February 10, 2006

Evergreen Sports

Local Evergreen swimmer competes at PASS Invitational

Alexis Nichols, 10, of Evergreen earned a third place in figures and a fourth place in splits during her first competition in synchronized swimming.

The PASS Invitational was held in San Francisco on Jan. 21. More than 70 girls competed for figures, which included cumulative scores for specific combinations of body position and transitions performed in a prescribed manner. All of this is done in 10 to 12 feet of water, which means the girls must stay afloat by doing the eggbeater or by sculling.
The splits are especially difficult because the swimmers are required to maintain an upside down position in the water, treading with their hands while performing a split on the water’s surface.

Alexis Nichols is one of the newest members to the Santa Clara Aquamaids, which has sent more swimmers to the Olympics than any other synchronized swim club. She’s in fifth grade at Cadwallader Elementary School.

Photos courtesy of the Nichols family

Trouble becomes double for Mt. Pleasant girls’ hoops

Mt. Pleasant drops 67-37 loss to Gunderson; loses star player as well

By Justin Petersen
Staff Writer

The Mount Pleasant Cardinals yielded 56 points to Gunderson over the final three quarters Feb. 2, en route to a 67-37 loss.

Gunderson freshman Christina Allen takes on Mount Pleasant junior Sarah Dagnino, en route to the Grizzlies' 67-37 victory.

The Cardinals’ second consecutive loss in league cast shadows on an already dark week at Mount Pleasant High. The Cardinals (4-6, in league) played without junior guard Sherina Summers, Santa Teresa Division’s 2004—2005 Sophomore of the Year, after the school learned earlier in the week that she would transfer to Evergreen Valley.

“The girls were definitely affected by it emotionally,” said fourth year head coach Celino Juico. “Right now they are trying to get over losing her. She brought a lot of basketball knowledge with her out on the court, and even more than that, she was such a good friend to all of the girls.”

Without Summers, who left as the Cardinals’ leading scorer, averaging 10 points per contest, Mount Pleasant struggled to muster any consistent offense. Despite clawing their way to a 12-11 lead after one quarter of play, Mount Pleasant was paralyzed on the offensive end according to Juico.

“Our main offensive issue is ball control at the top of the key,” she said. “We were doing okay in the first half because we had energy. But it’s been very difficult getting our offense going. With Summers, we had somebody who was comfortable and confident handling the ball up top, able to set up the offense and direct the floor. We don’t have anybody else in that position right now.”

In Summers’ absence, Mount Pleasant fell two games below .500, a significant dip in performance since last season, when the Cardinals finished 9-3 in league, beating rival Gunderson twice, en route to an at-large berth in the CCS Playoffs.

“We were tied with them and they beat us twice last year,” said Grizzlies head coach John Drake, in his third year at Gunderson. “It was hard knowing they were the only team that beat us. This year we beat them twice, but it wasn’t with all of the same players as last year and the second time, Summers didn’t play either. It’s like, ‘yeah, we beat them.’ But they were a little shorthanded. If I were to lose one of my best players, I know it would be tough.”

Without Summers, Mount Pleasant junior Sarah Dagmino assumed the point guard responsibilities, logging a commendable seven-point performance, while Nancy Chavez led all Cardinals with 10 points tallied on the night.

“This year is nowhere near being a wash,” said Juico. “We have four games left, and if we could finish the season strong, it would be a successful season for us with all of the issues we’ve faced as a team. This past week the girls came together even more. It’s going to carry over to whatever we do in the future and that’s really a positive thing.”

Gunderson (21-2, 10-0) capitalized on Cardinal lapses early in the second half. The Grizzlies seized five consecutive entry passes to open the third quarter, and, running downhill, accumulated 17 points during the period.

Senior guard Anna Harp led the assault. Santa Teresa Division’s Most Valuable Player in 2004-2005 proved her worth again, scoring 22 points, two better than her 20 points-per-game average, supplemented by two 3-pointers.

