Tidewater Sports Report visits Grafton country
The Grafton Clippers played just well enough to win Wednesday night at home against a physical Smithfield Packer team that was a significant underdog coming into the game. Guard Mark Yancey scored 10 points to pace the Clippers (12-4 overall, 10-4 district) who trailed 9-2 at the end of the first quarter. After a dominant first quarter, it looked like the Packers (2-13 overall, 2-13 district) might pull off a huge upset road victory.
After losing the first quarter, though, Grafton outscored Smithfield the rest of the game. The Clippers' real run came in the second quarter, when they outscored Smithfield 14-8 to close the Packers' lead to one point going into halftime. Grafton then outscored Smithfield 20-17 in the second half.
Guard Rodrick Bowser led Smithfield with 10 points in a physical game that sent several players from both teams flying to the floor. Smithfield hurt themselves with turnovers and missed free throws. With about forty seconds left, the Packers had a chance to tie and even take the lead by shooting two free throws but missed them both.
Grafton next plays Bruton (9-7 overall, 8-6 district) on Friday and Smithfield next faces New Kent (12-4 overall, 9-4 district) on Friday as well.
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Grafton Beats Smithfield 36-34 in Physical Bay Rivers Battle
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Tidewater High School Stars Continue Success in College
Kylar Paluga: Lynchburg College Men's Tennis
A former All-Bay Rivers District selection in baseball for Lafayette in Williamsbug, Paluga has switched careers and developed a knack for tennis at Lynchburg College. In 2007, his first season with the Lynchburg Hornets, Paluga managed two wins. He racked up a win against Ferrum College, winning 6-3, 5-7, 7-5. Paluga annihilated Southern Virginia University, winning 6-0, 6-1.
Paluga starred at center field for Lafayette, earning all district selections in his senior season and helping lead his team to the regional playoffs. Paluga is currently a junior majoring in sports management at Lynchburg.
Tonia Jones: Virginia Wesleyan College Women's Basketball
Tonia Jones is a 2006 Jamestown High graduate--she helped lead the Lady Eagles to a state AA championship in 2006. During her career at Jamestown, Jones was a two-time All-Bay Rivers District selection.
As a freshman in college last year, Jones averaged 7.5 points per game and ranked second in steals for Virginia Wesleyan College with 47. The sophomore guard has the Lady Marlins currently sitting at 13-4 overall, while leading her team in three point percentage (.488), minutes (29.1), and steals (38).
Sean Ray: Auburn Tigers Baseball
Ray pitches in the Southeastern Conference, one of the most elite athletic conferences in the nation. The 6-foot, 190-pound lefty is expected to fill in starting and relief roles for the Tigers, as Auburn Head Coach Tom Slater notes in the season preview.
Entering the 2008 spring season, the Tidewater star can carry with him his success from the Coastal Plain League, when he went 4-0 for the Newport News-based Peninsula Pilots .
A strikeout machine for Kellam, Ray made many batters in the Beach District whiff, tallying 216 strikeouts while at Kellam, including 134 during his senior year. Ray finished his career with an 18-10 record for the Knights, earning All-Beach honors as a sophomore and senior.
RELATED LINKS
Peninsula Stars Allen Iverson and Michael Vick
Blacksburg Plentiful With Tidewater Players
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Tidewater Sports Report Exclusive: Inside Look at Grandmaster Pyong Kil Ko's Tae Kwon Do Training Philosophy
Grandmaster Pyong Kil Ko runs the P.K. Ko's Martial Arts World U.S. Tae Kwon Do Center in Newport News, one of the largest martial arts facilities in Tidewater, which offers "something for everyone," according to their literature. Tae Kwon Do, the Korean martial art, is a sport "anybody can...start," according to Grandmaster Ko, and he says he sets "no age limit" for his students.
On Wednesday, the Tidewater Sports Report spent some time talking to Grand Master Pyong Kil Ko and got an exclusive look at his martial arts training philosophy. Grandmaster Ko emphasizes discipline, respect, concentration, and listening skills, attributes he says Tae Kwon Do can instill in everyone. He likes to train young children to develop sound behaviors through Tae Kwon Do--the art affects growing children emotionally, mentally, and physically in a positive direction.
