SGV/Whittier Prep Sports Zone: Monday Report, April 17, 2023

A look at the recently concluded La Habra vs Fullerton series, baseball and softball rankings, a look at the week ahead, a final word on the CIF-SS commissioner selection process and more.

Apr 17, 2023

By James Escarcega

Every now and then, I get asked why love covering high school baseball. There are the usual perks such as early start times, the ability to grab lunch somewhere and then go to a game, my love for baseball, etc.

But the main reason why I love covering high school baseball is that you just never know what to expect. This is why last week's home-and-home series between Fullerton and La Habra will be categorized as the best series of the season in the area.

Why?

Consider these facts:

Both games were won, 1-0, IN THE BOTTOM OF THE SEVENTH INNING!
Emotions ran high for both teams during the week.
Both teams combined for a two-game batting average of .146.

Throw in a little controversy and you have yourself a series for the ages.

Let's start with Wednesday's game that saw La Habra win on a balk committed by Fullerton pitcher George Papadatos that allowed Ricardo Romero to score. Shaun Hill, the coach at Fullerton, argued the call so strongly, he was ejected from the game and not allowed to coach on Friday.

The win jumped La Habra into a first-place tie with Fullerton entering Friday's showdown at Fullerton.

Both teams' pitching staffs picked up where they left off on Wednesday. La Habra's Matt Viveros, a lefty, held the Indians to one hit in four innings of pitching. Matthew Carbajal was matching Viveros pitch-for-pitch but kept things interesting by putting runners in scoring position, only to get out of those jams.

As you can imagine, we had a little controversy in this game as well. In the top of the fourth inning, with the inning's leadoff hitter Izaiah Posada on first, Andrew Gandara hit a single to center with Conor Sunderland throwing a strike to catcher Nate Norman, who applied the tag to Posada just as his hand touched home plate and was called out.

La Habra’s Izaiah Posada is tagged out by Nate Norman in Friday’s La Habra vs. Fullerton baseball game. (Escarcega)

It was a "bang-bang" play to say the least. The picture that we took was obscured by Carbajal, so we couldn't get a good view as to what occurred first. However, the home plate umpire was on top of the play, so it should be categorized as the right call.

Once again, the game was determined in the bottom of the seventh inning, when Zach Fany, who made a tremendous play at the top of the inning when he made a dazzling play to rob Anthony Gomez of a single, connected on a single to left that scored Miguel Velasquez of the winning run. In both games, the players rushed onto the field and hugged each other, more in relief than anything else.

La Habra’s Bobby Brooks (Escarcega)

La Habra's Bobby Brooks used the series as a showcase to prove to everyone that he is one of the top freshman shortstops not only in our coverage area but in Orange County as well. He's going to be a good one. It was a series that was craving for one more game – but that won't be the case as the league changed its league structure and moved to a home-and-home series format rather than a 3-game series.

Which is unfortunate. Instead of giving us one more memorable game, both teams will have to win and do scoreboard-watching. However, it is the opinion of this reporter that there were no losers last week in the Fullerton vs. La Habra series. Everyone was a winner, including those that were the stakeholders in the series.

It was another reason why I love covering high school baseball – you just never know when the next great moment occurs – it always does!

BASEBALL RANKINGS

Jayden Medina, San Dimas (Escarcega)

1. San Dimas (15-6): For those that dropped San Dimas from the top spot of their area rankings because they lost several games at the Boras Classic just shows a lack of knowledge when it comes to baseball. One of the losses that the Saints suffered was to Sherman Oaks Notre Dame, the number one team in the state. Let's keep the loss to Etiwanda in context, and they would beat 97% of the teams in the area. The Saints get some class relief this week as they take on San Dimas and Covina. One other thing, San Dimas did beat La Serna earlier in the season, I should know – I was there!

2. Bonita (13-4): It's Glendora week – enough said!

3. Bishop Amat (17-3-1): With another productive trip to the desert behind them, it's back to the grind of Del Rey League action and a home-and-home series with Serra. Buckle up!

4. La Mirada (15-5): Check out who La Mirada has to play this week, Tesoro, Downey, Warren, and Bellflower. That's before a three-game series with Gahr next week. May the force be with you, Jimmy Zurn.

5. La Serna (20-2): First area team to reach 20 wins for the season. It all comes down to Wednesday's showdown at El Rancho. A win and the Lancers have a tight hold on first place in the Del Rio. A loss and Friday's game becomes "The Mother of All" Whittier area games.

6. Damien (15-4-2): The Spartans are hitting on all cylinders and they know that every game in the Baseline is a huge one. Don't expect them to ease off the gas pedal with Rancho Cucamonga on tap this week.

7. Maranatha (15-4): We were hoping for a bit of a stronger performance at the Boras Classic, but there is nothing wrong with that huge win over Santa Margarita. The loss to Mater Dei throws cold water on a terrific week, especially considering that La Serna beat Mater Dei earlier this season.

