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JUNE 24-30, 2009 ATLANTA’S WEEKLY SPORTS TALK NEWSPAPER VOL 5 NO 13 02 I SCORE ATLANTA Get In The Game!

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™ STARTING LINEUP IN YOUR PUBLISHER/EDITOR I.J. Rosenberg FACE… MANAGING EDITOR Alex Ewalt ART/CREATIVE DIRECTOR DJ Galbiati VIDEO MANAGER Scott Janovitz BUSINESS MANAGER Marvin Botnick SALES MANAGER Mark Mayo WWW.SCOREATL.COM BEAT WRITERS Josh Bagriansky (Dream), Stephen Black 5 Score Atlanta’s I.J. Rosenberg highlights local agent Todd (Kennesaw State), Jason Boral (Thrashers), James Butler France’s free football camp for kids and talks about Georgia’s (UGA), Dave Cohen (Georgia State), Ricky Dimon (Tech), replacement for Larry Munson. Alex Ewalt (Preps), Scott Janovitz (Hawks/Recruiting), ______Brian Jones (Falcons), Fletcher Proctor (Braves) 8 Thrashers beat writer Jason Boral looks ahead to the rest of the STAFF WRITERS Cranston Collier, Joe Deighton, Rajesh Gupta, Thrashers’ offseason and discusses potential moves the team Zander Lentz, Andrew McCarron, Corey Mitchell, Alan Gales, could make to get better. Brian Penter, John Edwards, Derek Wiley ______CONTRIBUTORS Tad Arapoglou, Dean Zindler, Kevin Dankosky, 10 The Braves may be frustrating at times, but the team, Mitch Evans, Matt Judy, Tony Schiavone, Richard Diamond, Fletcher Proctor writes, already has all the ingredients Joe Haines, Brian Katrek, Chris Dimino, Mike Bell, Matt Stewart, to become a contender. Fred Kalil, Nick Cellini, Phillip Leopold, Dave Marshall, Greg ______Smith, Steak Shapiro, Mike Cather, Beau Bock, Hal Lamar, Chris 15 NBA reporter Scott Janovitz offers a mockup of the entire first Cotter, Roy Hickman, Dave Cohen, John Olah, Jeff Woolverton, round of this Thursday’s draft. Will VCU guard Eric Maynor Chris Voss, Bob Rathbun, Courtney Capps, Bill Hartman, Chuck (pictured) fall to the team at No. 19? Dowdle, Shannon Alderman, Dan Kamal, Dennis Scott, C.C., Hal Lanier, Jeff Batten, Micah Hart, Ben Wright, A SCORE UPDATE: For all you recruitniks out there, head over to Scoreatl.com for Alan Vasquez, Andrew Vedlitz, Brian Jones each week’s installment of The Official Visit, Score SPECIAL CONTRIBUTORS Mitch Albom, Dave Kindred, Barry Bloom Atlanta’s all-recruiting radio show that airs on 790 The Zone every Sunday from 2-4. If you can’t catch the show live, ™ SCHOOL head to Scoreatl.com for full recaps of the show, as LISTING well as downloadable interviews and podcasts. 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 It’s hard to tell if we’ll be OLD FRIEND: COVER DESIGN BY DJ GALBIATI. COVER PHOTO COURTESY OF JIMMY CRIBB/ATLANTA FALCONS AND TODD FRANCE. DEKALB: Chamblee, Columbia, Decatur, Druid Hills, Dunwoody, happy to see former Georgia Tech star Jason Lakeside, Marist, Miller Grove, M.L. King, Paideia, Redan, St. Pius X, Southwest DeKalb, Stephenson, Stone Mountain, Tucker Varitek when he and the Red Sox hit The Ted for FULTON: Alpharetta, Blessed Trinity, Centennial, Chattahoochee, a series this weekend. On the one hand, it will 5 CHEAP SEATS 6 SCORE LIST-DUE UP 7 SPIN-C.C. Douglass, Grady, Lovett, Mays, Milton, North Springs, Northview, mean that one of Tech’s favorite sons will be Riverwood, Roswell, Tri-Cities, Westminster, Woodward Academy 8 RECRUITING 10 FALCONS GWINNETT: Berkmar, Brookwood, Buford, C. Gwinnett, Collins returning to Atlanta, but it also means the Red Hill, Dacula, Grayson, Greater Atlanta Christian, Meadowcreek, Mill Sox are in town, with their obnoxious fans and 11 BRAVES-MEMORY LANE 12 PANTHERS Creek, Norcross, North Gwinnett, Parkview, Peachtree Ridge, gaudy record (42-27 at press time) in tow. Photo South Gwinnett, Wesleyan courtesy of the Boston Red Sox. 13 DREAM 14 CALENDAR 15 AD INDEX

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France still giving back with free camp; thoughts on Munson replacement and NBA Draft

or many of us, it is a very difficult time. NEW GEORGIA VOICE … matic improvement in the way this entire FThe economy is in shambles (though I was glad to see the University of teams plays. Bibby, who could tutor Teague, President Obama and the liberal media Georgia officially make Scott Howard its appears to like Atlanta and it wouldn’t both- would say otherwise), the value of our dollar voice of the football program, replacing the er me if they had to overpay for him. I also R

continues to fall, gas prices are soaring and retired and legendary Larry Munson. I like it think the Hawks will be able to hold on to E our government appears to be doing a lot of when a program promotes internally, and Marvin Williams, who is a restricted free window dressing and spending, but very lit- while Howard’s approach is not the same as agent; the Hawks can only lose Williams if V tle when it comes to rolling up its sleeves and Munson, he has been the second man on another team comes with an offer sheet they O actually turning things around. Oh, and did I Georgia football games since 1993 and has are unwilling to match. But I just don’t see another team throwing a lot of money at C forget to mention the 1970s-type inflation great insight into the history of the program. that eventually is going to hit us? Initially, I had heard that Georgia may make Marvin. While at times he has shown But enough of my political thoughts. a run at Georgia Tech’s Wes Durham, one of glimpses of being a very good player, I think E

These difficulties can’t stop us from the best in the business. But if they did, noth- he is fragile physically and plays at a position H helping those that really have no place to turn. ing ever came of it and I assume much of the of plentiful talent in the NBA. I do disagree T I have noticed that many non-profits are cut- Bulldog faithful would have had a hard time with those that want to trade Josh Smith. The

ting way back and the number of free summer N programs and camps for kids is on the decline as well. I will say the local pro teams in O Atlanta, however, remain entrenched in the community when it comes to helping others Local agent Todd France, who runs and so has local agent Todd France, who is France All-Pro Athlete Management, holding his free football camp this week at continues to put on his yearly free Holy Innocents’ Episcopal School. summer camp for kids, with help, as Every year, France brings in his players always, from his stable of NFL ath- from around the country for a four-day camp letes, including Falcons quarterback open to everyone, and at no charge. Unlike past D.J. Shockley (pictured on cover). camps where France was able to go out in the Despite hard economic times and community and get a lot of sponsors to help him with funding, his staff had to put it into over- with free camps and summer activi- drive to get things done this year, and Walgreens ties for kids disappearing, France has jumped on board as the major sponsor. found a way to once again put on a “Over the years, the camp has been a great event for young football players huge success and there was no way we were at Holy Innocents’ Episcopal School. going to let things change,’’ said France, one The above photo is courtesy of of the NFL’s top agents whose pool of players Photographic Arts. include many local athletes like D.J. Shockley, Thomas Brown, Ronnie Brown SUMMER VACATION: Tony Gonzalez and the rest of the Falcons will get a chance to relax for a while before AND SPEAKING OF THE BRAVES … and Philip Wheeler. “All the players feel very training camp starts in August, as mini-camp and OTA’s ended last week. Gonzalez in particular drew rave There isn’t enough space left in this col- strongly about this camp, about what it reviews from teammates, coaches and onlookers alike, as the aging tight end can still catch and block with umn to spend too many words on the Braves brings back to the community.” the best of them. Photo courtesy of Jimmy Cribb/Atlanta Falcons. and their issues, but it has become extremely Hundreds of kids will push through evident that to stay in the race they are going France’s football drills this week, many get- to have to make a deal to get a big bat in this ting their only chance this summer to attend CATCH I.J. ON SUNDAYS a camp of any sort. For this reason, Score lineup. Actually, because the other teams are gladly gives up its cover at this time every so inconsistent, the Braves would be on top if year, providing France, his staff, players and ‘The local pro teams in Atlanta remain entrenched in the community when it they had any type of offensive consistency. sponsors the thank you they deserve for the comes to helping others and so has local agent Todd France, who is holding Going into this week, the Braves had 52 home money and hours they put in. For Todd, it is his free football camp this week at Holy Innocents’ Episcopal School.’ runs in 68 games and not one player had his most relaxing and certainly most memo- reached nine. Despite really good starting rable week of the year. with an announcer who came over from Tech. kid is extremely talented, and while he may pitching and a capable bullpen, with its lack “It’s the least we can do,’’ he said. “I I wish the best to Howard, who now has a be bull-headed at times, Hawks management of power this team is no better than .500. have to thank my staff, my players and espe- chance to carve his own identity into the needs to figure out how to coexist with him Score Atlanta continues to look for cially the sponsors that have come in to make games on Saturdays. and make him more consistent. Remember interns for the rest of the summer and fall. this happen. You see the difficulty every- when the Braves traded David Justice (and Positions include helping with writing, edit- where these days, but we can’t stop giving BUZZ ON THE NBA DRAFT … Marquis Grissom) back in 1997? Justice ruf- ing, radio, webcasting, marketing, sales and back and we feel this is one of the ways we fled feathers, and while I personally struggled The Hawks have the 19th pick in the graphics. For more information, shoot an are able to do so. I just love watching those draft and I imagine will go with some sort of with David when I was the Braves beat writer email expressing your interest to kids on the field with all the NFL players. It’s guard, hopefully Wake Forest’s point man for the AJC, I think the club was hurt for sev- what it is all about.’’ Jeff Teague. Teague would be a steal, but eral years by trading away such a talented play- [email protected] or call the main Score Perhaps we should send Todd and a few more importantly, I hope the team finds a er. Josh and the Hawks need to learn how to offices at 404-256-1572. Rosenberg can be of his players to Washington, but there I go way to hold on to veteran point guard Mike live together, and if that means making some reached at [email protected] or again, being political. Bibby, who since his arrival has made a dra- offensive adjustments for Smith, then do it. 404-256-1572 (ext 2030).

