LA Varsity: High School Sports in the San Gabriel Valley

South Hills baseball sees CIF-SS title slip away as Crespi rallies in 7th inning

Jorge Ramos — Sun, 21 May 2023 01:17:58 +0000

LONG BEACH — A five-run lead in the fourth inning had the South Hills baseball team closing in on its seventh CIF Southern Section title.

But the bright start turned into a flaming finish for the Huskies.

On the game-ending play, the ball gets past South Hills first baseman Matt Manzos and Crespi's Sean Sapp is safe while the winning run scores in the CIF-SS Division 2 championship in Long Beach, CA, on Saturday, May 20, 2023. (Photo by Tracey Roman, Contributing Photographer)
Crespi's Christopher Arce scores the winning run for the Celts as they beat South Hills in the CIF-SS D2 championship in Long Beach, CA, on Saturday, May 20, 2023. (Photo by Tracey Roman, Contributing Photographer)
Crespi players race onto the field after scoring the winning run against South Hills in the CIF-SS Division 2 championship in Long Beach, CA, on Saturday, May 20, 2023. (Photo by Tracey Roman, Contributing Photographer)
Crespi players celebrate their win over South Hills in the CIF-SS Division 2 championship in Long Beach, CA, on Saturday, May 20, 2023. (Photo by Tracey Roman, Contributing Photographer)
South Hills players react to the 6-5 loss to Crespi in the CIF-SS Division 2 championship in Long Beach, CA, on Saturday, May 20, 2023. (Photo by Tracey Roman, Contributing Photographer)
South Hills' Sterling Patick scores for the Huskies as they battle Crespi in the CIF-SS D2 championship in Long Beach, CA, on Saturday, May 20, 2023. (Photo by Tracey Roman, Contributing Photographer)
Crespi players celebrate their win in the CIF-SS D2 championship in Long Beach, CA, on Saturday, May 20, 2023. (Photo by Tracey Roman, Contributing Photographer)
South Hills' Sterling Patick celebrates closing out the inning with no runs as they take on Crespi in the CIF-SS D2 championship in Long Beach, CA, on Saturday, May 20, 2023. (Photo by Tracey Roman, Contributing Photographer)
South Hills' Paul Vasquez rounds first looking to get a double as they take on Crespi in the CIF-SS D2 championship in Long Beach, CA, on Saturday, May 20, 2023. (Photo by Tracey Roman, Contributing Photographer)
Crespi players pose for a group photo after winning CIF-SS Division 2 championship against South Hills in Long Beach, CA, on Saturday, May 20, 2023. (Photo by Tracey Roman, Contributing Photographer)
Crespi players celebrate their win in the CIF-SS D2 championship in Long Beach, CA, on Saturday, May 20, 2023. (Photo by Tracey Roman, Contributing Photographer)
Crespi's Isaiah Magdaleno is safe at second as the ball stops short in reaching South Hills' Matt Moreno in the CIF-SS D2 championship in Long Beach, CA, on Saturday, May 20, 2023. (Photo by Tracey Roman, Contributing Photographer)
Crespi's Landon Hodge scores for the Celts as they take on South Hills in the CIF-SS D2 championship in Long Beach, CA, on Saturday, May 20, 2023. (Photo by Tracey Roman, Contributing Photographer)
Crespi's Christopher Arce is racing for home to score the winning run for the Celts against South Hills in the CIF-SS D2 championship in Long Beach, CA, on Saturday, May 20, 2023. (Photo by Tracey Roman, Contributing Photographer)
Crespi's Isaiah Magdaleno gets things going for the Celts in the CIF-SS D2 championship in Long Beach, CA, on Saturday, May 20, 2023. (Photo by Tracey Roman, Contributing Photographer)
Crespi's Ethan Kodama looks to get the out as they take on Shadow Hills in the CIF-SS D2 championship in Long Beach, CA, on Saturday, May 20, 2023. (Photo by Tracey Roman, Contributing Photographer)
Crespi's Diego Velazquez scores for the Celts as they take on South Hills in the CIF-SS D2 championship in Long Beach, CA, on Saturday, May 20, 2023. (Photo by Tracey Roman, Contributing Photographer)
South Hills' Marcos Rosales scores for the Huskies in the CIF-SS D2 championship in Long Beach, CA, on Saturday, May 20, 2023. (Photo by Tracey Roman, Contributing Photographer)
Crespi's Jeremiah Jones tries to get the out as they take on Shadow Hills in the CIF-SS D2 championship in Long Beach, CA, on Saturday, May 20, 2023. (Photo by Tracey Roman, Contributing Photographer)
South Hills' Paul Vazquez scores for the Huskies as they take on Shadow Hills in the CIF-SS D2 championship in Long Beach, CA, on Saturday, May 20, 2023. (Photo by Tracey Roman, Contributing Photographer)
South Hills' Sterling Patick gets things going for the Huskies as they take on Crespi in the CIF-SS D2 championship in Long Beach, CA, on Saturday, May 20, 2023. (Photo by Tracey Roman, Contributing Photographer)
South Hills' Matt Moreno tries to get Crespis Diego Velazquez out at second in the CIF-SS D2 championship in Long Beach, CA, on Saturday, May 20, 2023. (Photo by Tracey Roman, Contributing Photographer)
Crespi's Christopher Arce yells to throw the ball to third as the Celts take on South Hills in the CIF-SS D2 championship in Long Beach, CA, on Saturday, May 20, 2023. (Photo by Tracey Roman, Contributing Photographer)
Crespi's Christopher Are looks to make the out as they take on South Hills in the CIF-SS D2 championship in Long Beach, CA, on Saturday, May 20, 2023. (Photo by Tracey Roman, Contributing Photographer)
South Hills' Matt Moreno and Marcos Rosales try to get the out as they take on Crespi in the CIF-SS D2 championship in Long Beach, CA, on Saturday, May 20, 2023. (Photo by Tracey Roman, Contributing Photographer)

Expand

Crespi scored six unanswered runs, including four in the bottom of the seventh, to beat the Huskies 6-5 in the Division 2 championship game Saturday at Blair Field.

With the score tied and two outs and runners on first and second base, South Hills relief pitcher Matt Moreno fielded a bouncing ground ball to his right. His throw to first base was errant and got past the first baseman, which allowed Crespi’s Cristopher Arce to score the winning run.

“I’m just kind of numb right now,” South Hills coach Darren Murphy said. “I’m still taking it all in. When a team comes back on you like that, you hope it’s not because… it was self-induced. The mistakes were self-induced and to their credit, when they (Crespi) had the opportunity, they scored the runs.”

FINAL| Crespi are the D2 Champions on a wild final play.

Crespi 6, South Hills 5. @SGVNSports @SGVTribune pic.twitter.com/oae9mY37JT

— Jorge Ramos (@byjorgeramos) May 20, 2023

It was the Huskies’ second trip to the CIF-SS finals with Murphy, who took them in 2016, and the 10th finals appearance in program history.

