NFL New Orleans Saints vs Los Angeles Chargers at Stubhub Center in Carson, Ca on August 20, 2017. (Photos by George Laase)
Carson, Ca- Offensive struggles continued for the Los Angeles Chargers as they finished with 177 total yards in a 13-7 loss to the New Orleans Saints in front of 21,504 at the StubHub Center on Sunday.
With both Drew Brees and Philip Rivers dressed but not playing, the backups got the start. The Chargers failed to score on offense and allowed eight sacks.
“The sacks is killed us (but) it’s not just the offensive line,” Chargers coach Anthony Lynn said. “It’s running backs, tight ends, it’s the whole group. We have to do a better job of coaching these guys and getting them ready to play.”
Defensively, the Chargers played well besides the first offensive play for the Saints. Rookie running back Alvin Kamara scored on a 50-yard touchdown run to give the Saints a 7-0 lead in the first quarter.
Chargers defensive end Chris McCain got to the quarterback for the second straight game. McCain had half a sack with three quarterback hurries against the Seahawks last week and added a sack for a loss of 10 yards against the Saints.
The Chargers only touchdown came on defense as safety Dexter McCoil intercepted Ryan Nassib and returned it 99-yards for the score. The last pick-six in preseason play for the Chargers came last season when Brandon Flowers took a Carson Palmer pass 25 yards for the touchdown on Aug. 19, 2016.
“Our goal in practice everyday is to get the ball and score,” McCoil said. “I was just trying to find the end zone.”
After recording his first interception in the preseason opener, rookie Desmond King recorded his first sack and added a pass defensed against the Saints. King has five total tackles with an interception, a forced fumble and now a sack in his first two games with the Chargers.
“The defense led the league in interceptions last year with 18 so that’s a fact right there that shows our secondary is (full of) ballhawks,” King said. “We learn from each other. We feed off each other.”
Lynn believes the Chargers are going to play very well once the season begins. He said when they put that starting 22 out there, this team is going to be pretty good.
“After that performance tonight you might not think so, Lynn said. “But I’m just telling you, I see this team everyday.”
CIF Los Angeles City Section teams at Practice at Dorsey High School & Jackie Robeinson Stadium on August 15, 2017 (Photo by Jevone Moore/Full Image 360)
Dorsey Coach Charles Mincy coaching at CIF Los Angeles City Section Practice at Dorsey High School on August 15, 2017 (Photo by Jevone Moore/Full Image 360)
Los Angeles, CA – The new school year began last week, and that means football season ready to begin. The Los Angeles City Section CIF will have a few Zero weeks games this week to kick things off for the 2017 season.
All across the southland teams have already been practicing for last month. Their goal of winning a CIF LA City Section Title is still the goal for teams. The elite 8 teams will now compete for the first time in a Open Division. Then next 16 teams that are placed in Division I will battle it out.
The new change was voted in by the City coaches to ensure a smooth road to the State playoffs entries. There are only three spots granted to CIFLACS to send Open Division winner, either Open runner-up/Division I winner and last spot to Division II/ Division III winner.
They regular season games will get more intense knowing that the fight to be elite 8. They will be some primetime games without first round blowouts from lower seeds just having a extra week of practice.
If the change was implemented last season here is what the brackets could have looked like:
This format would have left Crenshaw out who actually upset the higher seed to advance to second round. The middle seeds matched up also in second round verse the first round. The better games should allow teams to elevate they game to gear up for long run.
CIF Los Angeles City Section View Park Prep at Practice
Jackie Robinson Stadium on August 15, 2017 (Photo by Jevone Moore/Full Image 360)
fi360 News is excited to announce its first few games of the season coverage:
Thursday August 24, 7pm Dorsey vs Calabasas at Agoura High School
Friday August 25, 7pm Serra vs Narbonne at Narbonne High School
Thursday August 31, 7pm Westchester vs Inglewood at Coleman Stadium
Friday September 1, 7pm Long Beach Poly vs Narbonne at Narbonne High School
Coach Anthony Lynn at the Los Angeles Chargers at the Crawford Field in Irvine, Ca on August 9, 2017. (Photo by Jevone Moore/Full Image 360)
Costa Mesa, CA – The Los Angeles Chargers and New Orleans Saints held a joint practice on Thursday and Friday, ahead of their matchup on Sunday at the StubHub Center.
