Liberty Tina Charles makes strong move in the paint past Marianna Tolo. Photo by Jordon Kelly
Los Angeles, Ca- The LA Sparks (3-13) ran out of gas in 59-53 defeat to first place in eastern conference New York Liberty (12-5). This game was decided by hustle and the Liberty had 16 2nd chance points with 55 rebounds. The Sparks had 20 less rebounds in the game which was so critical in a poor shooting performance by both teams Sparks 31.7% & Liberty 25.8%.
Kristi Toliver lead the Sparks with 16 points, 7 rebounds and 3 assist, Jantel Lavender finished with 12 points and 3 rebounds short of back to back double-double. This was a slow low scoring game. Liberty forward Tina Charles who led with14 points, 14 rebounds will have good flight back to east coast. Epiphanny Prince poured in 13 points and key technical foul at 3:18 mark in 4th quarter.
Sparks Jantel Lavender with the soft touch. Photo by Jordon Kelly
The first half was like a hangover for the Sparks playing on second night of a back to back. Luckily the Liberty helped them out by only shooting 28.2% from the field. The Sparks only trailed New York by 7 points 31-24. Tina Charles in first half was explosive and she was well on her way to a double-double.
The Sparks started 1st quarter with ok 41% shooting but when you looked up at the half the big three Ogwumike, Lanvender, & Toliver shots were just not dropping combining 6/18 shooting from the field. They hung around with sound rebounding and not allowing the Liberty to have easy looks at the basket.
The East Coast vs West Coast battle with New York being on the top of east standings going into the break. The Sparks will have their MVP back to make a strong push in the West in the second half. It’s always nice when you have the two largest cities in U.S. playing against each other. They both hold a rich WNBA Final history, Liberty appeared 1997, 1999, 2000, & 2002, Sparks appeared in 2001, 2002, 2003 & 2 time WNBA champions.
These two storied franchises tonight reminded us why there is nice break during the season to allow for quick rest and time to refocus on the fundamentals of the game. The Sparks now have to make a tough roster decision to make room for the return of Candace Parker next week. The bench has been forced to play more due to injuries and layoff time so who will be the unlucky number…….
Above photos by Jordon Kelly
Enjoy the Boost Mobile WNBA All-Star Game Saturday July 25th at 3:30pm on ABC network.
Sparks Jantel Lavender with a floater for 2 of team high 19 points. Photo by Jevone Moore
Los Angeles, Ca – Los Angeles Sparks (3-12) defeat Brittney Griner and the Phoenix Mercury (9-7) live in prime time 70-65. Forward Jantel Lavender was not afraid of the bright lights tonight she lead her team with a double-double 19 points, 11 rebounds in the paint. Teammate 3 time All-Star Nneka Ogwumike had 17 points and was very selective in her shot selection for the Sparks. It was a close game again with 8 ties during the game but this time the Sparks ended the game in regulation with the victory.
This was a much need win for Head Coach Brian Agler just before All-Star break and the season midpoint. Agler’s game plan tonight of slowing down Griner worked holding her to only 13 points, 7 rebounds due to Marianna Tolo defense and 4 blocks, 8 points. A new spark of the bench was Ana Dabovic playing a strong 23 minutes and 50% field goal shooting and a timely three pointer late in fourth quarter to bring the momentum back to the Sparks.
Sparks Marianna Tolo boding up All-Star Brittney Griner. Photo by Jevone Moore
The fans were on pins and needles in the closing stretch of the game hoping that they were not watching a déjà vu of the last Mercury overtime loss at Staples Center. The guard play of Kristi Toliver 10 points & Temeka Johnson 7 points were solid with only few turnovers between them. They controlled the offensive in the second half and made key baskets when needed.
The Suns played a good game just not great which is what was need for the Sparks win. The Dangerous DeWanna Bonner lead her team with 15 points and was announced a reserve to Sat July 25th All-Star game. Bonner teammates veteran Candice Dupree 12 points, Griner will be there in Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn.
