amat.

Here's a video of former Alabama coach Paul "Bear" Bryant that I found on youtube. It's a freshman orientation speech he made, and the advice to work "on the little things" is profound. I thought, it being the summer, would be a good time post as the players prepare for the upcoming season this fall.
But coach Bryant can say it a lot better:

Eric-Paul Johnson, Associated Press
The NCAA committee has approved a proposal which would prohibit college coaches from issuing early scholarship offers, the Associated Press reported. Under this proposal, coaches would not be allowed to offer scholarships to prep athletes until the summer between the recruit's junior and senior years. Recently, many athletes have been offered and accepted scholarship offers during their freshman year and there have been some cases of coaches offering scholarships to middle school athletes. (To continue, click thread)

The East defense was advertised. And Diamond Ranch's Gus Viramontes took care of the rest, with three touchdown passes. What a game by the East!!!! Read the game story and see PHOTO gallery ...

Video Highlights of the East-West game, thanks to whoever posted it, the video is super clean and well done. If you have video of anything SGV preps related and want us to share it, let me know.
Part 1:

Part 2

By Fred J. Robledo, Staff Writer
You won't find anyone working harder or cheering harder than Bonita High School's Chloe Wurst. The lefty turned herself from ordinary into one of the elite pitchers in the CIF-Southern Section in just a few years, earning a scholarship to West Texas A&M after leading the Bearcats to the Miramonte League title, and the CIF-Southern Section Division 3 semifinals. Wurst threw consecutive no-hitters in victories over Los Altos and Diamond Ranch, striking out a combined 25 in the process. (To continue reading along with the coach of the year story, click thread).

2010 Tribune Softball All-Area Team
Coach of the year: Scott Fisch, South Hills
Player of the Year: Chloe Wurst, Bonita, Sr.
First Team
Pitcher: Kortnie Clark, San Dimas, Sr.
Pitcher: Carly Argyle, Glendora, Jr.
Catcher: Britney Rodriguez, South Hills, So.
Utility: Dekota Monarrez, West Covina, Jr.
Infield: Kristen Stewart, South Hills, So.
Infield: Stephany La Rosa, Diamond Bar, Jr.
Infield: Aleena Avalos, San Dimas, Jr.
Infield: Natalie Hernandez, Glendora, Sr.
Outfield: Makaila Garcia, Northview, Sr.
Outfield: Breeanna Sandoval, Bonita, Jr.
Outfield: Alyse Gutierrez, West Covina, Jr.

Second Team
Pitcher: Jackie Wagner, Arroyo, So.
Pitcher: Sabrina Anguiano, Bishop Amat, Fr.
Catcher: Kayla Norrie, San Dimas, Jr.
Utility: Jackie Carlin, Bishop Amat, Jr.
Infield: Courtney Gano, Los Altos, Jr.
Infield: Jacki Campa, Bonita, Sr.
Infield: Sydney Stewart, Diamond Ranch, Sr.
Infield: Vanessa Bracamonte, Wilson, Sr.
Outfield: Janelle Casillas, Arroyo, So.
Outfield: Nicki Sprague, Charter Oak, Fr.
Outfield: Andrea Gutierrez, West Covina, Sr.

THURSDAY UPDATE: With the U.S. in the second round against Ghana, and with a road to the semifinals that includes Uruguay and South Korea, the U.S. is the highest ranked of the four, giving them a very realistic shot at the semis...Below is a thread we posted before the World Cup started about the U.S. team's zero chance, according to our soccer man Nick Green. He was wrong about one thing, Americans are watching, and Americans care. Ratings are good, what more could you ask.

Pre-World Cup prediction: We received a few emails and phone complaints over Nick Green's soccer column in which he says the U.S. has no chance in the World Cup that starts on Friday and Saturday for the United States against England. He's probably right, but the way he wrote it sure has irked soccer followers. Care to weigh in?

By Nick Green, Soccer Columnist
The United States will not win the World Cup that begins at 7 a.m. Friday in South Africa when Mexico takes on the host nation in the opening game. You know that, right ... soccer fan or not? The experts, the pundits, the oddsmakers all say so. The likely champions of the month-long, 32-team, quadrennial tournament are Brazil or Italy or Spain or Germany or Argentina or even England. But not the United States. So why should you care? (To continue, click thread).

As Aram wrote on "In the Huddle," Glendora quarterback Chad Jeffries came by our office for pictures and indicated that he has been offered by Utah, a soon-to-be Pac-12 power, joining a growing list of schools that already have offered him, which includes UTEP, San Diego State and Oregon State. The UCLA fan in me asked if there had been any contact with the Bruins, and Jeffries said yes, and that he has spoken to offensive coordinator Norm Chow, and that Chow told him before he makes any decision, to give him a call. There you have it, an update on the most sought after SGV quarterback since ....hey, u fill in the blank.

By Aram Tolegian, Staff Writer
Friday night's Hall of Fame All-Star Game will be a going-away party not only for the area's top players, but for one of its top coaches as well. When San Gabriel High School's Keith Jones leads the West into action just after 7 p.m. at Baldwin Park High, he'll begin the final four quarters of a career that won't soon be forgotten around these parts, and certainly not around the Matadors' campus, where he took a lackluster program and made it into one of the area's best. (To continue, click thread).

