ALL-AREA GIRLS WATER POLO PHOTO GALLERY
ALL-AREA GIRLS WATER POLO ONLINE

Player of the Year: STEPHANIE CONTRERAS, Los Altos, Senior
Stephanie Contreras began her girls water polo career as a virtual unknown. She leaves it as the most-prolic scorer in the CIF-Southern Section.
The senior scored 141 goals this season to finish with a CIF-SS record of 639 goals for a career en route to leading the Conquerors to the division semifinals for the second time in four seasons.
For her efforts, Contreras is 2013 San Gabriel Valley Tribune Girls Water Polo Player of the Year.
“It was a pretty good season,” said Contreras, whose team lost to eventual champion Troy in the Divison 4 semfinals. “It was a sad moment losing (to Troy). It was a pretty close game.
“But breaking the record was a good moment and something I can look back on.”
It was the second milestone for the senior, who set the single-season record her freshman season, scoring 188 while leading the Conquerors to the Division 6 finals, losing to Walnut, 11-6.
She added the career mark to her resume this season, scoring 141 in 31 games to finish with 639. Contreras eclipsed La Salle’s Kara-Leigh Huse’s mark of 607 with four goals in a 9-8 victory over Temescal Canyon on Feb. 2.
“It was kind of crazy, because after I (set the record) I had to come out of the pool,” Contreras said. “Everyone was hugging me. We had a pretty good turnout, so it was good.
“The single season was out of the blue just before playoffs they told me I had a a shot at the record. I was like, ‘OK, I can score all these goals.’ But this was more of a build up. It definitely (felt) better.”
Contreras then helped the Conquerors finished strong, taking a share of second-place in the Hacienda League with Walnut before advancing to the CIF-SS Division 4 semifinals with wins over Rio Mesa and South Pasadena. Their season ended with the 7-6 loss to Troy.
The senior was Hacienda League MVP and first team All-CIF-SS Division 4. She said her college choices include Stanford and Arizona State.

Coach of the Year: CHRIS COLEMAN, Los Altos
Coleman, who just completed his seventh year at Los Altos, has built the Conquerors into one of the top programs in the area, guiding Los Altos to the CIF-Southern Section Division 6 finals in 2010 and the Division 4 semifinals this season. He has 141 wins in seven years at Los Altos and one season at Nipomo. The Conquerors, who finished second in the Hacienda League to Bonita, were 22-9 this season en route to advancing to the semifinals, losing 7-6 to Troy.

FIRST TEAM
SAMMY SANCHEZ, La Puente, Senior
It’s not often that a player is selected MVP of their league without leading her team to the league championship. Sanchez is the exception. She earned MVP of the league, leading the Warriors to share of second-place before losing in the first round of the Division 7 playoffs. La Puente finished 6-10.
JESSICA YBARRA, Ayala, Junior
Ybarra enjoyed a solid season, helping the Bulldogs to a Sierra League title and the CIF-Southern Section Division 3 quarterfinals. She was MVP of the Sierra League after leading Ayala to an 8-0 league mark and a 26-5 overall record. The junior also earned first team All-Division 3.
RACHEL STOCK, St. Lucy’s, Senior
Stock has been one of the top goalies each of the past two seasons, following up last season’s All-Area second team honor with a first-team award this season. She keyed St. Lucy’s run to a second-place finish in the Sierra League and a 16-13 record. Stock was first team All-Sierra League.
MIA RYCRAW, Walnut, Senior
Rycraw earned her second first-team All-Area selection. She helped the Mustangs to a share of second-place in the Hacienda League and a 17-7 record. She was first team All-CIF-Southern Section Division 4 and first team All-Sierra League.
ROSE TAKEUCHI, Los Altos, Senior
Takeuchi was a key factor in the Conquerors winning 22 games and advancing to the Division 4 semifinals. She ranked among the area leaders with 320 saves, 46 steals and eight assists. She was first team All-Hacienda League and first team All-CIF-SS Division 4.
NATALIE RIVAS, Bonita, Junior
The junior was one of the top scorers in the area and played a big part in Bonita ranked No. 1 in Division 4 most of the season before winning the Hacienda League title and advancing to the divisional semifinals. She was first team All-Hacienda League and first team All-CIF-SS Division 4.
SAMANTHA SNOW, Bonita, Junior
Snow was half of the Bearcats’ dynamic duo that also featured Natalie Rivas. She ranked among the area leaders in scoring and helped Bonita to a 24-8 record and the Hacienda League title. She was first team All-CIF-SS Division 4 and first team All-Hacienda League.

SECOND TEAM
Erin McCarthy, St. Lucy’s, Sr.
Brittany Seaman, St. Lucy’s, Sr.
Angela Gomez, Bonita, Sr.
Erin Gonzalez, Bonita, So.
Erica Venegas, Los Altos, Sr.
Brea Cook, Glendora, Sr.
Kimberly Covert, Ayala, Sr.

