The List

EXIT STRATEGY

A gold watch isnice, but Mira Costa High (Manhattan Beach, Calif.) gave volleyball coach DaeLea Aldrich a better retirement present by defeating Archbishop Mitty (SanJose) last Saturday to win its third consecutive California state title andfinish the season with a 37--1 record. Senior outside hitter and Stanfordrecruit Alix Klineman had 28 kills and eight digs in the match, bringing herseason totals to a 485 kills and 250 digs. Aldrich (right) retires with abrilliant 25-year record of 662--76; she won six state and three nationaltitles.

BLOOMINGCACTUS

Cactus ShadowsHigh (Cave Creek, Ariz.), 0--10 just two years ago, defeated Higley (Gilbert,Ariz.) 28--14, last Saturday to win its first state football championship. TheFalcons finished unbeaten and set a state record with 15 victories. Senior widereceiver Kyle Watkins had 24 TD catches this year, the most ever by an Arizonaplayer.

STEPPING UP

Sometimes theunderstudy steals the show. Washington County High (Sandersville, Ga.) backuptailback Deon Harden (below) had 326 total yards and scored four touchdowns asthe Golden Hawks rolled past North Hall (Gainesville, Ga.), 51--21, last Fridayin Georgia's Class AAA state quarterfinals. With starter Rosco Walls playingsparingly due to a sprained ankle, Harden, a senior, scored on runs of 76, 67and 60 yards and a kickoff return of 87 yards.

LOVEFEST

Kevin Love, a6'10" candidate for national player of the year, opened his seniorbasketball season last Friday by scoring 38 points and adding 28 rebounds,seven assists and three blocks as he led Lake Oswego (Ore.) High to a 60--48win over Lincoln (Portland).

Daily Coverage

For more high school news and rankings from RISE andDave Krider's Primetime Performer of the Week, go to SI.com/highschool.

PHOTO

DOUGLAS J. HERBST (ALDRICH)

PHOTO

ANDREW DAVIS TUCKER/THE AUGUSTA CHRONICLE (HARDEN)