By Fred J. Robledo
GLENDORA -- In his wildest dreams, Glendora High School pitcher Adam Plutko couldn't have envisioned a season this perfect, or maybe he did, which shouldn't be a surprise to anyone who knows him. "We wanted to be that team with the target from day one," Plutko said. "Everyone in the Valley knew we would be good, but we weren't No. 1 in a lot of polls; it was like, 'Are you kidding me?' "We kind of played with a chip on our shoulder the rest of the way, then when we became No. 1 in a lot of polls, it was like, this is where we want to be, there's no looking back, lets get this done." (To continue, and read coach of the year Dan Henley's story, click thread).

Tribune Baseball All-Area
Coach of the year: Dan Henley, Glendora
Player of the year: Adam Plutko, Glendora, Sr.
First Team
Pitcher: Paul Paez, Bishop Amat, Sr.
Pitcher: Kenny Mathews, Diamond Bar, Jr.
Utility: Christian Huerta, Sierra Vista, Sr.
Catcher: Joseph Winterburn, Glendora, Sr.
Infield: Rio Ruiz, Bishop Amat, So,
Infield: Robert Mier, Bonita, Jr.
Infield: Rouric Bridgewater, Diamond Ranch, Jr.
Infield: Eric Lewis, Damien, Sr.
Outfield: Jacob Smigelski, Glendora, Sr.
Outfield: Matt Gelalich, Bonita, Sr.
Outfield: Bobby Oatman, Damien, Sr.

Second Team:
Pitcher: Travis Santiago, Charter Oak, Jr.
Pitcher: Eddie Pedroza, Northview, Sr.
Catcher: Jerry McClanahan, Bishop Amat, Sr.
Utility: Cody Doyle, South Hills, Sr.
Infield: Joseph Woodward, Glendora, Sr.
Infield: Jacob Shirley, South Hills, Sr.
Infield: Evan Highley, Bonita, Sr.
Infield: Christian Ibarra, South Hills, Sr.
Outfield: D.J. Wallace, Charter Oak, Sr.
Outfield: Chester Pak, Diamond Bar, Sr.
Outfield: Jeff Crowe, Diamond Bar, Sr.

By Aram Tolegian, staff writer
Friday's Hall of Fame All-Star Game means a lot of different things to a lot of different players. For Jerone Cox, it means an entire senior season rolled up into one game. Cox, a defensive back, was ruled ineligible for his senior season after CIF decided that his transfer from Duarte High School to Baldwin Park was athletically motivated. Thanks to the urging of Baldwin Park coach James Heggins, though, Cox was selected to play in Friday's game and will get a chance to finish out his career on the big stage he never got to shine on last fall before heading to Eastern Michigan University on scholarship.

Below: Jerone Cox talking to a crowd of reporters on signing day after announcing his intentions to attend Eastern Michigan.

Quarterback Brock Booth, who transferred from South Hills to Bishop Amat for his senior year, has been granted a change of residence transfer by the CIF-Southern Section.

When: June 25, 7:30 p.m.
Where: Baldwin Park High School
SGV East Roster
Darien Johnson (Bishop Amat); Deron Holmes (Bonita); Ricky Johnson (West Covina);
Chris Lazaro (Baldwin Park); Geoffrey Vaughns (South Hills); Jerone Cox (Baldwin Park); Jacob Ammad (Chaffey); Gus Viramontes (Diamond Ranch); A.J. Powell (Charter Oak); Paul Flores (Gladstone); Keith Smith (Charter Oak); Keenan Anderson (Pomona); Erik Lewis (Damien); Evan Highley (Bonita); Ernesto Martin (La Puente); Kendrec McDade (Azusa); Deron Jefferson (Pomona); Kameron Germany (Northview); Elisha Henley (Diamond Ranch); Tre Evans (San Dimas); Ryan Kohler (San Dimas); Donte Hughes (Covina); Jesse Ili (West Covina); Reyes Barrera (South Hills); Davis Cazares (Bishop Amat); Jesus Vargas (La Puente); Cody Goss (South Hills); Felix Logai (Nogales); Ryan McLaurin (West Covina); Mike Wells (Diamond Ranch); Justin Randall (Ontario); Kyle Ellis (Alta Loma); Tyler Cortez (Bonita); Raymond Raygoza (Baldwin Park); Tre Hale (Damien); Daniel Kane (Bishop Amat); Richard Tejeda (West Covina); Daniel Reyes (Charter Oak); Lucas Hernandez (Santa Fe); Ray Garcia (Alta Loma); Michael Llanes (Ayala); Steven David (Rowland); Justin Winrow (San Dimas).

Not only did Ron Artest walk in the shower following the lost to Boston and tell Kobe get me on this team and I will help you beat these guys, but he recorded this video last year in preparation for the title, which he delivered ..

The Lakers championship feels so good after watching Ray Allen talk smack at the ESPY's in 2008 with Derek Fisher looking on in disgust .... Payback feels good.

The 2010 spring all-area teams will be published over the next two weeks. We had some changes because of the Lakers parade on Monday, so, the Baseball all area will run on Wednesday and Softball on Thursday or possibly Friday. Track, Swimming and BoysTennis will run next week.

