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Taylor probation draws anger

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Tuesday, March 22, 2011

Former star Giants linebacker Lawrence Taylor must register as a sex offender and serve six years of probation for an encounter with a teenage runaway. The girl, now 17, said she is upset because the Pro Football Hall of Famer, 52, did not get jail time at his sentencing Tuesday.

The girl was not allowed to present a statement during court proceedings, and delivered it instead outside Rockland (N.Y.) County Court with attorney Gloria Allred at her side.

The girl — who has been identified in court and by Allred only by the initials C.F. — said Taylor should have known she was underage at the time of their encounter in May and that she was coerced into being in a hotel room with him.

"I did what he told me to do because I was afraid of what would happen if I did not," the girl said. "I am upset that he will not have to go to jail for what he did to me. My life has changed because of him."

Allred would not comment on whether they would file a civil suit. Taylor's attorney, Arthur Aidala, said the girl's statement and her relationship with Allred made it clear that "her story changed as dollar signs materialized at the end of a civil lawsuit."

Indicted on charges that included felony counts of third-degree rape and a third-degree criminal sexual act, Taylor pleaded guilty in January to two misdemeanors — sexual misconduct and patronizing a prostitute.

"This was a working girl who came into my room," Taylor said Tuesday. "She told me she was 19. It is what it is. I don't card them. I don't ask them for a birth certificate."

Prosecutor Arthur Ferraro said Taylor's deal did not include jail time because he "was of assistance in the field of human trafficking in several jurisdictions and with federal authorities."

Rashed Davis, who faces federal sex trafficking charges, is accused of taking the girl to the hotel and beating her when she first refused to enter the room and have sex with the man inside.

She denied being a prostitute, and said Taylor should have been able to tell she had been beaten and that she was underage.

"I believe Mr. Taylor could see my face and how young I was," she said. "I did what he told me to do because I was afraid what would happen if I didn't."

A hearing to determine what the sex-offender level was postponed until April 12. It appeared in court that Aidala will argue for Level 1 (low risk) while prosecutors are suggesting Level 2 (medium risk).

Aidala apologized on Taylor's behalf to Taylor's wife, family and fans, and criticized Allred for exposing the girl to the public eye, saying, "This young woman is being victimized once again."

The girl had hoped to read her statement in court, but Taylor's lawyer objected and state Supreme Court Justice William Kelly said victims are entitled to speak only at felony sentencings.

Taylor was arrested after the girl's uncle contacted New York City police.

When he pleaded guilty to the lesser charges, Taylor admitted having intercourse with the girl, a Bronx runaway. He said he paid her $300.

Aidala persuaded the judge to modify some of the probation restrictions generally imposed on sex offenders. For example, the judge said Taylor would be allowed to bring his young son to school or to a park. He also agreed to a 1 a.m. curfew for Taylor instead of 11 p.m.

Taylor will be permitted to serve his probation in Broward County, where he lives.

Kelly offered Taylor a chance to speak in court before the sentencing but Taylor declined, saying, "I'm fine, judge."


Tampa Bay Rays' Sean Rodriguez yearns for everyday job

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By Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer
Tuesday, March 22, 2011

PORT CHARLOTTE — As Rays manager Joe Maddon scrolls through his definition of the ultimate super utility player, it's obvious that Sean Rodriguez is pretty much the textbook example.

Rodriguez is versatile enough, athletic enough, savvy enough and willing enough to play anywhere on the field — infield, outfield and catcher if asked, and plenty of arm to pitch if ever needed — and talented enough to do it all well.

"For me," Maddon said, "the real Super-U guy can play shortstop and centerfield. That's a keeper. And if he can add catching into that, my God, he's a franchise player."

As impressive a portfolio as that it is, it's not enough for Rodriguez.

What he'd really like, at 25 and entering his second full season in the majors, is the chance to play every day — moving around if he has to but preferably at one position, either second base or shortstop.

"I want to be a starting guy at one position every day," Rodriguez said. "I don't want to say that I don't like doing the utility role, because, of course, I don't mind. But, yes, I would love an everyday job, only because I know what I'm capable of doing could help the team out. If given that chance to find that groove, that everyday groove, I think it could help the team."

There's nothing wrong with Rodriguez thinking that way, Maddon says.

But the Rays don't think he's ready to get it right.

More specifically, that Rodriguez, a right-handed hitter, isn't yet able to hit right-handed pitchers on a consistent enough basis to be in the lineup every day.

"It's all about his bat," Maddon said. "It's nothing else. If he's able to grow as a hitter against right-handed pitchers, he can be an everyday second baseman."

And that's where Rodriguez — who came up as a shortstop with the Angels before being switched to second base — has no choice but to really be a team player.

Maddon points out, correctly, that Rodriguez has failed thus far to show he can hit right-handed pitching in the big leagues: A career .226 average, .276 on-base percentage and .370 slugging percentage (a .646 OPS), compared to .250/.335/.381 (.716) vs. lefties, albeit in a small sample as he has fewer than 600 total plate appearances (which is about a full season) over three years with the Angels and Rays.

But Rodriguez counters, correctly, that he has hit right-handers in the minor leagues (with a .276 average his past four seasons) and in spring training (where teammates joke he'd be a charter member of the Spring Hall of Fame) and merely needs an opportunity to do so on a regular basis in the majors.

"Some people say, 'Well, you can hit in spring training,' " Rodriguez said. "I don't see it like that. I see it as I can hit in spring training because I play every day. … So I want to keep facing righties, and I want to show them I can hit righties."

But — like lefty swinging outfielder Matt Joyce, who is hoping for the same chance against left-handers — Rodriguez is left living a conundrum: How to show he's better against right-handers without getting to face any?

Maddon understands but says the Rays are not set up that way right now. In other words, barring injury or an unforeseen change in plans, Rodriguez is likely headed to another season of part-time play, sharing second base with Ben Zobrist, filling in elsewhere as needed.

"His defense is among the best, he's a very good baserunner, he understands the game, he's all about winning, he's a great team guy, he drips with intangibles," Maddon said. "It's just that one area — when he gets better right on right, he'll take off."

Marc Topkin can be reached at topkin@sptimes.com.

Basketball: Pasco all-stars prevail as LOL's Warren earns MVP

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Andy Villamarzo, Times Correspondent
Tuesday, March 22, 2011

NEW PORT RICHEY — In the ninth annual Pasco vs. Hernando-Citrus all-star game, there were no flashy dunks, high-soaring alley-oops or even really nifty passing. Heck, there was a running clock throughout most of Tuesday night's contest.

But after the little more than an hour the game lasted, Darrell Warren's huge smile said everything.

The Land O'Lakes senior forward enjoyed every minute of playing with the likes of Hudson's Richey Williams and Wiregrass Ranch's Tanner Carey. Warren took full advantage the experience and earned MVP honors by scoring 13 to lead the Pasco all-stars to a 55-52 victory over the Hernando-Citrus all-stars at Pasco-Hernando Community College.

"We just came out here to have fun," Warren said. "We all knew each other and what we're capable of doing and we just played together. I'm pretty happy and I had fun. It's a real honor to be out here."

It seemed like the game was going to be decided by Springstead's Will Hall (13 points), who scored eight points in the first five minutes to help give Hernando-Citrus a 12-5 edge. Hall and Springstead teammate Naquan Inniss combined for 23 of 52 points for Hernando-Citrus.

The Pasco all-stars trailed 31-30 going into the half, but they mounted a comeback behind the hot shooting from Williams (12 points) and Warren. The Pasco all-stars took a 47-45 lead on a 3-pointer from Warren and never looked back. Ridgewood's Mike Wood scored eight and Nature Coast's Matt Dennis, who took home MVP honors for Hernando-Citrus, finished with nine in the loss.

"We try to tell the guys it's about having the pride of Pasco County out here and showing some people we've got some good basketball out here," said Wiregrass Ranch's Jeremy Calzone, who coached the Pasco all-stars.

Spurs unsure when Duncan might return

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Times wires
Tuesday, March 22, 2011

SAN ANTONIO, Texas — Tim Duncan is on crutches, and the Spurs don't know when he'll be back.

An MRI exam Tuesday showed no signs of structural damage in Duncan's sprained left ankle. The Spurs won't know how long he might be out until later this week, but Duncan, 34, will miss at least the next three games as the NBA's winningest team tries to clinch the West's No. 1 seed.

