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  • VJ Edgecombe describes intense practices, one-on-one battles with Tyrese Maxey: ‘About to throw hands in there’

    VJ Edgecombe describes intense practices, one-on-one battles with Tyrese Maxey: ‘About to throw hands in there’

    Following his Rising Stars MVP, VJ Edgecombe joined former NBA star Jeff Teague and co-hosts DJ Wells and Brandon Hendricks on the Club 520 Podcast. But if listeners didn’t know any better, they might have thought they accidentally tuned into an episode of Kylie Kelce’s podcast, as Edgecombe repeatedly made it clear that he was “not gonna lie.”

    The Sixers guard candidly discussed his pre-draft workouts, the intensity of Sixers practices, his relationships with his teammates, and his “Welcome to the NBA” moment. Here’s everything you missed from Edgecombe’s appearance on the Club 520 Podcast …

    ‘I’ve never been so nervous’

    Before making historic NBA debuts, gracing the cover of SLAM Magazine with Tyrese Maxey, and getting shoutouts from the Prime Minister of the Bahamas, Edgecombe spent one season at Baylor University.

    Inside Sixers: VJ Edgecombe’s new mentor, Tyrese Maxey’s ‘tanking’ perspective, and more from All-Star Weekend

    “At the beginning of the year, I’m not going to lie, I thought I wasn’t going nowhere,” said Edgecombe, who averaged 15 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 3.2 assists at Baylor. “I thought I had to stay another year. And then conference [games] came around and I started hooping for real, for real.

    “You know the people that be doing all the little rankings and stuff? You know, you pay attention to that. Freshman year, they got me in like honorable mentions. I’m not even in the top 10. I’m like, it’s quiet, bro. I’m like, I’m going to have to run it back. And then conference came around and I just started hooping.”

    Once Edgecombe declared for the draft, he participated in the NBA combine and decided to conduct a private workout with only one team: the Sixers.

    Sixers head coach Nick Nurse (right) talks to Edgecombe during a December game against the Pacers. Edgecombe won MVP of the NBA Rising Stars game over All-Star Weekend.

    “I only worked out for one team. I took my chances, I ain’t going to lie,” Edgecombe said. “And that was Philly. I only worked out in Philly. I went in there, I’m not gonna lie, [and] shot four air balls. I was nervous as [expletive].

    “But then I was like if they draft me or not, it’s whatever at this point. I wasn’t even trying to trip about it. But, I’m not going to lie, I’ve never been so nervous, bro. Because you got the owners, you got everybody on the sideline just watching you.”

    That risk ended up paying off. Edgecombe was drafted third overall by the Sixers and has been one of the league’s top rookies, averaging similar numbers to his lone season in Waco: 14.9 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 4.1 assists.

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    ‘About to throw hands in there at practice’

    Edgecombe joined a team with veteran players like Maxey, Paul George, Joel Embiid, and Kelly Oubre Jr. When asked about the intensity of Sixers practices, Edgecombe responded: “I ain’t going to lie, [expletive] about to throw hands in there at practice.”

    However, Edgecombe believes that those high-energy practices — along with his one-on-one battles with Maxey — have helped the team when it comes time to compete.

    “I feel like that helps us a lot though,” Edgecombe added. “Me and [Maxey] play ones. That’s the first time, I’m going to be honest, the first time I’m like I’m really losing ones, for real. That [expletive] can hoop. I ain’t going to lie. I didn’t know he was that fast, bro. And he can shoot.”

    Edgecombe said he’s continually impressed by Sixers center Joel Embiid (left).

    ‘They be dropping gems all the time’

    When they’re not getting ready to “throw hands,” Edgecombe is learning from some of the vets on the team, including George, a nine-time NBA All-Star.

    “They be dropping gems all the time, bro,” Edgecombe said. “Teaching me off-the-court stuff, on-the-court stuff. I ain’t going to lie, I been working with [George] too with ball-handling and all that, just trying to get in that bag, just trying to activate a different part of my game, bro. I mean, I’m able to just run by [guys] sometimes, but you know just trying to be able to break [them] down. … I feel like it will just make it a lot easier for me, if I’m able to get to my spot and be able to break down.”

    Sixers rookie VJ Edgecombe wins Rising Stars MVP, adding another accomplishment in his terrific season

    And when it comes to Embiid, Edgecombe is still impressed by the former MVP’s presence on the court.

    “He cool as [expletive],” Edgecombe said. “He just chill. Be in his own little world. I swear, I’ve never seen someone really that good. I ain’t going to lie. He good, bro. I sit there and just watch him. He just be going at people. I told him, ‘Bro, if I was like 7-foot, I probably would have been able to guard him.’ But, he being drawing fouls and all type of different stuff going on, bro.”

    ‘That’s my welcome to the NBA moment’

    When Edgecombe first made the transition to the NBA, he immediately recognized the difference in pace from college. But his true “Welcome to the NBA” moment came on the defensive end.

    “I had to guard Luka [Doncic], Shai [Gilgeous-Alexander], D-Book [Devin Booker], [Jalen] Brunson,” Edgecombe said. “I got to guard all of them. That’s my ‘Welcome to the NBA’ moment. I’m not going to lie.”

    When asked who was the toughest player to guard in the league, he responded: “I ain’t going to lie to you, it was Ja Morant. He had 40 [points].”

