Stefan Struve wins via KO vs Matt Mitrione in the 3rd round. Struve is more experienced, accomplished and well rounded. Mitrione will most likely weather the storm early, but then receive a good boot to the head.
Urijah Faber will face Alex Caceras, an opponent with great potential. While Caseras has surprised people with many of his wins, he will have a very hard time overcoming a powerful veteran like Faber. I'd like to see Caseras pull some tricky awkward surprise and get the win, but Faber wins via decision.
Chael Sonnen vs Wanderlei Silva will be violent. Chael has very little chance of loosing. I see Wanderlei struggling to land strikes, while Chael earns takedowns and does damage on the ground and clinch. I wouldn't be surprised if it goes to a long bloody decision, but I think the ref will step in before that and Sonnen wins via TKO in the 2nd round.
Ronda Rousey should not have any trouble dispatching Alexis Davis in the same manner as usual. A first round arm bar is certainly in the cards, but I like the tenacity that Davis displays and her ability to see a fight all the way through. She may have many wins via decision, but that makes her dangerous because she doesn't take too many risks. Davis can defend the arm bar, if she does, she may push Rousey into the championship rounds. By the 4th round Rousey will overpower Davis with positioning and strikes and the ref will step in to call TKO victory for Rousey.
Chris Weidman vs Lyoto Machida is the fight I have been waiting for. I'm not impressed with Weidman, it's a shame that he was the one who dethroned Anderson Silva. It's also unfortunate that he won his last fight due to a horrible injury. Machida will overcome the efforts of Weidman. Machida will stuff takedowns and use footwork to evade strikes while landing accurate combos. Machida has proven to be methodical and took a 5 round decision over Gegard Mousasi recently. I'd love to see Weidman get knocked out with a boot to the head, but Machida wins this fight carefully, via decision.
FCFF by Brittany Beasley
Sunday, May 25, 2014
Wednesday, February 26, 2014
TCP; Cougar baseball swings into season
This article originally ran at www.theclackamasprint.com. Too see the original, click here.
David Beasley, Sports Editor
Wednesday, February 26, 2014
Volume 47, Issue 14
Sports
March is just around the corner and that means it will be time for baseball. In this frigid winter season, the men of Cougar baseball have been diligently honing their skills for spring. Cougar freshman Cody Watkins is one of the hard working Clackamas athletes practicing for spring season.
“It’s slow right now because we can’t go outside,” said Watkins. “Just trying to get prepared inside before the weather gets good.”
The team has been acclimating to college ball and learning to work together. They have been hard at work all school year. The Cougars hope to translate their synergy into success against the competition during spring season.
“We’ve been together since fall,” said Watkins. “It’s nice to have that bond. There’s a lot of us coming out of high school where we use aluminum bats. Getting used to wood bats is different, takes some pop off your swing, bunting is easier.”
Some of the team is new and some are veterans, but they all have room to improve and they have been consistent on that goal. Cougar Hayden Heying has enjoyed building the team’s prowess throughout the year and is excited for spring.
“We’ll be the sleeper team of the league,” said Heying. “Trying to get stronger, throw harder. Trying to get one of the starting roles. We’re working pretty good, team chemistry seems to be pretty good.”
The NWAACC rules allow baseball to include an unofficial fall and winter schedule before they start the regular spring season. The Cougars fall season is from Sept. 15 to Nov. 15. Nov. and Dec. are for conditioning only. Winter baseball is Jan. 15 to March 1, then spring season starts. During the Spring baseball is allowed 22 game days against opponents. Spring season lasts until June 1.
The weather hasn’t allowed for any pre-season games since fall, but that didn’t stop the Cougars from improving. Shortstop Taren Bradd is excited for Spring too. He enjoys the teamwork in baseball and looks for the hard hits. Like his teammates, he has been honing his game in order to perform at maximum capacity.
“I’ve been working on hitting, staying inside the ball and becoming a leader,” said Bradd. “My favorite part of baseball is hitting line-drives, hitting the ball hard and making plays.”
Head Coach Robin Robinson has been teaching and coaching at Clackamas since 1990. He has seen his fair share of various teams with different skill levels to work with. Robinson is impressed with his team this year. He welcomes the talented returners and looks forward to seeing the team perform in league.
“I feel really good about the sophomore returners,” said Robinson. “Good group of sophomore kids. The depth of our pitching is better than we’ve had in years.”
With such dedication towards practice, Clackamas is off to a good start this year. The coming season will test their strength as a team. The Cougars first four games of the spring season are set for this weekend against Spokane in The Dalles. They will play two games on Saturday and two on Sunday.
“It’s slow right now because we can’t go outside,” said Watkins. “Just trying to get prepared inside before the weather gets good.”
The team has been acclimating to college ball and learning to work together. They have been hard at work all school year. The Cougars hope to translate their synergy into success against the competition during spring season.
“We’ve been together since fall,” said Watkins. “It’s nice to have that bond. There’s a lot of us coming out of high school where we use aluminum bats. Getting used to wood bats is different, takes some pop off your swing, bunting is easier.”
Some of the team is new and some are veterans, but they all have room to improve and they have been consistent on that goal. Cougar Hayden Heying has enjoyed building the team’s prowess throughout the year and is excited for spring.
“We’ll be the sleeper team of the league,” said Heying. “Trying to get stronger, throw harder. Trying to get one of the starting roles. We’re working pretty good, team chemistry seems to be pretty good.”
