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Meet Ana Zortea: The Woman Behind New York Knicks Guard Miles McBride

Following his impressive stint with the West Virginia Mountaineers, Miles “Deuce” McBride was chosen as the 36th overall pick in the second round of the 2021 NBA draft by the Oklahoma City Thunder. However, that very night, he found himself traded to the New York Knicks.

Since stepping onto the NBA stage, McBride has developed a reputation as a formidable defender and a dependable shooter, showcasing his ability to influence the game on both offense and defense. While his professional journey in New York continues to gain momentum, there’s growing curiosity about his personal life, particularly his relationship with his longtime girlfriend, Ana Zortea.

Here’s a closer look at Zortea and her connection with McBride.

How long McBride and Zortea have been together

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Their romance traces back to their college days, as McBride and Zortea are college sweethearts. They crossed paths at West Virginia University, introduced by mutual friends soon after Zortea began her graduate studies in Morgantown in 2021.

At the time, Zortea didn’t know McBride played basketball.

“People were coming up to him to take pictures with him, and I thought he was a famous TikToker or something,” she recalled to BET. “Because he wasn’t the tallest guy in the room–he’s 6-foot-2–you don’t immediately think, ‘Oh, he’s a basketball player.’ I was so into TikTok that I thought he was a famous TikToker for a second. Then I found out he wasn’t; he was a very good basketball player.”

They’ve been together ever since.

Zortea is an athlete as well

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Zortea is from Criciúma, Brazil. She was born on May 4, 2000, and moved to the U.S. when she was 16, hoping to become a professional swimmer.

She earned a swimming scholarship to Florida State University and received her bachelor’s degree in international affairs. She then enrolled in WVU John Chambers College of Business and Economics.

Zortea has worked in TV and became the first female host of the Brazilian show Na Estrada. She also appeared in the soap opera Avenida Brasil.

Today, she is a content creator on TikTok and has done modeling on Instagram. She boasts hundreds of thousands of followers on each platform.

How many children McBride and Zortea have together

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In June 2025, the couple welcomed their first child together, a daughter they named Ace Katherine.

When it came to choosing her name, Zortea wanted something short starting with “A” to follow the tradition of her mother and grandmother, so they decided on Ace. For her middle name, they picked a name beginning with “K” which honors the women in McBride’s family.

Zortea bursts with pride while talking about what McBride is like as a father to their baby girl.

“I fall more in love with him every single day,” she told BET. “He’s been obsessed with her from the second she was born. He announced it to the whole world while I was still recovering from a C-section. He went ahead and posted a picture and everybody started messaging him. He’s always been protective, even with his little sister growing up, so it’s the cutest thing to see him with his own little girl.”

Karmelo Anthony Convicted of Murder in Austin Metcalf Stabbing at Texas Track Meet

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Karmelo Anthony, a teenager from Texas, was found guilty of murder following a fatal altercation at a high school track meet. The tragic incident, which claimed the life of 17-year-old Austin Metcalf, a fellow high school athlete, has sparked significant public discourse.

Jurors reached their verdict in just under three hours, affirming Anthony’s guilt in the April 2025 incident. According to NBC News, the case was closely followed and fueled a nationwide conversation about the circumstances of the confrontation and whether Anthony’s actions were a case of self-defense.

This tragic event unfolded on April 2, 2025, when the Frisco Police Department received an urgent call about a stabbing at Memorial High School during a track meet. Responding officers discovered that a conflict between Anthony and Metcalf had escalated to a deadly level, resulting in Metcalf being fatally stabbed.

What happened to Austin Metcalf?

The incident has drawn widespread attention, not only due to the severity of the act but also because it occurred in a setting meant to celebrate youth and sportsmanship. As the community grapples with the verdict, the case continues to resonate beyond Texas, highlighting critical discussions about youth violence and safety in schools.

According to authorities, then-17-year-old Karmelo and Austin, got into an altercation, which ended when Austin was fatally stabbed.

Witnesses told police that students were huddled under a tent at the track to avoid the rain when Austin told Karmelo to leave the reserved area, according to a probable cause affidavit previously viewed by Oxygen.

In response, Karmelo allegedly told Austin, per the affidavit, “Touch me and see what happens,” leading to a fight.

