BA Issue 64, April 18, 2013

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LEVEL UP • Expert Advice • Concussions • Ankle Sprains • Pregame Jitters • Shoulder Pain

High School Sports: Golden Age

April 18, 2013

Mitty softball makes its statement SCOUT OUT LOUD Baseball’s top contenders for section titles

NO FEAR

FEAR Carondelet shooting for #1

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like like like We

sports

sports

Bird & Chidom

r e t t e none b pg18 are hard to under27 Concussions stand. So are their treatments.

Dr. Andrew Nash breaks it down for you.

quitting: Carondelet hit a 12 no bump in the road. But the great teams don’t let that slow them.

The Archbishop Mitty 22 rising: softball team used the Livermore Stampede as a launching pad.

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pitch: Do you love high 6 first school sports? Yeah, probably — I mean, you’re reading SportStars, right? Well, we don’t wanna brag (pffft, of course we do) but since we’ve been around Bay Area sports has found itself in a golden age. You’re welcome.

us on facebook

room: Do you believe?

8 locker Do you remember when you did?

We update the Warriors slogan. of the Week: 10 SportStars Derrico Kwa, Deer Valley Gadgets and gizmos.

26 impulse: Awesome. Right? We have some of the best featured.

The thing about the 11 Clipboard: spotlight is that there isn’t always room for everybody. on the cover: Carondelet senior, Erin Jeffery. Photo by Phillip Walton

Fence: Tryouts, sign-ups, 34 The fundraisers and more!

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Is this a Golden Age?

W

hen it comes to the daily grind of producing a high school sports publication, it can be easy to develop a narrow focus.

What do we need to cover for THIS issue?

What’s happening THIS month or THIS season?

But there are the occasional times where our focus is to look back, and it allows us to gain a greater appreciation of the bigger picture. Our Athletes of the Year issues are like that — and this one was especially so.

When myself and a few colleagues sat down to discuss who our choices would be for the Bay Area and Sac-Joaquin Athletes of the Winter, the resumes some of these young athletes had were beyond impressive. And as the issue took shape and we began to put together the Athlete of the Year package, I came to an illuminating — and not wholly unbiased — conclusion: The SportStars Era may be one of the most prolific and talent-rich stretches of high school sports in Northern California, especially in the Bay Area.

Think about it. In the first two and a half school years that we’ve been around, the region’s high schools have produced an Olympic gold medalist (Maggie Steffens, water polo, Monte Vista-Danville), some of the most-prized football recruits in the country (Shaq Thompson, Grant-Sacramento; Eddie Vanderdoes, Placer-Auburn; Joe Mixon, Freedom-Oakley), multiple nationally-ranked programs in football, baseball, softball, volleyball and basketball, a slew of state champions and four McDonald’s All-American basketball players — the last of which made choosing a Bay Area Male Athlete of the Winter very difficult.

We ultimately chose Jabari Bird (Salesian-Richmond) over the 2011-12 Bay Area Male Athlete of the Year, Aaron Gordon (Archbishop Mitty-San Jose), by the narrowest of margins. But we believe a case could be made for any of the three McDonald’s All-Americans featured on page 21 of the Bay Area edition.

And even though Oderah Chidom (Bishop O’Dowd-Oakland) was our only girls McDonald’s All-American, choosing her wasn’t exactly an uncontested layup either. Megan Reid, a Miramonte-Orinda junior, is the type of rare multi-sport athlete that is hardly ever seen anymore as she excels at two sports in the same season (basketball and soccer). But we couldn’t even fit her into the honorable mentions this year.

Our Sac-Joaquin staff has had equally tough decisions over the past couple of seasons.

Having covered high school sports in Northern California for more than a decade now, I don’t recall a stretch that has featured so much talent and success across all sports. Certainly there have been years when a specific sport has been incredibly rich, but never like this where national-level talent can be seen year-round.

Just looking ahead to our last seven weeks of spring there are three Bay Area softball teams and one Bay Area baseball team ranked among the Top 10 in the nation; two of the top girls lacrosse teams in the nation are part of the same Bay Area league; Castro Valley senior hurdles runner Sasha Wallace owns the nation’s best 100 high hurdles mark; Several All-American swimmers throughout Northern California are likely to make a splash at the U.S. and World Championships this summer; And several boys golfers have a shot at keeping the CIF State Championship top medalist honor in the North State.

What a run. And you can go ahead and credit it all to the arrival of SportStars. We’re fine with that. ✪

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join our team PHONE 925.566.8500 FAX 925.566.8507 Editorial Editor@SportStarsOnline.com Editor Chace Bryson • Chace@SportStarsOnline. com Staff Writers Erik Stordahl, Jim McCue Contributors Bill Kolb, Mitch Stephens, Matt Smith, Clay Kallam, Bryant West, Dave Kiefer, Liz Elliott, Tim Rudd, Jonathan Okanes, Hunter Hewitt, Joe Stiglich Photography Butch Noble, Bob Larson, Jonathan Hawthorne, James K. Leash, Norbert von der Groeben, Phillip Walton, Doug Guler Intern Ryan Arter Creative Department Art@SportStarsOnline.com Production Manager Mike DeCicco • MikeD@ SportStarsOnline.com Publisher/President Mike Calamusa • Mike@SportStarsOnline.com Advertising & Calendar/ Classified Sales Sales@SportStarsOnline.com, 925.566.8500 Account Executives Erik Stordahl • Erik@SportStarsOnline.com, Phillip Walton • PWalton@SportStarsOnline.com Sac Joaqin edition: Dave Rosales • DaveRosales64@gmail.com Reader Resources/Administration Ad Traffic, Subscription, Calendar & Classified Listings info@SportStarsOnline.com Distribution/Delivery Mags@SportStarsOnline.com Information technology John Bonilla CFO Sharon Calamusa • Sharon@SportStarsOnline.com community SportStars™ Magazine A division of Caliente! Communications, LLC 5356 Clayton Rd., Ste. 222 • Concord, CA 94521 •info@SportStarsOnline.com www.SportStarsOnline.com

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your ticket to california sports admit one; rain or shine This Vol. #4, April 2013 Whole No. 64 is published by Caliente!

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SportStars™© 2010 by Caliente! Communications, LLC. All rights reserved. Subscription rates: 24 issues, U.S. 3rd class $42 (allow 3 weeks for delivery). 1st class $55. To receive sample issues, please send $3 to cover postage. Back issues are $4 each. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission of Publisher is strictly prohibited. The staff and management, including Board of Directors, of SportStars™© does not advocate or encourage the use of any product or service advertised herein for illegal purposes. Editorial contributions, photos and letters to the editor are welcome and should be addressed to the Editor. All material should be typed, double-spaced on disk or email and will be handled with reasonable care. For materials return, please enclose a stamped, self-addressed envelope. SportStars™© and STARS!™© Clinics are registered trademarks of Caliente! Communications, LLC.

Read Me. Recycle Me.

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rapidFIRE Dream job as a 10-year old

Dream job now

NFL, play for the Raiders

NFL, play for the Raiders

Favorite sport as a fan

Favorite home-cooked meal

Beef steak (Filipino dish)

Place you’ve never been but want to go to

Hawaii

One rule in any sport you’d like to change

No more BCS in college football

Joe Protheroe, Clayton Valley-Concord football

To be whatever my dad was

A pharmacist

Salmon with Florida wild rice

Buzby Rule (pitcher faking to third, throwing to first)

Austin Friello, Pleasant Grove-Elk Grove baseball

say what “Did I see (18-0) coming? I don’t want to say no. Frankly, we expect to win every time out. Let’s put it this way, I wouldn’t have been surprised if we had some losses at this point” Archbishop Mitty-San Jose softball coach Brian Yocke on the Monarchs 18-0 start which has the Monarchs ranked No. 3 in the nation by MaxPreps.com.

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count‘em

52

Top 5 warriors playoff slogans So. The Warriors are going to the playoffs. Huh. We can honestly say we didn’t see that coming. I mean, before 2007, it had only been, what? like 100 years since the last time they did the postseason thing. We figured we got our taste with Baron Davis & the We Believe Co., and the Dubs would make another run right around the time the Yankees had the lowest payroll in baseball. Color us pleasantly surprised. But our work is not yet done. This scrappy bunch of, uhh, medium achievers, needs a rallying cry. A moniker. A nickname.

Here are our top five suggestions to rival the We Believe Warriors of ought-seven.

1. We Play D — Well. Sorta. Right? Isn’t that Mark Jackson’s thing? Hand down, man down, and all that?

And yet “We” somehow surrendered 234 points in two games.

2. We In the Key — Because big-man Andrew Bogut is just nails right now, blocking shots, making those sweet interior passes… Wait. What? Again? Oh. Darn.

