1 hr. ago
For any followers of Detroit Catholic Central who were a little worried about how a quality and deep senior class from last year's Division 1 state championship team would be replaced, Thursday's season opener against Clinton Chippewa Valley showed that Catholic Central should be just fine.
Catholic Central opened up its ****** le defense with a 55-0 rout of Chippewa Valley, showing it will still be elite behind a blend of upperclassmen who showed they should thrive in expanded roles, and talented underclassmen who should be household names soon on the recruiting circuit — if they aren't already.
"We focused on our process and working really hard," Catholic Central head coach Justin Cessante said. "I thought we did that all summer. These guys really want their own identity. We wanted to set the tone for the season and they sure did."
Catholic Central entered the season opener with just two returning starters on defense, one of whom was one of the country's top recruits in senior Gideon Gash, who has committed to Texas Tech.
Gash was his customary brilliant self, making plays in the passing game on offense, as a defensive back on defense and on special teams, returning a punt 48 yards for a touchdown.
#gash
Catholic Central opened up its ****** le defense with a 55-0 rout of Chippewa Valley, showing it will still be elite behind a blend of upperclassmen who showed they should thrive in expanded roles, and talented underclassmen who should be household names soon on the recruiting circuit — if they aren't already.
"We focused on our process and working really hard," Catholic Central head coach Justin Cessante said. "I thought we did that all summer. These guys really want their own identity. We wanted to set the tone for the season and they sure did."
Catholic Central entered the season opener with just two returning starters on defense, one of whom was one of the country's top recruits in senior Gideon Gash, who has committed to Texas Tech.
Gash was his customary brilliant self, making plays in the passing game on offense, as a defensive back on defense and on special teams, returning a punt 48 yards for a touchdown.
#gash
7 days ago
Michigan State football is gearing up for their first season under new head coach Pat Fitzgerald, where the Spartans are aiming to make their first bowl game since 2021. Coming into the season, Spartan fans will see a plethora with new faces, with 29 incoming transfers and 21 incoming freshmen.
While the incoming transfers are expected to play a major role in the upcoming season, it is almost certain that some of the freshmen will make their mark on the field in year one. With 21 freshmen making their way onto campus in 2026, Spartan fans will be eager to see which take the leap into immediate playing time.
Check out the three Spartans that could potentially be prime candidates for early playing time:
The most obvious choice, Gash was the highest rated commit in the Spartans 2026 recruiting class. A top 300 player in the class, Gash was highly sought after for the skills he possesses.
With the skills of a high level prospect and playing a position like wide receiver, that is easiest to get on the field as a young player, it is easy to see why Gash could find his way onto the field at a young age. Pair those factors with an unstable, rebuilt wide receiver room, it is a full blown open competition for spots in 2026.
#season
While the incoming transfers are expected to play a major role in the upcoming season, it is almost certain that some of the freshmen will make their mark on the field in year one. With 21 freshmen making their way onto campus in 2026, Spartan fans will be eager to see which take the leap into immediate playing time.
Check out the three Spartans that could potentially be prime candidates for early playing time:
The most obvious choice, Gash was the highest rated commit in the Spartans 2026 recruiting class. A top 300 player in the class, Gash was highly sought after for the skills he possesses.
With the skills of a high level prospect and playing a position like wide receiver, that is easiest to get on the field as a young player, it is easy to see why Gash could find his way onto the field at a young age. Pair those factors with an unstable, rebuilt wide receiver room, it is a full blown open competition for spots in 2026.
#season
12 days ago
Germany's Amanal Petros won the European marathon ******* le for the first time on Sunday, taking gold in Birmingham in a championship record of 2 hours 9 minutes and 11 seconds.
But the world silver medallist found the going tough in England's second city, despite a dominant performance after a solo run of almost 20 kilometres. He finished ahead of Italy's Pietro Riva (2:09:18) and Gashau Ayale (2:09:21) of Israel.
"This course was terrible. It hurts everywhere. I think I have to go to the physio straight away. My joints really hurt," Petros told German broadcaster ARD.
