Professional Sports
Top Seed Jessica Pegula Rallies To Oust Defending Champ Danielle Collins In Charleston
World number four Jessica Pegula rallied from a set and a break down to beat defending champion Danielle Collins 1-6, 6-3, 6-0 on Friday and reach the semi-finals of he WTA clay court tournament in Charleston, South Carolina. “That was tough,” said Pegula, who trailed 6-1, 2-0 but won 10 of the last 13 games […]


World number four Jessica Pegula rallied from a set and a break down to beat defending champion Danielle Collins 1-6, 6-3, 6-0 on Friday and reach the semi-finals of he WTA clay court tournament in Charleston, South Carolina. “That was tough,” said Pegula, who trailed 6-1, 2-0 but won 10 of the last 13 games — including the last nine to close out the contest. “Obviously she can play well here,” Pegula said. “She’s defending champion and she came out firing. I was not ready for that at all.
“Luckily I ws able to dig my heels into that second set and play some good tennis.”
Pegula said the key to turning things around was mixing up her shots and “smart serving”.
“She was returning unbelievable, just hitting winner, winner, winner off my serve and I had to figure out a way to get my placement a little bit better,” Pegula said.
Pegula, the top seed, booked a semi-final meeting with Russian Ekaterina Alexandrova, who beat Paris Olympics gold medallist Zheng Qinwen of China 6-1, 6-4.
Alexandrova reached her third semi-final of the season with her third win in three meetings with Zheng, the third seed.
Alexandrova saved all three break points she faced and converted three of her five break points against the Chinese star, who hit just eight winners and had treatment on her right arm during the first set.
American Sofia Kenin, the 2020 Australian Open champion, also reached the semi-finals, beating Russian Anna Kalinskaya 6-4, 6-3.
Kenin, who is through to the semis for the first time since Tokyo last year, will next face American eighth seed Amanda Anisimova in the last four. Anisimova advanced with a 7-5, 7-6 (7/1) defeat of fourth seed Emma Navarro.
(This story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Topics mentioned in this article
High School Sports
Fland on Brand in Working Back to Health
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – After watching his guys Euro-step through dummies and toss in a flurry of floaters, Taurean Green called for an extended 3-point shooting drill. For the next 25 minutes, sophomore Boogie Fland and freshman CJ Ingram launched long balls, with Fland, the combo guard, dropping 14 of 15 in one late stretch before Green […]

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – After watching his guys Euro-step through dummies and toss in a flurry of floaters, Taurean Green called for an extended 3-point shooting drill. For the next 25 minutes, sophomore Boogie Fland and freshman CJ Ingram launched long balls, with Fland, the combo guard, dropping 14 of 15 in one late stretch before Green wrapped the session.
“Feeling good,” Fland nodded as he left the floor Friday. “Oh yeah.”
Green, the Florida assistant coach and director of player development, flashed a smile.
“He’s getting there,” Green grinned.
There means healthy. For now, that’s the goal. Period. The basketball package is in place. No one will doubt that. But for Fland, the 6-foot-2, 184-pound combo guard and projected heir to first-team All American, Final Four Most Outstanding Player and NCAA champion Walter Clayton Jr. as the Gators’ PG1, the 2025-26 season is about feeling whole for the first time in his brief collegiate career.
Fland, who just turned 19 last month, came to UF through the transfer portal and via Southeastern Conference rival Arkansas, where a year ago he was a heralded freshman and – out of New York City – one of the top play-making prospects in the country. The only point guards ranked ahead of Fland in his recruiting class were Dylan Harper (Rutgers) and Egor Demin (Brigham Young), both of whom had outstanding statistical freshman seasons and were selected second and eighth, respectively, in the 2025 NBA Draft.
A similar one-and-done trajectory was Fland’s plan, but he arrived at Arkansas last summer with a tender hernia that he eventually (with input from team doctors) chose to play through. That was quite the task for a guy who thrived on explosiveness and elite speed, but Fland made due. Then came a thumb injury early in SEC play, half a season on the sidelines, a return to action in the NCAA Tournament and, eventually, a change of scenery.
