Do We Still Hate LeBron?

What’s  happening kinfolk, let me holla at y’all for a bit. Now that the NBA Draft has come and gone, I find myself asking the question, was the next “LeBron James” name called by commissioner Adam Silver.  No, you didn’t read that line incorrectly,  I’m not looking for arguably the next G.O.A.T.  Ladies and gents, I’m looking for he next “most shaded on”  basketball player EVER! 

Sure, MJ was 6 for 6 in the Finals - Kobe and Magic Johnson have 5 rings each - I can’t leave out Bill Russell and his 10 championships, although most do when bringing up G.O.A.T status.  Shade thrown on these greats are minimum; LeBron James may as will be sitting under the biggest oak tree on planet earth (that’s beaucoup shade if you speak French).  

After another loss, LeBron now has a 3-6 Finals Loss. I’m quite sure a substantial swath of the basketball population that jumped for joy as the Golden State Warriors finished off a 4-game sweep of LeBron’s Cleveland Cavaliers.  We’ve had a few weeks to digest the finals, my question now is, will the haters continue to hate LeBron, or will they find another object of their shaderation?

Anointed “the chosen one”, from day one, can be a heavy burden for most athletes to carry; James has not only lived up to the hype,  but has exceeded it, my humble opinion.  For the past 15 seasons and counting, LeBron has been in a lose-lose situation.  I know most of you are stats folks; stats folks rely solely on the numbers to quantify the greatness of an athlete.  LeBron’s got the numbers to easily put him in GOAT status, 7th in points, and 11th in assists all time.  He’s the best small forward of all-time, yeah, even better than Larry (Bird) Legend.  I know, I know, but LeBron’s 3-6 in the Finals.  I’m here to tell you, come up with another argument.  

Unless you’re Stevie Wonder, you can easily see that James is one of, if not the best ball player to ever lace up a pair of hi-tops.  You can argue he’s not clutch, but clearly that’s not the case. James has 5 playoff buzzer beaters; MJ and Kobe have 5 combined.  James’s 34.9ppg average in game 7’s is freaking ridiculous. I could go on-and-on with stats, but I won’t.  I’ll listen to legitimate reasons for thinking LeBron isn’t the G.O.A.T.  What I won’t entertain are these lame points: LeBron is a cry-baby, LeBron doesn’t have killer instinct, the Eastern Conference is weak, LeBron isn’t clutch, etc.  

NOW LEBRON IS A LOS ANGELES LAKER!

LET THE HATE CONTINUE! 

In my humble, LeBron James can retire today, and he’ll be the greatest basketball player ever.  Of course my opinion is always up for debate, but like my 2-year old daughter says. “Daddy is always right.”

The Rock Was Lit

"What did you do this weekend?" -  That's the common question asked around the water cooler on Monday's mornings.  Saturday afternoons in the late summer and fall are arguably the most time of the year.  Temperatures in my neck of the woods (Durham, N.C.) run in the mid-to-low 70's; you can't beat that unless there's an ice cool breeze as proverbial cherry on top.

Well, what did I do this weekend, I took my talents to Boone. I made the trip up US-421N to check out the Appalachian State Mountaineers take on the Wake Forest Deamon Deacons.  I've made this trip plenty of times before, but I hadn't been to the high country for a game since 2008.  This game turned out to be Tony the Tiger great.   Myself and 35,000 other people were treated to one whale of a game. Moby Dick would have been jealous of this game; it ended in dramatic fashion when App State's last second field goal was blocked. The best part of my Saturday afternoon in Boone was all of the cool and passionate folks I came across.  

My first interaction as I walked up to Kidd Brewer Stadium, or as App State fans affectionately call it "The Rock", was with a ticket scalper on a bicycle.  He asked if I needed tickets.  I was late arriving so my media pass wasn't at the gate; I was going to need a ticket, so I snagged one for about forty bucks.  Next, I smelled meat - I hit the first tailgate I see - I mosey on up to the grill and grab a hamburger to go.  As I'm walking up to the gate I find myself giddy with anticipation.  When I finally get in, atmosphere was electric,  and I enjoyed one H E double hockey sticks of a game.  