3. We Got the Three — Steph Curry and Klay Thompson set the single-season NBA record for combined 3-pointers by two teammates. When the two guards are in a zone, the team can be electric. When they aren’t? Well, let’s just hope they are.

4. We D Lee — As good as Curry has been this season, David Lee’s workmanlike approach is the glue that has held this squad together through thick and thin (and ankle sprains and bizarre contact lens-related injuries, and inexplicable losses, and…). Dude was an All Star. The first Warriors All Star, like, ever. At least it seemed that way.

5. We Are Free — You know. To make plans. For the offseason. Because let’s be honest. This team will be shocking the world if it makes any major postseason run.

— Bill “Doesn’t Believe” Kolb

The number of elite 14-under baseball players participating in The League, a four-team all-star league developed by NCTB Baseball that features some of the most talented 7th and 8th graders throughout the Greater Bay and Sacramento areas. We built player cards like this one for all 52 players. View the slideshow at SportStarsOnline. com (or scan this card with Layar) and find out more about The League at http:// playnctb.com/league. html

Dan Honda/MCT/ ZumaPress.com

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April 18, 2013

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The one thing missing in Derrico Kwa’s decorated volleyball career is an NCS title. His teams have been close in the past, making it to the playoffs every year before bowing out in the semis (2010 and 2012), and finals (2011, vs. De La Salle). Things might change this season as Kwa has helped the Wolverines to a 26-1 record with a masterful 20-game winning streak that’s still going. It doesn’t hurt that Kwa now has 6-foot-10 McDonald’s All-American basketball player Marcus Lee to set to at the middle hitter position, either.

SportStars Magazine: What’s been the key to this winning streak?

Derrico Kwa: Having fun, just playing together as a team. … It’s just fun to win.

SSM: Who’s the toughest team you’ve played this year?

Why? DK: Clovis. They have a lot of club players, and they play year-round.

SSM: What’s different about this team than others you’ve been on?

DK: We have Marcus (Lee). *laughs* Jordan (Ewert) is pretty good too. I think he’s gonna be a really good volleyball player in the future.

SSM: What does Marcus bring to the team?

DK: He’s a good leader. He makes practice a lot more fun.

April 18, 2013

honorable mention

derrico kwa

joey starick

deer valley . senior . volleyball

The Freedom senior hit a combined 10-for-14 over five games with 4 doubles and 12 RBI.

sasha wallace The Castro Valley track star ran the 100 high hurdles in 13.55 seconds at the Arcadia Invitational on April 6. Tops in the nation.

desiree severance

Phillip Walton DERRICO’S QUICK HITS FAVORITE ATHLETE: Marcus Lee FAVORITE BASEBALL TEAM: Giants FAVORITE STARBUCKS ITEM: Double Chocolate Chip Frappuccino

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MItty’s sophomore pitcher has been electric so far this season, helping lead the Monarchs to a perfect 18-0 record.

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I’m a swimmer and it just seems like no one cares. We work harder than anyone, and nobody pays any attention to us. I remember my older brother used to at least get in the paper but now they don’t seem to even put in the scores of the meets. Why don’t swimmers get more respect?

L.W., Castro Valley

here’s a lot to unpack in that short question, so let’s dive right in — so to speak.

‘We work harder than anyone.’ Do swimmers work harder than baseball and volleyball players? Maybe. But sports like wrestling, football and basketball could also make that claim. Yes, swimmers work hard, but statements like that tend to make people ignore the rest of what you have to say.

‘Now they don’t seem to even put in the scores of the meets.’ Things have changed, and part of the problem is at the newspaper end, part of the problem is at the coaches’ end, and part of the problem is with the scorekeeping.

Though some newspapers work hard to cover prep sports — we’re talking to you, Contra Costa Times and Sacramento Bee — the general malaise (SAT vocabulary alert) in the industry has led to cutbacks in personnel and pages. That means that there’s no room for even a simple summary of a meet, and the days of listing the top three finishers are a rapidly fading memory.

On the other hand, a lot of coaches no longer take newspapers themselves, and so they don’t even think about calling in the scores — and unless their athletic director makes a big deal of it, no one’s pushing them to. So one thing you can do is ask your coach if she’s calling in the results after every meet. If she isn’t, there’s your answer right there.

Finally, on this topic, scorekeeping isn’t what it used to be. Before the electronic scoreboards were installed at a lot of pools, scoring by hand was a necessity and, by necessity, people got pretty good at it. They could total everything up and even let coaches know what they needed to do in the final relay to win the meet.

Why don’t swimmers get more respect? There are a couple of reasons. First, the most important swim meets aren’t in high school, unlike football, basketball and volleyball, where high school is the most important team competition. A lot of elite swimmers don’t even bother with high school, and if they do, they usually treat it as an afterthought to their club and AAU competitions.

Also, like track, swimming just isn’t going to draw a crowd. Swim meets, by and large, are pretty boring unless you’re really paying attention (if you’re not, it’s hard to tell if your friend is in lane three or lane five), and if you don’t know what constitutes a good time for the 100 free, say, then a lot of the interesting stuff just doesn’t register.

As I’ve said before, high school sports aren’t about recognition — they’re about learning how to win and how to lose, understanding the importance of commitment and teamwork, and all those other “life lessons” coaches are always talking about. Should swimmers get more respect? Sure. But so should the best math students or trumpet players at your school, and they get even less coverage than you. ✪

T

Clay Kallam is an assistant athletic director and girls varsity basketball coach at Bentley High in Lafayette. To submit a question for Behind the Clipboard, email Coach Kallam at clayk@fullcourt.com

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In the aftermath of an upset loss that knocked it from the state’s top ranking, the Cougars get focused By hunter hewitt | Contributor

H

istory can be a funny thing.

Occasionally, it repeats itself — and this is exactly what the Carondelet girls lacrosse team discovered on April 10.

These girls did not discover this in history class, though. These girls found this out on a field.

It was the same field that several of them had played on just over a year ago. The same field one of their East Bay Athletic League rivals calls home. And most significantly, the same field that Amador Valley defeated them on by single goal in 2012.

The Cougars traveled to Pleasanton this season with all the confidence in the world. They entered the game as the top-ranked team in California according to LaxPower.com.

They left with a wake-up call.

2012 All-American midfielder Kerianne Hunt scored three early goals, and Carondelet built up a 7-2 lead with just under a minute to go in the first half. Despite two quick goals from the Dons before halftime, the Cougars still seemed to have the edge.

Not so fast.

Fueled by a spirited home crowd, Amador Valley, the No. 2-ranked team in the state, fought its way back in the second half and eventually evened the score at 9-9 with eight minutes left. The Dons added another goal shortly

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after to take a 10-9 lead. It ended up being all they needed.

The minutes ticked off the clock one-by-one. History had repeated itself.

Just like the previous year, Amador Valley squeaked out a narrow victory over Carondelet in the closing minutes of the game.

The only difference?

One goal apiece. The Dons won 9-8 in 2012.

“This was a really tough loss,” Cougars head coach Rick Jeffery said following the loss that dropped his team to 11-3 on the season and 1-1 in EBAL play.

“We knew that they were our top competition and this was going to be a tough game. This sport is a game of runs. We had a nice run in the first half and they came back and scored one extra goal. That’s all it took.”

In the last two seasons combined, Carondelet has lost just five

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games. Three of those losses have come to distinguished out-ofstate schools that are consistently ranked amongst the top teams in the country.

And the other two? None other than Amador Valley.

“It’s really frustrating because they beat us (in Pleasanton) last year, too,” Hunt said of the Dons. “We came into the game thinking we were prepared, but they came out and surprised us. They work really well together as a team.”

Despite the unfortunate loss, there is still plenty for the Cougars to be proud of, and plenty of hope for the remainder of the season.

In 2012, Carondelet got a rematch with Amador Valley in the North Coast Section Division 1 championship game, which was played at Dublin High School. The Cougars came out on top, winning handily by a score of 21-12. It was the school’s second

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straight NCS title.

With both teams playing at an extremely high level once again, a rematch is this year’s championship game is almost inevitable.

Jeffery believes his team will be ready.

“We’re going to get better from this loss, and we will be better prepared next time,” Jeffery said, acknowledging the likelihood of another rematch. “Playing on a neutral playing field again will definitely help.”

Hunt mirrored the thoughts of her coach, and identified a specific lesson she and her teammates took from the loss.

“We learned a lot from the game, and we will be ready for them in the playoffs,” she said. “We are not really used to being down in games, so that was a good test for us. We need to gain composure and learn how to come back when we are down. We have one of the most talented teams but we need to work together and play as a unit.”

Talented is right.

Of Carondelet’s eight seniors, seven of them have signed a letter of intent to play Division 1 lacrosse next year.

