Floor Burns

WNBA? Still expecting great

2011-06-04T14:21:00.000-07:00

As a fan of women's sports, I wish there was a way for others to watch games with the same excitement and enthusiasm as I do. Alas, this will never be possible as many view any form of competition involving females as simply inferior than the male alternative.
There is one way, however, to help pump up the volume in women's sports. How about we get the people who describe the action to act like they're enjoying the action?
It's so frustrating to watch the NBA Playoffs where commentators like Mark Jackson and Jeff Van Gundy are totally into every dribble, every pass, every timeout. They point out all the subtle nuances of the action and they do it with humor or anger or excitement. Then, I watch the WNBA opener and all the commentary is monotone, void of passion.
I like Rebecca Lobo. I think she's a knowledgeable basketball person. But, and it's not just her, it seems as though most women commentators are afraid to actually voice their opinions. I know they're friends with the players but, come on, that's what commentators are supposed to do.
For instance, the play-by-play guy asked Lobo how she thought Sheryl Swoopes would do in her comeback season at Tulsa. The response was something to the effect of, "When she was healthy, Sheryl Swoopes was one of the best players in the league."
What the hell? Really?
That's like asking Van Gundy who he thinks will win between Dallas and Miami and he says, "When they're playing well, these are two of the better teams in the league."
I don't know if it's a female thing but women sports analysts don't or won't offer a negative opinion. I've seen replays where the official clearly gets the call wrong and they don't say anything about it. I've seen games where coaches make questionable decisions and they go completely unquestioned.
As frustrating is the lack of passion in the sport they're watching.
I watch the women's softball. I like it but the women broadcasting the game really don't. Or, maybe it just seems that way to me.
I watched a pitcher throw an off-speed pitch that was so incredible, I screamed in my living room. The play-by-play lady, however, practically yawned out loud.
It's that way a lot in basketball as well.
I'm not saying the analysts have to be like Dick Vitale and do a touchdown dance after a lefty layup. But, there are some outstanding plays being shown. These are the best in the world at their sport. Why aren't you happy to be there watching them?
Hey, if you're bored, the people listening to you are bored?
While I'm on the WNBA, I hate the promotional advertisements with the "Expect Great" slogan. It's just ... lame.
And, why do they insist on comparing the WNBA to the NBA. When idiots blast the WNBA because it's not as athletic as the NBA, I point out that it's a different game. You shouldn't compare the athletic ability to the NBA players. NBA players are the best athletes in the world. Hell, Major League baseball players don't compare themselves to the NBA.
But, when the WNBA compares its own players to the NBA, well ... damn!
It's frustrating to watch a league with a good product appear so mediocre. The level of play has grown dramatically in 15 years. But, until the product is packaged better, the WNBA will remain a niche sport on the verge of collapse.

We want Bruce Pearl!

2011-03-21T14:46:00.001-07:00

We want Bruce Pearl!
If you're a fan of Arkansas Razorback basketball, chant those four words.
"We want Bruce Pearl!"
Yeah, I know. The whacky coach is sort of disgraced after getting fired today by Tennessee. Pearl is a repeat violator of various NCAA rules. By coaching standards, he's a renegade. He's currently under some sort of suspension for violating a rule while serving a suspension for violating a previous rule.
Yeah, that's right.
But, he wins.
Everywhere he goes, Bruce Pearl wins. He builds programs. Don't ask how he does it. But, he does it and he's done it.
Pearl had a 231-99 record at Tennessee. In six years, the Volunteers went to six NCAA Tournaments. He had an 86-38 record at Milwaukee in the Horizon League and went 231-46 at some place in Indiana. Pearl has a winning record against every SEC school except Kentucky.
Arkansas fans want a winner. We need a winner. We crave a winner like Hugh Hefner craves Viagra.
Fact is, Arkansas wants a winner so bad, it doesn't matter what sort of baggage comes with it. Exhibit A: Bobby Petrino, who was lambasted for jumping off the Atlanta Falcons sinking ship in midseason.
Petrino was labed a rat by pretty much every talking head on ESPN. A few years later, that network is in Fayetteville televising the Razorbacks' spring football game.
You know why?
He's a winner.
So is Bruce Pearl. He's a proven program reviver. Sure, he's got more baggage than the Hilton sisters, but where ever he goes, he wins.
We Razorback fans want to win. We don't care how. We don't care why.
With Petrino and Pearl on the same staff, Fayetteville will become known like the old Oakland Raiders - Just Win Baby!
I like it. Besides, Pearl will be under such a huge microscope, he wouldn't dare cheat again. Would he?
As long as he wins, who cares.

Recruiting from the closet

2011-02-09T20:18:00.000-08:00

There's an interesting article on ESPN.com about the homophobia in women's college basketball and the perceived negative recruiting that comes with it.
Here is the link: http://sports.espn.go.com/ncw/news/story?id=6060641
The article talks about the Iowa State coach Bill Fennelly, who stresses his program's family-oriented environment to recruits. The fact that Iowa State really beats this drum hard is alarming, apparently, to some people.
Personally, a person's sexual orientation is no concern to me. As a long-time follower of women's basketball, I understand a lot or perhaps a few of the players I'm watching are lesbians. It doesn't bother me.
Of course, I'm a man.
I've covered high school sports for more than 20 years. In that span, I've known a few girls who took their basketball careers to the college level. More than one has expressed concern about whom they would be sharing a lockerroom.
These were high school girls born and raised in South Arkansas. Honestly, I think they were simply scared to death of lesbians.
Were they uninformed? Yes.
Were they wrong to be afraid of lesbians in general? Yes.
Did they have the right to choose which school and which coach and which lockerroom they'd be spending their next four years? Yes.
If a kid says they don't want to play on a team with lesbians. That's their right.
I don't think it's necessarily wrong for a coach to come out and say, "I'm straight. My assistant coaches are straight."
Seriously, is that wrong?
Actually, I guess technically it is. It's illegal to discriminate based on sexual orientation. That's why coaches can't announce they have a straight staff and a straight roster of players. That's where phrases like family oriented come into play.
I don't believe in negative recruiting. I don't think a coach should tell another coach's business. Coaches should sell their own programs. Period.
In this day and age, I don't see what's wrong with just being honest. Straight coaches shouldn't be in the closet anymore than gay coaches.
Most girls are informed enough to know homosexuality isn't contagious. Most athletes want to go to the program where they will develop the most as a player. They want to go to a school that offers a degree in what they want to study. They want to play on a team where they fit in on the court as far as playing style.
Most aren't worried about who the coach is sleeping with or who their potential teammates are dating. If they are worried about that, isn't that their right, too?
It's considered racist for a kid to say, "I don't want to play on a team with blacks?"
It's just as wrong for a kid to say, "I don't want to play on a team with gays."
As horrible as both statements are, doesn't the kid have the right to make those decisions?
Just be honest. That's all.

Let's go Pack

2011-02-05T23:45:00.000-08:00

Another year, another Super Bowl.
Honestly, this year's game is a little anticlimatic for me. I really enjoyed the NFL season. I even stayed involved in it after my Raiders were eliminated. I thought the Michael Vick story was great. It was fun rooting against the Jets and the Patriots.
But, now that's it's been two weeks since I've watched a game, I'm not that anxious to see the Steelers and Packers tee it up.
To be in the media profession, I'm about as anti-hype as they come. I hate the over-analysis of every single detail. For that reason, I've intentionally avoided ESPN like the plague. At least, I've tried to.
I wanted to know Pittsburgh's center was put on IR. That was good information. It was useful. I didn't need to know Ben Roethlisburger took his lineman out for barbeque while Aaron Rodgers studied film.
Why do I care?
Some idiots will use this trivial nonsense as the reason why one of the quarterbacks will lose today. Big Ben was partying too much. Aaron Rodgers was too uptight.
Idiots.
Wake me up when the actual game starts.
Speaking of, I've never been a Packers fan. But, I'll guess I'll be a cheese head today - by default.
I don't like Roethlisburger. I think he got off quite easy for his off-the-field transgressions. I have a problem with guys who do what he did - allegedly.
I'm also so sick of Brett Favre I can hardly stand it. I've heard his name so much this week. It's as if he's starting at quarterback for Green Bay.
Obviously, I have to root for Aaron Rogers. He's not Roethlisburger, which is good. And, finally, if he leads the Packers to a Super Bowl, maybe it will take some of the legendary status away from Favre.
If Rodgers wins a Super Bowl, perhaps ESPN will have someone else to slurp. Maybe they won't file reports from a farm in Mississippi during the summer.
Oh dear God, we can only hope.
Let's go Pack.

Tragedy in Russia

2011-01-27T09:46:00.000-08:00

I read the news story the other day about the bomb at a Russian airport that killed more than thirty people. I must admit, my first thought was - a lot of female basketball players are over there. I hope none of them were at the airport.
Since then, WNBA player Swin Cash tweeted that she checked and her friends, including Sue Bird, are okay. They weren't at that airport and all of Cash's UConn and WNBA friends are just fine. She ended the tweet with "God is good."
Althought I had the same thoughts as Cash, I didn't realize how selfish those thoughts were until I read them on paper.
Cash made no mention of the innocent people who lost their lives and all of their families and loved ones. How selfish of her. And me.
It's a tragedy when anyone is murdered in such a senseless manner.
This is another example of our "me, me, me" society. If it doesn't affect me, it doesn't matter. Someone was murdered? If I don't know them, who cares?
I can't speak for anyone else. But, I'm going to make an effort to see the bigger picture in the future. It's not just how something affects me, it's how it affects the world and those around me.
I'm thankful I didn't know any of the victims in Russia. But, I'm horrified to know so many innocent people lost their lives. It was a tragedy. And, I care.

No moral victory for Hogs

2011-01-04T22:10:00.001-08:00

No!
No! No! No!
Arkansas fans cannot be satisfied with a 31-26 loss to Ohio State in the Sugar Bowl. I don't care that the Razorbacks showed some heart in their second half rally. I don't care.
The Razorbacks' loss was disappointing. That game was there for the taking. The Buckeyes shut it down in the second half and Arkansas should've put this game away. This should've been a great victory. Because the Hogs fell short, it's a devastating loss.
No! No moral victory tonight. If Arkansas wants to consider itself an elite program, these are games it has to win.
Instead, real SEC schools will continue to turn their noses up at the Hogs for failing to represent. Ohio State finally got a win over an SEC team. Yeah right, not a real SEC team.
Okay, Ohio State is a very good team. It's no disgrace to lose to the Buckeyes. But, you don't get that many opportunities on the national stage to take your program to a higher level. It was there tonight for the Hogs on a silver platter.
Six drops?
Arkansas' receivers dropped six balls and never stopped talking smack. How about focusing on the football instead of trying to think of something wise-ass to say? How about that? The Hogs' recievers just embarrassed themselves on national TV and don't even know it because they haven't stopped jawing long enough to realize it.
Ryan Mallett wasn't perfect. The last pick was a great play by the Buckeyes, I thought. He was betrayed by his receivers and a porous offensive line. Did they block Ironhead Heyward's kid once?
But, I thought Mallett competed. They all competed. Give the Hogs' defensive coordinator credit for the second half adjustments, although I swear Ohio State didn't even try to score after halftime.
Star of the game was the punter - Dylan Breeding and the Zach Hocker kid. Arkansas' special teams were special. Too bad they didn't pick up that blocked punt and run with it. Then again, you give the ball to your offense in that position, it's on Mallett and the boys to get it in the end zone.
False starts and dropped passes - you can't mount a game-winning drive with those mistakes.
Damn! It was there for the taking, too. Like Terrelle Pryor's fumble in the first half that two Hogs lost fighting for it that went for a Buckeye touchdown.
Damn!
I'm not saying anybody should be fired or anything. Like I said, a lot of folks lose to Ohio State. But, coming up short is nothing to be proud of, either. Elite teams win that game. Second-tier teams fall short in the final seconds.

UConn vs. men?

2011-01-03T22:30:00.000-08:00

In case you haven't heard, UConn's winning streak was snapped last week at Stanford. It was an amazing streak but personally, I'm glad it's finally over. To be honest, as good as the Huskies were, the rest of women's basketball should be ashamed to let one team be so dominant over so many others for so long.
But, that's another story for another day.
As I sifted through the anti-women's basketball comments on the ESPN message board the other day, I came across a column. It asked the question, could UConn's women beat Centenary, which is supposedly the worst men's team in the country?
At first I thought this was just another good ole boy sports writer slamming women's sports. But, the author claimed to be a fan of women's basketball.
Yeah, right.
It was a stupid question.
As little children we learn that boys are not supposed to hit girls. You know why? Because males have a physical advantage over females. Males are bigger, stronger, faster, quicker, etc. I can't believe this is news to people.
So, why do people insist on comparing women athletes to their male counterparts? What's the point? If men and women were built the same with the same strength and speed, they'd compete against each other.
They don't. That's why there's a men's division for basketball and a women's division. That's why there are Olympic events for women and different events for men.
I get it. I don't have a problem understanding it.
Yet, knuckle bleeders will tell you, "I don't watch women's sports because they're not as good as the men."
If you say that, you're an idiot.
I watched TCU and Oklahoma play a women's game the other night and enjoyed it. Not once did I say to myself, "wow, none of those women are as athletic as Blake Griffin." That thought never crossed my mind.
When Stanford beat UConn, I didn't look at the TV and wonder how the Cardinal would do against the men's team from Wisconsin-Lacrosse. Why would I?
A true sports fan watches games for one reason - competition. You want to see two evenly matched competitors battle it out. You want to see if the underdog can spring the upset. That's why I hated UConn's win streak so much. It wasn't that they won. The games weren't even competitive.
Again, I don't blame UConn.
But, it's supposed to be about the competition. I don't understand why some people can't appreciate the competition.
Why would anyone want to see women compete against men? Men have physical advantages over women. That's why it's frowned upon when a man strikes a woman. That's considered a bad thing. You know why? Because men are bigger and stronger than women.
Men and women are not created equal - physically. They're different - physically.
That doesn't mean women aren't as competitive as men. That doesn't mean their competition isn't as exciting as the men.
In the Olympics, I watch the men's 100 and the women's 100. I watch both. Sure, the men are about a second faster but so what. It's the competition that gets me excited.
You know what, if you tell me you don't like women's basketball because the pace is too slow. If the game is not athletic enough for you. If you prefer your action above the rim. I can buy that. I understand that.
But, if you say you don't watch women's basketball because they're not as good as the men, you should be beaten with a crooked stick.
First of all, that's just a stupid excuse for sexist jerks.
Guys who say that will sit and watch Little League Baseball all weekend. Hey, those 12-year-old boys aren't as good as Major Leaguers. Those same guys will watch high school and college football. Hey, those high school and college teams aren't as good as the teams in the NFL.
You watch the Little League World Series because the games are competitive and played with passion. It's the same reason you enjoy college football on Saturday and high school football on Friday.
But, for some reason, you can't take women's sports and enjoy them for the competition. With women, you automatically have to compare them to the men. You don't make fun of a Little Leaguer because he couldn't get a hit against Cliff Lee. But, you talk trash about Maya Moore because she can't play in the NBA.
I just don't get it. I don't understand it.
You know what? I'm glad I don't get it. I don't want to understand it. All these "sports fans" and their preconceived ideas about female athletes are just missing out on some great competition. I'm looking forward to watching a Final Four with Baylor, Stanford, UConn and Tennessee. That's going to be great.
And, for the guy at ESPN, I don't give a damn which men's team you think could beat them.

ESPN loves U-C-O-N-N

2010-12-22T23:34:00.000-08:00

Some guy on ESPN actually said the winning streak by UConn is good for the sport of women's basketball.
Wow! Really?
The Huskies have won 89 games in a row. Any sports fan who doesn't know this ... actually anybody who has walked past by a TV tuned to ESPN has to know this. The sports network has done to this what it does to every story it gets - run it into the freaking ground.
Every talk show had a segment on the UConn streak. That wouldn't be bad except the people talking about the streak know nothing about women's basketball.
Tony Kornheiser and Mike Wilbon, of all people, actually said the coverage should help the sport.
First of all, it will help. It will help UConn. That's the only program the exposure will help. And, as the current dominance might suggest, the Huskies don't need any more help.
The thing is, it could've helped other teams if ESPN covered it correctly. If the network covered it the way it covers the sports it actually cares about.
Here's an example:
"We're here today to discuss women's basketball, specifically, UConn's winning streak. Here's the question, when will the streak end?"
"The obvious answer at the beginning of the season was either against Baylor or at Stanford. The Huskies already dodged the Baylor bullet, thanks to some home cooking in Hartford. The trip to California is still looming but the mighty Cardinal has fallen - twice.
Stanford is having chemistry issues, trying to find enough ball handling and shooting to go with an absolutely loaded frontcourt. So, the question is, can Stanford get it together in time to give the Huskies a run for their money? Or, will we have to wait around for Baylor to get UConn on a neutral court?"
Okay, if Pardon The Interruption had discussed the streak in this manner, sure, it would've been good for women's basketball. You'd talk about UConn and also mention the other top teams. But, no, all I've heard the past two days is one name and one name only.
UConn already has an incredible advantage as the only women's program with its on local network - ESPN. No other program can match that kind of exposure ESPN affords Geno and the gang.
The least they could do is pretend there are other teams in the universe. Hell, the only time Brittney Griner's name has been uttered on PTI is when she slugged the girl from Texas Tech.
This UConn streak could've been great for the game. It could've shown the masses that women are playing great basketball. But, all it has been is another recruiting tool for UConn and ESPN.
The rich just got richer.
And, if I hear another former UConn player talk about how the streak is a product of hard work I'm gonna puke.
Of course the Huskies work hard. Every progam ranked in the top 10 has hard-working players. Are you really saying UConn is the only program that works hard and the rest of the top 25 is filled with lazy, uninspired losers?
Really?
No, the Huskies work their butts off, just like most of the teams they beat. The difference is, UConn has the best players on its team. Yeah, Geno Auriemma is a great coach and he has a great coaching staff. But, the reason UConn has won 89 consecutive games is because in its previous 89 games, its players were better than the players on the opposing team.

Scrooge in the house

2010-12-15T22:21:00.000-08:00

I don't mean to be Scrooge. I really don't.
This time of the year sucks.
Okay, maybe it just sucks for me.
I wish there was some sort of break between football and basketball seasons. Covering football can be a real grind and it's not just covering the games on Friday nights. During the week, I did interviews and stories with the defensive coordinator and head coach. I did the game story. I did the follow-up story on Saturday.
The only days I didn't talk to a football coach were Sunday and Monday and I worked those two days also. This means I've worked in some capacity every single day since September. Even if the work is only for a couple of hours on a Wednesday, it still adds up.
Now we're into basketball. Unfortunately, this sport doesn't take a holiday break with tournaments right up to Christmas and New Years.
Please don't ask me what I'm doing for the holidays because I'll be doing what I do every year for the holidays - WORKING!
And, no, I don't want to hear about your plans.
I hate this time of year.
I went to the office Christmas party last night and watched as other people laughed and won door prizes.
Oh what fun.
I want to take some time off. I really, really, really, really need to take a few days off.
But, I can't.
I'm not going to be a very happy person for awhile. I'm tired. I'm irritable.
I'm alone at home sitting at my computer, typing about how tired and irritable I am.
I should be writing my book. I have it in my head. If I could just freaking re-charge a little bit. My brain is fried.
Is it wrong to blame all of this on the holiday season?
Probably.
God, I'm really tired.
Thanks for listening. Goodnight.

TCU is East? Right

2010-11-29T12:13:00.000-08:00

I just heard on ESPN that TCU has agreed to join the Big East in all sports.
Does geography mean nothing anymore? Why don't we just throw all the maps away?
There's nothing about TCU that says East. Fort Worth Texas? East?
I admit, I was hoping TCU would join the Southeast Conference. No, it's not exactly in the Southeast but at least it's in the South. That's half right, right?
TCU makes as much sense in the Big East as Louisiana Tech does in the WAC (Western Athletic Conference).
With La. Tech in the WAC, it plays most of its games in a totally different time zone. The Bulldogs had a big win at San Jose State on Saturday night. Guess when it got in the newspaper? Yeah, Monday.
It's impossible for us to cover Louisiana Tech anymore because their road games end well after our deadline. I would imagine it's also near impossible for La. Tech's fans to follow their home school on the road to say, Hawaii or any of the California schools.
Why would a school join a conference where it geographically does not belong? Money? Okay, I wonder how much money La. Tech spends sending its volleyball and soccer and softball teams to Hawaii for games.
In case you've already thrown away your map, folks, you can't get to Hawaii from Ruston by bus.
Remember in the good, old days when the conferences were divided up into regions. The Southwest, the Southeast, the PAC 10, Big East, Atlantic Coast, etc.
Now, everything is out of WAC, excuse me, whack.
TCU is in the East. I guess Colorado is headed to the PAC 10, which now has 12 schools.
And we wonder why the college presidents can't get the BCS mess straight. Hell, they can't even find their own schools on a map.

I love football

2010-10-10T21:46:00.000-07:00

So, I rushed home the other night to watch the football game I had TIVO'd while I was at work. I was anxious to see how Baltimore would fare against a stout Tampa Bay defense. Well, they didn't fare too well.
What was particularly shocking to me was the fact that Baltimore didn't give its hard-running halfback the ball more. I mean, come on, what's the point in having Ida Bernstein on your side if you're not going to use her?
Oops.
Okay, you caught me. I wasn't watching the NFL but the LFL (Lingerie Football League).
Yeah, I know what you're thinking and trust me, I've been called a lot worse by a lot better.
Yeah, I discovered the league recently and was shocked at how serious the participants are. It's not powder puff stuff but actual hitting, tackling football.
Obviously, the uniforms are a bit ... unconventional. I didn't know shorts could be that ... uh, short and whoever invented shoulder pads that show off the upper torso area like that should be up for the Nobel Prize in Physics. But the play is surprisingly ... I'm not sure what the word is. It's not what you'd call good football. They throw like girls, after all, but it's competitive and dare I say, entertaining.
Would it be as entertaining if they wore standard football gear? Would Playboy be as popular without the centerfold?
The thing is, I do like the games. I like the fact that most of the players are actual athletes who played tennis, softball, track, lacrosse, rugby, basketball, etc. at the collegiate level. I like the fact that they hit and talk trash. I like the enthusiasm of the fans and the seriousness of the announcers, including former ESPN talking head Sean Saulsbury. I also enjoy the touchdown celebrations, which make anything Chad Ochocinco thought about doing look really tame.
I'm a guy. I like football. I like attractive women. Gee. attractive women playing football?
Why not?
It's not bad. In fact, it's pretty good. I just wish Baltimore would give Ida Bernstein the ball a little more. When she runs over a defender she looks just like Larry Csonka - if Larry Csonka was really pretty and wearing short shorts and a halter top.

