Sports Desk

Tyran who?

Remember when people were wondering what might happen to the Sherman Oaks Notre Dame basketball team after All-American Tyran Stokes left for a new high school in Washington?

What’s happened is that the Knights (20-6) went into the weight room, got stronger to make up for losing Stokes’ rebounding prowess and are very much alive in the Southern Section Open Division playoffs after defeating La Mirada 76-60 on Wednesday night in their opening game of Pool D. Next up is St. John Bosco at home Tuesday night.

Players such as Zach White, Josiah Nance, Ilan Niklov and Zion Lanier are showing off their muscles. Even guard NaVorro Bowman, who scored 25 points, is using his strength to draw fouls and head to the free-throw line.

Andrew Castro scored 17 points for La Mirada, which had won 14 consecutive games.

Santa Margarita 81, Damien 71: The Eagles won their pool play opener at home. Kaiden Bailey finished with 21 points.

Sierra Canyon 71, Crespi 64: Jordan Mize scored 16 points, Brandon McCoy and Brannon Martinsen 15 and Maxi Adams 14 to power top-seeded Sierra Canyon to an Open Division win.

Redondo Union 74, Etiwanda 31: SJ Madison led the way with 20 points for Redondo Union.

Windward 77, Bishop Montgomery 61: Davey Harris finished with 26 points, nine rebounds and four assists for Windward.

JSerra 72, Pasadena 66: The Lions won in overtime. Jaden Bailes had 21 points.

Orange Lutheran 79, Arcadia 74: Josh King scored 22 points for Orange Lutheran.

Inglewood 102, Tesoro 70: Jason Crowe Jr. finished with 34 points for Inglewood.

St. Bernard 63, La Habra 51: Chris Rupert led St. Bernard with 14 points.

Saugus 65, Culver City 64: Braydon Harmon came through with 44 points and 14 rebounds for Saugus. The Centurions came back from a 15-point deficit in the fourth quarter.

Brentwood 61, Long Beach Poly 55: AJ Okoh delivered a 31-point performance for the Eagles, who will face Fairmont Prep on the road Friday. Fairmont Prep eiminated Crossroads.

Loyola 72, Los Alamitos 64: Deuce Newt had 24 points for the Cubs.

Eastside 65, Redlands East Valley 61: Christian Duran led Eastside with 18 points.

Rolling Hills Prep 50, St. Monica 47: Kawika Suter had 15 points and 11 rebounds for Rolling Hills Prep.

Oakwood 72, San Bernardino 69: Dylan Williams had 19 points and 14 rebounds and Bryce Fletcher added 18 points for Oakwood.

Rancho Christian 78, St. Francis 59: With 7-4 center Cherif Millogo not playing, St. Francis was beaten in its playoff opener. Luke Paulus had 17 points.

Long Beach Millikan 79, Thousand Oaks 34: Freshman guard Quali Giran had 21 points.

Murrieta Mesa 71, Viewpoint 58: Murrieta Mesa advances in the Division 3 playoffs.

MIra Costa 57, Oaks Christian 56: Paxx Bell scored 15 points for Mira Costa.

Fairfax 66, Birmingham 58: Chris Stokes scored 22 points to help the Lions upset No. 3-seeded Birmingham in the City Section Open Division playoffs. Fairfax will face Cleveland, a 57-52 winner over Narbonne, in the semifinals on Feb. 21. Charlie Adams scored 23 points for Cleveland.

Palisades 72, El Camino Real 45: Top-seeded Palisades received 23 points from EJ Popoola and will face San Pedro in an Open Division semifinals on Feb. 21 at L.A. Southwest College.

San Pedro 51, Washington Prep 47: The Pirates won on the road to reach the Open Division semifinals. AJ Bobich made four free throws in the final 30 seconds and finished with 10 points. Chris Morgan led the way with 15 points and Ricky Alonso had 12.

Sun Valley Poly 44, Westchester 36: The Parrots eliminated defending City Open Division champion Westchester in a Division I opener. Kevin Lara scored 15 points for Poly.

Carson 68, LACES 53: Mekhi Williams had 28 points and Blake McCall 21 points and 11 rebounds for the Colts in a City Division II game.

Crenshaw 69, Grant 58: Lauran Coleman had 20 points for the Cougars in a Division I opener.

Eagle Rock 53, University 51: Skylar Melton scored 27 points for University in the Division II loss.

HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL PLAYOFFS
WEDNESDAY’S RESULTS

BOYS
CITY SECTION
OPEN DIVISION
Quarterfinals
#1 Palisades 72, #8 El Camino Real 45
#5 San Pedro 51, #4 Washington Prep 47
#6 Fairfax 66, #3 Birmingham 58
#2 Cleveland 57, #7 Narbonne 52

DIVISION I
First Round
#1 Granada Hills 83, #16 Bernstein 53
#9 LA Marshall 60, #8 Triumph Charter 55
#5 LA Jordan 53, #12 LA Hamilton 38
#4 Crenshaw 69, #13 Grant 58
#3 Venice 73, #14 North Hollywood 64
#6 Sun Valley Poly 44, #11 Westchester 36
#10 Rancho Dominguez 61, #7 Taft 58
#2 Chatsworth 81, #15 LA Wilson 53

DIVISION II
First Round
#1 Bravo 76, #16 Granada Hills Kennedy 51
#8 MSCP 74, #9 LA Roosevelt 50
#12 Downtown Magnets 59, #5 Dorsey 54
#4 King/Drew 64, #13 View Park 34
#3 Sylmar 72, #14 Lincoln 65
#6 Carson 68, #11 LACES 53
#10 Marquez 55, #7 Garfield 38
#2 Eagle Rock 53, #15 LA University 51

DIVISION III
First Round
#1 RFK Community 69, #16 Wilmington Banning 51
#9 Orthopaedic 43, #8 South Gate 33
#5 Huntington Park 52, #12 WISH Academy 37
#4 Hollywood 55, #13 Middle College 51
#3 SOCES 89, #14 South East 57
#6 Foshay 81, #11 Arleta 76
#10 Verdugo Hills 51, #7 Northridge Academy 32
#2 Los Angeles 56, #15 Roybal 34

