NorCal Issue 113, March 2016

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March 2016

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Hey, that’s MY kid!

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ello sports fans! Welcome to spring. As I write this, the sun is blazing through my office window from a pleasant 71 degree afternoon in Concord. I’m wearing shorts and a t-shirt. All of which makes it only feel right that I’m writing to introduce our 2016 Baseball/Softball Preview issue.

I always look forward to this time of the year. I feel like I say that in this space every time we begin to change seasons. However, I can assuredly say that as long as I’ve been writing about high school sports, March and September have always been my two favorite months.

September due to the excitement of a new school year and, of course, the dawn of football season. And March because of the blend that occurs between the winter and spring sports. Seriously, it doesn’t get any better than being out in the sunshine for baseball and softball tournaments during the day, and then covering basketball playoffs in the evening.

Can’t be topped.

This March will be especially meaningful to me. I will be reaching a monumental threshold for a sports fan and parent: My oldest son, Connor, will be joining the organized sports world. He’ll be one of 11 players on the Express, an Antioch Little League T-Ball team which will wear royal blue, red and white. Music to the ears of Mom and Dad, diehard Chicago Cubs fans. Our T-Ball game-day wardrobe is already taken care of. Sweet.

Still, Connor’s ascent into team sports has me nervous. Not so much for Connor. He’s a gregarious 5-year-old who doesn’t seem to have any problem making friends. He can hit underhand pitches from about 20 feet away, so I don’t expect a stationary ball to give him much trouble.

His throwing accuracy is fine. Catching is a work in progress.

But again, I’m not really worried about Connor. I’m worried about me.

I’m now joining the society of youth sports parents, and that’s not always been a club I’ve been very fond of. When you write about high school and youth sports for a living, you cross paths with a ton of parents. Many are great. Some I’ve befriended. But several others struggle to show their best side when their child, the athlete, is involved.

Through my dealings with these parents, I’ve always told myself that I will strive to be the most supportive, most respectful and most sane sports parent possible. But I’ve got some competitive instincts (shouldn’t be a problem for T-Ball — no score, no umpires), a fairly deep knowledge of sports and a burning hope that Connor will have an experience that makes him love team sports as much as I did growing up.

It all comes from a good place, but I know it’s also a mixture that can be toxic if I’m not careful.

That I’m aware of the possible pitfalls gives me an advantage, but I know I’ll need to check myself at some point. In the end, I think this will help me with troublesome parents in the future. We’re in the same club now. Let’s work on being the best examples we can.

At least Connor won’t have to deal with any jerk sportswriters leaving him off of any all-area lists just yet. So the Bryson family should be good for the time being. ✪

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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 Writer Jim McCue • JimMcCue16@gmail. com Contributors Bill Kolb, Matt Smith, Clay Kallam, Dave Kiefer, Tim Rudd, Trevor Horn Copy Editor Bill Kruissink Photography Bob Larson, Jonathan Hawthorne, James K. Leash, Norbert von der Groeben, Phillip Walton, Doug Guler, Berry Evans, III Marketing/Events Ryan Arter Creative Department Art@SportStarsOnline.com Production Manager Mike DeCicco • MikeD@SportStarsOnline.com Publisher/President Mike Calamusa • Mike@SportStarsOnline.com

Through my dealings with these parents, I’ve always told myself that I will strive to be the most supportive, most respectful and most sane sports parent possible.

But I’ve got some competitive instincts (shouldn’t be a problem for T-Ball — no score, no umpires), a fairly deep knowledge of sports and a burning hope that Connor will have an experience that makes him love team sports as much as I did growing up.

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chasing PIGSKIN I play football in the fall, and baseball in the spring — and I’m pretty serious about both. But people pay so much more attention to football, and it doesn’t make sense. I work just as hard on baseball in the spring as I do on football in the fall, but the student body and everyone don’t pay nearly as much attention. Why? R.G., Antioch

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ogic is on your side, but reality doesn’t always bow to logic (as we all can see and hear during election years).

To start with, here’s one big difference: Football games are played on Friday nights, and baseball games are played during the day. It’s a lot easier for parents and community members to get to a football game than it is to a baseball game, and the presence of other people makes watching a game a lot more fun.

A scattering of adults in the stands at a high school baseball game isn’t nearly as compelling as a much larger group at a football game. (Note also that football rosters are usually considerably bigger, so there are more parents that will show up to begin with.)

As for the students, that’s another story. In some ways, it’s easier for students to go to baseball games right after school than it is to go home and then come back for a football game — but I have to say, even though I’m a big baseball fan, that high school baseball games aren’t nearly as entertaining to watch as high school football games.

Many high school pitchers not only have trouble throwing the ball over the plate, for some reason, they love to throw to first base and try to pick off runners. That’s always been a mystery to me, and if Jon Lester can go an entire major league season without throwing to first base, I have to wonder why high school

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pitchers feel it’s a necessity to throw over three times in the sixth inning of a 7-2 game.

And all that extra time spent with pitches outside the strike zone and tosses to first unfortunately allows spectators to realize that springtime in Northern California, especially the Bay Area, can be awfully cold. The wind blows, some fog creeps in, and suddenly it feels like Tahoe in January. In the fall, of course, the weather is much better, and Friday nights in October are usually a lot warmer than Tuesday afternoons in April.

Still, one would expect that a good high school baseball team that plays the game well would generate as much excitement as an average football team, or even an average boys basketball team, but that just doesn’t seem to happen with baseball – or any spring sport, for that matter. I’ve often thought that by spring, teenagers, especially seniors, are pretty much done with school and aren’t interested in hanging around on campus, but it’s not like watching a baseball game (or a track meet or a boys volleyball game) is like sitting in English watching the second hand slowly, slowly, slowly make its way around the face of the clock.

But the value of high school sports doesn’t lie in how many people watch you play, or how good you are, or how good your team is. Learning about commitment, work ethic and dealing with other people in stressful situations are lessons that don’t depend on fan support — though I concede that having lots of people cheer for you is something no one really gets enough of. ✪ 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 him at clayk@ fullcourt.com

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Divisional Dance

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was Sierra Canyon in Div. IV as the Trailblazs the basketball postseason begins stateers topped Brookside Christian-Stockton. Mark wide during the final week of February, a major shift in the CIF Southern Section’s Keppel-Alhambra in Div. II and Serra-Gardena in Div. III also both made it to the state finals after team placement protocols hasn’t received too losing in the CIFSS Open Division. Both of those much attention. teams, however, lost to Archbishop Mitty-San Teams from that section can tend to domiJose and Bishop O’Dowd-Oakland, respectively. nate in state basketball This season, none of those CIFSS teams would finals — often more so in be any lower than Division II for the CIF SoCal lower divisions — but this and state playoffs. year’s changes could shift These new selection protocols are without the balance a bit. In short, question going to create more opportunities for both boys and girls teams other teams from other sections to win CIF state from the massive Southern titles from Division III through Division V. The Section that play in that depth of top teams in the CIFSS, however, also section’s own Open Division is still great. The SoCal teams that do come to will no longer be bounced Sacramento in late March certainly are going to down into their CIF state be capable of winning in those divisions. enrollment divisions for the Another difference this season is that it will regional playoffs. now be possible for the CIF to take a fifth team According to the Southern Section’s own from the CIFSS into its SoCal Open Division. basketball handbook, projected regional/state Last year, for example, the Sierra Canyon boys divisions for teams in its Open Division go like would have been that fifth team and gone up to this: semifinalists to the SoCal Open Division, the SoCal Open Division instead of bouncing quarterfinalists to SoCal Division I, first four conback down to Division V. That would have spared solation round teams to SoCal Division I, second everyone from sitting through the Trailblazers’ four consolation teams to SoCal Division II. Yes, lopsided win over University in the state final. there also will be a CIF Southern Section Division The Crespi-Encino boys, who edged Capital I-AA bracket and a CIFSS Division I-A bracket Christian-Sacramento in last year’s Div. IV state in addition to its own Open Division. The other final, also are a good example of how confusing it trick this year is that those teams for the SoCal would have been to do divisional state rankings and state divisions will now be dropped down to before the section playoffs had begun. The Celts Division II. were ranked No. 1 in the CIFSS 3A Division, but It was a common theme that the CIF itself putting them in Division III for the state wouldn’t publicized during the recent football season that have made sense due to the team getting picked football teams should simply forget about which as expected to move up into the CIFSS Open divisions they were playing in during the section Division. Instead, if Crespi doesn’t make it to the playoffs. For the state bowl games, it was going to CIFSS Open Division semifinals, it would likely be different. And that’s the way it happened. In Tiger Garcia and Campolindo lost 70-57 to Damien-La Verne bounce back to Division I for the state. basketball, it’s not going to be as drastic, but the in the 2015 Div. III state final. Damien dropped to Div. III after The CIF Sac-Joaquin Section and CIF Central same dynamic will be in effect. losing in the Southern Section Open Div. tourney.

Coast Section also routinely make changes to So how big of a shift is this? Well, last year on playoff formats while the CIF North Coast Secthe boys side, Damien-La Verne won the Div. III tion tends to simply stick with its basic school enrollment-based divisions. After reading state title over Campolindo-Moraga after losing in the CIFSS Open Division. Another CIFSS through all this, keeping it simple like the NCS does maybe isn’t so bad after all. ✪ Open Division loser, Sierra Canyon-Chatsworth, won the Div. V state title over UniversitySan Francisco.

Mark Tennis is the co-founder of Cal-Hi Sports, and publisher of CalHiSports.com. Contact him at For the girls, the only state champion last year that had lost in the CIFSS Open Division markjtennis@gmail.com and follow him on Twitter, @CalHiSports.

