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Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026

Matt Bisaha's best friend needs a new home.

His dog woke up today to learn that Matt died in his sleep last night. His ex-wife discovered the sad news today when checking in on him. Matt had been sick for a few days and she had been urging him to go to the hospital. Matt had agreed to go on Monday.

You can call my son Billy about taking in Matt's dog. He says he would take the dog himself but he already has two other dogs. The dog is just over a year old and is up to date on his shots. Billy says he's not yet neutered but would be a great pet for anybody willing o take him in. A photo is at right if you are reading on a PC or laptop, or scroll down if you are reading on a mobile device.

If you are tempted in adopting the dog, maybe this will push you to help.

Matt Bisaha was the kind of guy almost everyone who knew him remembers this way: He was always quick to help out anyone in need without ever asking for anything in return.

I'm sure Matt's first question when arriving at the Pearly Gates of Heaven was to inquire about the well being of his dog.

His next question would be to ask about where the hockey rink is and how can he get on a team?

Matt Bisaha played on lots of hockey teams, going all the way back to the 1970's.

We rode together several years back to watch my son play in an alumni tournament.

Matt was over 60 and swore it was time for us to make comebacks as we sat in the stands watching the action. He proclaimed: "These guys can barely skate. We can skate circles around them! Let's go get our skates."

Matt was a funny, funny guy.

But somehow, you could tell that declaration wasn't intended to be humorous. He was dead serious. 

Matt was a teammate of mine on several teams. I led the league in scoring every time we played together because his pin-point passing accuracy made scoring goals easier than with any linemate I ever skated with in three decades of playing the game 

A few years younger than Matt, I knew I belonged in the stands as I was nearing 60 at the time. But Matt? I think he could have still competed. 

Flint Kearsley's ice hockey program was just getting started when Matt first laced 'em up for the Hornets. He had a so-so prep career. Nothing spectacular. Nothing memorable.

But a growth spurt after graduation and all that passion and desire for the game transformed Matt into one of the all-time greats in Flint area rec league history.

Matt dazzled everyone who witnessed his blazing speed. I've seen all the greats in our area. Not one matched his breakneck, lightning speed in open ice. His quick acceleration was absolutely amazing.

In his heyday during his early 20's, Matt played in the old morning men's league on the smaller ice surface in Arena 2 at the old IMA Sports Arena. Opposing teams latched on to the likes of old Flint Generals who retired from professional hockey and decided to stay in the Flint area. Not a one could keep up with him on the ice. His old Stroh's Beer clubs dominated for nearly a decade with championship after championship  as Matt annually finished near the top of the list in league scoring leaders. There would be his name every year in the top 10 list along with a two or three ex-Generals. 

Matt had great hands and a keen knack for punching pucks in the net from scrambles in front of the goal. His passing was spectacular.

I'd put him in my all-time top 10 for the best rec league players I've ever seen in the Metro Flint regional area.

Although he didn't make his mark in prep hockey because he really honed his skills after graduation, he's surley one of the best ever to come out of Flint Kearsley High School. Let's ut it this way. No single Hornet ever won as many rec league championships or amassed as many top 10 finishes in league scoring.

Read Old Sports Thoughts Columns

-----------------------------------------------------

Mike Killbreath is an award-winning newspaper sports columnist. He appears on Metro Flint Sports Radio daily at 11:45 am via The Michigan Sports Zone Show to talk about Michigan sports teams and the latest sports world topics. He also concentrates on the local sports scene weeknights at 6 pm on The Daily Gazette Sports Night Show and host a Sunday radio show that simulcasts on TV as The Daily Gazette Sports Weekend Show which is the area's longest running sports talk show on the loal air waves. This past fall marked Mike's 50th year as a journalist.

 Wednesday, November 26, 2025

There are people that pass and it just hits differently. Parents and grandparents, siblings and relatives in general, are the worst. But then there are others, such as teachers and coaches. Today is such a day. 

There's a moment that captures everything you need to know about Coach Joe Eufinger, and it happened on a practice field during the 1979-80 season.

I showed up for my first football practice at Flint Central. Coach Eufinger had personally asked me to try out. That meant something. When Coach Eufinger saw potential in you, you felt ten feet tall.

The practice started. It wasn't that bad. I'm thinking, yea, I can do this. Well, that was short lived! Then came Dexter Clark.

One tackle. That's all it took. The hit was so hard my helmet popped clean off my head. And in that moment, standing there on the practice field with my helmet in the dirt and stars in my eyes, I made a life altering decision. I picked up that helmet, left it off, and started walking. Off the field. To the locker room. Away from football. Done. Career over!

Behind me, Coach Eufinger was yelling. "Marty, come back! Get back here!" But I kept walking. Ignoring his calls and the team's laughter. Setting pride to the side, I proudly walked off that field. When you know, you know!

Here's the thing, though, coach never stopped caring. That moment didn't define our relationship, it became one of our favorite stories.

 For 45 years, we laughed about it. For 45 years, that walk off the field became a bridge to a friendship that mattered more than any game ever could. Most folks, thankfully, long forgot that story. Now, I laugh about it often. 

Joe Eufinger knew something about loyalty and commitment. He graduated from Flint Central in 1963 as a three-sport athlete, a lineman who played alongside kids who would become local legends. After earning his degree at Purdue University, he made a choice that would define his life;  he came home.

In 1967, Coach Eufinger returned to Flint Central, not as a visitor, but as a teacher and coach who would spend the next 39 years shaping young lives. From 1976 through 2001, he led the Indians football program, compiling a record of 138-102 that stands as the ninth-highest win total among coaches in Genesee County history. 

But anyone who knew Coach Eufinger understood that those numbers, impressive as they are, never told the whole story.

Friday nights under the lights at Atwood Stadium were electric when the Indians took the field, but Coach Eufinger's impact reached far beyond the gridiron. He taught in the Humanities Magnet Program, bringing literature and critical thinking to life for students who might never have discovered their own voices otherwise. He coached Law Day Mock Trial competitions, where students from across Flint learned to argue, to reason, to stand up and be heard.

He served on the Greater Flint Area Sports Hall of Fame committee, helping to preserve and honor the athletic history of the community he loved. And when he was inducted into a hall of fame himself, it recognized not just the wins, but the way he won, with integrity, with passion, with a heart that never stopped believing in his players.

In his own words, written years ago about Flint's schools, Coach Eufinger spoke of the "intense competition between Indians, Vikings, Colts, Knights, Wildcats and Phoenix" that "made us all better in the end." That was his philosophy of life: competition, yes, but competition that lifts everyone up. Rivalry with respect. Excellence that inspires others to be excellent too.

What made Joe Eufinger special wasn't his coaching record or his accolades. It was the way he saw people. Every student mattered. Every player, even the ones who walked off the field on day one, was worth his time, his energy, his belief.

He had this gift of making you feel like you were part of something bigger than yourself. Once you were an Indian, you were always an Indian. And Coach Eufinger never forgot a face, never forgot a name, never forgot that moment when he called you over and asked you to try out for the team.

Even when cancer came, even during the long battle that would eventually take him from us, Coach Eufinger kept giving. He appeared in the 2024 documentary "Remembering Flint Central," sharing stories and preserving the history of a school that meant everything to him. He didn't complain. He thought of others. He maintained that warm spirit, that quick laugh, that ability to make everyone around him feel valued. 

Today, Coach Joe Eufinger passed away after his courageous fight with cancer. The halls of Flint Central feel even more quiet since closing down, more empty than it seems. The sidelines no longer share the sounds of pads and helmets hitting. But his legacy echoes in every life he touched, every lesson he taught, every moment he chose connection over winning, relationship over results.

That kid who walked off the field during the 1979-80 season? I never forgot Coach Eufinger yelling at me to come back. But more importantly, I never forgot that Coach Eufinger kept the door open.

 Although I closed that door permanently , he was at just about every home basketball game that I played in. He even told me that I'd made the right choice. Our story didn't end with a walk-off; it began there. That forgiveness and friendship and laughter could grow from a moment of failure, the moment he chose connection over winning and relationship over results.

That's the lesson Coach Eufinger taught all of us: It's not about whether you stay on the field. It's about whether you stay in each other's lives. It's about seeing the potential in people even when they can't see it themselves. It's about loving a school, a community, and a group of kids so deeply that you give them 39 years of your life and never once regret it.

Coach, you can stop yelling now. We heard you. We came back. Not to the football field, maybe, but to the values you taught us, the examples you set, the lives you touched.

Your whistle can come off now. The game is over and you won in every way that matters.

