URI now ranks 23rd in AP poll
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December 2007 ArchivesDecember 31
SOUTH KINGSTOWN -- The Rhode Island men's basketball team has scored its second-straight Top 25 ranking in the weekly Associated Press poll. The Rams moved up two spots, from 25th to 23rd in the poll released today. The increase follows back-to-back wins over the weekend over Eastern Michigan and Georgia Southern to improve the Rams' record to 13-1. Rhode Island cracked the rankings last week for the first time since November 1998, and is off to its best start since the 1946-47 season. The Rams play their last non-conference game of the season against Fairleigh Dickinson on Wednesday. -- The Associated Press 
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URI Basketball
Today's sports cover chronicles all 16 of the Patriots' regular-season wins in this record-setting season. Download a copy of today's sports cover in .pdf format.
By David Ferris It's silly that DeAngelo Williams touched the ball just 167 times in Carolina this year, even as he's far and away the most explosive back the team has. Williams finished the year just under 5.0 yards a carry, and he's capable of running the entire playbook, inside and out. Critics point to Williams' problems with pass blocking, but most backs can become adequate in that area with the right instruction. Carolina fans had reason to cringe every time DeShaun Foster handled the ball in 2007 (3.5 yards a carry, seven fumbles). The Saints didn't get much out of Reggie Bush this year, but numbers went up when a pair of ordinary backs followed him. Aaron Stecker, the very definition of a journeyman, turned into a fantasy force for three weeks, and Pierre Thomas, an undrafted rookie, rolled up 226 total yards and a score (plus a conversion rush) at Chicago on Sunday. Bottom line, here's more proof that running backs are fungible in the NFL. While the Detroit Lions have plenty of issues with their offensive line, Jon Kitna didn't do the offense any favors with his jittery presence in the pocket. Footwork tells so much of the story with quarterback play, and Kitna's was a mess for too much of 2007. Clinton Portis was known as a home-run hitter when he came into the league, but he's a much better inside runner than he's generally given credit for. He's also an outstanding reader of blocks, and very capable picking up the blitz. If the Redskins are going to make any noise in the NFC playoffs, Portis must be the focal point of the offense and collect 25 or more touches. Quick Hits: If Tony Gonzalez isn't the best tight end of the last 25 years, I'd like to hear who's better . . . Better to not play and be thought a mediocre quarterback than to get some garbage-time snaps and remove all doubt. Sorry about that, Jim Sorgi . . . Brady Quinn's stint would have looked a lot better had Braylon Edwards and Kellen Winslow not dropped passes in the end zone . . . Donovan McNabb had a strong final quarter, but I still don't see him back in Philly. The team isn't sold on his durability, and Kevin Kolb should be ready to play in 2008 . . . I wish they made a golf club that was as consistently long and straight as Rob Bironas. He's a weapon on kickoffs and an ace-in-the-hole for any game that comes down to one possession . . . Good luck to the Chiefs, you've got a lot of work to do with Brodie Croyle. The game still looks fast to him, and I don't see enough consistent accuracy . . . Eli Manning was on top of his game in the loss to New England (season-high rating, just one turnover, just one sack), but the assignment gets a lot tougher at the Pirate Ship next week. I'll be very surprised if the Giants are still playing in the Divisional Round . . . It's not every day you see an inked-up kicker talking smack, but there he is, Seattle's Josh Brown . . . Add Scott Linehan to the list of coaches who don't get the 2-pointer. Of course he's got bigger problems in St. Louis, where he's fast losing the approval and attention of the locker room . . . Anyone who owns Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin in a keeper league desperately wants to see one more year of Kurt Warner. This offense wasn't able to consistently threaten defenses with intermediate and deep patterns when Matt Leinart was starting, but things got fun when Warner took the controls, even if a handful of mistakes come in the bargain . . . Don't forget Kevin Faulk in your playoff pools, especially if your league scores points-per-reception. He's become a valuable third-down outlet for the Patriots, and he's capable of picking up yards on his own, consistently making unblocked defenders miss.
December 30
SALT LAKE CITY (AP) - Paul Pierce hit a tiebreaking layup with 28 seconds left, then sealed Boston's fifth straight victory with a defensive rebound and two free throws as the Celtics beat the Utah Jazz 104-98 Saturday night. Pierce was shut out in the first half, then took over the scoring in the final two periods. He had 10 points in the third and another 14 in the fourth to lead Boston to its 14th win in the last 15 games. Ray Allen scored 23 and Kevin Garnett added 15 points and nine rebounds for the Celtics, who complete a four-game road trip Sunday at the Lakers. Deron Williams had 22 points and 11 assists, and Carlos Boozer finished with 19 points and 11 rebounds for Utah. The Celtics improved to 25-3 and were too strong for the Jazz inside, especially after Pierce woke up in the second half. Pierce finished with six rebounds, also all in the second half, and made 10 of 11 free throws. Boston outrebounded Utah 41-30, and Garnett and Kendrick Perkins kept the Jazz from developing much inside. Utah had to rely on outside shooting and eventually lost its touch at the end. Utah finished 40-for-73 from the field, but couldn't make a field goal in the final minute. Pierce hit a 3-pointer that put the Celtics up 88-80, then added an offensive rebound and a putback to give Boston a 90-82 lead. The Jazz stormed back with an 11-0 run, getting a desperation 3-pointer by Mehmet Okur that banked in as the shot clock expired. That shot put Utah ahead 91-90 with 5:09 left and led to the back-and-forth finish. Allen broke a 95-all tie with a 3-pointer, and Boozer hit a jumper with 1:22 left, then a free throw with 43 seconds remaining to tie it at 98. The Celtics had plenty of time, but Pierce got Ronnie Brewer off balance and drove for an easy layup to break the tie. C.J. Miles tried to put Utah back up with a 3-pointer, but it bounced high off the rim and Pierce grabbed the rebound and drew a quick foul. Pierce made both free throws and the Celtics added a steal and layup just before the buzzer. Notes: Miles was starting for Andrei Kirilenko (biceps) and finished with 11 points. ... Both teams finished with 12 turnovers. Rajon Rondo had seven assists for the Celtics and Tony Allen scored 10 points off the bench. ... Matt Harpring added 11 points and Paul Millsap scored 10 for the Jazz.
