Texas Sports Magazine

THE BEST PLAYS IN THE LONE STAR STATE

Silvano Alves Livestock Show and Rodeo Superstar

Courtney Williams Named Female Athlete of the Month Jose Altuve Astros Golden Arm

March 2015

Photography by Don Atkinson

http://www.lamojophoto.com/

TRYING IS THE FIRST STEP TO WINNING!

I had what I might almost call a sports epiphany the other night. While watching the classic and very cool film "Cool Running - The JamaiHaqikah Stewart can Bobsled Team" with my publisher three daughters, I suddenly realized that it’s true: anyone can accomplish anything they set their minds to accomplishing.

My creating this magazine I think is a good example of this.

However, the odds were seriously against the four “Rastas” for most of the movie and in real life in their quest to field a Jamaican bobsled team and make it to the Winter Olympics. To begin with, the support of the local community and perhaps whole island-nation was dismal, to say the least. Yet in spite of their inexperience and many travails, they had a coach who taught, trained and believed in their potential. Unfortunately he could not win the race for them. For it was up to them to work together as a team and in sync, quit the petty bickering and squabbles, and simply go out there and prove to themselves that they had just as much right to win as any other team.

The possibility of winning became surreal once they overcame their petty wrangling and individual fears which were holding them back.

Eventually a Jamaican bobsled team stepped out of its comfort zone in the Caribbean and went on to the Winter Olympics to win a Gold medal.

From this experience and this film came inspiration: I encourage my own team of bright young girls to be the best they can be and remind them that "Nothing beats a failure but a try." In other words, you do not know the outcome unless you go out there and try. And do your best.

Welcome To About TSM Texas Sports Magazine is a new urban sports magazine that provides coverage of athletes we recognize that work the hardest and shine the brightest month after month. The magazine is a resourceful instrumental voice for enthusiasts, sports fans, and athletes to be distinguished above the rest. In-depth journalism on a wide range of sports, athletes and sportsman’s activities for our readers is the number one priority. Our magazine covers it all!

This quality 48-page full color monthly publication contains articles on all types of sports related issues, useful health and wellness information, sports news, cowboy pics and more.

Profiles, features, news, statics and trivia included every month are high school, collegiate, and professional athletes from all over Texas. In addition, there is also information on sports products, services, and games plus our readers can enter to win some great giveaways.

Readership, Circulation and Distribution In 2015, Texas Sports Magazine provides a sports monthly magazine in the free magazine market and provides a quality magazine that is both informative and entertaining.

The magazine is available for FREE from selected colleges, small businesses, and churches. The short-term goal is to launch the first issue March 1, reaching 5,000 in print our first month and more than 25,000 online readers in Texas alone. Subscriptions are available.

MY BIO: Senior Editor of Texas Sports Magazine Patrick P. Stafford (Patrick The Copy-

writing Poet!) is a resident of Northridge, California, and works full-time as a journalist, copywriter, editor and poet. Patrick has written for AccessLife.com, Wheelin' Sportsman, Amateur Chef Magazine, Healthcare Traveler, Northern Virginia Magazine, and been twice in Chicken Soup For The Soul. He has sold numerous poems, articles and editorial pieces to both online and print publications over the past 30 years. He recently had books of poetry published online at Writer's Closet and SynergEbooks, and another poetic tome, regarding the life and death of Princess Diana, published in print, as well as fiction and journalistic pieces published nationally and internationally.

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TEXAS SPORTS MAGAZINE Houston, Texas

Managing Editor/Publisher Haqikah Stewart

texasportsmagazine2015@gmail.com

Senior Editor

Patrick P. Stafford

marcelproust37@hotmail.com

Staff Writers Kirsten Mills

kirsten.mills@ymail.com

Benjamin Roussey

benjamin@infinista.com

Emilia Benton

embenton@hotmail.com

Regional Sales Director Marc Houston

mdh847houston@gmail.com

Translator

Gregorio Cavazos

Gegoriocavazos@gmail.com

SUBMISSIONS

If you are interested in writing for TSM (for a modicum salary at present!) please contact Haqikah Stewart at texasportsmagazine2015@gmail.com, or Patrick P. Stafford at marcelproust37@hotmail.com.

