Franklin just couldn't match the seven-for-eight shooting they had from the field in the second quarter. The Wildcats scored only 12 points in the entire second half as Merced recovered from a ten-point halftime deficit and defeated Franklin, 38-37, Friday.
The Wildcats' season now ends with a 20-9 mark.
Merced advances in the Sac-Joaquin Section's Division I boys' playoff. Next week they'll play at Sleep Train Arena Wednesday against Rodriguez, a 69-64 winner over Golden Valley Friday night.
Meanwhile in Division II, Cosumnes Oaks held on to defeat St. Mary's, 76-74, in Stockton. They'll face Del Oro Wednesday, also at Sleep Train Arena.
....more later.
The blog site of John Hull, longtime Elk Grove-area sports writer and columnist.
Friday, February 28, 2014
Cen. Catholic Wrestler, Home Invasion Victim, D-Q'd From Masters
(Editor's Note: I'll have a full rundown of the action from day one of the Sac-Joaquin Section's Masters' Wrestling Championships in Stockton later tonight. However, this story is from the Modesto Bee and is thus far the story of the wrestling tournament)
STOCKTON — Central Catholic High School wrestler Cristian Dominguez, who won his first match at a regional meet about 36 hours after he was shot in the arm in a home invasion robbery, was disqualified from the tournament.
It was ruled that Dominguez did not have medical clearance from the school to compete, according to Will DeBoard, spokesman for the Sac-Joaquin Section, the governing body of high school sports in the northern Central Valley that operates the meet.
Dominguez learned about the lack of clearance following his first-round victory over (Franklin's) Ali Khan. Dominguez was forced to forfeit that match and subsequently was DQ'd.
Dominguez and family members were in tears following the ruling, which occurred at about 1:15 p.m.
"It breaks my heart," said Central Catholic athletic director Billy Hylla. "It's such an unfortunate situation knowing what the family has been through this week. And to compound it all ... I feel terrible for Cristian. It's not his fault. It kills me."
Hylla was not aware until Thursday afternoon that Dominguez had decided to wrestle in the meet.
Wednesday night, Dominguez was shot in the arm by at least four suspects during a home invasion robbery at his family's house in Salida, according to the Stanislaus County Sheriff's Department.
He was taken that night to a hospital with nonlife-threatening injuries. He was released from the hospital on Thursday.
Masters' Wrestling, Boys' Basketball 2nd Round Today
It's a busy weekend and it all starts today with the opening matches in the Sac-Joaquin Section's Masters Wrestling Championship. Elk Grove and Folsom both have 11 grapplers competing today. There will be eight from Franklin and four from Pleasant Grove in the 32-man brackets.
Wrestlers from Monterey Trail and Laguna Creek will also be competing.
Jacob Seto (106 pounds) of Elk Grove and Joey Banks (195 pounds) from Franklin will both have top seeds in their brackets because both earned Division I championships last weekend.
One of the best places to follow the progress of the Masters is the CalGrappler website. Tomorrow's championship matches will be live streamed on www.sacjoaquinsection.tv. There may be a viewing fee charged.
The girls' state wrestling championships will be this weekend as well with Annastassia Ramirez of Elk Grove competing.
In basketball both Franklin and Cosumnes Oaks are in action tonight. The Wildcats will be hosting Merced, 56-52 winners over Pleasant Grove on Wednesday. The Bears (22-6) were down 25-6 in the second quarter of that game and made a furious recovery to win and knock the defending state champions out of the post-season.
Franklin (20-8) is hoping to make the Division I semi-finals for the first time since 2011. Winning tonight also assures the Wildcats of a spot in the CIF Nor-Cal basketball championships in two weeks.
The Wolfpack (12-16) is taking on St. Mary's in Stockton in a Division II second round game.
Follow me on Twitter for updates this evening @EGSportsCorner.
Cosumnes River College baseball team has been ranked number this week in Northern California. Here is the latest poll:
Wrestlers from Monterey Trail and Laguna Creek will also be competing.
Jacob Seto (106 pounds) of Elk Grove and Joey Banks (195 pounds) from Franklin will both have top seeds in their brackets because both earned Division I championships last weekend.
 |
| The top seven grapplers in each weight class will earn a trip to the State Wrestling Championships in Bakersfield. |
One of the best places to follow the progress of the Masters is the CalGrappler website. Tomorrow's championship matches will be live streamed on www.sacjoaquinsection.tv. There may be a viewing fee charged.
The girls' state wrestling championships will be this weekend as well with Annastassia Ramirez of Elk Grove competing.
In basketball both Franklin and Cosumnes Oaks are in action tonight. The Wildcats will be hosting Merced, 56-52 winners over Pleasant Grove on Wednesday. The Bears (22-6) were down 25-6 in the second quarter of that game and made a furious recovery to win and knock the defending state champions out of the post-season.
Franklin (20-8) is hoping to make the Division I semi-finals for the first time since 2011. Winning tonight also assures the Wildcats of a spot in the CIF Nor-Cal basketball championships in two weeks.
The Wolfpack (12-16) is taking on St. Mary's in Stockton in a Division II second round game.
Follow me on Twitter for updates this evening @EGSportsCorner.
Cosumnes River College baseball team has been ranked number this week in Northern California. Here is the latest poll:
California Community College Baseball Coaches Association
|
NorCal Poll – Feb. 25
RANK
|
SCHOOL |
Last Week |
POINTS |
|
1
|
Cosumnes River
(10-0) (17)
|
13
|
539
|
|
2
|
Modesto
(11-0) (8)
|
18
|
515
|
|
3
|
Delta
(9-2) (3)
|
2
|
504
|
|
4
|
Santa Rosa
(7-2)
|
3
|
432
|
|
5
|
Ohlone
(11-1)
|
NR
|
427
|
|
6
|
Feather River
(8-3)
|
5
|
344
|
|
7
|
West Valley
(8-5)
|
20
|
335
|
|
8
|
Diablo Valley
(8-3)
|
19
|
302
|
|
9
|
Sierra
(6-3)
|
4
|
290
|
|
10
|
Fresno City
|
1
|
279
|
Wednesday, February 26, 2014
Franklin, C-Oaks Win; PG, MT, Bradshaw Lose In Playoff Openers
Franklin's tough defense limited Chavez to only five-for-27 shooting in the first half, had a 19-point lead in the third quarter and then rolled over the Titans, 62-45, to open the Sac-Joaquin Section's Division I playoffs Wednesday.
Benson Osayande led the Wildcats with 14 points while Marvin Timothy tacked on 11, including five quick points to open the third quarter.
Franklin was 21-of-54 from the floor for the game.
The only other local boys' team to win its post-season opener was Cosumnes Oaks, a 64-43 winner over Antelope, in the Division II ranks.
Eric Toles had 22 points to lead the Wolfpack. Alex Van Dyke added 14 and L.J. Reed 13 points.
The big surprise came in Merced where Pleasant Grove had a 25-6 lead over the Bears midway through the second quarter only to see that evaporate. Merced outscored the Eagles 15-2 in the fourth quarter to win, 56-52.
Merced will now play at Franklin Friday night in the Division I second round.
Pleasant Grove was the defending CIF Division I State Champions.
Monterey Trail got behind early to West and couldn't rebound, losing 66-61, ending the season for the fourth-seed Mustangs.
In Division V, Bradshaw Christian lost to ROP/Sierra Ridge, 52-50.
The complete list of tonight's scores can be found at http://sacjoaquinsection.blogspot.com.
Benson Osayande led the Wildcats with 14 points while Marvin Timothy tacked on 11, including five quick points to open the third quarter.
Franklin was 21-of-54 from the floor for the game.
The only other local boys' team to win its post-season opener was Cosumnes Oaks, a 64-43 winner over Antelope, in the Division II ranks.
