Watched the Mavs lose at home to NJ last night; the 1st of a stretch of 9 games in 12 days. They look old and uninspired. Through a combination of age, conditioning, and injury Dirk is only a shell of the player he was last year. I hear that they are desperately looking for a way to trade Marion to free up money for their run at Howard and Williams this summer. As for this year, I'm skeptical they can make any kind of run with the brutal schedule they face and mileage piling up on this core group of players.
S
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Monday, February 27, 2012
NCA Champs - 3rd Time!
My daughter Shelby's competitive cheer team, Pro Spirit of McKinney, TX won their division at NCA Nationals this weekend. This was Shelby's 3rd NCA National Championship in 6 years, and her first in a Senior division. NCA Nationals featured over 17,000 cheerleaders from over 30 states and nearly 40,000 spectators. Shelby's team defeated 13 other Senior Large Coed teams from across the U.S. in the 2-round finals. The kids work nearly year-round always pointing toward NCA finals in February. We are proud parents. How sweet it is!
Too see the video, follow the link below and in the search box that appears, type "pro spirit 4". This is a partial video, but gives you an idea of how amazing these kids are.
http://videos.varsity.com//competitions/NCA
S
Too see the video, follow the link below and in the search box that appears, type "pro spirit 4". This is a partial video, but gives you an idea of how amazing these kids are.
http://videos.varsity.com//competitions/NCA
S
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
The Playoffs have Started.
Airline won the opening round game by 21 over Terrebonne without the 2 all-district players from last year out with injuries.
Next Up McKinley at home Friday.
Also, Bossier, Huntington, Loyola, Green Oaks, Byrd, Mansfield, Many, Plain Dealing,Evangel,NCHS and Zwolle all Advanced. Only Capt Shreve, Homer, Northwood and Southwood Lost in week 1.
In a messed up bracket, Loyola gets top seed Bossier in 2nd Round.
The Girls side as usual has a very strong NLA field.
J.
Next Up McKinley at home Friday.
Also, Bossier, Huntington, Loyola, Green Oaks, Byrd, Mansfield, Many, Plain Dealing,Evangel,NCHS and Zwolle all Advanced. Only Capt Shreve, Homer, Northwood and Southwood Lost in week 1.
In a messed up bracket, Loyola gets top seed Bossier in 2nd Round.
The Girls side as usual has a very strong NLA field.
J.
Phoenix for a Week.
For a town with Major League Sports and a Major College, I am a bit caught off guard by the lack of sports information or crazies.
The Diamond Backs are definitely the major discussions in the corners I have visited.
Strange World out Here!
The PGA is even in Arizona and not much to discuss.
J.
The Diamond Backs are definitely the major discussions in the corners I have visited.
Strange World out Here!
The PGA is even in Arizona and not much to discuss.
J.
Friday, February 17, 2012
What if year at AHS?
Our alma mater has run into some horrible luck with injuries.
The Vikes go into the playoffs as the number 3 seed, but they will be without the D1 point guard for the playoffs
In a season that should have been a year with a trophy, they suffered two big injuries First they lose the starting center before the seasoon and now they lose All State PG.
Terrible luck!
j
The Vikes go into the playoffs as the number 3 seed, but they will be without the D1 point guard for the playoffs
In a season that should have been a year with a trophy, they suffered two big injuries First they lose the starting center before the seasoon and now they lose All State PG.
Terrible luck!
j
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Phil at Pebble
First, the last 3 winners on PGA Tour were 7 shots, 8 shots and 6 shots back heading into the final round. Will we ever see 3 tournaments in a row won by players trailing by 6 or more. I think not!
****************************************************************************************************
Phil:
Watching Phil take apart Pebble was a reminder of what only a few golfers like he and Tiger are capable of doing at any given time. A final round 64 on Sunday with Tigger watching is impressive!
Or is it just another tease?
It confirms what we has always known, if he could just putt a little better than average week end and week out, he would have 60 wins instead of an impressive 40.
In their last 12 head to head rounds, Lefty is 8-3-1. 5-0 in last 5 tourneys since Harmon became his coach.
There career record in matches head to head 13-13-4. this stat amazes me and confuses all perception.
I never expected it, but maybe we should not be surprised that when Phil is mentally paying attention he is scary.
Notah Begay, once said in an apologetic manner, that even though Tiger was his friend, Phil can do things with a golf ball, no one else can.
****************************************************************************************************
I still feel Tigger is misreading his putts and he knows it, which is making everything seem off for him.
His new swing looks good and the distance control is correctable on his irons.
