March 2009 Archives

At this point it would take a big stumble for the Bearcats to drop from the top spot. Not only has Jiovanni Mier been on fire, but pitcher Nico Calderaro is putting together another terrific season. As long as they keep playing with something to prove, they will prove their worth when it matters. Bishop Amat climbs back to No. 2 with a four-game win streak, but lets see how they do this afternoon against St. Paul. San Dimas makes the biggest leap to No. 3 after knocking off mentally fragile Northview, who at No. 4 is their lowest ranking in two years. Damien, Diamond Bar and Glendora are bunched together in the middle of the pack, and the more I look at the list, the more I believe the parity is closer than ever with Charter Oak at No. 10.

Big games this week:
Today
St. Paul at Bishop Amat, 3:15 p.m.
Diamond Bar at Damien, 3:15 p.m.
Wednesday
West Covina at Nogales, 3:15 p.m.
Azusa at La Puente, 3:15 p.m.
Thursday
Baldwin Park at San Dimas, 3:15 p.m.
Friday
South El Monte at Gabrielino, 3:15 p.m.
Bishop Amat at La Salle, 3:15 p.m.
South Hills at West Covina, 3:15 p.m.

Baseball top ten rankings
1. Bonita (7-1) - Not world-beaters but developing that repuation with a No. 3 ranking in the Times. Sure they had to rally to beat Charter Oak, but that's what driven senior-laden teams do, they find a ways to win.
2. Bishop Amat (6-3) - Here they come, after a 2-2 start they've won four straight. Once they stop giving up all the unearned runs, the Lancers will be fine. They still have seasoned pitching and are batting well enough to win games.
3. San Dimas (6-2) - Yes, the Saints moved to 3-0 in the Valle Vista with last week's 9-6 win over Northview. When you consider their only losses have come against Bonita and Chino Hills, the Saints deserve to move up the board. They have won three straight and five of six.
4. Northview (6-2) - The Vikings are finding out that you can't lose seniors like Marc Andrade, Aaron Elias and Robert Williams, and pick up where you left off. They have the tools, but the swagger is missing. Not good with the National Classic on deck.
5. Diamond Bar (6-3) - One of the hottest teams at the moment, the Brahmas are the only 3-0 team in the Sierra after beating Glendora, Ayala and Chino.
6. Damien (5-2) - They beat Ayala, lose to Glendora, which is no surprise considering the Sierra League grind. But this is true, the Spartans are playing well and figure to be fighting for a league title at the end.
7. Glendora (6-3) - The Tartans rebound from a league opening loss to Diamond Bar with big wins over Damien and Chino Hills to move to 2-1 in league. If they can take care of Chino and Ayala next, they will be sitting pretty.
8. Nogales (10-3) - The 8-7 loss to Walnut might eventually hurt their chances of knocking off seven-time champion South Hills, but no arguing how much they've improved under legendary coach John Romano.
9. South Hills (5-4) - Forget their record, they've won four of five are and are improving by the week. Whatever off-field distractions they had early in the season are becoming a distant memory.
10. Charter Oak (7-5) - Had won five straight before loss to Bonita and split with Claremont on Saturday. They feel like one of those teams who can beat anyone, but certainly, they're no lock to beat anyone either.

Baseball Standings and Schedules
Del Rey League
Miramonte League
Mission Valley League
Montview League
San Antonio League
Sierra League
Valle Vista League

Los Altos and Glendora are still the top two teams respectively, but they will be challenged when Los Altos goes to Charter Oak this afternoon and Glendora takes on Bishop Amat in a non-league game on Thursday. Bonita is a solid No. 3 and seems to be finding their mojo again, but let's see how they do against much improved Walnut today. Keep an eye on Siera Vista and Walnut, if they keep winning, they will continue to climb up the polls.

Big games on deck
Today
Los Altos at Charter Oak, 3:15 p.m.
Bonita at Walnut, 3:15 p.m.
Wednesday
Northview at Covina, 3:15 p.m.
Thursday
Glendora at Bishop Amat, 3:15 p.m.

Girls Softball top ten rankings
1. Los Altos (8-3) - Went 3-1 in the Northwood Timberwolves Classic, losing to Dana Point, and a non-league loss to Ayala. But locally, they still haven't been touched but get another Miramonte test this week against surging Charter Oak.
2. Glendora (5-2) - Unless there are games on the schedule we don't know about, they Tartans haven't played since their 3-0 loss to Etiwanda in the championship of the San Dimas tournament. But they get Bishop Amat on the road next.
3. Bonita (11-2) - Hard to believe all the bickering on the blogs about the Bearcats, they're off to a terrific start, and only have lost to the top two teams in the area. After losing a heartbreaker to Los Altos, they rebounded by winning four straight.
4. Bishop Amat (7-5) - Sure they Lancers have lost three of their last four, but losing to Rosary, Mater Dei and splitting a doubleheader with Santa Margarita is nothing to worry about. Let's see how they do in a big nonleague game against Glendora on Thursday.
5. San Dimas (6-3) - Are they finished with their traditional slow-starting ways? The surprise isn't that they already have started 2-0 in the Valle Vista, the surprise is how they snuck past Covina and Northview to get there.
6. Charter Oak (8-3) - What you need to know about the Chargers is that they have scored 90 runs, but 34 of those runs came in a sweep over Wilson. Still, they have won six straight, though they do no have an impressive win on their resume ... yet.
7. Sierra Vista (7-1) - After a season-opening loss to Montebello, the Dons have won seven straight. They should win at least their next five then enter the Charter Oak tournament, where we will find out just what they're made of.
8. Walnut (6-2) - With San Antonio league wins over South Hills, Nogales and West Covina, the Mustangs are off to a great start and will face Bonita in a fun non-league game this week. The way they've played, it won't be a surprise if they run the table in the San Antonio.
9. Northview (5-4) - I don't know what's more impressive, what the Vikings did last year with Hannah Fraijo, or what they've been able to accomplish without her. For a team with no expectations, they barely lose to San Dimas, 1-0.
10. South El Monte (4-3) -They haven't played since March 23, but resume with a game against La Puente and a doubleheader on Saturday against Cantwell Sacred Heart before resuming Mission Valley league play next week.

Softball Standings and Schedules
Del Rey League
Miramonte League
Mission Valley League
Montview League
San Antonio League
Sierra League
Valle Vista League

PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Diego Rodriguez, Junior, Midfielder
School: Mountain View
Grade: Junior
Position: Midfielder
Notable: Vikings coach Felipe Corona describes his 5-foot-1 field general as the "heart and soul" of the CIF-Southern Section Division VI champions, who finished 21-5-4. After earning Mission Valley League first-team honors, Rodriguez scored the lone goal in a 1-0 semifinal victory over Viewpoint, then set-up the dramatics in the championship. With the game tied 1-1 in the first sudden-death overtime against undefeated Victorville Silverado, Rodriguez's incredible run down the left side ended with him slicing a pass toward the middle for Julio Fernandez, who scored the game-winning goal to lift the Vikings to a 2-1 victory and their second divisional title since 1995. Rodriguez only had three goals and eight assists, but he was named the Division VI player of the year for how well he manages all parts of the game, and makes everyone around him better.

COACH OF THE YEAR: Ricardo Mira, Baldwin Park
FIRST TEAM
Forwards
Edgar Padilla, Baldwin Park, Junior
Julio Fernandez, Mountain View, Junior
Justin Gener, Bishop Amat, Senior
Kevin Martinez, Los Altos, Senior
Midfielders
Bryan Vasquez, Rosemead, Senior
Mirra Valdez, Wilson, Senior
Alfonso Espinoza, Sierra Vista, Senior
Defenders
Jorge Ontate, Sierra Vista, Senior
Freddie Centeno, Mountain View, Senior
Peter Careaga, Bishop Amat, Senior
Goalkeeper
Freddy Salazar, Baldwin Park, Goalkeeper, Junior

SECOND TEAM
Forwards
Ivan Del Real, West Covina, Senior
Luis Fuentes, Sierra Vista, Junior
Simon Dewhurst, Diamond Ranch, Senior
Eric Pantoja, South Hills, Senior
Midfielders
Alex Velazquez, La Puente, Senior
Ivan Madera, Los Altos, Senior
Edson Quinteros, Rosemead, Junior
Eddie Orozco, Damien, Senior
Defenders
Albert Orozco, Baldwin Park, Senior
Chris Shafer, Bonita, Senior
Goalkeeper
Kevin Bustamente, Rosemead, Senior

All CIF-SS Boys Basketball team announced, click thread

All-CIF-SS Girls Basketball teams announced, click thread

Top 5 most improved baseball teams
1. Baldwin Park (6-2); Record in 2008: 7-16-1
2. West Covina (6-4); Record in 2008: 7-20
3. Diamond Bar (6-3); Record in 2008: 10-13-1
4. Gladstone (8-2); Record in 2008: 13-8
5. Nogales (10-3): Record in 2008: 15-13.

Top 5 most disappointing baseball teams
1. Diamond Ranch (2-5); Record in 2008: 17-12
2. Covina (3-6); Record in 2008: 16-9
3. South Hills (5-4); Record in 2008: 23-6
4. Duarte (2-7); Record in 2008: 15-10
5. Azusa (2-4); Record in 2008: 14-8

Above: Northview's reaction after getting upset by San Dimas last week.

The schedule for the National Classic has been released, with Northview taking on Arch Bishop Mitty in the first round on April 13. With Mater Dei, El Toro and a powerful lineup of other schools, how will Northview do? BTW, with Northview losing to San Dimas last week, how should the rankings shake out this week for baseball and softball.

We didn't post the all-area boys and girls basketball teams last week, so here you go. Boys soccer comes out Tuesday, Girls Soccer on Wednesday and Wrestling Thursday.
To view teams, click thread.

You know that reliable football source at Duarte has been spot on for us in the past, and now he's got concerning news to report for Falcons fans. Our insider named about six to seven players that have left or are planning to leave for neighboring schools, which he says is the fallout from firing coach Wardell Crutchfield, who has been replaced by Pasadena legend Tip Sanders. A call to the athletic department confirmed that Wardell Crutchfield Jr., and quarterback Demetrius Jackson are no longer in the school. But if what our insider is saying is true, there are other big names looking to move. As we find this out, we'll let you know. I wonder if this is the "new direction" the first-year principal had in mind?

Above: Diamond Ranch track standout Karynn Dunn.

The area track leaders submitted to EPI sports can be found by clicking the thread.
Next Up: On Saturday, the 18th Annual Covina Invitational will take place at Azusa Pacific University. the meet starts at 8 a.m., and the event is at 6:30 pm. Of the 40+ schools attending, local schools competing are: Ayala, Azusa, Baldwin Park, Bassett, Bonita, Charter Oak, Chino, Covina, Damien, Diamond Ranch, El Monte, Gabrielino, Ganesha, Glendora, Maranantha, Monrovia, Mountain View, Northview, Pasadena, Pomona, Rowland, San Dimas, South Hills, St. Lucy's, Temple City, Walnut, West Covina, Western Christian, and Wilson. The meet will also host Silverado and Green Valley HS from Nevada. Admission is $5 for adults and $2 for 12 under.

"This meet provides a great mid season opportunity for athletes to prep for bigger meets ahead like Arcadia and the Mt. Sac Relays. The team competition should also be close on the boys and girls side. It's going to be a fun day of track." Meet Director - Kevin Glaspy
To view leaders, click thread

Anything and anyone you want to talk about

Back from blog R&R and wondering what happened this past week that I should know about? You can help your favorite sportswriter by nominating boys and girls athletes of the week and explaining which games desperately need to be covered, but in the meantime, does it get any better for Bonita baseball? Seriously, No. 3 in last week's L.A. Times poll? They might climb to No. 1 if they keep this up. And some of you had the audacity to question our No. 1 ranking. Just follow along folks, we know what we're talking about, um, except when it comes to Bishop Amat and Northview. Don't send the hate mail, you know I'm just Tribbin.

Excessive ping pong celebration or just a nut?

Above: San Dimas pitcher Kortnie Clark, seen here last season, was solid
in the circle to lead the Saints over Northview on Friday.

