Sports

Closing Bell

Published

5 months ago

August 12, 2025

USGA officially renews media deal with NBCU through 2032, adds Versant…Report: Wyc Grousbeck won’t remain Celtics governor…TKO, Paramount stocks hit highs after UFC deal.

J.J. Spaun of the United States with his trophy speaks to the media after his win during the final round of the 125th U.S. OPEN — The USGA’s new deal with NBCUniversal and Versant runs through 2032. Getty Images

The USGA is officially sticking with NBCUniversal for its media rights in a deal that keeps consistency for one of golf’s biggest properties but also adds a few new twists. The USGA extended its agreement with NBCU, as well as the soon-to-launch Versant, in a six-year deal that runs through 2032. The USGA’s current deal, which originally was struck with Fox and then handed over to NBC in 2021, is slated to end after 2026. Puck first reported that the USGA was expected to stick with NBCU/Versant.

“We definitely put a value on a partner we knew,” USGA CEO Mike Whan told SBJ on Monday. “We trust NBC and Versant in how they showcase the brand and our vision.”

Under the deal, NBC stays as home of the U.S. Open, U.S. Women’s Open and U.S. Senior Open, which may get a boost in the coming years as Tiger Woods turns 50 later in 2025. Also in play now is Versant, which will have Golf Channel and USA covering USGA events. The U.S. Open and Women’s Open will be carried on USA, while Golf Channel will handle the U.S. Senior Open and the eight other USGA events in the package.

The U.S. Open will continue to have 25 hours minimum of coverage each year. But in a twist, the final hour of play on Thursday and Friday now will be carried on NBC. In recent years, the last hour of coverage was bumped to Peacock, with mostly qualifiers and lesser-name players completing their rounds. Now, select tee times for big-name players will be pushed back, meaning the top names will be completing their rounds as NBC wraps up coverage.

Grousbeck will retain the CEO title and serve as an alternate governor. NBAE/GETTY IMAGES

Wyc Grousbeck will “no longer stay on” as Celtics governor as part of the $6.1B sale of the team to Bill Chisholm, according to sources. Grousbeck had been expected to remain as governor and CEO of the club through 2028. However, sources said that the NBA BOG “was informed in recent days that Chisholm will now assume the governor title moving forward.” Grousbeck will retain the CEO title and serve as an alternate governor. The sale “is expected to be complete within the next week” (ESPN.com, 8/12). The transfer of governor duties to Chisholm reportedly “will be finalized soon” (BOSTON HERALD, 8/12).

There will be “new decision-makers at the top” of the team with Chisholm assuming the governor role. ArcelorMittal CEO Aditya Mittal is “reportedly the second-largest stakeholder of the Celtics group and is a potential name for alternate governor.” Other investors include current Celtics co-owner Robert Hale, Bruce A. Beal Jr. and private investment firm Sixth Street (MASSLIVE, 8/12).

On the heels of the new UFC media deal, TKO Group Holdings’ stock hit an all-time high on Tuesday — while Paramount stock was up over 10%. Michelle Farsi/Zuffa LLC

Wall Street is showing its approval to TKO Group Holdings of its new UFC media rights deal with Paramount, with the company’s stock hitting an all-time high during trading today. After increasing more than 10% yesterday on the heels of the announcement that UFC would be doubling its annual media rights revenue starting in 2026, TKO’s stock popped another 3.2% heading into the close of trading today. It hit an all-time high of $186.34 before paring those gains slightly to $185.87. The prior all-time high was $182.60. Out of 21 analysts covering TKO, seven have a Strong Buy rating, nine have a Buy, five have a Hold and none have an Underperform or Sell, according to CNBC Pro. The highest price target is $225, while the average is $189.55 and the lowest is $117.

Meanwhile, after Paramount Skydance Corp. investors had a tepid reaction initially yesterday, with the stock dropping nearly 4%, Wall Street was much more bullish today as its shares were trading up by 10.7% heading into the close at $11.20 a share. Guggenheim initiated coverage of Paramount on Tuesday with a Buy rating and said that it “is bullish on the combined company of Paramount and Skydance Media,” according to CNBC Pro. Guggenheim set its price target at $13 per share. Out of 26 analysts covering the company, one has a Strong Buy rating, one has a Buy, 14 have a Hold, seven have an Underperform and three have a Sell.