Now, it’s about a new season, new challenge and new team – at 100 percent. Hernia surgery was seven weeks ago. Fland has been on the floor for workouts for two weeks. He’s been a regular in the weight room in an effort to put on more muscle (13 pounds, so far). He’s on schedule to be cleared for the start preseason drills, which start Thursday, the first day of UF fall semester classes.
(From @BoogieFland YouTube channel)
“I’ve always kind of played through stuff. You want to be tough,” said Fland, who in May pulled out of the NBA evaluation process to become a last-minute – and highly coveted – addition to the transfer portal. “So, I just feel like, this year, if I can start healthy and stay healthy and do everything to prevent those injuries – from being in the training room, investing in my body and believing in everything we’re doing here – that it will make a big difference. And I believe I am invested in everything we’re trying to do here.”
The feeling is mutual.
“He’s definitely a great NBA prospect, and a guy that I anticipate not being on this campus for a long time,” UF coach Todd Golden said of a player whose game scouts have likened to NBA stars Darius Garland and Tyrese Maxey. “If he has a good year next [season], I would anticipate him moving on, which is awesome, and my hope is that we can help him get to that goal.”
The Gators, in looking to fill the voids left by Clayton and his remarkable perimeter mates, Alijah Martin and Will Richard, got a good one out of the portal early in Princeton’s Xaivian Lee, a first-team All-Ivy League selection. With a plan in place to move forward Thomas Haugh out to Richard’s wing spot, the roster appeared set, but then senior guard Denzel Aberdeen, set to take over at the point, surprised the UF coaches and bolted for Kentucky, thus leaving a huge hole on the ball.
On that front, the addition of Fland was an orange and blue windfall. He’s the first former McDonald’s All American to join the program since Scottie Lewis and Tre Mann in 2019. He is one of only consensus two top-20 prep prospects (along with Lewis) to come to Florida since Billy Donovan bolted to coach in the NBA.
“I thought he was a bucket when I first saw him in high school. A guy who was shooting a ton of 3s and attacking the basket,” said Florida associate head coach Korey McCray, who tutors the backcourt players. “But he’s become such a complete guard; score, shoot, pass, facilitate, smart and one of the best assist-to-turnover guys in the SEC last year. He’s just very talented … and really, really fast.”
Johnuel Fland loved to dance as a toddler. So much that his mother nicknamed him “Boogie.” It stuck. So did his moves, the shaking and baking of which translated to the courts in the Bronx, New York, where Fland led Archbishop Stepinac to consecutive Catholic High School Association titles as a junior and senior and was named Most Valuable Player of the finals in both years. As a senior, he averaged 19.2 points, 6.5 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 2.4 steals per game. Fland originally signed early with Kentucky, but backed out when John Calipari made the stunning jump to Arkansas after the ’23-24 season. Fland was one of five current or incoming Wildcats who followed “Coach Cal” to Fayetteville.

Despite dealing with some discomfort from the hernia, Fland was averaging 15.5 points, 5.9 assists and 3.6 rebounds when he injured his thumb Jan. 11 in a 71-63 home loss to the Gators. He had 15 points, four assists and played through the pain that game, as well as two games after that, before undergoing surgery 10 days later. He missed 15 games before returning for the NCAA Tournament, starting with an upset of 7-seed Kansas, but a rusty Fland managed just 12 points on 4-for-18 shooting over his three tournament games, including an overtime loss to Texas Tech in the Sweet 16.
“It was a season filled with ups and downs. I loved my teammates, but trust, I think, was something we kind of lacked, but we pushed through,” Fland said. “When I got back [from the injury], everybody was playing their best, so I wasn’t looking to fill a greater role. I just wanted to fit in the best I could. It ended up being a rewarding season and I feel like everybody took something from it, as far as life’s lessons. For me, I did a lot of self-evaluation.”
The mirror-gazing lasted through his flirtation with the NBA — feedback was luke warm — and into his time in the portal. The Razorbacks wanted their point guard back, but Golden and his coaches hit a home run in their meeting with Fland and laid out their vision for his role on the defending national champions. He committed on his official visit.