"It structurally looks good," general manager R.C. Buford said. "We will have a better idea of what the timeline is in the next 48 hours."

Duncan sprained the ankle Monday night in a win over the Warriors. Barely four minutes had passed when Duncan, after making a short jumper, landed awkwardly on his left foot and collapsed beneath the basket.

The two-time MVP lay clutching the foot for more than a minute in the scariest moment for the Spurs all season. San Antonio has reclaimed its place atop the NBA after injuries derailed it the past few years.

GAME HIGHLIGHTS: Derrick Rose had 30 points and 10 assists, helping the visiting Bulls move back in the East lead with a 114-81 win over the Hawks.

AROUND THE LEAGUE: Sacramento Mayor and former NBA player Kevin Johnson said the Kings' possible relocation to Anaheim "feels like a slow death" and this "will likely be the Kings' final weeks in Sacramento after 26 years." Johnson's comments were posted on his website and were his strongest yet about the franchise's potential move. … Grizzlies forward Rudy Gay needs surgery on his injured left shoulder and will miss the rest of the season. … Bucks guard Michael Redd participated in practice and is planning to play Friday after missing 14 months following knee surgery. … Timberwolves power forward Kevin Love did not practice because of a strained left groin.

Bulls 114, Hawks 81

CHICAGO (114): Deng 10-15 6-6 27, Boozer 3-8 0-2 6, Noah 4-6 0-0 8, Rose 11-20 2-3 30, Bogans 2-2 0-0 6, Gibson 4-6 1-1 9, K.Thomas 2-2 0-0 4, Brewer 0-2 0-0 0, Asik 1-1 5-8 7, Watson 3-9 2-2 8, Korver 3-6 2-2 9, Butler 0-2 0-0 0. Totals 43-79 18-24 114.

ATLANTA (81): Williams 3-8 3-4 9, Smith 6-12 2-4 14, Horford 6-7 2-2 14, Hinrich 0-3 0-0 0, Johnson 6-11 1-2 13, Crawford 1-4 0-0 2, Pachulia 0-3 5-6 5, Wilkins 0-2 0-0 0, Collins 0-0 0-0 0, Teague 6-9 4-4 20, Armstrong 1-3 1-2 4, Powell 0-2 0-0 0. Totals 29-64 18-24 81.

Chicago 31 41 26 16— 114

Atlanta 21 22 17 21— 81

3-Point GoalsChicago 10-18 (Rose 6-8, Bogans 2-2, Korver 1-2, Deng 1-3, Butler 0-1, Watson 0-2), Atlanta 5-6 (Teague 4-4, Armstrong 1-1, Hinrich 0-1). Fouled OutNone. ReboundsChicago 52 (Gibson 8), Atlanta 31 (Johnson 5). AssistsChicago 30 (Rose 10), Atlanta 16 (Hinrich 5). Total FoulsChicago 22, Atlanta 23. A18,203 (18,729).

Playoff chase

EastW L GB GL

1. Chicago-y 51 19 - 12

2. Boston-y 50 19 ½ 13

3. Miami-x 48 22 3 12

4. Orlando-x 45 26 6½ 11

5. Atlanta 40 31 11½ 11

6. Philadelphia 36 34 15 12

7. New York 35 35 16 12

8. Indiana 31 40 20½ 11

Milwaukee 28 41 22½ 13

Charlotte 28 41 22½ 13

Detroit 25 45 26 12

New Jersey 22 47 28½ 13

West W L GB GL

1. San Antonio-x 57 13 - 12

2. L.A. Lakers-y 50 20 7 12

3. Dallas-x 49 21 8 12

4. Oklahoma City 45 24 11½ 13

5. Denver 42 29 15½ 11

6. Portland 40 30 17 12

7. New Orleans 40 31 17½ 11

8. Memphis 39 32 18½ 11

Houston 37 34 20½ 11

Phoenix 35 33 21 14

Utah 36 35 21½ 11

Golden State 30 41 27½ 11

y-Clinched division x-Clinched playoffs

Georgia hits late to stun FSU

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Times wires
Tuesday, March 22, 2011

NCAA Women's Tournament Round of 16

Region semifinals and finalsSemifinalsChampionshipSemifinalsRegion semifinals and finals
PHILADELPHIA Region1. Connecticut1. StanfordSPOKANE, Wash., Region
Noon Sunday, ESPNFINAL FOUR: CONSECO FIELDHOUSE, INDIANAPOLIS11:30 Saturday, ESPN2
5. Georgetown5. North Carolina
3. DePaul11. Gonzaga
2:30 Sunday, ESPN29 Saturday, ESPN
2. DukeApril 37. Louisville
April 5, Ch. 10April 3
DAYTON, Ohio, Region1. Tennessee1. BaylorDALLAS Region
Noon Saturday, ESPN 6:30 Sunday, ESPN2
4. Ohio State5. Wisc.-Green Bay
6. Oklahoma6. Georgia
2:30 Saturday, ESPN4:30 Sunday, ESPN2
2. Notre Dame2. Texas A&M


A

A

C

N

2

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1

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AUBURN, Ala. — Jasmine James scored on a putback with 2.9 seconds left then made the subsequent free throw to lift Georgia to a 61-59 victory over Florida State on Tuesday night in the second round of the NCAA Tournament.

The 5-foot-9 James caught the ball in midair after a missed jumper by Porsha Phillips, tossed it in and drew a foul to move the sixth-seeded Bulldogs (23-10) into the Round of 16 for a second straight year.

The third-seeded Seminoles (24-8) didn't get a shot off as Christian Hunnicutt's pass to Courtney Ward at midcourt went out of bounds as time expired.

The Seminoles didn't have a field goal over the final 10 minutes.

Georgia had lost four of its final five regular-season games. Anne Marie Armstrong scored 15 and James had 14 for the Bulldogs.

Cierra Bravard led the Seminoles with 19 points and 10 rebounds.

Baylor 82, W.Va. 68: Brittney Griner had 30 points even after sitting on the bench the final nine minutes of the first half, and the top-seeded Bears (33-2) cruised into the Round of 16 for the sixth time in eight years. The host Bears had a 14-point lead and Griner had 10 points when she picked up her second foul, but the Mountaineers (24-10) managed to trim that deficit to only 11 by halftime. Liz Repella had 29 points for the ninth-seeded Mountaineers.

Texas A&M 70, Rutgers 48: Danielle Adams had 28 points and 11 rebounds to lead the Aggies (29-5) in Bossier City, La. Syndey Carter added 14 points and Tyra White had 11 for the second-seeded Aggies (29-5), who have strung together victory margins of 20-plus points in each of their first two tournament games. April Sykes scored 21 for the seventh-seeded Scarlet Knights (20-13).

Wisc.-Green Bay 65, Mich. St. 56: Adrian Ritchie scored 20 off the bench and Julie Wojta added 18 as the fifth-seeded Phoenix won in Wichita, Kan., to advance to the region semifinals for the first time. The Horizon League champions (34-1) extended their winning streak to 25 games overall and their record against Big Ten teams to 4-0 this season. Poor shooting plagued the fourth-seeded Spartans (27-6), who shot 37.3 percent from the field and committed 25 turnovers.

UConn pummels Purdue

STORRS, Conn. — Maya Moore ran off the court at Gampel Pavilion one final time, arms raised triumphantly, almost embarrassed as the crowd serenaded her with chants of "Maya, Maya."

"It felt awkward," she said. "I usually don't like that kind of individual attention because I play a team sport. I appreciate it."

The senior All-American scored 16 and top-seeded Connecticut put on a defensive clinic, beating ninth-seeded Purdue 64-40 to reach the region semifinals for the 18th consecutive season.

Moore and fellow senior Lorin Dixon became the only players to finish their UConn careers perfect at home. They went 40-0 at Gampel Pavilion, their on-campus arena, and went unbeaten at their other homecourt, the XL Center in Hartford.

The victory was UConn's 22nd straight overall and 83rd in a row at home.

Tiffany Hayes added 23 points to lead the Huskies (33-1), who have the longest active streak of advancing out of the tournament's second round. They'll face Big East rival Georgetown on Sunday in Philadelphia.

"It's something we're really proud of that we've built over a very long time," coach Geno Auriemma said. "These things have a way of kind of building upon themselves. When that's your expectation to be playing next weekend."

Drey Mingo scored nine to lead Purdue (21-12).

