Bell-Jeff Filling Vacant Coaching Positions!

In the wake of athletic director and boys’ and girls’ basketball coach Bryan Camacho leaving to take an assistant position with the CSUN women’s program, Bell-Jeff has filled its vacant boys’ position with Julian Andrade.

Andrade was head coach at Eagle Rock in 1995-96, leading the Eagles to two Northern League titles and 20 wins each season.

Andrade has also assisted on the Pierce College women’s staff, Beverly Hills boys’ staff and Sylmar boys’ staff.

David Jensen was hired earier this summer to take over the successful Bell-Jeff girls’ program.

Jensen most recently coached at San Marino and has also coached at Blair and Renaissance Academy.

Erik Boal

Former Hoops Star Returns As Athletic Director!

BELLARMINNE-JEFFERSON HIGH — Her exploits on the hardwood at Bellarmine-Jefferson High, in college and in professional basketball are well known at the school.
A former standout All-CIF Southern Section girls’ basketball and volleyball player for the Guards,  Jaclyn Johnson has kept tabs on her alma mater and stayed close to individuals who helped shape her as a person.

Although 13 years removed from Bell-Jeff, Johnson enjoyed something of a homecoming this week. Taking over for Bryan Camacho, Johnson has been named the school’s new athletic director.

“Bell-Jeff is where it all started for me,” said Johnson, who graduated in 1997. “I just want to do all I can to give back to the athletes who are at the school, and who will be coming in next year. It’s really nice to be back.”

Johnson steps into a position held by Camacho, who also served as the school’s boys’ and girls’ basketball coach. He stepped down less than three weeks ago to take an assistant coaching job with the Cal State Northridge women’s team.

Since Camacho’s departure, Bell-Jeff and its principal, Sister Cheryl Milner, have wasted little time starting to fill the Guards’ open positions.

“We are very happy to have Jaclyn with us at Bell-Jeff,” Milner said. “Jaclyn is just one year removed from playing basketball all over the world. She is quite a basketball player. We know she will be a great addition at Bell-Jeff.”

This is the first administrative job for Johnson. However, with a background in athletics and good organizational skills, she believes she will be able to do a fine job at Bell-Jeff.

“I was an opportunity that I jumped at,” she said. “I like challenges, and challenges drive me. I plan to be there for the students at the school, like the ones who were there for me when I went here.

“I know it’s going to be a lot of work. Coach [Jim] Couch has been kind enough to give me some wisdom and just some guidance, and hopefully I’ll be able to do a good job.”

Couch was Johnson’s coach at Bell-Jeff. He was also served as the school’s track and field and cross-country coach, as well as athletic director.

As a senior at Bell-Jeff, Johnson helped the Guards girls’ basketball team win the 1997 CIF Southern Section Division IV championship — on her last-second buzzer-beater. She was also the division’s player of the year.

The title was the first championship won by the school in any sport.

Along with earning All-CIF Southern Section honors in basketball, she was also an All-CIF choice in girls’ volleyball.

After Bell-Jeff, she went on to the University of Kansas, where she became one of the most successful women’s players in school history.

In her senior season, she led the Jayhawks by averaging 16.1 points a game, to go along with 7.7 rebounds, 2.1 steals and almost a block a game. Johnson also scored in double-digits in 19 of 24 games and led Kansas in scoring 17 times.

In her four-year collegiate career, the 6-foot-1 Johnson finished fifth on the Jayhawks’ career rebounding list with 846 and 11th on the all-time scoring list with 1,378 points. She was also fifth in career free-throws made (382), fifth in free-throws attempted (555) and fifth career games played (123).

In 2001, she was selected in the WNBA Draft in the third round — 42nd pick overall — by the Orlando Miracle.

She also played professionally over seas for a number of teams, the last in Israel.

Johnson takes over athletic-director duties at a school that had its share of sports success during the 2009-10 season. The girls’ basketball, softball and girls’ volleyball teams won league championships. In addition, the volleyball squad advanced to a CIF championship game and the basketball team went as far as the semifinals.

