April 2011 Archives

What happened: The CIF Federated Council approved regional bowl games in the North and South, starting in 2012.

L.A. Times: The regional format was approved despite unanimous opposition from the largest section in the state, the Southern Section. The Southern Section gets only 36 votes out of 137 on the Federated Council because of a weighted voting system even though it has 582 of the CIF's 1,494 schools (39%). Schools that reach the finals could end up playing as many as 16 games, which was a major reason Southern Section schools were opposed to the proposal.

Days after Bonita knocked off Nationally Ranked Bishop Amat and beat Diamond Bar and Kenny Mathews for the second straight time, Los Altos, behind their own undefeated pitcher in Kyle Peck (7-0), held on for a 5-4 win on Friday. Bonita's 6-foot-8 lefty Adam McCreery started, gave up three runs in the first and the Conquerors never looked back, leading 5-2 in the fifth before surviving a run in the fifth, and six. So, now I've got to ask, who's number one on Tuesday?>

Other Scores
Baseline League
Rancho Cucamonga 8, Glendora 7
Hacienda League
Diamond Bar 16, Walnut 2
Diamond Ranch 15, Rowland 7
Mission Valley League
Arroyo 14, South El Monte 1

Arroyo strong: Arroyo High School softball pitcher Jackie Wagner claims she isn't fully recovered from offseason wrist surgery, but the junior pitched a two-hit shutout Friday, putting her team within one victory of the Mission Valley League title. The Knights scored 2 unearned runs in the bottom of the fifth inning, and that was enough for Wagner in a 2-0 victory over five-time defending champion South El Monte.

Upset: Trailing 2-1, Los Altos scored three runs in the bottom of the fifth and pitcher' Jennipher Solis went the distance in the Coquerors' 4-2 win over Bonita, knocking of Division 2s top-ranked team. Not only did the Conqs spoil Courtney Gano's return, they knocked the Bearcats out of first in the Hacienda with their second league loss. West Covina's only loss was to Bonita, and the rematch is Friday at Bonita.

Also: Nogales 5, Covina 4

The Chino Hills High School baseball team apparently isn't going to stroll to the Sierra League championship.
South Hills pitcher Ty France issued four walks Thursday, but that was about it as he one-hit Chino Hills in a 4-0 win that pulled South Hills within a game of the first-place Huskies in the final meeting between the top two teams in the league standings.

Todd Quinsey, the new coach at Glendora high school, confirmed this morning that Bonita coach and athletic director Eric Podley will not be joining his coaching staff, and that he is still in the process of putting his staff together.

By Fred J. Robledo, Staff Writer
Former Edgewood High School great Mike Pill, the father of Covina High graduates Tyler and Brett Pill, who are starring for Cal State Fullerton and the Triple-A Fresno Grizzlies, respectively, is arguably the greatest high school pitcher in the history of the San Gabriel Valley. Mike Pill holds the San Gabriel Valley record for most wins in a perfect season, and he did it twice, going 14-0 in 1976 and '77 to lead Edgewood to back-to-back CIF-Southern Section titles. In fact, Pill still holds the CIF-SS record for consecutive wins, winning 33 straight from 1974-77, and he did it with a career ERA of 0.50. (To continue click thread)

Aram, apparently feeling like he got beat to the punch on Glendora hiring Todd Quinsey, posted late last night that his sources are telling him that Bonita coach and athletic director Eric Podley is mulling whether to join Quinsey's staff as an offensive coordinator. If it happens, I would assume that Podley would remain at Bonita as a teacher or AD, no way in the world you leave to be a walk-on. I spoke with Podley at Wednesday's Bonita-Diamond Bar baseball game and he didn't hint at all that he might be on the move. When I talked to Quinsey Wednesday morning and asked if their were any big-time area assistants that he's trying to secure that would be surprising, he said yes, but thought it might be a longshot. Stay tuned, Quinsey said he wants to have his staff in place by Friday.

Aram reporting that Monrovia's Ryan Maddox will coach the West team and that the East's coach is likely La Puente's Brandon Rohrer. Click link and check it out.

By Steve Ramirez
GLENDORA -- The stakes were pretty high for the Glendora and Los Osos high school softball teams Thursday.
Win, and the path toward the CIF-Southern Section divisional playoffs was pretty clear. Lose, and you could all but kiss those postseason hopes goodbye.
Advantage Los Osos.
Krista Mann had two RBIs and Hannah Peterson was solid in the circle and Los Osos all but ended Glendora's hopes for a playoff bid with a 4-0 victory in a Baseline League game.
Los Osos, which began the day tied for second with Upland and one game ahead of Glendora, improved to 12-9 overall and 7-4 in league play. Glendora, which fell two games behind the Grizzlies, slipped to 12-9 and 5-6. Los Osos also has the tie breaker over the Tartans after beating Glendora for the second time this season.

Diamond Bar's softball team stayed in the Hacienda League title chase with a 4-3 victory over Bonita on Wednesday, handing a rare loss to the CIF-Southern Section Division 2s top-ranked team. Brahmas pitcher Dani Wilson belted a two-run double in the first inning and kept it going in the cirlcle to hand the Bearcats (18-3, 6-1) their first league loss. Aubrey Horita and Lizzy McCabe each were 2 for 2 for the Brahmas (11-9, 6-2), who remain just a half game out of first place.

By Fred J. Robledo, Staff Writer
Bonita High School baseball coach John Knott worried how his team would respond in a trap game after beating nationally ranked Bishop Amat in Monday's area showdown at Mt. San Antonio College. He worried how junior pitcher Justin Garza would respond in a Hacienda League rematch for sole possession of first against Diamond Bar's Kenny Mathews, the Cal State Fullerton-bound lefty who he outdueled in an eye-opening victory in their previous meeting.
But like everyone else, Knott's learning that Garza isn't fazed by anything, nor are the rest of his guys.
All Knott's worries were put to rest after Bonita jumped on Diamond Bar for three runs in the first, then leaned on Garza, who was nearly perfect leading the Bearcats to a 5-1 victory, losing a shutout after giving up a two-out run in the seventh. (To continue click thread).

By Steve Ramirez
Chino Hills didn't clinch the Sierra League baseball title Wednesday. But the Huskies are sitting pretty. Nathaniel Acosta had a RBI single in the sixth and Joseph Keller was solid on the mound and Chino Hills took control of the league race with a 3-2 victory over host South Hills in a battle of the top two teams in the league. (To continue click thread)

"Glendora's going to be happy they hired Todd," said Bonita coach Eric Podley, who coached Quinsey in high school and later hired Quinsey as an assistant when he was at Northview. "He was probably one of the best players that ever played for me, and helped us win a league title. He was a student of the game then and a student of the game now. He possesses the kind of qualities you think a coach should have. He was an over-achiever in high school. He wasn't as athletic as others but he overcame that by being clever, and he was probably as competitive as a player I've ever had. He hated to lose and always looked for that edge you needed to win a ballgame."

By Fred J. Robledo, Staff Writer
Story: Todd Quinsey, who coached the Northview High School football team to an 18-15 overall record in three years as its head coach from 2003-05, was named Glendora High School's next football coach on Tuesday, replacing Mark Pasquarella, who resigned earlier this year after eight years in charge. Pasquarella revived Glendora's football program when he took over and won three consecutive Sierra League titles from 2007-09, compiling a 55-33 overall record during his tenure. (To continue click thread).

Bishop Amat, the top-ranked team in Division 3, beat defending CIF-SS Division 1 champion Santa Margarita 2-0 at Citrus College in Wednesday's fundraiser that benefits the R.J.'s Foundation. The R.J.s Foundation is a non-profit organization that supports terminally ill children and raises money for low-income families to promote professional, academic and athletic achievement. Also, it should be noted that Citrus College is a gracious host, offering to donate their facility tonight for a great cause.

By Aram Tolegian
It's a good thing that South Hills High School baseball players C.J. Saylor and Ty France have been best friends for almost 10 years. Otherwise, what they often do during Huskies games all in the name of winning might not go as smoothly as it often does. Take a trip out to today's Sierra League showdown between Chino Hills and host South Hills and you'll probably see France and Saylor make an uncommon switch during the late innings. Saylor, arguably the top catcher in the area, will remove his gear and hand it to France, who'll go from either pitcher or third base to behind the plate and catch his childhood friend.

After Damien beat Charter Oak 8-2 on Monday, the Chargers' playoff hopes took a big hit in the rematch, Damien moving into sole possession of third in the Sierra League with a 3-0 win over Charter Oak on Tuesday. Chad Lee threw a 3-hitter and went the distance for the Spartans, who are now 9-10 and 7-5 in league. The Chargers are two games back of third with four to play, but those four are Chino Hills twice next week, and two with South Hills to end the season. Unless the Chargers make a dramatic turnaround, they won't be playing in the postseason.

By Clay Fowler, Staff Writer
Scott Fisch explored the possibility, but the South Hills High School softball coach wasn't about to play down the significance of Tuesday's extra-inning, 4-3 win over first-place Chino Hills. "I guess I could give the politically correct answer that it was just another league game," Fisch said. "No. This was huge. Chino Hills is a solid team and to get a win was huge." Ten innings certainly is a huge number, but even bigger is the fact South Hills (14-5, 8-2 Sierra League) pulled even with Chino Hills (16-5, 7-2) atop the league standings thanks to an RBI double from first baseman Sabrina Perez with two outs in the 10th.

1. Bonita (18-3) -- You can dissect Monday's game all you want, the final score still says Bonita 2, Bishop Amat 1, moving the Bearcats to No. 1 in our poll, and well deserved. To have a Brandon Murfett to go with Justin Garza with Adam McCreery looming in the background is a scary staff come CIF. Maybe now the Bearcats will finally get the recognition they deserve outside the SGV.
2. Bishop Amat ( 21-3) - Losing to Bonita may have left a sour taste after winning the National Classic and jumping to No. 8 in the National Rankings, but the focus is still on the Division 4 title, where the Lancers are still ranked No. 1. However, in big head-to-head games since 2008 against area teams, Amat is 1-3. They lost to Northview in 2008, San Dimas in 2009, beat South Hills in 2010 and lost to Bonita, 2-1 Monday night.
3. South Hills (14-3) -- Bonita and Bishop Amat deserve the top two-rankings but this is why the SGV is so good. South Hills could compete with both of them and have a chance to take over first in the Sierra with two games against Chino Hills this week.
4. Glendora (12-5-1) -- The Tartans are pulling away in the Baseline with a two-game lead in the loss column. To emphasize again just how good the Valley is, remember that Glendora beat Bonita 10-0 in the Arcadia tournament.
5. Chino Hills (13-5) -- The Huskies are still up a game in the loss column against South Hills with a home-and-home against them this week. Chino Hills is at South Hills Wednesday and South Hills goes there on Friday.
6. Diamond Bar (11-9) - Only record that matters is 6-1 in the Hacienda with a huge game at Bonita on Wednesday, figuring ace Kenny Mathews and Bonita's Justin Garza will go head-to-head again.
7. Sierra Vista (16-3) -- The Dons and La Puente both have 9-1 Montview records and won't play until next week. But like a lot of successful teams in the Valley, they're doing it with pitching, defense and great coaching.
8. La Puente (13-2) -- The Warriors won't play its big league games against Sierra Vista until next week, but they have an intriguing game on Wednesday at Damien. Kudos to La Puente for scheduling up and taking on the big boys.
9. San Dimas (15-8-1) -- The Saints pulled out a dramatic 10-9 win over Covina to move into a first-place tie with the Colts in the Valle Vista. The Saints are coming on strong and playing well.
10. Covina (13-8) -- Mark May 10 on the schedule, that's when San Dimas visits Covina for the rubber game and likely the Valle Vista League title. Between now and then, however, the Saints and Colts must keep on winning.

