Quarterback Sam Darnold breaking away from the pressure during the Arizona St vs USC on Oct. 1, 2016 at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, in Los Angeles, Ca. (Photo by Jordon Kelly / fi360 News)
Los Angeles, Ca – The USC Trojans knocked out Arizona State quarterback and team on the way to 41-20 surprise victory at the Coliseum.
The critics have been on USC from the start of season, even football alums just not happy. Somebody needed to step up fast, JuJu Smith-Schuster answered with three touchdowns on seven catches for 123 yards.
The benching of quarterback Max Brown for new starter Sam Darnold at least for tonight led the Trojans to hugh 35 unanswered point victory. Darnold from the pocket throw for 352 yards and accounted for four touchdowns. He connected with nine different receivers for 23 receptions.
Adoree’ Jackson coming up for the tackle on Kalen Ballage during the Arizona St vs USC on Oct. 1, 2016 at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, in Los Angeles, Ca. (Photo by Jordon Kelly / fi360 News)
We have to give some credit to USC defense who knocked Manny Wilkins out game late in first half. He managed 148 yards passing before his departure.
ASU just never really recovered after that blow to this high octane offense that coming into this game was the hottest in PAC-12.
USC defense was lead by Adoree’ Jackson and Jonathan Lockett with five tackles each. Lockett even had interception to give Darnold another opportunity for a touchdown.
Jonathan Lockett making the tackle on Tim White during the Arizona St vs USC on Oct. 1, 2016 at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, in Los Angeles, Ca. (Photo by Jordon Kelly / fi360 News)
Head coach Clay Helton of USC started off press conference saying, “Tough times don’t last, but tough men do.” and “the balance of 100 yard rusher, 300 yard passer with no turnovers was just what doctor ordered.”
Now seeing the defense finally got pressure on the opposing team quarterback with a sound offense looks to be a winning formula for the Trojans.
Next Saturday the Colorado Buffaloes will travel to the Coliseum for 1pm game.
Defensive Back Chris Hawkins celebrating during the Arizona St vs USC on Oct. 1, 2016 at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, in Los Angeles, Ca. (Photo by Jordon Kelly / fi360 News)
High School Football Los Angeles High vs Narbonne Gauchos game action on September 30, 2016. (Photo by Jevone Moore/Full Image 360)
Narbonne running back Kameron Denmark gets flipped during the Los Angeles High vs Narbonne Gauchos game action on September 30, 2016. (Photo by Jevone Moore/Full Image 360)
Harbor City, Ca- The LA High Romans came close to conquering Narbonne in highly anticipated non league game that resulted in 13-6 defeat in the South Bay Friday.
Everyone from the fans, players, coaches were ready to see if the Romans could measure up, oh boy did they. These two teams showed why the last two years they have been at the tops of their respective divisions.
It may be cliche’ but always hear, Defense wins championships. That was definitely the case by the Romans and Gauchos who both shut down drives with key interceptions all throughout the game.
LA High only touchdown of the Los Angeles High vs Narbonne Gauchos game action on September 30, 2016. (Photo by Jevone Moore/Full Image 360)
Pressure from the front sevens were a big part of the game plans. Late in game on 4th and long Narbonne quarterback Jalen Chatman scrambled before throwing hail mary that was plucked out the air by Tyrone Marshall. This score was just enough offensive to escape the Romans and remain unbeaten before starting up league play next week.
LA High showed on the opening drive that they belonged with a deep 40 yards reception across the 50 yard line. Then few penalties and Narbonne defense stepped up to kill the drive.
Both teams had similar drive all night, as soon as things would get going a big swing in momentum would come. The Romans took a big blow when controversy wide receiver out bounds call nullified a tying touchdown.
Narbonne wide receiver T. Walker finding space during the Los Angeles High vs Narbonne Gauchos game action on September 30, 2016. (Photo by Jevone Moore/Full Image 360)
With the game hanging in the balance at 6-6 in the fourth quarter it was still anybody’s ball game.
Narbonne behind Chatman’s arm was working on quick seem routes but LA’s tight coverage matched with the pressure only allowed for 180 yards, two touchdowns with four interceptions.
One of top players on the field not playing quarterback was Javon Mitchell a multi-purpose player who had two interceptions and a bunch of first down catches to extend drives. Certain players just know how to make plays when needed.
