January 26, 2007

Evergreen Sports

From league cellar to instant contender

Evergreen girls’ hoops jumps from bottom of league standings
to five-way tie for second place with two close wins

By Diego Abeloos
Editor

In the span of one week, the Evergreen girls’ basketball team went from languishing at the bottom of the Mt. Hamilton Division to instant contender.

Two straight wins – a 61-58 win over Gunderson on Jan. 17 and a 42-40 win over Piedmont Hills on Jan. 19 – saw the Cougars jump from the bottom of the league standings to a five-way tie for second place in the Mt. Hamilton Division, as of Jan. 23. The wins came on the heels of a rough patch to start league play, which saw the Cougars lose three out of their first four games, including three straight losses prior to the win over Gunderson. The Cougars, with only undefeated Leland ahead of them, suddenly find themselves in a battle for one of four playoff spots.

“The A-league (Mt. Hamilton Division) is going to be tough every night,” Evergreen head coach Dan Johnson said. “We had three pretty bad losses in a row. We kind of lost some confidence. Beating Gunderson helped get our confidence back a little bit, and (more so) with Piedmont Hills, and I think we’re playing with some confidence now.”

Johnson said one of the reasons for Evergreen’s early slide in league play was his players’ transition to Mt. Hamilton Division play. In short, Johnson said there were times when his players weren’t mentally prepared for the challenges ahead in games.

“Our second game when we lost to Pioneer (a 61-51 loss on Jan. 5), we just weren’t ready to play it mentally,” Johnson said. “…I think they learned from that game that the A-league is going to be tough every game.”

Ball handling has also improved, said Johnson, as the team got back on track against Gunderson and Piedmont Hills.
“Pioneer really got up in our faces and we were having a hard time adjusting to the pressure,” Johnson said. “Now we’re ready for it.”

Another key factor, according to Johnson, was the noticeable absence of senior forward Sherina Summers, who missed the first four games of league play with an ankle sprain suffered in Evergreen’s final non-league game this season. Summers, a senior transfer who previously played at Mt. Pleasant, brings an added scoring threat to the court, said Johnson, who also noted the senior’s athleticism and rebounding skills as keys to his team’s success this season.
Summers returned to the court, albeit in a limited role, in Evergreen’s win over Gunderson, and Johnson said he plans to ease her into more playing time as her healing body will allow.

Evergreen forward Krista Frausto (33) has been a low post threat for the Cougars, averaging 12 points and 12 rebounds per game. Photos by Dan Miranda

“We were trying to figure out how to play without her,” Johnson said of Summers. “Now she’s back. She’s still not 100 percent, but she’s helping us a lot.”

Still, Johnson said there are plenty of positive signs that his team can contend for a CCS playoff spot this season. Among them is the low post play, which Johnson called one of his team’s biggest strengths, with seniors Krista Frausto and Jennifer Ames, as well as Summers.

Frausto, according to Johnson, has been key in helping to turn the season around. Frausto led the Cougars in scoring with 12 points in the win over Piedmont Hills, and managed a 14-point game in a 61-58 win over Gunderson on Jan. 17. All told, Frausto is averaging a double-double this season, with 12 points per game and 12 rebounds per game.

“Krista’s done a really nice job of using her body and scoring in the low post,” Johnson said. “She’s been doing really well with that.”

In addition, Johnson said he’s been pleased with the play of his back court, manned by the likes of Alexa Marquez and freshman Alyssa Prudencio. Johnson said Marquez, who has taken over point guard duties, has been a “steadying influence” for the team on the court. As for Prudencio, Johnson said the freshman guard continues to be a scoring threat, despite her relative youth and inexperience.

“She continues to shoot the ball well and I think she’s learning how to handle pressure at a high school level and the fact that the game is played at a much higher level,” Johnson said of Prudencio, who scored a team-high 17 points in the win over Gunderson.

Another good sign for Johnson has been his team’s ability to play well late in close games, he said, pointing to the wins over Gunderson and Piedmont Hills as further proof. That ability, said Johnson, is crucial in the closely contested Mt. Hamilton Division.