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Celtics
December 29
The New England Patriots overcame a 12-point second-half deficit to beat the New York Giants, 38-35, and finish their season 16-0. The Pats took the lead for good with just over 11 minutes left in the fourth quarter, on a 65-yard touchdown strike from Tom Brady to Randy Moss. The touchdown set NFL records for Brady (his 50th touchdown of the season, breaking Peyton Manning's mark) and Moss (his 23rd TD catch of the season, breaking Jerry Rice's mark). We'll have extensive coverage throughout the night on projo.com.
ATLANTA (AP) - The Atlanta Thrashers didn't waste any time ending their losing streak and extending the Boston Bruins' misery. Slava Kozlov, Bobby Holik and Pascal Dupuis scored in a three-goal first period and Kari Lehtonen earned his second shutout, leading the Atlanta Thrashers to a 5-0 victory Saturday night over the Boston Bruins, who have lost a season-most six straight. Ilya Kovalchuk scored his league-leading 32nd goal on a power play and added an assist on Alexei Zhitnik's first goal of the season in the second period. "It was important for us to establish the pace of the game early on and the guys came out and did a tremendous job," said Atlanta general manager and coach Don Waddell. Lehtonen made 26 saves for his ninth career shutout, including an outstanding stop on a breakaway by Marco Sturm midway through the second period. "Tonight we played the same that we did the other night, but now it is 5-0," said Lehtonen, referring to Thursday night's 5-3 loss at Florida in which the Panthers outshot the Panthers 41-29. "It's a couple of breaks here and there. It was fun to see it go this way," said Lehtonen. "The guys played great in front of me. Usually, when it's 5-0 after the second period, there will be some letdown." Atlanta, which had lost two in a row after winning four straight, jumped on Boston early, scoring goals 1:32 apart. Kozlov scored at 7:50 on a pass from Eric Perrin, easily beating Boston goaltender Alex Auld from in close. The Thrashers made it 2-0 on Holik's fourth goal, with Andrew Ference defending the net after Auld got tangled up trying to clear the puck along the boards. Dupuis earned an assist. The Thrashers' third goal came when Dupuis came from behind the net and tucked the puck past Auld at 16:45. Auld was replaced by Tim Thomas at the start of the second period. "We are all trying to turn this around. Obviously you want to do what you can to help your team get a win. It wasn't enough tonight. We have to stay together. We can't get frustrated," Auld said. Kovalchuk got his ninth power-play goal at 11:05 of the middle period and then assisted on Zhitnik's goal 2:43 later for a 5-0 lead. Notes: There were two fights in the opening 2:30. The Thrashers' Chris Thorburn and Boston's Shawn Reich each got 5-minute fighting penalties after 2:26. Four seconds later, Atlanta's Eric Boulton and Thornton went. ... Atlanta rookie F Colin Stuart, recalled Friday from Chicago (AHL), made his NHL debut and got his first point, an assist on Dupuis' goal. His brother, Mark Stuart, plays for Boston. ... The Thrashers had a crowd of 18,514, their fourth sellout.
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Bruins
SOUTH BEND, Ind. (AP) - Rob Kurz had 15 points and 11 rebounds and Kyle McAlarney made four of Notre Dame's 13 3-pointers, leading the Fighting Irish to an 87-54 victory over Brown on Saturday night. The Irish (9-2), who also had a 54-25 rebounding advantage, pulled away steadily throughout much of the game behind 13-of-32 shooting from 3-point range. Six Notre Dame players scored from long range. Twice the Irish hit three straight 3-pointers, moving ahead 25-11 on a basket by McAlarney and 46-20 on another by McAlarney. They led 48-27 at intermission. The Irish took their biggest lead, 74-38, when McAlarney hit a 3 with 9:18 left. Ryan Ayers was 3-of-6 from 3-point range and finished with 13 points for the Irish. Luke Harangody added 13 points and eight rebounds. McAlarney finished with 12 points as the Irish won their seventh straight, their 27th straight at home and improved to 42-4 all-time against Ivy League teams. Brown (6-5) also shot well from 3-point range, making 11-of-23. But the Bears were 6-of-29 from 2-point range as they repeatedly missed shots inside. The Irish outscored the Bears 24-10 inside. Damon Huffman led Brown with 21 points on 5-of-8 shooting from 3-point range. Mark McAndrew added 10 points.
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas (AP) - Will Daniels scored a season-high 28 points and No. 25 Rhode Island beat Georgia Southern 85-80 Saturday night for the Islander Invitational championship. The uptempo Rams (13-1), off to their best start since 1946-47, had four other players score in double figures. Kahiem Seawright had 13 points, Ulmer Lamonte and Bitee Parfait scored 11 apiece and Jimmy Baron finished with 10. Lamonte also had 10 rebounds. Rhode Island won its first two games after entering The Associated Press Top 25 for the first time since 1998-99, when the Rams promptly lost their first two after joining the rankings. Matt Fields led Georgia Southern (9-3) with 18 points, including 14 in the second half. Julian Allen had 13 points and 10 rebounds. Rhode Island nearly blew a 23-point first-half lead, allowing Georgia Southern to get within two at 76-74 with 2:37 remaining. Daniels pushed the lead back to four with a layup, and Parfait Bitee made two free throws to make it 80-74. Rhode Island took a 29-6 lead in the game's first 10 minutes as Georgia Southern hit just three of its first 21 shots from the field.
