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How to improve NBA’s ratings? More fireworks — if new stars are up for it

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How to improve NBA’s ratings? More fireworks — if new stars are up for it

Donovan Mitchell, presented with the challenge of solving the NBA’s oft-discussed ratings issue, smiled as he gave his immediate retort.

“Get into more fights,” the Cleveland Cavaliers star said.

He was joking, of course, and provided his usual eloquence in his real answer. But the essence of his quip was onto something.

The biggest issue with the NBA isn’t (primarily) how many 3-pointers are being cast, except maybe for those hunting for disparagement. Nor is it the length of the season, or the perceived triviality of regular-season games. Are those concerns? Sure. But only as low-hanging fruit for the unsatiated.

The real issue, the one proven by the spike in ratings on Christmas Day, is the wanting magnetism of the league’s stars not named Stephen Curry, LeBron James and Kevin Durant. It’s the next generation of NBA ambassadors who have yet to do enough to seize attention.

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LeBron and Curry both lead mediocre teams and still dominated the NBA’s showcase day.

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No doubt, it’s unfair to compare the appeal of the next wave of stars with legends who have footprints in three decades. But it’s certainly fair to wonder who will take the baton from them. Or who even wants it. We know Anthony Edwards does, but the Minnesota Timberwolves star’s got to win for his charisma to matter. We know Jayson Tatum wants it, but the Boston Celtics leader’s charisma doesn’t quite match his success. It’s a tricky dance.

But the NBA was built on this, on a superstardom that’s as much intangible as it is palpable. The NBA was built on the magnetism of Magic Johnson and Larry Bird. The former was more front-facing than the latter, but they both did the job of putting the league on their backs.

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Michael Jordan made sure he was always dressed well and presentable, honoring the reality that seeing him was a moment for people. Kobe Bryant groomed his whole life for the mantel. James has been willingly in the public consciousness since he was 16 years old. Curry saturates the market with himself. Durant would seem to be the anti-superstar, but he traffics in accessibility and transparency and cares about the league and the game as much as anyone, if not more.

What NBA superstars, the one who carry the league, have always seemed to understand is the role is as much a responsibility as it is a perk. Along with the maximum contracts and the honor of the elite realm comes the burden of carrying the torch.

And Mitchell made a fair point. Their burden didn’t end with their playing days.

“The way we talk about our game is huge,” Mitchell said. “The way we talk about our current players, I think, has a huge impact on what people think. You have some people saying, ‘Who is this guy? How is he getting paid this?’ I think that overall is not the greatest look. … A lot of guys who are retired that have shown love and continually will. But I think that’s a big thing … the way you talk about the product, in a sense. That’s something we really can be better at as a whole, as a brotherhood.”

Still, it feels like the succeeding generation of superstars doesn’t care so much to continue the tradition of putting the league on their back, of winning the affection of the audience.

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Jayson Tatum and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Jayson Tatum backs down Shai Gilgeous-Alexander during a game Sunday in Oklahoma City. They’re among the biggest of the new generation of NBA stars. (Joshua Gateley / Getty Images)

In fairness to them, some of these players just aren’t naturally drawn to the spotlight. And they’re just being their authentic selves, retreating to the confines of obscurity and peace.

In fairness to them, several of them are not from this nation. They may not long for affinity from the American populace. Nikola Jokić, the best player in the league, doesn’t seem to desire it at all. Certainly, those who want it, may understandably not be savvy on how to get it. They have their own home to which they can retreat. That’s the reality of a global league.

In fairness to them, they’ve been raised in a different time. Expectations of access have grown debilitating, so have the ramifications of such access. Anyone who watched “The Last Dance,” ESPN’s documentary on the Chicago Bulls’ 1997-98 season, saw the pound of flesh superstardom took from Jordan. That was just traditional newspaper and broadcast journalists. The media landscape since then has multiplied like wet Gremlins.

So it must be confessed — the desire to not dive headfirst into this setup is actually a rational response. But since the players aren’t rewarded rationally, it’s fair to ask for them to go ahead and dive in anyway. Like their ancestors in superstardom.

We need more from the next generation.

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They’ve got the greatness down. These dudes are good. The skill is off the charts.