DIVISION IV
First Round
#16 Jefferson 95, #17 Larchmont Charter 53
#20 USC-MAE 54, #13 University Prep Value 45
#14 West Adams 52, #19 USC Hybrid 37
#15 New West Charter 53, #18 Harbor Teacher 38

DIVISION V
First Round
#17 Central City Value 56, #16 Simon Tech 54
#9 Sotomayor 56, #24 CHAMPS 37
#21 Camino Nuevo 60, #12 Horace Mann UCLA 55
#13 Magnolia Science 37, #20 Manual Arts 36
#19 Santee 85, #14 Valor Academy 49
#11 Torres 58, #23 Animo De La Hoya 30
#10 East College Prep 55, #23 Collins Family 51
#18 Chavez 54, #15 Animo Pat Brown 31

SOUTHERN SECTION
OPEN DIVISION
Pool Play
#1 Sierra Canyon 71, #9 Crespi 54
#2 Santa Margarita 81, #10 Damien 71
#3 Redondo Union 74, #11 Etiwanda 31
#4 Sherman Oaks Notre Dame 76, #12 La Mirada 60

DIVISION 1
First Round
#1 Crean Lutheran 87, Santa Barbara 61
Corona Santiago 60, #16 Heritage Christian 55
#9 Village Christian 65, Orange County Pacifica Christian 63
#8 Mira Costa 57, Oaks Christian 56
Windward 77, #5 Bishop Montgomery 61
#12 Millikan 79, Thousand Oaks 34
Cypress 61, #13 San Gabriel Academy 58
Rancho Christian 78, #4 St. Francis 59
#3 Inglewood 102, Tesoro 71
St. Bernard 63, #14 La Habra 51
Fairmont Prep 52, #11 Crossroads 43
#6 Brentwood 61, Long Beach Poly 55
#7 Rolling Hills Prep 50, St. Monica 47
Orange Lutheran 79, #10 Arcadia 74
Loyola 72, #15 Los Alamitos 64
#2 JSerra 72, Pasadena 66

DIVISION 2
First Round
#1 Bishop Amat 68, La Serna 42
#16 Chino Hills 59, Mayfair 57
Oxnard 45, #9 North Torrance 43
#8 Anaheim Canyon 63, Silverado 55
#5 Eastvale Roosevelt 82, Santa Monica 61
#12 Servite 70, Maranatha 66
Edison 79, #13 Esperanza 76
Valencia 65, #4 Beverly Hills 63
#3 Mater Dei 83, Burbank Providence 63
#14 Westlake 65, Burbank 39
#11 El Dorado 74, Fountain Valley 62
Leuzinger 79, #6 St. Anthony 68
#7 Rancho Verde 68, Great Oak 64
#10 San Marcos 69, Calabasas 51
#15 Elsinore 80, Sonora 78
#2 Hesperia 52, San Clemente 41

DIVISION 3
San Marino 59, #1 Milken 57
#16 Ontario Christian 70, Villa Park 61
#9 Temecula Valley 66, Oak Park 54
#8 Murrieta Mesa 71, Viewpoint 58
Long Beach Wilson 59. #5 Riverside King 52
Warren 66, #12 Camarillo 44
Los Altos 59, #13 Palos Verdes 56
Golden Valley 66, #4 Oak Hills 49
#3 Alta Loma 51, Santa Monica Pacifica Christian 34
Ayala 59, #14 Crescenta Valley 55
#11 Glendora 70, Portola 68
Aliso Niguel 68, #6 Newport Harbor 60
#7 Aquinas 54, Knight 50
#10 Gahr 60, La Salle 55
#15 Woodbridge 65, La Canada 50
Eastside 65, #2 Redlands East Valley 61

DIVISION 4
#1 Bonita 71, Malibu 34
#16 Blair 74, Palm Desert 66
#9 Trabuco Hills 70, Chino 54
#8 Saugus 65, Culver City 64
#5 Moorpark 101, Godinez 75
#12 Norte Vista 77, Downey 76
Cathedral 64, Flintridge Prep 36
#4 Summit 70, Holy Martyrs 65
#3 Shalhevet 57, Capistrano Valley Christian 51
#14 Palm Springs 67, Pioneer 46
Long Beach Jordan 69, #11 Los Amigos 65
#6 Torrance 61, Cantwell-Sacred Heart 55
#7 Colony 59, Beckman 51
#10 South Torrance 61, Citrus Hill 60
#15 Corona 95, Santa Paula 91
Hart 73, #2 Walnut 63

DIVISION 5
#1 Gardena Serra 82, Diamond Ranch 75
#16 Northwood 56, Valley Torah 51
#9 California 73, Temescal Canyon 49
Rancho Mirage 54, #8 Bishop Diego 53
Beaumont 63, #5 Mark Keppel 62
Oakwood 72, #12 San Bernardino 69
Adelanto 66, #13 Cerritos 55
Vasquez 67, #4 Sierra Vista 61
Pilibos 42, #3 Tustin 31
#14 Quartz Hill 70, Charter Oak 65
Temple City 39, #11 Hacienda Heights Wilson 28
#6 Brea Olinda 70, Indian Springs 54
#7 San Juan Hills 63, Arrowhead Christian 56
#10 Verbum Dei Jesuit 61, Diamond Bar 42
#15 San Juan Hills 84, Apple Valley 65
Irvine 84, #2 Calvary Baptist 68

DIVISION 6
#1 Hemet 75, Palmdale Aerospace 64
Placentia Valencia 62, #16 Vistamar 51
#9 St. Bonaventure 58, Western 42
Highland 43, #8 Paloma Valley 42
#5 Pasadena Poly 63, Grace 32
#12 Ramona 91, Fillmore 58
#13 Fontana 77, Ontario 54
#4 Montclair 68, Oxford Academy 58
Laguna Hills 85, #3 Temecula Prep 80
#14 Carter 72, Foothill Tech 56
#11 Orange Vista 60, Cajon 39
Valley View 57, #6 Chadwick 48
Eisenhower 80, #7 Santa Clara 73
#10 Buckley 59, Santa Fe 49
#15 Moreno Valley 62, La Palma Kennedy 55
#2 Troy 69, Ocean View 59

