Mitchell Northam
@northam67.bsky.social
Sports at USA Today
Buy my book: https://tinyurl.com/shorehoops 🏀
The Women’s Basketball Podcast: https://linktr.ee/miaandmitch 🎙️
Buy my book: https://tinyurl.com/shorehoops 🏀
The Women’s Basketball Podcast: https://linktr.ee/miaandmitch 🎙️
Pinned
Mitchell Northam
@northam67.bsky.social
· Mar 20
The coach that helped Kara Lawson build Duke back into a contender
Tia Jackson is the through-line between the great eras of Duke women’s basketball and she’s helped mold Kara Lawson into a head coach.
www.sbnation.com
“She’s been the most important figure in my growth and maturation as a head coach."
After 12 years, Duke is back on top in the ACC. The connective throughline from the last great era of Blue Devils basketball to now is Tia Jackson.
Went long on her and Kara Lawson:
www.sbnation.com/2025/3/20/24...
After 12 years, Duke is back on top in the ACC. The connective throughline from the last great era of Blue Devils basketball to now is Tia Jackson.
Went long on her and Kara Lawson:
www.sbnation.com/2025/3/20/24...
Six former Pitt women’s basketball players are suing the school and coach Tory Verdi, alleging that he created a “hostile, discriminatory, and retaliatory environment."
Verdi allegedly told one foreign-born player to “go back home because ICE is coming.”
www.usatoday.com/story/sports...
Verdi allegedly told one foreign-born player to “go back home because ICE is coming.”
www.usatoday.com/story/sports...
6 women's basketball players sue Pitt for 'hostile environment'
Pitt and its women's basketball coach Tory Verdi are being sued by six former players who allege he created a "hostile, discriminatory," environment.
www.usatoday.com
February 10, 2026 at 6:40 AM
Six former Pitt women’s basketball players are suing the school and coach Tory Verdi, alleging that he created a “hostile, discriminatory, and retaliatory environment."
Verdi allegedly told one foreign-born player to “go back home because ICE is coming.”
www.usatoday.com/story/sports...
Verdi allegedly told one foreign-born player to “go back home because ICE is coming.”
www.usatoday.com/story/sports...
This week's women's basketball notebook...
- Arianna Roberson is emerging as an off-the-bench weapon for Duke
- Big South hands down 8-game suspension
- A big mid-major job that could open
More: www.usatoday.com/story/sports...
- Arianna Roberson is emerging as an off-the-bench weapon for Duke
- Big South hands down 8-game suspension
- A big mid-major job that could open
More: www.usatoday.com/story/sports...
Freshman behind Duke's win streak, Big South suspension, hot seat watch
During Duke's 15-game win streak, freshman Arianna Roberson has emerged as a key weapon. The Big South suspends a player, and USF is a job to watch.
www.usatoday.com
February 9, 2026 at 4:11 PM
This week's women's basketball notebook...
- Arianna Roberson is emerging as an off-the-bench weapon for Duke
- Big South hands down 8-game suspension
- A big mid-major job that could open
More: www.usatoday.com/story/sports...
- Arianna Roberson is emerging as an off-the-bench weapon for Duke
- Big South hands down 8-game suspension
- A big mid-major job that could open
More: www.usatoday.com/story/sports...
5 weeks to Selection Sunday, y’all
February 9, 2026 at 3:50 AM
5 weeks to Selection Sunday, y’all
Might as well change my handle on the other app to @MitchellNorthamHatesYourTeam
February 7, 2026 at 11:19 PM
Might as well change my handle on the other app to @MitchellNorthamHatesYourTeam
The Big South has suspended Winthrop junior forward Tocarra Johnson eight games for fighting. Incident occurred in a recent game vs. High Point.
Unless Winthrop makes the Big South tourney semifinals, her season is over. #ncaaW
Unless Winthrop makes the Big South tourney semifinals, her season is over. #ncaaW
February 7, 2026 at 7:01 PM
The Big South has suspended Winthrop junior forward Tocarra Johnson eight games for fighting. Incident occurred in a recent game vs. High Point.