Grandmaster Ko has had students ranging in age from three to 65 years old. P.K. Ko's Martial Arts World U.S. Tae Kwon Do Center has been training students in the Korean martial arts for nearly 25 years now on the Peninsula section of Tidewater. The center offers several classes daily, Monday through Saturday--10 am to 8 pm during the week and 9 am to 3 pm on Saturday--as well as a martial art summer camp for kids, with registration beginning in January.
Grandmaster Ko's A+ After School Martial Art Program provides "character-building martial arts training and structured time for homework and fun," their literature says. The center has its own van they use to pick children up after school.
Grandmaster Ko takes a holistic approach to martial arts. His programs focus on both the mind and body, building up the body's strength, flexibility, and endurance as well as promoting discipline, self-confidence, respect, and a "yes I can" attitude.
Primarily Tae Kwon Do based, students learn traditional forms of the sport (poomse), self-defense, and competitive sparring. Tae Kwon Do is an Olympic sport and is believed to be one of the fastest-growing martial arts.
Grandmaster Ko holds an 8th degree Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do and is an international World Tae Kwon Do Federation Referee. Highlights of his career include:
--Undefeated Korean National Tae Kwon Do Champion
--U.S. national Tae Kwon Do Team Coach
--Director of the U.S. National Tae Kwon Do Championship
--Vice President of the Virginia State Tae Kwon Do Association
--Korean Green Beret and Green Beret Martial Arts instructor
Grandmaster Pyong Kil Ko says he trains all the time and believes Tae Kwon Do can be a great activity for children and adults alike.
For more information contact:
P.K. Ko's Martial Arts World U.S. Tae Kwon Do Center
13788 Warwick Boulevard
Newport News, VA 23602
757-872-9000
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Proposed Ban on Metal Bats for Virginia High School Baseball Play: Are You Up for the Challenge?
Of the many cries and whining about Delegate Paula Miller's proposed legislation against metal bats, the following have to be some of the most ridiculous statements yet:
"If metal bats are banned, then padded balls should be used.""Pitchers should wear catcher's equipment.""Now I have heard it all. All because some momma's boy got hurt."
It is sad to witness these narrow-minded statements, especially when it concerns safety. I suppose players should not go up to bat with helmets, fielders should not use gloves, and catchers should not wear chest protectors, face masks, and shin guards? I believe most of those speaking out against wood bats would call me crazy if I sent someone to catch with no gear to protect himself. Why? The real men played that way back in the day. Who needs a glove--use your bare hand. Better yet, for all you metal bat supporters, since you are so strong-willed and believe pitchers should toughen up, let's make a trade: batters don't get to wear helmets since they have a high-powered weapon in their hands, and pitchers can throw wherever they wish. Sound fair? I believe most people would scoff at this idea. Why do batters throw huge fits when a pitcher throws at them? They are scared--scared of the potential harm a baseball can do to their SAFETY. So, I ask you, why should a pitcher not also have the right to be scared of a batted ball coming at abnormal speeds?
For the one-sided baseball fanatics, research the letters "BESR." You will discover (yes, discover, because you probably never had a clue what this was about) that it stands for "ball exit speed ratio." The ball exit speed ratio defines how fast a batted ball is going when it comes off the bat. The NCAA instituted this method of certification for all metal bats because scoring was ridiculously high at one point in college games. However, bat manufacturers have found ways around this. If you ask any hitting instructor, you will be told bat speed is extremely important for maximum performance at the plate. Well, metal bats are now made with hollow barrels, allowing the batter to easily swing the bat with more force. What is the reason for maximizing the technology for batters? Money. The bat companies profit by ensuring buyers peak performance, as DeMarini markets their bat as being the "weapon of choice" for teams. It would be interesting to see if these bat companies would nod their head in agreement to the assertion that there is no price placed on life, when in fact, they choose to steamroll the market with hot bats that send pitchers to the hospital yearly.
A very dear friend of mine (we'll call him Jim) was a victim of a hitter using a DeMarini bat on a cold February afternoon in 2005. To make matters worse, "Jim" was being scouted by the Chicago White Sox. His season came to a halt in the second inning when a line drive struck his mouth, cleanly knocking a tooth out and instantly sending him to the ground. After many hours in the hospital, the professional prospect came to the realization that he would not set foot on the mound for quite a while. The junior pitcher made several dentist visits and after many root canals (because the impact damaged the rest of his teeth), he was informed that this single injury would remain with him for the rest of his life, as more dentist work would be needed. The fearless "bulldog" (as his team called him) returned two months later and provided a great spark of inspiration to his club, helping lead them to the conference championship.
