By Steve Ramirez
Staff Writer
COVINA — When it comes to pitching, Adrian De Horta is usually money for the South Hills High School baseball team.
The senior showed Thursday he can also be clutch with a bat in his hands.
De Horta went 3 for 4, including a key two-run triple to highlight a four-run sixth inning to help the Huskies to a 7-4 victory over Charter Oak in a Sierra League game.
South Hills, also getting two hits and an RBI from Niko Contreras, improved to 15-5 overall and 7-2 in league play to hold onto first place. De Horta also gave up four runs and seven hits with seven strikeouts in six innings.
Nick Hernandez had two RBIs and Ross Barrera had two hits for the Chargers, who slipped to 7-9 and 3-6.
“It’s a big win for us,” South Hills coach Kevin Smith said. “You have to give the kids at Charter Oak a ton of credit. They battled their butts off today. I knew they were going to come back. Adrian wasn’t his best today. But he battled and had the big hit for us in the sixth inning.
“I’m pleased with that. I just thought we were a little flat. Don’t get me wrong, I’m happy with the win, the way we came back. I just don’t think we should have been in that situation. That’s what frustrates me. But it was a great high school baseball game.”
Continue reading “Baseball: South Hills holds off Charter Oak, 7-4” »

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Player of the Year: BRETT JENKINS, Damien, Senior
By Fred J. Robledo
Brett Jenkins thought Damien lost too many talented players to challenge for the school’s first outright Sierra League title since 2006.
But the senior attacking midfielder didn’t expect the chemistry to come together the way it did, resulting in the outright league title and a CIF-Southern Section Division 1 second-round appearance as the Spartans finished the season 15-4-3.
Jenkins was the catalyst, finishing with a team-leading 12 goals and 13 assists in earning Sierra League most valuable player honors.
Jenkins, who was a Sierra league first-team selection as a junior, was also named to the prestigious CIF-SS Division 1 first team, and for his outstanding season, has been selected the San Gabriel Valley Tribune boys soccer player of the year for 2012-13.
“Going into the season we didn’t know what to expect and we had a rough start losing to Hesperia (2-0 in the third game of the season),” Jenkins said. “We didn’t have the individuals we had last year but we came together and played better as a team.
“When you look back, it was a great season, everyone stepped up and played a part.”
Jenkins was the perfect blend of playmaker and scorer.
He had five assists in an 8-0 win over South Hills, notched a hat trick in a 3-0 win over Charter Oak and scored two goals with two assists in a 5-0 non-league win over Arroyo.
It was that kind of balance that orchestrated the attack game after game.
“I had to find a way to get the ball in the back of the net,” Jenkins said. “And I give my teammates a lot of credit too. I don’t get assists if they don’t finish. We had a lot of players who could finish.”
Jenkins hasn’t decided where he will wind up next. St. Mary’s is an option, but he would also like to stay closer to home.
He will likely make his college decision over the coming months.
“We’ll see what happens, I’m still going over my options,” Jenkins said. “But all in all, I couldn’t of asked for a better senior season.
“This was a great team to play with, we all supported each other and got better toward the end of the year.”

Coach of the Year: ERIC McELREA, Damien
The Spartans are known for their soccer, having produced U.S. soccer legend Ricky Davis and back-to-back CIF-Southern Section title teams in 2005 and `06.
But the Spartans haven’t done much damage in the playoffs since and hadn’t won a Sierra League title outright since 2006. That finally changed. Damien won the Sierra League title outright with an 8-2 record and finished 14-5-3 overall, advacning to the second round of the CIF-SS Division 1 playoffs. For his efforts, McElrea has been selected the San Gabriel Valley Tribune boys soccer coach of the year.