Above: Bishop Amat catcher Jackie Carlin

1. Bishop Amat (19-2) -- With the Del Rey already wrapped up, the Lancers turn to Wednesday's game against reigning CIF champion Santa Margarita, whom they will face at Citrus College at 5:30 p.m., in a game benefiting the RJ's Foundation.
2. Bonita (18-2) - Wish we could get an Amat-Bonita softball game just like in baseball. The Bearcats are playing so well it's hard to know who the top team is. After beating Diamond Bar 7-0 on Monday, they face the Brahmas again Wednesday and Los Altos on Friday.
3. South Hills (13-5) -- A game back of Chino Hills in the loss column, they need to win both take over sole possession of first with two weeks to go, and they will have to do it on the road in both games.
4. Glendora (12-7) -- The Tartans are hanging tough in the Baseline, but need a win over Upland today and another against Los Osos later in the week to stay in the league chase.
5. Chino Hills (16-4) -- The Huskies' seven game winning streak put to the test this week against South Hills for first in the Sierra. Both games, today and Thursday, are at the Big League Dreams in Chino Hills.
6. West Covina (12-6) -- The Bulldogs were on spring break last week but resume with a pair against Rowland starting Wednesday. They're still only a game back of Bonita and will meet again next week.
7. Duarte (16-2) --Just like in basketball, the Falcons continue to look impressive, putting together on overall record as impressive as anyone.
8. San Dimas (14-7) -- Starting to pull away in the Valle Vista with a 7-0 league record, two games ahead of Northview.
9. Los Altos (11-5) -- The Conqs sit in fourth in the Hacienda, but that could change quick with Diamond Bar playing Bonita twice and the Conqs getting Bonita later in the week.
10. Northview (13-8-1) -- The Vikings' 12-11 loss to Covina put a serious hurt on their Valle Vista league title hopes.

Bonita softball continues its chase toward a Hacienda League title, getting three home runs in Monday's win. Liza Liddell, Michelle Whitt and Breeanna Sandoval all sent balls over the fence for the Bearcats, who are 18-2 with another game at home against Diamond Bar, Wednesday.

By Aram Tolegian, Staff Writer
La Puente High School football coach Brandon Rohrer is staying put. Rohrer pulled out of the running for the vacant Glendora varsity head football coaching job late last week to remain at La Puente, where he has compiled a 16-6 record in two seasons. "I am officially out of the running," Rohrer said Monday. "I pulled my name late last week. I'm very excited about what we have coming back at La Puente and part of me feels like our job is still not done. It was getting late in the game. It was about time we pulled our name out. A lot of the credit goes to the administration at La Puente because they wanted to keep us and they've done a lot of stuff to help us retain some coaches." (To continue click thread)

Miguel A. Melendez, Staff Writer
A Monrovia High School senior and standout football player pleaded not guilty Monday in Fontana Court to charges of attempted murder, attempted robbery, possession of marijuana and possession of marijuana for sale. Derrick Johnson, 18, of Monrovia, was arrested Wednesday following a botched robbery and shooting in Fontana. (To continue click thread).

By Fred J. Robledo, Staff Writer
This is why high school baseball in the San Gabriel Valley takes a back seat to nobody.
A week after Bishop Amat won Orange County's prestigious National Classic and climbed to No. 8 in MaxPreps' national rankings and No. 1 in its Southern California poll, the Lancers couldn't extend their 21-game undefeated streak in a battle for best in the Valley. Bonita, behind a brilliant performance from senior pitcher Brandon Murfett, pulled out a 2-1 victory in front of standing-room only crowd at Mt. San Antonio College on Tuesday night in a charity game that benefited the R.J.'s foundation -- a non-profit organization that supports terminally ill children and raises money for low-income families to promote professional, academic and athletic achievement. (To continue, click thread).

Bishop Amat-Bonita photo gallery

This is great stuff from Bonita coach John Knott talking to his team in the moments after the big win....

Check out Keith Birmingham's huge gallery of Saturday's Night's All-Star Classic. For video interviews with the MVPs and slam dunk winner, click thread.

Boys game story: : Tribune 98, Star-News 87
Girls game story: Tribune 80, Star-News 69

For the first time in the eight year history of the Tribune/Star-News All-Star Classic, the Tribune team brought out the brooms, sweeping the Star-News in the boys and girls games at Damien High School. The Tribune girls won 80-69 behind game MVP Taylor Anderson (Bonita), who finished with 11 points, 9 rebounds and 3 assists. Madison Zylstra (Bonita) had 13 points and Leticia Galarza had 10 to pace the Tribune team. Zylstra also won the girls 3-point contest, connecting on 14 of 25 shots. In the the boys game, MVP Daniel Rodriguez (Bishop Amat) erupted for 19 first half points and finished with 20 points, 10 rebounds and two assists to lead the Tribune to a 98-87 win. Bruce English (La Verne Lutheran) had 14 points, James Northup (Bonita) had 13 and Jordan Butler (Bonita) finished with 11. Bishop Amat's Tyler Hill lit it up to win the boys 3-point contest, connecting on 17 of 25 shots to win going away. Lutheran's Bruce English won the dunk contest, going airborne and throwing one down on his final attempt to win it.

BOYS BASKETBALL
TRIBUNE-STAR-NEWS
ALL-STAR CLASSIC
At Damien HS
Tribune 98, Star-News 87
STAR-NEWS (87)
Nick Holden (Pasadena) 10, Mike McGlashan (La Canada) 6, Jay
Henderson (Monrovia) 12, Jared Norsworthy (Flintridge Prep) 7, Hunter
Merryman (Pasadena Poly)10, Dario CiVon (La Canada) 10, Daniel Wohl
(Poly) 13, Kishon Sanders (La Salle) 3, Justin Knowles (Muir) 5, Matt
Faber (La Canada) 4, Justin Young (Keppel) 5, Stephen Van Spronsen
(Maranatha) 2.
TRIBUNE (98)
Daniel Rodrigez (Bishop Amat) 20, Jordan Butler (Bonita) 15,
Bruce English (La Verne Lutheran) 14, James Northrup (Bonita) 12,
C.J. Cooper (LV Lutheran) 8, Sharif Watson (Rowland) 7, Tyler Hill
(Bishop Amat) 7, Gian Demano (Damien) 5, German Pompa (La Puente) 2,
Mark Roche (Arroyo) 2, Aubrey Coleman (Walnut) 2, Michael Doering
(Glendora) 2, Alvin Tan (Los Altos) 2.

GIRLS BASKETBALL
TRIBUNE/STAR-NEWS
ALL-STAR CLASSIC
Tribune 80, Star-News 68
STAR-NEWS (68)
Mian Dingle (Maranatha) 16, Ashley Cook (Monrovia) 13, Ashia
Owens (Muir) 11, Itos Aikhionbare (La Salle) 7, Bryttne Nakamura
(Keppel) 6, Kaila Turner (Maranatha) 5, Kelsey Lee (South Pasadena)
4, Jade Richard-Craven (Pasadena Poly) 2, Brittani Hirose (Keppel) 2,
Remi Kohno (San Marino) 2.
TRIBUNE (80)
Madison Zylstra (Bonita) 13, Taylor Anderson (Bonita) 11,
Leticia Galarza (Bishop Amat) 10, Vianai Austin (Bishop Amat) 9,
Andrea Villanueva (Bishop Amat) 9, Amber Del Real (West Covina) 7,
Chariah Harris (Chino Hills) 4, Nnenna Abaeze (Walnut) 4, Nicole
Zugasti (St. Lucy's) 3, Tatyana Warren (Baldwin Park) 3, Alexis
Arnold (Azusa) 3, Claudia Ramirez (Northview) 2, Amy McDill (Walnut).

By Clay Fowler, Staff Writer
On a couple of occasions in the San Dimas High School baseball team's key Valle Vista League contest against first-place Covina on Friday, Matt Lee couldn't have imagined there would be any vital defensive plays to be made in the last inning. The first came when the senior watched his first-inning grand slam sail over the left-field fence, and the second when he was pitching with an eight-run lead after two innings.
Nevertheless, Lee snared a line drive in the seventh inning to help retire Covina in order for the first time since the first inning and preserve a 10-9 victory for San Dimas that put the Saints into a tie for first place.

No surprise that Aram's All Encompassing Top 25, which includes teams from the Whittier Daily News and Pasadena Star-News is led by Bishop Amat.Click here to look at all the teams. For you Trib folks, I'm publishing just his Tribune teams so you have an idea of how Aram is ranking the area in the spring....Is football really almost here again?

Fred's two cents: I told Aram Covina is too high, I would put them No. 6 behind Chino Hills and South Hills. Aram talks about Covina's big three, Vinny Venegas, Geovantry Ainsworth and Billy Livingston, but I think South Hills' big three of Jamie Canada, Jamel Hart and Vincent Hernandez are better, plus the Huskies are deeper. Aram nailed the top three, but I do question Glendora at No. 9 and Diamond Bar at No. 10. I would have probably included Diamond Ranch and San Dimas instead.

Aram's Top Ten Tribune football spring rankings and comments:
1. Bishop Amat -- QB Ruiz, RBs Moore and Shay, WR Sanchez, TE Velasquez all back on what should be an outstanding offense. But is the 'D' finally going to be a PAC-5 championship-caliber stop unit?
2. West Covina -- The program is on fire right now and although several key veterans graduate, D-1 prospects in RB/DB Solomon and DE Meaders return. Not to mention RB Aaron Salgado.
3. Charter Oak -- QB Santiago to WR Gilchrist could be the area's most lethal combo. Young RBs Garcia, Scoby and Vaughns all a year older and a year stronger. Lines and defense are the big questions.
4. Covina -- Easily HC Thomas' best team since 2006. QB Livingston, RB Ainsworth, WR Venegas all among area's best at their respective positions and there's plenty of veteran experience back on both lines and defense. Scary.
5. Chino Hills -- Decimated by graduation, but since when do the Huskies not have excellent talent to work with? QB Chavez is back, so that's one headache out of the way.
6. South Hills -- QB Hernandez and RB Hart return and star-in-waiting Jamie Canada could be back in time for league. Huskies lose a lot on both lines, but who in the Sierra League is really capable of mowing anybody else over?
7. Bonita -- Lots of buzz already about the lower-level talent that HC Podley and staff will have to get game-ready in a short amount of time. All they need to do is learn how to win under the lights, according to most area pundits.
8. Damien -- Coaching staff goes from good in a veteran kind of way to good in a youthful kind of way. Two years of Gano saying "We're going to be pretty good in a few years" should begin paying off this fall.
9. Glendora -- Obviously, the upcoming decision on who the new HC will be looms large. No QB Jeffries around anymore, but RBs Holmes and Victoria return. Tartans may not be Baseline good, but they're still good enough to throw a scare into just about anybody on this list.
10. Diamond Bar -- The Brahmas look like a legit threat to be second place in the Hacienda with QB Omana, RB Clayton and WR Katrib all back. The defense will have to be better and as will the lines. But remember, DB was 6-4 last year and just got a year better.

Worth watching: Schurr's Aaron Cantu is graduated and gone this June, but would love to see someone top this video he put together dubbed, "trick shot quarterback." You do it, I'll post it.

We're at the midpoint of the baseball season with Bonita, Bishop Amat, Covina, Chino Hills, Glendora, Sierra Vista and South Hills all having great years and in league title position, with Bishop Amat on top of the Division 4 poll and Bonita No. 3 in D-3. It's also a great time to check in with our leading candidates for player of the year. By no means is player of the year limited to this list, you never know who might have a great second half or go nuts in the playoffs, but for now, I'll share who I think the top ten candidates are, and of course, these are in no particular order.

Above: If you had to name a front runner, it's hard to argue against Garza, doing it offensively and defensively for the Hacienda League leading Bearcats, also ranked No. 3 in Division 3.

Ty France, South Hills, Jr. -- Of course we don't have the numbers on him, South Hills doesn't like this stuff to get out, but we've seen France enough to know whether he's catching or pitching, he's been a force and swings a great bat too. In fact, you can say the same thing about his teammate C.J. Saylor, also having a great year offensively and defensively.

Nick Hynes, Covina, Jr. -- I don't know if it's Valle Vista League pitching or what, but statistically, he's a monster. Hynes is batting. 588 with 15 RBIs and three home runs, and the Colts are in first place.

Elias Novelo, Sierra Vista, Sr -- Another player who fills out the stat box for the impressive Dons, going for their third straight Montview League title. Novelo is hitting .453 with an area-leading 35 RBIs and three homers. But that's only half the story, he's also 7-0 on the mound with a 1.46 ERA and 42 strikeouts.