Would you believe me if I said I flipped a coin between covering the Los Altos summer league basketball games tonight or staying home to watch Lakers-Celtics in game 7? Give Conqs' coach Jeff Lucas some credit, he's taking one for the tournament team by playing at 7, and my good friend at Keppel, coach Hung Duong, who I know is a big Lakers fan, is playing Arroyo at 7 at Workman High. And those graduations tonight? I can only imagine the oohs and ahhs in tight-knit crowd of cell phones, that should be interesting. My goodness, hope the TIVOs are working, and if the bus doesn't show up or breaks down for the games tonight, I understand, it's only one of the biggest games in one of the biggest rivalries in NBA history.

Los Altos summer basketball tournament schedule
Games at Los Altos and Workman
Thursday at Workman HS
2:00 Upland vs El Rancho
3:00 Workman vs Whittier Christian
7:00 Arroyo vs Mark Keppel

Thursday at Los Altos HS
4:00 San Dimas vs Whittier
5:00 Brea vs La Puente
6:00 La Serna vs Claremont
7:00 Los Altos vs Huntington Park
8:00 Cal vs Sierra Vista

Note: Friday all games at Los Altos
1-8pm
Saturday games at Los Altos
9am-8pm
Saturday games at Workman
1-4pm

All-Valle Vista League
Baseball
MVP: Derek Penilla, San Dimas
First Team
Pitcher: Jason Martinez, Covina
Pitcher: Eddie Pedroza, Northview
Pitcher: willie Gomez, Ganesha
Infielder: Shawn Kennedy, San Dimas
Infielder: Nick Hynes, Covina
Infielder: Fernando Gonzalez, Baldwin Park
Infielder: Bobby Ramos, Northview
Outfielder: Bobby Fraijo, San Dimas
Outfielder: Efren Aguilera, Baldwin Park
Outfielder: Damien Chico, Northview
Catcher: Noah Ingram, Covina
Catcher: Arman Valenzuela, Northview
Utility: Matt Lee, San Dimas
Utility: Xavier Martinez, Northview

Softball
MVP: Kortnie Clark, San Dimas
Pitcher: Jen Vargas, Covina
Pitcher: Chrissy McPhael, Northview
Infielder: Molly Ross, Covina
Infielder: Sarina Jaramillo, Northview
Infielder: Jazmin Chavez, Northview
Infielder: Sara Moore, San Dimas
Infielder: Aleena Avalos, San Dimas
Outfielder: Candice Orozco, Covina
Outfielder: Telia Provenzano, Covina
Outfielder: Makailah Garcia, Northview
Outfielder: Courtney Hine, San Dimas
Catcher: Kayla Norrie, San Dimas
Catcher: Felicia Calles, Northview
Utility: Andrea Montoya, Covina
Utility: Erin Jaramillo, Northview
DP: Emily Lewison, Northview
DP: Karissa Conner, San Dimas

The Bishop Amat Lady Hoops Girls Basketball Camp will run from June 21-24 from 1:30-5:00 daily. The camp is open to girls entering the 5th-9th grades. Girls will receive instruction in basketball fundamentals, a camp t-shirt, and the chance to win daily prizes. The cost of the camp is $80. For more information, contact Coach Wiard at 626-962-2495 ext. 5868.

As expected, the Los Angeles Times' final Southern California high school baseball poll has been released and to nobody's surprise Glendora finished No. 1. Bishop Amat finished No. 15, Damien No. 21, and Bonita No. 25.

"Opposing hitters would have had an easier time reaching Pluto than getting to Tartans ace Adam Plutko," -- L.A. Times' Ben Bolch

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.

Guru says: Needless to say, it has been a very busy May and June for your friendly friend here on the recruiting trail. The month of May was spent with college coaches on the west coast and the month of June has seen us working college camps (including USC and UCLA). For this column, let's take a look at what I will call "the big three" These are the three best college recruits for the San Gabriel Valley and see what is going on with their recruiting. (To continue, click thread).

Above: Charter Oak Co-MVP Travis Santiago
All Miramonte League
Baseball
MVP: Travis Santiago (Charter Oak), Rouric Bridgewater (Diamond Ranch).
First Team
Brian Tuttle, Bonita
Adam McCreery, Bonita
Derek Goodwin, Diamond Ranch
Robert Mier, Bonita
Joe Munoz, Los Altos
Gio Morales, Los Altos
Aaron Henry, Charter Oak
Evan Highley, Bonita
Joe Reynoso, Charter Oak
Matt Gelalich, Bonita
De Jon Wallace, Charter Oak
Anthony Ramos, Bonita
Chris Holden, Charter Oak

Softball
MVP: Chloe Wurst, Bonita
First Team
Courtney Gano, Los Altos
Sydney Stewart, Diamond Ranch
Kayla Papez, Charter Oak
Vanessa Bracamonte, Wilson
Jackie Campa, Bonita
Breeana Sandoval, Bonita
Nicki Sprague, Charter Oak
Mariah Midyette, Los Altos
Alyssa Villalpando, Los Altos
Cassie Andrews, Charter Oak
Jennipher Solis, Los Altos
Clarice Spathias, Bonita.

