Indiana high school hoops … one class or multi?
The Indiana High School Athletic Association held the 10th of 11 town hall meetings concerning class basketball Wednesday night at Connersville High School.
Approximately 50 people attended the meeting with about 20 taking the opportunity to come to the microphone and give their opinion on the current state of Indiana’s high school basketball tournament format.
Approximately two-thirds of the people that spoke preferred that the tournament return to its original format while the rest of the speakers prefer to stay with the current system.
Senator Mike Delph and Senator Jean Leising were in attendance. Senator Delph pointed out that Article 8 of the Indiana Constitution gives the legislature absolute authority over education in the State of Indiana, and in his opinion that includes high school sports.
Brian Rea of Cambridge City spoke of seeking a compromise. Given that current athletes have only experienced the multi-class system and their parents were a product of the one-class system, a way needs to be found to make both parties happy.
Rea proposed leaving the sectionals in a multi-class format and then combining all of the classes at the regional level. In his opinion, this compromise still gives everybody a realistic chance of winning a sectional.
Rea ended his two minutes by telling the two senators that while he appreciated them bringing up this topic for discussion he told the legislators that there are more pressing education matters facing our state right now than class basketball.
At the end of his two minutes, Jim Sparks of Connersville simply asked that the IHSAA give us back our heritage.
Mike Cerqua, principal at Lincoln High School, said he was the athletic director at Connersville when the Spartans won the state title in 1983, and that he wouldn’t trade those memories for anything.
However, now that he is the principal at a small school he would like to see the current format continue. He pointed out that Lincoln High School currently brings in more revenue from the class sectional than they did when they played in the one-class sectional.
Pam Noble, athletic director at Connersville High School, also spoke in favor of the current format. She pointed out the great following that Union County had at the 2A regional Connersville hosted this year as an example of what is great about the current format.
Both Noble and Cerqua also made it a point to tell the senators that the legislature has bigger issues in education to worry about than class basketball.
Another theme brought up was: what is best for the kids? Are we better preparing these student-athletes for the future by letting them have more opportunities to win or should we teaching them a life lesson by putting them in situations where the odds are against them?
A woman reminded the crowd about an ages-old saying: “It is not whether you win or lose, its how you play the game.”
Read MorePacers beat Heat 78-75, even series
By Paul Levine / digibetinfo.com
This time, LeBron James and Dwyane Wade couldn’t rescue the Miami Heat.
David West had 16 points and 10 rebounds, George Hill scored 15 and the Indiana Pacers wrestled the home-court advantage away from the Heat, with a gritty 78-75 victory to square their Eastern Conference semifinal playoff series at one-game apiece.
“We can’t get too excited because we won one game,” West said after Tuesday night’s victory. “That’s not our goal in the series.”
James had 28 points and Wade scored 24 for the short-handed Heat, who hit just 34.6 percent from the field, 1-of-16 from behind the arc and were outrebounded, 50-40.
Pacers guard Leandro Barbosa defends Heat forward LeBron James Tuesday night. Photo: Rhona Wise
“We had our opportunities,” Miami coach Erik Spoelstra said. “Obviously we did not shoot the ball very well but we still put ourselves in a position to win at the end. We couldn’t get over the hump.”
Both superstars had opportunities down the stretch but James blew a pair of free throws with 54.3 seconds left and the Heat trailing by one.
“The game is not lost or won with two free throws,” James said. “But I definitely want to come through for my teammates. So I’ll get an opportunity again. I know I’ll be at the line again in that situation. … Just go up and make ‘em.”
Wade missed a tough layup with 16 seconds left that would have knotted the game. “I was kind of falling a little bit,” Wade said. “With a little contact, I just got a little too far to the rim and missed the shot.”
With 14.1 seconds left, Hill made the first of two free throws but missed the second. The ball was deflected to the other end of the court but Hill couldn’t save it, giving Miami possession with 8.3 seconds to go.
The Heat draw up a final play but instead of putting the ball in the hands of James or Wade, it went to Mario Chalmers, who launched a potential game-tying three-point attempt that bounced off the rim as time expired.
“Well, welcome to the playoffs for us,” Spoelstra said. “That’s how we’re viewing it. The series has started. They won on our home court, now we have to gather ourselves, collect ourselves.”
The Heat played without All-Star forward Chris Bosh, who’s out indefinitely after suffering a lower abdominal strain in Sunday’s opener. “We’re missing one of our top guns,” Wade said. “We missed him all around, everything Chris Bosh brings.”
The Heat led 38-33 at halftime by holding Indiana to horrid 31.7 percent shooting. The Pacers regrouped and used a game-turning, 20-4 third quarter run to take a 61-52 advantage into the final frame.
“We had three very good defensive quarters but it got away from us in the third,” said Spoelstra. “That was an ugly period.”