Fans from both teams filled the stands as the Chargers and Saints went through individual drills, competed in 7-on-7 and 11-on-11.
While the competition level was high, Chargers’ coach Anthony Lynn was pleased to make through practice without any fights.
“A good, clean practice. A lot of good teaching tape,” Lynn said. “Exactly what I expected from a Sean Payton team. A lot of good character guys and hard workers.”
Offensively, the Chargers’ wide receivers were the highlight of Thursday’s practice. Undrafted rookie Artavis Scott beat defenders on multiple occasions, including a back-shoulder catch in the end zone for a touchdown.
Animated Running Back Melvin Gordon
Keenan Allen had a solid day of practice. Allen made a sensational one-handed catch during 7-on-7 and had numerous touchdown catches during team drills.
“I’m getting my groove back,” Allen said. “I’m feeling comfortable right now. The game and the speed is coming back to me.”
Saints running back Adrian Peterson was spotted chatting with Melvin Gordon after practice. Peterson had nothing but praise for Gordon and his work ethic.
“Obviously, he has nice size and is very explosive, (but) I didn’t realize how fast he was,” Peterson said. “Once we got on the track, I was able to see how fast he was. He has some real good speed.
Chargers running back Austin Ekeler had the highlight of the day during Friday’s practice. Ekeler scored on a catch-and-run in the red zone, reaching for the pylon before he is hit out of bounds.
Linebacker Denzel Perryman returned to practice on crutches and watched from the sidelines after undergoing surgery on Tuesday.
August 13, 2017 Carson, Ca. NFL Seattle Seahawks vs Los Angeles Chargers at Stubhub Center in Carson, Ca on August 13, 2017. (Photo by Jevone Moore Full Image 360)
Running Back Andre Williams on kickoff return during the NFL Seattle Seahawks vs Los Angeles Chargers at Stubhub Center in Carson, Ca on August 13, 2017. (Absolute Complete Photographer & Company Credit: Jevone Moore / Full Image 360)
Carson, Ca – In its first preseason game of the season, the Los Angeles Chargers scored on the opening drive with the first team offense but the backups struggled the rest of the way in a 48-17 loss to the Seattle Seahawks at the StubHub Center on Sunday night.
Philip Rivers looked like his old self on the first drive, completing 5-of-6 attempts for 56 yards and a touchdown. Rivers hit Antonio Gates for a 5-yard touchdown.
Once the starters left the field, so did the Chargers lead. Seattle forced three turnovers and scored 17 unanswered points in the first half.
“I thought we started the game well,” Chargers coach Anthony Lynn said. “I definitely didn’t like the way the twos in. We turned the ball over three times. We stopped playing Charger football.”
Backup QB Kellen Clemens having trouble on the fake during the
NFL Seattle Seahawks vs Los Angeles Chargers at Stubhub Center in Carson, Ca on August 13, 2017. ( Jevone Moore / Full Image 360)
Second string quarterback Kellen Clemens threw a pick six on his second possession of the game. Clemens’ pass bounced off running back Brandon Oliver’s hands and into the grasp of linebacker Terence Garvin who returned it 37 yards for the score. \
Clemens redeemed himself with a 74-yard touchdown pass to Travis Benjamin with just under a minute left in the first quarter.
“I thought the first-team offense did a good job,” Benjamin, who finished with two receptions for 89 yards, said. “Going out there as a unit to score a touchdown, that’s what we think we can do each time.”
Phillip Rivers
Russell Wilson
Seattle’s backups dominated the rest of the way, outscoring the Chargers 45-10. Rookie defensive back Desmond King recorded an interception in his first professional game.
Gates said he thinks the reason for the preseason is to be able to go back to the drawing board and see what you can do better.