“Austin grabbed [Karmelo] to tell him to move, and [Karmelo] pulled out what [a witness] recalled as a black knife and stabbed Austin once in the chest and then ran away,” according to witness statements obtained by Oxygen. “Austin began grabbing his chest and telling everyone to get help.”

When police arrived, Karmelo allegedly claimed he was protecting himself, according to charging documents. Then, when a school officer referred to Karmelo as the “alleged suspect,” Karmelo allegedly responded, “I’m not alleged; I did it,” according to the charging documents. “He put his hands on me. I told him not to.”

Despite life-saving efforts, Austin died from his injuries, authorities confirmed at the time.

How did the Karmelo Anthony trial play out?

Karmelo was arrested for murder and pleaded not guilty, according to court records viewed by Oxygen.

His trial began on June 1 and hinged upon whether he’d acted in self-defense when he stabbed Austin.

Karmelo’s defense attorney, Mike Howard, did not immediately request for comment from Oxygen during the proceedings. According to NBC News, Howard argued in court that his client reacted to “fear and chaos.”

“After Karmelo defended himself with that knife, he ran,” he said, per the outlet. “He didn’t stab again. He dropped the knife. He didn’t stab anyone else.”

Meanwhile, the prosecution argued that Karmelo’s use of force was unjustified.

Among the evidence they presented was testimony from Collin County Chief Medical Examiner Elizabeth Ventura, who shared that Austin was stabbed through the heart, with the knife leaving a “gaping” two-inch stab wound, according to Fox 7.

What happens next for Karmelo Anthony?

Karmelo, now 19, was 17 years old at the time of the fatal incident. In Texas 17-year-olds are considered adults in the criminal justice system, according to the Collin County District Attorney’s Office.

Now, the teen’s trial has moved into the sentencing phase, CBS News reports.

Before it began, Karmelo’s mother asked the jury to “please have mercy on [her] son,” according to NBC News, saying he was “very sorry for what he did.”

With his conviction, Karmelo faces a sentence of five to 99 years, or life, in prison.

Urgent Manhunt: NYC Suspect Wanted for Disturbing Break-In and Assault on 8-Year-Old

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Authorities are urgently searching for a suspect, identified as 35-year-old Tishawn Maile, who is accused of a disturbing crime involving the break-in and sexual assault of a young girl. This shocking incident unfolded in the early hours of May 25, leaving a community in distress and a family seeking justice.

The unsettling event occurred near the intersection of De Reimer Avenue and Bussing Avenue, where the child was asleep in her bedroom. According to the NYPD, Maile allegedly entered the home by forcing his way through a bedroom window, a violation that shattered the safety and security of this household.


Mugshot of a Black man with short, dark, curly hair and a beard, wearing a white tank top, with NYPD Crime Stoppers information.
Tishawn Maile, 35, is wanted for breaking into an 8-year-old girl’s bedroom and waking her up as he performed a sex act. NYPD

The young girl awoke to a horrifying scene, reportedly finding the intruder exposing himself and engaging in a lewd act. The trauma of such an encounter is unimaginable, and the police are actively pursuing Maile to hold him accountable for this heinous act.

After the assault, Maile fled on foot, heading east on Bussing Avenue. Investigators describe him as having a medium complexion, and at the time of the incident, he was reportedly wearing a black sweater with a white logo, black pants, a gray skullcap, and black sneakers.


Surveillance footage of an individual in a light-colored sweatshirt and dark pants walking on a sidewalk next to a car.
Maile allegedly fled the location on foot and traveled eastbound on Bussing Avenue NYPD

The police urge anyone with information about Maile’s whereabouts to come forward, as the community rallies to support the young victim and bring this suspect to justice. This case is a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance and community cooperation in maintaining neighborhood safety.

Police are urging anyone with information about Maile’s whereabouts to call the NYPD’s Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477) or for Spanish, 1-888-57-PISTA (74782).

South Carolina District 1 Candidate Enters Runoff with Renewed Optimism


MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C.—Democratic candidate Mac Deford from South Carolina’s First Congressional District expressed his thoughts Tuesday evening as he prepares for a runoff election.

Deford will compete against fellow Democrat Nacy Lacore in the runoff since neither contender surpassed the 50% vote threshold required for an outright win.

