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A conversation with Hall of Famer and NBA Champion Ray Allen :: WRALSportsFan.com
So, Ray, what’s it like transitioning from obviously being a basketball star, NBA champion to now a basketball dad? Well, you gotta remember it wasn’t really a transition because even when I played in the NBA I was still a dad. So now I’m just the dad and the Uber driver, uh, because every morning […]

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Tascosa graduate Shahada Wells establishing local legacy by hosting basketball clinic
Since graduating from Tascosa in 2017, Shahada Wells has been pursuing basketball in locations near and far, with some that could even be considered exotic. This summer, though, Wells is putting his name on his hometown in a way which could last even longer. Thursday and Friday at the Tascosa Activity Center, Wells hosted the […]

Since graduating from Tascosa in 2017, Shahada Wells has been pursuing basketball in locations near and far, with some that could even be considered exotic.
This summer, though, Wells is putting his name on his hometown in a way which could last even longer.
Thursday and Friday at the Tascosa Activity Center, Wells hosted the inaugural Shahada Wells Basketball Clinic for boys and girls from third through ninth grades. Eight years after playing his final game at Tascosa, Wells is using his experience to help teach the game to potential future Rebels, among others.
It’s a long way from where Wells has been playing professionally the last two years in Europe, but he feels it’s exactly where he belongs.

“I’m just trying to give back to the community,” Wells said. “I’ve done a lot. I’ve been in summer league, I’ve been overseas and all these different places. I want to show the community that they can do it as long as I did.”
Wells played at Tyler Community College, UT Arlington, TCU and McNeese State after graduating from Tascosa. He then took his show across the Atlantic to Kosovo and last year played for Karditsa of the Greek Basketball League.
That didn’t mean Wells had permanently put Amarillo in his rearview mirror, even basketball-wise. For the past couple of years, the possibility of holding a summer clinic at his high school alma mater had been brewing, and he sought the help of his former Tascosa coach Steve Jackson to make it happen.
“It’s kind of been a couple of years in the making and (Wells) has always wanted to do it,” Jackson said. “This was the first opportunity we had to put it together. We’re thankful for the AISD for letting us do something like this and use their facilities. It’s great for an alum like Shahada to come back and do something like this for us.”
Wells finished his Tascosa career by averaging 21.1 points, 7.2 rebounds and 5.8 assists a game, and was also a track standout, finishing seventh in the state in the long jump. At Tyler JC, he was an NJCAA Division I first-team All-America selection, averaging 21.6 points and 6.0 assists as a sophomore.
At Arlington, Wells averaged 16.8 points a game in his lone season there, and he finished his career at McNeese by averaging 17.8 points a game.
In 2025, Wells is coming full circle. While he still plans on going back to play in Europe next year, he’s remembering his Amarillo roots with the lessons he learned which started here.
“I was supposed to go to (Palo Duro) but I came to Tascosa,” Wells said. “I always went to PD’s camps and Amarillo High’s camps, and they were kind of run the same way. My cousin Jayqualyn (Gilbreath), Amari White were all helping and I appreciate those guys for leading the way for me.”

It’s natural that Wells would approach Jackson about conducting a clinic at the same gym where Wells played for Jackson. Like Wells, Jackson is a Tascosa alum and knows the value of local tradition.
“For Hada to be where he is right now shows that if you really apply yourself and put your mind to it you can accomplish anything,” Jackson said. “He’s done great things for himself, his family and his school. It’s another thing for him to be able to show up and help these kids out who are maybe on the fence about basketball or are unsure about what’s going on in their lives.”
About 35-40 youngsters were in attendance over the two days, with a few girls thrown in as well. There were some individual drills as well as some scrimmages broken down into age groups.
Wells has enough name recognition among local basketball afficionados to draw the youths to his camp.
“It’s big,” Wells said. “My name is buzzing around the city right now. A lot of kids look up to me and they know me. They see me out and I shake their hand and hug them and take pictures with them. They can come to the came and meet me instead of seeing me online.”
Wells is in Amarillo for the summer and isn’t sure yet where he’ll play basketball next, although he intends to resume his competitive hoops career. He said that returning to Greece is a possibility along with teams in Poland, Spain and Dubai.

