San Gabriel Valley Tribune Baseball player of the year Adrian De Horta, a pitcher, has agreed to terms with the San Diego Padres after getting drafted in the eighth round, according to reports. De Horta, who was committed to Cal State Fullerton, apparently agreed to a $425,000 signing bonus, according to reports, which is roughly $269,000 over his slot value for being selected No. 238 overall in the draft. The big question is this: Is nearly half a million enough of a incentive to forgo your college education, or at least delay it? Once again, I say yes.

Bishop Amat alum David Berg is as good as money in the bank.
The sophomore closer showed it again tonight.
Berg retired six of seven in batters in two relief innings to help UCLA to a 2-1 victory over North Carolina State Tuesday in a College World Series winner’s bracket game in Omaha, Neb.
UCLA, which beat LSU, 2-1, on Sunday, improved to 46-17 and will face either North Carolina State or North Carolina, on Friday. UCLA can advance to the championship series with a win. The winner of the Tar Heels and Wolfpack would have to beat UCLA twice.
Berg also had three strikeouts as he earned his 23rd save, which equals a NCAA record.
UCLA coach John Savage: “What can you say? Right now, I guess that’s who we are. It’s Bruin baseball. Sometimes it’s grueling, tough to watch, I’m sure, from outside the dugout, but our kids hung in there, and they persevered. We really didn’t do much offensively. You have to give their pitchers a ton of credit. They pounded the zone. We were opportunistic. Pitching and defense are clearly our strength. We know our strength, and sometimes it’s walking a tightrope, and tonight was one of those nights. I tip my hat to our guys,” he continued. “We hung in there, and at the end of the day we’re moving on.”

Glendora’s Adam Plutko and Bishop Amat’s David Berg showed the nation Sunday night what the San Gabriel Valley already knew — Area baseball rocks.
Plutko, who led Glendora to its only CIF-Southern Section divisional title in 2010, gave up four hits over seven innings and Berg, who won a divisional title with Amat in 2011, closed the ninth for his 22nd save to lead UCLA to a 2-1 victory over No. 4 Lousiana State in the College World Series in Omaha, Neb.
UCLA improved to 45-17 and will face North Carolina State, which beat North Carolina, in a winner’s bracket game at 5 p.m. on Tuesday.
The Bruins, who improved to 6-0 in the postseason, scored both of its runs off errors, including a fielding miscue in the eighth that scored pinch-runner Christopher Bono from second with two outs.
LSU put runners on first and second with two outs before Berg induced a fly out to right field to end it and advance UCLA to Tuesday’s winner’s bracket game. The Bruins are at the CWS for the third time in four seasons, including making the championship series in 2010.
UCLA coach John Savage: “It was quite a game. You’re talking about (LSU pitcher Aaron) Nola and Plutko really pitching as advertised. I’m very proud of Adam and proud of our team. That was a grind. You’re talking about a crowd that was certainly in the favor of LSU. We anticipated that, and at the end of the day, it was our type of game. Fortunately, we came out. It’s game one of the World Series, so there’s no celebration, but in the end it could have gone either way. We’re a resilient bunch. We played a lot of tight games all season long. Tonight was somewhat of a typical game for us, and we came out on top. I’m proud of our team this evening.”
Adam Plutko (interview with ESPN): “I have trust in my guys. The way we strung at-bats together was really special. We competed all nite. I just stayed with my game plan. It’s what I do. There are no bad hops in the air, I let my guys run underneath them.”

San Gabriel Valley Tribune 2013 All-Area Softball Photo Gallery

Player of the Year: LEXI GONZALEZ, Bishop Amat, Sr.
By Steve Ramirez
TRIBUNE SOFTBALL ALL AREA ONLINE: When it came to hitting a softball consistently and with power, no player in the area in recent years did it better than Bishop Amat High School’s Alexis Gonzalez.
The recently graduated senior was the glue and key cog that allowed the Lancers to win back-to-back Del Rey League championships and make decent runs in the CIF-Southern Section playoffs.
Continue reading →

Tribune Baseball All-Area photo gallery

By Fred J. Robledo, Staff Writer
STORY ONLINE: Adrian De Horta wasn’t perfect for the South Hills High School baseball team, but the senior pitcher was as close to perfection as it gets.
The areas best high school prospect lived up to the billing by going 11-1 with a 1.46 ERA and 97 strikeouts to lead South Hills to a third consecutive Sierra League title and a CIF-Southern Section Division 2 quarterfinal appearance.
De Horta wasn’t just dangerous on the hill, he delivered with his bat too, batting .366 with 22 RBIs, eight doubles, two triples and 13 runs scored.
Continue reading →

Baldwin Park baseball coach Jake Barendregt, who led the Braves to the CIF-Southern Section divisional semifinals for the first time since the 1980s, has resigned.
73-57-1 in five seasons after replacing Mark Price prior to the 2009 season.
Baldwin Park, keyed by first team All-Valley selection Bernardo Flores, was 23-6 this season, finishing second in the Valle Vista League before losing to El Rancho in the Division 4 semifinals.

