Prep Blog

Stopped by Sheldon High School this week to catch a peek at the San Jose State football camp tour. Spartans coached took six vans to various NorCal sites in recent weeks to run scores of athletes through drills.

San Jose assistant coach Klayton Adams knew how to get to the Elk Grove Unified School District campus. He was a standout lineman for the Huskies last decade before playing at American River College and at Boise State. He coached two seasons at Sacramento State before being lured to San Jose State.

Among our observations on upcoming senior talent:

* Big on Beau - Granite Bay has yet another defensive stopper to behold in Beau Hershberger, a powerfully built 6-foot-2, 225-pound linebacker with a 3.7 grade-point average and interest from Ivy League programs such as Yale, and Oregon State, Sac State and UC Davis, among others. Hershberger's father Greg played receiver at Chico State under Mike Bellotti. Son has the same sort of wheels as the old man, too, never mind the size difference, having rumbled 94 yards for an interception against rival Del Oro last season. Del Oro rallied to win that game, but Granite Bay rallied to close the season with six consecutive victories, culminating in a Sac-Joaquin Section Division I championship win over Pleasant Grove. Big Beau is expecting a repeat run.

* Terrific Terry - Nick Terry is fast emerging as the next prospect of note from Pleasant Grove. The 6-4, 265-pound defensive lineman has offers from Oregon State, Colorado State, Washington State, Cal Poly, Nevada and UNLV with more unofficial campus visits in July, including Corvallis. Pleasant Grove line coach Dale Ellingsworth raves about Terry's ability and work ethic.

Other Pleasant Grove players of note at this camp included: 6-3, 180-pound receiver Wyatt Demps; 5-8; 6-2, 220-pound linebacker Earl Chism; 5-7, 160-pound receiver DeAundre Terrell; 6-1, 220-pound tight end Tyler Weathersbee and 215-pound linebacker/fullback Tyree Hanson.

* Sperbeck Speed - The biggest name quarterback entering this coming season is suddenly running a lot of routes - as a receiver. Thomas Sperbeck of Jesuit dazzled at times in running the spread last fall for the Marauders, and he has a strong, accurate arm, but he has been playing receiver in a lot of summer workouts to showcase his speed and skills at that position. Sperbeck may play receiver in college, though at just under 6-foot, he's a clone of Dano Graves, the former Folsom QB star now at Air Force Academy. Sperbeck won a speed/sprint contest at the San Jose event. New Jesuit coach Marlon Blanton will install the veer this summer, an offense heavy on the run, though quarterbacks have excelled in this set (see De La Salle, Blanton's alma mater).

* Garrett the Great - Also adjusting to the veer at Jesuit will be standout lineman Garrett Stohmaier, a superb student who adds to the "student-athlete" label. Stohmaier has rising recruiting interest, and he has the attention of the Ivy League schools.

* Miller Time - Taylor Miller-Wing is the new quarterback at Folsom after starting on the JV two years ago as a sophomore and serving as a back-up last season to state-record holder Tanner Trosin. And all the eye tests come up like this: wow. Miller-Wing at a shade under 6-3 and 210 pounds unleashes lasers, has good feet, speaks like a leader and is eager to carry on the QB legacy at Folsom under coach Kris Richardson, including two he watched up close in personal in record-setting performers in Dano Graves and Trosin, both Bee Players of the Year. Miller-Wing has received interest from Nevada, Utah, San Jose State, Oregon State and others. He is a 3.0 student and said he'd explore becoming a Navy Seal if college football doesn't work out.

* Carter Control - Phillip Carter just might be the next impact receiver for Folsom to go with a new passer in Taylor Miller-Wing. Carter is 6-1, 190 pounds and has had a superb summer, though he didn't compete in this San Jose State camp due to a shoulder injury that is not serious. Carter played receiver and defensive back last season and had some big plays, despite a nagging ankle injury. With a 3.8 grade-point average, Carter has received interest from Nevada, San Jose State, Utah and Colorado State - and throughout the Ivy League, which tells you what sort of student he is.

* Franklin Fever - Franklin has all the makings of a section title contender under coach Mike Johnson with speed, versatility, skill and desire. The Wildcats have fared well in camp settings, including winning a recent NorCal showcase 7-on-7 competition. True, no helmets and pads in 7-on-7, but there's no denying that Franklin is off to a rousing start. Key talents include: quarterback Trent Spallas; slot/safety Trevon Lampley; slot/linebacker Joey Banks; linebacker/running back Steven Rogers and receiver/cornerback Damion Sanders. And because big linemen are indeed allowed in speed-spread teams, say hello to Tyler Hect, a 6-3, 300-pound two-way player.

* Mighty Monroe - The longest face belonged to Brandon Monroe, the superb tailback/return ace for Del Oro. Monroe did not participate in this camp due to a foot injury that is not serious. He also missed half of the Oregon camp when he injured that wheel, but talent is talent, and San Jose State was sure to offer him a scholarship anyway. Monroe reports that Del Oro should be a section title contender again under coach Casey Taylor.

* Golden Greenlee - The best quarterback in the Sac-Joaquin Section could very well be directing the No. 1 team in the section this fall at Lincoln of Stockton in Zach Greenlee. The 6-2, 185-pound passer won a recent passing competition in Las Vegas and will be part of the Elite 11 showcase in souther California. He has an offer from Fresno State, and with a 3.6 GPA, he'll surely garner more. Lincoln opens the season against Elk Grove and Pleasant Grove and also takes on St. Mary's and Granite Bay.

* Vinnie and the Jets - Ok, so Vinnie Johnson doesn't have jets, but the 6-5, 255-pound lineman for Christian Brothers does have considerable leg drive, and a scholarship offer from San Jose State. A teammate with some jets is Jalen Walker, a 6-foot, 190-pounder who plays receiver and corner.

Others of intrigue note from the San Jose camp...

* Rocklin quarterback Daniel Kniffin and receiver Cory Burmester look poised to take the Thunder back to prominence this fall.

* Aaron Froudevaux, a 6-3, 285-pound defensive lineman for Whitney, could be the Wildcats' next scholarship talent.

* After Brendan Keeney started three years at quarterback for Granite Bay, the next in line is the perfectly capable Grant Caraway.

* Lineman A.J. Samataua of Del Campo, all 6-3 and 315 pounds of him, will ensure that the Cougars continue to run the ball with fury this fall.

* Mason Shaw, a 6-2, 300-pound lineman, is the protector for new Woodcreek quarterback Stephen Nogosek, fresh off a section Division II title run in baseball.

* Cecil Williams of Laguna Creek is an impressive prospect at quarterback for coach Dave Morton, back with the program he started from scratch in the 1990s. Williams is 6-3 and 200 pounds.

* Tyler Winston of Antelope, a 6-2, 170-pound receiver/DB/ATHLETE, is an every-down play maker. He already has an offer from UCLA, with more sprinkling in.
- By Joe Davidson
jdavidson@sacbee.com
On Twitter: @sb_joedavidson

Former Bella Vista baseball star Tyler Robertson will be in uniform tonight for the Minneosta Twins when they start a three-game series with the visiting Chicago White Sox.

The Twins promoted the lefthanded reliever from Class AAA Rochester to replace injured closer Matt Capps.

The 6-foot-5, 255-pound Robertson was 2-2 with three saves and a 3.77 earned run average in 33 games for Rochester this year.

Robertson, 24, has compiled a record of 42-37 in the minors. He was the Twins' third-round pick in the 2006 First-Year Player Draft.

Sheldon won its third major high school boys basketball tournament of the summer, beating Central of Fresno 79-42 on Sunday at Sheldon High School to win the Platinum Division championship of the fifth annual Sheldon-Trail Tournament that was played at four sites in Elk Grove.

Earlier in the day, Sheldon defeated Campolindo of Moraga 75-54 and Burbank 62-57 in the single elimination 11-team finals bracket.

In pool play on Saturday and Sunday, Sheldon defeated Davis 64-50, Rocklin 60-58, Christian Brothers 73-33 and Douglas of Nevada 86-49.

The Sacramento City Unified School District board has voted to reinstate approximately 80 percent of the sports budget for the coming school year.

District spokesman Gabe Ross said that high school athletic directors will get together "to talk about what the structure will look like with the reductions, but the program as a whole will continue."