Javon Mitchell celebrating on touchdown that was called back during the Los Angeles High vs Narbonne Gauchos game action on September 30, 2016. (Photo by Jevone Moore/Full Image 360)
After tonight’s loss the city section as whole knows to add some RESPECK on it when they say LA High Football.
Next up for Narbonne will host Gardena Friday at 7 p.m. and LA High will host Dorsey Friday at 3 p.m.
WNBA 2016: Chicago Sky vs Los Angeles Sparks game at Long Beach State in Long Beach, Ca on September 28, 2016. (Photo by Jevone Moore/Full Image 360)
Nneka Ogwumike drives to basket for 2 of 27 points during the Chicago Sky vs Los Angeles Sparks game at Long Beach State in Long Beach, Ca on September 28, 2016. (Photo by Jevone Moore/Full Image 360)
Long Beach, Ca- On a night filled with extra excitement the Los Angeles Sparks defeat the Chicago Sky 95-75 at the Long Beach Pyramid.
This semifinals best of five match up is now just 1-0 in favor of the Sparks. Before tonight’s game Sparks forward Nneka Ogwumike was awarded the WNBA Player of The Year Trophy at a press conference. Then to add more positive energy teammate Jantel Lavender was awarded 6th Player of the year.
The Sparks protected their home court even being away from Staples Center their normal home arena.
The first quarter of play was just little bit off for the Sparks only holding two point lead. Something clicked in the second quarter when the they shot 70 percent from the field and broke this game open.
Nenka Ogwumike, Brian Agler and Jantel Lavender before the Chicago Sky vs Los Angeles Sparks game after being awarded their trophies on September 28, 2016. (Photo by Jevone Moore/Full Image 360)
Having two MVP caliber players on the same team always helps in winning games. Candace Parker who scored 30 points, 9 rebounds and Ogwumike dropped 27 points, 10 rebounds to lead the Sparks in scoring. That type fire power is great to have, Parker said “We have great chemistry with our high low game.”
League 6th player of the year Lavender showed up all night hitting her first basket a three-pointer right on cue. During the fourth quarter she led her team with six points, on the road to the victory.
From the bench Chicago had reserve guard Jamierra Faulkner lead her team with 13 points. The Sky had some bright spots throughout the game but just not enough defense and scoring power to pull off an upset.
Nneka Ogwumike driving through traffic during the Sparks vs Sky game at Long Beach State in Long Beach, Ca on September 28, 2016. (Photo by Jevone Moore/Full Image 360)
In the post game press conference Chicago coach Pokey Chatman gave credit to the Sparks for a great game but let us know she reminded her team it’s just one game.
Both teams will practice tomorrow and get ready for game two at Staples Center on Friday, September 30 at 7pm before going to windy city for game three.
Nneka Ogwumike making her way to basket during the Phoenix Mercury vs Los Angeles Sparks game at Staples Center in Los Angeles, Ca on September 13, 2016. (Photo by Jevone Moore/Full Image 360)
Nneka Ogwumike going hard at Brittney Griner during the Phoenix Mercury vs Los Angeles Sparks at Staples Center in Los Angeles, Ca on June 17, 2016. (Photo by Jevone Moore/Full Image 360)
SPARKS’ NNEKA OGWUMIKE NAMED
2016 WNBA MOST VALUABLE PLAYER PRESENTED BY SAMSUNG
NEW YORK, Sept. 27, 2016 – Los Angeles Sparks forward Nneka Ogwumike has been named the 2016 WNBA Most Valuable Player presented by Samsung, the league announced today. The fifth-year forward earned her first MVP award and became the eighth different player in the last eight years to win the honor. She is the third winner for the Sparks, joining teammate Candace Parker (2008, 2013) and Lisa Leslie (2001, 2004, 2006).
Ogwumike (362 points) received 31 of 39 first-place votes from a national panel of sportswriters and broadcasters. Tina Charles of the New York Liberty received the other eight first-place votes and finished second with 267 points, followed by Maya Moore of the Minnesota Lynx (197 points), Elena Delle Donne of the Chicago Sky (119 points) and Parker (30 points). Players were awarded 10 points for a first-place vote, seven points for a second-place vote, five points for a third-place vote, three points for a fourth-place vote and one point for a fifth-place vote.
Behind Ogwumike, Los Angeles went 26-8 and earned the No. 2 seed in the 2016 WNBA Playoffs presented by Verizon. The Sparks won their first 11 games, the second-longest winning streak to open a season in WNBA history, and their 20-1 record through 21 games equaled the best one-loss start ever. Los Angeles hosts Chicago in Game 1 of the WNBA Semifinals on Wednesday, Sept. 28 at 10 p.m. ET on ESPN2.