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URI Basketball
Courtesy of Bob Gourley: Victoria Flowers set a new national high school 20# weight throw record of 61’00.75” at the 26th Annual Brown University Track & Field High School Invitational on Friday, December 28, 2007. This performance was indoors at Brown University’s Olney-Margolies Athletic Center in Providence, RI, and broke the record of 60’10.50” set by Maureen Griffin (JR/Pocatello, ID) at the 1997 National Scholastic Indoor Championships at the Reggie Lewis Track and Athletic Center, Roxbury, MA on March 8, 1997. Flowers (1/17/90) SR - Classical High School, Providence, RI
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High School
By David Ferris Below are complete fantasy football rankings based on this week's matchups for all the major positions (QB, RB, WR, TE, K, team defense). They are based on a combined yardage/scoring system (4 points for a passing touchdown, 6 points for a rushing/receiving touchdown, one point for every 25 passing yards, one point for every 10 rushing/receiving yards).
By David Ferris In addition to the normal bumps and bruises, we'll also make some educated guesses as to who's playing hard and who's hardly playing for Week 17. Good luck negotiating the final weekend, which is more slippery than usual. Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger (ankle) did very little this week and probably won't play at Baltimore. If he does make an appearance, it will be a short one, with Charlie Batch then taking over. Colts QB Jim Sorgi is expected to play at least a half against Tennessee. Unless you're totally stuck for an option, sit Peyton Manning this week. Cowboys QB Tony Romo (thumb) is expected to start at Washington, but don't look for a long stint. Brad Johnson is the backup. Broncos QB Jay Cutler has a sore knee, but he'll go nonetheless against Minnesota. Redskins QB Todd Collins makes another start, as Jason Campbell (knee) won't play again in the regular season. If Collins rallies this club into the playoffs, Joe Gibbs has an interesting choice on his hands for the Wild Card round. Texans QB Sage Rosenfels picks up another start as Matt Schaub deals with his shoulder injury. Chiefs QB Brodie Croyle (hand) had a solid week and should start at New York. The 49ers roll with the well-traveled Chris Weinke under center at Cleveland. Shaun Hill is out with a back injury. Jets QB Kellen Clemens (ribs/shoulder) was limited in practice all week but nonetheless he's expected to start against the Chiefs on Sunday. Ravens QB Troy Smith gets another start this week, against division rival Pittsburgh. Dolphins QB Cleo Lemon will start against Cincinnati. Packers QB Aaron Rodgers (hamstring) still isn't practicing, so if the Packers rest Brett Favre early, Craig Nall will come in. The Bucs aren't expected to play QB Jeff Garcia much this week, if at all, against Carolina. Luke McCown is the next option. Raiders QB JaMarcus Russell picks up his first career start against San Diego, as Oakland downshifts into experiment mode. Panthers QB Matt Moore makes his third straight start, in part because Vinny Testaverde (ankle) isn't healthy. The Jaguars are expected to rest both Fred Taylor and Maurice Jones-Drew against Houston, so say hello to RB Brandon Toefield, if you're desperate. Eagles RB Brian Westbrook (knee) finished the week with two full sessions and is probable for Sunday's game with Buffalo. I see no reason to sit him. Bengals RB Rudi Johnson (hamstring) is out for Miami, in addition to third-stringer DeDe Dorsey, which means more work for the underrated Kenny Watson. Titans RB LenDale White (knee) looked good the last two days and should be heavily involved at Indy. Colts RB Joseph Addai (back/shoulder) will likely start against the Titans, but don't expect him to play very long. Saints RB Reggie Bush (knee) is out for this week and Aaron Stecker (toe) is very questionable, so Pierre Thomas will probably get the start at Chicago. Bucs RB Earnest Graham (ankle) missed time this week and is expected to sit against the Panthers. Teammate Michael Pittman (ankle) is expected to play, though he was limited in practice. Texans RB Ron Dayne (ankle) might get some time against Jacksonville, but Darius Walker is expected to start. Steelers RB Willie Parker (broken leg) is done for the year, and it's not clear how much the club wants to expose Najeh Davenport at Baltimore. Chiefs RB Larry Johnson (foot) finally went on IR this week, so Kolby Smith makes another start against the Jets. 49ers RB Frank Gore (ankle) missed time this week but nonetheless will go, and take a full workload, at Cleveland. With Ravens RB Willis McGahee out, RB Musa Smith gets the ball against Pittsburgh. Giants RB Brandon Jacobs is expected to start tonight but he probably won't play much in the second half, if at all. RB Ahmad Bradshaw (leg) is listed as questionable. Raiders RB Justin Fargas (knee) went on injured reserve this week, so Dominic Rhodes gets another start against the Chargers. There are whispers that the Cowboys aren't going to use RB Marion Barber much at Washington. Caveat emptor. Lions RB Kevin Jones (knee) is done for the year and RB Tatum Bell is dealing with a sore foot, so it looks like T.J. Duckett's show again this week. The Detroit coaching staff has hinted that Duckett will receive a healthy amount of carries. Cardinals WRs Anquan Boldin (toe) and Larry Fitzgerald (groin) are expected to start against the Rams despite limited practice weeks. I'd use either guy here. Cowboys WR Terrell Owens (ankle) is out for Week 17 but hopes to be ready for the team's playoff opener in two weeks. Giants WR Plaxico Burress (ankle) did more work than usual this week and could be active for a while against the Patriots, albeit the game means nothing to New York. From a fantasy perspective, I'd be looking to use someone else. Saints WR Marques Colston (chest) isn't on the week injury report, so give him some run at Chicago. Packers WR Greg Jennings (ankle) had a limited workout Friday but isn't a good fantasy bet for Week 17. The club has no incentive to use him here. Seahawks WR Deion Branch (calf) didn't work the last two days, so forget him for Week 17. D.J. Hackett (ankle) is expected to get some snaps, but he's a risky play as well. Panthers WR Steve Smith (shoulder) isn't on the injury report, so go ahead and use him at Tampa Bay. Colts WR Marvin Harrison (knee) worked in full Thursday and Friday and is