Hunt (Brown), Erin Jeffery (Hofstra), Morgan Castelein (Ohio State), Katie Merritt (San Diego State), Molly Kuptz (Saint Mary’s), Danielle Sanchez (Fresno State) and Cali Castagnola (Colorado) lead an experienced team with incredible depth.

Erin Jeffery, the reigning EBAL Player of the Year and also an All-American in 2012, credits much of her team’s success to her coach, who happens to be her father as well.

In what has been quite an interesting experience, Erin Jeffery has enjoyed every minute of playing for her dad.

“My dad has been my coach since fourth grade, and I love having him as my coach,” Erin Jeffery said. “He understands all of our players really well, and he puts a lot of time and hard work into it.

He has three daughters of his own, so he can connect with all of us. He’s a great coach.”

Like her father, Erin Jeffery believes her team gained valuable experience in the losing effort.

“We just need to realize that we have to play our hardest every game,” she said. “Whether we are playing one of the best teams in the nation or any team in our league, we need to go out there and play our hardest. I think we learned that now.”

“We” is a common word used by the Cougars, and it comes as no surprise with a noticeably close-knit group of players. Despite all the individual talent, selfishness is seldom seen amongst the team.

The strong rapport of the players is likely attributed to the

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amount of time they spend together. Several of the players also compete for the BearLax club lacrosse team, one of the top club programs on the West Coast.

Kerianne Hunt stretches out for a ball in Carondelet’s April 10 match at Amador Valley.

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“We are a real close team,” Erin Jeffery said. “Almost all of us play for the same club team in the offseason, so we are always together. We have really good chemistry and that contributes to our success on the field.”

For now, Carondelet is back to the drawing board. It still has six regular season matches left, and its goal is to continue to improve as playoffs near.

“Our team plays very well together and we are improving every game,” Rick Jeffery said. “We have played against some very good competition this year, and I think that will prepare us well for playoffs. We just need to keep getting better every game.”

The NCS playoffs begin May 14, with the championship game set for May 24.

Once again, the 2013 NCS title game will be played at Dublin High, negating any possible advantage for Amador Valley if they meet the Cougars again.

After last year’s championship game results, one question will certainly be looming should a rematch occur: Will history repeat itself again?

Carondelet sure hopes so. ✪

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Club lacrosse gaining steam in Sacramento region The Sacramento Lacrosse Association hosted a one-day event with teams from Granite Bay, Gold Country, Folsom, and Santa Cruz visiting to play in boys games in Under 11 (U11), U13, and U15 competition levels. Additionally, a U13 girls exhibition game was featured to offer spectators, as well as the boys’ teams, the opportunity to see the girls play.

The Stingers hosted the other clubs on their fields at Starr King Elementary School in Carmichael where local vendors offered food and lacrosse equipment to those who enjoyed the weather

and youth lacrosse action. A portion of the proceeds from the vendors was donated to Sacramento Lacrosse to help further its growth.

On hand for the tourney was the National Academy of Athletics (www.NationalAcademyofAthletics.com), which will be offering youth lacrosse (non-contact) clinics throughout the region this summer for the first time. Camps for kids interested in learning about the growing sport will be available in Arden Park, Carmichael, Elk Grove, Fair Oaks, and Rancho Cordova, among other

Eli Veazey, U15 Sacramento Hornets locations.

Sacramento Lacrosse President Cathy Reed is excited about the camps and the potential to grow the sport further in the Sacramento-area communities.

“As the sport continues to grow, we are always looking for ways to reach more people and expose more kids to the sport,” she said. “We almost doubled in size this year after we started the organization last year.”

The Sacramento Lacrosse Association offers three boys teams and two girls teams (U13 and U15), but hopes to continue to expand in subsequent years of operation. For information about the organization and its teams, visit www.sacramentolacrosse.org.

At the high school level, fewer than 20 schools field lacrosse teams with Davis, Oak Ridge, Jesuit, and Granite Bay sporting the strongest programs and largest rosters in recent history.

Clubs like the Sacramento Lacrosse Association feed the high school programs in their area, so growth at the high school level is heavily dependent on club programs and clinics teaching younger kids the game and its rules and training them to excel as the CIF-sanctioned sport seeks to gain popularity with studentathletes.

MORE LAX TO SAC

Aloha Tournaments, an organization which has organized several lacrosse tournaments on the East Coast, is taking a stab at the Pacific side of the continent this summer.

Aloha has announced plans for the Warrior Pacific Surf Lacrosse Tournament to be held on July 6-7 at Cherry Island Soccer Complex in Sacramento.

The tournament will be for boys middle school and high school teams. It will feature five divisions, including U11, U13, U15, High School A and High School B. Aloha hopes to make this a premier scouting event, inviting college coaches from Division I, II and III to attend.

Scan this page to view a slideshow of additional photos of the U15 matches from the Sacramento Lacrosse Association event on April 11.

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Best of the winter BOYS COACH

Craig Battle, College Park-Pleasant Hill basketball — Underrated among East Bay boys coaches for a long time, Battle finally got a long overdue spotlight during the Falcons’ inspiring run to the CIF Div. II state final. Battle’s team was given a second chance at the postseason following a North Coast Section quarterfinal loss, and it made the most of it. College Park stormed the field as a No. 11 seed, winning three straight road games to reach their first CIF NorCal final where it beat top-seed Dublin in overtime. The Falcons would fall short in the state final, but it was still a historic run for the program.

GIRLS COACH

Armando Luna, Los Altos soccer — In just his second season of coaching the Eagles, Luna helped perform a mere 180-degree turnaround for the program — one that ended with Los Altos as the Central Coast Section Div. II champions. Los Atlos finished just third in their league and entered the Div. II tournament as the No. 5 seed. The Eagles would go on to win four straight without surrendering a goal, and defeated the tournaments No. 4, 1 and 2 seeds. Their 2-0 semifinal win over top-seed Archbishop Mitty was the Monarchs’ only defeat of the season.

BOYS RISING STAR

Ivan Rabb, Bishop O’Dowd-Oakland basketball — Rabb isn’t really rising. He’s already risen — to the No. 1-ranked basketball recruit in the country for the Class of 2015. Rabb’s ridiculously good sophomore year included leading the Dragons to an NCS Div. III title, a 26-4 record, being named to the USA Development Team, and receiving a scholarship offer from the Univ. of North Carolina. So, yeah, he’s kind of a big deal now.

GIRLS RISING STAR

Sabrina Ionescu, Miramonte-Orinda basketball —Ionescu may still be dwelling on her failed chance to force a tie with a free throw in the waning seconds of Miramonte’s 63-62 Open Division regional playoff game against St. Mary’s-Stockton. But the freshman was a very big reason for the overwhelming success Miramonte had to even reach that point. She led the Matadors in scoring (13.8 ppg) and averaged 4 steals and 3.9 assists.

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FEMALE ATHLETE OF THE YEAR: WINTER

Oderah Chidom Basketball • Bishop O'Dowd • Senior

THE CHIDOM FILES

› THE STATS: Chidom averaged a doubledouble of 14 points and 10 rebounds a game and added three blocks and two steals a game as well. › COLLEGE DESTINATION: Duke › WHAT MIGHT NOT HAVE BEEN: Chidom was not initially enamored with basketball and quit after her first year of it in 2nd grade. She returned two years later after having grown five inches. “I figured, you know what, let me try it out again.” › ON WHICH STATE TITLE WAS SWEETER: “They were both amazing. The fact that we made history at our school (as its first basketball state champs in 2011-12), and then my senior class being able to leave a legacy of dominance over the past two seasons.

They were both special.”

honorable mention Mariya Moore, basketball, Salesian-Richmond

Watch odera break down her season Photo by Phillip Walton. Special thanks to the Oakland Zoo

“Slinky.”

That’s the nickname the Bishop O’Dowd girls basketball players bestowed on their teammate Oderah Chidom early in her Dragons career.

The nickname, according to senior point guard Ariell Bostick, was rooted in Chidom’s ability to score in almost any situation — or any body angle — once she got the ball under the basket.

“She just has this shot that nobody can really describe, and yet she can get it to go in every time,” Bostick said in an interview with SportStars in December 2011, prior to her and Chidom’s junior season.

A little more than one year and two state championships later, Chidom’s game is still a bit befitting of her nickname. She can always find a way to get her shot up. And there won’t be a lot of flash, but there’s a whole lot of substance — and plenty of positive results.

Despite being on a team loaded with next-level talent, Chidom stood out through her ability to affect the game in several different ways. She could score, rebound on both ends of the court, she could steal and block shots. If it could affect the Dragons in a positive manner, Chidom made it happen.