In landing both Fland and Lee, the Gators plan on rolling out a starting backcourt of two highly skilled and talented scorers, both known for their unselfishness. Over the last seven seasons, only one UF player (Andrew Nembhard in 2019-20) has averaged at least five assists. Both Fland and Lee averaged five-plus assists in ’24-25. Lee ranked 19th nationally in assist rate (36.8 percent), while Fland was 59th (30.6 percent), with an assist-to-turnover ratio of 3.7 that was 14th nationally and second in the SEC.
Though a gifted scorer, Fland loves distributing the ball. Especially in transition.
“I want everybody around me to smile. I thrive off that,” Fland said. “If everybody is having fun that means I’m doing my job.”
Figuring out how two high-usage combo guards can play together and off one another – while playing with the best and most experienced returning front court in the country, by the way – will be a challenging (and fascinating) task for the coaching staff in the run-up to the season.
The ’24-25 Gators, remember, finished No. 2 in the nation in offensive efficiency on the way to averaging 84.8 points per game. The UF offense will not deviate far from its principles of playing through two bigs (and ball-screening defenders to death), but things are going to look different with Haugh at the “3” and crashing the glass.
Golden, ever the believer, is confident the new pieces will fall into place.
“I see it working really, really well. I’m excited about it,” Golden said. “When you have two point guards that are out there making plays, I think it makes your offense really dynamic. So, we’re excited. I think you can have both those guys start the offense. They’re both going to have the ball in their hands a ton, being able to play out of the ball screen, being able to push in transition. They’re weapons that teams are going to have to account for.”

First things first: Fland needs to feel great; the best he has since leaving the Bronx.
He’s getting there.
And just in time to step into a situation of sky-high expectations, both for the program (as defending champion, there’s only one way to go) and for Fland (who was pegged to be in the NBA by now).
“I feel like that’s all stuff that comes with it. I feel like everybody knows the deal, especially coming to a place where the standard is high,” Fland said. “The goal has to be to go higher. That’s what we have to do and what I’m ready to do. You want those expectations. You want that pressure. That’s why you play the game of basketball, that’s why you love the game and everything that comes with it. You have to go out and perform.”
Email senior writer Chris Harry at chrish@gators.ufl.edu
College Sports
Big hike in fees for San Diego sports leagues leaves players on the bench
Every Tuesday night, volleyball nets are set up at Mariner’s Point Park in Mission Bay. People flock to the beach, catching up with old friends and meeting new people while joining pickup games and drills. Some have been playing volleyball for more than 40 years. Others just started that week. They range in age from […]

Every Tuesday night, volleyball nets are set up at Mariner’s Point Park in Mission Bay. People flock to the beach, catching up with old friends and meeting new people while joining pickup games and drills.
Some have been playing volleyball for more than 40 years. Others just started that week. They range in age from college students to retirees who just want a little bit of exercise. Here, they all have a chance to play.
These are not professional players. They all come to play, socialize and get exercise together in the adult recreational league Life’s A Beach Volleyball.
Daniel Palenchar started Life’s A Beach because of his passion for inclusivity in sports.
“We exist for really everybody,” he said. “Our mission is to make beach volleyball accessible for all people.”
Life’s A Beach isn’t the only adult recreation league in town. There are many running games and tournaments in every sport from kickball to tennis. But last month, organizers found out that their leagues are going to get a lot more expensive.
On July 1, for-profit adult sports leagues in San Diego saw a jump in team fees, sometimes more than doubling. The fees for one team to use a field with lights for a season went from $138 in March to $393. And that additional cost will most likely be passed on to players.
Kevin Hellman has been playing softball his entire life and has run San Diego Softball since 1987. He said he already had to contend with other rising costs, including the price of equipment, and the jump in team fees could be too much for players.
“It’s just a big increase for people to stomach when they can’t afford to buy groceries,” he said.
San Diego’s budget problems are behind the increases. The city had to find new revenue streams to balance its budget this year.
Increasing team fees would allow the city to almost break even on the cost of maintaining the fields, lighting them, paying employees who staff recreation centers and other costs, said Baku Patel, a policy analyst at the city’s Office of the Independent Budget Analyst. Currently, the city subsidizes the use of fields and courts, so users don’t foot the whole bill themselves.
