Well that was fast. WNBA 2014 schedule:
NEW YORK, Feb. 6, 2014 – The defending WNBA champion Minnesota Lynx tips off the league’s 18th season as part of WNBA Tip-Off 2014 presented by Boost Mobile on Friday, May 16 when 2013 WNBA Finals MVP Maya Moore leads the Lynx into the nation’s capital to face the Washington Mystics at 7 p.m. ET.
Thursday, February 6, 2014
High school top 25
ESPN's high school power rankings for the week:
1. Mater Dei
2. Duncanville
3. Blackman
4. Incarnate Word Academy
5. Windward
6. Long Beach Polytechnic
7. Regis Jesuit
8. New Hope Christian Academy
9. Homewood-Floosmoor
10. Lawrence North
11. Myers Park
12. Bedford North Lawrence
13. St. Mary's
14. Rock Bridge
15. Etiwanda
16. Riverdale
17. Whitney Young
18. Manvel
19. Riverdale Baptist
20. Saint Mary's College
21. M.X. Shabazz
22. Southwest Dekalb
23. Joliet Catholic Academy
24. Sierra Canyon
25. Salmen
1. Mater Dei
2. Duncanville
3. Blackman
4. Incarnate Word Academy
5. Windward
6. Long Beach Polytechnic
7. Regis Jesuit
8. New Hope Christian Academy
9. Homewood-Floosmoor
10. Lawrence North
11. Myers Park
12. Bedford North Lawrence
13. St. Mary's
14. Rock Bridge
15. Etiwanda
16. Riverdale
17. Whitney Young
18. Manvel
19. Riverdale Baptist
20. Saint Mary's College
21. M.X. Shabazz
22. Southwest Dekalb
23. Joliet Catholic Academy
24. Sierra Canyon
25. Salmen
Wednesday, February 5, 2014
Close games, good news-bad news
A bit of topsy-turveyness in the top 25 tonight:
Southern Miss upset #21 Middle Tennessee State, 68-56.
#22 Nebraska escaped Wisconsin in overtime, 71-70.
#12 Oklahoma State squeezed by Kansas, 76-74.
More results:
Marquette got by Seton Hall, 62-60.
Tulane beat North Texas, 56-55, on a last-second shot.
TCU got by Iowa State, 61-60.
St. John's edged Butler, 58-55.
Full scoreboard.
Yikes:
The Army team's bus was rear-ended by a tractor-trailer today, sending a few players to the hospital. Fortunately, all injuries were minor. The team had been en route to their hotel from morning shoot-around prior to their game against Lehigh University, which was then postponed.
Michigan State point guard Kiana Johnson has been suspended indefinitely for a violation of team rules.
More college news:
Cal's Mikayla Lyles makes an impact both on and off the court.
In the meantime, Cal freshman Hind Ben Abdelkader has left the team to return to Belgium.
Some Duke players are pre-med students, and they shadow doctors on the job. Great stuff.
Purdue is adjusting to life without KK Houser, who was lost for the season earlier this week.
Georgetown's Ki-Ke Rafiu gives back in Nigeria.
Southern Miss upset #21 Middle Tennessee State, 68-56.
#22 Nebraska escaped Wisconsin in overtime, 71-70.
#12 Oklahoma State squeezed by Kansas, 76-74.
More results:
Marquette got by Seton Hall, 62-60.
Tulane beat North Texas, 56-55, on a last-second shot.
TCU got by Iowa State, 61-60.
St. John's edged Butler, 58-55.
Full scoreboard.
Yikes:
The Army team's bus was rear-ended by a tractor-trailer today, sending a few players to the hospital. Fortunately, all injuries were minor. The team had been en route to their hotel from morning shoot-around prior to their game against Lehigh University, which was then postponed.
Michigan State point guard Kiana Johnson has been suspended indefinitely for a violation of team rules.
More college news:
Cal's Mikayla Lyles makes an impact both on and off the court.
In the meantime, Cal freshman Hind Ben Abdelkader has left the team to return to Belgium.
