Story by: Gail Nobles
Cover illus. by: Gail Nobles
Intro music: The Passion HiFi
Usage: Free

Good evening, everyone. I’m Gail Nobles, and tonight we’re stepping onto the blacktop of Oakland, California, where the echoes of basketballs bounce off the pavement and the spirit of competition fills the air. It’s here that we meet a local legend whose prowess on the court has extended far beyond the neighborhood: Demetrius “Hook” Mitchell.

In the late 1980s, the San Francisco Bay Area was a hotbed of talent, a crucible where streetball forged legends. And at the center of that fire was Hook, a player who captivated audiences with his incredible hops and his signature 360-degree dunks that would leave crowds gasping in awe. Imagine for a moment—a player who, standing at just 5-feet-10, could elevate so high that he reportedly dunked right over a late model Honda Accord. Yes, you heard that right—a car! Now that’s not just basketball, that’s pure artistry in motion.

Demetrius’s talent didn’t go unnoticed.  But despite that undeniable talent, the road to the NBA was long and winding. For every moment of glory on the playground, every backboard-shattering alley-oop, there were challenges and setbacks that kept this local hero from reaching the professional ranks.

Through the lens of the documentary *Hooked: The Legend of Demetrius "Hook" Mitchell*, released in 2003, we are invited to delve into the life of a player who found his passion long before he reached towering heights—literally. Hook tells us he’s been “playing above the rim” since the young age of 5-foot-3, but it wasn’t until he hit 5-foot-5 that he finally took flight in organized games. It’s a testament to perseverance, a reminder that some of the best stories in sports aren’t just about trophies and fame, but about the heart and the hustle that drive us.

I’m Gail Nobles & thank you for joining me here on EPS.

Photo:  Keith Allison from Hanover, MD, USA - Lance Stephenson
Usage: Wikipedia CC BY-SA 2.0
Story by: Gail Nobles

Good evening! We’ve got a fantastic story in the world of basketball—Lance Stephenson! Yes, that's right, the same Lance Stephenson who's just clinched the title of Fourth Man of the Year in the BIG3 league. It's a comeback that’s nothing short of extraordinary!

This talented player first burst onto the scene at Lincoln High School in Brooklyn, a hotbed for basketball stars. He was named Mr. New York Basketball, showcasing not just skill but a vibrant personality. Remember his spotlight moment in the 2009 McDonald's All-American Game? That stage was brighter than Times Square!

Lance moved on to play college basketball for the Cincinnati Bearcats, where he showed relentless drive and a distinctive style that caught everyone's attention. In 2010, the Indiana Pacers picked him in the second round of the NBA Draft, and what a choice it was! His quick drives to the basket and those jaw-dropping no-look passes became must-see TV!

But, his story doesn’t end there! In the BIG3 league—where seasoned pros compete—Lance is making waves. He’s not just playing; he’s making a name for himself with his unpredictable play and entertaining celebrations, earning him the Fourth Man of the Year title. His celebrations are almost as exciting as the game itself!

Lance’s journey is more than just numbers; it’s a story of determination, passion, and a bit of flair. So here’s to Lance Stephenson—the Fourth Man of the Year, a player who continues to thrill and inspire, showing us that the game is still very much alive!

I’m Gail Nobles. Thank you for listening to EPS!

Photo: Pexels.com
Story by Gail Nobles

Good evening, I'm Gail Nobles. Tonight, we turn our attention to a beloved local institution that holds a special place in the hearts of basketball enthusiasts throughout Northern California—the Twilite outdoor basketball league, founded by the legendary Charlie Reid at Shields Park in North Richmond.

Imagine a warm summer evening, the golden rays of the sun beginning to set, casting a warm glow on the basketball court. The rhythmic bounce of basketballs and the cheers of spectators create an atmosphere that electrifies the air. This was the spirit of the Twilite league, where the best and brightest high school and college players from across the Bay Area gathered to showcase their skills, build friendships, and chase their dreams under that expansive, open sky.

Charlie Reid, known as the heartbeat of the park, was more than just a playground director; he was a mentor and a visionary. His commitment to youth development extended beyond basketball—it embraced life lessons, teamwork, and community. In recognition of his immense contributions, Shields Park was later renamed Shields-Reid Park, a fitting tribute to a man who dedicated so much of himself to the young players who flourished there.

I don’t have a start date for the league. I'm gazing at a photograph of them, with a note indicating it was taken around 1950—though that's just an estimate. The Twilite league was a gathering place for the passionate and the aspiring, a place where talent was nurtured, and futures were forged.

