Photos: Exciting action from Friday’s high school football playoff games
- November 11, 2023
The Southern California News Group has photos from the area’s top high school football games Friday, Nov. 10.
Take a look at the great plays and exciting moments from the quarterfinals of the CIF Southern Section playoffs.
Orange County Register
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Hagan, Torrence lead early qualifying at NHRA Finals in Pomona
- November 11, 2023
POMONA — Form held on the first of two days of qualifying in the Nitro-powered Funny Car and Top Fuel competition on Friday at the In-N-Out NHRA Finals, which conclude on Sunday when national champions will be determined at In-N-Out Pomona Dragstrip.
Funny Car points leader Matt Hagan had the fastest time in his division and Top Fuel points leader Steve Torrence did the same.
In fact, the Top Fuel drivers in second and third place in the standings, Doug Kalitta and Leah Pruett, had the second- and third-fastest qualifying times on Friday. The fourth-fastest was by Steve Torrence’s father, Billy Torrence.
Paul Lee, a 66-year-old from Orange who is better known for skydiving than drag racing, threw a monkey wrench into the Funny Car qualifying. He had the second-fastest qualifying time, while Bob Tasca III and Robert Hight, who are 2-3 in the standings, ran 3-4 in Friday’s qualifying.
Lee covered the 1,000-foot course in 3.875 seconds with a top speed of 322.51 mph. But don’t think he was unnerved by those numbers. This is a man who has made more than 1,500 jumps from an airplane. So apparently jumping into the thick of things at the NHRA Finals is no big thing even though he has no career wins and no final-round appearances in Funny Car’s top division.
Another Southern Californian who stood out Friday was pro stock motorcycle racer Gaige Herrera, a 30-year-old who grew up in La Mirada and now lives in De Motte, Indiana. Herrera, a fourth-generation motorcycle racer, will clinch the national title Saturday on the strength of 10 wins during his record-setting season, only his second at this level. He had Friday’s top qualifying time with a run of 6.721 seconds and a top speed of 200.59 mph on his Suzuki.
Herrera’s father Augustine, who is also his crew chief, bought his son a kiddie motorcycle when he was only 3 years old. Asked how fast that one went, Herrera said, “I have no idea.”
Hagan, a 40-year-old veteran on the NHRA circuit and an avid weightlifter, looks more like an NFL linebacker than a drag racer. It is not uncommon for people who don’t know Hagan to ask him if he is a football player.
“I get that a lot,” he said. When asked about his weight on Friday, the 6-footer initially responded, with a smile, that he was 195 pounds. “Nah, around 250,” he quickly added.
“People wonder how it is that I am a drag racer, but weight doesn’t matter, not in the cars we drive,” he said, referring to the 11,000-horsepower dragsters.
Qualifying continues Saturday, beginning at noon for Pro Stock cars and motorcycles followed an hour or later by the Nitro Top Fuel and Funny Car drivers.
Orange County Register
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Lakers get healthier, shake up starting lineup in Phoenix
- November 11, 2023
PHOENIX — The Lakers welcomed a couple of players back into the lineup while also shaking up their starting unit against the Phoenix Suns on Friday night.
Anthony Davis and Jaxson Hayes were available after missing the last one and two games, respectively, further bolstering the Lakers’ frontcourt depth one game after Rui Hachimura also made his return to the floor.
Coach Darvin Ham also decided to swap Austin Reaves out for Cam Reddish in the starting unit, with Reddish opening alongside Davis, LeBron James, D’Angelo Russell and Taurean Prince.
It was the first time Reaves, who signed a four-year, $54 million contract during the offseason to return to the Lakers, had been used in a reserve role since March 19. He started 34 consecutive games (regular season and playoffs) entering Friday.
The starting lineup wasn’t revealed until after Ham spoke before the game, but the change might have been made for defensive matchup purposes.
Prince started the game guarding Kevin Durant while Reddish opened on Bradley Beal, who wasn’t available when the Lakers beat the Suns on Oct. 26 in Los Angeles.