expected to start Sunday night against Tennessee. He could play a half, a quarter, one series, it's anyone's guess (the same goes for Reggie Wayne). The Colts probably won't have WR Anthony Gonzalez (ankle), who didn't practice all week. Texans WR Andre Johnson (knee) was limited the last two days but is still expected to go against the Jags. Bears WR Bernard Berrian (knee) had a full session Friday and will start against the spotty New Orleans secondary. Muhsin Muhammad (ankle) is listed as probable. Bengals WR T.J. Houshmandzadeh (ankle) did well the last two days and is no longer on the injury report. The Bucs won't dress Joey Galloway for their meaningless finale, and don't expect to see much of Ike Hilliard (knee), either. Jon Gruden clearly is going to treat this weekend as a final-week preseason game. Vikings WR Bobby Wade (knee) did some work Friday and may go at Denver. WR Sidney Rice (high-ankle sprain) is considered a game-time decision. Broncos WR Javon Walker (knee) is on the improve and should start against Minnesota. He'll be needed more than usual with Brandon Stokley (knee) out for another week. Jets WR Brad Smith (back) was limited all week but should go against Kansas City. Falcons WR Michael Jenkins (quad) isn't practicing and probably won't play in the finale. WR Joe Horn (foot) has been limited this week. Laurent Robinson benefits from these two injuries. Cowboys WR Terry Glenn (knee) remains limited in practice and if he does play this week, it will likely be for just a possession or two. Steelers WR Nate Washington (ankle) is questionable for Week 17. Browns TE Kellen Winslow (knee) might need surgery after the year, but it isn't expected to keep him out this week. He's also been dealing with a shoulder problem most of the year. Ravens TE Todd Heap (hamstring) won't play in Week 17. Broncos TE Daniel Graham (ankle) is probably out for another week. Jets TE Chris Baker (back) missed reps in practice this week but is expected to play against the Chiefs. Patriots TE Ben Watson (ankle) didn't do a lot in practice and is a risky play for tonight's finale. Chargers PK Nate Kaeding (bruised leg) should be able to handle placement kicks this week, but the team wants someone else for kickoffs. If you can still make a move, I'd opt for a safer, healthier kicker. Titans DT Albert Haynesworth (ankle) worked the last two days and should go Sunday night at Indianapolis, as Tennessee fights for a playoff slot. Panthers DE Julius Peppers (knee) is out for the year. Ravens LB Ray Lewis (finger) is iffy for the finale with Pittsburgh. Vikings CB Antoine Winfield (shoulder) might be able to play at Denver. Saints CB Mike McKenzie (knee) is out for the year, a notable hit to an already-terrible pass defense. Cowboys CB Terence Newman is out this week, a boost for the Washington passing game.
December 28
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas (AP) - Will Daniels and Jimmy Baron scored 18 points each to lead No. 25 Rhode Island to a 92-75 win over Eastern Michigan on Friday night in the Islander Invitational. The muscular, 6-foot-8 Daniels did most of his damage inside for the Rams (12-1), who were playing their first game as a Top 25 team since the 1998-99 season. Baron scored from the outside, shooting 4-of-9 from 3-point range. Zane Gray had 12 points for Eastern Michigan (4-5), which has lost four of its past five games. Carlos Medlock and Jesse Bunkley chipped in 10 apiece for the Eagles. Rhode Island plays the Texas A&M-Corpus Christi-Georgia Southern winner in the tournament championship Saturday. Eastern Michigan's hot shooting from behind the arc kept the Eagles in the game for much of the first half. Rhode Island went into the half up 51-41, and Eastern Michigan never got closer than seven the rest of the way. Eastern Michigan's hot shooting disappeared after halftime. After shooting nearly 54 percent from the field in the first half, the Eagles struggled to a 9-for-25 performance after the break.
PAWTUCKET -- Bianca Bogda scored four goals as Bay View beat Mount St. Charles, 6-3, last night at Lynch Arena.
By BEN VOLIN DAVIE, Fla. - Dolphins linebacker Donnie Spragan has enough to worry about. He's playing through a neck injury that has been bothering him for weeks. Like most of his teammates, he doesn't know if he'll survive Bill Parcells' housecleaning. And at 31 Spragan doesn't know how many offers he would get on the free-agent market. Not to mention that he still has to suit up Sunday to play Cincinnati, a game the Dolphins must win to improve their league-worst record to 2-14. So while most of the football world will tune in tonight to watch the New England Patriots play the New York Giants with history at stake, Spragan, like many of his teammates, won't be near a television. "Personally, I really couldn't care less," Spragan said. "We have so much to worry about over here, it's the last thing on our lists." Outside the confines of the Dolphins training facility, much of the country is fascinated by the game, which could end with the Patriots completing the NFL's first 16-0 regular season. Tickets are going for as much as $2,500 on eBay. The NFL Network, which reaches just 40 percent of television households in the country, was supposed to broadcast the game exclusively. But demand was so high that the NFL agreed to allow NBC and CBS to show it, too. It will be the first simulcast of an NFL game since Super Bowl I in 1967. "It'll be like the State of the Union, on every channel," Patriots coach Bill Belichick quipped. Former Dolphins guard Larry Little said that even if the Patriots have a perfect season, "We'll be 1A and they'll be 1B, because we did it first." Former safety Charlie Babb played his first season with the Dolphins in '72. "We had that record a long time, and records are meant to be broken," said Babb, 57. "But the older I get, the more it means to us. That's all we have left." The quarterback of the 1972 Dolphins, Bob Griese, won't mind if the Pats go 19-0. Some of the current Dolphins are a little less gracious when it comes to New England. This season, various Patriots games have attracted the largest audience in cable-television history, the most viewers for a Sunday night NFL game and the biggest audience for a Sunday afternoon game in more than 20 years. Tonight's game could rank among the most-watched programs in television history. Just not for many Dolphins. "I'll watch the playoffs," Spragan said, "but I don't care about this one."
