A long and winding road for Mater Dei's Aaron Cross and family

The grandfather of Aaron Cross drove more than 200 miles a day for three years so the standout pitcher could attend Mater Dei. 'I love the man to death,' says Cross, who's even learned to like the Beatles songs that were often the soundtrack for the commute.

What to watch for as prep football teams begin spring drills

San Fernando quarterback Cristian Solano, who passed for 3,064 yards and 28 touchdowns as a junior but has no scholarship offers, might get attention.

The Times' high school baseball rankings

A look at the top 25 teams in the Southland.

Oaks Christian's Phil Bickford draws crowd when he's alone on mound

Bickford's talent has put him in position to be a possible first-round pick in June MLB amateur draft. He says he appreciates the pro scouts' interest, even as he blocks it out when he's pitching.

Cleveland shuts out Chatsworth in battle for first place

Jack Hartman goes the distance in a 1-0 West Valley League victory and drives in the run with a first-inning single.

Thomas Hudnut leaves a legacy of excellence at Harvard-Westlake

The school's retiring president and CEO set out in 1989 to make extracurricular activities an important part of the student experience. The result is a record of academic and athletic success.

The Times' high school baseball rankings

A look at the top 25 teams in the Southland.

Mater Dei edges Santa Margarita and ace Griffin Canning

Eagles junior shuts down the Monarchs for eight innings, but the No. 1 team in the nation pushes across two runs in the bottom of the ninth inning for a 2-1 win and 19th consecutive victory.

These high school coaches are unrattled by snakes on diamond

Valencia West Ranch High coaches Casey and Brady Burrill have a decisive way to deal with the occasional visiting rattler.

Mira Costa High volleyball wins three of five sets to beat Loyola

A crowd of 2,500 gathers to watch the No. 2 and 3 Southern Section Division 1 rivals compete. Junior Connor Inlow powers a turnaround by the Mustangs.

Ryan McMahon a good fit for the Mater Dei way

First in football, then in baseball, the senior has demonstrated toughness, maturity and loyalty, proving he learned from the star athletes who preceded him.

Chatsworth outlasts El Camino Real, 10-9, in eight innings

Nick Milone's walk-off single lifts the Chancellors, who rally from a 9-2 deficit through four innings in a West Valley League opener.

Pole vaulter Kaitlyn Merritt sets national sophomore and meet records

The 16-year-old from Santa Margarita clears 13 feet 8 inches Saturday in the Arcadia Invitational.

Notre Dame's Muhammad is fastest at Arcadia meet

The sprinter wins the boys' 100 meters in 10.46 seconds and is second in the 200.