Don't stress out

2010-09-21T16:14:00.000-07:00

Michigan State beat Notre Dame in overtime Saturday in a thrilling college football encounter. After the game, Spartans' head coach Mike Dantonio suffered a mild heart attack.
College football coach is a stressful job. It requires long hours and probably more responsibility than one man should be required to shoulder. It also pays a whole bunch of money.
After Dantonio's heart attack, the media has gone into panic mode, saying perhaps the NCAA should limit the number of hours coaches can devote to their professions.
First of all, what happened to Dantonio was alarming and sad. But, he wasn't the only person who had a heart attack Saturday night.
Heart attacks happen to people in all forms of work. Unfortunately, they're a part of life and a very real part of death.
All of a sudden, people are supposed to be concerned that football coaches' lives are in danger because of the stressful nature of their job. Is a coach's job more stressful than a doctor, who literally has the blood of his patients on his hands? Every day a doctor makes life or death decisions.
Is a coach's job more stressful than that of a police officer? Cops pull cars over all the time. Mostly, they have no idea who is going to roll the window down when they tap on the glass. It could be a little, old lady or an angry man with a gun. These days, it could be a little, old lady with a gun.
That's stress.
I don't know what it's like to be a college football coach - to have the media nipping at your heels, to have clueless fans criticize your every decision, to have your job performance graded by thousands of fans who've never been to a practice much less ran one.
That's a stress I don't understand.
I do know what it's like to have the everyday stress of having to pay $500 worth of bills with about $300.
Coaches worry about what play to call on third-and-four. Other people have to decide between paying their electric bill or their gas bill. You want to talk stress? Try making a five dollar bill last for a week.
I think it's sad what happened to Dantonio. But, please, don't make it like millionaire coaches have it worse than truck drivers, farmers or construction workers.
Stress isn't a coaching thing. It's a life thing.

A day of redemption

2010-09-19T17:31:00.001-07:00

I'm proudly waving my Oakland Raiders banner today. My team got its first win of the season, holding off St. Louis 16-14 in The Black Hole.
No, it's a bit premature to start screaming "the Silver and Black is back!"
But, it does feel good to at least be competitive.
Oakland's defense was stout. Yeah, the Rams' offense is horrific but Steven Jackson is a big, strong, fast back and the Raiders shut him down in the second half.
Offensively, I never lost faith in Darren McFadden. Thanks to an injury to Michael Bush, Coach Tom Cable had no choice but to give the ball to the former Razorback All-American. Even behind that porous offensive line, McFadden brushed aside the "bust" talk, pounding his way for 145 yards on 30 carries.
That's right - 30 carries.
He was the workhorse of the offense. Give some credit to Bruce Gradkowski for sparking the team at quarterback. But, the man who carried the load was McFadden.
Hopefully, he showed the powers that be in Oakland that he should be the team's focal point on offense. Give him the ball again and again and eventually, he'll get into a rhythm and he'll produce for you.
McFadden didn't break off a lot of big runs but he ran hard - real hard. He was delivering hits instead of absorbing them. He looked like an NFL back. He looked like a stud.
Another player who made the most of a rare opportunity was Michael Vick in Philadelphia. He took advantage of an injury to make his first start in a long time. Vick passed for 284 yards and two touchdowns and led the Eagles to their first win of the season.
It was a great day for two players who have seen their stock plummet. It was a great day for two players who have been given up on.
It was also a great day for me. I believed in both of these guys so much, I started them on my Fantasy Team. That's right, I benched Tom Brady and started Vick. I benched Joseph Addai and inserted McFadden.
Who's crazy now, suckers?

Americans suck at tennis, too

2010-09-07T23:44:00.000-07:00

I was scanning the Associated Press wire Tuesday night and came across an article that made my blood boil. After the United States' dismal showing in this year's U.S. Open tennis event, the USTA announced a rules change, calling for downsized courts, smaller rackets and less lively tennis balls for players 10 and under.
The rule is designed to make tennis easier for young players. Instead of the regulation-sized 78-foot court, the youth courts will range from 36 to 60 feet, some with lower nets.
"You're asking a 9-year-old to play on the same-size court as Roger Federer does," said Kurt Kamperman, the USTA's chief executive of community tennis. "It's not always realistic."
You know what else is not realistic?
You can't create better tennis players by lowering the net.
If you make the game easy for youngsters, what happens when they start playing on the bigger court with the higher net and the bouncier balls?
I don't know, maybe I'm just too old. I remember when sports were challenging. Hell, I remember when being a kid was challenging. That was part of the fun. These days, children are coddled to the point where they don't know how to work for anything.
Everything already comes so easily. Kids can Google this or download that. Bored? Crank up the Xbox and play state-of-the-art video games.
You know how I entertained myself? With a stick and some rocks. That's right. It takes some imagination to kill off an entire summer day with just a stick and rocks.
Kids today don't have to do that. You say it's progress but I don't necessarily agree. I mean, heck, look at me. All I had to play with was the friend I completely made up in my head and look how great I turned out.
Okay, maybe I'm not a great example. But, it worked for other people my age.
Everything is so much softer for kids today. I heard they banned dodge ball at school because the kids who lost developed low self esteem.
Uh, huh.
Back at Hermitage, not only did we play dodge ball, we played a game called tackle tag. You didn't get to be "it" by getting tagged. You were "it" after you got body slammed on the ground.
Yeah, that's right, low self esteem my sweet patootie. If you made it through recess, you felt pretty darned good about yourself.
I don't have kids and I guess it's a good thing. I mean, we live in a "No child left behind" society where paddlings at school are illegal. It's darn near illegal to spank your kids at home.
Children's rights?
Exactly what year did children receive rights?
When I was a kid, I had the right to remain silent. That, and my mom's right hand were the only rights I ever knew I had.
And, just look how I turned out.
Okay, I'm not a good example.
But, back to the lecture at hand. The reason the USTA is doing this is to keep more kids involved in tennis so a growing pipeline will start feeding the elite levels. Basically, the USTA is upset that Europeans have caught up and passed Americans at tennis.
I'm not sure making the sport easier for our youth is the remedy. I think Europeans and people from other countries are simply hungrier than Americans, right now. Those other players know to get ahead, they have to work, work and keep working. Nothing is given to them.
I'm not sure what the answer is for us, but I just don't think continuing to spoon feed our kids is getting it done. I mean, Chris Evert and Jimmy Connors didn't play on a smaller court with a smaller racket and lower net. They became great players because they wanted it and they worked and got it.
If we want to develop better tennis players, perhaps we should raise the bar instead of lowering it. Another thing we could do is, at the high school level, stop treating tennis and golf like the red-headed step children of football. You want to encourage kids to play tennis, treat them like you treat the football players.
Ha! Who am I kidding?
I guess maybe it's just too late. Everything comes so easily for American youth. Pretty soon the only sport we'll dominate will be football. And by football I mean the Madden video game.

Give the WNBA another chance

2010-09-06T17:04:00.000-07:00

I believe it was Charles Barkley who was interviewed last season during the WNBA Playoffs. Sir Charles told the interviewer that fans should give the WNBA another chance. The play has gotten a whole lot better since the league tipped off.
I don't often agree with Barkley but in this instance, he's absolutely correct.
The WNBA Playoffs are going on, right now, although most of you don't even realize it. Unfortunately, a lot of you do know they're going on and simply don't care.
That's the problem for the league, which is still hanging on by a thread after 10-plus seasons of existence.
A lot of fans will never give the WNBA a fair chance. These are the fans who say they want to see dunking and when a woman like Brittany Griner starts throwing it down with two hands, they claim she doesn't look feminine enough.
Some men simply will not look at a woman if she's not wearing a short skirt and batting her fake eyelashes like Marilyn Monroe. The WNBA will never appeal to these guys.
But, the league should appeal to real basketball fans. If you really like the sport and love to watch good, competitive basketball, these WNBA Playoffs have been great. The games have been close, hotly contested, intense matchups between relatively even-matched teams. There's been plenty of offense, tough-hard nosed defense down the stretch and even a buzzer-beater or two.
I would almost guarantee that any true basketball fan who watched one of these last few games will tune in again. Unfortunately, like Charles Barkley so eloquently stated, a lot of fans won't give the league another chance.
It really is too bad. They're missing some really good basketball.

Female athletes should put up or shut up

2010-09-02T01:01:00.000-07:00

As a sports writer who has gone out of his way to promote the growth of girls in sports over the past 20 years, I was bothered by John McEnroe's comments last week. The tennis legend suggested female players on the WTA shouldn't be asked to compete in as many tournaments as the men. He suggested women aren't as tough or as physically capable of playing so much.
"You shouldn't push them to play more than they're capable of," said McEnroe, who suggested the number of women's tournaments be cut.
If he were being honest, McEnroe would love to say all women's tennis should be banned. McEnroe has displayed a disdain for women's tennis for a long time. When he does commentary for a women's match, you can hear the disgust in his voice and see the disrespect in his face.
So, while his comments bothered me, I wasn't surprised.
Of course, women's groups were outraged at the suggestion that female athletes aren't capable of competing at the same level as their male counterparts.
I agree with those women. But, instead of telling McEnroe and all those like him that they're wrong, I think it's time women put up or shut up.
In men's tennis, the players go best 3-of-5 sets while the women play best-of-3. Why?
Aren't women just as capable as the men?
Why do women golfers hit off different tees? Why does women's basketball use a smaller ball?
I know. Women are built differently than men. Women are usually smaller than men with smaller hands and yadda, yadda, yadda.
If you want men to stop ridiculing female athletes, you have to erase all the rules that give allowances for women.
All sports should be like track and field. The men's 100 meters is the same distance as the women's 100 meters. The men's marathon is the same distance as the women's marathon. Women jump over the same high jump bar and into the same long jump pit as the men.
Same rules. Same sport. Same respect.
Okay, yeah, I'll give you women clearing low hurdles while men run the high hurdles. Women are shorter with shorter legs.
But, why do women need to hit from a different tee in golf? There should be one tee box. Everybody hits from it. If it takes a woman a few more strokes to get the ball in the hole, so what?
Women were playing with a normal-sized basketball for years. Finally someone, probably a man, decided the female hands were too small to hold a big, basketball so they made it smaller. Now, anytime a woman hits a 3-pointer or shoots a high percentage at the free throw line, some neanderthal jerk will suggest, "Hey, I could too if I got to play with a girls' ball."
And, if women can run marathons, why can't they play five sets of tennis? Women are even allowed to have coaching on the court while the men aren't.
What are they, weak?
I don't think they are so it's time we stop treating female athletes as if they're weaklings, incapable of competing at a high level. Stop making allowances for the fact they're women. And, stop giving jerks like McEnroe ammunition to suggest women can't be athletes.

Brett, LeBron, Tiger - who should go away first

2010-08-17T22:58:00.001-07:00

Who are you most sick and tired of seeing on your TV screen - Brett Favre, LeBron James or Tiger Woods? No, you can't say all three. You have to pick one.
If you're like most folks, this is a really tough call. All three athletes have gotten more prime time coverage than President Obama and it's not even close. Let's be honest, there really isn't a wrong answer.
I have to admit, I watched LeBron's "The Decision." Yeah, pretty much the whole hour, I sat there and listened. The thing is, I believe he really is getting a bit of a bum rap. He earned the right, as a free agent, to pick and choose his team.
As for his show, if ESPN wants to suckle his teat like a baby piglet, why should he say no? Fact is, LeBron didn't do anything he didn't have a right to do. As far as I'm concerned, the only people who should be angry at him are Cavalier fans. And, who really cares about those hundred or so losers, anyway?
Yeah, I'm tired of seeing LeBron trying to apologize to one city and explain his actions or whatever. But, of the three athletes in question, he's the least of my worries.
While LeBron didn't do anything wrong, Tiger, on the other hand, messed up real bad. Arguably the most popular athlete in the world, he had everything in the palm of his hand and carelessly cast it aside.
What gets me is all the ESPN talking heads who are now actually casting Woods as a sympathetic figure. Who are you kidding?
Tiger screwed Tiger. Well, okay, he diddled and daddled with a bunch of porn stars first but, you know what I mean. Now that he's distracted and his golf game is struggling, I have no sympathy for the guy. He actually had the nerve to explain away his struggles on the links, saying he doesn't have time to practice because he has to spend time with his kids.
Oh no he didn't?
I really wish Tiger would go away. Ryder Cup? Hell, get in a Ryder truck and haul his tail off Sportscenter.
The thing is, as sick as I am of seeing El Tigre, he's probably just as sick of being seen. Tiger doesn't want to be on ESPN anymore than we want to see him there.
Alas, that's not the case for old number four. Brett Favre has turned into the biggest media whore this side of Paris Hilton. How many times is ESPN going to play his game?
He's retiring. He's not retiring. He's injured. He's going to have surgery. He's not going to have surgery. He wants to play. Well, maybe he doesn't want to play.
For the love of cheese, please find a tree in Mississippi and climb it.
Someone tell ESPN, no one cares anymore. Until he's in a uniform, this is not a story. He's throwing passes to high school kids. Whoop dee freaking do! Yet, every day there's a reporter sweating like a hooker in church down in Hattiesburg.
"Today, Brett Favre shot at a possum," said the reporter. "We'll tell you if he actually hit the possum at the top of the hour. Back to you, Stew."
No one is looking smarter, right now, than the Green Bay Packers, who pulled the plug on Favre's act years ago. Now, the old man is playing the Minnesota Vikings like a banjo. They might as well be called Brett's Vikings because it's clear he runs the team.
Yeah, like LeBron, if Favre can make a team dance like a freaking monkey, he has every right to do so. If he make ESPN spend countless hours staking out his front porch down in Mississippi and the network is so stupid, it's his right. But, at least LeBron got his "decision" over with in an hour.
Brett Favre has been a story for far too long. Please, dear Lord, can you make him go away.

Hat's off to her

2010-08-17T12:12:00.000-07:00

Some people are trying to cook up some heat on Arkansas football coach Bobby Petrino for is treatment of a reporter at a press conference this week. The reporter showed up at the press conference wearing a Florida Gators hat.
Petrino answered her question then said simply, "that will be the last question I answer with that hat on."
The press conference was indoors so the reporter could've simply removed the hat and I would assume the coach would've answered another question from her.
Anyway, the reporter was fired from the company in Northwest Arkansas, which makes its money by covering Arkansas Razorback sports. The question, was the reporter wronged?
The answer - no.
There's an old saying, "know where your bread is buttered." If you get a job in Razorback territory covering the Razorbacks. You don't flaunt a Florida Gators hat to that job. It's not illegal but it is stupid, especially if you want to please your bosses.
The reporter is a Florida alum, who openly supports the Gators. That's fine. But, fact is, if she showed up at a Florida press conference sporting a Hog hat, Urban Meyer would've been pissed, too.
It's disrespectful. She knew it was disrespectful. That's why she did it.
I hope the reporter finds work soon. Hopefully she won't wear a Burger King crown to her interview at McDonalds.
***
By the way, I now have two blogs. This site will now be devoted to sports and stuff outside of Union County. It will be more of a national and international topic place.
If you want to keep with sports and events that happen in South Arkansas, please follow me to West Faulkner, which should be up and running now. That's westfaulkner.blogspot.com
Thanks.

Nolan ain't rolling

2010-06-14T13:41:00.000-07:00

I heard a rumor that former Strong high school coach Betty Burge was offered an opportunity to be on Nolan Richardson's staff at the WNBA's Tulsa Shock. Coach Burge, if you're reading this, if you have any sort of positive feelings for Coach Richardson at all, please help the man. He's been on the job for less than a year and is already the punch line to more jokes than Tiger Woods.
Richardson admitted he didn't know much about the league or women's basketball when he took the job. How silly of me to think he would hire someone who did know something about the league and women's basketball. Brother man ain't got a clue.
He just traded his best player Plenette Pierson to New York for Tiffany Jackson. I know. It means nothing to most people. In WNBA circles, this would be like the Lakers trading Kobe Bryant for, I don't know, ME.
It's the second idiotic move he's made since he arrived.
By the way, Marion Jones, arguably the worst player in the entire league, is still on his roster. Why would you keep a 34-year-old rookie on the end of your bench and cut a 22-year-old rookie (Amanda Thompson) who played at the University of Oklahoma. There goes that fan base.
Nolan inherited the old Detroit Shock, which was one of the best franchises in the history of the WNBA. When the Shock was moved to Tulsa, several star players, including Deanna Nolan, Katie Smith and Taj McWilliams-Franklin refused to report. Smith and McWilliams-Franklin signed with other teams and Deanna Nolan, still under contract with the Shock is sitting out the season.
None of that is Nolan Richardson's fault. What is his fault is a clear lack of knowledge of the league's players. He could've gotten two solid players for Pierson or a draft pick. He got neither. He could've gotten a lot more for Shavonte Zellous, another former Detroit guard who he gave away.
He insisted his brand of 40 minutes of Hell would work in the WNBA. Now, he says it won't work until he gets his kind of players to fit into his system. Unless those players include Corliss Williamson and Todd Day, I think he's in way over his head.

T-spoon delivers

2010-06-11T17:53:00.000-07:00

I believe Teresa Weatherspoon goes into the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame today. I guess this is a good time to name drop. I hugged T-spoon a couple weeks ago.
Hee! Hee!
Actually, I wasn't exactly the Lone Ranger. Pretty much everybody who was in attendance at the AmerCable/News-Times Scholar Athlete Awards Banquet got either a hug or an autograph from Weatherspoon, who is the coach at Louisiana Tech.
I was excited when she agreed to be our special guest speaker. I've heard her talk many times on television and she's always excited and upbeat, even animated. She's one of those people that not only grabs your attention, she chokes it until you can't breathe.
As a speaker, she was even better than I thought she'd be.
Her stories were personal and delivered messages that were right on point with the audience. Of all the thing she talked about, perhaps my favorite were the words "if" and "no" and how important they are in anyone's life.
If you work hard and if you do what you're supposed to do you can be anything you want.
Of course, the ability to say "no" is a skill often not learned until adulthood. That one little two-letter word can sometimes be the difference between life and death.
I was a big T-spoon fan when she was a player. She mentored my favorite player - Becky Hammon and still has the WNBA's signature shot - a three-quarter court game-winning heave at Houston in the finals.
As a coach, I must admit, I'm not the biggest Lady Techster fan. But, I'm a bigger fan now than I was before she came to El Dorado. Before she left, I told her, hopefully the next time I talk to her it'll be about one of our area girls signing with Louisiana Tech.
She said, "let's do that."
All I can say is, "we'll see T-spoon. In the meantime, keep delivering that positive message in the passionate way you brought it at our banquet and you won't have any trouble convincing young girls to come and play for you. Congratulations on the Hall of Fame."

At the buzzer

2010-05-28T17:08:00.000-07:00

I'm baaack. Did ya miss me?
Probably not.
Anywho, we just had our annual AmerCable/News-Times Scholar Athlete Awards Banquet last night. I must say, it went well after a heart-pounding beginning.
I had been playing a not-so-amusing game of phone tag, trying to get Louisiana Tech coach Teresa Weatherspoon as our speaker. Unfortunately in this game of tag, I was "IT" most of the time. The one time I did talk to her she committed to speak and only asked that we give her the address so she could put it in her GPS.
My boss lady emailed the address to her and, the game of phone tag began again. I tried about nine times, unsuccessfully, to see if she did get the address. She never replied nor returned calls and I could never catch her in her office.
Finally, the day of the banquet arrives and I'm crossing my fingers, hoping that she got the directions and will make her appointment.
The banquet started at 7 p.m. The place was filled by about 6:55 p.m. Everyone was there, of course, except T-Spoon.
My boss lady looked at me as we were about to start the program and asked, "Where is she?"
Well golly gee, I don't know. Let's check and see if she's in my pocket. Nope, not there.
Those were the thoughts in my head. I didn't dare speak them out loud because I didn't want to make her my ex-boss lady.
I walked outside, followed by PC coach Mark Young, a La. Tech graduate and a Lady Techster fan. He seemed almost as nervous as I was, although there's no way that could possibly be the case. After a few minutes of guessing, "is that her?" she finally arrived, about a minute before the thing was about to begin.
Talk about your buzzer beaters.

On the recruiting trail

2010-04-16T11:02:00.000-07:00

It appears Arkansas Baptist could be getting a bargain this recruiting season. El Dorado coach Stephen Harshaw said senior point guard Gabbi Jackson is leaning toward signing with the junior college.
It was surprising news to me as I've felt Jackson would have several choices after guiding the Lady Wildcats to the state semifinals. But, her desire to stay close to home narrowed her search tremendously, making Little Rock-based Arkansas Baptist an attractive option.
Nothing's signed yet, but Harshaw feels that's where she will end up.
In other recruiting news, Parkers Chapel coach Mark Young told me via text message that junior center Savanna Langston has scholarship offers on the table from Arkansas State and South Alabama.
I hope she has a large table because those will be the first of a whole bunch of offers to come her way in the coming months.
***
I enjoyed Channel 7's piece on Cutter Morning Star guard Emilee Scroggins, who is a finalist for one of the station's awards. Emilee, daughter of Lee and Lora Scroggins, overcame a serious illness to make her way back to the court.
Channel 7 told her story, interviewing the Scroggins family and the Cutter Morning Star coach. Emilee talked about how her faith was the biggest factor in her recovery.
It was a great story about an outstanding young lady.