Masyn Winn #0 of the St. Louis Cardinals turns a double play against Nico Hoerner #2 of the Chicago Cubs — Cubs-Cardinals on ESPN’s “Sunday Night Baseball” averaged 1.97 million viewers, up 111% from the same weekend last year and keeping “SNB” on pace for its best season since 2017. Getty Images

ESPN had an impressive weekend on the diamond, with another big audience for “Sunday Night Baseball,” a record audience for the Little League Softball World Series, and big gains for the regional round of the Little League World Series.

ABC aired the championship game of the Little League Softball World Series on Sunday afternoon — Johnston (Pa.)-Floyds Knob (Ind.) — and it drew 1.44 million viewers, which is the most-watched Little League Softball game ever. That’s up 139% from the same game last year, which was also on ABC. The complete tournament averaged 347,000 viewers across all ESPN platforms, up 66% from 2024.

On the baseball side, the regional round for the Little League World Series wrapped up averaging 520,000 viewers across ESPN networks, the round’s best figure since 2022 and up 80% from last year.

Wrapping things up on “Sunday Night Baseball,” Cubs-Cardinals averaged 1.97 million viewers, up 111% from the same weekend last year and keeping “SNB” on pace for its best season since 2017. Including all MLB games for ESPN (Opening Day, other flex games), the network is averaging 1.69 million viewers, up 10% year-over-year.

MLB has dropped its previous plan to start the World Series early if both League Championship Series are short, announcing the Fall Classic will start Oct. 24. Getty Images

MLB has “dropped its plan to start the World Series early if both League Championship Series are short,” announcing today that this year’s Fall Classic will start on Oct. 24. MLB last year said that Game 1 would move up from Oct. 25 to Oct. 22 if the LCS “ended by Oct. 19, when both leagues were scheduled to be through Game 5.” NL Division Series will “have an extra scheduled off day” between Games 1 and 2, a format that allows a team to “have the same pitchers start Games 1 and 4, and Games 2 and 5 on normal four days’ rest.” All four best-of-three Wild Card Series are scheduled for consecutive days from Sept. 30 to Oct. 2. The ALDS will start Oct. 4-5. Game 5s “would be Oct. 10.” The NLDS will start on Oct. 4, with an “off day followed by a game on Oct. 5, then switch to the other cities on Oct. 8-9.” After another travel day, Game 5s would be “played Oct. 11.” The ALCS starts Oct. 12 and the NLCS the following day (AP, 8/12).

Jump CEO Jordy Leiser stands with Minnesota Timberwolves and Lynx co-owners Marc Lore and Alex Rodriguez, who are also co-founders of the startup along with Leiser. — Jump CEO Jordy Leiser (center) with Minnesota Timberwolves and Lynx co-owners Marc Lore (left) and Alex Rodriguez, who are also co-founders of the startup along with Leiser. Courtesy of Jump

Fan experience and ticketing platform Jump has closed a Series A funding round of $23M, bringing the total raise by the company to approximately $60M since its 2021 founding.

The round was led by Alexis Ohanian and Seven Seven Six, and included participation from Courtside Ventures, Will Ventures, Forerunner Ventures, and Drive by DraftKings. It also included a personal investment from Steve Malik, owner of the NWSL’s North Carolina Courage.

So far, 2025 has included the signing of its first client with the Courage and then moving into the NBA and WNBA last month as the exclusive fan experience and ticketing provider for the Timberwolves and Lynx. The pair of Minnesota franchises are co-owned by Marc Lore and Alex Rodriguez, who are also co-founders of Jump with company CEO Jordy Leiser.

“I think this is the biggest swing in the category right now,” Leiser told SBJ. “This is our first year in market, and so already having raised $60M is sort of a sign that we’re not going at something small. We’re going at something very big.”

LaLiga club Real Madrid said it “firmly rejects” a potential domestic league fixture between fellow clubs Villarreal and Barcelona in Miami. Getty Images

La Liga club Real Madrid said it “firmly rejects” a potential domestic league fixture between fellow clubs Villarreal and Barcelona in Miami and warned of “a turning point in the world of football.” Real Madrid said today that it has “taken action” to “keep the Dec. 20 match from happening, claiming it would hurt the ‘integrity of the competition’ and the ‘legitimacy of the results.’” The club also said that it has “asked FIFA, UEFA and Spain’s top sports body” to “not authorize the game.” The Royal Spanish Football Federation yesterday approved a request for the match to be played in Miami. UEFA and FIFA now “have to approve the request before it can be made official” (AP, 8/12).

