Probe Focuses on Artesia Basketball

The Lakewood Artesia boys’ basketball program, which was stripped of three Southern Section titles five years ago for numerous violations of California Interscholastic Federation rules, is under investigation again.

According to sources, the investigation by the ABC Unified School District centers on an apartment near campus that has been housing players and serving as their official address. Student-athletes who transfer must change residence with a parent or guardian to be eligible, according to section rules.

Artesia Coach Scott Pera, who moved from Pennsylvania five years ago to replace fired coach Wayne Merino, said Wednesday evening that he had not been fired. He referred further questions to Sergio Garcia, Artesia’s new principal. Garcia did not return calls seeking comment.

“It’s the policy of the ABC School District not to comment on personnel matters,” said Kathy Frazier, director of the ABC district. “We’re currently investigating the Artesia boys’ basketball program and it would be premature to discuss anything more at this time.”

Thom Simmons, a spokesman for the Southern Section, said Commissioner Jim Staunton has been in contact with district Supt. Gary Smuts, but the section was not involved in the investigation.

“Right now, they’re doing their due diligence,” Simmons said of the school and district.

Last season, the Pioneers advanced to the Division III-AA final and the Southern California Regional Division III final.

-- Dan Arritt

Football

Four first-half touchdowns scored after turnovers propelled Woodland Hills Taft to a 35-34 victory over Los Angeles Crenshaw at Canoga Park in a nonleague season opener for both teams.

Anthony Evans recovered two first-half fumbles for the Toreadors, who opened a 35-12 halftime lead. Malcolm Smith scored touchdowns on a nine-yard reception and an 11-yard run.

Crenshaw made the game close with three fourth-quarter touchdowns, the last coming with 39 seconds left on a 15-yard run by running back Raymond Carter, who also scored earlier on a five-yard carry. Tyquan Knox caught seven passes for 114 yards and one touchdown for Crenshaw. He also returned a fumble 43 yards for a touchdown and caught a two-point conversion pass.

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Responding to high school athletes who were affected by Hurricane Katrina, the California Interscholastic Federation announced Thursday that it would relax eligibility rules for those who have transferred because of the disaster in the Gulf states.

The CIF will not require students to have moved with their legal guardian. All they need is their caregiver to sign a new one-time only eligibility form, which would waive residential and academic eligibility.

Students who can’t document their age or previous academic standing will be trusted to submit truthful information but could face sanctions if later it is determined false information was provided. Schools, however, will not be punished if student information turns out to be false.

“Schools will be held harmless if there should be false information provided which ultimately causes a student to be ruled ineligible, CIF Executive Director Marie Ishida said in a release. “Any abuses will be investigated and dealt with swiftly and appropriately.”

Football players seeking eligibility may have to practice a minimum number of days depending on the requirements in each section.

CIF officials indicate they have no idea how many students could be coming to the state from the affected areas. In the City Section, Carson has two athletes from Louisiana seeking eligibility and Woodland Hills Taft has one.

Current eligibility rules will apply to all other transfer students.

-- Eric Sondheimer

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Laguna Beach has forfeited its five victories from the 2004 season because it used an ineligible player, according to Southern Section spokesman Thom Simmons. The Breakers’ record will change to 0-10 overall and 0-5 in the Pacific Coast League.