Final was 92-64 West over East.
Top recruit Mercedes Russell was the game MVP.
Both she and Jordan Reynolds - also from Oregon - stood out. Russell and Reynolds have committed to Tennessee.
College news bonus:
ESPN is trying to help the rest of the world discover the great team that is Cal.
Wednesday, April 3, 2013
News from every corner of the hoops world
NCAA Tournament items:
The Final Four is set.
In case you hadn't noticed, three of the Final Four teams are from the Big East.
The Notre Dame-UConn rivalry continues.
Skylar Diggins shone at the right time for the Irish.
Cal is preparing for their Final Four trip.
No reservations for Louisville's Shoni Schimmel.
Bria Hartley is finding success as a reserve for UConn.
Tennessee outperformed expectations this year, but fell short of the Final Four.
One columnist is a fan of Georgia Coach Andy Landers.
Other college news:
Jackie Stiles is a finalist for the Drury coaching job.
Julie Rousseau has resigned at Pepperdine.
Purdue Coach Sharon Versyp reflects and looks ahead.
Three are leaving Colorado State, including their starting point guard.
Bright spots were sprinkled throughout CSUN's season of inconsistency.
Conference realignments:
The Big East has become the American Athletic Conference.
More discussion on Brittney Griner in the NBA:
ESPN weighs in.
UConn Coach Geno Auriemma says no.
Major move:
Kelsey Bone will skip her senior season to enter the WNBA draft this month.
High school:
Ieshia Small just announced during the McDonald's All American game that she is committing to Baylor.
Diamond DeShields came full circle.
(More on today's game, won by the West, later tonight)
USA Basketball:
The U16 coach for this summer is Sue Phillips, the coach at Archbishop Mitty High School in California.
WNIT:
Semifinals begin tonight.
The Final Four is set.
In case you hadn't noticed, three of the Final Four teams are from the Big East.
The Notre Dame-UConn rivalry continues.
Skylar Diggins shone at the right time for the Irish.
Cal is preparing for their Final Four trip.
No reservations for Louisville's Shoni Schimmel.
Bria Hartley is finding success as a reserve for UConn.
Tennessee outperformed expectations this year, but fell short of the Final Four.
One columnist is a fan of Georgia Coach Andy Landers.
Other college news:
Jackie Stiles is a finalist for the Drury coaching job.
Julie Rousseau has resigned at Pepperdine.
Purdue Coach Sharon Versyp reflects and looks ahead.
Three are leaving Colorado State, including their starting point guard.
Bright spots were sprinkled throughout CSUN's season of inconsistency.
Conference realignments:
The Big East has become the American Athletic Conference.
More discussion on Brittney Griner in the NBA:
ESPN weighs in.
UConn Coach Geno Auriemma says no.
Major move:
Kelsey Bone will skip her senior season to enter the WNBA draft this month.
High school:
Ieshia Small just announced during the McDonald's All American game that she is committing to Baylor.
Diamond DeShields came full circle.
(More on today's game, won by the West, later tonight)
USA Basketball:
The U16 coach for this summer is Sue Phillips, the coach at Archbishop Mitty High School in California.
WNIT:
Semifinals begin tonight.
Tuesday, April 2, 2013
Jeff Sink returns to Brea Olinda girls program
Brea Olinda Coach Jeff Sink
Photo by maxpreps.com
Two years after he left, Jeff Sink is returning to his head coach position at Brea Olinda.
Sink, a teacher at the school, spent 17 years at the helm of the program, where he collected 16 league championships, 10 CIF-Southern Section titles and four state championships. He resigned to coach the boy's team and "try something new," but he found that he missed his Ladycats very much. When Kim Cram-Torres resigned last month, Sink decided to return to his former job.
"It's been really fun coaching the guys, but I've coached the girls for 17 years and I'm almost ready to retire," Sink said. "I want to see what else we can do."
Sink also acknowledged his longtime rival, Mater Dei Coach Kevin Kiernan, who is a good friend.
"Kevin wants to play against us," Sink said with a laugh.
