SPORTS

Leland boys’ soccer places fourth in Christmas Cup

Chargers lose on consecutive days to Mitty, Gunn

By Carl Ponzio
Times Intern

Leland’s Ryan Villalpando (10), shown here in a game earlier this season, was forced to sit out the 4-2 loss to Gunn on Dec. 23 because of a red card penalty. Leland Assistant Coach Jack Hamner said Villalpando’s absence had a mental effect on the rest of the team. Photo courtesy www.mikejanes.com

A pair of tough loses at the hands of strong opponentsfound the Leland boys’ soccer team taking a fourth-place victory in the Homestead Christmas Cup.

After going through four teams in tournament play, the Chargers were unable to come up with a win against Archbishop Mitty on Dec. 22 or Gunn on Dec. 23.

Monday’s game against Mitty ended with a 2-0 victory for the Monarchs. Leland was unable to capitalize on their scoring opportunities, and while the Chargers missed their chances, Mitty was able to put the ball into the net. Scoring near the conclusion of the first half, Mitty took a 1-0 lead. The Chargers played a strong second half, but as the end of the game neared, Coach David Gold played all of his players up, including the goalkeeper. Mitty took advantage of Leland’s open net and scored their second goal to seal the game.

“That is the best Mitty team I have seen in 10 years,” said Gold. “They are big and strong in the air, very aggressive to the ball.”

Confidence was in the air Tuesday afternoon as the Chargers prepared for their final game of the Cup. Captain Peter Rodriquez felt that if his team could “clear their heads” of the loss to Mitty, they could be on the winning side of the game. Junior Grant Robson was very optimistic about Leland’s position and showed no discouragement about Monday’s game.

“Throughout the tournament I think we have done pretty good,” said Robson. “As the season goes on, we are going to be a pretty tough team to beat.”

Gunn jumped out to an early lead, scoring in the first few minutes of the half, leaving the Chargers to play catch-up for the rest of the game. Gunn continued to control the game for most of the first half and managed to keep Leland out of their net. Senior Steven Beitashour got the ball close to scoring position for the Chargers on two occasions, but was not able to capitalize. The Gunn Titans scored another goal at the end of the first half, making it a 2-0 game.

The second half started in a similar way to first. The Titans took control quickly, scoring a goal early in the half. Shortly after Gunn’s third goal, Steven Beitashour drew a penalty kick and was able to put the Chargers on the board. Beitashour made his presence felt again as he scored a second goal for Leland not long after his first.

With the score 3-2, it appeared the Chargers were mount-ing a comeback. However, Gunn stuck to their game and was able to score one last time before the game ended, making the final score 4-2.

Both teams re-ceived placing trophies as they walked off the field, with Gunn capturing third place and Leland fourth. Beitashour and Rodriguez were awarded for making the all-tournament team.

In the loss to Gunn, the Chargers were also missing someone who has proved to be a key element in their arsenal and to team morale.

“Ryan Villalpando, who is on the national team, was sitting out because of red card,” explained Assistant Coach Jack Hamner after the game. “That had a mental effect on our guys.”

High School Sports Schedule Dec. 31 - Jan. 6

Leland High School
Saturday – Varsity boys’ soccer alumni game at Leland, 2 p.m.

Tuesday – Frosh/soph boys’ basketball at Andrew Hill, 5:15 p.m.
Tuesday – Varsity boys’ basketball at Andrew Hill, 7 p.m.
Tuesday – Frosh/soph boys’ soccer at Mt. Pleasant, 3:15 p.m.
Tuesday – Varsity boys’ soccer at Mt. Pleasant, 3:15 p.m.

Wednesday – Varsity girls’ soccer vs. Piedmont Hills, 3:15 p.m.
Wednesday – JV girls’ soccer vs. Piedmont Hills, 3:15 p.m.
Wednesday – Wrestling at Prospect, 6:30 p.m.

Thursday - Varsity boys’ soccer vs. Leigh, 3:15 p.m.
Thursday – Frosh/soph boys’ soccer vs. Leigh, 3:15 p.m.

Pioneer High School
Tuesday – Varsity boys’ soccer vs. Independence, 3:15 p.m.

Wednesday – Varsity boys’ basketball at Oak Grove, 7 p.m.
Wednesday – Frosh/soph boys’ basketball at Oak Grove, 5:15 p.m.
Wednesday – JV girls’ basketball vs. Oak Grove, 5:15 p.m.
Wednesday – Varsity girls’ basketball vs. Oak Grove, 7 p.m.
Wednesday – Varsity girls’ soccer vs. Santa Teresa, 3:15 p.m.

