Los Angeles Sparks Candace Parker finding a hole in the defense. Photo by Jevone Moore
Jantel Lavender dropped 24 points to lead Los Angeles Sparks. Photo by Jevone Moore
Los Angeles, CA – The Los Angeles Sparks did it again. They sent the San Antonio Stars back to Texas with another loss. There was more star power court side then there was in the key. The Sparks made ever so clear who were the Super Stars in their house! With a final score Sparks 60 the Stars 52 and a record breaking crowd.
The Sparks still without Nneka Ogwumike, who is still out with concussion like symptoms and Marianna Tolo due a torn ACL. Power forward Jantel Lavender put a note worthy 24 points tonight, with Candice Parker and Kristi Toliver both contributing double digits points. The Sparks did struggle tonight with offensive rebounds, which kept the game from turning the game into a complete blow out. For the Stars Jai Perkins put up a respectable 15 points. With this win the Sparks maintain the 4th place slot for the playoffs.
Los Angeles Sparks Kristi Toliver from downtown. Photo by Jevone Moore
To add to the winning celebration Candice Parker was named the Western Conference Player of the Week for games played August 17 through August 23. For that week Parker led the league in scoring, rebounding and steals. She also shared the lead in assists with Chicago’s Courtney Vandersloot.
There was so much buzz at the Staple Center today. Even more then us Angelinos are use to. The Los Angeles Sparks owner Ervin Magic Johnson and the complete Sparks organization hosted a salute to woman and with a focus on woman contributing great things to the community.
#WeAreStrong Honorees, Presenters, Magic Johnson, & Los Angeles Sparks CEO Christine Simmons. Photo by Jevone Moore
#WeAreSTRONG #WeAreWOMEN #WeAreLA was the rally call and theme for today. On hand to help honor these woman were WNBA President Laurel Richie, former WIBA & WBC Super Middleweight and WIBA, IWBF & IBA title Super Middleweight Champion Laila Ali, Track and Field Great Jackie Joyner Kersee and American Sprinter Carmelita Jeter. This year honorees were Betsy Butler, Laphonza Butler, Karen Brodhin, Michelle Collins, Christa Demeke, Gigi Tsontos, and Maria Cardona the 2015 Women of the year. Mr. Johnson knows how to bring the magic to a court when he had Faith Evans came out and brought down the house!
Dorsey Dons Running Back Parie Dedeaux with stiff arm to turn corner. Photo by Jevone Moore
Hamilton Running Back Malik Norman looking daylight and few blocks. Photo by Jevone Moore
Los Angeles, Ca – The high school football season has officially began with the opening game with the visiting Dorsey Dons outlasting the host Hamilton Yankees 33-14. The Dons played a complete game and overcame their first half turnovers and 14-14 tie at the half.
These two programs meet last year in the season opener at Dorsey home field Jackie Robinson Stadium. Dorsey wore down Hamilton in that meeting as well with final last year of 50-13. After that loss Hamilton went on to win the Division II championship at the coliseum. This year they have elected to move up and compete in Division I for more of a challenge for the champs. They are led by senior quarterback Armani Rogers who threw one touchdown slant in today’s game to give Yankees the early 7-0 lead.
Dorsey this year has new head coach Irvin Davis who moved up from junior varsity level for 25 years making an impact groom the varsity stars of tomorrow. We ask Davis, how was it to get first varsity win? “Football is football…… It’s Just Football.” He was pleased with the win but today’s success was just building on his past good performances.
Dorsey Dons Running Back Parie Dedeaux finding holes. Photo by Jevone Moore
The Dons had few players shine during the game one being senior RB/DB Parie Dedeaux who just wouldn’t go down to ground when he rushed the ball. Being the first game Dedeaux and others experienced leg cramps but fought through them to keep his team in the game. New starting quarterback junior Jerman Gotoy kept his composure after few earlier turnovers with his offense squad. Gotoy finished with two touchdown one with his arm and one with his legs that was a nice 17 yard scramble for game final touchdown that made game 33-14 with 7:05 left in 4th quarter.