    Tyrese Maxey’s All-Star Weekend showed he’s not merely a promising young star. Maxey has become one of the faces of the NBA.
  • Breaking down Isabeau Levito’s figure skating costumes over the years

    Breaking down Isabeau Levito’s figure skating costumes over the years

    Breaking down Isabeau Levito’s figure skating costumes over the years

    Since 2022, South Jersey’s Isabeau Levito has been one of figure skating’s biggest stars. Ahead of her Olympic debut Thursday in the women’s short program, we took a look back at her costumes since she burst onto the scene at 14 years old.

    Isabeau Levito competes during the women’s free skating competition at the U.S. Figure Skating Championships, Friday, Jan. 9, 2026, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough)

    A star is born

    Isabeau Levito, of Mount Holly, competes in the short program at the 2022 U.S. Figure Skating Championships in Nashville. Levito went on to win the bronze medal, but at 14, she is too young to make the Winter Olympics team.

    Levito made her senior debut during the 2021-22 season at age 14. She skated her short program to “The Swan,” by Camille Saint-Saëns, performed by Joshua Bell.

    Isabeau Levito was too young for the Olympics in 2022, but she won the bronze medal at the U.S. Figure Skating Championships in this dress, made in Russia. She was also named to the World Junior Championships, where she skated to the “Russian Dance” from Swan Lake by Tchaikovsky, and won.

    Isabeau Levito competes in the women’s free skate program during the U.S. Figure Skating Championships Friday, Jan. 7, 2022, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)

    Isabeau Levito wore a Spanish-inspired dress for her short program in the 2022-23 season. She skated to “Una noche más” by Yasmin Levy.

    Isabeau Levito performs during the women’s short program at the U.S. figure skating championships in San Jose, Calif., Thursday, Jan. 26, 2023. (AP Photo/Josie Lepe)

    National champion

    Isabeau Levito reacts after her performance during the women’s free skate at the U.S. figure skating championships in San Jose, Calif., Friday, Jan. 27, 2023. (AP Photo/Josie Lepe)

    In January 2023, Levito won the U.S. Figure Skating Championships in San Jose, Calif. She went on to place fourth at the World Figure Skating Championships in Saitama, Japan.

    Reputation era

    21 September 2023, Bavaria, Oberstdorf: Figure Skating: Challenger Series – Nebelhorn Trophy, Individual, Ladies, Short Program. Isabeau Levito from the USA on the ice. Photo by: Angelika Warmuth/picture-alliance/dpa/AP Images

    Early in the 2023-24 season, Levito wore a dress with a snake wrapped around her neck and the head on her arm. Ice dancers Madison Chock and Evan Bates had a snake program a few years before, and Chock advised Levito on this program.

    Switching gears

    COLUMBUS, OHIO – JANUARY 25: Isabeau Levito skates in the Women’s Short Program Dance during the U.S. Figure Skating Championships at Nationwide Arena on January 25, 2024 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)

    Levito changed her short program midseason in 2023-24. Because of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Levito stopped getting dresses made in Russia. This one was made by Josiane Lamond in Canada.

    Levito wore this layered black, white, and gray dress the first part of the 2023-24 season for her long program, skating to “The White Crow,” by Lisa Batiashvili. After placing third in the short program at Skate America that season, she finished second in the free skate to end in second overall.

    Isabeau Levito, of the United States, competes in the women’s free skate program during the Grand Prix Skate America Series in Allen, Texas, Sunday, Oct. 22, 2023. (AP Photo/Roger Steinman)

    Silver star

    Isabeau Levito, of the United States, poses with her silver medal at the world figure skating championships Friday, March 22, 2024, in Montreal. (Christinne Muschi/The Canadian Press via AP)

    Levito won the silver medal at the 2024 world championships in Montreal with this dress by Canada’s Lamond.

    Road to Milan

    Isabeau Levito of the United States skates in the Women’s Short Program in the 2025 Skate Canada International event in Saskatoon, on Friday, October 31, 2025. (Matt Smith/The Canadian Press via AP)

    Levito is wearing this red dress by Lisa McKinnon for her short program this Olympic season. She is skating to a compilation of sassy songs from Sophia Loren movies. At Skate Canada, a Grand Prix event, she placed second with this routine.

    Ticket punched

    Isabeau Levito performs during the women’s free skating competition at the U.S. Figure Skating Championships in St. Louis. She won the bronze medal.

    Levito is wearing this blue dress by McKinnon for her free skate (or long program) this season, and skates to “Cinema Paradiso” by Ennio Morricone. She won bronze at January’s U.S. Figure Skating Championships to earn the trip to Milan.

    A throwback

    South Jersey figure skater Isabeau Levito was announced as an Olympian on Sunday. She skated during the “Making Team USA” performance following the announcement.

    Levito was injured for a chunk of 2024-25 season, so she did not compete at the U.S. championships, but came back to place fourth at worlds. She wore this dress from that year’s program for the exhibition after making the Olympic team.

    Flying high

    Red Bull commissioned this dress for Isabeau Levito from dressmaker Lisa McKinnon, who made costumes for all three American women in 2026, as well as many of the international competitors. It was featured in an amusing campaign on social media.

