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Desmond Bane has 30 points, Grizzlies rout Pacers for playoff spot

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Desmond Bane has 30 points, Grizzlies rout Pacers for playoff spot

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Desmond Bane scored 30 factors, hitting 12 of 15 pictures, and the Memphis Grizzlies constructed a giant lead early earlier than coasting to a 133-103 victory over the Indiana Pacers on Thursday evening to clinch a spot within the playoffs.

Jaren Jackson Jr. completed with 20 factors, going 7 of 13 from the sector, because the Grizzlies shot 54%. De’Anthony Melton added 19 and John Konchar matched his profession excessive with 18. Bane was 5 of seven from exterior the arc as Memphis made a season-high 21 3-pointers.

“It simply sort of goes,” Bane stated of his capturing. “I made my first couple after which discovered a few openings for straightforward pictures, and simply saved hooping.”

Earlier than the sport, Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins introduced that main scorer Ja Morant would miss the following two weeks with proper knee soreness. Morant sat out the earlier two video games after tweaking the knee in Memphis’ loss to Atlanta final Friday.

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Memphis Grizzlies guard Desmond Bane (22) drives forward of Indiana Pacers middle Goga Bitadze (88) within the second half of an NBA basketball sport Thursday, March 24, 2022, in Memphis, Tenn.
(AP Picture/Brandon Dill)

Jenkins famous that what was just lately a decent rotation has expanded to incorporate different gamers.

“Sadly, with a few guys nicked up, it creates a few of these alternatives,” the Memphis coach stated. “However guys have stayed the course and stayed prepared.”

The Grizzlies had been sharp once more with out their All-Star, simply as they had been in a 132-120 victory over the Brooklyn Nets on Wednesday, and have become the second workforce to lock up a spot within the postseason.

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With Memphis main 107-71 coming into the fourth, the Grizzlies reserves completed up the sport.

Lance Stephenson led the Pacers with 25 factors, together with making all 5 of his 3-pointers, whereas Terry Taylor had 17. Goga Bitadze completed with 14.

Apart from Morant, the Grizzles had been additionally with out Dillon Brooks, who rested his left ankle, and Brandon Clarke (left hip soreness.)

Indiana additionally was enjoying the second consecutive evening after a last-second loss to Sacramento. Like Memphis, the Pacers had a number of gamers out. Moreover, Pacers coach Rick Carlisle missed the sport for private causes.

“We’re short-handed. We’re asking guys to perform a little bit extra, … and needing them to perform a little bit extra,” stated performing coach Lloyd Pierce. “It places you in a state of affairs the place you want the whole lot to go proper. Clearly, tonight, it didn’t go nicely for us.”

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As they did towards Brooklyn, the Grizzlies surpassed 70 factors within the first half, taking a 74-48 lead into the locker room. Bane had 23 factors, lacking solely certainly one of his pictures within the half, going 5 of 6 from exterior the arc.

The Grizzlies opened the second half on a 10-0 run and Memphis had its seventh win within the final eight.

“I’m glad I don’t should go towards us,” Bane stated, noting the Grizzlies handed out 34 assists, together with 4 gamers with a minimum of 5. “We’ve acquired a number of guys that may deal with. A number of guys that may shoot, cross. It makes us that a lot more durable to protect.

“It’s undoubtedly exhausting to go towards, and it’s enjoyable when you find yourself on the opposite facet.”

PLAYOFF ACCOMPLISHED

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Regardless of clinching the playoff spot, Memphis gamers weren’t celebrating the accomplishment. There are nonetheless different targets. “It’s cool, I suppose,” Jackson stated. “However we’ve acquired to maneuver on. The playoffs are going to come back quickly. Earlier than we all know it, we’re going to be in it. The purpose will change. We need to win a sequence, after which the following one. One sport at a time. However the purpose is to win a championship.”

