May 2011 Archives

South Hills' Sweet 16: The South Hills High School softball team overwhelmed second-seeded Bishop Amat in stunning fashion with a hitting display that went on and on and finally ended with a 16-1 win in Tuesday's CIF-SS Division 3 semifinal.
Visiting South Hills sent at least seven batters to the plate in six of the seven innings to advance to the championship for the second season in a row. The Huskies will face top-seeded Oaks Christian, a 2-1 winner over Chino Hills, on Friday or Saturday at Deanna Manning Stadium in Irvine.
Unseeded South Hills (21-7) lost in last year's Division 5 championship to top-seeded Whittier Christian, 4-0, and Tuesday played like a team that has unfinished business.
"We'll take on No. 1 until we get it right," Huskies coach Scott Fisch said.

Amat's Comeback Kids: There's nothing quite like sweet revenge, especially when it comes in the CIF-Southern Section playoffs against a team that gave you heartache the season before.
The Bishop Amat High School baseball team knows the feeling.
Andrew Gutierrez's RBI single scored Rio Ruiz in the bottom of the seventh inning and the Lancers rallied from four runs down to score a 5-4 victory over Torrance in Tuesday's CIF-SS Division 4 semifinal at USC's Dedeaux Field.
The No. 2-seeded Lancers, who dropped a 7-3 setback to the Tartars last season, improved to 28-4 and will face top-seeded Palm Desert, a 2-1 winner over Oaks Christian, for the division championship at Dodger Stadium on Friday at 4:30 p.m. It's Bishop Amat's first trip to a division final since 2008 and first visit to Dodger Stadium since winning the Division IV crown in 2001.

CIF-Southern Section Semifinals
Tuesday's Results
Baseball
Division 3
Beckman 8, Bonita 2
Woodbridge at Culver City, 3 p.m.
Championship: Thursday, Dodger Stadium, 4:30 p.m.
Division 4
Palm Desert 2, Oaks Christian 1
Bishop Amat, Torrance 4
Championship: Friday, Dodger Stadium, 4:30 p.m.

Softball
Division 3
Oaks Christian 2, Chino Hills 1
South Hills 16, Bishop Amat 1
Division 5
La Canada 6, South El Monte 2
Beaumont 4, Arroyo 0
Championships: Friday and Saturday at Deanna Manning Stadium, Irvine, TBA

No. 1 Bonita falls: Well, whatever Irvine Beckman did to get ready for visiting Bonita and senior Adam McCreery worked as the Patriots battered McCreery en route to an 8-2 victory in Tuesday's CIF-SS Division 3 baseball semifinals.

Beaumont shuts out Arroyo: Neal hit another home run in the sixth inning and the Cougars scored a 4-0 victory in a CIF-Southern Section Division 5 semifinal game Tuesday.

Goodbye South: The Spartans' bats then snapped everyone back to reality and did the needed damage for a 6-2 victory over the visiting Eagles.

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

The Guru writes: Happy Memorial Day to all. For most of the high schools, spring football is either done or we are in the final week of it. And with the end of May nearing, it also means that the college spring evaluation period has come to a close. So for this column we'll take a look at our revised Top-10, reveal out diamonds to watch and recommend a new hamburger establishment in West Covina. (To continue, click thread).

Following Bonita's 7-0 win over San Gorgonio on Friday, San Gorgonio coach Bill Eatinger said of Bearcats pitcher Justin Garza, who is 13-0 with a 0.55 ERA: "(Garza) is the best pitcher in CIF. The kid's numbers are phenomenal and you saw what he did. We knew we needed to play our best game of the year. We made a couple of mistakes early and that was enough." After a great regular season, Garza managed to kick it up a notch in the playoffs. He hasn't been scored on in 13 innings and has allowed just four hits.

He may not look imposing and came out of nowhere, but there is no doubt how talented Garza is, and with his confidence growing, he's maturing each time out. In terms of best single season ever by a high school pitcher in the San Gabriel Valley, his numbers make an argument against anyone.

Note: I wrote previously if Garza went 14-0, he would match Edgewood's Mike Pill with the best record for a perfect season in SGV history, which Pill did twice, in 1977 and '78. Since writing that, some have taken notice and alerted the CIF office of records that were not submitted, like Covina's Mike O'Hara, who went 15-0 in 1979. That was added just recently, which makes O'Hara the all-time best. For Garza though, if he finishes 14-0 or better, he would be the first to crack the prestigious 14-0 or better season since 1999, or the first since the turn of the century. Not bad, right? And remember in the 70s and prior, pitchers could pitch unlimited innings, there was no 10-inning per week rule. Like I said, what Garza is doing in the modern high school baseball era is extremely impressive.

CIF-SS ALL TIME RECORDS
PERFECT SEASON
Rec. Player/School Year
17-0 Rick Stewart, Fillmore 1977
16-0 Vance Thurston, Long Beach Wilson 1947
16-0 Mike Corkins, Rubidoux 1964
15-0 Mike O'Hara, Covina 1979
15-0 Willie Leighton, Fillmore 1988
15-0 Craig Jones, La Quinta 1995
15-0 Brett Young, Calvary Chapel/Santa Ana 1999
14-0 Mike Pill, Edgewood 1976
14-0 Mike Pill, Edgewood 1977
14-0 Mike Witt, Servite 1982
14-0 Craig VanHulzen, Apple Valley Christian 1990
14-0 Jason Kelly, St. Joesph/Santa Maria 1997
14-0 Tim Thompson, Grace Brethren 1998

If Bishop Amat and Bonita are going to play for CIF--Southern Section baseball titles, they must win games away from the San Gabriel Valley in Tuesday's semifinals.
Bonita, which lost in the finals last season, travels to Beckman for a 3:15 p.m., with the winner advancing to the championship. Bishop Amat has the home game, but because the school's softball team is also at home, the Lancers have chosen to play their semifinal against Torrance at USC's Dedeaux Field, which is closer to Torrance than La Puente. Game time is scheduled for 6:30 p.m.
Tuesday's Semifinals
Division 3
Bonita at Beckman, 3:15 p.m.
Division 4
Torrance vs. Bishop Amat at USC, 6:30 p.m.

By Fred J. Robledo, Staff Writer
For those who believe the Bishop Amat High School baseball team should be competing in a much tougher division, the Lancers' 13-2 victory over visiting Fontana Kaiser in Friday's CIF-Southern Section Division 4 quarterfinal just fuels the debate. The second-seed Lancers (27-4) are ranked sixth in the state by Maxpreps, and march on to Tuesday's semifinals against Torrance, which is Amat's home game, but with Amat's softball team at home against South Hills the same day, Amat's baseball game might get moved to an alternate site. (To continue click thread).

Bonita Notes: Bonita's Justin Garza improved to 13-0, allowing just two hits in six innings in a 7-0 shutout over San Gorgonio. The Cats are a win away from advancing to their second straight title game. Garza is a win away from matching Edgewood great Mike Pill's undefeated 14-0 mark, which he did twice in 1977 and '78 in leading Edgewood to back-to-back championships. Pill's 14-0 campaigns are the SGV record for most wins in a perfect season.

Baseball
Friday's quarterfinal results
Division 2
Mission Viejo 12, Damien 2
Division 3
Bonita 7, San Gorgonio 0
Division 4
Bishop Amat 13, Kaiser 2

By Steve Ramirez
NORWALK -- Covina High School's Remontay McClain and Bishop Amat's Kyle Price began the season as the area's top two returning track and field athletes.
They continue to live up to that billing.
Both earned double wins while qualifying for next weekend's CIF State championships in Clovis after giving stellar efforts Friday night during the CIF-Southern Section Masters Meet at Cerritos College.

MASTERS RESULTS: For up to the minute results of tonight's Masters, click here.

By Keith Lair, Staff Writer
he difference in track and field practices around the San Gabriel Valley this week has been a matter of numbers. Two weeks ago, high school facilities were filled with hundreds of athletes training in earnest. That number was down to 20 this week and will dwindle to probably no more than a handful after tonight, when athletes who had top-nine running times or top-12 field-event marks in last weekend's CIF-SS Finals will compete in the Masters Meet at Cerritos College. Field events are scheduled to start at 4:30 p.m., with running events beginning at 5:30. In addition to the top five finishers in each event, those who better a preset standard in their event will also earn a berth in next weekend's two-day CIF State meet, to be held at Buchanan High in Clovis, just northeast of Fresno. (To continue click thread)

By Fred J. Robledo, Staff Writer
South Hills High School softball coach Scott Fisch said he might have pulled a muscle, one of the risks he takes every time the Huskies win CIF-Southern Section playoff games. Fisch lines up his team along the third-base line afterward, then circles the bases and makes a head first slide at home. He's been doing it a lot lately, struggling to catch his breath after South Hills hung on for a 4-3 victory over fourth-seed Warren in Thursday's Division 3 quarterfinals at home. (To continue click thread)

TUESDAY'S SEMIFINAL SCHEDULE
Division 3
Chino Hills at Oaks Christian, 3:15 p.m.
South Hills at Bishop Amat, 3:15 p.m.
Division 5
South El Monte at La Canada, 3:15 p.m.
Arroyo at Beaumont, 3:15 p.m.

Softball
Thursday's quarterfinal results
Division 3
Oaks Christian 4, St. Lucy's 0
Chino Hills 6, La Serna 2
South Hills 4, Warren 3
Bishop Amat 9, Torrance 1
Division 5
South El Monte 4, Marlborough 2
Arroyo 4, Savanna 3

Amat wins: The second-seeded Lancers smacked the ball early and often, coasting to a 9-1 victory in the quarterfinals of the CIF-Southern Section Division 3 softball playoffs Thursday.

St. Lucy's goes quietly: The Regents managed only one in Thursday's CIF-SS Division 3 quarterfinal - a total that was good enough for victory in its first-round game, but it wasn't enough in a 4-0 loss to No. 1 seed Westlake Village Oaks Christian.

Don't doubt the South: The Eagles came from behind for a 4-2 victory over sixth-seeded Marlborough in a quarterfinal game Thursday afternoon.

Chino Hills rolls: Chino Hills High School's softball team put all three elements of its attack - pitching, hitting and defense - to use Thursday in a 6-2 victory over host La Serna in the quarterfinals of the CIF-Southern Section Division 3 playoffs.

By Fred J. Robledo
Nobody tells a story like longtime Dodgers announcer Vin Scully, and being part of one of his many tales means you must have done something special. Major League Baseball Hall of Famer Harmon Killebrew died May 17, losing his long battle with esophageal cancer, and Scully was reminiscing later that night, talking of Killebrew's playing days during his Dodgers television broadcast against the Milwaukee Brewers as only Scully can.

Then he ended his story by saying how appropriate it was that on the day Killebrew died at age 74, his grandson hit a home run in a high school playoff game. That grandson is Damien High School's Chad Hockin, who hit a solo homer in a 3-1 victory over Redondo Union in the Spartans' CIF-Southern Section Division 2 wild-card game - mere hours after Killebrew's passing. (To continue click thread)

Former NFL cornerback Ralph Brown III, who won a CIF championship at Bishop Amat and a National title at Nebraska, is hosting a youth football clinic at Northview High School on Saturday. The Football camp is sponsored by Damien, but with Damien's graduation on Saturday, the camp was moved to Northview. The youth camp, available for anyone through the eighth grade, begins at 11 a.m. The high-school-aged portion of the camp starts at 1:30 p.m. The cost is $25 per person. For more information, contact Damien high school.

The ESGV won a lot of coin flips to host home games in the quarterfinals. In fact, Bishop Amat and Bonita baseball won coin flips to be home and Damien has an automatic home game against Mission Viejo. Bishop Amat baseball will play at 1:30 p.m., Friday because graduation is that night. In softball, St. Lucy's is home against top-ranked Oaks Christian, and South Hills and South El Monte softball are both home too. Only teams on the road, Chino Hills at La Serna, Bishop Amat at Torrance and Arroyo at Savannah

CIF-Southern Section playoffs
Softball
Thursday's quarterfinals
Division 3
Oaks Christian at St. Lucy's, 3:15 p.m.
Chino Hills at La Serna, 3:15 p.m.
Warren at South Hills, 3:15 p.m.
Bishop Amat at Torrance, 3:15 p.m.
Division 5
Marlborough at South El Monte, 3:15 p.m.
Arroyo at Savanna, 3:15 p.m.