UALR on the rise

2010-04-12T17:56:00.000-07:00

Coaches are a lot like businessmen. How they run their programs from the ground up often parallels the success they have on the court.
In my job as sports editor, I've been working the phones for the past few months trying to procure a guest speaker for our upcoming AmerCable/News-Times Scholar Athlete Awards Banquet.
It's not easy for a guy from El Dorado to lure a big-name college coach to town for an unpaid speaking engagement. I had more emails go unreturned than one of those male enhancement ads.
A couple of weeks ago, I sent out a new batch of emails. All of them were unanswered except one. UALR coach Joe Foley didn't reply to my email. He telephoned me at home.
Unfortunately, I wasn't available to answer his call so he left me a message, explaining he would be out of town at the Sun Belt meeting on the date of our banquet. He asked me to call him and gave me his cell number.
Before I could return his call, Coach Foley called me again. The coach said he wanted to double check the date just to make sure he couldn't be there. He wanted to make sure he got in touch with me so as not to "leave me hanging."
A coach who returns emails is unusual. A coach who returns phone calls is even more special.
Coach Foley expressed regret that he couldn't speak in El Dorado. He said he would love to make his presence known in this part of the state.
Hey, he made a impression with me. I was already happy with UALR's run in the NCAA Tournament. Now, I'll be rooting for the Lady Trojans that much more.
Plus, you guys know me, I didn't waste an opportunity to do a little hometown selling of my own. While I had Coach Foley on the phone, I asked him if he knew about El Dorado's Whitney Frazier and Parkers Chapel's Savanna Langston.
He said UALR is already on Frazier but, surprisingly, he didn't know about Langston.
He does now.

Emilee wins award

2010-04-10T11:24:00.000-07:00

After missing most of last season due to an illness, Cutter Morning Star guard Emilee Scroggins, daughter of former PC coach Lee Scroggins, just finished up an All-State year. The junior also earned all-conference and helped her team to the 2A State playoffs.
The accolades keep rolling in for Emilee's amazing comeback story. Lee said she has just been named the winner of Channel 7's Anthony Hobbs Award. The award is named for the Little Rock Parkview athlete who died on the court.
The station's Steve Sullivan traveled to Cutter Morning Star last week to interview Emilee and her parents and coach. The episode will air on Monday at 6 p.m.
Congratulations to the Scroggins family.
Flowers can't bloom without rain.

Out-of-state success

2010-04-08T23:59:00.000-07:00

One good thing about watching the NCAA Women's Tournament was I finally got to see some Arkansas girls on the court. There aren't many on the college roster up in Fayetteville but there are gobs of 'em around the country on some pretty good teams.
In the Final Four alone you had Little Rock McClellan's Nyeshia Stevenson starting for Oklahoma. East Poinsett County's Jordan Madden came off the bench for Baylor and Whitney Zachariason (CAC) was on the bench, although she didn't see any action in the tournament.
I watched Wickes' Lakin Garrison start for Oklahoma State and, of course, Morrilton's Shekinna Strickland is a converted point guard at Tennessee.
That's not a bad starting five. But, there's not a true post player. How about Purdue's Chelsea Jones, a 6-4 center from Fort Smith Southside?
We need a bench, too. Let's go to New Mexico State and pick up Little Rock Parkview's Crystal Boyd and Ashley Scroggins of Mineral Springs by way of Pratt Community College.
I know. Those last couple of schools didn't actually make the NCAA Tournament. But, neither did the University of Arkansas.
The point is, Arkansas, Arkansas State, UALR and UCA really have no excuse. There's some outstanding talent inside the Natural State. If any of the women's programs in the state aren't competitive, someone needs to be fired because there's talent all around. All they have to do is go and get it.
I have a heightened interest in this, right now, because of juniors Savanna Langston and Whitney Frazier. Both of these young ladies, in my opinion, have possible Division I talent. They're not blue chippers, not McDonald's All-Americans, not can't miss prospects. They're players with college potential. They're the type of players that good college scouts look at and see not what they are but what they could become.
Which in-state Division I schools go after these two and which don't, could say a lot. If I'm fortunate enough to watch either one of these girls playing in the tournament in a few years, chances are it won't be for an in-state school.
Ain't that a shame?

Dayum! Dayum! Dayum!

2010-04-07T15:57:00.001-07:00

Dayum! Dayum! Dayum!
UConn won again and so begins the discussion of is this the best team ever?
Tuesday's 53-47 win was soooo frustrating because the Huskies were ripe to be picked off. Every once in awhile, a team just comes out and, for whatever reason, can't buy a basket. UConn, finally, had one of those nights in the first half.
I'll credit Stanford's defense for some of it but, fact is, UConn was just off. And, I'll be dayum if the Cardinal didn't let them off the hook. Make no mistake about it, UConn didn't win its 78th consecutive game, Stanford lost its golden opportunity to end the streak.
The Huskies scored 12 points in the first half and Stanford only led by eight? If Stanford shoots the ball a lick, it's ahead 40-12 at the half.
That first half set the game of women's basketball back thirty years. Brick by friggin' brick, those two teams put on an offensive display that should have been on the cartoon network instead of ESPN.
Despite Stanford's 20-12 halftime lead, I knew the game was over. UConn, give 'em credit, is not going to have two halves like that. The Cardinal had its chance and didn't take advantage.
When you're trying to dethrone a champion, you can't be trying to win on points. UConn was on the ropes, dazed and ready to be knocked out. Instead of going for the kill, Stanford stood and watched with both hands at its side.
Dayum! Dayum! Dayum!
I've always liked Stanford coach Tara Vanderveer. I've talked to her on the phone a few times and found her to be pleasant, funny and incredibly engaging. After saying that, what the hell was she thinking?
She kept trying to ride one-legged Jayne Appel even when it was obvious the senior All-American didn't have it in the championship game. Appel went 0-for-12. The fact she took 12 shots is an indictment of the coaching strategy.
Stanford should've put my girl Kayla Pedersen on the block and let her operate. Pedersen only had 15 points and 17 rebounds while playing on the perimeter.
Tuesday's game was so frustrating for this reporter to watch. I kept asking myself - why?
Why? Why? Why?
I felt like Nancy Kerrigan.
In sports, you don't get many opportunities to make history. When the time comes to do something great, you have to be ready and you have to swing the bat - hard.
UConn did just that. The Huskies made history and will go down as one of the greatest teams ever.
Stanford?
Dayum! Dayum! Dayum!

Please Stanford, Please

2010-04-05T23:28:00.001-07:00

Please Stanford. Please! Please! Please!
With sugar on top, I'm begging you ladies to win tonight.
Puhleeezee!!!
I'm so sick of UConn ... I don't remember being so tired of hearing about another team in my life. Hey, I'm a Raiders' fan and I've never liked the Chiefs or the Broncos or the Steelers. I hate the Patriots (damn tuck rule). I didn't like Larry Bird and the Celtics and I could care less about the Yankees.
But, the most annoying team in all my lifetime has to be these UConn Huskies.
Actually, to be honest, it's not just this year's team. My dislike goes back to the Rebecca Lobo Huskies, who won a national championship and suddenly were credited for inventing the game of women's basketball.
Since that team, which is conveniently located in ESPN's backyard, the ball only bounces when UConn plays. The rest of the nation might as well be playing horse shoes because Geno is the only person in the world who knows how to coach women's basketball.
As a person who watched Teresa Weatherspoon lead Louisiana Tech into incredible battles against Texas' Bev Williams and watched the Bolton sisters at Auburn take on Tennessee's Bridgette Gordon and Sheila Frost, I know basketball existed before UConn.
I witnessed it. And, it was good.
I don't have a problem giving UConn credit for its domination lately. I think Geno has a recruiting edge with ESPN as his own personal hometown network. But, 77 wins in a row? No one can argue with that.
UConn, for all it has achieved, deserves attention. I just think it's a bit much to say every UConn team that comes along is the best women's team ever. There were other incredible teams, including the undefeated Texas team that ended Cheryl Miller's career. Speaking of, Miller along with the McGee twins was a special group as was the Tennessee team with Holdsclaw, Catchings, Randall, Jolly, etc. How about Stanford's Azzi, Henning, Whiting, Steding, Zeilstra group?
I'm just saying.
Maybe the team with Bird and Taurasi was the best ever. Maybe this group with Tina Charles and Maya Moore is the best ever. But why is UConn the only team in the discussion?
I despise UConn so much.
And, it's not their fault (as if they cared). The players, especially Moore, seem like nice, respectful, even humble young people. I don't care much for Geno. He's the only person in the world who made me cheer for Pat Summitt.
But, having a jackass for a coach isn't the only reason to hate UConn. Actually, maybe I don't hate UConn as much as I'm just plain tired of hearing ESPN gush over them. You know what, that's it. I don't dislike the team. I just hate the way the media portrays the program as if no other program ever existed before.
Tonight, although I do like Stanford, I'm hoping ... no, I'm praying not for a Cardinal win. I really want to see UConn lose. And, no, not because I want to see the Huskies hurt. I just want to see Trey Wingo's face - mouth open and eyes crossed. I want to hear Carolyn Peck try to come up with some unprepared statement as to why the greatest team in the history of organized sports just lost. I want to see Kara Lawson ... no, the hell with that.
All I know is, these last two seasons have been miserable for me as a women's college basketball fan. I keep waiting for someone, anyone to beat UConn and stop the ESPN hype machine.
Stanford, and I'm talking to you Kayla Pedersen for you are the key to my dream, please, please, please end my suffering.

IDIOT!!!!!!!!

2010-03-20T13:53:00.000-07:00

Okay all you coaches who read this, one of you, any one of you, answer me this. Why in the hell do you intentionally kill your own team's momentum?
It drives me absolutely crazy and it did again on Saturday in the NCAA Women's Tournament.
I was watching as TCU was dominating Dayton. The Lady Frogs led by 18 with 13 minutes to go.
Inexplicably, TCU coach Jeff Mittee, when his team is on a roll, takes his star players, including Mountain West Player of the Year Helena Sverisdottir out of the game.
TCU was cruising, clicking on all cylinders. The players were in a rhythm. The bench was excited. The crowd was pumped. More importantly, Dayton was reeling, back on the ropes, ready to be knocked out.
But, instead of smelling a victory, the TCU coach sniffed an opportunity to get his bench players some TV time. Good move, Coach. Idiot.
Dayton rallied, got back into the game and won it at the buzzer.
Hey, that really was smart. Coach wanted to give his players a breather. He sure gave 'em one. Hey, Coach Mittee, is six months enough time for them to catch their breath?
Unbelieveable.
I see this too often. Coaches think they're so smart. They're going to think ahead to the next round or to the next quarter. That's so smart. How about trying to win the damn game when the damn game is there to be won?
You don't get many opportunities to knock a team out, especially a good team in the NCAA Tournament. When you get an opponent dazed and on the ropes, only an idiot backs up.
Like I said, I've seen this all too often at every level. A team gets a 15-point lead in the first quarter and suddenly empties the bench. Yeah, that's good coaching Boss, except when the opposing team gains confidence against your reserves and climbs back into the game.
I hate it when a player hits back-to-back 3-pointers and is then immediately subbed out of the game. I hate it even more when a team finally gets into a rhythm and is running like a well-oiled machine and its own coach calls timeout.
TCU was playing as well as it could play on Saturday. Yeah, sounds like a great time to sit the starters down, doesn't it? By the time, Sverisdottir and the other starters got back into the game, their flow was interrupted, their rhythm was gone and, more importantly, Dayton's confidence was over-flowing.
If it sounds like I'm hacked about a game most folks could care less about, I am. I followed TCU all season because I love watching Sverisdottir play. She can play all five spots on offense and is just a specially skilled player at 6-1. I had already TIVO'd the TCU vs. Tennessee game on Monday.
How was I supposed to know the coach would stupidly give an 18-point second half lead away?
IDIOT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

state tourney was good

2010-03-09T22:19:00.000-08:00

Thanks to no-wireless internet in my hotel last week, I haven't posted on this site in awhile. The 3A State Tournament in Jessieville was great. Parkers Chapel's boys lost in the first round in an overtime thriller.
I was worried about which girls team I would follow and PC's Lady Trojans made me feel good about my choice when they advanced to the semifinals. Of course, I wish I could've seen El Dorado in the semifinals of 6A and Norphlet in the semifinals of 2A.
Having to choose between three good teams is a good problem to have, I guess. The decision should be made easier next year when PC drops back to 2A and, hopefully, the Lady Trojans and Lady Leopards will be playing in the same state tournament.
Kev Moye' covered the Lady Wildcats in West Memphis and told me a horror story of piss poor fan support for the El Dorado girls. It's disappointing, though not surprising.
I've been here more than 20 years and I can tell you, it's not a basketball thing. It's a girl thing.
Coach after coach has taken over the girls program and said, "if we win, the fans will come."
El Dorado won 26 games and played in the state semifinals with a great opportunity to win the state championship.
Most of the fans didn't show up.
After watching the incredible support given to El Dorado's football team, I thought maybe some of the excitement would spill over to other sports. How foolish of me.
I have to be honest, when I was debating on which state tournament to watch, the 6A tournament wasn't really in the running. Not because I don't like watching El Dorado play but because I prefer the small school atmosphere.
I love the way the towns travel to support their teams - boys and girls. Jessieville's arena was jam-packed for every game, whether it was at one o'clock in the afternoon or eight-thirty at night. It was loud, raucous and rowdy. It was fun, just like I knew Jessieville and Carlisle would both be.
As far as Class 6A, I knew it would be totally different. Oh sure, some of the bigger schools support their teams. But, more of them are similar to El Dorado, whose fans go into hibernation as soon as football season is over and wake up during spring football practice.
I feel bad for the Lady Wildcats, who worked hard to get to where they were and deserved more support. Congratulations to the Lady Trojans and Lady Leopards both for your outstanding seasons and for having the support of your school and communities behind you.

Decisions, Decisions

2010-02-16T22:44:00.001-08:00

Well, the regional tournaments are a week away and I still can't figure out where to hitch my wagon. None of the Union County girls teams have been consistently good but El Dorado, Parkers Chapel and Norphlet all appear to have finished strong.
Speaking of Strong, it wouldn't be a complete shock if the Lady Bulldogs made it to state and actually stick around longer than anybody else.
Decisions. Decisions.
For me, it may come down to location.
The 6A State Tournament is in West Memphis with the 3A State in Jessieville and 2A in Carlisle. Which of these places offers the nicest ammenities?
As for teams, I could make a case for any of 'em. El Dorado has a legitimate shot at winning the whole thing. It will probably be some combination of Watson Chapel, Texarkana and El Dorado in the championship game. All three of these teams have beaten one another.
The Lady Wildcats are playing okay, right now. Not great, but okay. The thing is, okay might be good enough to win it all in 6A this year.
I don't like the Lady Trojans' chances in Class 3A. I've seen England and that team is terrifying. I don't know if PC has the horses to run that race and I'm not convinced it has the patience to resist the pace. Not that England is the only good team in Class 3A. I'll have a better feel for PC if it gets to play Prescott in the regional.
Norphlet's guards are solid but every team in the state tournament will have solid guards. Teams that live on the press during the regular season often die by it at state. The Lady Leopards need a post presence, at least on the defensive glass, and I'm not sure it's there, yet. The jury is definitely still out. Like PC, a sturdy regional test lies ahead with Wickes.
As for Strong, the Lady Bulldogs are often difficult to watch. I'm a great admirer of skill and tend to gravitate toward finesse teams. Strong ain't finesse but its glass eating antics are often enough to beat some less athletic clubs. In girls basketball, the battle of skill and precision vs. leaping ability and speed often goes the way of the athlete.
No, I haven't forgotten about Smackover. The Lady Bucks are still very much alive in the district tournament and need a win today over Dermott to get to regional. It would be an upset if they got there but it's not exactly David vs. Goliath. They have a chance.
Like Strong, ball handling and perimeter shooting has been the Lady Bucks' bugaboo all season. Unlike Strong, Smackover can't just run and get every shot it misses. I fear the end is near.
So, as far as which team will I be following to state, I'm really not sure. I have an idea but it might depend on how everybody looks in the regional.
***
I can't go without saying how sorry I am to hear about the fate of the Strong boys. For those who don't know, the Bulldogs finished second in the regular season, earning a bye to the district semifinals and a regional berth.
On Tuesday at 4 p.m., Smackover officials were notified that Strong used an ineligible player during the season. The Bulldogs had to forfeit every conference game.
Because the district tournament began on Monday, Strong's season is over. If the violation had been reported a day earlier, the Bulldogs would've forfeited all their games but still could've played in the district tournament as the No. 10 seed and won their way to the regional tournament.
By waiting a day, whoever reported the violation made sure Strong's season was over.
I'm hearing details now about the ineligible player. It sounds like somebody should've heeded one of the many red flags.
Strong's coaches and officials should've dotted every I and crossed ever T. And, they didn't. Whoever turned them in, obviously, could've done so before the district tournament started. That's kind of sleazy, also.
In the end, the kids at Strong are the ones who are the least to blame and the ones who are hurt the most. Isn't that always that way it works out?

Way to go, Josh

2010-01-28T09:32:00.000-08:00

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

2010-01-23T21:16:00.001-08:00

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

2010-01-14T15:47:00.000-08:00

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

2010-01-13T15:02:00.001-08:00

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

2010-01-10T00:27:00.000-08:00

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

2010-01-07T12:39:00.000-08:00

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

2010-01-03T21:57:00.000-08:00

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.

Top female athlete?

2009-12-27T23:48:00.000-08:00

The Associated Press continued its annual insult to female athletes everywhere last week when it named Serena Williams as its Female Athlete of the Year.
Actually, choosing Serena Williams as the top female athlete in the world over the past 12 months is never that far fetched. She is the best female tennis player in the world, regardless of where the official rankings put her.
In this country, the only women recognized as athletes are tennis players. So, whoever the top female tennis player is will automatically be the top female athlete.
The Associated Press drove this point home when it revealed Kim Clijsters as its third choice as Female Athlete of the Year. Clijsters was certainly a feel-good story, retiring, having a baby then returning to win the U.S. Open.
But, the third best athlete in the world?
Of course, that's still better than the runner-up - Zenyatta. That's right, a freaking horse was named the second best female athlete in the world.
All women should be insulted, even the ladies who work at PETA.
It just galls me that tennis is the only acceptable sport in this country, according to the AP. That's just so ... wrong!
It's unfortunate, I guess, that the real top female athlete in the world is probably not an American. That honor, if done fairly, would probably go to either Italian swimmer Federica Pellegrini or Russian pole vaulter Yelena Isinbayeva. They are the female counterparts to Michael Phelps and Usain Bolt in their respective sports.
If you have to pick an American, and in this country, you do, I can still come up with a couple other choices.
I'm not a big fan of hers but WNBA MVP Diana Taurasi had a pretty good year. Ignoring the whole DUI thing, she led her team to a championship, led the league in scoring, won MVP and is coming off an Olympic gold medal year.
Like I said, we can ignore the drunk driving especially since AP didn't count Serena's U.S. Open tirade against a lines person in its evaluation.
To be fair to the Associated Press, if foreign athletes can't win the award, which apparently they can't on the women's side, it leaves fairly slim pickings. No golfer stood out and Danica Patrick didn't exactly dominate her sport.
The media in this country still considers the WNBA a joke. To recognize one of its players as an athlete, much less world's best female athlete, would give the league credibility. Lord knows no one at the AP would ever do that.
So, perhaps there was no Female Athlete of the Year. Then again, here's my choice - Gina Carano.
Yes, mixed martial arts fighter Gina Carano, to me, would've been a great choice. Sure, she lost her big fight to the Brazilian Cyborg, but she, almost singlehandedly, has that sport on the map for women. She was and is the face of women's mixed martial arts. More importantly, she sold a pay-per-view event. Her face, her name, her skill sold out an arena and carried a fight card.
Carano grabbed the spotlight and, even in defeat, she did something with it. She made people watch and, more importantly, those that watched will watch her again.
If the WNBA had delivered as well in its debut season, the league would be a lot better off today.
So, for what she's done in her sport, laying the groundwork for, potentially, a solid future for women's mixed martial arts, Gina Carano should've been named Female Athlete of the Year.
Hey, at least when she threatened to kill someone, it wasn't against the rules.

The pain of losing

2009-12-13T07:55:00.000-08:00

Basketball season has only just begun and teams have already started to rollercoaster. Norphlet's girls suffered through an 0-3 start, playing sporadically with about a game a week. Finally, the Lady Leopards got to play back-to-back games, winning two before falling in the finals of Magnolia's tournament Saturday.
Parkers Chapel jumped out to a 6-0 start but has dropped two of its last three, including one to Norphlet after handing the Lady Leopards their first two losses of the season.
El Dorado and Strong seem to be steady Eddie and congratulations to Henry Harrell at Junction City for their 2-1 start to the season. I'm not really feeling Smackover, right now. Hopefully, the Lady Bucks will get better.
So, what does all this mean for the season?
Nothing.
Who you beat and who you lose to in November and December mean nothing at the end of the year. The only thing that matters is how those early-season wins and losses help you later on.
He won't admit it, but I still firmly believe former Union coach Gary Don Smith lost a game on purpose in the SAU Tournament just to get his team's attention. Like I said, he would never admit it because coaches are paid to win games, not lose them.
But, he had said his girls were starting to think they were pretty darn good and were getting hard to coach. The Lady Cyclones lost to a team that shouldn't have beaten them, nearly self-destructed in the next practice.
That team went on to play in the state finals.
I tell this story because losses in December should make a team desperate not for the taste of victory but to avoid the bitter losses. In the end, I still think the best motivation isn't the promise of victory but the pain of a loss.
Losing hurts. Once it happens, you never want it to happen again.
Basketball is a long, grueling season. All these teams will win again and most will lose again, too. It's not who you beat or who beats you, but how you handle it that matters.
At the end of the season, the team that hates to lose the most will usually win.