TRIBUNE FIRST TEAM
Michael Sanchez, Damien, Senior
The sturdy defender was named to the Sierra League first team and was a CIF-Southern Section Division 2 second-team selection. He was part of a defense that only allowed 19 goals. Sanchez also helped the league champion Spartans advance to the second-round of the Division 1 playoffs.
Alex Henry, Los Altos, Senior
The Conquerors’ senior defender was one of the area’s best ball stoppers, helping his team to a share of the Hacienda League title and second-round appearance in the CIF-SS Division 5 playoffs. Henry was named first-team all Hacienda League and was part of a defense that only allowed 17 goals in 30 games.
Gabe Brown, Diamond Bar, Senior
Was arguably the areas best all-around defender for the 15-7-2 Brahmas. He was named to the Hacienda League first team and also found ways to produce on the offensive end, finishing with four goals and three assists. He helped his team to a 2-1 victory over Laguna Beach in the first round of the CIF-SS Division 5 playoffs.
Danny Hernandez, Walnut, Junior
The Mustangs’ attacking midfielder was a Hacienda League first-team selection for the co-league champions. He was a natural attacking midfielder who finished with nine goals and seven assists in helping his team reach the second round of the CIF-SS Division 5 playoffs.
Juan Gutierrez, Pomona, Senior
The midfield general helped the Red Devils reach the second round of the CIF-SS Division 4 playoffs and led his team to the Valle Vista League title and an impressive 14-5-4 overall record. Gutierrez was a Valle Vista league first team selection and all-league choice for the second straight year.
Jorge Ramos, South Hills, Senior
Was the architect of the Huskies’ offense, controlling the midfield and final third in leading his team to a playoff spot from the competitive Sierra League. Ramos was named to the all-area soccer team for the second straight year and was a Sierra League first-team choice.
Ben Santia, Claremont, Senior
The Wolfpack midfielder could do it all, nearly helping his team reach the CIF-SS Division 1 semifinals, losing to eventual finalist Servite in penalty kicks in the quarterfinals. Santia was named to the prestigious Division 1 first team and also was a Sierra League first-team selection.
Benjamin Jimenez, Damien, Senior
The Spartans’ slippery forward was named to the Sierra League first-team after helping his team to the league title and finishing with 11 goals and eight assists. He had a spectacular game in the first round of the CIF-SS Division 1 playoffs, scoring all three goals in the Spartans’ 3-1 victory.
Matthew Lares, Rowland, Senior
The striker was so highly thought of despite the Raiders finishing fifth in the Hacienda League that he was named the Hacienda League most valuable player, something rarely earned for non-playoff teams. And for good reason, Lares finished with 21 of the Raiders’ 31 goals this season.
Mario Interiano, Walnut, Senior
Walnut’s leading scorer stood just over 5 feet, 4 inches, but was one of the most explosive players in the area, finishing with 18 goals and seven assists for the co-league champions. The striker was named to the Hacienda League first team, and was an all-league selection for the third straight season.
Dayker Villalobos, Baldwin Park, Senior
The areas best goalkeeper was named to the CIF-Southern Section Division 4 first-team and was the Valle Vista League most valuable player. Villalobos almost singlehandly helped the Braves finish third in the Valle Vista league and reach the playoffs, despite its struggles on the field.

SECOND TEAM
Defender: Alexis Godina, Baldwin Park, Senior
Defender: Steven Mancia, Claremont, Sophomore
Defender: Garrett Souza, Damien, Senior
Defender: Eddie Hurtado, Pomona, Senior
Midfielder: Alexander Piceno, Sierra Vista, Senior
Midfielder: Guillermo Sanchez, Sierra Vista, Senior
Midfielder: Austin Bishop, Glendora, Sophomore
Forward: Michael Flores, Sierra Vista, Junior
Forward: Kelley Collins, Claremont, Senior
Forward: Grayson Iwasaki, South Hills, Senior
Goalkeeper: Mike O’Toole, Damien, Senior

HONORABLE MENTION
Kase Vollebregt, Diamond Bar, Senior
Steve Flores, Charter Oak, Junior
Gabriel Florez, Ayala, Senior
Adam Fox, Los Altos, Junior
Sam Williams, Damien, Senior
Wyatt Deane, Bonita, Senior
Gerardo, Hernandez, West Covina, Senior
Oscar Briceno, Rowland, Senior
Sergio Ramirez, Chino Hills Junior
Edgar Gomez, Azusa, Senior
Ruben Cueva, Bassett, Senior
Edward Mancilla, Bishop Amat, Senior
Juan Estrada, Sierra Vista, Senior
Josue Horan, La Puente, Senior
Carlos Loreto, Ganesha, Senior
Nathan DiFiori, Bishop Amat, Junior

Continue reading “Boys Soccer All-Area: Damien’s Brett Jenkins and coach Eric McElrea earn top honors” »

Sierra League
South Hills at Charter Oak, 3:30 p.m.
Claremont at Damien, 3:30 p.m.
Ayala at Chino Hills, 3:30 p.m.
Valle Vista League
Nogales at Covina, 3:15 p.m.
Baldwin Park at Pomona, 3:15 p.m.
Wilson at Northview, 3:15 p.m.
Montview League
Bassett at La Puente, 3:15 p.m.
Duarte at Gladstone, 3:15 p.m.
Workman at Azusa, 3:15 p.m.
Sierra Vista at Ganesha, 3:15 p.m.

By Aram Tolegian Staff Writer

Organizers have settled on April 26 as the date in which local hoops fans will find out exactly which side of the Valley plays the best high school basketball when the 10th Tribune/Star-News All-Star Classic is played at Damien High.

