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"Jamie's first day will be August 12th," confirmed Jim Shaw, the station's news director. "She is a wonderful addition to our news team." Following her graduation from Biola University in La Mirada, Elias noted she sent tapes to various stations across the country, immediately hearing back from Shaw. "I started applying for jobs in the beginning
of July, and received a call from Jim at the end of
July with the good news from Fargo," she noted.
"I’m very excited to start my career as a
weekend anchor/ weekday reporter here in North Dakota." Following her days ay Santana, Elias played basketball
for four seasons at Biola University.
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Azusa Pacific's Leaf named all-conference © East County Sports.com “Those two were clearly our two most consistent and best players this year, so I’m glad that they were honored,” head coach Justin Leslie said. “They carried us through the season, there’s no question about that.
“For where we finished and what we did, these honors are a great testament to everything those two did for us this year. To put together a strong finish like we did this first year in the PacWest will open some eyes next year to see how we build off of this.”
Leaf was the PacWest’s third-leading scorer, averaging 18.4 points through the end of the regular season, and he was second in the league in assists with 127 (5.1 average). During conference play, he was the league’s only player to rank in the top-five in both scoring and assists, and he also ranked in the top 10 in three-pointers made and assist-to-turnover ratio. He finished just outside the top 10 at 11th in three-point percentage during PacWest play.
“ Troy had a fantastic year – he was as good as any player in the league,” Leslie said. “He had some high-assist games and some high-rebound games for us, and he consistently scored, as well. It’s especially exciting for him because he’s a first team all-conference player as a sophomore. Along with that comes added pressure and responsibility, and I think he’s ready for that.”
Leaf opened the year with a 27-point performance to lead the Cougars to a season-opening win over Central Washington , one of his 10 20-point games on the year. He registered three 30-point games and three double-doubles on the year, notching 21 points and 10 rebounds in a home win over Point Loma before registering 17-point, 11-assist and 12-point, 12-assist efforts in consecutive wins over California Baptist in the final week of the season.
The selection of Leaf and Porter to the all-conference team marked the second consecutive season the Cougars have had its starting backcourt named to the all-conference team. One of last year’s all-conference picks, point guard Robert Sandoval, redshirted the 2012-13 season and will join with Leaf to give Azusa Pacific a returning all-conference backcourt to start the 2013-14 campaign.
© East County Sports.com
Cal Maritime, which includes former Griffins standout DAN EBERHARDT as an assistant coach, saw CASEY HEALY pour home a team-high 15 points, upsetting No. 4 seed Northwestern (Iowa), 76-54, in a first-round victory.
For Cal Maritime's Keelhaulers (25-6), it was the school's first-ever win at the national championships, being held this year at Keeter Gymnasium at the College of the Ozarks.
The Red Raiders (24-7) held its only lead after a Zack Leeper basket to start the game. But afterward, they were held to 28 percent shooting. Northwestern came in averaging 86 points per game.
Then it was all Cal Maritime, the California Pacific Conference champions for the second straight season after nipping top-seeded Menlo, 66-63 on Feb. 26.
Last season, Healy was honored as a first-team selection on the All-Pacific Coast Athletic Conference team.
tabbed WAC player of the week © East County Sports.com
The 5-foot-6 sophomore averaged 21.0 points, 10.0 assists and 4.5 rebounds and posted a pair of double-doubles as the Aggies went 2-0 on the week. She opened the week with 19 points, a career-high 10 assists and six rebounds in a win over San Jose State , which snapped a nine-game losing skid for New Mexico State.
Williamson then tied her career highs of 23 points and 10 assists and added three rebounds in a 106-94 win over then-league-leader Utah State . It was the first time the Aggies scored more than 100 points in 21 years. Williamson entered the week averaging 11.3 points, 2.7 assists and 2.5 rebounds per game.
© East County Sports.com
Although the Gauchos are not enjoying their finest hour with a 14-13 overall mark and 5-5 table in the Orange Empire Conference, Watkins remains one of the finest players in the circuit.
The 5-foot-3 sparkplug leads the Gauchos with a 13.5 scoring average and ranks third in the conference. She also averages 4.7 assists, 3.1 rebounds and 2.6 steals.
Watkins is hitting better than 35 percent from the floor on 338 shots, including 32 three-point baskets. She has scored over 20 points in five Orange Empire Conference games. “Watkins can be as good as they get,” Winn said, a transfer from Grand Canyon University in Phoenix. “We expect big things from her.”
for Point Loma Nazarene's first PWC win © East County Sports.com
But all that changed thanks to A.J. USSERY, an El Cajon Valley High product.
Ussery finished with 17 points, including a driving layin with 13 seconds remaining, giving the Sea Lions a dramatic 57-56 triumph over Notre Dame de Namur on Monday (Feb. 4) at historic Golden Gymnasium.
The basket gave PNLU (4-15 overall, 1-10 PWC) its only lead of the second half.
The visiting Argonauts (5-15, 4-8) had one last chance to pull out the victory, as forward GEOFF HARTMAN (Monte Vista) drove the lane, then dished the ball to a teammate. However, Ussery stepped into the passing lane and recorded a steal to seal it for Point Loma.
Hoffman was second on NDDM with 9 points, while also recording three steals and a pair of shot blocks to lead a strong defensive effort.
