Meek and Marie stay red hot in WNBA

The Phoenix Mercury and Temeka Johnson stayed red-hot, defeating San Antonio last night 103-87.  The Mercury have not lost since the release of Meek's children's book ("Decisions, Decisions, Decisions") winning four straight. 

The point guard has been on a tear herself.  Against the Stars, Meek was 7 for 13 from the floor, 3 for 3 from the line for 17 points.

Phoenix/San Antonio Box: http://bit.ly/9jQ37r

Also on fire of late is Marie Ferdinand-Harris.  Marie blistered the nets for 7 of 10 made field goals last night to help Los Angeles defeat Tulsa. She his 1 of 2 from behind the arc and was a perfect 3 for 3 at the free throw line for 18 points.

Scholanda Robinson had 8 points, 3 boards and 3 assists for the Shock.

Los Angeles/Tulsa Box: http://bit.ly/abiEOk

Filed under  //  Alumni   Temeka Johnson   WNBA  
Posted by Bob Starkey 

Fowles' dominance for Sky demands attention

By Ryan Smith for "RedEye"

Sky center Sylvia Fowles isn't your typical basketball star.

She prefers life out of the spotlight, doesn't necessarily embrace being the center of attention and intentionally avoids highlight-reel dunks.

But considering what she's accomplished on the court for the gold-medal-winning U.S. Olympic team and the Sky this year, Fowles is a bona fide superstar--whether she likes it or not.

After two seasons slowed by injuries and fighting for minutes, the 24-year-old center has emerged as a dominating force for the success-starved Sky. She is averaging 18.4 points and 9.9 rebounds, leads the league in blocks and has racked up a few monster games lately, including a stat-stuffing 35-point, eight-rebound game Sunday at Phoenix, despite seeing double- and triple-teams from many opponents.

"This is the season we sort of expected her to have right from the beginning," Sky coach Steven Key said. "We were a bit unlucky, and she was a bit unlucky with the two injuries that she had her first two seasons. Now we can see what she can do, and she's the biggest, baddest thing around."

She might be the biggest and baddest, but you won't get her to make that claim.

"I just never was that person who wanted to be the focal point or in the spotlight," Fowles said. "That's just my personality. I'm very mellow and quiet."

Read the entire article: http://bit.ly/98vNwF
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Filed under  //  Alumni   Sylvia Fowles   WNBA  
Posted by Bob Starkey 

Show LSU Lady Tiger spirit and help WNBA raise money for Breast Cancer Awareness

The WNBA is raising funds for the Jimmy V Cancer Foundation through an internet auction and you can show your LSU spirit while supporting a great cause.

Each WNBA team has a commemorative pink WNBA basketball autographed by their team.  For you LSU fans keeping score this would include Chicago (Sylvia Fowles), Connecticut (Allison Hightower), Los Angeles (Marie Ferdinand-Harris), Minnesota (Seimone Augustus), Phoenix (Temeka Johnson), San Antonio (Roneeka Hodges), and Tulsa (Scholanda Robinson).

There is also individually autographed basketballs including one by Seimone and one by Syl.

Check out all the Breast Cancer Awareness auction items at: http://bit.ly/dlnu51

Filed under  //  Alumni   Breast Cancer   Seimone Augustus   Sylvia Fowles   Temeka Johnson   WNBA  
Posted by Bob Starkey 

Breast Cancer Awareness Week in the WNBA

By Stuart Winchester, for WNBA.com

The pink shoes are coming out.

So are the pink shooting shirts, the pink-and-white basketballs, and the pink-and-white jerseys.

Everywhere you see the WNBA from Aug. 23 to Aug. 30, from WNBA.com to pregame warm-ups to nationally televised matchups, you’ll see the color that is synonymous with breast cancer awareness.

In a league well known for its sustained commitment to giving back, Breast Health Awareness Week has stood out since the WNBA’s inception as its strongest community platform, raising more than $2 million to date. All 13 teams are again ramping up efforts for this leaguewide comprehensive initiative that includes online, in-arena, television, and community components that serve to both raise money for breast cancer research and educate women about detection and prevention. This year, for the second consecutive year, a partnership with ESPN will focus on donating funds to the Kay Yow/WBCA Cancer Fund®, in partnership with The V Foundation.

During Breast Health Awareness Week, teams will conduct pregame, halftime, and postgame programming and activities to educate fans about breast health, including ticket promotions, chalk talks, ceremonial tips, and ball exchanges. The centerpiece of individual team efforts will be the donation of autographed pink-and-white basketballs, which will be centralized in an online auction at auctions.wnba.com. All proceeds will benefit the Kay Yow/WBCA Cancer Fund®, in partnership with The V Foundation.