Back in familiar territory: San Dimas, which had ruled the Valle Vista League softball standings before Northview ended the fun last season, returned to the top Friday with a 1-0 victory over the Vikings at San Dimas.
Kortnie Clark and Gipsy Ramirez combined on a three-hit shutout and the Ramirez had an RBI single in the fifth to lead the Saints, who improved to 6-3 overall and 3-0 in league play. Northview, getting a solid effort in the circle from Chrissy McPhail, slipped to 5-4 and 2-1.
Ramirez, who had three hits, scored Ariel Shore, who reached first on an error before stealing second and third.
San Dimas coach Don Pollard: "That was a nice win. That was an awesome effort by both teams. We both had our opportunities, but we were able to break through on them."
Northview coach Jeff Butler: "I'm not sure why we threw to second. We knew she's the fastest human alive we've ever seen. She reached base on an error then we tried to pick her off at second. We basically turned an out into a triple. Then she scored on a base hit. I don't know if she would have scored from second, but it would have been close."
Other Scores
San Antonio League
Walnut 4, South Hills 3
Nonleague
St. Lucy's 11, La Canada 0

Above: Bonita's Brian Tuttle, center, celebrates with his Bearcats teammates after scoring the winning run in a 2-1 victory over Charter Oak

Bonita 2, Charter Oak 1: Maybe Bonita High School is a team of destiny this season.
The Bearcats looked the part Friday.
Jiovanni Mier hit a homerun in the sixth to to tie the score and Brian Tuttle scored on a wild pitch in the seventh as top-ranked Bonita rallied for a 2-1 victory over visiting Charter Oak.
Nico Calderaro tossed a one-hitter and struck out two to improve to the 3-1.
Tuttle went 2 for 3 for the Bearcats, who improved 7-1 overall and 3-0 in the Miramonte League. Joe Reynoso (2-2), who gave up four hits and struck out, was the tough-luck loser for the Chargers, who slipped to 6-4 and 3-1.
Tuttle let off the seventh with a single. Travis Santiago, who replaced Reynoso, then struck out Calderaro before pinch-hitter Evan Highley singled off shortstop Danny Tiffany's glove. Tuttle and Highley then advanced following a wildpitch before Tuttle scored on a second wild pitch to win it.
Bonita coach John Knott: "We always tell them it's one pitch at time. If you have a bad at-bat, flush it and root for the next guy. I think the kids stayed in the game. They didn't put their heads down. We stayed in the game, played defense and Nico pitched a hell of game.
It was fun game. It was intense, every pitch mattered and we got a huge hit from Jiovanni, which allowed us to relax a bit. We'll take it."
Charter Oak coach Tom Quinley: "(Santiago) is going to be a good one. The ball just got away. It was a good curveball, (Jeff Gelalich) swung at it, but it bounced and ricocheted away."
Other Scores
Del Rey League
Bishop Amat 8, Bishop Montgomery 5
Mission Valley League
Gabrielino 19, El Monte 7
South El Monte 13, Rosemead 1
San Antonio League
South Hills 11, Nogales 1
Nonleague
West Covina 6, La Puente 1
Linfield 6, Western Chr. 5

Above: San Dimas' Josh Leyland celebrates after hitting a tying home run on Thursday.

SAINTS TAKE STAGE 1: San Dimas fell behind 4-0, then rallied to score a 9-6 victory over the Vikings in the battle for supremacy in the Valle Vista League. Kevin Ponzo survived a rough start to get the win. Josh Leyland hit a home run to tie the score and Tim Brookes and Aaron Orona had key hits to push the Saints over the top.
San Dimas coach Mike Regan: "For one time this year, my guys fought back. We haven't fought back at all. Today, we showed heart. At the beginning we made errors and we gave away four runs. When people have thrown up leads on us, we haven't fired back."
Northview coach Darren Murphy: "Ponzo did what we didn't. He stopped the bleeding. When you give up a couple of runs, you stop it. If they get to three, it can't go to four and he did a good job of leaving it there. He had that one bad inning but he gave his team a chance to win."
Other area baseball scores
Montview League
Azusa 13, Bassett 3
Gladstone 6, Sierra Vista 3
La Puente 8, Duarte 5
Sierra League
Diamond Bar 4, Chino 3
Glendora 7, Chino Hills 3
Softball Scores
Miramonte League
Bonita 16, Wilson 0
Montview League
Sierra Vista 19, Duarte 3
Workman 11, Bassett 10
San Antonio League
Nogales 7, South Hills 1
Nonleague
Mater Dei 7, Bishop Amat 0
Boys Track
Mission Valley League
Rosemead 78, South El Monte 57
Montview League
La Puente 82, Gladstone 36
Nonleague
Rowland 83, Wilson 44
Girls Track
Mission Valley League
Rosemead 91, South El Monte 44
Montview League
Gladstone 65, La Puente 50
Nonleague
Rowland 73, Wilson 54

Lets call it a Melendez Invasion. Freddy's gone but I'm going to barge in here for a sec and post the Tribune All-Star rosters. For the record, I selected the Star-News roster, so it's safe to say the Tribune's run of winning the girls game is all but over!

Here are some quick facts about the game:

6th Annual Tribune/Star-News All-Star Classic
When: Saturday, April 4
Where: Azusa Pacific University
Girl's game: 5:30pm
Boy's game: 7:30pm
Admission: $8 adults, $5 students/children

Girls 3-point contest at halftime, boys Slam Dunk contest in-between games and boys 3-point contest (halftime).

SERIES RECORD
Boys: Star-News leads series, 4-1
Girls: Tribune leads series, 3-2

BOYS TRIBUNE ROSTER

Coach: Ricky Roper & Staff (Nogales High)
Team: Garrett Johnson (Diamond Ranch); Chris Cunningham (Diamond Ranch); Randall Guillory (Nogales); Aaron De Anda (Nogales); Anthony Farmer (Northview); Manny Acosta (South El Monte); Karlo Galvez (Walnut); Nolan Abernathy (Bonita); Danny Silva (Northview); Kosmond Russell (Glendora); Abel Rodriguez (Bishop Amat); Cody Bennett (Bonita); Gabriel Gamboa (Nogales); Brandon Stansell (Rowland); Jake Vieth (Damien); Jesmar Abad (South Hills).

GIRLS TRIBUNE ROSTER

Coach: Kieth Locklear & Staff (Sierra Vista High)
Team: Morgann Ellis (Bishop Amat); Courtney Tolentino (Rowland); Kai Brown (West Covina); Jessica Fontenette (Bishop Amat); Lauren Holguin (Wilson); Remy Mallett (Diamond Bar); Sandy Perez (Azusa); Janice Jimenez (Sierra Vista); Keyonna Arnwine (San Dimas); Lauren Williams (Nogales); Elva Salcido (Charter Oak); Lauren Gonzales (Western Christian); Jacqueline Salas (Bishop Amat); Melissa Mejia (Bassett).

CLICK HERE FOR THE STAR-NEWS ROSTER

Above: Walnut's Devyn Craine delivers a pitch during Wednesday's
San Antonio League game at Nogales. The Mustangs scored
a 2-0 victory.

Walnut 2, Nogales 0: Lauren Gomez had an RBI single in the seventh and was solid in relief to lead as the Mustangs took sole possession of first place in the San Antonio League.
Gomez gave up just one hit and struck out four in four innings to improve to 3-2. Walnut is now 5-2 and 2-0. Nogales, which had runners in scoring position with less than two outs in the first and third innings, slipped to 4-6 and 1-1.
Walnut coach Jennifer Cuevas: "For whatever reason, and I was joking (with the players) abou this, it seems to be a Walnut thing (to rally late). We always want to wait until the very last minute. I don't know if its the pressure that gets to them and the adrenaline helps them, but we just seem to come through. They just do it. I think they just strive on making us (coaches) sweat it out."
Nogales coach Tim Purcell: We couldn't get that execution going. We were one base hit from scoring four runs (today). I just told my girls to keep it simple, keep your head up. We play them twice again, and we'll be ready for them."
Other Scores
San Antonio League
West Covina 4, Rowland 0
Valle Vista
Northview 25, Baldwin Park 1
San Dimas 4, Covina 1

Above: Jimmy Saucedo, seen here pitching against Gabrielino last season, tossed a four-hit shutout to lead South El Monte past Mountian View on Wednesday.

Walnut 8, Nogales 7
I covered the Walnut at Nogales softball game, which Walnut scored two runs in the seventh to win, 2-0. After, I trotted over the baseball game, and watched the end as the Mustangs held off the Nobles, 8-7. Nogales athletic director Bruce Alley told me Walnut got up 8-0 before Nogales rallied. The Nobles got one runner on in the seventh, but they were unable to advance him and dropped the one-run decision.
South El Monte 7, Mountain View 0
Jimmy Saucedo tossed a four-hit shutout and struck out six to lead the Eagles.
Other Scores
Miramonte League
Charter Oak 10, Wilson 0
Bonita 24, Diamond Ranch 6
Nonleague
Western Christian 21, Morningside 3

It's still Los Altos: Los Altos solidified its hold on the top spot with a steady, 6-4 victory over Bonita. Glendora, which is off until the day after April Fools Day, stays at No. 2 while Bishop Amat enjoys a big win with the Arroyo Tournament championship and moves into No. 3. Bonita slides a bit to No. 4, with San Dimas rounding out the top 5. Azusa drops out after a three-game losing streak, which puts South El Monte back in.

This week's big games:
Wednesday: Walnut at Nogales
Friday: Northview at San Dimas

Top 10 Rankings
1. Los Altos (5-2) - The Conquerors lived up to their name with a 6-4 win at Bonita last week before splitting a pair of tournament games. Los Altos looks to have a firm hold on the top spot with Diana-lynn Patterson in the circle.
2. Glendora (5-2) - The Tartans have yet to capture the momentum, but it was the same last season, until a late-season run to the finals.
3. Bishop Amat (6-3) - The Lancers lived up to the billing by winning the Arroyo Tournament before looking respectable in a 3-2 loss to Rosary on Monday. Next up: Mater Dei.
4. Bonita (9-2) - The Bearcats gave Los Altos a run of its money, and it wouldn't surprise most if they pulled off the upset in the rematch, except for the Conquerors.
5. San dimas (4-3) - The Saints look to take the quick lead in the Valle Vista League when they host Northview on Friday.
6. St. Lucy's (7-5) - The Regents looked lost in a 10-0 loss to San Dimas, but fought back to get a split with a 1-0 victory. This team looks capable of making a run for the title in the Sierra League.
7. Charter Oak (6-3) - The Chargers have the best-hitting team in the area, and there are times when the pitching does come around. The key is consistency.
8. Northview (4-3) - The Vikings have looked steady, but they get a major test against San Dimas on Friday.
9. Sierra Vista (4-0) - The Dons, who were impressive last year, again look like the team to beat in the Montview League.
10. South El Monte (4-3) - Reina Gaber and the Eagles are finding their rhythm.

Softball Standings and Schedules
Del Rey League
Miramonte League
Mission Valley League
Montview League
San Antonio League
Sierra League
Valle Vista League

Top 10 Rankings: Bonita continues to be the team beat, keeping the foot on the floor with victories over intra-district rival San Dimas and Los Altos. Northview continues to hold onto the second spot, but we have a few shuffling through the rest of the field as Damien moves up to No. 3 after a big win over Chino Hills. Nogales rides the arm of Andrew Melchor to No. 4, while Glendora, Bishop Amat and San Dimas drop a few positions. The rest of the top 10 is rounded out by Diamond Bar, South Hills and new entry Charter Oak.

Games to watch:
Today: Baldwin Park at Northview; Glendora at Damien;
Wednesday: Walnut at Nogales
Thursday: San Dimas at Northview
Friday: Charter Oak at Bonita

Top 10 Rankings
1. Bonita (5-1) - It seems to be a two-race battle between the Bearcats and Vikings, and my gut says Northview is the better club, but Bonita, after being moved to No. 1 last week, did nothing to drop, and I won't penalize the Bearcats after a good win over San Dimas. The big game is Friday against Charter Oak.
2. Northview (5-1) - The Vikings just continue to roll. They had the one hiccup against Claremont, but toyed with Pomona last week in going 2-0 for the week. They get to test Baldwin Park today before taking on San Dimas on Thursday.
3. Damien (4-1) - The Spartans showed they are for real. It wasn't that they beat Chino Hills, but how easily. Now they get renew their rivalry with Glendora.
4. Nogales (7-2) - Andrew Melchor is as good as it gets from the hill, and he proved it with a solid outing in a 2-1 victory over South Hills. The Nobles now need to take care of business.
5. Glendora (4-3) - It was a tough week for the Tartans, who were hammered by Diamond Bar, then split with Don Lugo, and it's not like the Conquistadors still have Chad Cordero.
6. Bishop Amat (4-3) - The Lancers took a major hit, being whitewashed by Chatsworth before following with victories over Cantwell and Southgate.
7. San Dimas (4-2) - The Saints get to prove their worth when they face Northview on Thursday.
8. Diamond Bar (4-3) - The Brahmas, who have given the Valley some of its most-talented players over the years, showed they are capable of challenging in the Sierra League with a big win over Glendora. But it gets tougher with a home encounter against Ayala today.
9. South Hills (4-4) - The Huskies split two games with Nogales in a week where they could have been 2-0 or 0-2. They get a test on Friday against Walnut.
10. Charter Oak (5-3) - Welcome back, Chargers! Charter Oak showed its ready to defend its crown with a sweep of Diamond Ranch. But a matchup against top-rated Bonita awaits on Friday.

Baseball Standings and Schedules
Del Rey League
Miramonte League
Mission Valley League
Montview League
San Antonio League
Sierra League
Valle Vista League

Is America no longer the master of its own game?

There was a time when baseball was America's game. But judging by the recent World Baseball Classic, which tonight concludes with a championship tilt featuring Korea vs. Japan, the sport may have passed the U.S. by.
How else would you explain Japan's convincing 9-4 victory over Team USA on Sunday. I heard former New York Mets general manager and ESPN commentator Steve Phillips say in an interview on ESPN Radio that if there were no major leagues and you had a season of world baseball, the U.S. would be competitive, but they would not be the best team.
He also said that today foreign players make up 28 percent of MLB rosters and he wouldn't be surprised if within 10 years that number is up to more than 50 percent.
Yes, the times are a changin.'

