Thursday, July 30, 2009

ERROL CARLSTROM PLAYAZ TOOK ON EL-AMIN FISH HOUSE FOR THE CHAMPIONSHIP

In what was the championship game it was the Errol Carlstrom Playaz against the El-Amin Fish House. If El Amin Fish House wins the game they win the championship. If they lose they will have one more game to decide the championship.

As the game got going each team was able to find there shot in the early goings. El-Amin Fish House was able to get an early lead but the Playaz did not back down. Devron Bostic was able to nail a buzzer beater at the end of the first quarter.

At the end of the first quarter the score was El Amin Fish House 24 and Errol Carlstrom Playaz 20.

Khalid El-Amin came in at the beginning of the second quarter. He slipped into the game. He was not here for the beginning of the game. But at the start of the second quarter he made his first appearance into the game.

Levi Jones put in work in the low block. He really battled his opponent in the low block. Devoe Joseph did a good job on getting the ball up the court. The Fish House team was able to find Levi Jones in the low block and he was able to finish.

At the half time break the score was El Amin Fish House 44 and Errol Calrstrom Playaz 33.

As the third quarter got underway so did Paul Carter. He started the quarter with a few slam dunks. El Amin Fish House looked well in the game. They just played so well as they have all year long.

Through out the year this El Amin Fish House team has just been outstanding. They really have played well and they will come away with the hard fought victory. Every night all of the guys showed up and played with a lot of enthusiasm.

The Errol Carrlstrom Playaz were able to go on a run and challenge the El Amin Fish House near the end of the third quarter.

At the end of the third quarter the score was El Amin Fish House 67 Errol Carlstrom Playaz 61.

The Errol Carlstrom Playaz made a comeback in the fourth quarter. Devoe Joseph didn’t give up he played really well as he has all season long.


The El Amin Fish House came away with the 102-87 victory the Errol Carlstrom Playaz.

I would like to thank Renee Pulley who runs the Howard Pulley for letting me come over and blog all season. I would also like to thank the staff at the Salvation Army for putting up with me all season. I would also like to thank the fans for your support for visiting the site. Thanks a lot and keep coming back to the sight as I bring more sports action to you.


The El-Amin Fish House roster includes

Khalid El-Amin, Bruce Price, Kevin Henderson, Devron Bostick, Dan Coleman, Paul Carter, Jamel Staten, Levi Jones and Travis Busch. These guys have done a great job of coming together through out the summer and taking over this league. I thought that the talent level was good this year. Some people would argue with me that it was a down year but I thought that throughout the year the games were mostly competitive. The games were pretty well attended throughout the summer.

Wednesday, July 29, 2009

B2X WENT UP AGAINST ERROL CARLSTROM PLAYAZ

In semi final action it was B2X going up against the Errol Carlstrom Playaz. The game started out with each of the teams knocking down from the beginning.

Rodney Williams was able to find his shot early on in the game. He was able to knock down some nice mid range jump shots in the beginning of the game.

The game was close throughout the first quarter. At the end of the first quarter the score was B2X 24 and Errol Carlstrom Playaz 31.

Issaac Roosevelt for the Playaz opened the second quarter with a deep three point shot. He played hard on both ends of the court. Devoe Joseph also found his shot in the second quarter he was able to knock down some quick shots.

Issaac Roosevelt came up with a couple of nice plays around the basket in the game. If he was anywhere around the basket he would go up and tip the ball in or use a power drop step to a dunk.

At half time the score Errol Carlstrom Playaz 66 and B2X 41.

In the third quarter the Errol Carlstrom Playaz were able to get the ball out and run with it. They really looked to run the fast break. B2X had a difficult time defending because they were so tired. They just couldn’t keep up the Playaz.

B2X kept plugging away throughout the third quarter. Even though they were down they still played hard. Rodney Williams put on a show through the second half as he kept the crowed excited by his fabulous slam dunks.

At the end of the third quarter the Errol Carlstrom Playaz 98 and B2X 71.

Throughout the fourth quarter both of these teams kept up the battle. Both teams fought hard till the end of the game.

I really thought that both teams played together well as a team. The Errol Carlstrom Playas came away with the 125-97 victory.

With this victory the Errol Carlstrom Playaz will take on the El-Amin Fish House at 7:15 on Thursday for the Championship at the Salvation Army at 401 west 7th Street in St Paul Minnesota.

ERROL CARLSTROM PLAYAZ TOOK ON SABES TRP GROUP

In the second game it was the Errol Carlstrom Playaz against Sabes TRP Group. Damian Johnson started out making some nice moves in the pant.

Ralph Sampson was able to make some nice moves in the first quarter. He came away with some nice dunks.

Both teams traded baskets in the first quarter. At the end of the first quarter the score was Sabes Foundation 24 and Errol Carlstrom Playaz 17.

Devoe Joseph really played well. He really played with a lot of enthusiasm and energy. He really played tough on the defensive end. He was able to shut down his opponents on the defensive end.

Trevor Mbakwe also stepped up big in this game. He was able to make some fade away jump shots.

As the third quarter got underway the intensity level just picked up. Not just in the players that were on the court but in player Teddy Archer where he was coaching on the side line. I thought that he did a very good job instructing his players on the bench. When he was on the court he also kept the intensity level up.

Both teams really plated hard throughout the whole game. The defense pressure that these teams played was very good. Neither team gave up. This game came down to the end.

In a game that the score went back and forth throughout the game Errol Carlstrom Playaz was able to come away with the 75-74 victory. The game came down to the wire. Devoe Joseph made a 2 point shot with 2.9 second to go to win the game.

You always know it’s a big game when you have NBA officials show up to work a game. In this game one of the officials that worked the game was Ken Mauer JR who also works NBA games.

Tuesday, July 28, 2009

EL-AMIN FISH HOUSE WENT UP AGAINST B2X IN PLAY OFF ACTION

In playoff action it was El-Amin Fish House against B2X. Rodney Williams put on a show in the early in the game. Where he came in the game he meant business was able to knock down shots at will. Both teams started out playing very aggressive.


cAt the end of the first quarter the El-Amin Fish House 26 and B2X 23.


As the second quarter got underway Rodney Williams started out with a nasty slam dunk then he was flowed and he aired ball the free throw.


In the first half both teams really went strong against each other. Neither team was able to go on a run in the first half.


The score at half time was El Amin Fish House 50 and B2X 46.


The second half started out with a quick pace as each team shooting the ball really good. The game continued to be close throughout the third quarter. Neither team was able to pull away in the third quarter.


At the end of the third quarter the score was El Amin Fish House 74 and B2X 72.


In the fourth quarter the intensity continued and the shots began to fall for both teams. This game came down two the wire.


The defense that was played throughout the game was very good and affective. B2X was in the game to the bitter end. But in the end El Amin Fish House came was able to come away with the 100-95 victory.


You always know it's a big game when you have NBA officals show up to work a game. In this game one of the officals that worked the game was Pat Fraher who also works in the NBA.

BRETT FARVE TO STAY RETIRED

July 28 2009

According to many different media outlets Quarterback Brett Farve says he is going to stay retired. He retired from the New York Jets last season. At the end of the season last year he had surgery on his shoulder.