The next four hours were filled with roars and moans, depending on which team you were rooting for.  I overheard arm chair quarterbacks, coaches, and referees; I even had a long conversation with a young lady from Nebo, NC.   I watched the game while listening to my little brother (Pierre) do his color analyst duties for App State. (Shoutout to A-Dub and Molly.)  "The Rock" was lit despite the Mountaineers loss.   I couldn't have asked for a better game day experience; people of Boone, please believe I'll be back 

Oh yea, I almost forgot.  Pierre and I stopped by Five Guys after the game; I ate hella fries. 

Fin 

@sportsbydaimeon   

There is no Off-Season

Let me preface this post by saying that I have played and watched sports since I could walk.  I've played, in no particular order: football, basketball, baseball, soccer, tennis, track&field, and even dabbled in lacrosse.  As a kid growing up in Durham, Norh Carolina I was always going from one sport to the next.  After football season came basketball - after basketball came baseball - after baseball came the next sport.  Looking back,  it was a vicious cycle actually, thanks Mom.  But in all seriousness; what I've come to realize in my geriatric years is that there is no longer an off-season.

I listen to quite a bit of sports-talk radio.  Like most Americans I obsessively watch ESPN, FS1, and the like.  I listen and read pretty much anything sports related just to get my "fix."   Sports season's  have now done what most human being wish they could do; they never DIE!!!!

I swear the Super Bowl just ended (Congrats Patriots fans, sucks to be you Falcons fans) yet teams are only a few weeks away from reporting back to training camp.  Squeezed in between the SB and the start of training camps have been 14,000000 OTA's ⬅️ Organized team activities, and the endless talk of why Colin Kaepernick is still unemployed 🤷🏾‍♂️  In short, the season never ended!

The NBA finals concluded a few weeks back.  KD got his chip, GS is the best team in the history of  teams sports on any plant, in the entire friggin galaxy, and LeBron haters can continue to rejoice in pure unadulterated hate.  You wouldn't know it because not two hours after the final buzzer sounded in game 5, pundits (me included m) were yapping about what trade Cleveland needed to make to compete with Golden State.  Also, the NBA draft just went down and every 18-year old in Amaerica just went in the first round.  It's never - friggn - ends.

I love sports for the lessons it teaches, the bonds they build,  and the character that they reveal. With that being said,  I still feel we as humans need a break from sports.  Take time and enjoy your family, read and good book, or even volunteer in your community.  Help your neighbor, take your granny to the supermarket, start a blog.  What I'm saying is sports shouldn't be all encompassing in your life; get out there and live it.

Now if you'll excuse me, I need to check twitter for any trade updates.  Don't judge me.

Daimeon S.Banks
@Sportsbydaimeon

Campbell blanks Davidson 28-0, snaps 3-game losing streak

Anthony Robbins (7) (Daimeon Banks photo)

BUIES CREEK, N.C. - Jared Joyner ran for a 184 yards on 32 carries,  both of which were career-highs, and Anthony Robbins threw for two touchdowns to help Campbell shutout Davidson 28-0 Saturday at Barker-Lane Stadium.

Campbell (4-4, 2-3) marched 75 yards on it's opening possession, ending with a 9-yard touchdown run by the aforementioned Joyner.   Davidson had an opportunity to put points on the board in the first quarter when Trevor Smith's  27-yard field goal attempt was blocked by Camels linebacker Daniel Bostick. 

Robbins found Austin Fleming on a 25 yard touchdown pass midway through the second quarter, followed by a 46-yard pitch and catch to Aaron Blockmon, who finished with 110 yards receiving on the day. 

Davidson (2-8, 0-7) missed another opportunity to score in the second quarter but Smith was wide left on a 46-yard field goal attempt.  Joyner finished of the scoring for the Camels with a determined 59-yard run with 9:40 to play in the fourth quarter. 