    Red Bull commissioned this dress for Levito from McKinnon, who made costumes for all three American women in 2026, as well as many of the international competitors. It was featured in an amusing campaign on social media.

    dunkel_ellen

    This is the moment 18-year-old South Jersey figure skater Isabeau Levito has been waiting for

    Isabeau Levito is heading to the Olympics: ‘I feel like I really achieved my dream life’

  • Union to open season Wednesday in Trinidad against Defense Force FC: ‘I think we’re always ready’

    Union to open season Wednesday in Trinidad against Defense Force FC: ‘I think we’re always ready’

    After 37 days of preseason, three centerback signings, three striker signings, and negotiations for a left back that aren’t done yet, the Union will play their first game of 2026 on Wednesday.

    Bradley Carnell’s squad should be favored in its visit to Defence Force FC of Trinidad & Tobago in the Concacaf Champions Cup (6 p.m., FS2). But this group of Union players hasn’t played an official game together, and, as the manager said in the preseason, you don’t know until you know.

    Now, it’s time to find out.

    “I think we’re always ready,” Carnell said in a news conference from Trinidad on Tuesday morning. “We know it’s early in our in our season, and we know that there’s a schedule coming up that’s really tough. And so we’ve been working hard over the last couple of weeks to get everybody integrated as best as we could.”

    Carnell had to contend with a series of absences during camp. Indiana Vassilev and Milan Iloski suffered injuries that they’ve recovered from, Bruno Damiani and Cavan Sullivan started the year with knocks, and Damiani was away for a few days this month to finish getting his U.S. green card.

    Jovan Lukić also was a late addition to the list, as Carnell revealed Tuesday that the midfielder took a hit to the ribs in a recent practice.

    An analysis of the Union’s roster at the start of the season, with new players in the mix

    “It’s preseason — there’s always a couple of things here and there,” he said. “But we’ve got a good competitive group here, ready to go.”

    Of Lukić’s status, he said, “we’re still assessing that, and we’ll see if that makes sense or not” for him to play Wednesday.

    Bruno Damiani (left) recently got his U.S. green card.

    The Union have never played Defence Force, partially because no team from Trinidad has reached the Champions Cup since the 2016-17 edition. Defence Force hasn’t qualified since 2002, though it has a notable history as winners in 1978 and 1985.

    The present-day squad is led by a familiar name, winger Kevin Molino. He played for Orlando, Minnesota, and Columbus from 2011 to 2023, then joined Defence Force in late 2024.

    “This is the challenge and the joy of the Champions Cup,” Carnell said.

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    Carnival in Trinidad

    As if hosting a U.S. team in the region’s top soccer tournament wasn’t a big enough deal, Wednesday’s game will come right after Trinidad held its annual two-day Carnival around Mardi Gras.

    That should add even more buzz to the atmosphere at Hasely Crawford Stadium, one of Concacaf’s most historic venues. It’s the home of Trinidad and Tobago’s national soccer teams and the site of one of the U.S. men’s team’s all-time wins: the 1989 triumph to earn qualification for the 1990 World Cup, ending a 40-year tournament drought.

    Andre Blake is the only current Union player who has played a senior-level game in the venue, a World Cup qualifier last November that ended in a 1-1 tie. That might surprise some fans, but it’s true. Danley Jean Jacques hasn’t yet with Haiti, and Alejandro Bedoya never did with the United States.

    Union defender Nathan Harriel said that while “there’s temptation — it’s really easy to go out and want to be a part of something,” the team is making sure this stays a business trip.

    “There’s a lot of people here. It’s loud, noisy,” he said. “At the same time, we’re focused on the one thing at hand, and that’s getting a result on Wednesday. There’s distractions in any city you go to. … Just being able to manage that in the best way possible and just stay focused on the mission at hand is the most important.”

    Everything you need to know about the Union ahead of the 2026 season

    And for those players who’ve played in Concacaf tournaments before, especially the Champions Cup, they know to always expect the unexpected.

    “I remember a few years ago in El Salvador, a dog ran on the field and grabbed the ball,” Harriel said, recalling the Union’s 2023 visit to Alianza. “So at the same time, you have to enjoy it, because you never know when you’ll be back. And you have to respect every opponent in this tournament — everybody is qualified to be in it, and we understand that.”

    The historic Hasely Crawford Stadium in Port of Spain, Trinidad, where the Union will play Defence Force FC in the Concacaf Champions Cup on Wednesday.
  • Alexis and Kayla Eberz ‘work together’ to guide Archbishop Carroll back to the Palestra

    Alexis and Kayla Eberz ‘work together’ to guide Archbishop Carroll back to the Palestra

    The Eberz sisters know they can count on each other to pick another up.

    Alexis and Kayla Eberz, two of three sisters on the Archbishop Carroll girls’ basketball team, leaned on another to earn a 50-38 win over Archbishop Wood in a Catholic League girls’ basketball semifinal.

    The two combined for 36 of Carroll’s 50 points; sophomore Kayla scored 24 and senior Alexis added 12.

    “I definitely look up to Lex a lot,” Kayla Eberz said. “I’m so proud of everything she does, [and] I think we work together really well. So if one’s not doing so [we’re going to] pick the other one up.”

    Archbishop Carroll’s Kayla Eberz finished with a team-high 24 points against Archbishop Wood on Monday.

