No. 2 recruiting class in the nation 
February 8, 2010 4:32 PM
The team that ranks second with their 2010 recruiting class is Cal. They bring in four athletes that come from strong softball backgrounds.
Arianna Erceg from Rancho Palos Verdes High School (Palos Verdes, Calif.) will have a commanding presence on the mound and will provide some depth in the circle for the Bears. The six-foot pitcher was the MVP of her league this last season and was an All-Area selection. Erceg plays for the competitive club softball team, the OC Batbusters.
Ashley Decker from Spanish Springs High School (Reno, Nev.) will bring some speed and consistency to the Bear lineup. Decker has led her league in hitting the last three seasons boasting a batting average over .600. She has been All-State the past three seasons and was her league's MVP in 2009. Decker has led her team to two state championships and will be a valuable asset for the Cal roster.
Victoria Jones out of Vista High School (Oceanside, Calif.) has been named All-CIF, All-League, and All-County. She is an all-around athlete that is also a star on her high school's soccer team, being named the team MVP for the past two seasons. Jones' athleticism will be an asset to Cal since she can play all over the infield.
Alex Robben plays for Napa High School in Napa, Calif. Robben was the 2009 Player of the Year in Napa County and the MVP of her team. She also was named All-State this past season. Robben also plays basketball and track and field for her high school. Her athleticism and speed will make her a tough out on the base paths.
With the combination of speed, pitching and overall athleticism, Cal brings in a diverse and dynamic class that will make an immediate impact on the program. The depth and the flexibility that these athletes provide will be vital to the success of the Bears.
CA, recruiting, NV
Teams to watch for preseason FAB 50 National Rankings
February 4, 2010 5:27 PM
Below are three teams that have a shot at being ranked among the best in the preseason FAB 50 National Rankings. Keep checking in for information on some of the best teams in the country!
*****
| |  |
| | Scott Kurtz for ESPN RISE |
| | Cheyenne Tarango |
School: Canyon High School
City, State: Anaheim, CA
Team's Overall 2009 Record: 24-8
Returning Starters: 9
Players to Watch:
Cheyenne Tarango
Tayler VanAcker
Shannon Bustillos
Notes:
This is a talent squad looking to win league and CIF titles.
*****
School: Barrington High School
City, State: Barrington, IL
Team's Overall 2009 Record: 33-4
Returning Starters: 7
Players to Watch:
Colleen Shandley – 2B/2011 - .446 BA, 58 H, 26 SB, 34 R
Kiersten Tinkoff – 1B/2011 - .308 BA, 11 2B, 4 HR, 31 RBI
Nora Logue – CF/2010 – 9 2B, 4 HR, 24 RBI
Kristin Kuhn – C/2011
Notes:
MSL West Division Champions
IHSA Regional Champions
IHSA Sectional Finals – Lost to Fremd 1-0 in eight innings. This ended a five year run at the state finals.
*****
School: Tomball High School
City, State: Tomball, TX
2009 Record: 22-5
Returning Starters: 8
Players to Watch:
Shelby Lancaster – P/2010 – Signed with Sam Houston, 2009 First Team All-Distirct
Kassie Pateck – 1B/2010
Kris Martin – IF/2010 – Committed to NE Texas Community College
Lauren Perkins – OF/2010
Shelby Wallace – IF/OF/2010 – Committed to Angelina College, Second Team All-District
Alyssa Bass – OF/2011 – Committed to University of Arkansas, First Team All-District
Renada Davis – SS/2011 – Committed to NC State, First Team All-District
Michelle Quinn – OF/2011 – Committed to Sam Houston State, First Team All-District
Katie Doerre – C/2012 – District Newcomer of the Year
Kandace Patek – P/1B/2012 – Second Team All-District
Kelsey Vincent – 3B/2012 – Committed to University of Kansas
Team Strengths: Pitching, Offense, Playoff Experience
Notes:
This team loses only one senior starter from 2009 and was as high as No. 25 in last year's FAB 50 National Rankings. Their 2010 lineup includes five players signed or committed to play DI in college. The team finished preseason in 2009 undefeated winning the Round Rock Invitational and the TSAA High School Invitational Tournaments.