Brett Farve has retired a few times and then has changed his mind and came back to play. After his last retirement there was a lot of talk around Minnesota that he would join the Minnesota Vikings.

The Minnesota Vikings staff has met with Brett Farve a number of different times to see if his shoulder would allow him to play.

In an announcement sent to Minnesota head coach Brad Childress via text message Brett Farve confirmed that he will stay retired.

Monday, July 27, 2009

TROY HUDSON ENTERPRISES TOOK ON SABES TRP GROUP


Troy Hudson Enterprises took on Sabes TRP Group in the second game. Ralph Sampson has shown up again. He has been here in the later part of the season.

Troy Hudson Enterprises was able to get off to a good shot as they were able to knock down shots consecutively early in the first quarter. The Sabes TRP Group was not able to get there shots clicking early in the game.

At the end of the first quarter the score was Troy Hudson Enterprises 34 and Sabes TRP Group 27.

This game stayed close in the first half as each team battled each other. Royce White stepped up and played well on the offensive end.

The score went back and forth throughout the first half. Neither team was able to go on a run in the first half.
Ralph Sampson played well. He came down and had a couple of nice slam dunks.

The first half was very aggressive neither team. Damian Johnson was able to get aggressive and knock down some shots.

At half time the score was Troy Hudson Enterprises 49 Sabes 51.

As the third quarter got underway the score remained close. Neither team was able to go on a run early in the third quarter. The game will come down to the end if no one goes on a run in the game.

Damian Johnson was able to get out and run the court in transition. He was able to make some nice lay ups though out the course of the game.

Troy Hudson Enterprises went on a run in the third quarter. They got back into this game. Ralph Sampson was able to knock down some fade away shots. He was not afraid to get in the lane and mix it up in the low block.
In a game that was close till the end Sabes was able to come away with the 111-98 victory.

Errrol Carlstrom Playaz vs A&A Millwork


The Errrol Carlstrom Playaz went up against A&A Millwork. Isaac Rosefelt started out the game with a hot hand. He was able to make shots that he was putting up. On the defensive end he was able to hold his opponents down so they had difficulty scoring.

Tyrell Sludge also came into the game on fire. He was able to come in and make some nice jump shots from the beginning.

At the end of the first quarter the score was A&A Millwrok 16 and Errol Carlstrom Playaz 36.

The Errol Carlstrom Playas took off in the second quarter. They were able to hit most of their shots in the quarter. They played solid throughout the first half. They had a big lead and they stuck to their guns throughout the first half.

At half time the score was A & A Millwork 34 and Carlstrom Playaz 62.

As the second half got underway both teams did put up a good fight as they were able to go hard at each other.

J’Son Stamper had a few nice slam dunks. On the defensive end he played very good defense as he was able to shut down his defenders.

At the end of the third quarter the score was Errol Carlstrom Playaz 84 and A&A Millwrok 64.

A&A Millwork staged a comeback in the fourth quarter. They didn’t give up. The Errol Carlstrom Playays did a good job of defending their lead. They were able to hold off A & A Millwork with the 108-97 victory.

THE MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES GET DEMIEN WILKINS AND CHUCKY ATKINS

According to the Minnesota Timberwolves they have anounced the team has traded center Etan Thomas and two future second-round draft picks to the Oklahoma City Thunder in exchange for 6-6 guard Damien Wilkins and 5-11 guard Chucky Atkins.

Thursday, July 23, 2009

B2X TOOK ON A & A MILLWORK

In playoff action it was B2X against A & A Millwork. Both of these got off to a quick start. Both of these teams were able to score quick baskets from the get go. Neither team was able to go on a run early in the game. There were 7 ties and 5 lead changes in first quarter.

At the end of the first quarter the score was B2X 23 and A & A Millwork 22.


Mike Kinsella came up with a few nice slam dunks throughout the first half. He played very aggressive on both ends on the court.


B2X went on a run early in the second quarter. A & A Millwork didn’t panic they kept on playing through the run that B2X went on. They didn’t get down on them self’s.


The pace of the game was slow in the first half. The score was half time was B2X 45 and A & A Millwork 42.

As the second half got underway it seemed that the teams came out playing with a lot more intensity. Intensity can carry a team along with in this lead as either team could go on a run at any point of the game.

This game was close throughout. Neither team gave up. They each had to fight for their shots. Throughout the third quarter Rodney Williams played well tonight he didn’t surprise me with his shots that he has done before. But he did turn up the intensity late in the third quarter.


At the end of the third quarter the score was B2X 72 and A&A Millwork 65.


As the fourth quarter got underway so did Rodney Wiliams. He came through with some nice slam dunks that he has been making all year long. He stepped up the pressure on the defensive end.


B2X came up with some plays late in the fourth quarter. They knew that they had the game in the bag. The final score was B2X 104 and A&A Millwork 85.

ERROL CARLSTROM PLAYAZ TOOK ON PAT MADISON MAGIC

The Errol Carlstrom Playaz took on the Pat Madison Madison Magic in the second game. Each team got off got a good start as they were able to shoot the ball well. Each team was able to get a good start as they were able find their shots.

The Errol Carlstrom Playaz had a 23-18 lead at the end of the first quarter.

Ross Forman came to play for the Pat Madison Magic team. He had a nice jump shot throughout the game.
The Errol Carlstrom Playas really came out strong in the second quarter. They were able to knock down shots with ease in the second quarter.


Dan Coleman had a few nice slam dunks. He really went after it the whole game. He played well in the game.


At half time the score was Pat Madison Magic 38 and Errol Carlstrom Playaz 47.

As the second half got underway the Errol Carlstrom Playaz plan was to grind the ball out they wanted to keep pounding the ball down the Pat Madison Magic’s necks. They didn’t want to give up that lead.

Steve Esselink continued to knock down shots in the third quarter. It didn’t matter where he was on the court; he was able to knock down shots with ease.

The Errol Carlstrom Playaz came away with the 111-85 victory.

Wednesday, July 22, 2009

IN PLAY OFF ACTION IT WAS SABES-TRP GROUP AGINST EL-AMIN FISH HOUSE

In the first game of the evening it was Sabes-TRP Group against El-Amin Fish House. Ralph
Sampson III showed up tonight. He started the game on the bench. He is one of the many Gophers that is on the Sabes-TRP Group.


Justin Cobbs started out the game playing really well. He made some nice cuts to free his guys up. He was also able to knock down some shots early. Both teams played very aggressive early.


At the end of the first quarter the score was Sabes 22 and El-Amin Fish House 26.


Both teams came out and played with a lot of emotion and a lot of intensity. That carried out on the court as each team really battled each other.


Sabes Foundation players seemed to be more tired than the Fish House Players. They were taking every break that they could.


Justin Cobbs for Sabes TRP Group was able to get the ball up the court in the game. He was able to use his handles. Rich Melzer came through with some nice dunks throughout the game.


The score went back and forth in the first half. Neither teams looked like they were going to give up in the second quarter.


At half time the score was Sabes-TRP Group 44 and El-Amin Fish House 48.


As the third quarter got underway each team was ready to lay it out on the court. The intensity stepped up on each end of the court.


The score stayed close throughout the third quarter. The score was tied at 59 at the 5:45 mark in the third quarter. Paul Carter made some nice slam dunks in this game. He was very aggressive with the ball when he had it.


