Griffins Hope to Add Tennis Trophy

Los Alamitos High’s football and boys’ basketball programs receive most of the attention. But the last five years, the Griffins’ boys’ tennis team has won more Sunset League titles than either program.

During that span, the Griffins’ tennis team has gone 86-9 overall, 49-1 in league. A Southern Section title is about the only thing it hasn’t won. But that could change soon, as Los Alamitos (17-1) is the top-seeded team in the Division I playoffs that begin today. Los Alamitos opens at home against Rancho Cucamonga, the third-place team from the Mt. Baldy League.

If the seedings hold, Los Alamitos would meet Woodbridge in the semifinals. The Warriors are responsible for five of the Griffins’ nine losses--three came in the playoffs--since 1995.

“When the pairings came out, the only thing we were concerned with was playing Woodbridge,” Los Alamitos Coach Geoff Carter said. “We want to redeem ourselves. I probably take it a little more serious than the kids do because I’ve been around for all those losses. I’d like to beat them.”

Los Alamitos has already defeated second-seeded Palos Verdes Peninsula, last year’s Division I champion, 11-7. The Griffins are led by singles players, Cody Jackson and Drew Hoskins, who are a combined 64-1 in dual matches. Lately, they have been getting strong play from their No. 3 doubles team of senior Matt Calan and sophomore Phil Davidson.

Davidson is 21-0 in league, Calan is 25-2. Both were ranked in Southern California as 10- and 12-year-olds but took a break from the sport after suffering from burnout.

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Two high schools have appointed new boys’ basketball coaches.

Canyon has hired former Air Force assistant Dave Taylor. A graduate of North Torrance High, Taylor attended Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and previously coached at Templeton High. He was coach of the Air Force junior varsity team from 1995-99.

Taylor replaces Rob Alexander, who is leaving as Comanche coach and athletic director to go into business.

Katella has promoted long-time assistant Sal Glorioso to replace Tom Danley. Danley, who coached at Katella for 32 years, announced his retirement from basketball to become the athletic director for the Anaheim Union High School District.

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Dana Hills senior Robin Shelton has won a $10,000 college golf scholarship from the Marbella Scholarship Foundation. The scholarship was available to South County male or female students who participated in high school golf.