December 2011 Archives

By Fred J. Robledo
After blowing past locals Wilson, Northview and Rowland, Damien took care of business in the championship of the 58th annual Covina High School Christmas Tournament against one of the beasts of the Inland Empire, knocking off Riverside's J.W. North 53-36 on Thursday.

Damien's St. Mary's-bound forward/center Chris Reyes had another
big night, finishing with 19 points, 12 rebounds and four blocks, which included a thunderous two-handed dunk early in the fourth that punctuated his dominating performance around the rim.

"They're a big, physical team, it was nice playing the way we did against them," said Reyes, named the tournament MVP. "We played a game like this last year in a tournament against Harvard-Westlake. It's good playing these type teams."

Spartans sharpshooter Jared Dizon was deadly too. He buried three
3-pointers and finished with a game-high 20 points.

Damien improved to 13-1 and J.W. North, which received a game-high 15 points from Aaron Peck, dropped to 10-3. (To continue click thread)

Matching up teams from the same league for a tournament championship can get some surprising results.

"It wasn't what I expected," Wildcats coach Tracy Calton said. "They're very tough inside and they like to drive to the basket. We did a good job of packing in our zone and took that away from them."

Duarte High School point guard Imari Brown admits she was not on top of her game.

The Falcons took advantage of the Eagles' lack of height. Wilson scored 27 points with all of her field goals made from underneath the basket. She also had 23 rebounds.

By Fred J. Robledo, Staff Writer
It's difficult to understand why the Duarte High School girls basketball wasn't ranked in the CIF-Southern Section Division 4AA preseason poll.
All the Falcons did last year was finish 25-3, advance to the divisional quarterfinals, earn an invitation to the state playoffs and return all five starters, including Tribune first-team selection Imari Brown, who nearly averaged a quadruple-double as a sophomore. And despite a sore ankle, the junior is at it again.
Brown finished with 31 points, seven rebounds, eight steals and three assists in Duarte's 55-37 victory over host Glendora to finish undefeated in Pool B of the Glendora girls basketball tournament on Wednesday, earning the Falcons a ticket to tonight's championship against Eagle Rock at 7:30 p.m., at Glendora High School. (To continue click thread).

Glendora Girls Basketball Holiday Tournament
Monday's round-robin results
Eagle Rock 59, La Serna 49
Schurr 40, Claremont 29
Duarte 65, Hoover 32
Glendora 37, Charter Oak 35
Tuesday's round-robin
Duarte 57, Charter Oak 43
Eagle Rock 44, Schurr 40
La Serna 44, Claremont 39
Glendora 61, Hoover 29
Wednesday's round-robin
Eagle Rock vs. Claremont, 3 p.m.
Schurr vs. La Serna, 4:30 p.m.
Hoover vs. Charter Oak, 6 p.m.
Duarte vs. Glendora, 7:30 p.m.
Championship on Thursday, 7:30 p.m., at Glendora

Associated Press photo

As part of our coverage of the 98th Rose Bowl Game, here's my story on Wisconsin's Russell Wilson:

LOS ANGELES - There are a lot elements that were key for Wisconsin as the Badgers returned to the Rose Bowl Game
The X-factor is quarterback Russell Wilson, who is not a typical Wisconsin signal caller.
Wilson, a senior transfer from North Carolina State, added athleticism to a position that for years required nothing special, just someone who minimized mistakes while guiding an offense that used its mammoth front line and big running backs such as Ron Dayne and John Clay as focal points.
Wilson, at least for this season, changed that perception.
"The true sign of a great player is someone who can make something out of nothing," said Wisconsin coach Bret Bielema, whose Badgers face Oregon in the 98th Rose Bowl Game on Monday. "A lot of times it might be a call offensively where the scheme for the success of that play shuts down and you have to make a change.
"Russell has made changes this year on first, second, third and even fourth down that have allowed us to stay alive and make a play."
Wilson's biggest audible came not at Camp Randall Stadium, but off the field.

Rowland Girls Basketball tournament
Wednesday's semifinals
Wilson 55, South Hills 43
Covina 47, Rowland 39
Thursday's championship
Covina vs. Wilson, 5:30 p.m., Rowland High School

By Fred J. Robledo, Staff Writer
Northview High School boys basketball coach Ron Rice shrugged trying to come up with a reasonable answer. Northview is one of the top teams in the area, but Damien is on another level entirely, which it proved again with a 59-39 victory over the Vikings in the quarterfinals of the 58th annual Covina Christmas tournament on Tuesday.
Damien (11-1) will take on Rowland, a 59-50 winner over California in the semifinals tonight at 7 p.m., at Covina High School. (To continue click thread)

Covina wins on buzzer-beater: The oldest boys basketball tournament west of the Mississippi River has had its share of great finishes, but none arguably were better than a 3-point buzzer-beater by Edgardo Campos that gave Covina a 55-52 win over South Hills in the 58th annual Covina Christmas Tournament on Tuesday night.

The 58th Annual Covina Christmas Tournament began Monday and we will update each morning throughout the tournament.

Tonight's semifinal games
Rowland vs. Damien, 7 p.m.
Covina vs. J.W. North, 8:30 p.m.

Monday's first-round results
Top Bracket
California 64, Bosco Tech 37
Rowland 75, Azusa 49
Northview 76, Garey 54
Damien 59, Wilson 42
Bottom Bracket
Bishop Amat 51, Los Altos 45
JW North 69, Charter Oak 49
South Hills 71, Jurupa Hills 49
Covina 66, Sierra Vista 52

Tuesday's quarterfinals
Top Bracket
Rowland 59, California 50
Damien 59, Northview 39
Bottom Bracket
JW North 54, Bishop Amat 36
Covina 55, South Hills 52

There are plenty of after-Christmas tournaments that begin today, but nobody to take your calls until after 6 p.m. Please email results to scores@sgvn.com, and leave a number in case we have questions, or call after 6 p.m., to 626-962-8811, ext. 2233 or 2242, thanks.

The Nogales High School Boys Basketball Tournament begins on Monday and concludes with Thursday's championship on Dec. 29 at Nogales High at 7:30 p.m. This is an old-school bracket-style knockout tournament, just the way I like it......

Monday, Dec. 26 first-round at Nogales High
Top Half Bracket
Walnut vs. Alta Loma, 6:30 p.m.
Nipomo vs. Notre Dame, Noon
La Mirada vs. Don Lugo, 1:45 p.m.
Renaissance Academy vs. El Rancho, 3:30 p.m.
Bottom Half
Serrano vs. Bloomington Christian, 10:30 a.m.
West Covina vs. La Serna, 5 p.m.
Savanna vs. Glenn, 9 a.m.
Basett vs. Nogales, 8 p.m.

To read Steven Rivera's players of the year story along with Travis Santiago and Justen Meaders' offensive and defensive honors, and Mike Maggiore's coach of the year story, click the thread.

RIVERA .. MAGGIORE .... MEADERS .. SANTIAGO

Player of the year: Steven Rivera, Arroyo, Sr.
Coach of the year: Mike Maggiore, West Covina
Offensive Player of the Year: Travis Santiago, Charter Oak, Sr.
Defensive Player of the Year: Justen Meaders, West Covina, Sr.
First Team Offense
QB -- Travis Santiago, Charter Oak, Sr.
RB -- Jalen Moore, Bishop Amat, Sr.
RB -- Jimmy Frazier, West Covina, Sr.
WR -- Hunter Duran, Arroyo, Sr.
WR -- Aaren Vaughns, Charter Oak, Jr.
WR -- Jamie Canada, South Hills, Sr.
ALL -- Vinny Venegas, Covina, Sr.
OL -- Jesse Gaytan, El Monte, Sr.
OL -- Alec Zenner, San Dimas, Sr.
OL -- Nick Enriquez, Chino Hills, Sr.
OL -- George Castro, West Covina, Sr.
OL -- Louis Oliva, Charter Oak, Sr.
K -- Jack Schneider, Charter Oak, Jr.
First Team Defense
DL -- Nick Hynes, Covina, Sr.
DL -- Philip Romano, Covina, Sr.
DL -- Justen Meaders, West Covina, Sr.
LB -- Dorrin Turner, West Covina, Sr.
LB -- Johnny Padilla, Covina, Sr.
LB -- Justin Fa;'aola, Los Altos, Sr.
LB -- Alex Arevalo, Damien, Sr.
DB -- Desmond Reed, Azusa, Sr.
DB -- Michael Patini, La Puente, Sr.
DB -- Chris Solomon, West Covina, Sr.
DB -- Jonathan Thropay, Charter Oak, Sr.
P -- Brian Drulias, Diamond Bar, Sr.

Second Team Offense
QB -- Billy Livingston, Covina, Sr.
RB -- Kurt Scoby, Charter Oak, So.
RB -- Sir Darius Yarbrough, Pomona, Sr.
WR -- Chris Gilchrist, Charter Oak, Sr.
WR -- Justin Mason, Covina, Sr.
WR -- Jack Austin, Chino Hills, Jr.
ALL -- Dillon Corona, San Dimas, Sr.
OL -- Lake Aiono, South Hills, Jr.
OL -- Jared Kough, Pomona, Sr.
OL -- Moises Morales, Los Altos, Sr.
OL -- Raymond Amaya, West Covina, Sr.
OL -- Adrian Pena, La Puente, Sr.
K -- Brandt Davis, Bonita, Jr.
Second team Defense
DL -- Sal Velasquez, Bishop Amat, Jr.
DL -- Logan Tracey, Damien, Sr.
DL -- Jesse Ojeda, San Dimas, Sr.
LB -- Skyler Crall, Glendora, Sr.
LB -- Naim Colbert, Chino Hills, Sr.
LB -- D.J. Daniels, Bishop Amat, Jr.
LB -- Matt Eddy, Rosemead, Sr.
DB -- Lonzel Barnett, West Covina, Sr.
DB -- Khari Garcia, Charter Oak, Jr.
DB -- Ajee Montes, Bishop Amat, Sr.
DB -- Garrett Horine, Bonita, Sr.
P -- Jose Esparza, Rosemead, Sr.

Tribune players of the Year (1969-present)
1969 Fred McNeil, Baldwin Park RB
1970 Pat Haden, Bishop Amat QB and John McKay Jr., Bishop Amat WR
1971 Mike Vicino, Royal Oak RB
1972 Rob Hertel, Los Altos QB and Ron Himes, Walnut QB
1973 Dennis Sproul, Los Altos QB
1974 Brian Bethke, South Hills QB
1975 Richard Nyden, Azusa QB
and John Van Vuren, South Hills RB
1976 Bob Epps, West Covina DL
1977 Don Roberts, Temple City RB
1978 Ron Stivers, West Covina RB
1979 Ray McNeill, El Monte WR
and Danny Trejo, Baldwin Park WR
1980 Bill Stone, Royal Oak RB
1981 Blake Smith, Los AltosQB
and Steve Lauter, Los Altos WR
1982 Mike Smith, Los Altos QB
1983 Randy Tanner, Bishop Amat; Paul Hewitt, Monrovia
1984 Michael Johnson, Baldwin Park QB
1985 Eric Bieniemy, Bishop AmatRB
1986 Eric Bieniemy, Bishop Amat RB
1987 Bill Gallis, Northview QB
1988 Jason Martin, Los Altos TE/DB
1989 Marshawn Thompson, Bassett RB
1990 Jason Patterson, Bishop Amat FB/DE
1991 Marc Ruiz, Baldwin ParkQB
1992 Lawrence Phillips, Baldwin Park RB-DB
1993 Miguel Meriwether, West Covina QB/DB
1994 Daylon McCutcheon, Bishop Amat RB/FS
1995 Oscar Interiano, Sierra Vista RB
1996 Oscar Arzu, Sierra Vista RB
1997 Nick Covarrubias, Covina QB/DB
1998 Steve Stevenson, Charter Oak WR/RB/DB
1999 Jason Wright, Diamond Bar, RB/DB
2000 - Felipe Aguilar, Los Altos, QB
2001 - Donnie McCleskey, Bishop Amat RB
2002 - Daniel Drayton, Randall Brown, Los Altos RBs/DBs
2003 - Brigham Harwell, Los Altos DE
2004 - William Wagner, Bishop Amat RB
2005 - Mike McDonough, Covina QB
2006 - Mike McDonough, Covina QB
2007 - Dorian Wells, South Hills, RB
2008 - Chris Allen, Charter Oak, RB
2009 - Adam Muema, Charter Oak, RB
2010 - Chris Solomon, West Covina, RB
2011 - Steven Rivera, Arroyo, QB

The Orange County Register reports that the two assistant coaches were arrested last December and convicted in September, but they remained with the Santa Margarita football team the remainder of the year, including the state championship....From the Orange County Register: Two football coaches of the Santa Margarita state championship football team were convicted of misdemeanor marijuana possession charges during the season, a spokeswoman for the Orange County District Attorney's office confirmed Thursday. Both participated as Santa Margarita varsity football assistant coaches when the team won CIF-Southern Section and CIF State championship games this month.

Mighty La Verne Lutheran defeated South Carolina's Lower Richland 64-56 to finish third in the Chick-Fil-A Tournament in South Carolina, which is considered one of the most prestigious high school tournaments in the country. Arizona-bound Grant Jerrett finished with 25 points and 9 rebounds in the Trojans' win over Lower Richland, and was named the Tournament MVP -- quite an accomplishment considering MVPs normally go to the tournament champion. Lutheran's Mckay Anderson had five 3-pointers to go with his 22 points and nine rebounds to help the Trojans' win. Eric Eves scored 18 points and Vincent Hicklin contributed 16 points for Lower Richland.

By Aram Tolegian, Staff Writer
Fans of the Glendora High School boys basketball team may get a late Christmas present this year with the expected return of standout Nick Colletta when the Tartans resume their season on Monday.

Colletta has been dealing with a back injury that's limited him to just two games and very few practices since Nov. 1. The 6-foot-5 junior forward who led the Tartans in scoring last season may be back when the team starts the Century Tournament right after the holiday.

"The bad news is he's been out for the better part of six weeks," Glendora coach Mike LeDuc said. "He's hopefully going to be released to start working out again right after Christmas, and if everything goes well he will hopefully be able to start playing again right after Christmas."

If Colletta returns, the Tartans soon could be the healthiest they've been this season. Glendora has dealt with injuries at other key spots but managed to start the season with an 8-3 record. Two of the losses were by one point.

