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Lakers’ defense grounds Flyers in first game of the season

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Lakers’ defense grounds Flyers in first game of the season


DETROIT LAKES – The Lakers girls basketball team started the season on the right foot with a defensive masterclass win against Little Falls on Friday night.

Detroit Lakes never trailed throughout their 38-26 victory. Helena Daggett led the Lakers with a team-high 12 points and Ella Okeson chipped in 10. Lakers head coach Rachel Johnson complimented her team’s effort on an outstanding defensive display.

“It’s always nice to have the first game result in a win,” she said. “A lot of teams don’t really expect to see a defense like that out of the gate. To see them fill their roles and get the job done was really nice to see.”

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The Detroit Lakes coaching staff directs the team in a 38-26 win over Little Falls on Friday, Dec. 1.

Cooper Kanthak / Detroit Lakes Tribune

Detroit Lakes was led by its guard play. Daggett, Okeson, and Karlee Mace handled the Flyers’ ball pressure and played exceptional defense.

“We came together with many new faces,” Daggett said. “I think as the game went on we came out stronger in the second half. We worked harder and figured out the plays and started knocking down more shots and it came together.”

“Helena and Ella were great tonight,” Johnson said. “They thrive in their positions and they love to get steals and turn them into easy layups. As senior leaders, they are vocal and help us a lot. It was great to see them have a great first night.”

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The Lakers jumped out to a 6-2 lead with around 12 minutes remaining in the first half. Early in the game, Daggett and Okeson came up with multiple steals at the top of the Lakers’ zone defense.

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Detroit Lakes’ Helena Daggett attempts a pass in a 38-26 win against Little Falls on Friday, Dec. 1.

Cooper Kanthak / Detroit Lakes Tribune

Detroit Lakes allowed 14 first-half points, leading 18-14 at the break. Okeson led the Lakers at half with six points.

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“Our girls love playing defense and they get after it,” Johnson said. “They really like the anticipatory takes and liberties that they get. They do an excellent job executing it and getting steals that led to points for us tonight.”

The Lakers’ defense picked up right where they left off in the second half. They allowed two points halfway through the second half to lead 24-16. Detroit Lakes stayed consistent through the rest of the game. Little Falls attempted a late push with back-to-back baskets to trail 33-26 with 1:20 left but the Lakers held strong to come away with the win.

“When you look at the scoreboard and it says 26 points, that’s always a good thing,” Daggett said. “If you can do that in any game then you are sitting good. We work really hard in practice on our defense. Getting steals and being able to click together tonight was huge for us.”

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Detroit Lakes’ Karlee Mace brings the ball up the court in a 38-26 win against Little Falls on Friday, Dec. 1.

Cooper Kanthak / Detroit Lakes Tribune

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With the start of the new season, it was vital to get off to a strong start and build momentum going into a long season.

“It’s really important to start out hot,” Johnson said. “Our makeup this year is a little different than what we have been used to so for different girls to start getting used to playing with each other. We’ve got quite a gap between our experienced players and inexperienced players, so for them to start bridging that gap is really fun and exciting to watch.”

“It brings a lot of motivation for us,” Daggett said. “It’ll carry over to practice for sure. Getting the first win builds some confidence for the entire team.”

DETROIT LAKES 38 LITTLE FALLS 26

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DL – 18 20 – 36

LF – 14 12 – 26

DETROIT LAKES SCORING – Helena Daggett 12; Jaycie Sliper 3; Ella Okeson 10; Kyleigh Okeson 2; Karlee Mace 2; Brooklyn Markuson 3; Elle Bettcher 4; Jadyn Wimmer 2

LITTLE FALLS SCORING – Janea Saldana 4; Sophia Sinclair 3; Claire VanRisseghem 4; Leah LeBlanc 3; Malin Youngberg 10; Madisyn Whitford 2

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kyleighokeson.JPG

Detroit Lakes’ Kyleigh Okeson shoots a free throw in a 38-26 win over Little Falls on Friday, Dec. 1.

Cooper Kanthak / Detroit Lakes Tribune

Cooper Kanthak

Cooper Kanthak is a sports reporter for the Detroit Lakes Tribune, Perham Focus and Wadena Pioneer Journal. Cooper graduated from South Dakota State University with a degree in journalism and minored in digital and social media. He is originally from Pipestone, Minnesota, and has a passion for all things sports. You can reach Cooper at ckanthak@forumcomm.com.

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Detroit, MI

2024 NFL Playoff Picture, Week 12: Chiefs, Lions Hold Top Seeds

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2024 NFL Playoff Picture, Week 12: Chiefs, Lions Hold Top Seeds


The Kansas CIty Chiefs and Detroit Lions are very different, and yet they’re the same.

Kansas City has continuously had to hold onto leads at the end of games, while Detroit has rolled one team after the next. And, yet, both are 10–1 and the No. 1 seed in their respective conferences.