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boys hoops california top 10

girls hoops california top 10

Robinson Idehen of Modesto Christian

Myah Pace of Bishop O’Dowd-Oakland

Through Saturday, Feb. 20

Through Saturday, Feb. 20

1. (1) — Chino Hills 28-0 Huskies have 14 100-point games this season after their 100-66 win over Santa Margarita that opened the CIF Southern Section Open Division playoffs.

2. (2) — Bishop Montgomery-Torrance 25-1 This team’s only loss still is the one to Chino Hills. The Knights also project to play the Huskies again in CIFSS Open Division championship.

3. (3) — Sierra Canyon-Chatsworth 24-3 The third seed in the CIFSS Open Division bracket won its firstround game 85-40 vs. Los Alamitos.

4. (4) — Mater Dei-Santa Ana 26-3 One of the Monarchs top players is sophomore guard Spencer Freedman, who wasn’t on last year’s team that lost to Bishop O’Dowd-Oakland in Open Division state final. He was a freshman at Santa Monica.

5. (5) — Foothills Christian-El Cajon 21-4 After two more Coastal League blowouts, the Knights earned top seed for CIF San Diego Section Open Division.

6. (6) — Modesto Christian 26-1 Loss to Folsom in first game prevented top seed for CIF Sac-Joaquin Section Division I playoffs, but doesn’t make a difference being No. 2, since final would be at Sleep Train Arena.

1. (1)

St. Mary’s-Stockton 23-0

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Will lack of games in February cost Rams some sharpness at all as they try to conclude what would be historically great season?

2. (2)

Miramonte-Orinda 26-0

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Senior guard Keana Delos Santos led all scorers with 23 points as the Matadors beat No. 10 Pinewood 73-57 to end their regular season.

3. (3)

Archbishop Mitty-San Jose 20-3

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We kept waiting for the usual WCAL upset bug to bite the Monarchs. Never happened. Team now starts off CCS Open Division as top seed.

4. (4)

Long Beach Poly-Long Beach 23-3

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Jackrabbits are the top seed for CIFSS Open Division and looked like it in 61-13 win vs. Fairmont Prep-Anaheim.

5. (6)

Brea Olinda-Brea 23-2

▲

This team has won eight CIF state titles in its history. So has St. Mary’s-Stockton. Wouldn’t a matchup then in CIF Open Division state final be great?

6. (7)

Mission Hills-San Marcos 25-3

▲

The Grizzlies keep winning, but only got No. 4 seed in flawed CIF San Diego Section Open Division pairings.

La Jolla Country Day-La Jolla 22-4

7. (7) — Redondo-Redondo Beach 23-4 This team’s reward for a 56-54 win CIFSS Open Division playoff win vs. Roosevelt-Eastvale was a quarterfinal matchup vs.

Bishop Montgomery.

7. (8)

8. (8) — Fairfax-Los Angeles 28-3 The Lions moved up in state rankings two weeks ago for getting an avenging win over league rival Westchester.

The Dragons, as expected, are the No. 2 seed behind Miramon-

9. (9) — Centennial-Corona 21-6 Jordan Griffin had 33 points when Centennial topped Compton 83-64 in CIFSS Open Division playoffs. The team gets Mater Dei next in quarterfinal matchup of No. 4 and No. 5 seeds.

10. (10) — Damien-La Verne 23-2 The Spartans beat Crespi-Encino 65-61 in a CIFSS Open Div. playoff matchup of last year’s CIF Division III and Division IV state champions.

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▲

The Torreys wrapped up perfect season in Coastal League play last week and are the top seed in SDS Open Division.

8. (9)

Bishop O’Dowd-Oakland 21-5

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te in the NCS Division III playoffs.

9. (11)

Chaminade-West Hills 24-4

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Rest of CIFSS Open Division had to say “uh-oh” after Valerie Higgins, Neah Odom and Eagles blitzed Santa Barbara 81-45 in first-round game.

10. (10) —

Pinewood-Los Altos Hills 24-4

Loss to Miramonte in regular season finale didn’t cost Panthers any rankings spots due to previous No. 5 Mater Dei getting upset in CIFSS Open Division playoff opener.

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Beginning in March, baseball and softball grab hold of the Placer Valley sports scene As spring break arrives, so does the Third Annual Rocklin Pony Youth Baseball Select Spring Invitational. This exciting three-day event is slotted to take place Friday, March 18 through Sunday, March 20 at Whitney Park in Rocklin.

The four separate age divisions competing this year are 8U, 10U, 12U and 13U and each division will have eight teams competing in their bracket. With 32 teams total coming from all over the greater Sacramento area, this promises to be a great way to get the baseball season started — tournament-style.

Shaun Baland, Rocklin Pony President, explained that this tournament was developed three years ago because some people did not want to be committed to recreation games during spring break. However, many teams and players relish the

opportunity to have more games and playing time, which led Rocklin Pony to the idea of hosting a spring invitational.

“It’s a fun, short tournament and we are in the ideal location in terms of weather, traffic, hotels and restaurants,” stated Baland. “Visiting teams have commented how well our tournaments are run and really enjoy visiting our area.”

Every team is guaranteed three games and game times will run from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. each day of the tournament.

Whitney Park is located at 1800 Whitney Ranch Rd., in Rocklin where all games will be played. Teams have until March 5 to get signed up. Space is limited so if your team is interested go to www.rocklinponybaseball.com today to reserve your spot. ✪

SOFTBALL: ASA Wilson Trophy Challenge Softball season will be in full swing when the ASA Wilson Trophy Challenge arrives on April 9-10 at three different Lincoln locations that include Foskett Park, Wilson Park and Lincoln High School. The tournament will highlight three age divisions, 10U, 12U and 14U with nearly 40 teams coming to compete from Central and Northern California, the Bay Area and Nevada.

Placer Valley Tourism and ASA Tournaments are excited to be teaming up again to bring this fun, fast-paced and competitive tournament to Placer Valley.

Gary Ybarra, who serves as the tournament director for ASA Tournaments, says the games start at 8 a.m. each day of the tournament and will continue well into the evening.

Each team is guaranteed four games and the competition is expected to be top notch.

“Locally, we have some standout teams competing,” Ybarra said.

“The NorCal Dirtdogs 05 in the 10U division, the 12U ASA Garcia team and the LTG Temp team from the 14U division are all teams to watch.”

On top of providing great softball competition, the Wilson Trophy Challenge goes a step further by donating $10 of every team’s entry fee to the ASA yearly scholarship program and another $10 per team for the ASA Summer Bash 4 Cash Tournament that takes place on July 16- 17 in Roseville and Lincoln.

So if you haven’t signed up for the Wilson Trophy ChalFollow us on Twitter & Instagram, and like us on Facebook!

lenge, it’s not too late. Go to www.asatournaments.com and get your team entered today. ✪ — All copy and photos provided by Placer Valley Tourism Subscribe to s360 at SportStarsOnline.com

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Alhambra’s Briana Perez. Photo by Phillip Walton

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BIG BLUE MACHINE

A combination of speed, power & experience, the Alhambra softball lineup is a pitcher’s worst nightmare

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or most coaches, the toughest roster decisions are when cuts need to be made.

Paul Buccellato may feel a little differently by the end of the 2016 Alhambra High softball season. As the coach of the two-time North Coast Section Division II defending champs — and a roster that lost just one player to graduation, while adding an all-league caliber transfer — Buccellato’s daily lineup decisions could be agonizing.

However, he knows he won’t have any NorCal coaches weeping for him. Sympathy will be non-existent.

“We’re going to certainly have a target on our back,” said Buccellato, who is in his 17th year coaching softball at the Martinez school and his seventh as head coach.

The Bulldogs are built to absorb the blows, and deliver their own. Buccellato returns every bat from an offense that hit .377, scored 276 runs, hit 26 home runs, posted a .445 on base percentage and stole 107 bases. Alhambra blasted its way to a 25-3 record, closing 2015 on a 17-game winning streak. With all that offense, there should be little surprise to see the Bulldogs opening 2016 as SportStars’ No. 2 ranked team in Northern California and No. 12 in the state by CalHiSports.com.

Leading the offensive machine is a dynamic duo. Two juniors, shortstop Briana Perez and second baseman Karlee Sparacino, are Pac-12 commits who combined for 95 hits, 90 runs scored and 87 RBI in 2015. UCLA-commit Perez hit .608

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and scored 55 runs and had 26 extra-base hits, including a whopping 14 home runs from the leadoff spot. Sparacino, an Oregon pledge, batted .448 and led the team with 45 RBI. Buccellato coached both of the infielders’ older sisters, Kylee Perez (UCLA) and Hailey Sparacino (Saint Mary’s), and won titles with them in 2011 and 2014. But the younger siblings, both freshman in 2014, can finish with four banners.

“The younger sisters are always better it seems,” the coach said. “I think it’s just that they’re working that much harder trying to keep up with their sisters and wanting to be better.”

In Perez’s case, there won’t be much argument from the older sister.

“Growing up, she was always competing with me,” Kylee Perez told SportStars in June 2015. “But I’d say when she reached her eighth-grade year, that’s when I realized that this kid is probably going to be better than me.”

Rounding out Alhambra’s captains and offensive leaders is Saint Mary’s-bound Cara DiMercurio. The senior was an all-league centerfielder in 2015 when she hit .440 with seven home runs and 28 RBI. She’ll move to catcher as Buccellato tries to create space for newcomer Kimiko Zapanta, a speedy transfer from Clayton Valley Charter-Concord.

Zapanta, a junior committed to Saint Mary’s, hit .554 with 36 hits and 32 runs scored for the Eagles in 2015. She was also 35 of 35 in stolen base attempts.

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“I had no idea who she was,” Buccellato said. “Then I started talking to some other coaches in the area. One finally told me, ‘I’ve faced her the last three years and never got her out.’”