Some Duke players are pre-med students, and they shadow doctors on the job. Great stuff.
Purdue is adjusting to life without KK Houser, who was lost for the season earlier this week.
Georgetown's Ki-Ke Rafiu gives back in Nigeria.
WNBA Announces Sale of Sparks to Investment Group Led by Magic Johnson and Mark Walter
From the WNBA, moments ago:
NEW YORK and LOS ANGELES, Feb. 5, 2014 – The WNBA and NBA Board of Governors have unanimously approved the purchase of the Los Angeles Sparks by an investment group led by Earvin “Magic” Johnson and controlling owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers, Mark R. Walter, WNBA President Laurel J. Richie announced today. The investment group includes Dodger co-owners Todd L. Boehly, Robert L. Patton and Stan Kasten. Richie was joined by Johnson at the press event at STAPLES Center.
The franchise will remain in Los Angeles and play at STAPLES Center. The WNBA’s 2014 game and television schedule will also be announced this week.
“We are thrilled to welcome Magic Johnson and Mark Walter to the WNBA,” said Richie. “With their proven track record in the business realm, their commitment to the city of Los Angeles through civic engagement, and their passion for the game of basketball, we look forward to partnering with our new owners to usher in a new era for this iconic team. This is a great day for Los Angeles, the Sparks franchise, its players, and of course, the loyal fans who have been so supportive of the team for 17 seasons.”
“This is a great day for the city of Los Angeles and the Sparks,” said Johnson. “The leaders of this great city came together quickly to keep this franchise right where it belongs—in the city of Angels. Thanks to my sister, Evelyn, playing college basketball, I have a great appreciation of the talented players that represent the WNBA. Our group will now work together to bring our loyal fans another WNBA championship. ”
“Earvin came to me and said we need to help save the Sparks and keep them in Los Angeles,” Walter said. The decision was quite easy for our investment group due to the passion Magic has for this city, these great athletes and our phenomenal fans. This team and its great players should remain a part of the sports fabric of this wonderful city.”
NEW YORK and LOS ANGELES, Feb. 5, 2014 – The WNBA and NBA Board of Governors have unanimously approved the purchase of the Los Angeles Sparks by an investment group led by Earvin “Magic” Johnson and controlling owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers, Mark R. Walter, WNBA President Laurel J. Richie announced today. The investment group includes Dodger co-owners Todd L. Boehly, Robert L. Patton and Stan Kasten. Richie was joined by Johnson at the press event at STAPLES Center.
The franchise will remain in Los Angeles and play at STAPLES Center. The WNBA’s 2014 game and television schedule will also be announced this week.
“We are thrilled to welcome Magic Johnson and Mark Walter to the WNBA,” said Richie. “With their proven track record in the business realm, their commitment to the city of Los Angeles through civic engagement, and their passion for the game of basketball, we look forward to partnering with our new owners to usher in a new era for this iconic team. This is a great day for Los Angeles, the Sparks franchise, its players, and of course, the loyal fans who have been so supportive of the team for 17 seasons.”
“This is a great day for the city of Los Angeles and the Sparks,” said Johnson. “The leaders of this great city came together quickly to keep this franchise right where it belongs—in the city of Angels. Thanks to my sister, Evelyn, playing college basketball, I have a great appreciation of the talented players that represent the WNBA. Our group will now work together to bring our loyal fans another WNBA championship. ”
“Earvin came to me and said we need to help save the Sparks and keep them in Los Angeles,” Walter said. The decision was quite easy for our investment group due to the passion Magic has for this city, these great athletes and our phenomenal fans. This team and its great players should remain a part of the sports fabric of this wonderful city.”
Sparks news: Coach Carol Ross to be at today's press conference; WNBA schedule to be released this week
Lots of info in this early morning ESPN story:
Ross is set to appear at Wednesday's news conference with Richie and Johnson, which likely indicates she is back as coach. Exactly how the team's front office will be set up is still to be announced, but we know this: The Guggenheim baseball group has been very aggressive in returning the Dodgers to being a first-class sports operation.......