Bonita softball coach Ken Carlson has resigned after five winning seasons and one of the best coaching records in the San Gabriel Valley during his tenure. Carlson was 109-31-2 since taking over in 2009, which included three league titles, two second-places finishes and a CIF-SS semifinal appearance. When Carlson took over the program, the Bearcats were 11-14 the year prior in 2008.

Swimmers of the Year: AUSTIN GARCIA, San Dimas; NICOLE GAUTREAU, Glendora
2013 All-Area Swimming boys/girls photo gallery
ALL-AREA STORY ONLINE: After months of marathon practices and hours and hours of honing their craft in the pool, San Dimas High senior Austin Garcia and Glendora High senior Nicole Gautreau have been selected the San Gabriel Valley Tribune boys and girls swimmers of the year for 2013.

Continue reading →

The first wave of the San Gabriel Valley Tribune All-Area teams will be published this week online and in print, starting with Swimming on Thursday, Baseball on Friday and Softball on Saturday. I’ll post all the teams with links to the pages each day.

San Dimas junior Jake Payton, the Valle Vista league most valuable player, has transferred to Inland Division power Upland and already has competed with the Highlanders in a passing tournament, sources have confirmed. We’ve posted rumors of Payton leaving for more than a month and speculated that he would likely go to Upland. What a surprise? Now comes the big question, will Payton be eligible? This is an obvious transfer for athletic reasons, but will San Dimas challenge it? That’s the key, if San Dimas challenges it the way West Covina challenged Antonio “Noodles” Hull’s transfer to Diamond Bar, where Hull has been declared ineligible by CIF because of an athletically motivated transfer, you would assume that Payton would likely suffer the same fate. If San Dimas does nothing and Payton moves to Upland, then Payton likely will be eligible come Week 1. Just like Noodles, I hope Payton is able to play and that San Dimas will let him leave and wish him well so he can pursue his dreams. But here’s the thing, will Payton be good enough to be a star at Upland the way he was at San Dimas? Will playing a Upland, in what could be a limited role because of a huge step-up in class with many more athletes around him, help his scholarship chances more than being at San Dimas, where he is dominant in the Wing Z? If he’s eligible, that’s the risk he takes going to a power like Upland where he’s just one of many talented players. If he’s not eligible, he can ask Jordan Canada what it’s like to transfer your senior year and not be able to play. That’s the risk he’s taking, and for his sake, I hope it works out.

ALL CIF-SS BASEBALL AND SOFTBALL TEAMS
BASEBALL
DIVISION 1
Player of the Year: Jack Flaherty, Harvard Westlake
Coach of the Year: Matt Lacour, Harvard Westlake
Team: Tyler Cohen, Agoura; Mario Losi, Canyon Anaheim; Myles Hager, Chaminade; Ryan Kayoda, El Toro; Brock Lundquist, Fountain Valley; Arden Pabst, Harvard Westlake; Ezra Steinberg, Harvard Westlake; J. P. Crawford, Lakewood; Javier Alvarez, Lakewood; Frankie Rios, Long Beach Poly; Frankie Padula, Los Alamitos; Brandon Caruso, Loyola; Quinn Brodey, Loyola; Jake Bauers, Marina; Jack Westermeyer, Marina; Ryan McMahon, Mater Dei; Jeremy Martinez, Mater Dei; Sean Barry, Moorpark; Jason Martin, Orange Lutheran; Cody Palmer, Riverside Poly

DIVISION 2
Player of the Year: David Fletcher, Cypress
Coach of the Year: John Weber, Cypress
Team: Zach Kirtley, Redlands East Valley; Brett Sebade, Alsio Niguel; Kyle Brown, Arroyo Grande; Dylan Stablein, Beckman; Ted Boeke, Crescenta Valley; Trevor Hall, Cypress; Kevin Lillicrop, Cypress; Gabe Speier, Dos Pueblos; Chris Kohler, Los Osos; Kyle Carpenter, Mayfair; Tyler Wade, Murrieta Valley; Jeremy Alvarado, Oxnard; Jacob Nottingham, Redlands; Angel Landazuri, Redlands; Cody Maples, San Clemente; Kyle Plantier, Temecula Valley; Burke Mitchell, Temecula Valley; Cesar Serna Valencia; Tyler Russell, Vista Murrieta; Blake Wilson, La Mirada

