SPOKANE, Wash. — One of the nation’s top high school basketball recruits in the class of 2026 will make a trip to Gonzaga in June as he continues his college recruiting process.

Ikenna Alozie, a five-star recruit ranked No. 9 overall and the No. 2 shooting guard in the class of 2026 by ESPN, told Joe Tipton of On3 Sports that he plans to visit Gonzaga next month. The 6-foot-2 Glendale, Arizona, native is navigating a new recruiting relationship with the Zags.

“I still don’t know much yet because they started recruiting me late,” Alozie told On3.com. “So it’s a new program and new recruitment process for me.”

Alozie holds offers from several programs, including Kansas, Alabama, Arizona, LSU, Tennessee, Washington, Creighton, BYU, Bryant and Cincinnati. He is also reportedly looking to visit Kentucky, Louisville and Houston.

Alozie will enter his senior year at Dream City Christian next season, an elite prep school in Glendale.

In late April, he earned First Team honors at the Nike Elite Youth Basketball League after averaging 21.7 points per game on 62.2% shooting, along with 5.7 rebounds and 1.3 assists per game.

On Sunday, May 25th, we participated in the ” Kids Sports Festival ” sponsored by Ibaraki City, held at the North Ground of Ibaraki City Central Park.

Ibaraki City held the “Kids Sports Festival” again this year with the aim of providing children with an opportunity to try out a variety of sports so that they can find the sport that suits them best, and of fostering children who will continue to play sports.
Due to the rain that had been falling until the morning of the day, the event started two hours late, but about 150 children, from preschoolers to sixth graders, participated in the soccer class and enjoyed playing soccer with the GAMBA OSAKA school coaches.

We would like to thank Ibaraki City and the Ibaraki City Youth Sports Club for hosting this soccer class, and to all the children and parents who participated.
GAMBA OSAKA will continue to work towards becoming a club that is rooted in the community and loved by everyone in its hometown.

AS Roma have accused former club player and current Fiorentina striker Nicolo Zaniolo of showing up to the club’s capital facilities intoxicated, urinating in the dressing room and assaulting two youth players, sending both of them to the hospital on Monday.

Roma released the following statement on Tuesday:

“On the evening of May 26, following the Primavera semi-final match Fiorentina vs AS Roma at Viola Park, Nicolò Zaniolo (Fiorentina first team) unlawfully entered the Roma dressing room area accompanied by an associate, despite lacking accreditation,” Roma said in a statement.

“Witnesses report Zaniolo appeared visibly intoxicated. He urinated in Roma facilities, provoked players, and, without verbal exchange, physically struck Mattia Almaviva and violently pushed Marco Litti against a bench. Litti had recently undergone shoulder surgery. Both players required hospitalization: Almaviva received a 10-day recovery prognosis, Litti 21 days.”

Zaniolo has denied this, saying he walked away after being insulted.

“At the end of the match I went down to the locker room to congratulate the Fiorentina boys and then I went to the Roma locker room to say hello and congratulate them on the season, but at a certain point they started insulting me so, at that point, to avoid the situation degenerating, I preferred to leave,” he said. 

Zaniolo played for AS Roma from 2018 to 2023 before moving to Galatasaray. After that, he played on loan to Aston Villa, Atalanta and for Fiorentina in the last six months, playing 13 games in all competitions.   

Next steps

Given the complexity of this situation, it’s tough to tell what’s next but in Roma’s statement, they include backing their players and hoping that institutions will act to ensure accountability and protect the values of Italian soccer. 

Craig Richard Lawrence died recently in a tragic accident in his home. He was 66 years old. The family is deeply saddened and shocked by his sudden death and the loss of his light in our lives. Craig was born on April 19, 1959, in Nashua, NH. He graduated from Hollis Area High School, received his Bachelor of Science from the Thompson School at the University of New Hampshire and received his Master’s of Fine Arts in English and Writing at Salem State College in Massachusetts.

