Lakewood Beats Long Beach Jordan 47-12

Story by L.T.Willis

Lakewood is now 4-1 in the Moore League after beating  Long Beach Jordan 47-12.

Photo by William Johnson/T.G.Sports.

The Lakewood Lancer offense finally had some pep in it's step after only scoring nineteen points in it's last two games, came away with a Moore League victory over Long Beach Jordan 47-12. Lakewood's quarterback Chris Bell had a good night throwing the football on the night, as he completed 14 of 20 passes for 295 yards and two touchdowns to help sparks the Lancer's offense. Lakewood had a balance attack as they scored in the air, and on the ground against the Panthers.

Lakewood's #3 Kendal Rodgers carried the ball 14 times for 84 yards
and 2 touchdowns. Photo by William Johnson/T.G.Sports.

Kendal Rodgers led the ground attack rushing for 84 yards on 14 carries and 2 touchdowns. The other backs who contribute to the scoring was Shane Sprewell who carried the ball 8 times for 79 yards and 1 touchdown, and Robert Bundette carried the ball 8 times for 51 yards and 1 touch down. The defense for the Long Beach Jordan did all it could to keep them in the game, but the Lancers just had too much fire power on the night.

Long Beach Jordan's #22 Marquise Mcguire tackle by Lakewood's
#9 Anthony Davis. Photo by William Johnson/T.G.Sports.

Chris Bell two touch downs on the night came on a fourteen yard touch down pass to Daren Gardenhire and a eighty yard touch down pass to X'avier Shepard who was wide open to go along with the ground attack against the Panthers. The victory for Lakewood at least for the moment puts them in second place in the Moore League, and Long Beach Jordan now 1-3 have a slim chance of making the playoffs. The defense for Lakewood was huge for them as they force the Panthers to commit three turnovers.

Lakewood's #22 Shane Sprewell scored one touchdown on the night. Photo by
William Johnson/T.G.Sports.

Lakewood's Daren Gardenhire had two interceptions and Anthony Davis had one. The only bright side for the Panthers came from special teams as Josh Ross had back to back kick off returns in the fourth quarter, but the most spectacular was the one he return for 92 yards was their only two scores.. Lancers head coach Vince Lobendhn said," it was good for us to come out the gate to get things going on offense, as well as our special teams had a good night, and our defense was good  also. For more photos from this game you can go to our website at www.tgsportstv.com, click on the Prep/JC tab and scroll down to Lakewood @ Long Beach Jordan. All photos are by William Johnson/T.G.Sports.

"Reflection" The Sparks 2012 Season

Story by L.T.Willis

The Los Angeles Sparks' CEO Paula Williams Madison
Photo by Eric Wade/T.G.Sports.

Now that time has gone by and i have had time to gather my thoughts, now that the Sparks' season now is over after a one point loss in Game 2 of the Western Conference Finals against the Minnesota Lynx at The Staple Center. It's time for me to share my thoughts about the 2012 Sparks' season as i do after every season. It started for us months ago after last season when Sparks' President  Mike Levy took time to have a one on one interview with Eric Wade and myself about up coming 2012 season. Mike Levy is one of the nicest guys who you will every meet, and the respect that we have for him and the Sparks' organization, there were questions that were ask  and answer that didn't put anyone on the spot.

Los Angeles Sparks' president Mike Levy talking with fans at the 2012 Sparks'
Draft Party. Photo by Eric Wade/T.G.Sports.

 The one thing about being in the media, where there has been a trust that has been establish, and is base upon honor and integrity, that we have with the Sparks' organization and their players, the interview that Eric and myself had with Mike Levy, as always was a lots of fun, knowing that we have a true passion for sports and to give the Sparks the best coverage that can be giving. Reflection is about  the 2012 Sparks season, and all the positive things that has happen this season, watching a team growing up right in front of your eyes, talking with coach Ross and listening to words that come out of her mouth, the passion she has for coaching, and the direction she wants to take the Sparks. From training camp to the Sparks' Draft Party, from Lisa Leslie being a investor and team consultant, there were plenty of good things to reflect on.

The Los Angeles Sparks drafted forward Nneka Ogwumike from Stanford. Photo
by Eric Wade/ T.G.Sports.