DIVISION 3
Player of the Year: Dominic Smith, Serra
Coach of the Year: Wil Aaron, Serra
Team: Eddie Carranza, Garden Grove; David Odle, Palos Verdes Peninsula; Jacob Blunt, Bonita; Parker Merritt, Bonita; Zeph Walters, Diamond Bar; Sammy Fitzgerald, Elsinore; Evan Hartfiel, Elsinore; Kevin Franklin, Gahr; Joseph Cochran Knight; David Sanchez, Loara; Austin Henning, Mira Costa; Chris Alcala, Mira Costa; Brian Serven, Palm Desert; Bryce Macy, Paloma Valley; Ulices Moreno, Paramount; Ty Boyles, Quartz Hill; Trent Hammond, Serra; Denz’l Chapman, Serra; Alan Trejo, Warren; Tyler Mahle, Westminster

DIVISION 4
Player of the Year: Phillip Bickford, Oaks Christian
Coach of the Year: Tim Penprase, Oaks Christian
Team: Marco Briones, Alhambra; Ben Fonseca, Baldwin Park; Bernardo Flores, Baldwin Park; Frank Vargas, El Rancho; Julian Vizcarra, El Rancho; Lars Nootbaar, El Segundo; Chris Mathewson, Kaiser; Clayton Herrman, La Canada; Sean Sparling, La Habra; Mark Abbate, La Serna; Jackson Rees, Laguna Beach; Chris Burkholder, Monrovia; Jack Kruger, Oaks Christian; Nathaniel Palace, Oaks Christian; Jimmy Lambert, San Dimas; Elias Orona, San Dimas; Andrew Piraino, Sonora; Jon Paul Sarro, Sonora; Matt Mogollon, South Torrance; Kollbi Oriti, Northview

DIVISION 5
Player of the Year: Logan Griffin, Oak Hills
Coach of the Year: Jason Story, Oak Hills
Team: Frankie Annunziato, Ontario Christian; Matt Nishanian, Ontario Christian; Ethan Stine, Apple Valley; Vin Haro, Big Bear; Connor McCoy, Citrus Valley; Luke Lamphere, Citrus Valley; Adrian Solchaga, Gladstone; Chris Jasien, Linfield Christian; Daniel Rasmussen, Maranatha; Augie Encinas, Mary Star; Kyle Callahan, Oak Hills; Tommy Anderson, Oak Hills; Travis Booth, Ontario Christian; David Metzgar, Paraclete; Tyler Carvalho, Paraclete; Tyson Miller, Shadow Hills; Ben Moreno, Tahquitz; Michael Frigon, Templeton; Mitch Williams, Village Christian; Brett Prater, Woodcrest Christian

DIVISION 6
Player of the Year: Morgan Earman, Desert Christian Academy
Coach of the Year: Mark Salazar, Desert Christian Academy
Team: Nate Loewen, Desert Christian Academy; Marshall Webb, Desert Christian Academy; Bryan Bell, Calvary Chapel Downey; Frank Manriquez, Calvary Chapel Downey; Aaron Anast, Capistrano Valley Christian; Willie Quiros, Capistrano Valley Christian; Brenden Sale, Crean Lutheran; Robert Camargo, Excelsior Charter; Andrew Penner, Frazier Mountain; Corey Mixon, Kern Valley; Layne Henderson, La Verne Lutheran; Caleb Lee, Pasadena Poly; Luke Asperger, Pasadena Poly; Brock Bell, Sierra Canyon; Harrison White, St Margarets; Caeden Barnes, Upland Christian; Aaron Digiamarino, Webb; Kirav Patel, Windward; Karlsen Termini, Flintridge Prep; Nick Gollin, Webb

DIVISION 7
Player of the Year: Anthony Rios, Firebaugh
Coach of the Year: Scott Hunter, Firebaugh
Team: Cristian Martinez, Avalon; William Perez, Bethel Christian; Zach Ell, Cate; Andy Winslow, Concordia Sylmar; Matt Jardim, Concordia Sylmar; Chandler Hughes, Dunn; Bryce McKibbin, Dunn; Sam Fields, Einstein Academy; Anthony Arreola, Firebaugh; Brian Gonzalez, Firebaugh; Esteban Ojeda, Nuview Bridge; Mark Nardoni, Rolling Hills Prep; James Uribe, Temecula Prep; Davis Muxlow, Santa Clarita Christian; Jordan Santa Cruz, Temecula Prep; Dakota Prochnow, Trinity Classical Academy; Nolan Day, Riverside Christian; Alex Ruiz, Riverside Prep; Quinten Raethke, Coast Union; Fabian Vital, Animo Leadership