SAN ANTONIO (AP) - Texas A&M apologized to Penn State after a student leader mocked Joe Paterno by telling a crowd that the 81-year-old coach needs "a casket." Paterno and his Penn State team face A&M on Saturday night in the Alamo Bowl. One A&M yell leader, during a pep rally Thursday night, told the crowd that Paterno was "on his death bed" and "someone needs to find him a casket." The remarks drew boos from the crowd. A&M team spokesman Alan Cannon said Friday he did not know the name of the yell leader, though the student has been sent home. The yell leaders - similar to cheerleaders - are A&M's official "spirit" organization and lead fans' cheers during games and other school events. They are elected by the student body. Paterno, at a news conference Friday at the Alamodome, said he was backstage with Aggies interim coach Gary Darnell when the comments were made, but did not hear them. "I think everybody has to take things with a grain of salt," Paterno said. "Some young guy went up there, trying to be funny. Maybe he's accurate, I don't know." Texas A&M's interim president, Eddie Davis, and athletic director Bill Byrne later apologized to their Penn State counterparts. "I honestly didn't hear it, and I don't particularly care about it," Paterno said Friday. "Sticks and stones will break your bones but names will never hurt you." Paterno, a 42-year head-coaching veteran, is about to enter the last year of a four-year contract that expires following the 2008 season.
Paul Kenyon took some time this morning to talk about the Rams' appearance this weekend in the Islander Invitational in Corpus Christi, Texas. The Rams take on Eastern Michigan tonight at 6, then play either Texas A&M-Corpus Christi or Georgia Southern on Saturday. Click the play button below to see and hear the show. Here are a couple of excerpts from Paul's comments: On defending the Top 25 spot: "When the players step on the court today, there's a different sense, that, 'Hey, we've got something to protect here, something that really is special.' ... It puts some pressure on, but I think at the same time it may even add to the intensity and to the focus of the team, so I don't think it's necessarily bad at all. On tonight's opponent: "Eastern Michigan, the team they're facing tonight, it's a very average team. They're 4-5, they don't seem to do anything special. They obviously want to keep the game under control ... Frankly it's the kind of team that -- as Hofstra was, as other teams have been early in the year -- that URI just imposes its will on and beats them by making them play the game the way URI wants it."
On today's sports cover, Shalise Manza Young goes over the arguments -- from the Giants' point of view -- against using starters in Saturday's game against the Patriots. Also, Joe McDonald writes on the Red Sox' program of offseason physical evaluations for pitchers.
December 27
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High School
Paul Kenyon: Hello everyone. It’s nice to be here. Hope everyone has had a pleasant a week as I have. Rhodewarrior: PK, thanks for the slide show video clips you guys are posting on ProJo.com. I enjoy them and think they are a nice addition to the site as I also think these chats are great too. I am one usually very critical of the ProJo but these are positive steps so hats off. To this end do you plan to be doing any featured stories on URI players/recruits this year. I find most of the journalism at the ProJo on hoops to be reactive "stating of the facts" or pure editorial based comentary. Would love to see some hard core reporting based on some first party research. Any shot of it? Paul Kenyon: Hi Rhode. You have noticed, obviously, that we are in a state of transition here. rhodyrudder: Paul, Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas to you and yours. Thank you for your coverage of the Rams. We fans of Rhody are obviously in a state of euphoria about the team's start to the season and their national rankings. We hope that the Journal has noticed and is willing to allocate more resources to you so that you can be a "true" beat reporter. Are you going to Texas for this weekend's tournament? Paul Kenyon: Am I allowed to say hi in this venue to people I recognize? gorhodyMA: Paul - How much difficulty does URI's A-10 schedule present, particularly the first game on the road vs. Dayton? Paul Kenyon: Hi Go. Atlantic 10 play this season should be better than it has been in five or six years. Most of us have been focused on URI, Xavier, Dayton and UMass because of their great starts. But what has helped the conference climb to eighth in the RPI ratings, as of today, is that the overall strength is better than it has been in a while. Teams like Saint Joseph’s, Duquesne (which I like a lot) and Charlotte all could make waves and even the teams at the bottom are no longer walkovers. As far as URI is concerned, the schedule works out extremely well, I think. It breaks very much in the tam’s favor this year. That means, of course, that when everything reverses next year, it will be more difficult then. But since we all are focused on the top 25 team taking the court right now, this year is set up nicely. Xavier, Duquesne and Saint Joseph’s all visit the Ryan Center, which is a huge break for URI. Being partnered with Dayton and UMass, meaning having two games against those schools, make the schedule more difficult than most others. But it will help the RPI numbers which are going to be important in March. Bos8: Whats going on with URI's recruiting in 2009. We have heard names such as Austin Carroll and Paris Bennett. Who else are the staff targeting? Paul Kenyon: Hi Bos. I’m going to let you down here. I’m afraid you are ahead of me when it comes to recruiting. I’ve learned through the years that rating high school players is an inexact science and that actual performance often turns out very differently than would be expected according to the ratings. I am not one to get very involved with recruiting. This year, since I’ve been around the team less than I usually am, I know even less than usual. The one thing I will say is that with the current staff, whoever the team is involved has a great chance to be successful. Pat Skerry, in particular, has emerged as one of the best recruiters in the Atlantic 10. Coach Skerry is a star in the making himself. With him combining with Jim Baron, Kevin Clark and Pat Clarke, the future is extremely bright for the Rams 44: Paul... Happy Holidays and hope all is well. From a match-up standpoint, who do you see as Rhody's biggest A-10 hurdle? I'm not so sure its Xavier. Thanks. Paul Kenyon: Hi 44. If you are talking who the chief competition will be for the A-10 title, I still think it will be Xavier. As everyone knows, the Muskies lost three key players from last year, led by Justin Doellman, who was a URI killer. But the Xavier program is clearly the model program in the conference. The team knows how to win. With Drew Lavender and Stanley Burrell, Xavier has a senior backcourt with tons of talent. I think Gary Forbes is one of the three best players in the conference. The