Asia Kozan earns family bragging rights as Santa Margarita swimmers blaze at Trinity League finals

• April 29, 2023

Support our high school sports coverage by becoming a digital subscriber. Subscribe now

Santa Margarita’s boys and girls swimming teams added to their haul of records Friday but one drew an especially bright smile at the Trinity League finals.

Senior Asia Kozan broke the league record in the girls 200-yard individual medley of her older sister Justina by touching in 1 minute, 58.09 seconds at JSerra High.

Kozan flashed her smile after slicing just over two-tenths of a second off the 2021 record of her sister, a former Register swimmer of the year at Santa Margarita now racing for USC.

“I’ve got to brag about it,” Kozan said with a laugh of breaking her sister’s record. “I feel like before I wasn’t really at her level, or even close to her level, but I feel like I’m slowly getting there. I’ve actually never beat her but I just broke her record.”

Kozan, a UC San Diego commit, became the No. 3 performer in Orange County history in the 200 IM. She later won the 100 freestyle in 50.01.

Santa Margarita’s girls, who have set one national record and two county records this spring, blazed three league records en route to a 23rd consecutive Trinity title.

Sophomore Teagan O’Dell challenged her league record from prelims in the 100 butterfly by touching in 52.48. She also won the 50 free in 22.77, missing the league record by six one-hundredths of a second.

One the Eagles’ most impressive league records came in the girls 200 medley relay. O’Dell combined with sophomores Nicole Christensen and Chloe Stinson and junior Ariel Lin to clock a 1:41.49.

The relay posted the third-fastest time in county history and didn’t include freestyle sprinter Teia Salvino, who is representing the Philippines at the upcoming Southeast Asia Games.

Santa Margarita’s boys, who set a county record this season, recorded six league records en route to claiming a fifth consecutive Trinity crown.

Cal-bound senior Humberto Najera led the way with records in the 200 IM (1:48.50) and 100 backstroke (lifetime-best 47.84).

Daniel Verdolaga sliced more than half-a-second off his league record in the 100 butterfly with a 47.84. Hunter Cehelnik edged Grant Shoults’ 2016 league record in the 100 free with  a 44.77 and Nathan Wu touched with a league-record 56.12 in the breaststroke.

“It just shows how we prepared we are (for CIF),” said Najera, who led off the record-setting medley relay (1:30.73).

JSerra’s Ryder Dodd claimed the 200 free in a league-record 1:38.55. “That’s definitely killer,” said teammate Bode Brinkema, who won the 50 free (20.73). “Water polo is all our main sport.”

JSerra’s Sydney Willson swept the 200 (1:50.99) and 500 (4:54.34) freestyles.

In other league finals:

In the Pacific Coast: Woodbridge junior Jacob Wang captured the 50 free at Beckman High in 20.20, second-fastest in county history.

In the South Coast: San Juan Hills’ David Schmitt won the butterfly in 47.78 and San Clemente’s Noah Sech took the 200 IM (1:47.38) and breast (54.23) at Capistrano Valley High.

In the Sunset: Corona del Mar’s Maggie Schalow won the butterfly (52.65) and 500 free (4:47.33) at Golden West College.

Related Articles

​ Orange County Register 

Angels missing the big hit or the big out in loss to Brewers

• April 29, 2023

MILWAUKEE — The Angels and Milwaukee Brewers each had a chance to take the lead in the eighth inning on Friday night.

The Angels failed and the Brewers succeeded.

That was the difference in the Angels’ 2-1 loss, a game that wasted a strong outing from starter Tyler Anderson.

The Angels’ hitters came up empty for most of the night, scoring only on a Gio Urshela two-out single in the fourth. They had leadoff baserunners in the fifth, seventh and eighth and could not get any of them home.

“We had a couple chances there,” Manager Phil Nevin said. “Just didn’t didn’t cash ’em in. You are not going to get a hit every time. If you hit .300, you make it to the Hall of Fame. Just didn’t get the hits today. That’s all.”

With the score tied 1-1 in the eighth, slumping leadoff man Taylor Ward began the inning by reaching on an error, bringing up the heart of the order.

Mike Trout hit a flyout. Shohei Ohtani singled, sending Ward to third. Anthony Rendon, who had driven in seven of eight runners from third with less than two outs this season, then hit a fly ball to shallow center, not deep enough to get the run home. Hunter Renfroe grounded out, with first baseman Luke Voit sprawling and keeping his toe on the bag just long enough to get the out.