DIVISION 7
#1 Tahquitz 72, Azusa 65
#16 Vista del Lago 51, Summit Leadership 35
Anaheim 75, #9 Gabrielino 60
#8 Canyon Country Canyon 98, Bell Gardens 68
#5 Salesian 88, Thousand Oaks Hillcrest Christian 24
Westminster La Quinta 71, #12 CSDR 42
#13 YULA 64, Channel Islands 41
Webb 44, #4 Thacher 38
Riverside Notre Dame 61, #3 Garden Grove 60
Faith Baptist 57, #14 San Fernando Valley Academy 51
#11 Norwalk 52, La Puente 31
#6 Rowland 56, Arroyo 46
Rosemead 75, #7 Desert Chapel 47
Santa Rosa Academy 69, #10 CAMS 53
#15 Segerstrom 52, Estancia 42
#2 Rialto 58, Schurr 49

DIVISION 8
#1 Excelsior Charter 69, Newport Christian 54
Redlands Adventist at #16 Hawthorne MSA
#9 Bolsa Grande 52, Banning 43
Twentynine Palms 76, #8 Riverside Prep 63
#5 Victor Valley 82, Rubidoux 72
#12 Trinity Classical Academy 68, Sequoyah 54
Loara 73, #13 Palm Valley 21
#4 Barstow 68, Santa Ana 49
#3 Desert Christian Academy 63, Desert Hot Springs 57
#14 South El Monte 70, Tarbut V’ Torah 36
#11 Silver Valley 63, Rancho Alamitos 46
#6 Coastal Christian 82, Packinghouse Christian 54
#7 Big Bear 79, Western Christian 58
#10 Edgewood 52, Duarte 45
Dunn 77, #15 Animo Leadership 23
#2 San Gabriel 62, Rim of the World 44

DIVISION 9
First Round
#1 Bassett 53, Coast Union 9
Sherman Indian 48, #16 Maricopa 38
#9 Newbury Park Adventist 54, Public Safety Academy 49
#8 Colton 64, Hesperia Christian 35
#5 Santa Maria Valley Christian 88, Glendale Adventist 47
#12 Long Beach First Baptist 66, Mesa Grande Academy 42
#13 Loma Linda Academy 64, Crossroads Christian 22
#4 San Jacinto Valley 79, Coachella Valley 75
Grove School 64, #3 Joshua Springs 46
Samueli Academy 58, #14 Lakeview Leadership 39
#11 Santa Ana Valley 54, Magnolia Science 47
#6 Santa Barbara Providence 54, NOVA Academy 31
#7 Cal Lutheran 88, New Covenant 31
Pacific 68, #10 Acaciawood 66
#15 Mesrobian 60, Ambassador Christian 55
#2 ACE 78, Compton Early College 66

British skeleton racer Tabby Stoecker is aiming to follow in the sled path of Lizzy Yarnold and Amy Williams by winning an Olympic gold medal in one of the fastest sports in Milan-Cortina.

The 25-year old is already a double world silver medallist in the mixed team event, with Matt Weston. She credits her time at circus school, learning juggling and the flying trapeze, for giving her the confidence to take on the challenge of skeleton.

Oxlade-Chamberlain has been training with Arsenal in recent months and thanked the Premier League leaders for helping him to hit the ground running in Glasgow.

“It means a lot,” he said after his dramatic return to competitive action.

“I have to say a big thank you to everyone at Arsenal, giving me the chance to keep my fitness up, and an even bigger thanks to the manager here for giving me the chance to put on this kit and play for this amazing club.

“When you get those opportunities, you want to be able to pay back with moments of quality like that.

“It’s been difficult. Sometimes the way things go in football, especially when you cross that 30-years-of-age barrier, you’re not as valuable as you once were in a business sense.

“I knew I still had a lot to give and training every day for the last three months where I was training gave me the confidence that I can still offer a lot to the game.

“I’m delighted to be here and have the opportunity to do that and help these boys.”

The 32-year-old’s last-gasp goal takes Celtic within a point of Rangers – who drew 1-1 at Motherwell – in second and closer to Hearts, while O’Neill’s side carry that game in hand over both.

“Tonight is a great start for me, but more importantly keeps our goals alive and keeps us going in the right direction,” Oxlade-Chamberlain added.

He says he leapt at the chance to move to Parkhead, with a wee push from his dad.

“It’s an amazing opportunity. When it came up, I didn’t doubt it for one second,” he said.

“My dad’s from an era where this club means a lot. He was straight away telling me ‘I’ll get you in the car and drive you up there myself’.

“It’s a great start, but I know there’s a lot more to it than 13 minutes.”

EAST LANSING, Mich. — Lauren Betts had 22 points, seven rebounds and five assists and No. 2 UCLA pushed its winning streak to 18 games by thumping No. 13 Michigan State 86-63 on Wednesday night.

Kiki Rice finished with 18 points and seven rebounds for the Bruins (24-1, 14-0 Big Ten). Gabriela Jaquez added 13 points, all in the first half, and Gianna Kneepkens chipped in 12.

UCLA now has nine wins over ranked opponents, six in conference play.

Rashunda Jones scored 15 points and Emma Shumate had 12 for the Spartans (20-5, 9-5), who have dropped three of their last four games. Grace VanSlooten and Kennedy Blair, the team’s top scorers entering the game, were held to a combined 18 points on six-for-25 shooting.

UCLA, which led by 31 points, outscored Michigan State 56-22 in the paint and had a 48-28 rebounding advantage.