Craig was an avid reader, writer and musical creator. He loved growing things, gardening, landscaping and walking in nature. He was passionate about being a good father to his son Gavin and his animal family; Shy, Miles, Gary and Nelson. Often combining those passions by taking his son and dog to the beach or for walks on the reservation trails throughout the North Shore of Massachusetts. Craig was excited that his love of music was being taken up by his son. He and Gavin spent the past few years with guitars and learning songs together. Craig was also an avid sports fan. He loved going to watch his son play High School Hockey and Lacrosse, College Lacrosse and even just shooting hoops in the back yard. Craig’s passion for listening to and creating music became something he integrated into his career.

Craig spent a lifetime working in criminal justice in Massachusetts in the Department of Youth Services and MA Probation Services trying to help youths to navigate life and the court system in Massachusetts. He was a leading force in the music program in the Department of Youth Services. Craig most recently used his love of music to be part of a program that brought a voice and an outlet of expression to incarcerated young men who have fallen through the cracks of society. He firmly believed that music could be an integral part of healing to those who needed it.

Craig felt that giving to others from his own experience was vital. He did this in his work, in his mentoring of budding young musicians and athletes and in helping those who struggle in life. He served as a mentor to many with integrity and kindness and was a friend of Bill W.

Craig is survived by his son, Gavin Lawrence of Westford, MA. His sisters, Gail Lawrence of Wilmington, NC and Elizabeth James (and her husband Jack James) of Wilmington, NC. His brother, Daniel Lawrence (and his wife Kate Lawrence and two children; Charlotte and Tucker Lawrence) of Manchester, MA. His niece and nephew, Emma Rosen and Lucas Rosen. His former wife, Kim (Howe) Lawrence of Westford MA and his girlfriend, Ellen Link of Boston MA. Along with a multitude of friends.

He is preceded in death by his mother, Janet (Primeau) Lawrence of Hollis NH and father, William Lawrence also of Hollis NH.

Craig was a very special father, husband, brother, and friend. He will be sorely missed but at least we can take comfort that he is now free, in body, mind and spirit.

Join us to celebrate his life and the many ways he shared his time, talents and love at Lawrence Barn Community Center 28 Depot Road Hollis, NH on June 4th at 11:30 am. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to https://thetrustees.org/.

For those who cannot attend but wish to share memories or express gratitude, thoughts, prayers or photographs can be sent to www.davisfuneralhomenh.com and we will post these on a wall to share at the celebration.

MARQUETTE — Thousands of Upper Peninsula children ages 6-18 years and, indeed, many more below the Mackinac Bridge, will benefit from a state program this summer that provides direct benefits to families that can be used for food.

The Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer program, also known as SUN Bucks, is in force June, July and August, helping to ensure children have access to nutritious food while school is out, Michigan Department of Health and Human Services officials interviewed by The Mining Journal noted.

Funding for the program, which costs about $97 million per summer statewide, originates with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service. USDA must approve the expenditure annually. This will be the second year the program will be in effect.

“It’s mostly automatic,” said Dwayne Haywood, MDHHS senior deputy director for the Economic Stability Administration, said of the qualification process. “In 2024 … about 800,000 kids were enrolled.”

Of that number, 19,696 were from the U.P., costing $2.36 million.

Families that were, are or will be receiving SNAP (food benefits), TANF (cash assistance), or Medicaid anytime between (July 1, 2024-Aug. 31, 2025) are eligible. Additionally, persons who are categorically entitled (such as foster children, homeless, migrant or runaways) are also eligible. So are children who have been approved for free/reduced price meals with their school due to direct certification or an approved school meal application.

Recipients aren’t going to get rich on the program as just $40 per child per month is provided. Funding is being dispersed starting this month.

“The money is automatically (posted)” to Bridge cards, said MDHHS spokeswoman Erin Stover.

Benefits must be used within 122 days of issuance. Unused benefits will expire after this period and cannot be reinstated, officials said. SUN Bucks can be used at any store or farmer’s market that accepts EBT, including select online retailers.

Medicaid recipients’ income must be at or below 185% of the federal poverty level. For more information on the SUN Bucks program, including detailed eligibility criteria and application instructions, please visit the MDHHS Summer EBT page at Summer EBT.

