MARCH MAYHEM AT YOUR FINGERTIPS! SEE BACK PAGE

MARCH 18-24, 2009 ATLANTA’S WEEKLY SPORTS TALK NEWSPAPER VOL 5 NO 6 02 I SCORE ATLANTA Get In The Game!

WWW.SCOREATL.COM MARCH 18-24, 2009 SCORE ATLANTA I 03

™ STARTING LINEUP IN YOUR PUBLISHER/EDITOR I.J. Rosenberg FACE… MANAGING EDITOR Alex Ewalt ART/CREATIVE DIRECTOR David Gaudio VIDEO MANAGER Scott Janovitz BUSINESS MANAGER Marvin Botnick SALES MANAGER Mark Mayo WWW.SCOREATL.COM BEAT WRITERS Josh Bagriansky (Falcons), Stephen Black (Kennesaw State), Jason Boral (Thrashers), James Butler 5 Alex Ewalt spoke with GHSA executive director Dr. Ralph (UGA), Dave Cohen (Georgia State), Johnny Crosskey Swearngin about some of the issues facing high school sports (Tech), Alex Ewalt (Preps), Scott Janovitz in our state. Read the exclusive interview inside. ______(Hawks/Recruiting), Fletcher Proctor (Braves) STAFF WRITERS Cranston Collier, Joe Deighton, Ricky Dimon, 9 See our prep section for all the results from last weekend’s Rajesh Gupta, Zander Lentz, Andrew McCarron, Corey Mitchell, state championship games! Also, James Butler writes about Jessica Parker, Leighton Savary, Keafer Triplett, Derek Wiley Naismith Award-winner Derrick Favors. DESIGN INTERNS DJ Galbiati ______CONTRIBUTORS Tad Arapoglou, Dean Zindler, Kevin Dankosky, 17 Braves management took a beating in the offseason, but Mitch Evans, Matt Judy, Tony Schiavone, Richard Diamond, Kenshin Kawakami (pictured) and the pitching staff is taking Joe Haines, Brian Katrek, Chris Dimino, Mike Bell, Matt Stewart, shape in the spring. Beat writer Fletcher Proctor has the scoop. Fred Kalil, Nick Cellini, Phillip Leopold, Dave Marshall, Greg ______Smith, Steak Shapiro, Mike Cather, Beau Bock, Hal Lamar, Chris Cotter, Roy Hickman, Dave Cohen, John Olah, Jeff Woolverton, 19 The NCAA Tournament is finally here, and Josh Bagriansky Chris Voss, Bob Rathbun, Courtney Capps, Bill Hartman, Chuck answers all the burning questions heading into the first round. Dowdle, Shannon Alderman, Dan Kamal, Dennis Scott, C.C., Who will be cutting down the nets in April? Hal Lanier, Jeff Batten, Micah Hart, Ben Wright, A SCORE UPDATE: Alan Vasquez, Andrew Vedlitz, Brian Jones Spring is finally here, and with it comes a new group of high school sports. If you’re SPECIAL CONTRIBUTORS Mitch Albom, Dave Kindred, Barry Bloom looking for a way to keep up with it all, Scoreatl.com will be bringing you daily scores for all the team sports, including baseball, lacrosse and soccer. So check out ™ SCHOOL our new Flash scoreboard throughout the spring season to see how your favorite high LISTING school teams are doing! CHEROKEE/FORSYTH: Cherokee, Creekview, Etowah, Forsyth Central, North Forsyth, Sequoyah, South Forsyth, West Forsyth, Woodstock COBB: Allatoona, Campbell, Harrison, Kell, Kennesaw Mountain, Lassiter, TEAM PAGES I COLUMNS Marietta, McEachern, N. Cobb, N. Cobb Christian, Pebblebrook, Pope, S. Cobb, Sprayberry, Walton, Wheeler BLAST FROM THE PAST: DEKALB: Chamblee, Columbia, Decatur, Druid Hills, Dunwoody, COVER DESIGN BY DAVID GAUDIO. COVER PHOTOS COURTESY OF DAVID CASELLI/DON JACKSON/ASHLEY JACKSON/PHOTOGRAPHIC ARTS. Lakeside, Marist, Miller Grove, M.L. King, Paideia, Redan, St. Pius Former Jonesboro basketball star and current X, Southwest DeKalb, Stephenson, Stone Mountain, Tucker Florida State senior Toney Douglas returned home FULTON: Alpharetta, Blessed Trinity, Centennial, Chattahoochee, last week to lead his Seminoles to their first-ever 5 SWEARNGIN INTERVIEW 6 DUE UP-KATREK 7 SPIN-C.C. Douglass, Grady, Lovett, Mays, Milton, North Springs, Northview, Riverwood, Roswell, Tri-Cities, Westminster, Woodward Academy ACC Championship Game. Despite a loss to Duke 8 HS SPORTS REPORT 14 HAWKS-THRASHERS-FALCONS GWINNETT: Berkmar, Brookwood, Buford, C. Gwinnett, Collins in the finals, the Douglas-led ‘Noles will make their Hill, Dacula, Grayson, Greater Atlanta Christian, Meadowcreek, Mill 15 DAWGS-JACKETS 16 BRAVES-OWLS-PANTHERS Creek, Norcross, North Gwinnett, Parkview, Peachtree Ridge, first NCAA Tournament appearance since 1998. South Gwinnett, Wesleyan Photo courtesy of Florida State University. 17 MEMORY LANE 18 CALENDAR 19 AD INDEX

WWW.SCOREATL.COM 04 I SCORE ATLANTA Get In The Game!

WWW.SCOREATL.COM MARCH 18-24, 2009 SCORE ATLANTA I 05

GHSA director shares thoughts on illegal recruiting, disgruntled fans

efore the state basketball semifinals, I talk to them, they say, oh, I never said that. So, [I heard about] this unrest in Metro Atlanta Bhad a chance to talk with GHSA execu- it gets to be a very difficult thing to have evi- and it astounded me. [Metro-area fans] had tive director Dr. Ralph Swearngin about dence we could take to court if someone decid- to go all the way to Macon one year. If we are some of the issues facing high school sports ed to take us to court on the issue. not able to secure places like Georgia State, today. Here’s what we talked about: Georgia Tech and the University of Georgia, R

Provided it’s approved, next year’s region there’s just no place to do it. In fact for a cou- E

Alex Ewalt: Has the GHSA considered realignment is very important because it ple of years we had to play the third-round V re-seeding the basketball brackets for will begin the first four-year cycle of realign- games at high school gyms, and we heard a

the tournaments? ment, as opposed to the two-year cycle. lot of complaints about that. I dare say the O Dr. Ralph Swearngin: The big problem with What are your thoughts on the new system? complaints about having to travel from seeding is how to do it [and what to base it Swearngin: If this passes in March, then we Atlanta to Carrollton will be looked at as C on]. I’m not sure season won-loss record is would have four years to be in the same humorous by the people who are having to necessarily the way to go. It’s very difficult to regions. Interestingly, coaches wanted that travel from Augusta to Columbus or from E get people to agree, especially when they’re because if they’re in situations where they’re Thomasville to Savannah. Unfortunately that involved as coaches in the sport. So we’re shuffling around from one region to another, happens and there are not central locations H very skeptical that re-seeding really does it’s difficult for them to maintain relationships that can meet everybody’s needs. T anything. My viewpoint was something that an old coach told me when I first got into coaching. He said people that worry about N seeding are worried about who’s going to come in third or fourth. Because to win it, O you have to beat everybody. … I think media makes more out of it than anybody. When we Kennard Backman (pictured) helped start hearing the problems with bracketing and seeding it’s in the early rounds. And a lot lead Whitefield Academy over Turner of times it’s because a really good team, for County to capture the Class A boys whatever reason, doesn’t win their region. So state championship last Saturday. then all of a sudden they get thrown in as a No. 2 or possibly a No. 3 if they lost in the Nine other champions, two from each semifinals of the region. classification, were crowned over the weekend and Score Atlanta writers Could you tell me specifically what is con- sidered recruiting in high school sports? were there to catch all the action. For Swearngin: It has to be someone directly each classification’s winners, the related to the school, someone who is school major storylines and the tourna- personnel, who contacts the student and encourages them verbally or offers them ment’s top performers, check out our things to change from one school to another. prep section (page 8-12). The above Also, if a coach has a player in a summer pro- photo and the cover photos are cour- gram and then the player transfers to the school, the kid would probably be ineligible. tesy of Photographic Arts. Or if I give you private lessons and you come to my school then that would be illegal. There HEATIN’ UP: Thanks to a recent hot streak that has seen him score 30 points or more in four consecutive some schools, kids count as one and in other are three or four things there [that are consid- games, Joe Johnson and the Hawks were riding a five-game win streak at press time and playing some of their schools kids count as one and a half. ered recruiting]. Most of the time the school best basketball of the year. In addition to putting up big numbers, Johnson has played in all but two games for As for the football championships in the people don’t have to recruit. The recruiting is the Hawks this season. Photo courtesy of David McGregor/Photographic Arts. done by parents, it’s done by coaches in trav- Georgia Dome, what will the GHSA el ball and AAU. A lot of people get con- change about the events? cerned because people abide by our rules and Swearngin: I don’t think we’re going to do still a particular school gets loaded with tal- CATCH I.J. ON SUNDAYS very many things differently, maybe just ent. But as long as people live in a free coun- space out the games a little more for the try, it’s very difficult for us as an organization championships. Financially speaking, the to say, even though you abided by the rules “As long as people live in a free country, it’s very difficult for us as an championships in the Dome saved us. and sold your old house and moved to a new When you compare the championship house, you still can’t play for that team. organization to say, even though you abided by the rules and sold your games from the last couple of years with the championship games this year, the So, a student encouraging another student old house and moved to a new house, you still can’t play for that team.” attendance increase was 24 to 25 percent. to transfer is not illegal? Where we had some problems in the media Swearngin: No, it is not. If I’m the principal of that help them build high-money gates and What are your thoughts on the effective- was they compared 10 games for the semi- a school, I certainly don’t want to be hung rivalries. And from our viewpoint it’s great ness of eliminating the multiplier? finals to five games for the championships about what a couple of teenagers talk about because it’s like having a root canal once every Swearngin: It’s way too early to make any and it didn’t look quite as good. But we’re when they’re riding to a summer league game. four years instead of once every two years. comparisons. I’m sure everybody is making very pleased, we think it was a very special I just don’t think there’s any way we could pre- comparisons on their own, with or without atmosphere. We’ve heard mainly positive vent that. A lot of people are upset with the It seems this year the Metro Atlanta bas- data. We did a yearlong study and found out things from the people that participated. Georgia High School Association because we ketball fans were upset at having to travel that the multiplier didn’t do anything. The pri- Excerpts of this interview were published don’t do more. Most of our investigations come so far to the sectional sites.What is the sys- vate schools that were winning and doing well in the official program for the state basketball down to unverifiable accounts. One person says tem for choosing venues? and making final four appearances before the semifinal and championship matchups, which one thing, one person says another. A parent Swearngin: Number one, we have to have a multiplier made the same amount of final four was produced in its entirety by Score Atlanta says so-and-so contacted my kid to come to this venue that holds enough people. For 4A and appearances with the multiplier. It didn’t real- and is available for download on Scoreatl.com school, and then when you try and pin them 5A it’s got to be a minimum of 5,000. We ly matter, and it was catching the attention of in the Current Issues section. Ewalt can be down and you have a private investigator come really would like something closer to 7,000. legislators who said it’s not fair to say that in reached at [email protected].

WWW.SCOREATL.COM 06 I SCORE ATLANTA Get In The Game!