Sparks Nneka Ogwumike driving on Mercury’s Noelle Quinn. Photo by Jevone Moore
This win tonight can be a step in right direction with an earlier announcement by Sparks executive Vice President & General Manager Penny Toler that Candace Parker will rejoin the team after WNBA All-Star game. Her first action will be on a three game road trip before playing at home on August 4th vs Minnesota Lynx at Staples Center. Agler had this to say, “Candace has been an influential part of the Sparks for several years and a big part of its success. She has been an All-Star and an MVP, and we are sure she will influence great play by the Sparks in the future.”
Next game will be tomorrow night July 22nd verse New York Liberty at Staples Center at 7:30pm PST.
Pac 12 North – Two Programs on opposite ends of the Pac 12, are Oregon & Oregon State. Oregon State has new coach, new QB and will have new philosophy on and off the field. The Ducks will be business as usual with all the speed and talent they have coming back this season as long as they can get a par performance at QB. Last season the Beavers were left out of bowl season, while the Ducks played in Rose Bowl and knocked off unbeaten Florida State 59-20. Then the Ducks played in inaugural College Football Playoff Championship Game verse Ohio State losing 42-20.
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DT DeForest Buckner at Rose Bowl. Photo by Jevone Moore
Oregon
Head Coach Mark Helfrich is back for his third season at the helm with a record of 24-4 and CFP appearance last year.
The Ducks return 14 starters from last year team 6 offensive, 6 defensive, punter & kicker. Players to watch QB Vernon Adams who transferring from Eastern Washington after graduating if he pass last math class. Adams has been putting up insane numbers in FCS on ground and in the air. RB Royce Freeman will split time with RB Thomas Tyner and should be the nation’s top tandems this season. WR Byron Marshall back for senior season after last year 1,003 yards receiving. SS Tyree Robinson who had 36 tackles for the Ducks will be ready and he only a sophomore. DB Glen Ihenacho has great ball instincts and family genes from Serra HS. DT DeForest Buckner will be force on that front seven coming off 4 sacks, 81 tackles performance. New Comer RB Taj Griffin one of fastest HS running backs in nation with 4.31 40 yard dash at Nike camp.
This may be rebuilding year after losing Heisman Trophy winner at QB but the next man up mentality has been working for Coaches, Running Backs, Wide Receivers, why not at Quarterback. Prediction : 1st in Pac 12 North, CFP Orange Bowl.
Head Coach Helfrich on sideline at the Rose Bowl. Photo by Jevone Moore
Oregon State
Head Coach Gary Anderson will start off his first season in Corvallis this season with nothing but opportunity ahead of him.
The Beavers return 12 starters from last year team 9 offensive, 2 defensive and kicker. Players to watch RB Storm Woods who back for senior season after averaging 6.3 yards a carry in 20014. WR Victor Bolden will for sure be a favorite target for whichever young QB wins the starting job this Fall. The two defensive returners DE Jaswha James & CB Larry Scott will have to provided the veteran leadership that is greatly needed. New Comers : The rest of defensive starters who will be welcomed to the College football in their second game at the big house with Jim Harbaugh and Michigan Wolverines.
OSU Beavers Helmet Photo by Jevone Moore
This will be a chance for the Beavers to start the rebuilding process off fresh after few alum felt the program was caught in holding pattern lately. Prediction : 6th in Pac 12 North
Next outlook will be from Pac 12 South, UCLA & USC
LA Kiss Wide Receivers Toast it Up after a Touchdown. Photo by Bryan Womack
Anaheim, Ca – The LA Kiss (4-11) are chasing history going into this home stretch after tonight’s 37-27 victory over the Las Vegas Outlaws (5-10). The Kiss lead this game from start to finish in this long grudge match that had plenty of big plays in the second half. One big play was a 53 yard kickoff return by DeMarco Sampson in 3rd quarter to give the Kiss 30-21 lead and all the momentum. Sampson finished the night 150 all purpose yards and two touchdowns.