Baseball
Friday's quarterfinals
Division 2
Mission Viejo at Damien, 3:15 p.m.
Division 3
San Gorgonio at Bonita, 3:15 p.m.
Division 4
Kaiser at Bishop Amat, 1:30 p.m.

By Steve Ramirez
AMAT GAME STORY: The big question mark for the Bishop Amat High School baseball team entering the CIF-Southern Section playoffs was if the Lancers' no-name pitching staff would be good enough to support their productive offense. The answer came loud and clear Tuesday.
Ryan Serrato and David Berg combined on a two-hit shutout and Andrew Gutierrez had a two-run triple in the sixth to lead No. 2 seed Bishop Amat to a 3-0 victory over St. Bonaventure in a Division 4 second round game at Ventura College. (To continue click thread).

CIF-Southern Section Playoffs
Today's second round results
Baseball
Division 2
Damien 7, Sherman Oaks Notre Dame 5
Etiwanda 4, Chino Hills 2
Division 3
Bonita 5, Northwood 1
Division 4
Bishop Amat 3, St. Bonaventure 0
Division 5
Oak Hills 11, La Puente 9
Montclair Prep 6, Sierra Vista 1

BASEBALL COVERAGE
Chino Hills sent home: - Senior pitchers Andy Cerroni and Jason Broussard combined on a three-hitter and allowed just one earned run as Etiwanda High School defeated visiting Chino Hills, 4-2, in Tuesday's CIF-Southern Section Division 2 second-round game.

Aram Tolegian's baseball roundup

Bonita 5, Northwood 1: Bonita High School pitcher Adam McCreery is all the way back, and that's bad news for the rest of CIF-Southern Section Division 3. McCreery, who missed much of the season with an elbow injury and slowly was being worked back into the fold, threw a one-hitter Tuesday in leading No. 1-seeded Bonita to a 5-1 victory at Northwood. "We'll see how he wakes up tomorrow, but he hasn't complained about his arm yet," Bonita coach John Knott said of McCreery. "I don't ever ask him how he's feeling. He's fine now and I'm tired of asking him." McCreery, a 6-foot-8 prospect who's headed to Arizona State next season if the majors don't get a hold of him first, allowed just one hit and struck out eight. His return to full strength makes Bonita even scarier, considering ace Justin Garza is 12-0 and remains at Knott's disposal. Bonita scored twice in the first inning to give McCreery a cushion. The Bearcats' Matt Gelalich stole four bases and scored two runs. Bonita improved to 26-4 and will host San Gorgonio in Friday's quarterfinals. "The key was to try and score first and put the pressure on the opponent.," Knott said. "Their crowd was pretty quiet the whole game until the last inning when they tried to get into it. It was nice to score first and not feel the pressure of being a one seed and playing at somebody else's house. "McCreery looked great. He had a lot of confidence and was throwing the ball hard. He's
just tough to hit."

Damien 7, Notre Dame 5 - Chad Hockin's big day at the plate kept the Spartans' playoff roll going. Hockin hit two- and three-run home runs to help the Spartans improve to 17-12. Damien made the postseason as a wild-card team but has beaten Glendora and Notre Dame to reach Friday's quarterfinals.

Oak Hills 11, La Puente 9 -- The Warriors almost dug out of a six-run hole, but their rally fell short. La Puente, which once trailed 7-1, closed to within 11-9 in the sixth and had the bases loaded with two outs, but couldn't come up with a hit. Jimmy Jacobo led the Warriors by going 3 for 4 with three RBIs. La Puente finished 17-8.

By Fred J. Robledo, Staff Writer
Whether you call it breathing room or insurance, the Bishop Amat High School softball team gave itself just that, avoiding disaster in the seventh inning against visiting Oak Park in Tuesday's CIF-Southern Section Division 3 second-round game thanks to a hefty six-run lead.
Bishop Amat scored four runs in the bottom of the sixth which help offset the Eagles' three runs in the seventh, allowing the Lancers to escape with a 7-4 victory and a trip to Thursday's quarterfinals, where they will be on the road against Torrance. (To continue click thread).

CIF-SS Softball Playoffs
Today's second round results
Division 2
La Mirada 3, Bonita 0
Division 3
St. Lucy's 1, Highland 0
Chino Hills 1, North Torrance 0
South Hills 7, Lakeside 3
Bishop Amat 7, Oak Park 4
Division 4
Ocean View 6, San Dimas 0
Division 5
South El Monte 8, Duarte 4
Savanna 10, Azusa 0
Arroyo 3, San Marino 1

SOFTBALL COVERAGE
Bonita ousted: Amber Hickman and Jenevie Rivas combined for a shutout, and La Mirada earned a 3-0 victory over No. 2-seeded Bonita in a CIF-Southern Section Division 2 second-round game Tuesday.

Saints get shutout: The fourth-seeded Seahawks jumped on the host Saints (21-8) in the first inning and scored all six of their runs in a 6-0 victory to advance to Thursday's quarterfinals.

Arroyo moves on: The Arroyo High School softball team hit two home runs in the fifth inning en route to a 3-1 victory over visiting San Marino on Thursday and advanced to the CIF-SS Division 5 quarterfinals.

Don't doubt the South: South El Monte High School advanced to the quarterfinals of the CIF-Southern Section Division 5 playoffs with an ugly 8-4 win over fourth- seeded Duarte on Tuesday afternoon.

More Softball notes:
St. Lucy's 1, Highland 0 -- Pitcher Danielle O'Toole's dominant postseason continued with a 12-strikeout effort to send the Regents into Thursday's quarterfinals, where they will host Oaks Christian. O'Toole went the distance and allowed three hits and a walk to pick up her second consecutive 1-0 win. She also delivered a sacrifice fly that scored Brandi Harkness in the bottom of the fourth inning with what turned out to be the game-winning run. "I told the kids in the last win, at Burroughs in a very crowded softball stadium, that we picked a great time to play our best softball of the season," St. Lucy's coach Ryan Nuveman said. "Our offense is what it is, our defense needs to be what it's been in our last several games and our pitching has been lights out, almost unhittable." The Regents (16-12) have won eight of their last nine games. "We knew Danielle had this in her," Nuveman said of his junior standout. "She's a big-time prospect, already committed to San Diego State. "She was hurt last year and it's taken quite a while for her to get back into shape. But she's now peaking again. This is not a surprise."

South Hills 7, Lakeside 3 - The Huskies rode pitcher Sydney LaFollette into the quarterfinals after the junior induced 13 groundouts to keep Lakeside at bay. The Huskies broke through for three runs in the third and fourth innings. Vanessa Molina went 2 for 3 and Lexi Robles had two RBIs for the Huskies, now 19-7.

Savanna 10, Azusa 0 -- The Aztecs were besieged by errors and allowed just two earned runs in the loss. Azusa (15-8-1) managed just five hits, including a double by Janel Chavira.

Great story by Aram, I've said it many times, put Veronica Ramirez on any team in the Valley, and she's still a star. But give her credit, she stayed home and made the most of it.

By Aram Tolegian, staff writer
Veronica Ramirez had options before deciding to stay home and attend Azusa High School before her freshman year. Now a senior, the multi-talented softball standout mostly has flown under the radar for the past four years while her travel ball teammates have gotten far more notoriety playing for schools more well-known for softball.
At this point of the season, each pitch Ramirez throws may be her last and each swing of the bat may be her final in an Aztecs uniform. But the hometown girl with gaudy statistics isn't having any regrets. (To continue, click thread)

The CIF-Southern Section forfeited Alhambra High School's 3-2 softball victory over Duarte after the Falcons protested Thursday's Division 5 first-round game, alleging the Moors conducted illegal pre-game batting practice, which is against CIF playoff policy.
Duarte and Alhambra school officials met with CIF-SS representatives on Monday in Cerritos, and Duarte provided a video of the alleged incident for CIF officials to review.
After completing interviews and gathering information, the CIF-SS ruled that an illegal batting practice took place, and per CIF policy, forfeited Alhambra's victory to Duarte.
Duarte (20-3), the fourth seed, advances to Tuesday's second round at South El Monte (14-10) at 3:15 p.m.
The CIF-SS issued a written statement, which reads in part: "It was determined after meeting with representatives to both schools and receiving video tape and officials statements that a violation had occurred and the violation was such as to warrant the removal from the playoffs of the Alhambra team."

The CIF-Southern Section executive committee is against a proposal on the table that would produce a double-elimination format for the high school baseball playoffs, but the proposal is gaining momentum among Southern Section coaches. The Southern Section council will vote on the double elimination proposal in October. If this format is eventually adopted and used next season, is it a good idea? I'm not so sure, it would create a marathon postseason, the cost would be expensive for schools and quite frankly, I love the suspense of a one-and-done tournament. I'm in the minority, however. Every coach I have spoken with is in support of it, which is no surprise because it's very doable and would crown more of a true champion. How the double-elimination would work is still up for discussion, but in the proposal sent to CIF, the only one-and-done would be wild card games. Once those are completed and a 32-team field is set, the first round is broken into four groups of eight who play a double elimination tournament the first week and a half. The second stage would take the four semifinal winners and have the top half and bottom half of the bracket each play a two-out-of three to determine who advances to the championship. The final could be another two-out-of-three or a one-and-done final. The format might have to be tinkered with if approved, but is a double-elimination a good idea? What I would suggest is starting the CIF playoffs a week early and having a Southern California regional tournament, which would crown a true champion of all the divisions. You could take the seven division champs and one at large and have a Southern California tournament right after the CIF championships, and you could do it in a week. Any thoughts on this?

Are you as surprised as I that there are only six area baseball teams in the second round? The Valley took a hit in the wild card and first round. Kind of interesting the Montview, Del Rey and Sierra are the only area leagues with two teams left. The Valle Vista is the only league not to advance a team to the second round, when was the last time that happened? The usual heavyweights, South Hills and Glendora, didn't make it past the first weekend either. But I'll tell you what, the area is still on track to win a couple titles, and you know who I'm talking about. In softball, the biggest surprise on paper are St. Lucys and Azusa, but they do have one thing in common, great pitching, and this is the playoffs. Regents pitcher Danielle O'Toole is zeroed in and sharp as ever, and if you haven't seen Azusa pitcher Veronica Ramirez, you're missing out. She could pitch for any of the area's top teams, and is finishing her senior year in style. Softball advanced nine teams to the next round and six have home games Tuesday. Now, the tough job, what games do we cover?

Photo: Azusa pitcher Veronica Ramirez

CIF-Southern Section Playoffs
Tuesday's second round
Baseball
Tuesday's second round
Division 2
Damien at Sherman Oaks Notre Dame, 3:15 p.m.
Chino Hills at Etiwanda, 3:15 p.m.
Division 3
Bonita at Northwood, 3:15 p.m.
Division 4
Bishop Amat vs. St. Bonaventure at Ventura College, 3:15 p.m.
Division 5
Oak Hills at La Puente, 3:15 p.m.
Sierra Vista at Montclair Prep, 3:15 p.m.

Softball
Division 2
Bonita at La Mirada, 3:15 p.m.
Division 3
Highland at St. Lucy's, 3:15 p.m.
Chino Hills at North Torrance, 3:15 p.m.
South Hills at Lakeside, 3:15 p.m.
Oak Park at Bishop Amat, 3:15 p.m.
Division 4
Ocean View at San Dimas, 3:15 p.m.
Division 5
Alhambra at South El Monte, 3:15 p.m.
Savanna at Azusa, 3:15 p.m.
San Marino at Arroyo, 3:15 p.m.

RESULTS: For immediate results of today's CIF-SS finals races, click this link for RoyalResults.Com. Results are posted soon after races are completed.