Above: Jose Reynoso, and the rest of the Charter Oak Chargers
take on Bonita on Friday.

The league schedule in baseball begins in earnest this week, with several big games on the docket. Those inlcude Northview hosting upstart Baldwin Park on Tuesday; Glendora taking on rival Glendora, also on Tuesday and Bonita against Charter Oak on Friday.
Who do you see as the big games, and what games should we cover?

Here's this week's schedule

Just when baseball and softball is taking off, I'm taking off for a week. I have to do it, the golf game is struggling and finally, I get a week away from the blog. Starting tomorrow, Stevie Ramirez will take over for a week, it's his top ten's, his games to choose, so enjoy. The boys basketball all-area team comes out on tuesday, girls basketball on wednesday and girls water polo on thursday. Boys and girls soccer and wrestling is the following week. The rosters for the Tribune/Star-News All-Star Classic on April 4. will be released later in the week. Fore!

Anything and anyone you want to talk about

The Catholic Association Members by a vote of 16-7, approved the revamped Serra League for 2010. The best thing about it? Three teams are guaranteed playoff spots. The Mission League is also below.

Serra League
Alemany, Bishop Amat, Crespi, Loyola, Notre Dame.
Mission League
Cathedral, Serra, St. Paul, St. Francis, Harvard-Westlake, Chaminade.

For the complete schedule of Saturday's games, click thread

Miramonte League: After crushing Diamond Ranch earlier in the week, Charter Oak made it a sweep with a 7-6 victory at home.

San Antonio League: South Hills held on to defeat Nogales 3-2 to avenge Wednesday's 2-1 loss to the Nobles. The Huskies took a 3-0 lead into the seventh. After the Nobles trimmed it to 3-2, they had runners on second and third with two outs, but relief pitcher Christian Ibarra got a ground out to end the game.

Today: There are two games we have scheduled to cover. Charter Oak crushed Diamond Ranch 17-4 earlier in the week, and get the Panthers at home again this afternoon. The other game is South Hills and Nogales II. The Nobles won a thriller on Wednesday, 2-1, scoring in the bottom of the seventh. If the Nobles go to South Hills today and get a sweep, the San Antonio is theirs to lose.

Thursday's results
Valle Vista League
Baldwin Park 13, Covina 2
Northview 15, Pomona 0
Ganesha, San Dimas, no result called in or updated on Maxpreps.
Sierra League
Diamond Bar 9, Glendora 3
Damien 11, Chino Hills 3
Chino 3, Ayala 2

Did you know: That Baldwin Park is now 5-1 and 2-0 after sweeping Covina. Northview is also 5-1 and 2-0. This is what I love about a new season. Last year it was Covina, San Dimas and Northview battling for the title. This year it appears that Baldwin Park is playing as well as anyone.

Sierra League watch: This is going to be such a close race to the end. Getting off to a quick start is important, you do not want to play catch-up, so Damien and Diamond Bar have to feel good about league opening wins. Even more impressive was how easy Damien beat Chino Hills, and how Diamond Bar went to Glendora and won by six runs.

Today's games
Del Rey League
Cantwell Sacred Heart at Bishop Amat, 3:15 p.m.
San Antonio League
Nogales at South Hills, 3:15 p.m.
West Covina at Walnut, 3:15 p.m.
Miramonte League
Los Altos at Bonita, 3:15 p.m.
Diamond Ranch at Charter Oak, 3:15 p.m.
Mission Valley League
El Monte at South El Monte, 3:15 p.m.
Rosemead at Mountain View, 3:15 p.m.
Montview League
Nonleague
Rowland at Wilson, 3:15 p.m.
Duarte at Marshall, 3:15 p.m.
Rio Hondo Prep at Sierra Vista, 3:15 p.m.

Update: It appears that you can comment again, but comments are still being held for approval. I'm told that we could have a new registration in place by Monday or later in the week.

Covina High School track coach Kevin Glaspy helped us last year provide weekly track leaders and it was a huge success. He sent an email saying he's ready to go again, along with a message for track coaches, athletes and fanatics.

I found a way through Epi Sports to easily come up with the area's top track marks without having to sift through every result. Dyestat as you all know is the track person's everything resource. They have results from every track invitational in the state as well as top marks throughout the weeks. Please let your readers know the following:

1) All SGV top marks list will only be those marks submitted into the EPIsports or dyestatcal database. Do not send updated marks to the tribune or anyone else. Coaches have the ability to submit their weekly marks themselves.

2) Wind legal/aided marks are listed as indicated, as well as the date and site of the accomplishment and athlete information.

Thanks, Kevin Glaspy

For the first installment of area track leaders, click thread

I just received word that the Catholic Association Members voted last night, and by a vote of 16-7, the Serra League will look like this in 2010. The best thing about it? Three teams are guaranteed playoff spots. The Mission League is also below.

Serra League
Alemany, Bishop Amat, Crespi, Loyola, Notre Dame.
Mission League
Cathedral, Serra, St. Paul, St. Francis, Harvard-Westlake, Chaminade.

Game Update: After Bonita took a 4-0 lead, Los Altos rallied back to tie it 4-4 in the fifth, then Courtney Gano hit a inside the park two-run homer in the fifth to win it, 6-4.

Today's game: The Tribune's No. 1 Los Altos is at No. Bonita, and I know that Bonita loves my predictions, because they shoved it in my face after I picked San Dimas to beat them, and we all know what happened with that. Sorry Cats, there is no way I can pick you today either. I know you're improved, by far the most improved around, but I have a feeling the Conqs make a state this afternoon.

Did you know: That Bishop Amat only beat Arroyo 4-3 in six innings to go to 2-0 in the Arroyo tournament on Wednesday. It's a win but, isn't that cutting it kid a close? Amat beat Nogales 7-0 in the opener.

Results: Keep in mind that we have two phone people taking scores for the Whittier Daily News, Star-News and Tribune, so phone lines get busy. You can always call 626-962-8811, Ext. 2233 or 2242, but it might be easier to just email results to scores@sgvn.com. Just send the information you normally would for a boxscore (look at the paper if you're not sure) and send it in. If we get it by 9 p.m., it usually gets in the next day. Leave a call back number in case we have questions. How hard is that?

Today's games
Miramonte League
Los Altos at Bonita, 3:15 p.m.
Diamond Ranch at Charter Oak, 3:15 p.m.
Nonleague
Alhambra at Sierra Vista, 3:15 p.m.

Wednesday's games called in or emailed to us
Nogales 7, South Hills 5
Bishop Amat 4, Arroyo 3
Keppel 8, El Monte 0
Monrovia 9, Azusa 6
San Gabriel 10, Rosemead 8
Sierra Vista 8, Baldwin Park 1

Yes they did: Diamond Bar served notice that they have to be dealt with by going to Glendora and winning the league opener, 9-3.

Today's Featured Game: Diamond Bar (3-3) at Glendora (3-1), 3:15 p.m. -- The Sierra League is by far the most interesting because of the parity from top to bottom. I will not be surprised by whoever wins it, that's how close it is. At home, though, I'm taking the Tarts.

Did you know: That Bonita is No. 5! in the LA Times poll. Thanks for the reminder Don, I skipped right past this. As Don said, when is the last time the Cats have been ranked this high? Looks like the Times people are listening to me.

You're welcome coach: After writing that Nogales is the "Redeem Team," on this blog, it sparked a fire in Nogales, apparently. After their 2-1 victory over South Hills Tuesday, Nobles coach John Romano said. "(The newspaper) is what spurned this team on for the comments that we're `Team Redemption. How can we be `Team Redemption?' We've been first or second in the last 20 years. Yeah, (South Hills) has won seven straight (San Antonio League) championships, but one of those years they tied with us (in 2005) and the other six we finished second. Calling us `Team Redemption' got us fired up."

A Big Thanks: To the Glendora tournament officials. If you're wondering why that tournament was covered so well, it's because officials emailed boxscores to our desk and me as soon as the games were over. It's the most well-run and well-organized tournament around. Other tournaments should take note, you want better exposure, then get us results and update the pairings so we can get it to the readers.

Today's games
Valle Vista League
Northview at Pomona, 3:15 p.m.
Baldwin Park at Covina, 3:15 p.m.
Ganesha at San Dimas, 3:15 p.m.
Sierra League
Chino Hills at Damien, 3:15 p.m.
Diamond Bar at Glendora, 3:15 p.m.
Ayala at Chino, 3:15 p.m.

Wednesday's results called or emailed to us
Charter Oak 18, Diamond Ranch 4
Nogales 2, South Hills 1
San Marino 4, Gladstone 0
Sierra Vista 13, Mountain View 3

Tonight: UCLA vs. Virginia Commonwealth, 6:40 p.m., Channel 2. I'm covering a Bonita-Los Altos softball game tonight. Please girls, make it quick :)

President Obama fills out his bracket and picks UCLA to lose. What is he thinking?

"Everybody is saying we're going to lose the first game. Right there is enough motivation for myself." -- UCLA point guard Darren Collison.

President Obama filled out his bracket and picked the Bruins to lose...
I thought it was because we beat Oregon State twice," said Bruins freshman guard Jrue Holiday, referring to Oregon State coach Craig Robinson, Obama's brother-in-law. "

Then it was Collison's turn again ... "When you have the President of the United States going against you, and Dwyane Wade also said VCU was going to beat us. That's enough motivation. I don't know what it is, but that's enough right there.

Big game update: It's almost like live blogging, Stevie R., texted that South Hills and Nogales are tied, 1-1, bottom of the seventh. Update II Word from Stevie is that Nogales scores on a wild pitch, wins it 2-1. I would put a picture of Nogales, but I couldn't find one in the archives...shame on us? But ones coming... Here it is

Nogales pitcher Andrew Melchor is off to a great start after sitting out his junior season because of injuries.

YESTERDAY: First lets note that our new No. 1 Bonita showed why again with a 6-2 win over San Dimas on Tuesday. Believe me when I tell you the Bearcats are going the distance. I feel the same way about them as I did Northview last year. They have seniors who have been through it and are hungrier than anyone else

DID YOU KNOW: Gladstone is the "only" undefeated team in the Valley and will put their 6-0 record on the line today at San Marino.

TODAY: Is Nogales the team to finally dethrone seven-time defending San Antonio league champion South Hills. The time has never been better, and I'm guessing the first step happens today. They will also play on Friday at South Hills so if the Nobles don't get them now, they have a tough road to climb ... again.

Today's games
San Antonio League
South Hills at Nogales , 3:15 p.m.
Miramonte League
Charter Oak at Diamond Ranch, 3:15 p.m.
Nonleague
Gladstone at San Marino
Walnut at Diamond Bar, 3:15 p.m.
Sierra Vista at Mountain View, 3:15 p.m.

This is going to sound horrible, but I don't remember covering a San Antonio league softball game last year. The teams were average at-best, and so was the pitching. Is this changing? We covered West Covina's 4-3 victory over Montebello in the Arroyo Tournament on Tuesday, and now the Bulldogs are 6-2. South Hills is 3-1, Walnut 2-1, and Rowland 3-3. You tell me, where does the San Antonio rank with the other leagues in our area?

Bishop Amat got beat 11-0 by Chatsworth Tuesday, beating Paul Paez, who was undefeated last year. Chatsowrth pitcher Mike Renner threw a five-hitter and Chatsworth scored nine runs in the third inning, eight against Paez. The Lancres lose their second straight to drop to 2-3.

Baldwin Park scored eight unearned runs in the bottom of the fourth, capped by a grand slam by Gerardo Arias to give the Braves a 10-0 victory in their Valle Vista league opener against Covina to go to 4-1. Braves pitcher Andy Salcido allowed just two hits and had five strikeouts.

"It was kind of a statement game. We want to let other teams know that we're not just going to roll over. Obviously when we get to San Dimas, Northview, they're very good, don't get me wrong. But we're coming to compete and we want to win, there's no doubt about it." Baldwin Park coach Jake Barendregt on his teams 4-1 start.

"It's just frustrating. I know it's my job not to be frustrated, it just is. I told myself before the season we would go through this (learning curve) because we're so young. Everybody wants to win and put out a good product. But it's tough when you make mistakes that come back and bite you. But that's part of learning."-- Covina coach Pete Loaiza on losing and giving up eight unearned runs in the fourth inning.

The sixth annual Tribune/Star-News All-Star Classic is coming soon. Players have been selected and are being contacted by coaches. I will release the rosters next week. Nogales coach Ricky Roper will coach the boys, and Sierra Vista's Keith Locklear will coach the girls.

Above: Pasadena's Keion Bell throws down one of his four perfect 10's in last year's dunk contest.

When: Saturday, April 4
Where: Azusa Pacific University
Girl's game: 5:30pm
Boy's game: 7:30pm
Admission: $8 adults, $5 students/children
Girls 3-point contest: Three Girls from each team.
Boys Slam Dunk contest: Three boys from each team.
Boys 3-point contest: Three Boys from each team.