But James and Wade scored 16 of their team’s next 18 points and the Heat regained the lead, 72-71. The Pacers went back on top, 76-75, but Paul George missed a pair of free throws and James also blew both of his at the other end with 54 seconds left.
Roy Hibbert split a pair from the stripe with 32 seconds remaining to give the Pacers a two-point edge. Wade then spun around Hill to the left, but his tough layup attempt came up short, setting the stage for the closing seconds.
“They feel like we felt after game one,” Pacers coach Frank Vogel said. “They’re going to come and bring everything they got. Our job is keeping the edge while they’re edge just got sharper.”
Game 3 of the best-of-seven series is Thursday night in Indianapolis.
Read MoreTown meeting to discuss Indiana’s class-basketball system is Wednesday
by kimball hendrix
While many fans of Indiana high school basketball don’t think it will result in change, the opportunity to express your opinion about the current class-basketball system and the previous single-class format is here.
Connersville is the 10th Hoosier community to host an IHSAA-sponsored ‘town meeting’ to discuss the class-basketball system.
The meeting begins at 7 p.m. Wednesday at the Robert E. Wise Auditorium at Connersville High School. Local residents are urged to attend and express their opinions about the current multi-class system – and the old single-class format.
Many basketball fans feel the multi-class system has significantly reduced the popularity of high school hoops in Indiana, and point to reported reductions in attendance and smaller revenue as proof.
The final meeting is on May 24 at Gary Roosevelt High School.
Following is a press release issued by the IHSAA explaining some of the history of the tournament format being changed 15 years ago.
The IHSAA is governed by its legislative body, the Board of Directors. Composed of 19 members who are elected by member school principals from three IHSAA legislative districts, the directors serve staggered three-year terms. The Board of Directors meets annually with the responsibility of establishing the Association’s rules and regulations.
On April 29, 1996, the IHSAA Board of Directors approved by a 12-5 vote a proposal from the Class Sports Study Committee which recommended multiple class tournament formats in the sports of boys basketball, girls basketball, boys soccer, girls soccer, baseball, softball and volleyball with a maximum of four classes. Implementation of the new formats began with the 1997-98 school year with the exception of soccer.
The vote prompted the first referendum of school principals in IHSAA history in September, 1996 and the membership upheld the action by a 220-157 count.
On May 3, 1999, as mandated by the original vote in 1996 that implemented the multiple-class format, the Board reviewed the initiative and rejected by a vote of 13-5 a motion to return to a single-class tournament in those sports. The Board had the option of retaining a multiple-class format, returning to a single-class format or approving a hybrid of the two formats.
In November 2005, Commissioner Blake Ress conducted a survey of the IHSAA membership in response to a non-binding Indiana House resolution asking the IHSAA to stage a single class basketball tournament. Results presented at the January 2006 meeting of the IHSAA Executive Committee show that 341 of the 400 member schools responded to the survey with just 10.6 percent (36 yes, 305 no) favoring the addition of a single-class basketball tournament.
Read MoreJames, Heat too much for Pacers in second half
by kimball hendrix
In the end, the bottom line to the outcome of Game 1 of the Indiana Pacers-Miami Heat NBA playoff series is simple: LeBron James was too good. His All-Star sidekick, Dwyane Wade, wasn’t bad, either.
James – who received his third league MVP trophy prior to tipoff – finished with 32 points, 15 rebounds, five assists, two steals and a blocked shot to lead the Heat to a come-from-behind, 95-86 victory.
Wade, despite shooting just 8-for-23 from the floor, finished with 29 points and four assists. He was 13-of-14 from the free throw line.
Paul George (right) and the Pacers will see a lot of NBA MVP LeBron James during their playoff series against the Heat. (NBA Photo/Getty Images)
James and Wade combined to score 22 points in the fourth quarter – 20 straight at one point – with Miami outscoring Indiana, 25-16, in the frame. The Pacers made only 11-of-37 shots in the second half.
“Definitely not our best game,” said Pacers coach Frank Vogel. “It came down to execution in the fourth quarter and you’ve got to give credit to Miami’s defense.”
“In the fourth quarter our defense took over. Our defense won that game, as well as our rebounding,” said Wade. The Heat outrebounded Indiana, 45-38.
“We started getting defensive stops and we started getting things going offensively,” said James. “We were getting to the free throw line and we were making some shots from the outside. The flow felt good. We was able to make enough plays to get this win.”
Despite seven players finishing with two or more fouls in the first half, the Pacers played well and led throughout the opening 24 minutes, leading 23-20 after one quarter and 48-42 at the break. It was 70-all after three quarters.
David West and Roy Hibbert were the driving forces behind Indiana’s success, with both scoring 17 points. West finished with 12 rebounds, Hibbert grabbed 11.