With only the Century Tournament and a nonleague game against Ontario left before league play, Glendora will have to put things together quickly to be ready for the difficult challenges that lay ahead in the Baseline League. Glendora opens league play at home on Jan. 10 against powerful Etiwanda.

"Obviously we have no choice but to find the positive side to this," LeDuc said. "The truth is we'd much rather have the chemistry of playing together. That would be a greater positive. We didn't have that situation the past six weeks, so we're doing the best we can to turn it into a positive and be competitive.

"I think we were (competitive). Two of our three losses were by one point and we don't feel we played very well in either game."

Colletta averaged 24 points per game last season.

Up for the challenge
After winning last week's Pride of the Foothills Tournament, Damien has its sights set on taking on another local event when the Spartans begin play in the Covina Tournament on Monday.

Damien (9-1) is one of the favorites to win, but it won't be easy with the presence of talented J.W. North. The Spartans open play against Wilson at 2:30 p.m. on Monday.

Damien coach Matt Dunn knows what type of game he'll get out of his players will be anybody's guess considering they will have spent the previous day opening gifts and eating with family.

"I would say the ugliest day of basketball every year is December 26," Dunn said. "It's a really tough day for kids to play, I think. Teams always do not play their best.

"But we've been telling our guys that this is the best time of year to be a basketball player because all you have to do is play basketball. This is fun for our guys."

Damien could match up with Northview again if both teams win their opening games. The Spartans just beat the Vikings in the championship game of the Pride of the Foothills Tournament. That may be a nice game for local fans, but Dunn isn't exactly excited about the prospect of seeing Northview again.

"If it works out we have to play Northview again, that would be twice in a one-week span and that would be a little scary," Dunn said. "This is the first time we've ever been in the Covina Tournament and I think our guys are excited. It's got a nice mix of local teams and teams from out of the area.

"I think it's a really good field. I haven't seen J.W. North, but from everything I've been told they're very good."

Upset special?

Rowland very well could be the wild card in the Covina Tournament field.

The Raiders are 7-4 and had some close losses to end the Pride of the Foothills Tournament. One of those defeats was against Bishop Amat, which also is in the Covina Tournament.

The Raiders have beaten South Hills, which also is in the tournament. If Rowland gets hot from the perimeter, coach Gordon Hamlow's team could make a run.

"You're spending all your time right now trying to develop your offense and your defense," Hamlow said. "Every one of these games is an opportunity to get prepared for league.

"This tournament is important because we have to put all the pieces together. We've had a couple of pieces out and getting them back would make us better than we were last week."

Rowland appears to be on the fringe of the area's upper-echelon teams such as Damien, Glendora (when healthy), Northview and La Verne Lutheran. But when the Raiders are shooting well from distance, they can prove awfully dangerous.

"I think we shoot the ball as well as anybody. It's just going to be matter of how we defend," Hamlow said.

Rowland has attempted a whopping 189 3-pointers this season in just 11 games. The Raiders have made 60 of them.

"It's more than we've taken in the past, but we think that's one of our strengths," Hamlow said. "We have some pretty good outside shooters. It's not just one or two guys. We think we have several guys who can hit the outside shots.

"Last week, we didn't get as well of interior play than we needed. If we get balance, I think that's when we're at our best. We lose to Amat last week and make nine out of 20 3s. It wasn't our shooting. It was our inability to defend as well in the second half."

COVINA CHRISTMAS TOURNAMENT
Monday's First-Round games at Covina High School
Top Bracket
Bosco Tech vs. California, 10 a.m.
Rowland vs. Azusa, 11:30 a.m.
Northview vs.Garey, 1 p.m.
Wilson vs. Damien, 2:30 p.m.
Bottom Bracket
J.W. North vs. Charter Oak, 4 p.m.
Bishop Amat vs. Los Altos, 5:30 p.m.
South Hills vs. Jurupa Hills, 7 p.m.
Covina vs. Sierra Vista, 8:30 p.m.

Serra All-League Football
Most Valuable Player: Kyle DeVaugn (Alemany)
Most Valuable Defensive Player: Eamon McKosker (Loyola)
Most Valuable Offensive players: Steven Mitchell (Alemany), Kodi Whitfield (Loyola)
Most Valuable Lineman: Jordan Simmons (Crespi)
First Team Offense
Backs: Jalen Moore (Bishop Amat)
Backs: Mike Davison (Crespi)
Backs: Khalfani Muhammad (Notre Dame)
Backs: Devon Dunn (Alemany)
WR: Chaz Anderson (Loyola)
WR: Chris Harper (Crespi)
WR: Sam Robinson (Notre Dame)
OL: Travis Harvey (Loyola)
OL: Josue Najera (Notre Dame)
OL: Kyle Sulka (Notre Dame)
OL: Stephen Hutchinson (Crespi)
OL: Tyler Ansoms (Alemany)
OL: John Trice (Alemany)
PK: Pat Casserly (Crespi)
First Team Defense
DL: Lester Cienfuegos (Alemany)
DL: Kourey Gabriel (Crespi)
DL: Josh Anderson (Notre Dame)
DL: Sal Velasquez (Bishop Amat)
LB: Quentin Tartabull (Alemany)
LB: JJ Muno (Notre Dame)
LB: LJ Wilkerson (Crespi)
LB: Tim Patricio (Loyola)
DB: Tyler Forman (Crespi)
DB: Ajee Montes (Bishop Amat)
DB: Jerico Richardson (Alemany)
DB: Cameron Walker (Loyola)
DB: Nick Holland (Notre Dame)
P: Conrad Ikropina (Loyola)

Second Team Offense
Backs: Rio Ruiz (Bishop Amat), Robert Jenkins (Loyola), Nick Cotton (Loyola)
WR: Jack Neuheisel (Loyola), Zach Shay (Bishop Amat), Devin Ross (Alemany).
OL: Jacob Spear (Crespi), Coleman Shelton (Loyola), Eric Cuevas (Loyola), LeRoy Tanoai (Notre Dame), Philip Castellanos (Bishop Amat), Aubry Jackson (Alemany)
Second Team Defense
DL: Deyon Glass (Alemany), Nick Mortle (Loyola), Cameron Wall (Bishop Amat), Derick Turner (Notre Dame)
LB: Bryce Henderson (Alemany), Anthony Gutierrez (Notre Dame), DJ Daniels (Bishop Amat), Vernon Yancy (Loyola), Kenan Stevenson (Loyola).
DB: Noah Cecil (Crespi), Deron Smith (Alemany), Dionza Blue (Bishop Amat), Darren Andrews (Bishop Amat), Matt McNab (Notre Dame).
P: Dylan Pritchard (Notre Dame)

Mission Valley All-League Football
Player of the year: Steven Rivera (Arroyo)
Back of the year: Brandon Martinez (El Monte)
Lineman of the year: James Rivera (Arroyo)
First Team Offense
QB: Fernando Ramirez (South El Monte)
RB: Peter Aholoka (Arroyo)
RB: Matt Eddy (Rosemead)
WR: Hunter Durant (Arroyo)
WR: Memo Silva (El Monte)
TE: Danny Villalobos (Rosemead)
OL: David Chavarria (Rosemead)
OL: Enrique Gonzalez (El Monte)
OL: Omar Partida (Arroyo)
OL: Jesse Gaytan (El Monte)
PK: Agustin Pinto (South El Monte)
First Team Defense
DT: Jesse Gaytan (El Monte)
DT: Nelson Leon (Rosemead)
DT: Jose Ambriz (South El Monte)
DE: Juan Morales (South El Monte)
DE: Marcos Lopez (Arroyo)
LB: Zach Daniels (Arroyo)
LB: Ruben Jimenez (El Monte)
LB: Andrew Gibson (Rosemead)
LB: Andrew Barcenas (South El Monte)
DB: Melvin Palacios (Arroyo)
DB: Frank Lopez (El Monte)
DB: Christian Garcia (Rosemead)
DB: Pablo Ocegueda (South El Monte)
DB: Alex Acosta (South El Monte)

Second Team Offense
QB: Mark Winchell (Gabrielino)
RB: Bryan Luevano (El Monte), Leo Artiaga (South El Monte)
TE: Juan Ceballos (El Monte), Jimmy Martinez (South El Monte)
WR: Andrew Kerkhoff (Arroyo), Jesus Machuca (South El Monte)
OL: Cody Rubalcava (Gabrielino), Joeph Lopez (El Monte), Manuel Salcedo (Mountain View), Jose Ambriz (South El Monte), Lupe Perez (Rosemead), Daniel Camarena (Rosemead).

Second Team Defense
DT: Juan Hernandez (Arroyo), Cody Rubalcava (Gabrielino), Eric Young (Gabrielino), Sal Chavarin (Rosemead).
DE: Aaron Landry (Arroyo), Edgar Heredia (El Monte)
LB: Joe Velasco (Arroyo), Joe Sanchez (El Monte), Lorenzo Mena (Gabrielino), Milton Avila (Rosemead).
DB: Dominic Salas (Rosemead), Jerry Valencias (South El Monte), Brandon Jauregui (Arroyo), Jonathan Perini (Gabrielino), Gus Bentacur (El Monte), Ignacio Castaneda (Mountain View).

For the fifth year in a row, the Cerritos College women's soccer team will be making a trip to Tijuana, Mexico to bring toys and gifts to the Casa Hogar Santa Teresita de Jesus Orphanage for Girls. The annual event allows head coach Ruben Gonzalez and his wife, Senaida, to bring holiday joy to a group of girls from ages 2-15, while it introduces several of his players to a culture that has effected their lives, as well. (To continue click thread).

All-Sierra League Football
Most Valuable Player: Travis Santiago, Charter Oak
Offensive players of the year: Chris Gilchrist (Charter Oak), Kurt Scoby (Charter Oak)
Defensive player of the year: Naim Colbert (Chino Hills).

First Team Offense
Backs: Jamel Hart (South Hills)
Backs: Jordan Robinson (Ayala)
Backs: Jalen Castille (Damien)
Backs: Louis Napoles (Chino Hills)
Backs: Andrew Chavez (Chino Hills).
WR: Jack Austin (Chino Hills).
WR: Aaren Vaughs (Charter Oak)
WR: Jaime Canada (South Hills)
WR: Bryce Bobo (Charter Oak).
WR: Joshua Savage (Damien)
OL: Louis Oliva (Charter Oak)
OL: Nick Enriquez (Chino Hills)
OL: Lake Aiono (South Hills)
OL: Joe Bartolo (Chino Hills)
OL: Carlos Palafox (Chino Hills)
OL: Davis Harrison (Claremont)
OL: Daniel Johnson (Charter Oak)
PK: Jack Schneider (Charter Oak)
First Team Defense
DL: Eric Prevost (Charter Oak)
DL: Connor Wilson (Chino Hills)
DL: Lake Aiono (South Hills)
DL: Keith Waldron (Damien)
DL: Logan Tracey (Damien)
LB: Herman Akins (Charter Oak)
LB: Eric Ortiz (Charter Oak)
LB: Will Reeves (Claremont)
LB: Alexander Arevalo (Damien)
LB: Kent Ryan (Ayala)
LB: Adam Buck (Chino Hills)
DB: Aaren Vaughns (Charter Oak)
DB: Jaime Canada (South Hills)
DB: Klyvens Delaunay (Claremont)
DB: Travion Boykins (Damien)
DB: Khari Garcia (Charter Oak)
P: Dylan Kegans (Claremont)

Second Team Offense
Backs: Vince Hernandez (South Hills), Gabriel Schafer (Claremont), Tevin Campbell (Ayala), Brian Meyette (Ayala), Blake Wallace (Ayala).
WR: DeAndre Manus (Claremont), Brandon Ginoza (Chino Hills), Stan Reeder (Claremont), Andrew Sherwood (Damien), Danny Sheehan (South Hills).
OL: Tracey Logan (Damien), Brandon Arrietta (Charter Oak), Tim Kim (Ayala), Blake Martin (Damien), Riley Dean (South Hills).
Second Team Defense
DL: Allan Albaro (Chino Hills), Ryan Copenhaver (Claremont), Matthew Chavez (Ayala), Benny Garcia (South Hills).
LB: Louis Napoles (Chino Hills), James Wernli (Claremont), Daniel Johnson (Charter Oak), Austin Moore (Ayala), Zach Chadwick (Chino Hills), Thomas Zorilla (Chino Hills), Daniel Soto (Claremont).
DB: Uriah Trailer (Damien), Adrian Reynoso (Ayala), Dylan Kegans (Claremont), Jacob Farias (South Hills), Tommy Inglima (Ayala), Jonathan Lyles (Damien).

All Montview League Football
Offensive Most Valuable Player: Desmond Reed (Azusa)
Defensive Most Valuable Player: Eric Perez (Azusa)
Lineman of the year: Adrian Pena (La Puente)

First Team Offense
QB: Jake Martinez (Azusa)
RB: Nick Barrientos (La Puente)
RB: Justin Snedden (Workman)
RB: Tailik Mason (Duarte)
RB: Giovanni Rivera (Sierra Vista)
TE: Brandon Rios (La Puente)
WR: Michael Patini (La Puente)
WR: Richard Bradford (Duarte)
WR: James Figueroa (Azusa)
OL: Sergio Gomez (Azusa)
OL: Henry Duong (La Puente)
OL: Eric Rodriguez (Azusa)
OL: Kevin Arenas (La Puente)
OL: Carlos Gutierrez (Sierra Vista)
OL: Oscar Ramos (Azusa)
PK: Sergio Gonzalez (Sierra Vista)
First Team Defense
DL: Adrian Solchaga (Gladstone)
DL: Brandon Rios (La Puente)
DL: Rodrigo Navarro (Workman)
DL: Albert Pina (Duarte)
DL: Robert Chelala (Azusa)
LB: Aaron Sanchez (Gladstone)
LB: Danny Martinez (La Puente)
LB: Samuel Edwards (Duarte)
LB: Mike Mora (Sierra Vista)
LB: Adrian Chavez (Azusa)
DB: Noel Martinez (La Puente)
DB: Nicholas Leon (Duarte)
DB: Martin Garcia (Sierra Vista)
DB: Cameron Blackburn (Azusa)
DB: Kevin Jones (Ganesha)

Second Team Offense
QB: Ivan Vasquez (La Puente)
PK: Christian Guzman (Gladstone)
RB: Aaron Sanchez (Gladstone), Samuel Edwards (Duarte), Derrick Henderson (Ganesha), Antonio Govea (Ganesha).
WR: Sebastian Kirchfield (Gladstone), Raymond Pena (Bassett), Rayshaun McCarthy (Sierra Vista).
TE: Andres Hernandez (Ganesha).
OL: Jesse Tovar (La Puente), Jerry Gutierrez (Gladstone), Adrian Solchaga (Gladstone), Adrian Magallanes (Gladstone), Ivan Gregorio (La Puente), Anthony Miller (Workman).
Second Team Defense
DL: Jerry Gutierrez (Gladstone), Luis Verduzco (Sierra Vista), Alex Tapia (Azusa), Louis Mosqueda (Ganesha), Andres Hernandez (Ganesha).
LB: Jorge Martinez (La Puente), John Kalta (La Puente), Anthony Miller (Workman), Elias Oropeza (Workman), Sergio Gonzalez (Ganesha).
DB: Sebastian Kirchfield (Gladstone), Raymond Pena (Bassett), Vincent Silva (Workman), Desmond Reed (Azusa), Justin Sloan (Gladstone).

