Syracuse, N.Y. -- Tom Blackford demands a lot from his point guards. The longtime basketball coach at Hamilton and Fayetteville-Manlius high schools tells them they have to lead the team in assists, which isn’t so unusual.But Blackford, winner of more than 500 games and two state championships in 37 seasons, employs a 1-3-1 zone defense and he almost always puts his point guard in the back of that configuration. So even if they’ve just scored a layup at one end of the court they have to dash back to defend their basket against fast-break attacks or cover the corners to shut off baseline drives. Often, that means trying to take one for the team - a charge that is. In that respect, Blackford’s current Hamilton squad has one of the best point guards he’s coached, he said, in senior Ryan Hunt.According to Blackford’s numbers, Hunt just set a Section III record for career charges taken - at 91. He surpassed the previous ‘unofficial’ mark set by … [Read more...] about Small point guard makes himself a big hurdle for Hamilton basketball foes
Offense plays for youth basketball
Ex-Bill Charlie Rogers wields sword at youth basketball event, arrested for making threats
Charlie Rogers, a Bills punt and kick returner in 2002, was arrested in New Jersey this week for wielding a sword and making terroristic threats during a youth basketball event, according to the Asbury Park Press. He also was charged with possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, stalking and unlawful possession of a weapon, according to the report. He was released after his initial court appearance and prosecutors have not decided whether to proceed with charges. According to police, Rogers showed the sword during an Oct. 5 event for parents of a local youth basketball travel team. Rogers, who also played for the Seattle Seahawks and Miami Dolphins, had left a voicemail filled with profanity for a parent of an 11-year-old player on another team in early September. During the message, Rogers said he would send his players after the other player as long as the player was in the game. "We are going to blitz every (expletive) play until your guy comes out of the game" was part … [Read more...] about Ex-Bill Charlie Rogers wields sword at youth basketball event, arrested for making threats
Ex-NFL player wields sword during argument at youth basketball event, police say
Former NFL player John "Charlie" Rogers Jr. turned himself in to police Monday and was charged with making terroristic threats, stalking and weapons offenses. (Getty Images) A former NFL player threatened someone with a sword during an argument at a youth basketball event last month, police in New Jersey said. John “Charlie” Rogers Jr., 42, turned himself in to police Monday and was charged with making terroristic threats, stalking and weapons offenses. The Asbury Park Press reported Rogers was released immediately after an initial appearance. CHIEFS-RAMS FANS GET CHANGE FEES WAIVED BY MAJOR AIR CARRIERS AFTER MEXICO CITY GAME CANCELLED The incident occurred during a meeting for a youth basketball travel team at Matawan-Aberdeen Middle School on Oct. 5, officials said. The police report stated Rogers was “under the influence of drugs or alcohol during the altercation,” NJ.com reported, and investigators said Rogers threatened someone with a … [Read more...] about Ex-NFL player wields sword during argument at youth basketball event, police say
Larry Fitzgerald has no plans to retire — or play for the Vikings
Larry Fitzgerald makes it a point each summer to return to Minnesota to work with the area youth. The Arizona Cardinals all-pro receiver was at it again Tuesday at alma mater Academy of Holy Angels in Richfield. The focus of his football procamp, Fitzgerald said, isn’t to help kids become pro athletes, to teach them life lessons. “You have to invest the time and resources into helping them achieve their goals,” Fitzgerald said. “It’s the same way people did for me, so it’s always important to pay it forward. I just want them to be good young people. That’s all you want.” Why the need to come back to Minnesota? This, Fitzgerald noted, is where it all started. He talked about idolizing local athletes such as John Randle, Randall McDaniel, Kirby Puckett, Kevin Garnett and Mike Modano, to name a few, and mentioned others in the community who helped him growing up. But Minnesota is not where he sees his pro football career … [Read more...] about Larry Fitzgerald has no plans to retire — or play for the Vikings
Meet Detroit Lions’ Frank Ragnow: A ‘throwback’ playing for his late father
Share This Story! Let friends in your social network know what you are reading about Facebook Email Twitter Google+ LinkedIn Pinterest Meet Detroit Lions' Frank Ragnow: A 'throwback' playing for his late father Frank Ragnow, the Detroit Lions' top pick in 2018, has played with a heavy heart the past 19 months since his father died of a heart attack Sent! A link has been sent to your friend's email address. Posted! A link has been posted to your Facebook feed. Join the Conversation To find out more about Facebook commenting please read the Conversation Guidelines and FAQs Dave Birkett, Detroit Free Press Published 8:00 a.m. ET April 29, 2018 CLOSE Shawn Windsor, Dave Birkett and Carlos Monarrez debate Detroit Lions' surprising pick of Arkansas center Frank Ragnow at No. 20 in NFL draft April 26. Detroit Free Press staff, Detroit Free Press CONNECT TWEET LINKEDIN COMMENT EMAIL MORE There aren’t many people in … [Read more...] about Meet Detroit Lions’ Frank Ragnow: A ‘throwback’ playing for his late father