Eric Toles had 22 points to lead the Wolfpack. Alex Van Dyke added 14 and L.J. Reed 13 points.
The big surprise came in Merced where Pleasant Grove had a 25-6 lead over the Bears midway through the second quarter only to see that evaporate. Merced outscored the Eagles 15-2 in the fourth quarter to win, 56-52.
Merced will now play at Franklin Friday night in the Division I second round.
Pleasant Grove was the defending CIF Division I State Champions.
Monterey Trail got behind early to West and couldn't rebound, losing 66-61, ending the season for the fourth-seed Mustangs.
In Division V, Bradshaw Christian lost to ROP/Sierra Ridge, 52-50.
The complete list of tonight's scores can be found at http://sacjoaquinsection.blogspot.com.
Tonight: Chavez vs. Franklin In Boys' Basketball Playoff Opener
Tonight, I am at Franklin's playoff opener against Chavez Tipoff is at 7 p.m. Follow me tonight on Twitter @EGSportCorner.
I will also be tweeting updates from West vs. Monterey Trail and from Pleasant Grove vs. Merced.
If Franklin and P.G. both win, they'll play each other Friday night.
I will also be tweeting updates from West vs. Monterey Trail and from Pleasant Grove vs. Merced.
If Franklin and P.G. both win, they'll play each other Friday night.
Tuesday, February 25, 2014
Eleven Herd, Eight Wildcat Grapplers Qualify For Section Masters
Elk Grove placed second at the Sac-Joaquin Section’s
Division I-A Wrestling Championships at Franklin High School last weekend.
Herd grapplers scored 176.5 points during the two-day event, well behind team-points champion Folsom which had 238 points.
Franklin placed sixth with 127 points, mainly on the
strength of Joey Banks’ first place finish. The Sacramento State football
scholarship athlete decisioned Erik Medina of Jesuit, 3-2, to win the 195-pound
championship.
The victory places Banks as the top seed in his weight class
going into this weekend’s Section Masters Meet at the Stockton Arena.
 |
| Elk Grove wrestler Jacob Seto won the 106-pound champion- ship of the SJS D-IA Meet last Saturday. Seto is a freshman. |
The top eight grapplers at each weight qualified for the
meet in Stockton that begins Friday.
Elk Grove had one first place champion in 106-pounder Jacob
Seto, a freshman. Ten other Herd wrestlers will move on to the Masters Meet, as well. They are Roger Monroe (3rd – 113), Tristan Scott (3rd –
120), Kelani Tonge (3rd – 126),
Terrell Turner (6th – 132), Carson Sperber (5th –
138), Brandon Viale (6th – 170),
Ryan Rosales (6th – 182), Thomas Aquila (5th –
195), Sai Ta’amu (2nd – 220) and Tyler Yates (5th – 287).
C.Oaks Wins First-Ever Playoff Game; Sheldon, M.T. Lose
It was the first time ever a girls' basketball team from Cosumnes Oaks High School won a playoff game. Tuesday, the Wolfpack defeated Gregori, 52-43 to improve to 21-7 on the year and move onto the second round Thursday night.
The Wolfpack will now take on the #2 seed in Division II, Sacramento.
Elsewhere in local girls' playoff basketball, Elk Grove lost to Antelope, 52-49.
In Division I action, Sheldon lost to Nevada Union, 77-47, and Monterey Trail, the Delta Valley Conference regular season champs, lost in a close one, 51-49.
Also in D-I, Pleasant Grove defeated Lincoln of Stockton, 55-53. The Eagles are the sixth seed and they'll play at #3 Napa on Thursday.
In Division III, Florin defeated Dixon, 55-34. The Panthers will face Christian Brothers in the next round.
Bradshaw Christian, a four-seed in Division IV, whitewashed Hilmar, 77-14. They will host Riverbank on Thursday night.
In Division VI, Victory Christian easily defeated Wilton Christian, 57-33.
Here are the rest of the girls' scores from Tuesday. (Note how many blowouts there were. Are 16 playoff teams in each division too many?)
Boys' playoff openers of local interest Wednesday Night:
Div. I - Chavez vs. Franklin, West vs. Monterey Trail, Pleasant Grove vs. Merced, Turlock vs. Jesuit
Div. II - Antelope vs. Cosumnes Oaks, Burbank vs. Del Campo, Vallejo vs. Folsom, Yuba City vs. Grant
Div.V - Sierra Ridge vs. Bradshaw Christian
The Wolfpack will now take on the #2 seed in Division II, Sacramento.
Elsewhere in local girls' playoff basketball, Elk Grove lost to Antelope, 52-49.
In Division I action, Sheldon lost to Nevada Union, 77-47, and Monterey Trail, the Delta Valley Conference regular season champs, lost in a close one, 51-49.
Also in D-I, Pleasant Grove defeated Lincoln of Stockton, 55-53. The Eagles are the sixth seed and they'll play at #3 Napa on Thursday.
In Division III, Florin defeated Dixon, 55-34. The Panthers will face Christian Brothers in the next round.
Bradshaw Christian, a four-seed in Division IV, whitewashed Hilmar, 77-14. They will host Riverbank on Thursday night.
In Division VI, Victory Christian easily defeated Wilton Christian, 57-33.
Here are the rest of the girls' scores from Tuesday. (Note how many blowouts there were. Are 16 playoff teams in each division too many?)
Boys' playoff openers of local interest Wednesday Night:
Div. I - Chavez vs. Franklin, West vs. Monterey Trail, Pleasant Grove vs. Merced, Turlock vs. Jesuit
Div. II - Antelope vs. Cosumnes Oaks, Burbank vs. Del Campo, Vallejo vs. Folsom, Yuba City vs. Grant
Div.V - Sierra Ridge vs. Bradshaw Christian
Skyline Ends CRC's Undefeated Streak
Lance Montano's RBI single off CRC reliever Josh Pigg in the top of the ninth inning gave Skyline College a 10-9 win over the Hawks Tuesday. It was CRC's first loss of the season.
The Hawks are now 10-1.
Tyler Blake had a solo homer in the first inning and Drake Atlee had a two-RBI single in a six-run sixth inning for the Hawks.
Skyline (4-8) had 14 hits off five CRC pitchers. The Hawks also committed four errors.
CRC will host Laney College at 1 p.m. Saturday.
The Hawks are now 10-1.
Tyler Blake had a solo homer in the first inning and Drake Atlee had a two-RBI single in a six-run sixth inning for the Hawks.
Skyline (4-8) had 14 hits off five CRC pitchers. The Hawks also committed four errors.
CRC will host Laney College at 1 p.m. Saturday.
Monday, February 24, 2014
M.T. To Honor Team Manager Prior To Weds. Playoff Game
A friend of the Monterey Trail boys' basketball program will be on the players' minds Wednesday when the Mustangs open the Sac-Joaquin Section's Division I playoffs against West High School.
The school is mourning the loss of Sheerti Kumar, a senior at M.T. who was the team's manager the past two seasons along with being a varsity tennis player and an AVID student.
"Our hearts are heavy but we will play on," Mustangs' head coach Ken Manfredi texted Monday evening.
There have been no details released on the cause of Kumar's death.
The boys' playoffs all tip off around the Section that night with Monterey Trail the fourth seed in D-I and West the 13th seed.
Franklin, the third seed in Division I, will host #14 Chavez. No. 11 Pleasant Grove will travel to #6 Merced. The second round games will all be played on Friday night.
In division II boys Cosumnes Oaks, who earned a six-seed, will host #11 Antelope.
Girls' action opens around the Section Tuesday night.
