Tim Peterson
By Tim Peterson
Raise your hand if you predicted at the start of the season that the top two teams in the Montview League and and the second place team in the Miramonte League would be in the CIF Finals. Okay, put your hands down. You’re lying.
That’s exactly where we stand however as Duarte, Nogales and La Puente will all compete for a championship this Saturday. We know the wide open divisions in football have made it possible for many teams that previously didn’t have a shot at a title to make a run and the same is true now in basketball. La Puente may be the biggest surprise of all. The Warriors finished second in the Miramonte at 7-3, behind Pomona who went 10-0. But the Warriors have won when it counted and here they are.
Do we dare say “Warriors come out to plaaaayyy!”
Duarte has taken some heat on our boards for being in a soft division. While it’s true that Division 5A will never be mistaken for murderers row the Falcons still had to beat the opponents in front of them to advance. And boy have they! They haven’t just beaten them, they’ve hammered them into submission. The Falcons have wiped out their three playoff opponents by 41, 33 and 40 points. Duarte racked up 50 points on St. Monica Academy by halftime. Lesser division or no, the Falcons have proved they belong in the Finals. If you haven’t seen Duarte forward Danny Pina yet you’re missing out. He’s fun to watch.
Former SGV Weekly writer/Area Football Coach/ Football Referee Steve Collins is now the PA Announcer for Duarte basketball games.
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It’s nice to see Chino Hills in the CIF Finals without any of the Ball Brothers involved, well without LaVar Ball anyway. That being said the Huskies matchup against Pasadena Saturday night in the Division 1 Finals is the game of the weekend. Who’s going to win? Well, there are some comparisons based on common opponents. Both teams beat Rancho Verde, Damien and George Washington, and both teams lost to Rancho Christian. The Bulldogs beat Centennial while the Huskies split with them. Looks like a toss up. I’ll go with Pasadena in a game that goes down to the wire. Be there Saturday night at Azusa Pacific at 8:30 p.m.
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I know I’m going to be accused of jumping on the bandwagon when I show up at the Glendora Girls Final Friday night at APU. Hey, what can I say? The Lady Tartans are 30-0!
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What’s up at Monrovia? A decision on the head coach was expected last week but it’s still dragging on. I’m hearing the front runner is a prominent area offensive coordinator along with a long time area coach. They have both interviewed twice. I was asked not to throw any names out there but I will say that both are well known names on the local high school football scene.
Again, Wardell Crutchfield is not in the mix.
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Ready for it or not, baseball is back. I got out last Saturday to check out some action at South El Monte. Norwalk won the first game and was in control of the second before letting a big lead get away and falling in the nightcap. Not a bad crowd on hand for a Saturday in February. I’ve always liked covering baseball in the SGV. There’s been some good talent come out of this area over the years. The biggest problem with baseball is the 3:15 starts. It makes it hard for parents and reporters who are working two jobs to get to the games. I know it’s not in the school budgets but lights at all baseball fields and Friday night games would be a blessing.
Speaking of area baseball talent did you know that former Monrovia pitcher Eddie McKiernan, who also had a stint in the minor leagues for the Angels, is now the head coach at La Salle?
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The purge of area sportswriters continues. Long time Star News/SGV Tribune prep sportswriter Steve Ramirez was laid off last week. Ramirez who went to regular news about a year ago to continue working was a mainstay on San Gabriel Valley High School Sports scene for 20 years. Ramirez was one of the hardest working, diligent writers you will ever come across. He was the epitome of professionalism. He will be sorely missed.
That’s my principle.
Tim can be reached at tim@midvalleysports.com or on Twitter @tspeterson40.
Coach William’s would’ve been set up for a great season if he didn’t bring back some of the old coaches, who do nothing but cause issues within the team. He should have brought in a whole new staff… And yes there was one player that I know of who jumped to Arcadia, hopefully Moore leave… Good Luck Wildcats…GOOD Luck coach you’ll need it..
Nice try Chris Williams! On the radar already, and haven’t even started yet. No wonder it’s never worked out with you as a HC.
Definitely not Coach Williams but you are definitely coach bozo. I bet he doesn’t even know who you are. I think it’s funny that you revealed yourself. Bozo!
Not mad at all Chris Williams. In fact, you amuse me! Your reputation is rearing it’s ugly head again! Monrovia admin and community are taking notes!
Did I touch a nerve bozo? Look how mad and defensive you got. What’s you’re beeper number I’ll page you instead. Clown!
Hey Chris Williams, stay off the blogs when trying to get hired for a new job!! Monrovia admin doesn’t like it, trust me!
How can I contact Bozo the clown? Tried calling him at arcadia but they said he was off transporting players to Compton, Victorville, San Diego county you name it. Everywhere but arcadia. Anyway I bet he does recruiting trips and Bozo business on the way home. Please don’t mistake him for Homie the clown! Homie the clown was cool plus too expensive so I have to settle for Bozo. I’ll try arcadia again tomorrow.