Unless Winthrop makes the Big South tourney semifinals, her season is over. #ncaaW
Unless Winthrop makes the Big South tourney semifinals, her season is over. #ncaaW
Reposted by Mitchell Northam
Clemson is up 2 at the break.
Last time Clemson beat North Carolina and NC State in the same season? 2000-01. (h/t @northam67.bsky.social who looked it up).
Rusne Augustinaite has 9 for Clemson, Lanie Grant has 9 for UNC.
Last time Clemson beat North Carolina and NC State in the same season? 2000-01. (h/t @northam67.bsky.social who looked it up).
Rusne Augustinaite has 9 for Clemson, Lanie Grant has 9 for UNC.
February 5, 2026 at 11:52 PM
Clemson is up 2 at the break.
Last time Clemson beat North Carolina and NC State in the same season? 2000-01. (h/t @northam67.bsky.social who looked it up).
Rusne Augustinaite has 9 for Clemson, Lanie Grant has 9 for UNC.
Last time Clemson beat North Carolina and NC State in the same season? 2000-01. (h/t @northam67.bsky.social who looked it up).
Rusne Augustinaite has 9 for Clemson, Lanie Grant has 9 for UNC.
USC Upstate is the 13th Division I school to announced the addition of a varsity women's flag football team: www.usatoday.com/story/sports...
13th NCAA Division I school to add varsity women’s flag football team
USC Upstate is the 13th NCAA Division I program to add a women's flag football team at the varsity level and the second in the Big South Conference.
www.usatoday.com
February 5, 2026 at 4:50 PM
USC Upstate is the 13th Division I school to announced the addition of a varsity women's flag football team: www.usatoday.com/story/sports...
The Winter Olympics are here, so I’m resharing one of my favorite stories from my time at WUNC, on curling and a little club in Durham.
This was my first full length radio feature. The web version also has photos from the great Kate Medley:
www.wunc.org/sports/2022-...
This was my first full length radio feature. The web version also has photos from the great Kate Medley:
www.wunc.org/sports/2022-...
The Triangle Curling Club has bounced back from COVID, just in time for the Olympics
Every four years, around the Winter Olympics, the sport of curling finds some new fans. Not surprisingly, it’s a sport played, primarily, in very cold locations. But curling also has a home right here...
www.wunc.org
February 5, 2026 at 3:40 PM
The Winter Olympics are here, so I’m resharing one of my favorite stories from my time at WUNC, on curling and a little club in Durham.
This was my first full length radio feature. The web version also has photos from the great Kate Medley:
www.wunc.org/sports/2022-...
This was my first full length radio feature. The web version also has photos from the great Kate Medley:
www.wunc.org/sports/2022-...
Been bummed out all day by the Washington Post cuts. Working for that sports section was always my dream job. I admired so many of the great writers there, and was lucky to call a few of them friends.
Incredibly idiotic, short-sighted and damaging move by Jeff Bezos.
Incredibly idiotic, short-sighted and damaging move by Jeff Bezos.
February 5, 2026 at 4:40 AM
Been bummed out all day by the Washington Post cuts. Working for that sports section was always my dream job. I admired so many of the great writers there, and was lucky to call a few of them friends.
Incredibly idiotic, short-sighted and damaging move by Jeff Bezos.
Incredibly idiotic, short-sighted and damaging move by Jeff Bezos.
the new T.I. song sounds like it came out in 2008. To be clear, this is a high compliment.
February 4, 2026 at 6:12 PM
the new T.I. song sounds like it came out in 2008. To be clear, this is a high compliment.
BRACKET WATCH - #ncaaW
- The SEC is grabbing seven top 16 seeds.
- Big opportunities loom for Clemson, Virginia Tech to get off the bubble.
- Arizona State needs help.
Read here: www.usatoday.com/story/sports...
And my full bracket in yellow pad form below… 🏀📈
- The SEC is grabbing seven top 16 seeds.
- Big opportunities loom for Clemson, Virginia Tech to get off the bubble.
- Arizona State needs help.
Read here: www.usatoday.com/story/sports...
