My Fox Sports South Audition Video 06/05/13

Game 2 of the Season Home opener for the Atlanta Braves vs New York Mets from Turner Field in downtown Atlanta...Enjoy!

Who Am I?...

Greetings Readers!,

Today it just dawned on me to let you know a little more of who I am. My name is Helen Bohanna. I am from the beautiful coal mining, dirt roads and mountain state of West Virginia. I grew to have a love for sports because my father and his brothers were well-known football stars in high school who went on to become local football coaches for the little league. Three of my siblings,  my cousins, and my aunt (his sister) on my father's side were also athletes.

I can just remember being that little girl that admired her daddy as he called the plays from the sidelines, and how he molded his team to grow up to be better players as they played middle and high school football. In 1992, my father's coaching career was short-lived due to him passing away. It was a devastating time for all who knew him. As time progressed and we were healing, three of my oldest siblings and I continued to be athletic in cheering, track, basketball, and football. By the time I reached high school, I did not stick to being an athlete, but I remained athletic because I like to stay physically fit. Even though none of us got any athletic scholarships to college, we are still sports fans to our hearts. College football and basketball on Saturdays, NFL Sundays and Mondays, and NBA Wednesdays and Thursdays just completed our week!

In January of 2009, I moved to Atlanta to obtain my Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice because it was equivalent to my paralegal degree. It wasn't until March that I found out that the American InterContinental University had an entertainment and sports marketing degree. I switched my major immediately! As the middle of 2011 approached, I landed a sports marketing internship with retired NFL Super Bowl Champion Dorsey Levens as he was making his debut as a producer covering the NFL concussion situation.

At the end of 2011 after graduating college, I landed my second sports project as the Publicist/Associate and Marketing Director for the Capricorn One Group. On this project, we collaborated with the original Harlem Globetrotters as they hosted a celebrity charity basketball game for a Seven Day Adventace Private School in Savannah that was approaching their 100th anniversary celebration. I must say that after that experience my career has been blossoming! In 2012, I was the Marketing professional for Over and Beyond Basketball, LLC, an organization founded by professional overseas basketball player Omar Collington. I also began this blog around this time.

In 2013, I was briefly the sports editor for a local newspaper by the name of Connections 2 Atlanta to cover the Morehouse College debut for the Atlanta Chapter of the Pro Pops Foundation founded by Dwayne Wade Sr along with shooting coverage for the Brian Jordan Foundation as he held his annually baseball camp at the Villages of Carver YMCA. Now in the year of 2014, I am looking to continue to build my experience and continue the sports legacy of my father! For further updates on my coverage and writings, you can like my sports page on Facebook and watch my videos on Youtube. They go by the same name as this blog...She Knows Her Sports with Helen Bohanna! If you or you know someone who would like to collaborate on a sports event you can email me at sheknowshersports@gmail.com. Thanks for taking the time out to read...Stay Tuned...

Helen

When Injury Seems To Be A Burden... Mental Toughness Is What You Need.

Today I chose this topic because I have just found out that the Chicago Bulls' Derrick Rose is out again after undergoing another knee surgery. It makes you think that luck is not on his side. It takes a lot of  hard work, dedication, and focus to be the best at what sport you want to play, and here comes this burden called injury that you can't put a stop to even if you tried. Injury can either ruin your whole career or either make you miss a portion of it.

I truly believe that mental toughness is the main ingredient to being a successful athlete. I say this because you NEVER know how things are going to play out. There's not enough time for you to worry about injury prevention, you just have to go out and give it your all. If it is going to happen, it is going to happen. It's not fair, but it comes with the territory. As a fan, I just hate the fact that athletes work so hard and come so far and then it seems that everything comes crashing down. It may sound a little absurd, but injury may not be so bad after all, it can just be a scare. It just depends on how it wants to effect you at that time.

Last, injury can be a good thing because it can give you some time to shift your focus on something that you have been ignoring for a long time whether it's grades, family, or maybe time to yourself. It's something that you just have to accept. Nobody wants to be hurt or to end their career, but it's all being part of being an athlete.

That's my thought for today...after reading this I hope it gives you something to think about as an athlete or sports fan. Until next time...

