Lower than 10 days in the past, the Seattle Storm and the Sparks battled deep right into a second extra time — the primary of the 2025 WNBA season — wringing each drop of drama out of Local weather Pledge Enviornment. On Sunday night time, the identical stakes had been at play because the groups tried to strengthen their playoff possibilities.

The depth didn’t let up until the ultimate horn. With 5.6 seconds left, Dearica Hamby roared into the paint and scored on a driving layup to place the Sparks forward for good. After the Storm missed their remaining likelihood to win, pandemonium spilled onto the ground — Sparks gamers leaping into each other’s arms, followers hollering over the hardwood, chanting “Hamby” in celebration of the Sparks’ 94-91 victory.

“We’re playing for that kind of game,” stated guard Julie Allemand, who had eight assists, “it’s exciting to play that kind of game. At the end, when you make the great shot that we need, it’s a great feeling.”

The Sparks managed to rally after falling right into a 16-point deficit within the first quarter, maybe a symptom of taking part in on back-to-back nights.

Then got here Kelsey Plum — who completed with 20 factors, seven assists and 6 rebounds — bending her sport in each course to haul the Sparks to their ninth win in 11 video games.

Sparks coach Lynne Roberts has painted Plum as a shape-shifter — capable of twist her sport into regardless of the sport calls for.

“That’s what your best players should do — get everybody else involved and make sure we’re flowing,” Roberts stated earlier than the sport, “and then when they need you, you step up. She’s done a tremendous job.”

Trailing the Storm (16-16) by 17 within the first quarter, Plum, who nonetheless hadn’t scored but, tore right into a one-on-five quick break, freezing the protection with a hesitation on the arc and a glide into the basket for an and-1. Seconds later, Plum created one other alternative off an prolonged proper elbow, drilling a three-pointer in Erica Wheeler’s face.

Sparks guard Kelsey Plum, proper, drives towards Seattle guard Brittney Sykes within the fourth quarter Sunday.

(Luke Hales / Getty Photographs)

“I’ve always been known as a scorer and I learned that over time, your impact on the game a lot of time is because you can score, you’re going to draw attention and find people,” Plum stated. “On the run we’ve been on, we’re better when I’m kind of doing both.”

It was the spurt of momentum the Sparks (15-16) wanted to beat a sputtering begin.

Taking part in your entire first half, Plum went from the table-setter to shot-maker within the second quarter — springing Rae Burrell for a nook three earlier than splashing a triple to tie the rating 29-29 with 6:30 left within the second quarter.

“Leadership is hard, figuring out when to push, when to pull, when to give it up, when to take it over,” Roberts stated. “[Plum] just continues to get better and better at it. … She’s so competitive and wants to win.”

Azurá Stevens and Cameron Brink had been sturdy in the important thing early, however the Sparks clanked jumpers, dribbled into visitors and watched offensive possessions die on the rim along with committing eight first-quarter turnovers. So Roberts rolled the cube on a smaller look — swapping her paint patrol of Stevens and Brink for guards Julie Vanloo and Burrell.

“When they go really big, we kind of went a little smaller with Rickea [Jackson]at the four,” Roberts stated. “It was a battle of wills — it seems like every time, like the last time we played them, back and forth.”

Plum and Allemand stored the smaller unit in fixed movement, whipping passes from wing to wing and slicing open lanes for Burrell and Jackson, whereas Vanloo, Allemand and Plum cashed in from past the arc. Roberts rode that group into the second quarter, they usually finally whittled the deficit.

Hamby completed with 19 factors and 7 rebounds, Stevens had 15 factors and eight rebounds and Brink contributed 14 factors, 5 rebounds and two steals off the bench.

When the ultimate buzzer light, gamers had been nonetheless grinning by way of hugs, and the group’s “Hamby” chants continued — pleasure for a Sparks staff that had yanked itself out of the fireplace.

“Really proud of that bounce-back,” Plum stated. “We could have folded — especially early. But there’s something to this team. We’re young, we’re competitive, we’re hungry.”

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Chargers quarterback Trey Lance passes through the second half Sunday.

(Eric Thayer / Related Press)

With a robust displaying within the preseason opener — incomes each the belief and reward of the teaching employees — Trey Lance has seemingly closed the hole in what was as soon as thought of a foregone determination for the backup quarterback spot.

The rising confidence in his sport confirmed Sunday — trusting his legs to increase performs — as he prolonged his second collection with 13- and 17-yard scrambles within the second quarter. He capped the drive with a designed quarterback draw close to the purpose line for a five-yard landing run.

Most of Lance’s manufacturing got here on the bottom, dashing seven occasions for 48 yards. He additionally accomplished seven of 14 passes for 55 yards.

Taylor Heinicke, who sat out the preseason opener, regarded rusty in his first motion, beginning the sport however ending one for 5 for eight yards with one sack.

Throughout his lone quarter of labor, he overshot a number of receivers — Tyler Conklin downfield and Kimani Vidal close to the sideline. A number of drives stalled with Heinicke below middle, because the Chargers began deep of their territory and strain collapsed the pocket.

ATLANTA — Jen Pawol breezed by Sunday’s Marlins-Braves recreation as if breaking a gender barrier was simply one other day on the job.

Contemplating Pawol grew to become the primary feminine umpire to work behind the plate within the majors, making unprecedented historical past seem like routine was particularly spectacular.

“I think Jen did a really nice job,” Miami supervisor Clayton McCullough mentioned after Atlanta’s 7-1 win over the Marlins.

“I think she’s very composed back there. She handled and managed the game very well. And big day for her. Big day for Major League Baseball. I congratulated her again on that because it’s quite the accomplishment.”

It was a formidable cap to a memorable weekend for Pawol. She made historical past in Saturday’s doubleheader as the primary feminine umpire to work a regular-season recreation within the majors. She known as the bases within the doubleheader earlier than shifting behind the plate on Sunday, putting her within the brightest highlight for an umpire.

Pawol by no means confirmed any indication of being affected by the eye, even whereas realizing each name can be carefully watched.

“Congrats to Jen, obviously,” mentioned Braves left-hander Joey Wentz, who earned the win by permitting just one run in 5 1/3 innings.

Requested about Pawol’s calls, Wentz mentioned, “I try not to focus on the zone, to be honest with you. … I thought it was good though.”

Umpire Jen Pawol stands at third base throughout a recreation between the Marlins and Braves on Saturday.

(Brett Davis / Getty Photographs)

There have been few alternatives for disputes as Wentz and Miami beginning pitcher Cal Quantrill mixed for under three strikeouts. The primary known as third strike got here within the fifth inning, when Pawol used a fist pump when calling out Miami’s Kyle Stowers on a pitch that was near the sting of the plate.

McCullough was seen within the Marlins dugout along with his palms held up as if asking concerning the pitch name. He mentioned after the sport it’s commonplace to query an in depth known as strike.

“Over the course of the game, there are a number of times that you just are going to be asking for clarity on one, if you aren’t sure,” McCullough mentioned. “So it could have been that.”

The 48-year-old Pawol was known as up as a rover umpire, so her subsequent project within the majors has not been introduced.

“I wish her the best moving forward as she continues to, I’m sure, hopefully one day be up full time, you know, a permanent big league umpire,” McCullough mentioned.

Pawol additionally obtained optimistic opinions from Braves supervisor Brian Snitker, who on Saturday mentioned, “You can tell she knows what she does.”

