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Articles by Dean Backes
High school football: No. 25 Mill Creek still the team to beat in Georgia after upset of No. 5 Buford
In one of the biggest high school football games in the country this weekend, defending AAAAAAA Georgia state champion No. 25 Mill Creek (Hoschton) showed it is still the team to beat with a 31-24 win over No. 5 Buford on Friday. The game will be remembered not only for the result but also because ESPN2 cut away from the contest for NBA preseason action with 23 seconds remaining and the outcome still in doubt.
Daylon Gibbs of Cuero Texas High School Football Player of the Week
After receiving more than 6,000 votes, Daylon Gibbs of Cuero has earned MaxPreps Texas High School Football Player of the Week. Gibbs, a senior receiver, reeled in six passes for 281 yards and two touchdowns while also scoring from 40 yards out on his only carry in a 55-14 win over Giddings. * Bryce Braden, Stratford: Completed 12 of 16 passes for 168 yards and three touchdowns while tacking on 113 yards and two more scores on the ground in a 38-7 win over Farwell.
VOTE NOW: Texas High School Football Player of the Week
Who is this week's MaxPreps Texas High School Football Player of the Week? We've narrowed down the weekend's outstanding performers and put it to a vote. Voting ends Thursday at 3 p.m. Here are this week's candidates: • Nic Clark, Hedley: Senior running back ran for 347 yards on 21 carries and nine touchdowns. He also recorded 17 tackles, a sack and a fumble recovery on defense in a 64-43 win over Patton Springs.
VOTE NOW: Texas High School Football Player of the Week
Who is this week's MaxPreps Texas High School Football Player of the Week? We've narrowed down the weekend's outstanding performers and put it to a vote. Voting concludes Thursday at 3 p.m. Here are this week's candidates: * Deuce Adams, Vandegrift (Austin): Connected on 16 of 23 passes for four touchdowns in a 41-17 win over Cedar Park. * Ben Carter/Noah Long, Liberty Hill: Combined to rush for 704 yards and nine touchdowns in an 82-80 win over Hutto.
Darius Acuff named 2022-23 MaxPreps Michigan High School Basketball Player of the Year
Each year since 2006, MaxPreps has recognized outstanding performers in high school basketball. America's source for high school sports continues the tradition to close out the 2022-23 season by naming the top player in each state. Selections are based on team success and individual excellence in addition to local and state accolades. Darius Acuff of Cass Tech (Detroit) is the 2022-23 MaxPreps Michigan High School Basketball Player of the Year.
Leah Philpotts named 2022-23 MaxPreps Connecticut High School Girls Basketball Player of the Year
Each year since 2006, MaxPreps has recognized outstanding performers in high school girls basketball. America's source for high school sports continues the tradition to close out the 2022-23 season by naming the top player in each state. Selections are based on team success and individual excellence in addition to local and state accolades. Leah Philpotts of Hamden is the 2022-23 MaxPreps Connecticut High School Girls Basketball Player of the Year.
Genesis McNeill named 2022-23 MaxPreps Rhode Island High School Girls Basketball Player of the Year
Each year since 2006, MaxPreps has recognized outstanding performers in high school girls basketball. America's source for high school sports continues the tradition to close out the 2022-23 season by naming the top player in each state. Selections are based on team success and individual excellence in addition to local and state accolades. Genesis McNeill of Juanita Sanchez Complex (Providence) is the 2022-23 MaxPreps Rhode Island High School Girls Basketball Player of the Year.
Chris Lockett Jr. named 2022-23 MaxPreps Louisiana High School Basketball Player of the Year
Each year since 2006, MaxPreps has recognized outstanding performers in high school basketball. America's source for high school sports continues the tradition to close out the 2022-23 season by naming the top player in each state. Selections are based on team success and individual excellence in addition to local and state accolades. Chris Lockett Jr. of Newman (New Orleans) is the 2022-23 MaxPreps Louisiana High School Basketball Player of the Year.