Helen

Tim Tebow Considers College Broadcasting

What a year so far for Tim Tebow. Pre-season stats was not good, the Patriots let him go, and no other team was interested in him. He is now considering college broadcasting since his NFL career is on hold. Tebow still wants to play in the NFL, but he needs to resort to his backup plan until otherwise. According to NFL Network reporter Ian Rapoport, this is the first time there has been any indication that Tim might consider pursuing a career outside of the NFL.

Tebow has been loyal within his journey to be an NFL quarterback. He shows up to practice, stays focused, he eats right, works out, and stays humble but it seems as though nothing's working out especially when it comes to pleasing coaches. The biggest highlight so far in his three year career is back in 2012 when Denver won against Pittsburgh in the AFC wildcard game. He threw for a career high of 316 yards and two touchdowns in the 29-23 victory.

Following that season it seems as though everything has went downhill. Denver traded him for future hall-of-fame quarterback Peyton Manning, the New York Jets picked him up and he spent most of the time on the bench because Mark Sanchez was the leading quarterback, last he signed with New England and was released before the 2013-14 season began. With the season now coming to an end, and he still has no word or idea about his future in the NFL, college broadcasting may just be what he needs to do. He has enough credibility in the NCAA that will help boost his career considering that he did win the Heisman in 2007 and two BCS Championships in 2006 and 2008. 

Hopefully when the 2014-15 college season begins, the world will start to see Tim Tebow on the television screen once again, but in a different way... in a suit and tie giving the pre-game, post-game, and halftime stats. This may be his calling after all. Either way it goes, I'm sure that Tebow will be satisfied considering that it is football and he is partaking in it even though he is not on the field. 

THE SPURS MOVE ON!!!!

After a six year drought, the Spurs are one step closer to winning a championship again! They achieved this milestone by sweeping the Memphis Grizzlies on Monday night with a 93-86 win. This makes their fifth Western Conference title. Tony Parker led the Spurs all the way with scoring 37 points. During his post-game interview, Parker stated "Since last year, I promised to him (Tim Duncan) that we will go back, go back to the Finals and get an opportunity to win the whole thing and I'm trying to do my best, try to be aggressive every night. I think everybody on the team, we really want to do it for him. We win the West and now it's one more step. This is the hardest one." (Associated Press, 2013).

Lately, San Antonio has being dubbed as being "too old" to compete for another title. Not saying that, shutting up their nay-sayers was their main focus, but they proved that age has nothing to do with the determination to win. The Spurs have been that team that has made their mark in the NBA. I say this because they have a total of four championships, five western conference titles, 39 playoff appearances, and 17 division titles under their belt. They have also had great former players like David Robinson and Bruce Bowen just to name a few and current players like Tim Duncan, Tony Parker, and Manu Ginobili to keep the torch burning. I must also feel the need to mention Gregg Popovich, whom has coached the Spurs since 1996 and has turned this franchise around. Out of 18 coaches with him being number 18, Popovich is the only coach with  accomplishments such as all four championships and coach of year for the 2002-03 season.

During Popovich's post-game interview on Monday he stated " You don't expect that to happen this late in the game with the same group." "It's tough to do, to maintain something that long. But just know the character of those three guys (Duncan, Parker, Ginobili) and their ability to play with whoever else is brought in around them. They deserve the credit for that." (Associated Press, 2013). The Spurs now await the winner of the Miami/Indiana series for the Finals which starts on June 6th. Last, but not least, I must also mention if some of you have not noticed, but this is Tracy McGrady's first championship run!!! Congrats T-Mac! Not to single him out, but he's a great player and everyone deserves a chance!!

The NFL Nation Will Miss You #52

Ray Lewis, one of the GREATEST inside linebackers of all time announced his retirement today. I am pretty sure that the Ravens fans most of all will miss him the most. I say this because they are in his town and had the pleasure to see him up close. This statement is also directed towards those die hard fans that traveled just to see him play. Ray was drafted into the NFL in 1996 in the first round as the number 26 overall pick for the Baltimore Ravens, the team that he has played for his whole career. Lewis played for the Miami Hurricanes before entering the draft.