Justin Garza, Bonita, Jr. -- If we were giving away the award today, how could you give it to anyone else. All he's done is go 7-0 with a 0.37 ERA, owns a head-to-head win over Diamond Bar's Kenny Mathews, and has been nails in the absence of 6-8 lefty Adam McCreery. If that's not enough, he's also among the area hitting leaders batting .429.

Kenny Mathews, Diamond Bar, Sr. -- The Cal State Fullerton bound pitcher is 4-2 with a 0.67 ERA and 56 strikeouts. The Brahmas don't have a lot of offense, except for Mathews and a few guys. Mathews also is hitting .444 with seven doubles and 11 RBIs.

Joseph Keller, Chino Hills, Jr -- Doing it hitting and pitching for the Sierra League leading Huskies. Keller is batting. 575 with 8 RBIs and 2 home runs. On the hill he is 2-2 but has an impressive 0.95 ERA in 22 innings.

Rio Ruiz, Bishop Amat, Jr. -- Best player on the best team? It's easy to make the argument, and he's having another solid year. Ruiz is hitting. 482 with 24 RBIs, seven doubles, two triples and two home runs.

Rouric Bridgewater, Diamond Ranch, Sr. -- He's probably the area's most feared hitter on a team that isn't going to win much. But statistically, he's doing it again, batting .467 with 18 RBIs and four homers.

Matt Munoz, San Dimas -- One of the best defensive infielders I've seen, and the kid can hit too, batting .429 with eight RBIs and 3 triples.

Nick Cooksey, Glendora, Sr The Tartans slugger is batting .439 with 17 RBIs and five home runs. John Alexander you could put on this list too, I've always thought John has the smoothest swinging stroke around.

We're at the midpoint of the softball season with several contenders emerging in the player of the year chase. In the past, this award almost always went to a pitcher because of how dominating and important that person was to their team. But with the rubber moved back and pitchers struggling to adapt, the player of the year chase is as wide open as ever. Like I wrote in baseball, by no means is player of the year limited to this list, you never know who might have a great second half or go nuts in the playoffs, but for now, I'll share who I think the top ten candidates are, and of course, these are in no particular order.

Above: San Dimas third baseman Sara Moore in the MVP running with another fine season.

Cassie Padilla, Bishop Amat, Jr -- The numbers are staggering. The shortstop on the area's top team is batting .593 with 24 RBIS, 10 doubles and five home runs.

Courtney Gano, Bonita, Sr -- The Washington-bound shortstop is putting it all together, like Garza in baseball, you can make a strong argument she's the front-runner for the Hacienda League-leading Bearcats. Gano is hitting .554 with 21 RBIs and two homers, and has a slugging percentage of .911. But those I've asked said she's playing even better defensively.

Stephany La Rossa, Diamond Bar, Sr. -- On her way to UCLA, La Rossa is obviously one of the area's best shortstops, but the Brahmas have struggled in recent years. But at 4-1 in the Hacienda, La Rossa is in the MVP chase, hitting .487 with 13 RBIs and two homers.

Natalie Sanchez, Bishop Amat, Sr. - Is anyone doing more in the circle and at the plate than Sanchez? She's 16-1 with a 1.74 ERA with 57 strikeouts. At the plate she's hitting .417 with 23 RBIs and three home runs.

Britney Rodriguez, South Hills, Jr. -- Will join La Rossa at UCLA, but she's still only a junior and one of the most feared hitters in the area. We finally obtained South Hills' stats and her numbers are impressive, batting. 479 with 20 RBIs, 5 HRs and a .938 slugging percentage. Sam Nieves is right there too, batting. 518 with 21 runs scored and 2 Hrs.

Samantha Valadez, Charter Oak, So., -- Only seen her once, but she's having a great season like the others. She leads the Sierra with a .556 batting average to go with 20 RBIS and five home runs. For her to be in contention though, the Chargers need to win more.

Veronica Ramirez, Azusa, Sr. - I remember seeing her as a freshman and thinking extremely high of her. She's the best player in the Montview, but the problem is, she's on a struggling team. She's batting .514 with 16 RBIs and two homers. In the circle she has a 2.23 ERA with 58 strikeouts.

Patricia Parks, Chino Hills, Fr. -- The only freshman to make the list is a serious contender, doing it in a part-time role in the circle and at the plate for the Sierra League leading Huskies. She's batting .356, but look at the power, 7 home runs and 19 RBIs. In the circle, she has a 1.69 ERA and is 4-0

Sara Moore, San Dimas, Sr. -- Having another solid year, hitting .434 with 13 RBIs and three homers. Moore is not the only one on her team in consideration for the league-leading Saints. Courtney Hine (.466) and Aleena Avalos (.444) can swing with the best of them too.

Paige Medina, Arroyo, Sr. -- Impressive numbers for the Mission Valley League leading Knights. She's hitting .548 with five home runs and 12 RBIS. If they make a CIF title run, she's in the mix for sure.

Note: There are no stats on Glendora or St. Lucy's, so hard to follow what's going on. South Hills agreed to send me weekly updates, so I have them now.

Walnut's Gholar ready: Walnut High School boys basketball standout Bryan Gholar's senior season could easily have ended last July. Instead, it will fittingly end on Saturday night in the Tribune/Star-News All-Star Classic at Damien High.

What: Eighth annual Tribune/Star-News All-Star Classic
When: Saturday, April 23
Where: Damien High School
Girl's game: 4:00pm
Boy's game: 6:00pm
Admission: $8 adults, $5 students/children

By Aram Tolegian, Staff Writer
The Tribune boys All-Star basketball team's final practice in preparation for Saturday's showdown against the Star-News was a lot like the first, only this time this situation on offense got a lot more unclear. It could be because the Tribune played the type of hustling defense in Thursday's tuneup not usually associated with an All-Star game. At least that's what La Verne Lutheran High School coach Eric Cooper has to be hoping as Saturday's game looms.

Garrett Pendleton is going to Cal Lutheran, where he will certainly have a huge impact. In a shortened season because of injuries, the 6-foot-5 QB came on strong in midseason, helping the Bearcats advance all the way to the CIF-SS Southeast Division title game against West Covina. Although Bonita lost 37-33 in a thriller, Pendleton had arguably the best game of his career, completing 26 of 42 for 352 yards and a touchdown. In ten games he threw for 2,033 yards and 22 TDS.

By Fred J. Robledo
This could be a sign of things to come.
Bishop Amat ended its long drought in Orange County's prestigious Hard 9 National Classic, avenging one of its only two losses with an easy 12-1 victory over Esperanza in the championship Thursday night at Cal State Fullerton.
Bishop Amat's Adam Alcantara hit a towering two-run home run in the fourth and the Lancers used their steady duo of pitchers to get the job done again, ace lefty Daniel Zamora starting and striking out five in three innings before giving way to junior Rio Ruiz, who made quite an impression in only his third career appearance.
All Ruiz did was strike out the side in the fourth with fastballs clocked at 92 MPH, and pitch four shutout innings, allowing one hit with seven strikeouts.
Jay Anderson had a triple, double and three RBIs, Ryan Serrato collected three hits, Wallace Gonzalez was named the tournament MVP and the Lancers broke it open with five runs in the fifth inning to cruise to the championship. (To continue click thread)

Esperanza 010-000-0 -- 1-3-4
Bishop Amat 300-232-X -- 12-12-2
Daniel Zamora, (4) Rio Ruiz and Bernardo Zavala; Blake Mitchell, (3) Brett Pinkham (4), Matt Ripley (5), Chris Conners (6) and Brandon Morones. HR- Adam Alcantara, 3B - Jay Anderson
Records: Bishop Amat 20-2; Esperanza 14-8

More on the Lancers: The L.A. Times' Eric Sondheimer has video of Rio Ruiz pitching, and wrote glowingly about his 92 MPH fastball, writing, "Bishop Amat has been reluctant to use him on the mound, fearing its defense would be weakened without him at third base or his control might not be good. But if he pitches like he did, there could be a 10-year-old playing third base because all he'll be doing is watching strikeouts.

South Hills High School completed a season sweep over Ayala, the defending CIF-Southern Section Division 3 softball champion, with an 11-5 victory Thursday afternoon.
The Huskies (13-5, 7-2) scored eight runs in the first inning and never looked back in their third win of the season over the Bulldogs (9-9, 6-5).

Valle Vista League Baseball
San Dimas 9, Nogales 8, 9 innings
Covina 12, Northview 5

What: Eighth annual Tribune/Star-News All-Star Classic
When: Saturday, April 23
Where: Damien High School
Girl's game: 4:00pm
Boy's game: 6:00pm
Admission: $8 adults, $5 students/children

By Aram Tolegian, Staff Writer
For all of the talent during the Tribune boys All-Star team's first practice Wednesday at Damien High School, it was an unassuming group that set the tone once the scrimmage began. The quintet of Walnut's Bryan Gholar and Aubrey Coleman, Bonita's Jordan Butler and James Northup and Los Altos' Alvin Tan won four out of five games against some of their more physically talented teammates. "It surprised me a little bit, but we all know each other and play in the same league and have a feel for what each other does," Northup said. "We just tried to be quicker and smarter and not turn the ball over." (To continue click thread)

Below: Bonita's James Northup made a big impression with coaches and Wednesday's practice.

By Steve Ramirez
Bishop Amat's slow start to the high school baseball season is ancient history. The Lancers, after losing their first two games, now look like one of the best teams in the state, if not the nation, after taking down another traditional power on Wednesday.
Bernardo Zavala hit a two-run home run in the fourth inning and Ryan Serrato was dominant on the mound in relief to lead Bishop Amat to a 2-1 victory over San Diego Section power El Capitan of Lakeside in a National Classic semifinal game at Cal State Fullerton. (To continue click thread).

2011 Hard 9 National Classic in Orange County
Wednesday's semifinals
Bishop Amat 2, Lakeside El Capitan 1
Esperanza 9, IMG Academies 2
Thursday's championship game
At Cal State Fullerton
Bishop Amat vs. Esperanza, 7 p.m.

By Keith Lair
The Arroyo High School softball team needed to find a little separation. The Knights found it with a bases-loaded triple. Lorena Helguera's fifth-inning hit gave Arroyo the lead, a gap on host Gabrielino and a little bit of breathing room in the Mission Valley League with a 7-3 victory Wednesday afternoon at Gabrielino. "It was pretty scary," the sophomore left fielder said. "The bases were loaded and I had to do it. It was a nice hit for me because I did what I had to do with teammates on base." The Eagles, trying to close the gap on league-leading Arroyo, held a 3-0 lead through three innings. But the Knights got a run in the fourth and four in the fifth to rally for the victory.

By Fred J. Robledo, Staff Writer
Judging from the bantering back and forth between players and a small exchange from the head coaches, it's obvious the rivalry that is St. Paul and Bishop Amat is alive and well. On the softball field, however, it's a different story, Amat earning a clean sweep.
Even though St. Paul isn't having a great year, Bishop Amat's first two wins over the Swordsmen came by a total of three runs, which were closer than the CIF-Southern Section Division 3's second-ranked Lancers would have liked. Although St. Paul showed its grit with four runs in the seventh punctuated by Breana West's three-run homer, the Swordsmen were simply too far behind to make it dramatic, falling to Bishop Amat for the third straight time, 9-5, and with it any realistic chances of competing for a Del Rey League title.

What: Eighth annual Tribune/Star-News All-Star Classic
When: Saturday, April 23
Where: Damien High School
Girl's game: 4:00pm
Boy's game: 6:00pm
Admission: $8 adults, $5 students/children

Note: Boys practice tonight at Damien High School, 7-9 p.m. -- Click thread for all the rosters.

By Aram Tolegian, Staff Writer
The early moments of the Tribune girls All-Star team's first scrimmage may not have had Bonita High School girls basketball coach Darren Baumunk surprised, but he certainly could not have liked what he saw. Like someone who just bought his first sports car, Baumunk wanted to immediately see what was under the hood as it pertained to his All-Star team by having them briefly warm up and break out into an all-out scrimmage.

I love how Gladstone coach Rich Remkus and crew take care of their field. After both teams took infield, Remkus and his guys rushed out like a Major League game and re-raked the infield, cleaned the bases and as you can tell, Remkus meticulously cleaned around home plate. I can't think of anyone who year after year takes more pride in their "field of dreams," like he does. Even the bases were so white they looked like they just came out of the bag.

