A trial about a dark chapter in basketball history opened Thursday in New York with a former player testifying that the multimillionaire coach of the pioneering Riverside Church youth basketball team regularly molested him as a child, but the program’s prestige and the stigma of speaking out about sexual abuse kept him silent for nearly 50 years.

Daryl Powell, a Marist College star in the early 1980s, is one of 27 men suing Riverside under New York’s 2019 Child Victims Act, and, Rolling Stone reports, the case is among the first in the city to go to trial under the law. As detailed in a joint investigation by Rolling Stone and Sportico, Powell and his fellow plaintiffs claim the church negligently failed to supervise Ernest Lorch, the longtime head of the basketball program and a former church trustee who died in 2012, and should have known of his alleged propensity to prey on kids from New York’s poorest neighborhoods.

Riverside has denied any wrongdoing by the church or its officials, and reiterated that stance Thursday during opening arguments. Attorney Phil Semprevivo told the jury that if there was abuse by Lorch, “that’s essentially on him” and not the church.

Dressed in a sweater vest and donning a headset to aid what he described as severe hearing loss, Powell, who filled the witness stand with his 6-foot-5-inch frame, graphically described how Lorch frequently abused him. Lorch, Powell said, fondled him as a teen during “jockstrap inspections,” rubbed his bare buttocks and told him to be a “good boy” after paddling him with four or five “hard whacks,” and sniffed his genitals after practices to check if he’d showered. “I could feel his breath on them,” Powell testified.

Asked how he felt after Lorch’s abuse and later as an adult, Powell began to cry and answered: “I never thought a man would do something like that to me. I was scared, frightened, angry, lonely and heartbroken.”

Yet he stayed with the program into his early twenties because Riverside also offered him the hope of escape from the grinding poverty his family endured in 1970s Harlem. “I lived in a very deprived neighborhood—the ghetto, very messy with a lot of drug addicts, running numbers, a lot of people on the street, gang-infested,” he testified.

The lure of a coveted Riverside jacket, bag and sneakers enticed Powell to try out for the team. Later, Lorch frequently gave him money for food and took him on team trips across the country and around the world, including the former Yugoslavia, and eventually helped land him junior college and major college scholarships.

Lorch also pulled strings to get him into high school. As a Manhattan native, public school league rules forbade Powell from playing for a school outside the borough. But somehow, he testified, Lorch got him into DeWitt Clinton High School in the Bronx, a powerhouse at the time. “It was like making the NBA,” Powell testified.

In a rare moment of levity, Powell recited names of some Clinton basketball greats: “Tiny Archibald [an NBA Hall of Famer], Butch Lee [a star at Marquette and in the 1976 Olympics] … myself.”

Powell testified that he never felt he could tell anyone about the alleged abuse. Lorch represented “a father figure,” he said, something that was absent in Powell’s home life. The subject was also so taboo in that era that he felt there was no way he could admit to what happened. “We couldn’t disclose that,” he testified, “because at that time, you didn’t want to be a faggot or a homo.”

Powell revealed in a previously undisclosed incident that he once told a Riverside assistant coach, Kenny “Eggman” Williamson, about Lorch’s abuse. Williamson was a prominent figure in New York basketball circles who went on to become a successful college assistant coach, pro scout and NBA front office executive. He died of cancer in 2012 while serving as the assistant general manager of the Memphis Grizzlies.

Powell had previously been asked in his 2023 deposition for the lawsuit whether he had spoken about abuse to Williamson and replied, “No.” But on Thursday, Powell said he remembered the exchange clearly because it happened the day of the infamous New York City blackout of 1977. Powell testified he was at a tournament where Williamson was coaching him, which was canceled because of rioting. Williamson took Powell home with him rather than letting him go back to his unsafe neighborhood.

Semprevivo, Riverside’s attorney, objected to the testimony, pausing the proceedings before Powell could answer fully. Eventually, Judge Alexander Tisch overruled the objection and allowed Powell to continue. “I had a moment now, one on one, with somebody I trust,” Powell testified, referring to a discussion with Williamson that day. “I said, ‘Mr. Lorch is looking down my shorts, hitting me with the paddle.’”

