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

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

Bell-Jeff Players Get Scholarship Offers!

BURBANK - Bellarmine-Jefferson High girls’ basketball players Margeaux Gupilan and Julia Tani have been offered college scholarships, Read more

All-Area Team Selections!

BURBANK- The following players were named to the Burbank Leader All-Area teams…
Read more

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

Lady Guards Get Home Game!

After defeating the visiting Capinteria 65-17 on Saturday night, the Bell-Jeff Lady Guards will take the next step in their championship journey Wednesday night @ 7 pm.

They will host the Marymount Sailors who beat Crossroads and Morro Bay to earn their ticket to the quarterfinals of the CIF-SS Div IV-A playoffs!

Eric “Rico” Reed

Gupilan letting her light shine for Bell-Jeff!

Bellarmine-Jefferson - Margeaux Gupilan took time out of her busy schedule Thursday to attend a school religious retreat in Encino Read more

Obstacles Seem To Be Never-Ending For Bell-Jeff!

CHINO HILLS - Bell-Jeff of Burbank’s reward for winning four games in a five-day span is a showdown Saturday with one Read more

Bell-Jeff Basketball Teams Ranked In CIF polls!

BURBANK - The Bellarmine-Jefferson High girls’ basketball team is getting its share of respect this season.

This week, the Guards are ranked No. 1 in the CIF Southern Section Division IVA poll. Bell-Jeff is ahead of Santa Maria St. Joseph (No. 2), Oaks Christian (No. 3) and Windward (No. 4).

Bell-Jeff won Santa Cruz League, Southern Section and state championships last season.

Another local team that is ranked is the Burbank boys’ basketball squad. The Bulldogs are No. 11 in this week’s Division IIA.

Burbank defeated Crescenta Valley, 54-52, in a Pacific League game on Wednesday. The Falcons are ranked No. 13 in Division IA.

The Bell-Jeff boys’ basketball team is also ranked. The Guards are tied for seventh in the Division VA .

— Jeff Tully

Staying In Title Contention!

GIRLS BASKETBALL - Expectations have been high this season for the Bellarmine-Jefferson High girls’ basketball team. Read more

Next Page »