Board members voted earlier this year to eliminate all funding for sports to help close a budget shortfall of $28 million the district says could grow to $43 million if a statewide state tax measure fails to pass in November.

Each of the district comprehensive high school sports programs had been receiving $154,000 for coaching stipends, transportation and equipment.

"Everyone realizes what effect eliminating sports would have on our enrollment," Ross said.

Nearly two-thirds of last year's high school sports budget went toward coaching stipends.

Depending on the sport and level (varsity, junior varsity), stipends range from $2,029 to $3,368.

Returning Bee All-Metro first team linebacker Tanner Vallejo of Nevada Union has verbally committed to Boise State.

The 6-foot-2, 220-pound senior had nine scholarship offers, including serious contenders Arizona, Colorado and Washington State.

Vallejo averaged 14.4 tackles, forced five fumbles and had two interceptions for the 7-4 Miners last season.

Placer's Eddie Vanderdoes is listed as the No. 1 high school prospect in NorCalPreps.com's Class of 2013 Northern California Football Top 50.

The 6-foot-4, 305-pound senior, a national recruit who already has 52 scholarship offers, is a defensive tackle.

He's one of 13 area players to make the list. The others:

Here are the Pioneer Valley League spring all-league teams as submitted to The Bee. Any corrrections or omissions, email bpaterson@sacbee.com

Baseball
Most Valuable Player - Nathan Lukes, Center. Coach of the Year - Jeff Wise, Center. First Team - Devin Eldredge, Nick Rebello, Center; James Harris, Trevor McGhee, Bear River; Dave Campbell, Ryan Glazner, Michael Moore, Austin Young, Colfax; Jordan Albarron, Trent Parks, Jake Sola, Ethan Liddle, Lincoln; Eddie Vanderdoes, Ryan Mason, AJ Sanchez, Austin LeBleu, Placer; Zac Woods, Briar Litz, Foothill.

Golf
Player of the Year - Austin Childress, Placer; Coach of the Year - Greg French, Placer; First Team - Daniel Gregg, Cody Riecks, Mathew Potter, Clark Pietromonico, Placer; Aubrey Harwell, Jake DePass, Bear River; Kenny Bills, Trevor Wilson, Lincoln; Patrick Cabrera, Colfax.

Soccer
Offensive Player of the Year - Janelle Jensen, Bear River; Defensive Player of the Year - Kate Bianchi, Colfax; Coach of the Year - Lefty Wilks, Colfax. First Team - Katy Thomas, Celena Wall, Iona Lofrano, Brittany Thomas, Amy Blackburn, Colfax; Melanie Abeyta, Melissa Arthurs, Jasmine Bains, Abbie Faingold, Alyssa Gallagher, Lincoln; Janelle Jensen, Nikolet Welch, Maddi Dunn, Victoria Burke, Bear River; Olivia Holmes, Sabrina Viscuso, Caitlin Letcher, Placer; Patricia Navarro, Andrea Loza, Center; Marissa Sanders, Foothill.

Burbank coach John Heffernan is pleased that former Titans standout Eddie Elder has a shot at playing in the NFL.

The College of San Mateo and Arizona State free safety recently signed a free agent contract with the Arizona Cardinals.

"I'm proud of him," Heffernan said. "He's a fantastic kid who worked hard to graduate from Arizona State."

Heffernan said Elder's been a role model for three younger siblings, a brother and two sisters, all of whom are now attending college.

In 2009, the 5-foot-10, 185-pound Elder was selected the Defensive Player of the Year by the California Community College Athletic Association. He had 13 interceptions in his two seasons with the Bulldogs.

He started 20 of 25 games at Arizona State, finishing with 130 tackles and three interceptions.

With boys volleyball continuing to grow, the California Interscholastic Federation has approved a Northern California regional tournament for the coming school year.

The Sac-Joaquin Section started an official boys volleyball playoff in 2009. It expanded to two divisions in 2011.

A Southern California Regional boys volleyball championship already exists.

The CIF's Federated Council vote to approve a NorCal Regional sets the stage for an eventual boys state final.

El Dorado boys basketball player Ben Thomas has signed a national letter of intent to play for Quincy University, a Division II school in Quincy, Ill.

Thomas, a guard who averaged nine points and three assists as a senior this past season, will join older brother Jake Thomas, a senior offensive lineman, at the Catholic college.

Fresno boys basketball power Bullard won Sunday's Sac Area Summer Showcase at the Hardwood Palace in Rocklin, defeating the NorCal Elite 72-57 in the Gold Bracket championship game.

Oak Ridge downed Rio Americano 47-37 in the Silver Bracket championship contest.

Bullard (33-4) is coming off a 2011-2012 season that included a 54-53 upset of Long Beach Poly on Walter Orr's 35-foot buzzer beater in the Southern Section Division I semifinals.

Bullard lost 85-66 to eventual state champion Mater Dei of Santa Ana in the SoCal finale.

A number of area athletes, including eight members of Dixon High's national championship team, will compete for the Northern California Youth Rugby Association against Canadian teams Monday through Friday in Vancouver, British Columbia.

Chris Rico, Anthony Salaber, Pepe Semeraro, Val Lee-Lo, Austen Middleton, Kyle Garlick, Nico Bedoya and Nick Bonovich recently led Dixon to the USA Rugby High School Championship May 19 in South Jordan, Utah. The Rams beat Penn of Mishawaka, Ind., 48-11, in the title game as Salaber, a fullback, scored 23 points.

Rob Salaber, the coach of the Dixon team and Anthony's father, also is leading the Northern California stars, which will field varsity and junior varsity teams.

Shaq Thompson is signed, sealed and about to be delivered into the unpredictable world that is minor league baseball.

The freshly graduated Grant High School football star and The Bee's 2011 Player of the Year signed his Boston Red Sox the remaining parts of his contract today from his North Sacramento home to give outfield duty a go this summer. The contract also required a signature from his mother, Patty Thompson.

The 6-foot-2, 225-pound Thomson was picked in the 18th round by the Red Sox in the recent major league draft, despite his national letter of intent contract with the University of Washington to play football. Thompson said he will honor his Huskies obligation to play safety. His was a whirlwind recruiting process that had the national recruit tugged from all corners of the Pacific-12 Conference and beyond. Thompson said baseball helped him balance his sporting life so he wouldn't be overwhelmed by football around the clock.

Thompson has already reported to Boston's spring training facility in Fort Myers, Fla. for workouts. He will play for the club's Rookie Level Gulf Coast League. Thompson said he needs to work on his hitting - he had 18 hits and 18 strikeouts this spring in batting .305 - but he is confident of his defensive abilities. Thompson has exceptional speed in the outfield and on the base paths, and he has a strong arm.

He admitted to being a bit rusty this spring, having focused on track his sophomore and junior seasons with no baseball involvement in the offseason. The Red Sox clearly view Thompson as a unique athlete with a high ceiling of improvement, and an 18th round selection makes for a relatively low risk.

Said Grant baseball coach Danny Chavez recently, "I just know the kid has a phenomenal arm and all the speed in the world, and he can track any ball down. He has that great athletic ability and great mental approach, and he's such a quality young man, so why not take a chance on putting him in your organization? This game is all about potential and he's got amazing potential."
- Joe Davidson
jdavidson@sacbee.com
Follow on Twitter: @sb_joedavidson

Woodcreek finished No. 14 and Sheldon No. 20 in the final Cal-Hi Sports State Top 30 softball rankings. Norco (31-2) finished as the mythical No. 1.

Woodcreek also was No. 3 in the final state D-II rankings behind Mitty of San Jose and Bonita Vista of Chula Vista. Bear River was No. 4 in the final Division III behind Chino Hills, Oakdale and San Marin of Novato.

• Franklin of Elk Grove finished No. 27 in the final Cal-Hi Top 30 baseball rankings. St. Mary's of Stockton, which swept Franklin for the Sac-Joaquin Section D-I title, finished No. 4. Vista (31-4) of San Diego was No. 1.

Woodcreek finished No. 7 in the final D-II state rankings; Valley Christian of Roseville was No. 3 and Bradshaw Christian No. 10 in D-V.

