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Wisconsin girls basketball participation is still declining, despite new popularity of WNBA

The start of the WNBA season this month brought record television ratings thanks to rising stars like Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese entering their second year. That popularity at the highest level isn’t yet trickling down to girls basketball in Wisconsin, however. In fact, participation in Wisconsin high school girls basketball has actually decreased nearly […]

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The start of the WNBA season this month brought record television ratings thanks to rising stars like Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese entering their second year.

That popularity at the highest level isn’t yet trickling down to girls basketball in Wisconsin, however. In fact, participation in Wisconsin high school girls basketball has actually decreased nearly 25 percent over the past 15 years, according to the National Federation of State High School Associations.

Coaches in the state haven’t seen that trend reversing yet, although the younger age groups are showing some positive signs more recently.

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The Appleton-based AAU girls basketball program Wisconsin Blaze has seen some recent increased interest in its youth basketball teams, said Lisa Van Wyk, the program’s founder and director.

She joined WPR’s “Wisconsin Today” to discuss the impact of the WNBA, the trends she’s seeing in Wisconsin girls basketball and how it compares to other youth sports.

The following was edited for clarity and brevity.

Rob Ferrett: High school programs have reported a gradual decline in girls going into basketball, in part because of competition from other sports. How have you seen those ups and downs over the years? 

Lisa Van Wyk: I’ve seen over the years, and I’ve been coaching for 30 years now, that we’ve had some struggles having enough players for three high school teams to get a freshman, JV and varsity team. I haven’t seen a change in that. It hasn’t gone in a positive direction because of the competition with volleyball, especially club volleyball, that tends to run during the basketball season. 

I’ve seen girls who’ve played basketball through their middle school years decide to just focus on volleyball. So, even though there’s an increase in participation at the youth level in girls basketball in elementary, it seems to be [still decreasing] in high school because it is such a competitive sport. It’s very physical and time intensive in order to be a very impactful player, and it’s still tough to get the right type of kids competing at a high level in a number of them. 

RF: How do you see that competition between sports playing out? Is it good news for volleyball and bad news for basketball?

LVW: I’ve coached so many girls and boys, both youth and collegiate, over the years, and I always say, “You have to do what you’re passionate about.” So when we have kids in our program who start off in basketball and decide to go in another direction, I love it, because it’s a sign that they’re discovering who they are, and we support them in that. 

Yes, we’ve had some more competition in terms of seeing girls go toward hockey and lacrosse. There are a number of soccer players who also play basketball. But when we see them choose different sports, we’re just happy that they’re being active and they’re finding what their passion is.

RF: I know at Blaze you do basketball and volleyball, but can you make the case for us that girls out there should consider trying youth basketball?

LVW: I would say basketball is one of the premier sports that would help you develop your physical stamina, your grit, your ability to focus and think at a higher level. There’s so much to the game that challenges you physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually, as a communicator and as a leader. There’s just so much to the sport that helps an athlete become not only great at the sport but just a great person overall. 

RF: What do club teams and school programs need to do to harness the popularity of the WNBA and women’s college basketball right now?

LVW: I think that families should spend time together watching the sport on TV and then go as a family to go watch a game live. I had the opportunity to go and watch Caitlin Clark last year, her first season with the Indiana Fever, and take our girls from our basketball team to watch them. It’s inspiring. It’s really cool because they’re right there. You can almost touch them. 

You can analyze their gameplay and see that some of the things we’re doing, they’re doing. It’s really cool to just make that connection, and it’s neat for these young athletes to realize that [the players] are just everyday people. They used to be a little girl like them, and it’s possible for any of them to get to that point if they work for it.



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California physician sentenced for $1.5M Medicare fraud scheme; smart contact lens keeps an eye on your eyes; parents spending more time and money on children’s sports – Morning Medical Update

Morning Medical Update © batuhan toker – stock.adobe.com California physician sentenced for $1.5M Medicare fraud Lilit Gagikovna Baltaian, a 61-year-old physician from Porter Ranch, California, was sentenced in absentia to 54 months in federal prison for her role in a $1.5 million Medicare fraud scheme. Prosecutors say she falsely certified patients for home health services, […]

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Morning Medical Update © batuhan toker – stock.adobe.com

California physician sentenced for $1.5M Medicare fraud

Lilit Gagikovna Baltaian, a 61-year-old physician from Porter Ranch, California, was sentenced in absentia to 54 months in federal prison for her role in a $1.5 million Medicare fraud scheme. Prosecutors say she falsely certified patients for home health services, pre-signed blank forms later falsified by home health agencies and accepted cash kickbacks. Though she pleaded guilty in 2024, Baltaian failed to appear for sentencing and remains a fugitive. More from the DOJ here.

