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A GREAT WAY TO HIT THE GROUND ON YOUR SUMMER RUNNING FOOTBALL WORKOUTS

RON VEAL QUARTERBACK CAMP, Centennial Head Jeff Carlberg AND SCORE SUMMER CAMPs PRESENT The 2013 OFFENSIVE SKILLS BLOWOUT

Centennial HS June 3-5 9:00 AM - Noon

Quarterbacks, receivers and running backs, here is you chance to start the summer on a Register online at high note, a three-day camp focused on skill building at your position. The camp will be run by veteran quarterback coach Ron Veal, top metro Atlanta high scoreatl.com or school coaches and both current college players and current high school graduates head- ed to play football at the next level. Call 404-246-7819 The focus will be on fundamentals such as the right position to have your arm in when throwing the ball, how to run routes correctly and the proper way to position your body when running through the line. The camp will be broken down into players that are at the high school level, middle school level and those in grades 2-5. atlanta The three-day camp is $150 and will also include an hour long session the last day on recruiting as players at the camp will discuss how they handled the recruiting process.

2 | May 31 - June 13, 2013 | Vol. 9 Iss. 11 CONTENTS CAN’T MISS SHOT OF THE THIS WEEK Starting Jay Underwood and Ricky Dimon give their thoughts on the WEEK... Lineup 4 Atlanta sports scene on our columnists’ page. Publisher/Editor I.J. Rosenberg ART/CREATIVE DIRECTOR DJ Galbiati Blalock senior Managing Editor Stephen Black Score Atlanta veteran Alex Ewalt gives you all the information business Marvin Botnick 5 you can handle on the Hawks’ hiring of .

beAT WRITERS Chris Nieman (UGA) Fletcher Proctor pays homage to the great history of baseball in Brian Jones (KSU) Georgia by looking at some star player who trace their roots to II (Falcons) 7 the Peach State. Ricky Dimon (Hawks) Joe Deighton (Dream) Sean Conway (Braves) Our prep section, where we give you our rankings and the latest Ryan Caiafa (Tech) 8-11 high school sports stories. Jay Underwood (GSU) Team Scoop TO ADVERTISE IN SCORE ATLANTA: and Voices INSIDE AT SCORE 404.256.1572 Score Atlanta is looking for Redan swept to the COVER design by DJ Galbiati blalock RAIDERS ROMP: Cover Photos courtesy of Jimmy Cribb, Class AAAA baseball title over the weekend Copyright 2013 Score Atlanta Publishing, LLC. All rights re- writing interns. Please e-mail for the school’s first baseball championship. served. Score Atlanta is published every other week on Fridays. Milton HS and NBA Photos Redan has seen Major Leaguers like Wally Views expressed in Score Atlanta are not necessarily the opinion ON THE Stephen Black at sblack@ of Score Atlanta, its staff or advertisers. Score Atlanta does not 6 score List - Numbers Joyner and Brandon Phillips walk through its knowingly accept false or misleading editorial content or adver- tising nor is Score Atlanta responsible for the content or claims scoreatl.com or call 404-256- hallways, but never won it all. That all changed of any advertising or editorial in this publication. No content (ar- 12 gsu, KSU, UGA, Tech Monday as Brandon Baker and coach Marvin ticles, photographs, graphics) in Score Atlanta may be used for 1572 for more information. reproduction without written permission from the publisher. 13 Braves, Falcons, Hawks, Dream Pruitt got it done. Photo courtesy of Mark Brock.

www.scoreatl.com | 3 columnists The jury is out on Budenholzer, obvious- they purchased the contract of someone ly, because he has never been an NBA head named Evan Gattis from Double-A Missis- coach. The jury is still out on Ferry, too, for sippi. That someone was a guy who was al- dimon that matter. He is heading into what will likely most derailed by a minor problem with drugs be a make-or-break offseason for the future of and a major problem with depression. Now, the franchise. Not only has there already been at 26 years old, the native is finally a club a coaching change, but the 12-man roster is in Texas-sized problem for big-league pitchers. an unprecedented state of flux. As of Wednesday afternoon, Gattis is tied But is there any reason not to trust Fer- for third in the with 12 home ry? So far, no. The former Duke Blue Devil runs, trailing only teammate and Ferry gets his man, Braves still have theirs swindled New Jersey into taking Joe Johnson altitude-aided Carlos Gonzalez of Colorado. and his outrageous contract and he also got He has done it, too, in a mere 133 at-bats. By Joe Deighton Utah to trade for Marvin Williams. He has Of the 16 other National League hitters with cap space coming out of the woodwork this at least nine home runs, none has fewer than arry Drew wasn’t bad. In three seasons as sistant’s first two seasons as head man. Drew summer. Atlanta is still a work in a progress 150 at-bats and only one (Washington phenom Lhead coach of the , Drew was a guy. Mike Budenholzer is a and has a ton on its plate this summer with ) has fewer than 159. compiled a regular-season record of 128-102. guy. so few players under guaranteed contracts for This is “Linsanity” 2.0, minus the turn- His teams had three winning seasons, three Budenholzer has spent the last 19 seasons 2012-13, but there is finally stability at the overs (errors) and minus the injuries (knock playoff appearances, two runner-up finishes with the , 17 as an assistant top. Counting Budenholzer, the Hawks have on wood). This is the best story in baseball to Miami in the Southeast Division and one to . Five of the years included had three head coaches since 2010 and five right now, period. How does the story end? playoff series victory (over Orlando in 2011). Ferry as a member of the organization; three since 2002. By contrast, the Spurs have had We may not know for five more months, but They did it without a superstar (Josh Smith? as a player and two more at the middle man- one since 1996. Could something similar be that’s a good thing because the journey may Hahaha) and with their most consistent player agement level. It looks like Atlanta sports fran- in store for Atlanta? Who knows, but it’s not be more fun than the destination. After all, the for the most part playing out of position (Al chises may be taking an “if you can’t beat ‘em, out of the question. Budenholzer is just 43 Braves aren’t favored to win the Horford has primarily suited up at the five in- raid ‘em” approach. The Falcons took notes years old. nor are they even expected to get out of the stead of the four due to a lack of a true center from the New England and hired away He could be around awhile. So could National League. on the roster). general manager Thomas Dimitroff. Now it is winning. But who cares? These Braves are being No, wasn’t bad. He simply the Hawks’ turn to continue plundering San led by a man who knows a thing or two about wasn’t Danny Ferry’s guy. Ferry became the Antonio, which has won all four of its NBA GATTITUDE … defying the odds. Hawks’ general manager almost exactly one titles since 1999 (all with Budenholzer) and is While the Hawks got their man on May Dimon can be reached at year ago, inheriting Drew after the former as- back in the NBA Finals. 28, the Brave got theirs on March 31 when [email protected].