Former Granite Bay swimmer Haley Anderson, now at USC, has qualified for the London Olympics after winning the women's 10K title at the FINA Olympic Marathon Swim Qualifier in Setubal, Portugal on Saturday.

Anderson, swimming for the United States, beat Hungary's Eva Risztov by 1.4 seconds in finishing in one hour, 44 minutes and 30.6 seconds.

"I'm happy to have won the race," Anderson told Swimming World Magazine. "I'm especially happy with the last stretch where I was able to dig deep. I was working with a lot of adrenalin and knew that I had to put my head down and drive hard to the finish line."

With four-year varsity veteran Dakarai Allen and Franklin transfer Darin Johnson leading the way, Sheldon breezed to a 66-49 victory over Sacred Heart Cathedral of San Francisco in today's championship game of the fourth annual Valley-CRC Summer Challenge at Cosumnes River College.

As often is the case in summer hoops, both teams played shorthanded in the 32-team tournament.

2011-2012 Bee Player of the Year D'Erryl Williams and returning guard Armani Hampton were sidelined with injuries for Sheldon.

Three-time Sac-Joaquin Section Division I boys basketball champion Sheldon will play either Capital Christian or Sacred Heart Cathedral of San Francisco in today's 4:30 p.m. title game of the Valley-CRC Summer Challenge at Cosumnes River College.

Sheldon beat Pleasant Grove earlier today in a very competitive semifinal. Sacred Heart Cathedral is currently playing defending D-V section champion Capital Christian in the other semifinal.

Should Sacred Heart Cathedral win, it will lead to a rematch of last year's tourney final and pit two teams that reached this season's CIF state title games.

Legacy High of Dallas senior Shelbi Vaughan set a new national high school record in the girls discus at tonight's 53rd annual Golden West Invitational at Folsom High School.

Despite windy conditions, Vaughan threw the discus 193 feet, 11 inches, bettering her previous national best of 191-6.

Vaughn has already qualified for the upcoming U.S. Olympic Trials.

See a photo gallery

Here are the winners of the varsity invitational only events:

The Sac-Joaquin Section has released its 2012 Hall of Fame induction class. It's another impressive crew, spanning different sports and different eras. The ceremony will be in October at Power Balance Pavilion.

Here's a closer look, as compiled by section media relations guru Will DeBoard:

ATHLETES
SHAWN ANDAYA-PULLIAM, LODI: Andaya-Pulliam was the 1983 CalHiSports state Ms. Softball (one of six SJS athletes to win this award). She pitched the Flames to Section championships in 1982 and 1983. She went on to Texas A&M, where she earned NCAA all-American and College World Series all-tournament honors three times each. In 1987, Andaya led the nation in strikeouts (326) and wins (36) and she was the winning pitcher in the national championship game. She's a member of the Texas A&M athletic Hall of Fame.

Recent Franklin graduate Kelton Newman will play men's basketball at William Jessup University in Rocklin.

The 6-foot-3 guard averaged 12 points and seven rebounds for the Wildcats this past season.

A three-year varsity player, Newman helped the Wildcats to three Delta Valley League championships while going 30-2 in league and 73-19 overall.

"It is so exciting to get the opportunity to coach Kelton and transform his life today for tomorrow here at WJU," said William Jessup coach Aaron Muhic in a press release. "He has played in one of the best programs in the area and understands the work that goes into competing at the top day in and day out."

Here is the Sacramento Valley Lacrosse Conference spring all-league teams. For corrections or omissions, please e-mail bpaterson@sacbee.com

GIRLS
MVP: Cheyenne Frost, Bella Vista. Coach of the Year: Stu Brokowsky, Granite Bay. All-league: Erin Kennedy, Christian Brothers; Megan Taylor, Sara Kaplan, Kenzie Gainer, Katie O'Brien, Katrina Reeves, Granite Bay; Hayley Kusserow, Lauren Bryan, Meagan Bennett, Charlotte Stewart, St. Francis; Monique Avila, Bella Vista; LIz Shaeffer, Morgan Bakarich, Bridget Hansen, Oak Ridge.

BOYS
MVP: Nate Gruen, Granite Bay. Coach of the Year: Ron Parietti, Jesuit. All-leage: Will Harkin, Spencer Castonguay, Colton Sviba, Michael Geraghty, Grant Caraway, Granite Bay; Elijah Gaea, Brandon Keller, Kevin Dowling, Ben Parietti, Jackson Passantino, Jesuit; Ethan Ackerman, Cody Place, Cayd Rich, Josh Wellman, Oak Ridge; Matt Fagan, Matt Gutierrez, Justin Carpenter, Bella Vista; Bradley Espinoza, Blake Feist, St. Mary's; Corey Schrimpl, Lincoln.

Here are the Capital Athletic League spring all-league teams as submitted to The Bee. For corrections or omissions, please e-mail bpaterson@sacbee.com

BOYS VOLLEYBALL
MVP: David Parker, Whitney.
All-league: Archy Litvinchuk, Keevan Carr, Kirk Basquez, Whitney; Justin Beskeen, Nathan Mansuetti, Richard Young, Bear River; Taylor Davis, Marcus Manuel, Antelope; Sam Bennett, Placer; Daniel Deloney, Rio Americano; Eric Crothers, El Camino.

GIRLS SWIMMING
Swimmers of the year: Taylor Yamahata, Cathy Woo, Rio Americano.
All-league: Tara Kraft, Antelope; Loree Olson, Colleen Daley, Lauren Votova, Whitney; Nikole Runyon, Cierra Blattler, Angelina Proshak, El Camino; Hailey Ferko, Lexie Franz, Morgan McClure, Robyn Butler, Hannah Eastman, Kyra Sanborn, Erin Van Zanten, Gabrielle Ruxin, Rio Americano.

BOYS SWIMMING
Swimmers of the year: John Price, Rio Americano; Brenton Sayers, Antelope.
All-league: Alex Sharp, Sean Gardner, Ian Pallasigui, Bryan Unsing, Antelope; Jimmy Wiley, Nick Jordan, Ben Moser, Chris Smith, Josh Jordan, Cameron Runyon, El Camino; Drew Barnhart, Mira Loma; Zach Yokoyama, Austin Welter, Nolan Mistchenko, Gavin White, Kyle Kulper, Rio Americano; Nick Laughlin, August Gonet, Whitney.

Here are the Tri-County Conference spring all-league teams as submitted to The Bee. For any corrections or omissions, e-mail bpaterson@sacbee.com

GIRLS SOCCER
MVPs: Cheyenne Maxwell, Inderkum; Kayla Treanor, Yuba City.
All-league: Spenser Bradley, Danielle McCarthy, Hailey Maxwell, Melissa Nicorici, Makayla Ruvalcaba, Inderkum; Angelina Gonzales, Victoria Guttierrez, Stacy Larson, Natalie Saldana, Natomas; Sofia Lopez, Jocelya Tomayo, Pioneer; Alexis Agular, River Valley; Emily King, Cynthia Solorio, Kristen Ward, Woodland; Cassidy Fix, Kayla Howard, Bianca Nava, Nubia Ruiz, Yuba City.

SOFTBALL
MVPs: Brittanie Akey, Pioneer; Leona Lafaele, Inderkum; Logan Moreland, Woodland.
All-league: Gabby Bogear, Tatyana Shulz, Inderkum; Alexandria Tinoco, Natomas; Shelby Baertsch, Tori Bellin, Jesyka Eredia, Pioneer; Nicole Robinson, Hailey Shelton, Jacklyn Tanner, River Valley; Kelsey Goodner, Bailey Lerch, Lauren Tharp, Woodland; Andrea Hazel, Jordan Thompson, Yuba City.

BASEBALL
Offensive MVP: Aaron Beyers, Yuba City.
Defensive MVP: Zack Oakley, Yuba City.
All-league: Jake Cormier, Chandler Eden, Cooper Goldby, Robbie Kunkle, Zack Rocha, Yuba City; T.J. Dove, Ryan Johnson, Cameron Olsen, Jake Phillips, River Valley; Justin Carlier, Mike Chavarria, Robert Dougherty, Pioneer; Isaih Hernandez, Mike Secrist, Woodland; Joe Grinstain, Natomas.

