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Column: Elite athletes to watch for the 2024-25 high school sports season

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Column: Elite athletes to watch for the 2024-25 high school sports season

The 2024-25 sports season will have a group of elite girls competing in a variety of sports who are so talented they could push the elite boys to raise their own level of excellence. Southern California is filled with teenagers you’ll be reading about and seeing on television for years to come.

Let’s examine some of the athletes to watch for the new school year:

GIRLS

Scottlyn Antonucci, Etiwanda, soccer. She’s captain for the USA under-16 national team as a junior midfielder. Known as Scottie, she has a hybrid class schedule so she can have more time to train and travel. She made the decision to keep playing high school soccer. “I absolutely love high school soccer. My best friends are on the team,” she said. She has official recruiting visits to UCLA, North Carolina and Penn State.

Sierra Canyon’s Jerzy Robinson goes up for a shot against Etiwanda in the CIF Southern Section Open Division championship game at Cal Baptist on Feb. 23, 2024.

(Steve Galluzzo / For The Times)

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Jerzy Robinson, Sierra Canyon, basketball. Considered the No. 1 recruit for the class of 2026, she’s won gold medals the last two summers playing for the USA under-16 and under-17 national teams. She was named tournament MVP at the under-17 World Cup after averaging 20.9 points and 6.9 rebounds.

“I saw her play with USA basketball, I know without a doubt she’s gotten better,” coach Alicia Komaki said.

Asked what she has improved in, Robinson said, “Everything.”

Ontario Christian basketball star Kaleena Smith poses for a photo holding a basketball in her right hand.

Ontario Christian basketball star Kaleena Smith set the school scoring record and has her sights set on the career mark.

(Steve Galluzzo / Los Angeles Times)

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Kaleena Smith, Ontario Christian, basketball. She averaged 34.9 points as a freshman. Whether shooting threes or driving to the basket, her offensive skills are advanced and exciting to watch. Ontario Christian could be the team to challenge Etiwanda for girls’ basketball supremacy.

Standout Etiwanda center Grace Knox (23).

Standout Etiwanda center Grace Knox (23).

(Steve Galluzzo)

Grace Knox, Etiwanda, basketball. The top player on the No. 1 team in California, Knox is a 6-foot-2 center who changes games with her defense. In July, she said she was down to four schools for her college choice: USC, Tennessee, Texas and Louisiana State.

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Freshman Emily Song led Santa Margarita to the Division 1 girls' golf title.

Freshman Emily Song led Santa Margarita to the Division 1 girls’ golf title.

(Greg Townsend)

Emily Song, Santa Margarita, golf. Song helped the Eagles win the state championship in girls’ golf as a freshman. She shot 68 in the Division 1 championship match and was the Trinity League champion. Last year, as a 13-year-old, she was the youngest competing in the U.S. Women’s Amateur field.

Sadie Engelhardt reaches the finish line.

Sadie Engelhardt reaches the finish line after running a 1,600-meter split of 4:33.95 that helped Ventura set the national outdoor record at the Mt. SAC Relays on April 20, 2024.

(Steve Galluzzo / For The Times)

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Sadie Engelhardt, Ventura, track. The reigning Gatorade national player of the year is gearing up for her senior year in cross-country and track. She owns the national record in the mile and one of the five best marks in the 1,500. She’s expected to make her season debut in the Woodbridge Cross-Country Classic on Sept. 20 at the Great Park in Irvine. She also has a 4.56 grade-point average and is committed to North Carolina State.

Swimmer Teagan O'Dell of Santa Margarita.

Swimmer Teagan O’Dell of Santa Margarita.

(Marni O’Dell)

Teagan O’Dell, Santa Margarita, swimming. The future Olympian is finally a senior and keeps setting records and taking home swimming trophies. She’s committed to California. She competed in the 100- and 200-meter backstroke events at the Olympic trials.

Orange Lutheran center fielder Kai Minor is an Oklahoma commit.

Orange Lutheran center fielder Kai Minor is an Oklahoma commit.