Who pays for the medical bills? The bat makers? The college? It's funny, because everyone claims metal bats are more cost effective than wood bats. The medical expenses "Jim" has and will undergo far exceeds the cost of a couple more wooden bats would have been in replacement of that metal bat that injured him. Suppose that batter on a snow-filled day had been using a wood bat. The pitcher would have had more reaction time and may have been able to defend himself.
Sports are dangerous--football is extremely violent, for example. There is a risk involved in participating, but when the true game is messed around with because of greedy businessmen, there is a problem. Baseball can be played as safe as possible, while not detracting from its essence. Imagine professionals using metal bats. Talk about a HOT topic! And maybe it's not greedy businessmen. Metal bats provide more excitement to a boring and dull game and allow weak hitters to maintain a higher batting average. Players always get the latest bat on the market because they want the most "pop" available. Let me give all aspiring college hitters a hint: your batting average in high school is just ONE method by which you are judged when being recruited.
Let's be honest with ourselves. Why don't we want our high school players in the best baseball region of the state using wood bats? Not only would this make us even more elite than any other area in the state, it would prepare our stars for their future endeavors--and we have many: David Wright, Justin Upton, and Neil Ramirez to name a few. Do we want our child to get the extra base hit, the extra home run, or harder ground ball? Do you consider artificially using metal bats to enhance one's play cheap? It seems we all consider Barry Bonds using steroids a disgrace. At what point are we willing to release our selfish behaviors for the safety of others? I believe using the hottest bat to market yourself as a player to be cheap and a disgrace to the true spirit of the game of baseball. Are you up for the challenge? If you consider yourself a good hitter, go up to bat with a wood bat and see what you got?
For more information on this important topic, forever11.com provides up-to-date information.
RELATED LINKS
Aluminum Bats Too Risky
Why Aluminum Bats Perfrom Better Than Wood Bats
Wooden Bats Get a Pitch For Safety, Skill
Little League Statement on Non-wood Bats
Metal Bats Are an Issue of Life or Death
Monday, January 21, 2008
AREA NEWS
757 Sports
757teamz
Beach District Wrestling
Channel 10 (WAVY)
Channel 13 (WVEC)
Channel 3 (WTKR)
ESPN Radio 1310
High School Baseball Web
Massey High School Football Ratings
MaxPreps
Sports Law
Suffolk News Herald
Tidewater News
Virginia Gazette
Virginia High School League
Virginia Independent Schools Athletic Association
Virginia Wrestling
VirginiaPreps
VIRGINIA SPORTS BLOGROLL
TRI-RIVERS DISTRICT (A)
Appomattox Regional Governor's School
512 West Washington Street
Petersburg, Virginia 23803
PHONE: 804-722-0200
FAX: 804-722-0201
Charles City Panthers
10039 Courthouse Road
Charles City, Virginia 23030
PHONE: 804-829-9249
FAX: 804-829-2644