And everybody took notice. She earned a full-ride scholarship to Duke, spent her summer playing for USA Basketball in the 17U

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World Championships, and closed her high school career as a McDonald’s All-American — just the second ever to come out of the Bay Area since the girls game began in 2002.

Not too bad for a player who basically referred to herself as the varsity “water girl” her freshman season.

“The first season my focus was just skill development,” she said.

“But I was blessed to be on the same teams with three seniors who were all bound for Div.-I colleges. Seeing where basketball took them, I set a goal and a dream of getting my own scholarship. ...

The hard work paid off and now (basketball) is a passion.”

Chidom quietly helped anchor what could arguably be considered as the best Bay Area girls basketball team of all time, or Northern California’s best for that matter. The Dragons went 30-3 with two out-of-state losses and a loss to Windward-L.A., which they would avenge by defeating the then-unbeaten Wildcats 60-45 in the CIF Open Division state championship game on March 23.

Chidom had 12 points, nine rebounds and three blocks in the win.

“To redeem ourselves like that in the state championship,” Chidom said, “it was just an amazing way to end my career.”

Let a new career begin.

— Chace Bryson

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Moore was about as valuable as they come this season. The junior led the Pride all the way to the state final behind averages of 18.8 points, 8.1 rebounds, 6.8 assists and 4.0 steals. In the state final (a 62-60 loss to Serra-Gardena), Moore scored a game-high 35 points and set state records for free throws made (17) and attempted (20).

Natalie Romeo, basketball, Carondelet-Concord

Romeo finally got to make the Cougars team her own this year, and she had no problem flourishing in the spotlight. The junior guard averaged 21.3 points, 6.5 assists, 6.2 steals and 5.6 rebounds a game for the NCS Div. II champions. She also dropped 30plus points twice in the postseason, including a 34-point night over Archbishop Mitty in the opening round of the CIF Open Division Northern Regional playoffs.

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THE BIRD FILES

› THE STATS: 17.2 points/game, 6.8 rebounds, 2.6 assists › COLLEGE DESTINATION: Cal › SEASON HIGHLIGHT: Jabari had several, but he singled out playing on ESPNU against Gonzaga-Washington D.C. on Jan. 5 at Wheeling Jesuit University in West Virginia. The Pride lost the game 65-59. › FAVORITE DUNK FROM THE McDONALD’S A-A GAME DUNK CONTEST: Aaron Gordon’s Reverse Psychology or Andrew Wiggins’ Reverse 360 Between the Legs

honorable mention Aaron Gordon, basketball, Archbishop Mitty-San Jose

There’s really no reason we couldn’t have given the 2011-12 SSM Bay Area Male Athlete of the Winter the honor once again. He averaged 21.6 points and 15.7 rebounds a game in leading the Monarchs to the first CIF Open Division state final.

The Arizona-bound big man posted a 22-point, 20-rebound double-double in the championship game (a 50-45 loss to Mater Dei-Santa Ana), was named Mr. State Basketball once again, and like Bird was a McDonald’s All-American.

Marcus Lee, basektball, Deer Valley-Antioch

The third of the unprecedented Bay Area trio of McDonald’s All-Americans was an unrivaled force for the Wolverines.

The Kentuckybound center averaged 17.9 points and 19.3 rebounds a game. He also totaled close to 7 blocks per game.

Lee propelled Deer Valley to its first NCS Div. I championship and CIF Northern Regional Div. I championship appearance. The Wolverines lost the NorCal final to eventual state-champ Pleasant Grove-Elk Grove.

MALE ATHLETE OF THE YEAR: WINTER

Jabari Bird Basketball • Salesian • Senior Jabari Bird put it out of his mind as much as anyone could.

Still, the possibility of becoming a McDonald’s AllAmerican lingered as his senior year rolled on. Bird helped established Salesian as the team to beat with victories over Archbishop Mitty-San Jose, Sheldon-Sacramento and De La Salle; the Pride stayed atop SportStars weekly basketball rankings throughout the season.

His overwhelming consistency — and that of his team’s — could not be ignored, and was perhaps the biggest factor in his being named SportStars Bay Area Male Athlete of the Winter.

As for McDonald’s...

“I tried not to think about it too much,” Bird said of the All-American game. “But in the back of my head I kind of knew I had a good chance of making the game. So I just basically went into the year just taking every game one game at a time. And just trying to play my hardest and hopefully whatever I was doing at the time was good enough for me to make it.”

He led the Pride in scoring and guided them to the Open Division semis before succumbing in a rematch against Sheldon.

Would his resume be enough?

“My coach was going down a list of things to say after practice,” Bird said. “And basically the last thing he said was ‘We got something in the mail today.’ Basically saying I made the game and all my teammates just jumped on me.”

Along with Mitty’s Aaron Gordon and the Kentuckybound Marcus Lee, Bird became the first Bay Area player to make the McDonald’s game since Leon Powe in 2003.

Bird scored nine points and grabbed three rebounds as the West beat the East 110-99 in the annual game played at the United Center in Chicago on April 3. “It was a lot of fun,” Bird said. “I really enjoyed myself playing against the best competition in the country. It was really a good opportunity to get know some of the top guys around the country, how they act off the court and on the court.”

Now Bird’s focused on getting ready to play for Cal in the fall. After school, he’s in the gym working on perfecting his skills then heads to the weight room to bulk up.

He looks much stronger than he did his sophomore year.

But how else has he changed in the last two years?

“I think I’ve grown the most in my overall approach to the game,” Bird said. “I take every game serious. I don’t look at teams’ records and think “Oh this is an easy game.’ I try to take every team and play them like they’re the same, basically. I pay more attention to detail on defense. I’ve gotten a little stronger. I’m just more of a leader now.”

— Erik Stordahl

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Hear Jabari talk about his amazing season April 18, 2013

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Stampede Statement Dominant effort at Livermore tourney keeps Monarchs stock rising By mitch stephens | Contributor When you lose a state Player of the Year finalist – your starting pitcher — and a college-bound catcher to graduation, a dropoff is both understandable and expected.

If not a drop-off, at least a slow start.

But 18 games into the 2013 softball season and Archbishop Mitty is perfect, 18-0 overall, 6-0 in the vaunted West Catholic Athletic League and perhaps most impressive, a 5-0 showing at the Livermore Stampede Tournament April 5-6.

The Monarchs are No. 6 in the MaxPreps Xcellent 25 national rankings and ranked No. 5 in the state by CalHiSports.com.

“Did I see (18-0) coming?” Mitty thirdyear coach Brian Yocke asked rhetorically.

“I don’t want to say no. Frankly, we expect to win every time out. Let’s put it this way, I wouldn’t have been surprised if we had some losses at this point.

“At the same time, this group of girls prepares extremely hard and demands excellence. They set high expectations for themselves.”

Still, losing Vanessa Alvarez, who was 25-1 last season with a 0.86 ERA last season and hit a team best .450, had to lower their bar a little bit.

Alvarez led the Monarchs to back-to-back Central Coast Section championships and a combined 56-5 record. She’s now the starting right fielder at perennial national college power Cal. Combine her loss with the graduation of catcher Chiara Biagini, who is at Santa Clara, along with three other seniors, and the Monarchs would have plenty of spikes to replace.

But led by the athleticism and leadership of one of the nation’s top junior shortstops, Jazmyn Jackson, a superb experienced infield and overall team balance — especially pitcher and catcher — the Monarchs have outscored opponents 131-24.

Mitty is hitting .375 as a team and hit 14 home runs, five by the speedy Jackson.

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archbishop mitty On the mound, sophomore Desiree Severance has led a trio of pitchers that has a combined 1.33 ERA and 13 complete games.

Unlike pitchers on most national powerhouses, Severance isn’t a power pitcher, relying on control and a variety of pitches.

She’s struck out 51 in 85.1 innings pitched and allowed 50 hits with a 0.74 ERA. She won four of the five games at the Stampede and was named Most Valuable Player.

“She’s not a prototypical power pitcher,” Yocke said. “She hits her spots with an assortment of pitches. She’s a stud in the right way.”

LITTLE THINGS

Like she’s done all season, Severance let her stellar defense do the work. Mitty didn’t commit an error throughout the tournament.

“We’re not just making the routine play, but the exceptional play as well,” Yocke said. “There’s a lot of communication on this squad. They do all the little things.”

Though the offensive numbers are big, Yocke said it’s the team’s unselfishness which paves the way.

“Everyone is buying in,” he said. “Everyone is giving quality at-bats and setting up teammates.”

That goes for Jackson, their best player who has already committed to Cal. Blessed with a tremendous arm to go along with speed and hand-eye coordination, Jackson is also among the team’s hardest workers. Just like Alvarez was over her career.

