Smithsburg
Leitersburg
Fort Ritchie
Your Local News for Smithsburg, Leitersburg and Fort Ritchie, Maryland
Subscribe
Subscribe
Thursday, jun 4
75°
News
Schools
Business
Obituaries
Police & Fire
Weather
Lifestyle
Politics
Sports
Traffic
Real Estate
Tags
Jobs
Shop
Support Us
Smithsburg
Leitersburg
Fort Ritchie
Subscribe
News
Schools
Business
Obituaries
Police & Fire
Weather
Lifestyle
Politics
Sports
Traffic
Real Estate
Tags
Jobs
Shop
Support Us
Home
About us
All sites
Advertise with us
Contact us
Terms of use
Privacy policy
Code of ethics
Site Map
© 2026 Cantata Media
75°
Thursday, jun 4
Tag:
Basketball
Sports
NBA Forward Brandon Clarke Dies Suddenly At 29
A seven-year NBA career built on energy, toughness, and trust has ended in heartbreak. Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke died suddenly on Tuesday, May 12, the team just announced. He was 29. The Grizzlies shared a statement on social media: "We are heartbroken by the tragic loss of Brandon Clarke," the statement read. "Brandon was an outstanding teammate and an even better person whose impact on the organization and the greater Memphis community will not be forgotten. We express our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones during this difficult time." No cause of death …
Sports
'I Believe In You': Maryland Coach Brenda Freese Goes Nose-To-Nose With Okanawa In Viral Moment
The Maryland women's basketball team was bounced from the NCAA Tournament on Sunday afternoon, but it was a heated exchange between coach Brenda Freese and star guard Oluchi Okanawa that people are still talking about. On Sunday, the Terrapins lost 74-66 to the fourth-seeded University of North Carolina, but it was a fiery face-to-face confrontation with the All-Big Ten First Team guard that caught the nation's attention. In the widely shared video, Freese can be seen nose-to-nose with Okanawa and poking her in the chest while trying to motivate the junior guard, who helped lead Maryland to…
Police & Fire
Hard Foul Or Felony? Basketball Game At Virginia Rec Center Ends With Arrest, Police Say
A basketball game at a Virginia rec center left a child with serious injuries and a West Virginia man behind bars. Hedgesville resident Jacob Martin, 23, was arrested following an investigation into a physical incident involving a child at the Ida Lee Park Recreation Center, according to the Leesburg Police Department. At around 6:30 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 28, officers were called to the building on Ida Lee Drive NW, where there were reports of a "serious physical assault" involving Martin and a juvenile. During the basketball game, it is alleged that Martin struck a juvenile in t…
Schools
Prodigy 9-Year-Old Boy Starts Studying Neuroscience As Youngest Student In College
A Pennsylvania boy is making history as one of the youngest college students in the country. At just 9 years old, Aiden Wilkins of Royersford is juggling high school and college. He’s a sophomore at Reach Cyber Charter School and also the youngest student ever to take a class at Ursinus College in Collegeville, according to NBC10, 6ABC, and The Philadelphia Inquirer. Three days a week, Aiden can be found sitting in a neuroscience classroom alongside 18- to 20-year-old college freshmen. The rest of the time, he’s completing high school coursework virtually. His load is heavy, but Aiden said …
Sports
UConn Legend Paige Bueckers Named WNBA Rookie Of The Year
Dallas Wings guard Paige Bueckers has been named the Associated Press Rookie of the Year after a standout first season in the WNBA. The news should not come as a shock to anyone who watched her inspired play across 36 games this year. Bueckers, the Wings’ top draft pick, made an immediate impact, averaging 19.2 points and 5.4 assists a game, according to ESPN. The team noted the 23-year-old was the only player in the league to finish in the top nine in scoring, assists, and steals. The Associated Press also placed Bueckers on the All-WNBA Second Team and made her a unanimous choi…
Sports