Baseball
All San Antonio League
MVP: Cody Doyle, South Hills, Sr.
First Team
Pitcher: Andrew Morales, South Hills, Sr.
Pitcher: Dakota Behr, South Hills, Sr.
Pitcher: Ruben Chavira, Walnut,Sr.
Catcher: Bryce Harrison, Walnut, Jr.
Infielder: Jacob Shirley, South Hills, Sr.
Infielder: Christian Ibarra, South Hills, Sr.
Infielder: Andrew Guzman, Nogales, Fr.
Infielder: Richie Rollice, South Hills, Jr.
Infielder: Brett Bonilla, Walnut, Jr.
Infielder Alan Gonzalez, Nogales, Sr.
Outfielder: CJ Saylor, South Hills, So.
Outfielder: Kevin Costello, Nogales, Sr.
Outfielder: Andrew Roddy, South Hills, Sr.
Outfielder: Albert Lemus, Nogales, Sr.
Utility: Ty France, South Hills, So.

Above: West Covina's Dakota Monarrez, the MVP

Softball
MVP: Dakota Monarrez, West Covina, Jr.
First Team
Alexandra Robles, South Hills, Fr.
Alyse Gutierrez, West Covina, Jr.
Andrea Gutierrez, West Covina, Sr.
Britney Rodriguez, South Hills, So.
Camille Herrera, West Covina, Sr.
Deanna Alfaro, Nogales, Jr.
Justine Chavira, Walnut, Jr.
Juunae Dai're, West Covina, Sr.
Kaylea Snaer, Rowland, Fr.
Kristen Stewart, South Hills, So.
Laura Banuelos, Rowland, Jr.
Mariah Gurule, Walnut, Jr.
Mariah Gurule, Walnut, Jr.
Mercedez Cundiff, Rowland, Jr.
Sam Nieves, South Hills, Jr.
Sidney LaFollette, South Hills, So.

Over the next week I will be in and out and working on all-area and football stuff, so won't be blogging too much (I'm actually in a severe Lakers depression, though I expect them to win two straight at Staples and won't accept any other scenario). I will start posting all-league teams over the next few days so you're on your own to comment on threads already up, or if you wish, email or send a comment of a topic you would like discussed. BTW, Argentina, Germany and still to play Brazil and Spain are my World Cup favorites.
Below: Congratulations to all our graduates ..

By Nathan Cambridge, Correspondent
COVINA - Bonita High School junior Robert Mier homered to help the Grey team defeat the Blue 3-1 in Saturday's third annual KG Sports Training Foundation Underclassmen All-Star Baseball Game at Gladstone High School. "It's fun to play with a bunch of guys you have been playing against all year," Mier said. "It's a really neat experience." (To continue, click thread).

No time to relax in the summer, over the next two months Aram, Steve and I will be working on PrepXtra, a magazine of 40-50 pages that will serve as our prep football preview instead of the traditional six-page newspaper special section that we produce every fall. This will be similar to our Rose Magazine and with the additional space we will be able to write a preview of every football team in the area, not just a league overview with a capsule. It's the most ambitious project we've tried yet, which will include columns, features, and of course a cover story and picture that will set up the 2010 season. I'm taking suggestions on the cover shot and story, and any other items you would like to see in the magazine.

Last year's cover: It was the "Drive for Five," with Charter Oak coach Lou Farrar winning out and winning his fifth title. Now all three will be in the Sierra League. We're taking suggestions for this year's cover shot. Any thoughts?

The second annual KG Sports Training Foundation Underclassmen All-Star Game will take place Saturday at 2 p.m. at Gladstone High School. The foundation will award two scholarships, one for $1,000 and another for $500. Keppel coach Houston Hernandez and his staff will coach the Blue team, and Covina coach Pete Loaiza will coach the Grey team, flanked by Darren Murphy (Northview), Tom Quinley (Charter Oak), Gil Adame (Covina) and Andrew Hanson (Covina) as his assistants. The rosters are as follows:

Above: South Hills' Ty France is one of the huge standouts playing on Saturday.

Blue team: Angel Acosta (Gabrielino); Vince Albelo (Gabrielino); Julian Jarrard (Temple City); Calvin Copping (Temple City); Gary Acuna (Al- hambra); Frankie Wright (Al- hambra); CJ Saylor (South Hills); Ty France (South Hills); Dom Martinez (South Hills); Doug Mayberry (San Marino); Haram Park (Arcadia); KJ Edson (Arcadia); David Hubinger (St. Francis); David Olme- do (St. Francis); John Alexander (Glendora); David Ortiz (Bosco Tech); Brennon Martinez (Bosco Tech); Mark Jebbia (Maranatha); Chris Rucker (Pasadena); Robert Lain (Pasadena); Ives Brown (Pasadena); Max Katz (Keppel); Matt Lee (San Dimas); Nate Rousey (Crescenta Valley); Elliot Surrey (Crescenta Valley); Dylan Mersola (Burbank); Sergio Luna (Cathedral); Chris Flores (Cathedral); Mike Aguilar (Montebello); Anthony Milan (Montebello); Daniel Lopez (Montebello).