BOYS GOLF
MVP: Alex Arroyo, Inderkum.
All-leauge: CJ Spencer, Inderkum; Charles Plank, Pioneer; William Jow, Steven Spatafore, Lucas Vaughn, River Valley; Connor Estrada, Riley Horan, Yuba City.

Here are the Sierra Valley Conference spring all-league teams as submitted to The Bee. For corrections or omissions, please e-mail bpaterson@sacbee.com

BOYS VOLLEYBALL
MVP: Griffin Galvin, Sam Mills, Vista del Lago.
Coach of the year: Alan Magat, El Dorado; Dennis Weaver, Highlands.
All-league: Cody Niemann, El Dorado; Jeremy Bubier, Floyd Wormley, Highlands; Griffin Galvin, Sam Mills, Connor Tevenan, Vista del Lago; Corey Verner, Dan Saich, Union Mine; Brandon Koons, Captial Christian; Jim Hansen, Zach Marshall, Arlis Meyer, Golden Sierra; Alec Shintaku, West Campus;

BOYS GOLF
MVP: Matt Sterling, Liberty Ranch.
All-league: Matt Sterling, Johnny Schultz, Liberty Ranch; Dalton Theis, Arik Koeth, Vista del Lago; Tanner Choate, Landon Garcia, Galt; Chris McKnight, Kevin Penfold, Cosumnes Oaks; Jordan Jones, Nathan Fuller, Union Mine.

GIRLS SOCCER
MVP: Kira Wagoner, Cosumnes Oaks.
Coach of the year: Mike Smith, Liberty Ranch.
All-league: Mackenzie Mercier, Daniela Davis, Janae Gonzales, Shandy Nanomantube, Brittany Fox, Vista del Lago; Kira Wagoner, Brianna Ascencio, Brittany Martin, Ashley Briglia, Cosumnes Oaks; Savannah Porter, Jessica Hartwell, Kelsey Smith, Morgan Gregorio, Liberty Ranch; Alena Salsberg, Taylor Bruno, Hannah Moylan, Haley Caruthers, Union Mine; Annie Wampler, Alicia Rios, River City; Natalie Lizama, Dayna Perez, River City.

Here are the Sierra Foothill League spring all-league teams as submitted to The Bee. For any corrections or omissions, please e-mail bpaterson@sacbee.com

GIRLS SOCCER
MVP: Lauren Gollnick, Del Oro.
All-league: Kayla Collins, Elle Gollnick, Kacey Crane, Jessica Kinsken, Jordan McDaniel, Del Oro; Emily Chalfant, Madeline McArthur, Lauren Hayano, Rachel Dortch, Kristin Womack, Woodcreek; Dorien Johnk, Ashlely Sweeting, Kayla Karlsson, Makenzie Brito, Granite Bay; Kara Erickson, Chanisse Hendrix, Lauren Stafford, Amanda Susbilla, Roseville; Joie Camalo, Laura Purdy, Jaymi Boynton, Rocklin; Emma Curtis, Nevada Union.

SOFTBALL
MVP: Jordan Courage, Del Oro.
All-league: Whitney Smith, Hanna Miller, Hanna George, Courtney Smith, Macie Schwartz, Del Oro; Amanda Horbasch, Jenna Curtan, Christal Vierra, Courtney Johnson, Nicole Miller, Frankie Orlando, Woodcreek; Kayla Fields, Kalei Levy, Lollie Fitzpatrick, Mackensie Priley, Roseville; Maricela Garza, Gia France, Granite Bay; Mikala Strum, Nevada Union; Erin Davis, Maddie Wuelfing, Rocklin.

Here are the Sacramento Metropolitan Athletic League spring all-league teams submitted to The Bee. For any corrections or omissions, please e-mail bpaterson@sacbee.com

BASEBALL
MVP: Jimmy Shaw, Valley Christian Academy
Coach of the year: Brad Gunter Jr., Valley Christian Academy.
All-league: Blake Lavin, Sam Ithurburn, Kameron Schroeder, Faith Christian; Tony Sciacca, Michael Rowles, Andrew Conemac, Curtis Friedlander, Trinity Prep; Teagan Mowry, Jeremiah Moore, Jake Sween, Quentin Moore, Valley Christian Academy; Daniel Vincent, Anthony Alameda, Buckingham Charter; Keith Shots, Lutheran; Morgan Bennett-Smith, Donald Hutchinson, Sac Country Day.

SOFTBALL
MVP: Libby Purtill, Buckingham Charter.
Coach of the year: Jeff Rogers, Sac Adventist.
All-leauge: Sabrina Joseph, Taylor Hill, Katie Kyle, Amanda Diego, Buckingham Charter; Haley Moody, Hannah Hruska, Kiley Delozier, New Life Christian; Sammy Chen, Kaitlyn Johnston, Shayna Fausett, Sac Adventist; Madison Galati, Sam Messina, Sac Country Day; Katie Urban, Cassidy Brown, Erin Patterson, Valley Christian Academy; Shelby Trewater, Liz Growney, Lutheran.

Here is the All-Central Valley California League baseball team as submitted to The Bee. To submit any additional CVCL spring all-league teams, please e-mail bpaterson@sacbee.com

MVP: Anthony Castaneda, Woodland Christian.
Coach of the year: Jerry Miller, Woodland Christian.
All-league: Shane Norton, Woodland Christian; Hunter Phillips, Robert Bristol, Shane Soria, Kyle Soria, Forest Lake Christian; Clayton Coppernoll, Blake Owen, Victory Christian; Charlie Hammond, Sacramento Waldorf; Andrew Prizmich, Delta; Ian Sykes, Foresthill.

Here are the Sierra Delta League spring all-league teams as submitted to The Bee. For corrections or omissions, please e-mail bpaterson@sacbee.com

BASEBALL
MVP: Grant Hessinger, Bradshaw Christian.
Coach of the year: Drew Rickert, Bradshaw Christian.
All-league: Seth Vandergrift, Josh Criswell, Austin Ragsdale, Taylor Blackford, Bradshaw Christian; Decarlos Charleston, Encina; Bryson Campbell, Jeff Klahn, Manny Ramirez, Golden Sierra; Luke Carrasco, Highlands; Ryan Katsuki, Wyatt Oakes, Aaron Gomez, Rio Vista; Harjap Singh, San Juan; David Lindsey, Johnny Barum, Tyler Brassfield, William Nipper, Vacaville Christian.

SOFTBALL
MVP: Taylor Kennedy, San Juan.
Coach of the year: Elaine Rasmussen, Golden Sierra.
All-league: Savannah Stephens, Samantha Bastien, Hollie Johnson, Haley Leard, Kenna Barth, Maci Ruiz, Golden Sierra; Cierra Falston, Cayla Gutierrez, Vacaville Christian; Mary Rose, Encina; Jordan Cox, Brooke-Ashley Castillo, Cynthia Van Bogart, San Juan; Stephanie Douglas, Highlands; Kylee Hagan, Kimmy Guggemos, Crystal Sanchez, Brooke Smith, Rio Vista.

GIRLS SOCCER
Offensive MVP: Jessica Syracuse, Bradshaw Christian.
Defensive MVP: Madison Kelly, Vacaville Christian.
Coach of the year: David Gleason, Golden Sierra.
All-league: Natalie Parks, Sarah Trapp, Karli Passmore, Mary Petree, Savannah Grant, Kenedi Barkley, Bradshaw Christian; Hannah Dumas, Lindsey Hawkins, Elizabeth Venture, Rio Vista; Jenna Pendzinski, Amanda Dukes, Taylor Gleason, Kayla Anderson, Melissa Comstock, Golden Sierra; Brittany Simmers, Lauren Grabowski, Viviana Diaz, Vacaville Christian; Timmiona Lacy, Daniella Barajas, Highlands; Hannah Till, San Juan.

Here are the Metro Conference spring all-league teams that were submitted to The Bee. Any corrections or omissions, please e-mail bpaterson@sacbee.com

BOYS VOLLEYBALL
MVP: Phillip Yang, Kennedy.
All-league: Phillip Yang, Kennedy; Jamon Joe-Smith, Florin; Vue Thao, Christopher Xiong, Johnson; Peter Vang, Alan Yang, Valley; Wan Lee, Keng Chang, Burbank; Jason Wada, Justin Hu, Devin Vlach, Greg Fong, McClatchy.