No. 13 seed Sheldon, who won its "play-in" game last Friday by defeating Bella Vista, 62-35, will travel to #4 Nevada Union. Ninth-seed Monterey Trail will travel to #8 River City while sixth-seeded Pleasant Grove will host #11 Lincoln of Stockton.
In Division II girls, Elk Grove, the ninth seed, will travel to #8 Antelope. Seventh-seeded Cosumnes Oaks will host Gregori.
The second round of girls' games will be played Thursday night.
The school is mourning the loss of Sheerti Kumar, a senior at M.T. who was the team's manager the past two seasons along with being a varsity tennis player and an AVID student.
"Our hearts are heavy but we will play on," Mustangs' head coach Ken Manfredi texted Monday evening.
There have been no details released on the cause of Kumar's death.
The boys' playoffs all tip off around the Section that night with Monterey Trail the fourth seed in D-I and West the 13th seed.
Franklin, the third seed in Division I, will host #14 Chavez. No. 11 Pleasant Grove will travel to #6 Merced. The second round games will all be played on Friday night.
In division II boys Cosumnes Oaks, who earned a six-seed, will host #11 Antelope.
Girls' action opens around the Section Tuesday night.
No. 13 seed Sheldon, who won its "play-in" game last Friday by defeating Bella Vista, 62-35, will travel to #4 Nevada Union. Ninth-seed Monterey Trail will travel to #8 River City while sixth-seeded Pleasant Grove will host #11 Lincoln of Stockton.
In Division II girls, Elk Grove, the ninth seed, will travel to #8 Antelope. Seventh-seeded Cosumnes Oaks will host Gregori.
The second round of girls' games will be played Thursday night.
Sunday, February 23, 2014
Larson Finishes 38th at Daytona
Kyle Larson's debut on NASCAR's Sprint Cup had to be a disappointing one for the Elk Grove resident.
On the third lap of the Daytona 500, Larson's rear tire went flat and he slapped into the wall. He managed to get into the pit and return to the race. A large thunderstorm then delayed the race for six hours and he and the other drivers were back on the track ready to race at about 8:30 p.m. E.T.
He was at the back of the pack when on lap 162 he was bumped from behind by the car driven by Austin Dillon and he spun once again. This time he was finished for the day.
Larson, who drove the #42 Chevrolet, sponsored by Target, ended up in 38th place in a race won by Dale Earnhart, Jr.
Here's a video clip of Larson's crash....
Here's a video clip of Larson's crash....
 |
| Kyle Larson (#42) spins out and eliminated from the Daytona 500 in his rookie appearance. |
Carlson Preps Herd to Defend Section Baseball Title
For the sixth time in his 15 seasons as head baseball coach at Elk Grove, Jeff Carlson is preparing his team to defend a Sac-Joaquin Section championship. Gone are sluggers like Rowdy Tellez and Dom Nunez, four-year starters now in the minor leagues. Also graduated are a pair of pitchers who are now key parts of their college teams, David Smith (CRC) and Mikey Wright (San Jose State).
Carlson's squad scrimmaged Saturday at Serra High School in San Mateo, the alma mater of Barry Bonds and Tom Brady. The Herd split a twinbill with the Padres, losing the first game 8-6 but bouncing back in game two, 4-3.
The leaders, much like last season, were shortstop Nick Madrigal and centerfielder Derek Hill. Madrigal had five stolen bases in the pair of games. Hill drove in four runs.
In this interview Carlson talked about a pitching staff with pretty much unproven varsity arms. Ty Madrigal and Chris Martin are the two with the most experience returning this spring. Some others, such as Skyler Quam and Austin Del Chairo, had strong innings.
After the scrimmage, I talked with Hill, likely a high draft choice in Major League Baseball's June draft. He has already signed a National Letter of Intent to attend Oregon. We talked about that upcoming decision.
Carlson's squad scrimmaged Saturday at Serra High School in San Mateo, the alma mater of Barry Bonds and Tom Brady. The Herd split a twinbill with the Padres, losing the first game 8-6 but bouncing back in game two, 4-3.
The leaders, much like last season, were shortstop Nick Madrigal and centerfielder Derek Hill. Madrigal had five stolen bases in the pair of games. Hill drove in four runs.
In this interview Carlson talked about a pitching staff with pretty much unproven varsity arms. Ty Madrigal and Chris Martin are the two with the most experience returning this spring. Some others, such as Skyler Quam and Austin Del Chairo, had strong innings.
After the scrimmage, I talked with Hill, likely a high draft choice in Major League Baseball's June draft. He has already signed a National Letter of Intent to attend Oregon. We talked about that upcoming decision.
 |
| Happy 18th Birthday to my youngest son, Max |
Friday, February 21, 2014
Larson Will Start At Daytona Sunday
Elk Grove's own Kyle Larson will open the 2014 NASCAR season Sunday in the fourth row of the Daytona 500. This season Larson, 22, will race for car owner Chip Ganassi in car #42, a Chevrolet, sponsored by Target.
The race will be shown live at 10 a.m. Sunday on FOX.
Last season Larson competed in the Nationwide circuit
of NASCAR. He had a dramatic accident at Daytona on day prior to the 500 where his car was thrown up against the fence, came down into the infield, completely without the front of the vehicle. He was not hurt.
Larson attended Pleasant Grove High School and raced at local tracks as a teen growing up in Elk Grove.
 |
| Elk Grove's Kyle Larson, making his Sprint Cup debut Sunday at the Daytona 500 (photo courtesy NASCAR.Com) |
Last season Larson competed in the Nationwide circuit
of NASCAR. He had a dramatic accident at Daytona on day prior to the 500 where his car was thrown up against the fence, came down into the infield, completely without the front of the vehicle. He was not hurt.
Larson attended Pleasant Grove High School and raced at local tracks as a teen growing up in Elk Grove.
Divisional Wrestling Championships This Weekend
There are a lot of wrestlers and wrestling fans tonight at Franklin High School for the Sac-Joaquin Section's Division I-A championships. For those of you that want to see the championships, the schedule calls for those matches to start around 5:30 p.m. Saturday. The results will be updated at this website. The top eight in each weight class will advance to next weekend's Section Masters meet.
Here were the results of last weekend's Delta Valley Conference championships. The top four in each weight class are competing in the Divisionals this weekend.
Here were the results of last weekend's Delta Valley Conference championships. The top four in each weight class are competing in the Divisionals this weekend.