The Labour Party is “fast-tracking secondary legislation to ensure the powers” of the U.K.’s new independent football regulator (IFR) “will be switched on” by November 1. Under a new bill, owners can be “stripped of their right to run clubs” and the IFR can “sanction takeovers at a price of their choice.” The authority is “yet to form a board to work with” IFR Chair David Kogan and has “distance to cover before it becomes fully operational.” But “progress has been made with the recruitment” of CEO Richard Monks, who spent 18 years at the Financial Conduct Authority, is “close to being announced and will begin in the role shortly” (THE ATHLETIC, 8/12).

Speed Reads…

Inter Miami has added honey-based fruit snack brand BEEUP as an official sponsor, and MF Benjamin Cremaschi will serve as a sponsor. NWSL Angel City F Sydney Leroux, another BEEUP sponsor, attended a launch event at Inter Miami’s academy. The BEEUP brand was co-founded by Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham (Alex Silverman, SBJ).

Clos du Bois has signed a multiyear sponsorship deal with the USTA that makes it the official wine of the US Open. The company will launch a sweepstakes to send two fans to the 2026 US Open men’s final and leverage the partnership through in-store signage and billboards (Rob Schaefer, SBJ).

MaxPreps has partnered with Modern Football Technology to launch a select automated stat sync for high school football coaches (MaxPreps).

Lake Superior State Athletics and Taymar have signed a multiyear agreement for the firm to handle revenue generation, including ticket sales, sponsorship sales and innovative partnerships (Taymar).

Men in Blazers Media Network announced Verizon as the group’s official telecommunications partner. Verizon will sponsor live events in partnership with MIBMN (Men in Blazers Media Network).

Rams QB Matthew Stafford will join the SiriusXM show “Let’s Go!” as a host for the 2025 NFL season, joining broadcaster Jim Gray. Raiders DE Maxx Crosby and journalist Peter King also return for their second season on the show (SiriusXM).

The Grand Prix of Arlington announced that PepsiCo will serve as an official partner for the inaugural race weekend taking place March 13-15, 2026 (Grand Prix of Arlington).

Quick Hits….

“The good news when it came to NBCU/Versant is they really wanted the whole package. They really wanted to make sure that they were covering the United States Golf Association championships, whether we were talking about a girls junior or whether we’re talking about the U.S. Women’s Open or the U.S. Senior Women’s Open and it made it nice for us” — USGA CEO Mike Whan, on NBCUniversal and Versant wanting the entire USGA package rather than USGA splitting the deal between several championships (“Halftime Report”, CNBC, 8/12).

Around the World….

Bundesliga International has signed a three-year media rights deal with Vietnamese telecom provider Viettel to serve as the German soccer league’s TV home in Vietnam. The agreement starts in 2025-26 and will see TV360 — Viettel Group’s OTT platform — exclusively carry all Bundesliga matches (Bundesliga International).

Sky Sports is “dedicating a single platform to simultaneously broadcasting as many as five matches on a single screen, with a dedicated commentator, director and producer helping guide the viewer to the main action.” It will be “rolled out at 2pm as part of Sky’s ‘Supersized’ Sunday, when its new broadcast deal will mean increasing the offering on that day from 36 to 63 matches a season” (London TELEGRAPH, 8/12).

The Red Bull Group has “taken full ownership of Newcastle Falcons rugby club” in a move “described as a ‘landmark moment’ for the sport.” The newly named Newcastle Red Bulls are “set to remain at Kingston Park.” Current Director of Rugby Steve Diamond will “continue in that position” (Newcastle CHRONICLE, 8/12).

Premier League club Crystal Palace said that the club is “seeking legal advice on possible next steps after the Court of Arbitration for Sport dismissed the club’s appeal against UEFA’s decision to demote them from the Europa League to the Conference League” (REUTERS, 8/12).

Social Scoop….

Daily Download….

ESPN launched a pair of new PSAs encouraging youth sports participation as part of its ongoing Take Back Sports initiative, powered by Disney. Former NFLers Peyton and Eli Manning appear in one video along with Warriors G Stephen Curry to discuss challenges and opportunities in youth sports.

Daily Digit….

