Do you have ESPNU?

I just watched the McDonalds' All-American High School Basketball Game for girls. For those of you who don't have ESPNU, you're missing out.
Anywho, it was the typical All-Star Game. I haven't seen that many behind-the-back passes in my life. Unfortunately, about half of the intended targets also hadn't seen too many of them, either.
It was sloppy with a lot of turnovers and even more horrible shots. The only defense played was girls going for steals and blocked shots.
While the video for this game will not be heading to the basketball hall of fame, it did showcase how far the girls game has come. The size and skill of these young women is getting to the point of being ridiculous.
I've been following the career of Delaware's Elena Delle Donne, who is the consensus National Player of the Year. At 6-foot-4, she is a pure shooter and remarkably skilled player. When I saw her as an eighth grader, I said then she was the best high school girl I'd seen since Cheryl Ford.
She certainly hasn't regressed since then.
But, as good as the future UConn sensation is, she didn't dominate. There were a bunch of girls on her level, including Morrilton's Shekina Strickland, who more than held her own with the best this country has to offer.
As basketball games go, this was barely worth watching. But, for those interested in pure talent and skill, the McDonald's All Star Game showcased more than we've seen in this country.
I only wish it wasn't on ESPNU because more fans didn't get to see it. I know the girls in Union County need to start watching these events to see what's out there. Girls basketball in this country has been taken to another level. Girls in South Arkansas need to understand this before they start dreaming about college scholarships.
The competition is more fierce than ever.

Poole Party

When Parkers Chapel senior Emily Poole requested that I fill out a questionaire and give it back to her, I obviously didn't know what I was getting myself into. Poole, who is one of several area high schoolers who write columns for the News-Times, made me the subject of her latest column.
Actually, I don't know if I'm the subject of her column or the butt of her joke.
Whatever. I've got a sense of humor.
I'm starting to feel the same way about white girls as O.J. Simpson.
Okay, now that's funny. Write that one down Emily Poole.
Anyway, here's Emily's column about yours truly.

Back when the dinosaurs still roamed the earth, a local sports writer began writing for the El Dorado News Times.
Actually, it wasn't exactly that long ago since Tony Burns began gracing the pages of the sports section - only 17 years.
I have been following basketball since my aunt was in high school in the early 90s, and even then I can remember seeing Tony in the shadows with his pen and paper. Obviously, I couldn't read when I first met him, but as soon as I could his articles began interesting me. Considering he always does all the writing, for once I figured it would be nice if someone turned the tables and interviewed him.
After typing up a questionnaire, I gave it to Mr. Burns to fill out at a ball game to answer whenever he had a chance. After I promised to not misquote him, I couldn't wait to read the almost illegible hand-writing to see what he had to say.
It did not take long to see that we agreed on many things.
While “playing” at both Hermitage and Hampton his sophomore and senior season, I wonder if it ever crossed Tony Burns' mind that he would eventually be responsible for submitting articles for girls sporting events around the county.
Perhaps it was the fact he was so good that motivated him to become a sports editor, “The older I get, the better I used to be,” he reminisced.
Judging by his age, he should be going pro any time now.
Conservatively attending thirty games every season, he has accumulated roughly around 600 games and 600 hospitality room visits under his belt. Highlights of his career include seeing kids from the area make it to the national level: James Anderson, Amanda McCurdy, Kevin Payne and Jonathon Modica.
I was pleased to see that both of his most exciting moments he recalled from over the years were also two of mine, Sharonda Davis' desperation shot from half-court and Jeni Saunders Martin’s hook shot prayer from half in the state tournament. I was only three when Jeni Saunders made her game winning shot at the buzzer, but I recall the frenzy the gym went into after the ball fell through the net. I could possibly remember this so well because she is my aunt and that would be the only three she would ever make in her career.
I was also at the Dual State finals between Union and Emerson when Sharonda “Tootie” Davis launched a three from the state line that sent all spectators into a roar.
Consolidation has played a major part in depleting key rivals among area teams. Some of Tony's favorite rivalries would be no other than ­ Union vs. P.C., Union vs. Strong, and P.C. vs. Strong. If you ever attended any match-ups between those teams, you too would agree.
“I fear the county lost some great coaches and rivalries. I fear it has also taken away opportunities for some youngsters who wanted to play.”
The inventor of basketball, Gary Don Smith, was one of the coaches that due to school closure moved north to take a job a Lakeside. Tony Burns can vouch for the fact that Coach Smith could have a winning team despite the fact “he played solitaire, while devouring a plate of lemon squares.”
Some of the most memorable games of Mr. Burns’ career were “The Pure Hatred Bowl”-- Norphlet vs. Huttig between Russ Bolding and Billie Gathright and “The Strong Dislike Bowl” ­- Union vs. Strong in the conference championship.
Despite the fact he no longer has to use a chisel and stone tablet, reporting hasn't changed a bit. His favorite tournament is still Regionals because every team is good and the stakes are high. The most unusual event he has ever witnessed at a game would be the pepper spray outbreak at Dual State a few years back.
Although Tony Burns never wishes to be a coach, he still managed to produce a starting line-up for the ultimate Union County girls’ dream team. Three of the five would come from Union: Heather Adams –“clutch,” Sharonda Davis-“clutch” and Mary Beth Gilmore-“tough.” The other two rounding out the top five would be Strong's K.J. Smith, a “clutch” player, and El Dorado’s Ashley Harrell, a truly “gifted” one.
I would have to say I agree with each choice, especially the label given to Mary Beth Gilmore. I grew up with her, she used to run barefooted on the gravel road dribbling a basketball and once dislocated a poor girl’s arm in a game.
Even though you may possibly see him as a confident man with his Air Jordan sweat suits, Tony’s most embarrassing moment of reporting came when he ripped his pants in Junction City and had to wait for kids to form a line to run the boys out to make a quick exit. Maybe he should have cut back his visits to the lounge to 599.
There are many rules in the game of basketball that at times I would love to see abolished; however, Tony’s vote is to see the jump ball taken out of girls’ play. “Let them fight for it!”
The fans would probably love to witness this; it would be like two sporting events for the cost of one -­ boxing and basketball.
The crowd has been known to play an important role in deciding the outcome of a game. “Fans can help motivate their teams, but good teams won’t let negative fans bother them.”
Basketball is a sport that is ultimately loved around the area. For many years now, locals have begun their day with a bowl of Corn Flakes and articles by Tony Burns.
If you don’t get the paper, don’t worry, his future plans may include some fiction ­- Tony Burns: Basketball Superstar. Save your daily newspaper money and get his best-seller book off the Barnes and Noble shelf in a few years.
(Emily Poole is a senior at Parkers Chapel.)