Continue reading →

Here’s this week’s baseball rankings
1. Bonita (19-2-1) – What you have to admire about the ‘Cats is they graduate Justin Garza, one of the best high school pitchers in Valley history and come back with a staff that boasts a 1.48 ERA for the season. And how about undefeated Parker Merritt (5-0, 0.70), he doesn’t get enough credit. He was 8-1 last year and is 13-1 over two seasons. If there has been anyone better or more consistent over the past two seasons, I haven’t seen him.
2. South Hills (15-5) – The Huskies have a comfortable two game lead in the Sierra League, but as everyone knows, there’s nothing comfortable about the Sierra. The Huskies have a home-and-away against Damien, and a slip up could put them right back in a league fight.
3. Northview (17-4) – The Vikings and San Dimas are tied for the Valle Vista League lead at 5-1 with Baldwin Park making a hard push at 6-2. But the Vikings have the toughest finishing schedule with two games each against Baldwin Park this week, followed by Nogales and San Dimas. Safe to say, there are no gimmies in the final six.
4. Diamond Bar (16-3) – I normally can’t stand leagues that play home-and-away schedules, but in the Hacienda’s case, it’s working out perfectly. The Brahmas are 5-1 in league, one game back of Bonita and spend the next four games facing Walnut and Rowland, all easy wins on paper. That could set up a dramatic winner-take-all in the final week with two against the ‘Cats.
5. Glendora (14-6) – The Tartans are 6-3 in the Baseline and only a game back of league leader Los Osos, 7-2. The Tartans need to take care of business this week against struggling Rancho Cucamonga. If they do, it appears the final week could come down to the home-and-away against Los Osos.
6. San Dimas (16-6) – The Saints are looking good in the Valle Vista and have a big week against Covina. If the Saints win both, they’re in the drivers seat for the VVL title. But they finish the season with two against Northview, which is another case where the home-and-away could set up a dramatic finale.
7. Baldwin Park (15-4) – The Braves are the biggest surprise in the VVL, just a 1/2 game back of league leaders Northview and San Dimas with a home-and-away against Northview. Baldwin Park finishes the season against Wilson, which is probably two more wins. If they get a split or sweep against Northview, that could be good enough to earn them a piece of the league title when all is said and done.
8. Nogales (16-4) – At 3-3 in league, the Nobles are on the outside looking in at fourth place in the VVL after losing on Friday to Baldwin Park, 3-1. But the Nobles have a favorable schedule on their side. Other than two games against Northview, they should pick up four wins with home-and-aways against Pomona and Wilson.
9. Chino Hills (13-7) – The Huskies are tied with Claremont for second in the Sierra with 5-4 records, two games back of 7-2 South Hills.
10. Bishop Amat (10-10) – The Lancers have won four straight and are making a final push to get in the playoffs. Forget a league title, that’s between undefeated Cathedral and Serra, both 4-0. The Lancers and St. Paul are both 2-2, fighting for the third playoff spot. Amat plays two key games against La Salle this week, followed by two tough ones against Cathedral. But the question remains, are they good enough to get to the postseason, and if they get there, are they good enough to do any damage? At this point, I say no way. You’re what you’re, 10-10.

GAME FACE: Northview’s Sarina Jaramillo throws out San Dimas’ Kennedy Anderson in last week’s 4-3 loss to San Dimas.

This week’s softball rankings:
1. Bishop Amat (16-4) – A 3-1 loss to Vista Murrieta followed by an 8-6 win over Etiwanda during the Corona Santiago tournament. Amat is dominating the Del Rey so thoroughly it’s only test before the Division 3 playoffs comes in tournaments or non-league games. Lancers ranked third in D-3.
2. Chino Hills (18-6) – Undefeated in league but not the dominating Huskies we remember. They had to rally to beat Charter Oak 14-12 and snuck past St. Lucy’s 1-0. They also had a 4-2 win over Ayala so while they deserve the No. 2 spot, maybe the best is yet to come.
3. Ayala (13-4) – Bulldogs pitcher Morgan Ettinger has carried them. She’s 12-4 with a 1.36 ERA and 99 strikeouts. However, run support has been the difference. The Bulldogs have allowed the fewest runs (35) among Sierra League teams, but only has scored 73. Compare that to Chino Hills’ 159 runs scored, and there’s your difference.
4. South Hills (13-5) – Huskies are hanging tough, getting a split last week to go to 2-2 in the Sierra, but they have Chino Hills, Claremont and Charter Oak up next. Safe to say, playoff fate riding on next three.
5. Charter Oak (16-5) – After blowing a lead and the game to Chino Hills 14-12, the Chargers answered with a 3-1 win over South Hills. But they took a huge step back last week, losing to Ayala (1-0) and Claremont (4-0), and now suddenly are in a three-way tie for last at 1-3.
6. San Dimas (14-8) – The Saints remained undefeated in the Valle Vista with a 4-3 win over Northview and will probably run the table until they meet Northview again in the league finale the final week.
7. Bonita (16-6) – The Bearcats knocked West Covina out of league contention with a sweep over the Bulldogs last week to go 6-0 in the Hacienda, and they should continue to dominate the next two weeks with home-and-away games vs. Los Altos and Walnut. It will likely all come down to the final week, when it finishes the season with two against Diamond Bar, one game back at 5-1.
8. Northview (14-5) – The Vikings are 6-1 in the Valle Vista in what is a two-team race with San Dimas. Northview and San Dimas should cruise until they meet again, and when they do, I’ve got Northview in the rematch.
9. Duarte (13-3) – Some have wondered why a team on a 12-game win streak and 8-0 in the Montview is only ranked eighth? Schedule, schedule, schedule. Just remember this, Duarte lost 10-0 to Covina in its own tournament. Safe to say, the Montview isn’t extremely difficult this season.
10. South El Monte (11-4) – Same questions asked of Duarte asked about South El Monte too. And while they’re undefeated and dominating the Mission Valley, can’t forget an 11-5 loss to Nogales and 10-2 loss to San Dimas. Again, schedule, schedule, schedule.