The hilly, twisty course was a "huge challenge," added the winner, who prepared at an altitude of 2,500 metres in Kenya.
Petros won Germany's fifth gold medal at these European Athletics Championships, which end later on Sunday.
#amanal
But the world silver medallist found the going tough in England's second city, despite a dominant performance after a solo run of almost 20 kilometres. He finished ahead of Italy's Pietro Riva (2:09:18) and Gashau Ayale (2:09:21) of Israel.
"This course was terrible. It hurts everywhere. I think I have to go to the physio straight away. My joints really hurt," Petros told German broadcaster ARD.
The hilly, twisty course was a "huge challenge," added the winner, who prepared at an altitude of 2,500 metres in Kenya.
Petros won Germany's fifth gold medal at these European Athletics Championships, which end later on Sunday.
#amanal
12 days ago
PHILADELPHIA – Edson Barboza is calling it a career.
One of the most violent strikers in lightweight history, Barboza (24-15 MMA, 18-15 UFC) lost his fourth straight fight Saturday when he was finished by Esteban Ribovics with strikes at 1:32 of Round 2. The lightweight bout took place on the UFC 330 prelims at Xfinity Mobile Arena.
Ribovics (16-3 MMA, 5-3 UFC) appeared to be the quicker and crisper fighter from the opening bell. Barboza showed vintage toughness, but as the fight wore on, he wore down. At the end of Round 1, Barboza stumbled and was cracked by Ribovics. The stumble was likely due to a large gash that had formed on his right shin.
In Round 2, Ribovics really took over. He tagged Barboza over and over again. Barboza wore damage on his face as he absorbed the blows and eventually referee Herb Dean stopped the fight standing.
After the bout, an emotional Barboza was given his time on the microphone to a standing ovation. He wept as he gave his final in-cage interview and laid his gloves down in the cage.
#ribovics #round #standing
One of the most violent strikers in lightweight history, Barboza (24-15 MMA, 18-15 UFC) lost his fourth straight fight Saturday when he was finished by Esteban Ribovics with strikes at 1:32 of Round 2. The lightweight bout took place on the UFC 330 prelims at Xfinity Mobile Arena.
Ribovics (16-3 MMA, 5-3 UFC) appeared to be the quicker and crisper fighter from the opening bell. Barboza showed vintage toughness, but as the fight wore on, he wore down. At the end of Round 1, Barboza stumbled and was cracked by Ribovics. The stumble was likely due to a large gash that had formed on his right shin.
In Round 2, Ribovics really took over. He tagged Barboza over and over again. Barboza wore damage on his face as he absorbed the blows and eventually referee Herb Dean stopped the fight standing.
After the bout, an emotional Barboza was given his time on the microphone to a standing ovation. He wept as he gave his final in-cage interview and laid his gloves down in the cage.
#ribovics #round #standing
20 days ago
OLTEWAH, Tenn. — For the third straight day, Mother Nature showed no mercy at the U.S. Women's Amateur.
Just as was the case on Wednesday and Thursday here at the Honors Course, wild weather conditions halted play Friday afternoon with all eight Round of 16 matches underway. Unlike the first two days, though, on Friday play never resumed.
After nearly three hours of rain and repeated lightning flashes, the USGA suspended the matches for the remainder of the day, citing unsafe conditions. Play is expected to resume Saturday at 7 a.m. ET.
As the course was ****** sed for potential damage, a tree behind the 18th green was discovered to have been struck by lightning. The tree sustained a long vertical gash, while bark and pieces of wood were scattered throughout the surrounding area. One piece of debris was even driven into the side of a nearby practice green. It remains unclear whether the storm caused any additional damage to the course.
Among the most intriguing story lines is 14-year-old Maggie Jiayi Ma of Irvine, Calif., who is the youngest player in the 156-player field and making a run at becoming the youngest champion in Women's Amateur history. In her Round of 16 match against U.S. Girls' Junior champion Clairey Lin, Ma is tied through four holes.