son and has been putting up MVP-type num- this season with Brian McCann hitting free bers upon his arrival. agency and the emergence of Evan Gattis as When Freddie Freeman went down a possible replacement, but it appears that the jay’s with a groin injury early in the year, it gave guys actually playing the game are just enjoy- Fredi Gonzalez a chance to plug Gattis in a ing their time together and making the most first base to see how he would adapt and he of this season. journal provided the same results as in left field. He There are many things to like about this proved to make the routine plays, but was a Braves team and Evan Gattis is only part of downgrade defensively from Freeman. When the story, but its hard not to cheer for the Gattis wows baseball world, earns key role Freeman did return and resumed his posi- guy who essentially went from nobody to a tion at his corner of the infield Gattis was yet national storyline almost overnight. He may By Jay Underwood again sent back to the bench. not have a defined position, but he is the 10th This left the rover position that was in- guy in the opposition’s head when the game is he story of Evan Gattis continues to grow ral position, , is occupied by the resi- vented on the fly by this Braves team. Built close and time is running out. and it is starting to garner some national dent leader of the clubhouse, Brian McCann. like an team the Braves are It is early, but Gattis has to be in the con- Tattention. With his performance this past McCann is back from shoulder surgery and is now able to take advantage of the Designated sideration for National League Rookie of the week it has even become international after looking like the 6-time all star of his past post- Hitter in interleague parks. They also have a Year. He may not win the award and he may he homered in back-to-back games in Toron- ing .281 batting average driving in 14 runs and player who have spell three of its stars period- not continue this torrid pace to the end of the to. Much has been made of what to do with knocking six home runs. While these pale in ically throughout the week to keep them fresh season, but to be in the consideration at this the surplus of the Braves posses and comparison to the 12 homers and 32 RBIs of throughout the season. More importantly Gat- point has to be an accomplishment that no one how to get Gattis optimal at-bats with a team Gattis you have to look at the at-bats and they tis provides them with a powerful bat off the saw coming, except maybe him. The game of that has finally gotten healthy after a variety break down to very comparable numbers. bench who can change the complexion of the baseball is changing and the importance of of injuries to begin the season. The next position that he worked in dur- game by just walking into the batters box. players like Evan Gattis is the perfect exam- Right now, Gattis leads all rookies in ing his years in the minor leagues was left Eight of Evan’s 12 homers have either ple. You don’t have to play the same position Home runs, extra base hits, RBIs and slugging field the past season and in winter ball. While tied the game or given the Braves the lead. everyday to make an impact and that is ex- percentage. Knowing that this has come in a is defense isn’t spectacular, he isn’t going His is also tied for the league lead in go-ahead actly what he is doing. He makes his impact limited role many would think that this would to embarrass himself and his offense should homeruns after the seventh inning. He gets in where he is needed and has no problem with garner more playing time, but if you look at more than make up for his lack of defensive done in clutch time and it doesn’t matter how being the wild card. the positions that he is capable of playing the prowess. The only issue is that Justin Upton or why he is in the game. The popular thing Underwood can be reached at whole story may become more clear. His natu- came over in a blockbuster trade this offsea- to do is to speculate what will happen after [email protected].

4 | May 31 - June 13, 2013 | Vol. 9 Iss. 11 COVER STORY

shopping list.” today. He will provide some much needed It’s noteworthy that Ferry and Budenhol- structure to the arena dubbed “The Highlight zer, both immensely respected, had options Factory.” Fans are ready to see some disci- head before they chose Atlanta. Ferry was seem- pline mixed in with the dunks. ingly all but gone for Philadelphia before This is not to diminish the Hawks’ hawk coming to town, and Budenholzer had his achievements this season, their sixth straight pick of job openings this offseason. One need with a playoff appearance. The roster must only listen to the Spurs’ players, coaches and have led the league in one-year contracts, and Ferry brings in longtime Spurs assistant front office to know how much they will miss it was assumed to be a transition season. In- the man they refer to as “Coach Bud.” Popov- stead, the team was a true surprise in the East By Alex Ewalt ich, in a statement released after the hire was even with a rash of injuries. Larry Drew, as announced, referred to Budenholzer as “more of the publication of this issue, was hitting of a co- than an assistant.” Tony the interview circuit hard and will possibly Parker and other players heaped praise on have another head coaching job in 2013-14. him. Not bad for a guy who started as a video He leaves with the third-highest winning per- assistant for the team back in 1994. centage for a head coach in franchise history. Most importantly, the Hawks now have a By all accounts, he is a good mind GM and a coach that share a basketball phi- and well liked. losophy, and there has been no philosophy But Ferry’s goal is true contention, not more consistent and productive over the last a first- or second-round exit. As it’s the 25th 15 years than the Spurs’. anniversary of the classic Dominique vs. “Part of what’s exciting about this for me Bird showdown in Game 7 of the conference is he has a great understanding of the league,” semis (a crushing 118-116 loss in Boston, of Ferry said. “He’s been part of San Antonio. course), we are reminded of the fact that the He wasn’t just in San Antonio (for a while) Hawks, in Atlanta, have never reached the like some of us were, he’s been there for the third round. Budenholzer knows what it’s like duration. He’s seen how it evolved. He’s seen to be the second in command on champion- how it has grown.” ship-caliber teams. It will be a battle to compete in the East THE SYSTEM ... with the likes of the superteam, Hawks fans watching the NBA playoffs the emerging Pacers, the (with just saw a team made up of aging stars like Derrick Rose, at some point) and both Big , Manu Ginobili and Apple squads. They are all positioned for completely dismantle the younger Grizzlies, long-term success with bona fide stars on the anny Ferry just made the move we have hometown), as did CSKA Moscow coach Et- previously a hot pick to win the series, in court. There will be personnel challenges and Dall been waiting for. tore Messina, which had fans scratching their four games in the Western Conference Finals. the possibility – barring the signing of one of Hired nearly a year ago, he quickly rid heads. Now we see that Ferry was targeting Budenholzer is staying with San Antonio for the league’s marquee free agents like Dwight the franchise of Joe Johnson’s anchor-like his former colleague from the beginning, re- the rest of the playoffs, and might very well Howard or Chris Paul – of another season contract and cobbled together a team that ex- portedly meeting with Budenholzer both after help the Spurs to their fifth title since 1999. with a roster in transition. ceeded expectations. The next and most im- the Spurs’ Golden State series win and after Contrast San Antonio’s march through There are only three players with con- portant move was to find a coach that would their recent sweep of the Memphis Grizzlies. yet another playoff season with the Hawks’ tracts through next year: big man Al Horford, take the Hawks to the next level. And so Atlanta nabs Gregg Popovich’s performance in the first round against the In- and guards Lou Williams and John Jenkins. right-hand man, who Ferry had observed diana Pacers: Exciting and effective at times, Teague and Smith are the team’s top free SPURRING CHANGE ... from above during two different stints in the but downright unwatchable for long stretches. agents, and no doubt Ferry and Budenhol- Earlier this week, Ferry got his man Spurs’ front office. Budenholzer even helped Turnovers, timidity and looking zer will hit the meeting room this summer to when he hired Mike Budenholzer away from coach Ferry to a championship when he was lost on the court … a 30-percent three-point determine who stays. Will the Hawks keep the San Antonio Spurs, convincing perhaps a reserve with San Antonio in 2002-03, the shooter, Josh Smith, taking a crucial trey in- Teague and hope he develops into a top-flight the league’s top assistant to take a shot with last year of his playing career. Budenholzer side a minute to play in Game 6 and having it NBA ? Will the team re-sign Smith Atlanta just as Ferry did last June. is one of the high priests of the Spurs’ basket- blocked… and let the new man in charge try to corral – The process was not necessarily a ball religion: tough defense, ball movement, The Spurs have a system, and they at long last – the volatile star, something the smooth one. Ferry took the unorthodox ap- smart basketball and fundamentals. He may stick to it. Heck, they even released for- previous two coaches couldn’t manage to do? proach of announcing that he would begin a not have the name recognition of some of the mer Hawk and noted troublemaker Stephen Or will they start from scratch? The immedi- coaching search with Drew still onboard and other coaches on the market, but he has the Jackson midseason because he didn’t fit in ate future holds many, many questions for the never publicly ruled him out as a candidate, track record and the championship rings to with the plan. Hawks, but the biggest one was just answered although many assumed his ouster was inevi- make up for it. Budenholzer will bring to Atlanta his 17 resoundingly. table. Retreads Nate McMillan and Stan Van “I’m definitely not a sexy hire,” Buden- years of experience as an assistant under that Photo courtesy of NBA Pho- Gundy came up as possible hires (Van Gundy holzer joked at Wednesday’s press confer- system’s architect, Popovich, who is widely tos. Ewalt can be reached at ostensibly to lure Dwight Howard back to his ence. “Thankfully, that wasn’t on Danny’s considered the finest head coach in the game 404-256-1572.