Thursday – Wrestling at Del Mar, 6:30 p.m.
Thursday – Varsity boys’ soccer at Overfelt, 3:15 p.m.

Pioneer girls hoops fall 53-43 at home to Salinas

Mustangs’ record slips to 6-7 with loss

By Diego Abeloos
Sports Writer

The Pioneer girls’ basketball team record dropped below the .500 mark at 6-7 after losing a 53-43 home decision to the Salinas Cowboys on Dec. 21.

“Losses are tough to take, but the positive thing is learning from it,” said Pioneer Head Coach Blaine Hashimoto.

“The girls are seeing things now on the losing end of it, as to what can we do to minimize the mistakes that we’re making.”

For the Mustangs, the loss featured a close first quarter before the Cowboys’ offense took over and established a double-digit lead at the half. Salinas’ lead held the rest of the way as the Mustangs went 4-for-12 from the free throw line in the second half. Leading Pioneer in scoring was sophomore forward Michele Rebozzi, who dropped in 11 points, with senior Angelica Woods adding eight points in the loss.

“We played hard but it was just difficult for us to come together,” said Pioneer forward Renee Cummings. “…We’ve got to get our heads in the game and play hard because we could’ve stayed with this team.”

The Mustangs weren’t able to establish a solid lead throughout the contest, leading only once early on in the first quarter at 9-8 before the Cowboys (5-5 overall) ended the period on an 8-2 run, with Cowboy guard Angela Fales dropping in six of her game-total 10 points during that stretch.

The second half proved to be the undoing of the Mustang defense, as the Cowboys started the 12-minute session on a 9-0 run before Mustang point guard Jessica Curry sank one of two free throws with 2:43 left to end the drought. Curry’s free throw started a modest 7-3 run for the Mustangs, with Cummings chipping in three points during the stretch and Curry sinking a three-pointer in the last minute of second-quarter play, cutting the Cowboys’ lead to 28-18 at the break.

“We could’ve done a lot better if we had followed through with our passing and run the plays,” said Woods. “There were quite a bit of turnovers but I think that if we would’ve run the plays better and stuff like that, it could’ve been a lot better.”

The Mustangs managed to keep pace with Salinas to begin the third quarter, trading baskets with the Cowboys for the first seven minutes of the game before Pioneer guard Steffi Mattern nailed a three-pointer to cut Salinas’ lead to single digits at 34-27. The Cowboy offense soon got back on track however, ending the third quarter on a 7-2 run, getting a 44-32 lead in the process.

“They kind of took over on the inside,” said Hashimoto of Salinas. “We weren’t able to box out and rebound tonight. We missed free throws and Salinas made a few more than we did. That really kind of kept the distance.”

Salinas’ offense stayed potent in the fourth quarter, holding off a sporadic Mustang unit that ended the game on a 6-2 run in the last two minutes of the period. However, the effort was not enough, as Salinas received scoring in the fourth quarter from Fales and Tara Azevedo, scoring four points each for a 53-43 win.

“It started to slip away after a while, our heads got down,” said Cummings. “But we’ll recover. It’s OK.”

Almaden Valley Girls Softball League holds registration for Spring 2005

The Almaden Valley Girls Softball League will hold registration for its spring 2005 season. Signups are at Graystone Elementary school on Saturday, Jan. 8 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 12 from 6-9 pm, and on Saturday, Jan. 15 from 9 a.m. to 2 pm. New players must bring a copy of their birth certificate. 

Cost is $60 plus fundraising for the 6U and 8U divisions and $80 plus fundraising for the 10U, 12U and 14U divsions. Discounts for multiple children are available.

The Almaden Valley Girls Softball League (AVGSL) ensures that the players are in a fun, positive environment while learning and expanding their softball skills. AVGSL promotes a sense of belonging for everyone. We emphasize teamwork and the sense of individual success that contribute to team sports.

For more information visit www.avgsl.org, or call the league hotline at (408) 808-1405.

Sports Briefs

Almaden Wildcats girls under-10 soccer tryouts
The AVYSL Wildcats, girls under-10, Class 3 soccer team will hold tryouts for girls born between Aug. 1, 1995 and July 31, 1996 at Bret Harte Middle School Jan. 8, 10 a.m. to noon, Jan. 9, noon to 2 p.m. and Jan. 15, 10 a.m. to noon. Interested players should attend two of the dates. For more information, call Ron Richardson at 408-997-6168.

18U Strikkers softball tryouts at Oak Grove High Jan. 9
18U Strikkers will hold tryouts for the 2005 summer travel team at Oak Grove High School, 285 Blossom Hill Road, San Jose on Jan. 9. Pitchers and catchers at 9 a.m. and position players at 10:30 a.m. Contact Frank King (408) 227-8191 or Richard Fangonilo (408) 274-9301.

