Northview’s Steven Lopez, right, defeated St. John Bosco’s Leon Gonzalez 17-2 in the 170 lb match during the CIF-SS Division 2 Dual wrestling championships at South Hills High School on Saturday, Feb. 9, 2013 in West Covina, Calif. St. John Bosco won 45-24.
(Keith Birmingham/ San Gabriel Valley Tribune)

PHOTO GALLERY

WEST COVINA — There will be no three-peat for the Northview High School wrestling team.
St. John Bosco, which lost to the Vikings for the division crown last season, rode a wave of three early wins by fall to score a 45-24 victory over Northview in the CIF-Southern Section Division 2 dual finals Saturday at South Hills High School.
The Braves, who routed Redlands East Valley (75-6), Charter Oak (57-15 and Santa Ana (50-24) en route to the finals, opened the championship match with consecutive wins by fall from Johnny Zazazueta, Joseph Dominguez and Aaron Pico for an 18-0 lead.
Northview, which was dominant in victories over South Hills (50-13) and Servite (55-13), looked like it might rally, pulling within 30-24 following wins by fall from Bryan Salinas and Anthony Orozco in the 182-pound and 220 bouts, respectively.
But the Vikings’ fate was all but sealed when No. 2 heavyweight Jose Alonzo, filling in for Josh Alonzo, who was injured in the victory over Servite, was pinned by Charles Avidrez late in the second period, giving St. John Bosco a 36-24 lead with two matches left and forcing Northview to go for pins in the final two bouts.
Northview assistant coach Vince Le Farge: “Duals are a tournament of momentum. We lost some really close matches, and those were big point swings. We knew it was going to be a battle. Even on a good day, we knew it was going to be tough to beat those guys. They have a lot of talent, they’re well-coached. They are a good team. I think today we just have to take our hats off to them.”
More local results after the jump Continue reading →

orthview head coach Ron Rice who will retire after the season was honored prior to a prep basketball game against San Dimas at Northview High School on Thursday, Feb. 7, 2013 in Covina, Calif.
(Keith Birmingham/ San Gabriel Valley Tribune)

COVINA — In a perfect world, Northview High School boys basketball coach Ron Rice would have ended his career.
But sometimes life doesn’t work that way. San Dimas saw to it Thursday.
Austin Barbato scored 13 points and Jordan Stokes had 12 points and six rebounds as the visiting Saints likely ended Rice’s 44-year career at Northview with a 50-42 victory over the Vikings in a Valle Vista League game.
San Dimas improved to 15-10 overall and 8-4 in league play. James Cunnigan had 21 points and Daniel Johnson 10 for the Vikings, who slipped to10-15 and 4-8. Rice and Northview could still play at least one more game if they receive an at-large entry in the upcoming CIF-Southern Section playoffs. Pairings are announced on Sunday.
Northview coach Ron Rice: “The game takes it out of you, because you’re so involved it. It’s probably going to hit me later. There were so many wonderful people here tonight.
“There’s a lot of good memories. But I don’t know. It’s kind of emotional, but I’m a little disappointed in the outcome of the game, obviously.”

Today was also national signing day for non-football players.
We know of three who signed today. Here is the list:

Yasmin Montoya, Bishop Amat, girls soccer, Louisiana Lafayette
Jaime Bejarano, Los Altos, softball, Southern Oregon
Kyleigh Morrison, Glendora, field hockey, University of Pacific

If anyone knows of any other non-football signings, email me at steve.ramirez@sgvn.com and I will add them to the list.