PLACENTIA -- Bishop Amat High School has had some signature wins in recent years.
Tuesday Bishop Amat got another one.
Wallace Gonzalez went 4 for 4 and had six RBIs and David Berg was solid on the mound in relief to lead Bishop Amat to an 11-3 victory over St. Francis of Mountain View, ranked No. 1 nationally by Baseball America, in the quarterfinals of the National Classic at El Dorado High School.
Bishop Amat improved to 18-2 and will face either Bingham of South Jordan, Utah or El Capitan of Lakeside in today's semifinals at 4:30 p.m. at Cal State Fullerton. St. Francis, which is also ranked No. 2 nationally by MaxPreps.com, slipped to 20-2.
"Bishop Amat is used to big games," Bishop Amat coach Andy Nieto said. "That's why kids come to Bishop Amat. We're not into moral victories. Like I said last year when we lost. We got outplayed and Torrance beat us.
"We're into hanging banners and winning championships. Just look into the history books. In the over 50 years of Bishop Amat, there's a lot of big wins. This is just another one."
What separated this one from some of the others in recent years, was in the amount of ease Bishop Amat took apart the top-ranked team in the country.
And St. Francis helped Bishop Amat's cause, committing three errors, all which keyed Bishop Amat rallies.
The first, a dropped throw on a pickoff attempt, allowed Jay Anderson to take third. He then scored for a 1-0 lead on a sacrifice fly by Dominique Davis.
Bishop Amat then used two St. Francis' miscues to go up 6-0 in the third, which was highlighted by a an RBI double by Davis and a two-run single by Gonzalez.
Wallace wasn't done. He followed with a two-run single to push the advantage to 8-2 in the fifth before hitting a two-run home run in the seventh for an 11-3 lead.
"I just knew I had to stay relaxed at the plate," Gonzalez said. "I knew our pitchers (starter Daniel Zamora and Berg) were going to do a great job. It didn't change my approach too much.
"We weren't worried about the rankings. (Bishop Amat) was ranked No. 2 (nationally) last year, and lost. Rankings mean nothing. It's a game of baseball, and anything can happen."
Berg was also impressive after relieving Zamora in the third. He gave up just one run and struck out 10 in five innings to improve to 4-0.
He came to the rescue after St. Francis nearly got back in the game in the third, cutting Bishop Amat's lead to 6-2 following a two-run home run by Alex Blandino. St. Francis then put runners on first and third before Berg struck out Jon Williams to end the threat.
Berg, then after giving up a run in the sixth, ended it with three strike outs in the seventh.
"This was a simple illustration what baseball is," Nieto said. "The team that plays the best catch, and puts the ball in play, has the best chance to win.
"I was proud of our guys for taking on the challenge, and not cracking."

Tuesday's quarterfinal games
Bishop Amat 11, St. Francis 3
Bingham vs. El Capitan, 7 p.m., Cal State Fullerton
Wednesday's semifinals
Bishop Amat vs. Bingham-El Capitan winner, 4:30 p.m., Cal State Fullerton

Sierra League Baseball
Tuesday's results
Chino Hills 6, Damien 4
South Hills 10, Ayala 1
Charter Oak 6, Claremont 0

Chino Hills beats Damien: Chino Hills High School had to come from behind Tuesday to hold on to first place in the Sierra League. The Huskies (12-4, 7-1) scored five runs in the final two innings to knock off Damien, 6-4, and remain one game ahead of South Hills in the race for a home game in the CIF-SS baseball playoffs.

By Fred J. Robledo, Staff Writer
Sierra Vista High School's Giovanni Rivera said he wants to be more of a force for the Dons' baseball team. His two-out grand slam in the third inning will go along way to doing just that, leading Sierra Vista to a 6-2 victory over host Gladstone on Tuesday to remain in first in the Montview League.

Emilio Urioste, principal of Burbank John Burroughs High, said Tuesday he fired the school's varsity baseball coach and canceled the remainder of the season after discovering that an assistant coach served players beer during a recent Arizona trip.

Above: San Dimas back in top ten after winning Chino tournament.

1. Bishop Amat ( 17-2) - Huge 1-0 win over Cypress in opener of National Classic, and now they face arguably the toughest team in the nation in San Jose's St. Francis. You have to give coach Andy Nieto and his coaching staff credit, who thought they would be ranked so high in so many other state and regional polls.
2. Bonita (15-3) -- They're just so impressive and with 6-8 Arizona State bound Adam McCreery on his way back to join arguably the area's most productive pitcher in junior Justin Garza, this could get scary. Want numbers? During their 11-game winning streak, 'Cats have allowed just nine total runs with four shutouts. Bonita can claim No. 1 when they take on Bishop Amat next Monday at Mt. SAC.
3. South Hills (12-4) -- No surprise they won the Gladstone tournament, but sort of surprising how easily they did it, hammering Covina 12-0 in the championship game.
4. Glendora (10-5-1) -- The Tartans split with Los Osos last week, winning 5-4 after losing 7-0 just a few days earlier. Tartans still leading Baseline, but it's a packed group near the top.
5. Chino Hills (11-4) -- It starts getting real interesting for the Sierra League leaders, who play Damien twice this week, and twice against South Hills next week. If they're going to win this league, next four league games could decide it.
6. Diamond Bar (10-8) - Ever since losing to Bonita the Brahmas have been on a tear, receiving wonderful pitching from Kenny Mathews and Henry Omana. They're 5-1 in the Hacienda, giving Bonita no room to breathe until they meet again on April 27.
7. Sierra Vista (14-3) -- A very impressive team ERA of 2.10 to go with a team batting average of .333. That is how you get it done.
8. La Puente (10-3) -- The Warriors are sitting pretty in the Montview League, but the big games won't come until the first week in May, when they play back-to-back against Sierra Vista.
9. Covina (12-7) -- Hard to tell if the Colts are really good, or the Valle Vista is real ordinary. Considering the Colts' 12-0 loss to South Hills and their 7-7 non-league record, maybe being 5-0 in the VVL shows how ordinary the VVL is.
10. San Dimas (12-8-1) -- Even though Covina leads the VVL, San Dimas is probably the best team. They won the Chino tournament over the weekend, and their pitching is getting better by the week.

Above: Duarte pitcher Kaysie Gatlin turning in a fine season for the once-beaten Duarte Falcons.

1. Bishop Amat (18-2) -- They all but wrapped up the Del Rey with a sweep of St. Joseph last week. They've been No. 1 since the beginning of the season and have done nothing but continue to prove they belong on top.
2. Bonita (16-2) - A close 8-5 win over West Covina followed by an even closer 6-5 win over Rowland. You gotta love the overall record, but some of these wins are closer than they should be.
3. Glendora (10-6) -- How many of our area teams could score a 3-2 win over Etiwanda? Not many. The win also put the Tartans back in the Baseline title chase and with a group of five within two games of each other.
4. South Hills (11-5) -- If the Huskies hope to win the Sierra League, the next four league games against Ayala and Chino Hills will lead the way.
5. Chino Hills (13-4) -- Won four of five in the Woodbridge tournament but now it's back to league, facing St. Lucy's twice this week.
6. West Covina (12-6) -- Tied with Diamond Bar with 3-1 Hacienda League records. After losing to Bonita, they need to keep winning to stay in the league title chase.
7. Ayala (9-7) -- We said if they lose again we're dropping them from the top ten, so they go out and win a couple last week. They sit in third in the Sierra, just behind Chino Hills and South Hills.
8. Duarte (14-1) -- The overall record is extremely impressive, but hard to rank them over too many teams simply because there is no eye-opening win on the schedule, and their only loss came to an ordinary Wilson squad in the season opener.
9. San Dimas (11-5) -- Saints lead the offensive-minded Valle Vista. They beat Covina last week 10-8. Hitting, not pitching, is going to win league.
10. Northview (11-7-1) -- Vikings lurking a game-back of league leading San Dimas. They advanced to championship of their own tournament, losing to a very strong La Habra squad, 4-0.

La Verne Lutheran boys basketball coach Eric Cooper named the Cal-Hi boys basketball State Coach of the Year. "Wow, it's an honor and a privilege to be recognized for something you do for the kids," Cooper said.

By Aram Tolegian
Bonita pitcher Adam McCreery made his much-anticipated season debut last Saturday against Cabrillo and did not disappoint the estimated 30 scouts watching the 6-foot-8 left-hander throw for the first time because of an elbow strain that's kept him sidelined the entire year.

By Steve Ramirez
It's been a banner year for the St. Lucy's Priory athletics program.
The volleyball team made history by winning the school's first CIF-Southern Section title in the sport and the water polo team reached the division finals for the first time. The difference-maker for the Regents was senior Emily Donohoe, who proved to be a vital cog in and out of the pool. For her efforts, Donohoe was named the Tribune's girls water polo Player of the Year. (To continue click thread).

SAN GABRIEL VALLEY TRIBUNE
2011 ALL-AREA
GIRLS WATER POLO
Player of the Year: Emily Donohoe, Senior, St. Lucy's
Coach of the Year: Jeff Rach, St. Lucy's
First Team
Ambyr Stewart, Junior, Bonita
Stephanie Contreras, Sophomore, Los Altos
Cambria Shockley, Junior, St. Lucy's
Kim Van Alstine, Senior, Ayala
Sabrina Kaefer, Senior, St. Lucy's
Haley Williamson, Senior, Bonita
Allison Hu, Senior, Walnut
Second Team
Lisa Elliot, Bonita, Senior
Megan Snow, Junior, Bonita
Karissa Contreras, Senior, Los Altos
Jenna Cook, Senior, St. Lucy's
Sara Gentry, Senior, Ayala
Markie Quintana, Senior, Charter Oak
Chelsea Dement, Senior, Ayala

National Classic Schedule
Monday's Schedule
Top Bracket
Notre Dame Prep vs. St. Francis at El Dorado HS, 1 p.m.
Bishop Amat vs. Cypress at El Dorado HS, 4 p.m.
El Dorado vs. Bingham at CSUF, 4:30 p.m.
Alemany vs. El Capitan at El Dorado, 10 a.m.
Bottom Bracket
IMG Academies vs. Sunrise Mountain at Esperanza, 4 p.m.
Chaminade vs. Valley Christian at Esperanza, 10 a.m.
Esperanza vs. Christian Brothers at CSUF, 7 p.m.
Clovis West vs. Chatsworth at Esperanza, 1 p.m.

San Dimas beat host Chino 2-0 in the championship of the Chino High School baseball tournament on Saturday. Saints pitcher Jake Ehret had a fine afternoon, pitching a complete game with 12 strikeouts.

I was rooting for Joe Amat to become the next CIF-SS Commissioner of Athletics, but the Southern Section Executive Committee selected Robert Wigod instead, which is also a very good choice. I had some "heated" discussions with Mr. Wigod in recent years, but after a few face-to-face meetings and understanding him better, he's a good guy and works diligently to be fair. His promotion is well deserved. Wigod is currently assistant commissioner of the CIF-SS. He will become the organization's ninth commissioner of athletics, replacing retiring commissioner, Dr. Jim Staunton. Wigod's tenure as Commissioner begins Aug. "I am thrilled to be selected as the next Commissioner of Athletics for the CIF Southern Section," said Wigod. "I thank President of the Council Bill Dabbs, and the entire CIF Southern Section Executive Committee, for their support and faith in me. I want to thank Commissioner Jim Staunton, who has not only been an outstanding Commissioner for our section, but an even better mentor and friend. I pledge to them, and to all of our stakeholders, my total commitment to leading this organization to the best of my ability in the time ahead."

When: Saturday, April 23
Where: Damien High School
Girl's game: 4:00pm
Boy's game: 6:00pm
Admission: $8 adults, $5 students/children

Boys practice times: The Tribune boys will practice at Damien High School on Wednesday and Thursday from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. with Lutheran coach Eric Cooper. Players listed below can contact coach Cooper at coopdreamemail@gmail.com for more details.
Girls practice times: The Tribune girls will practice at Bonita High School on Tuesday and Thursday from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. with Bonita coach Darren Baumunk. Players listed below can contact coach Baumunk at d.baumunk@bonita.k12.ca.us for more details.