Ogwumike shot a WNBA-best 66.5 percent from the field this season, the second-highest mark of all time, and set league records for consecutive field goals made (23) and most field goals in a game without a miss (12, against the Dallas Wings on June 11). She also ranked third in the league in scoring (career-high 19.7 ppg) and rebounding (career-high 9.1 rpg) and recorded the second-most double-doubles (18). The former Stanford University standout added career highs in assists (3.1 apg) and blocks (1.2 bpg) to go with 1.3 steals in 33 games.
A three-time WNBA All-Star and the 2012 WNBA Rookie of the Year presented by Samsung, Ogwumike was named Western Conference Player of the Week six times and Western Conference Player of the Month presented by Samsung twice this season.
This year marks the third season that Samsung, an official WNBA marketing partner, is serving as the presenting partner of the WNBA’s highest individual honors. The WNBA Performance Awards presented by Samsung program includes the WNBA Most Valuable Player, WNBA Most Improved Player, WNBA Sixth Woman of the Year, WNBA Defensive Player of the Year, WNBA Rookie of the Year and the WNBA Players of the Month and Rookie of the Month awards.
In honor of being named the WNBA Most Valuable Player presented by Samsung, Ogwumike will receive $15,000 and a specially designed trophy by Tiffany & Co. adidas is commemorating Ogwumike’s MVP win with exclusive t-shirts available tomorrow on WNBAStore.com.
About Samsung Electronics America, Inc.
Headquartered in Ridgefield Park, N.J., Samsung Electronics America, Inc. (SEA), is a recognized innovative leader in consumer electronics, mobile devices and enterprise solutions. A wholly owned subsidiary of Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., SEA is pushing beyond the limits of today’s technology and providing consumers and organizations with a portfolio of groundbreaking products in appliances, home entertainment, Internet of Things, mobile computing, smartphones, virtual reality, wireless infrastructure and wearables, in addition to offering leading content and services related to mobile payments, 360-degree VR video, customer support and more. Samsung is a pioneering leader in smartphones and HDTVs in the U.S. and one of America’s fastest growing home appliance brands. To discover more about Samsung, please visit www.samsung.com. For the latest Samsung news, please visit news.samsung.com/us and follow us @SamsungNewsUS.
About Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. inspires the world and shapes the future with transformative ideas and technologies. The company is redefining the worlds of TVs, smartphones, wearable devices, tablets, cameras, digital appliances, printers, medical equipment, network systems, and semiconductor and LED solutions. For the latest news, please visit the Samsung Newsroom at news.samsung.com.
About the WNBA
The WNBA, which features 12 teams, is a unique global sports property combining competition, sportsmanship, and entertainment with its status as an icon for social change, achievement, and diversity. The league, which counts Verizon as its leaguewide marquee partner, concluded its 20th regular season on Sept. 18, 2016.
Through WNBA Cares, the WNBA is deeply committed to creating programs that improve the quality of life for all people, with a special emphasis on programs that promote a healthy lifestyle and positive body image, increase breast and women’s health awareness, support youth and family development, and focus on education. For more information on the WNBA, log on to www.wnba.com.
The Los Angeles Clippers Media Day 2016 with Chris Paul, Blake Griffin, and DeAndre Jordan on stage during question and answer period at the Clippers training facility in Playa Vista, Ca on Monday, Sept 26. (All Photos by William Johnson / fi360 News)
Playa Vista, Ca – The Los Angeles Clippers are back with their eyes on a championship banner as the team goal for success.
The core of the team remained intact from last years team that finished fourth in the Western Conference with a record of 53-29 before falling short in the playoffs.
Head coach Doc Rivers now entering his fourth season at the helm, along with newer title of general manager. So this season big question is will Doc GM make the right moves? Doc the coach already feels that the new additions can play with any team in NBA, Doc said, “I think we can play with anybody, and we don’t feel like there’s a gap,”
THE BIG THREE Chris Paul, Blake Griffin, DeAndre Jordan will need to carry this team to the NBA Finals. There are no contract talks, suspension, or free agency talk to cloud the waters.
Blake Griffin
Doc Rivers
Chris Paul
Luc Mbah a Moute
Jamal Crawford
DeAndre Jordan
For this season the Clippers have brought in some talent to help when the second unit take the floor, which was low point last year.
