Sports news briefs for June 19, 2003

Thursday, June 19, 2003 | 11:09 a.m.

Californians on top in junior tournament

Erik Flores of Glass Valley, Calif., carded a 7-under-par 65 for a 136 total Wednesday to lead the boys division after the second round of the Spring Junior Golf Championship at Boulder Creek Golf Club. Flores' score broke the course record for juniors. Esther Choe of La Quinta, Calif., and Jennie Lee of Huntington Beach, Calif., lead the girls' division at even-par 144.

The top local golfers among the boys were Joseph Wieser of Las Vegas and Adam Tebbs of Henderson, both at 145 and nine shots behind Flores. Michael Wynn of Las Vegas stands at 146.

Leading the local girls were Las Vegans Stephanie Bird (157) and Chloe Nelson (158) and Henderson's Nicole McGirr (161).

LV native Rodriguez to coach Pepperdine

Steve Rodriguez, a Valley High graduate in 1990 and a Pepperdine assistant for the past four seasons, was named the Waves' new head coach Wednesday. He replaces Frank Sanchez, who stepped down for health reasons after seven years.

Rodriguez, a tenacious second baseman during his playing days, was one of the heroes on the Waves' 1992 College World Series championship team. According to sources, he was favored by several players to get the job.

Toronto, Washington name new coaches

Kevin O'Neill, a former assistant coach for the Detroit Pistons and New York Knicks, was introduced as the new head coach of the Toronto Raptors.

O'Neill, 46, was the lead assistant to former Pistons coach Rick Carlisle the past two seasons. He also served as an assistant to Jeff Van Gundy in New York three years ago. O'Neill replaces Hall of Famer Lenny Wilkens.

Hewitt sues the ATP

Lleyton Hewitt is suing the ATP for $1.5 million, contending he was unfairly fined for failing to give an interview to ESPN in Cincinnati last August.