Damien’s Isaiah McCullough (32) blocks the shot by Chino Hills’ Nick Earley (10) in the first half of a prep basketball game at Damien High School on Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2013 in La Verne, Calif. Chino Hills won 62-50.
(Keith Birmingham/ San Gabriel Valley Tribune)

By Steve Ramirez, SGVN
twitter.com/SteveRRamirez
LA VERNE — When all else fails, the Chino Hills High School boys basketball team knows it can rely on its defense.
The Huskies turned to the trait again Tuesday and the result is the Sierra League championship.
Chino Hills used a 14-2 run to open the fourth quarter and clinched the league title with a 62-50 victory over host Damien.
The Huskies, getting 15 points from Cameron Curry and 13 from Bishop Mency, improved to 22-4 and 9-0 in league play. Jeremy Hemsley had 20 points and Jared Dizon 17 for the Spartans, who slipped to 19-6 and 6-3.
Chino Hills coach Steve Baik: “We never got into a rhythm other than that stretch in the fourth quarter. Offensively, we like to build from our defense. It created some easy offensive opportunities for us. It created some flow and rhythm for us. Our players made plays. It was as simple as that. We’re fortunate to come out of here with a win.”
Damien coach Matt Dunn: “I think you have to give them (Chino Hills) credit. When it came to winning time, they understood what it took. To be honest, I thought it was loose balls. They got every loose ball for four or five minutes and we go from up four to down 10. They are too good at that point. There were opportunities there to really keep it close, but we just didn’t quite hang in there long enough.”

Ron Rice, the dean of Valley boys basketball coaches, could it a career when his Vikings host San Dimas at Northview High School tonight at 6:30 p.m.
Below is my feature on coach Rice, who has been at Northview for 41 years.

END OF AN ERA: Northview’s Ron Rice, the dean of Valley boys basketball coaches, will likely coach his final game on Thursday.
Staff photo by Keith Birminham.

s

Yes, that’s coach Rice, circa 1976

COVINA — Sometime around 8 p.m. on Thursday, Northview High School boys basketball coach Ron Rice will shake hands with San Dimas’ Bruce Robbins and call it a career.
Rice, who recently announced this season, his 41st as Northview, will be his last, ending, barring a spot in the CIF-Southern Section playoffs, his tenure when the Vikings host San Dimas in their Valle Vista League finale Thursday night at 6:30 p.m.
“It’s been a fun run,” said Rice, who has been head coach at Northview since the 1971-72 season and at the Covina school, first as a junior varsity coach, since 1969. “This year has been a little disappointing. We lost three of our top players before the season. We had to remove one kid, another kid quit and lost the third to a torn ACL that really hurt us. Someone asked me, ‘Is it disappointing to end it this way?’ I said, ‘You can’t let one year effect 40.’ It’s been a good run, and the last 10 have been a whole lot of fun.”
Continue reading →

Another league title for Bonita and Greg Eckler
Staff photo by Keith Birmingham

TRIBUNE TOP 10
1. Chino Hills (20-4) — Just keeps on rolling
2. LV Luthereran (22-6) — Next stop, CIF-SS playoffs
3. Bonita (20-5) — Wrapped up Hacienda title
4. Damien (18-5) — Slipped vs. Claremont
5. Glendora (17-8) Another Baseline League loss, but a solid playoff run seems possible
6. Workman (23-1) — First on the line tonight
7. Covina (20-5) — Back-to-back league champs
8. Claremont (16-9) — Beat Damien last week
9. Rowland (17-7) — Playing for second in league
10. Walnut (16-8) — Big win vs. Diamond Bar

TRIBUNE TOP 10
1. Bishop Amat (18-7) — No match for Del Rey, but will make noise in playoffs
2. Bonita (20-5) — Wrapped up league title
3. Workman (20-4) — No trap games for Lobos after sweeping Duarte
4. Duarte (20-2) — Only two losses are to Workman
5. Diamond Ranch (18-6) — Capable of playoff run
6. Ayala (15-8) — Tough loss to Claremont
7. Wilson (16-6) — Valle Vista’s best
8. Rosemead (17-6) — Rematch vs. El Monte looms
9. Glendora (16-8) — Third in tough Baseline
10. South Hills (14-10) — Plays for first Tuesday night.

