Tag: Sports

Is Betting a Bad Addiction?

By: Tyler Jordan

Betting has been around for decades but recently betting has skyrocketed. Many people are betting on anything and everything. But is it worth it to start betting?  Studies show that people struggle with Gambling it can stimulate the brain’s reward system much like drugs or alcohol can, leading to addiction. If you have a problem with compulsive gambling, you may continually chase bets that lead to losses, use up savings and create debt. You may hide your behavior and even turn to theft or fraud to support your addiction.

Is it a good way to make money though? Some people say yes some say no but the people making money usually are invested in whatever they bet on and do research on the subject of the matter. Many people say tho “Although possible, it’s very unlikely and incredibly rare. Most sports bettors lose money, and often. So although earning a lucrative profit in sports betting can occur rather quickly, it’s not likely. The way to make money sports betting is through the long haul, a marathon if you will. It can be very lucrative but you have to use smart judgment and know when to pull out of bets and know when to go all in.Main thing just people say is do your research.

My opinion on betting is that I don’t like it. I personally think I would keep putting money in and not be lucrative and get addicted to gambling and lose all my money. It would just be smarter for me if I stayed away from all the gambling and gambling can create other bad addictions which I don’t want. I think many people will agree betting is not worth the risk and can cause so many problems in life.

Why is Football the Best Sport

By: Andrew Howle

Millions of people worldwide participate in sports and are considered somewhat athletic. However, what sport should be considered a priority of all these athletes? American football is the best sport an athlete can play due to its significant benefits. The benefits reaped from participating in this sport are the exorbitant friendships formed, learning the true value of teamwork, the ability to become a leader, and the long-sought-after trait of being hardworking.

One of the most significant aspects of football is the sense of belonging it fosters among the team members. Football creates a brotherhood among the players, a bond that is unbreakable even in the face of triumphs and heartbreaks. The sport is not about individual prowess; it’s about the team’s unity and collective effort. This sense of belonging and the memories created on the field are lifelong.

Football is a sport that nurtures leaders, not followers. It’s a game of strong, courageous individuals who can make or break a team. Without these leaders, how could a team ever win? Football pushes young men into leadership roles, teaching them to take charge in challenging times. This experience can be a powerful inspiration for their future endeavors. 

Football, as the best sport, instills the value of hard work and resilience. Players often face tough and gritty situations during the season, from defeats on the field to injuries that require recovery. Yet, they bounce back, proving their determination and commitment. This resilience developed in football can empower players to overcome life’s challenges.

In conclusion, football is definitely the most well-rounded sport an athlete could play to gain benefits that will serve them well later in life. 

Is sports betting a reliable source of income?

By: Milling Galloway

Sports betting is an addiction that many people struggle with. Which pops the question can sports betting bring in a steady income. If we are going to look into this, first you have to understand what sports betting is. Forbes states, “Sports betting is the act of risking money on the outcome of a sporting event or any aspect of a sporting event. The goal is to turn a profit.Sports betting includes wagers on the moneyline, spread, Over/Under, parlays, props and futures.Multiple factors determine how much money sports bettors can win.” So, if you were asking the question of if it’s gambling. The answer would be yes. Unlike other gambling ways sports betting is the most reliable of them all. Unless you know nothing about what you are going to gamble on. ElitePickz mentions, “Professional sport bettors rarely sustain long-term winning percentage above 56% and sometimes the lowest win rate of 53 – 54 %. The break even winning percentage of a profitable sports bettor is typically 52.4%.” This truly isn’t that bad of odds and you also have to put in perspective of how many non-knowledgeable people make bets. I personally think sports betting could be a profession. It’s kinda like being a stockbroker, just with sports. Some sports bets can give you a max payout of a lot of money. The bad thing about it though is that the risk can be very high. Losing money is a common theme among people. But not me, just kidding I am not old enough to bet. When I turn the appropriate age, I might dabble into the sports betting industry. In my opinion nothing can beat sitting back on the couch and relaxing. Also you will be making money at the same time. What gets better than that? Nothing does, so sports betting could be a sustainable profession.

Will Sean Strickland win his next matchup against Shara Magomedov?