SERIES RECORD
Boys: Star-News leads series, 5-2
Girls: Star-News leads series, 5-2

Note: With so many schools on spring break, if you have not received notification and you're on this list, please email me at fred.robledo@sgvn.com.

SAN GABRIEL VALLEY TRIBUNE ALL-STARS
BOYS TEAM
COACH: Eric Cooper, La Verne Lutheran
Center: Mark Roche, Arroyo
Forward: Brian Johnson, Northview
Forward: Jordan Butler, Bonita, Sr
Forward: German Pompa, La Puente
Forward: Sharif Watson, Rowland
Forward: Ray Santos, Nogales
Forward: Aubrey Coleman, Walnut,
Guard: C.J. Cooper, La Verne Lutheran
Guard: Daniel Rodriguez, Bishop Amat
Guard: James Northup, Bonita
Guard: Alvin Tan, Los Altos
Guard: Jimmy Ramirez, Baldwin Park
Guard: Tyler Hill, Bishop Amat
Guard: Gian-Franco Demano, Damien
Guard: Bruce English, La Verne Lutheran
Guard: Bryan Gholar, Walnut

GIRLS BASKETBALL
COACH: Darren Baumunk, Bonita
TRIBUNE TEAM
Forward: Jasmine Lee, Rowland
Forward: Vianai Austin, Bishop Amat
Forward: Chariah Harris, Chino Hills
Forward, Kaci Calton, Wilson
Forward: Amy McDill, Walnut
Forward: Nicole Zugasti, St. Lucy's
Forward: Leticia Galarza, Bishop Amat
Guard: Franchesca Laza, Nogales
Guard: Tatyana Warren, Baldwin Park
Guard: Claudia Ramirez, Northview
Guard: Amber Del Real, West Covina
Guard: Nnenna Abaeze, Walnut
Guard: Alexis Arnold, Azusa
Guard: Taylor Anderson, Bonita
Guard: Madison Zylstra, Bonita
Guard: Andrea Villanueva, Bishop Amat

By Steve Ramirez
WALNUT -- What difference does a week make?
A lot for Covina High School's Remontay McClain and Bishop Amat's Kylie Price, who both rebounded from second-place finishes at last weekend's Arcadia Invitational to score 100-meter run victories during Saturday's Nogales/Mt. San Antonio College Relays Invitational.
McClain, the reigning 100 and 200 CIF State champion, covered the field in the 100, sprinting to a 10.66-second run, which beat his 100 rival George Famer of Serra. Farmer, who beat McClain last weekend after finishing second to the Covina senior at last year's state meet, slowed to a 10.78. He ran a 10.62 at Arcadia last week. Diamond Ranch's Marquise Cherry (11.22) was a respectable sixth.
McClain also won the the 200 with a season-best 21.14, and helped Covina (42.91) to a second-place finish in the 4x100 seeded relay (42.91).

Wrestler of the Year and First Team story
By Steve Ramirez
Haydn Scharbrough began the high school wrestling season as one of the top returning competitors in the area.
The Glendora senior, after winning CIF-Southern Section divisional and Masters titles and placing fourth at the CIF State championships, finished the season as the best.
For his efforts, Scharbrough, who competed at 145 pounds, is the Tribune's Wrestler of the Year.
Scott Usher of Diamond Bar has been selected as Coach of the Year.
The All-Area first-team includes Northview's Gilbert Nakatani (119), Javier Arellano (140), Steven Lopez (160) and Eddie Bernal (189); South Hills' Thomas Morales (130), Trevor Behr (145) and Jeff Vargas (215); Rosemead's Matt Fregoso (125) and Alberto Flores (135); Chino Hills' Christian Martin (103) and Brody Goens (171); Arroyo's Christian Betancourt (112); West Covina's Brad Ojala (152); and Diamond Bar's Brian Ryu (heavyweight).
Scharbrough, after being just one of two area competitors to earn CIF-SS Masters titles and topping the list of four area athletes to place among the top eight at the state meet, proved to be the best of them all.

ALL-AREA WRESTLING
Wrestler of the Year: Haydn Scharbrough, Senior, 145, Glendora
Coach of the Year: Scott Usher, Diamond Bar
First Team
103: Christian Martin, Junior, Chino Hills
112: Christian Betancourt, Senior, Arroyo
119: Gilbert Nakatani, Senior, Northview
125: Matt Fregoso, Senior, Rosemead
130: Thomas Morales, Senior, South Hills
135: Alberto Flores, Junior, Rosemead
140: Javier Arellano, Junior, Northview
145: Trevor Behr, Junior, South Hills
152: Brad Ojala, Sophomore, West Covina
160: Steven Lopez, Sophomore, Northview
171: Brody Goens, Junior, Chino Hills
189: Eddie Bernal, Junior, Northview
215: Jeff Vargas, Senior, South Hills
Heavyweight: Brian Ryu, Senior, Diamond Bar
Second Team
103: Richie Taira, Junior, Walnut
112:Andrew Delgado, Senior, Ayala
119: Vincent Herrera, Senior, South Hills
125: Tim Tran, Senior, South Hills
130: Kyle Acevedo, Senior, Covina
135: Bryan Salinas, Freshman, Northview
140: Chrystian Banuelos, Senior, San Dimas
145: Adam Caballero, Sophomore, West Covina
152: Nick Alexander, Senior, Charter Oak
160: Joaquin Ramos, Senior, Baldwin Park
171: Kevin Kim, Senior, Diamond Bar
189: Dennis Ruan, Senior, Diamond Bar
215: Chris Auxier, Senior, Northview
Heavyweight: Peter Nonu, Senior, South Hills

Jumping in here for FredJ ... Here's the box score from the Del Rey League series finale between La Salle and Bishop Amat. It pretty much tells the story, but I'll write one anyway. Just as an FYI, the story will not appear in the paper because of space issues. Think of it as a blog exclusive from yours truly.

By Miguel A. Melendez, Staff Writer

PASADENA -- It was over before it ever began.

Well, almost.

Bishop Amat pounded La Salle with four home runs and a 14-run lead in just three innings, completing the Del Rey Leauge series sweep with a 14-1 win in five innings Friday afternoon at La Salle.

La Salle (10-6, 5-3) will have to wait until next season for a chance to earn its first ever win over Bishop Amat (14-2, 8-0) in league history. That La Salle was going to have to wait until then was made very clear from the beginning.

Bishop Amat loaded the bases in the first and Jay Anderson jumped on the first pitch for a grand slam to start the offensive explosion. Fellow senior Rio Ruiz connected for a two-run double in the second and followed it up with a three-run home run in the third to make it a rout. Ryan Serrato and Bernardo Zavala also homered for Bishop Amat.

La salle coach Harry Agajanian was clearly upset with La Salle's inability to get up for a game despite taking Bishop Amat to nine innings before losing 3-2 earlier this week.

"It was miserable," he said. "It was disgusting and I'm embarrassed for our team and I'm embarrassed for myself and the school on our performance today."

Bishop Amat coach Andy Nieto said that the field dimensions paved the way for home runs.

"Maybe a couple of them hit the gap, but a few of them are definitely caught (at Bishop Amat)," he said. "It's one of those games you hope you never get to at this park when you deal with those kind of parameters."

Agajanian agreed.

CLICK ON THREAD TO CONTINUE READING STORY, PLUS BOX SCORE

Player of the year and first-team story
By Aram Tolegian, Staff Writer
The final chapter of Grant Jerrett's career has yet to be written, but if it's anything like the first two, the La Verne Lutheran High School basketball star will earn himself a special place in area basketball history. Jerrett, a 6-foot-9 junior forward, averaged 18 points and 10 rebounds per game this season. With him leading he way, Lutheran beat a who's who of Southland basketball powers this season and in the process won a second consecutive state championship. For those reasons, Jerrett is the Tribune's Player of the Year. (To continue click thread)

BOYS BASKETBALL
COACH OF THE YEAR: Eric Cooper, La Verne Lutheran
PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Grant Jerrett, La Verne Lutheran, Jr.
FIRST TEAM
Forward: Chris Reyes, Damien, Jr.
Forward: Nick Colletta, Glendora, So.
Guard: C.J. Cooper, La Verne Lutheran, Sr.
Guard: Daniel Rodriguez, Bishop Amat, Sr.
Guard: James Northup, Bonita, Sr.

SECOND TEAM
Forward: Brian Johnson, Northview, Sr.
Guard: Jordan Butler, Bonita, Sr.
Guard: Alvin Tan, Los Altos, Sr.
Guard: Treavon Francis, Northview, Jr.
Guard: Bruce English, La Verne Lutheran, Sr.

By Fred J. Robledo, Staff Writer
Charter Oak High School junior Travis Santiago may have a big decision to make this summer. The same kind of decision that Bishop Amat's Jay Anderson made, opting to skip his senior season on the Lancers' football team in order to concentrate on baseball, a sport he felt was his best opportunity of earning an athletic scholarship.
Amat junior infielder Rio Ruiz's future is in baseball too, where he could become a 2012 Major League draft first-round pick, or opt to go to USC, where he has given a verbal commitment since his freshman year. Despite the risks, Ruiz, a quarterback on the Lancers' football team, intends on playing football his senior year.
Santiago's case is different, according to Charter Oak baseball coach Tom Quinley, because he's a quarterback and pitcher. Santiago, 6-foot and 175 pounds, is one of the area's best quarterbacks, but Quinley feels all the throwing he did during the summer and fall with the Chargers' football team likely contributed to the sore right elbow that has kept him from pitching this season.
"That's what the doctors say," Quinley said of Santiago's sore elbow. "When you throw around 75 passes in (football) practice with no caretaking to it, it takes its toll. That's a decision (playing quarterback) he's going to have to make. He's a great kid and an incredible athlete. But if he wants to pitch next year, chances are he will have to make that decision." (to continue click thread)

Bonita baseball coach John Knott said lefty Adam McCreery will make his season debut on Saturday against Long Beach Cabrillo at their home field as part of the Centennial Tournament at 11 a.m. McCreery, who hasn't pitched while recovering from an elbow strain, has been working the bullpen the past couple weeks and feels great, according to Knott. He will likely go only two innings or 30 pitches on Saturday. "In the last few days I've had about 20 (Major League) scouts call or email asking when he was going to throw. We think the time is right to get him some work and we will see how it goes from there. Adam has a future beyond Bonita. We realize that and want to be as extra careful as we can. Adam really wants to be back, but we need to take it one step at a time."

Girls player of the year and first team story
By Aram Tolegian, Staff Writer
There really isn't anything Taylor Anderson can't do on the basketball court. Bring the ball up, no problem. Guard the other team's best scorer, no problem. Play inside or out, on both ends of the court, no problem. The stat sheet never lied when it came to Anderson. If she wasn't leading Bonita High School's girls basketball team in scoring, she was leading it in rebounds. If she didn't have many assists, then she had a few steals. It all added up to a banner senior season that saw Anderson help Bonita finish 30-4, win the Hacienda League, reach the CIF-Southern Section Division 3A championship game, and advance three rounds in the state playoffs.
For those reasons, Anderson is the Tribune's girls basketball player of the year.
"I'm honored, really," Anderson said. "I didn't think about it all season, then my coach told me and I was like 'Wow, this is big.' I'm just honored." (To continue reading and to read coach of the year story, click thread).

GIRLS BASKETBALL TRIBUNE ALL-AREA TEAM
COACH OF THE YEAR: Darren Baumunk, Bonita
PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Taylor Anderson, Bonita, Sr.
FIRST TEAM
Forward: Chelsea Barnes, Diamond Ranch, Jr.
Forward: Imari Brown, Duarte, So.
Guard: Madison Zylstra, Bonita, Sr.
Guard: Nikki Wheatley, Bonita, Fr.
Guard: Andrea Villanueva, Bishop Amat, Sr.

SECOND TEAM
Forward: Erika Williams, Diamond Ranch, Jr.
Forward: Vianai Austin, Bishop Amat, Sr.
Forward: Leticia Galarza, Bishop Amat, Sr.
Guard: Evelyn Herrera, Workman, Jr.
Guard: Savannah Selby, St. Lucy's, Jr.