PLNU trailed by as many as 13 points in the second half, but a 17-6 run by the Sea Lions was ignited on three straight layins by Ussery, who took charge by continually driving the ball through the Argos defense and to the basket. "It was good, aggressive play on AJ's part," said PLNU Head coach Bill Carr. "Those are things we wanted from him all season and it is never too late." Sam Okhotin registered a career-high 19 points for Point Loma. Leaf lifts Azusa Pacific into first
place
| © East County Sports.com Leaf, a sophomore guard, scored 21 points and grabbed 10 rebounds, both game-highs, to register his first career double-double and power Azusa Pacific to a 52-43 win Tuesday (Jan. 8) at Felix Event Center. The win allowed the Cougars (6-4 overall, 3-0 PWC) to sweep the season series from the Sea Lions (3-8, 0-5), which is struggling in their first season at the NCAA Division II level. The Cougars also blocked a season-best nine shots by PLNU. “There were times where we’d go four or five minutes without scoring a basket, but defensively we did enough to keep them from scoring in those moments where we were dry,” Leaf said. “Defensively we just stayed together as a team and knew that the offense would come. Even though they’re a tough, physical defensive team, we knew the points would come if we could keep getting stops.” Leaf, the former CIF San Diego Section player of the year (all divisions), leads Azusa Pacific with a 17.7 scoring average, while ranking second on the ballclub in rebounding.
By Nick Pellegrino
According to her family in Santee, Passentino is now engaged to ANDRES ARCILA, a former guard on the Colombia National Team who recently retired following a 9-year career in the country's pro league playing for Arrieros de Medellin. He helped the national team to a 5th-place finish in the 2008 continental championships, the country's best finish since hosting the FIBA World Championship in 1982.
"She's teaching calculus and having a great life in South America," said CHUCK PASSENTINO, a Grossmont College professor who still serves as announcer for Santana.
In her senior year, the Sultans posted a 25-6 overall record and earned the top seed to the Division III playoffs, sweeping three straight games to the title, including a 47-39 decision over Valley Center in the final, gaining the No. 6 spot in the final section rankings. Passentinp, one of East County's top percentage shooters, averaged 11.1 points per game, second to teammate JORDAN FRANEY (21.2 ppg). Miller, CSUSM claims Arizona Christian Classic © East County Sportsc.com
Miller finished with 11 points, second only to Heather Thompson, who registered a double-double with game highs 13 points and 11 rebounds for CSUSM (4-9). The Cougars once held a 16-point lead as Miller made 4-of-6 shots from the floor, while JESSICA HARRIS (Granite Hills) added 7 points.
In Saturday's (Dec. 8) championship contest, Cougars guard Anna Nguyen poured home a career-high 20 points, as CSUSM downed Johnson & Wales (Colo.), 59-74. Harris nailed a trio of 3-point shots as part of her 11 points, while Miller was 4-for-8 from the floor to score 9 in the victory. Local products produce record effort for CSU San Marcos© East County Sports.com
Miller, a transfer from San Francisco State out of West Hills High, scored 13 points. Meanwhile, Harris, a Granite Hills product, hit 4-of-7 shots from the outside for a season-high 10 points.
The Cougars, which led 61-22 at the half, are now 3-2 for the season for setting school records for most points (113), margin of victory (64), field goals (48), rebounds (70), assists (38) and steals (24) while handing the Firestorm their first loss of the season.
claim school's first game as NCAA member
© East County Sports.com
Former Foothills Christian High standout TROY LEAF scored a team-high 27 points, senior guard B.J. Porter hit five-of-eight 3-pointers after halftime in a 24-point performance, and true freshman forward Will Ward scored seven of his 19 points in overtime to help lead Azusa Pacific to the victory.
“In the first half into early second half, it was Troy and Christian Katuala who kept us in the game,” Cougars head coach Justin Leslie said. “As the game went on, B.J. finished strong, and Will got most of his stuff late. Although we came back, we had to work that much harder and make plays on both sides of the ball.”
Leaf, a sophomore guard, scored 17 of his 27 points in the first half, and he also posted seven rebounds, nine assists, and a pair of steals to lead the Cougars.
With the victory, Azusa Pacific has opened the season
with a victory in 12 of the past 13 years, heading into
Saturday’s 7 p.m. clash with the Sodexo Classic
tournament host, NCAA Division II’s No. 9-ranked
Seattle Pacific. transferring from UCSB to Azusa Pacific By Nick Pellegrino
Leaf, a 6-foot-3 combo guard who powered Foothills Christian High to four consecutive Division V section championships, was a first-team All-State selection by Cal-Hi Sports after finishing third in California with a 28.1 scoring average.
Leaf made a verbal commitment to San Diego State , but when head coach Steve Fisher signed another shooting guard a year later, Leaf opted out and later signed with UC Santa Barbara before leaving the Gauchos after just one season. He will have three years of eligibility with the Cougars, which joined Point Loma Nazarene as members of the Pacific West Conference.
"We are thrilled to have him joining us in the fall." said Cougars head coach Justin Leslie via email.
Azusa Pacific is coming off its record eighth straight Learfield Sports Director’s Cup as the nation's top NAIA overall program. The school will be honored at the 47th annual NACDA Convention in Dallas, Texas. Hatcher accepts bid to MSUB © East County Sports.com Over the past two seasons, Hatcher was one of the scoring leaders for Irvine Valley College, advancing to the state tournament this past spring. The guard was second among the Lasers (20-6) with a 10.7 scoring average and 37 steals, while also topping IVC with 110 assists. Hatcher set state records in several categories, including assists, setting up Knights teammate Troy Leaf, who won both CIF State Division V player of the year award and the CIF San Diego Section all-division player of the year by the San Diego Hall of Champions. Meanwhile, Hatcher was a All-CIFSDS second team honoree, breaking the state assists record set by future NBA All-Star Jason Kidd of Alameda-St. Joseph. helping Foothills Christian to its fourth straight Division V section championship. Autry tabbed Cal Lutheran co-captain © East County Sports.com
Autry, a senior next season, is a shooting guard for the Regals (18-10 overall), which captured the Southern California Intercollegiate Athletics Conference Tournament for the first time ever after defeating Redlands, 61-58. Cal Lutheran then advanced to the NCAA Division III tournament for the first time since 2005-06, but fell to No. 3 George Fox (Ore.) in the opening round.