By: Wyatt Meyers

There’s a lot of excitement about Sean Strickland’s next fight with Shara Magomedov in the UFC, for good reason. The current middleweight champion, Strickland, is famous for his creative fighting technique and powerful striking. Having fought some of the hardest opponents out there, he has a significant advantage from his experience. Strickland is skilled at applying pressure to his opponents, making it difficult for them to settle into a routine. What really makes him stand out in battles is his ability to adjust.

However, Shara Magomedov is a strong prospect in the middleweight class. His mix of striking and fighting talents make him an intimidating challenge for anybody. He has been winning fights lately, showing that he is not scared to go for the victory. Because of his dynamic fighting style, Magomedov may quickly change up his strategies, leaving his opponents wondering.

It’s clear that Magomedov’s growing fame and Strickland’s championship experience will come together as they get ready to fight. It’s likely that Strickland will concentrate on maintaining distance and stopping Magomedov with blows. Magomedov, on the other hand, is likely to try to narrow the distance and use his grabbing abilities to gain the advantage. 

The future of the middleweight division and the fighters both depend on this matchup. Strickland’s reign as champion is strengthened if he wins.  However, Magomedov might enter the title picture if he pulls off an upset, creating new chances for fights down the road.

Fans are generally anticipating strong action from this fight, which has the potential to completely change the middleweight division’s future.  Given how hard both competitors have trained, their fight is sure to go down as a career high point.

Does Green Bay Need to Worry WIthout Jordan Love

By: Stirling Tindal

On the second to last play of Green Bay’s week one loss, Jordan Love went down with what looked like a pretty gruesome injury. Many fans were scared that he would be out for the rest of the season, however Love is now reported to make a recovery in 3-6 weeks. Matt Lafuer assures fans that Love will be back on the sooner side of that expectation. 

Taking Love’s place will be Malik Willis who is now preparing for his first NFL start for the Packers. Willis should be a solid quarterback since he started some for the Titans his rookie season. If he has to start the entire 6 weeks or more, I believe Green Bay can win most of those games with a couple of losses. In their first game with the Colts at home, they should be able to come out with a win. The Colts run defense was very weak in week one with the Texans, allowing 213 rushing yards. If the Packers rely on Josh Jacobs it will be a good first game for Willis to get ready for the rest of his time as starter.

The next week on the road at the Titans, I see a close game. It’s Willis’s old team and this is his time to make a statement for the league but I don’t see the Packers pulling it away. Because it’s a road game and I don’t think Green Bay’s defense will be able to contain Tony Pollard, I have them losing this one and falling to 1-2.

In week 4 the Packers will stay home for their first divisional game and host the Vikings. This is Willis’s first divisional game as a Packer and I have Green Bay walking away with a win. I believe Green Bay’s secondary will be able to stop Justin Jefferson. I think the Packers offense will also have a decent game with some sloppy turnovers but the team will end up with the win.

Week 5 the Packers will go to the rams. Because of Green Vays great secondary and good offense, even with Malik Willis, I have them coming back home with a win and being 3-2

Green Bay hosts the Cardinals in week 6. The Packers are now getting into their stride and I am taking Green Bay again in this one. Matt Lafuer will have figured out how to work with WIllis at this point and the offense will look good enough to get another win

However in week 7 the Packers stay home once again and host the Texans. Because of the Texans hot offense I have Green Bay losing this one and falling to 4-3. I don’t see the Green Bay defense being able to control CJ Stroud. 

Green Bay still needs to be careful in all of these games because without Love, all of these games could go to anyone. I believe Malik Willis can keep the Packers satisfied and give Love a good record to work with once he returns.

Can the Arizona Cardinals Compete in the the NFC West?

by: Henry Jones

Since the beginning of the National Football League, the Arizona Cardinals have existed, and ever since then, they have been disappointing to their fans. Though many others are willing to give up on the team, I am not. This looks as if it is finally our year. We have our dual threat QB back and healthy, we have a capable head coach, and our first draft pick, Marvin Harrison Jr. is looking to be the next coming of Jerry Rice and Randy Moss put together. This being said, our defense is probably, if not the worst thing I have ever laid my eyes on. It just isn’t physical enough to compete with the rest of the NFC West (the Cardinal’s division). 

Another thing, people love to go on and on complaining about how difficult they have it in their division, but nobody wants to talk about how hard the Cardinals opponents are. They have the 2022 superbowl champions, the 2024 superbowl runner-ups, and the Seahawks who have one of the best young rosters in the league. This being said, it will definitely be a challenge this year for the Cardinals. 

