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The return of Friday Night Lights

BELLFLOWER (News4usonline) – You really don’t miss something until it’s been taken away from you. High school football was taken away from us last fall. It’s great to have it back again.

Driving by St. John Bosco High School, I got the fever. As I drove by the Panish Family Stadium, I could see an overflow of people in the stands watching the Braves play Central on their home turf.

By the way, St. John Bosco defeated Central 35-12 to kick off their season opener. But the bigger story here besides the 2019 national champions securing their first win of the season, is the fact that I was getting pumped.

The reason being is for the first time in two years, high school football was being played out all over the Southland with fall shortly around the corner.

Without a doubt, this was a most welcome sight to see. Yeah, I know. State and local officials scrambled to put prep sports on the books in the spring as a way to help high school student-athletes get some sort of resemblance of normalcy after losing most of 2020 because of the Covid-19 pandemic.

It was a great effort on the part of health and elected officials (local and state) to make that happen. And they did. But there’s something about Friday Night Lights at the beginning of a school year that makes everything seem right. For students, for parents, this is what America does.

Sitting and watching high school football on a Friday night is something that has been embedded in the country’s fabric as a way of life for many people. The words escape me on how best to describe what I saw.

I would say it is a miracle that we have high school football at all as a two to three-hour escape from the outside noise of the crunching weight of the hustle and bustle of life.

Think about it? At this time last year, the U.S. like the rest of the world were pretty much in full shutdown mode because of the pandemic. There were no places to go, nothing to see but our living quarters. The game-changer, thanks to modern science and technology, was the availability of the Covid-19 vaccine.

Some of the normal activities we did pre-Covid-19, like sitting in the stands of a high school football game, have returned. It’s a blessing. And because of this domino effect, I was able to get the urge to go out and sit with my wife in the stands of a local high school our daughter attends and catch some football.

The game, which pitted Bellflower High School and Pioneer High School in a nonleague CIF-Southern Section contest, was just the prescription the doctor ordered. From an entertainment standpoint, the Bellflower-Pioneer battle had everything you could want in an athletic contest.

You had late-game drama. There was the nail-biting atmosphere of the two teams trading scores like flipping hotcakes. Whether it came in the form of an injury, turnovers, or penalties that canceled out big plays, both teams had to overcome adversity.

Thanks to a late touchdown (1:02 remaining in the game) in the fourth quarter and an interception to seal the deal, Bellflower came away with a 22-18 win in front of their celebratory fans. Whether a team wins or loses is not why we missed our Friday Night Lights.

It was good seeing kids being kids again. It was great to see and hear parents yelling at the top of their lungs for their team to play defense. It was good seeing the home team’s school band performing and getting fans revved up with some funky music they were playing. It was good having cheerleaders be cheerleaders, urging their side to support their team.

It was wonderful seeing high school students running up and down the bleachers and hanging out in bunches with their friends. It was good to feel normal. The joys and exuberance of youth is something that lifts our souls and makes many of us fuddy-duddies feel young again. We must continue to harness and embrace the youth of our future.

We cannot go backward and turn back the clock. But what we can do as a nation is to never allow anything to rob our future. The future is in our youth. Feeling the essence of what Friday Nights Lights means reminds us why we so appreciate our young people.

LA Sparks kills the Dream again

Los Angeles, CA – No overtime was needed this time, but the LA Sparks and Atlanta Dream had another interesting ending.

Kristi Toliver missed a three-point jump shot with under five seconds left on the clock. The score was tied at 64, but Nneka Ogwemike wanted to end it in regulation time. She got the offensive rebound and made the winning shot. It was reviewed, but eventually it was declared good.

“They are definitely showing a high level of mental toughness and sticking together. That’s something we talked about all season,”said head coach Derek Fisher. “They haven’t given up on each other throughout the course of the game.”

https://twitter.com/i/status/1428578239308464128

Ogwemike said she thought Toliver was the right person to have taken that shot and that she thought it was going to go in. After all, Toliver has established herself as a three-point shooter. 
She scored the first basket for Los Angeles, and it happened to also be their first three-pointer of the night. Her second, which also came in the first quarter, helped her pass Mwadi Mabika for most three-pointers in Sparks history.