| Weight | Place | Name | School | Grade |
| 108 | 1 | Jacob Seto | EG | 9 |
| 2 | Israel Washington | MT | ||
| 3 | Steven McCullough | F | 9 | |
| 115 | 1 | Roger Monroe | EG | 9 |
| 2 | Adrian Rodriguez | F | 9 | |
| 3 | Charlie Stephenson | D | 10 | |
| 4 | Ivan Casaneda | LC | 10 | |
| 5 | Nicholas Vang | MT | 9 | |
| 122 | 1 | Tristan Scott | EG | 12 |
| 2 | Elias LoBuono-Gonzalez | D | 12 | |
| 3 | G'angelo Rodriguez | F | 11 | |
| 4 | Rufino Vallesteros | LC | 11 | |
| 5 | Andres Sanchez | G | 9 | |
| 128 | 1 | Josh Villaflor | F | 11 |
| 2 | Kalani Tonge | EG | 10 | |
| 3 | Benedict Juan | LC | 10 | |
| 4 | John Thoa | G | 10 | |
| 5 | Elliott Angell | D | 9 | |
| 134 | 1 | Antonio Jimenez | F | 11 |
| 2 | Terrell Turner | EG | 10 | |
| 3 | Travon Carter | MT | 11 | |
| 4 | Alex Myose | LC | 10 | |
| 5 | Adrian Bryant | G | 9 | |
| 140 | 1 | Carson Sperber | EG | 11 |
| 2 | Adrian LoBuono-Gonzalez | D | 12 | |
| 3 | Matt Sy | F | 11 | |
| 4 | Stephen Marin | LC | 11 | |
| 5 | MJ Bautista | MT | 12 | |
| 147 | 1 | Ali Khan | F | 12 |
| 2 | Arsenio Ayala | EG | 10 | |
| 3 | Jamal Dearmond | G | 12 | |
| 4 | Roberto Noguera | MT | 12 | |
| 5 | Quinn Davies | D | 10 | |
| 154 | 1 | Caleb Vetterli | EG | 12 |
| 2 | Nick Dimanno | F | 12 | |
| 3 | Phillip Urizza | MT | 11 | |
| 4 | Marquis Turner | D | 11 | |
| 5 | Tyler Gunn | LC | 12 | |
| 162 | 1 | Juan Castillo | LC | 12 |
| 2 | EJ Viacrusis | MT | 11 | |
| 3 | Zachary Krock | EG | 10 | |
| 4 | Connor Spaan | D | 11 | |
| 5 | Michael Weijnschenk | F | 9 | |
| 172 | 1 | Mitchell King | F | 10 |
| 2 | Brandon Fiale | EG | 11 | |
| 3 | Tanner Carr | D | 10 | |
| 4 | Elvis Tran | MT | 11 | |
| 184 | 1 | Robby Nickerson | F | 11 |
| 2 | Marvin Grant | D | 12 | |
| 3 | Ryan Rosales | EG | 11 | |
| 4 | Donovan Bersamina | MT | 10 | |
| 5 | Tremar Moore | LC | 11 | |
| 197 | 1 | Joey Banks | F | 12 |
| 2 | Thomas Aguila | EG | 12 | |
| 3 | Austin Nguyen | MT | 10 | |
| 4 | Ismael Perez | D | 11 | |
| 5 | Chuan Li | LC | 12 | |
| 222 | 1 | Nick Gustin | F | 12 |
| 2 | Sai Ta'amu | EG | 11 | |
| 3 | Morris Love | MT | 11 | |
| 287 | 1 | Tyler Yates | EG | 11 |
| 2 | John Marin | LC | 12 | |
| 3 | Beau Medicine-Crow | G | 10 | |
| 4 | Bailey Murray | D | 12 | |
| 5 | Noah Hanson | F | 9 |
Wednesday, February 19, 2014
SJS Basketball Playoff Brackets Announced
Here are where our local basketball teams will open the Sac-Joaquin Section playoffs:
First-round games on Weds., Feb. 26:
In Girls' Div VI - Wilton Christian is at Vacaville Christian.
Boys' Div V - Bradshaw (#6) hosts ROP/Sierra Ridge (#11).
Girls' Div IV - Bradshaw (#4) hosts Hilmar (#13)
Girls' Div III - Florin (#4) hosts #13 Dixon.
Girls' Div II - Elk Grove (#9) will play at Antelope (#8) Tuesday, Feb. 25. Cosumnes Oaks (#7) at Gregori (#10) also on the 25th.
Boys' Div II - Cosumnes Oaks gets a 6th seed (despite a losing record) and will host #11 Antelope on Weds. Feb. 26. Burbank is the 10th seed and will play at #7 Del Campo. Folsom is the #1 seed.
Girls' Div I - #9 Monterey Trail is at #8 River City Feb. 25, #13 Sheldon will play Bella Vista in an out-of-bracket game this Friday, the 21st. #6 Pleasant Grove will host winner of Lincoln/Stockton and Tokay on Feb. 25. St. Mary's is the #1 seed.
Boys' Div I - Jesuit is the #1 seed. Franklin is the #3 seed and will host #14 Chavez. Monterey Trail is the #4 seed and will face West, the 13th seed. Pleasant Grove, the defending state champion, is an 11-seed and will play at #6 Merced. These games will be Weds., Feb. 26.
By the way, baseball fans: Mikey Wright is starting tonight for San Jose in their baseball game at UOP. Lots of EGHS fans and coaches attending. So is Beautiful Bill Poindexter.
First-round games on Weds., Feb. 26:
In Girls' Div VI - Wilton Christian is at Vacaville Christian.
Boys' Div V - Bradshaw (#6) hosts ROP/Sierra Ridge (#11).
Girls' Div IV - Bradshaw (#4) hosts Hilmar (#13)
Girls' Div III - Florin (#4) hosts #13 Dixon.
Girls' Div II - Elk Grove (#9) will play at Antelope (#8) Tuesday, Feb. 25. Cosumnes Oaks (#7) at Gregori (#10) also on the 25th.
Boys' Div II - Cosumnes Oaks gets a 6th seed (despite a losing record) and will host #11 Antelope on Weds. Feb. 26. Burbank is the 10th seed and will play at #7 Del Campo. Folsom is the #1 seed.
Girls' Div I - #9 Monterey Trail is at #8 River City Feb. 25, #13 Sheldon will play Bella Vista in an out-of-bracket game this Friday, the 21st. #6 Pleasant Grove will host winner of Lincoln/Stockton and Tokay on Feb. 25. St. Mary's is the #1 seed.
Boys' Div I - Jesuit is the #1 seed. Franklin is the #3 seed and will host #14 Chavez. Monterey Trail is the #4 seed and will face West, the 13th seed. Pleasant Grove, the defending state champion, is an 11-seed and will play at #6 Merced. These games will be Weds., Feb. 26.
By the way, baseball fans: Mikey Wright is starting tonight for San Jose in their baseball game at UOP. Lots of EGHS fans and coaches attending. So is Beautiful Bill Poindexter.
Tuesday, February 18, 2014
Could Tonight Be The Last For LC's Paul Casey?
He's the dean of all basketball coaches in EGUSD and Laguna Creek's Paul Casey might be coaching his final varsity game this evening at Franklin. After coaching so many years at Valley (There's a big banner honoring his years of coaching in the gym), he's been the basketball coach, and for a while the athletic director, for the Cardinals since 2007.
His coaching record at Laguna Creek is 81-89, 11-15 this year.
We wish the very best to a class act in Paul Casey, if indeed he's finished after tonight. A couple weeks back he told me he's teaching for at least another year.
PG's DePonte: Future Up In The Air
Defending the CIF Division I State Basketball Championship has been tough this season for Pleasant Grove's John DePonte. A former assistant under Casey at Valley, DePonte might also join his mentor on the sidelines next year.
The Eagles are 12-13 going into tonight's regular season finale at home against Sheldon, likely to be the fourth seed from the DRL in the playoffs, yet DePonte would like to spend more time at home next winter. He admitted following the state title win last year he wasn't certain he'd return this year but did so anyway.
DePonte will likely land somewhere else eventually because he can truly coach.
Baseball Coaches
Mike Harris, who was a finalist for the Sheldon baseball coaching job this past summer, is now an assistant at Elk Grove under Jeff Carlson. Here's a quality man who will likely pick up some real good tips from 15-year Herd coach Carlson.
The Herd, not afraid to travel to meet good competition, scrimmages this Saturday at Serra High School in San Mateo. During spring break, Elk Grove will once again host the Scott Boras Baseball Classic. Sixteen Northern California teams, including defending tournament runner-up Pleasant Grove, will take on each other with the winner of the single elimination bracket to face the Southern California winner in late April for the Boras' version of the state baseball championship.
John Misplay, a former Sheldon head coach and assistant at Elk Grove, is now coaching with Tony Bloomfield at CRC. However, don't be surprised if he surfaces at another high school as its head man.
His coaching record at Laguna Creek is 81-89, 11-15 this year.
We wish the very best to a class act in Paul Casey, if indeed he's finished after tonight. A couple weeks back he told me he's teaching for at least another year.