Clippers new faces:
Guards ForwardsCenters
Alan Anderson Jeff Ayres Diamond Stone
Raymond Felton Brandon Bass Marresse Speights
Dorell Wright Brice Johnson
Returners
Chris Paul Blake Griffin DeAndre Jordan
J.J. Redick Paul Pierce
Jamal Crawford Luc Mbah a Moute
Austin Rivers Wesley Johnson
The Clippers will start off their preseason on the road Tuesday, Oct. 4 at Oracle Arena versus the Golden State Warriors. Then they will host the Toronto Raptors Wednesday, Oct 5 at Staples Center.
Let’s get ready to see what this year Los Angeles Clippers will bring to the court!
Stanford DL Solomon Thomas walking into the Rose Bowl before the Stanford Cardinals vs UCLA Bruins on September 24, 2016. (Photo by Jevone Moore/Full Image 360)
Offensive: Steven Montez, Fr., QB, Colorado • In Colorado’s 41-38 win at Oregon, the redshirt freshman made his first collegiate start, and had 468 yards of total offense and 23 first downs earned (8 rush/15 passing). • He enjoyed the best game in a quarterback’s first start at Colorado in terms total offense (surpassing 430 by Kordell Stewart vs. Colorado State in 1992 – 409 pass/21 rush). • His 135 yards rushing were the most in a debut by a starting QB at Colorado (topping the 116 by Darian Hagan vs. Texas in 1989) and is the 10th most in any game all-time at Colorado by a quarterback (and the first 100-yard game by a quarterback since Nov. 4, 2006 when Bernard Jackson rushed for 105 against Kansas State). • His 468 yards of total offense were the fourth-most in a single-game in Colorado history and it was the first-ever 300 passing/100 rushing game in school history • His 14 straight completions in the first half tied for the second-most in school history (trailing 15 by Mike Moschetti over two games in 1999); it matched the most in one game (Koy Detmer, 14 at Colorado State in 1996).
Solomon Thomas DL
Defensive: Solomon Thomas, Jr., DL, Stanford • Had three tackles, one sack, two tackles for loss, one fumble recovery, one touchdown in Stanford’s 22-13 victory over UCLA. • Held the Bruins to 77 rushing yards and 2.3 yards per rush • Thomas’ sack in the third quarter with Stanford down by seven forced a punt, and his 42-yard fumble return for a TD on final play of game sealed the Pac-12 road victory
Special Teams: Zane Gonzalez Sr., PK, Arizona State • Gonzalez totaled 15 points on the night (3FG, 6XP), in ASU’s 51-41 victory over USC. • With his three field goals, Gonzalez moved into 4th in FBS history for career field goals made at 84. FSU’s Dustin Hopkins holds the FBS record of 88. • He is now one shy of the Pac-12 record of 85 by UCLA’s Kai Forbath (2007-10). He has now scored a point in 43 consecutive games and is near Luis Zendejas’ school record of 45 consecutive games with points scored set from 1981-1984. • Gonzalez booted seven of his 10 kickoffs on the night for touchbacks moving his season total to 30-of-37 (81.1 percent).
ABC7 Reporter Anabel Muñoz (L) conversing with presentation attendees on Thursday, September 22 at El Camino College in Torrance, Ca. (Photo by Jevone Moore / Full Image 360)
Torrance, CA – In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month El Camino College hosted ABC7 Eyewitness news Reporter Anabel Muñoz Thursday for a presentation, at 11a.m. in the east dining room.
Muñoz has her dream job now working for ABC7 news after Noticias MundoFOX 22 was forced to shut down. Taking a setback in stride provided her the opportunity to take a leap of faith and apply for ABC7 position.
Her presentation to a packed house of future journalists, and Spanish class students heard a few highlights and challenges of her career.
One proud moment that she called favorite story was about 18-year-old lady who grew up in foster care not knowing her family or biological father. Crystal reached out to Muñoz hoping she would help find her father. Muñoz pitched the story to her executive producer and soon the father-daughter were reunited.
From this and many other experiences Muñoz said, “What I cover matters, ” and “Microphone is powerful”
Her typical day as a Multi Media Journalists (MMJ) requires her to self sufficient, from setting up her own camera, being solo on location, then editing the video before deadline of the news story. Not as glamorous as some would think, but so rewarding to Muñoz.
“I believe I can change the world.”, said Muñoz who encouraged the audience to use their gift / passion to change the world.
