Thursday Game of The Week Narbonne Beats Palos Verdes 41-0

Story by L.T.Willis

Narbonne's #3 Troy Williams. Photo by Eric
Wade/T.G.Sports.

Los Angeles City Champions Narbonne last year was in a dog fight with Palos Verdes, and barely squeak out a victory 34-32. What a difference a year makes as Narbonne defeated Palos Verdes 41-0 behind solid defense and the running game of the Gauchos. Narbonne's quarterback Troy Williams first pass of the game was picked off, but Palos Verdes couldn't take advantage of the scoring opportunity.

Narbonne's #5 Tony Gates had a big night against Palos
Verdes. Photo by Eric Wade/T.G.Sports.

The Gauchos Tony Gates scored the first points of the game in the first quarter to give Narbonne a 7-0 lead. Narbonne's offense didn't really get started too roll until the third quarter when Tony Gates scored his second touchdown from 15 yards out after flipping over two Palos Verdes defenders to score, and now the Gauchos led 21-0. Palos Verdes offense just couldn't get any type of offense going.

Palos Verdes # 5 Bryan Scott  had a off night against
Narbonne. Photo by Eric Wade/T.G.Sports.

Narbonne's running game was clicking and scored again late in the third quarter when Jonell Jackson two yard touchdown gave the Gauchos a 28-0 lead with 5:36 left in the third quarter. Palos Verdes quarterback Bryan Scott was 8 for 19 on the night with just 95 yards passing, as the the Gauchos defense didn't allow the running or passing game for Palos Verdes  any momentum during the game.

Narbonne's #6 Johnell Jackson scored from two yards
out and now the Gauchos led 28-0. Photo by Eric Wade/
T.G.Sports.

The big question was answer for Narbonne was now that Trey Boone is gone what kind of running game would the Gauchos have? That question was answer all night when the Gauchos full back Larry Seuga  was running hard, and was hard to bring down scored  in the middle of the fourth quarter. The final score for Narbonne came with 2:22 left in the game when Troy Williams gave Jon'tae Roberson a shovel pass and scored from six yards out.

Several Palos Verdes defenders had to gang tackle to bring
down Narbonne's fullback # 35 Larry Seuga. Photo by Eric
Wade/T.G.Sports.

Narbonne  defeated Palos Verdes 41-0 and some other questions were  answer for the Gauchos. How good would the defense be this year? What would the running game be like this year? Does Troy Williams have to have great numbers on the night for them to win? Those questions was answer tonight as Troy Williams was 18 for 25 passing  with 224 yards, two touchdowns and one interception. Tony Gates had 14 carries for 158 yards and two touchdowns, and the defense had a shut out. You can go to our website at www.tgsportstv.com for more photos. Click on H.S. Gallery and scroll down to Narbonne @ Palos Verdes. All photos are by Eric Wade/T.G. Sports and EW Gems Images.

How Good Really Are the Los Angeles Sparks?

Story by L.T. Willis

The Sparks' #3 Candace Parker post moved in the paint
against two New York Liberty players. Photo by Eric
Wade/T.G.Sports.

Candace Parker have shown signs of fatigue setting in the last several games she played, which is understandable after playing in the Olympics. Her numbers are down, yet the Los Angeles Sparks (19-6) after defeating the New York Liberty (9-14) 87-62 are winning games by big margins. You must credit coach Ross and her coaching staff for doing a fine job of keeping the players mentally sharp after the long break from the Olympics.

The Sparks' #20 Kristi Toliver  is having a great
season averaging 21 points per game. Photo by
Eric Wade/T.G.Sports.

Others players on the team including starters Kristi Toliver who has been shooting the lights out, DeLisha Milton-Jones shooting the ball well,  rookie sensation Nneka Ogwumike still energizing her team mates with her hustle play and rebounding, and Alana Beard playing with great confidence, The Sparks are the hottest team in the league.With Ebony Hoffman and Nicky Anosike coming back from injuries along with Jantel Lavender have giving them the big bodies needed to give Candace Parker more rest.

The Sparks' #0 Alana Beard is one of the main reason why they
are doing so well this season. Photo by Eric Wade/
T.G.Sports.

Even though the Sparks led at halftime 45-38 they were having problems with New York. If not for the shooting of Kristi Toliver 12 points, DeLisha Milton-Jones 10 points, and Nneka Ogwumike 9 points, and the Sparks defense not clicking just yet the score could have easily favor The Liberty at the half. Plenette Pierson  10 points 6 rebounds, Cappie Pondexter 9 points and playing enough defense just to keep them in the game.  Candace Parker had only 2 points in the first half and shot 1 for 8 from the floor.

