More home cookin', and a reunion, too:
Los Angeles Sparks Sign Free Agent Point Guard Loree Moore
Former New York Liberty Starter Returns Home and
Reunites with High School Teammate Ebony Hoffman
LOS ANGELES – The Los Angeles Sparks continue to make moves in the free agent marketplace, adding point guard and Southern California native Loree Moore to their roster, General Manager Penny Toler announced Thursday.
The 5'9" Moore reunites with her former high school teammate Ebony Hoffman, who joined the Sparks as an unrestricted free agent earlier this week from the Indiana Fever. In 2000, the duo led Harbor City's Narbonne High School to a California state title and USA Today No. 1 national ranking.
Moore was a member of the New York Liberty from the 2005 through 2009 seasons, reaching the Eastern Conference Finals in 2008. A starter at point guard in 123 of her 155 league regular season games, Moore averaged 6.0 points, 3.7 assists and 3.5 rebounds, and was a 2007 WNBA All-Defensive Team selection. That year she also posted a career-high 9.8 points and 4.8 assists per contest for the Liberty.
"Adding Loree Moore as a compliment to Ticha Penecheiro gives the Sparks one of the best point guard tandems in the league," Toler stated. "She's a proven winner at all levels of the game, and possesses exceptional court vision and toughness."
Moore enjoyed a standout collegiate career at Tennessee, helping the Lady Vols reach the NCAA Final Four in each of her four seasons (2001-02 through 2004-05). She is currently a member of Vologda-Chevakata in Russia, averaging 5.3 points, 3.9 assists and 2.8 steals through 12 league games and 4.7 points, 3.5 assists and 3.3 steals in EuroCup play.
"I'm really excited about this opportunity to play with the Sparks organization in 2011," Moore said. "Growing up in Southern California, I have followed the Sparks since their first season and am looking forward to adding onto the history of success the organization is known for. Plus, it's great to be back home!"
.......very cool indeed - Moore is awesome.
Still waiting for a center, though.
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Collegiately speaking
Seven players have been added to the Wade Trophy watch list:
Keisha Hampton, DePaul
Amy Jaeschke, Northwestern
Kalisha Keane, Michigan State
Jeanette Pohlen, Stanford
Liz Repella, West Virginia
Angel Robinson, Marquette
Riquna Williams, Miami
Jessica Breland came back tonight to help North Carolina beat Florida State.
UConn doesn't get tired.
Graham Hays' mid-major watch this week includes....Louisiana Tech.
Keisha Hampton, DePaul
Amy Jaeschke, Northwestern
Kalisha Keane, Michigan State
Jeanette Pohlen, Stanford
Liz Repella, West Virginia
Angel Robinson, Marquette
Riquna Williams, Miami
Jessica Breland came back tonight to help North Carolina beat Florida State.
UConn doesn't get tired.
Graham Hays' mid-major watch this week includes....Louisiana Tech.
Powerade Fab 50 rankings, week 9
Some movement on the list, including the falling of Troy and the re-ranking of Edison:
Rank School (City, State) Record Prev
1 Brea Olinda (Brea, Calif.) 20-0 1
2 Polytechnic (Long Beach, Calif. 19-2 2
3 Mater Dei (Santa Ana, Calif.) 20-1 3
4 Bolingbrook (Bolingbrook, Ill.) 17-2 4
5 Potter's House Christian (Jacksonville, Fla.) 23-1 5
6 Riverdale (Murfreesboro, Tenn.) 22-0 7
7 Ben Davis (Indianapolis, Ind.) 20-0 8
