October 20, 2006

Evergreen Sports

Evergreen girls’ volleyball drops to fourth place in league after loss to Leland

Cougars 4-4 in Mt. Hamilton Division play, three games behind league-leading Chargers

By Diego Abeloos
Editor

The Evergreen girls’ volleyball team dropped to 4-4 in league play after losing a 3-1 decision at Leland on Oct. 12.

Evergreen’s Lilea Eshoo (left) goes up for a tip at the net during a 3-1 loss at Leland on Oct. 12. Photo by Diego Abeloos

The match was a tale of two halves for the Cougars (10-9 overall), who struggled in games one and two before turning things around in games three and four. Still, the loss dropped Evergreen into fourth place in the Mt. Hamilton Division after entering the game just two games behind league-leading Leland (7-1 league) and tied for third place with Mt. Pleasant. Leland entered the game with a one-game lead in the standings over Westmont and Live Oak, both tied for second place.

“They’re going to be a tough team to beat,” Cougars head coach Dio Aguinaldo said of Leland. “I think that, if I was to predict the season, they are the team to beat in this league. …We can only learn from this loss and hopefully, we’ll go better in the rest of our games and do well.”

The Cougars were led on offense by Krista Frausto’s 11 kills and Lilea Eshoo’s 10 kills. Frausto also recorded a team-high 24 digs in the loss. Aguinaldo said the team’s performance was the result of an up-and-down wave of confidence felt by her squad throughout the match. She added her team’s changing confidence level was reflected in the early scores, as the Cougars dropped games one and two by scores of 25-12 and 25-18 before taking a 25-21 win in game three.

“The girls really fought back,” Aguinaldo said. “…After you lose the first game by a big margin and then lose the second game, just to play a third game, it was a testament to the girls. They really want to play well and they really take pride in not giving the other team an easy win. I think that can only help us in the long run throughout the season.”

The Cougars bounced back in game three by taking an early 13-9 lead before Leland tied things up at 16-16 with a 7-3 scoring run. Still, the Cougars managed to surge ahead with a 7-2 stretch shortly thereafter, getting key points on kills from Frausto and Jennifer Ames, as well as an ace serve from Sharnelle Feril during that stretch.

Leading 23-18, the Cougars endured a short 3-1 run by Leland before taking game three by a 25-21 final on a kill from Inanna Eshoo.

However, game four saw Leland jump out to an early 10-6 lead before going on a 10-3 scoring stretch to lengthen the lead to 20-9. The Cougars managed to cut the lead to six with a 6-1 stretch that featured three kills from Ames and one kill from Frausto before both teams traded points down the stretch, with Leland still maintaining a six-point edge at 23-17.

Evergreen’s Krista Frausto goes sky high for a hit during a 3-1 loss at Leland on Oct. 12. Photo courtesy of Adele Frausto

Shortly thereafter, with the score at 24-18, the Chargers finished off the match on a tip from Justine Johnson to take a 25-18 win in game four and a 3-1 match win.

In spite of the loss, Aguinaldo said games three and four were more indicative of what her team is capable of in league matches.

“As long as we’re going in the right direction and improving every time you come out, that’s all you can ask for,” Aguinaldo said.

Aguinaldo, in assessing the season for the Cougars following the loss, said she was pleased with her team’s overall play in the Mt. Hamilton Division. She added, however, that each of the remaining six games left on the league schedule are crucial to Evergreen’s chances of landing one of four coveted CCS playoff spots in the Mt. Hamilton Division.

“If we practice hard and we don’t lose confidence, if we gain that confidence back, we will definitely be up in the top four,” Aguinaldo said. “These girls are capable of going to CCS and advancing beyond the first round. I wouldn’t put it past them to go even further.”

SPORTS BRIEFS

St. Francis of Assisi Annual Golf Tournament October 12
The St. Francis of Assisi Annual Golf Tournament at The Villages Golf & Country Club will be held Thursday, October 12.

Golf Participants may register for the tournament by calling Rose Agerter at (408) 592-5051 or St. Francis of Assisi at (408) 223-1562. There will be a lunch for golfers, as well as a dinner and auction. Parish raffle tickets are also available at the event.

Golf Tee-off is scheduled for 1:30 p.m.

Prizes include a dream vacation or $5000, as well as a 42-inch HDTV or $2000 cash.

For information about the event, call Rose Agerter at (408) 592-5051 or St. Francis of Assisi at (408) 223-1562.

San Jose Vipers Lacrosse holding fall clinics beginning Oct. 21
The Vipers are growing up and down! Spring 2007 will include, Varsity, JV, Juniors, Pups and Pee-Wees. Come on out and play America's oldest team sport and the fastest growing game in California. No experience necessary. The San Jose Vipers Lacrosse club will be holding fall clinics for kids in the 3rd grade through 12th grade, beginning Oct 21 at Harker Middle School, 3800 Blackford Ave., 95117.   