Campbell outgained the Wildcats 398-218, snapping a 3-games losing streak, while Davidson has now lost their 7th straight.

Notes:  Campbell next plays at Morehead State, Nov.12th.  Kickoff is set for 1 p.m.  Davidson has a bye-week, but return to action Nov. 19th versus the same Morehead State team. 

Winston-Salem State spoils Shaw's homecoming, edge Bears 30-23

Darron Downing (Daimeon Banks photo)

DURHAM, NC - Winston-Salem State University racked up 428 yards of total offense, including 289 yards on the ground, while quarterback Rod Tinsley passed for two touchdowns in a 30-23 Rams victory over the Shaw Bears Saturday at Durham County Memorial Stadium. 

It was homecoming, as well as Senior Day for Shaw, and the Bears played inspired football in the first half.  Junior signal caller Darron Downing punched it in from four yards out to get the scoring started for Shaw - Beni Kensemi followed by a 39-yard field goal extending the lead to 10-0  - Another Downing touchdown run put Shaw up 16-0 late in the first quarter. 

Winston-Salem State (7-2, 6-0) would grab a bit of momentum before halftime with a two-play scoring drive.  Will Walton had a huge 48-yard reception, followed by a 29-yard touchdown grab by Demeeko Jones, cutting Shaw's lead to 16-7 at the half. 

The Rams rode the wave of that late first half score by pounding the ball on the ground.  Kerrion Moore rushed for a game-high 151 yards; a touchdown run by Devaughn Hurse of 9-yards followed by Will Johnson's 30-yard field goal gave Winston-Salem their first lead at 17-16.  Tinsley then found Michael Benis on a nine yard touchdown pass, and Justin Pickett's 10-yard run put WSSU up 30-16 with 11:24 left to play in the game. 

Shaw (1-8, 1-5) has shown plenty of fight all season long; it was certainly much of the same Saturday afternoon.  Trailing 30-16 midway through the final quarter, Bears quarterback Darron Downing scored his third touchdown on the ground pulling the Bears to within a touchdown at 30-23. 

After a WSSU 3-and-out, Shaw appeared to have excellent field position on a beautiful 38-yard punt return from Bruce Parker, but the play was negated by a blocking penalty.  Downing came up 1-yard short on fourth down play to seal the win for the Rams. 

Defensively, Shaw was lead by senior Keelon Jones.  The Kansas City, MO. native tallied 15 tackles, with 2.5 tackles for loss.  Freshman Devon Hunt also had a double figure tackle day with 13.

Shaw will finish the 2016 season on the road as they take on Raleigh Rival, Saint Augustine's University, kick-off is set for Saturday Nov. 5th at 1 p.m. 

Notes:  Senior wide receiver Trevante Long became Shaw's all-time leader in receptions with his 5 catches for 48-yards.  Long now has 96 career receptions, breaking the previous mark of 93 held by both DeAndre Okonju and James Pettway.

Shaw honored eight seniors that have given their heart and soul to the Bears Program, they are as follows:   Dwight Campbell, Kendall Evans, DeShawn Harris, Dominique Hannibal, Keelan Jones, Venson Jones Jr., Bruce Parker, and Trevekio Roberts

@sportsbydaimeon

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Campbell falls in overtime thriller to Stetson 30-24

Chris  Beaty lines up to defend Jonatho Jerozal

BUIES CREEK, N.C. - Mitchell Brown's 30-yard field goal attempt was blocked and a returned for the game winning touchdown by Donald Payne as Stetson spoiled Campbell's homecoming, beating the Camels 30-24 in overtime. 

De'Shawn Jones gave Campbell (3-3, 1-2) a 10-0 first quarter lead with his ninth rushing touchdown of the season, a 48-yard scamper down the left sideline.  Stetson (4-3, 2-2) would score 24 unanswered points, capped of by a grant Amick 19 yard field goal with 11:04 left in the fourth quarter. 