Leading 9-7 with 13:47 left in the first half, UConn held the Boilermakers to one field goal over the next 13 minutes to extend its advantage to 26-11 on Hayes' free throw.

Usually when the Huskies turn up their defensive pressure, they blow games open with quick runs. This was more of a slow walk, thanks to a strong defensive effort by Purdue.

UConn, which averaged 77.6 points, had to scrap for every point. Hayes had eight during the spurt.

Antionette Howard's layup with 8:26 left in the half was the only basket Purdue would get before Mingo scored with 22 seconds left. Moore's two free throws with a tenth of a second left gave UConn a 28-13 lead at the break. It was the fewest points in a first half ever for the Boilermakers. They had 14 against Ohio State in 1976.

"The defense has always been our staple," Moore said. "It's been the most consistent aspect of our team the last three years, it's been so consistent.

"We played really good team defense for the most part. It was unbelievable how hard we crashed the boards (Tuesday night)."

UConn opened the second half with a 19-3 run to put the game away. Hayes had two 3-pointers to start the burst and hit another 3 with 12:51 left to close it, giving UConn a 47-16 lead.

Hayes had outscored Purdue 21-16 at that point.

This was the Boilermakers' sixth straight loss to a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament.

Georgetown 79, Maryland 57: Sugar Rodgers scored a career-high 34, and the No. 5 seed Hoyas (24-10) breezed past fourth-seeded Maryland to reach the Round of 16 for the first time. The visiting Hoyas bolted to an 11-0 lead, made it 40-26 at halftime and increased the margin to 23 with 16:23 left. Alyssa Thomas had 23 points and 14 rebounds for the Terrapins (24-8), who shot 32 percent and committed 20 turnovers.

Spokane Region

Louisville 85, Xavier 75: Freshman point guard Shoni Schimmel scored a career-high 33, leading a late comeback that swept the seventh-seeded Cardinals (22-12) past the second-seeded Musketeers (29-3). Schimmel went 12-of-18 from the field and 6-of-11 from behind the arc. Amber Harris scored 20 for the Musketeers, who made a season-high 14 3s.

Around the nation

Tulsa: Matilda Mossman was hired as coach. For the past nine years, Mossman has coached girls basketball at Norman (Okla.) High, where she compiled a 191-53 record and led the team to the Class 6A title in 2005.

Virginia Tech: Former Boston men's coach Dennis Wolff will take over for the Hokies. Wolff, who has never led a women's program in a three-decade coaching career, succeeds Beth Dunkenberger, who resigned after seven seasons.

NAIA: Eboni Sadler scored 17 and had a late steal and two free throws to help seal Azusa Pacific's 65-59 victory against Union University in the women's title game in Jackson, Tenn. Union (35-2) was on its homecourt playing for its third consecutive national title, but Azusa Pacific (33-5) won the rematch of last season's title game.

Tampa Bay Rays' Dan Johnson finding his groove

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By Joe Smith, Times Staff Writer
Tuesday, March 22, 2011

FORT MYERS — A notoriously slow starter during spring training, Dan Johnson is starting to get hot at the right time.

Johnson homered for the second straight game, this one a two-run shot off Red Sox RHP John Lackey in Tuesday night's 7-4 win, and now has hit safely in his past five games.

"I'm starting to kind of feel it out there, where you'd like to be during the season," Johnson said. "Where you feel like you kind of know what you're doing, getting good swings on balls, seeing the offspeed pretty good. I'm kind of right where I want to be."

Johnson said a key for him has been relaxing at the plate, and knowing he'll likely have a chance to be the everyday first baseman helps in that. Manager Joe Maddon said Johnson often goes into the clubhouse between at-bats at DH and fills out his crossword puzzle.

"Instead of being real amped up, I'm trying to calm it down and take the same swing," Johnson said. "And the results have been good so far."

PRICE CHECK: LHP David Price looked good in giving up just one run over 61/3 innings against the Boston regulars, striking out seven over 103 pitches. What stood out to him was that he was able to make that "big pitch" when he got into jams. "That's exactly who he is, he's got that extra gear when he needs it," Maddon said. "When it got hot, he got better."

Price said he'd like to get his slider back to where it was earlier in spring, but he threw his curveball for the first time in a game and was encouraged.

HIGH PRAISE: LF Manny Ramirez, booed before each at-bat against his former team, had a good day for the Rays (11-12-1) with two walks and a single. And his former Red Sox teammates say he'll have a big impact with the Rays.

"Manny is going to bring run-producing," Red Sox DH David Ortiz said. "He's not too much of a talker, but he's humble and he's good people. Nobody works harder than Manny. He works really hard. That's why he's one of the best in the game."

CUT TIME: The Rays further reduced the field of pitchers competing for spots in the bullpen, sending RHPs Chris Bootcheck and Mike Ekstrom and LHP R.J. Swindle to minor-league camp.

Ekstrom, who is on the 40-man roster, had the best chance of the three to win an opening-day spot but had a rough spring. Bootcheck and Swindle were nonroster invitees who could end up helping the Rays later in the season.

"I didn't pitch very good, so it's not exactly a surprise," said Ekstrom, who gave up 11 runs and 15 hits in eight innings. "I know I can pitch, it's just frustrating that I didn't get it done here."

MEDICAL MATTERS: RHP Kyle Farnsworth, who hyperextended his left knee during Monday's game, went through a pitcher's fielding practice session Tuesday and felt good. He said he'll pitch as scheduled in back-to-back appearances Thursday and Friday.

C John Jaso, who is out after getting hit in the groin by a foul tip Saturday, played catch and took some swings but is still sore, and he likely won't return for a few more days.

SCOUT CHATTER: LHP Cesar Cabral, the Rule 5 pick from Boston, has impressed more than the Rays as several teams are showing interest, creating the possibility the Rays could have another option besides giving him up on waivers or keeping him on the big-league roster. After a rocky first outing, Cabral, who hasn't pitched above Class A, has pitched six scoreless innings over four games, allowing two hits and striking out five, and was most impressive his last time out against the Twins.

Joe Smith can be reached at joesmith@sptimes.com.

Tampa Bay Lightning loses to New York Islanders 5-2

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By Damian Cristodero, Times Staff Writer
Tuesday, March 22, 2011

TAMPA

Lightning players said it is not time to panic. Considering the way things are going, they might want to give it a try.

Nothing else is working.

In an embarrassing effort Tuesday night, Tampa Bay fell 5-2 to the Islanders at the St. Pete Times Forum, a third straight loss that extended an 11-game downturn in which it has won twice.

"There is no time to panic. We have to get out of this," center Nate Thompson said. "We have to regroup and bounce back and come with a good upbeat attitude (today) at practice.

"We have a team fighting for their (playoff) lives in Carolina," he said of Friday's opponent. "At the same time, so are we."

That's something, isn't it? It wasn't long ago Tampa Bay (39-23-11) challenged the Capitals for first place in the Southeast Division. Now it is seven points behind Washington, and though a playoff spot seems secure, if they keep playing like this, how will they fare?

So, again, is it time to panic?

"When you panic, it just creates more problems," wing Marty St. Louis said. "It's adversity right now. We're being tested, each and every one of us."

Against the Islanders, Tampa Bay was sabotaged by what coach Guy Boucher called "a total lack of structure. And when you lack structure, you give seams, you give all kinds of stuff."

Boucher said players were too focused on putting pressure on goalie Al Montoya, who faced 38 shots but didn't seem overly stressed because many, especially early, came from the outside.

The consequences were four unanswered goals by New York after Thompson scored 61 seconds into the game. Tampa Bay allowed two shorthanded goals (one into an empty net), giving it four in its past three games and a league-worst 15.

The power play mustered one goal in seven tries, when Dominic Moore made it 4-2 in the third period, but had only six shots in 10:54 with the extra man. Steven Stamkos, with three goals in 19 games, disappeared with zero shots. Simon Gagne had one shot and was minus-3.

At least Boucher didn't lose his sense of humor. "On the power play," he said, "we're going to put three defensemen on the blue line because two isn't enough."

At least we think he was kidding. Seriously, though, "You can't sit there and wait for it to happen," goalie Dwayne Roloson said. "You have to create it. You have to play in the same system to win hockey games but try to be a hero."

"We worked to be where we are in the standings," St. Louis said. "I'm not going to sell that short because of our play lately. Yeah, we're in a jam. But until we get everybody going and on top of their game, that's rolling the dice."