(Gary Coronado/Los Angeles Times)

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Kai Minor, Orange Lutheran, softball. The Oklahoma commit is so fast that steals and infield hits have been piling up through three years of high school softball. “Her speed is phenomenal,” coach Steve Milkos said. “She’s a five-tool player.”

Ki’ele Ho-Ching, Long Beach Poly, softball. She was the Moore League MVP as a sophomore infielder. Her uncle, Herman, was a standout football player for Poly in the 1990s.

Jailynn Robinson helped Orange Lutheran go unbeaten last season. She's committed to UCLA.

Jailynn Robinson helped Orange Lutheran go unbeaten last season. She’s committed to UCLA.

(Orange Lutheran)

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Jailynn Robinson, Orange Lutheran, water polo. The UCLA commit led the Lancers last season to a 31-0 record and was the Trinity League MVP.

BOYS

Brayden Burries of Eastvale Roosevelt goes up for shot against St. John Bosco's Elzie Harrington (3).

Brayden Burries of Eastvale Roosevelt goes up for shot against St. John Bosco’s Elzie Harrington (3).

(Nick Koza)

Brayden Burries, Eastvale Roosevelt, basketball. The 6-4 guard helped his team reach the Southern Section Open Division championship game last season and is one of the most sought-after prospects for the class of 2025.

Brandon McCoy gets fired up after a basket for St. John Bosco. He had 28 points in overtime win over Richmond Salesian.

Brandon McCoy gets fired up after a basket for St. John Bosco. He had 28 points in overtime win over Richmond Salesian.

(Nick Koza)

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Brandon McCoy, St. John Bosco, basketball. The class of 2026 guard won a gold medal during the summer competing for the USA under-17 national team. His versatility, unselfishness and continued improvement make him a talent to admire.

Harvard-Westlake's Nikolas Khamenia is 6-8 and a rising junior prospect.

Harvard-Westlake’s Nikolas Khamenia is 6-8 and a rising junior prospect.

(Nick Koza)

Nikolas Khamenia, Harvard-Westlake, basketball. The 6-8 senior won a gold medal playing with the under-18 national team and was MVP of the under-18 3×3 World Cup in Hungary, where he won another gold medal. He also won state and section titles with the Wolverines. He’s physical, versatile and has a work ethic second to none. He’s deciding his college choice among Gonzaga, Arizona, UCLA, North Carolina and Duke.

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Tyran Stokes is 6 feet 7 and a junior basketball player at Sherman Oaks Notre Dame.

Tyran Stokes is 6 feet 7 and a junior basketball player at Sherman Oaks Notre Dame.

(Eric Sondheimer / Los Angeles Times)

Tyran Stokes, Sherman Oaks Notre Dame, basketball. The 6-7 class of 2026 forward won a gold medal with McCoy this past summer. He’s moved from Napa to the San Fernando Valley with skills so impressive that people are already projecting him as a future NBA player.

Alijah Arenas of Chatsworth flies through the air against Washington Prep.

Alijah Arenas of Chatsworth flies through the air against Washington Prep.

(Craig Weston)

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Alijah Arenas, Chatsworth, basketball. The son of former NBA star Gilbert Arenas has returned for a third season with the Chancellors. He’s the City Section’s best player with offensive skills good enough to score 50 points in games if that’s what he needs to do.

Corona High's Seth Hernandez circles the bases after hitting a two-run home run against visiting Huntington Beach on Tuesday.

Corona High’s Seth Hernandez circles the bases after hitting a two-run home run against visiting Huntington Beach in a Southern Section Division 1 semifinal.

(Jerry Soifer)

Seth Hernandez, Corona, baseball. The pitcher-outfielder whose fastball touched 100 mph during the summer could be the No. 1, 2 or 3 selection in next year’s amateur draft.

Jaden Soong celebrates after winning the Southern California Golf Assn. Amateur Championship.

Jaden Soong celebrates after winning the Southern California Golf Assn. Amateur Championship at Saticoy Club in Somis on July 11, 2024.

(SCGA)

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Jaden Soong, St. Francis, golf. He was the youngest ever to win the Southern California Amateur championship and played in the U.S. Amateur championship. Only a freshman, he’ll become an immediate contender for the Southern Section individual title.

Sophomore Tripp King of Loyola has elite written all over him when it comes to lacrosse.