The NWAACC rules allow baseball to include an unofficial fall and winter schedule before they start the regular spring season. The Cougars fall season is from Sept. 15 to Nov. 15. Nov. and Dec. are for conditioning only. Winter baseball is Jan. 15 to March 1, then spring season starts. During the Spring baseball is allowed 22 game days against opponents. Spring season lasts until June 1.
The weather hasn’t allowed for any pre-season games since fall, but that didn’t stop the Cougars from improving. Shortstop Taren Bradd is excited for Spring too. He enjoys the teamwork in baseball and looks for the hard hits. Like his teammates, he has been honing his game in order to perform at maximum capacity.
“I’ve been working on hitting, staying inside the ball and becoming a leader,” said Bradd. “My favorite part of baseball is hitting line-drives, hitting the ball hard and making plays.”
Head Coach Robin Robinson has been teaching and coaching at Clackamas since 1990. He has seen his fair share of various teams with different skill levels to work with. Robinson is impressed with his team this year. He welcomes the talented returners and looks forward to seeing the team perform in league.
“I feel really good about the sophomore returners,” said Robinson. “Good group of sophomore kids. The depth of our pitching is better than we’ve had in years.”
With such dedication towards practice, Clackamas is off to a good start this year. The coming season will test their strength as a team. The Cougars first four games of the spring season are set for this weekend against Spokane in The Dalles. They will play two games on Saturday and two on Sunday.
Wednesday, February 19, 2014
TCP; Cougars triumph, wash Riverhawks down-stream
This article originally ran at www.theclackamasprint.com. Too see the original, click here.
David Beasley, Sports Editor
Wednesday, February 19, 2014
Volume 47, Issue 13
Sports
The Clackamas women’s basketball team dazzled the crowd with a strong performance Saturday afternoon. The Cougars faced the Umpqua Riverhawks in a match that involved a fist-full of three-pointers. The teamwork of the Cougars overcame the Riverhawks, with Clackamas winning 81-66.
Umpqua didn’t roll over and die. In fact, they were actually ahead during the first half. Umpqua took the lead with a three-pointer for 14-16. Umpqua fouled and Clackamas tied it back up at 16-16 with the free throw. Umpqua would never gain the lead back for the rest of the game.
Lacy Effenberger made a three-pointer with 9:12 left on the clock. The score was 19-16. The game remained competitive. With Clackamas leading at 25-23, Emily Pengelly caught a great pass from Effenberger to score a three-pointer. Pengelly was happy with the team’s communication and cohesiveness, she said.
“My favorite part was when there was flow together and the team was talking,” said Pengelly. “Ball movement was good and we took the shots that we needed to. Our lead kept up momentum. I think we’re looking really good for NWAACCs.”
Freshman Cassidy Edwards continued on the offensive with two points for Clackamas. After a time-out, Edwards sunk a two-point shot again. The score was 30-23 with 4:14 left in the first half. Throughout the game Edwards scored two of the 13 three-pointers by Clackamas. She was satisfied with the win and her team’s performance Saturday.
“That was really overdue,” said Edwards. “Everything ran really smoothly and we topped them on defense. That was a big win for us. If we continue to play like we have been, we’re gonna go to Kennewick and kick some ass and take some names.”
Nearing the end of the first half, the action was far from over. After an Umpqua point on a free throw, Effenberger answered with an ominous three-pointer. Umpqua was able to score two more points before the half ended, but Clackamas rained down more three-pointers. Tori Wilkinson hit the first and Effenberger picked-up another right at the buzzer. Clackamas commanded a 41-26 lead at half time.
Effenberger began the second half with a relentless three-pointer. After Umpqua scored a free throw the score was 44-27. Edwards followed with two points and Emily Pengelly hit a three. At 49-31, Umpqua began to fight back harder, gaining a few points from free-throws and two pointers. Umpqua brought the score up to 49-35.
During the back-and-forth fight for points and position, Clackamas freshman Lorissa Martine scored a nice two-point shot. The score was 54-37 and the battle continued up and down the court. Then Effenberger blasted through the defense and launched one her signature three-pointers for 57-37.
Edwards continued the momentum with a slick hook shot under the basket. The scoreboard read 59-37. Umpqua tirelessly retaliated, scoring four more points before Effenberger sunk one more three-pointer. Effenberger then made a free throw shot from an Umpqua foul. The score was 63-44. Effenberger’s three-pointer rampage included six stellar scoring shots out of 15 attempts. She was happy to win and was impressed with her team’s progress through the season, she said.
“We were off to a good start,” said Effenberger. “We had a few bumps in the road with injuries. That was a good game for us. We came out and accomplished it without any hesitation.”
Umpqua snuck-in a three-pointer, answered by Martine with a three. Then Umpqua hit another couple of three-pointers, bringing the score to 66-53. Umpqua showed that despite trailing, they were in the game to win. They methodically kept up with Clackamas on scoring through the remainder of the game.
The Cougars last shot of the night came from Wilkinson with a solid two-pointer. The second half was a better one for Umpqua. Even though they failed to gain a lead like they did in the first half, Umpqua was able to match Clackamas in score. Both teams scored 40 points in the second half. Despite the River Hawks attempt at a comeback, Clackamas won 81-66.
Umpqua didn’t roll over and die. In fact, they were actually ahead during the first half. Umpqua took the lead with a three-pointer for 14-16. Umpqua fouled and Clackamas tied it back up at 16-16 with the free throw. Umpqua would never gain the lead back for the rest of the game.