Adding Zapanta won’t only affect DiMercurio, but also Perez. “I think I can put Kimiko at leadoff and we can move Bri down in the order,” Buccellato said. “Now when Bri hits a home run, instead of a solo home run, it can be a two-run shot.”

Among the only question marks the Alhambra team faces will be replacing the one senior it did lose: Pitcher, Shelby Clemons. Clemons went 21-2 with a 1.10 ERA and 107 strikeouts in 121.2 innings.

The leading candidate will be senior Samantha Whitworth, who did see some time as a junior. Whitworth pitched 44.2 innings last season, finishing 3-1 and with a 2.98 ERA. “She doesn’t throw as hard as our previous pitchers, but hits her location and has good spin on the ball,” Buccellato said.

The Alhambra offense will also include first baseman Regan Silva (.312, 26 RBI in 2015), third baseman Lindsey Osmer (.261, 23 RBI) and outfielders Madeline Cervantes (.403, 17 RBI) and Jojo Kelly (.315, 24 runs, 13 RBI). Returning allleaguers, outfielder Miranda Nilson and designated hitter Morgan Azevedo, are also threats at the plate.

“Whoever is hitting is going to be playing,” Buccellato said.

Again, his job won’t be easy. ✪

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1. Amador Valley-Pleasanton (24-3 in 2015) One year after winning the 2014 North Coast Section Division I title behind Ms. State Softball-winner Johanna Grauer’s arm and bat, the Dons pulled off the repeat led by another multi-purpose star. Danielle Williams took on the starting pitcher role and went 24-3 with a 0.79 ERA, seven shutouts and one no-hitter. She was also the team’s top hitter, batting a robust .532. She was just a freshman. The Dons graduated just five from their 2015 championship roster and will fill in gaps from a JV team which went 16-5.

2. Alhambra-Martinez (25-3) Samantha Owen

East Union Eyes Repeat

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lways look on the bright side.

The enthusiasm and optimism of East Union High softball coach Brian Goulart cannot erase the new challenges facing his team, but it could be contagious and convincing enot ugh to guide the Lancers to a second straight Sac-Joaquin Section Division III championship.

After an offensive surge rarely seen in championship softball lifted the Manteca school to its first-ever softball section title, Goulart knew he would have to fill a huge leadership void left by the graduation of Cherish Burks. The Lancers’ lone senior was the heart and soul of the 2015 championship team. What Goulart couldn’t have counted on was the injury that ended junior slugger Alexis Erich’s 2016 season before it even started.

Erich, who batted a team-best .644 with 10 home runs and 59 RBI, suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament during a Powder Puff football game. But the Lancers’ experience and depth has kept the coach’s spirits high.

“If anyone had told me that I could have 7 of 9 starters back from (the 2015 championship) team, I would take it in a heartbeat,” Goulart said. “Our core is back and we have a very deep roster, so we will be OK.” That core includes four seniors who headed to fouryear colleges to play softball after they take a shot at a second consecutive section title in their final high school season.

Shortstop Samantha Owen (signed to the University of the Pacific) led the SJS with 72 hits a season ago. She also posted 61 RBI and batted .643 while anchoring the infield. Catcher Alejandra Rascon (Cal State Northridge) batted .441 with five HR, handled the Lancers’ young pitchers, and allowed just one successful steal attempt all season. Outfielder Taylor Ward (Colorado State) batted .460 with 46 hits, and first baseman Michelle Castro (William Penn of Iowa) hit .431 with 43 runs scored.

“The answer to whether these seniors can fill the void left by (Burks) will determine if we are good or great this season,” Goulart said.

There is no question about East Union’s pitching as juniors Delaney Pamplin, a right-hander who posted a 15-1 record, and Mikayla Bongi, a lefty who finished 15-2, will once again share duties in the circle.

With the positives greatly outweighing the negatives, it is easy to see why Goulart has a rosy outlook. ✪ — Jim McCue

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The Bulldogs enter 2016 on a 17-game winning streak after they smashed their way to an NCS Div. II title a season ago. When we say ‘smashed,’ we mean SMASHED. Alhambra returns 2015 SportStars Player of the Year, Briana Perez (.608 average, 14 HR, 42 RBI), as well as Karlee Sparacino (.448, 45 RBI) and Cara DiMercurio (.440, 7 HR, 28 RBI). The 2015 roster’s only graduate was pitcher Shelby Clemons.

3. Pioneer-San Jose (29-1) The Mustangs may have lost their biggest offensive weapons from their Central Coast Section Division II runner-up finish a year ago, but they still return the Bay Area’s most dominant pitcher. Junior Holly Azevedo surrendered just eight runs (ONE earned) in 177 innings last season while striking out 253.

4. Benicia (28-4) Another team with three-peat aspirations, the two-time defending Sac-Joaquin Div. II champion Panthers are led by San Diego State-bound infielder Shelby Thompson(.597, 39 runs, 10 HR and 38 RBI in 2015). Thompson was one of several underclassmen who contributed to the team’s .399 batting average a season ago. McKenna Gregory (.507, 6 HR, 27 RBI) returns as Benicia’s ace, having posted a 15-1 record and 1.94 ERA with 14 complete games and three shutouts as a sophomore last year.

5. Heritage-Brentwood (20-4) This will be the third season that the core of this team has been together. The Patriots lost just one graduate and should return a bevy of offensive talent to go with plenty of experience in the circle.

6. Elk Grove (28-4) Returning talent includes the pitching tandem of Miranda Miles (11-2, 2.23 ERA) and Courtney Riley (14-2, 1.41). Offense should not be a problem either.

7. Sheldon-Sacramento (24-7) Much like Alhambra, the only graduate from the Huskies’ 2015 SJS Div. I championship squad was the team’s pitcher. Sheldon has offense to burn.

8. East Union-Manteca (30-3) It’s hard not to like a team that returns seven starters following a 30-win, SJS-championship campaign.

9. Archbishop Mitty-San Jose (27-3) Much of the talent which produced a three-year combined record of 82-5 with two CCS Div. II titles has graduated, but the Monarchs are never a program to fade away.

10. Castro Valley (22-6) The Trojans featured just two seniors a year ago when they reached the NCS Div. I semifinals. Double-threat pitcher, Delaney Heller, leads the way.

11. Carlmont-Belmont (22-6)

No. 1 Amador Valley: Danielle Williams

No. 2 alhambra: briana perez

12. Woodcreek-Roseville (25-3-1) 13. Newark Memorial (21-6) 14. Vacaville (21-10) 15. St. Mary’s-Stockton (25-6) 16. Redwood-Larkspur (27-3) 17. Freedom-Oakley (17-8) 18. Sierra-Manteca (19-5) 19. San Benito-Hollister (24-5) 20. Del Campo-Fair Oaks (21-10)

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shelby thompson benicia

jordan fines sheldon-sacramento

morgyn wynne concord

holly azevedo pioneer-san jose

nerissa eason bear river-g. valley

PITCHERS Holly Azevedo (Pioneer-San Jose), Jr. — We’re not sure how she could top a year in which she surrendered just one earned run in 177 innings with 253 strikeouts. But we can’t wait to see her try.

Lizzy Beutter (Los Altos), Sr. — The UC San Diego-bound Beutter went 20-8 with a 1.27 ERA, six shutouts, two no-hitters and 198 strikeouts over 187 innings. She also hit .383 with 13 doubles and 27 RBI. Nerissa Eason (Bear River-Grass Valley), Sr. — The four-year starter recorded a 17-5 record and 0.74 ERA with 7 no-hitters and 13 shutouts in 2015. She also blasted 4 HRs and drove in 20 runs.

Delaney Heller (Castro Valley), Sr. — Committed to play at University of San Diego, Heller was the 2015 Western Alameda County Conference Player of the Year in 2015.

Madilyn Nickles (Merced), Sr. — Rated the nation’s No. 2 overall recruit by FloSoftball.com, the UCLA-signee hit .526 with 8 HR and 46 RBI, while posting a 22-6 record, 1.18 ERA , five no-hitters and 287 strikeouts in 178.2 innings pitched.

Jiana Rojo (Newark Memorial), Jr. — Rojo was the linchpin to a Cougars team which reached the NCS Div. II semifinals. She had a 21-3 record, a 1.42 ERA and also hit cleanup for Newark.

Danielle Williams (Amador Valley-Pleasanton), So. — Her outstanding freshman year included a 24-3 record and a 0.79 ERA. The Missouri-commit led the Dons with a .532 average on 41 hits.

CATCHERS Suzy Brookshire (San Benito-Hollister), Sr. — The Sacramento State-signee hit .560 with 55 RBI on 51 hits. Her 32 extra-base hits included 17 doubles and 9 HR. Allie Stines (Capuchino-San Bruno), Sr. — Was a first-team All-Mercury News selection after batting .510 with 18 extra-base hits, 28 runs scored and 22 RBI as a junior.

INFIELDERS Jordan Fines (Sheldon-Sacramento), Sr. — Cal-bound shortstop is a four-year starter for the Huskies who batted a team-high .477 and led the team with 51 hits and 14 doubles.

Sabrina Nunez (Redwood-Larkspur), Jr. — Committed to Cal since her freshman year, Nunez batted .644 on 67 hits, scored 50 runs, had 16 doubles, 9 triples and 23 stolen bases last season.

Samantha Owen (East Union-Manteca), Sr. — The Lancers’ shortstop led the Sac-Joaquin Section with 72 hits and was second with 61 RBI as she batted .643 with 9 HR. Reilani Peleti (Rancho Cotate-Rohnert Park), Jr. — Another dominant 2017 infielder, Peleti finished her sophomore season with 40 hits (17 for doubles) and 27 RBI. Briana Perez (Alhambra-Martinez), Jr. — The 2015 SportStars Player of the Year hit .608 with 14 HR, 55 runs, 42 RBI and 26 stolen bases. She’s committed to UCLA. Karlee Sparacino (Alhambra-Martinez), Jr. — She’s committed to Oregon after a sophomore season of batting .448 and leading the Bulldogs with nine doubles and 45 RBI. Shelby Thompson (Benicia), Sr. — A San Diego State signee, she powered the Panthers to a second straight SJS Div. II title by batting .597 with 10 HR and 38 RBI. Morgyn Wynne (Concord), So. — Her stellar freshman season included batting .471 on 40 hits with 6 HR and 31 RBI.