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

GUT CHECK TIME: Coming off a losing series in Beantown, the Braves face a WEDNESDAY Mexico vs. Venezuela. daunting stretch in the form of the Yankees, Red Sox (again), and Phillies. With a The Mexican national soccer team is touring the United Sates and will make its 1 bad homestand, the Braves could be done before the All-Star break. third stop in Atlanta. The Mexicans will play Venezuela at the Georgia Dome, and the teams will play on real grass. The action starts at 7:30 p.m. HITTERS WANTED: The problem hasn’t been the pitching. The top four starters 24 (Lowe, Vasquez, Jurrjens, Kawakami) have a combined ERA of 3.69. The offense? THURSDAY 2 Not so much. Only three players have a batting average over .290. Braves vs. New York Yankees. 96.1 FM. Peachtree TV. The Braves have been hovering around the .500 mark all season long and BOOTH SET: UGA announced that the permanent replacement to Larry Munson will they’re looking to get a win streak going before the break. They will take be his longtime sidekick Scott Howard, who will be joined by Eric Zeier. This will be the 25 on the New York Yankees starting at 7 p.m. 3 first time in 44 years that the Dawgs will enter the season without Munson at the mic. FRIDAY INTRIGUE AWAITS: The NBA Draft is this Thursday and the Hawks will try to add Gwinnett Braves vs. Buffalo. 550 AM. depth with the 19th and 49th overall picks. First it was point guard all the way at 19, The fun-filled baseball weekend will begin with the Gwinnett Braves squar- 4 but now it seems the Hawks are eyeing forwards, so who knows? ing off against the Buffalo Bisons. Can the G-Braves start a streak and gain 26 first place in their division? The game starts at 7 p.m. ON THIN ICE: Thrashers GM Don Waddell is preparing for Friday’s NHL Draft, and the Thrashers have plenty of work to do after finishing with the fourth fewest SATURDAY points in the NHL this year. This team needs help RIGHT NOW. Braves vs. Boston. 96.1 FM. FOX. 5 When the Braves are done with the Yankees, they will then have the task of DIRTY BIRDS LOOSE: The Falcons are on vacation for a little over a month before taking down the 2007 World Series Champion Boston Red Sox. Come out training camp begins in August. They’ve had a great offseason, adding Tony Gonzalez, Mike 27 to see Chipper Jones take on Tim Wakefield, with the first pitch at 4 p.m. 6 Peterson and some talented rookies. Hopefully the players can stay out of the headlines. SUNDAY WEATHERED THE STORM: PGA golfer Lucas Glover was able to survive the ele- WERA Cycle Jam. ments, late charges by Phil Mickelson and David Duval, and himself in winning this After taking a month off, Road Atlanta will be back in action as the WERA 7 year’s U.S. Open at Bethpage Black. Glover had only one Tour win before Monday. Cycle Jam takes place this weekend. Come see some of the world’s best bike 28 racers all day Friday and Saturday. The final races will take place on Sunday. BRING IT HOME: Georgia gymnast Courtney Kupets won the prestigious Honda- Broderick Cup, which is awarded to the top female athlete in collegiate athletics, in any MONDAY Gwinnett Braves vs. Louisville 550 AM. 8 sport. Kupets becomes the first Gym Dawg to win the award in its 33-year history. The All-Star break is getting closer and the G-Braves have had their ups and LUCKED OUT: The U.S. soccer team got lucky in advancing to the Confederate Cup downs. But they want to make a push before the break, and they can do so semifinals after routing Egypt, 3-0. To advance, it needed to win by three and for Italy 29 by defeating the Louisville Bats. First pitch is at 7 p.m. 9 to lose by three. Somehow, both happened, and now the team move on to face Spain. TUESDAY Dream vs. Minnesota. ESPN 2. THROWN OFF: Jockey Jean-Luc Samyn was thrown from his horse, Phone Jazz, at the It’s safe to say that the Atlanta Dream are having a better start to their sea- 10 start of a race at Belmont Park. Riderless, Phone Jazz went on to unofficially win the race son than they did last year. But can they keep the momentum going and by seven lengths. Since the horse was unmanned, however, Phone Jazz was disqualified. 30 defeat the Minnesota Lynx in front of a national audience? Tip-off is at 7 p.m.

Tommy Hanson Local draft hopefuls Ga. softballers After a rough first start, Hanson is 2-0 Arizona’s Jordan Hill (North Springs), Crimson Tide teammates Brittany with a 1.60 ERA in his last two outings. Florida State’s Toney Douglas Rogers (center field, Dacula High (Jonesboro), Kentucky’s Jodie Meeks School) and Ashley Holcombe The rookie had seven strikeouts in his (catcher, Fayette County High) were second and third starts combined and no (Norcross) and Georgia Tech’s Alade both named to the 2009 USA Softball THUMBS UP TO home runs (he gave up three in his debut), Aminu (Stephenson) are all Atlanta National Team. The pair will become and turned in a masterful three-hit per- natives hoping to hear their names the first two players from Georgia to A GREAT START formance against the Reds in Cincinnati. called on Thursday at the NBA Draft. ever make the squad.

Former NFL Quarterbacks Braves’ bats Verron Haynes Former Charger Ryan Leaf turned himself The team has failed to provide run sup- Haynes, a former North Springs and in to Texas authorities last week for drug port for what has been excellent pitch- UGA star running back and six-year and burglary charges. Also, former Brown ing all season. The Braves rank eighth or worse in every offensive category, NFL veteran (all with the Pittsburgh Bernie Kosar filed for bankruptcy protec- and have been especially unhelpful to Steelers before coming to the Falcons tion in a Miami court. Kosar owes millions starter Jair Jurrjens; the right-hander is this year) is accused of writing a bad THUMBS DOWN TO to creditors including the Browns, his ex- 0-3 in his last three starts despite check totaling $70,000 to a luxury car wife and the Cleveland Gladiators. allowing just 2.25 runs per game. dealership in Pittsburgh. BAD CHECKS

CRUNCHING THE SANITY NUMBERS GLOVER DELIVERS AT LAST What a finish to the US Open! Phil TOUR win and one Nationwide Tour win Mickelson has been toyed with by the with him to Bethpage. He leaves with the Stolen bases this sea- golf gods at that tournament, espe- biggest win of his career. “Usually, if I go 20 cially in that city. Runner up to It was great to see son by the Braves through June 17 Tiger at Bethpage in 2002, so David Duval get things back 0-15, 0-20, close to Retief Goosen in together. Although he had 2004 at Shinnecock, and he been playing better golf something’s really handed the tournament to lately, no one saw this 15 Braves’ rank in the Geoff Ogilvy in 2006 at coming. … Tiger was screwed up.” N.L. in stolen bases out of 16 teams Winged Foot. And Phil's close. He always is. A bad performance this year, in the stretch on Friday during wake of his wife's battle with the first round and a balky breast cancer, was amazing. putter were his undoing. – Braves’ Chipper For Lucas Glover, the week was Brian Katrek can be Jones on his recent 2005 Last time the more about realizing the potential heard on 790 The Zone’s “On Braves finished higher than 14th in that was heaped on him when he The Green with Brian Katrek” turned professional in 2001. He hits the Sundays from 8-9 a.m. and can be batting slump the N.L. in steals (sixth that year) ball forever, but only brought one PGA- reached at [email protected].