By Fred J. Robledo, Staff Writer
The chase is on and the records are starting to fall.
Covina High School's Remontay McClain took care of business at the CIF-Southern Section track and field championships at Cerritos College on Saturday, keeping his hopes alive of winning back-to-back state titles in the 100 and 200-meters by setting a Division 3 meet record in both events.
Although he was admittedly slow out of the block, McClain set a Division 3 record in the 100 meters, winning in 10.31 to break the 1998 meet record (10.36) set by Alemany's Miguel Fletcher, while also running the second fastest 100 in the nation this season.
Just getting warmed up, McClain returned later and gave the crowd a show, coasting to victory in the 200 in 20.68, breaking the 1998 mark also set by Fletcher in 20.95, while also posting the fastest 200 in the country this season.
Next up is Friday's Masters Meet and the State championship in Fresno that follows. (To continue click thread).

By Aram Tolegian, Staff Writer
La Verne Lutheran High School, best known for its back-to-back state champion boys basketball teams, will drop out of the Arrowhead League and go independent in all sports, pending CIF-Southern Section approval. The school, which boasts an enrollment of about 150 students, has decided to make the move because several of its sports programs have not been competitive in the Arrowhead League, and its boys basketball team has been simply too good.

By Fred J. Robledo, Staff Writer
Leave it to Bonita High School junior pitcher Justin Garza to add some intrigue to the final moments of a 10-0 blowout over visiting Bell Gardens in the first round of the CIF-Southern Section Division 3 playoffs on Friday. Garza took a no-hitter into the seventh before giving up a one-out hit to Danny Romero, followed by another hit by the Lancers' Ryan Arambula. Garza battled out of it to run his undefeated record to 12-0, throwing his seventh complete game and first shutout. (To continue click thread).

Grand Slam buries Los Altos: - The CIF-Southern Section baseball playoffs are about stepping up when it matters most. Enter Rialto High School's Angel Perez and Angel Mariscal. Perez slugged a grand slam in the sixth inning and Perez hit a three-run home run in the seventh as the Knights rallied for a 7-3 victory over Los Altos on Friday in a Division 3 first-round game.

Sierra Vista's Novelo shines again: Sierra Vista High School played its first-round, CIF-Southern Section Division 5 baseball playoff game like summer vacation was going to start after the final out. In a game that took 1 hour, 40 minutes, the Dons (20-4) scored without benefit of a hit for a 1-0 victory over West Valley (Hemet) on Friday afternoon.

Today's CIF-SS Baseball Games
Division 3 first round results
Bonita 10, Bell Gardens 0
Rialto 7, Los Altos 3
Division 5
Sierra Vista 1, West Valley 0
La Puente 8, Desert Hot Springs 2
Cathedral 6, Duarte 3
Lompoc 4, Arroyo 0
Nipomo 3, Gladstone 1

I've gone on record many times saying I do not like the CIF-SS playoff rule that prohibits pre-game batting practice. Not that it's a bad rule, but the punishment doesn't fit the crime. Still, every year it happens, and it may have happened to Alhambra's softball team in its 3-2 win over fourth-seed Duarte in the Division 5 playoffs opening round. In fact, if Duarte goes through with this, I don't see how CIF couldn't rule in the their favor after the comments from Alhambra coach John Zabala to our reporter immediately afterward: "We do it the way we always do," Zabala said of the pregame warm- ups. "We take about five feet off to the side and we use wiffles. We kind of teach our girls that we get beat on the field." That's great that he's honest, but honesty will likely result in a forfeit, which is a shame. I've always thought a more reasonable punishment would be to lose a home playoff game, a suspension of coach or players involved, and it you commit it again, you forfeit the next time. I just hate seeing players end their seasons, and in the case of seniors, their careers ending over something like this. I know I'm in the minority, most don't agree with me on this, but I do agree with Zabala about one thing, you win on the field and you lose on the field. But it's never that simple, right?

The Azusa Pacific University softball team, seeking the school's first national title, is 1-1 after two days at the NAIA Tournament in Gulf Shores, Ala.
The Cougars, getting three hits from Angie Sprague (Charter Oak High School), Bekah Wiesser and Jac Harkey, opened with a 9-7 victory over St. Thomas on Thursday before dropping a heart-breaking 5-4 loss to host Mobile this morning. The Cougars led 4-0.
Azusa Pacific continues pool play against Oklahoma City at noon on Saturday. The winner likely advances to the double-elimination bracket, which begins on Monday.

By Steve Ramirez
For the Damien High School baseball team, nothing quite matches up with a win over rival Glendora, except when it comes in a CIF-Southern Section playoff game.
Kevin Hindes scored on an errant throw in the top of the sixth and Damien ousted 2010 Division 2 champion Glendora with a 6-4 victory over host Tartans in a first-round game on Thursday.
The Spartans, who didn't play their rival during the regular season after Glendora was moved from the Sierra League to the Baseline League, improved to 16-12 and advanced to face either Crescenta Valley or Notre Dame of Sherman Oaks in Tuesday's second round at a site to be determined.
Glendora, which won it's first divisional title last season, finished 17-7-1.
"In order to get to the top, you want to go through the top," Damien coach Al Leyva said. "They are a great team, well-coached with great players. It was a challenge for us, but it's nice to get one on them. But more importantly, we just have to get ready for the next game." (To continue click thread)

Covina loses: The Lancers (18-10) scored three runs in the top of the fourth inning, two of them unearned, and came from behind to beat the Colts, 3-2, in a Division 4 first-round game Thursday.

CIF-SS Playoffs
Thursday's first-round results
Division 2
Damien 6, Glendora 4
Arroyo Grande 8, South Hills 3
Chino Hills 2, Peninsula 1, 8 innings
Division 4
La Salle 3, Covina 2
Chino 9, San Dimas 2
Bishop Amat 10, Ridgecrest Burroughs 1

By Fred J. Robledo, Staff Writer
South Hills story: South Hills High School softball coach Scott Fisch wasn't too concerned when the Huskies finished the season with a split against Charter Oak, who didn't make the playoffs. The Sierra League is that deep, and so is the CIF-Southern Section Division 3 playoffs, which made South Hills' come-from-behind 9-2 victory over visiting California even more meaningful in Thursday's first round. South Hills (18-7) advances to Tuesday's second round against Lakeside, a 7-6 winner over Mira Costa at a site to be determined by a coin flip.

Protest?:Duarte lost 3-2 to Alhambra, but Duarte claims that Alhambra conducted an illegal pregame batting practice at protested. We will update with results tomorrow.

Diamond Bar ousted: The sophomore made just her second start of the year Thursday after returning from a meniscus tear and Valenzuela went the distance to lead Colton to a 3-2 victory at Diamond Bar in a CIF-SS Division 2 first-round playoff game.

Amat rolling: Perhaps Bishop Amat High School pitcher Natalie Sanchez was a little too good on Thursday afternoon. In addition to scoring a run and pitching a complete-game gem, Sanchez laced a shot that went foul and broke the front windshield on her mother's car parked nearby. That's about the only thing the senior did wrong in a 3-0 win over Paramount in the first round of the CIF-Southern Section Division 2 softball playoffs.

West Covina falls: "When I went up there, my game plan was to hit it hard on the right side," the junior outfielder said following Thursday's 3-2, eight-inning victory over visiting West Covina. "Luckily, I hit it in the gap and did what I was supposed to do."

Notes: Bishop Amat opens day with easy 3-0 win over Paramount; St. Lucy's does it again, knocks off Burroughs 1-0 behind a solid performance from pitcher Danielle O'Toole, who threw a one-hit shutout ... Courtney Gano has a big day in Bonita's 8-7 cliffhanger; Britney Rodriguez had two doubles and Syndey La Follette hit a two-run homer in the Huskies' 9-2 win over California and in Duarte's 3-2 loss to Alhambra, Duarte is protesting over Alhambra's alleged illegal pre-game batting practice. Our reporter, Keith Lair covered the game and says Duarte has a strong case...Long Beach Wilson won a thriller over West Covina, 3-2.

CIF-Southern Section Playoffs
Today's first-round
Division 2
Long Beach Wilson 3, West Covina 2
Colton 3, Diamond Bar 2
Cajon 1, Los Altos 0
Bonita 8, Ontario 7
Division 3
St. Lucy's 1, Burroughs 0
Chino Hills 3, Quartz Hill 0
South Hills 9, California 2
Bishop Amat 3, Paramount 0
Division 4
San Dimas 7, Palm Desert 1
Buena 1, Northview 0
Segerstrom 2, Covina 0
Division 5
Alhambra 3, Duarte 2 -- under protest for illegal batting practice.
Arroyo 1, Immaculate Heart 0
South El Monte 16, West Valley 11, 8 innings
Azusa 11, Mary Star of the Sea 2

By Steve Ramirez
Azusa Pacific University begins play in the NAIA softball championship tournament today in Gulf Shores, Ala.
But the road for the Cougars (32-21), who open up pool play against St. Thomas (31-21) of Daytona Beach, Fla., is quite a bit longer than the 2,046 miles they have traveled to Tobacco Road.
It's a trip that was four years in the making and dates back to 2008, when coach Carrie Webber was summoned from Northern California. Along the way, there were growing pains of hovering around .500 for three seasons before finally catching fire over the past month to advance to the national tournament for the first time since 2000.
"I don't think I could be more proud of the girls than of how they have progressed over the last four years," Webber said. "Those girls who came before have paved the way for what is happening right now. This is where I expected this team to be at about this time.
"I thought it would take three or four years to actually see it progress to the point where we are. It just gives validation to what we are doing."

South Hills wins big: The Huskies jumped all over visiting Rancho Verde for six runs in the first inning and didn't look back in a 10-1 victory.

Diamond Bar blows late lead: Timmy Robinson hit a two-run homer in the seventh inning and the visiting Ocean View Seahawks rallied for a 4-3 victory over the Brahmas in a Division 3 wild-card game Tuesday.

By Fred J. Robledo, Staff Writer
Thanks to its biggest scoring outburst of the season, the St. Lucy's High School softball team doesn't have to dwell over its near collapse in Tuesday's CIF-Southern Section playoff game.
When you win, everything is forgiven.
Visiting Fillmore scored five runs in the seventh and sent the tying runner to the plate, but St. Lucy's pitcher Danielle O'Toole got a strikeout to end the game and St. Lucy's held on for an 11-9 victory in a Division 3 wild-card game. (To continue, click thread).

Today's predictions: Damien, South Hills and Diamond Bar should all advance to the first round, but that's it. Northview has a chance at home, but don't see Walnut, Baldwin Park, Nogales or any of the teams in Division 5 winning with the exception of the El Monte-Gladstone game, someone has to move on, probably Gladstone. In softball, Glendora will go down at Valencia, but I like St. Lucy's and Los Altos to move on and possibly Covina. As for everyone else, it's one and done I'm afraid.

Baseball
Today's wild card results
Division 2
Damien 3, Redondo Union 1
South Hills 10, Rancho Verde 1
Division 3
Ocean View 4, Diamond Bar 3
Walnut at Knight, 3:15 p.m.
Division 4
Grace Brethren 3, Northview 0
Bishop Montgomery 2, Baldwin Park 0
Nogales at Santa Ana Calvary Chapel, 3:15 p.m.
Division 5
Gladstone 13, El Monte 1
Duarte 11, Rubidoux 6
Paraclete 2, Azusa 1 (9)
Mountain View at Linfield Christian, 3:15 p.m.

Softball
Today's wild-card results
Division 1
Glendora at Placentia Valencia, postponed Wednesday
Division 2
Los Altos 2, Rancho Verde 0
Division 3
St. Lucy's 11, Fillmore 0
Division 4
Nogales at Culver City, 3:15 p.m.
Coachella Valley at Covina, 3:15 p.m.
Division 5
Sierra Vista at Ramona Convent, 3:15 p.m.
Rosemead at Hemet, 3:15 p.m.
La Puente at Lompoc Cabrillo, 3:15 p.m.