Throughout his career, Ray has played in 13 pro-bowls, been named to the All-Pro first team seven times, and he was the All-Pro defensive player of the year for the year of 2000 which he also won Super Bowl MVP the same year, and the year of 2003. Lewis is now back in the line-up after tearing his triceps two months ago. The Ravens will host the Indianapolis Colts in a wild-card game this Sunday against the Indianapolis Colts in a wild-card game for the playoffs. "It's time for me to create a new legacy" Lewis said in a statement. "I talked to my team today" " I talked to them about life in general, and everything that starts has an end. For me, today I told my team that this will be my last ride"

For his teammates and coach, I am sure that they were dreading this day. The Ravens with no Ray Lewis just doesn't sound right. For football fans such as myself, it's going to take a while before anyone gets used to not seeing him on the field. Ray was inspirational, motivational, and he became the leader of the team. It is understandable that he now wants to take this time and support his children in their endeavors. He stated "My children has made the ultimate sacrifice for 17 years""Now it's my turn to give them something back" Ray Lewis will indeed be in the hall-of-fame, he made his mark in the NFL, and he has gained many fans. From the NFL nation across the world, we would like to say thank you and there will NEVER be another Ray Lewis. Can't wait to see him on Sunday!

#9 Kansas defeats #7 Ohio State

On December 23rd, the Kansas Jayhawks traveled to Columbus, OH to only beat the Buckeyes by eight in a 74-66 win. This was the first away game for Kansas freshman Ben McLemore. He was also the leading scorer of the game finishing with 22 points. "This was great. It was my first time playing in an away game" McLemore said in a statement following the game.

Kansas has now been on a nine-game winning streak since losing by three to Michigan State back on November 13th. Seven of the wins are at home which make their record 7-0 thus far. Referring back to the game, the Jayhawks had a 14-0 run on the Buckeyes in the first half putting the Ohio State fans on pins and needles. They then held Ohio State without a field goal for 10 minutes to maintain control of the game.

Ohio State only hit 9 of  the 36 shots that was taken in the second half meaning they only hit 31 percent. Three of the Buckeyes' main starters only hit 5 of 24 from the field. This was the third victory for the Jayhawks against the Buckeyes in over a year after beating them in the NCAA semis in a nail-biting 64-62 win. "Today is probably the best we've played against Ohio State in the three games," stated Kansas coach Bill Self. The Jayhawks' next game is against American University at 8pm on ESPN 3.

Falcons Fans...Are You On Pins and Needles?

Yesterday the Atlanta Falcons (8-0), visited their NFC rival the New Orleans Saints at the Superdome. I am pretty sure that "Rise Up" and "Who Dat" fans around the world was glued to the television. This is one of the greatest rilvaries in the NFL. It was an intense game considering that the score was so close. Both defenses were determined to not let the offense of the other team score.

With the xcore being 28-27 Saints, the Falcons were able to keep them out of the endzone to score a touchdown. On this drive, Jimmy Graham had a 46-yard completion and then the Saints were stopped on 3rd down and 11 yards to end their drive before their kick team was sent to the field to take the lead. Matt Ryan being the great quarterback actually drove the Falcons back down the field with 37 seconds remaining.

On 3rd down and 3, Ryan's pass to Jacquizz Rogers was completed gaining 14 yards on that play. A few plays later, Rogers gained another 18 yards. Matt Ryan was able to have complete passes to six receivers, but the last pass to Roddy White just couldn't get the job done and they lost their first game. With at least eight weeks left until playoffs will the Falcons bounce back from this loss and keep their winning streak going? This team is known to do real good in the season and disappoint their fans during the playoffs. Only time will tell. Will they "Rise Up"? Stay tuned....

The Truth Shall Always Set You Free!....Ask Brian Banks

Brian Banks have an inspiring story that can touch those who read it.  He was the young man that was falsely accussed of rape at the age of 16 when he was a star linebacker for his high school football team. The next 10 years of his life was taken away because he served five years in prison and another five years on probation. Even though his privileges were stripped and he was only able to do so much, but he never lost hope and still trained as if he was trying out for a professional football team. He was exonerated this past May because the allegations appeared to be untrue. Upon that news, several NFL teams became interested in him and he was able to attend mimicamps for the Summer. Banks ended up at the minicamp of the Seattle Seahawks who is coached by Pete Carroll, the former USC coach who received a verbal committment from Banks that he was going to attend that college to play football.This past Wednesday Banks' dream came true when he signed with the Las Vegas Locos of the United Football League. He still has high hopes in being in the NFL, but of course just like everyone else, he has to start from somewhere. Even though this ain't the time for him to do so, he left an impact on NFL personnel and he is still on their minds. I am pretty sure that there will be more on this story because if it doesn't inspire then I don't know what it does. This goes to show that if you are meant to do something, it is never too late. Stay tuned for more on the successful journey of Brian Banks.