The Parks Department recommended slowly raising the fees over the next year. But the City Council decided on an abrupt approach — hiking fees by up to $228 per team at the beginning of July, which covers 90% of the total cost of providing fields for sports leagues. The sudden increase in expenses has left leagues reeling.
Many organizers didn’t find out that their fees were increasing until they applied for their permits for the upcoming season. The jump in cost is so significant that many will be forced to drastically increase the costs they charge teams. That runs the risk of pricing out players.
For many business owners who run these leagues, it can feel like they are bearing an undue burden, Hellman said.
“I understand the city is trying to close a crazy budget gap,” he said. “But don’t do it on the back of the citizens that just want to run around for an hour.”

The increased fees impact for-profit companies only, including Volo Sports, a nationwide company, as well as local companies like San Diego Softball, said City Councilmember Joe LaCava. The council has been subsidizing these businesses up until now by charging them a user fee that sometimes only covered 40% of the costs to maintain the facilities, he said.
“Those organizations can make their choices about how much they charge the participants and how their business model works,” LaCava said. “This was a tough year. We had to squeeze every place we could … A lot of other fees and fines were increased as well.”
Nonprofit adult leagues and for-profit kids sport leagues will not see a price jump, he said. But the few nonprofit adult leagues, like the YMCA, don’t necessarily have the space for all the people who want to participate.
And the increase will disproportionately affect smaller companies. Some for-profit leagues don’t have full-time employees and are run by one person part-time. Some are just breaking even or already in debt, said Life’s A Beach’s Palenchar.
LaCava acknowledged that the fee increase didn’t account for the wide variety in businesses that it affected.
“Certainly we’ve heard from some of the smaller outfits that they make just enough to make it worth their effort,” he said. “They’re doing it as much for the passion as they are for the minimal amount of net proceeds that they achieve there.”
LaCava wants to explore other options for leagues in the future, including a possible model where the city would get a portion of the recreation league’s profit or different fee scales based on a business’s size.
But that won’t come in time for league leaders this season. Some said the increase will make it much more difficult for people to participate in recreational activities after work.
Ducote Contreras was the managing director of Volo San Diego until this April, and said the prices are untenable for community members. He said Volo couldn’t find a way to keep players’ fees the same and still provide their service.
“It’s just something we can’t do,” he said. “It would have people paying upwards of almost $200 to play kickball, and that just doesn’t make any sense. We’re in the business of creating community and getting people together.”
The City Council also voted against a proposed roughly $5 increase for youth sports teams. Part of their reasoning was that even a small increase could affect many families’ ability to participate in recreation.
Many adult league leaders agree that recreation is crucial to people’s health and wellbeing, and argue those benefits are still important, even after people stop being kids.
“We can really step in and give a chance for that person who just moved here to find their community, to find what’s going on just a couple of blocks from their home or right after work,” Contreras said. “I do feel very strongly that having these outlets for adults is extremely important for people’s lives.”
College Sports
Football Practice Report
The Oregon football team held its second major scrimmage of this year’s preseason camp Saturday, working out inside Autzen Stadium in the afternoon. Following the scrimmage, head coach Dan Lanning met with local media. Video of that interview is embedded below. A week after the defense won the day in the first preseason scrimmage, the […]

The Oregon football team held its second major scrimmage of this year’s preseason camp Saturday, working out inside Autzen Stadium in the afternoon.
Following the scrimmage, head coach Dan Lanning met with local media. Video of that interview is embedded below.
A week after the defense won the day in the first preseason scrimmage, the UO offense evened things out Saturday, Lanning said. The Ducks will now have a day off Sunday before resuming preseason camp Monday, when practices move to the morning.
Some highlights from coach Lanning …
On his initial impressions prior to reviewing film of the scrimmage: “Good work today, probably the exact opposite of the last scrimmage. Offense had a really positive day, ran the ball well. Started off this scrimmage with a 13-play drive, and we were able to cap that off with a score. So, really positive day by them. We protected the ball — we didn’t throw any interceptions today, which is a big positive. On the other end, defense made him go the long, hard way. They didn’t create a ton of explosive plays, but they were able to move the ball with some success. Overall, really good back and forth and good scrimmage.”