If you're not excited about high school track, you never will be. The San Gabriel Valley is known for a lot of things, but producing sprint champions is not one of them. That's what makes the next couple weeks so exciting. Think of it, if Covina's Remontay McClain goes on and wins back-to-back state titles in the 100 and 200 meters, he will become the first ever to win back-to-back in both events in consecutive years. Think about that. In the history of California, which has produced some of the best sprinters in history, it's never been done? This is some great history he's chasing. Hallowed history. And who would have thought one of the guys who could upset him is in our backyard too, West Covina's Beejay Lee. It's unbelievable, and why there is no way I'm missing the CIF track finals on Saturday at Cerritos College. McClain and Lee should win their respective divisions, then will square off next week in the Masters, and if they continue, in state. Bishop Amat's Kylie Price has the state's leading time in the 100 meters (11.75). Could the SGV actually produce the top boy and girl sprinter in the state? Price also could double. She's one of the top long jumpers in the state and could get to the state finals in the 200 meters as well. San Dimas' Katherine Salcido also could advance to the state finals, and could win a CIF title in the 100 hurdles on Saturday. I'm telling you, it's a great three weeks for track, and it doesn't happen very often like this, so enjoy the ride.

Fred's thoughts: Makes you wonder how important the Masters Meet is when so many of the best individuals back out of the big races. What Jaques and Grant are doing is not a surprise. Several top swimmers have not raced in what is supposed to be the biggest meet of the season. It's not, the CIF finals are what everyone shoots for, maybe it's time they get rid of the Masters Meet, or tinker with it so that it's more meaningful. As one swim coach pointed out, they don't keep team scoring. The coach said if they did, top swimmers would be more likely to swim in it ... just a thought.

By Steve Ramirez, Staff Writer
Glendora High School's Gretchen Jaques and Walnut's Andrea Grant won CIF-Southern Section individual swimming titles over the weekend. The duo will not add CIF-SS Masters championships to their resumes. Each backed out of individual competition for today's Master's Meet, scheduled for 5 p.m. at William Woollett Aquatic Center in Irvine. They will compete on their team's respective relay teams, which will include top-qualifier Glendora in the 200-yard medley relay. Walnut is the No. 4 qualifier.

We don't publish "Where are there now?" anymore, but here's a story of a former area player, Glendora's Wes Roemer, who is having a solid season for the Mobile BayBears, the Double-A affiliate of the Arizona Diamondbacks.
The former Glendora star, who also pitched for nearby Cal State Fullerton, flirted with a no-hitter, going into the eighth inning before giving up an RBI double to former West Covina star James Skelton. Here is the the story from MLB.com.

Eric Sondheimer writes: Junior pitcher Justin Garza is 11-0 with an ERA of 0.60 for Bonita. He doesn't walk batters, so the only way to beat him is to hope for errors and be patient. Of Bishop Amat, he wrote: There's no way Palm Desert and Bishop Amat won't get to the final, right? Palm Desert has pitcher Brooks Kriske and top hitters, led by Ryan Garvey. Bishop Amat has an abundance of effective no-name pitchers, plus future first-round draft pick Rio Ruiz. But Torrance owns a win over Bishop Amat and has talented infielder Trent Gilbert. ... Go check it out, Eric handicaps all the divisions.

"It's a slap in the face to the (Sierra). Are we the Rodney Dangerfield's of the division? I'll never understand the process, but it just doesn't make sense. But as much as I want to complain, cry and moan, I can't do that. It is what it is, we'll line up and we'll go play. " -- South Hills coach Kevin Smith after his Huskies finish 20-4 and have to play a wild card on Tuesday.

Click here for CIF baseball pairings

By Fred J. Robledo, Staff Writer
South Hills High School baseball coach Kevin Smith was shocked when the CIF-Southern Section Division 2 baseball playoffs were announced Monday. After finishing 20-4 overall and tied with Chino Hills for the Sierra League title, South Hills lost the head-to-head tiebreaker with Chino Hills for the league's top playoff entry, but Smith never thought entering the playoffs as a second-place team with an impressive resume would result in a wild-card game. There are 48 teams in Division 2, with 16 teams in the first-round and 32 playing wild card games. Of the 16 teams in the first round, 12 are league champions and four finished second. (To continue story and view playoff pairings, click thread)

Tuesday's wild card schedule
Division 2
Damien at Redondo Union, 3:15 p.m.
Rancho Verde at South Hills, 3:15 p.m.
Division 3
Ocean View at Diamond Bar, 3:15 p.m.
Walnut at Knight, 3:15 p.m.
Division 4
Grace Brethren at Northview, 3:15 p.m.
Baldwin Park at Bishop Montgomery, 3:15 p.m.
Nogales at Santa Ana Calvary Chapel, 3:15 p.m.
Division 5
Azusa at Paraclete, 3:15 p.m.
Mountain View at Linfield Christian, 3:15 p.m.
El Monte at Gladstone, 3:15 p.m.
Duarte at Rubidoux, 3:15 p.m.

Click here for CIF-Softball pairings

By Fred J. Robledo, Staff Writer
There weren't too many surprises when the CIF-Southern Section softball playoffs were announced Monday, except that Glendora is in the playoffs a a wild card.
Bonita (22-4), which finished in a tie with Diamond Bar for the Hacienda League title, earned the second-seed in the Division 2 playoffs. Bonita will be home in Thursday's first-round against the winner of today's wild card between Ontario (10-8) and San Bernardino (13-9), both of which finished fourth in league play. (To continue story and view CIF playoff pairings, click thread)

Tuesday's wild-card schedule
Division 1
Glendora at Placentia Valencia, 3:15 p.m.
Division 2
Rancho Verde at Los Altos, 3:15 p.m.
Division 3
Fillmore at St. Lucy's, 3:15 p.m.
Division 4
Nogales at Culver City, 3:15 p.m.
Coachella Valley at Covina, 3:15 p.m.
Division 5
Sierra Vista at Ramona Convent, 3:15 p.m.
Rosemead at Hemet, 3:15 p.m.
La Puente at Lompoc Cabrillo, 3:15 p.m.

The La Verne Lutheran Boys Basketball team, the two-time defending state champions, are expected to leave the Arrowhead League, according to sources, and will go independent. A decision is expected soon, I'm told. This is great for Lutheran, who was too powerful for the Arrowhead, and good for the Arrowhead, who will have more competitive games now that Lutheran is gone. Lutheran be able to play in more showcase games, and will be able to set up key marquee non-league games, which means the Valley may finally get a Lutheran-Damien game next season, which is huge next year with both big men (Chris Reyes and Grant Jerrett) back. Lutheran, I'm told, is also willing and would schedule any area teams the first two weeks of December that would wants a game, so I'm waiting for Bishop Amat, Bonita, Glendora, and perhaps Los Altos or Walnut to step up and welcome it. You want competition, here it is, all you have to do is make the calls.....

For baseball this is too easy, I can't think of anything better than third-place Northview drawing Bishop Amat in the first round of the Division 4 playoffs. Wouldn't that bring back memories from 2009? Nieto vs. Murphy round II. In softball, I'm not sure Bishop Amat would want it, but what if the Lancers drew St. Lucy's, third from the Sierra League in the first round of Division 3. I'd love to see St. Luyc's lefty Danielle O'Toole against the seeded Lancers.

Final CIF Polls:
Baseball
Division 2: 1. Trabuco Hills, 2. Cypress, 3. Chaminade, 4. Arcadia, 5. Crescenta Valley, 6. Redlands, 7. Santa Barbara, 8. Harvard Westlake, 9. Glendora, 10. Pacifica ...Others, Chino Hills, South Hills.
Division 3: 1. Bonita, 2. Quartz Hill, 3. Alhambra, 4. Beckman, 5. Colton, 6. Paramount, 7. Temescal Canyon, 8. San Gorgonio, 9. Gahr, 10. Los Altos.
Division 4: 1. Palm Desert, 2. Bishop Amat, 3. Torrance, 4. Laguna Beach, 5. Oaks Christian, 6. Indio, 7. San Dimas, 8. La Quinta, 9. Sonora, 10. Colony.

Softball
Division 2: 1. Don Lugo, 2. Bonita, 3. Laguna Hills, 4. Chino, 5. Valley View, 6. Colton, 7. Adolfo Carillo, 8. Arlington, 9. Oxnard, 10. Lakewood.
Division 3: 1. Oaks Christian, 2. Bishop Amat, 3. Warren, 4. Chino Hills, 5. South Hills, 6. Downey, 7. Highland, 8. Knight, 9. Burroughs, 10. Crescenta Valley.
Division 5: 1. La Canada, 2. Beaumont, 3. Savanna, 4. Duarte, 5. San Marino, 6. Marlborough, 7. Schurr, 8. Katella, 9. Keppel, 10. Calvary Chapel.

By Steve Ramirez
WALNUT - It's on to Bakersfield for the Mt. San Antonio College softball team.
Alyssa Gonzales went 4 for 5, including a three-run home run and five RBIs, and the host Mounties punched their ticket to next weekend's California Community College Athletic Association Final Four at Bakersfield College with a 9-5 victory over Cerritos in Sunday's championship game of the Southern California Super Regionals.
Mt. SAC, also getting two RBIs from Cya Neal and a solid effort in the circle from Alexa Limon, improved to 41-4 and will open the CCCAA Final Four on Friday at 8 p.m. against an opponent to be determined. The Mounties, who lost in the state title game last season, are seeking the school's fifth CCCAA softball championship after winning in 2003, '05, '07 and '09.

By Fred J. Robledo, Staff Writer
You could tell the hugs were more meaningful for Glendora High School's Gretchen Jaques, who completed another double and finished a career sweep at the CIF-Southern Section Division 2 swimming finals at the Belmont Plaza Pool in Long Beach on Saturday.
More meaningful because this time she wasn't celebrating alone, she celebrated with her Glendora teammates, who won the team title they desperately wanted after finishing second a year ago.
The Tartans set the tone in the opening race, Courtney McCadden, Kelly Corso, Rosemary Garcia and Jaques winning the 200-yard medley relay in 1:46.69, breaking the meet record they set last year. After winning the 200 free relay in 138.64, the Tartans
finished the night sweeping the relays, winning the closing 400 relay with Jaques on the anchor, who rallied from third to lead the Tartans to victory in 3:32.50, a team that included McCadden, Garcia and her younger sister, sophomore Ellie Jaques.
Glendora finished with 234 points to claim the title, finishing ahead of second-place Walnut (158), denying the Mustangs' back-to-back championship bid. (To continue click thread)

RESULTS HERE: For complete results of the CIF-Southern Section Division 1 through Division 4 from the Belmont Plaza Pool in Long Beach, click here.

Remontay's 10.28 on video, check it out!

Division 1 prelim results

Division 2 prelim results

Division 3 prelim results

Division 4 prelim results

Serra's George Farmer, McClain and Lee's biggest threat in the 100 and 200 meters, turned his ankle and scratched from both races at the D-4 meet today.

By Aram Tolegian, Staff Writer
It wasn't so much about what 100-meter dash defending state champion Remontay McClain of Covina High School did on Saturday afternoon during the CIF-Southern Section prelims, it's what his main rival -- Serra's George Farmer -- didn't do. And that's run. McClain easily won the 100 in Division 3 in a wind-aided time of 10.28 seconds to qualify for next week's championship. But Farmer, who had formed a major rivalry with McClain after finishing second to him in last year's state championship race and beating McClain at this year's Arcadia Invitational, injured his ankle and was unable to run in the Division 4 prelims, thus ending his season. The defection of Farmer means that West Covina's Beejay Lee, who won the Division 1 prelim in 10.48 on Saturday, will now become McClain's biggest threat later in the season. Lee also won the 200-meter dash in a time of 21.00. (to continue click thread)

In a few short weeks, it's back to football 24-7. We got the go on another fall PrepXtra Football Preview Issue, so the work is about to start, and boy do I need something to do after the Lakers disaster. Any thoughts on the cover or new feature to add is always welcome, just be realistic, personal bio's on every player is not happening. We've got the Inland Insider Tom Kiss and your Coveritlive correspondent Mike "The Cousin," ready to go. When all the schedules are available, I'll post the week by week area schedule, but let's start here: What's the biggest Week 0 game, Glendora and the debut of coach Todd Quinsey at Charter Oak or West Covina vs. Covina, which might finally explain if West Covina's lone loss to the Colts was a fluke or not? Or the Smudge Pot, as someone pointed out. Thanks to the scheduling Gods, we don't have to choose. Bonita-San Dimas is on Thursday, Glendora-Charter Oak on Friday, and West Covina vs. Covina on a stage by itself on Saturday night at the District. Now how's that for starting 2011?

