Harvin, Whaley in Minnesota

Two former Virginia Beach football stars were in the headlines in Minnesota this weekend.

Percy Harvin – maybe you’ve heard of him – was the 22^nd pick in the NFL draft and showed up for an introductory press conference with the Minnesota VIkings. Flanked by family, Harvin said he had matured over the years and was disappointed in himself for flunking a drug test at the NFL combine.

After a troubled high school career at Landstown, Harvin got a fresh start at the University of Florida and after three dynamic seasons became a first-round draft pick. Will he make the most of another fresh start with the Vikings?

To read about Harvin’s first visit as a Viking, check out this link:

http://www.startribune.com/sports/vikings/43751327.html?elr=KArksi8cyaiU9PmP:QiUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aULPQL7PQLanchO7DiUr

Meanwhile, Kevin Whaley shined at the University of Minnesota’s spring game. Whaley was the top rusher with 12 carries for 63 yards and a touchdown. Whaley has been a standout in the Gophers’ spring practices, just a year after suffering a gunshot wound outside a Virginia Beach nightclub.

Here’s what Minnesota coach Tim Brewster had to say after the spring game: “I was extremely pleased with how our young guys responded today. Guys like Keanon Cooper and new guys Kim Royston, Matt Carufel and Kevin Whaley did some good things today. I thought we improved as a football team this spring. I thought today was a great way to finish off 15 great practices.”

To read about the Gophers’ spring game – and a picture of Whaley scoring a TD – check out this link:

http://www.startribune.com/sports/gophers/43702097.html?elr=KArksi8cyaiUjc8LDyiUiacyKUUr

ADVISORY: Users are solely responsible for opinions they post here and for following agreed-upon rules of civility. Comments do not reflect the views of The Virginian-Pilot or its Web sites. Comments are automatically checked for inappropriate language, but readers might find some comments offensive or inaccurate. If you believe a comment violates our rules, click the "Report Violation" link below the comment to alert an editor. Update on new comment functions.

QB Sims' surprising decision

Surprised by QB Phillip Sims’ decision late Wednesday night to commit to Alabama?

You’re not alone. I figured Sims, one of the nation’s most sought-after QBs, would head into his senior season at Oscar Smith High with his cell phone buzzing.

But Sims was visiting Alabama this week and decided he didn’t want to wait any longer. He can’t sign a binding letter-of-intent for 10 months.

Sims had more than 30 scholarship offers, according to Oscar Smith coach Richard Morgan. Sims had narrowed his list to include Tennesee, Miami, Virginia, Virginia Tech and Oklahoma, among others. The Sooners, though, likely dropped out of contention when they got a recent commitment from Blake Bell, a top QB recruit out of Kansas.

Sims told Morgan of his decision to pick Alabama on Wednesday.

“I was a little shocked that he committed,” Morgan said. “I wasn’t expecting him to commit, but he called and said it’s the best place for him, everything he wants is there: the offensive system, the coaching, the chance to win an SEC title.”

“I’m happy for Phillip,” Morgan added. “He felt really good about the decision. He felt like everything there was the right fit for him.”

Sims, a 6-foot-2, 220-pounder, threw for 3,167 yards and 38 touchdowns this past season in leading the Tigers to their first Group AAA state title. He's rated No. 52 on the Rivals100 for 2010.

Morgan isn’t worried that his decision will change. Sims had visited – at least unofficially – nearly a dozen schools, including Georgia, Clemson, Maryland, West Virginia, Virginia and Virginia Tech.

“If a kid is sold on a school and that’s where he wants to be, I don’t worry about the early commitment,” Morgan said. “I worry if a kid hasn’t done his research.”

Sims is Oscar Smith’s second SEC commit in as many seasons, following LB Jerod Askew’s decision to attend Tennessee. Askew and Sims are good friends, but that will change at least for a day when the Vols and Tide hook up for their SEC rivalry.

“For the past three years Jerod was never allowed tackle Phillip in practice,” Morgan said. “Now the joke is that Coach Morgan won’t be able to blow the whistle to stop him from getting a hold of Phillip.”

Another of Oscar Smith’s top recruits, DT Evan Hailes, visited Alabama with Sims this week. But Morgan said he expects Hailes’ decision to come much later.

On the air

Some more details are finalized for Oscar Smith’s game against Venice (Fla.) High, which ESPN will televise Friday, Aug. 28. It’s an 8 p.m. kickoff and will be the Tigers’ season opener.

Admission for the game, set by ESPN, is $10.

“We’re looking for a sellout,” Morgan said. The game now features a battle of future SEC quarterbacks in Sims and Venice’s Trey Burton, who has committed to Florida.