According to Powell, Williamson told him, “If you know what I know, you better not say anything, or you’re not playing for this team anymore.”

Powell continued: “I was devastated. I shut my mouth up. I wanted to stay on the team.”

The trial’s first day also revealed both sides’ strategies, which could have an effect on the 26 other lawsuits. In his opening statement, Powell’s attorney Paul Mones said the plaintiff will prove Riverside allowed Lorch to “operate completely on his own and abuse him” and other players, either because those in the church hierarchy were “incompetent or they just didn’t care.” Either way, Mones said, “The church was negligent.” The attorney called it “a heartbreaking failure on the part of an esteemed institution” to protect a person under their care.

Powell’s side is expected to call two fellow teammates and plaintiffs, Mitchell Shuler and Byron Walker, to the stand during the trial.

In Riverside’s opening statement, Semprevivo reminded the jury, consisting of six jurors and three alternates, that “the burden of proof” belongs to “the plaintiffs, not Riverside.” He told the jury they’d have to ask whether plaintiff witnesses “have an interest in this case.”

The defense also seems keen to claim Powell’s hardships in life aren’t attributable to his time with Riverside, saying there was no current harm “with respect to these allegations.” To that point, Powell at times seemed to struggle to elaborate on specific examples of what damage he suffered as an adult from Lorch’s abuse, though he brought up issues with his marriages and with women generally.

Semprevivo also said the jury should consider why Powell waited so long to bring suit. Throughout his adulthood, Semprevivo said, Powell had “opportunities to be heard” but did not take them.

On Friday morning, Riverside attorneys will cross-examine Powell. The trial is expected to continue into next week.

PARKS AND REC: Happy New Year, Crook County!

Published 5:00 am Friday, January 9, 2026

As we turn the page to a new year, Crook County Parks and Recreation District (CCPRD) wishes you and your family a happy, healthy and active New Year! January is a time for fresh starts, and there’s no better way to kick off the year than by getting involved in our sports, classes and recreation opportunities designed for all ages and abilities.

Registration opens in January

January marks the opening of registration for Gymnastics, Karate, and Dog Obedience. Registration is also open for the 2026 Daddy Daughter Dance. Whether your goal is to stay active, try something new or connect with friends and neighbors, we have something for you. Our programs are built to support wellness, learning and fun throughout the community.

Popular offerings often fill quickly, so we encourage residents to register early. Programs are led by qualified instructors and coaches who focus on skill-building, teamwork and enjoyment in a welcoming environment.

Sports for all ages

Our sports programs provide opportunities to move, compete and grow — whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned player. Youth sports help build confidence and healthy habits, while adult leagues offer a great way to stay active and social during the winter months. Look for registration for Youth Spring Soccer and Adult Basketball to begin this month. CCPRD is also offering Open Gym Adult Basketball on Tuesdays and Thursdays during January and February.  Indoor Pickleball is also running through the winter months.

Start the year moving

Parks and recreation play an important role in quality of life, and we’re proud to provide programs and spaces that bring Crook County together. We invite you to make parks and recreation part of your New Year’s routine.

For program details, registration dates and schedules, please visit our website at ccprd.org. We look forward to seeing you on the field, in class and out enjoying all that our community has to offer in 2026.

Here’s to a year of health, connection and recreation — Happy New Year from Crook County Parks and Recreation District!

Steve Waring is the Crook County Parks and Recreation District’s executive director. He can be reached at 541-447-1209.

Most people hear the words Orange Bowl and immediately think of football. They picture the matchup, the crowds, the fireworks, and the national spotlight on South Florida. But the real story of the Orange Bowl is much bigger than a single game. The Orange Bowl is one of the greatest community engines in our region. It is a volunteer powered organization that lifts neighborhoods, builds opportunities for young people, supports schools, transforms parks, and reinvests millions of dollars right back into South Florida families. If you think this organization is only about football, then you are missing the best part.

The Orange Bowl is more than football. It is a force for good in South Florida.

The heart of this mission is Orange Bowl Cares. This is not just a slogan or a feel-good idea. It is the core platform that guides every investment the Orange Bowl makes. Orange Bowl Cares focuses on four pillars. Youth Sports. Education. Community Engagement. Legacy Projects. These pillars stretch across a geographic footprint that runs nearly two hundred forty miles, from the area around Lake Okeechobee all the way down to Key West. It is one of the widest ranging community missions in Florida.