www.scoreatl.com | 5 our thoughts

Budenholzer The White Bear NCAA Golf El Oso Blanco, Evan Gattis, has If you get a chance, head out to You may not recognize his name, but new homered in five of the last eight the Capital City Club Friday or Hawks coach Mike Budenholzer made games for the Braves. A total Saturday for the NCAA men’s waves around the NBA when he accepted nobody prior to the season, the golf championships. A wonder- the Hawks’ coaching position. Budenhol- bare-handed hitting sensation has ful event for the metro area to zer and Hawks GM Danny Ferry were to- turned into a cult sensation over land, the golf tournament match- night in not only Atlanta, but the es the best college golf teams in y ste p hen bl ack gether with the Spurs for several seasons b Thumbs up TO entire nation. A tremendous story, the nation. Tech and UGA are and they look to bring the San Antonio Gattis is also a key cog in the first- there as are many SEC and ACC new coaches model of success to Atlanta. place Braves. programs.

Yankees and MLS Hockey Playoffs UGA Drug Policy So the and Unless you’re from Canada or a Manchester City have combined large, northern city, does anyone In the ultra-competitive SEC, Georgia forc- forces to purchase an MLS even realize the hockey playoffs es its athletes to comply with the strictest team. We are not sure how that are on? We honestly could care drug policy in the league - one offense will make any money for the two less as the NHL took our hockey and you miss 10 percent of your team’s superpower clubs but one thing teams away twice and disparaged games. Such a stringent policy simply is for sure, we now have an our city despite poor ownership MLS team we can root against. groups and little backing from the does not make sense in this day and age Thumbs down Frankly, we’re shocked the MLS league. We’ll watch anything but of a win-at-all-costs league. Why try to is still around. hockey these days. compete at a disadvantage? TO dumb rules Score crunching TRIVIA SANITY List the NUMBERS QUESTION AT LAST BY BRIAN JONES by Stephen Black In 17 seasons in “Atlanta is a unique situation NEW HAWK: Danny Ferry made a huge move Number of times the Atlanta Hawks in that they have great on Tuesday as he hired San Antonio Spurs as- have reached the third round of the ownership, a great GM and sistant Mike Budenholzer as the new Hawks head 0 San Antonio, how coach. Budenholzer has been with the Spurs playoffs a roster full of a young core the last 17 years and has helped them win four many times did the and a lot of flexibility going championships during that time. Can he do the Number of selections the Hawks 1 same thing with his first head coaching job and into the summer. It was going 4 have in this year’s Spurs make the with a virtually new roster next season? to take something special for BULLDOG SUSPENDED: UGA safety playoffs with Mike me to leave (the Spurs), but Josh Harvey-Clemons was suspended for one Consecutive playoff appearances by game for a violation of the school’s drug policy, 6 the Hawks Budenholzer as an this is something special.” which means he will miss the Clemson game on Aug. 31. Very tough loss for the Bulldogs as they need all the help they can get on defense in the Consecutive playoff appearances by assistant coach? - New Hawks coach 2 season opener. Let’s hope he’s the only player 16 the Spurs Mike Budenholzer on taking that gets suspended the entire year. Answer on Page 14 the Hawks job. BASEBALL CHAMPS: It was a great week- Years new Hawks coach Mike Buden- end for baseball as the GHSA State Champion- 17 holzer spent in San Antonio ship series played out through the state. Congrats goes out to Milton, Pope, Redan, Cartersville and Lovett for taking home the state crown in their Coaches the Hawks have employed respective classes. Now it’s time for football sea- 12 while in Atlanta 3 son which is only 14 weeks away when the Kell our two cents Classic kicks off at the Georgia Dome. Number of homers by Braves rookie our email newsletter is something we take a lot of pride BACK AT IT: The entire Falcons squad took in at Score. If you aren’t familiar with it, it is a high school the field for the first time since theN FC Cham- 11 Evan Gattis pionship game on Wednesday as they partici- sports-heavy publication that we produce each day to fill in pated in OTAs. This was not a physical workout session because the NFL mandates teams not to Times Westminster and Marist have our readers on the latest happenings in Georgia prep sports. have any blocking, tackling or even any one-on- 13 won the Directors Cup We send it out Monday through Friday throughout the year 4 one drills. Sounds boring, but it’s still good to see the Falcons back at work as they get ready and Monday through Saturday during the fall. for the 2013 season. Games won in eight years by for- mer Carver-Columbus head football not only do we cover popular sports like football, basket- CONCERT AT THE TED: Have nothing to 88 coach Dell McGee ball and baseball, we also cover every other varsity sport do Saturday? Then head to the Braves game and see them take down the Washington Nationals. the GHSA fields. If you like Georgia high school sports at all, But don’t leave after the game because Run DMC New members of the KSU football sign up for our email newsletter by visiting www.tinyurl.com/scorenewsletter and will hit the field for a free concert. Okay, so a staff: Tim Glanton, assistant coach, Braves game against a major division rival and enter your email address(es) that you’d like added to the distribution list. 5 and Jay Bailey, director of football a Run DMC concert in one night all in one place? 2 Oh yeah. I’m so there. operations