There’s a structural difference to the game which Wells learned starting in Amarillo and the one he’s played the last two years in Europe.
“I feel there’s a bit more freedom over here,” Wells said. “They’re more structured (in Europe) but I feel like our athletic ability is better. There’s a lot of talented people over there and some of them could be going to the NBA this year.”
This past week, though, Wells was focused on his hometown and what was going on in the gym he used to call home. It was just a start for something he’s hoping becomes bigger.
For now, though, he’s satisfied with it.
“The numbers were excellent,” Wells said. “I just want as many kids to show up as possible. I don’t want to force kids to show up because I need money or anything like that, I just want to do it for the community. If it was just two kids it still would have been a great day for me.”
Wells wants to make the clinic an annual event and make it bigger each year. He said that while Tascosa is home to the clinic, young athletes from all over the area are welcome to attend.
Jackson is anticipating using his gym to accommodate all comers to a clinic.
“Hopefully we can do it again next year and invite all ages and genders to just have a good time,” Jackson said. “I’m looking forward to it. These kids are having fun and Shahada really loves them.”
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Mike Matheny to headline ‘A Night of Champions’ at Delta State
Delta State University’s second annual “A Night of Champions” has been scheduled for Friday, Aug. 8, with tickets now available. After bringing former NFL star Archie Manning and former DSU sports information director Langston Rogers together for the fireside chat event in 2024, the university in Cleveland is maintaining the star power with 2025 headliner […]

Delta State University’s second annual “A Night of Champions” has been scheduled for Friday, Aug. 8, with tickets now available.
After bringing former NFL star Archie Manning and former DSU sports information director Langston Rogers together for the fireside chat event in 2024, the university in Cleveland is maintaining the star power with 2025 headliner Mike Matheny.

Matheny, a former MLB player and manager, won four gold gloves and was considered one of the show’s stoutest catchers from 1994 to 2006 with stops in Milwaukee, Toronto, St. Louis, and San Francisco. He played in the 2004 World Series with the Cardinals and later led the team to the 2013 World Series as skipper.
Matheny then served as manager of the Kansas City Royals from 2020 to 2022. After compiling a 756-693 record from the dugout across his time in St. Louis and Kansas City, he released his second book called “The Dad Coach” earlier this year. His first, “The Matheny Manifesto,” was a New York Times bestseller.
When Matheny takes the stage during “A Night of Champions,” he’s expected to discuss his career both on and off the field and efforts to instill character development and sportsmanship in players all the way from little league up to the professional ranks. He and his wife, Kristin, formed The Catch 22 Foundation in 2003 with the goal of providing disadvantaged youth opportunities that would otherwise be unavailable to them.
“The MLB veteran appeals to a myriad of interests in which all Delta State sports fans will appreciate, including professional baseball player and manager, philanthropist, believer, author, and youth sports advocate,” a portion of the event’s announcement reads.
In addition to the conversation with Matheny, “A Night of Champions” will feature dinner and a silent auction. The event will be held inside Sillers Coliseum at 7 p.m. Tickets can be purchased here with all proceeds going to Delta State athletics.
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Tent Revival & Youth Day
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Rec Sports
Swansea youth Little League teams wins District 6 championships
SWANSEA — The Little League baseball youth program of Swansea has had a spring to remember. Two teams — the 11U and 10U programs — each recently won District championships in their respective age groups. Here’s a look at the past results: Swansea 11U all-stars The Swansea 11U all-star team won the District 6 championship […]