Should your team be ranked among the best? Send information on your team to Garland.Cooper@espn.com
CA, IL, TX, FAB 50
No. 3 recruiting class: University of Alabama
January 28, 2010 2:24 PM
University of Alabama has the No. 3 recruiting class in 2010. They bring in true athletes in this class that will be able to play a number of positions while providing the speed, power, and pitching that can lead Bama in years to come.
Ryan Iamurri might be small at just barely 5'0”, but she packs a powerful punch. Iamurri, out of Naples, Fla., was named the Florida 4A Offensive Player of the Year in 2009 and was an Under Armour All-American. A two-year All-State selection, Iamurri broke NHS records in batting average (.563), on-base percentage (.703), walks (24), and runs scored (43). With her speed, consistency, and ability to play all over the field, Iamurri will be a valuable addition to the Tide in the 2010-2011 season.
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| | Courtesy of the Traina family. |
| | Jaclyn Traina. |
A three-time Naples Daily News Player of the year, pitcher
Jaclyn Traina led Naples High School to a 2008 4A State Championship and was named the 2008 Gatorade Player of the Year. She has been All-State for three straight seasons and in 2009 she recorded a 19-2 record on the mound. She gave up only three earned runs in 119.3 innings pitched. Her ERA was an impressive 0.18 and she averaged 11.9 strikeouts per seven innings. Also a force at the plate, Traina batted .418 with 41 RBI.
Kaila Hunt, out of Evans, Ga., plays for Greenbrier High School. She has been a three-time All-County and All-state recipient, leading her team deep into the playoffs since she joined the squad. Her first two years she was named the team's Defensive Player of the Year, and as a junior she was the team's Offensive and Defensive Player of the Year. That same season she was named the Central Savannah River Area All-Around Athlete by the Greater Augusta Sports Council. In her senior season she batted .485 with 37 RBI. She finished her high school campaign with 24 career homeruns.
Jordan Patterson remains in her hometown of Tuscaloosa, Ala. and joins the Tide for the 2010-2011 season. She attends the American Christian Academy. As a junior she batted .394 and had an on-base percentage of .503. Behind the plate, she threw out 26 of 31 runners stealing. She played in the 2009 All-Star game and was the 2008 and 2009 Defensive Player of the Year for her team.
Alabama brings in power, speed, and dynamic athletes. All of the signees joining the Tide excel in other sports, proving their athleticism. This will be valuable in creating depth and consistency on the Bama roster.
AL, FL, GA, recruiting
FAB 50 prospects in 2010
January 25, 2010 4:10 PM
Leading up to the high school softball season ESPN RISE is highlighting teams that are being considered for FAB 50 Preaseaons Rankings. Below are three such teams.
*****
School: Keystone High School
City, State: Lagrange, OH
2009 Team Record: 28-4
Returning Starters: 8
Players to Watch:
Erin Pond – 2012, SS – NFCA All-North Region
Taylor Kessinger – 2010, C/3B – All-Conference, All-District Honorable Mention
Kenzie Conrad – 2012, P/OF – All-Conference, All-County
Bee Shaw – 2012, P/OF – All-League, All-County, 13-0 in the circle, 0.75 ERA
Coach's Outlook:
"We have very high expectations every year, being the program with the most wins in the state of Ohio we have a great tradition to live up to. With eight starters back and a total of 15 letter winners (eight sophomores) from last year's team that was ranked as high as 15th from ESPN RISE and USA Today, and both pitchers back we feel experience and tradition is our strength. We also upgraded an already tough schedule to challenge this team. We will start the season at the Riverdale 'Lady Warrior Softball Classic' in Tennessee for five games.”
Notes:
Since 1978 Keystong High School softball has a record of 706-133 and a winning percentage of 84 percent.