Doris Burke Demoted From ESPN’s Finals Team But Inks New Multi-Year Extension
Hall of Fame broadcaster and Long Island native Doris Burke will no longer call the NBA Finals for ESPN. Tim Legler will move into the lead broadcast team alongside play-by-play announcer Mike Breen, analyst Richard Jefferson, and sideline reporter Lisa Salters, the network announced Thursday, Aug. 28. That group will handle the NBA Finals, Conference Finals, and other marquee games. Burke, meanwhile, will remain a central voice on the network’s NBA coverage, joining play-by-play voice Dave Pasch on ESPN’s No. 2 NBA broadcast team after signing a multi-year extension. She will continue ca…
Lifestyle
Your Dog Could Be 'Air Bud' In Classic Movie Series Revival: Here's How
Ain't no rule that says your dog can't play basketball. Cineverse and Air Bud Entertainment have kicked off a nationwide talent search to find the golden retriever that will headline "Air Bud Returns," set to hit theaters in summer 2026. It will be the 15th movie for the franchise and the first since "Super Buddies" in 2013. Dog owners can submit their purebred golden retrievers on the official Air Bud website throughout August. All entries will be eligible for prizes leading up to the release, including official jerseys, signed merchandise, and a trip to the Hollywood premiere. The n…
Sports
Angel Reese, Carmelo Anthony Take Over NBA 2K26 Covers As Maryland Icons Rise
Randallstown’s own Angel Reese and Baltimore legend Carmelo Anthony are officially cover stars — not just in the city, but across the world. The two basketball standouts with deep Maryland roots have been tapped as featured athletes for special editions of NBA 2K26, the studio announced this week. Reese, 23, is the cover athlete for the NBA 2K26 WNBA Edition, a GameStop exclusive available in physical form in the United States. The All-Star forward for the Chicago Sky will also appear on the Leave No Doubt Edition alongside 2025 NBA MVP and Finals MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Anth…
Sports
Grambling State Hires Maryland High School Champion Coach Desmin Wade
A Montgomery County coach who led one of Maryland’s top high school basketball programs to historic success is heading to the big stage at Grambling State. Desmin Wade, a Forestville native who turned James Hubert Blake High School into a powerhouse, has been hired as the new general manager and assistant coach for Grambling State University’s men’s basketball program, officials announced. Wade leaves Blake after a dominant five-year stretch that included a 91-35 record, four Division Championships, one county title, and five regional championship appearances. In 2024-2025, Wade guided the…
Sports
Philadelphia Getting WNBA Team As League Grows To 18 Teams: What To Know
The home city of legendary women's basketball coach Dawn Staley is getting a WNBA team. Philadelphia has been awarded a WNBA expansion team, the league announced on Monday, June 30. Philly will join Cleveland and Detroit as the newest cities in the league. Philly's team will begin play in 2030. "Philadelphia is one of the most storied basketball cities in the world and our region is home to some of the best women’s players and coaches to ever grace the hardwood," said Josh Harris, managing partner and co-founder of Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment. "It's only right that…
Sports
Derik Queen’s Bold Draft Suit Shouts Out Baltimore In Most Iconic Way
Maryland will be well-represented at the NBA Draft on Wednesday night, courtesy of UMD star Derik Queen. Villanova Assistant Coach Ricky Harris shared a video of Queen getting ready for the draft — and his jacket had a special shoutout to his hometown of Baltimore. The video can be viewed here on Harris' Instagram account. Dressed for success 👑 pic.twitter.com/bXTRm5xGqc — Maryland Men’s Basketball (@TerrapinHoops) June 25, 2025 In the video, Queen can be seen with a stylist before unveiling his very special Draft Day suit. In dramatic fashion, the camera zooms in on Queen's sui…
Obituaries