HOTTEST THINGS TO SEE AND DO OVER THE SCORE LIST DUE UP NEXT SEVEN DAYS BY ALEX EWALT BY BRIAN JONES

CHRISTMAS IN MARCH: If you’re like me, you know the feeling: for a sports fan, WEDNESDAY Braves at Mets. MLB Network. the first Thursday of the NCAA Tournament is like Christmas morning to an 8-year-old. We are right in the thick of spring training, and the Braves are looking sharp 1 So fill out your bracket and join your yearly tourney pool (my money’s on UNC). as they get ready for the 2009 season. Watch young players such as Josh Anderson take on the archrival New York Mets starting at 1:10 p.m. NO DANCING: For local hoops fans, March was undoubtedly more fun last year when 18 the Bulldogs were playing. With losses in their respective conference tournaments, both THURSDAY 2 the Dawgs and Jackets will be on the couch watching CBS for the next few weeks. NCAA Tournament Round 1. CBS. It’s the first day of the Big Dance and some would argue it’s the most PREP STARS: In case you haven’t noticed, Score is pretty big into the high school exciting sports day of the year. Come on down to The Cheetah for 790 basketball thing. Last weekend provided some awesome prep hoops action, as the 19 The Zone’s March Mayhem. The action will start at 11 a.m. 3 championships were held in Gwinnett and Macon. Congrats to all the champs! FRIDAY PHILIPS ON PHIRE: The Hawks are on a roll after beating five good basketball Georgia vs. Mississippi State. CSS. teams (Detroit, New Orleans, Utah, Indiana and Portland) at home. Even the Thrashers The Georgia baseball team has been playing lights out so far and some 4 are getting in on the act, starting off a five-game win streak with two wins at Blueland. polls have it ranked as high as No. 1 in the nation. The Bulldogs will look 20 to continue their hot streak when they take on Miss State at 7 p.m. SPRING FLING: The Bulldogs kicked off spring football practice on Tuesday, and now the process of trying to replace Matt Stafford and Knowshon Moreno begins. Tech gets SATURDAY going on Tuesday and will look to perfect what Paul Johnson started with the triple option. Kennesaw State vs. Southern Utah. 5 Another baseball team having a good start to its season is Kennesaw BROWN TO ROCKY TOP: The nation’s No. 1 high school football player, Kansas State. In fact, the Owls are actually the favorite to win the Atlantic Sun. running back Bryce Brown, finally ended his long, strange recruitment by committing 21 They will take on Southern Utah in a doubleheader starting at 1 p.m. 6 to Tennessee on Monday. Apparently Lane Kiffin’s antics work on some level. SUNDAY NO SALE: Last week, Michael Vick’s luxury home in Sugarloaf Country Club, with a Georgia Tech vs. Virginia Tech. 91.1 FM. minimum asking price of $3.2 million, failed to sell at auction. If any prospective buyers And let’s not forget about the Georgia Tech baseball team, which could 7 had actually showed up, they would have had to shell out $165,000 just to make a bid. very well make another trip to the College World Series. The Jackets face 22 Virginia Tech at 1 p.m. in the final game of a three-game series. INTERNATIONAL EMBARRASSMENT: What happened to the U.S. team against Puerto Rico in the World Baseball Classic? The country where baseball originated got MONDAY Hawks vs. Timberwolves. 790 AM. FSNSouth. 8 humiliated in an 11-1, mercy rule-shortened game, putting its title hopes on life support. With the playoffs right around the corner, the Hawks look to keep a firm HOLD THAT TIGER: He’s still the world’s No. 1, but his competition is gaining. Tiger grip on the No. 4 seed in the conference. They will take on the Woods had his moments at the CA Championship last weekend, but Phil Mickelson won 23 Timberwolves, who are fighting for a playoff spot. Tip-off is at 7 p.m. 9 going away. This could get interesting with the Masters less than a month away. TUESDAY Thrashers at Canadiens. 680 The Fan. SportSouth. MIDNIGHT MARATHON: Before the brackets were even released, UConn and Three road games remain for the Thrashers this season, and they will try 10 Syracuse kicked off the March madness with a ridiculous six-overtime contest in the Big to get some wins under their belt before the season ends. They will visit East Tournament. Syracuse ended up winning, but UConn still earned a coveted No. 1 seed. 24 the always-tough Montreal Canadiens starting at 7:30 p.m.

Atlanta Hawks Atlanta Thrashers Tech recruits Don’t look now, but the Hawks are play- The team has come to life lately, Several future Jackets won state ing their best basketball of the year. Mike setting a franchise record for most championships last weekend in consecutive victories by winning basketball. South Atlanta’s Derrick Woodson (pictured) and the gang are five straight at press time. The Favors finally got his title, and holding strong to the fourth spot in the playoffs may be out of reach, but Miller Grove’s Mfon Udofia and THUMBS UP TO East and hope to deliver a home playoff the end-of-year push has to be Stephen Hill (a football recruit) also HAWKS SOARING series to Atlanta. encouraging for fans. hoisted trophies.

Team U.S.A. Marvin Williams Chipper’s left oblique The American baseball team got rocked in It hasn’t seemed to affect the team This muscle in the veteran Brave’s (yet), but Williams is trying to sal- its matchup with Puerto Rico on Saturday vage his season by opting for side has given him all sorts of trouble by the score of 11-1. It was bad enough rehab, instead of surgery, on his so far. The third baseman aggravated that the team didn’t bring home gold in the injured back. If the Hawks are to the injury again in WBC play over the first World Baseball Classic back in 2006, make a playoff run, they’ll need him weekend, but returned to Braves camp THUMBS DOWN TO but now this? back and healthy. hoping to play later in the week. NAGGING INJURIES

CRUNCHING THE SANITY NUMBERS WORLD RANKINGS TIGHTEN AT LAST Don't look now, but the top of the was greater than Phil's lead on you. And world golf rankings is tighter than it has it actually felt about right. This does too. “We did more motivational tricks 3 Number of combined been for quite some time. The Phil has now won two of his last this year than I’ve ever done in NCAA berths by Tech and UGA points don't matter too much three starts, including last my life, just trying to keep them since 2004 because the system is hard week at Doral. Tiger upbeat and positive. And it to explain. But, Tiger looked rusty at Doral, but worked. They were fired up to Woods is less than a point got better as the week play every game. But at the end 1 Combined number of ahead of Phil Mickelson. went on. This is leading NCAA Tournament victories by That is pretty close. up to a fantastic Masters. of the day, basketball is a game the two schools since then Tiger has just over nine Brian Katrek can be heard of players. It comes down to play- points, and Phil just over eight. on 790 The Zone’s “On The ers making plays.” There was a time last year when Green with Brian Katrek” 5 Number of wins by Tech Tiger had 19 points and Phil had around Sundays from 8-9 a.m. and can be - Georgia Tech head basketball coach in the 2004 Tournament eight. That meant that Tiger's lead on Phil reached at [email protected]. Paul Hewitt to AJC’s Larry Hartstein

WWW.SCOREATL.COM MARCH 18-24, 2009 SCORE ATLANTA I 07

Conference champions crowned; Chipper returns to Orlando with injury WHY WADE CHECK THIS OUT! WON’T WIN It’s March, and you know what Dwyane Wade will not win the that means. It’s time for the Madness! Most Valuable Player award. Dwyane One of sport’s greatest months will Wade should not win the Most Valuable only get better this week, when the Player award. It’s not that he hasn’t women’s NCAA Tournament comes been phenomenal, because he has. He’s to town right here in Atlanta. Starting actually been better than phenomenal on Saturday and ending Monday, fans recently. Unfortunately for Wade, there can enjoy all the excitement and pas- are a couple of things working against sion of the NCAA tourney by making him. The first problem he faces is the an easy drive to Gwinnett Arena. fact that the media gave LeBron James Tickets are just $20 to see some of the the Most Valuable Player award before the season started. The award was his to country’s best basketball teams and lose and he hasn’t lost it. LeBron has players as they go at it in the first two been just as fantastic as Wade except rounds of the tournament. Visit ticket- he’s done it consistently all season long. master.com for ticket information. Another thing working against Wade is You can snag passes for just one ses- the Miami Heat’s record. They are cur- sion, or for the entire weekend as well. rently ranked fifth in the Eastern For more information call the Conference and are on pace to win 43 Gwinnett Arena Box Office at 770- or 44 games. Cleveland could lose the 813-7600. And for complete news on remainder of its games and still finish CRACK OPEN A COLD ONE: Celebration was in order for Kurt Busch and his crew back on March 8, as the vet- all the matchups around the tourna- comfortably ahead of the Heat. You cer- eran driver won the Kobalt Tools 500 at Atlanta Motor Speedway. The surprise winner, and older brother of ment, visit www.ncaa.com. tainly could make the argument that the 2008 winner Kyle Busch, shocked the field by leading 235 out of 330 laps at the event. Photo courtesy of Rob Saye. Miami Heat would be nowhere without Dwyane Wade’s stellar play, but you could have made that argument for HERE’S THE SCOOP ... Written by Scott Janovitz Kobe Bryant in 2005-06. It didn’t work f you were too busy to follow the college be right in the thick of the tournament as a night and returned to Orlando to be evaluat- for Kobe, and it won’t work for Wade. Ibasketball conference tournaments last No. 11 seed. With that said, Georgia fans ed by Braves doctors. He is the second I want to give a shoutout to weekend, you missed out on some pretty should pay particular attention to Grant’s Team USA player to return to spring train- Mitchell Pollett as he begins his battle good theater. The action included a six- coaching tendencies over the next few ing due to injury, as Boston’s Dustin against Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. For overtime classic between Syracuse and weeks and to VCU’s success as a team in Pedroia left the club with a strained left Connecticut that I’m still tired from staying general. You never know; Grant may be the oblique last week. those of you who don’t know, that’s a up to watch, a first-ever appearance by future of Bulldog basketball. Spring is here and baseball is already form of cancer. Mitchell is currently a Florida State in the ACC championship The UFL, a new professional football back in the swing of things, with spring member of the Atlanta Spirit’s Fan game, and Mississippi State winning four league, has plans to debut in October and training already well underway. The 2009 Development Team and he is one of the straight games to capture the SEC crown took one step closer to becoming a reality Atlanta Braves look markedly different than Atlanta Hawks’ biggest fans. He actu- for the first time since 2002. Despite the last week when former NFL coaches last year’s squad, most notably the pitching ‘Noles’ recent hot streak, Duke took home Dennis Green, Jim Fassel and Jim Haslett staff, which will have to deal with the loss of ally got fired from a job last year the ACC title, while Purdue and USC won all agreed to serve as head coaches during Braves legend John Smoltz. Smoltz left because he decided to go to Game 3 of the Big Ten and Pac-10, respectively. In the first season. For the 2009 season, the many legacies in Atlanta, including one for the playoff series against the Boston impressive fashion, Louisville swept league will have four teams, with squads in injuring himself in one of the craziest ways Celtics. Now that’s a young man who through the treacherous Big East, Missouri San Francisco, Las Vegas, Orlando and possible: burning himself while ironing a has his priorities in order! The Atlanta shocked the Big 12 and, in no surprise, NewYork. The fourth coach will be ex-NFL shirt he was still wearing at the time. Memphis managed to win its fourth straight defensive coordinator Ted Cottrell, who Smoltz’s gaffe could rival any, but he picked Spirit took good care of Mitch and his Conference USA championship. will coach the New York franchise. Green up some new competition last week thanks family and friends this weekend. They will coach in San Francisco, Fassel in Las to Texas centerfielder Josh Hamilton. The put them in a suite for the Portland NOTE TO DAWG FANS … Vegas and Haslett in Orlando. 27-year-old chipped his tooth before a game and got him an autographed pic- While the NCAA Tournament no doubt spring training game when he tried to hold a ture from Dominique captures the attention of all sports fans, the INJURY BUG BACK … soda can in his mouth while signing an auto- action is admittedly a bit more intriguing While Braves pitching has mostly been graph. Neither Smoltz nor Hamilton suf- Wilkins. I’m hoping you when one’s team is still around. It is with the talk of the offseason, injuries are start- fered serious injuries, but both taught us have a speedy recovery, that in mind that I offer Georgia Bulldog ing to mount and are threatening to become valuable lessons in not trying to bite off Mitch. We’d love to have fans this consolation: though your team may the main storyline yet again after dominat- more than you can chew (no pun intended). you in the building for the be missing from postseason contention, the ing the headlines for much of last year. The One final reminder for all you avid Atlanta Hawks’ first- future of your program may lie with one of most recent causality occurred at the con- hunters out there: Saturday marks the start the active teams. With a head coaching spot troversial World Baseball Classic, where of the 2009 Turkey hunting season. I prefer round playoff series. open for the taking, Anthony Grant’s name Chipper Jones aggravated his right oblique eating turkey to killing it, but for those of C.C. can be reached is likely to surface in the coming months muscle over the weekend. As a result of the you who enjoy both, now’s the time to get at [email protected] and his Virginia Commonwealth Rams will injury, Jones left the tournament on Sunday your weapons and bagged lunches ready.