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Richt, Cathy to host All-Pro Dad event; Kickoff Classic schedule extended ENJOY YOUR CHECK THIS OUT! YOUTH WWE fans, it’s time to gear up for Bryce Harper, the latest can’t-miss the rare opportunity to see your baseball phenom, is going to drop out favorite wrestling superstars live of high school in favor of a GED so and in person! WWE Smackdown he can make himself available for the visits the Macon Centreplex on 2010 Major League Baseball draft. I Friday, July 17 for a show that you think this is a horrible idea, but not for the reasons you probably think. won’t want to miss. Wrestling starts Skipping college is one thing, but at 7:30 p.m. for the evening. Check skipping high school is something out all the top stars in the biz, such totally different. High school is the as Edge, Jeff Hardy and world place where you learn important champion CM Punk as they do bat- social skills, and it’s also the last time tle inside the ring. Tickets start at you’ll be somewhat worry-free. Why not enjoy the last few years of being a $52, with lower-level seating start- kid? Prom and homecoming may not ing at $78. So what are you waiting seem like a big deal now, but one day for? Get in on the action today and he’s going to look back on that and book your spot to see all the punch- wish he’d been a part of it for one rea- es, elbows, body slams and high-fly- son or another. His parents claim ing moves that you can only see up they’ve thought this through, but they close every so often! For tickets, may be missing the point. MILESTONE: Bobby Cox celebrated his 2,000th managerial win with the Braves after defeating the visit ticketmaster.com or call the When I was younger, all of the Pirates back on June 9, and what better player to honor him than Chipper Jones, who has played in more older people in my life used to con- of those 2,000 wins than any other current Brave. Cox, who managed his first game in the Atlanta dugout Columbus Civic Center Box Office stantly tell me things like “enjoy your in 1978, became just the fourth manager to win 2,000 games with one club—the others include John at 1-800-745-3000. youth,” and “don’t be in a rush to McGraw, Connie Mack and Walter Alston. Photo courtesy of Pouya Dianat/Atlanta Braves. grow up,” and “once you get older you’ll want to go back.” I didn’t believe or understand them at the HERE’S THE SCOOP ... Written by Scott Janovitz time, but now that I’m older I certain- n no departure from his usual philan- Healthcare of Atlanta since November, and he currently sitting with 895,663 fan votes, ly know what they were talking about. Ithropic self, Georgia Bulldog head foot- also paid visits to the Egleston campus on Nov. trails only Cardinals catcher Yadier Molina Back then all of the things I was con- ball coach Mark Richt agreed on Friday to 24, Feb. 9 and April 13. (1,051,485) and is in line to make his fourth cerned about were inconsequential, team up with Chick-fil-A founder Truett All-Star appearance in as many seasons in like what to wear to the football game Cathy, as the two will host fathers and chil- NOT SO SMART … the league. At third, Jones’s 864,017 votes on Friday night or what to spend my dren at an All-Pro Dad Father & Kids So far this season, the Atlanta Braves’ trail only New York’s David Wright (1,256, little bit of money on. Nowadays I Experience from 9 a.m. to noon this play has been defined by mediocrity, dis- 736 votes) and Washington’s Ryan have to worry about rent, car mainte- Saturday at the UGA practice field. The playing decent pitching and well-below- Zimmerman (920,780 votes). The selection nance, utility bills, insurance, lack of event is sponsored by All-Pro Dad, a fami- average hitting en route to a 32-36 record. would represent Chipper’s seventh career insurance, taking better care of ly-focused, non-profit organization Worse yet, the team is apparently even All-Star appearance. Voting for the game myself because I can’t afford to get launched in 1997 with the help of former weaker off the field, says the Wall Street ends at midnight on July 2, while the rosters Indianapolis Colts coach Tony Dungy. Journal, which recently did an academic in both leagues will be announced on July sick and things of that nature. Life is Admission is $15 per family for up to four analysis of all 30 major league rosters. 5. This year’s game will be played in St. mostly serious when you’re an adult. kids. All-Pro Dad features 55 NFL players, According to the study, the Braves rank Louis on July 14. You have to be accountable to so coaches and alumni who speak about the dead last in overall intelligence. Using a many people whether you want to be importance of being a good father. The pro- self-designed system, the WSJ reporter KICKOFF CLASSIC EXTENDED … or not. Life is probably never again gram was extended to the college ranks in documented how many players on each Good news surfaced last week for fans going to be as easy for Bryce Harper March and the event will feature football team attended a university, whether it was a of quality college football, as the Georgia as it is right now. These days it’s liter- drills, inflatable games and raffles. top-15 university (according to the U.S. Dome announced it will once again host the ally all fun and games for him, but as Richt, however, wasn’t the only one in the News and World Report rankings), whether Chick-fil-A Kickoff Classic, signing a con- soon as he makes his first million, it’s Georgia sports scene who was in a giving they graduated and whether they currently tract for the 2012 season. The game will going to be mostly business mood last week. Atlanta Hawks guard Mario start for their team. Each was assigned a include another interesting out-of-confer- moving forward. The gloves West used last Wednesday to host a pizza party point value. Atlanta finished with just four ence matchup, pitting Lane Kiffin’s are going to come off and I for patients at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta points, a whole eight points behind Texas, Tennessee Volunteers against the ACC’s hope he’s mentally prepared at Egleston. The party, which began at 3:30 the next closest team, which finished with North Carolina State Wolfpack. The p.m., saw West visit with patients, pass out gift 12 points. Oakland’s 32 points earned it the announcement signals a continuing trend of to deal with it. bags and participate in games. The Georgia status of “smartest team.” the Dome hosting dynamic football games Read more from Tech graduate and native of Douglasville has a Despite the unflattering study, there is at the start of each season. The 2008 ver- C.C. at http://coco- longstanding relationship with the hospital, good news to report, as two members of the sion of the game saw Clemson meet vents.blogspot.com. having visited patients there during his college Braves—catcher Brian McCann and third Alabama, while this year’s game will fea- C.C. can be reached at days. Last week’s pizza party was the fourth basemen Chipper Jones—remain atop the ture a Sept. 5 return of the Crimson Tide for [email protected]. such party West has hosted at Children’s All-Star voting leader boards. McCann, a meeting with the Hokies of Virginia Tech.

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Dogs break cold spell with flurry of commitments; Tech joins the party fter what was considered by some a slow matic press conferences, Benedict sets the I’ll just see what happens.” Florida State, Clemson and South Carolina, Astart to their 2010 recruiting class, the curve for humility and perspective. When Last Friday, the Georgia recruiting train to name a few. Tech picked up its biggest Georgia Bulldogs gained momentum in a asked why he went about committing in so came to what is for now a temporary halt, commitment yet when 5-10, 175-pound serious way last week, earning verbal com- basic a manner (with just a simple pone call), earning its final commitment of the week South Paulding cornerback Ryan Ayers gave mitments from four top prospects, and three Benedict had this to say: “I’m going to school from Andrew Jackson athlete Derek Owens, the Jackets his verbal pledge. The speedy from Florida. The first—and without ques- to be a part of a team and I don’t really feel yet another Florida recruit. The 5-11, 180- Ayers, a four-star recruit and the 15th- pound Owens chose the Bulldogs despite ranked corner nationally according to tion the biggest—commitment the Bulldogs that I need to stand out in any way because Rivals.com, also received offers from would get came on June 16 when top offen- I’m really just a team member.” offers from Illinois, Louisville, Purdue and Georgia, Auburn, Arkansas and Alabama. sive tackle Brent Benedict of The Bolles Sounds like a guy I want on my team. Miami, to name a few, and represents Finally, in other state-related recruiting School in Jacksonville, Fla., chose Georgia The Jacksonville standout was joined a Georgia’s fifth 2010 commitment from a news, the Auburn Tigers received a nice sur- after considering offers from Florida, Notre day later in Georgia’s recruiting class by yet Sunshine State recruit. prise of their own last week when Buford out- Dame and Ohio State, among others. The 6- another Floridian, this time Orange Park side linebacker Jessel Curry (son of former foot-5, 278-pound, fifth-ranked offensive outside linebacker Demetre Baker. Baker NOT TO BE OUTDONE … Falcons linebacker Buddy Curry) gave them tackle in the country (according to chose the Bulldogs over offers from The Yellow Jackets of Georgia Tech also his commitment after reversing his verbal Rivals.com) joined us on The Official Visit Indiana, Michigan State and South Carolina had a dynamic week along the recruiting trail, commitment to West Virginia. Curry joins (Score Atlanta’s all-recruiting radio show and, at 6-0, 200 pounds, seems destined for picking up commitments from four top Banneker athlete Shaun Kitchens as one of which I co-host on 790 The Zone from 2-4 on safety on the next level. prospects of their own. Sandy Creek safety two 2010 commitments Auburn has received Isaiah Johnson and Adairsville offensive from Georgia recruits thus far. Sundays) last Sunday and had some impres- Baker wasn’t the only recruit to give guard Catlin Alford got the ball rolling for sive things to say about his decision and the Georgia his pledge on June 16, as Michael Janovitz can be reached at Tech, as both gave their pledges to the [email protected]. University of Georgia. Bennett, a fast-rising wide receiver from Jackets. The 6-4, 275- “I had a lot of great opportunities and a Alpharetta, committed to the Bulldogs as well. pound Alford chose Tech lot of great schools [to choose from] and was Like Benedict, I got the chance to catch up over offers from Navy, able to get around and visit places,” said with Bennett on The Official Visit and came Ohio and Western UGA 2010 COMMITS Benedict, “but when I stepped on campus at away very impressed with the developing Michigan, while Georgia it really felt like home. There was wideout’s confidence. It’s no secret how the Johnson was receiving Demetre Baker LB Orange Park HS (Fla.) really a special feeling there with the staff and Bulldogs loaded up on receivers in last year’s interest from Miami, Ole Brent Benedict OT The Bolles School (Fla.) just the all-around atmosphere is really what I recruiting class, not to mention the recent Miss, Oklahoma State and South Carolina. Michael Bennett WR Alpharetta HS fell in love with.” commitment of top Calhoun wideout Da’Rick B.J. Butler DE Osceola HS (Fla.) Yet, while there are no questions sur- It was only a day Rogers for the 2010 class, yet the 6-3, 186- later when Tech added rounding how big a pickup Benedict is for the pound Bennett doesn’t seem intimidated. Marc Deas S Osceola HS (Fla.) Loganville offensive Jalen Fields DE Dalton HS Dawgs from a football standpoint, it is per- “I think I can go in anywhere [and win a guard Morgan Bailey to haps his intelligence, maturity and leadership starting spot]. I’m just a competitor and I its list of commitments, Kolton Houston OG Buford HS qualities that make him most valuable. When think I’m going to go in anywhere and just try as the 6-4, 285-pound Derek Owens CB Andrew Jackson HS (Fla.) so many recruits choose to soak in the atten- my hardest to get that starting spot. I’d like to versatile athlete Da’Rick Rogers WR Calhoun HS tion and celebrate their commitments in dra- even get in the rotation my freshman year, but shunned offers from

Thrashers eyeing potential offseason moves to improve defense and goalkeeping ow that the Stanley Cup Playoffs have stock of the things the Thrashers have going Now that everyone is feeling warm and team defensively, I doubt Atlanta would blow Nconcluded and we have our first crazy for them moving forward. fuzzy, let’s take a hard look at what has to get the bank on one player hoping to improve one Stanley Cup celebration stories of the offsea- At the least for one year, questions sur- done during the offseason. of the worst defenses statistically in the NHL. son, it’s a perfect time to get all our ducks in rounding the coaching staff won’t have to be Perfect for Atlanta would be Mike a row for the Atlanta Thrashers’ upcoming answered. Second-year head coach John WORK TO DO … Komisarek, a defense-first guy, the likes of season. To review, Atlanta has made three Anderson showed he needed a little while to First and foremost, Atlanta must solve its which Atlanta lacks, and a guy looking for a signings since the end of the season, with the implement his plan and get his players to goalie situation. Kari Lehtonen was signed to bounce-back season. Atlanta should also look free-agent period a little less than a week stop thinking on the ice, but once at full a one-year deal before last season with the at Johnny Boychuk and Jaroslav Spacek to away. Atlanta re-signed both Marty Reasoner throttle, the Thrashers became a surprisingly hope that he could stay healthy and prove his add a little offense to the back line. Boychuk and Anssi Salmela from last year’s squad potent offensive team. prowess as a No. 1 goalie. Instead, he played has seen little time in the NHL but has shown while re-signing Rylan Kaip, who just fin- Also, unlike most other teams, the most of the season injured, hurting his own talent at the AHL level, while Spacek is com- stock and the team. With a playoff appearance ished his career playing college hockey at the Thrashers aren’t in search of a superstar or ing off a season with the Sabres in which he University of North Dakota. Besides that, it’s young talent. Although Ilya Kovalchuk’s con- a must for Atlanta fans this season, it would scored 45 points, a career high. been silent in the Thrasher front office as the tract expires after this season, the team has at be safer to cut ties with Lehtonen and go with team mulls over its potential decisions. Here’s least one more season with the Russian super- the youngster, Ondrej Pavelec, and the very So there it is Atlanta, my free advice on what the Thrashers have to do this offseason star, making the hopes for a playoff spot sure-handed veteran who hasn’t been plagued the offseason. And don’t forget the NHL draft to make themselves contenders. strong. And behind Kovalchuk, Atlanta has by injuries, Johan Hedberg, than to use the takes place on June 26 with the Atlanta found the young talent it desperately needed rest of the salary cap to improve the defense. Thrashers picking fourth overall. WHAT WE HAVE … with forward Bryan Little and rookie While free agents like Jay Bouwmeester and Boral can be reached at Before we look forward, let’s first take defenseman Zach Bogosian. Scott Niedermayer are possibilities for the [email protected].