Both teams lost their starting quarterbacks in the first half due to injury.  The Camels saw Elijah Burress leave just six plays into the game, while Hatters signal caller Gaven DeFilippo went down during Stetsons last drive of the second quarter. 

Backup Anthony Robbins passed for 209 yards and two TD's, including the game tying 6-yarder to Aaron Blockmon with 11 seconds remaining.  Robbins also connected with Blockmon on the two-point conversion to force overtime. 

Notes: Campbell hits the road October 29th to face Pioneer Football league foe Drake in Des Moines, IA.  Kickoff is set for 2:00 PM EST

@Sportsbydaimeon

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Shaw breaks through, takes down Johnson C. Smith 11-8

DURHAM , N.C. - Uriah Bathea's 2-yard touchdown run on fourth and goal with 6:02 to play in the fourth quarter proved to be the game winner as Shaw got their first win of the season, edging Johnson C. Smith by the 11-8 score Saturday at Durham County Memorial Stadium.

The Bears (1-7, 1-4) took an early 3-0 first quarter lead on a 37 yard Beni Kinsemi field goal.  That lead would hold up for most of the first half until the turnover bug bit Shaw once again.  Golden Bulls safety Carlo Thomas picked off Timothy Abbott to set up a 4-yard touchdown pass from Harold Herbin to Rand Wiley, the two-point conversion gave Johnson C. Smith (1-7, 1-4) an 8-3 halftime lead. 

Shaw's defense kept the game close throughout, allowing only 130 yards of total offense by Johnson C. Smith.  Domonique Hannibal backed up his CIAA defensive lineman of the week award with another strong effort.  The Chesapeake, V.A. native tallied a team-high seven tackles; Keelan Jones, Rashad Mosley, and Devon Hunt each recorded 5 stops for the Shaw defense. 

The afformentioned Bathea rushed for 62 yards to go along with the game clinching score, while Sophomore Ray Green Jr. lead the team with 43 yards receiving, including a gorgeous 27-yard catch in the first half. 

Saturdays win was the first for head coach Adrian Jones on the collegiate level.  Jones previously was the running backs coach at North Carolina Central University - Prior to his stint at NC Central,  Jones was head coach at Southern Durham High School, were he lead the Spartans to the 2013 NCHSAA 3-AA State Championship.  

Notes: Shaw will host Winston-Salem State University next Saturday October 29th for homecoming.  Kick off is set for 1p.m.

@sportsbydaimeon

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Shaw breaks through, takes down Johnson C. Smith 11-8

DURHAM , N.C. - Uriah Bathea's 2-yard touchdown run on fourth and goal with 6:02 to play in the fourth quarter proved to be the game winner as Shaw got their first win of the season, edging Johnson C. Smith by the 11-8 score Saturday at Durham County Memorial Stadium.

The Bears (1-7, 1-4) took an early 3-0 first quarter lead on a 37 yard Beni Kinsemi field goal.  That lead would hold up for most of the first half until the turnover bug bit Shaw once again.  Golden Bulls safety Carlo Thomas picked off Timothy Abbott to set up a 4-yard touchdown pass from Harold Herbin to Rand Wiley, the two-point conversion gave Johnson C. Smith (1-7, 1-4) an 8-3 halftime lead. 

Shaw's defense kept the game close throughout, allowing only 130 yards of total offense by Johnson C. Smith.  Domonique Hannibal backed up his CIAA defensive lineman of the week award with another strong effort.  The Chesapeake, V.A. native tallied a team-high seven tackles; Keelan Jones, Rashad Mosley, and Devon Hunt each recorded 5 stops for the Shaw defense. 

The afformentioned Bathea rushed for 62 yards to go along with the game clinching score, while Sophomore Ray Green Jr. lead the team with 43 yards receiving, including a gorgeous 27-yard catch in the first half. 