Lacy Effenberger made a three-pointer with 9:12 left on the clock. The score was 19-16. The game remained competitive. With Clackamas leading at 25-23, Emily Pengelly caught a great pass from Effenberger to score a three-pointer. Pengelly was happy with the team’s communication and cohesiveness, she said.
“My favorite part was when there was flow together and the team was talking,” said Pengelly. “Ball movement was good and we took the shots that we needed to. Our lead kept up momentum. I think we’re looking really good for NWAACCs.”
Freshman Cassidy Edwards continued on the offensive with two points for Clackamas. After a time-out, Edwards sunk a two-point shot again. The score was 30-23 with 4:14 left in the first half. Throughout the game Edwards scored two of the 13 three-pointers by Clackamas. She was satisfied with the win and her team’s performance Saturday.
“That was really overdue,” said Edwards. “Everything ran really smoothly and we topped them on defense. That was a big win for us. If we continue to play like we have been, we’re gonna go to Kennewick and kick some ass and take some names.”
Nearing the end of the first half, the action was far from over. After an Umpqua point on a free throw, Effenberger answered with an ominous three-pointer. Umpqua was able to score two more points before the half ended, but Clackamas rained down more three-pointers. Tori Wilkinson hit the first and Effenberger picked-up another right at the buzzer. Clackamas commanded a 41-26 lead at half time.
Effenberger began the second half with a relentless three-pointer. After Umpqua scored a free throw the score was 44-27. Edwards followed with two points and Emily Pengelly hit a three. At 49-31, Umpqua began to fight back harder, gaining a few points from free-throws and two pointers. Umpqua brought the score up to 49-35.
During the back-and-forth fight for points and position, Clackamas freshman Lorissa Martine scored a nice two-point shot. The score was 54-37 and the battle continued up and down the court. Then Effenberger blasted through the defense and launched one her signature three-pointers for 57-37.
Edwards continued the momentum with a slick hook shot under the basket. The scoreboard read 59-37. Umpqua tirelessly retaliated, scoring four more points before Effenberger sunk one more three-pointer. Effenberger then made a free throw shot from an Umpqua foul. The score was 63-44. Effenberger’s three-pointer rampage included six stellar scoring shots out of 15 attempts. She was happy to win and was impressed with her team’s progress through the season, she said.
“We were off to a good start,” said Effenberger. “We had a few bumps in the road with injuries. That was a good game for us. We came out and accomplished it without any hesitation.”
Umpqua snuck-in a three-pointer, answered by Martine with a three. Then Umpqua hit another couple of three-pointers, bringing the score to 66-53. Umpqua showed that despite trailing, they were in the game to win. They methodically kept up with Clackamas on scoring through the remainder of the game.
The Cougars last shot of the night came from Wilkinson with a solid two-pointer. The second half was a better one for Umpqua. Even though they failed to gain a lead like they did in the first half, Umpqua was able to match Clackamas in score. Both teams scored 40 points in the second half. Despite the River Hawks attempt at a comeback, Clackamas won 81-66.
Wednesday, January 29, 2014
TCP; Cougars control action on the mat
This article originally ran at www.theclackamasprint.com. Too see the original, click here.
David Beasley, Sports Editor
Wednesday, January 29, 2014
Volume 47, Issue 10
Sports
The No. 4 ranked Cougar wrestling team continued to represent the fighting spirit of Clackamas last Friday. They took out No. 23 ranked Southwestern Oregon Lakers.
The match announcer, Aaron Hall, introduced the wrestlers with crowd-pleasing, fight-style face offs. It was good foreshadowing of the impressive battles that took place. The Cougars showed how hard work and determination pay off. They set a good example for all Clackamas students with their work ethic and performance.
“In wrestling, you’re never done,” said Hall. “You’re working on your weaknesses and strengths a lot.”
The 125-pound division was a forfeit for Clackamas, and Southwestern Oregon’s Matthew Nguyen was awarded the win. The score started out 0-6 in favor of the Lakers.
The first match was CCC’s very talented C.J. Palmer versus Lucas Garza at 133 pounds. With a bit of a feeling-out process, Palmer finally caught the elusive Garza. Palmer held him with all four limbs up, winning via pin.
“He was really defensive, he didn’t want to wrestle,” said Palmer. “I had to lose four pounds before the meet. I was tired from running. It’s hard cutting weight right before a match.”
The team score was tied after the first match 6-6. Next, at 141 pounds was CCC’s Robbie Rizzolino against Matt Gay. As Rizzolino tenaciously attempted to catch Gay, Gay executed a spectacular one-handed cartwheel evade. Gay gained the advantage and used excellent control. Gay won by decision. The score was then 6-9 Lakers lead.
At 149 pounds, Kenny Martin faced the Lakers’ Aaron Villain. Martin won the competitive match 7-4 and tied the meet 9-9. The Lakers had to forfeit the 157 pounds match, so the Cougars took the lead 15-9. For the 165 pounds division, Shane Sheppard of Clackamas wrestled Andrew Orr.
A few seconds into the match the referee halted the action for blood on the mat.
“There’s blood everywhere,” he declared.
It was Orr’s nose. At the restart from standing position Orr took a two-point takedown and got a pin. Orr won. The score was tied again, 15-15. Moving up the weight divisions, at 174 pounds, Tyler White was set to wrestle Mikey Ayala of Southwestern Oregon. White had a very good takedown and near-fall, accruing five points, and relentlessly tried to get Ayala’s arm out from underneath to get a pin. Ayala defended the pin, but White won. Clackamas took the lead again, 18-15.