WWW.SCOREATL.COM JUNE 24-30, 2009 SCORE ATLANTA I 09

WWW.SCOREATL.COM 10 I SCORE ATLANTA Get In The Game!

Braves have pieces in place for success, but key players must step up he saying goes, “You need to wait until BEYOND CHIPPER AND McCANN … lar boost last year when he arrived on the TMemorial Day to tell what kind of team The Braves’ two big bats need some help Rays’ scene, and that momentum helped you have.” That was four weeks ago. We now in the lineup, however. They may have gotten carry Tampa to the World Series. know what kind of team the Braves have: a boost with the return of first baseman Casey great starting pitching and two good hitters Kotchman, who leads the team with 16 dou- MORE HELP … surrounded by a lineup that has not helped bles. Kotchman may not have the raw power Other than Hanson, the two biggest them much. But the good news is that no one that Mark Teixeira displayed last year, but X-factors are two guys that have recently has punished the Braves for playing their first seems perfectly suited for the No. 2 spot or been involved in trade talks: Yunel 60-plus games hovering around .500. The the No. 5 hole. If Kotchman continues to find Escobar and Francoeur. Frenchy is back Mets have dealt with numerous injuries, and the gaps, McCann and Jones should be able to in the rut that wrecked his season last year the Phillies, who currently lead the division, trot home. Newcomer Nate McClouth should and warranted a trip to the minors. The don’t have much in the starting rotation, as also start to provide the pop and speed in ace Cole Hamels and the bullpen are nowhere right fielder has the potential to hit .300 Atlanta that he showed in Pittsburgh. as well as the ability to smack 30 home near the level they were on last season. McClouth crushed 26 home runs last year Hope lives with the Braves and the team with 94 RBIs, and if he just matches those runs, and it isn’t too much to ask for has the best chance of improving its weakness numbers with the Braves, the offense will Francoeur to still give the team 24 without making a major roster overhaul. immediately take off. homers and a .275 average. If he gave The Braves could certainly make a run The starting rotation has been stellar thus that effort and accomplished those num- at the National League East title, and all of far, but the wins haven’t come as easily as one bers for the season, the team could really the ingredients the team needs to do so, it would expect. Derek Lowe has been the ace start making some moves. Escobar’s already has in its clubhouse. Chipper Jones is that the team wanted in the offseason and Jair power numbers continue to rocket up, as the reigning NL batting champ and with a Jurrjens has pitched well enough to be an All- he has nearly reached the 10 dingers he fresh contract extension, he should feel safe Star, but his run support has been non-exis- mashed last season. If Escobar continues about his future with the team and can sim- tent. Throw in the efforts of Javier Vazquez, on this pace while still hitting his career ply concentrate on hitting. Though he must average of .299, the run support will stay healthy, Jones still poses a threat every who seems to strike out 10 every start, and the top three starters might be the best in the come for this outstanding pitching staff. time up to the plate with a .308 average and While other teams need to visit the .422 OBP. If opposing pitchers pitch around league. The important cog will be rookie him, that puts a runner on base for the other Tommy Hanson. The young fireballer pitched trade deadline grocery store, the Braves dangerous member of this lineup, Brian well enough in his first three starts to post a 2- have the ingredients for success; the players just need to meet expectations. Should the McCann. The catcher should make his fourth 0 record, and he will hopefully provide the SAME OLD CJ: Braves third basemen Chipper Jones is straight All-Star team and has been simply spark that the team received in 2005 when Jeff pitching stay strong and the offense come still a force in the lineup along with catcher Brian raking since returning from the disabled list Francoeur helped push the Braves to its latest around, this team will move up in the pecking McCann. If the Braves want to make any sort of push in early May. McCann’s blurry vision seems division title. Hanson will create the buzz order without making any major changes. for the division, however, their teammates will have to fixed and the two-time Silver Slugger seems needed in his starts to get the lineup’s juice Proctor can be reached at provide more hitting and run support for a flourishing well on his way to a third award. flowing. David Price gave Tampa Bay a simi- [email protected]. pitching staff. Photo courtesy of Pouya Dianat/Atlanta Braves.

Falcons release rights to Vick, sign Newberry n 2001 when the Falcons drafted Michael played in 120 games in the league, with 107 IVick, they thought they had the face of the starts, and played college ball at the franchise for the next 10 years. On June 12, University of California. He will add depth to the Vick era officially came to an end when the center and guard position. the Falcons released him. From 2001-06, Vick dazzled fans with his amazing runs and CAMP GETTING CLOSER … exciting comebacks, leading the Falcons to With training camp nearly a month an NFC title appearance in 2004. He was away, the Falcons released their camp sched- suspended by the league for dogfighting in ule last week. The first day of training camp 2007 and went to federal prison that same will take place on Aug. 1, as the Falcons will year. With the release, Vick can shop himself hold a morning and evening practice. Both around to other NFL teams or play in the sessions will be open to the public. United Football League, which will begin its Two events that fans might want to attend inaugural season in October. during training camp are Friday Night Lights and a mock game at the Georgia Dome. Both MORE ROOKIES SIGNED … of these events are part of the Allstate All- The Falcons continued to sign draft Access Weekend, and it will be the second picks last week, coming to terms with third- year that the Falcons will hold such event, as round pick Chris Owens and fifth-round pick last year’s first-ever All-Access Weekend Garrett Reynolds. Owens played at San Jose was a huge success. The Friday Night Lights State and tallied 228 tackles, 13 interceptions event will take place at Brookwood High and 20 passes defended during his career. school on Aug. 7. This will be a chance for Reynolds is an offensive lineman from North fans that can’t make it to Flowery Branch to Carolina and was an All-ACC selection last see what an NFL training-camp practice is season. Due to the the two signings, they like. There will also be interviews with play- released offensive lineman Renaldo Foster ers and an autograph session after the scrim- and kicker/punter Robbie Dehaze. mage. The mock game will take place the The team also signed another veteran following day at 11 a.m. The team will be player last week, as offensive lineman Jeremy divided into two teams and will play an actu- Newberry inked a deal. Newberry is entering al simulation NFL game with real scoring his 12th season in the NFL and has spent time and referees. And just like Friday Night with the San Francisco 49ers, Oakland Lights, there will be an autograph session Raiders and San Diego Chargers. He spent his with all the players after the game. first nine years with the 49ers, where he was Jones can be reached at named to the Pro Bowl twice. Newberry has [email protected].

WWW.SCOREATL.COM JUNE 24-30, 2009 SCORE ATLANTA I 11

Braves absorb tough series loss to Red Sox he Atlanta Braves continued to hover board early with two in the first thanks to a Taround .500 last week, with several two-RBI double by McCann, but the team highs to go along with drought-level lows. allowed three runs right back in the bottom After losing the first two games to the Reds of the first, all unearned. Jurrjens would go in Cincinnati, rookie phenom Tommy on to allow five total runs, only two earned, Hanson took to the hill in the series finale and the Braves would rally time after time. and dominated the Reds after some early After tying the game at 4-4 in the seventh, trouble. Despite recording just two strike- the Braves knotted the game at 5-5 in the outs, Hanson allowed only three hits in six eighth thanks to Anderson’s 24th RBI of the scoreless innings, as the Braves shut out the year. Bobby Cox, Jones and pitcher Eric Reds, 7-0. Nate McClouth had four RBIs O’Flaherty were all ejected in the seventh including a home run, and Matt Diaz by umpire Bill Hohn for arguing over what pitched in with a deep ball and two runs. the Braves thought should have been a third The Braves bullpen pitched three scoreless strike called on JD Drew. Drew would go on innings, with Rafael Soriano recording to give the BoSox the lead later in the three strikeouts in the ninth. extended at-bat. Jeff Bennett came on to pitch in the ninth, where he promptly deliv- UP TO BOSTON … ered a ball that former Brave Nick Green The Braves then moved on to Beantown was able to deposit into the right-field seats to face the Red Sox. Boston’s Daisuke for a walk-off home run. The Braves fin- Matsuzaka faced fellow countryman Kenshin ished the road trip 3-6, and are now in the Kawakami in the series opener, and McClouth midst of a crucial home stretch that brings got the Braves off to a hot start with a first- to town the Yankees, Red Sox and Phillies. pitch home run. McClouth would go on to score two runs on two hits with two RBIs in GLAVINE OUT (FOR NOW) … the game. Yunel Escobar and Brian McCann Meanwhile, former Atlanta pitcher Tom each contributed two hits and Garret Anderson Glavine has announced that he will not pitch went 3-for-3 with four RBIs, as the Braves in 2009, but has not ruled out pitching in conquered the BoSox 8-2. Mike Gonzalez 2010. Glavine told an Atlanta television pitched the final inning in a non-save situation, reporter via a text message that he will spend striking out two to end the game. the summer with his family and not pitch for In game two of the series, Josh Beckett anyone in the 2009 season. Several teams had outdueled former Red Sox pitcher Derek reportedly shown interest in the 305-game- Lowe for a 3-0 Boston victory. Lowe winner, who was attempting to come back allowed seven hits in 6.1 innings pitched, from 2008 season-ending surgery. Glavine but did cough up the three runs, as the had pitched in several rehab assignments in Braves offered him just five hits of support. the Braves organization, but was released by Beckett earned his first complete-game the team several weeks ago. The team instead shutout in a Boston uniform and Escobar promoted Tommy Hanson, who is 2-0 (the and McCann each struck out twice. In the team has won all three of his starts). series finale, Jair Jurrjens took to the hill Proctor can be reached at for the Braves. The team dented the score- [email protected]