Series Record
Boys: Star-News leads series, 4-1
Girls: Tribune leads series, 3-2

As most of you know comments are being held for approval until we have more control over the commenters. We do not have a registration in place that will work, but our tech people are looking into ways of improving it so that your comments will appear instantly like before. But we better controls first. It may take a couple weeks, a month, and the blog may have to be redone to make this work, but it will be worth it when it finally happens. Just be patient, I think most of you know this needs to be done, and done in time by football season right? Thanks for your patience, in the meantime, I will release your comments as soon as I can, but don't get antsy, I need to have a life too :)

FYI: I will post All-league teams beginning next week, followed by the Tribune all-area teams the following week.

TOP-TEN POLL: After one week the only undefeated team is Gladstone (6-0), and they're not in our top ten? If you want an explanation, look at their schedule. Now, Bonita deserves No. 1, but Northview is right there. Bishop Amat does fall all the way to No. 5 with two losses, especially after allowing so many runs to Diamond Ranch. Nogales makes a big push in the rankings following the return of all-everything Andrew Melchor. Diamond Bar is the best .sub 500 team in the Valley. And Damien, look at what they did in that tournament east of here. The Sierra League is scary. Only three teams get to the postseason, but all six are talented. When Diamond Bar is the only team with a losing record, you know it's going to be a long drawn-out fight until the end.

Games to watch this week:
Today: Covina at Baldwin Park, 3:15 p.m.
Wednesday: South Hills at Nogales, 3:15 p.m.
Thursday: Diamond Bar at Glendora, 3:15 p.m.

Baseball Top Ten Poll
1. Bonita (3-1) -- Leading up to the rankings I thought the Bearcats were a team too many slept on. They weren't ranked in the preseason Division III poll, but had all the big pieces coming back. Northview fans are going to argue they won head-to-head, but it wasn't convincing enough to stop the tournament champions from taking over the top spot.
2. Northview (3-1) - Beating Murrieta Valley, Diamond Ranch and Bonita is certainly impressive. But they lost to Claremont when they were 0-2 and that sticks out like a sore thumb. Who knows, maybe a little taste of humble pie will serve them well in the long run.
3. Glendora (3-1) -- Except for their 8-4 loss to Bonita in the championship, the Tartans made a statement. They were the most consistent from start to finish, scoring 23 runs and allowing only 3 all the way to the finals.
4. Damien (3-1) -- What a terrific job coach Leyva has done in his short time with the program. They went to the Chino tournament and beat Miller, which is Miller's only loss; beat Kaiser and lost a close 3-2 game to Yucaipa. That's impressive any way you look at it.
5. Bishop Amat (2-2) - The amount of runs the Lancers are allowing has to be concerning. They have two of the best pitchers back, but maybe they're no so deep after that. It will be interesting to watch how they bounce back from two humbling losses in the Glendora tournament.
6. San Dimas (3-1) -- We only know of the four games posted, and one was a 15-2 loss to Chino Hills. They might be the only team in the Valle Vista capable of dethroning Northview. But we still don't know enough about them.
7. Nogales (4-1) -- Andrew Melchor, injured his junior year is back and what a difference it makes. Are they good enough to topple South Hills in the San Antonio? We'll see.
8. Diamond Ranch (2-2) -- When you swing the bat as well as they do you have the potential to knock off good teams like Bishop Amat. But don't expect any consistency.
9. Diamond Bar (2-3) -- The Brahmas arguably have played the toughest schedule so far, and with it comes wins over Long Beach Wilson, Villa Park and a loss to El Toro, one of the best teams in the Southern Section.
10. South Hills (3-3) -- After starting 0-3, the Huskies rallied back to win three straight, beating Arroyo, Colony and Don Lugo. They're still a mystery. Maybe the loss of Shirley affected them early, but they seemed to have regained their form.
Others of note: Gladstone (6-0), West Covina, (3-1), Charter Oak (1-2).

Baseball Standings and Schedules
Del Rey League
Miramonte League
Mission Valley League
Montview League
San Antonio League
Sierra League
Valle Vista League

Let's face it, the San Dimas tournament organizers messed it up by having the two best teams, Etiwanda and Los Altos, play in the first game. Although the Conqs lost, they shutout everyone else in their next three games and deserve to be No. 1 again. Glendorar hasn't fired on all cylinders yet, and Bonita is the best early story of the year. Other surprises have been the starts for West Covina, South Hills and Walnut. Maybe the San Antonio will be interesting. Disappointments so far include South El Monte, Charter Oak and even San Dimas, but the season is long.

Games to watch this week:
Today: St. Lucy's at San Dimas, 3:15 p.m., doubleheader; Walnut at Diamond Bar, 3:15 p.m.
Thursday: Los Altos at Bonita, 3:15 p.m.
Friday: West Covina at Walnut, 3:15 p.m.

Girls Softball top ten
1. Los Altos (3-1) - With respect to Glendora, the Conqs were the most impressive team in the San Dimas tournament. After losing to eventual champion Etiwanda 2-0 in the first game, they shutout three straight opponents, including San Dimas 5-0 in the consolation final.
2. Glendora (5-2) - A good start for the Tartans, not a great start. Big win over Bonita without Waldusky. It seems to me they've still got a CIF championship game hangover. When they start swinging the bats, they will be fine.
3. Bonita (7-1) -- Without a doubt the most improved and most surprising team in the area. Los Altos, Charter Oak, Diamond Ranch, get ready for the 'Cats.
4. Bishop Amat (2-2) - Went .500 in the tough Brea tournament, losses to Redlands, La Habra, wins over Villa Park and La Serna. My guess is they will win the Arroyo tournament this week.
5. San Dimas (2-2) -- The Saints off to another notoriously slow start. But in all fairness, their only losses are to Bonita and Los Altos. I'm going to predict right now they go undefeated in the Valle Vista.
6. St. Lucy's (4-4) -- After a slow start, the Regents bounced back in the Brea Olinda tournament to beat Capistrano Valley, 2-0, in a consolation final.
7. Charter Oak (3-3) -- The problem last year continues. They have scored 31 runs, but allowed 27. That won't get it done with any kind of consistency in softball.
8. Northview (3-3) -- After getting to the semfinals and facing some real heavyweights in the San Dimas tournament, Vikes got beat 14-0 and 7-4 by Etiwanda and Bonita respectively.
9. Azusa (4-1) -- Off to a good start against opponents they should beat, however their only loss was a 10-2 pounding against Claremont.
10. Sierra Vista (2-0) - Don't know if they have played more games, was one win was against a decent Colony squad, 9-0.
Others to watch: South Hills (3-1), West Covina (3-1), Walnut (2-1), South El Monte (2-3), Diamond Bar hasn't updated any games, so don't know.

Softball Standings and Schedules
Del Rey League
Miramonte League
Mission Valley League
Montview League
San Antonio League
Sierra League
Valle Vista League

In an effort to help all of with your office polls, I've completed the best March Madness bracket possible. Fill it out, turn it in, and cash in at the end of the tournament. If you want to send me a kick-back as thanks, I'll use it for the Covina District Field renovation plans. (I made that up, but the need to do something.) BTW, my heart would only allow me to go so far as to put UCLA in the Sweet 16. USC is going out in round II.

Above: I'm going with North Carolina to win it all.

Aram's Final Four: (Wake, Pitt, UConn and UNC. )
Fred's Final Four: (Louisville, UConn, Duke, North Carolina)

Second Round Winners:
West Region
UConn, BYU, Purdue, Washington, Utah State, Missouri, California, Memphis
Midwest Region
Louisville, Ohio State, Utah, Wake Forest, Dayton, Kansas, USC, Michigan State
Bottom Half
South Region
North Carolina, LSU, Illinois, Gonzaga, Arizona State, Syracuse, Michigan, Oklahoma
East Regio
Pittsburgh, Tennessee, Florida State, Xavier, UCLA, Villanova, Texas, Duke

Sweet 16
West Region
UConn, Washington, Missouri, Memphis
Midwest Region
Louisville, Utah, Kansas, Michigan State
South Region
North Carolina, Illinois, Syracuse, Oklahoma
East Region
Pittsburgh, Xavier, UCLA, Duke

Elite 8
West Region
UConn, Memphis
Midwest Region
Louisville, Michigan State
South Region
North Carolina, Syracuse
East Region
Pittsburgh, Duke

Final Four
Louisille (Midwest) vs. UConn (West)
Duke (East) vs. North Carolina (South)

Championship
North Carolina over Louisville.

The new rankings come out tomorrow, and there will be lots of movement at the top. I've decided that Bonita will be the new No. 1, though others make a strong argument too. When the CIF polls are released later, I'll post them.

The 18th annual Arroyo Softball Invitational starts this morning. There is no Los Altos, but Bishop Amat, Arroyo, NOgales, Rowland, Wilson and West Covina are all entered.

Glendora advanced to the finals of the San Dimas tournament before losing to Etiwanda, 3-0 on Saturday.

All games at Whittier Narrows Park
Monday's games
Arroyo vs. Nogales, 4 p.m.
Cantwell vs. Wilson, 4 p.m.
Rowland vs. Schurr, 6 p.m.
La Serna vs. Montebello, 6 p.m.
Tuesday's games
Nogales vs. Bishop Amat, 4 p.m.
Montebello vs. West Cvoina, 4 p.m.
Rowland vs. Schurr, 6 p.m.
Wilson vs. Claremont, 6 p.m.

We had some way out of control bloggers over the weekend, so comments are being held for approval by Steve and I before being published. It's not worth explaining or getting into, because these people aren't worth the discussion, and it goes nowhere. So, for at least the next week and maybe longer, we will continue to release comments like this. It might even become permanent, but I need more time to think about it and discuss it with others. This doesn't mean I've become a born-again blogger, but it does stop comments from getting through that should never through, like the foul language and obvious extreme personal comments. If you have a clear agenda to smear, don't waste your time. Comments will still get up pretty quick, but there will be times when it takes hours, especially when we're out and about. I know it's not ideal, but it's the only way of getting rid of certain cancers. If you're upset that your comment didn't run, I'm not going to get into an exchange about it, simply email me and I'll discuss the reasons.

I just arrived at Selland Arena for the final day of the California Community College Athletic Association state basketball championships.
The Pasadena City College women's team, which rolled to a 106-93 victory over top-ranked Ventura in Saturday's semifinals, goes for its first state championship when it faces San Joaquin Delta of Stockton at 3:30 p.m.. The Mustangs are here after ending Mt. San Antonio's three-year reign with a convincing 70-55 victory over the Mounties.
This is PCC's third appearance in the championship game, losing to Mt. SAC in 2004 and Cypress in 2005.
I will provide updates throughout the PCC game.

Ganesha Volleyball tournament Results. Hey, when they send it, I print it. Congrats Ganesha for making it to the finals. Help, how good is boys volleyball in the area?

Pool Play Pool A
Lynwood def. Bishop Amat 12-25, 25-20, 15-11
Ganesha def. San Gorgonio 25-23, 25-6
Bishop Amat def. San Gorgonio 25-13, 25-20
Ganesha def. Lynwood 25-20, 25-16
San Gorgonio def. Lynwood 25-15, 25-20
Ganesha def. Bishop Amat 25-18, 16-25, 15-10
Pool B
Sierra Vista def. Channel Islands 25-16, 25-20
Capistrano Valley def. Brentwood School 26-27, 25-23, 18-16
Brentwood School def. Channel Islands 25-14, 25-14
Capistrano Valley def. Sierra Vista 25-15, 25-8
Brentwood School def. Sierra Vista 26-24, 25-21
Capistrano Valley def. Channel Islands 25-11, 25-12
Playoffs
1st Place Game
Capistrano Vally def. Ganesha 25-16
3rd Place Game
Brentwood School def. Bishop Amat 25-21
5th Place Game
Sierra Vista def. San Gorgonio 25-19
7th Place Game
Channel Islands def. Lynwood 25-22

Aram wrote this email saying he was feeling nostalgic and reading some old posts on the blog when he stumbled upon a conversation with who he calls, "legendary blogger" New York. It was about former Blair stud Sean Smith, who is going in the first round of the upcoming NFL Draft. Aram emailed "What a stud. Walter Thurmond III rocked him to the start the All-Star game and now both will be in the league some day. Just awesome. Ahh, the memories ...

Here is Aram's post to New York on June 16, 2006
NY,

Believe me when I tell you that Sean Smith is the best athlete to come out of the west SGV since Desmond Reed. I went to several of the West practices last year and this kid tore it up. He didn't get a lot of notice because he went to Blair. He never left Blair, though, evern after supposedly getting a lot of pressure to go to Muir or PHS. He is now No. 2 on Utah's depth chart at wide receiver. He is a redshirt frosh and has been converted from RB to WR. By the way, he's 6-3, 215 lbs. Unreal!

ABOVE: Mt. SAC's Ashley Adams defends Fresno's
Blakely Goldberg during Friday's 70-64 victory in the
CCCAA quarterfinals.

