Sparks vs. Shock Preview

The last time the Tulsa Shock came into Staples Center they almost shocked the Los Angeles Sparks by attempting to take a victory. With just five seconds left in regulation, guard Kristi Toliver pushed the ball down the floor and nailed the game winning three pointer.
This relentless team lead by MVP candidate Candace Parker, and Head Coach Carol Ross are determined to make sure they fight to the end.

The Shock ended a league record 15 game losing streak this past Sunday by defeating the Phoenix Mercury 87-75. Tulsa will attempt to set another two game winning streak at the hands of the Los Angeles Sparks who happen to be defeated at home (5-0). The Sparks are in second place in the Western Conference behind league best Minnesota Lynx.

The Sparks coming off a great home victory against an inferior Washington Mystics destroying them 101-70. Rookie Nneka Ogwumike lead all scorers with 24 points and 7 rebounds fresh from her return from her college graduation at Stanford, that caused her to miss the game against San Antonio. 

The Sparks must not commit turnovers against the Shock as they did in their prevent meeting with a record 28 turnovers,  along with not allowing second chance opportunities, if they expect to win.

Chargers amped for upcoming season - By Nick Hamilton

On a beautiful, warm sunny day at the Chargers facility, the team took the field in various offensive and defense drill across the field. Led by Takeo Spikes who looked much improved, along with the defense who was hard hitting, sharp, and ready to take on any team in the NFL right now. The secondary that includes Quinton Jammer who is coming off a bad season, looked improved, relaxed, and more confident in his abilities at corner. Jammer has alot of work ahead of him, however the determination to silence his critics and showcase to the Chargers and the rest of the NFL that he has what it takes to be a solid pillar at the corner position seemed to be his motivator. Only time will reveal exactly what Jammer has left in him.


Offensively, it was great to see Philip Rivers connect with new acquired former New Orleans Saints wide receiver Robert Meachem, who ran very crisp routes. From my vantage point, it appeared as though Meachem and Rivers had played for years. Even though he had a drop pass and ran a busted route, the afternoon was successful for him. Meachem described catching passes from quarterback Drew Brees and now from Philip Rivers, "they both take control of the huddle. Thye're both coaches on the field making sure everyone is lined up correctly, and they want perfection."

I also witness the great combo of Rivers airing it out to veteran wide receiver Antonio Gates who looked healthy and had a spring in his step on just about every play on the field. He caught some amazing passes from Rivers that made this reporter anticipate watching him this coming season even more. The Chargers also acquired from their division rival former Broncos speedy receiver Eddie Royal, who looked pretty good, yet is still adjusting to the system with his routes. On shorter routes Royal looked amazing, and with time this high football IQ receiver is going cause matchup problems for several defenses across the NFL.
It's all about timing and rhythm, and right now in OTA's is the opportunity to perfect that, according to Rivers which happens to be their focus. "I think it's going good, it's a constant build, you want to continue to progress everyday, and we've done that. The guys we've brought in here, in addition to the ones we already have, it's a great group." Rivers is a natural born leader, even on the sidelines, he can been seen observing, coaching, and when he didn't connect on the right plays, showed discuss at times when the played weren't executed correctly.

"We've got to win our division, and find a way to get in. History has proven it, if you get in you have a chance", Rivers speaking about the Chargers playoff goals.

A familiar face returned to the Charger roster as backup quarterback Charlie Whitehurst showcased some of his skills at the position. Whitehurst launched a 55 yard pass to wide receiver Richard Goodman, who finished the play with a spectacular one arm catch. Goodman displayed lots of breakaway speed, which if he continued to display that,  could prove to be a outstanding asset in the regular season. Rivers will have no shortage of weapons to throw to that also include former San Diego State WR Vincent Brown, and Malcolm Floyd. Rivers is still optimistic about his offensive line, who has a huge gap to fill with the loss of veteran guard Kris Dielman who retired last year due to a concussion he suffered last season. In addition to suffering a seizure on the team plane, that caused him to miss the rest of the season, Dielman decided to retire from the game of football to prevent risking any further head injuries.


The AFC West will not be easy to win this year, especially with teams like the Kansas City Chiefs, and the new revamped division champs from a year ago, the Denver Broncos and the addition of Peyton Manning, the Chargers have their work cut out for them. With a determined Philip Rivers leading the charge, not only will it be a dog fight, yet if the Chargers can remain healthy, and in sync with the offensive genius known as head coach Norv Turner, this Charger team can and will win their division. The offensive line has to keep Rivers protected and upright in order to win and make it to the playoffs this season. This team has time correct any mistakes, timing issues, and make adjustments before the regular season begins. It should be a very exciting year for the Chargers, the organization, and their faithful fans in San Diego and around the globe.