‘THE Team Mom’ From Maryland Dies; Richmond Basketball Star Honors Late Mother
For nearly two decades, Melissa Richmond lived with chronic illness—but to everyone who knew her, she was nothing short of unstoppable. Richmond was a mother, a cheerleader, a fighter, and above all, the heartbeat of every room she entered—especially the Robins Center, where she proudly cheered on her son, DeLonnie Hunt, during his years as a standout guard for the University of Richmond Spiders men’s basketball team. Melissa passed away unexpectedly this week, leaving behind a deep well of grief among her family, friends, and the Richmond basketball community. “My mother has been si…
Sports
Sports Shocker: Knicks Fire Head Coach Tom Thibodeau After Best Postseason Run In 25 Years
In a move that has sent shockwaves throughout the sports world, the New York Knicks have fired head coach Tom Thibodeau after he led the team to their best postseason run in 25 years. The Knicks fell to the Indiana Pacers four games to two in the Eastern Conference finals, marking the first time they were one series away from the NBA finals since 2000. They also lost to the Pacers that year. Thibodeau has been the Knicks’ coach for five years. The team's 23 playoff wins the last three seasons are third in the NBA behind only the Boston Celtics and Denver Nuggets. When he took ov…
Lifestyle
Survey Reveals How Often Americans Grill Outdoors During Summer
Grill season is heating up, and for most Americans, cookouts are the crown jewel of an array of summer activities. Whether it’s smoky ribs, a bubbling tray of mac and cheese, or a rousing round of cornhole, Americans know what makes a great summer. A new survey finds cookouts at the center of it all. According to the study, Americans plan to attend five barbecues and host four over the summer months. The poll of 2,000 adults — conducted by Talker Research on behalf of SpartanNash — explored the recipe for a perfect summer, from grill favorites to party roles and top-ranked sides. Two-thir…
Sports
He's Back: Michael Jordan To Join NBA On NBC's Much-Hyped Revival
Michael Jordan is repeating the two crucial words from his famous 1995 fax: "I'm back." The all-time basketball legend will be a special contributor for the highly anticipated return of the NBA on NBC, the network announced on Monday, May 12. NBC will resume showing NBA games in the 2025-26 season after a 23-year hiatus. NBC made the announcement during its upfront presentation at Radio City Music Hall in New York City. "I am so excited to see the NBA back on NBC," Jordan said in a statement. "The NBA on NBC was a meaningful part of my career, and I'm excited about being a specia…
Obituaries
Beloved DMV Coach, Mentor, Father Of Final Four Star Mourned: ‘A True Legend’
Coach Lamar Butler Sr. didn’t just build basketball players in the DMV — he built men. The DMV basketball world is mourning the loss of Coach Lamar Butler Sr., a beloved mentor, husband, grandfather, and father to George Mason Final Four standout Lamar Butler Jr., who passed away this week. He was more than a coach — he was a pillar, his loved ones said. Butler shaped generations of young athletes, not only with his love for the game, but with values that extended far beyond the hardwood: discipline, integrity, teamwork, and self-belief. His contagious smile and unwavering com…
Sports
College Basketball Icon Jimmer Fredette Retires After 14-Year Pro Career
A legendary college basketball star known for his outstanding shooting is ending his 14-year professional career that took him around the world, including the Olympics. Jimmer Fredette announced his retirement in an Instagram post on Wednesday, April 23. The Glens Falls, New York, native became a national sensation during his time at Brigham Young University. The 36-year-old last played for Sagesse SC in the Lebanese Basketball League. "I owe a lot of who I am today to this game and it's not easy to say goodbye as a player but the time has come and I'm excited for what’s next in life,…
Sports