8. Arcadia (17-3): It's the week before Crescenta Valley, which is fraught with all kinds of challenges for Arcadia coach Nick Lemas. The goal is not to look ahead but stay in the present. This means that Arcadia must handle its business against Burbank this week. Quick question: Can we get Apache TV to cover the game at CV next week? Asking for a friend!

9. South Hills (16-5): A nice sweep of Walnut last week to establish their hold once again on first place in the Hacienda League. Diamond Bar is on the agenda this week and they should be just fine. One thing is for sure, the MaxPreps computer rankings love the Huskies.

10. El Rancho (17-5): No matter what the result is from this week's game with La Serna, Richard Rios has done a great job in his second year with the Dons. Don't expect them to lose without a fight. See you on Wednesday, Dons fans.

SOFTBALL RANKINGS

Kayla Sigala, South Hills (Escarcega)

1. South Hills (16-2-1): Trying to figure things out, San Dimas baseball loses to the number one team in the state and gets thumped in one set of area rankings, but South Hills loses to the number one team in the state (Los Alamitos) and doesn't get punished??... Oh well, I'll move on! The Huskies defeated Walnut and Los Altos last week by a combined score of 28-5. Look for much the same this week against Wilson and Walnut.

2. Ayala (13-0-1): The Bulldogs are showing everyone once again why they are the perennial contenders to win a Palomares League title. They just show up and get the job done each. They have two games against Bonita this week, and if they win both – the league title race is over!

3. La Serna (16-6): Maybe it was too much to expect the Lancers to sweep California and clinch the Del Rio League. Where's the fun in that? The fact of the matter is that La Serna has a one-game lead over Cal with Santa Fe, El Rancho, and Whittier left to be played from a Del Rio League point of view. La Serna should win the league title but remember – this is the Del Rio League.

4. La Mirada (14-7): We were reminded last Wednesday that when super sophomore Monsterrat Reyes-Cardenas is not in the circle for the Matadores, things can get a bit interesting. Gahr, Mayfair, and Norco are on the agenda this week.

5. Temple City (12-2): It's La Canada week – enough said!

6. Bonita (15-7): This is such a pivotal week for the Bearcats. They need to show everyone that they can handle the move to Division 1 by winning two games from Ayala this week. We've come to the point of the season where you can't hide anymore. Either you get the job done or you don't. This should be the week where Brooklyn Shroyer shows everyone why she is the best pitcher in the area.

7. St. Paul (18-6): With a league title already secured in their hip pocket, it's time to get prepped for a deep playoff run in Division III. Nothing less is expected.

8. California (16-7-2): You just knew that the Condors had it in them to pull out a huge win over La Serna and deny them the season sweep. Pricilla Ramirez showed everyone why she is one of the top sophomore pitchers in the area. She is very good! Plus, throw in a little Ashley Hernandez magic, and "Boom!" the Condors are back in the league title hunt and will be doing a lot of scoreboard-watching for the next two weeks.

9. Whittier Christian (16-4): The Heralds are on a 13-game winning streak and have a home-and-home series against Valley Christian this week. They should be just fine!

10. Arcadia (15-4): To say that the loss to Burroughs was a bit of a surprise is an understatement. This means Thursday's home game against Burroughs is a must-win game with Crescenta Valley on the docket next week. Might have to see this team again this week.

THE WEEK AHEAD

This is a new feature to the Monday Report. Each week, we'll preview the week ahead with the big games that might be of interest to area fans with the playoffs around the corner.

Monday

Baseball: South Pasadena at Monrovia: First place is on the line as the Tigers travel to Monrovia. The first time that these teams played; it went 9 innings with South Pasadena winning 5-4. Fans might want to bring some coffee with them to the ballpark on Monday.

Tuesday

Baseball: Bonita at Glendora: One of the best rivalries in the area and it figures to be heated up again as both teams (along with Ayala) are atop the league standings. Don't be surprised if Long Beach State signee Justin Santiago gets the starting call from Ryan Marcos.

Softball: Keppel at Schurr: Spartans pitcher Emma Mendizabal has been rolling lately and will face a Keppel team that "is the best softball team that no one knows about," said a softball coach recently. All I will say is that Keppel is 11-8 and has played one heck of a schedule.

Wednesday (Best day of ball in the area)

Baseball: La Serna at El Rancho: The Del Rio League championship race could be locked up if La Serna defeats El Rancho. That won't be easy as El Rancho is 12-3 at home this season. This is another game where, if you attend this game, you'll be getting a playoff feel to it.

Baseball: Rancho Cucamonga at Damien: This is the second game of a three-game series and there is no hotter team in the area than the Spartans. Every game in the Baseline is big and there is no way that Damien can lose at home with Etiwanda approaching quickly.

Baseball: St. Francis at Crespi: Shaun Fort has done a great job with St. Francis and they are in the thick of a tight battle for third place in the Mission League (the toughest league in California). This game should have a playoff feel to it.

Baseball: Sonora at La Habra: No matter the sport, it's always a barnburner when these two schools play. Both are in the thick of the Freeway League championship race and every game counts. Stat of the Day: La Habra is 11-0-1 at home this season.