Beal, who was acquired by Phoenix during the offseason after spending the first 11 seasons of his career with the Washington Wizards, made his season debut in the Suns’ victory over the Chicago Bulls on Wednesday.
“That dude is a nightmare,” Ham said of Beal. “Great, great kid. Phenomenal basketball player. Multifaceted. A winner. Just a guy that really blends in well with his teammates but also has an elite, elite talent level. And he’s just getting out there, getting his legs, game legs up under him.
“I was happy for him and sad at the same time when I heard he was coming to Phoenix. I love him to death, man. One of those kids that circumstances will work out, you just hope you could coach at some point. I got a lot of favorites around the league like that. That dude is, he’s special. They’ve got a special player and an even more special human being.”
LeBRON MUSEUM
The LeBron James Family Foundation announced that it will open the first and only official museum dedicated to the journey and milestones of James, with the museum named “LeBron James’ Home Court”. It will be located at House Three Thirty in Akron, Ohio.
The multimedia museum will take visitors through several big moments of James’ life, including the 2003 NBA draft, his championship runs in Cleveland, Miami and Los Angeles and the gold-medal-winning Olympic years.
“My dream was always to put Akron on the map, so to have a place in my hometown that allows me to share my journey with my fans from all over the world means a lot to me,” James said in a statement. “I’ve been known to hang on to a lot of things over the years, and I always knew there would be a time and place to bring them out. I’m so proud that place is House Three Thirty, a space my Foundation created to serve my I Promise families and the entire community.”
In addition to a recreation of the apartment where James and his mother lived, other items on display will include the all-white suit James wore to the 2003 NBA draft, his jersey from the McDonald’s All-American Game and an original backboard and rim from St. Vincent-St. Mary High School.
Reservations for LeBron James’ Home Court are available for presale, with the first public tours beginning on Nov. 25. General admission tickets are $23.
Orange County Register
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Clippers torched by Luka Doncic (44 points), Mavericks in tourney opener
- November 11, 2023
DALLAS — The Clippers’ star-laden lineup is still searching for its first win together.
Luka Doncic scored 44 points and the Dallas Mavericks routed the Clippers, 144-126, on Friday night in an NBA In-Season Tournament game, the Clippers’ third straight loss since James Harden joined the lineup.
Doncic shot 17 for 21 from the field, going 6 for 9 from 3-point range. Kyrie Irving added 27 points, going 5 for 8 from behind the arc, to help Dallas improve to 1-1 in the tournament after an opening loss at Denver.
Kawhi Leonard led the Clippers with 26 points in their tournament opener. Harden, who joined the team last week following the Nov. 1 trade from Philadelphia, had 14 points – all in the first quarter. Russell Westbrook also had 14.
“First quarter, felt really good on both ends of the ball,” Harden said. “From there, it just went downhill. Trying to find a balance of not trying to step on anyone’s toes but just trying to, like, still be aggressive myself.”
Harden stressed that it’s still early in his transition to the Clippers and he’s still trying to figure out “everything.”
“I didn’t have a training camp. I didn’t have a preseason,” Harden said. “Everything is still moving fast speed for me. Need about a 10-game window, then kind of see where I am.”
The Mavericks took control with a 47-18 second period and a 33-4 run in the first half that included 17 consecutive points, eight to finish the first quarter and nine to begin the second quarter. Their largest lead was 32 points early in the third period. They reached 100 points with 4½ minutes in the third and finished with their highest point total of the season.
“I keep saying, it’s not just us two,” Doncic said about himself and Irving. “We get stops. Everybody contributes. So, it’s not just two of us. Everybody helps us.”
Clippers coach Tyronn Lue said a key to Harden’s success will involve keeping a big man on the court with him. The Clippers currently use more smaller lineups than usual with backup center Mason Plumlee lost for a period of months with an MCL sprain.