Ranking All-Stars’ memorabilia before Classic aseball’s All-Star Game is rapidly League Spalding baseball still in the box. Is Bapproaching, and the July 12th event will it worth anything? take place in St. Louis this year. Check out Dear Baseballer: Your baseball is most who collectors voted for with their wallets in likely from the early- to mid-1970s. Reach this week’s online auction report: was the primary issuer of American league baseballs from the 1900s through the early • Derek Jeter autographed baseball 1970s. The National league used Spalding • Evan Longoria autographed baseball baseballs for almost 100 years, but the • Albert Pujols autographed baseball American league did not use them until the • Chase Utley autographed baseball 1970s. Older baseballs in their original boxes • Carlos Beltran autographed baseball are highly collectible and yours in nice condi- tion is worth $40. Both the American and The collectors’ top spot goes to St. Louis National Leagues have been using Rawlings Cardinal Albert Pujols. The Pujols baseball baseballs since the late 1970s. knocked down $475, followed closely by Dear Dean: I have a full ticket and a New York Yankee Derek Jeter, who grabbed ticket stub from the first game in Atlanta in $450. New York Met Carlos Beltran snagged 1966. Any value? $250. Philadelphia Philly Chase Utley Dear Mr. That’s The Ticket: First- brought in $200, and rounding out this week’s game, last-game, and milestone tickets are top five was the Evan Longoria autographed very popular with sports collectors. Unused baseball, getting $200. or full tickets are the hardest to come by, as So you want to own a piece of golf his- most people attend the game. Your April tory? Well now you can. Upper Deck will be 12, 1966 ticket stub retails for $100, and selling the shirt right off Tiger Woods’s back. the full ticket goes for $250. The Braves The shirts worn by Tiger during the first three played the Pittsburgh Pirates and lost 3-2 in rounds of the 2008 U.S. Open at Torrey Pines 13 innings in front of a sellout crowd. An will be up for sale on upperdeck.com. So how interesting side note: Felipe Alou was the much? Asking price is $30,000 for round one, first Brave to bat in 1966 and his son $40,000 for round two, and $50,000 for Moises, who played for the Expos, was the round three. A portion of the proceeds will be last at-bat of the regular season at Fulton donated to the Tiger Woods Foundation. County Stadium in 1996. Want to know what your item is worth or FROM THE MAILBAG … have a question about a particular sports Dear Dean: I was cleaning out my base- item? Email me, Dean Zindler, at ment and came across an old American [email protected].

WWW.SCOREATL.COM 12 I SCORE ATLANTA Get In The Game!

Despite lack of organized team activities, Bulldogs and Jackets still have summer homework ummer in college football is the season made Tech realize otherwise. end Bruce Figgins are suspended for two Swhen the coaches have the least amount of Back to the summer before the 2009 cam- and six games, respectively, after violating influence on their players. NCAA rules forbid paign. The Yellow Jackets can be either happy team rules. The Houston suspension may be coaches from conducting practices during for themselves that most analysts see them as a really tough to take, as he was one of only this time, so any drills, activities, or hands-on top-20 team and a major player in the ACC two scholarship ends that completed spring demonstrations have to be set up by the play- race, or they can be anxious to show everyone practice healthy and looked to be coming ers, meaning that players are in charge of that the team that played LSU is not the real into his own. Now, he will miss the big sea- each other. With that being said, here are the Georgia Tech. Players like quarterback Josh son opener at Oklahoma State as well as the primary tasks for both Georgia Tech and Nesbitt, running back Jonathan Dwyer and home opener against South Carolina. It is Georgia this summer. safety Morgan Burnett will have to drive the imperative that Georgia does not lose any latter scenario into the heads of a young team. more players to suspensions before the start TECH’S SUMMER SYLLABUS … of the season, and not just because they For Tech, the focus of its player leader- TAKE A BITE OUT OF CRIME … could ill-afford the losses, but also because ship during the summer should not necessar- Much like the case with Tech, the pri- the absence of off-the-field troubles usual- ily be on X’s and O’s. The Yellow Jackets’ mary concern of Georgia’s summer should ly means that the players are focused on concentration should be more on the edge, as not necessarily be on the workouts. Sure, maximizing their efforts. in keeping their edge. Heading into last sea- fifth-year quarterback Joe Cox is in his first son, not much was expected in head coach season as the starter and will look to expand SEASON’S GREETINGS … Paul Johnson’s inaugural campaign on The his leadership duties and comfort level while When the calendar says August and Flats, but Tech surprised many and finished continuing to further his relationship with his fall camp comes around, the coaches will with nine wins. The criticism and low expec- offensive weapons, but there is something be back in charge, trying to mold their tations that ushered in the 2008 season played more important that Bulldog players should teams into winners. There will be much for right into the hands of Johnson, who can focus on, and that is their focus. Georgia them to sort out. Tech will be trying to find sometimes be known to have a chip on his should concentrate on being more focused on a defensive identity after losing so much shoulder. He got his players to believe that the task at hand. Each player realizing his talent on the line of scrimmage and everyone was underestimating them, and that importance to the team and staying out of Georgia will be hunting for its No. 1 tail- tactic worked. trouble will likely mean that the Bulldogs’ back. The Bulldogs’ practice intensity will Yet, after the Yellow Jackets completed attention to detail has improved. Last year, also be worth watching, as the coaches their biggest triumph of the season by beating Georgia started the season ranked No. 1 in the admittedly were more relaxed heading into Georgia for the first time in seven years, they country, but finished outside of the top 10 last season due to an abundance of injuries. TAKING A BACK SEAT: Georgia head coach Mark laid their biggest egg of the season in the after three losses. The shortcomings of 2008 All of that being said, if both schools’ play- Richt has to relinquish a bit of his control during the Chick-fil-A Bowl, falling to LSU, 38-3. From were preceded by an offseason that saw eight ers do not take the above summer points of summer, when coaches can’t be involved in workouts a distance, it appeared to be a classic example players arrested, with a half dozen of them emphasis to heart, the coaches might be or organized team activities. Hopefully for his of a team thinking it had “arrived,” when truly getting suspended for at least a game. fighting a losing battle when they take over Bulldogs and for Paul Johnson’s Yellow Jackets, the there was still much work to do. LSU, which Unfortunately for the Bulldogs, the the reigns in the fall. players are taking initiative and keeping focused in had to wash the bitter taste of a regular sea- bad-behavior bug has already struck again, Butler can be reached at the time before fall camp starts. Photo courtesy of Doug son-ending loss to Arkansas out of its mouth, as defensive end Justin Houston and tight [email protected]. Jackson/Photographic Arts.

Football to play at Alabama in ‘10, will gain full CAA membership in ‘12 t’s going to happen a little earlier than many Athletic Association (CAA) for all other seasons as an independent before playing a Chase Childers has signed with the Iexpected, but the Georgia State football sports, the announcement was made last full CAA schedule. Baltimore Orioles and has been assigned to team will go on the road to play a likely top- Thursday afternoon that the forthcoming their minor league team, the Bluefield 25 BCS team when it plays at the University football program has been officially admit- STEEDS FINISHES STRONG … Orioles, in West Virginia. of Alabama in the Panthers’ inaugural season ted as a member of CAA football when the Mark Steeds had his highest-ever Panther golfers Tom Sherreard and of 2010. The contest, scheduled for Saturday, Panthers begin conference play in 2012. NCAA Championship finish with an 11th- Allen John were both named to the PING Nov, 20, 2010 at Bryant-Denny Stadium in CAA Commissioner Tom Yeager extended place showing in the 5,000-meter finals last All-Region team. Sherreard and John were Tuscaloosa, Ala., will be the Panthers’ final the official invitation to Georgia State Friday night at McDonnell Field in among 24 golfers named to the team from game in their first season of play. Said President Dr. Mark Becker, Director of Fayetteville, Ark. Steeds concluded his the East region. This marks the second time Panthers head coach Bill Curry, “It’s been a Athletics Cheryl L. Levick and head coach in Sherreard’s career that he has made an all- Georgia State career with this 11th-place region team, repeating his 2008 mention. great motivator for our staff, and it will be a Bill Curry in a news conference on the finish, which follows his 12th-place finish in John appears on the all-region team for the great motivator for our players. The opportu- Georgia State campus. cross country that had earned him All- first time. … Follow the Panthers online at nity to go into that environment and see how On behalf of everyone at Georgia State, America status. Last year at the NCAA www.georgiastatesports.com. For basketball football is played at that level will be quite a we’d like to thank the Colonial Athletic Championships, Steeds finished 12th. and football season ticket information, call learning experience. We would have pre- Association and Commissioner Tom Yeager,” I had the chance to catch up with former 1-866-GA-STATE. ferred to wait until year two or three to take said Levick. “The CAA has been a great fit Panther player and assistant coach Travis Dave Cohen is in his 26th season as the on a challenge like this, but 2010 was the for Georgia State athletics, and it is the per- Williams last week. He’s just back from “Voice of Georgia State Basketball and only opening that Alabama had available and fect home for Panther football.” coaching this past season in China and has Baseball on WRAS-FM (88.5) and works on we just didn’t want to pass up this chance.” When it kicks off in the fall of 2010, the now been hired as the associate head basket- the football radio crew at Furman University Already a member of the Colonial Georgia State football program will play two ball coach at Tennessee State. … Baseball’s in Greenville, S.C.

WWW.SCOREATL.COM JUNE 24-30, 2009 SCORE ATLANTA I 13

Dream continue uneven play with home split; reigning champs to visit Philips tlanta made a statement to the league paint throughout, an area in which they have Friday’s win, with Atlanta this time on the in and played really, really well.” Alast Sunday in its win over the previous- had much success so far this season. Sancho receiving end of the beating. The Liberty Chamique Holdsclaw scored 17 for ly undefeated Washington Mystics, who Lyttle was key, notching a double-double also gave Atlanta’s post players a test, bench- Atlanta, but just six over the final three quar- appeared to be asserting themselves as one with 20 points and 15 rebounds. Atlanta out- ing arguably their best player in center Janel ters. Lyttle came up one rebound short of a dou- of the league’s young teams on the rise. rebounded the Mystics 46-31, including 17 McCarville to field a smaller, quicker lineup. ble-double, totalling 13 points and nine boards. The Dream stomped on Washington’s offensive rebounds in the end. The plan worked perfectly, as the bigger parade when the Mystics visited Philips “We’ve got some powerful post players, Dream players struggled to keep their assign- COMING UP … Arena last weekend. Atlanta upped its record and we knew that when we went and signed ments in front of them. New York finished The Dream face a tough back-to-back to 3-2 with a 93-81 win. The Dream took the them,” said head coach and general manager the half shooting 5-for-11 from the 3-point test this weekend, facing defending champion bull by the horns late in the second quarter, Marynell Meadors. “They’re performing at a line and finished up shooting at a 9-for-18 Detroit on Friday at Philips Arena before closing the half on an 11-4 run to take a 41- high level right now.” clip. Catherine Kraayeveld, Shameka heading to Connecticut to face Lindsay 34 halftime lead. Christon, Ashley Battle and McCarville Whalen and the Sun the following day. The onslaught continued against a STRUGGLING FOR CONSISTENCY … (who played just under 20 minutes) led the Then Minnesota visits on Tuesday and seemingly shell-shocked Mystics squad in A different Atlanta team showed up, way, each scoring in double figures. Washington looks for revenge in Atlanta on the third quarter, as the Dream extended the however, for Sunday’s matinee with the “We did not play the aggressively like July 5. It’s back on the road after that for an lead to 21 after a no-look pass on the break struggling Liberty, who came into the game we usually play, and it might be the first time away date against the Indiana Fever, who the from Coco Miller to Erika DeSouza got the at 1-3. The Dream looked lethargic from the this season that we were outrebounded,” Dream beat in Conseco Fieldhouse last season. crowd on its feet. onset and went down in a 93-81 defeat. Meadors said. “We were just a step slow, but Bagriansky can be reached at The Dream controlled the game in the The matchup was a complete reverse of I have to give credit to New York. They came [email protected].