The four-run seventh inning came after South Hills ace Sterling Patick reached his pitch limit and had to be replaced on the mound. Patick had mostly kept the Celts in check through the first six innings.

Crespi scored two runs against Patick in the bottom of the fourth to cut the Huskies’ lead to 5-2.

The left-hander pitched six innings, allowed three hits, walked a batter and struck out nine.

“(Patrick) is the MVP of the valley,” Murphy said. “He came out today and gave us another six innings and did enough to get another win. Life isn’t fair. He shouldn’t leave with this happening to him.”

Huskies relief pitcher Joseph Moreno came in for the seventh inning, and he gave up three earned runs on four hits while getting just one out.

Murphy then tapped Matt Moreno. He struck out a batter before his throwing error on the final play.

“(Joseph Moreno) has been fantastic in the playoffs, but stuff happens in baseball,” Muprhy said.

Patick said he gave the sophomore pitcher some words of encouragement after the tough outing.

“(Joseph Moreno) is a great pitcher. He’s not one of those guys where high school is the end for his baseball career,” Patick said. “This is just a learning moment for him, and he will remember this game for the rest of his life. He’s going to get better from it. I told him to keep up the hard work because he’s a great pitcher.”

The Huskies built their early lead against Crespi’s ace, Isaiah Magdaleno.

South Hills junior Noah Malone ripped a bases-clearing double to give the Huskies a 3-0 lead in the top of the first. The Huskies scored another run in the inning, with the help of a Crespi error, to make it 4-0.

Here’s Noah Malone’s huge 3R double from the top of the 1st inning. @SGVNSports
pic.twitter.com/uHSqXXleuA

— Jorge Ramos (@byjorgeramos) May 20, 2023

Magdaleno lasted four innings, gave up four earned runs on six hits, walked four and struck out five.

Huskies shortstop Marcos Rosales drove in a run with a double in the fourth to make it 5-0.

The Celts went on to score six unanswered runs and took home its second CIF title.

Kalena Lemus tosses 1-hitter as Ganesha softball beats Ontario for Division 7 title

Eric-Paul Johnson — Sat, 20 May 2023 21:15:25 +0000

IRVINE — Kalena Lemus had to dodge a line drive back up the middle on her sixth pitch of the game.

But that was one of the few balls the Ontario softball team managed to square up Saturday morning.

Ganesha third baseman Mikayla Martinez, center, celebrates with catcher Jayden Tamura, left, and starting pitcher Kalena Lemus after defeating Ontario in the CIF Southern Section Division 7 prep softball championship game at Barber Park in Irvine, on Saturday, May 20, 2023. (Photo by Alex Gallardo, Contributing Photographer)
Ganesha players celebrate after defeating Ontario in the CIF Southern Section Division 7 prep softball championship game at Barber Park in Irvine, on Saturday, May 20, 2023. (Photo by Alex Gallardo, Contributing Photographer)
Ganesha starting pitcher Kalena Lemus throws to an Ontario batter during the second inning of the CIF Southern Section Division 7 prep softball championship game at Barber Park in Irvine, on Saturday, May 20, 2023. (Photo by Alex Gallardo, Contributing Photographer)
Ganesha’s Karli Cunnigan, center, beats the throw to score after the pitch gets past Ontario catcher Natalie Bolanos, as starting pitcher Angelina Garcia, right, covers the plate during the sixth inning of the CIF Southern Section Division 7 prep softball championship game at Barber Park in Irvine, on Saturday, May 20, 2023. (Photo by Alex Gallardo, Contributing Photographer)
Ganesha shortstop Madison Pike throws out Ontario’s Sofia Femath at first on a ground ball during the first inning of the CIF Southern Section Division 7 prep softball championship game at Barber Park in Irvine, on Saturday, May 20, 2023. (Photo by Alex Gallardo, Contributing Photographer)
Ganesha players celebrate after defeating Ontario in the CIF Southern Section Division 7 prep softball championship game at Barber Park in Irvine, on Saturday, May 20, 2023. (Photo by Alex Gallardo, Contributing Photographer)
Ganesha’s Mackenzie Ward reacts after getting hit by a pitch during the third inning of the CIF Southern Section Division 7 prep softball championship game against Ontario at Barber Park in Irvine, on Saturday, May 20, 2023. (Photo by Alex Gallardo, Contributing Photographer)
Ganesha’s Alexis Keifer, left, and Madison Pike celebrate scoring on a two-run RBI double by Mikayla Martinez against Ontario during the third inning of the CIF Southern Section Division 7 prep softball championship game at Barber Park in Irvine, on Saturday, May 20, 2023. (Photo by Alex Gallardo, Contributing Photographer)
Ontario left fielder Emily Moreno reaches out to catch a fly ball hit by Ganesha’s Martiann Leach during the sixth inning of the CIF Southern Section Division 7 prep softball championship game at Barber Park in Irvine, on Saturday, May 20, 2023. (Photo by Alex Gallardo, Contributing Photographer)
Ontario right fielder Alaiza Lopez misses a ball hit for an inside-th-park home run by Ganesha’s Savanah Duncan during the second inning of the CIF Southern Section Division 7 prep softball championship game at Barber Park in Irvine, on Saturday, May 20, 2023. (Photo by Alex Gallardo, Contributing Photographer)
Ganesha’s Mikayla Martinez, second from left, and Karli Cunnigan, right, celebrate with teammates, Savanah Duncan, center, for hitting an inside-the-park home run against Ontario during the second inning of the CIF Southern Section Division 7 prep softball championship game at Barber Park in Irvine, on Saturday, May 20, 2023. (Photo by Alex Gallardo, Contributing Photographer)
Ganesha starting pitcher Kalena Lemus throws to an Ontario batter during the second inning of the CIF Southern Section Division 7 prep softball championship game at Barber Park in Irvine, on Saturday, May 20, 2023. (Photo by Alex Gallardo, Contributing Photographer)
Ganesha second baseman Martiann Leach, right, misses tagging out Ontario’s Alaiza Lopez, left, running past, but throws out Emily Moreno at first during the fifth inning of the CIF Southern Section Division 7 prep softball championship game at Barber Park in Irvine, on Saturday, May 20, 2023. (Photo by Alex Gallardo, Contributing Photographer)
Ganesha’s Kalena Lemus, left, and Mikayla Martinez, second from right, and Jayden Tamura, right, lead to team celebration for Savanah Duncan, center, who hit an inside-the-park home run against Ontario during the second inning of the CIF Southern Section Division 7 prep softball championship game at Barber Park in Irvine, on Saturday, May 20, 2023. (Photo by Alex Gallardo, Contributing Photographer)
Ontario starting pitcher Angelina Garcia throws to a Ganesha batter during the second inning of the CIF Southern Section Division 7 prep softball championship game at Barber Park in Irvine, on Saturday, May 20, 2023. (Photo by Alex Gallardo, Contributing Photographer)
Ganesha players celebrate with the trophy after defeating Ontario in the CIF Southern Section Division 7 prep softball championship game at Barber Park in Irvine, on Saturday, May 20, 2023. (Photo by Alex Gallardo, Contributing Photographer)
Ontario starting pitcher Angelina Garcia throws to a Ganesha batter during the second inning of the CIF Southern Section Division 7 prep softball championship game at Barber Park in Irvine, on Saturday, May 20, 2023. (Photo by Alex Gallardo, Contributing Photographer)
Ontario’s Natalie Bolanos laments after striking out looking against Ganesha during the fourth inning of the CIF Southern Section Division 7 prep softball championship game at Barber Park in Irvine, on Saturday, May 20, 2023. (Photo by Alex Gallardo, Contributing Photographer)
Ontario’ shortstop Sofia Femath, right, leaps in celebration with second baseman Hailey Romero after turning in a double play against Ganesha during the fifth inning of the CIF Southern Section Division 7 prep softball championship game at Barber Park in Irvine, on Saturday, May 20, 2023. (Photo by Alex Gallardo, Contributing Photographer)
Ganesha second baseman Martiann Leach can’t reach a ground ball hit by Ontario’s Alaiza Lopez during the fifth inning of the CIF Southern Section Division 7 prep softball championship game at Barber Park in Irvine, on Saturday, May 20, 2023. (Photo by Alex Gallardo, Contributing Photographer)
Ganesha head coach Patricia Joines, left, has a conversation with the infield after two errors during the fifth inning of the CIF Southern Section Division 7 prep softball championship game against Ontario at Barber Park in Irvine, on Saturday, May 20, 2023. (Photo by Alex Gallardo, Contributing Photographer)

