High School Football Hawkins Hawks vs Dorsey Dons game action on October 13, 2016. (Photo by Jevone Moore/Full Image 360)
Brandon Sanchez kicking 27 yard field goal for the victory during the High School Football Hawkins Hawks vs Dorsey Dons game action on October 13, 2016. (Photo by Jevone Moore/Full Image 360)
Los Angeles, Ca – The game was tied 21-21 with 3.5 seconds left on the clock when Hawkins kicker Brandon Sanchez #20 stepped up and nailed a 27 yards field goal for the victory 24-21 over Dorsey.
A Dorsey fumble with 3:54 started of the Hawkins final drive that used great clock management and few key plays to set up the kick.
Being in this situation before Hawkins gave the ball to running back Greg Johnson to place ball on the right hash with confidence in going for the win on Sanchez leg again.
Jerman Gotoy Rolling Out
Dorsey Homecoming Court 2016
The Dorsey Dons were looking for payback on Homecoming, from last year overtime defeat that ended in similar fashion with 50 yard Sanchez kick.
The intensity of this game was already turnt up, then by kickoff the like of Michigan’s Jim Harbaugh, USC’s Clay Helton, Cal’s Greg Burns and Jacob Peeler, Arizona’s Tony Dews, and Washington’s Jimmy Lake.
Greg Johnson delivering a blow on end of a run during the High School Football Hawkins Hawks vs Dorsey Dons game action on October 13, 2016. (Photo by Jevone Moore/Full Image 360)
Johnson who is already verbally committed to Arizona played a solid game rushing 29 times for 190 yards. When Hawkins needed a big play Johnson was there with his legs and hands.
The fi30 News players of the game was kick returner / slot receiver Joseph Branch who returned a kick for a 86 yards touchdown in the second half and 21-13 lead. “I dropped it and knew I had to score,” said Branch “we don’t drop kick returns”
On the last Dorsey touchdown 21-19 coach Charles Mincy elected to go for 2pt conversion that was unsuccessful.
At the time looked like a big fail, his faith in his defense served well series later when a deep punt placed Hawkins on their own 5 yard line. Then the Dons pressure forced a safety due to intentional grounding call and 21-21 tie.
Few plays later with Dorsey looking for the win and having the ball in Jerman Gotoy hand at quarterback. Then came that vital third fumble of the game that lead to the loss.
Jarell Mickens
Interception by Hawkins Eric Fuller Jr.
Now Hawkins remains unbeaten at 7-0 and will host LA High Friday, October 21 at 7 p.m. Dorsey will play Crenshaw at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum Saturday, October 22 at 10 a.m.
Adoree’ Jackson flying with CU logo football after an interception during the Colorado Buffaloes vs USC Trojans at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on October 8, 2016. (Photo by Jevone Moore/Full Image 360)
Lott IMPACT Trophy
Honoring College Football’s Defensive Best in Character and Performance
Presented by The Pacific Club IMPACT Foundation
USC’S ADOREE’ JACKSON
NAMED LOTT IMPACT PLAYER OF THE WEEK
(Oct. 11, 2016)
NEWPORT BEACH, Ca. – USC’s all-purpose star Adoree’ Jackson has been named the Lott IMPACT Player of the Week.
The 5-11, 185-pound junior made numerous big plays in the Trojans’ 21-17 win over Colorado Saturday. Jackson had a dynamic 47-yard punt return, a 38-yard kick return, six tackles and a highlight-reel interception in the win.
In recognition of Jackson’s performance, the Pacific Club IMPACT Foundation, sponsors of the Lott IMPACT Trophy, will make a $1,000 donation to the general scholarship fund at USC.
Wrote Alex Kirshner of SB Nation on Jackson’s interception. “Jackson does a midair banana split, basically, and somehow manages to tap his right foot in bounds without either destroying a ligament or losing the ball. It’s an incredible feat of flexibility and coordination.”
Jackson leads the nation in punt returns with an 18.7 yard average and is 8th in the nation in kick returns with 31.7 yard average.
Other notable performances by players on the Lott IMPACT Watch List:
Ben Boulware, LB, Clemson – Led Tigers with 9 tackles and forced a fumble in 56-10 win over Boston College.
Josh Carraway, DE, TCU — Recorded three sacks (4 tackles for losses) and eight total tackles in win over Kansas, 24-23.
Kevin Davis, LB, Colorado State – Had 7 tackles, one interception, one fumble recovery and one quarterback hurry in win over Utah State, 31-24.
Dylan Haines, S, Texas – Had two interceptions (for 38 yards) and two tackles in loss to Oklahoma, 45-40.
Andrew King, LB, Army – Had a game high 15 tackles, one sack and recovered a fumble in loss to Duke, 13-6.