California demographics continue to change over time, while Muñoz being a bilingual reporter has made herself more valuable due to this skill set.
Growing up with immigrant parents who were raised in Mexico City before raising their daughter in the Bellflower area. Spanish was taught first at home with English being second, making the language barrier at school a hurdle to overcome. This became a big help during her last year in college when Muñoz decided to report in Spanish to aid the Hispanic community.
Muñoz was a bright light in the room and encouraged the audience to study abroad while they were still young to grow their life experiences.
Background
Anabel Muñoz
College: Cypress College, Biola University, BA Journalism (Broadcast Emphasis) Minor in Biblical Studies
A general assignment reporter for ABC7 Eyewitness News in Los Angeles. Anabel was born and raised in Los Angeles — a city she loves for its people, diversity, beauty and influence. (Source ABC7)
DALLAS (FWAA) – Quarterback Lamar Jackson put on another show last Saturday, accounting for 362 total yards and five touchdowns as the Louisville Cardinals rolled over Florida State, 63-20. By also holding one of the nation’s top offenses to 284 total yards, Louisville earned the Football Writers Association of America National Team of the Week honor for games of the weekend of Sept. 17.
The announcement was made on “Playbook,” hosted by Chris Carlin and Gino Torretta on SiriusXM Radio’s “College Sports Nation.” Each Monday during the season, the FWAA National Team of the Week will be unveiled during the program, which airs from 1-4 p.m. ET.
“We know all about them coming back and not just against us, but against other teams and what they were able to do,” Head Coach Bobby Petrino said. “We just talked about finishing, playing one play at a time, working on the process and letting the scoreboard take care of itself.”
Louisville is now 20-0 as a ranked team at home under Petrino, winning by an average of 52-18 in those games. It also set a school record by scoring at least 60 points in its first three games, while handing FSU its third-worst loss in school history.
This is the second time for Louisville to earn National Team of the Week honors. The other came in 2006.
Other National Team of the Week nominees for the weekend of Sept. 17 included:
• Nebraska (3-0): The Cornhuskers toppled No. 21 Oregon, rallying from a 13-point second-quarter deficit behind the ground-game tandem of quarterback Tommy Armstrong Jr., and running back Devine Ozigbo, who each posted 95 yards and a touchdown. Armstrong also threw for 200 yards, breaking Taylor Martinez’s school record for career passing yards at 7,376.
• North Dakota State (3-0): The Bison stole a sixth straight victory over an FBS team when Cam Pedersen kicked a 37-yard field goal as time expired to give NDSU a 23-21 win over at Iowa. NDSU got a second chance at the win after failing on a two-point conversion trailing 21-20 with 3:41 left. The Bison outgained Iowa 363-231 and yielded only 59 total yards in the second half.
The Football Writers Association of America has named a national team of the week since the 2002 season. Members of the 12-person FWAA All-America Committee – plus one fan vote from Twitter – decide the weekly honor.
Founded in 1941, the Football Writers Association of America consists of 1,400 men and women who cover college football. The membership includes journalists, broadcasters and publicists, as well as key executives in all the areas that involve the game. The FWAA works to govern areas that include game-day operations, major awards and its annual All-America team. For more information about the FWAA and its award programs, contact Steve Richardson at tiger@fwaa.com.
2016 National Teams of the Week • Weekend of Sept. 3: Houston Cougars • Weekend of Sept. 10: Arkansas Razorbacks • Weekend of Sept. 17: Louisville Cardinals
High School Football Mater Dei Catholic vs Hawkins Hawks game action on September 16, 2016. (Photo by Jevone Moore/Full Image 360)
CJ Verdell getting to the outside during Mater Dei Catholic vs Hawkins Hawks game action on September 16, 2016. (Photo by Jevone Moore/Full Image 360)
The game turned into a classic shootout with both teams trading touchdowns in the fourth quarter. Hawkins and Mater Dei Catholic were all tied, 42-42, with 11 seconds remaining in the game when Hawkins kicker Brandon Sanchez drilled a 34-yard field goal to give the Hawks the lead. On the final play of the game, Hawkins scooped up a fumble and returned for a touchdown, giving the Hawks a 51-24 win.
Despite the offensive output, the Hawks’ defense had their hands full with Oregon commit CJ Verdell, who rushed for 286 yards on 28 carries while adding five touchdowns and a touchdown as a kick returner.
“I feel we have the athletes and skill players to score on anyone,” Hawkins head coach Milvon James. “He (Verdell) made great plays. It was a great feeling for our team; to fight hard and come out with the win.”
