December 25, 2003

Almaden X-treme place second in league, third in district

The Almaden X-treme, a U12 Class I girls team, coached by Bob Spaletta, Dave Kroeger and Chris Panek completed their first season at Class I level play by placing second in league and third in District II Cup. The X-treme finished league play with only one loss early in the season to a team they eventually defeated later in the season.

After coming off a winning season at Class III play in 2002, the team made the decision to step up to Class I. This meant a higher level of commitment and effort and not all the players felt comfortable at first. Despite some early difficulties (which included a broken collar bone), by the end of the season they were not only comfortable, but were one of the top teams in District II – a remarkable accomplishment for their first year at this level of competition.

The final game of the season was against the De Anza Force one of the top ranked Northern California U12 Class I girl’s teams. The Force had beaten the X-treme in earlier District II Cup play the prior day so the X-treme knew they had to play their best. The X-treme came from behind to tie the score one to one in the first half off of Lindsey Spaletta’s skillfully placed 25 yard direct kick. With the first half ending in a tie, the second half started slow and it looked like it would come down to overtime play and possibly a shootout, but late in the game with some solid passing that led to a fast break, Stephanie Weed put the winning goal in the net. However, it was touch and go over the last few minutes as the Force fought back and would have put the game into overtime had it not been for a spectacular save by Meagan Panek.

It was an exciting season all around and it was just incredible to see all the players step up and play so well together. The parents were very supportive and made it fun on and off the field. The team is looking forward to playing U13 Class I next season and will be holding tryouts in early 2004. Anyone interested should contact Bob Spaletta at taxhound@aol.com.

Leland girls’ basketball team gains experience in first losses of the season

By Justin Petersen
Staff Writer

The varsity girls’ basketball team of Leland High School suffered its first losses of the season after beating Analy High School in the first round of the Washington High Tournament this week.

“Analy was the best team we’d played till that point,” says Head Coach Wade Nakamura. “I was very proud of the girls in that game.”

The girls beat Analy 63-53. Junior Jackie George checked in for a monster game, scoring 30 points in the effort.

With the win Leland earned the right to move on, facing last year’s CCS division II finalist, Aragon High School. Unfortunately, Aragon left victors, beating Leland 67-53.

However, according to Nakamura, the defeat was an invaluable experience for the young Chargers.

“We accomplished our goal against Aragon,” says Nakamura. “We came in and competed. If our team went out there and played them tomorrow, we would know we belong. We are very young. We only have two seniors and the girls need to see how good they can be.”

In the final game of the tournament, the Chargers competed for third place but lost to Washington High School of Fremont 52-37.

After the tough loss to Aragon, the girls appeared to be drained emotionally and physically versus Washington.

“I could tell we were tired and fatigued,” said Coach Nakamura. “I should have gone to the bench, but the bottom line is that we just didn’t play well. Eight out of ten times we would probably beat that team, but we lost. But we accomplished a lot in the tournament. Now we’ll go back to practice, work hard, and get ready for the West Coast Jamboree.

“Every tournament we want to face some adversity and see how we respond.”

The Lady Chargers will have another opportunity to face adversity this weekend during the West Coast Jamboree. The Jamboree features 80 of the top teams on the West Coast divided into ten different divisions. Leland is scheduled to open against Clayton Valley High School on Dec. 27 at 7 p.m. in Concord. The Chargers are in the Pearl Division, which is about the middle of the pack in terms of the level of competition.

Leland boys’ secure third victory with free throws, consistency

By Justin Petersen

Leland High School boys’ basketball coach, Dave Frandsen must be ecstatic. The boys head into Christmas day on a two-game winning streak, the latest victory coming as a result of good free throw shooting, historically every basketball coach’s greatest pet peeve.

Next Tuesday, December 30, Leland will play Santa Teresa High School at home in the Leland Gymnasium at 7:00p.m. The boys hope to extend their winning streak against old rival, Santa Teresa, a team that has logged lopsided victories over formidable opponents, including Independence, who Leland lost to, 44-28.

However, if the Chargers maintain the focus and never say die determination that they showcased versus San Lorenzo Valley High School last Thursday, it won’t matter who’s beat who and by how much. Leland’s tough preseason and the bumps and bruises that come with a young team’s identity crises have strengthened the Chargers who appear ready to emerge as league begins in the first week of January.