“Because of the way he runs pick-and-rolls,” Lue said. “He can get downhill and make every play.”
The Clippers’ Paul George was held to eight points, including his first scoreless first half since he joined the team in summer 2019. Leonard, Westbrook, Harden and George all sat out the fourth period.
The Clippers scored the first eight points and led 31-19 before the Mavericks took over. Dallas led 77-51 at the half, 10 points more than its previous highest-scoring first half.
The Mavericks came off their first home loss of the season, 127-116 to Toronto on Wednesday.
“I think it was a great bounce-back game,” Dallas coach Jason Kidd said. “Luka set the tone, Kai, those two set the tone tonight, and the guys followed.”
COURT ISSUE
The Mavericks had to play their first In-Season Tournament game on their regular court – not the special-edition tournament court.
The NBA said “a manufacturing issue” kept the Mavericks from having a ready-for-tournament-play court delivered in time for Friday’s game, so Dallas’ regular home court was installed for the matchup instead.
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The Mavericks’ tournament court was supposed to be mostly silver, with a darker gray stripe down the center of the floor with three images of the NBA Cup – one at midcourt, the others in each of the foul lanes – displayed as well. All home courts for tournament games follow that design pattern, though the color schemes are wildly different in each city.
Some players have voiced concerns about the courts and their footing on the painted surface. Indiana players Myles Turner and Tyrese Haliburton both said they felt like they were slipping on the Pacers’ tournament floor when it debuted last week.
It wasn’t immediately clear if the court would be ready for Dallas’ next scheduled home game in the tournament, Nov. 28 against Houston. The tournament runs through Dec. 9.
UP NEXT
The Clippers host Memphis on Sunday afternoon at Crypto.com Arena.
Orange County Register
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Girls soccer preview: Orange County preseason Top 10
- November 11, 2023
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ORANGE COUNTY PRESEASON TOP 10
1. Santa Margarita: The reigning CIF-SS and CIF SoCal Regional champion returns high-scoring forward Faith George but the challenge will be retooling its backline after graduation. The Eagles, however, have the depth to field another strong defense.
2. Los Alamitos: The Griffins, the Division 1 runner-up last season, look strong again in the midfield and backline. The key will be developing offense from their returning depth and freshman Jurnee Molett.
3. Mater Dei: The Monarchs have “something to prove,” coach Matty West said after finishing as the Trinity League runner-up last season and falling to Los Alamitos in the first round of the Division 1 playoffs. Mater Dei has the players to bounce back, including several college-committed seniors.
4. Villa Park: The Spartans will be young with two seniors but have been bolstered by a few newcomers. Look for transfer Shea Gonzalez and freshman Evangeline Barrera to make an impact. Barrera has gained experienced in Mexico’s national system.
GIRLS SOCCER PREVIEW: OC Preseason Top 10 || Top 10 Players to Watch || Preseason notebook
5. JSerra: The Lions were young last season but still finished third in the Trinity League and reached the first round of the Division 1 playoffs. They’ll look to take a step forward with 13 upperclassmen returners.
6. Huntington Beach: The Surf League contender will feature one of the best offensive squads in the county with the return of recent USC signee Jaiden Anderson and sophomore Sienna McAthy. If the Oilers’ backline plays well, watch out.
7. Newport Harbor: The Surf League is one of the county’s toughest groups but don’t forget about the Sailors. They’re loaded with athleticism and college commitments.
8. San Clemente: Jennie Mann takes the coaching reins for the defending South Coast League champion. The Tritons will count on several seniors and juniors stepping into larger roles.
9. San Juan Hills: The Stallions graduated a strong senior class but remain South Coast League contenders. They’re led by recent UC San Diego signee Eva Anderson, who led the team in scoring last season and has played for the Puerto Rico national team.
10. Troy: The reigning Freeway League champion is heavy on returners as it moves to Division 1. The Warriors feature players with international experience in Ariana Markey (Philippines) and Kaia Villanueva (Guam) and a top defender in Arizona commit Zoe Mendiola.