In the bottom of the inning, Aaron Loup gave up back-to-back singles to start the inning. The Angels got a force at second for the first out. Loup then struck out Voit.

Left-handed hitter Rowdy Tellez then yanked a single through the right side of the infield, driving in the go-ahead run.

The Angels came up against Brewers closer Devin Williams in the ninth, ending their three-game winning streak.

Despite the loss, it was an encouraging outing for Anderson, who gave up one run in 6-2/3 innings.

“For sure that was his best one,” Nevin said. “Other than the pitch to Willie (Adames) in the first first inning (a home run). He was really good… Located very well. The changeup was really good. Kind of added a couple ticks of velocity when he needed it. I thought he was really good.”

Anderson brought a 7.20 ERA into the game. After shutting out the hapless Oakland A’s for six innings in his first start of the season, Anderson had allowed 16 earned runs in 14 innings in his next three starts.

On Friday night, he got off to a bad start when he threw an 89 mph sinker over the middle of the plate and Adames drilled it for a first-inning homer.

In the second, Anderson dug himself a hole by walking No. 9 hitter Joey Wiemer on four pitches, bringing up the top of the order. An infield hit then loaded the bases for Adames. Anderson struck him out on a sinker almost in the exact same spot as the one he hit out.

Anderson escaped a jam with runners at second and third when he struck out Christian Yelich on a four-seamer up in the zone.

After that, he cruised, retiring nine straight hitters before a seventh-inning walk ended his night.

“I feel like I tried to kind of feel for guys’ game plans as the game goes on,” Anderson said. “Then when you get in that situation, you just don’t give in. I start feeling better, executing better, going in the right direction.”

Related Articles

​ Orange County Register 

Dodgers welcome back Will Smith and Max Muncy, place J.D. Martinez on injured list

• April 29, 2023

LOS ANGELES ― Two steps forward, one step back.

On the same day the Dodgers welcomed Will Smith and Max Muncy back to their lineup, designated hitter J.D. Martinez was placed on the 10-day injured list with lower back tightness.

Martinez was scheduled to take batting practice at Dodger Stadium on Friday afternoon, a last-ditch effort to avoid the injured list after missing the last three games. The “irritation” Martinez first felt in his back on Sunday knocked him out for the entire three-game series in Pittsburgh and ostensibly did not let up in time for the series opener against the St. Louis Cardinals.

The Dodgers backdated Martinez’s IL stint to Tuesday, making him eligible to return next Friday (May 5).

Smith had not played since April 12 because of a concussion. Muncy, last week’s National League Player of the Week, missed three games while on paternity leave. Each was among the team’s hottest hitters when they last took the field; Smith batted third and Muncy fourth on Friday against St. Louis.

The lineup frequently suffered without the two stars. The Dodgers went 6-7 in Smith’s absence. They scored only three runs across their previous two games in Pittsburgh.

“If you look at what’s transpired … the roster’s been in flux for so long,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. “It certainly makes more sense why we haven’t had any consistency but when you’re mired in it, you don’t try to let that bleed into your mindset. You’re trying to figure out the 26 guys you have available that night and try to win a game. That’s where we’re at.”

Martinez’s injury means the Dodgers must wait at least another week before their full Opening Day lineup is healthy.

The veteran said he “should’ve spoken up sooner” after experiencing pain in his back running out of the batter’s box in the fourth inning Sunday in Chicago. His back was still ailing during each of his next two plate appearances, including one that resulted in a home run in the sixth inning.

“Honestly it was me being dumb trying to be a hero,” said Martinez, who is batting .250 with four home runs and 15 RBIs in 23 games this season.

Michael Busch and David Peralta alternated at DH in Martinez’s absence before Smith returned as the designated hitter Friday. Roberts said Smith is likely to DH again Saturday against the Cardinals and might catch as early as Sunday.

To make room for Muncy on the active roster, the Dodgers optioned infielder Luke Williams to Triple-A Oklahoma City. Williams had one hit, a single, in 10 at-bats.

BULLPEN SHUFFLE

The Dodgers also activated right-handed reliever Brusdar Graterol from the paternity list and optioned left-hander Justin Bruihl to Oklahoma City.

