The end, but the beginning

The promising Hart girls golf team failed to advance to the CIF State Championship Thursday - and it's not a big deal.

Valencia volleyball rolls to the quarters; Cats exit

It was a tough go, but the Valencia girls volleyball team are back in the quarterfinals. After three straight exits in the second round, Valencia's 3-1 road win in the second round of the CIF-Southern Section Division I-A playoffs vaults them to the round of eight. "It was a huge motivating factor for all five of our seniors," said Valencia head coach Ray Sanchez of the previous three exits. The Vikings (21-9) won 21-25, 25-23, ...

The growth of Shane Vereen

When do you know when you've truly become a man? There's no experience, like reaching the top of a mountain, that tells you. It's not when hair grows on your chest for the first time. It's a process. And this valley has watched much of Shane Vereen's process. It started when he burst onto the scene as a sophomore running back at Valencia High. One can now see the process on television or in person ...

A new pinnacle

In comparison to many of the other sports played in the Foothill League, girls golf is still in its early stages. Much of its 10-year history comes from individual success - names like Alexis Arnold, Melanie DeLeon, Stevy Loy and Jasnin Samson, girls who fulfilled their promise in high school and gained college scholarships.

Bustos talks of silver and gold

Her brand new Olympic silver medal is bound to look like her two golds. The jade circle inside the medal will probably fade. The ribbon will tatter. The outer rim of the medal likely will be nicked and scratched. An explanation for which is found from her father. What do these three Olympic softball medals mean to Crystl Bustos? "You want me to tell you the truth?" asks George Bustos, about to let out a ...

Hart avoids being ‘the one’

Oh, what could have been. Or what should have been. Had it not been for two plays and a couple of costly penalties, West Ranch might have won its first game against one of the Santa Clarita Valley's Big Four. Instead, arguably the preeminent program in this valley's history squeaked by the fledgling Wildcats 18-13 Friday night at Cougar Stadium. "When the final tick went off, I let off a big exhale," said Hart quarterback ...

Back on track

No, it's not a mistake. Many of you have seen my name at the top of this very page for the second day and have read my byline as "Signal Sports Editor."

Ultimate effort

Five feet away is not a safe distance. You're going to get hit. Not by what you think. Not a fist or an elbow or a flying foot. Sweat. Yes, sweat will hit you. It could be a lot worse. Had this have been a mixed martial arts match - a fist, elbow or foot would surely hit you. But until then, it's drops of perspiration sent airborne. It's a daily occurrence in one Valencia ...

The state of the West

NEW YORK - It's difficult to describe what has gone on with the race in the National League West. Not so much for the American League West.

Morneau hits more homers

NEW YORK - Ruth built it. Josh Hamilton tried to tear it down. Justin Morneau demolished the hopes of the people inside of it.

All-Star future, check

NEW YORK - His jersey neatly folded on a chair in front of New York Yankees second baseman Robinson Cano's locker Sunday afternoon, 2003 Hart High graduate Chris Valaika smiles and draws a check mark with his index finger.

Mac of all trades

The best high school golfer in Southern California says his biggest moment of the 2007-08 school year, wasn't on the course - it was on the football field.

Driven to succeed

You would have to believe that Johnny MacArthur's 2008 high school golf season began on May 31.

MacArthur finishes fifth, 2-over

The greatest individual season in Santa Clarita Valley prep golf history has ended just short of the ultimate goal. Southern California high school champion and Hart High senior Johnny MacArthur finished tied for fifth Tuesday at the CIF-State Golf Championship at Santa Maria Country Club.

Not without some help

You haven't heard a lot about Lelani Bernardino. Deservedly so, you've heard a lot about two of her teammates, one past teammate - 2007 state player of the year Jordan Taylor, one current - 2008 state player of the year candidate Jessica Spigner. But Bernardino is symbolic of what Valencia softball has been in 2008. Like her team, the senior outfielder has flown under the radar - probably unjustly. Valencia, the defending national champions and ...

MVP race is on in Foothill League golf

West Ranch's Bennett commits to Sonoma State

West Ranch senior side-slinging pitcher Cody Bennett has verbally committed to Sonoma State University, according to West Ranch Wildcats head coach Casey Burrill.

Valencia's J.D. Busfield: Method to the magic

John Busfield is mostly inconspicuous among the people sitting on the block cement seating at Valencia High's baseball field.

West Ranch baseball blows things open with 7-run sixth to beat Canyon

It’s looking inevitable for Vikings tennis in Foothill League race

Valencia baseball finds the right approach

Coming off one of Southern California's most challenging spring break tournaments, Valencia Vikings baseball has its trap week.

West Ranch boys golf looking back at the league

The consistency that West Ranch boys golf has shown this year leaves its closest competition in the Foothill League in quite a hole with three Foothill League matches remaining.

COC's Alex Bishop: Still telling his story

Alex Bishop could have been one of those stories of high school athletic success that never amounted to anything more.

2013 All-SCV Boys Hoops: West Ranch's Kevin Harris, The deciding factor

West Ranch had one of the most imposing physical forces this valley has ever seen in power forward/center Ako Kaluna.

2013 All-SCV Girls Basketball: Canyon's Alia McCoy, Her best for last

COC’s winning streak ends at 10 straight

Hart graduate Chris Valaika is getting another shot at the Major League

Santa Clarita Valley athletes had mixed results in Spring Training

West Ranch golf and senior Joey Downey win again

West Ranch baseball gains steam

Proving again that it could be any team's day in the Foothill League, the West Ranch Wildcats knocked off the Saugus Centurions 13-6 on Wednesday.