Also considered: Pacifica.
Please send girls soccer news to Dan Albano at dalbano@scng.com or @ocvarsityguy
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Orange County Register
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Girls soccer preview: Orange County Top 10 players to watch
- November 11, 2023
Support our high school sports coverage by becoming a digital subscriber. Subscribe now
TOP 10 PLAYERS TO WATCH
Jaiden Anderson, Huntington Beach, Sr., forward
The recent USC signee might be the county’s most athletic player with her combination of size and speed. The reigning Surf League MVP netted 29 goals last season.
Faith George, Santa Margarita, Sr., forward
The reigning Orange County player of the year and recent USC signee is an elite finisher, especially in pressure situations. The Trinity League MVP scored 26 goals last season to help lead the Eagles to CIF-SS Division 1 and CIF SoCal regional titles.
Avarie Gonzalez, Los Alamitos, So., GK
The acrobatic goalie is already a co-captain as a sophomore. She earned second-team All-County honors last season in helping the Griffins finish as the Division 1 and SoCal Regional runner-up.
Los Alamitos’ goalkeeper Avarie Gonzalez blocks a shot in the first half of a CIF Southern California Regional Division I championship game against Santa Margarita, March 4, 2023.(Photo by Steven Georges, Contributing Photographer)
Sadie Hoch, Newport Harbor, Sr., midfielder
The Surf League is loaded with talented midfielders. Count Hoch, a Texas commit, as one of the best.
GIRLS SOCCER PREVIEW: OC Preseason Top 10 || Top 10 Players to Watch || Preseason notebook
Molly MacMillan, Santa Margarita, Sr., midfielder
The recent Texas signee returns as a key player for the reigning Division 1 and SoCal Regional champion. She earned first-team All-County honors last season.
Peyton Marinos, JSerra, So., forward
The speedy striker with a booming kick burst onto the scene last season. Look for her to remain a force.
Daphne Nakfoor, JSerra, Sr., goalie
There are several up-and-coming goalies in the county but the UCLA-committed Nakfoor is definitely one to remember.
Isis Salazar, Ocean View, Sr., forward
The multi-talented Salazar, who kicked extra-points during football, returns after scoring 45 goals last season. She is the reigning Golden West League MVP.
Peyton Trayer, Santa Margarita, So., GK
The first-team All-County selection is coming back from injury. When healthy, she’s tough to beat. The reigning CIF-SS Division 1 player of the year blocked three shots in penalty kicks against Los Alamitos last season in the finals.
Viviana Zacarias, Los Alamitos, Jr., midfielder
Zacarias, a Colorado commit and co-captain, is one of the county’s most dynamic playmakers. She is a dangerous scorer and passer.
Please send girls soccer news to Dan Albano at dalbano@scng.com or @ocvarsityguy
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Girls soccer preview: Santa Margarita willing to work hard to sweep titles again
- November 11, 2023
Support our high school sports coverage by becoming a digital subscriber. Subscribe now
Santa Margarita’s motivation for the girls soccer season that begins Monday emerged early in the fall with the sounds that bounced off the walls during the team’s weight training sessions.
“Our trainer will say, ‘Give me two claps!’ and we (clap) as a team, and it echoes in the room,” defender Bella Gissendanner said. “It’s awesome. We have great energy in the weight room. We got music going and everyone is pushing it hard. We got to build that muscle for this year.”
GIRLS SOCCER PREVIEW: OC Preseason Top 10 || Top 10 Players to Watch || Preseason notebook
Those two claps could be for back-to-back championships.
That’s precisely what Santa Margarita is aiming for this winter.
The Eagles swept the CIF Southern Section and CIF Southern California Regional championships last season in Division 1. And judging by their offseason workouts, they’re hungry for another sweep.
“I think we’re going to be more hard-working this year,” said senior forward Faith George, the reigning Orange County player of the year. “Now we know what it takes to win and I want to go back-to-back.