Next up was 184 pounds Cougar powerhouse Adrian Salas versus Kolbjorn Skaflestad.
Skaflestad almost had a two-point takedown but Salas rolled at the last second. The referee called it as off the mat. The Lakers’ coach was very upset with the call. Salas executed a powerful two-point takedown and got two more points controlling the action and then two more. Salas got an impressive pin winning the match.
For the 197 pounds division, Ihoughama Odigizuwa accepted the win for Clackamas, putting the score at 24-15 as the Lakers’ forfeit.
Last, but certainly not least was CCC’s imposing 285 pounds Brandon Johnson against Teran Reedy.
Johnson had a strong two-point takedown and grabbed another three points before almost pinning Reedy. Johnson earned another three points for a dominant score of 8-0. He got another two-point takedown for 10-0 and one point for stalling was awarded to Johnson against Reedy, 11-0. Then one point was awarded to Reedy against Johnson for stalling, 11-1. Johnson executed one of the night’s most spectacular techniques with a takedown slam right at the buzzer. Johnson won 14-1.
“The slam was great,” said announcer Hall. “It was fantastic, the crowd loves those techniques. It gets the crowd into it.”
Johnson’s win put the final meet score at 34-15. Clackamas won, as expected, in dominating fashion. The following morning, Saturday, Jan. 25, the team traveled to Forest Grove for the Boxer Open tournament.
Johnson was satisfied with his team’s performance Friday night. He knew he had to stay consistent in his own game as well to succeed in the championships this season, he said.
“There’s been ups and downs,” said Johnson. “Trying to have more ups right now, just trying to push through being tired, trying to get in shape this season. Third round is usually when I start getting tired. You can lead the whole match and lose it all at the end.”
Palmer had confidence in his team for the remainder of the season and saw the possibility of championship glory.
“The biggest challenge will be getting mentally prepared,” said Palmer. “I think everyone should be ready.”
The Cougars’ last home meet will be against Pacific University on Jan. 30 at 7:30 p.m. Then on Feb. 15 they will head to Rock Creek, Wyo., for regionals.
The match announcer, Aaron Hall, introduced the wrestlers with crowd-pleasing, fight-style face offs. It was good foreshadowing of the impressive battles that took place. The Cougars showed how hard work and determination pay off. They set a good example for all Clackamas students with their work ethic and performance.
“In wrestling, you’re never done,” said Hall. “You’re working on your weaknesses and strengths a lot.”
The 125-pound division was a forfeit for Clackamas, and Southwestern Oregon’s Matthew Nguyen was awarded the win. The score started out 0-6 in favor of the Lakers.
The first match was CCC’s very talented C.J. Palmer versus Lucas Garza at 133 pounds. With a bit of a feeling-out process, Palmer finally caught the elusive Garza. Palmer held him with all four limbs up, winning via pin.
“He was really defensive, he didn’t want to wrestle,” said Palmer. “I had to lose four pounds before the meet. I was tired from running. It’s hard cutting weight right before a match.”
The team score was tied after the first match 6-6. Next, at 141 pounds was CCC’s Robbie Rizzolino against Matt Gay. As Rizzolino tenaciously attempted to catch Gay, Gay executed a spectacular one-handed cartwheel evade. Gay gained the advantage and used excellent control. Gay won by decision. The score was then 6-9 Lakers lead.
At 149 pounds, Kenny Martin faced the Lakers’ Aaron Villain. Martin won the competitive match 7-4 and tied the meet 9-9. The Lakers had to forfeit the 157 pounds match, so the Cougars took the lead 15-9. For the 165 pounds division, Shane Sheppard of Clackamas wrestled Andrew Orr.
A few seconds into the match the referee halted the action for blood on the mat.
“There’s blood everywhere,” he declared.
It was Orr’s nose. At the restart from standing position Orr took a two-point takedown and got a pin. Orr won. The score was tied again, 15-15. Moving up the weight divisions, at 174 pounds, Tyler White was set to wrestle Mikey Ayala of Southwestern Oregon. White had a very good takedown and near-fall, accruing five points, and relentlessly tried to get Ayala’s arm out from underneath to get a pin. Ayala defended the pin, but White won. Clackamas took the lead again, 18-15.
Next up was 184 pounds Cougar powerhouse Adrian Salas versus Kolbjorn Skaflestad.
Skaflestad almost had a two-point takedown but Salas rolled at the last second. The referee called it as off the mat. The Lakers’ coach was very upset with the call. Salas executed a powerful two-point takedown and got two more points controlling the action and then two more. Salas got an impressive pin winning the match.
For the 197 pounds division, Ihoughama Odigizuwa accepted the win for Clackamas, putting the score at 24-15 as the Lakers’ forfeit.
Last, but certainly not least was CCC’s imposing 285 pounds Brandon Johnson against Teran Reedy.
Johnson had a strong two-point takedown and grabbed another three points before almost pinning Reedy. Johnson earned another three points for a dominant score of 8-0. He got another two-point takedown for 10-0 and one point for stalling was awarded to Johnson against Reedy, 11-0. Then one point was awarded to Reedy against Johnson for stalling, 11-1. Johnson executed one of the night’s most spectacular techniques with a takedown slam right at the buzzer. Johnson won 14-1.
“The slam was great,” said announcer Hall. “It was fantastic, the crowd loves those techniques. It gets the crowd into it.”