From everything I'm hearing, West Covina should be better in 2011. Not Bishop Amat good, but good. Thank goodness Tom Kiss covered last year's championship, great having video of one of the best finals in SGV history.

By Fred J. Robledo, Staff Writer
In terms of feel-good endings, it doesn't get much better than this. Diamond Bar High School softball coach Rebecca Garcia-Uyemura's father passed away on Sunday and his funeral was Thursday, but she returned Friday with her Brahmas softball team having an opportunity to finish in a tie for the Hacienda League title, almost unthinkable considering the Brahmas were 0-10 in the Sierra League last year and hadn't sniffed the playoffs since 2006. Then there is Stephany La Rosa, the UCLA-bound shortstop who has been one of the Southland's best since her freshman year, but on teams that always struggled -- until now.
And how fitting is it that La Rosa's eighth homer of the season, a first-inning blast that cleared the scoreboard in right, would be the difference in Diamond Bar's dramatic 1-0 victory over West Covina on Friday. (To continue click thread)

By John Honell
A wild slugfest seemed to be the perfect way to end the regular season for the Glendora High School baseball team. The Tartans, with a .346 team batting average and ranked fourth by the Tribune, pounded out 16 hits in a 17-12 victory over Upland on Friday afternoon.

Northview rallies: Northview High School's late-inning magic, which catapulted the Vikings to the CIF-Southern Section semifinals in 2007 and the Division 4 baseball title in 2008, made a triumphal return Thursday. Michael Carlos' two-run single scored Jake Grijalva and Tony Briones and Northview rallied for five runs in the seventh inning to score a 7-6 victory over host Baldwin Park in a battle for third place in the Valle Vista League.

Above: It's been a long time since Northview felt this good. Today the Vikes are at Baldwin Park for the third in the Valle Vista.

Final week situations ....
Baseline: Glendora (16-6-1, 11-3) needs to defeat Upland on Friday at home to secure sole possession of first. If they lose, they finish in a tie with Los Osos (17-5, 10-4) and a coin flip would decide who goes in as No. 1 from league in the playoffs.

Hacienda: Bonita (22-4 and 9-1) already wrapped up the league title, but Los Altos earned a split with Diamond Bar in a 6--5 win over the Brahmas on Wednesday. Los Altos (17-9, 8-3) is tied with Diamond Bar (14-11, 8-3) for second with a game left. All three will advance to the playoffs.

Valle Vista: San Dimas (18-8-1, 10-1) won the league title with a 13-5 win over Covina. The Colts (16-10, 9-3) will finish second and today, Northview (11-13, 6-5) will be at Baldwin Park (13-11, 6-5) for sole possession of third. The game is at 3:15 p.m.

Sierra League: Chino Hills (17-8, 11-3) and South Hills (19-4, 11-3) are tied for first entering today's final games. South Hills is at Charter Oak and Chino Hills is home against Ayala. If they finish tied, Chino Hills wins the tiebreaker, having won two out of three. Damien (13-11, 8-5) already has clinched third and finishes at home today against Claremont.

Montview: Sierra Vista (18-4, 11-2) already clinched league and finishes with Ganesha today. La Puente (15-7, 10-3) finishes second with Gladstone (14-6, 9-3) finishing third.

Mission Valley: Arroyo (13-7, 10-3) is at Rosemead today and Mountain View on Friday, needing just a win over either to clinch the league title. Gabrielino (9-11, 9-4) will likely finish second while El Monte (10-9, 8-6) and Mountain View (10-10- 7-6) have work left to finish third.

Del Rey: Bishop Amat (24-4, 12-0) won league long ago, all they have left is Monday's CIF-Division 4 pairings.

By Fred J. Robledo
Diamond Bar High School softball coach Roberta Garcia-Uyemura watched from a distance as the Brahmas' beat Los Altos 6-5 on Wednesday to move into a three-way tie for first in the Hacienda League with West Covina and Bonita heading into Friday's final league games. It has been a trying week and year for the Diamond Bar coach. (To continue, click thread)

Above: Diamond Bar great Stephany La Rossa can win a league title in her final league game.

Hacienda: Well, well, well, thanks to Diamond Bar, there is a three-way tie for first heading into Friday's final games. Diamond Bar beat Los Altos 6-5, to create it all. Diamond Bar (14-9, 9-2) will host West Covina (17-7, 9-2) on Friday, the winner getting at least a share of the title likely with Bonita (21-4, 9-2), who will probably beat Diamond Ranch. If Diamond Bar wins, they own the tiebreaker over Bonita if both finish in first.

Baseline: Glendora (13-11, 6-8) can finish in a tie for third if they can beat Upland (15-8, 7-7) today, but Upland wins the tiebreaker for the playoff spot, having already defeated Glendora twice. The Tartans will apply for a wild-card berth in D-2. Etiwanda won league with Los Osos finishing second.

Del Rey: Bishop Amat (22-3, 11-1) wrapped up the league tile and is already finished.

Sierra: Chino Hills (21-5, 12-2) wins the league title with a 15-2 win over Ayala while South Hills lost to Charter Oak 12-7 on Wednesday. South Hills (16-7, 10-4) will finish second and St. Lucy's (12-12, 7-7) could finish third if they beat Claremont today and Chino Hills beat Ayala (10-13-1, 7-7) as expected at home. Wouldn't that be something, Ayala goes from CIF champ to missing the playoffs.

Valle Vista: San Dimas (19-7, 11-0) wrapped up league last week. Northview (16-9-1, 8-3) will finish second with a win at Baldwin Park today and Covina (12-11-1, 7-4) already has third locked up.

Montview: Duarte (17-3, 11-1) Needs to beat Workman and Gladstone to secure league all alone with Azusa (14-7-1, 11-2) behind the great Veronica Ramirez, batting .537 with 32 RBIs. Sierra Vista (14-8, 8-3) locked up third.

Mission Valley: Arroyo (15-6, 13-1) won league long ago with South El Monte (12-10, 10-4) finishing second and Rosemead (11-8, 8-5) third.

By Aram Tolegian, Staff Writer
If there was a defined blueprint for the path that standout high school swimmers need to take to reach the Olympics, it would probably look a lot like the one Glendora's Gretchen Jaques is following. Of course, talent and ability to swim at such a high level would be the first ingredients, and few people have them. Jaques does, and as she gets ready to put the exclamation point on what's been a stellar prep career, one can't help but think ahead.
Beginning with Friday's prelims, Jaques will go for a career sweep of her individual events at the CIF- Southern Section Division 2 championship meet at Belmont Plaza Pool in Long Beach. Finals are set for Saturday. (To continue click thread).

I may have to make more phone calls than normal to sort out this year's all-area, especially when it comes to pitching. Picking two, and possibly three first-team pitching spots out of the players available is tough, I can think of five to seven deserving of first team.
The field spots also will be tough, only four with South Hills, Sierra Vista, Bishop Amat, Bonita, Glendora and Chino Hills having solid years, plus other individuals having great years on so-so teams. In any case, I'll give you a first shot at it....There are 12 spots, which include player of the year and a coach of the year....

Baseball First Team?
Coach of the year:
Player of the year:
Pitcher:
Pitcher:
Catcher:
Infielder:
Infielder:
Infielder:
Infielder:
Outfield:
Outfield:
Outfield:
Utility:

In all my years covering softball, I can't think of an all-area team where a pitcher wasn't player of the year. Last year it was Bonita's Chloe Wurst, year before that Glendora's Dana Waldusky, before that Los Altos' Diana Lynn-Patterson, and so forth.
In four years at the Star-News, a pitcher won every year too, mainly because pitchers, who can pitch every game, have an unbelievable impact on the success of a team. Although still true, pitchers are not nearly as dominant, which has opened the player of the year discussion to several outside the circle.
You can agree or disagree, but the player of the year chase could be anyone with playoffs having a big impact on final decisions. But to this point, if you were filling out first team all-area, 12 spots and a coach, how would it look?

Softball First Team?
Coach of the year:
Player of the year:
Pitcher:
Pitcher:
Catcher:
Infielder:
Infielder:
Infielder:
Infielder:
Outfield:
Outfield:
Outfield:
Utility:

California Track and Field State Leaders List

Saturday's CIF-SS Division Track preliminary locations.
Division 1 Heet Sheets, set for Trabuco Hills High School

Division 2 Heet Sheets, set for Moorpark High School

Division 3 Heet Sheets, set for Estancia High School

Division 4 Heet Sheets, set for Carpinteria High School

Covina High School's Remontay McClain, the defending state champion in the 100 and 200 meters, begins his three-week journey to repeat as champion with the CIF-SS preliminaries on Saturday at separate locations, with the finals the following week at Cerritos College followed by the Masters and State meets the ensuing weeks. (to continue click thread).

For the second straight year the San Gabriel Valley high school all-star baseball game will be held at Alhambra High School, an all-star game put on by Nogales coach John Romano and Alhambra coach Steve Geiwecke. The game will be held on Sunday, June 5 at 2 p.m.

Fred's reaction: The all-star game is not at Mt. San Antonio college anymore because Mt. SAC baseball coach Stacy Parker complained that his Mounties baseball team is not getting enough of the proceeds from the gate or snack bar, according to SGV all-star officials. I spoke with Romano about it earlier this month, and he was upset and said he preferred to play at Mt. SAC, but the school's continued bickering over money made them move to Alhambra. Romano said he would be open to a reasonable split of the revenue, but he did not like being approached a day prior to the event about it and the manner in which he was approached. It's not the first time Parker has complained about not making enough money. At the RJs Foundation charity game between Bonita and Bishop Amat last month, Parker approached tournament officials on the day of the game about how money would be split at the gate and snack bar, even though Bishop Amat already had a contract signed for the use of the field. At one point Parker even threatened to cancel the game, which obviously never happened, avoiding a Public Relations nightmare for the school. Eventually, Parker backed off and the proceeds from the gate and snack bar went to charity with Mt. SAC collecting money from parking. I spoke with Parker the day after the RJ's charity game to confirm all information, but he didn't want to be quoted. Maybe Mt. SAC could take a page from Citrus, who generously offered their facility free of charge for the softball game in the honor of the RJ's Foundation a few days after the baseball game. Hopefully Mt. SAC gets this right next year, having an all-star game and charity game with the amount of fans that attend is good publicity for Mt. SAC, it should not be complaining over a few dollars, especially when money benefits charities like the Children's Hospital of Los Angeles. In terms of the all-star game, I got the impression from Romano and Geiwecke they would still love to play at Mt. SAC, which is where the game should be. It's a great facility named after the great Mazmanian. Hopefully Mt. SAC officials revisit and become more gracious hosts in the future. Like I mentioned, having an all-star game of seniors is great publicity for Mt. SAC. They already make money from all the parking, why bicker over a few more dollars?

The Why Knott Dream Big Foundation Football Camp, hosted by nine-year NFL coach Ty Knott, will be held at Diamond Ranch High School on Saturday, May 21, from 8 a.m., to 2 p.m. for kids ages 7-17. Knott, a former assistant coach with the Green Bay Packers, Jacksonville Jaguars and New Orleans Saints, created his foundation to help support families of children with Autism and Apraxia. The foundation's mission is to help organizations and individual families through financial support.