The girls game will take place at 6 p.m. and the boys game will be played at 8 p.m. There will be a 3-point shooting contest at halftime of each game.

“It’s a great opportunity to showcase the fine athletes we have in our Valley from the Pasadena area all the way out to La Verne and Claremont,” game organizer Gordon Hamlow said. “It’s an opportunity for our seniors in the Valley to get one more chance to compete in front of their fans. For some, it will be their last competitive game and for others who are going on to college, it’s a neat opportunity to give people a taste of what to expect in the future.”

Continue reading “Tenth annual Tribune/Star-News boys/girls basketball all-star games set for April 26 at Damien High” »

By Steve Ramirez
Staff Writer
SAN DIMAS — San Dimas High School has won the Valle Vista League softball title the previous four seasons.
The Saints took a big step toward a fifth Wednesday.
Briana Quintana singled with the bases loaded in the 10th inning and host San Dimas took over first place with a 4-3 victory over Northview in a league encounter that also featured two of the top teams in the area.
Senior pitcher Bethie Celaya tossed a four-hitter and struck six for the Saints, who improved to 14-7 overall and 6-0 in league play. The Vikings, getting two RBIs from Monet Manning and Erinn Jaramillo hit a home run, slipped to 13-5 and 5-1.
“It’s a big win for us,” Quintana said. “(Northview is) our main competition. Winning here, puts us on top.”
Kaili Now started San Dimas’ winning rally when she beat out an infield single with one out. Deenah San Luis followed with a single to center field, which forced Northview coach Jeff Butler to make an unconventional decision of intentionally walking catcher Janell Wheaton to load the bases with one out.
Wheaton was 1 for 3 with a RBI triple in the third.
“I knew we were in trouble no matter what we did,” Butler said. “My philosophy forever has always been to not let their best hitter beat us. Janell is their best hitter. Briana is a good hitter too, but it put us in a force situation and a possible double play to get out of the inning.
“Sometimes you have to roll the bones. I rolled them and it didn’t come out right this time.”
Continue reading “Softball: Quintana’s walk-off hit gives San Dimas 4-3 victory over Northview” »

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Player of the Year: JEREMY HEMSLEY, Damien, Sophomore
By Steve Ramirez
For some, this was supposed to be a re-building season for the Damien High School boys basketball team.
Instead, it was the best season in the program’s history, ending with the school’s first CIF-Southern Section divisional title with a Division 3AA championship and a victory in the CIF State playoffs.
The difference for the Spartans, who had lost in the semifinals three out of the previous four years, was sophomore Jeremy Hemsley, who proved to be the difference between Final Four frustration and championship glory.
For his efforts, Hemsley is San Gabriel Valley Tribune Boys Basketball Player of the Year.
“I think we did a good job of bringing the school together,” said Hemsley, Damien’s go-to- player, who came up big down the stretch. “It was nice, having everybody (there) who likes sports, giving them something (they never had). I’m happy we were able to accomplish a lot this year.”
The key was Hemsley, who quickly got the Spartan faithful get over the loss of all-everything postplayer Chris Reyes, who graduated after last season and is now at St. Mary’s.
Hemsley, who averaged nearly 20 points a game, helped Damien to a 15-2 start before keying the stretch in the postseason, which included easy victories over Los Amigos (74-28), Wilson (60-45) and Temescal Canyon (62-32) before securing the title with wins over Corona del Mar (61-53) in the semifinals and Santa Margarita (54-40) in the 3AA title game. Hemsley averaged 20 points in the postseason, including dropping 25 on Corona del Mar and 17 against Santa Margarita.
“I never really felt the pressure coming into the season,” Hemsley said. “My goal coming into the season was to win ( a section title). I didn’t feel the pressure of it, I just wanted to accomplish that goal.”
Because of it, he pushed himself and his team in the critical moments down the stretch, including the close games in the final four. Hemsley made three of four free throws down the stretch before capping the win at Corona del Mar in the semifinals with a signature dunk. Then, after getting in early foul trouble in the title game, he responded with a monster fourth quarter to key the 54-40 victory over Santa Margarita.
“I tried to tell my teammates there going into the second half that we weren’t in a bad situation,” Hemsley said. “I tried to lead my team, and that’s what happened.”
But Hemsely wasn’t quite finished with the heroics. He added one more memory to the season when he drained a 3-pointer at the buzzer to give the Spartans a 74-72 victory over Mission Oak, of Tulare, in the first round of the state playoffs.
Damien’s magical run finally ended with a 59-48 loss at Chaminade in the Southern California Regional quarterfinals.
“It was a great year,” Hemsley said. “I’m really proud of my teammates and coaches and what we were able to accomplish this year. ”
And next season?
“Next year, I think we’re going to be a young team, but I think we’re going to be better,” Hemsley said. “I’m looking forward to it.”