Pawol’s work within the minor leagues started in 2016 when she was assigned to the Gulf Coast League. She labored within the Triple-A championship recreation in 2023 and in spring coaching video games in 2024 and once more this 12 months.

“We certainly didn’t call her up from A ball, right?” Quantrll mentioned. “So yeah, I’m sure she was well prepared. And like I said I think, you know, part of the game moving forward is that if this is normal then we’re going to treat it normal, too. So, you know, I thought it was fine. I think she did she did a quality job. … And yeah, I think she’d be very proud of herself. And, you know, it’s kind of a cool little thing to be part of.”

Pawol spoke to reporters on Saturday when she mentioned, “The dream actually came true today. I’m still living in it. I’m so grateful to my family and Major League Baseball for creating such an incredible work environment. … I’m just so thankful.”

Pawol obtained cheers from followers on each days. On Sunday, some held up “Way to go Jen!” indicators.

Odum writes for the Related Press.

In 2020, contained in the clang-and-clatter of Neshoba Central Excessive’s powerlifting gymnasium, Jarquez Hunter’s coach laid down a dare: squat 645 kilos on three counts.

With a nod and fast coat of chalk, Hunter went to work. Challenges don’t faze him.

At a Mississippi water firm three years prior, Hunter’s co-workers coaxed him right into a pickup basketball sport. Nonetheless in his button-down shirt and cowboy boots, the 5-foot-9 Hunter went airborne. And dunked.

In those self same boots, the Rams’ rookie working again accomplished extra delicate exams: He patiently broke and nurtured a horse that he ultimately rode throughout Auburn’s campus.

“Stay true to the thing you’re doing,” Hunter stated.

On Saturday at SoFi Stadium, Hunter made his NFL debut in a preseason sport in opposition to the Dallas Cowboys, Lining up behind quarterback Stetson Bennett, he took a handoff on a third-and-six play and mimicked a sprinter stealing a head begin — his shoulders low and knees churning. Hunter knifed by way of the protection and broke for an 11-yard acquire.

“That was a great run,” stated Rams coach Sean McVay. “He’s knocking guys back and finishing forward where what might be a four-yard run ends up being an eight-yard or seven-yard run.”

That bruising type helped Hunter rush for 3,371 speeding yards and 29 touchdowns in 4 seasons at Auburn. The Rams chosen Hunter within the fourth spherical of the 2025 NFL draft, including him to a working again corps that options starter Kyren Williams and second-year professional Blake Corum.

“He’s definitely laser-focused on what you’re saying,” Rams working backs coach Ron Gould stated throughout coaching camp.

Or, as McVay illustrated it: “He can stare a hole through you.”

Gould dubbed Hunter’s velocity as his “super power,” a present confirmed by a 4.44-second 40-yard sprint. However Hunter’s potential to twist defenders out of place mid-chase is his calling card. Proof? He amassed 278 yards in 23 carries final October in opposition to Kentucky.

“Since I was in middle school growing up, I did a lot of squatting,” Hunter stated. “I do a lot of leg workouts. I run hills and pull sleds. That’s really how I get the power in my legs.”

Rams linebacker Chris “Pooh” Paul Jr., a fellow rookie, performed in opposition to Hunter 3 times at Arkansas earlier than Paul transferred to Mississippi. Each matchup in opposition to Hunter’s Tigers, Paul stated, was the identical headache.

Rams working again Jarquez Hunter is tackled by the Dallas Cowboys protection throughout a preseason sport Saturday at SoFi Stadium.

(Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Instances)

“We knew he ran hard,” the Rams linebacker stated. “We knew he was hard to bring down. We knew he had speed. Very good in pass [protection]. … Man, he’s very dangerous.”

However that hazard vanishes as soon as the pads come off. They’re changed by the persistence of a rustic boy.

Hunter, who additionally stashes get together tips like leaping out of a swimming pool, grew up within the rolling greens of central Mississippi. And again residence, Hunter’s most loyal working mate doesn’t put on pads. Hazard, a chestnut quarter horse with a white blaze down his face and a deep copper coat, was born the identical summer season Hunter first wore an Auburn jersey.

The colt was born whereas Hunter was driving residence for a brief break earlier than fall camp, its spindly legs nonetheless wobbly within the pasture.

The persistence to interrupt a horse, the stubbornness to work one till it trusts you, the dawn-to-dusk dedication of tending to one thing that may’t converse again — Hunter stated he swears all of it bleeds into his sport.

“When you’re out there working with animals, you gotta stay true,” Hunter stated, “you gotta go with the training. You still gotta work with them.”

That very same self-discipline exhibits when Hunter rides his ATV up a steep hill, hauls in catfish by hand, or waits patiently for a buck within the woods — and it’s the identical grit he’ll lean on as he pushes for a spot within the Rams’ working again rotation.

For now, Hunter will line up once more Saturday in opposition to the Chargers, with an opportunity to outpace the 41 yards he logged in 11 carries in his debut.

“Pretty decent,” Hunter stated, “but it’s things I got to fix.”

As a result of for Hunter, the fixes are the enjoyable a part of challenges — whether or not it’s mending a missed block, pumping out one other squat or profitable the belief of a stressed colt.

Employees author Gary Klein contributed to this report.

The BIG3 basketball environment is considered one of a West Coast summer-style block occasion — fairly actually — bursting with frenetic hip-hop vitality introduced straight to the hardwood.

On the heart is famous rapper and Hollywood A-lister Ice Dice, who, between video games, stands earlier than a BIG3-branded backdrop within the bowels of the Intuit Dome, greeting households and flashing Westside hand indicators as cameras click on.

“It takes a village; all these people have honed their skills to be the best,” Ice Dice, the league’s co-owner and founder, mentioned of the environment.

Rooted within the streetball custom of three-on-three hoops performed on neighborhood blacktops, the league rolled out its Summer season within the Metropolis tour — a day-long showcase with eight groups vying for a $1 million championship.

Anthony Anderson, left, and Cedric the Entertainer chortle whereas working as sideline reporters throughout Big3 video games on the Intuit Dome in Inglewood on Saturday, Aug. 9, 2025.

(Chapman Baehler / Big3)

Not shy on manufacturing worth, few sporting occasions provide such an intimate setting — gamers mingling casually across the concourse, nearly like an AAU match. Or comedic stars Anthony Anderson and Cedric the Entertainer serving as visitor sideline reporters, greeting each fan who stops by with a fast hi there.

However for the South-Central–born rapper, whose league has toured the nation, Saturday’s showcase in Inglewood marked the primary time his hometown crowd may watch one of many BIG3’s latest — and first privately owned — franchises, the LA Riot, play reside.

A franchise namesake born from L.A.’s historical past of tumultuous racial unrest — evoking reminiscences of the 1992 Rodney King riots — additionally symbolizes a motion, riot and cultural takeover, simply as Ice Dice envisioned.

“It was a dream come true, not too far from where I grew up,” Ice Dice mentioned. “So to have a league like this, right at the house, is just beautiful.”

After seven years of unaffiliated groups, the BIG3 shifted to a city-based mannequin to domesticate loyal fan bases and promote franchises to native homeowners. Utilizing L.A. because the blueprint — with a $10 million price ticket — the hope is to deliver long-term stability to the league.