By Fred J. Robledo, Staff Writer
The second-annual RJ's Legacy Foundation baseball and softball games held at Mt. San Antonio College and Citrus respectively last month, raised $2,200 for the foundation, Bishop Amat athletic director Mike Manzo said. The foundation was set up in honor of former West Covina resident RJ Gonzales, who was born with a Congenital heart disease and died in 2009 and age 14.
There were two games, a baseball game between area powers Bonita and Bishop Amat at Mt. SAC, and a softball game between Bishop Amat and Santa Margarita at Citrus, with proceeds from both games going to the RJs Foundation charity, which also supports the Childrens Hospital of Los Angeles. (To continue click thread)

Bella Kennedy, the two-year-old sister of Bonita High School girls basketball junior standout Brianna Kennedy, was diagnosed with stage 4 neuroblastoma last August, which is a cancer of the sympathetic nervous system, and has been in and out of the Childrens Hospital in Los Angeles for the past year with several surgeries.
Bella Kennedy had a tumor in the adrenal gland removed from her kidney in January and has completed seven rounds of chemotherapy and a stem cell transplant in March.
However, following her transplant, she suffered acute liver and kidney failure because of the high doses of chemotherapy, and will need several blood transfusions.
Bonita High School is conducting a "Blood Drive," for Bella Kennedy on Tuesday, May 17 at the Bonita High School gymnasium from Noon to 6 p.m, for those at least 17-year-old and over 120 pounds with a valid identification.
For more information on how you can help donate blood, email bonitablooddrive@gmail.com, or call 626-471-7171 or 323-361-2441.

By Fred J. Robledo, Staff Writer
With the CIF-Southern Section Division 4 baseball playoffs starting next week, No. 7 San Dimas is on roll. The visiting Saints never let Covina feel like it was in a game for the Valle Vista League title, scoring five runs in the first and two in the second before leaving with a 14-5 victory to clinch the league title on Tuesday. The Saints' top three batters in the lineup, Matt Munoz, Shawn Kennedy and Jacob Ehret combined to score eight runs with five extra base hits. (To continue click thread).

By Steve Ramirez Staff Writer
South Hills High School stayed in the hunt for the Sierra League baseball title Tuesday.
But their was another reason why Huskies' coach Kevin Smith was happy about the 3-2 victory over visiting Charter Oak "We're just trying to win out," said South Hills coach Kevin Smith said. "It's important (to win a league title). But were also trying to gain some momentum for the playoffs, because that's what you work for (all season).

From UCLA beat writer Jon Gold: Earlier this morning, Scout.com's Brandon Huffman reported that Citrus College offensive guard Albert Cid committed to UCLA recently, spurning offers from Arizona and Utah.

Above: San Dimas beat Covina 10-9 in first meeting. What happens when they meet again at Covina today at 3:15 with first-place on the line....see ya there.

1. Bonita (22-4) -- With Rowland and Diamond Ranch left on the schedule, the Bearcats should close out the Hacienda and keep the No. 1 seed in D-3. Question of the postseason is how much do you use McCreery with their starting pitching doing so well all season? My guess is McCreery will close.
2. Bishop Amat (23-4) -- Back on track and just in time for the Division 4 playoffs. Can you win a CIF title without a true No. 1 pitcher? That remains to be seen, but the overall record is impressive.
3. South Hills (18-4) -- They remain in a tie for first with Chino Hills with two games left against Charter Oak, who is out of the playoff picture. Chino Hills faces Ayala, edge to Chino Hills.
4. Glendora (15-6-1) -- Not many Glendora teams have done well in the Baseline, but the Tartans' baseball team is an exception, further showing the baseball talent in the SGV, and that coach Henley is among the best managers.
5. Chino Hills (16-8) -- In best position to win Sierra league title with two games left against Ayala. Chances are, Charter Oak takes one from South Hills simply because of the rivalry.
6. Diamond Bar (14-10) - Yes, this is the team I pegged No. 1 the beginning of the season, and yes, this is the team I wouldn't want to face in the playoffs with Mathews and Omana.
7. Los Altos (16-9) -- They host Diamond Bar tomorrow for a chance to move into a second-place tie. The snuck up and beat Bonita recently, can they do the same to Diamond Bar?
8. San Dimas (17-8-1) -- The Saints have a one game lead over Covina heading into today's showdown. If today's game is anything like San Dimas' 10-9 win over Covina in the first meeting, we're in for a treat.
9. Damien (13-11) -- The Spartans already have locked up third in the Sierra and will be a third-place team nobody wants to face in the postseason.
10. Sierra Vista (18-4) -- Got a split with La Puente last week, which was all it needed to take control of the Montview. Still, defense needs some work.

1. Bishop Amat (21-3) -- So, Amat dropped a game to St. Joseph's last week. Still, not enough to drop them from our top spot. If they play Bonita head-to-head, Amat wins.
2. Bonita (20-4) - Earned huge win over West Covina, giving the Bearcats (8-2), Diamond Bar (8-2) and West Covina (7-2) all two losses in the Hacienda going into the final week. Diamond Bar finishes with West Covina on Friday while Bonita has the luxury of going through Rowland and Diamond Ranch, and if they win out, will get the top seed over whoever they finish tied with.
3. Chino Hills (20-5) -- The Huskies lead South Hills by a game with two left against Ayala. Ayala needs to win at least one to remain in third.
4. South Hills (16-6) -- If the Huskies sweep Charter Oak, they've got a shot at tying for first. But sweeping Charter Oak, maybe the most unpredictable team, will not be easy.
5. West Covina (15-6) -- The Bulldogs were great in the big games last year, especially against South Hills. This year not so much, losing twice to Bonita, which is going to cost them the league title.
6. San Dimas (18-7) -- Looks like they will be the only area team to go undefeated in league. Say this about the Saints, they don't rebuild, they keep reloading
7. Diamond Bar (13-9) -- You have to give Brahmas coach Roberta Garcia-Uyemura a lot of credit for keeping her team in the Hacienda League race. Now let's see how they finish.
8. Los Altos (13-6) -- The Conquerors are fortunate the Hacienda sends four teams to the playoffs, because fourth is where they will finish.
9. Duarte (17-3) -- Suffered a rare league loss to Azusa, who almost beat them the first time. Still, three losses is three losses. On paper, it looks great.

10. Arroyo (14-6) -- Went 12-1 in the MIssion Valley League to win the league title. However, like the Montview, the MVL isn't that strong.

Check out "Inside The Huddle" to read what went on at West Covina's first spring practice, where Aram reports that 160-180 players were in attendance. Now, those are numbers....

Glendora's Jaques dominates Baseline: The senior won the 50-yard freestyle and 200 individual medley to lead Glendora to first place with 341 points. Los Osos was second at 295.5, with Upland third at 242.5. Jaques, who won CIF-Southern Section titles in the 200 IM and 100 breaststroke last season, easily won the 200 in 2:40.5. She then followed with a time of 22.45 to win the 50 freestyle.

By Aram Tolegian
Andrea Grant knew she had a lot to live up to when she first set foot on the Walnut High School campus. Grant's sister Rachel was a CIF champion swimmer who never lost an individual league championship race. Andrea now can say the same thing.
Andrea Grant capped a perfect league season by winning the Hacienda League championship in the 50-yard freestyle and 100 freestyle at Friday's Hacienda League finals at La Verne Aquatics Center.

Baseline League Finals Results

Hacienda League Finals Results

By Steve Ramirez
Glendora's Lauren Justus is the two-time reigning area girls cross country of the year and brought that success to the track. Justus led a group of four Tartans to individual titles during the Baseline League finals at Los Osos High School on Friday.
Justus, who had a solid showing during last month's Mt. San Antonio College Relays, won the 1,600 and 3,200 meters. She set the pace in the 1,600 with a time of 5:17.59. The senior then doubled in the 3,200, which she won in 11:32.5.

By Fred J. Robledo
Fitting that on senior day it was a freshman who helped Bonita High School's softball team inch closer to the Hacienda League title. Anissa Sanchez knew replacing area player and pitcher of the year Chloe Wurst would be a chore, especially with the pitching rubber moved back from 40 to 43 feet.
Sanchez found herself in a situation with pressure from the start, asked to anchor the CIF-Southern Section Division 2s second-ranked team. It's been a work in progress, though there have been far more ups than downs.
But on Friday, in a game the Bearcats had to have against league-leading West Covina, Sanchez was at her best, battling out of jams and doing just enough to lead Bonita to a 3-1 victory, striking out eight and scattering seven hits. (To continue click thread)

Today: We've got today and a week left of baseball and softball until playoffs. The most intriguing on the schedule this afternoon is West Covina softball at Bonita for first in the Hacienda, which is where we will be.

Thursday's Sierra League Baseball: Damien beat Ayala 8-6 behind senior Griffin Lord and sophomore Chad Hawkins, who each had two hits and two RBIs for the Spartans (13-11, 8-5) over Ayala (10-12, 2-11). Chino Hills' Ameron Pongs hit a grand slam with two outs in a five-run seventh that helped the Huskies beat Charter Oak 7-6, and also keep Chino Hills (15-8, 10-3) tied for first with South Hills (18-4, 10-3), an 8-0 winner over Claremont. Charter Oak's (10-11, 6-7) collapse in the seventh means it will not make the playoffs.

Thursday's Sierra League Softball update: Chino Hills beat Charter Oak 9-7 and South Hills beat Claremont 10-7, giving Chino Hills (19-5, 10-2) a half game lead over South Hills (16-6, 10-3) with one week left. In the battle for sole possession of third, Ayala clipped St. Lucy's 6-5. Ayala is 10-11 and 7-6 while St. Lucy's dropped to 11-12 and 6-7.

Thursday's Baseline League softball: Glendora lost its fourth straight and it wasn't pretty, losing 18-4 to Rancho Cucamonga to effectively end its playoff chances.

Friday's Baseball Schedule
Baseline League
Alta Loma at Glendora, 3:15 p.m.
Hacienda League
Walnut at Rowland, 3:30 p.m.
West Covina at Bonita, 3:30 p.m.
Diamond Bar at Diamond Ranch, 3:30 p.m.
Mission Valley League
Gabrielino at Arroyo, 3:15 p.m.
Rosemead at Mountain View, 3:15 p.m.
El Monte at South El Monte, 3:15 p.m.

Friday's Softball Schedule
Walnut at Rowland, 3:30 p.m.
West Covina at Bonita, 3:30 p.m.
Los Altos at Diamond Ranch, 3:30 p.m.
Mission Valley League
Gabrielino at Arroyo, 3:15 p.m.
Rosemead at Mountain View, 3:15 p.m.
El Monte at South El Monte, 3:15 p.m.

Valle Vista League Finals photo gallery

Valle Vista League finals results

Sierra League finals results

More on Beejay Lee: Lee moved into the chase after running a blistering 10.36 seconds to win the 100 at Thursday's Hacienda League finals at Rowland High.

By Fred J. Robledo, Staff Writer
Covina High School's Remontay McClain let everyone know he's serious about defending his 100 and 200-meter state titles at Thursday's Valle Vista League finals at Baldwin Park, easily winning both races in league-record time. After matching his personal best in the 100 meters in 10.35 -- the second fastest in the nation and best in the state this year, McClain followed with a blistering wind-aided (3.0) 20.92 in the 200 meters, also the fastest in California and the fourth fastest in the country in any conditions.
McLain, mild-mannered for a sprint champion, seemed oblivious to the history he's chasing. Nobody in California prep history has ever won back-to-back titles in the 100 and 200 meters. In fact, only one person has won both in two different state meets.
Charles Paddock of Pasadena High did it in 1916 and 1918, then later went on to win the 100 meters at the 1920 Olympic games in Belgium. (To continue click thread)

By Aram Tolegian
The Bishop Amat High School softball team's bid for a perfect season in the Del Rey League standings came to a sobering end on Thursday afternoon. St. Joseph, behind a strong performance from pitcher Maxine Rodriguez, got the clutch outs when it needed them most to post a 2-1 win that didn't change the complexion of the standings, but did give the Lancers a rude wake-up call heading into next week's playoffs. (To continue click thread).

By John Honell
Sierra Vista High School went extra innings before senior Edward Huezo's two-out, two-run single in the top of the eighth inning put the Dons on top of the Montview League standings with an 11-9 victory over La Puente on Thursday. The Dons (18-4, 10-2) survived another late Warriors rally to take a one-game lead over La Puente with two games to play.

"It's too much. I think a 14-game season is long enough. I have mixed emotions on it. It's a pretty long grind, especially getting ready for CIF (playoff games). -- West Covina coach Mike Maggiore.