PHOTO GALLERY FROM THE MT. SAC RELAYS
Highlights and Interviews from the 2013 Mt. SAC Relays

PHOTO: Former Covina star Romontay McClain (Azusa Pacific) runs past former West Covina High standout BeeJay Lee (USC) as he finished third in the 100-Meter Olympic Development Elite during the Mt. SAC Relays. It brought back memories of the two going at it in high school.

The Tribune rosters for the tenth annual Tribune vs. Star-News boys/girls all-star senior basketball game have been finalized. Damien High will host the games on Friday, April 26. The girls game is at 6 p.m., followed by the boys game at 8 p.m. First practices for both teams are scheduled next week. Bishop Amat coach Richard Wiard will coach the girls, who will practice on Monday at Bishop Amat between 7-9 p.m. Damien coach Matt Dunn will coach the boys team, which will practice on Tuesday from 6:30-8 p.m. at Damien High School.

TRIBUNE BOYS TEAM
Primitivo Gomez, Arroyo
Osnar Garcia, Workman
Mike Peters, Covina
Jared Dizon, Damien
Korey Hackett, Claremont
Nnadi Udengwu, Diamond Ranch
Skyler Williams, La Verne Lutheran
Jordan Stokes, San Dimas
Danny Johnson, Northview
Chris Arzadon, Rowland
Keith Cavanaugh, Damien
Joseph Cook, Bishop Amat
Joseph Dionisio, Rowland
Ryan Ramirez, Bonita
Jeriko Santos, South Hills

TRIBUNE GIRLS TEAM
Yewande Alabi, Diamond Bar
Amanda Britt, West Covina
Imari Brown, Duarte
Kelli Calton, Wilson
Mauriana Clayton, Bishop Amat
Aileen Giang, El Monte
Jasmine Hamori, Los Altos
Tai Lark, Diamond Ranch
Jessica Lupercio, Arroyo
Imani Payton, South Hills
Leeah Powell, Bishop Amat
Kristi Sakamoto, Ayala
Stephanie Vana, Bonita
Jennifer Vasquez, Bishop Amat
Megan Ward, Northview

One year after earning Tribune player of the year honors, La Verne Lutheran grad and Arizona freshman Grant Jerrett is making himself available for the NBA Draft. Question is, why? He only averaged 5 points and 3 rebounds for the Wildcats and was hardly an impact player. But he is 6-foot-10, shoot’s 3s and has the type of game that could translate to the NBA someday. But no way is he a fist round pick. He’s the type of player someone like the Lakers get late in the second round. Good luck, but a baffling decision.

What: 55th Mt. SAC Relays
When: Today-Saturday
Where: Mount San Antonio College, Walnut College and Olympic Developmental races begin at 10:15 a.m. today, high school races start at 5:50 p.m.; Competition for all starts at 7:30 a.m. Saturday

By Erik Boal, Staff Writer
High school competition at the 55th Mount San Antonio College Relays begins tonight with multiple state and national leaders commanding the spotlight at one of the country’s most prestigious meets.
Several elite distance races are scheduled for today, with sprinters and hurdlers competing Saturday in individual events and relays, along with standout jumpers and throwers.
Here are 10 must-see events for any track and field fan planning to attend the meet:

6:05 p.m. today — Boys 4 x 800 relay
Loyola produced the national-leading time of 7:44.13 this season April 6 at the Arcadia Invitational, but No. 4 Redondo Union, No. 5 Rancho Cucamonga, No. 9 Centennial of Las Vegas and No. 17 Vista Murrieta are ready for the rematch with Cubs, who could challenge Dana Hills’ 2009 meet record of 7:40.30.

8:20 p.m. today — Girls 4 x 1,600 relay
Redondo Union is also scheduled to compete in the 4 x 800 relay earlier, but the Seahawks and Saugus have taken turns in recent years lowering the state record and it could be challenged again in this marquee matchup. Redondo is ranked No. 1 in the country this year in the 4 x 800 and distance medley relay and could add another nation’s best mark here.

11 a.m. Saturday — Girls 300 hurdles
The state’s two fastest performers in the low hurdles — Great Oak’s Jade Miller and Long Beach Poly’s
Kymber Payne — will produce a rematch of their battle two weeks ago at Arcadia, with Rancho Cucamonga’s Jordie Munford, last year’s state runner-up, also scheduled to run, in addition to Carson’s Dayna Hurd and Alemany’s Skylin Harbin.

12:45 p.m. Saturday — Girls 100
Long Beach Poly’s Arianna Washington delivered one of the most memorable performances at Arcadia with her national-leading 23.34 in the 200 meters. Now she’ll look to improve her season-best 11.81 in the 100 against a field that includes state-leader Brittany Brown of Claremont (11.71), St. Mary’s Academy’s Sierra Peterson (11.86), Etiwanda’s Kayla Richardson (11.93), Oaks Christian’s Schuyler Moore (wind-aided 11.97) and Redlands’ Margaux Jones.