Milner said with the athletic-director position filled, the school could name new boys’ and girls’ basketball coaches as soon as next week.

Jeff Tully

And The Winners Are!

BURBANK - Summer is almost here, and most local high school athletes are finally getting some time to relax after an eventful 2090-10 school year.

The year saw its share of remarkable achievements; successful teams and outstanding individuals who helped make the campaign memorable.

But along with the successes were disappointing moments and unique happenings that deserve recognition.

As is the yearly tradition, these deserving athletes, coaches and events from the four high schools — Burbank, Burroughs, Providence and Bellarmine-Jefferson highs — should be given special treatment.

So here is this year’s list of Tully Trophy winners. To be a recipient, an individual, team or school has to exhibit meritorious or worthy accomplishment. Either that, or they have to have done something stupid or strange.

So without further ado, here are the lucky winners:

• The Never-say-die trophy goes to venerable Memorial Field. Just like a creature in a horror movie that just never seems be killed off, the stadium lives on after construction on a new facility was postponed until the winter. Will the 2009 football season be the last for the worn-down relic? Stay tuned.

• The Breaker-of-the-drought trophy goes to Burbank High junior Adam Colman. As a quarterback, he helped lead the Bulldogs football team to a share of their first league title in 37 years. As a member of the boys’ basketball team, he assisted Burbank in getting to the CIF Southern Section Division IIVV semifinals for the first time in 43 years.

• The Freshman-impact trophy goes to Providence first-year athlete Marylin Petrov. Running the girls’ 100-meter hurdles, she was the first Pioneers track and field athlete in years to advance to the CIF Southern Section finals.

• The American-Idol trophy is given to Bellarmine-Jefferson girls’ basketball player Jasmine Smith. Along with being an All-CIF and an All-Area standout for the Guards, Smith has also has signing talent, as she often belts out an excellent rendition of the “National Anthem” at Bell-Jeff home games.

• The Upset-of-the-year trophy is award to the Burroughs boys’ volleyball team. The Indians defeated perineal-league-champion Claremont — which was ranked No. 5 in Division II — at home, 25-20, 25-22, 21-25, 25-1. The win helped Burroughs earn a share of the Pacific League championship.

• The Surprise-surprise trophy goes to the Bell-Jeff girls’ volleyball team. It wasn’t surprising that the Guards won their fourth straight Santa Cruz League championship. However, it was a surprise when Bell-Jeff advanced to its first CIF Southern Section title match. Unfortunately, the Guards fell in the Division IVA final to Upland Christian Academy, 25-22, 25-23, 25-23.

• The Gutsy-call trophy is awarded to Burbank football Coach Hector Valencia. In a Pacific League game against Muir, Valencia called for a two-point conversion attempt in overtime. The play worked, as Burbank scored to win the contest, 29-28.

• The Do-a-little-dance trophy goes to Burbank softball player Kassy Uchida, who does a little bunny hop dance every time she steps into the batter’s box.

• The What-in-the-world-is-that trophy is awarded to the new Burroughs mascot. At football games, the school trotted out a person in a character costume, complete with a big black hat and suit and white hair and beard. It is suppose to be John Burroughs, the naturalist and essayist. However, the mascot looks more like Rip Van Winkle.

• The Versatility trophy goes to Burbank runner Greg Dotson. An accomplished distance athlete, he placed second in state in the 800 meters. But the senior proved he has some speed as well, winning the 200 in a league meet against Burroughs.

• The Thanks-for-the-advice trophy goes to Burroughs track and cross-country Coach John Peebles, who often suggests what would make for a good Tully Talk column.

All this year’s recipients can now come up and accept their awards, and please, make your speeches brief.

Jeff Tully

Camacho Steps Aside!

BELLARMINE-JEFFERSON HIGH — After building a girls’ basketball dynasty at Bell-Jeff, coach and athletic director leaving school to accept an assistant job at CSUN.