Rest easy, Coach Eufinger. Flint Central will always be your home, and you will always be ours.

Once an Indian, always an Indian.

Gone but never will be forgotten, Coach Joe Eufinger, Flint Central High School educator and coach (1967-2006).  His legacy lives on in the countless lives he touched and the community he served with unwavering dedication.

READ MORE MARTY EMBRY COLUMNS

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Marty Embry is a former administrator in the Flint school district. He was the star center on two of the old Flint Central's state championship teams under legendary Coach Stan Gooch, then went on to star at DePaul University before playing professionally overseas.

METRO FLINT NEWS/TALK RADIO IS SHIFTING MOST OF ITS SPORTS PROGRAMMING TO A NEW STATION LAUNCHING SOON BY CCN!

Popular Weekday Programs Now Shifting to this New Station:

7 am — CCN AM Sports Report

11:45 am — Michigan Sports Zone

(Statewide & National Sports Talk) 

6:00p m — The Daily Gazette Sports Night

(Local sports talk & highlights)

11:30 pm — CCN Sports Final

(The Day's Sports World Highlights)

Popular Sunday Programs Now Shifting to this New Station:

7 am — CCN AM Sports Report

11:45 am — Michigan Sports Zone

(Statewide & National Sports Talk) 

6:00 pm — The Daily Gazette Sports Weekend Show

(Local sports talk & highlights)

11:30 pm — CCN Sports Final

(The Day's Sports World Highlights)

Tuesday's Sports Shows

5:30 am — CCN AM Sports Report

(Monday's Sports World Highlights)

11:00 pm — CCN Sports Final

(Today's Sports World Highlights)

Wednesday's Sports Shows

5:30 am — CCN AM Sports Report

(Tuesday's Sports World Highlights)

11:00 pm — CCN Sports Final

(Today's Sports World Highlights)

Thursday's Sports Shows

5:30 am — CCN AM Sports Report

(Wednesday's Sports World Highlights)

11:00 pm — CCN Sports Final

(Today's Sports World Highlights)

Friday's Sports Shows

5:30 am — CCN AM Sports Report

(Thursday's Sports World Highlights)

11:00 pm — CCN Sports Final

(Today's Sports World Highlights)

Saturday's Sports Shows

5:30 am — CCN AM Sports Report

11:00 pm — CCN Sports Final

(Today's Sports World Highlights)

Sunday's Sports Shows

5:30 am — CCN AM Sports Report

(Saturday's Sports World Highlights)

11:00 pm — CCN Sports Final

(Today's Sports World Highlights)

Monday's Sports Shows

5:30 am — CCN AM Sports Report

(Sunday's Sports World Highlights)

11:00 pm — CCN Sports Final

(Today's Sports World Highlights)

Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026

Who was our local Athlete-of-the-Year for 2025?

It's quite an honor to be given such a  distinction when considering the rich sports tradition of this community.

So many have gone on to stardom at the next level. Kenny Morrow of Davison won NCAA and NHL championships in addition to being part of the great "Miracle on Ice" hockey team that upset the Russians at the 1980 Olympics. Davison goalie  TIm Thomas won the Stanley Cup with the Boston Bruins. Flint is the hometown of boxing champions Chris Byrd and Claressa Shields. The FlintStones basketball connection to Michigan State's great teams under Tom Izzo is legendary and known to sports fans across America. Flint area products have won Super Bowls, collected NBA Championship rings, suited up for the world Series in baseball and played for national championships at the collegiate level in football, baseball, hockey and basketball.

To be named Athlete-of-the-Year in our community?

Well, it's a distinction that needs more than just the CCN sports team at the table to decide on a winner. That's why we want to hear from you.

Cast your vote to us. Text me at (810) 347-9803, e-mail us to MetroFlintNewsTalkRadio@gmail.com or call our office Hot Line at (810) 771-8421 any time weekends or weekdays from 5 pm until our office line opens at 10 am.

Your votes or comments can help us decide. I say "us" because it will be a joint decision by our team of sports guys at CCN. I bet you didn't know our staff is bigger than TV 12, TV 5, TV 25, TV 66 and The Flint Journal / MLive combined!

We will take our time before naming a winner and the tentative plan is to reveal our choice at a Flint Area Chamber of Commerce luncheon on Saturday, Feb. 21. That will be the day I'm hoping will be the official "grand opening" for Metro Flint Sports Radio as a permanent part of the local landscape on our sports scene.

Oh, there's a soft opening on Monday, Jan. 5. But that's merely when we're moving most of our sports programming on Metro Flint News/Talk Radio to the new signal CCN is launching.

You can get there by clicking on the button near the top of The Daily Gazette.

My hope is to establish Metro Flint Sports Radio as part of the permanent fabric of our sports community. A campaign to hopefully make that happen begins with Monday's launch of the new radio signal via the crystal clear sound of Alexa devices in homes and offices and the air waves of the world wide web for laptops, PC's and various mobile devices to capture along with Smart Phones and Blue Tooth gadgets that can pipe our signal to car radios.

But first, let's meet our candidates for CCN Athlete-of-the-Year. If here is anybody you believe we've missed on our list of candidates, please let us know at the contact info above. With help from callers and texts since mentioning it on my sports radio show, here's the list most mention as 2025's best:

 • TREY MCKENNEY: The Flint resident won Mr. Basketball honors in Michigan by leading Orchard Lake St. Mary to the Division 1 semifinals before losing to eventual state champion Lansing Eastern. McKenney's senior season stats included averaging 23.8 points per game, 10.2 rebounds, 2.9 assists and 2.1 steals per game. The 6-foot-5 star established himself as a five-star prospect as a junior when led Orchard Lake St. Mary to the 2024 state title. He was eventually the top prospect in America on every scouting list. He picked the University of Michigan and is currently scoring at 10.9 points per game for the undefeated Wolverines.      

 • KENDYL SMITH: A four-year prep career is winding down for a player I've labeled as the very best female basketball player I've seen in Metro Flint regional area history, and I've seen all the greats. Smith began with a game-winning shot at the buzzer to help Lake Fenton win the Metro League championship, then transferred to Flint Powers Catholic. She earned al-state distinction there last season as a junior when averaging nearly 20 points per game and nearly 6 assist per contest. She's among the state's best all-time at draining shots from beyond the 3-point arc, and some are drilled from near the center court logo as she's deadly from anywhere inside the mid-court line. Her resume features three AAU national titles and she recently de-committed form Central Michigan University to announce she's going to Liberty University. Kendyl has Powers considered as a state title threat this season and she opened some eyes statewide as a Miss Basketball candidate when beating Trey McKenney in a free throw contest at the Ally Open golf tournament during a series of skills competition events to raise money for local high schools. McKenney was among the celebrity stars matched against top players from local high schools. 

 • WYATT BOWERS: This Corunna kid burst on the national stage in D-2 football this season after he was red-shirted as a freshman. He led the Ferris State Bulldogs to their fourth national title in five years this season by becoming one of the most dynamic dual threat quarterbacks at any level with nearly 3,000 yards in total offense. Bowers and his twin brother both star on Ferris State's team after leading Corunna to its first ever state championship game appearance at Ford Field as seniors.

 • CLARESSA SHIELDS: The greatest woman boxer of all time won twice in 2025. She won a record third title in a different weight class when beating Danielle Perkins for the undisputed women's heavyweight championship by unanimous decision in February. The Flint native,, and then defended that title against Lani Daniels in a successful unanimous decision victory in July, both in Michigan, solidifying her status as the "GWOAT" (Greatest Woman Of All Time). Her successful year included a historic contract signing with Salita Promotions 

Read Old Sports Thoughts Columns

-----------------------------------------------------

Mike Killbreath is an award-winning newspaper sports columnist. He appears on Metro Flint Sports Radio daily at 11:45 am via The Michigan Sports Zone Show to talk about Michigan sports teams and the latest sports world topics. He also concentrates on the local sports scene weeknights at 6 pm on The Daily Gazette Sports Night Show and host a Sunday radio show that simulcasts on TV as The Daily Gazette Sports Weekend Show which is the area's longest running sports talk show on the loal air waves. This past fall marked Mike's 50th year as a journalist.

BY ERIC THOMPSON

CCN Sports Writer

GRAND RAPIDS (CCN) — Flushing's Jacob Badal scored his first goal of the season for Ferris State University's hockey team in the historic Great Lakes Invitational (GLI).

The 44th annual event was held this year at VanAndel Arena in Grand Rapids.