Damian Johnson blocked Paul Carter’s shot with 5:07 left in the third quarter. Damian Johnson was called with the personal foul but the intensity that they showed out there was something special. All of the players usually get along but they do play with some intensity.


Dan Coleman was all over the court in this game. He really stepped up on the defensive end. He came down and made a nice two handed slam dunk.


At the end of the third quarter the score was Sabes-TRP Group 69 and El-Amin Fish House 78.


Bruce Price played well he played very tough defense. He didn’t let up. He was able to make some tough shots in critical situations for the El-Amin Fish House team.


Ralph Sampson came down and twisted his ankle with 6:15 left in regulation. He walked off the court under his own power.


Justin Cobbs twisted his ankle with 6:00 in the fourth quarter. He was able to stay in the game.


The El-Amin Fish House was able to come away with the victory in this game. The final of the game was 110-92.

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

B2X TOOK ON TROY HUDSON ENTERPRISES

In the second game it was B2X against Troy Hudson Enterprises. It was also a matchup between Royce White and Rodney Williams. These two players are two of the top rated players to come out of the state of Minnesota.

Rodney Williams started the game off early with a nice two handed power slam dunk. It was not contested though as Royce White was right there playing tough defense.

At the end of the first quarter the score was B2X 27 and Troy Hudson Enterprises 19.

The second quarter seemed like a track meet because both teams really got up and down the court really fast. They really were in the game. One of the battles that took place was on the low block was between Royce White and Rodney Williams. This was a good battle because they each had to work very hard.

At half time the score was B2X 48 and Troy Hudson Enterprises 41.

Jamar Diggs also played well for B2X. He really went after the ball. He hustled on both ends of the court. Blake Hoffabarber played well. He was able to play good defense. He got his hand up in his defenders face.

Throughout the third quarter both teams played extremely hard. At the end of the third quarter the score was B2X 77 and Troy Hudson Enterprises 73.

In the fourth quarter Rodney Williams was playing very good defense. He really went out and played aggressively.

Royce White and Rodney Williams both looked well. They really looked like college players in this game. I think that Rodney Williams will be successful shooting the short range jump shot. I also think that if Rodney Williams is left unattended anywhere near the basket he will dunk the ball with authority. I think that Royce White will be able create shots in any offensive system. It will be interesting to see how they fit into Tubby Smiths system.

In the fourth quarter both teams didn’t back down. Dominique Dawson who is walking on at the University of Minnesota saw some action for B2X in the fourth quarter.

Rodney Williams played very good defense. He really went out and played aggressively in the fourth quarter. Jeff Foote for B2X also played well. He had some nice dunks and nice moves around the basket.

This game was close throughout. Both teams fought hard. With 2:13 Jamar Diggs hits a three point shot from the top of the key to make the score B2X 100 and Troy Hudson 95.

This game came down to the end. Royce White hit a three point shot to get it within three. But that wasn’t enough as B2X was able to come away with the 108-103 victory.

A & A MILLWORK TOOK ON HP BYE

In the first game it was A & A Millwork against HP Bye. J’son Stamper for A & A Millwork started out on fire. He knocked down some quick jump shots early in the game to give A & A quick lead early in the first quarter. He got a couple of nice dunks early in the first quarter. He was not afraid to shoot the ball.

Paris Kyles for the HP Bye team came off the bench and added instant offense. He knew what he wanted to do with the ball and he was able to knock down some shots in the first quarter.

At the end of the first quarter the score was tied at 26.

The quarter brought more intense action as each team really was able to keep the pressure on each other. HP Bye went on a mini run mid way through the second quarter. They were able to pull a little bit away from A & A Millwork. They didn’t want to go away quietly.

Throughout the first half the game was really tight both of these teams played with a lot of intensity. The score at the half was HP Bye 46 and A & A Millwork 43.

As the third quarter got underway each team came out ready to play. Daakarr Bellfield came out ready to play in the third. He really played aggressively and he was not afraid to get after it on the court.

A & A Millwork was able to find the basket throughout the second half as they were able to knock down shots.
This game was a hard fought game. A & A Millwork was able to fight their way back and come away with the 91-84 victory.

Monday, July 20, 2009

ERROL CARLSTROM PLAYAZ TOOK ON SABES-TRP GROUP IN SECOND GAME

In the second game of the play offs it was Errol Carlstrom Playaz against Sabes-TRP Group. Both of these teams came out strong and shooting a lot of shots.

Devoe Joseph came in and really was able to knock down some nice jump shots early in the game.

This game started out at a fast pace. Each team moved quickly to get the ball down the court.

At the end of the first quarter the score was Sabes TRP Group 18 Carlstrom Playaz 21.

Both teams shooting mirrored each other. They traded baskets for a period of time mid way through the second quarter.

Each team played very aggressively. Neither team gave up. Jermaine Davis for TRP came in and played well. He really went after loose balls and played aggressively on every play that he was on the floor. He talked on every possession

At half time the score was tied at 39.

In the third quarter things got heated up. Devoe Joseph got mad about a call and he lost his temper and he got a technical foul.

Isaac Roosefelt really played well. He came out and was able to knock down some shots.
At the end of the third quarter the score TRP 67 and Errol Carlstrom Playaz 59.

The fourth quarter provided some entertainment as each teams continued to grind it out by making smart plays and not giving up on either end of the court.

Justin Cobbs made some nice plays in the fourth quarter. He was able to put the ball on the floor and he knew that he was in control of the ball and he was able to make his moves with the ball.

In the end the TRP was able to come away with the 91-82 hard fought victory.

2009 HOWARD PULLEY PRO CITY SUMMER LEAGUE PLAY OFFS

In the first game of the play offs it was Pat Madison Magic against El-Amin Fish House. Dan Coleman looked good from the start for the Fish House. He made started out making aggressive moves with the ball and he was not afraid to put the ball on the floor.

Both of these teams were not afraid to go after each other hard at the beginning of the game.

At the end of the first quarter the score was El-Amin Fish House 26 and Pat Madison Magic 24.

Devron Bostick really played well. He really went after the loose balls as he was diving all over the ground. He played really aggressive. He also came up with some very nice high light reel slam dunks.

Paul Carter got a lot of steals in the game. He looked really good. He made some nice stops on the defensive end.


In a half that there were a lot of good plays by each team the score at half time was El-Amin Fish House 57 and Pat Madison Magic 50.

As the second half got going each team made a valid effort to go out and play aggressively on both ends of the court.

Khalid El-Amin showed up at half time of his game and got in mid way through the third quarter. He provided a spark for his team because he brought new energy.


Toward the end of the third quarter the Fish House team got fancy with their passes and they were able to make some great passes that usually ended in a high light reel dunk by one of the players.

At the end of the third quarter the score was El-Amin Fish House 84 and Pat Madison Magic 67.

As the fourth quarter got underway the Fish House came out strong and they were just relentless. They kept the pressure on and they were able to come away with the 122-93 victory.

TIMBERWOLVES ACQUIRE QUENTIN RICHARDSON FROM THE CLIPPERS

According to multiple news origination's the Minnesota Timberwolves traded Mark Madsen, Craig Smith and Sebastian Telfair to the L.A. Clippers in exchange for 6-6 guard/forward Quentin Richardson.