    Now, Carroll finds itself in a familiar position: the PCL final. This marks the Patriots’ third straight PCL final appearance.

    Last season, Carroll lost to Neumann Goretti, and in 2024, it lost to Wood. The Patriots haven’t won a PCL title since 2019.

    This time around, Carroll, which will face Cardinal O’Hara Sunday at the Palestra, believes it’s in a better spot to come out victorious.

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    “I think our mindset [has changed],” Alexis Eberz said. “We haven’t gotten the outcome we wanted the past two times, but we are using that as motivation this year. … We’re a special team. Staying together, staying composed, having discipline — I think we got it.”

    Road to victory

    But the Patriots’ semifinal win at Finneran Pavilion — the future home of Alexis Eberz, a Villanova signee — did not come easy.

    The Vikings built a 10-point lead about six minutes into the game. Carroll responded with back-to-back three-pointers to cut its deficit and end the first quarter down by two points.

    Wood senior forward Colleen Besachio, a Rider signee, was the difference-maker for the Vikings, scoring a team high 15 points. Wood trailed, 21-20, at halftime.

    Archbishop Carroll’s Alexis Eberz drives to the basket against Archbishop Wood High’s Colleen Besachio in the third quarter on Monday.

    But once the Eberz sisters started to connect in the third quarter, the tempo shifted.

    Kayla started the run with a bucket that gave Carroll 31–28 lead, then followed it up with a massive block. On the Patriots’ next possession, Alexis found Kayla for a three-pointer, followed by a Kayla dish to Alexis for an easy layup to make it 36–28.

    “Basketball is a game of runs,” Kayla said. “They had their run at first; we had ours. And then we just had to stay on top of it.”

    E&S players left the bench to protect their teammates. Now their season is over.

    Carroll held an eight-point lead entering the final 10 minutes and extended that advantage to a comfortable 12 points by the final buzzer.

    “We just had to [take it one] possession at a time,” Carroll coach Renie Shields said. “When we dug in, took one possession defensively, and offensively got going, I felt more comfortable that we got into a swing of things.”

    Back to the Palestra

    Carroll has an 11-0 league record. The team is full of chemistry and experience.

    The Patriots hope that will help them write a new story and bring home a PCL crown on Sunday afternoon.

    “We’re all such good friends. It helps,” said senior forward Bridget Grant, who’s committed to Ursinus. “When one of us is down, another person picks [them up]. If someone takes a bad shot, you can let them know. That’s not us getting mad; it’s just trying to help the team. It really just shows how well we play with each other, that we all love each other.”

    Members of the Archbishop Carroll team celebrate after beating Archbishop Wood in the Catholic League girls’ basketball semifinals on Monday.
  • Trinity Rodman and Lily Yohannes lead the USWNT’s SheBelieves Cup roster, but some big players are out

    Trinity Rodman and Lily Yohannes lead the USWNT’s SheBelieves Cup roster, but some big players are out

    The theory after the U.S. women’s soccer team’s January camp was that the SheBelieves Cup in March would be the first big step toward World Cup qualifying in the fall.

    Tuesday’s announcement of the tournament roster signaled that the step might not be as big as believed.

    The 26-player squad doesn’t lack for marquee names. Naomi Girma, Sam Coffey, Lily Yohannes, Rose Lavelle, Trinity Rodman, and Alyssa Thompson are among them. But just as significant are two names not on the squad.

    Sophia Wilson is back from maternity leave and participating in the Portland Thorns’ preseason camp out west. Catarina Macario hasn’t played since December for the U.S. or her English club, Chelsea, but there’s been a lot of chatter that a reported heel injury isn’t the only reason. She turned down a new contract offer in London and could be headed to the NWSL’s San Diego Wave.

    Catarina Macario (right) likely is leaving Chelsea after three years at the London club.

    U.S. manager Emma Hayes has made it clear that she won’t call in players who haven’t been playing for their clubs lately. That makes sense. Still, Monday’s news raised some eyebrows. Hayes was not surprised to be asked about the two stars and said she would have called in both, were they healthy.

    “‘Soph’ and I spoke, and she’s just not ready,” she said, noting that the Thorns didn’t deem her fit yet either. “The return to play protocol, it’s just not given her enough time, I think, for her to be in the place that she wanted to be in. So it’s right that she’s not part of this squad, however much I want her to be.”

    The USWNT will return to north Jersey in March to play Colombia

    The manager described Macario as “getting closer and closer [to returning] every day” and said she didn’t know when the forward will return to club action.

    “She’s not available for selection yet at Chelsea. ”I don’t know when that is going to come — I don’t know if it’s a week, two, three weeks away.”

    The situation is different with two other major absentees. Mallory Swanson, the third member of the “Triple Espresso” forward line, is also a new mother and hasn’t returned to work with the Chicago Stars. Centerback Tierna Davidson has resumed training with Gotham FC after a torn ACL last year — “we’ve missed her,” Hayes said — but isn’t yet in game shape.

    “A player coming back from injury, you have to give them the time to be able to find their best version of themselves,” Hayes said. “I expect Tierna, when she is cleared to play for Gotham, to be competing, to come back into this side as soon as she, ideally, starts competing for Gotham on a regular basis. But most importantly, when her body is ready.”