If are you a salesperson and would like to sell ad space for TSM (at 20% commissions and bonuses!) please contact Haqikah Stewart at texasportsmagazine2015@gmail.com.

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Copyrighted (C) 2015 by Haqikah Stewart and Texas Sports Magazine - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

The scoop?

Pure Protein powders rock.

Your training partner in the quest for lean muscle and strength.

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Will Houston Astros Jose Altuve Regress in 2015?

Second baseman Jose Carlos Altuve is from Venezuela and a player for the Houston Astros of Major League Baseball (MLB).

Making his major league debut in July 2011, he is known as the shortest active MLB player at 5 feet 5 inches as of 2014.

He has been selected to two All-Star Games. In 2014, he became the first baseball player in over 80 years to reach 130 hits and 40 stolen bases before the All-Start Game. Later that year, he also became the first Astros player to win the battling title after hitting .341.

Altuve won the Silver Slugger Award and led the majors in hits with 225 finishing second in stolen bases with 56. This is impressive making me sure he has a bright future ahead of him.

He was barely drafted in the top 100 in drafts and is only 24 years old. Many baseball fans know that it is difficult to test a player’s performance based on the total number of hits, yet 225 hits is very influential.

Some people are saying that Altuve isn’t a great candidate for the 2015 season because he’s due for regression. However, I feel his run total will rise this season. This will not only help his stock in 5x5 leagues considering he will battle with Dee Gordon for the highest amount of steals among second baseman in 2015, which could be a .300 or better hitter.

So where will Jose Altuve be drafted? If the general managers are looking for someone with a high average, steals and runs, then Altuve is a great candidate. If they are looking for a second baseman with power, the odds are likely against him. Brian Dozier or Anthony Rendon may stand a better chance if decisions are determinants of power.

Still, I have Jose Altuve as top second baseman entering 2015 because I think he can keep a .300+ average with multiple steals. I also expect a rise in his runs total with Springer, Gattis, and Carter hitting behind him. All in all, I wouldn’t sleep on Altuve even though people seem to think he will regress and are taking away credit from his accomplishments.

K. Mills

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Courtney Williams May Be 1st Team All-SEC in 2015

W

illiams is on the path to a great career. Currently playing as a forward/ guard from Houston, Texas, the junior has 2013-2014

honors of Second Team All-SEC, All-Lincoln Regional Team, and the Texas A&M Most Improved Award. She is obviously doing something right because her stats are impressive and shows how much

ment, had four straight 20+ point games from December 28 to January 5th, which made her the first A&M player with four straight 20+ games since Danielle Adams in 2010-2011, and scored 20+ points in seven games reaching double figures in 25 games.

Her efforts are paying off because people are talking. Debbie Antonelli quoted her as one of the “best mid range jumpers” in women’s college basketball. I consider this favorable because not only is she improving; she is specifically great at what technically could be key to winning a title.

Coming from North Shore High School, Williams is now a sports management major at Texas A&M with dreams of playing in the WNBA and eventually becoming a college coach. She is taking the right steps to achieving her goals. The fact that she is a member of A&M’s highest-ever rated recruiting class in school history and is the sixth McDonald’s High School All-American to ever sign with Texas A&M means that she is a dedicated player with prominent characteristics. I think we will be seeing her join the WNBA very soon.

she commits to the sport. She averaged 13.9 points per game in 2013-2014, which was an increase of about eight points from her freshman season. Williams has averaged 15 points and 6.5 rebounds in the NCAA Tourna-

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Five Former Longhorns Players to Flaunt Talents at 2015 NFL Combine

The 2015 NFL Combine is here!

The NFL Network is sharing something that has never been done before, the exclusive on-field workouts. With more than 300 prospects attending the event, the broadcast Combine begins Wednesday and Thursday with press conferences starting at 1 p.m.

CT and workouts on Friday, February 20 through Monday, February 23 at 8 a.m. CT. Will you be tuning in?

This year's Combine officially began on Tuesday, the 17th, and will run until Monday, the 23rd. Groups 1 through 3 which include kickers, special teams, the offensive line and tight ends have traveled to Indianapolis to begin registration, hospital examinations and X-rays, orientation and interview processes. Five former Texas Longhorns will have the greatest chance of increasing their draft stock at the NFL Combine.

opposing offenses.