It's a good thing major publications don't attribute the San Marino Tribune or Mid-Valley News when it comes to hard news. Without sourcing its story, the Mid-Valley News and San Marino Tribune reported last month that Former San Marino football coach Mike Mooney would plead guilty to one count of Felony-Grand Theft in regards to charges involving the San Marino Football program in 2010. Well, Mooney plead not guilty on Thursday in Los Angeles Superior Court. He is charged with grand theft, according to the Nov. 22 felony complaint.

All-Baseline League football
Offensive MVP: Donta Abron, Upland, RB, 12
Defensive MVP: Viliami Latu, Rancho Cucamonga, LB, 11

First Team Offense
Quarterback
Larry Cutbirth, Etiwanda, 12
Dimitri Morales, Rancho Cucamonga, 12
Nate Romine, Upland, 11
Running Back
Donavon Holmes, Glendora, RB, 12
Christian Powell, Upland, FB, 12
Wide Receiver
Ralphael Barr, Etiwanda, 12
Jordan Mathis, Etiwanda, 12
Jermel Walker, Rancho Cucamonga, 11
J.T. Huggins, Rancho Cucamonga, 12
Kenny Lawler, Upland, 12
Offensive Line
Dylan La Frenz, Los Osos, LT, 12
Brandon Carter, Rancho Cucamonga, C, 12
Cameren Turner, Rancho Cucamonga, G/T 12
Kenyatta Johnson, Upland, RT, 12
Eduardo Ramirez, Upland, LT, 12
Place Kicker
Yahir Argueta, Etiwanda, 12

First Team Defense
Defensive Back
Marquise O'Leary, Etiwanda, S, 12
Koa Lobanta, Los Osos, SS, 12
Chris Hawkins, Rancho Cucamonga, CB, 11
Toure Boyd, Rancho Cucamonga, S, 12
Marques Mosley, Upland, S, 12
Linebackers
Phillip Fisher, Alta Loma ,ILB, 12
Chandler Scott, Etiwanda, LB, 12
Metuisela Unga, Rancho Cucamonga, LB, 12
A.J. Latu, Rancho Cucamonga, LB, 11
Kendal Dukes, Upland, ILB, 11
Defensive Line
Brandon Arden, Los Osos, DT, 12
Brandon Long, Rancho Cucamonga, DL, 12
David Kaufusi, Rancho Cucamonga, NG, 11
Joe Mathis, Upland, DE, 11
Christian Powell, Upland, DE, 12
Punter
Sean Aspinal, Upland, 11
Click thread for second team

"It's not Glenn (Martinez) just throwing numbers at a dartboard. He's using a numbers system, as best you can, to determine where a league should be placed. Obviously, there's no perfect method. Could a (San Gabriel) Valley league like the Hacienda League end up in an Orange County division? Sure, that absolutely possible. It's happened before. I don't know that it will happen but that's always a possibility." -- CIF-SS spokesperson Thom Simons

By Aram Tolegian, Staff Writer
The Hacienda League, mainly by virtue of West Covina High School's dominant postseason run of the past two years, appears to be a good bet to get a bump in competition for the next two seasons when new CIF-Southern Section Assistant Commissioner Glenn Martinez releases his football playoff grouping proposals next month.

The Bulldogs, after winning back-to-back Southeast Division championships, likely are headed to a new playoff division and will take the rest of the league with them.

"Wherever they put us is fine with me," West Covina coach Mike Maggiore said. "I think it's fair. I'd like to think our program is at a point where we can be competitive in the current division, and if we were moved up to a higher division then we could be competitive wherever we're at."

Martinez is in his first year at the Southern Section and is charge of the football playoff groupings. He has ties to the area after serving as an administrator at Bishop Amat and Charter Oak. He was hired by the CIF-Southern Section to replace Rob Wigod, who was made Southern Section commissioner following the resignation of Jim Staunton.

The Southern Section reviews playoff groupings and makes changes it feels are necessary based on competitive equity every two years.

League groupings are done every four years.

Martinez, using a numbers-based formula, will gauge the competitive equity in all Southern Section divisions and make recommendations for changes where he sees fit. After West Covina's record-setting run in the playoffs this past season, it's easy to assume the Bulldogs and Hacienda League either will move up or stay put while the Southeast Division beefs up with better competition. The latter appears to be a long shot.

Once Martinez releases his recommendations for the 2012 and '13 seasons, the schools will have a chance to review them and decide whether they want to appeal. The appeals can be made only on the criteria of competitive equity, geography and enrollment. The Southern Section Council will finalize everything by vote in April.

The Southwest or Central divisions appear to be the best fit if the Hacienda League is moved. Beside West Covina, the league consists of Bonita, Diamond Bar, Diamond Ranch, Los Altos, Rowland and Walnut. It was formed two years ago after the Miramonte and San Antonio leagues were dissolved. Diamond Bar previously had competed in the Sierra League.

Amat Falters in the fourth: It's tough winning games when stymied by turnovers, and even more so when a team can't make more than a single basket.

The visiting Lancers stumbled with six turnovers in the final quarter, during which they scored just two points, and Jacob Zamora's fadeaway jumper with 35.7 seconds left was all the Moors needed to seal a 41-38 win in nonleague action.

Mike "The Cousin" Robledo finished his second year doing Coveritlive for the SGVN, which has become a popular Friday night destination during the football season. With more people using twitter and smart phones, we expect next yer to be better than ever. To close out 2011, Mike the Cousin shared his thoughts on the year, and created the ALL-COVERITLIVE football team, which consists of teams and players Mike covered during the season.

Above: Charter Oak QB Travis Santiago and RB Kurt Scoby both named to All-Coveritlive Team.

MIKE THE COUSIN RECAP: Year two riding shot-gun was another monster success! I must first and foremost thank each and every school that allowed me access to its respective press-box. I know space is tight and having a spot for me meant I didn't have to take my laptop into the stands, onto a roof, or even on a 50 ft platform! A special thanks to Randy Bell of Monrovia for rolling out the red-carpet for all three of my visits!
A big thank you to all the bloggers who came on and contributed. While I covered a featured game each week, we followed much more with the help of Twitter and Smartphones, both of which allowed us to bring more coverage on Coveritlive than just the game I was covering. Viewership peaked during week one of the CIF Playoffs, when I felt like Andrew Siciliano on the RedZone, but without the 103 foot screen! This year, we covered 22 teams over the 15-week season (one more than last year). I witnessed
my share of nail-biters (San Dimas vs Azusa II), as well as my share of blow-outs (Bishop Amat vs Servite), an elite super-recruit who will be playing on Saturday's next year (Ellis McCarthy), a jawdropping, record setting performance (West Covina scoring 84 points in a Championship game), some frightening injuries (Jacob Rodriguez, Benny Garcia, Corey Peoples & Rio Ruiz), a courageous performance (Travis Santiago vs Chino Hills) and two Championship teams that were not to be denied (West Covina & Monrovia)
Here's my 2011 All-Coveritlive team: (All of these athletes we covered on Coveritlive in 2011)

2011 COVERITLIVE GAMES
Game 1: Bonita 40, San Dimas 20
Game 2: Charter Oak 17, Glendora 6
Game 3: West Covina 26, Covina 20 (OT)
Game 4: Monrovia 29, Glendora 16 * (twitter coverage)
Game 5: Servite 49, Bishop Amat 14
Game 6: Bishop Amat 49, La Mirada 13
Game 7: Bishop Amat 28, Damien 7
Game 8: South Hills 34, Monrovia 30
Game 9: Diamond Ranch 31, Diamond Bar 19
Game 10: Bishop Amat 28, Crespi 14
Game 11: Loyola 14, Bishop Amat 3
Game 12: Notre Dame 17, Bishop Amat 12
Game 13: Charter Oak 38, Chino Hills 7
Game 14: Monrovia 24, Pomona 7
Game 15: San Dimas 30, Azusa 23
Game 16: Monrovia 41, Covina 27
Game 17: West Covina 84, La Serna 21 * (twitter coverage)
Game 18: Monrovia 53, San Gabriel 14

MIKE THE COUSIN'S ALL-COVERITLIVE TEAM:
OFFENSE
QB: Travis Santiago, Charter Oak
QB: Blake Heyworth, Monrovia
RB: Jalen Moore, Bishop Amat
RB: Marquise Bias, Monrovia
WR: Chris Gilchrist, Charter Oak
WR: Alex Villalobos, San Gabriel
OL: Travis Averill, Servite
OL: Chris Flores, Covina
PK: Mason Bryant, Monrovia
AP: Jimmy Frazier, West Covina
AP: Chris Solomon, West Covina
DEFENSE
DL: Ellis McCarthy, Monrovia
DL: Nick Hynes, Covina
LB: Justen Meaders, West Covina
LB: Butch Paa, Servite
DB: Kodi Whitfield, Loyola
DB: Chris Miller, Diamond Ranch
S: Jonathan Thropay, Charter Oak
S: DeShawn Ramirez, Monrovia.

Honorable Mention
Cody PIttman (Servite), Billy Livingston (Covina), Kurt Scoby (Charter Oak), Chris Harper (Crespi), Adam Sanchez (Bishop Amat), Jordan Simmons (Crespi), George Castro (West Covina), Brandt Davis (Bonita), Vinny Venegas (Covina), Travis Averill (Servite), Cade Shulz (Monrovia), DJ Daniels (Bishop Amat), Anthony Craft (Monrovia), Adam Alcantara (Bishop Amat), Jamie Canada (South Hills).

Courtney Ponce interviewing Mike the Cousin

Above: West Covina's Chris Solomon earned Hacienda player of the year award.

Hacienda All-League Football Team
Player of the year: Chris Solomon (West Covina)
Offensive player of the year: Jimmy Frazier (West Covina)
Defensive player of the year: Garrett Horine (Bonita)
First Team Offense
QB: Shane Virnala (Los Altos)
QB: Henry Omana (Diamond Bar)
RB: Justin Fa'aola (Los Altos)
RB: Aaron Salgado (West Covina)
RB: Cameron Griffin (Bonita)
RB: Terry Ford (Rowland)
TE: Ryan Ramirez (Bonita)
WR: George Katrib (Diamond Bar)
WR: Cody Lepp (Walnut)
WR: Austin Venegas (Bonita)
OL: Raul Gomez (West Covina)
OL: Ray Amaya (West Covina)
OL: George Castro (West Covina)
OL: Tony Hunyh (West Covina)
OL: Paul Ortega (Los Altos)
PK: Brian Drulias (Diamond Bar)

First Team Defense
DL: Justen Meaders (West Covina)
DL: Ryan Ramirez (Bonita)
DL: David Chatman (Diamond Ranch)
DL: George Castro (West Covina)
DL: James Hernandez (West Covina)
LB: Nick Pichotta (Bonita)
LB: Jacob Ardron (Diamond Ranch)
LB: Justin Fa'aola (Los Altos)
LB: Bradley Ojala (West Covina)
LB: Nick Todorvich (Bonita)
DB: George Katrib (Diamond Bar)
DB: Cody Lepp (Walnut)
DB: Gus Vilchis (West Covina)
DB: Terry Ford (Rowland)
DB: Austin Venegas (Bonita)

Second Team Offense
QB: Chris Mendez (Walnut)
RB: Reggie Turner (Bonita), Devin Brown (Walnut), Austin Szulczewski (Diaond Bar), Nick Gibson (Diamond Ranch).
WR: Scott Tibbs (Los Altos), Andrew Fischer (Diamond Ranch), Kyle Parisi (Walnut)
PK: Brandt Davis (Bonita)
TE: Davis Morgan (Diamond Bar)
OL: Moises Morales (Los Altos), Steven Chen (Los Altos), Chris Carrera (Diamond Bar), Blake Benjamin (Diamond Ranch), D.J. Theard (Bonita).
Second Team Defense
DL: Matt Carillo (Diamond Bar), Alan Jiminez (Los Altos), Adam Romero (West Covina), Sean Kroah (Bonita), Chris Powell (Diamond Ranch), Francisco Oritiz (Los Altos).
LB: Dorrin Turner (West Covina), Menandro Gelua (Diamond Bar), Robert Herrera (Walnut), Kennedy Brown (Diamond Bar), Victor Haro (Los Altos), Daniel Garcia (Walnut).
DB: Lonzell Barnett (West Covina), Chris Miller (Diamond Ranch), Gabe Lopez (Diamond Bar), Muleck Henderson (West Covina).

Above: All-purpose threat Vinny Venegas named Valle Vista League MVP.

