Plenty to celebrate today for soccer fans across the country as the US Women’s National Team get the 5-2 win over Japan in the World Cup in Vancouver Canada on Sunday. The US is the first women’s team to win three titles. 50,000 plus people were there and Carli Loyd scored at hat trick during the first 16 minutes of play making her the only woman to ever achieve such a feat in a World Cup final.

Baton Rouge native and former LSU tiger Brandon Bass has reportedly agreed to contract with the LA Lakers. Terms of the deal with the team and the 30-year-old free agent forward aren’t being disclosed at this time.

New Orleans Pelicans Coach Alvin Gentry is reportedly finalizing a deal to hire NBA Development League coach Phil Weber as an assistant coach. The Pels staff is set to conduct their first summer league mini-camp today at their practice facility in Metairie.

Hoops guard Xavian Stapleton, who left Louisiana Tech after this freshman season, will reportedly be transferring to Mississippi State.

LSU has announced eight new members to its athletic hall of fame. Headlining the list is former all-american Sylvia Fowles who led the Lady Tigers to four consecutive final four appearances.

Former LSU pitcher Anthony Ranaudo is back in the big leagues…He pitched four innings, allowing two runs for the Rangers who lost last night to the Angels 12-6.

The state Department of Wildlife and Fisheries says it will use the announced BP settlement money to ensure Louisiana will remain Sportsman’s Paradise for years to come. The agreement means the state will receive at least $6.8 billion for damages associated with the 2010 oil spill. LDWF Secretary Robert Barham says these dollars will put wildlife and fisheries research in overdrive…:
Cut 19 (08) “horrific event”