“As much talent as she has, she’s blue collar,” Yocke said. “She works her tail off.

She’s always pushing to get better. … If you ask her to bunt, she’s glad to do it. She’s an unselfish athlete.”

She’s hitting a team-best .532 with teambests in hits (33), runs (23) and doubles (5), sacrifice flies (3) and stolen bases (11). She’s

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Records are through 4/13. (source: MaxPreps.com) 1. (3)

Archbishop Mitty-San Jose

18-0

2. (1)

Amador Valley-Pleasanton

13-1

3. (2)

James Logan-Union City

12-1

4. (5)

Alhambra-Martinez

11-1-1

5. (8)

California-San Ramon

11-3

6. (10)

Vintage-Napa

20-0

7. (11)

Elk Grove

14-5

8. (6)

Sierra-Manteca

15-2

9. (4)

Woodcreek-Roseville

13-6

10. (15)

Rocklin

14-2

11. (NR)

Pleasant Grove-Elk Grove

13-7

12. (16)

Carlmont-Belmont

17-2

13. (7)

San Benito-Hollister

9-2

14. (17)

Casa Roble-Orangevale

14-4

15. (18)

Petaluma

12-1

16. (20)

Leigh-San Jose

15-4

17. (NR)

Whitney-Rocklin

15-4

18. (19)

Ponderosa-Shingle Springs

10-8-1

19. (NR)

Tracy

14-4

20. (NR)

Concord

12-3

DROPPED OUT No. 12 Heritage-Brentwood, No. 13 SheldonSacramento and No. 14 Freedom-Oakley.

BIGGEST MOVER Pleasant Grove rocketed into the rankings at No. 11 after claiming wins over then No. 8 (now No. 5) California-San Ramon, as well as No. 12 Heritage and No. 13 Sheldon. Of teams which were already ranked, Rocklin improved five spots from 15 to 10.

TEAMS STILL RANKED FROM PRESEASON TOP 20: 15 KNOCKING ON THE DOOR East Union-Manteca (15-3-1), Livermore (9-5), Kimball-Tracy (11-5), Heritage-Brentwood (6-6), Freedom-Oakley (7-5-1).

Desiree Severance was named MVP of the Livermore Stampede after pitching the Monarchs to four of their five tournament victories.

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struck out just twice in 73 plate appearances.

The Monarchs have talent around the horn, though, starting behind the plate with the sophomore duo of Madeleine Kim (.353 average, 15 RBI, seven extra base hits) and Megan Nordin (.344) who split time. When one isn’t starting behind the dish, the other DHs. They are two of six sophomores on the roster.

The Monarchs are blessed with nothing but experience on the infield with seniors Ashley Chestnut (first), Catherine Callaway (second) and Kiersten Nordin (third).

Chestnut is hitting .325 with a team-best 18 RBI, Callaway is hitting .379 with 22 runs and 16 hits (half for extra bases) and Kiersten Nordin is at .342.

All three will play in college. Chestnut is headed to UC San Diego, Callaway to Harvard and Nordin to Cal Poly. Nordin hits second, Callaway third and Chestnut seventh. Combined with Jackson, Mitty might have the best infield in Northern California.

“Kiersten is a four-year letterman and been all-league the last two years,” Yocke said. “Cat is a great kid and hard worker and Ashley has given us clutch hits all year.”

The outfield is led by sophomore right fielder Danielle Bowers, also a pitcher, who is hitting .385 with 20 hits, 15 RBI and five doubles. Bowers was all-WCAL as a freshman and hits cleanup. Center fielder Haley Wymbs, another sophomore, is hitting .429, second best on the squad. She’s contributed 21 hits and 17 RBI and great range in the outfield. Senior left fielder Rachel Silva is tremendous with the glove and is the captain of the outfield.

PICK A STAR

It was a true team effort while winning the Stampede as the Monarchs posted impressive wins over California (2-0), WhitneyRocklin (6-2) and Livermore (4-2). Those three teams have combined records of 32-11 as of April 15.

In the win over Livermore, Jackson was 3-for-4 with a double and two steals, Kiersten Nordin had a home run and Bowers singled in a run and doubled.

For the tournament, Bowers was 6 of 18 with a homer and three doubles, Jackson was 11-17 with a double, triple and seven steals and Kiersten Nordin and Kim combined for nine hits and six RBI. “Just the way we like it,” Yocke said. “Everyone contributes.”

Yocke, a former baseball and football standout at Mitty, has fallen for the game he watched his sister Megan star at. Megan Yocke graduated in 2007 and was a star second baseman before playing catcher at the University of Kentucky.

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All-State junior shortstop Jazmyn Jackson leads the Monarchs with a .532 batting average and five home runs through April 15.

Brian Yocke is a 2003 Mitty graduate, and played two seasons at Mission JC before transferring to San Jose State where he played and graduated in 2007. He coached baseball at Mitty and San Jose State before former softball coach Sarah Thomas stepped down after a highly successful seven-year round.

Brian Yocke took over, and with the help of assistant Ed Barclay, who handles the pitching and catching, has won two CCS titles in his first two seasons. He credits Barclay heavily, his sister and the talented, hard-working players he’s worked with for the team’s success.

“From the get-go I was excited for the change (from baseball to softball),” he said.

“I’ve always been a big believer in bunting players over and getting runs early. I enjoy small ball.

“Every one asks me the biggest difference between baseball and softball and in my honest experiences, the best softball players – like Vanessa Alvarez and Jazmyn Jackson — have much smaller egos than the top baseball players. They take advice and are receptive to criticism. Boys, myself included at that age, some times let their egos get in the way.” ✪ Mitch Stephens is a senior writer and national columnist for MaxPreps.com.

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Mid-season guess at the top section title contenders Records are through 4/13. (source: MaxPreps.com)

1. (1)

St. Francis-Mountain View

19-1

2. (3)

Serra-San Mateo

16-3

3. (7)

Casa Grande-Petaluma

15-1

4. (9)

Granada-Livermore

14-0

5. (10)

Davis

12-5

6. (4)

Elk Grove

12-3

7. (5)

De La Salle-Concord

9-4

8. (2)

Campolindo

7-6-1

9. (6)

Jesuit-Carmichael

11-4

10. (11)

St. Ignatius-S.F.

14-6

11. (12)

Bellarmine-San Jose

15-5

12. (15)

Granite Bay

9-5

13. (14)

Pleasant Grove-Elk Grove

12-4

14. (18)

San Benito-Hollister

16-3

15. (NR)

Clayton Valley Charter-Concord 10-3

16. (8)

Valley Christian-San Jose

13-6

17. (20)

James Logan-Union City

9-5

18. (NR)

Woodcreek-Roseville

11-3

19. (NR)

El Cerrito

12-4-1

20. (17)

Amador Valley-Pleasanton

10-4

One of the best, if not THE best way, to figure out who will win the NCAA basketball tournament is to identify which team has the most future NBA players.

It’s not quite the same way for baseball because any team with two very good pitchers is a threat, but a look at the top contenders shows that overall talent definitely does matter.

St. Francis is generally regarded as the most talented team in the area, from top to bottom. Of course all that talent hasn’t equated to a Central Coast Section title in recent years for the Lancers, but they remain a strong contender. They don’t have big time pro prospects (though Jr. infielder Tyler Deason has pro hitting tools, size and arm strength) but there are no fewer than 10 Div. I college-caliber players and perhaps as many as 14-15.

Junior lefthander John Gavin and junior righty Richard Boe (verbal to ASU) are Div. I prospects, as are senior outfielder Kort Petersen (UCLA), senior shortstop Chris Baker (Washington) and 2nd baseman/pitcher Michael Strem (Boston College).

Two more teams should be in the hunt for a CCS crown.

With seniors Matt Krook (Oregon) and Jack Klein (Stanford), St. Ignatius-S.F. has two of the top two-way players in Northern California. Each is a major college-caliber talent as a pitcher AND as a position player. Krook has been a dominant player so far this season, and though Klein hasn’t quite put up the big offensive numbers yet, he’s fully capable.

Serra-San Mateo always contends, and with senior lefthander Orlando Razo (UC Davis) and senior righthander Matt Gorgolinski

(LMU) they have two pitchers capable of leading them deep into the playoffs. Senior outfielder Jordan Paroubeck (Fresno State) is one of the most physically gifted players in the region.

De La Salle had a pretty pedestrian 7-4 record (through April 11) but a talented and deep pitching staff is a good place to start when considering the Spartans as a North Coast Section Div. I title contender. Senior righthanders Drew Buckley (Cal) and A.J. Puckett (Pepperdine) are VERY talented, and sophomore lefty Justin Hooper is also highly regarded.