Which is one step from panic.

Islanders1225
Lightning1012

First Period1, Tampa Bay, Thompson 9 (Purcell, Lecavalier), 1:01. 2, NYI, Bailey 11 (Jurcina), 10:22 (pp). PenaltiesTampa Bay bench, served by B.Jones (too many men), 1:58; MacDonald, NYI (tripping), 7:58; St. Louis, TB (tripping), 8:32.

Second Period3, NYI, Okposo 5 (Jurcina, Grabner), 5:16. 4, NYI, M.Martin 5 (Hillen, Konopka), 13:39. PenaltiesNone.

Third Period5, NYI, Nielsen 11, 8:08 (sh). 6, Tampa Bay, Moore 14 (Bergenheim, Thompson), 10:31 (pp). 7, NYI, Grabner 31, 19:14 (en-sh). PenaltiesParenteau, NYI (interference), :52; Brewer, TB (interference), 5:08; Comeau, NYI (high-sticking), 7:38; Martinek, NYI, double minor (high-sticking), 9:02; Tavares, NYI (high-sticking), 13:36; Hamonic, NYI (cross-checking), 14:17; Bergenheim, TB (roughing), 14:17; Hillen, NYI (holding stick), 15:37; Lecavalier, TB (hooking), 15:37; Jurcina, NYI (hooking), 18:24; Kubina, TB (holding), 19:51. Shots on GoalNYI 11-8-9—28. Tampa Bay 9-11-18—38. Power-play opportunitiesNYI 1 of 3; Tampa Bay 1 of 7. GoaliesNYI, Montoya 8-3-4 (38 shots-36 saves). Tampa Bay, Roloson 20-23-5 (27-23). A17,400 (19,758).

Baseball: Alonso jumps on Brandon early then cruises

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Eduardo A. Encina, Times Staff Writer
Tuesday, March 22, 2011

BRANDON — Four days ago, Alonso beat Brandon in a pitcher's duel in the Saladino Tournament quarterfinals.

On Tuesday, the Ravens returned to Brandon's Don Powell Field with a chance to take first place in the Class 6A-8 standings — and Alonso wasted little time, displaying some early-inning offensive fireworks that paved the way for a 9-4 win.

Alonso (8-4, 4-2) hit two home runs over the leftfield fence — a first-inning two-run shot by Chris Mejia and a second-inning three-run bomb by Matt Brandy that gave the Ravens a quick 6-3 lead through two innings.

"They just squared up on some balls and they didn't hit them to the deepest part of the field," Alonso coach Landy Faedo said. "They got them a little bit down the line. We've got some guys with some good pop on the bat."

At least a dozen pro scouts armed with radar guns came to see Alonso right-hander Jose Fernandez, who was working on short rest after a six-inning, 11-strikeout, one-run performance in a 2-1 win over the Eagles on Friday. Fernandez (5-1) struck out eight in six-plus innings, but walked four and hit two batters to earn the win.

Brandy, hitting in the leadoff spot for the first time this season, was 3-for-5 with five RBIs, adding a double and two-run single to his home run. First baseman Chris Chism also had three hits and an RBI for the Ravens.

"We've been struggling with the bats," Brandy said. "So to put up nine runs, it feels good."

The Eagles (7-5, 3-2) had their chances, but they stranded four in scoring position through the middle innings, including leaving the bases loaded in the fourth.

"We found ourselves with situations to score, and we couldn't get that big hit with two outs to get us back in it," Brandon coach Matt Stallbaumer said. "We're all going to continue to beat each other up and we'll have to see how this thing lands.

"If there's one lesson I've learned from this district is it's not so much what you do in the beginning, it's what you do in the end."


Baseball: Freedom stays patient, erases four-run deficit

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David Rice, Times Correspondent
Tuesday, March 22, 2011

TAMPA — Freedom rallied from a four-run deficit on the road Tuesday to hand Gaither its second district loss in a 7-6 victory.

Junior Alex Milne started for Gaither and had a solid outing heading into the fifth inning with six strikeouts and a 6-2 lead. But a couple of walks, some timely hitting and intelligent baserunning from the Patriots proved to be the unraveling of the Cowboys (8-3, 5-2) as Freedom put five runs on the board in the fifth.

"Tonight it was stuff that we've been preaching all year that made the difference," Freedom coach A.J. Leppla said. "I told them (Monday) that there will be a game where we don't hit the ball that well but we win because of the little things. Sure enough, it happened today."

For the Patriots (8-5, 4-4), starting pitcher Kyle Schindler's battle with a stomach bug got the best of him as he lasted only two innings giving up six runs before having turn it over to his bullpen.

Matt Dunbar came on in relief and kept Gaither off the scoreboard before handing the game over to Dave Seward, who closed out the game in the sixth.

"It was great to see Matt come in and shut the door for us," Leppla said. "Dave came on and was lights out. We knew Kyle might have problems because he's been under the weather but he wanted to try it. We had to go to the bullpen a little earlier than we wanted to, but those guys showed we can trust them to come in and get the job done."

Leppla's team has struggled at times this season, but victories like this one have him feeling as if his team is still in contention for a successful season.

"We needed this win big time," Leppla said. "We're hoping to see this team come district championship time. I think there is a lot of parity in this district. We're right in the thick of things where we need to be."

Baseball: Seminole wiser in rematch with Clearwater

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Chris Girandola, Times Correspondent
Tuesday, March 22, 2011

SEMINOLE — The last time Seminole faced Clearwater, the Warhawks were admittedly unabashed about the talent they possessed after outscoring opponents 38-11 in five consecutive wins to start the season.

But that cockiness quickly waned as Clearwater senior Kasey Coffin tossed a gem and held the Warhawks to two runs in the Tornadoes' 3-2 win. Seminole then lost to Dunedin in its next game and the shine had dimmed on a stellar start to the season.

"It was definitely a learning experience," Seminole coach Greg Olsen said.

The scenario was eerily similar on Tuesday as the Warhawks entered the rematch against the Tornadoes with four straight wins in which they had a 27-5 run advantage.

The Warhawks, though, demonstrated how much they had learned in a relatively easy 5-0 victory in which they scored two runs in the fourth inning, two in the fifth and one in the fifth, all against their nemesis, Coffin.

"We had our minds on Dunedin (in the previous meeting) and we weren't about to let that happen again," said Alex McGathey, who surrendered two hits over seven scoreless innings. "We got a little ahead of ourselves the last time and we've grown because of it.

"We understand the importance of taking care of the task at hand game in and game out. Now we can move on to Dunedin."

Seminole (10-3, 5-2) faces Dunedin (12-1, 5-1) in a huge road district game Friday.

The Warhawks hit Coffin hard early in Tuesday's meeting but couldn't break through until Scottie Withrow broke the scoreless deadlock in the fourth inning with a homer. Barrett Pluskat added an RBI single later in the inning, but enough damage had been done for McGathey, who allowed just one runner to reach second base.

Withrow, who entered the game in a slump, came up with a run-scoring single in the fifth inning and came around to score later in the frame to put Seminole up 5-0.

"Sometimes all you need is one good hit to get things going for you," Withrow said. "It felt good to knock one out, and I think it's the type of confidence boost I needed."

Track: Final burst helps Lakewood girls repeat; Countryside boys win fourth straight title

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Bob Putnam, Times Staff Writer
Tuesday, March 22, 2011

CLEARWATER — For the past three years, Lakewood and Northside Christian had a stranglehold on the girls team title at the Ed Wells/Kiwanis Invitational track meet.

The schools have alternated as champions with the Spartans winning in 2008 and '10 and the Mustangs taking first in '09.

On Tuesday, both teams were at it again in the closest race for a championship since the meet added a girls competition in '06.

Heading into the final event, Lakewood and Northside were tied with 97 points. The winner would be decided in the 4x400-meter relay. The Mustangs took the lead in the first two legs. The Spartans caught up by the third. On the final leg, Northside Christian's Sarah Schultz and Lakewood's Gincy Marcelin were nearly stride-for-stride. Marcelin had just enough kick to lunge ahead for the win.

The margin of victory: 0.06 seconds.

That was enough for the Spartans to beat the Mustangs 107-105 to become the first team to win consecutive girls titles at the meet.