Valle Vista All-League Football
MVP: Vinny Venegas (Covina)
Most Valuable Offense: Sir Darius Yarbrough (Pomona)
Most Valuable Defense: Michael Todd (Pomona)
Lineman of the year: Phil Romano (Covina)
First Team Offense
QB: Billy Livingston (Covina)
WR: Justin Mason (Covina)
WR: Will Mitchell (Northview)
WR: Terrell Mosby (Pomona)
WR: George Czarnick (Wilson)
RB: Gevontray Ainsworth (Covina)
RB: Keith Bolden (Nogales)
RB: Javon Taylor (Northview)
RB: J.R. Nelson (Wilson)
TE: Samuel Guillen (Baldwin Park)
OL: David Ramirez (Covina)
OL: Chris Flores (Covina)
OL: Jared Kough (Pomona)
OL: Alec Zenner (San Dimas)
OL; Lucas Darling (San Dimas)
PK: Diego Lopez (Nogales)
First Team Defense
DB: Peter De La Cruz (Covina)
DB: Terrell Mosby (Pomona)
DB: Dillon Corona (San Dimas)
DB: J.R. Nelson (Wilson)
DL: Nick Hynes (Covina)
DL: Caesar Murilo (Covina)
DL: Jared Kough (Pomona)
DL: Oliver Mullings (Pomona)
DL: Jesse Ojeda (San Dimas)
LB: Johnny Padilla (Covina)
LB: Christian Zapata (Covina)
LB: Justin Bugh (San Dimas)
LB: Jake Barbosa (San Dimas)

Second Team Offense
WR: Eddie Gutierrez (Baldwin Park), Peter De La Cruz (Covina), Errol Romney (Nogales).
Backs: Gio Resendez (Baldwin Park), Anthony Moran (Baldwin Park), Nephi Tofiga (Nogales), Jake Payton (San Dimas), Shawn Kennedy (San Dimas), Dominic Jollevet (San Dimas).
OL: Jonathan Cannon (Baldwin Park), Julian Lujan (Nogales), Christian Rivas (Northview), Oliver Mullings (Pomona), Will Anguiano (San Dimas).
TE: Tavea Cobb (Pomona)
PK: Albert Reyes-Villaruel (Pomona)
Second Team Defense
DB: Andrew Carillo (Covina), Errol Romney (Nogales), Will Mitchell (Northview), Jake Payton (San Dimas).
DL: Samuel Guillen (Baldwin Park), Freddy Navarro (Nogales), Adam Casillas (San Dimas), Erik Montoya (San Dimas), Ramon Sierra (Wilson)
LB: Keith Bolden (Nogales), Terrance Manderville (Nogales), Roy Torres (Northview), Fabian Abraham (Pomona).

Walnut and Glendora met in the final of the Walnut High School Nutrcracker Girls Soccer Classic for the second straight year, with Glendora winning 1-0 on Monday night after losing in penalty kicks to Walnut a year ago. Glendora's Taylor Overstreet converted Amie Jepsen's corner kick in the 26th minute and that was the difference. Glendora improved to 6-3-3. More info from the tourney was emailed to me: Glendora beat West Covina and tied South Hills in pool play, before beating Burbank easily in the quarters (3-0). In the semis, Glendora easily handled Etiwanda 3-1. Glendora dominated possession and shots on goal in the final against Walnut but settled for the 1-0 win. Glendora will play South Hills Thursday at Covina District Field at 5 p.m.

San Dimas sisters Maribel and Daisy Duran each scored and the Saints hung on to defeat Sierra Vista 2-1 to win the Ganesha tournament title on Monday. Maribel scored in the first half and Daisy made it 2-0 midway through the second half. The Dons scored late to make it closer. In the morning semifinal games, San Dimas advanced on penalty kicks against Birmingham Charter after a 2-2 tie. Sierra Vista advanced with a 3-0 win over Keppel.

By John Sherrard, Correspondent
POMONA -- The San Dimas High School girls soccer team had to work overtime in the semifinals just to get into the Ganesha Tournament championship game Monday afternoon.
But once there, the Saints, ranked third in CIF Southern Section Division 6, made sure they won in regulation as the Duran sisters, Maribel and Daisy, both scored goals, defeating a tough Sierra Vista team, 2-1.

San Dimas (9-2-1) had to come from behind in the semis against Birmingham of Van Nuys with a late penalty kick from sophomore Anette Montalvo to tie the score. After seven rounds of PKs, senior defender Lauren Toneck scored to send the Saints to the title game.

"Last year we won our own tournament and this year we took third and that was a little disappointing," San Dimas coach Kelly Kokalis said. "So that was our thing today. We said, 'Let's take of this (Ganesha Tournament) one,' so we did."

The San Gabriel Valley Tribune football all-area team will run on Christmas Eve (Saturday). Last year we experimented with combining it with the Star-News as part of the PrepXtra Magazine, but I got the feeling most loved the all-area team in the newspaper and our tradition of producing on or near Christmas. The All-Area team will include a player of the year, coach of the year and offensive and defensive players of the year.

Below: Check out this 2007 all-area team, led by South Hills' player of the year, Dorian Wells.

SAN GABRIEL VALLEY TRIBUNE PLAYERS OF THE YEAR
Tribune players of the Year (1969-present)
1969 Fred McNeil, Baldwin Park RB
1970 Pat Haden, Bishop Amat QB and John McKay Jr., Bishop Amat WR
1971 Mike Vicino, Royal Oak RB
1972 Rob Hertel, Los Altos QB and Ron Himes, Walnut QB
1973 Dennis Sproul, Los Altos QB
1974 Brian Bethke, South Hills QB
1975 Richard Nyden, Azusa QB
and John Van Vuren, South Hills RB
1976 Bob Epps, West Covina DL
1977 Don Roberts, Temple City RB
1978 Ron Stivers, West Covina RB
1979 Ray McNeill, El Monte WR
and Danny Trejo, Baldwin Park WR
1980 Bill Stone, Charter Oak RB
1981 Blake Smith, Los AltosQB
and Steve Lauter, Los Altos WR
1982 Mike Smith, Los Altos QB
1983 Randy Tanner, Bishop Amat; Paul Hewitt, Monrovia
1984 Michael Johnson, Baldwin Park QB
1985 Eric Bieniemy, Bishop AmatRB
1986 Eric Bieniemy, Bishop Amat RB
1987 Bill Gallis, Northview QB
1988 Jason Martin, Los Altos TE/DB
1989 Marshawn Thompson, Bassett RB
1990 Jason Patterson, Bishop Amat FB/DE
1991 Marc Ruiz, Baldwin ParkQB
1992 Lawrence Phillips, Baldwin Park RB-DB
1993 Miguel Meriwether, West Covina QB/DB
1994 Daylon McCutcheon, Bishop Amat RB/FS
1995 Oscar Interiano, Sierra Vista RB
1996 Oscar Arzu, Sierra Vista RB
1997 Nick Covarrubias, Covina QB/DB
1998 Steve Stevenson, Charter Oak WR/RB/DB
1999 Jason Wright, Diamond Bar, RB/DB
2000 - Felipe Aguilar, Los Altos, QB
2001 - Donnie McCleskey, Bishop Amat RB
2002 - Daniel Drayton, Randall Brown, Los Altos RBs/DBs
2003 - Brigham Harwell, Los Altos DE
2004 - William Wagner, Bishop Amat RB
2005 - Mike McDonough, Covina QB
2006 - Mike McDonough, Covina QB
2007 - Dorian Wells, South Hills, RB
2008 - Chris Allen, Charter Oak, RB
2009 - Adam Muema, Charter Oak, RB
2010 - Chris Solomon, West Covina, RB

Bishop Amat's girls soccer team lost all three games in the Mater Dei girls soccer tournament, losing to Esperanza (2-1), San Diego's Cathedral Catholic (4-1) and Dana Hills (3-0).

Amat, who won the Division 3 girls crown and was the preseason No. 1 in the division, dropped to 7-3-1.

The three losses equal the total numbers of losses in Amat's the two previous years combined. Amat was 27-1-1 in 2009 and 28-2 during last year's championship run.

"It's a great wake-up call for us," Amat coach Ruben Gonzalez said of the poor showing. "We've been a little comfortable with what we've done. We need to get back to work and become a hungry team again."

Amat has a non-league game at area power Sierra Vista on Wednesday night at 6 p.m.

St. Lucy's pulled off the shocker of the soccer season so far, beating ESPN's No. 1 ranked team in the nation, Flintridge Sacred Heart, 1-0, at Occidental College on Saturday. The Regents' Shannon Kent scored the lone goal in the 70th minute on a pass from Victoria Camaj. The Tologs were without starting defenders Alexa Montgomery and Katelyn Almeida for the first half of Saturday's game because of missing practice, but even so, FSHA is so deep and talented that making excuses is meaningless. from what I hear St. Lucy's had them rattled. FSHA had a red-card and some yellow's to go with it. I don't care who they were missing, FSHA has NINE players going D-1. Even if two starters didn't start, they still field a stacked team of D-1 prospects. For St. Lucy's, Camaj is a super player, she was injured last year but her return will mean great things for St. Lucy's the rest of the way.

FSHA celebrating one of their many titles ..

Here is what ESPN wrote while tagging FSHA No. 1:
The stats are simply staggering. Flintridge-Sacred Heart returns almost its entire starting lineup from last year's 22-2-2 team that came one win shy of a POWERADE FAB 50 national title. Nine players have already committed to NCAA Division I programs, highlighted by Katie Johnson (Southern Cal), Breanna Koemans (Northeastern), Tera Trujillo (New Mexico) and junior Kayla Mills (Southern Cal). Johnson, Mills and Trujillo have U.S. Youth National Team experience. Koemans was the local player of the year in 2009 and Johnson, following a 23-goal, 12-assist season, won the honor in 2010. To put this team's talent in perspective, Flintridge-Sacred Heart will have more Division I signees in the starting lineup than the winter-playing states of Hawaii, Louisiana and Mississippi - combined! That said, three of those signees, including Johnson, who is recovering from an ACL injury, will be sidelined by injury to start the season.

Sierra Vista won the inaugural Sierra Vista/Baldwin Park boys soccer tournament on Saturday, beating power Salesian 1-0 in the championship at Sierra Vista High School.

Dons sophomore defender Osvaldo Castro scored off a corner kick with 15 minutes left to seal the deal, converting a loose ball while fighting for position on the corner.

Sierra Vista beat Long Beach Wilson in the semifinals 2-1, completing a big weekend for coach Jose Rodriguez, who team improved to 5-2-1.

Baldwin Park, missing several starters because of injuries, lost to Salesian 3-1 in the semifinals, then lost the third-place game to Long Beach Jordan, 4-3.

"It was such a great tournament," Rodriguez said. "With Salesian, Baldwin Park and some of the teams in our tournament, I knew by the end of it we would know where we're at in terms of level of play.

"Salesian touches the ball around so well, but we had a game-plan and we played great on the defensive end. It was a big win for us, this gives us a lot of confidence going forward."

Bishop Amat's Hit and Run Baseball Camp info...

What: A holiday baseball camp for youth ages 5-14 (k-8th grade)
When: December 27-29th, 2011
Time : 10:00 am - 3:00 pm
Where: Bishop Amat Baseball Field
Campers Receive: Every camper will receive excellent professional instruction on a personal level and a camp t-shirt. Live games will be played.
Director: Andy Nieto-Head Baseball Coach at Bishop Amat.
Fee: The cost of the camp is $150. Checks should be payable to "Hit and Run Baseball"
To Sign Up: Email zuni24@charter.net. Leave your name, phone number, and t-shirt size.
Questions: Any questions you can call the camp line 626-818-3142
What to bring:Campers should wear baseball attire. Bring your own cleats, bat, batting gloves, helmet, and catcher's gear. Campers should bring a lunch or money to purchase lunch (snack bar will be available).

By Tyler Drohan
After upsetting Pride of the Foothills tournament host Glendora High School in the semifinals on Friday night, the Northview boys basketball team was looking for a similar result against Damien. But the Vikings simply had no answer for Spartans senior Chris Reyes in the tournament final on Saturday night.

Northview High School will host a three-day baseball camp on Dec. 27-29.
The camp, which costs $30, will also be a homecoming of sorts for Pedroza brothers, Sergio, Jaime and Richy, along with 2008 CIF-Southern Section Division IV Player of the Year Aaron Elias and 2008 All-CIF catcher Robert Williams..
Sergio Pedroza was a high school All-American at Northview and was Big West Conference MVP during his three seasons with Cal State Fullerton, including helping the Titans to the 2004 national title. He is in the Miami Marlins organization. Jaime Pedroza, currently in the Dodgers organization, was All-CIF-SS at Northview and first team All-Big West at UC Riverside, with Richy Pedroza a starting shortstop for Fullerton this upcoming season. Elias, who helped Northview win the 2008 Division IV title, is playing at Jacksonville State. Williams is playing at Macalester University in Minnesota.
Northview coach Darren Murphy will be the lead instructor for the camp, which will include instruction on a variety of baseball drills. The importance of academics will also be discussed.
The camp will be from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. each day.
More information is available via e-mail at centenojose84@gmail.com or by calling (626) 646-6132.

Northview 55, Glendora 42 -- Treavon Francis scored 23 points and grabbed eight rebounds as Northview used a 15-0 run to start the second half to beat host Glendora. The Vikings trailed 30-23 at halftime, but limited Glendora to just 12 points for the entire second half.

Damien 85, Don Lugo 80 -- Frosh guard Jeremy Hemsley scored 25 points and hit a crucial 3-pointer with just over a minute to play to tie the game at 77-77. Damien finished with an 11-0 run after trailing by six entering the fourth and by as many as 10 in the fourth. Chris Reyes also had 25 points for the Spartans.

By Keith Lair
AZUSA - The gawky sophomore of two years ago is a big, strapping senior now.
South Hills High School's Korey Serna is 6-foot-9 and still growing. He was cut from the Huskies' basketball program as a sophomore. On Thursday night, he led South Hills to a convincing 48-36 victory over Temple City in the championship game of the Azusa Tournament.
"I'll never stop growing," said Serna, who grew three inches between last season and this season. "I'm eating my vegetables and drinking my milk. I have two inches left in me."
Serna had a game-high 21 points and 20 rebounds and was named the tournament MVP.
"He had an outstanding tournament," South Hills coach Paul Reed said. "(Assistant coach) Mike Sullivan worked out with Korey for three years to get him here. He came around and worked hard every day. He's had a great season thus far." Serna is averaging 14.4 points and 10.7 rebounds per game this season.

The inaugural West Covina Christmas Classic "Toy Drive and and Fundraiser" baseball tournament is at Orangewood Park in West Covina on Saturday and Sunday, which features some of the best seventh and eighth-grade baseball players around. Area fans are encouraged to stop by Orangewood Park over the weekend to donate toys and enjoy baseball. On Sunday at 2 p.m., the organization will honor Damien coach Greg Gano with a lifetime achievement award. Also expected to attend is West Covina mayor Mike Touhey, the West Covina H.S. marching band and members from the West Covina fire department. The championship game will start at 3 p.m., and throwing out the first pitch is Gano's daughter, Courtney Gano, a softball standout at the University of Washington and Bishop Amat's CIF baseball player of the year Rio Ruiz.