TIP-INS

Pacers: G Malcolm Brogdon missed his third sport with relaxation. … Bitadze has reached double figures in seven straight. … Duane Washington Jr., who turned 22 on Thursday, completed with 4 factors. … Indiana is 9-28 on the street.

Grizzlies: Memphis outscored the Pacers 44-23 within the first quarter, matching its most factors in 1 / 4 this season. … The ten 3-pointers within the first quarter had been a franchise file. … Memphis is 7-1 towards the Central Division. Its solely loss was to the Milwaukee Bucks, whom Memphis performs Saturday evening. … C Steven Adams had 17 rebounds, 9 of them off the offensive glass. … With Morant out, the Grizzlies didn’t win the factors within the paint for the second straight evening. Memphis and Indiana each had 54 paint factors.

UP NEXT

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Pacers: Journey to Toronto to face the Raptors on Saturday.

Grizzlies: Proceed a four-game homestand Saturday towards Milwaukee.

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Saquon’s hurdle, Josh Allen’s heroics: The NFL season’s best moments, week by week

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January 9, 2025

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Saquon’s hurdle, Josh Allen’s heroics: The NFL season’s best moments, week by week

After 272 games and 1,387 touchdowns — and Camryn Bynum’s many interpretive dances — the NFL’s regular season is officially in the books. It was an awesome, serpentine and sometimes surreal four months of football. Cheers to all of us that made it through and did not blink.

Of course, the playoffs are a zero-sum game, and only one person will be commemorated Most Valuable Player. But there was so much to celebrate across the past 18 weeks, and the Super Bowl outcome certainly does not negate all the coolness that preceded it.

Here, we’ll remember the top three on-field moments from each weekly slate. May this be a space for recollection and appreciation as we trek toward the postseason.

Week 1

An un-Likely finish — The games kicked off with an absolute banger in Ravens-Chiefs. Lamar Jackson led a furious final push down the field, capped with Isaiah Likely’s spectacular would-be game-tying touchdown snag. Better still, Baltimore’s offense looked ready to go for the two-point conversion and steal a win. Upon further review, Likely’s toe grazed the back of the end zone. Kansas City eked out the narrowest of wins — a season’s motif if there ever was one.

Saquon Barkley’s first Eagles score — What a bonkers introduction by Philly’s new running back. Barkley established himself from the jump in Brazil, and his three TDs were the deciding factor in a win over the Packers that went to the brink.

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A new-age rivalry in overtime — The latest episode of the Goff-Stafford Exchange was a thriller. Week 1’s Sunday night game went back and forth for 70 minutes, sealed by David Montgomery’s walk-off plunge.

Week 2

Jefferson Starship — The ascending Sam Darnold to the intergalactic Justin Jefferson, for 97 yards, six points and one of the loudest crowd reactions of the year.

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Sack City — Aidan Hutchinson notched 4 1/2 sacks in one afternoon, wholly terrorizing the Tampa Bay front line. We didn’t know it, but this would be the triumphant last highlight before a broken leg truncated his season.

Another Bengals-Chiefs stunner — With under a minute to go, Patrick Mahomes and company trailed 25-23 and faced fourth down from their own territory. They converted on a deep ball to Rashee Rice, only for a Wanya Morris penalty to set them back to fourth-and-16. The subsequent try fell incomplete … but a pass interference call on Daijahn Anthony gave the Chiefs new life, and ultimately set up their game-winning 51-yard field goal.

Week 3

Hook-and-Lions — If video-game makers choose to revive the Backyard Football or NFL Street franchises, well, here’s their mood board:

Daniels goes deep — Jayden Daniels forced a collective double-take with the start to his pro career: fourteen consecutive scoring drives (excluding two kneel downs), obliterating the previous rookie record. The few remaining skeptics noted that Washington’s No. 2 pick was relying on short throws and cautious offense. They were promptly quieted on Monday night.