I just arrived at Selland Arena in Fresno for day 2 of the California Community College Athletic Association state basketball championships.
Mt. San Antonio College, which has won the women's title the past three seasons and four out of the past five, faces San Joaquin Delta at 5 p.m., while Pasandea City, which is making its fifth trip tot he final four in the past six seasons, faces top-ranked Ventura at 7 p.m.
The Mounties received 19 points from Jordan Kuzma and a key hoop from former Diamond Ranch star Eliza Dy to beat Fresno in the quarterfinals. PCC, getting a rebound follow from Allegra Kohley with 3.3 seconds left, survived overtime to defeat City College of San Francisco. They face a Ventura team, which is 34-0, but only beat Foothill of Los Altos, 60-59.
I will post updates on both games here, mainly at the 15, 10 and five-minute marks as well as the final score. Click thread to read and hope you enjoy

Championship: Corey Hare hit a two run homer for Bonita in the first, giving the Bearcats a 3-1 lead.
...Glendora's Kyle Layton came right back with a two-run homer in the third to tie the score, 3-3. After another hit and pair of walks loaded the bases, Jacob Smigelsky scored on a wild pitch, putting the Tartans back in front, 4-3 in the third inning.
... With Bonita's Mier on third with two outs in the bottom half of the third, Evan Highley hit a hard grounder to third that was bobbled, reaching first on an error while Mier scored to tie it again, 4-4.
....Oh Nicooooo Calderaro, the pitcher for Bonita, went deep to center in the bottom of the fourth, giving the Cats a 5-4 lead. Then Jason Plowman followed with an even deeper homer to center in the fifth, pushing their lead to 6-4. They added two more runs in the fifth to lead comfortably 8-4.

Breaking News: In the second game, Northview bounces back and defeats Diamond Ranch, 14-6 for third place.
Breaking News: The early game is over and Ayala beats Bishop Amat, 2-1.

Question: Should the winner of tonight's game be the new No. 1 next week? I think so, but it's debatable, Northview, Bishop Amat, Damien, they're all right there. If Glendora wins it's automatic, but if Bonita prevails, then you have a lot of good one-loss arguments. I am at Henderson field and will provide scoring updates when I get a chance.

Saturday's Glendora tournament schedule
At Henderson Field
Championship
Glendora vs. Bonita, 7 p.m.
Third Place
Northview 14, Diamond Ranch 6
Fifth place
Ayala 2, Bishop Amat 1
Consolation at Glendora High
Claremont 10, Dystart 0
Crescenta Valley vs., Charter Oak, 11 a.m.
Murrieta Valley vs. Alta Loma, 3 p.m.

Mt. San Antonio College is seeking a 4-peat at the CCCAA championships this weekend.

Hi all:
I'm in Fresno covering the CCCAA state basketball championships, where the Mt. San Antonio College women's team, coached by Laura Beeman, seeks to score an unprecedented fourth consecutive state title.
I will live blog during both the Mounties game against Fresno City at 7 p.m. at Selland Arena, and Pasadena City's encounter against North No. 1 City College of San Francisco, which is slated for a 1 p.m. start.
Until then, here's my advance on Mt. SAC's quest:
The tournament continues Saturday with the semifinals and the finals on Sunday.
I just arrived and the PCC and CCSF teams are warming up as I write this.
I like Mt. SAC and PCC today, although the Lancers have a tough nut to crack in CCSF, which defeated PCC earlier this year.
Mt. SAC has a tough opener as well . Fresno City should get a boost from the home crowd, but the Mounties appear to have a little too much.

Mt. SAC Update:
There seems to be a problem with posting comments, so I will update here.
Mt. SAC went on a 10-4 surge on back to back hoops by Ashley Adams and leads 27-17 with 2:50 left.
Halftime Update: Surniya Darden hit consecutive baskets to make it 27-22 with 1:07. But Adams followed with a putback with 50 seconds to go before Eliza Dy buried an off-balance jumper from 14 feet at the buzzer to give the Mounties a 31-22 lead at the half.
14:29 Update: ...And we could have a game on our hands. Mt. SAC pushed the lead to 11 points, but Fresno came right back with a 5 footer from Blakely Goldberg and then a trey from the freshman to pull with in 39-35 with 14:29 left.
10:32 Update: Fresno just won't go away. The Mounties, on an inside shot from Kuzma, pushed it to nine points at 44-35, but Darden led a 8-0 run with back to back fast break hoops to pull within 44-43 with 10:25 left.
4:51 Update: Mt. SAC pushes the led to 55-47 with 6:16 left following two free thrrows by Brittney Lewis following a technical foul on Fresno coach Brian Tessler. But another Mt. SAC turnover leads to an easy hoop by Darden and its 55-51 with 4:51 left.
1:00 Update: Blaire Egardo converted a fast break with a layup for a 62-54 lead with 1:54 to play. But Goldberg hit two free throws and KIm Trevino hit a driving layup to make it 62-58 with a minute left.
Final: Mt. SAC 69, Fresno 64
Fresno went into foul mode and Mt. SAC made six of 8 during the final 40 seconds to clinch. The Mounties win their 13 consecutive Elite Eight tournament game and advance to the semifinals, where they will meet San Joaquin Delta here at 5 p.m. on Saturday.

Update: Glendora pitcher Dana Waldusky sat out because of a hamstring injury, but sophomore Carly Argyle stepped in and earned a 2-1 victory by scattering six hits and using good defense behind her. Bonita's Amber Bachman hit a solo bomb to left than she ran out for a homer to give the Bearcats a 1-0 lead. But Glendora's Dani Minor drove in a pair of runs in the second innings to seal the deal.

Today's semifinals
Glendora 2, Bonita 1
Northview vs. Etiwanda, 5:15 p.m.
Note: Saturday's championship, 6 p.m.

Prediction: Northview has been a good story to this point, and received a favorable draw compared to others, but Etiwanda is a mighty tall hill to climb, and should be in the finals tomorrow. Glendora and Bonita is a toss-up, but I have to give the edge to the more experienced Tartans. They have championship experience, and usually that makes a difference.

Hi all:
I just wanted to let you know about my latest update on the Prep Stars: Where are you now blog?
Today I write about former West Covina High School baseball star James Skelton, who could make the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Northview goes down and Bishop Amat flirted with a second loss, guess that means the gap in the Valley is much closer than I thought. Are you ready for this: Bonita and Glendora will meet in the championship on Saturday night, and with it comes the area's top ranking. Lets face it, they have been the two most impressive teams in the tournament, with the Bearcats losing only 4-3 to Northview, and Glendora sailing through in each round with great defense and hitting. On another note, even Northview coach Darren Murphy is disappointed the Vikings won't be playing Bishop Amat in the Glendora tournament. With Amat and Northview in consolation games, he was hoping tournament officials would pair them up on Saturday. It's not a bad idea, imagine the turnout and sales with Northview-Bishop Amat followed by Bonita-Glendora.

Saturday's Glendora tournament schedule
At Henderson Field
Championship
Glendora vs. Bonita, 7 p.m.
Third Place
Diamond Ranch vs. Northview, 3 p.m.
Fifth place
Ayala vs. Bishop Amat, 11 a.m.
Consolation at Glendora High
Crescenta Valley vs., Charter Oak, 11 a.m.
Murrieta Valley vs. Alta Loma, 3 p.m.

Thursday's Results
Claremont 10, Northview 7
Ayala 3, Crescenta Valley 1
Bonita 9, Murrieta Valley 3

The dirty word in high school athletics is recruiting, but how many are actually involved? It's hard to know for sure. Impossible really.

Mt. San Antonio College is seeking a 4-peat at the CCCAA championships this weekend.

Hi all:
I'm in Fresno covering the CCCAA state basketball championships, where the Mt. San Antonio College women's team, coached by Laura Beeman, seeks to score an unprecedented fourth consecutive state title.
I will live blog during both the Mounties game against Fresno City at 7 p.m. at Selland Arena, and Pasadena City's encounter against North No. 1 City College of San Francisco, which is slated for a 1 p.m. start.
Until then, here's my advance on Mt. SAC's quest:
The tournament continues Saturday with the semifinals and the finals on Sunday. I like Mt. SAC and PCC today, although the Lancers have a tough nut to crack in CCSF, which defeated PCC earlier this year. Expect Ventura to take down PCC on Saturday with the Mounties and Ventura in the championship game, which I think is a pick 'em game. Ventura beat Mt. SAC during the tournament season, and in convincing fashion, but Mt. SAC is playing very well right now, and is getting more out of its freshman players than it did earlier in the year.

If Northview beats Claremont this afternoon at Henderson field (3:30 p.m.) the Vikings will play for their second straight Glendora tournament championship on Saturday against host Glendora, who has been very impressive in their own tournament. In fact, the Sierra League has been extremely impressive, with all teams combining for a 17-4 overall record. Damien has started 3-0 in the Chino tournament and will face Yucaipa next. Chino Hills (4-1), Chino (3-1), Ayala (3-1) and Diamond Bar (2-1) all have just one loss and of course Glendora (3-0) is undefeated. Last year I thought the Valle Vista had the best league with San Dimas, Covina and Northview all strong, this year that goes to the Sierra, so lets rank 'em.

1. Sierra League - See argument above
2. Miramonte - Diamond Ranch, Bonita and Charter Oak. That's enough to make a great three-team race.
3. Del Rey - Bishop Amat, St. Paul and La Salle are all legitimate in what is simply a three-team race.
4. San Antonio - Maybe this sounds crazy, but Nogales, West Covina and Walnut are off to good starts, and there is still South Hills. They might lack the heavyweight punch, but there are no gimmies.
5. Valle Vista -- After Northview and San Dimas there is a big drop. Covina and Baldwin Park need to play better to improve this ranking.
6. Montview League - Gladstone is 3-0 and Azusa will be there at the end. Right now they're just a notch above the MVL.
7. Mission Valley League -- So far, all six teams struggling in tournaments

To all of those hard working coaches who also work hard teaching. I hope the districts realize how important you are and that you keep your jobs in this rough economy. I know of a couple of young teacher/coaches who are receiving "pink slips." Good luck gentlemen and keep up the faith. -- FBFan

Workman wants to become the first area team to challenge La Verne Lutheran next season, either in a non-league game, or hopefully in the Southern California shootout at APU if organizers allow it. La Verne Lutheran brings about everyone back, and a couple talented freshman are expected to enroll. This could be Workman's best team ever, with senior-to-be Bobby Miles-Serrano and junior-to-be Cezar Guerrero, who averaged 28 points a game. Lobos coach Martin Flores said he is contacting Lutheran coaches to try and make this happen. Now if we could just get Glendora, Bonita, Damien and others to step up to Lutheran and Workman, this would be fun next season. As far as I know, Lutheran is still having no success getting into local tournaments. Workman said they're hopeful of getting in the Covina Christmas tournament or the Arroyo tournament, stay tuned.

Anything and anyone you want to talk about

It's about that time we start looking into spring football, with top players at each position coming soon, followed by best teams, most improved teams and who will fall the most, etc, etc. We already have plenty of coaching changes. Glendora assistant Brandon Rohrer is at La Puente, with former Warriors coach Ray Hernandez going to South El Monte. Former Blair and Marshall coach Tip Sanders is at Duarte with fired Falcons coach Wardell Crutchfield possibly becoming an assistant at Baldwin Park, it hasn't been confirmed, but that's what everyone tells me. The biggest move came at Damien, where legendary coach Greg Gano is taking over with an all-star staff that rivals Bishop Amat's. The San Gabriel Valley Hall of fame All-Star football game will be coached by Rosemead's Matt Koffler (West) and Northview's Jim Arellanes (East) on June 26 at Bassett High School. If there is anything you would like to discuss, blog topics etc, feel free to post them. Next week I'll start out with the Spring Top Ten and go from there.

GLENDORA TOURNAMENT BREAKING NEWS: Bishop Amat scored four runs in the top of the seventh inning to squeeze out a 12-11 victory over Charter Oak in both teams' final round-robin games in the Glendora tournament Wednesday. Seriously, what's up with the Lancers' pitching? This could become a concern, the questions going into the season were about the Lancers' hitting, not pitching. In the late game, Glendora punched its ticket to Saturday's championship with an 11-1 victory over Diamond Ranch.

Loara tournament: Despite losing 12-9 to Servite, Diamond Bar is 2-1 in the Loara tournament and is hosting powerful El Toro at Diamond Bar High Thursday at 3 p.m. El Toro, remember, was No. 2 in the Los Angeles Times' pre-season poll behind Mater Dei. They lost to Loara on Tuesday, which set up Thursday's big game at Diamond Bar. C'mon Brahmas, send them back to O.C. on a two-game slide.

Glendora tournament Prediction: After the first two round of the Glendora tournament, the picture is getting clearer. First, Northview, even with the target on its chest, is making a convincing argument that it deserves the top ranking. They just beat two of the best teams in the tournament, Bonita and Murrieta Valley, and will clinch their spot in Saturday's championship with a win over Claremont on Thursday at Henderson Field. Assuming the Vikings advance, they will play the winner of tonight's Diamond Ranch-Glendora game. Both teams are 2-0, and the Panthers are coming off a 12-11 thriller over Bishop Amat in eight innings. As impressive as that win was, you can't out-slug your way to a title, so I like Glendora to meet Northview in the title Saturday night, with another Vikings championship to add to their resume. What is not clear is if Northview loses Thursday, who will play the DRanch-Glendora winner? Tiebreakers will sort that out.