Toliver went 4-of-5 from the field and finished with 10 points, five assists and four rebounds. She can play, but she can also teach. Earlier on Thursday, the news came out that she will be joining the Dallas Mavericks as an assistant coach.

“I want her to obviously shine as a coach, but she can’t stop being a player with me. Not until I say so,” joked Ogwumike after saying how happy she was for her teammate.

Ogwumike was the Sparks leading scorer with 17 points. She’s dealt with injury this season, but she’s remained a consistent scorer. She’s seen double digits in all eighth games she’s played.

The 66-64 result was the Sparks’ third straight win. They’ve won all their games since resuming the season, which was definitely needed to improve the 6-13 record they had before the break. But things won’t continue to be so easy. The Sparks will hit the road for six consecutive games and not return to Staples Center until September 9 when they host the Connecticut Sun.

It will be challenging, but Fisher sees it as an opportunity.

“I think it’s a great opportunity for us to really show where we are as a team and the lessons we have learned,” he said. “Winning on the road is difficult to do in any sport. Right now we have to focus on the one game we have in front of us.”

The LA Sparks travel to New York to take on the Liberty on Sunday, August 22.

Sparks Give Dream Nightmare in OT Thriller

Photo by fi360 News

Los Angeles, CA – The LA Sparks were in the driver seat all throughout overtime as they battled against the Atlanta Dream Tuesday night to take home the win 85-80 in Los Angeles.

The Sparks were relentless when it mattered most.

Photo by fi360 News

Kristi Toliver hit a turnaround fade away jumper at the buzzer to tie the game at 74 to send her team into overtime.

Staples roared in pure pandemonium.

“When there’s a big moment and a game is on the line, that’s always my favorite time. I just wanted to get to my spot. That spot was the elbow. I felt Kobe in me. It felt good to see one go in at a big moment. But that all starts from Fish and just how he instills that confidence in us every single day. So, I’m glad that I was able to deliver,” said Toliver.

The fans were on their feet for the entire duration of overtime and served as the sixth man for their home team.

“Credit to the fans,” said Erica Wheeler. “We’re in LA. You could be anywhere in the world. So, for them to support us and give us that sixth man energy we definitely appreciate that.”

The Dream went cold in OT.

Photo by fi360 News

Baylor alum Odyssey Sims was on fire for the first three quarters but cooled down the rest of the game. She scored 23 points through the third period and led all scorers with 26 points and 6 assists.

The crowd was simply electric, and the Sparks fed off their energy in overtime.

The LA Sparks were being aggressive down low and were dishing it to each other left and right.

Ball movement was the name of the game in this victory as the Sparks finished with 29 assists as a team.

“I think we moved the ball better in the second half and were just making the right decisions. We trust each other. I think we wanted the game more,” said Wheeler.

Photo by Brianne Ingram fi360 News

The LA Sparks were down by as many as 10 in the third quarter 39-49, but they never stopped fighting.

“In the third quarter when they kind of knocked us around a little bit and it was 49-39. They could have packed it in and said it was too hard to do it tonight. But they kept playing and fighting for one another. We can build on that. As a coaching staff that is something that I am very proud of their effort in that regard,” said Head Coach Derek Fisher.

Their resilience as a squad truly shined through.

“We talked at halftime and our biggest adjustment was our competitive spirit. But we came out and we were resilient. This was a character game. We were able to show that high character, that spirit, that togetherness, and that grit. That’s who we are,” said Toliver.

Brittney Sykes led all Sparks with 17 points, 5 assists, and 2 steals.

In her second game back, Nneka Ogwumike flirted with a triple double by scoring 13 points, 9 rebounds, and 9 assists.

Ogwumike went down in the second quarter grabbing her left knee that she previously injured and left for the locker room. She then returned in the third quarter and played for the rest of the game.

Six Sparks scored in double figures including all Sparks starters.

Chiney Ogwumike is progressing towards a return to action and has been upgraded from week-to-week to day-to-day from right knee soreness.

The Sparks seek their 18th consecutive home win and go for round two against the Atlanta Dream on Thursday, August 19th at 7:30 pm at the Staples Center.