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    As for players who are on the 26-woman squad, the battle to be the new starting goalkeeper is one of the biggest stories. Phallon Tullis-Joyce, Claudia Dickey, and Mandy McGlynn are the three on this squad as the competition continues.

    Tullis-Joyce has the most club pedigree at Manchester United, at least for now. But she hasn’t always looked the part in a U.S. jersey. Dickey, of the Seattle Reign, has looked sharper in starting five of the last seven U.S. games, though Tullis-Joyce missed December’s games with an injury and January’s as they weren’t in a FIFA window.

    Phallon Tullis-Joyce hasn’t played for the U.S. since the Americans lost to Portugal in October at Subaru Park.

    “I’ve been really happy with Claudia Dickey and Mandy McGlynn from [the] last camp,” Hayes said. “With Phallon, we didn’t get the chance to select her because she was injured in the back end of November, December, so I’m looking forward to having Phallon back with the group. And, for now, I’m happy with this group.”

    The U.S. will play Argentina, Canada, and Colombia in this year’s tournament, on March 1, 4, and 7, respectively. Sports Illustrated Stadium in Harrison, N.J., will host the last day’s doubleheader, Argentina-Canada and U.S.-Colombia. As ever, a sellout crowd will be expected, with a few Philadelphia accents in the stands from fans making the trip north.

    Six days later, the NWSL season will kick off in Washington with Rodman’s Spirit hosting Wilson’s Thorns. That will be Rodman’s first game since signing her big new contract in D.C. The potential for Wilson to return to action that night will make it an even bigger occasion.

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    Claudia Dickey (center) dives for a loose ball during a U.S. game last November.

    2026 USWNT SheBelieves Cup roster

    Goalkeepers (3): Claudia Dickey (Seattle Reign), Mandy McGlynn (Utah Royals), Phallon Tullis-Joyce (Manchester United, England)

    Defenders (9): Jordyn Bugg (Seattle Reign), Emily Fox (Arsenal, England), Naomi Girma (Chelsea, England), Lilly Reale (Gotham FC), Tara Rudd (Washington Spirit), Emily Sonnett (Gotham FC), Gisele Thompson (Angel City), Kennedy Wesley (San Diego Wave FC), Kate Wiesner (Washington Spirit)

    Midfielders (8): Sam Coffey (Manchester City, England), Lindsey Heaps (OL Lyonnes, France), Claire Hutton (Bay FC), Riley Jackson (North Carolina Courage), Rose Lavelle (Gotham FC), Olivia Moultrie (Portland Thorns), Jaedyn Shaw (Gotham FC), Lily Yohannes (OL Lyonnes, France)

    Forwards (6): Maddie Dahlien (Seattle Reign), Jameese Joseph (Chicago Stars), Trinity Rodman (Washington Spirit), Emma Sears (Racing Louisville), Ally Sentnor (Kansas City Current), Alyssa Thompson (Chelsea, England)

    2026 SheBelieves Cup schedule

    Sunday, March 1: Canada vs. Colombia, 2 p.m. (truTV, Universo) and U.S. vs. Argentina, 5 p.m. (TNT, Universo) in Nashville

    Wednesday, March 4: Colombia vs. Argentina, 3:30 p.m. (truTV, Universo) and U.S. vs. Canada (6:45 p.m., TNT, Universo) in Columbus, Ohio

    Saturday, March 7: Canada vs. Argentina, 12:30 p.m. (truTV, Universo) and U.S. vs. Colombia (3:30 p.m., TBS, Telemundo 62) in Harrison, N.J.

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  • The name of the Eagles’ headquarters is changing from NovaCare Complex to Jefferson Health Training Complex

    The name of the Eagles’ headquarters is changing from NovaCare Complex to Jefferson Health Training Complex

    The Eagles’ training facility in South Philadelphia will have a new name this upcoming season: Jefferson Health Training Complex.

    Since the practice facility opened in 2001, it has been known as the NovaCare Complex. It’s been home to Eagles training camp since 2013.

    The team announced new sponsorship agreements with Jefferson Health and with NovaCare Rehabilitation on Tuesday, which included the renaming of the Eagles’ facility.

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    The facility, located on the side of Broad Street across from the sports complex, is home to the Birds’ main locker room, team offices, and more.

    “The longstanding partnership between the Eagles and Jefferson Health has been built on a shared commitment to the region we serve,” Eagles president Don Smolenski said in a press release. “This multi-year extension marks a defining moment in our partnership — one that will now call the Jefferson Health Training Complex home to the Philadelphia Eagles. We are thrilled to celebrate this moment together and look forward to building upon our joint impact in the community through the core values we share.”

    Jefferson Health will also continue to be the jersey patch sponsor for the Eagles’ practice jerseys, while NovaCare will continue to be the team’s official rehabilitation partner.

    The Birds will return for practices in late April and May, ahead of mandatory minicamp in June and training camp in July.

  • Major League Wrestling is returning to 2300 Arena, the ‘cathedral of pro wrestling,’ this summer

    Major League Wrestling is returning to 2300 Arena, the ‘cathedral of pro wrestling,’ this summer

    For the first time in over two years, Major League Wrestling will return to Philadelphia to host two nights of action at the 2300 Arena as part of the promotion’s 24th anniversary.