And my full bracket in yellow pad form below… 🏀📈
February 4, 2026 at 3:18 PM
BRACKET WATCH - #ncaaW
- The SEC is grabbing seven top 16 seeds.
- Big opportunities loom for Clemson, Virginia Tech to get off the bubble.
- Arizona State needs help.
Read here: www.usatoday.com/story/sports...
And my full bracket in yellow pad form below… 🏀📈
- The SEC is grabbing seven top 16 seeds.
- Big opportunities loom for Clemson, Virginia Tech to get off the bubble.
- Arizona State needs help.
Read here: www.usatoday.com/story/sports...
And my full bracket in yellow pad form below… 🏀📈
Reposted by Mitchell Northam
Some **PERSONAL NEWS** as the go-getters say.
@burnitalldownpod.com has been on a hiatus for a couple of years. We are SO READY to return, but need your help because we don't have backing by a corporation, and need this to be sustainable.
Enter Kickstarter: www.kickstarter.com/projects/bur...
@burnitalldownpod.com has been on a hiatus for a couple of years. We are SO READY to return, but need your help because we don't have backing by a corporation, and need this to be sustainable.
Enter Kickstarter: www.kickstarter.com/projects/bur...
Burn It All Down, the feminist sports podcast you need
A new season of what haters have called a "capitalist-hating, Trump-hating, NFL protest-loving group of far-Left women."
www.kickstarter.com
February 3, 2026 at 5:11 PM
Some **PERSONAL NEWS** as the go-getters say.
@burnitalldownpod.com has been on a hiatus for a couple of years. We are SO READY to return, but need your help because we don't have backing by a corporation, and need this to be sustainable.
Enter Kickstarter: www.kickstarter.com/projects/bur...
@burnitalldownpod.com has been on a hiatus for a couple of years. We are SO READY to return, but need your help because we don't have backing by a corporation, and need this to be sustainable.
Enter Kickstarter: www.kickstarter.com/projects/bur...
Now at George Mason, Vanessa Blair-Lewis has turned three programs into conference champions. @MasonWBB is 10-0 in A-10 play for the first time ever this season.
Wherever she goes, she wins.
"For us, it's always been the player inside the jersey."
www.usatoday.com/story/sports...
Wherever she goes, she wins.
"For us, it's always been the player inside the jersey."
www.usatoday.com/story/sports...
How Vanessa Blair-Lewis built a women's basketball winner at George Mason
Vanessa Blair-Lewis has won titles at three different Division I programs and is the longest tenured Black woman head coach in women's basketball.
www.usatoday.com
February 3, 2026 at 4:22 PM
Now at George Mason, Vanessa Blair-Lewis has turned three programs into conference champions. @MasonWBB is 10-0 in A-10 play for the first time ever this season.
Wherever she goes, she wins.
"For us, it's always been the player inside the jersey."
www.usatoday.com/story/sports...
Wherever she goes, she wins.
"For us, it's always been the player inside the jersey."
www.usatoday.com/story/sports...
UNC's win at NC State was crucial. It was the first Quad 1 win of the season for the Tar Heels, and Courtney Banghart's first victory at Reynolds.
But on #Play4Kay night, UNC fought for Coach Jo, their associate head coach who has battled cancer.
www.usatoday.com/story/sports...
But on #Play4Kay night, UNC fought for Coach Jo, their associate head coach who has battled cancer.
www.usatoday.com/story/sports...
Inspired by Coach Jo’s cancer treatment, UNC defeats NC State
On Play4Kay night at NC State, the UNC Tar Heels women's basketball team played for assistant Joanne Aluka-White who has breast cancer.
www.usatoday.com
February 3, 2026 at 4:57 AM
UNC's win at NC State was crucial. It was the first Quad 1 win of the season for the Tar Heels, and Courtney Banghart's first victory at Reynolds.
But on #Play4Kay night, UNC fought for Coach Jo, their associate head coach who has battled cancer.
www.usatoday.com/story/sports...
But on #Play4Kay night, UNC fought for Coach Jo, their associate head coach who has battled cancer.
www.usatoday.com/story/sports...
