L.A. Lakers host fans for an All-Access Event

                                                      (Photo by William Johnson)




Wednesday night was no off night for Staples Center, as LASEC and the Lakers gave some lucky fans an opportunity to have All-Access to Lakers past and present.

Many fans along with their kids had the great fortune to shoot on the same court as their Laker team. Along with taking photos with Laker players such as James Worthy, Robert Horry, GM Mitch Kupchak, Antawn Jamison, Steve Blake, and Jamaal Wilkes. 

The fans were also treated to an in depth panel led by Lakers play by play announcer Bill McDonald. McDonald asked the first panel that consisted of Worthy, Wilkes, Horry, and Kupchak a series of questions surrounding the current Lakers team, NBA rule changes and more. 

One response stood out amongst the fans when the panel was asked what player would you start a team with. Everyone answered Kareem Abdul-Jabbar or some other Laker except Wilkes. Who surprised many by responding "I know this may not be the popular answer....but I'd have to go with Bill Russell." 

The crowd wasn't too pleased by that answer, as McDonald sort of egged on the crowd by saying, whoa you chose a Celtic amongst Laker fans. 

Everyone laughed it off, as Wilkes explained and later recanted his answer by saying, "can I go back and say Kareem now." 

The second panel consisted of current players Steve Blake who is recovering from abdominal injury, Antawn Jamison, and coach Mike D'Antoni. 

Everyone was in a festive mood as the Lakers were on a current two game winning streak. 

It was good to see Coach D'Antoni in a relaxed, good mood for a change. 

A great time was had by all in attendance, another great event hosted by Kathryn Schloessman and LASEC.

USC Trojans didn't have enough to outlast Cal's back court

                                                  (USC's Jio Fontan - Photo by Eric Wade)

                                             (USC's  Byron Wesley - Photo by Eric Wade)




The USC Trojans came off an impressive emotional one point victory on Thursday night against the Stanford Cardinal, for their first Pac-12 conference win.

The Cal Golden Bears looked to turn the corner after their blow out loss to the UCLA Bruin on Thursday night at Pauley Pavilion.

Cal proved to be too much offense and defense for the Trojans down the stretch as they picked up their first Pac-12 victory against the Trojans 72-64. Led by the Pac-12 leading scorer Allen Crabbe who finished with 27 points on Saturday night for Cal.

USC came out focused as Byron Wesley sank a three pointer as the Trojans their first lead and basket of the game. Then Crabbe came off the steal and dunked the ball for Cal's first basket of the game.

After the first television timeout, Cal would regain the lead not relinquish until halftime after fighting through a see saw battle of scoring against the Trojans who trailed 32-29. Crabbe had eight points in the first half who went on to explode in the second half.

In the first half Jeff Power connected on two back to back three pointer for Cal, ending their 0 for 22 streak at the three point line.

Jio Fontan stepped up huge in the second half creating shot opportunities for teammates including Wesley and Eric Wise. Fontan also contributed offensively as he pulled USC within a 44-42 lead by Cal off a three point play off of an amazing driving layup. Crabbe would answer with a left hand shot for the score, Crabbe also assisted Cal's 10-3 run as he scored on two jumpers along with David Kravish's tough jump hook.

The Trojans would continue to battle and keep the game within arm's reach, however Cal proved to be too much offensively. Ty Wallace hit clutch three pointers that would serve as the dagger and extended the Cal lead 66-58 with just a little over a minute left in the second half.

It felt good to finally hit a 3, everyone knows I've been struggling. I don't know how long it's been since I hit one. But you continually believe that you can make them. I knew everybody was going to be trying to stop Allen from getting the ball, and Justin. I knew if they just came to me and I had a good look that I was supposed to shoot the ball and I have the confidence to shoot it," said Wallace.

The Golden Bears would finish 5 for 8 from beyond the three point arch, which is a drastic switch from their two previous games where they went 0 for 19.

USC is now 1-1 in Pac-12 conference play even though the Trojans had committed only two turnovers in the second half and maintained a 13-8 advantage in the rebounding department. Still would not be enough for the Trojans to acquire a victory. The Trojans finished shooting 40 percent from the field.