New smart contact lens keeps an eye on your eyes

A stretchable contact lens developed by researchers in China offers real-time, wireless monitoring of intraocular pressure and eye movement — even while the eyes are shut. Tested in animals and humans, the device could transform glaucoma care and sleep-related eye diagnostics. Published in Microsystems & Nanoengineering, the lens uses capacitive and magnetic sensors to relay data without impairing vision or comfort.

Parents spending more time and money on children’s sports

Moms and dads today are spending far more time and money on their kids’ sports than past generations, especially in highly educated and sports-focused families, according to a new Ohio State study. Surveying 60 years of trends, researchers found sharp rises in parental attendance, financial support and hands-on involvement beginning in the 1980s — a shift driven by cuts to school sports and the growth of a privatized youth sports industry.



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VGK Foundation Awards $503,830 in Grants to Local Charities

VEGAS (June 16, 2025) – The Vegas Golden Knights Foundation announced today, June 16, the recipients of its 2025 grants, which will provide a record $503,830 to 46 organizations in the Las Vegas Valley. In addition, the Henderson Silver Knights Foundation has awarded grants to seven organizations, totaling $49,500. Each year, the VGK Foundation awards […]

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VEGAS (June 16, 2025) – The Vegas Golden Knights Foundation announced today, June 16, the recipients of its 2025 grants, which will provide a record $503,830 to 46 organizations in the Las Vegas Valley. In addition, the Henderson Silver Knights Foundation has awarded grants to seven organizations, totaling $49,500.

Each year, the VGK Foundation awards grants to local non-profit organizations that support the Foundation’s pillars: Education & Youth Sports, Military & First Responders, and Health & Wellness. These grants are in addition to the Foundation’s ongoing donations throughout the year. Later this summer, the VGK Foundation will host an event to celebrate the selected organizations for their important contributions to the Las Vegas community.

“We are thrilled to recognize these deserving organizations with our 2025 grants,” said Kim Frank, President of the VGK Foundation. “This is our largest group of recipients to date, which reflects the incredible work they do in the community, and in each case, they connect with our organization’s goals in a meaningful way.”

The VGK Foundation is proud to announce the following grant recipients and encourages fans to learn more about each organization at their respective websites:

20 Pearls Foundation – lv20pearls.org

Ability Center of Southern NV – abilitycenternv.org

After School All Stars – asaslv.org

Adams Place – adamsplacelv.org

Adopt a Vet Dental Program – adoptavetdental.org

American Red Cross – redcross.org

Blue Star Mothers – bluestarmothers.org

Boys & Girls Club of Southern NV – bgcsnv.org

Candlelighters Childhood Cancer Foundation – candlelightersnv.org

Care Complex – carecomplex.org

Chefs for Kids – chefsforkids.org

Cleveland Clinic Nevada – my.clevelandclinic.org

Collaboration Center Foundation – collablv.org

CPLC Nevada – cplc.org

East Valley Family Services – eastvalleyfamilyservices.org

Eddy House – eddyhouse.org

Friends of Las Vegas Metro – lvmpdfoundation.org

Future Smiles – futuresmiles.net

Girls on the Run – girlsontherunlv.org

HELP of Southern NV – helpsonv.org

Helping Hands of Vegas Valley – hhovv.org

HomeAid of Southern NV – homeaidsn.org

Kline Veterans Fund – klineveteransfund.org

Latino Youth Leadership Foundation – latinoyouthleadership.org

Mayor’s Fund for LIFE – mayorsfundlv.org

NAMI Southern NV – namisouthernnevada.org

Nevada Cancer Childhood Foundation – NVCCF.org

Nevada Homeless Alliance – nevadahomelessalliance.org

Northwest Girls Softball – northwestgirlssoftball.com

Hope Means Nevada (NV Medical Center) – hopemeansnevada.org

NV Paralyzed Veterans – nevadapva.org

OCA Las Vegas – ocalasvegas.org

Olive Crest – olivecrest.org

Project Inclusion – projectinclusion.org

Real Talk Youth Impact – realtalkyip.org

Serving our Kids – servingourkids.org

Southern Nevada Senior Law Program – snslp.org

The Soccer Project – thebadgers.org

United Way of Southern NV – uwsn.org

UNLV Rebel Hockey – rebelhockey.com

UNR Hockey – nevadamensicehockey.com

United Service Organizations – uso.org

Vegas Disabled Sport Association – vegasdisabledsports.org

Vegas Golden Chariots Adult Sled Hockey – vegasgoldenchariots.org

Vegas Golden Chariots Youth Sled Hockey – vegasgoldenchariots.org

Veteran Social Club – veteransocialclub.vet

ABOUT THE VEGAS GOLDEN KNIGHTS
The Vegas Golden Knights are a National Hockey League franchise owned and operated by Black Knight Sports and Entertainment LLC. Established by Owner and Chairman Bill Foley and his family, the Golden Knights were the most successful expansion franchise in North American professional sports history in 2017-18 and won the Stanley Cup in 2022-23. For the latest news and information on the Golden Knights visit vegasgoldenknights.com and follow the team on Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok.

ABOUT THE VEGAS GOLDEN KNIGHTS FOUNDATION
The Vegas Golden Knights Foundation supports exemplary Las Vegas non-profit organizations that make a positive impact in the local community, with a focus on the following pillars: Education & Youth Sports, Military & First Responders, and Health & Wellness. The Foundation raises money through various events and in-game efforts, including a 51/49 Raffle, jersey and memorabilia auctions and other initiatives to engage fans. For the latest news and information on the Vegas Golden Knights Foundation, follow the foundation on X and Instagram.





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Roesch Invited to U.S. Soccer Women’s College Talent ID Camp

EVANSTON, Ill. – Sophomore forward Kennedy Roesch has been called up to U.S. Soccer’s inaugural Women’s College Talent ID Camp. Forty-two collegiate players will attend the camp in Atlanta from June 18-22. Camp Calling ?????????@KennedyRoesch has received an invitation to the inaugural @USYNT Women’s College Talent ID Camp! pic.twitter.com/IAqLEdxAZp — Northwestern Soccer (@NUWSoccer) […]

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EVANSTON, Ill. – Sophomore forward Kennedy Roesch has been called up to U.S. Soccer’s inaugural Women’s College Talent ID Camp. Forty-two collegiate players will attend the camp in Atlanta from June 18-22.

During her rookie campaign in Evanston, Roesch led all Wildcats with six goals and 14 points. Roesch’s six goals marked the most by a Wildcat first-year since 2010 (Kate Allen). 

The camp is part of the growing U.S. Youth National Teams’ scouting strategy with the objective of increasing programming opportunities for college-specific players with high potential and therefore expanding the U.S. Under-18, Under-19 and Under-20 Women’s National Team player pools.

All of the field players invited to this camp have limited prior programming with the U.S. Soccer’s Youth National Teams. The camp will be a collaboration between the Talent ID staff, the U.S. Youth National Teams’ head coaches and USWNT staff.





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Summer Sports Clinics 2025

The Canastota Recreation Commission presents the 2025 youth Summer Sports Clinics. The following sports will be offered this summer: Lacrosse (July 14-17)Soccer (July 22-24)Football (July 28)Cheer (July 28-30)Field Hockey (August 5-7)Baseball/Softball (August 11-13) The clinic locations will be announced as soon as they are determined. Click on this link and complete the Google Docs form […]

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Helena baseball invests in future at youth camp – Shelby County Reporter

Helena baseball invests in future at youth camp Published 4:39 pm Monday, June 16, 2025 Helena High School baseball players and coaches took time to work with the community’s youth players. (Contributed/PJ Guy) By DANIEL LOCKE | Staff Writer HELENA – Some adjustments had to be made, but rainy weather did not stop the Helena […]

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Helena baseball invests in future at youth camp

Published 4:39 pm Monday, June 16, 2025

By DANIEL LOCKE | Staff Writer

HELENA – Some adjustments had to be made, but rainy weather did not stop the Helena Huskies Summer Baseball Camp from taking place at Helena High School on June 11 and 12.

Despite the conditions, more than 60 kids still came out to work on their baseball skills, a number that pleased head varsity coach PJ Guy.