10U, 12U and 14U Strikkers fastpitch club needs players
The 10U, 12U, & 14U Strikkers Fastpitch Club Travel is team looking to pick up one or two players for next summer. Contact Ernie Garcia for more information at (408) 281-7855 or visit www.strikkers.org.

Silicon Valley Football Classic announces events prior to Troy vs. N. Illinois game Dec. 30

The week of events culminates on Thursday, Dec. 30, with Game Day. The pre-game celebrations begin at 5:30 p.m. with the End Zoner Tailgate Tent Party, presented by Movie Gallery, in the parking lot adjacent to Logitech Ice, 1500 S. 10th Street, San Jose. Admission to the party is $25 and includes food, beverages, and one End Zone ticket and souvenir program. Tickets may be purchased through Ticketmaster, either by going online to http://www.ticketmaster.com, calling Ticketmaster at 408.994.TIXS (8497), or by visiting any Ticketmaster outlet.

At the same time, the schools and their guests will celebrate in their own tailgate party in Logitech Ice’s parking lot, and the SVFC will also say “thank you” to its corporate sponsors and partners with a private tent party and pre-game hospitality.

The pre-game entertainment continues at 7:15, as Movie Gallery presents Troy University’s award-winning band “Sound of the South” and Northern Illinois’ “Pride of the Midwest” at Spartan Stadium. The bands will pump up the crowd as the excitement builds toward a fever pitch in anticipation of kickoff.

The Northern Illinois University Huskies and the Troy University Trojans will then take the field for the 8 p.m. kickoff, and following the game, Movie Gallery presents the MVP awards. The evening will then wrap up with a post-game press conference in the Gadway Room of Spartan Stadium’s Simpkins Center.

San Jose Seahawks, Stanford offers youth rugby

The Stanford Seahawks Youth Rugby Club, open to boys and girls ages 6-13, will begin practice for the 2005 season on Jan. 9 at Stanford University rugby Field, from noon-2 p.m., with an emphasis on fun, safety and skill development. The activity is presented by the San Jose Seahawks Rugby Football Club (www.sjrugby.org) and the Stanford Rugby Club. For more information, call Bob Spurzem at (408) 464-5191 or e-mail: youth@sjrugby.org.

Chargers Thump Soquel 73-47 for Second Win of the Season

Leland gets scoring from Hamouie, bench in win

By Diego Abeloos
Sports Writer

The Leland Chargers picked up their second win of the season on Dec. 21 by defeating the Soquel Knights 73-47 in boys’ basketball action. With the victory, the Chargers ended a modest two-game losing streak that began on Dec. 10 with a 73-47 loss to San Benito in the Independence Fukushima Tournament.

“Tonight we played as one cohesive unit,” said Leland senior forward Danny Hamouie, who led all scorers with 17 points. “We had a couple of good practices and we realized that, for us seniors, it’s probably one of the last times that we’re going to get to play together. We just realized that if we want to go somewhere in CCS, we had to come together, not be selfish, and play as a team.”

Aside from Hamouie, the Chargers (2-6 overall) also received contributions on offense from guard David Farsai, who chipped in 11 points off the bench, and forward Philip Petro, who scored 10 points in the win.

“Everybody had their spacing and everything went right,” said Leland forward Isaias Asfaha of the Charger offense.

“We had energy and we got a lot of open shots from passes.”

After a first-quarter score of 13-13, the Chargers made the first of several offensive runs at the Knights. The Chargers dominated the second quarter by going on a 16-2 run that lasted more than 10 minutes, with Petro contributing much of the offense for Leland by scoring six points during that stretch. Hamouie was also an offensive factor in the second quarter for the Chargers, scoring six points in the 12-minute period, including four points in the last minute of the first half.

The Charger defense also played a major role in the second quarter by limiting the Soquel offense to five points, including a scoring drought by the Knights (2-8 overall) that ended with 2:50 to go in the first half when Eddie Hoffman hit two free throws. At the half, Leland went into the locker room with a firm 35-18 lead.

“We did a good job defensively,” said Leland head coach Dave Frandsen. “We moved our feet, caused some turnovers and converted those turnovers into points, which is important. Getting something positive out of the turnovers was essential.”

The Chargers opened up the third quarter in the same way it opened up the previous quarter, by going on another scoring run, this one by an 11-3 margin. During the scoring stretch, Hamouie continued to be a force on offense, scoring seven points during the run, including one play where the senior forward drove to the basket, was fouled while hitting a lay-up and sank his free throw attempt to complete a three-point play.