SOFTBALL
DIVISION I
Player of the Year: Erica Romero, Santiago/Corona (12) Pitcher
Championship Coach: John Perez, Santiago/Corona
Team: Tera Blanco, Marina; Alexis Osorio, Martin Luther King; Janine Petmecky, Riverside Poly; Selena Ta’amilo, Vista Murrieta; Jade Vecvanags, Orange Lutheran; Paige Von Sprecken, Yorba Linda; Kristina Brackpool, Valencia; Hayley Chamberlain, Camarillo; Nicole De Witt, Pacifica/Garden Grove; Megan Geer, Los Alamitos; Chelsea Gonzales, Rosary; Megan Linn, Corona; Kirsten Mack, Arlington; Mo Mercado, Great Oak; Kylie Reed, Norco; Kylie Sorenson, West Ranch; Delaney Spaulding, Etiwanda; Brynley Steele, Esperanza; Nikki Udri, Mater Dei; Maddy Jelenicki, Saugus; Karly Wester, Edison

DIVISION 2
Player of the Year: Miranda Viramontes, Chino (11) Pitcher
Championship Coach: Mike Smith, Chino
Team: Sahvanna Jaquish, Redlands East Valley; Aleah Laxamana, Long Beach Wilson; Kaylea Snaer, Rowland; Elizabeth Snow, Millikan; Amanda Lorenz, Moorpark; Alyssa Palomino, Mission Viejo; Monica Pasillas, Redlands; Jessica Scroggins, Lakewood; Jessica Torrez, Mayfair; Nicki Sprague, Charter Oak; Corrina Liscano, Bonita; Alyssa Mendez, Chino Hills; Kelly Spear, Oaks Christian; Mercedes Gasbarovic, La Mirada; Kira Griswold, Beckman; Brooke Belinger, Yucaipa; Cassidy Gustafson, Trabuco Hills; Nyah Rodman, Mayfair; Morgan Ettinger, Ayala; Taylor McQuillen, Mission Viejo; Janel Hayes, Lakewood

DIVISION 3
Player of the Year: Katelyn Chenault, Righetti (12) Pitcher/1B
Championship Coach: Scott Nickson, Righetti
Team: Sabrina Anguiano, Bishop Amat; Caitlyn Brooks, Burbank; Trisha Trujillo, California; Marcilena Valenzuela, Colton; Chloe Pendergast, Harvard-Westlake; Rachel Garcia, Highland; Sydni Overly, North Torrance; Jaelene Menchaca, Rialto; Alexis Gonzalez, Bishop Amat; Marissa Harmon, Highland; Rayleen Pallaro, California; Brittany Solis, Chaminade; Brooke Christensen, Peninsula; Gladys Esparza, Righetti; Kamryn Watts, Torrance; Mariah Sandoval, Alemany; Danielle Garcielita, La Serna; Taylor Glover, Mira Costa; Alyssa Hanks, Warren

DIVISION 4
Player of the Year: Cheyenne Gandara, Hemet (12) Pitcher
Championship Coach: Jeff Galloway, Hemet
Team: Alexandra Blevins, Heritage; Michelle Floyd, San Marino; Brittany Hitchcock, Ocean View; Ashley Ramirez, Segerstrom; Jenavee Pares, Garden Grove; Seanna Jiminez, El Monte; Austin Urness, Lakeside; Anjelica AmezQuita, Maranatha; Ashley Diaz, South El Monte; Kaitlyn Eveland, Loara; Sara Garcia, Santa Monica; Melissa Martine, Whittier Christian; Chloe Madill, Dos Pueblos; Emily Morrow, Valley Christian/Cerritos; Hannah McCorkhill, La Sierra; Ane Pahulu, Ramona; Stephanie Pergmann, Oak Hills; Taylor Vanzee, Hemet; Stacy Cavazos, Patriot; Olivia Leyva, La Canada; Anneliese Lopez, Buena