Tuesday: Wednesday: StarTime Entertainment Roswell (770) 993-5411 North River Tavern Beef O'Brady's 30 Atlanta (770) 552-8784 Suwanee (770) 886-8221 Buffalo’s Café The Grove Restaurant & Bar Bradley's American Cafe Jonesboro (770) 998-1314 Decatur (404) 321-4420 Marietta (770) 321-0108 CENT Montana’s Bar & Grill WoW Café and Wingery StarTime Entertainment Marietta (770) 998-1314 Athens (706) 543-5510 Roswell (770) 993-5411 Alpharetta (678) 366-8928 WINGS Friday: Jeffrey’s Dark Horse Tavern Ameribistro WWW.THETRIVIAZONE.COM SportsBar & Grill VA-Highlands (404)873-3607 Smyrna (770) 437-0272 at J.R. Crickets in Alpharetta(770) 346-0807 J.R. Crickets Smyrna (678) 305-0225 Sunday: Ribs, ETC., Montana’s Bar & Grill Smyrna every Buckhead (404) 843-8200 Thursday: Round up your friends for a night of FUN, FACTS, Frankie’s at the Prado Marietta (770) 998-1314 and FREEBIES! Join Trivia Zone Team each week Wednesday night Frankie’s at the Prado S. Springs (404)843-9444 Alpharetta (678) 366-8928 S. Springs (404)843-9444 for your chance to WIN! (Dine-In Only) Neighbor’s Pub North River Tavern North River Tavern Call your favorite location for start time and details! VA-Highlands (404)872-5440 Atlanta (770) 552-8784 Atlanta (770) 552-8784

WWW.SCOREATL.COM Latest honoree shows Georgia’s reached top outh Atlanta forward Derrick Favors was year, but for the lovers of good basketball in Snamed the 2009 Naismith National High Georgia, at least he is staying in state; imagine School Boys Player of the Year (presented by what Howard and Williams playing collegiate the Atlanta Tipoff Club) last week, becoming basketball in Georgia would have done for the the fourth Georgia player to win the award image of the sport in the state. since its inception in 1987. The 6-foot-9 There has not been a whole lot to cheer Favors led South Atlanta to the Class 3A about from the state’s men’s teams in recent championship this season, registering 38 years, but keeping more of the top talent in points, 20 rebounds and four blocks in the state could change that. Tech appears to be finals, and has been selected to participate in doing that with Miller Grove’s Mfon Udofia, the McDonald’s All-American Game. Walton’s Glen Rice and Hancock Central’s With four boys winners, Georgia is tied Kammeon Holsey joining Favors at Tech next with Virginia for the most from any state. season. Yellow Jacket head coach Paul Hewitt While Georgia’s last three winners—Favors, managed to get Gani Lawal of Norcross from Louis Williams (South Gwinnett) and the class of 2007, but players like Wheeler’s Dwight Howard (Southwest Atlanta J.J. Hickson and Meadowcreek’s Chris Allen Christian)—hail from Metro Atlanta, the went out of state. Similarly, Norcross’ Al- state’s first winner was from South Georgia. Farouq Aminu, Georgia’s Mr. Basketball in Randolph-Clay’s Donnell Harvey took home 2008, left Georgia. Up in Athens, the Georgia the award in 1999, showing that talent comes Bulldogs will soon be hiring a new head coach from all over Georgia. Favors’ selection also who will have the same opportunity to take means someone from Georgia has won a advantage of the wealth of talent in the state. Naismith Award in five out of the last six Speaking of the talent, it is not running years, as Collins Hill’s Maya Moore won the out. Players like McEachern’s Trae Golden girls award in 2006 and 2007. and Wheeler’s Phil Taylor will be seniors next season, while the class of 2011 features the KEEPING IT IN-STATE … Milton trio of Julian Royal, Dai-Jon Parker Unlike the three previous Naismith Boys and Shannon Scott, as well as Rockdale winners from the Peach State, Favors will play County’s Kevin Ware. With an already college ball in Georgia. Williams and Howard impressive first two years playing at the high- declared for the NBA Draft straight after high est level of high school basketball, Royal school while Harvey played one year at Florida might be the next Georgia high school hoop- before turning pro. Favors, who has pledged to ster to bring home a Naismith Award. attend Georgia Tech, is expected to follow the Butler can be reached at same route as Harvey and go pro after one [email protected]. THE HIGH SCHOOL PLAYERS OF THE WEEK

ARI STEWART KAYLA LEWIS WHEELER HIGH SOUTHWEST DEKALB Stewart’s size and skill were on display The junior leader of the Lady Panthers, in the Wildcats’ win over Milton in the Lewis was the best player on the best Class 5A championship game, as the 6- girls team in Class 4A. Lewis scored a foot-7 forward scored a game-high 21 game-high 24 points in a blowout win points and grabbed 14 rebounds in the over Bainbridge in the semifinals, and 73-53 win. The senior, headed to Wake added a team-high 16 points in the cham- Forest next season, wowed fans with a pionship game, a 59-46 win over Fayette litany of dunks in the title game. County. Lewis is also the top defender on Stewart also scored 19 points in a the team, and she will return next year to semifinal win over Westlake. go for a third consecutive title.

BOYS 8. South Gwinnett GIRLS 8. Wesleyan 1. Wheeler 9. Centennial 1. Redan 9. Beach 2. South Atlanta 10. Tucker 2. Parkview 10. Westlake 3. Miller Grove 11. Walton 3. Southwest DeKalb 11. Campbell 4. Milton 12. Fayette County 4. Marietta 12. Carrollton FINALFINAL POWERPOWER 5. Columbia 13. Newnan 5. Fayette County 13. Mill Creek 6. Westlake 14. Dublin 6. Jonesboro 14. Norcross 1515 POLLPOLL 7. Norcross 15. Hillgrove 7. Buford 15. NW Whitfield

WWW.SCOREATL.COM HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS REPORT I09

Duluth venue hosts some of state’s top talent for Class 4A and 5A championships he Class 4A girls state championship ON TO CLASS 5A … the Georgia Dome for the ACC Tournament Tstarted last Friday at the Gwinnett Arena. Redan, back in the Class 5A girls state instead of Gwinnett Arena. In contrast, Milton The game was a repeat of last year’s matchup, championship game, finished off its undefeat- started one senior, three sophomores and Evan but with two major differences: former ed season with a 64-40 thrashing of Marietta. Nolte, a freshman who looked every bit like it. Southwest DeKalb superstar Charenee While the Blue Devils held Virginia- Stephens is now at the University of South bound Telia McCall to seven points, Quortni WILDCATS BACK ON TOP … Carolina, and Fayette County went in as the Fambro blitzed Marietta with 18 points and Like the 4A boys championship, this favorite this time around with a perfect 31-0 Nia Evans added 17. contest looked liked a mismatch that would record before the game. Redan junior point guard Alisha be over before the horn buzzed to end the first The Panthers looked much like the Andrews is a player to watch for next season, quarter. The Eagles, however, showed much defending champs early on, stretching their as her game continues to grow. At 5-foot-2 maturity despite their youth, only trailing the lead to 24-15 with two minutes remaining in standing on her tiptoes, Andrews is already a Wildcats 11-10 after one quarter. the first half. Fayette County stormed back, superb passer and a joy to watch. One more It was the second quarter that cost however, as Sasha Sims scored six quick year could see her evolve into a better scorer Milton, as Wheeler outscored the Eagles points and a free throw by Tessah Holt left the for her senior season. 18-8 behind three-point plays from Howell Tigers down 24-22 at the half. The 5A boys state championship game and Ari Stewart en route to a 29-18 lead at The Panthers made adjustments, holding featured two teams with vastly different recent the half. Milton was never quite able to Sims scoreless in the second half. Holt’s 13 sec- histories. Wheeler played in this same game just recover, getting as close as five points in the ond-half points weren’t enough, as Southwest a season ago, losing to Norcross by only three second half on its way to a 73-53 loss. repeated as champs with a 59-46 victory. Kayla points, while Milton finished last season 12-14. Stewart led the Wildcats with 21 points and Lewis finished with 16 points for the Panthers. To anyone who wasn’t familiar with 14 rebounds. Howell finished with 20 Miller Grove, which had averaged over these teams, the differences were obvious points and eight rebounds. 85 points per game in the playoffs, used the once each team entered the gym. The Milton In the end, the Class 5A boys champi- 4A boys championship to show off its players entered first, showing off their funda- onship was not much of a surprise to either defense. The Wolverines smothered the mentals with a backboard tip drill that they basketball experts or novice spectators, as Tigers en route to a 59-31 win. Tucker earned ran to near perfection. Wheeler players, on Wheeler continued its decade of dominance. most of its points at the free throw line, as the the other hand, entered throwing basketballs Milton has a big future with its three Tigers were held without a field goal in both up into the air like graduation caps as they scintillating sophomores, Julian Royal (15 the first and third periods. passed half court. points, eight rebounds), Dai-Jon Parker (14 “I told the boys in the locker room, we want As the two teams walked out to center points) and Shannon Scott. All three are play- our defense to be our offense,” said Miller Grove court to tip, fans could really compare the ers to watch for the next two seasons, as the TIGERS TAMED: Miller Grove’s Mfon Udofia head coach Eddie Johnson after the game. favorites to the underdogs. Senior forward Eagles have just as good a shot as anyone to goes up for a lay-in against Tucker in the Class Mfon Udofia led the Wolverines offense Richard Howell, an N.C. State commit stand- be back in the championship game next year. 4A boys championship. Udofia scored 12 with 12 points as the Wolverines won their ing 6-8, 230 pounds, looked like he already Wiley can be reached at points in the game to lead Miller Grove to its first-ever state title. belonged in the ACC and should be playing at [email protected]. first-ever title. Photo courtesy of Don Jackson/Photographic Arts.

Milton girls lacrosse off to another strong start, will look to extend state title streak t’s been a good year for Milton High School and they are undefeated with a 4-0-1 record at “Our offense starts when our defense gets named to the All-State team last year, and that Iathletics. In the fall, the football team quali- press time. The only blemish on the record is a the ball,” Godby said in an interview last season. was Sarah Jeffery. The team did lose eight fied for the playoffs for the first time since tie against No. 1 Chattahoochee. “Obviously, we want to score on a fast break, but seniors from last year, but the Lady Eagles 1996. Last week, the boys basketball team con- we don't run a lot of set plays. We spread the have a deep roster and nearly everyone on this cluded a magical season with a loss to Wheeler WHY SO DOMINANT? … field out and try and take advantage of one-on- year’s team has plenty of playoff experience. in the Class 5A state championship game. Lacrosse has only been a GHSA-sanc- one situations. We set picks to get open, and we Because the Lady Eagles have been so Now it’s time for Milton to continue its tioned sport since 2002, so there are still relative- always work on our transition game.” good in the state, they will have a more chal- success in the spring, and the girls lacrosse team ly few schools that field varsity teams. Tim In the game against North Forsyth on lenging schedule this year, playing six out- is poised to do just that. The Lady Eagles have Godby, the Lady Eagles’ head coach, has been Friday, they were able to do just that, scoring of-state teams. But they will certainly be been one of the most dominant programs, not with the team since the beginning. Before he on picks and getting a lot of goals on fast ready for the challenge because they don’t just in their sport, but in any spring sport. Just started coaching the Milton girls team, he had breaks. Another quality that the Lady Eagles like to lose; the team has lost only eight how dominant have they been? As dominant as never coached or seen girls lacrosse up close and have is teamwork. They defeated North games since 2004. If they keep playing like they could possibly be, winning the state cham- personal, as he was a college basketball player. Forsyth 20-2 and 13 different players from they have been over the years, they will be pionship every year the GHSA has crowned a But after coming on as coach, Godby used a lot Milton scored. Lauren Naftal led the way with holding up another trophy in May. champion (2005-08). This year they are ranked of what he learned as a basketball player and three goals and five other players scored two Jones can be reached at No. 2 in the state according to Georgialax.com, implemented it with the Lady Eagles. goals. There is only one player that was [email protected].

WWW.SCOREATL.COM 10 I SCORE ATLANTA Get In The Game! M M M M C C U P C M W N B C C T N K C R M S B A D S W O U A L W O L L O S O O O H E Y O U A O . A R I H A T T I . I A A I E A A E S A E S B R U D X C A A S A U U Y N L N N I R R I V V M S T S K R R . N E T Z T O T H A A H O S H I T O I N S S E N D I I R H H E T F H Y O Q S A S ( R P K R S I N L O O T A T E A E 2 U E I G S O E S L . S ( V N U F A O T G N H R / N N U C C ( R 2 M 5 S L I M T A H A A E R O N T I P T 2 A N E G I O I O . T N L 4 - L R N R . O N A S D & N P R O N T 6 ( L T 7 ( ( O I I L ( - I R I ( ( 2 I I O 2 L C C R 2 E D O D ( - T I M 2 9 ) S S A G 1 S 3 ( E E S R A W 2 7 6 A ( 5 E S U G 5 E T N 3 2 ) T G 9 A 0 T 2 T I H . L 1 ) - ( ( - S . E T - ( A . T 1 - . E ( ( - 2 7 - 2 ( 8 7 ( 9 E ( 2 - ( ( 1 ( 2 ( 2 2 1 4 ( - ( ( 2 2 ( ( 2 1 ( 2 3 9 ) 0 A 2 - ) ( 1 ) 2 8 2 5 2 3 2 0 2 3 2 3 ) 5 6 2 3 8 6 4 1 - D 7 ) 4 - 2 3 - - 6 ) 4 ) - 1 - - - - ) 1 1 7 - - ) - - - - - 5 1 9 8 1 1 - 1 1 6 1 - S 1 1 1 0 9 - 3 6 2 6 ) 6 3 ) 2 0 1 ) 0 ) T 0 4 ) ) ) ) ) ) . ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) M a r c h 1 M 9 i a a m n I d N i M , M 2 M G D 1 a a i n L f r I r n i c A r c E e s h a h t N N - p / o 2 s 2 A D l e i 6 7 s c P , A o B & & n O L o d i E - 2 s 2 L r e o 8 9 I u • D S n d M E A s a p T i r t c r e R h i s 2 l : O 2 4 P 6 o 0 I a r T t n l a d 0 n 2 d 8 9 ( O C r e r e g . i ) M o h , n P a h a l i l s e a i d t m e e n s l p : h G i A ’ a l p e , s p n K r d a i i a n l l o e s B 6 , a s B n o C a s i t t y s o , n s G • h r e k M e n i a s e p r b c o h t r o 2 b 7 • a M n a D d a r E 2 A c l 9 h p l T r 2 r R e 0 i g l O a i o 4 n n d I a T l 2 M s M 2 i t M f e a a i B r s s r r : E t c O c - I n / h h M s d S e i a 2 2 c P T n o 7 6 a n O H p d & o & - N I l r i S s o 2 2 , u 9 M n 8 d e m s i t p e h s i s : D a y t o n , O E P W N M W . T K A I S P F O E T B M T M E O L V I R S L O I R . S R E A N I T S A F N T K I O N C O N G I R T I A Y . L M T E S N H Z C C N H L R I N G L R T R A O D A R L E L B O B O T E H O A E E G E X E N L H I C A K M U N L F A U E U S S M N D R A N I H M S A A A A K N I R O G D C S U S Z X O T R N P A N A E I N R S M S A O V E S V C A O O R A U U L T N A C L D L T O G O E I E I M T O S S S S T S C A I G N N N V D E E S A S K L E L E N H U I O S S T T T T U N U N I R R S A A A A E E N C . . T . . N T ( ( ( ( ( ( ( ( . K ( ( A . 2 2 2 2 2 2 1 2 ( ( ( ( ( ( ( ( ( ( ( ( ( ( ( ( ( 2 2 ( Y ( ( 2 2 2 2 0 2 2 2 1 2 3 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 9 2 2 2 2 1 ( 3 2 2 2 ( 2 3 4 - 6 - 6 4 6 4 - 6 - 3 7 5 4 8 5 8 - - - 4 5 6 2 - - 3 - 3 8 - 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 4 ------1 - - - - 3 9 5 1 7 5 9 9 1 7 5 2 8 9 9 6 7 0 4 1 7 2 8 7 1 9 1 8 2 4 0 8 ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) )

