The Elite Eight stage is set with two intriguing games set for Saturday night, featuring a mix of familiar rivalries and dominant performances. In Houston, the South Region final will pit two Big Ten teams against each other, a rare occurrence in the tournament's later stages. Illinois and Iowa, bot
Dylan Darling grew up in the city of Spokane, Washington, where his life was shaped by the rhythm of sports and family. His father, James Darling, spent a decade in the NFL, playing for teams such as the Philadelphia Eagles, New York Jets, and Arizona Cardinals. Watching his dad’s career unfold gave
Sean Miller, once a prominent coach at Arizona, recently spoke to reporters before Texas faced Purdue. He talked about how the game has changed since he left, especially with transfers and new rules that let players earn money from endorsements. He said building a team is different now because ma
Caleb Lustig, a key player for Colfax’s boys basketball squad, stepped up in the state tournament and grabbed 52 rebounds—breaking the previous record of 44. His effort earned him the MVP title as his team secured the championship. In a standout semifinal game against Okanogan, Lustig collected 24
Tamin Lipsey grew up in Ames, Iowa, where the love for basketball is almost a way of life. From an early age he practiced on neighborhood courts, turning every dribble into a lesson in teamwork and determination. His talent caught the eye of scouts while he was still in middle school, earning a scho
Keaton Wagler grew up in Shawnee, Kansas, where basketball was a daily ritual. His parents, both former college players, ran the house with drills and game talk, creating a home that felt like a practice gym. This early immersion gave him a feel for the game far beyond simple skills. When he reac
Jazzy Davidson grew up in Clackamas, a suburb of Portland, where she first stepped onto the basketball court. Her early talent was spotted by her mother, who encouraged her to keep playing as she grew taller. The young athlete quickly became a standout at Clackamas High School, setting scoring recor
Tammi Reiss stepped onto the campus stage and first thanked a wide circle of mentors, from university leaders to her elementary teacher. Her gratitude highlighted that she believes strong relationships are the key to success on and off the court. The athletic director praised her as a proven winn
Ben McCollum wasn’t born under a lucky star. He grew up in Storm Lake, Iowa—a small town where basketball isn’t just a sport; it’s a way of life. At 43, he’s the same age many players are when they retire, but he’s leading a team of underdogs to victories most didn’t see coming. His Iowa Hawkeyes kn
Emanuel Sharp grew up between two continents, moving from Tel Aviv to Tampa at a young age. He now plays for the Houston Cougars, but his roots trace back to both Israel and America. Born in Israel, he spent most of his childhood in Florida where basketball became a daily routine. Sharp’s fam