There have been a lot of sleepless nights the past few weeks for Bellarmine-Jefferson High’s Bryan Camacho.

Faced with a tough decision, the longtime coach and the school’s athletic director agonized about a possible move.

Ultimately, the decision came down to what would be best for his future. With that in mind, Camacho said Friday that he is leaving Bell-Jeff and has accepted an assistant coaching position with the Cal State Northridge women’s program.

“Being able to be the first assistant at CSUN is just a great opportunity for me,” Camacho said. “It is just a different challenge and I’m fortunate to be able to have this opportunity. The timing of this and the opportunity that I have, it’s just too tough to pass up.”

Along with being Bell-Jeff’s girls’ basketball coach for a total of right years — serving two four-stints — Camacho also headed the boys’ basketball program last season and served as the school’s athletic director.

A 1992 Bell-Jeff graduate, Camacho said because of his close ties and the long standing relationships he has cultivated at the school, leaving was a monumentally difficult decision.

“The decision was very hard on me,” he said. “Just working with such great kids and with [Bell-Jeff Principal] Sister Cheryl [Milner], it was just such a special time in my life to be at Bell-Jeff.

“It has been the toughest two weeks of my life, just deciding what to do. I really thought long and hard about what I should do.”

Although Milner said she is happy with Camacho’s new opportunity, she is also sorry to see him go.

“With his charisma and his talent, we have no doubt that he will be successful in his new endeavor,” Milner said. “But at the same time, we’re sorry to see him go.

“He has meant so much to our school over the years and he has given so much back. He definitely will be missed.”

Camacho built the Bell-Jeff’s girls’ basketball team into one of the top programs in the state. Since coming back to the school for the 2006-07 season, Camacho and the Guards have enjoyed a wealth of success.

In those four years, Bell-Jeff has captured state and Southern Section championships, advanced to division title games twice and won three straight Santa Cruz League crowns.

In the four-year stint, Camacho led the program to a 104-21 record. In his eight years with the Guards’ program, Camacho accumulated a 183-50 record and had a .785 winning percentage.

“I am just so proud of what we’ve been able to accomplish at Bell-Jeff,” Camacho said. “More important to me than the banners that were able to put up and the championships that were able to win, was the kids were able to help, and the joy in seeing them become successful off the court.”

After making the CIF Southern Section quarterfinals in 2007, the Guards advanced to the Division IVA championship game in 2008. In the title contest, Bell-Jeff fell to league rival St. Mary’s Academy, 70-38.

Bell-Jeff rebounded to put together the finest season an area basketball program has experienced during the 2008-09 campaign.

In the final game of the season, Bell-Jeff defeated Pinewood, 55-47, in the CIF State Basketball Division V Championships at Arco Arena in Sacramento. It was the first state title by any team — in any sport — in city history.

The win gave Bell-Jeff a 34-1 record, which set a new school record. In addition, the team ended the season on a 20-game winning streak.

The Guards also won the CIF Southern Section Division VA championship against Santa Clara, 61-31. It was the program’s first crown in 12 years.

Bell-Jeff advanced to the playoffs after winning the Santa Cruz League championship.

Last season, the Guards went 25-7, won a league title, advanced to the Southern Section Division IVA semifinals and qualified for Southern California regional quarterfinals of the Division IV state playoffs.

Camacho also helped the Guards boys’ team become successful in his first season last fall. Bell-Jeff (19-6) was the runner up in the Santa Fe League and advanced to the Division VA quarterfinals, losing to No. 2-seeded and eventual-champion Besant Hill, 73-56.

Camacho has a knack for helping teams achieve success. He took over the Bell-Jeff girls’ program during the 2000-2001 campaign, and inherited a team that went 28-45 the previous three seasons.

In four seasons, Camacho’s teams went 79-29 (a .731 winning percentage) and the Guards made the playoffs all four years.

In 2003, the Guards reached the Division IVA championship for the first time in six years, losing to Westlake Village Oaks Christian, 53-44, at the Long Beach Pyramid.