On the mentality of the team in the scrimmages so far: “I thought we had good energy throughout the day, really, back and forth for both sides. But yeah, it’s important, right? It’s our closest thing to a game-like type atmosphere for us as we go into the season.”
On what he wants to see as camp passes the midway point: “I told the guys today, don’t worry about Montana State yet. I’ll tell you when it’s time to worry about Montana State, when it’s time to worry about game one. We’ve still got a lot to fix for us. You know, we’ve got to go evaluate what just happened in this scrimmage. And then from that, decide where we need to improve and adjust as needed. But the intensity in my mind should be the same.”
College Sports
Bobcats Conduct 'Give
BOZEMAN, Mont. (August 16, 2025) – As the temperature ticked upward in Montana State football’s only full scrimmage of the fall, so too did the Bobcats offensive performance. After back-to-back three-and-outs and then two other stops to open the 100-plus play session, quarterback Justin Lamson marched the Bobcats 75 yards in 10 plays for a touchdown. […]


BOZEMAN, Mont. (August 16, 2025) – As the temperature ticked upward in Montana State football’s only full scrimmage of the fall, so too did the Bobcats offensive performance.
After back-to-back three-and-outs and then two other stops to open the 100-plus play session, quarterback Justin Lamson marched the Bobcats 75 yards in 10 plays for a touchdown. Jared White plowed in from two yards out. That began a stretch of four drives out of the next six with the offense scoring points.
“The defense probably got off to a better start than the offense,” MSU head coach Brent Vigen said, “and then the offense probably caught up a little bit. I think the mark of a good team is you have that back and forth.”
On a day “about the individual units, (and) about a lot of individuals,” as Vigen said, many Bobcats turned in brilliant performances. Lamson completed 16 of his 18 pas attempts for 145 yards and two touchdowns. The Cats finished 37-50 passing with four touchdowns and one interception.
Cale Breslin led the Bobcat ground game, carrying 11 times for 40 yards. He scored one touchdown. The Bobcats gained 143 yards on the ground on 48 carries.
Vigen said that Saturday’s proceedings provide a crucial component of firming up the status of the program’s younger players in preparation for the August 30 opener at Oregon. “It will be a good thing to see on the film, quite a few of those guys, what they did and how they operated in a game like scenario. I think (this scrimmage is) very critical.”
Safety Taki Uluilakepa led the defense with seven tackles, while linebacker Xavier Ahrens logged two sacks. Cornerback Takhari Carr had the day’s only takeaway, an interception, and broke up a pass.
The Cats finished the day without missing a place kick. Junior Myles Sansted, the only returning kicker, made field goals from 39 and 23 yards, while freshman Michael Rubich nailed a 43-yarder. Vigen was pleased with his first extended look at MSU kicking game.
“I thought it was pretty consistent,” he said. “I think that’s the way (freshman long snapper) Brody Johnson’s been all camp. It was good to see Colby (Frokjer) have to punt in those situations. I thought he did a good job punting the football today and then kicking off. And we made all our kicks from a field goal/PAT perspective. We didn’t do a lot in the return side of things, but as far as those new specialists and then throwing Myles in there, it was a good day.”
One of the components difficult to examine in practice is the team’s operational aspect, but Vigen said that was largely positive. “We had to use one time out on offense, but we didn’t have any procedural penalties. And that’s what you want to see. I think our communication as far as coaches, two players with the new (in-helmet) technology, I think we’ll continue to work at that and evaluate that, but by and large I felt like that was pretty solid today.”
Saturday’s scrimmage marked the end of preseason camp, with the team now practicing exclusively in Bobcat Stadium. Classes begin Wednesday, and the team begins to transition into game prep mode for the opener at Oregon on August 30.
RUSHING:Cale Breslin 11-40-1, Adam Jones 7-27-0, Malachi Claunch 9-24-0, Colson Coon 4-19-0, George Helms 4-10-0, Shanko Kornachuk 2-5, Patrick Duchien 2-10-0, Chance Wilson 1- -5-0, Justin Lamson 2-0-0, Grant Vigen 1-13-0.
