February 24, 2006

Evergreen Sports

EVHS girls’ soccer season ends with loss to Carlmont in CCS Quarterfinals

Cougars grab 3-1 win days earlier over North Salinas in opening round

By Diego Abeloos
Editor

The Evergreen Valley girls’ soccer team’s season came to a premature end on Feb. 18 when the Cougars dropped a 3-1 loss to No. 2 seed Carlmont in the quarterfinal round of the CCS Playoffs.

Evergreen’s Leah Larot was one of three Cougar players to score first half goals for the Cougars in a 3-1 win over North Salinas on Feb. 15.

The loss ended an otherwise stellar season for the Cougars, who finished atop the Santa Teresa Division Standings with a 15-3-2 overall record and a 12-1-1 league record prior to CCS play.

Just days earlier, it was a scene of triumph at the Evergreen Valley College soccer field for the No. 7 Cougars, who took a 3-1 opening round win on Feb. 15 over North Salinas, the 10th seed in the Division I playoffs.

“We’re very proud of the girls,” Evergreen head coach Michelle Sunseri said after the win. “What I told them was to come out and play Cougars soccer, and that means, come out, score early, score often, make your connecting passes and do it as a team.”

The Cougars did just that, coming out firing on all cylinders in the early going and getting a left-footed goal in the game’s eighth minute from Caitlin Brennan to give her team a quick 1-0 lead.

The Cougar offense worked swiftly and efficiently throughout the first half, using the artificial grass surface of the EVC soccer field to their advantage.

“We had the high seed and we could’ve played at home, but our field at home isn’t in the best condition,” Sunseri said. “In our league, we do travel to schools that have the turf. When we play on turf, we make those connecting passes and we play phenomenal soccer.”

Still, the game remained relatively tight for most of the first half, as the Cougars advanced several times on offense and threatened to score, only to be rebuffed. The runs on offense included a goal attempt from Jennifer Herrera in which the senior team captain attempted a horizontal karate-kick style shot-on-goal caught by North Salinas’ goalie in the 25th minute.

Finally, in the game’s 35th minute, the Cougars broke through once more on offense, as Mylesa Alexander launched a 30-yard arching shot from the right into the net after an Evergreen corner kick, giving Evergreen a 2-0 advantage.

Less than five minutes later, the Cougars were on the board once more, for the final time of the game, as Leah Larot advances on the goal, drawing out the goalkeeper, and promptly chipping a shot into the lower left corner of the net for a 3-0 lead.

“When we make those connecting passes, when we’re patient and we wait for an open lane or an open opportunity, that’s when we score,” Sunseri said of her team’s first half outburst on offense. “Basically, that’s what they did. They came out on fire.”

Content with their early lead, the Cougars used the second half of the contest to play stingy defense, limiting North Salinas to just one goal in the game’s 50th minute to cut the lead to 3-1. From that points on, the Cougars held firm, getting a great defensive effort from Goalie Laura Baker, who made several sliding grabs of loose balls headed toward the goal after a relatively quiet first half.

“Laura Baker is a phenomenal goalie, and when she goes with her instincts, her instincts are always right,” Sunseri said. “…She was on fire today. She wasn’t overconfident; she took every ball as it came to her. She really knows how to talk to her defenders and lets them know what she sees, because she sees the whole field.”

The loss to Carlmont just days later however, presented an early end to the high school soccer career of not only Baker, but also the seven other seniors on the squad.

Evergreen seniors leave winners

Cougars stump Silver Creek in basketball season finale

By Justin Petersen
Staff Writer

Evergreen Valley edged cross-town rival Silver Creek 55-48, as part of festivities surrounding the school’s senior night February 17.

Evergreen senior Gurchet Sanghara goes up for two of his 24 points Friday.

The game, which honored eight departing members of the Cougar basketball team, including Gurchet Sanghera, Tinh Nguyen, Steve Brass, Rishi Shah, Steven Yasutake, Morgan Blakely, Eric Bates and Derek Pauli, was a final preparation for both schools, who advanced to the CCS Division I playoffs following the game.

“We approached it like we approach any other game, but the biggest thing was that we didn’t want anybody to get hurt,” said Evergreen Coach Dennis Fernandez.

The Raiders challenged Fernandez’ pressure defensive schemes early, busting through traps and harnessing energy which Silver Creek coach Cliff Warren was pleased to see, following what he described as a dip in enthusiasm throughout the middle of his team’s league schedule.