    “With it being our anniversary this June, we felt like there’s no better place to host it than Philadelphia,” said Court Bauer, the CEO of MLW. “And since fans have been asking for two-and-a-half years for us to come back, we’re like, let’s give them a double shot. Two nights of MLW. Let’s make this as big as we can.”

    MLW will visit on June 12 and 13, filming a national television taping of the new season of MLW Fusion and showcasing the promotion’s signature event, Summer of the Beasts.

    Actor Paul Walter Hauser is ready to give his ‘pound of flesh’ when he wrestles at Philly’s 2300 Arena

    Fans can expect appearances from MLW world heavyweight champion Killer Cross, Shotzi Blackheart, Matt Riddle, CONTRA Unit, and Don Gato.

    “From a matchmaking perspective, as a promoter, it really scratches that itch and gets me thinking creatively in ways that challenges me because you know the bar is going to be high,” Bauer said. “There might be some extreme wrestling. There might be some hard core wrestling. There might be some lucha.”

    Although the 2300 Arena has given fans plenty of iconic Extreme Championship Wrestling memories, MLW has its own history at the venue.

    Major League Wrestling CEO Court Bauer (center) shown at 2300 Arena in 2021.

    The company’s debut event, Genesis, was held at the 2300 Arena in June 2002. Since then, it has operated in major markets, including New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles.

    “There’s just something special that you can’t really find in another city, that intensity that Philly has for pro wrestling,” Bauer said. “And the 2300 Arena is kind of like the cathedral of pro wrestling in America. There’s no other place that’s held as many great matches and has shed as much blood.”

    The last time the promotion was at the 2300 Arena was in February 2024 for MLW’s SuperFight card, which featured an MLW world heavyweight title match between Satoshi Kojima and Alex Kane.

    Tickets for both shows will go on sale on Feb. 27 at 10 a.m. on Major League Wrestling’s website.

  • Megan Rullo’s 22 points powers Cardinal O’Hara to Catholic League final

    Megan Rullo’s 22 points powers Cardinal O’Hara to Catholic League final

    Cardinal O’Hara is heading back to the Catholic League girls’ basketball championship for the first time since 2022.

    In a rematch of last year’s semifinal, Cardinal O’Hara overwhelmed Neumann Goretti, 51-33, on Monday night. The Lions lost to the Saints last season, when they played without its two stars in senior guard Megan Rullo and junior forward Brezhae Davis.

    “Getting those two back on the court definitely helped,” said Cardinal O’Hara coach Chrissie Doogan said. “Neumann Goretti lost their guards from last year, but they’re a very talented team and play well together. … So it’s just a little bit of added incentive against the team that beat you last year to get back and take care of business.”

    Cardinal O’Hara’s Brigidanne Donohue (left) finished with 13 points against Neumann Goretti on Monday.

    Rullo led the Lions with 22 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists. Junior guard Brigidanne Donohue added 13 points, and Davis had 10.

    For Neumann Goretti (14-10), freshman guard Azzure O’Connor led the Saints with nine points. Junior guard Reginna Baker contributed seven points.

    Westtown girls’ and boys’ basketball teams secure a Friends Schools League title

    Cardinal O’Hara (20-3) will face Archbishop Carroll at the Palestra on Sunday for the PCL title. The Lions beat the Patriots, 55-30, in the 2022 final.

    “It means a lot,” said Rullo, who is committed to Drexel and will join her sister, Megan, there. “Last year was definitely a learning year, not being able to play. So there’s definitely a lot of wanting to get there. I’ve never played at the Palestra, and that’s definitely been a goal of mine. It’s everyone’s goal, so we’re super excited.”

    O’Hara dominates

    Cardinal O’Hara controlled the game.

    Sophomore Catie Doogan sank a three-pointer, followed by a pair of foul shots from Rullo, to give the Lions a 13-6 advantage at the end of the first quarter.

    The Lions continued to climb in the second quarter. Neumann Goretti gained some momentum close to halftime as senior Kamora Berry grabbed a defensive rebound, which led to a three-pointer from senior Zion Coston. But a Rullo layup as time expired sent Cardinal O’Hara into halftime with a 10-point lead.

    Neumann Goretti played consistent, high-pressure defense on Rullo, who repeatedly drew fouls as she drove to the rim. Rullo shook off the defense and kept her composure. She totaled 13 points from the free-throw line.

    Cardinal O’Hara’s Megan Rullo (center) gets fouled driving to the basket against Neumann-Goretti.

    “I like being a leader of this team, and I feel like staying composed is something that I have to do in order to lead this team to success,” Rullo said. “We talk about it all the time, just not getting frustrated and matching the intensity level, giving it back a little bit.”

    With seconds left in the third quarter, Donohue tossed in a basket to give the Lions a 40-27 lead. They then solidified their win in the fourth with a pair of foul shots from Rullo in the final minute that pushed the Saints’ deficit to 20 points.

    Heading to the Palestra

    Cardinal O’Hara lost to Archbishop Carroll, 51-28, on Jan. 13. With the stakes much higher, the Lions are looking forward to their chance at redemption.

    “We were embarrassed at Carroll a month ago, but they locked in and recommitted themselves … to the success of our program,” Doogan said. “They really locked in on the defensive end. And, honestly, they don’t care who gets the credit. We’re at our best when we have three or four kids all between eight and twelve points. On any given night, it could be all five of our stars.”