A modern-day Mossing — Jauan Jennings put Quentin Lake on a poster. It was the jewel of his breakout three-touchdown game in Los Angeles.

Week 4

Ogunbowale calls game — The Texans passing offense was sporting Nico Collins, Stefon Diggs and Tank Dell … yet it was journeyman back Dare Ogunbowale who caught the game-winning touchdown from C.J. Stroud. He got to celebrate in the corner end zone with his sister, WNBA star Arike Ogunbowale.

Throwing a perfect game — Once again finding itself in a national TV spot, Detroit’s offense was systematically grooving against the Seahawks. Jared Goff connected on all 18 of his throws, setting an NFL record, and he also caught a touchdown pass from Amon-Ra St. Brown.

Koo, calm and collected — In a decidedly NFC South-y game, Younghoe Koo drilled a 58-yarder for the win in Atlanta.

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Week 5

Surtain chance — Pat Surtain II’s 100-yard pick-six may have re-routed Denver’s season. It certainly trumpeted the arrival of this Broncos defense, and kick-started the fourth-year corner’s campaign for Defensive Player of the Year.

Thursday night chaos — This 36-30 overtime marathon won by the Falcons was sneakily one of the most fun watches of 2024. On a short comeback route, KhaDarel Hodge broke a tackle and then outran a half-dozen Buccaneers for the walk-off.

“He threw him away like a rag doll!” — Both Ravens-Bengals matchups this season were pure serotonin releases. The world would be a better place if we had more Ravens and Bengals. More on this later. For now, play us out, Kevin Harlan:

Week 6

Shenault’s vault — The new kickoff rules took some getting used to, with the landing zone being particularly harsh on the eyes. But Laviska Shenault’s 97-yard house call looked instantly familiar.

Turning back time — Thinking about these New York Jets is bad for our well-being, and there were few highlights from their dystopian season. But Aaron Rodgers connecting on yet another Hail Mary was undoubtedly one of them. Allen Lazard was the recipient of this buzzer-beating 52-yard heave vs. Buffalo.

Courtland’s catch — Superhuman stuff from Sutton here.

Week 7

Bates’ first magic moment — With the 4-1 Lions and 5-0 Vikings scrapping for supremacy atop the NFC North, everything came down to Detroit’s rookie kicker Jake Bates … a kickoff specialist and soccer player in college. But Bates was right on the money to give Detroit the win 31-29. We’ll revisit him shortly.

Conner in the clutch — For a moment, the Arizona revival (Cardinalissance?) looked like it had staying power. It was hard to not dig the desert vibes after James Conner plowed his way into game-winning field goal range on Thursday night.

Getting tricky with it — Geno Smith slung a swing pass to Jaxon Smith-Njigba, who about-faced and heaved it field. The loping ball hung in the air forever, only for DK Metcalf to come down with a particularly acrobatic grab.

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Week 8

Winston for the win — Two more football axioms that rang true in 2024: The Ravens will find bizarre ways to lose games, and Jameis Winston will be a vehicle for metaphysical chaos. Kyle Hamilton dropped what would’ve been the clinching interception. With the extra chance, Winston hit Cedric Tillman for the decisive touchdown. As we did for the aforementioned Jets, we’ll do our best to limit your exposure to the Cleveland Browns … but this was a cool moment.

“It’s a miracle! It’s Noah Brown” — Are we positive this really happened? Was it some sort of fever dream conjured to torment the Chicago Bears?

(Almost) Paid in Full — Week 8 nearly had a second completed Hail Mary. Much like the Ravens and Bengals, the Falcons and Bucs combined for two deeply entertaining games this season. Rakim Jarrett caught Baker Mayfield’s prayer ball but couldn’t keep himself in the end zone.

Week 9

Come What Maye — The 2024 Patriots may well be remembered for botching the No. 1 draft pick and immediately canning their coach. But this was bonkers, delightful and borderline-inexplicable:

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Saquon breaks Madden — When EA Sports has to develop new animations based on something that happened in real-life football, well, you’re singularly awesome and deserve extended cheers. Saquon Barkley’s “reverse hurdle” was instantly canonized.