“Since we fell behind early in the season, we didn’t have the chance to compete for league championship and it seemed like the boys were tired as a result,” said Warren. “We deliberately stopped our season and restarted it again with a fresh, clean slate. You can see the difference in the way we played Evergreen.”

While Silver Creek sputtered this year, Evergreen (17-8, 11-3) enjoyed a clear run at the Santa Teresa Division crown, which was just decided against their favor on Valentine‘s Day, when they fell 53-52 to champion Willow Glen.

“We came up one point short,” said Fernandez. “Things happen. We’re looking forward to CCS.”

Fernandez cites defense as key however, no matter what the stakes.

“Overall, our defense is the most significant weapon,” said Fernandez. “We’ve improved remarkably from day one. It’s that defense which really makes the offense a lot better. It takes a disciplined and fundamentally sound basketball team to compete when you are trapping like we do.”

Silver Creek guards Gabriel Sanchez and D.J. Martinez appeared to comprehend the pressure in the first half, snapping balls up the floor, in spite of closing Cougars.

Silver Creek forward David Caranza leaves Evergreen's Morgan Blakely to chase a rebound during action on February 17.

Silver Creek led 28-23 at halftime, yet, Evergreen roared back in the third, outscoring the raiders 20-9 in that period.

“We talked about finishing them off,” said Fernandez. “Even though the score was close at points, I knew we would be OK. As a coach, you look in your kids’ eyes during timeouts. I didn’t see any panic.”

Cougar Sanghera paced the club, converting on multiple third quarter layups in quick transition off of Raider turnovers. One in particular dropped when the 6-feet-1-inch guard double pumped, and wrapped the ball over a Raider trailing close behind. Sanghera finished with a game-high 24 points.

Evergreen’s resilient point guard Nguyen carried the brunt of defensive duties, frustrating Raider ball handlers with quick hands and feet as the clock wound down. Nguyen also sparked Cougar offense, dumping in 11 points.

Persistent Silver Creek did close the difference to three points at the two-minute mark, while riding the defensive efforts of seniors Nick Nott and David Caranza in the post. However, Caranza picked up fouls four and five, sending him to the bench in one minute.

“We thought we had a chance before David fouled out,” said Nott. “We just couldn’t make our layups and we kept fouling. We couldn’t finish.”

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 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) or Ray Diaz (email: valleyflagfootball@yahoo.com)


Evergreen Friday Night Teen Basketball League
Who: Boys and girls in 6th and 7th grade. Space is limited to 72 players, so sign up soon. Requests to play on the same team as a friend will be noted, but may not be honored. League officials, up until the fourth game, may move players to another team to balance the skill level of each team. League officials reserve the right to remove any player, coach or spectator from the game or league for misconduct.

When: Fridays from March 10 to June 9.Game times will vary for each team each week. The first game begins at 3:30 p.m. and each game will begin every hour until 6:30 p.m. All players must attend the draft clinic on March 10 from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. at Chaboya Middle School. Players will not be assigned a team until a workout with a league official is observed.

Where: All games will be held at Chaboya Middle School, 3276 Cortona Dr. SJ, CA 95135

Cost: $80- which includes a game jersey, equipment use, medals for all participants, personal basketball, trophies for 1st and 2nd place teams for the end of season tournament and league officials.

How to sign up: Registration forms can be picked up at Chaboya Middle School. Fill out registration on back and return to Chaboya Middle School before March 10, 2006, c/o John Franza or Allen Ventura or send registration to:
E.A.S.Y. HOOPS
5963 Glowing Ct.
San Jose, CA 95120
Make checks payable to: E.A.S.Y. HOOPS (cash is also accepted)

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. 25 to Mar. 10

Evergreen Valley High sports schedule
2/25 – Wrestling CCS Playoffs at Independence, time TBA
2/25 – Boys basketball CCS quarterfinals at Independence, time and opponent TBA

2/28 – JV softball at Pioneer, 3:30 p.m.
2/28 – Boys tennis vs. Branham, 3:15 p.m.

3/1 – Varsity baseball vs. Independence, 3:30 p.m.
3/1 – JV baseball at Independence, 3:30 p.m.
3/1 – Boys basketball CCS semifinals at Independence, time and opponent TBA
3/1 – Varsity softball at Presentation, 3:30 p.m.

3/2 – Boys tennis at Oak Grove, 3:15 p.m.

3/3 – Varsity baseball at Del Mar, 3:30 p.m.
3/3 – JV baseball vs. Del Mar, 3:30 p.m.