Saturdays win was the first for head coach Adrian Jones on the collegiate level.  Jones previously was the running backs coach at North Carolina Central University - Prior to his stint at NC Central,  Jones was head coach at Southern Durham High School, were he lead the Spartans to the 2013 NCHSAA 3-AA State Championship.  

Notes: Shaw will host Winston-Salem State University next Saturday October 29th for homecoming.  Kick off is set for 1p.m.

@sportsbydaimeon

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Bowie State handles Shaw 55-13

DURHAM, N.C. -- Amir Hall passed for 346 yards and four touchdowns to help Bowie State beat Shaw 55-13 at Durham County Memorial Stadium Saturday, in the CIAA opener for both squads   

Bowie State (2-2, 1-0) built a 35-point lead before Vidal Woodruff hit Daren Jones on a 43-yard touchdown pass before halftime.  The Bulldogs got a solid effort on the ground from Robert Chesson, who rushed for 89 yards, including a 22-yard touchdown.  

Shaw (0-4,0-1) showed vast improvement taking care of the football - the Bears committed only one turnover - but was outgained in total yards  555 to 251.  Defensively, the Bears were lead by Jvonn Hudson and Andrew Cash.  Hudson led all players with 12 tackles (9solo), while cash chipped in with 10 stops.  

@sportsbydaimeon

Notes:  Shaw will continue conference play next Saturday when they hit the road to face Elizabeth City State.  Kickoff is set for 1.p.m. 

Vist www.banksboy.com for more sports related content.  

Campbell wins overtime thriller over Butler 33-27

De'Shawn Jones (11) (Daimeon Banks photo) 

BUIES CREEK, N.C. -- De'Shawn Jones capped off a 174 yard two touchdown rushing day with a 25-yard sprint on the first play of overtime, as Campbell knocked off Butler in the Pioneer Football League opener for both teams Saturday night at Barker-Lane Stadium.  

Butler (2-2, 0-1) had the first possession of overtime but was unsuccessful on a fourth-and-17.  The Bulldogs were kicking themselves, literally, after Drew Bevelhimer missed a 50-yard game winning field goal attempt at the end of regulation.  

Jared Joyner also rushed for two scores, helping Campbell (3-1, 1-9) racked up 248 yards on the ground. The Camels had leads of 20-10 (halftime), and 27-20 (fourth quarter), before Butler Sam Shrader connected with Malcolm Weaver on a 3-yard touchdown pass to tie the score at 27.  

@sportsbydaimeon

Notes: 

The listed crowd attendance of 6,610 was the largest in Barker-Lane Stadium history.  

Campbell continues league play next Saturday at Marist. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. 

Visit www.banksboy.com for more sports related content. 

Shaw Bears fall to UNC Pembroke 38-19

Spencer Chisholm (19) pursues a UNC Pembroke ball carrier 

DURHAM, N.C. -- B.J. Bunn hauled in six passes for 109 yards, including a 48 yard touchdown, and UNC Pembroke defeated Shaw 38-19 at Durham County Memorial Stadium Saturday.  

The Bears (0-3) took a 13-10 lead into halftime, but that margin could have, and should have been even more.  Trevante Long couldn't come down with a potential touchdown catch late in the second quarter; freshman kicker Beni Kinsemi followed that by missing a chip shot field goal before the half.  

Shaw received stellar defensive efforts from Devon Hunt and Keelan Jones.  Hunt had a game-high 10 tackles, while Jones chipped in with 9 stops, including one of five the Bears Interceptions.  

UNCP (3-0) rushed for 183 yards and three touchdowns as a team - Rontonio Stanle's ran for 64 yards and a score.  Braves signal caller Patrick O'Brien threw two touchdown passes; O'Brien also tossed five interceptions in the win.  

Shaw will be back in action next Saturday  as the Bears open up CIAA Conference play against Bowie State at Durham County Memorial Stadium.  Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. 

