Latest news with #SouthernSectionOpenDivision
Los Angeles Times
10-05-2025
- Sport
- Los Angeles Times
Prep talk: Tennis players unite to pay tribute to Loyola's Braun Levi
On a scorching Friday afternoon at L.A. Valley College, Loyola and Harvard-Westlake High tennis players gathered for a moment of silence wearing T-shirts that read 'Live Like Braun,' in honor of Loyola captain Braun Levi, who was killed last weekend in Manhattan Beach while walking on a street. A 33-year-old woman was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence and homicide. Loyola players decided after much reflection and mourning to play Friday's Southern Section Open Division playoff match against Harvard-Westlake. 'We want to play for Braun,' coach Brian Held said. A moment of silence was held. Levi's mother, Jennifer, was there receiving hugs and support. All week at Loyola, students have been supporting each other trying to heal. A celebration of Levi's life will be held at 6 p.m. Saturday at Loyola. In an email, Sylvia Almanzan, the grandmother of a Loyola student, wrote, 'The Loyola faculty has been amazing during this time of providing counselors and support not only to the students but families as well. I just wanted to state how this remarkable young man touched so many lives especially my grandson's in such a positive way.' Levi's doubles partner, Cooper Schwartz, was originally not going to play on Friday as a way to not tarnish his memory winning the Mission League title with Levi. He changed his mind and played with a new partner. They won their matches 7-5, 7-6 and 6-4 and on match points, Schwartz used Levi's racket. Harvard-Westlake won the match 14-4 to advance. This is a daily look at the positive happenings in high school sports. To submit any news, please email
Yahoo
05-05-2025
- Yahoo
Doubles partner of fallen Loyola senior Braun Levi grieves, shares memories of friend
Braun Levi, left, with Loyola doubles partner Cooper Schwartz. Levi was killed early Sunday morning after being hit by a suspected drunk driver. (Steve Galluzzo / For The Times) Cooper Schwartz didn't go to classes Monday at Loyola High School. It was just too much. "I thought yesterday couldn't get any worse," he said by phone. "I've been crying all morning." Advertisement His good friend and doubles partner on the tennis team, Braun Levi, was killed Sunday morning in a traffic accident in Manhattan Beach. Police say they arrested a 33-year-old Los Angeles woman on suspicion of drunk driving and homicide. Police found Levi lying in the street after the crash. Hundreds of students and community members came to Loyola's campus Sunday night for a prayer vigil. Few got to know Levi better than Schwartz. The two had been competing in youth tennis tournaments since they were 8, usually meeting in the finals. When Schwartz transferred to Loyola from Brentwood as a sophomore, they became doubles partners. Advertisement "It was just natural," he said of them becoming partners. In describing Levi, Schwartz said, "Every time you were with him, you knew you were going to get some laughter, some smiles. He always made something out of nothing. He was just having a great time every time." Both lived in Pacific Palisades and lost their homes to the Palisades fire. Schwartz spent more than a week living with Levi after the fire. Their experiences were the same. "You're up all night and no one knows what to do about insurance," he said. "Your family is dealing with the same things and you don't know what to do." Advertisement Both families moved — Levi to Hermosa Beach and Schwartz to Century City. The two seniors were closing in on graduation and had teamed to win the Mission League doubles title last week. Levi was team captain, a four-year standout and set to attend Virginia. Read more: Loyola High School tennis star, 'a shining presence,' killed in Manhattan Beach crash; DUI suspect arrested Schwartz said Levi checked in with him Saturday night in a courtesy phone call, friend speaking to friend. Loyola had just learned its seeding for the Southern Section Open Division tennis playoffs that are scheduled to begin Friday. Then came news of the tragedy. "To be honest, picking up a tennis racket is the last thing I want to do right now," Schwartz said. "I know Braun would want me to play, but if I'm not playing with Braun, I'm not playing. He's who I warmed up with every single match, every single practice. Having that last win is something I don't want to tarnish." Advertisement Loyola's tennis team got together Monday for the first time since the tragedy. Players are grieving. No decision has been made about playing Friday. Schwartz intends to remember Levi the best way he can. "Braun was first my friend on the court, but then was my friend off the court," he said. He has more tears to shed as he tries to make sense of something that doesn't make sense. Sign up for the L.A. Times SoCal high school sports newsletter to get scores, stories and a behind-the-scenes look at what makes prep sports so popular. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Los Angeles Times
05-05-2025
- Sport
- Los Angeles Times
Doubles partner of fallen Loyola senior Braun Levi grieves, shares memories of friend