6 | May 31 - June 13, 2013 | Vol. 9 Iss. 11 at shortstop as a freshman and would eventually year, he was named Georgia Gatorade Player earn All-State honors. of the Year. Fowler then turned down both Mi- MLB standouts have Georgia on their mind ami and Harvard after the Colorado Rockies By Fletcher Proctor BUSTING BIG ... selected him in the 2004 draft. After spending Buster Posey never led Lee County to a time in the minor leagues, Fowler was selected GHSA state title, but he has seemingly won to the 2008 U.S. Olympic team that earned a ver since Ty Cobb strapped on the spikes ger award as the National League’s best-hitting everything under the sun since then. Posey was bronze medal in . He made his debut Eand stepped into the batter’s box, the catcher. He also played for Team USA in the a pitcher and shortstop for Lee County, setting with the Rockies later that season. state of Georgia has produced some of Major 2006 World Baseball Classic. the school record for batting average (.544) as Other names that have experienced suc- League Baseball’s best talent. Players such as Parkview’s led the Panthers a junior. Over his final two seasons, Posey was cess on the GHSA diamonds as well as the Wally Joyner, Ray Knight, Jackie Robinson, to back-to-back Class AAAAA titles in 2001 and 22-1 with a 1.06 ERA his senior season to go MLB diamonds include Adam Wainwright Rondell White and Kevin Brown were all born 2002, as well as three football state champion- with 108 strikeouts. He also clubbed 14 home (Glynn Academy), Macay McBridge (Screven in Georgia and many current Major League ships. Before being selected No. 23 overall by runs and drove in 40 RBIs his senior year. County) and the Sprayberry tandem of Marlon players once suited up for GHSA action. the , Francoeur impressed scouts The Giants took Posey with the No. 5 pick Byrd and Kris Benson. with his .433 average, 55 home runs and 164 in the 2008 draft, and Posey would win the 2010 Benson was named Gatorade Player of the FIRST-ROUND TALENTS ... RBIs. His high school clips on You- Rookie of the Year award, the 2012 NL MVP, Year in 1993 as Sprayberry reached the GHSA When the Montreal Expos selected Mi- Tube are the stuff of legends and those around the the 2012 NL Award, the 2012 Sil- championship series. He attended Clemson chael Barrett out of Pace Academy with the Parkview program still get chills talking about ver Slugger and the 2012 NL Comeback Player University from 1993-1996, and led the Tigers No. 28 pick in the first round of the 1995 draft, the 2002 Georgia Gatorade Player of the Year. of the Year Award. He has also won a pair of to the 1996 College World Series. He picked the National League East power was select- Many around the state of Georgia recog- World Series titles with the Giants. up multiple amateur awards that season as well ing one of the most decorated players to come nize the name Gordon Beckham as the player as a bronze medal in the 1996 Olympic Games from the Peach State in years. As a shortstop that led the to within just OLYMPIC DREAMS ... before being selected No. 1 overall in the 1996 for the Knights, Barrett led Pace to three a few innings of a College World Series title, but Dexter Fowler may be one of the few draft. Byrd, meanwhile, would help Sprayber- straight GHSA titles before winning Westminster Wildcats fans know Beckham as a Georgia baseball standouts to boast a GHSA ry win the 1995 Class AAAA title before head- the 1995 Georgia Gatorade Player of the Year two-sport star that held several football records state championship and an Olympic medal on ing off to Georgia Tech. Award. He would play for four teams during and who is now in the school’s hall of fame. their resumes. Fowler helped Milton to the Proctor can be reached at his MLB career and won the 2005 Silver Slug- Beckham started on the varsity of Westminster 2004 Class AAAAA state title, and in the same [email protected]. high school sports hoops update directors cup Crump heads to west Cobb County region winners By Stephen Black 1 Baconton 5 holy Innocents’ ll good things must come to an end. That title in Henry County history. 2 irwin County 6 gordon Lee is the case at Eagle’s Landing as former “I’ve been at Eagle’s Landing for a long Aboys basketball coach Clay Crump, who had time and felt like we had finished what we set 3 savannah Christian 7 First Presbyterian been at the school for 12 years, will be coach- out to do,” Crump added. “I think we repre- ing Harrison next year after a wildly success- sented the county well.” 1 A 4 Brookstone 8 Athens Academy ful tenure with the Golden Eagles, which in- After accepting the job Friday, news cluded the 2013 AAAA state championship. of Crump’s new position hit the social me- “I just felt like it was a great time to eval- dia world very quickly as congratulations 1 Thomasville 5 Bremen uate where I was professionally and with my from near and far went to his account. 2 Vidalia 6 Westminster family, and just thought it was a good time Crump will meet with the new team at Harri- to transition to a new challenge,” said Crump son Wednesday at 6 p.m. before practicing at 7. 3 screven County 7 Calhoun this morning in a phone interview. “I’ve loved Former coach Jermaine Bigham lasted 4 bleckley County 8 Jefferson Eagle’s Landing and greatly enjoyed coach- just one year at the west Cobb school after 2 A ing these kids, but Harrison is a school with replacing Robert Churchwell, who led the a lot of tradition and community support. Hoyas to the semifinals in 2012. That’s very attractive to me.” Crump is looking forward to the chal- 1 Pierce County 5 Cartersville lenge of leading a Class AAAAAA program GOALS ACCOMPLISHED ... in a tough region. 2 Pike County 6 st. Pius X Before taking over as head coach, the “There are good coaches in every classi- 3 dodge County 7 Buford Valdosta State graduate was an assistant with fication in Georgia, but in basketball, the clas- the boys and girls basketball teams at Eagle’s sification matters, but all you need is five,” said 4 Chapel Hill 8 oconee County Landing. He then was tasked with building a Crump. “It’s not quite as indicative of talent as 3 A winner when given the head coaching reigns football or something that needs numbers.” of the boys team in 2004-2005. The past four Harrison finished 7-19 last season un- 1 Westover 5 Carrollton seasons saw the fruit of Crump’s labor as the der Bigham after going 23-8 in 2012 under Golden Eagles won 101 games, three region Churchwell. 2 Veterans 6 Marist titles and went to three final fours. The 2013 Black can be reached at championship was the first boys basketball [email protected]. 3 south Effingham 7 Dalton 4 eagles Landing 8 Chestatee 4 A 1 northside, Columbus 5 Allatoona 2 lakeside, Evans 6 lakeside, Dekalb 3 Ware County 7 Pope directors 4 McIntosh 8 Gainesville 5 A cup 1 tift County 5 Walton 2 rockdale County 6 Lambert Usual suspects earn all-sports honors 3 east Coweta 7 Mill Creek 4 Harrison 8 Brookwood