Bruihl allowed one run in five appearances spanning five innings. Graterol had not allowed a run in his last six appearances prior to the birth of his daughter. He figures to return to a high-leverage role immediately.

Through Thursday, the Dodgers’ bullpen had a 5.18 ERA, which ranked 14th in the National League.

“There’s only been consistency from a couple guys, where our expectation is that wasn’t going to be the case,” Roberts said. “A lot of it is looking for consistency. I think partly you have had that in years past. But I expect that to change given what these guys have done in the past.”

Roberts cited Graterol, Evan Phillips, Caleb Ferguson and Shelby Miller by name as the consistent pitchers in the group. Phillips, Miller and Graterol (and Andre Jackson, who was later optioned to Triple-A) have all recorded saves in the absence of a designated closer this month.

ALSO

Shortstop Miguel Rojas (left hamstring strain) took live batting practice Friday and is expected to begin a minor league rehab assignment Saturday. He could return as early as Monday, Roberts said.

UP NEXT

Dodgers (LHP Clayton Kershaw, 4-2, 2.32 ERA) vs. St. Louis Cardinals (LHP Jordan Montgomery, 2-3, 3.81 ERA), Saturday, 6:10 p.m., SportsNet LA, 570 AM

Related Articles

​ Orange County Register 

Sierra Canyon’s Madelaine Debs voted Southern California Girls Athlete of the Week

• April 29, 2023

Southern California Girls Athlete of the Week

Athlete: Madelaine Debs

School: Sierra Canyon

Sport: Baseball

Noteworthy: Debs was stellar in Sierra Canyon’s two Mission League wins last week, going a combined 5 for 6 with two homers. She went 3 for 3 with a home run and an RBI in a 6-1 win over Alemany before going 2 for 3 with home run, a double and two RBIs in a 7-5 win over Chaminade.

​ Orange County Register 

Aliso Niguel’s Colin Barker voted Southern California Girls Athlete of the Week

• April 29, 2023

Southern California Boys Athlete of the Week

Athlete: Colin Barker

School: Aliso Niguel

Sport: Lacrosse

Noteworthy: He scored five goals and had one assist in a 12-11 win over San Juan Hills as the Wolverines clinched the Sea View League championship. Barker totaled nine goals and 14 points over Aliso Niguel’s three wins during the week. Aliso Niguel went into this week 13-5 overall and 5-0 in league. The CIF-SS boys and girls lacrosse brackets will be released Saturday.

​ Orange County Register 

NFL draft: Chargers select USC DE Tuli Tuipulotu

• April 29, 2023

A kid from Hawthorne will be playing his home games in Inglewood.

The Los Angeles Chargers selected former USC defensive end Tuli Tuipulotu in the second round of the NFL draft Friday night, using the 54th selection on the former Lawndale High standout.

Tuipulotu was a three-year starter at USC and two-time first-team All-Pac-12 selection. He was named Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year and a unanimous first-team All American as a junior in 2022 after recording 46 tackles, 22 for loss and 13.5 sacks.

The 6-foot-4, 266-pound Tuipulotu provides needed depth at defensive end for the Chargers, but also should give the Chargers more versatility up front after moving around the defensive line for USC and even moving back to a blitzing linebacker at times for the Trojans.

More to come on this story.

Related Articles

​ Orange County Register 

NFL draft: UCLA RB Zach Charbonnet selected by Seahawks in 2nd round

• April 29, 2023

UCLA running back Zach Charbonnet is headed to Seattle after being drafted by the Seahawks in the second round of the NFL draft (52nd overall) on Friday.

The 6-foot-, 214-pound Charbonnet rushed for 2,496 yards and 27 touchdowns in his two seasons (22 games) with the Bruins, after transferring from Michigan following the 2020 season. With 397 carries at UCLA, he had just two fumbles (losing one).

He’s the fourth running back drafted in as many years under the guidance of position coach DeShaun Foster.

Charbonnet has also displayed his ability as a receiver out of the backfield, completing 61 catches for 518 yards.

At the NFL combine, Charbonnet showed off his athleticism – running a 4.53 40-yard dash, posting a 37-inch vertical leap, a 10-2 broad jump and 18 bench press repetitions.

“I’m going to be the hardest worker in the building and do whatever I can to be the best player,” Charbonnet said after his on-campus pro day in March. “I’m excited.”