So this is a very bright day in the WNBA, not long after a cloudy one when the Sparks seemed potentially in peril. Richie said the league's 2014 schedule is expected to be released this week.
Ross is set to appear at Wednesday's news conference with Richie and Johnson, which likely indicates she is back as coach. Exactly how the team's front office will be set up is still to be announced, but we know this: The Guggenheim baseball group has been very aggressive in returning the Dodgers to being a first-class sports operation.......
So this is a very bright day in the WNBA, not long after a cloudy one when the Sparks seemed potentially in peril. Richie said the league's 2014 schedule is expected to be released this week.
Tuesday, February 4, 2014
Both college and pro
College news:
For Tennessee freshman Mercedes Russell, improvement has paid dividends.
Gonzaga senior Stephanie Golden talks about what makes the Kennel so special.
The work ethic of point guard Stacie Telles sets the tone for UTEP.
Ole Miss junior Tia Faleru is shining under first-year coach Matt Insell.
Ex-Wildcat Crystal Riley has a unique role at Kentucky, as coach and confidant.
Today's scoreboard has no surprises.
WNBA:
The Lynx and Timberwolves will have a new practice facility across from Target Center.
The Phoenix Mercury have a new partnership/sponsorship.
For Tennessee freshman Mercedes Russell, improvement has paid dividends.
Gonzaga senior Stephanie Golden talks about what makes the Kennel so special.
The work ethic of point guard Stacie Telles sets the tone for UTEP.
Ole Miss junior Tia Faleru is shining under first-year coach Matt Insell.
Ex-Wildcat Crystal Riley has a unique role at Kentucky, as coach and confidant.
Today's scoreboard has no surprises.
WNBA:
The Lynx and Timberwolves will have a new practice facility across from Target Center.
The Phoenix Mercury have a new partnership/sponsorship.
USA Today top 25 poll
In this week's USA Today top 25 poll, Middle Tennessee is in, Florida State out, and Duke drops:
1. Connecticut
2. Notre Dame
3. Stanford
4. Duke
5. Louisville
6. South Carolina
7. Baylor
8. Tennessee
9. Penn State
10. Maryland
11. Arizona State
12. Oklahoma State
13. North Carolina
14. North Carolina State
15. Kentucky
16. LSU
17. West Virginia
18. Vanderbilt
19. Texas A&M
20. Gonzaga
21. Middle Tennessee State
22. Nebraska
23. California
24. Michigan State
25. Purdue
1. Connecticut
2. Notre Dame
3. Stanford
4. Duke
5. Louisville
6. South Carolina
7. Baylor
8. Tennessee
9. Penn State
10. Maryland
11. Arizona State
12. Oklahoma State
13. North Carolina
14. North Carolina State
15. Kentucky
16. LSU
17. West Virginia
18. Vanderbilt
19. Texas A&M
20. Gonzaga
21. Middle Tennessee State
22. Nebraska
23. California
24. Michigan State
25. Purdue
Sources say Magic Johnson is part of new Sparks co-ownership group
Sources have told ESPN that Magic Johnson is part of a new group that is buying the Los Angeles Sparks:
Magic Johnson and Los Angeles Dodgers chairman Mark Walter have partnered to buy the Los Angeles Sparks of the WNBA, saving the struggling franchise from relocation or contraction, according to sources with knowledge of the situation.
The new Sparks ownership group also includes Dodgers president Stan Kasten and part owners Todd Boehly and Bobby Patton, according to sources.
I begun hearing things this morning, which I tweeted, that Sparks season ticket holders were being told there was a major announcement planned for tomorrow that would make them "pleased."
Then came the following press release, from the WNBA, at 4:35 p.m. PST:
WHAT: Major Announcement
WHO: Laurel J. Richie, WNBA President
Earvin “Magic” Johnson, NBA Legend
WHEN: Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2014
10 a.m. PT
WHERE: Staples Center
Star Plaza
1111 S. Figueroa Street
Los Angeles, CA 90015
So now it's time to 'fess up: I'd been told several weeks ago by a source that Sparks fans would have nothing to worry about, as something was happening.