TRIBUNE TOP 10
1. Damien (12-3-3) — Routed previous No. 4 South Hills, 8-0
2. Sierra Vista (15-1-4) — Questions after upset tie to Ganesha
3. Walnut (14-3-1) — Big win vs. Diamond Bar. But how did the Mustangs lose to West Covina?
4. Claremont (10-6-1) — Making run for Sierra title
5. Pomona (11-4-3) — Another Valle Vista title after beating Nogales
6. Nogales (10-3-1) — Playing for second in league after lost to Pomona
7. South Hills (10-7) — Gave up 8 goals to Damien. Count them, eight
8. Los Altos (14-6-2) — Went 3-0 last week
9. Diamond Bar (13-6-2) — Staying in the hunt
10. Ayala (11-8-3) — Another tough Sierra foe

Staff photo by Leo Jarzomb

TRIBUNE TOP 10
1. Chino Hills (16-2-4) — Showed win was no fluke, beats Claremont again
2. Claremont (19-4-2) — Beat again by Chino Hills
3. Diamond Bar (15-3-3) — Wrapped up Hacienda with win over Walnut
4. Bishop Amat (13-4-5) — Ready for playoff run
5. Sierra Vista (17-2-1) — Clinched league title, ready for the challenge of the playoffs
6. San Dimas (14-4-2) — Valle Vista champs. Can Saints make a playoff run?
7. St. Lucy’s (9-5-3) — Holding its own in Sierra League
8. Walnut (10-6-1) — Title shot falls short
9. Los Altos (13-7-2) — Enjoyed solid week
10. Arroyo (10-3-4) — Battling for MVL title

Northview continued its dominance in the Valle Vista League, taking 13 of the 14 championships during Saturday’s league finals at Nogales High School. The Vikings qualified all 14 of their wrestlers to the CIF-Southern Section individual championships, scheduled at various sites in two weeks.
Charter Oak, which won the Sierra League dual championship, won the individual team tile, scoring four champions and qualified nine. South Hills, host Ayala and Chino Hills had three champions. South Hills qualified a league-best 10. Damien, which had one champion, qualified five to the divisional championships.
In the Mission League, Bishop Amat scored four championships to win the team title. The Lancers qualified all 14 to CIF-SS championships.
Sierra Vista dominated the Montview League, scoring eight titles and qualifying 12.
Complete results are after the jump.
Continue reading →

Los Altos’ Stephanie Contreras, center, celebrates with her teammates after setting CIF-SS career goals record.

By Steve Ramirez, SGVN
twitter.com/SteveRRamirez
HACIENDA HEIGHTS – Los Altos girls water polo player Stephanie Contreras has climbed the mountain.
The senior became the CIF-Southern Section career goals leader Friday, scoring four to raise her total to 622 in a 9-8 victory over Temescal Canyon in nonleague game.
She eclipsed the old mark, set by La Salle’s Kara-Leigh Huse from 2005-08.
Contreras set the single-season record with 188 during her freshman season in 2010.
“It was kind of crazy, because after I scored I had to come out of the pool,” Contreras said. “Everyone was hugging me. We had a pretty good turnout, so it was good.”
Contreras tied Huse in the second quarter Friday, scoring an off-balance shot from the right side at 1:54 that pulled Los Altos within 6-5. She then tapped in a rebound shot for the record, which gave Los Altos a 7-6 lead with 6:40 left in the third quarter. She had another score in the third quarter before the Conquerors held on for a 9-8 win.
“The single season was out of the blue just before playoffs,” she said. “I was OK, I can score all these goals. But this was more of a build up. It definitely feels better.”

By Steve Ramirez, SGVN
twitter.com/SteveRRamirez
GLENDORA — The magic was back at Glendora High School Friday night.
But this time it was the visitors who wielded the late heroics.
Upland forced back-to-back to stops in the final 90 seconds that led to points from Deangelo Stowers and Dominique Mosley and the Highlanders rallied for a 53-48 victory over the host Tartans in Baseline League game.
Upland, getting 15 points from Mosley and 12 from Stowers, improved to 13-10 overall and 3-5 in league play. A.J. Bigornia had 15 points and Thomas Rico 12 for Glendora, which slipped to 17-8 and 2-6.
The key run, which saw the Highalnders outscore Glendora, 8-0, down the stretch, began after a steal and layup by Stowers for 49-48 lead with 49 seconds left. Upland than pressured Bigornia enough to miss a 3-pointer with 12 seconds left. Mosley grabbed the rebound, then after being fouled, he made two free throws for a 51-48 lead.
The Tartans’ Sean Williams was fouled with 7 seconds. He missed the first of a 1-and-1 attempt. Alfred Brown, who had nine, made two free throws to make it 53-48.
Upland coach John McNally: “We reminded the kids that we still have to play defense. We were trading baskets once they got their lead, and we were able to step up and use our athletiscm.”
Glendora coach Mike LeDuc: We had a stretch were we hit some shots. But we didn’t play like we were capable of playing. It was very frustrating.”