Ferris lost its opener 5-2 to the Michigan State Spartans who are currently ranked No. 3 in the nation, then lost 4-2 to Miami of Ohio in the consolation game.

Badal scored a game-tying goal against Miami with 2:46 remaining in the opening period.

He made it 1-1 when converting on a tip-in from the low slot.

Max Dukovac passed from center ice to Connor McGrath down the right-wing side who skated into the zone and fired a pass to Badal who tipped it past past Miami goalie Mathis Langevin.

The GLI consolation game attracted 4,475 fans.

The Bulldogs played in front of  7,764 fans against MSU in their opener.

MSU beat 

Badal's goal came in his first game back after missing 5 games in a row because of an injury. 

In all this season, he has played in only 5 of 17 games since getting hurt in Ferris State's fourth game of the season against Western Michigan in the home opener. A 6-4 loss in that one came after Badal helped the Bulldogs beat defending national champion Western Michigan and spoil opening night for the Broncos in Kalamazoo.

Badal is a 6-foot, 200-pound senior forward who scored 4 goals and had 10 points last season as a junior. The GLI goal was the 7th of his career since being signed to play Division 1 hockey in Big Rapids.

 Wednesday, November 26, 2025

There are people that pass and it just hits differently. Parents and grandparents, siblings and relatives in general, are the worst. But then there are others, such as teachers and coaches. Today is such a day. 

There's a moment that captures everything you need to know about Coach Joe Eufinger, and it happened on a practice field during the 1979-80 season.

I showed up for my first football practice at Flint Central. Coach Eufinger had personally asked me to try out. That meant something. When Coach Eufinger saw potential in you, you felt ten feet tall.

The practice started. It wasn't that bad. I'm thinking, yea, I can do this. Well, that was short lived! Then came Dexter Clark.

One tackle. That's all it took. The hit was so hard my helmet popped clean off my head. And in that moment, standing there on the practice field with my helmet in the dirt and stars in my eyes, I made a life altering decision. I picked up that helmet, left it off, and started walking. Off the field. To the locker room. Away from football. Done. Career over!

Behind me, Coach Eufinger was yelling. "Marty, come back! Get back here!" But I kept walking. Ignoring his calls and the team's laughter. Setting pride to the side, I proudly walked off that field. When you know, you know!

Here's the thing, though, coach never stopped caring. That moment didn't define our relationship, it became one of our favorite stories.

 For 45 years, we laughed about it. For 45 years, that walk off the field became a bridge to a friendship that mattered more than any game ever could. Most folks, thankfully, long forgot that story. Now, I laugh about it often. 

Joe Eufinger knew something about loyalty and commitment. He graduated from Flint Central in 1963 as a three-sport athlete, a lineman who played alongside kids who would become local legends. After earning his degree at Purdue University, he made a choice that would define his life;  he came home.

In 1967, Coach Eufinger returned to Flint Central, not as a visitor, but as a teacher and coach who would spend the next 39 years shaping young lives. From 1976 through 2001, he led the Indians football program, compiling a record of 138-102 that stands as the ninth-highest win total among coaches in Genesee County history. 

But anyone who knew Coach Eufinger understood that those numbers, impressive as they are, never told the whole story.

Friday nights under the lights at Atwood Stadium were electric when the Indians took the field, but Coach Eufinger's impact reached far beyond the gridiron. He taught in the Humanities Magnet Program, bringing literature and critical thinking to life for students who might never have discovered their own voices otherwise. He coached Law Day Mock Trial competitions, where students from across Flint learned to argue, to reason, to stand up and be heard.

He served on the Greater Flint Area Sports Hall of Fame committee, helping to preserve and honor the athletic history of the community he loved. And when he was inducted into a hall of fame himself, it recognized not just the wins, but the way he won, with integrity, with passion, with a heart that never stopped believing in his players.

In his own words, written years ago about Flint's schools, Coach Eufinger spoke of the "intense competition between Indians, Vikings, Colts, Knights, Wildcats and Phoenix" that "made us all better in the end." That was his philosophy of life: competition, yes, but competition that lifts everyone up. Rivalry with respect. Excellence that inspires others to be excellent too.

What made Joe Eufinger special wasn't his coaching record or his accolades. It was the way he saw people. Every student mattered. Every player, even the ones who walked off the field on day one, was worth his time, his energy, his belief.

He had this gift of making you feel like you were part of something bigger than yourself. Once you were an Indian, you were always an Indian. And Coach Eufinger never forgot a face, never forgot a name, never forgot that moment when he called you over and asked you to try out for the team.

Even when cancer came, even during the long battle that would eventually take him from us, Coach Eufinger kept giving. He appeared in the 2024 documentary "Remembering Flint Central," sharing stories and preserving the history of a school that meant everything to him. He didn't complain. He thought of others. He maintained that warm spirit, that quick laugh, that ability to make everyone around him feel valued. 

Today, Coach Joe Eufinger passed away after his courageous fight with cancer. The halls of Flint Central feel even more quiet since closing down, more empty than it seems. The sidelines no longer share the sounds of pads and helmets hitting. But his legacy echoes in every life he touched, every lesson he taught, every moment he chose connection over winning, relationship over results.

That kid who walked off the field during the 1979-80 season? I never forgot Coach Eufinger yelling at me to come back. But more importantly, I never forgot that Coach Eufinger kept the door open.

 Although I closed that door permanently , he was at just about every home basketball game that I played in. He even told me that I'd made the right choice. Our story didn't end with a walk-off; it began there. That forgiveness and friendship and laughter could grow from a moment of failure, the moment he chose connection over winning and relationship over results.

That's the lesson Coach Eufinger taught all of us: It's not about whether you stay on the field. It's about whether you stay in each other's lives. It's about seeing the potential in people even when they can't see it themselves. It's about loving a school, a community, and a group of kids so deeply that you give them 39 years of your life and never once regret it.

Coach, you can stop yelling now. We heard you. We came back. Not to the football field, maybe, but to the values you taught us, the examples you set, the lives you touched.

Your whistle can come off now. The game is over and you won in every way that matters.

Rest easy, Coach Eufinger. Flint Central will always be your home, and you will always be ours.

Once an Indian, always an Indian.

Gone but never will be forgotten, Coach Joe Eufinger, Flint Central High School educator and coach (1967-2006).  His legacy lives on in the countless lives he touched and the community he served with unwavering dedication.

READ MORE MARTY EMBRY COLUMNS

-----------------------------------------------------

Marty Embry is a former administrator in the Flint school district. He was the star center on two of the old Flint Central's state championship teams under legendary Coach Stan Gooch, then went on to star at DePaul University before playing professionally overseas.

Sunday, November 23, 2025

The Ferris State's Bulldogs won big Saturday (Nov. 22, 2025) in their national football playoff opener.

No big surprise.

They have been ranked number one in Division II since the pre-season poll.

They also dominated the post-season awards after an undefeated regular season and another championship in the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC).

Again, no big surprise.

Corunna's red-shirt freshman, Wyatt Bower, was named as Freshman of the Year. He was also a second team all-GLIAC selection and Grand Blanc's Tae Boyd was an honorable mention selection.

Big Rapids, Mich. - A league-high 22 Ferris State University football standouts have been named to the 2025 All-Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) squad as the conference announced its annual postseason award recipients today.

The Bulldogs' 22 total honorees are the most in program history and FSU also landed four major awards in voting by the opener conference's head coaches.

FSU freshman quarterback Wyatt Bower (Corunna) was tabbed as the GLIAC Freshman of the Year while senior offensive lineman Tim Anderson (Rochester) was chosen as the GLIAC Offensive Lineman of the Year. Additionally, senior defensive tackle Kailib Davis (Grand Rapids) earned the GLIAC Defensive Lineman of the Year honor with senior safety Justin Payoute (Miami Gardens, Fla.) tabbed as the GLIAC Defensive Back of the Year.

On the All-GLIAC First Team, the Bulldogs had a total of 11 honorees, including six on the offensive side of the ball. FSU's offensive recipients included junior H-back Carson Gulker (Zeeland/West), senior center Jarvis Windom (Detroit/Cass Tech), senior offensive lineman Tim Anderson (Rochester/Adams), senior offensive lineman Bob Anderson (Rochester/Adams), junior offensive lineman Dayne Arnett (Grand Haven) and senior kicker/punter Mitch Middleton (Middleville/Thornapple-Kellogg).

On the defensive side, the Bulldogs' first-team selections were senior defensive tackle Kailib Davis (Grand Rapids/Union), senior lineback Isaiah Byars (Elk Grove, Calif.), senior safety Justin Payoute (Miami Gardens, Fla.), sophomore defensive back Ahlston Ware (Ocoee, Fla.) and junior slot receiver Taariik Brett (Jonesboro, Ga.) as the special teams recipient.