Texas defensive coordinator Vance Bedford feels that Brown is one of the best 3-technique tackles he has ever coached. This says a lot considering Bedford has coached for about 30 years. He obviously sees the true potential of Brown. As the 2014 season progressed, Brown did as well. He improved in quickness and the ability to shed blocks.

CBSSports.com has him listed as the No. 20 overall prospect in the 2015 NFL draft due to I remember when the 2014 NFL draft went by needing to act more efficiently with his hands without any former Texas player being selectand power. I think he might be up to speed ed, so I feel strongly about at least one being now. On February 22nd, he will have his moselected in 2015. The 2014 NFL draft ended the ment to show that his skills have increased Longhorns' 75-year streak of having at least drastically. I predict he will get drafted beone player drafted, which likely did not sit well tween No. 20 and No. 25. with the team, so we get to see the Longhorns redeem themselves. Now, let's review who is 2) Cedric Reed holding the key to the possible draft selections. The defensive end's 2014 season wasn't what it should have been due to playing with a torn 1) Malcom Brown meniscus all season. The 6'6, 271-pound playHe is without a doubt the Longhorns' top proser didn't play as well as he did in 2013, and pect for first-round pick. The junior defensive it showed. He has undergone surgery for the tackle chose to refrain from his senior season injury, but I'm not sure if he will be working at Texas to enter the NFL draft. Brown is a 6'2, out for the Combine.

320-pound tackle known to force other teams to struggle to game-plan effectively but often Many sports analysts feel that he doesn't use in vain, due to his ability to discombobulate his size to his advantage. I think his injury was

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the sole reason for him not being as quick on his feet. With much practice on footwork and strength ability, he could be selected between No. 15-20 as a fourth-round pick in the draft.

His 2013 season shows his capabilities of performing great.

3) Jordan Hicks Hicks, a 6'1, 234-pound linebacker also set up to take part in the NFL Combine. Missing almost all the 2012 and 2013 seasons because of injuries, it will be neat to see how scouts will judge his performance because he returned in 2014 with strong defense and tackle skills.

skills, and is an overall experienced special teams contributor.

He had an impressive showing at the Senior Bowl and will showcase his skills at the NFL combine. Matt Miller at bleacherreports.com ranks him as the No. 12 cornerback. I project he ranks between No. 10-12 as a fourth- or fifth-round choice.

5) Malcolm Brown Brown is the Longhorns' only offensive player invited to the Combine. The 5'11, 222-pound running back has played all four seasons at Texas and now has the platform to prove his talents. His career was up and down due to He played for the University of Texas at Austin injuries for a few games during his freshman from 2010 to 2014, but missed most of his first and sophomore seasons, and during his junior season due to a hip injury. The following seayear his production increased when Johnathan son, he started the first four games at weakside Gray tore his Achilles tendon. linebacker until he suffered a painful and season-ending injury, rupturing his left Achilles His senior year could have been better because tendon. he struggled to open up holes for the ground Scouts will likely commend his 2014 season, game, but I think consistent practice can fix but still question whether he has the strength to stay healthy an entire season without obtaining another injury. Since he showed excellent skills in making open field tackles during his last season, I think he will get drafted as No. 3-6 as a fourthround pick.

4) Quandre Diggs Diggs is a 5'9, 196-pound defensive back who has experience playing cornerback and nickel.

According to NFL.com, he lacks speed, so the drills will allow him to show otherwise. He is a good tackler, has valuable change of direction

that, and he will also gain more experience over time. My prediction is he will get drafted as the No. 15-18 running back and selected in the sixth round.

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Are Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather Fighting in May 2015?

It has been six long years of boxing fans

anxiously waiting and debating whether Mayweather and Pacquiao will fight or not. Many people think that Mayweather is running from Pacquiao, but a lot goes into arranging a fight. Back in 2011, it became known that the two boxers could not agree on boxing regulations. Speculations started buzzing that Pacquiao was possibly on a performance-enhancing drug that was illegal to the sport due to not agreeing to taking blood tests two weeks before the fight. Fans found it strange that he thought blood tests two weeks before the fight would make him weak when he has many tattoos and two weeks is seemingly enough time to recover.