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

For information call Duane Davis at 678-300-0282 OnCourt Player Development, a year-round com Gymnastics Classes at Gwinnett Gymnastics Center BASKETBALL or visit www.gaasports.org. prehensive player development program. For more Ongoing - 927 Killian Hill Road Lilburn, Ga. For Dream. June 26 vs. Detroit 7:30 PM. June 27 at Flag Football. GSL -- Georgia Sports Leagues. Georgia’s information, contact Mary Carnell at 770-614-6686 information call 770-921-5630. Connecticut 7 PM. June 30 vs. Minnesota 7 PM. July Largest Flag League. Registration ongoing. We offer x108 or visit www.ssasports.com. Atlanta School of Gymnastics in Lawrenceville. 3 vs. Washington 7:30 PM. July 5 at Indiana 6 PM. 7-Man, 8-man, Youth and Co-Ed styles of play VolleyStars. Beginning February 7 @ Suwanee Sports Ongoing. Classes for tots through teens. Cheerleading July 7 vs. Connecticut 7:30 PM. around Atlanta. We play ALL year round. For infor Academy for girls & boys grades 6-8 teaches individual classes for ages 5 and older. For information call Club Sport, "Where Atlanta Comes To Play!" skill development and team concepts through instruction Registration Ongoing - Men's League plays on Sunday mation please contact (678)799-0159 or email 770-277-9434. [email protected]. Visit www.georgias and game play. For more information, contact Christy The Little Gym of Snellville. Ongoing. Noncompetitive evenings at the Brookhaven Boys & Girls Club. For Howard at 770-614-6686 x106 or visit www.ssasports.com. more info or to register visit www.usclubsport.com portsleagues.org. gymnastics and motor-skills development classes Georgia Force Home School High School Football High School Volleyball League. Beginning February 7 and camps. For ages 10 months-12 years. For Basketball Clinics and Summer Camps. Ongoing. See @ Suwanee Sports Academy for girls grades 9-12. website for details. All-Tournament Players Park Program. If you are a home school student or a information call 770-982-0901 or visit student that attends a Christian school in the Gwinnett This league is designed for athletes who want to www.tlgsnellvillega.com. Marietta, GA. www.alltournamentplayerspark.com. or Hall county region and would like to participate get in the gym but don’t want to commit to club Marist War Eagle Boys Basketball Camp. Ages 7-15 in high school football, please contact Scott Willis volleyball. For more information, contact Christy day sessions, July 6-10 and July 13-17. Evening Howard at 770-614-6686 x106 or visit www.ssasports.com. RACING sessions ages 12-17, July 6-9 and July 13-16. at 770-531-1499 ext 401 or email at [email protected] Thursday Thunder. June 25 and July 2 at Atlanta Contact Marist head coach Greg McClaire at 770- The Georgia Force High School football program Motor Speedway participates in the GFL (Georgia Football League) SWIMMING & DIVING Friday Night Drags and Show-N-Shine. June 26 and 936-6412 for more information. and is accepting players from the ages of 13-18 Swimming lessons. Ongoing - Alpharetta City Pool - Collegiate Prep Basketball Academy_Boys/Girls years old. We currently offer a JV and Varsity pro Alpharetta, Ga. - 1825 Old Milton Parkway. For July 3 at Atlanta Motor Speedway. Camp. Premier Boys Camp July 20-24, 2009 (ages gram. For more information, please go to our web information call 678-297-6107. Speed Tech Auto Racing School. June 26-28 at 9-16),8:00am-3:00pm; St. Francis Middle School site at www.forcehighschoolfooball.com. Gwinnett Aquatics. Ongoing - 2800 Quinberry Drive Atlanta Motor Speedway. Roswell_Premier Girls Camp July 13-17, 2009 Arena Indoor Football. Ongoing. Youth and Adult and Bethany Church Road. For ages 5-18. Swim WERA Cycle Jam. June 26-28 at Road Atlanta (ages 9-16), 8:00am-3:00pm; Mount Pisgah Leagues. Youth 7 vs. 7; Adult 6 vs. 6. For informa team and lessons available. For information call Christian School-Johns Creek_Contact tion, call 678-714-7454 or e-mail info.indoor@atlantasil 770-972-4055. OFFICIATING 678.778.9027 email: [email protected], verbacks.com. www.atlantasilverbacks.com/indoor. Senior Water-Exercise class. Ongoing - Mountain Park Club Sport, "Where Atlanta Comes To Play!" Flag website: collgiateprep.com. Capitol City Officials Association. CCOA is accepting pool - Lilburn, Ga. Fees: $1 per class. For information Football, Softball, Soccer, Basketball, Volleyball. Earn Top of the Key. Ongoing. Personal basketball lessons ongoing registration for the upcoming GHSA High call 770-546-4650. 10-10:50 AM. money officiating. Training provided. For more info with Olympian Debbie Miller-Palmore, boys and School season in football. We hold weekly training SwimAtlanta Sugarloaf at Kid’s Village. Ongoing. Swim email [email protected] or visit girls ages 8-18. For information call 770-465-1502. meetings. For more information, contact Irvin team, lessons, lap swimming, master’s program, www.usclubsport.com. Southern Xposure. Ongoing. Cobb County Christian Seabrook at 404-957-3331 or e-mail water aerobics and scuba available. For information Basketball - Duluth basketball association. School - Marietta. AAU and YBOA tryouts for 9- [email protected]. call 678-442-7946. Ongoing. Looking for youth officials with training and-under and 8-and-under teams. For information provided. For information call Barry Sullivan at call 404-447-3992 or email [email protected]. HOCKEY YOUTH REGISTRATION 770-623-1750. Peach State Basketball. Ongoing. Basketball skill Peachtree Booster Club. Ongoing - Pickneyville Roller Soccer-Soccer Alley. Ongoing - 3265 Roswell Road- Football - Lanier Football Officials Association. development training for college caliber high school Hockey Rink. Fees: $95 for 12-game season, $30 Atlanta. For information call 404-266-0762 or visit Ongoing. GHSA member accepting applications players throughout the off-season. Players can use out-of-county fee. For information visit www.pbsports.org. www.starsoccerclub.com. with weekly training meetings. For information call these sessions to continue improving all year long. Tucker Youth Soccer. Ongoing - 2803 Henderson Road Tom Tipton at 770-967-3197, ext. 239 or visit Contact Brandon Clay at 404-422-3946 or visit SOCCER Tucker, Ga. For information call 770-414-0538 or www.lanierofficials.org. www.peachstatehoops.com for more information. Challenged Soccer. Ongoing. For mentally and physi visit www.tysa.com. Metro Atlanta Wrestling Officials Association. Ongoing. Suwanee Sports Academy. Ongoing. Basketball train cally disabled youngsters. For information call Ken Track and Field - Peachtree City Flash Youth Track Needs officials. For information call Bud Hennebaul ing and development for boy and girls grades K-12. Higgins at 770-985-0434. Team registration. Ongoing - Riley Field -Peachtree at 770-338-0705 or email [email protected]. Rising Stars, Future Stars, Suwanee Basketball City, Ga. For ages 6-14. For information call 770- League, On Court Player Development, nationally- Fair Play Sports Center. Ongoing on Saturdays. Indoor 9RCorp Sports Officials. Ongoing. Provider of sports soccer for ages 4-7. 30- to 60-minute classes. For 631-3552 or email [email protected]. officials for multiple sports including basketball, flag recognized year-round comprehensive player devel Gymnastics - Georgia Gymnastics Academy. Ongoing. opment program. For more information contact information call 770-831-3210. football, & softball. Looking for additional officials. Hall of Fame soccer clinics. Ongoing on Fridays For registration in Lawrenceville call 770-962-5867; For information call Dennis Reagan at 404-213- Mike Brown at 678-541-0176 or visit www.ssasports.com. in Suwanee call 770-945-3424. Mark Price Shooting Lab. Ongoing: Personalized pro Clarkston Community Center. For under-6 through 0588 or email [email protected]. under-12 players. Fees: Free. For information call Gym Elite. Ongoing. Registration for ages 2 and older. Georgia Lacrosse Officials Association. Needs youth fessional shooting instruction through one-on-one 404-508-1050 or visit www.clarkstoncommunitycen Cheerleading for ages 6 and older. For information coaching and state-of-the-art technology at Suwanee call 770-242-0678. and High School officials for 2008-2009 season. Sports Academy. For more information, contact ter.org. 5:30-7 PM. Training and mentoring provided for free. Great Competitive Amateur Soccer in Atlanta For more Youth Soccer Training. Ongoing. Start age 3 and up. way to earn some extra money and get some fun Mike Brown at 678-541-0176 or visit www.ssasports.com. information, visit www.majesticsoccer.com. For information, call 678-714-7454 or e-mail SSA’s On Court. Check out Suwanee Sports Academy’s [email protected]. aerobic exercise. For more information, visit On Court, the nation’s premier off-season develop www.atlantasilverbacks.com/indoor. www.GALAXREF.com or call Jim Westbrook at TENNIS 770-753-9059. ment program at the nation’s premier basketball Technique Clinics. Ongoing - Bitsy Grant Tennis Center. Flag Footall. GSL -- Georgia Sports Leagues. Georgia's training facility right here in Gwinnett County! For Tuesdays (serve/volley) and Saturdays (forehand/back Best Sports Leagues. Registration ongoing. We more information, contact Michael Brown at 678- hand). Fees: $18. For information call 404-790- offer Youth Flag Football for ages (6-8) and (9-12) ATLANTA SPORTS COUNCIL 541-0176 or visit www.ssasports.com. 4772 or email [email protected]. 2 PM on year olds for both Boys & Girls. Games are played Chick-Fil-A Bowl. Dec. 31, 2009. Georgia Dome. For Open Recreational Basketball. GSL -- Georgia Sports Saturdays, 6:30PM on Tuesdays. in the Chamblee, Doraville, Dunwoody area. Next tickets, call 404-444-4444. Leagues. Georgia’s Best Sports Leagues. Registration Tennis camps for kids. Ongoing weekly. Lost Mountain season starts in February. For more information To reach the Atlanta Sports Council call 404-586- ongoing. We offer “Top Gun,” “B,” “C”and Co-Ed Tennis Center. For information call 770-528-8525. please contact (678)799-0159 or email 8510 or visit www.atlantasportscouncil.com. styles of play around Atlanta. We play ALL year round. [email protected]. Visit www.geor For more information please contact (678)799-0159 LACROSSE giasportsleagues.org MISC or email [email protected]. Visit Lacrosse. Ongoing. Registration for 1st-8th grades. For Atlanta Junior Golf. Boys and girls, ages 7-18, can Senior Horseshoe Pitching League. Ongoing - Gwinnett www.georgiasportsleagues.org. information call 404-216-5870, email enjoy summer and fall tournaments throughout Senior Center - Bethesda Park. Includes instructional Just Skills Of Atlanta. 