The LA Kiss played a complete game for head coach Bob McMillen and are in good spot to make a wildcard game for the playoffs. They have three games left, two on road and come home for the grand finally verse Sabercats. Due to poor marketing plans by Las Vegas & New Orleans the AFL have taken them over and their next game will be consider a tie verse spending the money to open an arena. So that helps Kiss if they finish strong.
Donovan Morgan breaking ankles after a catch. Photo by Bryan Womack
The new ground game destroyer is Myles Mason who scored the first touchdown of night on 5 yard run. Mason also scored the Kiss last touchdown of game last week on the ground making teams have to respect the big man rushing skills. Donovan Morgan continued to be a great target for quarterback Danny Southwick who hit Morgan 7 times for 69 yards and touchdown. Morgan now has 114 catches 1,688 yards with 36 touchdowns this season. Southwick outshined Kiss former QB JJ Raterink of Outlaws with 18/31 passes 179 yards, 3 touchdowns. Meanwhile Raterink was benched for second half finsihing with only 9 completions 2 touchdowns (1 Rushing). Outlaws wide receiver Tysson Potts caught 10 passes for 108 yards and touchdown to be top playmaker for his team.
A rally cry for the Kiss Defensive has been keep everything in front of you while front four applies pressure. Defensive End Darryl Cato-Bishop came up with 2 sacks and 4 solo tackles, his second quarter sack resulted in 2 point safety. Defensive back Rayshaun Kizer lead the team for second week in row with 7 tackles just like his jersey number along with big interception.
DeMarco Sampson on his way to 53 yard Kickoff Return for a Touchdown. Photo by Bryan Womack
If the Kiss can continue to find a way to answer the call and step up for full game who know are they peaking at just right time to make a run. It would bring a great infusion of confidence and energy to this young organization. As for now they will concentrate on traveling to Arizona to face the Rattlers July 26th at 6pm.
Hayes Pullard Campers show off their skills. Photo by Jevone Moore
Los Angeles, Ca – Some talk about it and some do it, Hayes Pullard one of newest Linebackers drafted by Cleveland Browns has 1st Annual Free Football Camp. Live at his old stopping grounds the nice turf of Crenshaw High School with a full field of campers and coaches. It’s such a great feeling to see our African American young men giving back to community that first gave to them.
The camp was open for all kids ages 5-17 for first 300 kids free. The parents were allowed to stay and watch their kids from the stands. They had lunch provided for all the campers with hydration stations with Body Armor sports drink. Each kid received a camp T-Shirt with the number 10 on the back, and word “GUSTO” Hayes said, “Grind Until Success Triumphs Odds!”
Camper Marcus Higgs during RB cone drills. Photo by Jevone Moore
The Athletes were divided into groups based on their position and age. They learned new skills, to improve their current athletic abilities, and were coached on the importance of leadership, teamwork, and education. The running backs had Silas Redd Washington Redskins, wide receivers had Robert Woods Buffalo Bills, Marquise Lee Jacksonville Jaguars, Paul Richardson Seattle Seahawks, defensive backs had Dion Bailey Seattle Seahawks, quarterbacks got tips from current Trojans Cody Kessler and host of others great football minds.
Pullard was USC Trojans leading tackler last year with 95 tackles and 53 solo tackles before being drafted by Cleveland Browns. As he prepares for his first training camp coming up in few weeks some would ask why host a camp now, “I’m doing two things I love Football and give back to my community.” Some might wonder why you having this camp before you played a down in NFL, “I made up in my mind if I got drafted by any team I was going to do a camp for the kids.”
Campers are all ears before their next rotation. Photo by Jevone Moore
These camps, and moments the College / Pro athletes share with the youth is so huge. I know all of us had the special moment when words of encouragement gave us something to hold onto and make us grind. Today at this Hayes Pullard 1st Annual Football Camp had the next Pac-12 All American, High School Football champion and more.