OUTFIELDERS Frankie Hammoude (Bishop O’Dowd-Oakland), So. — She took East Bay softball by storm as a freshman, batting .525 with 9 doubles, 9 triples, 9 HRs and 49 RBI. Anyssia Ramirez (Heritage-Brentwood), Jr. — The speedy outfielder hit .431 and finished second on the team with 28 RBI on 28 hits.

Noellah Ramos (Irvington), Jr. — A Cal Poly-commit, Ramos hit .557 over 23 games for the Vikings as a sophomore. She scored a team-best 35 runs to go with 8 triples and 5 HR. ✪

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With two four-year standouts finally carrying the torch, Elk Grove has its sights on a 10th section crown

M

uch like a hitter waiting his turn in the batting order, or a pitcher taking his turn in the rotation, the Elk Grove baseball team’s leaders must wait their turn before stepping up and guiding the traditional powerhouse program.

The names of past leaders — and mentors — is an impressive who’s who of the regional baseball landscape. The list features several players who have taken their games to the collegiate and professional levels after moving on from the Thundering Herd. David Freitas, David Hernandez, J.D. Davis, Jake Rodriguez, Rowdy Tellez, Dom Nunez, Derek Hill, and Nick Madrigal are just a few of the players who have built the tradition and leadership ladder under coach Jeff Carlson.

The transition from one group of leaders to the next is seamless because of the mentorship to teach and prepare the next group of great Elk Grove players.

“It’s cyclical with the leadership,” Coach Carlson said. “It has progressed to where the kids took over the mentoring and teaching younger guys what Elk Grove baseball is about.

“I think that the younger guys respond more to their peers than coaches, so it has worked out well.”

“Dylan and I have known for a while that this would be ‘our team’ in our senior year.”

— Ryan Robards For years, Dylan Carlson and Ryan Robards understood that the 2016 season would be their time to step up and take on the leadership role. The pair have been around the program, and each other, longer than most, having grown up learning the way of Thundering Herd baseball.

“It has been awesome learning from all of the guys that have played before me,” Dylan Carlson said. “The guys before me showed me how to play hard, respect the game, and get to the next level.”

Dylan Carlson has been in the Elk Grove dugout since before he could walk. He and Robards, whose older brother Russell was a member of the 2010 team that featured J.D. Davis and Jake Rodriguez, have been close friends and teammates since Little League, and have anxiously waited their turn.

“Dylan and I have known for a while that this would be ‘our team’ in our senior year,” Robards said. “We know that we have to set a good example by working hard every day in practice and in the games.”

The Thundering Herd is already working hard in practice and challenging game action will begin right off the bat. Elk Grove faces SacJoaquin Section-rival St. Mary’s-Stockton — the Rams have played in the SJS Division I final in each of the last seven years, including the 2015 championship series which Elk Grove won two games to none — in its opener under the lights at Raley Field on March 4. Other early action includes a road game at De La Salle-Concord (March 16), a showdown

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against SJS Div. 1-contender Oak Ridge-El Dorado Hills at Sacramento City College (March 18) and the NorCal bracket of the Boras Classic kickoff against Tracy (March 21).

The Boras Classic tournament features regional powerhouses St. Francis-Mountain View, Maria Carillo-Santa Rosa, Vintage-Napa, Heritage-Brentwood and Davis among others.

The tournament could greatly increase the Herd’s strength of schedule before Delta League action begins later in the month.

“We want to have a difficult schedule early in the season because I believe that it makes us better and tougher with the playoffs in mind,” said Jeff Carlson, who begins his 17th year as Elk Grove’s head coach and 20th season with the program. “I think that the guys are ready to face the challenges early in the schedule and will learn from the early games to get better.”

The Herd has always scheduled top teams in the early season, and it has paid off in the past. In 2015, Elk Grove captured the Delta League title en route to the program’s ninth section title. Expectations are high for 2016, as they always are, and a quest for a tenth SJS championship is on the radar, but not at the forefront of the team’s thoughts.

“We want (the seniors) to win and go out on a high note, but it’s not about that,” the coach said. “Our program is about becoming better players and better people, so that guys can move on to the next level.”

The 2016 roster is loaded with talent, including four seniors who have signed National letters of intent and a junior with an oral commitment to a Division I program. Carlson signed with NCAA baseball-power Cal State Fullerton, and Robards is bound for the University of the Pacific in Stockton to play baseball. After a historic football season in which he broke several Elk Grove rushing records, Robards remains dedicated to baseball, partially due to big-time college football programs caring more about prototypical size than statistics.

Shortstop Josh Urps, a transfer from Pleasant Grove-Elk Grove who will be eligible to play by the Thundering Herd’s third game, signed with Sacramento State, and lefty Alex Zalasky will continue his baseball journey at Concordia University in Irvine. Junior pitcher Riley Lamb has orally committed to USC. Elk Grove’s success on the field is the result of more than just scholarship offers. Talent and teamwork are paramount, and this year’s roster is perhaps Coach Carlson’s most experienced group. Carlson has never had as many seniors on a roster, and 13 of his 15 seniors have been in the Elk Grove baseball program for all four years. Carlson and Robards both

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saw action as freshmen while most of the others worked their way up to the varsity squad.

Despite having just four returning starters and losing some key contributors, the next generation is ready to step up and contribute. Senior second baseman Aaron Wong missed much of the 2015 season with an injury, but returned to provide clutch hits in the playoffs.

Urps will be called upon to fill the void left at shortstop by four-year starter Nick Madrigal.

He can provide some pop from both sides of the plate, and along with Carlson and Robards, gives the Herd three switch-hitters.

The rest of the infield will consist of sophomore Tanner Carlson (Dylan’s younger brother and the coach’s second son on the roster) at third base and George Spithorst getting reps at first base. The 6-foor-3 sophomore has potential at the plate and in the field, allowing Dylan Carlson to spend time in the outfield. Erek Bolton rounds out the infield as a three-year varsity player who brings experience behind the plate handling the pitching staff.

Bolton will get lots of help from what might be Elk Grove’s best and deepest pitching staff in the 20 years Carlson has been involved with the program. Zalasky and right-hander Austin Del Chiaro both posted 7-1 records in 2015, and Elk Grove can send either one of the hurlers out against an opponents’ ace. Lamb will be called upon to fill innings and Dylan Carlson could be the Herd’s powerful closer, if needed.

The two biggest stars in the field and at the plate are clearly Carlson and Robards. Carlson is a preseason Under Armour All-American, and was selected to the NorCal Area Code Games roster after a junior season in which he batted .320 with seven doubles, a home run and 20 RBI. Robards is an athletic outfielder with plenty of range and a strong arm. He batted .340 with 15 walks and 10 RBI in 2015.

The duo will be called upon to lead Elk Grove both on and off the field.

“There is definitely tradition with Elk Grove baseball,” Dylan Carlson said. “It’s more than winning. It’s about respecting the game and going about things the right way.”

To observers of the program, “going about things the right way” has always included contending for a section championship. And Carlson, Robards and every other player on the roster understand the expectations.

“There is always pressure to succeed with Elk Grove baseball,” Robards said. “It’s up to us to go out and make sure that we make the most of (our final season).” ✪

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1. St. Francis-Mountain View (29-5 in 2015) Returning plenty of talent from their 2015 Central Coast Section Open Division championship roster, the Lancers were a no brainer to begin at No. 1 this season. UCLA-bound outfielder and pitcher, Jeremy Ydens, will lead a dynamic offense and solid defensive group that also includes senior infielder Andrew Martinez (UC Santa Barbara-commit) as well as junior infielders Blake Diggle (USC) and R.J. Teijero. St. Francis has been the gold standard of the West Catholic Athletic League, winning 25 games in each of the last five seasons.

This year projects to be no different.

Jake Cosgrove

Heritage Joins Frontrunners

K

evin Brannan is putting on his best poker face.

And that’s an awful hard thing to do when everybody at the table knows that the Heritage High baseball coach is holding a monster hand.

Such is the life of a coach who returns close to twothirds of his roster from a 20-win season the previous year, and has college-level talent across the diamond.

Sooner or later, there’s no avoiding the radar.

“I guess you’d be referring to all of those preseason rankings,” Brannan said with a chuckle when he was asked about his excitement level during a phone interview on Feb. 23. “I keep trying to be the guy who says it’s the rankings at the end of the season that are more important. I’m excited though, but also overly cautious.”

Like any good coach, Brannan knows they have to play the games. And there are always wrinkles that surface — such as random injuries, or the transfer of a projected starting pitcher. It was just a few months ago that USC-bound left-hander Austin Manning headed for Oakdale.

Brannan and the rest of the roster simply chose to look at it as an opportunity.

The loss of Manning opens the door for two junior right-handers, Walker Brinkman and Tyler Franks, who are both coming off standout pitching seasons for the Heritage junior varsity. They will get a chance to start alongside Patriots four-year hurler, Kevin Milam.

Milam, a 6-foot-1 righty signed to Saint Mary’s College, sits at the top of the loaded Heritage talent pool.

He’s coming off a junior season in which he went 9-1 with a 1.14 ERA while also leading the team with 30 hits and a .417 average on offense.

“He’s just progressed each year,” Brannan said of his senior ace. “He better understands how to pitch now.

He’s really comfortable at the plate. And brings an overall leadership to everything for us.”