Grey team: Jason Martinez (Covina); Andrew Carrillo (Covina); Vinny Venegas (Covina); KC Huth (Bonita); Adam McCreery (Bonita); Robert Mier (Bonita); Matt Gelalich (Bonita); Steven Baltierra (Wilson); Daniel Farfan (El Monte); Mark Roche (Arroyo); Steven Adame (Arroyo); Antonio Gonzalez (Damien); Jose Chavez (Damien); Obryen Sanchez (Whittier); Stephen Zavala (Whittier); Daniel Moriel (El Rancho); Will Walters (Walnut); Adrian Velasco (Monrovia); Mark McMahon (Whittier Christian); Bobby Ramos (Northview); Tyler Grijalva (Northview); Xavier Martinez (Northview); Travis Santiago (Charter Oak); Aaron Henry (Charter Oak); Fernando Gonzalez (Baldwin Park); George Johnson (West Covina).

Jerone Cox, who left Duarte for Baldwin Park but was ineligible, will suit up for the game. Also, Amat studs Johnson, Cazares and Kane stand out.

By Aram Tolegian
West Covina High School football coach Mike Maggiore liked what he saw right away from his East squad during Monday's opening practice for the Hall of Fame All-Star Game on June 25 at Baldwin Park. Maggiore estimated he had 35 players participating with others held up by prior commitments related to end-of-school-year activities. (To continue, click thread).

I want you to know what I wrote about Derek Fisher was nothing more than an April Fools joke, look at the date I wrote the ridiculous piece about benching him. You know I wasn't serious, right?

By Aram Tolegian
Bassett High School has named Aubrey Duncan its new varsity football coach, replacing Craig Cieslik, who resigned last week after just over a month on the job. Duncan, the school's track coach, was head coach of the Los Angeles Amazons professional women's football team. Bassett hired Cieslik in late April to replace Leon Ward, who was let go by the school after three seasons. Poor player turnout during spring practices - the Olympians reportedly were down to 13 players - led to Cieslik's abrupt resignation. Duncan was part of Ward's staff last season and applied for the open job during the offseason before the school went with Cieslik. Bassett went 4-6 last season and hasn't had a winning record since 2003, when it won the Montview League under coach Pete Smolin.

Fresh off of winning the Division 2 championship on Saturday, Glendora High pitcher Adam Plutko was selected in the sixth round, and 183rd overall by the Houston Astros during Tuesday's Major League Baseball amateur draft, joining Jiovanni Mier, who was drafted in the first round by the Astros last year from Bonita.

By John Honell, Correspondent
Thirty-nine high school seniors played their final softball game before moving on to the college level in Monday's North-South San Gabriel Valley All-Star game at Mt. SAC. The North got outstanding pitching from a pair of Valle Vista League stars to down the South 9-2. San Dimas' Kortnie Clark started for the North, went five innings and held the South scoreless while giving up three hits and striking out eight. She also singled off longtime rival Chloe Wurst of Bonita in her first at-bat. "It's really good to get a hit off Chloe," Clark said. "She's really good. It's a real honor to be here but it's bittersweet. It's good to move on and do other things, but it's kind of sad to leave after all this time." (To continue click thread)

Below: South's Kim Hernandez of Bishop Amat slides safe back into third base with North's Brianna Dworak of Glendora Monday's San Gabriel Valley all-star softball game.

Congrats go out to former Diamond Bar standout Gary Brown, a Tribune All-Area selection in 2007, who was drafted in the first round of the MLB Draft by the San Francisco Giants with the 24th pick.

Brown has played for Cal-State Fullerton for the past three seasons. He was drafted in the 12th round out of high school, but opted to hone his skills in the college game first. Obviously, it paid off.

With Mater Dei winning the Division I title on Saturday night, which is a team that both Bishop Amat and South Hills defeated, even the L.A. Times' Eric Sondheimer admitted that Glendora makes a solid case to be considered the No. 1 team in Southern California after finishing 27-2-1. In fact, after covering five champions in three years, Bishop Amat and Northview in 2008, San Dimas and South Hills in 2009, and Glendora in 2010, I would have to say that Glendora is the best of them all. They have everything you want, three No. 1 caliber pitchers, great defense, great offense, and the type of chemistry that comes with growing up as neighborhood kids and making the dream happen in the final. And look where they're going, Adam Plutko (UCLA), Joe Winterburn (UCSB), Joseph Woodward (UCSB), Jacob Smigelski (LMU), Clint Harwick (Point Loma) and Jacob Cage (Azusa Pacific) -- all on full or partial athletic scholarships.

Above: Glendora's Joe Winterburn is greeted by Bishop Amat's Jerry McClanahan after hitting a home run during the SGV all-star game Sunday at Moor Field in Alhambra.

By Nathan Cambridge, Correspondent
Sunday's 15th annual San Gabriel Valley All-Star Game played at Alhambra High School's Moor Field marked an opportunity for 49 high school seniors to represent their schools for the final time. The Red team took it to another level by hitting three home runs in a 12-7 victory over the Blues. Glendora's Joe Winterburn, starting at catcher for the Red team, hit a three-run home run in the first inning. Winterburn won overall MVP honors to add to a resume that included winning a CIF-SS Division2 championship on Saturday.

By Steve Ramirez, staff writer
LAKE ELSINORE -- It took Glendora High School nearly six decades to reach its first CIF-Southern Sectional baseballchampionship game. It proved to be worth the wait. Second basemen Joseph Woodward went 3 for 3 and pitcher Adam Plutko outdueled highly-touted Taijuan Walker and the Tartans won their first CIf-SS title with a 10-3 victory over Yucaipa in the Division 2 title game at The Diamond in Lake Elsinore. (To continue reading, click thread).