Chesterfield Community High School
12400 Branders Bridge Road
Chester, VA 23831
PHONE: 804-768-6156
FAX: 804-768-6171
Franklin Broncos
310 Crescent Drive
Franklin, Virginia 23851
PHONE: 757-562-5187
FAX: 757-562-3656
Surry Cougars
45 School Street
Surry, Virginia 23883
PHONE: 757-294-5229
FAX: 757-294-5263
Sussex Central Tigers
21394 Sussex Drive
Sussex, Virginia 23884
PHONE: 434-246-6051
FAX: 434-246-5503
Windsor Dukes
24 Church Street
Windsor, VA 23487
PHONE: 757-242-6172
FAX: 757-242-4948
PRIVATE
Beach Homeschool
P.O. Box 64516
Virginia Beach, Virginia 23464-6516
Bethel Christian
1647 Briarfield Road
Hampton, Virginia 23669
PHONE: 757-826-7710
FAX: 757-826-7067
Christchurch
49 Seahorse Lane
Christchurch, Virginia 23031
PHONE: 800-296-2306
Gateway Christian Crusaders
5473 Virginia Beach Boulevard
Virginia Beach, Virginia 23462
PHONE: 757-499-6551
FAX: 757-519-9824
Great Hope Baptist
1401 Battlefield Boulevard
South Chesapeake, Virginia 23322-2101
PHONE: 757-482-5121
Oaktree Academy
805 Kempsville Road
Virginia Beach, Virginia 23464
PHONE: 757-248-9560
FAX: 757-248-9594
Sovereign Grace
508 North Centerville Turnpike
Chesapeake, Virginia 23320
PHONE: 757-436-7264
FAX: 757-436-6989
Tabernacle Baptist Academy
717 Whitehurst Landing Road
Virginia Beach, VA 23464
PHONE: 757-420-5697
Tidewater Academy
217 Church Street
Wakefield, VA 23888
PHONE: 757-899-5401
FAX: 757-899-2521
ODIC
OLD DOMINION INDEPENDENT CONFERENCE
Aish Kodesh Academy
420 Spotswood Ave
Norfolk, Virginia 23517
(757) 623-6070
Azalea Garden Christian
5160 Beamon Road
Norfolk, Virginia 23513
PHONE: 757-583-0093
Back Bay Academy Warriors
1212 Princess Anne Road
Virginia Beach, Virginia 23457
PHONE: 757-426-7943
Chesapeake Bay Academy
821 Baker Road
Virginia Beach, Virginia 23462
PHONE: 757-497-6200
FAX: 757-497-6304
Ryan Academy
844 Jerome Ave
Norfolk, VA 23518
PHONE: 757-583-7926
Tabernacle Prayer
1136 Centerville Turnpike
North Chesapeake, Virginia 23320
PHONE: 757-479-0002
Tidewater Adventist Hawks
Virginia Beach Friends
1537 Laskin Road
Virginia Beach, Virginia 23451
PHONE: 757-428-7534
TCIS
TIDEWATER CONFERENCE OF INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS
Bishop Sullivan Catholic Crusaders
4552 Princess Anne Road
Virginia Beach, Virginia 23462
PHONE: 757-467-2881
FAX: 757-467-0284
Cape Henry Collegiate Dolphins
1320 Mill Dam Road
Virginia Beach, Virginia 23454
PHONE: 757-481-2446
FAX: 757-481-9194
Greenbrier Christian Gators
311 Kempsville Road
Chesapeake, VA 23320
PHONE: 757-547-9595
FAX: 757-547-9569
Hampton Roads Academy Navigators
739 Academy Lane
Newport News, VA 23602
PHONE: 757-884-9100
FAX: 757-884-9137
Nansemond-Suffolk Saints
3373 Pruden Boulevard
Suffolk, VA 23434
PHONE: 757-539-8789
Norfolk Academy Bulldogs
1585 Wesleyan Drive
Norfolk, Virginia 23502
PHONE: 757-461-6236
FAX: 757-455-3181
Norfolk Christian Ambassadors
255 Thole Street
Norfolk, VA 23505
PHONE: 757-423-5770
FAX: 757-440-5388
Norfolk Collegiate Oaks
7336 Granby Street
Norfolk, VA 23505
PHONE: 757-480-2885
FAX: 282-5304
Peninsula Catholic Knights
600 Harpersville Road
Newport News, Virginia 23601
PHONE: 757-596-7247