Next up will be Browns Training Camp, Hayes said, “I went to USC to fulfill my father’s dream. I got my degree to fulfill my mother’s dream. And now I’m writing this letter to you to fulfill my dream.” (quote from open letter to NFL)
Los Angeles, Ca – The loudest game of year for the LA Sparks was a tough lost to Atlanta Dream 76-72 at Staples Center. The earlier 12:30pm game time to allows for city of Los Angeles day camps from all over the city to bring their campers to cheer and see an exciting WNBA basketball. The campers were screaming, laughing, eating, and have spirited fun watching the Sparks.
This loss against the dream was a game of runs, and Sparks had the first run 17-0 in first half capped off with Kristi Tolver three pointer. Jantel Lavender recorded her eighth double-double with 20 points and 11 rebounds to lead the Sparks . Nneka Ogwumike had solid game but not her best finishing with 19 points, and 6 rebounds.
The Dream were lead by veteran Angel McCoughtry with 22 points and her last baskets seemed to be the best giving her team 76-72 victory from free throw line where she lived today going 12-13. Aneika Henry finished 16 points and 15-5 run late in fourth quarter that was enough to give Dream the second win in a row.
The Sparks team has continued to gel this season and just needs to come out ahead more often than not to build up some wins. They will have few days off before hosting Phoenix Mercury Tuesday Night July 21st at 8pm.
LA Kiss Defenders Rayshaun Kizer (7) & Josh Victorian (6) converge on the receiver. Photo by William “Jaye” Johnson
Anaheim, Ca – LA Kiss had the Honda Center rocking with a 34-28 victory over the Spokane Shock. The Kiss came out ready to fight and punched the Shock earlier taking a 28-0 lead into halftime. Both sides of the ball came ready to play and show folks they are still alive in AFL playoff wildcard hunt.
KISS quarterback Danny Southwick connected with receivers Tom Gilson, Donovan Morgan, Tyrone Goard, and DeMarco Sampson for touchdowns. Southwick completed 21-of-31 passes for 214 yards and four touchdowns. Sampson led receivers with a team high 6 catches for 60 yards, & Myles Mason was handed ball for the only rushing touchdown.
Shock benched quarterback Warren Smith in second half after completed 8-of-19 pass attempts for 101 yards, and one interception. The first half shutout was enough to have head coach Andy Olsen bring in backup QB Arvell Nelson. Nelson was somewhat effective finishing with 10-of-20 passes for 130 yards and three touchdowns (1 Rushing). The Shock defense had scoop score fumble on 3 yard line but wasn’t enough to stop this determined LA Kiss team.
LA KISS Lineman / Running Back Myles Mason had 1 rushing touchdown. Photo by William “Jaye” Johnson
Rayshaun Kizer was all over field tonight for the Kiss with 11 tackels to led his team & nine were solo tackles. Kizer in his fifth year in AFL now 3rd all time with 59 interceptions in this league history. The front line add pressure that gave the Kiss secondary little more help. This was just great team performance. On special teams they kept Anthony Amos for Shock in check only allowing him 14.8 average on kickoff return yards.
Now with only four games remaining two at home and two on the road, each gave is vital to getting in that wild card game and making the playoffs for 1st appearance. So next Saturday July 18th at 7pm PST the LA Kiss will host the Las Vegas Outlaws.
The Crocker Club presented The Divine 9 Black Greek Art Show that was hosted by Damn Good Nu Dynasty, of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc. Delta Gamma & Nu Delta Chapters. The Divine 9 themed art from Divine 9 artists was on display during The Downtown Art Walk.