Glendora's championship photo gallery

CIF-SS Division 2 championship
Score by innings
Yucaipa 100-101-0--3-5-1
Glendora 030-304-x--10-12-0
How they scored:
Yucaipa 1st: Leonard Malfvon singed to center field. He advanced on a sacrifice and scored on a line-drive triple down the left field line by Wyatt Padgett. Glendora's Adam Plutko got Taijuan Walker and Matt Hardison on groundouts. Yucaipa 1, Gledora 0.
Glendora 2nd: Kyle Layton lead off double to right. Jacob Cage singled to right, Layton beating the throw home, Cage advances to second, 1-1. Brennan Salgado tripled to right center, scoring Cage for a 2-1 lead. Max Shih walked, first and second. Joseph Woodward follows with a single to left, Salgado scoring, 3-1.
Yucaipa 4th: Grady Espinosa hit a one-out triple to center that would have been a homer in any high school park. He scored easily on Alex Morabito's ground-out to second, trimming the Tartans' lead to 3-2.
Glendora 4th: Salgado leads off with a walk, followed by Shih, who walks after trying to bunt, then working the count. Yucaipa's 6-foot-5 pitcher Taijuan Walker comes out of the game, Pedro Cota in to replace him. Joseph Woodward beautiful bunt up third, the throw sails away, Salgado scoring, Shih to third, Woodward to second, still no outs, 4-2. Clinton Harwick comes big, smacking a single to center to drive in Shih and Woodward, Tartans leading 6-2.
Yucaipa 6th: With two outs, Matt Hardison singled, Dallas Alexander running for him. Grady Espinosa singled, putting runners on first and third. On Adam Putko's pickoff attempt at first, a balk was called, Alexander scoring, Espinosa to second.
Glendora 6th: Clinton Harwick lead single. After a strikeout, John "the best swing in the valley" Alexander drove a double off the wall in left-center, scoring Harwick, 7-3. Winterburn walks, first and second. Layton promptly triples to left-center, driving in Alexander and Winterburn to go up, 9-3. Layton scores on a pass ball, 10-3.

The 100 and 200 meters are the most anticipated for a reason, they crown speed, and for Covina High's Remontay McClain, it means he's the fasted in California after winning a pair of state titles in Clovis on Saturday. He won the 100 meters in 10.45, and the 200 in 20.85. But that's just part of it, he broke what has to be the longest drought in Valley history. I thought Bonita chasing its first baseball title since '51 was crazy, but Remontay took it back to the 20s. His two titles were the first for Covina track since 1924. That's gotta be a record no matter what Joe Amat says :) Speaking of Amat, give it up for Kylie Price, she finished second in the long jump and sixth in the 100 meters

GAME STORY
By Fred J. RobledoStaff Writer
LAKE ELSINORE -- The sight of Bonita High School's Matt Gelalich walking gingerly into the press room and burying his head in his hands explained it all. The Bearcats' improbable run through the CIF-Southern Section Division 3 baseball playoffs ended on a sour 2-1 loss to Ocean View in the championship on Saturday at The Diamond in Lake Elsinore. (To continue, click thread).

Bonita championship game photo gallery

CIF-SS Division 3 championship
Scoring by innings
Bonita 'Cats 100 -000-0 -- 1 4 2
Ocean View 011 -000-x -- 2 5 4
How they scored:
Bonita 1st: Robert Mier led off the game with a single to left, and moved to second after a catcher's pick-off attempt sailed to right rield. After Matt Gelalich's ground out to first moved Mier to third, he scored on Evan Highley's fly out to center, staking the Bearcats to a 1-0 lead.
Ocean View 2nd: Blake Hitchcock and Timothy Robinson led off the second with back-to-back singles, then moved to second and third respectively after Adam McCreery's pick-off attempt on Hitchcock skidded to center. Nick Schulenburg's grounder to third scored Hitchcock, but McCreery stuck out the next two to get out of the inning tied, 1-1.
Ocean View 3rd: Colton Johnson smacked a triple to lead off the inning and scored on Blake Walker's ground-out to Mier at second, giving the Seahawks a 2-1 lead. Mier might have had a play on Johnson, but juggled the ball before getting the out at first.

Craig Cieslik has resigned as head varsity football coach at Bassett after just over a month on the job. The Olympians were reportedly down to 13 players during spring practice. Cieslik was hired in late April to replace Leon Ward. Cieslik was previously head coach at La Sierra High School for two seasons in 2007 and '08.

Covina High School's Remontay McClain will be the favorite in the 100 meter finals at tomorrow's state finals in Clovis after winning his heat in 10.34 on Friday, the fastest time in the nation this season. Bishop Amat's Kylie Price qualified for the finals in both the long jump and 100 meters.

Above: Look, Remontay can even beat Superman.

By Keith Lair, Staff Writer
CLOVIS - It was easy to think of Covina High School's Remontay McClain as an afterthought. And why not? McClain has shown vast improvement this season, but as far as being among the state's elite? That didn't happen until Friday. The junior made people who had not heard of him stand up and definitely take notice. Serra's George Farmer, considered one of the heavy favorites going into the meet, said McClain has "come out of the woodwork." (To continue, click thread).

