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  • Shooting woes doom Trojans against crosstown rivals

    Eric Lambkins II, Sports Reporter|Jan 4, 2024

    In one of the most important women's basketball games in history between the UCLA Bruins and the USC Trojans Juju Watkins and McKenzie Forbes fought out of jams and dug their team out of holes. Yet, despite their grit, the USC duo couldn't conjure that final surge to triumph in the packed and buzzing Pauley Pavilion on the UCLA campus. Both of their schools rarely fill half their arenas but on December 30, 2023, UCLA packed the house. They all came to see No. 2 UCLA (12-0) battle No. 6 USC...

  • Small things paying big dividends for the Clippers

    Eric Lambkins II, Sports Reporter|Dec 21, 2023

    The little things, they say, make all the difference in winning or losing in sports. Those nitty-gritty details, the stuff that rarely finds its way onto the box score, that's where champions carve their path. And amid this Clippers' whirlwind, that truth stands taller than ever. Since James Harden waltzed into the Clippers' world, it's been a tale of redemption, a saga of triumphs rising from the heap of a 0-6 start. But amid the glitz of Harden's arrival, there's a quieter hero, Paul George, t...

  • Muasau provides spark as Garbers saves the day in LA Bowl for Bruins

    Eric Lambkins II, Sports Reporter|Dec 21, 2023

    In the heart of Inglewood, where the final chapter of the Pac-12 Bruins unfolded, it ended a tale of a season wrapped in peaks and valleys. UCLA stumbled into the LA Bowl, carrying the weight of a brutal final game against California and the aftermath of their defensive coordinator's departure to their cross-town rivals. The team needed cohesion, and they needed it fast. Amidst the turmoil, there stood Darius Muasau, a beacon of commitment and passion for the UCLA football program. The Bruins...

  • Muasau provides spark as Garbers saves the day in LA Bowl for Bruins

    Eric Lambkins II, II Sports Reporter|Dec 21, 2023

    In the heart of Inglewood, where the final chapter of the Pac-12 Bruins unfolded, it ended a tale of a season wrapped in peaks and valleys. UCLA stumbled into the LA Bowl, carrying the weight of a brutal final game against California and the aftermath of their defensive coordinator's departure to their cross-town rivals. The team needed cohesion, and they needed it fast. Amidst the turmoil, there stood Darius Muasau, a beacon of commitment and passion for the UCLA football program. The Bruins...

  • Watkins continues to lead the USC women's basketball team

    Eric Lambkins II, Sports Reporter|Dec 21, 2023

    In the heart of Los Angeles there was a player born with more than just skills. Juju Watkins was raised on grit and purpose. That same unwavering determination shone bright last Sunday, catching the attention of LeBron James and his daughter, Zhuri, who stuck around after watching Bronny James make his collegiate debut after suffering cardiac arrest in the summer. Watkins, the freshman phenom and the second-leading scorer in the nation, scored her season average 27 points in 28 minutes and...

  • Watkins continues to lead the USC women's basketball team

    Eric Lambkins II, Sports Reporter|Dec 14, 2023

    In the heart of Los Angeles there was a player born with more than just skills. Juju Watkins was raised on grit and purpose. That same unwavering determination shone bright last Sunday, catching the attention of LeBron James and his daughter, Zhuri, who stuck around after watching Bronny James make his collegiate debut after suffering cardiac arrest in the summer. Watkins, the freshman phenom and the second-leading scorer in the nation, scored her season average 27 points in 28 minutes and...

  • Watkins continues to lead the USC women's basketball team

    Eric Lambkins II, Sports Reporter|Dec 14, 2023

    In the heart of Los Angeles there was a player born with more than just skills. Juju Watkins was raised on grit and purpose. That same unwavering determination shone bright last Sunday, catching the attention of LeBron James and his daughter, Zhuri, who stuck around after watching Bronny James make his collegiate debut after suffering cardiac arrest in the summer. Watkins, the freshman phenom and the second-leading scorer in the nation, scored her season average 27 points in 28 minutes and recorded five assists and five steals to lead No. 6...

  • Watkins continues to lead the USC women's basketball team

    ric Lambkins II, Sports Reporter|Dec 14, 2023

    In the heart of Los Angeles there was a player born with more than just skills. Juju Watkins was raised on grit and purpose. That same unwavering determination shone bright last Sunday, catching the attention of LeBron James and his daughter, Zhuri, who stuck around after watching Bronny James make his collegiate debut after suffering cardiac arrest in the summer. Watkins, the freshman phenom and the second-leading scorer in the nation, scored her season average 27 points in 28 minutes and...