8-week basketball fundamentals [email protected] or visit www.bagat Metro Atlanta and Middle and North Georgia (from coaching. Games will be played under NHPA rules. program for boys and girls ages 5 to 17 at Bogan awaylacrosse.com. Dalton to Macon and from Carrollton to Athens) in For men and women seniors. Meets Tuesdays. For Park in Buford and Lenora Park in Snellville. Fall pro PlayLaxGwinnett. Ongoing. Players, coaches, referees one the nation’s premier junior golf associations. information call 770-972-2434. 10 AM. grams start the week of August 11th. Please visit needed for play at Gwinnett Sports Center. For All skill levels are welcome, from beginner to expe Pool Tournament. Every Monday - Ongoing - Motorheads www.justskillsofatlanta.com for more information or information call Chris Chico at or 678-429-0094 or rienced players, with more than 8,000 rounds of Bar ‘n’ Grill - Henry County. Cost: No cover. For call 770-296-2580. Sessions are filling up now for email [email protected]. golf available during the summer program alone. information call 770-898-0008 or visit www.motor spring, summer and fall. Ask about our free introduc Double Stixx Lacrosse. Ongoing - Leagues, Travel Teams For more information, log on 770.850.9040. headsbarandgrill.com. 7 p.m. tion day to see what Just Skills Of Atlanta is all about. and Tournaments for youth, high school and adult’s Corpus Christi Youth Basketball League. Registration Pool Tournament. Nightly - Ongoing - Sean Patrick’s boys and girls. More information about the best is now underway for our 29th season! Boys and girls Bar & Grill - Buckhead. Fees: No cover. For infor BASEBALL lacrosse programs in Georgia can be found at ages 5 through 14, any skill level, are welcome. Cost: mation call 770-650-5723. 8 PM. Braves. June 24 vs. New York Yankees 7 PM. June 25 www.doblestixxlacrosse.com or by contacting $90 per child/$85 for siblings. Fee includes uniforms, East Cobb Bass Club. Ongoing - Ryan's Family Steakhouse vs. New York Yankees 7 PM. June 26 vs. Boston 7 Chris Smith at [email protected] or field trips, skills clinics, 9 games and more! Register - Canton Road - Marietta, Ga. Boaters and non PM. June 27 vs. Boston 4 PM. June 28 vs. Boston 404-550-5322. while space is still available Saturdays October 11 & boaters welcome. Meets the first Tuesday of each 1:30 PM. June 30 vs. Philadelphia 7 PM. July 1 vs. 18, 2008, 10 AM to 12 PM. Location: Corpus Christi Philadelphia 7 PM. July 2 vs. Philadelphia 7 PM. July month. For information call 770-364-3036 or email RUNNING Church Sports Arena, 600 Mountain View Drive, [email protected]. 7 PM. 3 at Washington 6:35 PM. July 4 at Washington 1:05 Stone Mountain, GA 30083. For info, call 770-469- PM. July 5 at Washington 1:35 PM. July 6 at Chicago Pride Run 5K/1.5 Walk. Jun. 27. Atlanta, 8 AM. Cohutta chapter of Trout Unlimited. Ongoing - Delkwood 678-528-8555. 0395, email [email protected], or visit the league’s Bar and Grill. Meets the fourth Thursday of each 8:05 PM. July 7 at Chicago 8:05 PM. website (www.ccybl.net). Gwinnett Braves. June 24 vs. Buffalo 7 PM. June 25 vs. 2nd Annual HBCU 5K Run/Walk. Jun. 27. Atlanta, month. For information call 770-425-5364 or email Buffalo 7 PM. June 26 vs. Buffalo 7 PM. June 27 vs. Grant Park, 8:30 AM. [email protected]. 6:30 PM. Running for Hope 5K. Jun. 27. Lawrenceville, 7:30 SOFTBALL GEORGIA BIKES! Membership. Ongoing. The effectiveness Louisville 7 PM. June 28 vs. Louisville 2 PM. June 29 AM. 404-583-1595. Club Sport, "Where Atlanta Comes To Play!" Registration vs. Louisville 7 PM. June 30 vs. Louisville 2 PM. July 2 Ongoing for Men's & Coed Leagues League games of GEORGIA BIKES! is dependent on volunteers, sup at Norfolk 7:15 PM. July 3 at Norfolk 7:15 PM. July 4 porters, and members, like you, who are willing to CAMPS played at multiple locations throughout the Metro Area. make a and Club/Small Business: $100. vs. Norfolk 6 PM. July 5 vs. Norfolk 2 PM. July 6 vs. Nike Basketball Camps. Camps located in Snellville, For more info or to register visit www.usclubsport.com Norfolk 7 PM. July 7 at Durham 7:05 PM. AYSA Spring Season. Ongoing - North Park - Cogburn and Condor Handball Organization. The Condors feature Roswell, Kennesaw, Oxford and 0894-4297 to find current Men’s National Team members and past Prospect Watch. Ongoing - Buckhead. Baseball pitching out which dates suit your campers best. Bethany - Alpharetta. Fees: If Alpharetta Residential and hitting lessons by a former college and minor Club Sport, "Where Atlanta Comes To Play!" Registration Property Tax IS NOT PAID at the primary residence of National Team members and Olympians as well as the league coach. For information call 404-869-7966 Ongoing for Sand & Indoor Leagues and Tournaments the player, then the Non-City Resident Fee must be greatest American to ever play the sport, Darrick Heath. or visit www.eteamz.com/tryouts. League games played every day and night at the paid. After Jan. 13, $10 late fee is charged. We have weekly leagues and training opportunities for Adult Baseball League Metro Atlanta. Ongoing. MSBL Brookhaven Boys and Girls Club. For more info or to Senior Softball League. Ongoing - Best Friend Park, men, women, and youth. For more information, contact 18+, 28+, 38+, and 48+. Sunday League contact register visit http://www.usclubsport.com/ Jimmy Carter Blvd., Norcross, GA. All Skill levels Jeb Bell at [email protected]. info is 770.785.2588, e-mail [email protected]. Georgia Tech MaChelle Joseph Basketball Camp. welcomed. Men age 45+ and women age 40+. Performance Training Inc. at Suwanee Sport MSBL 18+ Saturday League contact info is 770- Ages range from 7-17. Day camps, overnight Open practice on Saturdays and games on Tuesdays, Academy. Ongoing. Offers speed, agility, and quick 436-8114, e-mail [email protected]. MSBL camps and team camps available. Visit www.ram Wednesdays, or Thursdays. For information call ness training for athletes across multiple sports. 18+ Midweek Wood bat league contact info is blinwreck.com or call 404-894-4297 to find out Gary Mastrodonato at 770-266-7042 or visit For moreinformation, contact Dustin Wolf at 770- 770-436-8114, e-mail [email protected]. which dates suit your campers best. www.atlantaseniorsoftball.com. 614-6686 x121 or visit www.ssasports.com. MSBL 18+Fall League contact info is 770-436- Middle and High School Girls Camps, Clinics & Open Recreational Softball. GSL -- Georgia Sports Suwanee Sports Academy. Pre-K Athletics for 2, 3 and 4 8114, e-mail [email protected]. For more Classes. June 29-July 2 9am-12pm All-Tournament Leagues. Georgia’s Best SportsLeagues.Registration year-olds introduces the basic skills needed to play information about our Atlanta Adult Baseball League, Players Park Marietta, GA. www.alltournamentplay ongoing. We offer "Men's" and "Co-Ed" styles of play basketball, soccer, and t-ball. Also, there is a unique please visit our website at www.AtlantaMSBL.com. erspark.com in Doraville/Dunwoody area. Monday, Wednesday & after school program that provides students with a TNT Sports. Ongoing. Baseball pitching and hitting les Harlem Legends. The Harlem Legends have scheduled Sunday league play available. Next season stars in weekly sports curriculum along with the after school sons by Rob Blair, former college coach, Snellville. their 2008 Shoot for the Stars Basketball & Physical February. We play ALL year round. For more infor classroom setting. For more information, call 770- To set up a free pitching or hitting analysis call Fitness Camps. The "Shoot for the Stars Youth mation please contact (678)799-0159 or email 614-6686 or visit www.ssaports.com. 678-344-5876. Basketball Camps and Clinics" are a unique form of [email protected]. Visit www.georgias Stout Irish Sports Pub Events and Specials. Monday: Jack City Baseball. Ongoing. Baseball pitching and hit learning experiences geared towards young basket port sleagues.org. Dart League and Free Pool from 11 p.m.-close; ting. Instruction with former pro Keith Whitner. 18-y ball players of all skill levels. There are two Gwinnett Capitol City Officials Association. CCOA is accepting Tuesday: Texas Hold 'em; Wednesday: Trivia Night looking for high school players. The new location is County camps this year. Please visit our website ongoing registration for the upcoming GHSA High and Free Pool from 11pm-close; Thursday: College inside Velocity Sports in North Gwinnett. For more (www.harlemlegends.com) or call 404-837-6719 School season in fast-pitchsoftball. We hold weekly Night with DJ All Night; Friday: Happy Hour Food information call 770-633-0948 or visit jackcity.net. for additional camps. training meetings. For more information, contact Specials; Saturday: Game Day all day long on Stout's Irvin Seabrook at 404-957-3331 or e-mail big screen plasma TVs; Sunday: Game Day all day FOOTBALL VOLLEYBALL [email protected]. long on Stout's big screen plasma TVs. Miller High Collins Hill Athletic Association. Ongoing. Accepting Gwinnett Sports Center. Registration ongoing. For Life Beers are always $1. Beer Club:Guests join for applications for qualified coaches in all age groups. information call Jerry Robison at 678-491-0203 GYMNASTICS $120 and receive a prestigious Stout Club Mug For information email Craig Deneau at or visit www.gscfun.com. Gymnastics Classes at Gymnastics AcademyofAtlanta. engraved with their name on it.Each visit over the [email protected] Suwanee Sports Academy. Ongoing. Volleyball training Ongoing - 3126 Cobb Parkway Kennesaw, Ga. For course of the year, members enjoy their first beer of Grayson Athletic Association. Ongoing. Football and development for boys and girls grades 3-12. information call 770-975-8337 or visit choice on the house. For more, call 404.869.1151 or coaches needed for eighth grade and all age groups. VolleySkills, VolleyStars, VolleyTraining, and www.gymnasticsacademyofatlanta.com. email www.stoutirish pub.com.