FAX: 757-591-9718
Walsingham Academy Trojans
1100 Jamestown Road
Williamsburg, VA 23187-8702
PHONE: 757-229-6026
FAX: 757-259-1401
METRO CONFERENCE (III)
Alliance Christian Falcons
5809 Portsmouth Boulevard
Portsmouth, Virginia 23701
PHONE: 757-488-5552
FAX: 757-488-3192
Atlantic Shores Seahawks
1217 North Centerville Turnpike
Chesapeake, Virginia 23320
PHONE: 757-479-9598
Broadwater Vikings
3500 Broadwater Road
Exmore, Virginia 23350
PHONE: 757-442-9041
FAX: 757-442-9615
Denbigh Baptist Minutemen
13010 Mitchell Point Road
Newport News, Virginia 23602
PHONE: 757-249-2654
FAX: 757-249-9480
Hampton Christian Warriors
2419 North Armistead Avenue
Hampton, Virginia 23666
PHONE: 757-838-7427
Isle of Wight Chargers
17111 Courthouse Highway
Isle of Wight, Virginia 23397
PHONE: 757-357-3866
FAX: 757-357-6886
Portsmouth Christian Patriots
3214 Elliot Avenue
Portsmouth, Virginia 23702
PHONE: 757-393-0725
Stonebridge Cavaliers
P.O. Box 9247
Chesapeake, Virginia 23321
PHONE: 757-673-8120
PENINSULA DISTRICT (AAA)
Bethel Bruins
1067 Big Bethel Road
Hampton, Virginia 23666
PHONE: 757-825-4400
FAX: 757-825-4465
Denbigh Patriots
259 Denbigh Boulevard
Newport News, Virginia 23608
PHONE: 757-886-7700
FAX: 757-872-6542
Gloucester Dukes
6680 Short Lane
Gloucester, Virginia 23061
PHONE: 804-693-2526
FAX: 804-693-7685
Hampton Crabbers
1491 West Queen Street
Hampton, Virginia 23669
PHONE: 757-825-4430
Heritage Hurricanes
5800 Marshall Avenue
Newport News, Virginia 23605
PHONE: 757-928-6100
FAX: 757-247-9058
Kecoughtan Warriors
522 Woodland Rd
Hampton, Virginia 23669
PHONE: 757-850-5000
FAX: 757-850-5153
Menchville Monarchs
275 Menchville Road
Newport News, VA 23602
PHONE: 757-886-7722
FAX: 757-875-0648
Phoebus Phantoms
100 Ireland Street
Hampton, Virginia 23663
PHONE: 757-727-1000
Warwick Raiders
51 Copeland Lane
Newport News, Virginia 23601
PHONE: 757-591-4700
FAX: 757-596-7415
Woodside Wolverines
13450 Woodside Lane
Newport News, Virginia 23608
PHONE: 757-886-7530
FAX: 757-877-0480
BEACH DISTRICT (AAA)
Bayside Marlins
4960 Haygood Road
Virginia Beach, VA 23455
PHONE: 757-473-5050
First Colonial Patriots
1272 Mill Dam Road
Virginia Beach, VA 23454
PHONE: 757-496-6711
FAX: 757-496-6719
Floyd Kellam Knights
2323 Holland Road
Virginia Beach, VA 23453
PHONE: (757)427-3232
FAX: 757)427-6265
Frank W. Cox Falcons
2425 Shorehaven Drive
Virginia Beach, VA 23454
PHONE: 757-648-5250
FAX: 757-496-6731
Green Run Stallions
1700 Dahlia Drive
Virginia Beach, Virginia 23453
PHONE: 757-648-5350
Kempsville Chiefs
5194 Chief Trail
Virginia Beach, Virginia 23464
PHONE: 757-474-8400
FAX: 757-474-8476
Landstown Eagles
2001 Concert Drive
Virginia Beach, VA 23456
PHONE: 757-468-3800
FAX: 757-468-1860
Ocean Lakes Dolphins
885 Schumann Drive
Virginia Beach, Virginia 23454
PHONE: 757-648-5550
FAX: 757-721-4309
Princess Anne Cavaliers
4400 Virginia Beach Blvd
Virginia Beach, VA 23462
PHONE: 757-473-5000
Salem SunDevils
1993 SunDevil Drive
Virginia Beach, VA 23464
Phone: 757-648-5650
FAX: 757-474-0100
Tallwood Lions
1668 Kempsville Road
Virginia Beach, VA 23464
PHONE: 757-474-8555
FAX: 757-479-5534
SOUTHEASTERN DISTRICT (AAA)