Having previously run in 2024, Deford narrowly missed victory by just a few hundred votes. This time, however, he believes the circumstances have changed.

“To begin with, early voting figures reveal that over 10,000 additional people participated in early voting for the Democratic primary in our district,” Deford commented. “This suggests that voters are more engaged and determined to cast their ballots. Additionally, I believe people are more attentive to the political landscape and are demanding higher standards from their elected officials.”

On Tuesday night, Deford hosted a watch party in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, where he shared his reactions shortly after learning he would advance to the runoff election.

“We’re in a runoff and the difference in this runoff could not be clearer,” Deford Said.  “On one side, we’ve got a candidate who knows the Lowcountry, who has fought for the Lowcountry and who has served in the Lowcountry, who is backed by the Lowcountry. Supported by the Lowcountry.”

Deford said moving forward, he and his team will be working all-hands-on-deck until the runoff election day.  

Major Absconder Crackdown in Bristol: 10 Arrested, 17 Warrants Executed


In a concerted effort to enforce law and order, a two-day operation in late May led to the successful capture of several fugitives evading probation or parole in the Bristol area, straddling the Tennessee and Virginia border. This initiative underscores the commitment of local and federal law enforcement agencies to uphold justice and community safety.

The Bristol, Virginia Police Department (BVPD) spearheaded this operation, collaborating closely with the Virginia Department of Corrections Probation and Parole Division, the U.S. Marshals Service, as well as sheriff’s offices from Washington County, Virginia, and Sullivan County, Tennessee. This multi-agency approach highlights the importance of cooperation in addressing cross-jurisdictional criminal issues.

During the operation, law enforcement officers targeted 35 locations linked to individuals with outstanding warrants. Their efforts, which took place over May 26 and 27, involved direct contact attempts and follow-up investigations to ensure thoroughness in tracking down those who had absconded.

Taylor Swift Stuns with Unexpected Appearance at Toy Story 5 Premiere

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Taylor Swift turned heads with her chic appearance at the Los Angeles premiere of Toy Story 5 on Tuesday.

The 36-year-old pop sensation made an eye-catching entrance at the Dolby Theatre, donning a stunning off-the-shoulder dress by Erdem. The outfit, known for its leggy silhouette, was embellished and crafted from denim, featuring a corseted bodice with a raw hem and adorned with eclectic patches.

Swift completed her ensemble with a pair of elegant open-toe gold heels, and stayed true to her iconic look with her signature red lipstick.

Her hairstyle was equally sophisticated, as she opted for a half-up, half-down do, allowing her thick bangs to gracefully frame her face. Adding a touch of sparkle, she accessorized with a diamond horseshoe pendant necklace, seemingly a nod to Jessie, the cowgirl character from the film.

The highly anticipated Pixar sequel also includes a brand-new song from Swift, titled “I Knew It, I Knew You,” showcasing her continued influence in both music and film.

The song, which Disney describes as ‘a return to Taylor Swift’s country roots’, draws inspiration from Jessie’s storyline in the franchise and was crafted with the help of Swift’s longtime collaborator Jack Antonoff.

It comes amid news that Swift and Travis Kelce’s lavish summer wedding is gearing up to be a very pricey affair. 

Taylor Swift, 36, made a stylish appearance at the Toy Story 5 premiere in Los Angeles on Tuesday

Taylor Swift, 36, made a stylish appearance at the Toy Story 5 premiere in Los Angeles on Tuesday

The Love Story hitmaker and the Kansas City Chiefs tight end, 36, have reportedly rented New York City’s Madison Square Garden to host their wedding over the Fourth of July weekend.

The power couple are said to have paid well into the millions for the venue, which they have booked for at least three days – one day for set up, the day of the wedding, and the day after – according to TMZ.

Swift and Kelce did not get any discounts on the arena, which is reported to cost about $1 million per night. The singer has performed a total of eight sold-out shows at Madison Square Garden throughout her career. 

However, sources said the pair had to pay full price, as the venue is owned by a publicly traded company, Madison Square Garden Entertainment Corp., which must prioritize shareholders. 

The Daily Mail has reached out to Madison Square Garden as well as representatives for Swift and Kelce for comment. 

Sources reported that the venue has several dark days scheduled ahead of the July 3 wedding event, which the singer is reportedly utilizing to set up something special for the occasion. 