#amateur #damage
Just as was the case on Wednesday and Thursday here at the Honors Course, wild weather conditions halted play Friday afternoon with all eight Round of 16 matches underway. Unlike the first two days, though, on Friday play never resumed.
After nearly three hours of rain and repeated lightning flashes, the USGA suspended the matches for the remainder of the day, citing unsafe conditions. Play is expected to resume Saturday at 7 a.m. ET.
As the course was ****** sed for potential damage, a tree behind the 18th green was discovered to have been struck by lightning. The tree sustained a long vertical gash, while bark and pieces of wood were scattered throughout the surrounding area. One piece of debris was even driven into the side of a nearby practice green. It remains unclear whether the storm caused any additional damage to the course.
Among the most intriguing story lines is 14-year-old Maggie Jiayi Ma of Irvine, Calif., who is the youngest player in the 156-player field and making a run at becoming the youngest champion in Women's Amateur history. In her Round of 16 match against U.S. Girls' Junior champion Clairey Lin, Ma is tied through four holes.
#amateur #damage
2 months ago
The Texas Rangers scored one run but the Anaheim Angels scored 13 runs.
Well, you might not see a more definitive baseball game than that, I reckon.
The Rangers are 1-4 against the Angels on the year now. The Angels, of course, are quite literally the worst team in the sport. The Rangers meanwhile have like a 60% shot at the playoffs. Imagine what that would look like if they could beat teams like the Angels.
The Rangers had a scant three hits tonight. Were it not for pinch hitter Kyle Higashioka hitting a solo home run in the eighth inning, they would have been shut out.
Also, Higashioka pitched the ninth.
Well, you might not see a more definitive baseball game than that, I reckon.
The Rangers are 1-4 against the Angels on the year now. The Angels, of course, are quite literally the worst team in the sport. The Rangers meanwhile have like a 60% shot at the playoffs. Imagine what that would look like if they could beat teams like the Angels.
The Rangers had a scant three hits tonight. Were it not for pinch hitter Kyle Higashioka hitting a solo home run in the eighth inning, they would have been shut out.
Also, Higashioka pitched the ninth.
2 months ago
NEW YORK (AP) — The Trump administration will not seek new bids to repair the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, Interior Secretary Doug Burgum said Sunday as he faced new questions about the troubled project and the taxpayer money involved.
Like President Donald Trump, Burgum said he was 100% sure that vandals caused the damage to the century-old Reflecting Pool on the National Mall. Trump has charged that a 350-foot gash was cut into the pool's liner in the midst of recent renovations, while Burgum described it as multiple cuts adding up to that figure. He also said the pool would have to be at least partially drained in the coming week to finish the repairs.
The repairs will not be opened up to new contractors, he said.
"We'll use the same company, because they did a fantastic job," Burgum told CNN's "State of the Union." "Thankfully, the vandalism was small. It was bad. I mean, it could cost tens of thousands of dollars to repair, so then it could fall into a felony ... just like damaging any other government property could. But the job that was done to fix the Reflecting Pool was done extremely well."
Trump this spring pledged to beautify the Reflecting Pool before the nation's 250th birthday celebrations on July Fourth. Water was drained and the Republican president directed that the bottom be painted a color he called "American flag blue." But after the site was restored, the water was plagued by an algae bloom for more than a week, and pieces of the new coating have appeared to be peeling off the bottom.
Like President Donald Trump, Burgum said he was 100% sure that vandals caused the damage to the century-old Reflecting Pool on the National Mall. Trump has charged that a 350-foot gash was cut into the pool's liner in the midst of recent renovations, while Burgum described it as multiple cuts adding up to that figure. He also said the pool would have to be at least partially drained in the coming week to finish the repairs.
The repairs will not be opened up to new contractors, he said.
"We'll use the same company, because they did a fantastic job," Burgum told CNN's "State of the Union." "Thankfully, the vandalism was small. It was bad. I mean, it could cost tens of thousands of dollars to repair, so then it could fall into a felony ... just like damaging any other government property could. But the job that was done to fix the Reflecting Pool was done extremely well."