PG's DePonte: Future Up In The Air
Defending the CIF Division I State Basketball Championship has been tough this season for Pleasant Grove's John DePonte. A former assistant under Casey at Valley, DePonte might also join his mentor on the sidelines next year.
The Eagles are 12-13 going into tonight's regular season finale at home against Sheldon, likely to be the fourth seed from the DRL in the playoffs, yet DePonte would like to spend more time at home next winter. He admitted following the state title win last year he wasn't certain he'd return this year but did so anyway.
DePonte will likely land somewhere else eventually because he can truly coach.
Baseball Coaches
Mike Harris, who was a finalist for the Sheldon baseball coaching job this past summer, is now an assistant at Elk Grove under Jeff Carlson. Here's a quality man who will likely pick up some real good tips from 15-year Herd coach Carlson.
The Herd, not afraid to travel to meet good competition, scrimmages this Saturday at Serra High School in San Mateo. During spring break, Elk Grove will once again host the Scott Boras Baseball Classic. Sixteen Northern California teams, including defending tournament runner-up Pleasant Grove, will take on each other with the winner of the single elimination bracket to face the Southern California winner in late April for the Boras' version of the state baseball championship.
John Misplay, a former Sheldon head coach and assistant at Elk Grove, is now coaching with Tony Bloomfield at CRC. However, don't be surprised if he surfaces at another high school as its head man.
Monday, February 17, 2014
Notebook: Caton Resigns (updated); Levy Signs With Cal Poly Track
Pleasant Grove High School athletic director Jeff Caton has resigned. According to sources, he will remain on staff as the AD through the end of the school year.
Caton has been at the EGUSD school since it opened. He formerly was at Laguna Creek High School. In total, he's been an AD for 12 years, taking over at L.C. in 2002, then moved to P.G. when the school opened in 2006.
Caton has recently been dealing with lots of internal issues particularly with the school's softball program.
Though the Lady Eagles were the Section runner-ups last season, parents were accusing then-head coach Chris Murray of inappropriate actions. Caton stuck up for his coach, but the case went to EGUSD Human Resources and Murray later resigned. Caton caught lots of flack for how he allegedly mis-handled the whole thing.
Jon Gudel of the Citizen brought out in his Wednesday story about the Caton resignation a very important thing to remember: athletic directors are constantly battling with parents who think their child is a NCAA Division I prospect and need special attention and favors. Caton was frankly at the end of his rope and didn't want to deal with it any longer, according to the Gudel story.
No successor has been named by school principal Hank Meyers. (Joe Cattolico, please step up!)
With Caton's resignation, Mike Cody at Franklin is now the longest-tenured AD in the District at six years.
Levy Inks Track Scholarship At Cal Poly
One of the area's top track and field athletes, Monterey Trail's Ciara Levy, has signed a National Letter-of-Intent to run at Cal Poly - San Luis Obispo.
Levy was a part of the Mustangs' 4x100 meters relay team that was fourth last year at the Sac-Joaquin Section Masters Meet. She was also third in the 100 meter hurdles and fifth in the 300 meter hurdles.
She is a member of the Delta Valley Champion basketball team, as well.
Seven Wildcats Win DVC Wrestling Championships
The Conference/League wrestling championships were this past weekend around the Section and in the Delta Valley Conference, seven Franklin grapplers took first place medals. Those were Josh Villaflor (134), Antonio Jimenez (140), Ali Khan (147), Mitchell King (172), Robby Nickerson (184), Joey Banks (197) and Nick Gustin (222).
From Elk Grove the conference champions were 128-pounder Tristan Scott and 287-pounder Marcus Worthy.
In the Delta River League championships, Sheldon's Ethan Brewer won the league title at 126 pounds.
The top four finishers from each league/conference meet now advances to the Divisional round. The DRL, DVC, San Joaquin Athletic Association and the Central California Conference wrestlers will compete at the Division I-A championships this Friday and Saturday at Franklin High School.
The championship round is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. Saturday at Franklin High School's gym.
The top eight finishers will advance to the Section Masters Meet Feb. 28-March 1 at the Stockton Arena.
Bloomfield To Be Honored
The coach of the undefeated Cosumnes River College baseball team, Tony Bloomfield, will be honored April 3rd by the California Community College Coaches' Association for lifetime achievement.
The Hawks won the State Community College championship in 2012, a year in which they had no home games because their current field was under construction. This season the Hawks, led by several EGUSD grads, are 7-0 after sweeping a pair of weekend games from College of the Sequoias.
Tyler Blake (Franklin H.S.) had a great pair of games going four-for-six in both contests.
Bloomfield is now in his 25th season at CRC.
The Hawks play at Chabot College Tuesday afternoon.
Caton has been at the EGUSD school since it opened. He formerly was at Laguna Creek High School. In total, he's been an AD for 12 years, taking over at L.C. in 2002, then moved to P.G. when the school opened in 2006.
Caton has recently been dealing with lots of internal issues particularly with the school's softball program.
Though the Lady Eagles were the Section runner-ups last season, parents were accusing then-head coach Chris Murray of inappropriate actions. Caton stuck up for his coach, but the case went to EGUSD Human Resources and Murray later resigned. Caton caught lots of flack for how he allegedly mis-handled the whole thing.
Jon Gudel of the Citizen brought out in his Wednesday story about the Caton resignation a very important thing to remember: athletic directors are constantly battling with parents who think their child is a NCAA Division I prospect and need special attention and favors. Caton was frankly at the end of his rope and didn't want to deal with it any longer, according to the Gudel story.
No successor has been named by school principal Hank Meyers. (Joe Cattolico, please step up!)
With Caton's resignation, Mike Cody at Franklin is now the longest-tenured AD in the District at six years.
Levy Inks Track Scholarship At Cal Poly
One of the area's top track and field athletes, Monterey Trail's Ciara Levy, has signed a National Letter-of-Intent to run at Cal Poly - San Luis Obispo.
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| (L to R) Charles Amey, MTHS Vice Principal & MTHS Assistant Track Coach; Louie Corpuz, MTHS Head Basketball Coach; Ms. Levy; Ciara Levy; Mr. Levy; Robbie Longan, MTHS Head Track Coach; David Coronado, MTHS Athletic Director. |
Levy was a part of the Mustangs' 4x100 meters relay team that was fourth last year at the Sac-Joaquin Section Masters Meet. She was also third in the 100 meter hurdles and fifth in the 300 meter hurdles.
She is a member of the Delta Valley Champion basketball team, as well.
Seven Wildcats Win DVC Wrestling Championships
The Conference/League wrestling championships were this past weekend around the Section and in the Delta Valley Conference, seven Franklin grapplers took first place medals. Those were Josh Villaflor (134), Antonio Jimenez (140), Ali Khan (147), Mitchell King (172), Robby Nickerson (184), Joey Banks (197) and Nick Gustin (222).
From Elk Grove the conference champions were 128-pounder Tristan Scott and 287-pounder Marcus Worthy.
In the Delta River League championships, Sheldon's Ethan Brewer won the league title at 126 pounds.
The top four finishers from each league/conference meet now advances to the Divisional round. The DRL, DVC, San Joaquin Athletic Association and the Central California Conference wrestlers will compete at the Division I-A championships this Friday and Saturday at Franklin High School.
The championship round is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. Saturday at Franklin High School's gym.
The top eight finishers will advance to the Section Masters Meet Feb. 28-March 1 at the Stockton Arena.
Bloomfield To Be Honored
The coach of the undefeated Cosumnes River College baseball team, Tony Bloomfield, will be honored April 3rd by the California Community College Coaches' Association for lifetime achievement.
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| CRC Baseball coach Tony Bloomfield |
The Hawks won the State Community College championship in 2012, a year in which they had no home games because their current field was under construction. This season the Hawks, led by several EGUSD grads, are 7-0 after sweeping a pair of weekend games from College of the Sequoias.