“We changed our focus after the first half,” said Harp. “Drake has a way with making us want to play at halftime. He tries to make us think and tells us exactly what we need to do.”

“Anna’s one of the top players in CCS,” added Drake. “It doesn’t matter what I ask her to do—she can do it. She brings the ball up the court, she starts the offense — everybody feeds off of her. She has enthusiasm and heart. She’s just one of those all-around players.”

While Harp’s play was the talk, it was Gunderson’s teamwork that sunk Juico and the Cardinals.

“Even though Anna is dominant, she always looks for her teammates,” said Juico. “There are two things that make Gunderson a great team. One, they play well with each other, and two, they like it.”

Evergreen girls’ hoops drops 52-37 loss to league-leading Gunderson

Early deficit to great to overcome for Cougars;
Frausto leads squad with 11 points

By Diego Abeloos
Editor

It was a tough night overall for the Evergreen Valley Cougars, who dropped a 52-37 road loss on Feb. 7 to Santa Teresa Division-leading Gunderson in girls’ basketball action.

The Cougars, who dropped to 5-5 in league play following the loss to the undefeated Grizzlies (11-0 in league), got out of the gates slowly with a 29-9 deficit at the end of the first half before settling in and outscoring their opponents 28-23 in the second half.

Evergreen’s Camille Pena (42) drives to the hoop past Gunderson defender Christina Allen on Feb. 7. Photo by Jeff Frazee

The Cougars’ second-half effort proved to be too little, too late, however, according to Evergreen head coach Dan Johnson, whose team is firmly entrenched in a two-way tie for third place in league standings with Willow Glen.

“Gunderson’s an excellent team and unless we played at the top of our game, we’re not going to beat them,” said Johnson. “We played two-and-a-half really good quarters. Against some teams that might be enough, but against Gunderson, it’s not.”

One of the keys heading into the game for the Cougars was stopping Gunderson standout Anna Harp, who scored 40 points on Jan. 12 in a 73-55 Evergreen loss. The Cougars managed to hold Harp to just 19 points on the night, including just five points in the second half, pleasing Johnson despite the loss.

“Our goal was to shut her down and let the other girls beat us,” Johnson said of Harp. “Other than a quarter-and-a-half, we did a good job. She still scored 19, but probably 12 of those were on turnover layups in that first half. She got probably seven good points off of their half-court offense. We did a nice job on our half-court defense.”

Johnson said his team’s second-half effort in the game was more indicative of the type of basketball the Cougars usually play.

Krista Frausto led her team in scoring with 11 points on the night, and had the arduous task of matching up against a solid low post player in Kelsey Grozier. Johnson said Frausto held her own throughout the night in the low post.

“Krista’s an animal inside; this game and every game,” Johnson said. “She’s one of the best offensive rebounders
I’ve seen. She has a real knack for the ball.”

Down 29-9 at the start of the third quarter, the Cougars jumped on the board quickly with a modest 6-2 run to start the quarter, getting a pair of layups from Frausto and a jumper from Jennifer Gines to get the offense going.

Evergreen’s Candice Marquez (1) wrestles for the ball with Gunderson’s Linda Chao in a 52-37 loss for the Cougars on Feb. 7. Photo by Jeff Frazee

Gunderson struck back quickly however, posting an 8-1 run in less than three minutes, bumping the lead to 39-16 with just over two minutes left to play in the third.

The Cougars put their best offensive and defensive effort together in the fourth quarter, outscoring Gunderson 18-11.

Down 41-21 heading into the final quarter of play, the Cougars jumped out with an 8-3 run to start things off, getting layups from Gines, Camille Pena, Jennifer Ames and Candice Marquez, cutting the lead to 44-29.

In the final two minutes of the game, the Cougars put together another solid offensive stretch, a 6-4 edge to set the final score at 52-37.

“In the second half, when we played the defense we were trying to play, we did a nice job,” Johnson said. “But we can’t play defense on wide-open layups because we turned the ball over (in the first half).”