“We’re going to these eight cities every year,” Ice Dice mentioned. “We can plan long term, hopefully grow the league to other cities, [who] want to get in on the act.”

Since 2017, a part of that stability has been constructed on the backs of veteran gamers — athletes effectively previous their NBA primes and now not chasing NBA contracts. Amongst them is newly elected Naismith Corridor of Famer Dwight Howard, alongside names like Joe Johnson, Michael Beasley, and Lance Stephenson.

Howard, a member of the 2020 Lakers championship crew, made a extremely anticipated return to town the place he performed three seasons throughout three separate stints. Together with his signing, he has turn into the face of the Riot, committing to play his ultimate season {of professional} basketball with the membership.

Ice Cue’s Big3 three-on-three basketball league took over the Intuit Dome in Inglewood on Saturday, Aug. 9, 2025.

(Chapman Baehler / Big3)

“It’s our first year, we’re just getting started,” Howard mentioned. “We’re looking forward to keeping it going. Obviously, the first year is always a little difficult — trying to get to know each other — but we’re doing a great job.”

Howard has dabbled in possession ventures, investing $7 million to buy the WNBA Atlanta Dream — a deal that later turned out to be a rip-off — and becoming a member of The Asian Event, a global league, as a co-owner and participant for the Taiwan Mustangs.

In his first Big3 season, Howard has witnessed how effectively the league connects with its followers, a connection he believes might be key to its long-term success.

Christopher Thomas, 35, a lifelong Angeleno who introduced his daughter and greatest pal to Saturday’s Big3 video games, was rocking a No. 12 Howard Riot jersey. Thomas left the sector transformed after initially scoring free tickets via his job.

“I have to admit, I never heard of the BIG3,” Thomas mentioned. “Now I’m leaving as a Riot fan, especially with my boy Dwight Howard on the team.”

For Thomas, the draw went past basketball. It was the environment, fixed vitality between video games and novelty the league provided. The expertise was “something new, something different,” he mentioned — the type that can have him again within the stands when the BIG3 returns to city.

Making headway in localized markets, Howard — who has performed abroad a number of instances all through his profession — says the league may also faucet into these worldwide markets with sensible selections and profitability.

“Oh, international,” Howard mentioned. “BIG3 international is what we’re looking for.”

On the globalization entrance, the league is planning exhibitions in Australia and Asia, which Ice Dice hopes will come to fruition quickly.

For now, although, the main target stays on increasing and privatizing inside the U.S., past L.A., Houston, Detroit and Miami. The BIG3 additionally goals to develop past its present eight-team format by securing buyers for 4 city-based groups, after which goals for additional growth down the road.

“We got some smart people who are buying teams, people who can help us grow the league,” Ice Dice mentioned. “Not just sign a check, but to help us be innovative. Help us with sponsors. We want owners who are active.”

Whereas growth plans proceed to be mentioned behind closed doorways, the league’s public focus stays on its quick, bodily and unpredictable model — all of which was on full show because the motion on the Intuit Dome wound down.

The Riot’s matchup in opposition to the Boston Ball Hogs got here right down to the wire with a playoff berth on the road. Clawing again from a 48-45 deficit, the Riot unleashed determined four-point photographs and dove for unfastened balls galore.

Finally taking the lead, the Riot-friendly crowd spilled from its seats into the walkways surrounding the court docket, watching with bated breath as Jordan Crawford drained a walk-off three-pointer to seal a 52-48 victory.

“At the end of the day, I can only do so much to get people hyped up,” Ice Dice mentioned of the enchantment of the Big3. “The basketball has to be pure.”

It took till August, however the beginning rotation the Dodgers envisioned in spring coaching is undamaged and delivering.

Vowing to not revisit the predicament they discovered themselves in final postseason, when solely two true starters and a stacked bullpen in some way patched collectively sufficient innings to win a World Collection, the Dodgers added two-time Cy Younger award winner Blake Snell to a rotation that already boasted 4 potential aces and several other different candidates coming off accidents or ascending from the minor leagues.

Snell complained of shoulder irritation April 2 after his second begin and took his candy time recovering — 4 months, to be exact. But when his efficiency towards the Toronto Blue Jays on Saturday night time at Dodger Stadium is a good indication, the wait was worthwhile.

Snell struck out 10 in 5 scoreless innings of a 9-1 Dodgers victory, residing as much as the Snellzilla nickname he stole from his older brother as a brash 11-year-old and nonetheless makes use of as his Instagram deal with. In two begins since coming off the injured listing, the left-hander has 18 strikeouts in 10 innings.

The Dodgers offense was fueled by the lengthy ball early on, with Max Muncy belting a two-run, opposite-field residence run within the fourth inning and Shohei Ohtani completely crushing his fortieth homer of the season 417 ft to useless heart within the fifth with no person on base.

Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani hits his fortieth residence run of the season Saturday towards the Blue Jays.

(Kevork Djansezian / Getty Photos)

A six-run rally an inning later put the sport away. Two hit batters and two walks set the desk, and Dalton Speeding and Mookie Betts every delivered two-run singles with none out. Andy Pages drove within the final two with a two-out double, his second hit of the inning.

The win was the second in a row towards Toronto (68-50), which stay in first place within the American League East. The collection concludes Sunday with one other formidable starter — Tyler Glasnow — taking the mound for the Dodgers (68-49).

Glasnow took an identical if much less pronounced path than Snell this season, happening the injured listing earlier than the tip of April and never returning till July 9. He has given up just one run in 4 of his 5 begins since returning and most not too long ago went seven sturdy innings towards the St. Louis Cardinals.

It’s clear that Snell and Glasnow are wholesome, their arms as recent and stay as can be anticipated popping out of spring coaching. The identical is true of Ohtani and Clayton Kershaw, two future Corridor of Famers whose recoveries from accidents additionally had been methodical and unhurried. Each are pitching effectively.

And so is Yoshinobu Yamamoto, the one starter whose well being hasn’t price him break day. He’s made 22 begins, going 10-7 with a 2.51 earned-run common and leads Nationwide League starters with eight scoreless outings.

The Dodgers make use of a sixth starter to present Ohani and Yamamoto 5 to seven days off between begins. The job belonged to Dustin Could till he was traded to the Crimson Sox on the deadline, creating a chance for Emmet Sheehan, who was spectacular over 60 innings as a rookie in 2023, however had Tommy John surgical procedure in Could 2024.

He’s pitched effectively, posting a 3.00 ERA over 30 innings, giving the Dodgers a luxurious they haven’t loved in latest reminiscence: trotting out a beginning pitcher each night time that may forestall runs via the center innings.

That leaves the bullpen to complete the job, and accidents and inconsistency proceed to riddle the aid corps. Roberts stated assistance is on the best way, with a number of key relievers on the mend. In the event that they return as efficient because the starters, pitching might be a Dodgers power coming into the postseason.

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Rams working again Blake Corum carries the ball within the first half towards the Cowboys on Saturday.

(Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Instances)

With Kyren Williams carrying the ball 316 instances final season, Corum received solely restricted alternative as a rookie.

The previous Michigan star may assist shoulder extra of the load if the Rams need to hold Williams — their newly minted $23-million funding — contemporary for the lengthy haul.

Whereas it was one thing of a shock when coach Sean McVay stated Corum would play within the preseason opener, Corum responded by dashing for 32 yards and two touchdowns in 9 carries.