Sophomore Tripp King of Loyola has elite written all over him when it comes to lacrosse.

(Mike Horowitz)

Tripp King, Loyola, lacrosse. Only a sophomore, he was the Mission League offensive player of the year in lacrosse as a freshman. “He’s special,” coach Jimmy Borell said.

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Evan Noonan of Dana Hills wins the state title in the boys' 3,200 meters at Buchanan High School.

Evan Noonan of Dana Hills wins the state title in the boys’ 3,200 meters at Buchanan High in Clovis on May 25, 2024.

(Steve Galluzzo / For The Times)

Evan Noonan, Dana Hills, track. The state 3,200-meter champion is one of the best distance runners in the nation. He was the Gatorade state cross-country runner of the year as a junior.

Blake Fahlbusch of Loyola is a 6-foot-8 junior volleyball player.

Blake Fahlbusch of Loyola is a 6-foot-8 junior volleyball player.

(Loyola)

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Blake Fahlbusch, Loyola, volleyball. Injured during his sophomore season, the 6-8 Fahlbusch is back and ready to dominate above the net. “If he stays healthy, he will be the top recruit in his class,” coach Mike Boehle said.

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Toronto Maple Leafs top pick Gavin McKenna reveals that he’s changing his jersey number

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Toronto Maple Leafs top pick Gavin McKenna reveals that he’s changing his jersey number

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Toronto Maple Leafs No. 1 draft pick Gavin McKenna has already been on the ice with the team as it held its development camp this week, but the highly-touted rookie is going to have to make a big change for this fall.

His number.

When he was playing for the Western Hockey League’s Medicine Hat Tigers and then again at Penn State this past season, McKenna wore the No. 72.

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Toronto Maple Leafs top pick Gavin McKenna has revealed that he’ll be opting for a new number for his rookie campaign. (Photo by Brian Babineau/NHLI via Getty Images)

The expectation was that McKenna would wear No. 72 with the Maple Leafs, and he did so this week at development camp. Plenty of fans have also already ordered No. 72 jerseys with his name on the back.

On most rosters, No. 72 is unique enough that he wouldn’t run into any issues wearing it. However, on July 1, the Leafs signed two-time Stanley Cup champion goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky, who has worn No. 72 for most of his career, except during his first two seasons with the Philadelphia Flyers, when he wore No. 35.

So, some were wondering how this would work out. Would the Leafs want their new franchise player to get his pick of the number litter, or would they defer to a two-time Vezina winner?

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Gavin McKenna wore No. 72 in juniors, as well as last season at Penn State. (Photo by Richard T Gagnon/Getty Images)

Well, it turns out that McKenna will be the one swapping numbers, and he’ll be switching to No. 92 this season.

McKenna had to get creative here because the obvious number changes were a no-go in Toronto. Adding 7 and 2 would be 9, but that was retired in honor of Charlie Conacher and Ted Kennedy.

Another option would’ve been to flip the digits and go with No. 27, but that was retired in honor of Frank Mahovlich and Darryl Sittler.

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So, 92 it is.

However, McKenna reached out to one of the three previous players to wear the number, Jeff O’Neill, to ask whether he was comfortable with him using it.

It’s fair to say he was down with the idea.

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McKenna will be a key piece of a Maple Leafs team that is looking to bounce back after a nightmare 2025-26 campaign that saw them finish last in the Atlantic Division.

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Dodgers’ Eliezer Alfonzo praying his sister and stepmother will be found in Venezuela

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Dodgers’ Eliezer Alfonzo praying his sister and stepmother will be found in Venezuela

It’ll be the culmination of nine minor-league seasons. But Eliezer Alfonzo‘s major-league debut on Sunday won’t include his family watching from Dodger Stadium.

Alfonzo’s younger sister, Eliana, and stepmother, Patricia, have been missing since last month when earthquakes caused widespread devastation in his home country of Venezuela.

“I’ve been trying to support my dad a lot, every day talking to him, trying to be with him,” Alfonzo said of the elder Eliezer Alfonzo, a retired major-league catcher. “It’s a little tough from here because I would like to be there with him, supporting him every day.”