Please visit www.viperslacrosse.net for more information or call Craig Bowers at (408) 674-8708.

Evergreen boys’ water polo drops close 10-8 loss to Pioneer

The Evergreen boys’ water polo team dropped its league record to 2-1 after losing a close 10-8 contest at home to Pioneer on Oct. 11.

Evergreen’s Trevor Dudley drives toward the Pioneer cage with defenders pursuing him during a 10-8 loss to Pioneer. The loss gave Evergreen its first loss in Mt. Hamilton Division play, dropping the Cougars’ record to 2-1. Photos by Diego Abeloos

The Cougars (10-7 overall) were led on offense by Nick Berglund and Klayton Tang, scoring three goals each in the loss.

Tied 8-8 at the end of the third quarter, the Mustangs jumped ahead early in the fourth quarter, getting a goal from Sean Urenda with just under six minutes left in the game for a 9-8 lead. The Pioneer defense proceeded to tighten the clamps on the Cougars, stopping offensive drives with a pair of steals near the cage to hold Evergreen scoreless throughout the quarter. That allowed Pioneer’s Brian Lopiccolo to break free on offense and score Pioneer’s second goal of the fourth quarter with just 33 seconds left to play, effectively sealing the win at 10-8.

Despite the loss, Pioneer’s head coach, Scott Kaubish, complimented the Evergreen squad for its spirited, but fair play.

“Evergreen’s a tough club,” Kaubish said. “They played hard and they showed a lot of good sportsmanship.”

EVERGREEN SPORTS SCHEDULES 10-21 to 11-3

Evergreen Valley High sports schedule
10/24 – Girls’ volleyball vs. Branham, 6 p.m. varsity and 5 p.m. JV
10/24 – Girls’ water polo at Sobrato, 7 p.m. varsity and 6 p.m. JV
10/24 – Boys’ water polo vs. Leland at Sobrato, 5 p.m. varsity and 4 p.m. frosh/soph

10/26 – Girls’ tennis BVAL Team play, time and site TBA
10/26 – Girls’ volleyball vs. Live Oak, 6 p.m. varsity and 5 p.m. JV
10/26 – Girls’ water polo at Lincoln, 4 p.m. varsity and 3 p.m. JV

10/27 – Girls’ tennis BVAL Team play, time and site TBA
10/27 – Football at Gunderson, 7:30 p.m. varsity and 3:30 p.m. frosh/soph

10/30 – Cross country League Finals at 12 p.m., site TBA

10/31 – Girls’ tennis BVAL Singles and Doubles Tournament, time and site TBA

11/1 – Girls’ volleyball at Piedmont Hills, 6 p.m. varsity and 5 p.m. JV
11/1 – Girls’ tennis BVAL Singles and Doubles Tournament, time and site TBA

11/2 – Boys’ water polo Varsity League Tournament at Independence, times TBA
11/2 – Girls’ water polo Varsity League Tournament at Independence, times TBA

11/3 – Boys’ water polo Varsity League Tournament at Independence, times TBA
11/3 – Girls’ water polo Varsity League Tournament at Independence, times TBA
11/3 – Football at Leland, 7:30 p.m. varsity and 3 p.m. frosh/soph
11/3 – Girls’ volleyball at Westmont, 6 p.m. varsity and 5 p.m. JV

Mt. Pleasant High sports schedule
10/24 – Girls’ volleyball vs. Piedmont Hills, 6 p.m. varsity and 5 p.m. JV
10/24 – Boys’ water polo at Lincoln, 4 p.m. varsity
10/24 – Girls’ water polo at Independence, 4 p.m. varsity and 3 p.m. JV

10/26 – Girls’ volleyball at Westmont, 6 p.m. varsity and 5 p.m. JV
10/26 – Girls’ water polo vs. Silver Creek at Independence, 5 p.m. varsity
10/26 – Girls’ tennis BVAL Team play, time and site TBA

10/27 – Football vs. Leland, 7:30 p.m. varsity and 5 p.m. frosh/soph
10/27 – Girls’ tennis BVAL Team play, time and site TBA

10/30 – Cross Country League Finals at 12 p.m., site TBA

10/31 – Girls’ tennis BVAL Singles and Doubles Tournament, time and site TBA

11/1 – Girls’ tennis BVAL Singles and Doubles Tournament, time and site TBA
11/1 – Girls’ volleyball vs. Leland, 6 p.m. varsity and 5 p.m. JV

11/2 – Boys’ water polo Varsity League Tournament at Independence, times TBA
11/2 – Girls’ water polo Varsity League Tournament at Independence, times TBA