Camacho left Bell-Jeff after the 2003-04 school year to take a men’s assistant basketball position at University of Great Falls, a National Assn. of Intercollegiate Athletics college in Montana.

Feeling the job in Montana wasn’t the right fit for him — and missing his friends and family back home — Camacho left his position after one year and returned to Southern California.

With a background in criminal justice, Camacho decided to pursue a career as a law enforcement officer. After graduating from the Sheriff’s Academy, he was assigned to the Men’s Central Jail in Downtown L.A.

Although he said he found the Sheriff’s job challenging, he decided to make a change.

In the two seasons before Camacho’s return in 2006, Bell-Jeff went 9-30 (3-19 in the Sunshine League) and failed to qualify for the postseason both years.

“We can look back and say we did some great things at Bell-Jeff,” Camacho said. “But I will continue to be involved with Bell-Jeff I just love the school.”

In Camacho’s new position at CSUN, he will work with first-year Coach Jason Flowers. Last season, the Matadors went 4-24 and were 2-14 in the Big West Conference.

Jeff Tully

Landini Named Maxprep Player Of The Week!

BURBANK - Congratulations to the Lady Guards softball team who capture the Santa Cruz League Championship with an 8-7 win over St. Matthias Thursday afternoon.

And congratulations are also in order for Monique Landini 3B,C (Freshman) Bellarmine-Jefferson High School.

Monique was recently named week 5’s Maxpreps/Gatorade Girls Softball Player of the Week

Landini holds a .644 batting average in 14 games played. She has 29 hits, 19 RBIs, 5 doubles, 1 triple and 5 home runs giving her a 1.133 slugging percentage.

Her stellar play helped the Lady Guards Softball team to go undefeated in league play.

(Special note: This is Bell-Jeff’s third league Championship this school year including Girls’ Basketball and Girls’ Volleyball. All three teams going Undefeated in league play.)

Eric “Rico” Reed

Girls’ Basketball All-Area Team!

PLAYER OF THE YEAR: NICOLE HUNG, Harvard-Westlake, Sr.

She might not have possessed the explosive first step of teammate Nicole Nesbit or the physical strength of fellow senior Sydney Haydel, but the Princeton-bound talent had all the intangibles to lead Harvard-Westlake to back-to-back Southern Section titles and its first Div.IV state championship.

Hung averaged a team-leading 17.7 points, finishing her career with 1,836, third among local seniors behind Notre Dame’s Kody Burke (1,948) and Crescenta Valley’s Cassie Pappas (1,938). But the most impressive contribution by the Mission League MVP and Div.IV-AA co-player of the year was a team-best 9.0 rebounds per game. The 5-foot-11 Hung also averaged 2.2 assists and 2.1 steals, shooting 82 percent from the free-throw line and 46 percent from the field to help the Wolverines match an area record with 34 wins, including 30 in a row to conclude the season, capped by a 58-44 victory over St. Mary’s of Albany in the Div. IV state final.

FIRST TEAM

KATIE BROOKS, Oaks Christian, Sr.

The co-MVP of the Tri-Valley League with Oak Park’s Lauren Varney, Brooks capped her impressive career with 1,217 points and 1,017 rebounds. A Southern Section Div. IV-A first-team selection, Brooks led the Lions to a league title and a semifinal appearance, averaging 15.5 points and 10.8 rebounds.

KODY BURKE, Notre Dame, Sr.

One of the most dominant post players in area history, the North Carolina State-bound Burke averaged 22.7 points and 12.2 rebounds to lead the Knights to the Div.IV-AA quarterfinals. The Mission League and Div. IV-AA first-team selection, Burke concluded her career with 1,948 points and 1,255 rebounds.

CHANTEL DOOLEY, Montclair Prep, Sr.

The Olympic League MVP, Dooley was the catalyst for the Mounties’ run to the Southern Section Div. V-A final and the Southern California Div. V regional title game. The Long Beach State signee led Montclair Prep with 16.4 points, 10 rebounds, 4.1 assists and 3.6 steals, securing Div. V-A first-team honors.