Charger Girls performing during a timeout during the NFL Seattle Seahawks vs Los Angeles Chargers at Stubhub Center in Carson, Ca on August 13, 2017. (Absolute Complete Photographer & Company Credit: Jevone Moore / Full Image 360)
“Considering the way we started, obviously, no matter what circumstances, you want to win the football game,” Gates said. “Next week, I guarantee we’re going to put a better foot forward.”
NFL Los Angeles Rams Training Camp joint practice with the Los Angeles Chargers at the Crawford Field in Irvine, Ca on August 9, 2017. (Photo by Jevone Moore/Full Image 360)
Philip Rivers at the line during camp for Los Angeles Chargers at the Crawford Field in Irvine, Ca on August 9, 2017. (Photo by Jevone Moore/Full Image 360)
Irvine, Ca – With another week of training camp in the books, the Los Angeles Chargers held a light practice in helmets and shorts on Friday as they prepare for their first preseason game of the season against the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday at the StubHub Center.
The game against Seattle will be used as an evaluation tool while the coaches will be looking at how the players pick up the base things they are implementing.
Defensive coordinator Gus Bradley said the game will give them an understanding of some of the defense they have installed and what they are trying to get done.
Coach Anthony Lynn at the Los Angeles Chargers at the Crawford Field in Irvine, Ca on August 9, 2017. (Photo by Jevone Moore/Full Image 360)
“You want them to go out there and not be confused,” Bradley said. “Just see who can run and hit. That will be the theme, run and hit; and just check out the skillset of all the players.”
With new concepts and schemes, the coaches are asking different things from the players. Bradley said the transition hasn’t been real tough with players like Joey Bosa and Melvin Ingram.
“You have flexibility with Joey Bosa playing a big end at 3-4 and he can play a base end in the 4-3,” Bradley said. “A guy like Melvin, an outside linebacker in the 3-4 is more of a Leo rusher for us. He did that 70 percent of the time anyway.”
NFL Los Angeles Rams Training Camp joint practice with the Los Angeles Chargers at the Crawford Field in Irvine, Ca on August 9, 2017. (Photo by Jevone Moore/Full Image 360)
With it being the first preseason game, the coaches want to keep miscues to a minimum and play mistake-free football. Offensive coordinator Ken Whisenhunt said one game is not going to make or break a player to a large degree, but getting a chance to see them in this first game is a big deal.
“You can go out here and you can put them in game-type situations all you want going against the defense,” Whisenhunt said. “But when you start talking about tackling and cutting guys and getting to full speed, it’s different.”
Cardale Jones (5)
Joey Bosa (99)
A sellout crowd is expected at the StubHub Center on Sunday as the Chargers will play its first game as a Los Angeles Chargers.
WNBA 2017: New York Liberty vs Los Angeles Sparks game at Staples Center in Los Angeles, Ca on August 4, 2017. (Photo by Jevone Moore/Full Image 360)
Candace Parker driving during the New York Liberty vs Los Angeles Sparks game at Staples Center in Los Angeles, Ca on August 4, 2017. (Photo by Jevone Moore/Full Image 360)
Los Angeles, CA – The LA Sparks cruise to another victory at home with great defense 87-74 over the New York Liberty on Friday night at Staples.
Going into the half the Sparks had let the Liberty back in the game giving up 12 fast break points. The lapse in defense allowed them to chip away with 22 points in the paint.
There is a reason why you play all four quarters of a basketball game.
Candace Parker who scored 8 of her team high 24 points in third to allow for her team to regain the lead.
Alana Beard (3) fronting Tina Charles (31) during the New York Liberty vs Los Angeles Sparks game at Staples Center in Los Angeles, Ca on August 4, 2017. (Photo by Jevone Moore/Full Image 360)
“We played our best in the third quarter defensively,” said Sparks head coach Brian Agler, “Our defense fueled our offense.”
This team all season has gone through spells of inconsistent play, but when they focus on their defense they are a tough to stay with.
The Liberty were held to just 11 points in third quarter and the Sparks never really looked back after scoring 25. They stretched their lead to as much as 20 points in the fourth quarter.
Odyssey Sims turn the corner during the New York Liberty vs Los Angeles Sparks game at Staples Center in Los Angeles, Ca on August 4, 2017. (Photo by Jevone Moore/Full Image 360)
Coach Agler who has inserted Odyssey Sims into the starting line-up, looks brilliant based on her play. Tonight Sims exploded scoring 20 points in 34 minutes with no turnovers in the game.