DIVISION 5
Player of the Year: Zoe Casas, Aquinas (10) Outfield
Championship Coach: Chris Ybarra, Aquinas
Team: Natalie Calderas, Jurupa Hills; Melanie Coyne, Calvary Chapel/Santa Ana; Courtney Cuzick, Nipomo; Kirstin Gutierrez, Savanna; Evelyn Hernandez, Montebello; Zoe Meinelschmidt, Marlborough; Larisa Petakoff, Calvary Chapel/Downey; Areana Ramos, Ontario Christian; Taylor Troost, Citrus Valley; Chandler Geary, Citrus Valley; Janell Wheaton, San Dimas; Becca Bell, Burroughs/Ridgecrest; Randi Dominguez, Silverado; Ashley Ruiz, Nipomo; Emily Sanchez, Schurr; Alyssa Soneff, Montebello; Jessica Valenzuela, Aquinas; Kristin Worley, Savanna; Breanna Atkinson, Paraclete; Jordan Grant, Silverado; Jocelyn Marquez, Northview

DIVISION 6
Player of the Year: Monique Landini, Bell-Jeff (12) Infield
Championship Coach: Florencio Galindo, Bell-Jeff
Team: Mackenzie Draper, Rosamond; Amanda Garcia, Cantwell Sacred Heart; Victoria Givens, Pomona Catholic; Miranda Magana, Santa Paula; Marina Vitalich, Mary Star of the Sea; Jessica Yasin, Kern Valley; Samantha Casarez, Bell-Jeff; Amber Nunez, Mary Star of the Sea; Alexis Parker, Rio Hondo Prep; Cailen Rodriguez, Alverno; Abriana Schlickernmayer, Yucca Valley; Caity Seastand, California Lutheran; Kayla Burns, Frazier Mountain; Sarah Guillen, Pomona Catholic; McKenna Hill, St. Bonaventure; Tamaya McQuery, St. Anthony; Jacqueline Mercado, Rosamond; Madisyn Moynihan, Saddleback Valley Chr; Andrea Rodriguez, Santa Paula; Marissa Witten, Kern Valley; Hannah Emery, St. Bonaventure

DIVISION 7
Player of the Year: Jen Deiner, Mesa Grande Academy (11) Infield/Pitcher
Championship Coach: Fred Knight, Mesa Grande Academy
Team: Cassandra Williams, Acad for Academic Excel; Krystin Koller, Riverside Christian; Kayla Limphaibule, Faith Baptist; Ashley Cazares, Firebaugh; Ashley Coleman, Crossroads Christian; Anissa Lopez, University Prep; Anielle Stosuy-Henderson, Bloomington Chr; Darby White, Campbell Hall; Jennifer Bice, Concordia; Sierra Gabriel, Rolling Hills Prep; Alyssa Frederick, Acad For Academic Excel; Andee Zulim, Riverside Christian; Amanda Suard, Faith Baptist; Guadalupe Corrol, Firebaugh; Justice Borden, University Prep; Michaela Garcia, Mesa Grande Academy; Amanda Roberts, Bloomington Christian; Jessica Pasco, Rolling Hills Prep; Jamie Hobson, Windward; Sierra Martinez, Orcutt Academy; Vanessa Sanchez, Avalon

Rosemead girls basketball coach Jay Gauthier, also known for singing the national anthem before games, has resigned after 12 years in charge and 10 Mission Valley League championships. One of the most successful girls basketball coaches over the last decade, Gauthier leaves having won five straight league titles and with a current 46-game league winning streak for the next coach. Gauthier posted an incredible 108-12 mark in the MVL. We will have a story up soon.

With Dionza Blue on his way to Boise State, running back is a big question for Bishop Amat. Could Amat sophomore-to-be Torrie Sweet be the answer? He sure looks the part in his freshman highlight package. Anyone out there with highlight videos, share them with me and I’ll post it.

Los Altos DL David Jimenez, a 6-foot-2, 260 pound junior-to-be, shared this video from the USC Football camp over the weekend. Would love more video from the area’s future stars. If Dad’s recording it, we’ll post it.

What: MVP Basketball Camp
Where: Covina High School Air Conditioned gym
Who: Girls and Boys ages 8-13
When: Starts June 17th Mon-Friday 8:30 a.m — 11:30 a.m.
Cost: GREAT PRICE only $65 Dollars for the week. Free Camp T-Shirt.
Former Citrus College Lead assistant and current Covina High School Head Varsity girls basketball coach/2012 San Gabriel Valley Tribune Coach of the Year Nick Masi with be directing and running the youth camp.

Bishop Amat’s highly regarded freshman team went undefeated in 2012 and defensive end Andrew Vasquez is a big reason why. Watch how he dominated at the USC Camp over the weekend. They couldn’t find anyone to stop him.

Two-Minute Drill: Vasquez’s freshman highlights in two minutes.

Bob Ramsey, a Glendora track assistant who has contributed to our newspaper in the past, informed us of the sad news of Glendora cross country and track coach Don Sumner passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with him and his family.