  • Juju Watkins nets fifth 30-point game in win over San Diego

    Eric Lambkins II, Sports Reporter|Dec 7, 2023

    LOS ANGELES - She is a modern-day Rembrandt painting in vivid hues through a remarkable streak at the start of this season. JuJu Watkins is weaving a narrative that's turning heads. For the fifth time in seven games Watkins has scored 30 points or more for the 7-0 Lady Trojans basketball team. Last Sunday, the No. 6 ranked Southern California team cruised to an 89-58 victory over San Diego, led by the phenomenal Watkins. She's already etched her name in USC lore, surpassing the legendary Lisa...

  • USC football fires Grinch, faces Oregon Saturday

    Eric Lambkins II, Sports Reporter|Nov 9, 2023

    It was like a heavyweight bout, with both teams slugging while staggering and stumbling while slugging. It was a tale of the reigning Heisman, Southern California's Caleb Williams elusive, evasive and efficient, versus Washington's Michael Penix Jr. who was calm, cool and calculated. Ultimately, Washington walked out of the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum victorious over USC in a 52-42 bout before 72,243 fans last Saturday night. What remained was another wasted masterpiece by Williams, another...

  • No restrictions for James in win over the Clippers

    Eric Lambkins II|Nov 2, 2023

    Lakers coach Darvin Ham stands on the sideline with his hands in his pocket, resolute, resolved and relaxed, yet he is sandwiched by a dilemma. Ham must manage LeBron James' minutes restriction while bringing out the best in Anthony Davis. Last Wednesday night during their 135-125 overtime win against the Clippers there were no restrictions. James played 42 minutes and Davis played 48 minutes. James scored 35 points, 13-19, grabbed 12 rebounds and dished out seven assists. Davis scored 27...

  • Trojans suffer heartbreaking loss to Utah, face Cal on Saturday

    Eric Lambkins II, Sports Reporter|Oct 26, 2023

    No longer is USC's offense, led by Caleb Williams able to stave off having an execrable defense. For the third time in two years, the Utah Utes defeated the Southern California Trojans, this time 34-32, at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in front of 61,551 fans last Saturday night. The Trojans, bathed in the bright lights of the Coliseum, were supposed to win games like this. It was a Pac-12 home showdown against the reigning conference champions, a shot at redemption after last season's...

  • LeBron James is more than a great basketball player, he's a father

    Eric Lambkins II, Sports Reporter|Oct 12, 2023

    "Nothing else matters besides my family," he said, his voice carrying the weight of years of triumphs and tribulations. "No matter what's going on in your life, the only thing that matters is your family." It's a rare glimpse into the heart and soul of LeBron James, the towering Laker figure who has been many things to many people during his five seasons with the franchise. On Laker Media Day last Monday in El Segundo, he was something else entirely. He was more than an NBA legend and an...

  • USC Trojans Shine, Win Possible Farewell to Classic Rivalry

    Eric Lambkins II, Sports Reporter|Sep 14, 2023

    After over a century of fierce competition, the future of the classic rivalry between the USC Trojans and the Stanford Cardinal remains uncertain. In the final scheduled meeting between these two storied programs, the Trojans left no doubt about their dominance with a resounding 56-10 victory last Saturday night before 67,213 at the Los Angeles Coliseum. Led by the dynamic Caleb Williams, the Trojans showcased their status in the journey toward championship glory. Williams, playing only in the...

  • Trojan defense leaves much to be revealed

    Eric Lambkins II, Culver City Observer|Sep 7, 2023

    The heart and soul of USC came alive as students, alumni, and passionate fans gathered at the iconic Los Angeles Coliseum. An air of anticipation permeated the atmosphere, a collective hope that the Trojans would rise triumphantly against San José State in last Saturday's season opener. The Coliseum buzzed with the chatter of eager supporters, the aroma of sizzling food wafting from tailgate grills mingling with the cold drinks. But as the Trojan defense took to the field, it was clear that...

  • Defense leads the way for the Centaurs

    Eric Lambkins II, Sports Reporter|Jul 27, 2023

    The Culver City Centaurs have held their passing league invitational for the past four years, but this year was different. Last week they entered the tournament expecting to win it all. And win they did, as the Culver City Centaurs emerged victorious, capturing the summer passing league championship after a hard-fought battle against the North High School Saxons on the Culver City high school football field. The championship game was a thrilling contest that kept fans on the edge of their seats until the very end. In a game reminiscent of the l...

  • Defense leads the way for the Centaurs

    Eric Lambkins II, Sports Reporter|Jul 20, 2023

    The Culver City Centaurs have held their passing league invitational for the past four years, but this year was different. Last week they entered the tournament expecting to win it all. And win they did, as the Culver City Centaurs emerged victorious, capturing the summer passing league championship after a hard-fought battle against the North High School Saxons on the Culver City high school football field. The championship game was a thrilling contest that kept fans on the edge of their seats...

