This week’s “Fab Five” photos feature standout basketball players from various high schools and colleges
Sports
Local and national sports reporting and commentary by the state’s leading African American sportswriters, including award-winning columnists Charles Hallman and Dr. Mitchell Palmer McDonald, with a special emphasis on the local prep scene and disparities in sports administration and media coverage.
Posted inBlack College Sports Weekly
MEAC basketball teams gear up for second round with eyes on tournament
The MEAC basketball teams are gearing up for the second round of the season, with each team focusing on one game at a time to secure the best seed possible in the post-season tournament.
Posted inSports
Learning some basketball history a perk of LA visit
USC and UCLA, two schools steeped in basketball history, have a rich history of women’s basketball, with Cheryl Miller and Nikki Fargas being notable figures. USC is currently the first-place team in the Big Ten in various categories, while UCLA is the nation’s No. 1 team in women’s basketball.
Posted inHigh School Basketball
High School Basketball Game of the Week: Jefferson vs. Benilde-St. Margaret’s
The Benilde-St. Margaret’s Red Knights dominated the Jefferson Jaguars 81-70, showcasing their dominance and proving they are a team to watch as the playoffs approach.
Posted inLynx/WNBA
Minnesota Lynx Superstars Napheesa Collier & Kayla McBride Lead the Unrivaled League
Napheesa Collier and Kayla McBride, two standout players for the Minnesota Lynx, have scored over 100 points in the first two weeks of the Unrivaled League, setting a high bar for the rest of the season.
Posted inSports
Diversity triumphs as Mahomes and Hurts lead teams to Super Bowl showdown
Patrick Mahomes and Jalen Hurts are set to face off in the Super Bowl, making history as the only two Black starting quarterbacks to compete in the game, highlighting the importance of diversity in sports.
Posted inGophers/College
Gophers’ 2025 Recruiting Class Shows Promise with High School Standouts
The Minnesota Gophers are excited to welcome the 2025 recruiting class, which includes Parker Jefferson, Jacob Ross, and Kai Shinholster, who have all been making a significant impact in their senior seasons.
Posted inCoaching while Black
For Denver coach Woods, ‘the game will always be more than basketball’
Denver WBB Coach Doshia Woods is making a positive impact on her players and the community, while also paving the way for future generations of Black coaches in the sport.
Posted inOdds and Ends
It’s been reflection time for Twins Manager Baldelli
Manager Rocco Baldelli is looking forward to the 2025 season, while the Minnesota Twins are gearing up for spring training, with a new cable network partnership and the return of LaTroy Hawkins and Denard Span as part of the broadcasting team.
Posted inSports
City Conference races get interesting
The City Conference boys basketball races in St. Paul and Minneapolis got interesting last week.
Posted inSports
Will NIL settlement reach all deserving athletes?
The NCAA is expected to settle two cases for approximately $2.8 billion in connection with certain antitrust claims involving name, image and likeness (NIL), with each football and men’s basketball player expected to receive $91,000, up to $280,000.
Posted inSports
Ari Peterson: The Rising Star Making Her Mark on Minnesota’s Basketball Scene
Ari Peterson, the 15-year-old daughter of NFL legend Adrian Peterson, is making a name for herself in high school basketball, already drawing interest from college programs across the country.
Posted inHigh School Basketball
Clutch Block Seals Prior Lake’s Thrilling 76-73 Victory Over Apple Valley
Prior Lake Lakers won the thrilling non-conference showdown against Apple Valley Eagles 76-73, with standout performances from Norbu Jenpa with 22 points and Colten Gunderson with a game-winning block.
Posted inBlack College Sports Weekly
Howard freshman guard on a historic roll
Blake Harper earned his 12th straight MEAC Rookie of the Week honor, averaging 14 points, 7.5 assists, and 4.5 rebounds in two games last week, while fellow Howard player Joshua Strong was voted team co-captains this season.
Posted inGophers/College
Dawson Garcia Leads Gophers to Turnaround: A Scoring Streak for the Ages
Dawson Garcia’s impressive performance has led the Minnesota Gophers to a three-game winning streak, including an upset victory over No. 15 Oregon, and he is now in the conversation for Big Ten Player of the Year.
Posted inAnother View
Grace plans a graceful exit
Macalester College senior basketball player Robert Grace IV is using his final season to give everything he can for his teammates and has been hired as a full-time videographer for the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Posted inAnother View
After hoops, careers in medicine
Macalester College basketball players, Peyton Starks and Sydnee Smith, are balancing academic and athletic pursuits, with both planning careers in medicine after graduation.
Posted inOdds and Ends
Should sports betting be legal in MN?
Minnesota is among 20 states where legalized gambling outside of casinos is prohibited, but lobbyists are advocating for sports betting and fantasy sports legalization to generate revenue and protect consumers.
Posted inBlack College Sports Weekly
Norfolk State and Howard set for MEAC basketball showdown
The MEAC basketball showdown between Norfolk State and Howard is set for Saturday, featuring top performers such as Saniyah King and Blake Harper, with the Bison women leading the conference in points and the Norfolk State men in scoring and rebounding.
Posted inThe Prep Scene
Central defeats Highland Park in OT
St. Paul Central’s Eli Moseman is developing into one of the metro area’s outstanding basketball players.