WWW.SCOREATL.COM JUNE 24-30, 2009 SCORE ATLANTA I 15

Griffin will be No. 1; will Maynor fall to 19? SAID ON THE AIR he 2009 NBA Draft is at our doorstep and al passing ability make him a perfect match “Mike Smith worked a miracle in Tyou need only look at the 2008-09 pro- for the Phoenix system. his first year, taking one of the ductivity of rookies like Courtney Lee (Orlando), Marreese Speights (Philadelphia), 15. Detroit Pistons: James Johnson, Wake league’s worst teams and turning it Brook Lopez (New Jersey), O.J. Mayo Forest – Johnson can play the power for- into a playoff squad. The best thing (Memphis), Russell Westbrook (Oklahoma ward spot, Detroit’s biggest need, and has Smith did was surround himself City) and Derrick Rose (Chicago) to discov- tremendous upside. er just how important it can be to a team’s with an all-star staff.” future. With that said, here’s how I predict 16. Chicago Bulls: B.J. Mullens, Ohio State – this year’s first round will unfold. The Bulls can wait for a big man to develop, - ESPN.com football analyst Pat which is exactly what Mullens needs to do. Yasinskas on Atlanta Falcon head 1. L.A. Clippers: Blake Griffin, Oklahoma – 17. Philadelphia 76ers: Brandon Jennings, coach Mike Smith, whose staff he ranks Griffin is the one sure franchise player in this Italy – The veteran presence of Andre Miller year’s draft. At 6-foot-10, 248 pounds, he will persuade Philly to go with the project in at the top of the NFC South division runs and moves like a small forward and is a Jennings over VCU’s Eric Maynor. tremendous rebounder. SCORE ATLANTA 18. Minnesota Timberwolves: Austin Daye, 2. Memphis Grizzlies: Hasheem Thabeet, Ganzaga – From the three or four, Daye has ADVERTISING INDEX Connecticut – Memphis would love to get a great range on his jumper and can provide KEEPIN’ AN EYE ON 790 The Zone ...... 1 four, but Arizona’s Jordan Hill has no value the Wolves with some much-needed scoring. this high. As a result, the pick is Thabeet. Aqua Blue...... 4 19. Atlanta Hawks: Eric Maynor, Virginia 3. Oklahoma Thunder: James Harden, Arizona Commonwealth – This year’s top point guard On Friday, the AJC’s Furman Bisher Atlanta Braves ...... 2 State – Harden is a good athlete and a great scor- in my opinion, Maynor would be an absolute suggested the Braves should part with er who would fit nicely alongside Russell steal for a Hawks team that needs a lot of Atlanta Dream ...... 11, 13 Westbrook, Kevin Durant and Jeff Green. help at the position. the face of their franchise, third baseman Chipper Jones. And, while most readers Atlanta Thrashers...... 2 4. Sacramento Kings: Ricky Rubio, Spain – 20. Utah Jazz: Sam Young, Pittsburgh – The Kings are barren at the point, and if Utah needs a small forward, and Young is an probably assumed Bisher was on “some- Bolingbroke Southern Jam ...... 13 Rubio is still around, he is the obvious pick. athletic, explosive one. thing” when he wrote the column, it’s Children’s Healthcare of Atl ...... 9 5. Washington Wizards: Tyreke Evans, 21. New Orleans Hornets: Chase Budinger, actually not that bad of an idea. Not only Memphis – Again too high for Hill, Arizona – The Hornets need a shooting does Jones deserve another shot at a Cigar Merchant...... 13 Washington will go for upside at the two, guard badly and Budinger is both a good ath- drafting an athletic scorer in Evans. title, something the 37-year-old probably Executive Financial ...... 13 lete and an exceptional shooter. won’t get if he stays in Atlanta, but a 6. Minnesota Timberwolves: Jrue Holiday, 22. Dallas Mavericks: Jeff Teague, Wake Braves team not yet ready to contend GEICO ...... 1 UCLA – Minnesota is in desperate need of Forest – Teague has great upside and could point guard help and will most likely go with be Dallas’ PG of the future. would be able to drastically improve its Georgia State ...... 12 Holiday, who has great size and versatility in future through the trade of Jones. addition to tremendous upside. 23. Sacramento Kings: DaJuan Summers, Hooters ...... 1, Back Page Georgetown – The Kings still need help at Hawks beat writer Sekou Smith used 7. Golden State Warriors: Stephen Curry, the small forward position and Summers is a Sunday to rehash all of Atlanta’s recent Instant Imprints ...... 13 Davidson – Curry would fit perfectly in good athlete and an excellent shooter. Golden State’s 3-point barrage and allow the draft-day blunders and it only takes men- Man’s Best Friend ...... 7 Warriors to move Monta Ellis back to his 24. Portland Trail Blazers: Tyler Hansbrough, tioning names such as Chris Paul, more natural shooting guard position. UNC – Hansbrough can provide the grit and Rodney Stuckey and Rajon Rondo to con- Mikael’s Auto Spa ...... 4 toughness the Blazers lack down low. 8. New York Knicks: DeMar DeRozan, USC firm just how many stars the Hawks have North River Tavern ...... 5 – Syracuse point guard Jonny Flynn is a possi- 25. Oklahoma City Thunder: Derrick passed on. Still, isn’t it time to quit living bility here, but I expect the Knicks to make a Brown, Xavier – The Thunder can use a big, Play It Again Sammy ...... 10 splash, going for the home run with DeRozan. strong forward with a versatile offensive in the past? As bad as they were at the Pole Vault Atlanta...... 8 skill set like Brown. time, recounting the mistakes of the last 9.Toronto Raptors: Gerald Henderson, Duke – The Raptors would love for DeRozan to fall to 26. Chicago Bulls: Toney Douglas, Florida few years is nothing more than a futile Rhodes Bakery ...... 10 them. When he doesn’t, the versatile, athletic State – Shooting guard Ben Gordon is a free exercise of regret. Ron Veal Football Camp ...... 15 Henderson will be the best two-guard available. agent and Douglas is a poor man’s version of the former Connecticut star. 10. Milwaukee Bucks: Jonny Flynn, Syracuse Score Recruiting...... 3 – Point guard is Milwuakee’s clear priority and 27. Memphis Grizzlies: DeMarre Carroll, MEDIA TGS...... 10 Flynn should be the best available. Missouri – Memphis lacks toughness and Carroll is a good rebounder and a physical, HALL OF FAME Trivia Zone ...... 15 11. New Jersey Nets: DeJuan Blair, pesky defender down low. Pittsburgh – The Nets are looking for muscle In a Friday mock draft on SI.com, Ian Worthmore Jewelers ...... 4 and, despite some knee issues, a front-line 28. Minnesota Timberwolves: Omri Casspi, combo of Blair and Brook Lopez will be Israel – Casspi is tough as nails, a good Thomsen has our hometown Atlanta TO ADVERTISE IN SCORE ATLANTA: tough to pass on. slasher to the hole and a physical defender. Hawks selecting Louisville small forward 12. Charlotte Bobcats: Terrence Williams, 404.256.1572 Louisville – Charlotte’s need at the two is 29. L.A Lakers: Ty Lawson, UNC – It’s hard Earl Clark. Yet, while Clark is a talented, to believe Lawson could fall this far, but this versatile player with solid upside, the monumental, making Williams a bit of a would certainly be the Lakers’ lucky day. reach, but the obvious choice at 12. last thing the Hawks need to do is add 13. Indiana Pacers: Jordan Hill, Arizona – 30. Cleveland Cavaliers: Jonas Jerebko, another small forward to the Marvin The Arizona big man can provide exactly Sweden – Despite needs down low, the Cavs the rebounding and defense the Pacers are will have to settle for a physical small for- Williams-Josh Smith logjam. And unfor- looking for. ward like Jerebko. tunately, while we would like to ridicule Copyright 2009 Score Atlanta Publishing, LLC. All rights reserved. Thomsen for such uninformed conjec- Score Atlanta is published every week on Wednesdays. Views expressed 14. Phoenix Suns: Earl Clark, Louisville – Janovitz can be reached at in Score Atlanta are not necessarily the opinion of Score Atlanta, its staff Clark’s athleticism, versatility and exception- [email protected]. ture, selecting yet another three in 2009 or advertisers. Score Atlanta does not knowingly accept false or mislead- wouldn’t exactly be Atlanta’s first bone- ing editorial content or advertising nor is Score Atlanta responsible for the CHECK OUT THE NEW AND IMPROVED content or claims of any advertising or editorial in this publication. No headed draft move to date. content (articles, photographs, graphics) in Score Atlanta may be used SCOREATL.COM! for reproduction without written permission from the publisher.

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

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