Maryland's Carmelo Anthony Headlines 2025 Basketball Hall Of Fame Class
The 2025 Basketball Hall of Fame class is stacked with stars — and packed with local roots. Baltimore native and Olympic superstar Carmelo Anthony is heading to the Hall of Fame, alongside fellow NBA All-Star Dwight Howard, UConn legends Sue Bird and Maya Moore, as well as the entire 2008 “Redeem Team,” the gold medal-winning Olympic squad that put USA Basketball back on top. The star-studded class was announced Saturday, April 5, and also includes Rockville Centre’s own Billy Donovan — a two-time NCAA champion turned NBA coach — and longtime NBA referee Danny Crawford. Anthony, who …
Obituaries
Georgetown Hoops Great, Maryland Native Kevin Braswell Dies Weeks After Heart Surgery In Japan
Former Georgetown basketball star and Baltimore native Kevin Braswell has died at 46, leaving behind a lasting legacy on and off the court. Braswell, who played at Georgetown from 1998 to 2002 before embarking on a long professional career overseas, passed away in Japan weeks after undergoing heart surgery, according to the Utsunomiya Brex, the team he was coaching in the country’s domestic league. 【お知らせ】3/23(日) KEVIN BRASWELL Memorial Ceremony 開催3/23(日) 17:45頃から日環アリーナ栃木にて2/24に永眠したケビン・ブラスウェル ヘッドコーチのお別れの会として、KEVIN BRASWELL Memorial Ceremonyを開催します。… pic.twitter.com/MpjS2cQbkc — 宇都宮ブレックス / …
Real Estate
NBA Star's Former Maryland Mansion Listed At $11M (
Photos
)
A Maryland mega-mansion once owned by former Washington Wizards star Bradley Beal has hit the market for a cool $11 million—and it’s got everything a baller could want, including a full-size indoor basketball court he built himself. Located in the exclusive Avenel community, the 14,900-square-foot estate at 8913 Holly Leaf Lane in Bethesda sits on two acres and is packed with luxury amenities, from a resort-style pool and spa to a private tennis court and fire pit area. The home is listed with Washington Fine Properties. Beal, now with the Phoenix Suns, transformed the home during his DC da…
Police & Fire
Teen Charged As Adult For Joppatowne HS Shooting That Killed 'Charismatic, Funny' Teen: Sheriff
Classes are set to resume at Joppatown High School following Friday's fatal shooting that claimed the life of 15-year-old Warren Curtis Grant. On Sept. 6, shortly after 12:30 p.m., deputies were called to the school, where they found Grant suffering from a gunshot wound, allegedly fired by 16-year-old Jaylen Prince, who was arrested over the weekend, the Harford County Sheriff's Office announced. Grant was treated at the school until county medics arrived to airlift him to John Hopkins Bayview Hospital, where the Edgewood teen died from his injuries. During the investigation, detectives id…
Obituaries
'I Lost My First True Love:' Victims Of Deadly I-81 Crash Remembered
The lives of two Maryland men were cut short in a crash on I-81 last week in Pennsylvania, and now, their loved ones are rallying to give them proper burials. Diamonte Drequan Disney, 25, and Tiheen "Tizzy" Justice Nathaniel Matthews, 20, both of Hagerstown, MD, both died in the crash Wednesday, Aug. 21 in Antrim Township, as previously reported by Daily Voice. The pair were in a black 2012 Infiniti G37 that lost control, left the roadway, hit the guidewire in the median, and then rolled over, PA State Trooper Ruiz said. Disney and Nathaniel were among the four people who were ej…
Sports
Root For These 24 Maryland, Virginia Athletes Repping Team USA At Paris Olympics
A strong contingent of athletes and para athletes from Maryland and Virginia are headed to the Paris Olympics. A total of 24 athletes from Maryland and 15 from Virginia have all qualified for the Olympics and are ready to make their run at the gold when events kick off Friday, July 26. Athletes from Maryland set to sport the Red, White, and Blue during the Olympics: Phoebe Bacon, of Chevy Chase, in swimming; Aaron Brooks, of Hagerstown, in wrestling; Kevin Durant, of DC, in basketball; Erin Gemmell of Bethesda, in swimming; Noah Hanssen, of Maryland, in wheelchair fencing; Jahmal …
75°
