Latest news with #NikeNationals
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
NBH's Bartlow named Florida Distance Athlete of the Year
PANAMA CITY, Fla. (WMBB) — A North Bay Haven Charter Academy graduate is closing the book on a historic high school running career, and starting a new chapter at the collegiate level. What began as a simple hobby for Maggie Bartlow transformed into a passion, and then into a college scholarship. Now, her legacy continues as she prepares to compete for Florida State University's cross-country and track programs this fall. 'I'm going to be honest, I was not expecting my high school career to turn out like this at all,' Bartlow said. Bartlow didn't always envision running at the next level. In fact, the idea of distance running once felt overwhelming. 'Distance running in particular can be very daunting,' she said. 'You're telling me I have to race three miles over grass and through mud, and I'm going to get all dirty and possibly throw up at the end. It's terrifying.' But with a passion for numbers and a drive to constantly improve her times, Bartlow became more than just comfortable with the sport, she became elite. In the fall of her senior year, Bartlow claimed Bay County's first-ever state championship in cross country. By spring, she set her sights on the track. 'My goal was the 3200,' she said. 'I wanted that 3200. The 1,600 has never been my strength, but I really, really wanted this 32.' She not only won gold in the 3,200-meter run but also earned silver in the 1,600. Her accomplishments caught the attention of MileSplit, which recently named her the Florida Girls Distance Athlete of the Year. 'I can't believe that people really think of me like that,' Bartlow said. 'The fact that I'm considered up here by other people, it's just like, oh my gosh, this is kind of unreal.' Before heading to Tallahassee, Bartlow will compete one final time as a high schooler at the Nike Nationals in Oregon. She hopes to make the Seminoles' A-team in her freshman year but said she wouldn't be where she is today without the people who've supported her along the way. 'Every person that experiences some sort of athletic success, they're going to have a family behind them or friends or teammates or coaches, teachers,' she said. 'For me, it's all of the above. I've had so many people come together and help pull me along this journey, and I would not be here if it weren't for them.' Bartlow leaves behind a legacy as perhaps the most decorated distance runner Bay County has ever produced, and she's just getting started. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
The basketball event that proved to be Ayla McDowell's path to South Carolina, Dawn Staley
COLUMBIA — When Ayla McDowell was a freshman, Taneisha Rogers, her basketball coach at Cypress Springs High School in Texas, sent a text message. It was to South Carolina women's basketball associate head coach Lisa Boyer. Advertisement "I don't know where you are with recruiting the class of 2025, but you need to come see this kid," Rogers wrote. Though Rodgers was putting her freshman's name on coach Dawn Staley's radar, it was still early. "I knew she wasn't there yet," Rogers told The Greenville News. "I didn't see her playing at that level yet, but I knew the player that she was going to be just because of her work ethic." In many ways, Rogers' early read was accurate. McDowell, now a 6-foot-2 small forward/wing, learned that some college coaches were questioning her ability to defend and to shoot 3-pointers. She began waking up Rogers at 5 a.m. for gym sessions before school and wouldn't leave the court until she made 20 consecutive free throws or shot above 50% from certain spots on the 3-point line. Advertisement "If she didn't really perform how she wanted to perform the game or workout before, she would keep that in her mind," Rogers said. "She'd take that into her next workout to try to perfect or to be better at it than the day before." Year after year, McDowell worked. She aimed to become a product too shiny to turn down, and one that ultimately, a coach as successful as Staley would want to sign. Rodgers believes what McDowell did at the 2024 Nike Nationals, which is the championship tournament for the Nike Girls Elite Youth Basketball League, changed everything. For four days, Staley and her staff sat inches from the sideline in the McCormick Place Convention Center in Chicago to watch some of the best girls high school basketball. Advertisement "Sitting front row, kind of taking note of the way that she developed, I don't think that she was on their radar," Rodgers said. "(McDowell) really just kind of took her game to the next level. She played in ways that I don't think, you know, many people knew that she could play." McDowell visited