The Pride of the Foothills Tournament is inching closer to a dream final between Damien and Glendora, which could happen Saturday night at Glendora. First, Damien must get past Don Lugo and Glendora past Northview in Friday's semifinals at Glendora, which are 6 and 7:30 p.m., respecitvely. Friday's semifinal between Northview and Glendora matches the two longest tenured coaches in the San Gabriel Valley, Glendora's Mike LeDuc and Northview's Ron Rice.

Game Preview: Glendora High School's Mike LeDuc and Northview's Ron Rice are the longest-tenured boys basketball coaches in the San Gabriel Valley with over 1,300 wins between them.

Rice's coaching career started in 1971 and LeDuc, with over 700 wins, started in the early 1980s and has won four CIF-Southern Section titles with the Tartans. The longtime coaches will meet tonight in the semifinals of the Pride of the Foothills boys basketball tournament at Glendora High School After Damien (6-1) faces Don Lugo (6-2) in the 6 p.m. semifinal, Glendora (8-1) and Northview will follow at 7:30.

Wednesday's quarterfinals
Damien 61, Workman 49
Don Lugo 64, Brea 55
Northview 49, Bishop Amat 43
Glendora 58, Walnut 39
Friday's semifinals at Glendora High School
Damien vs. Don Lugo, 6 p.m.
Northview vs. Glendora, 7:30 p.m.
Championship, Saturday, 7:30 p.m.

By Aram Tolegian, Staff Writer
One night after shooting 2 for 26 from 3-point range, the Bishop Amat High School girls basketball team went back to basics and quickly dispatched of Sierra Vista with a 51-22 win in the final round of pool play at the Arroyo Tournament on Wednesday. Amat didn't concern itself as much with the outside shot, instead preferring to take the ball inside and find opportunities closer to the basket. Led by point guard Michelle Yamamoto's team-high 11 points, the Lancers found things much easier by hitting cutters to the basket rather than opting for open shooters.

By Keith Lair, Staff Writer
Temple City High School's Felix Awujo made the most of his shot opportunities. Covina did not. Awujo, who did not arrive until the end of the third quarter because of a doctor's appointment, scored back-to-back baskets and Covina's Edgardo Campos and Mike Peters saw their shot attempts go in and out with seconds to play. The result was a 49-48 Temple City victory in an Azusa Tournament pool-play championship game on Wednesday evening. The Rams will play for the tournament title tonight.

By Aram Tolegian
Several of the area's top football recruits have turned their attention on securing a place to play next season. West Covina's Chris Solomon, the Tribune's Player of the Year in 2010, has offers from Colorado, Arizona State, Arizona, Nevada and possibly Oregon State. Bulldogs head coach Mike Maggiore also believes UCLA and Washington are close to making offers.

Maggiore said Solomon will take his recruiting visits in the coming weeks.

West Covina has several other players whose stock is on the rise. Defensive end Justen Meaders has no official offers yet, but Maggiore said Montana is very interested along with Eastern Washington and San Jose State.

Linebacker Dorrin Turner broke the Bulldogs' record for tackles in a season and, along with running back Jimmy Frazier, is catching the eyes of recruiters.

Turner has interest from Portland State, Sacramento State and UC Davis. Frazier is drawing looks from Stonybrook, New Mexico State and Eastern Washington.

"He wasn't on the radar at the beginning of the season, but he's got a tremendous highlight film now," Maggiore said of Frazier, who averaged 14 yards per carry this season.

"They can both play at the next level. They just continued to improve throughout the year. They're both good students and they have a lot more room for growth physically. The ceiling is high on both of them."

Down the street at South Hills, there are no official offers yet for running back Jamel Hart and receiver/defensive back Jamie Canada, but Huskies head coach Steve Bogan expects that to change soon.

"Both will sign somewhere," Bogan said. "Both are qualifiers. There should be no glitches there. Arizona State was high on both of them, but all that went into flux when they fired their coach. We have phone calls and guys coming to look at films, like San Diego State and San Jose State."

Canada was hurt by missing his all-important junior season because of injury. But he had a dynamite senior year at receiver and caught 50 passes for 1,019 yards and 12 touchdowns. Hart rushed for 1,315 yards and 16 touchdowns.

Canada's older brother Jordan is playing at Montana and is trying to lure his brother to join him, Bogan said. Villanova is another school of interest for Canada.

Charter Oak annually sends out a nice group of next-level talents. This year should be no different.

Quarterback Travis Santiago's outstanding senior season has attracted the interest of UCLA interim head coach Michael Johnson, who played locally at Baldwin Park. But with UCLA recently hiring Jim L. Mora as its new head coach, Johnson's status at the school is up in the air.

Plus, he's in the running to be the next head coach at Akron where he played his college ball.

"He's told Travis he's taking him with him wherever he goes," Charter Oak head coach Lou Farrar said of Johnson. "So, we'll see what happens. Travis might have a good baseball season and get drafted. He wants to go to UCLA and he's doing everything he can to go there."

Other schools that have expressed in Santiago are Azusa Pacific, Sacramento State, Colorado, Western New Mexico, Idaho, Portland State, Fresno State and Montana State

Farrar reported 6-foot-5 receiver Chris Gilchrist has an offer from Sacramento State and interest "from everywhere," including Iowa State, Colorado State and Idaho.

Jonathan Thropay's impressive season at safety for the Chargers is garnering plenty of recruiting looks. Farrar said Navy looks like the favorite, but Colgate is in the mix. Farrar expects even more interest in Thropay in the coming weeks.

Chargers lineman Louis Oliva has interest from APU and University of La Verne, among others. Meanwhile, fellow Charger Daniel Johnson is getting looks from Cal-Poly San Luis Obispo, Sacramento State and UC Davis.

Diamond Ranch all-purpose standout Andrew Fischer suffered through an injury plagued senior season but was impressive when healthy.

Because of Fischer's academic prowess, he's likely headed for Harvard.

What: Chris Rix Christmas Combine
When: Saturday, December 17th, 2011
Who: Quarterbacks, Wide Receivers and Defensive Backs. TOP GUN Division for HS and College players will run from 9am-12pm. YOUNG GUN Division for athletes from ages 8-13 will run from 1pm-3pm.
Where: West Covina High School-ThybergField
Cost: The cost is $30. There are scholarships opportunities available for families in need. Part of the proceeds from the camp will go to charity for the holiday season.

To register call (626) 646-9594 or (626) 872-0068 and also email athlete info to ChampionTraining@live.com

"It's the Christmas season. My vision is to provide a fun and inexpensive opportunity for players from the San Gabriel Valley to come out and compete in the great game of football one more time before Christmas break," Rix said in a press release. "I realize most of them won't be in this kind of environment again until spring ball. This is for skill players who can't get enough football, want to continue to grow in their craft and have fun doing it. Football is a game and games are supposed to be fun. "

"I want this camp to be one every athlete can attend. If a family cannot realistically afford the cost of the camp, they can bring an unopened toy that will be donated to a needy family for Christmas and I will happily scholarship their son."

Rix's vision is for the 'Christmas Combine' to turn into an annual event. He plans to expand the combine to other positions in the future.

Chris Rix will lead the camp along with his coaching staff from Champion Training Academy.

Arroyo girls fall to La Canada in Arroyo Tourney round-robin game: The La Canada High girls basketball team held on to defeat Arroyo 28-24 in Pool `B' play of the 17th Annual Lady Knights Christmas Classic on Tuesday despite a severely depleted roster and scoring a single point in the fourth quarter.

TUESDAY'S PREP RESULTS
BOYS BASKETBALL
Azusa Tournament
South Hills 64, El Monte 30
South Hills (6-3) was led by Chris Porter with 10 points and Steven Rubin-Woods pitched in with nine. Leading the Lions (1-7) was Johnny Casillas with nine points.
Pride of the Foothills Tournament
Second round
Baldwin Park 66, Alta Loma 50
Alexis Baron led the Braves with 20 points and added seven rebounds. Alex Delgado had 14 points, including three 3-pointers, and Danny Lopez contributed 11 points.
Damien 60, San Dimas 35
Damien's (6-1) Chris Reyes led the Spartans with 22 points and 12 rebounds. Leading San Dimas was Reggie Brown, who scored 15 points.

Nonleague
Muir 74, Arcadia 51
Papurs Mayberry scored 15 points to lead Muir. Kevin Polk contributed 14 points. Leading Arcadia (0-1) was Jeff Razzwell with 14 points.
Arroyo 55, San Marino 53
The Knights (3-7) were led by Primitivo Gomez with a career-high 34 points. He also pulled down 13 rebounds. Leading San Marino (6-3) was Johnathan Hwang with 21 points.
Arroyo head coach Carlos Barajas said, "Good team win. We were down 22-9 after the first quarter but made some adjustments playing a better team defense the last three quarters resulting in today's win."

BOYS SOCCER
Montview League
Gladstone 5, Ganesha 4
Gladstone edged Ganesha behind the scoring effort of two unassisted goals by Jorge Urieta with Kalin Valverde adding a goal on an assist from Jorge Mota. The Gladiators also got a goal from Melvin Villalva. Gladstone improved to 3-1-1 and 1-0 in league.

Nonleague
Duarte 3, Bassett 2
The Falcons were led by Edgar Leon with two goals. Miguel Martinez had the other.

GIRLS SOCCER
Montview League
Sierra Vista 3, Azusa 0
The Dons (2-0-1, 1-0) defeated Aztecs (2-2, 0-1) behind Daisy Ruiz, who scored two goals, and Jessica Lopez, who had the other.

I asked a Sierra League athletic director what the chances are of the Sierra League leaving the Inland Division and he indicated the Sierra would likely stay where it is, and that the Big VIII could be moving on, say the Pac-5? I'm not sure how the dominoes would fall or who would leave the Pac-5 to make that happen, but that's one of the rumors floating out there. CIF is expected to announce the new 2012-13 playoff divisions this spring. CIF re-aligns its playoff divisions every two years.

More Rumors: 20 minutes after posting this, another source in the know says the Sunset League would be the team to leave the Pac-5. The source also suggested that possibly the Marmonte could go to the Pac-5 too, which could drop the Serra and Bishop Amat ... Interesting times.

When you're the Whittier area reporter and you just witnessed West Covina throwing down 84 on La Serna, what else are you supposed to say? .... I thought about this over the weekend and when both teams are at full strength, my money is still on Amat.

Above: Baldwin Park losing in heartbreaking fashion to Salesian in 2009 championship game.

By Fred J. Robledo
The inaugural Sierra Vista-Baldwin Park High School boys soccer tournament semifinals are set, and the tournament couldn't of asked for a better match-up with Baldwin Park playing Salesian and Sierra Vista taking on Long Beach Jordan on Saturday at Sierra Vista High School.

Baldwin Park and Salesian are old friends.

When Salesian won back-to-back CIF-Southern Section Division 5 titles in 2009 and '10, the Mustangs defeated the Braves both times along the way, beating the Braves in the finals in 2009 and the semifinals in 2010.

By Fred J. Robledo
The Bishop Amat girls soccer team is off to another quick start after winning the CIF-Southern Section Division 3 title last spring.

The Lancers are 7-0-1 after beating always difficult Los Altos 2-1 last week.

Junior Natalie Rivas, who scored the game-winning goal in the Lancers' 1-0 win over Ayala in last year's championship game, already has five goals with five assists.

Two-time area player of the year April Juarez has five goals with six assists.

The Lancers will surely get tested this week in the prestigious Mater Dei tournament which starts on Thursday against perennial power Esperanza (2:30 p.m.), followed by San Diego's Cathedral Catholic Friday (6:45 p.m.), and Dana Hills on Saturday (12:30 p.m.) -- all at Mater Dei High School. The semifinals and finals are scheduled for Monday and Tuesday, respectively.

The time has finally arrived to select the Tribune all-area team, which includes the player of the year, offensive and defensive players of the year and a coach of the year. There are not slam dunks, everything's on the table for discussion. The Trib crew will hunker down the next few days and iron it out. For now, tell us who you think is deserving....

2012 Tribune Preseason All-Area Team
Offense
QB:
RB:
RB:
AP:
WR:
WR:
WR:
OL:
OL:
OL:
OL:
OL:
PK:

Defense
DL:
DL:
DL:
LB:
LB:
LB:
LB:
DB:
DB:
DB:
SS:
P:

There were no boys and girls soccer previews this year, a decision made for all our regional newspapers because we simply were overwhelmed with the winter season starting a week earlier. But that does not mean soccer coverage will suffer, especially at the Tribune, because it's one of my favorite sports. We'll start with boys and girls top ten rankings next week, and start covering games soon. I would encourage all coaches to update MaxPreps with rosters, results, etc, so we can all follow soccer and schedule the big games throughout the season. I would also like to hear from you, who you think are the best teams, best players and best games to cover. We also need all soccer teams to call in results for the paper and blog to 626-962-8811, ext. 2242, 2213 or email to scores@sgvn.com.

Boys Soccer standings, schedules, rosters
Baseline League
Del Rey League
Del Rey League
Mission Valley League
Montview League
Sierra League
Valle Vista League

Girls Soccer standings, schedules, rosters
Baseline League
Del Rey League
Hacienda League
Mission Valley League
Montview League
Sierra League
Valle Vista League Standings

CIF POLLS (Only Divisions posted with area teams ranked)
Boys Soccer:
DIVISION 2
1. Valley View
2. Riverside Poly
3. Claremont
4. ML King
5. South Hills
6. Damien
7. Valenica/Placentia
8. Sunny Hills
9. Santa Ana
10. La Habra
DIVISION 5
1. Lakeside
2. Paso Robles
3. Baldwin Park
4. Granite Hills
5. Carter
6. Cajon
7. Monrovia
8. Arroyo Valley
9. Mountain View
10T. Animo Leadership
10T. El Monte

GIRLS SOCCER
DIVISION 3
1. Bishop Amat
2. Granite Hills
3. Ayala
4. Serrano
5. La Mirada
6. Yorba Linda
7. Quartz Hill
8. Righetti
9. St Lucy's
10. Flintridge Prep
DIVISION 6
1. St Margaret's
2. Ocean View
3. San Dimas
4. Hemet
5. La Canada
6. San Marino
7. Crean Lutheran
8. Sierra Vista
9. Tahquitz
10. South Pasadena

Arroyo Girls Basketball Tournament
Monday's Round-Robin
San Marino vs. Montebello, 3 p.m.
El Monte vs. Notre Dame, 4:30 p.m.
Glendora vs. Sierra Vista, 6 p.m.
Arcadia vs. La Canada, 7:30 p.m.
Tuesday's Round-Robin
Los Altos vs. El Monte, 3 p.m.
Montebello vs. Sonora, 4:30 p.m.
La Canada vs. Arroyo, 6 p.m.
Bishop Amat vs. Glendora, 7:30 p.m.
Wednesday's Round-Robin
Sonora vs. San Marino, 3 p.m.
Notre Dame vs. Los Altos, 4:30 p.m.
Arroyo vs. Arcadia, 6 p.m.
Sierra Vista vs. Bishop Amat, 7:30 p.m.