11/3 – Boys’ water polo Varsity League Tournament at Independence, times TBA
11/3 – Girls’ water polo Varsity League Tournament at Independence, times TBA
11/3 – Girls’ volleyball at Branham, 6 p.m. varsity and 5 p.m. JV

Silver Creek High sports schedule
10/24 – Girls’ volleyball at Santa Teresa, 6:30 p.m. varsity and 5 p.m. JV
10/24 – Boys’ water polo vs. Santa Teresa at Independence, 5 p.m. varsity
10/24 – Girls’ water polo at Lincoln, 3 p.m. varsity

10/26 - Boys’ water polo vs. Willow Glen at Independence, 4 p.m. varsity
10/26 – Girls’ volleyball vs. Willow Glen, 5 p.m. varsity and 3:30 p.m. JV
10/26 – Girls’ water polo vs. Mt. Pleasant at Independence, 5 p.m. varsity
10/26 – Girls’ tennis BVAL Team play, time and site TBA

10/27 – Girls’ tennis BVAL Team play, time and site TBA

10/28 – Football vs. Del Mar, 1:30 p.m. varsity and 11 a.m. frosh/soph

10/30 – Girls’ volleyball vs. Andrew Hill, 5 p.m. varsity and 3:30 p.m. JV
10/30 – Cross Country League Finals at 12 p.m., site TBA

10/31 – Girls’ tennis BVAL Singles and Doubles Tournament, time and site TBA

11/1 – Girls’ tennis BVAL Singles and Doubles Tournament, time and site TBA

11/2 – Girls’ volleyball at Prospect, 5 p.m. varsity and 3:30 p.m. JV
11/2 – Boys’ water polo Varsity League Tournament at Independence, times TBA
11/2 – Girls’ water polo Varsity League Tournament at Independence, times TBA

11/3 – Boys’ water polo Varsity League Tournament at Independence, times TBA
11/3 – Girls’ water polo Varsity League Tournament at Independence, times TBA

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

Hilltoppers Academy developing strength on and off court

Basketball program aims to mold great players, people

By Justin Petersen
Staff Writer

Youth basketball is making a comeback in east San Jose. Currently, the eastside’s Hilltoppers Academy School is schooling kids on more than just courts, and interest is rising.

The Academy arranges approximately 60 games, practices and clinics for participants outside of school leagues. In addition to sports work, Hilltoppers helps participants learn to manage school, extracurricular activities and athletic talent.

This 12-year-old Hilltoppers group comepeted for the Southern California Championship in Los Angleles, where they were victorious over famous inner city programs.

In August, Hilltoppers sent a group of 12-year-old players to Los Angeles, where they competed against elite teams from throughout the region.

The Hilltoppers crew returned as champions, fending off enormously talented opponents, some of which fielded predominately 13-year-olds from famous inner city programs such as Compton.

Academy co-founder Jay White said that the group’s success is a product of the program.

The nucleus of the team has now trained at Hilltoppers for approximately four years.

Just two years back, the same group traveled to a tournament where they lost to a Compton team, 56-5. This year they were the champions.

“The interesting thing about this team is that today we get kids that may have never participated in basketball before,” said White. “We also attract some talented players in the area but most of our kids are interested in learning for the first time.”

Such highly competitive games came as a shock to new families.

“A lot of the parents thought it was too much for them after we lost a couple of years back,” said White. “It was overwhelming for some of our families to see how big and mature opposing players are. Those are skillful teams. Our kids are different. Many of our kids represent the first generation of basketball player in their family.”

White indicated that often families who enroll kids in the program do not share much experience in basketball beforehand, a major distinction between comparable programs outside of San Jose, where basketball has been a tradition for generations amongst families.

“A lot of times, their parents don’t understand the game of basketball,” said White. “So we take every kid that wants to learn the game and we try to instill not only the game, but techniques and etiquette.”

However, this particular group has developed into a formidable bunch, regardless of who is watching.

White said that 6-feet, 2-inch 11-year-old phenomenon Thomas Estifamof is likely the team’s most dominant player and could become one of the top players ever to emerge from the area. Doctors expect him to reach 7-feet tall before he is finished growing.

“Thomas had never played any kind of sports before,” said White.

But Estifamof has blossomed in a hurry. He leads the Hilltopper’s group in scoring.

Hamenth Kondapalli compliments Estifamof. Just 12-years-old, Kondapalli stands at 6-feet and White expects him to become a dominant high school player in the near future.

“He is an exceptionally good basketball player,” said White. “His parents don’t have much experience with basketball, but he comes from a much disciplined household. Sometimes that is another reason families sign their kids up at Hilltoppers. People find out about the program and want to bring their kids in for the discipline.”