@sportsbydaimeon

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Presbyterian defeats Campbell 31-14

Campbell quarterback Elijah Burress (14) 

BUIES CREEK, N.C. --  The Prebyterian Blue Hose handed the Campbell Camels their first loss of the season Saturday evening in Barker-Lane Stadium.  

Darrell Bridges rushed for a game-high 159 yards and a touchdown, while quarterback Will Brock tossed a pair of touchdowns to help the Blue Hose (1-2) notch their first victory of the season.  

Campbell (2-1) had three defensive players with double-digit tackles, led by Daniel Bostick, who had a school record 16.  Offensively, Campbell struggled to score points, trailing Presbyterian 24-6 at halftime.  

Elijah Burress passed for 130 yards, including a 28 yard touchdown to Jared Joyner in the second quarter.  Former Southern Durham (my alma mater) standout Kaleb Barfield had an 18 yard acrobatic catch, setting up Joyner's touchdown grab.  Senior running back De'Shawn Jones scored Campbell's lone points of the second half on a 1 yard plunge in the fourth quarter.  

Campbell will open up Pioneer Football League play this Saturday as the Camels play host to the Butler Bulldogs.  Kickoff is set for 6 p.m. at Barker-Lane Studium.  

@sportsbydaimeon

www.banksboy.com

Campbell Camels thumps Bluefield 59-7

Campbell players celebrate after second quarter touchdown. 

BUIES CREEK, N.C.  - The Campbell Camels destroyed NAIA Bluefield Rams 59-7 in their season opener Saturday at Barker-Lane Stadium.

Outstanding senior De'Sawn Jones Rolled up 142 yards on the ground with three touchdowns; freshman Elijah Burress was 11 of 13 passing for 163 yards and a touchdown.  Jared Joyner rushed for 104 yards and a score, as the Camels piled up 345 yards of total offense. 

Campbell went into the half leading 42-0 after Burress connected with Aaron Blockmon on a 46-yard pitch and catch.  The lead swelled to 59-0 on a Darius Barnes 27-yard scamper. 

Bluefield finally got on the board with a Alex Martin 7 yard run late in the 4th quarter.  Alas, it was way too little, way too late for the Rams. 

@sportsbydaimeon

Notes: 

De' Shawn Jones had his sixth career 100 yard rushing game.  Jones rushed for 122 yards and three scores in the first half before playing sparingly in the second half. 

Trey Sander's 55 yard punt return touchdown opened up the games scoring. 

Campbell returns to action Next Saturday when they hit the road for a 6:00pm kickoff at Chowan.

Turnovers doom Shaw in season opener

Head Coach Adrian Jones 

DURHAM, N.C. - Limestone (Gaffney, SC) forced eight turnovers, spoiling the head coaching debut of  Adrian Jones, with a 35-6 win over the Shaw Bears at Durham County Memorial Stadium.

Freshman QB Timothy Abbott struggled in his college debut.  The Washington, DC. native was harassed by the Limestone defense all afternoon.  Abbott was sacked eight times, intercepted  twice,  and lost 3 fumbles.  A plethora of fumbles and sack yardage culminated in just 97 yards of total offense for Shaw. 

Limestone Built a 14-point lead with scoring an offensive touchdown.  PJ Brown returned an interception 32 yards for the games opening touchdown - followed by a Timkarkus Dawkins 6 yard scoop and score on a Bears muffed point  The lone bright spot for Shaw was the play of junior wide receiver Trevante Long who hauled in 8 passes for 75 yards.

The story of the game for Shaw; too many mistakes.  It's back to the drawing board for Coach Jones and his staff.

@sportsbydaimeon

Notes:

Adrian Jones returned to the Bull City were he stared as a high school QB at Southern Durham. Jones was also the head coach at Southern where he lead the Spartans to the 2013 3-AA state title.  Jones was also an All-CIAA defensive back at NCCU and former assistant coach for his Alma mater.

Shaw returns to action next Saturday in a 1:30pm kick-off at Wingate.  The Bears return home to face UNC Pembroke Sept. 17th at 1pm. 