"I'm very disappointed we lost. If you look at the stat sheet, we have only seven turnovers and more offensive rebounds, but we get out rebounded and we miss too many shots. When you shoot 40 percent from the field, 18 percent from three and 44 free throws, you deserve to lose, " said USC coach Kevin O'Neill.

Both Justin Cobbs and Allen Crabbe accounted for 52% off Cal's offense against the Trojans. Both Cobbs and Ty Wallace finished with 10 points, as Wallace happened to be the deciding factor in the Cal victory.

Crabbe who went on his own personal 7-2 run midway through the second half, finished with ninth 20 point game this season, spoke more about Wallace's performance.
"I was telling him he's the next Shabazz Muhammad because I know Shabazz hit one of those clutch ones. It was a dagger and Tyrone, he just shot it with confidence. It was a big play for us in the end."

A disappointed Dewayne Dedmon finished with 10 points and 11 rebounds, spoke about the loss. "You want to protect your home court and win your conference games. We have to make free throws. That was big tonight. That was the difference in the game."

Jio Fontan finished with 11 points, Eric Wise led the Trojans with 14 points. Byron Wesley who played aggressively finished with 13 points and 3 assist.

The Trojans didn't have a great night at the free throw line finished 8 for 18 and a terrible 3 for 8 in the second half of the game.

The Trojans look to regroup as they take their show on the rod for the next two games against Colorado and Utah before returning home to face Oregon and Oregon State on January 17th and 19th.

This Trojans team continues to improve and will surprise many team down the stretch if they continue with that fight on type of intensity that they so passionately possess.

Granite Bay takes spring out Long Beach Poly's step

                                                     (photo by Eric Wade / EW Gems)

                                                         (Photo by William Johnson)


After a disappointing 1-3 start earlier in the season, the Long Beach Poly Jackrabbits somehow turned it around and went on an impressive winning streak that guided them back to the CIF Division 1 state championship.

However Long Beach Poly couldn't overcome five record turnovers and were defeated by Granite Bay 21-20 in the Division 1 CIF State Championship at Home Depot Center.

Poly had a solid 7-3 lead heading into to halftime. Due in part to a wide open Gerald Wicks who caught a lateral pass from Thomas Tucker, who caught the pitch from Ebay Jackson. Wicks sprinted down the sideline for the score.
Dylan Keeney had two interceptions, including a 29-yard return for a touchdown that gave Granite Bay a 14-7 lead at the beginning of the third quarter.

After being down 14-7 to Granite Bay, Long Beach Poly allowed themselves an opportunity to win the game and take the title. John Smith caught a spectacular 30 yard pass near the end of the third quarter that tied the score 14-14.

In the fourth quarter Manusamoa Lu'uga gave Poly the 20-14 lead after an extra point that was no good. With less than four minutes left in the game, that extra point miss would prove to be costly down the stretch. Granite Bay would put together a carefully executed 76 yard drive down field in the rain. In the red zone Granite Bay continued to pound the ball all the way down to the three yard line. As time continued to wind down, John Cooley punched in the end zone for the touchdown. The extra point was good by Granite Bay as they took the lead 21-20.

Granite Bay would hold on for the victory and capture the Division 1 State Championship in front of a crowd with over 7,000 in attendance. "Defense is the story tonight," Caraway said. "They got all those great picks."

Poly quarterback Ebay Jackson at one point was a perfect 4/4 for 100 yards, and finished 6/10 for 141 yards, two touchdowns and two costly interceptions. Manusamoa Lu'uga finished with 104 yards rushing on the night.

Before Friday night's game, Poly won 11 straight games against difficult opponents like Mission Viejo, St. John Bosco and Mater Dei.

Granite Bay's defense shut down Poly's running game in the fourth quarter and forced them to use their passing game where they also capitalized on turnovers.

Starting in 2015, CIF Executive Director Roger Blake announced that the State Bowl games would rotate between Northern and Southern California sites.

USC falls to San Diego State at Galen Center

With their first game back on the mainland since participating in the Maui Invitational, the USC Trojans looked to rebound to some winning ways as they faced the #25 San Diego State Aztecs at Galen Center.