“For us,” she added, “the biggest goal this year is just going to be, ‘Let’s be the hard-working team in all of California and let’s win through our hard work.’ … especially if we want to win a national championship.”
Santa Margarita soccer player Faith George in Rancho Santa Margarita, CA, on Tuesday, October 24, 2023. (Photo by Jeff Gritchen, Orange County Register/SCNG)
While the Eagles’ internal expectations are high, the players know they will need to fend off challengers. Mater Dei and JSerra loom in the Trinity League and Los Alamitos — Santa Margarita’s playoff rival last season — looks strong again.
“We have to be even harder-working than last year knowing that the target is on our back,” All-County goalie Peyton Trayer said. “We have to keep pushing because everyone is going to be out to beat us.”
Santa Margarita returns several key contributors from a team that went 22-2-1 last season.
The frontline will again feature George, who signed with USC this week, and sophomore Jastel David. Senior forward Sydney Osborn is not expected to play, Coach Craig Bull said.
The midfield will be anchored by Texas signee Molly MacMillan, a senior who played in the middle last season.
The biggest question mark is the backline, where the Eagles will feature two new center backs. The candidates for those spots, Bull said, include seniors Gissendanner, Kaylee McKeehan, Charlotte Memoly, Ruby Casey and Ireland Regan.
Bull and his players are confident they will find the right mix. Their focus remains on staying motivated and hard working.
“We’ve been focusing on staying humble,” said Gissendanner, an Idaho signee. “And knowing that just because of what we did last year doesn’t guarantee anything for this year. We got to go in and keep working. We’re grinding.”
NOTES
The Best in the West Classic is scheduled for Dec. 9-16. The top group includes host Newport Harbor, San Juan Hills, Huntington Beach, JSerra, Los Alamitos and Pacifica. …
Woodbridge, a team to watch in the Pacific Coast League, will be boosted by addition of senior Milan Heisdorf, a UC Irvine commit who hasn’t been playing high school soccer. She was a standout on the Warriors’ flag football team in the fall.
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Orange County Register
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Corona del Mar student suspended for saying ‘Free Palestine’
- November 11, 2023
A Corona del Mar Middle and High School student was suspended this week, allegedly for saying remarks deemed to be threatening, such as “Free Palestine,” to a classmate, according to social media posts circulating Friday.
Newport-Mesa Unified Assistant Superintendent Kerrie Torres confirmed the student was suspended for three days from classroom instruction starting on Nov. 13.
Torres and other district employees reached Friday evening said they could not go into further details about what caused the suspension.
But a social media post that purports to be from the student’s aunt included a photo of a letter signed by Principal Jacob Haley that said: “(The student) said threatening remarks to a young lady in class. He said ‘Free Palestine.’” Those social media posts also detailed previous tensions that occurred between the student and others at school.
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Corona del Mar High was the site of vandalism last month after swastikas were drawn on a locker.
Newport-Mesa Unified supports students’ free speech, but it “will not tolerate hateful speech in our schools, especially not hate speech that incites others to engage in negative behavior,” said Annette Franco, a district spokesperson, in an emailed statement Friday evening.
“We have an obligation to maintain a safe learning environment while respecting students’ rights to speak on issues,” the statement said. “We take our obligations to students seriously, and because of this, there is an expectation for students to engage in respectful dialogue for change, not hateful speech that is directed toward a specific student population.”
The suspended student’s family could not be reached for comment Friday evening.
In the case of the reported vandalism last month, school officials said they alerted police who were investigating the incident. There was no indication from either district employees or the social media posts Friday that the suspended student was involved in the vandalism.
Franco said last month that the vandalism and an increase in digital hate speech prompted the school to form an interfaith council made up of students, parents, community members and local religious leaders to discuss the incident and encourage positive dialogue around culturally sensitive issues going forward.
Corona del Mar is a public middle and high school in Newport Beach.
Orange County Register
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