Rookie Gets Sparks Win Over Storm

 The Los Angeles Sparks have been treading on thin ice, since the last buzzer beater victory gift given by Kristi Toliver against the inferior Tulsa Shock. The hero this time was none other than the Rookie Of The Month and #1 draft pick Nneka Ogwumike.

The Sparks started off slow as the Player Of The Month Candace Parker had nine points that included a 3 pointer at the end of the 1st quarter that gave the Sparks the narrow 16-15 lead over the Seattle Storm. As Coach Carol Ross continued with nifty rotations in the second quarter, the Storm's Katie Smith was on fire, as she made her third 3 pointer in the quarter right before the half that gave the Storm the tight 34-32 lead.
The Sparks defense dwindled in the second quarter along with their intensity, and halftime adjustments had to be made especially with them being held to a dismal 34 percent shooting in the first half.

In the third quarter, as the Storm looked to improve upon their first half performance, Sparks' Nneka Ogwumike 's shot selection improved. Kristi Toliver was aggressive and converted at the foul line and created opportunities to score for herself along with getting her teammates involved more.

Still down by 6 points headed into the fourth quarter, the Sparks knew it was now or never, and who would end up being the unsung hero this time? Would be it be Toliver who skillfully made the game winning three pointer against Tulsa last Tuesday night or would someone else step up. Toliver continued to get the best of Seattle's Sue Bird both offensively and defensively.
The Storm had a 60-53 lead with four minutes remaining. The Sparks then went on a 10-0 run started by Ogwumike's amazing reverse layup. Parker scored inside off a great Toliver assist and also got one of her three blocks on the night in that run.

However Katie Smith who led Seattle with an impressive 19 points would not go away quietly, as she hit a three pointer with 35 seconds left to tie the game at 63.
Toliver would not be outdone as she aggressively went to the basket dropping in the left handed shot with about 12 seconds left that gave the Sparks the 65-63. Seattle's Camille Little responded with a rebound and putback shot to tie the game again at 65.

At this point the Seattle Storm had a foul to give but for some reason didn't utilize it.

Now of course the game winning plan is always drawn up for the team's superstar, just like it would be for Wade, Kobe, or Lebron, and this play was no different. The play called for Parker, however Alana Beard was unable to find her and Ogwumike got the ball. Ogwumike took the ball left strongly over the towering Ann Wauters for the game winner as the Sparks defeated the Storm 67-65. Ogwumike was mobbed by her teammates in celebration on the court.

Nneka Ogwumike talked about her game winning shot, "I was very concerned about the outcome. But in that kind of moment, dimensions, the geometrics of everything really kind of fall into place and it's about getting the ball and doing it." Ogwumike finished with a quiet night 10 points, on 3 of 9 shooting, but the last shot was heard loudly around Staples Center and will be remembered by the Seattle Storm.

Kristi Toliver finished with 23 points, 7 assist, and Candace Parker had another double-double with 16 points, 13 rebounds, and 3 blocks.

The game winner was more painful for Seattle than forgetting about the foul to give.

A disappointed Storm team dropped to 1-4 on the season, and the loss gave the Sparks the tie breaker in the season series.

Tina Thompson spoke about the heart breaking loss, "Losses are tough, period, but especially the ones that are last second. It stings a little bit because you think about the opportunities that we had to change the outcome."

Seattle Head Coach Brian Agler spoke about the game winning shot, "Nneka hit a hell of a shot. Ann [Wauters] was right on her. She sort of shot it around Ann's arm."

The Sparks are a best 5-1 on the season, and even though they have a great 1-2 combo in Toliver and Parker, one can not forget about the power and tenacity of rookie Nneka Ogwumike. She's a huge reason why the Sparks are 5-1.

I also had an opportunity to speak with injured guard Sharnee Zoll, who is out with an ACL injury. She is scheduled to have surgery on Monday and begin her rehab assignment just 1 week after. According to doctors, her knee rehab will take anywhere from 4-6 months.
"Just taking it day by day, I have a great support system. I have God in my life. I'm told I'll start running after 4 months and basketball about 6 months, so I'm very hopeful."

After this victory the Los Angeles Sparks prepare to take on the Phoenix Mercury on Friday night at Staples Center.