*****
School: Timber Creek High School
City, State: Orlando, FL
2009 Team Record: 24-4
Returning Starters: 5
Players to Watch:
Dana Hathorn – Will attend Univ. of South Carolina
Brittany McFawn – Will attend Univ. of Albany
Elysse Gorney – Will attend Univ. of Pennsylvania
Newcomers to Watch:
Morgan Hatch
Molly Shasteen
Stephanie Adkins
Coach's Outlook:
"We have six seniors committed to play college ball (three DI), we have a lot of talent and expect to do well this year.”
*****
School: Olathe Northwest High School
City, State: Olathe, KS
2009 Team Record: 25-0
Returning Starters: 7
Players to Watch:
Kendra Wright – 2010, 2B – All-State, First Team All-Sunflower League, .521 BA
Amy Pierce – 2010, SS – All-State, First Team All-Sunflower League, Signed with Drake, .407 BA
Jacinda Ramos – 2011, P/LF – All-State, First Team All-Sunflower League, 12-0 in the circle, 0.45 ERA, 7 shutouts, 2 no-hitters, .418 BA
Kristi Lee – 2011, 3B/LF – All-State, Second Team All-Sunflower League, .422 BA
Newcomers to Watch:
Maddie Lovsky
Coach's Outlook:
"We are returning the core of our team this year, and I feel that our depth has improved from last year. Amy Pierce and Kendra Wright both signed to play DI ball are four year starters and are the leaders on and off the field.”
Strengths:
Pitching, strong defense, speed and power.
Notes:
This team has been in the state championship game for the last two years. In 2009 they took the 6A state title. They won the first championship in school history.
Does your team have what it takes to be ranked among the best? Email Garland.Cooper@espn.com with information on your high school team.
KS, FL, OH, FAB 50
Florida Gators come in at No. 4
January 22, 2010 2:15 PM
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| | Courtesy of the Fagan family. |
| | Kasey Fagan |
With the fourth best recruiting class in the nation, Florida bring in three for the 2010-2011 season.
Kasey Fagan, out of Dunnellon, Fla., was Florida's Gatorade Player of the Year for the 2009 season. She led Dunnellon High School to a 4A State Championship and helped her team to a 32-1 record. For her efforts Fagan was also named the Dairy farmers Player of the Year and the Star Banner Player and Pitcher of the Year. One of the best pitchers in her class, Fagan will make an immediate impact as a Gator.
Cheyenne Coyle, from West Hills, Calif., plays shortstop for Chatsworth High School and the OC Batbusters. She led her league in homeruns with 14 and in RBIs with 47 in her junior season. Coyle is a versatile athlete and also excels in volleyball at her high school.
Florida brings in another pitcher, Hannah Rogers, to round out their recruiting class. A pitcher for Lake Wales High School, Rogers led her team to a second place finish behind Dunnellon High School. She was a Second Team EA All-American and was a finalist for the Florida Gatorade Player of the Year award. For the past three seasons she has been First Team All-State and All-County. She plays club ball with one the best programs in the country, the Gold Coast Hurricanes.
Bringing in some athleticism and depth on the mound, earned Florida a fourth place ranking. With these top athletes, Florida softball has put themselves in a good position to remain a force in college softball for years to come.
FL, recruiting, CA
Teams to watch in 2010
January 20, 2010 6:53 PM
Leading up to the 2010 softball season ESPN RISE is highlighting some of the teams to watch. Below are some teams that we will be considering for our preseason FAB 50 National Rankings.
*****
School: Coppell High School
City, State: Coppell, Texas
Players to Watch:
Rachel Forsahw – Signed to University of Texas Arlington
Laura Ramos – University of Texas El Paso
Tricia Van Winkle – Lousiana Tech
Amber Clifford – Southeastern Oklahoma State
Madison Buckley – Southern Arkansas University
Kelsey Latta – Tarleton State University
Lindsay Zabojnik – Navarro College
Sara Whitehead – LeTourneau University
Marisa Malazzo – University of Kansas
Notes: This team will likely start nine seniors and six of them have started since their freshman year. In the last three years the team has made playoffs finishing in the regional semi finals in 2008 and the regional quarterfinals in 2009.