Why could Mayweather commit, but not Pacquiao?

Well, rumors have begun stirring up again about the two fighters, and

apparently they met up in Pacquiao’s hotel room last month for a private meeting.

It is unsure whether they will agree upon the fight for May 3, which is one of Mayweather’s established days of fighting. However, I think they will somehow agree on a deal this time around.

Mayweather holds an impressive record of 47-0, while Pacquiao has 57 wins, 5 losses and 2 draws. Mayweather has 26 KO’s and Pacquiao holds 38.

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T

THE NEAL ALPERT BAND

he Neal Alpert Band is a meeting place for a myriad of divergent forms of popular music. Rock, blues, country, & personal vibes are the souls of The NAB’s original sound. Edgy, passionate & precise, this band from Brooklyn has garnered a considerable following with popular hit songs such as “Just Say No†, “Private Island†, & “Please Tell Me I’m Wrong†.

Formed in 1998, The Nab uses its eclectic influences of Bob Seger & others to create pop & contemporary rock music. “I can see tiny pieces of myself in everyone of my songs†, says Neal Alpert. The NAB benefits from having its members hail from diverse musical backgrounds. Neal fronted his own mainstream rock band.Prior to The NAB, Neal played guitar in a number of bands & took a brief detour into commercial lyrics. A consistent & rhythmic guitar player, Neal admires Duke Ellington’s musical philosophy: “It’s not what you play so much as what it is you refrain from playing†. “I contribute a sparse but solid foundation on which the group weave their collective sounds†, says Alpert. While Neal is the principal songwriter, all members contribute to the process.

He can come in with a skeleton of a song & the others help him arrange it. Neal began as a lyricist/ poet in the 80s. He was with the DMZ & The Slugs in the 90s. He went back to composing rock/pop tunes focusing more towards performing during this time. Listening response to The NAB is strong. The combination of their personalities & talents creates

a unique energy, which manifests itself into their music & performances. Reliable, appealing, melodic rocking, The NAB believes that you can’t fight fiction but you don’t have to live in it; and whether live or recorded, The NAB is about as real as it gets.

Neal Alpert – Lead Vocals & Guitar & song writer Neal writes & produces all his own songs.

Guitar David Catalano – Lead guitar, vocalist, & song writer) after The Beatles, music took on its own life for David. He writes & produces music for himself & others.

Kent – Drums. After being at Woodstock , he hasn’t been able to stop playing the drums. He

lives through his music.

Micheal Mcready– Bass. A 15 year Veteran. A well-known bassist on the Intl. & NYC scene who has played with several popular bands. * For further information, contact: nealalpertshow@ aol.com , www.nealalpertvideo.com or phone: 1-347-547 6057 24/7 *

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Acclaimed Runner is Now Our Very Own TSM Writer!

Emilia Benton is a 20-something runner and writer living in Houston, where she was born and raised. She moved to Oregon just before starting high school, and then headed off to New York for college and beyond. She graduated from Hofstra University in Long Island, New York, in May 2009 with a degree in print journalism and minors in Spanish and women's studies. After a two-year post-grad stint in the city she’s been back in her old stomping grounds for the last four years and loving it.

Benton currently is a sponsored runner on the Volee team for women’s apparel company Oiselle. She has been a runner since she was a 16-year-old high school sophomore, although she hasn't always been the athletic type and was more of a back-of-the-packer in her high school track and cross country days.

But when she first got to New York for college, she decided she wanted to someday run the New York City Marathon. She slowly amped up her mileage throughout college, racing everything from 5Ks to half-marathons before completing the New York Road Runners' 9+1 Guaranteed Entry Plan to qualify to run the marathon in November 2010, which she finished in 4:09:22.

She has since completed six full marathons, 20 half marathons, and dozens of races of shorter distances. She set her current marathon personal record (3:58:29) at the 2012 Chevron Houston Marathon. Benton, who has served as a media ambassador for the race, has continued to race the Houston Marathon each year since then, always chasing the ever-elusive PR. During the rest of the year, Benton races as often as she can, both in her city and around the country, especially with her twin sister, Carla, who also is a long-distance runner (nothing wrong with a little friendly sibling rivalry, right?). She hopes to someday qualify for the Boston Marathon. (Maybe by the time she’s 30?)