From this game we know that the Yankees will be a tough opponent for the rest of the Western league to have to deal with. Yankee Senior Christopher Henry caught a slant for a touchdown and doubled as lock down corner with his over 6 foot height and length. The line and the offense of timing will only get better, so be ready for this squad.
Receiver Christopher Henry flips Ref the ball after touchdown. Photo by Jevone Moore
Another bright light for the Dons was another young gun who played last year on varsity as 10 grader now a junior Antwone Williams. Williams overcame his first carry fumble with dazzling 45 yard touchdown up the middle before break to outside and showing off his breakaway speed.
Coach Davis answered what he thought about the changes to the Coliseum league out additions of Los Angeles High & Hawkins High replacing Jefferson & Fremont. Davis said, “I like league, its competitive schedule and we have lot work to do….we must keep focus so we can compete.”
Next week Thursday September 3rd
Dorsey will host Paraclete & Hamilton will host Marshall
Monarchs Wide Receiver Patrick Jeune getting loose. Photo by Jevone Moore
Monarchs Game MVP Adarrus Wilson beating double coverage for a Touchdown. Photo by Jevone Moore
Inglewood, Ca – The Morningside Monarchs came ready to play from first whistle to start the game. Before you could blink the Monarchs were in complete control leading 28-8 at the half. But there are always four quarters in football, when clock ticked zero three long hours later the Monarchs halted Leuzinger comeback 48-36.
The monarchs have a few new basketball athletes playing football this year bring some athletic talent to the gridiron. The new coach staff lead by head coach LaFayette Fletcher has the this year team going in right direction.
The Olympians could have quit on the game after the first play of second half which was Adarrus Wilson to the second half kickoff 90 yards for touchdown. That score took lead to 34-8, but for the next quarter and half the game belong to Leuzinger. That was last punch in mouth the team could take before deciding to fight back.
Leuzinger Running Back Semaj Daniels finding few extra yards. Photo by Jevone Moore
Leuzinger’s coaching staff made some adjustments and marched a comeback sparked by a downhill running game that featured Semaj Daniels. Daniels followed his pulling guard up into hole and raced 55 yards for a touchdown making game now 34-15 with 9:59 left 3rd quarter. After few short drives by both teams Leuzinger began winning field position battled and forced Morningside to put deep on their side of the field. Then Lionel Smith fielded a punt dip and dogging through the coverage 68 yards later in for another touchdown 34-22 8:25 in 3rd quarter still. The Morningside sideline was low on energy and their two way stars were looking for their second wind that was nowhere to be found yet.
The comeback was almost complete at 7:32 left in the 4th quarter after Leuzinger tied game 34-34 before going for two point conversion taking first lead 36-34. Then the Monarchs were in desperation mode and need to find a spark from someone. Then came basketball power forward Charles Akanno who caught a jump ball in end zone to regain the lead 40-36 and completed 2pt conversion with a slant route to Wilson 36-42 3:01. Now it was time for Leuzinger to take to air with the clock not on their side with game winding down. Few minutes later the game MVP Wilson intercepted a pass for a 35 yard touchdown to make sure the Monarchs took the win and halted Leuzinger comeback. The final was 48-36 for a great game with a long season ahead for both teams.
Next week Thursday September 3rd Morningside will travel to University 7pm, and Leuzinger will host El Segundo 7pm.
3rd Annual Celebrity Flag Football game hosted by Matt Barnes & Snoop Dogg at Ucla Drake Stadium
Snoop Dogg giving little props to Baron Davis on the field. Photo by Jevone Moore
Westwood, Ca – The 3rd Annual Athletes vs. Cancer celebrity flag football game was a success for all the right reason. Team Snoop took the victory this year 42-35 over Team Barnes. These two top stars Matt Barnes & Snoop Dogg brought together another great group of folks to participate in this event. This year back drop was the historical Drake Stadium on UCLA campus.
NBA Athlete, Matt Barnes of the Los Angeles Clippers, founded Athletes vs. Cancer in memory of his mother, Ann Catherine Barnes, who passed away twenty-six days after being diagnosed with four types of cancer in November of 2007. Ann’s passing was abrupt and devastating to her family and friends, which led Matt to wanting to prevent others from losing a loved one without having the opportunity to receive the knowledge and proper resources that can assist in early detection and thorough treatment.