This past season, Autry proved to be a reliable player off the bench, shooting over 44 percent from the floor while on the court for 6.6 minutes per outing.
At El Capitan , Autry was part of a Vaqueros ballclub which advanced to the SDCIF semifinals in 2009, gaining an All-Grossmont North League second team berth. She was also the school's Female Athlete of the Year. Brooks named Stark Award winner as Dartmouth player of the year
© East County Sports.com
Brooks, a 6-6, 215-pound forward from Santee, led Dartmouth in scoring at 9.4 points per game, including 10.9 points a night within the Ivy League. He scored in double figures in exactly half of the Big Green’s 30 games, more than anyone on the roster, and seven times led the team in scoring.
On four occasions, Brooks was honored as the Ivy League Rookie of the Week, and he also registered four double-doubles during his first collegiate season. He poured in a season-high 18 points at Penn and grabbed 13 rebounds — tied for the most by any Dartmouth player this season — the night before at Princeton. Hatcher earns honors in The OC
© East County Sports.com
Hatcher started all 26 games for the Lasers (20-6), averaging 10.7 points per outing. He led the Lasers with 4.2 assists per game and canned 49 of 145 three-pointers. He was a .760 on 96 attempts. Hatcher was second on the team with 37 steals.
© East County Sports.com
Capped by a 17-point effort against Columbia to cap the season, Brooks led Dartmouth in scoring while placing second in rebounds. The 6-foot-6 forward from Santee finished the year with 121 free throws, the second most in the Ivy League and a Dartmouth freshman record, while shooting 78.6 percent at the foul line. Dartmouth, an Ivy doormat in recent seasons, may be coming into its own with the influx of new talent which include Brooks. Nearly half of the school's games were decided by seven points or less.
© East County Sports.com
On Wednesday (Feb. 22), Putras equaled a school postseason record with seven 3-point goals, while also equaling her own personal best with a game-high 24 points, fueling the Olympians offense in an 80-61 pasting over visiting Barstow in the opening round of the CCCAA women's basketball championship.
It was the 17th consecutive victory for Mesa (21-7), which advances to Saturday's Southland quarterfinals against top-seeded Mt. San Antonio (watch LIVE on: www.justin.tv/mhootner).
Last season, Putras converted eight treys to register 24 points against Cuesta for her career best. Against Barstow , she converted 7-of-11 shots from beyond the arc, then made all three free throws after being fouled on another attempt.
In addition to her exploits on the court, Putras was one of only five players in California to be named to the state All-Academic team. The former UC San Diego student transferred to Mesa to continue to play basketball, then will seek to return to UCSD to major in biology with the intention to eventually enter medical school.
Mount Miguel alum Miller returns home for SDSU 'Pink' game
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Former Foothills Christian forward J'Vonte Brooks vs. Notre Dame. (Dartmouth courtesy photo) |
Brooks gains Ivy laurels
By Nick Pellegrino
© East County Sports.com
HANOVER, N.H. (12-29-11) — Former Foothills Christian High standout J'VONTE BROOKS, one of only 10 players named first-team All-San Diego County covering all divisions in 2009-10, was been named Ivy League rookie of the week for the period ending Dec. 25 playing for Dartmouth.
It was the second league citation for the Big Green freshman forward.
Brooks, a native of Santee, averaged 12.0 points and 9.3 rebounds over the three games during the week before Christmas for Dartmouth (3-10), all coming on the road.
He first registered his second double-double of the season with a dozen points and a personal-best 12 rebounds in a 61-55 overtime loss at Colgate. Two nights later, he contributed 13 points, equaling a season high, while snagging eight boards in another close game, this time a three-point loss at Army. Finally, he scored 11 points and hauled in eight rebounds in an 82-74 defeat at Albany on Friday (Dec. 23)
For the three games, Brooks shot 60.0 percent (12-of-20) from the floor and 66.7 percent (12-of-18) at the foul line while averaging 30.0 minutes of action. For the season, the freshman is scoring 7.3 points per game and ranks eighth in the Ivy League at 6.3 rebounds per game.
With the Knights, Brooks earned a All-State Division V team berth by CalHiSports.com en route to consecutive San Diego Section championships.
Reed gains Surf spot
© East County Sports.com
MIRA MESA (11-10-11) — Former El Cajon Valley High School and Cuyamaca College basketball standout NATE REED is now playing for the San Diego Surf semipro basketball team. Games are played on Saturdays (7 p.m.) and Sundays (5 p.m.) at Miramar College’s Hourglass Arena.
The season opens on Sunday (Nov. 13) against the Las Vegas Aces. For schedule information check www.SDSurfHoops.com.
Schlein gains Cornell post
© East County Sports.com
ITHACA, N.Y. (7-8-11) — KATIE SCHLEIN, the daughter of former Valhalla High basketball coach LENNY SCHLEIN, has accepted a post as an assistant women’s basketball coach at the Ivy League’s Cornell University.
Schlein spent the past season working as the assistant director of women's basketball operations at the University of Denver.
At Denver, Schlein's responsibilities included coordinating all the recruiting technology and film exchange while also managing the operations of the Super Hoopers Kids Club. Schlein also assisted with the Pioneers' team travel, camps and clinics, coordination of student managers and alumni relations.
In her one season with Denver, the Pioneers finished with a 19-12 record overall and 11-5 mark in the Sun Belt Conference to finish second in the West Division and earned a bid to the WNIT, Denver's first post-season berth since 2000-01.
A San Diego native, Schlein lettered in basketball and softball at Claremont McKenna College, where she graduated with a degree in psychology in 2010. While at CMS, Schlein helped guide the Athenas' women's basketball team to a SCIAC tournament appearance during her senior season and helped the softball team to two consecutive NCAA Div. III tournament appearances and an SCIAC title.