Their matchup last season in Los Angeles wasn’t decided until late in the game, when the Bruins pulled out a 75-69 victory. Betts missed that game with a foot injury but the Spartans couldn’t avoid her imposing 6-foot-7 presence this time.

Coming off a hotly contested 69-66 victory over No. 8 Michigan on Sunday, the Bruins were in total control from the start.

UCLA scored on its six first possessions while powering to a 44-20 halftime lead, capped off by Jaquez’s three-pointer. Betts had 13 points by the break, while the Spartans were unable to get anything going in halfcourt sets or transition.

Michigan State hasn’t defeated a top-two team at home since 2005.

From a huge game on Wednesday, to an even bigger one on Sunday afternoon. First travels to second when Hearts go to Ibrox to face Rangers.

Derek McInnes’ side won there earlier in the season, for the first time since 2014. They beat Rangers at Tynecastle, too, in a 2-1 win in December.

But, Rohl’s men haven’t lost since then. In fact, they’ve drawn twice and won seven. It’s resurgent form that looks a world away from a team which were once 13 points adrift in the title race under Russell Martin.

“I think it is a pretty good point [against Motherwell] but as Danny Rohl mentioned, there’s a massive game on Sunday [against Hearts] and that starts to look like a must-win,” said former Rangers midfielder Derek Ferguson.

Celtic will be looking on, crossing their fingers and wishing for a draw.

They’ll be fresh off the back of a game against Kilmarnock down at Rugby Park. The last time they were, they won thanks to a late Kelechi Iheanacho penalty.

They’ll need a better performance than the one against Livingston. Although they peppered the visitors’ goal with shots, the lack of cutting edge will be a worry.

“Celtic were running out of ideas, very predictable, just playing it across, hoping rather than making it happen, and they just got away with it right at the end,” said former keeper Pat Bonner.

“What a huge three points it is for Celtic. They’ll be relieved.”

As the high school boys’ basketball playoffs begin this week, these are the players who have reached or exceeded expectations to be at the top of their game during the regular season.

Let’s offer a salute for rising up:

Jason Crowe Jr., Inglewood: In each of his four seasons, Crowe has gotten better. Already the state’s all-time scoring leader with more than 4,000 points, he’s learned to draw fouls with his aggressiveness and increased strength instead of relying on three-point shooting. He leads the state, averaging 43.8 points.

Christian Collins, St. John Bosco: The best uncommitted player in California has been a model of consistency. The 6-foot-9 senior remains focused and hungry with each game, raising his skills and intensity to be a prime MVP candidate.

Kaiden Bailey, Santa Margarita: The Georgia Tech commit has truly become an outstanding point guard, ready to score if needed and pass if needed. When he went scoreless against St. John Bosco, he found another way to contribute with eight assists. The ability to recognize what is required will be key to his future success.

Joe Sterling, Harvard-Westlake: His three-point shooting skills are fantastic. The Texas commit is also learning to use his strength inside when needed. He faced adversity at the end of the regular season when his team lost three out of four games, so let’s see how he responds in the Open Division playoffs.

Brandon McCoy, Sierra Canyon: Give McCoy credit. He’s gotten better in his senior year even though he was already a top college prospect. Maybe it’s because he’s healthy. He’s jumping better and has become more explosive and versatile for the No. 1 team in California.

Cherif Millogo, St. Francis: Few knew what kind of influence the 7-4 center would have after transferring from Boston and missing a year because of a knee injury. He’s been a breath of fresh air. His skills are tremendous, along with his smiles and friendliness to fans and teammates alike.

Kevin Keshishyan, Los Altos: A 6-7 junior, Keshishyan entered this week averaging 20.4 points and 8.2 rebounds, proving his summer development was no fluke.

Eli Garner, Damien: It’s his fourth year playing on varsity and his best. He’s a scorer, rebounder and defender. Whatever coach Mike LeDuc asks of him, he delivers.

Devin Wright, Redondo Union: The son of former 12-year NBA player Dorell Wright has come on strong with big games against quality opponents, signaling the Sea Hawks have a fourth option to join SJ Madison, Chris Sanders and Chace Holley.

Gene Roebuck, La Mirada: The junior guard is averaging 22.4 points and kept his team competitive against one of the toughest schedules this season.

Maxwell Scott, Corona del Mar: A junior guard, Scott is close to automatic from three-point range when left open. He’s helped the Sea Kings reach the Open Division playoffs for the first time in school history.

NaVorro Bowman Jr., Sherman Oaks Notre Dame: He’s stamped as the best guard from the class of 2027. His shooting and scoring skills are elite. His strength keeps growing.

Will Conroy Jr., Village Christian: As a freshman, Conroy leads his team in scoring at 27.5 points a game and leads his team when games are close, showing poise beyond his age at 15 years old.

Jaden Bailes, JSerra: The transfer from San Diego St. Augustine keeps performing big in big games by making clutch shots.

Dylan McCord of Thousand Oaks has been one of the top three-point shooters this season.

(McCord family)

Dylan McCord, Thousand Oaks: The senior guard has made 113 threes while averaging 22.5 points. He set a school record with 10 threes in a single game.

Kamrynn Nathan, Elsinore: The junior guard is averaging nearly 25.2 points a game for the only unbeaten team left in the Southern Section.

Ethan Hill, Brentwood: Only a sophomore, he looks like a 6-7 football player yet can throw around his body in basketball. Once he gets the ball inside, the options are either watch him score or foul him.

Phillip Reed, Palisades: The freshman guard will be the player to watch as the Dolphins go for a City Section Open Division championship. His scoring skills and ability to find open teammates will be key to the Dolphins’ development.

Richie Ramirez, Mater Dei: He’s been an important addition as a junior guard, averaging 22.5 points a game.

Cayman Martin, Crespi: He played junior varsity last season as a sophomore after moving from Japan and has been a revelation with each game.

Nottingham Forest have sacked Sean Dyche as head coach after less than four months in charge and are looking for their fourth boss of the season.

Forest were held to a goalless draw at home by bottom club Wolves on Wednesday and are just three points above the Premier League relegation zone with 12 games remaining.