“We have a great team,” said Sims “You never know who going to break out.”
As this team continues to play more games together who knows where the chemistry can take them.
Nneka Ogwumike fighting for space on the baseline during the New York Liberty vs Los Angeles Sparks game at Staples Center in Los Angeles, Ca on August 4, 2017. (Photo by Jevone Moore/Full Image 360)
Nneka Ogwumike who also had strong performance with 17 points, four rebounds, and six assists in the game.
“Every year like starting from scratch,” said Ogwemike.
That has been a rally call for this team, even coach spoke about this squad has been moving in the right direction.
“I challenged them to be the best team we can be.” said Agler.
So New York was just one more team standing in the way of the Sparks who are fighting for one of the top two seeds in this new playoff format adopted last year.
Tina Charles of Liberty who was slowed down with foul trouble still scored 10 points despite missing a whole quarter of play.
New York leading scorer was guard Bria Hartley with 16 points, and three assists for the game.
The Sparks now move their record to 18-6, and will meet Dallas Wings Sunday to start five game road trip.
BURBANK, CA - JULY 31: Studio Tour Hollywood Adds Wonder Woman Exhibit to DC Universe: The Exhibit at Warner Bros. Tour Center on July 31, 2017 in Burbank, California. (Photo by Jevone Moore/fi360 News)
BURBANK, CA – JULY 31: Studio Tour Hollywood Adds Wonder Woman Exhibit to DC Universe: The Exhibit at Warner Bros. Tour Center on July 31, 2017 in Burbank, California. (Photo by Jevone Moore/fi360 News)
WONDER WOMAN IS COMING TO DC UNIVERSE: THE EXHIBIT
AT WARNER BROS. STUDIO TOUR HOLLYWOOD
FEATURING AUTHENTIC COSTUMES AND PROPS FROM THE BLOCKBUSTER FILM
Burbank, Ca – Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood will celebrate Wonder Woman—the summer’s hottest movie release with more than $726 million at the global box office—with a new behind-the-scenes experience to be showcased as part of the Studio Tour located in DC Universe: The Exhibit. The new Wonder Woman exhibit will provide fans the opportunity to fully immerse themselves in the world of the film. Wonder Woman stars Lucy Davis (Etta), Eugene Brave Rock (The Chief), Samantha Jo (Euboea) Caitlin Dechelle (Stunt Double to Gal Gadot), and Michaela Facchinello (Stunt Double to Robin Wright) will kick off the Press Preview on Monday, July 31 at 11AM at Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood, 3400 W. Riverside Drive, Burbank.
Props and costumes are seen as Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood adds a Wonder Woman Exhibit to DC Universe:
(L-R) Actors Caitlin Dechelle, Samantha Jo and Mickey Facchinello attend an event as Warner Bros. Studio Tour
For the first time, fans will be able to view a collection of authentic props and costumes worn by Gal Gadot (Diana Prince /Wonder Woman), including her Lasso of Hestia, armor, tiara, and her signature sword. Props and costumes worn and utilized by Chris Pine (Steve Trevor), Danny Huston (General Ludendorff), Elena Anaya (Dr. Maru), Said Taghmaoui (Sameer), Ewen Bremner (Charlie), and Eugene Brave Rock (The Chief) will be on display for visitors to enjoy as well.
The new Wonder Woman exhibit will showcase a variety of memorable set design elements from the film, including a recreation of the Amazon armory, complete with costumes, props, and décor; the relic display with Diana’s sword; the No Man’s Land vignette, with gas masks and Dr. Maru’s Laboratory; and the ornate London department store set with original costumes and props from the sequence in the movie where Diana, Princess of Themyscira is transformed into Diana Prince.
The Wonder Woman exhibit at the Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood opens to the public July 31, 2017.