“We’re not panicking the last couple of minutes (in a game),” said Johnson. “We’ve had fourth quarter leads shrink down quite a bit, but when it gets right down to the last few minutes, we seem to be playing with some confidence there, so the girls understand now that we can win close games.”

Silver Creek boys’ hoops hangs on for tough win over Live Oak

Raiders’ Everly scores 16 points; Silver Creek improves to 5-2 in league

By Ali Abdollahi
Staff Writer

Despite missing the majority of their free throws during the first three quarters, and suffering some key defensive lapses, the Silver Creek boys’ basketball team held off feisty Live Oak to earn a 64-59 victory on Jan. 23.
The victory improved the Raiders’ record to 5-2 in league play and 8-7 overall.

Silver Creek’s Matt Everly, shown here in a game earlier this season, led the Raiders with 16 points in a 64-59 win over Live Oak on Jan. 23. Photo by Dan Miranda

Despite the win, Warren was not pleased with his team’s performance. “We had no fire tonight,” said Silver Creek head coach Cliff Warren. “We are a talented team, but we always play down to the level of our competition. Against Sobrato, we played great. But we always seem to match-up to our opponent and adjust our level of play to them somehow.”

Silver Creek fell behind early, in part because of poor shot selection, said Warren. Live Oak took a 10-4 lead in the first quarter, before the Raiders rallied back on the play of senior swingman Matt Everly and junior guard Juan Holtz. Everly’s layup late in the first period gave Silver Creek a 15-13 lead to end the quarter.

Silver Creek fared better in the second quarter, but eight trips to the free throw line for Live Oak and several missed free throws by the Raiders helped keep the game close.

Silver Creek junior center Billy Dick gave the Raiders a quick jump start in the second quarter, pulling down an offensive rebound and putting in a layup while being fouled. Dick was unable to complete the three-point-play, however.

In addition, junior forward Darren Sumida helped the Raiders assert control in the paint, scoring on an acrobatic up-and-under move, then scoring a layup, on consecutive possessions to give Silver Creek a 24-16 lead.

Live Oak’s performance at the free throw line, however, helped the Acorns stay right with the Raiders. Still, Everly came through at the end of the quarter again, nailing a three-pointer to give Silver Creek a 31-26 lead at halftime. Everly led Silver Creek with 16 points for the game.

“The only thing costing (Everly) is that he hasn’t played basketball since his freshman year, so he is really only a second-year player,” said Warren. “He has all kinds of skills, but his timing was off at the beginning. He’s just now picking up on the pace of the game.”

The third quarter was nip-and-tuck throughout. An Everly layup put the Raiders back in the lead after Live Oak had tied the game. Soon after, Holtz came up with a steal at mid-court, drove hard to the basket, finishing the layup despite a violent collision and a foul. Holtz completed the three-point play, giving Silver Creek a 40-36 lead.

Freshman big man Chijoke Nwuzi also made his presence known in the third, coming up with several rebounds in traffic, and putting back two key layups, including one in the final seconds of the quarter to put the Raiders up 46-42.

Dick scored on two plays early in the fourth quarter to help Silver Creek establish a big lead. The first was a layup off a no-look pass from Everly, while the second featured a quick turnaround jumper in the lane to put the Raiders up 54-46.

Following Dick’s jumper, Everly came up with a steal with just over three minutes remaining, and provided another assist to set up senior Guino Dalit’s basket, giving Silver Creek a seemingly comfortable lead of 56-46.

Live Oak immediately answered with a three-point-play, however, and refused to go away in the final minutes. Despite continued surges by Live Oak, Everly hit four critical free throws in two consecutive one-and-one situations, and senior guard Gabriel Sanchez also made four consecutive free throws in the final minute to secure the victory.

Warren credited Sanchez, who is normally a starter, for providing leadership while coming off the bench.

“We’re experimenting with the lineup so that (Sanchez) can give us some fire off the bench,” said Warren. “As you could see, he comes in the game and everybody calms down.”

In addition to Everly’s team-high 16 points, Dick scored 13, while Holtz added 11 points.

EVERGREEN SPORTS
SCHEDULES 12-19 to 12-29

Evergreen Valley High sports schedule
1/30 – Boys’ soccer vs. Del Mar, 3:15 p.m.
1/30 – Wrestling at Sobrato, 6:30 p.m.