White and former San Jose State standout Steve Shaw founded the Academy as an offshoot of the east valley YMCA in 1976. At the time, San Jose was producing mass amounts of talent on the courts; however, many players would miss the high school season due to academic eligibility.

White and Shaw saw a need. They aimed to assist high school students with studies and conduct on and off of the basketball court.

“We were involved in just running the program at the Y,” said White.

From there it grew. White quickly established ties with independent leagues in San Francisco and learned that fundraising would help improve chances for the program.

“We never expected it to grow this big,” he said. “We were actually just playing other Y’s in the area, but it grew so big, we began playing at other facilities throughout the peninsula.”

The Hilltoppers regularly hold car washes and other fundraising/work events to generate money to cover travel expenses and fees for uniforms.

White said many alumni from the program have gone on to outstanding careers at college and even NBA ranks. White recalled that San Jose legends Bobo Campbell, Wayne Shepard, Corey Blackwell, Tyrone Barnes, David Shaw and David Oliver all attended Hilltopper camps.

They have sent also players to colleges including Portland state, University of Washington and San Jose State. That includes last year, when former Hilltopper EJ Henderson, a Santa Teresa graduate walked on at Saint Mary’s University, a Division I-A program, and Evergreen Valley standout Ranbir Sanghera left for the University of Elmira in New York.

Cardinals charge to victory at Del Mar

Mount Pleasant looks for leadership out of talented trio

By Justin Petersen
Staff writer

The Mount Pleasant football team hopes to continue the same strides it made in the first half in a 27-21 win over the Del Mar Dons on Oct. 13.

The Cardinals have climbed to a 3-3 record overall, 2-1 in league under coach Clancey O'Hara. Photo by Justin Petersen

The Cardinals (3-3, 2-1) held on to capture their second league win of the year after jumping out to a 20-0 halftime lead at Del Mar.

However, after Coach Clancey O’hara decided to play more conservative in the second half, as a sportsmanship gesture, he watched anxiously as the Dons countered back with two second half touchdown scores, closing the score within one touchdown at 20-14.

Mount Pleasant ended hopes of a comeback when they returned the kickoff for a touchdown following Del Mar’s second score.

“It was closer than we had hoped it would be,” said O’hara. “We played very well in the first half.”

O’hara said he has counted on seniors Terry Lovelace, Johnny Sandate, and Jorell Crescini to set the tone this season.

Lovelace, a team captain, is a 5-feet, 10-inch, 185-pound senior fullback and linebacker. O’hara called him one of the best players on the team.

“He never comes off of the field,” said O’hara. “He’s stepped up his game in all areas this year.”

Sandate, meanwhile, directs the team from his quarterback and free safety positions. “Johnny is a great athlete,” said O’hara. “He is our three-sport star at school.”

Crescini anchors the Cardinal lines. At 6-feet, 245-pounds, he is the most dominant inside force on both sides of the ball.

“He is very strong and athletic,” said O’hara.

The Mount Pleasant attack is a versatile pro-style game offensively, according to O’hara.

“We like to try to run and throw equally as well,” he said. “We’ve been concentrating on throwing more at practice and during the past couple of games.”

The cardinals typically air it out 15 times per contest.

Defensively, Mount Pleasant runs a mobile 3-5-3 set.

“Because we are somewhat undersized, we try to create confusion by flooding gaps and moving around before the snap of the ball,” said O’hara. “Most of our kids are what you would call linebacker size, so we figure they can run better on the line.”

San Jose Vipers Lacrosse holding fall clinics beginning Oct. 21

The Vipers are growing up and down! Spring 2007 will include, Varsity, JV, Juniors, Pups and Pee-Wees. Come on out and play America's oldest team sport and the fastest growing game in California. No experience necessary. The San Jose Vipers Lacrosse club will be holding fall clinics for kids in the 3rd grade through 12th grade, beginning Oct 21 at Harker Middle School, 3800 Blackford Ave., 95117.   

Please visit www.viperslacrosse.net for more information or call Craig Bowers at (408) 674-8708

East Valley Girls’ Fastpitch Softball signups October 18th and November 8th

East Valley Girls’ Fastpitch Softball early bird signups for girls ages 5 to 16 will be held at Round Table (White and Aborn) on October 18th and November 8th from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Please note: registration fees will be going up after November 8th.

Items required at the time of registration (no exceptions) are as follows:
- Complete registration form (available at registration or online) 
- Birth certificate
- Registration fee in full (no scholarships available)
- Complete release of liability and assumption of risk agreement (available at registration and online)
- Volunteer signups (each family will be required to sign up)

Forms will be available at the time of registration or can be retrieved at the Web site www.eteamz.com/evsltwisters
For more information, please call the East Valley Softball League telephone line at (408) 291-3248.