"We're getting closer to Texas and a true state champion. Of course, it makes the season longer, but I think it's neat. It's an interesting concept, but I wouldn't want to see it take away from the division championship. But it hasn't done that, I don't think. It adds an interesting twist and I really don't see a problem with it. The preseason may have to be adjusted." -- Monrovia coach Ryan Maddox.

"From a medical standpoint, there is not any definitive data that says five games is enough or 15. Most people don't like this answer, but it really depends on the coach. The doctors said that if that coach is teaching and coaching correctly and what they mean by correctly in football is they're hitting one day a week, they're in pads one day a week and keeping the length of practice to a respectable time limit, and what we mean by that is two hours then these kids can play forever." CIF associate director Roger Blake

By Aram Tolegian
STORY: Depending on who you ask, the lengthening of the prep football season is either a really good thing or something so bad it's unimaginable. Late last week, the California Interscholastic Federation state council gave final approval to adding regional bowl games to the state championship bowl games format for high school football. And there's been no shortage of opinions on whether the move was ahead-of-the-curve thinking or a money grab that jeopardizes the safety of student athletes. (To continue click thread)

Today is track and field finals days for most league's in our area. The Sierra League finals are at Claremont HS (3:15 p.m.); Hacienda League finals at Rowland HS (3:15 p.m.); Del Rey League finals at Serra HS (3 p.m.); Montview League finals at Bassett HS (3:15 p.m.); and Valle Vista League finals at Baldwin Park (3:15 p.m). On Friday, the Baseline League finals are at Los Osos (3 p.m.) and Mission Valley at El Monte (3:15 p.m.)

Obviously, we can't cover every finals meet, there are simply too many. For those who want their results in the paper, league coordinators must contact Steve Ramirez. He will be in the office later taking results over the phone and writing as much as he can. You can send him results at steve.ramirez@sgvn.com, but make sure you leave a contact number and have the results sent by 8 p.m., or call Steve in the office at 626-962-8811, ext. 2242 or 2233. I will report straight from the Valle Vista League finals at Baldwin Park, all others need to contact Steve.

By Fred J. Robledo, Staff Writer
Glendora High School's John Alexander played a big role in helping the Tartans win last year's CIF-Southern Section Division 2 baseball title by batting .395 with 27 RBIs and five home runs for the 27-2-1 Tartans. Several key players such as pitcher Adam Plutko, who is having a solid year at UCLA, graduated from that squad but Alexander returned and has not let up. He has helped the Tartans close in on the Baseline League title in their first year in the new league. The Tartans (14-6-1, 9-3) are a game ahead of Los Osos (15-5, 8-4) with four games left, the Tartans have beaten Los Osos two out of three games and own the tiebreaker should they finish in a tie.

By John Honell, Correspondent
Clutch hitting and timely pitching were enough for San Dimas High School to clinch the Valle Vista League softball championship. The Saints scored their first five runs with two outs and pulled away for an 8-2 win over Northview on Wednesday. "That was a great win," Saints coach Don Pollard said. "Beating them was a good win for us because they needed this game as much as we did. It clinched the league championship."

Tuesday's Sierra League results: Charter Oak's Aaron Henry drove in the game-winning run that allowed the Chargers to beat Chino Hills 5-4 in eight innings to stay in playoff contention while dropping the Huskies to 9-3 in league. With South Hills beating Claremont 5-2, South Hills (9-3) is tied with Chino Hills for first with three to play. With Damien beating Ayala 9-3, they go to 7-5 in league, leaving them in sole possession of third and a game ahead of fourth-place Charter Oak (6-6). The same teams will play again on Thursday.

Tuesday's Valle Vista results: San Dimas crushed Northview 12-2 in six innings to improve to 9-1 in league, with Covina staying close, beating Baldwin Park 10-3 to go to 8-2, just a game back. Baldwin Park and Northview are still tied for third, but well back at 4-5. Covina and San Dimas meet in the league finale on May 10.

Today's games
Hacienda League
Bonita at Walnut, 3:30 p.m.
West Covina at Los Altos, 3:30 p.m.
Rowland at Diamond Bar, 3:30 p.m.
Del Rey League
St. Monica at Bishop Amat, 3:15 p.m.
Baseline League
Glendora at Alta Loma, 3:15 p.m.

Right: St. Lucy's all everything Danielle O'Toole...

Tuesday's Sierra League results: Chino Hills beat Charter Oak 5-3 to stay in the Sierra league lead, improving to 18-5 and 9-2. South Hills outslugged Claremont 9-5 to stay a half-game back of first, improving to 15-6 and 9-3 in league. St. Lucy's pitcher Danielle O'Toole threw a one-hit shutout with six strikeouts for the Regents, who earned an much-needed 2-0 win over Ayala to move into a tie for third with the Bulldogs, who both sport identical 6-6 league records. All of these teams meet again on Thursday, St. Lucy's needing to win again to move into third all alone. Meanwhile, Chino Hills and South Hills are still in a tight race for the title -- neither can afford to stumble with three games left.

Today's games
Hacienda League
West Covina at Los Altos, 3:15 p.m.
Bonita at Walnut, 3:15 p.m.
Rowland at Diamond Bar, 3:15 p.m.
Valle Vista League
Northview at San Dimas, 3:15 p.m.
Baldwin Park at Covina, 3:15 p.m.
Nogales at Wilson, 3:15 p.m.

All the info can be found here, sounds like a dream job for Joe Amat. With 24 vacation days to boot, what more could you want? I'm sure they will have plenty of qualified applicants. Hopefully we get some San Gabriel Valley representation in the second biggest seat in CIF.

Teams can still agree to a running clock with a 35-point margin at anytime during the contest, but with a 35-point lead entering the fourth quarter, the mercy rule is mandatory ...

Aram's take: I like it! This will effectively end the angry conversation I've had with myself (and many reporters have had with themselves) when a game gets out of reach and the clock can't move quick enough ... and I'm wondering "How did I pick this dud?" or ... "How did Fred convince me to cover this dud?"

There have been some significant changes in weight classes that were adopted by the NFHS Wrestling Rules Committee.

The 14 weight classes approved by the committee for 2011-12 are as follows: 106
(pounds), 113, 120, 126, 132, 138, 145, 152, 160, 170, 182, 195, 220 and 285. Three
middle weight classes - 145, 152 and 160 - were retained, although they are 7-8-9 in
order now rather than 8-9-10. The largest weight class (285 pounds) remains unchanged
as well.

Great to see Thomas coaching the east, he's a great choice. He's pretty mild-mannered, but not during an emotion filled Thursday night game last fall. We obviously hadn't written or talked about star-everything Vinny Venegas as much as we should have, so after Venegas went on a long TD run, Thomas turned and glared at myself, Steve Ramirez and Tom Kiss watching from the Colts sideline, pointed and screamed, "that's why he's all-area, that's why he's all-area." He said it two, maybe three times -- all in good fun, but I loved the passion. And he was right, Venegas was definitely all-area material and will be a senior to watch this fall.

By Aram Tolegian, Staff Writer
Story: Coaches for the 31st Hall of Fame All-Star Game were announced Tuesday afternoon by game organizer Leon Ward. Covina's Darryl Thomas will coach the East and Monrovia's Ryan Maddox will coach the West in the game, which will take place June 24 at West Covina High School. "Our staff is honored to be chosen," Maddox said. "It's a good chance to coach our kids again and a good chance to coach some of the better kids in the area. An All-Star game is a celebration for all the kids who performed within the Valley. It's a big deal to all the athletes throughout the Valley. It should be a lot of fun."

For you track historians, you're going to love this, California's all-time leaders

California's current high school leaders heading into league finals this week.

Below: San Dimas' Katherine Salcido

CIF-SOUTHERN SECTION FORD PRESENTED BY FARMERS
TRACK & FIELD RANKINGS

The following team and individual rankings are based through meets as of April 30th, 2011. Points are based on the 10-8-6-5-4-3-2-1 scoring system used through eight places at the divisional championships. Point totals are based on projected placement of individuals in specific events.
-- Rich Gonzalez, DyeStatCal/ESPN RISE editor

Below are rankings with area teams/athletes involved:
DIVISION I BOYS
TEAM RANKINGS
1. Vista Murrieta (70)
2. Long Beach Poly (69)
3. El Toro (57)
4. Murrieta Valley (32)
5. Trabuco Hills (29)
6. Dana Hills (26)
7. Arcadia (25)
8. Paramount (24)
9. Great Oak (22)
10T. M.L. King (21)
10T. Rancho Cucamonga (21)

INDIVIDUAL RANKINGS
1. Bernard Quinn (Vista Murrieta) 22.25
2T. Jantzen Oshier (Trabuco Hills) 18
2T. Beejay Lee (West Covina) 18
2T. Jake Fraser (El Toro) 18
2T. Ammar Moussa (Arcadia) 18
6T. Ma'a Brown (Paramount) 16
6T. Kameron White (L.B. Poly) 16
8. Myles Andrews (L.B. Poly) 15
9. Laijon White (Rancho Cucamonga) 14.5
10. Jovonte Slater (Vista Murrieta) 14.25

DIVISION III BOYS
TEAM RANKINGS
1. Notre Dame-SO (72)
2. Servite 54
3. South Pasadena (39)
4. St. John Bosco (36)
5. Woodbridge (33)
6. Pacifica-GG (27)
7. Covina (25)
8. San Jacinto (21)
9T. Burroughs-Ridg. (20)
9T. Agoura (20)
9T. Diamond Ranch (20)

INDIVIDUAL RANKINGS
1. Remontay McClain (Covina) 21.25
2T. Jonathan Cabral (Agoura) 20
2T. Jayson Kovar (Burroughs-Ridg.) 20
2T. Sam Pons (South Pasadena) 20
5. Khalfani Muhammad (Notre Dame-SO) 18.5
6. Ahmed Mahmood (El Segundo) 14
7. Eric McDaniel (Notre Dame-SO )13.5
8. Malik Felton (Servite) 13.25
9. Ryan Collier (Northwood) 13
10. Josh Kingsland (Woodbridge) 12

GIRLS RANKINGS
DIVISION III
INDIVIDUAL RANKINGS
1. Kylie Price (Bishop Amat) 30.5
1. Cami Chapus (Harvard-Westlake) 30.5
3. Abrianna Torres (San Luis Obispo) 28
4. Katherine Salcido (San Dimas) 26
5. Gabrielle Scott (Woodbridge) 21.5
6. Omhunique Brown (San Marino) 21
7. Heather Hawes (Nipomo) 20
8. Kayla Mallet (West Torrance) 19
Several tied at 14

By Fred J. Robledo
Regardless of whether Montview League principals revisit or eventually overturn its March decision that forced the La Puente High School baseball team to forfeit a 3-0 win over Azusa for conducting an illegal batting practice prior to their game -- the Warriors still controlled their own destiny in the league title chase, trailing league-leading Sierra Vista by one with two games against the Dons this week.
Now the forfeit might not matter at all. Even with Sierra Vista at home and undefeated senior Elias Novelo on the hill, La Puente overcame a two-run deficit to squeeze out an improbable 4-3 victory on Tuesday to move into a first-place tie in the Montview. (To continue, click thread).

"No matter how you look at it, our readership is on the rise," said Steve Lambert, editor and publisher of the San Gabriel Valley Newspaper Group. "We're proud of the gains we've made on the newspaper side of the business, and see tremendous opportunity in the years ahead in the multimedia arena."

Story: The San Gabriel Valley Tribune continues to post increases in daily and Sunday circulation, according to the Audit Bureau of Circulations' six-month Fas-Fax report released Tuesday. For the period ending March 31, the Tribune's daily circulation rose to 36,163, up 121 from the comparable period a year earlier. Sunday circulation climbed to 38,963, up 59 from a year earlier.
The Tribune's sister papers - the Pasadena Star-News and the Whittier Daily News - also grew circulation. The Star-News rose to 25,530 daily, up 121, and 27,988 Sunday, up 557. The Daily News grew by 682 daily, to 14,811, and 646 Sunday, to 15,360. In addition, latest numbers show continued web traffic growth at sgvtribune.com, pasadenastarnews.com, and whittierdailynews.com - to an average 1.4 million monthly unique visitors and 5.3 million monthly page views. The newspapers also have nearly 25,000 subscribers to online e-editions.