I think that these players will be missed by the Minnesota fans because of their off court demeanor.

Friday, July 17, 2009

FAITH PATTERSON TO COACH AT MINNEAPOLIS DE LA SALLE

According to girls basketball expert Kevin Anderson, Faith Patterson was hired at De LaSalle to be the head girl’s basketball coach. Faith Patterson was the girls head basketball coach at Minneapolis North High school before going to De LaSalle.

She replaces Brian Fry who stepped down at De LaSalle after the past season.

KSTP TV - Minneapolis and St. Paul - Howard Pulley League Brings B-Ball to St. Paul

John Gross from Ch 5 KSTP did a story about the Howard Pulley Basketball Summer League. Here is the link from KSTP.

KSTP TV - Minneapolis and St. Paul - Howard Pulley League Brings B-Ball to St. Paul

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SWISH TOUR COMMING TO MINNESOTA

Subject: Swish Tour in Minnesota Aug. 1-3: Shooting Clinics at Powell Center


Dear Minnesota coaches,

Please let me introduce myself to you. My name is Tom Nordland and I’m a shooting coach of some renown (thanks to the amazing Internet). I was honored two years ago at the Minnesota State Tournament (boys) on the 50th anniversary of my team’s (Minneapolis Roosevelt) state championship and a free throw record that still stood (19 of 20 in one game). The record was tied at that tournament by Cody Schilling from Ellsworth. A wonderful article was written by the State High School League (by Ellen Giloy), and here’s a link to it: http://www.swish22.com/assets/Tom_MNArticle.pdf


THE WEBSITE HAS THE STORY

My website (http://www.swish22.com/) gives the whole story, including other articles, top endorsements, video clips, photos, newsletters, and many of the remarkable testimonials I’ve received over the years. My website is the most content-rich website in the world on the subject of basketball shooting. I’ve been writing on the subject for 12 years.


COACHES TRAINING AT THE POWELL CENTER

I will be coming to Minnesota August 1-3 for clinics at the remarkable Colin Powell Leadership Center in south Minneapolis. Besides of interest, possibly, for you to send kids to the players’ sessions, there will be a special “Coaches’ Clinic” Sunday evening, 6-9PM. I will teach attendees at that session both a powerful and simple way to shoot and how to coach the skill. The prices are reduced due to the economy and include both of my highly-rated videos, Swish and Swish 2, a $45 value right there.


FOUR DIFFERENT FORMATS FOR KIDS & COACHES

• 4-HR CLINIC: Saturday, Aug. 1st, 12Noon - 4PM, a 4-hour Clinic
• 7-HR CAMP: Sunday & Monday, Aug. 2nd $ 3rd, 1-4:30PM both days
• 3-HR FREE THROW CLINIC: Monday, Aug. 3rd, 9AM-12Noon
• 3-HR COACHES’ CLINIC: Sunday, Aug. 2nd, 6-9PM


GENERAL FEES

• 4-HR CLINIC: $55
• 7-HR CAMP: $79
• 3-HR FREE THROW CLINIC: $45
• 3-HR COACHES’ CLINIC: $45


... with discounts for siblings and people repeating my sessions

FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO ENROLL – Go to this webpage: http://www.swish22.com/clinics, then scroll down to the “Swish Shooting Tour” and find “Clinics in Minneapolis.” Here’s a direct link to the Minnesota 2009 Clinics page: http://www.swish22.com/assets/Clinics_Minnesota_0809.html


Location:

Colin Powell Leadership Center
2924 4th Ave. So.
Minneapolis, MN 55408


Contact Coach Kelby Brothen, Athletic Director at the Powell Center, for info about these Clinics and Camp:

Work #: 612/638-1014

Cell: 612/720-8852

Email: urbanstars@urbanventures.org

You can also contact me at:
Home in California: 888/794-7422
Cell phone: 831/247-4519


I HOPE TO SEE YOU!

My clinics are getting more and more exciting and effective as I see additional things all the time and new ways to say and coach them. I can see that the main thing I’m doing (and teaching others to do) is coaching kids to be able to coach themselves in these simple principles. As they learn to shoot a basketball -- and, more powerful for them, how to learn anything -- their self images can alter and self esteem rise. This is one of the great things about sports, the potential for growth as human beings. Let’s work together to help more kids experience how awesome they truly are!


Cheers,

Tom

Boulder Creek, Calif.

Wednesday, July 15, 2009

NBA SUMMER LEAGUE A CHANCE FOR PLAYERS TO SHOW THEIR STUFF

The NBA puts on a summer league for the NBA. It is a chance to have newly players to get a chance to meet one another.

It also gives fans a chance to see what type of team they are going to have in the upcoming year. I think that these leagues are a good idea to have because I think it’s good for the league to have summer action to fill the gap between the off season closed work outs and the opening of the regular season.

The NBA coaches have a chance to get to see what their needs are right now, even though that the players coach them self’s. Teams are rebuilding after players are coming and going because of end of the season trades. Some of the veterans don’t go to the summer leagues and they give the younger players a chance to play. NBA teams can stack their rosters because the number of guys you can have on rosters for the summer league is expanded. Players don’t have to be on their regular rosters to play on the summer league.

We will have to see how teams pan out in the summer league to try to gauge how they might look at the beginning of the season when training camp opens.

B2X TOOK ON TROY HUDSON ENTERPRISES

In the second game it was B2X against Troy Hudson Enterprises. Both of these teams started off where the last game ended full of excitement and a lot of scoring. B2X was able to get an early 18-12 lead with 4:23 in the first quarter remained.

Jamar Diggs for B2X really played with a lot of aggression and positive energy. He really made some nice passes.


Rodney Williams who came into the game off the bench made some nice moves from the start. Rodney Williams who is going to be going to the University of Minnesota has really shined this summer in this league. I think that he has really improved his game playing in this kind of environment. I also think that when he arrives at the University of Minnesota he will be able to step in to the U of M system and learn the system fairly well. He has made some fantastic slam dunks throughout each of the games.


Another one of the incoming freshman that is going to be making a big impact this upcoming season will be Royce White. He was named MR basketball of Minnesota this year. He has shown some potential throughout the summer.


The scoring went back and forth throughout the first half. Each team played very good defense. Cameron Rundles came up with some nice baskets in the first half. He knew where he should receive the ball and he was there and he made a valid attempt to score at any time he got it.


At half time the score was B2X 43 and Troy Hudson Enterprises 52.


As the second half got underway each of the teams get able to get the scoring early in the third quarter. Greg Danielson stepped up and made some shots early in the third quarter. He really gave Troy Hudson Enterprises a lift of energy in the third quarter.


At the end of the third quarter the score was B2X 72 and Troy Hudson Enterprises 85.


Rodney Williams really put on a show again in this game. He was able to make pretty dunks and play very aggressive on both ends of the court. He really did a good job in this game of playing aggressively the whole time he was in the game.


Both of these teams really put the pressure on each other throughout the game. This game came down the end. Vince Grier called his last shot and told people the shot was going in and he nailed a three pointer to send the game into overtime.


At the end of the fourth quarter the score was tied at 109.


