CLOSE-UPS

SOFTBALL

STEPHANIE TAM

Sr., San Pedro

Then: Make no mistake, Ashley Esparza, who is now at Penn State, deserved most of the credit she received for pitching San Pedro to the last three of its five consecutive City Section championships. But Esparza had the help of sure-handed Tam, who started at second base as a freshman and has been the shortstop since her sophomore season. She has batted in the .400 neighborhood at the top of the order the last two seasons, and during her junior year she was a Times’ all-region selection. She is the younger sister of Natalie Tam, a three-time City Section player of the year who pitched for San Pedro and graduated in 2001.

Now: Tam, the quiet leader by example, is playing behind a different pitcher this season -- freshman Taylor Petty has taken over for senior Courtney Lyons, who is recovering from ovarian surgery -- but the results are surprisingly similar. San Pedro has won 15 of its first 16 games, including a victory over Rolling Hills Estates Peninsula. Tam has 25 hits in her first 47 at-bats and is batting .532 with a .787 slugging average, 15 runs scored, nine runs batted in and seven stolen bases.

Quote: “It’s not easy following a sibling who’s really good,” Coach Tony Dobra said. “Offensively and defensively, one is as good as the other.”

-- Martin Henderson

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BOYS’ GOLF

BRANDIN COHEN

Jr., Manhattan Beach Mira Costa

Then: Cohen, 5 feet 6 as a freshman and 5-8 last year, overcame a relative lack of size and strength by working to perfect his short game. With a nine-hole average of 36.3 last season, Cohen placed third in the Bay League individual tournament and helped the Mustangs win the CIF-SS Western team divisional tournament. He shot a one-under-par 71 at Mountain Meadows Golf Course to finish third in the individual standings. Cohen also shot a 69 to place third in individual standings and help the Mustangs win the Oak Park Invitational.

Now: Having grown 2 1/2 inches over the summer, Cohen, 17, has increased the length of his drives to complement his strong short game. The result has been a stroke average of 35.1 this year. He has been match medalist 12 times for Mira Costa (18-0 overall, 7-0 in league) and is expected to be among the top players in the Knabe Cup at Lakewood Country Club on Wednesday.

Quote: “I love competing, but I hate losing even more than I like winning,” Cohen said. “I feel like I should win every time out.”

-- Lauren Peterson

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BASEBALL

DUSTY BURT

Sr., La Quinta

Then: After playing for the freshman team, Burt got his first taste of varsity experience toward the end of his sophomore season. He was to assume the role of closer as a junior, but was diagnosed with mononucleosis and sat out most of the season.

Now: With only two returning starters and neither a pitcher, the Blackhawks needed somebody to step up. Burt responded in their Desert Valley League opener, carrying a no-hitter into the seventh inning of a 10-1 victory over Coachella Valley. Six days later, he threw a four-hitter in a 1-0 victory over Cathedral City. Burt, a right-hander, continued his mastery over league opponents Friday, when he gave up seven hits and struck out nine in a 6-2 victory over Palm Desert. He continued to contribute Tuesday, providing a pinch-hit, run-scoring single in a 4-1 victory over Coachella Valley, improving La Quinta’s record to 11-6 overall and 6-0 in league.

Quote: “He’s not one of those guys that’s going to sit back and blow the ball by you,” Coach Bill Gadd said. “He’s not afraid to throw a 3-1 or 3-2 changeup.”

-- Dan Arritt