Nneka, Toliver, Sparks Prevail Over Fever in Return to Staples

Photo by Brianne Ingram

Los Angeles, CA- Nneka Ogwumike finished with an exclamation point in her return from a left knee sprain by scoring a buzzer beater layup at the Staples Center on Sunday evening. 

Photo by Jevone Moore

Brittney Sykes threw a cross court pass in transition to Ogwumike. She scored to seal the deal as the LA Sparks (7-13) prevailed over the Indiana Fever (4-17) 75-70 in return to their home floor at Staples Center, and their first game back from the Olympic break.

The Staples Center crowd went berserk after the sound of the final buzzer.

“To be honest I knew it was like the end of the game, but I just wanted to finish the game,” said Ogwumike. “So, I’m just really glad that Slim passed that to me because I would have looked really stupid if she didn’t. For me it’s just kind of symbolic of me finishing things out. Just wanting to savor every moment. So, I’m glad that she passed it to me because I just wanted to put my stamp on that game with the energy that hopefully my team felt.”

Sykes commented on her assist to Ogwumike.

Photo by Brianne Ingram

“We joked about it in the cold tub, and I knew that if I didn’t throw it, it would have been a whole other story to talk about after the game. I saw the time … and I was like let me just lob it up enough where she can catch it, lay it up, and she got it. I was happy. That’s like a perfect way to end the game. Nneka and KT’s first game back. She deserved that layup.”

The 2016 WNBA MVP Ogwumike scored 12 points, 7 rebounds, and 2 blocks.

Ogwumike expressed how she felt in her return from injury that kept her sidelined for most of the first half of the season.

“It feels great to be back. It always feels so good to be back in Staples Center. I just kind of entered this game with a mindset of wanting to have fun. I wanted to be able to do what I can for my team. I haven’t played in a long time. I’m just glad that I was able to help my team win.”

Kristi Toliver drives the lane.

Two-time WNBA Champion Kristi Toliver also made her return from an eye injury that she suffered against the Washington Mystics on June 24th. She had four points and six assists.

“We are a completely different team with those two on the court,” said Amanda Zahui B. “It’s a beautiful thing. It creates for everyone else. They just read the game and their IQ is really high. I’m just really happy.”

The LA Sparks were in control for most of the game with their biggest lead being 12 points.

There were six lead changes and seven ties, but the LA Sparks never allowed the game to get away from them.

Sykes led all Sparks scorers with 16 points, 7 rebounds, 2 assists, and she reached her 1500 point career milestone.

“Cheers to 1500,” said Sykes. “I’m truly grateful.”

The LA Sparks returned to Staples for the first time since September 15, 2019, and won their 16th consecutive regular season game on their home floor.

The Sparks fans lit up with excitement as the WNBA resumed the second half of their season.

“For these people to come out and support us tonight and bring energy and bring noise, I do think our players felt and appreciated the fans tonight,” said Head Coach Derek Fisher. “And just being in this building. It’s a different kind of stage. I think you feel more like you’re in the big time when you’re in this building. We’re fortunate to get this win.”

The LA Sparks take on the Atlanta Dream on Tuesday, August 17th at 7:30 pm.

LA Sparks have a chance to improve as WNBA season resumes

WNBA Playoffs 2019: Seattle Storm vs Los Angeles Sparks single elimination game on September 15, 2019. (Photo by Stephanie Lovell)

Los Angeles, CA – The second half of the WNBA 2021 season could look better for the Los Angeles Sparks. 

After entering the break with a six-game losing streak, a 6-13 record and ranking 11th in the WNBA standings, the Sparks will get to play three straight games at Staples Center and might even have Nneka Ogwumike on Sunday.

Owgwumike suffered a knee injury early June and hasn’t played since, although she did get to work out with the Nigerian national team at the Las Vegas training camp before the Tokyo Olympics. During Monday’s media availability, Owgwumike talked about her progress.

“Each day is incrementally better,” she said “When you suffer an injury like this, you still are a little ginger at times, but I try to put it out of my mind because I think that’s kind of what contributes to limited action and limited capabilities. It’s a mental thing.”