Bella Hines named 2022-23 MaxPreps New Mexico High School Girls Basketball Player of the Year
Each year since 2006, MaxPreps has recognized outstanding performers in high school girls basketball. America's source for high school sports continues the tradition to close out the 2022-23 season by naming the top player in each state. Selections are based on team success and individual excellence in addition to local and state accolades. Bella Hines of Eldorado (Albuquerque) is the 2022-23 MaxPreps New Mexico High School Girls Basketball Player of the Year.
Matas Buzelis named 2022-23 MaxPreps Kansas High School Basketball Player of the Year
Matas Buzelis of Sunrise Christian Academy (Bel Aire) is the 2022-23 MaxPreps Kansas High School Basketball Player of the Year. The 6-foot-9 senior forward led the Buffaloes to a 21-7 record and a spot in the field for GEICO Nationals later this month. For the season, Buzelis averaged 15.7 points, 5.6 rebounds and 1.6 assists, 0.9 steals and 1.6 blocked shots per game.
High school basketball: Where do Nebraska's Top 10 steals leaders rank nationally?
High school basketball: Ibrahim Gati of Virginia leads the nation in rebounding at over 23 per game In addition to his rebounding exploits, Gati averages 20.8 points and 10.2 blocked shots. He ripped down a season-high 29 rebounds during a 49-47 loss to Brunswick Academy in early January. His triple-double of 28 points, 26 rebounds and 10 blocked shots in a 66-56 loss to The New Community...
High school girls basketball: Brooklyn McCrary of California tops national rebounding leaders
MaxPreps Ohio High School Athlete of the Week Award: Vote Now Who had Ohio's best individual performances? You vote, you decide. MaxPreps is proud to again sponsor the Ohio Athlete of the Week awards during the 2022-23 school year. Each week during the season, there will be a fan-generated contest to tab weekly winners. Each winner. receives a letter and award...
High school girls basketball: Brooklyn McCrary of California tops national rebounding leaders
Senior forward has ripped down 20 rebounds or more 13 times for the Wildcats. Brooklyn McCrary of Monrovia (Calif.) is high school girls basketball's national leader in rebounds per game at 19.3 per game, according to statistics submitted to MaxPreps. McCrary has produced 23 double-doubles on the year. In addition to her rebounding numbers, she averages 20.4 points and 2.2 assists per game. The 6-foot senior ripped down a season-high 35 boards during a December victory.
High school basketball: Ibrahim Gati of Virginia leads the nation in rebounding at over 23 per game
Arizona high school basketball star Bradey Henige is a 7-foot force to be reckoned with Bradey Henige of Cactus (Glendale, Ariz.) is among high school basketball's national leaders in rebounding and putting himself on the radar of Division I college programs thanks to a string of absurd statlines. The 7-foot junior scored 40 points and grabbed 23 rebounds in a win over Goldwater (Phoenix) back on Jan. 20 and piled up 39 points and 26 rebounds last week to help the Cobras beat Estrella Foothills.
High school basketball: Keshrey Smith Jr. of California is the national leader in assists at over 12 per game
Viking point guard has reached double figures in assists 25 times this season. Keshrey Smith Jr. of Blair (Pasadena, Calif.) is high school boys basketball's national leader in assists per game with a 12.7 average, according to statistics submitted to MaxPreps. The 6-foot point guard has reached double figures in assists 25 times this season. In addition to his national-leading assist total, Smith averages 10.0 points, 2.7 steals and 2.6 rebounds per game.
High school basketball: Clay Scofield of Alabama leads national scoring leaders at over 41 points per game
Lighthouse Baptist Academy guard has single-game totals of 61 and 53 this season. Clay Scofield of Lighthouse Baptist Academy (Theodore, Ala.) is high school basketball's national scoring leader at 41.0 points per game, according to statistics submitted to MaxPreps. The 6-foot-5 junior is the only player nationally to average 40 points or more. In addition to his scoring exploits, Scofield is posting 14.9 rebounds, 4.8 blocked shots, 3.4 assists and 3.3 steals per game.