The Aztecs got off to an amazing dominating start that was captivated by Xavier Thames 3 pointer that opened up the lead 12-2 with a little over 14 minutes left in the first half. The Aztecs continued to dominate as James Rohan scored seven straight points that included a three pointer which increased their lead 27-8 over the Trojans with just seven minutes left. A much needed timeout was called by Trojans head coach Kevin O'Neill.

Coming out of the timeout didn't help the Trojans as the missed their first nine out of ten shots, and also allowed four turnovers.
The Trojans helped their cause by Ari Steward hitting a big 3 pointer to end the first half only down 35-23.

In the second half the Trojans came out much more focused and confident, when the Trojans went on an explosive 18-4 to capture the lead for the first time in the game, thanks to an opening Eric Wise basket at the 18 minute mark. With a much improved Trojans defense, the game remained tight, as the two teams battled back and forth for possession and outstanding shot selections.

The Aztecs would take control down the stretch as the Trojans Omar Oraby would given two technical fouls late in the game. Both Thames and Franklin connected on 5 of 6 free throws from the line that increased the Aztecs lead 64-57 with just two minutes left.

The game continued to remain chippy with just 35 seconds left Aztecs Jamaal Franklin picked up a foul and then a technical foul in protest of the foul he picked up. Trojans guard J.T. Terrell made 1 of 2 from the free throw line and still trailed 64-58.

With nine seconds left, Eric Wise stole the ball from Franklin and kicked it out to Steward for a 3 pointer, and Steward missed. An assertive Dewayne Dedmon grabbed the rebound and made the jumper with just five seconds left.
The Aztecs would run out the clock and pick up the 66-60 victory over the Trojans at Galen Center.

"Anytime you win a road game it's a great feeling, especially at the Galen Center against a Pac 12 team. We continued to battle and stay focused even after sling our big lead," said Rohan.

Aztecs Xavier Thames finished with 14 points, JJ O'Brien also finished with 12 points. Aztecs top recruit Skylar Spencer out of Price High in Los Angeles scored 2 points and grabbed 11 rebounds.

Trojans Eric Wise finished with 14 points, and Dewayne Dedmon also finished with 5 points and 10 rebounds.
Trojans head coach Kevin O'Neill spoke about the late technical foul on Omar Oraby. "That late technical was a big play. It was immature on Omar's part. The immaturity of the emotional stuff, you can't overcome that against a good team. That's not acceptable."

O'Neill also commented on his team's performance, "we got better as the game went on. We had our chances. We got the lead twice in the second half. But you can't shoot 11 of 20 from the line and you can't be immature. We gave into things at the end and that hurt us."

The Aztecs have won 10 consecutive games against Pac-12 teams, and have finally earned first win at Galen Center in seven attempts.

A very proud San Diego State coach Steve Fisher spoke about his team's performance, "I'm proud of the toughness and the character of our team to win a like this."  "We have a long way to go to get where we think we want to be."

"Beating a Pac-12 team on the road does a lot for our confidence. This will help us prepare for UCLA next weekend," said Aztec guard Jamaal Franklin.

Sparks say bye-bye to Becky and Silver Stars

After a draining battle in Game 1 in Los Angeles, the Sparks pulled out the win and have their eyes set on an WNBA championship. But in order for the task to be accomplished they must close out the Silver Stars in San Antonio.

Having the reminder of the 2008 debacle in San Antonio where Sophia Young's jumper with .6 seconds left in the game gave the Silver Stars the win and its only appearance in the WNBA Finals. Candace Parker, Nneka Oguwmike, and company were determined to not allow that to happen this year.

The Sparks came out clicking on all cylinders going on a 12-0 run early on in the first quarter. However as the quarter progressed, the Silver Star went on a quiet 6-0 run to trail the Sparks 23-16. The Sparks maintained their poise behind a sharp Kristi Toliver, who extended the lead with a huge three pointer over Danielle Adams to end the first quarter up 26-16.

The second quarter for the Sparks and Silver Stars continued to be a tight battle. Near the end of the quarter, Parker lost the handle, but gained it back and launches a shot from half court right at the buzzer for three, and makes it for the 44-40 halftime lead.