By Craig Sager II 6 A he Directors Cup has been awarded to the points scoring 1366.5. Three boys state titles top athletics programs in the GHSA each and four girls titles elevated them this year. Tyear 1999-2000. The standings are made up St. Pius X saw its three-year winning of schools that saw varsity athletics teams streak ended a year ago by Woodward Acad- earn points through the year in each sport. A emy, but reclaimed the cup this year. The directors cup top eight finish garnered points. Class AAA Golden Lions have won four of the last five cups and six state titles and 90.0 TIGHT RACE ... points from their runner up finish in football Walton and Brookwood have combined for this year marked a great year. nine titles and, each year, the competition always If you watched any Class AA sports this overall winners seems to be a photo finish. Walton leads the Bron- year it is no surprise that Westminster took the cos after winning this year for their sixth total cup cup. The Wildcats were this year’s most dom- (Brookwood has three). The Raiders edged them inant team and accumulated 1513.0 points 1110.5 to 1108.0 (just 2.5 points). A top eight fin- in the standings. Like Marist, Westminster Overall Male Division Female Division ish awards points. They earned points in 18 dif- claimed its 13th overall cup this year. 11 state ferent sports and received a full 100.0 for the girls titles and four runner-up finishes accounts for Class 1A gordon Lee First Presbyterian gordon Lee volleyball and girls tennis state titles. one impressive school year. This was the first year that six classifica- If there were an award for most improved, Class 2A Westminster Westminster Westminster tions divided the field, McIntosh finished sev- it would be this year’s Class A cup winner. Af- enth in points last year in AAAA, but domi- ter a 13th-place finish last year, Gordon Lee Class 3A st. Pius X st. Pius X St. Pius X nated its new Class AAAAA field. McIntosh tallied 1188.00 total points, almost doubling Class 4A Marist Marist Marist topped Starr’s Mill with a total of 1175.0. A last year’s total of 553.00. Softball and girls trio of state titles in boys cross country, track basketball won state titles for Gordon Lee. The Class 5A McIntosh starr’s Mill McIntosh and soccer helped give them the edge. boys earned full points for their titles in wres- Class AAAA saw a familiar juggernaut tling and golf. Holy Innocents’ finished second Class 6A Walton brookwood Walton return to the podium as Marist racked up its with 992.0 points in the overall. 13th straight overall title. The War Eagles Sager can be reached at topped second-place Carrollton by nearly 400 [email protected].

8 | May 31 - June 13, 2013 | Vol. 9 Iss. 11 high school sports football transfer Milton star QB heads to Norcross By Craig Sager II orcross won the 2012 Class AAAAAA ti- and was given a third deadline and ultimatum by tle after going a perfect 15-0 while trusting the county to move, or he would no longer be al- theN leadership and consistent play of quarter- lowed to attend [Milton]. Finally the week before back Joseph Wilber. With Wilber graduated the spring practice the decision was made,” explained Blue Devils are still loaded with talent, making DeCristofaro. “We knew for three or four months them a favorite to claim the 2013 title. Replac- that this would be a possibility.” ing a graduated quarterback was a question Filling in at quarterback for Bush will be Norcross was going to have to answer head- Cody Sant, Austin McLeod or Clint Winter ing into spring practice, but the arrival of Mil- who all shared reps in spring. ton quarterback A.J. Bush changed that. Bush “We were hoping that one would sepa- transferred the week before spring ball to play rate himself,” said DiCristofaro “Summer his senior season with the Blue Devils. will be huge for all of them.” Safety Chauncey Hazelton is a rising se- Norcross opens its season on Aug. 24 nior and joined Bush in the move. Hazelton is hosting Washington Miami, Fla. All eyes will 6-foot, 180 and just recently started making be on Bush in his new role, as ESPN2 broad- noise on the scouting radar at offseason camps. casts the matchup. Playing on a national stage Hazleton’s father is overseas and while living is something Bush got an opportunity to do last with Bush, district rules kept Hazelton from season. On ESPNU in 2012, Bush and Milton participating last season at Milton. fell 27-7 to Walton in a late-season loss. There have already been surprise trans- COLLEGE INTEREST ... fers this offseason, with Wheeler’s Emman- The 6-foot-4 dual threat quarterback is re- uel Beal going to Hillgrove and Wesleyan ported to have offers from Kansas State, Mar- quarterback Will Anderson heading to Lassit- shall and Troy. Bush led a Milton offense that av- er. The season is less than three months away, eraged 34 points per game last season. Although but more transfers could still happen. It was the mid-semester move seemed sudden, Milton July last year when Chris Murphy of Harrison head coach Howie DeCristofaro explained that made his move to Lassiter. they had been prepared for this to happen. Sager can be reached at “He [Bush] did not live in the [Milton] district [email protected]. Soccer Rankings BOYS girls

CLASS AAAAAA CLASS AAA CLASS AAAAAA CLASS AAA 1. berkmar 6. Centennial 1. st. Pius X 6. Cartersville 1. Mill Creek 6. Collins Hill 1. St. Pius X 6. Pike County 2. Collins Hill 7. lambert 2. Woodward Acad. 7. savannah Arts 2. Parkview 7. Brookwood 2. Blessed Trinity 7. Central-Carroll 3. east Coweta 8. brookwood 3. east Hall 8. blessed Trinity 3. South Forsyth 8. Grayson 3. Buford 8. Savannah Arts 4. harrison 9. Central Gwinnett 4. oconee Co. 9. islands 4. Lassiter 9. Tift County 4. Woodward Acad. 9. Lakeview-Ft. Og. 5. lassiter 10. south Gwinnett 5. West Hall 10. north Murray 5. Harrison 10. Hillgrove 5. Chapel Hill 10. Pierce County

CLASS AAAAA CLASS AA CLASS AAAAA CLASS AA 1. McIntosh 6. Clarke Central 1. Westminster 6. Atkinson Co. 1. Northgate 6. Pope 1. Westminster 6. Putnam County 2. houston Co. 7. gainesville 2. Calhoun 7. toombs Co. 2. Whitewater 7. Riverwood 2. GAC 7. Vidalia 3. starr’s Mill 8. glynn Academy 3. gAC 8. Vidalia 3. McIntosh 8. Allatoona 3. Lovett 8. Dublin 4. Pope 9. lakeside-Dek 4. lovett 9. Fitzgerald 4. Starr’s Mill 9. Lakeside-DeKalb 4. Wesleyan 9. Oglethorpe Co. 5. Allatoona 10. Windsor Forest 5. benedictine 10. Murray Co. 5. Northview 10. Flowery Branch 5. St. Vincent’s Acad. 10. Thomasville

CLASS AAAA CLASS A CLASS AAAA CLASS A 1. dalton 6. Alexander 1. Paideia 6. First Presbyterian 1. Marist 6. River Ridge 1. Paideia 6. Hebron Christian 2. se Whitfield 7. Carrollton 2. hebron Chr. 7. Fellowship Chr. 2. Columbus 7. Wayne County 2. Fellowship Chr. 7. Calvary Day 3. nW Whitfield 8. Chestatee 3. AIS 8. Aquinas 3. Veterans 8. Locust Grove 3. First Presbyterian 8. Savannah Ctry Day 4. Johnson-Gainesville 9. Marist 4. holy Innocents’ 9. Our Lady of Mercy 4. Heritage-Catoosa 9. Grady 4. Aquinas 9. Mt. Paran 5. spalding 10. grady 5. savannah Chr. 10. Pinecrest Acad. 5. Cairo 10. Lanier 5. Holy Innocents’ 10. Providence Chr.