PASSING: Justin Lamson 16-18-0, 145 2; Chance Wilson 9-15-1, 110, 2; Patrick Duchien 6-8-0, 61, 0; River Warren 4-5-0, 37, 0; Grant Vigen 2-4-0, 44, 0.
RECEIVING: Jabez Woods 5-49-1, Chris Long 4-30-0, Jacob Trimble 3-24-0, Taco Dowler 3-32-0, Parker Mady 4-70-1, Javonte King 2-23-0, Jordan Reed 2-26-1, Kee Christiansen 2-21-0, Dane Steel 2-38-0, Jared White 1-3-0, Ryan King 2-9-0, Carter Cocke 1-11-0, Luke Smith 1-6-0, Rylan Schlepp 1-5-0, Rocky Lencioni 1-25-1, Shanko Kornachuk 1-20-0, Tommy Springman 1-5-0.
DEFENSIVE STATS: Tackles – Taki Uluilakepa 7, Cole Taylor 6, Caden Dowler 5, Zack Black 5, Bryant Meredith 4, Xavier Ahrens 4, Colter Petre 4, Ryan Krahe 4, Tayden Gray 3, Josaiah Asuega 3, Kenneth Eiden IV 3, Jackson Harmon 3, JJ Dolan 3, Jhase McMillan 4, Ife Ohalete 4, Neil Daily 2, Kory Boyd 2, Seth Johnson 2, Dom Solano, Zac Waible 1, Vinnie Souza 2, Josh Woodberry 2, Tim Thomas II 2, Paul Brott 1, Bryce Grebe 1, Takhari Carr 1, Hunter Sharbono 1, AJ Tanupo 1, Blaine Downing 1, Hunter Parsons 3, Logan Frederickson 1, Mason Dethman 1, Ryan Bowles 1, Seth Brock 1. Sacks – Xavier Ahrens 2, Hunter Parsons 2, Hunter Sharbono 1. Other Tackles for Loss – Jhase McMillan 1, Ife Ohalete 1. Interceptions – Takhari Carr 1. Pass Breakups – Seth Johnson 1, Colter Petre 1, Takhari Carr 1, Jackson Harmon 1, Jhase McMillan 1.
#GoCatsGo
College Sports
From Soweto to New Jersey
Soweto teen, Sekgowe Phela, begins life in New Jersey, USA, after his rowing talent earns him a full scholarship. New Jersey, USA (17 August 2025) – Rowing has taken 16-year-old Sekgowe Phela far! From the banks of Orlando Dam in Soweto to St Benedict’s Preparatory School in New Jersey, USA. Now settled into his new […]


Soweto teen, Sekgowe Phela, begins life in New Jersey, USA, after his rowing talent earns him a full scholarship.
New Jersey, USA (17 August 2025) – Rowing has taken 16-year-old Sekgowe Phela far! From the banks of Orlando Dam in Soweto to St Benedict’s Preparatory School in New Jersey, USA. Now settled into his new school, Sekgowe is beginning an exciting academic and sporting journey that few could have imagined when he first picked up the oar.
His story began at the Soweto Rowing Club at just seven years old, learning the sport under the guidance of his father and the mentorship of South African rowing greats. Over the years, his natural talent and, of course, commitment turned him into one of the country’s top indoor rowers and a fearless competitor on the water. Beyond his own performance, he became a team player who lifts those around him.
This new opportunity was made possible by U.S. rower and changemaker Arshay Cooper. Coming with a full scholarship, allowing Sekgowe to combine quality education with high-level training in one of America’s respected rowing programmes. The move is a testament to how sport can open doors and change the course of a young person’s life. Also, a reminder of the potential within township sports programmes and the impact of community support.
Sekgowe’s arrival in the United States was made possible by a wave of generosity from supporters who contributed to his travel fund. That effort ensured he could take up his place in New Jersey and begin the next stage of his journey.
While he is now training with his new teammates and adjusting to life abroad, his BackaBuddy campaign remains open to support him through ongoing needs, especially during holiday periods. Continued contributions will help him focus entirely on his studies and his sport.
From Soweto to New Jersey, Sekgowe’s story is an inspiration. It is also proof that with dedication, community support, and opportunity, talent can thrive anywhere in the world.