U-S-A

I felt I needed to clarify what I said in my previous blog about Becky Hammon not being invited to the training camps for USA Basketball.
As it turns out, she had scheduling conflicts when some of the earlier competitions were being held. Because she couldn't make them, the spots on the Olympic team weren't made available to her.
At least, that's what I've been told by people associated with the USA Women's Basketball program.
I emailed my girl, Hall of Famer Nancy Lieberman (how's that for name dropping?) and this is what she told me.
"Becky is a terrific player and should have gotten a shot at usa basketball. She wasn't able to adjust her schedule and make it to the required training camps!! It's unfortunate, but it happens. I'm not down with her possibly playing for Russia."
Hammon finds herself in a difficult position. If she suits up for Russia, a lot of people will consider her a traitor. But, there isn't a spot for her on the U.S. Team and she is 30, so this will probably be her only shot at playing in the Olympics, which is the ultimate goal for any athlete.
Personally, I hope she plays for Russia and leads Russia to a win over the USA in the gold medal game. But, she should accept her gold medal then excuse herself from the podium when the Russian national anthem is playing.
Basketball is basketball but Americans don't salute another country's flag.

To Russia, with love

One good thing about having to wake up early to go to the doctor the other day was a basketball game I saw. On NBA TV, the EuroLeague Women's All-Star Game was held Thursday in Moscow, Russia.
The format was Europe's All Stars against the Rest of the World. The Rest of the World, of course, included most of the WNBA stars from the United States, including Diana Taurasi, Sue Bird, Cappie Pondexter, etc. It also included Australian Lauren Jackson, the reigning WNBA MVP.
The European team featured a bunch of women most folks in Arkansas have never heard of. Plus, the newest Russian citizen suited up, a 5-6 lady by the name of Becky Hammon.
What?
That's right, Hammon, who was not invited to the tryouts for the U.S. National Team, is a newly naturalized Russian citizen.
Anyway, the European team blasted the Rest of the World to the tune of 111-86.
Amaya Valdemaro from Spain scored 25 points. Hammon scored 17 and 6-foot-8 Russian center Maria Stepanova scored 16 with 14 rebounds.
I love, love, love the European style of basketball. It was an All-Star Game so not much defense was played, but watching the finesse style was worth waking up early for.
The Europeans shot 14-of-27 from 3-point range and 21-of-24 at the free throw line.
It was an offensive clinic with Hammon's game meshing perfectly with the foreigners.
I'll have to give it some more thought but when the Olympics roll around, I might be the only American rooting for Russia in women's basketball. I really like the way they play.