Bud Sargent can be reached at 906-228-2500. His email address is bsargent@miningjournal.net

• SPIRIT LAKE PARKS AND RECREATION

Soccer 

May 21

7&8s

NextHome 365 Realty vs. Mi Pueblo Mexican Restaurant; Scoring for Mi Pueblo was Chet Small 2. There were no scores for NextHome.

Encompass Electric vs. Bazzar Tech Repair; Scoring for Encompass Electric were Thorin Hill 3, Adrian Persyn 1, and Everett Warner 1.

• HAYDEN RECREATION AND COMMUNITY EVENTS

Soccer

May 20

U8 Coed

Cannon Hill Industries: No Stats Available

New Leaf Nursery: No Stats Available

North Idaho Eye: Dance Shepherd 1-goal; Elio Estes 3-goals; Cameron Nelson 2-goals

SCJ Alliance: No Stats Available

U10 Coed

Barton Flooring & Trim LLC: Aiden Barton 1-goal

Bighouse Automotive: Jadon Peterson 1-goal

Ginno Construction: Peyton Kaplan 3-goals; Gaizka Ugarte 2-goals

Merlin’s Comedy Club: Adalynn Hamilton 1-goal; Billy Kearns 4-goals

U15 Coed

Chomper Cafe: No Stats Available

MGT Professional Tree Care: Brooke Grey-Trask 1-goal; Oliver Salie 1-goal; Lillee Ward 2-goals

Urban Edge Salon: Preston Dunn 1-goal; Beckham Hayes 6-goals; Ryder Morrison 1-goal

Ziply Fiber: Anthony Mills 2-goals; Banyan Sisson 1-goal

May 21

U8 Coed

Alpine Village School & Farms: Bodhi Christopherson 1-goal; Luca Clark 1-goal

Back 40 Real Estate Investments: Tatum Turnbull 1-goal

Hubof’s Landscaping: Vaughn Barnes 2-goals

Powerhouse Electric: Piper Jett 1-goal; Lewis Truman 1-goal

U10 Coed

Cannon Hill Industries: Aiden Jefferys 1-goal

CDA Heating & Cooling: No Stats Available

North Idaho Aircraft Refinishing: Ethan Anderson 1-goal; Carson Molyneaux 1-goal

Viking Construction: No Stats Available

U12 Coed

Manna Sourdough: Izzik Babak 1-goal; Josiah Babak 1-goal; Valor Cale 1-goal; Charlie Clyde 1-goal

Zip’s Drive In: Jackson Adams 1-goal; Eli Tolson 1-goal

• REAL LIFE SPORTS

Championship Week

Soccer

May 20

At The Fields at Real Life

Youth 1/2 Grade Division Soccer

1/2 Grade Division

Game 1

Green Snakes – 

Thunder Lions  – 

Game 2

Firehawks – 2

Raging Bulls – 3

Game 3

Fire Eagles – 1

Lightning Bolts – 3

Game 4

Lightning Gladiators – 2

The Americans – 6

Game 5

Americans Eagles – 4

Cannonballs – 2

Game 6

Goal Smashers – 4

Wolves – 4

Youth 3/4 Grade Division Soccer

3/4 Grade Division

Game 1

The Black Dragons – 1

Bombers – 2

Game 2

Team USA – 6

Jaguars – 0

Game 3

Strikers – 2

Tigers – 4

Game 4

Torpedoes – 6

Firehawks – 2

Youth 5/6 Grade Division Soccer

5/6 Grade Division

Game 1

Fire and Ice – 2

Chicken Jockeys -3

Game 2

The Dragons – 4

Bulldogs – 6

Game 3

Falcons – 5

Americans – 4

Volleyball

May 19

At The Courts at Real Life

Youth 3-5 Grade Division Volleyball

3-5 Grade Division

Game 1

Lightning Ladies – 1

Super Spikers – 2

Game 2

US Spikers – 1

Court Queens -2

Game 3

The Americans  – 2

Diving Dolphins – 1

Game 4

Sunsetters – 0

Fire Sisters – 3 

Game 5

Starblasters – 2

Fire Chickens -1 

Youth 6-8 Grade Division Volleyball

6-8 Grade Division

Game 1

Hot Porcupines – 2

North Idaho Glory – 1

Game 2

Tiger Titans – 0

The Smashers – 3

Submit items for youth and non-varsity high school sports by noon Tuesday for publication Wednesday. Email stories and photos (in .jpg format) to sports@cdapress.com. 