Johnson’s win put the final meet score at 34-15. Clackamas won, as expected, in dominating fashion. The following morning, Saturday, Jan. 25, the team traveled to Forest Grove for the Boxer Open tournament.
Johnson was satisfied with his team’s performance Friday night. He knew he had to stay consistent in his own game as well to succeed in the championships this season, he said.
“There’s been ups and downs,” said Johnson. “Trying to have more ups right now, just trying to push through being tired, trying to get in shape this season. Third round is usually when I start getting tired. You can lead the whole match and lose it all at the end.”
Palmer had confidence in his team for the remainder of the season and saw the possibility of championship glory.
“The biggest challenge will be getting mentally prepared,” said Palmer. “I think everyone should be ready.”
The Cougars’ last home meet will be against Pacific University on Jan. 30 at 7:30 p.m. Then on Feb. 15 they will head to Rock Creek, Wyo., for regionals.
Wednesday, January 22, 2014
TCP; Cougar wrestling beats #1 ranked North Idaho team
This article originally ran at www.theclackamasprint.com. Too see the original, click here.
David Beasley, Sports Editor
Wednesday, January 22, 2014
Volume 47, Issue 9
Sports
Staying true to form, the Cougar wrestling team has dominated much of their competition this season. Clackamas won the Cliff Keen National Duals earlier this month. Last Sunday, CCC hosted the Clackamas Open Wrestling Tournament. Schools from all over the North West attended the event and Clackamas saw seven of its team members place in the top three.
The previous Saturday featured an important meet at Clackamas between No. 4 ranked CCC and No. 1 ranked North Idaho. Clackamas came out on top. In front of a large and excited home crowd Clackamas avenged their loss from December to the top team in the nation 27-14.
First to hit the mat was Clackamas’ 125 lbs. Stevan Knoblauch who won against Jared Miller with a fall. Knoblauch placed first in the 125 lbs. division the next day at the Clackamas Open Tournament. In the 133 lbs. division CJ Palmer also earned a victory for Clackamas Saturday via fall against Zach Mahaney.
The scoreboard read 12-0 in favor of Clackamas. The 141 lbs. division was up. Robert Rizzolino wrestled for Clackamas against Kit Major. Rizzolino won and placed first in the 141 lbs. division the next day at the Clackamas Open Tournament. Daniel Leonard of CCC took second in that division as well Sunday.
The first three matches set a good pace for the team and fired up the crowd. The score was 17-0. At 149 lbs. Kenny Martin faced North Idaho’s Jeremy Golding. Golding won. Martin placed second in the 149 lbs. division the next day at the Clackamas Open Tournament.
With the visiting team finally on the scoreboard at 17-4, the 157 lbs. division brought out Clackamas’ Eleazar DeLuca to face Nico Moreno. North Idaho’s coach accused DeLuca of a choke.
“The coach tried to argue that it was a choke hold, but it was completely legal,” said DeLuca.
Moreno showed some fast escapes, but DeLuca answered with a solid takedown. DeLuca won the match 9-7 avenging his loss from December in Idaho.
“I felt like I controlled it,” said DeLuca. “I would have liked to have been more offensive, my main objective is to be in control in matches.”
DeLuca has had a very successful season so far.
“It’s been pretty good, we won Nationals last week,” said DeLuca. “Every week we just build a little more and keep progressing.”
Commanding a strong lead 20-4 Clackamas next sent 165 lbs. Kyle Bateman to wrestle Tyler Mclean. Mclean had a very good two point takedown in the first round. Bateman utilized excellent control in second round and wouldn’t let Mclean up. Bateman had Mclean’s left arm tied up behind his back. Bateman scored with a relentless two point takedown in round 3.
Tied, the match went to overtime sudden victory. Mclean won the competitive match with a two point takedown. Bateman placed second in the 165 lbs. division the next day at the Clackamas Open Tournament.
The Cougars were still in the lead with 20-7. At 174 lbs. Tyler White of Clackamas was pitted against Derrick Booth. White grabbed booth’s leg but Booth reversed the disadvantage and took a two point takedown. White managed an excellent reversal after being tied-up on the mat. Booth won 4-2. White pushed Booth in face at end and the ref called unsportsmanlike conduct for pushing in the face after whistle. The officials took two points from Clackamas making it 19-10.
Clackamas still held the advantage however. The Cougars sent 184 lbs. Adrian Salas to battle Johnathan Dennis. Salas won in dominating fashion 17-2 and placed second in the 184 lbs. division the next day at the Clackamas Open Tournament.
Staying well ahead of their opponents at 24-10 the Cougars set up 197 lbs. Ihoghama Odigizuwa to compete against the number one wrestler in the division VJ Giulio. Odigizuwa had a good two point takedown despite Giulio trying to flip out of it. Odigizuwa also executed a great escape. The crowd was very excited, Guilio landed a takedown. Odigizuwa took an impressive win 8-4.
“Last time we wrestled there was a lot of mistakes I made,” said Odigizuwa. “But coach helped me work on those. The hard work in the wrestling room and my conditioning helped.”
Odigizuwa placed first in the 197 lbs. division the next day at the Clackamas Open Tournament and has proven to be a force to reckon with this season.
“It’s been alright, I won some and lost some,” said Odigizuwa. “Been working really hard in the wrestling room.”