*****
School: Red Mountain High School
City, State: Mesa, Arizona
2009 Record: 32-4
Returning Starters: 8
Players to Watch:
Mel Willadsen – All-Region three years in a row, First Team All-State
Strengths: Pitching and defense.
Notes: This team was the 5A DI State Runner-up. They return eight seniors who played significantly last season including their senior pitcher.
*****
School: Naples High School
| |  |
| | ESPN RISE |
| | Ryan Iamurri |
City, State: Naples, Florida
2009 Record: 27-2
Returning Starters: 7
Players to Watch: Jaclyn Traina – P – 2010 – First Team All-American, 2008 Florida Gatorade Player of the Year, 2009 4A Player of the Year, First Team All-State
Ryan Iamurri – 2B – 2010 – Second Team All-American, 2009 4A Offensive Player of the Year, First Team All-State
Katie Raile – 3B – 2011 – Second Team All-State
Newcomer to Watch: Tyler Davidson – IF/C – 2011
Strengths: Pitching, defense, base running and intelligence.
If you think your team has what it takes to be ranked among the best, email Garland at Garland.Cooper@espn.com!
TX, AZ, FL, FAB 50
No. 5 recruiting class in 2010
January 15, 2010 7:06 PM
Texas A&M brings in five tough competitors for the 2010 season. All five of the athletes are impact players that can immediately influence the Aggies in a positive way. To bring in five incredible athletes that can compete at a high level is key for this, or any, program.
Emily Albus stole 70 bases in 2009 in 73 attempts. She plays for Brenham High School (Brenham, Texas) and is a two-time all state recipient as well as a three-time All Brazos Valley selection. She has been her district's MVP for the last two years as well. With Albus' quickness and speed she can play all over the field. A lefty slapper, Albus will keep the defense on their toes being a master of the short game, but also able to hit for power.
Amber Garza is from Elkins High School (Missouri City, Texas). She is a two-time all state selection and has helped her team go deep in the playoffs. An all district first-team selection for the last three years, Garza can catch and play the corners. She is a lefty power hitter who will bring strong cleanup power to the Aggie lineup.
Nicole Morgan, out of Woodlands, Texas, plays for College Park High School. She is a two-time first team all district selection and has had the highest batting average in the district for the last three years. As a catcher, Morgan is like a wall behind the plate. She is a solid athlete that excels in basketball and softball. Her incredible strength and size will make her a power player from the start.
From Smithson Valley High School (San Antonio, Texas), Cassie Tysarczyk led her high school team to Texas 5A State Championship in 2009. She was a member of the state all tournament team and has been a two-time all district and all county selection. Another strong athlete, Tysarczyk is a star basketball and volleyball player. A consistent hitter with good speed, Tysarczyk is another strong addition to the Texas A&M squad.
Taran Tyler is from Katy, Texas and attends Katy High School. She has been all state twice and a two time All-Greater Houston selection. She hit seven homeruns in 2009, which tied her school's single season homerun record. A hitter with impressive power, Tyler is athletic enough to play several positions in the infield.
With five extremely athletic and tversatile athletes, Texas A&M easily makes the top five. All five of these recruits should make an immediate impact on the Aggie roster. Make sure to keep this team on the radar as these girls influence an already strong program.
TX, recruiting
Teams to watch in 2010
January 14, 2010 7:33 PM
Spring high school softball season is sneaking up quickly! Leading up to our Preasons FAB 50 Rankings we will be highlighting some of the teams that might be the best in the country this year.
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| | Scott Kurtz |
| | AC Borden |
School: Esperanza High School
City, State: Anaheim, CA
2009 Record: 19-14-1
Players to Watch:
Kelsea Roth - P/1B
A.C. Borden - P/1B
Strengths: Strong Pitching
*****
School: Alexander Central High School
City, State: Taylorsville, N.C.
