The Seattle Storm are off to the best start in franchise history with 11 wins in their first 13 games. However, after losing in the first round of the playoffs in each of the last five years, they’re not celebrating.

“If anything it keeps us focused,” veteran point guard Sue Bird said. “We didn’t win anything....It’s nice, but we definitely know what we need to work on. ..Right now we’re still learning every game.”

CASH MONEY—Seattle Storms’ Swin Cash from McKeesport, left, and San Antonio Silver Stars’ Edwige Lawson-Wade vie for the ball in the second quarter during a WNBA game June 20, in Seattle. Cash led the team with 22 points.

Jamel Turner, 18, was left in critical condition by a shooting early Saturday in Youngstown. A 17-year-old girl was killed in the shooting.

Police Capt. Rod Foley said the case apparently was unrelated to a drive-by shooting on April 16, when Turner was wounded. Foley declined to discuss a possible motive for the latest shooting, but said Turner and Tracy Banks, who was killed, apparently were intended victims of a shooter who fired from outside a house.

Bad boys, bad boys, what cha gonna, do? What cha gonna do when they come for you? (Theme from “Cops”)

Now citing the lyrics from “Cops” may be a bit extreme regarding this piece of work but some of the things that I am about to say will almost certainly prove that just because you cannot be prosecuted doesn’t mean that the act is not criminal.

Recently it was revealed that Pirates skipper John Russell and GM Neil Huntington had covertly been given contract extensions ’way back in October 2009. In my opinion that is sort of like giving the CEO of BP a huge bonus and a spanking brand new contract.

by Nancy Armour

JOHANNESBURG (AP)—The lone fan in the blue U.S. Soccer T-shirt looked woefully out of place surrounded by dozens of England supporters—until he turned around.

Of course. Tim Howard’s name was emblazoned across his shoulders.

BIG SAVE—United States goalkeeper Tim Howard makes a save during the World Cup group C soccer match between England and the United States at Royal Bafokeng Stadium in Rustenburg, South Africa, June 12.

At home and abroad, Howard’s athleticism, unshakable confidence and leadership have won the Everton goalkeeper rave reviews. And despite being “in agony” from bruised—maybe broken—ribs, he made six saves to seal the Americans’ 1-1 draw with England on Saturday night at the World Cup.