“He played with authority inside, a presence, which is what we haven’t had a lot of,” Frandsen said of Hamouie. “Soquel didn’t have a big monster inside either, so we did exactly what we would’ve had to do.”

Soquel ended the third quarter by going on a small 7-3 run, aided by two three-pointers from Chris Meyer and Zac Bischoff, to set the score at 49-28.

The fourth quarter saw both teams trade baskets for the first eight minutes of the period before Soquel made one last modest run at the Chargers, going on a 6-0 stretch in 48 seconds. The Chargers then quickly regained momentum, ending the game with a 15-4 run that included three consecutive three-pointers from Leland’s Kyle Walker to end the contest. During the stretch, Charger guard Mike Higashioka chipped in the remaining six points, all in less than one minute, to help guide Leland to the 73-47 win.

“We just decided that we were going to go out there and go all out,” Hamouie said. “We really had nothing to lose. Our record isn’t saying too much about our team. We felt if people want to respect us, we have to go out and show them what we’re doing and how hard we work. Tonight it showed.”

Guard trio for Leland has provided scoring, new element to Charger offense

By Diego Abeloos
Sports Writer

Despite dropping a 54-46 loss to the Los Gatos Wildcats on Dec. 21, the Leland girls’ basketball team doesn’t appear to be worried about early-season results.

Sure, playing without 6-foot, 1-inch center Jackie George the past six games hasn’t made life easy on the court for the Chargers, now 3-3 in George’s absence, but the change has allowed for other aspects of the squad to develop, including the play on offense from Leland’s three starting guards, Mika Yanai, Kristen Yoshioka and twin sister Meggie Yoshioka.

“The three guards that are starting have really been focusing on giving us points as well as leadership on both ends,” said Head Coach Wade Nakamura. “I think when Jackie does come back, we’ll be fine.”

Nakamura said the void left by George, both offensively and defensively, has forced everyone on the team to step up their game. Not only is the guard trio asked to score more; they are also counted on to help out with rebounding.

“Our guards are young,” Nakamura said. “They’re trying their best, and they did (against Los Gatos). They stepped up and were tough as nails … but it’s difficult when you’re getting knocked around like a pinball (on rebounds).”

The Dec. 21 loss to Saratoga proved to be just the case. With two players measuring 6 feet in height on the Wildcats’ side in Alexa Anderson and Bryte Nielson, the Charger guards were asked to provide scoring from the outside, while also providing rebounding help for Leland post players. The result: Kristen Yoshioka walked away with a team-high 16 points, including four three-pointers, and six rebounds (also a team-high). Yanai and Meggie Yoshioka posted identical numbers, with both guards contributing eight points and three rebounds each.

“We competed well enough to win without Jackie George, our best player, but we just couldn’t get over the hump,” Nakamura said. “We couldn’t find enough to sustain any type of offensive attack.”

Sliding into George’s place at center the past six games is junior forward Hillary Barnes, a 5-foot, 10-inch inexperienced low-post player, with senior forward Kelly Ricco now in the lineup at forward (Barnes’ original position) as well. In the loss to Los Gatos, Ricco’s lack of size and Barnes’ lack of varsity experience, showed, said Nakamura. Barnes collected four points but managed only one rebound in the low post, while Ricco dropped in seven points and grabbed two rebounds.

With Ricco shifting into the starting lineup, Nakamura has also had to count on some inexperienced varsity players to provide minutes and size from the bench in JoVanna Cobos, Pam Wolfe and Amber Barbieri. Two of those three players stand at 5 feet, 10 inches and all have been pressed into low-post duty with George out.

“We know and understand that most teams, overall, are going to be bigger than us,” Nakamura said. “Especially when we’re starting three small guards.”

In sharp contrast, Los Gatos’ Nielson led all scorers with 18 points and seven rebounds, while Anderson dropped in eight points and four rebounds in the win for the Wildcats.

“Nielson had a great game against us,” Nakamura said. “She’s a good player. A senior who is very confident and left-handed. She got a great shot.”

As for George, progress has been made on her high right ankle sprain suffered in a season-opening 43-40 win over Fremont on Dec. 8. The day after the loss to the Wildcats, George could be seen running laps around the court, dribbling a basketball.

“I’ve been running and jumping onto blocks and stuff, trying to build everything in my legs up,” George said.

“…I’m just doing anything and everything I can to get (the ankle) back into shape.”

Nevertheless, George will be forced to wear a soft cast on her tender ankle the remainder of the season. George added that she is anxious to get back on the floor after watching from the bench the past couple of weeks, and is anticipating a return to limited action this week.