One-handed walk-off — Matthew Stafford’s dime and Demarcus Robinson’s showmanship not only made the year-end highlight reel but also helped decide the log-jammed NFC West. If the Rams make a run this postseason, this game-winner will be remembered as a primary propellant.

Week 10

Chiefs block upset bid — Kansas City routinely reduced football fans to a Jesse Pinkman impression … they couldn’t keep getting away with these last-second victories. Denver looked set to blemish the Chiefs’ undefeated campaign, until Wil Lutz’s 35-yarder was stuffed at the line. Kevin Harlan hit that upper vocal register accordingly.

Everything about Bengals-Ravens — In what may well be considered the game of the year, Joe Burrow and Lamar Jackson traded dizzying haymakers until the final whistle. The final numbers: Burrow threw for 428 yards and four scores, while Ja’Marr Chase had an absurd 11-catch, 264-yard, 3-TD stat line. But Jackson had four touchdowns of his own, and Baltimore’s defense hung tight on the deciding two-point conversion. To paraphrase Tracy Morgan, live every week like it’s Bengals-Ravens week.

Bates’ second magic moment — We promised we’d circle back here, too. Detroit survived a five-interception Goff game thanks to Bates, who squeezed clutch kicks of 58 and 52 yards between the uprights.

Week 11

Un-Bear-able — Caleb Williams had pieced together a spirited if imperfect first game since the waning of the Shane Waldron era. Cairo Santos was set up to lift Chicago over its archrival. Then special teamer Karl Brooks won the gap, elevated and got a hand on the football for a wild Packers win.

McPherson’s misses — The Sunday night squabble-up between the Bengals and Chargers was also Game of the Year material. Cincinnati completed a massive comeback, down 24-6 at halftime, on the heels of two fourth-down touchdown passes. We can only imagine how sorely the Bengals want those biffed Evan McPherson tries back.

“The play of the year in the NFL” — Chiefs-Bills never disappoints. Without further ado, Jim Nantz:

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Week 12

Barkley’s blasts — The Eagles’ star running back rushed for a franchise-best 255 yards, with 182 coming in the second half. Momentum-seizing house calls of 70 and 72 yards deflated the Rams and cemented Philly as a team to fear. As Mike Tirico said: “What a night, and what a player.”

Mamba mentality — Much-needed fourth-down stop? Yup. Galvanizing defensive moment for Mike McDonald’s group? For sure. Coby Bryant for six? Put it on the board.

How does this keep happening?! — Jayden Daniels seemingly fit a lifetime of heroics into his rookie season. Here, he lofted a desperation ball to Terry McLaurin between a Cowboys prevent zone, only for McLaurin to hit the accelerator and stun the football universe.

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Don’t worry, Austin Seibert’s subsequent extra point sailed wide, recalling an all-time NFL blooper from the Saints and Jaguars in 2003.

Week 13

Time keeps on slippin’ — Caleb Williams had a shot at upsetting the Lions in Detroit on Thanksgiving. It could’ve been a signature career moment. But some disarmingly strange sideline decisions left the Bears with no time left. Coach Matt Eberflus was fired the next day.

Vengeance in the Meadowlands — Geno Smith and Leonard Williams each stuck it to their former team in the Seahawks’ 26-21 win over the Jets. The latter stole the day with a soul-crushing 92-yard pick-six of Aaron Rodgers.

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Blizzard in Buffalo — If/when a Josh Allen statue gets put up in Orchard Park, it just might look like this:

Week 14

Lord Byron — Safe to say that Kirk Cousins did not enjoy his return trip to Minnesota. Byron Murphy, in his sixth year, had his best season to date as a chaos element in Brian Flores’ defense.