Rookie Jarquez Hunter rushed for 41 yards in 11 carries, together with an 11-yard acquire on a third-and-five play within the third quarter.

Cody Schrader rushed for 59 yards in 5 carries, together with one for a 25-yard acquire, and caught a landing go.

Harm have hit the Chargers arduous in coaching camp.

From minor setbacks sidelining Mekhi Becton and Ladd McConkey for a number of practices, to the extreme, with Najee Harris’ return date nonetheless a thriller and Rashawn Slater out for the season.

Out of an abundance of warning, coach Jim Harbaugh as soon as once more mentioned veteran starters received’t play Sunday in opposition to the New Orleans Saints at SoFi Stadium.

For rookies reminiscent of KeAndre Lambert-Smith and Nikko Reed, it’s an opportunity to construct on the promise they confirmed in final week’s preseason debuts.

Will probably be the primary direct comparability between Taylor Heinicke and Trey Lance, who’re in an surprising backup quarterback battle.

And Trey Pipkins III will get much-needed reps at proper sort out because the offensive line undergoes a reshuffle.

Battle at backup quarterback

Chargers quarterback Taylor Heinicke (8) palms off to working again Gus Edwards throughout a sport in opposition to the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sept. 22.

(Matt Freed / Related Press)

After bouncing round three groups in 5 seasons, Lance confirmed flashes of why he was as soon as a No. 3 total choose.

His robust efficiency within the Corridor of Fame Recreation — 120 yards and two touchdowns — earned him the teaching employees’s belief to compete for the backup quarterback spot alongside Heinicke.

“He’s a guy that is really diligent with his preparation,” offensive coordinator Greg Roman mentioned. “He definitely afforded himself well. … Confidence is only gained in this league on the field, and he should be confident.”

Final season, Heinicke served as the first backup behind Justin Herbert, becoming a member of the Chargers from the Atlanta Falcons for a seventh-round choose, a concerted transfer so as to add depth after final yr’s lackluster backup quarterback competitors.

Although Heinicke, who re-signed within the offseason, seems to have a leg up, Lance may have the prospect all through the preseason to show he could be a succesful backup. The Chargers plan to play Heinicke throughout the first two sequence Sunday — his preseason debut — earlier than Lance takes over for the remainder of the sport.

KeAndre Lambert-Smith transferring up

Chargers receiver KeAndre Lambert-Smith catches a cross throughout a preseason sport in opposition to the Detroit Lions on July 31 in Canton, Ohio.

(Kirk Irwin / Related Press)

As coaching camp unfolds, the Chargers could have unearthed a diamond within the tough with fifth-round choose KeAndre Lambert-Smith, the twenty first huge receiver chosen within the draft.

Roman raved about Lambert-Smith’s physique sort, pace, clean actions and intuition for monitoring the ball. These traits have rapidly led to chemistry with Herbert, leading to extra targets with every observe.

Regardless of drawing solely two targets in his preseason debut, he made essentially the most of them — hauling in a 28-yard reception and turning a 15-yard slant right into a landing.

“He’s not just a one-trick pony, down-the-field guy — he’s really impressed me,” Roman mentioned. “He’s gotten a lot better with his route running. There’s still a long way to go, but he’s on that trajectory.”

Trey Pipkins III’s transfer to proper sort out

Chargers sort out Trey Pipkins III strains as much as block in opposition to the Las Vegas Raiders on Jan. 5.

(Abbie Parr / Related Press)

With Joe Alt sliding into the left sort out spot, Pipkins strikes right into a beginning position on the other aspect after coming into camp as a swing sort out, making ready for a situation nobody — together with Pipkins — had hoped to see.

Harbaugh expressed confidence within the veteran — who began the preseason opener at left sort out and can now change to proper sort out — saying, “He really is one of our best guys.”

Throughout his profession, Pipkins has logged simply over 3,000 snaps and began 41 video games at sort out, a transfer he’s comfy with.

“His best position is tackle, and that move was made earlier this offseason,” Harbaugh added. “I have all the confidence in the world in Trey.”

Caleb Murphy’s drive

Chargers linebacker Caleb Murphy runs after the ball throughout a preseason sport in opposition to the Detroit Lions on Thursday in Canton, Ohio.

(Kirk Irwin / Related Press)

From the opening kickoff this preseason, Murphy’s affect has been instant.

A particular teamer attempting to earn defensive snaps, Murphy sprinted downfield on the primary play and compelled a fumble, establishing the Chargers in scoring place. On protection, he showcased his pass-rushing capacity, ending with three tackles, together with one for a loss.

In his second coaching camp with the workforce, the previous undrafted free agent is rising comfy within the defensive scheme, in response to defensive coordinator Jesse Minter.

Minter says the “arrow is pointing up” for Murphy in a aggressive room that additionally options fourth-round choose Kyle Kennard and second-year participant Tre’Mon Morris-Brash, all vying for the fourth edge rusher spot.

Nikko Reed’s battle

Chargers cornerback Nikko Reed returns an interception throughout a preseason sport in opposition to the Detroit Lions on July 31 in Canton, Ohio.

(Kirk Irwin / Related Press)

With returning cornerbacks Tarheeb Nonetheless, Cam Hart and Ja’Sir Taylor — plus free-agent additions Donte Jackson and Benjamin St-Juste — the percentages are slim for an undrafted rookie to interrupt into the rotation.

However Nikko Reed, the previous Oregon Duck who has gone from digital unknown to creating high-impact protection performs nearly day by day, is attempting to beat the percentages. His execution has translated from observe right into a preseason sport, with a close to 60-yard pick-six final week.

“He’s definitely got a knack for making those types of plays,” Minter mentioned.

Minter now needs to see if Reed can “take that next step” and persistently be that participant — “doing that in practice, doing that in a couple more games.”

Doug Bledsoe has made the rounds as a highschool soccer coach. He’s been head coach at North Hollywood, Dorsey, Pasadena and College. He says his newest teaching place might be his final till his 3-year-old grandson reaches highschool.

It’s going to be his most difficult, making an attempt to rebuild a Narbonne program that after once more had an exodus of gamers and coaches after rule violations brought about the Metropolis Part to impose a three-year playoff ban and make this system vacate its Metropolis title. This additionally occurred in 2019 and the group dropped to 2-9 throughout an identical transition 12 months in 2021.

Bledsoe insists, “The Narbonne Gauchos ain’t dead.”

He has 4 returning all-league gamers, together with King’leon Sheard, a defensive finish who had two sacks in final season’s Metropolis Part Open Division closing received by the Gauchos. They selected to remain regardless that there might be no playoffs when the 10-game common season ends.

“They love the school,” Bledsoe mentioned. “We told them what we could do for them.”

There’s about 30 varsity gamers. Bledsoe is assured he and his workers can put together his many new varsity gamers for the season forward. Taking part in 10 video games might be higher than the eight video games performed final season when Marine League coaches boycotted enjoying the Gauchos, ensuing within the lack of 4 video games.

A brand new coach and a brand new principal give the Gauchos an opportunity to start out over. The tough penalty imposed additionally might be diminished with good habits. One signal of the dramatic change in a 12 months’s time is that the Gauchos had 27 transfers within the soccer program a 12 months in the past. There are presently none within the Metropolis Part switch portal for this season.

The beginning quarterback might be basketball level guard Quamare Meadows, who was the JV quarterback two seasons in the past however didn’t play final season.