The Orange Bowl Committee is made up of more than four hundred members who volunteer their time to support this mission. The proceeds generated through Orange Bowl games, events, and programs go directly back into the community. Over the past two decades, more than fifty million dollars have been invested into South Florida neighborhoods, schools, parks, and youth programs. In the most recent Community Report, Orange Bowl Cares documented one point seven million dollars in annual community giveback. That is real money making a real difference.

The economic impact goes even further. During the College Football Playoff era, the Orange Bowl has generated more than one billion dollars in total economic impact and added media value for South Florida. When the Orange Bowl comes to town, the benefits reach hotels, restaurants, small businesses, workers, and families throughout the region.

One of the most transformative parts of the Orange Bowl’s work can be found in its Legacy Gift projects. These are not temporary programs. These are permanent, physical assets built within communities that need them most. In Miami Gardens, the Orange Bowl created a brand new four thousand seven hundred square foot STEAM Center at Bunche Park West, located inside the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Recreation Center. This facility is valued at six hundred eighty five thousand dollars and was developed through partnerships with Commissioner Oliver G. Gilbert III, Baptist Health, and Miami-Dade County. Inside this center, students have access to robotics, multimedia labs, hands-on STEAM experiments, and technology that connects directly to future career pathways. It is a place where curiosity becomes opportunity.

Take a short drive through Miami Gardens and you will find the next headline project. The Orange Bowl Field at Walt Frazier Park. This was a two point three million dollar renovation that transformed the entire park. The investment included a brand new football field, a new scoreboard, a press box, shaded seating for families, and improvements to the surrounding buildings. When all legacy projects are added together, the Orange Bowl has delivered more than twenty seven million dollars in park and community facility improvements across South Florida. These are long lasting gifts that will serve generations.

The impact does not stop with buildings and fields. Walk into schools across the region and you will find Media Center Makeovers funded through Orange Bowl Cares. More than thirty media centers have been completely renovated, turning outdated spaces into bright, modern, tech-ready learning hubs. These improvements have directly impacted more than three thousand eight hundred students. The Community Report shows one hundred twenty five thousand dollars invested in these school based upgrades. These centers give students the kind of learning environment they deserve.

Youth sports are another major focus. The Orange Bowl High School Girls Flag Football Showcase, the High School Football Showcase, and the High School Basketball Showcase bring together eligible Florida student-athletes for evaluation, mentoring, and academic support. These events are not just about sports. They are about opening doors. Since 2017, the football showcase alone has generated more than nine million dollars in financial aid and has helped more than four hundred athletes get recruited to colleges and universities. Many of these students would not have had these opportunities without Orange Bowl Cares.

Across all youth sports programming, the Orange Bowl supports more than thirteen thousand football players and cheerleaders through the OBYFA. The international reach is massive as well. More than forty countries participate in events like the Orange Bowl International Tennis Championships and the Orange Bowl International Youth Regatta. These events bring global competition and talent to South Florida, enriching the community while elevating young athletes on an international stage.

Education programs continue beyond the classroom. Orange Bowl Cares has awarded twenty thousand dollars in academic scholarships. More than two thousand five hundred students have submitted entries to the Creative Art Contest. Four hundred fifty students have been impacted by the Leadership Academy. More than one thousand seven hundred educators have benefited from professional and classroom resources provided through Orange Bowl initiatives. These numbers tell a clear story. The Orange Bowl invests in students of every age.

Community engagement is another major part of the mission. Through the Big Buddy Program, more than four thousand tickets have been donated to children and families who might not otherwise attend live sporting events. These are memory-making moments for young people who deserve to feel included. Fundraising efforts have engaged more than three thousand supporters, and community events have positively impacted more than two thousand five hundred families across South Florida.

All of this work thrives under strong leadership. Eric Poms, who serves as Chief Executive Officer of the Orange Bowl Committee, has played a crucial role in expanding the reach and impact of these programs. Through his leadership, the Orange Bowl has strengthened partnerships, elevated community investment, and continued to unite schools, families, and neighborhoods under one shared mission. His guidance has ensured that the Orange Bowl is not only a major sporting institution, but also a major community institution that puts South Florida first.