Lakewood was paced by Kala Funderburk, who was the girls most valuable runner. The Memphis recruit won the high jump, 200 and 400 and anchored the winning 4x800 relay. She also set meet records in the high jump (5 feet, 4 inches) and the 200 (24.84).

Northside Christian's Katelyn Greenleaf was just as strong, winning the 1,600 and 3,200 and finishing second in the 800. In the 1,600 she broke her own meet record with a time of 5:11.12.

Funderburk usually runs the anchor leg on Lakewood's 4x400 relay but she had competed in the maximum four events by the time of the race. Still, the Spartans came through with a different lineup.

"We put Kala in some individual events because we knew she could win and give us points," Lakewood coach Megan Geidner said. "The other girls were nervous for the 4x400 but they just have this we're-not-going-to-lose mentality."

On the boys side, Countryside won its fourth straight team title and fifth in the past six years, beating St. Petersburg 110.5-98.

The Cougars trailed after the field events but made up ground in the middle distance events. Ricy Brown won the 800, Wylan Burnitt won the 300 hurdles and the 4x400 relay team took first to help Countryside surge ahead.

Northeast's Jalin Hubbard was the boys running MVP. He won the 100 and 200 and took second in the 400. Seminole's Chase Sutton dominated the distance events, winning the 1,600 and 3,200.

No set date for Tampa Bay Rays' John Jaso to return from groin injury

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By Marc Topkin, Times Staff
Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Tampa Bay Rays catcher John Jaso remains sidelined and "uncomfortable" as a result of being hit in the groin by a foul ball on Saturday. With no set return date, manager Joe Maddon said today there is a possibility they could have to start looking at alternatives for the opening day roster.

"If he's not responding well, if the pain threshold is not going down enough, we have to,'' Maddon said. "But as of right now we're not there yet.''

Meanwhile, DH/OF Manny Ramirez continues to live up to his self-designated label as "The Travelin' Man," asking once again to be part of the travel squad for a long trip, and he will play on Thursday in Kissimmee.

Ramirez did the same last week when the Rays went to Jupiter.

"He wanted in, so we said okay,'' Maddon said. "I've really been trying to give him as many at-bats as necessary but he's wanting more because he's feeling good."

Two other veterans will make the trip on Thursday that live in the Orlando area - Johnny Damon and Kyle Farnsworth.

Newsome High shocks to win Saladino Tournament

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By Brandon Wright, Times Correspondent
Wednesday, March 23, 2011

BRANDON — March is synonymous with the madness associated with the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament, but a different Cinderella stole the show this week.

Newsome shocked most in the local baseball community when it won the school's first-ever Saladino Tournament title Monday.

The Wolves beat Gaither in the quarterfinals, Armwood in the semis and Jefferson in Monday's finale to capture the nationally recognized tournament.

"Everything really came together for us this week," coach Bill Highsmith said. "I'm not exactly sure why, but we gelled as a team during this tournament."

Newsome entered Friday's quarterfinal with a nondescript 5-6 record, but Highsmith said he felt from early on that the Wolves could be a good team.

"We didn't get off to a very good start and lost some games we wish we could have back," he said. "But from the first day of practice, I felt this team was special."

Statistics don't tell the whole story with this bunch. Just three players who see significant playing time are hitting above .300, the Wolves have hit just two home runs as a team and no player has reached double-digits in the RBI category.

What Newsome lacks in eye-popping stats, it makes up for in an often-overlooked intangible — chemistry.

"It's unbelievable how well we all get along," said pitcher Julius Engel, who picked up the win against Gaither and a save versus Jefferson in relief of starter Alex Parker. "We all honestly love each other."

If the Wolves need a blueprint of how Saladino success can act as a springboard for a deep playoff run, they need look no further than Brandon. Three years ago, the Eagles entered the tournament with a so-so 10-6 record. But Brandon knocked off county heavyweights Plant and Alonso to win the title and didn't lose another game until the state championship.

"This type of win against these type of teams goes a long way to showing us what we're capable of," Engel said.

Jake Jones said there is no reason to think the Wolves can't be this year's version of the 2008 Eagles. He got some proof Tuesday night when Newsome continued its streak with a 2-0 win against Armwood.

"Just like (the 2008 Brandon team), nobody was expecting us to do what we did," he said. "Everybody counted us out but I think this is just the beginning for us."

Few outside of the Newsome locker room thought the Wolves' improbable championship run was possible.

"Honestly, I didn't really think we could win the whole thing," Engel said. "No one gave us a chance."

Engel said Newsome's nail-biting 1-0 quarterfinal win against Gaither was the catalyst for the Wolves' believing the coveted Saladino title was possible.

"After that game, we felt like it could happen," said Engel, who picked up the complete-game victory against the Cowboys. "We felt like it could happen. That game was so tight and gave us so much confidence."

Brandon Wright can be reached at hillsnews@sptimes.com.

Tampa Bay Rays' Jake McGee stronger following Tommy John surgery

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By Joe Smith, Times Staff Writer
Wednesday, March 23, 2011

PORT CHARLOTTE — The first time Mark McGee tried to catch his son Jake's pitches, he literally felt something special.

McGee, 24, the Rays hard-throwing left-hander, was then an 18-year-old senior at Reed High in Nevada. The two would go to the school's parking lot with a bucket of balls, many of which would end up scuffed from the asphalt — or Mark's shinguards. McGee didn't yet have the explosive, mid-to-high-90s fastball he boasts now that, combined with an improved slider and even temperament, has the Rays feeling he has the stuff to be a late-inning, impact reliever.

But a pitch to dad did the trick.

"(The ball) smacked my ring into my finger," Mark says. "I was like, 'I guess I won't be wearing my ring anymore when we play.' But it was funny."

McGee grew up in Sparks, Nev., which borders Reno's casinos and nightlife. His mother, Becky Hummel, is manager of Great Basin Brewery, home of the popular Ichthyosaur Indian Pale Ale, named after the state fossil and affectionately called "Icky."

But to McGee, baseball was his life. Nevada has produced 22 big-leaguers, and he had a one-track mind in becoming one of them. He got hooked up with local pitching coach and Angels scout Dennis Banks, who tutored him for several years, helping him become the Rays fifth-round pick in 2004.

McGee said he didn't play any other sports, other than racketball with his father, because he didn't want to risk getting hurt. It's the same reason he doesn't join his wife, Morgan, snowboarding on the slopes.

Despite the precautions, it was baseball that dealt McGee a career-changing injury. In February 2008, McGee entered his first big-league camp with good buddy, Wade Davis, and with dreams of joining him in the next wave of the rotation.

But three months later, in a start for Double-A Montgomery, McGee tore is ulnar collateral ligament in his left elbow. He would soon have season-ending Tommy John surgery, putting him on a lengthy road to recovery.

"It was pretty devastating," Mark said.

McGee knew most pitchers came back from the surgery, but not all. While he was rehabbing, Davis joined the Rays rotation, becoming a candidate for rookie of the year.

The experience changed McGee's mentality, his work ethic, and made him stronger. "It kind of opened my eyes to different things," he said. "A huge perspective change."

When McGee finally felt like himself again, in the middle of last year, he opened some eyes. In a September callup, McGee had a rocky debut but followed with seven consecutive scoreless outings, showing impressive calm during the pennant race.

"I think he's a lot more relaxed, he's competitive and has great stuff," Davis said. "There's no reason why he can't be one of the best in the league."

While veteran right-handers Kyle Farnsworth and Joel Peralta will get their chance to grab hold of the closer's role in the first two months of the season, McGee would eventually love the opportunity.

Maddon believes McGee has the makeup and stuff to eventually evolve into that closer role, though he doesn't want to rush him. Maddon wants him to work on his slider and get more experience, with the outside chance McGee starts the season in Triple-A.

"I'd rather make him into King Kong first and then turn him loose, as opposed to hope that he becomes King Kong," Maddon said.

Along the way, Mark has continued to catch him in the offseason. He still sits on the bucket and wears shin guards. But it's a lot easier.

"I just put the glove there and he pretty much hits it," Mark said. "But I've definitely gotten some bruises on my shins from over the years."

Joe Smith can be reached at joesmith@sptimes.com.

Age hasn't lowered expectations of Champions Tour regular Bernhard Langer

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By Rodney Page, Times Staff Writer
Wednesday, March 23, 2011

LUTZ

Bernhard Langer is 53 years old. He looks 33.

