By Rick Assad

In what is expected to be a strong showing from the three local boys’ basketball teams this season based on talent and experience, Burroughs High, Burbank and Providence are ready to make its mark.

Pasadena, which is coming off a 19-8 overall mark and 8-1 for second place in the Pacific League, advanced to the second round of the CIF Southern Section Division II and is led by senior Joshua Irving, a 6-10 center who will play for Texas A&M.

The Bears have a new head coach, Jason Weatherall, and he has the team primed after a disappointing season a year ago in which the team went 5-22 and 0-8 in Pacific league play.

Burroughs has nine seniors, and they are wing Elliot Lawrence, wing Ethan Cooper, wing Ethan Lanier, wing Kane Le-Cabico, point guard Teagan Bradford, guard Cedric Valdez, guard Justin Herrera, guard Nico Meza, forward Weston Davis and point guard Nathan Rodriguez.

There are four juniors, and they include guard Chace Greene, wing Will Rowan, forward Lucas Lungu and forward Will Anderson.

There is one sophomore, shooting guard Rehaan Parikh and one freshman guard Colin Campion.

“Our expectations are to build on the experiences of last year and work to make our program something that the players, coaches, families, campus and community are proud of,” Weatherall said. “In the league, we know we are going to be battling three or four teams for third through eighth place given the fact we lost every game last season.”

Weatherall is confident this season will be much better.

“We expect to battle for any of those spots,” he said. “With the senior cast that we have returning, we should be poised for a better league finish than last year.”

Weatherall feels the leadership is there and that this is something to build upon.

“We will be led by our combo Elliot Lawrence, our sharpshooting wing Ethan Cooper, combo wing Evan Lanier, and our impact transfer point guard Justin Herrera,” he said. “Each player brings a unique skill set to the table that is essential for winning games.”

Burbank had a solid campaign a year ago after carving out a 21-8 record and 4-4 in league action for fifth place.

The Bulldogs qualified for the playoffs and fell in the opening round to host Hemet 90-69.

The team consists of seven seniors and they are shooting guard/small Anthony Jawiche, small forward Blake Finnigan, forward Giordan Lewis, shooting guard Nick Niazi, point guard Cris Ong, point guard Jon Isip and point guard Arthur Khachatryan.

There are six juniors and they are power forward Imani Young-Smith, point guard Jon Ong, point guard Jason Campos, shooting guard/small forward Alec Knight, shooting guard Kaleb Walker and point guard Avo Papikyan.

There is one sophomore, and he is shooting guard Lucas Gordzholadze and one freshman, point guard Niko Kimenyen.

Steve Eshleman is Burbank’s head coach and knows the season is going to be exciting and also believes it’s also going to be productive.

“The league itself is really strong and balanced this season,” he said. “We’ve got an extremely aggressive nonleague schedule so it will be interesting to see how that plays out.”

Eshleman will count on several leaders to show the way.

“Anthony Jawiche, Jon and Cris Ong are our returning starters but we are looking for a wide variety of players who have improved their skills during the offseason to step up and contribute,” he noted. “It should be an interesting season for sure.”

Providence, which went 14-13 and 6-1 in the Prep League for second place has left that league and will now compete in the Independence League.

The Pioneers went to the Division III quarterfinals are beating host Whitney 64-41 and host La Salle 53-51 before losing to visiting San Dimas 65-64.

The Pioneers boast seven seniors, and they are Riley Murphy, Griffin Berschneider, J.P. Birotte, Josh Coen, Leonardo Eliasian, Eze Kiel and Zeven Haskins.

Three juniors and they are Madden Velasco, Stephan Abrahamyan and Isaiah Kim and one sophomore, Bishop Thompkins.

Anthony Cosby is Providence’s head coach and looks forward to his team taking the floor.

“I’m excited and welcome the new challenge of this basketball season. I really like my team,” he said. “We’re battle tested, have great winning attitudes and expect success.”

Cosby knows his team is going to give great effort and hopes the results are good.

“I think our consistent hard work and preparation has put us in a good position to compete for a league title,” he stated. “We’re a mature team full of experienced talent that’s battle tested and has playoff experience. I pray we stay healthy, united and focused.”

Cosby added: “The new league is full of great talent and fantastic competitive coaches that I greatly admire and respect,” he said. “I wish everyone great success and health.”

Mr. Robert “Bob” Eggert, age 81, passed away on December 5, 2025, in Ortonville, Michigan. Born on September 16, 1944, in Wyandotte, Michigan, Bob lived a life marked by dedication to his family, his work, and his community.

