Way to go, Josh

Congratulations to former Union Cyclone Josh Smith. Due to a mid-season change, he is the new interim girls basketball coach at DeSoto Central High School, which I believe is a 6A school in Mississippi.
This time last summer, he didn't have a job. Now, he has a golden opportunity.
He got the job on Tuesday and a few hours and no practice time later, he matched up against the No. 2 team in the state.
"They took it easy on us," he said in a text. "We only got beat 24."
As far as career moves, he's hoping to get back closer to Hot Springs.
But, he said, "how do you turn down a 6A coaching job if it gets offered?"
Quick reply from me, "You don't."
Hopefully, DeSoto Central will be patient and let Josh figure it out. Life is funny. You never know which road will lead you where. Some coaches spend their whole careers searching for that dream job. Wouldn't it be funny if Josh stumbled upon his right out the chute?

Dual State back from the dead

Congratulations to the new basketball coaches at Junction City for bringing Dual State back from the dead. The 79th edition of the longest running high school basketball tournament in country tipped off Saturday.
It's a slimmed down version with eight teams and it has a three-game format for each squad. The field isn't great but it's not bad basketball either.
It doesn't have to be much to be a thousand times better than last year. But, for a first round, Saturday's games were actually pretty good. The crowd wasn't bad either with a gym probably two-thirds full for the Strong-Warren girls game.
That game, by the way, went into overtime with the Lady Bulldogs surviving 73-71. It was a good game and a surprisingly good day for me, although I missed most of Norphlet's game against Haynesville. I like the tournament but starting it at nine o'clock on a Saturday morning will never be good for me.
Fortunately, they still cook down there so the hospitality room made up for it. I'm looking forward to the rest of the week at Junction City.
***
Courtesy of Southern Arkansas University, Ouachita Baptist beat the Lady Muleriders 80-78 in overtime Saturday night. Strong's Marandalynn Parker scored seven points, including a 3-pointer which tied the game at 68-68 with 1:18 left in regulation.
The junior also had five rebounds for OBU.
El Dorado's Shenelda Levingston scored nine points and grabbed 12 rebounds for SAU before fouling out.
I wish I could've gotten over to Magnolia to see these former News-Times All-Area performers duke it out.
By the way, Parker, according to the OBU website, had season highs of 11 points and 12 rebounds in a 78-74 loss to Arkansas Tech on Thursday.

Finally, the hot list is here

With all the basketball stuff and hard-hitting news I've been reporting on this blog, why didn't I know attractive female athletes would garner the most feedback? Men really are pigs, I guess.

Well, I guess a couple more "oink oinks" are in order as I conclude my list of my dozen hottest female athletes in the world.

Like I said, numbers 7-12 have already gotten me some nasty texts and a couple of thumbs ups as well. We'll see how I do as we count down the cream of the crop, the best of the best, the hottest of the hot.

No. 6 - Gina Carano - Without question, she could beat up the other 11 women on my list. The face of women's mixed martial arts had a bittersweet year in 2009. She headlined the first-ever women's main event on pay-per-view. Unfortunately, she couldn't make it out of the first round against the Brazilian ju-jitsu machine Cristiane Cyborg Santos.

Still, Carano gets major props as a pioneer for her sport.

The Texan was born in 1982 and is a rock solid 5-foot-8 and 143 pounds. As you probably know, mixed martial arts consists of several disciplines. Carano specializes in boxing and Muay Thai fighting. Hopefully, she'll work on wrestling before she climbs back into the ring with the Cyborg.

Being the second baddest female in the world is still not a bad title. Being the hottest fighter in the world is an even better crown to wear, especially when consider Carano made more money in losing the fight than Santos did in winning.

It pays to be pretty.

No. 5 - Hope Solo - Okay, this soccer hottie is a little controversial, even for me. This woman doesn't seem to like to show off her feminine side. At least, I've never seen her in a dress or with her hair all done up. But, she's still attractive in a tomboyish kind of way.

What stands out about Solo is the fact she's the best female goalkeeper in the world. A 5-foot-9 native of Richland, Washington, she was named the 2009 WPS Goalkeeper of the Year. She's coming off one of the best games I've ever seen in leading the United States past Brazil in the Olympic gold medal match.

Honestly, though, her attitude might be her most attractive characteristic. Yeah, she spoke her mind back during the World Cup and was kicked off the team for doing so. Nevermind the fact that she was absolutely correct in most of what she said.

I love the way she came back, rejoined the same teammates that cast her off, put them on her back and got what she deserved.