In the overtime period each team continued to battle each other. Rodney Williams continued to impress the crowd here as he kept on making impressive plays.


At the end of the first over time the score was tied at 122.

One of the interesting match-ups was between Royce White and Rodney Williams. These two battled for loose balls and rebounds all night long.

In the second overtime period the intensity was still there. Both teams continued to battle each other.


Troy Hudson Enterprises came away with the 135 133 in double overtime.

ERROL CARLSTROM PLAYAZ TOOK ON EL-AMIN FISH HOUSE IN A DOUBBLE OVER TIME THRILLER

FISH HOUSE HOME 127
PLAYAZ GUEST 119

The Errol Carlstrom Playaz took on the El-Amin Fish House. Both of these teams took it to each other very early on in the game.

Trevor Mbakwe who will be going to the University of Minnesota started out hot. He was able to make some nice drop step shots early in the game. He also had some nice short to mid range jump shots.

Bruce Price for the Fish House was able to find the basket early and often in the first quarter. Both teams traded baskets early in the first quarter as this game was close throughout the first quarter.

At the end of the first quarter the score was El-Amin Fish House 27 and Errol Carlstrom Playaz 22.
The second quarter got off to a quick as the Carlstrom Playaz were able to make a run to start the second quarter.

Dan Colman came to life for the Fish House he was able to knock down some quick shots. He also was able to pass it off to his big man Levi Jones who was camped out in the low block and was able to make some easy baskets from the low box.

Trevor Mbakwe made a nice two slam dunk mid way through the second quarter. He apparently hung on the rim to long as he was called for the technical foul.

Jamel Staten came into the game and looked very good. He was able to get up and down very quickly. His defensive pressure was very good. He was able to cause problems for the other team.

At half time the score was El Amin Fish House 48 and Errol Carlstrom Playaz 49.

As the start of the second half both teams continued to play aggressively on both ends of the floor. Both teams kept it close throughout the third quarter. Neither team gave up. Guys were continuing to put the ball and make the shots that they were putting up.

The third quarter the El-Amin Fish House 70 and the Errol Carlstrom Playaz 71.

This game has been close throughout. Both of these teams have really gone after each other on each end of the court. Jamel Statan really looked good for the Fish House team. He was all over the court and played really under control.

This game came down to the wire and the game went into over time the score was tied at 99 at the end of regulation.

In the overtime both teams continued to go after each other. The game became even more physical. Both teams were really going at it after each other.

In at the end in a tight game that went into overtime neither team was able to get a lead the score after the first overtime was tied at 114.

The Fish House was able to score the first two points of the second over time. They were in control of the ball for the first part of the second over time.

The Fish House was able to come away with the 127-119 double over time victory.

Tuesday, July 14, 2009

A & A MILLWORK TOOK ON HP BYE

A&A Millwork took on the HP Bye team in the second game. J’Son Stamper looked well from the start. He played with a lot of energy. He made some nice passes to open players. He was all over the court and he played tough aggressive defense.

Jessie Burton the guard for the HP Bye team did a good job of getting the ball up the court and passing the ball to open players. He found Paris Kyles a few different times when Paris was open and he was able to make some very nice baskets.

At the end of the first quarter the score was HP Bye 26 and A & A Millwork 17.


Both teams kept the battle going in the second quarter as. A & A Millwork was able to battle back through tough defense and they kept on shooting it.

At the half time break the score was HP Bye 45 and A & A Millwork 49.

As the third quarter got under way the heat in the gym seemed to kick on as the game got very close and besides the tempaturae the tempers of the players began to escalate. Everything calmed down but the players regained the composure and played the rest of the game.

At the end of the third quarter the score was tied at 66.

In the fourth quarter the both teams kept it close throughout the quarter and the game came down to the end. The fourth quarter was all back and forth as each team continued to battle and the score was really close. A & A Millwork was able to come away with the 90-81 victory.

ERROL CARLSTROM PLAYAZ TOOK ON TROY HUDSON ENTERPRISES

In the first game of the evening it was the Errol Carlstrom Playaz going up against Troy Hudson Enterprises.
Steve Esselink provided some early fire works with a nice two handed slam dunk. After the dunk he hustled down the court to play aggressive defense.


Devoe Joseph who plays at the University of Minnesota came in on fire. He was able to get his shot down early in the contest. He had good ball handling skills on the court as he was in control with his dribble. He was able to zig zag around his defenders with ease creating major scoring chances and scoring.

Marshell Brown had a couple of powerful slam dunks for the Troy Hudson Enterprises team. He also played tough aggressive defense.

At the end of the first quarter the score was Troy Hudson Enterprises 27 and Errol Carlstrom Playaz 14.

The second quarter got off to a fast pace as Troy Hudson Enterprises was able to jump on the Errol Carlstrom Playaz. They were able to make most of the shots that they were taking. The Playaz were not going to back down either as they were taking as many good shots as they could.

Throughout the first half each team played very good competitive game. Troy Hudson Enterprises was able to get an early lead and they had a lead at half time. The score at half time was Troy Hudson Enterprises 57 and Errol Carlstrom Playaz 44.


The Errol Carlstrom Playaz kept on playing hard throughout the game. They knew that they were not out of it they kept on playing aggressive and kept fighting for every loose ball.
At the end of the third quarter the score was Troy Hudson Enterprises 81 and Errol Carlstrom Playaz 67.

The fourth quarter continued to be a battle of who wanted it more. Devoe Joseph really looked good in this game. He was able to make some nice plays throughout the game.

Troy Hudson Enterprises came away with the 104-88 victory.

Monday, July 13, 2009

SABES –TRP GROUP TOOK ON PAT MADISON

In the second game it was Sabes against Pat Madison. Each of these teams really looked to push the ball up the court in the early goings. Damian Johnson came in for TRP Group and he really was able to provide an offensive spark. He was making good shots. He didn’t hesitate in his shots.

Sabes was able to find their shots in the first quarter. Even though Pat Madison was not getting frustrated that there shots were not going in. They kept on shooting them.

At the end of the first quarter the score was Sabes 25 Pat Madison 16.

The Sabes-TRP Group really blew the game open in the second quarter as they went on a run in the second quarter.

They were able to go on a run in the middle of the second quarter and really open the game up.

Joe Scott for Sabes played very well he was able to play well on both ends of the court. On the defensive end he played up in his opponents face. He also talked a lot on the defensive end.

At half time the score was Sabes 59 and Pat Madison 33.

Justin Cobbs has played well. He has been all around the court. He really played well in the game as he has been able to do the little things on the court that his team needs him to do.

Both teams launched as many three point shots as they could in the third quarter and they both made them.

In a game that got out of hand in the early goings TRP Sabes was able to come away with the blowout victory.

B2X TOOK ON EL-AMIN FISH HOUSE

In the final week of the regular season of the Pro City Summer League, the first game of the evening was B2X against El Amin Fish House. This game got off to a frantic pace.


For the EL-Amin Fish House Paul Carter looked well he was able to make some nice post moves and he had a couple of nice powerful drop steps that were put back for nice powerful lay ups. Also Kevin Henerson had a few good moves that allowed his teammates to get into the game.



Dan Colman looked to get Paul Carter who was making a cut to the basket for an alley oop on a few different plays early in the first quarter. That worked because they knew where each other were on the court and they were able to coordinate their plays very well.