The season started off at the 2012 Sparks' Draft Party when general manager Penny Toler selected forward Nneka Ogwumike from Stanford. T.G.Sports have follow this young lady for the last four years including watching her play in the Pac 12 Womens' Basketball Tournament the last two years, had everyone buzzing about the up coming season. The Sparks this year having Nneka Ogwumike as a starter help improve the the Sparks' roster in the front court, and gave Candace Parker plenty of help on the defensive side of the court, and rebounding this season average 14 points and 7 rebounds and won the WNBA Rookie of The Year Award.. The Sparks address another concern at the guard position by picking up Alana Beard, a eight year veteran out of Duke who had a major impact on this team.

Alana Beard average 11.4 points and 3
assist per game. Photo by Eric Wade/
T.G.Sports.

Kristi Toliver average 17.5 points
and 5 assist per game. Photo by
Eric Wade/T.G.Sports.

Alana Beard moving to the point guard position who average 11.4 points and 3.3 assist allow Kristi Toliver to really shine at the shooting guard position averaging 17.5 points and 5 assist per game, helped her win the Most Improve Player of The Year Award, and was one of the best back court tandem in the WNBA, and was one of the main reason why the Sparks offense really improve this season. Because they both can hit the jump shots, it help open the lanes for Candace Parker and Nneka Ogwumike to slash to the basket, and gave DeLisha-Milton Jones more open looks by spreading the floor with great ball movement, teams just couldn't sit in a zone anymore. Now the biggest questions of the year was will Candace Parker be healthy for the whole season, and what kind of team would the Sparks be this year.

Los Angeles Sparks' #3 Candace Parker was amazing in the regular
season averaging 17.4 points and 9.7 rebounds, but was spectacular
in the post season averaging 28.8 points and 11 rebounds per game.
Photo by Eric Wade/ T.G.Sports.

Candace Parker and her team mates were very happy this season that she was healthy at the end of the season, and she would be the major factor for them too go far in the playoffs. Candace Parker were just shy of a few points from becoming the league MVP. The one thing that stay on my mind was what kind of shape would she be in after the Olympic break. The reason being playing in the Olympics was like playing two seasons back to back, and keep in mind this being her first full seasons in years, would the wear and tear catch up with her, what kind of mind set would she be in after coming back. You could tell when Candace got back that the snap crackle was back, but the pop hadn't arrive just yet. 

Los Angeles Sparks first year head coach Carol Ross and her
coaching staff guided the team to one of their best season with
a record of 24-10. Photo by Eric Wade/T.G.Sports.

When the pop return in Candace Parker, she finish the regular season averaging 17.4 points and 9.7 rebounds per game, but was on a mission in the post season averaging a whopping 28.8 and 11 rebounds, and in Game 2 of the Western Conference Finals her numbers were 33 points and 15 rebounds in a heart breaking one point lost to the Minnesota Lynx 80-79. The second question was what kind of team would the Sparks be this year with a new coach Carol Ross at the helm, and a roster of new players that have never played together.This team had Carol Ross stamped on them by the way they played defense this season, which helped them to the record they had 24-10, one of the best records in team franchise history.

The 2012 Los Angeles Sparks. Photo by Eric Wade/T.G.Sports.

What Carol Ross did in her first season is she went back to basics, that you win games by playing defense. She has been a straight shooter from day one, and has turn a franchise around in one season with brand new players and a new system. The players are a close group of young ladies, and it was really express at the Sparks Media Day. After media day the team help celebrate Alana Beard's birthday with a cake an laughter, in which i might add was real good. You could see the how they were bonding as a team. This team has nothing to be a shame of this season. Yes you want to win the championship, but there is one thing that CEO Paula Williams Madison can't do, General Manager Penny Toler can't do or coach Carol Ross can't do, and that's play the game for you. The little small things between losing and winning, playing smart in the final minutes of the games.