Versus SLV, the Chargers were led by the tough defense of sophomore point guard, James Kogura, along with the dead-eye free throw shooting of junior guard, Kyle Yoshioka, who finished the game eight of 10 from the stripe.

Pioneer boys fare well in Fremont Sunnyvale Holiday Tournament

By Justin Petersen
Staff Writer

The Pioneer High School boys’ basketball team continued a successful preseason this week, beating Homestead High School and a talented Aragon High School team before losing to Eastside High School and falling into the consolation bracket.

With only two tournaments left before the Mustangs embark upon their first season in the Blossom Valley Athletic League, Mount Hamilton Division, Coach Joe Berticevich is pleased with his team’s progress.

“We had too many turnovers against Homestead,” says Berticevich. “But we won and it was great to see the guys bounce back against Aragon. We played very well against Aragon. I’m proud of our guys so far. They’re working hard and playing good defense.”

Aragon, currently ranked eighth in the CCS, posed a serious test for Pioneer last Saturday. The Dons returned three starters from their 2002-2003 team, which made it to the CCS finals.

Scrappy Pioneer, ranked 13 in the CCS, never flinched at Aragon’s lofty pedigrees. After jumping out to a 15-10 first quarter lead, the Mustangs never looked back, beating the highly touted team from Aragon by a final score of 65-52.

Another strong performance from point guard Ceylon Elgin-Taylor delivered the Mustangs. Elgin-Taylor, referred to as Junior by his coaches and teammates, poured in 30 points, grabbed nine rebounds, and dished out eight assists in the game. Senior shooting guard Mark Bundlie chipped in as well, nailing four three-pointers. After three games in the tournament, Bundlie had logged nine three-pointers, a large portion of his team leading, 18 threes for the year.

“We matched up well versus Aragon,” continued Berticevich. “Eastside, on the other hand, gave us trouble in the posts.”

Pioneer came off the encouraging Aragon victory only to lose versus an oversized team from Eastside High.

“Anytime we are lacking a presence in the post we are going to have trouble,” adds Berticevich.

Both of Pioneer’s losses this year have come against teams possessing dominant players down low.

However, versus Eastside, Pioneer acknowledged its folly, calling upon Mike Kaufman to step it up in the second half. After going into the locker room down 28-12, Kaufman and the rest of the Mustangs rallied to come within three of the Eastside Panthers, before ultimately losing 52-38.

“Kaufman played very tough in the second half,” finished Berticevich. “He never backed down. We really needed that.”

Pioneer hopes to take the tough attitude with it as the Mustangs travel to Reno, Nevada, for a tournament this weekend, before finishing up the preseason playing in the Soquel Winter Classic, beginning Tuesday, Dec. 30 at 4 p.m. versus Monte Vista Christian High School.

Pioneer ladies spend week hard at practice, prepare for post-Christmas, Del Mar Tournament

By Justin Petersen

Blaine Hashimoto has his Pioneer High School girls’ basketball team off to a scorching start. The lady Mustangs, currently sitting pretty with a 9-2 record, broke from formal competition this week, spending their time practicing everyday instead.

Next, the girls open the Del Mar Tournament versus host, Del Mar the day following Christmas.

Throughout the team’s early success, two Mustangs have stood out in particular. Look for senior guard, Gina Biviano and senior forward, Brenae Perkins to continue leading the Mustangs throughout the Del Mar Tournament and into league play.

“So far this year has been good,” says Perkins. “We’re playing as a team and we’re beating other teams that nobody thought we would beat.”

“Look at the Salinas game,” notes Biviano. “We were focused and everybody got to play.”

Biviano refers to the girls’ Dec. 16 game where Pioneer traveled to Salinas, beating the home team 56-48. Biviano lead the way for Pioneer, scoring 17 points, snatching four steals and dropping four assists. Perkins added nine points, pulled down four rebounds, and took two steals.

LELAND BOYS’ SOCCER STOCK REMAINS UP IN BVAL, FOILED IN CUP

The Leland High School boys’ soccer team kept its unbeaten record, but was bounced out of the Homestead Christmas Cup tournament after reigning as champion for two years. The Chargers and Gilroy High School fought to a 1-1 tie, but Gilroy won the post-game penalty-kick tie-breaker 5-4 and the ticket to the Homestead Cup final against Watsonville High School Tuesday afternoon. Leland faced Live Oak for third place at midday Tuesday.

