DOWNEY - The 2012 Press-Telegram Dream Team was announced last Sunday and both Downey and Warren high schools were well represented.Earning first team honors for the 2012 S.G.V.L. champions were Downey senior outfielder Anthony Cortez (CSUN) and fellow Viking teammate and pitcher, David Espindola. Cortez hit .393 with 35 hits and 14 runs scored. He was also 4-4 with a 2.52 ERA. and had 58 strikeouts. Espindola, the S.G.V.L. Pitcher of the Year, went 8-3 with a 1.11 ERA and recorded 68 strikeouts. Warren High School had two players selected to the second team. Senior outfielder Aaron Chavez (Biola University) hit .363 with 26 hits, 22 runs scored and had 11 RBIs. Bear teammate and third baseman Daniel Roman hit .392 with 29 hits, 23 RBIs and scored 13 runs. Downey Head Coach Jess Gonzalez and Warren Head Coach Dan Noonan said they are extremely proud of their respective players and the way they represented their respective programs. Both coaches wished these standout seniors continued success in their respective futures. Other S.G.V.L. players earning first team Dream Team honors were Gahr shortstop Jaime Estrada, third baseman Kevin Franklin and outfielder Edgar Morales. Earning second team honors for the Gladiators was pitcher Andrew Encinas. First team selections from Paramount included pitcher Alex Navarette and third baseman Frankie Gonzalez. The Pirates lone second team selection was pitcher Steven Espinoza. Lynwood and Dominguez, the two other S.G.V.L. teams, did not produce a Dream Team player.

********** Published: June 21, 2012 - Volume 11 - Issue 10