WASHINGTON – On day two of Washington Commanders minicamp, receiver Noah Brown was carted off the field at the end of practice.

According to FOX 5’s Chad Ricardo, Brown had an on-field collision with Commanders safety Will Harris during practice. 

When Brown entered the locker room he was in either clear frustration or pain as he let out a “loud yell,” Ricardo said.

There is no update on the exact status of Brown’s injury.

Commanders minicamp highlights

Local perspective:

Over 100 high school coaches were in attendance at Commanders minicamp on Wednesday. Commanders Head Coach Dan Quinn spoke about the importance of welcoming those coaches to learn about a National Football League practice. 

“I want them to know what they’re doing really matters,” Quinn said. “If we can help them establish our professional practices in their schools and communities, I think it just helps grow everything.”

Representation of schools across the local area were present for that growth. High school coaches from Prince George’s County, Fairfax County, Washington D.C. and more, were in attendance. Those who came out had the opportunity to appreciate the atmosphere, learn the drills and receive advice from the Commanders coaching staff.

Head Coach Mike Hunter of Friendship Collegiate Academy in Washington D.C. was impressed with the team’s professionalism and attention to detail.

“Just how they conduct themselves at practice, they’re all focused and locked in, running from drill to drill,” Hunter said. “Those are the things we implement with our guys. If the pros are doing it, we should be doing it at the high school level.”

A scouting report on NBA draft prospect VJ Edgecombe: 

• Position: Guard 
• Height: 6-foot-4 (without shoes) 
• Weight: 193 pounds 
• College: Baylor 

Strengths 

Edgecombe has the sort of athleticism that makes you stop whatever you were doing and watch replays in amazement. 

While he’s still learning how to harness it all, he’s currently got a nice feel for how to both shine in obvious ways (rapid bursts to the rim, highlight slams) and subtle ways (snagging rebounds in a pack, recovering after falling a step behind defensively). The 19-year-old had a productive all-around freshman season at Baylor, posting 15.0 points, 5.6 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 2.1 steals and 0.6 blocks per game. 

Edgecombe enjoys and takes pride in his defense. He doesn’t have the size of a guard-everyone stopper or the wingspan (6-foot-7.5) of a player destined to rack up steals and blocks, but his effort and explosiveness are great foundational traits. 

“I feel like I’m an elite defender, but I also have a ways to go,” Edgecombe told reporters at the NBA draft combine. “I’m just willing to play defense with all my heart. I know if there’s anything I can do on the floor to impact the game, it’s guarding. That’s something I’m ready to do for sure.” 

Edgecombe was a good college rebounder, ranking in the Big 12’s top 20 in rebounds per game. Rebounding is not one of his core tools, but it might lead Edgecombe’s NBA team to be a bit more comfortable using guard-heavy lineups. 

Last summer, Edgecombe played with the Bahamas in the FIBA Olympic qualifying tournament and showed his game already could be quite impactful against grown men. With NBA veteran teammates Deandre Ayton, Buddy Hield and Eric Gordon, he was one of his country’s key players. Edgecombe averaged 16.5 points on 57.1/38.5/81.3 shooting splits, 5.5 rebounds and 3.8 assists. 

Weaknesses 

Edgecombe’s far from a polished ball handler and isolation scorer. He doesn’t have the tight, advanced handle to suggest he’s on the verge of consistently, efficiently creating his own shots in the NBA.

He also won’t enter the league as a crafty, comfortable finisher in traffic. When faced with resistance inside, he sometimes seemed to lack a real counter, flinging the ball toward the rim or trying to power through bigger bodies. 

Edgecombe’s shot is not a strength at the moment. The numbers weren’t bad in college; 34 percent from three-point range on 4.6 attempts per game, 78.2 percent at the foul line. That said, Edgecombe has a rather narrow base on his jumper, isn’t smooth off the dribble and generally doesn’t look the part of a pure shooter.

No apparent need for deep concern there, especially given Edgecombe’s willingness to let it fly, but shooting improvement would certainly enhance his odds of becoming an NBA star. 

Fit 

Notably, Sixers president of basketball operations Daryl Morey’s general philosophy is to take the best player available.

If the Sixers drafted Edgecombe with the third overall pick, he’d add to the team’s list of guards 6-foot-4 and under, which includes Tyrese Maxey and Jared McCain. Morey has said he intends to bring back restricted free agent Quentin Grimes, too. 

The idea of Edgecombe as a Sixer would sound better if he proves capable of defending wings well at times and grows as a shooter. His size alone doesn’t appear like it should be a disqualifying factor.