The World’s Most Famous Arena also offers a great amount of privacy for the superstar and her A-list guests, as there are no windows at the venue and there is underground parking. 

While specific details about the ceremony remain tightly under wraps, the multi-day setup suggests that it will be an extravagant production.

The singer stole the spotlight as she made an unexpected arrival in a leggy off-the-shoulder embellished dress by Erdem

The singer stole the spotlight as she made an unexpected arrival in a leggy off-the-shoulder embellished dress by Erdem 

The Pixar sequel features a brand-new original track from the superstar, titled I Knew It, I Knew You

The Pixar sequel features a brand-new original track from the superstar, titled I Knew It, I Knew You 

It comes amid news that her and Travis Kelce's, 36, lavish summer wedding is gearing up to be a very pricey affair; The pair pictured May 16 in New York City

It comes amid news that her and Travis Kelce’s, 36, lavish summer wedding is gearing up to be a very pricey affair; The pair pictured May 16 in New York City

The duo have reportedly rented New York City's Madison Square Garden to host their wedding and paid well into the millions for the venue, which they have booked for at least three days, according to TMZ

The duo have reportedly rented New York City’s Madison Square Garden to host their wedding and paid well into the millions for the venue, which they have booked for at least three days, according to TMZ

Swift and Kelce did not get any discounts on the arena, which is reported to cost about $1 million per night. The singer has performed a total of eight sold-out shows at the venue throughout her career; Seen performing at MSG in 2009

Swift and Kelce did not get any discounts on the arena, which is reported to cost about $1 million per night. The singer has performed a total of eight sold-out shows at the venue throughout her career; Seen performing at MSG in 2009

Earlier this week a source told the Daily Mail that Swift’s legendary ‘Taymerica’ party could be making a comeback this year – this time as her own wedding.

The pair have decided to ’embrace the spectacle’ by hosting their wedding at the iconic venue, which can hold up to 22,000 people and is best known for hosting major concerts and sporting events.

The ceremony is believed to be taking place on July 3 – just ahead of Independence Day celebrations, raising the prospect that invited guests could find themselves attending a modern-day version of ‘Taymerica’ – Swift’s famous Fourth of July parties that once dominated social media.

The NFL star’s own words in his new book also appeared to suggest the nuptials could have a patriotic theme honoring the US military and men and women ‘who protect this country.’

In No Dumb Questions: And All of Our Dumbest Answers, the new book Kelce wrote with his brother Jason, the pair discussed their love for America and what makes Independence Day so special.

‘There is something around being around servicemen around Fourth of July that just makes it like that much more meaningful,’ Jason wrote.

‘It really hits you more, I feel like. It’s hard to come up with a great memory of Fourth of July because it’s really just being around the people. It always comes down to family, friends. It’s the one day that we all get to celebrate that we’re in this country together.

‘Thanksgiving is more family oriented. Fourth of July is like: “We’re America, bubba, and this is the big day that we became America.”‘

The nuptials are expected to take place over Independence Day weekend, sparking speculation of a patriotic celebration inspired by the singer's famous star-studded 'Taymerica' bash

The nuptials are expected to take place over Independence Day weekend, sparking speculation of a patriotic celebration inspired by the singer’s famous star-studded ‘Taymerica’ bash 

The pop singer's annual Fourth of July celebrations became a viral celebrity moment as she was seen posing with friends Gigi Hadid and Cara Delevingne in red, white, and blue

The pop singer’s annual Fourth of July celebrations became a viral celebrity moment as she was seen posing with friends Gigi Hadid and Cara Delevingne in red, white, and blue

Later, Travis chimed in to say he ‘couldn’t have said it better,’ agreeing that the celebration is about ‘those who protect this country today.’

Kelce has been frank about his patriotism in the past and last July 4th posted a picture of some fireworks on Instagram and wrote: ‘Cheers to you, oh beautiful America.’

Swift is known to be a huge fan of the holiday herself thanks to her famous Fourth of July parties, her last being in 2016 – which included giant water slides, towels and swimsuits in red, white and blue to celebrate America at her Rhode Island mansion.

Social media photos showed the pop singer posing with Cara Delevingne and Gigi Hadid in red, white and blue swimwear while waving American flags, helping cement the event as one of the defining celebrity gatherings of the era.