With the Heat turning up the defense and Indiana shooting poorly, the Pacers scored only 26 points in the first 16 minutes of the second half. Danny Granger – whose offensive game likely will suffer as he tries to slow down James – finished with seven points on just 1-for-10 shooting.
“I don’t know if he’s going to have a huge offensive series,” Vogel said about Granger. “When you have to guard the MVP for 38 minutes it takes a lot out of your offensive game.”
Paul George, faced with the assignment of defending Wade, was just 1-of-5 – making a 3-pointer and finishing with six points.
The Heat took a blow when Chris Bosh suffered a lower abdominal injury late in the first half and did not return. He is scheduled to have an MRI. Bosh had 13 points and five boards before he was injured when fouled by Hibbert while converting a dunk.
“Hopefully CB’s not out, hopefully it’s nothing too drastic,” James said about Bosh’s injury. “But the best thing about our team is that we have guys that stay ready. When someone goes down we have someone to step up. Ronny (Turiaf, four points, three rebounds) came in and gave us some great minutes.”
Guards George Hill and Darren Collison both scored 10 points for the Pacers. Leandro Barbosa and Tyler Hansbrough gave Indiana a nice lift off the bench, finishing with nine and eight points, respectively.
James said the Heat will continue to make defense the number one priority against Indiana, and that good defense will translate into good things for Miami on the offensive end.
“To create things offensively we have to defend first. They shot 50-percent in the first half and in the second they shot in the 30s. That allowed us to get to our pick-and-roll game and get some things on the perimeter. If we want to play our game offensively we have to be on top of our game defensively.”
Game 2 is 7 p.m. Tuesday (TNT).
Pacers-Heat box score: http://espn.go.com/nba/boxscore?gameId=320513014
Read MorePacers: ‘We’re not underdogs vs. Heat’
By Cliff Brunt | The Associated Press
INDIANAPOLIS – The Indiana Pacers seemed annoyed by constant questions about their underdog status against the Miami Heat.
The Pacers know they are expected to lose their second-round series, which begins Sunday in Miami. After all, the Heat went to the finals last year and the Pacers just won their first playoff series since 2005.
But the Pacers don’t feel they should have much to prove – they believe a 42-24 regular-season record and No. 3 seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs should be good enough for the critics to give them a chance.
”I don’t know if it’s about respect,” Pacers forward Danny Granger said. ”It’s about basketball. It’s about finding out who’s the better team. We’re a good team. They’re a good team. It’s going to be a battle.”
Pacers coach Frank Vogel calls it an even contest. He noted that Indiana has a better record than Miami since the All-Star break, and the Pacers have won their last seven road games, including two in their first-round series against Orlando.
”I think we’re just embracing the challenge,” he said. ”I feel like we are one of the best teams in the league. We are not viewing this in any way, shape or form like a David-vs.-Goliath type of meeting. We are not the underdog here. This is two heavyweights going toe to toe.”
Granger seemed surprised by the notion that the Pacers weren’t supposed to win. “I don’t think we’re underdogs by any means,” he said. ”Miami has more recognition, honestly, with their big three guys, but I think we’re a good team as well.”
Though the Pacers are new to the playoffs, coach Frank Vogel pulled a veteran move after Thursday’s practice. He called the Heat the ”biggest flopping team in the NBA,” perhaps trying to plant a seed in the minds of the officials before tipoff.
”It’ll be very interesting to see how the referees officiate this series and how much flopping they reward,” he said. ”Every time you drive to the basket, they’ve got a guy who’s not making a play on the ball, but sliding in front of drivers all the time. They’re falling down before contact is even made.”
Vogel also is worried that LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh could get star treatment from the officials. The Pacers are effective using 7-foot-2 All-Star center Roy Hibbert as a defender at the rim, but Vogel is worried that he might get into foul trouble if the game is called closely.
”We going to have to be conscious of how we’re utilizing Roy to try to dominate on the defensive end,” he said. ”We’ve got our work cut out for us.”
Granger will guard James most of the time, but he will get help. Though James is dangerous as a creator in the half-court and in the pick and roll, the Pacers’ biggest challenge in slowing him will be in transition.
”It’s a tall order,” Vogel said. ”Obviously, you want to load to the ball. You don’t want to leave our guys one-on-one in transition. You have to recognize that he’s such a great passer, too. As much as he’s a freight train in transition at times, as soon as you bring three to the ball, he’s finding a shooter on the weak side. It’s a lethal transition attack. We’ve just got to have more guys back, and the more guys we have back, the better.”
Regardless, the Pacers don’t plan to change much going into the series. After all, they have a 16-4 record since the start of April. They have successfully used depth, a suffocating defense and team-oriented play on offense throughout the season.
”You’ve got to go with what you’ve got,” Indiana forward David West said. ”That’s the formula we’re going to use. That’s the formula we’ve trusted throughout the year. We’re going to continue to trust it.”