Players to Watch:
Chelsea Wilkinson – 2012 – P – State MVP, 358 Ks in 191 INN
Lauren Elder – All-State
Stephanie Krider – All-State
Jordyn Setzer – All-State
Newcomers to Watch:
Kaylea Payne – OF
Brooke Sharpe – 1B
Bek Simpson – SS
Strengths: Pitching, hitting, catching and defense
Notes: This team has a weighted GPA of 4.52 and ranked second in the nation in weighted GPA. Alexander Central softball has not lost a conference game since 1996.
If you think your team has what it takes to be ranked among the best this season, email Garland.Cooper@espn.com with more information!
ASA announces USA Women's National Team
January 12, 2010 1:40 PM
Congratulations to all the athletes who will be members of the USA National Team in 2010!
Click the link below to see who made the team!
USA Women's National Team Announced
No. 6 ASU
January 11, 2010 2:57 PM
Arizona State University comes in with the sixth-best recruiting class of 2010. They bring in speed, speed, and more speed to help in the lineup and on the bases. On top of that, they bring in one of the biggest recruits in the 2010 class.
Alix Johnson and Mary Speil are both outfielders. Johnson is from Mt. Carmel High School in San Diego, Calif., and Speil is from Corona High School in Tempe, Ariz.
These two players will bring speed and athleticism to the Sun Devil lineup. With their help, ASU will continue to keep their opponents on their toes and they will be able to strengthen their game on the base paths.
Another speedster that will be brought to the Sun Devil lineup is Bailey Wigness. She is a left handed hitting infielder and specializes in slapping at the plate. Last year she was a state leader in batting average and steals with Casa Grande Union High School out of Casa Grande, AZ.
| |  |
| | ESPN RISE |
| | Dallas Escobedo |
The big recruit that ASU has coming in is
Dallas Escobedo. Escobedo attends St. Mary's High School out of Phoenix, Ariz. She is indisputably one of the best pitchers in her class. She has been on the Under Armour All-America Team twice and has led her high school team to a state championship. She dominates on the mound and also at the plate, as she is an impressive power hitter. Last season she recorded 402 Ks and went 24-3 on the mound. This is the kind of player that can make an immediate impact in a big way for ASU.
Bringing in Escobedo is an important move for ASU. With her on the mound and at the plate, combined with the three speedsters, the Sun Devils bring in a dynamic class. With the athleticism and experience of this recruiting class, ASU easily makes the top ten.
AZ, CA, recruiting
No. 7 recruiting class of 2010
January 6, 2010 12:16 PM
NORTHWESTERN
Northwestern brings in a class of impressive athletes including two pitchers and some big bats. The depth and athleticism that they are bringing to their team in 2010 gives them the No. 7 spot on the list.
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| | Courtesy of the Albanese family. |
| | Sammy Albanese |
Sammy Albanese (Belmont, Calif.) has been a dark horse throughout her career. Maybe not the most celebrated pitcher in her class, but Albanese led all of California as a junior with a 0.06 ERA and 18.2 strikeouts per seven innings. She isn't the hardest thrower, but she can spin the ball and keep batters off balance. With her ability to hit her spots and throw breaking pitches, Albanese has proven to be a top pitcher in her class and will be an asset to the Wildcat roster.
Marisa Bast (Orange, Calif.) is rated by OnDeck Softball as one of the top ten shortstops in the country in her class. She has a commanding presence not only on the field but at the plate as well. For Villa Park High School last season she batted .459 with an on-base percentage of .521 and a slugging percentage of .902. Her sophomore and junior seasons she led her high school team in batting average, on-base percentage, slugging percentage, RBI and runs scored.
Mari Majam (Pine Valley, Calif.) batted .545 with a 1.205 slugging percentage and a .630 on-base percentage as a junior at Mountain Empire High School. Majam also has two sisters that play Division I softball. She is her class valedictorian, a member of the Honors Society and a member of BEWISE (Better Education for Women in Science and Engineering.
