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Chargers sign Adarius Pickett

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Press Release
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UCLA Bruins defensive back Adarius Pickett #6 making a tackle during the Stanford Cardinal vs UCLA Bruins at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, CA on November 24, 2018 (Photo by Jevone Moore)

For Immediate Release

Thursday May 16, 2019

Los Angeles, CA – The Los Angeles Chargers signed safety Adarius Pickett, the organization announced on Thursday. Pickett, a local product from UCLA, participated in rookie mini camp this past weekend.

Pickett, a four-year standout in the secondary for the Bruins, registered 274 total tackles, seven interceptions, 20 passes defensed and two fumble recoveries in 50 career games.

Adarius Pickett celebrates. (Photo by Jevone Moore/Full Image 360)

The Richmond, Calif., native capped off his Bruins career in 2018 by recording a team-high 123 tackles, including 77 colo stops, in 12 starts at safety. Pickett garnered second-team All-PAC-12 Honors in 2018 on the strength of his 6.4 solo tackles-per-game, ranking fifth in the country.

SIGNED               Pos.          Exp.          College 

Adarius Pickett       S              R                 UCLA

 

Rodeo Road in South L.A. Renamed Obama Boulevard

By
Jevone Moore
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Obama Boulevard festival and unveiling in honor of the 44th president of the United States Saturday May 4, 2019. (Photo by Jevone Moore / Full Image 360)
 Wesson, Garcetti, Ridley-Thomas pointing at the new Obama Boulevard sign Saturday May 4, 2019. (Photo by Jevone Moore / Full Image 360)

South Los Angeles, CA – A concert and ceremony On Derby Day in South LA there was a big concert along with huge ceremony to unveil Obama Boulevard.

The street replaced Rodeo Road, a 3 ½-mile street that runs across the city’s historic black neighborhood. It also intersects with Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and further establishes a “presidential row”.

“As we drive through this city and we see past presidents on Adams, on Washington, on Jefferson and now we’ll have one that was in our lifetime, who was a president for everybody: Barack Hussein Obama,” Mayor of Los Angeles Eric Garcetti said.

With the streets blocked people filled King and Rodeo Rd for fun and great memories of a day that will go down in history.

Community partners, venders, Black Greek Letter Organizations also lined the street for the community.

City Council President Herb Wesson said in a statement. Rodeo Road was symbolically important: The road is home to Rancho Cienega Sports Complex, where Obama held a campaign rally when he was running for president in 2007.

“He drove down it. He and I walked on it. He then gave a speech asking 20,000 people for their vote (and) became president — the first African American in history,” he said. “So I just think there’s a lot of history here, and we’re so excited about naming the street after him.” (Barack Obama speaking with Wesson)

Now a dream will always have hope with the living soul of this intersection. Dr. King had a dream, while Obama had hope.

 

Stanford strikes back on USC

By
Eric Ramos
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Stanford vs USC baseball game on Friday May 3, 2019. (Photo by Rick Gurrola / fi360 News)
Stanford vs USC baseball game on Friday May 3, 2019. (Photo by Rick Gurrola / fi360 News)

Los Angeles, CA- Stanford trailed 3-1 in the top of the third when Andrew Daschbach hit a two-out, two-run home run down the right field line to give the Cardinal a 5-3 lead over USC.

 

USC was held scoreless the rest of the way as No. 2 Stanford opens the series with an 8-3 win Friday night at Dedeaux Field.

 

The Stanford offense finished with 14 hits and scored seven runs after being down early. Kyle Stowers and Duke Kinamon both finished 3-for-5 with two runs and a double.

 

Stanford took an early 1-0 lead in the first inning after Brandon Wulff beat out an infield single, scoring Kyle Stowers from third base. USC catcher C.J. Stubbs singled up the middle to bring in Brady Shockley and tie it at one in the bottom of the first inning.