3/4 – Boys basketball CCS finals at Santa Clara University 8 p.m., opponent TBA

3/7 – Boys tennis vs. Mt. Pleasant, 3:15 p.m.
3/7 – JV softball at Mitty, 3:30 p.m.

3/8 – JV and varsity softball vs. Leland, 3:30 p.m.
3/8 – Varsity baseball at Silver Creek, 3:30 p.m.
3/8 – JV baseball vs. Silver Creek, 3:30 p.m.

3/9 – Swimming vs. Westmont, 3 p.m.
3/9 – Track & field vs. Independence, 3:30 p.m.
3/9 – Boys tennis vs. Pioneer, 3:15 p.m.
3/9 – JV softball at Wilcox, 3:30 p.m.
3/9 – Varsity softball vs. Wilcox, 3:30 p.m.

3/10 – Varsity baseball vs. Prospect, 3:30 p.m.
3/10 – JV baseball at Prospect, 3:30 p.m.
3/10 – Varsity softball Circle of Champions tournament at Twin Creeks, time TBA

Mt. Pleasant High sports schedule
2/25 – Wrestling CCS Playoffs at Independence, time TBA

2/28 – Boys tennis vs. Westmont, 3:15 p.m.

3/2 – Boys tennis at Pioneer, 3:15 p.m.

3/3 – Varsity baseball at Independence, 3:30 p.m.
3/3 – JV baseball vs. Independence, 3:30 p.m.

3/7 – Boys tennis at Evergreen, 3:15 p.m.
3/7 – Golf vs. Piedmont Hills, 3 p.m.

3/8 – Track & field vs. Overfelt, 3:30 p.m.
3/8 – Varsity baseball vs. Del Mar, 3:30 p.m.
3/8 – JV baseball at Del Mar, 3:30 p.m.

3/9 – Boys tennis vs. Branham, 3:15 p.m.
3/9 – Golf vs. Piedmont Hills, 2:30 p.m.
3/9 – Swimming at Lincoln, 3 p.m.

3/10 – Varsity baseball vs. Silver Creek, 3:30 p.m.
3/10 – JV baseball at Silver Creek, 3:30 p.m.

Silver Creek High sports schedule*
2/25 – Wrestling CCS Playoffs at Independence, time TBA

3/1 – Varsity baseball vs. Prospect, 3:30 p.m.
3/1 – JV baseball at Prospect, 3:30 p.m.

3/3 – Varsity baseball at Piedmont Hills, 3:30 p.m.
3/3 – JV baseball vs. Piedmont Hills, 3:30 p.m.

3/7 – Boys tennis at Del Mar, 3:15 p.m.

3/8 – Varsity baseball vs. Evergreen, 3:30 p.m.
3/8 – JV baseball at Evergreen, 3:30 p.m.

3/9 – Swimming at Prospect, 3 p.m.
3/9 – Track & field at Santa Teresa, 3:30 p.m.

3/10 – Varsity baseball at Mt. Pleasant, 3:30 p.m.
3/10 – JV baseball vs. Mt. Pleasant, 3:30 p.m.

*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.

Sights from the 2006 SAP Open

The weeklong 2006 SAP Open at the HP Pavilion saw some familiar faces from the international tennis world, as well as a local product coming out of retirement for the event.

American Andy Roddick, the No. 1 seed in singles coming into the open, battled his way into the semifinals, beating out Kenneth Carlsen in round two and Bjorn Phau in the quarterfinals, before Great Britain’s Andy Murray sent him home prematurely with a 7-5, 7-5 win on Feb. 18 to advance to the finals against Lleyton Hewitt, the No. 3 seed at the start of play on Feb. 13.

Murray then completed his quest at the SAP Open, narrowly defeating Hewitt 2-6, 6-1, 7-6 on Feb. 19 to win the 2006 SAP Open.

The open also saw the triumphant return of tennis great John McEnroe, a local Stanford product, who came out retirement to team up with doubles partner Jonas Bjorkman for the event.

McEnroe’s return proved to be fruitful, (and yes—he debated calls with the officials) as he and Bjorkman battled their way to the finals, before ultimately defeating the doubles team of Americans Paul Goldstein and Jim Thomas 7-6, 4-6, 10-7 on Feb. 19 to take the doubles championship at the SAP Open.

Andy Roddick	John McEnroe

—Photos by Ron Stenn at www.actionphotodesign.com.