www.scoreatl.com | 9 score more

With 11 neighborhood locations, Chil- Recognizing young athletes that have dren’s offers convenient access to its Sports successfully come back from an illness or Medicine Program all over metro Atlanta. Its injury is just one of the ways the program comeback programs and services are designed to help shows that dedication. athlete children, adolescents and teens prevent sports One of the eight fearless athletes Chil- injuries and learn proper technique. Those dren’s featured will be named the Sports services include: Medicine Program’s first Comeback Athlete Children’s helps kids recover - ACL injury prevention of the Year. Starting June 1, Children’s will - Concussion open voting at choa.org/vote for two weeks. from injuries - Dance medicine Be sure to go online and vote for your - Motion analysis technology favorite Comeback Athlete. hat do volleyball players, football Their injuries and illnesses were as var- - Post-surgery strength testing Some physicians and affiliated health- Wplayers, baseball players, tennis play- ied as the sports they played. The campaign - Running care professionals on the Children’s Health- ers, cheerleaders and gymnasts all have in featured athletes with common sports injuries - Sports nutrition care of Atlanta team are independent provid- common? like torn anterior cruciate ligaments (ACL), - Sports physical therapy ers and are not our employees. When they, or any other young athlete, lifelong conditions like diabetes and life- - Wrestling weight management are injured, they can be treated at Children’s threatening conditions like brain tumors. One Healthcare of Atlanta’s Sports Medicine Pro- Comeback Athlete returned to football after The multidisciplinary Sports Medicine gram. They also happen to represent the vari- recovering from injuries sustained during a team is led by sports medicine doctors, physi- ety of sports in which the eight nominees for tornado. cal therapists, certified athletic trainers, - cer the Children’s Comeback Athlete of the Year With the help of Children’s, each athlete tified sports specialists, strength and condi- award compete. was able to recover and get back to the sport tioning specialists and a registered dietician. Starting in the fall of 2012, Children’s they love to play. In most cases, they came Specialists from cardiology, pain manage- named eight Comeback Athletes of the back better than ever. ment, hand and upper extremity, pulmonol- Month. Each young athlete was treated at a The Children’s Sports Medicine Pro- ogy, orthotics and prosthetics also participate Children’s hospital or neighborhood location gram doesn’t just treat a young athlete’s pain. in the program. and successfully returned to the sport he or It also helps him prevent future injuries and Together, they combine to make up one of she loves. Visit choa.org/comeback to see perform on the field, mat or court better than the few programs in the country dedicated to their stories. he did before. keeping young athletes doing what they love.

Photos courtesy of Photographic Arts (schoolpix.biz) Competing • Learning • Achieving Sportsmanship builds character— on the field and off.

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10 | May 31 - June 13, 2013 | Vol. 9 Iss. 11 SCORE MORE baseball rankings lacrosse rankings

Class AAAAAA Class AAAA Class AA BOYS girlS 1. Milton 1. redan 1. lovett 2. Parkview 2. Marist 2. Westminster Class AAAAAA Class AAAAAA 3. roswell 3. Crisp County 3. Pepperell 1. Centennial 1. Milton 4. Walton 4. troup 4. benedictine 2. lambert 2. lassiter 5. Westside-Augusta 5. McEachern 5. Veterans 3. harrison 3. Walton 6. Wesleyan 4. lassiter 4. Mill Creek 6. east Coweta 6. Columbus 7. gAC 5. roswell 5. Centennial 7. lambert 7. south Effingham 8. Jefferson 6. Milton 6. West Forsyth 8. tift County 8. stephens County 9. toombs County 7. Chattahoochee 7. Chattahoochee 9. lowndes 9. locust Grove 10. Calhoun 8. Walton 8. Alpharetta 10. Marietta 10. Carrollton 9. Mill Creek 9. harrison Class A- Private 10. north Gwinnett 10. Kennesaw Mountain Class AAAAA Class AAA 1. Charlton County 1. Pope 1. Cartersville 2. gordon Lee Class A-AAAAA Class A-AAAAA 2. greenbrier 2. north Hall 3. treutlen 1. decatur 1. Westminster 3. starr’s Mill 3. blessed Trinity 4. trion 2. Westminster 2. McIntosh 4. loganville 4. st. Pius X 5. baconton Charter 3. northview 3. northview 5. Whitewater 5. Chapel Hill 4. lovett 4. starr’s Mill Class A- Public 5. blessed Trinity 5. sprayberry 6. gainesville 6. Woodward Acad. 1. elCA 6. holy Innocents’ 6. Kell 7. Winder-Barrow 7. Pierce County 2. Mount Paran 7. Pope 7. Woodward Academy 8. east Paulding 8. Pike County 3. george Walton Acad. 8. Allatoona 8. st. Pius X 9. evans 9. Pierce County 4. darlington 9. Whitefield Academy 9. Cambridge 10. riverwood 10. Appling County 5. First Presbyterian 10. Marist 10. Marist