Narbonne opens on the highway in opposition to Los Osos on Aug. 22. It should play its first league recreation in two seasons in opposition to runner-up San Pedro on Oct. 3.

They’ve performed 18 respective big-league seasons. They’ve mixed for almost 6,500 strikeouts and 435 profession wins. They every have two World Sequence titles, and three Cy Younger Awards. And at some point, they’ll share immortal plaques in Cooperstown, future first-ballot Corridor of Famers who outlined their technology of pitchers.

For Clayton Kershaw and Max Scherzer, there’s nothing left to show.

That doesn’t imply, nevertheless, that there’s nothing left to play for.

On Friday night time at Dodger Stadium, in a pitcher’s duel that noticed each veteran aces flip in classic performances, two gamers who’ve meant a lot to the game’s previous discovered themselves within the heart of its current.

They have been each pitching for first-place groups. They have been each efficient regardless of their diminished stuff. They have been each wrapped up in what felt like a pivotal recreation firstly of every staff’s late-season push.

“I think it’s going to be kind of quiet intensity from both of them,” Dodgers supervisor Dave Roberts stated earlier than the sport. “I think that they both are obviously great competitors.”

And within the Dodgers’ 5-1 win over Scherzer and the Toronto Blue Jays, it was Kershaw who proved to be a fraction higher.

Over his six innings, the 37-year-old left-hander navigated visitors and restricted injury, giving up seven hits and one stroll, however just one run, because of 4 well-timed strikeouts and three essential double-plays turned behind him.

The 41-year-old Scherzer, in the meantime, noticed what had been a scoreless night time shattered within the span of two swings within the fifth, with Shohei Ohtani hitting a two-out double earlier than Mookie Betts belted a go-ahead, two-run homer.

The Dodgers (67-49) finally pulled away late, scoring thrice in opposition to the Blue Jays’ bullpen within the seventh.

However up till then, the night time’s two beginning pitchers have been hardly separable.

“I don’t know,” Roberts stated, “if you’re gonna see this one again.”

Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw delivers within the first inning Friday in opposition to the Blue Jays at Dodger Stadium.

(Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Occasions)

Early on, Scherzer gave the impression to be the one on the ropes. Within the first, the Dodgers loaded the bases in opposition to him on two singles and a stroll. Scherzer gave the impression to be battling his command, lacking the zone on seven of 14 pitches at one level. And the aspect was solely retired after Teoscar Hernández missed a few fastballs left over the guts of the plate, earlier than finally placing out on a slider within the filth.

Kershaw, by comparability, wanted solely 11 pitches in a clear opening inning.

From there, nevertheless, the tables began to show.

Kershaw shortly bumped into bother within the second. Bo Bichette hit a squibber previous Freddie Freeman for a leadoff double. The Blue Jays (68-49) opened the scoring on Addison Barger’s RBI single off a dangling two-strike curveball. Two extra base hits from Ty France and Daulton Varsho loaded the bases. Kershaw escaped the jam, however solely with the assistance of a diving play by Betts at shortstop, who snared a line drive from Myles Straw earlier than doubling off France at second for an inning-ending double-play.

Kershaw encountered extra visitors within the third (working round a Davis Schneider leadoff single), the fourth (when Barger’s one-out hit was erased by a France double-play grounder), the fifth (when second baseman Alex Freeland helped strand a runner with a sprinting catch in shallow proper subject) and the sixth (when a leadoff stroll to Vladimir Guerrero Jr. was canceled out by yet one more double-play grounder).

Mookie Betts, left, celebrates with teammate Teoscar Hernández after hitting a two-run residence run for the Dodgers within the fifth inning Friday.

(Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Occasions)

However after getting by means of every new risk unscathed, he ended his 74-pitch night time with a 3.14 season earned-run common — the bottom it has been since late June.

Scherzer, in the meantime, bounced again from his shaky first inning by discovering a midgame groove. Beginning along with his strikeout of Hernández, he retired 9 consecutive batters. And even after Andy Pages led off the fifth with a single, it appeared Scherzer had caught a break, with Pages getting doubled-off at first base on a Freeland pop-up after getting again to the bag late following an tried steal of second.

5 pitches later, although, Scherzer hung a 2-and-2 slider that Ohtani drove to proper subject for a ground-rule double. Then Betts got here to the plate and continued his latest — and long-awaited — turnaround offensively, ambushing a first-pitch slider for his first residence run since July 5.

Since a career-worst 0-for-22 skid ended Tuesday, Betts is six-for-his-last-11 with three extra-base hits and, simply as encouragingly, one stroll to zero strikeouts.

On the finish of the 2019 minor-league season, Alex Name checked out his hitting numbers, then appeared himself within the mirror.

A former third-round draft decide who had already modified organizations as soon as, he knew he had simply had the sort of yr that sometimes portends a brief skilled profession.

As a 24-year-old outfielder on the double-A degree within the Cleveland Guardians group, Name had taken 325 plate appearances that yr with the Akron RubberDucks. In 93 of them — a fee of almost 30% — he recorded a strikeout.

It wasn’t the one ugly stat in a season that noticed Name bat simply .205, attain base at a .266 clip and hit solely 5 house runs. Nevertheless it was the most important signal of a basic flaw plaguing the right-handed hitter’s recreation.

“That,” he recalled just lately, whereas reflecting on what grew to become a turning level second in his profession, “just wasn’t gonna get it done.”

Six years later, Name joined the Dodgers as a commerce deadline addition final week with a polar reverse status. Now, the defensively versatile outfielder is among the more durable outs in all of the majors. Because the begin of final season, his .297 batting common ranks eighth amongst MLB hitters with a minimum of 350 plate appearances. Extra essential, over that very same span, he ranks high 60 in strikeout fee and stroll fee (with a 55-to-39 ratio total), and twenty second in chase fee; persistently placing collectively among the higher at-bats in all the game.

“This guy’s just a straight grinder, works at-bats,” normal supervisor Brandon Gomes mentioned after the Dodgers acquired Name from the Washington Nationals in trade for 2 pitching prospects. “Playing against him, he’s always incredibly frustrating to try to game plan for and get out.”

“I’ve faced Alex a few times,” added future Corridor of Fame left-hander Clayton Kershaw. “He’s tough against lefties, a great defender. A good add, for sure.”

The Dodgers, after all, may have made splashier provides on the deadline. They have been linked to different All-Star caliber names, together with Steven Kwan of the Guardians, however didn’t splurge to pay such inflated deadline costs.

As an alternative, they settled for Name, who was a smaller identify however got here with workforce management by 2029. They put their religion in his overhauled offensive ability set, hopeful a private transformation greater than half-a-decade within the making will make him a key piece of their pursuit of a second straight World Sequence title.

“That is my whole game,” Name mentioned on the day he arrived with the membership. “I am going to grind out at-bats, put the ball in play, take my walks, make it tough on the pitcher, lengthen out the lineup.”

The origins of that mindset date to that 2019 season, and the pandemic-altered yr that adopted.

Getting into 2020, Name dedicated to a change on the plate. In what was a crowded pipeline of outfielders within the Guardians system — highlighted at the moment by Kwan, who has since blossomed into among the finest left fielders within the recreation — he acknowledged he wanted a brand new id. If he was going to succeed in the majors, it was going to begin with merely working higher at-bats.

“It’s a bad feeling,” he mentioned, “having a cloud hanging over your head after a season like that.”