“For us,” Mitchell explained on the role of the next wave of stars, “it’s continuing to play high-level basketball. There’s always going to be discourse. There’s always going to be something to talk about. Just continue to play high-level basketball. … I think the biggest thing for us is to continue to carry the game.”

Yes. But it takes more than just great basketball. It takes more than these unappealing manicured personas curated from a focus group by some publicity firm. It takes more than safe comments for fear of going viral. It takes more than just wanting to play basketball and go home.

Mitchell knows this. He is an irrefutable fan of the game. At 28, he’s also part of the collection of torch-bearers for the future. His Cavaliers being atop the Eastern Conference is setting him up to be one of the chief ambassadors. When the smoke arrives in the playoffs, whether from Boston or Milwaukee, Mitchell will inhale.

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Wednesday night, he clashes with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Oklahoma City versus Cleveland is a potential NBA Finals preview. It pits two of the most explosive guards in Mitchell and SGA, two incredible young players in Jalen Williams and Evan Mobley. It should be a prime matchup.

All it needs is some fireworks.

That’s the NBA’s secret sauce. Rivalries. Which are sparked by personalities and fueled storylines. The clashing of stars. Players who inspire hate and love.

The NBA is culpable. Ownership’s bent on suppressing dynasties also deprives the league of that special element dynasties bring. Now it’s lacking and unclear from where it will come.

It increases the need for players to uphold the banner. Such requires vulnerability from the characters, a revealing of more than just one’s game. A willingness to play a part in the melodrama of it all.

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“More fights,” as Mitchell joked, can be translated to more of a willingness to mix it up. More of a willingness to clash with each other. More of a willingness to competitively, theatrically, challenge one another. More of a willingness to at least be transparent and embrace whatever drama comes as a result.

That’s how LeBron and Curry got to this point, where they are senior citizens of basketball and still the chief needle movers. They dueled for four straight years at the highest levels. They go at each other. Their history includes trash talk and competitive ice between them. They’ve inspired disdain as much as adoration, which doubled their interest. They weren’t interested in playing it cool.

The NBA is desperate for a new rivalry.

It looked for a while as if the Dallas Mavericks’ Luka Dončić and Phoenix Suns’ Devin Booker would be next. We know Dončić is willing to mix it up. But that spark was short-lived, though entirely riveting.

It looked for a while as if Ja Morant was next. And he still may be. But he must get his Memphis Grizzlies back on that big stage.

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It looked as if Edwards was heading to the top. But his Timberwolves are starting to feel more like a flash in the pan.

Who takes the torch? It doesn’t get passed by osmosis. Someone has to go pry it from the hands of its current owners. Someone has to get to the big stage frequently enough, and be impactful enough while on it, to inspire passion.

Two of the future faces of the league, so the NBA hopes, closed 2024 with a showdown in Oklahoma City. SGA vs. Ant Man.

Gilgeous-Alexander scored 19 of his 40 points in a dominant third quarter. He made 15 shots, nine came in the paint, and seven of those in the restricted area. It was a display of SGA’s mastery of penetration. He was asked about finding his way to the rim against one of the league’s best defenses — featuring perimeter hounds such as Jaden McDaniels, Donte DiVincenzo and Edwards, and anchored by four-time Defensive Player of the Year Rudy Gobert.

SGA, surrounded by his teammates as with every on-court interview, impregnated a pause before answering. He eventually let out a “hmmmm” while sighfully slumping his shoulders. He looked toward the rafters as he searched his brain for an answer. He even rubbed his chin, trying to massage his mind for the right words.

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The NBA needs him to use this moment to make it a moment. In competition for attention spans, with the NFL encroaching on their space, with the narrative demeaning the league, it would behoove SGA to lean in. Declare his supremacy. Taunt Edwards. Make this something. “More fights.” It clearly wouldn’t be organic for him. But it would surely be useful.

Finally, he answered.

“I,” Gilgeous-Alexander said, holding his mouth open for a beat before letting the words escape, “I get to the rim on anybody.”

Close enough. For now.

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(top photo of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Donovan Mitchell: Jason Miller / Getty Images)

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

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4 hours ago

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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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4 hours ago

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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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5 hours ago

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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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