As we reflect on Charlie Reid’s impact and the legacy of the Twilite league, we can't help but hope for a revival of this cherished tradition. Imagine once again feeling that excitement as young athletes demonstrate their skills under the stars, with the community rallying together in support and celebration. A reinstatement of this league could rekindle not just the love for the game but the spirit of friendship and unity that it once inspired.

As we look to the future, let’s remember the bright moments that took place at Shields Park and honor the vision of Charlie Reid—a visionary who believed in the power of sport to transform lives. Perhaps, with enough support and enthusiasm, we could once again witness the magic of Twilite basketball lighting up those summer nights in North Richmond.

I'm GN. Thank you for listening to EPS.

Story by: Gail Nobles
Illustration by: Gail Nobles

Good afternoon, and isn't it inspiring to witness someone truly excel? Speaking of inspiration, have you heard of Cherelle George? Now, you might not recognize the name right away, but trust me, you’ll remember “Torch.” That's her nickname, and it's certainly fitting.

Cherelle George isn't just any basketball player. She’s a Harlem Globetrotter, one of those captivating athletes who bring joy and wonder to audiences around the world. But she's also so much more. She is the *first* female player to hold a Guinness World Record. Think about that! This remarkable woman holds the record for most basketball under-the-leg tumbles in a minute – a staggering 32 tumbles!

But the world record is just the cherry on top of a truly impressive career. Before joining the Globetrotters, Cherelle was a decorated player at Iowa Western Community College and Purdue University. At Purdue, she earned the Big Ten Sixth Player of the Year award, demonstrating her talent and dedication on the court. She even received an invitation to a WNBA tryout with the Indiana Fever.

The best part about her impact is that it seems to be contagious. You've seen her play, you've seen her dazzling moves, and you felt that spark of motivation ignite inside you, right?

That's the power of someone like Cherelle George. She not only entertains and amazes, but she reminds us that with dedication and passion, we can achieve incredible things. She’s a role model, an athlete, and proof of the joy of pursuing your dreams, whether it's setting a world record or simply picking up a basketball again. Cherelle "Torch" George is certainly someone to watch. And perhaps, she will inspire you to find your "torch" and ignite your own passion.

I'm Gail Nobles! Thank you for listening to EPS!

SUPERMAN DWIGHT HOWARD
Flight to the Big3

Photo: All-Pro Reels from District of Columbia
Usage: Wikipedia CC BY-SA 2.0

We’re talking about a fella who came into the league with more hype than a championship parade, a man they called "Superman," Dwight Howard!

This guy, no college, straight outta Southwest Atlanta Christian Academy, boom! First overall pick in the 2004 draft by the Orlando Magic. And listen, he wasn't just a pretty face with a cape. Eight-time All-Star? Check! Eight-time All-NBA? You bet! Five-time All-Defensive Team? Absolutely! And get this, THREE-TIME Defensive Player of the Year! Three! This wasn't just flash and dunkin', this was some serious defensive dominance.

He took that Orlando Magic team, a team that frankly wouldn't have known the Finals if they saw it, all the way to the 2009 NBA Finals! Remember that? The Magic! All thanks to the big fella in the middle.

Now, the man's been around, hasn't he? Orlando, Lakers, Houston, Atlanta, Charlotte, Washington, Philly... like a travelling salesman peddling rebounds and blocked shots!  He even came back to the Lakers, finally got that elusive NBA Championship in 2020! You gotta hand it to him, the man's stayed in the game.

What made him special? Athleticism, pure and simple! Leaping, rebounding, swatting shots into the cheap seats! He wasn't always the smoothest offensive player, but you knew you were gonna get a hard-nosed effort, especially on the defensive end.

And now, after a long and winding NBA road, he's hanging up the *indoor* sneakers, at least on the big stage. 2025, he's taking his talents to the BIG3, joining the Los Angeles Riot. A final chapter for "Superman," playing that 3-on-3 game. Interesting, very interesting indeed. We'll see if Dwight Howard can still fly high on that half-court!

This is EPS. I’m your host, Gail Nobles.

Story: The Detroit Steels: Can Ziane Drive the Steels Home?
Story by: Gail Nobles © 2025
Illustration by: Gail Nobles

Detroit, MI -The roar wasn't for a home run. It wasn't for a stolen base. It was for *her.*Ziane "Iron Lily" Richardson, a name whispered in hushed tones from Side Mount City, has arrived in Detroit and taken her place on the Detroit Steels, a team desperately trying to claw its way back from the bottom.

