Sparks win playoff opener and eliminate the defending champs

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August 21, 2018

Los Angeles, CA – The Los Angeles Sparks held a three-point lead with 1:36 left in the fourth quarter when point guard Chelsea Gray nailed a pull-up jumper to extend the lead, 70-65.

Nneka Ogwumike hit three free throws in the final minute to seal the Sparks 75-68 win over Minnesota and eliminate the defending champions from the playoffs Tuesday night at the Staples Center.

Los Angeles advanced to the second round of the WNBA playoffs and will face the third-seeded Washington Mystics on Thursday in Washington D.C.

Sparks defense during the Minnesota Lynx vs Los Angeles Sparks game at Staples Center in Los Angeles, Ca on August 21, 2018. (Photo by Rick Gurrola)

“Every time we play Minnesota, games are tight and competitive,” Sparks head coach Brian Agler said. “I’m just happy we made some plays. We made a really good surge in the second quarter but they battled back.”

After a tight first quarter, the Sparks erased an 11-point lead and went on a 13-2 run to tie it at 34. Gray and Ogwumike combined for 23 points in the second quarter and the Sparks took a 40-37 lead into halftime.

“We were down 11 and Nneka was like, no this stops now,” Gray, who finished with 26 points, said. “I think that’s what we needed; that energy to push forward. We just needed to push to another level.”

Nneka Ogumike going to the hole during the Minnesota Lynx vs Los Angeles Sparks game at Staples Center in Los Angeles, Ca on August 21, 2018. (Photo by Rick Gurrola)

Gray and Riquna Williams caught fire from beyond the arc in the third quarter, draining four consecutive three-pointers to fuel a 14-4 run.

“Making plays and taking care of the ball,” Ogwumike said. “We were able to do that in the stretch. We had a few lapses but we maintained our composure.”

Ogwumike scored 19 points while Williams added 17 points. Candace Parker struggled and was held to two points. Agler said Parker wasn’t feeling well tonight and was suffering from a stomach flu.

Minnesota’s Lindsay Whalen, who is retiring, finished with nine points, six rebounds and five assists.

Chelsea Gray splitting the defense during the Minnesota Lynx vs Los Angeles Sparks game at Staples Center in Los Angeles, Ca on August 21, 2018. (Photo by Rick Gurrola)

The Sparks will use Wednesday to travel and prepare to take on the Mystics in the second round. Agler said they will meet, watch film and talk then get into a game day routine on Thursday.

“When we have one day betweens games and travel like this, it’s just as important to do everything you can to be rested,” Agler said. “You can prep all day long but if you’re not rested, you’re not going to be able to execute.”

2018 Preview Washington Huskies & Washington State

By

Jevone Moore

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August 21, 2018

PAC-12 Preview Part I

Washington Huskies

2017 Fiesta Bowl: Jake Browning (3) by Jevone Moore

Washington was picked to be No 1 team in the PAC-12 according to preseason poll by west coast media. The Huskies coming off 10 win season in 2017 and a Fiesta Bowl appearance.

Four year starter Jake Browning will have the luxury of having four offensive lineman upfront to protect him. Then running back Myles Gaskin who gained over 1,300+ yards the last three seasons.

This offensive firepower is a key reason the PAC-12 media has picked the Huskies.

Head Coach Chris Peterson now entering his fifth season at the helm will have his team ready for their first opening season test in Atlanta. They will play in Chick fil A kickoff verse Auburn.

The Huskies returns eight starters on defense with the defensive backfield intact make opposing QB’s make tough decisions.

They will play the Apple Cup in Pullman this year, and travel to Utah, UCLA, Oregon, and Cal.

Chris Petersen during the PAC-12 Football Media Day 2018. (Photo by Jevone Moore/Full Image 360)

The future of the Huskies looks bright with a top 15 recruiting class signing a good mix of skill and lineman.

Prediction 10-2

Washington State Cougars

Washington State Cougars will be fighting to find coach Mike Leach identity on the field. The offense only returns three starters and no QB’s with an FBS snaps. Leach is known for his air attacks, but these will be the season he will have to lean on the seven returning defensive stars.

The Cougars last year finished with 9-4 record making Leach look good. They had quality wins over USC, Stanford, and Utah that took them to a Holiday Bowl appearance.