The Downtown Art Walk is a free, self-guided, public art phenomenon that brings together art lovers and community friends to the ever evolving Downtown Los Angeles. With exciting and unique offerings around every corner, Downtown celebrates the arts each and every month on the 2nd Thursday. Please refer to your calendar for specific dates. Hours vary by gallery, but can typically range from Noon – 10PM.The Brothers of Phi Beta Sigma Frat. Inc. All Photos by Jevone Moore
The Brothers of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc. displayed its art at Upscale event to commence directly with downtown LA art walk. Folks wore their perspective paraphernalia to represent their organizations. They had open mic from 6-8 with performances from Poets Ezekiel Azomwu and Dominic “Nerd” McDonald as well as live performances from two of LA’s best up and coming artists, Prince Kofi and Larisse Epps. It was a great way to bring all 9 together and allow for other Art enthusiasts to be exposed to our art.
Many of The Downtown Art Walk activities take shape in and around the galleries predominantly on Spring and Main streets between 2nd and 9th streets. However, there was a plethora of art related events and openings, activities, and special programming that take place all over Downtown. For your next visit if you are true art buyer and fan, arriving early offers a more relaxing stroll through the different galleries and art exhibits. As the evening progresses, more visitors descend on the area to meet up with friends and savor the local experience. Visitors and local Downtowners can often be found patronizing the outcropping of local shopping, dining and entertainment establishments that have created the thriving, vibrant community.
It just goes to show you that you don’t have to create the wheel, just find the one that fits you and give it a whirl. What will you align yourself with next to allow for extraordinaire event?
Pac 12 North – These teams always have to bring the A game being the two North teams that always play both USC & UCLA each year. Stanford has a hiccup last year coming off four straight BCS bowls for the Cardinal. Stanford routed Maryland 45-21 in Foster Farms Bowl. The Cal Bears came up two games short from being bowl eligible, but QB Jared Goff will be back this year.
QB Jarod Goff spotting a target. Photo by Jevone Moore
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California
Head Coach Sonny Dykes now enters his third year at the helm with 6-18 record during his first 2 years.
The Bears return 16 starters from last year team 8 Offensive, 7 Defensive , & punter. Players to watch QB Jared Goff threw 3,973 yards, 35 touchdowns and is already third on Cal’s all time passing list. RB Daniel Lasco now a senior ready to show NFL what he can do between hashes. WR Bryce Treggs found away to snag 52 catches in a crowded talented group of wideouts. RG Jordan Rigsbee an ironman starting every game since his freshman year for total of 36 starts. LB Michael Barton led defensive with 80 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss alongside Hardy Nickerson Jr. with 69 tackles and 7 sacks. New comers WR Carlos Strickland 6-5, 205 and DB Malik Psalms had 86 tackles in senior year at Ayala HS, CA.
The Bears will rely on Goff’s air attack to get team off to a fast start in games and hope that teams will change their game plan to catch up. Cal’s road schedule will turn any team into Vets after its all over. This year will be a big step in the Bears program moving up and being back in a bowl game at end of season. Prediction: 3rd Pac 12 North, Sun Bowl.
They were Carson Colts teammates now -Cal Bears WR Bryce Treggs (L) & Stanford SS Kodi Whitfield. Photo Courtesy of Euradell White
Stanford
Head Coach David Shaw back for fifth year in Palo Alto with 42-12 record in his first 4 years.
The Cardinal’s return just 13 starters from last year team 9 Offensive, 4 Defensive. Players to watch QB Kevin Hogan a fifth year senior coming off being Foster Farms game MVP. TE Austin Hooper who had 40 catches with 499 yards and consistent mismatch against safeties. S Kodi Whitfield who will be full time on defensive after converting from WR. SS Zach Hoffpauir who fills in well in the box or deep in coverage to be voice on the field. New Comers will be national recruited DB Ben Edwards (Florida), DB Justin Reid (Louisiana) and Quenton Meeks (California) 6-2 CB.
Coach Shaw leading his team on to field at 100th Rose Bowl. Photo by Jevone Moore
The Cardinal fans have been spoiled on the farm with success, this year should be back to normal. While most teams would panic with the lack of defensive returners but the Stanford returners are all seniors and will provide enough stability to shadow their youth. Prediction: 2nd Pac 12 North, Holiday Bowl.
Next Outlook will be Pac 12 North, Oregon & Oregon State.
