Sports

BHHS senior to attend UCLA

Ben Bakshian will study neuroscience at the university in Westwood. (photo courtesy of BHUSD) Beverly Hills High School announced that Ben Bakshian, a member of the class of 2025, will be attending the University of California, Los Angeles. Bakshian will major in neuroscience at one of the top public universities in the nation. Bakshian’s time […]

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2 months ago

May 1, 2025

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Ben Bakshian will study neuroscience at the university in Westwood. (photo courtesy of BHUSD)

Beverly Hills High School announced that Ben Bakshian, a member of the class of 2025, will be attending the University of California, Los Angeles. Bakshian will major in neuroscience at one of the top public universities in the nation.

Bakshian’s time at BHHS has been defined by excellence, balance and ambition. Whether in the classroom, in leadership or athletics, he made the most of every hour. He challenged himself with a demanding schedule of AP courses, completed four levels of French and spent three years in the Medical Science Academy, ultimately serving as MSA co-president.

Beyond academics, Bakshian’s leadership and service set an example. He founded the BHHS club Generation SOS, supporting students in conversations around substance abuse prevention and served as co-vice president of DECA, empowering young entrepreneurs. Bakshian was also a varsity athlete on the water polo and swim teams and found time to pursue his passion for creativity through the culinary arts program.

Bakshian’s BHUSD journey began in sixth grade at Hawthorne Elementary and continued through BVMS to BHHS.

“Ben is the kind of student who lifts every environment he’s part of,” BHHS Principal Drew Stewart said. “His intellect, leadership and heart have made BHHS a better place, and we can’t wait to see the incredible impact he’ll have at UCLA and beyond.”

For information, visit bhusd.org.

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Sports

Montenegro’s Growing Role in NATO: A Strong Partnership Reinforced | Latest Balkan and Southeast European News

Montenegro Bolsters NATO Ties with High-Level Visits and Defense Spending Surge Montenegro has recently hosted high-ranking NATO officials, underscoring its vital role within the Alliance and its commitment to collective security. These visits highlighted Montenegro’s increased defense spending, its contributions to NATO missions, and its strategic importance in the Western Balkans, reinforcing a strong and […]

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25 minutes ago

June 16, 2025

Your Sports Nation

Montenegro Bolsters NATO Ties with High-Level Visits and Defense Spending Surge

Montenegro has recently hosted high-ranking NATO officials, underscoring its vital role within the Alliance and its commitment to collective security. These visits highlighted Montenegro’s increased defense spending, its contributions to NATO missions, and its strategic importance in the Western Balkans, reinforcing a strong and evolving partnership.

Key Takeaways

Montenegro has surpassed the 2% GDP defense spending target.
The nation actively contributes to NATO missions in Iraq, Kosovo, and Forward Land Forces.
NATO praises Montenegro’s efforts in countering malign activities and its commitment to regional stability.

High-Level Engagements

In October 2024, Lieutenant General Andrew M. Rohling, Deputy Chair of the NATO Military Committee, conducted an official visit to Montenegro. He met with key Montenegrin military and political leaders, including the Chief of Defence, Brigadier General Zoran Lazarević, Minister of Defence, Mr. Dragan Krapovic, President Mr. Jakov Milatovic, and Prime Minister Milojko Spajić. Discussions focused on:

Outcomes of the NATO Chiefs of Defence Conference.
Montenegro’s contributions to collective defense and support for Ukraine.
The nation’s critical role in Western Balkan stability.

Lieutenant General Rohling also participated in the “To Be Secure” Forum, emphasizing NATO’s commitment to Montenegro and the importance of its leadership within the Alliance.

Defense Investment and Contributions

Montenegro has demonstrated a significant commitment to defense, exceeding the 2% GDP investment target for defense spending. This achievement, initially committed for the end of 2024, was met earlier, showcasing the nation’s dedication to modernization and standardization within its armed forces. This investment facilitates interoperability and interchangeability with other NATO forces.

Montenegro’s practical contributions to NATO’s collective security include:

Participation in training exercises, such as a recent two-month training in Germany with a larger American brigade.
Contributions to missions in Iraq and Kosovo.
Support for NATO’s Forward Land Forces.

Strategic Partnership and Future Outlook

In December 2024, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte met with Prime Minister Milojko Spajić at NATO Headquarters in Brussels. Secretary General Rutte commended Montenegro for its support to NATO’s military presence in Latvia and Bulgaria, its peacekeeping mission in Kosovo, and its training mission in Iraq. He also expressed gratitude for Montenegro’s support to Ukraine, including military equipment and contributions to NATO’s comprehensive assistance package.

The leaders also addressed the security situation in the Western Balkans and the threats posed by Russia’s malign activities. Montenegro’s proactive measures, including being the first recipient of a NATO Counter Hybrid Support Team and joining the NATO Rapid Response Group, were highlighted as crucial in countering these threats. NATO reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to the stability of the region, with Montenegro playing a pivotal role in this endeavor.