700% — Liverpool FC’s home kit has outstripped sales of last year’s launch by over 700% as the Premier League club has kicked off its new partnership with Adidas (Liverpool FC)

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All Northeast Indiana Volleyball 2025 | High Schools

Published

5 minutes ago

December 27, 2025

Your Sports Nation

First Team

Alyssa Anderson, Woodlan

Class: Senior

Position: Middle blocker

Statistics: 289 kills (2.9/set), 47 aces, 53 blocks, 119 digs (1.2/set)

Of note: IHSVCA Class 2A All-State second team

Reagan Beitler, South Adams

Class: Senior

Position: Setter

Statistics: 145 kills (1.3/set), 73 aces, 376 digs (3.4/set), 644 assists (5.9/set)

Of note: 1A/2A Senior All-Star

Sydney Blackwell, Concordia

Class: Junior

Position: Middle hitter

Statistics: 360 kills (4.0/set), 47 aces, 57 blocks, 110 digs (1.2/set)

Of note: 3A/4A Junior All-State

Reagan Bollenbacher, South Adams

Class: Senior

Position: Outside hitter

Statistics: 304 kills (2.9/set), 25 aces, 392 digs (3.7/set)

Of note: 1A/2A Senior All-Star

Victoria Crozier, Woodlan

Class: Senior

Position: Setter

Statistics: 56 kills, 27 aces, 32 blocks, 151 digs (1.5/set), 874 assists (8.8/set)

Of note: Signed with Trine

Keira Dommer, Concordia

Class: Senior

Position: Setter

Statistics: 52 aces, 200 digs (2.4/set), 863 assists (10.2/set)

Of note: SAC Glass Spike winner

Sophia Gisslen, Carroll

Class: Senior

Position: Setter

Statistics: 46 kills, 37 aces, 36 blocks, 135 digs (1.6/set), 878 assists (10.5/set)

Of note: IHSVCA Class 4A All-State second team; signed with Quinnipiac

Cala Haffner, Carroll

Class: Sophomore

Position: Defensive specialist

Statistics: 60 aces, 432 digs (4.0/set), 133 assists (1.2/set)

Of note: MaxPreps second-team All-America

Maya Harris, Angola

Class: Senior

Position: Outside hitter

Statistics: 637 kills (6.3/set), 177 aces (1.8/set), 228 digs (2.3/set)

Of note: Ms. Volleyball finalist; led the state in aces

Ellie Hepler, Warsaw

Class: Senior

Position: Libero

Statistics: 73 aces, 555 digs (5.2/set), 99 assists

Of note: Signed with Indiana; IHSVCA Class 4A All-State first team

Elyse Mead, West Noble

Class: Sophomore

Position: Outside hitter

Statistics: 530 kills (5.6/set), 44 aces, 25 blocks, 314 digs (3.3/set)

Of note: IHSVCA Class 3A All-State second team

Elli Oskey, Carroll

Class: Junior

Position: S/RS

Statistics: 194 kills (1.8/set), 21 aces, 58 blocks, 330 assists (3.1/set)

Of note: 3A/4A Junior All-Star

Abbie Powell, Southern Wells

Class: Sophomore

Position: Middle blocker

Statistics: 503 kills (5.1/set), 83 aces, 79 blocks, 350 digs (3.6/set)

Of note: Led state with a 0.564 hitting percentage; ACAC Player of the Year

MaryKate Scheumann, Bellmont

Class: Senior

Position: Outside hitter

Statistics: 508 kills (4.8/set), 30 aces, 434 digs (4.1/set)

Of note: Signed with Purdue

Bailey Sinish, Carroll

Class: Senior

Position: Outside hitter

Statistics: 557 kills (5.4/set), 62 aces (0.6/set), 47 blocks (0.5/set), 219 digs (4.0/set)

Of note: Indiana Ms. Volleyball winner; MaxPreps first-team All-America

Sarah Stegall, Carroll

Class: Junior

Position: Outside hitter

Statistics: 270 kills (2.6/set), 19 aces, 24 blocks, 60 digs

Of note: IHSVCA Class 4A All-State second team

Reagan Edwards, Warsaw, MB

Cece Goode, Warsaw, OH

Braelynn Hodgeman, Bishop Dwenger, RS/S

Delaney Johnson, Lakewood Park Christian, L/OH

Victoria Kim, Canterbury, OH/MB

Reagan Lyons, Homestead, OH/OPP

Lindsay Snyder, Bishop Dwenger, OH

Aspen Sutton, Angola, S/DS/L

Laney Trausch, South Adams, S

KaVeaya Turner, Concordia, MH

Emma Vachon, Norwell, S/DS

Kylie Walz, East Noble, L/DS

Nicolette Watercutter, Bishop Dwenger, OH

Emersyn Weaver, Leo, OH/DS

Also honored

High Honorable Mention

Bellmont: Ella Ross, Taylor Sutter

Bishop Dwenger: Genevieve Renbarger, Claire Shively

Bishop Luers: Taylor Albers, Aubriana Flotow

Blackhawk Christian: Cici Sefton, Lily Stangland

Carroll: Hayden Finefrock, Katelyn Peters, Lauren Peters, Lola Sasse, Addi Shippy