High school football: No. 18 Mill Creek explodes for first state title beating Carrollton 70-35 in Georgia 7A final
Cam Robinson and Caleb Downs exploded for three touchdowns each Saturday, helping No. 18 Mill Creek (Hoschton, Ga.) (14-1) capture its first state football championship with a 70-35 over No. 20 Carrollton (Ga.) in the AAAAAAA finals. The 105 combined points broke the record for points scored in a championship game as third- and fourth-quarter touchdown runs by Robinson eclipsed the mark. Robinson opened the game's scoring on a 66-yard run up the middle to put Mill Creek up 7-0.
High school football: Behind freshman phenom Julian Lewis, No. 25 Carrollton upsets No. 21 Colquitt County in Georgia semifinals
The arm of freshman quarterback Julian Lewis and the legs of Bryce Hicks helped No. 25 Carrollton knock off No. 21 Colquitt County (Norman Park) 35-27 on the road Friday night in the Georgia high school football Class AAAAAAA semifinals. Carrollton (14-0) moves on to the AAAAAAA championship game against Mill Creek (Hoschton), a 48-14 winner over Milton in the other semifinal. The Trojans are hoping to capture their 11th state title but first since 1998 behind their star freshman signal caller.
Zane Flores named 2022 MaxPreps Nebraska High School Football Player of the Year
Each year since 2006, MaxPreps has recognized outstanding performers in high school football. America's source for high school sports continues the tradition to close out the 2022 season by naming the top player in each state. Selections are based on team success and individual excellence in addition to local and state accolades. Zane Flores of Gretna is the 2022 MaxPreps Nebraska High School Football Player of the Year.
Elias Soehren named 2022 MaxPreps Maine High School Football Player of the Year
Each year since 2006, MaxPreps has recognized outstanding performers in high school football. America's source for high school sports continues the tradition to close out the 2022 season by naming the top player in each state. Selections are based on team success and individual excellence in addition to local and state accolades. Elias Soehren of Oxford Hills (South Paris) is the 2022 MaxPreps Maine High School Football Player of the Year.
Kadyn Proctor named 2022 MaxPreps Iowa High School Football Player of the Year
Each year since 2006, MaxPreps has recognized outstanding performers in high school football. America's source for high school sports continues the tradition to close out the 2022 season by naming the top player in each state. Selections are based on team success and individual excellence in addition to local and state accolades. Kadyn Proctor of Southeast Polk (Pleasant Hill) is the 2022 MaxPreps Iowa High School Football Player of the Year.
High school football: No. 10 IMG Academy gets revenge, knocks off No. 2 St. Frances Academy 27-16
Ohio State pledge Carnell Tate reeled in a scoring strike in each half to lead No. 10 IMG Academy (Bradenton, Fla.) to a 27-16 win Friday night over No. 2 St. Frances Academy (Baltimore) on the campus of the University of Maryland in College Park. Tate, a 6-foot-2, 185-pound senior, got behind the St. Frances defense and scored on a 34-yard strike from Jayden Bradford to put the Ascenders up 14-8 midway through the second quarter.
High school football: Gage Sorey of Mississippi, Jack Nash of Alaska top national interception leaderboard
Standout defensive backs have picked off 12 passes this season. Gage Sorey of Hartfield Academy (Flowood, Miss.) and Jack Nash of Colony (Palmer, Alaska) are high school football's national leaders in passes intercepted with 12 each according to statistics submitted to MaxPreps. Sorey moved up to the top spot after making 10 tackles and picking off a pass in a 35-18 MAIS Class 6A District I win over Presbyterian Christian last weekend to catch Nash.