Ferris State also had six player named to the All-GLIAC Second Team in redshirt freshman quarterback Wyatt Bower (Corunna) along with senior back Brady Rose (Muskegon/Mona Shores), senior receiver Cam Underwood (Dearborn Heights/Robichaud), senior defensive lineman Stanley Lambert (San Antonio, Texas), senior defensive lineman Sio Saipaia (Fort Collins, Colo.) and senior defensive back Gyasi Mattison (Nashville, Tenn.).

Finally, five players were named to the GLIAC Honorable Mention squad in sophomore offensive lineman Ben Przytula (Gibraltar/Carlson), sophomore quarterback Chase Carter (Orlando, Fla.), sophomore receiver Tae Boyd (Flint/Grand Blanc), junior defensive lineman Markee Jones (Detroit/River Rouge) and junior defensive end Tim Allen (Coopersville).

In all, the Bulldogs had all five starting offensive lineman and four starting defensive lineman earn all-conference recognition. FSU had at least one selection from virtually every position group on one of the all-conference squads.

The Bulldogs capped off an unbeaten regular-season with a perfect 11-0 mark and went 7-0 in GLIAC play this fall. FSU is currently riding a 25-game winning streak dating back to last season.

Ferris State will open its nation-leading 11th consecutive NCAA Division II Playoff appearance by hosting Northwood on Saturday, Nov. 22, at Top Taggart Field. Kickoff is at 1 p.m. (ET).

The nation's top-ranked Ferris State University Bulldogs opened the 2025 NCAA Division II Playoffs in dominating fashion, defeating Northwood 65-14 on Saturday (Nov. 22) at Top Taggart Field.

The Bulldogs dominated with 588 total offensive yards, including 432 rushing yards and six rushing touchdowns, converting all six red-zone opportunities. The Timberwolves struggled to keep pace, managing only 261 total yards and failing to score in the second half.

With the win, the Bulldogs advanced into the second round of the D2 Playoffs and will host fourth-seeded Ashland in the Super Region Three Semifinals next Saturday (Nov. 29) at Top Taggart Field.

"You know, I thought Chase (Carter) really played comfortably and did a nice job for us," FSU head coach Tony Annese said. "And Carson (Gulker) was amazing. Brady (Rose) and Taariik Brett were great for us too. So, we had a lot of moving parts out there working hard and playing well together.

"Obviously, our line played great for us too," he added. "On the defensive side, I thought Jalen Jones having a pick-six was big. I thought our defense kind of hung in there and made a lot of plays."

Ferris State established early control with a balanced offensive attack, converting all three third-down attempts in the first quarter. Sophomore quarterback Chase Carter led the way with two touchdown passes, including a seven-yard connection to junior Carson Gulker at 10:13 and a 23-yard strike to junior solot receiver Taariik Brett at 6:32 of the first period. The Bulldogs' defense held Northwood to just 22 rushing yards, forcing a crucial sack fumble. Carter's 53-yard rushing touchdown with 1:57 remaining extended the lead, concluding the first quarter with a 21-7 advantage.

FSU capitalized on turnovers in the second quarter to extend the lead. Senior Jalen Jones intercepted a pass from Ethan Hamby, returning it 15 yards for a touchdown on a pick six at 12:06, contributing to the scoring surge. Gulker's 34-yard rush set up another touchdown, and Ferris State added a field goal as time expired, closing the quarter with a 44-14 advantage.

In the third quarter, Ferris State capitalized on a strong rushing attack, accruing 107 yards on the ground, including a pivotal 40-yard touchdown run by Carter with 2:29 remaining. The Timberwolves struggled to advance, converting zero third downs on four attempts and being sacked once for a loss of three yards by Kailib Davis, leading to a turnover on downs during their opening drive. Ferris State led 58-14 by the end of the quarter.

The Bulldogs extended their lead with a decisive performance in the fourth quarter, highlighted by Jake Price's 40-yard rush that set up a touchdown run by LeeShaun Mumpfield. Ferris State's ground game dominated, accumulating 89 rushing yards and converting four first downs, while the defense held Northwood to 34 rushing yards and forced a turnover on downs.

Carter led the offense by completing 11 of 21 passes for 133 yards and two touchdowns, while also rushing for 152 yards and two scores on 15 carries. Gulker contributed with 100 rushing yards and one touchdown, alongside three receptions for 38 yards and another touchdown. On defense, Stanley Lambert recorded five tackles, including one sack and one forced fumble. Tim Allen added four tackles, one sack, and two forced fumbles, while also recovering a fumble.

"Like I said after the Davenport game, we have the best offensive line in the country," said Carter. "We feel like we can do anything behind them. I played pretty well, but I did have an interception after the defense did such a good job creating a turnover and getting us the ball. Our defense does such a great job of creating turnovers and I know I can't give the ball back. I like that this team will continue to get better."

The Bulldogs improved to 12-0 overall with the win while Northwood saw its season end with a 9-3 mark. The Timberwolves were making their first NCAA D2 Playoff appearance since 2006.

"The coaches did a good job of preparing us for what was coming, and I thought our defense did a good job of executing," said Lambert. "It feels good to be out there in the playoffs and to get a big win today. I'm happy to be out there, to be a part of this team. Things are clicking right now. I love it. Honestly, I'm not there yet, but I'm getting closer."

FSU, which is making its nation-leading 11th consecutive NCAA Division II Playoff appearance, stretched its winning streak to 26-straight games going back to last year with the win. The victory was also FSU's 26th in a row at Top Taggart Field going back to their last home loss in 2022.

Kickoff for next Saturday's second-round home game is slated for 1:02 p.m. (ET). Tickets for the game will go on sale Monday.

BY MIKE KILLBREATH

CCN Executive Editor

FLINT (CCN) — The Vehicle City Sports Commission has added a sport to its event schedule in partnership with Flint's Mott Community College men's basketball team.

The group's all-new Vehicle City Flintstone Basketball Classic will join the organization's Vehicle City Gridiron Classic and Vehicle City Soccer Classic. 

Soccer was added two years ago in partnership with the Flint City Bucks at Kettering University's historic Atwood Stadium where the Vehicle City Gridiron Classic began eight years ago.

All the events include showcasing local high school talent at a single site with high caliber teams being attracted from outside the area, too.

The new basketball  event will take place on Saturday (Dec. 6, 2025) with four games.

“It’s exciting to be able to bring these teams and their fans to our campus to participate in the Flintstone Classic,” says long-time Mott Bears Coach Steve Schmidt. “Flint is known nationally for outstanding basketball prospects and teams (both in the past and present). I’ve experienced and enjoyed many of the successes of Flint basketball over the past 35 seasons. It’s an honor to be part of this event, and to welcome all of you to Mott Community College.” 

Schmidt's teams have won four junior college national championships with the Bears and had three national runner-up finishes with an  834-248 record during his 34 years as head coach. The gym where the Bears play bears his name on it as "Schmidt Gymnasium" inside Ballenger Field House on Mott's campus situated between Court Street and Robert T. Longway Blvd.

Mott plays on Friday night (Dec. 5, 2025) before the four-game prep card a day later. The Bears face Kalamazoo CC at 7:30 pm (See details inside today's Mott Bears Section)

 Vehicle City Sports Commission Chairman Duncan Beagle said about the high school showcase, “It is exciting that we were able to add basketball as a new addition to the Vehicle City Sports lineup on the 25th anniversary of the Michigan State University Flintstones National Championship win. We have an amazing lineup with eight teams playing, including the 2025 state champions, East Lansing High School boys’ basketball team.” 

The first event features local teams facing off in the opener with local teams going against out-of-town clubs in the last three contests.

The 1 pm game features International Academy of Flint against Flint Elite which is a coop team comprised of players from Flint New Standard Academy and Burton's Madison Academy. Davison, Flint Hamady and Flint Carman-Ainsworth have out-of-town opponents in the other games on tap for fans.

Davison takes on Center Line at 3 pm.

Flint Hamady takes on East Lansing at 5 pm.

Flint Carman-Ainsworth's match-up is against Saginaw United at 7 pm.

East Lansing is led by Mr. Basketball candidate KJ Torbert who is the son of former McDonald’s All-American Kevin Torbert of Flint who went on to star at MSU after his outstanding career at Flint Northern was capped off with winning Mr. Basketball honors as the best player in Michigan. KJ Torbert led East Lansing to a 51-44 triumph over Orchard Lake St. Mary in last spring's Division 1 state semifinals. His team then won it all by beating Wayne Memorial in the state title game. 