Canterbury: Alexa Coble, Sophia Miller

Churubusco: Kelsee Coil, McKayla Reuter

Columbia City: Elizabeth Blackburn

East Noble: Ava Larson

Eastside: Adelaide Elden

Garrett: Sarah DePew, Kaylee Gaar, Amelia Kesterke

Heritage: Maya Ehrman, Ava Johnson

Homestead: Lyla Tindall, Savannah Walker

Huntington North: Grace Anderson

Lakewood Park Christian: Emilia Crider

Leo: Isabella Hensley

Northrop: Madison Corley

Norwell: Macie Saalfrank

Snider: Lindsay Gonzalez, Oriana Smiley, Arielle Stephens

Warsaw: Madison Branam

Wawasee: Hadley Allen

Wayne: Jasmine Fowlkes, Story Gaines

West Noble: Izzy Beers, Reagan Eash, Ella Limerick

Whitko: Meredith Hindbaugh

Honorable Mention

Adams Central: Katie Summers

Angola: Mady Conrad, Khloe Stanner

Bellmont: Gracie Riggs, Lilly Selking

Bishop Dwenger: Maddie Gephart, Kobi Johnson

Bishop Luers: Vahsti Garcia, Victoria Strack

Bluffton: Konley Ault

Carroll: Paityn Lauck

Central Noble: Katie Forker, Jaylee Slone, Grace Swank, Jalayna Winebrenner

Columbia City: Breana Rumschlag, Sophia Van Buskirk

Concordia: Bella Dellinger, Courtney Inman, Shelby Petersen

DeKalb: Vivian Irk, Lilli VanGessel

East Noble: Alyssa Desper, Izzy Leffers, Carys Shire

Eastside: Lauren Hickey, Rylan Moughler

Fremont: Chloe Verdin

Garrett: Rilyn Flotow, Kaelynn York

Heritage: Alana Gutshall, Lexie Walter

Lakeland Christian: Eva Meza

Leo: Mia Norris, Rhianna Wallace Porter, Leah Shappell

New Haven: Annika Koepke

North Side: Desire Buckhanon, Sieriphoe Luangphaxayachack, Shilin Warren

Northrop: Kalaeh Alexander, Maleah Schmucker, Jersey Webb

Norwell: Izzy Anderson, Autumn Lee, Hope Mitchell

Snider: Ava DeFay, Denny-Lynn Dunton, Jasmine Gates

South Adams: Avery Brown, Reece Beitler

South Side: Na’Kayla Williams

Warsaw: Avary Hoeppner, Maddie Williamson

Wawasee: Jadyn Klenke

Wayne: Lexie Clark, Marlo Schinbeckler

Whitko: Caitlin Beer

Woodlan: Makaila Gruber

– Victoria Jacobsen, The Journal Gazette

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Men’s Basketball Closes Calendar Year at Colgate on Sunday in Non-League Finale

Published

5 hours ago

December 27, 2025

Your Sports Nation

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. – Harvard Men’s Basketball closes the 2025 calendar year at Colgate University on Sunday, Dec. 28 at 2:00 p.m. (ESPN+) at Cotterell Court in Hamilton, New York in the Crimson’s non-league finale.

What to Know

Harvard features four double-figure scorers on the year in a group that includes sophomore guard Robert Hinton (16.5 points per game), senior guard Chandler Piggé (13.7), sophomore guard Tey Barbour (11.5), and junior forward Thomas Batties II (10.3).

Among the Crimson’s four double-figure scorers, three of them averaged fewer than 7.0 points per game as first-years. Senior Chandler Piggé (1.9 points per game in 2022-23; 13.7 in 2025-26), junior Thomas Batties II (6.8 points per game in 2023-24; 10.3 in 2025-26), and sophomore Tey Barbour (4.8 points per game in 2024-25; 11.5 in 2025-26) have all increased their production over their careers.