South Carolina on Oct. 5 and despite witnessing the football team lose 27-3 to Ole Miss, she shut down her recruitment right after. She announced her commitment by revealing a Gamecocks T-shirt under her jacket on Nov. 13, becoming the first signee in the class of 2025 for Staley. In some ways, Dawn Staley has a veteran in freshman Ayla McDowell Staley admitted in March that when things go wrong, she blames the point guard. One of the greatest ever to play the position, Staley understands the intricacies and the ripple effects it has on the four other players. Advertisement Vocal criticism and blame can be a polarizing coaching method. Some embrace the challenge; others don't. Though she isn't a point guard, Rodgers wanted McDowell's vocal leadership to grow, so two seasons ago she gave her a challenge. "Everything that went wrong in practice was her fault, and I told her that," Rodgers said. Ranging from turnovers or a dress code issue, it was McDowell's fault. "That made her kind of take a more vocal approach to being a leader," Rodgers said. "I think that along with her natural God-given talent it's gonna help her be ready for the next level. I think she'll be an immediate impact." Advertisement 2026: South Carolina, Dawn Staley host Saniyah Hall, No. 1 recruit in 2026 class, for an official visit What makes Rodgers so confident in McDowell is not a short list. She's witnessed her work ethic firsthand and understands McDowell just wants to impact the game. Whether that be cheering from the bench, providing 15 points or just five rebounds, she'll be a freshman who is willing to be flexible yet effective in her role. Heading into the 2025-26 season, Staley must replace three starters but brings in McDowell along with wing Agot Makeer and transfers in point guard Ta'Niya Latson and center Madina Okot. McDowell's minutes and specific role could change game to game, and it's unclear how Staley will utilize her, but regardless of how she does, Rogers expects her to challenge the other team. "She's just an elite-level wing who can score at all three levels," Rodgers said. "So it's extremely hard to scout what she does, because she can kind of play all over the floor." Advertisement Lulu Kesin covers South Carolina athletics for The Greenville News and the USA TODAY Network. Email her at lkesin@ and follow her on X, formerly known as Twitter, @Lulukesin This article originally appeared on Greenville News: Ayla McDowell's path to South Carolina women's basketball, Dawn Staley
Yahoo
01-04-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Hometown Hero – Shamrock Thoun, Woonsocket
WOONSOCKET, RI (WPRI) — This week's Cardi's Furniture & Mattresses Hometown Sports Hero is Shamrock Thoun. The Woonsocket Junior took home his first Gold in the Weight Throw at the RIIL Indoor State Meet, then took his winning to the National stage. Thoun took First Place at the Adidas, New Balance and Nike Nationals, with his Personal Best throw of 82'6 coming at the Nike Meet at the Armory in New York. 'I launched that thing, and I was like, 'Go!',' Thoun said. 'And when I saw it hit the 80-mark, it was past 82'6, I was like, 'Wow'. I didn't expect myself, I was hoping I would throw 80 this year and now at Nike Nationals, I did it.' 'It just goes to the amount of work he puts in,' said Woonsocket Track Coach Marc Piette. 'And the way he throws is perfect for the Weight Throw, so it's just kind of like the perfect symphony for him.' Now a seven-time All-American, Thoun found the sport thanks to Villanovan alum and three-time NCAA Shot Put Champion, Tariq Robinson-O'Hagan. 'I saw his Instagram Reels and I thought I hope they have it in High School, and right when I got to my Freshman year, they had it and I started doing it and right now, it's just I love throwing. Throwing is my thing now. I love the Hammer, the Weight Throw, the Shot Put, everything about it. I enjoy Track so much.' Shamrock's triple success at Nationals has gathered him a lot of attention from college programs, interest he'll continue to entertain over the next few months. His goals for his Senior season are to set the State Weight Throw Mark and make a run at the National High School record. 'It's just a matter of where is going to be a very good fit for him,' Piette said. 'Not going to divulge any school names yet, that's not my business, but he's definitely going to find himself a place and it's going to be a very good deal for him. And we're going to find the right coaches that will make him extremely successful.' 'This year, right now, I believe in myself, for next year's Indoor Throw,' Thoun said. 'I believe that I'm going to throw farther in my Senior year.' If you have a Hometown Sports Hero you'd like to nominate, email sports@ Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