BOYS SWIMMING
All-league: Matthew Gibbins, Kennedy; Kyle Thielen, Andrew Paiva, Dom Gualco, Nick Kudin, Jake Means, McClatchy; Joe Parsons, Daniel Thompson, Filip Mirita, Thomas Jaramilo, Rosemont.

BOYS DIVING
All-league: Joel Smith, McClatchy.

Here are the Golden Empire League spring all-league teams as submitted to The Bee. Any corrections or omissions, please e-mail bpaterson@sacbee.com

BASEBALL
MVP: Ben Ritchey, Capital Christian.
Coach of the year: Nelson Randolph, Capital Christian.
All-league: AJ Bell, Korey Hall, CJ McLaughlin, Christopher Rost, Dixon; Daniel Contreras, Phil Pantages, West Campus; Demitri Cranshaw, Terrance Bremby, Mauricio Dubon, Tyler Schimpf, Jacob Woehler, Capital Christian; Chad Perry, Marysville; Chris Sisco, Andrew Sutton, Tim Zucco, Lindhurst; Ryan Whalen, Mesa Verde.

GIRLS SOCCER
Defensive MVP: Casidee Lynch, Mesa Verde.
Offensive MVP: Jena Mamola, West Campus.
Coach of the year: Archie Munoz, Dixon.
All-league: Emily Long, Paige Florio, Gabby Rodarte, Lizzie Merrill, Capital Christian; Brianna Buckle, Caitlin Castle, Mesa Verde; Ellie Yang, Mai Lia Xiong, Lindhurst; Zayra Bermudez, Brittany Roupp, Aimee Carrazco, Desiree Gutierrez, Viridiana Munoz, Dixon; Caitlin Galvez, Amanda Meroux, Celeste Romano, Marshe Howard, Zoe Worobel, West Campus; Makaya Synak, Marimar Terriguez, Marysville.

Here are the All-Delta River League spring all-league teams as submitted to The Bee. Any corrections or omissions, e-mail bpaterson@sacbee.com

BASEBALL
MVP: Zach Stilwell, Pleasant Grove.
All-league: Zach Green, Logan James, Julian Barron, Louis Mejia, Jesuit; Alex deWatteville, Zack Mahan, Austin Root, Lance Berringer, Jason Ross, Alex Fitchett, Oak Ridge; JQ Folena, Matt Stafford, Michael Yanez, Tyler Rathjen, Pleasant Grove; Brandon Langan, Sheldon.

SOFTBALL
MVP: Natalie Kessing, Ponderosa.
All-league: Lauren Bertoy, Jackie Schmaeling, Jade Matsumoto, Oak Ridge; Amber Murray, Lindsey Willmon, Vanessa Washington, Pleasant Grove; Giana Bilotta, Skye Jerpbak, Paris Hallums, Ponderosa; Bailey O'Mara, Alexis Viramontes, Stephanie Heyward, St. Francis; MeShalon Moore, Amber Glenn, Alexis Cooper, Sheldon.

BOYS SWIMMING
All-league: Trevor Dong, Brandon Mills, Dylan Kubick, Garrison Yeandle, Joshua Verner, Oak Ridge; Chris Wieser, Jacob Crayne, Matt Flodin, Will Peterson, Matt Hamilton, Keegan Shuping, Jesuit; Andrew Cunningham, Ponderosa.

Here are the All-Delta Valley Conference spring all-league teams as submitted to The Bee. For corrections or omissions, e-mail bpaterson@sacbee.com

BOYS VOLLEYBALL
MVP: Shaft Wesley, Grant.
Coach of the year: Richard Faraimo, Grant.
All-league: Dan Bonetti, Isaac Contreras, Sam Manderfield, Davis; Torrey Smith, Elk Grove; Kyle Blevins, Kameron Tinsley, Franklin; Charles Faraimo, Greg Grady, Grant; Austin Bulda, Laguna Creek; Son Nguyen, Gabriel Tavora, Monterey Trail.

BOYS TENNIS
All-league: Andrew Dumit, Glenn Hull, Sean Mishra, Isaac Zhang, Davis; Adam Barna, Trevor McClelland, Franklin.

BOYS GOLF
MVP: Patrick Levin, Elk Grove.
All-league: Chase Dossa, Charlie Klein, Davis; Alec Cain, Elk Grove; Eric Tam, Nathan Rimmer, Franklin; James Reede, Monterey Trail.

Here are the Capital Valley Conference spring all-league teams as submitted to The Bee. For corrections or omissions, please e-mail bpaterson@sacbee.com

BASEBALL
MVP: Ryan Locke, Bella Vista.
Offensive Player of the year: Ryan Gearing, Oakmont.
Pitcher of the year: David Dellaserra, Bella Vista.
All-league: Jordan Bachart, William Gonzales, Austin Hennen, Mike Phelan, Jordan Vinciguerra, Bella Vista; Nate Bailey, Kyle Fogal, Mitch Samson, Casa Roble; Austin Call, Logan Coggeshall, Dalton Devries, Tommy Wieser, Oakmont; Miles Chambers, Rio Linda; Hunter Dodson, Austin Johnson, Christian Brothers; Tim Hall, Derek Rodigo, Jacob Sexton, Del Campo.

GIRLS TRACK
All-league track and field: McKenzie Sup, Sophia Vivaldi, Autumn Edgar, Sarah Reinhardt, Elise Stevens, Karah Kingsbury, Ashley Feldkamp, Sarah Lack, Sierra Fisher, Keanna Velez, Lauren Bush, Brianna Owen, Hannah Johnson, Bella Vista; Joy Weems, Deborai Allen, Sydney Eberhardt, Olivia Brown, Kate Horst, Del Campo; Marisa Carino, Karlie Garcia, Leah Selby, Katie Carte, Kendra Barnhard, Amanda Youngblood, Tiyana Dorsey, Aria Sherazee, Cheyenne Amaro, Oakmont; Kara Romani, Monica Rocco, Christian Brothers.

By Joe Davidson
jdavidson@sacbee.com

The Major League Baseball Draft ended today after three days and 40 rounds.

A peek at the Sacramento-area players selected:

* Pitcher Martin Agosta of Jesuit, St. Mary's, Giants, second round.

* Short stop Zach Green (pictured left) of Jesuit, Phillies, third round.

* Pitcher Justin Haley of Bella Vista, Sierra College, Fresno State, Red Sox, sixth round.

* Pitcher Ben Eckels of Davis, Diamondbacks, 11th round.

* Pitcher Dylan Chavez of Pleasant Grove, ARC, Mississippi, Red Sox, 14th round.

* Outfielder Cody Keefer of Davis and UCLA, Marlins, 15th round.

* Outfielder Shaq Thompson of Grant, Red Sox, 18th round.

* Pitcher R.J. Davis of Florin, Sacramento City and Sacramento State, Rays, 20th round.

* Catcher Mike Turay of Davis and Stanislaus State, Brewers, 24th round.

* Pitcher Josh Pigg of Franklin, Indians, 28th round.

* Pitcher Mike Quist of UC Davis, Rays, 28th round.

* Catcher Toby DeMello of of Roseville and St. Mary's, Mariners, 29th round.

* Catcher Derrick Chung of Sacramento State, Blue Jays, 31st round.

* Pitcher Justin Dillon of El Dorado, Rockies, 39th round.

* Catcher Scott Kalush of UC Davis, Orioles, 39th round.

* Infielder Dalton Blaser of Roseville, A's, 39th round.

* Outfielder Pat Stover of Rocklin and Santa Clara, Dodgers, 40th round.

Twitter: @sb_joedavidson

The Sacramento Pro Development League tonight , Thursday and beyond in 7:15 p.m. games at Capital Christian will feature two players with upside as great as their skill set in Zach Andrews and James Nunnally.

Zach Andrews, a 6-foot-9 forward out of Cordova High School and Yuba College, will make his local summer debut. He had a four-year professional stint overseas and was an NBA D-League All-Star last season. He was invited to the Lakers training camp roster in December.

Andrews averaged 11.1 points and 9 rebounds for former Kings coach Eric Musselman in the D-League.