Leland dominated the first half versus Gilroy with relentless attacks on goal resulting in a goal by David Dally on a shot from 10 meters out off of a cross pass from Steve Beitashour. The Chargers seemed to rest on their laurels in the second half with Gilroy tying the game with eight minutes left in regulation. In the penalty-kick overtime phase, Gilroy was aided by the fact that two shots blocked by Leland goalie Richard Mann were overruled and successfully retried. Mann apparently was cited for moving off of his line too soon. Leland Coach Dave Gold was displeased that the referee let the line judges make the call on the Leland goalie. As for Leland’s second-half letdown, Gold said, “We’re a victim of our own schedule. We play a lot of games. It takes its toll.” The Chargers, three-time defending Blossom Valley Athletic League champions, started the 2003-4 season with league wins over Overfelt and Leigh, and took a 6-0-6 record against Live Oak in Homestead Christmas Cup consolation match. Leland next plays Oak Grove High School in BVAL action on Jan. 7, 3:15 p.m. at Evergreen Valley College.

--By Karl Laucher

LELAND SOCCER GIRLS LEAD THE LEAGUE

The Chargers paused to smile en mass after defeating Leigh School 1-0 last week at Leland as two of the team’s youngest players, Denelle Spencer (front left) and Stephanie Kato (front right), played critical roles. Spencer recorded the shutout as goalie and Kato scored the only gold of the game, it coming in the opening minutes of play on an assist from Megan Finney. Leigh Coach Michele Kennedy said she was “very frustrated” with her team’s inability to finish offensive forays into the Charger penalty box. Leigh already has a win over defending Blossom Valley Athletic League champion Santa Teresa. She called the Chargers, “a good team, especially a good passing team.” Leland, 2-0 in BVAL play and 3-2 on the season, won’t see action again until the Los Lomas Tournament in the East Bay Jan. 1-3. The next league game will be versus Prospect High School at Leland on Jan. 6 at 3:15 p.m. Meanwhile, the Chargers are encouraging the friends of Charger soccer to eat at Time Deli at 349 Bascom Ave. in San Jose before the end of the season and mention Leland Soccer, which earns a 50 percent donation from Time Deli to the Leland soccer program. Time Deli will be closed Dec. 26 and Jan. 2. --By Karl Laucher

Four Leland players, coach honored in BVAL girls’ water polo

The Leland High School girls water polo team appears well-armed for the future as indicated by the fact that three of the four players who earned post-season Blossom Valley Athletic League honors are scheduled to return to action for the Chargers next year.

Most impressive is Courtney Monsees, who was named Freshman of the Year and was given a first-team ALL-BVAL position as Leland’s leading scorer during an excellent season in which the Chargers finished second to Lincoln High School with a 7-1 record.

Also named to the BVAL first team is Leland senior Lucy Engelter. Junior Casey Armstrong was given second team recognition.

Other special honors went to goalie Danielle Gold as Sophomore of the Year and Eric Rise as Coach of the Year.

Almaden locals garner coveted black belt

By Justin Petersen

Recently years of hard work and dedication paid off for several young Almaden martial artists. A group of 10 students, three of which reside in the Almaden Valley, were promoted from “black belt recommended” to “first degree black belt” classification.

Local American Taekwondo Association instructor Eric Ekholm, also an Almaden resident and California State champion in sparring, led the promotion ceremony that awarded the students with the coveted black belt; an honor attached to a stringent moral code, mental toughness and physical coordination.

A panel of four judges evaluated each contestant’s form, skills in weaponry, and performance in one-round sparring matches.

Form tests consisted of kicks, punches, blocks, and footwork. Only 5-years-old, the youngest black belt recommended, Niko Bonafede, a student at Guadalupe Elementary School, demonstrated remarkable form in his kicks and punches, especially. Bonafede executed complicated combinations many adults would struggle to complete.

“The key to good form begins with the stance,” says Ekholm. “From there, the black belt needs focus and balance, timing and a clear load to prepare for the strike.”

Testing for weaponry skills, the students could choose between numchucks, a bow staff, or a saber. The majority of students chose the saber.