Milam is far from the only senior standout for Heritage. There’s also Loyola Marymount-bound outfielder Dominic Espino, Saint Mary’s-bound infielder Jake Cosgrove and yet-unsigned catching standout Jacob Cruce. The Patriots also have a UC Santa Barbaracommit in junior first baseman Chris Troye.

“We’ve had really good players here, but never so many at one time,” Brannan said. “But the number one thing is they really enjoy each other and so many of them do everything together.”

In 2016, that may include winning a title or two. ✪ — Chace Bryson

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2. Elk Grove (24-10) We wouldn’t have the Thundering Herd on the cover if we didn’t think they had something special brewing — again. A senior-dominated roster will aim to win the Herd’s 10th SJS title in 2016. Leading the way are 1B/OF/LHP Dylan Carlson (Cal State Fullerton signee) and OF Ryan Robards (Pacific). Carlson and Robards power a solid offense, but Elk Grove may have its deepest pitching staff in two decades. Seniors Alex Zalasky and Austin Del Chiaro both posted 7-1 records a year ago, and will be joined in the rotation by junior Riley Lamb (USC) and Carlson. Add transfer SS Josh Urps (Sacramento State), and there’s a lot to like.

3. De La Salle-concord (19-9) The Spartans find success pretty much every season, but the past two even-year seasons have concluded in NCS Div. I titles. If De La Salle is going to maintain that trend, it certainly has the pitching depth for it. The senior quartet of Nick Sparks (Saint Mary’s), Conner Roberts (UC Santa Barbara), Connor Redmond (Cal Poly) and Jordan Chriss (Columbia) combined to allow just 7 ER in 53.1 innings of work last season. Senior infielder Armani Smith (UC Santa Barbara) will lead the offense.

4. Serra-San Mateo (18-10) Arizona State-bound Under Armour All-American OF Hunter Bishop leads a powerful offensive attack that will also include 3B Angelo Bortolin (Loyola Marymount) and OF Tyler Villaroman (USF). Most of the Padres pitching returns too.

5. Heritage-Brentwood (20-4) Despite losing USC-bound pitcher Austin Manning to a transfer, the Patriots roster has never been deeper. Saint Mary’s-bound two-way threat Kevin Milam will serve as the ace, and ought to get plenty of run support.

6. Los Gatos (30-6) The Wildcats return nearly whole pitching staff, which includes Harvard-bound Hunter Bigge who went 12-3 with a 0.72 ERA in 2015.

7. Jesuit-Carmichael (19-9) Left-hander Jack Wolger and righty Jack Cosca, both Cal-signees, provide a dominant 1-2 punch on the bump.

8. Maria Carrillo-Santa Rosa (18-8) With 22 of 26 players returning from a season ago, 2016 is set up to be the Pumas’ year. Cal-bound Andrew Vaughn leads the way with both arm and bat.

9. Casa Grande-Petaluma (21-7) The Gauchos are powered by a pair of juniors, Cal commit Chris Joaquim (9-2, 0.83 ERA as sophomore) and Arizona State pledge, Spencer Torkelson (.387, 21 RBI).

10. Vintage-Napa (23-7) The bevy of returning talent to the Crushers roster for 2016 includes two Area Code Games selections in RHP Jared Horn and C Jake McNichols.

11. Valley Christian-San Jose (22-8)

No. 1 st. francis: RJ Teijeiro

No. 3 de la salle: nick sparks

12. Pitman-Turlock (24-7) 13. Marin Catholic-Kentfield (20-9) 14. Bellarmine-San Jose (17-11) 15. Oak Ridge-El Dorado Hills (25-6) 16. Davis (16-13) 17. College Park-Pleasant Hill (26-4) 18. St. Mary’s-Stockton (21-14) 19. Granite Bay (19-13) 20. Archbishop Mitty-San Jose (20-11)

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armani smith de la salle-concord

tyler malone woodcreek-roseville

jarron silva st. mary’s-stockton

kevin milam heritage-brentwood jeremy ydens st. francis-m. view

PITCHERS Hunter Bigge (Los Gatos), Sr. — The Harvard-bound double threat was a first team All-Mercury News selection after going 12-3 with a 0.75 ERA while also hitting .387 with 31 RBI. Jared Horn (Vintage-Napa), Sr. — Signed to Cal, the right-hander posted a 1.50 ERA to go along with a 2-1 record and 2 saves as a junior. He also batted .319 with 3 HR and 20 RBI. Matt Manning (Sheldon-Sacramento), Sr. — NorCalPreps.com ranks the Huskies’ 6-foot-6 ace the No. 1 NorCal prospect among seniors. He’s signed to Loyola Marymount after batting .311 with 20 RBI and going 4-4 with a no-hitter in 2015.

Kevin Milam (Heritage-Brentwood), Sr. — Signed to Saint Mary’s and the defending Bay Valley Athletic League MVP, Milam went 9-1 with a 1.13 ERA and 80 strikeouts in 61 innings. He also hits in the middle of the order.

Leo Nierenberg (Bishop O’Dowd-Oakland), Sr. — Headed to the Univ. of Washington, Nierenberg allowed just 5 ER over 57.2 innings (0.61 ERA) in 2015. He struck out 79 and held opponents to a .180 average.

Rogelio Reyes (James Logan-Union City), Sr. — The Cal-bound righty brings the heat, and his delivery can be very deceptive. He went 5-4 with 2.58 ERA in 2015.

Nick Sparks (De La Salle-Concord), Sr. — A Saint Mary’s-signed lefty, Sparks was sparkling in relief last season. He was 1-0 with a 0.91 ERA in 15.1 innings. His innings should climb in 2016.

INFIELDERS Carter Aldrete (Monterey), Sr. — Considered among the top infield prospects in the state, the 6-foot-2 shortstop, is signed to Arizona State. He is the nephew of 10-year MLB veteran, Mike Aldrete.

Dylan Carlson (Elk Grove), Sr, — The preseason Under Armour All-American is in his fourth varsity season. As a junior, the CSU Fullerton-signee hit .320 with 7 doubles and 20 RBI. Troy Claunch (Vacaville), Jr. — In his six-game varsity debut last season, the young catcher hit .474 with 9 hits and 5 RBI. He was the only junior on the 2015 A’s Area Code Games roster and is committed to Oregon State.

Andrew Daschbach (Sacred Heart Prep-Atherton), Sr. — A Stanford-bound corner infielder with plenty of pop, he hit .443 with 17 extra-base knocks and 23 RBI as a junior. Was also a star football player for the Gators.

Tyler Malone (Woodcreek-Roseville), Sr. — Signed to Oregon State, the middle infielder is solid with the glove and batted .421 with 32 runs, 26 RBI and 14 stolen bases a year ago.

Ryan Kreidler (Davis), Sr. — Injuries cost the Blue Devils’ three-year starting SS to miss most of 2015. However, the UCLA signee recovered in time to make the A’s Area Code Games team last summer.

Armani Smith (De La Salle), Sr. — Another Area Code Games roster selection, Smith is signed to UC Santa Barbara. He hit .306 with 14 of his 22 hits going for extra bases.

Andrew Vaughn (Mara Carrillo-Santa Rosa), Sr. — The Cal-bound talent raked his way to a .440 average on 33 hits and struck out just four times in 98 plate appearances.

OUTFIELDERS Hunter Bishop (Serra-San Mateo), Sr. — The versatile 6-foot-4 athlete (he also played football) is poised for a big season after hitting .348 in limited action as a junior. He’s signed to Arizona St. Max Flower (Campolindo-Moraga), Sr. — Flower is another gridiron talent who will take the baseball path, heading to Cal. He hit .349 with 8 doubles, 4 HR and 21 RBI in 2015.

Andre Nnebe (St. Mary’s-Berkeley), Sr. — A two-way talent for the Panthers, the Washington-bound Nnebe batted .404 with 17 RBI and went 7-1 on the hill.

Jarron Silva (St. Mary’s-Stockton), Sr. — The UCLA-bound speedy outfielder is a terror at the top of the order. He hit .369 with 41 hits, 29 runs and 17 stolen bases in 2015.

Jeremy Ydens (St. Francis-Mountain View), Sr. — NorCal’s top senior OF prospect, Ydens hit .404 in 109 ABs with 22 RBI and 25 stolen bases for the CCS champs. He’s signed to UCLA. ✪

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Catchers CHARLIE CUTLER (Lowell-San Francisco, 2005) He’s the only one of the 25 who just had to be on this team just for what he did as a high schooler. He set state records for career hits (219) with a career batting average of .573. He also set state records for career RBIs (219) and career runs scored (197).

MAX STASSI (Yuba City, 2009) After getting into the state record book with 15 homers as a junior in 2008, Stassi gained all-state honors in 2009. He made his MLB debut for the Houston Astros in 2013 and was on their roster last season too.

ANDREW SUSAC (Jesuit-Carmichael, 2009) He was regarded as a top catching prospect prior to his junior year for the Marauders, and was all-state as a senior. Susac is one of two Diamond 25 players who earned a World Series ring with the 2014 San Francisco Giants.

Brandon Crawford (right, top), infielder, Foothill-Pleasanton

The best 25 players from the last 25 years has a nice ring to it. And for Northern California high school baseball, some of those best players happen to have plenty of rings attached to their names too. Nine of the 25 NorCal graduates who’ve been selected for this historical honors squad have already collected a World Series ring — Andrew Susac, C.C. Sabathia, Dontrelle Willis, Pat Burrell, Brandon Crawford, Daniel Descalso, Xavier Nady, Dustin Pedroia and Jimmy Rollins. For the purposes of this feature, players from the following CIF sections were considered: Central Coast, North Coast, Sac-Joaquin, Northern, Oakland and San Francisco. Although most players went on to star in the Major Leagues, all of those written up were at least all-state honorees as high school players.