The week from hell

2009-12-01T08:56:00.000-08:00

If you see me around town with a dazed look on my face, just walk on by. Don't say a word because I probably don't see you and definitely won't hear you.
This week is going to be week that sends me into retirement.
Monday, I covered El Dorado's girls in the Simmons First Oil Belt Tournament. The Lady Wildcats are good but watching them stone Dollarway 35-0 in the first quarter was not pleasant.
Monday night, I started feeling the beginnings of an illness. Great!
Tonight, I'm off to Norphlet to watch the Lady Leopards take on Strong. These are potentially the two top girls teams in the conference so it's a game I need to see. Unfortunately, a few miles away Parkers Chapel takes on Nevada in a game I'd like to see as well. Dadgummit.
Wednesday, I have a trip to Magnolia planned to watch the Lady Trojans in the SAU Tournament.
On Thursday, it's back to El Dorado for another tournament game. El Dorado vs Neville should be much more entertaining than Monday's debacle.
When Friday gets here, hopefully I'll go back to Magnolia to see Parkers Chapel take on Magnolia. That would be worth the drive as the Lady Trojans would play their third game in four days.
Let's see, Saturday is the 6A State championship football game. I told you guys El Dorado's football team was the real deal. The Wildcats face Pine Bluff at noon at War Memorial Stadium. Find a way, boys.
If I hustle, I can make it back to Union County in time to watch the finals of El Dorado's basketball tournament Saturday evening. Lest we forget, SAU's tournament will also crown a champion Saturday night.
Obviously, I'm going to miss some things this week that I'd really like to see. I'm slurping NyQuil and popping DayQuil pills along with orange juice so hopefully I can make as many events as possible.
So, if you see me and speak to me and I don't speak back. Don't hold it against me. I'm actually working this week and my body might not be used to it.

Tough times at SAU

2009-11-18T00:48:00.000-08:00

Southern Arkansas women's basketball coach Sam Biley might not have the swan song he hoped when he announced this was his final season with the Lady Riders. Hampton native Goldie White, who was a unanimous preseason all-Gulf South Conference selection, is no longer on the SAU roster.
I called the SID office this week to inquire about both Goldie White and Norphlet's Ellana White as neither player was listed on the team roster.
Ellana, who had seen minimal action in two seasons at SAU, apparently has hung up her sneakers. It's not a complete surprise considering her lack of playing time. But, Goldie White has been one of the top guards in the league since she entered the league.
The SID simply said she was not playing due to personal reasons. He made it clear she won't be playing this season.
I'm not the biggest SAU fan but I am a fan of both of these young ladies. Hopefully things will work out fine for both and they get their degrees.
Meanwhile, Coach Biley probably didn't envision his farewell season starting out like this.

Good start to season

2009-11-11T18:40:00.001-08:00

Basketball season tipped off in a big way Tuesday in Union County. Parkers Chapel's girls edged Norphlet 67-64 in a season opener that had postseason atmosphere.
The Lady Trojans have big dreams this season and showed enough heart to make some of those dreams come true, rallying from a 9-point deficit in the second half.
Junior center Savanna Langston is a bonafide high school "STAR" now. She's being recruited by big-named college programs and is known throughout the state. We'll see if she can handle the expectations that come with being a top recruit on a game-in, game-out basis. She's not off to a bad start after scoring 31 points and grabbing 15 rebounds.
If Parkers Chapel thinks it can compete on a state level, perhaps Norphlet proved it can as well. With the addition of the Willis twins from Strong to go along with Kyia Williams, the Lady Leopards have as athletic and talented a backcourt as you'll see in this part of the state.
With the exception of depth, which neither team showed in the opener, I like both of these squads. Depth will come later, or at least it better. If each team can find three girls who can contribute a few minutes off the bench, I might have a difficult decision as to who to follow in the state tournament.
***
Speaking of high school hoops, Emilee Scroggins, daughter of Lee Scroggins, appears to be recovered nicely from the illness that kept her out of most of last season. She scored 21 points with six rebounds and four steals in Cutter Morning Star's 57-38 win over Poyen.
While on the subject of Scroggins, I'll try to keep track of Lee Scroggins and Brad Slatton, both of whom stepped off the sideline and into adminstration this year.
If they haven't gotten the itch to coach again, yet, it's only a matter of time.

Rules are rules

2009-11-10T08:20:00.000-08:00

All-time tennis great Andre Agassi is making headlines this week with his book, which has shocking revelations of his drug use and tanking matches during his playing days. Agassi admitted testing positive for crystal meth while on tour and said he told the tour officials he drank out of someone else's glass or something like that. He asked them to keep the positive test quiet and they did.
A tennis story that didn't make headlines this week: Belgium tennis star and top 15 ranked Yanina Wickmeyer was banned for a year. Wickmeyer, who advanced to the semifinals of the U.S. Open and is one of the up-and-coming stars on the women's side, did not test positive for any banned substance. Her crime was failing to report her whereabouts on three separate days during the year.
Apparently, the top tennis players have to tell drug testing officials where they are each day just in case they want to give them a pop drug test. Wickmeyer did this for 362 days but, because she didn't for three days, she's punished the same as if she's flunked a drug test.
Wickmeyer has excuses for the three days and has appealed the ruling. But, wow, talk about a double standard, huh?
Agassi tests positive for crystal meth and sweet talks his way out of it. This girl can't get the benefit of the doubt for being out-of-pocket for three days out of the year.
The thing is, I really don't have a problem with Wickmeyer's punishment. She's a professional tennis player and that's one of the rules she has to follow. She knew the rules yet didn't report her whereabouts those three days. Rules are rules - see ya in a year.
My problem is how some players with big names can get away with murder and others go to jail for jay walking. Something doesn't smell right with tennis right now.

Pick a brother up

2009-11-04T14:28:00.000-08:00

For those of you who have seen me walking around town the past two weeks, why the hell didn't you stop to pick me up? Seriously!
Yes, the economic crunch has me in its jaws and it's chomping down hard. My automobile is in the shop and I, frankly, can't afford to get it out, right now. So, for the past two weeks, I've been without an automobile.
I've been walking to work, walking to the bread store, walking to the dollar store, walking to Spudnuts. It sucks not having a ride and having to dial up friends to pick you up so I've been hoofing it whenever possible.
On the bright side, I'm getting in a lot better shape. This is certainly not the exercise I wanted but it's probably the workout I've been needing for the past few years. I never thought I could walk all the way from my house to the office. But, I did it Sunday and didn't even break a sweat.
Fortunately, I was blessed with a beautiful day to make the walk. It was actually quite pleasant.
I'm working on getting a vehicle since basketball season tips off next week. I've been fortunate to get some help from a friend or two.
Hopefully, I'll be back on my feet financially and off my feet literally in no time flat.
In the meantime, if you see me walking, for your information, I'm not doing it for exercise. Stop and pick a brother up.

It's about time

2009-10-25T09:43:00.000-07:00

I know I usually talk about girls sports here but I have to say, El Dorado's football team is looking mighty good. How good? Well, at 8-0 the Wildcats are off to their best start since Russ Bechtelheimer's 1991 team went 11-1 before losing to Barry Lunney and Fort Smith Southside in the playoffs.
I thought that 1991 team with Carlos Meeks, Winston Alderson and those guys was the most talented team I'd covered. That is, perhaps until now.
Actually, from a talent standpoint, the old team is still probably superior. From a football standpoint, this year's group is looking special.
El Dorado shut out Lake Hamilton 28-0 on Friday. Yes, the same Lake Hamilton that won state last year and was averaging 30.4 points per game this year. The Wolves couldn't even get a sniff against the Wildcats.
It was probably the best defensive effort I've seen since Little Rock Central did it to El Dorado a few years ago.
El Dorado's offense? Well, it's getting the job done although in less than spectacular fashion the past few weeks. I'll blame the muddy field for some of that.
Anyway, can the Wildcats win state? Yes. Will they?
YES!
Don't tell anybody I said it but, after what I saw last week, I'm picking El Dorado to end its 50-year drought and capture another football state championship.

Way to go, Lady Cats

2009-10-16T09:37:00.000-07:00

Last night, Jason and I sat in the office and waited for Kev to return from his assignment. It's probably the first time in history the sports staff has waited for volleyball news.
El Dorado hosted J.A. Fair in the final conference volleyball match of the season. Fair had already defeated the Lady Wildcats once. This was El Dorado's last chance at a victory.
Although none of us follow volleyball closely, we assumed this was also El Dorado's only chance at qualifying for the state tournament. Since Fair and the Lady Wildcats are the two weakest teams, we thought one would get in and one would be left home.
So, we sat and waited for Kev to come in and tell us who won and if the Lady Wildcats did manage to win, if they made it to state or how that would be determined.
Finally, Kev came in the door and I quickly asked, "Who won?"
Kev responded somberly, "Fair."
That's it. Volleyball season is over, I thought.
I asked Kev just to confirm that thought.
"No, El Dorado goes to state, too," he said.
"Wha, Wha, What!!!!"
"How could they qualify for state? They went oh for the season," I asked. "They didn't win a game. What do you mean they're going to state?"
Kev looked as if he'd just seen a ghost as he said, "Since they only had six teams, everybody made it."
My question is, how do you go winless and then accept a berth in the state tournament? My question to the athletic director is, how do you let a team that goes winless, load up on a bus and drive to Jonesboro and probably spend a night in a hotel?
That's money you could be spending on hospitality room food for the media.
It's stunning to me how piss poor sports are getting in this state. I remember back when I first came to El Dorado. I watched Union and Parkers Chapel's girls battle it out in the conference basketball finals. The winner would have to beat the No. 4 ranked team in the state to advance. The loser would have to beat the No. 2 ranked team in the state to advance. Two teams with 30 wins apiece and both would have to run through Hades just to get to the state tournament.
Now, years later, a team doesn't win a game all year and earns a trip to the big dance.
What can I say?
"Woo Hoo! Way to go, girls!!"

Way to go, Larry

2009-09-26T11:18:00.000-07:00

I'm not a big Larry Bird fan. Okay, I despise the guy.
But, I must admit this impressed me. Bird, reportedly, purchased the entire balcony at Conseco Fieldhouse at Indiana in an effort to fill the arena for tonight's WNBA Eastern Conference playoff game against Detroit.
Someone said it's about 9,000 seats, which would be an amazing amount of money for me. It's probably not that much for Larry Bird. But, it's still an incredible gesture and a nice show of support for the ladies on the Fever's team.
He might be trying to keep up with Magic Johnson, who has been a huge supporter of the Los Angeles Sparks this season. Magic skipped Michael Jordan's Hall of Fame ceremony so he could support Lisa Leslie in her final regular-season game in Los Angeles.
With all the criticism the WNBA gets, it's nice to see these basketball legends, who truly understand what the sport is all about, throw their support toward women's basketball.

Football season

2009-09-24T11:49:00.000-07:00

Busy. Busy. Busy.
Football season is going strong at the Eldog with the state's most anticipated matchup coming to town tomorrow. I must admit, I'm in complete football mode, right now.
Lots of things have happened recently, including Serena Williams losing her mind at the U.S. Open. I've been watching but haven't had a chance to comment.
I watched the Razorbacks against Georgia last week. It looks like Ryan Mallett is as good as advertised. It's always exciting when a premier athlete comes to this state. But, as good as the quarterback looks, Arkansas' defense was absolutely awful.
Serena lost her mind at a line judge at the Open. At first, I completely understood her getting upset at the call. I've seen McEnroe and Connors do the same thing and it's not a big deal. Serena crossed the line, however, if she threatened to kill the woman. I do think it was a bit of a double standard for the commentators, who couldn't wait to trash Serena for her actions. I wonder why.
Serena should send Kanye West a thank you card, though. Everybody forgot about her after that idiot did what he did the next night on MTV.
I'm trying to get into the WNBA playoffs. It's harder for me since San Antonio lost to Phoenix the other day. But, you have to admire Vickie Johnson for the way she ended her career. The former Lady Techster closed her career in style with one of her all-time great performances. It was tough watching VJ and Hammon hug at the end of the game. They've played more games together than any other duo in the WNBA. Hammon did her best to keep her friend by her side for another series. Sadly, it was not meant to be.
Phoenix should win this thing, now. I hate to say it but, dayum, they're good.

Oops, try again ESPN

2009-09-09T19:08:00.001-07:00

Thank God for Caroline Wozniacki.
If I had to go through another day of our media French kissing Melanie Oudin I was going to lose my lunch.
I know we're constantly looking for the next great white hope in this country but good grief.
For the past few days, we've been bombarded with Oudin, who was a great story about a 17-year-old, up-and-coming tennis player from Marietta, Ga. She's small. She's feisty. She's blond. She's cute. She's southern. And, yeah, she can play a little bit, too.
Oudin got on a great run at the U.S. Open. She beat Elena Dementieva but Maria Sharapova and Nadia Petrova pretty much gave her their matches. Still, she deserved a lot of credit, being unseeded and advancing to the U.S. Open quarterfinals.
She was a nice story, too. The crowd cheered for her, which actually made her matches good to watch.
But, my problem is with the media coverage. They hyped this kid up to be the greatest thing in the world. John McEnroe pretty much declared it a done deal that she'd be in the finals against Serena.
Hello? Is anybody home?
Nobody even mentioned her opponent's name. Oh yeah, her opponent, Wozniacki, who at 19 is just a kid herself but is ranked No. 9 in the friggin' world. Yeah, this little girl from Georgia is going to curb stomp the player who has more wins on the women's tour than ANYBODY else in the world.
Don't let cold hard facts get in the way of a nice fairy tale.
Oudin had about as much chance of beating Wozniacki as I did. Hell, I might've done better than that 6-2, 6-2 beatdown. I actually feel bad for Oudin, who didn't ask to be hyped like this. It's not her fault that we've heard her story so much these past two days that a lot of Americans were rooting for the girl from friggin' Denmark to win on Wednesday.
We love to make our own heroes in this country. That seems to be the media's job these days. The great thing about sports is champions can't be created by ESPN. No matter how hard you try, you can't turn a little girl from Georgia into the best tennis player in the world.
She may get there one day. But when and if she does, it'll be because she earned it on the court. Not because she was christened it, by the media.

Two wrongs

2009-09-06T21:43:00.000-07:00

I had no idea my opinion on this would be so completely opposite to a lot of my office co-workers but, I believe the kid from Oregon got a raw deal.
LeGarrette Blount is the running back for the Ducks who punched a Boise State player after their game last week. The school kicked the senior off the team for the rest of the season. He has no-redshirt year. His college career is over and his professional career (he was projected as possibly a 2nd round pick) is in serious jeopardy.
Actually, I shouldn't say he got a raw deal. Blount, after punching the one kid, lost his mind and started trying to fight everybody, including Boise State's fans. He punched a teammate and just royally made an arse out of himself.
For his post-punch antics, I can see him getting some very stiff punishment, which he deserved.
My problem was with the initial punch. People like throwing around words like "thug" and "hoodlum" when a black athlete does something like this. But, you know what, my outrage is directed at the Boise State kid who started the whole thing.
After the game, Blount, who reportedly had talked trash in the media before the matchup, was simply walking off the field. Oregon had just gotten their butts beat. They were licking their wounds and couldn't get off the field fast enough.
Boise State's team showed class and sportsmanship - except for one dude. This guy runs up to Blount, slaps him in on the shoulder and proceeds to talk trash, rubbing salt into the open wound.
Should Blount have knocked him out? No.
Do I understand why Blount knocked him out? Yes.
Anyone who has ever competed knows, the easiest way to start a fight is to rub it in after a victory. I know. I got into a fight with my best friend in high school after a pickup basketball game that I lost.
No one likes to lose. Most of us can accept defeat, however, until some fool starts mouthing off about it.
Anyway, nothing would've happened had the Boise State player just did what all his teammates were doing. Because he wanted to get in a little extra kick to an opponent who was already down, it nearly started a brawl.
Should Blount be suspended for the entire year? Because of what he did after the punch, I supposed it might be justified.
Should the Boise State kid get off scot-free after what he did? Hades no. In my opinion, he's just as guilty.

Messer gets new job

2009-08-20T23:00:00.001-07:00

Congratulations to Sytia Messer, who was introduced Monday as the new women's basketball coach at Tennessee Tech University. Messer had worked as an assistant coach for the past five years at Georgia Tech.
A native of Waldo, Messer was a standout player at the University of Arkansas and was an assistant coach at Arkansas State and the University of Memphis, before spending the past five years on the staff at Georgia Tech.
TTU Director of Athletics Mark Wilson introduced Messer, the final step in a nationwide search.“We had to find the very best educator,” Wilson said. “We had to find the very best coach. We had to find the very best person to lead our student-athletes, and to restore the tradition of Tennessee Tech Golden Eagle women’s basketball."
She recently completed her fifth season on the Yellow Jacket women's basketball staff and first as the team's associate head coach. At Georgia Tech, she worked with the post players and guards.
Serving as the team's recruiting coordinator the past five seasons, Messer's classes have all ranked in the top-25 in the nation. The 2008-09 class, ranked as high as sixth by All-Star Girls Report, was one of the best in the nation and it included three star athletes from the state of Georgia.
The 2007-08 class was considered one of the best recruiting classes in school history. The Yellow Jackets inked the highest-ranked player ever to sign with the program, while the freshman class included three Street & Smith's honorable mention All-Americans.

Rollin' with Nolan

2009-08-17T14:25:00.000-07:00

I just read an article posted on a message board that a potential WNBA franchise in Tulsa is talking to Nolan Richardson as a possible coach. Here is a portion of the article:

In a telephone interview Monday afternoon, Richardson acknowledged that he had preliminary talks with investors and said there is mutual interest.
Further talks are needed, Richardson said.“We’ve been discussing some things,” he said, adding that he stopped in Tulsa to meet with investors before embarking on a speaking tour.
“We are probably going to do some more visitation next week when I get back in.”Richardson said the talks did not involve financial figures or “putting a pencil to anything.”
But he told the investors he would like to discuss what they are looking for and what they are expecting.
Former Arkansas All-American Corliss Williamson spent 12 seasons in the NBA under nine head coaches and said in a 2008 interview that he believes Richardson “can do just as good a job or better than some of those coaches.”
Williamson said he and other NBA players used to talk about why Richardson, who excelled as a motivator, never got a chance to show he could coach in pros.
“Guys are curious,” said Williamson. “We all talk about our college coaches - who can coach and who can’t.”
Now it’s possible that Richardson may get a chance to coach in the pros, albeit in the WNBA rather than the NBA.
“Coaching is coaching,” Richardson said Monday. “I don’t look at the females’ game any different than the males’ game. It just depends on how you coach them and how you get them to play.”
Investors in Tulsa’s WNBA franchise said at a July 22 press conference that they have until a Sept. 1 deadline to secure the necessary backing for a team that could begin play in 2010.

Good day for sports

2009-08-16T13:23:00.000-07:00

This is an interesting time to be a sports fanatic. Things are really happening, right now.

I just watched the highly anticipated 100-meter duel between Usain Bolt and Tyson Gay and saw a world record. I've been waiting for months to see the mixed martial arts fight between cover girl Gina Carano and the Cristiane "Cyborg" Santos.

I don't have Showtime but, thank goodness for computers. I saw the fight a day later and, I must say, it was impressive.

Cyborg did what most people expected, she beat the pretty girl's butt.

Carano, daughter of former NFL quarterback Glenn Carano, was hoping her technique and stamina would overcome her opponent's size, strength and ferocity.

But, I could tell in the opening introductions she was in trouble. It was a big-time atmosphere as the main event. The crowd was amped up and, as she waited, Carano was taking deep breaths. You could tell she was trying in vain to calm herself down. When you're too hyped, you come out with too much energy, which leaves you winded sooner.

Meanwhile, Cyborg was booed by the crowd as her name was introduced. The Brazilian started to laugh. If she was nervous, I think that loosened her up a bit.

Anyway, the fight was fast paced but, midway in the opening round, Carano was gasping for air. That's when the Cyborg pounced. Once she got Carano on her back, she was helpless. The referee watched as Cyborg pounded her with shot after shot. Carano couldn't fight back. She curled up in a ball and tried to protect herself.

When it was apparent she couldn't even do that, the referee rightfully stopped the fight with one second left in the opening round.

I thought it was a good fight and I would love to see these two go at it again. If Carano gets better on the ground, she might have a shot.

I actually was more impressed with Carano after the fight than before. She was gracious in defeat, even though you could tell she was extremely disappointed.

In the 100-meters, Bolt blazed through the race in a time of 9.58, which beat his own world record. Gay was second, setting a new American record.

At 6-foot-5 and around 200 pounds, Bolt is a freakish athlete. I hate the fact that an ESPN reporter asked a race expert why fans shouldn't be skeptical of Bolt as far as performance enhancing drugs.

The expert pointed out that Bolt has been the best at his age since he was about 15 or 16.

It's a shame that anytime an athlete does something these days, it raises more questions than standing ovations.

Anyway, the expert broke down Bolt's performance and said, with his running start, if the race was broken down. He estimated Bolt ran the final 40 yards in 3.1 seconds. His top speed was about 30 miles per hour.

I don't know, maybe we should be skeptical of something like that.

I'd rather just sit back, mouth open, and just appreciate what an incredible athlete can do.

It's a great time to be a sports fan. I saw a great fight and a great race in less than 24 hours. All that and Tiger is probably making golf fans giddy right now in the PGA Championship. Albert Pujols has baseball fans fully erect and NASCAR fans are probably happy about something, too.

Sitting on the news

2009-08-07T13:07:00.000-07:00

For the folks in Union County who don't know, El Dorado hired Stephen Harshaw as its new girls basketball coach. Henry Harrell, who was the 9th grade coach at El Dorado, has taken the senior girls gig at Junction City.
I've been asked why these items haven't been in the newspaper. I wanted to break the stories when they were actually news to people. Instead, I couldn't get any confirmation and, rather than print a rumor, I just sat on the story.
Now, I'm being asked to run the story by the same folks who asked me to sit on it a few weeks ago. Ha! I don't print old news.
I like my news like I like my biscuits. I want 'em hot and fresh, not cold and stale.
Good luck to Coach Harrell in Junction City. He actually contacted me before going down for the interview to get my opinion. I think it's a good fit for him. The Lady Dragons have talent and Coach Harrell could be the right man to turn that talent into a successful season.
As for Harshaw at El Dorado, I honestly don't know much about him, other than he's Warren Harshaw's son. His dad was a good coach but that doesn't mean anything about the son.
We'll see. He does have talent to work with and, as I've said often, he's in the easiest classification in the state as far as competition. If you don't make state in Class 6A you should probably disband your program and start all over again because YOU SUCK!
It'll be interesting to see how both programs do this season.