On a side note Cadia, Monrovia has some really good talent coming in. I wouldn’t hold my breath hoping some Cats arrive at your door steps ready to trade tradition for hope. From what I’m hearing, some of those so—called Apaches are on the fence on where they would rather be.
Take your time Monrovia!! Just remember, when transfer paperwork comes in, it wasn’t the kid’s fault it took so long to figure it out!
Bozo the Clown available for parties, weddings, bar mitzvahs, back yard Boogie’s any event. Contact OC at Arcadia High.
Truth is @Rovia is a area coach taking advantage, trying to get current Monrovia players to play at his school and knows he can’t if Williams comes in. Its obvious.
@Rovia,
If Williams really has back ground issues, how is he still employed at Baldwin Park Unified? And was employed with Covina unified? Looks like someone gave you bad info.
@Rovia stop It! You know nothing stay tuned…
Rumor is there’s a background issue with Williams. Stay tuned…..
Wait! I thought they hired Chris Williams? Why would any of the players transfer out now? And if they did they’d be making a HUGE MISTAKE. I know Chris and Monrovia, you got it right this time!
@Rovia
Until we intercept them back. Why anyone would want to play for Bozo maxie is beyond me.
Three kids (so far) checking out of Monrovia this week.
@Anonymous
Hahahaha what do all those coaches have in common??
Best recruiters in the summer, best chokers in the December!! Hahaha
Monrovia hiring their new coach is a great move! He’s a great offensive mind, will do a great job!
I like it! From the looks of things Monrovia got a good coach.
Hope he hires a defensive guy cuz he has never been around good defenses. He should have good QB talent every year at Monrovia so his offenses should be solid. But remember it now…. They will always have better talent that SM but SM has Hobbie….. Good luck with that. The rest of the Rio Hondo is terrible.
It’s an easy hire because he isn’t a teacher. Just give him campus safety and he is set. The district pay is terrible for teachers over there.
It’s amazing to me that a most Little League fields have lights but most high schools do not. Attendance, interest and revenue would jump if parents and sports writers could go to the games at night. All the millions of dollars acquired through bonds and the superintendents couldn’t allocate $10,000 for lights? Sad. Temple City is a perfect example. The pool is being redone with bond money, probably a million or more but no money for lights. Also, TC baseball looking very good this year with a coaching addition, some young studs and some confidence earned in a tie with a team from Korea a couple of weeks ago. Elks tournament should be interesting.
Chris Williams to Monrovia?!?
bold move for Monrovia! From what I have seen last few years, his offense puts up great numbers. If the talent is there, then expect that scoreboard to light up on Friday nights.
Pasadena versus Chino Hills is going to be great because the Bulldogs have a national maxpreps rating of 96, while the Huskies are rated 84th nationally. Duarte versus Da Vinci Academy is going to be lousy, because the Da Vinci group is rated number 6798 nationally, compared to 3160 for the Falcons. Perhaps CIF should take the maxpreps numbers into consideration when they assign teams to the various divisions. This would help them to avoid the embarrassment of this year’s 5A mismatch.
Monrovia’s new coach has coached at BP, Wilson, NV.
I wish him nothing but success.
What schools are still without a HC?
Bold prediction….. Monrovia hires.. MM long time area coach and former OC at a school just off the 60 Freeway..????? HMMM”????
From T. Peterson: No he ended up not applying.
Clarke struggle at the last two schools he coached at. I don’t think Monrovia wants Clarke.
Chris Williams New Head Coach @ Monrovia
One Wipe
Thanks for the information man…
The kid committed a violation and has been punished. I’m sure the kid feels bad enough as it is. I’m sure he’s learned his lesson.
Just spoke with Clarke. He is at Gladstone until he retires.
Tim, Im so glad you enjoy high school sports. I try to live vicariously through you when I read your stories. Regarding the Monrovia High School Coach search, I DONT KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT IT! But I just want to say Bill Zernickow and see what happens to the MVS boards…
Monrovia’s coach is going to be jim from arroyo. And if not jim it will be David Ramos from Schurr with Jude,Elias and Anthony white joining the staff
From T. Peterson: No, none of them are in the mix.
And Tim, thank you for providing this valuable service for he local sports community. I hope you continue to do this for a long time.
Can I take a guess at Monrovia. Are his initials T.C??
Raise your hand if you heard the Arroyo Athlete busted for an on campus infraction? Arroyos Tallest kid was caught doing the same thing the last few kids were caught doing. To the schools credit the athlete was suspended from competing in Arroyos second round loss. I’m sure had it been football season OL jimmy woulda found a way to keep him eligible but its only basketball (joke) the question begs to be asked,,, What the hell is going on at Arroyo High School???