1:55 p.m. Saturday — Boys 4 x 100 relay
Serra’s Lloyd Siscard will have already competed in the 300 hurdles, but he’ll also be counted on here for the state-leading Cavaliers (41.45) against a field that features California’s top five teams and seven of the top nine — including Roosevelt, Loyola, Notre Dame, Castro Valley, Vista Murrieta and Long Beach Poly — this season.

3 p.m. Saturday — Girls long jump
Harvard-Westlake’s Courtney Corrin produced the nation’s best jump under all conditions with her effort of 20 feet, 2 1/4 inches at Arcadia. She’ll take aim at the meet record of 20-3 1/2, with Los Osos’ Kira Moreland, Simi Valley’s Madisen Richards, Redlands’ Margaux Jones, Roosevelt’s Akia Armstrong and Vista Murrieta’s Michelle Norman also part of this talented lineup.

5 p.m. Saturday — Girls shot put
The state’s top three throwers — Dos Pueblos’ Stamatia Scarvelis, Alemany’s Nia Britt and La Sierra’s Tanya Sapa — will take aim at closing the gap against Ashlie Blake of Nevada, whose effort of 50-9 1/4 was enough to distance herself from the talented group of challengers at Arcadia. Notre Dame’s Ginika Iwuchukwu, Newbury Park’s Kendall Mader and Long Beach Millikan’s Destiny Talalemotu are also scheduled to compete.

6 p.m. Saturday — Girls high jump
South Pasadena’s Claire Kieffer-Wright, the defending state champion, prevailed in a three-way tiebreaker based on fewer attempts after clearing 5-10 at Arcadia. If she can equal or exceed her state-leading mark of 5-10 3/4, she’ll break Amy Acuff’s 1984 meet record of 5-10. Vashti Cunningham, who tied Kieffer-Wright at Arcadia and is the daughter of former NFL quarterback Randall Cunningham, is also scheduled to compete along with Harvard-Westlake’s Alex Florent.

6:05 p.m. Saturday — Boys 200
Notre Dame’s Khalfani Muhammad is the reigning state champion, but suffered a setback in this event against Roosevelt of Corona’s Elijah Mitchell by a 21.21 to 21.40 margin at Arcadia. They could both be chasing Devon Allen from Brophy Prep in Phoenix, who beat Mitchell and Muhammad last season at Arcadia, with Redlands’ Walter Jones and Camarillo’s Ahmed Obed also in the race.

7:35 p.m. Saturday — Girls Distance Medley relay
The only race Simi Valley star Sarah Baxter is scheduled to run this weekend is as the Pioneers’ 1,600-meter anchor on this relay. Even her efforts likely won’t be enough to challenge national-leader Redondo Union (11:51.82), which is aiming for Torrey Pines’ meet record of 11:41.84 in 2010, but Simi Valley could be one of several teams to eclipse the 12-minute barrier.
IF YOU GO

Continue reading →

2013 GIRLS SOCCER ALL-AREA PHOTO GALLERY
2013 GIRLS SOCCER ALL-AREA TEAM ONLINE STORIES AND BIO’S

Player of the Year: TATUM LOCKETT, Diamond Bar, Senior
While U.S. National team forward Alex Morgan is Diamond Bar High School’s most famous girls soccer graduate, she never earned the accolades that forward Tatum Lockett is leaving with. Lockett finished the season with 35 goals and nine assists to lead Diamond Bar to the Hacienda League title and a CIF-Southern Section Division 3 quarterfinal appearance.
She was named the Hacienda League most valuable player, was a Division 3 first-team selection and also has been selected the San Gabriel Valley Tribune girls soccer player of the year.
“I really didn’t expect all of this,” Lockett said. “You set goals and you want to exceed them, but what I learned from my coach and my family is just to keep on working. If you do your best and leave it all out there, there’s nothing more you can do.”
Lockett, a daunting striker who could finish through the run of play and on set pieces – particularly on headers – will continue her career at UC Riverside, which is no surprise considering her family bloodlines.
Lockett has two brothers who played football at Diamond Bar.
One is Bret Lockett, who continued at UCLA and is now in the NFL. And the other is Colin Lockett, who plays football for San Diego State.
But for Tatum Lockett, to be able to leave her own mark was extremely satisfying.
“I didn’t felt the need or pressure to live up to anything, but I wanted to make a name for myself and I think I did that,” Lockett said. “Since I was a freshman, there were a lot of expectations so for it to end like this, and to get (player of the year), I’m just really thankful and grateful to all my teammates and my family.”
Diamond Bar finished 19-4-3 and leaned on Lockett time after time to produce goals when it needed it the most.
“I had to kind of step up being a team leader,” Lockett said. “I felt I gave it my all and that we accomplished a lot this season. We didn’t win it all, but we competed and gave it everything we had.”