Cooper Schwartz didn't go to classes Monday at Loyola High School. It was just too much. 'I thought yesterday couldn't get any worse,' he said by phone. 'I've been crying all morning.' His good friend and doubles partner on the tennis team, Braun Levi, was killed Sunday morning in a traffic accident in Manhattan Beach. Police say they arrested a 33-year-old Los Angeles woman on suspicion of drunk driving and homicide. Police found Levi lying in the street after the crash. Hundreds of students and community members came to Loyola's campus Sunday night for a prayer vigil. Few got to know Levi better than Schwartz. The two had been competing in youth tennis tournaments since they were 8, usually meeting in the finals. When Schwartz transferred to Loyola from Brentwood as a sophomore, they became doubles partners. 'It was just natural,' he said of them becoming partners. In describing Levi, Schwartz said, 'Every time you were with him, you knew you were going to get some laughter, some smiles. He always made something out of nothing. He was just having a great time every time.' Both lived in Pacific Palisades and lost their homes to the Palisades fire. Schwartz spent more than a week living with Levi after the fire. Their experiences were the same. 'You're up all night and no one knows what to do about insurance,' he said. 'Your family is dealing with the same things and you don't know what to do.' Both families moved — Levi to Hermosa Beach and Schwartz to Century City. The two seniors were closing in on graduation and had teamed to win the Mission League doubles title last week. Levi was team captain, a four-year standout and set to attend Virginia. Schwartz said Levi checked in with him Saturday night in a courtesy phone call, friend speaking to friend. Loyola had just learned its seeding for the Southern Section Open Division tennis playoffs that are scheduled to begin Friday. Then came news of the tragedy. 'To be honest, picking up a tennis racket is the last thing I want to do right now,' Schwartz said. 'I know Braun would want me to play, but if I'm not playing with Braun, I'm not playing. He's who I warmed up with every single match, every single practice. Having that last win is something I don't want to tarnish.' Loyola's tennis team got together Monday for the first time since the tragedy. Players are grieving. No decision has been made about playing Friday. Schwartz intends to remember Levi the best way he can. 'Braun was first my friend on the court, but then was my friend off the court,' he said. He has more tears to shed as he tries to make sense of something that doesn't make sense.
Yahoo
23-03-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Boys' basketball coach of the year: Stephen Singleton of Eastvale Roosevelt
It was in 2000 when 26-year-old Stephen Singleton, serving as an interim coach, guided Compton Dominguez to a state championship behind a 7-foot center, Tyson Chandler. Who knew that 25 years later, Singleton would show his coaching versatilty by winning a state title at the highest level with no true big man. Singleton guided Eastvale Roosevelt (35-2) to the Southern Section Open Division championship, then the state Open Division championship in Sacramento. Yes, talented Brayden Burries, a 6-foot-5 guard, acted like a center at times leaping for rebounds, but the secret to the Mustangs' success was rebounding by committee, playing aggressive defense and scoring on transition baskets. In the state final, Burries twice got rebounds and dribbled the length of the court for layups against San Francisco Archbishop Riordan. For directing Roosevelt to a historic season and finding ways to beat the top teams in Southern California again and again, Singleton has been selected The Times' boys' basketball coach of the year. "The high school game is different," Singleton said. "Not all teams have true back-to-the-basket bigs. Most high school bigs want to play outside and that's to our advantage and liking. "So we looked at our strengths. Toughness and resilience on defense. Speed to push the ball up the court and play fast. Defense pick up full court and make other teams' guards have to try and beat us. If they can't get the ball to their big men because they are turning it over, it's to our advantage." Singleton, 51, also won a Division I state title in 2017 at Roosevelt, but this one was the most satisfying while coming in the toughest division and against some of the best coaches in California. Sign up for the L.A. Times SoCal high school sports newsletter to get scores, stories and a behind-the-scenes look at what makes prep sports so popular. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Los Angeles Times
23-03-2025
- Sport
- Los Angeles Times
Girls' basketball player of the year: Kaleena Smith of Ontario Christian
As the smallest player on the court, 5-foot-6 sophomore guard Kaleena Smith of Ontario Christian High still makes the greatest impact with her skills, intellect and instincts. It's a sight to behold as she dribbles around opponents, makes an assist or pulls up for a three. Fans know they are watching a trendsetter, because after games they surround her seeking a photo or an autograph. After averaging 23.2 points and 8.1 assists while leading her team to its first Southern Section Open Division girls' basketball championship, Smith has been selected The Times' player of the year in high school girls basketball. 'She's a culture changer,' coach Aundre Cummings said. Ontario Christian rose up to go 30-2 and pick up wins over powers Sierra Canyon and Etiwanda twice. Smith showed unselfishness and real improvement even though her scoring total dropped from averaging 34.9 points as a freshman. She helped others achieve individual success by being a facilitator, which led to team success. In the 65-63 victory over Etiwanda in the Open Division final, Smith made three clutch free throws in the final seconds to clinch the win. 'It's second nature and God was with me,' she said. Smith finished with eight assists and 13 points. Smith's work ethic spread to teammates, as she worked out after practices and before school to improve her shot. As women's basketball continues to rise, young players like Smith prepare to add their talent and determination to the cast. With two years left in high school, Smith is already becoming a national player. Adidas signed her to an NIL deal. College coaches can't wait to begin the recruiting process with official visits. She continues to work on getting stronger so she can score through contact. 'She impacts the game,' Cummings said. 'Her humility is contagious. It's a blessing to see.'