8 St. Mary's (Stockton, Calif.) 12-2 9
9 Westbury Christian (Houston, Texas) 33-1 10
10 Lake Taylor (Norfolk, Va.) 19-0 11
11 St. John's (D.C.) 20-0 12
12 Riverdale Baptist (Upper Marlboro, Md.) 22-4 14
13 Shabazz (Newark, N.J.) 16-0 43
14 Whitney Young (Chicago, Ill.) 18-2 15
15 Neptune (Neptune, N.J.) 11-1 6
16 North Little Rock (North Little Rock, Ark.) 19-0 16
17 Monarch (Louisville, Colo.) 13-3 17
18 St. Mary's (Phoenix Ariz.) 20-2 18
19 Madison Academy (Madison, Ala.) 26-2 21
20 Norcross (Norcross, Ga.) 17-2 19
21 Spring Valley (Spring Valley, S.C.) 19-0 22
22 Nazareth Regional (Brooklyn, N.Y.) 17-2 23
23 Princess Anne (Virginia Beach, Va.) 16-1 24
24 Buford (Buford, Ga.) 16-2 13
25 Butler (Matthews, N.C.) 19-0 26
26 Hoover (Hoover, Ala.) 25-3 27
27 Goose Creek (Goose Creek, S.C.) 22-2 29
28 Start (Toledo, Ohio) 11-2 20
29 Sparkman (Harvest, Ala.) 24-1 31
30 Wesleyan (Norcross, Ga.) 20-2 49
31 Highlands Ranch (Highlands Ranch, Colo.) 12-3 32
32 Inkster (Inkster, Mich.) 14-0 33
33 Twinsburg (Twinsburg, Ohio) 14-0 34
34 Clarksville (Clarksville, Tenn.) 21-3 35
35 Cypress Falls (Houston, Texas) 33-1 36
36 MacArthur (Irving, Texas) 27-2 37
37 Troy (Fullerton, Calif.) 20-3 25
38 Germantown Academy (Fort Washington, Pa.) 16-3 28
39 Linn-Mar (Marion, Iowa) 18-1 38
40 Hollywood Christian (Hollywood, Fla.) 24-1 39
41 Midwest City (Midwest City, Okla.) 17-0 41
42 Memphis Central (Memphis, Tenn.) 15-8 45
43 Webb City (Webb City, Mo.) 16-2 44
44 Good Counsel (Olney, Md.) 21-1 46
45 Montini Catholic (Lombard, Ill.) 26-1 47
46 Hopkins (Minnetonka, Minn.) 17-0 48
47 Oak Hill Academy (Mouth of Wilson, Va.) 12-3 50
48 Detroit Country Day (Detroit, Mich.) 12-0 NR
49 St. John Vianney (Holmdel, N.J.) 14-2 NR
50 Edison (Huntington Beach, Calif.) 20-2 NR
Regional rankings.
Rank School (City, State) Record Prev
1 Brea Olinda (Brea, Calif.) 20-0 1
2 Polytechnic (Long Beach, Calif. 19-2 2
3 Mater Dei (Santa Ana, Calif.) 20-1 3
4 Bolingbrook (Bolingbrook, Ill.) 17-2 4
5 Potter's House Christian (Jacksonville, Fla.) 23-1 5
6 Riverdale (Murfreesboro, Tenn.) 22-0 7
7 Ben Davis (Indianapolis, Ind.) 20-0 8
8 St. Mary's (Stockton, Calif.) 12-2 9
9 Westbury Christian (Houston, Texas) 33-1 10
10 Lake Taylor (Norfolk, Va.) 19-0 11
11 St. John's (D.C.) 20-0 12
12 Riverdale Baptist (Upper Marlboro, Md.) 22-4 14
13 Shabazz (Newark, N.J.) 16-0 43
14 Whitney Young (Chicago, Ill.) 18-2 15
15 Neptune (Neptune, N.J.) 11-1 6
16 North Little Rock (North Little Rock, Ark.) 19-0 16
17 Monarch (Louisville, Colo.) 13-3 17
18 St. Mary's (Phoenix Ariz.) 20-2 18
19 Madison Academy (Madison, Ala.) 26-2 21
20 Norcross (Norcross, Ga.) 17-2 19
21 Spring Valley (Spring Valley, S.C.) 19-0 22
22 Nazareth Regional (Brooklyn, N.Y.) 17-2 23
23 Princess Anne (Virginia Beach, Va.) 16-1 24
24 Buford (Buford, Ga.) 16-2 13
25 Butler (Matthews, N.C.) 19-0 26
26 Hoover (Hoover, Ala.) 25-3 27
27 Goose Creek (Goose Creek, S.C.) 22-2 29
28 Start (Toledo, Ohio) 11-2 20
29 Sparkman (Harvest, Ala.) 24-1 31
30 Wesleyan (Norcross, Ga.) 20-2 49
31 Highlands Ranch (Highlands Ranch, Colo.) 12-3 32
32 Inkster (Inkster, Mich.) 14-0 33
33 Twinsburg (Twinsburg, Ohio) 14-0 34
34 Clarksville (Clarksville, Tenn.) 21-3 35
35 Cypress Falls (Houston, Texas) 33-1 36
36 MacArthur (Irving, Texas) 27-2 37
37 Troy (Fullerton, Calif.) 20-3 25
38 Germantown Academy (Fort Washington, Pa.) 16-3 28
39 Linn-Mar (Marion, Iowa) 18-1 38