Dyche, 54, succeeded Ange Postecoglou in October and had signed a contract until the summer of 2027.

“Nottingham Forest Football Club can confirm that Sean Dyche has been relieved of his duties as head coach,” a statement read.

“We would like to thank Sean and his staff for their efforts during their time at the Club and we wish them the best of luck for the future. We will be making no further comment at this time.”

MILAN — After injuries and stumbles, Madison Chock and Evan Bates earned their first Olympic medal Friday, but it wasn’t expected to be this color.

The three-time world champions settled for silver in their fourth Olympics together, falling 1.43 points behind France’s Laurence Fournier Beaudry and Guillaume Cizeron. Cizeron has won back-to-back Olympic titles with different partners after climbing the podium in Beijing with Gabriella Papadakis.

While Chock and Bates, who have skated together for 15 years and got married in 2024, Fournier Beaudry and Cizeron shot to the top of the sport after just 11 months together. When the winning score was announced, Cizeron hugged his coach and covered his face while crying. Chock and Bates, sitting next to the kiss-and-cry in white arm chairs reserved for the current leaders, clapped politely.

They wanted this gold medal as a perfect ending to their accomplished career.

France’s Laurence Fournier Beaudry and Guillaume Cizeron compete in the ice dance final at the Winter Olympics in Milan on Wednesday.

(Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

The three-time world champions and seven-time U.S. champions were in their fourth Olympics together. Bates was competing on this stage for the fifth time. On a team with only one other athlete with previous Olympic experience — 20-year-old Alysa Liu skated in Beijing as a teenager — Chock and Bates became the unofficial parents to their younger teammates, including Emilea Zingas and Vadym Kolesnik, who finished fifth, and 11th-place finishers Christina Carreira and Anthony Ponomarenko.

Chock and Bates were the steadiest contributors of this year’s team gold medal run, winning both dance programs to win the second consecutive team Olympic championship for the United States, but struggled in previous individual Olympic events. In 2018, Chock suffered an ankle injury during the warm-up before the short dance. In 2022, she slipped and had an uncharacteristic fall.

But they haven’t missed a podium since that stumble. They were undefeated this season, placing first for both the rhythm and free dance portions of every competition. Until the individual Olympic short dance.

Fournier Beaudry and Cizeron, who paired together last year only after Fournier Beaudry’s longtime skating partner was suspended for sexual assault allegations, inched ahead by 0.46 points after Monday’s rhythm dance. It was a reversal from the team event, where Chock and Bates swept both the rhythm and free dance portions and led the qualifying round 91.06-89.98 over the French pair.

After the rhythm dance score for Chock and Bates flashed across the screen, her eyebrows shot up in surprise. Their coach Patrice Lauzon’s mouth dropped open. He furrowed his brow and cocked his head in confusion. While Chock and Bates smiled and waved to the crowd, Lauzon, who is also on the coaching team for Fournier Beaudry and Cizeron, looked on with suspicion.

Chock and Bates did their best to leave no doubt Wednesday. Their enthralling matador and bull program set to “Paint it Black” eclipsed the season’s best they earned two days prior during the team event, but it wasn’t enough to earn elusive individual Olympic gold.

Four players have been suspended by the NBA in connection with a brawl that broke out during the Detroit Pistons-Charlotte Hornets game Monday night, the league announced Wednesday.

It was the same four players that were ejected during the Pistons’ 110-104 victory at Spectrum Center in Charlotte, N.C.

Detroit center Isaiah Stewart was suspended seven games for leaving the bench area, aggressively entering an on-court altercation and fighting. This is Stewart’s fifth suspension in his six-year NBA career. One resulted from an altercation with the Lakers’ LeBron James in 2021 and another from an altercation that spilled into the stands during a game against the Minnesota Timberwolves last year.

“The length of Stewart’s suspension is based in part on his repeated history of unsportsmanlike acts,” the NBA said in a statement.

Charlotte forwards Miles Bridges and Moussa Diabaté were each suspended four games for fighting and escalating the altercation. Detroit center Jalen Duren received a two-game suspension for initiating the altercation and fighting.

The incident took place midway through the third quarter after Duren was fouled by Diabaté while driving toward the basket. Duren approached Diabaté and the two men appeared to bump into each other. Duren then appeared to hit Diabaté in the face with an open hand to ignite a brawl that lasted more than 30 seconds.

Bridges and Duren exchanged punches at one point, and Stewart left the bench and fought with Bridges.

The suspensions begin Wednesday, when the Pistons play the Raptors in Toronto and the Hornets host the Atlanta Hawks.

Soon after the punishments were announced, Diabaté posted an apology to “the Hornets coaches, staff, front office, teammates, and best fans in the NBA” on his Instagram Story.

“As a player, I pride myself on my passion and my commitment to giving everything on the court during every possession,” he wrote. “However, in the heat of a highly competitive and physical matchup, I allowed my emotions to get the better of me, and for that, I am truly sorry.

“I understand the responsibility I carry as a professional athlete and as a role model. I view this as a learning experience and am fully committed to growing from it both as a player and a person. … Thank you for your understanding and continued support.”

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Brook’s assessment is a familiar one.

After England were bowled out for 131 in a one-day international against South Africa last year, he said his could have “gone a little bit harder with the bat”.

When they lost an ODI in New Zealand before Christmas, Brook asked, “Can we go harder?”.

Against the impressive Windies, Tom Banton also chipped a catch to extra cover pushing a drive off Motie, while Jacob Bethell and Will Jacks were bowled and pinned lbw respectively playing from the crease.

“Chasing nearly 200 is always a big ask and we thought the pitch would get a little bit better and it would slide on to the bat a little bit more, but that didn’t happen,” Brook said.

“We were probably a little bit careful, myself included.”

In the absence of dew, which makes it harder for bowlers to grip the ball, the pitch at Wankhede Stadium offered more turn than any other at this World Cup so far.

England played spin well on their recent tour of Sri Lanka, where they won a T20 series 3-0, but here familiar issues resurfaced.