“It’s a full load out there, it’s a lot of fun,” Guy said.

Despite being on summer break, the high school players showed up in numbers to help out, investing in the next generation of Helena baseball.

“I think my current players have as much fun as the kids do,” Guy said. “It’s kind of the last thing we do for the school year, although school is out. It’s kind of like the finale of our year. The weather was really bad so we ended up having to cut it down to just two days which didn’t damper it too much. Still, I thought it went really well and it seemed like all the kids had a great time.”

Like other youth sports camps in the area, the high school players are not worried about getting better themselves. Rather, they are occupied teaching the kids and helping them develop a better understanding of specific skills.

“When we get a chance to see our current players serve our youth and get out there, some of it makes them uncomfortable because they’re not used to being around young kids,” Guy said. “We do let them run some drills and try to teach it. It puts them in a situation where it helps them grow their communication skills.”

Having the opportunity to work with the community’s youth allows the high school players to accomplish one of the program’s biggest goals–serving others.

“We take a lot of pride in our program, being a family and also giving back and serving,” Guy said. “During the school year, during the baseball season, we always really thrive to serve one another, be great teammates and have a brotherhood.”

The camp is one of Guy’s favorite things the program does each year, as it allows him to connect with future players and start forming a bond with them well before their high school career begins.

“I can remember when they (current players) were that age and my former players from the past would be the ones talking to and instructing them,” Guy said. “The biggest goal for us is we want to connect the dots with our youth parents and players. We want them to know that we want to do this together and do it the right way. Just take pride in wearing a Helena jersey, which is the most important thing.”

Becoming familiar with youth players and their parents allows Guy to develop connections with future players, something he believes is beneficial for the future of the program.

“There’s no doubt,” Guy said. “There are five or six 12-year-olds that I can flat out tell you this was their sixth camp to come to. You build relationships with them and you get to know their parents too.”

Guy and the Huskies care greatly about their performance, but are equally focused on making an impact. Hosting the camp each year allows them to do so.



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Kean Gives Back During South Africa Travelearn

Story Links Alexandra Township, South Africa – Members of the Kean University community had the privilege of visiting the NBA Africa headquarters while giving back to local youth during a Spring Break trip through Kean’s Travelearn.  Travelearn offers Kean students the opportunity to combine academic studies with short-term travel to various destinations. […]

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Alexandra Township, South Africa – Members of the Kean University community had the privilege of visiting the NBA Africa headquarters while giving back to local youth during a Spring Break trip through Kean’s Travelearn. 

Travelearn offers Kean students the opportunity to combine academic studies with short-term travel to various destinations. This short-term travel is typically a period of 7-10 days of travel connected to an academic course, which is faculty-led with Kean University students. Travelearn programs are led by faculty who are experts in the respective program’s field of study.  The programs typically consist of lectures and excursions related to a particular topic with students of all majors. 

This spring, Kean offered Travelearn programs to China, England, Iceland, Ireland, Italy and for the first time, South Africa. 

A contingency of 30 students and staff, including President Lamont O. Repollet, Ed.D., were welcomed by the NBA Africa headquarters where they met with senior representatives who provided an overview of the work happening in Africa. A fireside chat ensued where members of the Kean entourage learned about the NBA Africa strategy, how the NBA is using basketball as a tool for development and what future plans are in store. 

Afterwards, the group headed to Alexandra to visit an NBA refurbished basketball court and conduct a youth basketball clinic.  Led by Kelly Williams, Director of Athletics, the students and staff directed a warmup, created basketball stations (shooting, defense, passing, dribbling) and discussed life skills that could be applied from basketball. 

“NBA Africa welcomed us with a presentation and the opportunity to conduct a basketball clinic with the children of Alexandra,” stated Alison Kowalewski, Sport and Event Management major and women’s volleyball student-athlete. “Listening to the stories and getting to know the other children changed my perspective on what life is really like in South Africa. Connecting with the community was an incredible experience! As Dr. Repollet said all throughout our trip, I will be forever changed after this Travelearn.”  

“During the clinic we had an opportunity to play basketball with all the students of the local community, and it allowed us to connect with all of the students through sports,” stated Corey Rodriguez, Public Service and Administration major and cross country and track student-athlete. “This trip created a bridge between South Africa and Kean that wouldn’t have been the same without sports.” 



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