WWW.SCOREATL.COM MARCH 18-24, 2009 SCORE ATLANTA I 11

WWW.SCOREATL.COM 12 HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS REPORT

Storylines abound as six teams win titles on action-packed Saturday here was no shortage of drama in each of team inside.” Brandon Reed and Kennard with the girls 3A title on the line. Though Tthe six high school basketball games held Backman had 17 points each for Whitefield. Lakeview won that contest by six points, it last Saturday at the Macon Centreplex, which was all Carrollton this time around, as the hosted the championships for Classes A-3A. CLASS 2A … Lady Trojans cruised in the second half on From Cinderella stories, highly touted seniors In a highly-anticipated matchup, Buford their way to a 51-31 victory. The Lady and returning champions, the energy and took on undefeated Model in the girls 2A Warriors led by one at halftime, but couldn’t anticipation of watching some of the best tal- game. As the Model crowd cheered for the get anything going in the second. Lakeview’s ent in Georgia go head-to-head was apparent Lady Blue Devils’ defense, it was Buford star guard Kayla Weaver was upstaged by the from the very first tip-off. which turned up the pressure early. Halfway Lady Trojans’ Karisma Boykins, who scored The first game featured Wesleyan vs. through the first quarter, the Lady Wolves 13 points, but more importantly held Weaver Savannah Country Day for the girls Class A were up 9-0. Seniors Blanche Alverson (11 to just eight points. Carrollton’s Kelsi Billings title. In dominant fashion, the Lady Wolves points) and Jocelyn Danley (21 points) cele- led all scorers on the night with 14 points, won another state championship with a 71-31 brated their last high school game by helping most of which came in the second half. victory. Although there was plenty of offense Buford to a 66-35 victory. Despite the depar- With all the expectations surrounding for Wesleyan, it was the defense that pro- ture of key seniors for the Lady Wolves, fresh- South Atlanta, the Hornets were able to deliv- pelled the Lady Wolves through the tourna- man point guard Andraya Carter is emerging er on their ultimate goal this year by beating ment. Led by senior and Georgia Gatorade as a force for Buford. This is the first state title Westover 81-62 in the boys 3A game. Derrick Player of the Year Anne Marie Armstrong, for Buford and head coach Gene Durden. Favors put an exclamation point on his high Wesleyan won all five tournament games by With overwhelming support coming school career by tallying 38 points, 15 an average of 44 points. “It never gets old,” from the stands, Dublin beat Blessed Trinity, rebounds, eight blocks and four assists. said Wesleyan head coach Jan Azar after win- 79-64 for the boys 2A title. For much of the Guard Nicholas Watkins added 16 points and ning a second straight state title. “It feels game, the Fighting Irish ran a three-guard set seven assists for the champions. great to win another championship.” with Rashard Smith, Sherrard Brantley and “To win a state championship is truly spe- Turner and Whitefield Academy took the Chris Smith. The strategy gave the Titans fits, cial,” said South Atlanta head coach Michael stage for the boys Class A game. The contest as the trio was able to make 3-pointers and Reddick after the Hornets’ win. His sentiment was close up until halftime, but Whitefield drive to the hoop all game long. Brantley had echoed that of the five other coaches who led pulled away in the second half for a 69-53 win. 15 points and Forward Tawaski King added their teams to state championships on Saturday Turner had a clear size advantage in the front- 16 for Dublin. Ryan Legates scored 23 for at the Centreplex. Each classification started CHAMPION AT LAST: After coming up short three court coming into the game, but it did not deter Blessed Trinity, which simply could not the tournament with 32 teams on the boys and years in a row, South Atlanta’s Derrick Favors won the Wolfpack’s physical play one bit. “We were match Dublin’s intensity. girls sides; for the six teams that emerged vic- his first and only state championship last Saturday. prepared and it came down to execution,” said torious, there is certainly no better feeling than The nation’s top recruit and future Georgia Tech Whitefield coach Tyrone Johnson. “As for the CLASS 3A … ending the 2008-09 season at the top. star recorded an impressive 38 points, 15 big lineup, we were running contact drills until In a rematch of a February 21 game, Gupta can be reached at rebounds and eight blocks in his final high school last week. We knew we could play with this Carrollton took on Lakeview-Ft. Oglethorpe [email protected]. game. Photo courtesy of David Caselli/Photographic Arts.

Lassiter baseball program eyeing state championship run after down years assiter High School has historically been son action, and their only loss was at Columbus, when we start to swing the bat.” ing the lineup or doing things different in Lone of the most dominant baseball pro- one of the top teams in the state. Playing a tough Putting a lineup together that can hit practice,” McMurtry said. grams in the nation. The Trojans came to schedule doesn’t make things easy at Lassiter. consistently has been a challenge this sea- The Trojans’ next few contests include a prominence in the mid to late 90’s, being Mickey McMurtry, in his 17th season as head son. The hitting has come from some game with Germantown Houston, one of the crowned the 1999 national champion by sever- coach, schedules tough opponents by design. unlikely sources in juniors Brent Nelson top teams in Tennessee, as well as one versus al publications, and have won two state titles “We don’t play any easy games, everybody we and Cody Johnson. Johnson leads the team Parkview. “Our kids are excited to play a team (’99 and ’06). Since then, they have been at the play is some of the best teams in the state,” said in doubles and provided some power with a from another state and that should be good top, or close to the top, nearly every season. McMurtry. “If you’re scared, then you don’t home run in Lassiter’s most recent game. preparation for our region schedule,” said The past two years, however, could be con- need to play at our place.” Nelson has given the team much-needed McMurty. “We all know how good Parkview sidered down years for the program, as Lassiter Runs have come at a premium so far offense, putting the game against Mill is, so that should be a good test as well.” missed the playoffs in 2007 and exited in the sec- this season, but the pitching has been stellar, Creek out of reach with a key RBI single Region play for Lassiter starts this ond round in ’08. This year, the Trojans are again with two shutouts in the first six games. and keeping the Trojans in the game early week against Campbell and Roswell. With considered to be one of the favorites to win the Senior Reid Handler had a no-hitter in the against Columbus with two doubles. such a brutal early schedule, a 5-1 record Class 5A title and they were ranked No. 1 in the sixth inning against Heritage-Conyers Still, the team needs its seniors to start thus far against non-region opponents has state at press time, according to Gasports.com. before it was broken up. hitting the ball if it is going to go anywhere set the table for what could be a long run in “I’d say our pitching is way ahead of our this season. “We’re still trying to find our- this year’s playoffs. OFF ON THE RIGHT FOOT … hitting right now,” added McMurtry. “When selves, and we’ll turn over every rock to find Deighton can be reached at The Trojans have a 5-1 record in early-sea- the weather warms up in April and May, that’s what we’re looking for, whether that is chang- [email protected]. MIKAEL’S AUTO SPA ATLANTA’S #1 CAR WASH AND DETAILING DESTINATION

LOCATED IN THE HEART OF SANDY SPRINGS ON ROSWELL RD. 6380 Roswell Rd. • Atlanta, GA • 30328 • 404.252.0376

WWW.SCOREATL.COM MARCH 18-24, 2009 SCORE ATLANTA I 13

WWW.SCOREATL.COM 14 I SCORE ATLANTA Get In The Game!

Hawks complete perfect week at Philips Thrashers win five straight; Kovalchuk hurt ith the 2009 NBA Playoffs almost points or more for the fourth consecutive lthough last week’s games will have little pass from Eric Perrin and beat Roloson to Wthree weeks away and the Hawks game, while J-Smoove chipped in nicely Aimpact on the Thrashers’ postseason defeat his former team 4-3. clinging to just a two-game lead (at press with 19 points and eight rebounds. The win chances, the team has quietly put together a time) over the Miami Heat, every game gave Atlanta a split of the season series with winning steak on the road against some of ANOTHER BUFFALO NAIL-BITER … from here on out counts. That said, Atlanta the Trail Blazers. the league’s toughest competition. Atlanta On Saturday the Thrashers needed extra chose a good time to play some of its best “It all feels great to come out and put on was perfect during a three-game road trip, time again to decide things with the Buffalo basketball, capturing victories in all three of a good performance, a string of good per- winning two of the three in extra time and Sabres, and for the third time Atlanta left the its games last week despite the absence of tying a franchise record for consecutive wins game with the extra point. Newly-called-up formances in games we’re winning,” in the process with five straight at press time. forward Brett Sterling scored the only goal in Marvin Williams. Johnson said about his recent impressive run. a shootout to give Atlanta a 4-3 win over On Wednesday, the Hawks got a visit “That makes it even better, man. I’m just try- REVENGE IN EDMONTON … Buffalo. The win was the team’s fifth in a from the Utah Jazz, at the time winners of 12 ing to be aggressive and make plays.” It was a bittersweet win for Atlanta in row and tied a franchise record for most con- in a row, and defeated the league’s hottest Things could get a bit tougher for the Edmonton on Thursday night. Former Oiler secutive wins. team in impressive fashion. Josh Smith put Hawks this week, as the team starts with a Marty Reasoner scored Atlanta’s fourth goal Slava Kozlov gave Atlanta the lead just forth a quality outing with 22 points and 12 Thursday home date against Dallas before of the game to give the Thrashers the overtime before the end of the first period with a rebounds, while Joe Johnson’s 31 points and traveling to Cleveland for a Saturday show- victory, but it was something that happened power-play goal. After that, however, the nine assists were the real difference in the down with the Cavs. Atlanta closes out the way back in the first period that had the atten- Sabres scored three goals in a row to take a 100-93 win. With the Jazz playing so well week against Minnesota at home on Monday. tion of the Atlanta locker room. Leading scor- 3-1 lead into the third. Marty Reasoner and coming in, the significance of the W was cer- er Ilya Kovalchuk left the game in the first Todd White each lit the lamp in the final tainly not lost on the Hawks. INJURY NEWS … period after aggravating an upper body injury period to tie the game at three and send it “This shows everybody in the world the The Hawks received some potentially he had suffered earlier in the year. into overtime. Hawks are for real,” said Josh Smith. “They Outside of Kovalchuk’s injury, the first After a scoreless overtime, Sterling was good news last Thursday when they learned period was a successful one for Atlanta. Jim called upon by his former AHL coach John have to take the Hawks seriously. Utah is an forward Marvin Williams will put off surgery outstanding team. We played the best in the Slater gave the Thrashers the lead two and a Anderson to win the game in the shootout for on his ailing back and instead opt for a more half minutes into the game when he one- Atlanta. Sterling obliged by beating Patrick West and were able to beat them.” conservative treatment plan. Missing the last The Hawks carried their newfound timed a pass from Nathan Oystrick past the Lalime in the upper corner. momentum over to Friday night when they four games, Williams met with a specialist in sprawled Dwayne Roloson. Ten minutes Atlanta goalie Kari Lehtonen earned outlasted the playoff-hungry Pacers 101-87. Durham, N.C. early last week and decided later, after an Edmonton goal, Bryan Little the first star and stopped 34 shots during that with rest and rehab he could possibly gave Atlanta the lead back on a backhander the game and every one in the shootout to The win brought Atlanta to 24-7 at home on from Todd White. earn the win. the year and saw center Al Horford have one make a return in the coming weeks; surgery would have spelled the end of his season. The Thrashers gave up the lead again of his best games of the year: a 17-point, 15- in the second and eventually found them- INJURY UPDATE … rebound, three-block performance. Johnson While Marvin’s absence would no doubt be costly in the postseason—he is having a selves trailing by one with eight minutes Ilya Kovalchuk was sent back to Atlanta put up 30 points in addition to six assists to left in the period. Rookie Zach Bogosian after the first period of Thursday’s game to offset T.J. Ford’s 29-point outing. career year, averaging 14 points and 6.4 then tied the game on a slap shot from the reevaluate his upper body injury. He will be The team closed out the week on rebounds per game—the Hawks are actually top of the circle for his fifth goal of the sea- evaluated on a day-to-day basis to determine Sunday in dominating fashion, hanging the 7-0 in games he has missed this season. son. The two teams went scoreless in the his status for each upcoming game. Blazers by the score of 101-87. With 35 Janovitz can be reached at third, sending the game into overtime. In Boral can be reached at points on the night, Johnson scored 30 [email protected]. the extra frame, Reasoner got a breakout [email protected]