— By Mark Tennis | Cal-Hi Sports | Special to SportStars

Dustin Pedroia (right, bottom), infielder, Woodland

Robert Stephenson, pitcher, AlhambraMartinez

pitchers DAVID HERNANDEZ (Elk Grove, 2003) There arguably could have been several more Elk Grove players on this list, but Hernandez is the only one so far who’s had a more-thansolid MLB career. The all-state pitcher from 2003 has been a reliable set-up man for six years. He’ll be with Philadelphia in 2016.

J.P. HOWELL (Jesuit-Carmichael, 2001) The L.A. Dodgers’ set-up man in the bullpen the last few years wasn’t just a 2001 all-state honoree. Howell actually was the 2001 Mr. Baseball State Player of the Year. He went 10-0 that season on the mound with an ERA so low (0.09) that it’s in the state record book.

TYSON ROSS (Bishop O’Dowd-Oakland, 2005) Both Tyson and brother Joe could have been on this squad. Like Tyson, Joe’s been in the major leagues as a pitcher as well, but not as long. And Tyson had the slightly better high school career.

C.C. SABATHIA (Vallejo, 1998) Not just a power pitcher for the Apaches, Sabathia was the 1997-98 Cal-Hi Sports State Athlete of the Year for what he also accomplished in football and basketball. He later became one of the top pitchers in baseball, winning a Cy Young Award with the Cleveland Indians in 2007.

ROBERT STEPHENSON (Alhambra-Martinez, 2011) Widely reported with a 98 mph fastball, Stephenson struck out 142 batters with an 8-2 record as a senior and was a firstround pick by the Reds. He’s projected to be a future starting pitcher for the rebuilding Reds, possibly sometime in 2016.

DONTRELLE WILLIS (Encinal-Alameda, 2000) The 2003 National League Rookie of the Year once won 22 games as an MLB pitcher for the Florida Marlins. He shined at Encinal as a senior with a 12-1 record on the mound an an 0.83 ERA.

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infielders

outfielders

NICK JOHNSON (McClatchy-Sacramento, 1996)

ERIC BYRNES (St. Francis-Mountain View, 1994)

We actually don’t know for sure if Nick played first base for the Lions, but he was on the 1996 all-state team as an infielder and that was his position as a pro. He was in the majors for 10 seasons and had a lifetime batting average of .268.

Since his MLB career ended — one that spanned 10 seasons with the A’s, Rockies, Orioles, Diamondbacks and Mariners — Byrnes has become a popular analyst on the MLB Network.

Just as he was in the pros, Byrnes was an exceptional defensive outfielder for the Lancers.

PAT BURRELL (Bellarmine Prep-San Jose, 1995)

MARK CANHA (Bellarmine-San Jose, 2007)

Before going to left field with the Philadelphia Phillies, Burrell played third base for the Bells.

He once hit 37 homers in an MLB season and hit 11 during his senior year at Bellarmine.

Burrell also played for two World Series champs and was the No. 1 pick overall in the 1998 MLB Draft.

One reason the Bells were the State Team of the Year in 2006 at 34-4 and won the CCS Division I title was the play of Canha, a junior on that squad. The first team all-state outfielder for 2007 has gone on to become a regular contributor with the Oakland Athletics.

BRANDON CRAWFORD (Foothill-Pleasanton, 2005)

A recent inductee to the Sac-Joaquin Section Hall of Fame and the 1993 State Player of the Year, Lee had 154 hits and 129 RBIs for his prep career. Both totals are in the state record book. He also was a first-round MLB draft pick and enjoyed a successful MLB career with the Marlins and Cubs.

Joe Camporeale/Cal Sport Media/Zumapress

DERREK LEE (El Camino-Sacramento, 1993)

In addition to being an all-state infielder for the Falcons, Crawford was one of the most versatile players to ever play for Foothill football coach Matt Sweeney. Crawford is now, of course, one of the top shortstops in baseball and has helped the San Francisco Giants win two World Series crowns.

DAN DESCALSO (St. Francis-Mountain View, 2004)

Peter Joneleit/Cal Sport Media/Zumapress

He’s known as an MLB infielder these days with the Colorado Rockies and was on the St. Louis Cardinals’ 2011 world championship team. Descalso also pitched for the Lancers, which is why in 2004 he was the West Catholic Athletic League MVP and a multi-purpose allstate selection.

GEOFF JENKINS (Cordova-Rancho Cordova, 1992) Younger brother of Brett Jenkins (set state record with 68 hits in 1988, a total later broken), Geoff was an allstate standout for Cordova as well. He later enjoyed a 10-year MLB career.

XAVIER NADY (Salinas, 1997) In high school, Nady was the CCS Player of the Year with 12 homers and a .619 batting average in 1997. He later became an All-American at Cal and had a 10-year MLB career, earning World Series rings with the Yankees (2009) and Giants (2012).

DUSTIN PEDROIA (Woodland, 2001) One of several no-brainer picks for this team, Pedroia earned all-state honors for the Wolves after not striking out once in his senior season. He debuted as the Boston Red Sox second baseman in 2007 and since then has been American League MVP once, an All-Star four times.

He has a chance for a career batting average above .300.

JIMMY ROLLINS (Encinal-Alameda, 1996) The MVP of the National League in 2007 for the Philadelphia Phillies and a perennial All-Star, Rollins has to be considered one of the greatest ever from NorCal. At Encinal, he posted totals still among NorCal’s best ever with 177 career hits, 154 career runs and 125 career RBIs.

JOC PEDERSON (Palo Alto, 2010) It only took Pederson five years to go from leading off for the Vikings to playing in the MLB AllStar Game representing the L.A. Dodgers. He led Paly to a 29-4 record in earning first-team all-state honors in 2010. He batted .515, scored 53 runs and stole 22 bases. His power hitting mostly developed later.

multi-purpose (hitting/Pitching) JOE DEMERS (College Park-Pleasant Hill, 2015) We made a conscious effort to include State Players of the Year on this team and have included DeMers even though his POY season was just last spring. He led College Park to State Team of the Year honors with a 13-1 record on the mound (0.51 ERA) and he batted .447 with six homers and 44 RBI.

STEPHEN PISCOTTY (Amador Valley-Pleasanton, 2009) One of the top rookies in the major leagues last season, Piscotty batted .305 last season after being called up to play for the St. Louis Cardinals in July. He was MVP of the East Bay Athletic League for the Dons, pitching and playing shortstop.

TYLER ROBERTSON (Bella Vista-Fair Oaks, 2006) He’s pitched in the major leagues for the Minnesota Twins but in high school he hit, fielded and pitched and was the 2006 State Player of the Year. He struck out 143 batters in 74 innings that season with a 0.74 ERA, and had a .434 batting average with 20 RBIs. ✪

BRETT WALLACE (Justin-Siena-Napa, 2005) At Justin-Siena, Wallace led teams that set the NorCal record for longest win streak that still stands at 42 games. He also hit 32 career homers. He played last season for the San Diego Padres and recently signed another one-year deal with them.

Joe DeMers, multipurpose, College ParkPleasant Hill

ONLINE EXTRA: Visit SportStarsOnline.com/Diamond25 to see 20 players, great in their own right, who just missed the cut Follow us on Twitter & Instagram, and like us on Facebook!

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On March 19, you can be part of a very unique endurance event at Whiskeytown Park.

Can you manage a 15 minute-per-mile pace on relatively benign trails? Of course you can! Most of you could do a sub-10 min. mile, many could do TWO miles in 15 minutes.

In the 4MPH Challenge, participants have 90 minutes to complete a relatively easy and scenic six-mile long route. When the runners finish, they wait until the 90 minutes are up and everyone goes out and does it again. Those who don’t finish in 90 minutes, are out.

Find out how far you are capable of going in this very social event in which you’ll be tied for first place until you drop out!

The course consists of a fairly easy (one medium-size hill) six-mile point-to-point course. It includes 2.5 miles of running along the lakeshore of Whiskeytown Lake. It is mostly single track with a half-mile section of road in the middle. Any time under 90 minutes counts as success. When you finish, you can sit down, eat and drink, visit with other runners, whatever.

When the 90 minutes are up, head back to the starting line. You’ll have 90 minutes to get there.

How many legs can you do? How many miles? How long can you keep up a 4MPH pace?

The event is very low-cost and low-key: Runners are responsible to provide their own aid (food, chairs, etc). Event organizers will provide water and ice (only at both ends of the course), but they fire up the grill at 7 PM and offer hot food every three hours after that, and full meals on Sunday. Runners can bring two drop bags (and two chairs), one for the start/finish at Oak Bottom, and one for the turnaround (organizers will transport them for you).

Camping will be available at Oak Bottom (starting line area) for $11 per night.(Tell them you are coming for the 4MPH Challenge and they will give you a 50 percent discount.)

There are various race divisions to sign up for. Visit the shastatrailruns.com site for all the pertinent information, and to sign-up. ✪

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The Shasta Magic AAU basketball program is coming off an incredible year and is ready to hit the hardwood for 2016. The Magic’s 2015 included AAU tournament victories between San Francisco and Portland. Both boys and girls Magic players also had immense success with their high school programs throughout the past year.

The Shasta Magic is the only non-profit youth sports basketball program in the Redding community. Emphasizing success on the court or field, as well as in the classroom and in the community, their dynamic staff provides an opportunity for all youth or Shasta County to be successful and supported.

The Magic begin their practices in early February and will gear up to host two key spring tournaments. The Shasta Magic Elevation Tip-Off takes place on March 19-20 for boys and girls in 4th through 12th grades. On the following month, the Magic and Redding play host again with the 12th Annual Battle for the North State. It too will be open to boys and girls from 4th through 12th grade.