Jesus Christ Silver Stars

2009-08-06T11:11:00.000-07:00

As a fan of the WNBA, I am in the minority in Arkansas. So, I've joined a couple of message boards on-line so I can read, discuss, debate and just talk about the league with other people who enjoy it.
The discussions are all over the board as far as topics. But, one that started yesterday really got me interested, although I have yet to participate.
On these boards, the San Antonio Silver Stars are one of the more disliked teams in the league. Some of that is because a number of their players tout themselves as born again Christians. Ruth Riley does incredible missionary work in Africa. Erin Buescher transferred from a perennial top 25 college program to a Division III school because of her religious beliefs. San Antonio's top draft pick this year was from Liberty. It's no secret these are the types of players the organization covets.
That's one reason a lot of their critics have touted the team as the Jesus Christ Silver Stars.
Obviously, raised in the Bible Belt, I was surprised to see so many anti-Christian views. These folks really hate this team.
To each his own.
Anyway, another religious player is New York's Sidney Spencer. The former Tennessee product signs her autograph with Bible verses. This enraged a New York fan, who said she should be traded to the Jesus Christ Silver Stars.
Another fan asked Spencer for an autograph. Spencer wrote her name and was in the process of adding a Bible verse when the fan admitted trying to rip the t-shirt away from her. She didn't and Spencer added the Bible verse, as she always does.
But, the fan hates the player now for putting the Bible verse under her autograph.
How do you ask someone for an autograph and then complain because you don't like how they signed it?
The critics of Spencer and the Silver Stars claim they are shoving their beliefs down others throats. How is that?
She puts a verse under her name. She doesn't even write the verse out. She simply puts, for example: John 3:16. If you want to know what the verse says, you still have to get a Bible and look it up. How is that shoving her beliefs down your throat?
Becky Hammon of the Silver Stars was criticized when she talked about God guiding her footsteps throughout her career. What's wrong with that? San Antonio's Shanna (Zolman) Crossley has also been ridiculed for being an outspoken Christian.
"I don't want to be preached to," says one critic.
Fact is, they're not preaching. When asked a question, they give an honest answer.
When Hammon was asked how she got through the playing for Russia controversy last year, she credited her faith in God. How is that wrong?
I'm a big fan of the Silver Stars and not at all because of their religious beliefs. That's their business. If they want to share it, that's fine. I don't have to listen if I don't want to. I like the team because of the way they play.
Becky Hammon was my favorite player before I knew anything about her religious beliefs. Vickie Johnson has always been one of my favorite players and I just found out she's very religious also.
What their religion has to do with basketball is beyond me.
It's amazing what some people will gripe about. Fans criticize NBA players because of their perceived sex, drugs and hip hop lifestyle. NBA players are notorious for not giving fans the time of day.
Now, fans criticize WNBA players because they believe in God, read the Bible, put on basketball camps and clinics for under-priviledged kids, do missionary work and, basically, give too much of themselves to the fans who support them.
Wow! Professional athletes can't win for losing.
Go Silver Stars!

No hurt feelings, yet

2009-08-02T10:43:00.000-07:00

Okay, so I've neglected this little blogger thing for the last few weeks. It's not that I haven't had things to write about. I wanted to gripe about the ESPYs again and the lame-ass All-Star Game the WNBA threw together. Have I said anything about Diana Taurasi's DUI? I haven't talked about Michael Vick or the steroids in baseball.
There are so many topics. Why have I not blogged my opinions on any of them?
I'm a lazy slob?
That's part of it, I guess. I've also been distracted. As I said, I've been working on a fiction book and I think it's almost finished. I'm putting in some finishing touches as I get input from some of you fine folks.
So far, all of the people who have read it seem to like it. That's good except I'm not sure if they say they like because they really do like it or because they don't want to hurt my feelings. One of the first rules to writing a book is don't let your friends critique it.
Now, I know why.
I have gotten some good feedback though and a few suggestions that I've already used.
One of the characters is a Romanian girl named Crystal. I let Irene Jadic, a Romanian tennis player from El Dorado, read it and she immediately told me there are no girls in Romania named Crystal.
Thanks, Irene. I let her re-name that character, who is now Carmen.
Slick Rick Butler had a bunch of suggestions. I did re-name the college and I'm still pondering some of the other items he pointed out. I also heeded the advice of Rick and Coach Slatton and took some of the cussing out - damnit.
I do appreciate everyone who took the time to read it. I don't know if you really liked it as much as you said but it did build my confidence. If you were lying to me, thanks for sparing my feelings.
I'm still tweaking it but I'm about to start going outside my friend zone and seek counsel from actual editors, publishers and agents. These people don't give a rat's patooty about my feelings so this might be the last time you hear me mention this little book thingy.
Wish me luck.

Money isn't everything

2009-07-27T10:11:00.000-07:00

This is a blog by Chantelle Anderson. Chantelle is a former All-American center at Vanderbilt. She's played in the WNBA for San Antonio and Atlanta. Her knees have betrayed her at the professional level and I believe she's trying to hook on with a team overseas. She's a very intelligent person and I found this blog to be very thought provoking and I'm sure some of you will, also.

Ok so today I was having a conversation on my Twitter with a sports blogger named Patrick. Looking at his blog, he seems like a pretty intelligent guy, but I couldn’t get past his negative comments on the WNBA. So I called him out on it. He is of the opinion, as are many other men that have so eloquently commented on my blog, that the WNBA is a terrible brand of basketball and a complete waste of energy for anyone involved – namely the NBA, who financially backs the league.
And while I will not sit here and argue that the WNBA is the smartest of business moves for the NBA where money is concerned, I do want to share with you why I believe it’s worth the effort.
A few years ago, while playing for San Antonio, I visited Austin for the day to speak at four different schools. After speaking at the first high school, the basketball coach pulled me aside and started telling me about this girl, Tamika (name has been changed), who had been an all conference freshman the year before, but had since quit basketball to do other things. Those other things included hanging out with known gang members, getting suspended from school, and as it was rumored, selling drugs (which I was later told had been true). She asked if I could talk to the girl one-on-one. I had to leave to make it to my next appearance so I told the coach if she brought her to the gym, I’d come back after school.
A few hours later, I was in the gym, waiting for Tamika to show up. I’d been waiting about five minutes when she walked in, wearing a huge red t-shirt, baggy red jean shorts, black tennis shoes with red laces, and swaggin it up like she was Jay-Z or something. In my head I’m thinking, “wow”, and wondering if I should have a knife on me (no joke). The coach introduced us and left us to talk. I had no idea what to say, but the first time I looked into her eyes – through the awful, hazel colored contacts she was wearing – I thought to myself, “there is something special about this girl. I’m supposed to be talking to her right now”.
So I started asking her about herself, what her favorite subject was, and what she did for fun. I found out she was a straight A honors student (even though she tried to pretend she wasn't smart), and had a passion for music. When I asked why she was wearing all red, she squirmed and hesitated a second before saying it was just something a group of her friends were doing; that was the first time she hadn’t looked me in the eye. I let it go and asked why she had quit basketball. She said she had thought it was a good idea but now wished she hadn’t, and that it was too late because the team had already been practicing and were about to start playing games. That was exactly what I wanted to hear. I informed her that I had talked to the coach (I hadn’t yet but I knew she would agree) and if Tamika was willing to make up her missed practices, she could be on the team. I told her that for some reason I believed she needed to do this, and that even if she never went pro, basketball could help her. And then I promised if she played, I would come see a game. She said she would think about it, and that was it.I was on a high after that. I meet so many people in connection with my job, and I didn’t know what it was but somehow I just knew Tamika had to play. Two days later the coach called and told me she had decided to give it another try. And two weeks later, when Tamika had made up all of her missed workouts, I got another progress report assuring me she was enthusiastic and working hard to get better. I finally got to see her play a month later when I kept my promise to come to a game. I was wowed at her natural talent and the ease with which she played. I then knew why she had to play: this game could take her somewhere else.
After the game I offered to be her mentor, and she would eventually become like a little sister. A week later she called to tell me about a guy she had been hanging out with before she re-joined the team being shot, and who was now in the hospital fighting for his life. She told me very matter-of-factly, “that could have easily been me.”
I met Tamika when she was a sophomore in high school. As of now, she just finished her freshman year at a Division one university, which she attended on a full ride basketball scholarship.
To say that I am proud of her would be an understatement. To say that I believe God used my position as a professional athlete to help save this girls life would be the truth. We hear countless stories about the NBA players that used basketball as a ticket out of the dangerous neighborhoods and broken homes of their childhood. But what about the little girls left in those neighborhoods? Don’t they deserve a chance too?
This was not meant to be some sentimental plea to keep the WNBA alive or garner fan support. It was meant to show that even if countless men don’t value it, professional women’s sports do and should have a place in our society. This story is not a fluke or an isolated incident. Stuff like this happens regularly to myself and other WNBA players; and not just involving kids. I’ve had women tell me watching how hard I work in my workouts helped keep them coming to the gym and eating healthy. And I’ve had men tell me they use me as an example to encourage their daughters to dream. These compliments are such an honor to me; way better than being told I’m pretty, or even smart. But I would hate to turn around and tell those people that none of what they feel deserves validation because women’s basketball doesn’t make enough money. That’s why the WNBA is important.

Remembering Carly

2009-07-20T15:26:00.000-07:00

I read this story on ESPN.com. I had heard about it a couple of years ago. It sort of puts things into perspective.

By Mindi Rice
HoopGurlz
Carly Stowell was a point guard on the rise. A 5-foot-9 package of enthusiasm and talent -- on the court, with the band or in the classroom -- and the 14-year-old was just about to hit the national scene.
Kylie Huerta and the Jammin' Legends are doing even more this year to remember Carly Stowell, because this would have been her senior season.
A freshman point guard from Kent, Wash., Stowell led her high school team -- the Kentlake Falcons -- to the state tournament in March 2007 and then headed to North Carolina in April, where her name was being passed around the coaching circles as a promising young talent. She had talked to her strength and conditioning coach, Mike Caplan, about a camp at Notre Dame in July.
This summer would have been Stowell's prime July recruiting period, likely packed with unofficial college visits and basketball tournaments. Instead, it is filled with memories, reunions and working toward a new goal.
It has been two years, three months and eight days since Carly Stowell died in Raleigh, N.C., the night before she and her teammates were to play in the Deep South Classic, a spring evaluation event.
Stowell was doing her homework in the team hotel when she turned to her mother, Elena, collapsed and died from acute cardiac arrhythmia.
Her team, the Emerald City Legends 15U squad, played the tournament in her honor. Then, as they returned home to Washington and life without Carly, Stowell's family, teammates and friends knew they could not let Carly or her memory be forgotten. Even after her death, she has been the bonding force between her teammates.
"That's our main focus all the time and our main cause," Kylie Huerta said.
Huerta is one of four who are still together, having moved from the Emerald City Legends program after the summer of 2007 to be part of a new team -- the Jammin' Legends. Morganne Comstock, Dakota Sisco and Riley Butler are also on the new team that is part of a new, larger organization: The Carly Stowell Foundation for Education in Athletic and Music Performance.
The growing foundation currently includes 11 basketball teams, two volleyball teams, a lacrosse team, a music program with jazz improv and a marching band that performs in parades.
"Fundamentally, it's just people that see the mission of what we're trying to do -- bring both music and athletics to kids who really want to just learn how to be better. People just jump in and get involved," said Quentin Sisco, Dakota's father and the president of the foundation's board of directors.
Perhaps the foundation's largest goal is to eventually have a center in Kent, Wash., where it can house all the athletics and music programs under one roof, perhaps even with the ability to host tournaments like the one in which Carly Stowell was planning to play when she died.
"What's really amazing is we'll go to tournaments like this and people will ask, 'What is that?' [about the '21' written on the players' shoulders] And all we'll do is say 'Carly Stowell' and people know," Sisco said. "Regardless of where their team is from, they remember that."
The team name, Jammin' Legends -- complete with a saxophone-styled "J" in the jersey's logo and Carly's number (21) on a basketball that dots the "I" -- came to Chuck Stowell, her dad, in a dream. Carly played just about every instrument and was as talented with the jazz band led by her father, Kentlake's music director, as she was on the court.
Chuck Stowell now coaches one of the boys' Jammin' basketball teams on which one of his sons plays, while Elena Stowell, a former Washington State volleyball player, coaches in the volleyball program.
At Kentlake, where she shared the court again with Comstock, Sisco and Butler, the team memorializes her by draping her jersey over a chair for every game, home or away. Her jersey is also hung in the Falcons' home gym.
A Carly Stowell Winter Classic is hosted at Kentlake each year, and coach Scott Simmons is among the many who won't let Stowell's name be forgotten.
"This year, since it's her senior year, we're going to focus on her big-time," Comstock said. "The captains, Dakota, Riley and I, are finding a way to honor her memory a lot."
Everyone who has been touched by Stowell has different ways to honor her memory, including marking "21" on their shoulders for games, wearing a bracelet with a "21" patch on it or just supporting the foundation and its goal to never forget Carly.
In remembering her, people have found friends and support among those who loved her or have carried on her memory. Caplan, who moved to Chicago around the time Stowell died, was reunited with team parents recently when he came to see the team at the Summer Showcase in Chicago. The parents of girls who were already friends have become even closer through Stowell's death and the birth of the foundation and Jammin' Legends.
"We know that it takes all of us to raise our kids," Sisco said. "We can't do it alone and it's one of the things that we're trying to create."
Mike Caplan was much more than just Carly Stowell's strength and conditioning coach. He considered her his little sister.
The reunions and shared time together are good for the souls of those who knew Stowell best. The parents and the girls recognize that sharing memories and telling stories not only heals their hearts, but carries on her memory to other people who may not know much about the budding star.
"One thing you guys don't know and that's always bugged me was I've read a few of these articles, and they always say it was Carly's life dream to play in college and all that," said Caplan, talking to a couple parents. "Two days before she died she told me her life's dream and that wasn't it. It was to get her braces off. That came from her mouth. All she wanted was to get those braces off."
Braces or not, Caplan, who called Carly his little sister, was pleased to see what the team has become in their quest to honor their former point guard.
"I'm not a kid; I've been around the block. I know life goes on," Caplan said. "But it's good to see they remember her."

Text this!

2009-07-13T16:07:00.000-07:00

I need to check my cell phone package to make sure I have unlimited texting. If I don't, I might be running out of 'em real soon.
The local coaching situation has my phone blowing up. I'm getting asked lots of questions. Unfortunately, I don't have any answers.
Phillip Lansdell, El Dorado's new AD is doing a great job of keeping me in the dark. I know John Traband has left Bearden and will be the new girls coach at Hampton. I know, and this is pending board approval, Hampton's Bryan Sanders will be assistant football and head softball coach at El Dorado. And, Adam Bishop is the new softball coach at Parkers Chapel.
There, you know everything I know. That didn't take long, did it?
I'm also getting lots of queries about former El Dorado coach Corey Smith and his legal troubles. Unlike Magnolia Banner sports editor Chris Gilliam, I'm not going to wade in to waters that deep. This isn't like a bad call at a ball game. This is someone's freedom and career. I don't write columns or even blogs about that.
Hopefully, the truth will be revealed and if he did what he's accused of doing, he will be punished accordingly. If he didn't do it, I would hope he'd get his life and career back.
Back to the coaching circles, former Union player and son of Coach Gary Don Smith, Josh Smith is on the prowl for a coaching gig. If bloodlines are an indicator, he could be a bright new coaching star.
Personally, I think both Josh Smith and Sharonda Davis would be perfect for Junction City's opening. It's a low-pressure job with minimal expectations and the Lady Dragons do have talent. I'd really love to see Sharonda working with that young post player the Lady Dragons have.
Anyway, good luck to those two and all the other young, aspiring coaches. The profession needs some new blood. I'm just happy these kids had the good sense to go into coaching and not journalism.
Speaking of journalism, my book is coming along nicely, thank you. I sent an early draft to Brad Slatton and he gave me some good reviews, which definitely boosted my spirits. Maybe I really am on the right track with this thing.
Turns out, it might not be a novel but what they call a novella, which is basically a short novel. To be considered a novel, the book needs between 70,000 and 100,000 words. Mine will be closer to 50,000. I don't want to add a bunch of stuff just to get the word count up and bog down the story.
I'll keep you posted on this little project and, by the way, thanks for asking.

I'm not working here

2009-07-01T15:06:00.000-07:00

To work or not to work, that is the question.
Actually, I guess that's a statement since I didn't put a question mark at the end.
Anyway, I'm in the midst of my second week of a two-week vacation. It's probably the only break I'll get this year. Unfortunately, car troubles foiled my plan of spending last week in Fayetteville, staying at a hotel on the company's dime and covering the local athletes at the All-Star Games. I really was looking forward to getting away, perhaps spending a day with Coach Slatton and his wife Donna.
I was really eager to get out of town for a few days. I got a cousin trying to move in with me with her two daughters. I got one bedroom, one bathroom, one roll of toilet paper so, that ain't happening.
I need to type quieter in case she's waiting outside the window.
Yeah, the 2000 Cavalier has been good for me but I think it may be time to put her down. I can't afford to get it fixed and, although it's still running, there's no way I can trust it for those football road trips I got coming up.
To make matters worse, I've got to fix up around my house and that's gonna cost money because when I say "I" gotta fix up around my house I really mean "I" gotta pay somebody to fix up around my house.
So, anyway, with the vacation plan falling flat, I've been holed up in the house. If it sounds a lot like my vacation last year, yeah, it is. Life sucks balls when you're broke.
I haven't been playing the video game, however. That's right, I'm writing a novel. Well, I said it was going to be a novel. I don't know if I can come up with 100,000 words. I'm at 15,000 now and I've got plenty story left to write. But, it might not actually end up being novel length.
I've been focused on that instead of the hot bed of local sports activity going on outside. I've made a phone call about the El Dorado job and I did get a tip. But, I ain't writing about it until I'm getting paid.
I just found out about the Junction City girls job being open. I thought the coach was going to turn it around after watching the Lady Dragons at summer camp. I do think he might've turned them in the right direction. It'll be interesting to see what happens down there.
I thought I mentioned earlier that Mike Poff has taken over the Smackover girls basketball program. Chris Long will take over the softball job. That should be interesting, too.
I really probably should be on top of some of this stuff but, hey, I'm on vacation. I would actually still be on vacation right now except Mark Bagwell Young in Parkers Chapel texted me saying he was Jonesing for some Floor Burns. That sounds like a marital issue to me.
Ha!
Here the drummer get wicked!
I'll try to tear myself away from the brilliant piece of literary cheesecake again within the week. Peace out, ladies.

R-I-P

2009-06-26T17:38:00.000-07:00

"A-B-C, easy as 1-2-3."
That was probably the first record I heard that I liked as a kid. I don't know if it was the simple lyrics, addictive beat or the fact that a kid only slightly older than me was singing it. But, there was something about that song that had me wearing out that record growing up.
Michael Jackson changed a lot from his "A-B-C" days to his death yesterday at the age of 50. A few people have changed genders but he might be the only person to change ethnicities.
It's easy to focus on Wacky Jacko but before those days, Michael Jackson was probably the most influential musician of my lifetime.
I was always a Prince fan. During the 80s, you couldn't like both. You were either a Prince guy or a Michael guy. I liked Prince but part of me chose him because I liked being different. EVERYBODY liked Michael.
Like most folks my age, I remember where I was when he moon walked on stage for the first time. I remember where I was when the video for Thriller came out. Those are moments etched in my mind.
Regardless of how you feel about his later years, which saw him on trial for heinous accusations and also saw him exhibit incredibly weird behavior. The dude really was the King of Pop. He didn't create MTV but he made it with ground breaking videos.
Like Elvis and the Beatles, Michael Jackson's contributions to music will last forever.
His videos, his dance moves, his weirdness - "A-B-C. It's easy as 1-2-3."
Rest in peace.

Coach Smith resigns

2009-06-22T22:38:00.001-07:00

By now, I'm sure most everyone in South Arkansas has heard the rumors about why Corey Smith abruptly resigned as El Dorado's girls basketball coach last week. I talked to Corey before he stepped down and he told me he was considering his options. I was still surprised when he turned in his resignation.
Admittedly, I've only heard Corey's side of the story but I do believe him. He made a mistake, a bad mistake, even a dumb mistake. But, I really don't believe his job was in jeopardy if he had stayed and explained himself.
Of course, I could be wrong and the decision was his and his wife's to make. They did what they had to do and they've elected to move on and put this incident behind them.
As I'm sure you've noticed by how I'm writing this, I'm not going to repeat any of the rumors about what happened. You'll have to hear those for yourself and, by now, they shouldn't be that hard to find.
I will say, I think Corey Smith is a good guy. I'm sure he'll land on his feet and will be a good coach or administrator or teacher or whatever it is he chooses to do in the future. I am disappointed he left, however.
This reminds me of when ol' man Brad Slatton left El Dorado, although for very different reasons. Slatton had done a lot of the dirty work, put in a lot of time and effort to lay the groundwork for a successful program. He left before reaping the fruits of his labor.
I believe Corey has left a program that is on the way up, too. He worked hard trying to develop winning attitudes in his players. It wasn't a physical battle for Coach Smith. His task was getting his kids to believe they could, not only win, but win big games against really good teams.
They hadn't done that, yet, but I believe they were on their way. Whoever replaces Coach Smith will have a difficult job but it will be a lot less difficult because of Corey's tenure at El Dorado.