www.scoreatl.com | 11 COLLEGE SPORTS BULLDOG TECH BEAT BUZZ Dawgs search for new baseball coach Jackets seeded second in Nashville regional By Chris Nieman By Ryan Caiafa he writing was on the wall all season long. Af- “It’s been a privilege to wear the Bulldog n search of their second straight ACC The Hokies went on to lose to North Carolina ter a horrendous 2013 campaign that nobody uniform and represent the University of Geor- Ititle, the Jackets looked to bounce back in the championship game. Twould have expected, Georgia head baseball gia as a player, assistant and head coach,” said from an up-and-down season and make coach David Perno resigned on May 20 accord- Perno. “I love the University and, I’m very a statement in Durham in the conference NASHVILLE-BOUND ... ing to UGA Director of Athletics Greg McGarity. appreciative of the many players, coaches and tournament. After stunning Florida State Hoping to earn their 29th all-time berth “I have accepted David’s resignation and support staff with whom I’ve had the oppor- in the opener 4-3 behind home runs from in the NCAA Tournament, the Jackets’ fate would like to express our appreciation to him tunity to work with in Athens. I would like to A.J. Murray and Mott Hyde in the top of the was left in the hands of the selection commit- for his numerous contributions to our baseball thank Coach Vince Dooley for providing me ninth inning, the Jackets had an opportunity tee. Fortunately, despite a roller coaster of a program over the last two decades as a player, with the opportunity of a lifetime because it to advance to the championship game with season, they were selected into the Nashville assistant and head coach,” said McGarity. was a dream come true to lead the Georgia a win over Virginia. Regional as the second seed, where they will “David was a part of our baseball program program. I’d like to thank Dr. Michael Adams Despite an early 1-0, Tech struggled to take on third-seeded Illinois on May 31. The when it won a national title and helped Geor- for his support during his tenure. And I’d like keep the Cavaliers off base as Dusty Isaacs Vanderbilt Commodores, the host team and gia advance to the College World Series five to tell all my former and current players that surrendered six runs on six hits and Virginia nation’s No. 2 overall seed, takes on East Ten- times during his playing and coaching career. I love them and appreciate all that they have nessee in the region’s other game on Friday. We wish him the very best in his future en- done for this program.” won 8-2. Even with the loss, the Jackets had deavors. He has been a great representative one more chance to make it to the title game The regional format is a double-elimina- for UGA. We have begun the process of find- SEC HONORS ... with a win against Virginia Tech. They got a tion tournament, with the winner advancing ing the next head coach to lead our program On a more positive note, UGA senior strong start from Jonathan King, who pitched to take on the winner of the Louisville Re- and will do so as quickly as possible.” third baseman Curt Powell was selected to a career-high 6.1 innings, allowing three runs gional winner in the Super Regionals from Perno was a staple in Athens for quite the All-SEC Second Team for the second con- on nine hits. King left the game with the score June 7-10. The Jackets will take on the Illini some time. He played for the Diamond Dawgs secutive year -- a testament to Powell’s work tied at two before the Hokies took the lead for for the first time since 1930 and are 3-1 all in 1988, 1990-91, while helping Georgia win ethic. Powell was also chosen as team MVP good, eliminating the Jackets with a 3-2 win. time against them. They last met the Commo- a National Championship in 1990. In 2001, as well as providing Georgia with an eye- After scoring on a pair of RBI groundouts, the dores in the 2006 Atlanta Regional, winning Perno took over the reins as head coach and popping .376 batting average. The Dawgs Jackets couldn’t take advantage of runners in two games against them prior to advancing to lead the Dawgs to three College World Series will have big shoes to fill at the hot spot. scoring position as well as the wind pulling the College World Series. appearances as well as being awarded SEC Nieman can be reached at back a deep fly ball off the bat of Mitch Ear- Caiafa can be reached at Coach of the Year honors in 2004 and 2008. [email protected]. nest that seemed to be heading out of the park. [email protected]. PANTHER owl PROWL outlook Doubles pair makes GSU history Owls make tournament finals but fall By Jay Underwood By Brian Jones eorgia State athletics has achieved many tennis world and began the process to build he regular season for the baseball team Team by the Golf Coaches Association of firsts in recent years and there will be a program to be reckoned with in years to was a roller-coaster ride to say the least. America on Tuesday. Gmore to come, but one that won’t make head- come. T After starting the season 4-0 which in- Beck was a key piece in the Owls suc- lines occurred this past weekend in Illinois. On the links, a freshman took over the cluded a 2-1 win over Georgia, the Owls had cess this season as they earned a spot in the Georgia State’s duo of Lucas Santa Ana and season and stole the show. He finished sixth at high aspirations. But once they got into the NCAA Regional for the third consecutive Victor Valente took the tennis world by storm the NCAA regionals which is the second-best meat of their schedule, the Owls cooled off year and averaged a 72.4 stroke average in 12 with their upset win over Kentucky’s sixth- finish for a GSU golfer ever and it caped of a but were still hovering around .500. of the Owls’ tournaments. ranked doubles team in the NCAA doubles season where he began rewriting the record The Owls qualified for the Atlantic Sun Beck is one of 26 players to be named tournament. It was the first time any Panthers book for the Panthers, taking every freshman Tournament and made a memorable run as to the Southeast Region. He is also the third had qualified for the tournament and also the record with ease. With his No. 39 finish in they won four of their five games including KSU player to be honored by the GCAA first time one had come out victorious. It was the final collegiate rankings, Jonathan Grey three straight to face East Tennessee State in since Kennesaw joined Division 1. The other earned a PING Division I All-Region honor the championship game. In the end, the Owls two are Jeff Karlsson (2011) and Matt Nagy their second victory over a top-ranked team ran out of magic as ETSU came away with (2011, 2012). this season. The previous victory occurred that is only given to the best in the country. the 7-2 win. East Tennessee State struck first when the Panthers squared off with the third- Grey led the Panthers to a second-place with one run in the second, one in the third FOOTBALL UPDATE … ranked team in the nation from Georgia Tech. finish in the Sun Belt Conference Champion- and never looked back. The Owls cut the lead Football head coach Brian Bohannon is ship tournament, which should help the pro- 2-1 but ETSU added one run in the fifth, two still putting together his coaching staff and TENNIS HEROES ... gram attract more national attention. He has in the sixth and two in the seventh. he recently found a coach that will mentor While Santa Ana and Valente have since now returned home to join the English nation- Before the championship game, the the quarterbacks/B-backs. On Tuesday, KSU been eliminated from the tournament, that al team where he will compete in tournaments Owls took on North Florida in the semifinal announced that Brett Gilliland will be the does not diminish the successful careers they around Europe honing his game to hopefully game and won 4-2. Bo Way led the Owls with quarterbacks/B-backs coach when they take both had at Georgia State. Both members of qualify for the Walker Cup. His inclusion in three hits while Peyton Hart, Jacob Bruce and the field for the first time in 2015. the pair were seniors and finished their final the Walker Cup would legitimize him as one Max Pentecoast each had two. Gilliland recently spent the last three career match in the quarterfinals of the NCAA of the top amateurs in the world and would The Owls finish the season with a 30-30 seasons at Georgia Southern where he was tournament when they lost to sixth-ranked not only bring national attention to Georgia record. Bruce, Chris McGowan and Pentecoast a B-backs, tight end and offensive lineman Auburn. Santa Ana finished his career as the State and the city of Atlanta, but worldwide each earned a spot on the All-Tournament team. coach. Before that, Gilliland spent three sea- All-time wins leader for Georgia State and attention to a golf program trying to find the sons at Georgia Tech where he was a graduate Valente finished right behind him in second place in an expanding university. BECK HONORED … assistant. place. These pioneers of the Panthers’ ten- Underwood can be reached at KSU golfer Jimmy Beck was named to Jones can be reached at nis program have put GSU on the map in the [email protected]. the PNG Division 1 All-Southeast Region [email protected].