Meanwhile, there was a change in the NFC playoff picture, with the Seattle Seahawks jumping into the No. 3 seed after beating the Arizona Cardinals, who went from that spot all the way out of the playoff picture with a single loss. 

Here’s how everything looks in both conferences, updated up to the second.

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Additionally, all playoff probabilities are courtesy of The Athletic’s model.

AFC: WHO’S IN

Record: 10–1, first place, AFC West

Remaining opponents over .500: 4

Playoff probability: 99%

Kansas City was able to ward off the pesky Carolina Panthers on Sunday, giving it an AFC-best 10 wins. A short week is ahead for the Chiefs, who host the Las Vegas Raiders on Black Friday.

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Record: 9–2, first place, AFC East

Remaining opponents over .500: 1

Playoff probability: 99%

The Bills had the week off. A big three-game stretch looms with the San Francisco 49ers, Los Angeles Rams and Detroit Lions coming up in Orchard Park.

Record: 8–3, first place, AFC North

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Remaining opponents over .500: 3

Playoff probability: 88%

After getting into the first-seed conversation, the Steelers lost in the snow to the Cleveland Browns. Next up, the Cincinnati Bengals, who are clinging to life at 4–7.

Record: 7–5, first place, AFC South

Remaining opponents over .500: 2

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Playoff probability: 94%

After winning convincingly in Dallas on Monday night, Houston was upset by the Tennessee Titans on Sunday. C.J. Stroud & Co. hold a two-game lead in the AFC South, but appear to be headed for the fourth seed.

Record: 7–3, second place, AFC West

Remaining opponents over .500: 4

Playoff probability: 91%

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Los Angeles will try to stay in this spot with a victory Monday night over the Baltimore Ravens, while also opening a two-game lead in the loss column with a tiebreaker in hand.

Record: 7–4, second place, AFC North

Remaining opponents over .500: 4

Playoff probability: 95%

The Ravens have a chance to close the gap in the AFC North while also jumping the Chargers with a win at SoFi Stadium on Monday night.

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Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix

Bo Nix passed for 273 yards and two touchdowns in Denver’s win over Las Vegas on Sunday. / Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images

Record: 7–5, third place, AFC West

Remaining opponents over .500: 2

Playoff probability: 60%

Denver took care of the Raiders in Las Vegas, giving it a second straight win before coming home to host the Browns on Monday night. The Broncos still have the Indianapolis Colts and Cincinnati Bengals on their schedule, easily their biggest games remaining. 

IN THE HUNT

Miami Dolphins (5–6): The Dolphins pummeled the New England Patriots on Sunday behind Tua Tagovailoa’s four touchdown passes. Miami will face the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field on Thanksgiving Day.

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Indianapolis Colts (5–7): Anthony Richardson struggled in a loss to the Detroit Lions. Despite being two games under .500, Indianapolis has a real shot at the playoffs with a soft schedule the rest of the way.

Cincinnati Bengals (4–7): Cincinnati likely needs to win out. That won’t be easy with two games remaining against the Steelers, starting with this weekend.

NFC: WHO’S IN

Record: 10–1, first place, NFC North

Remaining opponents over .500: 3

Playoff probability: 99%

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The Lions appear to be the best team in football. Detroit took on a plucky Colts team and handled them with ease, allowing only six points. Still, there’s no breathing room with Detroit only a game up in the NFC North. 

Remaining opponents over .500: 3

Playoff probability: 99% 

The Eagles visit the Rams on Sunday night. We will update this space after the game.

Record: 6–5, first place, NFC West

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Remaining opponents over .500: 3

Playoff probability: 21%

Seattle lost five of six before earning two huge divisional victories over the 49ers and Arizona Cardinals the past two weeks. With those wins, the Seahawks moved to the third seed, holding a tiebreaker over the Atlanta Falcons for the spot.

Remaining opponents over .500: 3

Playoff probability: 83%

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Atlanta had its bye week, and comes out of the break facing the Chargers and Minnesota Vikings the next two weeks.

Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold

Sam Darnold threw for 330 yards and two touchdowns in Minnesota’s overtime win over Chicago on Sunday. / Mike Dinovo-Imagn Images

Record: 9–2, second place, NFC North

Remaining opponents over .500: 5

Playoff probability: 98%

The Vikings continue to be only one game back of the Lions in the NFC North, while remaining the top team in the NFC wild-card picture after a 30–27 overtime win over the Chicago Bears.

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Record: 8–3, third place, NFC North

Remaining opponents over .500: 3

Playoff probability: 93%

Green Bay handled the injury-riddled San Francisco 49ers with ease, continuing to make a playoff push. The Packers now have a short week with Miami coming to Green Bay on Thursday.

Record: 7–5, second place, NFC East

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Remaining opponents over .500: 2

Playoff probability: 72%

Freefall in Washington? The Commanders have now lost three consecutive games, with a defeat to the listless Dallas Cowboys being the worst of them all.