By Steve Ramirez, SGVN
twitter.com/SteveRRamirez
COVINA – It’s checkmate in the Valle Vista League.
Mike Peters scored 17 points and Blythe Curry had 15 and Covina High School won its first outright league title in more than two decades with a 64-55 victory over visiting Nogales on Wednesday.
The Colts, who shared the Valle Vista with Wilson and Northview last season, also are back-to-back champions for the first time since the early 1980s. Covina, which improved to 18-5 overall and 10-0 in league, also received 12 and 10 points, respectively, from Matt Hicks and Eddie Hays.
James Santiago had 24 points for Nogales, which slipped to 5-19 and 1-8.
Covina’s Mike Peters: “It’s great to go back-to-back. It’s what we’ve talked about doing. To go back-to-back, I’m ready for the next level (playoffs) now.”
Covina coach Will Bissman: “It’s (the school’s) first back-to-back in 30 years. That’s what is nice. But the outright is a lot better than last year, when we shared it.”

Glendora is losing its way in the rough and tough Baseline League.
Keith Birmingham/ San Gabriel Valley Tribune

TRIBUNE TOP 10
1. Chino Hills (18-4) — Cruising in the tough Sierra
2. La Verne Lutheran (21-6) — Continuing the tradition
3. Damien (17-4) — Showed a lot in loss at APU
4. Bonita (18-5) — Still the top cat in Hacienda
5. Glendora (16-7) — Shackled in the Baseline
6. Workman (21-1) — Taking care of business
7. Covina (17-5) — Clinched a share league title
8. Claremont (15-8) — Enjoying a solid season
9. Rowland (15-7) — Looked good on Saturday
10. Diamond Bar (12-10) — Challenging in league

Workman moved up a slot after sweeping Duarte, ending the Falcons’ 39-game league win streak.
SGVN staff f photo by Leo Jarzomb

TRIBUNE TOP 10
1. Bishop Amat (17-6) — Showed why it’s No. 1 at APU
2. Bonita (18-5) — 0-2 vs. Del Rey League
3. Workman (18-4) — Still doubting the Lobos?
4. Duarte (17-2) — Swept by Workman
5. Ayala (14-7) — Enjoying life in Sierra
6. Diamond Ranch (15-6) — Still a very scary foe
7. Wilson (14-6) — Cruising in the Valle Vista
8. Rosemead (15-6) — League streak continues
9. Glendora (15-7) — Holding its own in Baseline
10. South Hills (12-10) — Enjoyed good split last week

SGVN/Staff photo by Watchara Phomicinda

TRIBUNE TOP 10
1. Damien (11-2-3) — Sits atop Sierra League
2. Sierra Vista (14-1-3) — Cruising in Montview League
3. Walnut (12-2-1)- Lost only game last week
4. South Hills (9-6-3) — Suffers another split week
5. Nogales (9-2-1) — Faces Pomona for first
6. Claremont (8-6-1) — Staying close in Sierra League
7. Los Altos (11-6-2) — Beat Walnut, Diamond Bar last week
8. Diamond Bar (11-5-2) — Rebounded from loss
9. Baldwin Park (9-4-1) — Playing its best late
10. Ayala (10-7-3) — Making noise in league

SGVN/Staff photo by Watchara Phomicinda)