In 2008, Matt launched Athletes vs. Cancer worldwide, teaming up with professional athletes and celebrities that shared his goal to educate and bring awareness to communities and to motivate people to get regular cancer screenings.
Kenneth Faried with a touchdown catch over Kevin Durant. Photo by Jevone Moore
At the check in tables John Wall said, “I’m Going for the MVP!”. Then on field he displayed his fast break speed in first half flying by folks. Then late in first half like a true defensive back Wall came through with interception that made all the fans oohh. The crowd was entertained by Clipper Darrell handling the play by play with the live mike. Denver Nugget forward Kenneth Faried showed his ball skills with a catch over the outstretched hands of Kevin Durant. Faried was displaying his speed wearing high top basketball shoes with no cleats catching pass all over field and that 68 yard touchdown.
Both teams had a top quarterback to deliver darts to them during the game. Snoop’s team had Matt Leinart for away team, and Matt’s Team had Super Bowl winner Kurt Warner for Blue squad. First year game MVP Donte Gamble had another good game showing off his blazing speed for a touchdown in today’s game. Gamble is always Snoop’s secret weapon but by now folks know who he is on the gridiron.
Super Bowl Champion Kurt Warner (Blue) and Matt Leinart (White). Photo by Jevone Moore
Both teams played well, had fun and raised more awareness about fighting cancer. A few of today’s event sponsors were Adidas, Count On Me, TLC Los Angeles, Good Body, The Huddle Group, The Conga Room, Snoop Youth Football League, Elite Party Planners, Silky Socks, Datum Line, Maybach Music Group, Body Armor Super Drink, Silky Socks, and more….
The New Design of New Wiseburn Charter High School in El Segundo.
The New Design of New Wiseburn Charter High School in El Segundo.
El Segundo, Ca – The first High School in the Wiseburn District is no more a dream…Its a reality after the Da Vinci schools with Wiseburn Unified broke ground Thursday August 20th.
This new facility will be located at 201 N. Douglas St. in El Segundo. After its all built the former site Northrop Grumman office building will be a new futuristic four-story charter high school campus. Superintendent of Wisburn Unified School District Tom Johnstone said, “We are so extremely proud to be in partnership with Da Vinci school. It’s a dream come true for us, and we’re very confident that our best years are still ahead”.
The Da Vinci schools will comprise of three separate schools under one roof. The schools will be Communications, Design, and Science that will exist as separate entities until its time for athletics and extracurricular activities. When they are one it will be under banner of Wiseburn High. So they will compete in CIF southern section as Wiseburn-Da Vinci Wolves.
The layout will be seperated by floors, 1st floor will be adminstration for both, music rooms, community space and kitchen facilites. On the fourth floor will be Design (500 students), on third floor will be Communication (200 students), and second floor will be Science (500 students). So the total enrollment will be 1,200 students in 72 classrooms. This campus will also have multipurpose/theater space, an athletic field, gymnasium and aquatic facility (El Segundo Parks Recreation will run and maintain pool).
Now the last thing is construction timeline to bring all this to light. Right now the whole project is to be complete by Spring 2018. Phase one main building is to be compelete in time for august 2017-18 school year. Then Phase two of pool and gymnasium by the spring of 2018.
All this great stuff under a project budget of $140 million: $87 million from Measure AA school bond, $52.7 million charter school facilities grant.
“For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.”
2 Corinthians 4:17
Our affliction, weather great or small, is only for a little while. It will make us strong and will cause us to grow closer to Christ.
Although we may not understand it, and although the pain may feel unbearable, our promise as believers is that one day we will see Jesus face to face, and it will all be worth it.
No matter what you’re going through, keep the goal in mind.
It will get tough, and the road may twist a bit, but the Glory that will be revealed in the end will outweigh your darkest days. It’s all a part of the journey!
Tamika Catchings in 4th Quarter with 3 pointer Jump shot. Photo by Jevone Moore
Los Angeles, Ca- Indiana came into town on a hot wind and with this win (Fever 79 – Sparks 68) left Los Angeles with a fever.