 

Stanford vs USC baseball game on Friday May 3, 2019. (Photo by Rick Gurrola / fi360 News)

The Trojans were not done as Ben Ramirez tripled to right field to bring home Stubbs and Matthew Acosta for a 3-1 lead. Stanford responded in the next inning with two runs to tie it, 3-3.

 

A sacrifice fly to left by Maverick Handley gave Stanford a 6-3 lead. The Cardinals added a run in the 8th inning on another sacrifice fly. Kinamon singled in a run in the ninth to make it 8-3.

 

Stanford vs USC baseball game on Friday May 3, 2019. (Photo by Rick Gurrola / fi360 News)

Game No. 2 of the three-game series will be Saturday at 6 p.m. Will Matthiessen is expected to start for Stanford against Isaac Esqueda for USC.

Sparks Re-Sign All-Star Chelsea Gray

By
Press Release
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Chelsea Gray
Los Angeles Sparks guard Chelsea Gray #12 at Los Angeles Sparks game at Staples Center in Los Angeles, Ca on June 19, 2018. (Photo by Rick Gurrola)

LOS ANGELES (April 30, 2019) – The Los Angeles Sparks re-signed point guard Chelsea Gray, Sparks Executive Vice President and General Manager Penny Toler announced today. In 2018, Gray earned her second straight All-Star selection and averaged a career-high 14.9 points, 5.1 assists, 3.4 rebounds and 1.4 steals per game. She is currently playing in the Turkish league playoffs for Cukurova Mersin.

 

“Chelsea is one of the best point guards in the WNBA,” Toler said. “She is a winner and leader, on and off the court. I’m thrilled to re-sign her and solidify her as a cornerstone of our franchise and our future success.”

 

The Sparks first acquired Gray in a 2016 draft day trade with the Connecticut Sun. The move immediately paid dividends as Gray played a significant role in the Sparks 2016 championship run. In 2017, she was named to the All-WNBA Second Team in addition to the All-Star team and led the WNBA in 3-point percentage at 48.2%.

 

“I’m happy to be back with such a great organization,” Gray said. “The fans have always shown me so much love. This group is special on and off the court. We’re on a mission to win another championship, and we have the group to get it done.”

 

Chelsea Gray flowing with champagne after winning WNBA Championship on October 20, 2016. (Photo by Brian Few Jr.)

Gray was drafted 11th overall in the 2014 WNBA Draft by the Sun and attended Duke University.

 

ABOUT THE LOS ANGELES SPARKS

The Sparks 2019 home opener is on May 31 against the Connecticut Sun. To purchase tickets, visit http://sparks.wnba.com/tickets/. Founded in 1996, the Los Angeles Sparks play in the Western Conference of the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA). The Sparks have won three WNBA Championships (2001, 2002, 2016), have qualified for the playoffs in 18 of their 22 seasons and remain the only active team in the league to win back-to-back titles. The Los Angeles Sparks are dedicated to ensuring each home game at Staples Center has a championship level entertainment experience, while showcasing the best female athletes from around the world on the court.

Colorado Buffaloes Black and Gold Endgame

By
Devon Martinez
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The Black and Gold Game Spring Game for the Colorado Buffaloes at Saturday April 27, 2019. (Photo by Laura Domingue / fi360 News)
The Black and Gold Game Spring Game for the Colorado Buffaloes at Saturday April 27, 2019. (Photo by Laura Domingue / fi360 News)

Boulder, CU – The night prior to the Black and Gold game, the Colorado Buffaloes coaching staff took the entire team out to the new blockbuster Marvel movie Avengers: Endgame. Just like the movie title, April 27th’s Black and Gold game at Folsom field represented the end of spring football since NCAA rules only allow for 15 spring practices.

 

Led by first-year head coach Mel Tucker today’s game provided his coaching staff proper insight on where their team is at, and what the team needs to improve on for the 2019 season.

 

“The standard is high,” said Tucker, “We are not where we need to be, yet. But we will get there, and this was phase two. We had our winter conditioning program than we had spring ball, and now we will take them to our summer conditioning program.”

