Sports

Times keep changing in high school sports, but some things stay the same, such as neighborhoods embracing their local sports teams whether they win or lose.

In the city of South Gate, there’s three high schools nearby one another, which draws fans to gyms, football fields, soccer fields, baseball and softball diamonds.

South Gate and South East are set to play in a Friday night Eastern League basketball game. Legacy is also in South Gate.

Steven Reyes, an assistant basketball coach at South Gate, offered an observation about participating in the rivalry games:

“This is a really strong local sports story because it’s not just about basketball — it’s about the city. In South Gate, three high schools are battling for city bragging rights, and every matchup feels like a playoff game. The gyms are packed, the community shows up, and the players know they’re representing more than just a team.

“What makes it special is the rivalry. These kids grow up playing against each other, they know each other, and when they face off, it’s personal — but in a competitive, respectful way. Each school has a different style, different identity, and it creates real drama throughout the season.

“It’s the kind of story that shows how sports bring a city together. Parents, alumni, and students are all invested, and the outcome actually matters to the community. This isn’t a one-game story — it’s an ongoing battle for pride, momentum, and respect. That’s why it’s compelling.”

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

MYLEENE Klass proved the ultimate multi-tasker as she stripped to her gym kit for a series of cartwheels and handstands while presenting her radio show.

The Smooth FM anchor, 47, took a break from the mic to show off her flexibility in-between tracks.

The broadcaster, TV star and campaigner donned a black crop top and matching leggings, paired with white socks and trainers.

She brushed her poker-straight brunette locks back with her hands after laying down her earphones.

The Hear’Say songstress then pulled off an impressive cartwheel before transitioning into a handstand against the door frame.

Myleene even managed to flash a huge smile as she posed upside-down.

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In her caption, she wrote: “My producer always goes the extra mile.

“Come off air then cartwheel into the door frame”.

Back on solid ground, Myleene then posted a sultry snap showing her posing on her radio presenter seat.

In another clip of her acrobatic feat she joked: “What do you get up to when the music plays?”

In another recent video, the Pure and Simple hitmaker flashed her abs in a tight two piece as she flipped into her plush vehicle.

She was snapped doing a handstand before flipping into a six-figure plush white Mercedes G Wagon.

The action-packed ad campaign was made for American footwear brand Skechers, who have been partnered up with her for more than three years.

Posting the promotional clip on her Instagram, Mylene wrote in the caption: “Slipping into 2026”.

She also added details of her leather co-ord to the post, which was also Skechers branded.

Myleene entered a long-term deal with the sneaker makers in August 2022 acting as a brand ambassador for the UK and Ireland branch of the company.

MY OH MYLEENE

Myleene recently told how her iconic white bikini – worn on her debut I’m A Celeb stint – has been her money-spinner.

It came after she posed in a similar swim two piece to recreate her iconic waterfall moment 20 years on.

The classical music performer and Loose Women panelist sizzled in the striking two piece in a new Instagram snap – and joked the hype around the sexy garment had “put my kids through school”.

She starred in the ITV jungle series back in 2006 and became known for donning the item during her showers Down Under.

She has re-created the look many times since the swimwear’s on-screen debut on I’m A Celeb 20 years ago, with the star even previously stating “the white bikini is my business”.

Last month, the mum of three flashed her abs in the Freemans product as she struck a series of poses while on holiday.

A MAJOR character from Sex and the City was seen looking sexier than ever.

The SATC heartthrob was spotted out and about walking his dogs, and honestly, he’s still looking good more than 20 years after his Sex and the City days.

The 58-year-old actor, who played Carrie’s writer boyfriend, was rocking a seriously shaggy beard during the low-key outing.

Ron Livingston, the star behind the oft-debated Jack Berger character in the series, threw on a blue flannel shirt for the casual dog walk.

Yeah, that’s the guy who had the audacity to break up with Carrie using a Post-it note that said, “I’m sorry. I can’t. Don’t hate me.”

That Post-it breakup is still one of the most talked-about moments in the entire series, and an iconic moment in television history.

For the walk in Hollywood, he added baggy blue jeans to his flannel shirt, a white undershirt, and some dark red leather sneakers.