In the Ivy League rankings, Harvard stands second in free throw percentage (78.5), second in steals per game (7.46), third in scoring defense (68.3), and fourth in field goal percentage (47.0). In the NCAA, the Crimson sits sixth in fewest fouls per game (13.5), ninth in free throw percentage (78.5), and 70^th in scoring defense (68.3).

Sophomore guard Robert Hinton has averaged 16.5 points, 5.2 rebounds, 1.8 assists, and 1.6 steals per game on the year, while shooting 84.5 percent on free throws. Hinton ranks first in the Ivy League in field goals (79), second in steals per game (1.6), third in points (214), third in free throws (49), third in free throw percentage (84.5), sixth in points per game (16.5), and sixth in minutes per game (31.2). On the year, he has scored in double figures 10 times, netted 20 or more points four times, and eclipsed 30 points twice. He earned Ivy League Player of the Week honors on Dec. 8. Hinton – the 2024-25 Ivy League Rookie of the Year – averaged 14.6 points and 4.1 rebounds per game in 2024-25.

Hinton dropped a career-high 35 points on 12-of-22 field goals and 11-of-12 free throws with eight rebounds at UMass (Dec. 3). Hinton poured in 34 points on 13-of-17 field goals, 4-of-5 3-pointers, and 4-of-4 free throws vs. BU (Nov. 22). He totaled 26 points, five rebounds, and five assists at Furman (Dec. 6) and scored 22 points vs. UNH (Nov. 9). Hinton notched 16 points and seven boards vs. Holy Cross (Dec. 20) and contributed 16 points at Army (Nov. 15). He netted 13 points, including the go-ahead free throws with 5.1 seconds left at Marist (Nov. 16) and added 12 points and nine rebounds at BC (Nov. 26).

Senior guard Chandler Piggé has posted 13.7 points, 3.6 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 1.5 steals per game on the year. He ranks fourth in the Ivy League in field goals (70), fourth in assist/turnover ratio (2.2), fourth in steals per game (1.5), fourth in minutes per game (32.4), fifth in assists per game (3.5), seventh in points (178), and ninth in points per game (13.7). He has scored in double figures in 10 games on the year. Piggé – an Honorable Mention All-Ivy selection and CSC Academic All-District honoree last season – notched 13.1 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game in 2024-25. He has steadily increased his production over his career, averaging 1.9 points per game in 2022-23, 8.1 points per game in 2023-24, and 13.1 points per game in 2024-25.

Piggé totaled 23 points and six assists, while shooting 8-of-11 from the floor vs. UNH (Nov. 9). He dropped 21 points with a career-high nine assists at Penn State (Nov. 19). Piggé posted 16 points and seven rebounds vs. Holy Cross (Dec. 20). He registered 14 points against both Army (Nov. 15) and Marist (Nov. 16), connecting on a game-tying 3-pointer with 35.8 seconds left against the Red Foxes. He netted 15 points against both Northeastern (Nov. 11) and Bryant (Nov. 29).

Sophomore guard Tey Barbour has registered 11.5 points and a team-high 5.5 rebounds per game on the year, while shooting 41.0 percent from 3-point distance. Barbour ranks fourth in the Ivy League in 3-pointers made (32), fifth in 3-pointers per game (2.5), fifth in minutes per game (31.5), and 11^th in rebounds per game (5.5). He has scored in double figures in nine games on the year. Barbour notched 4.8 points and 1.8 rebounds per game on the year in 2024-25.

Barbour scored a career-high 18 points with eight rebounds vs. Holy Cross (Dec. 20), hitting 4-of-5 3-pointers. He posted 15 points and nine rebounds at BC (Nov. 26) after scoring 15 points vs. BU (Nov. 22). He posted 14 points, six rebounds, and a career-high four made 3-pointers vs. UNH (Nov. 9) before netting 12 points on four 3-pointers vs. Northeastern (Nov. 11). He compiled 12 points and seven rebounds at Penn State (Nov. 19). Barbour netted 10 points and hit the game-winning 3-pointer vs. Bryant (Nov. 29).

Junior forward Thomas Batties II has registered 10.3 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game on the year, while shooting 48.5 percent from the field and 52.4 percent from 3-point distance. He ranks fourth in the Ivy League in 3-point percentage (52.4) and sixth in blocks per game (1.0). He has scored in double figures eight times on the year. In 2024-25, Batties II averaged 11.0 points and 5.0 rebounds per game on the year after registering 6.8 points and 4.2 rebounds per game on the 2023-24 season.

