Former Oklahoma Sooners commit pledges to Florida State Seminoles

Emily Van Cleef, the standout pitcher for Hunterdon Central High School, led her team to their first Group 4 state softball championship in over a decade—and now she’s earned the Courier News Softball Player of the Year title. Her arm and leadership were key in snapping that 12-year drought, making this a season to remember for the Red Devils.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just another local sports award—Van Cleef’s recognition highlights how a single player’s talent and drive can lift an entire team to historic success. For fans of high school athletics, it’s a reminder of the magic that happens when skill and teamwork collide. And for young athletes in the area, it’s proof that hard work pays off in big ways.

Liz Negron, the standout pitcher from St. Thomas Aquinas, has been named the Home News Tribune’s Greater Middlesex Conference (GMC) Softball Player of the Year. She led her team to victory in both the GMCT championship and the GMC Red Division, proving herself as a key player in their success.

Editor’s Note: High school athletes don’t always get the spotlight, but Negron’s recognition highlights the talent and hard work that goes into high school sports. For local communities, these awards aren’t just about stats—they celebrate the players who inspire their teams and make the season memorable. It’s a big win for her, her school, and the fans who’ve watched her dominate on the field.

The Mets' bizarre 28-game winning streak whenever Francisco Lindor hit a home run finally came crashing down. Despite Lindor smashing a solo shot in Sunday's game against the Phillies, New York got walloped 7-1, snapping one of baseball's quirkiest statistical runs—one that had held strong for nearly two full seasons.

Editor’s Note: Baseball’s full of weird streaks and superstitions, but Lindor’s homer-to-win connection was next-level absurd. Its end isn’t just a quirky footnote—it’s a gut-punch reminder for Mets fans that even the luckiest charms run out eventually, especially in a rough season. For stat nerds, it’s also a bittersweet goodbye to one of the game’s most oddly specific records.

Shannon DeLuca, a Bound Brook native and longtime coach of the Crusaders softball team, has been named the Courier News Softball Coach of the Year. After a rocky start to the season, she rallied her team to a strong second-half turnaround and clinched their first sectional title in over two decades—since 1999. It’s a full-circle moment for DeLuca, who also played for the program before taking the helm.

Editor’s Note: Coaching awards often fly under the radar, but this one’s special. DeLuca’s not just a coach—she’s a hometown product who’s poured back into the program she came from. Turning around a season and snapping a 24-year title drought? That’s the kind of grit and leadership that resonates beyond the field, especially in tight-knit communities where high school sports are a big deal. It’s a feel-good story about perseverance and local pride.

T.J. McConnell, the Indiana Pacers' gritty point guard, poured his heart out to fans after a crushing Game 7 loss in the NBA Finals. In a raw, emotional moment, he thanked the crowd for their unwavering support and took responsibility for falling short—showing the kind of humility and connection that makes sports meaningful beyond wins and losses.

Editor’s Note: In an era where athletes often dodge accountability, McConnell’s genuine apology cuts through the noise. It’s a reminder of how much these games mean to players and fans alike—not just as competition, but as shared emotional experiences. For Pacers supporters, it’s a tough pill to swallow, but McConnell’s sincerity might soften the blow and fuel hope for next season.