A devoted father and grandfather, Bob was the loving father of Stacey Eggert, Benjamin Eggert, Jon (Shana) Eggert, and William (Tessa Nemzek) Eggert. He was the proud Papa of Ellie, Aria, Lilah, and Alexandria. His presence at every game, concert, recital, or special event was a testament to how deeply he valued family. Whether cheering from the sidelines or offering a high five after a performance or match, Bob showed up-always.

Bob built a successful career as an orthodontic instruments and supplies salesman, covering the states of Michigan, Indiana, and Ohio. He thrived during an era when personal relationships were the cornerstone of business. Through countless miles traveled and face-to-face meetings with clients and colleagues, Bob earned a reputation for reliability and warmth. His hard work not only provided well for his family but also allowed him to enjoy the lake life he loved so much.

Bob’s commitment to community service was unwavering. When his children were young, he could often be found coaching their baseball, softball, or soccer teams. As they grew older, he became known as the voice of Ortonville sports-announcing baseball games, junior football games, and varsity football games for Brandon High School with enthusiasm and heart.

His involvement extended beyond youth sports. Bob played an integral role in American Legion Baseball and was especially dedicated to the Chief Pontiac baseball team. He took pride in maintaining its field with care and precision and helped organize tournaments that brought people together from across the region. He also presented scholarships and awards to young athletes-an act that reflected his belief in supporting future generations.

Bob’s civic engagement included active membership in both the Lions Club and the VFW. Bob was especially proud of providing a man with a wheelchair while he was involved in the Lions Club. At Septemberfest in Ortonville each year, you could find Bob volunteering in the beer tent with a smile on his face. As a veteran of the U.S. Army who served in the Vietnam War, Bob marched proudly in the Memorial Day parade for many years and most recently delivered patriotic speeches at the cemetery honoring those who served with dignity and respect.

He also contributed to local development through his work with the Blackhawk Community Trails Committee. Around town, Bob was a familiar face at beloved local establishments like Escamilla Amigos, Bullfrogs Bar, China Fare, Village Pub, and O’Malleys—places where he supported small businesses while connecting with anyone and everyone.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents Harold and Madelyn Eggert and his brother Bill.

Those who knew Bob will remember him as disciplined, funny, goofy, full of energy, kindhearted—and above all else-present. His legacy is his strong voice echoing from ballfields; his cheers from bleachers; his amazing dance moves; his quiet acts of service that strengthened the community; and unwavering support for those he loved most.

May his memory bring comfort to all who knew him and continue to inspire acts of kindness and dedication in others’ lives.

The family will receive friends on Thursday from 4:00 to 8:00 PM at Village Funeral Home; 135 South Street Ortonville. Funeral service with military honors will be held on Friday, December 12, 2025, 11:00 AM at the Funeral Home

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the American Legion-Chief Pontiac in Clarkston, the Ortonville Lions Club, or the VFW Post 582. You can also donate to the Michigan American Legion Foundation. supportmilegion.org/

Friends of Marblehead Basketball is proud to announce the 4th annual Tip-Off Nights, taking place on Tuesday, Dec. 16 for the girls program and Thursday, Dec. 18 for the boys program. Both events begin at 7 p.m. in the Marblehead High School Field House and will mark the first home game of the season for each team.

The goal of Tip-Off Night is to bring the Marblehead basketball community together and officially kick off a new season. In keeping with tradition, the evening will feature special performances and community involvement, including the national anthem sung by Anya Kane, a 2025 MHS graduate and current American University student.

At halftime, Girls and Boys Youth Basketball players, as well as members of the Unified Basketball team, are invited to participate on the court — highlighting Marblehead’s commitment to inclusivity, youth development and community connection within the sport.

Fans can look forward to a lively atmosphere with concessions and shirt and spirit wear give-aways throughout the night. Families, alumni and basketball supporters across town are encouraged to come out and help launch what is anticipated to be an exciting and competitive season for both the girls and boys teams.

Editor Leigh Blander is an experienced TV, radio and print journalist.

Related

Transformative Multi-Sport Experience Led by one of Oregon’s Most Respected Athletes Launches Summer 2026

SAN RAFAEL, CA, UNITED STATES, December 8, 2025 /EINPresswire.com/ — US Sports Camps (USSC), the nation’s largest youth sports camp network and official provider of Nike Sports Camps, is excited to announce a new partnership with Anthony Newman to introduce an expanded lineup of Nike Multi-Sport & Recreation Camps to the Portland area, launching summer 2026. This collaboration marks a significant milestone in USSC’s mission to grow high-quality multi-sport programming nationwide and to partner with athletes who embody the values of mentorship, character, and long-term athletic development.