Coach of the Year: RUBEN GONZALEZ, Bishop Amat
The Lancers’ coach earned his second San Gabriel Valley Tribune coach of the year award after leading his club to its second CIF-Southern Section divisional title in three years, and third straight championship appearance. Bishop Amat defeated powerful Pasadena Poly 4-2 in the Division 3 championship after surviving a nerve-racking postseason playoff run that included a 4-3 quarterfinal victory over Diamond Bar, and a semifinal win over Yorba Linda that ended with Amat surviving in penalty kicks, 5-4, after a 0-0 tie in regulation and two overtimes.

TRIBUNE FIRST TEAM
Demi Lomeli, Bishop Amat, Senior
The ball-stopping defender was clutch during the Lancers’ march to the CIF-Southern Section Division 3 championship, earning Del Rey League first-team honors. She was part of a tremendous backline that boasted three starting defenders on the CIF-SS Division 1 first-team list.
Kelly Velasquez, Bishop Amat, Senior
The sturdy central defender usually marked the opposing teams best striker while also floating defenisvely to clean up breakdowns. She was argubaly the Lancers’ best defender, earning Del Rey League first-team and CIF-SS Division 1 first-team honors.
Morgan Quarternik, San Dimas, Jr.
The Valle Vista League first-team defender also was named to the CIF-SS Division VI first-team after anchoring the Saints’ backline to the divisional semifinals for the second straight season. The versatile Quarternik could do more than just defend, often helping her team build an attack.
Marissa Favela, Diamond Bar, Senior
The senior attacking midfielder helped the Brahmas to the outright Hacienda League title and quarterfinal appearance in the CIF-SS Division 3 playoffs. She finished with 14 goals and 10 assists, earning Hacienda League first-team honors and was a Division 3 second-team selection.
Yazmin Montoya, Bishop Amat, Senior
The sturdy ball-winning midfielder is the only Lancers player to be a starter on the 2011 and 2013 CIF-SS championship teams, and was part of three straight Lancers squad that reached the finals. She finished with 12 goals and 11 assists and was named to the All Del Rey League squad.
Nayeli Requejo, Bishop Amat, Senior
The Lancers’ small but feisty attacking midfielder was a clutch performer throughout the Division 3 playoffs in leading her team to its second championship in three years. Requejo was named the Division 3 player of the year after finishing with 24 goals and 17 assists. She also was a Del Rey League first-team selection.
Jessica Lopez, Sierra Vista, Jr.
The Montview League most valuable player tallied a whopping 37 goals to go with 40 assists for the league champion Dons, who finished 22-3-1 and advanced to the second round of the Division 6 playoffs. Lopez also was a Division 6 first-team selection for the second straight year.
Katie Zamora, Bishop Amat, Senior
The senior forward earned Del Rey League first-team honors and had a knack for scoring when her team desperately needed it, finishing with five postseason goals during the Lancers’ Division 3 playoff run, including a goal in their title-winning 4-2 victory over Pasadena Poly. She finished with 18 goals and 8 assists.
Ashley Gonzalez, Chino Hills, Jr.
Against extremely tough competition, the junior striker proved to be one of the areas best finishers with 30 goals and 11 assists for the Sierra League champions, who advanced to the Division 2 quarterfinals. Gonzalez also was selected to the Sierra League first team and was a Division 2 first-team selection.
Daisy Duran, San Dimas, Jr.
The Saints’ dangerous striker powered her team to the Valle Vista League title and a second straight appearance in the CIF-SS Division 6 semifinals. Duran led her team and the Valle Vista league in scoring to earn league most valuable player honors. She also was a CIF-SS Division 6 first-team selection.
Katelynn Oshima, Walnut, Senior
The Mustangs’ goalkeeper boasted 10 shutouts in earning Hacienda All-League first-team honors and helped her team to a second-place finish behind Diamond Bar in the league standings. She also anchored the Mustangs to an easy 8-1 victory in the first round of the Division 3 playoffs.

SECOND TEAM
Defender: Denise Garcia, Chino Hills, Jr.
Defender: Ariana Holmes, Claremont, Senior
Defender: Ciara Balderamma, Covina, Senior
Defender: Iris Yam, Diamond Bar, Senior
Midfielder: Mimi Rangel, Chino Hills, Senior
Midfielder: Micaela Estrada, Arroyo, Senior
Midfielder: Emily Castellano, Charter Oak, Senior
Midfielder: Hanna Chua, Claremont, Jr.
Forward: Daisy Ruiz, Sierra Vista, Jr.
Forward: Cassandra Reyes, Bishop Amat, Senior
GK: Britain Chaputa, San Dimas, Jr.

