Michigan
Michigan State basketball responds to early tongue-lashing ahead of featured matchup
EAST LANSING – The lengthy delay for Tom Izzo to go from locker room to postgame press conference was a sign.
The Michigan State coach called out his team’s lack of energy in the second half of last week’s 79-60 win against San Jose State and promised the roster would be challenged. Less than 72 hours later, Izzo was a lot more upbeat about his team.
“We’ve had two of the best practices I’ve had in two years,” Izzo said after the team wrapped up on Sunday. “What will that mean? I don’t know but they got after it. And, by the way, they took it. And, by the way, they gave some of it, so that puts me in a good mood too, to be honest with you.”
This is a good time for No. 17 Michigan State (3-0) to answer an early bell with an annual marquee game on tap. The Spartans will face No. 9 Kentucky (3-1) on Tuesday (6:30 p.m., ESPN) in the Champions Classic at Madison Square Garden.
“It’s been physical, it’s been more focused,” point guard Jeremy Fears said of weekend practices. “I think we’ve just got to understand that we have to be more focused.”
Michigan State is the defending Big Ten champion but is still in the very early stages of testing a new roster. There are four starting spots seemingly locked up with returning co-captains in Fears, wing Coen Carr and bigs Jaxon Kohler and Carson Cooper.
Fears was exempt from Izzo’s postgame tongue-lashing after San Jose State crept back within 10 after being down 23 at the half. Fears is the guy running the show on the floor and there are hiccups to work through.
“A lot of new guys, (defensive) scouts and things change day by day,” Fears said, “so you can’t come in expecting to see one thing or another thing to happen. … I think the sooner we’re able to realize and understand that, we’ll keep getting better.”
Michigan State lost a lot of experience and guard play after reaching the Elite Eight last season. Jase Richardson wasn’t expected to be a one-and-done first-round NBA pick. Tre Holloman’s transfer departure for NC State was also a surprise so Izzo hit the portal with four additions.
From the seniors who have been with Izzo since day one to the newcomers, being called out after a 19-point win isn’t unexpected.
“They told me what they want to accomplish, that’s the difference with me,” Izzo said. “I don’t put goals up every year that are my goals. I say give me a piece of paper, tell me what you want to accomplish then I’ll work mine in within that. They tell me what they want to accomplish, it’s my job to hold them accountable to that.”
After dropping its exhibition finale at UConn, Michigan State won its first three games that count, including a ranked victory against Arkansas. The Spartans will leave the Breslin Center for an early national spotlight at Madison Square Garden.
“It’s always one of the most watched nights of basketball and I look at that as a privilege,” Izzo said. “Yeah, we had to earn it, but it’s still a privilege to play in it so I’m excited to go to New York, I’m excited to see where we are.”
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Michigan
Michigan groom sentenced for killing his best friend on his wedding night
FLINT, Mich. (AP) — A man in Michigan who got married and then ran over his best friend that same day, killing him, after an alcohol-fueled argument was sentenced Monday to least 30 years in prison.
“The only thing I can do for the rest of my life is express my apology and remorse. … I will forever be sorry,” James Shirah said in Genesee County court.
Shirah, 24, was driving when his vehicle struck Terry Taylor Jr. in Flint, about an hour’s drive northwest of Detroit, on Aug. 30, 2024. He and Savanah Collier were married earlier that day and the celebration had moved to a house.
Shirah’s attorney had argued that the crash was not intentional. Prosecutors, however, said Shirah had left the scene and had time to reflect before returning and striking Taylor, MLive.com reported.
“Mr. Shirah, I believe that you are not a criminal. You are, however, a killer,” Judge Khary Hanible said.
In April, Shirah pleaded no contest to second-degree murder and other offenses. He will be eligible for parole after 30 years.
“I hope that they throw the book at you,” Taylor’s cousin, Eren Taylor, said before Shirah received his sentence.
Shirah’s wife will be sentenced later in May for being an accessory.
Michigan
SW Michigan show returns as growing destination for vinyl collectors
BENTON HARBOR — Vinyl collectors and music fans are invited to dig through thousands of records and music collectibles at the Southwest Michigan Record Show.
The event is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 16 at Grand Upton Hall inside Lake Michigan College’s Mendel Center in Benton Harbor, according to a press release.
Now in its fourth season, the show features 25 vendors from five states, offering 70 tables filled with vinyl records, CDs, cassettes, record supplies and music memorabilia.
Free admission begins at 10 a.m.
General admission is free starting at 10 a.m., while early entry is available at 8:30 a.m. for $5. Door prize drawings are planned for 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., including $25 shopping certificates and record supplies from BCW Supplies. The first 75 attendees will receive free tote bags.
A food truck will be on site, and cash is preferred for purchases. Some vendors may accept cards, PayPal, Venmo and other payment methods, but there is no ATM on site.
Vendors from across the Midwest and beyond
The show is expected to feature a wide selection of music genres, including classic rock, pop, ’80s, metal, punk, jazz, blues, R&B, country and soundtracks.
“This show is still being discovered, and that’s part of what makes it exciting,” event organizer Jeremy D. Bonfiglio said in the release. “We’ve built a strong group of experienced vendors, so whether you’re just getting into vinyl or digging for something rare, there’s a real opportunity here to find something unexpected.”
Free parking is available near the entrance of Mendel Center, 2755 Napier Ave.
Future dates planned
The Southwest Michigan Record Show is also scheduled to return Sept. 19.
For more information, visit southwestmichiganrecordshow.com or follow the event on Facebook.
This story was created by reporter Cheryl Morey, with the assistance of artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the information gathering, review, editing and publishing.
Michigan
Yes, you can play curling in West Michigan
ALGOMA TOWNSHIP, Mich. — The spirit of curling is one of friendship.
While memory of the Winter Olympics may have long melted away in the minds of many Americans, there some whose curiousness for the sport of curling has extended all the way into the springtime.
“Everybody’s having fun,” said Paul Curran, league manager for the Grand Rapids Curling Club. “It’s a really weird sport in that it’s really friendly.”
The club, which plays at the Cedar Rock Sportsplex in Algoma Township, has seen a recent spike in interest in its beginners leagues and learn to curl classes.
“We’re all here to curl and learn,” said beginner Aaron Schwieterman. “Everyone’s making mistakes, but still having a great time learning the sport and trying to mimic what the professionals do at the Olympics.”
“I recommend it to anybody who wants to try something different,” said beginner Margaret Steketee. “If I can do it, anybody can do it.”
For a period of time on the ice, these newcomers to the sport turn into competitors. Then, at the conclusions of their games, they revert to being friends.
“Largely, what you’ll find with curlers is that when they’re done curling, they want to be friendly and hang out,” Curran said. “Which is what our league is doing right now.”
As long as people are interested, Curran says the club will continue to put on beginners leagues and lessons.
“The more people we get out here curling, the better,” he said.
For more information on ways to play and learn how to curl in West Michigan, visit the Grand Rapids Curling Club’s website.
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