1. Bonita (19-4) -- Ended a great week of beating Amat and Diamond Bar with a loss to Los Altos. They're still ranked No. 1 in D-3, but only a one-game lead in the Hacienda with four to play. Will they close strong?
2. Bishop Amat (21-4) -- After losing twice last week, the Lancers can forget the National Rankings and focus on Division 4, where they're ranked second behind Palm Desert.
3. South Hills (17-4) -- They needed a sweep over Chino Hills to take over first in the Sierra, but got a split instead, and remain a game back. Big picture-wise, they're No. 10 in D-2.
4. Glendora (13-6-1) -- The Tartans have a one game lead in the Baseline with four left, two against Upland and Alta Loma, both of who are 5-4 in league. Couldn't ask for a better situation down the stretch to close it out.
5. Chino Hills (14-7) -- They lost to Diamond Ranch in a nonleague game, but seem to get the job done when it matters, in league.
6. Sierra Vista (17-3) -- What's it take to get a ranking in Division 5? The Dons have the second fewest losses of anyone in the Division, but can't crack the top ten. You've got teams like Hemet ranked with nine losses, what gives?
7. Diamond Bar (13-10) - They're 0-2 against Bonita and 7-0 against the rest of the Hacienda. Sooner or later, the Brahmas have to win games that matter.
8. Los Altos (14-9) -- They will be the type of third or fourth place team nobody is going to want to face in the playoffs. Anytime you have an undefeated pitcher like Kyle Peck (6-0), you've got a shot. Just ask Bonita.
9. San Dimas (16-8-1) -- The Saints have a one game lead over Covina, who they will play next week. The last thing they want is to lose today to Northview, an old nemesis.
10. Damien (11-11) -- Still in third in the Sierra with a 6-5 overall record, plus they beat La Puente twice last week, one of which was 10-0. The Warriors wanted a step-up game, but careful what you wish for.

1. Bishop Amat (20-2) -- The Lancers are no longer worried about winning league, but going undefeated and keeping the top-ranking in D-3. They hope to put the finishing touches against La Salle today and St. Joseph on Thursday at home.
2. Bonita (18-4) - Just when you think they might be No. 1, they lose back-to-back to Diamond Bar and Los Altos. They might even lose the Hacienda, falling a game behind West Covina, who they will host on Friday.
3. Chino Hills (17-5) -- They did what they had to do, get a split against South Hills to remain a game ahead of SHills in the Sierra standings.
4. South Hills (15-6) -- After a 4-3 win over Chino Hills the Huskies get clobbered in the rematch later in the week, 11-1. Still, they're No. 3 in D-3, just behind Bishop Amat and Oaks Christian.
5. West Covina (13-6) -- The Bulldogs are the most disrespected team in Division 2. The Dogs are still not ranked even theough they lead the Hacienda by a game over Bonita, ranked No. 2 in D-2, and well ahead of fourth place Los Altos, ranked No. 7 in D-2. They also beat Los Altos 6-3 in their only head-to-head meeting.
6. Glendora (12-9) -- The Tartans' playoff hopes took a big hit with a pair of losses last week. They're two games out of third with four to play. Not a good situation to be in, especially in the Baseline.
7. Los Altos (12-5) -- A huge 4-2 statement win over Bonita, but they must continue to prove they belong by beating teams they're supposed to beat, which is sometimes harder than pulling an upset.
8. Duarte (16-2) -- Falcons in a class by themselves and ranked No. 2 in Division 5, just behind La Canada. They still don't have a standout win on the resume, but 16-2 always looks good.
9. San Dimas (16-7) -- Thoroughly dominating the Valle Vista with a 9-0 league record. The VVL is way down, however, only San Dimas and Northview have overall winning records.
10. Diamond Bar (12-9) -- The Brahmas are in the thick of the Hacienda race and have a sweet schedule to close it out with a game against West Covina in the league finale. If the Brahmas win out, they can do no worse that a tie for the title.

The Bishop Amat High School baseball team and head coach Andy Nieto have created the "Sandlot Series," for boys and girls ages five through 10 - with the first of four Sandlot camps beginning Thursday at Bishop Amat and continuing each Thursday for three consecutive weeks. What's unique is the clinic is free, and each kid in attendance will receive a free shirt and hot dog. The Sandlot will include instruction from Bishop Amat varsity players and its coaching staff, and actual games for kids. Each Thursday the clinic will be held at Bishop Amat from 6 to 7:30 p.m.
"Everyone has a camp," Nieto said. "But how often to you have the opportunity to take your kids to an open facility and receive free instruction. We have been wanting to this for a while. A lot of kids know who (players) Jay Anderson, Wallace Gonzalez and Rio Ruiz are, but for them to have the opportunity to meet them and be among some of the area's best local players is a great experience. It's great for our players to work with kids and maybe be a mentor. That's what it's all about."
Amat Football Clinics
Bishop Amat's football team is conducting football camps for seventh and eighth graders beginning Tuesday and Thursday from 5:30 to 7 p.m., and will continue with camps each Tuesday and Thursday until June 2, a total of ten sessions.
The cost is $15 per individual session, or $100 for all ten sessions.
For further information, contact Bishop Amat high school at 626-962-2495, Ext. 6001.

By Steve Ramirez, Staff Writer
The road to the CIF State track and field championships begins this week, with most of the area's league finals slated for Thursday or Friday. For several athletes, this is the first step to state glory, a path that will also include the CIF-Southern Section prelims next weekend; the CIF-SS divisional finals, scheduled for Cerritos College on May 21; and the state meet, scheduled for June 3-4 at Buchanan High School in Clovis.

Boys and girls league swimming finals are thiis week. The meet schedule includes the Sierra League at Mt. San Antonio College at 3 p.m. Thursday, with the Baseline and Hacienda meets scheduled for Upland High School and Las Flores Park in La Verne, respectively, at 2:30 and 3 p.m. Friday.

The CIF-SS prelims and finals are slated for next week at Belmont Pool in Long Beach. The area's best hopes for CIF-SS glory are Glendora's Gretchen Jaques and Walnut's Andrea Grant.

CIF-Southern Section Rankings
Division 2:
1. Trabuco Hills, 2. Cypress, 3. Chaminade, 4. Arcadia, 5. Crescenta Valley, 6. Redlands, 7. Santa Barbara, 8. Bueno, 9. South Hills, Others: Glendora, Pacifica, Chino Hills, Canyon Springs.
Fred's note: How is Arcadia ahead of South Hills or Glendora, especially when East Valley teams win their tournament every year.

Division 3:
1. Bonita, 2. Quartz Hills, 3. Alhambra, 4. Beckman, 5. Colton, 6. Paramount, 7. Temescal Canyon, 8. San Gorgonio, 9. Gahr, 10. Montebello.
Fred's note: Even with a loss to Los Altos, Bonita deserves to be No. 1. Name another team on this list capable of beating Amat and Diamond Bar's Mathews twice?

Division 4
1. Palm Desert, 2. Bishop Amat, 3. Torrance, 4. Laguna Beach, 5. Oaks Christian, 6. Indio, 7. Chino, 8. Troy, 9. La Quinta, 10. San Dimas
Fred's note: With a loss to Bonita on Monday and Torrance on Saturday, no way Amat could keep the top spot, though they're still he best team. Kudos to San Dimas for finally cracking the list.

Division 2
1. Don Lugo, 2. Bonita, 3. Laguna Hills, 4. Chino, 5. Oxnard, 6. Colton, 7. Los Altos, 8. Lakewood, 9. Valley View, 10. Arlington.
Fred's note: A week ago I thought Bonita was closing in on the Hacienda title, now after losing to Los Altos, they have to beat West Covina later in the week to take control.

Division 3
1. Bishop Amat, 2. Oaks Christian, 3. South Hills, 4. Chino Hills, 5. Warren, 6. Downey, 7. Highland, 8. Knight, 9. Burroughs, 10. Crescenta Valley.
Fred's note: Bishop Amat is hands down No. 1, but look at South Hills climb the list to No. 3. Wouldn't we all love to see Amat meet South Hills in the playoffs?

Division 5
1. La Canada, 2. Duarte, 3. Beaumont, 4. Savanna, 5. San Marino, 6. Katella, 7. Barstow, 8. Marymount, 9. Temple City, 10. Marlborough
Fred's note: Is Duarte really this good? Just like in girls basketball, they will have the chance to prove it come playoff time.

By Fred J. Robledo, Staff Writer
The La Puente High school baseball team lost an appeal to the CIF-Southern Section Executive Committee last week hoping to overturn its forfeiture of a 3-0 win over Azusa on March 22. La Puente was forced to forfeit its win over Azusa after Azusa filed a protest that was upheld by league principals in a 4-2 vote in March.
Azusa protested that La Puente conducted an illegal batting practice on the day of the game, which is against league bylaws.
La Puente coach John Hermosillo admitted the mistake, explaining that two of his players were throwing over-hand with a whiffle ball prior to the game. However, Hermosillo, a first-year coach in his first league game, said he was unaware of the rule at the time. (to continue click thread).

Fred's reaction: I feel the same way now as I did when learning of the forfeit. First, Candelaria is absolutely right, La Puente was not in violation of the spirit of the rule. The La Puente team was not trying to cheat or gain an advantage, they had been doing the same thing all year in non-league and tournaments. Why Azusa officials did not simply walk over to the first year coach and explain to him that what his team was doing was against league rules is difficult to understand. That probably would have been the end of it, and it would have reflected well on Azusa, showing a great deal of sportsmanship for a coach in his first league game. It would have said, "what you're doing is wrong, but we'll give you the benefit of the doubt this time." But, by choosing to enforce the letter of the law on a rule that had no direct outcome of the game feels like another example of adults taking the game out of kids' hands. South Hills was in violation of this very thing in last years playoffs, also using a whiffle ball. But CIF chose not to make them forfeit a game for the same reasons I stated, because South Hills wasn't trying to cheat or gain an advantage. It wasn't in violation of the "spirit" of the rule. If you're an administrator or principal, these are the things you have to ask yourself when making these rulings. Otherwise, it looks like adults taking away what kids earned on the field. I know rules are rules, which is probably why the principals should revisit the case. If, as principal Smalley suggested that proper protocal wasn't taken in filing the protest, then the protest should be thrown out, right? If rules are black and white with no wiggle room left for interpretation, then maybe this should be overtuned.

What's more astonishing, the 21-year-old San Gabriel Valley high school girls basketball assistant coach who suited up and played in a junior varsity game for the Matadors last season, or the news the Chino Hills champion reported last week that the coaching staff of the boys tennis team at Chino Hills High School was fired April 21 after school officials learned a seventh-grade student played in varsity matches under the coaches' direction? Coaches Deddy Halim and Siantie Hioe, husband and wife walk-on coaches and not teachers at the school, used an unidentified junior high school student in at least one tennis match during the 2011 regular season, which recently concluded. I don't know what's worse, a 21-year-old trying to show off her skills against 14 and 15 year olds, or a seventh grader whipping high school varsity tennis players....

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

The Guru Writes: Well the time has come for guys like me to be wanted. That's right... it's the month of May and it's time for prospects to be found. The process of evaluation never ends until signing day. But - and you can look in the archives if you want - we have a pretty good opinion on the talent in the area. So, let's get right to work and begin with the top-10 college prospects in the East SGV. To continue click thread.

Glendora football coach Todd Quinsey has finished naming his staff, which is as follows: We will have a story in tomorrow's paper.

Assistants: Roger Armijo - Charter Oak high school (coached RB/LB and special teams at CO)
Assistant - Jerry Lewallen - Glendora Assistant Coach
Assistant - Frankie Salazar - South Hills DB-WR Coach
Assistant - Ryan Lawrence - Glendora Assistant Coach
Assistant - Marcus Bryan - Former UNLV Offensive Lineman

Also: Quinsey said that athletic director Lee Spengler will be his freshmen coach along with Rod Tilton, who used to be the offensive coordinator at Glendora.