NFL
Thursday night football ended up being a close one after it looked like it was going to be a blow-out. After the Vikings were up 29-0, the Steelers came back to almost get the win. If you changed the channel you missed a good game. Minnesota held on to win 36-28.
In sad and shocking news. Denver Bronco WR, Demaryius Thomas, was found dead in his Atlanta home. His family believes it was a result of head trauma after suffering a seizure in the shower. Thomas had been suffering from seizures for more than a year. His body was found by a friend after being let in by Demaryius’s personal driver, who had a spare key to the home. Thomas would have been 34 on Christmas day.
NBA
In last night’s action around the NBA. The Lakers lost in Memphis 108-95. The Spurs pulled off as unexpected win against Denver 123-111 and a hot Utah Jazz team stopped the 76er’s last night in Philly 118-96.
The Hornets are back in action tonight wrapping up their home-stand against the Sacramento Kings. This game has a 7:30 tip-off at the Spectrum Center.
There is also a full schedule of NBA games tonight. Check your favorite team’s website for their game tonight!
NHL
The Carolina Hurricanes are getting back two key players after clearing Covid Protocol. Brett Pesce and Tony DeAngelo will not join the team until they return from their Canada trip. The two defensemen hope to be in game shape for Tuesday’s matchup in Minnesota against the Wild. The Hurricanes defeated the Flames last night 2-1 and have two games left in Canada versus Edmonton tomorrow and the Canucks on Sunday. Both remaining games in Canada have 10pm start times.
MLB
Former Cy Young winner Lamarr Hoyt dies at the age of 66. Lamarr was a fifth-round pick of the New York Yankees in 1973 and part of the trade that brought Bucky Dent to New York. The long time White Sox ace was found in his home Monday. His oldest son, Matthew, stated his father was battling cancer. Lamarr Hoyt was one of only three pitchers to win the Cy Young for the White Sox.
PGA
In case you missed it. Tiger Woods says he will be returning to competitive golf at the PNC Championship, playing along with his son Charlie in Orlando nest week. It has only been 10 months since the horrific car accident that almost took Tigers leg. Last time the Woods family teamed up was in 2020 in this same event where they finished in seventh place.
MOTORSPORTS
In the world of professional motorsports. Four-time Indy 500 winner Al Unser passes away at 82, after a 17-year battle with cancer, according to his son al Unser Jr earlier this morning. Al Unser Jr. Won the Indy 500 in 1992, his dad finished third in that race. A great family moment for sure. The Unser family is second over-all in starts at the Indy 500 with 73. The Andrettis have 76.
Also, the #14 Ford Mustang of Chase Briscoe will have a new anchor sponsor joining the Stewart-Haas Racing. Mahindra Tractors have signed a multi-year deal with the team.
LOCAL SPORTS
Last night’s Boys Varsity Basketball action included West Columbus traveling into Lake View to face the Wild Gators. The Vikings won 56-41 and are now 5-1 on the season. North Brunswick also got the win last night on the road 51-41, against East Columbus. The Scorpions are also 5-1 on the season.
Tonight’s only local boys’ game on the schedule is the Eagles of East Bladen heading to Whiteville. The Wolf Pack are 2-1 on the season.
In girls’ Basketball action last night North Brunswick knocked off the Lady Gators 42-25 and the Wild Gators of Lake View took care of business 64-20 against the West Columbus Vikings.
The Lady Wolf Pack looks to bounce back after a tough loss earlier this week. They will face an undefeated East Bladen squad. The Lady Eagles are 6-0 this season.
The Wolfpack Volleyball team will host North Lenoir High School this Saturday in the 1st Rnd of the NCHSAA 2A State Playoffs. The game will start at 2:00 in WHS Gymnasium. Ticket Price at the gate will be $7.00. Purchase your tickets in advance via GoFan https://gofan.co/p/CF0460846F99B7297FBE2A4F7719D38D or you can pay at the gate.
– Vinny Pagano is the Sports Editor for Columbus County News and Sports Director for WTXY Kool 103.9FM & AM1540. Local Sports stories can be sent to sports@kool1039radio.com