The festivities generated headlines around the world and became so synonymous with Swift that fans coined the nickname ‘Taymerica.’

The star has been known to have admiration for the military too and has a history of service in her family.

Her paternal grandfather, Archie Dean Swift Jr, served in the US Marine Corps during WWII and fought in the brutal six-month long Battle of Guadalcanal in the Solomon Islands in 1942 and the Battle of Okinawa in Japan.

Speaking to Entertainment Weekly in 2020, Swift said that her grandfather ‘had seen a lot of heavy fire and casualties – all of the things that nightmares are made of’.

The atrocities he saw were the ‘actual definition of unspeakable’, Swift said.

While Swift’s grandfather died when she was very young, her father used to tell her that he would say: ‘I’m not supposed to be here. I shouldn’t be here.’

Swift was so moved by the stories that wrote the song ‘Epiphany’ about Archie, as well as healthcare workers on the front line during the Covid-19 pandemic.

In another sign of her respect for the military, in 2016 Swift made a surprise visit to her then oldest fan, 96-year-old WWII veteran Cyrus Porter, at his home in Missouri.

Porter had been to two Swift concerts with his dozens of grandchildren and credited the singer for bringing him closer to them.

Swift happens to own the most expensive private home in the Rhode Island - the historic eight-bedroom mansion High Watch in Watch Hill - which she paid $17.7 million for in 2013

Swift happens to own the most expensive private home in the Rhode Island – the historic eight-bedroom mansion High Watch in Watch Hill – which she paid $17.7 million for in 2013

Elsewhere in the book Kelce said that he would never get married in the fall because the football season is happening then: he has signed up for one more season with the Chiefs after rumors about his retirement.

For Kelce, football appeared to be more important than anyone’s wedding – including his.

Kelce said: ‘You got to be willing to find a weekend where the team isn’t playing anybody good….it’s a whole weekend thing.

‘Don’t make my friends have to not go. Everybody’s got (football) season tickets, all right? Don’t make my friends have to choose whether or not they have to sell their tickets that week’.

Outrage as Behavioral Therapist Allegedly Kicks Autistic 5-Year-Old: Police Investigation Underway

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Inset: Adolfo Salas (Maricopa County Sheriff”s Office). Background: Surveillance video of the moment after Adolfo Salas allegedly kicked a child (KSAZ).

A former behavioral therapist in Arizona has been charged with assaulting a child in his care. The incident has raised serious concerns about the safety and well-being of children at the facility.

Adolfo Salas, 42, lost his job at Soar Autism Center in Peoria, Arizona, after he was accused of an altercation with a student on June 1. As reported by CBS affiliate KPHO, Salas was involved in a one-on-one session with a 5-year-old boy who has nonverbal autism. At some point, Salas sent an alarming message via a tablet to a colleague, admitting, “I accidentally kicked him in the face.”

Salas allegedly explained to the colleague that he intended to kick a chair but mistakenly hit the child. However, surveillance footage from the center told a different story.

Footage obtained by Fox affiliate KSAZ reveals Salas interacting with the boy in the middle of the room, seemingly instructing him on how to dispose of trash. According to court documents, the boy was visibly upset and crying. Despite this, Salas proceeded to remove the trash while saying, “Thank you.”

The video then appears to show Salas lifting his right leg and kicking the boy in the face while he was on the floor. Police noted that the child cried out after the alleged kick and had a noticeable bruise by his left eye. Following the incident, Salas reportedly glared at the boy as he experienced an emotional meltdown, during which the child spat at Salas and threw items before being cornered against a wall.

Police said the boy was brought to the hospital and then released.

During Salas’ first court appearance, Deputy County Attorney Ashley Stetson said, “Had there not been that recording, there would be no one to advocate for this child, for the child cannot communicate.”

Salas was arrested at his home on June 4 and charged with aggravated assault of a minor.

KPHO obtained a message sent from Soar Autism Center to the students’ families that said Salas was fired immediately and police were notified when they found out about the incident. The message read in part, “We have zero tolerance for this and any behavior that compromises the safety or well-being of the children entrusted to our care.”

His bail was set at $5,000 during his court appearance, and he was ordered to wear an ankle monitor if he was released. He was also ordered not to go to his former workplace. He is scheduled to appear in court again on June 10 and 12.