He will win before Augusta on sheer talent and a good putting day.
****************************************************************************************************
Did I mention Romo is good, 9 Birdies in last two Rounds.
The team finished 23 under, Woods shot 8 under.
Romo unlike the other Am partners did not get any strokes, but he did play the front Tees.
Still an amazing number of under par shots for Romo.
Woods has 18 birdies in 4 days, I would venture to guess that Romo had around the same number.
j
****************************************************************************************************
Phil:
Watching Phil take apart Pebble was a reminder of what only a few golfers like he and Tiger are capable of doing at any given time. A final round 64 on Sunday with Tigger watching is impressive!
Or is it just another tease?
It confirms what we has always known, if he could just putt a little better than average week end and week out, he would have 60 wins instead of an impressive 40.
In their last 12 head to head rounds, Lefty is 8-3-1. 5-0 in last 5 tourneys since Harmon became his coach.
There career record in matches head to head 13-13-4. this stat amazes me and confuses all perception.
I never expected it, but maybe we should not be surprised that when Phil is mentally paying attention he is scary.
Notah Begay, once said in an apologetic manner, that even though Tiger was his friend, Phil can do things with a golf ball, no one else can.
****************************************************************************************************
I still feel Tigger is misreading his putts and he knows it, which is making everything seem off for him.
His new swing looks good and the distance control is correctable on his irons.
He will win before Augusta on sheer talent and a good putting day.
****************************************************************************************************
Did I mention Romo is good, 9 Birdies in last two Rounds.
The team finished 23 under, Woods shot 8 under.
Romo unlike the other Am partners did not get any strokes, but he did play the front Tees.
Still an amazing number of under par shots for Romo.
Woods has 18 birdies in 4 days, I would venture to guess that Romo had around the same number.
j
Why I Love College Hoops
Because the little guys are included! A quick look at the most recent AP men's poll find the following small, non-power schools in the top 25: Wichita St., Gonzaga, St. Mary's, Murray St., San Diego St., Marquette, and UNLV. I know Marquette is in the Big East, but still. Also, just outside the top 25 are Creighton, Temple, Long Beach St., New Mexico, Harvard, and St. Louis. I really love that NCAA basketball is something that any school can be competitive in with a little attention and a good coach. I just wish the selection committee would give more love to these conferences instead of treating us to 19-11 Big Ten or Big East schools.
S
S
Monday, February 13, 2012
MLB Free Agent Market
I read an interesting article today about one of the consequences of the Moneyball/sabermetrics revolution. The free agent market for average and marginal players has dried up. GM’s have figured out that the veterans with mediocre production do not warrant the kind of money they used to get. Instead, they find that many of their Triple-A players can be brought up to produce at that level, leaving them with more flexibility to sign the really good and star players. I used to wonder all the time why teams spent so much money on re-tread players. Now they’re less inclined to do so. The difference makers will still get the outrageous contracts, but everyone else is being left to sign small deals with incentives for much shorter terms. The math shows that the real talent is rare and worth more than ever, but just having experience at logging at-bats or innings won’t get you where it used to.
Also, I enjoyed Moneyball. Like most sports movies I thought it was somewhat misleading and over-simplified things, but the movie was well done and enjoyable.
S
Saturday, February 11, 2012
Have you seen Jeremy Lin and the Knicks?
This may be a flash in the time, but the Knicks new PG from Harvard is "Old School" enjoyment.
NY is 5-0 since he took over the position.
In his 2nd year (he reportedly was almost cut this year) Lin had never played 30 minutes until last week.
Avgs since Feb 4. 5 Games:
Kobe as always is at his finest always giving Lin credit:
NY is 5-0 since he took over the position.
In his 2nd year (he reportedly was almost cut this year) Lin had never played 30 minutes until last week.
Avgs since Feb 4. 5 Games:
| REB | AST | BLK | STL | PF | TO | PTS |
| 4.2 | 8 | 0.25 | 2 | 2.4 | 4.6 | 26.8 |
Kobe as always is at his finest always giving Lin credit:
“I don’t even know what the (expletive) is going on. What the (expletive) is going on? Who is this kid? I’ve heard about him and stuff like that, but what’s he been doing? Is he getting like triple doubles or some (expletive)? He’s averaging 28 and eight? No (expletive). If he’s playing well, I’ll just have to deal with him.”J
Woods - Romo-- Bob Stoops Reputation is taking a hit on the Links.
How do I explain Woods and Romo pairing?
Woods started making putts and was the best player on the course.
Woods shots a 67 today with 6 birdies.
