This year marks the 20th Annual Moneyball Pro -Am.

Held at Holt High School, the tournament is free to the public and runs through late June 24 to July 30, offering basketball fans a chance to see elite competition up close. With packed stands, highlight-reel plays, and strong community vibes, the Moneyball Pro-Am is once again proving why it’s a must-watch event in Michigan’s summer sports scene.

Admission is free to watch the games. Programs with rosters and schedules are $1 at the door. Donations are welcome.

Date and Locations: * Please Note July 8 & 10 Locations *

June 24th – @ Holt HS

June 26th – @ Holt HS

July 1st – NO GAMES

July 3rd – NO GAMES 

July 8th – @ Eastern HS (not the fieldhouse)

July 10th – @ Eastern HS (not the fieldhouse)

July 15th – @ Holt HS

July 17th – @ Holt HS

July 22nd – @ Holt HS

July 24th – @ Holt HS

July 29th – @ Holt HS

July 31st – @ Holt HS

The post Moneyball Pro-Am Tips Off in Lansing appeared first on La Prensa Latina.

The Lansing community is mourning the loss of legendary Everett High School basketball coach Johnny Jones, who passed away on April 29, 2025, at the age of 75. Jones, a beloved figure in Michigan high school athletics, leaves behind a legacy defined by championship success and an unwavering commitment to mentoring young lives.

Over a 32-year coaching career at Everett High School, Jones guided both the girls’ and boys’ basketball programs to state titles. He led the girls’ team to back-to-back championships in 2000 and 2001, and brought home a boys’ state title in 2004. Beyond the trophies, Jones was known for his remarkable leadership and the values he instilled in generations of student-athletes.

His dedication earned him numerous accolades, including the Associated Press’s Class A Girls Basketball Coach of the Year and MHSAA Region 6 Coach of the Year. But to many, his greatest achievements were found in the character of the young men and women he helped shape.

A public “Celebration of Life” memorial will be held on May 10 at Everett High School, to honor the man who had become a cornerstone of the school’s athletic and educational legacy.

NBA Hall of Famer Earvin “Magic” Johnson, a Lansing native, also paid tribute to Jones. “Johnny Jones was not only a friend but a powerful influence in our community,” Johnson said. “His legacy will live on in the lives of everyone he touched.”

Coach Johnny Jones is remembered not just for victories on the court, but for the lasting spirit of unity, discipline, and compassion he brought to Lansing Everett and beyond.

Coach Johnny Jones was a friend of mine from Lansing whose impact and legacy will resonate throughout the region for many years to come. He led Everett, my former high school, to back-to-back women’s basketball championships in 2000 and 2001 and later led the men’s basketball… pic.twitter.com/Ir1IOJUlnh

— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) May 7, 2025

The post Legendary Lansing Everett Coach Johnny Jones Remembered for Championship Legacy and Lifelong Impact appeared first on La Prensa Latina.

The Michigan State Spartans are set to face the Ole Miss Rebels in a Sweet 16 matchup of the 2025 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament. The game is scheduled for Friday, March 28, at 7:09 p.m. ET (6:09 p.m. CT) at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia.

It will be broadcast on CBS.

Team Performances: Michigan State Spartans: The Spartans, seeded second in the South Region, enter the game with a 29-6 record. They secured their Sweet 16 berth by defeating Bryant 87-62 and New Mexico 71-63. Key players include Jaden Akins, Tre Holloman, and Frankie Fidler.

Ole Miss Rebels: The sixth-seeded Rebels hold a 24-11 record. They advanced by overcoming North Carolina and Iowa State, with standout performances from Malik Dia, Sean Pedulla, Jaylen Murray, Matthew Murrell, and Jaemyn Brakefield.

Key Factors:

Defensive Strategies: Both teams emphasize defense. Michigan State is known for its strong defensive stats, limiting opponents to 27.8% shooting from beyond the arc. Ole Miss, however, excels in three-point shooting, boasting a 49% success rate. This contrast sets the stage for an intriguing battle between defense and offense.

Rebounding Battle: Rebounding could be pivotal, as Ole Miss has shown inconsistencies in this area. The Rebels will need strong performances on the offensive glass from players like Malik Dia and Dre Davis to counter Michigan State’s rebounding prowess.

Coaching Experience: Michigan State’s Tom Izzo brings extensive tournament experience, having led the Spartans to multiple Final Fours. Ole Miss’s Chris Beard, in his first Sweet 16 appearance with the Rebels, will rely on his coaching acumen to navigate this high-pressure game.

The post Michigan State vs. Ole Miss: Spartans and Rebels Clash in Sweet 16 Showdown appeared first on La Prensa Latina.

In a commanding performance, the East Lansing Trojans defeated the Kalamazoo Central Maroon Giants 77-42 in the MHSAA Division 1 Regional Championship on Thursday, March 6, 2025, at Lansing Eastern High School.

The Trojans showcased their dominance early, establishing a 32-22 lead by halftime. They continued to outpace the Maroon Giants in the second half, culminating in a decisive 35-point victory.

This win advances East Lansing to the state semifinals, reflecting their strong season performance. Kalamazoo Central concludes their season with a commendable 19-5 record.

The post East Lansing Triumphs Over Kalamazoo Central in Regional Championship appeared first on La Prensa Latina.