After graduating from Francis Parker High and prior to attending CMS, Schlein spent two seasons at San Diego Mesa College where she was a two-time All-Conference selection in softball and received her Associate of Arts degree in kinesiology.
Schlein's basketball administration experience began in October of 2005 when she served as a volunteer assistant coach at E.O. Smith High School in Storrs, Conn. From there, she served as a camp counselor/coach at numerous camps in California from 2006-07.
In October of 2007, Schlein served as the volunteer video recording intern for the San Diego State University women's basketball program. From there, Schlein served as a member of the event staff during the U.S. Junior Nationals in the summer of 2009, supervising and scoring the 14U, 15U, 16U and 17U tournaments.
Schlein was also one of 60 people chosen to participate in the WBCA's "So you want to be a coach" program at the 2010 NCAA Women's Basketball Final Four.
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Sherika shines at SFSU
© East County Sports.com
LA JOLLA (2-6-11) — Former West Hills High standout SHERIKA MILLER marked her return to her hometown by producing a career-high 15 points, but her San Francisco State Gators fell to UC San Diego, 59-52, at RIMAC Arena on Thursday (Feb. 3).
Miller, a second-team, All-San Diego Section performer by the San Diego Hall of Champions with the Wolf Pack last season, hit 7-of-12 shots from the floor. She also registered a pair of assists and two steals in the CCAA defensive struggle.
Gators teammate Dominique Hunter led both ballclubs with 18 points.
Miller, a freshman forward, is the leading scorer off the bench for SFSU. Because of her strong start, she is now moving into the starting line-up, with eight starts over the team's past 10 contests.
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Pomona starter La'Kenya Simon West |
Simon-West moves Pomona into first-place showdown
© East County Sports.com
LA JOLLA (1-23-11) — Former East County player of the year LA'KENYA SIMON-WEST of Grossmont High School moved into position for a conference championship as a starting forward for Cal Poly Pomona.
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La'Kenya Simon West |
Behind 13 points by Simon-West, plus the first career double-double by teammate Charlene Popoff, the Broncos downed host UC San Diego, 82-75, Saturday (Jan. 22) at RIMAC Arena.
Trailing by seven points with just 10 minutes remaining in regulation, the Broncos fired off a 17-0 run for their seventh straight triumph.
For UCSD (10-9, 8-4 CCAA), Lauren Freidenberg paced the hosts with a double-double night of her own at 20 points and 10 rebounds.
Pomona (13-2 overall, 10-1 California Collegiate Athletic Association) now heads into next weekend's meeting with undefeated Cal State Monterey Bay (16-0, 12-0 CCAA).
It's been a strong campaign for Simon West, a senior transfer from the University of Idaho. She opened the season gaining player of the week honors, registering a career-high 22 points on 7-for-10 shooting in a win over Dominican.
Simon-West ranks among the Pomona leaders in almost every offensive category with 11.6 points, 5.5 rebounds and shooting .800 from the foul line.
Redlands' Rios tops
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Oklahoma State senior Precious Robinson is the first player off the bench for the 25th-ranked Cowgirls (13-1). (Oklahoma State University courtesy photo) |
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Precious Robinson |
The Robinson gift
© East County Sports.com
STILLWATER, Okla. (1-8-11) — Former Mount Miguel High standout PRECIOUS ROBINSON is relishing her role as the 6th player for nationally-ranked Oklahoma State.
For the second consecutive season, Robinson is one of the top percentage shooters in the Big 12 Conference, helping the Cowgirls (13-1) to a ranking of No. 25 in the nation entering this weekend's conference opener at Kansas State.
Robinson was recruited out of Central Arizona College, where she gained an All-America berth after the school posted a 35-0 record en route to the 2009 NJCAA national championship.
She then started 20 games for OSU last season, finishing second on the squad in rebounding and shooting percentage, and third in scoring. For her effort, the Cowgirls gained a berth in the NCAA tournament, as she fell a mere one rebound short of registering a double-double in the playoff opener against Chattanooga.
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Troy Leaf |
| Flying Freshman |
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Cal State Fullerton freshman Yvont'e Neal, the reigning East County Player of the Year out of Mount Miguel High School, skies over a defender from Sacramento State en route to a layin. Neal earlier scored a career-high 10 points for the Titans vs. San Jose State. (Photo by Matt Brown, CSU Fullerton) |
No hard feelings for Leaf
© East County Sports.com
SAN DIEGO (12-19-10) — After originally committing to play for San Diego State basketball coach Steve Fisher, former Foothills Christian High standout TROY LEAF notes there are no hard feelings after he later signed with UC Santa Barbara.
"I still respect coach Fisher as a man, and he respects me as a player," said Leaf after his Gauchos made a visit to Viejas Arena on Saturday (Dec. 18).
If events followed a different path, Leaf may well have been wearing the hometown whites for the 10th-ranked and undefeated Aztecs. Instead, Leaf, along with more than two dozens family and friends, were wearing the UCSB blue in support of last season's CIF San Diego Section all-division player of the year.
FCHS: Where are they now?© East County Sports.com Center J'VONTE BROOKS is currently enrolled at Northfield Mount Hermon, a national prep academy in Mount Hermon, Mass. The Hoggers are currently 7-3 and riding a 4-game winning streak. Brooks is averaging 8.7 points and 7.3 rebounds per contest, shooting more than 74 percent from the floor against bigger opposition on a nightly basis. The 6-foot-6 center/power forward been also noted for his consistency on the defensive end of the court, plus he's shooting 80 percent from the foul line. For his efforts, Brooks also already taken an official visit to Cornell of the Ivy League, where he is expects to sign in early next year. Guard KALOB HATCHER took the community college route, playing for Irvine Valley College in south Orange County. The Lasers (12-2) enter the weekend riding a 10-game winning streak. Hatcher opened the season with a game-high 18 points in a victory over Mira Costa, then later added a season-high 19 points to lead IVC to a victory in the semifinals of the Monterey Bay Classic. Along with the Monterey Bay title, the Lasers captured the Rio Hondo Classic in Whitter, where Hatcher was named the event's most valuable player. For the season, Hatcher is posting 9.5 points per contest, along with 4.5 assists and is hitting 90 percent of his foul shots. |
"I don't even think about it anymore," Leaf noted on almost becoming an Aztecs guard. "Right now, everything in Santa Barbara is great as I try to learn playing a college system."
