Articles + Interviews
A Full-Circle Moment and Privilege of Witnessing JuJu Watkins’ Greatness
Three years after witnessing JuJu Watkins' electrifying college debut in Las Vegas, W.G. Ramirez returns to the same arena for her emotional comeback. From Kobe Bryant to Brock Purdy and Kiki Rice, 39 years of covering future stars have taught him something priceless: recognizing greatness is special, but witnessing its resilience is unforgettable.
CHASE: The Sisterhood Neither of Us Saw Coming
An ocean separates us. A generation stands between us. Yet in six short months, Chase became the little sister I never knew I needed. From heartfelt conversations to unexpected moments of emotional support, our friendship transcended age, distance and circumstance. What began on TikTok became something far more meaningful: a bond built on trust, loyalty, unconditional love and the beautiful gift of chosen family.
COLUMN: While Demanding Respect, A’ja Wilson Can’t Afford to Cross the Line
After covering A’ja Wilson since her rookie season, I know the respect she deserves. But in a heated playoff moment, Wilson crossed a line that created an unnecessary risk for herself, her teammates and the Aces’ championship hopes.
Built to Last: Wilson, Gray and Young Remain Heart of Aces’ Dynasty
Three championships. Four years. One constant: A’ja Wilson, Chelsea Gray and Jackie Young. Different supporting casts, same championship core. Fueled by trust, pressure and greatness, the Aces’ Big Three aren’t done building their legacy.
Kelly one of many talented players awaiting WNBA call after being waived
Deja Kelly joined the Las Vegas Aces on a training camp contract and turned in an impressive 20 minutes in her two preseason appearances, registering 24 points, three turnovers and three assists. The Oregon-product was waived on May 12.
Henderson’s Kailin Chio takes gymnastics world by storm in freshman season
LSU’s Kailin Chio set a conference record when she was named SEC Freshman of the Week nine times this season. The Southern Nevada native is also a seven-time All-American after just her first season with the Tigers.
Sports Leadership students learn realities of life from annual ‘Baggage’ project
From ‘Hashtags’ to ‘Baggage’, Sports Leadership students learn realities of life by sharing their harbored throughs in a mental health essay
New Aces assistant Ty Ellis says right environment has him embracing new role
Las Vegas assistant coach Ty Ellis has embraced Southern Nevada as his new home, and looks forward to a long stay with his wife Ericka and son Tyler.
Jewell Loyd ready for challenge that comes with playing for Las Vegas Aces
Jewell Loyd said she’s been smiling every since learning she’d be playing for the Las Vegas Aces after being acquired as part of a three-team trade also involving Kelsey Plum, who is now with the Los Angeles Sparks,.
APEX Predators raising standards for flag football in Southern Nevada
Las Vegas’ APEX Predators have helped set standards in flag football while continuing to grow the sport in not only Southern Nevada, but across the nation.
Sug Sutton finds sweet spot with Phoenix Mercury
Sug Sutton found herself out of the WNBA for two seasons, but never gave up hope. Now, she’s become an integral part of the playoff-contending Phoenix Mercury.
'Fight Night' in Las Vegas always has meant more than just boxing
There has always been something special about Fight Night in Las Vegas. For decades, the Entertainment Capital of the World has widely been recognized as the Boxing Capital of the World, too.
A’One since Day One… A’ja Wilson’s been that
Delayed, but not denied. It's been A'ja Wilson's mantra for a while now, assuring her adoring fans her time was coming. The Nike shoe deal was only a matter of time, the face of the WNBA kept inferring. Before Wilson's May 11 homecoming in Columbia, South Carolina, where the Las Vegas Aces dominated Puerto Rico 102-50 in front of 13,507 fans, the delay was over.
Smith, Stephenson embrace Christmas as first-time dads
Golden Knights wives Tasha Stephenson, l, and Melissa Smith hold their newborns, Ford and Isla, respectively, donning personalized baby tops as they watch their fathers, Chandler and Reilly, play recently at T-Mobile Arena.
L.A. sparked by a Rae of light
Rae Burrell always had a knack for finding competition growing up. From the basketball court to the soccer field, Burrell utilized all her skills to maximize her athletic ability whenever she got the chance. This past April she was selected 9th overall by the Los Angeles Sparks in the WNBA Draft.
Sam Thomas’ WNBA arrival came with a huge assist
Sam Thomas is in the WNBA on her own laurels, make no mistake about it. But she couldn't have asked for a better chauffeur to training camp than the person commonly referred to as the GOAT - legend Diana Taurasi.
Sometimes believing in something deeper, is coping
I pay tribute to my own grandfather, Andrew E. Anka, and explain how I was able to transition from my pain of losing him while I was 23, to coping by looking at the next chapter of my life.
Hawley family isn’t coping; they endure
Brooke Hawley was one of three teenagers killed when a drunk driver slammed into their stopped car at a stoplight. A fourth teen survived. Life as the Hawley family knew it - full of laughter, and vibrancy, and energy, and wildness, and love, and camping, and hunting, and trips to their cabin - ended abruptly. The Hawley's nightmare continues.
Fleury has found peace since father’s passing
When Marc-Andre Fleury and I spoke in late February, he admitted it took some time to get used to playing games and not having his father to call. It was a tradition he enjoyed following games, be it directly afterward or the next day. It was something he looked forward to, quite frankly, any day of the week. Those normal everyday conversations fathers and sons have, Fleury doesn't anymore.
Lupo Masden: Saving lives, one at a time
Jody Lupo Masden and I met when she was in high school. I was covering a wide variety of community topics, and she was softball star at Bishop Gorman High School. Her parents, Joe and Sandy, are wonderful people I also became close with. Nearly 25 years later, Jody is an influential member of the Clark County Juvenile Probation Department, changing youths lives for the better, in some cases saving them. I spoke to Jody and her husband Aaron, also a juvenile probation officer, and how these kids are just as impactful as they are to them.
Subscribe to my newsletter.
Sign up with your email address to receive my latest articles directly to your inbox.