The CIF-Southern Section playoff divisions will be reconfigured for the 2012 and '13 cycle, so the question is do you leave things the way they're, with West Covina and Monrovia dominating so thoroughly and stacked for the next two years what will stop them from winning their third and fourth consecutive titles? Or do you shake things up and how do you shake things up. I would immediately switch the Del Rio and Rio Hondo, sending the Rio Hondo to the Southeast and Del Rio to the Mid-Valley. I think most would agree putting Monrovia and West Covina in the same playoff division is a first step in the short term. What do you do with the Sierra League? They should move down, not all the way to Southeast, but the Central is a start. Re-leaguing won't start until the 2014 season, so Charter Oak and South Hills are stuck in the Sierra and will have to continue to watch other area teams win titles while they wonder what might have been had they been in the same playoff divisions with neighboring schools that voted them out of the Fishbowl to face the best-of-the-best in the Inland Empire.

Final Tribune Rankings
1. West Covina (13-1)
2. Charter Oak (10-2)
3. Bishop Amat (6-5)
4. Covina (11-2)
5. Damien (7-4)
6. Chino Hills (6-5)
7. Los Altos (8-4)
8. San Dimas (10-3)
9. Arroyo (10-2)
10. Azusa (8-4)

Final MaxPreps Rankings
1. Charter Oak (10-2)
2. West Covina (13-1)
3. Bishop Amat (6-5)
4. Chino Hills (6-5)
5. Damien (7-4)
6. Monrovia (11-3)*
7. Covina (11-2_
8. Glendora (3-7)
9. Claremont (6-4)
10. Bonita (6-5)
* Only Star-News team included to show how it stacks up against Trib teams in a computer poll.

Game Story: The first 24 minutes was a heavyweight bout that featured an overwhelming underdog doing everything but take a physical beating.

Perhaps it was only fitting that, after rolling through opponents the last three weeks with strong second-half surges, the Wildcats scored 39 consecutive points in the second half en route to a 53-14 win and back-to-back CIF-Southern Section division championships.

Inland Insider Tom Kiss and crew's postgame highlights and interviews

From Baypreps.com : Down seven entering the second quarter, De La Salle outscored Damien 18-3 to take a 23-15 halftime lead on their way to a 43-39 win for their 13th Chris Vontoure Spartan Classic championship in the last 14 seasons. Elliott Pitts scored 11 of his game-high 22 points in that second quarter and was named the tournament's MVP. Jared Dizon had 13 to lead Damien.

Bishop Amat falls in Covina tournament title game: The Bishop Amat girls basketball team gave a bigger, faster, stronger, more experienced and more athletic Santiago squad everything it could handle before running out of gas late in the fourth quarter.
The Sharks (8-0) outscored the Lancers 16-2 in the last 4:45 of the game to clinch the Covina Tip Off Tournament championship with a 55-39 victory at Covina on Saturday night.

SATURDAY'S TOURNAMENT RESULTS
BOYS BASKETBALL
Arroyo Invitational
Championship
Montclair 53, La Canada 43
Jody Smith scored 12 points and Bobby Talamantes added 10 to lead the Cavaliers to the tournament title. Garrett Masada scored 20 points to lead the Aztecs. Also coming up big for Keppel was Cameron Wong with 13 points.
Third-place game
Keppel 52, Arcadia 42
Arcadia was led in scoring by Jeffrey Radzwill with 16 points.
Fifth place
Wilson 45, Bishop Amat 41
Matthew Ng scored 11 points and Brandon Miramontes had 10 for Wilson in the victory. Taylor Olvera hit six 3-pointers and finished with a total of 18 points for Bishop Amat.
Seventh-place game
La Salle 66, South El Monte 19
Jordan Hill was the leading scorer for La Salle with 15 points and Steffen Ghantous chipped in with 10 for the Lancers.
11th-place game
Arroyo 66, La Puente 45
Primitivo Gomez led the way for Arroyo with 29 points.

Charter Oak Tournament
Third-place game
Ayala 55, San Gorgonio 28
Josh Ramirez scored 17 points, including three 3-pointers, and added eight rebounds to lead the Bulldogs. Jared Ponce scored 14 points for Ayala.

De La Salle Tournament
Championship
De La Salle 43, Damien 39
Elliot Pitts led De La Salle with 22 points to secure the tournament title.
Jared Dizon made three 3-pointers and finished with 13 points for the Spartans.

GIRLS BASKETBALL
Covina Tournament
13th-place game
Arroyo 52, Charter Oak 47
Arroyo (3-2) was led in scoring by Michelle Trieu with 14 points and Jessica Lupercio added 12 points. Marissa Suarez and Allison Strycula each had 13 points for Charter Oak (3-3).

La Habra Tournament
Championship
Workman 82, La Habra 65
Evelyn Herrera had 22 points and Jessica Mora 17 for Workman. Denis Gonzalez and Essence Pineda each had 14 points for the Lobos.

Azusa Tournament
Championship
Friday's result
Rosemead 57, Los Altos 52
Rosemead (3-1) was led by Karina Brito with 18 points and seven rebounds. Veronica Areyaga had 20 points for Los Altos who drop to 2-3.

Once again, the Inland Insider Tom Kiss and his crew produce a memorable video for the 2011 back-to-back champions....

First, Cal Hi turned out to be a great atmosphere for Friday's Southeast championship game, but then again, I got to enjoy it from the field with my press pass, far different than the experience of paid customers. Cal Hi simply wasn't big enough and the parking was absolutely terrible for a championship event. Fans parked as far a mile away, and there were hundreds of fans who had to stand along the fences near both end zones because there weren't enough seats. If I were to guess, this was a 5,500 seat stadium that crammed at least 7,000 inside the gates. If you're going to sell that many tickets, you should have seats available for everyone. We thought it was a mistake for CIF to allow the game to be played there for all these reasons, and we were absolutely right.

West Covina finished one of the most dominating playoff runs in history with a CIF-Southern Section record 84 points -- the most ever in an (11-man) championship game by beating helpless La Serna 84-21. And the field was supposed to slow them down? Chris Solomon and Jimmy Frazier each scored three touchdowns for the back-to-back champions, who almost certainly will probably be moved from the Southeast Division after this. Think about it, West Covina won its four playoff games by 30, 43, 39 and 63 points, and averaged 60 points a game in the playoffs! What made tonight's 84 points so incredible is that the Bulldogs did it with only three pass plays and a running clock in the fourth. Just insane. Like I told Aram, have never seen a team this dominant in the playoffs from start to finish. And I bet if you go back in the history books, it could be the most dominant start-to-finish playoff performance ever. Check back in the morning for the Inland Insider's highlights and postgame interviews.

Aram's Column: Dominant isn't a strong enough word to describe it. In fact, rather than use words, how about I suggest you think of the image of a lion hunting down a three-legged gazelle to eat for dinner.

West Covina championship photo gallery

Game Story
By Steve Ramirez, staff writer
WHITTIER -- La Serna High School, after advancing to the CIF-Southern Section finals for the first time since 1968, is considered to be the Cinderella team of the Southeast Division football playoffs. The clock struck midnight on Friday.

Chris Solomon rushed for 99 yards and three touchdowns and Jimmy Frazier had 83 and scored three touchdowns, including a 86-yard kickoff return and West Covina won the division title for the second consecutive season with an 84-21 victory over the Lancers at
California High School.

The Bulldogs (13-1), which had seven touchdown plays of 40 yards or more, scored the most points in an 11-man CIF-SS divisional final, eclipsing J.W. North, which had 67 in the Eastern Division championship game in 2007. Black Fox scored 94 points in six-man football in 1966.

La Serna, which received 140 yards passing and a touchdown from sophomore Frankie Palmer, finished 10-4.

"We came out hard and got on the board fast," said West Covina coach Mike Maggiore, who won his third CIF-SS title after wins by the Bulldogs last season and in 2004. "Our defense was flying around, they made a couple of mistakes and we capitalized.

"We've been getting better as a football team all year. We wanted toplay our best in the last game of the year, and we did."

But the turning point came during La Serna's first three possessions, after the Lancers had a fumble, interception and a blocked punt.

West Covina, which rushed for 298 yards, turned all three into touchdowns. Solomon, after OJ Medina fumbled at his own 27, needed just one play,running it in from there for a 7-0 lead with the game less than a minute old.

Lonzel Barnett followed with a blocked punt at the La Serna' 19, which led to a 14-yard pass from Chris Caballero to Aaron Salgado to make it 14-0 at 7:41.

Frazier, after Gus Vilchis intercepted a Palmer pass and returned it to the La Serna' 30, made it 21-0 with a 27-yard run at 5:17.

"They took it too us," La Serna coach Margarito Beltran said. "There's not much else to say. They did a heck of a job preparing, and they beat us. Plain and simple.

"You can't turn the ball over. Not against these guys. They're a very good team."

La Serna, which had a minus-5 yards on its first three possessions, then had it's only positive moment of the half. Medina, who had rushed for 400 yards during the first three playoff games before being held to 12 on Friday, turned the momentum a bit with a 48-yard
kickoff return to the West Covina' 48.

Palmer then caught a 14-yard option pass from running back Nicholas McCarty to Palmer set up the Lancers at the 2. Medina took it in from there to make it 28-7 on the final play of the first quarter.

But the joy was short-lived.

Frazier followed with his 86-yard kickoff return to swing all the energy back to the Bulldogs and give them a 35-7 lead.

"I would have never thought we would have won by that many points," Frazier said. "It was a great win."

Solomon followed a Palmer fumble with a 17-yard run to make it 42-7 at 9:38 of the second quarter. Solomon then passed 68 yards to Burnett to make it 49-7 at halftime.

West Covina, getting a 53-yard run by Salgado for a touchdown and a 47-yard interception return for a score, continued to shower the Lancers with a rain of big plays in the second half to lead 70-21 after three quarters before going up 84-21 late in the fourth.

"I have to congratulate West Covina," Beltran said. "They are a great team. I'm also proud of my boys for getting this far.

"It's not an easy loss to take, but there has to be a winner and a loser and tonight we came out on the short end."

Fox Sports Replay of the Southeast Championship....

Damien (4-0) remained unbeaten with a 71-57 seminal win up north over Deer Valley on Friday in the Chris Vontoure Spartan Classic. Jared Dizon scored a game-high 23 points and Chris Reyes chipped in with 19. The Spartans advance to tonight's championship against Northern power Concord De La Salle (3-0) at 7 p.m. You can watch tonight's game live on bay.preps.com

Duarte High School released the following in regards to coach Tip Sanders not returning after his best season with the Falcons, going 6-3. Defensive coordinator Jason Martin will take over.

Presser: Duarte High School announces that after three seasons with the Duarte High School Football Team, Coach Lavell "Tip" Sanders has passed the baton on to his Defensive Coordinator Jason Martin. Coach Tip hired Coach Jason Martin prior to the 2010 season and has been grooming him to be his replacement. Coach Tip and Coach Martin have worked closely together for the last two years. Coach Tip has offered his full support to Coach Martin in the transition. Coach Tip will continue to work at Duarte High School as a Safety and Behavior Support Assistant. Duarte High School is grateful for the hard work and perseverance Coach Tip has displayed in rebuilding the DHS Football program. (To continue click thread).

Muir next for Tip? Assuming Sanders was not hired back because the school wants to "go in a different direction," Muir seems like a great fit for Tip. Muir needs a walk-on coach and he's the best walk-on they could find. The man does so much with so little, I can only imagine what he would do with a collection of talent that Muir provides.

Mt. San Antonio College goes for its third consecutive CCCAA state title today, facing NoCal champ City College of San Francisco at 12:30 p.m. I'm up here for the game, and you can follow my twitter updates through my stat app below.

BOYS BASKETBALL
Baldwin Park/Sierra Vista
Tournament Consolation bracket
Baldwin Park 53, Azusa 36
Baldwin Park (4-1) was led by Alexis Brown, who scored 19 points and grabbed eight rebounds.
Danny Lopez chipped in with 12 points and Alex Delgado had 11 points, including three 3-pointers. Azusa was led by Jordan Brown, who scored 21 points.

De La Salle Tournament
First round
Damien 60, Fairfield 48
Chris Reyes scored 18 points and grabbed 14 rebounds to lead Damien (3-0) past Fairfield. Clayton White came up big with 14 points and nine assists.

Nonleague
La Verne Lutheran 87, Chino 24
Grant Jarrett led the way with 25 points and McKay Anderson added 13.
Eric Cooper Jr. finished 12 points as La Verne Lutheran remained undefeated at 5-0 while Chino is now 0-1.

GIRLS BASKETBALL
Nonleague
Gladstone 46, Gabrielino 36
The Gladiators received an outstanding performance from Alex Cano who scored a game-high 19 points to go with 11 rebounds, six blocks, five assists and three steals.

GIRLS SOCCER
Nonleague
Sierra Vista 7, Baldwin Park 0

Jessica Lopez scored two goals for the Dons, with both assists coming from Daisey Ruiz, and Magali Moreno added two goals with an assist from Jessica Lopez and Jasmine Loera to lead Sierra Vista.

Saturday's Mid-Valley Division title prediction
San Gabriel at Monrovia, 7:30 p.m., Robledo (Mon); Tolegian (Mon)

Settle the office discussion: If you were a General Manager and you had the option of signing Albert Pujols for 10 years and 254 million or Matt Kemp for 8 years and 160 million, who would you take? I like Kemp.