Romo is playing the front tees, but obviously hits it as far or farther than most on tour. (490 yards. Driver-9 Iron.)
Feherty interviews him afterwards and laughs at Romo about not making any putts, then says
"and you have 5 natural birdies!"
Then as my son is watching with me, we see Woods break out in a laugh on last green when he finally hugs Romo.
My son, says "Woods never looks happy unless he is in an interview", what happened?
My answer- PURE ROMO.
Sandbagger of the week:
Bob Stoops. I didn't bother to check the the handicap, but his team is 21 Under and his playing partner is only -1.
No Honor in Norman. 20 Under with Handicap.
The only worse Sandbaggers are a couple of CEO's.
J
Woods started making putts and was the best player on the course.
Woods shots a 67 today with 6 birdies.
Romo is playing the front tees, but obviously hits it as far or farther than most on tour. (490 yards. Driver-9 Iron.)
Feherty interviews him afterwards and laughs at Romo about not making any putts, then says
"and you have 5 natural birdies!"
Then as my son is watching with me, we see Woods break out in a laugh on last green when he finally hugs Romo.
My son, says "Woods never looks happy unless he is in an interview", what happened?
My answer- PURE ROMO.
Sandbagger of the week:
Bob Stoops. I didn't bother to check the the handicap, but his team is 21 Under and his playing partner is only -1.
No Honor in Norman. 20 Under with Handicap.
The only worse Sandbaggers are a couple of CEO's.
J
NBA Player Efficiency Rankings
I enjoy taking a look at this periodically to see who is playing well outside of the flashy stats and big names. I go in and sort the player efficiency stats by "per 48 min" to equalize the minutes and look at everyone with more than 25 min per game. This first group is not much of a surprise. Lebron is just so awesome, when will he break through in the playoffs?
5. Paul Millsap 32.9
6. Greg Monroe 32.1
7. Chris Paul 31.5
8. Spencer Hawes 31.4
9. Andrew Bynum 31.3
10. LaMarcus Aldridge 31.1
11. Tim Duncan 31.0
12. DeMarcus Cousins 31.0
13. Stephen Curry 30.7
14. Steve Nash 30.5
15. Blake Griffin 30.4
16. Marcin Gortat 30.3
17. Dwayne Wade 30.2
18. Al Jefferson 29.9
19. Kobe 29.5
20. Derrick Rose 29.3
S
- Lebron 39.2
- Kevin Love 34.2
- Dwight Howard 33.7
- Durant 33.4
5. Paul Millsap 32.9
6. Greg Monroe 32.1
7. Chris Paul 31.5
8. Spencer Hawes 31.4
9. Andrew Bynum 31.3
10. LaMarcus Aldridge 31.1
11. Tim Duncan 31.0
12. DeMarcus Cousins 31.0
13. Stephen Curry 30.7
14. Steve Nash 30.5
15. Blake Griffin 30.4
16. Marcin Gortat 30.3
17. Dwayne Wade 30.2
18. Al Jefferson 29.9
19. Kobe 29.5
20. Derrick Rose 29.3
S
Texas McDonalds All-Americans
Texas is represented by 4 players on the 24-man McDonalds All-American team this year; 2 from the Dallas area and 2 from the Houston area. Marcus Smart of Flower Mound and Isaiah Austin from Arlington Grace Prep made it from North TX. There were also 3 girls on their team from the Dallas area, and there is a junior boy at DeSoto who has committed to Duke next year. It's amazing the respect that Texas basketball is now getting. The weird thing is that despite his success, Rick Barnes rarely lands these TX all-americans. He keeps getting his players from elsewhere.
S
S
Strange World of Golf
1.) The previous two tournaments on the PGA have had monumental collapses with huge comebacks.
Kyle Stanley, a 165 lb, 24 year old with serious swing speed, makes a triple on 18 to shoot 74 with a sand wedge approach and loses in a playoff. ( He never really hit a bad shot, just spun a ball in the water.)
Last week Stanley comes from 8 down to win in Phoenix while 155lb Levin chain smokes cigarettes on national TV and loses a 6 shot lead by shooting 75 to Stanley's 65.
2. )Taylormade, Nike, and Adams all come out with 3 woods that have a slot technology.
Adams and Taylormade even have commercials that mimic each other.
3.) Forbes then comes out with most hated athletes in America.
Number 1 Vick and 1A is Wood both with a supposedly 60% of the people saying I Dislike them A Lot.
It will never matter how great he is, Perception is Reality, the media will alienate more people than they draw with him as the star. Besides, there is no way as many people dislike Vick as Woods, he is just not in Woods atmosphere in exposure.