backcourt, of Chris Lowe and Ricky Harris is developing rapidly into one of the very best in the conference. They make the running system work. Harris might be a candidate, with Parfait Bitee for most improved player in the conference. The Minutemen are going to be good against everyone. The two URI-UMass games should give us some of the most exciting play we will see all year. Rhody74: Do you think URI's current success is sustainable. In the past, we've had extreme cycles of good and bad. Do you think Baron's "process" will work for the long haul? Paul Kenyon: Hi 74. Great question. As you know, this is a topic that is thrown around often, not just among all the fans, but among those of us who cover the team, too. The pet peeve for those of us on this side, getting to see all the other schools and how they operate, is that it is not easy for most schools to put together a long run of success. When you see other programs you appreciate they are doing the same thing your school is doing. A program like Xavier has everything in place. Just about everyone else has strengths and weaknesses that create swings up and down. I guess what I’m saying is that expectations from fans sometimes can be unfair. That said, URI is in position to move up the ladder and be one of those teams with a better chance to put a long line of 20-win teams together. The program, as it now stands, is in as good an overall condition as at any point in the 19 years that I have been covering the team. The talent already is on campus, with Delroy James and Ben Eaves ready to jump in, to be strong again next year. The word scouts deliver is that this year’s recruiting class is excellent. The five players signed all are A-10 level players and in some cases potential stars. I guess what I’m sorry 74 is that I would not spend as much time right now telling Rhody fans to calm down and keep things in perspective as I usually do. The picture for the next two, three, four years is truly bright. Rhode Island Red: Paul: What does Jim Baron mean by "part of the process"? Paul Kenyon: Hi Red. The process really has become THE fun word around Coach Baron. If I had a penny for every time I’ve head him say it I’d be able to pay all my bills for Christmas presents. The coach has been kidded about it so much that he smiles now every time he mentions it. That being said, if you get to listen to him talk in casual conversation, you understand what he is trying to say. For Jim Baron, being a basketball coach is not simply making decisions for the 40 minutes the game is played. As so many of the best coaches are, he is more than a coach. He is an educator. He means it when he talks about the needs for his players to be students first and basketball players second. He means it when he talks about study halls. I remember the first year URI played at St. Bonaventure under Baron, he took me for a tour around the Reilly Center, showing me some of the work he had done while he was with the Bonnies. Most notably he brought me into the weight room. You could hear the pride in his voice as he spoke about how he and his staff had made it happen. The process, I think he is tying to say, is the entire picture. It is about getting good people on his team, having them be good students and represent the school well. It sure seems to be working from where I sit. urirx: hi paul. it will be great to have a beat writer back covering rhody. what game are you most looking forward to the rest of this season? Paul Kenyon: Hi RX. Thanks for the kind words. I appreciate it. I’m very happy to be back. Let me give you two games I look forward to, one for the place, the other for the game itself. My favorite place to visit in the A-10 is Dayton. The facility is excellent, the people are fun and the entire scene, as it is arranged, is what college basketball should be. The people there do a fabulous job. As I was saying earlier about seeing what other schools have, Dayton is another example of a school that does things the right way. The fact that the team is good and should be a major factor in the A-10 makes it even better. I look forward to being there for the conference opener. As for the game I would pick to be the best. I mentioned earlier that I am very high on UMass. Thanks to the schedule, we will get to see the Rams and Minutemen go at it twice. We might approach a total of 400 points in the two games. URIGONZO: I agree that the only way a team beats URI is by outscoring them (UMass). Do you see any team in the conference who can shut URI down defensively, with a half-court trap perhaps, or do you think the only way to beat them is to turn loose and run like the wind? Paul Kenyon: Hi Gonzo. My initial reaction is to say that someone should be able to find a way to slow the Rams down, but I can’t believe anyone is going to be able to stop them from putting up good numbers. One of the real strengths of the team is the ability to score points in so many different ways. We saw a bit of it against Hofstra. There are going to be days when the threes don’t drop. When a team goes 6-for-24 on 3-pointers you would expect it to have major problems. That never happened against Hofstra because this team gets points by beating teams down the court. Keith Cothran and Lamonte Ulmer are being used so well. They enter the game when the opposing tem might be getting a bit tired and they turn the speed up two notches. They get easy points off the break or off the glass. They are two of the biggest reasons the team is better than it was last season. Kahiem Seawright has not been as steady thus far as he was last year, but he is showing that he is coming on and he can get points in the paint. The Rams truly are one of the best offensive teams in the country. Rhodewarrior: I know it is a little early but what can Rhody fans expect from Billy Baron as opposed to Jimmy Baron Jr.? How are their play styles similar and different? Paul Kenyon: Rhode, I suggest that you make it a point at one of the URI games to say hi to Billy Baron. He’s never afraid to say hi to anyone. As you know, he sits behind the bench at most games. Since the Hendricken season has begun, he will have to miss some games now but I’m sure he will be there for many. I recommend saying hi because Billy is the most outgoing of the three Baron men. Jimmy is very much like his father in the sense that he is gentlemanly and polite and very composed. Billy is more active and well, at least from what I’ve seen, a bit louder than his father and brother. When I’ve run into Billy we’ve had fun because that’s the way he is. His father and brother tell me that Billy is an excellent shooter in the family tradition, but he also is more of a pure point guard than Jimmy. Billy is still growing. He’s about 6-feet now. He’s a fun kid. I wish him well. Rhodewarrior: Do you see URI winning the A-10 championship this year in Atlantic City? Paul Kenyon: If someone forced me to make a pick right now _ I guess you’re doing that Rhode _ I would have a list of six or seven teams that have a legitimate shot at winning the A-10 title. URI has to be first or second on that list as we stand.