Hawkins trailed 28-14 at halftime. Hawkins Athlete Greg Johnson took a 14-yard run to cut the lead, 28-21 in the third quarter. After a defensive stop, Hawkins quarterback Dylan Lemle scrambled right and found Eric Fuller Jr. in the end zone for 19-yard touchdown, tying the score, 28-28, in the fourth quarter.
“I knew this was going to be a tough game but I believed in my team,” Johnson said. “I was confident in our kicker. I’ve seen him hit 40 and 50 yarders in practice.”
After a Johnson interception, Lemle scored on a keeper from a yard out in the second quarter.
Verdell scored on runs of 26 and 50 for a 28-14 lead going into halftime. Johnson took the handoff and scored from 14 yards out, cutting the lead 28-21 in the third quarter.
Eric Fuller
Christopher Jones
Greg Johnson
Verdell answers with his fifth touchdown of the game, giving Mater Dei the 35-28 lead with 9:38 left in the game. The Hawks 7-play drive was capped by a 7-yard touchdown run by Johnson, tying the score, 35-35.
A 14-yard touchdown run by Verdell gave Mater Dei a 42-35 lead with 5:35 left in the game. Johnson added a 3-yard touchdown run to tie the score, 42-42.
“I believe in our kicker,” James said. “He’s made game winners before so that part was routine. He has ice in his veins.”
Receiver Eric Fuller celebrates after a touchdown during the Mater Dei Catholic vs Hawkins Hawks game action on September 16, 2016. (Photo by Jevone Moore/Full Image 360)
A 39-yard catch by Jalen Hall set up Sanchez’s 34-yard field goal with 11 seconds left in the game.
“I had my team’s support so I felt good,” Sanchez said. “I was confident and I knew I could make that kick.”
WNBA 2016: Phoenix Mercury vs Los Angeles Sparks game at Staples Center in Los Angeles, Ca on September 13, 2016. (Photo by Jevone Moore/Full Image 360)
Nneka Ogwumike making her way to basket during the Phoenix Mercury vs Los Angeles Sparks game at Staples Center in Los Angeles, Ca on September 13, 2016. (Photo by Jevone Moore/Full Image 360)
Los Angeles, Ca – Los Angeles pulls off the win over Phoenix in a championship fashion Sparks 90 Mercury 85.
The Sparks had a rough ride these last three games. With two oh so close you couldn’t believe they lost games against Minnesota and Atlanta. Then insult to injury when they were washed out by Seattle. Having their lowest scoring game of all season. But it looked like the Sparks got over the shock of it all to turn the ship upright for a win tonight.
The first-quarter saw the Sparks doing their best to set the tone and pace of the game by taking the lead nice and early. They stirred the pot with a few three-point shots and some solid rebounding on both ends of the court, which was the foundation they needed to lay.
Griner (42)
Anthony Brown of LA Lakers
Parker (3)
By the second quarter the Mercury started to heat up with DeWanna Bonner coming on the court looking uncontainable. Bonner was hitting at the line, sinking three-pointers and had some solid jump shots with which she was able to tie up the game in three short minutes. Talking about making the most out of the time you have. Her team feeling her drive picked, up their efforts giving the Mercury eight point lead going into the half.
Come the third quarter Nneka Ogwuike was able to break loose and get multiple drives through the lane, and Jentel Lavender was more than happy to layup anything Nneka wasn’t getting her hands on.
But the fourth quarter Superstar had to be Chelsea Gray scoring 13 points in the fourth quarter alone. She is really coming into her own this season looking like a well rounded player. Chelsea was 5-6 at the line, 2-3 in three point country and had five assist. She also had a career-high game tonight with a total of 23 points. You could see this really took the pressure off of some of her teammates, like Nneka Ogwuike with 24 points and 10 rebounds and Jantel Lavender with 17 points.
Alana Beard might not have been the highest scoring player tonight, but she will be making it to the instant replay reel on all your favorite sports channels with her ridiculous snatch and grab steals and the infamous “not in my house” blocks.
Unfortunately the Phoenix Mercury needed this win far more then the Los Angeles Sparks did for their playoff position. To Phoenix’s credit they looked much improved since their last meet up with the Sparks but the stars were not aligned in their favor. The Sparks have one more regular-season game against San Antonio on September 16. The Sparks already have three wins against San Antonio this season let’s see if they can make it a sweep.