“It’s been really tough,” George said. “I’ve wanted to go in and score a couple of points for my team, but it’s hard. I’ve been rooting for them on the bench though.”

When George does return, Nakamura feels the team will be even better, knowing now that he can count on Leland guards to help out with scoring instead of constantly passing the ball inside to the center. The boost in confidence is felt by the players too, who want to prove that the Chargers are more than just a one-dimensional team.

“I think all three of us have worked well as a team,” Yanai said of playing with the Yoshioka twins. “When Jackie George comes back, we’ll still work as a team, but we’ll have an extra player to pass it into.”

LELAND’S NOVEMBER ATHLETES OF THE MONTH

This year the Leland Booster Club, Athletic Director Chris Hansen, the Fall sports coaches and Action Photo Design (www.actionphotodesign.com) initiated The Athlete of the Month Program to recognize student-athletes who exemplify the best of Leland by demonstrating outstanding character, leadership and performance. The second set of winners, for the month of November, along with their coaches’ comments include:

RINA PARMESHWAR is the tennis player of the month.
“Rina was one of our No. 2 doubles members. She had one of the best records on the team. She was always willing to go out of her way to be helpful, inspiring team spirit and providing a good role model for the younger players. Rina was a true team player, always giving her best and putting the needs of her team above her own.” —Coach Jory Segal

DEAN CROSBIE is the boys’ cross country player of the month.
“Dean, a sophomore, has been a steady contributor all season for the varsity boys’ team. Just his second season he has been a varsity runner since midway through his freshman year. Over this past month, Dean has really stepped up his performances and taken on a leadership role as he has finished first, on his team, in each of his last three races. In his latest race, the BVAL Finals, Dean was the only varsity boy to qualify to the CCS Finals.” —Coach Jerry Rose

CASSIE GARCIA is the girls’ cross country player of the month.
“Cassie, a sophomore, has really come on strong over this past month through hard training and dedication. Cassie has always given her best effort in all that she does, whether in practice or in meets, and now it is paying off as her times are dropping with each competition. At this time she is our No. 3 runner but is literally seconds off our leaders. Cassie has definitely been a welcome addition to a very young and talented varsity girls’ team. She and her teammates are poised to make their mark at CCS this year and over the next two years.” —Coach Jerry Rose

JON FOOTE is the boys’ water polo player of the month.
“Jon stepped up for the Leland varsity water polo team this year by being the team leader and high scorer. Jon led the frosh/soph team last year to their undefeated BVAL record and played winter and summer polo with the intensity to contribute to another Charger championship. The team goal was to advance to the CCS Sectional Tournament and John led the charge of the team’s success.” —Coach Mike Monsees

COURTNEY MONSEES is the girls’ water polo player of the month.
“Courtney was a leader on the team. She’d practice 100 percent, hurt or not. Her speed and instincts allowed her to dominate games. She’d turn on the switch and just shut down the other team defensively with four or five steals in a row. We could always count on starting every quarter with the ball, because she would win every sprint. She led the team in counterattack goals, usually created from her own steal. She is easily the fastest player in the CCS. She had 67 goals and over 120 steals for the season. Even more impressive was her enthusiasm and positive attitude at every practice.” —Coach Eric Rise

CHAULET SCALA is the volleyball player of the month.
“Chaulet is a sophomore outside hitter who is a returning varsity starter this year. Chaulet always displays a positive attitude on and off the court. She strives to be the best player she can be. Chaulet puts in countless hours on the volleyball court both at Leland as well as her club experiences. Chaulet has been the kill leader for the 2004 season several times, racking up 165 kills on the season. She was honored with sophomore of the year and First-Team All-League in the Mt. Hamilton Division of the BVAL.” —Coaches Trish Moore and Chris Hansen

KELLEE QUANE is the field hockey player of the month.
“Kellee is one of the captains for Leland Field Hockey this year. Her skills, heart, and intellect make her the backbone of the team. Kellee has always given 110 percent out on the field, pushing herself to her limits. As a center-half, Quane controls the game very well and is also able to tackle back. Her presence will be missed next year.” —Coach Sharan Kalla

ARTHUR KING is the football player of the month.
“We vote Art as the November player of the month for football. Art has been a two-way starter for us for his senior season. Art has been a model for us this season on and off the field. He led Leland in receptions and receiving yards for us this year. Art has been offered a trip to the University of Nevada-Reno and these trips will continue throughout the winter. Wherever Art ends up, he will represent Leland in a positive manner.” —Coach Kelly Edwards

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