Teams interested in registering or gaining more information about either tournament are encouraged to contact Magic coordinator Micheal Gray at 530-945-0182 or email Grayrealty@ charter.net. Information can also be found at shastamagic.com ✪ —Photos and copy provided by Redding Tourism and event organizers

Big League Dreams

Redding Soccer Park

20155 Viking Way 530-223-1177 March 2016: High School Baseball and Softball: Dates TBD redding.bigleaguedreams.com

Shasta Magic March 2016: AAU 8th Grade Shasta Magic Elevation Tip-Off

www.ReddingSoccerPark.com Lacrosse: www.ReddingLacrosse.com SoccerKraze Invitational: March 12-13. Adult, Coed, Open, Over 30, Over 40 Divisions. Info: eric@reddingsoccerpark.com

Shasta Trails 4 MPH Challenge

March 19 at Whiskeytown Park. Six miles in 90 minutes on beautiful trails! For more info and to register: shastatrailruns.com

April 2016: Shasta Magic 15th Annual Battle For The North State 530-945-0182 or Grayrealty@charter.net

Redding WinterFest When you visit Redding, be sure to enjoy all we offer at WinterFest Redding! Arts, culture and the beautiful outdoors! Great food, great music, great scenery and great activities. Join us!

WinterFestRedding.org

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De La Salle Doesn’t Blink In Kuhle’s First Season For those who were wondering how the coaching transition in the De La Salle High basketball program would go this season, it seemed to turn out pretty darn good.

There was certainly some curiosity about what the Spartans might look like after 2001 graduate A.J. Kuhle returned to Winton Drive to replace his former coach, the mega-successful Frank Allocco. Perhaps the most pressing question is what would De La Salle basketball look like in the new era. Many of Allocco’s Spartans teams were known to play in the half-court and grind opponents down with suffocating defense and methodical possessions leading to backdoor layups or wide-open jumpers. Scoring and an up-tempo pace didn’t always coincide.

Kuhle inherited a senior-laden roster with plenty of versatility and didn’t waste any time sharing about the style he wanted to play.

“My only sample of De La Salle basketball was when I was here (as a player),” Kuhle said in a preseason interview with SportStars. “I know we won a state title then, and that’s our goal now. I do think we’ll play in a manner and pace where we emphasize making more possessions available per game, because that’s the way basketball is being played right now.”

That style has undoubtedly worked. De La Salle went 14-0 to win the East Bay Athletic League and entered the North Coast Section Division I playoffs as the No. 1 seed at 24-2.

The Spartans were ranked No. 11 in the state by CalHiSports.com as of Feb. 22.

Through its first 26 games, De La Salle is averaging 69 points per game and scored below 50 points just three times. That defense is still there, too. Opponents are averaging just 44.3 points per contest against the Spartans. The team’s average margin of victory in its first 24 wins is 27.4 points. De La Salle’s only losses have come against Bishop Gorman-Las Vegas (71-59) and Centennial-Corona (50-46).

De La Salle will be attempting to win its first NCS title since 2012 and its 11th overall.

GET TO THE SEMIS The Heritage-Brentwood boys team has met De La Salle in the NCS Div. I playoffs three out of the past four seasons. Each meeting has come in the quarterfinals and gone the way of the Spartans, twice by wide margins. The two teams could be on a collision course yet again as the Patriots (21-5 through the regular season) picked up the No. 4 seed. If both teams win their first games, that means a semifinal matchup.

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De La Salle’s Nikhil Peters

Our top-ranked NorCal teams through Feb. 20 as postseason play begins across the state BOYS 1. Modesto Christian

26-1

2. De La Salle-Concord

24-2

3. Sacramento

25-1

4. St. Francis-Mountain View

22-2

5. Moreau Catholic-Hayward

22-4

GIRLS 1. St. Mary’s-Stockton

23-0

2. Miramonte-Orinda

26-0

3. Archbishop Mitty-San Jose

20-3

4. Oak Ridge-El Dorado Hills

25-1

5. Salesian-Richmond

25-3

Few teams would be more thrilled than Heritage to reach that round, because that would secure the program its first CIF Northern Regional playoff berth. For once, a loss to De La Salle — which wouldn’t be a given, as the Patriots are a dangerous opponent that average more than 70 points per game — wouldn’t mean the end of the season. ✪ — Chace Bryson

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ABCs of ATVs Want to make ATV riding an all-inclusive activity for your family? Here are a few things to consider as you get started

A

TV riding can be a fun, healthy, family activity. While many experienced parents start their children on very small dirt bikes (yes, they can be equipped with training wheels), others opt to start their kids on four wheels. ATVs come in all different sizes and offer families the ability to enjoy the great outdoors, together — in a very exciting way.

ATV riding is a healthy activity. Did you know that when using proper technique, you will work all your major core muscles, hips, thighs, arms, gripping muscles and even your heart? Riding an ATV is quite a workout!

Unlike driving a car, you use major muscle groups to maneuver the machine and safely navigate the terrain.

This is called “active riding” and is the reason why riding is such good exercise.

Even more importantly, active riding is crucial to the safety of the rider. Yes, ATV riding is very fun and many children enjoy this form of recreation, but ATVs are not toys. They are heavy machines with often powerful motors. So how can you safely enjoy this sport with your child? It begins with proper training and ends with proper supervision.

In the state of California, there is no age minimum to be able to ride an ATV. Rather, the law states that anyone using an off-highway vehicle must be able to reach and operate all controls. Putting a child on an ATV that is too big OR too small is a dangerous mistake (see the graphics for proper fit). Children MUST be able to comfortably reach the gas and breaks (both hand and foot) with no stretching or tip-toeing. Conversely, a child who is too big for a particular ATV will not have the proper range of motion for turning and maneuvering. Even though he or she can reach everything, they cannot do so properly and are in violation of the Reach and Operate law.

Some other things to consider: ATVs can be modified in a number of ways for young children just starting 30

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out. A kill switch can be installed so a parent walking behind the child on a track can shut the machine down as needed. Also, an ATV can be modified to only reach a minimum speed. Of course, fitting your child properly with safety gear is also very important. All riders should always wear a helmet, eye protection, over-theankle footwear, and long pants/sleeves and gloves. There is also additional riding gear available such as knee and elbow protection, chest protectors, and neck and spine protection.

The most important way to ensure your child’s safety is to enroll him or her into an ATV Safety course. This is a class taught by ATV professionals who will teach your children all they need to know to begin enjoying this sport. Children are taught how to identify parts of the machine and how to safely operate it — from starting and stopping, to traversing hills and turns. They are also instructed in trail etiquette and environmental responsibility.

This course provides its students with an ATV safety certificate which is required by law. Adults must supervise their children when riding ATVs and be in possession of this certificate.

Children aged 14-18 may ride unsupervised, but must have their own safety certificate.

The California State Parks Off-Highway Vehicle Division offers these classes for children 17 years of age and younger, free of charge (and often reduced rates for adults), at many of our State Vehicular Recreation Areas.

Visit www.ohv.parks.ca.gov for details. You can also sign up the entire family for free through most ATV sales locations if you buy a new machine. Finally, you can call the ATV Safety Foundation at (800) 887-2887.

With proper training and supervision, OHV recreation can be an ideal way to spend quality family time together and experience the great outdoors. ✪ Subscribe to s360 at SportStarsOnline.com

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get

LIFTED powered by trucks: anthony trucks

Ever wonder what training regimen our experts keep?

Well, wonder no more I always get comments about the fact that I must work out every day of the week to keep in shape. The truth is that I don’t. I’m lucky if I get in 4 good workouts a week. I have a simple but powerful process I use to maintain or grow if/when I want to, or just maintain.

It’s a workout structure that’s not mind shatteringly awesome; it is simple and it does the job. I’m going to share it with you because I realized over the last year-plus I’ve never shared an actual workout. Keep in mind every workout is after a thorough warm up UPPER: This can be modified very easily based on your desire for the day ›› Chest exercise: (Bench, DB bench, incline bench, flys, decline bench, etc) ›› Day 1: 5x5 | Day 3: 12, 10, 8, 6, 4 (w/15 pushups in between sets) ›› Pull ups/downs: 4 x 8-12 (w/15 DB/BB shrugs between each set) ›› DB/BB Military press: 4x12 (or front raise) ›› Rows (cable, BB, bent DB, etc): 4 x 12 ›› Tricep extensions: 4x12 w/ max dips between ›› Bicep curls: 4 x 12-15 ›› Ab roll outs: 3 x 12 w/ 20 straight leg toe touches between sets LOWER: I don’t lift too much on my lower for size, just strength, because after my NFL career my bottom half struggles to fit into jeans. ›› Squats: Day 2: 5x5 | Day 4: 10, 8, 6, 5, 4 ›› Lunges: 4x8 each leg ›› Wall Sits: 4x1min ›› Walking calf extensions: 4x20 each leg ›› Sprints/runs: total 600-1,000 yds ›› Bicycle crunches: 4 x 20 each side ›› On butt twists: 4 x 25 each side This is the exact exercise routine that I use in the weight room every time I go. The great part is that there’s a lot of variety to be had within this program. This allows you to hit any goal you’d like whether its strength, power or muscle gain. If you’re looking for strength, then the goal is to increase the weight as much as you can and shoot for the lower rep ranges so that you can move the most weight without tiring out the muscles.

If you are looking for power then lower the weight from the range you’d use to gain strength and move the weights as fast as possible. This is not the most athletically designed program, but if done right you can still develop a great power base.

If your goal is muscular size (which at this point I want) with a little mix of size and maintaining it, then this program is perfect for you. I never want to be as big as I used to be, but skinny doesn’t look good on me. For size, shoot to move through every rep at its highest range with the most weight you can without needing a spotter. It should be difficult and burn a lot towards the last 3-5 reps of each set.