The Pacers have enjoyed their rise with little fanfare. They feel that they have been overlooked, and they relish the chance to battle a team with Miami’s reputation on a national stage.
“We know it’s a great opportunity,” West said. “We’re going to try to maximize this opportunity that we have ahead of us. You may not get this opportunity again.”
Read MorePacers frontcourt will pose problems for Heat
By Shandel Richardson, South Florida Sun Sentinel
MIAMI — In facing a sizable frontcourt led by an All-Star center, the easy question is how are the Miami Heat going to adjust to the Indiana Pacers.
The Heat are looking at it from a different view.
How are the Pacers going to handle the Heat?
The only adjustment Miami is planning to make is playing without a traditional center against the Pacers, who feature Roy Hibbert in the middle. The series opens Sunday at AmericanAirlines Arena.
“I don’t really like to make adjustments to suit the other team,” Heat forward Chris Bosh said. “I like to do what you want and they have to adjust to you. I’ve always believed in that. I think us changing to them means that we’re not being aggressive. If we’re aggressive and really going after those guys, they’re going to have to be the guys to change what they’re doing.”
Heat coach Erik Spoelstra was asked before Wednesday’s series-clinching win against the Knicks if he felt comfortable with his rotation at center. Bosh, Joel Anthony and Udonis Haslem logged most of the minutes at the five during the series.
Miami's Chris Bosh (left) and LeBron James, defending New York's Carmelo Anthony here, will have their hands full with the Pacers' frontcourt players. (Photo: Robert Duyos, Sun Sentinel)
It was enough to overpower the Knicks, but will it work against the Pacers? Indiana was the league’s fourth-leading rebounding team during the regular season, averaging 43.6. The Pacers out-rebounded the Orlando Magic in the first round by an average of nearly nine a game.
“That’s on the coaches to make those decisions,” Bosh said. “The way we’re playing right now, our rotation is great. It’s tight … Hibbert is a load down there. He’s talented, he skilled. I have no problem doing my part. Hibbert is a challenge but I’m more than capable of meeting that challenge.”
In addition to Hibbert, who leads the Pacers with 8.8 rebounds a game, they have forwards Danny Granger and former All-Star David West. Guard Paul George can also play in the frontcourt.
“They have about three or four guys they go to in the post,” Heat guard Dwyane Wade said. “They kind of become a power game at times.”
Spoelstra will likely need a few minutes from center Ronny Turiaf or possibly even Dexter Pittman. After being slowed by a late-season hamstring injury, Turiaf did not play in the first round. Pittman also failed to make an appearance.
Spoelstra said he is comfortable using both if needed against the Pacers. They have combined to make 11 starts this season.
“I don’t know how that’s going to go, but I can imagine we’ll look to some of the other bigs,” Anthony said. “They are definitely a more traditional power team with Hibbert. There will definitely be opportunities for guys to get in there.”
The teams last met March 26 in Indianapolis, with the Pacers cruising to a 105-90 victory and handing the Heat their second consecutive double-digit defeat. Bosh shot just 4 of 11 from the field and finished with two rebounds.
The Pacers held a 49-33 rebounding edge in a physical game where LeBron James briefly left the game with a dislocated finger. The Heat only expect things to get more bodily in the postseason.
“When the playoffs come, it’s a no-layup type of mentality, that unwritten rule deal,” Wade said. “We expect them to be physical. You’ve got to expect it.”
Indiana also had all five starters score in double-figures. It’s an area the Heat have shown improvement, but the Pacers hold the edge in the balance department. The late-season addition of Leandro Barbosa has given them another capable scorer off the bench.
It is quite the change from facing the Knicks, who were led by one primary scorer in Carmelo Anthony.
“We’re suited for whatever team we’re going up against,” James said of adjusting to a different style. “It won’t be hard at all. It’s something that we know we’re going to have to face at some point in the postseason. Indiana definitely has a great team-oriented game.”
Read MoreReds hang on for 2-1 win over Brewers
By CHRIS JENKINS
The Associated Press
MILWAUKEE — Zack Greinke at home had been a reliable victory for the Milwaukee Brewers. The ace did his part again on Wednesday, but the lineup let him down this time.
Greinke pitched eight dominant innings during an impressive duel with Cincinnati’s Johnny Cueto. But closer John Axford gave up two runs in the ninth and a last-ditch rally fell short in a 2-1 loss to the Reds.
Milwaukee dropped to 18-1 in home starts by Greinke.
“I knew it was going to be tough,” Greinke said. “Cueto, he’s probably the most underappreciated pitcher, since he’s been healthy last year. His numbers are pretty insane. I don’t think I’ve heard anyone talking about him being one of the better pitchers in the league. Maybe it’s time to start that.”
Drew Stubbs singled off Axford (0-2) with two outs, and Joey Votto lined a ball over the glove of second baseman Rickie Weeks to score Stubbs from first.