Tonight's games
Alta Loma 9, Dystart 0
Bishop Amat 12, Charter Oak 11
Glendora 11, Diamond Ranch 1
Thursday's games
Claremont vs Northview 3:30 Henderson
Ayala vs Crescenta Valley 7:00 Henderson
Murrieta Valley vs Bonita 7:00 Azusa Pacific Univ.

Loara Tournament consolation
Thursday's games
El Toro at Diamond Bar, 3 p.m.

Other tournament scores on Tuesday
Arcadia Elks
Gabrielino 9, Duarte 0
Hoover 11, El Monte 7
Pasadena 2, Walnut 1
St. Francis 12, Sierra Vista 3
Loara Tournament
Servite 12, Diamond Bar 9

Friday's semifinals
Glendora vs. Charter Oak, 3:15 p.m.
Northview vs. Etiwanda, 5:15 p.m.
Note: Saturday's championship, 6 p.m.

San Dimas update: Northview beats South El Monte 1-0 to advance to Friday's semfinals. In the other game, Glendora was beating Charter Oak 6-1 or 7-1 late in the game, it appears they will advance too. Hopefully Tartans, someone over there will phone in the result!.

Prediction: Now that we're in the Elite Eight and two tournament favorites, Los Altos and San Dimas, have both been eliminated by tough first-round opponents, the final four is a little easier to predict. South El Monte and Etiwanda will advance in the top half of the bracket. Glendora will knock off Charter Oak and I'm going with Bonita to continue their run and knock off Alta Loma. The championship is looking like Etiwanda and Glendora, and if that comes to fruition, look for Etiwanda to take it all.

San Dimas tournament
Wednesday's quarterfinals
Top Bracket
Northview 1, South El Monte 0
Etiwanda 8, West Covina 0
Bottom Bracket
Glendora 9, Charter Oak 3
Bonita 3, Alta Loma 2

Mountain View fell behind by two goals in the first twenty minutes and couldn't battle back, losing 2-1 to San Diego Cathedral in the first-round of the Southern California Division II regional playoffs on Tuesday. Cathedral, which advanced to the regional final last year, is the back-to-back Division III champ in San Diego. After winning the CIF-SS Division VI title on Saturday, the Vikings finish the season 21-5-4. I'll update all the scores in a couple hours.

Boys Soccer
Southern California Regional Playoffs
Thursday's Semifinals -- All games at 5 p.m.
Division I
#5 El Camino Real (18-7-3) at #1 El Toro (26-1-3)
#3 San Diego Torrey Pines (20-4-3) at #2 Fresno Bullard (22-3-2)
Division II
#4 Rio Mesa (16-8-3) at #1 San Diego Cathedral (18-6-4)
#3 El Cajon Valhalla (18-2-3) at #2 St. Francis (17-6-4)
Division III
#4 Parlier (23-2-2) at #1 Salesian (23-2-3)
#3 Animo Leadership (21-3-5) at #2 Chula Vista Mater Dei (14-6-1)

GLENDORA UPDATE: Northview followed its 4-3 win over Bonita with a 13-2 win over Murrieta Valley on Tuesday. Now all they probably need is a win over Claremont on Thursday to reach Saturday's championship. RJ Arnold hit his second homer and had three RBI's for Northview. Eddie Pedroza went five innings to get the win. Bonita goes to 1-1 after 10--6 win over Crescenta Valley.

TOP-TEN POLL: Big changes after the season preview. Northview and Bishop Amat will keep the top two sports, despite Bishop Amat's big loss on Monday against Diamond Ranch. Damien and Glendora move up the list along with Diamond Ranch and Diamond Bar. South Hills, starting 1-3, drops from No. 3 to No. 8., and Charter Oak and Azusa drop out of the top ten. Nogales is the biggest surprise addition, opening the season with back-to-back shutouts.

Glendora baseball off to a quick 2-0 start in own tournament, facing 2-0 Diamond Ranch on Thursday with the winner likely playing in Saturday's championship.

Glendora Tournament
Tuesday's results
Northview 13, Murrieta Valley 2
Ayala 6, Claremont 5
Bonita 10, Crescenta Valley 6
Wednesday's games
Alta Loma vs Dysart 3:30 Henderson
Bishop Amat vs Charter Oak 3:15 Glendora H.S.
Diamond Ranch vs Glendora 7:00 Henderson
Thursday's games
Claremont vs Northview 3:30 Henderson
Ayala vs Crescenta Valley 7:00 Henderson
Murrieta Valley vs Bonita 7:00 Azusa Pacific Univ.

Baseball Top Ten Poll
1. Northview (1-0) - Huge opening 4-3 win over No. 3 Bonita. Great pitching by both, but again, the Vikes find ways to pull it out. Facing Murrieta Valley tonight will be an even tougher test.
2. Bishop Amat (1-1) - Okay, so the Lancers lose 12-11 marathon in eight innings against Diamond Ranch. I'm sorry, but this is a small chink in the armor. The problems were supposed to be hitting though, not pitching.
3. Damien (2-0) -- A pair of one-run wins over Palm Springs and Miller to open the Chino tournament. They get Kaiser tomorrow.
4. Glendora (2-0) -- Sort of a surprise, beating two solid teams. The winner of Glendora-Diamond Ranch on Thursday will likely play for the Glendora tourney title on Saturday.
5. Diamond Ranch (2-0) -- They may not have the pitching, but if they keep out-slugging teams like Bishop Amat, they will be fine.
6. Diamond Bar (2-0) -- The biggest surprise so far, following a 12-7 win over Long Beach Wilson with a 3-1 win over Villa Park to start 2-0 in the Loara tournament.
7. Bonita (0-1) -- Played No. 1 Northview tough, second round robin against Crescenta Valley tonight.
8. South Hills (1-3) -- First Shirley declared ineligible, then Huskies lose first three games (Don Lugo, swept by Ayala) before finally beating Arroyo, 11-0. Is this a sign of things to come?
9. San Dimas (1-1) -- 14-2 win over Colony, then a 13-2 loss to Chino Hills. Hmm, maybe we'll know more after the Don Lugo tournament.
10. Nogales (2-0) - How interesting, the open witha pair of wins in the Costa Mesa tournament over Warren and Orange, both shutouts.
Others of note: Charter Oak (1-1), Azusa (0-0)

Baseball Standings and Schedules
Del Rey League
Miramonte League
Mission Valley League
Montview League
San Antonio League
Sierra League
Valle Vista League

Update: True story, after Bonita knocked off San Dimas 5-3 in the San Dimas tournament on Tuesday, first-year coach Ken Carlson walked up and handed me a printed-copy of my prediction that they wouldn't beat the Saints. Glad to be of assistance, but seriously, they're legit and will give Los Altos and Charter Oak a run for their money in the Miramonte.

SAN DIMAS SOFTBALL TOURNAMENT
Tuesday's results
Glendora 4, Ontario Christian 1
Charter Oak 4, Nogales 1
Alta Loma 19, La Puente 0
Bonita 5, San Dimas 3

Monday's results
Northview 10, Arcadia 1
South El Monte 4, Wilson 0
West Covina 4, Rialto 0
Etiwanda 3, Los Altos 0

Wednesday's quarterfinals
Northview vs. South El Monte, 3:15 p.m.
West Covina vs. Etiwanda, 5:15 p.m.

Glendora pitcher Dana Waldusky hopes to lead Tartans to San Dimas tournament win.

Girls Softball top ten
1. Glendora (2-1) - A split with Upland won't drop the Tartans, but how they do in the San Dimas tournament later in the week will have a big impact.
2. Los Altos (0-1) - The Conquerors open the season with a 3-0 loss to Etiwanda in the opening of the San Dimas tournament. My question, why schedule two of the best teams in the first-round?
3. San Dimas (0-0) -- The Saints season starts this afternoon against rival Bonita. Now that's how to open your own tournament.
4. Bishop Amat (1-1) - Losing to Redlands in the Brea tournament was expected, but a nice rebound win over Villa Park.
5. South El Monte (2-0) -- This is a team to watch behind Garber and some pretty decent hitting. They could be the sleeper in the San Dimas tournament.
6. Bonita (3-0) -- Nobody knows for sure how good those teams were in the Palm Springs tournament, but the Bearcats are obviously improved after winning the tourney.
7. Charter Oak (1-1) -- A split with Claremont to open the season. Looks like they can still score, but allowing runs could be an ongoing problem.
8. Diamond Ranch (2-0) -- Interesting start, wins over Eisenhower and Hemet to open the season.
9. Azusa (2-0) -- They allowed just one run in two wins. You have to keep an eye on the Aztecs, pitching wins games and they have pitching.
10. Sierra Vista (0-0) - Let's see how they do in the San Dimas tournament, another sleeper along with South El Monte.
Others to watch: Northview (2-1), West Covina (3-1). Diamond Bar hasn't updated any games, so don't know.

Softball Standings and Schedules
Del Rey League
Miramonte League
Mission Valley League
Montview League
San Antonio League
Sierra League
Valle Vista League

"That's a good spot for him to begin his head coaching career, we'll miss him," said Glendora high football coach Mark Pasquarella said. "He's young, he has a bright mind, and the kids are going to love playing for him. He's got the kind of mind that works with new trend stuff, like the spread. He see's the big picture and knows football is not the end all, he will do well."

La Puente high school named Glendora high assistant Brandon Rohrer to take over its football program after Ray Hernandez resigned and took over at South El Monte High School. Rohrer, who already was a math teacher at La Puente, has been an assistant at Glendora for six years, and most recently has been the wide receivers coach. He also played at Glendora and attended Cal State Fullerton. It's his first head coaching job, but after working for Mark Pasquarella, this sounds like a great hire.
For tomorrow's story, click thread

Anything and anyone you want to talk about

Steve and I are finalizing the all-area teams for boys and girls basketball, soccer, girls water polo and wrestling, and should be inviting first-teamers in soon for pictures. Picking players of the year has been extremely difficult, but so is separating the first and second teams. If you have any final input on anyone, go ahead, we're listening.

The Latest:Thank goodness we didn't try to cover this on deadline, because officially ending around 11:15 p.m., Diamond Ranch, a 1-0 loser to Northview in last year's Division IV finals, stunned Bishop Amat at the Glendora tournament, outslugging their way to a 12-11 victory in eight innings on Mondy night night in front of a packed house at Henderson field, so I've veen told. Whatta ya think, instead of Amat-Northview II, looks like we might be revisiting DRanch-NView II. Unless say, Glendora has something to say about it.

So Northview beats Bonita 4-3, Bishop Amat beats Alta Loma 8-2 and Glendora opens with a 5-0 win over Charter Oak. Those were the big highlights to open the Glendora tournament, which continues today with Bishop Amat playing Diamond Ranch, and 18-4 winner over Dyestart, in the second leg of round-robin tonight at 7 p.m. at Henderson field. Those who have seen a few games, is there any reason to believe we won't be watching Northview-Bishop Amat II on Saturday in the championship?

After calling on head coaches to input rosters and stats on MaxPreps, I'm happy to say that I see more and more starting to do it (South Hills, San Dimas are you listening). It's great to see, especially from Northview, who now has a roster up. I won't get pushy about stats yet, this is a start.

Glendora tournament
Monday's games
Glendora 7, Alta Loma 2
Charter Oak 11, Dysart 0
Diamond Ranch 12, Bishop Amat 11, 8 innings

Tuesday, March 10
Claremont vs Ayala 3:30 Henderson
Crescenta Valley vs Bonita 7:00 Henderson
Murrieta Valley vs Northview 7:00 Azusa Pacific Univ.

Wednesday, March 11
Alta Loma vs Dysart 3:30 Henderson
Bishop Amat vs Charter Oak 3:15 Glendora H.S.
Diamond Ranch vs Glendora 7:00 Henderson

Thursday, March 12
Claremont vs Northview 3:30 Henderson
Ayala vs Crescenta Valley 7:00 Henderson
Murrieta Valley vs Bonita 7:00 Azusa Pacific Univ.

Plenty of good local team are in this San Dimas tournament, which starts today. This is a great chance to see Los Altos in a very tough game against Etiwanda, but the game I really want to watch is the Smudge Pot softball style tomorrow between Bonita and San Dimas at 3:15 p.m. Bonita is fresh of the Palm Springs tournament title and is becoming the sleeper everyone has talked about on the blogs. But I don't think they beat San Dimas.

SAN DIMAS SOFTBALL TOURNAMENT
Monday's results
Northview 10, Arcadia 1
South El Monte 4, Wilson 0
West Covina 4, Rialto 0
Etiwanda 3, Los Altos 0

Tuesday's games
Ontario Christian vs. Glendora, 7:15 p.m.
Nogales vs. Charter Oak, 3:15 p.m.
Alta Loma vs. La Puente, 5:15 p.m.
Bonita vs. San Dimas, 3:15 p.m.

