PREP SPOTLIGHT.

CANDACE SCHOLLER

Rio Mesa, tennis, Jr.

Two years ago, Scholler was one of the elite local freshmen.

Last season, Rio Mesa had the top ninth-grade class in the area.

Unfortunately for Spartans coach Steve Worthington, he had to wait until this fall to have all of them playing together on a consistent basis.

After capturing the Pacific View League singles title and advancing to the second round of the Southern Section individual tournament in 2005, Scholler appeared on track to add her name to the list of Rio Mesa greats.

But her progress was halted by a right wrist injury, which required surgery during the summer of 2006 to repair a torn ligament and reconnect scar tissue.

Scholler reinjured her wrist in a nonleague match last September, sidelining her for the entire season.

As a result, she missed an opportunity to team with talented freshmen Savannah Arnot, Sonia Landeros, Meghan Richardson, Jessica Vizents, Claire Willey and Sarah Zook, who led the Spartans to a share of the Pacific View title and a berth in the Div. IV semifinals.

"I was out for a really long time and it was hard to deal with," Scholler said. "I'm just glad it's over with."

With Scholler returning to a competitive level and Rio Mesa returning all nine starters, the Spartans are 6-0 entering today's showdown with rival Oxnard.

Scholler has continued to rehabilitate by playing doubles, teaming with Sandra Rosene and Willey.

"We're calling it the 'Comeback Tour 2007,'" Worthington said. "She's a competitor and she wants to be a force out there. But we're taking it slow with Candace."

-- Erik Boal

MATT CARLSON

Agoura, water polo, Sr.

Carlson stopped trying to be like the flashy scorers around him long ago.

The defensive skills he has honed couldn't have served a clearer reminder this past weekend that Agoura's strengths are not limited to an array of scorers.

Carlson was named MVP of the America's Finest City Coronado Water Polo Tournament based primarily on his defensive efforts. The Chargers, ranked No. 1 in Southern Section Div. IV, finished second at the tournament, losing to Mater Dei 12-11 in Saturday's championship game.

"I'm not that great of an outside shooter," Carlson said. "So I take a lot of pride in my defense. That's my strength."

Carlson also contributed a handful of goals during the tournament, including one in the final.

He is a fourth-year varsity player and returning All-Southern Section selection who has helped Agoura (11-1) reach tournament finals the past two weekends. His winning background includes a Junior Olympics championship last year at the club level and a Marmonte League title last fall with the Chargers.

"We definitely set high goals this season," said Carlson, whose next test is Wednesday against Moorpark. "And so far we're living up to them."

-- Heather Gripp

CAPTION(S):

2 photos

Photo:

(1 -- color) CANDICE SCHOLLER

(2 -- color) MATT CARLSON