Orchard Lake St. Mary was the defending state champs led by Trey McKenney who was the top recruit in America. He signed to play with the Michigan Wolverines who are off to a perfect 7-0 start this season and ranked number three in all of the land in college basketball.

BY MIKE KILLBREATH

CCN Executive Editor

BIG RAPIDS (CCN) — Corunna native and former Montrose Rams football Coach Tony Annese won't sneak up on any opponents in 2025.

His Ferris State Bulldogs won their third Division 2 national championship in five years by taking the 2024 crown with a dozen players on the roster from the Metro Flint regional area.

Coach Annese again has 12 players from around his old stomping grounds in Montrose where he is best remembered for leading the Rams to six consecutive 9-0 seasons.

Davison's Caleb Smith graduated after a four-year career for the Bulldogs but two ex-Cardinals have joined the FSU lineup to replace Smith and another graduating senior — big 6-foot-5, 302-pound defensive lineman Deron Irving-Bey of Flint Southwestern Academy.

The new Davison blood for Ferris State comes from A.J. Hill and Warren Cain.

Cain is a 6-foot-4, 230-pound defensive end who initially committed to Western Michigan of the Mid-American Conference (MAC) after getting other D1 offers from MAC schools Central Michigan, Eastern Michigan, Toledo and Bowling Green. He chose to go D2 with Ferris State over an offer from Saginaw Valley State University. 

Hill was Davison's Mr. Everything for the past four seasons as a starter since his freshman campaign.

The speedy tailback was the Saginaw Valley League's first team selection at running back last fall and was also a first team all-state selection in Division 1-2 by both the Associated Press and the Michigan Sports Writers. He ran for more than 4,000 yards for his career, going over 1,000 rushing in each of his last two seasons. He was among 10 finalists for Mr. Football as one of Davison's greatest athletes along with Smith and his teammate quarterback Brendan Sullivan who played four years in the Big 10 Conference before transferring this fall to Tulane. 

MAC schools Eastern Michigan and Miami of Ohio made Hill offers and he chose the Bulldogs over D2 offers from Saginaw Valley State and Grand Valley State. 

Hill brings a two-way threat to the Ferris State offense as a pass catching threat out of the backfield in addition to his rushing prowess. He averaged 23.6 yards per catch on 7 receptions a year ago at Davison when averaging just over 9 yards per carry on the ground. The 5-9, 175-poounder scored 20 TD's on the ground as a junior.

Coach Annese hasn't yet announced how much playing time his former Davison stars will be getting in their freshman campaigns but neither was given a red-shirt distinction, meaning they will likely see at least limited action if they can't win starting jobs..

The Bulldogs open their title defense on Thursday (August 28, 2025) in Big Rapids against Pittsburgh State of Kansas. They're ranked No. 9 in the D2 pre-season poll which has FSU rated No. 1.

The game broadcast will be at 6 pm on Metro Flint News/Talk Radio with veteran FSU play-by-play man Rob Bentley and his sidekick Sandy Gholston returning to offer color commentary for a fifth season. This is Bentley's 25th season at FSU. Metro Flint News/Talk Radio is again an affiliate of 

 The Bulldog Sports Network and local flagship station Sunny 97.3 FM in Big Rapids.

Along with the Davison newcomers to the FSU roster from the Metro Flint regional area, other local talent back to suit up for the 2025

 campaign are Flint foursome Tae Boy, Jaylin Townsend, Timothy Ormond II and Dakari Neely, Corunna twins Wyatt and Tarick Bower who co-led the 2023 Cavaliers to their first state title game appearance in school history,  Jaden Edington who was also on that same Corunna team, Grand Blanc's Anthony Perdue, Swartz Creek's Sincer Boyd and Linden's Michael Bush. 

Boyd is so far looking sharp in pre-season camp and the former Grand Blanc High wide receiver is a 6-foot-4, 190-pound sophomore target. He caught  only one touchdown pass as a freshman.

Townsend is also a sophomore wide receiver. The Flint Beecher grad caught 4 passes last fall as a freshman for the Bulldogs but saw action in 11 of the 14 games. He's a 6-foot, 175-pound target.

Ormond is another sophomore wide receiver from Flint. He's a graduate of  American Collegiate Academy  and goes 5-11, 170 pounds.

Neely is also a wide receiver. The 6-foot, 170-pound product of Flint Kearsley has been red-shirted for his freshman season.

The Bowers brothers from Corunna were red-shorted a year ago and both are battling for starting jobs this fall — Wyatt at quarterback and Tarick at wide receiver. The twins each go 6-foot-2, 220 pounds.

Edington is a 6-1, 245-pound freshman running back from Corunna.

Boyd is a 6-2, 205-pound running back from Swartz Creek.

Perdue is a 6-3, 190-pound red-shirted freshman defensive back from Grand Blanc who is looking forward to collegiate action this season and so, too, is Bush who is a 6-2, 225-pounder out of Linden. 

Wyatt Bowers is joined in the quarterback competition by sophomore Chase Carter of Orlando, Florida, junior Carson Gulker of Zeeland,   sophomore Leeshaun Mumpfield of Detroit Cass Tech,  junior Charlie Spencer from Thousand Oaks, California, freshman Jordan Sims of Roseville  and red-shirt freshmen Kyle Cottee from Brazil, Indiana and Sante Gasperoni from Warren De La Salle.

 They are competing to replace junior Trinidad Chambliss who transferred away after the D2 national championship to play D1 ball at Ole Miss. Chambliss accounted for 51 total touchdowns in 2024, including 26 through the air while racking up 2,925 yards passing. He also ran for 25 more TD's while rushing for 1,019 yards.

Chambliss finished third overall in the Harlon Hill Trophy voting as the nation's Division II Player of the Year for 2024.

He isn't the only loss via the transfer portal after winning it all in D2 a year ago.

All-American offensive tackle Bryce George is a 6-foot-5, 315-pound Michigan native who moved to Iowa to play D1 ball in the Big 10 Conference this fall.  Offensive linemanLawrence Hattar went to the University of Michigan, linebacker Sefa Sainala went D1 with Western Michigan and wide receiver Tyrese hunt-Thompson chose North Texas after a standout campaign for Ferris State that included  88 receptions for 1,639 yards and 14 TD's.

The Bulldogs also have five grads competing for roster spots on NFL teams as opening day approaches next week.

Despite all the losses, everyone in the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Conference  (GLIAC) has circled Coach Annese's squad in Big Rapids as the team to beat in GLIAC play. Arch rival Grand Valley State was the second-place pick in the pre-season poll by GLIAC coaches. 

The Lakers gave the GLIAC a second top 10 team in the pre-season national poll. Grand Valley State was picked No. 4. 

The Lakers have a half dozen local stars from the Metro Flint regional area. They include junior Harrison Unger of Davison who transferred in from Air Force, junior Andy Hartman of Grand Blanc who transferred in from Michigan State, freshman Colton Bila from Corunna, freshman Cooper Pyle of Hartland, sophomore Sean Byrd from Flint Hamady and red shirt freshman Cross Dobbs of Grand Blanc.

Unger is a 6-foot-2, 255-pound tight end, Hartman is a 6-6, 300-pound offensive lineman, Pyle is a 6-1, 275-pounddefensive lineman, Bila is a 5-10, 200-pound long snapper, Dobbs is a 6-1, 225-pound linebacker and Byrd is a 6-4, 240-pound wide receiver

Saginaw Valley State, picked to finish third by GLIAC coaches, has seven local players this year from our coverage area. They include Flint pair Christian Ellison and Michael Jamerson, Davison duo Jayden Lockhart and Tray Haido, JT Webber from Grand Blanc, Grayson Orr from New Lothrop and Brayden Florian from Chesaning.

Ellison is a junior defensive back who played at Flint Carman-Ainsworth. Jamerson is a senior running back who played at Grand Blanc High School. Lockhart is a 6-4, 300-pound freshman defensive lineman and his fellow former Davison Cardinals teammate Haido is a 6-2, 195-pound freshman. Weber is a 5-9, 185-pound red-shirt freshman. Oorr is a 6-3, 255-pound red-shirted freshman defensive lineman. Florian is a 5-11, 205-pound freshman running back and kicker.

BY ERIC THOMPSON

CCN Sports Writer

SEATTLE (CCN) — The Flint City Bucks moved on to the conference playoff finals in USL League Two Central Conference soccer by beating Minneapolis City 2-1 on Saturday night (July 26, 2025) in Seattle.