2012 WNBA Rookie of The Year Nneka
Ogwumike. Photo by Eric Wade/
T.G.Sports.

2012 WNBA Most Improve Player of The Year
Kristi Toliver. Photo by Eric Wade/T.G.Sports.

                                                     

       

What the Sparks did this season was showed their fans that they are just a game or two away from being in the WNBA Finals. This team battle back in Game 1 of the Western Conference Semi Finals down by ten points against the San Antonio Silver Star, with Candace Parker sitting on the bench for most of the third quarter. Coach Ross doesn't bench players just to sit them down, she is helping them learn and understand how to become champions. Basketball is mental, and will always be mental. The one point loss to Minnesota was the best thing that could have happen to this young team, they have taste what it feels like to be in the heat of battle in the playoffs.They will have to lick their wounds this off season, and learn from this as a team,  and get ready to strap up those sneakers and get back into the heat of the playoffs again, You are asking players who have been in the WNBA, some with three to four years experience to lead them to the finals, a group of players who have never played together before till this season, give them time and this team will get there.

2012 WNBA Coach of The Year Carol Ross. Photo by
Eric Wade/T.G.Sports.

The championships are coming. just allow this team time to grow. Let them have the off season to do some soul searching and challenge themselves to come back next season to be on a mission. With just a little more production from the bench,  this team is good enough to make it to the finals once they really understand how important playing smart and paying attention to small details makes players become champions. Coach Ross and her staff have done a wonderful job this year and hard work has paid off. To produce a Rookie of The Year in Nneka Ogwumike, have The Most Improve Player of The Year in Kristi Toliver and have Carol Ross as The Coach Of The Year in one season, what a heck of a season.

Los Angeles Sparks' #3 Candace Parker and Minnesota Lynx's #23 Maya Moore
are superstars in the WNBA. Photo by Eric Wade/T.G.Sports.

Game 2 of the Western Finals between the Los Angeles Sparks and the Minnesota Lynx on national television was the best thing that could have happen for the league. A one point victory for Minnesota over Los Angeles has set the stage for more great battles between Candace Parker and Maya Moore, should be a great marketing tool to get more cable or television exposure for the WNBA. The league should look into changing the format from the best of 2 out of 3, to the best 3 out of 5 for Semi Finals would do wonders for the league and giving fans a better connection with the WNBA. From Eric Wade, Nick Hamilton and myself  we would like to thank  The Los Angeles Sparks for allowing T.G.Sports to be part of the Sparks' family this season.

Game 2 Western Conference Finals Minnesota and Sparks A Battle Royal

Story by L.T.Willis

Los Angeles Sparks' #3 Candace Parker and Minnesota Lynx's # 23 Maya Moore
Game 2 of The Western Conference Finals. Photo by Eric Wade/T.G.Sports.

Game 2 of The Western Conference Finals will go down as one of the greatest games in WNBA Western Conference Finals history between the Los Angeles Sparks and The Minnesota Lynx played at The Staple Center. In front of a national televise game on Sunday, what was witness by every fan in attendance, two mega stars Candace Parker and Maya Moore gave them their money worth. The WNBA should be jumping for joy too have such a great game on national TV and watch the Minnesota Lynx defeat the Los Angeles Sparks 80-79 in Game of The Western Conference Finals go down to the wire. This game gave fans a chance to see what was in store for the future of the league, and what Larry Bird and Magic Johnson did for the NBA, Candace Parker and Maya Moore have now done for the WNBA on this Sunday afternoon, should take the league to the next level.

Minnesota Lynx's #13 Lindsey Whalen drives to the basket against Los Angeles
Sparks' #30 Nneka Ogwumike. Photo by Eric Wade/T.G.Sports.

Before the game started Coach Ross was awarded the Coach of The Year Award and Nneka Ogwumike was awarded The Rookie of The Year Award. The biggest question for the Sparks is what kind of energy would they bring to Game 2 of the Western Conference Finals. That question was answer with Candace Parker coming out the gate blazing in the first  quarter shot 3 for 3 from the floor for six points and three rebounds and Kristi Toliver 2 of 5 for four points. Minnesota's Lindsey Whalen lead the way with seven points, Maya Moore five points, while Rebekkah Brunson four points and five rebounds, Taj McWilliams-Franklin and Seimone Augustus both had four points gave the Lynx a eight point lead 25-17 at the end of the first quarter.

Los Angeles Sparks' #3 Candace Parker scored 18 points
and 10 rebounds in the first half. Photo by Eric Wade/
T.G.Sports.

