CHATTER: NO COOLING KUBEL.

Byline: Gerry Gittelson Staff Writer

Highland High's Jason Kubel, who had a grand slam and five RBI in Wednesday's baseball victory over Antelope Valley, is on a tear. Over the last three games he has five home runs, two of them grand slams, and 18 RBI.

``I don't know what's going on. I just have a nice swing going,'' Kubel said.

Projected as one of the nation's top outfield prospects before the season, Kubel was steady but not spectacular the first half of the year. His batting average has climbed to .493 with a region-best 12 home runs, 40 RBI and a 1.141 slugging percentage in 71 at-bats. ``If there's a hotter hitter anywhere, I'd sure like to see him,'' coach Mike Van Cheri said. ``He's crushing the ball. '' . . .

Tim Thompson of Grace Brethren broke the state baseball record for most career pitching victories with his 52nd victory on Wednesday in the season finale against Faith Baptist. He had tied the record eight days earlier, and coach Aaron Marcarelli was so worried Thompson might get hurt during the three games in the interim that he switched him from third base to the outfield.

``There was no way I was going to risk an injury, but I couldn't sit him because he's a good hitter, and the games were important,'' Marcarelli said. ``I just didn't want him near anything. That way, nothing would happen.'' . . .

The fourth annual High Desert Coaches Association all-star football game on June 10 has been moved from Antelope Valley College to Palmdale High because AVC will be undergoing renovations.

Rosamond's Tim Cox and Vasquez's Craig Cieslik are the coaches. Littlerock running back Rodney Woods and Highland linebacker Paul Soto are the marquee players. . . .

The Masters College hosts Biola in the best-of-three NAIA baseball subregional playoffs starting today at 3 p.m. The series continues on Saturday with a doubleheader if necessary. Catcher Mike Wertz is batting .432 with 10 home runs and 51 RBI for the 32-10 Mustangs. Pitcher Josh Higgins is 12-4 with a 4.26 ERA and Mike Ploharz is 11-0 with a 3.36 ERA. . . .

Faith Baptist, one of the region's top small-school softball programs, has 10 underclassmen. The Contenders are seeking a berth in next spring's first Daily News Invitational tournament. . . .

Football lineman Mike Kohr of Camarillo has committed to Ohio Wesleyan. . . .

Littlerock football linebacker Marcus Raines, who led the region with 190 tackles as a junior last fall, might be the area's prized defensive prospect next year. Coach Jim Bauer said Raines is being recruited by Tennessee, Ohio State, Nebraska and Cal, among others. . . .

Representing the Boys & Girls Club of Pacoima, the Tigers club wrestling team won the California State Kids Freestyle championship in Fresno last weekend. Ricky Berroa, Hector Saenz and Sara Paez all finished in second place in their weight divisions. . . .

Littlerock graduate Cheree Hicks set the Syracuse women's shot put record with a mark of 56-6. She's a NCAA Championship qualifier in the shot and discus this year. . . .

Chico State baseball pitcher John-Eric Hernandez (Avalon High) has been selected Pitcher of the Year in the California Collegiate Athletic Association. He's 10-0 with a 3.28 ERA. . . .

Taft High girls' volleyball outside hitter Trisha Bratford will sign a letter of intent to Minnesota today, Toreadors coach Doug Magorien said. . . . < Thomas Kelly, the assistant boys' basketball coach at Burroughs High since 1991, has been hired as the new boys' basketball coach at Hart High, assistant principal Collyn Nielsen said. . . .

A correction: The USC women's tennis team hosts an NCAA regional on Saturday and Sunday.