AI-assisted summary
• Coach Smith announced his departure from Bozeman High School softball after 11 seasons, citing administrative decisions.
• During his tenure, the team achieved academic success with a 100% pass rate on state assessments and four players earning 4.0 GPAs this year.
• The 2024 season saw the Bucks break team and individual records, culminating in their first-ever playoff win.
• Smith and his wife, Amber, have accepted positions at Arnold High School, where they will join the softball coaching staff.

The firing of Deane Bozeman School head softball coach Jared Smith stunned the community, but now the longtime coach has released a statement on the firing.

Smith, who coached the Bucks for 11 seasons, culminating in 118 wins and four playoff appearances, expressed gratitude toward players, parents and colleagues in a message that also touched on the team’s academic and athletic achievements.

“I would like to start by acknowledging and thanking everyone who has publicly and privately expressed support and encouragement for Amber and me,” Smith said. “More specifically, I would like to thank each and every player who has played for me during my time at Bozeman and to each of their parents for trusting me to guide their children during their high school softball careers.”

During Smith’s leadership, Bozeman softball not only improved on the field but excelled in the classroom. The program earned the highest team GPA in Bay County four times over the last seven years, and this season, all players passed state assessments.“This year, our players in high school had a 100% pass rate on every State EOC/PM assessment. We had four high school players finish this school year with a 4.0 or higher GPA,” Smith said. “The players over the years deserve all of the recognition and credit.”Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle.

On the field, Smith described the 2024 season as “re-energizing,” with the team breaking four program records and six individual records. The Bucks reached the regional playoffs after a historic win—the program’s first-ever postseason victory.

“In their mind these girls weren’t doing anything special, but man, was this group special,” Smith said. “They earned a spot in the District Championship game and brought back the first playoff win in Bozeman Softball history.”

Reflecting on the season’s final game—a narrow loss to the No. 2-ranked team in the state—Smith recalled the team’s resilience and refusal to quit.

“I reminded them to ‘be present’ and to give me ‘more than enough,’” he said. “The players in that dugout at that moment may have been the only people alive who believed we had a chance. But they bought in and locked in… I have never been more proud of a team.”

Smith and his wife, Amber, have accepted teaching positions at Arnold High School and will join the softball staff under head coach Rick Green.

“We are incredibly excited to join their school and softball program,” he said. “This opportunity is an exciting one, both professionally and personally, as we both look to grow as educators and coaches.”

Smith concluded his statement with a message to his players,past, present and future.

“Be present in all that you do and if you are going to do something, always ‘do more than enough.’”

The full statement can be read below.

I would like to start by acknowledging and thanking everyone who has publicly and privately expressed support and encouragement for Amber and me. More specifically, I would like to thank each and every player who has played for me during my time at Bozeman and to each of their parents for trusting me to guide their children during their high school softball careers. I would also like to thank the administration, coaches, and teachers I have worked with side-by-side over my 18 years at Bozeman. And as I tell anyone who asks, I have been blessed to have the greatest booster club year in and year out. It is more than fair to say that the hard work and support of the parents (past and present) who have made up the Bozeman Softball Boosters have had a huge impact on every success that this program has experienced. 

During my time as the head coach of the Bozeman Softball program, there have been highs and lows, learning moments, and memories made that will last a lifetime. The positives outweigh the negatives 100 times over. 

From the beginning, I strived to set a standard of high expectations for my players, starting in the classroom and then continuing to hold that standard on the field of competition. In the last 7 years, these Bozeman Softball teams have earned the highest GPA in Bay County four times. Just this year, our players in high school had a 100% pass rate on every State EOC/PM assessment. We had 4 high school players finish this school year with a 4.0 or higher GPA. The players over the years deserve all of the recognition and credit for taking their role as a student seriously and meeting or surpassing every expectation that was set for them. 

Carrying this standard of excellence to the field has been the second phase of my vision for the program I was leading. In my 11 years as head coach at Bozeman, we won 118 games. There were 17 individual players who signed to play at the collegiate level. In the last 8 years, we have made the playoffs 4 times. In 2018, we won the Bay County Tournament title. We were seeing the fruits of the standards I was striving to set come to fruition right in front of our eyes. This current season was validating, in many ways, that we were on the right track. The way this current group of girls competed was exciting and re-energizing. I don’t think these girls even realized everything they were accomplishing, because they were simply performing the way we worked to prepare them every day at practice. In their mind, they weren’t doing anything special. But, man, was this group special! As a team, these girls broke 4 team records, 6 individual records, and took care of their academics (see above). 