The New York Liberty's players taking a timeout
on how they can slow down the Sparks' offense
Photo by Eric Wade/T.G.Sports.

The major factor for the Sparks going in the third quarter is that the had only 4 turnovers while the New York turn the ball over 16 times which lead to 16 points for the Sparks. Candace Parker seem to have gotten into a better rhythm as she scored 12 points with 5 rebounds, Kristi Toliver 12 points, DeLisha Milton-Jones 12 points and Nneka Ogwumike 10 points the Sparks lead at the end of the third quarter was  by 11 points 65-57. New York's Plenette Pierson 16 points, Cappie Pondexter 15 points was just not enough to keep them in the game.

The Sparks' #30 Nneka Ogwumike is a very
physical player and a great rebounder.
Photo by Eric Wade/T.G.Sports.

The fourth quarter wasn't any better  for New York as the Sparks' bench players Jantel Lavender 6 points, Ebony Hoffman, Marissa Coleman 4 points played great minutes and gave the other starters rest as the Sparks begin to pull away from New York. The Los Angeles Sparks defeated The New York Liberty by 25 points 87-25. Kristi Toliver finish the night with 26 points, Candace Parker and DeLisha Milton-Jones  both had 12 points, Nneka Ogwumike 10 points 7 rebounds 5 assist and Alana Beard 9 points.

The Sparks' #16 Ebony Hoffman  will give them
more scoring and size off the bench. Photo by
Eric Wade/T.G.Sports.

If the Sparks are beating teams badly, and Candace Parker is not yet back in rare form, we can only imagine what the outcome of some of the games they played after the Olympic break what the scores could have been. Jenna O'Hea is back with the team will give the Sparks another shooter that teams will have to worry about if she can find her shooting rhythm with her new team mates, and just in time for a  big road trip. All photos are by Eric Wade/T.G.Sports and EW Gems Images.

Great Ball Movement Key to Sparks Victory Over San Antonio 101-77

Story by L.T.Willis

The Los Angeles Sparks played physical against the
San Antonio Silver Stars. Photo by Eric Wade/
T.G.Sports.

The Los Angeles Sparks are now (18-6) with a impressive victory over a team to seem to have their number this year the San Antonio Silver Stars (16-6) 101-77.What was impressive was the ball movement from the Sparks players and the defensive pressure that the team showed on the floor, creating easy shots with the extra pass had the fans buzzing all night. If you would have told me that the Sparks would beat San Antonio by 34 points and Candace Parker scored only 6 points and 10 rebounds, i would have look at you like yeah right.

The Sparks' #30 Nneka Ogwumike challenges a
shot by  San Antonio's # 25 Becky Hammon.
Photo by Eric Wade/T.G.Sports.

The Sparks on the night didn't look like a team that had to prove a point, they sent a message not only to the San Antonio Silver Stars, but to the WNBA League that the Sparks are not a one or two star team. This team has 9 new faces on it's roster and and new head coach in Carol Ross who have stamp defense in her players mind, and it is paying off in victories for the Sparks.

The Sparks' #0 Alana Beard steals the ball from San Antonio's
#50 Tangela Smith. Photo by Eric Wade/T.G.Sports.

In the first half the Sparks defense kept in check San Antonio's Sophia Young with 6 points, Danielle Robinson had 12 points and Sophia Young only 6 points allowing them to have a 59-35 lead at half time. The Sparks' Alana Beard 6 for 8 shooting and Kristi Toliver 5 for 8 shooting both had 16 points at the half, while DeLisha Milton-Jones scored 8 points, Nneka Ogwumike and Jantel Lavender both had 6 points also.

The Sparks' #16 Ebony Hoffman and the
other forwards on the team held  San
Antonio's #33 Sophia Young to 9
points for the game. Photo by
Eric Wade/T.G.Sports.

The Sparks ball movement was so great in the first half they made 60% of their shots, 77.8% from three point range and 90.9% from the free throw line and only committed 6 turnovers. You could see on the Sparks' player faces not only were they beating a very good team, but they were having fun on the court as well. Coach Ross and her coaching staff would not let them lose focus because of the big lead they had at half time.

The Sparks' #3 Candace Parker scored 6 points , 10
rebounds and 6 assist. Photo by Eric Wade/
T.G.Sports.