Desmond King, S, Iowa – Returned seven punts for 59 yards, two kickoffs for 48 yards, had a tackle for loss and broke up a pass in 14-7 win over Minnesota.
Jabrill Peppers, LB, Michigan – Scored two rushing touchdowns (7, 4 yards), set up another with a 63-yard run from scrimmage, added two tackles and one quarterback hurry in 78-0 win over Rutgers.
Weston Steelhammer, S, Air Force – Had team high 11 tackles with one sack and broke up one pass in loss to Wyoming, 35-26
Player of the Week Winners, 2016
Week One – Jack Cichy, Wisconsin
Week Two – Calvin Munson, San Diego State
Week Three – Jabrill Peppers, Michigan
Week Four – Laiu Moeakiola, Arizona State
Week Five – Ben Boulware, Clemson
Week Six – Adoree’ Jackson, USC
Previous Winners of the Lott IMPACT Trophy
2004 – David Pollack, Georgia
2005 – DeMeco Ryans, Alabama
2006 – Dante Hughes, Cal
2007 – Glenn Dorsey, LSU
2008 – James Laurinaitis, Ohio State
2009 – Jerry Hughes, TCU
2010 – J.J. Watt, Wisconsin
2011- Luke Kuechly, Boston College
2012 – Manti Te’o, Notre Dame
2013 – Anthony Barr, UCLA
2014 – Eric Kendricks, UCLA
2015 – Carl Nassib, Penn State
Named after College and Pro Football Hall of Fame member, Ronnie Lott, The Lott IMPACT Trophy is awarded to college football’s Defensive IMPACT Player of the Year. Founded in 2004 by The Pacific Club IMPACT Foundation, The Lott Trophy is the first and only college football award to equally recognize athletic performance and the personal character attributes of the player. The Lott Trophy is given to the player who exhibits the same characteristics Lott embodied during his distinguished career: Integrity, Maturity, Performance, Academics, Community and Tenacity. Voters for the award include selected members of the national media, previous finalists, the Board of Directors of the Pacific Club IMPACT Foundation and a distinguished group of former college football head coaches. To date, the Foundation has donated more than $1.2 million to various charities throughout the country. The 13th annual Lott Trophy dinner will be held Dec. 11th at The Pacific Club in Newport Beach, California. For more information on The Lott Trophy visit: www.LottImpactTrophy.org.
Colorado Buffaloes vs USC Trojans at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on October 8, 2016. (Photo by Jevone Moore/Full Image 360)
WR Darreus Rodgers takes away the football for 46 yard reception during the Colorado Buffaloes vs USC Trojans at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on October 8, 2016. (Photo by Jevone Moore/Full Image 360)
Los Angeles, CA – The USC Trojans were desperate to get a victory over the No. 21 ranked Colorado Buffaloes who were defeated in close game 21-17 at the Coliseum.
It wasn’t the best looking game with glitz and glamour but you did see some tough grind it out football.
One play that personified the grind was in 4th quarter tied up 14-14 with less than ten minutes on the clock from their 30 yard line. It was 2nd & 10 when wide receiver Darreus Rodgers jumped on a 50/50 ball and took ball away to scamper for 46 yards pick up that lead to a touchdown and the lead 21-14.
Deontay Burnett breaking away after the catch during the Colorado Buffaloes vs USC Trojans at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on October 8, 2016. (Photo by Jevone Moore/Full Image 360)
The Trojans did finish the game with 539 total offensive yards with 358 yards from Sam Darnold arm.
The quarterback switch for the Trojans has shown big benefits, USC head coach Clay Helton said, “When have athletic quarterback gotta let him play, and not put him in a box”, “I can live with the interception, just a freshman mistake.”
Adoree’ Jackson flying with CU logo football after an interception during the Colorado Buffaloes vs USC Trojans at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on October 8, 2016. (Photo by Jevone Moore/Full Image 360)
On defense Adoree’ Jackson made an incredible interception in the game by toeing the line as came down from soaring high for the pick. Jackson spoke about using his long jump technique called hitch where keep arms and legs moving with keep core tight to control your body. This stalled Colorado drive in the second half to get his offensive back on the field to score.
They last two games the USC defense have been put in the right positions to make plays. Defensive coordinator Clancy Pendergast was praised by coach Helton in post game press conference about his pressure on opposing team quarterbacks.
Marquise Lee leading the Trojans into battle at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on October 8, 2016. (Photo by Jevone Moore/Full Image 360)
USC’s Long Beach Poly standouts after the game at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on October 8, 2016. (Photo by Jevone Moore/Full Image 360)
The USC Trojans know back to .500 ball with a 3-3 record will travel to Tucson to face the Arizona Wildcats Saturday, Oct. 15 at 3:30 p.m. on Fox.