Additionally, the league’s breast health awareness efforts will be brought before a national audience with a pair of games on ESPN2, during which the courts, players, coaches, and referees will sport pink or pink-and-white signage, uniforms, ties, and lapel pins, respectively. The Sky will take on the Sparks on Tuesday at 10 p.m. and the Shock will meet the Silver Stars in a rematch of last year’s WNBA Finals on Saturday at 3 p.m.

Read the entire article: http://bit.ly/9jKJMw 

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Filed under  //  Breast Cancer   WNBA  
Posted by Bob Starkey 

Syl has career high 35, Meek wins to kick off "Night of HOPE"

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!

Filed under  //  Alumni   Sylvia Fowles   Temeka Johnson   WNBA  
Posted by Bob Starkey 

Lady Tigers take to NBA TV tomorrow in WNBA action

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).

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Filed under  //  Alumni   Seimone Augustus   Sylvia Fowles   Temeka Johnson   WNBA  
Posted by Bob Starkey 

Meek (w/help from Syl) to host "Night of HOPE" tomorrow

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.

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Filed under  //  Alumni   Sylvia Fowles   Temeka Johnson   WNBA  
Posted by Bob Starkey 

Marie, Syl and Sho shine in losses

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:

Filed under  //  Alumni   Sylvia Fowles   WNBA  
Posted by Bob Starkey 

A great evening with a special post game meal

BOB STARKEY: It was a great evening -- watching Seimone Augustus and Temeka Johnson do what they love so much -- play basketball.

The evening started with 10 great minutes talking to Annie Meyers-Drysdale.  Besides being one of the all-time greats in the history of women's basketball, she is currently the General Manager and soon to be President of the Phoenix Mercury.  She is also a huge LSU Lady Tiger fan because of her relationship with Sue Gunter.  Coach Gunter coached her in the Olympics and Annie has remained a friend of our program since.

The game was fast-paced, via the Phoenix system.  The Mercury's first basket of the game came from a long thread-the-need pass from Meek to Taurasi.  The Lynx answered right back with their first basket coming from a baseline floater from Mone.  One minute into the game and I was having some great flashbacks.

The night would belong to Phoenix. They would set the WNBA record with most points in a half by pouring in 69.  Meek flirted with a triple-double with 8 points, 8 boards and 8 assists in only 18 minutes.  Mone scored 13 points while grabbing 4 boards.

But the best part of the night was post-game.  Going with Meek and Mone to Fez, a local Pheonix eatery.  It was special listening to them talk about the WNBA, different teams and players and hearing all that they know and had learned.  They are professional basketball players -- by the strictest terms.

Of course they wanted to know about the Lady Tigers and how hard they were working this summer and what kind of season might we have coming.  It was great to hear them talk about what they saw in analyzing our team last year and what we needed to grow.

I'm so very proud of these two young women -- not just because they have forged their basketball gift from God -- but because of the people they have grown to be -- caring about each other and their respective communities.

Both have causes very near to their hearts and we will blog about that later but it speaks to who they are and what they become -- it's speaks to the Lady Tiger Way and a tremendous legacy that they have left for our future student-athletes.

Filed under  //  Alumni   Seimone Augustus   Temeka Johnson   WNBA  
Posted by Bob Starkey 

Big Syl takes CURE and battle againt Epilepsy to Los Angeles

If you an LSU alumni or fan in the Los Angeles area, come out and see a couple of Lady Tigers in Sylvia Fowles and Marie Ferdinand Harris.  But even more importantly, help Big Syl and she continues to work for CURE in the battle against Epilepsy.

Come See Sylvia Fowles and Support CURE!
Chicago Sky vs. Los Angeles Sparks
Wednesday, August 4 – 7:30PM
STAPLES Center
 
Join Big Syl and the Chicago Sky as they take on the Los Angeles Sparks.  Purchase your tickets using this link and receive a discount, pay NO TicketMaster fees, and a portion of every ticket sold will go back to support Citizens United for Research in Epilepsy!

To purchase tickets:
Click here:
https://oss.ticketmaster.com/html/go.htmI?l=EN&t=sparks&o=1139693&g=539 <https://oss.ticketmaster.com/html/go.htmI?l=EN&t=sparks&o=1139693&g=539>
Enter Special Offer Code: CURE
Enter your TicketMaster account ID (or e-mail address) and password on the left. If you have never created a Ticketmaster account, go to "Create an Account" on the right-hand side of the screen
Follow the instructions to purchase - you will be able to print the tickets right from your computer!
 
To learn more about Sylvia and her work with CURE, click here:
http://presidentscorner.cureepilepsy.org/
To learn more about CURE, click here: http://www.cureepilepsy.org

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Filed under  //  Alumni   Sylvia Fowles   WNBA  
Posted by Bob Starkey