Last but not least, I would like to speak about the quarterback. I have been a Kyler Murray fan since he was playing Oklahoma football in college, and whenever the Cardinals drafted him with the first overall pick of the 2019 NFL draft, then I knew we were about to go on a run. Kyler started his career winning Rookie of the Year and putting up great numbers for it being his first year in the league. However, I got my hopes up too soon. Ever since his early run for MVP in 2022, Kyler has been plagued with injuries. I thing due to this, people forget about what an amazing quarterback he is. 

To wrap it up, I think I need to answer the original question: can the Arzona Cardinals compete in such a tough division? While it is a hard question to answer I will go with my own biased opinion (which is usually right) and say that we are good enough to compete this year and will go on a sneaky playoff run.

Rating Golf Courses: Lakewood

By: Milling Galloway

The Links at Lakewood is a golf course located in Sumter, South Carolina. I will be giving my full opinion and rating of this course. Many people play this golf course. I have played this golf course many times as well. It stands out to me with its beautiful scenery. Even though it has great views, the courses does not stay in great condition. The greens at Lakewood are very friendly toward the golfers and have a nice calm tempo. The fairways are where this course does not shine. The grass most of the time is not cut and many times there are obstacles in the fairways. The hole that I want to highlight is the 13th. This in my opinion is the hardest hole in the course, you have to hit a good shot over the lake. The distance is around 100 to 150 yards, depending on what Tee Box you play from. The thing that stands out about this whole is the scenery. When you first step on the Tee Box, you see the vast Lake all around you. When you step onto the green, you also only see the vast Lake around you. When you play at this course it is clear to see that this is a beginner’s course, for people who enjoy playing golf. I am new to golf,  so playing this course is a great way to get better. If you are an advanced player, then this course is not for you. On a scale, I will rate this course a 6.5 out of 10. To me, Lakewood is not a top-tier golf course. Yes, I would play this course for fun, but if I could go to another golf course I would. To conclude, I like the golf course, but its just not a high value golf course.

The Fall Off of Tim Anderson

By: Benson Elmore

Tim Anderson, the Chicago White Sox shortstop, could have had a historic career for the Chicago White Sox, and he had very high hopes for the future. Here’s a breakdown of how severely one of the most electric players in recent years has fallen off since his amazing season in 2021:

2021: In 2021, Tim Anderson made hitting in the majors look easy. He hit .309, showcasing his strong hitting ability and consistency. He was known for his excellent contact skills and agility on the base path. Anderson made the All-Star team this year, underscoring his status as one of the best all-around shortstops in the league. His defensive and offensive production were key for the White Sox, who were very competitive in the American League Central division that year.

2024: By the year 2024, Tim Anderson was just another “could have been” kind of guy for baseball fans. His batting average had settled around .218, reflecting a decent dip from his peak performance causing productivity concern. Injuries and changes in the White Sox roster in 2024 caused Anderson to be sent to Miami Beach to play for the marlins where he is now not half the player he was imagined to be. Ever since the infamous fight with Jose Ramirez, his career has never been the same, even seeming to affect his attributes, such as having no home runs this whole major league season. Since becoming a marlin though, Tim seems to be a simple name brought up only when someone needs something nostalgic to ponder on. 

When the name Tim Anderson appears in your mind, you probably think of the talented all-star shortstop for the White Sox, but that Tim Anderson seems to not exist anymore. The downfall of not only Tim Anderson, but the whole White Sox organization should be studied. Though Tim is no longer the electric middle infielder we all know, he will always be remembered for how significant his role was on the White Sox throughout his short-lived major league career.

Top NBA Games for April 29-May 5

By: Andrew Brown

Monday 29, 2024

Thunder vs Pelicans 8:30pm

West 1st round – Game 4, OKC lead series 3-0

Who’s going to win: Thunder. The Pelicans have had no answer for this young and talented team. Without Zion they can’t really do much. For the Thunder they have to finish this out and carry their momentum to the next round. 

Lakers vs Nuggets 10:00pm

West 1st round – Game 5, DEN lead series 3-1

Who’s going to win: Nuggets. Lebron has to carry this game. He is the key to them winning this game/ possibly the series. Denver needs to just play them like they usually do. they are 11-1 against this team so whatever they are doing shouldn’t change. 