By Bob Ramsay, correspondent
Don Sumner, longtime cross county and track coach at Glendora High School, died suddenly while at work on Thursday, June 6.
Sumner began coaching with his own kids and with the San Gabriel Valley Roadrunners, and recently completed his 18th year of coaching at Glendora.
He coached a number of all-CIF runners, and sent dozens of athletes on to college. His teams won five cross country league championships, and the boys were CIF finalists the last four years.
The competitive peak of his coaching career was the GHS Boys CIF Cross Country Championship and runner-up finish at the State meet in 2009.
But the real highlight of Coach’s career were the thousands of athletes who learned to train and complete but mostly learned to believe in themselves under his leadership and friendship.
Donnie was 64 at the time of his death, and is survived by his wife Patricia, sons Joey and Stephen, and seven Grandchildren, along with thousands athletes and friends.
Services will be Wednesday at 7:00pm at Forrest Lawn – Covina (21300 Via Verde Drive)

Bishop Amat High School girls’ basketball coach, Richard Wiard, is holding his annual Lady Hoopster Basketball Camp June 24-27 from 1:30-5:00 daily. The camp is open to girls entering the 5th-9th grades. Girls will receive instruction in basketball fundamentals, a camp t-shirt, and the chance to win daily prizes. The cost of the camp is $90. For more information, contact Coach Wiard at rwiard@bishopamat.org or 626-962-2495 ext. 5868.

By Steve Ramirez
Staff Writer
FULLERTON - When it comes to high school baseball, the San Gabriel Valley plays second fiddle to no other area.
The area’s pride was in full display Friday as an NCAA baseball Super Regional opener between visiting UCLA and Cal State Fullerton featured five local players, including starting pitchers Justin Garza (Bonita High School) of Fullerton, Adam Plutko (Glendora) of UCLA and Bruins closer David Berg (Bishop Amat), who threw three innings in relief to lead UCLA to a 5-3 victory in 10 innings over the Titans.
The Bruins, seeking their third trip to the College World Series in four seasons, improved to 43-17 and will look to advance to Omaha, Neb., when the best-of-three series continues Saturday at 7 p.m.
The series was a showcase for the Valley, and no one knows that more than Berg, who walked on to UCLA before becoming the elite closer in college baseball.
“You’re playing against guys you know and grew up watching,” Berg said. “Guys over at Bonita, Glendora and Bishop Amat, so you definitely know where they from. You’ve seen them play before.
“It’s a little extra emotion because you’ve competed against these guys. It’s a little more prideful and get the (win).” Continue reading →

Who’s the most dominant pitcher in the area during the past five years?
The answer could come Friday at 4 p.m. when former Area Players of the Year Adam Plutko, of Glendora, and Justin Garza, of Bonita, square off to lead Southern California collegiate baseball powers UCLA and Cal State Fullerton, who meet for game one of a NCAA Super Regional at Fullerton’s Goodwin Field.
The best of three series, which will decide a spot in the 2013 College World Series in Omaha, Neb., continues with 7 p.m. games on Saturday and Sunday. The matchup also features some of the Valley’s best players in recent years.
Besides Plutko, who led Glendora to its first CIF-Southern Section title in 2010, UCLA also features former Glendora standout Cody Regis at second base, and Bishop Amat’s David Berg, who is the top closer in the country. Fullerton looks to Garza, who last season led Bonita to its first CIF-SS crown since 1951, and Northview’s Richy Pedroza, who starts at shortstop. Other locals on the the rosters are UCLA reliever Jake Ehret (San Dimas), and Fullerton reserves David Olmedo-Barrera (St. Francis), Henry Omana (Diamond Bar) and Dave Birosak (Chino Hills).
Here’s a brief look at the local’s fab five, who should make an impact this weekend:
JUSTIN GARZA: The freshman, who was 25-1 during his last two years at Bonita, has picked up where he left off, brining a 12-0 record and a
1.92 ERA into Friday’s opener. He also has a team-high 89 strikeouts. He was Big West Pitcher of the Year and received a Louisville Slugger Freshman All-America honor. Fullerton is also 16-0 when he starts.
ADAM PLUTKO: Since leading Glendora to its first division title in 2010, has been money for UCLA, going 27-10 in three seasons, including 8-3 this season, with a 2.51 ERA.
DAVID BERG: The sophomore is the top closer in the country, brining a 6-0 record with a 0.81 ERA, along with a school-record 20 saves. He was Pac-12 Pitcher of the Year and is a finalist for the NCBWA Stopper of the Year.
RICHY PEDROZA: The senior is the little engine that makes the Titans go. He is hitting .270 with a .394 on-base percentage while scoring 47 runs. The shortstop is also the glue of the Titans’ infield, catching nearly everything hit his way. He was named Big West Defensive Player of the Year.
CODY REGIS: He’s a three-year starter and a key part of UCLA, which is seeking its third trip to the CWS in four seasons. Regis is hitting .240, with 18 RBIs. He has scored 16 runs.
SERIES NOTES: This is the team’s third meeting in the Super Regionals since 2007. Fullerton swept the Bruins in 2007, with UCLA winning two of three in 2010. The host Titans won both meetings this season, although those were weekday games.