Fantasy football history — Every snap of Josh Allen’s herculean Week 14 performance deserves consideration here. Even if the Bills didn’t win this relay race in Los Angeles against the Rams, those employing Allen on their fantasy teams certainly got the dub. Buffalo’s captain tallied six total touchdowns: three through the air to go with his 342 passing yards, and three on the ground as part of his 82 rushing yards.

Sweet Charbonnet — Zach Charbonnet, Seattle’s second-year second-stringer, enjoyed a massive day against the Cardinals. He evaded tacklers and scrapped for extra space all afternoon long, capped by an electrifying 51-yard scoring burst.

Week 15

Yes, another Josh Allen highlight — Take your pick from the presumptive MVP’s cinematic effort against the Lions. Perhaps it was when he escaped two pass rushers and threw across his body to connect with James Cook. Maybe it’s his fake-out keeper to walk into the end zone and give his Bills a 14-0 lead. It could certainly be the evasion of a stunting Josh Paschal that created a Keon Coleman chunk play. Allen finished game with 430 yards, four touchdowns and a whole bunch of jaw-dropping plays.

Pose for the Kamara — For the second time this season, a receiver’s surprise drop back was redeemed by a sublime catch. Cedrick Wilson Jr. is not a professional quarterback, but Alvin Kamara is not a professional wideout. It balanced out here:

Bonitto cashes in — After scanning the list, here’s a necessary reminder that not every trick play works out. Nik Bonitto accentuated his spectacular season with a fourth-quarter defensive touchdown off Indianapolis’ attempted deception.

Week 16

Jourdan Lewis, by sheer will — Tampa Bay looked on its way to a Sunday night comeback in Dallas, with a streaking Jalen McMillan having a step on the Cowboys secondary. Lewis had other ideas, and his first interception of the season was ice-cold.

Crowder for the win — Once again, Jayden Daniels with some late-game alchemy. Washington beat Philadelphia in the final minute, after Daniels connected with Jamison Crowder, who started the game with four catches all season and finished it with a game-winning touchdown.

Jared to Jameson Williams — This was a riveting play in itself, with the Lions’ primary vertical threat getting loose for a clean 82-yard strike. But the coolest moment was when the camera panned to receivers coach Antwaan Randle El, who celebrated his wideout’s catharsis with the joy of a proud father.

Week 17

Myles Garrett’s greatness — With a sack of Miami quarterback Tyler Huntley, Cleveland’s prodigious edge rusher became the first player in league history to post at least 14 sacks in four straight seasons.

Lamar Jackson breaks Vick’s record on Christmas — Beyoncé is a transcendent talent. But she did not break Michael Vick’s career QB rushing mark. That was, of course, the two-time MVP under center in Baltimore.

Mims is Him(s) — The enduring image may be “Joe Shiesty” dancing in the end zone after the overtime victory, but we should never let this miraculous fourth-down connection go unrecognized. If aliens beamed down to our planet and asked why we like football so much, we’d probably show them this:

Week 18

Special revenge — The stakes were not quite the same, but good on Chicago for avenging its Week 11 special teams disaster against Green Bay. Between Cairo Santos’ redemption on the game-winning field goal and a crafty misdirected punt return for 94 yards by Josh Blackwell, the Bears won Sunday thanks to their kicking unit.

Wiggins caps it off — They already had one bewildering Browns loss this season. Could the Ravens find themselves in some wonky wild-card territory by dropping Saturday’s finale? Nope. Rookie corner Nate Wiggins certainly wasn’t going to let it get that far.

Barnett’s big man TD — What’s a season-long highlight reel without a defensive lineman’s stumbling scoop-and-score? Derek Barnett seemed predestined to cross the plane this past Sunday.