MARGEAUX GUPILAN, Bell-Jeff, Sr.

After leading the Guards to the Div. V state championship last season, Gupilan helped Bell-Jeff compete against the toughest schedule in program history. The Santa Cruz League player of the year, Div. IV-A first-team and All CIF/All State pick averaged 13.8 points, 5.8 assists and 5.1 rebounds, leading the Guards to the Div. IV state tournament.

Gupilan will play her college ball at the University of Buffalo. (see press release here)

SYDNEY HAYDEL, Harvard-Westlake, Sr.

The All-Mission League and Div. IV-AA first-team selection played her best when the Wolverines needed it most in the Southern California regional finals and Div.IV state championship, elevating Harvard-Westlake to the program’s first state title. The Hawaii signee, who had 1,077 career points, averaged 9.6 points and 5.8 rebounds.

MONICA JACKSON, Chatsworth, Sr.

Jackson did her best to help the Chancellors overcome the loss of Gennifer Brandon to graduation, leading the area in scoring and ranking second in the state at 28.9 points per game. Jackson had nine games of at least 30 points and two of more than 40, in addition to averaging 4.5 rebounds and 3.2 steals to receive All-West Valley League honors.

BROOKE LEMAR, Canyon, Sr.

A Southern Section Div. II-AA first-team selection, Lemar helped Canyon capture its first Foothill League title in 36 years. The league MVP, who has signed with Southern Illinois, averaged a Foothill-best 14.9 points and 5.1 assists, along with 2.7 steals and a 46 percent clip from the field.

NICOLE NESBIT, Harvard-Westlake, Sr.

The UC Santa Barbara-bound point guard shared Div. IV-AA player of the year honors with teammate Nicole Hung after helping the Wolverines capture their second consecutive title. The Mission League standout, who finished her career with 1,521 points, averaged 14.4 points, 3.5 assists, 3.4 steals and 3.1 rebounds.

BRITTANY OSTER, Agoura, Sr.

Oster’s work ethic and energy ignited the Chargers during their run to the program’s first Marmonte League title. The league MVP and Southern Section Div. III-AA first-team selection, who is headed to Redlands, helped Agoura win its first 29 games and reach the division final, averaging 16.5 points, 9.6 rebounds, 3.9 assists and 3.4 steals.

CASSIE PAPPAS, Crescenta Valley, Sr.

The area’s scoring leader with 755 points, the Massachusetts-bound Pappas concluded her career with 1,938 points to finish third in program history. Pappas ranked fifth in the Southern Section with 25.2 points per game, in addition to 6.4 rebounds and 3.1 steals, to secure Pacific League co-MVP and Div. I-A first-team recognition.

SECOND TEAM

Brianna Barrett, Oaks Christian, Soph.

Sasha Borenstein, Agoura, Sr.

Jasmine Smith, Bell-Jeff, Soph.

Kylie Cunningham, Agoura, Soph.

Rmanii Haynes, Taft, Sr.

Destinee LaFountain, Royal, Sr.

Keiona Mathews, Antelope Valley, Soph.

Megan Musashi, Flintridge Prep, Sr.

Sarah Rebibo, El Camino Real, Sr.

Kim Scamman, Montclair Prep, Jr.

Trinidee Trice, Alemany, Sr.

Lauren Varney, Oak Park, Sr.

Layana White, Bell-Jeff, Jr.

COACH OF THE YEAR

STEVE SCIFRES, Agoura

Few area teams have enjoyed such a significant turnaround as the Chargers have in three seasons under Scifres. After Agoura more than doubled its win total from the 2007-08 season to last year, Scifres guided the Chargers (30-2) to the most successful season in program history, including their first Marmonte League title. With an up-tempo, run-and-gun offensive style and constant defensive pressure, Agoura averaged 68.7 points per contest on its way to winning 29 consecutive games and reaching the Div. III-AA final, the team’s first appearance in a division final.