Boost Your Inner Thigh Strength After 60: 5 Wall Exercises That Outperform Gym Machines

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If you’re looking to tone and strengthen your inner thighs, a few simple tools can make a big difference.

The inner thigh muscles, or adductors, play a crucial role in maintaining the stability of your hips, pelvis, and knees. This stability becomes increasingly important as you age, as strong inner thighs contribute to better balance and reduce the risk of falls. If you’re concerned that your current workout routine isn’t targeting this area effectively, we’ve got you covered. Here are five wall exercises that can strengthen your inner thighs more efficiently than some gym machines, especially for those over 60.

“Many people don’t pay much attention to their inner thighs until they notice issues with balance. However, these muscles are vital for keeping your hips, knees, and pelvis aligned, whether you’re walking, climbing stairs, standing from a seated position, or balancing on one leg,” says Hannah Lawrence, a Pilates Instructor and Studio Manager at Sundrop Pilates in Denver, Colorado. “I’ve observed that while people often focus on their glutes and quads, they tend to overlook the inner thighs. When these muscles are weak, it can cause other muscles to compensate, negatively impacting balance, stability, and overall movement.”

Wall-supported exercises activate your muscles differently than traditional adductor machines. According to Lawrence, these machines often eliminate important stability challenges that wall exercises provide.

Wall-supported workouts engage your muscles differently than traditional adductor machines. Lawrence says that this gym machine takes away a lot of crucial stability work.

“You’re sitting down and moving through one specific motion, which has its place, but that’s not how we move through everyday life,” she tells us. “Wall-supported exercises give you enough support to feel secure while still challenging your core, posture, and stabilizing muscles. You’re not just strengthening the inner thighs, you’re teaching the body how to work together.”

Below, Lawrence shares five wall exercises that help strengthen the inner thighs.

Wall Sit With Ball Squeeze

“This is one of those exercises that looks simple but starts burning pretty quickly. It strengthens the inner thighs while also building endurance through the legs,” Lawrence explains.

  1. Stand tall with your back pressed against a wall.
  2. Slowly slide down the wall until your knees are bent at a 90-degree angle, as if you’re sitting in a chair.
  3. Place a Pilates ball or rolled towel between your knees.
  4. Hold your wall sit while gently squeezing the ball or towel.

Standing Wall Ball Squeeze

 

“This is a great option for someone who wants to strengthen the inner thighs without putting extra stress on the joints,” Lawrence tells us.

  1. Begin standing tall with your back pressed against a wall.
  2. Place a Pilates ball between your thighs.
  3. Perform small pulses or squeezes while maintaining a tall posture.

“I use variations of this all the time in Pilates because it does a great job of isolating the inner thigh without letting other muscles take over. The wall helps keep your hips aligned so you can really feel the right muscles working,” Lawrence points out.

  1. Start by lying on your side next to a wall with your body forming a straight line.
  2. Press your top foot lightly into the wall at about hip level
  3. Extend your bottom leg straight along the mat.
  4. Place your top hand on the mat for support.
  5. Brace your core and lift your bottom leg up toward the ceiling, squeezing through your inner thigh.
  6. Hold at the top for a moment before lowering.
  7. Repeat on the other side.

Wall-Supported Standing Adductor Squeeze

 

“This one works the inner thighs while also challenging balance and body awareness,” Lawrence tells us.

  1. Begin standing tall.
  2. Place your hands on the wall for light support and a small ball between your ankles or knees.
  3. Squeeze the ball while maintaining a tall posture.
  4. Use control to release.

Wall Bridge With Ball Squeeze

“I like this exercise because it works the inner thighs, glutes, and hamstrings at the same time. It’s especially great for anyone who isn’t comfortable doing a lot of standing exercises but still wants to build lower-body strength,” Lawrence says.

  1. Lie flat on your back.
  2. Place your feet on the wall and a ball between your knees.
  3. Lift your hips into a bridge while gently squeezing the ball.
  4. Use control to lower.

Stephon Castle Challenges Knicks’ Defensive Strategy

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In a thrilling moment at Madison Square Garden, Victor Wembanyama handed Stephon Castle the ball with a mere second left on the shot clock. Castle, left with no choice, launched a desperate 25-foot shot from the wing. As the buzzer pierced the air, the crowd erupted into a mix of groans and cheers—the unexpected 3-pointer had landed with less than two minutes on the clock.