Games between the two schools the past few years have been legendary, as both schools were nationally-ranked side-by-side in the top five for many seasons. The last two years, however, Brea Olinda has fallen off the map. That is something Sink hopes to change, beginning immediately.
Known for his intense ways during games, Sink stalked the sidelines. He yelled at players, assistant coaches and referees in between guzzles of Diet Coke, and he was as popular with fans as were his players. In one fierce home court rival game four years ago, the packed student section stood up and changed "Sink! Sink! Sink! Sink!"
"I love coaching girls," Sink said. "They play so hard, and they want to learn."
And then there were Four
Tonight Notre Dame punched their ticket to the Final Four, by beating Duke 87-76.
Key points.
Analysis.
Interviews.
Notre Dame vs. UConn preview.
Punch another ticket for Louisville, who bested Tennessee 86-78. (Did anyone put Louisville in the Final Four on their bracket?)
Key points.
Interviews.
Photos.
They've got next.
Other college news:
Iowa State has self-reported recruiting violations to the NCAA and asked for two years probation. Specifically, 1,405 improper phone calls from 2008-2011. Hope they have a new compliance officer now.
Daron Park will be introduced as Cal State Fullerton's new coach tomorrow. Park was associate head coach at USC this past season.
Brittney Griner:
The Dallas Mavericks may draft Brittney Griner, as owner Mark Cuban is willing to give her a chance.
I guess that would mean the Phoenix Mercury would have to take Elena Delle Donne or Skylar Diggins in the draft.
San Antonio Silver Stars Coach Dan Hughes still thinks Griner is the business, despite Baylor's loss Sunday night.
High school:
The McDonald's All American Game is 1 p.m. tomorrow in Chicago.
Kaela Davis won the three-point shooting contest last night. She has signed with Georgia Tech.
Key points.
Analysis.
Interviews.
Notre Dame vs. UConn preview.
Punch another ticket for Louisville, who bested Tennessee 86-78. (Did anyone put Louisville in the Final Four on their bracket?)
Key points.
Interviews.
Photos.
They've got next.
Other college news:
Iowa State has self-reported recruiting violations to the NCAA and asked for two years probation. Specifically, 1,405 improper phone calls from 2008-2011. Hope they have a new compliance officer now.
Daron Park will be introduced as Cal State Fullerton's new coach tomorrow. Park was associate head coach at USC this past season.
Brittney Griner:
The Dallas Mavericks may draft Brittney Griner, as owner Mark Cuban is willing to give her a chance.
I guess that would mean the Phoenix Mercury would have to take Elena Delle Donne or Skylar Diggins in the draft.
San Antonio Silver Stars Coach Dan Hughes still thinks Griner is the business, despite Baylor's loss Sunday night.
High school:
The McDonald's All American Game is 1 p.m. tomorrow in Chicago.
Kaela Davis won the three-point shooting contest last night. She has signed with Georgia Tech.
AP All-America teams
AP All-America Teams:
First Team
Brittney Griner
Skylar Diggins
Elena Delle Donne
Chiney Ogwumike
Odyssey Sims
Second Team
Alyssa Thomas
Kaleena Mosqueda-Lewis
Maggie Lucas
Chelsea Gray
A'Dia Mathies
Third Team
Kelsey Bone
Stefanie Dolson
Elizabeth Williams
Meighan Simmons
Kayla McBride
Also.......
WBCA Division I Defensive Player of the Year finalists:
Brittney Griner
Kelly Faris
Chiney Ogwumike
First Team
Brittney Griner
Skylar Diggins
Elena Delle Donne
Chiney Ogwumike
Odyssey Sims
Second Team
Alyssa Thomas
Kaleena Mosqueda-Lewis
Maggie Lucas
Chelsea Gray
A'Dia Mathies
Third Team
Kelsey Bone
Stefanie Dolson
Elizabeth Williams
Meighan Simmons
Kayla McBride
Also.......
WBCA Division I Defensive Player of the Year finalists:
Brittney Griner
Kelly Faris
Chiney Ogwumike
Preamble to Elite Eight, second round
NCAA Tournament:
The Irish have shown their mettle against Duke. That game is tonight at 4 p.m./7 p.m.