At the end of the first quarter the score was B2X 22 and El Amin Fish House 31.



Rodney Williams had a nice two handed slam dunk in the beginning of second quarter. That dunk made the crowd get into it. The second quarter went back and forth each of these teams as they was each trying to outwit each other. There was a little bit of talking between each other but it was mostly in fun.



Deveron Bostic and Rodney Williams who both are at the University of Minnesota have had a few nice slam dunks in the first half. They knew that they could get up there and they have dunked the ball with ease.



Paul Carter who is also with the University of Minnesota has come up with some nice plays in the first half. He isn’t afraid of fishing around the basket when people are around.



At the half time intermission the score was B2X 49 and El-Amin Fish House 57.



In the third quarter B2X started out on fire as they were able to open the third quarter on a run.



Kevin Henderson had a nice jump shot that fell for him in the third quarter. He was able to shoot the ball from basically anywhere on the court.



The third quarter was a hard fought quarter as each team went after it. The score remained close throughout the quarter. Neither team was going to lie down.



At the end of the third quarter the score was B2X 86 and El-Amin Fish House 84.



Jamel Staten had some nice moves in the game. He was really aggressive when he was going after the ball. He was not afraid to get after loose balls.



Levi Jones knew where his guts were on the court and he was able to dish the ball to his open guys on the floor.
Rodney Williams was able to knock down some nice outside jump shots. He was dead on in the game. No matter where he was on the court he was able to get his jump shot going.



There was a great flow to this game. Each one of these teams did a good job of defending each other.



In a game that was a hard fought game till the end El-Amin Fish House was able to come away with the 122-117 victory.

Thursday, July 9, 2009

TROY HUDSON ENTERPRISES TOOK ON EL-AMIN FISH HOUSE

In the first game of the evening it was Hudson Enterprises Against El-Amin Fish House. In the first half Troy Hudson looked well he still was quick out on the floor. He really played with a lot of emotions. His emotions carried out on the court as he was the vocal leader on the court.

At the end of the first quarter the score was Troy Hudson Enterprises 27and El Amin Fish House 23.

Both of these teams were able to playing at a quick pace in the first half. Bruce Price played well in this game. He was able to really get after it. He dove on the ground for loose balls and he really played with a lot of emotion.


At the end of the first half the score was Troy Hundson Enterprises 50 and El Amin Fish House 46.


As the second half started both teams stepped up their intensity, they were very aggressive. Royce White really stepped up his game on both ends of the floor. He had that determined look on his face that you would know that it was all business out there. He had some monster slam dunks that were a boost for his team.


This game was close throughout. Neither team was going to lie down. They were each going to give it their all. Kevin Henderson put on a show for the Fish House. He did a good job guarding his guy. He didn’t back down to pursue. He went out there and played hard the whole game.

The game was tied at 82 with 1:00 minute in the third quarter.

As the fourth quarter got underway both teams were still in this game. It was a tight ball game throughout the game. The game came down to the wire as each team continued to battle till the bitter end.


It a close battle that came down to the end the final score was Troy Hudson Enterprise 109 El Amin Fish House 116.


Wednesday, July 8, 2009

A & A MILLWORK TOOK ON PAT MADISON MAGIC

A & A Millwork took on Pat Madison Magic in the second game of the evening. Both of these teams got off to a good tempo at the beginning of the game. A & A Millwork was able to get a good jump on Pat Madison as their shots were falling at the beginning of the game.

J’son Stamper made some nice jump shots in the early goings. He wanted to get his team motivated and he was able to come through and make some nice plays on the offensive end.


At the end of the first quarter the score was A& A Millwork 28 and Pat Madison 14.


The second quarter came with more intensity. Pat Madison turned up the pursuer early in the second quarter. That didn’t seem to work that well because A & A Millwork was just able to drive right around the defenders.

A & A Millwork really took it to Pat Madison in the second quarter. Mike Kenesella knocked down some deep three point shots for A & A Millwork. J’son Stamper was quick with the ball. He used a nice dribble drive to shake his defenders off of him. He kept the tempo of the game for A & A Millwork. He shot the ball well and was not afraid to pass the ball to his teammates.

At half time the score was A& A Millwork 55 and Pat Madison Magic 41.

The second half got going with a flurry of scoring by each team. They were each able to find their shots. A & A Millwork didn’t get down on them self’s they kept playing hard. Pat Madison knew that they could get back into the game and they took little steps to get back into it.

At the end of the third quarter the score was Pat Madison 67 and A & A Millwork 76.


J’Son Stamper started the fourth quarter knocking down some big three point shots for A & A Millwork. He looked strong in the game. He made really strong cuts away from the ball. He was able to move in the offense which there is no structure in.


Both teams took off for the races mid way through the fourth quarter as the pace of the game really quickened up. Each team seemed to rush there shots. Neither team used the shot clock to their advantage.


In a game that had a good quick pace A & A Millwork was able to come away with the 108-98 victory. I really think that J’Son Stamper looked well in this game. He played hard and he really went after it.

B2X TOOK ON THE ERROL CARLSTROM PLAYAZ

In the first game it was B2X against Errol Carlstrom Playaz. Both of these teams took a lot of shots in the early goings. The scoring went back and forth in the early goings as each team was able to knock down shots that they were taking.

Vince Grier looked well. He had nice post moves in the low block. He was aggressive on both sites of the ball. He had a nice post move on the offensive end. He was not afraid to take the ball to the basket.

At the end of the first quarter the score was B2X 24 and Errol Carlstrom Playaz 23.


Rodney Williams looked sharp in the first half he was really able to find his rhythm. He put on a show like he usually does with his high flying acrobatic slam dunks.

Devoe Joseph made some nice plays for the Error Carlstrom Playaz. He was able to hit some nice lay ups for two points throughout the game. He also was able to make some big defensive stops. Devoe has always been known in this league to go strong. He has never been known to slack off on either end of the court. He has shown that once again in this game where he went all out the whole entire game.


The first half was a good first half. The game went back and forth each team played very well on both ends of the court. The Errol Carlstrom Playaz hit some tough shots down the stretch in the end of the second quarter. B2X was not going to back down. They will have to regroup at the break and try to combat this Playaz team.

At half time the score was B2X 51 and Errol Carlstrom Playaz 59.

As the second half got started both teams seemed eager to go out and play. Devoe Joseph came into the second half on fire as he was able to knock down shots at will. He made some nice moves on the court he got his teammates involved.


This game got close mid way through the third quarter the Errol Carlstrom Playaz took a one point lead at 69-68. The Carlstrom Playaz showed some enthusiasm whent hery were on the court as they really wanted to take this game over. Devoe Joseph really shot the ball well in the third quarter. Rodney Williams ended the third quarter with a monstrous slam dunk.


At the end of the third quarter the score was B2X 83 and Errol Carlstrom Playaz 89.


The fourth quarter brought us more entrainment as these teams kept it close and entering. Each team was trying to outshoot each other.


Rodney Williams has found the basket again; he had another powerful slam dunk. He really showed how big he can come up in clutch situations.

Errol Carlstrom Playas were able to come away with the 117-113 victory.