Team inks Peterson, re-signs key players fter losing starting linebackers Keith week, as the team re-signed several players ABrooking and Michael Boley from from the 2008-09 campaign. last year’s team, the Atlanta Falcons Among the returnees for the upcoming upgraded the position last week by com- seasons are tight end Justin Peelle. ing to terms with unrestricted free agent Linebacker Coy Wire, defensive tackle Jason Mike Peterson. The 32-year-old Peterson Jefferson, offensive lineman Ben Wilkerson, came to a two-year agreement with the linebacker Brent Grimes, and safety Jamaal Falcons, reuniting the former Jaguar with Fudge. Atlanta also signed running back coach Smith. Jason Snelling, cornerback Brent Grimes Defensive lineman Chauncey Davis will and safety Antoine Harris. still be wearing a Falcons uniform for the “All of these guys are hard-working, upcoming season. Davis has been a Falcon focused players who understand their roles,” for the entirety of his four-year career since Dimitroff said. “They fit into our system and being drafted by Atlanta in the fourth round what we are trying to accomplish as a team.” in 2005. The team signed him to a four-year After the team’s recent decision to not deal. Davis set season highs in sacks (four) resign Keith Brooking and Lawyer Milloy, and fumble recoveries (three). He also Fudge and Wire currently sit at first string on stepped into the starting lineup for an injured the depth chart at their respective positions. Jamaal Anderson late in the season. “Chauncey will continue to add tough- OFF THE FIELD … ness and consistency to our defense,” said Jason Snelling will help to raise aware- general manager Thomas Dimitroff. “We are ness for epilepsy, a disease that caused him always pleased to extend our core players to miss a year of football in college at the who represent well on and off the field.” University of Virginia. The running back will Davis has played in 64 games over his take part in the National Walk for Epilepsy in career, starting 10 of them. He has made 147 Washington D.C. on Mar. 28. To learn more tackles, eight sacks, one interception, and about Snelling’s efforts and the walk, visit recovered seven fumbles over his time as a www.walkforepilepsy.com. ... The Sporting Falcon. Davis also played a big role in Week News honored several Falcons this season, 12’s big win over division rival Carolina, including Matt Ryan, Mike Smith, and when he twice sacked Jake Delhomme for Thomas Dimitroff, and each will be recog- his first multi-sack game. nized for their achievements on March 31 from 7:30-9 a.m. at a special breakfast, OTHER MOVES … which will take place at the Hyatt Regency in With free agency continuing throughout downtown Atlanta. Tickets are $45 per per- the NFL offseason, general manager Thomas son and $450 for a table of 10. Dimitroff and the Falcons have kept them- Bagriansky can be reached at selves plenty busy. The work continued last [email protected].

WWW.SCOREATL.COM MARCH 18-24, 2009 SCORE ATLANTA I 15

Spring football starts; baseball enters SEC play Hoops goes two-and-out in ACC tourney he football team takes its first step SEC teams to make the NCAA Tournament. he men’s basketball team gave its fans in seed in the NCAA Tournament and will play Ttowards the 2009 season this week as its Back to Georgia, interim head coach Pete Tthe Georgia Dome—as well as the Iowa in the first round on Sunday at 9:30 p.m. annual spring practice gets underway. Herrmann finished with a 3-8 record after tak- Clemson Tigers—a major surprise last Georgia will look to replace quarterback ing over for Dennis Felton. The Bulldogs (12- Thursday. Behind Lewis Clinch’s career- WOMEN BEAT IRISH … Matthew Stafford and running back 20) could conceivably name a new head coach high 32 points, the Yellow Jackets shocked Sasha Krupina led the charge for the sev- Knowshon Moreno, who both left school within the coming week as teams will be No. 17 Clemson 86-81 in the opening round enth-ranked women’s tennis team as the early for the NFL after last season. Joe Cox is wrapping up their seasons, giving Georgia a expected to take over for Stafford under cen- chance to interview candidates. of the ACC Tournament. Clinch took charge Jackets got a minor upset over No. 4 Notre ter, while a group of running backs are in the The women’s team won its opening from the start, scoring nine points on Tech’s Dame, 4-3. Krupina, playing at No. 6 singles, mix to assume Moreno’s spot. Two members game, defeating Kentucky 82-64 in North initial 16-9 run. While Clemson came back, won the first set 7-5 before Notre Dame’s of that group, Richard Samuel and Dontavius Little Rock, Ark. Ashley Houts led the Lady the Jackets held serve throughout the half. Kali Krisik picked up a 6-1 win in the second Jackson, are slated to miss the spring sessions Bulldogs with 22 points in the win. Georgia The Jackets soared in the second half, going set to force a third and final set between the with injuries. That leaves Caleb King and then moved on to face Vanderbilt, but fell to on a 13-2 run to take a 67-55 lead. Alade two. Krupina proved to be too tough, clinch- Carlton Thomas battling to impress the the Lady Commodores 69-61. Angel Aminu had six points during the run and ing the match with a 6-2 win. Also, Amanda coaching staff. Also, four members of last Robinson’s 29 points were not enough to get Clinch hit another 3-pointer. Clemson over- McDowell and Lynn Blau won their third year’s oft-injured offensive line are recover- Georgia the win. The Lady Bulldogs earned came that run as well and got to within three straight match as a doubles team. ing from injuries and are not ready for the an 11 seed in the NCAA Tournament and will points on an Andre Young 3-pointer with spring. Trinton Sturdivant, Chris Davis, Vince play Arizona State in the first round on nine seconds remaining. However, clutch BASEBALL HOLDS OFF OWLS … Vance and Josh Davis will all have to wait Saturday at 1 p.m. until fall before they compete for playing free throws by Clinch sealed the game and Before last weekend’s rainouts, the sixth- time. Defensively, Georgia will look to recap- set up a matchup with eventual ACC ranked baseball team was able to avoid a ture some of the swagger and aggressiveness BRIEFLY NUMBER ONE … Tournament runner-up Florida State. major upset by defeating Kennesaw State for its units have shown in the past. Linebacker The baseball team started its season with The Jackets put up a similar effort a 5-4 victory. With the game tied at 1-1 in the Rennie Curran returns to provide leadership. 14 straight wins, ascending to No. 1 in the against the Seminoles but fell short when third inning, first baseman Tony Plagman hit The Bulldogs will conclude their spring prac- country before dropping its first two SEC Iman Shumpert’s last-second jumper rimmed a three-run home run to give Tech a 4-1 lead. tice on April 11 when they hold their G-Day games of the season at Alabama last week. out, giving FSU a 64-62 victory over Tech. Trailing 5-2, KSU made a ninth-inning come- game. This year the game will be televised on The Crimson Tide defeated Georgia 9-5 in While the win ended Tech’s season, the effort back. After two singles and a walk loaded the ESPN and admission will be free. Game 1 and 11-5 in Game 2. The Bulldogs managed to take Game 3 from Alabama, win- was valiant. The Jackets fell behind 15-8 to bases with one out, pinch hitter Jace Whitmer END OF STORY? … ning 10-8 to wrap up the series and remained start the game and were behind by as much as hit an RBI groundout. Then Martin Baker Both the men’s and women’s basketball in the top five in the three major polls. Next nine points in the first half. However, they was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded to teams bowed out in their respective SEC up for Georgia (15-2, 1-2) is an out-of-con- battled back in the second half behind trim the Tech lead to 5-4. However, Tech clos- Tournaments. The men lost their opening ference game at Georgia State on Wednesday Clinch’s four 3-pointers (25 points in the er Mark Pope struck out Tyler Stubblefield to game to Mississippi State, falling 79-60 in followed by the first SEC home series of the game). The Jackets led briefly when Zach end the game. … Men’s golfer Cameron Tampa, Fla. Outgoing senior Terrance year when Mississippi State travels to Athens Peacock hit a jumper to give them a 62-61 Tringale rallied from a three-stroke deficit Woodbury paced Georgia’s efforts with 14 for three games, starting on Friday. The advantage with 32 seconds remaining, but the after 36 holes to win the Southern Highlands points and fellow senior Corey Butler finished Bulldogs host Wright State on Tuesday and lead was erased for good when Derwin Collegiate golf tournament in Las Vegas, Nev. with six points in his last collegiate game. visit Georgia Tech on March 25. Kitchen drove to the basket for the shot and with an 11-under-par total of 205. Mississippi State went on to win the tourna- Butler can be reached at the foul with 7.7 seconds left in the game. ... Crosskey can be reached at ment, joining Tennessee and LSU as the only [email protected]. The women’s basketball team earned an eight [email protected].

WWW.SCOREATL.COM 16 I SCORE ATLANTA Get In The Game!

Hanson continues to impress; roster cuts made Baseball takes series from No. 21 Kent St. he 2009 pitching staff was put together by opening day. Centerfielder Jordan Schafer he baseball team (7-6) took two one-run Indiana State as well as Albany. Since ending TBraves GM Frank Wren with the idea of sprained a muscle in his left shoulder diving Tdecisions from the Golden Flashes on the tournament on a two-game winning eating innings and letting the bullpen remain for a ball but has returned to action. Schafer, Friday. The first game was won 3-2 on the streak, the black-and-gold has defeated Ball healthy and effective. If this spring training who has been impressive in camp, is battling strength of a superb performance by starter State, Central Florida and Bethune Cookman has been any sort of harbinger of how the sea- Josh Anderson for the position. Kyle Heckathorn, who pitched seven (twice). KSU (13-11) will travel to Athens to son will play out, Wren might win executive innings and struck out nine while only giv- take on Georgia this Wednesday followed by of year. The team’s new ace Derek Lowe ODDS AND ENDS … ing up one run on five hits. Catcher Jace a two-game set at Mercer on Saturday. The recently threw four hitless innings against the Another surprise this spring has been Jo- Whitmer homered and doubled while driv- Mercer series marks the beginning of Astros, striking out six in the process. Jo Reyes. The lefty, who went 0-7 in his final ing in two runs. Bucky Smith drove in the Atlantic Sun play for the team. Kenshin Kawakami has looked good against 13 starts last season, has seemingly turned it game-winning run in the eighth. Over 50 other teams but was recently battered around around this spring with a 2-0 record. Reyes Major League scouts were in attendance to TENNIS STARTS A-SUN PLAY … by his own team in a split-squad game. Javier struck out four in four innings pitched against watch Heckathorn pitch against Kent State’s The men’s tennis squad went 2-2 over Vazquez hasn’t donned a Braves jersey in reigning World Champion Philadelphia last Brad Stillings. the past week with victories against Buffalo spring training play but was quite effective week and could steal a spot in the bullpen The second game of the series was just and Bethune Cookman. The Owls also for Puerto Rico in the first round of the World coming out of camp when most thought he’d as dramatic as the first. Jon White of the dropped matches to Campbell and Baseball Classic. begin the year in AAA Gwinnett. Owls connected on a three-run home run in Tom Glavine was scheduled to throw a Appalachian State. KSU (5-6, 0-1) will trav- Braves catcher Clint Sammons is mak- the second inning to give KSU its first lead el to Jacksonville this weekend for matches simulated game last Monday, his first real ing the most of his playing time with the big at 3-2. The two teams would end up tied in action of the spring. Glavine is coming off against A-Sun foes North Florida and club, as starting catcher Brian McCann is the ninth inning, with the Owls winning on Jacksonville. … The Lady Owl tennis squad season-ending shoulder surgery and was competing for Team USA in the WBC. a bases-loaded sacrifice fly by Andrew signed to a one-year deal. Finally, future ace Sammons, expected to be in Gwinnett this Martin that scored Tyler Stubblefield and (5-5) won its last two matches against Tommy Hanson continues to dazzle and season after the team signed free agent David gave the Owls the 7-6 win. Games sched- Campbell and Bethune Cookman. The win amaze as he has thrown 10-plus innings with Ross to a two-year, $3 million deal this off- uled for Saturday and Sunday were can- over the Lady Camels put KSU at 1-0 in the 11 strikeouts and has shown the potential to season, smacked two home runs in a start last celled due to rain. During the previous A-Sun this season and was the team’s first- be a Cy Young contender. His fastball has week. Sammons hit two home runs last year week, the Owls dropped a midweek game, ever win over Campbell. The squad will trav- touched 99 mph while his curve has baffled for Atlanta at the end of the season. 5-4, to Georgia Tech in Atlanta. KSU took el with the men’s team down to Jacksonville hitters. Bobby Cox says his slider and split Several moves were made in the team’s two of three from conference rival ETSU in for matches against North Florida and are quite impressive as well. (More on the Jacksonville. … The women’s golf team set Braves’ staff on the next page). first round of spring cuts. The Braves Johnson City during the previous weekend. released RHP Anthony Lerew after initially This week, the Owls travel to Tech again on school records for its scores after 18, 36, and placing him on waivers. Lerew accepted an Wednesday followed by a weekend set 54 holes while finishing fourth overall in the INJURY NEWS … James Madison Invitational. The team will Unfortunately the injury bug that bit the assignment to AAA Gwinnett but the team against Southern Utah. Braves hard and often last season has reared wanted to release him to give him the oppor- compete in the Larry Nelson Invitational on its ugly head again this spring. Third tunity to sign with another club. The team SOFTBALL TEAM’S HOT … March 29-31. … Men’s golf finished second Baseman Chipper Jones tweaked an oblique also reassigned RHPs Rafael Cruz and The softball team is currently riding a in the Samford Intercollegiate tournament on in WBC play and missed nearly a week of the Emiliano Fruto and LHP Juan Perez to the six-game winning streak dating back to a vic- March 9-10. The team will compete in the competition. Also Garret Anderson, the team’s minor league camp. tory over Albany on March 7 in the Buzz Linger Longer Invitational this weekend. team’s newly signed leftfielder, strained a Proctor can be reached at Classic. The Lady Owls finished 3-2 in the Black can be reached at calf muscle and might not be back until [email protected] Classic, with wins over Boston College and [email protected].