NEWCOMER OF THE YEAR

LESLIE LOPEZ-WOOD, Bell-Jeff, Fr.

Already one of the area’s top perimeter shooters, Lopez-Wood fit well into an already talented backcourt that included Margeaux Gupilan, Rishonda Napier, Layana White and Julia Tani. The Guards’ most efficient player from behind the arc, she had four games with at least five 3-pointers, including six as part of a 24-point effort against Corcoran in the first round of the Div. IV state tournament. With Margeaux Gupilan and Julia Tani graduating, Lopez-Wood will take on an increased role next season, but her efforts wereshe was instrumental in Bell-Jeff capturing the Santa Cruz League title and reaching the Div. IV-A semifinals.

TOP TEN RANKINGS

1. Harvard-Westlake (34-1)

2. Bell-Jeff (25-7)

3. Agoura (30-2)

4. Alemany (21-8)

5. Oaks Christian (24-6)

6. Montclair Prep (25-8)

7. Taft (16-10)

8. El Camino Real (23-8)

9. Canyon (22-7)

10. Crescenta Valley (24-6)

LEAGUE CHAMPIONS

Alpha: Campbell Hall

Delphic: Sierra Canyon

East Valley: Grant

Foothill: Canyon

Golden: Antelope Valley

Heritage: Milken Community

Liberty: Providence

Marmonte: Agoura

Mission: Harvard-Westlake

Omega: West Valley Christian

Pacific: Muir

Pacific View: Rio Mesa

Prep: Pasadena Poly

Rio Hondo: La Canada

Santa Cruz: Bell-Jeff

Tri-Valley: Oaks Christian

Valley Mission: Monroe

West Valley: El Camino Real

GAME OF THE YEAR

HARVARD-WESTLAKE 61, BELL-JEFF 59

Div. IV state playoffs, March 11

The last in a trilogy of clashes between two elite programs was also the most thrilling, with Harvard-Westlake relying on two free throws from Skylar Tsutsui with 5.3 seconds left to win 61-59 in the regional quarterfinals. Harvard-Westlake also defeated the Guards — who tied the score at 59-59 on a layup by Layana White — at the Nike Tournament of Champions and in a nonleague game at last year’s Div. V state champion Bell-Jeff.

But the Wolverines relied on the comforts of home to prevail in the toughest of their eight postseason games, which culminated with a Div. IV state title.

Jack Pollon and Erik Boal/Daily News

Hard Not To Like These Coaches!

In journalism school we’re taught not to play favorites. It’s a journalist’s job, we’re told, not get too attached to the people we’re dealing with, and we have to do everything in our power to try and remain impartial.

In the sports world, that primary directive can be difficult to adhere to, especially when it comes to coaches.

In dealing with the group of area coaches from the four local high schools, it’s hard not to like some more than others.

On the other hand, I realize that there are probably some area coaches who are not exactly fans of mine. I know that some only deal with me because they are told to “be nice to the media,” or they see it is a necessary evil in the course of their jobs.

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That type of approach is fine for me, as long as we can all coexist and we remember that when it all comes down to it, it’s all about helping promote the young athletes.

Some coaches just make themselves more available, and along with being great people, they have an extra-special something that makes them stand out among their peers.

One of those coaches is Providence High Athletic Director Andrew Bencze. Bencze, who coaches the girls’ basketball team, has also guided the school’s boys’ and girls’ volleyball programs over the years.

I’ve known Bencze for more than a decade. I have come to trust him, and I believe he trusts me as well.

The other day I sat next to Bencze during a game and we shot the breeze for awhile. Our conversation covered everything from recruiting at other schools, to young athletes of today, to problems that smaller schools face to the difficulties we both have in the course of our jobs.

We talked in complete confidence, knowing that much of what we said would never get past that point. It’s that kind of candidness that makes Bencze one of my favorites.

Another coach I admire — for a completely different reason — is Burbank High boys’ and girls’ tennis and girls’ soccer Coach Loi Phan. Phan has an honesty and a no-nonsense approach to his job that is refreshing.