About Wonder Woman
Before she was Wonder Woman, she was Diana, princess of the Amazons, trained to be an unconquerable warrior. Raised on a sheltered island paradise, when an American pilot crashes on their shores and tells of a massive conflict raging in the outside world, Diana leaves her home, convinced she can stop the threat. Fighting alongside man in a war to end all wars, Diana will discover her full powers…and her true destiny.
Wonder Woman hit movie theaters around the world June 2, 2017, when Gal Gadot returned as the title character in the epic action adventure Wonder Woman. The film also stars Chris Pine, Robin Wright, Danny Huston, David Thewlis, Connie Nielsen and Elena Anaya.
BURBANK, CA – JULY 31: (L-R) Actors Eugene Brave Rock, Lucy Davis, Samantha Jo, Caitlin Dechelle and Mickey Facchinello attend an event as Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood Adds Wonder Woman Exhibit to DC Universe: Studio Tour Hollywood Adds Wonder Woman Exhibit to DC Universe: The Exhibit at Warner Bros. Tour Center on July 31, 2017 in Burbank, California. (Photo by Jevone Moore/fi360 News)
Patty Jenkins directed the film from a screenplay by Allan Heinberg, story by Zack Snyder & Allan Heinberg and Jason Fuchs, based on characters from DC Entertainment. Wonder Woman was created by William Moulton Marston. The film was produced by Charles Roven, Zack Snyder, Deborah Snyder and Richard Suckle, with Stephen Jones, Geoff Johns, Wesley Coller, Jon Berg and Rebecca Steel Roven serving as executive producers.
Warner Bros. Pictures presents, in association with Tencent Pictures and Wanda Pictures, an Atlas Entertainment/Cruel and Unusual production, Wonder Woman. The film is distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company. www.wonderwomanfilm.com
About Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood
Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood was a recipient of Trip Advisor’s Travelers’ Choice Awards and has been recognized as one of the Top 25 Attractions in the United States. Fans get to see the real sets and soundstages where the greatest names in entertainment made history as they touch, tour and explore the iconic 110-acre studio.
A visit includes a rare look inside many of the lot’s production areas as well as the innovative Stage 48: Script to Screen. The interactive soundstage offers guests the unique opportunity to explore the full film and television production process, step onto the Friends set to sit on the iconic orange couch, and experience firsthand the glory of awards season. Guests explore the Archive, which currently showcases the tour’s latest addition, the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts exhibit, offering an in-depth look at how J.K. Rowling’s Wizarding World has been brought to life over the past 15 years. The Archive also houses DC Universe: The Exhibit, paying homage to the origins of DC Comics and featuring a display of original comic books representing all seven Super Heroes of the Justice League. Additionally, guests can explore authentic props and costumes from Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, Suicide Squad, and Wonder Woman. Guests also stop by the Property Department, which features one of the largest selections of rare antiquities and modern furniture, rugs, drapery, lighting, and hand props from Hollywood’s golden era, followed by the Picture Car Vault, home to some of Batman’s most famous vehicles.
Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood is open Monday through Sunday, 9:00AM to 4:00PM, with studio tours departing every 30 minutes and extended hours offered during the summer, spring break, and winter holiday seasons. Reservations are recommended and all children eight years or older are welcome. Tickets can be purchased online at www.wbstudiotour.com or by calling 818-977-TOUR (8687).
Nneka Ogwumike taking a charge from Glory Johnson during the Dallas Wings vs Los Angeles Sparks game at Staples Center in Los Angeles, Ca on June 13, 2017. (Photo by Jevone Moore/Full Image 360)
Chelsea Gray carving up the paint at Staples Center in Los Angeles, Ca on June 13, 2017. (Photo by Jevone Moore/Full Image 360 file photo)
The Dallas Wings have adopted an unfortunate team slogan.
“There’s no ‘D’ in Dallas;” meaning there’s no defense.
Best believe the Los Angeles Sparks took note of that.
The Sparks poured in 95 points against the travelling Dallas Wings in its 95-74 win at STAPLES Center on Sunday, this after Dallas gave up 109 points in its loss to the Seattle Storm on Friday.
Coming off her historic triple-double against San Antonio on Friday, Candace Parker grabbed a double-double of 23 points and 10 rebounds to go along with five assists. Nneka Ogwumike tallied 22 points and seven rebounds, while Chelsea Gray ended her streak of back-to-back single-digit scoring with a 16-point display.