Old as dirt

Former Union coach Gary Don Smith used to talk about knowing how old he was by coaching two generations of players. When you've coached both the mother and the daughter, you've been around for a while.
On Wednesday, El Dorado junior guard Marcedis Govan stopped by the office for a photo session. She was accompanied by her mother, who looked strangely familiar to me.
After a few minutes, I finally asked Govan's mother, "Are you from Huttig?"
She smiled and said yes.
I couldn't believe what I was about to ask but, I blurted out, "Are you Shawnetta Willis from Huttig?"
Her smile widened as she nodded affirmitively.
Willis was my first-ever News-Times Player of the Year. My first year covering girls basketball, I chose her for the award for her play with the Lady Eagles.
Now, here I am, 18 years later, covering her daughter.
Father Time, you're a mean moto-scooter.
* * *
I had to wake up early this morning to go to the hospital for thyroid tests. They put me under this big machine for about 30 minutes as it scanned my neck and about four of my chins. Apparently, what they found was far from normal because I have to go back and do the stuff again tomorrow.
Anyway, they sent me to another room to do some sort of ultra-sound. Guess who the person was who did this procedure?
Brittany Jerry, formerly a pesky, not-so-nice point guard from Strong, had this big grin on her face as she applied a bunch of goop on my neck.
I begged her not to hurt me and she said she wouldn't.
She didn't but it was still a bit discomforting laying flat on my back with Brittany Jerry's hands around my throat.

Who will win 2A title?

The 2A State Tournament girls basketball championship is the rematch everybody has been waiting for. It's a championship game rematch between Carlisle and Augusta.
Nope, Jessieville did not make it back to the state finals after falling to Augusta 59-57 in a great semifinal on Saturday. This is the same Augusta team that beat defending champion Carlisle in the regional final.
I must admit, going into the tournament I didn't have Augusta on my radar. The Lady Red Devils got on my radar, however, after I watched them in the opening round. They were clearly the most athletic team in Jessieville last week.
After watching them for about five minutes, I could definitely see how any team, including Carlisle, would have a difficult time beating them two or three times in a row.
But, I still pick Carlisle to repeat as state champion.
Why?
Two words - Julie Inman.
The state tournament was wide open with three or four teams capable of winning it. Jessieville thought it had the best team. Carlisle thought it was the best. Mineral Springs and Augusta probably thought they had the best teams, too.
There was absolutely no argument, no question whatsoever about who the best player was, however.
Inman is the reason Carlisle made it to the finals. She's the reason they made it to the semifinals. She's the reason the Lady Bison, who lost post player Monie Cohen, their second best player to an injury, will beat Augusta on Saturday.
I talked to Marandalynn Parker about Inman. While we both wonder how she'll do at Arkansas next year, we both agree that she is a fascinating player to watch at the high school level. I haven't seen a girl control the game like her since Sytia Messer was at Waldo.
I expect Augusta to push Carlisle to the brink in a great, great game. In the end, however, Inman will be the difference.
On the boys side, Earle is better than Stephens. The Roadrunners enjoyed a charmed week in Jessieville. I think their luck will run out against a stout Bulldog team.

It beats digging ditches

If you've looked for me at the office this week, you didn't find me. After working 22 days in a row, I decided to take a couple days off. That's right, before Monday, I had worked every day (including Sundays) since the district tournament.
I thought this was a nice accomplishment. I mean, everybody gets a day off, right?
I visited my father and we were talking to my uncle and I told them of my three weeks without a day off venture.
My uncle's eyes lit up at the thought of all of the overtime pay I had earned.
When I told them I didn't get any overtime, he asked what, exactly, I did.
I told him I had been covering tournaments in Glenwood and Jessieville.
"Did you drive back and forth?" he asked.
"Well, no. I stayed in a hotel," I answered.
"Did you have to pay for the hotel?"
"Well, no. The newspaper paid for the hotel," I said.
"Did you have to pay for your gas?"
"Well, actually, the newspaper reimbursed me for my gas expenses."
The old geezers looked at me and started laughing.
I suppose getting paid to travel around the state and watch basketball games doesn't quite qualify as hard labor.
Most of the people in my family have done hard work in their lives. In my younger days, I've hauled pulpwood, thrown bales of hay and labored from sun up to sun down in the tomato fields.
Compared to those things, covering basketball games ain't really work.
Still, it does get tiring. No, not back-breaking tired but, after covering games, writing stories and living in hotels for three weeks, a guy can get run down. It's the kind of fatigue you feel in college after staying up all night cramming for a final.
Your brain is just mentally fried. Right now, the last thing I want to do is watch a basketball game. I'm grateful I have the freedom to take a couple days off.
But, there's no doubt. I'd rather cover games 365 days in a row than spend a week digging ditches.

Finally, back on-line

I tell you what, once you get used to having a computer, it really bites the big one when that computer goes on the blink. I've been off-line for about a week or so. It took four calls to AT&T tech support but, finally, I'm back on line.
I didn't blog any from the 2A State Tournament in Jessieville because of the computer issues.
Oh man, I had some good stuff to talk about, too.
Oh well, I'll do a little roundup on what I saw and then, I'm going to make a few predictions for the championship games.
I'll do that later, though.
Right now, I'm going to sleep. Hopefully, if I wake up tomorrow, my computer will wake up, too.