Brewers manager Ron Roenicke said he didn’t have a clear view of the play as it developed, but he wasn’t happy with the result.
“I don’t think a guy should be able to score from first base,” Roenicke said.
Brandon Phillips then hit a bloop single, driving in Votto for a 2-0 lead.
“I made a good pitch to Votto, but he put a better swing on it, got his hands in there and it was literally like an inch away from Rickie catching it,” Axford said. “The ball after that, it was just kind of, throw the bat out there and hope you make contact and it dropped in. It’s just the way baseball goes sometimes.”
Ryan Braun connected against Sean Marshall in the bottom of the ninth, trimming the Reds’ lead to one with his 10th homer. Marshall allowed a pair of two-out singles to Jonathan Lucroy and Norichika Aoki and was replaced by Logan Ondrusek, who walked George Kottaras to load the bases.
Ondrusek got Travis Ishikawa to pop out, earning his first save and completing the 1,500th major league victory for Reds manager Dusty Baker.
The Reds won two of three against the struggling Brewers.
Cincinnati’s ninth-inning offense came after a pair of impressive performances by Greinke and Cueto.
Greinke allowed two hits and had a season-high 11 strikeouts for his 15th career double-digit strikeout game.
Coming into Wednesday’s game, Greinke was 13-0 in 18 starts with the Brewers at Miller Park — making him the sixth player since 1900 to win each of his first 13 home decisions with a team.
Cueto pitched seven innings before Aroldis Chapman (3-0) came in for the eighth. Cueto gave up five hits, struck out five and walked one.
Cueto came into Wednesday’s game on an early hot streak, having given up only six earned runs in six outings this year. He was coming off of a complete-game victory at Pittsburgh.
Cueto got out of trouble after the Brewers loaded the bases with two out in the third on a single by Nyjer Morgan, a walk to Weeks and an infield hit by Braun. Aramis Ramirez grounded out to end the inning.
After retiring the first 10 batters he faced, Greinke allowed a double to Stubbs in the fourth. Votto popped out and Stubbs stole third, but Greinke struck out Phillips to end the inning. Stubbs’ double was the only hit for the Reds in the first six innings.
NOTES: Braun was in the lineup despite aggravating a nagging Achilles injury Tuesday night. … Both teams are off Thursday. Cincinnati RHP Mike Leake (0-4, 5.97) faces Washington LHP Gio Gonzalez (3-1, 1.72) in Cincinnati on Friday while Milwaukee LHP Randy Wolf (2-3, 6.68 ERA) faces Chicago Cubs RHP Matt Garza (2-1, 2.67) at Miller Park on Friday. … Wednesday’s attendance was 27,090.
Read MoreMash The Gas – Darlington Preview
by Dan Margetta and John Wiedemann
RacingNation.com
Leaving the madness of Talladega in the rearview mirror, the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series visits a classic stock car racing track – Darlington Raceway in Darlington, South Carolina. Unfortunately, the series only visits this track once a year. This egg shaped track is 1.37 miles of a driver test for every one of the 367 laps during the race.
The green flag for the Bojangles’ Southern 500 is scheduled to fly Saturday night at 7:15 p.m. ET.
The Darlington Raceway is the most unique and challenging circuit on the schedule and a favorite among both fans and drivers. Opening in 1950, Darlington Raceway received its egg-shaped design as the result of track builders having to work around a nearby minnow pond the owner refused to locate.
The track emits a deep aura of tradition and oozes history. Nicknamed, “The Lady in Black” and “The Track Too Tough To Tame” due to its challenging nature, drivers are forced to stay focused and a slight lapse of attention is sure to result in the track smacking them in the face.
Jeff Gordon needs to turn around his season and Darlington could be the track to do it at. (Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images for NASCAR)
When looking back through historical statistics to find a dominating driver only Hall-of-Famer David Pearson and semi-retired Bill Elliott stand out as those who could be counted on to always run well here, reminiscent of just how tough this circuit is. Only three active drivers sport top-ten average finishes here.
Favorites:
No. 11 – Denny Hamlin
Dan Margetta – Denny Hamlin has a win (2010) and five top ten finishes in his six starts at Darlington and already has two wins this season. Current crew chief Darrien Grubb has had relative success here with Tony Stewart and the #11 team should be near the front in the Bojangles Southern 500 Saturday night. His average finish of 6.5 leads all active drivers.
John Wiedemann – The results Hamlin has posted in just a few runs at Darlington make it seem like he is one of the few drivers to have this place figured out. Only one time did Hamlin finish outside of the top 10, 13th in 2009. Denny came back in 2010 and won the race. Even last season, a down year by Hamlin’s standards, he finished 6th. Hamlin is a safe bet for Saturday.