His father, of course, would love to be in attendance for his son’s debut. He told him as much when he heard the Dodgers were calling him up.

The Dodgers switched their backup catchers Saturday, optioning Chuckie Robinson. They saw an opportunity to give Alfonzo some runway behind Dalton Rushing, with starting catcher Will Smith’s stay on the injured list expected to extend through the All-Star break.

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The elder Eliezer Alfonzo, however, is doing whatever he can to locate his wife and daughter. Their dog was found alive, which gave the younger Eliezer Alfonzo hope.

“We’ve just gotta stay together as a family, as a country,” Alfonzo said. “Because I feel like we’re a beautiful country, we’re a really beautiful people over there. It’s not just about my family, it’s all families that have lost people already. But we’ve got hope. We just pray, we ask God to give them back to us alive.”

Alfonzo’s locker in the clubhouse is next to countryman Miguel Rojas’ stall. Rojas’ wife, Mariana, and their two children were in Venezuela, planning to renew Mariana’s passport and seek Venezuelan citizenship for their children, when the earthquakes hit. They managed to stay safe and have returned to the U.S.

“I just want to be here for him,” Rojas said. “At the end of the day, that’s the best thing I can do for him, is being a good teammate and being a friend for him. Because I know there’s going to be ups and downs. He’s going to have a lot of time to be caught [up] in baseball, and that’s going to probably take his mind away from stuff. But sometimes he’s probably going to feel weak, and he’s going to start thinking about his family. So I’m going to be here, I’m right next to him. And that’s what I told him.”

Rojas, who played against the elder Eliezer Alfonzo for years in Venezuela, reached out Saturday morning and promised him he’d save the ball from his son’s first major-league hit.

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Kylian Mbappé’s seventh goal of the World Cup lifts France past Paraguay in physical Round of 16 match

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Kylian Mbappé’s seventh goal of the World Cup lifts France past Paraguay in physical Round of 16 match

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The United States may not have been in action on Independence Day, but France — who fittingly played an important role in the Revolutionary War — was on the pitch in Philadelphia against Paraguay in a massive Round of 16 clash for a trip to the quarterfinals.

It was a hot day in the birthplace of our nation, and that made things difficult for both teams in more ways than one.

While Paraguay is a great squad, they were significant underdogs against a heavily favored French team led by superstar Kylian Mbappé, who has been lighting it up this tournament.

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French and Paraguayan players get into a shoving match during their Round of 16 match on Saturday in Philadelphia. (Kyle Ross-Imagn Images)

Obviously, the heat itself is a factor, but it also made for a slower pitch, something that was believed to play into the hands of Paraguay.

However, most of the action in the first half was played on their end as France put the pressure on through the first half hour of the match.

It was intense, and that intensity boiled over in the 35th minute with some pushing and shoving after Mbappé and Paraguay’s Andrés Cubas started a wild shoving match.

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But while the intensity ramped up — and stayed high for pretty much the entire game — Paraguay weathered the storm and had every reason to feel good about reaching halftime with the game scoreless.

France got some more scoring opportunities in the early part of the second half, including a near-breakaway for Mbappé.

France’s Kylian Mbappe scored the go-ahead and ultimately game-winning goal against Paraguay on a penalty kick. (James Lang-Imagn Images)

In the 67th minute, France was awarded a penalty kick for a foul against Desire Doue that had to go to VAR for review, and it was Mbappé who took it.

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Mbappé has tended to do most of his damage in the second half, and that trend continued here with him drilling the penalty past Paraguay goaltender Orlando Gill.

That was his 19th career World Cup goal, and his seventh of this tournament alone, tying him with Argentina’s Lionel Messi for the tournament lead.

Paraguay seemed to fade after the Mbappé goal, but turned it on again late, forcing Mike Maignan to make his first save of the day about 89 and a half minutes into the match.

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It seemed like Paraguay’s plan was to try and get a rise out of the French, and they succeeded in drawing three yellow cards. In fact, they even tried to keep that going after the match with players meeting near midfield for some more pushing and shoving.

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But France is moving on, and they will take on Morocco in a quarterfinal match on Thursday in Boston.

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