(Top illustration: Will Tullos / The Athletic; photos: Mitchell Leff, Jonathan Bachman, Cooper Neill, Bryan M. Bennett, Andy Lyons / Getty Images)

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Deion Sanders reveals only way he would coach in NFL

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January 9, 2025

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Deion Sanders reveals only way he would coach in NFL

Deion Sanders made clear last month before the Alamo Bowl that he planned on staying to coach the Colorado Buffaloes for the long-term future despite rampant rumors he could jump.

On Wednesday, Sanders appeared to throw in a caveat to his previous statement. He suggested the only way he would ever leave for the NFL was for an opportunity to coach his sons.

General view of an advertisement for the Colorado Buffaloes football team featuring head coach Deion Sanders during the second half of a game between the Iowa State Cyclones and the Colorado Buffaloes at CU Events Center in Boulder, Colorado, on Dec. 30, 2024. (Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images)

“You know what? The only way I would consider it is to coach my sons,” he said Wednesday on “GMA3.” He put an emphasis on “sons,” suggesting he would want to coach both Shedeur and Shilo Sanders.

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“I love Colorado. I love my Buffaloes. I love everything we’re building. I love what we’re doing, and I love Boulder, Colorado,” he added.

He said in a trailer for the upcoming season of “Coach Prime” on Amazon Prime Video that the 2024 season was special because he was “99%” sure it would be the final opportunity for him to coach his sons.

Sanders could very well do that, but it would take a lot.

Deion and Shedeur Sanders

Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders, left, and quarterback Shedeur Sanders, #2, talk with the media after the game against the Brigham Young Cougars at Alamodome in San Antonio on Dec. 28, 2024.. (Troy Taormina-Imagn Images)

EX-PATRIOTS COACH JEROD MAYO PLAYED CARDS WITH PLAYERS ON FLIGHT HOME FOLLOWING DOUBLE-DIGIT LOSS: REPORT 

Of the top 10 picks in the NFL Draft, the New England Patriots, Jacksonville Jaguars, Las Vegas Raiders, New York Jets, New Orleans Saints and Chicago Bears each have head coach openings. Only the Raiders could really have a shot at selecting a quarterback.

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Shedeur Sanders is expected to be one of the first players taken in the draft, but it will all depend on what the five teams in front of them do. The Tennessee Titans definitely need a quarterback and will likely choose one if they stay at No. 1. The Cleveland Browns need a quarterback but could opt to go for a veteran free agent. The New York Giants are also in need of a quarterback, but they also have a bunch of other needs to address as well.

Shilo Sanders may not be a first-round pick, which could make it easier for Deion Sanders and whatever team he may coach to select him.

Deion Sanders walks the line

Colorado head coach Deion Sanders watches his players warmup prior to the game between the Kansas Jayhawks and the Colorado Buffaloes at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri, on Nov. 23, 2024. (Nick Tre. Smith-Imagn Images)

It is a lot of hypothetical work for each of the Sanders boys to play together. A perfect storm will have to be created, but crazier things have happened in the NFL. 

Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

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Ryan Gaydos is a senior editor for Fox News Digital.

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Prep talk: Defending champion Cleveland is team to beat in City Section girls' soccer

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January 9, 2025

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Prep talk: Defending champion Cleveland is team to beat in City Section girls' soccer

Cleveland’s girls’ soccer team has been to four consecutive City Section championship games, winning last season in overtime over El Camino Real.

Now the Cavaliers (6-1-3) look like the team to beat again, along with Granada Hills, Palisades and El Camino Real.

West Valley League play begins this week.

Cleveland returns the City Section player of the year, Alexa Monge, and the player who delivered the overtime goal to beat El Camino Real, Yesenia Gomez. …

The first Southern Section girls’ soccer rankings are out. Redondo Union, Santa Margarita and Oaks Christian are unbeaten and lead the rankings. Here’s the link. …

Unbeaten Mater Dei tops the first Southern Section boys’ soccer rankings. Here’s the link. …

This is a daily look at the positive happenings in high school sports. To submit any news, please email eric.sondheimer@latimes.com.

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