After leading La Verne Lutheran to the Division 4AA championship game in his first year, Trojans coach Brandon Lee has resigned. Lee said he is returning to college to finish his degree in hopes of pursuing Division I college opportunities. I don’t care what anyone thinks about Lutheran, enjoyed watching Lee coach and the passion he brought with it … The end of the video is raw, real, and why I feel the way I do.

Photo Gallery
By Steve Ramirez, staff writer
The San Gabriel Valley is once again painted Red.
The Red Team won the San Gabriel Valley All-Star baseball game for the seventh consecutive season, scoring a 5-4 victory over the Blue Team on Monday night at Mt. San Antonio College.
The Reds can thank the Monrovia connection of Joey Mata and David Perez, who keyed the winning rally in the eighth inning.
Mata led off with a single before the Reds loaded the bases on walks to South Hills’ David Denson and Walnut’s Joey Saito.
Perez then hit a soft grounder behind second, which he beat out for an infield single and the one-run lead.
Denson, who was game MVP, then shut down the Blues in the ninth to win it.

James Escarcega followed baseball for us this season and put together a wonderful season-ending wrap video for 2013. Thanks for another great season SGV baseball, and good luck to all the seniors that continue to chase their dreams.

MONDAY’S BLUE-RED ALL-STAR ROSTERS
BLUE TEAM
Coaches: Andrew Formano, Los Altos; Darren Murphy, Northview
Players
Chance Beeal, Alhambra
Jose Amezquita, Alhambra
David Dominguez, Arcadia
Troy Resch, Arcadia
Brandon Toy, Arcadia
Jacob Blunt, Bonita
Parker Merritt, Bonita
Justin Row, Bonita
Joe Wills, Covina
Zeph Walters, Diamond Bar
Joel Ortega, Duarte
Frank Gonzales, Gabrielino
Scott Burke, Glendora
Martin Gallegos, Glendora
Matt Young, Glendora
Clayton Herrmann, La Canada
Scott Moulin, La Canada
Noeh Martinez, La Salle
Joey Franco, Los Altos
Jacob Blackiston, Los Altos
Niko Castaneda, Northview
Jake Grijalva, Northview
Kollby Oriti, Northview
Andrew Espinoza, San Dimas
Jimmy Lambert, San Dimas
Daniel Vasquez, San Dimas
Oscar Huerta, Sierra Vista

RED TEAM
COACHES: Mack Paciorek, San Marino; Matt Shupper, Maranatha; Jake Berendregt, Baldwin Park
Players
Ben Fonseca, Baldwin Park
Bernardo Flores, Baldwin Park
Dominic Hilo, Baldwin Park
Adam Alcantara, Bishop Amat
Eric Claproth, Bishop Amat
Eric Vega, Bishop Amat
Diego Palomino, El Monte
Kevin Amezquita, Gladstone
Adrian Solanga, Gladstone
Ethan Etchebarren, La Puente
Daniel Rasmussen, Maranatha
Chris Burkholder, Monrovia
Joe Mata, Monrovia
David Perez, Monrovia
Erik Gonzales, Nogales
Adrian Guzman, Nogales
Chance Cobb, Pasadena
Luke Asperger, Pasadena Poly
Caleb Lee, Pasadena Poly
Nick Gott, San Marino
Bradley Haslam, San Marino
Niko Contreras, South Hills
David Denson, South Hills
Adrian De Horta, South Hills
Alec Keeling, South Pasadena
Anthony Valencia, Temple City
Steve Cordova, West Covina

If you’re wondering why there are no Damien or Charter Oak players on SGV all-star baseball roster, told schools did not nominate players

— Fred J. Robledo (@SGVNSports) May 29, 2013

sGV softball all-star photo gallery

By John Honell
Forty of the best softball players in the area wore their high school uniforms for the final time in the annual North-South San Gabriel Valley Tribune All-Star game on Monday night.
The South jumped on top in the first inning when Bishop Amat’s Lexi Gonzalez homered over the left-field fence and never looked back in a 10-5 win.
The first play of the game was an outstanding diving catch by North center fielder Jazzlyn Costa (Bonita). Her defensive play robbed Lexi Robles (South Hills) of an extra-base hit.
The North defense let down after that as Gonzalez drove in fellow Amat teammate Victoria Saucedo who had reached base on an error.
“I got a good pitch to hit,” Gonzalez said. “I tried to keep myself level but this was fun and exciting playing against a lot of these girls were on my first travel team.”

