SGV/Whittier Prep Sports Zone: Softball Rankings, April 15, 2024
La Mirada, California, and Temple City are the top three this week.
Samantha Womack (Temple City)
1. La Mirada (17-4-2): It’s the great debate of 2024. Who is the #1 team in the area? Right now, I have the Matadores by a very slim margin. This week it’s Warren and Gahr on the docket before next week’s showdown with Mayfair (which I will be in attendance). One thing about this team, they can hit the ball relentlessly.
2. California (22-3): What a year it has been for Jason Ramirez and his crew. If you were shocked by the way they beat South Hills, 5-1… don’t be. I haven’t seen a team as complete as this team is. They make good teams look very average in a hurry. Two games against Whittier and Santa Fe this week before they close out the season against La Serna.
3. Temple City (15-1-1): If you haven’t seen pitcher Kassandra Gewecke in person, you better hurry. She’s worth the time and effort to make it when she’s in the circle. The offense is starting to come around and that is a big with the playoffs around the corner.
4. Ayala (16-3): The hottest team in the area right now with an 11-game winning streak. The Bulldogs have one of the top 1-2 pitching combinations in the area with Ashlyn Hames and Allie Lukaszewicsz. They have combined for 67 Ks – that’s quite a feat.
5. Los Altos (12-7-1): Did anyone have Los Altos sweeping South Hills on their bingo cards?
6. South Hills (13-7): Did anyone have South Hills getting swept by Los Altos on their bingo cards?
7. Bonita (18-5): Kaitlyn Maaske has been sensational in the circle all season for the Bearcats (11-2, 2.15 ERA). Huge game on Monday at Ayala.
8. Sonora (10-8): Bayle Hunnicutt showed La Habra why she is on the shortlist of elite underclass pitchers in the area. She is the heart and soul of the Raiders team.
9. Whittier Christian (15-7): Heralds bounced back from their heartbreaking loss to California with an impressive win against Valley Christian. Interesting last regular season game… at home vs. Los Altos on Thursday, April 25th.
10. Schurr (21-2): Should lock down the Almont this week. It’s all about the bracket placement when the playoffs arrive.