Tyler Blake (Franklin H.S.) had a great pair of games going four-for-six in both contests.
Bloomfield is now in his 25th season at CRC.
The Hawks play at Chabot College Tuesday afternoon.
Saturday, February 15, 2014
CRC Now 7-0; Franklin Grabs Bball Playoffs Spot
The Cosumnes River College baseball team remained undefeated Friday with an 10-6 win over College of the Sequoias. Tyler Blake was four-for-six with a pair of doubles. Drake Atlee was two-for-four with a double.
Dave Smith got the start, but Shane Martin picked up the win in relief. The Hawks are now 7-0 ...
UC-Santa Barbara pitcher Shelby Wisdom picked up the win in the Gaucho's 3-2 8-inning victory over Sacramento State. The former Elk Grove star also drove in one run. ...
In high school basketball, Franklin defeated Elk Grove, 59-49 to raise its Delta Valley Conference record to 6-3 and assure itself of a spot in the Sac-Joaquin Section's Division I playoffs. John Moscoso led the Wildcats with 13 points.
Grant wrapped up the DVC championship for the second year in a row by defeating Laguna Creek, 85-59.
In that conference's fight for the third and final playoff place Monterey Trail came back from 12 points down in the third quarter to squeak by Davis, 59-58. Leondre Lintz had 17 for the Mustangs.
Monterey Trail is now 5-4 in the conference. Even if they were to lose to Elk Grove in the regular season finale Wednesday and Davis was to win its final game, the Mustangs would get third place because they defeated the Blue Devils twice this season.
In the Delta River League, Jesuit squeezed by Pleasant Grove, 70-65, in overtime. Oak Ridge was upset by Sheldon, 60-43. Because the Huskies are ineligible for the playoffs, both the Trojans and Eagles will make the playoffs as the third and fourth seeds, respectively.
Jesuit will take on Folsom for the DRL title next week.
Dave Smith got the start, but Shane Martin picked up the win in relief. The Hawks are now 7-0 ...
UC-Santa Barbara pitcher Shelby Wisdom picked up the win in the Gaucho's 3-2 8-inning victory over Sacramento State. The former Elk Grove star also drove in one run. ...
In high school basketball, Franklin defeated Elk Grove, 59-49 to raise its Delta Valley Conference record to 6-3 and assure itself of a spot in the Sac-Joaquin Section's Division I playoffs. John Moscoso led the Wildcats with 13 points.
Grant wrapped up the DVC championship for the second year in a row by defeating Laguna Creek, 85-59.
In that conference's fight for the third and final playoff place Monterey Trail came back from 12 points down in the third quarter to squeak by Davis, 59-58. Leondre Lintz had 17 for the Mustangs.
Monterey Trail is now 5-4 in the conference. Even if they were to lose to Elk Grove in the regular season finale Wednesday and Davis was to win its final game, the Mustangs would get third place because they defeated the Blue Devils twice this season.
In the Delta River League, Jesuit squeezed by Pleasant Grove, 70-65, in overtime. Oak Ridge was upset by Sheldon, 60-43. Because the Huskies are ineligible for the playoffs, both the Trojans and Eagles will make the playoffs as the third and fourth seeds, respectively.
Jesuit will take on Folsom for the DRL title next week.
Thursday, February 13, 2014
H.S. Basketball Playoff Show Weds.
Just like the big NCAA TV show where the basketball playoff brackets are revealed, the Sac-Joaquin Section will have its own version of the broadcast on Wednesday, Feb. 19.
Section Director of Communications Will DeBoard says you can watch the live internet feed on http://www.cifsacjoaquin.tv beginning around 5 p.m. on the 19th.
According to DeBoard, there will be a new method in determining the post-season contenders. The top three teams from each league, plus the fourth-place finisher in the nine leagues that have had the most playoff success over the last three years (by winning percentage) qualify for the playoffs. A full list of playoff qualifiers by league is on the Section website under boys and girls basketball. Those playoff teams are then placed in their brackets by division.
DeBoard adds that there will probably be some brackets of more than 16 teams; in those cases, out bracket games will be played on Friday, Feb. 21. The top-seeded teams will receive first-round byes in brackets of less than 16 teams.
Section Director of Communications Will DeBoard says you can watch the live internet feed on http://www.cifsacjoaquin.tv beginning around 5 p.m. on the 19th.
According to DeBoard, there will be a new method in determining the post-season contenders. The top three teams from each league, plus the fourth-place finisher in the nine leagues that have had the most playoff success over the last three years (by winning percentage) qualify for the playoffs. A full list of playoff qualifiers by league is on the Section website under boys and girls basketball. Those playoff teams are then placed in their brackets by division.
DeBoard adds that there will probably be some brackets of more than 16 teams; in those cases, out bracket games will be played on Friday, Feb. 21. The top-seeded teams will receive first-round byes in brackets of less than 16 teams.
As far as tiebreakers, DeBoard says the leagues determine how those ties will be broken, including
third-place ties where the winner goes to the playoffs and the loser stays home.
"In about half of our leagues, they have moved their schedule back a day
in anticipation of a playoff game between those teams," DeBoard says.
Tuesday, February 11, 2014
Castelan's Single Gives CRC Its 5th Win
Pinch hitter Adam Castelan's tenth inning single drove in Logan Marston with the winning run as Cosumnes River College notched its fifth straight win of the 2014 season Tuesday with a 2-1 victory over Chabot College.
The Hawks (5-0) were paced by left-hander Zack Stilwell who threw 7 1/3 innings of five-hit, one-run baseball. Josh Pigg (2-0) got the win in relief by tossing the final two innings.
Drake Atlee had a solo homer in the fourth inning for CRC.
The Hawks have a Friday-Saturday pair of games this weekend at Sequoia Community College.
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| CRC players mob Adam Castelan after GW 10th inn single |
Drake Atlee had a solo homer in the fourth inning for CRC.
The Hawks have a Friday-Saturday pair of games this weekend at Sequoia Community College.
Final Week - Battle In The DVC
One week from tonight basketball's regular season will be over. And in the Delta Valley Conference there are four teams fighting it out for the three playoff spots.
Franklin, who jumped out to a 4-1 start in DVC play, has lost two in a row and they sit tied for second place at 4-3 with Monterey Trail and Davis. Tonight the Wildcats and Mustangs play at M.T. in what may be the biggest game to date in the DVC.
In the Delta River League, Jesuit and Folsom as destined to battle it out for the league title. Though Pleasant Grove has pulled out a couple big wins over Ponderosa and has a win over Sheldon, the Eagles play both of the front-runners this week. It could be they may slide into the post-season as the DRL's fourth-place team.
Franklin, who jumped out to a 4-1 start in DVC play, has lost two in a row and they sit tied for second place at 4-3 with Monterey Trail and Davis. Tonight the Wildcats and Mustangs play at M.T. in what may be the biggest game to date in the DVC.
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| DVC Standings compliments of Maxpreps |
Oak Ridge may end up being the third seed out of the DRL.
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| DRL Standings compliments of Maxpreps |
Monday, February 10, 2014
MT Girls Place 8th At Regional Wrestling
Monterey Trail finish 8th last weekend at the CIF Regional Girls Wrestling Championship at McNair High School in Stockton. The Mustangs' Brittany Morgan (106 pounds) and Kim Viacrusis (150 pounds) each placed second in their weight classification to pace the Monterey Trail squad.
Elk Grove was 20th overall thanks to a second place by Annastassia Ramirez at 111 pounds. Ramirez is now 26-2 in her matches this season.
MacKenzie Mireski was fifth at 137 pounds for Elk Grove.