Benton lives in the Museum District area of Houston and kicks off nearly every day with a run through Hermann Park and around Rice University. In addition to running, she enjoys reading (newspapers, magazines and memoirs, oh my!), writing, traveling and baking (but not cooking). Her days are incomplete without coffee (best if consumed pre-run) and dessert(s), and she loves country music, all things 80s and anything hot pink. (She paints her nails hot pink for every goal race, as it’s her “power color.”) Visit her blog at www.runforyourlifeblog.com and welcome her aboard as a staff writer for TSM. We’re very happy to have her!

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Come Grab A Beer With A View!

March Madness Is Here!

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The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Team Up With Professional Bull Riders Built Ford Tough Series: PBR Silvano Alves Will Attend

Houston Rodeo fans are known for celebrating

the fun, live performances by the most talented music artists worldwide, and the bull riding, barrel racing and steer wrestling events, along with many other cool events such as livestock and horse shows during this time of the year. Here from February 13th, 2015 up until March 24th, 2015, the rodeo gives Houstonians the pleasure of having a hometown signature event, much like New Orleans’ Mardi Gras. Not to mention, many families simply go to the extraordinary carnival filled with games and fun rides!

Founded in 1931, the Houston Rodeo is held at the NRG Stadium this year, formerly known as the Reliant Stadium. It is roughly estimated that 2.5 million people attended the exposition in 2014. What is extremely exciting and new to fans in Houston is that for the first time in history, attendees will be in favor of watching the best bull riders in the world compete. On Saturday, February 25, 2015, the Professional Bull Riders Built Ford Tough Series will be there to compete for the championship title. How exciting! Most importantly, their World Champion Silvano Alves will be there.

The 7 year pro is 5’7, 160 pounds and ready to defend his championship status. He followed up on his 2010 PBR Rookie of the Year title by establishing his strengths as the first rider to win back-to-back PBR World Championships in 2011 and 2012. Alves reached $3 million in career earnings in only 28 months of competing, which is faster than any rider in PBR history. He ranked as 1st all-time for riders with a minimum of 60 outs. Fans in attendance will see his skills up close and personal, and his unremarkable performance is highly anticipated.

In 2013, Alves spent 15 of 26 weeks ranked No. 1 in the world. He closed the season as Reserve World Champion with 13 Top 10 finishes; 11 of which were Top 5. Although he did not win the PBR World Championship in 2013, he managed to do so in 2014.

Will his talents be up to par for the big win of 2015?

My guess is that he will come ready to win considering he almost won four championships in a row.

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Fans at this particular event will witness riveting 8-second rides and astonishing, jaw-dropping wrecks throughout the performances as the PBR’S insanely brazen cowboys take chances against animals that can weigh up to 2,000 pounds. The outcome is uncertain, but that is the thrill of it all!

PBR’s CEO, Jim Haworth is ecstatic to team up with Houston’s Rodeo. He stated, “The rich tradition of RODEO HOUSTON speaks for itself. We are honored to become a part of that legacy, and excited to bring a new level of bull riding excellence to fans in Houston.”

Tickets are available for sale at ticketmaster.com or by phone at (800) 745 3000. Each ticket includes general admission ticket for the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo World’s Championship Bar-B-Que Contest.

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The Texas Longhorns swooped in and signed linebacker Breckyn Hager Wednesday, February 4, 2015.

Hager decided to switch his verbal commitment from the Baylor Bears to the Texas Longhorns back in September of 2014. The Austin Westlake High School senior linebacker made the bold and final choice of signing his national letter of intent on Wednesday.

Coming from a family of football players, Hager stands a good chance of making it

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to the NFL. His older brother, Bryce Hager is a senior linebacker for the Baylor Bears and has also played high school football at Austin Westlake High School. Football fans may also recognize his last name from his father, Britt Hager who was a linebacker for Texas in 1988 and later went on to play nine seasons in the NFL. Britt was one of the most prestigious tacklers in Texas history hold-

ing a record of 499 tackles while playing for Austin.