IN THE HUNT

Arizona Cardinals (6–5): Arizona went to Seattle and managed only six points. The Cardinals will try to rebound this upcoming weekend against the Vikings in Minnesota.

Los Angeles Rams (5–5): The Rams play host to the Eagles on Sunday night. We will update this space after the game.

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San Francisco 49ers (5–6): This might be the end for San Francisco. The Niners are ravaged by injuries to Brandon Aiyuk, Nick Bosa, Brock Purdy and Trent Williams. Next up, Buffalo.



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Financial Constraints Could Prevent Detroit Tigers From Landing Dream Player

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Financial Constraints Could Prevent Detroit Tigers From Landing Dream Player


The Detroit Tigers are coming into the offseason looking to improve after a shockingly great 2024 campaign.

Nobody saw the Tigers coming in 2024, as they went on to have one of the best second halves of a season in a long time. They were able to ride that momentum right into the playoffs, and they defeated the Houston Astros in the Wild Card Round.

When looking at the Detroit roster, it was pretty clear that manager A.J. Hinch did a magnificent job finding ways to win games. While he had the luxury of Tarik Skubal pitching every five days, there wasn’t much else in the starting rotation after trading away Jack Flaherty.

This winter, the Tigers will have the opportunity to add to a young roster that achieved a lot in 2024.

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While they had a lot of success last year, there are some areas that the team can improve upon. One of which is at third base.

Hitting was an issue at times for Detroit in 2024, as they need to become more consistent if they want to take the next step forward in 2025.

Recently, Jason Beck of MLB.com spoke about Alex Bregman being a great fit for the Tigers. However, he highlighted that financial constraints could hold the franchise back from their dream target.

“While the on-field fit with Bregman is obvious, the financial fit is another matter. The Tigers have not been a team for bidding wars; even under the late owner Mike Ilitch, they were more active finding undervalued or overlooked free agents (Pudge Rodriguez, Magglio Ordonez, Kenny Rogers) than outbidding teams for highly-sought talent. There’s a ton of payroll space in Detroit, but the Tigers just got past one long-term deal that didn’t age well (Miguel Cabrera), and still have Javier Báez for three more years. President of baseball operations Scott Harris has been more attracted to shorter-term deals and long-term flexibility, both in Detroit and in his previous job as Giants general manager. He might have to weigh how much he wants to stretch a deal to get Bregman”

Adding the gold glove third baseman would be a really good move for the Tigers for multiple reasons. As a good hitter and fielder, Bregman was able to total an impressive WAR once again last year. With three straight seasons of a WAR over 4.0, the slugger is extremely consistent.

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In addition to what he can do on the field, Bregman has a ton of experience in the league and in the playoffs. This can only help a young Tigers team that entered uncharted waters last season.

While he certainly makes sense for Detroit, he is going to be one of the highest paid free agents this offseason wherever he goes. It is very possible that the financial side of things could be the reason why they don’t get their dream target.



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How to watch the Detroit Lions vs. Indianapolis Colts – NFL: Week 12 | Channel, stream, preview

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How to watch the Detroit Lions vs. Indianapolis Colts – NFL: Week 12 | Channel, stream, preview


INDIANAPOLIS — The Detroit Lions will look to keep up their winning ways on Sunday as they face a hungry Indianapolis Colts team looking to keep their playoff hopes alive.

  • Watch the NFL on FuboTV (7-day free trial)

Detroit Lions (9-1) vs. Indianapolis Colts (5-6)

  • When: Sunday, November 24
  • Time: 1 p.m. ET
  • Where: Lucas Oil Stadium (Indianapolis. Ind.)
  • Channel: FOX­­
  • Stream: FuboTV (Free Trial), DirecTV Stream, Sling

The Lions put together a historic effort last Sunday against the Jacksonville Jaguars. In a 52-6 drubbing, Detroit recorded a franchise-record 645 yards of total offense and 38 first downs. Jared Goff had a much-needed bounce-back game, throwing four touchdowns, while David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs had standout performances on the ground. It marked the second time this year the team has hit the half-century mark in points, as they scored 52 against the Tennessee Titans last month.

The Lions continue to roll through the regular season, coming close to already securing a spot in the playoffs. They are currently first in the NFC North, one game up on the Minnesota Vikings.

While things have not been perfect in America’s Heartland, the Colts still have a shot at sneaking into a Wild Card spot. After a series of lackluster efforts during the team’s three-game losing streak, Indianapolis and quarterback Anthony Richardson stepped up last Sunday against the New York Jets. Timely stops on defense and a solid outing by their sophomore QB helped them outlast Aaron Rodgers and the New York Jets.

The Colts still have some work to do. Despite being second in the AFC South, Indy is two games back of the first-place Houston Texans and one back of the last Wild Card spot in the AFC.

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The Colts are 22-20-2 against the Lions, winning four of the last five meetings.

  • Watch the NFL on FuboTV (7-day free trial)

Check out the NFL schedule



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