 

The Black and Gold Game Spring Game for the Colorado Buffaloes at Saturday April 27, 2019. (Photo by Laura Domingue / fi360 News)

For the players, this game provided them with opportunities to stand out and to show coaches the full range of their abilities.

 

Freshman tailback Jaren Mangham is one player who stood out with over 149 rushing yards and three touchdowns to end the game.

 

The Black and Gold Game Spring Game for the Colorado Buffaloes at Saturday April 27, 2019. (Photo by Laura Domingue / fi360 News)

Teams were divided by the Colorado coaching staff with the black team featuring the 1st team offense and second-team defense, and the gold team featuring the 1st team defense and second-team offense.

 

The gold team won 55-27, due in large part to four interceptions thrown by three different black team quarterbacks (including starting Quarterback Steven Montez).

 

Cornerback Mekhi Blackmon caught two those interceptions and returned one back for a touchdown.

 

According to Tucker, the least important factor in the game was the score.

 

The Black and Gold Game Spring Game for the Colorado Buffaloes at Saturday April 27, 2019. (Photo by Laura Domingue / fi360 News)

“We keep the scores in more ways than one. Everything’s an evaluation,” Tucker said.

 

Overall Tucker said he was happy with the overall operation. He identified the number of penalties as the only problem that stood out and as something the team needs to decrease by the beginning of the season.

 

The Colorado Buffs first game of the season is versus their rival Colorado State on August 30th at Mile High Stadium in Denver.

Are you really ready for the NFL? UCLA – USC – Colorado

By
Jevone Moore
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CU Football PRO DAY (Photo by Laura Domingue / fi360 News)

Los Angeles, CA – The college bowl season is long been over and off season spring ball is in full swing for the returning college players. Then there are the seniors and underclassmen who are looking for the shot in the NFL.

A select few players had the opportunity to showcase their skill at combine in Indy. Most of the players trained for there schools PRO DAY.

Most major programs in NCAA host the NFL scouts and coaches to take a look at their athletes first hand.

Ajene Harris during USC Trojans Pro Day at the Cromwell Field and Loker Stadium on Wednesday March 20, 2019 (Photo by Jevone Moore)

UCLA & USC both have few stars who hope to be picked up before day two of draft ends. UCLA tight end Caleb Wilson and tackle Andre James are forgoing their senior season to play in the league.

Here are the stats from who was invited to this year combine:

17 quarterbacks / 28 running backs / 48 receivers / 21 tight ends / 57 offensive linemen / 35 defensive linemen / 22 Edge / 37 linebackers / 36 corners backs / 29 safeties / 7 specialists (3 punters, 3 kickers, 1 long snapper)

90 players from SEC / 53 players from BIG 10 / 46 players from ACC / 39 players from PAC-12 /

It’s always nice to get invited to the combine but that’s not even a guarantee that you will be drafted or signed as a free agent.

Cameron Smith during the USC Trojans Pro Day at the Cromwell Field and Loker Stadium on Wednesday March 20, 2019 (Photo by Jevone Moore)

USC will have a pair of linebackers who have taken slightly different path to the draft. Inside backer Cameron Smith opted to stay in school last season as a junior. While outside backer Porter Gustin was injured and had to fight his way back to health.

The big day is fast approaching for these NFL hopefuls, no one knows who will be drafted where.

We do all know that there will be some big smiles and some heartaches after this weekend passes.