Bought and paid for

2009-06-14T10:46:00.000-07:00

Did any of you catch San Antonio's come-from-behind three-point win over New York Saturday night on NBA TV? Probably not. Well, my girl Becky Hammon scored 10 points in the final two minutes to lead the Silver Stars to the win.
If you didn't see her Saturday, you'll won't see her for a little while unless you happen to be in Latvia.
After the game, Hammon boarded a plane to join her Russian National Team for the 2009 European Women's Basketball Championships.
You remember me telling you how she was trying to get out of it? Sorry Becky, you're a Russian, now - bought and paid for.
Hammon will miss San Antonio's games at New York and at Connecticut but expects to be back with the Silver Stars for a home game against Phoenix on June 23. Already, fans in New York who bought tickets in advance are expressing their displeasure that the player they paid to see won't be there.
I wonder if the WNBA will be refunding any money. I wonder how the Silver Stars feel that their best player and face of the franchise will miss two games.
More importantly, I wonder what's going on in Becky's head as she flies to Latvia for games she doesn't want to play in. Before you say, she doesn't have to go, remember, if she refuses, she will lose her Russian passport and citizenship, which would cost her millions of dollars.
Who are you loyal to, your home country that pays you a little bit or a foreign country that pays you a lot? Ask yourself that same question and think long and hard before you answer.
Let me know what you think at http://www.tonybrns1@gmail.com

Busy week at camp

2009-06-14T10:27:00.000-07:00

Last week was hectic with El Dorado's team camp going on. I saw a lot of things happen, including another loss by the Lady Wildcats to Camden Fairview.
You've got to be kidding me. How many players does Ronald Rogers have to lose before El Dorado can beat him?
Anyway, it was a great camp with several big schools and a lot of talented smaller schools. Unfortunately for me, the big school vs. small school matchups didn't happen. I would've loved to have seen Parkers Chapel play El Dorado or even better watch Mark Young and Gary Don Smith hook up again. That would've been fun, especially with nothing at stake but bragging rights.
Smith's Hot Springs Lakeside team looked like some of his old Union squads. Big, not very athletic but fundamentally sound and hard working - in other words - well coached. Lakeside gave El Dorado all it wanted before falling by about six. It's amazing. None of Lakeside's players could start for El Dorado yet Smith almost won with them.
Parkers Chapel showed signs of a promising season especially if a certain point guard returns from North Carolina. I don't know what Strong got out of the week. The Lady Bulldogs probably didn't have a starter at the camp. Maybe someone earned a starting position last week but if Porchia Robinson, Rubyanna McHenry and Kashuna Howard aren't there, it ain't Strong's team.
Norphlet was back and looked up and down. That's probably how the Lady Leopards' season will be. If Kyia Williams is ready to play, the team will be ready. If she's not ...?
But, my team of the week was definitely Junction City. I intentionally avoided watching the Lady Dragons all last season. I accidentally caught them at the camp and was impressed. I'm not saying they'll go from worst to first next season but don't be surprised if Junction City's girls make it to the regional tournament.
As for El Dorado, it's hard to tell about that team. They can look very good one minute, very disinterested the next. There are too many people on the bench that don't contribute. There seems to be confusion over players' roles. Their stars don't shine consistently.
As always, however, the Lady Wildcats have the potential to have a big year.
***
Congratulations to former El Dorado coach Bobby Harris, who was hired at Forrest City. I haven't talked to the coach since he got the job. I know he was excited about the possible opportunity after his interview.
Forrest City might be the perfect place for Harris' system. It's traditionally an area rich in athletes and they haven't enjoyed a lot of girls basketball success so they'll be receptive to what he's saying.
It should be interesting.

Expect Great?

2009-06-06T22:17:00.001-07:00

Wow! The WNBA can't seem to get out of its own way.
After coming up with the lamest slogan ever, "Expect Great," the league popped the cork on the new season with the Sparks and Shock on national television Saturday. That's the Sparks without Candace Parker and the Shock without Cheryl Ford.
The teams turned in an unwatchable performance. I mean, I like women's basketball but I couldn't keep my eyes on this game. It was a wretched display that definitely won't draw any new fans to the league.
First, why would you put this game on national television when you know Parker won't be dressed out? Aren't you trying to showcase your marquee player? Didn't you know she was having a baby?
As it was, she still got more airtime than a lot of the starters.
There were so many whistles and bricks I thought I was watching a construction crew. Expect Great? Well, I certainly expected better.
The highlight of the game was when Tina Thompson and Plenette Pearson got tangled up. The director quickly popped in a tape of last year's brawl between the two teams. I actually wanted to see a replay for once and they started showing clips from last year?
And, for pete's sake, if you're gonna have the coaches wear microphones, at least let us listen to what they're saying. Every time Bill Laimbeer started to talk, Nancy Lieberman would talk over him about the history of women's basketball
I got an idea, turn the coaches' mics up and turn her's off.
The league is struggling, obviously, since the teams are putting sponsors' names on their uniforms, now. Bottom line, if the WNBA wants to survive, it has to put quality on the court. If you want people to watch, you have to give them something to see.
The season opener to this WNBA season was two steps in the wrong direction. There will be some great, entertaining games this season. The league had better find a way to get those on national television instead of stinkers like Saturday.
WNBA, you'd better believe fans expect great. You'd better start delivering great.
Forget great, I'd like something good, please.

To Russia with regret

2009-06-04T09:24:00.000-07:00

There's an old saying that goes, "if you lie down with dogs, you get up with fleas."
I'm not calling all Russians dogs but my girl Becky Hammon is probably feeling a bit itchy these days.
Hammon, point guard for WNBA San Antonio, because a Russian citizen last year and competed in the Olympics, helping Russia win a bronze medal. Now, that country is pressuring the South Dakota native to compete on Russia's national team in a European event.
Hammon's side of the story is she agreed to play for Russia in the Olympics and would talk about other commitments to their national team. When Russia wanted her services for this particular event, she had to get permission from the Silver Stars, who, of course, said uh, no.
Hammon told everyone she would be back in San Antonio for the start of the WNBA season even when the Russian media was saying she would be over there. Once she got back to the states, she had to get back on a plane and go back to Russia to explain herself.
There's a lot of drama going on with this story. You can't serve two masters and Hammon is under contract with both Russia and San Antonio. She's stated she loves the WNBA but most of her money comes from Russia.
She can't afford to piss off the Russians, who have invested a lot of money in her and usually get what they pay for.
The Silver Stars have guaranteed their fans she will not miss any games this season. But, apparently she will as Russia has her on the roster for a tournament and is guaranteeing their fans she will be there.
Oooh, Becky, you done done it now.
I'm sure becoming a Russian citizen seemed like a good idea at the time. The Cold War is over but, at one point, Russia was our enemy for a reason.

Coaching news

2009-06-03T20:23:00.001-07:00

The coaching carousel is circling in high speed these days. Former Strong boys basketball coach Anthony Avery is now the new boys basketball coach at Strong. A couple of long-time Union County softball coaches have called it quits - maybe. And, former Parkers Chapel coach Lee Scroggins has gotten out of the business along with perennial gray beard Brad Slatton.
I must say I was surprised when Avery came back to Strong after bolting for Warren a few years ago. The coach never moved and was commuting back-and-forth to Bradley County. But, I never thought he'd make the move back to his old gig. For some reason, I thought Avery would keep moving on to bigger schools.
I guess Strong is where his heart is and ain't nothing wrong with that. It doesn't hurt that the Bulldogs have a lot of talent to work with.
I haven't made the call but I think it was pretty much a done deal that Mike Poff would take over the girls program at Smackover after Marsha Cowling resigned. I guess I do need to call the Poffster to make sure.
Scroggins has been trying to get into administration and finally did. He is an assistant principle at Hot Springs Lakeside. Interestingly, his daughter Emilee, an outstanding point guard, will probably stay at Cutter Morning Star. I can't blame a kid for not wanting to move and leave her friends. I'm sure it's a bummer for Lakeside coach Gary Don Smith, though.
Parkers Chapel is looking for a new softball coach after Rhonda Swilley stepped down this week. Swilley's parents are getting older and she wants to take care of them. Although she won a slow-pitch state championship and was a perennial state tournament team in fastpitch, Swilley might be most missed in the classroom as a science teacher. The school wants to replace that vacant position before worrying about softball.
El Dorado new athletic director Phillip Lansdell is also looking for a softball coach. Lyn Benson resigned mid-season and was replaced by Michael Brooks, who resigned recently to take a job outside the school district - I think Saratoga?
Brooks was also the football receiver's coach. I talked to Lansdell on his first day as AD. He also has to find a tennis coach so he's a busy beaver. I've heard through the grapevine it's not out of the realm of possibility that Benson get the job back. There's a lot going on behind the scenes with this story that I won't even talk about on a blog.
Apparently not being a coach is agreeing with Slatton, who is looking forward to life in administration at his Fort Eliot school in Texas. We'll see how much he likes it when a new coach loses a game with his former team next year.
I'm hoping some of our former female athletes like Jamie Ball, Amy Kennedy and Adam Bishop will get a look at some of these coaching openings. We'll see how the carousel turns this summer.

A buck's a buck

2009-06-01T12:43:00.000-07:00

I knew times were hard for the WNBA but I didn't know it was this bad. The Phoenix Mercury announced it has partnered with LifeLock, an identity theft protection company this season. What this means is, instead of Phoenix or Mercury on the front of the players' uniforms and warmups, there is the Lifelock logo.
That's right, the WNBA teams have sponsors just like Little League baseball and softball. I don't know how much it would cost but if you can dig up enough coins, you too, can sponsor a women's professional basketball team.
I'm not sure if this is a good idea. But, I guess desperate times call for desperate measures. The league lost the Houston Comets and cut the number of roster spots from 12 to 11.
Now, the teams are selling ad space on their jersies.
Wow!
If this takes off, we could see Dominos Pizza vs. Payless Shoes in the playoffs. I'd love to see a porn company buy a sponsorship with a team or perhaps a strip club. Apparently, for the right price, the WNBA will place a stripper pole in the middle of the lane.
Hey, a buck's a buck.

Too quiet

2009-05-30T08:42:00.000-07:00

It's been nearly two days since our banquet awards and, so far, no one has called to complain about who won what or why. All is quiet ... a little too quiet.
I know some students and some parents didn't leave the banquet happy. Unfortunately, that's inevitable.
I really wish there was a way we could honor all of the athletes we invite to the banquet. My original idea wasn't to name ONE winner and FOUR losers but, I guess I can see why some might feel that way.
We've tried to emphasize that all FIVE of the finalists in each sport are winners. It's an honor to be one of the top five. Still, when you go the next step and crown one of the five as the best, there's no way to sugar coat it, being Player of the Year is better than just being a finalist.
If someone can come up with a way for us to make the four runner-ups not feel dejected, let me know. I don't think it can be done.
Obviously, some of the kids understand what we're doing. Some of them take it as an honor to be invited and leave the banquet with a smile on their face, even if they didn't take home a player of the year award.
I guess that's my reward - not the smile on the faces of the winners but the kids who were just happy to be included in the event, who enjoyed being in a room with the best of the best in Union County and knowing it's where they belonged.
As for the Players of the Year, I'm fairly happy with the ones I chose. A couple were close, could've easily gone to another athlete. I had a reason for every pick but someone else could've produced just as good a reason for another choice.
That's why these athletes shouldn't get their heads down if they didn't win the News-Times Player of the Year. Peyton Manning didn't win the Heisman and look at him, now. You don't need a trophy or a $20 plaque to tell you how hard you've worked on your game. You should know in your heart how good you are.
If you compete hard and give your best, you're a winner in whatever sport you choose.

Talking the talk II

2009-05-21T20:18:00.000-07:00

We will reveal the name of our Scholar Athlete of the Year Award on May 28. I talked about the dilemma we had this year in choosing the winner out of five outstanding finalists.
I got a response, of course, from former News-Times photographer Steven Bridges who gave his opinion of what's more important, the great resume' or an outstanding personal interview.
"For the Scholar-Athlete Award, you got to go with the interview," wrote Bridges. "There are a lot of people that look good on paper. Just being slightly better on grades is not what brings people to the top. Being book smart will only get you so far. You want a well rounded winner."
That makes sense to me.
May 21, 2009 - the date I agreed with something Steven Bridges said.
***
Also today, I actually got a positive letter to the editor in the News-Times. Someone actually liked something I wrote enough to sit down and write a letter.
As a sports writer, I know I'm only as good as the last sentence I wrote. The same person might think I'm pond scum tomorrow.
But, I ain't even gone lie, a pat on the back feels real good every now and then.

Talking the talk

2009-05-18T15:48:00.000-07:00

I've been interviewing kids in Union County for more years than I care to count. In that time, I've probably encountered 50 or 60 youngsters who I would consider to be well-spoken. Unfortunately, the number of black kids in that group would probably be about 5 or 6.
I don't know why.
Well, I understand it to a degree. Saturday night at the state track meet, I spoke to a black student-athlete who had won two events. The kid was nice enough but was painfully shy and never put a complete sentence together, no matter how many questions I asked.
I then went to a white athlete, Irene Jadic, who communicated clearly and beautifully, revealing all her emotions after an up-and-down meet. I asked this girl one question and was given enough material to write an entire article.
Now, Jadic's parents are a doctor and a teacher. I don't know the black kid's parents but they're probably not a doctor and teacher.
Obviously, how a child is raised tells a lot of this story.
But, as a black journalist, I can't help but be frustrated. I want to tell the black kid's story just like the white kid, but when it's not communicated to me, how can I tell it?
I'm not criticizing, I guess. As a kid, I was never interviewed by a reporter. I was shy back then so I might've come off just like a lot of the black kids I'm talking about, now. I'd like to think I'd express myself in complete sentences but, honestly, I have no idea what I would've sounded like in an interview in the 11th grade.
What's my point, you ask?
I guess I'm just venting. I wish more black youngsters were taught how to express themselves verbally. It's a skill that will serve them well when they go into job interviews or when they apply for scholarships.
This comes up now because we just interviewed 10 kids in Union County for our Scholar-Athlete of the Year Awards. Applicants must have a 3.5 so they're all pretty smart. But, one kid blew me away with the interview while another, whose resume' was better, did not.
Do I go with the person who made an incredible impression in the interview or with the one with a slightly better resume' and the personality of a squash?
My email address is tonybrns1@gmail.com if you have an opinion.

Lady Dragons take second

2009-05-10T10:56:00.000-07:00

Junction City's softball team did not win the state title on Friday, losing to Foreman 4-0 in the championship game.
The Lady Dragons played about as well as they could. The Lady Gators didn't get a lot of hits but they took what they got and manufactured runs. Junction City, on the other hand, managed just one infield hit against Foreman's Kimmy Beasley.
Fastpitch softball is mainly about pitching and defense. The Lady Dragons have that. Now, they have to figure out how to take a hit or a walk, twist it and bend it and turn it into a run.
A little speed and aggression on the basepaths was the only thing separating the two teams in the finals.
Junction City is young with just three senior starters on this year's team. Star pitcher "Big Red" Courtney Lowe is just a ninth grader. And, with the athletes in that school, I would hope one or two speedsters would see a golden opportunity to make a difference on an already superb team and come out for softball.
Even if none of the other athletic girls want to join and work their tails off, the Lady Dragons will still be back. Unfortunately, so will Foreman.
But, hey, the Lady Gators have won four in a row. They can't win every year, can they?
Congratulations to the Lady Dragons for their state runner-up trophy. It took a lot of work to get to the finals. They should be proud of themselves.

Sit down for this

2009-05-10T00:36:00.000-07:00

Alert the media.
Wait, I am the media.
In all the excitement, I forgot who I was for a second. Anyway, I just witnessed one of the most incredible things I've seen in the last 20 years.
Late Friday night, I got off work and headed to the El Dorado Wal-Mart. Okay, that's nothing special but what happened after I got inside the Wal-Mart will knock you off your feet.
Come to think of it, go ahead and sit down. I don't want to be responsible for any head traumas after you read what I have to say next.
Are you sitting down? Well hurry up.
Okay, once I was inside Wal-Mart, I headed to the kitchen section to look for a George Foreman grill. Now, here's the strange and very unusual thing that happened to me.
A Wal-Mart employee walked up to me and asked if I needed help.
I thought it might be a trap but instinctively, since I did need some assistance, I said, "yes, I'm looking for the George Foreman grills."
The employee then stopped what she was doing, showed me where the grills were and even suggested an item that was on sale.
That's right, somebody actually assisted me in Wal-Mart.
Gasp!!
I know. I was as shocked as you are. I'll bet you're glad you're sitting down, now.
I don't know what to think. First, a black man is President and now this.
***
Another thing happened last week that wasn't as shocking. Long-time boys basketball coach at Stephens, Richard Bradley, announced his retirement. The Roadrunners have traditionally one of the best small-school basketball programs in the state so this is a newsworthy item.
What was a surprise was Bradley's replacement. Roger Jones, the junior high girls coach, will coach the Roadrunners.
Okay?
I wonder if the players will transfer to Camden Fairview, Magnolia or perhaps Smackover?

Lady Dragons all the way

2009-05-06T20:14:00.000-07:00

Junction City's softball program has certainly come a long way. The Lady Dragons will try to go ALL the way Friday when they take on perennial powerhouse Foreman in the 2A State championship game.
Junction City had to win three games in less than 24 hours thanks to a pair of rain delays. The Lady Dragons won twice on Monday, including late Monday night, then had to get up Tuesday morning and beat Western Yell County 10-0.
Junction City's win sets up an intriguing rematch with the Lady Gators, who have won three straight state championships and will be competing in the championship game for the fifth year in a row.
Foreman beat Junction City 10-2 in the regional final last week in Dierks. The Lady Gators' pitcher, at one point, hit three JC batters in a row, including two in the head. Law enforcement officers had to separate the two sets of fans in that game.
Somehow, I don't think the players have forgotten that incident.
Senior catcher Alex McDonald struck out for the first time all season in that game.
"Then, she hit me in the chin," said McDonald. "I'm really looking forward to playing her again."
The Lady Dragons, who made it to the state semifinals last year, are looking for respect despite a 27-5 record. They will be big underdogs against Foreman. I really don't think they care.
I wish I could get to Fayetteville for this one but I can't.
Let's get ready to rumble.

Can't spot success

2009-05-02T08:50:00.000-07:00

What has been a fruitful sports year for most of Union County must be the Year from Hell for Norphlet. Not one Norphlet boys or girls team advanced to the postseason this school year.
Neither of the school's basketball teams made it to regional. Both the baseball and softball teams saw their seasons end in the district tournament. The football program also fell short of the state tournament.
I'm sure this has happened before at other schools but, off the top of my head, I don't remember a school that offered this many sports not having any success in any of them.
The good thing about athletics is, there's always next year. Next year can't get here fast enough in Leopard Land.

Marsha, Marsha, Marsha

2009-05-01T01:01:00.001-07:00

For those who have heard the rumors, I have confirmed Marsha Cowling has coached her final game at Smackover. In a text, she told me her husband has a job offer in Texarkana they cannot turn down.
I'm giving her a couple of days before I interview her for the newspaper.
Cowling was blessed with good timing as she inherited classes in the seventh and eighth grades upon her arrival that would be quite special. Nevertheless, credit must go to her for taking a program that went winless one year and didn't even field a team the next and taking it to the state tournament two straight years.
Congratulations to Marsha, Marsha, Marsha for turning around the Titanic and sailing it to the promised land. I wish her and her family nothing but the best in the future. I enjoyed working with her the past few years.

Transfer decides

2009-04-29T11:40:00.000-07:00

Okay, I'm about a day late on this information but it appears former Marshall standout Jenny Vining will be transferring to the land of the Golden Suns.
Vining, a sophomore at Oklahoma, visitied OBU on Saturday after announcing she would leave the Sooners' program. Her grandfather is legendary former OBU coach Bill Vining and she has former high school teammates playing at Arkansas Tech.
Sources say she has decided to play in Russellville.
While on the subject of women's college basketball, why does it appear that UA coach Tom Collen is suddenly on the hot seat when his predecessor Susie Gardner got a free ride up on the hill?
Gardner, quite possibly the most inept coach in any sport ever at the Division I level, took a top-25 program built by Gary Blair and absolutely destroyed it. She let out-of-state schools invade Arkansas and take away talent. She killed the Lady Razorbacks' relationship with the high school coaches and athletes.
When Collen took the job, it was already ruined. It will take years to repair all the damage Gardner did to that program. Yet, suddenly, fans are asking, "what's wrong with the women's program at Arkansas?"
Worse, they're putting the blame on Collen.
I'm not saying Collen is the best coach in the SEC. I'm not saying he can get it turned around. All I'm saying is, he's a hell of a lot better than the incompetent boob he replaced and should be given at least as long to fix it and she took to break it.

Darius Hayward-Bey?

2009-04-25T15:13:00.001-07:00

I'm not a happy man. Oakland had the No. 7 pick in the NFL Draft and picked Darius Hayward-Bey.
Who the hell is Darius Hayward-Bey?
Michael Crabtree, the consensus top receiver in the draft, was still available. The second best offensive tackle in the draft was still available.
Who the hell is Darius Hayward-Bey?
Who the hell is Darius Hayward-Bey?
Im so pissed, right now.
Who the hell is Darius Hayward-Bey?
I didn't think they'd get the opportunity to pick Crabtree. I was shocked when he was still available. How do you pass up on Crabtree?
Who the hell is Darius Hayward-Bey?
%$#@!**&^
On a separate topic, Oklahoma shooting guard Jenny Vining announced she was leaving that program last week. The former Marshall state champion was scheduled to visit Ouachita Baptist on Saturday.
Rumor has her going to either OBU or Arkansas Tech, which has her high school teammate.
I don't know if OBU needs another perimeter player but an opportunity to get a D-I guard is one they won't pass up.
It'll be interesting where she ends up.
On another topic, who the hell is Darius Hayward-Bey?

Darn you, UConn

2009-04-16T21:15:00.000-07:00

Connecticut won the women's national championship and the world didn't end the next day.
That's me looking on the bright side.
Well, as if UConn totally dominating the competition this season wasn't bad enough, Geno Auriemma has been named coach of the USA women's national team through the 2012 Olympics.
Whatever!
I'm sick of griping about UConn and the East coast prejudice towards ESPN's favorite program. I'll just root for Russia, again.
Speaking of UConn, Atlanta screwed up at the WNBA Draft by picking Louisville's Angel McCouthry instead of Renee Montgomery. The lady from Louisville (no, I didn't spell her name right and yes, I'm too lazy to look it up) didn't appear to be the best teammate in the world in the NCAA Tournament. She's good but a little streaky offensively for my taste. Speaking of taste, the announcers comparing her to Sheryl Swoopes should have the taste slapped out of their mouths.
As much as I hate UConn, I have to admit, if I was starting a team, I'd feel good about picking Montgomery as my point guard.
Oh well, it looks like Atlanta will be the latest dumbass organization in the WNBA.
***
Changing levels, I was in Parkers Chapel yesterday to see Coach Mark Young. The coach wasn't in his office when I got there so I made myself at home sitting at his desk. I saw several letters from colleges and, being a snoopy journalist, I took a quick peek.
Sophomore Savanna Langston has started getting letters from the likes of Arkansas and South Carolina, among others.
Young, who coached former Lady Techster Latasha Crain while she was at Kingsland, knows how the recruiting process works. It's just getting started for Langston, who will be a hot commodity by the time she's a senior.
***
We got a press release this week announcing former Conway standout Sidney Stewart had requested and been granted a release by Louisiana Tech. The release said Stewart was homesick, which would appear to target UCA as her future home.
Rumor has it, Oklahoma's Jenny Vining might also be considering transferring. I don't know if she wants to come back to Arkansas or what level she'll compete at. The gymnasium at OBU has her grandfather's name on it.