The Indiana Fever entered the city of angles with 7 straight losses issued to them courtesy of the Los Angeles Sparks. And with some divine intervention their prays might be answered.
The Fever’s Tamika Catchings has always given the Sparks ample resistance and tonight’s game would be no difference. Catching served up a solid 20 points that the Sparks had no defensive solution for. In addition to the the “Catching Fever” Nneka Ogwumike was on DNP list due to concussion-like symptoms.
Candace Parker flying high at rim for a basket. Photo by Jevone Moore
The Sparks without Ogwumike had a lukewarm basket reception is was a up hill battle just to stay in the game. The three point shot alluded them all night. In addition to that the Sparks allowed far to many second chance points slip though their hands.
The Sparks Candace Parker did her best putting up a respectable 25 points, and a franchise record high 8 steals but it wasn’t enough to get them team into a consistent rhythm. Their 3rd quarter looked like a pure struggle to not give the game away. They were out scored 24-6 during this period, hitting 60% from 3 pt line. Before it was all said and done the Fever connected on 10 three pointers compared to the Sparks one.
The Fever had their prayers answered with a win over the Sparks tonight. This win has been a long time coming … four years to be exact. With one more season meet up scheduled we’re all curious to see if this win was merely a hot flash or a real fever.
UCla QB Josh Rosen spotting the target. Photo by Jevone Moore
San Bernardino, Ca – Ucla Bruins Fall football camp is in full swing for last week in the backdrop of mountains with smog free air. The campus of Cal State San Bernardino has been perfect get away to build a team mentality and bond as team. During this fourth camp for Head Coach Jim Mora has task of making this year team great & ready to compete in the Pac 12.
Once the first whistle blew the squad dispersed in controlled chaos to their designated areas. This team flew around the field and seem to be enjoy camp but determined to get better with physical and mental reps.
The offense line lead by 5th year senor Jake Brendal at center is one of the healthiest in years. This Bruin team will have some success in ground game. Running Back Paul Perkins looked strong throughout practice with his speed and patience. He has incoming freshman Soso Jamabo looking smooth with more upright running style for a change of pace back. Nate Starks looks like any third or fourth down situation you can hand him the ball for automatic first down. The Pac 12 will have to be ready for this team coming down hill fast all day, fourth quarters will be nice to watch.
Ucla Running back Paul Perkins running for daylight. Photo by Jevone Moore
On the Defense side of ball new coordinator Tom Bradley has coming in looking to use the talent he has and their strengths of being able to flew around the field and hit folks in the mouth. Linebacker Myles Jack is back now full time on defense where he surrounded by great up in coming talent. Dwight Williams and Cameron Griffin looked good during drills, they both will be fighting this year to be in game rotation. With this extra depth Bradley will be able to add few new exotic blitz packages and keep guys fresh all game.
Linebackers Dwight Williams (37) & Kene Orjioke (46) ready to attack Caleb Benenoch (74) . Photo by Jevone Moore
The million dollar question still has not been answered yet with one week of camp in the books. The first team reps are still being split between Jerry Neuheisel & Josh Rosen. During Monday morning practice they savvy veteran Neuheisel look comfortable at the helm directing the offense down field with the balls off the ground. He knows the playbook, the checks and the hot routes. So can compare him to reliable Lexus you know what have and the ball will move smoothly down field. Now on flip side have Rosen who has size, arm strength but needs more time and reps to be consistent. When you see the pass from the left hash to right corner of end zone on short corner route drop in just over the receiver shoulder for score. Then you are reminded wow that’s the new Corvette how can we keep this hidden in the garage. Good thing for us I don’t have to make that call, it will be up to Coach Mora… Flash or Style… me personal I prefer style now a days but in my younger years that Corvette would be on the autobahn now.
Ucla will have practices for the rest of the week in San Bernardino, finishing with Fan Appreciation day Saturday August 22nd. There will be free food provided by Stater Bros. Markets, and plenty of Ucla goodies for the fans.
Safety Tahaan Goodman during drills with Interception. Photo by Jevone MooreWide Receiver Mossi Johnson on the catch. Photo by Jevone MooreThe Peaceful Back Drop of San Bernardino Mountains. Photo by Jevone Moore