No. 24 – Jeff Gordon
JW – Jeff Gordon says he doesn’t believe in luck. Yet, his team put a horseshoe in his car at Talladega, which didn’t really work out. Gordon theory about luck will be true at Darlington, it takes skill to race around the egg. Over 31 starts, Gordon has 18 top five finishes including seven wins. Those results prove that Gordon has the skills needed by Darlington. Now if he can get rid of that black cloud hanging over his season so far, he can start to climb up the standings.
DM – Gordon has seven victories here (trailing only Pearson’s 10 on the all-time list) and he comes into Darlington with nothing to lose as the only way this team makes the Chase this season is by racking up checkered flags. Prior to last season’s 12th place finish, Gordon reeled off top five results in seven straight seasons and if he can shake the bad luck, Darlington could be where the 2012 season turns around.
No. 2 – Brad Keselowski
DM – Keselowski has yet to win at Darlington and only has three starts, but with two top ten finishes, his average finish of 7.3 is second best among active drivers. Plus he’s coming off a victory last weekend at Talladega and is more of a thinking driver than most give him credit for. His awareness of history and studious nature could help keep him steer clear of the trouble that befalls most competitors at Darlington.
JW – Brad Keselowski’s season has been an amusement park ride, a lot of fun at times, and other times make you sick to your stomach. On a high after his win at Talladega, Keselowski is also becoming a fan favorite. Picking up fans on Twitter and winning on the racetrack have fans forgetting about the bad boy and his past run-ins with Carl Edwards and Denny Hamlin. A win this week will almost guarantee a spot in the Chase and a solid shot at the Championship.
No. 55 – Mark Martin
JW – Mark Martin is the most experienced driver in the field and still is running with the leaders. Many have counted him out over the last couple years and wanted him to retire. As far as I’m concerned, as long as he continues to race strong, I want to see him in the field. I can’t wait to see which Michael Waltrip Racing driver gets to victory lane first, it would be great if it was Mark Martin.
DM – Navigating around Darlington takes more mental fortitude than anywhere else and Mark Martin tops the list when it comes to patience and experience. He has 26 top ten finishes in 45 starts and last won here just two years ago. The #55 team has raced up front all season long and Martin is smart enough to stay out of squirrely situations early and be around at the end to challenge for the win.
No. 18 – Kyle Busch
DM – Since his Richmond victory and the follow-up second place finish at Talladega, Kyle Busch is back in the mix big-time. He may be the only driver with enough raw talent to overcome Darlington’s treacherous layout which was displayed in 2008 when he drove on the wall numerous times en route to his only victory here. His stats are all over the place here as his “take no prisoners” style matches up against Darlington’s lurking walls and the battle between track and driver continues Saturday night.
No. 39 – Ryan Newman
JW – Newman may not pop in to your mind when you think of top drivers at Darlington, but his stats say otherwise. Flyin’ Ryan has started on the front row five times in thirteen starts including one pole. When the checkers are in the air, Newman has finished in the top ten nine times. Include Newman’s run last year where he started second and finished fifth and he needs to be included in the favorites.
No. 48 – Jimmie Johnson
DM – Johnson trails just Denny Hamlin and Brad Keselowski in average finishes among active drivers with a 9.8 and has scored two wins at Darlington. He has nine top ten finishes in thirteen starts and his only DNF came as a result of being caught up in a wreck not of his making in 2010.
No. 5 – Kasey Kahne
JW – Maybe I’m still just hoping (Kahne is on my fantasy racing team), but it looks like the season may be turning around for Kasey Kahne. Kahne has three top five finishes at Darlington in nine races. He also has started on the pole four times, including last year where he finished fourth. Look for Kahne and Newman to share the front row and run upfront on Saturday night.
No. 10 – Danica Patrick
DM – The Go-Daddy Girl meets the Lady in Black and their introduction is sure to draw intense media attention. Danica has a guaranteed starting spot and Darlington presents what could be the biggest challenge of her career to date. While the car is sure to sport several Darlington Stripes throughout the night, how she handles this tough assignment will go a long way in earning respect among both her peers and fans.
JW – I’m sorry, but the only DP I would consider is all-time Darlington star and NASCAR Hall of Famer, David Pearson. What I wouldn’t give to be able to see Pearson race. Pearson’s stats at his home state track are amazing. In 47 races, Pearson won ten times, finished in the top five 24 times and had 30 top ten finishes. No one has been close to matching Pearson’s dominance of Darlington, and I wish I could go back and see those races.
Darlington is a truly historic track with many great races and finishes. Saturday night’s race hopefully will be another one for the memories.
Read MoreKeselowski slips away with Talladega win
By Jenna Fryer | The Associated Press
TALLADEGA, Ala. — The leader on the last lap isn’t supposed to win at Talladega Superspeedway. Everybody knows that
Brad Keselowski disagrees, and he showed how to do it Sunday with a calculated plan that sent him to Victory Lane.