“It’s all part of the mental program,” says Ekholm, who opened his studio just three years ago and continues to see his students’ enthusiasm grow.

In the final leg of promotional testing, the black belts recommended were assigned a partner and issued full pads, covering feet, hands, and head. Each pair squared off for a one-minute round of sparring.

One match stood out in particular. Jennifer Oie, a Castillero middle schooler and 2003 State Sparring Champion, faced off against a boy of her same size. The match was even. Jennifer landed numerous kicks, exhibiting an impressive amount of power in her legs. The contest was encouraging, considering that many young women face the challenges of sexism and nature’s feminine physique. Taekwondo gives a young woman, such as Oie, the power and confidence to defend herself, if she were to encounter a physically or mentally threatening situation with the opposite sex.

“Taekwondo is a great challenge for me,” says Oie. “And I really like getting to meet new people.”

Recently Oie, whose friends, Sarah Skipwith, a Blossom Valley resident, and Elizabeth Goodhart, a Dartmouth Middle School Seventh Grader, also received their black belts, struggled with math.

“Through Taekwondo, I have learned self discipline,” continues Oie. “I used to give up in math, but now I have the power to stick with it.”

Despite the inherent fighting skills developed when somebody learns to punch, kick, and block accurately, Ekholm does not teach Taekwondo in terms of fighting.

“I hope that none of our black belts ever have to use their skills on the streets,” continues Ekholm. “We design our program to help with life skills: self-discipline and self esteem.”

For example, Ekholm’s students are required to greet each instructor when they come into the studio for practice. Students must also participate in circuit drills, requiring the participant to repeat exercises, improving their skills and learning that they can accomplish what they attempt.

As a result of these training techniques, the gym echoed with brave bellows throughout the promotion ceremony. Students burst out with conviction as they kicked and punched with strength and polish.

After each student’s test was evaluated, all of the candidates were approved to become first-degree black belts.

Then the Taekwondo promotion ritual ensued. Three giant candles were lit in the front of the gym. From these, students lit their own smaller candles, symbolizing the fire that burns within a black belt’s soul, and the passing of that fire from one generation to the next. Last, actual black belts were issued and the promotion was complete.

Ekholm’s studio offers four programs catering to all ages, excluding no one based on a lack of athleticism or with little talent for quick thought.

The first program teaches structure. Students learn how to line up correctly, show other people courtesy, how to look people in the eye, and how to follow the rules of the school.

The second program is the black belt course. In this program students train specifically to acquire a black belt. The black belt program helps students improve on their attitude, continuing to emphasize the “yes I can” way of thinking.

The third stage is called the master’s program. At this stage, the instructors encourage attention to detail and guide students to desire knowledge and understand its value.

Last is the leadership program. Students who make it this far are taught to teach and lead others, taking advantage of natural gifts and practicing successful techniques exhibited by many leaders.

Ekholm’s ATA Academy is located at 1375 Blossom Hill Rd. Call (408) 268-5423 for more information.

Leland wrestling pair finish fourth in tourney

Leland High School seniors Greg Edwards at 171 pounds and Scott Glicksberg at 275 pounds placed fourth in the recent Lynn Dyche Tournament held at James Lick High School. The tournament is named for a pioneer on high school wrestling. The Chargers will open the 2004 campaign with a dual meet at James Lick on Jan. 7, 6:30 p.m.

A GILDED FAMILY REUNION

Ed Grant of Almaden Valley exercised his rights as a father in encouraging his children to participate in sports. His daughter, Alisia, followed his advice and played four years of softball while a Leland High School student (class of 1988). Ed, age 63, earlier this month reaped a special benefit for his fitness advocacy when he and Alicia, now Alicia Wagner, age 32, combined to win the mixed team division of then Dannon Duathlon—run-bike-run—in Palm Springs. “I don’t get to see her that often, so to win our division was just icing on the cake,” Ed said, wistfully. Alisha, the mother of Ed’s 4-year-old granddaughter, did the running portion of the event, a pair of five-mile romps to start and end the race. Ed’s contribution was the 15-mile cycle leg in the middle. He called it all “a delightful experience.” Ed, a retired high school teacher who trains under Pete Kain at the Almaden Valley Athletic Club, said his next competitive outing will be the San Francisco Marathon on Super Bowl Weekend.

--By Karl Laucher