Trump this spring pledged to beautify the Reflecting Pool before the nation's 250th birthday celebrations on July Fourth. Water was drained and the Republican president directed that the bottom be painted a color he called "American flag blue." But after the site was restored, the water was plagued by an algae bloom for more than a week, and pieces of the new coating have appeared to be peeling off the bottom.
2 months ago
MIAMI (AP) — Sandy Alcantara set the franchise career record for strikeouts and won his fifth consecutive start in June, leading the Miami Marlins to a 6-4 victory over the Texas Rangers on Tuesday night.
Alcantara (8-4), who allowed one run in 6 2/3 innings, struck out Kyle Higashioka in the seventh inning to surpass Ricky Nolasco for the most strikeouts in club history with 1,002.
The crowd of 9,971 gave Alcantara, who struck out four overall, an ovation and he tipped his cap to different sections of the stands. Alcantara's outing ended after he walked Nicky López on four pitches following the strikeout of Higashioka.
Alcantara allowed five hits through the first 3 2/3 innings then retired 11 straight. After allowing eight runs and 10 hits in a loss at Toronto on May 26, Alcantara has completed at least seven innings in three of his five starts in June.
Heriberto Hernández homered and doubled, while Joe Mack and Owen Caissie also went deep for the Marlins, who built a 6-1 lead before the Rangers mounted a comeback attempt.
Alcantara (8-4), who allowed one run in 6 2/3 innings, struck out Kyle Higashioka in the seventh inning to surpass Ricky Nolasco for the most strikeouts in club history with 1,002.
The crowd of 9,971 gave Alcantara, who struck out four overall, an ovation and he tipped his cap to different sections of the stands. Alcantara's outing ended after he walked Nicky López on four pitches following the strikeout of Higashioka.
Alcantara allowed five hits through the first 3 2/3 innings then retired 11 straight. After allowing eight runs and 10 hits in a loss at Toronto on May 26, Alcantara has completed at least seven innings in three of his five starts in June.
Heriberto Hernández homered and doubled, while Joe Mack and Owen Caissie also went deep for the Marlins, who built a 6-1 lead before the Rangers mounted a comeback attempt.
2 months ago
The stock market forecast for the next six months is bullish, provided the Iran war and Strait of Hormuz don't get in the way. (© Chris Gash)
The artificial intelligence revolution helped equities overcome the closure of the Strait of Hormuz and interest rate uncertainty to turn in powerful gains so far in 2026. And for now, the stock market forecast for the next six months is bullish.
But challenges remain in the midyear market outlook. While the Nasdaq, S&P 500 and Dow Jones Industrial Average all strode to new high ground this year, the rally has not been universal.
Seven of the S&P 500's 11 sectors boast year-to-date gains, but progress tilts heavily toward technology and energy. Four sectors — communication services, healthcare, financials and consumer discretionary — are down for 2026 even after rallying from lows.
Inevitable ebbs and flows lie ahead, yet further gains by the end of the year look likely. That's especially true if the fledgling peace can hold in the Middle East.
The artificial intelligence revolution helped equities overcome the closure of the Strait of Hormuz and interest rate uncertainty to turn in powerful gains so far in 2026. And for now, the stock market forecast for the next six months is bullish.
But challenges remain in the midyear market outlook. While the Nasdaq, S&P 500 and Dow Jones Industrial Average all strode to new high ground this year, the rally has not been universal.
Seven of the S&P 500's 11 sectors boast year-to-date gains, but progress tilts heavily toward technology and energy. Four sectors — communication services, healthcare, financials and consumer discretionary — are down for 2026 even after rallying from lows.
Inevitable ebbs and flows lie ahead, yet further gains by the end of the year look likely. That's especially true if the fledgling peace can hold in the Middle East.
2 months ago
BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia has dismissed speculation surrounding possible action against teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi following his heated altercation with Sri Lanka A cricketer Vishen Halambage during the recent tri-nation A series match, insisting that the Indian board has no role in matters that fall under the jurisdiction of match officials.