1/31 – Boys’ basketball at Pioneer, F/S 5:30 p.m. and varsity 7 p.m.
1/31 – Girls’ basketball vs. Pioneer, F/S 5:30 p.m. and varsity 7 p.m.
1/31 – Girls’ soccer vs. Piedmont Hills, 3:15 p.m.

2/1 – Boys’ soccer at Prospect, 3:15 p.m.

2/2 – Girls’ soccer at Branham, 3:15 p.m.
2/2 – Boys’ basketball vs. Oak Grove, F/S 6 p.m. and varsity 7:30 p.m.
2/2 – Girls’ basketball at Leland, JV 3:30 p.m. and varsity 6:30 p.m.

2/3 – JV wrestling finals at Piedmont Hills, time TBA

2/6 – Wrestling vs. Prospect, 6:30 p.m.
2/6 – Boys’ soccer at Gunderson, 3:15 p.m.

2/7 – Girls’ soccer vs. Leigh, 6 p.m.
2/7 – Girls’ basketball at Westmont, JV 5:30 p.m. and varsity 7 p.m.
2/7 – Boys’ basketball vs. Westmont, F/S 5:30 p.m. and varsity 7 p.m.

2/9 – Girls’ basketball vs. Gunderson, JV 5:30 p.m. and varsity 7 p.m.
2/9 – Boys’ basketball at Prospect, F/S 6 p.m. and varsity 7:30 p.m.

Mt. Pleasant High sports schedule
1/30 – Boys’ basketball at James Lick, F/S 5:30 p.m. and varsity 7 p.m.
1/30 – Girls’ basketball at Silver Creek, JV 5:30 p.m. and varsity 7 p.m.
1/30 – Wrestling vs. Piedmont Hills, 6:30 p.m.
1/30 – Boys’ soccer at Andrew Hill, 3:15 p.m.

1/31 – Girls’ soccer at Sobrato, 3:15 p.m.

2/1 – Girls’ basketball at Independence, JV 5:30 p.m. and varsity 7 p.m.
2/1 – Boys’ soccer vs. Branham, 3:15 p.m.

2/2 – Girls’ soccer at Independence, 5 p.m.
2/2 – Boys’ basketball vs. Del Mar, F/S 6 p.m. and varsity 7:30 p.m.

2/3 – JV wrestling finals at Piedmont Hills, time TBA

2/6 – Girls’ basketball vs. Willow Glen, JV 5:30 p.m. and varsity 7 p.m.
2/6 – Boys’ basketball at Yerba Buena, F/S 5:30 p.m. and varsity 7 p.m.
2/6 – Boys’ soccer at Independence, 3:15 p.m.

2/7 – Wrestling at Andrew Hill, 6:30 p.m.
2/7 – Girls’ soccer vs. Yerba Buena, 3:15 p.m.

2/8 – Girls’ basketball at Branham, JV 5:30 p.m. and varsity 7 p.m.

2/9 – Boys’ basketball at Lincoln, F/S 6 p.m. and varsity 7:30 p.m.

Silver Creek High sports schedule
1/30 – Girls’ basketball vs. Mt. Pleasant, JV 5:30 p.m. and varsity 7 p.m.
1/30 – Boys’ soccer at Prospect, 3:15 p.m.

1/31 – Boys’ basketball at Overfelt, F/S 5:30 p.m. and varsity 7 p.m.
1/31 – Girls’ soccer at Independence, 3:15 p.m.
1/31 – Wrestling vs. Santa Teresa, 6:30 p.m.

2/1 – Boys’ soccer vs. Gunderson, 3:15 p.m.
2/1 – Girls’ basketball at Willow Glen, JV 5:30 p.m. and varsity 7 p.m.

2/2 – Girls’ soccer at San Jose, 5:30 p.m.
2/2 – Boys’ basketball vs. Willow Glen, F/S 6 p.m. and varsity 7:30 p.m.

2/3 – JV wrestling finals at Piedmont Hills, time TBA

2/6 – Boys’ basketball vs. Branham, F/S 5:30 p.m. and varsity 7 p.m.
2/6 – Girls’ basketball at Branham, JV 5:30 p.m. and varsity 7 p.m.
2/6 – Boys’ soccer at San Jose, 3:15 p.m.