Deep Creek Hornets
2900 Margaret Booker Drive
Chesapeake, Virginia 23323
PHONE: 757-558-5302
FAX: 757-558-5305
Grassfield Grizzlies
Great Bridge Wildcats
301 W Hanbury Rd
Chesapeake, VA 23322
PHONE: 757-482-5191
FAX: 757-482-5559
Hickory Hawks
1996 Hawk Blvd.
Chesapeake, VA 23322
PHONE: 757-421-4295
FAX: 757-421-2190
Indian River Braves
1969 Braves Trail
Chesapeake, Virginia 23325-4923
PHONE: 757-578-7000
FAX: 757-578-7004
Kings Fork Bulldogs
351 Kings Fork Road
Suffolk, Virginia 23434
FAX: 757-923-5240
FAX: 757-923-5242
Lakeland Cavaliers
214 Kenyon Road
Suffolk, Virginia 23434
PHONE: 757-925-5790
Nansemond River Warriors
3301 Nansemond Parkway
Suffolk, Virginia 23434
PHONE: 757-923-4101
FAX: 757-538-5430
Oscar Smith Tigers
1994 Tiger Drive
Chesapeake, VA 23320
PHONE: 757-548-0696
FAX: 757-548-0531
Western Branch Bruins
1968 Bruin Place
Chesapeake, Virginia 23321
PHONE: 757-638-7900
FAX: 757-638-7904
EVAC
EASTERN VIRGINIA ATHLETIC CONFERENCE
Calvary Christian Academy
2311 Tower Place
Hampton, Virginia 23666
PHONE: 757-825-1133
First Baptist Christian
237 North Main Street
Suffolk, Virginia 23434
PHONE: 757-539-4152
Summit Christian Academy
4209 Big Bethel Road
Yorktown, Virginia 23693
PHONE: 757-867-7005
FAX: 757-867-8590
Sweethaven Christian Academy
5000 West Norfolk Road
Portsmouth, Virginia 23703
PHONE: 757-484-4082
Williamsburg Christian Academy
101 School House Lane
Williamsburg, Virginia 23188
PHONE: 757-220-1978
COLLEGE
EASTERN DISTRICT (AAA)
Booker T. Washington Bookers
1111 Park Avenue
Norfolk, Virginia 23504
PHONE: 757-628-3575
FAX: 757-628-3566
Churchland Truckers
P.O. Box 998
Portsmouth, Virginia 23705-0998
PHONE: 757-393-8751
FAX: 757-393-5238
Granby Comets
7101 Granby Street
Norfolk, Virginia 23505
PHONE: 757-451-4110
FAX: 757-451-4118
I.C. Norcom Greyhounds
P.O. Box 998
Portsmouth, Virginia 23705-0998
PHONE: 757-393-8751
Fax: 757-393-5238
Lake Taylor Titans
1384 Kempsville Road
Norfolk, Virginia 23502
PHONE: 757-892-3200
FAX: 757-892-3210
Maury Commodores
322 Shirley Avenue
Norfolk, Virginia 23517
PHONE: 757-628-3344
FAX: 757-628-3359
Norview Pilots
6501 Chesapeake Blvd
Norfolk, Virginia 23513
PHONE: 757-852-4500
FAX: 757-852-4511
Woodrow Wilson Presidents
P.O. Box 998
Portsmouth, Virginia 23705-0998
PHONE: 757-393-8751
FAX: 757-393-5238
BAY RIVERS DISTRICT (AA)
Bruton Panthers
185 East Rochambeau Drive
Williamsburg, Virginia 23188
PHONE: 757-220-4066
FAX: 757-220-4090
Grafton Clippers
403 Grafton Drive
Yorktown, Virginia 23692
PHONE: 757-898-0530
FAX: 757-898-0533
Jamestown Eagles
3751 John Tyler Highway
Williamsburg, Virginia 23185
PHONE: 757-259-3600
Lafayette Rams
4460 Longhill Road
Williamsburg, Virginia 23188
PHONE: 757-565-0375
New Kent Trojans
7501 Egypt Road
New Kent, Virginia 23124
PHONE: (804) 966-9671
Poquoson Bull Islanders
51 Odd Road
Poquoson, Virginia 23662
PHONE: 757-868-7123
Smithfield Packers
14171 Turner Drive
Smithfield, Virginia 23430
PHONE: 757-357-3108
Tabb Tigers
4431 Big Bethel Road
Yorktown, Virginia 23693
PHONE: 757-867-7400
Warhill Lions
4615 Opportunity Way
Williamsburg, Virginia 23188
PHONE: 757-565-4615
York Falcons
9300 George Washington Highway
Yorktown, Virginia 23692
PHONE: 757-898-0354
FAX: 757-898-8235
RECRUITING
American Baseball Directory
Athletic Scholarship Connection
beRecruited
Coach Wayne Mazzoni
College Bound Athletic Connection
College Prospects of America
College Sports Connection
College Sports Scholarships
Digital Recruiting Service
Future Athletes
Global Sports & Entertainment Agency
InBounds
Junior College Sports Recruiting
National Recruiting Network
PrepTracker
Pro Recruit Network
Recruit
Scout USA
The Sport Source
The Unofficial Visitor
TOPJOCK
University Sports Recruiters
Vanguard Athletics
Sunday, January 20, 2008
Trash Talking Virginia Beach Star Leads Giants to Super Bowl
Green Run graduate Plaxico Burress talked trash to the Green Bay Packers sideline--and backed it up, as he racked up 154 yards on 11 receptions in tonight's NFC Championship 23-20 overtime win against the Green Bay Packers.