ADVISORY: Users are solely responsible for opinions they post here and for following agreed-upon rules of civility. Comments do not reflect the views of The Virginian-Pilot or its Web sites. Comments are automatically checked for inappropriate language, but readers might find some comments offensive or inaccurate. If you believe a comment violates our rules, click the "Report Violation" link below the comment to alert an editor. Update on new comment functions.

Baseball, boys hoops happenings

A few musings as South Hampton Roads' public schools enjoy Spring Break ...

Hoops coup

So when's the last time Old Dominion landed the All-Tidewater Boys Basketball Player of the Year? Maybe never.

But Pilot staff writer Rich Radford reported in Tuesday's paper that King's Fork's Jaquon Parker has committed to play for the Monarchs, adding to coach Blaine Taylor's stable of 757 talent. Parker joins a quartet of local players already at ODU: Ben Finney (Norcom), Frank Hassell (Indian River), Darius James (Tallwood) and Nick Wright (Nansemond River).

Parker won't head to ODU until 2010. He'll first spend a year at prep school.

Parker is a smooth and versatile 6-foot-4 guard who guided King's Fork to the Group AAA state championship last month. Parker was the All-Tidewater Player of the Year and highlighted an impressive crop of All-Tidewater first-teamers this season.

Atlantic Shores' Andre Dawkins has committed to Duke and teammate Steven Pledger signed with Oklahoma, while Norfolk Collegiate's Donte Hill signed with Clemson. And Norfolk Christian sophomore James McAdoo is considered one of the country's top prospects in the Class of 2011.

Is Parker better than those guys? Who's going to be a star in college?

Who's No. 1 in baseball?

Maury stumbled in its first game as South Hampton Roads' new No. 1 baseball team. The Commodores fell 5-4 to unranked Nansemond-Suffolk in Monday's opening round of the Greenbrier Christian Invitational.

Maury had hoped to make a statement in the tourney, which features some of the area's perennial powers. Instead the Commodores surrendered four runs in the seventh inning, capped by a bases-loaded walk.

Today's games at the Greenbrier Christian Invitational already have been called off because of rain and moved to Friday. Games originally scheduled for Friday, including the 6 p.m. championship game, now are Saturday.

An off day was scheduled Wednesday, so Maury has to wait until Thursday for a shot at redemption. The Commodores hook up with No. 4 Kellam at 12:30 p.m. Friday's marquee matchup pits No. 2 Greenbrier Christian against seventh-ranked Princess Anne. The Cavaliers are coming off a 4-0 loss to Covenant in the tourney's first round.

Coming up

Check 757teamz.com Wednesday for the latest High School Report. You'll find news on baseball, boys basketball, boys soccer and some college commitments.

ADVISORY: Users are solely responsible for opinions they post here and for following agreed-upon rules of civility. Comments do not reflect the views of The Virginian-Pilot or its Web sites. Comments are automatically checked for inappropriate language, but readers might find some comments offensive or inaccurate. If you believe a comment violates our rules, click the "Report Violation" link below the comment to alert an editor. Update on new comment functions.

Was your team left out of the preview?

So you click on 757teamz.com, hoping to see a mention of your favorite high school team in The Pilot's season preview. And you're disappointed because there's no mention. None. Frustrating, right?

Sure, it's frustrating. But here's how the previews come together:

All the info in The Pilot's two-page Spring Fling section in Wednesday's newspaper - and the info in all of our online Springs Sports previews - comes from head coaches in South Hampton Roads. Each high school in South Hampton Roads is sent a packet of preseason forms for each sport, and athletic directors are asked to distribute them to head coaches. Coaches have a week or so to fill out the form and return them to The Pilot.

Our fax machine and e-mails buzz with dozens of preseason forms, and the vast majority of coaches provide great insight on their teams. Unfortunately, we never have 100 percent participation. And if a coach doesn't provide us information, that coach's team likely won't get a mention in our previews. I'll use boys soccer as an example. We received preseason forms from all 11 Beach District teams; only two Eastern District teams sent in forms.

We have 29 Group AAA high schools and another dozen or so private schools in South Hampton Roads, and during the spring there are more than 300 teams. Yep, 300. It's impossible for us to track down information on each team, especially now as we deal with fewer resources and a trimmed sports staff.

We'd love to write about all our teams. But that's something we can't do without some help.

Thanks, and feel free to drop me a line: jami.frankenberry@pilotonline.com.

On another note: Our previews of boys and girls soccer and boys and girls track will appear on-line at 757teamz.com early Thursday. And Friday we'll have previews of boys and girls track and private-school lacrosse and golf.

ADVISORY: Users are solely responsible for opinions they post here and for following agreed-upon rules of civility. Comments do not reflect the views of The Virginian-Pilot or its Web sites. Comments are automatically checked for inappropriate language, but readers might find some comments offensive or inaccurate. If you believe a comment violates our rules, click the "Report Violation" link below the comment to alert an editor. Update on new comment functions.