Breckyn Hager is very physically aggressive meaning that he isn’t afraid to take on blockers while using quick and efficient thinking skills to naturally, yet swiftly pass the ball and punish other players if needed. I look forward to seeing what Hager will do for Texas.

K. Mills

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Texas March Madness The electrifying atmosphere that is created at the Texas March Madness tournament makes it one of the most breathtaking sporting events of the year. Fans receive an opportunity to enjoy real hardwood action in an emotionally charged game. The tournament has been witness to historic upsets, and 2015 promises to be no different.

Hey, anything has to be better than this NFL debacle. One team cheated and the other team was lucky to end up in the Super Bowl. March Madness will prove to be better managed than the NFL for sure.

In fact, the organizers say that the

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2015 edition of the NCAA tournament is all set to be more thrilling than ever before. A variety of conference realignments are going to help forge newfound rivalries that are destined to spill over well into the postseason and beyond.

APPLY TODAY! www.baylor.edu/admissions 21

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Patrick Beverley Outshines Brandon Knight and Wins the Skills Challenge On Saturday, February 14, 2015, Houston Rockets guard Beverley won the All-Stars Skills Challenge in the last round. To my surprise, he hit the three-point shot every single time on the first try. He fell behind in the semifinals and final, but redeemed himself after scoring the third shot beating out Milwaukee Bucks guard Brandon Knight.

Known for his tenacious one-on-one defense, Beverley was not planning on attending the event, but ended up replacing Washington Wizards guard John Wall due to Wall’s absence from an injury.

Beverley officially joined the Houston Rockets in 2013. I think this was a positive gain for the Houston Rockets.

The 26-year-old is in his third NBA season shooting almost 40% from the three-point line, which proves that he is generally a worthy three-point shooter. From what I see, I think Patrick Beverley’s efforts will be key in reflecting on whether the Rockets will make it to the finals or not.

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Rockets Enjoy Great Win Against the Suns

On Tuesday night, February 10, 2015, the Houston Rockets beat the Phoenix Suns 127-118. Playing in Phoenix, the Rockets were down by one after three quarters and holding an 18-point lead. Luckily, one of the NBA’s most valued scorers got 20 of his 40 points in the fourth quarter.

James Harden has been a great addition to the Houston Rockets and seems to almost always pull the team through when needed. Harden has 85 points in his last two games, scoring 45 in a loss to Portland on Sunday and has six games of at least 40 points this season.

Being traded to the Houston Rockets prior to the 2012-2013 NBA season, Harden has brought mere determination to the team and is a true role model for good sportsmanship. Harden was formerly named the NBA’s Sixth Man of the Year with the Oklahoma City Thunder as he helped them reach the NBA Finals. He is also a two-time member of the US national basketball team and has won gold medals in the 2012 Summer Olympics and 2014 FIBA World Cup.

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He is striving hard to take the Rockets to the top!

WATER FOR YOUR WORKOUT Vitamin packed, zero-calorie water that adds flavor to your workout.

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Is DeAndre Jordan Quietly the Best

Center in the League?

B

orn in the great city of Houston, Texas, Jordan began showing his talents and love for basketball in high school at Christian Life Center Academy in Humble, Texas. Fans tend to forget how these NBA athletes reached their heights, but they usually start constituting their careers in high school. Jordan averaged 15 points, 12 rebounds and 4 blocks as a sophomore while averaging 16.5 points, 14 rebounds and 7 blocks as a junior. He continued to persevere in his sport by excelling and averaging 26.1 points, 15.2 rebounds and 8.1 blocks each game as a senior.

Going to Texas A&M and being the center for the Aggies gave him the opportu-

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nity to make the Big 12 All-Rookie Team after finishing the season with 7.9 points and 6 rebounds. Jordan was then drafted as the 35th overall pick by the Los Angeles Clippers in 2008 where he remains today. He hasn’t missed a game in three years attesting to his defense potential and skills as a reliable center. Centers can often get described as not being productive enough or being slow on footwork, but Jordan seems to prove otherwise. He is quick on his feet and isn’t missing the moment to block a shot.