In last week's divisional playoff win against the Dallas Cowboys, Burress only managed one catch for five yards.
Friday, January 18, 2008
Poquoson Topples Smithfield 52-39
The Poquoson Islanders carried a big Bay Rivers District win Wednesday night against Grafton to Smithfield tonight, winning 52-39 with ease. Poquoson's fast break and zone defense proved too much for the Packers, as Smithfield could only manage three points in the first quarter.
Poquoson improves to 8-3 in the Bay Rivers, while the Packers drop to 2-9 in district play.
1st Quarter: Poquoson creates havoc for the Packer offense and sinks some jumpers to get an early lead that remains for the entire game.
10-3
2nd Quarter: Smithfield finds some rhythm on offense, but it is the Islanders who extend their lead before the half with 21 points in the second quarter.
31-16
3rd Quarter: The Packers make adjustments in the locker room, but the first half deficit was too much to overcome.
41-26
4th Quarter: Altough Smithfield outscores the Islanders in the second half, Poquoson slows the pace of the game and grinds it out to win their ninth game of the year.
FINAL: Poquoson 52, Smithfield 39
RELATED POSTS
Three Smithfield Packers Named to Daily Press All-star team
Fraser Returns Winning Program Back to Smithfield
Ruffin Serves the Isle of Wight Community
Isle of Wight County Football Programs a Success
Smithfield Has "way too much speed" Packer Star Says
Robert's Reaches 2,000 Yard Mark
Smithfield's Baird Splashes into Spotlight
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Poquoson Wins--Fans Shout Grafton "Overrated"
Poquoson 63, Grafton 52
1st Quarter: 16-5
The home team owned the first quarter. Poquoson establishes the perimeter and sinks many three pointers, jumping out to an early lead. The Islander defense was stiff and Grafton had no answer.
2nd Quarter: 33-18
Grafton gains ground but the Clipper defense still has not found a solution to Poquoson's excellent shooting.
3rd Quarter: 44-36
The Clippers gain momentum and dismantle the Islanders, cutting their deficit to single digits entering the fourth quarter with a half court buzzer-sounding swish by Grafton's Sam Hawkins.
4th Quarter: 63-52
Poquoson takes makes adjustments and bounces back from what they would consider an ugly third quarter. Wise coaching and clutch free throw shooting down the stretch seals the game for the Islanders.
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Peninsula Stars Allen Iverson and Michael Vick
Allen Iverson and Michael Vick are great examples of former Peninsula District stars who made their way to the top. While much of the legal ruckus with Iverson is through, Vick currently remains at the top of national headlines for his illegal activity. However, aside from the mishaps those two have committed away from the athletic fields, there is no taking away what the two Tidewater stars have accomplished in their careers thus far. Here are some great high school and professional highlights I found on YouTube.
Allen Iverson
Bethel High School
Hampton, Virginia
Born: June 7, 1975
Michael Vick
Warwick High School
Newport News, Virginia
Born: June 26, 1980
Michael Vick video courtesy of NikeGridiron
Allen Iverson videos courtesy of pennyccw
Five Southside Stars at 2007 NLCS Game
The Arizona Diamondbacks should be thankful to the Hampton Roads and its baseball factory that it produces. Not often, if ever has this happened, but in the 2007 playoffs, we witnessed one of the most unique situations ever in Major League Baseball history--Mark Reynolds of First Colonial and Justin Upton of Great Bridge both started for the Diamondbacks during the 2007 season and helped carry them to the National League Championship Series. Reynolds, a former University of Virginia shortstop and now third baseman, propelled Arizona to its first playoff win this year with a seventh inning home run against the Chicago Cubs. Perhaps even more interesting, Justin's older brother B.J. was found in the stands watching his little brother during a playoff game. B.J. is currently a starting center fielder for the Tampa Bay Devil Rays. B.J's real name is actually Melvin, but where did he get tagged B.J.? The name came from his father, the Bossman. So it goes, Melvin is Bossman Junior, or B.J. The Bossman, or Manny, certainly made his presence known as he has refereed basketball games in the Atlantic Coast Conference and starred at Norfolk State University.