A solid 27-10 lead was an assured team victory for the Cougars, but one match remained; 285 lbs. Brandon Johnson of Clackamas against Taylor Kurnoely. Kurnoely won. Clackamas was victorious as the team finished 27-14.
Head coach Josh Rhoden was pleased with the outcome of the meet.
“The kids wrestled great,” said Rhoden. “The number one team in the country came in and we had a good crowd. North Idaho beat us last time. We actually should have won a few more matches.”
The win solidifies Clackamas as one of the top contenders in the NJCAA and puts them at 9-3 for the season. The next home meet will be this Friday Jan. 24 at 7:30 p.m. against Southwest Oregon.
The previous Saturday featured an important meet at Clackamas between No. 4 ranked CCC and No. 1 ranked North Idaho. Clackamas came out on top. In front of a large and excited home crowd Clackamas avenged their loss from December to the top team in the nation 27-14.
First to hit the mat was Clackamas’ 125 lbs. Stevan Knoblauch who won against Jared Miller with a fall. Knoblauch placed first in the 125 lbs. division the next day at the Clackamas Open Tournament. In the 133 lbs. division CJ Palmer also earned a victory for Clackamas Saturday via fall against Zach Mahaney.
The scoreboard read 12-0 in favor of Clackamas. The 141 lbs. division was up. Robert Rizzolino wrestled for Clackamas against Kit Major. Rizzolino won and placed first in the 141 lbs. division the next day at the Clackamas Open Tournament. Daniel Leonard of CCC took second in that division as well Sunday.
The first three matches set a good pace for the team and fired up the crowd. The score was 17-0. At 149 lbs. Kenny Martin faced North Idaho’s Jeremy Golding. Golding won. Martin placed second in the 149 lbs. division the next day at the Clackamas Open Tournament.
With the visiting team finally on the scoreboard at 17-4, the 157 lbs. division brought out Clackamas’ Eleazar DeLuca to face Nico Moreno. North Idaho’s coach accused DeLuca of a choke.
“The coach tried to argue that it was a choke hold, but it was completely legal,” said DeLuca.
Moreno showed some fast escapes, but DeLuca answered with a solid takedown. DeLuca won the match 9-7 avenging his loss from December in Idaho.
“I felt like I controlled it,” said DeLuca. “I would have liked to have been more offensive, my main objective is to be in control in matches.”
DeLuca has had a very successful season so far.
“It’s been pretty good, we won Nationals last week,” said DeLuca. “Every week we just build a little more and keep progressing.”
Commanding a strong lead 20-4 Clackamas next sent 165 lbs. Kyle Bateman to wrestle Tyler Mclean. Mclean had a very good two point takedown in the first round. Bateman utilized excellent control in second round and wouldn’t let Mclean up. Bateman had Mclean’s left arm tied up behind his back. Bateman scored with a relentless two point takedown in round 3.
Tied, the match went to overtime sudden victory. Mclean won the competitive match with a two point takedown. Bateman placed second in the 165 lbs. division the next day at the Clackamas Open Tournament.
The Cougars were still in the lead with 20-7. At 174 lbs. Tyler White of Clackamas was pitted against Derrick Booth. White grabbed booth’s leg but Booth reversed the disadvantage and took a two point takedown. White managed an excellent reversal after being tied-up on the mat. Booth won 4-2. White pushed Booth in face at end and the ref called unsportsmanlike conduct for pushing in the face after whistle. The officials took two points from Clackamas making it 19-10.
Clackamas still held the advantage however. The Cougars sent 184 lbs. Adrian Salas to battle Johnathan Dennis. Salas won in dominating fashion 17-2 and placed second in the 184 lbs. division the next day at the Clackamas Open Tournament.
Staying well ahead of their opponents at 24-10 the Cougars set up 197 lbs. Ihoghama Odigizuwa to compete against the number one wrestler in the division VJ Giulio. Odigizuwa had a good two point takedown despite Giulio trying to flip out of it. Odigizuwa also executed a great escape. The crowd was very excited, Guilio landed a takedown. Odigizuwa took an impressive win 8-4.
“Last time we wrestled there was a lot of mistakes I made,” said Odigizuwa. “But coach helped me work on those. The hard work in the wrestling room and my conditioning helped.”
Odigizuwa placed first in the 197 lbs. division the next day at the Clackamas Open Tournament and has proven to be a force to reckon with this season.
“It’s been alright, I won some and lost some,” said Odigizuwa. “Been working really hard in the wrestling room.”
A solid 27-10 lead was an assured team victory for the Cougars, but one match remained; 285 lbs. Brandon Johnson of Clackamas against Taylor Kurnoely. Kurnoely won. Clackamas was victorious as the team finished 27-14.
Head coach Josh Rhoden was pleased with the outcome of the meet.
“The kids wrestled great,” said Rhoden. “The number one team in the country came in and we had a good crowd. North Idaho beat us last time. We actually should have won a few more matches.”
The win solidifies Clackamas as one of the top contenders in the NJCAA and puts them at 9-3 for the season. The next home meet will be this Friday Jan. 24 at 7:30 p.m. against Southwest Oregon.
TCP; Women's basketball stays competitive
This article originally ran at www.theclackamasprint.com. Too see the original, click here.
David Beasley, Sports Editor
Wednesday, January 22, 2014
Volume 47, Issue 9
Sports
Winter is a good time for indoor sports and the Clackamas women’s basketball team has been heating the coals with a promising start to the 2014 season. With wins over Lane and Southwestern Oregon, Clackamas was 2-1 going into Wednesday’s game against the Chemeketa Storm.