Expand

Lemus did not allow another hit and finished the game with nine strikeouts as Ganesha cruised to a 5-0 win over the top-seeded Jaguars in the CIF Southern Section Division 7 championship game at Barber Park.

It is the first section championship for the Ganesha softball program, which displayed dominance from the very start of the season. The No. 2-seeded Giants (16-0) have outscored the opposition 219-6 this year.

“It has been a really great season, and these girls came together and played well,” Ganesha coach Trish Joines said, “Everyone contributed to this championship and had their big moments this season.”

This was a team filled with new faces, including nine transfers and two freshmen. Joines said it took a couple of weeks for the chemistry to take hold. Once it did, however, the Giants rolled.

“We all had the same goals, and that made it easier for us to come together,” Lemus said. “We’re doing what we set out to do. We won league and CIF. Now we’l try to win (the) state (regional).”

Ontario (16-9) had a positive start against Lemus, as Laylonie Martinez ripped a single through the circle. Lemus got out of the inning unscathed and set down 11 of 12 batters during one strecth.

Ganesha grabbed a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the second inning on an inside-the-park home run by freshman first baseman Savanah Duncan. Ontario right fielder Alaiza Lopez tried to make a diving catch. The ball rolled to the fence, and Duncan sped around the bases.

“That felt great, especially since I didn’t have the best performance last game,” Duncan said, referring to a 1-for-5 effort in the semifinals against Tahquitz. “I just ran as fast as I could.”

Ganesha tacked on three more runs in the third inning. Mikaylah Martinez roped a double into the gap in left-center field to drive in a pair of runs, and Jayden Tomura singled home Martinez.

“We were trying to figure out the pitcher that first time through the order,” Joines said. “The girls were communicating with each other about what to expect. They just work so well together.”

A pair of errors by Ganesha during the fifth inning gave Ontario its best chance to break through. Lemus wasn’t fazed, however, as she retired three straight batters to strand runners at second and third.

Lemus only had three three-ball counts in the game. Two of those came in the sixth inning, when she walked back-to-back hitters with two outs. She retired the final four batters to complete the one-hitter.

“I think it was a little bit of excitement, and a little bit of fear,” Lemus said of that brief control issue. “I just had to calm down. I have to credit my teammates with helping me do that.”

Anabelle Gonzalez tripled and scored on a wild pitch in the sixth inning for Ganesha’s final run.

Ontario had a couple of defensive gems during the game. Shortstop Sofia Femath made a great stab up the middle for a double play in the fifth inning. Emily Moreno made a running catch in left field to take away extra bases in the sixth.

Undefeated Ganesha baseball team wins first CIF-SS championship

High school sports: Live baseball and softball championship game updates

James H. Williams — Sat, 20 May 2023 16:00:35 +0000

Follow along as Southern California News Group reporters cover local high school teams competing in CIF Southern Section baseball and softball championship games today:

Viewing on a mobile device? Click here

A Twitter List by JHWreporter

Undefeated Ganesha baseball team wins first CIF-SS championship

Fred Robledo — Fri, 19 May 2023 23:51:38 +0000

LONG BEACH — The undefeated Ganesha baseball team cemented its place in history by winning the CIF Southern Section Division 7 championship game Friday with a 7-0 victory over Fillmore at Blair Field.

It is the school’s first CIF-SS baseball title.