Wes Moore wasn’t as enthusiastic about the idea of playing UNC in a non-conference game:
“Hadn’t even thought about it. Not saying it wouldn’t happen, but we play a pretty tough schedule, so it’s not like we’re shying away.”
“Hadn’t even thought about it. Not saying it wouldn’t happen, but we play a pretty tough schedule, so it’s not like we’re shying away.”
This week's women's basketball notebook:
- Could UNC and N.C. State play in a non-conference game in Greensboro?
- How Zanai Barnett-Gay is powering Tim Taylor's Navy in the Patriot League
- Boston College, UCF on hot seat watch
- Could UNC and N.C. State play in a non-conference game in Greensboro?
- How Zanai Barnett-Gay is powering Tim Taylor's Navy in the Patriot League
- Boston College, UCF on hot seat watch
Around women's hoops: Could UNC, NC State play in non-conference?
Could Tobacco Road rivals UNC and NC State meet in a non-conference game? Also, hot seat watch and a check-in on Zanai Barnett-Gay and Navy.
www.usatoday.com
February 3, 2026 at 4:21 AM
Wes Moore wasn’t as enthusiastic about the idea of playing UNC in a non-conference game:
“Hadn’t even thought about it. Not saying it wouldn’t happen, but we play a pretty tough schedule, so it’s not like we’re shying away.”
“Hadn’t even thought about it. Not saying it wouldn’t happen, but we play a pretty tough schedule, so it’s not like we’re shying away.”
For the first time ever, Courtney Banghart has won inside Reynolds Coliseum. Tar Heels get their first victory in Raleigh since 2019, 61-59.
It's also the first Quad 1 win of the season for UNC. Indya Nivar (16-7-6) and Lanie Grant (18 points) led the way.
It's also the first Quad 1 win of the season for UNC. Indya Nivar (16-7-6) and Lanie Grant (18 points) led the way.
February 3, 2026 at 12:59 AM
For the first time ever, Courtney Banghart has won inside Reynolds Coliseum. Tar Heels get their first victory in Raleigh since 2019, 61-59.
It's also the first Quad 1 win of the season for UNC. Indya Nivar (16-7-6) and Lanie Grant (18 points) led the way.
It's also the first Quad 1 win of the season for UNC. Indya Nivar (16-7-6) and Lanie Grant (18 points) led the way.
Reminder: a Courtney Banghart-coached team has never won at Reynolds Coliseum.
February 2, 2026 at 11:10 PM
Reminder: a Courtney Banghart-coached team has never won at Reynolds Coliseum.
Zam Jones, wearing a mask, drains a 3-pointer to give NC State its first lead, 13-12, mid-first.
February 2, 2026 at 11:09 PM
Zam Jones, wearing a mask, drains a 3-pointer to give NC State its first lead, 13-12, mid-first.
After 12 seasons, Beth O’Boyle is out as VCU’s head coach.
Sources around the sport describe it as an “elite” mid-major job. So, who might get it? Here’s four names to consider:
🏀 #ncaaW
www.usatoday.com/story/sports...
Sources around the sport describe it as an “elite” mid-major job. So, who might get it? Here’s four names to consider:
🏀 #ncaaW
www.usatoday.com/story/sports...
Four women's basketball candidates to replace Beth O'Boyle at VCU
Beth O'Boyle is the first fired of the 2026 women's college basketball coaching cycle. Names to replace her at VCU include Tennessee's Gabe Lazo.
www.usatoday.com
February 2, 2026 at 8:22 PM
After 12 seasons, Beth O’Boyle is out as VCU’s head coach.
Sources around the sport describe it as an “elite” mid-major job. So, who might get it? Here’s four names to consider:
🏀 #ncaaW
www.usatoday.com/story/sports...
Sources around the sport describe it as an “elite” mid-major job. So, who might get it? Here’s four names to consider:
🏀 #ncaaW
www.usatoday.com/story/sports...
This week's women's basketball notebook:
- Could UNC and N.C. State play in a non-conference game in Greensboro?