Landen Chambers | Fossil Ridge HS, Keller, TX | MaxPreps
vs. Southlake CarrollThu, Nov 03 2022 @ 7:00p The Fossil Ridge (Keller, TX) varsity football team lost Thursday's home conference game against Southlake Carroll (Southlake, TX) by a score of 45-14. Box Score
High school football: After 395 more yards over the weekend, Ethen Knox remains nation's rushing yardage leader
Oil City running back just missed his seventh 400-yard rushing performance in a 30-14 win over Titusville Ethen Knox of Oil City (Pa.) is high school football's national leader in rushing yardage with 3,352, according to statistics submitted to MaxPreps. The 6-foot-1, 190-pound junior has made waves after running for 400 yards six times this season. Knox just missed a seventh 400-yard performance last week in a 30-14 win over Titusville, settling for 395 yards and four touchdowns on 43 carries.
High school football: Coming off fifth-straight 100-yard performance, Donte Ferrell tops national receiving yardage leaders
Ohio junior leads the way with 1,744 yards receiving and 12 touchdowns. Donte Ferrell of Woodward (Cincinnati, Ohio) is high school football's national leader when it comes to receiving yardage with 1,744 yards on the season, according to statistics submitted to MaxPreps. The 6-foot-3, 180-pound junior holds a 122-yard cushion on his nearest competition after he reeled in seven catches for 111 yards last weekend.
High school football: Ohio WR Donte Ferrell maintains top spot among national receiving yardage leaders
Woodward High School standout went over the 100-yard mark for the seventh time this season in a loss. Donte Ferrell of Woodward (Cincinnati, Ohio) is high school football's national leader when it comes to receiving yardage with 1,455 yards on the year, according to statistics submitted to MaxPreps. The 6-foot-3 junior holds a 207-yard cushion on his nearest competition after reeling in nine passes for 129 yards over the weekend.
High school football: Ethen Knox remains on top of national rushing yardage leaderboard after another 400-yard performance
Oil City star coming off fifth 400-yard effort of the season. Ethen Knox of Oil City (Pa.) is high school football's national leader in rushing yardage with 2,513 yards on the year, according to statistics submitted to MaxPreps. The 6-foot-1, 190-pound junior is believed to be the only player in history to notch five 400-yard rushing performances in one season.
High school football: Danny Stoddard of Ohio is the nation's lone 3,000-yard passer, tops yardage leaderboard
Medina High School junior threw for 336 yards and four scores in a win last week. Danny Stoddard of Medina (Ohio) is high school football's national leader when it comes to passing yardage, according to statistics submitted to MaxPreps. The 6-foot-2, 190-pound junior has thrown for 3,125 yards during a 7-1 start for the Battling Bees. Stoddard, who has already thrown 37 touchdown passes, completed 25 of 34 pass attempts for 336 yards and four scores in a 42-21 triumph over Brunswick last weekend.
High school football: Donte Ferrell of Ohio remains at the top of national receiving yardage leaderboard
Woodward High School junior went over the 1,000-yard mark for the season over the weekend. According to statistics submitted to MaxPreps, Donte Ferrell of Woodward (Cincinnati, Ohio) leads high school football nationally in receiving yardage this season. In his last outing against Western Hills, the 6-foot-2 junior hauled in 19 passes for 222 yards and two touchdowns, bringing his season total to 1,138 yards. Ferrell has caught 54 passes through six games, nine of them going for touchdowns.
High school football: Pennsylvania sensation Ethen Knox leads national rushing yardage leaders
Four straight 400-yard rushing games has Oil City star looking down at everybody else on rushing leaderboard. Oil City (Pa.) running back Ethen Knox is going to be tough to catch in the chase for the the top spot on the national high school football rushing yardage leaderboard. The 6-foot-1, 175-pound junior leads the nation with 2,007 yards through five games after running for over 400 yards in each of his team's last four contests.
High school football: Ohio junior Danny Stoddard leads national passing yardage leaders
Medina High School signal caller upped his total with 364 yards in a 48-7 win last Friday. Danny Stoddard of Medina (Ohio) is the high school football's national leader when it comes to passing yardage. The 6-foot-2, 190-pound junior has thrown for 2,356 yards during a 5-1 start for the Battling Bees.