Southeast Division Championship
Who: West Covina (12-1) vs. La Serna (9-4)
When: Friday, 7 p.m.
Where California High School, Whittier

By Aram Tolegian, Staff Writer
There was no panic in the West Covina High School football team when standout running back Chris Solomon went down with an ankle injury in the first game of this season against Covina. With Jimmy Frazier around to fill the void, why would anybody panic? Solomon, the Tribune's reigning Player of the Year, is hardly the type of player a team can simply replace. That is unless you're West Covina and you have another outstanding ballcarrier like Frazier waiting in the wings.
For the Bulldogs, who are aiming for a second consecutive CIF-Southern Section Southeast Division championship on Friday night, Frazier may well be considered the team's MVP. When Solomon went down, it was Frazier who picked up most of the slack and put together a pretty impressive season by rushing for 1,537 yards and 18 touchdowns.
And there's still one game to be played, so Frazier will likely add to those numbers. The Bulldogs take on La Serna at California High on Friday night at 7 for the division championship.
"It hasn't been a surprise to any of us," West Covina coach Mike Maggiore said of Frazier's play. "We knew what he was capable of. He's just a natural running back.
"He kept us going while Solomon was hurt. Now we have both of them and they just kind of take turns." (To continue click thread)

Bonita rallies to beat Covina: The Bearcats (3-0) showed they have reloaded as they went on a 13-0 run to begin the third quarter, overcoming a six-point halftime deficit, and coasted to a 49-39 win over Covina in a second-round game of the Covina Tip Off Tournament on Wednesday night.

Covina Girls Hoops Tournament semifinals
Friday's schedule
Santiago vs. Bonita, 6:30 p.m.
Roosevelt vs. Bishop Amat, 8 p.m.

Wednesday's results
BOYS BASKETBALL
Charter Oak Tournament
Pool play
Ayala 40, La Serna 37
Jared Ponce's 3-pointer from the right corner proved to be the deciding basket in the Bulldogs' win over the Lancers.
Ponce finished with 10 points and four rebounds.
Sean McMullen of Ayala (3-1) led all scorers with 18 points, on six 3-pointers, and pulled down five rebounds.

El Rancho Tournament
Pool play
Northview 81, Sunny Hills 67
Treavon Francis led the Vikings (5-0) with 40 points and Nick Fuentes added 23 points.
James Cunnigan chipped in with 14 points and 13 rebounds to aid Northview's win.

Nonleague
Summit 54, Glendora 53
The Tartans (5-1) led at the half 25-24 behind the scoring of Kyle Gordon (17 points) but weren't able to hold on for the win.
Steven Hernandez and Wesley Burke added 10 points each for Glendora.

Mountain View 49, Duarte 32
Behind Elijah Morales' 17 points and five rebounds, the Vikings (4-1) defeated the Falcons (0-1). Jonathan Almanza chipped in with 11 points and four rebounds for Mountain View.

GIRLS BASKETBALL
Azusa Tournament
Pool play
Rosemead 48, St. Lucy's 29
Melody Gauthier led the Panthers (1-1) with 13 points.
Carrie Morris had a team-high 13 points to go with four steals, three rebounds and three assists to lead the Cubs' win over the Regents. Erika Lin added 12 points, three rebounds, two assists and one steal for Mayfield.

Covina Tournament
Second round
Bishop Amat 48, West Covina 25
The Lancers' Paulina Santana scored a team-high 12 points, while Michelle Yamamoto added 10 points and six steals.
Also contributing for Bishop Amat was Leeah Powell with 10 points and 11 rebounds.

Consolation bracket
South Hills 54, Arroyo 33
Imani Payton was the leading scorer for the Huskies (2-2) with 19 points and Brittany Wang contributed seven points and seven assists.

South El Monte Tournament
Second round
Glendora 54, Mission 17
Casie Lowden led the Tartans (4-1) with 20 points and Olivia Haybern added 10 points.
Kika Preciado was high scorer for Mission with six points.

GIRLS SOCCER
Nonleague
Chino Hills 3, Corona Centennial 1
Cody Fisher had two goals and Michael Montoya added the game-winner for the Huskies (1-0-2).

San Dimas 5, Bonita 0
The Saints (3-0-1) received goals from Lindsey Toneck, Maribel Duran, Jeanette Jimenez, Daisy Duran, and Audrey Vasquez in their victory over the Bearcats.
San Dimas goalkeeper Berlyn Pedroza recorded 11 saves.

BREAKING UPDATE After CIF officials toured Cal Hi on Wednesday, they approved the site for Friday's game.

By Aram Tolegian, Staff Writer
After some deliberation, the CIF-Southern Section Southeast Division football championship game between West Covina and La Serna will be played at California High in Whittier. Kickoff is 7 p.m. on Friday. La Serna, which plays its home games at California, was urged by West Covina to move the site of the game to an alternate site nearby, but the Lancers would not budge because of a preference to play on a grass surface.
"To my understanding, their coach wants to play on their home field," West Covina coach Mike Maggiore said. "The biggest thing is the surface. Cal High is mostly dirt. There's not very much green when you see it on film. They think it's to their advantage and it's their home game so they have the right to do that.
"Our biggest thing was that Cal High only holds 4,000 people, 1,500 on our side and 2,500 on their side. I just think we're probably going to have closer to 7,000 people at the game. It's the only game around and we travel really well and I think they're going to have more people than they think also."

By Brian Reed-Baiotto, Correspondent
WEST COVINA - Arguably the biggest factor in Tuesday's wrestling showdown between reigning CIF team champions Downey and West Covina was the Bulldogs' football program. West Covina plays in Friday night's CIF-Southern Section Southeast Division championship game, and six wrestlers are on the roster. Visiting Downey took advantage of four West Covina forfeits and used those 24 team points to outlast the feisty Bulldogs 48-30.

Bonita beats Santa Fe in El Rancho tourney: For most high school boys basketball teams, December is a time for transition and finding themselves. Bonita showed Tuesday it's a little bit farther ahead in the game than Pioneer.
Jeff Nelson scored 13 points and Tony Digirolamo had 10 to lead the Bearcats to a 56-27 victory over the Titans in a pool-play game at the 18th annual Blue Pride Classic at El Rancho High.

Host Arroyo loses to La Salle: The visiting Lancers' trapping defense created havoc for the Knights and La Salle cruised to a 53-31 victory in pool play of the 54th annual Arroyo Invitational basketball tournament on Tuesday night.

PREP DIGEST: Bishop Amat cruised to a 52-43 win over La Puente in the Arroyo tournament. For a roundup of all Tuesday scores, click the link

Covina Girls Basketball tournament
Wednesday's Championship quarterfinals at Covina
Santiago vs. Sierra vista, 3:30 p.m.
Bonita vs. Covina 5 p.m.
Roosevelt vs. A.B. Miller 6:30 p.m.
West Covina vs. Bishop Amat, 8 p.m.

UPDATE -- CIF officials will visit Cal Hi on Wednesday to look a the field conditions and facilities before giving the green light.

West Covina's Southeast championship against La Serna will be at California High School on Friday at 7 p.m., where La Serna normally plays its home games. At Monday's luncheon, West Covina argued against playing at Cal Hi because of the limited seating on the visitors side, plus the field isn't in the greatest condition. Miguel Melendez covered La Serna's win over Muir at Cal Hi last week and Melendez said it was one of the worst fields he's seen all year. A dry, dirty bumpy surface with barely any grass left. There also is no press box, so not sure whether we'll be able to do a Coveritlive. According to Steve Ramirez, La Serna agreed to provide extra bleachers for West Covina fans, so CIF approved the site. La Serna wanted Cal Hi for another reason too, to keep the Bulldogs off an artificial surface. La Serna High School athletic director Steve Hemenway said that Cal High as of now seats 5,000 and they will bring in extra bleachers between 500-800. "The biggest thing is are their enough seats," Hemenway said. "We are bringing in extra seats to accommodate about 500-800, which should put us about 5,500." That means roughly 2,500 to 2,800 seats for West Covina fans. What a shame, last year's game at Walnut was packed and in the neighborhood of 6 to 7,000 fans. West Covina pushed for La Serna to use nearby La Mirada because its stadium holds roughly 10,000. But it had an artificial surface. In other words, the field conditions were too good to host the game.

Below: Video highlights from La Serna's win over Muir. You can see just how bad the field looks. Terrible.

By Fred J. Robledo
LONG BEACH - La Serna High School was such an unlikely visitor at Monday's CIF-Southern Section football champions luncheon in Long Beach that when Fox Sports' Chris McGee introduced them, he called them the Bearcats instead of the Lancers. La Serna (10-3), a third-place finisher from the Del Rio League, dominated Muir 28-3 in the Southeast Division semifinals to advance to Friday's championship against defending champion and top-seeded West Covina (12-1), which routed all three playoff opponents, including La Mirada 63-34 in the semifinals. (To Continue click thread)

La Serna making first trip to finals since 1967: Forty-four years is a long time, but for La Serna High football fans it's been worth the wait. La Serna is returning to a CIF-Southern Section title game for the first time since 1967. The Lancers, thanks to their 28-3 upset of Muir last Friday, will meet West Covina on Friday night for the Southeast Division title.

Fox Sports' Prep Zone is showing all 13 CIF-SS football championship games. The Southeast championship between West Covina and La Serna will be shown on Friday, and the Mid-Valley Division on Saturday between Monrovia and San Gabriel. Both games will be shown live on FoxSportsWest.com and are scheduled to start at 7:30 p.m.

Note: West Covina and La Serna still deciding on the site for the championship game. La Serna wanted to play at Cal Hi, but the Bulldogs want the game moved. It appears that either La Mirada or Fulleton High School will host the game.

54th Annual Arroyo Invitational Boys Basketball Tournament
Pool A: La Canada, Alta Loma, Wilson (Hacienda Heights)
Pool B: La Salle, Arcadia, Arroyo
Pool C: Bishop Amat, Montclair, La Puente
Pool D: Keppel, Monrovia, South El Monte

All games at Arroyo HS
Monday's round-robin results
South El Monte 58, Monrovia 49
Montclair 73, La Puente 55
Arcadia 56, La Salle 51
La Canada 39, Wilson 35
Tuesday's round-robin
Wilson vs. Alta Loma, 3 p.m.
South El Monte vs. Keppel, 4:30 p.m.
Bishop Amat vs. La Puente, 6 p.m.
La Salle vs. Arroyo, 7:30 p.m.
Wednesday's round-robin
Keppel vs. Monrovia, 3 p.m.
La Canada vs. Alta Loma, 4:30 p.m.
Bishop Amat vs. Montclair, 6 p.m.
Arcadia vs. Arroyo, 7:30 p.m.

Monday's boxscore results:
South El Monte 58 Monrovia 49
Monrovia: 9, 18, 9, 13 -- 49
S El Monte: 10, 13, 17, 18 -- 58
M - Evan Bough 17 (5 steals), Mark Nardoni 10, Antoine Gholar 9, Justin Mellinger 9, Hector Medina 4
SEM - Jordan Villela 16, Reyes Abalos 12, Richard Natividad 9, Jimmy Martinez 8, Fernando Ramirez 3, Xuong Ho 2, George Garcia 2, Ishmael Escamilla 2, Andrew Angel 2, Chris Pinon 2

Montclair 73, La Puente 55
Montclair: 18, 28, 19, 8 -- 73
La Puente: 11, 13, 12, 19 -- 55
M - Devyn Sampson 18 (posted triple double with 10 rebounds and 10 steals), Fernando Martinez 10, Bobby Talamantes 10, Jody Smith 10, Kevin Fregoso 6, Jose Castaneda 5, Josh Sanchez 5, Yered Picazo 3, Kyle Smith 3, Larry Nakiso 2, Jesse Vela 1

Arcadia 56, La Salle 51
Arcadia: 24, 12, 9, 11 -- 56
La Salle: 10, 17, 8, 16 -- 51
Arc - Jeffrey Radzwill 19, Robby Haines 11, Taylor Lagace 8, Brian Taylor 8, R.J Saunders 5, Stephen Smith 5
LS - Jordan Hill 22, Jeff Briegel 18, Izzy Lacy 4, Steffen Ghantous 3, Garrett Stone 2, Peter Nuguid 2

La Canada 39, Wilson (Hacienda Heights) 35
La Canada: 11, 8, 11, 9 -- 39
Wilson HH: 5, 15, 3, 12 -- 35
LC - Darrell Dansby 19, Tim Kim 7, Conner Boyd 6, Sebastian Lee 2. Jay Srinivasan 2, Dan Jun 2, Ryan Lee 1
WHH - Bryce Kato 9, Matthew Ng 9, Justin Diaz 7, Brandon Miramontes 4, J.R Nelson 2, Ryan Del Rosario 2, Kenneth Lopez 2

When tournament officials send us a schedule that we can share and update, we'll post it.

It's a great game, but the game I'm clamoring for now is Monrovia vs. West Covina. After they both win their second straight titles this weekend, why shouldn't the two back-to--back CIF champions meet next year? Their coaches are friends and both have a lot coming back to go for a third straight title. Why is it the games we want most are the hardest to set up?
Bishop Amat and Charter Oak are near a deal to play next season in a matchup of two of the area's top football programs, according to sources.

By Keith Lair, Staff Writer

SAN GABRIEL -- There was no time for San Gabriel High Schlool defensive lineman Hunter Garcia to think.

Twenty-five seconds after San Dimas' Devante Brown scored on a 4-yard sweep, the Saints were lined up and going for the two-point conversion and the go-ahead score.

But Garcia stepped into the hole that the Saints offensive line had created on the touchdown run and Garcia stopped the exact same running play to lead the Matadors to a 29-28 victory in the CIF-Southern Section Mid-Valley semifinals on a very cold, but not windy, Saturday night.

"I read the block and I knew it was going to be a game changer," Garcia said. "On the play before I got my bell rung and I knew I had to do something. I did and I knew we had the gamer locked after that,."

Brown fell about 9 inches short of giving the Saints the lead.

San Dimas coach Bill Zernickow said the Saints had decided to go for two points nine minutes before Brown scored, with 2:23 to play.