Spring has sprung?

You wouldn't know it from the weather in South Hampton Roads the past few days, but it's time for "Spring" sports. The Virginia High School League's official regular-season start date was last week, although many teams are stuck inside watching the raindrops.

Here's what's on the menu this week from The Pilot:

* Check out Wednesday's paper for a two-page report on Spring Sports, with an overall view of baseball, softball, boys and girls soccer, boys and girls track and boys and girls tennis.

* Also beginning Wednesday, click on 757teamz.com for previews of each spring sport. It'll include news and notes on the Group AAA districts and private schools, and we'll unveil the Pilot's Top 10 in each sport. Baseball and softball will get things started Wednesday.

We're not quite through with basketball, though. The All-Tidewater boys and girls basketball teams will run in next Wednesday's paper, March 28. Who made it? That's up to staff writers Rainer Sabin and Larry Rubama, who consult area coaches for their input. Rainer picks the All-Tidewater girls squad, while Larry selects the boys team.

Your turn: Before we get to Spring Sports, tell me who should be named the All-Tidewater Players of the Year in boys and girls basketball.

ADVISORY: Users are solely responsible for opinions they post here and for following agreed-upon rules of civility. Comments do not reflect the views of The Virginian-Pilot or its Web sites. Comments are automatically checked for inappropriate language, but readers might find some comments offensive or inaccurate. If you believe a comment violates our rules, click the "Report Violation" link below the comment to alert an editor. Update on new comment functions.

Final: King's Fork 49, William Fleming 47

The Bulldogs came back from a 19-point deficit to win the state title, capping a triumphant night in Richmond for South Hampton Roads teams.

King's Fork is the first Suffolk school to win a Group AAA title.

For more on the game, check out Saturday's Pilot.

ADVISORY: Users are solely responsible for opinions they post here and for following agreed-upon rules of civility. Comments do not reflect the views of The Virginian-Pilot or its Web sites. Comments are automatically checked for inappropriate language, but readers might find some comments offensive or inaccurate. If you believe a comment violates our rules, click the "Report Violation" link below the comment to alert an editor. Update on new comment functions.

King's Fork vs. Fleming, 3rd quarter

After three quarters: William Fleming 33, King’s Fork 25

The Bulldogs need a major comeback to bring home a state title.

Staffer Jason Kidd checks in ...

  Third quarter

With WF up 15, they are taking their time and working the ball around the perimeter. After a missed 3, Stephon Anderson is fouled trying to put it back up and hits one of two to put WF up 25-9.

Parker’s 3 comes up way short and WF’s Daniels hits a 3 to go lead 28-9.

KF is stunned.

Copeland’s fouled and hits both, KF trails by 17.

KF fouls and Eric Thomas makes one, WF leads by 18.

Jamal Wertz just hit a 3 from 25 feet.

Hagins misses a dunk attempt and Parker is fouled on the floor driving the lane.

After Wertz shot is sent back to the outside by a emphatic Hagins block, Wright recovers the ball and hits nothing but nylon on his 3. The WF lead is cut to 12.

WF’s Anderson scores to increase the lead to 14, 31-17.

KF can’t get anything going on offense. They are struggling from outside the paint.

After Wertz blocks a dunk attempt from behind, Parker gets to the line and sinks both. WF 31-19.

Although this is the title game, the crowd is far from being what is was two nights ago. And so is KF.

The two teams exchange baskets and the lead remains at 12.

Derek Wright draws a charge.

1:07 remains in the third quarter.

Parker gets back to the line. He’s trying his best to put the Bulldogs on his back.

Parker has 8 points and 4 rebounds. He missed both free throws and the leads stays at 12.

Wertz gets around a defender and sinks a jumper. WF 33-23.

A Chris Hearn steal and Parker lay-up as the third quarter expired pulls the Bulldogs with 8 going into the final stanza.

ADVISORY: Users are solely responsible for opinions they post here and for following agreed-upon rules of civility. Comments do not reflect the views of The Virginian-Pilot or its Web sites. Comments are automatically checked for inappropriate language, but readers might find some comments offensive or inaccurate. If you believe a comment violates our rules, click the "Report Violation" link below the comment to alert an editor. Update on new comment functions.

King's Fork vs. Fleming, halftime

Halftime: William Fleming 24, King's Fork 9

King's Fork is in trouble at halftime.

Some thoughts from staffer Jason Kidd ...

After trailing by 10 to start the second quarter, things have not gotten better for the Bulldogs. Their failure to hit open perimeter shots and them not getting back on defense have led to easy transition baskets for WF as they lead 22-7.

KF gets on the scoreboard as Jay Copeland gets an easy look thanks in part to Derek Wright’s dribble penetration. WF 22-9.

The pace of this game has slowed tremendously, which favors WF, who wanted to keep the score low.