TRIBUNE TOP 10
1. Chino Hills (14-2-4) –Won six of last seven
2. Claremont (18-3-2) — Eyeing Chino Hills’ rematch
3. Diamond Bar (13-3-3) — Looking like Hacidena’s best
4. Bishop Amat (11-4-5) — Making a late push
5. Sierra Vista (15-2-1) — Toying with league foes
6. San Dimas (12-4-2) — League championship is a formality
7. St. Lucy’s (8-4-3) — Playing its best
8. Walnut (8-4-1) — Diamond Bar’s chief league foe
9. Los Altos (11-7-2) — Drops after double loss
10. South Hills (8-7-3) –Humbled by Sierra League

Northview wrestling coach David Ochoa said this week that he believed the 2013 Vikings could be as solid a group as he’s had in 15-plus years at the Covina school.
Northview lived up to that bold statement Saturday, winning the 5-Counties Invitational at Fountain Valley High School. The annual event is considered the top tournament in the state, and a barometer for what might occur during next month’s CIF-Southern Section divisonal and Masters meets and the CIF State championships.
The Vikings had seven medalist, led by champions Eric Ochoa (113 pounds) and Daniel Valles (138). Bryan Salinas (171), Vince Parra (106) and Ricky Padilla (145) placed second, respectively, with Johnny Rivera (120) fourth and Tony Arellano (132) seventh.

Walnut High’s Miles Jackson, left, goes up for the last shot of the game vs Diamond Bar High’s Evan York at the Walnut campus gym Jan. 16, 2013. (SGVN/Staff photo by Leo Jarzomb)

Don’t look now, but Diamond Bar is taking control of the Hacienda League, improving to 4-0 with a 59-57 victory over Walnut Wednesday. Over in the Montview League, Workman easily routed rival La Puente.
Here’s a brief recap of Wednesday’s games.

Diamond Bar 59, Walnut 57
WALNUT – Diamond Bar High School was the preseason pick to win the Hacienda League boys basketball title, but now there is no doubt the Brahmas definitely are the team to beat.
Kenneth Thai had a steal and layup with 41 seconds and Evan York had three blocks in the final 20 seconds, the last as time expired, as visiting Diamond Bar stayed perfect in league with a 59-57 victory over Walnut on Wednesday.
The Brahmas, getting 16 points from Marcus Favela and 12 from Sam Ting, improved to 10-8 overall and 4-0 in the Hacienda League. Rob Harrelson had 18 points and Zuri Williams 13 for the Mustangs, who slipped to 13-6 and 3-2.
Diamond Bar coach Ty Watkins:“We had a great group in (at the end of the game) defensively. Evan York with the blocks at the end really did a great job. We did a great job all game long with our defense. (Walnut) is such a great team, they shoot well here. We’re proud of our defense to finish up the game at the end.”
Workman 56, La Puente 44
Osnar Garcia had 18 points and Noah Juarez 10 to lead the first-place Lobos to an easy win. Workman (17-1, 6-0) opened with a 15-0 run and was never threatened. Matthew Arguello had 22 points for La Puente (5-10, 3-1).
Workman coach Martin Flores: We came out and played good defense. We did the things we needed to do and they had no answer. We want our guys to get to their spot and there’s nothing for them to get.”
More Scores after the jump
Continue reading →

By Steve Ramirez, SGVN
twitter.com/SteveRRamirez

COVINA - San Dimas and Northview high schools have developed a little rivalry in girls soccer in recent years.
The Saints, seeking a sixth consecutive Valle Vista League title this season, have held the upper hand and continued to do so Tuesday.
Anette Montalvo scored two goals and Daisy Duran had two assists to lead the visiting Saints to a 3-0 victory over the Vikings.
San Dimas, also getting a goal from Courtney Francis, improved to 9-4-2 and 6-0 in league. Northview, which was held to four shots, slipped to 7-5-2 and 2-2-2.
“Northview’s a good team,” San Dimas coach George Duran said. “They’re very physical, more physical than some of the (other teams in the league).
“It was a little frustrating coming off the first half because we had a lot of opportunities and didn’t score. I just told the girls to keep their composure and keep pushing and eventually we’ll get it in.”
Continue reading →