A great way to track all of this is to do what I have done and makes life easy. Download Google sheets to your smart phone. It’s like having an excel spreadsheet online. You then input all of your workout information into your phone and track the reps, sets, and weights you use every day at the gym. This way you can always see how you’re progressing and you don’t have to carry around a pen and paper everywhere.

You’ll get in and out of the gym faster and you’ll get amazing progress workout that will give you amazing results. ✪ Anthony Trucks is an IYCA-certified trainer who covers weight training for SportStars.

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nutrition: jill daniels In today’s busy world, we often eat quickly and mindlessly. This year’s theme for National Nutrition Month is “Savor the Flavor of Eating Right,” and it’s a great reason to slow down our eating and really tune in to the wonderful foods we have in front of us.

How, when and why you eat are just as important as what you eat. Take time to appreciate the flavors, textures and overall experience. Enjoy the sights, sounds, memories and interactions associated with eating — it will add to the satisfaction. This will also help you make sure you’re eating enough and not too much. That way you’ll feel comfortable and energized after you eat. Besides being a mindful eater, here are a few additional ways to enhance your eating experiences: ›› Discuss nutrition at the dinner table. Tell each other what your favorite meal is, or your favorite fruit or vegetable. Talk about foods you’d like to try. ›› Take a field trip to the local farmer’s market or to a local farm to see how food actually grows. ›› Have the whole family get involved in planning and preparing a meal. ›› Taste food you’ve never tried. Pay attention to the colors, textures, flavors.

Another way you can savor the flavor of eating right is to blend up this delicious smoothie.

Put all of the ingredients into a blender and mix until smooth. It’s rich in vitamin C, fiber, antioxidants and protein — great nutrients for athletes of all kinds. ½ cup orange juice ½ cup water 1 cup baby spinach ¾ cup frozen strawberries ½ banana 1 scoop vanilla whey protein powder As you enjoy your meals, snacks and beverages throughout this month, remember to slow down, pay attention, and savor the flavor of eating right. ✪ Maximize your performance by seeking out personalized advice from Nutrition Coach Jill Daniels, MS, RD, CSSD, Certified Specialist in Sports Dietetics. www.JillDanielsRD.com

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Solving Shin Splints health watch: tim harkins One of the most common injuries to any track and field athlete is the dreaded shin splints. Shin splints is really a catchall term that just refers to any pain along the shin bone. Shin splints is also commonly referred to as medial tibial stress syndrome (MTSS). This injury is most commonly due to repetitive microtrauma seen in running and jumping so it is no surprise that it is extremely prevalent in the sport of track and field.

While this is a very common injury, there are many things you can do to help reduce your risk before track season comes around. The following are a few tips to decrease your risk of getting shin splints. ›› Proper warm-up and cool-downs ›› Work on flexibility! ›› Get proper footwear ›› Prepare yourself in the preseason The importance of proper warm-ups and cool-downs cannot be overlooked. A proper warm-up will prepare the body for running and more specifically prepare the lower leg for the high-impact activity.

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Flexibility exercises should be emphasized for the entire leg but specifically for the calves. If an athlete has tight calves, their shin will not absorb the shock of hitting the ground as effectively and cause more stress to be put on the rest of the low leg.

Proper footwear is of great importance. The less cushion you have on your shoe, the more stress your lower leg will take on while you are running. Most shoes will last a runner about 300500 miles so it is important to get new shoes once your old ones have lost their tread/cushion.

Lastly, it is important to come into your season prepared. If you come into track season and begin running five days a week after sitting on the couch all offseason, your muscles will not be prepared for the stress and injury will occur. Make sure to gradually get back to shape before beginning your season by running a few days a week. ✪ Tim Harkins is a certified athletic trainer for UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital in Oakland and its Sports Medicine for Young Athletes division. He is also the athletic trainer for Piedmont High School.

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The impact of the 2015 Folsom Bulldogs is still being felt and seen as two more football players signed on with colleges to continue their athletic careers at the next level. Despite having just Tre Green sign on with Cal Poly on National Signing Day (5-star OT Jonah Williams signed early with Alabama and enrolled at the Tuscaloosa campus in January), the Bulldogs garnered more attention for their recent crop of college recruits.

A pair of first-year starters at their positions had breakout seasons that placed them on recruiters’ radars, but the schools did not offer until the dust settled after National Signing Day. Quarterback Jake Jeffrey, who contributed to Folsom’s 2014 CIF State Division I Championship at wide receiver, will join Green and a handful of other recent Bulldogs at Cal Poly. After taking over for national record-setting QB Jake Browning, Jeffrey led Folsom to the program’s fourth consecutive section championship with 4,194 passing yards and 974 rushing yards as well as 61 total touchdowns. A huge statistical season for the regional power did not result in offers for Jeffrey, but patience paid off for the gifted student-athlete.

Officially, Jeffrey will enter the Mustangs’ program as a preferred walk-on. The versatile Jeffrey is now excited about the football and academic prospects in San Luis Obispo where he hopes to major in business.

Kooper Richardson, who helped protect Jeffrey as a senior in his first year as a starter, signed with UC Davis. A late bloomer who grew into a 6-foot-5, 310-pound blocking machine under the tutelage of his father and Folsom co-coach Kris Richardson, Kooper paired with Williams as solid bookends on the offensive line. His signing boosted the recent surge of top football recruits from Folsom, which has also grown into a prominent regional and state power that will continue to attract recruiters from across the nation looking for top talent. “I’m just really proud of all the guys from the team going on to play ball at the next level,” Jeffrey told SportStars. “It’s great to see all the hard work Kooper and I put in for those four years to earn a one season pay-off. Recruitment was a long process, but I know Koop and I are very excited with where we are going.”

FREEDOM QB SIGNS: Joey Sweeney, a three-year starting quarterback for Freedom-Oakley, accepted an offer to play at Humboldt State in the week following National Signing Day. Sweeney joins a Lumberjacks program on the rise. Humboldt is coming off its most successful season in more than 50 years, making the NCAA Division II tournament and reaching the second round. ✪ — SportStars staff

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Five Starz Shines At Tourney

volleyball notes

football notes

Folsom’s All-NorCal Quarterback Chooses Cal Poly

It would’ve been hard for the top U15 team of the Five Starz Volleyball Club to have a better weekend trip to San Mateo than the one it just wrapped up on Feb. 20.

The Five Starz 15-1 team dominated the field at the Northern California Volleyball Association’s President’s Day Tournament at the San Mateo Event Center.

The Davis-based club team coached by Deborah Colberg — with assistance from former Five Starz and Christian Brothers-Sacramento star, Brie Gathright — went 10-0 and won 20 of a possible 23 sets.

The Starz matched up in the William Howard Taft Division final (President’s Day theme, remember?) against the 15-1 Black squad from Pleasanton’s Nor Cal Volleyball Club. Five Starz claimed the opening set 2520 before NCVC evened things by taking the second set 25-21. The final set required extra volleyball to decide matters as Five Starz prevailed 17-15.

Other standout teams at the tournament included the SF Tremors Club’s Titans 18-1, which went a perfect 11-0 and took 22 of 23 sets in the 18U tournament. Absolute Volleyball Club of San Rafael had its 16-1 Black team post a 10-0 record while winning 20 of 21 sets played. ✪ — SportStars staff

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❒❒ A G: Guidance For Your Football Future.................................37 ❒❒ All Sports Training Center.......................................................37 ❒❒ Army National Guard Recruiter...............................................3 ❒❒ Back Forty Texas B B Q Roadhouse & Saloon.........................21 ❒❒ Big O Tires Northern California/ Nevada..................................2 ❒❒ Bigfoot Hoops........................................................................40 ❒❒ Blankenship Baseball.............................................................35 ❒❒ Cal Athletic Camps................................................................28 ❒❒ California Football Academy..................................................36 ❒❒ Catchflame.Com....................................................................38 ❒❒ Championship Athletic Fundraising..........................................8 ❒❒ Club Sport................................................................................5 ❒❒ Colin Knightly Lacrosse..........................................................36 ❒❒ Concord American Little League............................................37 ❒❒ De La Salle High School Athletic Summer Camps..................38 ❒❒ Diablo Trophies & Awards......................................................38 ❒❒ Diablo Valley Federal Credit Union........................................20 ❒❒ East Bay Badminton Assn.......................................................36 ❒❒ East Bay Bulldogs Basketball..................................................35 ❒❒ East Bay Parks........................................................................38 ❒❒ Halo Headband.....................................................................38 ❒❒ Heads Up Sports....................................................................23 ❒❒ Jumbo Sunflower Seeds..........................................................32 ❒❒ Kneed-A- Brace......................................................................32 ❒❒ Krossover...............................................................................15 ❒❒ Mental Training Inc................................................................23 ❒❒ Modesto Magic......................................................................36 ❒❒ Muir Orthopaedic Specialists.................................................29 ❒❒ National Scouting Report.......................................................35 ❒❒ Off- Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Division...................31 ❒❒ Placer Valley Tourism Board.............................................12, 13 ❒❒ Renaissance Club Sport..........................................................14 ❒❒ Rugby Nor Cal.......................................................................33 ❒❒ San Ramon Slammers Baseball..............................................36 ❒❒ Special Olympics Northern California....................................37 ❒❒ Speed 4 Your Sport.................................................................21 ❒❒ Sports Speed Nike Speed Academy Camp..............................35 ❒❒ Sports Stars Magazine.........................................................4,17 ❒❒ Sportstars Magazine Camps & Clinics Resource Guide............9 ❒❒ Stat Med................................................................................39 ❒❒ Stevens Creek Toyota................................................................7 ❒❒ Tpc / The Pitching Center.......................................................33 ❒❒ U C S F Benioff Children’s Hospital Oakland.........................34 ❒❒ Visitredding.Com.............................................................26, 27 ❒❒ Walnut Creek Arts, Recreation & Community Services...........21 ❒❒ Walnut Creek Soccer Club.....................................................32

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