Being a former football coach — a head coach at Glendale and assistant at Burbank — Phan brings that football mind set to his tennis and soccer teams. If a player is late to a contest, mouths off or doesn’t give it his or her all, Phan has no problem sitting or suspending the athlete.

He has said to me many times that if his varsity players don’t want to follow the program and abide by the rules, he has no problem showing them the door. And as a result, if that means he has to play with all freshmen or junior-varsity players — and lose every contest — he will do it.

In an era in which many star athletes dictate to the coaches how things are going to be, instead of the other way around, Phan is a throwback to a time when discipline wasn’t always a bad word.

The other great thing about Phan is he is brutally honest. If he has a team that he thinks will have trouble competing, he’ll tell you so. Nothing is sugar coated with Phan.

One of the most gracious coaches is Bellarmine-Jefferson High’s Bryan Camacho. Camacho, who is the school’s athletic director, compounded his duties this season by taking on the head boys’ basketball position, adding to his obligations as the Guards girls’ basketball coach.

In covering Camacho’s teams, there has never a time when he doesn’t thank me for coming out. He is truly appreciative of the coverage and he will go out of his way to accommodate the media.

I covered his girls’ basketball team in a state tournament game last week. There were three of us from the media who interviewed Camacho after the game. Staying true to form, Camacho thanked all three of us individually.

In a job that definitely can have its negatives, being appreciated is something that means a great deal.

Two individuals I have a great deal of respect for are Burroughs High football Coach Keith Knoop and Burbank High baseball Coach Bob Hart.

Although I will admit I’m not exactly buddy-buddy with either man, the way both have dealt with their jobs and the members of the media over the years is commendable.

I have seen both coaches suffer their share of tough losses. However, without fail, Knoop and Hart have never blown me off after one of those particularly difficult losses. Instead, they have taken the time to talk to me and give me what I need for my story.

I can’t say the same for some other coaches in the city.

By far, these aren’t the only good coaches at the four area high schools. There are plenty of others who do a tremendous job despite many challenges.

I’ve always said that one of the toughest — and most thankless — professions is that of a youth or high school coach. And when I come across individuals like these who are truly good people, it makes my job that much more enjoyable.

Jeff Tully

Harvard-Westlake Sinks Bell-Jeff Once Again!

HARVARD WESTLAKE - Skylar Tsutsui said she’s still getting accustomed to all the attention; the mobs of fans rushing the court, the video cameras pointed in her face and the postgame interviews.

But Tsutsui and her Harvard-Westlake of Studio City teammates demonstrated again Thursday night that when it comes to the big moments during the game, the Wolverines don’t get overwhelmed.

Tsutsui’s free throws with five seconds remaining helped the host Wolverines defeat Bell-Jeff of Burbank for the third time this season, sealing a 61-59 victory in the Southern California regional quarterfinals in the Div. IV state girls’ basketball playoffs.

Harvard-Westlake (31-1), which recorded its 27th consecutive victory, plays host at 7p.m. Saturday to St. Joseph of Santa Maria (26-4) in the regional semifinals.

“At first, I was so nervous, but I took a few deep breaths and that helped me become more relaxed,” said Tsutsui, who sealed Harvard-Westlake’s 58-54 victory Saturday over Bishop Montgomery of Torrance in the Southern Section Div. IV-AA final on a layup with seven seconds remaining.

“My dad always taught me, if I smiled in those situations, it helps. So, I smiled, and it worked. They both felt really good when they left my fingers. As soon as (the ball) left, I knew it was going in.”

Layana White, who led the Guards (25-7) with 16 points, tied the score at 59-59 on a layup with 13 seconds remaining. But Nicole Nesbit quickly pushed the ball into the frontcourt, before it was knocked away and White was whistled for a foul after hitting Tsutsui’s legs diving for the loose ball in the right corner.