"We weren't stopping them and we're on their home field," he said. "There was no question we hade to go for two to win the game. Click on thread to continue reading

By John Honell, Correspondent
Storm damage, power outages and early season injuries couldn't keep the Glendora High School boys basketball team from defending its tournament title.
The Tartans (5-0) took an early 5-3 lead and never were headed as they beat Santa Margarita 53-35 in the championship game of the Sierra Vista-Baldwin Park Winter Tip Off Tournament at Covina High on Saturday night. (To continue click thread)

La Verne Lutheran beats PHS in Rose City Classic: Missed shots, the inability to make free throws, a lack of big runs and the absence of a key player added up to Pasadena falling short to La Verne Lutheran, 65-53, in the Rose City Roundball Classic on Friday night.

Pasadena's Rose City Classic
Tonight's championship at Pasadena High
La Verne Lutheran vs. Etiwanda, 8 p.m.

By Ariel Carmona, Jr., Correspondent
HACIENDA HEIGHTS - The Sonora girls varsity basketball team, thanks to a 29-point performance from senior guard Jasmine Hills, defeated Covina 51-42 to claim the Wilson High Tournament championship Saturday.
The Colts (3-1) countered with seniors Marissa Clark and Ashli Baddorf each having an impressive game and also got offensive production from sophomore forward Dominique Theus. The trio combined for 32 points, but it wasn't enough as the Raiders (4-1) shot well from behind the three-point line and played well defensively in the final quarter. (to continue click thread)

By Fred J. Robledo, Staff Writer
COVINA -- Monrovia High School won its first CIF-Southern Section Mid-Valley Division title last year behind quarterback and divisional player of the year Nick Bueno.
Blake Heyworth looks like that guy this time.
The junior QB threw for 253 yards and three touchdowns to lead the defending champion Wildcats over top-seed Covina 41-27 in Friday's semifinals at Covina District Field. It was the Wildcats' ninth straight win, sending them to next Saturday's championship against the winner of tonight's other semifinal between San Dimas and host San Gabriel. (To continue click thread).

No PrepXtra Live tonight: Sorry everyone, we had to cancel the show because the Tribune still has no power since Wednesday night. All our staffers are working from home or other satellite offices.

Aram column on Monrovia-Covina: There often are plays early in a game in which one team establishes who's boss and how it's going to be for the rest of the night. In Monrovia High School's 41-27 rout of Covina on Friday, that play came from Wildcats defensive back Anthony Craft just about eight minutes into what was supposed to be a semifinals showdown but gradually turned into a laugher.

Friday's semifinal results and stories
Southeast Division
West Covina 63, La Mirada 34 -- When is the last time you watched a team dominate the division so easily? They still have one to go for their second straight title, but looks like a formality now.
La Serna 28, Muir 3 -- Shocking that the Mustangs could only muster three points in such a big game. I really thought they would punch their ticket to the title game, but you have to give it up to La Serna, who goes against the Bulldog Beasts next.
Mid-Valley Division
Monrovia 41, Covina 27 -- This was not the same Monrovia team I watched earlier. QB Blake Heyworth was steady and they have one talented receiver after another. Ellis McCarthy absolutely dominated the middle and guys like Marquise Bias, De'Shawn Ramirez, Anthony Craft and George Frazier are game-changers. I don't care who wins between San Gabriel and San Dimas, the Wildcats are too good for whoever they get.

BREAKING NEWS: San-Dimas-San Gabriel game back at San Gabriel, Sat., 7:30 p.m.

Glendora football coach Todd Quinsey resigned on Friday after just one year and going 3-7. Quinsey, a walk-on head coach and substitute teacher, took over for Mark Pasquarella after he resigned, and did well considering the Tartans' brutal non-league schedule and the tough Baseline League. In fact, five of Glendora's opponents are still alive in the playoffs, Monrovia, Colony, West Covina, Upland and Rancho Cucamonga. They also took on area No. 1 Charter Oak and played them tough. Quinsey, who was not expected to receive a teaching position at the school, said he resigned in order to look for full-time work.

By Keith Lair, Staff Writer
SEAL BEACH - Meagan Zamilpa and Natalie Johnson had trouble on Thursday celebrating the CIF-Southern Section Division 5 team tennis title that their Wilson High School team won last week. It was also a heartbreaking celebration for Arcadia's Francis Dean and the doubles team of Nadia Pacheco-Amaro and Elizabeth Lieu. They became the first Apaches to advance out of the sectionals tournament for the first time in more than 20 years.
For eight San Gabriel Valley tennis players, the 2011 high school season came to a screeching halt in the Round of 16 of the CIF-SS individual championships at the Seal Beach Tennis Center on Thursday afternoon.
"I was extremely excited to get to this round," senior Zamilpa said.
"To be able to make it this far is quite an accomplishment. It's been a great year and a pleasure to win as a team. I was more excited than anything to be here, too."
(To continue click thread).

By Fred J. Robledo
Baldwin Park school district officials cancelled school the rest of the week because of windy conditions that caused power outages for several of its schools. The cancellation forced the second annual Baldwin Park/Sierra Vista High School boys basketball tournament to scramble to find alternate locations for its quarterfinal games on Thursday and the remainder of the tournament.
Glendora, playing without last year's leading scorer Nick Colletta because of back spasms, hosted Walnut in Thursday's quarterfinal and nearly blew a 13-point fourth-quarter lead before holding off the Mustangs, 50-45. Kyle Gordon scored 20 of his game-high 26 points in the first half for the Tartans. His five 3-pointers made a big difference with Colletta unable to go. (To continue click thread).

Baldwin Park/Sierra Vista Tournament
Friday's games at Covina High School
Quarterfinals
L.A. Garfield vs. South Hills, 3:15 p.m.
Semifinals
Rowland vs. Santa Margarita, 6 p.m.
Glendora vs.Garfield-South Hills winner, 7:30 p.m.
Championship
Saturday at Covina High, 8:30 p.m.

Covina beats La HabraCovina High School girls basketball coach Nick Masi has no qualms about putting the Colts' fortunes in the hands of seniors Ashli Baddorf and Marissa Clark. The duo showed why Wednesday. Baddorf scored 14 points, including four in the fourth quarter, and Clark had seven points and two key steals late to lead Covina to a 41-37 victory over La Habra in a Wilson Tournament pool play game at Los Altos High School.

31st Annual Wilson Ladycat Girls Basketball Tournament
All games at Wilson High School
Thursday's games at Wilson
Nogales 52, San Gabriel 31
Redlands East Valley 73, Los Altos 54
La Habra 57, Diamond Bar 38
Covina 2, Sierra Vista 0, forfeit

Friday's games at Wilson
Citrus Valley vs. Azusa, 3:30 p.m.
Alta Loma vs. La Mirada, 5 p.m.
Rowland vs. Walnut, 6:30 p.m.
Sonora vs. Wilson, 8 p.m.

Monday's round-robin results
Covina 59 Los Altos 30
La Habra 56 San Gabriel 32
Diamond Bar 57 Nogales 23
Sierra Vista 47 Red. E. Valley 40
Tuesday's round-robin resuts
Sonora 71, Alta Loma 24
Rowland 54, Citrus Valley 46
Wilson 56, La Mirada 27
Walnut 51, Azusa 23
Wednesday's results
Los Altos 65, San Gabriel 49
Redlands East Valley 51, Nogales 20
Covina 41, La Habra 27
Sierra Vista 45, Diamond Bar 44
Alta Loma 58, Citrus Valley 49
La Mirada 43, Azusa 17
Sonora 42, Rowland 32
Wilson 35, Walnut 28

UPDATE 8:44 P.M. -- The game will be at Montebello HS.

This text message from San Gabriel coach Jude Oliva regarding the semifinals of the Mid-Valley Division between San Dimas at San Gabriel, scheduled for Friday at 7 p.m, has been moved to Saturday.

Jude Oliva's text: "Unfortunately due to the damage and (the Alhambra Unified School) district shutting down (Friday) our game has been rescheduled until Saturday 7 p.m. site TBA."

San Dimas reaction: San Dimas wanted the game Friday, but it will be played on Saturday instead. The game will not be at San Gabriel, the school is looking for an alternate location. San Gabriel said they will have a decision on a location by 9 a.m., on Friday. We'll keep you posted.

With power out at the Tribune and phones lines down please report all scores tonight via e-mail at scores@sgvn.com. The rest of our employees are working at other satellite offices to get the paper out. Thanks, and sorry for the inconvenience.

3:20 p.m. Update Games at Baldwin Park have been moved to Covina because of power outages and games scheduled for Sierra Vista also will be moved. Glendora is hosting Walnut at 7:30 p.m, at Glendora HS. Garfield and South Hills' quarterfinal today has been moved to Friday at 6 p.m., at Covina. The plan is for the winner to play in the semifinals later that night. When we get other location updates, we'll share them. Baldwin Park district officials are in full power outage mode, the district already has cancelled school on Friday, and is not allowing Baldwin Park or Sierra Vista's basketball teams to play today or tomorrow, even if they play at an alternate location. Azusa's team was pulled from the tournament for the same reasons. Moving the sites are one thing, not allowing teams to play at safe, alternate locations is just ridiculous thinking on part of the districts.

Baldwin Park/Sierra Vista boys basketball tournament
Championship quarterfinals
Walnut vs. Glendora at Glendora HS, 7:30 p.m.
At Covina High School
Rowland vs. Troy, 6 p.m.
Claremont vs. Santa Margarita, 7:30 p.m.
Friday's quarterfinal
Garfield vs. South Hills, 6 p.m., Covina High School; winner will play semifinal later that night, TBA.

Rowland Wins: When the Keppel High School boys basketball team was poised to make its patented fourth-quarter run, Rowland was there to stop it. The Aztecs closed to within 10 points to start the fourth quarter, but Rowland had a run of its own en route to a 63-42 victory in pool play of the Sierra Vista-Baldwin Park tournament on Tuesday.

The boys basketball season begins with the second annual Baldwin Park/Sierra Vista Winter Tip-off Tournament with several of the top locals, like Glendora, Covina, Walnut, South Hills and Baldwin Park. The first, and second round schedule is posted below: Coaches or team helpers should call in results to 626-962-8811, ext. 2233 and 2242 or email info to scores@sgvn, and leave a contact number in case we have questions. I'll update this tournaments daily (with help).

Semifinals: Friday, 6 & 7:30 p.m., at Sierra Vista
Championship: Saturday at Baldwin Park, 8:30 p.m.
Note: Will update the schedule during the week:

Monday's round-robin results
Santa Margarita 72, Azusa 35
Garfield 83, Don Lugo 81
South Hills 68, Bell Gardens 48
Walnut, 54 Sierra Vista 41
Glendora 78, Torres 24
Troy 54, El Monte 17
Keppel, 61 Arroyo 54
Claremont 69, West Covina 42
Tuesday's round-robin results
Santa Margarita 73, Bell Gardens 52
Garfield 58, Diamond Bar 46
Rowland 63, Keppel 42
South Hills 72, Azusa 58
Covina 55, West Covina 29
Glendora 71, El Monte 23
Troy 59, Esteban Torres 27
Walnut 57, Baldwin Park 48
Wednesday's round-robin results
At Sierra Vista
Rowland def. Arroyo
Claremont def. Covina
At Baldwin Park
Don Lugo 59, Diamond Bar 56
Baldwin Park 54, Sierra Vista 51

In my opinion it's always a combination of the three, but I loved how 12th man, Joe Amat and Stevie Ramirez reacted to each other with these comments I pulled from another thread that details the stuff you consider selecting a player of the year.

12th man wrote: STEVEN RIVERA GETS ROBBED!!!!..LA TIMES just announced the Gatorade state player of the year..The winner is Zach Kline from San Ramon Valley HS (Danville,Ca.) check out the numbers & you be the judge....
Zach Kline
team record 9-3
TD's 30
INT. 6
TOTAL YARDS 2856
YARDS PER GAME 259.6
COMP% 683

STEVEN RIVERA
TEAM RECORD 10-2
TD'S 38
INT.5
TOTAL YARDS 3408
YARDS PER GAME 284
COMP% 647
Not to mention Steven led his team in Tackles & Interceptions & was also the punter..His numbers were also better in Rushing yards & Rushing TD'S

Joe Amat responds: Sorry, I can't back you on the local guy with this one. San Ramon Valley plays in the East Bay league with DeLa Salle which is one of the Top Ten leagues in the state. They also play a legit pre-league schedule to prepare for that. Those are the guys Kline piled up his numbers against while Rivera got his in the #100-something best league in the state. Kline was an Elite 11 kid and will have his pick of several D1 schools to choose from. Rivera is a nice high school player. No offense and congratulations on GREAT season and career that Steven should remember forever, BUT...
No matter what Aram says, it is NOT the same and Rivera would not have had those #s against the better Inland or Pac5 teams.

Steve Ramirez responds: Joe, Joe, Joe: The part your missing is not the competition each is going up against, but ranking their season. While a Pac-5 QB may be more-gifted than say a Mid-Valley QB, they are playing with and against players at or around their skill level. You basically have to use the pound-for-pound argument, judging seasons, not talent-level.

Lot of schools closed today because of power outages. It was pretty bad this morning, took me 30 minutes to go three miles to work, and the power is down here at the Trib too. There's a lot of you in the same boat but it looks better tomorrow, though a little on the chilly side. I don't know who the weather favors, but I know what John "Nut&Honey" Honell would say: "It favors the winning teams."

Friday's football forecast: Partly cloudy. Highs in the 60s. Areas of north to northeast winds 25 to 35 mph with gusts to 60 mph decreasing to 10 to 20 mph in the afternoon. Winds strongest near the foothills. Lows in the lower to mid 40s.

By Aram Tolegian, Staff Writer
Until this season, fans of a team fortunate enough to reach the semifinals in their respective CIF-Southern Section playoff divisions would have the opportunity to go see not only their teams play, but their possible opponent in the championship game, too. Take, for example, the Mid-Valley Division this year. Under the previous set-up, the Monrovia-Covina game would be Friday night, giving fans of San Gabriel and San Dimas an opportunity to go watch. The following night on Saturday, San Gabriel and San Dimas would play, with likely a nice contingent from the Monrovia-Covina winner on hand to see who they're going to get in the final.

This was Rio Hondo Prep players' reaction after losing in the semifinals in 2009 at Covina District Field. It's one of the all-time great photos and shows how emotional the win-or-go-home games can be.

Prep Digest roundup results: Damien 78, Bloomington 41 -- Damien's Chris Reyes had 18 points and 14 rebounds and Jeremy Hensley scored 14 to lead the Spartans in their season opener. For all other results called in Wednesday, click the Prep Digest link.