As the Sparks distributed a season-high 28 assists Sunday afternoon, eight of those came from Odyssey Sims’ season-high assists tally. Gray also tied her career-high eight assists.
“Odyssey in our lineup helps (the rhythm of the game),” Los Angeles Sparks head coach Brian Agler said. “The tempo is quicker when she’s on the floor and Candace pushes the ball well and we want to keep encourage Chelsea to do that too.
“You can’t do that unless you get stops. They got to the free-throw quite a bit on us tonight and when they didn’t, we were getting stops and pushing on transition,” he concluded.
Aerial Powers put up 23 points for the Dallas Wings.
Parker and Ogwumike combined for 31 of the Sparks 49 first-half points, with the latter going for a perfect 6-for-6 shooting in the half.
In a high-octane first quarter, the Sparks poured in 20 points five minutes into the game. Los Angeles capitalized on three quick Dallas turnovers that helped Parker jump to 12 points for in the same time-span.
“Candace is playing very well right now at both ends,” Agler said. “I like how she’s distributing the ball and I like how she’s taking things to the rim – finishing around the rim. We need her to continue that way.”
Though the team settled down for the rest of the quarter, the Sparks maintained momentum and the double-digit lead heading into the second quarter.
The Wings regrouped at the start of the second quarter to cut its deficit to five midway into the frame.
Then things got chippy.
The Sparks put up eight fouls for the rest of the half and the Wings took full advantage of it to stay within distance. The Wings finished the game shooting 28-for-31 from the line.
Though Parker and the Sparks cooled down, Ogwumike stepped up and garnered eight more points in the quarter to keep the Sparks’ lead intact.
“I’m really proud of us in the second half and we really stopped fouling,” Parker said. “We go to ourselves. We go to our huddle. We let Coach Agler handle (the calls) and we just focus on the game and the next play, and that’s what we did.”
As the Wings attempted to further disrupt the Sparks’ momentum at the start of the second half, Los Angeles inevitably regained focused and outscored the Wings 10-0 with three minutes left in the third quarter to establish a 19-point lead heading into the final 10 minutes of the game.
The Sparks added to its lead, eventually stretching it to a game-high 24 points in the final frame.
Larry Scott during the PAC-12 Football Media Day 2017. Live at Ray Dolby Ballroom at the Hollywood and Highland Entertainment Center in Los Angeles, Ca. on July 26, 2017 (Photo by Jevone Moore/Full Image 360)
Chris Petersen Washington Huskies (fi360 News)
Los Angeles, Ca – The PAC-12 Media Day was in full swing Wednesday July 26, 2017 at the Hollywood & Highland Entertainment Center in the Ray Dolby Ballroom.
Media day kicked off with commissioner Larry Scott letting the room know who the PAC-12 is best conference from top to bottom across all sports.
UCLA coach Jim Mora during the PAC-12 Football Media Day 2017. Live at Ray Dolby Ballroom at the Hollywood and Highland Entertainment Center in Los Angeles, Ca. on July 26, 2017 (Photo by Jevone Moore/Full Image 360)
Last school year the PAC-12 was the first ever conference to reach 500 National Championships. The conference finished with 501 to be exact, with the next closest conference more than 200 Wins behind.
12th year in row holding most NCAA Champions in that current year
2016-2017 Season PAC-12 won 13 NCAA Champions
At Summer Olympics if PAC-12 was country they would finished 5th in the World Medal Count
First Pick of NBA, WNBA, and MLS were from PAC-12
Arizona coach Rich Rodriguez
OSU coach Gary Andersen
“Undisputed dominance in the country,” said commissioner Scott when he wrapped up his feelings on the conference as a whole.
On day one stepping to the podiums were Arizona Wildcats, California Bears, Colorado Buffaloes, Oregon State Beavers, UCLA Bruins, and Washington Huskies.