Following Tsutsui’s free throws, Rishonda Napier took the inbounds pass for Bell-Jeff. But the Guards’ bid to win back-to-back state championships - after capturing the Div. V title last year - came up short after Napier’s shot from just inside half court hit off the backboard as time expired.

“We looked at our opponent in the eye for four quarters and we battled. The kids kept believing in each other and they were able to come through and make big shots, just like they had all year,” Bell-Jeff coach Bryan Camacho said.

“But give credit to Harvard-Westlake. They find a way to win. They’ve been through the ups and downs and they’ve been through the battles. Credit Nesbit and (Nicole) Hung, those kids are winners.”

After a 22-point loss Dec. 21 at the Nike Tournament of Champions and a 66-62 setback Jan. 5 to Harvard-Westlake, Bell-Jeff didn’t make the Wolverines’ return to the regional semifinals an easy task.

Harvard-Westlake held an eight-point lead with seven minutes remaining, but despite the efforts of Nicole Hung (21 points, nine rebounds), Sydney Haydel (10 points, 12 rebounds) and Nesbit (13 points, seven rebounds, five steals), the Guards didn’t back down.

But when Jasmine Smith (12 points, 13 rebounds) picked up her fifth foul with 4:16 left, it made Bell-Jeff’s task even tougher. The Guards rallied behind free throws from Napier and White’s basket to pull even, before Tsutsui (10 points) kept alive the Wolverines’ pursuit of a state title.

“We saw the girls’ soccer team lose and we didn’t want that to be us,” Nesbit said. “We want to keep it going for Harvard-Westlake.”

Bell-Jeff Rebounds, Advances in State!

Corcoran - Bell-Jeff of Burbank took 10 days worth of frustration out on Corcoran in the opening round of the Southern California Div. IV girls’ basketball regional playoffs Tuesday night.

Freshman Leslie Lopez-Wood hit six 3-pointers and led Bell-Jeff with 24 points in a 76-55 victory over the Central Section Div. IV champion Panthers, setting up a third showdown this season in Thursday’s regional quarterfinals with top-seeded Harvard-Westlake of Studio City (30-1).

“We’re anxious, we’re ready and Thursday night we’re going to give it everything we’ve got,” Bell-Jeff coach Bryan Camacho said. “We know we’re going up against a monster, a phenomenal, but we’re excited about the opportunity. We’re going to give Harvard-Westlake our very best.”

Bell-Jeff, the defending Div. V state champion, rebounded from a 61-57 loss Feb. 27 to Windward in the Southern Section Div. IV-A semifinals to knock off host Corcoran (24-6).

Jasmine Smith had 14 points, Layana White added 10 points and Julia Tani contributed nine points for the Guards, who put the game away by outscoring Corcoran 17-9 in the third quarter.

Margeaux Gupilan added eight points and Rishonda Napier had seven points for Bell-Jeff, which suffered a 69-47 loss Dec. 21 to Div. IV-AA champion Harvard-Westlake and a 66-62 setback Jan. 5.

- Erik Boal

Great Season For Two Teams!

There are those in the Bellarmine-Jefferson High girls’ basketball program who felt their season wasn’t a complete success.

The Guards, who captured California Interscholastic Federation Southern Section and state championships in 2009, fell short of accomplishing those feats this season, losing in the Division IV semifinals of the playoffs.

The team was beaten by Windward, 61-57.

However, the Bell-Jeff players and coaches should be proud of their playoff accomplishment. It was the third consecutive season the Guards have advanced to the semifinals.

In addition to its fine postseason run, Bell-Jeff also captured a third straight Santa Cruz League title.

The Lady Guards take their first step towards another State championship on Tuesday night @ 7pm  when they go on the road to face the Corcoran Panthers.

Bell-Jeff wasn’t the only area team that enjoyed success during the fall season.

Despite being seeded 11th in the Division IIAA playoffs, the Burbank High boys’ basketball team played its way to the semifinals for only the second time in school history.

Burbank made the semifinal appearance for the first time in 43 years.

Both teams should be saluted for their fine seasons.

Burbank Leader

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