High school football: No. 3 St. Frances Academy handles Venice 34-17 for 11th straight win
In one of the week's top high school football games, No. 3 St. Frances Academy (Baltimore, Md.) overpowered Venice (Fla.) on the road for its 11th consecutive win Thursday in front of an ESPN2 television audience. The Venice offense controlled the clock for much of the first half, keeping St. Frances Academy scoreless through the opening quarter.
High school football: No. 3 St. Frances Academy explodes for 47-7 win over DeSoto
No. 3 St. Frances Academy (Baltimore) improved to 2-0 on the season Saturday night by going in to Texas a delivering a 47-7 thrashing to perennial state power DeSoto. St. Frances Academy scored the final 47 points of the contest and got second-half touchdowns on a Michael Van Buren to Ryan Manning touchdown pass as well as runs by Dejuan Williams (8 yards), Durell Robinson (73) and Nicholas Harris (30).
High school football: No. 13 Chaminade-Madonna holds off late rally by No. 17 St. John's for 35-28 win
In one of the biggest high school football games of the weekend, No. 13 Chaminade-Madonna (Hollywood, Fla.) withstood a late rally Saturday night from No. 17 St. John's (Washington, D.C.) to come away with a 35-28 victory at the Broward County Elite Showcase at St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Fort Lauderdale. Leading by 28 points in the second half, Chaminade-Madonna appeared to be on its way to a lopsided victory until Adrian Littleton of St. John's crashed the party.
Tennessee high school football rankings: Lipscomb Academy headlines preseason MaxPreps Top 25
The high school football season in Tennessee kicks off in less than two weeks with a full slate of games scheduled for the weekend of Aug. 18-20. After going 13-1 and winning its first state title since 2007 last season, Lipscomb Academy (Nashville) headlines our look at this year's contenders in the preseason MaxPreps Top 25.
Gunn City site of famous massacre
By Dean Backes As the train slowed to a crawl, dozens of masked men approached thirsting for blood with guns blazing. Not unlike a John Wayne or Clint Eastwood western, Cass County Judge Jehiel Stevenson, prominent attorney J. R. Cline and Harrisonville City Councilman Thomas Dutro were all hunted down and shot dead aboard or near the train they had been riding on, heading to Kansas City on April 24, 1872. The scene, now known as the Gunn City Massacre, played out 150 years ago this week.
Nicco Marchiol named 2021 MaxPreps Arizona High School Football Player of the Year
Each year since 2006, MaxPreps has recognized outstanding performers in high school football. America's source for high school sports continues the tradition to close out the 2021 season by naming the top player in each state. Selections are based on team success and individual excellence, in addition to local and state accolades. Nicco Marchiol of Hamilton is the 2021 MaxPreps Arizona High School Football Player of the Year.
Jeremiah Alexander named 2021 MaxPreps Alabama High School Football Player of the Year
Each year since 2006, MaxPreps has recognized outstanding performers in high school football. America's source for high school sports continues the tradition to close out the 2021 season by naming the top player in each state. Selections are based on team success and individual excellence, in addition to local and state accolades. Jeremiah Alexander of Thompson (Alabaster) is the 2021 MaxPreps Alabama High School Football Player of the Year.
Dylan Mostek named 2021 MaxPreps Nebraska High School Football Player of the Year
Each year since 2006, MaxPreps has recognized outstanding performers in high school football. America's source for high school sports continues the tradition to close out the 2021 season by naming the top player in each state. Selections are based on team success and individual excellence, in addition to local and state accolades. Dylan Mostek of Bennington is the 2021 MaxPreps Nebraska High School Football Player of the Year.
Former cop brings experience to CCC
Uncategorized By laurenbsouthcasstribunecom on September 12, 2021 By Dean Backes After serving the Kansas communities of Olathe and Overland Park for about a decade collectively, former police officer Chandra Kelly discovered a way to protect and serve in the communities of Jackson, Cass and Bates counties in Missouri and beyond, long term. Through the Cass Career Center’s articulated or dual-credit program, Kelly opened her own police academy, so to speak, five years ago.