Baseball result: Bonita hammered West Covina 10-1 by scoring nine runs in the sixth, punctuated by Robert Mier's grand slam.

By Fred J. Robledo, Staff Writer
With three straight shutouts and the number one ranking in the CIF-Southern Section Division 2 poll, Bonita High School softball coach Ken Carlson still had his fears visiting unranked West Covina on Wednesday.
"I told our (coaching staff) this is the one team in our league that really makes me nervous," Carlson said. "They're an unpredictable bunch than can explode at any time."
West Covina certainly didn't back down, making Bonita work for a come-from-behind 8-5 victory that left the Bearcats (15-2, 3-0) in sole possession of first in the Hacienda League with the Bulldogs (11-6, 3-1) suffering their first league loss. (To continue click thread)

Bonita's Michelle Whit (6) after a solo homer in the second inning.

By Steve Ramirez
South Hills and Covina are two of the better high school baseball teams in the area.
They are ranked in this newspaper's weekly top 10 and good bets to win league titles.
But baseball can be quite difficult to understand sometimes, and Wednesday's Gladstone Tournament championship game might be exhibit 'A.'
Richard Rollice went 2 for 4 with four RBIs and Tyler France was solid on the mound as South Hills rolled to a 12-0 victory over Covina in a game at Gladstone High that was halted after five innings because of the 10-run rule.

The past couple of seasons, the difference between St. Joseph's softball team and Bishop Amat's - and first and second place in the Del Rey League - has been a base hit there, a good defensive play there and all sorts of little things in between. In the first of their three meetings this season, the Lancers made all the plays and defeated the two-time defending champion Jesters, 3-1, Tuesday afternoon at St. Joseph High.

By Aram Tolegian, Staff Writer
Former Bishop Amat High School baseball standout and current UNLV pitcher Brady Zuniga was released from a Riverside-area hospital Wednesday after suffering broken bones above his eye when he took a line drive to the face while pitching against UC Riverside on Tuesday. Zuniga made a pitch and couldn't get out of the way of a line drive sent back to the mound. Zuniga fell to the ground clutching his face and lie there for 15 minutes while paramedics treated him before transporting him to a hospital.

By Fred J. Robledo, Staff Writer
Who knew this would be the year? The Baldwin Park High School boys soccer team had a combined record of 47-3-3 in 2009 and '10, graduating a majority of star-studded seniors that came up short to Salesian twice, losing in the 2009 championship and 2010 semifinals to the Mustangs.
Then it happened. Baldwin Park, after failing to win the Valle Vista League title, went on on improbable postseason run to deliver its first boys soccer title, beating Carpinteria 1-0 to claim the CIF-Southern Section Division 5 crown. Baldwin Park coach Ricardo Mira's perseverance paid off, earning Division 5 coach of the year award, and also being named this newspapers coach of the year after guiding the Braves to a 20-4-2 record. (To continue reading click thread)

BOYS SOCCER
COACH OF THE YEAR: Ricardo Mira, Baldwin Park
PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Cristian Garcia, Sr., Forward, Baldwin Park
FIRST TEAM
Forward: Jaime Reyes, Baldwin Park Sr.
Forward: Neil Ignacio, Diamond Bar, Sr.
Forward: Josh Luevanos, Glendora, Sr.
Midfielder: Troy Ford, Claremont, Jr.
Midfielder: David Ramirez, La Puente, Sr.
Midfielder: Jesus Ordaz, Mountain View, Sr.
Defender: Kwaku Yeboah, Damien, Sr.
Defender: Ivan Garcia, Ganesha, Sr.
Defender: Fenny Martinez, Glendora, Sr.
Defender: Cory Hodge, Claremont, Sr.
Goalkeeper: Oswaldo Martinez, Mountain View, Sr.

SECOND TEAM
Forward: Leonardo Grigg, Bonita, Sr.
Forward: Oscar Villa, La Puente, Jr.
Forward: Giovanni Munoz, Sierra Vista, Sr.
Midfielder: Alejandro Garcia, Ganesha, Jr.
Midfielder: Brent Chamberlain, Claremont, Sr.
Midfielder: Diego Mercado, Glendora, Jr
Midfielder: Juan Mendoza, Los Altos, Sr.
Defender: Daniel Nicholls, Damien, Sr.
Defender: Quincee Worrell, Bonita, Sr.
Defender: Armando Rodriguez, Sierra Vista, Sr.
Goalkeeper: Felix Arambula, Ganesha, Sr.

By Miguel A. Melendez, Staff Writer
With a masterful pitching duel on full display, perhaps it was fitting that La Salle and Bishop Amat needed extra innings to decide who would be in the driver's seat in the Del Rey League. Brandon Castañeda hit a hard line drive over the shortstop and into the center gap that scored Adam Alcantara to give Bishop Amat a gritty 3-2 win in nine innings in front of a standing-room only crowd Tuesday afternoon. (to continue click thread)

At Gladstone High School
Monday's results.
Top Bracket
South Hills 14, Marshall Fundamental 0, 5 inn
Channel Islands 5, South Hills B, 3
Bottom Bracket
Covina 10, Burroughs JV 6
Gladstone 10, Walnut Southlands Christian 5
Tuesday's semifinal games at Gladstone
South Hills 5, Channel Islands 0
Covina 7, Gladstone 0
Wednesday's championship
South Hills vs. Covina, 2 p.m.

Breaking News: La Salle tells our Miguel Melendez that Amat was awarded an 8-4 win over La Salle in a game that was called in the 7th inning because of rain a few weeks back. The teams were supposed to finish the game on Friday with Amat leading, then play their third and final game afterward. It appears that is not needed now, making Amat 6-0 in league and La Salle 5-1 entering this week's home-and-home series between them.

1. Bishop Amat ( 12-2) - The Del Rey should be decided this week with the Lancers playing a home-and-home against La Salle. The Lancers host La Salle today, then go there on Friday.
2. Glendora (9-4-1) -- Not ready to move Bonita or anyone else ahead, not while they're on top of the Baseline. Three losses have come in tournaments, don't put too much stock in that. They're 4-1 in league.
3. Bonita (12-3) -- Bounced back after 10-0 loss to Glendora to win the Arcadia tournament. They go back to the Hacienda this week, facing West Covina at their place on Wednesday.
4. South Hills (10-3) -- Playing great ball after sweeping Damien following a win over Charter Oak. They have won five straight and trail league-leading Chino Hills by a game in the Sierra League standings.
5. Chino Hills (9-3) -- They haven't played since March 31, but return Wednesday against Claremont. Not completely sold on them yet, but you have to respect the fact they lead the Sierra.
6. Diamond Bar (9-7) - The Brahmas return after a week off to face Los Altos and Diamond Ranch, two games they have to win to keep pace with Bonita.
7. Sierra Vista (12-3) -- Coach Brett Stevens has done a masterful job the past three years. The Dons always have solid pitching, this year no different.
8. Covina (10-6) -- Ended the Crescenta Valley tournament with losses to El Segundo and South, but are still 5-0 in the Valle Vista and could meet South Hills Wednesday in the Gladstone tourney championship.
9. La Puente (9-3) -- Considering one loss was a forfeit to Azusa for hitting whiffle balls prior to the game, (which is utterly ridiculous), the Warriors are having a great season. Considering Warriors coach John Hermosillo is a first-year coach and it was the first week of league, couldn't Azusa had just told him, "hey, we're not allowed to do have batting practice prior to league games," and all would have been settled. Do you really need to protest and take away a one-hitter from La Puente and possibly a league title just to get your third win of the season? Sportsmanship works both ways, you know.
10. Charter Oak (7-7) -- They're holding on to the tenth spot because they're 3-2 in the Sierra League, easily the toughest league in the area (not counting the Baseline).

1. Bishop Amat (15-2) -- They continue to win, beating Lakeside and West Ranch in the Corona tournament over the weekend. But this is make-or-break week in league, facing St. Joseph on the road today and at home on Saturday. Both teams are undefeated in the Del Rey.
2. Bonita (14-2) - They're looking so good their last three wins were all shutouts, but this is step-up week at West Covina on Wednesday, which is where we will be for the big game.
3. South Hills (11-5) -- Finished off a good week with wins over Chino Hills and St. Lucy's. When all is said and done, the Huskies probably win the Sierra.
4. Chino Hills (11-4) -- The jury's still out, they still have two games left with South Hills, St. Lucy's and Charter Oak, so a long, long way to go.
5. West Covina (11-5) -- They're a half-game in front of Bonita with a 3-0 record in the Hacienda, with Bonita undefeated at 2-0. It appears these are the top two teams, so Wednesday's game at West Covina should tell us a lot.
6. Glendora (8-6) -- The Baseline league is simply proving too tough, the Tartans tied for last place with some tough games coming up. But in our neck of the woods, they're still a top team.
7. Charter Oak (9-6) -- The Chargers had a week off to regroup, re-energize or re-something. They sit in fifth in the Sierra, but it's still early and there are a lot of games left.
8. Ayala (7-7) -- If they lose again, maybe it's time to drop them out of the top ten. They're here outta respect, but a 9-7 loss to Claremont doesn't help the argument.
9. Duarte (12-1) -- You can make the argument they haven't played anyone or the Montview is weak, but 12-1 is 12-1. Welcome to the top ten.
10. San Dimas (9-5) -- They also had a week off, but are still 4-0 in the Valle Vista, which isn't the strongest of leagues this year.

By Fred J. Robledo, Staff Writer
The numbers always have been staggering for the Bishop Amat High School girls soccer team, but numbers don't win CIF-Southern Section championships, that takes something from within.
Bishop Amat, after ruining an undefeated season with a semifinal loss in 2010, returned and finished in dramatic fashion in 2011. Not only did the Lancers (28-2) capture the CIF-Southern Section Division 3 championship, it defeated top seed Ayala 1-0 in the final, a school that had crushed the Lancers 6-1 earlier in the season. (To continue click thread).

GIRLS SOCCER
COACH OF THE YEAR: Ruben Gonzalez, Bishop Amat
PLAYER OF THE YEAR: April Juarez, Bishop Amat, Jr.
Forward: Khalalah Todd, Northview, Sr.
Forward: Makenzy Doniak, Ayala, Jr.
Forward: Amie Jepsen, Glendora, Jr.
Midfielder: Yazmin Montoya, Bishop Amat, So.
Midfielder: Lauren Stupin, Los Altos, Sr.
Midfielder: Victoria Camaj, St. Lucy's, Jr.
Midfielder: Lizbeth Rodriguez, Sierra Vista, Sr.
Defender: Alyssa Cabral, Bishop Amat, Jr.
Defender: Alicen Wright, Ayala, Sr.
Defender: Jesse Gener, Bishop Amat, Jr.
Goalkeeper: Rachel Jones, San Dimas, Sr.

SECOND TEAM
Forward: Maribel Duran, San Dimas, Jr.
Forward: Haille Worrell, Bonita, Sr.
Forward: Natalie Rivas, Bishop Amat, So.
Midfielder: Shannon McKee, San Dimas, Sr.
Midfielder: Tara Cofer, Los Altos, Sr.
Midfielder: Amber Marani, Walnut, Jr.
Midfielder: Alexandra Wilson, Glendora, Jr.
Defender: Kellie Creese, Bonita, Jr.
Defender: Hannah Leu, Walnut, Sr.
Defender: Alexandra Quincey, St. Lucy's, Sr.
Goalkeeper: Jesse Vargas, Bonita, Jr.

The ninth annual Tribune/Star-News boys and girls senior all-star game will be held at Damien High School on Saturday, April 23. The girls game is at 4 p.m., followed by the boys game at 6. There will be a 3-point contest for the boys and girls teams, and a slam dunk competition for the boys. La Verne Lutheran's Eric Cooper will coach the boys team and Bonita's Darren Baumunk will coach the girls side.

STAR-NEWS TEAM: Click thread for roster

Note: With so many schools on spring break, if you have not received notification and you're on this list, please email me at fred.robledo@sgvn.com.