Over the course of this season, in response to some adversity, I adopted a message to our players that, in a way, became a rallying cry. I encouraged them to “Be present” and to “Do more than enough.” Their response was incredible. They earned a spot in the District Championship game (in our first season after moving up into a larger classification). Then they earned the 4-seed in the Regional playoffs, but still had to travel to the 5-seed due to that team winning their district championship. No big deal…they went into that environment (for most of them, this was their first taste of playoff softball) and brought back the first playoff win in Bozeman Softball history. With this win, they earned a rematch from our District Championship game, against the team that finished #2 in the State (a truly great and talented team). In that game, we jumped out early, then fell behind in a BIG way. I called them together in the dugout and reminded them to “be present” and to give me “more than enough.” The players in that dugout at that moment may have been the only people alive who believed we had a chance. But they bought in and locked in and fought back from a huge deficit to end up tying the ballgame. In the end, we didn’t quite have enough to topple our talented opponents. I, however, have never been more proud of a team than I was at the conclusion of that game. 

As it turns out, that game was my last game as the leader of the Bozeman Softball program. If you are waiting for me to air out grievances here, then I am going to have to leave you waiting. I am not going to publicly argue or refute any claims. I know, without a doubt, we did things the right way, every time. Whether I understand or agree with why decisions are made, the administration at Bozeman is tasked with making tough decisions daily and this was their decision. If you must know “why?” all I can do is point you to the statement that was released. I will forever be grateful for the opportunities I have had at Bozeman and every moment will be regarded fondly. 

As Amber and I are now moving on to a new adventure, we are ready to announce that we have both accepted teaching positions at Arnold High School and are incredibly excited to join their school and softball program. I would like to thank Principal Smith for welcoming Amber and me into his school and athletics program. His support has already been a huge encouragement to us. I am looking forward to learning from their legendary head coach, Rick Green, and immersing myself into their winning culture. This opportunity is an exciting one, both professionally and personally, as we both look to grow as educators and coaches. 

Banji Bamidele is a sports reporter for the Panama City News Herald. He can be reached at abamidele@gannett.com or through X, formerly known as Twitter, @AdebanjiBamide1.

NORTHEAST

Sophia Diaz, Bayport-Blue Point (N.Y.)

In a showdown of two nationally-ranked teams featuring a bevy of Division I commits, it was an uncommitted senior who made the difference for Bayport-Blue Point. Diaz, a first-year starter in goal, was rock-solid for the Phantoms in a 15-9 win over previously undefeated Nyack (N.Y.) in a NYS Class C regional final on Saturday. Diaz made 10 saves, including two at the end of the first half — one on an 8-meter attempt — to prevent the RedHawks from tying the score as Bayport-Blue Point overcame a slow start to reach the final four.

Also notable: Kaitlin Bogucki, Columbia (N.Y.); Michaela Fay, Suffern (N.Y.); Arcangela Haffner, Garden City (N.Y.); Gabby Lauretani, Ridgefield (Conn.); Maia Pronti, Victor (N.Y.); Elizabeth Smith, Cicero-North Syracuse (N.Y.)

— Dylan Butler 

MID-ATLANTIC

Annie Dignazio, Strath Haven (Pa.)

Dignazio has helped carry Strath Haven to a historic season. The senior midfielder had five goals and four assists, as Strath Haven roared to life for an 18-4 win over District 12 runner-up Archbishop Wood in the 2A state tournament opener. She followed that up with a hat trick, three assists, four draw controls, four caused turnovers and seven ground balls in a 17-9 quarterfinal win over Crestwood (Pa.). 

Dignazio scored her 200th career goal the week before, as Strath Haven won its first district championship ever. Dignazio, whose younger sister Tessa is a freshman on the team, is committed to Brown.

Also notable: Katie Adams, Ridgewood (N.J.); Bianca Antonacci, Conestoga (Pa.); Riley Austin, Haddonfield (N.J.); Devon Bush, Pleasant Valley (Pa.); Ashlyn Carpenter, Chatham (N.J.); Lyla Clark, Cherokee (N.J.); Stella D’Ambro, Bishop Shanahan (Pa.); Molly Davies, Summit (N.J.); Morgan Davis, Abington Heights (Pa.); Chiara Donohue, Trinity Hall (N.J.); Kate Fox, Strath Haven (Pa.); Adyson Griffin, Southern (N.J.); Maddie Kane, Springfield-Delco (Pa.); Ellie Kaplan, Twin Valley (Pa.); Mae Murphy, Moorestown (N.J.); Liv Parmer, Manheim Township (Pa.); Chloe Stevens, Manasquan (N.J.); Moira Sweeney, Sparta (N.J.); Sophia Tray, Villa Maria Academy (Pa.); Marleigh White, Allentown (N.J.); Tatum Woods, Cherry Hill West (N.J.)