The Steels, a once proud franchise, are now more rust than steel. Their bats are silent, their gloves are leaky, and their hope… well, their hope is a flickering candle in a gale-force wind.

But Ziane, a whirlwind of grit and determination, represents something more than just a player. She is the *seed* planted in barren soil, a symbol of unwavering belief. Her arrival has ignited a fire in the bellies of her teammates. The tired eyes that once stared blankly out at the field now gleam with a renewed intensity.

“She’s different,” whispers catcher, “Rusty Racheal”, her voice gravelly with years of playing behind the plate and sometimes would practice catch with Ziane. “She makes you want to *run*. Not just to first base, but to *home*. To something better.”

The metaphor is clear: the Steels are a team lost in the wilderness, desperately seeking their way back to prosperity, to glory, to *home*. And Ziane, with her unwavering spirit and her fierce determination, is the guide.

But the journey will be fraught with peril. The opposing teams, hardened by years of victory, represent the obstacles that life throws in our path – doubt, despair, and the ever-present fear of failure.

Will Ziane be enough to ignite the entire team? Can she overcome the years of disappointment? The answer remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: the Steels, fueled by her presence, are *hoofing it* to home plate. They are running, they are striving, and they are believing. And in baseball, as in life, that’s half the battle. The rest… well, that’s for the gods of the diamond to decide. But for now, hope blooms in Detroit.

This is a news report from The Morning Riselines.

I’m Gail Nobles. You’re listening to the Ziane Richardson Tale by Gail Nobles © 2025.

Story by: Gail Nobles
Cover Art by: Gail Nobles

Hey everyone, it's Gail Nobles talking about the A7FL. Something amazing happened that we'll always remember! Dekyri Mims from Patterson U... DEKYRI MIMS, I'm telling you... has made an incredible play!

Forty-two yards, the ball flew way up in the air, thanks to the quarterback's strong arm. And then... and THEN... this Mims guy, who's super talented... he CAUGHT IT!

But not just any catch, no way! This was a behind-the-back grab! It was so crazy and unbelievable, it's almost like it broke the rules of what's possible!

Now, I hear people saying, "Gail, it's not the NFL! We've seen good plays before!" And I say... NO! I know the NFL has had awesome moments, but this catch was so UNLIKELY that we have to talk about it!

It wasn't just luck! No! It was like a beautiful dance of athleticism. Mims, for a second, was more than just a person! He BECAME the ball! He KNEW where it was going! He was totally focused and connected to it!

He was so CONFIDENT, so BOLD! He didn't even LOOK at the ball! He trusted himself and knew where it was. That's how legends are made!

I don't know if everyone will remember this catch forever, or if it will be on TV all the time. But I know that I, Gail Nobles, just saw something amazing! Something that reminds us why we love sports: for those moments that are just pure, awesome, and magical!

And to Dekyri Mims, I say: good job! You'll be remembered in the A7FL... and maybe even as one of the most unbelievable plays ever!

You’re listening to EPS. I’m your host, Gail Nobles.

Photo: Greg2600 - Claressa Shields
Usage: Wikipedia CC BY-SA 2.0
Story by: Gail Nobles

Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the electrifying world of women's boxing, where the gloves are laced with legacy, and the ring echoes with the determination of countless trailblazers! Today, we stand atop a mountain forged by the fists of legends like Christy Martin, Laila Ali, and Ann Wolfe. These extraordinary women have not only shaped the sport but have inspired generations with their tenacity, grace, and indomitable spirit.

Let’s turn our attention to the present, where the phenomenal Claressa Shields reigns supreme! The woman who shatters records with a mere flick of her gloves. Shields, a dual-sport powerhouse, is not just another athlete; she’s a phenomenon — a 21st-century gladiator commanding respect across boxing and mixed martial arts alike. She holds a remarkable collection of titles that would make even the most seasoned champions envious: the undisputed female light middleweight title, the exclusive rights to all four major world belts in multiple weight classes, and the title of the first American boxer — male or female — to clinch consecutive Olympic medals! Talk about rewriting the annals of boxing history!