Wife and fellow actor, Rosemarie DeWitt, joined him on the dog walk in a sporty black and white look with a floppy hat.

Ron’s joked before that he got “death threats from scrunchie nation” after another scene where Berger defended a woman’s hair scrunchie.

Berger is also the one who dropped the legendary, “He’s just not that into you,” line on Miranda during that dinner with all the girls.

Since his SATC days, Ron’s been busy with stuff like The Conjuring, Boardwalk Empire, and his hit show, Loudermilk.

Ron was born in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and attended Yale along with Anderson Cooper, while singing in the a capella group, the Whiffenpoofs.

He first became known for his lead role as Peter Gibbons in the classic American movie, Office Space.

He’s also well-known for playing Captain Lewis Nixon in Band of Brothers, the HBO war series, for which he was nominated for a Golden Globe.

Unlike SJP, Ron’s kept his personal life pretty private compared to when he was in the Sex and the City spotlight.

He married Rosemarie in 2009, and the pair have two children together.

This casual dog-walking look shows he’s totally fine living a chill life away from all the Hollywood craziness.

Fans were pumped to see him looking good and living his best life.

That shaggy beard gives him a totally different vibe from his clean-cut Berger days — more rugged and distinguished now.

Even after more than 20 years, SATC fans still remember Berger as one of Carrie’s most memorable boyfriends before she met Petrovsky and ended up with Mr Big.

WATCHING sport in the pub, like queuing and putting the kettle on, is one of Britain’s great national pastimes.

And unless you’re going to the stadium, there’s no better place to catch the big match than down your local.

While loads of locals simply put the telly on in the corner, there are those venues who go that extra yard to make the big match experience a truly memorable one.

As The Thinking Drinkers – professional pub-goers and huge sports fans – we’ve picked the best sports pubs and bars across Britain.

Ranging from sizeable city centre sports outfits to historic pubs, quirky boozers and lovely locals – here’s where to go that even if you don’t like sport, you’ll have a good time.

Let’s find out who made the starting line-up in the Thinking Drinkers Sports Pub XI.

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The Famous Three Kings, West London

This London pub is rightly famous among fans of everything from football and rugby to ice hockey, Gridiron and even handball. 

Boasting 39 HD TV’s, access to hundreds of sports channels and an awesome audio setup with the ability to ‘zone’ sound and commentary of up to 6 games at once, it’s no surprise that it has won numerous industry awards. 

The King Street Brew House, Cambridge

This recently refurbished brewpub serves up loads of live sport alongside some decent drinks, including its own freshly brewed beers, and a cracking menu (including a curried lamb croissant).

If you’re in Cambridge, it’s certainly worth a punt.

Ye Olde King & Queen, Brighton

Situated a short stroll from the seafront, this vast grade-II listed Mock Tudor castle of sport is like being in the Traitors.

A huge protector screen dominates the main bar with TVs scattered everywhere showing all domestic and European footy action.

It even has its own bar dedicated to F1. 

The Royal Dyche, Burnley

Close to Turf Moor, home of Burnley FC, this now legendary local has become a football institution since renaming itself after ex-manager Sean Dyche who, back in 2018, secured European qualification.

It’s got stadium-seating in the garden, plenty of screens and there’s ‘claret’ everywhere (not blood or Bordeaux but Burnley FC memorabilia).

They also serve Benedictine – a French herbal liqueur loved by locals since it was famously drunk by soldiers of the East Lancashire Regiment during World War One. 

Perhaps not the best pub for Preston fans.

Brotherhood of Pursuits and Pastimes, Leeds

Like Dominic Calvert-Lewin, this illustrious Leeds city centre sports bar is a stylish looking fellow. 

Quality cocktails, fantastic food and a great 4K screen set-up and surround sound audio.

There’s not a single spot where you can’t clearly see and hear the action and, in the event of a sporting clash, they’ll dedicate areas of the bar to the different events. 

The Murderers, Norwich

One of Norwich’s oldest locals, and named after notorious murder of a former landlord’s daughter back in 1895, this makes for a great cosy pub to watch the game.

But thankfully, when there’s a big game on, that doesn’t dampen the lively match day atmosphere – enhanced by a well-kept range of real ales and numerous screens skilfully snuck into all the pub’s snugs, nooks and crannies. 