Delisha Milton-Jones continued to shoot well as she knocked a three pointer that capped off a 15-2 run by the Sparks. They led the Silver Stars 73-51 with just under four minutes to go in the third quarter. Alana Beard scored an amazing lay up that extended the lead 75-57.

The Silver Stars trailed by as much as 22 points to begin the fourth quarter. By opting to go with a smaller line up, the Silver Stars completed a 13-0 run thanks to back to back three pointers by Perkins and Christon to trail the Sparks 82-74. Later on in the quarter Christon scored five straight point to even up the score at 90. Becky Hammond attempted to take the lead on a three pointer that bounced in and out, then Danielle Robinson tried to connect on a jumped that went in and out.

As the Sparks watched their lead slip away, the final two minutes belonged to them. They went 7 for 8 at the free throw line along with playing the aggressive style they played in the beginning by snatching rebounds. Rookie Nneka Oguwmike hit a huge jumper that gave the Sparks the 92-90 lead. Once the Silver Stars were forced to foul Parker connected at the line for two free throws for the 94-90 lead. Then Parker who was double teamed in the line made a sweet turn left hand jumper in the lane for the bucket.
Several trips to the free throw line later by Parker, sealed the deal as the Sparks held on for the 101-94 victory and swept the Silver Star out of the playoffs.

Sparks Candace Parker finished with 32 points, 9 rebounds, 6 assist, along with Kristi Toliver who added 23 points. Alana Beard finished with 17 points, and DeLisha Milton-Jones finished with 10 points for the Sparks.

Silver Stars Sophia Young finished with 23 points and 6 rebounds. Jia Perkins added 16 points, Becky Hammon finished with 15 points and 3 assist. Coming off the bench Danielle Adams scored 12 points and Shameka Christon finished with 11 points.

"I will never forget that. Today, it wasn't necessarily a shot, but it was going through my head as they made their run. This would be a historic comeback for them if they beat us and we had to go back to L.A. to play. It came down to a couple of possessions and we were able to capitalize," said Candace Parker on the team's execution.

Kristi Toliver talked about the Sparks shot selection down the stretch, "we got stops and we tried to win the battle of the boards and get out and run to get those easy possessions. We didn't want to settle for jump shots, we wanted to be aggressive and get good shots."

ChivasUSA tied up with the Whitecaps - by Nick Hamilton

CARSON, CA - ChivasUSA and the Vancover Whitecaps ended in a classic scoreless tie that saw goalie Joe Cannon made four spectacular saves.
This battle was a heavily contest fight between the two team where six yellow cards were handed out as a result by head official Juan Guzman.

After an extensive 10 day layoff since their last match, ChivasUSA  and the Whitecaps began the game very slow and lethargic. However both teams played exception defense that neutralized each other from scoring. The two team continued their physical play until the 30th minute where a serious injury took place. Whitecaps defender Martín Bonjour slid and tackled Chivas forward José Erik Correa which forced him on the ground for minutes.

In the 71st minute of play Bonjour received a yellow for an unnecessary foul on Paolo Cardozo, which allowed a free kick to take place at the right of the box. Chivas took advantage of the free kick as Juan Pablo Ángel blasted a kick that almost went past Cannon who experience trouble handling the ball, but was cleared out after the chaos ensued at the net. Cannon stepped up again as he made a spectacular save on Cordozo from the right side of the box.

The Whitecaps decided to captialize on their opportunity around the 78th minute when Bryan Robson attempted to cut a shot just wide of the net as the home crowd collectively held their breath on the shot attempt.
Chivas decided to create an opportunity near the 88th minute, James Riley passed a cross for Zemanski who blasted a shot just right of the goal.

Cannon would defend and save two more shots by Chivas that ended in a scoreless tie at Home Depot Center.


*Chivas USA made a move toward alleviating its depth problem in central defense Friday, acquiring the rights to Bobby Burling while waiving fellow defender Scott Gordon.