Lets Be More Careful Football Fans

As you know, everybody's ready for some football! Fans have long anticipated this ever since the end of the summer was approaching. Getting game gear ready, making plans to attend the games to tailgate or either watch it, meeting up at a friend or family member's house to have a game day party, or take the day a relax to enjoy it alone. Football is the sport that just brings everyone together to have a great time and create more memories to add onto your journey in life. It also gives you an adrenaline rush like no other. You just want to gear up and get on the field with them.

Now I am shifting the subject just a little bit. As I mentioned in the paragragh above, football is a sport that just brings excitement to people all over the world. It is sad to hear that within a 24 hour time period, two fans fell to their deaths from long falls within the football stadiums in Houston and Atlanta. It is understandable that you are having a great time, but please be careful. The memories that you want to have for that game should be happy not sad ones. You never know what can be going on inside of someone else's mind, nor are you really worried about it because you are too busy watching the game, but try and keep a close eye on those that are with you. These stories should be eye openers to all football fans. Things can get a little crazy when you are in an environment that is filled with thousands of people, but it isn't worth your life. For more on these stories, please click on the links below.

http://espn.go.com/college-football/story/_/id/8324831/fan-dies-fall-georgia-dome-upper-deck-tennessee-north-carolina-state-game

http://sports.yahoo.com/news/nfl--man-falls-to-his-death-at-texans-game--fourth-fan-fatality-in-four-years.html

USA Women's Basketball Team Completes "The Drive For Five"

The USA Women's basketball team won the gold medal yesterday defeating France by 36. This win was the 41st consecutive win for the team dating all the way back to 1992. During the USA women's winning streak, they won each game by at least 30 points with only one game decided by single digits. In the semi-final game against Austrailia, USA trailed at halftime for the first time in 12 years.

USA women's coach Geno Auriemma stated “No other country in the world has the legacy that we do in basketball, so when we took the court, our 12 players tonight, they had that legacy with them,” “And as the game goes on the other team starts to sense we're not just playing these 12, we're playing something bigger than these 12. And that's a testament to all of the other coaches and all of the other players that contributed to this over the past 20 years.”

As they were headed into the Olympics, team USA realized that they were going to have to work hard regardless of the talents that they had on their team. They never counted anybody out. They was just focused on playing their game. They wanted to keep the foundation going that the past USA women's basketball team had laid for them. Candace Parker stated “You never want to be that team that ends the streak, so I think it was great for us to continue the winning tradition and get another gold medal.” , and they did just that. In the beginning of the tournament, Parker really didn't have a rhythm. As Auriemma decided to bring her off the bench, that seemed to work. No other team seemed to have the spark that they had when it came to Parker. She saved her best game for last too scoring 21 points and grabbing 11 boards in 21 minutes in the gold medal game.

WNBA scoring leader Angel McCoughtry also stepped up to be a key player. Within her limited minutes on the court, she contributed at least 10ppg along with 2 steals. McCoughry stated
“I feel like I’m on top of the world right now, I’m so excited,” “I’ve got a gold medal, my first one. My name is not Angel McCoughtry. It’s Angel McCoughtry, Olympic gold medalist.” Other first-time gold medalists includes Tina Charles, Maya Moore, Lindsay Whalen, and Asjha Jones. Teresa Edwards, a five-time olympian and member of the 1996 gold medal USA team was there to show her support for the 2012 team, which she was very proud of. Within the next four years the team and the coaches may change, but with the heart and soul that these women have to represent our country will not. 2016 is going to be very interesting in Rio because the foundation is now laid for the future WNBA stars that will be representing the USA.

USA Women's Basketball Team Demolishes Angola

Team USA's women's basketball team is on a mission, for the gold that is. Today's game proved just that. They beat Angola by 52 points. Candace Parker led the team's victory with a double-double scoring 14 points and grabbing 12 rebounds. Team USA is not focused so much on how many points they score because they know that they are still a work in progress considering that they have only been together two weeks. They also know that as the tournament continues, some games are going to be tough.Angola on the other hand is looking for their first win. They lost by 22 in their opener against Turkey. This means that the African nations has only won one game out of 25 since the 1996 Atlanta Olympic games when Congo first qualified.