Louisville is back for more against the Lady Vols. That game is tonight at 6 p.m./9 p.m.
A new era has begun for Cal basketball.
Louisville's upset of Baylor caught the attention of many. Cardinal Coach Jeff Walz told his players to enjoy every minute.
Other college news:
Wisconsin-Green Bay is facing transition.
Illinois found success in Coach Matt Bollant's first year.
Despite their WNIT loss, James Madison is set.
Maryland will try for a healthy season next year.
Nebraska will look to stay strong next season without Lindsey Moore.
Texas A&M's early exit from the tournament isn't going over with fans.
Emotions carried Iowa through the season.
Florida State Coach Sue Semrau has won the Kay Yow Heart of a Coach Award.
Jamie Van Kirk is leaving North Dakota State.
Professional:
Candace Parker rolled her ankle during a UMCC Ekaterinburg game. I hope it's not serious.
The Minnesota Lynx are sitting on the outside of this year's WNBA draft.
The Irish have shown their mettle against Duke. That game is tonight at 4 p.m./7 p.m.
Louisville is back for more against the Lady Vols. That game is tonight at 6 p.m./9 p.m.
A new era has begun for Cal basketball.
Louisville's upset of Baylor caught the attention of many. Cardinal Coach Jeff Walz told his players to enjoy every minute.
Other college news:
Wisconsin-Green Bay is facing transition.
Illinois found success in Coach Matt Bollant's first year.
Despite their WNIT loss, James Madison is set.
Maryland will try for a healthy season next year.
Nebraska will look to stay strong next season without Lindsey Moore.
Texas A&M's early exit from the tournament isn't going over with fans.
Emotions carried Iowa through the season.
Florida State Coach Sue Semrau has won the Kay Yow Heart of a Coach Award.
Jamie Van Kirk is leaving North Dakota State.
Professional:
Candace Parker rolled her ankle during a UMCC Ekaterinburg game. I hope it's not serious.
The Minnesota Lynx are sitting on the outside of this year's WNBA draft.
Monday, April 1, 2013
Cal, UConn punch their Final Four tickets
Cal beat Georgia in overtime, 65-62, to win the Spokane regional and punch their ticket to the Final Four. Layshia Clarendon lead the Bears with 25 points, including a clutch 15-footer with 37 seconds to go. It's the school's first trip to the Four.
Overview.
Highlights.
Analysis.
Interviews.
Photos.
Several Cal players have been through a lot, and have forged a bond through it all.
On the other side of the bracket, UConn pounded Kentucky, 83-53, for their Final Four ticket. Freshman Breanna Stewart lead the way. It's the sixth straight trip for the Huskies.
Highlights.
Analysis.
Interviews.
Other college news:
The good and bad side of upsets.
Five who got the last laugh.
Maryland says goodbye to senior Tianna Hawkins, but is still on the rise.
Baylor will be devastated by the departure of Brittney Griner.
Former Louisville Cardinal Angel McCoughtry fired back at Robert Griffin III, who criticized the officiating in Sunday's Baylor-Louisville game.
Kyley Simmons will transfer from Missouri.
Coaching news:
Pitt has fired coach Agnus Berenato.
Stephanie Glance is the new coach at Columbia.
WNBA:
The Lynx announced they've signed Jacki Gemelos. I thought they already had her......
Overview.
Highlights.
Analysis.
Interviews.
Photos.
Several Cal players have been through a lot, and have forged a bond through it all.
On the other side of the bracket, UConn pounded Kentucky, 83-53, for their Final Four ticket. Freshman Breanna Stewart lead the way. It's the sixth straight trip for the Huskies.
Highlights.
Analysis.
Interviews.
Other college news:
The good and bad side of upsets.
Five who got the last laugh.
Maryland says goodbye to senior Tianna Hawkins, but is still on the rise.
Baylor will be devastated by the departure of Brittney Griner.