USA!!!!USA!!!!USA!!!!!

Simone Biles bacame the most decorated women's gymnast in American history. 

Getty Images 

Every four years, the worlds best athletes gather for the Olympic Games, with hopes of Olympic glory.  Countries that you rarely see, or hear from, get their opportunity to shine on the world stage.  

In this day of social media and extreme technology, sports is given to us in "real time." The 31st Olympiad has taught me that we truly live in a global world. I watched the South Korean men's soccer team score goals, then Dab, A la Cam Newton.  I couldn't believe my eyes.  I also witnessed the US Women's basketball team continue their dominance; they won their sixth consecutive gold medal, knocking off an overmatched Spanish national team.  

We (America) dominated the medal count, especially gold.  121 total medals; 46 gold, 37 silver, and 38 bronze.

Michael Phelps was his usual dominate self, winning five gold medals in Rio. 

Getty Images 

We owned the swimming pool with athletes like: Michael Phelps, Katie Ledecky, and Simone Manuel. The aforementioned Manuel became the first African American woman to win a gold medal in swimming.  America also dominated women's gymnastics, winning the team gold. Simone Biles (another AA) won the all around gold medal - Biles also captured gold on the vault and floor exercise.  Don't get me started with men's and women's basketball - or track and field - we pretty much dominated those events too.  

US Men's National Basketball Team took home their third straight gold medal. 

Getty images

Pictured Above (left to right) Kristi Castlin, Nia Ali, And Brianna Rollins.  Rollins took home gold, Ali the silver, and Castlin the bronze in the 110m hurdles in Rio.

AP

Sports has always been ahead of society when it come to social issues. In America, we can be so divided when it comes to political, and social issues. During the olympics we stand together in support of our athletes, who compete against the world for sports supremacy. I hope that we can carry that solidarity over into our daily lives here in the good Ike US of A. Banding together for the common good of all Americans, is as American, as apple pie. 

After after all standing together is so much better that falling alone.  Wouldn't you all agree? Until we meet again Olympic Games; it's been real...

@sportsbydaimeon

The RDU High School AllStar Game is here to stay

I 

Girls and Boys from triangle area hit the basketball court at Millbrook High School this past Saturday to participate in the 2nd annual RDU High School AllStar Game. "We just want the event to get bigger and better," said event coordinator Eric Gaskins.  

The girls got the action started at 1pm. Chapel Hill High's Autumn West put on a show, scoring a game-high 21 points, but she was the lone double figure scorer for team Durham.  Greater Neuse Conference rivals Mariah Partin (South East Raleigh) and Mikaya Wilson (Knightdale) helped team Raleigh knock off team Durham 65-57.  Wilson scored a team-high 12 points for Raleigh, while Wilson chipped in with 10 points.  

The boys got it on in game two and they disappoint the fans that packed Wildcat Gymnasium.  The Durham squad held a slim two-point lead (24-22) after the first quarter - the rest of the game belonged to team Raleigh. Dondre Griffin (Knightdale) score a game-high 37 points and Rawle Atkins (Word of God) helped out with 19 points. Team Durham was led by Charles Norman's (Prominence Academy) 32 points and Devonte Barker's (Faith Assembly) 20 points, but it wasn't enough in a 128-96 Team Raleigh victory.  

Affer day that saw multiple college prospects on the hardwood, it's easy to believe event co-coordinator Jason Williams when he says, "We eventually want to branch out to football, baseball, and possibly soccer." With the amount of fan support on display Saturday, I have no doubt that this vision is completely attainable.  Jon well done guys; Job well done.  

Notes: Faith Assembly's Devonte Barker won the slam Dunk contest.  

The RDU AllStar Game is an annual event that features graduating seniors from the triangle area.