The incident occurred after Halambage allegedly made provocative remarks during Sri Lanka A's Super Over victory over India A. Tempers flared as the Sri Lankan player came close to the 15-year-old batter, prompting Sooryavanshi to push him away during the exchange.
Responding to widespread social media chatter over a possible BCCI crackdown, Saikia expressed surprise at the speculation.
"A lot of things are going on in the social media that BCCI is contemplating action, etc. Do you want BCCI to step into the domain of match referee?" Saikia counter-questioned, while speaking to news agency PTI.
The BCCI secretary stressed that disciplinary matters on the field are handled by the designated officials and that the board would not interfere with the established process.
"The BCCI is not an authority, we should not intrude into the area where the match referee and the umpires are the main persons who can take any decision regarding any incident that had happened in the playground," Saikia said.
"Whatever had happened, it was a part of the game, and the BCCI have no role to play. The role is of the match referee. If anything is going wrong, he will take a call, the umpires will take a call, and there is a system in place," added Saikia, who is also an eminent lawyer.
Meanwhile, as per a PTI report, Sri Lanka Cricket-appointed match referee Pradeep Jeyapragash handed sanctions to Halambage and senior wicketkeeper Niroshan ******* wella for separate offences arising from the match.
The report indicated that Halambage was penalised for provocative comments directed at Indian batters after Sri Lanka's Super Over triumph, while ******* wella, who had attempted to prevent the confrontation from escalating, was sanctioned for excessive appealing.
The exact nature of the punishments remains unclear, and there has been no official confirmation on whether Indian players, including Sooryavanshi and captain Tilak Varma, received warnings or any disciplinary action.
The flashpoint came after both teams finished on 265, forcing a Super Over. Chasing 17, India A managed only nine runs, with Sooryavanshi scoring six off the final three deliveries bowled by left-arm pacer Kugathas Mathulan.
The incident occurred after Halambage allegedly made provocative remarks during Sri Lanka A's Super Over victory over India A. Tempers flared as the Sri Lankan player came close to the 15-year-old batter, prompting Sooryavanshi to push him away during the exchange.
Responding to widespread social media chatter over a possible BCCI crackdown, Saikia expressed surprise at the speculation.
"A lot of things are going on in the social media that BCCI is contemplating action, etc. Do you want BCCI to step into the domain of match referee?" Saikia counter-questioned, while speaking to news agency PTI.
The BCCI secretary stressed that disciplinary matters on the field are handled by the designated officials and that the board would not interfere with the established process.
"The BCCI is not an authority, we should not intrude into the area where the match referee and the umpires are the main persons who can take any decision regarding any incident that had happened in the playground," Saikia said.
"Whatever had happened, it was a part of the game, and the BCCI have no role to play. The role is of the match referee. If anything is going wrong, he will take a call, the umpires will take a call, and there is a system in place," added Saikia, who is also an eminent lawyer.
Meanwhile, as per a PTI report, Sri Lanka Cricket-appointed match referee Pradeep Jeyapragash handed sanctions to Halambage and senior wicketkeeper Niroshan ******* wella for separate offences arising from the match.
The report indicated that Halambage was penalised for provocative comments directed at Indian batters after Sri Lanka's Super Over triumph, while ******* wella, who had attempted to prevent the confrontation from escalating, was sanctioned for excessive appealing.
The exact nature of the punishments remains unclear, and there has been no official confirmation on whether Indian players, including Sooryavanshi and captain Tilak Varma, received warnings or any disciplinary action.
The flashpoint came after both teams finished on 265, forcing a Super Over. Chasing 17, India A managed only nine runs, with Sooryavanshi scoring six off the final three deliveries bowled by left-arm pacer Kugathas Mathulan.
2 months ago
NEW DELHI: India A's thrilling tri-series clash against Sri Lanka A in Dambulla had everything — a tied match, a Super Over, controversy, and an ugly post-match altercation involving teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. But long after Sri Lanka A sealed victory, one question continued to dominate discussions: why was a Super Over conducted despite rapidly deteriorating light?