The third quarter wasn't no better for San Antonio as the Sparks' defense was swarming all over the floor never gaving them a  chance to get any kind of offense establish during the game. The Sparks' Kristi Toliver was in a zone had 29 points with 10 for 14 shooting , and it didn't matter who was guarding her the shot was going down. The San Antonio Silver Stars had no answer on defense to slow down the offensive frenzy that the Sparks were in. At the end of the third Candace Parker had only 6 points. The Sparks ended the third quarter with a 87-58 lead.

The Sparks' #20 Kristi Toliver scored 29
points shooting 10 for 14 for the game.
Photo by Eric Wade/T.G.Sports.

The Los Angeles Sparks defeated San Antonio 101-77 with  a great team effort from everybody who played tonight. If the Sparks can play like they did tonight, or come close too it every night and take care of the ball, they will be a hard team to beat in the WNBA. San Antonio's Daniella Robinson led her team in scoring with 22 points, Shenise Johnson 15 points, Danielle Adams 10 points and Becky Hammon was held to just 5 points with 2 for 10 shooting for the game.

The Sparks' #0 Alana Beard had a great
night scoring 21 points shooting 8 for 12
from the floor. Photo by Eric Wade/
T.G.Sports.

The Sparks' # 16 Ebony Hoffman
had a good night off the bench
scored 9 points. Photo by Eric
Wade/T.G.Sports.

The Sparks' Kristi Toliver finish the night with 29 points, Alana Beard 21 points, DeLisha Milton-Jones 14 points, Ebony Hoffman off the bench was getting back her to her shooting form had 9 points shooting 4 for 6 from the floor and Jantel Lavender 8 points shooting 4 for 6 from the floor to give a strong performance off the bench also. All photos are by Eric Wade/T.G.Sports and EW Gems Images.

The Sparks Balance Attack Defeats Indiana

Story by L.T.Willis

The Los Angeles Sparks hosting The Indiana Fever. Photo
by Eric Wade/T.G.Sports.

The Los Angeles Sparks (17-6) were back at home and continue where they left off at the half way mark before the Olympic break by defeating the Indiana Fever (12-8) 79-69 at The Staple Center. One of the hottest teams in the WNBA and still on the tail of the San Antonio Silver Stars use a balance attack on offense and continue to let their defense set the tempo for the game. The Sparks must still must do a better job on getting the turnovers down and rebounding.

The Sparks' #30 Nneka Ogwumike going strong to
rim against Indy's #45 Sasha Goodlett. Photo
by Eric Wade/T.G.Sports.

The Sparks' #0 Alana Beard playing
great defense against Indy's
#23 Katie Douglas. Photo
by Eric Wade/T,G.Sports.

The Sparks' starters Kristi Toliver, Alana Beard, Candace Parker, DeLisha Milton-Jones and Nneka Ogwumike all scored double figures and shot the ball well on the night, and from the free throw line to keep Indiana from making any type of run. Candace Parker who played on the USA Women's Gold Basketball Team was still showing why she is the WNBA best players as she was out and running and in attack mode.

The Sparks' #20 Kristi Toliver continues to show that she is one of the best
shooters in the league. Photo by Eric Wade/T.G Sports.

The Sparks didn't start pulling away from the Indiana till the second quarter had a 41-28 lead behind the hot shooting of Kristi Toliver with 10 points, Alana Beard 8 points and Nneka Ogwumike 8 points. Indiana's Katie Douglas with 9 points was doing all she could too try to keep Indiana in the game. The Sparks 'free shooting in the first half was 85.7% , while making 57.7% of the shots from the floor was the difference.

The Sparks' #3 Candace Parker had a good night against
Indiana with 15 points and 8 rebounds. Photo by
Eric Wade/T.G. Sports.

The Indiana Fever in third quarter turn up the pressure on defense and was forcing the Sparks to turn the ball over, and at the end of the third quarter trailed 62-55 with Katie Douglas 20 points, Tamika Catchings and Shavonte Zellous both with 8 points, and off the bench Eriana Larkins 7 points and Erin Philips 5 points help keep them in the game. Candace Parker was having a quiet night as she had 8 points and 6 rebounds to close out the third quarter and Kristi Toliver had 16 points.

The Sparks' #30 Nneka Ogumike, #25 Marissa Coleman and
# 8 DeLisha Milton-Jones going after a rebound. Photo by
Eric Wade/T.G.Sports.