Adrian Lopez #14 of Ganesha holds up the championship plaque as Ganesha defeated Fillmore 7-0 to win the CIF-SS Division 7 championship baseball game at Blair Field in Long Beach on Friday, May 19, 2023. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Adrian Lopez, center, celebrates with Gabriel Smith #15 of Ganesha after defeating Fillmore 7-0 to win the CIF-SS Division 7 championship baseball game at Blair Field in Long Beach on Friday, May 19, 2023. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Relief pitcher Jorge Solares, center, of Ganesha celebrates with teammates after defeating Fillmore 7-0 to win the CIF-SS Division 7 championship baseball game at Blair Field in Long Beach on Friday, May 19, 2023. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Adrian Lopez #14 of Ganesha holds up the championship plaque as Ganesha defeated Fillmore 7-0 to win the CIF-SS Division 7 championship baseball game at Blair Field in Long Beach on Friday, May 19, 2023. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Relief pitcher Jorge Solares, center, of Ganesha celebrates with teammates after defeating Fillmore 7-0 to win the CIF-SS Division 7 championship baseball game at Blair Field in Long Beach on Friday, May 19, 2023. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Gabriel Smith #15 of Ganesha reacts after a three run triple against Fillmore in the fourth inning of a CIF-SS Division 7 championship baseball game at Blair Field in Long Beach on Friday, May 19, 2023. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Adrian Lopez #14 of Ganesha holds up the championship plaque as Ganesha defeated Fillmore 7-0 to win the CIF-SS Division 7 championship baseball game at Blair Field in Long Beach on Friday, May 19, 2023. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Adrian Lopez, center, of Ganesha celebrates with teammates after defeating Fillmore 7-0 to win the CIF-SS Division 7 championship baseball game at Blair Field in Long Beach on Friday, May 19, 2023. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Anthony Keller #33 of Ganesha is tagged out by catcher Ivan Becerra #21 Fillmore at home plate in the sixth inning of a CIF-SS Division 7 championship baseball game at Blair Field in Long Beach on Friday, May 19, 2023. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Thomas Giandomenico # 3 scores on a triple by Gabriel Smith (not pictured) of Ganesha against Fillmore in the fourth inning of a CIF-SS Division 7 championship baseball game at Blair Field in Long Beach on Friday, May 19, 2023. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Relief pitcher Jorge Solares, center, of Ganesha celebrates with teammates after defeating Fillmore 7-0 to win the CIF-SS Division 7 championship baseball game at Blair Field in Long Beach on Friday, May 19, 2023. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Gabriel Smith #15 of Ganesha reacts after a three run triple against Fillmore in the fourth inning of a CIF-SS Division 7 championship baseball game at Blair Field in Long Beach on Friday, May 19, 2023. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Gabriel Smith #15 of Ganesha reacts after a three run triple against Fillmore in the fourth inning of a CIF-SS Division 7 championship baseball game at Blair Field in Long Beach on Friday, May 19, 2023. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Isaac Andrade #27 scores on a triple by Gabriel Smith (not pictured) of Ganesha against Fillmore in the fourth inning of a CIF-SS Division 7 championship baseball game at Blair Field in Long Beach on Friday, May 19, 2023. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Adrian Lopez #14 of Ganesha holds up the championship plaque as Ganesha defeated Fillmore 7-0 to win the CIF-SS Division 7 championship baseball game at Blair Field in Long Beach on Friday, May 19, 2023. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Ganesha celebrates after defeating Fillmore 7-0 to win the CIF-SS Division 7 championship baseball game at Blair Field in Long Beach on Friday, May 19, 2023. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Thomas Giandomenico # 3 celebrates with teammates after scoring on a triple by Gabriel Smith (not pictured) of Ganesha against Fillmore in the fourth inning of a CIF-SS Division 7 championship baseball game at Blair Field in Long Beach on Friday, May 19, 2023. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Adrian Lopez #14 of Ganesha holds up the championship plaque as Ganesha defeated Fillmore 7-0 to win the CIF-SS Division 7 championship baseball game at Blair Field in Long Beach on Friday, May 19, 2023. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Bryce McAninch #13 of Ganesha steals third base as third baseman Jacob Munoz #1 of Fillmore waits for the throw in the third inning of a CIF-SS Division 7 championship baseball game at Blair Field in Long Beach on Friday, May 19, 2023. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Gabriel Smith #15 of Ganesha scores against Fillmore in the third inning of a CIF-SS Division 7 championship baseball game at Blair Field in Long Beach on Friday, May 19, 2023. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Relief pitcher Jorge Solares #85 of Ganesha drops the ball as Santiago Avila #11 of Fillmore is safe at first base in the seventh inning of a CIF-SS Division 7 championship baseball game at Blair Field in Long Beach on Friday, May 19, 2023. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Ganesha bench looks on against Fillmore in the first inning of a CIF-SS Division 7 championship baseball game at Blair Field in Long Beach on Friday, May 19, 2023. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Gabriel Smith #15 of Ganesha celebrates with teammates after scoring against Fillmore in the third inning of a CIF-SS Division 7 championship baseball game at Blair Field in Long Beach on Friday, May 19, 2023. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Starting Pitcher Ivan Becerta #21 of Fillmore throws to the plate against Ganesha in the first inning of a CIF-SS Division 7 championship baseball game at Blair Field in Long Beach on Friday, May 19, 2023. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Starting pitcher Gavin Moran #24 of Ganesha throws to the plate against Fillmore in the first inning of a CIF-SS Division 7 championship baseball game at Blair Field in Long Beach on Friday, May 19, 2023. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Relief pitcher Jorge Solares #85 of Ganesha drops the ball as Santiago Avila #11 of Fillmore is safe at first base in the seventh inning of a CIF-SS Division 7 championship baseball game at Blair Field in Long Beach on Friday, May 19, 2023. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Adrian Lopez #14 of Ganesha holds up the championship plaque as Ganesha defeated Fillmore 7-0 to win the CIF-SS Division 7 championship baseball game at Blair Field in Long Beach on Friday, May 19, 2023. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
First baseman Victor Garcia #26 of Ganesha can’t reach a foul pop up against Fillmore in the second inning of a CIF-SS Division 7 championship baseball game at Blair Field in Long Beach on Friday, May 19, 2023. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
First baseman Victor Garcia #26 of Ganesha reacts after digging out the throw for the out against Fillmore to end the second inning of a CIF-SS Division 7 championship baseball game at Blair Field in Long Beach on Friday, May 19, 2023. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
First baseman Victor Garcia #26 of Ganesha reacts as he digs out the throw for the out against Fillmore to end the second inning of a CIF-SS Division 7 championship baseball game at Blair Field in Long Beach on Friday, May 19, 2023. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Bryce McAninch #13 Ganesha is out at first base as first baseman Jarod Uriel #8 of Fillmore makes the play in the first inning of a CIF-SS Division 7 championship baseball game at Blair Field in Long Beach on Friday, May 19, 2023. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Adrian Lopez #14 of Ganesha holds up the championship plaque as Ganesha defeated Fillmore 7-0 to win the CIF-SS Division 7 championship baseball game at Blair Field in Long Beach on Friday, May 19, 2023. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
First baseman Victor Garcia #26 of Ganesha makes the play on Matt Magna # 5 of Fillmore in the first inning of a CIF-SS Division 7 championship baseball game at Blair Field in Long Beach on Friday, May 19, 2023. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)

Expand

The Giants’ Gabe Smith punctuated a five-run fourth inning with a bases-clearing triple that gave them a 5-0 lead. The pitching of Gavin Moran, Brandon Gutierrez and Jorge Solares did the rest, limiting the Flashes (17-15) to just two hits.

Ganesha won its last four playoff games by shutout.

“It always starts with pitching for us,” Ganesha coach Tony Green said. “Our pitching has been good all year and they were good today. We always go by committee and all three of them did a real good job. And then we put together our offense by staying under control. Sometimes it isn’t always great, but we wait until it starts clicking, and go from there.”

That’s it, Ganesha beats Fillmore 7-0 to win the CIF-SS Division 7 championship, completing an undefeated season and first title in school history pic.twitter.com/hNYSf8pz3A

— Fred J. Robledo (@SGVNSports) May 19, 2023

Smith, who finished with three hits, four RBIs and scored twice, said the Giants were patient and pounced when the opportunity came.

“It’s amazing, you dream of this,” Smith said. “We’ve got an amazing team. We just wanted to be ourselves and not do too much, and it paid off.”

Ganesha improved to 18-0 and will continue its season in the CIF State Southern California Regional playoffs that begin May 30. The pairings will be released May 28.