I feel that he should have been an AllStar in 2015. At worst, he should have been a reserve in this year’s All-Star game. His versatility, good defense, and

rebounding skills set him apart from every other center in the league. He leads the league in rebounding at 13.8 rebounds a game, field goal percentage 72.5%, and is second in blocks per game at 2.35. The Clippers are now second in their division just behind the Golden State Warriors.

The only blemish in DeAndre’s game is that he doesn’t receive enough shot attempts.

He only averages 10.7 points per game, but shoots at 72.5%. With more attempts, we could be looking at the next Wilt Chamberlain.

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Serving South Louisiana Home Cooking since 1988 Welcome to Zydeco Louisiana Diner Zydeco Louisiana Diner has been serving up South Louisiana home cooking in Downtown Houston since 1988. Our menu features family recipes that have been handed down for three generations and includes daily specials you won’t find anywhere else in the city. All items are prepared fresh daily. We also boast some of the most loyal customers in town, many who have been with us from the beginning.

We have been honored as the recipient of numerous awards over the years, including Houston Press Awards for Best Mashed Potatoes, Best Cajun Restaurant and Best Meat and Three and a Zagat rating of excellent.

Serena Williams Is Off To A Magnificent Start in 2015 Often referred to as the “queen of tennis”, Serena Williams is currently the number one female tennis player in women’s singles tennis. Williams was ranked No. 1 for the first time ever on July 8, 2002 and managed to regain the ranking for the sixth time on February 18, 2013. The Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) admires her for being the only female player to have won over $60 million in prize money and prevails as the US Open, alongside WTA Tour Championships and Olympic ladies singles tennis.

It seems as though Serena Williams is headed for a successful year by winning her 19th major title at the Australia Open on January 31st, 2015 against Russia’s Maria Sharapova. What do you think Serena’s future consists of for 2015?

K. Mills

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Texas Pro Sports in San Antonio and Dallas

The city of San Antonio,

a number of college, high school and other amaTX plays host to a range teur teams. The city’s top of professional minor level professional sports and major league sports team, the five-times NBA franchises, in addition to champions, the San An-

The problem with Dallas, though, is the Cowboys.

Their owner picks players that usually are not that good and he does not get along with outstanding coaches that win Super Bowls for him (see Jimmy Johnson). The owner is Jerry Jones. Another issue with Dallas is the QB, Tony Romo, who is a slightly above average QB, but that is not good enough to win a Super

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Bowl. Well, for them it hasn’t been.

tonio Spurs, is the team that the city’s fans most follow.

Mavs, or the Dallas Mavericks, are a top professional basketball team in Dallas, TX. They are the fifth most valuable franchise in basketball in the country, with a current valuation in excess of $700 million. The Mavs boast of the longest currently running sellout streak in major league sports in the country.

Series in 2011. But a few fielding miscues, mainly by their right fielder NelDallas is also home to the son Cruz, cost them that Texas Rangers who had a title. Now the Rangers chance to win the World are in rebuilding mode.

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2015 Live Stock Rodeo!

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Copyrighted (C) 2015 by Haqikah Stewart and Texas Sports Magazine - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

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Texas Sports Writers Association A ccording to the Collin Street Bakery/Texas Sports Writers As-

sociation’s 4A football team, Shelton Eppler and Daylon Mack are the players of the year. Eppler, a Navasota junior quarterback threw for a state record of 5,444 yards, had 71 touchdowns, and a state record for 16-0 Navasota, which won Division I. Mack, on the other hand, signed with Texas A&M on Wednesday, February 4, 2015. He had 35 tackles for losses and blocked two kicks.

Mack made his decision to sign to A&M in Gladewater on live national television. His reasoning for choosing Texas A&M over TCU and Texas was simply because of relationships. He stated that he had a good relationship with coach Sumlin and the staff, who never got angry with him. “He stuck with me, and I’m sticking with him,” Mack said.

He also mentions that his TCU home visit with coach Patterson was great, as well as the visit in Texas. However, he states that when coach Sumlin visited, there were no questions that had to be asked. Mack stated that he enjoyed the three-year recruiting process and looks forward to becoming a staple name in East Texas.

K. Mills

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“Envision the beach beyond the horizon…”