In the second quarter Minnesota was leading by twelve points and Candace Parker had seen enough. She began to go to work on every shot you could think off, baby hook, jump shot, fade away, put backs and attacking the rim, with some great team defense, and help from Alana Beard and Kristi Toliver help the Sparks get back in the game, and helped the Sparks over come getting blown out and at half time trailed 40-39. You have to credit Candace Parker who had 18 points and 10 rebounds and her team mates  for battling Minnesota  on the boards, had a 19 to 12 advantage rebounding, was the key for Sparks to come from behind, while Maya Moore was just 2 for 8 from the floor with 8 points.

The Sparks' defense clamped down on the Minnesota to help
them get back in the game. Photo by Eric Wade/T.G Sports.

The Sparks defense came to life and started a 17-0 run, and really got into Maya Moore face with Alana Beard and DeLisha-Milton Jones and slowed down Seimone Augustus, and  got a break when Rebekkah Brunson went out due to foul trouble, allow the Sparks too push their lead to thirteen points in the third quarter. Lindsay Whalen was just 5 for 11 from the floor,  yet still had 13 points to help the Lynx stay in the game. Candace Parker's 26 points, 13 rebounds and 4 assist was just too much for Minnesota  along with Alana Beard 15 points and Kristi Toliver 14 points led 65-57 at the end of the third quarter.

The Minnesota Lynx  takes a time out to regroup before they go back on the court.
Photo by Eric Wade/T.G.Sports.

During a time out Minnesota's coach Cheryl Reeve told her players that ten points is nothing, but we have to take care of the ball because now ever possession is important and we have to defend much better. The Sparks fans were going crazy cheering their team on with a ten point lead,  saw why the Minnesota Lynx are the defending WNBA Champions. Seimone Augustus started the come back with a fourteen feet jump shot and a four feet jumper along with two three pointers from Maya Moore with they trailed 70-69 with 7:08 left into the fourth quarter.

Minnesota's Maya Moore hit two 3-pointers in the fourth quarter to help her team
rally back and be down 70-69. Photo by Eric Wade/T.G.Sports.

With about two minutes left in the game the Sparks were trailing Minnesota 77-76 and it was nervous time at The Staple Center as they saw two great teams go down to the wire. Candace Parker came down the court and nailed a three point shot with 1:25 to give them a 79-77 lead and a timeout called by Minnesota. In the time out Sparks head coach Carol Ross told her players no fouls and don't give up the three. Somehow the Sparks defenders lost sight of Monica Wright right in front of their own bench hit a three pointer with 1:14 left to give Minnesota a 80-79.

Minnesota'#22 Monica Wright hit the game winning 3- point
shot to beat the Sparks 80-79 in Game 2 of the Western
Conference Finals. Photo by Eric Wade/T.G.Sports.

The Sparks had one more chance left in the game with about six seconds after a time out. Alana Beard had the ball and her jumper hit the rim and Minnesota defeated the Sparks 80-70 to advance for a second time straight to the WNBA Finals. Candace Parker finish with 33 points, 15 rebounds,5 assist and 4 block shots, Kristi  Toliver 16 points and Alana Beard 15 points and 7 assist. Minnesota's Seimone Augustus had 21 points, Maya Moore 20 points and Lindsay Whalen 17 points. The Sparks out rebounded Minnesota 39-23 for the game, but miss shots in the closing minutes prove to be too costly for them to over come, and a one point loss in Game 2 of the Western Conference Finals.

The Los Angeles Sparks have nothing to be a shame of. This team has new players playing together for the first time ever, under a brand new coach Carol Ross and her coaching staff, with a new offensive system to learn, and you go toe to toe with the defending champs, you better lace up those shoe strings and get ready for next season. I can't wait till next season. What the Sparks players will  learn from this game is a valuable lesson, for you to become a champion you must think and play smart like  a champion, and with this lost they will grow up and learn how to become champion. For more photos of this game go to www.tgsportstv.com, click on photo gallery 2 and go to Minnesota @ L.A. Sparks. All photo are by Eric Wade/ T.G.Sports and EW Gems Images.

Chaminade Second Half Surge Beats Serra 28-20

Story by L.T.Willis

Chaminade fans had plenty to cheer about as they came from behind to beat Serra
28-20. Photo by Eric Wade/T.G.Sports.