South Hills-Whittier Christian photo gallery

By Andrew Campa
IRVINE - The South Hills High School softball team had been counted out so many times this season there perhaps was no better way to respond to fans and detractors than by winning a CIF-Southern Section ring. While the plan was in place, defending Division 5 champion Whittier Christian was an unwilling partner. The No. 1-seeded Heralds rallied behind another brilliant effort from Courtney McGee in claiming their third division title in six years with a 4-0 win in Friday's championship game at Deanna Manning Stadium. (To continue, click thread).

I'm banking the Valley is going to add two more baseball titles to its resume on Saturday, that's how good I feel about Bonita and Glendora's chances. We were going to blog on Coveritlive, but our friends at the CIF office, which means media relations giant Thom Simmons, emailed me this, "Feel free to tell your readers you would love to "coveritlive" but, the heartless CIF is denying you." Believe me, Simmons actually loves us, he reads our blog (and swears he doesn't comment) and is one of the best media relations people in the business, so I'm cutting him some slack. That leaves two alternatives, do you want us to twitter updates on the blog, or do a live blog inning-by-inning scoring updates on the thread or both. Either way, we're going to get the info to you as soon as possible, with quotes and pictures afterward.

Above: Glendora's Kyle Layton

By Fred J. Robledo, Staff Writer
There are some unique ties between the Glendora and Bonita high school baseball teams, which will compete for divisional titles on Saturday at The Diamond in Lake Elsinore. Bonita (24-4-1) will face Ocean View (21-9) in the Division 3 championship at 1 p.m., followed by top-seed Glendora (26-2-1) and Yucaipa (27-6) battling for the Division 2 crown at 4:30. (To continue, click thread)

San Gabriel Valley's best again helping Fullerton. Here's a story I wrote for today about four former area players who are keying Cal State Fullerton's run to the postseason - and beyond.

FULLERTON - Cal State Fullerton's base is in the heart of Orange County.
But there have been instances in recent years where the Titans have added some San Gabriel Valley flavor. Fullerton's run to the College World Series final four in 2001 and 2003, as well as its road to the 2004 national title was paved with players who once called the 626 area code home.
It's the same this season for the Titans, whose quest for the school's fourth CWS championship has been aided by four former area players - Gary Brown of Diamond Bar High School, Tyler Pill of Covina, Richie Pedroza of Northview and Noe Ramirez of Alhambra.
All will be key elements when the Titans open the Division I regional playoffs against Minnesota tonight at 8 p.m. at Fullerton's Goodwin Field.
These four players haven't forgotten where they came from.
"I think we all represent (the area) well," said Pill, whose older brother Brett starred at Fullerton and was one of the heroes on the 2004 national title team. "This shows what type of talent that plays in the San Gabriel Valley.
"Since we're up here competing and making a big impact in this program, it shows other teams, other coaches that a lot of talent comes from the San Gabriel Valley, and they will start looking for more who come from (here). I think as long as we keep performing well, there will be more San Gabriel Valley guys up here."

With the baseball season officially over, Bishop Amat turns all its attention to football from now until December, if they're still playing that long. This will be our bloggers' opportunity to offer their impressions of spring practice, what you see at quarterback and the other impact positions. Who will carry the rock if Jay Anderson really doesn't return to concentrate on baseball. Who will carry them in the trenches? Who are the newcomers that will make an immediate impact, and the returners that have to step it up. And as always, what's the 411, the mood in Lancerland, the inside scoop. You know we all want to know.

By Fred J. Robledo, Staff Writer
For those interested in classic baseball matchups, it will be hard to find a better one than wild-card entrant Yucaipa (27-6) taking on top-seeded Glendora (26-2-1) in the CIF- Southern Section Division 2 championship at The Diamond in Lake Elsinore at 4:30 p.m. Saturday. That's because the Tartans are sending out UCLA-bound right-hander Adam Plutko, also a potential high draft choice in this month's Major League Baseball amateur draft. (To continue, click thread).

Above: Glendora will face highly regarded 6-foot-5 pitcher Taijuan Walker, who has been clocked in the mid 90s.

By Aram Tolegian, Staff Writer
Before Diamond Ranch High School's football team can entertain the thought of another 14-game season, the Panthers have to find a quarterback who can lead them on such a long journey. That's what Diamond Ranch coach Roddy Layton has been focusing on as his team continues spring practice and prepares for a long summer of learning. Last year's quarterback, Gus Viramontes, led the Panthers to two consecutive CIF-Southern Section Southeast Division championship games, but he graduates later this month, along with playmakers such as Amari Staten and Elisha Henley. (To continue, click thread).

Above: Who will replace two-year starter Gus Viramontes, who led the Panthers to consecutive championship games.

Let's face it, Glendora coach Dan Henley and Bonita's John Knott deserve every award you can give them for how they have led their teams this season. Glendora is playing for its first championship in the school's history, and arguably in the Southern Section's most difficult division, earning the undisputed tag as the Valley's best team so far. But then there's Bonita, playing for its first since title since 1951, which came before the Dodgers moved here from Brooklyn. That's just crazy. When you think about how many impact players the Bearcats lost, it's just crazy. I can still remember Knott weeping on the field following the loss to South Hills last year. I really think he thought they let an opportunity slip away that might not come back for a while. Who knew? Hopefully there will be a good Valley turnout at the Diamond in Lake Elsinore, with Bonita going at 1 p.m., followed by Glendora at 4:30 p.m., games that we will live blog for all of you. Player of the year, that's a tough call too. So much has happened in the final weeks that everything is up for grabs, including all the first-team area spots. We've got a few days before Saturday's championship, so go ahead, looking for a player of the year, two pitchers, four infielders, three outfielders, a utility and catcher.