Of course the Spartans also have plenty of college talent among their position players, starting with senior outfielders Hunter Mercado-Hood (San Diego) and Austin Lonestar (BAWS 2012 MVP). Junior first baseman Chris Williams has put up big numbers as well.

As a three-time defending NCS champ, Campolindo-Moraga can’t be forgotten in Div. II. Certainly not with senior outfielder Brett Stephens (UCLA), senior lefthander Trent Shelton (Oregon State), senior infielders Robbie Tenerowicz (Cal), Denis Karas (Cal verbal) and junior lefthander Matt Ladrech (Cal). This team has the talent to win it again. ✪

Blaine Clemmens is the founder and director for the Bay Area World Series showcase event that celebrates its 10th year in 2013. For more information on the Bay Area World Series, visit www.bayareaworldseries.com

DROPPED OUT No. 13 Archbishop Mitty, No. 16 Franklin-Elk Grove and No. 19 Bella Vista-Fair Oaks.

BIGGEST MOVER Granada and Davis both jumped five spots to crack the bottom half of the Top 5 this week. Granada went 4-0 over the first two weeks of April and knocked off then No. 17 Amador Valley. Davis went 5-0 during the same stretch with an impressive 2-1 win over former No. 4 Elk Grove.

TEAMS STILL RANKED FROM PRESEASON TOP 20: 15 KNOCKING ON THE DOOR Wilcox-Santa Clara (16-6), Washington-Fremont (113), Freedom-Oakley (10-4), Acalanes (11-4), College Park-Pleasant Hill (9-3-1), Archbishop Mitty (13-7), Franklin-Elk Grove (8-8), Pioneer-Woodland (10-6), St. Mary’s-Berkeley (8-4).

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Welcome to Impulse, your one-stop shop for gadgets, gizmos, and gear.

Compiled by staff writer Erik Stordahl, Impulse provides you with the latest and greatest and what’s currently hot on the market. This week we’re offering a plate full of high-tech goodies for athletes everywhere. Should you like any of the products showcased here, you can easily use the Layar App on your smart phone to pull-up a direct link to the company’s website. Scan. Click. Buy. Simple.

Here we go.

Google Glass

Stolen from the set of either Blade Runner or Minority Report, Google Glass is here to take hi-tech to brand new heights. You can take a picture or record a video; give your friends a first-person perspective when you’re running with the bulls in Spain, jumping out of a plane or doing crazy things like doing your taxes or standing in line at the DMV (always make an appointment!) Get your Google Glass for only $1,500.

Nike+ FuelBand

Take the FuelBand with you on your run and it’ll track everything from distance run, calories burned, heart rate. Share it all with your friends via Facebook. Find your friends on there and see how you stack up. Get yours for $149.

Giants Past & Present

If you’re a Giants fan and you’re still swimming in a champagne-filled bathtub soaking in another World Series win, we’ve got some reading material for you.

Giants Past & Present spans the 130-year history of the team filled with pictures and insights from loads of hall-of-fame and current Giants. Price: $25.

Avon Walk for Breast Cancer

Our friends Transform FX Fitness are partnering with Concord resident, Melissa Sorensen, to raise funds for Avon Walk for Breast Cancer. It’s going down the weekend of Sept. 28-29. If you’re interested in helping out or supporting, visit www.avonfoundation.org

UNIQLO socks

These socks absorb moisture and keep your feet dry and comfortable during even the most intense workouts. And at $3.30 a pair, we’re sure you’ll buy enough to last all of triathlon season.

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dr. andrew l. nash One of the hottest topics in the world of both professional and amateur sports is the diagnosis and management of concussions in athletes. How these injuries are managed has changed substantially over the past 10-15 years.

The approximately 3 million sports-related concussions annually in this country is most likely a gross underestimation, as many of these injuries are either not reported or not even recognized as happening. Statistically, female athletes report more concussions than males. Women’s soccer is second only to football as the sport with the highest concussion rate.

There is a lot of misinformation regarding concussions. One misconception is that an individual must be knocked out to suffer a concussion. This is absolutely false. In most cases there is no loss of consciousness. Another myth surrounding concussions is that a normal CT scan of the head rules out a concussion. Also false. In cases of severe trauma, a CT scan may be done to rule out a brain hemorrhage or skull fracture. However, in most cases of concussion, CT and other imaging is normal.

A concussion is a metabolic derangement that follows a jarring of the brain inside the skull. In some instances, the athlete may not even take a direct blow to the head. A hit to the body, that jars the head and neck may transmit enough force to result in a concussion. After suffering one concussion, an athlete’s risk of having a second one increases five-fold.

Adolescents typically experience fewer concussion symptoms than adults. Thus, after a significant head injury, a teen athlete may be minimally symptomatic despite the fact that their brain has sustained a significant trauma. When an adolescent does have symptoms, such as dizziness or headache, they have probably suffered a greater level of injury than an adult with the same symptomatology.

This creates a diagnostic problem for physicians. How do we determine when an athlete has sustained a concussion, and how do we determine when they are ready to return to play? Despite reporting that their symptoms are resolved, their brain may still be recovering.

A key to solving this puzzle is ImPACT. ImPACT stands for Immediate Post-concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing. This tool is a computer based test that assesses reaction time, processing speed, and memory. The test is inexpensive and provides detailed information about an individual’s cognitive functioning. Ideally the test is administered to an athlete prior to the start of the season and repeated every 2 years. In the event of a suspected concussion, the athlete in question should be immediately pulled from practice or play and closely observed.

California law requires adolescent athletes suspected of having a head injury to be cleared by a medical provider, trained in concussion management, prior to returning to play. In the event that baseline ImPACT has been completed prior to the injury, follow up testing can greatly facilitate the determination of whether the athlete is impaired. When no baseline test is available, ImPACT testing can still be helpful. It is, of course, much more meaningful to compare an individual’s postinjury cognitive ability with their own unique brain function prior to the trauma. Without a record of pre-injury functioning, a more cautious recovery plan may be prescribed.

Once it is determined the individual’s subjective concussion symptoms have resolved, their exam has returned to normal, and followup ImPACT testing has returned to expected, baseline levels, then the athlete can begin a stepwise return to play protocol. By utilizing ImPACT, both prior to starting the season and as a helpful diagnostic tool in the event of a suspected concussion, the concussion specialist can more accurately determine the degree of injury sustained and the length of time required to fully recuperate.

In this way our adolescent athletes can be returned to play after a suspected concussion as quickly and as safely as possible. ✪ Dr. Nash is a board certified pediatrician and Credentialed ImPACT Consultant practicing at 1-to-1 Pediatrics in Danville. Contact him at (925) 362-1861, Info@1to1Pediatrics.com or at www.1to1Pediatrics.com.

More Level Up

ankle injuries. pg. 28 pregame jitters. pg. 30 exercise the glutes. pg. 31

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ankle sprains: sean dougherty

Take ankle sprains seriously; get treatment Ankle sprains commonly occur when participating in sports while wearing inappropriate shoes, or running on uneven surfaces.

They are one of the most common injuries an athlete must recover from.

Ankle sprains are not the same as strains, which affect muscles rather than ligaments. The severity of an ankle sprain depends on whether the ligament is stretched, partially torn, or completely torn. Symptoms can range from pain, soreness, swelling, bruising, and difficulty walking.

Prompt medical attention is needed for any ankle sprain for several reasons. An untreated ankle sprain may lead to chronic ankle instability and weakness. A severe ankle sprain may include a more serious bone fracture that needs treatment.

Rehabilitation of a sprained ankle needs to begin right away. If there is any delay, the injury may be less likely to heal properly.

Treatment consists of rest, ice, compression, elevation (R.I.C.E), and early physical therapy to promote healing. Often times nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen are recommended to reduce pain and swelling. Athletes often require an ankle brace during the initial recovery period.

So remember to seek prompt medical treatment after any ankle sprain to develop a treatment program to recover quickly and properly. âœŞ Sean Dougherty is a foot and ankle specialist for Tri-Valley Orthopedic Specialists in Pleasanton.

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get mental: erika carlson

3 ways to manage pregame jitters

Curious what the most common reason is that athletes seek mental training services?

Pre-game nerves.

That’s right, the same thing you have felt so many times. The jittery feeling in your body (part excitement, part fear), tense muscles, excessive thinking about “what if…” (fill in the blank here), and dread about not wanting to let down teammates, coach and parents. Sound familiar?

While some athletes have stronger “trait anxiety” (predisposition towards nervousness and anxiety) most athletes can relate to feeling nervous at times. Here are a few top tips for handling your pre-game nerves so you’re confident and ready to play (pitch, hit, swim, run, etc.) your best!

Be prepared

The night before a competition, take the time to pack your equipment, water bottle and organize your uniform. This will help you arrive at your competition feeling prepared rather than rushed and stressed.

