THE TIMES’ RANKINGS

MARTIN HENDERSON’S RANKINGS AND COMMENTS

*--* Rk Team (Rec, Div) Comment 1 ROYAL (28-2, SS-Div. I) Powerful offense went 13-2 against top-25 opponents. 2 VALENCIA (29-4, SS-Div. I) If they reach it, Jordan Taylor will start next year’s championship game. 3 SAUGUS (22-5, SS-Div. I) Good balance made the Centurions the essence of team. 4 G.G. PACIFICA (26-3-1, SS-Div. I) No three-peat, but Weil-led Mariners spent 11 of 15 weeks at No. 1. 5 CORONA (26-3, SS-Div. I) Outfielder Monica Montez was Mountain View League’s most consistent hitter. 6 CHINO HILLS (24-7, SS-Div. II) Mike Smith, with title in second year of varsity play, worthy of top coach award. 7 EL DORADO (24-3-1, SS-Div. II) Designated player Christie Nieto had all-county-caliber season. 8 MILLIKAN (27-6, SS-Div. III) Akemi Fleming’s home run powered Rams to first title since 1983. 9 EL TORO (24-8, SS-Div. II) Catcher Amanda Ford-Feitz had only one passed ball, one error all season. 10 OAKS CHRISTIAN (28-6, SS-Div. III) Ashlee Veilleux is gone, but Taylor Schlopy returns for two more seasons. 11 ROSARY (24-8, SS-Div. I) Royals played 19 games against opponents in the top 25, and won 11. 12 MATER DEI (23-8, SS-Div. I) Outfielder Ashley Weber batted .435 with 28 runs and 14 RBIs. 13 CAJON (28-3, SS-Div. III) Entire team returns, and should be showcased against elite competition. 14 DOS PUEBLOS (28-5, SS-Div. IV) Junior Kimi Wong led charge to title with pitching, hitting. 15 RIVERSIDE POLY (21-6-1, SS-Div. I) Bears’ fortunes may have turned with shortstop Amanda Myers’ injury. 16 CAMARILLO (24-6, SS-Div. I) In region loaded with catchers, Anissa Lagos easy to overlook. 17 EL CAMINO REAL (28-6, City) Pitcher Megan Miller ended San Pedro’s five-year championship streak. 18 SAN PEDRO (29-3, City) With frosh pitcher Taylor Petty, could reach City finals nine years in a row. 19 LOS ALAMITOS (20-11, SS-Div. I) Inconsistent early, Griffins closed season with a 10-2 flourish. 20 ESPERANZA (17-11, SS-Div. I) Last three losses, in extra innings, lasted a combined 40 innings. 21 PENINSULA (23-4, SS-Div. II) For pitcher Monica Alnes, the next stop is San Diego State. 22 RANCHO CUCAMONGA (24-4, SS-Div. II) Led by Sarah Vertelka and Vernae Sevilla, eight starters return. 23 THOUSAND OAKS (17-9, SS-Div. I) Season might have been different if not for injuries undercutting chances. 24 LAGUNA HILLS (21-8-2, SS-Div. I) Rosey Neil’s homer upset Pacifica, but there was no magic against Saugus. 25 VALLEY VIEW (16-11, SS-Div. I) After a 7-9 start, won seven times against last nine ranked opponents.

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