The Cover of Temeka Johnson's New Book, "Meek Moments"
Former Lady Tiger point guard Temeka Johnson has always been a standout athlete in the community through her H.O.P.E. Foundation. As part of her foundation, Johnson has penned her very own children’s book entitled, “Meek Moments.”
The 32-page book teaches children how to overcome obstacles during their lifetime. Read a feature below on Johnson and her book in today’s New Orleans Times Picayune: http://www.nola.com/sports/index.ssf/2010/08/former_lsu_womens_basketball_s.html
BOB STARKEY: It was an amazing last day on my trip to Phoenix. First, an incredible game between Pheonix and Chicago that wasn't resovled until the final seconds. Temeka Johnson ran her team, helping them come from behind with 6 points and 6 assists. It was Phoenix's second consecutive win. But the best player on the floor tonight was Sylvia Fowles. Big Syl poured in 35 points to go along with 8 boards, 2 assists, 2 steals and 2 blocks. Sylvia scored 12 of her career-high 35 in the fourth quarter as she tried to will her team to victory.
I was very proud of both of these Lady Tigers for how well they played the game and hard they competed. They should make all of us proud that they are representing LSU.
Following the game it was a "Night of HOPE," the second annual event put on by Temeka's HOPE Foundation. This year the event coincided with the release of the book she co-wrote with Quency Phillips entitled, "Decisions, Decisions, Decisions." The event was held Majerle's Resaurant, owned by former Phoenix Suns standout Dan Majerle (who attended today's game).
There were tons of Phoenix fans there along with all of Meek's teammates including her coach Corey Gaines and team President Annie Meyers Drysdale. Some of the Sky team came as well including Big Syl. All the proceeds from the "Night of HOPE" goes to Meek's foundation and by the look of the event it was a huge success!
Seimone Augustus scored 24 points and the Minnesota Lynx snapped the Seattle Storm's 13-game winning streak with a 72-71 victory Sunday night. Seimone scored six quick points early in the fourth quarter to extend Minnesota's dwindling lead and became the second-fastest player in WNBA history to reach 2,500 career points, behind only Cynthia Cooper. Charde Houston added 14 points and Lindsay Whalen 11 as the Lynx (8-16) ended a five-game losing skid. Seimone was 11 of 19 from the field.
Boxscore and game story: http://bit.ly/9gFbMM
Big day of action in the WNBA including a lot of Lady Tigers and a lot of action on NBA TV.
Allison Hightower and Connecticut play in New York at 3:00 CST
Scholanda Robinson and Tulsa play at Washington at 3:00 CST (NBA TV)
Sylvia Fowles and Chicago are in Phoenix to play Temeka Johnson and the Mercury at 5:00 CST (NBA TV)
Seimone Augustus and Minnesota host the WNBA's best Seattle Storm at 6:00 CST (NBA TV).
BOB STARKEY: Another reason I selected this time to come to Pheonix (besides getting to spend some time with Meek, Mone and Syl), was to be a part of Meek's "Night of HOPE." It is the second year she has put on this event and this year it coincides with the release of her children's book "Decisions, Decisions, Decisions."
The event takes place tomorrow following the Mercury's game against Chicago which will allow Sylvia to take part in the festivities. Here is more information via a release sent out:
For the second consecutive year, Phoenix Mercury Point Guard, Temeka Johnson, will host "Night of HOPE". This HOPE Foundation event allows the foundation to connect with local sponsors, donors and philanthropic minds, as we work together to find solutions to the community issues within the Phoenix area. Last year’s event was a resounding success, and this year we expect even more.
With an unique experience in a luxury suite at US Airways Arena, guests will interact with foundation officials throughout the game, with a special post-game meet-and-greet with Temeka Johnson and her teammates. This year, the foundation will also have an off-site event which will act as a fundraiser for the foundation. The highlight of the event will be the launch of Ms. Johnson’s “Meek Moments” children’s book which will launch on August 1st. The post-game event will be held at the well-known Majerle’s restaurant, adjacent to the arena.
There will be a special signing for those that pre-ordered the Meek Moments book (available at www.MeeksHOPE.org - Shop4HOPE), as well as give-aways. Guests will meet Temeka’s teammates, with a special appearance by the Chicago Sky’s Sylvia Fowles, and be able to obtain autographed memorabilia through a special auction. Join us as we continue to make an impact in the Phoenix community!
Tickets for the post-game event are $25, and are available on the HOPE Foundation site (www.MeeksHOPE.org). All proceeds will go directly to the HOPE Foundation, to initiate the Phoenix-area scholarship fund (more details will be announced at the event). A special Community Champion package (includes an autographed book, posters, and Team Meek tshirt) will be available with a $100 donation to the foundation.