For boys practice times: Email coach Eric Cooper at coopdreamemail@gmail.com
For girls practice times: Email coach Darren Baumunk at d.baumunk@bonita.k12.ca.us

Congratulations to the 16 seniors from each team on the list

SAN GABRIEL VALLEY TRIBUNE ALL-STARS
BOYS TEAM
COACH: Eric Cooper, La Verne Lutheran
Center: Mark Roche, Arroyo
Forward: Brian Johnson, Northview
Forward: Jordan Butler, Bonita, Sr
Forward: German Pompa, La Puente
Forward: Sharif Watson, Rowland
Forward: Ray Santos, Nogales
Forward: Aubrey Coleman, Walnut,
Guard: C.J. Cooper, La Verne Lutheran
Guard: Daniel Rodriguez, Bishop Amat
Guard: James Northup, Bonita
Guard: Alvin Tan, Los Altos
Guard: Jimmy Ramirez, Baldwin Park
Guard: Tyler Hill, Bishop Amat
Guard: Gian-Franco Demano, Damien
Guard: Bruce English, La Verne Lutheran
Guard: Bryan Gholar, Walnut

GIRLS BASKETBALL
COACH: Darren Baumunk, Bonita
TRIBUNE TEAM
Forward: Jasmine Lee, Rowland
Forward: Vianai Austin, Bishop Amat
Forward: Chariah Harris, Chino Hills
Forward, Kaci Calton, Wilson
Forward: Amy McDill, Walnut
Forward: Nicole Zugasti, St. Lucy's
Forward: Leticia Galarza, Bishop Amat
Guard: Franchesca Laza, Nogales
Guard: Tatyana Warren, Baldwin Park
Guard: Claudia Ramirez, Northview
Guard: Amber Del Real, West Covina
Guard: Nnenna Abaeze, Walnut
Guard: Alexis Arnold, Azusa
Guard: Taylor Anderson, Bonita
Guard: Madison Zylstra, Bonita
Guard: Andrea Villanueva, Bishop Amat

By Aram Tolegian, Staff Writer
Covina High School football coach Darryl Thomas isn't going to let the excitement surrounding his team affect how he handles the Colts' offseason plans. A lot of coaches, when they have the type of veteran skill position players that Covina has coming back, overload the summer docket with numerous passing tournament stops.
Not Thomas.

The National Underclassmen Combine will be held at Pasadena High over the weekend. The tour bills itself as "the nation's largest and most successful High School Football Recruiting Showcase." On Friday, there will be a prep training, skill training and All-American recruiting seminar. On Saturday, the top eighth-, ninth- and 10th-graders take to the field for a combine. On Sunday, the top 11th graders (next year's college hopefuls), will have their combine beginning at 1 p.m. Recruiting service rivals.com will be on hand to provide analysis for college scouts.
Interested parties can find out more information by visiting http://www.nationalunderclassmen.com.

The Tribune winter all-area teams will run Tuesday through next week. Everyone has come in for pictures, portraits have been taken and we're set to honor the best-of-the-best in the the East San Gabriel Valley. The all-area teams will run on the following dates listed below.

Girls Soccer, Tuesday, April 12
Boys Soccer, Wednesday, April 13
Girls Hoops, Thursday's, April 14
Boys Hoops, Friday, April 15
Wrestling, Saturday, April 16
Girls Water Polo, Tuesday, April 19

Sources have confirmed that Glendora assistant Jerry Lewallen is under strong consideration to replace Mark Pasquarella as Glendora high school's next football coach. With the uncertainty of a teaching position available for a new coach, Lewallen is already a teacher in the Glendora school district, and appears to be the front runner. It appears that La Puente coach Brandon Rohrer, a former assistant coach under Pasquarella who had serious interest in relocating to Glendora, will likely remain at La Puente unless Glendora guarantees a teaching job to go with football, which appears unlikely. We also hear that Glendora is seriously considering former Northview football coach Todd Quinsey, which might be the school's best walk-on candidate. Quinsey knows his stuff, he most recently was an assistant with Charter Oak's football team, and is the girls basketball coach there. A decision, sources say, could come as early as next week. Glendora is on spring break, so nothing is expected by the end of the week.

By Steve Ramirez
LA PUENTE -- Pitching, which initially was expected to be the Bishop Amat High School baseball team's weakness, is suddenly its strength.
The host Lancers showed how strong after Daniel Zamora and Rio Ruiz combined on a no-hitter in a 9-0 victory over arch-rival St. Paul in a Del Rey League game on Friday.
"I've never thrown a no-hitter before," said Zamora, who no-hit the Swordsmen (4-9, 2-4) for six innings before giving way to Ruiz in the seventh. "It would have been nice to get my first one. But I understand. We have a big tournament coming up (next week). I understand."
Zamora struck out six and allowed just three baserunners on a two errors and a walk. He also caught a break when Anthony Gonzalez's pop fly that dropped into center field was turned into a force out.
"(Zamora) did a good job," St. Paul coach Casey Morales said. "We hadn't seen a lot of lefty pitchers this year. But he did a good job of throwing strikes. We weren't up to the task today."
Bishop Amat (11-2, 5-0), getting two RBIs each from Bernardo Zavala, Jay Anderson and Ryan Serrato, led 2-0 after the first and 7-0 after five innings.
Zamora, after retiring eight consecutive hitters, including a strike out to end the sixth, then gave way to Ruiz, who completed the no-hitter by inducing Jeremy Lares to hit into a double play. Larson Anzaldo on a grounded out to end the game.
"We haven't had the opportunity to get (Ruiz) some work, so part of our plan is try to use him and see if he can help us in that role," Bishop Amat coach Andy Nieto said. "We're looking at the big picture, and how each game helps us to prepare for the next game and, or the playoffs."

Arcadia Invitational Webpage, which includes all the information you need on this weekends events.

By Keith Lair, Staff Writer
For more than 20 years, the Arcadia Invitational track and field meet has been more about national notoriety. San Gabriel Valley athletes have long played a part in helping the meet reach that goal, but the Valley's top athletes have rarely made an impact on those national headlines. They could this year, though.
Seven of the marquee events in the two-day meet will have Valley athletes playing an integral role. The 44th annual meet, at Arcadia High School, begins tonight with a slew of relay races. The meet continues Saturday morning with open events and concludes Saturday night with the invitational portion, for which a capacity crowd is expected.

Feature on Bishop Amat's Kylie Price: Track and field athletes often view the Arcadia Invitational as a springboard to a big season. Bishop Amat's Kylie Price understands that line of thinking and is hoping to parlay a big performance in Arcadia this weekend into something area fans won't soon forget. "Basically, this track meet is a preview of what state is going to be," Price said. "I'm excited for this track meet. It's one of my favorites."

L.A. Times' Eric Sondheimer writes great piece on defending 100, 200 meter state champ, Covina's Remontay McClain: More than 200 track athletes were wandering around the field at Covina High waiting to warm up. Trying to identify the defending state champion in the 100 and 200 meters amid a diverse group of teenage boys and girls was difficult. Then, out of the blue, came a clue. Remontay McClain was the only student carrying a garbage container at the request of his coach, Kevin Glaspy.

La Puente's Jimmy Jacobo gets congrats from coach John Hermosillo after his three-run home run in the fifth inning. The Warriors went on to a 6-3 victory over Gladstone.

By Steve Ramirez
COVINA -- Thursday was put up or shut up for the La Puente High School baseball team.
The Warriors answered with the former.
Jimmy Jacobo had a home run and three RBIs and Raymond Sedillo was solid on mound as visiting La Puente got back in the race for a Montview League baseball title with a 6-3 victory over first-place Gladstone.
The Warriors, who rebounded after losing 5-1 to the Gladiators on Tuesday, improved to 10-2 overall and 4-2 in league play. Gladstone, which is now tied for first with Sierra Vista, slipped to 9-2 and 5-1.

By John Honell
Correspondent
LA VERNE -- South Hills High School completed a two-game sweep of Damien this week with a 3-2 win in 9 innings Thursday.
The win gave the Huskies (9-3,5-2) a 2-1 season edge over the Spartans (6-9,4-3) and moved them into a tie with Chino Hills.
The Huskies clinched the season series and gave them the tie breaker should the teams be tied heading into the playoffs.
"On Tuesday, we scored seven runs in the first two innings then hung on," Huskies coach Kevin Smith said. "We pitched a lot better today than we did then. This has been a huge week for us to take two from them. They're a really good team."
Senior Dominick Martinez led off the top of the ninth with a line-drive triple to center field. After an intentional walk to C.J. Saylor, Ty France brought Martinez home with a sacrifice fly to right.
"I was just looking for a fastball belt-high up," Martinez said. "So our big hitters behind me could bring me in."

By Fred J. Robledo, staff writer
It's amazing how the skies have cleared for the South Hills High School softball team after what looked like impending doom after getting routed by St. Lucy's and pitcher Danielle O'Toole earlier in the week. The Huskies could have taken a nose dive in the Sierra League standings, but responded with a victory over league-leading Chino Hills Wednesday and a 5-3 win over St. Lucy's when they met again Thursday. (To continue click thread).

I will announce the senior all-star teams and coaches early next week.

By Miguel Melendez
It took a little while, but the Bonita High School baseball team eventually flexed its muscles to secure a 8-1 victory over Arcadia to win the Apache Invitational on Wednesday night at Arcadia High.
It put an end to the Apaches' seven-game winning streak, and for the second year in a row lost its own tournament title game. Glendora beat Arcadia in last year's final.
Any chance of an Arcadia (11-3) comeback came to an end in the seventh when Bonita (11-3) loaded the bases before scoring four runs on four hits in the seventh inning to pad its lead and put the game out of reach.
While the bats came alive for the Bearcats (12-3), it was pitcher Brandon Murfett who was brilliant, going the distance while giving up just five hits, two walks and one unearned run while fanning six with six strikeouts. He earned the tournament's top pitching award with teammate KC Huth earning the tournament's most valuable player award.

All Hacienda League
Boys Soccer
Most Valuable Player: Neal Ignacio, Diamond Bar, Sr.
First Team
Leonard Grigg, Bonita, forward, Sr.
Raul Huerta, Diamond Ranch, forward, Sr.
Juan Sanchez, Los Altos, forward, Fr.
Matthew Lares, Rowland, forward, So.
Juan Mendoza, Los Altos, midfielder, Sr.
Martin Lua, Bonita, midfielder, Sr.
Ernesto Maldonado, Diamond Bar, midfielder, Sr.
Quincee Worrell, Bonita, defender, Sr.
Simon Kim, Diamond Ranch, defender, Sr.
Aaron Valdez, Los Altos, defender, Jr.
Kevin Knight, Diamond Bar, defender, Sr.
Michael Luzzi, Diamond Bar, golakeeper, Sr.

Girls Soccer
Most Valuable Player: Haille Worrel, Bonita, Sr.
First Team
Lauren Stupin, Los Altos, Sr.
Tara Cofer, Los Altos, Sr.
Priscilla Llanos, Rowland, Sr.
Kelli Creese, Bonita, Jr.
Jessi Vargas, Bonita, Jr.
Mikayla Flores, Bonita, Fr.
Danielle Robinson, Diamond Ranch, Fr.
Bianca Balassi, Diamond Bar, Sr.
Stevie Thomas, Diamond Bar, Jr.
Tatum Lockett, Diamond Bar, So.
Stefanie Catone, Walnut, Jr.
Hannah Leu, Walnut, Sr.
Amber Maroni, Walnut, Jr.

All Sierra League
Boys Soccer
Most Valuable Players: Cory Hodge (Claremont); Kwaku Yeboah (Damien)
First Team
Brent Chamberlain, Claremont, Sr.
Troy Ford, Claremont, Jr.
Denes Kantar, Claremont, Jr.
Esai Ramirez, Claremont, Sr.
Christian Del Cid, Chino Hills, Jr.
Kris Korich, Chino Hills, Sr.
Michael Montoya, Chino Hills, Jr.
Alex Sanchez, Chino Hills, So.
Jordan Bingham, Damien, Jr.
Nolan Leggio, Damien, Sr.
Danny Nicholls, Damien, Sr.
Anton Russell, Damien, Jr.
Carlos Pina, South Hills, Sr.