The Minnesota Lynx vs LA Sparks WNBA basketball game at Los Angeles Convention Center in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by Brianne Ingram)

The Sparks need as much help in the offense as they can get. They currently have the worst offense in the WNBA with an average of 73.2 points per game. Ogwumike averaged 16.4 points per game in the five games she played earlier this season. Her absence made a significant impact on the team, especially because Chiney Ogwumike and Kristi Toliver have also been in and out of the lineup due to injuries.

This was already going to be an interesting season for the Sparks. In January, they lost Candace Parker to the Chicago Sky, and Chelsea Gray to the Las Vegas Aces. They were the top two scorers for the team and, along with Nneka Ogwumike, were a big part of the Sparks’ identity. 

But although there have been some struggles, Los Angeles can potentially steer the season to a better direction if the Sparks pick up momentum right away. The first game back is on Sunday against the Indiana Fever, the one team sitting below the Sparks in the standings.

The Fever currently holds a 4-16 record and has only won one out of nine games on the road this season. When the two teams met on June 3, the Sparks took a comfortable 98-63 victory. 

The next two games will be on August 17 and 19, against the Atlanta Dream. Atlanta is one spot above the Sparks, although it shares the same 6-13 record. 

“We still have the foundation by which we started the season,” Owgwumike said. “We really want to take a microscopic approach for a macroscopic outcome.”

Team USA Beats France In Gold Medal Game, 87-82

Photo by Michael C. Floch

TOKYO, JAPAN– Revenge is a dish best served GOLD! Team USA Basketball earned their fourth consecutive Gold Medal by holding off France, 87-82 at Saitama Super Arena on Saturday afternoon in Tokyo Japan. Team USA was led by the dominance of Kevin Durant, scoring a game high 29 points as his spectacular play has notched him three Gold medals, in addition, the distinct honor of being recognized as the greatest American player in Olympic history.


France beat the US, 83-76 early in the games. The United States squandered a seven point lead in the final three minutes to lose the opening game in Tokyo. Everyone pounced on Team USA-especially after two humiliating losses at the hands to Nigeria and Australia in Las Vegas in the preliminary games-many people wrote them off assuming their streak of gold would fade.


Early on, the US was ice cold from the three point line, missing their first eight attempts. Then KD got scorching hot from the field, scoring 21 points in the first half alone.

 “One game and you go home, so I have to give it my all when I am out there,” Durant said on NBC after. “I was able to knock down shots to keep us afloat and then Dame hit some shots in the fourth.”


Jayson Tatum scored 19 points off the bench, Damian Lilliard returned to NBA form with 11 points and a couple of key buckets down the stretch after struggling through most of the Olympic games. 

Team USA seemed to seal the victory with about a minute left and a comfortable 7 point advantage. But a series of turnovers and a furious French rally trimmed the lead to 85–82. Fittingly Kevin Durant would seal the victory, calmly sinking two free throws to give the USA it’s hard earned gold medal.


Team France was undefeated at 5-0 before earning the Silver medal. Rudy Gobert of the Utah Jazz was superb adding 16 points and 8 rebounds for the French who refused to quit in this game. Congratulations to the USA men’s national team- Olympic Gold medalist.

2021 Preview California & Stanford

The California Golden Bears defeat the Stanford Cardinal at Stanford Stadium on Saturday, November 23, 2019, to earn the program's first victory in the Big Game rivalry in ten years. (Aaron Nelson / fi360 News)

PAC-12 Preview Part V

California

The California Golden Bears led by senior quarterback Chase Garbers will go as far his arm will take them. This is coach Justin Wilcox 5th year with a 21-21 record so it time to get back over .500 ball.

The Cal Golden Bears November 9, 2019 (Aaron Nelson / fi360 News).

This team will have ten players coming back as super seniors due to the one time exemption with 12 returning starters as a whole. Garbers offensive line looks to be the most experience group with starters and depth after last year woes.

The defense has been the Bears backbone under Wilcox tenure, no different this year. Be on the lookout for the bears dual linebackers Kuony Deng who stands 6’6 with extraordinary versatility and length. Then Cameron Goode on the opposite side always a force in the backfield of the opponents.

Overall this should be one of the better performing Bears team ready to move up the ladder in the competitive PAC-12 North. The Bears will use their 21-17 victory over Oregon to push them into this 2021 season as open up at home against Nevada.