Members of women’s hoops team receive honors; baseball on winning streak or the fourth consecutive season, senior was committed to not only the ball pressure, Moniz continued his hot play at the plate, 8 p.m. at Benchwarmers Sports Grill in Fguard Brittany Hollins has been named to but to playing strong off-the-ball defense." including a second-inning grand slam, to Stockbridge. Head football coach Bill Curry the Colonial Athletic Association’s All- Also, freshman guards Crystal Johnson help lead the Panther baseball team to its will update fans on the latest news on Defensive team, which was announced last and Jylisa Williams were named to the third straight victory, a 10-5 win over Georgia State Football, and coaches Joe Wednesday at the annual CAA CAA’s All-Rookie team. Williams led all Augusta State at Panthersville. Inman (men’s golf) and Cathy Mant Championship banquet prior to the tourna- CAA freshmen in points scored with 308 and “With the bases loaded and the wind (women’s golf) will talk about their teams’ ment in Harrisonburg, Va. Hollins holds the averaged 10.6 points per game, starting in all blowing out, I really was just trying to hit a current seasons. Refreshments will be pro- Georgia State school record for career steals 29 games for Georgia State. Johnson leads sac fly and get a run in,” commented Moniz. vided and a cash bar will be available. To (331) and ranks sixth in CAA history. This all CAA players and ranks No. 20 in the “It just kept carrying and I am glad it helped RSVP to the event, call (404) 413-2190 or year, Hollins has 71 steals to rank third in the NCAA with 162 assists (5.6 per game). She us get things going.” send an email to: [email protected]. CAA, making her the lone player in school earned CAA Rookie of the Week three times Derek Simmons also hit a two-run home Follow the Panthers online at history to have four years with 70 or more during the regular season. steals. She holds the school single-season The Lady Panthers were eliminated in run. The Panthers host Georgia Wednesday at www.georgiastatesports.com. For basket- record of 98 steals. the first round of the CAA Tournament, los- Panthersville (WRAS-FM 88.5) ball and football ticket information call “Brittany has been a consistent defensive ing to Northeastern 68-45. Chandra Harris 1-866-GA-STATE. standout her entire career and is deserving of led State with 14 points and seven rebounds. MEET THE COACHES … Dave Cohen is in his 26th season as the this recognition," head coach Lea Henry said. Traci Haltiwanger added 10 points. Georgia State fans in the Henry County “Voice of Georgia State Basketball and "Her steals record speaks for her effort and her area will have the opportunity to meet sever- Baseball” on WRAS-FM (88.5) and works understanding of how to play good defense. BASEBALL WINS THREE STRAIGHT … al Georgia State coaches at a Meet and Greet on the football radio crew at Furman She embraced our defensive philosophy and On the diamond last Tuesday, Carl scheduled for Wednesday, March 25, from 6- University in Greenville, S.C.

WWW.SCOREATL.COM MARCH 18-24, 2009 SCORE ATLANTA I 17

NEW INFO: TOOLONG Rebuilt staff impressive in spring action March brings spike in college collectibles welve different pitchers started a game Gwinnett, but it won’t be for lack of effort arch Madness: for some, a form of mental A few other collectible items include Tfor the Atlanta Braves last year. The team this spring. Jo-Jo Reyes has been a pleasant Millness, which includes the repetitive mum- pennants, buttons, stadium seats, and sched- entered the 2008 season with a starting rota- surprise so far with a 2-0 record, and Jorge bling of certain words such as brackets, ules. And what collection would be complete tion of John Smoltz, Tim Hudson, Mike Campillo has performed admirably for Cinderella team, and final four. Other symptoms Hampton, Tom Glavine and Jair Jurrjens, Team Mexico in the WBC. without a commemorative beer stein or shot and all spent time on the disabled list. Chuck include cramping of the thumb, wrist and index glass with your college’s logo? James, Jo-Jo Reyes and Charlie Morton YOUNG GUN AND THE BULLPEN … finger from excessive gripping of the TV Virtual Reality has hit the card market. experienced growing pains and Jeff Bennett The major storyline with this pitching remote. But this is what one can expect, as “the Topps will be issuing special cards in their and Buddy Carlyle moved back and forth staff has been phenom Tommy Hanson. The tournament” is one of the most storied events in upcoming baseball products that feature a from starters to relievers so often that they youngster has 11 strikeouts over 10.1 innings all of college sports. Over the next couple of special code that can be used to view a 3-D needed passports. Braves GM Frank Wren and was blowing smoke in his debut. Hanson weeks we go from a field of 64 teams to one true knew that the rotation needed an overhaul has shown he can blow it by hitters (99 mph “augmented reality” image of the player. The and the winter before the 2009 season saw against Carlos Lee); he can drop the huge college basketball champion. Loyalties don’t run Topps 3-D Live cards require the winner to him take a jackhammer to the overall staff. curve (Lee again); he can uncork a nasty slid- any deeper than those of a college sports fan. hold the card in front of a web cam, which Wren’s first move was to acquire Javier er (Ryan Howard was fooled by one of This also translates to increased sales of college reads the card to activate the image. To check Vazquez, and the durable righty has shown Hanson’s offerings); and Hanson can even sports memorabilia throughout the industry. out it out, visit www.ToppsTown.com. his potential on the Puerto Rican World dominate when he doesn’t have his best stuff Collecting college sports material from Baseball Classic squad, recording two wins (4.2 innings pitched, five hits, one earned run, your favorite school can be as basic or diverse FROM THE MAILBAG … and giving up just one run in 9.1 innings of two strikeouts, two walks and one hit batsmen as you want. Most collectors tend to focus on action (as of press time). Wren next inked versus Florida on Friday). In any other season, Dear Dean: I recently came across a Kenshin Kawakami from the Japanese major Hanson might be getting a long look for the football or basketball. Some of the more pop- ular themes of college collecting include: large group of baseball cards I’ve had since leagues and he has appeared in three innings No. 5 spot in the rotation, but with Wren’s off- I was younger, but most of the cards are over two games in the spring, allowing just season upgrading spree, Hanson will likely one hit while striking out three. Wren then start the 2009 season in AAA Gwinnett. • Programs – Collect from a certain era, made by O-Pee-Chee. What does o pee chee brought in Derek Lower to be the team’s ace Entering the season, Wren called his championship years, years you attended mean and does it mean they are worth any until Tim Hudson returns from Tommy John bullpen one of the team’s strengths. Rafael school, rivalry games, etc. more or less than regular 1974 topps cards? surgery in late August. Just last week Lowe Soriano has looked good in several of his • Tickets – Include historic games, bowl O-Pee-Chee was a subsidiary of Topps pitched four scoreless innings, allowing zero appearances and Mike Gonzalez appears to and issued cards primarily in Canada. The hits while striking out six Astros. have picked up where he left off last season, games, full tickets. Those three will join returning starters which was as Lead Conductor at the • Media Guides/Yearbooks – They pro- sets are essentially the same, except that the Tom Glavine and Jair Jurrjens. The former Domination Station. If Campillo and Reyes vide information on current and past players, words “Printed in Canada” appear on the will likely start out the season in the No. 5 head to the bullpen, the staff will have some- school history, records, statistics, etc. back of the card and backs are bilingual. spot while Jurrjens, despite leading the team thing that it lacked last season: depth. So far • Game-used items – Includes jerseys, There is not much of a price difference in wins last season, should begin the year in Atlanta’s pitching performance has made helmets, uniforms, equipment, etc. Contact between the two issues after 1974. the No. 3 spot. Jurrjens won 13 games in Wren’s decisions look very smart. If the Braves 2008 in 188 innings pitched and he has are to have a chance at the postseason, this suc- the university, as some have direct sales to Want to know what your item is worth shown he has the stuff to be a potential No. 2. cess must continue when the games count. the public once or twice a year. or have a question about a particular Several starters from last season may Proctor can be reached at • Cards – Professional ballplayers that sports item? Email me, Dean Zindler, at begin the year in the bullpen or in [email protected] once attended your school. [email protected].

WWW.SCOREATL.COM 18 I SCORE ATLANTA Get In The Game!