The one drawback: COVID-19 got here, the 2020 minor league season was canceled, and Name (like so many different minor-league longshots clinging to big-league goals) was left successfully on his personal.

So, he discovered alternative ways to enhance his bat.

Because the baseball world shut down, Name purchased a transportable Junior Hack Assault hitting machine with a self-feeding ball dispenser. And in every single place he went that yr — from spring coaching housing in Phoenix to his childhood house in Wisconsin to his household’s offseason residence in Indiana — he sought out anyplace “I could find a hitting cage and an outlet” to make use of it, he mentioned laughing.

His focus was easy. Work on hitting fastballs up within the strike zone. Get rid of what had been one of many largest holes in his swing.

“For me, it’s just about having that mentality to where, it doesn’t matter if I have two strikes or if it’s an 0-0 count,” he mentioned. “Believe I’m comfortable in every situation. I’m going to put the ball in play.”

By that winter, Name sought out a extra superior piece of coaching know-how as nicely.

Over the earlier couple years, an organization referred to as Win Actuality had begun manufacturing digital actuality hitting goggles — utilizing data-driven fashions, precise video and computer-generated pictures to recreate digital at-bats towards actual pitchers from a hitter’s viewpoint inside Oculus-style headsets.

A handful of MLB groups, together with the Dodgers, had invested within the system for his or her groups. Within the months main as much as the 2021 season, Name determined to do the identical for himself, shopping for the $300 product (and paying for its annual $200 software program program) to assist couple his new swing with a extra discerning method.

“[I was] just really practicing the zone,” Name mentioned. “Knowing what pitches are my strengths and what pitches I don’t want to swing at until two strikes. Developing that plan and developing that approach.”

The coaching paid off.

At first of the 2021 season, Name was despatched again to double-A Akron. When he arrived, he was knowledgeable by supervisor Rouglous Odor that he would solely be slated to play 2-3 video games per week — a fast reminder of how far down the group depth chart he’d fallen.

“I remember him being very disappointed,” Odor, now the Guardians’ big-league third-base coach, recalled this week. “But he took ownership of his career, and didn’t let what I told him affect him.”

Name’s probability arrived that Might, after Kwan went down with a hamstring harm. And nearly instantly, his COVID-year modifications took impact. Over 180 plate appearances, Name hit .310, drew 21 walks and — simply as he’d hoped — minimize his strikeout fee by half, punching out solely 26 instances.

“He was a totally different hitter,” mentioned Odor, who had additionally been Name’s supervisor throughout his dismal 2019 marketing campaign. “Defensively, he was already to play in the big leagues. He made some unbelievable plays … But offensively, he found his stroke. His plate discipline was more consistent. And he had an unbelievable season.”

By the top of the season, Name had been promoted to triple-A. The subsequent July, he earned a promotion to the majors.

The ascent from there wasn’t linear. In August 2022, he was designated for task and claimed off waivers by the Nationals. In 2023, he performed in 128 big-league video games however hit solely .200, sending him again to triple-A for many of final yr.

Alex Name bats towards the Houston Astros on July 28 as a member of the Washington Nationals.

(Karen Warren / Related Press)

Nonetheless, his plate self-discipline didn’t waver (he struck out solely 78 instances in his 439 plate appearances in 2023, an 18% fee, whereas additionally drawing 53 walks). His VR routine solely grew to become extra ingrained, seeing upward of 54,000 simulated pitches (or, primarily 25 seasons’ value of throws) by his headset every year, as he advised the Washington Publish final month.

All of it has clicked during the last calendar yr, with Name following up a productive return to the majors on the finish of 2024 along with his finest full-season efficiency this time period.

“The type of player that I am, I can hit the ball over the fence, but it’s not really my full game,” Name mentioned. “So for me, it was about trying to create as many opportunities to get on base as possible … I have to be able to hit the ball at good angles.”

Name is one in all solely 4 gamers with 200 plate appearances this season (together with Kyle Tucker, Gleyber Torres and Geraldo Perdomo) who strikes out lower than 15% of the time, chases lower than 20% of the time and whiffs lower than 20% of the time. He has hit .236 with two strikes (higher than everybody else on the Dodgers besides Hyeseong Kim).

He had his first standout recreation with the Dodgers on Wednesday, when he singled, doubled and made a catch whereas crashing into the left subject wall to save lots of an extra-base hit.

Eight at-bats into his Dodgers profession coming into Friday’s recreation, he has additionally but to strike out as soon as.

“I’m always proud of players like Alex, because he wasn’t this big prospect, but he became an everyday big-league player,” Odor mentioned. “He had the urgency to make something happen in order to reach his goal, and his dream.”

And now, Name is aiming to take his profession one step additional — to be not only a productive big-league bat, however one able to taking part in an impactful function on a title-contending membership in Los Angeles.

“I always knew that I could do it and be an established major leaguer,” Name mentioned. “It’s just, sometimes it takes a little bit of time. And I’m grateful that I was given that time, and just continued to get better.”

Quarterbacks within the Marmonte League, beware. At Friday’s soccer media day, it was identified that Simi Valley’s Izak Simpson and St. Bonaventure’s Matthew Perez are getting ready to make their senior years much more memorable in sacking quarterbacks.

Simpson is available in with 29 profession sacks the final two seasons. Perez had 15 sacks as a sophomore and 10 as a junior. That’s a mixed 54 sacks.

Simpson’s story is kind of inspiring. As a freshman, he didn’t play soccer. He was enjoying JV basketball when soccer coach Jim Benkert, dealing with the scoreboard, observed how huge he was and requested why he wasn’t enjoying soccer. The remainder is historical past.

Simpson has grown to six toes 3 and 260 kilos with a dedication to Sacramento State and a dream he by no means imagined — enjoying within the NFL.

“I didn’t know I could get to the level I’m at,” Simpson stated. “I’m excited what the future can be.”

Stated Benkert: “Oh my gosh, he’s unblockable. There’s no slowing him down. He practices full speed.”

Perez will get new teaching from former NFL defensive again Troy Hill at St. Bonaventure, and can be a key participant for the Seraphs.

In order for you a shock favourite to win the league, attempt Oxnard Pacifica. Coach Mike Moon stated he has probably the most depth in 13 seasons as head coach.

There’s a lot of firepower with proficient juniors Isaiah Phelps and Alijah Royster. And junior quarterback Taylor Lee supplied a glimpse of his expertise with a six-touchdown recreation towards Camarillo when changing the injured beginning quarterback. A Newbury Park vs. Pacifica recreation on Sept. 5 ought to inform rather a lot.

Bishop Diego could have 5 gamers who’re three-year starters. Oaks Christian received’t have high defensive gamers Davon Benjamin (cornerback) and Joseph Peko (sort out) till week three on the earliest as a result of each are recovering from accidents.

Hill, who performed at Oregon and with the Rams beneath Sean McVay, will attempt to use classes realized to assist the Seraphs. A lot will depend upon the play of sophomore quarterback Jaxson Carper.

Former St. Bonaventure coach Joe Goyeneche is now an assistant coach at Bishop Diego.

Simi Valley is opening its season subsequent Friday at dwelling towards Spanish Springs from Sparks, Nev..

Oaks Christian working again Deshonne Redeaux modified his physique by working thrice a day within the weight room. There’s little doubt that the USC commit could have an enormous season if he can keep wholesome. In his ultimate recreation of 2024 towards Murrieta Valley, he rushed for 235 yards and 5 touchdowns.