Saturday's championships
At the Diamond, Lake Elsinore
Division 3
Ocean View vs. Bonita, 1 p.m.
Division 2
Yucaipa vs. No. 1 Glendora, 4:30 p.m.

South Hills' emotional journey is going to end with a Division 5 championship opportunity against defending champion Whittier Christian on Friday at 5:15 p.m., at Deanna Manning Stadium in Irvine. This is a team you can't think about without thinking of Britney Rodriguez, whose brother Tony and big fan of the Huskies died in a car accident back in March, which obviously was a trying time for weeks. It's great to see how they pulled together and have this opportunity now. BTW, does coach Scott Fisch have another dive in him?

One South Hills High School punch beat La Canada's 1-2 punch in Tuesday's CIF-Southern Section Division 5 softball semifinals. Sophomore Sydney La Follette delivered the knockout punch in the sixth inning, breaking a 1-1 tie with a full-count double, to lead the Huskies to a 3-1 victory and the CIF-SS championship game for the first time since 1997, when they defeated St. Paul, 2-1, for the Division IV crown.

The San Gabriel Valley Senior Softball All Star Game will be played Monday, June 7th at Mt. San Antonio College. The game will start at 6:30 pm. Mt. Sac will be charging a $5 admission fee and a $2 parking fee. The north team will be coached by Reese Mitchell from Glendora High School and the south team will be coached by Dean Bunting from South El Monte High School. To view the rosters from both teams, click the thread.

Bishop Amat High School girls' basketball coach, Richard Wiard, is holding his annual Lady Hoopster Basketball Camp June 21-24 from 1:30-5:00 daily. The camp is open to girls entering the 5th-9th grades. Girls will receive instruction in basketball fundamentals, a camp t-shirt, and the chance to win daily prizes. The cost of the camp is $80. For more information, contact Coach Wiard at 626-962-2495 ext. 5868.

Glendora advances: It was classic Glendora High School baseball. The Tartans usually get solid pitching, backed with good defense, and then let someone step up offensively. That someone was senior Jacob Smigelski, who with one swing of the bat has Glendora where it's never been before - the CIF-Southern Section finals. Smigelski homered with one out in the bottom of the seventh inning and the Tartans advanced to the school's first appearance in the CIF-SS title game with a 2-1 victory over visiting Mira Costa in a Division 2 semifinal on Tuesday.

Bonita advances: None of the players on the Bonita High School baseball team were alive the last time the Bearcats made a CIF final. There's a good shot none of their parents were alive as well in 1951. Needless to say, Bonita's 13-4 victory over San Gorgonio in Tuesday's CIF-SS Division 3 semifinal game held a bit of extra significance.

CIF-SS Playoffs Results
Tuesday's semifinal results
BASEBALL
Division 2
Glendora 2, Mira Costa 1 - Tartans will face Yucaipa in Saturday's championship at 4:30 p.m., at Storm Stadium in Lake Elsinore.
Division 3
Bonita 13, San Gorgonio 4 - Bearcats will face Ocean View or Gahr in Saturday's championship at 1 p.m., at Storm Stadium in Lake Elsinore.
SOFTBALL
Division 3
Ayala 1, Bonita 0, 8 innings -- Ayala will face Warren in championship either Friday or Saturday at Deanna Manning Stadium in Irvine.
Division 5
South Hills 3, La Canada 1 - South Hills will face Whittier Christian in championship either Friday or Saturday at Deanna Manning Stadium in Irvine.

Ayala-Bonita softball game story
By Fred J. Robledo
Pitcher Chloe Wurst did everything she could to carry the Bonita High School softball team on her shoulders, dragging the top-ranked Bearcats into extra innings against fourth-seed Ayala. But Ayala pitcher Jessica Hall has broad shoulders too, carrying the Bulldogs to the CIF-Southern Section Division 3 championship with her fourth consecutive shutout of the playoffs, outdueling Wurst and the Bearcats 1-0 in eight innings in Tuesday's semifinals. (To continue, click thread).

Beckman tried protesting Upland's 3-1 Division 2 softball quarterfinal victory for, guess what, an illegal batting practice. CIF looked at it, determined once again, like South Hills' baseball win over Montebello, that while an illegal batting practice took place, the number of players involved was determined to be not sufficient enough to force Upland to forfeit the game, which I completely agree with. Again, kudos to CIF for siding with the kids that won on the field, and who were obviously not trying to cheat anyone, but made a silly mistake, not one that warrants the death penalty in the playoffs. Why teams continue to file these protests in hopes of winning this way is beyond me. A full organized batting practice is one thing, but when it's obvious just a few kids are involved, do the right thing and take your medicine. You lost, don't look to be bailed out by a few whiffle balls.

Protesting over this? An anonymous emailer sent this photo of South Hills "illegal batting practice," in the first round against Montebello, which protested their loss. CIF, determined that while illegal, it was not enough to remove a team from the playoffs because only a couple of players took part.