The true freshman has already been making contributions for UCSB, averaging 10 minutes per contest. Leaf scored a career-high five points in a 90-64 loss to SDSU, which followed Santa Barbara 's 68-62 road upset triumph over 22nd-rated UNLV on Wednesday (Dec. 15).
"Anytime you go anywhere, you get lots of attention – especially with a college crowd," added Leaf. "You just have to go out and get used to the speed of the game and play."
Despite chants of "Aztec Reject" from the SDSU students section, Leaf made an immediate impact. A nice cross-court pass found teammate Lucas Devenny for an assist on a jump shot. Leaf then added his own pair of jumpers, including a 3-point goal in the final minute.
"That was awesome," said Foothills Christian head coach BRAD LEAF, Troy's father and himself a former Division I standout for Evansville. "Those are the only three words I need to say about watching your own son playing major-college ball."
The Gauchos (5-4) are the preseason favorites to capture the Big West Conference. Meanwhile, San Diego State (12-0) currently owns the second-longest winning streak in the nation, trailing only defending national champion Duke (20).
Leaf returns home with UCSB Gauchos
Meet No. 10 SDSU, Saturday at Viejas Arena
© East County Sports.com
SANTA BARBARA (12-15-10) — Former Foothills Christian High standout TROY LEAF, the reigning CIF San Diego Section all-division player of the year, will make his San Diego debut as a collegian on Saturday (Dec. 18) when his UC Santa Barbara Gauchos complete a 3-game roadtrip against 10th-ranked San Diego State at Viejas Arena. Tipoff is slated for 7 p.m. LISTEN
Leaf, the county's career scoring leader who led the Knights to four consecutive CIF Division V section titles, is averaging more than 11 minutes per contest as a true freshman yet has not been asked to score while instead running the point. Plus, his defense and passing ability has kept him on the court as an important reserve for the Gauchos.
At Foothills Christian, Leaf totaled 3,318 career points, the third-most in California prep history. Last season, he was the California state Division V player of the year.
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Miller makes the step up
© East County Sports.com
SAN FRANCISCO (12-7-10) — It's not often a true freshman can step into a college starting line-up, yet former West Hills High standout SHERIKA MILLER is doing well in such a role for San Francisco State.
Miller, a 5-foot-11 forward, has demonstrated improvement in all five of her starts for the Gators, including Saturday's (Dec. 4) contest with UC San Diego. Miller collected a season-high nine points plus four rebounds, although they fell to the visiting Tritons, 66-52, at Main Gymnasium.
“UCSD showed that they are a quality team,” said SFSU head coach Joaquin Wallace. “We were able to rebound the ball well tonight, but we still need to learn and grow from this game as we prepare for our upcoming opponents.”
Miller ranked third on the Gators (1-4, 1-2 CCAC) in rebounding. And when her scoring increases, the ballclub expects to make gains in the victory column.
“Sherika is very athletic, an extremely coachable player that can play multiple positions," added the coach. "Sherika will play a significant role in our success this season and in the next four years.”
Miller captured a pair of CIF San Diego Section championships with the Wolf Pack, earning a second-team berth on the All-Section team (media) as a senior, was selected to the Grossmont Hills all-league team as well as the East County Sports.com team. She posted an 11.5 scoring average last season, the third-best mark in the Grossmont Hills League.
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Neal makes strides for Fullerton
© East County Sports.com
ALCALA PARK (11-25-10) — Cal State Fullerton freshman YVONTE NEAL, the reigning East County player of the year out of Mount Miguel High, came off the bench to score five points and grab three rebounds, but the Titans fell to host University of San Diego, 71-60, Wednesday (Nov. 24) at Jenny Craig Pavilion.
Neal, a pure freshman, hit 2-for-4 from the field, while two of her boards were on the offensive glass in her 12 minutes on the court. Otherwise, the Toreros (3-1) held a 44-24 advantage in points in the paint to gain the triumph.
With the loss, Fullerton (3-2) saw its 3-game winning streak snapped.
USD was led by Dominique Conners, who scored 22 points, while Nya Mason (14 points, 10 boards) and Sam Child (21 points, 11 boards) each registered double-doubles.
Last season at Mount Miguel, Neal was named to All-CIF San Diego Section First Team (media) and Division III First Team (coaches), as well as one of 20 players on the CalHiSports State All-Division III Team. Her college choices included USD, Fresno State, CSU Bakersfield and Nebraska before selecting Fullerton.
Naderhoff enjoying next step at CSUB
© East County Sports.com
SAN DIEGO (11-18-10) — MARILYN NADERHOFF hasn't been on a court for several weeks, yet that hasn't taken anything from her experience with CSU Bakersfield women's basketball team, which visited Viejas Arena on Wednesday (Nov. 17) night and took out San Diego State, 73-62.
"They just allowed me on the court for warm-ups tonight," said Naderhoff, the former All-CIF standout for West Hills High. "I've been going through 'Valley Fever' and pneumonia."
While no explanation was forthcoming on what exactly is her "Valley Fever" syndrome, there was plenty of good reasons why the Roadrunners are off to a 3-0 start in its first season of postseason eligibility as an NCAA Division I program.