“It was what a healthy Redeaux can do,” coach Charlie Collins stated.

With a digicam trailing his each transfer, Nathan Chen glides throughout the ice on the identical coaching heart that fueled his Olympic desires. 4 years after profitable Olympic gold, Chen continues to be the image of energy and artistry as he picks up velocity to spherical a flip and circles an arm round his head.

“Is this a comeback?” Jean-Luc Baker, a 2022 Olympic ice dancer, playfully asks.

The reigning Olympic champion has not skated competitively since Feb. 10, 2022, when Chen landed 5 clear quadruple jumps to turn out to be the seventh U.S. man to win a determine skating singles gold medal.

He doesn’t intend to vary that quickly.

Six months earlier than the Milano Cortina Olympics, Chen confirmed he won’t defend his Olympic title. The 2-time Olympic gold medalist hasn’t formally retired, however is able to embark on a brand new profession in drugs.

“I just want to open doors to kind of see what’s the best sort of approach for me,” Chen informed The Instances. “And frankly, at this point in time in my life, I’ve already accomplished enough in skating that I’m quite satisfied with my career.”

A six-time nationwide champion and three-time world champion, Chen put an exclamation level on his profession with a dominant efficiency in Beijing. He set the world report within the brief program. He conquered demons from a 2018 catastrophe during which he completed fifth to win his first particular person Olympic medal. He turned the primary singles skater in Olympic historical past with two gold medals in the identical Video games after serving to the US to a victory within the crew competitors.

Then Chen slipped seamlessly again into life as a scholar, ending his bachelor’s diploma at Yale, the place he began earlier than the Video games. He started making use of to medical colleges whereas serving to launch Your True Step, a collection of skating seminars with Baker, who positioned eleventh within the 2022 Olympic ice dance competitors with companion Kaitlin Hawayek, and choreographer Sam Chouinard. After giving instruction on and off the ice to roughly two dozen younger athletes, the primary query Chen obtained Friday throughout a post-camp Q&A was about which medical faculty he was going to attend.

Whichever one needs him, Chen responded with a chuckle.

Chen, who stated taking the medical school admission take a look at was much more nerve-wracking than competing on the Olympics, is keen on cardiology or oncology, particularly associated to genetics. He’s inquisitive about cardiothoracic surgical procedure, however frightened concerning the potential work-life stability sacrifices.

The priority isn’t that Chen is scared to dedicate himself fully to a selected job. He simply needs his subsequent challenge to be as fulfilling as skating was.

“The basis of being a doctor, I think, is to help people,” Chen stated. “I think that’s something that I didn’t necessarily feel as an athlete, that I felt was a little bit lacking, and I get a little bit of that sense doing YTS.”

The skating camps, which started in 2024, have introduced Chen and Baker to rinks in Irvine, Boston, Detroit and Seattle. They got here up with the thought whereas attending a pre-Olympic camp in 2022 so the longtime pals may stay shut to one another and to the game. Baker, 31, knew the Beijing Video games would possible be his final Olympics. Chen wasn’t positive on the time.

Nathan Chen listens to the nationwide anthem whereas standing on the highest step of the rostrum after profitable gold in males’s determine skating on the 2022 Beijing Olympic Video games.

(Jae C. Hong / Related Press)

Nonetheless solely 26, Chen might be coming into his bodily prime. The game has remained open to older rivals as approach has progressed. However the window of alternative to realistically win is small, Chen acknowledged, as athletes push the bounds towards jumps that had been as soon as unimaginable.

Main as much as the 2022 Olympics, Chen dabbled with a quadruple axel throughout observe, however stopped coaching it because the Video games approached. Whereas he got here near touchdown it, he was snug realizing nobody else had the daring soar but.

Solely seven months after these Video games, Ilia Malinin landed the world’s first quadruple axel in competitors at 17 years outdated. Now the favourite for Olympic gold in 2026, the 20-year-old American has received consecutive world championships.

Whereas Malinin, who additionally trains at Irvine’s Nice Park Ice with Chen’s former coach Rafael Arutyunyan, landed six quadruple jumps on the 2025 world championships, Chen watched from afar.

The occasion occurred in Boston, the place Chen was finishing a post-baccalaureate program. As a substitute of feeling like he was lacking out, Chen was relieved he didn’t should really feel the stress of competitors.

He’s content material to get pleasure from what might be a golden period of U.S. skating from the sideline. The USA claimed three of 4 world championships in 2025, essentially the most ever for the nation in a single world championship. Alysa Liu made an unbelievable return from a two-year hiatus to turn out to be the primary U.S. girl to win the world championship since 2006. Madison Chock and Evan Bates received their third consecutive ice dance world title. Malinin, often called “the Quad God,” turned the primary American man to win back-to-back singles world championships since Chen, who received three.

Chen, the one-time “Quad King,” is pleased to cross his crown.

When John Beck first watched Jayden Maiava throw a soccer up shut this summer season, he may see fairly rapidly why USC would possibly grasp its hopes on Maiava’s rocket proper arm.

“He spins the ball really well,” Beck mentioned. “The talent is there. The ability is there.”

Few are as certified as Beck to make that evaluation. A former NFL quarterback and personal quarterbacks coach for 3DQB, he has helped effective tune a few of the greatest passers within the sport, from Tom Brady and Drew Brees to Matthew Stafford and Justin Herbert. And this summer season, over “a handful” of classes at 3DQB’s coaching facility in Huntington Seaside, Beck turned his consideration to the mechanics of the Trojans’ beginning quarterback.

Beck already had a normal concept of how Maiava had risen into the beginning position. He knew after impressing as a freshman at Nevada Las Vegas that Maiava had transferred to USC, the place, final season, he began at quarterback over the ultimate 4 video games. He knew, too, that USC received three of these 4, all whereas Maiava’s efficiency oscillated between breathtaking and anxiety-inducing.

That variability is a part of what led Maiava to 3DQB — and to Beck.

As he watched Maiava throw for the primary time, Beck noticed that spectrum. He observed sure varieties of passes weren’t maximizing the potential of Maiava’s arm. The later into the development, the much less environment friendly his mechanics typically can be.

“He would make some throws, and you’d go, ‘Oh wow, there’s some real arm talent there,” Beck mentioned. “Then you’d see some others, and the question would be, ‘Why isn’t that arm talent, that efficiency showing up in the same way on those specific throws?’”

USC quarterback Jayden Maiava warms up throughout follow on July 30.

(Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Occasions)

“Just doing anything I can to be smarter and get more knowledge. Because knowledge is power.”

— Jayden Maiava, on getting ready for the season

All quarterbacks undergo that course of, Beck mentioned. And whereas Maiava has loads of pure expertise at his disposal, he hadn’t labored with a devoted quarterback coach till final spring. That first non-public coach, Ryan Porter, advised The Occasions final fall that Maiava was “super raw” and was nonetheless digesting USC’s offense at first of final season.

However as Maiava enters this season as USC’s unquestioned starter, his plan was to do every thing to raise his sport. That didn’t cease at working with a personal coach. Maiava got down to get stronger, to get sooner. He devoured cut-ups of previous Lincoln Riley quarterbacks, like Baker Mayfield and Kyler Murray and Caleb Williams. He began studying motivational books, beneficial to him by USC’s new energy coach, Trumain Carroll. He even began meditating.