Anthony Newman, a University of Oregon Athletic Hall of Famer, respected Portland community leader, and former NFL defensive back, is one of the most accomplished athletes in Oregon history. After earning national recognition as a star baseball and football prospect at Beaverton High School, Newman chose to play football for the Oregon Ducks, was named First-team All-Pac-10, and helped elevate the program to national prominence. His 12-year NFL career as a safety with the Los Angeles Rams, New Orleans Saints, and Oakland Raiders further established his reputation as a leader and role model for young athletes.

“For me, giving back through sports has always been about opening doors for kids and showing them how much joy and confidence come from trying new things,” said Anthony Newman. “Partnering with US Sports Camps allows us to create an environment where every kid feels supported, challenged, and inspired. I am proud to help bring a true multi-sport experience to Portland.”

The partnership reflects USSC’s core belief in the power of multi-sport development. By exposing young athletes to a diverse range of experiences, USSC aims to support long-term athletic growth, creativity, and physical confidence. Teaming up with a respected and deeply rooted local figure like Newman strengthens that mission and expands access to best-in-class youth programming for families throughout the Pacific Northwest and beyond.

“Anthony reflects everything we believe multi-sport experiences can offer young athletes,” said Dr. Nora Osei, Senior Director of US Sports Camps. “He is a teacher, a mentor, and a builder of community. Partnering with him allows us to deliver a premium multi-sport environment that builds confidence, helps kids explore new skills, and shows them what is possible through movement and play.”

Hosted on the Catlin Gabel School campus, Nike Multi-Sport and Recreation Camps with Anthony Newman will offer an immersive, high-energy experience for all genders, ages 6 to 13, starting July 6, 2026. Campers will engage in a wide variety of sports and recreational activities designed to strengthen fundamental athletic skills, encourage curiosity, and inspire a lifelong love of physical activity.

As US Sports Camps celebrates more than 50 years of shaping young athletes through high-quality instruction and transformational camp experiences, its partnership with Anthony Newman cements the organization’s ongoing commitment to innovation in youth sports development. By combining USSC’s decades-long leadership in sports education with Newman’s deep influence and passion for mentoring the next generation, the Nike Multi-Sport and Recreation Camps will provide families with a trusted, inspiring space for kids to learn, grow, and thrive. This collaboration reinforces USSC’s belief in the power of multi-sport experiences and sets the stage for meaningful impact across the nation.

For more information, dates, and to register, visit ussportscamps.com/welcome/anthony-newman/

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About US Sports Camps
US Sports Camps (USSC), headquartered in San Rafael, Calif., is America’s largest sports camp network and the licensed provider of Nike Sports Camps for the past 30 years. The company has offered sports camps since 1975 with the same mission that defines it today: to shape a lifelong enjoyment of athletics through high-quality sports education and skills enhancement. USSC is part of the Youth Enrichment Brands (YEB) network, which aims to enrich, empower, and inspire kids by delivering best-in-class sports, academic, and creative experiences. Other brands in the YEB network include i9 Sports, the nation’s largest multi-sport provider of youth sports leagues, SafeSplash Swim School, the world’s largest operator and franchisor of swim schools, and School of Rock, the leader in performance-based music education.

Brynna Powell
Proof PR
yeb@proof-pr.com

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NORTH OLMSTED — As a kid, Cavaliers small forward Max Strus used to be taken by his uncle to community events for the Chicago Bears, often involving bowling. He had such fond memories of those days that he hoped to be able to organize similar events as his career progressed.

And so the Max Strus Family Foundation Bowl the Land event was created in 2024. The second annual event was held Dec. 7 at RollHouse in North Olmsted, and it featured the entire Cavaliers team and coach Kenny Atkinson, who all showed up in support.

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“When I was I younger, I grew up going to events, and it was called Bowl with the Bears. My uncle was with Blue Cross Blue Shield and he’d buy a lane and bring us,” Strus said. “So to do that, have a bunch of kids here, hopefully they’ll remember this for the rest of their lives as well.”

Proceeds from the event will benefit local programs supporting education, youth sports, health care, cancer research and mental health resources. Families and organizations who want to be a part of the experience are teamed up with a Cavaliers player for a round of bowling.

“We have a pedestal that we’re put on when you’re in this environment,” Strus said. “How you use your platform is special to me, and this is how I want to do it, how I was raised to do it. So having this platform to be able to speak out, be a light in the community and create a sense of community for all is all I’m trying to do.”

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Strus has yet to make his season debut with the Cavs after offseason foot surgery, which also prevented him from bowling during his family foundation’s event, but he was able to meet everyone who came. Teammates took on the responsibility of bowling on his behalf.

“It just shows you about our team. We’re all in it for the right reasons,” Strus said. “We’re all doing it the right way and trying to help each other out with our endeavors.”

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Cleveland Cavs’ Max Strus hosts 2nd annual Bowl the Land event