Serra had just came off a bye, and a  week after losing to Narbonne 22-9, and now a team  figure too be one of the best teams in the southern section, has drop two games in a row. Serra's quarterback Jalen Green has been making bad decisions with the football and it cost them a defeat to Chaminade 28-20 in a Mission League opener. Serra had 13-7 lead in the first half by to two field goals of 28 and 38 yards from Sifi Maama and sixty one yard touchdown run by Malik Roberson. Chaminade scored in the first quarter after  Donovan Lee intercepted Jalen Green and on the next play Terrell Newby scored from one yards out.

Serra's #20 Malik Roberson scores on a 61 yard touchdown run
 against Chaminade. Photo by Eric Wade/T.G.Sports.

Serra  push the lead to 20-7 after a touchdown run by Jalen Green to give them a little bit more breathing room. What Serra didn't expect was Chaminade too just lay down. Chaminade defense clamped down on Serra's offense and began their rally after Reggie Redd connected with Garrett Brossard to cut the deficit to 20-14. In the fourth quarter Chaminade took the lead for the first time after  Terrell Newby scored on a twenty nine yard touchdown run and Chaminade now led 21-20.

Chaminade's #34 Terrell Newby scores on a 29 yard touchdown run against Serra.
Photo by Eric Wade/T.G.Sports.

Chaminade got the ball back with about 5:34 left on the game went on a ten play drive for ninety eight yards, and Terrell Newby scored on his third touchdown run on the night  and Chaminade went on to beat Serra 28-20. The defense from Chaminade never gave up and kept pressure on Jalen Green to force him to make bad decisions, witch cost Serra another victory. These turnovers seem to be coming more and more when Serra offense is on the move and in scoring position.

Chaminade Terrell Newby scores on a 8 yard touchdown run against Serra.
Photo by Eric Wade/T.G.Sports.

Serra  with about 1:25 left in the game drove all the way down to Chaminade's eleven yard line when the unthinkable happen, a touchdown pass from Jalen Green to  Jordan Lasey was nullify by a holding penalty. Serra was called for two more holding penalties that push them back, and on fourth down, Jalen Green was pressure by Chaminade's defense, and his pass  came up short and hit the ground. The last two games penalties and turnover have really hurt Serra in games.

Serra's #3 Jalen Green was being preasure by defenders all night from
Chaminade. Photo by Eric Wade/T.G.Sports.

 Coach Croson said," i am very proud of mu guys, they never quit and gave me their all, that's all i every ask of them." This victory was huge for Chaminade after dropping two games in the row to  Serra, and come from behind to beat them 28-20. Chaminade's Reggie Reed finish the night just with one touchdown, Terrell Newby  had 156 yards on 29 carries and 3 touchdowns. Jalen Green finish the night 12 for 22 137 yards and 2 interceptions. All photo are by Eric Wade/T.G.Sports and EW Gems Images.

Minnesota Out Plays Sparks in 94-77 Victory Game 1 Western Conference Finals

Story by L.T.Willis

Los Angeles Sparks'#3 Candace Parker scored 25 points and had 11 rebounds in
Game 1 of The WNBA Western Conference Finals in a 94-77 loss to The Minnesota
Lynx. Photo by Stacy Bengs/AP.

Game 1of the WNBA Western Conference Finals the Minnesota Lynx was hosting the Los Angeles Sparks, and i wonder which team would win the mental toughness, and play the best defense. Well Minnesota answer that question as the beat the Sparks 94-77. Basketball is all mental as i said in another article, too have the mind to get every loose ball, every rebound, commit the least turnovers, and play defense would win Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals. The Sparks had a week of rest to heal if their was any one injured, and should have been fresher. Minnesota had just played two nights ago against Seattle and came out with great passion and desire.

The Sparks led 15-10 in the first quarter and after that, the dam broke lose. It seem that the Lynx were poses as  Rebekkah Brunson was a beast, not only out hustle,out rebounded, but every loose ball she went flying after it. The biggest story is that Maya Moore and the rest of her team mates showed up for the game, but Candace Parker was the only one on the Sparks that showed up for the first three quarters of the game. Kristi Toliver in The Western Conference Semi Finals against the The San Antonio Silver Stars in two games scored twenty nine points and twenty three points, in the first half against Minnesota she only scored  two points.