Wednesday's quarterfinals
Northview vs. South El Monte, 3:15 p.m.
West Covina vs. Etiwanda, 5:15 p.m.

I guess my only problem with this is why is Mountain View the No. 8 seed? Is San Diego and Central section soccer that great? I guess we're going to find out soon. It's a tough road for the Vikings, who would have to play both rounds on the road. If I had to guess who's going to win it, I'd take St. Francis. Salesian? We're pulling for you, you're our adopted team because of the great show of sportsmanship you displayed along with Baldwin Park this week. Hopefully you can knock off the school from the island tomorrow.

Boys Soccer
Southern California State playoffs
Division II -- All games start at 5 p.m.
Tuesday's quarterfinal games
#8 Mountain View (Southern Division VI champion, 21-4-4) at #1 San Diego Cathedral (San Diego Division III champion, 17-6-4)
#5 Porterville (Central Division III runner-up, 27-4-1) at #4 Rio Mesa (Southern Division IV champion, 15-8-3)
#6 North Torrance (Southern Division IV semifinalist, 18-5-3) at #3 El Cajon Valhalla (San Diego Division II champion, 17-2-3)
#7 Canoga Park (City quarterfinalist, 15-4-1) at #2 St. Francis (Southern Division I semifinalist, 16-6-4)

Division III
Tuesday's quarterfinal games
#8 Avalon (Southern Division VII runner-up, 17-4-3) at #1 Salesian (Southern Division V champion, 22-2-3)
#5 Tranquillity (Central Division VI champion, 21-4) at #4 Parlier (Central Division V champion, 22-2-2)
#6 Rosamond (Southern Division VII champion, 15-5-4) at #3 Animo Leadership (Southern Division V semifinalist, 20-3-5)
#7 Annenberg (City small schools champion, 18-3) at #2 Chula Vista Mater Dei (San Diego Division IV champion, 13-6-1)

Tuesday's quarterfinal games
Division I
#8 Fresno Central (Central Division I runner-up, 18-4-7) at #1 El Toro (Southern Division I champion, 25-1-3)
#5 El Camino Real (City champions, 17-7-3) at #4 Millikan (Southern Division I runner-up, 27-4-2)
#6 Great Oak (Southern Division III champion, 18-4-5) at #3 San Diego Torrey Pines (San Diego Division I champion, 19-4-3)
#7 Placentia Valencia (Southern Division II champion, 23-4-1) at #2 Fresno Bullard (Central Division I champion, 21-3-2)

Note: Semifinal games on Thursday and championship on Saturday at Warren High in Downey.

What do you think of the first-round game in the Division I boys state playoffs, Chino Hills (25-7) at Mater Dei (30-1), 7 p.m., on Monday Night. Yes, I'm on the Chino Hills bandwagon, this is an exciting game for Sierra League fans to keeps tabs on. Don Grant is a great for the Huskies, when I started in Pasadena he was the coach of Muir, and had some darned good teams there too. Muir hasn't been the same since he left. And they're getting the Monarchs at the right time, just after a devastating loss in the championship, hopefully the Huskies rain 3's all night long.
Answer: So, much for that

Above: Northview's Matt Lopez battles Fresno Edison's Rykeem Yates in a 215-pound preliminary bout earlier in the CIF State wrestling championships at Rabobank Arena in Bakersfield.

Good morning all:

I just arrived at Rabobank Arena for the final day of the CIF State wrestling tournament.
Our area has five competitors still alive, four of which are in the semifinals.
La Habra's Aaron Le Farge just got knocked out the tournament. He lost by fall in the consolation fifth round by Sean Silva of Barstow.
The remaining four are Northview's Steven Salinas (119) and Frank Martinez (130), California's Matt Melendrez (145) and Santa Fe's Nikolai Crouch (189). I will update how they do today in the comments section.
Ready, set....rassle!

Division VI championship
Mountain View 2, Silverado 1, overtime: Julio Fernandez finished Diego Rodriguez's cross in the first sudden-death overtime (89th minute), lifting Mountain View to the Division VI title, their second championship since 2005. Mountain View's Uziel Merino scored in the 13th minute to give the Vikings a 1-0 lead, but Silverado tied the match in the 72nd minute on a 30-yard free kick from Arturo Rodriguez.

Division V championship
Salesian 2, Baldwin Park 1, overtime: I don't have all the details, but Baldwin Park tied the match late, then defending Division III state champion Salesian won it in the 95th minute -- in the second sudden death overtime period just five minutes before sending the match into penalty kicks.

La Verne Lutheran staged a late rally, but it wasn't enough. Sophomore Carl Cooper had 16 points and Kevin Payne and Jordan Salley each had 13 points for for the Trojans, but they couldn't overcome a 17-points second-half deficit in a 72-62 loss to Los Angeles Windward in Friday's CIF-SS Division V-A championship at Colony High School. Windward was led by UCLA-bound center Anthony Stover, who finished with 19 points.

Hi all:
I'm here in Bakersfield for the CIF State wrestling championships.
I will post the updated results in the comment section. But it looks like Northview and Santa Fe are having good days.

To read my story on the first day, click thread

Saturday's Glendora tournament games
Northview 4, Bonita 3, Northview's Eric Rubalcaba 7K's, Bonita's Nico Calderaro 9 K's
Diamond Ranch 18, Dyestart 4
Crescenta Valley 5, Claremont 4

The baseball season begins today, so come back and post your scores int he comments section. Also, to get results in the newspaper, call 626-962-8811, Ext. 2233 or 2242. Or, you can email them to scores@sgvn.com (make sure to leave a call-back number for questions.) We won't have any game coverage until next week, when we pick up the Glendora tournament on Monday, so hopefully all of you will tell us what happened today and Saturday...I'll post the Glendora scores as soon as they're available.

Glendora Tournament
Friday's games
Bishop Amat 8, Alta Loma 2 - boxscore click thread - Freshman Ruiz 3 hits in debut
Glendora 5, Charter Oak 0 - boxscore click thread
Murrieta Valley 12, Ayala 1

Other Friday scores:
Elks Tournament
La Salle 25, Duarte 0
Western Christian 11, El Monte 3
Chino Classic
Damien 3, Palm Desert 2
Don Lugo tourney
Azusa 4, Arroyo 3
Los Altos 14, Chino Hills 6
San Dimas 14, Colony 2
Montebello tourney
El Ranch 5, Wilson 4
Nonleague
Diamond Bar 12, Long Beach Wilson 7
Los Osos 4, South Hills 1

Monday's Glendora touranment games
Glendora vs Alta Loma at Glendora, 3:15 p.m.
Charter Oak vs Dysart at Henderson, 3:30 p.m.
Bishop Amat vs Diamond Ranch at Henderson, 7 p.m.

Baseball Standings and Schedules
Del Rey League
Miramonte League
Mission Valley League
Montview League
San Antonio League
Sierra League
Valle Vista League

The softball season begins today, so come back and post your scores int he comments section. Also, to get results in the newspaper, call 626-962-8811, Ext. 2233 or 2242. Or, you can email them to scores@sgvn.com (make sure to leave a call-back number for questions.) We won't have any game coverage until next week, when we start covering the San Dimas tournament, so hopefully all of you will tell us what happened today and Saturday...

SAN DIMAS SOFTBALL TOURNAMENT
Monday, March 9
Arcadia vs. Northview, 3:15 p.m.
Wilson vs. South El Monte, 3:15 p.m.
West Covina vs. Rialto, 5:15 p.m.
Los Altos vs. Etiwanda, 5:15 p.m.
Tuesday, March 10
Ontario Christian vs. Glendora, 7:15 p.m.
Nogales vs. Charter Oak, 3:15 p.m.
Alta Loma vs. La Puente, 5:15 p.m.
Bonita vs. San Dimas, 3:15 p.m.

Softball Standings and Schedules
Del Rey League
Miramonte League
Mission Valley League
Montview League
San Antonio League
Sierra League
Valle Vista League

This is going to be a treat tonight because Windward is no joke, and heck, you might even see Denzel Washington at the game, his youngest son, Malcolm Washington, is one of their best players. For a wonderful story on Jordan Salley, read below.

Tonight: CIF-SS Division V-A championship
Who: No. 1 L.A. Wiindward (24-6) vs. No. 2 La Verne Lutheran (24-6)
Where: Colony High School, 4:30 p.m.

By Clay Fowler, Staff Writer
Who knows what course Jordan Salley's basketball career would have run had his mother not developed a cancerous brain tumor. He wouldn't have been forced to transfer from La Puente's Bishop Amat High School. He wouldn't have had to adjust to a new team, a new coach and a new school in the midst of his sophomore season.
To continue reading, click thread

The Glendora baseball tournament starts Friday, and the San Dimas softball tournament begins Monday. For schedules, click thread. If there are any other games or schedules, send to me or post in the comment section, thanks.

"We tried (to move the game) but CIF had nothing to do with it. We proposed a neutral site and Salesian agreed that we should play at Sierra Vista for all of our fans, but CIF said, 'no, you're playing at 11:30 a.m. in Mission Viejo.' I don't know why they're doing that to us, they've made exceptions in the past. It just doesn't seem right." -- Baldwin Park coach Ricardo Mira

Saturday's CIF Championship games
Division V
Baldwin Park vs. Salesian, 11:30 a.m., at Mission Viejo High School
Division VI
Mountain View vs. Silverado, 11:30 a.m., Warren High School, Downey

The CIF-Southern Section sure didn't do the San Gabriel Valley any favors with Saturday's soccer schedule. I've already received several emails complaining about this. Why in the world would they send Baldwin Park and Los Angeles Salesian all the way to Mission Viejo instead of nearby Warren High in Downey makes no sense at all. I've heard the schools agreed to play closer, even at Sierra Vista, but CIF said, no. It doesn't make geogrpahic sense to go Mission Viejo, it doesn't make sense from a money-making point a view, and now fewer fans will likely attend. How great would it have been for the Baldwin Park and Mountain View games to have been back-to-back at Downey far all to witness. I'm upset because now I can't see both, but that's life. On the plus side, CIF split up the venues because for the first time, there will be no co-champions. There will be sudden death and penalty kicks if needed to decide champions.

Hall of Fame coordinator Leon Ward called this morning to inform us that Northview football coach Jim Arellanes will coach the East, and Rosemead coach Matt Koffler will coach the West in the 30th annual Senior Hall of Fame All-Star game at Bassett high school on June 26. Ward said he's not sure if that other all-star game that took players away last year is happening, so maybe we can return to the good ole days. I like the coaching choices, and Ward says all schools should have received nomination forms for players. If not, you can reach him at 626-258-5219.

Northview an impressive No. 6 in LA Times All-Southern Section poll. Bishop Amat not far back at No. 8.

A charity doubleheader for the Ortega family in January, which featured Northview, South Hills, Charter Oak and Covina high schools in front of an overflow crowd at Azusa Pacific University, raised $18,000 to aid the remaining members of the Ortega family following the Christmas Eve massacre. It also showed the passion and quality of baseball in the San Gabriel Valley, where not only 2008 CIF-Southern Section Division IV champion Northview and back-to-back Division V champion Bishop Amat are coming off memorable seasons, but South Hills and Diamond Ranch return after divisional finals appearances. One of the big changes in 2009 is divisional realignments, with Bishop Amat and the Del Rey League moving to Division IV to challenge Northview and the rest of the Valle Vista League. In the Division IV preseason poll, Northview is No. 1 with Bishop Amat No. 2. "I think it's exciting," Northview coach Darren Murphy said of having Bishop Amat in the same division. "Our kids know their kids and their kids know our kids. There's an unspoken rivalry there, so it should be fun. We look forward to it."
The Miramonte League moves from Division IV to Division III, where it will challenge South Hills and the rest of the San Antonio League. The Sierra League will remain in Division II, and the Montview and Mission Valley leagues will compete in Division V. As always, one of the hottest debates to start the year is the area's top team, and the honor goes to Northview, which defeated Bishop Amat in their head-to-head meeting in the championship of the Glendora Tournament last year and then continued on to win the Valle Vista League title and its first divisional championship since 1971. Bishop Amat and Northview could meet again in the Glendora Tournament, which starts Friday, but the Vikings will head into 2009 as the area's top team.
Tribune's Preseason Top Ten
1. Northview
2. Bishop Amat
3. Bonita
4. South Hills
5. Damien
6. Glendora
7. San Dimas
8. Charter Oak
9. Diamond Ranch
10. Azusa

For the rest of the preview, click thread

With the baseball and softball season starting Friday, MaxPreps made easy by yours truly is the best way to follow standings, schedules, rosters, stats and game-by-game results, as long the head coaches in your area don't play the "we don't want to get scouted," card again, and don't post anything. Bishop Amat baseball posted all last year and won their second straight championship. If you're good enough, it won't matter, so stop hiding. There is absolutely no excuse for not posting rosters, schedules and results, but still many of our area coaches do not post anything when this is their responsibility, and they know who they're. So, parents, players and fans, please remind your high school coach to take care of this, which makes it easier for all of us to follow what's going on with your high school teams. Why CIF hasn't made this mandatory is beyond me, because coaches who do post on a regular basis have become punished by coaches who hide their stats, then surprise us with mind-boggling final numbers at the end of the year. It's not fair and it won't be until everyone plays by the same rules. I guarantee before the internet that every coach who once played loved seeing their stats in the paper, especially those who had great high school careers. So, now it's the coaches' turn to do the same for their players, because after all, what do coaches always tell us, "it's about the kids." Okay, then make it about the kids. There is only so much I can do, and last year was a pathetic example of too many coaches not posting anything.