The answer lies in a series of tense discussions, differing opinions and a determination to finish the contest that ultimately left players struggling to even see the ball.
According to a Sportstar report, India A captain Tilak Varma was keen to ensure the match produced a result and repeatedly urged the umpires to proceed with the Super Over after the scores were tied at the end of regulation play.
As players **** embled near the boundary ropes, the Indian skipper maintained there was still enough time to complete the tie-breaker.
The Sri Lankan camp, however, was far less certain. Players, officials and match referee Pradeep Jeyapragash engaged in prolonged discussions, with animated exchanges taking place as both sides debated whether conditions were suitable to continue. By the time consensus was reached, darkness had almost engulfed the venue.
Sources quoted by Sportstar revealed that the Indian team had been informed that the umpires retained the authority to halt proceedings if visibility deteriorated to an unsafe level. However, despite the worsening conditions, the match carried on, with pace bowlers operating under fading light that left many observers puzzled.
By the time Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Suryansh Shedge walked out to chase 17 runs, visibility had become a serious concern. From the stands, spectators found it difficult to track the ball. Players appeared equally uncomfortable.
"Yaar, ball dikh hi nahi raha hai (Mate, I can't even see the ball)," one player was heard telling his teammates as per the same report.
The answer lies in a series of tense discussions, differing opinions and a determination to finish the contest that ultimately left players struggling to even see the ball.
According to a Sportstar report, India A captain Tilak Varma was keen to ensure the match produced a result and repeatedly urged the umpires to proceed with the Super Over after the scores were tied at the end of regulation play.
As players **** embled near the boundary ropes, the Indian skipper maintained there was still enough time to complete the tie-breaker.
The Sri Lankan camp, however, was far less certain. Players, officials and match referee Pradeep Jeyapragash engaged in prolonged discussions, with animated exchanges taking place as both sides debated whether conditions were suitable to continue. By the time consensus was reached, darkness had almost engulfed the venue.
Sources quoted by Sportstar revealed that the Indian team had been informed that the umpires retained the authority to halt proceedings if visibility deteriorated to an unsafe level. However, despite the worsening conditions, the match carried on, with pace bowlers operating under fading light that left many observers puzzled.
By the time Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Suryansh Shedge walked out to chase 17 runs, visibility had become a serious concern. From the stands, spectators found it difficult to track the ball. Players appeared equally uncomfortable.
"Yaar, ball dikh hi nahi raha hai (Mate, I can't even see the ball)," one player was heard telling his teammates as per the same report.
3 months ago
ST. LOUIS (AP) — Joc Pederson hit a tiebreaking single in the ninth inning and the Texas Rangers beat the St. Louis Cardinals 7-4 on Tuesday night for their season-best fifth straight victory.
Pederson went 3 for 4 with two doubles and two RBIs. Josh Jung also drove in two runs and Kyle Higashioka had three hits for Texas.
Evan Carter drew a leadoff walk in the ninth, moved to second on a wild pitch by Riley O’Brien (3-3) and third when Higashioka singled. Pederson and Jung followed with RBI singles before Pederson scored on Brandon Nimmo’s sacrifice fly to make it 7-4.
The Cardinals are 2-9 in the regular season against Texas in St. Louis.
Cal Quantrill (3-0) entered with a runner on second and two outs in the eighth and needed just one pitch to retire Iván Herrera. Jakob Junis pitched a scoreless ninth for his fourth save.
Pederson went 3 for 4 with two doubles and two RBIs. Josh Jung also drove in two runs and Kyle Higashioka had three hits for Texas.
Evan Carter drew a leadoff walk in the ninth, moved to second on a wild pitch by Riley O’Brien (3-3) and third when Higashioka singled. Pederson and Jung followed with RBI singles before Pederson scored on Brandon Nimmo’s sacrifice fly to make it 7-4.
The Cardinals are 2-9 in the regular season against Texas in St. Louis.
Cal Quantrill (3-0) entered with a runner on second and two outs in the eighth and needed just one pitch to retire Iván Herrera. Jakob Junis pitched a scoreless ninth for his fourth save.