There were 316 girls from 100 high schools that competed in the two-day event. Cosumnes Oaks, Franklin and Pleasant Grove wrestlers also competed.
Florin's top performer was Leili Lemmons who placed third at 170 pounds.
The top five in each weight class will now advance to the CIF State Girls' Wrestling Championships in Visalia Feb. 28-March 1.
Elk Grove was 20th overall thanks to a second place by Annastassia Ramirez at 111 pounds. Ramirez is now 26-2 in her matches this season.
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| (Photo by Dave Clarke) Elk Grove's Annatassia Ramirez finished second at 111 pounds in the Regional Championships |
MacKenzie Mireski was fifth at 137 pounds for Elk Grove.
There were 316 girls from 100 high schools that competed in the two-day event. Cosumnes Oaks, Franklin and Pleasant Grove wrestlers also competed.
Florin's top performer was Leili Lemmons who placed third at 170 pounds.
The top five in each weight class will now advance to the CIF State Girls' Wrestling Championships in Visalia Feb. 28-March 1.
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| MacKenzie Mireski of Elk Grove placed fifth at 137 pounds last weekend at the Regional Wrestling Championships (photo by Dave Clarke) |
Sunday, February 09, 2014
Podcast: Section Dual Championships; Smart, Smith Pitch Well For Local CC
Here is the weekly podcast that includes an interview with Elk Grove point guard Casey Deary.
Friday, February 07, 2014
EG Rallies, Edges LC in OT; PG Wins In OT
Elk Grove, down 31-15 with about two minutes left in the second quarter, rebounded quickly, trailed by five at halftime and then went overtime with Laguna Creek. The Herd finally held on to a 63-62 win.
The win was the second for the Herd (2-5) in the Delta Valley Conference while Laguna Creek dropped to 1-6. Below watch the game highlights, plus interviews with guard Casey Deary and head coach Mat Bradley.
Elsewhere in the DVC, Davis upset Franklin to throw the conference race into a three-way tie for second. The Blue Devils, Wildcats and Monterey Trail, 60-57 losers to Grant, are all 4-3 in conference play. The Pacers sit atop the DVC at 6-1.
In the Delta River League, Pleasant Grove needed two overtimes to beat Ponderosa, 60-54. The Eagles are now 3-4 in the DRL, 11-11 overall.
The win was the second for the Herd (2-5) in the Delta Valley Conference while Laguna Creek dropped to 1-6. Below watch the game highlights, plus interviews with guard Casey Deary and head coach Mat Bradley.
Elsewhere in the DVC, Davis upset Franklin to throw the conference race into a three-way tie for second. The Blue Devils, Wildcats and Monterey Trail, 60-57 losers to Grant, are all 4-3 in conference play. The Pacers sit atop the DVC at 6-1.
In the Delta River League, Pleasant Grove needed two overtimes to beat Ponderosa, 60-54. The Eagles are now 3-4 in the DRL, 11-11 overall.
Gilroy Grappler Ruled Ineligible
Athletically-motivated transfers are not unique to Elk Grove. CalGrappler.Com reports today that Isaiah Locsin, a 2012 state wrestling champion and a runner up in 2013, will not suit up to finish his high school career.
The CIF ruled his transfer from Live Oak High School to Gilroy High was athletically motivated and denied his appeal of an earlier Central Coast Section determination.
However, Locsin has signed with Stanford University so he’ll be looking to continue his wrestling career with the Cardinal next Fall.
Here is Mike Clarkson's top eight grapplers in the Sac-Joaquin Section (as of 2/6):
Thursday, February 06, 2014
C.Oaks Appeal Denied; Wrestling Notes
The Cosumnes Oaks boys' basketball team will indeed have to forfeit 16 wins from this season. Their appeal to the State CIF was denied today.
The school was saying that their player that was ruled ineligible two weeks ago for an athletically-motivated transfer - and did not sit out the required 30 days - provided the school fraudulent paperwork and needs to pay a CIF-mandated fine. Cosumnes Oaks' officials claimed they self-reported the issue to the Sac-Joaquin Section and thus did their due diligence.
The CIF officials didn't agree.
This means the 21-1 Wolfpack are now 5-17 overall. However, it is very realistic they can still finish in the top three of the Sierra Valley League and make the playoffs.
Girls Wrestling Regional Starts Friday
The Section girls' wrestling meet will begin Friday and conclude Saturday at McNair High School in Stockton. The top local female wrestler is Annastassia Ramirez, sister of one of Elk Grove's top all-time grapplers, Martin. He was a three-time Section Masters champion and three years ago finished third in his weight class at the State Championships.
Section Dual Championship Saturday
The Section Dual Team championships for wrestling is Saturday at Lincoln High School in Stockton. The top three Division I teams, Elk Grove, Vacaville and Folsom, will all be there.
Vacaville is the four-time defending dual champion and with another strong squad will likely repeat this year. However, Folsom may have their best team in a long while, led by 187-pounder Nick Fegener.
Elk Grove will likely wrestle in the semi-finals against one of these two squads, but will need some real luck to move on to the championship round.
The opening matches start at 9 a.m. with the semis at 12:30 p.m.
The school was saying that their player that was ruled ineligible two weeks ago for an athletically-motivated transfer - and did not sit out the required 30 days - provided the school fraudulent paperwork and needs to pay a CIF-mandated fine. Cosumnes Oaks' officials claimed they self-reported the issue to the Sac-Joaquin Section and thus did their due diligence.
The CIF officials didn't agree.
This means the 21-1 Wolfpack are now 5-17 overall. However, it is very realistic they can still finish in the top three of the Sierra Valley League and make the playoffs.
Girls Wrestling Regional Starts Friday
The Section girls' wrestling meet will begin Friday and conclude Saturday at McNair High School in Stockton. The top local female wrestler is Annastassia Ramirez, sister of one of Elk Grove's top all-time grapplers, Martin. He was a three-time Section Masters champion and three years ago finished third in his weight class at the State Championships.
Section Dual Championship Saturday
The Section Dual Team championships for wrestling is Saturday at Lincoln High School in Stockton. The top three Division I teams, Elk Grove, Vacaville and Folsom, will all be there.
Vacaville is the four-time defending dual champion and with another strong squad will likely repeat this year. However, Folsom may have their best team in a long while, led by 187-pounder Nick Fegener.
Elk Grove will likely wrestle in the semi-finals against one of these two squads, but will need some real luck to move on to the championship round.
The opening matches start at 9 a.m. with the semis at 12:30 p.m.
Wednesday, February 05, 2014
Eleven EGUSD Gridiron Stars Sign National Letter-of-Intent
There were eleven boys who inked their NCAA National Letters-of-Intent to play football Wednesday morning. It was done in one big signing ceremony at the EGUSD's Trigg Building.
Here are interviews with three signees: Joey Banks of Franklin, Earl Chism of Pleasant Grove and Maaka Letuligasenoa, father of Noah, of Elk Grove:
Here are interviews with three signees: Joey Banks of Franklin, Earl Chism of Pleasant Grove and Maaka Letuligasenoa, father of Noah, of Elk Grove:
The Citizen today has a nice story remembering the legacy of former EGHS and Kerr football coach Sid McConnell. He's the man responsible for starting the Jr. Thundering Herd and has been a sports fixture in this community for many years. Sid passed away in December.
Tuesday, February 04, 2014
C-Oaks Basketball - 21-1 or 5-17?
Cosumnes Oaks' athletic director Bill Kapp and others from the Elk Grove school met this morning with officials of the State CIF office pleading their case that the Wolfpack basketball squad should not be forced to forfeit 16 wins this season for playing an ineligible player.
The decision may not be reached for several days on the appeal by Kapp and crew but more facts of this story have begun to surface.