Caleb Wilson after a catch still has Chargers coach Anthony Lynn eyes. (Photo by Jevone Moore)

Nissan Stadium – Nashville, Tennessee

Hours of Operation: (Central Time)
Thursday, April 26: 12PM-10PM (or end of Round 1)
Friday, April 27: 12PM-10PM (or end of Round 3)
Saturday, April 28: 9AM-6PM (or conclusion of NFL Draft)

COLLEGE FOOTBALL PLAYOFF AND NEW ORLEANS PREPARING TO HOST 2020 CFP NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP

By
Press Release
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National Championship Bay Area 2019: Stadium front for the Alabama vs Clemson game at Levis Stadium on Monday January 07, 2019 (Photo by Jevone Moore)
Clemson Tigers wide receiver Justyn Ross #8 on his way to touchdown in the second half of the National Championship Bay Area 2019 between Alabama vs Clemson game at Levis Stadium on Monday January 07, 2019 (Photo by Jevone Moore)
NEW ORLEANS –More than 100,000 New Orleans residents and visitors from across the country are expected to attend a full menu of events for fans during the weekend of the 2020 College Football Playoff (CFP) National Championship. At a news conference today at Warren Easton High School in New Orleans, plans were revealed for a “championship campus” experience that will create a three-day celebration of college football.
“Championship Campus is the area that encompasses the many fun public events during the weekend,” said Bill Hancock, executive director of the CFP. “A national champion will be crowned Monday night, but that capstone will be preceded by an entire weekend of activities. It will be an opportunity for fans of all ages to come together to sample what college football is all about. We’ve worked closely with the New Orleans Host Committee to develop a fan-friendly campus that thousands will enjoy.”
“On behalf of the many organizations involved with the New Orleans host committee, I’m pleased to say that we’re all very honored for the opportunity to host the city’s first CFP National Championship and 29th college football national champion overall,” said Monique Morial, chair of the Local Organizing Committee and president of the Sugar Bowl Committee. “We’re also very excited for the entire weekend of events; the CFP National Championship will offer something for everybody in the city. Perhaps most importantly, through the wide-ranging efforts of the CFP Foundation and our host committee, we are pleased to be making a commitment to local school teachers that will make an impact on New Orleans for many years to come.”
The 2020 College Football Playoff National Championship will be decided at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on Monday, January 13, but the celebration will get started on Saturday, January 11, with the opening of Playoff Fan Central at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. This interactive event will feature youth clinics, appearances by some of the sport’s greatest legends, pep rallies, marching band performances and hands-on experiences allowing fans of all ages to test their skills.
The Crescent City’s Woldenberg Park will be home to one of the country’s largest annual traveling music festivals, AT&T Playoff Playlist Live!, which will also begin on Saturday, January 11. Each year, the star-studded event attracts some of music’s top acts, all free of charge to the public. Past talent has included Usher, The Chainsmokers, Sting, Alessia Cara, Darius Rucker, Flo Rida, John Mellencamp, Ciara, WALK THE MOON, The Band Perry, Sting and Lenny Kravitz, among others. This year’s talent lineup and dates will be announced in November.
On Saturday, January 11, fans will be invited to Media Day at the XULA Convocation Center on the campus of Xavier University of Louisiana. A free event, Media Day will provide fans the unique opportunity to watch and listen as ESPN and members of the national media interview with coaches and student-athletes from the two participating teams.
CFP Foundation’s Commitment to New Orleans
The CFP Foundation and its Extra Yard for Teachers (EYFT) platform have one mission: supporting and celebrating teachers. The CFP Foundation is already hard at work in 2019 to help educators in New Orleans. Thanks to the generosity of Eckrich, this morning it was able to fully fund all teacher classroom projects on Donors Choose.org in New Orleans Parish. DonorsChoose.org, is a national nonprofit that makes it easy for anyone to help fund teachers’ classroom wish lists.