Team Nigeria is the team that actually won the first game, which was against Korea. Angola was only able to stay close to USA only in the first quarter trailing by 10. USA then took the game by storm by leading in the second quarter and continue to prevent Angola's chances of catching up in the second half. Despite the score of the game, USA Coach Geno Auriemma having the good sportsmanship that a coach should have stated: "Angola's one of those countries you hope, because of what's happened with the U.S. and some other places in women's basketball, that other African countries pick up and say that could be us," Hopefully that's a country that becomes accustomed to playing in the Olympics. Hopefully they devote more energy and resources and they can come back to the Olympics on a regular basis".Up next for USA is Turkey who also has a 2-0 record.

Retired NFL Star Dorsey Levens premiers "Bell Rung" Documentary

Former Green Bay Packer Dorsey Levens, his production company Levens Communications, and the Atlanta Film Festival will be premiering the "Bell Rung" Documentary. "Bell Rung" uncovers the long-term emotional and physical damages caused by playing professional football. Many retired football players have been affected and are not able to tell their stories. Dorsey took it upon himself to help tell these stories by writing a documentary. Within the documentary, two-time pro bowler Takeo Spikes, former University of Georgia stand-out and three-time superbowl champion Richard Seymore, and NCAA and Superbowl title holder Jamal Lewis assist in telling stories themselves. Following the film, a discussion panel will be held for questions and concerns. The movie premier is August 7th, 2012 in Atlanta. Concussions are now an important subject when it comes to football because too many head injuries have occurred, or is occuring and it needs to be addressed and enforced properly to help save the lives of future draft and retired players.

Neil Reed, 1997 Choke Victim of Bob Knight Dies At The Age Of 36

Neil Reed was mostly remembered by the incident that happened in the 1997 season for the Indiana Hoosiers. He was chocked by Bob Knight during a practice almost at the end of his Junior year. Reed went on to finish his college career at Southern Mississippi. Yesterday, it was stated by a fellow faculty member that he had difficulty breathing and he was taken to an area hospital where he went into cardiac arrest and could not be saved.Reed leaves behind two daughters, four and six years old and a legacy I am pretty sure, at a Central California high school where he coached football and golf. It's good that he managed to move on and lead a quiet life still managing to live out his dreams in spite of the controversy following the Bob Knight incident which caused him to get fired in the year of 2000. He is gone too soon, but will never be forgotten.

Knicks Trade "Linsanity", Now He's A Rocket

The New York Knicks decided not to match the offer sheet that was signed b Jeremy Lin for the Houston Rockets. New York decided not to bring Lin back because owner James Dolan felt deceived and betrayed by Jeremy agreeing to a three-year deal that was restructured. That deal was worth $25.1 million dollars. It also would have been more finacially onerous for the Knicks to even match than the four-year $28.8 million given by Houston even though the Knicks stated that they would match it.

Jeremy Lin then sat down and interviewed with Sports Illustrated's Pablo S. Torre. In the beginning of the interview, Lin stated that he preferred New York. It was hard for Torre to choose a subject to speak on considering that there were quite a few to touch on. The subjects were: New York's brass only speaking to Lin and his reps only once before the brief phone call made by the General Manager informing of the decision, the Knicks had publicly represented Lin's return was all but assured, and the Head Coach Mike Woodson stating that Lin was the starting point guard. With that being said, it seems that Lin didn't have much of a choice when Houston tendered their offer sheet.

Lin also shuts down the rumors that "he has been all about the money since he burst into Broadway" which was stated by ESPN's Steven A. Smith and the statement by Isola who called him out because he did not play in Game 5 against the Miami Heat in the first round after undergiong knee surgery and which he had estmated himself at being 85 percent.  After quickly brushing off the financial talk, Lin quickly stated to Torres "If I really wanted to, I could have triple-digit endorsements," He then got back on the subject of Game 5 stating how ever vet on the team told him that he should not play and that he argued with them on why he should. He then stated that the Owner James Dolan was being nice to him telling him that he has plans in the future, he's a long-term investment, and that he did not need to rush back. In the end, Jeremy is moving on and he will ALWAYS remember how the New York fans embrassed him throughout his short stay. No matter where he goes and where his career will end, the Knicks fans will always have a part of him.