The Bucks beat Fort Wayne 2-0 last Sunday (July 20, 2025) in the conference semifinals.

They are now 15-3-1 overall on the season.

Dozens of dedicated fans staged a lively watch party for Saturday's Seattle action at Luigi's Pizza at the historic East Side Flint restaurant on Davison Road. 

The Bucks will next play their conference championship game on the friendly turf at Flint Kettering University's Atwood Stadium.

The Bucks franchise is eyeing a fifth North American Championship in its history. The team ownership shifted their home location to Flint in 2018. The Bucks last won it all in their inaugural season in Flint when beating Reading United AC on Aug. 3, 2019 at Flint's historic Atwood Stadium when a league record 7,198 fans packed into the place. 

The club was founded in 1995 as the Mid-Michigan Bucks in 1996. They became the Michigan Bucks when moving to Plymouth in 2004. They moved to Pontiac in 2008 before coming to Flint in 2018.

As one of the most successful amateur soccer franchises in America throughout their existence, the Bucks have made it to 11 U.S. Open Cups and won 11 divisional championships in addition to the four national crowns.

The Bucks became the first USL League Two (then known as the Premier Development League) team to defeat an MLS team in the US Open Cup when beating  the New England Revolution at Foxboro Stadium. 

BY MIKE KILLBREATH

CCN News Executive Editor

PHOENIX (CCN) — The most famous Flintstone basketball star of all is back in the NBA!

The story was reported as breaking news Friday (July 11, 2025) by The Morning Gazette Radio Show which airs weekdays at 8 am on Metro Flint News/Talk Radio.

Arizona Sports 98.7 FM Radio in Phoenix first reported the news that Mateen Cleaves has been hired for the coaching staff of the Phoenix Suns.

The Suns are owned by Mat Ishbia who was a college teammate of Cleaves on the 2000 national championship team at Michigan State. He now works for Ishibia at United Wholesale Mortgage which made Ishibia into a mult millionaire.

Cleaves has not yet issued a statement.

Ishbia added Cleaves to his company in 2019 as a leadership development coach and he was promoted in 2021 to be the leader of the leadership development team.

Cleaves capped off a four-year career in East Lansing as the greatest point guard at MSU since Magic Johnson in the 1979 national championship season by earning All-American honors when leading the rush to the national title in 2000.

He was the No. 1 draft choice of the Detroit Pistons in the summer of 2000.

Cleaves spent six seasons in the NBA with the Pistons, Sacramenton Kings, Cleveland Cavaliers and Seattle SuperSonics. 

He was a college basketball analyst for several years after his NBA career with CBS and worked on the pre-game shows, halftime show and post-game shows of broadcasts for the Detroit Pistons on the old Fox Detroit Sports Network, now Fan Duel Sports Network.

PHOTO CAPTION: Pictured above is Mateen Cleaves who has joined the coaching staff of the NBA's Phoenix Suns wo are owned by is former MSU teammate, Mat Ishiba.

Wednesday, April 16, 2025

Per the norm, and before I hear "This is too long" from anyone, I just want to add that I have no idea how long or short this blog will be. My bad if it ends up being long! 

 *Side note. I finished writing the post. It's long! Lol. My bad but it's informative and slightly entertaining! I broke it up into two parts!  Here is Part 1:

Welcome to the new era of college basketball, where the Transfer Portal and NIL deals have transformed the game faster than a Kentucky one-and-done player heads to the NBA. 

The Transfer Portal, for me, is simply college basketball's version of free agency. 

Before 2018, transferring between schools was a nightmare for basketball players. 

Enter the Transfer Portal! The NCAA's attempt at modernizing transfers. Imagine a digital doorway where players simply enter their name and "swish!" — they're eligible to be recruited by other programs. Yup, it's as simple as that.  

I like to add that this is player empowerment at its finest. The portal gives basketball players control over their careers. If their coach's system doesn't showcase their skills or if their role diminishes, they can simply add their name to the portal and leave. Did the coach who recruited you take another job? No problem! Portal entry granted. You can leave! A player can leave for a new school every season, and be eligible for the following season if s/he chose to do so.

Crazy, huh? Former bench players can become stars in the right system. Just ask Mac McClung, who bounced from Georgetown to Texas Tech before finding prominence or Kentucky's Antonio Reeves, who transformed from Illinois State role player to SEC scoring machine.  

Programs with player gaps can add experienced players rather than waiting for freshmen to develop.   

Now coaches have some serious accountability issues to adhere to. Coaches known for poor player development or toxic environments quickly find their rosters emptying into the portal. They no longer can treat a player like trash and expect a player to stay. The power dynamic has shifted dramatically from the Bobby Knight era.  

Now don't get me wrong, the portal is not all slam dunks. The first thing that I noted was that there is major roster instability like never before. Teams can lose five players and gain seven in a single offseason. 

Programs like Arkansas and USC sometimes feature almost entirely new starting lineups each season.  The iconic four-year players who embodied their schools, think Mateen Cleaves at Michigan State, Dallas Comegys at DePaul or Grant Hill at Duke, are becoming basketball unicorns.

  And let's not forget about the mid-major talent drain! The Portal has become a farming system where smaller schools develop players only to see them snatched away by power conferences. Max Abmas starred at Oral Roberts before finishing at Texas; Hunter Dickinson went from mid-major recruit to Michigan star to Kansas transfer.

 It happens more often than not. The Portal makes it easy and it's now a legitimate transfer.  When a coach leaves, it often triggers a mass exodus. Just look at what happened when Porter Moser left Loyola Chicago or Eric Musselman departed Nevada. Those rosters evaporated into the portal overnight. They were decimated. There is no loyalty to a school or the program anymore.

The Portal, coupled with NIL deals has totally changed how kids and families approach college basketball.   For decades, college basketball players created tremendous value without seeing a dime. Their March Madness performances drove billions in television revenue, their jerseys sold in bookstores, and their likenesses appeared in video games, all while they remained "amateurs" who couldn't accept so much as a free meal from a fan.  

I recall vividly that after we lost an NCAA game,  Coach Ray said to us after the game, "You guys just lost the university $250,000.00 dollars." WE lost it. But, all of those number one ranked games on NBC and ABC  earned how much? Our pay? The scholarship! That has never left me after all of these years but as a coach, he had a six figure deal with Adidas. We never got a dime but the university and the coaching staff always benefitted from US winning. 

I'm ecstatic to see the current athletes benefitting from a well structured NIL deal.   When was the actual birth of NIL, which means Name, Image and Likeness? This goes back to Ed O'Bannon vs. NCAA. Yup, all of you yun'guns'  can thank Ed for you all getting NIL deals! 

READ MORE MARTY EMBRY COLUMNS

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Marty Embry is a former administrator in the Flint school district. He was the star center on two of the old Flint Central's state championship teams under legendary Coach Stan Gooch, then went on to star at DePaul University before playing professionally overseas.

BY ERIC THOMPSON

CCN Sports Writer

DETROIT (CCN) — Flint native Claressa Shields stayed unbeaten Saturday night (July 26, 2025) by winning an unanimous decision in defense of her women's heavyweight boxing title at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit.

She defeated Lani Daniels of New Zeland. She was 11-2-2 coming into the fight.

Shields defeated  Danielle Perkins in her last fight in Flint. That one also went the distance in February with Shields scoring a victory by unanimous decision from all three judges.

Shields was later suspended from boxing for failing a dug test before fighting Perkins, but was later proved to be innocent of the accusations and the suspension was overturned.

Saturday's fight with Daniels was in front of a sellout crowd in the home state of Shields who grew up in Flint.

Training out of Berston Field House, she won two gold medals for Team USA — the first boxer, male or female, to do it. She improved her record Saturday night to 17-0 as a professional after winning the 2012 and 2016 gold medals at the Olympics.

The fight went the distance and Daniels went toe-to-toe with her best round in the 10th and final round.

There were no knockdowns in the fight for either boxer. Shields has only had three knockouts in her professional career although fans were yelling for a KO nearly all night in the electric atmosphere at the packed house at Little Caesars Arena.

Claressa posted the next morning on social media: "I’ll make a believer out of you! 17-0. SOLD OUT ... 15,639." A few hours after the fight, she had posted: "These (***) mad that I'm icy. Yeah 17-0! I can’t be (**’d) with! ... And in a sold out 15,639 Litttle Caesars Arena!"

She's believed to be the first woman boxer to ever sell out a major arena.

