The Prep Scene’s Significant Six features some of the best prep sports photos captured in 2025.
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
Wolves coach White, a hoops vagabond, now loves Minnesota
James White Timberwolves assistant coach brings NBA and international experience to Minnesota’s growing coaching staff.
Posted inSports
From Minnesota Gyms to the Global Game
Minnesota high schools continue to shape professional basketball, with 17 alumni competing in the NBA, NBA-affiliated systems, and overseas leagues during the 2025–26 season.
Posted inAnother View
Gopher assistant coach has head coaching in his sights
Brothers Dennis and Armon Gates faced each other as coaches when Missouri hosted Minnesota, marking a rare family moment shaped by shared roots, hard work, and basketball ambition.
Posted inOdds and Ends
Prep Academy gets new coach, top prospect
Minnesota Prep Academy appoints Quincy “Coach Q” Caldwell as head basketball coach and welcomes Canadian standout Tito Onyemachi as a top new prospect.
Posted inBlack College Sports Report, Sports
Prairie View’s first-year women’ BB coach aims to create team’s identity
Tai Dillard begins her first season as Prairie View A&M’s head women’s basketball coach, bringing WNBA, Big 12, and SWAC experience to the program.
Posted inThe Prep Scene
Former and current metro area players representing
Minnesota basketball came full circle this week as former Twin Cities prep stars faced the Timberwolves at Target Center, while four high school players continued to make their mark across the metro. From NBA matchups to prep gyms, the state’s basketball pipeline remains strong.
Posted inSports
Five Sports Stories That Had Minnesota Talking in 2025
These five Minnesota sports stories of 2025 sparked conversation, built pride, and reminded us why sports matter beyond the game.
Posted inBlack College Sports Report
Florida A&M’s new men’s head BB coach has storied past
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.
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 […]