Colorado coach Mike Macintyre during the PAC-12 Football Media Day 2017. Live at Ray Dolby Ballroom at the Hollywood and Highland Entertainment Center in Los Angeles, Ca. on July 26, 2017 (Photo by Jevone Moore/Full Image 360)
Last year PAC-12 football champions the Washington Huskies brought quarterback Jake Browning, linebacker Keishawn Bierria, with coach Chris Peterson.
For the Huskies they will need to stay healthy and have some luck like last year keeping guys on the field.
” This is kind of one of the exciting things I think about college football; that you lose these players and you’ve got to replace them.” said coach Peterson.
California Bears 1st year head coach Justin Wilcox
Once the Bruins took the podiums you could just feel the buzz in the room. They finished off last season on down note not making a bowl game. With this being a new season coach Jim Mora sound upbeat and pretty optimistic for upcoming season.
“Our players have had — we’ve had 25 player-run practices where everybody’s there.” said Mora, “They’re having to compete and cooperate at the same time.”
This year football season should be a great one with 44 games on major networks for the fans to view. Also the PAC-12 will show an additional 35 games on their Networks.
WNBA 2017: Seattle Storm vs Los Angeles Sparks game at Staples Center in Los Angeles, Ca on July 25, 2017. (Photo by Jevone Moore/Full Image 360)
Candace Parker looking to shoot over Breanna Stewart during the Seattle Storm vs Los Angeles Sparks game at Staples Center in Los Angeles, Ca on July 25, 2017. (Photo by Jevone Moore/Full Image 360)
Los Angeles, Ca – A bit of role reversal at STAPLES Center.
After the Los Angeles Sparks had a dominating second quarter at home on Tuesday night, the visiting Seattle Storm flipped the script in the third frame and put the Sparks on its heels.
But Candace Parker and the Sparks regrouped and fended off a hot Storm run to win 68-60 in the team’s return from the All-Star break.
“Seattle like to run their sets and my teammates were able to get our hands on the ball,” said Parker
Jantel Lavender 14 points
Lavender on Defense
Nneka Ogwumike 10 rebounds
Parker tallied a double-double with a team-high 17 points and 10 rebounds, followed by Jantel Lavender’s 14 points. Nneka Ogwumike also grabbed a double-double with 13 points and 10 boards.
The Storm’s Rookie of the Year forward Breanna Stewart led the game with 23 points.
Stewart started hot for the Storm, draining 10 of Seattle’s 19 points in the first quarter and hitting the 1000-point milestone.
But as Stewart was making her shots, so was Parker, who tallied six of the Sparks’ first points. The Sparks, though succeeding to not turn the ball over, only closed out the first quarter with a 21-19 lead.
Ogwumike Contesting Shots
Jewell Loyd 13 points
Stewart sat out at the beginning of the second quarter, cooling off her shot and only mustering five points in the frame as the Storm struggled to establish a scoring run.
After Storm center Crystal Langhorne’s scored her first bucket, Seattle couldn’t find the basket to halt the Sparks’ run. Bird ended the Storm’s scoreless streak at the 3:55 mark, but Seattle only mustered a season-low 10 points in the second frame after closing on a 7-1 run.
“Most definitely our defense stepped up,” said Lavender “Didn’t let all their stars get off.”
In the meantime, the Sparks dominated the court going on a 16-2 run for 6:45. Parker and Lavender led Los Angeles in double-digit scoring in the first half, with 14 and 12 points respectively as the Sparks closed the half with a 40-29 lead.
Though the Sparks opened the second half with a layup from Ogwumike, the Storm ended up with the momentum and scored 11 unanswered points capped by Bird’s pull-up jumper to tie the game at 42 with 4:47 left in the quarter.
Stewart’s dry spell carried over to Parker, who’s 14 first-half points stood for the rest of the third quarter.
Noelle Quinn drove down the lane seconds later for an easy lay-up to give the Storm its first lead of the game since the first quarter. Bird’s mid-range jumper moments later catapulted her over Storm great Lauren Jackson for a franchise-record field-goals made.
The Sparks struggled in the third, but eventually regained its composure and the lead, and maintained its focus the rest of the half to fend off the Storm.
Costa Mesa, CA – The Los Angeles Chargers and New Orleans Saints held a joint practice 