All Sierra League
Girls Soccer
Offensive MVPs: Makenzy Doniak (Ayala, Jr.); Victoria Camaj (St. Lucys, Jr.)
Defensive MVP: Alicen Wright (Ayala, Sr.)
First Team
Maya Jones, Ayala, So.
Lizette Luna, Ayala, So.
Alexis Weaver, Ayala, Sr.
Alyssa Caputo, Charter Oak, Sr.
Carly Lake, Charter Oak, Jr.
Meilessah Rangel, Chino Hills, So.
Joy Shiba, Chino Hills, Sr.
Hannah Chua, Claremont, Fr.
Ariana Holmes, Claremont, So.
Ari Vaughn, South Hills, Sr.
Shannon Kent, St. Lucy's, Jr.
Carley Pennington, St. Lucy's, Jr.
Alexandra Quincey, St. Lucy's Sr.

By Steve Ramirez
WEST COVINA -- It's a bit early in the high school softball
season for a must-win game.
But the South Hills was in that situation Wednesday, and thanks to
sophomore Lexi Robles, South Hills put itself back in the Sierra
League title chase.
Robles went 3 for 4, including a grand slam in the fourth, to lead
South Hills to a 6-2 victory over first-place Chino Hills in a key
league game in a battle of Huskies.
South Hills, also getting RBIs from catcher Britney Rodriguez and Sam
Nieves, improved to 10-5 overall and 4-2 in league play. Chino Hills,
getting a home run from Shianne Brannan, slipped to 9-4 and 4-1.

Here's video interviews, first with South Hills' coach Scott Fisch, and then Wednesday's hero - Lexi Robles:

The La Puente High school baseball team was forced to forfeit a 3-0 win over Azusa on March 22 after Azusa filed a protest that was upheld by league principals.
Azusa protested that La Puente conducted an illegal batting practice on the day of the game, which is against league policy. La Puente first-year coach John Hermosillo took responsibility, explaining that two of his players were throwing over-hand with a whiffle ball prior to the game. (To continue, click thread).

South Hills softball coach and San Gabriel Valley all-star tournament organizer Scott Fisch asked that we let everyone know the softball all-star game is scheduled for Tuesday, June 7 at Mt. San Antonio College at 6:30 p.m. Coaches who wish to nominate senior players for consideration should contact Fisch at his email address, sfisch@cvusd.k12.ca.us

As good as St. Paul pitcher AJ Gonzalez was Tuesday afternoon, the Bishop Amat baseball team made the senior pay for his wildness. Gonzalez walked two batters in the seventh before Lancers senior Brandon Castaneda drove in the game-winning run with a single, giving visiting Bishop Amat a big 3-2 victory in Del Rey League play. The win keeps Amat (10-2 overall, 4-0 in league) undefeated, while St. Paul (4-8, 2-3) remains in third place. The two teams conclude the three- game season series Friday at Amat at 3:15 p.m.

By Fred J. Robledo, Staff Writer
Spring tournament games mean different things to different teams and Bonita High School baseball coach John Knott made it clear what he was looking for following a mercy-shortened 10-0 loss to Glendora in Monday's round-robin game at the Arcadia tournament. He got his answer with Bonita's 9-1 rout of rival San Dimas on Tuesday, which included another solid outing from junior pitcher Justin Garza, who improved to 6-0 after allowing just three hits in six innings. (To continue story, click thread)

Saturday's results
West Covina 9, Monrovia 0
Bonita 8, Temple City 2
San Dimas 6, Glendora 6, 8 innings
Arcadia 2 Nogales 0
Monday's results
Glendora 10, Bonita 0
San Dimas 9, Temple City 4
Monrovia 5, Nogales 3
Arcadia 5, West Covina 3
Tuesday's games
Bonita 9, San Dimas 1
Temple City 4, Glendora 3
West Covina 8, Nogales 3
Monrovia vs. Arcadia, 7 p.m.

Wednesday, April 6
Pool A No. 4 vs. Pool B No. 4, 10 a.m.
Pool A No. 3 vs. Pool B No. 3, 1 p.m.
Pool A No. 2 vs. Pool B No. 2, 4 p.m.
Pool A No. 1 vs. Pool B No. 1, 7 p.m.
Finals decided by:
1. Best won/lost in pool
2. Head to head
3. Least runs allowed
4. Least hits allowed
5. Coin toss

1. Bishop Amat ( 9-2) - You know what I find most surprising? This great offensive team on paper is batting just .280 overall, while the supposed weakness, its pitching staff, has a team ERA of 1.59. Talk about flipping the script, coach Andy Nieto deserves a lot of credit for this.
2. Glendora (8-3-1) -- I thought coach Dan Henley did a masterful job last year, but he's been more impressive this year. Not many teams could reload like they have after losing so much.
3. Bonita (10-3) -- I wouldn't put too much stock in their 10-0 loss to Glendora on a Monday morning in a tournament game. But I did expect more out of them, simply because Glendora was on the other side.
4. South Hills (7-3) -- Juniors C.J. Saylor and Ty France can pitch, catch and hit with the best of them. It reminds me of watching two kids dominate their Little League team, only they're doing it in high school.
5. Chino Hills (9-3) -- They were cruising until Charter Oak beat them 2-0. This must be some senior class, Chino Hills has been near the top of just about every boys sport, baseball no different.
6. Covina (10-4) -- Have seen them a couple times and love how they compete. They're playing themselves into a swagger that's growing with each win. No way they don't win the Valle Vista League.
7. Diamond Bar (8-6) - I still say the best is yet to come, they're 4-1 in league but more impressively have scored 70 runs in their last five games after losing 2-1 to Bonita.
8. Damien (6-7) -- How do you rank a team with a sub. 500 record? Answer: When they're 4-1 and tied for first in the ridiculously tough Sierra League.
9. Charter Oak (6-6) -- The most troubling stat is they have allowed more runs (59) than they have scored (56). They need ace Travis Santiago on the hill, but he hasn't pitched all season, the Chargers keeping his pitching status on the down and low.
10. San Dimas (8-4-1) -- If there is a team that's got a shot at beating Covina to the VVL title, it's the Saints. Coach Mike Regan doing a fine job again.

By Steve Ramirez, Staff Writer
San Dimas High School senior Katherine Salcido enjoyed a breakout season last spring and appears to have picked up where she left off. Salcido, arguably one of the area's top track and field athletes after placing sixth in the high jump in Division 3 at last year's CIF-Southern Section meet, has made some early noise this season. She is ranked No. 3 in the state in the long jump (18 feet, 10 inches), fourth in the 100-meter low hurdles (14.19) seconds) and fifth in the high jump (5-6).

By Aram Tolegian, Staff Writer
A life-changing decision likely awaits for Diamond Ranch High School baseball slugger Rouric Bridgewater in two months, but for now he wants to concentrate on two things - beating Hacienda League rivals Bonita and Diamond Bar. "I just want to beat Diamond Bar and Bonita just once," he said. "I want to beat both of those schools more than anything else." That means all thoughts about the Major League Baseball draft in June and the subsequent decision whether to attend Arizona State, where Bridgewater has been committed to since last summer, or start a pro career are on the back burner for now.

CLICK HERE FOR A PHOTO GALLERY FROM THE SAN DIMAS-TEMPLE CITY GAME

Jacob Ehret went 2 for 3 with four RBIs, two doubles and a run scored to lead San Dimas to a 9-4 win over Temple City in the Apache Invitational on Monday afternoon at Arcadia High. San Dimas' Eric Morrel went 3 1/3 innings and gave up seven hits. Shawn Kennedy struck out two and allowed just two hits in 3-plus innings in relief. Temple City's Calvin Copping struck out five but gave up seven runs on nine hits in 6 2/3 innings pitched. San Dimas jumped ahead 2-0 in the first on Ehret's double to score Andrew Espinosa, who pinch-ran for Daniel Milwee who singled and advanced to second on an error. Matt Lee's single scored Ehret to make it 2-0. The Saints added four more in the second with a little help from the Rams. After recording two quick ground outs, Temple City ran into some trouble to close out the inning. Elias Orona was hit by a pitch before Kennedy drew a walk. Milwee's RBI single to the right-center gap scored Orona to make it 3-0, moving Kennedy to third. Kennedy then scored on a balk to make it 4-0 before Matt Muñoz drew a walk. Ehret's two-run double to left field padded the Saints' lead 6-0. Temple City scored two in the second and added another in the fourth, but left the bases loaded in that inning before Kennedy struck out Kyle Starling and forced Caleb Halverson to ground out to end the threat.

Story to follow soon: My only thoughts are how could Glendora be this good after losing so much from its championship team? They're blowing through the Baseline, and made easy work of a great team like Bonita...

By John Honell, Correspondent
There was no doubt about which team set their alarm clock for the 10 o'clock game of the Apache Invitational tournament. The game was a matchup between Glendora High School, the defending CIF-Southern Section Division II champions and ranked third by this newspaper, knocked off Bonita, currently ranked first in CIF Division III and ranked second by this newspaper.
The Tartans hit a pair of solo home runs in the first inning and never looked back in a 10-0 win over the Bearcats.

Between the Star-News and Trib, we got this covered. Monday's Glendora-Bonita is a can't miss, plus a San Dimas-Bonita game on Tuesday. Gotta love it.

2011 ARCADIA HIGH BASEBALL INVITATIONAL
Pool A: Arcadia, Monrovia, Nogales, West Covina.
Pool B: Glendora, Temple City, San Dimas, Bonita.
All games on Giambrone Field at Arcadia High

Saturday's results
West Covina 9, Monrovia 0
Bonita 8, Temple City 2
San Dimas 6, Glendora 6, 8 innings
Arcadia 2 Nogales 0

Monday, April 4
Glendora vs. Bonita, 10 a.m.
Temple City vs. San Dimas, 1 p.m.
Monrovia vs. Nogales, 4 p.m.
West Covina vs. Arcadia, 7 p.m.
Tuesday, April 5
San Dimas vs. Bonita, 10 a.m.
Glendora vs. Temple City, 1 p.m.
West Covina vs. Nogales, 4 p.m.
Monrovia vs. Arcadia, 7 p.m.
Wednesday, April 6
Pool A No. 4 vs. Pool B No. 4, 10 a.m.
Pool A No. 3 vs. Pool B No. 3, 1 p.m.
Pool A No. 2 vs. Pool B No. 2, 4 p.m.
Pool A No. 1 vs. Pool B No. 1, 7 p.m.
Finals decided by:
1. Best won/lost in pool
2. Head to head
3. Least runs allowed
4. Least hits allowed
5. Coin toss

By Fred J. Robledo
If there are a few more grey hairs on High School softball coaches, blame the rule change moving the pitching rubber from 40 to 43 feet, which has made no lead feel safe, and given life to offensive production in a sport that has produced little over the years because of dominant pitching.
Take San Dimas for instance, who squeezed on an 8-6 victory over Northview after leading 6-0 and 8-3, hanging on in the seventh after a Vikings running error ruined what could been a dramatic seventh-inning rally. (to continue, click thread).

By Steve Ramirez
WEST COVINA -- Los Altos High School could have folded Friday.
But instead, the Conquerors just pushed harder before freshman Esteban Ortega gave his teammates something to cheer about.
Ortega went 2 for 4 and hit a two-run home run in the 10th inning to help Los Altos to a 4-2 victory over host West Covina in a Hacienda League baseball game.
The Conquerors, getting solid efforts from pitchers Kyle Peck and Andres Mota, improved to 6-6 overall and 2-2 in league play. West Covina, which tied it at 2 on an RBI single by Steven Diosdado in the sixth, slipped to 3-9 and 2-3.

Nobody saw this coming, and it won't be the first time a basketball coach has moved to football. With Glendora not having a teaching position for its football coach after the resignation of Mark Pasquarella, LeDuc stepped up and has offered to take over the program on an interim basis. Everyone knows LeDuc is the best x's and o's guy in the business, now he will try his hand at football. Click thread for more

By Aram Tolegian, Staff Writer
With preparations for this fall already under way, the big question around West Covina High School is who will pilot the Bulldogs football team as it tries to defend last year's CIF-Southern Section Southeast Division championship. Three-year starting quarterback George Johnson is set to graduate in June and that means the luxury of having an experienced signal caller is no longer afforded on West Covina coach Mike Maggiore. "As a coach, at this point in the game, everything concerns me," Maggiore said. "It was nice (with George) going into the spring and summer knowing what we had and that we were pretty much set. "I believe in our coaches and the ability that we have in getting our kids ready to play."