The Maiden Voyage

My latest venture - for your listening pleasures.....

http://www.spreaker.com/user/sportsbydaimeon/all-things-sport-podcast-11-30

Bull City falls at home to Wilmington

@sportsbydaimeon

November 22, 2015 -- (Durham, NC): 

The Bull City Legacy played gracious host to the Wilmington SeaDawgs Saturday evening at Walltown Recreational Center.   I say "gracious host" because the Legacy graciously blew a 22 point halftime lead, en route to a devastating 112-108 loss, at the hands of Wilmington.  

Bull City controlled the first two quarters behind the strong play of Charles Futrell and Jamario Clayton. Clayton finished with 15 points and 5 assists -- Futrell came off the bench to spark the Legacy with a team-high 29 points, and a 61-43 halftime lead.  

Wilmington shaved nine points off the lead in the 3rd quarter when trio of: Marco Spears, Levi Humphrey, and Dameion Dre Baker went to work. The SeaDawgs out scored Bull City 35-18 in the 4th quarter to get the improbable win.  Spears poured in a game-high 34 points to go along with 7assists.  Levi Humphrey also topped the 30-point mark   with 31 - Dameion Dre Baker chipped in with 28 points.   

With the loss Bull City Drops to (1-3) on the season, while Wilmington improves to (2-0).  Bull City is back in action on 11/25 versus the Raleigh Revolt.  Wilmington will host Charlotte Elite on 11/29.  

For ticket and game info visit: trblproball.com 

Bull City Legacy prevail in home opener

November 14, 2015

DURHAM, NC --  Ian Gregory scored a team-high 19 points -- J' Mell Walters ran the offense efficiently -- Jamario Clayton provided a much needed spark off the bench, leading the Bull City Legacy to a 113-101 victory on Saturday over the visiting Lumberton Showstoppers.  

Lumberton's Deon Hammonds (Mount Olive) led all scores with 21 points, to go along with 4 rebound, but that wasn't enough for the road team. Gregory (St. Thomas University) showed his all-around game for Bull City.  J'Mell Walters (NCCU) chipped in with 16 points and 2 assisits, while guard Jamario Clayton provided a lift off the bench in the second half.  

The halftime score was knotted at 50 when a former Southern Durham High standout took over.  Jamario Clayton (Univ. Hawaii Hilo) scored 15 points, dished out 7 assists, and infused Walltown Recreational Center with energy.  Bull City (1-2) had seven players in double figures and used a 32-18 third quarter to pull away from Lumberton (0-1).

Lumberton will next face the Cary Invasion on 11/21.  Bull City will also be in action next Saturday; they welcome the Wilmington Sea Dawgs to Walltown Recreational Center.  

For ticket info visit: BullCityLegacyGames.Eventbrite.com

Daimeon S. Banks

@sportsbydaimeon

Bull City gets past High Point

May 2, 2015

By Daimeon S. Banks for the Bull City Legacy

Durham, NC -- On a day when the sports world stood still for Mayweather/Pacquiao; the Bull City Legacy played host to the High Point Heat in a first round TRBL matchup.  This game was highly contested throughout, as both teams left it all on the court at Walltown Recreational Center.  A one point High Point halftime lead, (63-62) didn't hold up as Bull City came away with a 133-128 victory.  

Kennard Moore (Marshalltown CC) and Ramel Phillips (Old Westbury) were sensational  for the visiting Heat.  Moore had a game-high 40 points; while Phillips chipped in with 32.  Bull City countered with  two thirty point scorers of their own.  Big man Brian Streeter (Citadel) pounded High Point down low to the tune of 31 points and 7 rebounds.  Point guard J'Mell Walters nearly recorded a triple double. The former NCCU Eagle scored a team-high 31 points, adding 7 rebounds, and 7 assists. 

The High Point Heat finish their season at 1-10, while the Bulll City Legacy improve to 8-4.  Up next for the Legacy; a  showdown with their arch rival Cary Invasion, who had a first round bye as the too seed in the east.  The Invasion and Legacy tip-off 2pm today at the Herbert Young Center.  

@sportsbydaimeon