Sports

A look at the top 20 high school softball teams in the Southland as ranked by CalHiSports.com for The Times. Rk.; Last ranking; School; Record 1. (2) Norco 24-2 2. (1) Murrieta Mesa 23-1 3. (3) Fullerton 23-2 4. (4) Etiwanda 21-2 5. (7) La Mirada 22-3 6. (11) JSerra 20-7 7. (6) Oaks Christian…

Lakers center Deandre Ayton bounced across the court after practice Monday wearing all black, his chains swaying, his mood jovial as he approached the media to talk about his role in the Western Conference semifinals. His spirits were high for what lies ahead for the Lakers as they prepared to face the best team in…

Skip Bayless is returning to ESPN’s “First Take” — but for a very limited time only. Bayless will join Stephen A. Smith on Friday’s episode of the popular sports debate show in what the network describes as “a one-time reunion” between the two men who haven’t hosted the program together in nearly 10 years. “CAN’T…

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Before Cherie DeVaux won a Breeders’ Cup race, before one of her horses won an Eclipse Award, before she became the answer to a Siri question — “Who was the first female trainer to win the Kentucky Derby?” — she faced the same problem as every new trainer. She needed horses. Fortunately for her,…

The Lakers understand the daunting challenge they’re about to face against the defending NBA champion Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference semifinals. Lakers coach JJ Redick referenced the great Chicago Bulls teams that won back-to-back championships in 1996 and ’97 and the Golden State Warriors teams that won titles in 2015 and ’17 when…

For teenagers dreaming of playing in the NFL, former Corona Centennial high defensive back Camryn Bynum has first-hand knowledge of what it takes. It involves more than a star ranking or posting videos on social media. “It’s a simple formula to make it to where you want to go,” said Bynum, who recently signed a…

HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL & SOFTBALL Saturday’s Results BASEBALL CITY SECTION Mendez 13, CALS Early College 0 Palisades 4, San Pedro 3 Port of Los Angeles d. Dorsey, forfeit Sun Valley Poly 8, LA Marshall 2 Venice 10, San Fernando 2 Verdugo Hills 8, Chatsworth 4 SOUTHERN SECTION Big Bear 9, San Bernardino 2 Bishop Amat…

p]:text-cms-story-body-color-text clearfix”> Was it more fun to watch the Dodger offense return to form or to watch spoiled kid Pete Crow-Armstrong strike out four times on Saturday? Certainly in the long run, Dodger success is much more important to this engaged fan than the serial failure of a young player still playing like a rookie…

It’s time for Mira Costa to try to wipe away the disappointing memory from last season’s Southern Section Division 1 girls’ beach volleyball final, where the Mustangs lost to Redondo Union 3-2. Mira Costa faces JSerra at 1:30 p.m. Saturday at Long Beach City College in this season’s championship game. Key returnees for Mira Costa…

Posted along the left-field fence at Birmingham High are the years it won City Section baseball titles: 1964, 1966, 1969, 2014, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2023. Nowhere is there any recognition for winning a West Valley League title. That’s because the current coach, Matt Mowry, has won five City titles and zero league titles during his…