SWANSEA — The Little League baseball youth program of Swansea has had a spring to remember.
Two teams — the 11U and 10U programs — each recently won District championships in their respective age groups.
Here’s a look at the past results:
Swansea 11U all-stars
The Swansea 11U all-star team won the District 6 championship for the second straight season. Assistant coach Chris Kenyon said its an incredible feat that showcases not only the talent of the players but also the dedication and teamwork of everyone involved.
Members of the champion 11U Swansea all-star team are from, left to right, include Blake Emard, Luke Cabral, Nathan Robinson, AJ Amodie, Mason Marcel, Jaxon Kelsey, Ben Bumpus, Ethan Kenyon, Jack Wilkerson, Ethan Arruda and Aiden Patel.
Player not pictured: Lucas Camara. Coaches in the back row left to right are Josh Robinson, Tony Amodie, manager Joe Arruda and assistant Chris Kenyon.
Swansea 10U all-stars
The Swansea squad went 3-0 on their run to a District championship. Swansea had contributions from the entire team throughout the District round of the tournament.
Swansea 10U had an 8-1 win against Taunton West followed by two close games against Seekonk, where Swansea won 4-3 and 8-6 in the championship game.
Swansea will continue in the sectionals this week against Milton National and Sandwich Little League.
Members of the Swansea 10U District champions are from left to right, front row Brady Monte, Jake Sousa, Lucas Richardson, Camden Jones, Brady Cabral, Reilly Borges and Theo Rapoza.
Middle row: Pierce Emard, Herodi Germosen, Ben Marshall and Mason Sousa. Back Row Coaches Chris Jones, (Manager) Joe Cabral, Nick Monte and Joe Sousa. Player not pictured: Jack White.
Herald News and Taunton Daily Gazette sports editor Steven Sanchez can be reached at ssanchez@heraldnews.com. You can follow him on X (formerly Twitter) @Chezsports
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RWJBarnabas marks milestone in NJ student-athlete cardiac screenings
For 15 years, the Matthew J. Morahan III Health Assessment Center for Athletes (MJM), an initiative of RWJBarnabas Health, has been advancing safety in sports through many programs and screenings. Annually, 300,000 concussions occur because of sports-related injury annually, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Offering one of the most comprehensive pre-season […]

For 15 years, the Matthew J. Morahan III Health Assessment Center for Athletes (MJM), an initiative of RWJBarnabas Health, has been advancing safety in sports through many programs and screenings.
Annually, 300,000 concussions occur because of sports-related injury annually, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Offering one of the most comprehensive pre-season screening and concussion management centers in the state, MJM has provided more than 50,000 concussion and cardiac screenings to youth sports athletes since 2010.
“This milestone reflects our long-standing commitment to keeping athletes safe, informed, and ready to compete,” said Dr. Jason Krystofiak, section chief, Sports Medicine at Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center in Livingston and Medical Director of the Matthew J. Morahan III Health Assessment Center for Athletes at RWJBarnabas Health. “What started as a small initiative to offer cardiac and concussion baseline testing has evolved into the state’s leading program that serves the full spectrum of sports-related health needs for athletes at all levels.”
MJM provides education, assessment and evaluation of sports injury and sports-related cardiac and concussion screening. Offering one of the most comprehensive pre-season screening and concussion management centers in New Jersey, the center partners with more than 30 primary, secondary and NCAA partnerships across the state.
On Sept. 7, MJM will offer free cardiac and concussion baseline screenings to young athletes from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at South Mountain Recreation Complex, Codey Arena, located at 560 Northfield Ave. in West Orange.
“These screenings, offered through The Matthew J. Morahan III Health Assessment Center for Athletes, help families take a proactive approach to concussion and cardiac issues in our young athletes,” Krystofiak said. “The goal is not to terrify people with statistics, but to try to protect young athletes and allow them to safely do the things they love to do.”
When preliminary testing to identify serious cardiac problems is identified in young athletes, sudden cardiac arrest and tragic deaths may be avoided.
“Nearly 90 % of sudden cardiac deaths in young athletes occur during or after athletic activities, and hidden heart conditions are often the cause,” Krystofiak said. “Cardiac screening, open to 6- to 18-year-olds, will help to identify players who may require further testing or intervention.”