2/7 – Girls’ soccer vs. James Lick, 3:15 p.m.

2/8 – Wrestling at Westmont, 6:30 p.m.
2/8 – Girls’ basketball vs. Prospect, JV 5:30 p.m. and varsity 7 p.m.

2/9 – Boys’ basketball at Leland, F/S 6 p.m. and varsity 7:30 p.m.


For more information on local games, log on to the BVAL Web site at http://www.bval.org/

For more information about CCS Playoff schedules, go to the CIF/CCS Web site at http://www.cifccs.org/

SPORTS BRIEFS

Evergreen Little League 2007 season signups
Evergreen Little League is accepting registrations now for both our co-ed baseball and girls’ softball programs. Parents may register their children online from the comfort of their home or office and pay by credit card. Email confirmations are mailed immediately to ensure your reserved spot for our 2007 season. Visit our website http://ell-baseball.com to register.

Players are registered based on their “Little League Age.” For baseball, the Little League age is the age of the player on 4/30/2007. For softball, the Little League age is the age of the player on 12/31/2006.

ELL has room for players in all divisions: T-Ball (age 5-6), Pee-Wee (age 7-8), Farm (age 7-9), Minors (age 9-12), Majors (age 10-12), Juniors (age 13-14), Seniors (age 15-16), and Challenger (all ages). Fees for players registered before Jan. 15 are $100 for age 5-6, $110 for age 7-12 and $120 for age 13-16.

We also have girls’ fast pitch softball for ages 6-16. We offer a coach pitch division for age 6-8, Minors for age 9-12, Majors for age 10-12, and Junior/Senior for age 13-16. We want to grow our softball program this year and are looking for coaches and players. Contact softball@ell-baseball.com with questions or president@ell-baseball.com to volunteer to help out.

All fees go up $20 after Jan. 14. All players, ages 8 and older, are requested to tryout.

We also have in-person registration available on Saturday Jan. 6, 13, 20, and 27 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Chaboya Middle School’s Band Room. We only accept cash or check at in-person registration; three proofs of residency and original proof of age are required as well (see our website for more details).

BASEBALL TRYOUTS:
Tryouts for Minor and Major Divisions (ages 10-12) will be held at Chaboya Middle School on Jan. 20 and 21 (ages 9-12) on Jan. 27 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tryouts for Farm Division (ages 8-9) will be held at Chaboya Middle School on Jan. 28, and Feb. 4 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tryouts for Junior and Senior Divisions (age 13-16) will be held at Quimby Oak Middle School on March 3 and 4. Tryouts are not necessary for T-Ball (ages 5-6), and Pee Wee (ages 7-8) Divisions. Check our website http://ell-baseball.com for updates.

SOFTBALL TRYOUTS:
Tryouts for all divisions will be held on Saturday, Jan. 20 at Boggini Park from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Pre-Season Clinics: These are intended to prepare players for tryouts and to assist them if they are moving up a level. The focus is on fundamentals, fun, and facts about Little League Baseball or Softball. Pre Season Clinics will be held as follows:

Baseball Pre-Season Clinics:
Saturday, Jan. 6 and 13: 9 a.m. – noon, ages 8-12 at Chaboya

Saturday, Jan. 13: 1 – 4 p.m., ages 13-16 at Quimby

Saturday, Feb. 10: 9 a.m. – noon, ages 13-16 at Quimby

Softball Pre-Season Clinics:
Saturday, Jan. 6 and 13: 9 a.m. – noon, ages 8-12 at Boggini Park

Saturday, Jan. 21: 9 a.m. – noon, ages 13-16 at Boggini Park

We are also looking for volunteer Umpires. If you are interested, please contact Evergreen Little League at (408) 534-1727 or playeragent@ell-baseball.com. We offer hands-on training as well as classroom training if you want to learn how to umpire or just want to brush up on your skills and the knowledge of the rules.

Anyone interested in sponsoring a team this year can contact our sponsorship representative sponsor@ell-baseball.com.

Visit our website at http://ell-baseball.com for updates.