- How Zanai Barnett-Gay is powering Tim Taylor's Navy in the Patriot League
- Boston College, UCF on hot seat watch
- Could UNC and N.C. State play in a non-conference game in Greensboro?
- How Zanai Barnett-Gay is powering Tim Taylor's Navy in the Patriot League
- Boston College, UCF on hot seat watch
Around women's hoops: Could UNC, NC State play in non-conference?
Could Tobacco Road rivals UNC and NC State meet in a non-conference game? Also, hot seat watch and a check-in on Zanai Barnett-Gay and Navy.
www.usatoday.com
February 2, 2026 at 3:30 PM
This week's women's basketball notebook:
- Could UNC and N.C. State play in a non-conference game in Greensboro?
- How Zanai Barnett-Gay is powering Tim Taylor's Navy in the Patriot League
- Boston College, UCF on hot seat watch
- Could UNC and N.C. State play in a non-conference game in Greensboro?
- How Zanai Barnett-Gay is powering Tim Taylor's Navy in the Patriot League
- Boston College, UCF on hot seat watch
We picked a preseason All-American team for college softball over at USA Today. Season starts on Thursday:
www.usatoday.com/story/sports...
www.usatoday.com/story/sports...
USA TODAY Sports' 2026 NCAA softball preseason All-Americans
USA Today Sports selects preseason All-Americans for NCAA softball in 2026. Stars like NiJaree Canady and Jordy Frahm are featured.
www.usatoday.com
February 2, 2026 at 3:28 PM
We picked a preseason All-American team for college softball over at USA Today. Season starts on Thursday:
www.usatoday.com/story/sports...
www.usatoday.com/story/sports...
Simply put, Notre Dame playing in March Madness is no longer a guarantee this season.
The Irish have two problems: The first is roster construction. And the second is that the team Niele Ivey assembled is terrible on defense.
www.usatoday.com/story/sports...
The Irish have two problems: The first is roster construction. And the second is that the team Niele Ivey assembled is terrible on defense.
www.usatoday.com/story/sports...
Notre Dame women’s basketball officially on March Madness bubble watch
After losing at Cal on Thursday night, Notre Dame is on bubble watch for the NCAA Tournament. Hannah Hidalgo's awards aren't guaranteed either.
www.usatoday.com
January 30, 2026 at 7:36 PM
Simply put, Notre Dame playing in March Madness is no longer a guarantee this season.
The Irish have two problems: The first is roster construction. And the second is that the team Niele Ivey assembled is terrible on defense.
www.usatoday.com/story/sports...
The Irish have two problems: The first is roster construction. And the second is that the team Niele Ivey assembled is terrible on defense.
www.usatoday.com/story/sports...
NEWS: The folks behind the Fiesta Bowl are putting together the first-of-its-kind national championship for women's flag football.
Eight teams, including Alabama State, invited to a bracket competition in April in Arizona.
www.usatoday.com/story/sports...
Eight teams, including Alabama State, invited to a bracket competition in April in Arizona.
www.usatoday.com/story/sports...
Fiesta Bowl to host national championship for women’s flag football
Organizers behind the Fiesta Bowl will host the first of its kind national championship for NCAA women’s flag football. Eight teams are invited.
www.usatoday.com
January 29, 2026 at 5:01 PM
NEWS: The folks behind the Fiesta Bowl are putting together the first-of-its-kind national championship for women's flag football.
Eight teams, including Alabama State, invited to a bracket competition in April in Arizona.
www.usatoday.com/story/sports...
Eight teams, including Alabama State, invited to a bracket competition in April in Arizona.
www.usatoday.com/story/sports...
Reposted by Mitchell Northam
Muffet McGraw calls it like it is.
Muffet McGraw calls Trump a fascist, says he should be removed from White House
In a social media post, former Notre Dame coach Muffet McGraw laments Alex Pretti's killing and calls for change in White House.
www.usatoday.com
January 29, 2026 at 5:37 AM
Muffet McGraw calls it like it is.
Reposted by Mitchell Northam
Muffet McGraw not holding back
January 29, 2026 at 3:26 AM
Muffet McGraw not holding back