Educators from the Orleans Parish School Board who attended today’s press event were also surprised with a $250 DonorsChoose.org gift card that can be used to fund their own classroom projects.
The CFP Foundation has partnered with the New Orleans Host Committee to develop a comprehensive impact strategy to support teachers in Orleans Parish from now through the 2020 CFP National Championship. Entergy New Orleans has joined the New Orleans Host Committee as the lead corporate partner for the CFP Foundation efforts locally. Entergy has had a long legacy of commitment and partnership in its local markets. A description of the initiatives planned as part of this impact strategy can be found as an addendum to this release.
“We support student achievement by supporting their teachers, who are the single most important factor in a quality education” said Britton Banowsky, executive director of the CFP Foundation. “We are excited to work closely with the New Orleans Host Committee and other organizations to recruit more prepared teachers to Orleans Parish and provide some special support to the thousands of dedicated teachers already in the workforce.”
The CFP Foundation will put New Orleans-area teachers in the spotlight throughout championship weekend with a series of events aimed at honoring and empowering local educators. The Extra Yard for Teachers Summit (Saturday, January 11) is a VIP space reserved exclusively for educators that will feature a series of activities and workshops meant to uplift and inspire classroom leaders. More information on how to register to attend the free event will be available in the fall.
On Sunday, January 12, the spotlight will continue to be on educators at the Extra Yard 5K, which will wind its way through the streets of downtown New Orleans. Later that day, the Eckrich Taste of the Championship will serve up a foodie’s delight at Mardi Gras World, featuring some of the top chefs from across New Orleans and the nation. Proceeds from both the Extra Yard 5K and Eckrich Taste of the Championship support Extra Yard for Teachers. More information, including how to register and buy tickets, will be made available in the fall.
CFP National Championship: Monday, January 13, 2020
On game day, Monday, January 13, the focus will shift to the Mercedes-Benz Superdome for the 2020 CFP National Championship. Prior to kickoff, Championship Tailgate Plaza, the ultimate game day experience, will be staged adjacent to Jax Brewery near the Mississippi River. Fans will be encouraged to arrive early and enjoy tasty food, sponsor activities and live ESPN broadcasts. Game day will also see the CFP Foundation, in conjunction with the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO), host the 2019 teachers of the year from all U.S. states and territories.
For more information on the College Football Playoff and the 2020 CFP National Championship, visit www.collegefootballplayoff.com. To learn more about supporting local efforts and the New Orleans Host Committee, visit www.2020NOLA.com.
-#CFBPlayoff-
About the College Football Playoff
The College Football Playoff matches the No. 1 seed vs. No. 4, and No. 2 vs. No. 3 in semifinal games that rotate annually among six bowl games – the Goodyear Cotton Bowl, PlayStation Fiesta Bowl, Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl, Capital One Orange Bowl, Allstate Sugar Bowl and Rose Bowl Game presented by Northwestern Mutual. This season’s Playoff Semifinals will take place Saturday, December 28, 2019, at the PlayStation Fiesta Bowl and Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl. The College Football Playoff National Championship will be Monday, January 13, 2020, at Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana.
About the College Football Playoff Foundation and Extra Yard for Teachers
The College Football Playoff (CFP) Foundation is the philanthropic arm of the College Football Playoff, supporting education across the country. The CFP Foundation’s primary cause platform, Extra Yard for Teachers, is dedicated to elevating the teaching profession by inspiring and empowering teachers in four focus areas: resources, recognition, recruitment and professional development. The CFP Foundation utilizes multiple partnerships to execute its initiatives and support positive educational outcomes. To learn more, visit www.cfp-foundation.org and follow Extra Yard for Teachers (@CFPExtraYard) on social media.