I hadn't thought the Sparks were going to relocate or fold since then.
Magic Johnson and Los Angeles Dodgers chairman Mark Walter have partnered to buy the Los Angeles Sparks of the WNBA, saving the struggling franchise from relocation or contraction, according to sources with knowledge of the situation.
The new Sparks ownership group also includes Dodgers president Stan Kasten and part owners Todd Boehly and Bobby Patton, according to sources.
I begun hearing things this morning, which I tweeted, that Sparks season ticket holders were being told there was a major announcement planned for tomorrow that would make them "pleased."
Then came the following press release, from the WNBA, at 4:35 p.m. PST:
WHAT: Major Announcement
WHO: Laurel J. Richie, WNBA President
Earvin “Magic” Johnson, NBA Legend
WHEN: Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2014
10 a.m. PT
WHERE: Staples Center
Star Plaza
1111 S. Figueroa Street
Los Angeles, CA 90015
So now it's time to 'fess up: I'd been told several weeks ago by a source that Sparks fans would have nothing to worry about, as something was happening.
I hadn't thought the Sparks were going to relocate or fold since then.
Monday, February 3, 2014
Not such a big Monday
College ball happenings:
Notre Dame's Kayla McBride is ESPN's player of the week.
Iowa State's Jadda Buckley blogs.
Sad news:
Fifth-year Purdue senior KK Houser tore her ACL in yesterday's game, which will end her college career. Prayers up for her.
Today's results:
#7 Baylor easily took care of Oklahoma, 81-67.
No real surprises on today's scoreboard.
WNBA:
Atlanta Dream CEO Ashley Preisinger's name has disappeared from the staff directory. Is she out?
Storm fans had a problem last night with the way the Super Bowl was characterized for the city of Seattle.
Notre Dame's Kayla McBride is ESPN's player of the week.
Iowa State's Jadda Buckley blogs.
Sad news:
Fifth-year Purdue senior KK Houser tore her ACL in yesterday's game, which will end her college career. Prayers up for her.
Today's results:
#7 Baylor easily took care of Oklahoma, 81-67.
No real surprises on today's scoreboard.
WNBA:
Atlanta Dream CEO Ashley Preisinger's name has disappeared from the staff directory. Is she out?
Storm fans had a problem last night with the way the Super Bowl was characterized for the city of Seattle.
Many changes in this week's AP top 25 poll
This week's AP top 25 poll has so many changes. Iowa State and Florida State drop out, while Nebraska and Michigan State check in. Duke falls to five after being routed by Notre Dame, and Stanford and Louisville move up. So do Tennessee, Arizona State, North Carolina State, West Virginia, Gonzaga and Middle Tennessee State. North Carolina, who lost twice last week, drops like a stone.
The poll:
1. Connecticut
2. Notre Dame
3. Stanford
4. Louisville
5. Duke
6. South Carolina
7. Baylor
8. Tennessee
9. Penn State
10. Maryland
11. Arizona State
12. Oklahoma State
13. North Carolina
14. North Carolina State
15. Kentucky
16. LSU
17. West Virginia
18. Vanderbilt
19. Texas A&M
20. Gonzaga
21. Middle Tennessee State
22. Nebraska
23. California
24. Michigan State
25. Purdue
The poll:
1. Connecticut
2. Notre Dame
3. Stanford
4. Louisville
5. Duke
6. South Carolina
7. Baylor
8. Tennessee
9. Penn State
10. Maryland
11. Arizona State
12. Oklahoma State
13. North Carolina
14. North Carolina State
15. Kentucky
16. LSU
17. West Virginia
18. Vanderbilt
19. Texas A&M
20. Gonzaga
21. Middle Tennessee State
22. Nebraska
23. California
24. Michigan State
25. Purdue
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