— Justin Feil 

MIDWEST

Corinna Hilmas, Olentangy Liberty (Ohio)

It doesn’t get much better than scoring the game-winner in double overtime of the state championship game. Not that anyone was surprised when Corinna Hilmas provided the game-winner against Upper Arlington. Hilmas is Liberty’s all-time leading scorer, after all, with 261 goals, including 111 this season, despite playing her freshman season with the Golden Bears. Hilmas tallied a whopping 19 goals in the Patriots’ five postseason games; had a game-high five draw controls in the state title game; and was not just an explosive scorer but a remarkably efficient one all season.

Also notable: Madi Brinkman, Park of Cottage Grove (Minn.); Mia Darr, University School of Milwaukee (Wisc.); Abby Grove, Prior Lake (Minn.); Campbell Heald, St. Francis DeSales (Ohio); Laine Lewis, Hudson (Ohio); Emerson Mattox, Prior Lake (Minn.); Emily Morgan, Hathaway Brown (Ohio); Ella Parker-Briones, Hinsdale Central (Ill.); Madeline Pohmer, Olentangy Liberty (Ohio); Berkeley Thomas, Upper Arlington (Ohio)

— Jonah Rosenblum

COLUMBIA- Mizzou and the SEC announced on Wednesday that Alabama’s visit to Faurot Field will kick off at 11 am CT and air on either ESPN or ABC.  It will mark a morning kick-off for the Crimson Tide’s first trip to Columbia since 2020.

Missouri’s road trip to Oklahoma will also kick off at 11 am and be broadcasted by ESPN or ABC.  It will be Mizzou’s first game in Norman, OK since 2011.  

The conference and ESPN also revealed several “tv windows” for the 2025 season.  The windows are announced to give fans a better idea of when a game will start with the ability to shift the exact start time for TV scheduling purposes.  The exact kick off times and TV information will be announced at least 12 days prior to each game.

The tv windows announced on Wednesday include four “flex” designations.  Flex games start between 2:30 and 3:30 pm or between 5 pm and 7 pm.  Mizzou’s flex games are vs. South Carolina (9/20), at Auburn (10/18), at Vanderbilt (10/25) and vs. Texas A&M (11/8).

Three other games were marked for “night” starts.  In the SEC a night window designation means the game will kick off some time between 5 pm and 7 pm.  Mizzou’s guaranteed night games will be Homecoming vs. UMass on September 27th, a home match up with Mississippi State on November 15th and at Arkansas in the Battle Line Rivalry to close the regular season on November 29th.

Mizzou had previously announced kick off times for the first three games of the 2025 football season:  vs. Central Arkansas at 6:30 pm on Thursday August 28th (SEC Network), vs. Kansas at 2:30 pm on Saturday September 6th (ESPN 2) and vs. Louisiana at 3 pm on Saturday September 13th (ESPN+/SEC Network+).

Wyoming Shrine Bowl Football Game: Practice for the Shrine Bowl Football Game in Casper is underway and players from Sheridan County High Schools are trying to do their part to contribute to the North team.

Both teams are having 2-a-day practices, but with only one week to prepare for the game, that limits the amount of time that players have to develop some kind of playbook.

Bridger Peldo of Sheridan says he’s grateful that the coaching staff knows what they’re doing.

Will Taylor of Big Horn says don’t expect the North to try much out of the ordinary, when it comes to play calling and that his team-mates have the talent to get the job done.

Quarterback Ty Gilbertson of Sheridan says the North players need to stay disciplined this week in practice. 

There has been one change to the roster.

Avon Barney of Big Horn has elected not to play in the game and has been replaced with Ram team-mate Owen Petty.

The 52nd annual Wyoming Shrine Bowl football game will kickoff at 2pm this Saturday from Natrona County High School.

Sheridan Troopers Legion Baseball: The Sheridan Troopers lost both ends of their conference opening double-header yesterday, at defending state champ Cheyenne Post 6.

Scores were 12-2 and 6-4.

The Troopers are back in action today in Cheyenne again, as they take on the Hawks in a conference double-header, beginning at 11am and 1pm.

On Sunday, Sheridan is at home for a conference double-header against Casper.

It’s also Little League Night as teams and players will be recognized and get to run the bases in between games.

Tomorrow and Friday, the team will host its annual Baseball Camp and Whiffleball Tournament for those ages 7-14.

Events run from 9am until 12-noon at Thorne Rider Stadium.

You can visit the Sheridan Legion Baseball Facebook page to register.

Colorado Rockies Baseball: The Colorado Rockies gave up 4 runs in the top of the 9th inning last night and lost at home vs. San Francisco 6-5.

Ryan McMahon and Kyle Farmer each hit solo home runs for the Rocks, but the bullpen wasted those efforts.

Game 2 of the 3-game series is today starting at 6:40pm.