SuperClasico 3: Winner Takes All... -by Nick Hamilton

Carson, CA - Once again SuperClasico round three and in the absence of David Beckham, the L.A. Galaxy capitalized and dominated on offense to win the series against their arena rivals Chivas USA 4-0. Even the debut of Shalrie Joseph didn't charge Chivas USA's offense, as they struggled to get any kind of offensive rhythm going throughout the game.
After the pounding the Galaxy took at the hands of the Seattle Sounders, one could expect to the team to be short on confidence, and Chivas high on hope.

Galaxy  Robbie Keane tested the Chivas USA defense early in this match and in the 27th minute of play, Landon Donovan drew away goalie Dan Kennedy to clear an open space for Keane to score as the Galaxy took the lead 1-0.
Chivas USA Nick DeLaGarza attempted a goal that just cleared off the line. The Galaxy were again on the attack with Donovan leading the charge, found an open Juninho who scored just outside the box for the 2-0 Galaxy lead.

In the second half didn't proved to be any better for Chivas as they continued to struggle offensively and search for their rhythm. However the Galaxy continued  behind the leadership of mid fielder Donovan who set up Juninho again with a far post cross score that increased the Galaxy lead 3-0. Chivas goalie Dan Kennedy didn't have much offensive or defensive help on this night.

Fresh off of injury Omar Gonzales made his return in a big way in the 82nd minute scored on an assist from Donovan that put the game away for good.
The Galaxy went on to defeat ChivasUSA 4-0, and took two out of three matches in this SuperClasico event.

Despite a record low crowd turnout at Home Depot Center, Landon Donovan had a record setting night completing 4 assist.

Chivas USA Shalrie Joseph had a few spectacular plays in the game, but obviously still getting adjusted to the Chivas offense. Despite the score ChivasUSA goalie Dan Kennedy played his best game of the season, causing the Galaxy offense to alter their shot selection at various times.

Sparks sweep season series over Mercury

                                                           (Photo by Andrew Bernstein)

The Los Angeles Sparks have swept the season series with the Phoenix Mercury for the first time since 2003.
With alot on the line, not only would the Sparks increase their lead over San Antonio in the west, but also clinch a playoff berth.

In the second quarter Candace Parker played like the MVP we've seen majority of the season, as Marrissa Coleman missed a free throw, an aggressive Parker made a spectacular turn around jumper. Then managed to get a block on the other end of the basket, and scored a timely jumper to push the Sparks lead back to 18 points over the Mercury.
Just before the buzzer Parker hit a big three pointer that erupted the crowd right before halftime. The Sparks led 55-40, playing immaculate defense on the Mercury causing 13 turnovers in the first half. Phoenix' DeWanna Bonner who the Sparks really had no answer for scored 19 points in the first half.

The Sparks came out a little flat to begin the third quarter and Phoenix capitalize by going on a 7-0 run early, that pulled them to 60-53. The Sparks once again were the aggressor as the begin a 16-2 run capped off by an amazing 5 point performance by guard Alana Beard. Parker reached her 17th WNBA double-double by the end of the third quarter. Her double-double ties Tina Charles for most in a season this year.

The Sparks weren't done as they begin a 13-6 run lead by Parker and guard Kristi Toliver that began the fourth quarter. Parker knocked down a three pointer and Toliver knocked down a pair of three pointers that extended the lead 94-70. The Sparks held to for the 101-76 victory over the Phoenix Mercury.

Candace Parker finished with 26 points and 11 rebounds, Alana Beard finished with 22 points and 6 steals and Kristi Toliver added 17 points.

DeWanna Bonner finished with a monster game despite the loss scoring 23 points and 6 rebounds.
Mercury coach Corey Gaines said Candace Dupree is limited to three minutes per quarter in her return from knee surgery back on July 24. Dupree who started, finished with 6 points on 3-4 shooting. Coach Gaines also said he shut down Olympic guard Diana Taurasi for the rest of the season for unspecified reasons.

Sparks who are now 23-10 also secured second place in the Western Conference, have won nine straight at home and clinched a playoff spot.

"I don't think you can ever breathe easy in the playoffs. I think it's like a win-or-go home, especially with the playoff format. You can't have any real time to stumble. So it just puts the pressure on us to win that first game at home," said Candace Parker regarding the playoff picture.