South Hills’ Natalie Moran goes yard

The 2013 North-South San Gabriel Valley Senior All-Star Softball game Rosters
NORTH TEAM
Coaches
Scott Higuera, Charter Oak; Jeff Butler, Northview; Art Montano, Bonita; Don Pollard, San Dimas
Players
Caroline Smith, St. Lucy’s
Alyssa Camargo, St.Lucy’s
Bobby Stainaker, St. Lucy’s
Mary Rose, Duarte
Bethie Celaya, San Dimas
Kailie Now, San Dimas
Deenah San Luis, San Dimas
Nicki Sprague, Charter Oak
Samantha Valadez, Charter Oak
Heather Ramirez, Charter Oak
Alison Strycula, Charter Oak
Bianca Cockrell, Bonita
Corrina Liscano, Bonita
Rebecca Orozco, Bonita
Jazzlyn Costa, Bonita
Liza Liddell, Bonita
Sarina Jaramillo, Northview
Erinn Jaramillo, Northview
Jennie Hildalgo, Northview
Franki Caudillo, Sierra Vista
Valeree Hernandez, Sierra Vista

SOUTH TEAM
Coaches: Roberta Garcia-Uyemura, Diamond Bar; Jesse Mendez, Bishop Amat, Katie Gomez, Bishop Amat, Nacho Hernandez, Los Altos, Brandon Gonzalez, South Hills, Garrett Fisch, South Hills.
Players
Alexis Gonzalez, Bishp Amat
Brandy Galaviz, Bishop Amat
Larissa Munoz, Bishop Amat
Victoria Saucedo, Bishop Amat
Sabrina Anguiano, Bishop Amat
Jamie Bejarano, Los Altos
Brianna Gonzalez, Diamond Bar
Dani Wilson, Diamond Bar
Lexi Robles, South Hills
Abry Moreno, South Hills
Natalie Moran, South Hills
Valerie Velasquez, South El Monte
Jasmine Meza, South El Monte
Brianna Arroyo, South El Monte
Stefanie Jimenez, West Covina
Natalie Acevedo, West Covina
Kaylea Snear, Rowland
Elisa Valenzuela, La Puente
Briana Vasques, Nogales
Monique Rodriguez, Bassett

Follow @Keithllair at the state track and field championships in Clovis today and Saturday. Keith will be tweeting and posting Tout video’s of competitors at finals. For up to the minute results, click the CIF-State results link.

By Keith Lair, Staff Writer
La Salle High School graduate Daniel De La Torre has had a one-track mind this entire spring.
He missed last Friday’s graduation ceremonies to work on his one goal for this season: Win CIF State track and field championships in the 1,600 and 3,200 meters. He qualified in both events at last week’s CIF-Southern Section Masters Meet. “It’s all been a progression,” the UCLA-bound runner said. “I’m ready to run in state. I’m going to finish what I started, which is to finish strong.”
The goal remains intact heading into today’s two-day meet at Clovis’ Veterans Memorial Stadium at Buchanan High. De La Torre finished ninth in the 1,600 and fourth in the 3,200 last year. He must finish in the top nine in a 1,600 qualifying race today. There is no 3,200 qualifier.
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By Keith Lair, Staff Writer
Brandon Tsujimoto will be enjoying two trips to Carmel in June.
The Damien High School graduate used Brookside Golf Course for the springboard for both trips, too. He qualified for the June 17-22 California Amateur last week on the facility’s No. 1 course and earned a berth in next week’s CIF State finals by shooting a 2-under-par 70 in Thursday’s CIF/SCGA Southern California regional on the same layout.
“My game has been coming around and my scores lower and lower,” he said. “Shooting a 70, especially with the competition here, it’s a great number.”
Tsujimoto went through graduation ceremonies last week. He finished sixth in Thursday’s one-day tournament to qualify for the finals, to be held Wednesday at Quail Lodge Golf Club.
“It was a really consistent round,” he said. “It feels great to go to state for the first time and in my senior year. It’s a great way to go out.”
Five other Valley golfers tried to duplicate Tsujimoto’s feat, but none qualified for the top nine spots. Arcadia’s Johnny Lai and La Canada’s Collin Morikawa came within one shot of getting into a playoff for one of four remaining slots. They had even-par 72s.
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