Keselowski used a big push from Kyle Busch to pass leader Matt Kenseth, and after leaving the Daytona 500 winner in their wake, Keselowski staved off Busch’s attempt to snatch the win. Using a move Keselowski said he had dreamed about, he held on for his second win of the season and second at Talladega.
“I had this whole plan if I ever got in that situation where I was leading; I thought about it and thought about it, dreamed about what to do, and sure enough, going into (turn) three, it was just me and Kyle,” Keselowski said. “I knew the move I wanted to pull. It worked because the guy running second should have the advantage, but I had this move all worked up in my mind.”
Keselowski was the first driver in the last five races at Talladega to take the white flag and hold on for the win. He did it with a plan that left both Busch and Kenseth flat-footed, and both praised Keselowski after the race.
“He’s no dummy, that’s for sure,” said Busch, who wound up second for the second consecutive day.
Busch was the leader on the last lap of Saturday’s Nationwide Series race, and was passed by Joey Logano right at the finish line. He conceded there’s little the leader can do to preserve the victory on the last lap of a restrictor-plate race, and predicted how Sunday would unfold.
“If you’re leading, being pushed, plan on finishing second. That’s all there is to it,” Busch said after Saturday’s defeat.
So he should have been sitting pretty after pushing Keselowski to the front. Instead, Keselowski went high into the third turn, then pulled off of Busch’s bumper to create some separation.
“That allowed me to drive untouched to the checkered flag,” Keselowski said. “It wasn’t easy to convince myself to do that, but it was the right move.”
Busch initially seemed dumbfounded.
“I must have screwed something up, because we got to turn three and came unhooked,” Busch said. “Just gave the win away over there. Not sure exactly what happened. We definitely need to go back and figure out what it was.”
Kenseth didn’t feel much better. He led seven times for a race-high 73 laps, but believed he gave the win away on the final restart.
A nine-car accident with four laps remaining brought out the yellow flag, setting up a two-lap overtime sprint to the finish. Kenseth, as the leader, got to pick where he wanted to restart and chose the outside line so Roush Fenway Racing teammate Greg Biffle would line up behind him and presumably push him to the victory.
That put Keselowski and Busch together on the inside line, but they drifted back on the restart as Kenseth indeed was able to jump out to a huge lead.
It was probably too big of a lead.
Kenseth got a little too far away from Biffle, which gave the Keselowski-Busch tandem a chance to catch him. The two cars sailed past Kenseth on the outside line.
“I think we had the winning car, really just didn’t have the winning driver,” Kenseth said. “I looked forward for a second, when I looked back, Greg and I were separated, those guys were already outside of him. With me not paying attention, keeping us hooked up, just cost us a shot at the win, cost Greg a shot at the win.”
“I wasn’t too fast. I was just too stupid I guess at the end to keep a win.”
It put Keselowski in Victory Lane for the second time this season, which helps his championship chances. He’s been streaky through the first 10 races of the year, and even with this second victory, he’s only ranked 12th in the Sprint Cup standings.
But those wins should guarantee him at least a wild-card berth into the 12-driver Chase for the Sprint Cup championship field.
“Two wins, with the wild card and all, that almost makes you immune to missing the Chase,” Keselowski said. “This team is going to be strong come Chase time. The best is yet to come.”
The victory continued a hot streak for team owner Roger Penske, who won for the first time in the Sprint Cup Series at Talladega. It was also the first win for manufacturer Dodge at Talladega since Dave Marcis in 1976.
Penske, meanwhile, has won all four of the IndyCar races so far this season and driver Will Power is leading the series standings as they prepare for the May 27 Indianapolis 500. For now, though, the team owner is thinking about where Keselowski can take him.
Penske has never won a Cup title since entering NASCAR in 1972, although he was out of the series from 1981 through 1990. Keselowski gave him a Nationwide Series championship in 2010, his only NASCAR title.
“Obviously, one of the goals in my life is to sit up on that stage (at the championship banquet), and I think he’s the guy that can make it happen this year,” said Penske, who called it the perfect race.
That might be going a little too far, which even Keselowski would admit.
He helped cause a caution with seven laps to go when he ran into the back of former Penske teammate Kurt Busch. Keselowski was apologetic immediately after climbing from his car in Victory Lane.
“I got to Kurt and tried to push him. He tried staying in line. He didn’t want to go,” Keselowski said. “He probably didn’t know what was going on behind him, which is natural. When he decided not to go, I tried to force him to go. It was a combination of events that were unfortunate. I hated to see that happen.”
On the restart with four laps remaining, Penske’s other driver, AJ Allmendinger, was part of the accident that stopped the action again.
It was the last of five cautions in yet another race that featured fairly clean racing. NASCAR’s now had six consecutive uncharacteristically clean races, which drew a tongue-and-cheek response from defending series champion Tony Stewart, who was collected in the Allmendinger accident.