HONORABLE MENTION
Rachel Curley, Bonita, So.
Alisson Kung, Wilson, Jr.
Helena Kisor, Diamond Bar, So.
Angela Schmidt, Diamond Bar, Senior
Lena Suehrstedt, Bishop Amat, Senior
Jamie Peters, Bishop Amat, So.
Erin Harris, Walnut, Jr.
Cassie Duran, Walnut, Senior
Samantha Verduzco, Los Altos, Jr.
Sarah Becerra, Los Altos, Senior
Amanda Ball, Chino Hills, Jr.
Madison Stark, Claremont, Jr.
Claire Damon, Claremont, Senior

Continue reading →

2013 TRIBUNE BOYS SOCCER ALL AREA PHOTO GALLERY
2013 TRIBUNE BOYS SOCCER ALL AREA TEAM ONLINE STORIES AND BIO’S

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 →

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 →

TRIBUNE BOYS BASKETBALL ALL-AREA PHOTO GALLERY
TRIBUNE ALL-AREA TEAM POSTED ONLINE

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)

PHOTO GALLERY OF TRIBUNE ALL-AREA GIRLS BASKETBALL TEAM
ALL-AREA GIRLS BASKETBALL TEAM ONLINE

Player of the Year: NIKKI WHEATLEY, Bonita

By Steve Ramirez
Bonita High School, after advancing to the CIF-Southern Section divisional finals and semifinals the previous two seasons, was supposed to be in rebuilding mode this season.
Nikki Wheatley wouldn’t allow it.
For her efforts in helping the Bearcats to a third consecutive semifinal appearance, Wheatley is San Gabriel Valley Tribune Girls Basketball Player of the Year.
It’s the junior’s third consecutive season on the All-Area team and her second Player of the Year award.
“It was definitely rewarding,” Wheatley said. “The same thing happened (last year) when we lost some key players and people didn’t believe we were going to do as good.
“The same thing happened this year. We lost Bri Kennedy (to graduation) and people thought we were going to struggle, but by us playing as a team we picked up the slack and still make into (the Southern Section and state playoffs).”
A big part of that was Wheatley, who stepped up her game to lead a young Bearcats team that was perfect in winning the Hacienda League before advancing to the 2AA semifinals and the Division 2 state playoffs.
Wheatley, who has been arguably the top player in the area since leading Bonita to the divisional finals in 2011, played her best down the stretch in helping the Bearcats to the 2AA final four.
She averaged more than 20 points a game through the regular season to earn Hacienda League MVP before scoring 29 and 24 points, respectively, in playoff wins over Mira Costa (52-47) and Cajon (60-47) in the second and quarterfinal rounds before a 22-point effort in a 60-47 loss to Lynwood in the semifinals.
“I definitely knew I would have to step up this season,” Wheatley said. “I knew I had to be a key player. But we also had a lot of other girls step up to help me. I knew I had to step up and play by best each and every game.”
Bonita ended its season with a 66-43 setback to La Costa Canyon, of Carlsbad, in the first round of the state playoffs.
“I thought we had a good season,” Wheatley said. “It was disappointing that we couldn’t go further. But I thought how far we went was really good for our team.
“With all the young players we had, we worked really hard and went further than I think people expected.”
Wheatley was big part in that. But a lot as been expected of the junior since she bursted on to the local scene her freshman season in 2011. She’s also stepped up her game each season.
“I think I’ve improved a lot in my shot,” Wheatley said. “My freshman year, because we had some good shooters, I didn’t have to shoot a lot.
“I also make better decisions on the court than I did then. I try to limit my turnovers and I feel I better in getting everyone else involved in the game.”
Now she’s ready for a final season in 2013-14, which could conclude with that elusive CIF-SS title, with an influx of transfers to help the key returners.
“Next year, I hope we can make it really for next year,” Wheatley said. “I feel with some key players coming in, I’m really excited and I think next year will be a good year.”

Coach of the Year: RICHARD WIARD, Bishop Amat
Wiard is arguably the top girls basketball coach in area history. He has guided the Lancers to five CIF-Southern Section titles and two state titles. The Lancers added to their lore this season, going 25-10 and advancing to the sectional finals for the seventh time, losing to Canyon Springs in the Division IA championship game. Amat was again the last area team standing, losing to Long Beach Poly in the CIF State Division I Southern California Regional semifinals. Wiard was Division IA Coach of the Year.

TRIBUNE FIRST TEAM
PAULINA SANTANA, Bishop Amat, Junior, Guard
Santana was key figure for the Lancers down the stretch. She had big games in playoff wins over Westminster and Ventura. The junior was named first team All-CIF-SS Division IA and first team All-Del Rey League.
DAGMAR RAMIREZ, Bishop Amat, Junior, Forward
Notable: Ramirez was one of the top players in the area before suffering a knee injury late in the regular season. She was second team All-Del Rey League.
MAURIANA CLAYTON, Bishop Amat, Senior, Forward
Notable: Clayton was another key player down the stretch that helped the Lancers overcome the injury to Ramirez to make a run at the program’s sixth divisional title. She had big games vs. Westminster and Ventura. Clayton was first team All-CIF-SS Division IA and second team All-Del Rey League.
JANAE CHAMOIS, Bishop Amat, Junior, Guard
Chamois stepped up in the postseason to provide Amat with a solid defensive front while contributing to the offense. She had solid outings vs. Westminster and Ventura.
CASIE LOWDEN, Glendora, Senior, Forward
Loweden was one of the top inside players in the area, She averaged 14. 8 points and 8.8 rebounds per game to help the Tartans to a 19-10 record. The senior was first team All-Baseline League.
KELLI CALTON, Wilson, Senior, Guard
Calton was the key factor for the Wildcats, who went 22-7 and advanced to the CIF-SS Division 3AA quarterfinals. She averaged 12.9 points a game. The senior was Valle Vista League MVP and first team All-CIF-SS Division 3AA/
IMARI BROWN, Duarte, Senior, Guard
Brown has been on of the top players in the area the past three years. She helped the Falcons to a 22-3 record and second-place finish in the Montview League, averaging 26.7 points and 7.9 assists per game. She also had 12 rebounds a contest to be one of the top all-around players in the area. She was Montview League MVP.
LESLIE RIVERA, Workman, Freshman, Guard
Rivera was one half of the Lobos’ dynamic duo that also included freshman Alize Williams. She helped Workman to one of its better seasons in recent memory, which included a 24-5 record and the Montview League title. She earned first team All-Montview League after averaging 9.3 points and 5.6 assists a game. She also had 3.9 steals per contest.
ALIZE WILLIAMS, Workman, Freshman, Forward
Williams was the inside option of the Lobos’ dynamic freshmen duo that also included Leslie Rivera. Williams put in 15 points and 7.9 rebounds to help Workman go 24-5 and win the Montview League title. She was first team All-Montview League.
YEWANDE ALABI, Diamond Bar, Senior, Center
Alabi was one of the area’s top post players. She was dominate inside, ranking among the Hacienda League leaders in scoring and rebounds. She was first team All-Hacienda League.