REACH Youth Scholarship nomination forms available online from San Jose Sports Authority
Nomination forms for the San Jose Sports Authority’s 2006 REACH Youth Scholarship Program, sponsored by Bridge Bank, which has provided college funds to 50 high school students over the past 10 years, are now available for downloading from the Sports Authority’s Web site at www.sjsa.org.

Last year, 31 Santa Clara County high school seniors were nominated, and six who overcame adversity through participation in sports were awarded scholarships through the REACH program, an acronym for Recognizing Excellence, Adversity, Courage and Hard Work. Scholarships are awarded based on an essay competition in which nominees explain how sports helped them overcome adversity.

The nominees and scholarship winners for 2006 will be honored at the REACH Awards Breakfast, chaired by former San Francisco 49er Ronnie Lott, on Thursday, May 3, 2007.

Only Santa Clara County high schools may nominate students for the award, with a maximum of five nominees per school. Nominees must then complete an essay and student information form.

Nominees must:
- Be high school seniors,
- Maintain a 2.5 GPA,
- Participate in at least one sanctioned high school athletic activity,
- Demonstrate community involvement,
- Show the ability to overcome adversity or obstacles to reach his or her goals.

Each nominee is required to write an essay of one to three pages based on his or her experiences. The essay should focus on the obstacles they have overcome and how sports have helped them achieve their goals. Essays will be judged on content.

Nominations must be postmarked by Friday, March 31.

Visit the San Jose Sports Authority Web site at www.sjsa.org for more information.

South San Jose Hotshots seek experienced girls soccer players
The South San Jose Hotshots, a girls U11 competitive soccer team, is looking for experienced players for its 2007 indoor and outdoor seasons.  The Hotshots play in the Delgado competitive league and finished as one of the top U10 girls’ teams in the 2006 fall season. The team has a positive coaching environment, with a focus on teamwork and player development.  Interested players should contact head coach Mike Bunge at awalt80@yahoo.com.

Girls’ Lacrosse of San Jose now registering players
Girls’ Lacrosse of San Jose is now registering players for its spring 2007 season. The club, which plays under the name San Jose Extreme, has openings remaining for its new developmental team for third and fourth graders (second graders by permission), and for its fifth and sixth grade team. In addition, it has a short wait list for its seventh and eighth grade team and a second high school team.

Girls’ lacrosse is a fast-growing, non-contact field sport played with a webbed stick and ball that combines elements of basketball and field hockey. Girls Lacrosse of San Jose started five years ago with one team. In 2007, it will have five teams for girls of all ages.

The club practices at Kirk Community Center on Foxworthy Avenue and is part of the Northern California Junior Lacrosse Association. The season runs from February through mid-May.

For information, go to www.sjextreme.org or contact club President John Fensterwald by e-mail at john@sjextreme.org or call (408) 265-2224.

South Valley Pop Warner youth football and cheer signups
South Valley Pop Warner is holding signups for youth football and cheer. Participant ages 5-15 as of 7/31. Signups are from 12-3 p.m. at Round Table on Thornwood Avenue on Feb. 3, Feb.17, March 3, March 17 and March 31. From more information, visit http://www.stpopwarner.org/ or call Bill Vines at (408) 808-1473.

Valley Flag Football now accepting Spring 2007 registration
Valley Flag Football is the premier youth football league for boys and girls ages 5-14. The program provides young players a fun and exciting opportunity to engage in continuous action while learning lessons in teamwork. It’s an excellent way to introduce players before playing tackle and keeping tackle players.

Launched in 1996, the FLAG Football program is designed to educate young people about football while emphasizing participation and sportsmanship. Players learn skills and lessons that help them succeed both on and off the field.

NFL FLAG Football is played across the United States and is a fun and exciting sport that teaches great life lessons, such as sportsmanship, dedication and discipline.

This five-on-five game is recognizable to football fans everywhere. Participants learn about formations, pass patterns and different types of offense and defense. All teams are actual NFL team names. Players keep their team logo jerseys. Sign up today and be part of the Valley Flag Football family. The first 100 players to register online receive a free league T-shirt. Registration deadline is Feb. 28. The season starts March 25, 2007

Visit the Web site for more information and registration: www.valleyflagfootball.com or contact (408) 531-0417 or tmorgan_valleyflag@hotmail.com.