40 Hollywood Christian (Hollywood, Fla.) 24-1 39
41 Midwest City (Midwest City, Okla.) 17-0 41
42 Memphis Central (Memphis, Tenn.) 15-8 45
43 Webb City (Webb City, Mo.) 16-2 44
44 Good Counsel (Olney, Md.) 21-1 46
45 Montini Catholic (Lombard, Ill.) 26-1 47
46 Hopkins (Minnetonka, Minn.) 17-0 48
47 Oak Hill Academy (Mouth of Wilson, Va.) 12-3 50
48 Detroit Country Day (Detroit, Mich.) 12-0 NR
49 St. John Vianney (Holmdel, N.J.) 14-2 NR
50 Edison (Huntington Beach, Calif.) 20-2 NR
Regional rankings.
Updated WNBA transactions
Things are movin':
February 2
The Indiana Fever signed Tangela Smith
The Seattle Storm re-signed Camille Little
The Los Angeles Sparks signed Ebony Hoffman, Natasha Lacy, Ticha Penicheiro, LaToya Pringle and Noelle Quinn
Looks like Sparks General Manager is once again cooking up some big, big fish. The question is, will they marinate together better than they have the last two years? I hope for everyone's sake that the answer is yes.
And how about a freakin' CENTER?! You know - to replace someone that retired TWO years ago? I hope the Sparks consider it.
Bonus: the Seattle Storm have partnered with GoGirlGo! - an organization that teaches girls healthy lifestyle choices through physical activity and discussion of adolescent issues.
February 2
The Indiana Fever signed Tangela Smith
The Seattle Storm re-signed Camille Little
The Los Angeles Sparks signed Ebony Hoffman, Natasha Lacy, Ticha Penicheiro, LaToya Pringle and Noelle Quinn
Looks like Sparks General Manager is once again cooking up some big, big fish. The question is, will they marinate together better than they have the last two years? I hope for everyone's sake that the answer is yes.
And how about a freakin' CENTER?! You know - to replace someone that retired TWO years ago? I hope the Sparks consider it.
Bonus: the Seattle Storm have partnered with GoGirlGo! - an organization that teaches girls healthy lifestyle choices through physical activity and discussion of adolescent issues.
Sparks sign Ebony Hoffman; re-sign Penicheiro and Quinn
Los Angeles Sparks Ink Ebony Hoffman to Free Agent Contract;
Penicheiro and Quinn Re-Sign
Former USC Standout Returns Home for 2011 WNBA Season
LOS ANGELES – The Los Angeles Sparks have signed forward Ebony Hoffman – a Southern California native who starred collegiately at USC – to a free agent contract, while guards Ticha Penicheiro and Noelle Quinn have re-signed with the team, General Manager Penny Toler announced Tuesday.
Also joining the Sparks in 2011, the franchise's 15th season, are guard Natasha Lacy and forward LaToya Pringle. Per team policy, terms of all contracts are not disclosed.
The 6'2" Hoffman returns home after spending her first seven WNBA seasons (2004-10) as a member of the Indiana Fever. There she averaged 6.4 points and 4.8 rebounds in 232 career regular season games, starting 156 including 100 of a possible 102 contests over the past three seasons. The 2008 WNBA Most Improved Player, Hoffman ranks among the Fever's top-three players all-time in points scored, total rebounds, minutes and games started.
As a member of the USC Women of Troy from 2000-04, she was a three-time First Team All-Pac 10 selection and twice earned Kodak/WBCA All-Region honors. Hoffman prepped at Narbonne High School in Harbor City, leading the Gauchos to a California state title and USA Today No. 1 national ranking as a senior in 2000.