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Tuesday 30,2024

76ers vs Knicks 7:00pm

East 1st round – Game 5, NY lead series 3-1

Who’s going to win: 76ers. With Embiid not at 100% the 6ers have been struggling offensively. If Embiid was at or at least close to a 100% this series would be closer, they might even be ahead. For the Knicks Bruson has been on fire and has to stay that way or they might be in trouble. Their defense against Embiid is very good. As soon as he touches the back there are at least 3 people on him or 4 people ready to pounce when he drives. 

Pacers vs Bucks 9:30pm

East 1st round – Game 5, IND lead series 3-1

Who’s going to win: Pacers. With Giannis and Dame out there is no excuse for them to lose. The Bucks lost to basically the G-League Grizzlies twice with Dame and Giannis playing, it will be embarrassing if they lose. They also have one of the best offenses of all time with them having the second best offense rating of all time, another reason why the Pacers shouldn’t lose. The Pacers do not need to play like it’s a guaranteed win, they need to fight hard from the start to the end. For the Bucks they just need to come out and play hard. If they want any chance of winning Middleton needs to have a huge game. Their bench needs to be ready too. 

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Wednesday 1, 2024

Heat vs Celtics 7:30pm

East 1st round – Game 5, BOS lead series 2-1

Who’s going to win: Celtics. Ever since Jimmy Butler got injured this series was already over.   They probably had a chance to win the series with Butler healthy but still would’ve lost. For the Celtics with Porzingus out this game but they should still easily win. Last game the Celtics played mad especially Derrick White who had 38 points (career high) was greening 3 and dunking on everyone. He only had 13 dunks in the regular season but for that game he had two big contested dunks with a nasty one over Bam the big man. If they play like that the whole playoffs nobody will beat them. 

Mavs vs Clippers 10:00pm

West 1st round – Game 5, series tied 2-2

Who’s going to win: Clippers. The Clippers have more experience on their team than the Mavs do. With them having Harden, George, and Westbrook they all have the capability of scoring. For the Mavs with Luka being on the injury report as a Game Time Decision (he’ll most likely still play) it’ll be hard for them to win if he is out. If he is out Kyrie will be the leader of this team and will have to give it all that he got. 

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Thursday 2, 2024

Games TBD

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Friday 3, 2024

Cavs vs Magic Time is TBD

East 1st round – Game 6, series tied 2-2

Who’s going to win: Magic. I believe the Magic have the capability of winning this series. Franz Wagner looks like the number one option it’s all up to him if they will win it or not. Banchero has also been playing very well. For the Cavs the key to them winning is Darius Garland. He needs to be a scorer and not just sit in the corner. If he gets more involved they will win the series. 

Clippers vs Mavs 9:30pm

West 1st round – Game 6, series tied 2-2

Who’s going to win: Clippers. I feel like in this game the Clippers are going to run away with it as it’ll be an all around team effort. There is just too much talent for them to lose. For the Mavs Luka hasn’t been on his best game. He even admitted it as he said he felt like he was letting Kyrie down with his bad performance. This game I think Luka will go off but it will not be enough for the win. 

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Saturday 4, 2024

Games TBD

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Sunday 5, 2024

Games TBD

NBA Picks for this week

By: Andrew Brown

Wednesday 24, 2024

Heat vs Celtics 7:00pm

East 1st round – Game two, BOS lead series 1-0

Who’s going to win: Celtics. With the heat without Jimmy Butler and Rozier it’ll be hard for them to win against this Celtics team. For the Celtics they need to play like they’ve been playing this whole season. They cannot get into the one on one game they’ll need to pass the ball and create/look for mismatches. 

Pelicans vs Thunder 9:30pm

West 1st round – Game two, OKC leads series 1-0

Who’s going to win: Thunder. With Zion out players like Trey Murphy need to step up for  Zion’s absence. The Pelicans were also one of the best teams scoring in the paint but it’ll be hard doing that without Zion. For the Thunder they should easily win the series unless Shai gets injured. With them being the youngest team in the league they need to use their young energy to beat out their opponents. 