Charbonnet was confident in how the draft process worked out for him. He said he and his coaches made the decision not to compete in any all-star games after the season concluded.

More to come on this story.

​ Orange County Register 

Montana latest to ban gender-affirming care for trans minors

• April 29, 2023

By Amy Beth Hanson | Associated Press

HELENA, Mont. — Montana became the latest state to ban or restrict gender-affirming medical care for transgender kids Friday when its Republican governor signed legislation that exiled transgender lawmaker Zooey Zephyr told fellow lawmakers would leave “blood” on their hands.

Montana is one of at least 15 states with laws to ban such care despite protests from the families of transgender youth that the care is essential.

Debate over Montana’s bill drew national attention after Republicans punished Zephyr for her remarks, saying her words were personally offensive. House Speaker Matt Regier refused to let Zephyr speak on the House floor until she apologized. She has not.

Zephyr decried the bill’s signing, saying “it is unconscionable to deprive Montanans of the care that we need.”

“I know that this is an unconstitutional bill. It is as cruel as it is unconstitutional. And it will go down in the courts,” Zephyr said. To trans youth she added: “There’s an understandable inclination towards despair in these moments, but know that we are going to win and until then, lean on community, because we will have one another’s backs.”

On Monday, Zephyr had stood defiantly on the House floor with her microphone raised as protesters shouted “Let her speak,” disrupting House proceedings for at least 30 minutes. Zephyr was then banned from the House and its gallery and voted on bills from a bench in the hallway outside the House on Thursday and Friday.

Lambda Legal, the American Civil Liberties Union and the ACLU of Montana have said they would file a court challenge against the ban, which is set to take effect on Oct. 1, starting a five-month clock in which Montana youth can try to find a way to work around the ban or to transition off of hormone treatment.

“This bill is an overly broad blanket ban that takes decisions that should be made by families and physicians and puts them in the hands of politicians,” the Montana Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics has said.

Gov. Greg Gianforte signaled his willingness to sign the bill on April 17 when he offered some amendments to make it clear that public funds could not be used to pay for hormone blockers, cross-sex hormones or surgical procedures.

The bill “protects Montana children from permanent, life-altering medical procedures until they are adults, mature enough to make such serious decisions,” Gianforte wrote in his letter accompanying the amendments.

Debate over the amendments led Zephyr to admonish supporters the following day. House Majority Leader Sue Vinton said Zephyr’s language was “entirely inappropriate, disrespectful and uncalled for.”

The Montana Freedom Caucus deliberately misgendered Zephyr, using male pronouns in a letter saying she should be censured. After Monday’s protest, the caucus said she should be further disciplined.

Under the new law, health professionals who provide care banned by the measure could have their medical licenses suspended for at least a year. They could also be sued in the 25 years following a banned procedure if a patient suffers physical, psychological, emotional or physiological harm. Physicians could not hold malpractice insurance against such lawsuits. The law also prohibits public property and employees from being involved in gender-affirming treatment.

During hours of emotional committee hearings, opponents testified that hormone treatments, and in some cases, surgery, are evidence-based care, supported by numerous medical associations and can be life-saving for someone with gender dysphoria — the clinically significant distress or impairment caused by feeling that one’s gender identity does not match one’s biological sex.

Parents of transgender children testified that the bill infringed on their parental rights to seek medical care for their children.

Opponents also noted that treatments such as puberty-blockers and breast-reduction surgery would still be legal for minors who are not suffering from gender dysphoria, a difference they argue is unconstitutional.

In the letter to legislative leaders accompanying his proposed amendments, Gianforte said he met with transgender residents, understands that their struggles are real and said Montanans who struggle with gender identity deserve love, compassion and respect.

“That’s not what trans Montanans need from you,” Zephyr said as the House considered his amendments. “We need access to the medical care that saves our lives.”

This was the second legislative session in which Sen. John Fuller brought the bill to ban gender-affirming care for transgender children. In 2021, when he was a member of the House, he brought a bill to ban surgical and hormone treatments for transgender children, which was voted down. He brought a second bill to ban surgical treatments which was also rejected. He was successful in 2021 in passing a bill to ban transgender females from participating in girls and women’s sports. The part of the bill that applied to colleges was ruled unconstitutional.

​ Orange County Register