This opportunistic defense who back seven will be ready for the high flying PAC-12 scheme. The change in coaches of the defensive side will get little time to get use to.

Coach Mike Leach during the PAC-12 Football Media Day 2018. Live at Ray Dolby Ballroom at the Hollywood and Highland Entertainment Center in Los Angeles, Ca. on July 25, 2018 (Photo by Jevone Moore/Full Image 360)

They signed 25 players for the 2018 football season. Running back Max Borghi was a hugh last day signee that you could say the snatched from Stanford.

So we’re a college town. The other thing is 365 days a year, it’s the Cougs,” said Leach, “They’ll remember a game you played the rest of your life.”

These are a few big selling points on Pullman but this year will be an uphill battle in 2018.

Prediction 5-7

EUGENE, OR – October 7: #32 Washington State RB James Williams rushes during a game between the Oregon Ducks and Washington State Cougars in Eugene, OR. Washington State defeated Oregon 33-10 (Photo by Ben Ludeman).

FWAA-NFF SUPER 16 POLL

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Press Release

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August 20, 2018

Amway Coaches Poll Trophy Tour — Coaches Poll Crystal Football (Photo by Jevone Moore / fi360 News)

Wings End Losing Streak, Secure Playoff Spot

By

Ariawna Talton

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August 17, 2018

Arlington Tx – Just one week ago, Dallas Wings’ fans had so many reasons to believe that a once promising season was lost. Nine consecutive losses, the dismissal of a beloved coach and mounting frustrations didn’t lend much hope for the Wings.

Insert the will of one Skylar Diggins-Smith and the dominance of Liz Cambage.

Friday night, the Wings faced the Las Vegas Aces. On the line for both teams, tied with records of 14 wins and 18 losses – was the final spot in the approaching WNBA playoffs.

Dallas left it all on the court in front of a crowd of 6,200 fans, defeating Las Vegas 107 – 102.

“Emotionally for our players – this win was much needed,” says Wings Interim Coach Taj McWilliams-Franklin. “We played Connecticut right after the (stuff) went down and they were pretty raw, emotional and flat after that.”

For much of the first half, the Wings found themselves playing catch up. The power shooting of the Aces almost seemed unstoppable at times. Rookie A’ja Wilson led the Aces with 19 points at the half, missing only two of her 11 shot attempts. Both Kayla McBride and Kelsey Plum also scored in double digits for the Aces in the first half.

Cambage netted 23 points in the first half, shooting an impressive eight of 11. Diggins-Smith scored 17 points before halftime, including three made shots from the perimeter.

Going into the break, the Wings found themselves down 57 – 51.

The second half proved to be an even more passionate effort for the Wings. Cambage added another 20 points. Diggins-Smith would add six points, pushing her scoring total to 23 points. She also had eight assists and only turned the ball over once. Kayla Thornton and Glory Johnson would prove vital to the Wings second half surge, contributing a combined total of 21 points and 11 rebounds.

At the seven-minute mark of the final quarter, Aces’ forward Tamera Young hit a jump shot that put her team up 88-85. Thornton immediately followed with a three-pointer to tie the game for the Wings. The next score was a Johnson free throw, giving the Wings a one-point advantage. From that point they would never relinquish the lead.

Dallas enjoyed a 10-point lead with 41 seconds remaining, leading both the team and the fans to begin celebrating. Friday’s 107-102 point victory is the first win for the Wings since July 19.

On her 27^th birthday, Cambage – the WNBA’s leading scorer would allow the tears to flow freely as she embraced Diggins-Smith postgame.

LA Coliseum Renovation is on pace

By

Jevone Moore

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August 16, 2018

Media Tour of Coliseum Renovation and Beam Signing / Topping out ceremony Aug 15 — Media Tour of Coliseum Renovation and Beam Signing / Topping out ceremony at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on Wednesday August 15, 2018 (Photo by Jevone Moore)

South side seats at the Media Tour of Coliseum Renovation and Beam Signing / Topping out ceremony at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on Wednesday August 15, 2018 (Photo by Jevone Moore)

Los Angeles, CA – By now LA sports fan have been slowly seeing changes happening at the Memorial Coliseum. The minute the LA Rams playoff run ended on January 6 the demolition of the south side of stadium began.

The Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum’s $270 million renovation and restoration is past the halfway point according to team involved.

In a special ceremony the union workers and USC folks had the opportunity to personally sign the final beam of the Coliseum’s new Scholarship tower. Representing the USC Football team was head coach Clay Helton with players Marvell Tell (7), Ajene Harris (27), Cameron Smith (35), Porter Gustin (45).

USC Trojans Cameron Smith (35), Marvell Tell (7), Ajene Harris (27), Porter Gustin (45) Media Tour of Coliseum Renovation and Beam Signing / Topping out ceremony at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on Wednesday August 15, 2018 (Photo by Jevone Moore)

The Rams and Trojans also took time to explain a few fun facts for the updated fan experience for the 2018-19 season.

At the games there have been added two Terraces on both side below the peristyle. USC will use it for students and donors, and the Rams will use it for group sales tickets.

The fans who have seats on the southside will have increased leg room and brand new seats to enjoy the game. On part two of renovation all the other seats will be replaced and rows will be cut down from 36 seats across down to 18 seats across for less traffic.

The last beam for the Media Tour of Coliseum Renovation and Beam Signing / Topping out ceremony at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on Wednesday August 15, 2018 (Photo by Jevone Moore)

On all fans tickets you will have an assigned gate to enter through due to construction. Now for the Rams you have to have physical ticket or a mobile ticket. Long gone are the pdf printable paper tickets.

A big theme for both teams is “GO METRO”

Fans will still be able to have great tailgates in assigned areas, please go :

RAMS Tailgate

or

USC Tailgate

Let’s get ready for some Football!

LAFC shut out Real Salt Lake at home

By

Eric Ramos

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August 16, 2018

MLS 2018: Los Angeles Football Club vs Portland Timbers at BANC OF CALIFORNIA Stadium JUL 18 — July 18, 2018 Los Angeles, CA. LAFC Section 3252 at the Los Angeles Football Club vs Portland Timbers at BANC OF CALIFORNIA Stadium in Los Angeles, Ca on July 18, 2018. Jevone Moore

Los Angeles FC forward Latif Blessing #7 on the move during the Los Angeles Football Club at BANC OF CALIFORNIA Stadium in Los Angeles, Ca on July 15, 2018. Rick Gurrola

Los Angeles FC moved into third place in the Western Conference standings after newly acquired Christina Ramirez scored two first-half goals to lead the Black and Gold to a 2-0 victory over Real Salt Lake Wednesday at the Banc of California Stadium.

Ramirez arrived to the LAFC after a trade with Minnesota United last week and helped his team snap a five-game winless skid.

“I’m just glad that we won and that’s the important thing,” Ramirez said. “Anyway that I can contribute; tonight with the goals, another day it will be with an assist or defensive driving.”

LAFC got on the board in the 13th minute when Carlos Vela gathered the loose ball and sent a pass to Ramirez who flicked a soft shot over the goalkeepers head.

“He’s the one that, in the right moments, knows how to find space in the box,” LAFC head coach Bob Bradley said. “And he can score in different ways. That was apparent tonight.”

In the 29th minute, Ramirez gave LAFC a 2-0 lead on a left-footed shot from just outside the six-yard box.

The Black and Gold will host Colorado on Sunday before heading to the StubHub Center to take on rival Los Angeles Galaxy Friday, Aug. 24.

“Before the game I challenged for more concentration, more intensity, more helping each other on the field, more leadership, all of those things, and then at halftime I said, today we need a shutout,” Bradley said.

LA36 releases 2018 schedule for City Section regular season football games

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Press Release

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August 15, 2018

High School Football L.A. City Championship Dorsey Dons vs San Fernando Tigers December 2, 2017 at El Camino College Murdock Stadium. (Photo by Jevone Moore/Full Image 360)

GRANADA HILLS, Calif. – LA36 will televise a full slate of Los Angeles City Section regular season football games for the 2018 season. All games will be tape delayed and replayed on LA36 the following week.

Long-time veteran broadcaster Randy Rosenbloom returns for another year of play-by-play. He has broadcasted LA City Section games for more than 30 years. The coverage begins this Friday with Grant hosting Canoga Park at 7 p.m.