Coach of the Year: MATT DUNN, Damien
Dunn has turned around the culture at Damien, transforming the basketball team from a solid program to one of the best in the area that annually competes for CIF-SS glory. After advancing to the divisional semifinals three times in the previous four seasons, Dunn finally got the Spartans over the hump with a Division 3AA title, the first section crown in school history. Dunn, whose Spartans were 26-7, was 3AA Coach of the Year

TRIBUNE FIRST TEAM
PRIMITIVO GOMEZ, Arroyo, Senior, Forward/Guard
The senior proved to be one of the better front court players in the area. He earned Mission Valley League MVP and ranked about the area leaders in scoring with 25.7 points a game. He also had 10.7 rebounds per contest and 3.4 assists. Gomez keyed the Knights run to the school’s first Mission Valley League title and 20-7 record. He saved his best for Arroyo’s big games, scoring 30 points with 14 rebounds in the Knights’ 67-66 victory over second-place Gabrielino on Jan. 11, then had 28 and 10 in the rematch on Jan. 30.
OSNAR GARCIA, Workman, Senior, Guard
The senior earned Montview League MVP after keying the Lobos to one of the better seasons in the program’s history, which included going 26-2, winning the Montview League and advancing two rounds in the CIF-SS Division 4AA playoffs. Garcia was a prolific scorer with 24 points a game. He also averaged 5.5 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 4.0 steals per contest.
MIKE PETERS, Covina, Senior, Guard
Peters played a major part in Covina making a little school history, which included the Colts win back-to-back league titles for the fist time since the early 1980s. Covina shared the Valle Vista League crown last year and won it outright this season. The senior ranked among the area leaders in scoring, which earned in league MVP and first team All-CIF-SS Division 3A
CAMERON CURRY, Chino Hills, Senior, Guard
The senior was a key factor for the Huskies, who went undefeated in winning the Sierra League and advanced two rounds in the CIF-SS Division IAA playoffs. Curry ranked among the area leaders in scoring and earned first team All-Sierra League.
JARED DIZON, Damien, Senior, Guard
Dizon was a key factor, along with area player of the year Jermey Hemsley, to the Spartans winning the school’s first CIF-SS crown. He was Damien’s outside option, averaging 13.7 points a game with 85 3-pointers. He was first team All-CIF-SS Division 3AA and All-Sierra League.
NNADI UDENGWU, Diamond Ranch, Senior, Forward
The senior averaged 16.7 points and 8.5 rebounds per game to help the Panthers to a 16-13 record. He earned first team All-CIF-SS Division 3AA and Hacienda League co-MVP.
DANE HOLLAR, Bonita, Junior
Hollar helped Bonita to a 25-6 record and continue its string of Hacienda League titles. He ranked among the area leaders in scoring and was league co-MVP.
JOE RUSHING, La Verne Lutheran, Junior, Forward
The junior helped the Trojans to CIF-SS Division 4AA finals and a 26-8 record, which included a 63-59 victory over Bishop Montgomery in the quarterfinals. Rushing averaged 15.1 points a game and was first team All-CIF-SS Division 4AA.
SKYLER WILLIAMS, La Verne Lutheran, Senior Guard
The senior was another key part of the Trojans run to the CIF-SS Division 4AA finals, which included a victory over highly-regarded Bishop Montgomery in the quarterfinals. He averaged 12.2 points a game.
A.J. BIGORNIA, Glendora, Junior, Guard
The junior helped Glendora advance to the CIF-SS Division 1A quarterfinals and a 19-11 record. He ranked among the area leaders in scoring, including dropping in 30 points in a 55-49 victory over Dominguez in a second-round playoff game. He was first team All-CIF-SS Division 2A and first team All-Baseline League.

SECOND TEAM
Elias Hernandez, Covina, Jr.
Jordan Stokes, San Dimas, Sr.
Westley Ondatje, Chino Hills, Sr.
Keith Cavanaugh, Damien, Sr.
Joseph Cook, Bishop Amat, Sr.
Joseph Dionisio, Rowland, Sr.
Ryan Ramirez, Bonita, Sr.
Christian Manalo, Diamond Bar, Jr.
Thomas Rico, Glendora, Jr.
Jeriko Santos, South Hills, Sr.

TOP 10
1. Damien (26-7)
2. La Verne Lutheran (26-8)
3. Chino Hills (24-5)
4. Glendora (19-11)
5. Bonita (25-6)
6. Workman (26-2)
7. Covina (21-6)
8. Claremont (20-10)
9. Arroyo (20-7)
10. Rowland (19-9)