Who is the best team in the NBA playoffs

By
Christopher Martinez
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NBA Basketball game action between the Boston Celtics vs the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center in Los Angeles, Ca on April 3, 2016. (Photo by Jevone Moore/Full Image 360)
NBA Basketball game action between the Boston Celtics vs the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center in Los Angeles, Ca on April 3, 2016. (Photo by Jevone Moore/Full Image 360)

Heading into the playoffs there are a list of teams battling to move up the playoff bracket. There are fans that say their team is better than the next but who is really the team that will take it all?

 

Looking at all the teams season stat leaders coming out of the regular season and into the playoffs to see who statistically reigns supreme.

 

The top five teams in each category will be tallied then sats expressed throughout comparisons of the team.

 

Taking into consideration Points Per Game, Rebounds Per Game, Assists Per Game, Blocks Per Game, Steals Per Game, Field Goal Percentages, Three-Point Percentage and Free Throw Percentage.

 

Starting with Points Per Game there is no more than a three point increase within the scores between teams. Starting with the Milwaukee Bucks who are ranked first with 118.1 points followed closely by the defending champions the Golden State Warriors with a close 117.7 points per game.

 

Following third the New Orleans Pelicans with 115.4 and closely after with a point two deficit is the Philadelphia 76ers with 115.2 and point one behind them is the Los Angeles Clippers with 115.1.

 

Points scored in a game is a great way to determine the offensive drive a team has but other facts such as defense, injuries, off game and fatigue. Ultimately Points Per Game is not necessarily what tells who will win but does show who has players that can score.

 

Rebounds Per Game is a way to tell who will retain possession after a missed shot or who will gain possession after a missed shot. The league leader in Rebounds Per Game is the Milwaukee Bucks with 49.7 rebounds, followed by the Oklahoma City Thunder with 48.1 Rebounds Per Game.

 

Following closely behind Oklahoma by point one rebounds is the Portland Trailblazers with 48.0. Fourth is the Philadelphia 76ers with 47.8 and the New Orleans Pelicans coming in fifth with 47.3.

 

Assists Per Game show that a team is not scared to pass the ball and not play one on one all game long. Sharing the ball and ball movement to get the highest percentage of a spot is how games are won and these teams if they keep up the assists would be the teams to watch this playoffs.

 

Coming in first with Assists Per Game is the Golden State Warriors with 29.4 assists followed by the Denver Nuggets with 27.4 assists.

 

The New Orleans Pelicans in third with 27.0 assists. Fourth is the Philadelphia 76ers with 26.9 and the Boston Celtics in fifth with 26.3.

 

Blocks Per Game is related to well can a team protect the paint and block shots coming from high percentage areas on the court. The league leader in blocks is the Golden State Warriors with 6.4 blocks per game, following in second is the Milwaukee Bucks with 5.9 blocks.

 

The Utah Jazz are in fourth with 5.9 and the Memphis Grizzlies and Miami Heat tied for fourth with 5.5 blocks per game.

 

Steals Per Game is how well defense can turn themselves into an offensive it has been said the best defense is the best offense.

 

Leading the league in Steals per game is the Oklahoma City Thunder with 9.3 steals per game and the Phoenix Suns point three points behind with 9.0 and in third is the Indiana Pacers with 8.7 steals.

 

In the fourth and fifth spot are the Boston Celtics with 8.6 steals and the Houston Rockets with 8.5 steals per game in fifth.

 

One of the most important statistic in basketball to look at is the Field Goal Percentage which shows what teams are shooting the best. Leading the league are the Golden State Warriors with 49.2 and following them is the San Antonio Spurs with 47.8.

 

Topping off the Field Goal Percentage statistic are the Milwaukee Bucks in third with 47.6, Indiana Pacers in fourth with 47.5 and in fifth with 47.4 is the Toronto Raptors with 47.4.

 

 

An aspect and statistic of the game to take off in recent years is the Three Point Percentage which shows what teams can hit the deep ball and are a force to be recon with from the three point line.

 

Leading the league are the San Antonio Spurs with 39.9 and the Los Angeles Clippers trailing with a38.8%. The defending champions with one of the greatest shooters of all time are nestled in the third spot with 38.5%.

 

The rest of the teams are filled with the Sacramento Kings wich average a 37.8 % from the three point line and the Houston Rockets in fifth with an 8.5 % from the three point line.

 

One way a teams can either lose games or win games are at the free throw line in wich give a player two free shots from the free throw line and they have two free attempts at shooting the ball without being guarded.

 

The leaders are the San Antonio Spurs with 81.9% and followed closely by the Portland Trailblazers who follow the Spurs by point five percent with a 81.4%. Rounding out the final three spots are the Toronto Raptors with an 80.4%, the Boston Celtics with 80.2% and the fifth spot going to the Golden State Warriors with an 80.1%.