Batties II tallied a season-high 17 points, career-high five made 3-pointers, and a career-high six assists at Penn State (Nov. 19). He scored a game-high 17 points against both MIT (Nov. 7) and Army (Nov. 15). Batties II posted 14 points and a career-high six assists vs. BU (Nov. 22) and notched 13 points at BC (Nov. 26) and vs. UMass (Dec. 3). He totaled 12 points and nine rebounds vs. Bryant (Nov. 29).

Sophomore guard Austin Hunt has tallied 7.2 points and 3.1 rebounds per game on the year, while shooting 55.1 percent from the field. He ranks sixth in the Ivy League in field goal percentage (55.1). Hunt scored a career-high 19 points on 8-of-9 field goals and 3-of-4 3-pointers vs. Holy Cross (Dec. 20). He notched 13 points, six rebounds, and three assists vs. UNH (Nov. 9) and netted 10 points at Furman (Dec. 6). Hunt averaged 7.8 points and 3.6 rebounds per game in 2024-25.

Sophomore guard Ben Eisendrath has notched 5.1 points, 3.0 assists, 1.8 rebounds, and 1.6 steals per game on the year, while shooting 51.1 percent from the field. Eisendrath ranks third in the Ivy League in steals per game (1.6) and 10^th in assists per game (3.0). He scored a career-high 15 points on 6-of-7 field goals at Penn State (Nov. 19) and netted 10 points at Furman (Dec. 6). Eisendrath distributed a career-high nine assists vs. BU (Nov. 22).

Harvard and Colgate have met 24 times with the Crimson holding a slight lead in the all-time series, 13-11. The Crimson has won the last eight matchups, including a 78-67 home victory last season.

Next Up

Harvard hosts Dartmouth on Monday, Jan. 5 at 7:00 p.m. (ESPN+) at Lavietes Pavilion in its Ivy League opener.

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Iowa City Liberty grad Shelby Kimm stars as a Division II volleyball All-American

Published

6 hours ago

December 27, 2025

Your Sports Nation

NORTH Liberty, Iowa (KCRG) – A former Iowa high school volleyball star has earned All-American recognition at the college level.

Shelby Kimm, a three-time all-state selection at Iowa City Liberty, was named a Division II All-American this year for St. Cloud State University in Minnesota. The junior led her Husky team this season with nearly 3.4 kills per set.

The Huskies have made it to the round of 16 of the NCAA Tournament each of the past two years, which is tied for the best finish in program history.

After winning a state title at Liberty, Kimm wanted to experience college outside of Iowa.

“We had so many people on our team that were probably their best or one of the best on their high school or club team when you put a lot of those players together it can be a little challenging cause they’re not used to maybe not playing as much,” Kimm said. “You definitely have to work really hard and I think I learned that nothing is guaranteed you have to go into college and work your butt off and hopefully your coaches recognize that and that’s why I try to do.”

Kimm says she’s already excited to get back on the court for her senior season next year.

Three other Iowans are listed on the SCSU roster, including Kimm’s Liberty teammate Asta Hildebrand, Grundy Center alum Carlie Willis and Aplington-Parkersburg alum Kinsey Mohwinkle.

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Men’s Volleyball Picked Second In Preseason AVCA Poll

Published

7 hours ago

December 27, 2025

Your Sports Nation

LEXINGTON, Ky. – The University of Hawai’i men’s volleyball team was picked No. 2 in the AVCA preseason poll, marking the eighth consecutive year it earned a top 3 preseason ranking.

The Rainbow Warriors earned seven first place votes and 473 total points, just eight points behind preseason favorite UCLA, who garnered 12 first place votes. Long Beach State was third with five first place votes and 460 points.

UH’s schedule features seven teams ranked in the preseason Top 10 and 11 teams in the Top 20.

Hawai’i finished last season with a No. 3 final AVCA ranking after advancing to the NCAA Championship semifinal round. The No. 3 ranking marked the eighth consecutive year with a Top 5 national finish. The Warriors completed the year with a 27-6 mark and captured their fourth Big West Championship title, defeating eventual national champion Long Beach State in the championship match.

Head coach Charlie Wade, who became the program’s all-time winningest coach last season, is entering his 17^th season at the helm with a career record of 319-131.

UH opens the 2026 season with a two-match series against NJIT, Friday, Jan. 2 and Sunday, Jan. 4.