The No. 2 Michigan State Lady Spartans (21-8) are ready to challenge the No. 11 Iowa Lady Hawkeyes (21-9) in the 2025 Big Ten Women’s Basketball Tournament, aiming to pull off a statement win against one of the conference’s top teams.

Lady Spartans’ Defense Could Be the Difference

Michigan State enters the tournament with a defense-first mentality, anchored by Theryn Hallock and Julia Ayrault, who have been instrumental in shutting down elite scorers all season. The Spartans will need their defensive pressure to slow down Iowa’s high-scoring attack, while Nyla Hampton and Abbey Kimball provide perimeter shooting to keep pace offensively. Isaline Alexander adds strength in the post, giving the Spartans a key advantage on the boards.

Hawkeyes’ Firepower Poses a Challenge

Iowa, led by Hannah Stuelke and Sydney Affolter, remains one of the most potent offenses in the country. Stuelke’s presence in the paint and Affolter’s all-around scoring ability make the Hawkeyes difficult to contain. Freshman Taylor McCabe has also been a consistent threat from beyond the arc, stretching defenses thin. If the Hawkeyes control the pace and hit their shots early, they could take command of the game.

Key Matchups to Watch

• Hallock vs. Affolter – Can the Spartans’ top defender limit Iowa’s leading scorer?
• Rebounding Battle – Michigan State must win the boards to prevent Iowa’s second-chance points.
• Turnovers & Transition Play – The Spartans must avoid turnovers to keep Iowa from running the floor.

With both teams hungry for a deep tournament run, expect an intense battle on the court. Tip-off is set for 8 P.M. as Michigan State looks to take down the Hawkeyes and advance to the next round.

The post Lady Spartans Look to Upset Hawkeyes in Big Ten Tournament Matchup appeared first on La Prensa Latina.

Raiders advance! Portland was led by @LillyThelen 20 pts, @SpedoskePaige 11 pts, @weberkayla232 8 pts, @Claire__Lyon 8pts, @Leigharob24 7pts, @SummerStop5 6pts. @brian_calloway @ian_kress @HaleyPaige7 @MichHSBball @unclefred6 pic.twitter.com/np26XaT1Ob

— Portland Girls BBall (@ladyraidersbbal) March 6, 2025

The post Portland Lady Raiders defeat Ionia 68-30 on the road in district semi-final appeared first on La Prensa Latina.

East Lansing put on a commanding performance in the regional semifinal, defeating Okemos 63-36 to secure a spot in the championship game. The Trojans controlled the game from start to finish, using strong defense and efficient scoring to pull away.

Check out our photo gallery capturing the top moments, key plays, and emotions from this exciting postseason showdown.

Next up for the East Lansing Trojans are the Maroon Giants of Kalamazoo Central.

The post East Lansing Dominates Okemos 63-36 in Regional Semifinal appeared first on La Prensa Latina.

On Wednesday, Feb. 6, the Pewamo-Westphalia girls basketball team defeated rival Fowler 59-53, extending their unbeaten streak to 12-0 this season.

The post Pewamo-Westphalia Girls Basketball Edges Fowler in Thrilling CMAC Showdown appeared first on La Prensa Latina.

EAST LANSING, Mich. — In a crucial Big Ten showdown at the Breslin Center on March 2, the Michigan State Spartans defended their home court with a thrilling victory over the Wisconsin Badgers, securing a hard-fought 75-68 win.

The post PHOTO ESSAY: Michigan State Spartans Take Down Wisconsin appeared first on La Prensa Latina.

EAST LANSING, Mich. — In a crucial Big Ten showdown at the Breslin Center on March 2, the Michigan State Spartans defended their home court with a thrilling victory over the Wisconsin Badgers, securing a hard-fought 75-68 win.

Fueled by a raucous home crowd and a dominant second-half performance, the Spartans (now 18-11, 10-8 Big Ten) overcame an early deficit and used timely shooting to hold off the Badgers (19-10, 11-7 Big Ten) down the stretch.

Second-Half Surge Seals It for Spartans

Trailing 34-32 at halftime, Michigan State came out firing in the second half, led by veteran guard A.J. Hoggard, who scored 12 of his 18 points after the break. The Spartans turned up the defensive intensity, forcing key turnovers and holding Wisconsin’s top scorer, Tyler Wahl, to just two field goals in the final 10 minutes.

Senior forward Malik Hall played a pivotal role, finishing with 16 points and seven rebounds while providing a steady presence inside. Tyson Walker added 14 points, knocking down clutch shots late in the game to fend off a late Badgers push.

Wisconsin’s Effort Falls Short

The Badgers, led by Chucky Hepburn’s 17 points and Wahl’s 14, kept the game within reach for most of the second half. Wisconsin’s three-point shooting cooled off after a hot start, finishing just 6-of-22 from beyond the arc. Despite winning the rebounding battle 34-31, the Badgers struggled with Michigan State’s defensive pressure late in the contest.

Breslin Center Magic and Tournament Implications

With the victory, Michigan State strengthened its NCAA Tournament resume and gained momentum heading into the final stretch of the regular season. Coach Tom Izzo praised his team’s resilience.

“I’m proud of how we responded in the second half,” Izzo said. “We needed this one, and our guys stepped up when it mattered most.”

The Spartans will look to build on this performance as they prepare for their next test on the road, while Wisconsin will try to bounce back in their final regular-season games.

The post Michigan State Spartans Take Down Wisconsin in Hard-Fought Battle at Breslin Center appeared first on La Prensa Latina.