Aizhanique Mayo named 2020-21 MaxPreps Connecticut High School Girls Basketball Player of the Year
Each year since 2006, MaxPreps has recognized outstanding performers in high school basketball. America's source for high school sports continues the tradition to close out the 2020-21 season by naming the top player in each state. Selections are based on team success and individual excellence, in addition to local and state accolades. Aizhanique Mayo of Notre Dame Catholic (Fairfield) is the 2020-21 MaxPreps Connecticut High School Girls Basketball Player of the Year.
Emma Calvert named 2020-21 MaxPreps Utah High School Girls Basketball Player of the Year
Dean Backes | MaxPreps.com Wednesday, March 24, 2021 2:00pm Brigham Young signee led Fremont to second Class 6A state championship in four years. Each year since 2006, MaxPreps has recognized outstanding performers in high school basketball. America's source for high school sports continues the tradition to close out the 2020-21 season by naming the top player in each state. Selections are based on team success and individual excellence, in addition to local and state accolades.
Jeriah Warren named 2020-21 MaxPreps Louisiana High School Girls Basketball Player of the Year
Dean Backes | MaxPreps.com Friday, March 19, 2021 11:30am Florida signee led LaGrange to second straight Class 4A state championship. Each year since 2006, MaxPreps has recognized outstanding performers in high school basketball. America's source for high school sports continues the tradition to close out the 2020-21 season by naming the top player in each state. Selections are based on team success and individual excellence, in addition to local and state accolades.
Allison Weidner, Nebraska Women’s Basketball commit, is having stellar senior season
Photo by Doris Wemhoff Weidner, who is joining the squad next year, is having a stellar senior season. By Dean Backes Updated Mar 2, 2021, 1:01pm CST The building of trust and a scholarship offer went a long way toward landing Humphrey St. Francis point guard Allison Weidner’s commitment to the University of Nebraska women’s basketball program and coach Amy Williams. But a dash of familiarity doesn’t hurt when you’re trying to reel in one of the nation’s top prospects.
High Flyer
Photo by Doris Wemhoff Future Cornhusker Allison Weidner is pouring in the points for Humphrey St. Francis By Dean Backes Feb 24, 2021, 1:30pm CST The building of trust and a scholarship offer went a long way toward landing Humphrey St. Francis point guard Allison Weidner’s signature and eventual entrance into the University of Nebraska women’s basketball program for coach Amy Williams. But a dash of familiarity doesn’t hurt when you’re trying to reel in one of the nation’s top prospects.
Nebrasketball: Purdue pulls away from Huskers
Sasha Stefanovic found his outside touch and buried four bombs in the final eight minutes Saturday to help the Purdue Boilermakers upend the Nebraska Cornhuskers 75-58 on the road. The 18-point triumph assured Matt Painter and the Boilermakers (10-6, 15-8), who sit in fifth place just a half game behind Iowa in the conference standings, that they would once again reach double figures in Big Ten wins.
Nebraska Cornhuskers at Maryland Terrapins 64-50 Huskers Suffer Loss
The Maryland Terrapins relied on a strong second half surge, and Aaron Wiggins’ 15 points after intermission, to hold off the Nebraska Cornhuskers 64-50 Tuesday at the XFINITY Center in College Park, Maryland. The two clubs are set to square off again tomorrow night in College Park. Tipoff is set for 6 p.m. central time/7 eastern on the Big Ten Network.
Nebraska Cornhuskers Men’s Basketball Fall To Yellow Jackets Again
Dean’s take: A strong finish to the first half and a quick start to the second half put Nebraska in position to get a little pay back for last year’s 73-56 loss to Georgia Tech, and claim one more win for the Big 10 in the ACC/Big 10 challenge Wednesday at Pinnacle Bank Arena.
Nebrasketball: 2021 Early Signing Period
Follow all the action as the Huskers 2021 class takes shape during the early signing period! Can you believe it is already the early signing period for the Nebraska Cornhuskers men’s basketball team?! Well, it is in fact! So be sure to follow along as we give you all the updates along the way . This class is especially intriguing as it may have Nebraska’s highest ever rated recruit signing a letter this Friday.
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