Knop is a future star at La Salle (Photo by Anne Cypress)
I’ve said it numerous times during the last couple of weeks of softball that this might the best crop of players in the area in recent memory.
This week Bonita defeated Charter Oak in the finals of the Charger Classic. What makes this game so remarkable is the fact that both teams can hit the ball yet pitching definitely was the difference.
Four-Letter Phenom
Speaking of talent, how about a four-letter star that is only a freshman.
Watching La Salle for two and half games it became clear that Caroline Knop is the future of the Lancers squad.
Knop played volleyball, golf, and basketball prior to the softball season. She doesn’t appear to be getting fatigued either with an impressive display this week in the Charter Oak tournament.
This season in nine games Knop’s batting average is at .409 with nine RBI’s. She has speed to play any part of the outfield and a throwing arm that was displayed in the game against Monrovia.
And That’s Why She’s Going to UW
When hearing that players are going to a Division I program, it takes some time for me to be dazzled by those players.
After watching Courtney Gano for five games, she has WOW factor.
Gano is clutch at the plate, probably the best pure hitter in the Valley. Deceptively quick on the base paths and can stretch one-base advancements to two-bases in a heartbeat.
The best part of her game….fielding with incredible range and arm strength. Best play came during Saturday’s championship in which she made a diving stop in the hole between second and short and still got the runner at first.
The Tale of La Serna
Down the 605 in the Del Rio League, the Lancers look to make noise.
A win against Glendora and Northview put La Serna in the talk to take the Del Rio League with a crop of five-freshman.
The Lancers can hit the ball around the yard just ask Northview who gave up 13 runs to the young team.
La Canada will need to have hot bats against Floyd and San Marino. (Photo by Anne Cypress)
Who to Watch
The Mid will be at the following games this week.
March 22 – La Canada at San Marino – Its pitcher’s duel before any team steps on the field with Spartans senior pitcher Lauren O’Leary and Titans sophomore pitcher Michelle Floyd battling.
March 23 – Mayfair at Cerritos – The top two teams in the Suburban face-off in the league opener.
March 24 – St. Joseph at Bishop Amat – First look at the Lancers in its rebound season after a disappointing 2010. This will be a huge litmus test for Bishop Amat.
March 25 – Temple City at San Marino – A good hitting team against one of the best pitchers in the area in Michelle Floyd.
Any players that we are missing or games that you feel need coverage email me at andy@midvalleysports.com
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