Former baller Sam Willis joins Blacklight on Sports to reflect on his basketball past, mentorship work, and his South Minneapolis restaurant, Just Turkey.
basketball
Posted inBlacklight On Sports
Robert Finney on Hoops, History & Leading Beyond the Court
In this episode of Blacklight On Sports, Robert Finney shares his journey from standout athlete and pioneering coach to a corporate leader, blending basketball wisdom with life leadership.
Posted inThe Prep Scene
Triple Threat Showcase a success
Crystal Flint, a former University of Minnesota women’s basketball standout and Conway Recreation Center Director through the Sanneh Foundation is on a mission to provide opportunities for young females through the Triple Threat Girls Basketball Showcase.
Posted inSports
Women’s sports set to shatter records with $2.45 billion in projected revenue for 2025
Women’s sports are on track to generate a record-breaking $2.45 billion in revenue in 2025, driven by new investments, star power, and increased visibility across media and marketing channels, with basketball and soccer leading the way.
Posted inThe Prep Scene
Outstanding girls basketball coach could hoop too
Starks has led the Royal to four consecutive Class 4A championship games with runner-up finishes in 2023 and 2024, and titles 2022 and 2025.
Posted inThe Prep Scene
Boys state basketball tournament highlights
With the conclusion of the prep basketball season with the boys state tournament, this week’s Fab Five Photos feature a member of the Class 4A state champion Wayzata Eagles (Christian Wiggins), a forward for the Class 4A runner-up Cretin Derham Hall Raiders (Monteff Dixon), the leading scorer for the Class 2A runner-up Waseca Bluejays (Deron […]
Posted inSports
Unrivaled co-founder Napheesa Collier overcame setbacks. Now the league is attracting big-name investors
Unrivaled, a 3-on-3 women’s basketball league founded by WNBA stars Napheesa Collier and Breanna Stewart, has gained traction and attracted major investors such as Stephen Curry, Michael Phelps, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Coco Gauff, with a $35 million Series A round and major sponsorship deals.
Posted inCoaching while Black
Black coaches shine in HBCU Athletic Conference, a true showcase of excellence
Fisk University’s Head Women’s Basketball Coach Victoria Crawford and Stillman College Assistant Coaches KaTia May and Montego Hoskins were honored with awards at the HBCUAC Post-Season Tournament for their leadership and excellence.
Posted inHigh School Basketball
Battle of Woodbury: East Ridge Edges Out Woodbury in a Thriller
The East Ridge Raptors and the Woodbury Royals clashed in a high-energy game, with the Raptors ultimately winning 65-63 in a battle for city bragging rights.
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 inHigh School Basketball
DeLaSalle Hands Columbia Heights Another Tough Loss
DeLaSalle Islanders defeated Columbia Heights Hylanders 107-44, marking their sixth straight win and Columbia Heights’ tenth consecutive loss, as the Hylanders struggle to find answers in a challenging season.
Posted inBlack College Sports Weekly
Black college basketball teams strive for conference success in MEAC
The MEAC men’s and women’s basketball teams are in conference play, with Norfolk State and South Carolina State leading the men’s standings and Norfolk State, Coppin State and Morgan State leading the women’s standings, while local players such as Joshua Strong and Kierra Wheeler are shining in the league.
Posted inHigh School Basketball
Maple Grove Crushes Park Center in a Statement Victory
Maple Grove defeated Park Center 78-36 in their December 2024 rematch, avenging their earlier loss and improving their record to 1-2, while Park Center fell to 1-3 with their second consecutive loss.
Posted inOdds and Ends
Experienced assistant coaches strengthen Tommies
Tiana Jones and Kenneth Lowe are assistant coaches for the St. Thomas men’s and women’s basketball teams, respectively, and are committed to helping their players reach their full potential both on and off the court.
Posted inAnother View
New Gophers ready to show Minnesota what they can do
Lu’Cye Patterson, Femi Odukale, and Frank Mitchell are three of eleven newcomers on the Minnesota men’s basketball team, bringing a wealth of experience and physicality to the team.
Posted inSports
Kendall Blue a steady force
Kendall Blue, a junior guard at St. Thomas, is ready to take on a more starring role this season, with Coach Johnny Tauer praising his ability to play with any combination of players and his steady presence on the court.
Posted inSports
Jade Hill keeps getting better
Jade Hill, a guard from Minneapolis South, has been a full-time starter for the UST’s first women’s basketball team in the DI era, scoring over 2,700 points and earning second team all-league honors.
Posted inAnother View
College games remain affordable
Legal betting on professional sports such as Baseball, Football, Hockey, Basketball, and Soccer/Futbol is much cheaper than attending local college games, with ticket prices ranging from $10-$38 for football, $12-$33 for men’s basketball, $5-$8 for women’s basketball, $10-$28 for men’s hockey, $5-$8 for women’s hockey, and $19.62 for men’s hockey.
Posted inThe Prep Scene
Sometimes staying in one place works out
Allan Lankfard Jr., a senior at St. Paul Central, has become one of the top student athletes in the state of Minnesota, leading the boys basketball team to the St. Paul City Conference Championship and the football team to a 3-3 record.
Posted inSports
Black head coaches committed to making their presence count
Two Black head coaches, Chris Markwood and Ben Johnson, were both on the floor during the Minnesota-Maine men’s basketball game.