Giants senior Adrian Lopez, a Long Beach State signee, finished with a double, two hits and two RBIs. Catcher Isaiah Ibarra, a USC commit, was 2 for 4 with two runs scored and Thomas Giandomenico was 2 for 3 with a run scored.

The Giants’ run production was amazing all season. They scored 253 runs in all, and 55 runs in five playoff games.

Still, they had to remain patient Friday before breaking it opens with five runs in the fourth inning.

“Once we get one, all of them start rolling in,” Ibarra said. “That’s the goal when we’re out there playing and we got the win. There’s no feeling like it (winning a championship), and to win with these guys means a lot.”

Lopez got to win on the title on the field he will play on next season for Long Beach State. He said the Giants’ dominant offense shouldn’t overshadow the contributions made by team’s pitchers.

The Giants allowed only 14 runs in 18 games.

“Our pitching staff has been great all season, we all knew that,” Lopez said. “They’ve been grinding it out, inning after inning, competing, and keeping us in ball games. Without a doubt we have confidence in those guys.”

This season was a remarkable turnaround for the Giants, who were 10-12 a year ago.

The Giants got a boost this season from an influx of transfers, a situation that brought a lot of attention to the school’s online-school program. Ganesha’s roster this season included 26 new players with roughly 20 transfers, with most of them enrolled in the online program that requires them to be on the school’s campus only for testing.

For Green, in his 10th season at the helm, winning the first CIF-SS trophy was special.

“That’s an awesome feeling, that’s always going to be a great feeling,” Green said. “I waited a long time for it, but it has nothing to do with me. The guys worked hard every single day and they earned it on the field.”

Ganesha had just one hit through two innings. Smith smacked a one-out single and later scored on Lopez’s fly out for a 1-0 lead in the third inning.

The Giants’ big rally came in the fourth.

After Adrian Cedeno earned a bases-loaded walk to make it 2-0, Smith followed with a triple to left-center to clear the bases and make it 5-0.

Smith drove in his fourth run in the seventh with a single to left that scored Ibarra for a 7-0 lead.

Ganesha’s Gabe Smith finished with a triple, three hits and four RBIs in the Giants’ 7-0 win over Fillmore for the D7 title pic.twitter.com/0UCAp7iWwl

— Fred J. Robledo (@SGVNSports) May 19, 2023

Ganesha catcher Isaiah Ibarra, a USC commit, was 3 for 4 with a double in the Giants 7-0 title win over Fillmore. pic.twitter.com/cIC1BHGBYe

— Fred J. Robledo (@SGVNSports) May 19, 2023

Ganesha’s Adrian Lopez, a Long Beach State commit, talked about winning the championship at Blair Field, where he will be a freshman next fall. pic.twitter.com/9hnDVTNRxQ

— Fred J. Robledo (@SGVNSports) May 19, 2023

Ganesha baseball coach Tony Green wins his first title after 10 years at the school, he talks about the Giants’ undefeated season after beating Fillmore 7-0 for the D7 title. pic.twitter.com/ckDxfOx9iC

— Fred J. Robledo (@SGVNSports) May 19, 2023

What champions look like, the Ganesha Giants get their trophy. pic.twitter.com/HrpevNduKB

— Fred J. Robledo (@SGVNSports) May 19, 2023

High school sports: Live baseball and softball championship game updates

James H. Williams — Fri, 19 May 2023 20:04:29 +0000

Follow along as Southern California News Group reporters cover local high school teams competing in CIF Southern Section baseball and softball championship games today:

Viewing on a mobile device? Click here

A Twitter List by JHWreporter

South Hills hopes momentum will carry it to seventh CIF-SS championship in final against Crespi

Fred Robledo — Thu, 18 May 2023 16:17:05 +0000

Everything that needs to go right has gone right so far for the South Hills baseball team in these CIF Southern Section playoffs.

The Huskies have reached the Division 2 championship game Saturday at Blair Field in Long Beach at 1 p.m., and are hoping to win the school’s seventh section title, and first since 2016, with a victory over Crespi.