"Actually, Marilyn and her family deserve a lot of credit," noted head coach Tim LaKose. "They hosted our whole team and staff for dinner, which really energized us and got us ready to play San Diego State."
The Roadrunners feature a pair of seniors among their starting guards in Breana Fields and Britney McGee, so Naderhoff may opt to red-shirt should her illness continue to sideline her. Either way, the door will be wide open to take over as operator of the CSUB offense in 2011-12.
"Bre and Brit have been great to me, helping with the transition from high school to college," noted Naderhoff. "They've really made me feel welcome here."
Of course, Naderhoff enjoyed her own success at West Hills, including a pair of San Diego CIF championships.
"The first one was the most special, when we beat (top-ranked) Mount Miguel," she recalled. "That one will always stick out."
Bakersfield also runs a high-intensity defensive scheme similar to the Wolf Pack's.
"The systems are very similar, which has made the transition easier.”
Naderhoff is majoring in chemistry (with a minor in biology) to her pursuit to become a high school chemistry teacher, work in a crime lab or be a researcher after graduation.
Among her other college choices was Portland, a West Coast Conference rival of University of San Diego, yet "Bakersfield was the first to make an offer, so after my mom and I sat down and talked, we thought they were the best."
Naderhoff was a two-time All-CIF San Diego Section first team selection by the San Diego Hall of Champions media panel. She was also East County’s top shooter from the field (110-for-212, .519 pct.) as a senior. Despite not playing against the Aztecs, Naderhoff was supported by about two dozen friends and family members, each wearing "Marilyn No. 22" shirts.
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Former Christian High standout Vander Joaquim (50) led College of Eastern Utah to a third-place finish at the NJCAA national basketball championships. (Courtesy, College of Eastern Utah) |
Roadtrip continues for former Patriots center Joaquim
Accepts scholarship to University of Hawai'i
© East County Sports.com
HONOLULU (9-27-10) — The worldwide tour by former Christian High standout VANDER JOAQUIM just gained a new destination.
The native of Luanda, Angola, will play for his fourth school in five seasons after coming to America, accepting an NCAA Division I scholarship at the University of Hawai'i.
After the 6-foot-10, 240-pound center participated in the Lusophony Games as a member of the Angolan National Team in 2006, the then 16-year old was selected to the Basketball Without Borders Africa camp in 2006 and '07, in which the top 100 players from 28 countries on the continent were selected to participate by FIBA and the NBA.
Joaquim came to Christian that fall for one season with the Patriots, then transferred to Mountain State Academy in Huntington, W.Va., where he signed with the University of Nebraska in November 2009.
However, he never played for the Cornhuskers, instead playing for College of Eastern Utah (Price, Utah) as a freshman, leading the Golden Eagles to a 27-10 record and a third-place finish at the NJCAA nationals.
Joaquim will have three years to play three seasons for the Rainbows.
Said Hawai'i coach Gib Arnold, "Joaquim has great length and skill. I really like his versatility. He’s one of those guys that can score in the low post as well as hit the open 3-pointer. He’s a hard worker and great kid. I’m really looking forward to working with him.”
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Christina Rios |
land first-ever NCAA Division III bid
Face No. 13 Puget Sound in Friday's Far West opener
© East County Sports.com
NEWBERG, Ore. (3-5-10) — The University of Redlands women’s basketball team takes on No. 13 University of Puget Sound (Wash.) on Friday (Mar. 5) at George Fox University in the Bulldogs' first-ever NCAA appearance.
Sharing in that inaugural NCAA Division III playoff debut is former Grossmont High guard CHRISTINA RIOS, currently a sophomore backcourt point guard standout at Redlands.
Defense is the speedy Rios’ strong suit. The 5-foot-3 sophomore played a key role for the Bulldogs (22-5) who ranked No. 18 on the WBCA (Women’s Basketball Coaches Association) Academic Top 25 Team Honor Roll.
The Bulldogs earned the automatic bid to the NCAA Championships with Saturday’s (Feb. 28) 55-54 overtime win against Occidental College in the Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SCIAC) Postseason Tournament final. Earlier this season, Redlands tied Occidental for the conference championship, garnering a 12-2 SCIAC record.
Williams leaves SDSU women’s basketball team
© East County Sports.com
SAN DIEGO (12-12-09) – JERICA WILLIAMS, a three-time All-East County pick, and San Diego State junior guard, has decided to leave the SDSU women’s basketball team. A 2006 Mount Miguel graduate, Williams played in eight games as a reserve this season for the Aztecs, averaging 3.5 points per contest.
“This was a very hard decision, but I knew it was one I had to make, because my heart isn’t in basketball anymore,” Williams said. “I want to thank coach (Beth) Burns, the rest of the coaching staff, and my teammates for allowing me to represent San Diego State.”
The San Diego native played one year at UCLA, before transferring to SDSU in 2007. She appeared in 31 contests as a redshirt sophomore last season.
“We value Jerica as not only a good person, but a good player and a good teammate,” Aztecs head coach Beth Burns said. “We respect her decision and wish her nothing but the best in the future and appreciate all that Jerica and her family have given to San Diego State.”
Williams’ high school coach ROBBIE SANDOVAL seemed to be surprised but would not admit it.
“She said she wasn’t having any fun anymore and her goal right now is to finish school and get her degree,” Sandoval said.
Williams is ticketed to graduate in May.
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Precious Robinson |
Robinson, OSU on verge of Top 25 ranking
© East County Sports.com
FREEPORT, The Bahamas (12-01-09) — The first two weeks of the season proved former Mount Miguel High standout PRECIOUS ROBINSON earned her starting role for Oklahoma State. However, the Cowgirls are still a few steps away from competing for the NCAA championship.