Now coaching was part of the victory for the Lynx as they double up Kristi Toliver on defense up high and took the ball out of her hand, and force the Sparks into turn overs, instead of letting Alana Beard bring the ball up the court and let Kristi shoot off of screens, and back door picks to free her up on the baseline, or on top of the key.You have to credit  Minnesota's head coach Cheryl Reeve for that defensive move. The down hill battle for the Sparks came in the second quarter as the Lynx outscore them 32-16 and took a 48-13 half time lead.

Minnesota Lynx's #23 Maya Moore and Los Angeles Sparks' #8 DeLisha-Milton Jones
battling for a rebound. Photo by Stacy Bengs/AP.

Minnesota just destroy the Sparks on both sides of the boards in the first half." We just kept going. We never gave in. We knew that this was going to be key for this game, to limit their second chance points. They crash the boards pretty good," Brunson said. We really lock in.We focus in.We did a great job." Alana Beard had a solid night as she scored 16 points, but the damage was being done. No production from rookie sensation Nneka Ogwumike and Kristi Toliver normally triggers the offense for other  team mates on the Sparks was a non factor. The Minnesota Lynx had a 24 point lead in the third quarter, when Candace Parker begin  working down low with success.

She scored eight points t0 sparks a 16-5 run to help the Sparks move closer 65-53 late in the third quarter."This team didn't wait for us to wake up,Parker said. For three fourths of the game we laid down and took it." The Sparks defense for a moment was looking great as they erase a 24 point deficit to 10 points as the Sparks trail 73-63 late in the fourth quarter. May Moore wouldn't let her team mated down as she was 5 for 5 in the fourth quarter and the Minnesota defeated the Sparks 94-77 in Game 1 of The Western Conference Finals.

" Maya Moore was tremendous. She hit back-breaking shots," Ross said."She wants the ball and knows what to do with it when she gets it." We did not answer or match their physicality and we paid for it."Kristi Toliver finish the game with just 12 points and will have to have a great game along with DeLisha Milton-Jones, Nneka Ogwumike, Alana Beard and the other team mates on the bench too tie the series 1-1 and force a Game 3 back in Minnesota. Maya Moore scored 20 points ,Seimone Augustus 16 points, 7 assist and 4 steals, and Rebekkah Brunson 14 points and 10 rebounds. Candace Parker finish with 25 points and 11 rebounds.

Minnesota Lynx's #32 Rebekkah Brunson was a major factor in
 beating The Los Angeles Sparks 94-77 in Game 1 of The Western
Conference Finals.

Coach Ross and her coaching staff will have to figure out how to get Kristi Toliver and the other players on the bench more involve in the game and don't depend on the starters so much for productions, and do a much better job rebounding. The mental chess game  has begun and Minnesota is up 1-0 on the Sparks. Coach Ross bench Toliver for a long time in the third quarter and hopes this will help grow as a player as well. "One thing about Kristi is that she"ll come back stronger in the next game," Parker said." Well on Sunday it's now or never for the Sparks to get back into the series. All Photos are by Stacy Bengs/AP.

Mental Toughness and Defense Will Be The Key For Sparks To Win This Series

Story by L.T.Willis

The Minnesota Lynx will be hosting the Los Angeles Sparks in Game 1 of the WNBA
Western Conference Finals on Thursday night. Photo by Eric Wade/T.G.Sports.

Let's just throw away the both teams records as the Minnesota Lynx will be hosting the Los Angeles Sparks in Game 1 of the WNBA Western Conference Finals. Two of the leagues superstars Candace Parker and Maya Moore will try to keep each other from making it to the WNBA Championship Finals. For the Sparks to get there, they must get pass the Lynx. Forget all the hype about rather or not if Candace Parker and the Sparks can make it to the finals, when their defense and offense is on, and they play smart, there is no team in the WNBA that can beat the Sparks.

Los Angeles Sparks' Candace Parker and Minnesota
Lynx' Maya Moore. Photo by Eric Wade/T.G.Sports.

This is the true moment for the Los Angeles Sparks and Candace Parker to make a statement to all their fans, can we make it to the WNBA Championship Finals. For get about the teams scoring averages and points allow per game, this series is going to come down too to two key factors, mental toughness and defense. The mental toughness is when you have to play through when your team, or your major players are struggling on offense. Mental toughness is when sometimes the officiating is not as good as some nights and you have to play with fouls. Mental toughness is when each player on the Los Angeles Sparks and the Minnesota Lynx have to give all they have for their team mates.