The native of Germany has been a professional golfer since he was 15 and shows no signs of slowing down. He joined the Champions Tour in 2007 and has won at least one tournament every year since.

Last year, Langer added the Outback Steakhouse Pro-Am at TPC Tampa Bay to his list of Champions Tour wins. In fact, in 2010, he had five tour wins, including the Senior Open Championship. This year, he already has won the ACE Group Classic in Naples.

Langer has 14 wins on the Champions Tour. He had three during his PGA Tour career, including the 1985 and 1993 Masters. In addition, there were 58 international wins.

And there are likely more wins to come before he puts his clubs away, which is at least a few years down the road.

"I have very high expectations,'' said Langer, who was in town on Tuesday for an Outback Pro-Am golf outing. "Whatever I do, I want to do it well. To do that, I need to prepare appropriately. I need to outwork my competition. Why am I going to be better than the other 140 guys? I'm not as tall. I'm not as strong. I don't have more talent. I'm not a lot of things other guys might be. I have to make up for it somehow.''

Langer is getting ready for a long stretch of golf. He will play next week in Mississippi on the Champions Tour then the Masters, here at the Outback and the Legends of Golf in Georgia.

His schedule has been cut down from about 32 tournaments per year during his PGA/European Tour prime to about 24 this year. While he remains a force on the course, he is more relaxed off it.

"It's more fun, but there are guys out here who are very competitive,'' Langer said. "This is the world tour of over-50s. They're not just coming out here to have a couple of beers and whack it around. Nobody likes finishing last. But we are having a lot of fun off the golf course.''

'No fun whatsoever'

The first Official World Golf Rankings came out 25 years ago, and Langer was No. 1. But there were times before and after when Langer struggled with his putting.

It is unofficially called the "yips,'' and it causes golfers to miss short putts. Langer said he has suffered from it three times. The last time was in the late 1980s and early '90s.

It had him thinking about quitting the game.

"By then, I had been out on tour for 23 years,'' Langer said. "I was No. 1 before. So to go from one of the best to one of the worst because of putting hurts that much more. It was no fun whatsoever.

"I remember being up in Flint, Mich., and being so devastated. I had like 42 putts. I outplayed most guys from tee to green, but I missed the cut by three shots because of all the putts I took.

"I got on my knees and started praying: 'Lord, if you want me to do something else, I'm ready. Just tell me what it is.' I handed it in. I was going to give it up. That was not easy. But I felt I needed to persevere.''

Langer worked through it. The highlight came in 1993, when he won his second Masters.

An exclusive club

Langer gets to play at Augusta for many more years. As a past Masters champion, he has his own locker and attends the past champions dinner. He has no plans of giving that up.

"I'm going to play a few more years for sure,'' Langer said. "There may come a time when I'm hitting fairway woods into the par 4s or I'm not making the cut anymore, and then it will be time to quit. It's fun playing there, but it's no fun if I'm shooting in the 80s.''

He missed the cut last year. It's getting harder for Langer to compete on a course that has been lengthened since he won. Langer realizes the stars have to be aligned for him to compete.

"I would have to play flawlessly. I'd have to putt my brains out," Langer said. "I'm hitting 3- or 4-irons into some greens, and the young guys are hitting 7- or 8-irons. It's a big difference.''

Defending champion

At last year's Outback Steakhouse Pro-Am, Langer sank a birdie putt on the 18th hole of the second round to take a one-shot lead over Mark O'Meara. They were set to duel in the final round. But after one hole, play was suspended for good due to rain.

Langer won the championship with a 36-hole score of 9-under 133.

"It was a shame that we didn't get to play three rounds,'' Langer said. "But it did work to my advantage."

Rodney Page can be reached at rpage@sptimes.com.


Former Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg champ Graham Rahal hopes to reach new heights with Chip Ganassi Racing

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By Antonya English, Times Staff Writer
Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Three years ago, Graham Rahal stunned the IndyCar world with his victory at the Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg at age 19.

Rahal's win was his lone top-five finish in 2008 for the Newman/Haas team, and he had four top-10 runs. He was winless in 2009 but was more consistent, with five top-five finishes and nine top-10s.

"I felt like 2009 was a breakout year for me," he says.

But last year he lost his regular ride with Newman/Haas because of sponsorship issues. He ended up driving in 12 races for four teams and had one top-five finish and seven top-10s, including ninth in St. Petersburg.

Now with a fresh outlook, a new season and a new sponsor and car, Rahal, driving for Ganassi Racing at this weekend's Grand Prix in St. Petersburg, believes nothing short of another breakout-type season will suffice.

"It has to be," he said during a recent teleconference. "In 2009 it was very rare that we (Newman/Haas) weren't in the top six in qualifying, very rare that we weren't right toward the front, right behind Ganassi and Penske during all the races.

"When I look at that, I certainly feel like we've got a better chance and opportunity this year. We've got better equipment, better personnel."

It has been three months since the announcement that Rahal had signed with his new team, but in many ways it feels much longer for Rahal, who was on the winning team at the 24 Hours of Daytona in January.

"For me, since announcing it in early December, knowing about the deal far before then, it feels like it's been a long time," he said. "There's a lot of anticipating, anxiety growing to get out in the car."

Rahal, the son of 1986 Indianapolis 500 winner Bobby Rahal, will put his new car and team to an early test at the IndyCar race in St. Petersburg this weekend. He'll be working with Mitch Davis, the highly successful team manager for Chip Ganassi Racing.

"For Chip Ganassi Racing, it's the future," Davis said. "The excitement with Graham, it's unbelievable."

Rahal said Davis was at the top of his wish list when he agreed to the Ganassi deal.

"When we first sat down, (Ganassi team managing director) Mike Hall and I, to talk about people, bouncing names off of each other, Mitch was the first guy on both of our lists," he said. "I worked with Mitch at Newman/Haas. I can tell you when he came into our team in 2008, he had an immediate effect on us. In fact, the first race weekend he was with us was Milwaukee, and we should have been on the pole but qualified second. Our previous best start before then was far worse than that, I can assure you.

"Mitch helped us in a big, big way. He's got a past experience with Ganassi. He was there for a long time before. … He's a great guy.

"His dedication and his desire to work and to work hard is unmatched in this paddock. I can promise anybody that. He's not afraid, even as a team manager, to get arms deep working on the cars, doing whatever is necessary to make sure that we're competitive and to make sure we're safe and got good equipment."

In the three years since Rahal won the Grand Prix, much has changed. What hasn't is his affection for the race — where he also earned the pole in 2009 — and his hope that this weekend will be the start of big things to come.

"I think St. Pete '08 was a long time ago, no doubt about that," Rahal said. "St. Pete has been a good place for me. I'm going to hope that we kick it off correctly. Got my first win there, my first pole there. I think it would be a great way to start this year, by us having a very competitive showing there.

"I think we have to have a breakout season. I think we have to win races. We've got to be right up there with the (other Ganassi) cars and the Penske cars all year. If we're not, I think I'd be very disappointed but also pretty surprised."

Antonya English can be reached at english@sptimes.com.

What's wrong with the Tampa Bay Lightning?

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By John Romano, Times Sports Columnist
Wednesday, March 23, 2011

TAMPA — You do not need more analysis.

You do not need to hear about the lack of jump or jam or any of the other euphemisms for a hockey team gone sour.

And you certainly do not need to hear again how much the Lightning misses Ryan Malone and Steve Downie. Not after the Penguins beat Detroit without Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin on Monday. Or after the Capitals beat the Flyers without Alex Ovechkin on Tuesday.

What you need Friday night is confirmation.

You need to know the faith you put in this hockey team is justified. You need to know you weren't duped by the hot start or suckered by the early division lead. You need to see that Tampa Bay can still be the team that once played with confidence and abandon.

Because, otherwise, you might need to reassess this season.

Either Lightning players are not as good as they appeared to be in February, or they have gone missing at crunch time. It's one or the other, and neither is appealing.

Honestly, there is no other way to explain recent performances. This is not a blip or a small bump in the road. Any team can have a bad week. Even two weeks. But three weeks? With the division lead at stake and the playoffs just around the corner?

"It's time to walk the walk and talk the talk. You have to lead by example right now," said Marty St. Louis. "I've got to be on top of my game. (Steven Stamkos) has to be on top of his game. Vinny (Lecavalier) has to be on top of his game. The leaders of this team have to be on top of their games. And lately, it's been one of us, or a couple of us, but the gamebreakers have not been on top of their games at the same time.