An oddity in the game was the fact that Gunderson didn’t shoot a free throw the entire night.

Meanwhile, a 9-for-20 performance from the free throw line by the Cougars was not an encouraging sign for Johnson, who said his team has seen its share of troubles at the spot all season.

“We are a horrible free-throw shooting team, which is kind of funny, because we’re actually a pretty good shooting team other than that,” said Johnson. “I don’t know why free throws. …It cost us a couple of games this year. I don’t think it cost us this one, but at least it could’ve kept us in there for a while.”

Sports Briefs

Dads and Daughters event set for March 5
The Bay Area Women ’s Sports Initiative is making the 2006 Pac-10 women’s basketball tournament more than a game with a Dads and Daughters event, slated for March 5 at the HP Pavilion.

The event is a gathering for dads and daughters and will be hosted by former San Francisco 49er tight end Brent Jones, beginning with a reception at 1:30 p.m. in the HP Pavilion’s North Club, followed by semi-final Pac-10 women’s basketball games beginning at 3 p.m.

The event is a great place to network with other dads, test your basketball skills at the Pop-A-Shot machines, hear a panel discussion featuring former Pac-10 women’s basketball alums, and to catch a nationally televised Pac-10 women’s basketball game.

Everyone is welcome, including moms, grandmothers and brothers.

Tickets for the event are priced at $25 per person. Kids under 24 months get in free. Space is limited, so order your ticket today by calling (408) 999-6859 or (408) 999-5733. Order forms for faxing or mailing are also available at www.bawsi.org.


Valley Flag Football brings the NFL youth football league to Evergreen

Now accepting spring 2006 registration

NFL FLAG is the premier youth football league for boys and girls ages 6-14. The program provides young players a fun and exciting opportunity to engage in non-contact, continuous action while learning lessons in teamwork. It’s an excellent way to introduce players before playing tackle and keeping tackle players active in the off-season.

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 names. Sign up today and be part of your favorite NFL football team.

Visit our website for more information. www.valleyflagfootball.com.

Spring 2006 Location and Important Dates:
All events will be held at Leyva Middle School, located at 1865 Monrovia, on the football field. All games and practices are on Sundays.

March 6 is the registration deadline, so register online at www.valleyflagfootball.com.

Dates to Remember:
March 19 at 11:00 a.m.
Skills clinic and team practice. Come out to Leyva Middle School for our skills clinic. Skills clinic is open to both boys and girls ages 6 to 14. We will have ex SaberCat Football player and sports trainer Eric Jennings of EJ SPORTS1 helping with our skills clinic.

March 26 at 11:00 a.m.
Jamboree

April 2
Spring season begins

Contact Info:
Registration (408) 210-6876. League Directors: Tom Morgan (email: tmorgan_valleyflag@hotmail.com) and Ray Diaz (email: valleyflagfootball@yahoo.com).

EVERGREEN LITTLE LEAGUE baseball & softball

Sign-up for the 2006 Little League baseball and softball season today

Evergreen Little League celebrates its 45th season in 2006, and the league is now accepting registrations for both co-ed baseball and girls softball programs.

Online registration
For the first time ever, ELL offers online registration. Parents may register their children online from the comfort of their home or office and pay by credit card. E-mail confirmations will be sent immediately to ensure your reserved spot for our 2006 season. Visit http://ell-baseball.com to register.

Room for new players
ELL has room for players in all divisions: T-Ball ages 5-6, Pee-Wee ages 7-8, Farm ages 7-9, Minors ages 9-12, Juniors ages 13-14, Seniors ages 15-16, and Challenger all ages.

Plans to expand softball program
ELL also has girl’s fast pitch softball ages 7-18. The league would like to expand its softball program this year and is looking for coaches and players. Contact softball@ell-baseball.com with questions or president@ell-baseball.com to volunteer to help out.

Fees
Fees for players are $120 for ages 5-6, $130 for ages 7-12 and $140 for ages 13-16.