Softball: Warren at La Serna: This is a nonleague game but this game will go a long way to help enhance the resume of the winning team at the end of the day.

Softball: Temple City at La Canada: There are rivalries and then there is Temple City vs. La Canada. To put it simply, it's the best softball rivalry in the West SGV and second only behind La Serna vs. California in our coverage area. The pitching matchup should be an outstanding one – Elle Leckrone vs. Kassandra Gewecke.

Thursday

Baseball: Glendora at Bonita: It's the back end of a home-and-home series. Garrett Patterson figures to get the call for Bonita on this day.

Baseball: Charter Oak at West Covina: We mention this game for several reasons. One, the menu is a little light for a Thursday. Two, let's keep track of Tuesday's game between both teams. If West Covina pulls out the win, this game becomes very interesting when it comes to who finishes second and third in the Valle Vista League. West Covina is pretty good this year.

Softball: Burroughs at Arcadia: The Bears pulled off a stunning win over Arcadia last week to spice up the Pacific League title race, so this game is very important for Arcadia when it comes to championship aspirations. The weather and the Arcadia Invitational were no help to the Apaches this year.

Friday

Baseball: Serra at Bishop Amat: This is the back end of a home and home series with Amat pulling out a 5-4 win back in early March. Moises Escobedo should be tabbed as the starter unless things get interesting on Wednesday in Gardena.

Baseball: El Rancho at La Serna: If El Rancho wins on Wednesday, this could be the "Mother of all baseball" games in the Whittier area. If you are a La Serna fan, you are comforted by the fact that the Lancers are 12-0 at home this year.

Softball: La Canada at Temple City: It's the back end of the home-and-home series and if La Canada pulls out a Wednesday win, Friday's game will have a playoff tone to it. It could be Leckrone vs. Gewecke again!

Softball: Ayala at Bonita: If the Bearcats have any thoughts of winning the Palomares, they have to win this game. Both teams faced each other on March 7th, with Ayala pulling out a 5-4 win.

FINALLY

Mike West, newly appointed CIF Southern Section Commissioner. (Photo: CIFSS)

You may have missed the news on Thursday, but the CIF Southern Section's Executive Council voted to have Mike West, currently the principal at ML King High School in Riverside, as its next commissioner. He'll be replacing the popular Rob Wigod, who is stepping down at the end of the calendar year for athletics.

As you can well imagine, the competition for the job was fierce with many top applicants considered for the job. One of them, according to sources in the section, was Irvine HS Principal Monica Colunga. She was recently the President of the CIF State Office.

We bring this up because my good friend, Steve Fryer of the Orange County Register, penned a notes column about the hiring of West. To put it bluntly, he was not exactly fired up about it. "It's not a 'good look'… that the next CIF-SS Commissioner (Mike West), is a white male like the nine CIF-SS commissioners that precede him…. Another leading candidate with equivalent credentials was (Colunga), but being a few years older than West, 55, might have come into play against Colunga."

With all due respect to my respected colleague from the other side of a county that borders Los Angeles, I have to take umbrage to that paragraph. Let me be clear that I count Fryer as a very good friend. He is a legend in Orange County and his voice is as powerful as ever. In this instance, this is where we disagree - which is OK in our business. It is acceptable to agree to disagree.

The process that is involved with picking a commissioner, according to those involved in the process, is an exhaustive one. Multiple interviews took place with the candidates vetted very intensely.

From the conversations that I've had this past weekend, no stone was left unturned by the Executive Council. To insinuate that the Executive Council took heavily into consideration age and whether the candidate was a male or female is a bad take. The CIF Southern Section office has a terrific reputation for always looking for the best people to occupy their positions.

No one in the media was involved in the process. We don't know how the candidates did in the interview process. We don't know how good the resumes were after they were scrubbed extensively by the EC. And nor should we know. There is a reason why the process was completed "behind closed doors."

Mike West is currently the president of the CIF-SS Federation Council. His resume looks pretty solid for someone that will be replacing a widely popular predecessor. He's been on the CIF State Federation Office, has been an Athletic Director, an Assistant Principal, a principal, and an Athletic Trainer.

We've only had the chance to speak briefly with West once (the media will be allowed to interview West after Tuesday's Federation Council Meeting), but he comes off as a bright, smart, and well-spoken person. So does Colunga, who is present at a lot of sectional finals and loves giving out championship awards.

The section is going to do just fine no matter who is in the seat. The next commissioner will inherit an office that is a financial windfall machine, a staff that is much younger than other sectional offices and will always produce compelling finals in its sports. We also feel that West will also ignite several changes that will be trendsetting in the years to come.

To say that West got the job because he was a white male and of younger age is not the best thing to say. After all, James Perry, the widely respected President of the CIF-SS Executive Council, is also currently the District Athletic Director for Huntington Beach Unified. He works in the same county as Colunga and has worked with her from a sectional and state point of view. Yet, it was Mike West that got the job – so maybe the best candidate won in the end.

We'll find out soon enough.

SGV/Whittier Prep Sports Zone