“I thought we played spin outstanding in Sri Lanka and we’ve just had a bad day today,” Brook said.

“We didn’t manage to get over the line and they bowled well.”

Brook also backed leading pace bowler Jofra Archer, who conceded 48 runs from his four overs after being hit for 42 in the win over Nepal on Sunday.

“Everybody knows how good Jof is,” Brook said.

“He’ll bounce back for sure. He’s bowling rapid and I’m sure he’ll execute better in the coming games.”

England face Scotland on Saturday before their final Group C match against Italy on Monday, with both games taking place in Kolkata.

Hi, and welcome to another edition of Dodgers Dugout. My name is Houston Mitchell and pitchers and catcher have their first workout Friday!

Last month I asked you to vote from a list of candidates in our annual Dodgers Dugout Dodgers Hall of Fame. And, proving that you are the best newsletter readers in the universe, I received 29,213 ballots, the most we have gotten. Some cities don’t get that many votes in elections.

And after all the ballots were counted, one person was named on more than 75% of the ballots and are inducted into the 2026 class.

Remember, there was a players list, where you could vote for up to 10, and a nonplayers list with a limit of three votes.

So, without further ado, let’s look at the results. The number in parentheses is what percentage of ballots the candidate was on last year.

Elected

x-Clayton Kershaw, 94.7%: A no-brainer selection. I’m just surprised so many people left him off the ballot.

Just missed (50%-74.9%)

Jaime Jarrín, 71.8% (65.8%): Really, should have been a first-ballot Hall of Famer. A big oversight.

Peter O’Malley, 63.5% (65.1%): The last owner who cared about keeping prices down for fans.

Steve Garvey, 60.9% (64.4%): Either Garvey or Gil Hodges is the best first baseman in Dodgers history. Freddie Freeman is closing fast though.

Ron Cey, 58.3% (61.6%): One of the most underrated players in baseball history.

Don Newcombe, 52.9% (62.1%): His work to help Dodgers struggling with substance abuse is almost enough to get him in before you even consider his greatness as a pitcher.

Best of the rest (30%-49.9%)

Red Barber, 42.1% (45.4%): Vin Scully before there was a Vin Scully.

Mike Piazza, 41.5% (50.3%): What would Dodgers history look like if he hadn’t been traded?

Manny Mota, 39.3% (46.7%): Best pinch-hitter ever. He would stay on the roster the whole year and only pinch-hit.

Davey Lopes, 38.1% (47.1%): Best base stealer in Dodgers history.

Kirk Gibson, 37.4% (40.6%): One amazing season gets him almost 40% of the vote.

Dusty Baker, 35.4% (47.7%): Remember throwing bubble gum to him in left field? His support declined a great deal this year.

Jim Gilliam, 34.4% (40.5%): Jack of all trades who hated his “Junior” nickname.

Mike Scioscia, 32.5% (39.7%): Another what if: What if he had been named Dodgers manager instead of Angels manager?

Ross Porter, 32% (35.3%): Pioneered using more obscure stats before it became popular.

Tommy Davis, 31.9% (42.5%): Last Dodger to win a batting title before Trea Turner, and I’m not sure Turner counts.

Zack Wheat, 30.1% (28.9%): He should be in. The first truly great Dodgers position player.

Everyone else

Willie Davis, 28.2% (33.9%): People seem to prefer Tommy Davis.

Bill Russell, 28% (29.5%): Longtime Dodger draws the least support among “The Infield.”

Eric Karros, 25% (34.1%): This is all you get after hitting the most homers in L.A. history?

Johnny Podres, 24.9% (36.7%): The 1955 World Series MVP.

Carl Furillo, 23.2% (27.9%): Best arm in team history?

Eric Gagne, 22.8% (28.2%): Would he receive more support if not for his PED use?

Dazzy Vance, 21.5% (23.3%): Another guy who should be in. The Drysdale of his era.

Jerry Doggett, 21.8% (29.8%): Complemented Scully beautifully on radio and television.

Bottom 10, removed from ballot for at least two years

Buzzie Bavasi, 21.4% (32.1%): GM of Dodgers’ first four World Series title teams.

Rick Honeycutt, 20.9% (26.7%): Longtime pitching coach (and pitcher).

Carl Erskine, 20.2% (23.7%): Key member of 1955 title team.

John Roseboro, 19.5% (26.1%): The key catcher for Sandy Koufax and Don Drysdale.

Tommy John, 18% (23.3%): He should be in the real Hall of Fame.

Andre Ethier, 17.7% (23.1%): Doesn’t look like many from Ethier’s prime era will make it.

Pedro Guerrero, 16.6% (25.3%): You could argue that he is the best hitter in L.A. history.

Steve Yeager, 14.8% (20.6%): He blocked the plate as well as anyone ever.

x-Joe Kelly, 6.8%: I guess wearing a Mariachi jacket can get you only so far.

x-Alex Wood, 0.9%: He’ll have to settle for his World Series ring instead of our Hall honors.

x-first time on ballot.

The Dodgers Dugout Dodgers Hall of Fame

People inducted, with year (and percentage of vote)

Walt Alston, 2022 (86.5%)

Roy Campanella, 2021 (84.7%)

Don Drysdale, 2021 (90%)

Orel Hershiser, 2021 (75.1%)

Gil Hodges, 2022 (75.3%)

Clayton Kershaw, 2026 (94.7%)

Sandy Koufax, 2021 (95.6%)

Tommy Lasorda, 2022 (87.7%)

Walter O’Malley, 2024 (79.4%)

Branch Rickey, 2022 (72.1%)

Pee Wee Reese, 2024 (76.3%)

Jackie Robinson, 2021 (88.9%)

Vin Scully, 2021 (92.7%)

Duke Snider, 2021 (78.2%)

Don Sutton, 2025 (75.7%)

Fernando Valenzuela, 2022 (80.6%)

Maury Wills, 2022 (76.6%)

Listed in order of percentage:

Sandy Koufax, 2021 (95.6%)

Clayton Kershaw, 2026 (94.7%)

Vin Scully, 2021 (92.7%)

Don Drysdale, 2021 (90%)

Jackie Robinson, 2021 (88.9%)

Tommy Lasorda, 2022 (87.7%)

Walt Alston, 2022 (86.5%)

Roy Campanella, 2021 (84.7%)

Fernando Valenzuela, 2022 (80.6%)

Walter O’Malley, 2024 (79.4%)

Duke Snider, 2021 (78.2%)

Maury Wills, 2022 (76.6%)

Pee Wee Reese, 2024 (76.3%)

Don Sutton, 2025 (75.7%)

Gil Hodges, 2022 (75.3%)

Orel Hershiser, 2021 (75.1%)

Branch Rickey, 2022 (72.1%)

Note: In 2022, you had to be named on only 65% of the ballots to be inducted. It has been 75% all other years.

Ben is back

Remember Ben Rortvedt, who became a fan favorite as the backup catcher to Will Smith at the end of last season? The Dodgers signed him to a $1.1 million deal after the season, then soon after removed him from the 40-man roster. That meant other teams could claim him, and the Dodgers apparently hoped the $1.1 million price tag would scare teams off. It didn’t scare Cincinnati, which took him.

Last week, the Reds signed Eugenio Suárez, and to make room for him on the 40-man roster, they removed Rortvedt. And the Dodgers snatched him up quickly.

So Rortvedt is back with the team, and will compete with Dalton Rushing to be the backup catcher.

To make room for Rortvedt, the Dodgers removed left-handed reliever Anthony Banda from the roster. They signed Banda to a $1.625-million deal last month, so perhaps they are hoping no team will take him. In two seasons with the Dodgers, Banda is 8-3 with a 3.14 ERA and two saves in 119 games, including 71 games last season, so he was a workhorse. However, his strikeout rate declined last year while his walk rate increased, a troubling sign. The Dodgers have a lot of left-handed options, so he was the odd man out this time.

Bad news for Yasiel Puig

Former Dodger Yasiel Puig was found guilty Friday of obstruction of justice and making false statements to investigators. Puig was alleged to have lied about gambling on sports.

Puig faces a maximum of 20 years in prison. At one point, he was offered a plea deal where he would plead guilty to one count of lying to federal authorities and would have served no jail time while paying a $55,000 fine. He accepted the deal, then backed out of it because “I want to clear my name.”

In case you missed it

Yasiel Puig found guilty in gambling case, faces up to 20 years in prison

Terrance Gore, former Dodgers player and three-time World Series champ, dies at 34

Plaschke: Just say no! Dodgers players should decline White House visit

Dodgers plan to visit White House to celebrate latest World Series championship

And finally

Miguel Rojas discusses his memorable World Series moments. Watch and listen here.

Until next time…

Have a comment or something you’d like to see in a future Dodgers newsletter? Email me at houston.mitchell@latimes.com. To get this newsletter in your inbox, click here.

MILAN — There’s a lot of love in those gloves.

Before her fateful downhill run Sunday — one that ended with a violent crash after 13 seconds — Lindsey Vonn pulled on a pair of out-of-production gloves from her childhood skiing idol, Picabo Street.

The gloves are weathered and white, their brightness dulled by the decades, with the brand name “reusch” across the knuckles and a big, plum-colored sun on top. On the wrist straps are Street’s initials, scrawled in marker.

Vonn didn’t announce the gesture, nor did NBC, which employs Street as a color commentator. Street was at the starting gate of the Olimpia delle Tofane course for Sunday’s coverage.

Street confirmed to the Los Angeles Times that the two longtime friends made the glove exchange before the Olympics.

“When she saw a picture of me in those gloves, she was like, ‘Oh, those would be cool,’” Street told the Times. “And I caught wind of it, and was like, ‘Well, I just happen to have them.’”

Those gloves are especially meaningful to Street because they are immortalized on the bronze statue of her in Sun Valley, Idaho. The sun across the top is visible in the sculpted detail.

“It was just my way of being able to show her that, you know, I love you and I believe in you,” Street said. “And wear these, they’ll be fun.”

The two were on the U.S. Ski Team together — Street at the end of her career, Vonn at the beginning — and have been close friends for years. Vonn co-produced the documentary “Picabo,” and in it tells Street, “You are my hero.”

The gloves Picabo Street gave to Lindsey Vonn before Vonn’s race in the Olympic downhill on Feb. 8.

(Courtesy of Picabo Street)

Street, whose skiing and who’s first name helped make her a pop-culture sensation during her Olympic career is a huge fan of Vonn. In speaking to the Times, she said on multiple occasions, “I’m not the story here, so this isn’t about me.”

Still, there are some uncanny coincidences. For instance, Vonn was the 13th skier in Sunday’s lineup and her run lasted 13 seconds before her fall, in which she broke her left leg. Late in her career, Street suffered a broken left leg in a race that took place on Friday the 13th in Crans Montana, Switzerland, where Vonn sustained a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament in a fall at the end of January.

Street had an emotional reaction when she learned what bib number Vonn would be wearing.

“I about puked when I saw number 13,” Street said. “I got very little sleep. I cried all night long, and I cried in the morning. I couldn’t shake it.”

She said her main concern now is her friend’s return to health, not for competitive skiing but for life.

“I want her leg to work for her,” Street said. “I want her nerves to work for her. I want her to have function of her whole body again, and in case she wants to have a family, she can play with her kids.”

The gloves weren’t the first piece of equipment Street loaned to Vonn.

Lindsey Vonn prepares to leave the downhill starting gate while wearing Picabo Street’s gloves on Feb. 8.

(Screenshot courtesy of NBC)

“I remember when I raced in Salt Lake, and I retired, and I was packed up and leaving the house we were staying in,” Street said, referring to the 2002 Winter Olympics. “She came into the house, and I remember giving her a huge hug and giving her a couple of items — one of which she wore in those Games — which was a sleeve around her braid, because we both have really long hair.