"Do I take responsibility for what's going on lately? Absolutely. Is it demanding mentally? Yeah, it is. But being a professional athlete means demanding more and wanting more."

The Lightning did not crumble when forced to play the most ridiculous road schedule ever devised in November and December. And it did not blink when Lecavalier and Simon Gagne were together on the shelf early in the season.

But at a time when they should have been solidifying home-ice advantage, Lightning players managed to lose four games against bottom-dwelling teams and another game against a team chasing them, all in a span of 12 days.

Injuries happen. I get that. Slumps are unavoidable. I understand that, too. And pressure can certainly play with a person's mind, but there is no justification for this many losses against this many weak teams.

That Tampa Bay is still the No. 5 seed in the Eastern Conference is encouraging and frustrating all at the same time. It speaks to how well the Lightning played for four months and how large the cushion had once been.

But it is also a reminder of how long the Lightning had sat in first place in the Southeast Division and how close it had come to securing an enviable seed for the postseason.

"We've earned where we are. I'm not going to sell our record short just because of the last three weeks," St. Louis said. "We're going through a rough time. Does that mean we fold our tent and take our net and go home? No, we're going to keep battling."

There are signs that Lightning players are fatigued. You could point out they are fading near the end of a season and they are struggling to close out games in the third period.

And maybe that has something to do with Guy Boucher's aggressive game plan. Maybe players have worn down and have little left to offer.

It's certainly a possibility.

Boucher gave most of the team off on Wednesday and told St. Louis and Stamkos to stay home today.

But I would also point out Boucher used this same system in the American Hockey League last season, and his team got stronger as the season went on. Hamilton went 10-2-1 for Boucher last March and eventually reached the conference final.

The truth is no Lightning is among the top 50 defensemen in the league in minutes played per game. Only St. Louis and Stamkos are among the top 50 forwards. Boucher's system may be more demanding, but he has been careful to keep people as fresh as possible.

It is not fair, but the final nine games of the regular season could forever color how the 2010-11 season is remembered in Tampa Bay. If you base it on how you felt in September and October, it is probably fair to say the Lightning already has exceeded your expectations no matter what happens in the coming weeks.

But somewhere along the line, those expectations changed. The Lightning changed them. Now you want more. Now you want excitement.

Now you want the team you fell in love with.

Another win for Katrina Hamby in Women's 500 Club bowling

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By Derek J. LaRiviere, Times Correspondent
Wednesday, March 23, 2011

The Hernando County Women's 500 Club had its singles tournament at Spring Hill Lanes on Sunday.

In the A Division, Katrina Hamby took first place with a series total of 673. Her games of 184, 180 and 189 combined with a 120 handicap were enough to take the $38.08 first prize. Hamby has won the last two 500 Club-sponsored tournaments, finishing first at the 3-6-9 event at Mariner in February.

Gina Haywood (647) was the runner-up and received $32.13. Carolyn Crosby (633) took third and $26.18, while Shannon LaRiviere (601) won $22.61 for fourth place.

In the B Division, Jennifer Cavanagh won the championship. Cavanagh bowled games of 164, 119 and 180 with a 219 handicap. Her 682 total was five pins more than Chris Gonzales (677) and earned her $41.86. Gonzales's second prize was $37.03.

Three other bowlers cashed in the B Division. Anne Kemmerer (655) placed third for $32.20. Gail Lynn Dahl (651) won $27.37, and Nancy McGlashen (648) took home $22.54.

The next 500 Club tournament will be at Spring Hill Lanes at 1 p.m. Oct. 2.

Entrants must be a member of the Women's 500 Club, the Hernando County U.S. Bowling Congress and the Women's Bowling Congress. The event will begin with a potluck luncheon/business meeting, and bowling will begin at 2 p.m.

For information, call Sheila Wehrenberg at (352) 688-1575.

CANADIAN PGA TOUR: Q School for the Canadian PGA Tour is coming to the Dunes Golf Club from March 29 to April 1.

Qualifying will consist of 72 holes of golf, beginning at 7:30 a.m. Tuesday. The Dunes is on U.S. 19, about 10 miles north of Weeki Wachee. Spectators are welcome and may register to win a free summer membership at the Dunes. Admission is free. All spectators will receive a voucher for future play at the course.

For information, call (352) 596-7888 or visit dunesgolfclub.com.

YMCA SPORTS: The Hernando County YMCA is offering registration for two sports leagues.

The YMCA Soccer League includes three age divisions. Participants ages 3 to 5 are involved in an eight-week program introducing them to soccer and helping them learn the fundamentals of the game. Youths ages 6 to 10 improve their skills through a drills approach, along with games. A semicompetitive approach allows youths ages 11 to 13 to fully engage in the game and strengthen their abilities.

The YMCA Baseball League also involves three age divisions. Participants ages 3 to 5 are involved in an eight-week T-ball program, learning the fundamentals of the game. Students ages 6 to 10 improve their skills through a T-ball/coach pitch approach, with games. A coach pitch approach allows students ages 11 to 15 to fully engage in the game and strengthen their abilities.

The leagues run from March 28 to May 21. The cost for ages 3 to 5 is $62 for facility members and $76 for program members. The fee for ages 6 to 13 is $72 for facility members and $86 for program members.

For information, call the YMCA at (352) 688-9622 or visit suncoastymca.org.

BOCCE TOURNAMENT: The Delta Woods Bocce Club has scheduled a tournament for 9 a.m. March 28.

Sixteen to 20 players are expected, and the club is always looking for new players. The tournament usually runs for about two hours, weather permitting.

For information, e-mail Bill Unterberg at wjberg@tampabay.rr.com.

SOUTHERN HILLS 5K: The fourth annual Run through the Hills 5K at Southern Hills Plantation Club in Brooksville will be April 9.

The goal is to raise funds for the Dawn Center and increase awareness of domestic violence. All registration proceeds go to the Dawn Center and the Red Mule Runner's Club Scholarship Fund.

The race will begin at 8 a.m., and a Smile Mile Fun Run will begin at 8:45 a.m. Registration will open at 7 a.m. Entry fees are $20 for the 5K or $25 on race day, and $15 for the fun run or $20 on race day. A T-shirt is guaranteed to everyone who registers in advance. Online registration is available at raceit.com or redmulerunners.com.

For information, call Pamela Poisson at (352) 585-2813 or Chuck Boldt at (352) 688-6484.

CRIME WATCH GOLF TOURNAMENT: The Hernando Beach Crime Watch will sponsor its second annual golf tournament at the Spring Hill Country Club with an 8:30 a.m. shotgun start on April 2. The rain date is April 9.

The format is a four-person scramble. Participants may organize their own foursomes or be paired up by organizers. The cost is $45, including golf, lunch and a nonalcoholic beverage. The discounted cost for Spring Hill members is $25.

Prizes will be rewarded for longest putt, longest drive, closest to the pin and best scores. The registration deadline is Saturday.

For information, call Lucille Jaworski at (352) 592-6288.

FASTPITCH SOFTBALL LESSONS: The Hernando County Recreation Department is offering private fast-pitch softball lessons at Anderson Snow Park in Spring Hill.

The lessons are available for players ages 7 to 16, taught by April Pelham, a certified Florida fast-pitch instructor.

Private lessons for hitting or catching are $20 for 30 minutes; lessons for fielding or throwing are $15 for 30 minutes. Pitching lessons are available for $20 for 30 minutes, $25 for 45 minutes or $40 for one hour.

For information, contact Penny Oliver at (352) 754-4031 or pennyo@hernandocounty.us.

TENNIS LESSONS: The Hernando County Recreation Department is offering tennis lessons at Delta Woods Park in Spring Hill.

The clinics are available for all ages and skill levels: beginner, intermediate and advanced. Private and group lessons are available. Every lesson will be led by a certified instructor.

The cost is $10 for one hour of group lessons, and $30 for one hour of private lessons.

For information, contact Penny Oliver at (352) 754-4031 or pennyo@hernandocounty.us.

KICKBALL TOURNAMENT: The Hernando County Recreation Department will have an adult kickball tournament Saturday at Veterans Memorial Park on Spring Hill Drive in Spring Hill.

The event is set to start at 9 a.m., with a cost of $200 per team. Each team must consist of a minimum of four men and four women, fielding at least 10 players. The tournament is being sponsored by Mayhem Sports.