The only previous woman to come close may have been Laila Ali, daughter of former world champion Muhamad Ali. She retired 18 years ago with a perfect record of 24-0.

Despite being age 47, there has been talk of Ali coming out of retirement to face Shields.

A promoter for Shields has offered to put up a $15 million payday that Shields had talked about before her latest fight.

Shields has already become the first female boxer in history to get a million payday to fight.

Ali had 21 KO's in 24 pro fights and takes exception with Shields' self-proclaimed title as "GWOAT" in women's boxing as the greatest woman of all time. Most boxing fans give that title to Ali. She never lost a single fight and knocked out all but three opponents, compared to only three pro KO's for Shields in her 17 bouts.

Ali held the WBC, WIBA, IWBA, IWBF and IBA women's  titles as a super middleweight and IWBF light heavyweight title.

Along with a knock against Shields for her lack of knockout prowess, Shields also lost once as an amateur during a 77-1 career before turning pro. That lone loss was to British fighter Savannah Marshall in the 2012 world championships. Marshall was one of the most feared punchers in women's boxing and undefeated as a professional until Shields beat her for the undisputed middleweight championship in 2022.

Now 13-1 with 10 knockouts, Marshall has been chasing Shields for a rematch.

"I want that rematch, I really want that rematch," she told Sky Sports in late May. " I'm starting to come to terms with maybe it's never going to happen through her not wanting it. She gets the most money fighting me and maybe one day she'll turn (around) and she might want that rematch but let's just hope it's not too late."

Shields beat Marshall in London. She won by unanimous decision in 10 rounds to unify the WBC, WBA, IB and WBO middleweight titles.

PHOTO CAPTION: Pictured above this story is an action photo of Saturday's fight posted on social media by Claressa Shields.

BY MIKE KILLBREATH

CCN Executive Editor

CLAYTON TWP. (CCN) — Genesee County is getting an expansion team next season in the Michigan Independence Hockey League. Known as the MIHL, the league is a Senior A, semi-pro level league with a mix of players with experience in juniors, college and the pros. 

The newest MIHL team will be known as the Flint Shadow. This expansion brings the league to five teams, with plans for further growth in the near future.

The new Flint Shadow franchise plans to play out of the 810 Sports Complex on Elms Road in Clayton Township which was formerly Flint Iceland Arenas. 

The arena was sold earlier this year.

It's the first hockey franchise there since a Junior A team called the arena home from 1998 until 2014. The Flint Junior Generals club began in the  in the Central States Hockey League (CSHL) and later shifted from the CSHL to the NAHL2 as an affiliation was strengthened with the North American Hockey League which has sent hundreds of players on to collegiate careers and 37 into the NHL, including current Detroit Red Wings star Patrick Kane who won a Stanley Cup with the Chicago Black Hawks.

The era of Junior A hockey ended after Rolf Nielson brought the Major Junior brand to our region. Nielson bought the old Plymouth Whalers OHL club and moved them to Dort Financial Center Arena in Flint. The Flint Firebirds have been successful at the gate since 2015 but use mostly Canadian talent.

Fenton's Gale Cronk subsequently sold his franchise to a group in Wisconsin who renamed the Junior Generals as the La Crosse Freeze.

The Elms Road arena often packed in crowds of about 500 fans per game while hosting the Flint Junior Generals.

A press release says the new team will be operated by Black Ops Consulting LLC but no such business name yet exists in Michigan corporation records and names involved in the ownership group were not identified.

MIHL Commissioner Scott Brand expressed enthusiasm about the league’s expansion, stating, "Flint has a rich hockey history, and we are confident this will be a strong addition to our league. Black Ops Consulting has demonstrated impressive expertise in player development and the sports business. Their commitment, along with their partnership with Eight Ten Sports Complex, makes this an ideal fit. We expect to add one or two more teams before next season."

The Flint Shadow will compete alongside the Muskegon Voyagers, Waterford Sharks, Detroit Warhawks and Alpena 45ers. 

A press release quoted the ownership group as saying, "Black Ops Consulting is very excited to bring the MIHL brand of hockey to the Flint area. Our goal is to provide a high level of competition for our players while also creating an affordable and successful hockey experience for the community. We are already building our team for next season and have our sights set on bringing a league championship to Flint."

Clayton Township Supervisor Ted Henry could not be reached for comment.

EAST LANSING (CCN) — Genesee Christian took a 24-1 record to East Lansing on March 20, 2025 for the Final Four in girls' basketball but didn't have enough firepower to slow down Fowler. A 25-point loss sidelined the tiny school on Belsay Road in Burton after its first trip ever to the state semifinals. Frankenmuth made it the Breslin Center in East Lansing on the campus of MSU but blew a 10-point lead midway through the third quarter and lost 52-43 to  Tecumseh. (See Stories in Prep Sports Section) 

PLYMOUTH (CCN) — Flint Powers Catholic's hockey team won its second state championship in three years by beating Livonia Stevenson 3-2 in overtime in the Division 2 state finals at USA Hockey Arena in Plymouth. Ethan Haley became was the hero when scoring the dramatic game winner 1:53 into overtime on a blast from the point.  

 (See Finals Game Story in Prep Sports Section) 

Read Editor Mike Killbreath "Sports Thoughts"

Dramatic victories en route to winning it all bring back fond memories for Powers hockey fans

FLINT (CCN) — Dean Tondreau of the Genesee County Coaches & Officials Association (GCCOA) has announced that a long-time local basketball referee from Flint is hanging up his whistle.

Latrelle Holmes revealed via a social media post on Facebook that he's done as an official after 28 years of patrolling courts around Genesee County.

Tondrea said, "Latrelle Holmes has announced he is retiring from officiating after 28 varsity years of service... I wanted to personally on behalf of the GCCOA congratulate Latrelle on his wonderful service and that he will most definitely be missed, not only by our officiating community, but by coaches and players as well. Latrelle is one of the nicest men you will ever meet. A wonderful official who gave his best each time he stepped on the court. Equally, he is a great partner. Never an unkind word to say about anyone. The years I have worked with Latrelle, I do not recall him ever raising his voice to players, coaches and definitely not his fellow officating colleagues. And he always had your back."

Holmes is Finance Director in Mount Morris Township and the former Former Senior Pastor at Greater Galilee Baptist Church in Flint

Tondrea added: "As officials, it is our goal to have a positive impact in some way, however small, to student athletes, coaches, administrators, volunteers, and fans alike each time we take the field or court. I have no doubt Latrelle accomplished that each and every time he stepped out on the court. We wish you all the best Latrelle. You will be sorely missed on the basketball court. Above all, we congratulate on your excellent years of service."

PHOTO CAPTION: Pictured above this photo is Latrelle Holmes who has announced he's stepping away after 28 years as a basketball referee.

BY MIKE KILLBREATH

CCN Executive Editor

LINDEN (CCN) — Pro boxer Joey Spencer of Linden made an announcement Tuesday (Feb. 25, 2025) on social media, saying, "I’m excited to announce that I’ll be headed to New Castle, Australia to take on the former world champion, Tim Tszyu, on April 6th."

Tszyu has lost his last two fights after a 24-0 start.

Spencer is 19-1 for his career. The 24-year-old has won three straight fights since his first loss which came in Las Vegas to unbeaten Jesus Ramous after a 16-0 start. Spencer's last two fights have been his only ones in his hometown Genesee County. He won on a card with brother Michael Spencer last summer on the football field at Linden High School where the Spencers graduated. His last fight was the co-featured one on the Salita Promotions card at Flint's Dort Federal Event Center with fellow local fighter, unbeaten Ardreal "Bossman" Holmes Jr. of Flint. 

It was announced last month that Pro Box TV outbid Salita Promotions by just $5,000 to win the rights to the IBF-ordered junior middleweight title eliminator with Holmes against Erickson Lubin of Orlando, Florida. ProBox submitted a $225,000 offer.

Salita Promotions, founded by former 140-pound contender Dmitry Salita, has previously promoted all 17 fights by unbeaten Flint fighter Holmes since 2017. He's also the promoter for Flint champion Claressa Shields.

While Flint's Holmes is 17-0 with 6 KO's — Lubin, 26-2 with 18 KO's, is due $135,000 from his entitled 60% share of the purse as the higher-ranked contender. He is the IBF’s No. 3 junior middleweight. Holmes is ranked Number 7 and his 40 percent amounts to a $90,000 payday. The winner of the ordered fight will become the mandatory challenger for Russian Bakhram Murtazaliev who is 23-0 with 17 KO's.

It's not known if Spencer or Holmes will be on national TV with their next fights.