Tryouts
Tryouts for age 12 and under are complete, but we still have room for players. Tryouts for Junior and Senior divisions (ages 13–16) will be held at Quimby Oak Middle School on March 4 and 5.

Tryouts are not necessary for T-Ball (ages 5-6), and Pee Wee (ages 7-8) divisions.

Check the ELL Web site, http://ell-baseball.com, for updates.

ELL is also looking for volunteer umpires. If you are interested, please contact Evergreen Little League at (408) 534-1727 or playeragent@ell-baseball.com. ELL offers 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@ellbaseball.com.

Visit http://ell-baseball.com for updates.

EVERGREEN SPORTS SCHEDULES
Jan. 14 to Feb. 24

Evergreen Valley High sports schedule
2/14 – Girls basketball vs. Willow Glen, JV 5:30 p.m. and varsity 7 p.m.
2/14 – Boys basketball at Willow Glen, F/S 5:30 p.m. and varsity 7 p.m.
2/14 – Girls soccer CCS Playoffs begin, time and opponent TBA
2/14 – Boys soccer CCS Playoffs begin, time and opponent TBA

2/16 – Girls basketball vs. Silver Creek, JV 5:30 p.m. and varsity 7 p.m.

2/17 – Boys basketball vs. Silver Creek, F/S 6 pm and varsity 7:30 p.m.

2/21 – Boys basketball CCS Playoffs begin, time and opponent TBA
2/21 – Girls basketball CCS Playoffs begin, time and opponent TBA

2/24 – Wrestling first CCS contests begin at Independence, time TBA

Mt. Pleasant High sports schedule
2/14 – Girls soccer CCS Playoffs begin, time and opponent TBA
2/14 – Boys soccer CCS Playoffs begin, time and opponent TBA
2/14 – Girls basketball at Branham, JV 5:30 p.m. and varsity 7 p.m.

2/15 – Boys basketball at Del Mar, F/S 5:30 p.m. and varsity 7 p.m.

2/16 – Girls basketball vs. Del Mar, JV 5:30 p.m. and varsity 7 p.m.

2/17 – Boys basketball at Independence, F/S 6 p.m. and varsity 7:30 p.m.

2/21 – Boys basketball CCS Playoffs begin, time and opponent TBA
2/21 – Girls basketball CCS Playoffs begin, time and opponent TBA

2/24 – Wrestling first CCS contests begin at Independence, time TBA

Silver Creek High sports schedule*
2/14 – Boys soccer CCS Playoffs begin, time and opponent TBA
2/14 – Girls soccer CCS Playoffs begin, time and opponent TBA
2/14 – Girls basketball at Del Mar, JV 5:30 p.m. and varsity 7 p.m.

2/15 – Boys basketball at Prospect, F/S 5:30 p.m. and varsity 7 p.m.

2/16 – Girls basketball at Evergreen, JV 5:30 p.m. and varsity 7 p.m.

2/17– Boys basketball at Evergreen, F/S 6 p.m. and varsity 7:30 p.m.

2/21 – Boys basketball CCS Playoffs begin, time and opponent TBA
2/21 – Girls basketball CCS Playoffs begin, time and opponent TBA
2/24 – Wrestling first CCS contests begin at Independence, time TBA

*Editor’s Note: Because of damage sustained to Silver Creek’s basketball gymnasium, scheduled home games will be moved to other sites and may be held at different times. For more current information on Silver Creek home games for boys and girls basketball, as well as wrestling, please contact the Silver Creek High School athletic department at (408) 347-5628 or log on to the BVAL Web site at http://www.bval.org/

For more information about CCS playoff contests, go to http://www.cifccs.org.

Silver Creek Wrestlers turn uncertainty into success in 2006

By Val Esquivel
Special to the Times

After capturing a BVAL league title and finishing in the top 10 at CCS, the Silver Creek wrestling team faced several uncertainties heading into 2005-06.