Equally as impressive, Andrews has been an advocate for Sacramento-area homeless. He has spoken passionately about his own childhood of "couch surfing" in seeking shelter from friends, relatives and sometimes Cordova teachers.

Nunnally, a 6-6 guard from Stockton, averaged 16.3 points last season for UC Santa Barbara, coached by former UC Davis coach Bob Williams.

SPDL coordinator and area strength and conditioning coach Guss Armstead raved about the ability and work ethic of Nunnally and Andrews.

"Zach just got back from the elite D-League camp where NBA scouts watch the top 40 guys," Armstead said. "He's an energy, effort guys, relentless, a big time athlete."

Armstead on Nunnally, "He's been training with us for two months. Several teams are interested in him coming in for a workout. He's a really skilled two-guard with a high basketball IQ and a great feel for the game. He's a full box score kind of guy - scoring, rebounding, assists, steals."
- Joe Davidson
jdavidson@sacbee.com
Follow on Twitter: @sb_joedavidson

Del Oro's Austin Smotherman won the individual title and Granite Bay the team title at this afternoon's CIF State boys golf championships at the San Gabriel Country Club in Southern California.

Smotherman shot a four-under-par 67 to become the first area individual champion while Granite Bay shot an 18-over 374 to become the first area team champion since the state tournament was reinstated in 2004.

Del Campo won a team title in 1977 and Jesuit's Murray Stoltz won an individual title in 1979, when a smaller-field state boys golf tournament was held from 1976 to 1981.

Smotherman, a senior, defeated Beau Hossler Jr. of Santa Margarita Catholic of Rancho Santa Margarita by one stroke and Nicolo Galletti of Foothill-Pleasanton and Santa Margarita's Andrew Levitt by two strokes.

Smotherman's score was the second lowest by an individual in state history. Murrieta Valley's Rickie Fowler, now a PGA professional, shot a 64 at the Santa Maria Country Club in 2006.

There was a shriek in the Thompson household Wednesday afternoon in North Sacramento.

Everyone - family and friends - was elated to the point of throwing couch cushions about the news of Shaq Thompson being drafted in the 18th round of the Major League Draft by the Boston Red Sox. Everyone, that is, except Captain Cool himself.

Typical, humble Shaq. The recently graduated Grant High School football star grinned, high-fived all comers and absorbed the news with the sort of calm and composure that has shaped his sporting career and made him such a beloved figure to youth and elderly in Del Paso Heights, where sports figures are generally hailed as heroes.

Pitcher Ben Eckels of Davis High School was drafted in the 11th round of today's Major League Baseball Draft by the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Eckels, a 6-foot, 175-pound hard-throwing senior and the region's top arm this spring, went 7-2 this season for the Blue Devils. Davis won the Delta Valley Conference and reached the Sac-Joaquin Section Division I North finals.

Eckels was superb in the postseason with two victories, striking out 12 to beat Oak Ridge and downing Vacaville in fanning 11. His best pitches are a fastball that tops out at 94 mph and a slider.

Eckels pitched this season in honor of his family and also for Scott Heinig, his pitching coach last season, who was also a close friend and a tutor. Heinig died from a fall during last season. Eckels said that getting drafted would be a "dream come true" to honor Heinig and his family that has watched him compete home and away since his youth in Yolo County.

Eckels and teammate Chris Gnos were this week presented by Davis coach Dan Ariola the program's Bobby Jones MVP Award. Jones is the former Davis High star who died during his senior season from leukemia and has remained an inspiration to scores of players growing up in Davis. He also happens to be Eckels' uncle, making for a powerfully emotional presentation for his family.

Eckels told our good friend Bruce Gallaudet of The Davis Enterprise late today that he will sign and report to work this weekend, after his Davis graduation. Talk about growing up in a hurry. Graduate and report to work, armed with a uniform and baseball hat.
- By Joe Davidson
jdavidson@sacbee.com
Twitter: @sb_joedavidson

Power pitcher Justin Haley of Bella Vista High School, Sierra College and Fresno State was picked in the sixth round by the Boston Red Sox in today's Major League Draft.

At 6-foot-5 and 235 pounds, Haley has a fastball that tops out at 95 mph. He also has a breaking ball and change in the mix. Haley went 7-4 with Fresno State this spring as a junior. He struck out 94 in 93 innings. He will sign with the Red Sox organization, according to Fresno State reports.

Haley was drafted in the 46th round of the 2010 MLB Draft by Cleveland before playing at Sierra and Fresno State.

Haley was an inside basketball presence for Bella Vista, an example of his athletic gifts, leading his team in 2009 to a 25-5 mark, the best showing for the Broncos since 1990. He led Bella Vista in scoring (13.1 points) and rebounding (6.3).
- By Joe Davidson
jdavidson@sacbee.com
On Twitter: @sb_joedavidson

Shortstop/slugger Zach Green of Jesuit High School was selected by the Philadelphia Phillies in the third round of today's Major League Baseball Draft, making it a great haul for Marauders players.

In the second round, St. Mary's College ace and Jesuit alum Martin Agosta was picked by the Giants. Those are the two highest drafted players thus far in the draft this season.

Green, a powerfully built 6-foot-3, 195-pounder, anchored the Jesuit infield for two seasons. He has excellent range and good power at the plate. He batted .417 with 21 runs scored and 15 RBIs this season. He only hit one home run, but he also ripped a number of foul balls into the trees down the left-field line at his home park, dropping limbs and birds nests to the ground.

Scouts have followed Green for more than a year. Green now weighs a decision of going to Oregon State or signing.

Martin Agosta of Jesuit High School and St. Mary's College was selected in the second round of today's Major League baseball draft by the San Francisco Giants, his favorite team that features his favorite player in Tim Lincecum.

The 6-foot-1, 189-pound junior right-handed pitcher emerged as a prospect after a solid, if not spectacular prep career.

Agosta relied on three pitches and can hit 94 mph with great movement to go with a curve and changeup. Agosta is also known for his composure.

Agosta played high school ball with catcher Andrew Susac, a second-round pick by the Giants last season. Susac is with Class-A San Jose this summer, recently hitting a grand slam. Jesuit won the 2009 Sac-Joaquin Section Division I championship with Agosta striking out 57 in 45 inning in going 5-1 with a save. It was during a bases-loaded jam that St. Mary's head coach Jedd Soto noticed Agosta's poise. He didn't get rattled, escaped the jam and won the game.

Agosta's 19 career victories at St. Mary's are tied for third all time with the Gaels, and his nine victories this spring were the most at the Moraga school since 1991. He recorded 223 career strikeouts.
- By Joe Davidson
jdavidson@sacbee.com

McClatchy's Jordan Montiero-Williams, who came into the CIF State Track and Field championships as the No. 15 seed in the boys long jump, placed second in tonight's championship finals at Buchanan High School in Clovis.

Montiero-Williams, a senior, jumped a personal best 23 feet, 9.75 inches to finish behind champion Adoree Jackson of Serra of Gardena. Jackson, a sophomore, jumped 25-0.50.

Redlands' Walter Jones finished third with a jump of 23-9.50. Montiero-Williams' mark was wind-aided.

Rosemont's Nia Dorner finished second in tonight's girls 400-meter final at the CIF State Track and Field championships at Buchanan High School in Clovis.

State leader Renetia James, a senior at Serra of Gardena, won in a time of 53.98 seconds.

Dorner, a junior, took second in 55.272, edging Great Oak of Temecula senior Khala Taylor (55.275).

James bettered her season best of 54.26 set during Friday's trials.

STOCKTON - From a 1-5 season start to competing on the final day of the Sac-Joaquin Section playoffs, this turnaround baseball season will surely be remembered for years to come at Franklin High School.

The Wildcats of Elk Grove kept that theme in mind in digesting an otherwise difficult day, falling to state power St. Mary's 8-2 in Game 2 of the Division I best-of-three series Saturday afternoon at the University of the Pacific. In taking the series 2-0, the Rams of Stockton celebrated a large-school repeat, joining Elk Grove's run from 2005-07 as the only ones to accomplish such a feat.

St. Mary's in recent seasons has taken down tradition Sacramento-area powers Elk Grove (2010) and Jesuit (2011) and then the upstart section club of 2012.