4.) The top 4 players in the world are all in Europe. Donald, Rory, Westwood, Kaymer.
5.) *160lb, 22 year old Rory is coming to number 1 soon!
He has only 3 career wins, but he is hot. Since September he has played in 7 tournaments.
1 - Win
2- Second Place
2-Third Place
1- Forth
1- Eleventh.
And he is leading his 2nd Tourney this year going into weekend. His first start was a 2nd place.
6.) In a world of mammoth athletes dominating sports. Golf has gone small..
1.) Donald. 5'9 160lbs 2.) Rory. 5'9 160lbs. 3.)Westwood 6ft 205 4.) Kaymer 6ft 160lbs.
More proof that the Short game and technology rule in golf.
J
Kyle Stanley, a 165 lb, 24 year old with serious swing speed, makes a triple on 18 to shoot 74 with a sand wedge approach and loses in a playoff. ( He never really hit a bad shot, just spun a ball in the water.)
Last week Stanley comes from 8 down to win in Phoenix while 155lb Levin chain smokes cigarettes on national TV and loses a 6 shot lead by shooting 75 to Stanley's 65.
2. )Taylormade, Nike, and Adams all come out with 3 woods that have a slot technology.
Adams and Taylormade even have commercials that mimic each other.
3.) Forbes then comes out with most hated athletes in America.
Number 1 Vick and 1A is Wood both with a supposedly 60% of the people saying I Dislike them A Lot.
It will never matter how great he is, Perception is Reality, the media will alienate more people than they draw with him as the star. Besides, there is no way as many people dislike Vick as Woods, he is just not in Woods atmosphere in exposure.
4.) The top 4 players in the world are all in Europe. Donald, Rory, Westwood, Kaymer.
5.) *160lb, 22 year old Rory is coming to number 1 soon!
He has only 3 career wins, but he is hot. Since September he has played in 7 tournaments.
1 - Win
2- Second Place
2-Third Place
1- Forth
1- Eleventh.
And he is leading his 2nd Tourney this year going into weekend. His first start was a 2nd place.
6.) In a world of mammoth athletes dominating sports. Golf has gone small..
1.) Donald. 5'9 160lbs 2.) Rory. 5'9 160lbs. 3.)Westwood 6ft 205 4.) Kaymer 6ft 160lbs.
More proof that the Short game and technology rule in golf.
J
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Upcoming Post- Rank the NFL Franchises.
Jonathon, Donnie and I have been discussing the all time rankings of NFL franchises.
The formula I will use is still up for debate, but here are some of my data points.
Thoughts?
1. Rankings debated on Percentages of stats by years of existences.
3. Pre: AFL-NFL agreement.
4. How much weight does a Title really count overall? 20% weighted. Is is really more important to be a SB winner or a franchise like Vikings with higher winning percentages and more conference titles.
If you have a thought let me know. I hope to finish it by next week.
J.
The formula I will use is still up for debate, but here are some of my data points.
Thoughts?
1. Rankings debated on Percentages of stats by years of existences.
A.Wins2. Teams that changed names/towns.
B. Playoffs
C. Titles...Division, Conference, Super Bowls.
D. Merchandise/Popularity
E. Hall of Fame Players/Coaches/Admin.
3. Pre: AFL-NFL agreement.
4. How much weight does a Title really count overall? 20% weighted. Is is really more important to be a SB winner or a franchise like Vikings with higher winning percentages and more conference titles.
If you have a thought let me know. I hope to finish it by next week.
J.
Monday, February 6, 2012
Hall of Famers 2012
This class confused me in a couple of ways.
1. Roaf- Well deserved and absolutely dominant. He was La Tech's 3rd Alumni which ties LSU.
2. Dermontti Dawson - Six time first team all Pro is enough.
3. Chris Doleman- He was better than Haley
4. Cortez Kennedy- Great player.
5. Jack Butler- Have no idea
6. Curtis Martin- I will never consider to be special. He was good, but HOF NO WAY.
Was he even better than Edgerrin James... Doubtful. Terrell Davis!!
Tim Brown and Derrick Thomas should be in the Hall of Fame before Martin. And so should Drew Pearson!.
1. Roaf- Well deserved and absolutely dominant. He was La Tech's 3rd Alumni which ties LSU.
2. Dermontti Dawson - Six time first team all Pro is enough.
3. Chris Doleman- He was better than Haley
4. Cortez Kennedy- Great player.
5. Jack Butler- Have no idea
6. Curtis Martin- I will never consider to be special. He was good, but HOF NO WAY.
Was he even better than Edgerrin James... Doubtful. Terrell Davis!!