#HawaiiMVB

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Sports

Gibbs-Lawhorn Named Raising Cane’s Outstanding Rebel Of The Week

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8 hours ago

December 26, 2025

Your Sports Nation

LAS VEGAS (UNLVRebels.com) – UNLV men’s basketball junior Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn has been named the Raising Cane’s Outstanding Rebel of the Week, the school announced Friday.

Gibbs-Lawhorn has earned the recognition for the first time this season, while it’s also the men’s basketball team’s second of the year.

The award goes to the student-athlete who turned in the best individual performance during the previous week of competition from Monday through Sunday as voted on by the UNLV Athletics Strategic Communications department.

A native of Lafayette, Indiana, Gibbs-Lawhorn led the Runnin’ Rebels to a Mountain West opening 84-72 win over Fresno State. He scored a career-high 28 points, while grabbing seven rebounds, four assists, three steals, and a blocked shot.

Additionally, Gibbs-Lawhorn shot 9 of 15 from the field, made all four of his free throw attempts and shot 60% on 3-pointers (6 of 10).

2025-26 Outstanding Rebel of the Week Award Winners
Sept. 3 – Aamaris Brown, Football
Sept. 11 – Jaida Harris, Volleyball
Sept. 16 – Alondra Alarcon, Volleyball
Sept. 23 – Marsel McDuffie, Football
Sept. 30 – Zi Yu Foong, Women’s Golf
Oct. 7 – Kayden McGee, Football
Oct. 14 – Anthony Colandrea, Football
Oct. 22 – Jaida Harris, Volleyball
Oct. 27 – Ilia Snitari, Men’s Tennis
Nov. 5 – Michelle Madrid, Women’s Soccer
Nov. 12 – Jai’Den Thomas, Football
Nov. 12 – Meadow Roland, Women’s Basketball
Nov. 18 – Issac Williamson, Men’s Basketball
Nov. 26 – Ilia Snitari, Men’s Tennis
Dec. 3 – Jai’Den Thomas, Football

Dec. 10 – Bryson Huey, Men’s Swim & Dive
Dec. 26 – Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn, Men’s Basketball

-UNLV-

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Out of indoor eligibility, Texas A&M’s Hellmuth transfers to LSU beach volleyball program

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8 hours ago

December 26, 2025

Your Sports Nation

COLLEGE STATION, Texas (KBTX) – Texas A&M outside hitter Emily Hellmuth is transferring to LSU to play with the Tiger beach volleyball program, LSU announced on social media Friday.

Hellmuth could not have returned to defend the national championship with A&M this season, as she is out of eligibility in the indoor game. In switching sports, she will gain a year of eligibility and will be able to play two spring seasons for the Tigers while earning a master’s degree.

Hellmuth finished third on the Aggies in kills (316) and kills per set (2.70) this season as a key piece of A&M’s balanced attack. In 2024, Hellmuth tallied a career-high 330 kills, with a 3 kill average per set. The Highland Park native transferred to A&M after spending her first two seasons at Pepperdine.

The Aggies will need to find a significant number of replacements on the attack, returning only outside hitter Kyndal Stowers in their top 6 attackers from the national championship season.

On Dec. 23, A&M added Marquette outside hitter Natalie Ring and Ohio State middle blocker Kaia Ring through the transfer portal, according to releases and social media posts by the program. Friday, A&M announced the addition of Boise State middle blocker Eliza Sharp.

Ring paced the Golden Eagles with 497 kills and a 4.6 kill per set average, while hitting. 274. Castle recorded 200 kills, with seven double-digit kill matches, and 91 blocks last season.

“We value speed at the middle blocker position and it’s rare to see someone with Kaia’s length who can move the way she does,” A&M head coach Jamie Morrison said in a statement. “Beyond the physical tools, she is an incredible human. I truly enjoyed every part of the recruiting process with Kaia and can’t wait to have her here in Aggieland.”

Sharp was the Mountain West Conference freshman of the year after ranking second on the Broncos’ in kills with 250, averaging 2.21 per set. She hit at a .323 clip and tallied 140 blocks.

“It’s hard to win conference awards as a middle blocker and Eliza comes to us as the reigning Freshman of the Year in her conference,” Morrison said in a statement. “She is an elite athlete as both a blocker and an attacker who will continue the lineage of great middle blockers at Texas A&M. From our first phone call, I knew she would be a great fit for our culture, not just as a player, but as a person who embodies the values of Texas A&M.”

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