FDA-approved ImPACT Pediatric® concussion screenings are available to young athletes, ages 5 and older. Until recently, the screening was only available to those ages 10 and above. Having a concussion baseline study (ImPACT) can help identify issues in the future.
ImPACT Pediatric is an iPad-based computerized test that is individually and easily administered as well as engaging for children, while effectively measuring neurocognitive function.
“If an athlete is believed to have suffered a head injury, this screening test may be used to evaluate severity and determine when it is safe to return to play,” Krystofiak said.
Screenings are free of charge and a parent or guardian is asked to be present.
Founded with a mission to safeguard the health and future of student-athletes, MJM began by offering free concussion and cardiac screenings, targeting a critical need in youth sports. The program initially launched in Livingston and has since become a resource for families across the state.
“Having easily accessible, clinically excellent cardiac and concussion screening resources is invaluable to all parents who want to ensure health and safety for their families,” said Richard Davis, president and CEO of Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center in Livingston.
“We are incredibly proud of the growth and impact the Center has had over the last 10+ years,” said Diana Toto, administrative director, Sports Medicine. “Reaching 50,000 concussion and cardiac screenings is not just a number − it represents thousands of young lives we’ve had the opportunity to help protect and care for. We’ve built something truly meaningful and essential for the communities we serve.”
In 2010 when MJM began, the program averaged 400 screenings per year and had two to three partners. Today, the MJM performs more than 5,000 screenings annually and has significantly expanded its services. It has grown into a regional leader in sports-related health, providing sports injury assessment, evaluation, training education and return to play care to athletes of all ages and abilities. MJM partners with more than 30 primary, secondary and NCAA programs across New Jersey and works with elite athletes from across the globe.
“We are profoundly grateful to the Morahan family for their extraordinary vision and generosity to create this Center,” said Mark Manigan, President and CEO, RWJBarnabas Health. “Their commitment to give back enabled us to reach this milestone creating an amazing legacy honoring Matthew J. Morahan III.”
In addition to its robust screening programs, MJM has been at the forefront of education and outreach, hosting hundreds of seminars for coaches, parents, and students, covering topics from concussion awareness to cardiac health and injury prevention strategies.
MJM’s team includes board-certified sports medicine physicians, certified athletic trainers, and cardiac professionals working together to ensure comprehensive care. It continues to grow, fostering partnerships with schools, community organizations, and athletic programs to provide access to top-tier sports medical care. Today, MJM provides physician oversight, screening and injury management services to many of the state’s top athletic programs, including Rutgers University, Seton Hall University, and the New Jersey Devils.
“As we look to the future, our focus remains on innovation and continuing to raise the bar for sports safety and care,” Krystofiak said.
At MJM, a multidisciplinary approach using top experts in their field provides athletes with the best approach to a safe recovery. The concussion program has been recognized for its trademarked approach to care, the MORAHAN CAARPTM (Comprehensive Academic Active Recovery Plan). Under MORAHAN CAARPTM, the Center regularly organizes and conducts classes, seminars, conferences, and workshops for medical treatment protocols and advanced care planning in the field of acute concussion recovery.
For more information or to request an appointment at The Matthew J. Morahan III Health Assessment Center for Athletes, call 973-322-7913 or https://www.rwjbh.org/treatment-care/athlete-screenings/. To register for MJM’s next Cardiac and Concussion Screening for Young Athletes on Sept. 13 in West Orange, go to rwjbh.org/events.
email: cmakin@gannettnj.com
Cheryl Makin is an award-winning feature, news and education reporter for MyCentralJersey.com, part of the USA Today Network. Contact: Cmakin@gannettnj.com or @CherylMakin. To get unlimited access, please subscribe or activate your digital account today.
Rec Sports
Jersey Shore town to host 9 big sports events on its beaches this summer. Full schedule.
From mid-July through August, Wildwood will transform its beaches into specialized venues for everything from soccer and ultimate frisbee to wrestling, rugby, field hockey, football, baseball, basketball, and Wiffle ball. Here’s the lineup: Cape Express More Beach Blast Soccer, July 19 and 20 Presented by Cape Express Soccer Club, Beach Blast Soccer attracts hundreds of […]