Jenny Tyler (Glendale, Ariz.) is a two-time All-State pitcher with Deer Valley High School. A force on the mound, she recorded 164 Ks in 108 innings in 2009 and had 0.45 ERA with a .385 batting average. She also ran cross country for four years at her high school.
Lauren Tyndall (Edmond, Okla.) last year for Edmond Memorial High School, Tyndall batted .434 with a .651 slugging percentage and a .510 on-base percentage. Tyndall is a solid athlete and proves this with her experience in sports. She has played almost every sport imaginable including sailing, swimming, tennis, track, volleyball, basketball, soccer and gymnastics.
With these five athletes coming in, Northwestern is looking at a bright future. They recruit athletes that have played tough competition and that have the experience to contribute to a winning program.
IL, CA, OK, AZ, recruiting
Ten popular New Year's Resolutions
December 31, 2009 9:00 AM
New Year's Day is the start of a new beginning for everyone. Each year, people are encouraged to make a "New Years Resolution.” Below are ten of the most popular in general, and in the softball community.
1. Get in shape
2. Spend more time with family
3. Eat healthier
4. Get better grades
5. Practice more
6. Reduce stress
7. Take a trip
8. Volunteer to help others
9. Save money
10. Quit bad habits
Teams to watch in 2010
December 30, 2009 1:10 PM
As it gets closer to softball season and our preseason FAB 50 National Rankings, ESPN RISE will look at teams across the nation that may have a good showing in 2010.
School: Thousand Oaks High School
City, State: Thousand Oaks, Calif.
Team's Record in 2009: 25-6
Returning Starters: 4
Players to Watch:
Paris Shipp – 2011 – All-CIF, Ventura County Player of the Year
Notes: Last year's squad made it to state and lost in the quarterfinals to Norco High School.
*****
School: Santiago High School
City, State: Corona, Calif.
Team's Record in 2009: 27-5
Returning Starters: 5
Players to Watch: Lauren Sweet – 2011- C
Erin Rodriguez – 2012 – P/1B
Chez Cano – 2010 – CF
Strengths: Good pitching and good defense.
*****
School: Dr. Justin Wakeland High School
City, State: Frisco, Texas
Team's Record in 2009: 29-7
Players to Watch: Alexis Cantu – 2010 - RHP - Signed at University of Texas – Arlington - Power pitcher (63-65 mph) that finished 26-7 in 2009 and 20-8 in 2008 - 5'10", hit six homeruns in 2009, 27 BB
Kelci Garza – 2010 – 2B/1B- - Signed Butler College - hit seven homeruns in 2009
Brook Cline – 2011 – 3B/OF
Jaimie Ohm – 2011 - CF
Darian Dunn – 2012 – 3B/1B - 5'10" with a 65 mph overhand throw - hit .326 as freshman in 2009 with three homeruns - Hon. Mention All-District
Brittany Gehle – 2012 – SS - - Dist. 9/4A Newcomer of the Year in 2009 - hit .382
Hannah Newcomb – 2012 – DH/RHP - Hit .390 as freshman in 2009 - Second Team All-District with two homeruns
Tess Soefje – 2012 – Catcher - - 5'9" - 1.80 pop times - Hit .350 playing Gold ball during college showcase season, including hitting .454 at Ronald McDonald Showcase
Notes: Wakeland High School has only fielded a softball team for the last four years. The team lost only one senior from last year and have a strong squad going into the 2010 season. In 2008 and 2009 the team made it to the 4A Regional Semi-Final round of the state tournament. The team won District 9/4A in 2009 and look to take state in 2010.
CA, TX, FAB 50
Number 8: UCLA
December 28, 2009 6:35 PM
8. UCLA
UCLA signs four for the 2010 season. With one of the best infielders in the country and two big bats, the Bruins bring in a solid class with a lot of potential.