Three former southside baseball stars (five including the Bossman and his wife, Mrs. Upton who played softball in high school) in one national baseball setting. Not only for the Upton family and Reynolds, that series of events when the Tidewater stars were gathered was quite a unique time, one that may never occur again. Of course, never say never, as many new prospects continue to pop up from the area. One hot name from Virginia Beach is flame thrower Neil Ramirez. A 2007 graduate of Kempsville High, Ramirez was drafted in the first round by the Texas Rangers.
RELATED POSTS
David Wright
Justin Upton
Neil Ramirez
Sunday, January 13, 2008
Green Run Graduate One Win Away From Super Bowl
Plaxico Burress of the New York Giants advanced to next week's NFC Championship game with a 21-17 win over the Dallas Cowboys Sunday evening.
Burress graduated from Green Run and then continued his football career at Michigan State, where he spent just two seasons with the Spartans before entering the NFL.
In tonights showdown, Burress caught one pass for five yards.
RELATED LINKS
Highlight Reels of Tidewater Stars
Dre Bly of Chesapeake Continues to Shine in NFL
Former Patriot Now a Colt
Former Denbigh High & William Mary Grad Has Pittsburgh Steelers in First Place
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
Chesapeake Native Finds Success at University of Florida
Sophomore Mike Morrison of Chesapeake graduated from Great Bridge High School in 2006. While at the University of Florida, Morrison has placed in several events, most notably in the Pepsi Florida Relays and the Jim Click Shoot Out.
At Great Bridge, he starred as one of the nation's top track and field athletes, setting Virginia High School League records many times. Morrison also contributed to the Great Bridge athletic program by participating in football and volleyball.
SOURCE: GATORZONE
RELATED LINKS
Denbigh Baptist Alums Competing at Lynchburg College
2007 Southeastern Conference Indoor and Outdoor Freshman Field Athlete of the Year
2007 USTFCCCA Division I Men's All-Academic Track and Field Team
Monday, January 7, 2008
Gillis Remains Undefeated
Senior Josh Gillis of Hickory High continued his undefeated season this weekend in the tough state of wrestling in Pennsylvania.
A top wrestler in his class for the state of Virginia, Gillis faces off against the Smithfield Packers in the opening rounds of the Virginia Duals.
Gillis has verbally committed to wrestle for the Old Dominion Monarchs in the fall of 2008.
Thursday, January 3, 2008
Q&A with Smithfield Swimmer Blair Axley
Junior Blair Axley
Smithfield High School
"My favorite is the 100 yard breaststroke. I'm a pretty good long distance swimmer, so I swim the 500 yard freestyle."
2. What events do you normally swim in the meets?
"I usually swim the 100 yard breaststroke and 500 yard freestyle, but every once in a while, I help out on a relay when the team needs me."
3. What do you consider to be the most difficult stroke and why?
"I would definitely say the butterfly. It is really tiring."
4. Do you have any pre-meet rituals? What are they?
"The team gets together, and we do a few stretches. I also like stretching my legs before getting on the blocks."
5. What do you like best about swimming in general?
"I like being on the Smithfield High School team because I get along with all of my teammates. Swimming is also something I have always liked."
6. What motivates you to get through a two hour practice, swimming from one end to the other continuously?
"Usually we are in a lane with one of our friends, and we encourage each other to take it one lap at a time."
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Tuesday, January 1, 2008
Bethel or Norfolk Collegiate?
Both champions of the first annual Ronald Curry Christmas Classic, our poll clearly shows that you (the fans) consider Norfolk Collegiate to be the dominant team in the Hampton Roads; however, Bethel trails closely behind. Are the Oaks, a team that barely defeated Heritage, the best team in the Tidewater? Or is Bethel, a team that plays in the always tough Peninsula District, the team to beat?
Let the discussion begin...