“I am happy to be back again broadcasting LA City Section football games,” Rosenbloom said. “This is my favorite time of the year. It’s a great opportunity for the Section as well as the schools involved.” LA36 is on Spectrum Cable throughout much of Southern California and reaches nearly one million homes. Games will run for the entire year at least 15 times each. Much of the air time is prime time after 7 p.m. Games will be archived on the LA36 website www.la36.org after airing.

Additional future games could be added to the following schedule as the season progresses.

LA36 2018 CIFLACS Football Schedule

8/17 Canoga Park at Grant
8/31 Windward at Animo Robinson
9/7 Contreras at Chavez
9/21 Wilson at View Park
10/5 El Camino Real at Birmingham
10/5 Angelou at Jefferson
10/12 Locke at Dorsey
10/26 North Hollywood at Chavez
10/26 Contreras at Belmont
10/26 Torres at Franklin
10/26 Taft at Birmingham

Contact: Dick Dornan, Sports Information Director

Sparks beat the Liberty to clinch home court for playoff opener

By

Eric Ramos

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August 14, 2018

WNBA 2018: New York Liberty vs Los Angeles Spark on August 15, 2018 — Chelsea Gray with that tight defense during the New York Liberty vs Los Angeles Sparks game at Staples Center in Los Angeles, Ca on August 15, 2018. (Photo by Rick Gurrola)

Gray dropping a three pointer during the New York Liberty vs Los Angeles Sparks game at Staples Center in Los Angeles, Ca on August 15, 2018. (Photo by Rick Gurrola)

Los Angeles, CA – The Los Angeles Sparks held a four-point lead with 44 seconds left in the fourth quarter when point guard Chelsea Gray knocked down a pullup jumper.

New York turned it over on its next possession and Gray made a pair of free throws to seal the 74-66 win over the Liberty Tuesday night at the Staples Center.

Gray scored a career-high 26 points to help the Sparks secure home court for their playoff opener. The Sparks are tied with Connecticut for the fourth playoff spot and will face each other Sunday in the season finale.

Candace Parking in traffic during the New York Liberty vs Los Angeles Sparks game at Staples Center in Los Angeles, Ca on August 15, 2018. (Photo by Rick Gurrola)

“It’s a defensive fight and a defensive effort,” Gray said. “You build on that from your offense. From here on out, it’s up to us.”

The first half was full of back-and-forth action as both teams traded leads before the Liberty pulled away in the second quarter. A 17-foot jumper by Kia Nurse gave New York a nine-point lead with just under a minute left in the first half.

Los Angeles head coach Brian Agler said it was good for his team to go from a deficit to a lead and then hold on.

Candace Parker making moves in the paint during the New York Liberty vs Los Angeles Sparks game at Staples Center in Los Angeles, Ca on August 15, 2018. (Photo by Rick Gurrola)

“We don’t get to do that very often and it’s great preparation for the playoffs,” Agler said. “That’s like a playoff game. You just have to grind out every single possession.”

The Sparks erased a nine-point deficit in the third quarter before Nneka Ogwumike’s layup tied it at 51. Los Angeles would take a 61-58 lead into the fourth quarter but Bria Hartley’s 3-pointer evened the score, 61-61.

Candace Parker hit a 3-pointer and Gray’s steal and 3-point play gave the Sparks a six-point lead with 6:08 remaining in the fourth quarter. The Sparks led by one before Gray’s final four points sealed the win.

Boxer Floyd Mayweather Jr sitting courtside at the New York Liberty vs Los Angeles Sparks game at Staples Center in Los Angeles, Ca on August 15, 2018. (Photo by Rick Gurrola)

“The hardest thing for a point guard in the WNBA is understand the tempo,” Parker, who scored 14 points with 10 rebounds, said. “She (Gray) controlled the tempo and she controlled the game. Guarding her is tough.”

The Sparks will end the season with two road games before they host its playoff opening game.

Sparks hold on to defeat Mercury, Parker gets milestone

By

Eric Ramos

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August 5, 2018

Los Angeles, Ca – The Los Angeles Sparks held a one-point lead with 12 seconds left in the game when point guard Chelsea Gray knocked down a pair of free throws to secure a 78-75 win over Phoenix Sunday at the Staples Center.