 

Putting all these stats together and comparing who leads the most statistical charts are the Golden State Warriors leading in three categories and the Milwaukee Bucks and the San Antonio Spurs following with two, leaving the Oklahoma City Thunder and Houston Rockets tied with leading one statistical category.

Alexander Rossi back to back winner of Grand Prix of Long Beach 2019

By
William Johnson
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Rossi (27) Winner of the 2019 Long Beach Grand Prix (Photo by William Johnson)
Rossi on the winners stands for the 2019 Long Beach Grand Prix (Photo by William Johnson)

Long Beach, CA – Guess who took the checkered flag again this year at the Long Beach Grand Prix? Yes even with the new sponsor Alexander Rossi is the back to back 2019 champion.

Rossi speed through this year field in dominating fashion all the way to the end. The 45th Street race through the streets of Long Beach California.

Rossi won by a dominating 20 seconds over second place finisher Josef Newgarden, which was the largest margin of victory at Long Beach since Al Unser Jr. won by 23 seconds in 1995.

2019 Long Beach Grand Prix (Photo by William Johnson)

This was Rossi’s sixth career IndyCar victory. His first win was in 2016 when he captured the Indianapolis 500 as a rookie. Now Rossi is the fourth different winner to start this season through four races in the IndyCar season.

“It’s an amazing day,” Rossi said. “I have a great car and a great crew behind me” on the Andretti Autosport team, he said.

The win was also the 200th for Michael Andretti’s Andretti Autosports empire, which includes teams in Indy Lights, GT4 America, Formula E and RallyCross where Manteca native Scott Speed holds three consecutive titles.

“Winning the pole here is huge,” explained Rossi. “It allows you to run your own race, control the pace and strategy and dictate what the rest of the field does.”

2019 Long Beach Grand Prix (Photo by William Johnson)

Los Angeles Sparks snatch National Champion Kalani Brown of Baylor

By
Jevone Moore
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Los Angeles Sparks at Staples Center in Los Angeles, Ca (Photo by Jevone Moore/Full Image 360)
Marina Mabrey of Notre Dame guard NCAA Women’s Regional Championship Game (Photo by Carl Jones II / fi360 News)

Los Angeles, CA – The Derek Fisher era kicks off with Kalani Brown standing 6’7 tall from Baylor. Brown was the 7th pick overall in WNBA Draft 2019 for the LA Sparks.

They will use Brown’s height to overpower and slow down the game working in the low post alongside current players.

Brown just won a National Championship last week and now drafted to the Los Angeles.

“It’s been stressful and tiring,” said Brown, “It’s been a dream come true.”

The Las Vegas Aces had the No 1 pick the last two years and tonight they chose Jackie Young (Notre Dame) with No 1 pick.

“Just stepping out of one legacy and entering another,” said Brown.

Derek Fisher entering his first draft as the head coach of Los Angeles Sparks needing to draft for needs off watching film to shape the roster. He had 7th, 19th, and 31st pick in this draft.

“It is important to add players who know how to fit in on a good team,” Fisher, “Be yourself that’s why we drafted you.”

Penny Toler the Sparks General Manager entering her 20th season in this role, knows how build a championship roster. The Sparks have three championship trophies in her cabinet.

The Sparks selected guard Marina Mabrey of Notre Dame with 19th pick in the second round. Then followed up with drafting guard Angela Salvadores of Duke with the 31st pick.

Los Angeles Sparks General Manager Penny Toler and Sparks head coach Derek Fisher after the WNBA Draft 2019. Photo by Jevone Moore

The Sparks first two months on the season will challenge them with 12 of their 19 games on the road.

Then the Sparks will finish off playing 10 of last 15 at home in front of the home crowd, hopefully building up for a championship run.

This year WNBA draft was held on April 10 at Nike New York headquarters for all three rounds (36 players). The league invited 12 players to New York for the live broadcast

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