The Sparks defense forced Indiana into taking bad shots, while The Sparks players were making their shots and  free throws down the stretch, help secure a victory over the Indiana Fever 79-69. Indiana's Katie Douglas finish the game with 22 points 7 rebounds, Tamika Catching 16 points and Shavonte Zellous finish with 10 points. The Sparks' Kristi Toliver finish the night with 21 points, Candace Parker 15 points 8 rebounds, Nneka Ogwumike 12 points 10 rebounds, Alana Beard 10 points 5 assist and DeLisha Milton- Jones 8 points . All photos are by Eric Wade/T.G.Sports and EW Gems Images.

12th Annual Harold Pump Foundation Gala

Story by L.T.Willis  

Joe Namath. Photo by
Eric Wade/T.G.Sports.

Sandy Koufax. Photo by
Eric Wade/T.G.Sports.

Julius Erving & Wife.
Photo by Eric Wade/
T.G.Sports.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          

                                                                                                                                                                                                 

Some of the greatest sports figures in professional sports were being honor at The 12th annual Harold Pump Foundation Gala at the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza Hotel on the Avenue of Stars in Los Angeles. Sandy Koufax, Julius Erving and Joe Namath were the guest of honor as some of the biggest names in sports and entertainment came out to this amazing event, raising funds too fight cancer. 1972 Hall of Famer Sandy Koufax was one of the best pitchers the Los Angeles Dodgers ever had, while Julius "Dr. J" Erving help lead the Philadelphia 76'ers to a NBA Title in the 1983. Joe " Broadway" Namath told the world that the New York Jets were going to beat the Baltimore Colts in Super Bowl III in 1969. Joe Namath was inducted into The Hall of Fame in 1985 and Julius Erving in 1993.

Former NBA player John Salley was the Master of Ceremonies
for the 12th Annual Harold Pump Foundation Gala. Photo by
Eric Wade/T.G.Sports.

Each year The Harold Pump Foundation assembles some of the biggest names in sports and entertainment as this year mega guest list James Lofton, Warren Moon, Steve Garvey, Dave Winfield, Jerome Bettis, Actors Billy Bob Thornton and Anthony Anderson, Eric Karros, Barry Bonds, Jalen Rose, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Marshal Faulk, Kenny Smith, Isiah Thomas and Eric Dickerson, Reggie Jackson, and Gale Sayers just to mane a few.

Barry Bond & Marquis Johnson. Photo
by Eric Wade/T.G.Sports

Actor Billy Bob Thornton. Photo by
Eric Wade/T.G. Sports.

Former NBA superstar of The Los Angeles Lakers Kareem Abdul-Jabbar who you rarely see in public was in attendance and having a big smile on his face paying tribute to another NBA superstar who was being honor tonight Julius Erving, as well as Sandy Koufax and Joe Namath. Honoring these great men who are the ambassadors for their sports have earn the rights to be name some of the greatest players that ever played their sports.

Former Los Angeles Lakers' Kareem
Abdul-Jabbar. Photo by Eric Wade/
T.G.Sports.

2 Time NBA Champ from the Detroit
Pistons Isiah Thomas. Photo by
Eric Wade/T.G.Sports.

Actor Anthony Anderson. Photo by
Eric Wade/ T.G.Sports.

All these big names assemble under one roof having a great time raising money for cancer, being humble in the spot light sharing short stories with the media, giving great interviews, and showing that even mega sports and entertainment superstars do have a great sense of humor and that they are down to earth people who enjoy sharing a few laughs among other superstars and having fun with the media.

Steve Garvey. Photo by
Eric Wade/T.G.Sports.

Super Bowl XL Champ Jerome Bettis from the Pittsburgh
Steelers. Photo by Eric Wade/T.G.Sports.

Now what would the 12th Annual Harold Pump Foundation Gala be without having another football Super Bowl Champion in attendance than Super Bowl XL Champion Jerome Bettis from The Pittsburgh Steelers, and a former Los Angeles Dodgers Steve Garvey. This event in this writer's mind is The Hall of Fame of Charitable Events, and year after year bring out the biggest names in sports and entertainment.

                                                                   

Former Los Angeles Dodgers Manager
Joe Torre. Photo by Eric Wade/
T.G.Sports.

Baseball 2001 Hall of Famer Dave Winfield
Photo by Eric Wade/T.G.Sports.

This event would not be possible if not for the Harold Pump Foundation, CMPR Crimson Marketing and Public Relations. Special thanks to Michael Semanoff, Chris Stolle and John Swidzinski and the rest of the CMPR Team for each year making this a first class event. All Photos are by Eric Wade/T.G.Sports and EW Gems Images. There are more photos from the this event at T.G.Sports website www.tgsportstv.com, click on photo gallery and scroll down to the 2012 Harold Pump Gala