    Cardinal O’Hara’s Megan Rullo (right) celebrates tossing the basketball with her teammates after beating Neumann Goretti in the Catholic League girls’ basketball semifinals.

    Doogan and Cardinal O’Hara are especially excited for the opportunity to compete at Philadelphia’s most historic basketball arena.

    “These kids deserve a chance to play at the Palestra,” Doogan said. “It’s something that every Catholic League kid wants, and I put a little bit of pressure on myself to get them there. Carroll’s a really good team. They’re playing well, and it’s going to be a dog fight.”

  • About that outfield … | Sports Daily Newsletter

    About that outfield … | Sports Daily Newsletter

    The Phillies have changed things up in their outfield now that Nick Castellanos and Harrison Bader are gone. Rookie Justin Crawford and free-agent signee Adolis García (who batted .227 last season) are in, leading some critics to believe this outfield will be among the worst in the majors.

    Which brings us to Brandon Marsh, who is suddenly the Phillies’ longest-tenured outfielder. He still can’t hit left-handed pitching, which means he’s likely to be a platoon player, but he is putting a positive face on things. After all, Marsh went 0-for-29 last April and still salvaged his season, finishing with a .280 batting average.

    “I’m glad that bad stretch happened because it showed just to myself what I could crawl out of,” said Marsh, 28, who has two seasons before he reaches free agency. “I have that self-confidence now of feeling like you’re a dude, like you’re supposed to be here. That’s kind of where I’m at.”

    Scott Lauber looks at Marsh’s rebound, along with how García and Crawford can fit into the new-look outfield.

    — Jim Swan, @phillysport, sports.daily@inquirer.com.

    If someone forwarded you this email, sign up for free here.

    ❓How will the Phillies’ outfield stack up to last year’s version? Email us back for a chance to be featured in the newsletter.

    He’s a national star now

    Sixers guard Tyrese Maxey helped lead his team to victory in a surprisingly competitive All-Star Game.

    Tyrese Maxey admitted that he was nervous as a first-time All-Star in 2024. He said he didn’t know “when to talk, when not to talk.” But two years later he was a veteran among peers at the three-point contest and All-Star Game, and the leading American vote-getter ahead of legends like LeBron James, Stephen Curry, and Kevin Durant. He was recognized all over Los Angeles, appeared on a billboard alongside San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama, and was assigned to a formal news conference room reserved for the most in-demand players.

    Maxey is long beloved in Philly, but the weekend served as a reminder that he has arrived as a national star.

    He will be getting a reinforcement in the backcourt, as guard Cam Payne is returning to the Sixers.

    Also, the Sixers are upgrading two-way player Jabari Walker to a two-year standard contract.

    No Classic for Turner

    Phillies shortstop Trea Turner won the National League batting title last season with a .304 average.

    The last time they played the World Baseball Classic, in 2023, Trea Turner smacked five home runs. This time around, the Phillies shortstop did not get an invitation to play for Team USA. Turner says he’s OK with that. It gives him more time to prepare this spring for a season when he hopes to stay healthy. He missed time each of the last two years with hamstring strains.

    This spring also will give the Phillies time to fine-tune how they’ll handle the automated ball-strike challenge system, which goes into effect this season.

    Next up: The combine

    Clemson cornerback Avieon Terrell (tackling SMU’s Jordan Hudson) is a player who has been linked to the Eagles in multiple mock drafts.

    The NFL scouting combine returns to Indianapolis next week, giving the Eagles a chance to kick the tires on several top prospects for the draft. They’re likely to take a hard look at offensive linemen, tight ends, and defensive backs, three areas of need. Olivia Reiner examines how the Eagles are likely to handle their wish list at the combine.

    United they stand

    The Union paid a team record $4.5 million to sign Ezekiel Alladoh.

    The Union will begin their season Wednesday in the Concacaf Champions Cup at Defence Force FC of Trinidad & Tobago (6 p.m., FS2, TUDN). Here’s a look at every player who will stock their roster.

    Sports snapshot

    Figure skater Isabeau Levito is competing in her first Olympics at age 18.

    🧠 Trivia time

    Who was the last Sixer to win the MVP award in the NBA All-Star Game? First with the correct answer here will be featured in the newsletter.

    A) Allen Iverson

    B) Joel Embiid

    C) Charles Barkley

    D) Julius Erving

    What you’re saying about Bryce Harper

    We asked: What kind of season do you expect out of Bryce Harper this year? Among your responses:

    Harper should have a very good year. He is capable of anything. I believe the team is unhappy with its performance in the last two playoff seasons and will come out battling to prove they can do it. Should be fun. — Gerard B.

    Staying healthy and having protection in the order should yield a typical .285, 30 HRs and 90 RBI season line. The past couple of years he has been chasing pitches outside the strike zone and simply forcing the issue. Hopefully Harper will focus, relax and stay healthy. — Bob C.

    Bryce Harper practices during the Phillies’ first full-squad workout of spring training Monday in Clearwater, Fla.

    Hopefully better than last year — Bill M.

    Above-avg OPS, but not elite. Dombrowski was right. — Tom M.