One of the Wolfpack players transferred to Cosumnes Oaks for this basketball season after playing for a high school in the Stockton area a year ago. Apparently, this player came as a result of a connection with the father of another player on the CO team who was his AAU basketball coach.
Typically, this kind of school transfer will raise the eyebrows of Section and school district officials (see Sheldon basketball) but in this case there were some inaccuracies on the transfer paperwork turned into the school, according to sources. Those inaccuracies were discovered by Kapp and he reported that to Elk Grove Unified officials who then consulted with the Sac-Joaquin Section office.
The decision was that the player should be ineligible immediately and because he had played in 16 games this season for a team that was, at the time 18-1, the school should forfeit those wins. There would be no further sanctions on the Cosumnes Oaks program.
However, the school is claiming they discovered the inaccuracies with the paperwork and the parents of the player should bare the fault, which is a monetary fine. Kapp claims the school shouldn't be brought to blame for the incident.
If Kapp's appeal works, the Wolfpack would be 21-1 this season, one of the best records of any area basketball team. Until then, Cosumnes Oaks is 5-17 and must win out the rest of the way in order to make the playoffs.
We'll let you know how this one turns out.
The decision may not be reached for several days on the appeal by Kapp and crew but more facts of this story have begun to surface.
One of the Wolfpack players transferred to Cosumnes Oaks for this basketball season after playing for a high school in the Stockton area a year ago. Apparently, this player came as a result of a connection with the father of another player on the CO team who was his AAU basketball coach.
Typically, this kind of school transfer will raise the eyebrows of Section and school district officials (see Sheldon basketball) but in this case there were some inaccuracies on the transfer paperwork turned into the school, according to sources. Those inaccuracies were discovered by Kapp and he reported that to Elk Grove Unified officials who then consulted with the Sac-Joaquin Section office.
The decision was that the player should be ineligible immediately and because he had played in 16 games this season for a team that was, at the time 18-1, the school should forfeit those wins. There would be no further sanctions on the Cosumnes Oaks program.
However, the school is claiming they discovered the inaccuracies with the paperwork and the parents of the player should bare the fault, which is a monetary fine. Kapp claims the school shouldn't be brought to blame for the incident.
If Kapp's appeal works, the Wolfpack would be 21-1 this season, one of the best records of any area basketball team. Until then, Cosumnes Oaks is 5-17 and must win out the rest of the way in order to make the playoffs.
We'll let you know how this one turns out.
Football Letter of Intent Signings Weds.
Elk Grove Unified will recognize 11 talented high school football scholarship recipients at the annual Letter of Intent Signing Ceremony at 7 a.m. on Wednesday. The ceremony will take place in the board room at Robert L. Trigg Education Center.
The following student-athletes will be recognized:
High School
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Student Name
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College/University
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Cosumnes Oaks
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Kameron Schroeder
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Duke University
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Alex Van Dyke
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University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
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Elk Grove
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Noah Letuligasenoa
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California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
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Franklin
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Joey Banks
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California State University,
Sacramento
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Jabarri Johnson
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California State University, Sacramento
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Curtis Williams
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Humboldt State University
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Pleasant Grove
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Earl Chism
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Yale University
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Wyatt Demps
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University of Nevada, Reno
| |
Kyle Dixon
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Humboldt State University
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Brandon Lewis
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University of Washington
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Sheldon
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Taron Johnson
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Weber State University
|
Sunday, February 02, 2014
Notebook: Opening Day Win For CRC Baseball/Softball
After one of the most dreadful Super Bowls on the field and with only about three decent commercials (the puppy and the Clydesdales, the little kid turns cowboy - Doritos, and GoDaddy.Com's Tan Spraying) it's time to re-cap the weekend and look ahead....
Kyle Von Ruden (Franklin H.S.) and David Smith (Elk Grove H.S.) combined on a four-hitter to lead the Cosumnes River College Hawks to a 6-2 win over Shasta College Saturday to open the community college baseball season.
Drake Atlee, who graduated from Foothill High School in Tustin, has returned to the Elk Grove-area where he attended high school his freshman year at Pleasant Grove. He led the Hawks by going two-for-four with a double.
CRC will face Skyline College Tuesday afternoon on the road.
Coach Tony Bloomfield has a roster this season loaded with area players including three from Pleasant Grove (Zack Stilwell, Austin Friello and Ian Chandler), three from Franklin (Von Ruden, Tyler Blake and Josh Pigg) and two from Elk Grove (Smith and Jordan Koch). Bloomfield is now in his 15th season at CRC.
Former Oakland A's farmhand and Laguna Creek graduate Brad Kilby is the pitching coach. Rejoining the Hawks' coaching staff is former Sheldon head coach John Misplay.
The Hawks won the California State Community College Championship in 2012.
CRC Softball Grabs Twinbill
Cosumnes River College's softball squad also opened its season Saturday and did so in a big way by taking a doubleheader win over Shasta College, 8-0 in six innings and 6-2.
Kyle Von Ruden (Franklin H.S.) and David Smith (Elk Grove H.S.) combined on a four-hitter to lead the Cosumnes River College Hawks to a 6-2 win over Shasta College Saturday to open the community college baseball season.
Drake Atlee, who graduated from Foothill High School in Tustin, has returned to the Elk Grove-area where he attended high school his freshman year at Pleasant Grove. He led the Hawks by going two-for-four with a double.
CRC will face Skyline College Tuesday afternoon on the road.
Coach Tony Bloomfield has a roster this season loaded with area players including three from Pleasant Grove (Zack Stilwell, Austin Friello and Ian Chandler), three from Franklin (Von Ruden, Tyler Blake and Josh Pigg) and two from Elk Grove (Smith and Jordan Koch). Bloomfield is now in his 15th season at CRC.
Former Oakland A's farmhand and Laguna Creek graduate Brad Kilby is the pitching coach. Rejoining the Hawks' coaching staff is former Sheldon head coach John Misplay.
The Hawks won the California State Community College Championship in 2012.
CRC Softball Grabs Twinbill
Cosumnes River College's softball squad also opened its season Saturday and did so in a big way by taking a doubleheader win over Shasta College, 8-0 in six innings and 6-2.
Saturday, February 01, 2014
Opinion: H.S. Sports Now Win-At-Any-Cost
by Dan Gougherty
Elk Grove News. Net
Like most people in our culture, I am interested in sports and have my favorite professional and college teams. Although I would consider myself a fair-weather fan, or more accurately someone who gets tuned-in when the playoffs start, I am still amazed at how deep sports is ingrained in our culture.
I was reminded of this earlier this week when I read on this site, with some amazement, about the revelations that two of our Elk Grove-area high schools were sanctioned for recruiting violations. Substitute Cosumnes Oaks and Sheldon High with USC or Ohio State, or pick the NCAA-sanctioned college of your choice, and the stories become almost interchangeable.
Has the win-at-any-cost mentality that is pervasive in every aspect of American professional sports, big time college sports, business and politics finally infiltrated the next level of amateur sports, high school athletics? Are our high schools now becoming nothing more than a further extension of de-facto farm leagues already firmly established on the college level?
I can’t help but think that the coaches, athletes, the parents and maybe even the school administrators had some knowledge they were breaking the rules, yet decided in some sort of cost-risk analysis the potential benefits outweighed the risk. We after all live in a society where the 5,000 or so professional athletes in the four major American sports can make millions of dollars and in some case be worshipped like gods.
Even though the odds are long, I can’t help but think that some parent of a talented kid will be willing to ignore the rules on the belief their kid is the next LeBron James. Or worse, some high school coach will recruit the best players at any cost, especially to the young athletes used for the coaches purposes, hoping it will make them the next Nick Sabin?
Sadly this win-at-any-cost mentality has seemingly gained a strong foothold in our high school athletic departments and is probably here to stay.
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