Sources

News: Deputy Chair of the NATO Military Committee visits Montenegro, 03-Oct.-2024, NATO – Homepage.
Pressrelease: NATO Secretary General meets the Prime Minister of Montenegro, 16-Dec.-2024, NATO – Homepage.
Photo gallery: NATO Deputy Secretary General visits Montenegro, 24-Apr.-2025, NATO – Homepage.
News: NATO Secretary General meets Montenegro Prime Minister Milojko Spajić , 16-Dec.-2024, NATO – Homepage.
Photo gallery: NATO Deputy Secretary General visits Montenegro, 24-Apr.-2025, NATO – Homepage.

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Sports

Sarah Franklin shined as USA struggled in first week of Volleyball Nations League

USA Volleyball had a tough first week of Volleyball Nations League play, losing its first three matches to Italy, Brazil and Czechia. It wasn’t due to a lack of effort from former Wisconsin Badgers star Sarah Franklin. The outside hitter was the team’s most consistent scorer of the week, leading the USA team with 41 […]

Published

39 minutes ago

June 16, 2025

Your Sports Nation

USA Volleyball had a tough first week of Volleyball Nations League play, losing its first three matches to Italy, Brazil and Czechia.

It wasn’t due to a lack of effort from former Wisconsin Badgers star Sarah Franklin.

The outside hitter was the team’s most consistent scorer of the week, leading the USA team with 41 points.

Let’s go! A double double for Frank!! pic.twitter.com/JxOCQGfXYD

— Wisconsin Volleyball (@BadgerVB) June 7, 2025

That 10.25 average per match so far puts her in the Top 25 among all players in the VNL. Her next closes teammate averages just seven.

Franklin’s efforts helped finally put her team over the top in their fourth match against South Korea.

USA won in three sets thanks to her 13 points, four digs and one ace.

Entering the second week of play, she’ll get some reinforcements from another former Badger joining the squad.

Dana Rettke made it onto the USA roster for Week 2, adding some more size into the middle to try and elavate the team.

She helped lead Wisconsin to a national championship in 2021, though she didn’t cross over with Franklin at the same time in Madison.

Now, they’ll share the court as they play for their country overseas.

Dana is back!

The 2024 Olympian makes her return to the U.S. Women’s National Team for week 2 of Volleyball Nations League. Also making their 2025 debuts this week in Serbia are libero Lexi Rodriguez and middle Brionne Butler.

Check out the full lineup: https://t.co/i04Nf34QVH. pic.twitter.com/2JIKJn8Fqp

— USA Volleyball (@usavolleyball) June 14, 2025

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Canadian men bounce Bulgaria 3-0 in Volleyball Nations League action

QUÉBEC — Canada’s senior men’s volleyball team bounced back from Saturday’s tough five-set loss to France to beat Bulgaria 3-0 in their best-of-five Volleyball Nations League match on Sunday. QUÉBEC — Canada’s senior men’s volleyball team bounced back from Saturday’s tough five-set loss to France to beat Bulgaria 3-0 in their best-of-five Volleyball Nations League […]

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59 minutes ago

June 16, 2025

Your Sports Nation

Canada bounced Bulgaria 26-24, 25-23 and 25-19 to record their second match victory in Pool 1 play. Canada is in sixth place in the 18-team standings with seven points, tied with Ukraine. Bulgaria is 10th with five points.

Outside hitter Brodie Hofer led all Canadian scorers with 21 points. Canadian Daenan Gyimah led all defenders with 11 blocks, while Ryan Joseph Sclater and Hofer had nine each.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 15, 2025.

The Canadian Press

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Sports

Pickleball courts, sand volleyball and new hotels bringing in sports tourism to Foley

Foley officials are making special efforts to bring in more sports tourism. A new hotel is adding to what the city has already done. The Foley Cobblestone Hotel will add 73 rooms to the growing tourist area. Foley city administrator Mike Thompson said the plan is to bring in more visitors. “This particular project is […]

Published

1 hour ago

June 16, 2025

Your Sports Nation

Foley officials are making special efforts to bring in more sports tourism. A new hotel is adding to what the city has already done.

The Foley Cobblestone Hotel will add 73 rooms to the growing tourist area. Foley city administrator Mike Thompson said the plan is to bring in more visitors.

“This particular project is very important to the city,” Thompson said. “We have a large sports tourism facility just to the north of here, and having another hotel that literally is walking distance to our event center, it really makes a difference in us retaining some of the lodging that we want to get from our Sports Tourism facilities.”

The city also built pickleball courts and sand volleyball courts that can be used by locals and for sports tournaments.