There also will be a field goal kicking contest. An awards ceremony will follow at Bar Envy.

For information, call Harry Johnson at (352) 648-0179.

To notify us of community sports achievements or coming events, contact Derek J. LaRiviere at derekjlariviere@gmail.com or (352) 584-6337.

Florida Gators' Kenny Boynton says he's ready to take on BYU's Jimmer Fredette

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By Antonya English, Times Staff Writer
Wednesday, March 23, 2011

NEW ORLEANS — Florida sophomore G Kenny Boynton said Wednesday he will play at full speed tonight against BYU. Boynton sprained his left ankle late in Saturday's win over UCLA and had not practiced with the team until Wednesday.

"It's good," Boynton said as he sat at his locker in the New Orleans Arena on Wednesday. "We just practiced (earlier in the day), and I did everything fully. I had no problems. I can cut, I did everything good. They kept asking me if I was good, but it really didn't give me any problems (Wednesday). There's no pain."

Boynton, expected to guard BYU's Jimmer Fredette, received a cortisone shot after Saturday's game, and has been having treatment all week. He has spent time in the cold tank and received heat treatments, and slept with special wraps around his ankle to alleviate swelling.

DAVIES STAYING CLOSE: BYU sophomore F Brandon Davies remains suspended from the team but travels and sits on the bench during games. Davies was suspended after the Feb. 26 San Diego State game for violating the school's honor code which prohibits premarital sex. BYU coach Dave Rose said the school made the correct decision, but having Davies remain with the team has been beneficial for both sides.

"I think our players understand, our students understand, when they come to BYU," Rose said. "And I do understand this and I respect the fact that it's hard for others to understand. But our players and the students at BYU, they are committed.

"I think that the support of the team, him being able to travel with the team, is really good for him. And him being around our players is really good for us."

Florida's players were sympathetic but said they understood the decision.

"I mean, a rule is a rule," junior G Erving Walker said.

"I feel sorry for that guy because I know if he had the chance to do it all over again, he would not have made that mistake," freshman C Patric Young said. "I just felt really bad for the guy. He knows what he was getting into when he got to the school, and that's where he really wanted to go. It's a surprise to the world because we don't know the rules, but he knew the school rules before he went there."

When asked by a reporter how many Gators would be left on the team if Florida had a similar rule, senior Chandler Parsons replied: "That's really none of my business." Coach Billy Donovan declined to get into that discussion, as did athletic director Jeremy Foley when asked how the rule would have affected his old lacrosse team at Hobart (N.Y.) College.

JUST CALL THEM BULLDOGS: One year after losing to Duke in the national championship game, Butler is back in the Sweet 16. So that means they can no longer carry the Cinderella label. So what should they be called this time around? "Bulldogs," coach Brad Stevens said. "I didn't mind being called Bulldogs last year, either, but maybe it's corny because it's our nickname. But hey, the way we got through those last two games, I don't know if there's a more appropriate nickname."

NCAA Tournament Round of 16

Region semifinals and finalsSemifinalsChampionshipSemifinalsRegion semifinals and finals
EAST: Newark, N.J.1. Ohio State1. KansasSOUTHWEST: San Antonio, Texas
9:45 Friday, Ch. 10FINAL FOUR:

RELIANT STADIUM,

HOUSTON

7:27 Friday, TBS
4. Kentucky12. Richmond
Sunday, Ch. 10Sunday, Ch. 10
11. Marquette11. VCU
7:15 Friday, Ch. 109:57 Friday, TBS
2. North CarolinaApril 2, Ch. 1010. Florida State
April 4, Ch. 10April 2, Ch. 10
WEST: Anaheim1. Duke8. ButlerSOUTHEAST: New Orleans
9:45 tonight, Ch. 109:57 tonight, TBS
5. Arizona4. Wisconsin
Saturday, Ch. 10Saturday, Ch. 10
3. Connecticut3. BYU
7:15 tonight, Ch. 107:27 tonight, TBS
2. San Diego State2. Florida

Jimmer Fredette's legend grows on NCAA Tournament stage

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By Gary Shelton, Times Sports Columnist
Wednesday, March 23, 2011

NEW ORLEANS

Here in a tiny corner of the Jimmerverse, even idols can get upgrades. Jimmer Fredette, the best scorer in the world, was walking off a floor at the New Orleans Arena — the Jimmernasium, you might say — when he noticed the sign in the corner. He grinned, then he walked over toward the bleachers. "Romney/Jimmer — 2012," it said. Except that recently, the owner had drawn a line through the message on the top of the poster board. Underneath, he had edited his own message. "Jimmer/Romney — 2012," it now said.

"The more I thought about it, the more I thought Jimmer should be president and Mitt Romney should be vice president," said Jeff Fuller, a BYU fan from Baton Rouge, La. "Jimmer is my main Mormon man-crush these days."

So it goes here in Jimmer's world, where a delicious brand of lunacy called Jimmermania surrounds the BYU basketball program. These days, you can buy Jimmer mugs and Jimmer T-shirts, Jimmer basketballs and Jimmer photographs, Jimmer bumper stickers and Jimmer throw pillows. For crying out loud, you can buy a Jimmer Fredette thong.

In Provo, Utah, babies have been named Jimmer. Songs have been written for him. Fans have proposed marriage. Soon, streets may be named for him. He has taken over the school, the sport, the Sweet 16. It is all about Jimmer now. He has graduated from shooting guard to soaring legend.

Tonight, all the Florida Gators have to do is stop all of the silliness.

Just that.

Fredette has become the hottest player in college basketball. He scored 52 against New Mexico, 49 against Utah, 43 against San Diego State. Last year against Florida, he scored 37.

He hits baskets from so deep you'd swear he thinks there is a four-point line, and he hits baskets at the end of wild, winding drives to the hole, and he hits baskets that look awkward and baskets that look wayward. He is relentless, and judging from the variety of ways opponents have tried to defend him, he is unstoppable.

He is also the most popular athlete ever to sweat in Provo. He has turned placard making into a competition at BYU games.

There have been fans coordinating three posters: "Fredette About It!"

There have been fans coordinating six posters: "J-I-M-M-E-R."

There have been fans coordinating seven posters: "Jim-Jimmery-Jim-Jimmery-Jim-Jim-Jarroo."

If all of this sounds vaguely familiar to Gator fans, and it should, there is a reason. They know all about excellence when it is surrounded by hyperbole and shaped into mythology.

In other words, if Tim Tebow had played college basketball, he would have been Jimmer Fredette.

Think about it. Despite their college careers, both had critics insisting they would be mediocre pros. Both were religious, likable kids. And, if you believe in the BYU honor code that got teammate Brandon Davies suspended for having premarital sex this year, both are, um, innocent.

Also, fans swiped all the Chuck Norris lines they could to honor them both.

For instance: "Jimmer Fredette can speak French … in Russian."

And this one: "One time, the BYU team was walking on the beach and they looked back and saw only one set of footprints."

And this one: "When playing Scrabble, if you spell out the word 'Jimmer,' you automatically win … forever."

Even more serious basketball observers have joined the chorus. Kevin Durant, one of the best scorers in the NBA, has called Fredette the best scorer in the world. These days, Fredette is compared to Pete Maravich, to Stephen Curry, even to Gators coach Billy Donovan, who was once a star guard at Providence.

"He's a lot better than I was. I'll tell you that," Donovan said, laughing. "I would say I was probably somebody that loved the game like he loves the game. The problem for me was that I just wasn't as good as he was."

The Maravich comparison doesn't quite work, either. Yes, Fredette leads the nation with a 26.2 average, but Maravich averaged 44.2 for his career in an era that didn't have the 3-point shot.

Still, it's fairly impressive when you consider how unwanted Fredette was as a young player. He grew up just outside of small Glen Falls, N.Y., one of those kids who dribbles the ball through his house (and whose mother allowed it). He was a little slow, a little small, a little chubby. Still, his older brother, T.J., helped fashion his ambition.

In 2007, he wrote out a contract to himself that he would do everything possible to make it to the NBA.

Eventually, that story may read that Fredette wrote the column in a log cabin by the light of the fireplace.

That's what greatness does. It embellishes. It rewrites reality.

Tonight, the Gators have to change all of that. They have to conquer the legend, which is pretty good.

The thing is, the player is pretty good, too.

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