Breathe

Every time you feel butterflies flying around in your stomach, slow down your breathing, taking longer, deeper breaths. It’s one thing you can stay in control of even when you’re nervous.

Hint: the butterflies may arrive long before you arrive at your competition.

Start managing them early and often.

Imagine a great performance

Imagery is a skill that separates good athletes from great athletes. Those who use imagery get more “quality reps” than those who don’t. Detailed imagery puts your nervous system to work and helps you to create correct responses that are more likely to hold up under pressure. ✪

Erika Carlson is a certified mental trainer and owner of Excellence in Sports Performance in Pleasanton.

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training time: tim rudd

No ifs or buts: Excercise the glutes

Here is one very simple thing trainers can have athletes implement to instantly increase the player’s athleticism.

Get the athletes butt in gear!

What do I mean? Simple. Get their glutes (butt) contributing more in all activities. One simple thing they can do is become more “Glute (butt)-conscious.” Get up and walk around with their hands on their hips and voluntarily engage their butt muscles. As they walk around throughout the day they should take a few moments to periodically and consciously engage their glutes each time their foot contacts the ground.

The more they do this, the more they will strengthen the mind to muscle connections and the better their glutes will function.

Athletes should also be encouraged to do Glute bridges from the ground by holding each rep for 10 seconds for three total reps. This is a great way for them to feel the contraction from the glutes.

The athlete should visualize each vertebrae of the spine coming off the ground like a train leaving the station and the same thing on the way down, visualize the train coming back one vertebrae at a time. This ensures that the extension of the hips comes from the powerful butt muscles, not the compressive forces in the lower spine.

It’s also important that athletes are taught to brace their abs by asking them to create intra-abdominal pressure by tying an elastic band around their stomach, or trainers can put their hands around their waist and cue them to expand the band with their abdominals throughout the Glute Bridge. The key is to have the athlete create this stability around the whole corset of the core anterior, posterior and sides. ✪ Tim Rudd is an IYCA specialist in youth conditioning and owner of Fit2TheCore.

health watch: daniel kamenetzky

Running pain? You might need a foot map The analysis of the interaction between the foot and the ground during running is critical in understanding many of the injuries associated with this activity and its efficiency during competition.

How does the first contact occur during landing? What is the total area that contacts the ground in each instance of the supporting phase? Which one is the angle between the longitudinal axis of the foot and the direction of the movement? These are a few of the questions that I try to answer as a Kinesiologist helping to solve injuries associated with the running technique.

The understanding of the foot’s pressure distribution in function of time during running allows, for example, to 1) infer the most likely distribution of pressure in different joints of the leg; 2) know the stresses that the foot is suffering; 3) know the applied forces that affect the movement; 4) know the amount of time the athlete is in contact with the ground.

Several tools are available to measure plantar pressure. Qualitatively, videography still is the cheapest and most valuable.

We can observe the contact progress and establish angles and areas of the foot in contact with the ground in function of the time.

However the most modern technology allows for a quantitative measurement at the same time. This produces a “map” and the exact numerical value of the pressure in each area of the foot in function at the time. Different formats can be used to create the map, such as a mat to walk over or an insole worn inside the shoe.

These new technologies increase our possibilities to understand the athlete’s technical and physiological executions, and their consequences for performance and injuries. ✪ Daniel Kamenetzky is a sport methodologist and kinesiologist for the staff of Sports Medicine For Young Athletes.

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scapula strengthening: justin dudley

Shouldering THE LOAD It is common to hear coaches, athletes, therapists and trainers refer to “scapula strengthening.” What does this really mean and why is it important? In order to understand the importance of scapula function, we need to quickly review the basic anatomy of the scapula and its relation to the shoulder complex.

The shoulder complex is often referred to as a ball and socket joint.

However, it is important to realize that the shoulder is structured more like a golf ball on a tee, with the ball being much larger than the socket.

This allows for a great deal of mobility at the expense of stability, setting up the potential for injury.

To combat this instability, the shoulder joint is equipped with structures to provide secondary stability, often referred to as static and dynamic stabilizers. With only one boney attachment (the SC joint) between the shoulder complex and the body, we must rely on the muscular attachments between the scapula and torso for efficient and safe movement. The scapula is the foundation upon which all upper extremity strength and function is built.

In order to control forces properly and optimize limb function, the scapula must function as a stable base. Inability to achieve this stable base frequently accompanies the development of shoulder and upper limb pain.

Diagnoses frequently associated with poor scapula control include impingement, rotator cuff tendonitis, biceps tendonitis, bursitis, lateral epicondylitis, thoracic outlet syndrome, chronic shoulder instability and many more.

The major muscles that support the scapula are the trapezius (upper, middle, lower portions), the rhomboids, serratus posterior, serratus anterior, and also the long head of the biceps. It is important to not only train each muscle individually to develop adequate strength, but also as a group through functional movements to develop appropriate coordination between muscles. Rarely in sports do muscles work independently of each other, and the coordination between these muscles is essential for efficient movement and injury prevention. ✪ Justin Dudley is an in-house Physical Therapist for Crossover Symmetry, based in Denver.

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powered by trucks: anthony trucks

Want to lose fat? Lift it off

Around this time of the year I start getting tons of questions about fat loss from clients. Want to know what my answer is? Eat better and LIFT MORE. Now I know that’s not what most people would expect to hear, and I bet you’re thinking I’m only saying that because I’m the weight lifting guy, but guess what, it’s TRUE. Your body is an amazing organism and if you know how it works you can get more out of it. Physiologically speaking, the more lean muscle mass you have on your body, the higher your resting heart rate and metabolism. How do you get that muscle mass? By lifting weights. You body uses fat, carbs, and protein for fuel.

If you eliminate fat and starchy carb intake then your body will have body fat and lean muscle to choose from. If you do workouts that deteriorate your muscles then your body won’t consume the protein needed to regenerate it.

Many people go to the gyms and spend 17 hours on a treadmill and the second they get off they’re DONE burning any calories. Whereas if they were to strength train they could be burning calories and fat up to 48 hours post workout. Not to mention that if you choose to you can minimize the rest period during your strength training sessions to increase your stamina and cardiovascular health.

The benefits of strength training/lifting for fat loss instead of using cardio equipment are so lopsided it’s crazy. So get off the hamster wheels and brave this new found workout world to FINALLY get the results you’re looking for. ✪ Anthony Trucks is the owner of Trucks Training facility in Brentwood and covers weight training for SportStars.

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BASEBALL/SOFTBALL

All Star Academy of Baseball All-Star Academy in Santa Clara features a 17,000-square foot indoor and outdoor training facility that is home to a variety of instructional programs designed to develop the total player. ASA offers All Skills Camps for ages 7-12, and Summer Boot Camps for 12 & under, middle school, high school competitive athletes. Info: 650-961-2255; www.asabaseball.com EJ Sports EJ Sports provides positive, instructive baseball programs that includes camps, teams, conditioning clinics for ages 7-18. We provide an exciting, bully-free environment to help players improve athletically and build confidence. Our instructors possess the capability to teach concepts and relate to youth based on their comprehension level and athletic ability. Our staff consists of qualified coaches dedicated to improving and continually learning newest techniques in baseball. Info: 925-866-7199, www.ejsports.com.

Total Player Center We provide comprehensive, fully-integrated programs that evolve based on the best research and information in areas from health/safety, peak performance, education techniques and more. Age- and skill-specific programs available for ages 8-18. Info: 925-416-1600, www.thepitchingcenter.com.

BASKETBALL

I’m Possible Training (Mike Allen) Whether you’re beginner or on varsity, this program will help you excel.

Improve ball-handling, footwork, shooting, overall fitness. I’m Possible is a world-renowned basketball program authored by NBA skills coach Micah Lancaster. Mike Allen, head trainer for the Bay Area located in Los Gatos, runs clinics for athletes of all levels from pros to AAU and high school. By registering, you can download the program, which lists a library of drills. Info: 408-224-8503 or email mikeallen@possibletraining. com, www.possibletraining.com/mikeallen

CHEER

CheerGyms.com Customize our clinics to fit your needs. Cheergyms.com runs the best overnight residential camps. We offer practical, fun material and professional, knowledgeable staff. Camps do not exceed 375 cheerleaders with one staff member for every 15 cheerleaders. Two-day camps also available. Private camps allow you to pick the hours, decide what they

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will learn. Camps also available for coaches. Intense Training Camps let you can pick one specific thing to work on for just $10 per student per hour.