When you add it all together, the message becomes very clear. The Orange Bowl is one of the greatest forces for community improvement in our region. It builds fields. It revitalizes parks. It strengthens schools. It supports teachers. It lifts families. It connects student-athletes to college opportunities. And it creates permanent, meaningful assets that will serve South Florida for decades.

The Orange Bowl is more than football. It always has been. And our entire community is better for it.

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WALTHAM, Mass. – The No. 24 Bentley women’s basketball team aims to stay perfect in Northeast 10 action when the Falcons host Franklin Pierce Saturday, Jan. 10, at 1:30 p.m. Bentley is hosting a local Youth Day for the game.
 
Making adjustments
In Bentley’s two most recent games, the Falcons (8-2, 4-0 NE10) trailed by two points at halftime against both Saint Anselm (Jan. 7) and Southern Connecticut (Jan. 4). The Falcons came out of the locker room to score 20 points in the third quarter against the Hawks, and 27 points in the third quarter against the Owls. Bentley beat Saint Anselm, 76-67, and it topped Southern Connecticut, 75-62.
 
Armbrister has arrived
After a slow start to her Bentley career (10 points total in her first two games), DI junior transfer Kayana Armbrister is spreading her wings with the Falcons. She recorded her first-career double-double against Saint Anselm (Jan. 7), scoring 24 points and pulling down 10 rebounds. Armbrister scored a career-high 29 points on New Year’s Day against Daemen. Through her past three games, Armbrister is averaging 22.0 points and 9.3 rebounds, while shooting 58.7-percent from the floor.
 
Cass kickin’…
Senior captain Cassidy Yeomans is becoming more aggressive in recent games. She started the season scoring in single digits for seven consecutive games. However, she dropped 13 points in the win over Southern Connecticut (Jan. 4), and she scored 11 points in the win at Saint Anselm (Jan. 7). Between those two games, Yeomans shot 50.0-percent from 3-point range (6-for-12).
 
Cherish on top
Freshman Cherish Bryant has been gaining more confidence as the season progresses. She scored a season-high 14 points against Southern Connecticut (Jan. 4), and added nine points at Saint Anselm (Jan. 7). She shot 66.7-percent from the floor (10-for-15) between those two games.
 
Most efficient
Bentley enters the weekend leading the NE10 in field-goal percentage by a wide margin. The Falcons are shooting 47.0-percent from the floor, while the next-best mark is 41.9 percent (Southern Connecticut). Among conference players with 70+ field-goal attempts, Julia Elie ranks second in field-goal percentage (52.1-percent), Niya Morgen is fourth (51.5-percent), and Kayana Armbrister is fifth (48.6-percent).
 
Scouting Franklin Pierce (1-12, 0-4 NE10)
The Ravens rank last in the NE10 for field-goal percentage (32.6-percent) and points per game (48.8). They also allow the most points per game (67.1). Emily Mennillo and Angelisse Melendez are tied as the team’s leading scorers (8.5). Nafi Balde averages a team-leading 5.5 rebounds per game.
 

Rochester, N.Y. — Two people have been arrested following a double shooting Thursday evening on the city’s southwest side.

Officers responded around 5:20 p.m. to the area of Bartlett and Seward streets, where they found two men, ages 20 and 37, who were both shot in the lower body, according to police. Both men were taken to Strong Memorial Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

Two suspects, a 35-year-old man and a 32-year-old woman, were arrested following a police chase that ended on Pullman Avenue.

An investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to call 911 or Crime Stoppers at (585) 423-9300.

KALAMAZOO, Mich. — A longtime football coach and teacher at Loy Norrix High School has died.

Ted Duckett began teaching and coaching at Loy Norrix in 1969, a career spanning over 50 years.

He served as a gym teacher, track coach, football coach, and basketball coach.

Duckett is deeply respected by the community, with many of his former students commending his mentorship.

He is also the father of Loy Norrix football stars Tico and T.J. Duckett, who both played at Michigan State. T.J. Duckett also played in the NFL.

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