Virginia Tech coach Seth Greenberg, just hours removed from an ACC tournament loss to UNC, is on press row at VCU to check out the action.   WF drains a jumper at the halftime buzzer to lead 24-9 at the break.

KF is losing the hustle points. They are being out-rebounded and are not coming on top of the loose balls. They are going to have to turn things around rather fast to pull this one out and make it two titles for South Hampton Roads tonight.

ADVISORY: Users are solely responsible for opinions they post here and for following agreed-upon rules of civility. Comments do not reflect the views of The Virginian-Pilot or its Web sites. Comments are automatically checked for inappropriate language, but readers might find some comments offensive or inaccurate. If you believe a comment violates our rules, click the "Report Violation" link below the comment to alert an editor. Update on new comment functions.

King's Fork vs. Fleming, 1st quarter

King’s Fork looks to bring the first AAA title to Suffolk.

Both teams have come out tight and William Fleming from Roanoke leads 2-0. KF’s Jaquon Parker takes it to the hole and gets foul. Two free throws later we’re tied at 2.

Fleming’s ball pressure is frustrating KF as Daniels hits a 3 to give WF a 5-2 lead. A stop and a Hagin’s dunk later - WF is up 7-2.

KF is careless with the ball and turn it over.

After four minutes of play, WF leads 7-2.

Jay Copeland gets inside to draw KF with three. WF misses an open 3 and KF retains possession.

Derek Wright gets in the lane only to have his shot blocked by the 6-foot-7 Hagin. At the other end, Daniels hits a stepback 3 – WF 10-4. Check that, the officials ruled that a two-pointer and WF lead 9-4.

WF won the state title two years ago and their playoff experience is on display. They are patient on offense and their defense is relentless.

KF is 1-10 from the field and WF scores again – WF 13-4.

With 35 seconds left in the quarter KF scores, but WF answers with a 3 – WF 16-6.

The first is history and the Fork has dug themselves a hole.

ADVISORY: Users are solely responsible for opinions they post here and for following agreed-upon rules of civility. Comments do not reflect the views of The Virginian-Pilot or its Web sites. Comments are automatically checked for inappropriate language, but readers might find some comments offensive or inaccurate. If you believe a comment violates our rules, click the "Report Violation" link below the comment to alert an editor. Update on new comment functions.

It's a final: PA-Oakton

Final: Princess Anne 71, Oakton 61

The Cavaliers have won their third Group AAA state championship. Samisha Powell, who played at Bayside last season, scored 34 points to pace Princess Anne.

Here are some thoughts from staffer Jason Kidd on the fourth quarter ...

Here we go in the fourth quarter.

Bombs away… Oakton has tied the game at 47 with a 3 from the right baseline. PA has lulled themselves o sleep offensively and are no longer in-sync.

6:07 – Timeout PA.

They come out of the timeout and turn the ball over; I bet it wasn’t what coach Dozier drew up.

PA goes up two, only to have Oakton counter with a 3 to go up 50-49.

Jazmen Boone hit a jumper to five the lead back to PA. Then Samisha Powell gets a steal, takes it the length of the court and coverts a 3-point play – PA 54-50.

Oakton comes right back with a 3 from Stephenson – PA 54-53.

This game is going down to the wire. Timeout PA.

3:30 left and Williams is at the line with 11 points, 8 rebounds and 2 assists – she hits both to put PA up by three.

Oakton has come down the court twice since Williams free throws and have come up empty-handed on 3-point tries. They are throwing up threes to no avail.

Jazmen Boone rebounded a missed free throw and puts it back in – PA 58-53.

Oakton's Coyer gets fouled and knocks down both free throws. 58-55 PA.

Powell drives and hits an acrobatic shot.

Oakton’s Coyer is fouled again and she makes one of two – PA 60-56.

PA spreads the floor and Boone drives past Oakton’s perimeter defense and finds an open Williams for two. Then, Powell comes up with another steal and lay-in – PA 64-56. This game is close to done, like a medium rare steak.

Williams puts in two more free throws, while coach Dozier is ordering his girls their championship rings (not really).

While he does, Oakton hits two free throws to make it 8-point lead in favor of PA.

Powell’s fouled and pushed the lead back to ten with 43.5 seconds left.

PA’s Powell is fouled and extends her point total to 34 and her team’s lead to 13.

It’s a final in Richmond – Princess Anne 71, Oakton 61

The Princess Anne Cavaliers are the 2009 Group AAA girls basketball champions.

ADVISORY: Users are solely responsible for opinions they post here and for following agreed-upon rules of civility. Comments do not reflect the views of The Virginian-Pilot or its Web sites. Comments are automatically checked for inappropriate language, but readers might find some comments offensive or inaccurate. If you believe a comment violates our rules, click the "Report Violation" link below the comment to alert an editor. Update on new comment functions.