But let’s not forget the reverberations in the boxing community! As women's boxing continues to ascend to unprecedented heights in popularity, the tantalizing prospect of a showdown between legends becomes the talk of the town. Laila Ali—the name evokes a reverence that’s undeniable in the sport—has remained a haunting specter for many. How the fans yearned for her fabled clash with the fierce Ann Wolfe! But in this modern era, the speculation is swirling around a potential fight between Laila Ali and Claressa Shields. Picture it: two titans of their generations colliding in the ring! Shields, with fire in her eyes, has called her out, leaving fans on the edge of their seats.

Laila Ali, the embodiment of excellence in the sport, has retired from the ring, yet her legacy remains in women's boxing. Many see her as the pinnacle, the very best, a benchmark for all aspiring fighters. As Shields acknowledges this, it raises the tantalizing question of whether we will witness the ultimate meeting of past and present, a true testament to the spirit of competition that defines boxing itself.

In the grand theater of the squared circle, it’s clear that women’s boxing isn’t merely on the rise; it’s soaring, gaining momentum, stretching the bounds of what is possible.
So there you have it, folks! The latest buzz from the world of women's boxing! Who knows what the future holds? But one thing's for certain — the journey will be primed with unparalleled excitement!

I'm Gail Nobles. Thank you for listening to EPS.

Story by: Gail Nobles
Cover Art by: Gail Nobles

Let me take you on a journey through the fascinating and often awe-inspiring world of the one-handed catch in football. Now, traditionally, we associate these gravity-defying feats with the grandeur of the NFL, where the brightest stars shine under the bright lights, and the expectations are as high as the sky. But oh, what’s this I see, the A7FL, a league that’s undoubtedly capturing our attention in remarkable ways!

Yes, indeed, we’re witnessing something spectacular with players like Tyrell D. Addison Jr., known to his fans as "Cruel-T," who made waves with the acrobatic grab for the Baltimore SOA. Folks, when you see a one-hand catch executed with such elegance and precision, it transcends the ordinary and becomes a work of art. It’s almost as if he’s defying gravity itself! You see the ball suspended in time, as he reaches out with that single hand, plucking it from the air—sensational!

And we cannot overlook those highlights from the Paterson U team. It seems that the spirit of the one-handed catch is spreading like wildfire. If I’m not mistaken Hass Dubois #8 made a one handed catch. These athletes, whether in the A7FL or the NFL, are redefining the boundaries of what we thought possible on that gridiron. A simple catch? Nay! These are moments etched in time, electrifying fans and igniting the passion of the sport.

In a league that prides itself on innovation and creativity, the A7FL is showcasing a new generation of talent that refuses to be constrained by tradition. When you witness a one-handed catch, you’re not just watching a play; you’re watching the embodiment of athleticism. You’re witnessing raw talent mixed with immense determination. This is the beauty of football!

So as we savor these moments, let us celebrate these remarkable athletes who are not merely catching a football but are crafting highlights that will endure. This is the essence of sport, the pursuit of greatness, and the magic of the one-handed catch in all its glory!

I’m Gail Nobles. Thank you for listening to EPS.

Photo: All-Pro Reels - https://www.flickr.com/photos/joeglo/51664923611/
Usage:  Wikipedia  CC BY-SA 2.0
Story by: Gail Nobles

You’ve heard of Ja Morant. player for the Memphis Grizzlies of the National Basketball Association (NBA)? I call him Ja Morant “Magician”. I call him Magician because the name captures his playmaking skills and ability to make impressive passes. He makes things happen. The name Magician  highlights his proficiency in setting up his teammates for easy baskets. He can create plays out of nothing. The name emphasizes his magical passing ability.

Ja Morant—the spark plug for the Memphis Grizzlies in the NBA! He conjures up extraordinary plays with a flick of his wrist!

You see, Ja doesn't just play basketball; he performs! He dances around defenders, leaving them bewildered and gasping, like they're caught up in a spell. His passing is nothing short of wizardry! With a mere flick, he sets up his teammates for those slam dunk moments that makes the crowd cheer. It’s like he’s pulling rabbits out of hats—who knew a basketball could have such a magical twist?

And let's talk about his ability to create plays out of thin air! It’s as if he has a crystal ball, predicting where his teammates will be and delivering the ball right on time, right in their sweet spots. He turns ordinary basketball moments into extraordinary highlights. The name Magician captures it all perfectly—it's not just about scoring; it's about making the game come alive for everyone around him.

So, remember the name Ja Morant, and when you see him weaving his magic on the court, know that you're witnessing something truly special. The future of basketball is bright with this Magician leading the way!

I'm Gail Nobles. Thank you for listening to EPS.