Beefed up schedule, too tough

2009-04-10T15:00:00.000-07:00

Laurel Pfahler
Special to Rivals High
They say a better schedule makes for a better team, but a beefed-up slate might actually end up hurting the three-time defending state champion Vero Beach (Fla.) High girls' lacrosse team.
The Florida High School Athletic Association has received reports that the Fighting Indians (19-1) violated a new rule requiring teams to play at least 60 percent of their schedule against in-state opponents. The guideline is a stipulation for playing in the FHSAA State Series, which is now under way, and could prevent Vero Beach from defending its throne.
Cristina Alvarez, the FHSAA director of media relations and marketing, said a ruling is pending because Denarvise Thornton Jr., the associate executive director for athletic administration, is out of the office until next week.
"We are going to look into it, and once that occurs, we can find out where to go from there," Alvarez said.
The Indians played just 44 percent of their schedule against in-state teams during the regular season, with eight games against FHSAA opponents and 10 against out-of-state opponents, according to results reported to Scripps Treasure Coast Newspapers and LaxPower.com, which were confirmed by Vero Beach coach Shannon Dean.
Dean did not want to comment until after speaking with his athletic director and could not be reached.
FHSAA Policy 10 of the State Series Commitment Form Policy and Procedures guidelines states, "Effective with the 2008-09 school year, a school must play not less than 60 percent of its regular season contests in the sport against FHSAA member schools" in order to be eligible for participation in the FHSAA State Series in any sport.
There were no variations of that rule last year.
Vero Beach athletic director Tim Tharp said he could not comment in detail until he meets with fellow administrators next week when the school returns from spring break.
"We feel our programs are in compliance with FHSAA guidelines," Tharp said. "But it's an allegation we will address when we return to school."
The Indians won the first FHSAA-recognized state title last year, marking its third consecutive state championship with the first two coming in the non-sanctioned Florida Lacrosse League.
In the past, Dean, who owns a 138-17-1 record over the past four seasons, has attributed his team's success in part to playing more-seasoned out-of-state competition. Vero Beach started its program in 1998 and is one of the few public schools in Florida with an established feeder program, as the two middle schools within its boundaries formed teams in 2002.
Lacrosse is a fast-growing sport in Florida but just became an FHSAA-recognized sport last year, and the competition is not yet up to par with teams from northern states, where athletes grow up playing lacrosse.
Vero Beach has outscored its opponents 303by more than 250 goals this season and hasn't lost a game to a Florida team since a 7-6 loss to Lake Brantley in the 2007 season opener, which it went on to avenge in the FLL state championship. Archbishop Spalding (Md.) handed Vero Beach its only loss this season, a 9-4 decision.
Though the Indians have dominated Florida, they are power-rated just 42nd nationally, according to LaxPower.com. Florida's second-rated team, Lake Worth (Fla.) Park Vista, which Vero Beach thrashed 18-2 in last year's state final, sits at No. 316 in the national ratings.
Dean said he believes his team has the recipe and ingredients to win a fourth consecutive title this year, but the only thing that might stop the Indians is a ruling against them.
Although FHSAA State Series competition has begun, Alvarez said it is possible Vero Beach's postseason run could end.
"We have kicked teams out of the playoffs for violations before," Alvarez said.

Be positive ladies

2009-03-29T14:36:00.001-07:00

As you know, I'm a fan of women's basketball. That is what I watch on television this time of the year. Once the tournament tips off, however, I really enjoy watching the men play as well.
Watching both sports, I noticed something recently.
I believe part of the reason women's basketball has a bit of a negative perception from the casual fan is the broadcasters' attitudes.
Women, in particular, who analyze women's basketball are incredibly negative. The men's game, meanwhile, is broadcast with a positive spin on everything.
For instance, in the women's game, you'll often hear phrases like, "Smith got her pocket picked." "Jones got her shot blocked." "Miller commits the turnover."
In the men's game, the same action would be described, "Griffin uses his quick hands and picked his pocket." "Ray skies high to block his shot." "Aggressive defensive by Taylor forced a turnover."
See the difference?
Female commentators almost always take the negative view. Fact is, for every missed shot or turnover, there was a defender trying to force the missed shot or turnover. Every negative for one team was a positive for the opposing team.
The men's game is exciting because the commentators are genuinely excited about every positive play. The women's game is less exciting because the commentators consistently harp on the mistakes. They use their gift of hindsight to point out what should've been done, instead of crediting a positive play.
A women's team that gets outscored 10-0 has a cold shooting spell. A men's team that gets outscored 10-0 was shut down by a swarming defense.
Obviously, I'm a fan and I'll watch women's basketball as long as it's played. But, maybe a few more fans would appreciate the quality of play if the "expert" analysts would highlight some of the positives instead of being critical.
Email me at http://www.tonybrns1@gmail.com if you have an opinion.

I hate UConn

2009-03-25T09:54:00.000-07:00

I hate UConn women's basketball. I'm hoping, no praying for someone, anyone to wipe that smug smirk off Geno Auriemma's mug.
Sadly, I don't see it happening until the final four when my big Stanford ladies get a hold of his punk arse. Fear the tree.
The women's tournament has been a lot more interesting than the men so far. Everyone knew Tennessee was down but no one realized how down until they lost to Ball State in the first round. I didn't see that coming. I actually thought Pat Summitt's troops would step it up and advance to the elite eight.
I never liked Auburn but couldn't ignore what they'd done all season. I had them in my elite eight, also. But, I wasn't shocked when they lost.
I told folks if Michigan State won its first round game it could beat Duke on its homecourt. I got that one right. I don't know what to say about Baylor - two wins - one in overtime, one at the buzzer.
I got on the ESPN message board and folks were angry at Kim Mulkey, calling her classless for her timeout substitution late in the game.
It's funny how dumb some "fans" are.
If you didn't see the game, Baylor's Rachel Allison injured her knee late. She left the game then came back in with her knee wrapped. Allison got a defensive rebound and was fouled. The less than 60 percent free throw shooter limped, hobbled and practically crawled to her coach.
Up by one, it was obvious Allison wanted no part of that 1-and-1 with just seconds remaining.
Mulkey, as is her right, substituted her injured player, inserting former CAC star Whitney Zachariason to shoot the free throw.
What was unfair was putting a player in cold off the bench in that situation. The look on Zachariason's face was sheer terror.
But, she made the crucial front end of the 1-and-1.
My question is, what was classless about this move? Allison was injured. Plus, she's a 55 percent free throw shooter. If you want to win, this was a no brainer.
Tell me how Gorgeous Geno Auriemma can get into it with players on opposing teams and get away with it while anyone else makes a simple strategic coaching move and gets called classless.
I hate UConn so much.
Please, please, please Stanford, that's right I'm begging, please Stanford - the home of Tiger Woods, John Elway and Chelsea Clinton - please send Geno packing like you did last year.
Thank you, good night.

Lazy so-and-so

2009-03-20T07:39:00.000-07:00

It's been a couple of weeks since all my area basketball teams were eliminated. I must admit to being extremely lazy when it comes to getting my postseason stuff done. I usually have all my stories written and have figured out all my all-area teams by now.
I'm having a difficult time getting into it this season. I actually had a few girls step up toward the end of the year so my All-Area Team actually has me a little excited. It's bad when you don't feel like you have enough girls worthy of the honor. That's not the case this season. I had five or six solid choices.
It's not like the end of the year didn't have some excitement, either. Four teams advancing in the state tournament has never happened before in Union County on the girls side. The bummer for me was I only got to watch one - Parkers Chapel.
PC was probably the best choice since they hadn't been to state in awhile and their first round game was so exciting. But, I wish I could've watched El Dorado, Strong and Smackover, too. There's always more to the story and I would've loved to have seen how these players reacted in the state tournament atmosphere.
Maybe one day we can get all of our smaller schools in the same classification again so we don't have to pick and choose who we're covering in the postseason. I didn't realize how fortunate I was when they were all in the same conference. Now, I do.
I don't know if that's why I've been procrastinating on this thing or not. But, I have to knuckle down and get this thing done.
I'd better get back to calling coaches for comments on players. So far today, I'm one-out-of-five on reaching coaches.
By the way, former El Dorado coach Brad Slatton got the principal's job at Fort Elliot Consolidated in Texas. His future plans don't include coaching unless he can't find a suitable replacement.
Congratulations to the old goat, who leaves coaching with his most successful season ever.

You go, girls

2009-03-05T07:08:00.000-08:00

I got calls and texts from Strong coach Gerrald Koonce and El Dorado coach Corey Smith Wednesday night after the conclusion of the day's state tournament games. Both coaches had the same message - "Ha Ha, you were wrong."
I shouldn't have used quote marks because that's not exactly what they said but it was the general message. I'm very happy to be slightly inaccurate in my assessment of Union County girls basketball, by the way.
After calling it a down year for our area girls basketball teams - every single team from Union County that made it to state won its first round game.
El Dorado beat Jonesboro in 6A, Parkers Chapel beat Elkins in 3A and Strong and Smackover both advanced in 2A. My girls won after every single area boys team lost in the first round.
All of these teams will have difficult matchups in the quarterfinals. El Dorado meets West Memphis. Parkers Chapel takes on Valley Springs and Strong has a date with Danville. Smackover looks to have the best chance of advancing further after knocking off two-time defending champion Carlisle in the first round. The Lady Bucks play top-seeded Cedar Ridge, a team I know nothing about.
Whatever happens today and tomorrow, it has already been a surprisingly successful season for our area girls basketball teams. I have no problem with the coaches calling me up and gloating a little bit. I think it's great if they're rooting for each other.
No matter what my predictions are, I'm rooting for 'em, too.
***
The thing about the state tournaments, a little luck is involved. I'm in Searcy covering the 3A State Tournament. I've already seen Lady Luck smile a little on the Lady Trojans, who won a thrilling 37-35 heart-stopper over Elkins on Wednesday.
When I say lucky, I don't mean PC was lucky to win. They earned that victory and deserved that victory.
Tayvia Brownmiller's game-winning layup was a tad fortunate. The senior took off for the layup way too soon, had an awkward angle and managed to get the shot off the glass and in with the whole pressure of the season on her shoulders.
Elkins missed two shots, including one from point blank at the buzzer. I'm not saying that was lucky. The Lady Trojans were scrapping on defense. Savanna Langston had blocked three shots down the stretch and the Lady Elk was probably looking for her as well as the clock as she rushed to get the short bank shot up before time expired.
But, I believe PC's biggest break came on another buzzer beater. Langston misfired on a shot at the buzzer in the regional final against Prescott. That might've been the Lady Trojans' most fortunate miss.
Prescott lost in the first round to fourth-seeded Mansfield. I watched half of that game and left very impressed with Mansfield - a team blessed with size and strength in the paint and athletic slashers on the perimeter.
Mansfield's point guard elected to participate in the indoor state track meet last week instead of the regional semifinals. Mansfield lost that game and sat the girl on the bench in the third place game, losing that as well.
Mansfield shouldn't be a four seed. It would have been a horrible matchup for PC, had the Lady Trojans won the regional title.
This time of the year it's all about matchups. As tough as Elkins was, and the Lady Elks were downright feisty, I think Mansfield would've been a tougher matchup for PC.
Luckily, that matchup didn't happen in the first round.

Harrell finds hoops

2009-02-27T12:43:00.000-08:00

I had a very nice interview with former El Dorado standout Ashley Harrell last week. Harrell signed with Southern Mississippi out of high school, played a year there, earning All-Conference and Defensive Player of the Year honors before transferring.
Harrell made her way to Weatherford JC and now she's at Oklahoma Baptist University, an NAIA school in Shawnee, Okla.
I hadn't talked to her in awhile and, without question, she's matured a lot over the past few years.
Ashley has the unusual knowledge of playing the game of basketball at pretty much every level. She started out in the Boys & Girls Club, played for a small local AAU team (Roses), went to a bigger state-wide AAU team (Mavericks). She played at Class AA Harmony Grove before going to Class 6A El Dorado.
She went Division I to Junior College to NAIA.
Through all those stops, playing levels and coaches, Harrell said they all impacted her life.
“I think I would take it all the way back to playing AAU ball. From my daddy to everybody I’ve played for, I have to give my props and respect for the person I’ve become because of them if it was good or bad," she said.
“From Coach Harris saying not to bounce passes from my daddy saying ‘you need to take over’ from Coach Ammons saying to shoot the ball to Coach Slatton. Every coach I’ve played for has uplifted me in some way. It might have been in a negative way but when I think about it now, I know they weren’t doing nothing but trying to help me. I have much respect and gratitude for all the coaches I’ve come across.”
Her Oklahoma Baptist team this season is ranked among the nation's best. Despite all the teams, Harrell still boasts, “I’ve never been on a losing team, ever - ever, ever, ever.”
Ashley said she experienced burn out at El Dorado and it really set in as a freshman at Southern Miss. She said she'd actually given up the game and was planning on quitting after getting her degree at Weatherford. Oklahoma Baptist asked her to come for a visit and to try out. It was there where she re-discovered her passion for hoops.
I asked her if she had any advice to kids on how to avoid burn out.
“My advice wouldn’t be toward the kids. It would be toward the parents not to push," she said. "If your child wants to play basketball, let them play. But, if they get burned out, let ‘em stop. Don’t push them to do things they don’t want to do. I understand a little push, ‘let’s go out there and work on a shot’ or something like that. But, don’t pressure them and don’t try to live your dream through your child. Let them find themselves and let them find their own way.
"Like me, at one time I didn’t think I wanted to play basketball. But, a year or so later, me and basketball found each other again. If it’s meant for that person, they’ll find their way back to each other.”

I like moxy

2009-02-13T10:40:00.001-08:00

Despite losing to Monticello Thursday night in the championship game of the Southeast Junior District Tournament, El Dorado girls basketball coach Henry Harrell was in a good mood. The Lady Wildcats showed some grit and some toughness, battling back in the fourth quarter against a team that had mercy ruled them earlier.
Monticello has a good 9th grade team, finishing 17-1 with the lone loss to Star City. El Dorado's 9th grade team is good but never seems to beat good opponents.
As usual with every Lady Wildcats' team, the missing ingredient seems to be intangibles like hunger, competitiveness and moxy.
I guess that's why Harrell was smiling as he talked about the loss on Thursday. The Lady Wildcats aren't as good as Monticello. Not as big. Not as talented. Not as deep.
None of that seemed to matter in the fourth quarter as El Dorado fought, scratched and clawed and had two shots to tie the game or take the lead in the final minute.
After the game, Harrell acknowledged, that was indeed the very best his team could've played.
Charlotte Bradley looks like a future superstar, scoring 18 points, including some of the highlight film variety. But, Bradley did not score in the final quarter, didn't take a shot in the final three minutes.
Same ol' Lady Wildcats, you say?
I don't know. She passed the ball way too much down the stretch for my liking but she was tired and she's very young.
I must admit, I was disappointed when El Dorado had to have two technical free throws down the stretch and Bradley did not step to the line to shoot 'em. Harrell's smile turned into a grin after the game when he explained why Meredith Rice was the shooter.
"She said, 'Let me shoot 'em. I'll make 'em.'"
Rice, who had a horrible night at the line in the semifinals, drained both free throws to cut the lead to two in the final minute. It was Rice who took both shot attempts to tie the game.
The kid wanted the ball. She was the only player on the floor not looking to pass the ball to somebody else down the stretch.
Dadgum, I like that. Idiots would call her selfish. I'd call her confident, competitive. I'd say she has moxy.
Some athletes wait for somebody else to make a play. That's fine but when you have an entire team that's looking to pass, you can't win. Somebody has to want the ball. Somebody has to raise her hand in the huddle with the game on the line and say, "Coach, let me shoot it. I'll make it."
Ideally, you'd like that person to be your best player. But, there's no rule that says it has to be.
When it's time to win a game, I'm giving the ball to the player who wants it.
I think Coach Harrell was smiling last night because his girls played their butts off. His best player was a superstar for three quarters, almost singlehandedly keeping her team in the game. And, when the game was on the line, he didn't have to beg somebody to step up.
A little moxy in a kid makes me smile, too.

It's just a down year

2009-02-12T19:25:00.000-08:00

Strong coach Gerrald Koonce took a little offense at my last post. Former Union standout Mary Beth Gilmore commented while watching the Dual State final that girls basketball in Union County is not as good as it used to be.
I have to admit, I agree with her.
Obviously, I'm blessed with a bit more tact than Mrs. Gilmore-Sims. But, I just don't think girls teams in this area are as good as they were last year, much less five years ago.
Let's look at them:
Smackover might be the best small school in the area. The Lady Bucks lost both Sarah Poff and Nickole Frazier, leaving a huge hole in the middle and perhaps in the heart as well.
Parkers Chapel might have better chemistry this year but clearly has lesser talent than a year ago.
Strong lost Anastacia Dismuke and, from what I've seen, no one has stepped up as a consistent go-to girl for the Lady Bulldogs.
Norphlet lost Tenesha Lewis and has gone from a three-girl team, to a two-girl team.
I'm not even going to comment on Junction City.
I'm not saying the basketball is necessarily bad. But, there isn't a complete team, either. Every club has a glaring flaw.
Smackover and Norphlet are both donuts - nothing in the middle. Parkers Chapel has suspect ball handling and Strong's perimeter shooting is a question mark every night.
Compare these teams to the Union team with Gilmore, Julie Smith, Haley Belin, etc., or Smith, Belin, Brittany Johnson, Brittani Nation, etc. Compare these teams to PC's squad of Kelly Ezell, Lauren Sideroff, Molly Murray, etc. Hell, compare these teams to the Marandalynn Parker-led Strong team of a couple years ago where Parker teamed with Dismuke, Breuna Dixon, etc.
This year, girls basketball is down in Union County. We have a bunch of decent-to-above average teams but I don't see a really good squad.
The thing is, it's that way across the state, apparently. Last year, I watched talented teams from Mineral Springs, Carlisle and Jessieville, each blessed with college-caliber talent.
Well, they all graduated and no one replaced them. It's simply a down year for girls basketball.
I feel sorry for Arkansas coach Tom Collen. He came to the state about five years too late. His predecessor let a whole roster of Division I talent leave the state. Now, he ain't got nothing in Arkansas to recruit.
So, it's not just a Union County thing. Girls basketball is down this year in comparison to the past few years, when it was absolutely top notch.
It'll be back in a couple of years, hopefully.

It's Mary Beth

2009-02-07T22:21:00.000-08:00

I went down to Junction City last Saturday to look over the remnants of what used to be Dual State. Actually, it was the girls championship game but, you know what I mean.
It really is sad how that event has fallen.
Anyway, as the game was getting under way, a blonde woman bounced up from a few bleachers below me and jumped up to the top bleacher, sitting beside me. It startled me at first until I recognized her as Mary Beth Gilmore, a former Player of the Year at Union.
Gilmore (now Sims) graduated from high school six years ago. She signed a letter-of-intent to play basketball at SAU, red-shirted a year after ankle surgery then quit. She is now married and living in Homer. She's expecting her first child. I hope it's a boy because if it's a girl, she's gonna name her Harley.
I hadn't seen Mary Beth since her freshman year in college. She's changed a little bit. Yeah, she went and got herself a boob job - a double D boob job.
That's right, I talked about boobies with Mary Beth Gilmore. Her life is now complete. Mine is over.
We actually had a good, long conversation. She told me why she quit playing basketball. Turns out, she made a mistake choosing SAU over UA-Monticello. She said she tried to transfer but SAU refused to release her so she quit, telling Coach Biley what she thought of him in the process.
Mary Beth was never one to bite her tongue.
When she told her parents she quit, she said her father kicked her out of the house. Former Union coach Gary Don Smith took it even worse than her father did.
It was an eye-opening conversation, which initially began with basketball. She was outraged at the quality of play in our area.
"Girls basketball sucks in Union County," was the way she delicately put it.
Mary Beth was never known for her tact.
Perhaps something good came out of it, though. The poor basketball she saw inspired Gilmore to look into becoming a coach. She has her master's degree in business and said she could teach math. She thinks maybe a coach like her could inspire young girls to take basketball seriously.
I don't know if she could or not. It would be fun to watch her try. She's still one of the hardest workers I've ever covered.
Somehow, I think her blunt manner would rub some parents and referees the wrong way.
But, I learned years ago not to sell Mary Beth Gilmore short.
* * *
Parkers Chapel coach Mark Young and his Lady Trojans gave me a sympathy card on Friday. It was signed by each of the team members with a nice message from Coach Young.
He said he hoped it made me feel good and it did.
I have a little box where I keep special cards or letters I've received over the years. When I'm feeling depressed or under-appreciated, I open the box and read the letters. This card will definitely go in that box.
Thanks Lady Trojans.

Who killed Dual State?