“I’m upset that we didn’t crash more cars,” said Stewart, who finished 24th. “That’s what we’re here for. I feel bad if I don’t spend at least $150,000 in torn-up race cars going back to the shop. We’ve definitely got to do a better job at that.”
Kasey Kahne finished fourth and was followed by Biffle, Clint Bowyer and David Ragan. Trevor Bayne was eighth, Dale Earnhardt Jr. ninth and Jeff Burton rounded out the top 10.
Read MoreReds blank Pirates as Latos strikes out 11
The Associated Press
PITTSBURGH — Mat Latos spent Sunday morning trying to quell a queasy stomach. All the Cincinnati right-hander really needed was a little bit of defensive help and an overpowering fastball.
Feeling lightheaded and chugging Gatorade, Latos fought off the bug and a shaky first inning to strike out a career-high 11 and lead the Reds to a 5-0 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates on Sunday.
“Sometimes when guys don’t feel quite right, a lot of times they throw their best games,” Cincinnati manager Dusty Baker said. “You settle down, you’re concentrating, you try not to overthrow because you don’t have the strength to do so.”
Baker joked that he kept calling Latos “Michael Jordan” in the dugout between innings and Latos kept reassuring his manager he was OK.
Latos (2-2) certainly appeared to be fine while giving up two runs over six innings. So did the three relievers who upped Cincinnati’s strikeout total to 17, tying a club record for a nine-inning game.
The biggest of the 17 whiffs came in the first as Latos tightroped out of a bases-loaded, one-out jam. Third baseman Todd Frazier got the first out with a spectacular diving grab on a liner by Casey McGehee, a smash hit so hard Latos started looking in left field for the ball only to see Frazier lift up his glove.
“Luckily I got it in the glove,” Frazier said. “It almost snuck out at the end. I was holding it up there, trying to let him know. I knew Matty would do his thing. Whatever you can do to help is great, and he can help himself.”
Latos then caught Nate McLouth looking with a 94 mph fastball to escape. The Pirates didn’t get a runner to third during Latos’ final five innings.
“We had a chance to take the game in a different direction in the first inning and we did not,” Pittsburgh manager Clint Hurdle said.
Drew Stubbs had three hits, including a two-run homer, and scored three times for the Reds. Frazier added his first home run of the season as Cincinnati continued its strong play in series finales. T
The Reds are 8-1 on getaway days, including 5-0 on Sundays.
Charlie Morton (1-3) struggled to keep his sinker down and gave up five runs, four earned, on seven hits in six innings. He struck out five and walked two.
It was a far cry from the dominance Morton showed against the Reds last year, when he shut them out twice. He’s still finding his way after offseason hip surgery and admitted he appears to have lost a feel for his signature pitch.
“I’m not saying I’m in overhaul, but I’ve got to tweak something to get my bread and butter back,” Morton said. “That sinker is what I am.”
Latos is more of a fireballer, though he’s struggled this spring after being acquired in an offseason trade with San Diego. The 24-year-old dropped his first two decisions before bouncing back to pitch seven shutout innings against San Francisco on April 24, only to slip against the light-hitting Astros last week, giving up a career-worst 10 hits.
Command has been an issue, and so has the lack of a strikeout pitch for one of baseball’s top young arms. Latos came in with 18 strikeouts in 28 2-3 innings. It took one game to get his groove back.
Latos struck out four straight at one point, and his only mistakes over his final five innings were a pair of harmless singles.
“He told me (after the game) that he wasn’t feeling good,” Frazier said. “It didn’t look like it on the mound. Good for him. Hopefully he feels like that every time he pitches.”
Pittsburgh rode stellar pitching and defense to scratch out a taut 3-2 victory on Saturday but had issues in both departments less than 24 hours later. The Pirates committed a pair of errors — including a botched pickoff attempt by Morton that led to the game’s first run — and left nine runners on base.
Morton couldn’t get his trademark sinker to sink and the Reds took full advantage. Frazier drilled a shot into the bleachers in the second for his first home run since Sept. 2, and Stubbs pushed Cincinnati’s lead to 4-0 in the fourth when his fly ball sailed just over the wall in right-center. Hurdle asked for a review but the call was upheld.
Staked to a sizable lead, Latos worked quickly. Relying heavily on a fastball that consistently clocked in the mid-90s, he rolled along and capped his day by getting Clint Barmes to miss badly at a slider to end the sixth.
NOTES: Latos’ previous career best was 10 strikeouts, which he did three times. … The Reds begin a three-game series in Milwaukee today. Bronson Arroyo (1-1, 3.03 ERA) starts against Yovani Gallardo (1-3, 5.79). … Cincinnati infielder Miguel Cairo went 0 for 4 in a rehab appearance with Class-A Dayton on Saturday. His return from a strained left hamstring is still uncertain.
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