SECOND TEAM
Taj Lark, Diamond Ranch, Sr.
Amanda Britt, West Covina, Sr.
Dy’mond Mitchell, San Dimas, So.
Kaelyn Kawamoto, Wilson, Jr.
Marisol Chavez, Baldwin Park, So
Jackie Richetson, Ayala, So.
Imani Payton, South Hills, Sr.
Dominique Theus, Covina, Jr.
Janessa Thropay, Chino Hills, Fr.
Leeah Powell, Bishop Amat, Sr.

SGVN TOP 10
1. Bishop Amat (25-10)
2. Bonita (25-7)
3. Workman (24-5)
4. Diamond Ranch (21-8)
5. Wilson (22-7)
6. Ayala (19-9)
7. Duarte (22-3)
8. Rosemead (20-7)
9. Glendora (19-10)
10. South Hills (16-12)

The CIF-Southern Section celebrated its 100th anniversary by selecting the 100 greatest high school athletes in Southern Section history. Each athlete attended a Southern Section School. There were 14 chosen from the combined circulation areas for the Whittier Daily News, San Gabriel Valley Tribune and Pasadena Star-News listed below. Who do you think should of made the list? To view the full list, visit the CIF-SS website. Spokesperson Thom Simmons said the list will be posted later today.

1918 – Chris Paddock, track, Pasadena
1937 – Jackie Robinson, baseball, Muir
1939 – Jack Kramer, tennis, Montebello
1940 – Ralph Kiner, baseball, Alhambra
1943 – Glenn Davis, football, Bonita
1963 – Bob Seagren, track, Pomona
1964 – Stan Smith, tennis, Pasadena
1971 – Pat Haden, football, Bishop Amat
1979 – Bruce Matthews, football, Arcadia
1979 – Gary Zimmerman, football, Walnut
1979 – Jill Sterkel, swimming, Wilson
1981 – Mike Powell, track, Edgewood
1989 – Tracey Murray, basketball, Glendora
1996 – Stacey Nuveman, softball, St. Lucy’s

The annual senior boys/girls basketball all-star game between the Tribune and Star-News is on Friday, April 26 at Damien High School. The girls game is at 6 p.m, followed by the boys game at 8 p.m. The Tribune boys and girls all-area teams will be published on Wednesday in the Tribune and online, and on Thursday, we’ll announce the roster for the boys and girls teams.

By Fred J. Robledo, Staff Writer
After watching South Hills High School pitcher Adrian De Horta work out of several jams and come up with his best magic with the game on the line in the seventh, all Claremont coach Geoff Ranney could do was tip his cap.
De Horta pitched a complete game shutout to lead South Hills to a 2-0 victory, bearing down after Wolfpack leadoff hitter Jeremy Giles belted a one-out double in the seventh to put runners on second and third with the Wolfpack’s big hitters to follow.
But De Horta got Josh Chua to strikeout, then got slugger Nick Costello to fly out to end the game.
“He threw an incredible game,” Ranney said. “We were in situations with opportunities to score several times and he just pulled up his belt up and got down to business.
“We asked our guys to compete today, to be there all seven innings and get those opportunities, but he (De Horta) got the best of us.” (To continue reading, click thread)

Thursday Scores
Sierra League
Ayala 9, Charter Oak 1
South Hills 2, Claremont 0
Valle Vista League
San Dimas 4, Nogales 3
Baldwin Park 6, Covina 3
Montview League
Duarte 13, Workman 3

Continue reading →

By Aram Tolegian, Staff Writer
There’s nothing like the re-leaguing process to bring out the high school kid in even the most respected administrators among us.
Oh yes, every four years principals, athletic directors and in some cases even superintendents get together and put on a display befitting something you might see in the quad any day of the week during a lunchtime quarrel between jilted teenaged lovers and their respective groups of friends.
Alliances are formed. Enemies are made. Scapegoats are manufactured.
Certain evidence is cast aside. Success (popularity) is punished and the end result of all of this is new-look leagues for our local sports teams to compete in.