Shalise Manza Young and Mike McDermott talk about the Patriots' quest to beat the Giants on Saturday and finish a perfect regular season. Click on the play button below to see and hear the show.
Today's Sports cover features Shalise Manza Young's story about Laurence Maroney, and his emergence as a more important part of the Patriots' offense as the weather gets cold. Also, Bill Reynolds writes about the URI Rams' ascent to the Top 25, and Joe McDonald tells us about Red Sox prospects Jed Lowrie and Justin Masterson.
December 26
You will be able to watch the New England Patriots' season finale against the Giants at home after all. The National Football League just announced it has arranged an "unprecedented" three-way national simulcast of the NFL Network telecast of this Saturday night's game with broadcast partners CBS and NBC. Locally, that means both Channels 10 and 12 can carry the game, an NFL spokesman said. Shortly after, both stations confirmed that they will do so. The Patriots, 15-0, have the chance to finish the regular season undefeated. But a lot of Pats' fans in Rhode Island were likely to miss the momentous event, since the game was to be available locally only to subscribers to the NFL Network. Lisa Churchville, president and general manager of NBC 10, sent a letter to NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell Monday offering to clear the station’s Saturday prime time schedule to air the game. WPRI-TV Channel 12 carried most of the team's games this season, while NBC 10 carrried two. This Saturday's game will also be televised by WCVB-ABC (Channel 5) in Boston, WMUR-ABC in Manchester, New Hampshire (Channel 9) and WWOR (Channel 9) in New York. The telecast begins at 8 p.m. ET with kickoff set at 8:15 p.m. ET. The NFL describes it as the first three-network simulcast in NFL history and the first simulcast of any kind of an NFL game since Super Bowl I in 1967 when CBS and NBC both televised the first meeting of the champions of the newly merged National Football League and American Football League. -- With reports from Journal staff Paul Edward Parker
WJAR-TV NBC 10 still hasn't heard from the NFL on its request to broadcast the New England Patriots' final regular season game Saturday night against the New York Giants. The Patriots, 15-0, have the chance to finish the regular season undefeated. But a lot of Pats' fans in Rhode Island could miss the momentous event, since the game will be available locally only to subscribers to the NFL Network. Lisa Churchville, president and general manager of NBC 10, sent a letter to NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell Monday offering to clear the station’s Saturday prime time schedule to air the game. The station had not gotten a response as of about noon today, according to Barbara Beresford, the station's director of marketing. "We're hoping to hear today," Beresford said. WPRI-TV Channel 12 carried most of the team's games this season, while NBC 10 has carrried two. As currently scheduled, Boston's Channel 5 is the only New England station scheduled to carry the game on free, over-the-air television. Rhode Islanders and other fans across New England will only be able to view the game if they are paid subscribers to the NFL Network, visit a bar or restaurant that subscribes, or if they can pick up Channel 5 in Boston. Your turn: Will you be able to watch the Patriots-Giants game? Where? -- projo.com staff writer Jack Perry
December 24
The president and general manager of WJAR NBC 10 has written a letter to the NFL commissioner offering to air the Dec. 29th Patriots’ game against the New York Giants to make it available to all Rhode Island fans. The game is presently scheduled to be shown only on the NFL Network in Rhode Island. As currently scheduled, Boston and New Hampshire will be the only New England areas to see the game on free, over-the-air television. Rhode Islanders and other fans across New England will only be able to view the game if they are paid subscribers to the NFL Network. According to a news release, NBC 10 said that the Providence DMA, with coverage in Rhode Island and Southeastern Massachusetts, meets the definition of a home team television station. Traditionally, the NFL has considered stations within 75 miles of the team’s stadium to be home team TV stations; NBC10 is 33 miles from Foxboro. Lisa Churchville, president and general manager of NBC 10, sent a letter to NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell offering to clear the station’s Saturday prime time schedule in order to air the New England Patriot’s and New York Giants final regular season game. The Dec. 29th game has the potential to culminate in the Patriots having the first undefeated regular season in the NFL since 1972. “Please consider making this final game available on free, over-the-air television across New England to ensure that the region’s Patriots’ fans will be able to watch this historic game. We know that fans in our state would appreciate the NFL allowing them to enjoy the same access as fans in Boston,” Churchville said.