I know most of you guys like your ladies to be gorgeous and silent. Well, Solo is not going to be silent. But, at least when she talks trash, you know she can back it up.

No. 4 - Ilona Korstin - Who? Well, she's one of the best female basketball players in the world, although she isn't currently in the WNBA. Korstin has been a leader on Russia's team for several years. She played in the WNBA with Phoenix several years back but she has no plans to return to the United States.

The 6-0, 148-pound shooting guard is an athletic, slashing type of player. If she were to come to this country, she wouldn't dominate in the WNBA and it's debatable how much she would actually stand out. I guess it would depend on which team she was on.

But, she can flat out play and is hotter than borsch.

What I like about her is she actually responded to my emails. I communicated with her for awhile in 2007 before the Olympics. She said she was surprised to have an American fan.

Hey, Ilona, if you'd come back to the U.S., I guarantee you'd have a whole lot of American fans.

No. 3 - Becky Hammon - Ilona's teammate is South Dakota's own little darling. Actually, the Hamster is about 32 years old so the whole cute girl next door label doesn't really apply anymore.

Okay, yeah it still does. She dyed her hair black last season but she's still the cute little blonde girl defying the odds, breaking the ankles of 6-4 women and the hearts of men of all sizes.

Obviously, she's one of the best female players in the world. She's been MVP runner-up in the WNBA and is probably one of the top three scoring guards in the world.

At 5-6 and about 136 pounds, she has led San Antonio to the playoffs three straight years, is one of the league's top scorers and is always among the league leaders in assists, 3-pointers made and free throw percentage.

You can't help but like her attitude, too. It takes guts to risk everything and play for another country in the Olympics. Whether you agree or disagree, you have to admire her for standing up for herself and not backing down in the face of swarming criticism.

Some people, undoubtedly still hate her for it, but it doesn't stop her from smiling and signing autographs for fans all around the country.

I can't help it. I'm a Hammonite.

No. 2 - Yelena Isinbayeva - Okay, maybe I do have a thing for Russian women. Or, maybe this lady is just smoking hot. The title of best female pole vaulter of all time in this country might as well be the best pogo stick jumper of all time.

But, around the world, she is recognized as one of the greatest athletes to ever lace up a pair of sneakers. Born in 1982, Isinbayeva has set 27 world records and is a 9-time world champion.

To put it in a way so even Americans can understand, she dominates her sport more than Kobe and LeBron, more than Payton Manning, more than Alex Rodriguez, more than Tiger.

And, she's just as cocky as any of those guys.

I loved it when she won another Olympic gold, setting another world record in the process. She told the silver medalist who had inadvertantly mouthed off beforehand, "She should show respect and know her position. Now, she knows it."

Can you imagine Kobe saying that to LeBron after a game? I'm sorry but there's something super hot about good looking ladies talking trash.

And now, for the number one hottest female athlete on the planet - Lolo Jones - As much as I like the other 11 women on my list, Lolo is my runaway favorite. There's no athlete - male or female - that I admire more.

She's the best hurdler in the world, although she doesn't have the Olympic medal to show for it. You remember? She was the heavy favorite to win the Olympic gold in the 100-meter hurdles and was leading the race before she hit a hurdle and finished out of the running.

She handled the disappointment with such grace and class. It was truly an inspiration for yours truly, who would've drop kicked the microphone out of the reporter's hand if they dared ask me "what happened?" after the biggest disappointment in my career.

It was truly amazing how she handled herself. Of course, she's faced other tough times in her life on her road from Des Moines to the top of the sports world. She has since regained her form as the premier hurdler in the world.

Hopefully, she'll hang around long enough to get that elusive Olympic medal. Even if she doesn't, she has the title of Floor Burns Hottest Female Athlete on the Planet. Five-foot-nine inches, one-hundred and thirty pounds was never stacked into such a perfect package. They say beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I'd like to be holding her.

Oink, Oink.

Sorry.

Anway, that's the list. You're welcome.

For the guy who said if Natalie Gulbis isn't on the list, it's a sham - golf ain't a sport. For the guy who said Maria Sharapova is the hottest female athlete ever - she's a wanna be Kournikova. Only originals make my list.

Peace and, once again, you're welcome.

First six hottest

You've asked for it. Some have even begged for it. Finally, you get it. Here are the dozen hottest female athletes in the world.

As I said previously, my criteria for "hottness" is based on appearance, athletic success and attitude. This is clearly a matter of opinion. On the "Floor Burns" blog, there's only one opinion that matters.

And, here we go: No. 12 Sheilla.