High School Football Norte Dame vs Serra game action on October 7, 2016. (Photo by Jevone Moore/Full Image 360)
Defense Back Max Williams tackling Tyler Asemota during the High School Football Notre Dame vs Serra game action on October 7, 2016. (Photo by Jevone Moore/Full Image 360)
Gardena, Ca – The Serra Cavaliers have caught their stride defeating Notre Dame 38-7 for second in row Mission league win.
It normally doesn’t take this long for the Cavaliers to catch their stride and build up some quality victories. Combination of playing tough non conference schedule and being a very young team has them maturing at different pace.
One of those young players Max Williams only a 10th grader has added a spark for the Cavs in defensive backfield. Williams is also a dangerous return man, who took a punt for a 55 yard touchdown in second quarter that stretched lead to 24-0.
Notre Dame started the season hot winning first three games before hitting this rough patch.
Head coach Kevin Rooney will need to find some answers because in heart of league play for Notre Dame.
Making an impact for the offensive was Serra quarterback Jalani Eason using his arm as well as his legs. Eason threw two touchdowns with 207 yards on 16 completions and rushed for additional 106 yards.
QB Jalani Eason breaking away from Notre Dame defender during the Notre Dame vs Serra game action on October 7, 2016. (Photo by Jevone Moore/Full Image 360)
Having a dual threat quarterback under center is a huge advantage to make a defense play honest so you can pick and choose the right plays.
Serra came out and scored on its opening with easy grinding it out the length of the field for 7-0 score. The game pretty much followed suit from then on, with bunch back ups entering the game late in 3rd quarter.
High School Football Notre Dame vs Serra game action on October 7, 2016. (Photo by Jevone Moore/Full Image 360)
Next up for the Serra Cavaliers will travel to Bishop Amat Friday, Oct. 14 and Notre Dame will travel to Chaminade for their game.
Alana Beard on tight defense of Maya Moore with Kristi Tolver there for help. Photo by Jevone Moore
Candace Parker driving to the basket against Minnesota Lynx. (Photo by Jevone Moore / Full Image 360) File photo 2015
Los Angeles, Ca – It doesn’t always work out this way but this year WNBA Finals matchup of No. 1 Minnesota Lynx (28-6) vs No. 2 Los Angeles Sparks (26-8) will begin on Sunday, Oct. 9 at 6 p.m. PT on ABC.
This best of five series will start out in Minnesota who won homecourt advantage and held the series lead 2-1 head up against Los Angeles.
At quick glance most fans will wonder how a finals match has two Western Conference teams pitted against each other. This year the WNBA implemented a new playoff format of the top eight teams would be seeded for the playoffs based on record regardless of conference.
The story lines have been building all season, even from the first regular season matchup of these two team. They were both undefeated at the time and game didn’t disappoint with a playoff atmosphere and three point defeat for Los Angeles (11-1) at the time.
Maya Moore just barley gets past Jennifer Lacy on drive to basket in the 2nd qtr. Photo by Jevone Moore
Maya Moore the No. 3 scorer in the WNBA averaging 25.7 points a game will have to be a big part of the series if the Lynx want to win fourth championship.
This will be Candace Parker first birth to a finals in WNBA, she is six leading scorer in the league averaging 22 points, second rebounds 10.03, and ninth assists 4.5 per game. So the Sparks will go as far as Parker can pull her teammates with her for the ride while keeping them involved on both sides of the ball.
The Sparks also has WNBA MVP Nneka Ogwumike playing on the wing for a great one, two punch. Then when you need a spark off the bench he comes 6th player of the year Jantel Lavender.
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)
The winner of this year finals will be great for the league no matter who wins. GO WNBA!
Oct 8: Washington QB Browning (3) taking a shotgun snap during of the Washington vs USC at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. (Photo by Jevone Moore/Full Image 360)
DALLAS (FWAA) – The Washington Huskies raced to a 23-0 halftime lead and shut down defending Pac-12 champion Stanford, 44-6, on Friday night in Seattle. For winning the key Pac-12 Conference matchup between top-10 teams, the Huskies (5-0, 2-0) earned the Football Writers Association of America National Team of the Week honor for games of the weekend of Oct. 1.
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.
Jake Browning threw for 210 yards and three touchdowns and Myles Gaskin added 100 yards and two touchdowns on the ground in the rout. The Huskies controlled the line play and the pace of the game with 214 rushing yards, averaging 5.2 yards per carry, and scored on six of eight possessions. Washington’s defense provided eight sacks to keep Stanford at bay, the Huskies’ highest one-game total since 2002.
“We don’t get any trophies for winning tonight,” Washington coach Chris Petersen said. “You don’t think it’s going to that well against a team like Stanford. Like I said, it was kind of one of those nights where they were probably a little short-handed and we were clicking on all cylinders and the guys played hard. I really don’t want to underestimate; I think those kids were playing really inspired ball by the energy in that stadium.”