Continue supporting Sekgowe’s journey here.
Sources: Facebook
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College Sports
Nine Teens Charged In The Murder Of South Carolina Athlete – Stateline Sports Network
(8-16-25) Nine South Carolina teens from the Myrtle Beach area have been arrested in the June shooting death of Trey Dean Wright (16) of Johnsonville. Wright was involved in an argument “over a girl” with the alleged shooter Devan Raper. Wright’s girlfriend Gianna Kistenmacher (17) is among the suspects. RELATED: Online records showed that Raper […]

(8-16-25) Nine South Carolina teens from the Myrtle Beach area have been arrested in the June shooting death of Trey Dean Wright (16) of Johnsonville. Wright was involved in an argument “over a girl” with the alleged shooter Devan Raper. Wright’s girlfriend Gianna Kistenmacher (17) is among the suspects.
RELATED: Online records showed that Raper was arrested by Conway police on Aug. 23, 2024, on charges of accessory after the fact to a felony and accessory after the fact to felony A,B,C or murder. He was released from jail on Nov. 15, and those charges were dismissed in February.
Florence County Sheriff’s deputies found Wright dead on First Neck Road with multiple gunshot wounds June 24. He was found about 45 miles west of Myrtle Beach.
9 now face charges in killing of Johnsonville teenager Trey Wright, deputies say
The suspects and the victim all were involved in high school sports….
The accused shooter Devan Raper graduated this past spring from Conway High School where he he was a wide receiver/corneback on the football team.
Other suspects also were involved in sports—
Wright’s girlfriend Gianna Kistenmacher was a cheerleader for the 2024-2025 season at Atlantic Collegiate Academy. She was previously listed as a player on the girl’s soccer team in 2024.
Corrine Belviso is a senior at the Atlantic Collegiate Academy who participated in cheerleading and soccer. Her previous school was Myrtle Beach High.Corrine is a member of All-Star Cheer at Carolina Athletics.
The victim Trey Wright was a varsity member of both the football and baseball teams at Johnsonville High School.
Obituary

Trey Dean Wright, 16, of Scranton, passed away Wednesday, June 25, 2025, at McLeod Regional Medical Center in Florence.
Born on October 9, 2008, in Hartsville, Trey was the son of Richard Dean Wright and Ashley Nicole Lindsey. A rising sophomore at Johnsonville High School, Trey was a proud varsity athlete, playing both football and baseball. He was a true outdoorsman who loved riding dirt bikes, spending time in nature, and living life to the fullest. Known for his infectious smile and ability to make everyone laugh, Trey was the kind of person who left a lasting impression on those around him. In addition to his studies and sports, Trey worked at Vox Deer Processing.
Trey is survived by his loving mother, Ashley Nicole Lindsey (Bo Creel); his father, Richard Dean Wright; and his brother, Blaze Bramlette. He is also survived by his special cousins “his boys”—Connar McKenzie, Brayden McKenzie, Coewen McKenzie, and Amiah McKenzie; and his “twin brothers,” Aiden Hanna, Ethan Kirby, Jayden Lauderback, Jasmine Lauderback, Noah Stone, Landon Eaddy, Jade Hutchinson, Booty Hutchinson, Colt Daniels and Peyton McDaniel.
He leaves behind grandparents, Catherine McKenzie (Terry Higginbotham), Mema and Grams, Helen & Lanny Thompson, and Brenda Gore. Trey is also survived by many loving aunts and uncles: Jerry & Alicia Lauderback, Tabitha & Bobby Atkinson, Reva & Chad Gibbs, Skylar Avin, Angela Truett, Erin McDaniel (Kami & Khloe), Angie & Chad Altman, Terry McKenzie, Dale McKenzie, Chris McKenzie, Ronnie McKenzie, Jerry McKenzie, Devin Higginbotham (Christin) and a special uncle, Randall Miller; along with numerous close friends and extended relatives who cherished him deeply.
He was preceded in death by his grandmother, Ella Wright; great-grandmother, Leslie Hill; uncles, Britt McKenzie and Alston Hanna; aunt, Jennifer McKenzie; and a close friend, Jurel Doctorr.
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