Prediction 7-5

Stanford

The Stanford Cardinal will still be search for that magic to lead the PAC-12 and be ranked in the Top 25 at end of the year. Head coach David Shaw in his eleventh year has the coaching pedigree to produce champions but they need a spark. This Cardinal team will be searching for an identity of years past maybe feared for strong running game with a new quarterback at the helm.

PAC-12 Media Day 2021

The offense only returns six starters back with senior receiver Michael Wilson and running back Austin Jones as only returning skilled guys who will need to help put points on the board to keep up with the high powered offense of the PAC. A balanced attack will not be the key to success but running the ball and shortening the game will be on display Labor Day weekend at AT&T Stadium where the Cardinal open up in a marquee game verse Kansas State on September 4th.

This defense bring back defense end Thomas Booker who stands out when you look at the Cardinal front seven. They will need to improve this year with playing the gaps to stop the run and make teams play to their strength which is the secondary. The secondary is all back this season so know how to play together and communicating will be instinctive which should allow them to fly to ball.

The California Golden Bears defeat the Stanford Cardinal at Stanford Stadium on Saturday, November 23, 2019, to earn the program’s first victory in the Big Game rivalry in ten years. (Aaron Nelson / fi360 News)

We all know the Cardinal have solid teams, we just have to see if this team can make some moves fast to grown as a team and win a few big games at home this year.

Prediction 6-6

2021 Preview Arizona & Arizona State

Oregon Ducks vs Arizona State Sun Devils on Saturday, November 23, 2019. (John Hays / fi360 News)

PAC-12 Preview Part IV

Arizona

The Arizona Wildcats with new head coach Jedd Fisch are looking to find a way to compete. As the Wildcats rebuild they have already started having a foundation switch. Listening to players who attended the Media Day spoke of good changes already in progress.

HOLLYWOOD, CA – July 27. PAC-12 Media Day on Tuesday July 27th at the W Hotel in Hollywood CA.(Photo by fi360 News)

With only twelve returning starters, the Wildcats will be looking for some young players to come in and compete for big jobs. The quarterback race between two freshman signal callers Gunner Cruz & Will Plummer who will be under center more often then years past. Coach Fisch will bring NFL background to run a more traditional style with a running game.

The defensive line returning all three fourth of the starters, all four starters are upper classman. This line will be able to more aggressive in the new defense of scheme. The second line of defense has a few transfer added who will step right in to make contributions.

HOLLYWOOD, CA – July 27. PAC-12 Media Day on Tuesday July 27th at the W Hotel in Hollywood CA.(Photo by fi360 News)

Tucson is always a special place to play with great tradition so kicking off the season in Las Vegas verse BYU will be a nice first game to get this new era started on September 4, 2021.

Predictions 4-8

Arizona State

Herm Edwards is back back for his fourth season with the Sun Devils making steady progress. This is the season were they are suppose to make some noise and kick up dust in the PAC-12 South. The NCAA might be just the team to slow them down with sanctions if they are found in violation of recruiting rules.

Herm Edwards at PAC-12 Media Day 2021 (Photo by fi360 News)

On the field Arizona State brings back 15 starters with second year quarterback Jayden Daniels back running the same offense. The game will begin to slow down this season for Daniels which will allow his team to put points on the board to rack up victories. Four of five lineman are returning that will give Daniels time and open up holes for Rachaad White at running back.

Veteran leadership at linebacker from Los Angeles, which has been a hotspot for recruits. Merlin Robertson (Serra HS), Darien Butler (Narbonne) are both four year starters looking to rip the PAC-12 up. Then look behind them with the secondary led by 3 seniors who are ball hawks which are need to slow down the air raids.

Arizona vs Arizona State football game in Tempe, AZ on November 30, 2019 (Photo by John Hays)

This should be Edwards’ best team on the field winning a few games that they were not experienced enough last year to win.

Predictions 10-3

2021 Preview Colorado & Utah

USC vs Colorado football on Friday October 25, 2019 at Boulder, CU. (Photo by Laura Domingue)

PAC-12 Preview Part III

Colorado

The Colorado Buffaloes made big strides with a late start in 2020 restart under new coach Karl Dorrell. With talent sprinkled across the roster they will still have an uphill battle in 2021 to compete in the Southern Division.