‘”You just have to play to your instincts,” Gray said. “And play within the realm of what we want to get done offensively and defensively. That’s how we play best.”

Gray scored a season-high 24 points and Candace Parker added 14 points, 14 rebounds and eight assists. This was Parker tenth double-double of the season.

Parker made a free throw in the second quarter to become the 20th player in WNBA history to score 5,000 career points.

The two-time WNBA MVP said she didn’t know she was close and was confused at first when the fans began to cheer loudly but then realized they were cheering because of the milestone.

“I appreciate all the fans who have stuck with me,” Parker said. “I really appreciate my teammates, my coaches and my doctors that have gotten me to this point. Nothing is promised and I’m really going to be happy in this moment.”

Riquna Williams hit a 19-foot jumper as time expired in the first quarter to give the Sparks a 20-16 lead. The Sparks went on a 17-2 run with four minutes left in the second quarter.

The Mercury hung around and made a couple runs in the second half, including a 10-2 run that pulled them within one point in the fourth quarter. The Sparks pulled away with a three-pointer by Gray and a couple free throws by Williams.

Diana Taurasi pulled the Mercury back within one point with a three-pointer midway through the fourth quarter. Taurasi fouled out with just under three minutes left in the game.

Taurasi was held scoreless in the first half and finished with 11 points. Brittney Griner led the Mercury with 22 points. DeWanna Bonner added 20 points and nine rebounds.

“Diana is one of the greatest players ever to play,” Sparks head coach Brian Agler said. “I don’t know if you could ever shut her down but you just try to make it as difficult as possible.”

With six games remaining and five of those six on the road, every game will be important in terms of implications it has for the playoffs.

“There’s no time to relax,” Angler said. “You can’t come out and not ready to play this time of year. There’s going to be a lot of playoff type atmosphere games from here on out.”

LA Chargers Blue-White Scrimmage

By

Eric Ramos

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August 4, 2018

Chargers Blue-White Intersquad Scrimmage-8724 — August 4, 2018: Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Cardale Jones (7) throws the ball at Chargers Blue/White Intersquad Scrimmage at Jack Hammett Sports Complex in Costa Mesa, CA. Jordon Kelly/fi360 news

Costa Mesa, CA – Fans packed the Jack Hammett Sports Complex in Costa Mesa for the Los Angeles Chargers first ever blue-white scrimmage Saturday morning. The Chargers went live and simulated game action to prepare for their first preseason game against the Arizona Cardinals.

“We put them in some game situations, and it felt like it on the field,” Chargers head coach Anthony Lynn said. “We believe, the more times we can expose them to this type of atmosphere, the better they’re going to get. You’re always concerned about injuries when you have a scrimmage or a live period, but they came out pretty clean. I’m very pleased with that.”

Wide receiver Mike Williams had a solid day during the scrimmage, catching two touchdowns and hauling in a deep pass down field. Geno Smith found Williams in the back of the end zone for the first score.

August 4, 2018: Los Angeles Chargers head coach Anthony Lynn at Chargers Blue/White Intersquad Scrimmage at Jack Hammett Sports Complex in Costa Mesa, CA. Photo by Jordon Kelly/fi360 News

Philip Rivers connected with Williams for his second touchdown. Last year’s first round continues to improve and showcase his play-making abilities.

“I wanted to get out in front of them and show them that I can make some plays,” Williams said. “They were enjoying the day. I appreciate the fans coming out and supporting us.”

Rivers moved the offense with ease and found Tyrell Williams deep down field for a big gain. Several plays later, Rivers hit tight end Virgil Green down the seam for a 15-yard gain.

August 4, 2018: Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers (17) at Chargers Blue/White Intersquad Scrimmage at Jack Hammett Sports Complex in Costa Mesa, CA. Photo by Jordon Kelly/fi360 News

“We did some good things,” Rivers said. “There are plenty of things to work on, coach on from — correct when we watch the tape this afternoon. We’re still early, shoot, it’s August 4. We still have over a month until the opener. We just have to keep heading in the right direction.”

The Chargers will hold a walk-through closed to the public on Sunday. They’ll return to training camp at Jack Hammett Sports Complex on Monday.