From mid-July through August, Wildwood will transform its beaches into specialized venues for everything from soccer and ultimate frisbee to wrestling, rugby, field hockey, football, baseball, basketball, and Wiffle ball.
Here’s the lineup:
Cape Express More Beach Blast Soccer, July 19 and 20
Presented by Cape Express Soccer Club, Beach Blast Soccer attracts hundreds of teams to the Wildwoods beach to compete in a sand soccer tournament, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.
Beach Blast is a five-on-five, barefoot on the sand soccer tournament with divisions for boys and girls U8 to U19, men’s, women’s, and co-ed open.
The tournament takes place on the beach between Baker and Poplar avenues in Wildwood.
There is an entrance fee for participants, and the event is free to spectators. For more information, visit www.CapeExpress.com.
Wildwood Co-Ed Beach Ultimate Tournament, July 26 and 27
The Wildwood Beach Ultimate Tournament is celebrating 33 years of flying disc competition this summer.
Featuring more than 400 teams from all over the globe, the event is held on the Wildwood beach from Montgomery to Schellenger avenues and Oak to Magnolia avenues.
The tournament is a 4-v-4 co-ed team competition for players of all skill levels, ages 18 and over. Tournament hours are Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
There is a high school division on Sunday only.
Partnered with the American Beach Ultimate Association, the Philadelphia Phoenix Professional Ultimate Team is hosting a Free Youth Clinic on Sunday, July 27.
The clinic can accommodate youth ages 7 to 18 who want to learn more about the sport of Ultimate Frisbee and improve their skills. Event is free to spectators. For more information or to register, visit www.WWBeachUltimate.com.
Morey’s Mania Beach Wrestling Tournament, Aug. 2
The Morey’s Mania Beach Wresting Tournament is an annual event that “combines the intensity of wrestling with the unique challenge of competing on the sandy shores of the Wildwood Beach.”
Held next to Morey’s Piers, this tournament draws wrestlers of all ages and skill levels from across the region, battling it out in a circular ring etched into the sand.
For more information, call 609-522-3600, visit www.MoreysManiaBeachWrestling.com, or email beach.sports@moreyspiers.com or MoreysManiaBeachWrestling@gmail.com.
Sevens Down the Shore Rugby Tournament, Aug. 2 and 3
Morey’s Piers will partner with the Washington Township Rugby Club to bring Beach Rugby to life on Aug. 2 and 3.
Youth and adult teams will compete in a 7s format on the Wildwoods beach.
For more information, contact the Washington Township Rugby Club at rpmcfall@gmail.com or Morey’s Piers at beach.sports@moreyspiers.com.
Sticks in the Sand Field Hockey Tournament, Aug. 2 and 3
This competition brings field hockey right on the beach. Teams of all ages and skill levels compete in small-sided games. For more information, visit www.moreyspiers.com/event/beach-hockey.
Beach Football League Open Tryouts, Aug. 9
The Beach Football League is set to make waves this summer with the Wildwood Classic Open Tryouts on Saturday, Aug. 9 (rescheduled from June 7), at the Schellenger Avenue beach in Wildwood.
The afternoon heats up with co-ed flag and tackle football exhibition games, featuring appearances by NFL’s DeSean Jackson, Clinton Portis, Tully Banta-Cain, Malik Jackson, and more, who will join fans right on the sand for football action.
In addition to open tryouts, BFL is hosting a youth camp for ages 8-17 called the Kids Zone, and a youth tournament for high school-aged players. For more information, visit www.BeachFootballLeague.com.
MudHen Beach Baseball Tournament, Aug. 8-10 and Aug. 15-17
Presented by Morey’s Piers, this tournament brings America’s favorite pastime to the sandy shores of the Wildwoods.
Held on the beach at Rio Grande Avenue, this event “challenges players to adapt their game to an unpredictable surface where diving catches send sand flying, and base running requires extra effort against the soft terrain.”
Boys youth teams compete in a “fun yet competitive atmosphere.”
This event hosts two tournament weekends on Aug. 8-10 and Aug. 15-17, behind the Wildwoods Sign on the beach.
Games take place on Friday and Saturday with championships on Sunday.
The tournament kicks off with a Home Run Derby the Friday of each weekend.
Off the field activities include local food vendors, merchandise, bat demos and more! For more information, visit www.WildwoodBeachBaseball.com.
Wildwood Beach Basketball Tournament, Aug. 9 and 10
Casiello Basketball is partnering with Morey’s Piers to bring the Wildwood Beach Basketball Tournament to the Jersey Shore town.
Played using UBall equipment, this “no dribbling” version of 3-on-3 basketball is played directly on the sandy beaches.
This year, teams of up to 4 players – 3 players and 1 substitute (optional) – will vie for the inaugural crown as the best ballers in Wildwood.
Courts will be set up on the beach next to Morey’s PigDog Beach Bar near Oak Avenue.
For more information, or to register, visit www.moreyspiers.com/event/wildwood-beach-basketball-tournament/. Open to youth and adult players. For questions and information regarding tournament play, email info@casiellobasketball.com.
Adult Wiffle Ball Tournament, Aug. 11 and 12
MudHen Brewing Company is set to host its 2nd annual Adult Wiffle Ball Tournament on the beach behind the Wildwoods sign on Rio Grande Avenue in Wildwood.
The tournament takes place Monday and Tuesday, Aug. 11 and 12, from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
In this event, teams of up to six adult players (18+) will compete in round-robin pool play for a top prize of $500.
The $180 team registration fee covers both days of play. Teams can register online here. For more information, email mudhenevents@gmail.com or visit www.mudhenbrew.com/wiffle-ball.
For additional information about the Wildwoods, visit www.WildwoodsNJ.com or call 800-992-9732.
Generative AI was used to produce an initial draft of this story, which was reviewed and edited by NJ Advance Media staff.
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