Hoffman is spending the current WNBA off-season with the Zhejiang Province Chozhou Bank Golden Bulls in China, averaging an impressive 26.3 and 9.8 rebounds through 13 games.
"The addition of Ebony gives us a tenacious rebounder and toughness in the paint," Toler said. "Not only can Ebony play with her back to the basket, she has the ability to stretch the defense with her jump shot, and that will add another dimension to the Sparks' offense."
"This is an amazing opportunity to come back home and play for the Sparks, and my excitement exceeds how I felt the day I got drafted," Hoffman said. "I will once again be surrounded by family, old friends and of course my USC family. I would personally like to thank the Sparks for helping me realize a life-long dream of playing in front of family and friends."
The WNBA's all-time leader in assists (2,398) and steals (728), Penicheiro returns for her second season as a Spark. A four-time WNBA All-Star, Penicheiro led Los Angeles with an average of 6.3 assists per game last season, her 13th in the league. Earlier in her career she helped the Sacramento Monarchs capture their only WNBA Championship in 2005, while collegiately Penicheiro led Old Dominion University to the 1997 NCAA title.
The native of Figueira da Foz, Portugal returned home this January to suit up for Alves, and is averaging 9.6 points, an impressive 9.4 rebounds and 5.6 assists through five Portuguese League games.
"I am elated that Ticha has chosen to re-sign with the Sparks. Her veteran leadership will be critical to our success this season," Toler said.
"I'm so excited to be back in LA and continue our mission of bringing a championship to our fans," Penicheiro said. "It's an honor to compete alongside players like Tina Thompson, Candace Parker and DeLisha Milton, and to play for a franchise with such tradition. I can't wait for the season to get underway!"
A South Bay native like Hoffman, Quinn enters her third season in Los Angeles in 2011. A starter at off-guard in all 34 regular season games last year, the 6'0" Quinn averaged a career-best 10.2 points and 4.0 rebounds while also dishing off 2.8 assists per contest. Her 1,104 minutes played in 2010 ranked fifth among all league players. In a four-year WNBA career that began in Minnesota, Quinn owns averages of 5.9 points, 2.4 assists and 3.9 rebounds per season.
A local standout at both Bishop Montgomery High School in Torrance and UCLA, Quinn is currently starting for perennial Russian powerhouse Spartak Moscow, averaging 7.4 points, 3.5 rebounds and 2.2 assists in domestic play and 6.3 points, 4.0 boards and 2.7 assists in the Euroleague.
"I feel blessed to continue wearing a Sparks' jersey and be a member of a great organization," Quinn said. "I'm very excited for the season and the opportunity to play alongside great players, and ultimately contend for a championship."
"We're proud to also re-sign Noelle Quinn, who played a key role in our run to the Playoffs last season. I look for her to continue to develop into one of our brightest stars," Toler stated.
Lacy saw action in 16 games as a rookie with the Tulsa Shock in 2010, while Pringle was a member of the Sparks' training camp roster last year after spending the 2008 and 2009 seasons with Phoenix and Minnesota, respectively.
"Lacy is a tough-as-nails guard who has a bright future in this league, while we look forward to seeing what a healthy LaToya Pringle can bring to the Sparks," said Toler.
Penicheiro and Quinn Re-Sign
Former USC Standout Returns Home for 2011 WNBA Season
LOS ANGELES – The Los Angeles Sparks have signed forward Ebony Hoffman – a Southern California native who starred collegiately at USC – to a free agent contract, while guards Ticha Penicheiro and Noelle Quinn have re-signed with the team, General Manager Penny Toler announced Tuesday.
Also joining the Sparks in 2011, the franchise's 15th season, are guard Natasha Lacy and forward LaToya Pringle. Per team policy, terms of all contracts are not disclosed.
The 6'2" Hoffman returns home after spending her first seven WNBA seasons (2004-10) as a member of the Indiana Fever. There she averaged 6.4 points and 4.8 rebounds in 232 career regular season games, starting 156 including 100 of a possible 102 contests over the past three seasons. The 2008 WNBA Most Improved Player, Hoffman ranks among the Fever's top-three players all-time in points scored, total rebounds, minutes and games started.