Tuesday, July 7, 2009

HOWARD PULLEY BYE TOOK ON ERROL CARLSTROM PLAYAZ

In the second game it was HP Bye going up against Errol Carlstrom Playaz. Both of the teams came out really aggressive. They opened up the game looking to push the ball up the court.

Moe Hargrow played for the HP Bye team. He looked really good as he came off the bench. He had some nice post moves when he first game in. For the first time playing in the league he did a very good job to adjusting. He has experience playing in this league as he has played it before.


At the end of the first quarter the score was HP Bye 23 and Errol Carlstrom Playaz 28.


Isacc Rosefelt had some nice slam dunks through the first half. He also played really good defense.


The Errol Carlstrom Playaz went on a run mid way through the second quarter. Isacc Rosefelt was able to whatever he pretty much wanted to from the beginning of the game.


The Errol Carlstrom Playaz did a really good job on controlling the ball in the second quarter. They were able to make the easy shots.


At the half the score was Errol Carlstrom Playaz 69 and HP Bye 34.


As the second half got underway the Playaz really went at the HP Bye Team. They continued to shine.
The Errol Carlstrom Playaz was able to dominate the whole game. They were able to come away with the victory. They were able to come away with the 117-79 victory.

EL AMIN FISH HOUSE TOOK ON A & A MILLWORK

In the first game of the evening it was El Amin Fish House against A& A Millwork. El Amin Fish House looked to push the ball up the court quickly to begin the game. They didn’t want to waste any time after a basket to get the ball out of the court and run.

Dan Colman came into the game on fire we was able come into the game and knock down some quick shots to begin the game.

Paul Carter came in to the game for El Amin Fish House as he made some strong moves around the basket. He also made some clutch shots throughout. He was not afraid to step up and knock down shots anywhere on the court.


Bruce Price made some nice defensive stops in the first quarter. He wasn’t afraid to get after it on the defensive end.

At the end of the first quarter the score was A & A Millwork 20 and El Amin Fish House 19.


As the second quarter got going Devron Bostick came down with a powerful over head slam dunk that got the crowd into the game. He then came down and nailed a long three point shot.


Johnny (The Green Giant) Gilbert got on a roll in the middle of the second quarter. He really played aggressively on both ends of the court.

When Al Nolen Jr was the floor he ran the offense for A & A Millwork. He was telling his players where to go on the court. He really knew what he was supposed to do and he went out and did it.


At the end of the second quarter the score was El Amin Fish House 53 and A & A Millwork 39.


As the second half got underway El Amin Fish House came out on fire. They were able to knock down some quick shots to begin the third quarter. They continued their run and they played with a lot of emotion. They did not give up.

Mike Kesella had a few nice slam dunks throughout the game. He was not afraid to shoot the ball as well. He was hitting mid range jump shots and also taking his defenders off the dribble.


At the end of the third quarter El Amin Fish House 83 A & A Millwork 67.


A & A Millwork didn’t give up. They went on a run mid way through the fourth quarter. The run caught the Fish House squad off guard. The players for the Fish House squad were shocked by the run.

Dan Coleman was all over the court in the game. He played very well in the game. He got his hand up and defended very well and we boxed players out well in the game.


El Amin Fish House was able to hang on for the victory. Each team played very well it was a hard fought team. I really thought that the Gophers that played in the game did a really good job of playing team basketball. They were really playing hard and going after it on the court. J’son Stamper played well he had a few nice slam dunks throughout the game. El Amin Fish House came away with the 115-105 victory.

Monday, July 6, 2009

B2X TOOK ON SABES-TRP GROUP

In the second game it was B2X going up against Sabes-TRP Group. It took awhile for each of these to warm up as neither team was able to shoot the ball very well in the opening minutes of the game.

Rodney Williams came out strong. He was able to light up the crowd early with a couple of nice slam dunks. He also came up with a few new nice blocks in the early goings. That kept his team in the game.


Clayton Stanfer started out the game strong for the Sabes-TRP Group. He was aware of his surroundings and he made some nice passes to his teammates for some nice assists.


For B2X Jamar Diggs played the guard spot he was able to get the ball up the court against pressure.

At the end of the first quarter the score was B2x 28 and Sabes-TRP Group 29.

The second quarter brought tougher aggressive purser from both teams. Sabes-TRP Group used a tough man to man defense to try to stop B2X.


Rodney Williams showed his versatility with what he can do with the ball. He was able to make both the long NBA three point shot along with the short range jump shot inside the key.


Both teams were able to find the basket in the second quarter as they were hitting shots. Players relaxed and really got into a flow in the second quarter. As the shots began to fall the players became more confidante in their shooting.


At the half the score was B2X 49 and Sables-TRP Group 59.


As the second half got way it was a dunking show as Rodney Williams from B2X and Jefferson Mason made three consecutive open slam dunks that brought the crowd to its feet and loud applause.


Jermaine Davis made some nice moves in this contest. He really did a good job of getting defending his man. He contested shots and really went after it. On the offensive end he got his teammates involved and he was not afraid to pass the ball to his teammates.

Each team played great defense in the third quarter. At the end of the third quarter the score was B2X 72 and TRP 86.

As the fourth quarter got underway each team stepped up their intensity. Both teams wanted a victory they were going to do whatever they could to get the victory.


Will Leftridge came up with some nice plays. He had a nice power drop step that he used. He was able to use it to his advantage when he was near the basket.

Damian Johnson played well. He really stepped up his game in the second half. He provided a spark when he was on the court. He was able to carry his team in the fourth quarter.

This game went back and forth throughout the game. In the end Sabes-TRP Group was able to come away with the 110-107 victory.


PAT MADISON TOOK ON TROY HUDSON ENTERPRISES

After a short break to celebrate the Fourth of July we were back to playing basketball at the Salvation Army in the Howard Pulley Pro City Summer League. In the first game it was Pat Madison against Troy Hudson Enterprises.

Kammron Taylor makes his first appearance in the league this summer as he is playing on the Pat Madison Magic team. He is from Minneapolis and went to Minneapolis North high school then on to play college ball at the University of Wisconsin. He has shown up and make a huge impact from the get go. On the offensive end he was able to just step in and run the show.


Royce White had some nice plays to open up the game. He was strong with the ball and he wasn’t afraid to get his teammates involved in the game. He came up with a couple of nice steals in the first quarter.


Troy Hudson Enterprises made a run in the later part of the first quarter and they had a 32-24 lead at the end of the first quarter.


In the second quarter Troy Hudson Enterprises came out with a little spark in the second quarter. They were able to knock down a few quick shots early in the quarter.



Royce White was a little beast in the first half he was all over the court. He played with a lot of energy and emotion. He had a nice wrap around move that he did when he had the ball. He would literally wrap the ball around his body and lay the ball up.


At the half the score was Troy Hudson Enterprises 64 and Pat Madison 47.


As the second half got started each team seemed to step up the intensity a little bit. Neither team was going to just let the other team do what they wanted to do. The defensive pressure seemed to be turned up a notch.

Pat Madison picked up the intensity in the third quarter as they were able to go on a run and get the game to within eight points. They continued to shoot the ball well in the third quarter. They went on a 30-15 third quarter run that turned the tides in the third quarter.