By Steve Ramirez, SGVN
twitter.com/SteveRRamirez

When it comes to high school wrestling, Northview has set the bar for the rest of the Valley during the past 15 years.
The Vikings are continuing that trend this season.
Northview, which features four competitors ranked among the top 15 in the state, including 2012 Tribune Wrestler of the Year Bryan Salinas, are ranked No. 13 in the state by the California Wrestler and No. 1 in CIF-Southern Section Division 2.
“We’ve had a really strong season to this point,” Northview coach David Ochoa said. “We’ve wrestled well.
“If Bryan is healthy, I think we can be as good as any team we’ve had.”
That’s a bold statement for a program that annually competes for CIF-SS divisional, Masters and state titles.
Salinas, finished fourth in the state at 145 pounds last season, is recovering from a knee injury. But the junior, ranked No. 4 in the state at 170 by The California Wrestler, is expected to begin his season this weekend at the 5-Counties Invitational at Fountain Valley High School.
Continue reading →

TRIBUNE TOP 10
1. Damien (14-2) — Dunn’s boys just keep on rolling
2. Chino Hills (14-4) — Gets shot at Spartans on Friday
3. La Verne Lutheran (16-6) — Here come the Trojans
4. Glendora (15-3) — Earned decent split last week
5. Bonita (14-5) — Inconsistent in league play
6. Claremont (12-6) — A step below Damien, Chino Hills
7. Arroyo (12-5) — Got revenge on Gabrielino
8. Covina (12-5) — Looks like Valle Vista League’s best
9. Workman (16-1) — Montview League’s best
10. Diamond Bar (9-8) — Sits atop the Hacienda League

TRIBUNE TOP 10
1. Bishop Amat (15-4) — Still possesses top resume despite double-loss
2. Bonita (13-4) — Will get its shot at Lancers at SoCal Shootout
3. Duarte (13-0) — The Falcons just keep on rolling
4. Workman (12-4) — Continues to cruise, awaits meeting vs. Duarte
5. Diamond Ranch (12-5) — Should be major challenge for Bonita in Hacienda
6. Wilson (12-6) — Is there a match for the ‘Cats in Valle Vista?
7. Glendora (13-5) — Already finding Baseline League tough to handle
8. Chino Hills (9-7) — Enjoyed nice sweep last week
9. Rosemead (11-6) — Gautheir gunning for MVL MVP
10. South Hills (10-7) – Faces Ayala for first in Sierra this week

TRIBUNE TOP 10
1. Damien (8-1-3) — Moves on up after Sierra League sweep
2. Sierra Vista (10-1-3) — Puts first on the line today at Azusa
3. Walnut (9-1-1) — Drops after loss to un-ranked West Covina
4. Diamond Bar (8-3-2) — Making strong push in Hacienda League
5. South Hills (7-4-3) — Might be Damien’s top challenger in Sierra
6. Nogales (8-2) — Team to beat in Valle Vista
7. Los Altos (8-5-2) — Don’t sleep on the Conqs
8. Baldwin Park (6-4-2) — Litmus test vs. Nogales this week
9. Claremont (6-5-1) — A step behind in Sierra League
10. Azusa (6-4-1) — Can it handle Sierra Vista?

TRIBUNE TOP 10
1. Claremont (16-2-1) — Is there another CIF-SS title in the Pack’s future?
2. Chino Hills (10-2-5) — Huskies have a lot of bite
3. Bishop Amat (7-4-5) — 1-1 week ended with big win over La Salle
4. Charter Oak (9-3-2) — Got lost in the Hills
5. Diamond Bar (9-3-2) — Look solid in easy win over Diamond Ranch
6. Sierra Vista (11-2-1) — Cruising in Montview League
7. St. Lucy’s (6-4-3) — Needs to rebound from win-less week
8. San Dimas (8-4-2) — Renews rivalry with Northview today
9. South Hills (8-3-3) — Got big win over Charter Oak last week
10. Los Altos (9-5-2) — Welcome back, Conqs