May Madness

You think March was mad? That was one sport--basketball--and one, 64-team NCAA tournament. This month, high school teams begin runs for championships in track and field, baseball, softball, swimming and diving, golf, tennis and volleyball, all being awarded in the next six weeks.

DIAMOND DYNASTY: Woody Cliffords, in a home-run trot, above right, was a key player for El Camino Real last year in the Conquistadores’ drive to the City Section 4-A baseball championship. El Camino Real’s victory continued a trend for Valley baseball teams, which have won 24 of the past 25 City 4-A titles. Playoff action starts May 29 with the championship set for June 11 at Dodger Stadium. Southern Section teams open playoff action May 22 with title games June 5 at Long Beach Blair Field and June 6 at Dodger Stadium.

* HOME FIELD: The Valley is home to other City championship events. Team tennis finals will be Friday at the Racquet Centre in Studio City, with individual competition there May 11, 19 and 21. Volleyball title matches will be May 15 at Cal State Northridge. Track and field finals will be May 28 at Birmingham High.