As a member of the USC Women of Troy from 2000-04, she was a three-time First Team All-Pac 10 selection and twice earned Kodak/WBCA All-Region honors. Hoffman prepped at Narbonne High School in Harbor City, leading the Gauchos to a California state title and USA Today No. 1 national ranking as a senior in 2000.
Hoffman is spending the current WNBA off-season with the Zhejiang Province Chozhou Bank Golden Bulls in China, averaging an impressive 26.3 and 9.8 rebounds through 13 games.
"The addition of Ebony gives us a tenacious rebounder and toughness in the paint," Toler said. "Not only can Ebony play with her back to the basket, she has the ability to stretch the defense with her jump shot, and that will add another dimension to the Sparks' offense."
"This is an amazing opportunity to come back home and play for the Sparks, and my excitement exceeds how I felt the day I got drafted," Hoffman said. "I will once again be surrounded by family, old friends and of course my USC family. I would personally like to thank the Sparks for helping me realize a life-long dream of playing in front of family and friends."
The WNBA's all-time leader in assists (2,398) and steals (728), Penicheiro returns for her second season as a Spark. A four-time WNBA All-Star, Penicheiro led Los Angeles with an average of 6.3 assists per game last season, her 13th in the league. Earlier in her career she helped the Sacramento Monarchs capture their only WNBA Championship in 2005, while collegiately Penicheiro led Old Dominion University to the 1997 NCAA title.
The native of Figueira da Foz, Portugal returned home this January to suit up for Alves, and is averaging 9.6 points, an impressive 9.4 rebounds and 5.6 assists through five Portuguese League games.
"I am elated that Ticha has chosen to re-sign with the Sparks. Her veteran leadership will be critical to our success this season," Toler said.
"I'm so excited to be back in LA and continue our mission of bringing a championship to our fans," Penicheiro said. "It's an honor to compete alongside players like Tina Thompson, Candace Parker and DeLisha Milton, and to play for a franchise with such tradition. I can't wait for the season to get underway!"
A South Bay native like Hoffman, Quinn enters her third season in Los Angeles in 2011. A starter at off-guard in all 34 regular season games last year, the 6'0" Quinn averaged a career-best 10.2 points and 4.0 rebounds while also dishing off 2.8 assists per contest. Her 1,104 minutes played in 2010 ranked fifth among all league players. In a four-year WNBA career that began in Minnesota, Quinn owns averages of 5.9 points, 2.4 assists and 3.9 rebounds per season.
A local standout at both Bishop Montgomery High School in Torrance and UCLA, Quinn is currently starting for perennial Russian powerhouse Spartak Moscow, averaging 7.4 points, 3.5 rebounds and 2.2 assists in domestic play and 6.3 points, 4.0 boards and 2.7 assists in the Euroleague.
"I feel blessed to continue wearing a Sparks' jersey and be a member of a great organization," Quinn said. "I'm very excited for the season and the opportunity to play alongside great players, and ultimately contend for a championship."
"We're proud to also re-sign Noelle Quinn, who played a key role in our run to the Playoffs last season. I look for her to continue to develop into one of our brightest stars," Toler stated.
Lacy saw action in 16 games as a rookie with the Tulsa Shock in 2010, while Pringle was a member of the Sparks' training camp roster last year after spending the 2008 and 2009 seasons with Phoenix and Minnesota, respectively.
"Lacy is a tough-as-nails guard who has a bright future in this league, while we look forward to seeing what a healthy LaToya Pringle can bring to the Sparks," said Toler.
Dymond Simon day-to-day with "concussion-like symptons"
The Arizona State guard may not play this week after showing "concussion-like symptoms" after the Sun Devil's win over USC last weekend. Even if she doesn't play against Stanford, ASU has a game plan.
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
All levels tidbits
It's WNBA signing and trading season......
More on Andrea Riley's trade.
It's early committment season.......
Top 2012 high school prospect Breana Stewart verbally committed to UConn yesterday on an unofficial visit to the school.
An Oregon TV station catches up with Duck-turned-Mercury guard Taylor Lilley.
Hoopfeed has some amazing photos from Sunday's Baylor-Texas A&M game.
More on Andrea Riley's trade.
It's early committment season.......