Continue reading →

Great day of baseball with two league games for sole possession of first. Sierra Vista (10-3, 4-1) will go for the sweep traveling to La Puente (5-8, 4-1) for first in the Montview after beating the Warriors 2-1 earlier in the week. South Hills (12-5, 4-2) will host Claremont (8-5, 4-2) for first in the Sierra after losing 12-11 to the Wolfpack. That series is tied 1-1. Also, San Dimas (14-5, 4-1), a 4-2 winner at Nogales Tuesday, can put the Nobles (14-2, 1-1) in a big hole with a sweep at home today. It’s gut-check time for Nogales, which started 12-0 but is 2-2 in its last four. And then there’s a great way to end the night with two of the areas best teams squaring off at Azusa Pacific when Northview takes on Bonita at 6 p.m.

Today’s Baseball Games
Non-league
Northview vs. Bonita at Azusa Pacific, 6 p.m.
Sierra League
Claremont at South Hills, 3:30 p.m.
Chino Hills at Charter Oak, 3:30 p.m.
Damien at Ayala, 3:30 p.m.
Valle Vista League
Nogales at San Dimas, 3:15 p.m.
Covina at Baldwin Park, 3:15 p.m.
Pomona at Wilson, 3:15 p.m.
Montview League
Sierra Vista at La Puente, 3:15 p.m.
Bassett at Gladstone, 3:15 p.m.
Ganesha at Azusa, 3:15 p.m.

I asked Bishop Amat coach Steve Hagerty who his best running back is heading into spring football.
“I don’t know, there are about 12 of them that go to practice every Wednesday, it’s kind of tough to say,” Hagerty said. “(QB) Koa Haynes, probably. He’s our best running back. He was the second or third leading ball carrier last year and he’ll run a lot this season.”
So there you go, sort of.
Hagerty’s always had backs. Whether it was graduating Dionza Blue, Jay Anderson or Deshawn Gaisie, the player he moved from safety to RB in his first year as head coach at Amat. Gaisie turned into one of the areas leading rushers, so Hagerty’s not all that concerned.
But who are some of the names you might hear pan out?
How about Greg Flowers, a 6-foot senior listed as a linebacker last year. Or Devin Vasquez, a 5-foot-9 senior-to-be who carried the ball a few times. There is Gabe Perez, a JV up-and-coming back, and as Hagerty suggested, “there might be even be some young freshman, you never know.”
Young Freshman? On varsity? “I haven’t seen enough of them yet, but you never know,” Hagerty said. “But we feel like someone will emerge, because they always do.”
Want some interesting possibilities? How about junior-to-be Anthony Camargo, a 6-foot-2 receiver last year. “He’s a good one, we’re still trying to figure out what his best position is,” Hagerty said. Or how about free safety Michael Gonzalez, injured last year, but one of Amat’s best returning players. Or Adrian Ortega, another senior-to-be who could be moved from WR to RB.
“To answer your question, I don’t know,” Hagerty said. “We’ll let it sort itself out.”

Above: Diamond Bar quarterback Tyler Peterson had a big sophomore year. But will he remain at QB with Noodles in school?

By Aram Tolegian Staff Writer

When standout Antonio “Noodles” Hull left West Covina High School for Diamond Bar, it signaled the biggest transfer of the offseason.

In just a few short weeks, the mystery as to what position, exactly, Hull will be playing for the Brahmas this fall will begin to be solved.

A big early clue may come on April 20 when the Brahmas have their first passing competition of the season at Arroyo High against the Knights and Montebello.

“He wants to try and play quarterback and we’re going to let him compete at it,” Diamond Bar coach Ryan Maine said.

One problem, though, the Brahmas already have a quarterback in junior-to-be Tyler Peterson, who had a solid sophomore season.

Continue reading →

The first big passing competition in the Valley comes earlier than usual this season with the advent of the Charter Oak Tournament, which will take place on May 18 and feature 16 teams.

Locals playing in the tournament include the Chargers, La Serna, La Habra, Monrovia, Rosemead, Arroyo, South Hills, Glendora, El Rancho, Diamond Ranch and Muir.

The teams will be split into four pools and later re-seeded for a knockout tournament. First games are at 9 a.m.

Continue reading →

Daylon McCutcheon will not be on Bishop Amat head coach Steve Hagerty’s staff this season after accepting a position in the New York Jets organization.

McCutcheon was a standout player at Amat before attending USC and enjoying a professional career with the Cleveland Browns. He was a popular assistant on Hagerty’s in recent years.

Amat is currently practicing one day a week, on Wednesdays, and is expected to begin normal spring practice in late April. The Lancers return Tribune Offensive Player of the Year Koa Haynes at quarterback, but are light on skill position experience elsewhere.

Continue reading →

Tuesday’s Baseball Results
Valle Vista League
San Dimas 4, Nogales 2
Baldwin Park 8, Covina 4
Pomona vs. Wilson, 3:15 p.m.
Del Rey League
Serra 6, Bishop Amat 0
Sierra League
Claremont 12, South Hills 11
Damien 5, Ayala 4, 9 innings
Charter Oak 6, Chino Hills 4
Montview League
Sierra Vista 2, La Puente 1
Duarte 11, Workman 1
Gladstone at Bassett, 3:15 p.m.
Azusa at Ganesha, 3:15 p.m.