CHATTER: WOLVERINES' WOOLRIDGE CHOOSES TENNESSEE.

Renaldo Woolridge, a top basketball player from Harvard-Westlake of Studio City, has committed to Tennessee, according to Scout.com.

The 6-foot-8 forward, chose the Volunteers over USC and Georgetown.

-- Gerry Gittelson

Agoura, La Canada on collision course up north

Agoura and La Canada both swept through the first day of the boys' water polo North-South Challenge, remaining on track for a potential meeting in today's championship game.

Agoura (21-1), the top-ranked team in Southern Section Div. IV, opened with an 11-3 victory Friday over Menlo, then beat El Toro of Lake Forest 11-8 in overtime in the Menlo-Atherton bracket. Peter Kurzeka scored five goals against Menlo.

La Canada (16-5), the No. 1 team in Div. III, defeated San Ramon Valley 8-7 and Sacred Heart Prep 9-8 to advance in the Sacred Heart bracket. Max Scott scored the winning goal as time expired against top-seeded Sacred Heart Prep to avenge a 7-6 loss to the Gators at last month's Villa Park tournament. La Canada faces Villa Park, the No. 1 team in Div. II, in today's semifinals.

-- Heather Gripp

Canyon seeks fourth straight title at Sylmar

Twenty-nine teams will have Canyon of Canyon Country in their sights today at the 18th annual Sylmar girls' volleyball tournament, all attempting to knock off the three-time defending champion.

Canyon is part of a five-team pool at Sylmar High that includes Bravo Medical Magnet, Canoga Park, Granada Hills and Valley Alternative.

Birmingham of Lake Balboa is the site of three additional five-team pools, with the playoffs scheduled at Sylmar at approximately 4:30 p.m.

Birmingham, Chatsworth, Granada Hills, Lancaster, Sylmar, Van Nuys and Venice are expected to challenge for the title.

Taft headlines deep field at Gabrielino tournament

The Taft of Woodland Hills girls' volleyball team still has to wait three weeks to begin defense of its City Section title.

But a strong performance today at the 40-team Gabrielino tournament could generate plenty of momentum for the Toreadors in their bid to repeat.

Taft, one of seven local teams scheduled to compete, is in a four-team pool at San Gabriel High that features City rival Grant of Van Nuys, along with Alverno of Sierra Madre and Pioneer of Whittier.

A 20-team Gold Division playoff will take place at Gabrielino High.

-- Erik Boal