NorCal Heat 14A Tryouts
NorCal Heat 14A Tryouts Sunday, Jan 28, for spring/summer tournament team.  Pitchers & catchers 10 a.m., position players 10:30 a.m.; Santa Clara H.S., 3000 Benton Street, Santa Clara, 95051, Chuck Caldera (408) 568-6582, Joe Chaulklin (408) 644-1930, David Quevedo )408) 655-2641, email: heatfastpitch@yahoo.com.

4U/16U "A" Ball softball program seeks players
The 4U/16U "A" Ball softball program, Bay Area Starters, is looking for a few additional players to add to its competitive spring team. For more information, visit http://www.bayareastarters.com or call (408) 315-2704

Boys U15 Almaden Newcastle United Select (Division 1) tryouts
The Delgado champions and Association Cup semifinalists are holding tryouts on the dates listed below. Please contact christina_redondo@yahoo.com if interested in trying out.

Tryout dates:
- Feb. 3, 2-4 p.m. at Steinbeck Middle School
- Feb. 10, 9–11 a.m. at Steinbeck Middle School
- Feb. 11, 2–4 p.m. at Steinbeck Middle School

Golfing for grades

Silver Creek High School freshmen were swinging golf clubs at Los Lagos Golf Course recently with one simple purpose – to get a grade in physical education.

Silver Creek students get busy swinging at golf balls at the Los Lagos Golf Course driving range as part of their physical education requirements.

The excursion to the golf course, which totaled 200 students from five classes, was part of a unit required by California State Standards in physical education.

With the help of Los Lagos Golf Course Manager Scot Hathaway, the students got the chance to hit golf balls at the course’s driving range, and completed a self evaluation of their golf swing, as well as an evaluation of their golf partner’s swing. A written and oral evaluation was also conducted as part of the activity.

The field trip was made possible by grant money received from First Tee of San Jose, a program of the San Jose Sports Commission (formerly the San Jose Sports Authority), in cooperation with the city of San Jose’s Department of Parks, Recreation and Neighborhood Services. The grant from First Tee came via the United States Golf Association, and is aimed at providing low cost access to driving ranges for youth. Addition financial aid through a physical education grant was also received under the supervision of Alecia Myers of the East Side Union High School District.

—By Diego Abeloos

EVHS girls’ soccer drops 3-0 loss to Leland

The Evergreen girls’ soccer team missed out on a chance at reaching the .500 mark in league play in dropping a 3-0 loss at home to Leland on Jan. 19.

Evergreen’s Meiying Lam looks to advance the ball past a Leland defender during a 3-0 loss on Jan. 19. Photos by Diego Abeloos

The loss dropped Evergreen’s league record to 3-5-1 in the Mt. Hamilton Division, while the Chargers improved to 2-3-
4 in league play and moved into fourth place, previously occupied by the Cougars.

The loss also gave the Cougars little security, currently in a three-way tie for fifth place in league with Piedmont Hills and Branham, in terms of a coveted CCS playoff spot. Should the season end with Leland tied for fourth place - the final CCS playoff spot - with Evergreen, the Chargers would get an automatic qualification to advance to CCS because of its two wins during league play over the Cougars. Leland defeated Evergreen earlier this season by a 3-2 final on Dec. 13.

“It’s a very tough loss,” said Evergreen head coach Michelle Sunseri. “We had so many opportunities in the first half that should’ve been in the net, but it just didn’t happen for us. …It is very disappointing because the girls played very well today.”

Leland started the scoring in the second half, getting a goal from Jennifer Tkach five minutes into the second half for a 1-0 lead. Still leading 1-0 in the final 10 minutes of play, Leland got some breathing room when Denelle Spencer scored a pair of goals – both on headers – on set pieces within a two-minute span for a 3-0 advantage.

With only a handful of games remaining in the regular season, Sunseri said every game the Cougars play will be an important as the team attempts to climb the Mt. Hamilton Division ranks for one of four playoff spots in CCS.

“Today would’ve been an awesome opportunity for us to kind of keep our elbow room, in terms of the standings,” Sunseri said. “…But it just didn’t happen.”

—By Diego Abeloos