12 | May 31 - June 13, 2013 | Vol. 9 Iss. 11 pro sports HAWKS FALCONS HAVEN BEAT Drew out, Budenholzer in as coach OTA’s start Falcons’ preparation By Ricky Dimon By Craig Sager II he Hawks did not wait until June 30— than expected, it was never a secret that Drew he Atlanta Falcons began their organized POTENTIAL BARGAINS … Twhen Larry Drew’s contract officially ex- would be on the way out. Ferry, who is newer to Tteam activities (OTA’s) Wednesday and The pool of NFL free agents is swim- pires—to make their move. Atlanta on Tues- the organization and therefore inherited Drew, will continue them until June 14. Finally ming with veteran talent and valuable pieces day hired new head coach Mike Budenholzer, obviously wanted his own guy. Drew, either fans can witness the Falcons take the field that Falcons could insert into the 2013 roster. a long-time assistant to Gregg Popovich with seeing the writing on the wall or wanting a new together start preparation for the challenging A factor for Atlanta’s hesitation has been the the San Antonio Spurs. Terms of the multi- start to begin with, had a second interview with season ahead. The OTA’s will include work- salary cap space that will inflate to $6 million year agreement were not disclosed. Budenhol- the on Wednesday. outs, 7-on-7’s and heavy doses of fundamen- starting June 1. Rumors have circulated around zer was introduced at a Wednesday morning tal work. defensive tackle Richard Seymour showing in- press conference inside Philips Arena, while WHO IS BUDENHOLZER? … With key veterans from last year’s NFC terest in coming to Atlanta. The seven-time Pro the Western Conference Champions enjoy a The 43-year-old Budenholzer has spent South Champion team not on the roster Bowler turns 34 this year, but could be a valu- nine-day break before their finals opener next almost all of his professional life with the anymore, OTA’s are expected to be the first able piece to add into the defensive line rota- Thursday against either Miami or Indiana. San Antonio Spurs. He has been part of that chance for the new leaders to solidify their tion. Seymour played at University of Georgia “We are thrilled to have Mike as the next organization for the last 19 seasons, the most roles and separate themselves from the pack. and is familiar with Thomas Dimitroff from his coach of the Atlanta Hawks,” general manager recent 17 of which have come as an assistant Todd McClure, John Abraham, Michael days with the New England Patriots. Whether Danny Ferry said in a statement. “He has an to Popovich. Budenholzer served—and will Turner and Dunta Robinson were all key or not a deal is made, it is clear that the man- incredible basketball acumen and has a keen continue to do so through the upcoming NBA starters that will be replaced. The Falcons agement is still combing the market for poten- awareness of the league and what it takes to be Finals series—as the team’s No. 1 assistant were the least penalized team in the league tial roster improvements. successful. His experience and four champion- for the past six years. last season, and veteran leadership was a key ships over the last 17 years provide a tremen- Hailing from Holbrook, Az., Budenhol- part in that. SPEND THE CHEESE … dous foundation for his leadership of our team.” zer attended Pomona College in Claremont, The already thin linebacker corps will The city of Atlanta issued $200 million Budenholzer also issued a statement, Ca. and graduated in 1993. After lettering four be especially slimmed down during OTA’s worth of public funds to help get the Falcons’ saying, “I have been extremely fortunate to be seasons in both basketball and golf, he played while Stephen Nicholas and Sean Weather- new stadium built, and last week the NFL a part of the San Antonio Spurs organization professional hoops in Denmark and also got spoon nurse surgically their repaired injuries. owners approved an additional $200 million for the last 19 years. I knew it would have to his coaching start in the same league. Buden- Nicholas had a sports hernia operation and load that will go towards the stadium. The be a tremendous situation for me to leave and holzer and and his wife, Mary Bet, have four Weatherspoon had arthoscopic knee surgery. plan to open it in 2017 will land Atlanta a fu- clearly coming to Atlanta as the head coach of children; two sons and two daughters. The Falcons have a mandatory minicamp ture Super Bowl. the Hawks is perfect for me.” Dimon can be reached at June 18 to June 20 in which the linebackers Sager can be reached at Although a deal may have come sooner [email protected]. are expected to practice. [email protected]. CHOP dream SHOP beat “Minor” ace for Braves pitching staff Dream lead early, win season opener By Sean Conway By Joe Deighton emorial Day weekend marks the first in pitchers’ earned run average this season. he 2013 WNBA season started nicely for least, the problem looked to be solved. The benchmark of the Major League base- His WHIP (walks plus hits per inning pitch) Tthe Atlanta Dream, winning the opener 13th overall pick in last year’s draft, point Mball season for many fans, coaches and media is 0.93, fourth best in the league. against the Tulsa Shock, 98-81 at Phillips Are- guard Alex Bentley played a strong game types. Heading into June, the Braves have na last Saturday. Forward Angel McCoughtry against Tulsa with three assists, five points a respectable lead in the National League BIG MAC ATTACK ... picked up right where she left off last year by and more importantly zero turnovers off the Eastern Division over their rival (and the While much well deserved praised has scoring 16 points, with four assists and four bench. Starter Jasmine Thomas dished out six pre-season consensus “it” team) Washington been heaped on uber-rookie sensation Evan rebounds. Forward Sancho Lyttle scored 18 assists in 22 minutes. Nationals. Gattis, Braves fans should also admire the points in 32 minutes and second-year guard It has yet to be determined who will run Tiffany Hayes scored a team-high 21 points the offense, but Bentley and Thomas will The stability of the Braves’ pitching staff start of six-time all-star Brian McCann. The for the victorious Dream. Lyttle added a share the responsibility until one of them so- is a big part of how the Braves have proven start of Gattis combined with his folklore game-high 10 rebounds. lidifies the position. In the meantime, they that they will be a force to be reckoned with ascent to the major leagues, distinctive bent The Dream jumped out to a quick 7-0 will play equal minutes. in early fall. Miraculously, the Braves have crouch in the batter’s box and bare knuckles lead in the first two minutes of the game and only used the five starters they slated for the grip on the bat have lifted him to rock star built as much as a 19-point advantage while rotation when they left in late status. But McCann has been better. never trailing the Shock all night. The open- ON THE DOCKET ... March. Since being activated from the disabled ing-night win was Atlanta’s first since win- After a successful home-opener, the The ace of the staff has clearly been list on May 6, McCann had been mashing ning the season-opener in 2010. The Dream Dream will try to pick up their first road-win emerging lefthander Mike Minor. After 7.1 baseballs. McCann belted two home runs won the first six games that season en route of the season against the defending WNBA to an Eastern Conference title. Champions on Friday night. The Indiana Fe- scoreless innings and scattering just three hits including the game-winner in extra innings ver ousted the Dream in last year’s playoffs while racking up 10 strikeouts in a win at the at Toronto on Tuesday. Through the two RUNNING THE POINT ... and have been one of Atlanta’s biggest rivals New York Mets over the weekend, Minor is games in Toronto, the left-handed hitter had over the past few years. Indiana won their 6-2 with a 2.47 ERA this year. Minor’s ERA six home runs in his first month in only 57 at The key difference for the Dream com- ing into the 2013 season is at point guard. season-opener on the road in San Antonio. is a half run per game better than the Braves’ bats. Those numbers are even more impres- Lindsey Harding had been the starter for the The Fever will raise the 2012 championship second-most efficient pitcher, Tim Hudson. sive that Gattis’ 12 home runs in 133 at bats. past two seasons, but signed with the Los banner before the game, which should serve Against the Mets, Minor also roped his first Despite the disparity in at bats McCann had Angeles Sparks in the offseason. Harding as added motivation for Atlanta. This game is career home run. just two fewer walks but 26 less strikeouts was legitimately the best player on Atlanta’s a great early test and should gauge where the Minor is putting his name in contention through the series in Toronto. squad in 2011 and 2012. team is at this early point of the season. for All-Star consideration. He’s tied for fifth Conway can be reached at Many questions still surround the posi- Deighton can be reached at in the National League in wins, and is eighth [email protected]. tion of point guard, but through one game, at [email protected].

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14 | May 31 - June 13, 2013 | Vol. 9 Iss. 11 SCORE MORE

www.scoreatl.com | 15 VOTE FOR ONE. BUT CHEER FOR ALL.

Eight injured young athletes. Eight stories of determination. Watch them all and help us choose one for the Comeback Athlete of the Year. Vote from June 1–15, 2013.

Cast your vote at choa.org/vote

©2013 Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Inc. All rights reserved. For offi cial contest rules, visit choa.org/comeback.