The Sparks' defense must keep Maya Moore and company from having a great start
in Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals. Photo by Eric Wade/T.G.Sports.

The Sparks defense has been the calling card for this team all season long thanks to the great coaching by Carol Ross and her coaching staff. There have been several times this season that the Sparks came out the gate in games slow, and had to dig themselves out of a hole. There also have been times that even when the Sparks main weapons Kristi Toliver, Candace Parker, Alana Beard, DeLisha Milton- Jones and Nneka Ogwumike were struggling on offense, their defense kept them in games, as well as help them come from behind to win games.

Los Angeles Sparks' Candace Parker and Minnesota Lynx's
#23 Maya Moore. Photo by Eric Wade/T.G.Sports.

Both Candace Parker and Maya Moore know that the spot light will be on them, and that their team mates must understand that keeping the turn overs down, every loose ball, every rebound, every free throw is huge in the playoffs. The stage has been set, game time is just a day away, and the truth will be known, which team will have 1-0 advantage  in the Western Conference Finals. Will Candace Parker show why she is the premiere superstar in the WNBA? Will Alana Beard and Kristi Toliver show why they are one of the best back court tandems, or will Maya Moore prove that she is the real deal, and lead her team to a 1-0 lead in the WNBA Western Conference Finals? All photos are by Eric Wade/T.G.Sports and EW Gems Images.  

The Los Angeles Lakers Media Day Had A Great Feeling

Story by L.T.Willis

The media had a great time with center of the future for the Los Angeles Lakers
Dwight Howard. Photo by Eric Wade/T.G.Sports.

What a big difference this year at the Lakers' Media Day at their El Segundo practice facility, where there were smiles all over the place. Last year there was so much tension in the room it was very uncomfortable feeling in the air with all the trade talks about Pau Gasol and Lamar Odom. Lamar Odom was traded to the Dallas Mavericks, and Pau Gasol wasn't traded. With Steve Nash and Dwight Howard now Lakers, everyone is thinking championship. Steve Nash brings stability at the point guard, and still is a deadly shooter from the perimeter. 

The new look Steve Nash has a swagger about him. Photo
by Eric Wade/T.G.Sports.

Steve Nash look to be in great shape and with the new cut he's wearing, it gives him a new swagger about him. Don't let his age fool you he may be just a step slower, but still in my opinion he is still one of the best point guards still in the game today. He's very smart and crafty, and you can't leave him alone on offense, because he hasn't lost his jump shot. Kobe Bryant, Pau Gasol, Dwight Howard and the rest of the Lakers' players must have their hand ready for a pass from Steve Nash all the time."It really feels good to be here as a Lakers and i am truly grateful,"said Steve Nash."

Lakers'coach Mike Brown was really having fun at this years
Lakers' Media Day. Photo by Eric Wade/T.G.Sports.

Mike Brown the Lakers coach was having a real good time this year during media day. What a lot of people don't understand that yes this is a business, and yes because of the relationship you develop with players and coaches, we forget that they are human just like everyone else no matter how much money they make, If you are not happy you will not be focus and that's on any job, and affected the play of Pau Gasol and Lamar Odom, and of couse you know Kobe Bryant wasn't happy about what was going also. Well Mike Brown and Kobe Bryant don't have too worry about being unhappy, he just added two superstars to their roster. The Lakers have become a great defensive team with Dwight Howard at the center, who brings his A game every time he steps on the court, and Steve Nash will allow the Lakers on offense to spread the court on the floor.

Los Angeles Lakers' #12 Dwight Howard. Photo by
Eric Wade/T.G.Sports.

Dwight Howard aka"Superman" will give the Lakers that other presence in the middle that will give other teams fits trying to attack the basket. Last year the Lakers gave away two games to Oklahoma and lost the series. Dwight Howard's job this season is to help the Lakers get past them and make it to the NBA Finals this season."This is going to be Dwight's team when i am gone," Kobe Bryant said." The Lakers know that now they have a golden opportunity to make it back to the NBA Finals. For more photos from the Lakers' Media Day go to www.tgsportstv.com, click on photo gallery 2 and scroll down to the 2012 Los Angeles Lakers' Media Day. All photo are by Eric Wade/T.G.Sports and EW Gems Images.