Former Heisman Trophy winner Charlie Ward begins his first season as Florida A&M’s men’s basketball head coach, bringing leadership, experience, and family legacy back to FAMU.
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 inSports
Stefon Diggs charged with felony strangulation and assault as legal case unfolds
Stefon Diggs has been charged with felony strangulation and misdemeanor assault following allegations stemming from a dispute with a former private chef.
Posted inAnother View
Sports media veteran stays true to Black journalism
As sports journalism shifts toward clicks and commentary, First and Pen stands out as an independent Black-owned platform committed to thoughtful reporting and cultural storytelling.
Posted inOdds and Ends
Soph guard finds Gopher fans “something special’
Minnesota women’s basketball highlights include Tori McKinney’s strong sophomore season, Rachel Banham’s return to professional play, Sylvia Fowles’ coaching move, and a remembrance of Yevette Haskins.
Posted inThe Prep Scene
It’s happening for White
Minnesota basketball highlights feature college athletes, rising high school players, and a veteran coach honored for decades of leadership.
Posted inCoaching while Black
Marquette asst WBB coach focused on helping his boss succeed
Deont’a McChester is an assistant coach for Marquette women’s basketball, bringing years of coaching experience, leadership, and a player centered approach to the Golden Eagles program.
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Totino Grace Edges Cretin-Derham Hall in 65 to 63 Thriller
Totino Grace edged Cretin Derham Hall 65 to 63 in a thrilling boys high school basketball Game of the Week, decided by late defensive stops and composed execution.
Posted inCoaching while Black
Representing Black excellence
Laura Dinkins is beginning her first head coaching role at Northern Arizona, returning to her alma mater after 15 years of Division I coaching experience in women’s basketball.
Posted inAnother View
Vikings’ Ham nominated for Man of the Year
Why I still refuse to watch the NFL examines a long standing personal protest against the league while recognizing the leadership, integrity, and community impact of Minnesota Vikings fullback C.J. Ham.
Posted inCoaching while Black
Investing in young men’s lives
Jason Kemp has stepped into his first head coaching role at Minnesota State Moorhead, bringing nearly 20 years of experience, a player first philosophy, and a commitment to leadership and representation in college basketball.
Posted inThe Prep Scene
Governors defeat Cougars in Class 3A matchup
This week’s Fab Five photos feature St. Paul Johnson boys basketball as the Governors defeat defending Class 3A state champion Mankato East 73–67 in a nonconference matchup.
Posted inSports
More Black history made at The Barn
Last Wednesday’s Minnesota-Alabama A&M women’s basketball game at Williams Arena was a historical one in nature. All three game officials were Black, the first time at The Barn this season. It was the only WBB game coached by a Black woman — second-year Dawn Thornton. “Even to hear the Negro National Anthem was something that […]
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Prior Lake Overpowers Minnetonka 65 to 31
Prior Lake controlled the pace from start to finish in a 65 to 31 win over Minnetonka, showcasing defensive intensity and balanced scoring.
Posted inSports
Rare Black hockey forward started young
Hamline freshman Nina Thorson is making history and scoring goals in her first collegiate hockey season.
Posted inThe Prep Scene
The Big Stage in boys basketball
This week’s Fab Five photos feature boys basketball players from the Big Stage Classic at Hopkins High School, showcasing standout performances from top local talent.
Posted inOdds and Ends
Veteran TSU coach expects a fast game
Texas Southern returns to The Barn for the first time since 1995 as part of a demanding road heavy non conference schedule. Veteran coach Johnny Jones brings a fast and competitive squad that includes preseason all SWAC guard Zaire Hayes and leading scorers Troy Haywood and Drayce Roberts. Jones says the early tests at Gonzaga, Texas A and M, Vanderbilt and others serve as a measuring stick as the Tigers prepare for Minnesota.
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Minneapolis South High Overpowers Cooper in Early Season Statement Win
South opened its season with authority, blowing past Cooper 91 to 41 behind an aggressive defense, fast paced offense, and standout performances from Jamair Wright and Laviance Gales. The Tigers looked deeper and more disciplined than last season, making an early statement in the Minneapolis City Conference.
Posted inOdds and Ends
This ‘Diva’ can coach
Alabama A and M is the only HBCU on the Gopher women’s basketball schedule this season, and they are bringing a proven winner to The Barn. Head Coach Dawn E. Thornton, a Jackson State alum and accomplished recruiter, led the Bulldogs to a 21 and 11 record and a WNIT berth in her first season. Picked second in the SWAC, Alabama A and M features preseason SWAC Player of the Year Kalia Walker and a core of double digit scorers, giving local fans a rare chance to see a strong HBCU program and a Black woman head coach on the Williams Arena sidelines.
Posted inAnother View
No respect for HBCUs among local media
Minnesota will host two HBCU opponents this month, but local mainstream media are unlikely to give the games meaningful coverage. HBCU advocates say this pattern fits decades of inequitable sports reporting, making Black owned media outlets like the MSR critical for visibility, respect, and fair representation.
Posted inAnother View
Reeve on women coaches, racial allyship and advocacy
Cheryl Reeve calls the absence of Black female head coaches in the WNBA a major concern. In a recent St. Thomas conversation, she spoke about women coaches, racial allyship, and the Lynx history of advocacy.