Sheilla Tavares de Castro is the best volleyball player on the best team in the world - Brazil. Standing 6-foot-1 and weighing in about 140 pounds, Sheilla is one of the quickest leapers in the sport in volleyball. By the way, this is real volleyball, not beach volleyball.

Sheilla, born in 1983, is a wing spiker. She was MVP of the FIVB World Grand Prix in 2006 and 2009.

I've watched her in interviews and she seems quite nice and down to earth. Other than that, I don't know much about her personality. But, based on everything I've seen and heard, she's hot.

No. 11 Federica Pellegrini.

Ladies and gentlemen, may I present the female version of Michael Phelps. Pellegrini is the most accomplished female swimmer in the world. Born 1988 in Mirano, Italy, she currently holds three world records, three European records and 10 Italian records in 200 freestyle and 400 freestyle.

Pellegrini is a 5-10, 150-pound package of power. She's the first Olympic champion in the history of Italian swimming.

Obviously, she meets the criteria as far as athletic accomplishments. But, I happen to like her attitude as well. She's been involved in alleged love triangles with other swimmers, eventually winning the boyfriend for herself.

I've never heard her speak in English but she appears to be a tad on the confident side.

What can I say, I like cocky chicks. She's the best thing to come out of the water since Flipper. This coolly, confident mermaid knows she's good. She knows she's hot. By golly, who am I to argue with her?

No. 10. Kasia Skowronska: Who? I must admit, I didn't know about these volleyball players and their hottness until the 2008 Olympic Games. I can't tell you how much I got into indoor volleyball, though.

Man, these are some athletic, hot ladies.

Kasia Skowronska is certainly one of the best and finest in the world. Born 1983, she's Poland's big star. She's 6-1, 160 pounds, can jump out of the gym and might be the most powerful hitter in the world.

In fact, she was recognized as the best spiker in the world. She was the FIVB best scorer in 2007.

In the Olympics, she was a one-woman team. With the other team loading up to block her, Poland still went to her and she went up, over and through double teams consistently.

Again, I don't know much about this woman off the court. I think she's married. But, in the short interviews I've seen, she seems pleasant. That's good enough for me.

No. 9. Candace Parker - Finally, an American, you say? Hey, it's not a great time for female athletes in this country. We suck at tennis except for the Williams sisters. We're not the best in golf and, unfortunately, women's basketball isn't considered a sport in the United States.

But, you can't deny Candace Parker. I'm not even a huge fan of hers. I thought her WNBA MVP Award as a rookie was bogus.

It also gets on my nerves how the WNBA shoves her down the fans' throats.

That's not her fault, of course. Neither is the fact that she's so attractive it's silly. She has the face of a model combined with an athletic 6-foot-4, 175-pound body.

Born 1986 in St. Louis, the Illinois native is clearly one of the best female athletes in the world. Some would argue she's the best woman basketball player. I won't go that far but there's no doubt, she's in the discussion for the best player and also hottest player in the world.

Sheldon Williams, you're a lucky man.

No. 8. Caroline Wozniacki - I had to have at least one tennis player on my list. This girl isn't known as one of the sexpots on the WTA scene. She's simply one of the best young players in the world. She's also the only hottie on my list that's still a teenager.

Born 1990, she's a native of Denmark and, I believe, is the first Dane to be ranked in the top 10 in the world.

She's 5-10 and weighs about 128 pounds and plays a defensive, counter-punching brand of tennis.

Currently ranked No. 4 in the world, you probably saw her play in the finals of the U.S. Open last year.

As far as her attitude, she seems a little too, nicey, nicey to me. Her smile is the brightest on the entire tour. A picture of her not smiling would be a big deal.

But, there's room on my list for nice people, especially when they have guts. I watched her win a match despite suffering extreme leg cramps at the end of season tour. She could barely walk to the net and was crying out loud in pain.

But, she won the match.

That's my kind of girl. I predict greatness in her future. Besides, if the only flaw she has is she's too nice, that's pretty hot, too, I guess.

No. 7. Blanka Vlasic - Yeah, you've heard me talk about her before. I can't help it. She fascinates me.

Born 1983, this Croatian sensation is the best high jumper in the world. At 6-foot-4, she looks like she could use a sandwich when you watch her compete. But, her bio says she weighs 165 pounds.

Hey, if you say so. I ain't complaining.

Any woman who can high jump 6-8 is doing something right.

Blanka is ranked 20th all-time in high jumpers and is currently on top of the world. She is the European Athlete of the Year.

I felt bad for her when she couldn't find her long legs in the Olympics and had to settle for silver. The sight of her bawling on her coach's shoulders was hard to watch, especially after she had absolutely dominated the competition before falling short in the biggest event of her life.