OSU (5-2) is off to a nice start following a pair of tournament appearances, but both times they fell in the title game.
First was a 93-72 setback to third-ranked Ohio State in the final of the Women's NIT on Nov. 22. The Cowgirls then rebounded to reach the final of the Junkanoo Jam on Grand Bahama Island, only to fall to No. 25 Michigan State, 93-90 in double overtime, this past Saturday (Nov. 28).
Robinson was asked to serve in a defensive role against the Buckeyes, successfully defending their top scorer. But against the Spartans, she was allowed to shoot more, going 3 for 5 from the field to finish with eight points and seven rebounds. It was Robinson's most prolific overall game of the young season after recording a season-high 14 points against Georgia Tech. then posting six points and eight rebounds in a nice road win at New Mexico.
Despite Oklahoma State 's losses, Cowgirls teammate Andrea Riley was tabbed Big 12 Conference player of the week for Nov. 23-29. Meanwhile, Robinson is turning some eyes after transferring to Stillwater, Okla., after leading Central Arizona College to a perfect 35-0 record and the NJCAA national title last season.
"Precious is a tremendous athlete that can play either forward position," said OSU head coach Kurt Budke. "She has 60-plus games under her belt with a team that won a national championship this season."
"We have had great success with players from Central Arizona because they come in well disciplined and ready to play immediately."
Robinson was a first-team All-America selection for Central Arizona. Previously, she was a first-team All-CIF San Diego Section and All-East County selection for the Lady Matadors when they won their seventh consecutive Grossmont South League title in 2006-07.
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Franey keys Gauchos past USD Courtesy, UCSB Media Relations Franey, a senior, was the focal point on a rare 5-point play down the stretch to help the Gauchos win for the first time in five starts. The Toreros fell to 3-4. With the game tied at 56-all with 3:14 left in the game, Johnson nailed a long 3-pointer as Franey was fouled while setting a screen to free up Johnson. The basket counted, then Franey sank both free throws as UCSB then knocked down 10 consecutive free throws in the final minutes for the victory. "It's kind of telling we talked about doing the things that makes winning basketball teams and one of those things is screening,"said UCSB head coach Lindsay Gottlieb. "Jordan set a great screen and Emilie calmly knocked down the three and Jordan sometimes likes being on the floor as much as making baskets." Earlier, Franey's buzzer-beater from 19 feet allowed the Gauchos to take a 37-34 halftime lead. |
Franey named candidate for CLASS Award
UCSB visits USD on Sunday
Courtesy, UCSB Media Relations
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Jordan Franey |
The winner is selected based on a combination of four areas of excellence - classroom, character, community and competition; the CLASS acronym stands for Celebrating Loyalty and Achievement for Staying in School.
The list of candidates will be narrowed to 10 in late January and the winner of the award will be announced at the 2010 NCAA Women's Final Four in San Antonio, Texas, in April.
Franey was one of just two players from the Big West to be selected as one of the 30 candidates and one of just eight players from the West Coast.
Franey, a 6-foot guard/forward was an All-Big West Honorable Mention pick last season and is the Gauchos' leading returner in points and rebounds and was selected as a candidate as much for her work on the court as in the classroom and community.
In her time at UCSB, Franey has carried a 3.38 overall grade point average while working on a major in history and a minor in athletic coaching. She has made quarterly Dean's Honors in her time at the school. Helping around the Santa Barbara and Goleta communities, Franey has been an instructor for the YMCA Winter Basketball Clinic, worked in the springtime at the Family Service Agency's Children's Festival and has been part of the team's Adopt-a-Highway project on Highway 217 leading into campus.
The Big West Freshman of the Year in 2006, Franey can become the 23rd Gaucho to reach the 1,000-point plateau this season and in her three-year career at UCSB has not missed a game.
The Gauchos will travel to San Diego on Sunday (Nov. 29) for a game against the USD Toreros at Jenny Craig Pavilion. Game time is 2 p.m.
Robinson scores major scholarship from OK State
© East County Sports.com
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Precious Robinson |
PRECIOUS ROBINSON, a 6-foot National Junior College Athletic Association All-American out of Central Arizona JC, has accepted a basketball scholarship to Big 12 power Oklahoma State University. Robinson will get a quick start to the 2009-10 season, as the Cowgirls were one of 16 teams to play in the women's preseason NIT.
"Precious is a tremendous athlete that can play either forward position," Oklahoma State’s Kurt Budke says. "She has 60-plus games under her belt with a team that won a national championship this season."
Meanwhile, MARNESHA HALL, a 6-foot front line flash, will attend San Jose State of the Western Athletic Conference in the fall.
Robinson, one of nine recruits by the Cowgirls, averaged 17 points and 10.5 rebounds per game – both team highs – for Central Arizona, which captured the NJCAA women’s basketball title with a perfect 35-0 mark a year ago.
“I’m excited to be joining a team that plays in one of the toughest conferences in the country,” Robinson said.
Recruited by dozens of schools throughout the country, Robinson said she narrowed her choices to Rutgers, USD and Oklahoma State.
“I don’t know why exactly, but I guess the two pluses Oklahoma State had over all the others was the great coaches and playing in the Big 12,” said Robinson, who hopes to eventually take her game overseas.
Hall, meanwhile, led Chipola (Fla.) JC to a third-place finish in the 2008-09 NJCAA national tournament behind Robinson’s champion Central Arizona, which finished 69-1 during her two-year stay.
“We saw Precious’ team play and they were awfully good,” Hall said.
Led by Hall, Chipola captured the Florida community collegestate championship.
“Marnesha has lost a lot of weight and has become a real force inside,” Sandoval said. “You have to like her upside. She is a nice fit at San Jose State.”
Hall turned down offers from East Tennessee State and Morgan State among others.