South Hills reacts after Nate Castellon (not pictured) of Calabasas was tagged out at home plate in the sixth inning of a Division 2 semifinal playoff baseball game at South Hills High School in West Covina on Tuesday, May 16, 2023. South Hills won 5-1. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Paul Vazquez #3 reacts after scoring on a single by teammate Noah Malone (not pictured) of South Hills against Charter Oak in the seventh inning of a Division 2 second round playoff baseball game at Charter Oak High School in Covina on Tuesday, May 9, 2023. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Head coach Darren Murphy of South Hills reacts against Charter Oak in the fifth inning of a Division 2 second round playoff baseball game at Charter Oak High School in Covina on Tuesday, May 9, 2023. South Hills won 8-2. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Relief pitcher Joseph Moreno #22 of South Hills throws to the plate against Charter Oak in the sixth inning of a Division 2 second round playoff baseball game at Charter Oak High School in Covina on Tuesday, May 9, 2023. South Hills won 8-2. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Gabe Martinez #17 of South Hills reacts after a lead off double against Charter Oak in the fifth inning of a Division 2 second round playoff baseball game at Charter Oak High School in Covina on Tuesday, May 9, 2023. South Hills won 8-2. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Matt Moreno #1 of South Hills scores on a single by teammate Paul Vazquez (not pictured) of South Hills against Calabasas in the sixth inning of a Division 2 semifinal playoff baseball game at South Hills High School in West Covina on Tuesday, May 16, 2023. South Hills won 5-1. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Matt Moreno #1 of South Hills celebrates after scoring on a single by teammate Paul Vazquez (not pictured) of South Hills against Charter Oak in the fifth inning of a Division 2 second round playoff baseball game at Charter Oak High School in Covina on Tuesday, May 9, 2023. South Hills won 8-2. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Paul Vazquez #3 of South Hills two run single against Charter Oak in the fifth inning of a Division 2 second round playoff baseball game at Charter Oak High School in Covina on Tuesday, May 9, 2023. South Hills won 8-2. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Relief pitcher Joseph Moreno #22 of South Hills throws to the plat against Charter Oak in the third inning of a Division 2 second round playoff baseball game at Charter Oak High School in Covina on Tuesday, May 9, 2023. South Hills won 8-2. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Coach Mike Parisi, left, with head coach Darren Murphy of South Hills look on against Charter Oak in the second inning of a Division 2 second round playoff baseball game at Charter Oak High School in Covina on Tuesday, May 9, 2023. South Hills won 8-2. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Gabe Martinez #17 of South Hills moves to third on a double by teammate Matt Moreno (not pictured) of South Hills against Charter Oak in the fifth inning of a Division 2 second round playoff baseball game at Charter Oak High School in Covina on Tuesday, May 9, 2023. South Hills won 8-2. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Luke Bauer #11 of South Hills celebrates with teammate Marcos Rosales #13 of South Hills after scoring against Calabasas in the second inning of a Division 2 semifinal playoff baseball game at South Hills High School in West Covina on Tuesday, May 16, 2023. South Hills won 5-1. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Joseph Moreno #22 of South Hills celebrates with teammates after defeating Calabasas 5-1 to win the Division 2 semifinal playoff baseball game at South Hills High School in West Covina on Tuesday, May 16, 2023. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Malaki Pelayo #12 reacts after scoring on a single by teammate Noah Malone (not pictured) of South Hills against Charter Oak in the seventh inning of a Division 2 second round playoff baseball game at Charter Oak High School in Covina on Tuesday, May 9, 2023. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Matt Moreno #1 of South Hills scores on a single by teammate Paul Vazquez (not pictured) of South Hills against Charter Oak in the fifth inning of a Division 2 second round playoff baseball game at Charter Oak High School in Covina on Tuesday, May 9, 2023. South Hills won 8-2. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Head coach head coach Darren Murphy of South Hills takes out starting pitcher Joseph Moreno #22 of South Hills in the sixth inning of a Division 2 semifinal playoff baseball game against Calabasas at South Hills High School in West Covina on Tuesday, May 16, 2023. South Hills won 5-1. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Marcos Rosales #13 of South Hills high fives teammates after scoring on a single by teammate Noah Malone (not pictured) of South Hills against Calabasas in the sixth inning of a Division 2 semifinal playoff baseball game at South Hills High School in West Covina on Tuesday, May 16, 2023. South Hills won 5-1. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Noah Malone #2 of South Hills watches his two RBI single against Calabasas in the sixth inning of a Division 2 semifinal playoff baseball game at South Hills High School in West Covina on Tuesday, May 16, 2023. South Hills won 5-1. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
South Hills celebrates after defeating Calabasas 5-1 to win the Division 2 semifinal playoff baseball game at South Hills High School in West Covina on Tuesday, May 16, 2023. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Paul Vazquez #3 of South Hills reacts after Nate Castellon (not pictured) of Calabasas was tagged out at home plate in the sixth inning of a Division 2 semifinal playoff baseball game at South Hills High School in West Covina on Tuesday, May 16, 2023. South Hills won 5-1. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Noah Malone #2 of South Hills celebrates after defeating Calabasas 5-1 to win the Division 2 semifinal playoff baseball game at South Hills High School in West Covina on Tuesday, May 16, 2023. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
South Hills celebrates after defeating Calabasas 5-1 to win the Division 2 semifinal playoff baseball game at South Hills High School in West Covina on Tuesday, May 16, 2023. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Joseph Moreno #22 of South Hills celebrates with teammates after defeating Calabasas 5-1 to win the Division 2 semifinal playoff baseball game at South Hills High School in West Covina on Tuesday, May 16, 2023. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Paul Vazquez #3 reacts after scoring on a single by teammate Noah Malone (not pictured) of South Hills against Charter Oak in the seventh inning of a Division 2 second round playoff baseball game at Charter Oak High School in Covina on Tuesday, May 9, 2023. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Malaki Pelayo #12 reacts after scoring on a single by teammate Noah Malone (not pictured) of South Hills against Charter Oak in the seventh inning of a Division 2 second round playoff baseball game at Charter Oak High School in Covina on Tuesday, May 9, 2023. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)
Gabe Martinez #17 of South Hills reacts after a lead off double against Charter Oak in the fifth inning of a Division 2 second round playoff baseball game at Charter Oak High School in Covina on Tuesday, May 9, 2023. South Hills won 8-2. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)

Expand

South Hills has survived each round with strong pitching, unsung heroes, timely hits and late-inning runs. The stars have remained aligned for the finals, because the Huskies get to send out their senior ace, left-hander Sterling Patick, a University of Santa Barbara signee, in the championship on a full week of rest.

Patick, who is 10-1 with a 0.30 ERA this season, hasn’t pitched since Friday’s 2-1 win over West Ranch, when he went six innings. In Patick’s only other outing in the playoffs, he threw a one-hitter in the Huskies’ playoff-opening 6-0 win over Great Oak.

South Hills (24-6), the No. 2 seed, beat Calabasas 5-1 in the semifinals.

Huskies coach Darren Murphy thought about using Patick in Tuesday’s semifinal game when they had a 2-1 lead, but the Huskies scored three runs in the bottom of the sixth, allowing them to save Patick.

“You feel a momentum come when you start advancing in the playoffs,” Murphy said. “And it always starts on the mound.”

Murphy was at the helm when the Huskies won their championship in 2016, and he also coached Northview to a championship prior to arriving at South Hills.

“When you’ve done this long enough, and you’re fortunate to win a couple (titles), some luck has to fall into place and the bracket needs to open up,” Murphy said. “Our offense has done a real good job late in games, against Charter Oak and again against Calabasas, where we didn’t have to use Sterling in a do-or-die situation. This time of year pitchers have a lot of innings under their belt, so to be able to have him rested like this is big.”

They will need him because Crespi (20-7-3), which competes in the difficult Mission League that includes strong Division 1 teams such as Notre Dame, Harvard-Westlake and Sierra Canyon, knocked off top-seeded Aquinas 5-3 in the semifinals.

Crespi will likely send out senior ace Isaiah Magdaleno, a University of Hawaii commit who was last year’s Mission League pitcher of the year. Magdaleno is 3-0 with a 0.57 ERA.

In the game the Celts won against Notre Dame, which was the No. 1 seed in the Division 1 playoffs, Magdaleno was on the mound and went seven innings in the 3-1 victory.

“All reports come back that they’re a very good team from a great league, but I would like to think we have a good name and people know who we’re too,” Murphy said. “If you’re in the championship, you’re not fearing anyone. They’re battle-tested having played Notre Dame, Harvard-Westlake and others, but so are we. It should be a great matchup, we’re looking forward to it.”

South Hills will also have sophomore pitcher Joseph Moreno available should they need him. Moreno has thrown 10 1/3 shutout innings in the playoffs.

Senior catcher Malaki Pelayo, who missed the semifinal game with a shoulder injury, which forced the Huskies to start freshman Aiden Soto, will be a game-time decision Saturday.

South Hills has received contributions in the playoffs from their top hitters, Noah Malone, Paul Vasquez, Matt Moreno, Marcos Rosales and Steven Jimenez.

But it all comes down to one game, and Murphy knows to expect the unexpected.

“You expect your so-called studs to perform,” he said, “but anything can happen in a championship game, so everyone has to be ready for that moment.”

Online learning turned one LA County high school into a sports powerhouse, source of controversy

Fred Robledo — Wed, 17 May 2023 21:38:56 +0000

There is only one high school in Southern California that has a baseball and softball team competing in CIF Southern Section championship games this weekend, and it’s not one of your usual customers.

Ganesha’s baseball and softball programs are both undefeated and have dominated at times like a Goliath during the regular season and in the playoffs.

On paper, Ganesha’s baseball and softball turnarounds looks like the stuff of legend, an ascension that would seem improbable, except the backstory is just as fascinating, and some now fear it could be the start of something that ruins the traditional high school experience.