The Buffs return six starters on both sides of the ball led by running back Jarek Broussard. He was third in the NCAA last season with 149.2 yards per game being the PAC-12 offensive player of the year. Brenden Rice at receiver will look to emerge as critical part of the offense.

Nebraska Cornhuskers vs Colorado Buffaloes game on September 7, 2019 at Folsom Field. (photo by Laura Domingue / fi360 News)

On the defensive side the transfer portal was hot for the Buffs picking up linebackers Robert Barnes (Oklahoma), Jack Lamb (Notre Dame) and Blayne Toll (Arkansas) defensive end to add depth for a long Pac-12 season.

Making the Alamo Bowl should bring some great momentum going into this season kicking off with Northern Colorado before facing off with Texas A&M.

Predictions 7-5

Utah

The Utah Utes have the most tenured coach led by Kyle Whittingham and the second most returning starters in the PAC-12 with 18.

Utah Utes running back Devonta’e Henry-Cole (7) runs the ball on September 20, 2019 (Photo by Jordon Kelly/fi360)

Ten starters back for the offense only missing a quarterback and running back. There will also be transfer TJ Pledger in the backfield for depth. The offense will have to do better then last season 409 yards per game to move up the ranks in PAC-12.

The Utes defense is always a consistent part of the team and this season will be no different. Devin Lloyd the anchor of the defense and Butkus Award finalist linebacker will lead them through this season.

A fast start could allow them to be 4-0 before they hit a bye week and be ready for second half with Oregon at home and USC on the road.

Utah Utes vs Colorado Buffaloes PAC-12 football game at Folsom Field on November 17, 2018. (Photo by Laura Domingue / fi360 News)

Just a solid team who will be ready and primed for a run at PAC-12 South contention.

Predictions 9-3

2021 Oregon & Oregon State

The USC Trojans and the Oregon Ducks meet in the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum to play in the 2020 PAC-12 Confrence Championship on Dec. 18, 2020. (John McGillen)

PAC-12 Preview Part II

Oregon

The Oregon Ducks preseason ranked No 9 in the country looking to rise into national dance for a run at a National Championship. Head coach Mario Cristobal back to lead post Herbert era.

Oregon State Beavers vs Oregon Ducks battle in the Civil War football game on November 30, 2019 (Photo by Megan Connelly)

The offense brings back seven starters and its wide receiver core being the strongest along with running back CJ Verdell who PAC-12 defensive coordinators know the ground game will be coming.

Mycah Pittman, Johnny Johnson III, Jaylon Redd and Devon Williams at receiver will be responsible to stretch the field and score often for the Ducks.

Kayvon Thibodeaux the PAC-12 best defensive lineman from 2020 season will led the seven returning Ducks who will look to slow down teams. New DC Tim DeRuyter will have some good clay to work with to tackle this tough road schedule.

The USC Trojans and the Oregon Ducks meet in the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum to play in the 2020 PAC-12 Confrence Championship on Dec. 18, 2020. (John McGillen)

If the Ducks can score big they will be in the discussion for final four after playing Ohio State, Stanford, UCLA, Washington and Utah all on the road. The stacked recruiting classes over the past few years will hold big to being on top.

Predictions 10-3

Oregon State

The Oregon State Beavers will be fighting an uphill battle in the Northern division to reach a bowl game. Last season highlight was beating Oregon in the covid season.

Oregon State Beavers vs Oregon Ducks battle in the Civil War football game on November 30, 2019 (Photo by Megan Connelly)

Coach Jonathan Smith will be looking to build on the foundation that he has been laying with 15 starters returning to action. The offensive line will be key to allowing this balance attack to keep up with Jones’s.

Center Nathan Eldridge will be the anchor for the line filled with depth and continuality. Transfer Tre’Shaun Harrison will be need to be a big contributor to allow few extra victories this season.

Oregon State head coach Jonathan Smith

They have a youthful defensive backfield who will be exciting to watch them fly around, freshman Akili Arnold will be a breath of fresh air. Freshman defensive tackle Evan Bennett a top recruit who’s quickness and strength will be great to have.

The Beavers open up the season with Big 10 Purdue that will help recruiting some with a good showing.

Prediction 4-8