On Saturday, St. Mary's (27-6) was sharp and Franklin (22-12) was not. The young Wildcats usedf three pitchers, had four errors, managed two hits through six innings and were a step slow against a senior-dominated Rams team that played one of the top schedules on the West Coast. Gio Brusa, the lone starter on the Rams' three-peat, had two hits and four RBIs.

"Great team," Franklin first-year coach Bryan Kilby said of the Rams. "They battled all day and did the little things and we didn't. We can't hang our heads. We've got a nice gorup. We battled all year. It wasn't out day. Four errors is very uncharacteristic for us, and bases loaded with no out and getting one run wasn't like us. But we had a great season."

Franklin placed third in the Delta Valley Conference behind Davis and Elk Grove and then beat those teams in the D-I North postseason, in addition to eliminating then Bee No. 1 Pleasant Grove. Of the 25 players in the Franklin dugout Saturday, 20 will return. Those bidding farewell include senior mainstays in pitchers Josh Pigg, Kyle Von Ruden and Brandon Keup.

An example of the Franklin drive and resolve came from Hank LoForte. The freshman shorstop and leadoff hitter spent three early morning hours in the hospital to figure out what ailed his stomach. He insisted on playing. He will return along with starters in Tyler Blake, Kyle Zanzi, Ryan Sarginson, Nick Frei and Connor Adams.

St. Mary's coach Pete Pijl had his game face on an hour before the first pitch. The veteran Rams coach known for his charm and candor away from the field got into the face of event coordinator Hal Steinback and barked about how the game is "for the kids" in contesting why Steinback was hesitant to allow a junior varsity player out of unifor in for free. At the Klein Family Field entrance, Pijl bumped into Steinback, long regarded as one of the region's most composed and classy coaches at Del Oro in golf and baseball. Steinback never raised his voice, though he did tell the coach to, "get out of my face."

Pijl was all smiles in victory, however, though he and Steinback did not shake hands during the banner presentation.
- By Joe Davidson
jdavidson@sacbee.com

Having made the two best jumps of his career in the last two meets, Rio Americano's Basil Okoroike couldn't come up with an equalizer in tonight's CIF State Track and Field Championship boys triple jump trials in Clovis.

Okoroike jumped a personal best 47 feet, 5 inches in winning the Sac-Joaquin Section Division II-III triple jump title May 16, then almost matched that with a 47-4.50 for second place at the May 24 Masters finals.

But at tonight's trials Okoroike's best of three jumps was 46-10.75. That placed him 10th, one spot from qualifying for Saturday's finals.

David Booker of Tulare Western landed the last qualifying spot with a best of 46-11.25.

Despite a valiant try by injured star Esther Higgwe, the Monterey Trail girls 4x100 relay team finished out of the running at tonight's CIF State Track and Field Championship trials in Clovis.

The Mustangs had the 11th fastest time in finishing in 47.95 seconds. The top nine qualified for Saturday's finals.

Higgwe, who injured her right hamstring during last Friday's Sac-Joaquin Section Masters championships and was on crutches all week, ran the anchor leg but clearly was not at her best.

She opted not to run the 100 meters later in the evening.

Monterey Trail finished second in Heat Three to St. Mary's Academy of Inglewood, which ran the second fastest overall time of the night in 46.53. Serra of Gardena, running in Heat Two, had the top time of 46.01.

STOCKTON - They are brothers, roommates and the best of friends.

Rest assured, Friday night lasted into the wee hours amid fast food and game-day projections.

Franklin High School baseball coach Bryan Kilby and brother Brad - the pitching coach - left the University of the Pacific plotting new strategies after a frustrating 4-2 loss to St. Mary's in the opener of the Sac-Joaquin Section Division I best-of-three series.

The Rams of Stockton made it 2-0 in the second inning off a chopper to third that was lost in the sun and then pulled ahead in the bottom of the fifth with a sacrifice fly by Charlie Gaff and a J.J. Wagner RBI double. Joey Caffese and Kyle Cortopassi kept the Wildcats of Elk Grove in check with a four-hitter for the program's 18th victory in 20 outings.

Franklin starter Kyle Von Ruden pitched well, striking out six and allowing four, but his team managed just one two-out hit and stranded runners in five of the seven innings. Still, the Wildcats (22-11) remain upbeat, understanding they can derail a juggernaut and clinch their own bit of history today. Franklin, winners of 16 of 19 coming into Friday, must win twice today at UOP in order to secure its first baseball championship and just the third team title in school history (softball and track).

St. Mary's (26-6) is attempting to become just the second large school in section history to three-peat, joining the Jeff Carlson-coached Elk Grove teams of 2005-2007. The other significant dynasty run in D-I was put together by Cordova and famed coach Guy Anderson with three titles in four seasons and four in seven in the 1980s.

St. Mary's coach Pete Pijl has his program in the title series for the fifth time in six years.
St. Mary's has fared well against Sacramento-area foes this season with early nonleague wins over Rocklin (1-0) and Elk Grove (5-4). The Rams are 5-0 in this postseason, though Franklin held them to their lowest run total in that stretch.

"I liked the way we battled," coach Kilby said, his brother addressing the team near by. "I like how our young team competed against a team like St. Mary's that starts only one junior, the pitcher. It was a tough ball in the sun; little things."

Kyle Zanzi tied it 2-2 in the Franklin third with a two-run triple to dead center. The outfielder also showcased his cannon arm with throws to the plate.

Franklin will start hard-throwing ace Josh Pigg (6-1) today at noon with Game 3, if necessary, to follow. Pigg has had some spectacular playoff moments this spring with wins over Pleasant Grove and Davis, ranked No. 1 and No. 2 by The Bee entering the postseason. Confidence in Pigg? One could sense it in the faces of the Wildcats.

"Absolutely," Kilby said. "We're always confident, especially with Josh. We leave with our heads held high and we'll come back (today) ready for two games. We can do it."
- By Joe Davidson
Davidson joins Mike Finnerty on Saturday from 9-10 a.m. on the SureWest Sports Radio Show on ESPN1320.net to review the prep sports year and to look ahead. The show links later in the day to ESPN1320.net.

Bear River's Kendal Nielsen has qualified for Saturday's CIF State Track Championship finals in the girls long and triple jumps.

Nielsen placed seventh in both events at today's trials in Clovis.

The senior had a best of 18 feet, 5.24 inches in the long jump and went 38-5.5 in the triple jump.

The top nine placers qualify for the finals.

Nielsen hit her best mark in the long jump on the last of three attempts. She hit her top mark in the triple jump on her second of three attempts.

Alexis Faulknor of Serra of Gardena had the top qualifying long jump mark of 19-4.75. Sasha Wallace of Oakland's Holy Names had the top triple jump preliminary mark of 41-7.50.

Another area long jumper, freshman Mackenzie Arnold of River Valley, finished a non-qualifying 16th today with a best of 17-6.75.

McClatchy's Jordan Montiero-Williams qualified for the boys long jump finals at today's CIF State Track and Field Championship trials in Clovis.

Montiero-Williams placed seventh with a best of 23 feet, 3.5 inches. The top nine advance to Saturday's championships.

Serra of Gardena's Adoree Jackson had the top qualifying jump of 24-2.

Del Oro's Casey Wheeler and Brie Simmons were heat winners and finals qualifiers in their respective 300 hurdles races tonight at the CIF State Track and Field Championships in Clovis.

Both will compete in Saturday's championships.

Wheeler won the boys 300 hurdles Heat Three in 37.53 seconds and had the third fastest time overall. Jarrett Gonzales of Southern Section Damien had the fastest time of 37.44.

Earlier today, Wheeler also qualified in the 110 high hurdles.

Simmons won girls 300 hurdles Heat No. 4 in 42.62 and had the fifth overall fastest time. Sac-Joaquin Section Masters champion Deja Pugh of Fairfield had the night's top time of 41.73.

Simmons was a non-qualifier earlier today in the 100 hurdles and the 100 meters.

Foothill's Lawre'll Dobbins has qualified for Saturday's CIF State Track and Field Championships in the girls high jump.

Dobbins cleared 5 feet, 5 inches to finish in a three-way tie for sixth place at today's trials.

The senior missed on three tries at 5-7.