This is the third time for Washington to earn National Team of the Week honors. The others came in 2009 and 2012.
Other National Team of the Week nominees for the weekend of Oct. 1 included:
• Indiana (3-1): The Hoosiers rallied from a 14-0 deficit to beat Michigan State for the first time since 2006, 24-21, in overtime. Griffin Oakes nailed a 20-yard field goal in the extra session to give the Hoosiers possession of the Old Brass Spittoon.
• North Carolina (4-1): Nick Weiler made a 54-yard field goal as time expired to give North Carolina a 37-35 win at Florida State, snapping the Seminoles’ 22-game home win streak. After Florida State rallied to take the lead, UNC drove 38 yards in three plays to get within range for the game-winner. It was the second straight week that UNC has won in the final seconds.
• South Alabama (3-2): The Jaguars ended San Diego State’s 13-game winning streak with a 42-24 win, the first over a ranked opponent in program history. Cole Garvin won his first collegiate start, completing 16-of-21 passes for 242 yards and three touchdowns, and set the school’s completion percentage record against FBS foes at 76.1 percent.
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 • Weekend of Sept. 24: Tennessee Volunteers • Weekend of Oct. 1: Washington Huskies
2016 FWAA ALL-AMERICA COMMITTEE Nick Baumgardner, MLive.com (Big Ten) Kirk Bohls, Austin American-Statesman (Chairman) Tim Griffin, San Antonio Express-News (C-USA) Clay Henry, Hawgs Illustrated (SEC) Joey Johnston, TodaysU.com (American Athletic) Steve Jones, Louisville Courier-Journal (ACC) Matt Roberson, Jonesboro Sun (Sun Belt) John Shinn, Norman Transcript (Big 12) Dave Southorn, Idaho Statesman (Mountain West) Phil Steele, Phil Steele Publications (Independents/National) Ryan Thorburn, Eugene Register-Guard (Pac-12) John Wagner, Toledo Blade (Mid-American)
Arizona Wildcats vs UCLA Bruins at Rose Bowl on October 1, 2016. (Photo by Jevone Moore/Full Image 360)
Quarterback Josh Rosen throwing the football during the Arizona Wildcats vs UCLA Bruins at Rose Bowl on October 1, 2016. (Photo by Jevone Moore/Full Image 360)
Pasadena, CA – The UCLA Bruins get into a rhythm in the second half to defeat the Arizona Wildcats 45-24 for the fifth time in a row.
The big “IF’ was answered can the Bruins put points on the scoreboard. Head coach Jim Mora used the word if as a key takeaway from from tonight. Mora was very positive about the blowout victory but realized that the team still needs work.
The Bruins scored 31 points in second half, behind the strong arm of Josh Rosen. He throw for four touchdown that half, starting off with quick strike to freshman Theo Howard on 19 yard catch and run. Rosen threw for 350 yards 20-37 completions and no interceptions.
Wide receiver Kenneth Walker III fighting for more yards during the Arizona Wildcats vs UCLA Bruins at Rose Bowl on October 1, 2016. (Photo by Jevone Moore/Full Image 360)
Wide receiver Darren Andrews jumped in the rotation and led the eight receivers who caught passes during the game. Andrews caught nine balls for 108 yards receiving.
Bruins still had some key drops passes that need to be caught, IF the want to stay on the field. Tonight was a breakout game for true freshman Howard Mora said, “You’re going to see a lot more of Theo Howard, I promise you that,”
Arizona came into the game starting their second string quarterback Brandon Dawkins who threw for only 73 yards and a touchdown before being knocked out the game by the aggressive Bruins defense.
True Freshman Khalil Tate breaking the pocket during the Arizona Wildcats vs UCLA Bruins at Rose Bowl on October 1, 2016. (Photo by Jevone Moore/Full Image 360)
Late in the game another Wildcat quarterback went down and in came local prep star Khalil Tate from Serra High who added a spark for his team. Tate finished throwing two touchdowns 73 yards passing, he rushed for 83 yards on the ground.
This type performance tells Arizona head coach Rich Rodriguez that he has a real deal player for the future.
UCLA linebacker Kenny Young lead this aggressive defense with 12 tackles for the game. The other active back was Jayon Brown who was one tackle behind with 11.
Now the Bruins will have to bring all three phase of the game with them to Tempe next Saturday when they travel to play Arizona State.
Postgame with Serra Cavaliers Brandon Burton, Khalil Tate and Caleb Wilson after the Arizona Wildcats vs UCLA Bruins at Rose Bowl on October 1, 2016. (Photo by Jevone Moore/Full Image 360)
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.