The score at the end of the third quarter was Troy Hudson Enterprises 79 and Pat Madison 77.

The scoring went back and forth at the beginning of the fourth quarter. Kammron Taylor was not afraid to shoot the ball from anywhere on the court. He was mostly dead on with his shots.


Jontae Koonkaew has played well for the Pat Madison Magic team. He was really played scrappy throughout the game.


Troy Hudson Enterprises was able to come away with the 110-93 victory. Pat Madison put on a heck of a good game. Both teams were competitive throughout the whole game.

Sunday, July 5, 2009

THE HOWARD PULLEY PRO AM A PLACE TO WATCH CURRENT AND FUTURE GOPHERS SHOW THERE SKILLS

The Howard Pulley Pro Am that takes place Monday through Thursday at the Salvation Army gym in St Paul. On any given night there are many different Gopher basketball players that are playing.


The thing that I think I like about the Pro Am is that the players are so accessible. They are willing to talk to you. They are willing to talk about everything that you want to talk about. You really get to know the players for who they are. They are not just sound bites from press conferences.


Through this league I have gotten to know different University of Minnesota players for who they are off the court. I think that this league is a good league for the casual fan to come and enjoy some summer time basketball as well at the serious fan to see what the Gopher talent was to bring against some older competition.

JP TOKOTO COULD BE THE NEXT BIG STAR

JP Tokoto who is from Menomonee Falls, WI has been national looks from top programs across the country. He just finished his freshman year and he already has college coaches buzzing. He has received many different offers to play college basketball.

Some of the schools that have offered JP Toko are Iowa State, Kansas, Marquette, Wisconsin and the University of Minnesota.


We will have to wait and see how he will progress throughout his high school career. He is playing summer basketball (summer of 2009) with the Wisconsin Playground AAU program.


Saturday, July 4, 2009

STEVE MC NARE FOUND SHOT DEAD AT HIS HOUSE

Former Tennessee Titan Steve Mc Nare was found shot to death inside his Nashville home. Another woman that was also at the home was also shot to death.

SERENA TOPS VENUS IN STRAIGHT-SETS FINAL

FROM ESPN.COM news services

Serena Williams beat Venus Williams 7-6 (3), 6-2 in the Wimbledon women's final Saturday, capturing her third career title at the All England Club and thwarting her sister's bid to win her sixth.

"I'm really honored," Serena said in the championship ceremony. "I feel really blessed to be out here."

Serena took the opening set on a tiebreak, as Venus dropped her first set in 36 consecutive Wimbledon sets dating to the third round of the 2007 championships.

"She played the best tennis today," Venus said. "So congratulations."

With the win, Serena broke a head-to-head career tie with Venus, making it 11-10. It also gave Serena her 11th grand slam title.

"I don't think the loss has set in yet," Venus said. "I'm still smiling."

Friday, July 3, 2009

KARA GOUCHER'S TRACK IS A WINNING ONE

By: Kevin Pates, News Tribune

Marathoner Kara Goucher returned to the track Friday night to hone her speed and defend her only national championship — at 5,000 meters, won a year ago at the U.S. Olympic Trials.

She duplicated her effort at the same venue, placing first in a field of 20 in 15 minutes, 20.94 seconds in the USA Outdoor Track and Field Championships at Hayward Field in Eugene, Ore.

Jennifer Rhines was a distant second in 15:26.92 and Angela Bizzarri third in 15:33.02.

Goucher, 30, a Duluthian living in Portland, Ore., will compete only in the marathon in the World Championships on Aug. 23 in Berlin. She was involved in a slow-paced 5,000 until Rhines sped ahead with about three laps to go. Goucher, seventh at the time, followed the leader and then passed fellow 2008 Olympian Rhines with about 500 meters remaining.


“I almost fell twice,” Goucher told the Eugene Register-Guard. “I think that was just because the pace was slow. It’s kind of like the Boston Marathon or the Olympic final, when it’s so slow and you get so many women running up on each other. You have to not let it bother you.’’


Former Olympian Carrie Tollefson of St. Paul, a Goucher high school rival at Dawson-Boyd, didn’t finish.
Goucher’s performance continued a winning start to the meet by Nike Oregon Project runners coached by Alberto Salazar. On Thursday’s opening day, Amy Yoder Begley and Galen Rupp won 10,000-meter titles.

“I got a lot of inspiration from Amy and Galen,” Goucher told the Portland Oregonian. “Amy for how she gutted through and Galen for the way he looked so effortless.”

Jurek drops out of Western States

Seven-time champion Scott Jurek of Seattle dropped out of the Western States 100-Mile Endurance Run about halfway through the event Saturday afternoon from Squaw Valley to Auburn, Calif. Jurek, 35, a Proctor native, dropped out after reaching the 47.8-mile checkpoint in 10th place, about 36 minutes behind leader Hal Koerner. Temperatures were in the 80s and 90s.


Koerner, 33, from Ashland, Ore., held nearly an hour lead 78 miles into the race with Leigh Schmitt, 36, of Conway, Mass., in second. Jurek was in third place 38-miles into the race.

Kramer, Houck win titles

Matt Kramer of Cloquet and Jen Houck of Duluth won titles in Saturday’s fourth Midnight Run five-kilometer road race on the Lakewalk in Canal Park.


Kramer, 23, a Wisconsin-Superior Division III track All-American, was first in a record field of 570 in 15 minutes, 40 seconds. Scott Behling of Duluth was second in 15:45 and Jason Lindelof of Superior was third in 16:08.


Houck, 25, led the women’s field in 17:42, Rachel Stack of Duluth was second in 19:27 and Melissa Johnson of Switzerland was third in 20:00.

TARGET FIELD SET TO OPEN APRIL 12

By RONALD BLUM, AP Baseball Writer

Outdoor baseball is tentatively set to return to Minneapolis on April 12 when the Minnesota Twins play their 2010 home opener against the Boston Red Sox.

The date was contained in a draft schedule for next season that recently was sent to teams and revealed Friday to The Associated Press. It was provided by a baseball official on condition of anonymity because Major League Baseball’s central office asked that the schedule not be made public before it is finalized later this year.

Minnesota is tentatively set to open the season on April 5 at the
Los Angeles Angels.

This is the 28th and final season for the Twins at the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome. Barring postseason play, the Twins play their final game there Oct. 4 against the
Kansas City Royals.

Target Field, with open air and a capacity of about 40,000, is estimated to cost $535 million. It’s possible the Twins will play exhibition games there before the formal opener—most teams do when moving into a new stadium.

After Minneapolis, the next major league ballpark to open will be at Miami in 2012. Construction on the Marlins’ 37,000 capacity retractable-roof stadium began last week on the former site of the Orange Bowl, and a formal groundbreaking is scheduled for July 18.

After that, only the
Oakland Athletics and possibly the Tampa Bay Rays are seeking new stadiums. In March, baseball commissioner Bud Selig appointed a committee to analyze the A’s hope to obtain a new ballpark in their current territory. That followed the club’s decision in February to scrap plans for a ballpark in Fremont.

While San Jose is interested in hosting the A’s, it is considered part of the San Francisco Giants’ territory.
Tampa Bay postponed a downtown waterfront ballpark proposal last year and is exploring various sites in its area for a possible stadium.