I love watching her interview in English. It's not her best language but she speaks it well. She seems to be a very thoughtful person, very gracious.

Obviously, any person who dances and prances as she does after a big performance, has an air of confidence, bordering on cockiness about them. You know how much I like that, too.

So, there's my first six. I'm going to let you digest these six and I'll give you the next six a little later.

Emilee getting her groove back

Lee Scroggins' daughter Emilee is back at it again on the basketball court. Emilee, who missed most of last season with an illness, led Cutter Morning Star to the finals of the Garland County Tournament on Saturday.
Cutter Morning Star lost to Jessieville 46-32 Saturday night. Emilee had 13 points but couldn't finish the game due to illness.
The semifinals were played Saturday morning with Cutter Morning Star beating Kirby. Emilee had 27 points and 10 rebounds in the win.
On the season, she's averaging about 19 points per game.
***
By the way, for those wondering why I'm not updating Marandalynn Parker's games at Ouachita Baptist this season, well, I don't have access to the box scores.
Last year, former News-Times sports writer Brian Howard was the SID at Ouachita and did an incredible job of getting information out about his teams and athletes. Howard is no longer at OBU and the new guy ... well, he's not Brian Howard.
I've tried to get information but the new guy's response was, "Hey, I'm new."
So, OBU is now in the same boat as UAPB as far as sports information goes. Any athlete who plays for OBU might as well be playing for William & Mary because I can't get any information on them as far as statistics and how they're doing.
Hopefully, Miss Parker is having a good season for the Lady Tigers. I'll have to drop her a text to find out.

Here come the rankings

The Arkansas high school state basketball rankings should be popping up soon. They don't mean a doggone thing but they will be interesting to watch, I guess.
I would be shocked if El Dorado's girls aren't ranked No. 1 in Class 6A. The Lady Wildcats beat 7A Little Rock Central in the finals of the Heaven's Best Tournament in Little Rock and did it in front of Arkansas Democrat-Gazette sports writer Tim Cooper. Cooper has a large hand in the state rankings.
El Dorado is 12-1 and hasn't lost to an Arkansas team. The lone defeat was to Bastrop in the championship game of the Oil Belt Tournament.
Another area team that should be mentioned in the rankings is Parkers Chapel. The Lady Trojans' two losses to Magnolia and Norphlet aren't terrible. PC's biggest victory might be its win over Louisiana's Cedar Creek on Tuesday.
Cedar Creek was ranked No. 1 in Louisiana's power rankings for Class 1A before losing at Parkers Chapel in front of assistant coaches from Louisiana Tech.
"They're a solid basketball team," said Cedar Creek coach Katie Eagles. "They have an inside and outside game. For girls basketball, that's what you've got to have to be successful. I don't know about their conference but if they were down in Louisiana, they'd go pretty far with the style that they play and the depth that they have. They're a solid team."
In Class 2A, don't be surprised if Strong is ranked. Some of that will be because of reputation. But, the fact is, the Lady Bulldogs are in the final eight every single year. Until they're not in the state quarterfinals, it's not a stretch to have 'em ranked.
Norphlet should be ranked but won't be, mainly because they don't leave Union County.
Like I said, rankings during the season mean nothing. The Lady Leopards might be better off keeping a low profile then pouncing on somebody in the regionals.
***
I don't know if you noticed but former Oklahoma guard Jenny Vining is making news since she transferred to Arkansas Tech. The one thing she's done that interests me is she broke the Golden Suns' record for 3-pointers made in a single game.
Vining hit nine to beat Julie Smith's mark of eight. That's right, that Julie Smith, formerly of Union.

The Hot List

Okay, I've been thinking about doing this for awhile. I've seen a bunch of blogs where guys list their opinions on the hottest female athletes in the world. Almost every single time, I disagree with them vehemently. Obviously, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Who I think is attractive, you might find disgusting.

There's also varying criteria for hottest female athlete. Anna Kournikova is no longer an athlete. So, if she's on your list, your list is bogus.

My criteria is only a third based on looks. The other two-thirds are athletic accomplishments and personality or attitude. Since I don't know any of these women personally, their attitudes are based on what I perceive from watching them in competition and in interviews.

On my list, each athlete is one of the best in the world in their respective sports. So, while their looks and personality can be debated, the athletic ability of my list will be unquestioned.

Are you ready?

Well, the photo above has all 12 of my dozen hottest female athletes. Some you'll recognize but most you probably will not.

I'll start revealing the names later.

Peace.