Jeremy Griesbach, president of development for Cobblestone Hotels, said the Foley hotel is Cobblestone’s second in Alabama. The company has been in talks with Foley since 2019.

“A lot of important people helped get this thing across the finish line,” Griesbach said. “Thanks to the mayor, Mike Thompson, everybody at the city of Foley, all the inspection teams, the planning commission, people over at Riviera Utilities. Everyone has been so helpful and made this a great project.”

A third Cobblestone Hotel is being built in Bay Minette.

To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email [email protected].

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Sports

Taylor Earns All

Competing against the best of the best in collegiate high jumping, Murray State’s DiamonAsia Taylor won All-America Second Team honors Saturday at the NCAA Finals at Hayward Field in Eugene, Oregon. Making her first two attempts at 1.79m, Taylor didn’t have a miss until she got to the 1.84m height, which would’ve tied the Murray State […]

Published

1 hour ago

June 16, 2025

Your Sports Nation

Competing against the best of the best in collegiate high jumping, Murray State’s DiamonAsia Taylor won All-America Second Team honors Saturday at the NCAA Finals at Hayward Field in Eugene, Oregon.

Making her first two attempts at 1.79m, Taylor didn’t have a miss until she got to the 1.84m height, which would’ve tied the Murray State record by Meaghan Fletcher in 2024. Taylor’s final try of three was very close to tying the mark, but for a slight graze of the bar.

“We are really proud of Asia,” said Coach Kelsey Riggins. “She competed like a seasoned athlete today in the most competitive high jump field in NCAA, that had three Olympians from Paris 2024 games. Asia represented our program and Racer Athletics well and has such a bright future. We’re all looking forward to watching her grow with the Racers!”

Taylor’s All-America finish makes it four-straight years in which the Racers have sent five student-athletes to the NCAA Finals. Among the 74 schools nationally that have also produced four-consecutive years, the Racers are in a group of only 20 mid-major programs that have done so. Only 21 percent of NCAA DI schools made it to the NCAA Finals four times in a row and only seven percent were mid-major teams.

The MSU competitors that have produced this run of four-straight years for the Racers include: Rachel Hagans (2022 Long Jump), Kayla Bell and Meghan Fletcher (2023 800m & High Jump) and Chelby Melvin and Fletcher (400, Hurdles & High Jump) and now DiamonAsia Taylor.

For more information on the Murray State track and field team, visit GoRacers.com or follow @RacersXCTF on Instagram and X.

Sports

East Robertson volleyball too much for CA

High School Sports | USA TODAY Sports CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. – Having defeated its East Robertson opponents last season, Clarksville Academy reunited with the Lady Indians for their first District 10-A matchup this year. East Robertson, though, came into Tuesday’s match with an undefeated district record and the Lady Cougars (9-5, 7-4) couldn’t give the Lady […]

Published

2 hours ago

June 16, 2025

Your Sports Nation

High School Sports
| USA TODAY Sports

CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. – Having defeated its East Robertson opponents last season, Clarksville Academy reunited with the Lady Indians for their first District 10-A matchup this year.

East Robertson, though, came into Tuesday’s match with an undefeated district record and the Lady Cougars (9-5, 7-4) couldn’t give the Lady Indians (19-9, 8-0) their first loss.

East Robertson came away with a 25-16, 25-16, 25-22 victory at Clarksville Academy.

“We definitely had serving errors tonight,” Clarksville Academy coach Lori Tooley said. “Our communication wasn’t there, so we had balls drop in the gaps. When we get our passes down, we have some strong hitters. We are a good hitting team. We have to have our passes down before we can get our hits.”

The Lady Cougars lost five seniors to graduation and came out with a new lineup of players.

The Lady Cougars worked hard to avoid the sweep in the third set. They took a five-point lead before the Lady Indians tied the score 15-15. The squads stayed tied for a while before the Lady Indians came away with a three-point margin to win the match.

“I think we played well and that we could have beaten them,” Clarksville Academy’s Sedona Tooley said. “We beat them in the past, but we could beat them in the district tournament. They’re fun to play. It’s a challenge, but it’s a lot of fun to meet that challenge.”

“We are pleased with our game today,” Hope Askew said. “I thought we talked well. We passed well. We served well. I think that our attitude this year is so much better, and I do believe that we could beat them because we beat them in the past. I’m proud of my team.”

Despite losing their fourth district game of the season, Tooley and Askew both said they believe they can take the district during the tournament, and that they’re a much improved team from years past.

“This year we can get ourselves up instead of go down emotionally rather than we did in the past,” Tooley said.

“We had other players get down, but this team that we’re on we’re so much better emotionally, so we can pump ourselves back up again.”

Said Askew, “Our attitude last year and the year in the past has been a roller coaster emotionally, but this year if we get down we get right back up. We try to stay on top instead of sinking down again. Our attitude is much better.”

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