The hard-fought win put Clackamas at 3-1 in league, 14-3 overall for the season. The road to victory last Wednesday evening was grueling and demanded patience. Both teams were methodical and defensive, but the Cougars were able to keep the lead and came out on top.
Much of the game was played at the free throw line as Chemeketa racked up fouls, Clackamas gave up a few fouls as well. The Cougars were aggressive early with nice shot attempts. They lead with a score of 4-0 in the first few minutes. Laci Effenberger started off strong with a good layup scoring two points for a solid 6-0 lead.
“We’re really working on playing possession for possession. The season has been really good, every game is the most important game of the season,” said Effenberger.
Shortly after Chemeketa scored their first shot of the game Tori Wilkinson hit a nice three pointer showing that the Cougars were there to fight the Storm. Clackamas was ahead 11-2 when their next three pointer found it’s mark. Emily Pengelly scored the shot putting the lead at 14-2.
Chemeketa used good offense, bringing the score to 14-5, but Ericka Pengelly scored this time. She hit a nice layup for a 16-5 lead.
The score had reached 18-11 and Chemeketa fouled Jasmine Gibbs-Brown. Clackamas took a 19-11 lead as she made her first free throw and missed the second. Chemeketa was still struggling to keep up, but they were able to hit a nice outside shot which put the score at 21-15.
Towards the end of the first half, Wilkinson drove the ball through the defense, scoring a layup. The Cougars commanded a 23-15 lead. Continuing their momentum, Gibbs-Brown sunk a nice shot from inside. The score was 25-15; Chemeketa fouled Gibbs-Brown. She hit one of two free throws for a score of 26-15. Chemeketa picked up another foul on Emily Pengelly who missed both free throws. The next foul was called on Clackamas and Chemeketa scored one of the following free throws, but the Cougars had the advantage with 26-16 at the half.
Chemeketa started the second half with the ball and hit a shot bringing the score to 26-18. Rebekah Jamerson found a nice shot earning the Cougars their first basket of the half and 28-18 on the scoreboard. Playing more offensively, Chemeketa tossed a three pointer in. The scoreboard read 28-21.
Chemeketa seemed much stronger beginning the second half. They made a shot during a Clackamas foul that put them closer at 28-23, but they missed both free throws. Chemeketa remained patient despite trailing. They kept up good defense and launched strategic offense as they scored another shot for 28-25.
Chemeketa fouled Emily Pengelly who made her first free throw and missed the second. The score was 29-25. Chemeketa kept the game competitive scoring again. Now 29-27, the Cougars fouled Chemeketa. They scored both free throws, tying the game at 29-29 with 12 minutes left on the clock.
Less than two minutes later, Emily Pengelly took back the lead with another well-timed three pointer for 32-29. A Clackamas foul gave Chemeketa two free throws, both scored for 32-31. Chemeketa then fouled Wilkinson who made both free throws putting the lead at 34-31.
After a timeout, Clackamas fouled again, but it was for a single free throw. Chemeketa missed. Another Clackamas foul put Chemeketa back in front of the basket, making both free throws with 34-33.
Chemeketa picked up another foul on Gibbs-Brown who made both free throws commanding a 36-33 lead. Again Chemeketa fouled Wilkinson who made one free throw for 37-33. Clackamas caught another foul, too, and Chemeketa made a free throw to 37-34. Chemeketa found their next foul on Effenberger with 6:19 left on the clock. She made both free throws. Clackamas lead 39-34.
Chemeketa scored at 5:35 on the clock for 39-36. The infractions were piling up as Clackamas fouled Chemeketa. They made one free throw, taking the score to 39-37. Clackamas called a timeout at 4:43.
Emily Pengelly passed-in to Gibbs-Brown, who scored. At 43-37 on the scoreboard Chemeketa fouled Effenberger who made both free throws, 45-37. Clackamas fouled Chemeketa with 1:28 remaining. Chemeketa made both free throws for 45-39. Chemeketa was scrambling to try and catch up. They called a timeout with 57 seconds to go.
Chemeketa was penalized with another foul call at 0:38. Clackamas missed the single free throw. Chemeketa fouled again immediately after and Gibbs-Brown showed consistency making both free throws for a strong 47-39
lead. She lead in scoring with 14 points in the game.
“We’ve meshed really well as a team,” said Gibbs-Brown. “It feels like I’ve known them for five years but it hasn’t even been a year yet. When it comes down to it when we saw them catching up we really pulled together as a team. Once we came together on defense our offense came together when it counted.”
Chemeketa fouled Wilkinson who made a free throw for 48-39. Then another Chemeketa foul on Effenberger put the Storm further behind the Cougars as she made both free throws for 50-39. Clackamas won 50-39.
Head coach Jim Martineau was happy with the win, but saw room for improvement.
“We’re ranked second in the Northwest,” said Martineau. “We haven’t scored great this year, but defensively this is the best team I’ve been with. We’re three and one in league.”
Effenberger played hard and put some great plays together with her teammates.
“That’s a good win for us,” said Effenberger. “We’re so used to hitting shots, when we’re not hitting them it’s nice to come away with a win, making defensive stops.”
On Friday the Cougars travelled to Roseburg where they lost a close 72-76 game against Umpqua, but they will have a chance for revenge on Feb. 15 when they play Umpqua on home court. The Cougars next home game and chance to avenge their first loss of the official season will be Feb. 5 at 5:30 p.m. against Portland.