Former Louisville Cardinal Angel McCoughtry fired back at Robert Griffin III, who criticized the officiating in Sunday's Baylor-Louisville game.
Kyley Simmons will transfer from Missouri.
Coaching news:
Pitt has fired coach Agnus Berenato.
Stephanie Glance is the new coach at Columbia.
WNBA:
The Lynx announced they've signed Jacki Gemelos. I thought they already had her......
Elite Eight begins today
Just a few more droppings after my blowout post last night:
Robert Griffin III defended friend and former fellow Bear Brittney Griner on twitter last night.
Fullcourt reflection on Louisvile's upset.
Cal's Brittany Boyd "outspeeds" rivals.
Layshia Clarendon talks Cal team chemistry.
Baylor's loss leaves the left side of the bracket wide open.
Norfolk regional notebook.
Kentucky says they beat themselves playing UConn last year.
UConn's Bria Hartley and Kentucky's Jennifer O'Neill are homies.
The sky is the limit for Notre Dame's Skylar Diggins.
UConn-Kentucky preview.
Georgia-Cal preview.
Robert Griffin III defended friend and former fellow Bear Brittney Griner on twitter last night.
Fullcourt reflection on Louisvile's upset.
Cal's Brittany Boyd "outspeeds" rivals.
Layshia Clarendon talks Cal team chemistry.
Baylor's loss leaves the left side of the bracket wide open.
Norfolk regional notebook.
Kentucky says they beat themselves playing UConn last year.
UConn's Bria Hartley and Kentucky's Jennifer O'Neill are homies.
The sky is the limit for Notre Dame's Skylar Diggins.
UConn-Kentucky preview.
Georgia-Cal preview.
Sunday, March 31, 2013
The upset that no one saw coming
If you're like me, you're still absorbing Louisville's stunning upset of top-ranked Baylor in tonight's round three match up.
Sixteen three-point shots for the Cardinals. Smothering Brittney Griner with defense, and keeping her from scoring until 15:20 in the second half. Louisville mounting a 17-point lead, only to see Baylor whittle it down to nothing in the closing minutes. A final score of 82-81. All of it is just hard to believe.
Some serious write ups, videos and highlights so far, so let's dive in:
Griner reacts.
Highlights and comments from Coach Kim Mulkey.
Analysis by ESPN.
Shocking end for the Bears.
Louisville was just better.
The Cardinals created the perfect storm.
Baylor upset in the Sweet Sixteen.
Louisville's Monique Reid showed no fear.
Griner's final Baylor game was crazy.
Baylor isn't the only squad stunned by the upset.
Griner's most memorable college moments.
The five biggest tournament upsets so far, according to ESPN. I agree with the list, but not necessarily in that order.
Today's other games:
Notre Dame thrashed Kansas, 93-63. Skylar Diggins lead the Irish with 27 points, which made her Notre Dame's all-time leading scorer.
Irish-Jayhawks analysis.
Diggins was just following orders.
The crowd enjoyed the specialties of Jewell Loyd.
Kansas saw their tournament run come to an end.
Duke put away Nebraska, 53-45. Lindsey Moore's Husker career came to an end.
Duke analysis.
ESPN analysis.
Tennessee beat Oklahoma decisively, 74-59.
The Lady Vols felt at home.
Oklahoma totaled the fewest points of the season. Sooner Joanna McFarland finished a chapter in life.
And then there were Eight:
Five things to ponder for the Elite Eight.
Georgia Coach Andy Landers is passionate about anything he does.
Cal isn't intimidated by the big stage.
A'Dia Mathies and Kentucky are focusing on "what we need to do."
The Georgia and Cal seniors are still being tested.
Kentucky is ready for the UConn rematch.
Kentucky's Samarie Walker is living and learning.
It's been a tough road for UConn.
Tomorrow's schedule:
Kentucky vs. Connecticut at 4:30/7:30
Georgia vs. California at 6:30/9:30
Non-Tournament-related:
Dawn Staley has removed her name from consideration at Ohio State.