“Just doing anything I can to be smarter and get more knowledge,” Maiava mentioned. “Because knowledge is power.”

In relation to his mechanics, Riley insists there have been no “radical problems” for the parents at 3DQB to repair. Beck mentioned their focus with Maiava was largely on the finer factors of his mechanics; like find out how to be extra environment friendly along with your footwork; or find out how to switch your weight to ship various kinds of throws with the identical zip.

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Perhaps most significantly, they repped Maiava in as many alternative eventualities as attainable.

“They just did a great job of putting me in situations that I could be most prepared for,” the junior quarterback mentioned. “Football is a game with a lot of possibilities. Anything can happen within a play.”

A season in the past, that definitely felt the case with Maiava on the helm of USC’s offense. He accomplished fewer than 60% of his passes and threw six interceptions. Two of these picks sank USC’s hopes of upsetting rival Notre Dame, because the Irish returned each for touchdowns. A month later, within the Las Vegas Bowl, Maiava threw three interceptions earlier than main a wild comeback win over Texas A&M.

The bowl sport ran the total gamut for Maiava, the nice and the dangerous. However within the fourth quarter, he believes he discovered one thing that may assist him going ahead.

One of many books he learn this offseason, “Winning: The Unforgiving Race to Greatness” by Tim Grover, stresses the significance of sustaining a “neutral mindset,” by no means permitting oneself to get too excessive or too low emotionally.

USC quarterbacks Jayden Maiava, left, and Husan Longstreet, middle, participate in passing drills at follow on July 30.

(Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Occasions)

That resonated with Maiava, who had a bent to dwell on errors. Towards Texas A&M, he dismissed his efficiency within the first three quarters to guide USC on three landing drives within the fourth. On the ultimate drive, Maiava accomplished eight of 9 passes for 78 yards, together with the successful landing, with eight seconds remaining.

“That’s something I like to reflect on,” Maiava mentioned. “Just having that neutral mindset and going out there for that last drive.”

That’s the model of himself Maiava is hoping to carry on to this season. Thus far, the distinction in him has been distinct, based on teammates and coaches.

“You can just feel Jayden being more comfortable in his own skin and more comfortable being one of the leaders of this football team and operating this offense,” mentioned Luke Huard, USC offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach. “You just feel an improved and elevated level of confidence with the way he’s going about his business.”

That was the aim when Maiava set out this summer season to take himself severely — studying and meditating and drilling down the finer factors of the place.

“This was his first opportunity to really be trained like a pro,” Beck mentioned.

“Now, it’s just about tying it all together.”

When Julie Vanloo drew her second touring violation earlier than halftime, the group’s disapproval rose in unison.

On the ground, with tempers simmering on the Sparks’ bench, a delay-of-game whistle drew one other spherical of jeers from the Crypto.com Area crowd.

The calls weren’t the one sources of frustration for the Sparks — the crew additionally was trailing the last-place Connecticut Solar by 10 factors.

Nonetheless, the flare-up might need been what the Sparks wanted to rally to a 102-91 victory over the Solar to earn their eighth win in 9 video games.

“Since the beginning of the season, I’ve been optimistic about what this team would look like and why I want to be here and why I want to continue to be here,” Dearica Hamby mentioned. “[This team is] one of the fastest teams I’ve been with. … We’re not done yet, we’ve got a lot more to accomplish.”

After their deficit swelled to 13 factors late within the second quarter, the Sparks (14-15) went on a 14-0 run, trimming the Solar’s result in 51-49 by halftime.

Within the third quarter, Hamby helped the Sparks maintain tempo with the Solar (5-24). Hamby racked up six factors, an help and a defensive rebound over 4 minutes.

A 3-pointer by Rae Burrell late within the third quarter gave the Sparks a 66-64 lead. The Solar managed to tie it within the fourth quarter earlier than a Cameron Brink three with 8:06 left gave the Sparks the lead for good.

The Sparks’ Rickea Jackson, left, Cameron Brink and Rae Burrell throughout the fourth quarter Thursday.

(Luke Hales / Getty Photos)

“We’ve hung in there and, as I’ve said, didn’t lose sight of the big picture when we had all those injuries and a lot of adversity,” Sparks coach Lynne Roberts mentioned. “We’ve had a lot of adversity in that sense, and took some tough losses. But it’s a great group. They’re good people and they want this team to do well.”

Julie Allemand was a constant drive all through the sport, ending with 10 factors, 11 assists and 11 rebounds to change into the twenty second participant in WNBA historical past to report a triple-double.

“She was just dialing today, she was really good,” Roberts mentioned. “It was impossible in the second half to take her out of the game. … She was just unbelievable.”

From the opening quarter — when Allemand flashed her deal with with a flurry of steps, an in-and-out dribble and a tough drive earlier than dishing to Rickea Jackson for a three-pointer on the prolonged elbow — the Allemand Act didn’t let up.

She proved to be a vital ground normal for the Sparks, because the Solar held main scorer Kelsey Plum to only one level within the first half.

“KP didn’t have a great offensive first half,” Allemand mentioned. “I’m trying as a point guard to see what I need to do to help this team — if it’s scoring, if it’s rebounding, playing defense, offense, depending how [to] fuel my teammates on the court, and I think that’s what I did today.”

Hamby completed with 21 factors, 5 rebounds and 4 assists and Jackson scored 20 factors. Plum surged within the second half to complete with 18 factors and Burrell had 9 factors off the bench.

With Brink again proving to be sturdy on each ends — she completed with 11 factors, 5 blocks and two rebounds — the Sparks turned Crypto.com Area’s boos into all cheers by the top of the sport.

The Little League group from Honolulu has an opportunity to develop into a three-time world champion.

Winners of the Little League World Collection in 2018 and 2022, the group from Hawaii earned a spot on this yr’s World Collection on Thursday night time with a 4-1 win over Fullerton Golden Hill in San Bernardino. They’ll journey to Williamsport, Pa., the place the World Collection begins on Wednesday.

Golden Hill’s solely two losses got here from Honolulu, together with a 1-0 loss to begin the event. It was the primary time within the league’s 69-year historical past {that a} group had superior to the West Area remaining.

Pitcher Bronson Fermahin took benefit of his group scoring three runs within the first two innings by throwing a lot of strikes. He had eight strikeouts via the primary 4 innings and completed with 11 in 5 ⅔ innings earlier than Golden Hill pushed throughout a run with two outs within the sixth.

Fullerton Golden Hill pitcher Lincoln Ploog struck out 10 in a loss.

(Craig Weston)

Lincoln Ploog of Golden Hill was introduced in to pitch with two outs within the first inning. He hit three batters however completed with 10 strikeouts in 4 ⅓ innings.

Honolulu scored two runs within the first on an RBI single from Evan Crawford and a bases-loaded hit batter. An RBI double within the second by Kuana Payanal offered a 3-0 lead. Mason Mitani hit a house run within the fifth. Golden Hill scored a run within the sixth. Fermahin needed to go away due to pitch depend with two outs within the sixth. Mitani got here in to get the ultimate out, catching a broken-bat line drive.

Golden Hill confirmed off two future standouts in Ploog and infielder Gavin Janicke, who got here in with 4 hits in eight at-bats. Janicke struck out 14 in a win on Wednesday and wasn’t eligible to pitch Thursday.