“I wore a red, white and blue American-flag neoprene sleeve around my hair, and she wore one as well. I handed her that there and was like, ‘Here you go. Go get ‘em.’”

After Vonn’s crash Sunday, Street told her own mother about loaning the gloves.

“I said, ‘Oh God, mom, she was wearing my gloves,’” she said, her voice catching with emotion.

“At first my mom said, ‘Oh, honey,’ and then she goes, ‘OK, let’s flip this. Maybe the gloves kept her from getting injured worse.’”

Wolff’s remarks come in the context of an ongoing row over the legality of the Mercedes engine.

Rivals believe Mercedes have found a loophole that allows them to run the engine above the permitted compression ratio.

This – a measurement of the cylinder displacement between the two extremes of the piston stroke – is limited to 16:1, and the rules dictate it will be measured at ambient temperature with the engine at rest.

Mercedes’ rivals believe they have found a way to use materials technology and thermal expansion to run the engine to a higher ratio and are pushing for a rule clarification before the start of the season next month.

Mercedes have not denied they are doing this, but insist the engine is legal.

Rivals have claimed the trick is worth as much as 0.3secs per lap, while Wolff said the gain was “a few horsepower – in England you would say a couple, which is more like two and three.”

He added: “Lobbying from the other engine manufacturers has massively ramped up over the last few months.

“I mean, secret meetings, secret letters to the FIA, which obviously there is no such thing as secret in this sport.

“Everybody was a little bit too excited about the performance of the Mercedes engine-powered teams.

“And I think that our colleagues from the other brands have been carried away a little bit that this could be embarrassing, which I don’t think it is at all.”

On the prospect of the rules changing before the start of the season, he said: “There is a governance process. And if that governance were to vote for an engine regulation change, you just have to take it on the chin.”

But he said: “The very essence of Formula 1 is to find performance, to attract the best engineers and the best people, give them freedom to develop regulations and once it goes for you and another time it goes against you.”

Williams team principal James Vowles, who is a Mercedes customer, said: “The PU that we have in the car is completely compliant with the regulations. This is a meritocracy where the best engineering outcome effectively gets rewarded as a result, not punished as a result.

“Right now, I don’t think there is a person in the pit lane that can tell you what is the best PU. We are focused on one detail.

“My hope is that sense prevails and we as a sport recognise that we are here to be a meritocracy. The best engineering solution wins as a result of it and therefore we are where we are right now.”

Ukrainian skeleton racer Vladyslav Heraskevych says he will wear his helmet of remembrance on race days “because these athletes deserve to be on the track” – despite the International Olympic Committee banning him from doing so.

Heraskevych wore the helmet, which features images of athletes killed during Russia’s invasion of his home country, during a training session on Thursday after being told it was not allowed.

The IOC says the helmet breaks the rules laid down in the Olympic Charter and suggests he could instead wear a black armband to pay tribute.

Heraskevych says he does not believe the IOC will impose sanctions on him for continuing to wear it, adding: “I believe we have all the rights to wear this helmet in competition because it is fully compliant with the rules.

“I believe the IOC doesn’t have enough black bands to honour all of the athletes.”

The IOC has not confirmed whether it would disqualify Heraskevych for continuing to wear the helmet, saying it is “not helpful to look at hypotheticals”.

Rule 50.2 of the Olympic Charter states “no kind of demonstration or political, religious or racial propaganda is permitted in any Olympic sites, venues or other areas”.

Mark Adams, a spokesperson for the IOC, said they will contact Heraskevych on Thursday to “reiterate his many opportunities to express his grief”.

The men’s skeleton heats begin on Thursday with the final runs on Friday and Adams says he can show the helmet in mixed zones and on social media but “the field of play is sacrosanct”.

“We really want him to compete, we want all athletes to have their moment,” Adams said.

“[It’s] not helpful to look at hypotheticals. It’s not helpful to speculate now, but there are rules and regulations the athletes want us to enforce. In the end it would be an IOC matter.

“We don’t want to prosecute this issue in public – the way we hope we can deal with this is on a human level. It is in everyone’s interest for him to compete.”

Heraskevych said that many of those pictured on his helmet were athletes, including teenage weightlifter Alina Peregudova, boxer Pavlo Ishchenko and ice hockey player Oleksiy Loginov, and some of them were his friends.

“With this helmet we keep memories about these athletes,” he said.

“Some of them were part of the Olympic movement – they were part of the Olympic family. I believe they deserve to be here.”

The IOC has previously disqualified athletes for displaying political messages.

Afghan breakdancer Manizha Talash, who represented the Refugee Olympic Team at the 2024 Paris Games, was disqualified for displaying a ‘Free Afghan Women’ slogan on her cape during a pre-qualifier dance battle.

Tuesday’s KDM Evolution Trophy quarter-final between St Johnstone and Championship rivals Ayr United has been postponed because of a waterlogged pitch.

However the League 1 match between Montrose and Peterhead will go ahead after a pitch inspection.

Aberdeen’s cup tie against Motherwell at Pittodrie on Saturday evening was also called off, as was their home game against Celtic last Wednesday.

“The weather across north-east Scotland has seen unprecedented levels of rainfall throughout the recent winter months,” said United on Tuesday.

“This, combined with a congested home fixture schedule and the club’s commitment to doing everything possible to fulfil fixtures, has placed significant strain on the pitch.

“A range of pitch-protection measures have taken place during this period. These actions have been crucial in enabling fixtures to proceed during prolonged periods of heavy rainfall.

“However, they have had an unavoidable impact on the visual appearance of the playing surface.

“This has been the necessary compromise in ensuring continuity across an exceptionally demanding run of home fixtures during extraordinary weather conditions.”

Tottenham manager Thomas Frank has been sacked by Spurs after just under eight months in charge.

While the higher ups at Spurs focus on finding Frank’s replacement, we thought we’d test your knowledge by looking at those head coaches who have come before.

Can you name the past 10 permanent Tottenham managers? Good luck!