Sixteen three-point shots for the Cardinals. Smothering Brittney Griner with defense, and keeping her from scoring until 15:20 in the second half. Louisville mounting a 17-point lead, only to see Baylor whittle it down to nothing in the closing minutes. A final score of 82-81. All of it is just hard to believe.
Some serious write ups, videos and highlights so far, so let's dive in:
Griner reacts.
Highlights and comments from Coach Kim Mulkey.
Analysis by ESPN.
Shocking end for the Bears.
Louisville was just better.
The Cardinals created the perfect storm.
Baylor upset in the Sweet Sixteen.
Louisville's Monique Reid showed no fear.
Griner's final Baylor game was crazy.
Baylor isn't the only squad stunned by the upset.
Griner's most memorable college moments.
The five biggest tournament upsets so far, according to ESPN. I agree with the list, but not necessarily in that order.
Today's other games:
Notre Dame thrashed Kansas, 93-63. Skylar Diggins lead the Irish with 27 points, which made her Notre Dame's all-time leading scorer.
Irish-Jayhawks analysis.
Diggins was just following orders.
The crowd enjoyed the specialties of Jewell Loyd.
Kansas saw their tournament run come to an end.
Duke put away Nebraska, 53-45. Lindsey Moore's Husker career came to an end.
Duke analysis.
ESPN analysis.
Tennessee beat Oklahoma decisively, 74-59.
The Lady Vols felt at home.
Oklahoma totaled the fewest points of the season. Sooner Joanna McFarland finished a chapter in life.
And then there were Eight:
Five things to ponder for the Elite Eight.
Georgia Coach Andy Landers is passionate about anything he does.
Cal isn't intimidated by the big stage.
A'Dia Mathies and Kentucky are focusing on "what we need to do."
The Georgia and Cal seniors are still being tested.
Kentucky is ready for the UConn rematch.
Kentucky's Samarie Walker is living and learning.
It's been a tough road for UConn.
Tomorrow's schedule:
Kentucky vs. Connecticut at 4:30/7:30
Georgia vs. California at 6:30/9:30
Non-Tournament-related:
Dawn Staley has removed her name from consideration at Ohio State.
Your primer for the day
Skylar Diggins' bid for her school's scoring record is just a subplot.
The fates of Notre Dame and Kansas rest on two players.
There's one small obstacle today for Louisville: Mount Griner. (Check out the facial expression)
Elite point guards fill the Norfolk region.
Maryland Coach Brenda Frese said UConn makes good teams uncomfortable.
Oklahoma wants to begin a tradition of its own.
Lady Vol diaries.
Stanford's Mikaela Ruef will have to pay her own way next year.
The party ended abruptly for the Cardinal last night.
With last night's win, Cal advances to their first Elite Eight appearance in school history.
Last night in Spokane, toughness prevailed.
Regionals are extending Norfolk's rich women's hoops tradition.
Win or lose, it has all worked out.
You've got a lot of nerve department:
Geno Auriemma was the top target for Ohio State in their coaching search. I also heard the Buckeyes were looking at a couple other tip-top names.....not sure who they think they are.
Canadian hoops:
Lisa Thomaidis is guiding Canadian basketball to new heights.
The fates of Notre Dame and Kansas rest on two players.
There's one small obstacle today for Louisville: Mount Griner. (Check out the facial expression)
Elite point guards fill the Norfolk region.
Maryland Coach Brenda Frese said UConn makes good teams uncomfortable.
Oklahoma wants to begin a tradition of its own.
Lady Vol diaries.
Stanford's Mikaela Ruef will have to pay her own way next year.
The party ended abruptly for the Cardinal last night.
With last night's win, Cal advances to their first Elite Eight appearance in school history.
Last night in Spokane, toughness prevailed.
Regionals are extending Norfolk's rich women's hoops tradition.
Win or lose, it has all worked out.
You've got a lot of nerve department:
Geno Auriemma was the top target for Ohio State in their coaching search. I also heard the Buckeyes were looking at a couple other tip-top names.....not sure who they think they are.
Canadian hoops:
Lisa Thomaidis is guiding Canadian basketball to new heights.
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