Top 2012 high school prospect Breana Stewart verbally committed to UConn yesterday on an unofficial visit to the school.
An Oregon TV station catches up with Duck-turned-Mercury guard Taylor Lilley.
Hoopfeed has some amazing photos from Sunday's Baylor-Texas A&M game.
National Girls and Women in Sports Day is tomorrow
Sparks trade Riley to Tulsa
The LA Sparks have traded reserve point guard Andrea Riley, who is seven months pregnant, to the Tulsa Shock in exchange for a second round 2012 draft pick. This opens the way for the Sparks to pick up another player at any position. It will also likely be good for Riley, who went to college in Oklahoma.
Here's the release:
LOS ANGELES – The Los Angeles Sparks have traded guard Andrea Riley to the Tulsa Shock in exchange for a second round pick in the 2012 WNBA Draft, Sparks' General Manager Penny Toler announced Tuesday.
"This is a fantastic opportunity for Andrea to move closer to family and friends in Texas, and play in front of fans who know her from her standout career at Oklahoma State," Toler said. "We thank Andrea for her contributions to the Sparks as a rookie last season, and wish her success with the Shock."
The Dallas, Texas native was drafted in the first round, eighth overall, by the Sparks in 2010. During her rookie season in Los Angeles, the 5'5" Riley averaged 3.4 points and 1.0 assists in 29 games played. Her career-high 15 points were scored against Phoenix on May 15, 2010, while she dished out a season-best six assists vs. Indiana on Aug. 10.
The Sparks begin their 15th WNBA season on Friday, June 3, hosting Minnesota at STAPLES Center at 8 p.m. PT. For group and season ticket information, call 877-44-SPARKS or visit LASparks.com.
Here's the release:
LOS ANGELES – The Los Angeles Sparks have traded guard Andrea Riley to the Tulsa Shock in exchange for a second round pick in the 2012 WNBA Draft, Sparks' General Manager Penny Toler announced Tuesday.
"This is a fantastic opportunity for Andrea to move closer to family and friends in Texas, and play in front of fans who know her from her standout career at Oklahoma State," Toler said. "We thank Andrea for her contributions to the Sparks as a rookie last season, and wish her success with the Shock."
The Dallas, Texas native was drafted in the first round, eighth overall, by the Sparks in 2010. During her rookie season in Los Angeles, the 5'5" Riley averaged 3.4 points and 1.0 assists in 29 games played. Her career-high 15 points were scored against Phoenix on May 15, 2010, while she dished out a season-best six assists vs. Indiana on Aug. 10.
The Sparks begin their 15th WNBA season on Friday, June 3, hosting Minnesota at STAPLES Center at 8 p.m. PT. For group and season ticket information, call 877-44-SPARKS or visit LASparks.com.
Monday, January 31, 2011
Uppers, a downer and some warm fuzzies
Alana Beard stopped in to play ball with the Obamas.
On the down side, since Beard left Louisiana, girl's basketball has been in a slump in that state.
Tennessee:
The Vols have several days off, and Coach Pat Summitt and superstar freshman Meighan Simmons are watching tape together:
"The more we can watch tape together, the better,'' Summitt said. "I'm the one who's going to watch with her. I feel like we have a good connection. Hopefully I can help her to calm down and relax."
Awwwww.......
Two of next year's frosh class - Andraya Carter and Kaela Davis - are already homies.
In case you missed it, Lyssi Brewer has opted to return this season.
On the pro tip:
Ticha Penicheiro is expected to re-sign with the Los Angeles Sparks this WNBA season.
On the down side, since Beard left Louisiana, girl's basketball has been in a slump in that state.
Tennessee:
The Vols have several days off, and Coach Pat Summitt and superstar freshman Meighan Simmons are watching tape together:
"The more we can watch tape together, the better,'' Summitt said. "I'm the one who's going to watch with her. I feel like we have a good connection. Hopefully I can help her to calm down and relax."
Awwwww.......
Two of next year's frosh class - Andraya Carter and Kaela Davis - are already homies.
In case you missed it, Lyssi Brewer has opted to return this season.
On the pro tip:
Ticha Penicheiro is expected to re-sign with the Los Angeles Sparks this WNBA season.
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