Information: 208-664-8176, Ext. 1205 

   Courtesy photo The AA Red Sox baseball from Coeur d’Alene Little Lleague recently completed an undefeated season. In the front row from left are Theo Briner, Cam Bennett, Jackson Trail, Brendan Everson, Austin Schindelbeck, Tanner McLeod and Ben Taylor; middle row from left, Blake Niles, Rebel Larson, Connor Gregg, Ryatt Maestas and Henry Mandel; and back row from left, coaches Erich Schindelbeck, Mike Gregg and Chase Bennett. Not pictured is Grant Anderson.
 

    Courtesy photo The Lake City Thunder 14U softball team went undefeated (6-0) last weekend to win the 11-team Lake City Early Bird Tournament in Post Falls, putting up over 80 runs, posting a team batting average of .497, and limiting the other team to a .183 batting average in their first tournament of the season. In the front row from left are Ollie Dudley, Shasta Ackerman, Ella Ferguson, Tessa Lovell and Avah Gonzales; back row from left, assistant coach Adam Gonzales, Savanah Stevens, Katie Nave, Sophie Wasley, Raegan Masters, Reese Vanek, Addie Lisenbe and assistant coach Rich Dudley; and rear, head coach Dwayne Curry.

    Courtesy photo The 14U Coeur d’Alene Lumbermen baseball team finished in second place in the gold bracket last weekend at the Memorial Day Super Bash tournament in Spokane. In the front (kneeling) is Kyle Everson; second row from left, Blake Anderson, Clay Larwin, JJ Larson, Josh Gomez, Jack Kreis, Kovack Dolan, Nash Russell and Levi Miller; and back row from left, manager Dave Everson, Cooper Fordham, Trent Lilyquist, coach Jon Larson, Ricky Bateman, Caleb Brumbach and coach Jeff Kreis.
  

    Courtesy photo This past Saturday, the BVB IA CDA U9 girls soccer team earned a 6–3 win over WE Surf SC G7 White Bond at the Plante’s Ferry Sports Complex in Spokane Valley. In the front is Jane Buffum; standing from left, Esther Green, Kaia Lindenstein, Eva Bozinov, Sadie Lehosit, Elise Bozinov, Grace Looney, Reagan Zimmerman, Sadi Lewis and Nora Burt; and rear, coach Chelsie Dance.

    Courtesy photo Eighteen riders from the Kootenai Composite Youth Mountain Bike Team qualified for the Washington State Championship, and will compete in Gig Harbor, Wash., on Sunday. From left are Jen Fletcher, Jason McDevitt, Mark Burns, Emily Brown, Cal McDevitt, Stephen Carter, Jeff Fletcher, Aimee Cole, Miles Burns, Jack Mobbs, Al Castile, Linden Wilkinson, Cody Mobbs, Max Cole, Bob Lauer and Oliver Castile.

    Courtesy photo Eighteen riders from the Kootenai Composite Youth Mountain Bike Team qualified for the Washington State Championship, and will compete in Gig Harbor, Wash., on Sunday. From left are Greta McDevitt and Kennedy Cole.

    Courtesy photo Members of the Coeur d’Alene Lumbermen American Legion baseball program spent Memorial Day placing 221 flags at residences in the community in the morning, then collecting them at night. The flag project is a partnership with the Lumbermen and the Kiwanis club. It honors the nation by displaying flags in neighborhoods in Coeur d’Alene, and helps develop a service attitude in the players. Pictured are brothers Camden, Mason and Blake Anderson; Blake plays for the Lums 14U team.
  

