Author: Mikesportz
During his first press conference of the offseason, Kentucky basketball coach Mark Pope provided an honest, and raw, answer about the departure of freshman guard Travis Perry from the UK program. Perry — a 6-foot-1 guard from Lyon County who won Kentucky Mr. Basketball honors in 2024 — opted to leave the Wildcats this offseason via the NCAA transfer portal after one season playing at his home state school. Perry, who is the all-time leading scorer in Kentucky boys high school basketball history and helped lead Lyon County to the 2024 Sweet 16 state championship, was a late entry to…
Mark Pope expects Brandon Garrison to take on a larger leadership role next season Garrison made strides in leadership last season and Mark Pope wants him to take over that role Kentucky basketball is returning just three players from last season’s roster in Brandon Garrison, Trent Noah and Collin Chandler. After bringing in many newcomers such as two freshmen and seven transfers, Mark Pope is asking Garrison to become the leader of the team. After showing flashes of that last season under the wing of veteran big man Amari Williams, Pope thinks he is ready. Garrison knows how big of…
BREAKING: Penn State football adds commitment from blue chip wide receiver Penn State football starts the week off right with a massive commitment from four-star wide receiver Davion Brown. Penn State football continued its recruiting hot streak on Monday night with another significant pickup on the offensive side of the line of scrimmage. The Nittany Lions kicked off the week by adding a commitment from four-star Trinity Episcopal (VA) wide receiver Davion Brown. Brown announced his decision via social media. Coming off a visit to Happy Valley for the Blue-White Game, the 6’1″, 200-pound receiver holds nearly three dozen offers.…
Olympic gold medalist and Penn State Nittany Lion Wrestling Club member Kyle Snyder was arrested last week in a prostitution sting. Snyder, 29, was one of 16 men charged during a Friday, May 9 undercover operation in Columbus, Ohio, according to multiple reports, including USA Today. Snyder was a three-time NCAA champion at Ohio State nearly a decade ago. Snyder was arrested in a police operation that included posting ads for escort services on the internet, according to police. Snyder was arrested and then released from the scene Friday night after allegedly paying an undercover officer cash and asking for…
The Indiana basketball world was shaken when Zane Bailey, the 22-year-old son of legendary Hoosier Damon Bailey, died in a tragic motorcycle accident in Bloomington on April 16, 2025. Zane, a standout athlete himself, had inherited much of his father’s basketball talent, and was training for a potential overseas pro career. His untimely death devastated the close-knit Hoosier community, who still revere Damon Bailey as a local icon. Damon, who led Indiana to prominence in the early 1990s under Bob Knight, released a heartfelt statement: “Our hearts are shattered. Zane was our light.” Thousands of fans gathered at Assembly Hall…
Brigham Young University’s basketball community was heartbroken following the unexpected death of former BYU star Mark Bigelow in April 2025 at age 44. Bigelow, who played for the Cougars from 1998 to 2004, was known for his smooth shooting stroke, basketball IQ, and leadership on and off the court. He remains one of BYU’s all-time leading scorers and was beloved by fans of the “BYU Nation.” His sudden death, reported as health-related, came just weeks after he had spoken at a youth sports clinic in Provo, where he encouraged aspiring players to “play with faith and finish strong.” Three lifelong…
Florida Gators basketball fans were stunned when the team suffered an early exit in the 2025 NCAA tournament. For longtime fans like Henry “Pop” Johnson and his grandson Marcus, it was a heartbreaking moment. Henry, 85, had watched every Gators basketball game for nearly six decades, passing his love for the team on to three generations. Marcus, 17, described how they cried together after the loss, knowing it might be their final shared moment as Gators supporters. Sadly, it was. Just a week later, Henry died peacefully in his sleep, his final conversation centered around what the Gators needed to…
The cancellation of the 2025 SEC Softball Championship due to inclement weather may seem minor compared to player tragedies, but for the Oklahoma Sooners softball team and its die-hard fan base, it was emotionally devastating. The Sooners had fought relentlessly through the season, overcoming injuries and dramatic comebacks to reach the final against rival Texas A&M. Fans from across Oklahoma had driven or flown to support the team in what was expected to be a historic showdown. Among them were two elderly sisters, Beverly and Joan Kincaid, both former OU alums who had not missed a game in 15 years.…
Fred Lorenzen, once known as NASCAR’s “Golden Boy,” was more than just a racing legend—he was a national symbol of motorsport greatness in the 1960s. Born in Elmhurst, Illinois, he became a fan favorite due to both his striking good looks and his blistering pace on the track. From 1961 to 1967, Lorenzen amassed 26 Cup Series victories and was the first driver to win over $100,000 in a single season—a remarkable feat at the time. His 1965 Daytona 500 win solidified his place in racing history. But Lorenzen’s post-racing life wasn’t easy. He suffered from severe memory loss due…
Chet Lemon’s passing on May 8, 2025, deeply shook the Detroit Tigers family. Lemon, remembered for his fearless fielding and clutch hitting, had long been a symbol of Detroit pride. Though the 1984 World Series remains the high point of his career, his off-field legacy may be even more enduring. After retiring due to health issues caused by a rare blood disorder, he poured his soul into youth baseball development, especially among underprivileged kids in Florida. His Chet Lemon Baseball School became a factory of excellence, producing over 70 first-round MLB draft picks. Players like Kerry Carpenter credit Lemon with…