The top nine competitors advance to the finals.

Dobbins is the three-time Sac-Joaquin Section Masters champion.

Rocklin's Leah Carter failed to qualify, finishing with a best of 5-1.

Oakmont's Edixon Puglisi landed the last qualifying spot in the boys 800 meters at tonight's trials of the CIF State Track and Field Championships in Clovis.

Puglisi's time of one minutes, 52.88 seconds with the ninth fastest.

Puglisi ran in Heat Two, the fastest of the three heats, where he finished fourth. Heat winner Kevin Gonzalez of Vista Murrieta had the night's fastest time of 1:51.90.

Puglisi finished third at last Friday's Sac-Joaquin Section Masters Championships.

It was a close call for Jesuit's Austin Mitsch at tonight's trials of the CIF State Track and Field championships in Clovis.

The junior barely missed qualifying for Saturday's finals in the boys 100 meters.

Mitsch had the 10th fastest time - the top nine qualify - in running 10.665 in Heat Four.

It was mixed results at the trials for Del Oro athletes Casey Wheeler and Brie Simmons earlier this evening in the short hurdles at the CIF State Track and Field Championships in Clovis.

Wheeler qualified in the boys 110 high hurdles but Simmons failed to move on in the girls 100 hurdles.

Wheeler ran the fifth fastest qualifying time of the evening in 14.26 seconds.

Rosemont's Nia Dorner ran the second fastest qualifying time and a personal best of 54.81 seconds moments ago in the girls 400-meter dash trials at the CIF State Track and Field Championships in Clovis.

The performance moves the junior into Saturday's finals.

Dorner's time was the best in Heat Three.

California leader Renetia James of Serra of Gardena had the fastest time of 54.26 running in the Heat One.

Dorner is attempting to become the Sac-Joaquin Section's first girls state meet sprint champion (100 through 400 meters).

Del Campo's Joy Weems ran a non-qualifying 56.95 in Heat One and Monterey Trail's A'Jah Love a non-qualifying 57.27 in Heat Two.

A number of area players will participate in the inaugural Sacramento River Cats' Raley Field High School Baseball Showcase Doubleheader on Sunday.

The event, with games at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m., culminates the River Cats' high school baseball series that featured 46 games this spring at the home of the Oakland A's Triple-A affiliate.

Each of the four teams, which will have 25-man rosters, will be managed by former Major League players, including Jim Barr, Rowland Office, Dion James and Greg Vaughn.

Admission and parking to Sunday's games are free, although fans are encouraged to donate to the Sacramento Food Bank.

Any fan making a cash donation of $5 or more - or any canned good donation - will receive a ticket voucher good for any Monday-Wednesday River Cats home game during the 2012 season.

Game 1, 1 p.m.
Garrett Greenhaw, Anderson; Josh Toft and James Harris, Bear River; Jack Payne and Josh Tucker, Benicia; David Huson, Casa Roble; Kyle Twisselman and Zack Seibert, Chico; Gary Root and Michael Moore, Colfax; Cyrus Yerxa, Colusa; Chirstopher roster and AJ Bell, Dixon; Tommy Sleva and Justin Oscan, East Nicolaus; Zack Woods and Mitch MacDonald, Foothill; Jordan Koch, Elk Grove; Brandon Taylor, Derek Gogna and Jacob Stewart, Linden; Mario Smaldino and Mossimo Smaldino, Maria Carrillo; Chase Conla and Kody Waite, Mt. Shasta; Dusty Zeisler and Spencer Cho, Nevada Union; Logan Coggeshell, Oakmont; Billy Broad, Portola; Tyler Reed and Cole Robinson, Red Bluff; Jake Phillips and Austin Spencer, River Valley; Jesse Scholtens, Rodriguez; Justin Beacham and Kahlil King, Sacramento; Jaake Lorigan, Sheldon; Caleb Parker, Quintin Hicks and Morgan Osgood, Sutter; Isaac Williams and Tyler Leal, Union Mine; Zach Rocha and Robbie Kunkle, Yuba City.

Game 2, 7 p.m.
Bryan Babock and Wayne Castro, Antelope; Ryan Locke and David Dellaserra, Bella Vista; Jacob Whoeler, Capital Christian; Nathan Lukes and Rick Rebello, Mitch Samson, Casa Roble; Center; Jonathan Macmonagle and Jonathan Mckeown, Cordova; Ben Eckels and George Hatamiya, Davis; Michael Frantz and Joey Thompson, El Camino; Justin Dillon, El Dorado; Trevor Hicks, Elk Grove; Josh Pigg, Franklin; Logan James and Louis Mejia, Jesuit; Malik Pruitt and Justin Beatty, Laguna Creek; Jared James, McClatchy; Ryan Gearing, Oakmont; Lance Berringer and Cody Morris, Oak Ridge; Michael Chavarria, Pioneer; Zach Stilwell, Pleasant Grove; Alex Mungnaini and Sutter McLoughlin, Rio Americano; Miles Chambers and Jesse Luna, Rio Linda; Tanner McVey and Stevin Cisneros, Rocklin; Dalton Blaser and Mark Reece, Roseville; Austin Hagarty and Shaun Mize, Woodcreek.

For more, go to River Cats

Even though Austin Mitsch is one of the Sac-Joaquin Section's top boys sprinters, he still gets a little star-struck.

He's a big Shaq Thompson fan, the Grant football star who Mitsch ran against last season before Thompson decided to switch this spring to baseball.

"He's a great athlete, and a really great guy," Mitsch said. "He came out (May 16) and ran on Grant's relay team. I thought it was cool that he remembered me, and we got to talk some more."

On Friday, the junior won the boys 100 meters and anchored the boys 4x100 relay to victories at the Sac-Joaquin Section Masters finals despite battling a groin injury.

Mitsch and his relay mates, Jacy Neczypor, Loren Pilorin (also a 100 qualifier) and Zane Westmoreland, will compete in tonight's trials of the 94th annual CIF State Track and Field Championships at Buchanan High School in Clovis.

Sheldon's motto for the 2012 softball campaign, one season after winning the Sac-Joaquin Section Division I title, was "New Year, New Team, Same Dream."

But as the season wore on and the Huskies hung on the precipice of not making the postseason, Sheldon coach Mary Jo Truesdale decided another motivational mantra was needed.

And she gives an assist to former Sheldon assistant coach Joe Henderson, the father of former Huskies stars and Jolene and Danielle Henderson. (Both are playing for top-ranked Cal in today's Women's College World Series in Oklahoma City.)

Armond Armstead has found football employment north of the border.

Armstead, a defensive lineman from Pleasant Grove High School and USC, has signed with the Toronto Argonauts of the Canadian Football League.

The 6-foot-5, 300-pound Armstead has impressed in early camp workouts. He was fielding NFL offers as an undrafted rookie free agent but jumped at the chance to play right away after more than a year away from the sport. The CFL season starts later this month. NFL camps open in late July.

Armstead could also conceivably wind up in the NFL at the conclusion of this coming CFL season, which ends in November. Armstead said he is using the CFL experience to jump-start his career after sitting out last season at USC when the school would not clear him to compete.

Armstead's NFL stock dropped because of medical concerns. Before his senior season at UCS, Armstead was briefly hospitalized but a battery of tests revealed he had no heart or blood condition. Still, USC would not clear him to play and NFL teams were leery enough to not draft him, though he had a number of workouts with teams and made visits to NFL sites.

"I had an episode and I was hospitalized,'' Armstead told Canadian media. "They ran a bunch of tests and found out I didn't have any heart condition or any blood condition. That's basically it. I came out and tried to go to the draft, but teams were scared because of the history and they didn't want to take a chance on me....I didn't want to wait until July (for an NFL camp tryout. I decided on the sure shot. All I wanted was an opportunity and the Argos gave me one."

Armstead added that he has been amazed at the experience - the hospitality, the competition and the wildlife, including deer racing across practice fields.

"You just don't see this connection between nature and man in the United States," Armstead said. "It's beautiful and I've enjoyed it."

The Argos also employ former Sacramento State All-American quarterback Ricky Ray and former Del Campo receiver Jason Barnes, younger brother of the Lakers' Matt Barnes.

- By Joe Davidson
jdavidson@sacbee.com