Valley, Pierce Players Win WSC Award

Pierce College quarterback Jamie Grossman and Valley defensive back Sam Edwards were named this week’s Western State Conference offensive and defensive players of the week.

Grossman, a freshman from Cleveland High, completed 12 of 17 passes for 154 yards and two touchdowns in the Brahmas’ 30-15 football victory over West L. A.

Edwards, a freshman from Reseda High, had two interceptions, one forced fumble, and blocked a punt that he recovered for a touchdown in a win against Compton.

Joe Hillman, who put a professional baseball career on hold to pursue a pro basketball career, is one of three rookie free agents with a chance of making the Utah Jazz.

Hillman, a prolific scorer at Hoover High who became a textbook point guard under Coach Bob Knight at Indiana, is one of 14 players on the Jazz roster. Utah will play its final three exhibition games this weekend before trimming its roster to the NBA limit of 12.

Gary McGinnis, an assistant football coach at Westlake High for the past seven years, has accepted a position as the school’s varsity softball coach.

McGinnis, a math teacher at the school, replaces Eric Outz.

Westlake also has named Don Shotliff to coach the junior varsity softball team. Shotliff was formerly the school’s cross-country coach.

Occidental College will stage a five-team women’s volleyball tournament Saturday.

Occidental (4-11 overall, 3-4 in the Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference) will play host to Cal State San Bernardino, Christian Heritage College, Mount St. Mary’s and Redlands in the round-robin tournament.

Westlake High will stage a Special Olympics volleyball tournament Saturday, featuring eight teams from the Los Angeles area. The tournament, held at the Westlake gym, begins at 9 a.m.