“They have a lot of new players, but they told me they brought me in to play right away and that is what I expect to do,” said Hall. “Whatever they have in mind, I’m ready.”
This championship is Precious
© East County Sports.com
SALINA, Kan. (3-24-09) — Former Mount Miguel standout PRECIOUS ROBINSON helped lead Central Arizona College to a 35-0 record and the National Junior College Athletic Association's Division I women’s basketball championship. The Vaqueras defeated Jefferson College of Hillsboro, Mo., 78-71 on Saturday (Mar. 21) in the championship game.
Robinson, a 6-foot-1 sophomore, scored 19 points and grabbed 13 rebounds against Jefferson, which suffered its first loss in 35 decisions.
It was the fourth NJCAA national championship for Central Arizona of Coolidge, which defeated Middle Georgia 83-66, Shelton State (Tuscaloosa, Ala.) 78-58, and Kaskaskia (Centralia, Ill.), 89-54.
Robinson averaged 15 points and 11.2 rebounds in the championship tournament.
Leasau gains Houston Baptist scholarship
© East County Sports.com
HOUSTON (5-9-09) — Helix High graduate MELE LEASAU, who ranked among the East County scoring leaders as a senior during the 2006-07 basketball season, has accepted a scholarship to play for Houston Baptist University. The Huskies gained NCAA Division I status two years ago.
Leasau, a 6-0 forward, had played the last two seasons for Midland College, a two-year school located in Midland, Texas. With the Lady Chaps, Leasau helped the school to a 30-2 record, ranked among the top five teams nationally in the NJCAA. She averaged 5.1 points and 4.0 rebounds per game as a key reserve.
Leasau also received interest from Cleveland State and Lubbock Christian, but settled for Houston Baptist immediately following her on-campus visit.
"I had a lot of doubts about the school before visiting. But then I just said. 'Maybe I'll take a visit there to see how it is,' and when I went out there everything felt right," said Leasau. "The coaches were really welcoming and honest, and the girls there were very welcoming. I played with them and there was good chemistry."
Leasau noted because the Huskies' lost four of their post players, head coach Todd Buchanan is counting on her to provide solid leadership and experience next season. Houston Baptist went 8-20 this past season.
Nasser, Broncos fall to record-setting Findlay
© East County Sports.com
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (3-29-09) — The dream run for former Cuyamaca College basketball standout DAHIR NASSER and his West Regional champion Cal Poly Pomona Broncos is over. But if you're going to lose, you might as well do so in memorable fashion.
Findlay University of Ohio became just the fourth team to finish undefeated since the NCAA Division II tournament began in 1957 after Tyler Evans hit a long 3-point shot at the buzzer to claim the crown, 56-53 in overtime. The Oilers finish with a perfect 36-0 slate.
For Evans, a senior reserve guard, it was his only basket on the afternoon, televised nationally on CBS from MassMutual Center.
Cal Poly Pomona (25-8) was trying to become the first unranked team to win the tournament since North Alabama in 1979. The Broncos overcame a 14-point deficit in the second half, and led 41-40 when Larry Gordon (17 points) hit a 3-pointer with 5:30 left in regulation, capping a 19-4 run.
Nasser, who moved up the ranks to become a starting guard late in the season, played 32 minutes and scored just two points, yet led the team in assists. FULL GAME STORY HERE
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Former Cuyamaca basketball player on TV
© East County Sports.com
POMONA (3-27-09) — Former Cuyamaca basketball player DAHIR NASSER and his Cal Poly Pomona (West Regional champions) basketball team are playing No. 1 ranked Findlay of Ohio (Midwest Regional champions) in the NCAA Division II Elite Eight national championship game on Saturday (Mar. 28) at 10 a.m.
The game will be televised from MassMutual Center in Springfield, Mass., by CBS Sports (Channel 8).
A 6-foot-1 junior, Nasser (No. 5) is listed as a probable starter for the Broncos. He is averaging 5.6 ppg and 2.6 rpg. Nasser was a first-team All-Pacific Coast Conference player for the Coyotes during the 2007-08 season.
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Jordan Franey |
Franey lifts UCSB to 6th straight win
© East County Sports.com
SANTA BARBARA (1-15-09) — Former Santana High standout JORDAN FRANEY came off the bench to score 13 points Wednesday (Jan. 14), including a perfect 6-for-6 effort from the free throw line down the stretch, lifting UC Santa Barbara to a 67-61 victory over Portland State at the Thunderdome.
Franey, who equaled her season high, also grabbed four rebounds. The junior seems to be flourishing in a new role – and so have the Gauchos. Following a 3-6 start, UCSB (9-6) has captured six consecutive games while Franey's playing time continues to rise for the defending Big West Conference champions.
"There are certain benchmark games to see where you are, and I thought tonight was one of those times that I was able to sit back and watch our offense a little bit and realize `They're getting it, they're getting it,'" said UCSB head coach Lindsay Gottlieb.
Franey shot 3-for-5 from the floor, including a 3-point goal, as the Gauchos shot a season-high 47.9 percent. The history major now ranks fourth on the team in scoring, aiding by her 81.6 percent shooting from the foul line.
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Heather Molzen |
Molzen's defense gains win in Pac-10 home opener
© East County Sports.com
PULLMAN, Wash. (1-16-09) — Former El Capitan High standout HEATHER MOLZEN helped Washington State University capture its Pacific-10 Conference home opener Thursday (Jan. 15), limiting Oregon State center Tiffany Ducker to just nine points in the Huskies' 65-52 victory over the Lady Beavers at Friel Court.
Molzen, a senior majoring in health and nutrition, has started in 41 of WSU's last 45 games over the past two seasons, becoming one of the Pac 10's top defenders. This season, she is averaging 8.0 points and a team-leading 5.8 rebounds per outing.
Molzen was a three-time All-East County first-team selection.
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