First published in the March 19 print issue of the Glendale News Press.
More than 50 winter sports athletes from Crescenta Valley, Glendale and Hoover high schools were recently recognized by Pacific League coaches, earning spots on the coveted All-League lists.
All five of Crescenta Valley’s programs brought home the highest honors after a stellar winter campaign that included four Pacific League championships.
The CVHS girls’ basketball team was one of those title-winning teams, finishing with an overall record of 11-7 and unbeaten in league play. Sophomore standout Kylie Ray was named the league’s most valuable player and teammate Lulu Arzoumanian made the first team. Junior captain Victoria Prochazka was selected to the second squad and Taleen Krikorian received an honorable mention. Head coach Michael Flot was named league coach of the year.
The boys’ basketball program, which also finished undefeated in league play to win the crown, received similar honors as the girls with Gavin Shaghoian receiving the player of the year award. Quinlan Daly was a first-team selection, Allen Boghosian made the second and John Hebert was an honorable mention. Shawn Zargarian was named Pacific League coach of the year.
Nine members of the Crescenta Valley girls’ soccer team, which finished 7-0 in league to win the championship, were recognized. Senior captain Rachel Park received the highest honor in being named player of the year. Isabella Galvan, Lindsey Furstenberg, Teleya Blunt and Stephanie Schaupp made the first team, Giovana Aldaz, Calliope Araz and Lauren Graves were second-teamers and Allison Park received an honorable mention.
The CVHS boys’ soccer program also had nine athletes make the cut for All-League. Seung Hyun Gong received the player of the year award, and teammates Matt Sheen, Jake Sheen, Jager Wyss and Dylan Sahakians each earned first-team selections. Lukas Elze, Isaac Smyth and Miles Vallejo made the second team, and Anthony Sharlakian received an honorable mention. Head coach Kurtis Millan led the team to a Pacific League crown with a 5-0-1 record and was named coach of the year.
Though the girls’ water polo program didn’t claim the league title, six members of the team were among those honored by opposing coaches. Kyra Freeman shared the player of the year honor with Nancy Baylor of Burbank Burroughs, and teammates Makayla Graham and Miranda Graham earned a spot on the first team. AJ Troop and Sydney Lansang made the second squad and Albany Lansang received an honorable mention.
Glendale Standouts Make 1st Team
Four of five Nitros’ winter sports programs had athletes make it to the All-Pacific League first team.
The Glendale girls’ soccer team overcame a rough start in league play and finished tied for third with a 3-3-1 record, which was good for a CIF Southern Section playoff berth. Cecilia Nicolas Javier was named coach of the year for guiding the team, and Leslie Samantha Cruz earned a spot on the first team. Alyssa Araya was a second-team selection and Bella Nairi Mirzaian received an honorable mention.
Six members of the boys’ soccer squad were recognized with three of them making the first team. Monte Almasi, Zain Trad and Jonathan Bermudez represented the Nitros on the first squad, Bryant Santos and Juaquin Zecena were second-team selections and Harutyun Mnatsakanyan earned an honorable mention.
In girls’ basketball, Cherilyn Legaspi was selected to the first team and Jane Basil made the second squad. Sarine Kaloghlian received an honorable mention.
Demy Brati represented Glendale High in the All-Pacific League girls’ water polo first team and teammate Ashley Hernandez earned an honorable mention.
Jahir Ponciano was the lone Nitro to be recognized by boys’ basketball coaches and received an honorable mention.
Nine Tornados Recognized
Hoover High School winter sports standouts also earned All-League honors, with four of the five programs having an athlete make the second team.
In girls’ water polo, Mary Koulyan was a second teamer and teammate Sadie Bevan received an honorable mention.
David Ekimyan was Hoover’s top boys’ soccer player and was a second-team selection, and teammate Diego Rivera earned an honorable mention.
Paola Gorgeiz and Lana Tolmajian represented Hoover in the girls’ basketball list with a second-team selection and an honorable mention, respectively.
Kelly Ardiano made the all-league second team in girls’ soccer and Emilie Shahvosian was also recognized with an honorable mention.
Zack Van Patten was the lone Tornado to be recognized in a competitive Pacific League, earning an honorable mention.
