Walsh Gets His Shot With Carson

It’s official. John Walsh is a Carson Colt.

The former West Torrance High quarterback checked into Carson High late last week and began practicing with his new team Monday.

Carson Coach Gene Vollnogle said he met with Walsh over the weekend.

“I just told him what we expected of him, as far as being a leader,” Vollnogle said. “I would like him to take charge and not sit back. He was very receptive and very attentive. I think he’s going to be fine.”

Like any transfer, Vollnogle said Walsh will have to earn the respect of Carson’s players.

“If a kid comes in and proves that he’s an athlete, our kids accept him,” Vollnogle said. “If he’s not an athlete, then our kids ignore him. They were that way with Perry Klein.”

Klein, an All-L.A. City quarterback who transferred from Palisades to Carson in 1988, proved himself by leading the Colts in passing and, in the process, helping them capture the City 4-A Division title.

Unlike Klein, though, it doesn’t appear that Walsh will have to split time. In 1988, Klein and Fred Gatlin alternated at quarterback after every series.

Vollnogle said Tarriel Hopper, who was being groomed for the quarterback job, is more than willing to step aside and let Walsh run the show. Hopper, a 6-3, 220-pound senior, is more accomplished as a strong safety, the position he played for Carson last season.

“Hopper is not disappointed,” Vollnogle said. “He would rather play another position. He will play quarterback if we need him, but he’s not that enthusiastic about being a full-time quarterback. He prefers hitting people than being hit.”

Moreover, Hopper has been bothered by a nagging elbow injury to his right throwing arm.

“I think he has some tendinitis in his elbow,” Vollnogle said. “He’s been off and on since spring football.”

It all adds up to a clear shot at the starting job for Walsh.

Not only must West replace a quarterback, the school needs to come up with a new slogan for the back cover of its football program.

“Once a Warrior, Always a Warrior” just doesn’t cut it anymore.

Obvious comparisons have been made between Walsh’s transfer and that of Klein two years ago. There is one difference, however.

Klein and his family talked openly to the media. So far, the Walshes have been tight-lipped about the quarterback’s transfer.

Perhaps it has something to do with reports that Walsh’s parents are getting a divorce. Walsh apparently will live with his father in Carson.

Carl Franklin’s name has been mentioned as a possible replacement for Morningside girls’ basketball Coach Frank Scott, who is expected to take an assistant coaching job with the USC women’s team.

But Franklin, the school’s athletic director and co-coach of the boys’ basketball team, said the reports are premature.

“I would prefer to work with the boys,” he said. “At this point, there are no changes in my plans.”

Although he announced to his team after last season that he probably would step down, Franklin said he might return as coach.

Morningside should be encouraged after winning the L.A. Games football championship last weekend, but it’s probably not wise to get too excited.

North Torrance won the seven-on-seven passing tournament last year, then went 2-8 in the regular season.

For the second year in a row, a South Bay wide receiver was named most valuable player of the tournament. Morningside’s Arthur Washington, a 5-4 flanker, won the award after the Monarchs defeated Canyon of Santa Clarita, 27-20, in the final Sunday.

North’s Eric Hansen, the South Bay’s all-time reception leader, was MVP last year.

How good is Stais Boseman, Morningside’s highly regarded sophomore guard?

Co-Coach Ron Randle said he wouldn’t be surprised if Boseman becomes the third Monarch to play in the NBA, following in the footsteps of Byron Scott and Elden Campbell, the rookie out of Clemson.

“He’s probably the most exciting sophomore in the state of California,” Randle said. “If early indications are accurate, he’s going to be awesome.”

The 6-3 Boseman is averaging 21 points a game for Morningside during the summer, and last week led the Monarchs to the semifinals of the L.A. Games. They lost to Long Beach Jordan, 41-39, Sunday.

Boseman, who can play either guard position, averaged 8.5 points a game last season as Morningside’s sixth man. Randle said he expects Boseman to become the team’s catalyst next season, filling the role vacated by Clemson recruit Tyrone Paul, the 1990 Times South Bay Player of the Year.

“He’s doing everything Tyrone was doing, and probably a little more,” Randle said.

Boseman’s talents are not limited to basketball. In addition, he plays wide receiver and defensive back on the football team.

“We know he’s a two-sport man,” Randle said. “We hope we can utilize his talents and not burn him out. All things aside, he’s probably going to be the best athlete Morningside has ever had.”

They’re still saying the same things about Campbell, the Lakers’ No. 1 draft choice, as they did when he starred at Morningside. Namely, that he lacks desire and the ability to consistently play hard.

Randle argues that it’s a misconception about the 6-11 center, who was nicknamed “Eze” in high school.

“The stigma has stuck with him based on the perception of his style,” Randle said. “He’s not a high-fiver or someone who is going to get excited. He keeps everything in perspective.

“It’s quite amazing for a lazy person to be the all-time leading scorer (at Clemson) and the blocked-shot leader in the ACC for three years in row.”

Prep Notes

Rolling Hills is looking for a varsity water polo coach. Prior coaching experience is preferred. The season begins Aug. 20 and ends in November. Applicants should contact Chris Bowles at (213) 377-4888. . . . Torrance captured the girls’ soccer championship at the L.A. Games with a 4-1 victory over Chaminade of West Hills Sunday. The Tartars’ Kim Blankenship was named most valuable player. . . . Morningside won the girls’ basketball title at the L.A. Games with a 61-47 victory over Buena. Janet Davis, the Lady Monarchs’ 6-4 junior center, was named to the all-tournament team. . . . Rolling Hills was the third South Bay team to capture an L.A. Games title, winning the softball championship with a 13-7 victory over Rubidoux of Riverside. Michelle Pfeiffer of the Titans was MVP.