SOUTH KINGSTOWN -- The Rhode Island men's basketball team has cracked The Associated Press poll for the first time in nearly a decade. The Rams are ranked Number 25 in the poll released today. Rhode Island was last ranked during the first week of the 1998-99 season. The Rams have opened the year at 11-1, their best start since the 1991-92 season. They have racked up wins against Providence, Syracuse, South Florida and Alabama-Birmingham. The team's lone loss was against Boston College. Coach Jim Baron says the ranking is a big deal for the school considering how far the program has come in the last few years, when they typically finished near the bottom of the Atlantic 10 Conference. -- The Associated Press
December 23
Brad Faxon went to Mass General Hospital Friday for what he was hoping would be relatively minor arthroscopic knee surgery. It turned out to be much worse. ``When I woke up they told me they had to totally repair the ACL,’’ Faxon related this afternoon from his home in Barrington. ``They had to do two bone graphs, part of the tibia was exposed, cartilage was floating around. ``It was bad news, to say the least,’’ Faxon related. It means that the 26-year PGA Tour veteran, who had planned to be in Hawaii to start the new season next month, will not be playing golf for several months. ``It’s probably four to five months unless I get lucky,’’ Faxon said. The setback is the continuation of a difficult period for the 46-year-old Rhode Island Country Club product. An eight-time tour champion who has earned more than $17 million on tour, Faxon had his least successful season ever in 2007, in part because of health issues. He missed part of the season because of foot surgery. He returned to competition for the first time two weeks ago when he competed in the Merrill Lynch Shootout in Florida, partnering with Justin Leonard in the team event. The good news was that his foot felt fine. The bad news was that he continued to have problems with his right knee. That knee had been surgically repaired two years ago. Even before the foot surgery, he had begun feeling pain again in the knee. ``I had problems bending down reading putts,’’ he said. ``The pain was getting excruciating. I knew someone was wrong.’’ He consulted with doctors in both Providence and Boston. Thomas Gill, the noted orthopedic surgeon who had performed the surgery on his knee two years ago, told him that an MRI confirmed something was wrong. ``He told me he couldn’t make a call on exactly what it was until he got in there,’’ Faxon related. With the new golf season rapidly approaching, it was decided to go in for the scope surgery as soon as possible. The knee now is encased in a CPM machine which moves the knee automatically. He will begin rehab as soon as he is given permission, but is not likely to even begin thinking about playing again until the tour heads back to the east coast in the spring. Faxon finished 219th in earnings in 2007, with $84,645. Normally, only the top 125 players maintain full playing privileges. However, because he is 24th on the all-time earnings list with $17,656,554, Faxon is entitled to take a year’s exemption for full playing privileges. Actually, there are two such exemption, one for those in the top 25, another for the top 50, meaning Faxon still would have two full seasons without worrying about his position on the money list. Obviously, that is now out of the question. His plan is to simply return when he is healthy again and proceed from there.
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Paul Kenyon on Golf
December 22
The Friars have beaten Florida State, 101-95, at the Dunk in an impressive offensive showing by both teams. Jeff Xavier led the Friars with an outstanding shooting game as he poured home 27 points and canned 7 threes. Weyinmi Efejuku was tough as well with 25 points and Randall Hanke added 15. PC put together an 11-2 run that broke open a tight game and made it 88-77 with 4:20 left. PC still led by 11 points with three minutes to play but Florida State made one more push and cut the lead to 96-91 with 28 seconds left but the Friars hung on to win. PC is now 8-3 on the season. FSU falls to 10-4. -Kevin McNamara
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PC basketball
SOUTH KINGSTOWN (AP) - Will Daniels scored 22 points and had 16 rebounds as Rhode Island beat Hofstra 88-69 on Saturday. The Rams (11-1), off to their best start since the 1991-'92 season, also got 18 points and 13 rebounds from Kahiem Seawright and 14 points from Jimmy Baron. Daniels also had a team-high five assists. Joe Mbang's two free throws with 9:22 left in the first half gave Rhode Island a 25-15 lead. After Hofstra (2-6) pulled within 34-27, the Rams closed the first half with a 13-2 run to take a 47-29 halftime lead. Antoine Agudio, who came into the game leading Division I in scoring at 27.4 points per game, had 22 to lead the Pride. Charles Jenkins added 14 points. The Rams outrebounded the Pride 52-40.
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URI Basketball
BOSTON (AP) - Brad Boyes is probably giving the Boston Bruins trader's remorse. Making his first appearance in Boston since being sent to St. Louis at the deadline last February for defenseman Dennis Wideman, Boyes scored his 21st goal to lead the Blues to a 4-1 win over Boston on Saturday. It was Boyes' 12th goal in 17 games. On Thursday, Boyes posted his 20th in the team's 31st game - the quickest to 20 goals since Brett Hull did it in 29 games during the 1994-95 season. Boyes overcame some pregame jitters, missing a good chance early, before making it 2-0 in the second period. "Early on, through warmups, but other than that I felt pretty good," he said of his nervousness. "I had a great chance, but put it over the net. I knew Timmy (Thomas) knew what I was trying to do so I tried to mix it up a little bit." For a Bruins team that's struggled often to score goals, Boyes' upfront play might have fit in. It was the fourth time in five games Boston has been held to two goals or fewer and the 20th this season. "It's a slump," Boston coach Claude Julien said. "But let's keep in mind the age of our upfront guys." Lee Stempniak, Jamal Mayers and Keith Tkachuk also scored for the Blues, who won for just the second time in six games. It was the teams' only meeting this season. Manny Legace made 24 saves. Zdeno Chara had a power-play goal for the Bruins, who started the week hoping to close the gap on Ottawa for the Eastern Conference's top spot, but lost their third straight and finished their homestand 1-4. "It's no |