round. For information please contact Harlem Legends. The Harlem Legends have scheduled ongoing registration for the upcoming GHSA High BASKETBALL (678)799-0159 or email mark@georgiasport their 2008 Shoot for the Stars Basketball & School season in fast-pitchsoftball. We hold week Hawks. March 19 vs. Dallas 7 PM. March 21 at sleagues.org.Visit www.georgiasportsleagues.org. Physical Fitness Camps. The "Shoot for the Stars ly training meetings. For more information, contact Cleveland 1 PM. March 23 vs. Minnesota 7 PM. Georgia Force Home School High School Football Youth Basketball Camps and Clinics" are a unique Irvin Seabrook at 404-957-3331 or e-mail March 25 vs. San Antonio 7 PM. March 27 vs. Program. If you are a home school student or a form of learning experiences geared towards young [email protected]. Boston 7:30 PM. March 29 vs. Los Angeles Lakers student that attends a Christian school in the basket ball players of all skill levels. There are two K-Club Classic – D1 Fastpitch Softball. February 20-22. 3:30 PM. March 31 at Philadelphia 7 PM. Gwinnett or Hall county region and would like to Gwinnett County camps this year. Please visit our Kennesaw State, Memphis, Buffalo, Miami, Drexel Top of the Key. Ongoing. Personal basketball lessons participate in high school football, please contact website (www.harlemlegends.com) or call 404- and Iowa are schedule to participate. Entry fee with Olympian Debbie Miller-Palmore, boys and Scott Willis at 770-531-1499 ext 401 or email at 837-6719 for additional camps. $300. All Tournament Players Park, 3910 Canton girls ages 8-18. For information call 770-465-1502. [email protected] The Georgia Force High School Hwy Marietta, GA 30066. Register at www.alltour- Southern Xposure. Ongoing. Cobb County Christian football program participates in the GFL (Georgia VOLLEYBALL namentplayerspark.com or (678) 384-6500. School - Marietta. AAU and YBOA tryouts for 9- Football League) and is accepting players from the Gwinnett Sports Center. Registration ongoing. For and-under and 8-and-under teams. For information ages of 13-18 years old. We currently offer a JV information call Jerry Robison at 678-491-0203 GYMNASTICS call 404-447-3992 or email [email protected]. and Varsity program. For more information, please or visit www.gscfun.com. Gymnastics Classes at Gymnastics AcademyofAtlanta. Peach State Basketball. Ongoing. Basketball skill go to our web site at www.forcehighschoolfooball.com. Suwanee Sports Academy. Ongoing. Volleyball Ongoing - 3126 Cobb Parkway Kennesaw, Ga. For development training for college caliber high school Arena Indoor Football. Ongoing. Youth and Adult training and development for boys and girls grades information call 770-975-8337 or visit players throughout the off-season. Players can use www.gymnasticsacademyofatlanta.com. Leagues. Youth 7 vs. 7; Adult 6 vs. 6. For 3-12.VolleySkills, VolleyStars, VolleyTraining, and Gymnastics Classes at Gwinnett Gymnastics Center these sessions to continue improving all year long. information, call 678-714-7454 or e-mail OnCourt Player Development, a year-round Contact Brandon Clay at 404-422-3946 or visit Ongoing - 927 Killian Hill Road Lilburn, Ga. [email protected]. comprehensive player development program. For Forinformation call 770-921-5630. www.peachstatehoops.com for more information. www.atlantasilverbacks.com/indoor. more information, contact Mary Carnell at 770- Atlanta School of Gymnastics in Lawrenceville. Suwanee Sports Academy. Ongoing. Basketball train Capitol City Officials Association. CCOA is accepting 614-6686 x108 or visit www.ssasports.com. Ongoing. Classes for tots through teens. ing and development for boy and girls grades K-12. ongoing registration for the upcoming GHSA High VolleyStars. Beginning February 7 @ Suwanee Sports Cheerleading classes for ages 5 and older. For Rising Stars, Future Stars, Suwanee Basketball School season in football. We hold weekly training Academy for girls & boys grades 6-8 teaches information call 770-277-9434. League, On Court Player Development, nationally- meetings. For more information, contact Irvin individual skill development and team concepts The Little Gym of Snellville. Ongoing. Noncompetitive recognized year-round comprehensive player devel Seabrook at 404-957-3331 or e-mail through instruction and game play. For more gymnastics and motor-skills development classes opment program. For more information contact [email protected]. information, contact Christy Howard at 770-614- and camps. For ages 10 months-12 years. For Mike Brown at 678-541-0176 or visit www.ssasports.com. 6686 x106 or visit www.ssasports.com. information call 770-982-0901 or visit Mark Price Shooting Lab. Ongoing: Personalized pro HOCKEY High School Volleyball League. Beginning February 7 www.tlgsnellvillega.com. fessional shooting instruction through one-on-one Thrashers. March 20 vs. Detroit 7:30 PM. March 21 at @ Suwanee Sports Academy for girls grades 9- coaching and state-of-the-art technology at Tampa Bay 7:30 PM. March 24 at Montreal 7:30 12. This league is designed for athletes who want t RACING Suwanee Sports Academy. For more information, PM. March 26 vs. New York Rangers 7 PM. March o get in the gym but don’t want to commit to club SCCA TransAM. March 21-21 at Road Atlanta. contact Mike Brown at 678-541-0176 or visit 28 vs. Ottawa 7 PM. volleyball. For more information, contact Christy www.ssasports.com. Gladiators. March 6 vs. Charlotte 7:35 PM. March 7 Howard at 770-614-6686 x106 or visit www.ssas OFFICIATING SSA’s On Court. Check out Suwanee Sports vs. Trenton 7:35 PM. March 10 at Charlotte 7 PM. ports.com. Basketball - Duluth basketball association. Academy’s On Court, the nation’s premier off-sea March 13 at South Carolina 7:30 PM. March 15 vs. Ongoing. Looking for youth officials with training son development program at the nation’s premier Florida 4:05 PM. SWIMMING & DIVING provided. For information call Barry Sullivan at basketball training facility right here in Gwinnett Peachtree Booster Club. Ongoing - Pickneyville Roller Swimming lessons. Ongoing - Alpharetta City Pool - 770-623-1750. County! For more information, contact Michael Hockey Rink. Fees: $95 for 12-game season, $30 Alpharetta, Ga. - 1825 Old Milton Parkway. For Football - Lanier Football Officials Association. Brown at 678-541-0176 or visit out-of-county fee. For information visit information call 678-297-6107. Ongoing. GHSA member accepting applications www.ssasports.com. www.pbsports.org. Gwinnett Aquatics. Ongoing - 2800 Quinberry Drive with weekly training meetings. For information call Open Recreational Basketball. GSL -- Georgia Sports and Bethany Church Road. For ages 5-18. Swim Tom Tipton at 770-967-3197, ext. 239 or visit Leagues. Georgia’s Best Sports Leagues. www.lanierofficials.org. SOCCER team and lessons available. For information call Metro Atlanta Wrestling Officials Association. Registration ongoing. We offer “Top Gun,” “B,” Challenged Soccer. Ongoing. For mentally and physi 770-972-4055. Ongoing. Needs officials. For information call Bud “C”and Co-Ed styles of play around Atlanta. We cally disabled youngsters. For information call Ken Senior Water-Exercise class. Ongoing - Mountain Park Hennebaul at 770-338-0705 or email play ALL year round. For more information please Higgins at 770-985-0434. pool - Lilburn, Ga. Fees: $1 per class. For informa [email protected]. contact (678)799-0159 or email mark@georgi sports Fair Play Sports Center. Ongoing on Saturdays. Indoor tion call 770-546-4650. 10-10:50 AM. 9RCorp Sports Officials. Ongoing. Provider of sports leagues.org.Visitwww.georgiasportsleagues.org. soccer for ages 4-7. 30- to 60-minute classes. For SwimAtlanta Sugarloaf at Kid’s Village. Ongoing. officials for multiple sports including basketball, Just Skills Of Atlanta. 8-week basketball fundamentals information call 770-831-3210. Swim team, lessons, lap swimming, master’s pro flag football, & softball. Looking for additional program for boys and girls ages 5 to 17 at Bogan Hall of Fame soccer clinics. Ongoing on Fridays - gram, water aerobics and scuba available. For officials.For information call Dennis Reagan at 404- Park in Buford and Lenora Park in Snellville. Spring Clarkston Community Center. For under-6 through information call 678-442-7946. 213-0588 or email [email protected]. programs start the week of March 24th, Summer under-12 players. Fees: Free. For information call Georgia Lacrosse Officials Association. Needs youth programs start the week of June 3rd, Fall programs 404-508-1050 or visit YOUTH REGISTRATION and High School officials for 2007-2008 season. start the week of August 11th. Please visit www.clarkstoncommunitycenter.org. 5:30-7 PM. Soccer - Soccer Alley. Ongoing - 3265 Roswell Road- Training and mentoring provided for free. Great www.justskillsofatlanta.com for more information Competitive Amateur Soccer in Atlanta For more Atlanta. For information call 404-266-0762 or visit way to earn some extra money and get some fun or call 770-296-2580. Sessions are filling up now information, visit www.majesticsoccer.com. www.starsoccerclub.com. aerobic exercise. For more information, visit for spring, summer and fall. Ask about our free Tucker Youth Soccer. Ongoing - 2803 Henderson Road www.GALAXREF.com or call Jim Westbrook at introduction day to see what Just Skills Of Atlanta TENNIS Tucker, Ga. For information call 770-414-0538 or 770-753-9059. is all about. Technique Clinics. Ongoing - Bitsy Grant Tennis Center. visit www.tysa.com. Open Basketball League – Teams Only. November 8 - Tuesdays (serve/volley) and Saturdays Track and Field - Peachtree City Flash Youth Track ATLANTA SPORTS COUNCIL February 22, 2009. Age groups 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th & (forehand/backhand). Fees: $18. For information Team registration. Ongoing - Riley Field -Peachtree Chick-Fil-A Bowl. Dec. 31, 2009. Georgia Dome. For 8th Grade Boys and Girls. Deadline November 2. call 404-790-4772 or email City, Ga. For ages 6-14. For information call tickets, call 404-444-4444. Mandatory Coach's Meeting November 2 at 3 PM. [email protected]. 2 PM on Saturdays, 770-631-3552 or email [email protected]. To reach the Atlanta Sports Council call 404-586- All Tournament Players Park, 3910 Canton Hwy 6:30PM on Tuesdays. Gymnastics - Georgia Gymnastics Academy. Ongoing. 8510 or visit www.atlantasportscouncil.com. Marietta, GA 30066. Register at www.alltourna Tennis camps for kids. Ongoing weekly. Lost Mountain For registration in Lawrenceville call 770-962- mentplayerspark.com or (678) 384-6500. Tennis Center. For information call 770-528-8525. 5867; in Suwanee call 770-945-3424. MISC ATTP/USSA Last Winter Blast (State Qualifier). March 6-8. Senior Horseshoe Pitching League. Ongoing - Gym Elite. Ongoing. Registration for ages 2 and older. Gwinnett Senior Center - Bethesda Park. Includes Age groups 9-14. Registration fee $25 per team. LACROSSE Cheerleading for ages 6 and older. For information instructional coaching. Games will be played under Registration includes 15 team members and four Lacrosse. Ongoing. Registration for 1st-8th grades. For call 770-242-0678. NHPA rules. For men and women seniors. Meets coaches. All Tournament Players Park, 3910 information call 404-216-5870, email Youth Soccer Training. Ongoing. Start age 3 and up. Tuesdays. For information call Canton Hwy Marietta, GA 30066. Register at [email protected] or visit For information, call 678-714-7454 or e-mail 770-9722434 10AM. www.alltournamentplayerspark.com or (678) 384-6500. www.bagatawaylacrosse.com. [email protected]. Pool Tournament. Every Monday - Ongoing - ATTP/USSA St. Patrick’s Day (State Qualifier). March PlayLaxGwinnett. Ongoing. Players, coaches, referees www.atlantasilverbacks.com/indoor. Motorheads Bar ‘n’ Grill - Henry County. Cost: No 13 – 15. Registration fee $25 per team. needed for play at Gwinnett Sports Center. For Flag Footall. GSL -- Georgia Sports Leagues. cover. For information call 770-898-0008 or visit Registration includes 15 team members and four information call Chris Chico at or 678-429-0094 or Georgia's Best Sports Leagues. Registration www.motorheadsbarandgrill.com. 7 p.m. coaches. All Tournament Players Park, 3910 email [email protected]. ongoing. We offer Youth Flag Football for ages Pool Tournament. Nightly - Ongoing - Sean Patrick’s Canton Hwy Marietta, GA 30066. Register at Double Stixx Lacrosse. Ongoing - Leagues, Travel (6-8) and (9-12) year olds for both Boys & Girls. Bar & Grill - Buckhead. Fees: No cover. For infor- www.alltournamentplayerspark.com or (678) 384-6500. Teams and Tournaments for youth, high school and Games are played in the Chamblee, Doraville, mation call 770-650-5723. 8 PM. adult’s boys and girls. More information about the Dunwoody area. Next season starts in February. East Cobb Bass Club. Ongoing - Ryan's Family BASEBALL best lacrosse programs in Georgia can For more information please contact (678)799- Steakhouse - Canton Road - Marietta, Ga. Boaters Braves. (Exhibition). March 18 at New York Mets 1:10 be found at www.doublestixxlacrosse.com or by 0159 or email [email protected]. and nonboaters welcome. Meets the first PM. March 19 vs. Detroit 7:05 PM. March 20 vs. contacting Chris Smith at chris@dou Visit www.georgiasportsleagues.org Tuesdayof each month. For information call Florida 1:05 PM. March 21 vs. New York 1:05 PM. blestixxlacrosse.com or 404-550-5322. Atlanta Junior Golf. Boys and girls, ages 7-18, can 770-364-3036 or email [email protected]. 7 PM. March 22 at New York Mets 1:10 PM. March 24 at enjoy summer and fall tournaments throughout Cohutta chapter of Trout Unlimited. Ongoing - Pittsburgh 6:05 PM. March 25 at Washington 7:05 RUNNING Metro Atlanta and Middle and North Georgia (from Delkwood Bar and Grill. Meets the fourth Thursday PM. March 26 vs. Toronto 1:05 PM. March 27 vs. Rhodes Race 5K. Mar. 21. Atlanta, 7:30 AM. Dalton to Macon and from Carrollton to Athens) in of each month. For information call 770-425-5364 Detroit 1:05 PM. March 28 vs. New York Yankees 404-885-7812. one the nation’s premier junior golf associations. or email [email protected]. 6:30 PM. 1:05 PM. March 29 at Detroit 1:05 PM. March 30 Hope for a Cure 5K. Mar. 21. Winder, 10 AM. All skill levels are welcome, from beginner to expe GEORGIA BIKES! Membership. Ongoing. The effec- vs. Boston 1:05 PM. March 31 at Houston 7:05 770-307-7956. rienced players, with more than 8,000 rounds of tiveness of GEORGIA BIKES! is dependent on vol- PM. (Regular season). April 5 at Philadelphia 8 PM. unteers, supporters, and members, like you, who Leprechaun Road Race 5K/10K/Mile. Mar. 21. golf available during the summer program alone. are willing to make a and Club/Small Business: $100. Prospect Watch. Ongoing - Buckhead. Baseball pitch- Dublin, 478-274-3990. For more information, log on 770.850.9040. Performance Training Inc. at Suwanee Sport ing and hitting lessons by a former college and Arcado Fun Run 5K/1K. Mar. 21. Lilburn, 2:45 PM. Corpus Christi Youth Basketball League. Registration Academy. Ongoing. Offers speed, agility, and quick mino league coach. For information call 404-869- 770-925-2943. is now underway for our 29th season! Boys and ness training for athletes across multiple sports. 7966 or visit www.eteamz.com/tryouts. Sawnee Mountain 5K Trail Run. Mar. 21. Cumming, girl sages 5 through 14, any skill level, are wel For moreinformation, contact Dustin Wolf at 770- Adult Baseball League Metro Atlanta. Ongoing. MSBL 8 a.m.; 678-208-2000. come. Cost: $90 per child/$85 for siblings. Fee 614-6686 x121 or visit www.ssasports.com. 18+, 28+, 38+, and 48+. Sunday League con Dunwoody Dash 5K/Mile. Mar. 21. Dunwoody, 8 AM. includes uniforms, field trips, skills clinics, 9 Suwanee Sports Academy. Pre-K Athletics for 2, 3 tact info is 770.785.2588, e-mail 404-626-8315. games and more! Register while space is still avail and 4 year-olds introduces the basic skills needed [email protected]. MSBL 18+ Saturday ATC Women's 5K. Mar. 21. Atlanta, Candler Park, able Saturdays October 11 & 18, 2008, 10 AM to to play basketball, soccer, and t-ball. Also, there is League contact info is 770-436-8114, e-mail 8 AM. www.atlantatrackclub.org. 12 PM. Location: Corpus Christi Church Sports a unique after school program that provides [email protected]. MSBL 18+ 19th Annual Brave Run 5K/Mile. Mar. 21. Arena, 600 Mountain View Drive, Stone students with a weekly sports curriculum along Midweek Wood bat league contact info is 770-436- Watkinsville, 8 AM. 706-769-6593. Mountain, GA 30083. For info, call 770-469-0395, with the after school classroom setting. For more 8114, e-mail [email protected]. MSBL 18+ March for Meals 5K/Mile. Mar. 21. Fayetteville, email [email protected], or visit the league’s information, call 770-614-6686 or visit Fall League contact info is 770-436-8114, e-mail 8 AM. 770-318-4985. website(www.ccybl.net). www.ssaports.com. [email protected]. For more information Hoya and The Hare 5K/Mile. Mar. 21. Kennesaw, Club Sport. Club Sport opens registration for summer about our Atlanta Adult Baseball League, please 8 AM. 678-795-0115. SOFTBALL leagues on May 1st with league play beginning in visit our website at www.AtlantaMSBL.com. Kiwanis Club Annual Run/Walk 5K/Mile. Mar. 21. AYSA Spring Season. Ongoing - North Park - Cogburn June. Club Sport is Atlanta's recreational sports TNT Sports. Ongoing. Baseball pitching and hitting les Adel, 8:30 AM. 229-896-3399. and Bethany - Alpharetta. Fees: If Alpharetta and social group with over 10,000 participants sons by Rob Blair, former college coach, Snellville. Downtown Dash for Diabetes 5K. Mar. 21. Atlanta, Residential Property Tax IS NOT PAID at the pri each year on 1200 teams in 120 leagues. Each To set up a free pitching or hitting analysis call Hurt Park, 8:30 AM. 404-214-0167. mary residence of the player, then the Non-City season Club Sport offers leagues in flag football, 678-344-5876. Sidney Lanier Bridge Run 5K. Mar. 21. Brunswick, Resident Fee must be paid. After Jan. 13, $10 l softball, soccer, sand and indoor volleyball, basket Jack City Baseball. Ongoing. Baseball pitching and hit- 9 AM. 912-466-7007. ate fee is charged. ball and more. Club Sport is where Atlanta comes ting. Instruction with former pro Keith Whitner. 18-y 5K Communities in Schools Run. Mar. 21. Ringgold, Senior Softball League. Ongoing - Best Friend Park, to play! For more information about Club Sport, looking for high school players. The new location is 8 AM. 706-965-1508. Jimmy Carter Blvd., Norcross, GA. All Skill levels upcoming events, photos or interviews with the inside Velocity Sports in North Gwinnett. For more owner, please contact Rich Alvarez at 678-994- HAAF Shamrock 5K. Mar. 21. Savannah, 9 AM. welcomed. Men age 45+ and women age 40+. 0793 ext. 818 or visit www.usclubsport.com. information call 770-633-0948 or visit jackcity.net. 912-315-2019. Open practice on Saturdays and games on Stout Irish Sports Pub Events and Specials. Monday: Spirit Creek Sprint 5K Run/Walk. Mar. 21. Tuesdays, Wednesdays, or Thursdays. For infor Dart League and Free Pool from 11 p.m.-close; FOOTBALL Hephzibah, 9:15 AM. 706-790-2351. mation call Gary Mastrodonato at 770-266-7042 Tuesday: Texas Hold 'em; Wednesday: Trivia Night Collins Hill Athletic Association. Ongoing. Accepting Cherry Blossom Festival 15K/5K. Mar. 21. Macon, or visit www.atlantaseniorsoftball.com. and Free Pool from 11pm-close; Thursday: applications for qualified coaches in all age groups. 8 AM. 478-751-7429. Open Recreational Softball. GSL -- Georgia Sports College Night with DJ All Night; Friday: Happy For information email Leagues. Georgia’s Best Hour Food Specials; Saturday: Game Day all day Craig Deneau at [email protected] CAMPS SportsLeagues.Registration ongoing. We offer long on Stout's big screen plasma TVs; Sunday: Grayson Athletic Association. Ongoing. Football Nike Basketball Camps. Camps located in Snellville, "Men's" and "Co-Ed" styles of play in Game Day all day long on Stout's big screen coaches needed for eighth grade and all age Roswell, Kennesaw, Oxford and 0894-4297 to find Doraville/Dunwoody area. Monday, Wednesday & plasma TVs. Miller High Life Beers are always $1. groups. For information call Duane Davis at out which dates suit your campers best. Sunday league play available. Next season stars in Beer Club:Guests join for $120 and receive a 678-300-0282 or visit www.gaasports.org. Georgia Tech MaChelle Joseph Basketball Camp. February. We play ALL year round. For more infor- prestigious Stout Club Mug engraved with their Flag Football. GSL -- Georgia Sports Leagues. Ages range from 7-17. Day camps, overnight mation please contact (678)799-0159 or email name on it.Each visit over the course of the year, Georgia’s Largest Flag League. Registration ongo- camps and team camps available. Visit www.ram [email protected]. Visit www.geor members enjoy their first beer of choice on the ing. We offer 7-Man, 8-man, Youth and Co-Ed blinwreck.com or call 404-894-4297 to find out giasport sleagues.org. house. For more, call 404.869.1151 or email styles of play around Atlanta. We play ALL year which dates suit your campers best. Capitol City Officials Association. CCOA is accepting www.stoutirish pub.com.