    If healthy I think Bryce will have an outstanding season. … I think Dombrowski was right to say it was not an elite season because it was not. Bryce went from 145 games played to 132 and his batting average, RBIs, and home runs were all down from 2024. And in 4 playoff games he hit .200 with no home runs and no RBIs. I think the “not elite” comment should drive him to have one of his best years ever and hopefully lead the Phillies back to the top. — Everett S.

    Harper is planning for the rest of his career, he wants to be a club general manager. I do not believe that he is fully motivated for the upcoming season. — John M.

    Bryce will be fine & bounce back to the player we love to see come to bat in the big moments. Even Hall of Famers have an off year. Dombrowski’s comments aside, he is still driven to bring more championships to the Phillies. Sometimes maybe too much. Last year he often looked like he had to hit a HR each AB. Maybe he needs to add some relaxation & mind control techniques to his game.

    My one concern. … What he can’t control is every year he seems to get hit, causing lost time. Maybe the Phils could do more to protect him? Any of our pitchers know how to pitch inside? — Janice M.

    We compiled today’s newsletter using reporting from Scott Lauber, Lochlahn March, Gina Mizell, DeAntae Prince, Olivia Reiner, Rob Tornoe, Jonathan Tannenwald, Matt Breen, and Colin Schofield.

    By submitting your written, visual, and/or audio contributions, you agree to The Inquirer’s Terms of Use, including the grant of rights in Section 10.

    Thank you for reading our newsletter. Bella will be at the controls tomorrow. — Jim

  • Isabeau Levito and the ‘Blade Angels’ highlight Olympic TV schedule on Tuesday

    Isabeau Levito and the ‘Blade Angels’ highlight Olympic TV schedule on Tuesday

    U.S. figure skaters Isabeau Levito, Alysa Liu, and Amber Glenn will take the ice Tuesday during NBC’s coverage of the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics.

    The American trio, who call themselves the “Blade Angels,” will compete in the short program, which will be televised live beginning at 12:45 p.m. Philadelphia time on USA Network. Coverage will move to NBC at about 2:40 p.m.

    Levito, Liu, and Glenn will skate in the fifth and final group. Here’s when they’re scheduled to take the ice:

    • 4:20 p.m.: Liu
    • 4:27 p.m.: Levito
    • 4:46 p.m.: Glenn

    The free skate, the second part of the event, is scheduled to take place beginning at 1 p.m. Thursday.

    The three U.S. skaters are trying to end a two-decade medal drought in the women’s event. The last American to medal was Sasha Cohen, who took home a silver in Turin, Italy, in 2006. Sarah Hughes won the gold for Team USA during the 2002 Salt Lake City Olympics.

    Liu and Glenn have already won gold medals in Milan after the U.S. edged Japan by one point in the team figure skating team event last week.

    Levito, a Philly native who grew up in Mount Holly, is skating in her first Olympics after winning the bronze medal at the U.S. Figure Skating Championships in January. The 18-year-old also won silver at the 2024 World Championships in Montreal, but a foot injury prevented her from competing most of last season.

    This is the moment 18-year-old South Jersey figure skater Isabeau Levito has been waiting for: The Olympics

    Tuesday’s Olympic TV schedule

    As a general rule, our schedules include all live broadcasts on TV, but not tape-delayed broadcasts on cable channels. We’ll let you know what’s on NBC’s broadcasts, whether they’re live or not.

    NBC
    • Noon: Freestyle skiing — Women’s and men’s aerials qualifying (tape-delayed)
    • 12:45 p.m.: Snowboarding — Women’s slopestyle final
    • 1:30 p.m.: Freestyle skiing — Men’s big air final
    • 2:40 p.m.: Figure skating — Women’s short program
    • 8 p.m.: Prime-time highlights include women’s figure skating
    • 11:35 p.m.: Late night highlights
    CNBC
    • 7 a.m.: Snowboarding — Women’s slopestyle final
    • 8:30 a.m.: Speedskating — Men’s and women’s team pursuit semifinals
    • 9:05 a.m.: Biathlon — Men’s 4×7.5 kilometer relay
    • 10:20 a.m.: Speedskating — Men’s and women’s team pursuit finals
    • 12:15 p.m.: Men’s hockey — Czechia vs. Denmark, playoff
    • 12:45 p.m.: Figure skating — Women’s short program
    • 3:10 p.m.: Men’s hockey — Sweden vs. Latvia, playoff

    How to watch the Olympics on TV and stream online

    NBC’s TV coverage will have live events from noon to 5 p.m. Philadelphia time on weekdays and starting in the mornings on the weekends. There’s a six-hour time difference between Italy and here. The traditional prime-time coverage will have highlights of the day and storytelling features.

    As far as the TV channels, the Olympics are airing on NBC, USA, CNBC, and NBCSN. Spanish coverage can be found on Telemundo and Universo.

    NBCSN is carrying the Gold Zone whip-around show that was so popular during the Summer Olympics in 2024, with hosts including Scott Hanson of NFL RedZone. It used to be just on Peacock, NBC’s online streaming service, but now is on TV, too.

    Every event is available to stream live on NBCOlympics.com and the NBC Sports app. You’ll have to log in with your pay-TV provider, whether cable, satellite, or streaming platforms including YouTube TV, FuboTV, and Sling TV.

    On Peacock, the events are on the platform’s premium subscription tier, which starts at $10.99 per month or $109.99 per year.

    Here is the full event schedule for the entire Olympics, and here are live scores and results.