But first the facts.

Ganesha’s baseball team, which has to play its home games at Garey High and practice offsite because its campus field is riddled with gopher holes, is 17-0 and will face Fillmore in the CIF-SS Division 7 championship at Blair Field in Long Beach on Friday at 1 p.m., looking for the school’s first title. The team has outscored its opponents this season 246-14, and outscored them in the playoffs 50-4.

The roster lists 26 players on MaxPreps that were not on the team that finished 10-12 a year ago, with only four players from last year’s team back. The Giants are believed to have multiple players with Division I college offers.

One of the players is senior Adrian Lopez, who is a Long Beach State commit.

CIF SS D 7 Baseball
Quarter Final
Ganesha 21, Fontana 0@SGVNSports @IESportsNet @PEcom_preps @IEPreps @James_Escarcega @LAVarsity pic.twitter.com/f3lL0QoLa6

— Carlos A Páez (@carlospusd) May 13, 2023

Ganesha’s softball team is 15-0 and will play Ontario in the Division 7 championship Saturday at Deanna Manning Stadium in Irvine at 9:30 a.m., looking for the school’s first softball championship.

The softball team has outscored its opponents this season 221-6, and has outscored them 45-3 in the playoffs.

This comes one year after the Giants were 8-12.

CIF SS D7 Game Day
Softball Semi Final
Ganesha vs Tahquitz
At 11 AM @GaneshaHighPUSD @SGVNSports @James_Escarcega @IESportsNet @SGVTribune @LAVarsity @PEcom_preps @MaxPreps @PrepsRiver46513 pic.twitter.com/kKFEqtMsN9

— Carlos A Páez (@carlospusd) May 13, 2023

There has been a lot of people asking how a school not known for its baseball or softball programs could become this good seemingly overnight.

There’s a very simple answer.

The school has an online-schooling program that has attracted numerous transfers, and that includes many of the newcomers this year to the baseball and softball teams, explains Ganesha athletic director and football coach Don Cayer, who also served as the school’s baseball coach for more than a decade.

Nearly all of Ganesha’s baseball players and many of its softball players are taking part in the online program that allows the players to essentially be home-schooled, with the exception of being on campus for testing.

The majority of the players on Ganesha’s baseball team train at EM Speed and Power in Rancho Cucamonga, multiple sources have confirmed for the Southern California News Group, and are enrolled in Ganesha’s online program so they can play high school baseball while taking classes online.

Cayer wouldn’t go into specifics about where the players on the baseball or softball team train when they’re not at Ganesha, or what steered them to the school.

On the CIF Southern Section transfer portal, Ganesha fills up multiple pages of transfer requests, far more than most schools. Most of its transfers were home-schooled previously, which allowed them to be granted immediate eligibility through “non-participation” the previous year.

For Cayer, what’s important to understand is that all of the new players on the baseball and softball teams have been approved through the CIF Southern Section.

“We didn’t break any rules,” Cayer said. “These are students that are enrolled at Ganesha High School (through its online program), and a lot of them previously were home-schooled or at elite charter schools and they got a taste of the online stuff and liked it. They (parents) didn’t want their kids in (traditional) high school settings.”

CIF-SS assistant commissioner Thom Simmons was asked this week if the Ganesha situation is something that has caught the eye of CIF-SS officials, and if there is a concern.

“Yes, we are aware of the number of baseball players that are part of this (online) program,” is all Simmons would say.

Some students are enrolled primarily in online courses and are only required at school for testing. Some are on campus and also participate in some form of online classes.

Cayer says the online program is beneficial to Ganesha’s enrollment numbers.

“We have about 1,000 kids, and I would say about 750 of them are online in some way or another, and for a school like ours, enrollment is down and this helps our enrollment.”

Ganesha isn’t the only school to have student-athletes in online programs, but few have used it to make an impact like the Giants’ baseball and softball teams.

Cayer argues that schools have been taking advantage of loopholes for decades to transform their programs, and for many years Ganehsa’s sports teams were on the opposite side of lopsided beatings because of it.

He acknowledges that Ganehsa may have taken the online program to a different level in terms of how it impacts a high school’s teams, and he understands why people are talking about it.

“This is the wave of the future,” Cayer said. “Not sure how else to explain it. We’re working with the rules that exist.”

Ganesha football coach Don Cayer looks on during the first half of a football game against Sierra Vista on Friday August 30, 2019. Sierra Vista defeated Ganesha 50-29. (Photo by Raul Romero Jr, Contributing Photographer)

La Salle baseball coach Andy Nieto, who also has coached at Damien and previously won four CIF-SS championships at Bishop Amat, raved about Ganesha’s baseball team and shared other thoughts.

“They could compete in Division 1, we played them in the fall,” Nieto said.

The San Gabriel Valley boasts several teams that play in Division 1: Bishop Amat, San Dimas, Bonita, Maranatha, La Mirada and Damien. Ganesha’s baseball team is competing this year in Division 7, the lowest division in the Southern Section.

“In terms of the San Gabriel Valley, they would be in the top three (teams),” Nieto said.

There are some involved in high school sports who are concerned that having teams made up primarily of online students is not what the high school sports experience is supposed to be about.

Nieto sees both sides.

“Look, with COVID, parents got an opportunity to see what home-schooling is all about, and it became a personal preference,” Nieto said. “There is nothing illegal being done here. There are schools that get a lot of transfers, there are schools that turn their programs around other ways.

“I would personally not want to take away the full high school experience from my kids, but if some families are comfortable with it, if that’s what they want to do, it’s their choice and you have to be supportive of that. It is what it is. If they weren’t in Division 7 winning like they are, I don’t think it would be as big of a (story) as it is now.”

Jesse Mendez resigned as Pomona’s baseball coach last year and is the event coordinator of the annual San Gabriel Valley all-star softball games. Mendez says he took great pride in getting the most out of his players, and he fears the online program that he says Ganesha is exploiting is hurting kids who are on campus and need to be involved in sports.

“It’s not easy coaching in Pomona, you got to do a lot of stuff yourself, and you’re there to mentor kids that need it,” Mendez said. “What they’re doing (Ganesha) is taking kids that grow up in Pomona and want to play sports at their high school, and shoving them aside for kids that aren’t from the area, and not even on campus.

Former Pomona High softball coach Jesse Mendez shown during a game May 7, 2019. (File photo: Cindy Yamanaka, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG)

“They’re taking other kids over Pomona kids who need sports to motivate them to do their homework. You take sports away from some of these kids and who knows, they may wind up on the streets. That is not what high school sports are supposed to be about.”

Current Pomona baseball coach Jose Miranda lost to Ganesha 22-0 and 20-0 this season.

Afterward, he thought, who are these guys?