WWW.SCOREATL.COM MARCH 18-24, 2009 SCORE ATLANTA I 19

Big questions of the ’09 NCAA Tournament SAID ON THE AIR arch is here once again, and that can WHO IS THIS YEAR’S STEPHEN “No doubt. I can still go out there Monly mean one thing for sports fans CURRY? and play as well as all those guys everywhere: the NCAA Tournament. Here Each year we see a player take the tour- out there. I’m not going to be as are some of the burning questions heading nament by storm, mesmerizing fans nation- into this year’s version of the madness: wide with great performance after great per- fast as I was when I was 19 or 20, formance to push his seemingly under- but my instincts and ability have WHO ARE THE FAVORITES? manned team to the next level. Last season not gone away.” Louisville goes into the tournament that player was Stephen Curry, but Curry’s - Andruw Jones’s response to CBS ana- playing as well as anyone in the nation after Davidson Wildcats aren’t going dancing this lyst Scott Miller’s question on whether winning the Big East Tournament to earn a year, so someone else will have to take the he can be as good as he once was No. 1 seed. Junior Earl Clark is a do-it-all torch from him. swingman who paced the team with 14 The aforementioned Florida State WIPE YOUR points per game during the season. He’s also Seminoles are a sleeper for one reason: Toney a presence in the paint, leading the team in Douglas is one of the nation’s top scorers (21.1 KEEPIN’ AN EYE ON DEBT AWAY! rebounds. Terrence Williams and Samardo ppg) and he can put the ‘Noles on his back. It’s Samuels also average double figure points. certainly not inconceivable that he could do Affordable Loans for every Top-seeded North Carolina is also a that again over the next several weeks. With the American economy in peril, Situation and Budget team with title aspirations. Despite being We already saw what Eric Maynor could the outrageous contracts all around upset in the ACC Tournament semis, the Tar do in the tournament when he sent Duke sports have drawn the media’s ire like Call now and get an Heels still have one of the most experienced packing three years ago in a first-round never before. On Saturday, Steve answer in 24 to 48 hrs! and talented teams in the 65-team field. Tyler upset. This year the senior is having the best Hummer addressed the salaries of col- Hansbrough (21.4 ppg, 8.2 rpg) and Ty lege football coaches in particular, chron- Call us at 888-964-7111 season of his great career, dropping 22.4 icling the way in which they have contin- Lawson (15.9 ppg, 6.5 apg) are one of the top points and 6.2 assists per game, and convinc- inside-outside duos in the country. Lawson is ued to rise even in the face of economic ing many NBA scouts that he will be a lot- downturn. While Hummer recognizes the battling a toe injury but is expected to play tery pick this spring in the process. throughout the tourney. Junior Wayne prodigious dollar amount these coaches SCORE ATLANTA Ellington and senior Danny Green join and programs bring in, he still asks the WHICH TOP SEEDS WILL GO OUT question, “How much is too much?” ADVERTISING INDEX Lawson as top-notch threats from the outside, EARLY? as both possess deadly 3-point shots that will On Sunday, Terence Moore addressed Big Ten teams have been crashing out 790 The Zone ...... 1, 3 come in handy in postseason play. Carolina the Hawks and the season they have had of the tournament early a lot lately; could certainly has the talent to go all the way. thus far. Unlike some critics, Moore Affordable Loans ...... 19 No. 2 seed Michigan State follow that trend? believes the team is right where it is sup- posed to be and thinks the future is brighter Atlanta Hawks ...... 2 WHO ARE THIS YEAR’S SLEEPERS? Tom Izzo’s team showed some flaws in its Big Ten Tournament loss to Ohio State. The than ever; he focuses on the injuries the AT&T ...... 1, Back Page You can never predict a Cinderella like team has suffered this year as well as its George Mason, but there are some teams a bit Spartans also underperformed in the non- Aqua Blue...... 17 conference schedule, losing to Maryland by room for improvement. There is one prob- off the radar that look poised to make a run. lem, however. The Hawks have actually Cigar Merchants...... 19 It’s always a good thing to play your way 18 and getting drilled by North Carolina by 35 points in December. been quite lucky in the health department Disc Caddie Golf...... 17 to a higher seed by performing in the confer- this season and have little cap space in the ence tournament, and Florida State, a No. 5 They don’t have a definitive go-to guy FSN...... 19 (Kalin Lucas is the closest to playing that foreseeable future, meaning noticeable seed in the NCAA Tournament, did just that improvements will be hard to come by. Georgia State ...... 16 by advancing all the way to the conference role), and they have a tough second-round final in a very strong ACC, upsetting North draw against either Boston College (which Hooters...... 4 Carolina along the way. The ‘Noles have a top- owns an upset of the UNC team that rolled MEDIA Instant Imprints ...... 19 notch scorer and defender in Toney Douglas over the Spartans), or Pac-10 tournament Joseph & Friends ...... 1 of Jonesboro High. Former Dunwoody High champs Southern Cal. HALL OF FAME The most common first-round upsets Man’s Best Friend ...... 9 star Chris Singleton’s presence on campus this While the NCAA Tournament is fun season was also crucial in the team’s first tour- have historically come in the 5-12 matchups. Mikael’s Auto Spa ...... 12 Utah-Arizona, Purdue-Northern Iowa, Florida for all sports fans, it’s just not the ney appearance since the 1997-98 season. same when one’s team is absent from North River Tavern ...... 5 Like FSU, Purdue looks to have its best State-Wisconsin, and Illinois-Western competition. And with Georgia and team in ages. The Boilermakers also Kentucky represent those games this year. If Pro Sports Team Outfitters...... 15 Georgia Tech both missing this year’s stepped up their play in the conference tour- you look at pure talent among all those teams, Big Dance, fans of both schools can Rhodes Bakery ...... 14 ney, winning their first Big Ten Tournament No. 12 seed Arizona might actually be at the title. Sophomores E’Twaun Moore and start concentrating on their baseball Road Atlanta...... 13 Jajuan Johnson have shown why they were top of the list. Although U of A underachieved teams. In Athens, the Bulldogs are as all season, the Wildcats could knock a good Ron Veal QB Instruction ...... 19 both highly-coveted recruits two years ago. strong as ever, sitting at 15-2 at press Sammy’s DJ ...... 14 And Robbie Hummel joins them to form a Utah team out in the first round. time and in the top three of nearly formidable trio that makes Purdue a very Bagriansky can be reached at every major national ranking. Score 6 Camp...... 11 tough team to match up with. [email protected]. Meanwhile, Tech was 12-1 at press SportSouth ...... 19 time and, with the exception of Miami, TGS Media ...... 14 the highest ranked team in the ACC. CATCH THE THRASHERS AND HAWKS Trivia Zone ...... 7

TO ADVERTISE IN SCORE ATLANTA: 404.256.1572

Copyright 2009 Score Atlanta Publishing, LLC. All rights reserved. Score Atlanta is published every week on Wednesdays. Views expressed in Score Atlanta are not necessarily the opinion of Score Atlanta, its staff or advertisers. Score Atlanta does not knowingly accept false or misleading editorial content or advertising nor is Score Atlanta responsible for the content or claims of any advertis- ing or editorial in this publication. No content (articles, photographs, graphics) in Score Atlanta may be used for reproduction without writ- ten permission from the publisher.

WWW.SCOREATL.COM