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Thursday 25, 2024

Cavs vs Magic 7:00pm

East 1st round – Game three, CLE lead series 2-0

Who’s going to win: Magic. In my opinion I think the Magic will come back and win the series. If they want any chance of doing that they have to believe they can. At the start of the season they were on fire. If they can play like that then they will easily make the conference finals and maybe the championship. The only 2 things that come down to them winning is hard defense and Jalen Suggs stepping up. Palo and Wanger can’t be the only two scoring. For the Cavs they can’t let them come back. If they end up losing this series they will have a lot of things they have to do in the summer. The key to winning is Darius Garland. Garland has been in a shooting slump and needs to get out of it before it’s too late. 

Nuggets vs Lakers 10:00pm

West 1st round – Game three, DEN lead series 2-0

Who’s going to win: Denver. Last game the Lakers had a 20 point lead and still lost. If they can’t win games when they’re up by 20 then they aren’t winning the series. Darvin Ham needs to make some serious adjustments to win. Lebron and AD also need to finish out games and hope they can come back. For the Nuggets they need to play like they have been every time they play this team. They have won 10 straight and will probably get 11. They have a good chance to sweep them too. 

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Friday 26, 2024

Bucks vs Pacers 7:30pm

East 1st round – Game three, series tied 1-1

Who’s going to win: Pacers. After the last game it looked bad for the Bucks. The pacers were just getting everything they wanted on offense. Sikam also looks like the best player in the NBA. For the Bucks Lilard has to carry the load now that Giannis is out. On defense They need to box out and stop them from getting offensive rebounds. Either the Bucks win the series or at least keep it close for Giannis to return. 

Clippers vs Mavs 10:00pm

West 1st round – Game three, series tied 1-1

Who’s going to win: Clippers. With all their talent how can they lose. Also with Kawaii coming back they should be better all around. They need to all use their experience to win the game and the series. For the Maverick it all starts with defense, especially Luka. If Luka plays hard defense and doesn’t let players blow by then it’ll make winning easier for them. With the Clippers having the big 4 you have to pick your poison because you can’t and won’t defend all of them. 

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Saturday 27, 2024

Thunder vs Pelicans 3:30pm

West 1st round – Game three, OKC lead series 1-0

Who’s going to win: Thunder. Without Zion they’ll probably get swept. Shai (who has a chance of getting the MVP) has to lead this team to the next round. He cannot slack off now, he has to finish the job and go to the next round. For the Pelicans at this point they have to hope they are shooting well and they aren’t. 

Nuggets vs Lakers 8:30pm

West 1st round – Game four, DEN lead series 2-0

Who’s going to win: Lakers. If they lost their last game then this is make it or break it time. If they get a 10 point lead it’ll probably only goi u p from there. With his career potential in the line Lebron will give it his all and will break the losing streak against Denver. For the Nuggets they have to expect that they won’t go down without a fight. They need to match their energy and go on to the next round. If the Laker wants to go on they need to pay like their life is in it because most of them are. For the Nuggets to win they have to play like they have been this whole season and not let them gain confidence. 

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Sunday 28, 2024

Knicks vs 76ers 1:00pm

East 1st round – Game four, NY lead series 2-0 

Who’s going to win: If the Knicks haven’t won. game 3 then this is the last chance for the 6ers. Just like the Lakers situation they have to win to keep their season alive. With Embiid going batter and better each game expect him to have a big game especially if the Knicks are up 3-0. The 76ers need to use their strength and size down low offensively and defensively. For the Knicks they look like they’ve already won the series the way they played. If they keep this defense up then they should and easily sweep them. They have held the 6ers to under 100 points each game. If the Knicks want to win and possibly sweep then they cannot lack on the defensive side where they’ve been good at. 

Timberwolves vs Suns 9:30pm

West 1st round – Game four, MIN lead series 2-0

Who’s going to win: Timberwolves. If the Timberwolves won the last game then they should easily sweep the Suns. The Timberwolves are a total mismatch against the Suns. The Timberwolves can get anything they want offensively and then destroy them defensively. It also helps to have the best defensive team in the NBA. If this is possible the last game for the Suns then KD and Booker need to not pass the ball and only shoot. This team in the previous games looked like it had no idea what they were doing on the court. KD and Booker were missing and complaining while The Wolves stormed down the court and scored. If they want to win they need to lock in because this team showed throughout the season that they can beat anyone.