Info: morton@cheergyms.com, 925-685-8176, www. cheergyms.com

ENRICHMENT

Dianne Adair Programs Come join any of our eight summer sites for our fun and exciting summer program. Each week campers choose from several camps including sports, fashion, drama, CSI, science and more. In addition to weekly camps, we have weekly field trips to places like an A’s or Giants game, museums, the Jelly Belly Factory, Six Flags, the pool, the movies, parks and the zoo. Field trips and camps vary by site. Info: www.dianneadair.org.

FITNESS

Children’s Hospital “Learn What It’s Like To Be An Athletic Trainer.”

Workshop exclusively for high school students, March 1-2. Includes: Overview of careers in sports medicine; ankle injuries and taping techniques; wrist, hand, thumb injuries and taping; knee injuries and RICE therapy; stretching techniques; low back injuries and CORE Training; sports concussions; shoulder injuries, rehabilitation. Class credit, certificate of completion and reference materials. Run

by Children’s Hospital Sports Medicine staff, held in Oakland. Also available: yoga, athletic development, speed camps, circuit training. Info: 510-428-3558 Fit 2 The Core As a Youth Conditioning, Speed/Agility and Nutrition Specialist with the International Youth Conditioning Association, Fit-2 The Core Training Systems offers innovative approach to getting athletes back on the field. We work on a solid athletic foundation while focusing on individual progress. Instruction in movement training, injury reduction, linear/lateral speed development, foot speed and agility, power development, proper weight training techniques and functional strength training. Athletes are closely supervised, with attention on proper technique, safety.

Info: www.fasteryoungathletes.com, 925-639-0907.

Renaissance ClubSport We offer sports, speciality camps for kids 5-12 during school breaks. Participants have fun-filled, active breaks as they receive instruction in a variety of sports, activities and projects. Working parents can take advantage of our extended hours for both morning and afternoon sessions. Families with multiple children receive 10 percent discount for each additional sibling registered for the same week. Info: 925-942-6344.

Trucks Training Trucks Training was started by people who grew up in the area, experienced the world and came back to provide a service that we feel our community lacks. We have proven records and know what it takes to achieve the next level of sports & fitness safely and effectively. Hometown feel from true hometown people. We offer 1-on-1, group and small group training for both fitness and sport-specific needs. Info: truckstraining.com; 925-756-7321

FOOTBALL

camp (Levels 4 & up): July 8-12. East Bay All-Stars Cheerleading also private minicamps and clinics for all kinds of cheerleading. Info: www.eastbaysportsacademy.com, 925-680-9999 .

SWIMMING-DIVING

Sherman Swim School Our year-round schedule allows children and adults to learn, retain and improve their swim skills. We teach from age 9 months to adults, from non-swimmers to competitive. Our private or semi-private lessons allow you to progress at your pace. We also offer beginning and competitive diving classes. Info: 925-283-2100, www.ShermanSwim.com.

VOLLEYBALL

Bay Area Blast Summer Clinics Offering summer skills clinics for players of all ages, skill levels at NorCal Courts in Martinez. Morning clinics for 6th-8th grade girls and boys or players who are beginner/intermediate level. Evening clinics for 9th-12th grade girls and boys or players who are intermediate/advanced level. Info: www. bayareablast.com/summerclinics.html U.S. Youth Volleyball League Camps are for beginner, intermediate, advanced players for boys, girls. We have a player-to-coach ratio of 8:1. Focus on spiking, serving, setting, passing, blocking, defense, offense and game strategy.

Six-, four- and two-person formats allow kids to play in every position. Registration fee includes a T-shirt, completion certificate, snacks and water. Info: 888988-7985, www.USYVL.org.

MULTI-SPORT

Cal Camps Camps are offered in variety of sports for girls, boys ages 5-19, with week-long, half-day, full-day and overnight options. Most camps on campus in Berkeley and are held from June through August.

The 2013 Cal Athletics Camps include the following sports: baseball, boys and girls basketball, boys and girls rowing/crew, field hockey, football, boys and girls golf, girls gymnastics, rugby, boys and girls soccer, softball, boys and girls swimming, boys and girls tennis, boys and girls volleyball and girls water polo. Info: CalBears.com/camps.

De La Salle Camps De La Salle will offer the following sessions: football, track & field, lacrosse, wrestling, quarterback & wide receiver, lineman, volleyball, baseball, soccer, water polo and strength & conditioning. Week-long sessions run June 8-June 27. Info: summercamps@ dlshs.org; 925-288-8100, Ext. 7090.

Saint Mary’s College Camps We offer boys and girls overnight, day, team and specialty athletic camps for ages 4-18. Camps include: multi-sport (badminton, basketball, flag football, handball, paddleball, soccer, softball, street hockey, swimming, tennis, volleyball), individual sport camps (baseball, boys basketball, girls basketball, golf, rugby, lacrosse, boys soccer, girls soccer, softball, tennis, volleyball). Each clinic features the head coach of the respective Gaels’ program.

Info: www.smcgaels.com, smccamps@stmarys-ca. edu, 925-631-4386. ✪

LinemenInc Camps Utilizing top college coaches and former NFL linemen, LinemenInc has produced a nationally-recognized camp and coach’s clinic. LinemenInc blends a fast paced, technically skill-oriented curriculum with a level of competition not found in other camps.

Tuition is reasonably priced and includes camp, room, meals and jersey. In 2012, LinebackerInc was added. Info: www.linemeninc.com.

GYMNASTICS

East Bay Sports Academy Summer day camps offer the best in gymnastics, cheerleading, and tumbling. Half-day and full-day camps for girls, boys ages 5 and up for both recreational and competitive athletes. Our 13,000 square foot facility has the newest equipment, including the brand new super-bouncy, safety-rated Weller Spring Floor, which is the largest in the world. Gymnastics & cheerleading camps: July 15-18, July 22-25, August 5-8, August 12-15. Competitive gymnastics

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Advertiser Index

❒❒ Army National Guard Recruiter..........................................................................5 ❒❒ Bay Area Blast Volleyball Club.........................................................................28 ❒❒ Big O Tires Northern California/ Nevada............................................................2 ❒❒ Bigfoot Hoops.................................................................................................14 ❒❒ Cal Athletic Camps..........................................................................................38 ❒❒ Championship Athletic Fundraising................................................................36 ❒❒ Cheergyms.com..............................................................................................33 ❒❒ Children’s Hospital And Research Center..........................................................29 ❒❒ Club Sport Renaissance...................................................................................11 ❒❒ Community Youth Center................................................................................38 ❒❒ Core Volleyball Club.........................................................................................35 ❒❒ De La Salle High School Football Coaches Clinic...............................................38 ❒❒ Diablo Rock Gym.............................................................................................37 ❒❒ Diablo Trophies & Awards................................................................................37 ❒❒ E J Sports Elite Baseball Services.....................................................................35 ❒❒ East Bay Sports Academy................................................................................35 ❒❒ Excellence In Sport Performance.....................................................................30 ❒❒ Fit 2 The Core...................................................................................................28 ❒❒ Game Changers Sports And Event Center........................................................31 ❒❒ Haggin Oaks Golf Complex..............................................................................33 ❒❒ Hawk Basketball Academy..............................................................................35 ❒❒ Home Team Sports Photography.....................................................................37 ❒❒ Image Imprint.................................................................................................34 ❒❒ Impact Soccer............................................................................................34, 38 ❒❒ Lacrosse Fanatic..............................................................................................14 ❒❒ Linemeninc.....................................................................................................36 ❒❒ M L B Scout.....................................................................................................34 ❒❒ Mountain Mike’s Pizza.......................................................................................7 ❒❒ Muir Orthopedic Specialists.............................................................................30 ❒❒ National Academy Of Athletics........................................................................22 ❒❒ National Scouting Report................................................................................34 ❒❒ Passthaball......................................................................................................38 ❒❒ Pro Hammer Bat..............................................................................................24 ❒❒ Rocco’s Pizza....................................................................................................37 ❒❒ Rockin Jump....................................................................................................39 ❒❒ Sacramento River Cats.....................................................................................25 ❒❒ Saint Mary’s Athletic Summer Camps..............................................................34 ❒❒ Sky High Sports...............................................................................................37 ❒❒ Sport Clips.......................................................................................................15 ❒❒ State Farm Jimmy Harrington Agent...............................................................32 ❒❒ Stevens Creek Toyota.........................................................................................3 ❒❒ The Ecco Store.................................................................................................16 ❒❒ The First Tee Of Contra Costa............................................................................38 ❒❒ The First Tee Of Contra Costa Camps..................................................................6 ❒❒ Tpc / The Pitching Center.................................................................................24 ❒❒ United States Youth Volleyball League............................................................40 ❒❒ Velocity Sports Performance.....................................................................34, 37 ❒❒ Warrior Lacrosse..............................................................................................17 ❒❒ Wildcat Camp - Football................................................................................36v

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