“Phoenix is my second home,” said Johnson. “I am committed to the city, just as I am to my foundation. With the launch of my children’s book, I’m very excited about the overall future - not only for HOPE, but also for the people that we reach. This event makes all that we do possible!”
Night of HOPE has set a goal to raise $5,000 through foundation merchandise sales (www.MeeksHOPE.org) and donations small and large. The donations will be used to help assist 2 Phoenix-area students with a scholarship for the 2011/2012 school year. The foundation will announce the inaugural scholarship winners (awarded to an LSU student) in Baton Rouge, at the end of August 2010. For updates and more information, please stay tuned to www.MeeksHOPE.org. You may also follow Temeka on twitter (@Quickdeuce) for consistent news and updates.
BOB STARKEY: One of the more exciting parts of my trip happened at practice today but it had nothing to do with basketball. A member of "Team Temeka" showed up with a special surprise. Quency Phillips came over in the middle of practice and presented me with a copy of the book, "Decisions, Decisions, Decisions," that he co-wrote with Temeka. The book is part of the "Meek Moments" Series and is getting ready to be released nation wide.
It is an incredibly important project for Temeka with all the proceeds going to the Jewell Johnson Scholarship Fund. The scholarship is named after Temeka's grandmother who was a teacher who greatly impacted so many -- especially Temeka.
We will continue to give you more information on where you can get a copy of the book as well as some future book signings by Temeka. But today was a special day for her and Quency that will be magnified tomorrow with a special day of promotion, the 2nd annual "Night of Hope." More on that later as well.
What an amazing day for Temeka, Quency and the HOPE Foundation!
BOB STARKEY: A very eventful morning here in Phoenix today. GM Annie Meyers and Coach Corey Gaines. Practice started at 10 this morning. And of course I got there early and was proud to see Temeka Johnson was the first player on the court to get some shooting in on her own.
Was impressed with the energy and focus of the team so late in the season. The WNBA season is long grind and the team seemed to be locked in on playing Chicago tomorrow.
After some flexibility, the team went right into some transition drills. The fast break is the trademark of the Mercury installed by Paul Westhead and Coach Gaines. I saw it first hand the other night as they broke the league mark with 69 points in the first half. From transition work they went into breaking down parts of the man offense going 2/2 and 3/3. I was impressed with the teaching and detail of the staff and players. Following that it was time for some 5/0 and5/5.
The team than spent the last part of practice going over their game plan for Chicago before head to the locker room to watch some scouting tape.
I also had the oppotunity afterwards to pick Coach Gaines brain on some of the things they do and he was both gracious and informative (I will post the basketball part of practice at www.hoopthoughts.blogspot.com at a later time).
And afterwards, a great lunch with Meek at Lo-Lo's Chicken and Waffles. I knew I was about to get some great food because there was a line outside when we arrived. The food was great and as always, I enjoy my time and conversation with Meek.
In the WNBA tonight, it was a tough night team-wise for the Lady Tigers but not because of their individual performances.
Los Angeles gave the Liberty all they could handle in New York but fell short despite a stellar effort from Marie Ferdinand-Harris. Marie had a team-high 35 minutes and tallied 17 points including 2 of 3 behind the arc. She also grabbed 4 rebounds and 2 steals.
Los Angeles/New York Box: http://bit.ly/bNyYqq
Two Lady Tigers stood out in San Antonio's 101-85 victory at Tulsa. Roneeka Hodges had 11 points, grabbed 4 rebounds and 2 assists. For the Shock, Scholanda Robinson continues to have a strong season scoring 17 points along with 4 steals. She also hit 3 of 5 from the 3-point arc.
San Antonio/Tulsa Box: http://bit.ly/9w5f1Y
In Seattle, Sylvia Fowles and the Chicago Sky ran into the hottest team in the WNBA. The Storm, undefeated at home and sporting a league-best 22-2 record easily defeated the Sky 80-60. Big Syl managed 13 points despite getting only five field goal attempts (hitting 4). She als grabbed 5 boards and passed off for 5 assists against numerous double teams.
Seattle/Chicago Box:
BOB STARKEY: One of the things I didn't get a chance to blog about from last night was the promotion that the Mercury built into their game. It was called "The Dog Days of Summer." The had a lot of things going including some canine mascots performing. There were several contests for the fans to participate in including guessing famous TV/Movie dogs and guessing facts about the dogs of some of the players. The night cultivated with the animal shelter in Phoenix bring about a dozen dogs onto the court, one at a time and talking a little bit about them to the fans. They set up a both in the corridor and gave fans a chance to adopt. As someone who has owned to animal shelter dogs I thought the promotion was not only fun but important. In fact, I plan on going back to LSU to talk to our promotions department about doing something similar.