Salita Productions has regularly showcased Holmes on the company’s Big Time Boxing USA series on the DAZN streaming network, and both Holmes and Spencer appeared on national TV last time they fought from the Dort Federal in Flint. 

BY MIKE KILLBREATH

CCN Executive Editor

ANN ARBOR (CCN) — Grand Blanc's David Lally may pitch in Ann Arbor for the first time on Friday (March 14, 2025) as the Michigan Wolverines host USC in Big 10 Conference baseball action.

Lally led the Grand Blanc Bobcats to a Division 1 state championship in 2022, turned down an offer to go pro and signed to pitch at Notre Dame, entered the transfer portal after two seasons of limited action, signed with Michigan and pitched well in a college wooden bat league last summer with a team known as the Royal Oak Leprechauns in the Northwoods League.

A scouting service known as D1 Baseball warned UM's opponents in advance when watching Lally's dominating performances for the Leprechauns that the prospect identified by them out of high school as a "premier pitching talent" was ready to impress Wolverines' fans, saying in a tweet on X, formerly known as Twitter, as follows: "If he continues improving at Michigan baseball, watch out for a breakout season."

As the Big 10 season is now in full swing, Lally is doing exactly that so far on the young season.

Lally has so far pitched 18 1/3 innings this spring with 17 strikeouts.

He has started four games since pitching in relief in UM's opener when winning against the then No. 2 ranked team in the USA — Virginia.

Lally holds a sparkling 1.96 earned-run average and a 0.98 WHIP through his four appearances. 

His first start of the season came against Villanova when pitching 5 scoreless innings en route to a combined shutout. His next start came against Long Beach State, carrying a no-hitter through 5 innings and striking out 5. His most recent start was on Saturday (March 8, 2025) against Big 10 rival Illinois when he allowed one unearned run on one hit through 5 innings and struck out 6 with 4 Illini batters going down looking. 

The Trojans are in town for a 3-game series. Game 2 is Saturday at noon and the finale is on Sunday at noon.

All three of this weekend's games will be televised on the Big 10+ streaming network.

The Wolverines won their home opener 6-4 over Toledo a day earlier at Fisher Stadium inside the Wilpon Complex in front of 644 cold fans.

They used a four-run outburst in the the 7th inning to beat Toledo in a non-conference contest. The big blow was by junior Mitch Voit of Milwaukee with a three-run homer.

UM beat arch rival Michigan State 11-7 on Wednesday (March 12, 2025) in East Lansing to go to 2-1 in Big 10 play. They're in a six-way tie for second place behind 3-0 Oregon.

USC is so far 0-3 in the Big 10 but 9-7 overall.

UM is 10-6 overall.

PHOTO CAPTION: Pictured above this story is Grand Blanc's David Lally who has a sparkling 1.98 ERA for the Michigan Wolverines in 4 appearances so far in 2025.

BY ERIC THOMPSON

CCN Sports Writer

DAVISON (CCN) — A long-time youth sports coach and referee at both the high school and college levels has passed away. Raymond Kubani died unexpectedly from natural causes on Monday (Feb. 10, 2025) at Hurley Medical Center in Flint. He was 59.

Dean Tondreau of the Genesee County Coaches and Officials Association made the announcement via a news release to GCCOA members.

Kubani was a star athlete at Clarkston High School. He graduated in 1983 and went on to play basketball collegiately at Kent State University.

An obituary said that in his free time, Kubani volunteered as a youth sports coach and mentor, worked as a high school and collegiate basketball referee, created and maintained a golf green in his backyard and easily made friends with anyone he met.

Kubani made his home in Davison for 30 years where he raised a family with wife Sue.

They got married after meeting at Kent State.

He is survived by his wife, formerly Sue DeLeone; sons Kent and Drew, of Seattle and Chicago, respectively; father Vic; sister Mary Pacitto (Dave); brother-in-laws Joe DeLeone (Barb), Jim DeLeone (Kathleen), Mike DeLeone (Carm); sister-in-law Lisa DeLeone; nieces and nephews Regina, Julia, Garrett and Maria Pacitto, Tony, Victor, Ben, Nick, and Lizzie DeLeone, Jeannie DeLeone Ward, and Joanna Cammel; and many beloved aunts, uncles, cousins, and extended family.

Kubani worked for Independence Township Parks and Recreation, Rock Bottom Stone Supply, Michigan Electric Supply Co. and most recently, he proudly worked on the Business Development Team for The Davey Tree Expert Company.

Kubani, who was married 30 years ago after college, was was born at Holy Cross Hospital in Detroit to Victor Kubani and the late Sally (McGowan) Kubani on August 19, 1965.  

He was also preceded in death by brother Gary in 1992; mother-in-law Wilma DeLeone in 2023; and brother-in-law Tony DeLeone in 2021. His mother Sally died in 2020.

The obituary said Kubani and his wife recently "found themselves in a new phase of their lives as empty nesters, cherishing their time together as a couple." Ray enjoyed golfing, keeping up with collegiate sports, specifically Ohio State football, and he treasured his family and friends. He loved being involved in his sons’ elementary education, spending time reading to their classrooms, chaperoning field trips and attending class holiday parties. He was also an active supporter and volunteer for Special Olympics.

Friends may visit Lewis E. Wint & Son Funeral Home in Clarkston on Thursday (Feb. 20, 2025) from 3-8 pm. There will be memorial mass a day later at Our Lady of the Lakes Catholic Church in  Waterford with visitation at the church from 9:30am until the service at 10 am.

Inurnment will be at Lakeview Cemetery in Clarkston.

Memorials may be made to My Brothers Keeper of Genesee County.

PHOTO CAPTION: Pictured above this story is Ray Kubani who passed away on Monday (Feb. 10, 2025). He was a star basketball player at Clarkston who went on to play collegiately at Kent State. He was a youth sports coach and worked as a referee at both the high school and collegiate levels.

BY MIKE KILLBREATH

CCN Executive Editor

OWOSSO (CCN) — A Metro League Athletic Director has resigned after an incident at a volleyball game where he escorted students out of the building for what he called inappropriate behavior.

Owosso High School AD Steve Irelan resigned on Jan. 10 after negotiations between his lawyer and district officials, according to a report by WNEM CBS TV 5 on its Friday (Jan. 24, 2025) 11 o'clock newscast.

After two weeks of rumors about Irelan's absence on Owosso's campus, Superintendent Steve Brooks issued a statement to the public on the district's Facebook page after the school day on Friday. The incident at the volleyball game happened in October.

Superintendent Brooks said, "We felt it was important to set the record straight, given some of the inaccurate information being spread on social media and on other platforms."

Irelan's job as AD and assistant principal at Owosso was posted by district officials on Jan. 21.

The letter with a statement by Brooks read in part: "We received a report that Mr. Ireland had removed a group of students from a high school (girls') volleyball game at Owosso High School, and eventually from the campus entirely. The students had reportedly been obnoxiously yelling from the student section, causing a disruption. A parent of one of the students involved accused Mr. Ireland of bullying and targeting one of the students, an allegation we take seriously. Mr. Ireland declined multiple requests to meet with specific parents to discuss the incident ... Mr. Ireland’s actions concerning one of the parents of the students involved in the incident created the appearance of retaliation, and the district then sought legal counsel to adhere to our school policies and procedures. We then placed Mr. Ireland on administrative leave on October 31, 2024, while an investigation was conducted by the district legal counsel, inclusive of video footage review and detailed interviews of several students, coaches, spectators administrators including Mr. Ireland and school staff who witnessed the incident in the gym."

Irelan did not respond to our request for a comment. WNEM CBS TV 5 also reported that Irelan did not respond to its request for a comment.

Irelan has been with the Owosso district since 2015, according to his Linked-in page.

Superintendent Brooks also wrote in his letter to district residents: "The investigation found no evidence that Mr. Irelan bullied or targeted a student. However, his actions pertaining to one of the parents of the students involved in the incident created the appearance of retaliation. The appearance of retaliation toward the parent is a violation of our board policy and it was recommended Mr. Irelan receive an appropriate discipline to avoid recurrence of these actions. And no time were any criminal investigations brought forth. Mr. Irelan disagreed with the recommended discipline and appealed the proposed disciplinary action. During the appeal, Mr. Irelan‘s attorney and the district attorney negotiated the resignation agreement acceptable to Mr. Irelan and the district."

No school board members in the Owosso district have yet responded to our request for comments.

PHOTO CAPTION: Steve Irelan has resigned his position as Athletic Director at Owosso High.