    Courtesy photo Members of the Coeur d’Alene Lumbermen American Legion baseball program spent Memorial Day placing 221 flags at residences in the community in the morning, then collecting them at night. The flag project is a partnership with the Lumbermen and the Kiwanis club. It honors the nation by displaying flags in neighborhoods in Coeur d’Alene, and helps develop a service attitude in the players. From left are Kole Rodda, Brennan Jensen, Corbin Rodda and Maddix Witten.

    Photo by KATHY STERLING The last weekend of Spring League games started with the Sting U9 Boys Yellow soccer team playing an inter club game against the Sting U9 Boys Black Team at Hayden Meadows Elementary on Friday. The game ended with a Yellow team win of 8-4. Yellow Team goals were scored by Atlas Lepley (3), Jaxson Matheney (3), and Gideon Lee (2). Black Team Goals were scored by Jackson Martin (2), Kellen McLemore (1), and Leo Leferink (1). In the front row from left are Xavier Sousley, Leo Leferink, Jackson Martin, and Lincoln Sargent; second row from left, Emmett Cowan, Michah D’Alessandro, Isaak Sterling, Kellen McLemore, Hudson Helbling, Gideon Lee and Drew Fulton; third row from left, Elijah Cline, Oliver Lundy, Kevin Sahm, Atlas Lepley and Jaxson Matheney; and rear, coach Ian McKenna. The last game of the Spring League season ended with the Sting U9 Boys Yellow team beating the 90+ Project B2016 Jaramillo Team 8-5 on Sunday at Hayden Meadows Elementary. Yellow team goals were savored by Elijah Cline (1), Jaxson Matheney (3), Isaak Sterling (2) and, scoring for the first time this season, Lincoln Sargent (2).

    Photo by LONDON MALMSTADT Over the Mother’s Day weekend for the annual Bill Eisenwinter Hot Shot Tournament at the Plante’s Ferry Sports Complex in Spokane Valley, the Sting U9 Boys Black team made it into the Sunday finals. Friday’s game ended with a 5-3 win against the Spokane Shadow Juniors B2016 North Belles. Sting goals were scored by Jackson Martin (3), Lincoln Triebwasser (1) and Oliver Lundy (1). Saturday’s game against the Spokane Sounders Shadow Junior B2016 Van Der Lawson Valley Team ended with a 6-1 loss, with the Sting goal scored by Jackson Martin. Sunday’s semifinals game ended with a 4-1 win against the Sandpoint Strikers FC U08 Red Team, with all four Sting goals scored by Lincoln Triebwasser. Sunday afternoon’s championship game against the Spokane Shadow Juniors B2016 Van Der Lawson Valley Team ended with a 5-2 loss. Both Sting goals were scored by Jackson Martin. From left are coach Ian McKenna, Peter Ward, Jaiden Abdurahmanov, Wesson Malmstadt, Oliver Lundy, Jackson Martin, Kevin Sahm, Emmett Cowan, Leo Leferink, Lincoln Triebwasser, Kellen McLemore and Drew Fulton.

    Courtesy photo The Coeur d’Alene Crush 10U softball team went 5-0 to win the Lake City Early Bird tournament this past weekend in Coeur d’Alene. This is their second tournament win in a row. In the front row from left are Vinni Gongora, Lyla Atteberry, Kamryn Corbey, Harper Andersen, Isla Wearne and Quinn Burrill; and back row from left, coach Kara Hicks, Lily Ratcliffe, Addy Johnson, Madi West, Davy Hicks, Aliya Pennock, Brianna Wilson and head coach Joe Corbey.
 

    Courtesy photo Jossetta Williams, 15, right, a freshman at Coeur d’Alene High, won the US Kids 2025 Spring Championship and Points leader of the season in the Girls 15-18 division with an 83 at Latah Creek Golf Course in Spokane. Faith Sampson, 17, left, of Pullman, finished second with an 84. Kinsley Meier of Hayden was fourth with a 93, and Alivia Garcia of Hayden was fifth with a 101.