Neighborhood rivalry: Junior Peter Hoang (132 lbs.) currently ranked #1 in CCS, applies the “power-half” on his Evergreen Valley opponent. Hoang recorded a third period fall. Photo courtesy of Cory Crockett.

With only three returning seniors, (Robert DeGuzman at 114 pounds, Brandon Hernandez at 147 pounds and Mikey Rico at 154 pounds) the 2005-06 season was poised to be a rebuilding year for the perennial powerhouse Raiders, who in 2004-05 qualified three wrestlers for the State Meet in Bakersfield.

Lesser teams would have fallen by the way side; great teams view this as an opportunity and prevail.

With the uncertainty of what the lineup would be, much of the preparation for this year was done after last year’s high school season. With a strong contingency of Silver Creek wrestlers participating in USA wrestling sanctioned events (all over the state of California as well as the occasional trip to Las Vegas, Nevada for Western Regional and Fargo, North Dakota for Freestyle Nationals), the core group would be successful, but the team still looked like it would fall short because of numbers.

Just like people, wrestlers also gravitate toward success.

At the beginning of school year, the coaching staff at Silver Creek was surprised to find out that two state qualifiers from Evergreen Valley high school had transferred to Silver Creek. Returning CCS finalist Andre Gonzalez (121-pounds) and CCS medalist Peter Hoang (132-pounds) would trade in the teal, black, and white in favor of the orange, silver, and black.

“It was a tough decision that I had to make,” said junior Andre Gonzalez. “In the end, I’m happy I did. Coming to Silver Creek allowed me to seek out the best competition in and around the state. The Silver Creek coaching staff is one of the best.”

So far this season, Gonzalez is ranked third in the CCS at 121 pounds, and has placed at every tournament he has wrestled in with the exception of the Reno TOC (he was one match away from placing), which in some wrestling circles is revered as “the toughest tournament in the nation.”

Having one of the most rigorous tournament schedules in the section, some of the younger wrestlers also began to rise to the occasion. Sophomore Jay DeGuzman, who wrestled at 132 pounds last year, made the cut to 127 pounds. He is currently ranked in the top 10 in the CCS.

Also making an immediate impact after a successful junior high campaign at Quimby Oak was freshmen Evan Crockett. A former County champion, Evan has transitioned very well as a high school wrestler.

One of the main attractions, with a fan following no matter where she goes, is junior Tina Linhsamount.

A 2005 women’s state champ, Tina has no problem mixing it up with the guys. She has placed at numerous varsity tournaments including the Curt Mettler invitational in Elk Grove and the Overfelt Classic. Not only does she carry a top-10 ranking in CCS, but Tina is also one of the top-ranked women in the nation.

Silver Creek, currently tied with Oak Grove (both teams have a record of 5-1) for the BVAL league title, is headed to this year’s league tournament, held Saturday, Feb. 11 at Mt. Pleasant High School. The tournament has implications for both teams. Head Coach Eddie Luna is anticipating a showdown. “This year the BVAL league championship is going to be more exciting because there is a tie in league standings,” he said. “The team that finishes ahead will be crowned this year’s BVAL champion. We are primed and ready to go.”

What was once looked at as a year of uncertainty has quickly become a year of success. With three top-ranked wrestlers in the section and numerous others in the hunt, Silver Creek is ranked fifth in CCS. Silencing the critics with overall performance from his squad, Coach Luna always expects the most from his wrestlers.

“This season has been fun and exciting,” Luna said. “There are so many new faces and characters on the team that makes this team special.”

As league finals, CCS, and the State Meet come around by the first weekend in March, some wrestlers, who have been fixtures on the Silver Creek wrestling team, will move on to bigger and better things. Just like last year, some will be saying that Silver Creek will be rebuilding or be in a “down year.”

Those who know the system know that the cream rises to the top. Never doubting his athletes, Coach Luna welcomes the naysayers.

“Year in and year out, Silver Creek is always competing for a league title,” he said, “and year in and year out, our kids rise to the challenge.”