TOURNAMENT ALERT: I have the Glendora tournament schedule, but I need baseball and softball tournament schedules for all other area tournaments. Please email them to me at fred.robledo@sgvn.com, or fax to 626-856-2758. Also, to report scores call 626-962-8811, ext. 2233 or 2242. You can also email results to scores@sgvn.com, and please make sure to leave a call-back number in case we have questions. Let's have another great year.

Baseball Standings and Schedules
Del Rey League
Miramonte League
Mission Valley League
Montview League
San Antonio League
Sierra League
Valle Vista League

Softball Standings and Schedules
Del Rey League
Miramonte League
Mission Valley League
Montview League
San Antonio League
Sierra League
Valle Vista League

This is the story running in tomorrow's paper, however I will not allow comments at this time.

Highly regarded junior shortstop/pitcher Jacob Shirley, who transferred from West Covina to South Hills high school over the summer, has been declared ineligible to play baseball for the Huskies this season.
CIF-Southern Section commissioner of athletics James Staunton handed down the ruling, explaining that Shirley's transfer was "athletically motivated."
Shirley's family originally applied for a hardship according to Staunton, but later decided to move into the South Hills school district hoping to improve Shirley's chances of becoming eligible. Staunton cited Rule 207 in the CIF Blue Book under Section C, under (3) and (4) as reasons for declaring Shirley ineligible. To continue reading, click thread

Former La Puente high school head football coach Ray Hernandez, who led the Warriors to the 2007 Montview League title and coached in the Hall of Fame all-star game that summer, will be introduced as South El Monte's next head football coach at a school board meeting tonight, the Tribune has learned. South El Monte longtime coach Erick Escamilla resigned after 13-years, opening the door for Hernandez, who was 10-21 in his four years at La Puente. Hernandez resigned at La Puente over philosophical differences with the school's administration.

Tim Gilmore, one of the area's best standout running backs for the past three seasons who also emerged as one of the best sprinters in CIF last season, has enrolled at La Puente high school for academic reason's and will not run track this spring according to Wilson athletic director Dave Merrill. "We certainly wish him the best," Merrill said. "La Puente offers him certain classes that he needs to graduate that we do not offer. We hated losing him and we know he was looking forward to track, but he's doing the right thing. He's taking care of his school work, which is the most important."

UPDATE: Championship schedule announced
Saturday's CIF Championship games
Division V
Baldwin Park vs. Salesian, 11:30 a.m., at Mission Viejo High School
Division VI
Mountain View vs. Silverado, 11:30 a.m., Warren High School, Downey

Above: Diego Rodriguez celebrates game-winning goal for Mountain View

After starting the afternoon watching Mountain View's little big-man Diego Rodriguez's dominating performance and lone goal in the second half that gave the Vikings a 1-0 victory over Viewpoint, which puts them in the championship this weekend against undefeated Silverado, I caught the overtime at Baldwin Park and let me tell you, that was the best atmosphere at a high school soccer game I've ever seen. I felt like I was on the sidelines at the Coliseum. Not only was their stadium nearly full, the 'Ole, 'Ole chants and constant screams at every touch brought chills. At least three people asked if I had ever seen anything like it on my way out. And they deserved to win after having an awful offside ruling in sudden-death take away a goal that should have given the Braves a win anyway. Baldwin park goalkeeper Freddy Salazar made three amazing penalty kick saves, and sophomore Christian Garcia finished it off, scoring the final penalty with fans filing out of the stands and celebrating with players at midfield as the Braves advanced to their first championship ever with a 2-1 win in penalty kicks after a 1-1 tie. Baldwin Park will play powerful Salesian in the final. CIF will announce the dates and times on Wednesday for Mountain View and Baldwin Park. The championships are scheduled for Friday and Saturday at either Mission Viejo or Warren High in Downey.

Boys Soccer
Tuesday's semifinals
Division V
Baldwin Park 1, Animo Leadership 1, BParks wins on PK's, 2-1
Salesian 1, Righetti 0
Division VI
Mountain View 1, Viewpoint 0
Silverado 2, Rosemead 1

For story on Mountain View, click thread

As we have rumored for weeks, Duarte finally announced on Tuesday that it has hired former Blair coach Tip Sanders to take over its football program.

By Miguel Melendez
It didn't take long for Duarte High School to zero in on a local legend. Just more than a month since the Falcon administration abruptly fired Wardell Crutchfield as head football coach, principal Eric Barba announced Tuesday night the hiring of Lavelle "Tip" Sanders. Sanders enjoyed solid success in his two previous coaching stints, first at Marshall, then at Blair.
He led the Eagles to an Alpha League championship and a CIF-Southern Section semifinals appearance before winning a Rio Hondo League title with the Vikings.
"We are certain Mr. Sanders will bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to an already successful program," said Barba in a press release issued by the school. "His reputation and past experience in building strong football programs has earned him respect and credibility among football players and coaches alike. Mr. Sanders will be assembling his coaching staff within the next few weeks. We look forward to a successful and productive season." Crutchfield was one of the most successful coaches in Duarte history. His resume includes taking the Falcons to the CIF-SS semifinals two seasons ago. Last month he said he'd been looking forward to the return of standout running back Jordan Canada and his son Wardell Crutchfield III, who will be a junior. But those plans changed after he was let go. The Falcons were 6-6 last season and finished second in the Montview League, advancing to the Mid-Valley Division quarterfinals.
In just his second season, Sanders led little-known Vikings team to a Rio Hondo League championship and a quarterfinal appearance. He earned Pasadena Star-News Coach of the Year honors after the surprising campaign. We will have more in tomorrow's newspaper.

Re-leaguing starts for the 2010-11 season, and many coaches are concerned with how it will shake out. The next meeting is Wednesday, March 4 at Diamond Bar high school at 9 a.m, and it is open to the public for those who want to sit in on it. Those that might be greatly affected could be Charter Oak, Damien, South Hills and Diamond Ranch. These schools do not want to be included with teams from the Inland Empire because of demographic concerns, but it could happen. Actually, Diamond Ranch probably makes the most sense to be lumped in with teams from that area, especially since their sports programs are top notch across the board, and the demographics make so much more sense than anyone else in the Valley. Anyways, we will keep tabs with how it unfolds but I'll leave you with one San Gabriel Valley coaches proposal to give you an idea of what's being suggested. And to be honest, this is probably the best and most fair proposal I've seen. Got any other suggestions?

Important: The criteria that is supposed to be used merges geography, enrollment, and competitive equity.

Below: Maybe it's time for Diamond Ranch to head east

Below: A San Gabriel Valley coach who shall remain anonymous suggested this, which I agree with except for one exception. I would keep Damien in the Sierra, and Claremont in the Baseline. Other than that, this seems pretty fair.

Valle Vista: San Dimas, Covina, Northview, Pomona, Garey, Baldwin Park
Sierra: Bonita, Charter Oak, South Hills, Claremont, Ayala, Glendora
San Antonio: Wilson, Nogales, Los Altos, Rowland, West Covina, Walnut, Diamond Bar
Montview: Duarte, Workman, Bassett, Azusa, Gladstone, La Puente, Ganesha, Sierra Vista
Baseline: Diamond Ranch, Damien, Alta Loma, Chino Hills, Rancho Cucamonga, Los Osos, Etiwanda, Upland
Mt. Baldy: Colony, Don Lugo, Ontario, Chino, Montclair, Chaffey

With soccer semifinals today, we thought we would push the Baseball Preview back to Thursday instead of Wednesday. This gives soccer the stage in tomorrow's paper, and baseball the stage on Thursday, since there are no games on Wednesday. Also, while I've been working on the preview I learned today that highly regarded junior pitcher Jacob Shirley, who transferred to South Hills from West Covina, has been ruled ineligible by CIF, citing "Undue Influence."

Nothing gets me ready for the baseball season like "Centerfield"

Jim McConnell, who writes a weekly Then & Now column, writes about the disappearance of the Pomona Elks baseball tournament

Unfortunately, the tournament is no more. For its final 40 years, the tourney was run by the Pomona Elks Lodge. The lodge is also no more. It is sad that something so much a part of the Valley's sporting scene has disappeared from view. But the membership of the lodge grew old, retired, moved away and died. There just wasn't anyone left to man the tourney.
To continue reading, click thread

Boys Soccer Advance

Before we get to predictions for our three area boys soccer teams in semifinals today, let's look at what they're playing for and what changes CIF has finally made to improve the soccer finals. For one, and this is something I've argued for years, there will be NO ties/co champions in the divisional finals. There will be two sudden-death overtimes, and penalty kicks if needed to decide it, which is much better than in previous years where the cash cow's at CIF squeezed as many games as they could in one day, and sometimes left with more co-champions than outright champions because they didn't have overtime. Also, the winners of the divisional finals qualify for the state soccer championships the following week. The winners of today's games will either play on Friday or Saturday for the CIF title at Mission Viejo HS or Warren High in Downey.

Boys Soccer
Tuesday's semifinals
Division V
Animo Leadership (15-2-1) at Baldwin Park (24-1), 5 p.m.
Division VI
Mountain View 1, Viewpoint 0
Silverado 2, Rosemead 1

Predictions: I've said from the beginning that Mountain View and Rosemead are the two best teams in Division VI, and at home, I'm expecting them to advance and play their third match of the season in the finals. Rosemead is not a lock though, anytime you play an undefeated team, there are no locks. Baldwin Park, I'm not so sure. They've been down three starters since the playoffs started, and at some point, that wears on you. I know they snuck past La Canada in penalty kicks, but I'm afraid tonight is probably the end of the road.

From left: Catcher Kelly Nolan, Pitcher Dana Waldusky and shorstop Natalie Hernandez form the heart and soul of the Tartans softball team.

Girls Softball top ten
1. Glendora
2. Los Altos
3. San Dimas
4. Bishop Amat
5. Charter Oak
6. South El Monte
7. Bonita
8. Northview
9. Sierra Vista
10. Rowland

By Steve Ramirez
Glendora and Bishop Amat high schools were not the best two softball teams in the area last season, but they were when it mattered most. The question is can either do it again. The answer appears to be a solid yes for the Tartans, who earned the school's first trip to the CIF-Southern Section Divisional II final last season and appear to have the necessary pieces for a repeat performance. Glendora (19-10 in 2008), which begins the season atop the area rankings, again will be strong in the circle where senior Dana Waldusky proved to be one of the area's top pitchers, led the Tartans to the division final and threw a pair of shutouts along the way. "She's been growing since her freshman year and just caught fire in the second half," Glendora coach Reese Mitchell said. "We're hoping it carries over (to this season), and there's no reason to think it won't. The thing is when she's good, we're very good."
Waldusky again will have plenty of help. Glendora's lineup also features a lot of talent with shortstop Natalie Hernandez, catcher Kelly Nolan and third baseman Brianna Dworak.
All three will play a major role in the Tartans' success this season, which could include a Sierra League championship and another solid run during the playoffs. "We all have personal goals," Mitchell said. "But when I talked to them, I didn't talk championship. We talked about just working to get better. lost some games last season we should have won, so our goal right now is to just work hard and (finish) games. We're excited because we feel we have a good club. We accept the challenge of (trying to repeat). I think we'll be a better hitting club and hopefully we won't have to win games 1-0, 2-0. I think we can be better, but you never know until you start playing."

For the rest of the top ten preview, click thread

After defeating Malibu 9-5 to capture Saturday's CIF-Southern Section Division VI championship, CIF released the pairings for Friday and Saturday's two-days Masters Tournament with No. 16 Bonita drawing top-seed Corona del Mar in Friday's first-round at 2:30 p.m., at El Toro High School. It's a double-elimination tournament.

Anything and anyone you want to talk about

There are only three boys soccer teams left in the CIF-SS playoffs, and La Verne Lutheran in boys basketball. That means over the next week we will be selecting the boys and girls basketball players of the year and all area teams, as well as the coaches of the year in each sport. Go ahead and make your arguments. The softball preview comes out Tuesday and baseball on Wednesday. The Glendora baseball tournament starts the season off in great fashion on Friday, for a complete look at the schedule, click the thread.

FYI: Mountain View did get approval by CIF officials on Monday to play in its home stadium after having referee's rule against in on Friday, forcing them to use their JV field in the quarterfinals. They will be at home at 3 p.m.

Boys Soccer
Tuesday's semifinals
Division V
Animo Leadership at Baldwin Park, 5 p.m.
Division VI
Viewpoint at Mountain View, 3 p.m.
Silverado at Rosemead, 3 p.m.