Tim Brown and Derrick Thomas should be in the Hall of Fame before Martin. And so should Drew Pearson!.
Giants-Pats
Four things that were confirmed yesterday:
1. Eli was great again under duress and he is more accurate than his INT % suggest.
2. Belicheat and Tom BrABY still haven't won a title since they couldn't cheat anymore.
3. Belicheat is still a great Defensive Coach.
4. Coughlin may not be a people person, but when he gets through to his group they are just a dominant physical team.
I guess we can go aheand and add Eli and Coughlin to the Hall of Fame list for the future.
j.
1. Eli was great again under duress and he is more accurate than his INT % suggest.
2. Belicheat and Tom BrABY still haven't won a title since they couldn't cheat anymore.
3. Belicheat is still a great Defensive Coach.
4. Coughlin may not be a people person, but when he gets through to his group they are just a dominant physical team.
I guess we can go aheand and add Eli and Coughlin to the Hall of Fame list for the future.
j.
Sunday, February 5, 2012
Football HOF Class
The HOF class voted in yesterday is incredibly strong, if lacking superstar buzz. It does make me have appreciation of the committee because the guys who made it were so good, but not household names. These guys have a tough job when you consider that football teams play 25+ players on a regular basis and they can only vote in 5 per year plus the old-timer slot. Look at next year, Larry Allen appears, as does Jonathon Ogden, Warren Sapp, and Michael Strahan. You can make a strong argument for all of them. Gosselin and company continue to have their work cut out.
S
S
Teflon Lance
I was amused imaging the dismay that J must have felt to learn that the US government has closed their investigation of Lance Armstrong without charges. So to recap we're going on like 12 years where governments and agencies of all kinds across the US and Europe have tried their damnest to bring down Armstrong, and continue to come up empty. So my question is, considering the magnitude of effort to find the evidence, the money and power of the people involved, and the continued failure, when do we call it quits and leave him to his life? If all of these people and organizations cannot find enough to make it stick, then maybe it just isn't there.
S
S
Thursday, February 2, 2012
UIL Realignment
The TX UIL announced their bi-annual high school realignment today. Of some interest were the 4A powers moving up to 5A, including Lake Travis, Waco Midway, Denton Ryan, and Rockwall Heath. Prosper and Lovejoy are moving up from 3A to 4A. Denton Guyer is moving back to 4A from 5A.
As to the districts, Allen/Plano are now with McKinney High and McKinney Boyd. Lewisville schools are with Coppell and Denton Ryan. That will be a tough one. Desoto in back in with Cedar Hill and the Mansfield schools. That will also be stout. Southlake got a creampuff district.
All available for viewing at: http://www.utexas.edu/uil/
S
As to the districts, Allen/Plano are now with McKinney High and McKinney Boyd. Lewisville schools are with Coppell and Denton Ryan. That will be a tough one. Desoto in back in with Cedar Hill and the Mansfield schools. That will also be stout. Southlake got a creampuff district.
All available for viewing at: http://www.utexas.edu/uil/
S
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Life as an LSU Fan
I figure this kind of thing only happens to LSU fans. Let’s recap. At the end of November, our favorite program:
• Was SEC champions
• Was 13-0 against a brutal schedule
• Were firmly entrenched as the #1 team in the nation
• Had a coach getting universal acclimation
• Had more talent than they knew what to do with
• Was looking at a 3rd national championship within 8 years
After November:
• Saw voters put them in a re-match with Saban/Tide
• Saw top in-state recruit announce for Bama on TV
• Got trounced and embarrassed in championship game
• Lost early entries into NFL such as Claiborne, Randle, Brockers
• Captured a lackluster recruiting class (16th as of this writing)
• Watched Bama land #1 recruiting class - again
I’m speechless at the turn of events in a short time. How do we stop the downbound train?
S
• Was SEC champions
• Was 13-0 against a brutal schedule
• Were firmly entrenched as the #1 team in the nation
• Had a coach getting universal acclimation
• Had more talent than they knew what to do with
• Was looking at a 3rd national championship within 8 years
After November:
• Saw voters put them in a re-match with Saban/Tide
• Saw top in-state recruit announce for Bama on TV
• Got trounced and embarrassed in championship game
• Lost early entries into NFL such as Claiborne, Randle, Brockers
• Captured a lackluster recruiting class (16th as of this writing)
• Watched Bama land #1 recruiting class - again
I’m speechless at the turn of events in a short time. How do we stop the downbound train?
S
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