As the game clock counted down to 6.8 seconds, Castle once again took center stage at the free-throw line. With nerves of steel, he sank the decisive shots, sealing a 115-111 victory in Game 3 of the NBA Finals.

“He might be the most mature player on our team,” Wembanyama praised. “He’s demonstrated time and again that he deserves our trust, and he’s fully capable of handling the pressure.”

But Castle’s contributions extended beyond his late-game heroics. The rising star from UConn, fresh off a national championship win with the Huskies, had been a thorn in the Knicks’ side all game long. He relentlessly attacked the paint, forcing Knicks defenders into constant rotations, and consistently finished strong at the rim.

The second-year standout from UConn — who won the national championship in his only season with the Huskies — punished the Knicks perimeter defenders from the tip by attacking the paint at will, finishing strong at the rim and sending Knicks defenders scrambling in rotations.

Castle scored 18 of his 25 points in the first half — combining with Wembanyama to become the first pair of teammates who are 22 or younger to each score at least 20 points in an NBA Finals game — and also finished with five rebounds, five assists, one block and one steal in 38 minutes.

Dylan Harper, 20, set the tone in San Antonio, barely a year removed from Rutgers, now repeatedly bullying his way into the lane to put up 14.6 points and 7.3 rebounds per game in the NBA Finals.

“For the most part, we kind of dictate where we want to go on the court,” Castle said Tuesday at Madison Square Garden. “I think that’s a skill that me and [Harper] both have, and it’s very useful. We’ve just got to keep continuing to use it.

“I don’t think we’ve let the defense force us to do anything all year.”

In Game 4, the Knicks need to try to make the unproven shooters beat them from deep, taking away the young guards’ confidence-building drives.

Castle has shot 5-for-14 on 3-pointers in the series but is a career 30.5 percent shooter from the perimeter. Harper is shooting 60 percent on 2-pointers in the series but is just 2-for-15 on 3-pointers in the NBA Finals, including two wide-open misses in the final 70 seconds of Game 3. 

“I feel like every night is not going to be your night,” said Harper, who had made 30.5 percent of 3-pointers in the playoffs. “[In Game 3], I couldn’t make a shot. That’s just the reality of the game. I’m going to keep on shooting them because [of] the confidence I have in myself, the confidence the team has in me.

“I can’t really hang my head too much because we’ve got a lot more basketball to be played.”

Josh Hart has been in their shoes. Throughout this playoff run, the veteran has been left alone on the outside and dared to make the opponent pay for it.

Hart wouldn’t reveal whether the Knicks would employ a similar strategy against the Spurs’ young guards, but part of the game plan is no secret.

“I’m sure we’re going to change some things and switch up some schemes to protect the paint,” Hart said. “Obviously, those guys are very dynamic when they touch the paint.”

Tragic Domestic Incident: Woman Killed, Suspect Detained for Investigation by RCSO

AUGUSTA, Ga. () – In the early hours of June 9th, law enforcement received a distress call about a domestic violence situation on Peters Road. The call came in at around 2:56 a.m., prompting a swift response from officers to the 1100 block.

Upon arrival, they found a woman in a dire state, unresponsive and with at least one puncture wound. The injured woman was quickly transported to Wellstar MCG Medical Center, but despite medical efforts, she succumbed to her injuries. Identified by Richmond County Coroner Mark Bowen, the victim was 42-year-old Sevina Walker. Bowen confirmed she had suffered at least one gunshot wound and was declared deceased at 3:38 a.m.

At the scene, officers detained a suspect, later identified as 52-year-old Terence De Miller. Following his apprehension, De Miller was taken to the Criminal Investigation Division for questioning about the tragic events of that night.

De Miller is now in custody at the Webster Detention Center, facing charges of murder in connection with the incident. The investigation continues as authorities piece together the circumstances leading to Walker’s untimely death.

A suspect was detained at the scene and transported to the Criminal Investigation Division for questioning. He has since been identified as 52-year-old Terence De Miller.

De Miller is currently being held at the Webster Detention Center. He is charged with Murder.

The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Division is actively investigating this incident.

The investigation remains ongoing, and no further information is available at this time.

This is a developing story.