  • She Got Next, empowering girls to shine in basketball and beyond

    Eric Lambkins II, Sports Reporter|Jul 20, 2023

    Basketball has always been a game of skill, passion, and determination. Traditionally, male athletes have dominated the sport, but times are changing. In a world increasingly focused on gender equality and empowerment, programs like "She Got Next" are paving the way for a new generation of talented female basketball players. Designed exclusively for girls between 10 and 17, this transformative camp held last Saturday at Los Angeles Trade Tech College brought together 52 aspiring athletes nationw...

  • She Got Next, empowering girls to shine in basketball and beyond

    Eric Lambkins II, Sports Reporter|Jul 13, 2023

    Basketball has always been a game of skill, passion, and determination. Traditionally, male athletes have dominated the sport, but times are changing. In a world increasingly focused on gender equality and empowerment, programs like "She Got Next" are paving the way for a new generation of talented female basketball players. Designed exclusively for girls between 10 and 17, this transformative camp held last Saturday at Los Angeles Trade Tech College brought together 52 aspiring athletes nationwide. With a focus on ball handling, shooting, cond...

  • Can the Clippers breakthrough to the finals without Paul George?

    Eric Lambkins II|Apr 13, 2023

    It's that time of the year again. The NBA playoffs are upon us, and the Los Angeles Clippers are once again in the mix. But will they overcome their notorious playoff misfortune and make a deep run this year? The bad news is the Clippers will be without their lone 2023 All-star player, Paul George, for the start of the playoffs. George hyperextended his knee during a game against the Oklahoma City Thunder in late March when he collided with Lue Dort. The team has been cautious with his recovery...

  • Reflections on a King

    Eric Lambkins II, Sports Reporter|Jan 26, 2023

    The burden of a king is heavy and complex; he is liable for the welfare of their kingdom, and criticism follows at every turn. However, their name stands the test of time if they rule with grace as legends. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., one of the most prominent moral leaders this nation has produced, was celebrated last week but when it comes to Black athletes like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Bill Russell, Jim Brown and Muhammad Ali that stood tall in the civil rights movement LeBron James of the...

  • Fresno State runs over Washington State in LA Bowl

    Eric Lambkins II, Sports Reporter|Dec 22, 2022

    INGLEWOOD, Calif. - In their final collegiate game, Jake Haener and Jordan Mims helped Fresno State solidify the most improbable turnaround in NCAA history. Haener threw for 280 yards and two touchdowns, and Mims ran for 209 yards and two touchdowns to lead the Bulldogs (10-4) to a 29-6 LA Bowl victory last Saturday over Washington State (7-6) before 35,500 fans at Sofi Stadium. Haener connected on 24 of 36 passes for two touchdowns and no interceptions. Fresno State put up 501 yards total and...

  • Williams puts USC football on another level

    Eric Lambkins II, Sports Reporter|Dec 1, 2022

    When Lincoln Riley said he planned to win a championship at Southern California over the summer at the Pac-12 Media Day, many people scoffed at the notion. It turns our Riley was right, whether it was hubris or faith that led him to believe he would impact the culture and success at USC in his first year. As he predicted, the Trojans are primed at a title run after their season's 10-1 start. After USC stormed into the Rose Bowl and etched out a 48-45 win over UCLA Saturday night, they can make...

  • Williams puts USC football on another level

    Eric Lambkins II, Sports Reporter|Nov 24, 2022

    When Lincoln Riley said he planned to win a championship at Southern California over the summer at the Pac-12 Media Day, many people scoffed at the notion. It turns our Riley was right, whether it was hubris or faith that led him to believe he would impact the culture and success at USC in his first year. As he predicted, the Trojans are primed at a title run after their season's 10-1 start. After USC stormed into the Rose Bowl and etched out a 48-45 win over UCLA Saturday night, they can make...

  • Trojans run past Fresno State, face the Beavers on the road Saturday

    Eric Lambkins II, Sports Reporter|Sep 22, 2022

    Caleb Williams threw for 284 yards and two touchdowns and ran for two more and Austin Jones and Travis Dye both ran for more than 100 yards to lead No. 7 Southern California to a 45-17 nonconference victory last Saturday night over Fresno State before 67,226 at the Los Angeles Coliseum. USC entered week 3 as the #1 ranked offense in the nation and they continued to display abalanced offensive attack by gaining 517 total yards. Although USC has won each of its first three games by 10 or more...

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