Drew Brees....$100 Million Dollar Man

Today New Orleans Saints Quarterback Drew Brees put his pen to work by signing autographs on items to the contract extension that he sighned for the Saints. This past Friday he verbally agreed to it and then he sealed the deal by signing his famous signature. The extension is for five years which he will get paid $20 million a year. After the signing, Brees stated: "It's been a little surreal just because of the process throughout the offseason, and just how challenging an offseason it's been for everyone, obviously everyone within the Saints organization, this city. It's just been a crazy offseason and I think we're all just ready to get back to work and excited that it's all starting here in a week. It's hard to believe."

Brees of course stayed busy training in the off season in California. He has also maintained contact with his teammates and assistant head coach Joe Vitt. Vitt is stepping up to take over and handle things since head coach Sean Payton is suspended for this NFL season for the bounty investigation. Brees also stated that teammates were texting him all the time, so again, the Saints were in constant communication. Now that training camp starts on July 24th I am pretty sure that the Saints have put last season behind them and they are ready to get back on the field. With the same offensive system for the past six years, and a new defensive system I am sure that the fans of Who Dat Nation is eager to see what their team has in store. Stay tuned.......

The Nets Aquire Joe Johnson Are Still In The Running For Dwight Howard

On Monday, the Atlanta Hawks traded their cash machine Joe Johnson to the Brooklyn Nets. It does not count them out of getting Dwight Howard even though the Mavericks are also stepping to the plate to get him. The Nets now have to come with a very creative salary cap which also includes Gerald Wallace who just recently signed with them. At first, Howard's preferred destination was Dallas since the Nets have Johnson. Let's stay tuned on what his final decision may be.....I am pretty sure that it is a nailbiter for both teams. Who wouldn't want Dwight Howard.

Over & Betond Basketball, LLC's First Annual Ball-N-BBQ 3-on-3 Tournament July 14th

Over & Beyond Basketball, LLC will be hosting its first annual Ball-N-BBQ 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament on Saturday July 14th from 12pm-6pm at Ebster Park located at 404 W. Trinity Place Decatur, GA 30030. This event will precede the youth basketball summer camp held by Over & Beyond Basketball, LLC the same week from July 9th - 13th. The Ball-N-BBQ creates a chance for the organization along with the community to give back and improve awareness for our youth. With that said, a portion of the proceeds will benefit the Decatur Education Foundation. Please see information below for more detail.

Ball-n-BBQ

3-on-3

Basketball Tournament

Presented by

Over and Beyond Basketball, LLC

Saturday, July 14, 2012

Ebster Park, Decatur, GA

Portion of the proceeds to benefit

Decatur Education Foundation

Entrance Fee

Division I (18-29 men and women) - $75.00

Division II (30 & over men and women) - $75.00

Division III (13-17 boys and girls) - $50.00

3 Players per team required- 4 players max.

Single Elimination Tournament

*ROSTERS MUST BE SUBMITTED BY June 29*

*Trophies awarded to 1^st Place Teams*

For more info, contact Omar Collington at (404) 771-6471 or V.I. Tyrell at (678) 775-8274 or

email: overandbeyondbball@yahoo.com

Over & Beyond Basketball Youth Summer Basketball Camp July 9th - July 13th

Omar Collington, Decatur native, former professional basketball player abroad, and former Assistant Decatur High School Basketball Coach is reaching out to the youth in and surrounding areas of Decatur to teach them basketball techniques, strategies, and how to balance the sport of basketball with life.

The vision of Over & Beyond Basketball is designed to use basketball as a platform to teach life lessons in molding young men and women as well-rounded individuals through perseverance and overcoming adversity. The mission is to develop every student-athlete into realizing their full potential athletically and academically.With that said, Omar Collington is looking for boys and girls ages 8-14 to sign up for the basketball summer camp starting on Monday July 9th - Friday July 13th. Registration deadline is today, but parents can call and reserve their child as a walk-in. For information rgarding time, place, and price please see the flyer provided below. Kids this will be one of the highlights of your summer!!!!