The Box, Manchester

With 35 top-of-the-range tellies this Deansgate venue doesn’t just have football but cricket, Gridiron, rugby, boxing and F1. 

Fairweather fans can occupy themselves with some shuffleboardor some ‘bandeoke’ – karaoke with a live backing band on stage.

The food’s good, there’s brewery fresh Budweiser Budvar on tap and two-pint Steins to swig.

Bloodsports, Central London

This down-to-earth dark, dimly lit dive bar and late-night hang-out has 30 screens showing a combination of live sports and horror flicks.

Open till 2am every night, it boasts Britain’s best ‘Bloody’ Mary menu, proper burgers and there’s even an Alfred Hitchcock’s Pyscho photo booth. 

Golaccio, Huddersfield

If Luciano Pavarotti belting out ‘Nessun Dorma’ brings a tear to your eye or you spent much of the 1990s watching Serie A on Channel Four, then get yourself down to this retro love letter to the golden age of Italian footy. 

Draped in old-school football shirts, scarves and posters from iconic Italian clubs, there are four large screens and a pull-down projector, banging Italian-inspired burgers and regular football quizzes. 

Ye Olde Golf Tavern, Edinburgh

This awesome Edinburgh boozer is perched on the edge of one of the oldest golf courses in the world, dating back to 1456.

So, when the final whistle blows on one of the bar’s many screens, you can hire a couple of clubs for a few quid and tackle 18-holes of pitch’n’putt.

Ludo Bar, Cardiff

This ‘tidy’ temple of televised sport only opened last October but it has already established a strong following among sports fans of all persuasions.

Grab a beer from a very respectable range of local breweries before sliding into a booth to watch your chosen match on request.

Or, alternatively, bask in the glow of the UK’s largest ultra high definition screen in the garden – complete with a retractable roof. 

There are even TVs in the toilets, which you won’t miss a moment of the game.

Ben McFarland & Tom Sandham, The Thinking Drinkers, recently rode a tandem bike from Land’s End to John O’Groats to ‘help save the British pub’. Watch the “Great British Pub Ride” on their YouTube Channel here.

The Minnesota Timberwolves returned to the court Sunday a day after postponing their home game against the Golden State Warriors following the fatal shooting of 37-year-old Alex Pretti by a federal officer in Minneapolis the previous day.

But it was anything but business as usual for everyone involved.

“For the second time in less than three weeks, we’ve lost another beloved member of our community in the most unimaginable way,” Timberwolves coach Chris Finch told reporters before the game.

“As an organization, we are heartbroken for what we are having to witness and endure and watch, and we just want to extend our thoughts, prayers and concern for Mr. Pretti, his family, all the loved ones and everyone involved in such an unconscionable situation in a community that we really love, full of people who are by nature, peaceful and prideful.”

Earlier this month, the Department of Homeland Security launched a massive immigration crackdown in Minnesota. That action has led to mass protests and conflicts between federal agents and local residents.

Minneapolis resident Renee Good, a 37-year-old mother of three, was shot and killed behind the wheel of her car Jan. 7 by a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer. Pretti, an intensive care nurse, died Saturday after being shot by a Border Patrol officer during an immigration enforcement operation. Both Good and Petri were U.S. citizens.

Finch said Sunday that the previous day’s game was postponed because “playing basketball just didn’t feel like the right thing to do.” The Timberwolves are scheduled to host Golden State again Monday night at Target Center.

“This is my home, and I love living here,” said Finch, who was hired by the Timberwolves in February 2021. “I love being a part of this community, been embraced from Day One, people have been amazing. And it’s just sad to watch what is happening, you know, on the human level, certainly, as somebody who takes great pride being here.”

Before Sunday’s game at Target Center, a moment of silence was held “honoring the life and memory of Alex Pretti.” The actual silence lasted about five seconds before members of the crowd started shouting expletives directed toward ICE.

The video board at Target Center shows a photo of Alex Pretti during a moment of silence before the Golden State Warriors-Minnesota Timberwolves game on Jan. 25.

(David Berding / Getty Images)

Some fans held signs reading “ICE Out Now,” while some members of a trampoline dunk team providing in-game entertainment wore shirts that echoed the sentiment.