The hard-fought win put Clackamas at 3-1 in league, 14-3 overall for the season. The road to victory last Wednesday evening was grueling and demanded patience. Both teams were methodical and defensive, but the Cougars were able to keep the lead and came out on top.
Much of the game was played at the free throw line as Chemeketa racked up fouls, Clackamas gave up a few fouls as well. The Cougars were aggressive early with nice shot attempts. They lead with a score of 4-0 in the first few minutes. Laci Effenberger started off strong with a good layup scoring two points for a solid 6-0 lead.
“We’re really working on playing possession for possession. The season has been really good, every game is the most important game of the season,” said Effenberger.
Shortly after Chemeketa scored their first shot of the game Tori Wilkinson hit a nice three pointer showing that the Cougars were there to fight the Storm. Clackamas was ahead 11-2 when their next three pointer found it’s mark. Emily Pengelly scored the shot putting the lead at 14-2.
Chemeketa used good offense, bringing the score to 14-5, but Ericka Pengelly scored this time. She hit a nice layup for a 16-5 lead.
The score had reached 18-11 and Chemeketa fouled Jasmine Gibbs-Brown. Clackamas took a 19-11 lead as she made her first free throw and missed the second. Chemeketa was still struggling to keep up, but they were able to hit a nice outside shot which put the score at 21-15.
Towards the end of the first half, Wilkinson drove the ball through the defense, scoring a layup. The Cougars commanded a 23-15 lead. Continuing their momentum, Gibbs-Brown sunk a nice shot from inside. The score was 25-15; Chemeketa fouled Gibbs-Brown. She hit one of two free throws for a score of 26-15. Chemeketa picked up another foul on Emily Pengelly who missed both free throws. The next foul was called on Clackamas and Chemeketa scored one of the following free throws, but the Cougars had the advantage with 26-16 at the half.
Chemeketa started the second half with the ball and hit a shot bringing the score to 26-18. Rebekah Jamerson found a nice shot earning the Cougars their first basket of the half and 28-18 on the scoreboard. Playing more offensively, Chemeketa tossed a three pointer in. The scoreboard read 28-21.
Chemeketa seemed much stronger beginning the second half. They made a shot during a Clackamas foul that put them closer at 28-23, but they missed both free throws. Chemeketa remained patient despite trailing. They kept up good defense and launched strategic offense as they scored another shot for 28-25.
Chemeketa fouled Emily Pengelly who made her first free throw and missed the second. The score was 29-25. Chemeketa kept the game competitive scoring again. Now 29-27, the Cougars fouled Chemeketa. They scored both free throws, tying the game at 29-29 with 12 minutes left on the clock.
Less than two minutes later, Emily Pengelly took back the lead with another well-timed three pointer for 32-29. A Clackamas foul gave Chemeketa two free throws, both scored for 32-31. Chemeketa then fouled Wilkinson who made both free throws putting the lead at 34-31.
After a timeout, Clackamas fouled again, but it was for a single free throw. Chemeketa missed. Another Clackamas foul put Chemeketa back in front of the basket, making both free throws with 34-33.
Chemeketa picked up another foul on Gibbs-Brown who made both free throws commanding a 36-33 lead. Again Chemeketa fouled Wilkinson who made one free throw for 37-33. Clackamas caught another foul, too, and Chemeketa made a free throw to 37-34. Chemeketa found their next foul on Effenberger with 6:19 left on the clock. She made both free throws. Clackamas lead 39-34.
Chemeketa scored at 5:35 on the clock for 39-36. The infractions were piling up as Clackamas fouled Chemeketa. They made one free throw, taking the score to 39-37. Clackamas called a timeout at 4:43.
Emily Pengelly passed-in to Gibbs-Brown, who scored. At 43-37 on the scoreboard Chemeketa fouled Effenberger who made both free throws, 45-37. Clackamas fouled Chemeketa with 1:28 remaining. Chemeketa made both free throws for 45-39. Chemeketa was scrambling to try and catch up. They called a timeout with 57 seconds to go.
Chemeketa was penalized with another foul call at 0:38. Clackamas missed the single free throw. Chemeketa fouled again immediately after and Gibbs-Brown showed consistency making both free throws for a strong 47-39
lead. She lead in scoring with 14 points in the game.
“We’ve meshed really well as a team,” said Gibbs-Brown. “It feels like I’ve known them for five years but it hasn’t even been a year yet. When it comes down to it when we saw them catching up we really pulled together as a team. Once we came together on defense our offense came together when it counted.”
Chemeketa fouled Wilkinson who made a free throw for 48-39. Then another Chemeketa foul on Effenberger put the Storm further behind the Cougars as she made both free throws for 50-39. Clackamas won 50-39.
Head coach Jim Martineau was happy with the win, but saw room for improvement.
“We’re ranked second in the Northwest,” said Martineau. “We haven’t scored great this year, but defensively this is the best team I’ve been with. We’re three and one in league.”
Effenberger played hard and put some great plays together with her teammates.
“That’s a good win for us,” said Effenberger. “We’re so used to hitting shots, when we’re not hitting them it’s nice to come away with a win, making defensive stops.”
On Friday the Cougars travelled to Roseburg where they lost a close 72-76 game against Umpqua, but they will have a chance for revenge on Feb. 15 when they play Umpqua on home court. The Cougars next home game and chance to avenge their first loss of the official season will be Feb. 5 at 5:30 p.m. against Portland.
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