2009-01-30T10:26:00.000-08:00

Is Dual State dead? If it is, who or what killed it?
After doing a lot of research on the internet, we concluded the Dual State Tournament is the longest running regular-season boys and girls high school basketball tournament in the country. At 78 years, Chris Yarbrough couldn't find another tournament with that kind of longevity.
Unfortunately, the old tourney looks to be on its last legs. This year, the tournament features a paltry five teams in the boys and girls brackets.
I never thought it would get this bad.
The folks in Junction City are trying to revive the old girl but, personally, I don't know if that will happen.
I believe it's the end of an era. I don't think the tournament will recover. I'm not a doctor but I'm pronouncing the Dual State Tournament, while not officially dead, is on life support. Junction City might not be ready to pull the plug, but the tournament will never be the same again.
Now that we know Dual State is dead, who or what killed it?
Some might say the tournament simply died of old age. It's hard to keep anything going for 78 years in a row. At some point, everything has to come to an end.
You could also point to school consolidation as a suspect. The tournament has been built on small school participation. A lot of the small schools that made up the field no longer exist.
I've heard people mention unruly crowds. I never thought that was a problem until last year's event was called off due to the crowd behavior. I won't list that as a primary cause of death. But, let's say it was a small contributing factor.
Okay, how about the home cooking? Junction City is tough to beat at Dual State, just ask Emerson and Hamburg - two teams that left the gym in a huff after controversial calls decided games against them. All I'll say to that, every team that hosts a tournament has an advantage. But, Emerson stayed away for several years after a controversial loss and Hamburg vowed never to come back after losing to the Dragons last year.
My biggest complaint with the event over the years has been the brackets. I understand wanting the local team to get a good draw but when the local team isn't very good, it really screws things up to give them an automatic win. The Lady Dragons have been down for awhile, yet always play deep into the tournament. Unfortunately, this makes for lopsided matchups in the semifinals and quarterfinals, when the tournament should be at its best.
Look at this year's girls bracket. Junction City, winner of one whole girls game, was seeded into the semifinals and will play in Saturday's third place game. How do you screw up a five-team bracket?
That's how.
Despite all these factors, the tournament was still going strong until last year's debacle. In addition to the horrific ending, the tournament had about three different brackets. School officials gave the News-Times a bracket that was put in the paper, then changed it before the tournament started. The new bracket had dates and times changed after the tournament tipped off. It was a complete, disorganized mess, which prompted schools like Parkers Chapel and Nevada County to call it quits.
I thought Joe Paul Hammett did a good job with the tournament. I had some bracket issues, as did other people, but, overall, his tournaments had more talent than the end of season state tournaments. Every year he'd come up with a Louisiana team that was hot to trot. He nearly knocked me out of my chair when he brought top-ranked Palestine-Wheatley to Dual State several years ago.
Unfortunately, Hammett is no longer involved in putting Dual State together. If you really want to know what killed the tournament, there's your answer.
Hammett cared about Dual State. He put in the research and work to make it a great event every year in both boys and girls. If you're going to do the tournament, you have to care about it.
Unless Junction City finds somebody who truly gives a damn about the event, Dual State is as good as dead. I'm going to miss it.

I love you, man

2009-01-16T08:57:00.000-08:00

Two years ago, my father's birthday was approaching and for the first time, he was planning to celebrate. He got together with our church and planned a huge fish fry and hamburger cookout. He invited all of his friends and we had family members coming from out of state.
My father's health had been failing him for a couple of years but, planning this event seemed to revitalize him. He had me pricing fish in the stores. We bought a huge cast iron pot and had a bunch of hamburger buns and canned soft drinks at the ready.
Unfortunately, when his birthday arrived, my dad was in the hospital, rushed to the emergency room after collapsing in his home. In all the excitement, my dad did what the doctors told him not to do, he over-exerted himself.
We circled around his hospital bed and sang him Happy Birthday. Considering all the family members who came in for him, it did turn out to be a decent day. I saw cousins for the first time in years.
My dad, however, was broken hearted. As he lay in the hospital bed, he looked up and apologized.
"I sure messed this up, didn't I?" he said.
That's my dad. I love the dude.
Last night, he passed away in his sleep. His health kept getting worse and worse. He was at the point where he could barely get around.
For a man who was fiercely independent his entire life, this was miserable for him. My dad loved to hunt and fish and spent his life working and playing in the woods. When his health wouldn't allow him to do that anymore, he had a hard time dealing with it.
We actually had to sell his tractor because he wouldn't stop getting on it.
A couple days before he died, my dad told his wife Pearlie, "I can't do nothing. I don't want to live like this."
When he couldn't do what he loved to do, couldn't live his life the way he wanted to live it, he decided it was time to go.
He's probably looking down at me right now, talking to my mom saying, "I sure messed this up, didn't I?"
That's my dad. I miss the dude.
By the way dad, you didn't mess anything up. I love you man.

He's not a god

2009-01-09T10:36:00.001-08:00

Did you watch the BCS title game last night? Florida quarterback Tim Tebow led the Gators to the national championship, won the MVP award and immediately after the game, ESPN reported he cured cancer.
OH MY GOD!
What is with all of this hero worship in sports? From Brett Favre to Michael Phelps to Tim Tebow, the national sports talking heads have lost their freakin' minds.
I'm not a Hater. I cheered for Tebow last night. I admired the way he played. He deserved the MVP award and might've deserved another Heisman.
Off the field, he appears to be a young man of character, traveling around the world doing charity work and missions. His eye black had a Biblical verse. He ends every press conference with "God Bless."
I think he's a great role model.
But, until a series of medical tests prove otherwise, I'm going to also think he's a human being with human flaws and shortcomings.
I'm sorry Fox. I'm sorry ESPN. Tim Tebow is not a god.
STOP WORSHIPING HIM!
The announcer last night said, "if you spend five minutes with this young man, you'll be a better person for it."
WHAT?
What's he going to do, heal my credit rating?
I almost feel sorry for the kid. It's not his fault. But, how can anyone live up to the lofty praise he gets?
In the middle of leading the Gators to the title, right after he found a cure for AIDS and just before he drew up a peace settlement in the Middle East, the almighty Tebow, who walked on water in the pregame, was flagged for a taunting unsportsmanlike penalty.
Did Ghandi ever get flagged for doing the Gator chomp in an opponent's face?

Slatton ranked fifth

2009-01-01T15:19:00.000-08:00

Former El Dorado coach Brad Slatton is enjoying success coaching the girls at Fort Elliott in Briscoe, Texas. Slatton's team is 12-1 on the season and ranked fifth in Texas Class 1A Division II, the smallest school division.
Slatton's junior high team is currently 6-0.
Fort Elliott has won two tournaments, including the Tomahawk Classic in Miami, Texas.
Slatton isn't sure his team is really the fifth best team in the state but he's happy with the way his girls are competing.
"We're finding a way to win, which is pretty good," he said.
***
Switching gears, I saw an obituary of a man I never met but who helped me out tremendously.
Here's the news release:
, the quirky blueblood who represented blue-collar in the U.S. Senate for 36 years and was the force behind a grant program that has helped tens of millions of Americans attend college, died Thursday after a long battle with Parkinson's disease. He was 90.
Pell, a Democrat, died at his Newport home just after midnight, according to his former assistant, Jan Demers.
Pell was first elected to the Senate in 1960. The skinny son of a New York congressman, Pell spoke with an aristocratic tone but was an unabashed liberal who spent his political career championing causes to help the less fortunate.
The U.S. Army paid for a lot of my college education. What the Army didn't take care of, I was fortunate enough to get a Pell Grant to cover the rest. Until I saw this obit, I never knew who came up with the idea for the Pell Grant.
Not only me, but a lot of people owe this gentleman a thumbs up. Senator Pell, I never knew you but thanks a lot. If I could positively impact half as many lives as you did, I will have led a wonderful life.

Holiday hoops over

2008-12-31T18:16:00.000-08:00

SAN ANTONIO, Texas – Strong's Marandalynn Parker hit a 3-pointer with just over two minutes left in the game to help Ouachita Baptist upset St. Mary's 77-69 on New Year's Eve.
The Lady Tigers snapped the Lady Rattlers' 21-game home winning streak. St. Mary's hadn't lost at home since the 2006-07 season.
If St. Mary's sounds familiar, it's the school in San Antonio that former El Dorado guard Kristian Tester transferred to from Southern Arkansas University.
The Lady Tigers, meanwhile, have improved to 8-2 on the season and appear to be fully recovered from last year's sickly campaign which saw key players leave the squad during the year.
I spoke to Parker briefly during the Holiday Classic and she likes this year's team, especially the uptempo style of play. OBU uses a deep, balanced lineup, which includes a rotation of about 8 to 9 players.
Parker is happy to be a key person in that rotation. When I last checked their stats, she was averaging more than 8 points and leading the team in rebounds with more than 5 per game.
* * *
The Holiday tournament season concluded Tuesday with El Dorado falling to Watson Chapel in the third place game of the Holiday Classic and Parkers Chapel winning the Harmony Grove Classic over Drew Central on a buzzer beater.
El Dorado dropped a pair of games in the Camden tournament but didn't play badly in either. The Lady Wildcats are tough to beat when they're shooting it well from the outside. Sophomore Whitney Frazier has been surprisingly consistent scoring in the paint.
To go a ways this season, El Dorado has to find perimeter points when the 3-ball isn't falling.
I didn't see the Lady Trojans' victory over Drew Central. The newspaper reporter covering the game made a mistake, saying Hope Phillips hit the game-winning 3-pointer. Coach Young texted me today and told me it was Dallas Phipps who hit the 3-pointer with a hand in her face.
Phipps is one of my favorites so I felt especially bad that she didn't get credit for the biggest shot in her life.
People always ask me why I cover the girls instead of the boys. I guess that's the reason. I will make the effort to give the girls good coverage. I don't trust other guys to do the same and, unfortunately, once again I was proved correct in my mistrust.
I hope Dallas hits another game-winning shot and this time, I hope I'm there to report it.

Parker is top female athlete

2008-12-24T22:28:00.000-08:00

The Associated Press named Candace Parker it's Female Athlete of the Year. Perhaps they should change the name of the award to American Female Athlete of the Year.
I've talked enough about Candace Parker. She's a great player who might one day very soon be known as the greatest female basketball player of all time. She had a great year, winning the NCAA national championship at Tennessee and a gold medal in the Olympics. She was named WNBA MVP even though her Sparks team woefully underachieved, losing in the Western finals at San Antonio.
Despite falling short in the professional ranks, it was still quite a year for Miss Parker. It's hard to argue she might be the Female Athlete of the Year in the United States. Although, I'm sure Danica Patrick fans would talk about how Patrick made history, becoming the first woman ever to win on the IRL circuit. Dara Torres made history, not only qualifying for the Olympics at 41 but bringing home a silver medal.
Still, Parker's year might eclipse all of those in the United States.
But, in the world? I don't think so.
Croatia's Blanka Vlasic was the world's most dominant athlete, literally owning the high jump. The 6-4 glamazon was upset in the Olympics, however, taking silver and losing some of the lustre off her year. How about Russia's Yelena Isinbayeva? She has re-written the record books in the pole vault, breaking the world record about 20 times. Her performance in the Olympics was nothing short of brilliant, easily winning gold while trash talking her American rival Jen Stucynski in the process. Brazil's Marta is recognized as the best female soccer player in the world with Italy's Francesca Piccinnini the same in volleyball. Italy's Federica Pellegrini is the most dominant swimmer in the world not named Michael Phelps.
There are so many great female athletes. But, alas, most of the American media members don't know any of them unless they have a commercial that airs during a men's sporting event.
Parker had a great year and, barring injury, could have about 12 more even better years. She's bringing a lot of positive attention to the WNBA, which sorely needs it. She may be the best thing to happen to women's sports in this country since Anna Kournikova applied for her passport. But, calling Parker the best female athlete in the world is uninformed and just plain lazy.

Cool baby names

2008-12-18T15:19:00.000-08:00

I blogged a few weeks ago about ridiculous children's names. Actually, it wasn't the names that bothered me but the spelling.
Jasmine is a nice name. Jhasmine is stupid.
Well, I risk contradicting myself when I tell you of the greatest name ever for a girl. I told a few people and was met with some, uh, confusion. But, there is a great story that goes with the name Boudica.
Yep, if by some miracle I meet a woman, fall in love, get married and father a daughter in the next few months, I want to name her Boudica Rose Burns.
Why Boudica?
Well, I discovered this great woman's story a few weeks ago while browsing Wikopedia online. I found her story simply amazing. Here's a brief synopsis:

Boudica (or Boadicea) was the wife of Prasutagus, king of the Iceni, a British tribe, at a time when Britain was a Roman province. When Prasutagus died he willed half of his kingdom to the Roman empire and half to Boudica and their two daughters, Camorra and Tasca1 or, according to legend, Voada and Voadicia2. British law allowed royal inheritance to be passed to daughters in the absence of male heir, but Roman law did not. The Roman administrator ignored the will and proceded to take over the entire kingdom. Roman historian Tacitus wrote, "Kingdom and household alike were plundered like prizes of war... for a start, his widow Boudica was flogged and their daughters raped. The chieftains of the Iceni were deprived of their family estates as if the whole country had been handed over to the Romans. The king's own relatives were treated as slaves."
Enraged Boudica joined Iceni forces with another tribe, the Trinobantes, and together they fought back. They attacked and conquered the Roman colony Camulodunum (now Colchester) and burned the temple dedicated to Claudius, the Roman emperor who completed the conquest of Britain. The Romans retaliated against the insurgents by sending a whole division of soldiers, but they were defeated. The insurgents then marched on London, which they sacked, and killed its Roman population, as well as their sympathizers. They did the same at Verulamium (now St. Albans) and other settlements.
Finally, Gaius Suetonius Paulinus, the Roman governor of Britain, gathered all the Roman troops in the south of Britain and attacked the British in a narrow valley so that the superior numbers of rebel force would be of no advantage against the smaller Roman army. Tacitus reported that Boudica was seen riding her chariot and inspiring her troops before the battle.
However, this time the Romans were victorious, and slaughtered the rebel troops. Boudica and her daughters escaped but then poisoned themselves rather than allow capture. Roman retribution for rebellion was swift and cruel but the British kept up the fight for another year, when Suetonius was succeeded by Publius Petronius Turpilianus, who changed the policy toward the native population to one of appeasement, which remained in use for three hundred more years of Roman occupation of Britain.

Yeah, still think Boudica is a funny name? Yeah, I guess it still is but I love names that mean something. If I had a daughter, I would love for her to have the strength this woman had. Look up the complete story and read it. It really hooked me.
Don't steal my name, though. That's for my little girl.
As soon as I get a date.

Good basketball, thank God

2008-12-11T20:51:00.001-08:00

Just when I thought I had no good girls basketball to cover this year, El Dorado's team decides to get serious. The Lady Wildcats followed up Tuesday's 10-point win at Camden Fairview with a 48-43 overtime win over Southwood (La.).
That's two wins over defending state champions in a three-day span.
The Lady Wildcats have talent. I believed that all along. But, I wasn't sure if they'd put it all together.
I didn't see Thursday's win in Bossier City but Tuesday's win in Camden was the real deal. The Lady Wildcats put forth a complete performance and were actually fun to watch.
That's a far cry from last week when they got blasted by Bryant and looked like crap in a win over winless Little Rock Hall.
I sure hope they can keep up the good play. It would make my season a lot more enjoyable.
In Magnolia this week, Smackover beat Trinity Christian; Parkers Chapel beat Hope and Norphlet beat Genoa Central.
The Lady Bucks play the Lady Trojans tomorrow. It should be fun.
I guess this basketball season might not be so bad after all.

Sue me, I care

2008-12-07T14:27:00.000-08:00

I wasn't devastated when El Dorado lost to Lake Hamilton 42-28 Friday in the Class 6A football state championship game. I watched the Wildcats lose at Lake Hamilton 38-21 in the first meeting and pretty much tabbed the Wolves as the better team the first time I saw them.
I thought El Dorado had a chance but it needed a little bit of luck.
The better team won and, like I said, I was far from surprised. Still, my emotions got the better of me after I made my way to the field at War Memorial Stadium for the post-game interviews.
The players were not just crying, they were blubbering, uncontrollably. I guess I'm just a sensitive guy because that kind of stuff gets to me. Before I knew it, tears were rolling down my shivering face, too.
I tried wiping them away before I got spotted. I don't know if anyone saw me. I hope not. Don't tell anybody.
It's something about the state championship game that brings out these raw emotions. This was the first time I actually shed a tear, however.
When Strong's girls won their first state championship, I felt relief. To have the kind of season they had not end with a ring would've felt like a waste of a year.
When Strong's girls won their second title, it was almost a ho-hum feeling. The Lady Bulldogs' big game was the semifinal win over Carlisle. The state final was almost an after-thought. There were never a doubt in my mind Strong would beat East Poinsett.
When Union's girls lost in the state finals to Poyen, I felt numb and disappointed. I invested a lot of emotion in that team and really wanted to see them pull off the championship. Not only did it not happen, the Lady Cyclones got bum-rushed in the second half. I was sad they didn't win but really disappointed they didn't play better.
When El Dorado lost to Bentonville in the football finals in 2001, I felt proud. The Wildcats were picked to lose in every one of their playoff games. Getting to the finals was an incredible accomplishment. They stayed with a much-better team until the very end, which made me feel good.
The emotion Friday was a little pride, laced with a touch of disappointment. I liked this team, which worked as hard and was as together as any team I've ever followed. It would've been a classic story book season if the Wildcats could've won the title. My disappointment is for the coaches and players, who poured their heart into this season.
I guess that's why they were so emotional after the loss. I guess that's why it got to me a little bit, too.
I know I'm not supposed to care. But, for me, caring makes it fun.

Big school vs. small school

2008-12-02T23:06:00.000-08:00

It was two-for-Tuesday for yours truly as I caught two girls basketball games in two locations. I watched El Dorado dispatch Little Rock Hall 56-40 in the Simmons First Oil Belt Classic. Then, I headed over to Parkers Chapel to see the Lady Trojans fall for the first time this season to Nevada County 39-35.
PC's game was close all the way throughout. El Dorado's victory was a lot more competitive than the final score might indicate. The Lady Wildcats led by three with less than two minutes remaining in the third before going on a 14-2 run.
The point of this blog, however, is about the difference between the two games.
El Dorado and Hall are typical big-school programs. Both teams put athletic girls on the court. The pace is fast and, a lot of times, out of control.
Parkers Chapel and Nevada are typical smaller-school programs. They aren't nearly as athletic and deep as the big schools. The pace is a lot slower and more deliberate.
I strongly prefer the smaller school style. Could El Dorado and Hall beat both PC and Nevada? Maybe. Maybe not.
But, the style of play is a lot more fun to watch. I like basketball and, with the more deliberate pace, you get to see the girls actually doing basketball stuff. They run plays, set screens, go backdoor.
Because they're not as out of control, the players actually make most of their layups and don't kick the ball out of bounds as often.
The big schools, unfortunately, rely more on speed, size and strength and less on skill. It's a turnover fest because, number one, the man-to-man defense is more aggressive and played with bigger, stronger, faster kids and, number two, the pace is much faster than their skill level.
When players with junior high skills play at WNBA speed, it makes for ugly basketball.
Big school coaches will say the small schools need to speed up their pace. Small school coaches will say big schools are playing a less skilled brand of ball.
In a perfect world, you'd see teams with both skill and athleticism. It would be Strong and Carlisle from three years ago in the state semifinals.
That would be perfect. I witnessed perfection. Once you see it, it ain't easy settling for less.
While I doubt I'll see anything close to perfection this year, if my only choices are slow basketball or fast rat ball, I guess I'll see you at the next Smackover-Strong game.
***
Speaking of the Lady Trojans, their first loss wasn't a bad one. The Lady Bluejays made the plays down the stretch to win. PC didn't give it away. Nevada took it.
Any coach can live with that.
PC's 7-1 start still has Coach Mark Young pleased as punch. The Lady Trojans haven't played any heavyweights but the nonconference season has been competitive with wins over Norphlet twice along with Stephens and Strong.
I often criticize Young for not playing tougher teams to get his squad ready for the postseason. But, with what he lost from last year, I can't really complain about his first eight games.
More importantly, he believes his team has benefitted from the competitive schedule.
“Every nonconference game we played this year has been this type of game and this type of atmosphere,” said Young. “That’s what we’ve lacked in nonconference games in the past, having to go out there and play like heck every night to win a ball game. For us to be 7-1 right now, I’m just really proud of our team and the way they’ve competed. I think they’re real gamers.”

Happy in defeat

2008-11-25T12:59:00.000-08:00

It was a loss on the scoreboard but Cutter Morning Star coach Lee Scroggins considers last night's 6-point setback against Western Yell County a monumental victory.
Daughter Emilee saw her first action after surgery, hitting a 3-pointer late in the game. Scroggins said she only played about four minutes and is still limited in what she can do, physically.
But, "she got out there and played and now that just makes her want to play more," he said.
Scroggins said he will have to pick his sports to insert Emilee into games. Defensively, she's hampered by a lack of strength. She's also hurt by stomach pains when she plays for more than a few minutes at a time.
"I have to be real careful when I play her," said her dad. "She's not big enough and strong enough just yet. She can't rebound, can't be physical."
Emilee could be somewhat of a designated shooter. Unfortunately, her reputation might preceed her. After she hit the three against Western Yell, the opponents immediately went to a box-and-one.
Still, her debut in front of the home crowd made for a feel-good moment. Lee said the fans erupted when her 3-pointer swished through the net.
"They acted like it was a game-winning shot," he said.
There's still plenty of time for Emilee to hit that game winner. She's just a sophomore with, what looks like, plenty of basketball ahead of her. Hopefully, both Emilee and father/coach will continue to take it slow and easy.

Fun in Jonesboro

2008-11-22T13:27:00.000-08:00

As much as I enjoyed watching El Dorado's football team win 54-23 at Jonesboro last night, I'm feeling the after effects today. We got back home about 3 in the morning and my house was ice cold. I have a gas heater and I didn't want to leave it on while I was gone.
Needless to say, I was so sleepy before I jumped into bed but those freezing sheets woke my butt up fast.
Anyway, it was an interesting trip to Jonesboro.
Upon arrival, we met a man wearing black who was a volunteer for the school. He was in the pressbox and introduced himself as Steve Cox. I immediately asked, "you didn't kick for the Razorbacks did you?"
He said yes with a big grin. We were then treated to a bunch of stories from his days as Arkansas' punter to his times as a punter for the Cleveland Browns and Washington Redskins. He proudly wears the Super Bowl ring he won as a Redskin.
Man, that's gawdy.
I asked him about his longest punt, an 86 yarder for the Razorbacks. I didn't know he was the last straight-on kicker to make a field goal in the Super Bowl.
Overall, he was a really nice guy.
Another guy in the pressbox worked for the local radio station. His normal partner was away watching his daughter Rachel Allison play basketball at Baylor. I asked him if Rachel was looking at the WNBA. He might've had a Freudian slip when he said her "agent" was fielding calls from teams.
He quickly corrected himself and said she doesn't have an agent. I sure hope not because that would make her ineligible this season.
I was interested in talking to him because Rachel Allison is probably my favorite player to watch this season in women's college basketball. A classic overachiever, I get a kick out of watching a 6-1 player routinely outrebound women four and five inches taller and 30 to 40 pounds heavier.
Anyway, it was a fun night all the way around for me. I'm paying for it today as I am a little sluggish. That's okay, though. Like the Wildcats, I will prevail.