Kellie Fox is a shortstop out of Mt. Carmel High School in San Diego, Calif. She is arguably the best shortstop in the country. Last season with her high school team she set several records including homeruns (10), RBI (49), slugging percentage (.971) and slugging percentage (.576). On top of those numbers, she also posted an impressive .490 batting average on the season. A member of the San Diego Renegades club program, she received almost all post-season honors possible including all-league, all-country, all-section and all-state honors. It doesn't get much better than that.
Alyssa Tiumalu, a catcher from Pleasant Grove High School in Elk Grove, Calif., is solid behind the plate and will be a force in the batter's box. She was voted her team's Player of the Year for the second consecutive seasons and was a Cal Hi All-State selection. She was an All-Delta River League selection for the third year in a row. Showing her athleticism, she was able to pick up some slack in the infield for her high school team this season by playing shortstop, third base and first base in addition to catching. With a tough schedule, Tiumalu batted .438 with 29 RBI and a .544 on-base percentage. She is a career leader in her high school record books in batting average, walks, RBI, doubles, triples, hits and on-base percentage.
Talee Snow is an infielder for Chino Hill High School out of Calif. She also plays for the OC Batbusters. She will contribute a consistent bat to the UCLA lineup. This past season she batted .304 with an on-base percentage of .379. Not only a force at the plate, Snow was solid on defense with a .945 fielding percentage on the season.
Jessica Hall, from Ayala High School in Chino Hills, Calif., is a true athlete that can contribute to the Bruin program in many ways. She pitches, plays outfield and first base and would be an asset to any team with such flexibility. Last season Cal Hi named her First Team All-State and she was her league's MVP. She has been a First Team All-League selection since her freshman year.
With these four athletes bringing depth and experience to the UCLA roster, the Bruins will be more powerful and they have positioned themselves nicely for the upcoming seasons.
CA, recruiting
Top ten Christmas movies
December 23, 2009 1:48 PM
Christmas is just in a few short days and I, like many other Christmas enthusiasts, have indulged in many holiday flicks.
Below are some of the best Christmas movies of all time. Or course, there are many others, but these are some of the best!
1. ELF
I'm all about classics. This one has not reached classic status yet, but it is the funniest Christmas movie ever! Will Ferrell is the epitome of hilarious in the wholesome family flick.
2. CHRISTMAS VACATION
This is a classic. Every year we try and mimic the Griswold Christmas lights and fail miserably. Tough act to follow I guess…
3. HOME ALONE
This movie is another great Christmas movie. A kid home alone, scaring away burglars, what's not to love?
4. THE GRINCH THAT STOLE CHRISTMAS
Whether it is the new version with Jim Carrey, or the original, this is a Christmas must see movie. I personally prefer the original cartoon, but both are quality movies for the holidays.
5. A CHRISTMAS STORY
Another classic. I did not grow up on this one, but I triple dog dare you not to like it.
6. A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS
This started out as a made for TV movie, and it has turned into a heart warming Christmas treat. Charlie Brown is a great cartoon, it's no wonder that its holiday movies would be great as well.
6. SCROOGED
Bill Murray is one of the funniest people to ever grace the big screen. This modern take on the classic "A Christmas Carol” is less scary and more humorous. This is a plus for those of us who nearly cried as children when watching the original. Thanks mom and dad…
7. LOVE ACTUALLY
This movie shows different ways that love surrounds us in our lives. There are eight different story lines that are somehow interconnected. It's a great movie with a good message, especially around the holidays.
8. MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET
A skeptical little girl and her mom become believers in this Christmas classic. There is an original and a newer version, and both are Christmas must-sees.
9. THE MUPPET CHRISTMAS CAROL
As you have probably guessed by previous comments, the original "A Christmas Carol” I find terrifying. This lighthearted version is fun for the whole family.
10. IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE
You can't have a list of top Christmas moveis without including this timeless classic. It has lasted through the years, and will continue to be one of the best Christmas movies of all time.
Of course, there are many more Christmas movies that represent the season well, but these are some of the best.
Happy Holidays!
Christmas
H