The game itself ended up being a blowout loss for the Timberwolves.

“Honestly, what I felt was that their group was suffering,” Warriors coach Steve Kerr said after his team’s 111-85 victory. “I thought the vibe in the stands, it was one of the most bizarre, sad games I’ve ever been a part of. You could feel in the somber atmosphere, their team, we could tell they were struggling with everything that’s been going on and what the city has been through. It was very sad. It was a sad night.

“Obviously we got the win and we’re happy about that, but very difficult to see so many people struggling and sad. They came to the game to try to forget about stuff, I guess, but I don’t think anything went away for the city and for their team. I think they were suffering from the effects of everything.”

Warriors star Stephen Curry said he could sense “a lot of heavy hearts” in and around the arena.

“There’s a lot of change that needs to happen,” Curry told reporters after the game. “And when you’re here and you feel it — I was glued to the TV yesterday when we weren’t playing, just watching the coverage and understanding what was going on, and trying to really, you know, get knowledgeable about it. Hopefully, again, the community kind of comes together and the right decisions are made so that there’s more of a peaceful environment here.”

Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards said after the game: “I just love Minnesota, all the love and support that they show me. So I’m behind whatever they’re with. Me and my family are definitely praying for everybody.”

Teammate Julius Randle added: “Been nothing but a joy living here, so things like this happening in the community, it’s tough.”

The NBA Players Assn. released a statement Sunday saying that “NBA players can no longer remain silent.”

“Now more than ever, we must defend the right to freedom of speech and stand in solidarity with the people in Minnesota protesting and risking their lives to demand justice,” the union wrote. “The fraternity of NBA players, like the United States itself, is a community enriched by its global citizens, and we refuse to let the flames of division threaten the civil liberties that are meant to protect us all.”

Indiana Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton spoke out Saturday with a four-word post on X: “Alex Pretti was murdered.”

Five-time All-Star Karl-Anthony Towns, who played his first nine seasons with the Timberwolves before being traded to the Knicks in 2024, also expressed himself on X.

“What is happening in the Twin Cities and the Great North Star State is heartbreaking to witness,” Towns wrote. “These events have cost lives and shaken families — and we must call for accountability, transparency, and protections for all people. This moment demands that we reflect honestly on what our values truly are. My thoughts, prayers, and deepest condolences are with the families of Renée Good and Alex Pretti. I stand with the people of Minnesota.”

NBA legend Charles Barkley offered his take Saturday on ESPN.

“It’s scary. It’s sad,” Barkley said. “It’s gonna end bad — it’s already ended badly twice. Somebody’s got to step up and be adults because, man, two people have died for no reason and it’s just sad.”

On Sunday, WNBA superstar Breanna Stewart held a sign that read “Abolish ICE” during player introductions at an Unrivaled league game in Florida.

“We’re so fueled by hate right now instead of love, so I wanted to kind of have a simple message of abolish ICE, which means having policies to uplift families and communities instead of fueling fear and violence,” Stewart said after the game.

“I think that when human lives are at stake, it’s bigger than anything else. So to have that simple message before the game was important to me. And knowing that everyone here is feeling that way, one way or another, it was just a perfect time.”

The CEOs of several Minnesota professional sports teams — including the Timberwolves, the WNBA’s Lynx, the NFL’s Vikings, the NHL’s Wild and the MLS’s United — were among the leaders of numerous local companies who signed a statement released Sunday by the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce.

“With yesterday’s tragic news, we are calling for an immediate deescalation of tensions and for state, local and federal officials to work together to find real solutions,” the statement read.

Some players from those teams have offered their own opinions. Vikings cornerback Dwight McGlothern wrote Saturday on X: “It’s not right what’s happening in Minnesota.”

Lynx guard Natisha Hiedeman wrote on her Instagram Story: “I’m heartbroken to see ICE has flipped the city upside down and resorted to violence. There is no place for this. As hard as it may be I HOPE we continue to stand together and fight for what is right.”

Teammate Napheesa Collier reposted a statement from Barack Obama, who called Pretti’s killing a “heartbreaking tragedy” that “should also be a wake-up call to every American, regardless of party, that many of our core values as a nation are increasingly under assault.”

The Associated Press contributed to this report.