“It’s my first year here, and the first thing when I saw them, I started counting. They had almost 30 kids,” Miranda said of Ganesha. “That’s like three teams, and they were big kids, a lot over six feet. I’ve been around the sport forever, and right away you could tell this was something different. Their nine players on the field were incredible, just incredible, and nothing that we could compete with.

“I was amazed. Just like, wow.”

Ganesha’s baseball coach, Tony Green, and softball coach, Tricia Joines, did not return calls seeking comment for this story.

Cayer said none of the returning players on Ganesha’s baseball and softball teams lost their spots on the teams if they came back this season. He said they all had a chance to try out for the team.

While Cayer defended the online program and the success of the baseball and softball teams, he chose not to comment when asked if he was comfortable with the new way things are being done instead of what is considered the traditional way, where neighborhood kids grow up in an area and play at their local high school.

“I’m going to leave that one alone,” Cayer said.

Updated schedule for the CIF-SS baseball championship games Friday-Saturday, May 19-20

OCVarsity sports staff — Wed, 17 May 2023 16:16:32 +0000

The updated schedule and event information for the CIF Southern Section baseball championship games Friday and Saturday at Blair Field in Long Beach.

Tickets are $12 for general admission, $5 for students and children. There is a clear bag policy at Blair Filed. More information can be found here.

FRIDAY, MAY 19

DIVISION 7

Ganesha vs. Fillmore, 1 p.m.

DIVISION 6

Hesperia Christian vs. Castaic, 4 p.m.

DIVISION 1

JSerra vs. Santa Margarita, 7:30 p.m.

SATURDAY, MAY 20

DIVISION 4

Crean Lutheran vs. Canyon/A, 10 a.m.

DIVISION 2

South Hills vs. Crespi, 1 p.m.

DIVISION 3

Aliso Niguel vs. San Marcos, 4 p.m.

DIVSION 5

Apple Valley vs. Peninsula, 4 p.m.

CIF-SS baseball playoffs: Semifinals scores, updated schedule for the finals

OCVarsity sports staff — Wed, 17 May 2023 04:53:18 +0000

CIF-SS BASEBALL PLAYOFFS

Schedule for the championship games.

Semifinals, Tuesday

DIVISION 1

JSerra 8, Corona 0

Santa Margarita 5, Orange Lutheran 1

DIVISION 2

Crespi 5, Aquinas 3 (8 innings)

South Hills 5, Calabasas 1

DIVISION 3

Aliso Niguel 1, Yorba Linda 0

San Marcos 2, Westlake 0

DIVISION 4

Crean Lutheran 9, Sultana 6

Canyon 7, Linfield Christian 3

DIVISION 5

Apple Valley 11, Bishop Montgomery 8

Peninsula 2, Shadow Hills 1

DIVISION 6

Castaic 6, Bloomington 1

Hesperia Christian 3, San Marino 1

DIVISION 7

Ganesha 3, Brentwood 0

Fillmore 4, Cantwell-Sacred Heart 1

CHAMPIONSHIP GAMES

Friday and Saturday at Blair Field, Long Beach

Division 1

Santa Margarita vs. JSerra, Friday, 7: 30 p.m.

Division 2

South Hills vs. Crespi, Saturday, 1 p.m.

Division 3

Aliso Niguel vs. San Marcos, Saturday, 4 p.m.

Division 4

Crean Lutheran vs. Canyon, Saturday, 7:30 p.m.

Division 5

Apple Valley vs. Peninsula, Friday, 4 p.m.

Division 6

Hesperia Christian vs. Castaic, Saturday, 10 a.m.

Division 7

Ganesha vs. Fillmore, Friday, 1 p.m.

VOTE: Southern California Boys Athlete of the Week, May 19

Staff report — Wed, 17 May 2023 03:39:34 +0000

Each week, publications from the Southern California News Group’s 11 properties (Orange County Register, L.A. Daily News, Press-Enterprise, San Gabriel Valley Tribune, Long Beach Press-Telegram, The Daily Breeze, San Bernardino Sun, Daily Bulletin, Redlands Daily Facts, Whittier Daily News and Pasadena-Star News) select the Athletes of the Week for their respective region.

Each athlete is then entered into the overall Southern California Athlete of the Week vote.

Click on the newspaper links below the athlete’s name to read about their performance from last week, and then vote for who you think deserves the top honor.

Readers are allowed to vote multiple times. Voting ends at Thursday at midnight, but final totals aren’t always immediately reflected due to processing.

GIRLS ATHLETE OF THE WEEK VOTING

The overall winner will be announced on Friday, May 19.

Voting poll at bottom of the page.

Anthony Flowers, South Torrance: Flowers won two events in the CIF-Southern Section Division 2 finals at Moorpark High. Flowers posted a time of 10.35 seconds in the 100 meters and ran a 20.95 to win the 200 final. South also finished third in the 4×100 relay (42.14).

Devin Paton, Monrovia: Paton won the boys long jump with a leap of 22 feet, 5 1/2 inches and finished second in the 300 hurdles with a time of 38.16 seconds at the CIF Southern Section Division 3 track and field finals at Moorpark High. Paton’s personal best in the long jump is 23 feet, which is the fifth-best mark in the state this year. His time in the 300 hurdles at the CIF-SS finals is the year’s eighth-best mark in California. He will compete in both events at the Masters Meet at Moorpark High Saturday and will try to advance to the state meet May 26-27.

Mikel Udengwu, Glenn: The senior won the discus in Division 3 at the CIF-Southern Section Track and Field Finals with a personal-best throw of 193 feet. Udengwu will compete in the CIF Masters Meet Saturday at Moorpark High as the No. 1 seed across all four CIF-SS divisions.

Nathan Sampson, Great Oak: Sampson fired a round of 5-under-par 67 to claim the CIF Southern Section’s Central Region individual title at Bear Creek Golf Club in Murrieta. He edged teammate Ryan Abuan and Chaparral’s Chayce Frye (both shot 68) to win the championship. Sampson, who has signed with San Diego State, shot 33 on the front nine and 34 coming home. He recorded seven birdies and two bogeys, with four of the birdies coming on each of the course’s par-5 holes. Sampson won the Southwestern League title earlier this month.

Jake Stafford, JSerra: It’s rare when a track and field athlete performs well in events as different as the high jump and the shot put and discus, but that’s what Stafford did Saturday. At the CIF-SS finals, he won the Division 3 high jump at 6 feet, 8 inches, finished fourth in the discus at 64-3 and was seventh in the shot put at 46-4.5 at Moorpark High School. His high jump mark is second-best in Orange County this season. Stafford will continue his track and field career at UCLA.

Nate Johnson, Westlake: After 4.5 hours and 17 innings on Friday, Nate Johnson made his mark in Westlake’s 3-2, 19-inning CIF Southern Section Division 3 quarterfinal victory over South Torrance Saturday morning when he pitched two scoreless innings and hit the game-winning sacrifice fly to center field to score Dillon Marrisett. The saga marked one of the longest games in section history. He has committed to Tulane.