SCHUYLER DIXON Sports Writer, Author at The Rapid City Post

Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg gives instructions during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Houston Rockets, Saturday, Jan. 31, 2026, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Christian Smith)

The Mavs are leaving no doubt that Cooper Flagg is their future after trading Anthony Davis

February 5, 2026

The Dallas Mavericks have officially declared Cooper Flagg as the future face of the franchise after trading Anthony Davis to the Washington Wizards. The deal was another way to move on from the trade of Luka Doncic that jolted Dallas fans. Draft picks are at the center of the Davis deal, and the Mavericks are making it clear they plan to build around Flagg. Dallas also envisions Flagg sharing the court at some point with Kyrie Irving. The nine-time All-Star paired with Doncic to lead the Mavericks to the NBA Finals lesss than two years ago.

Dallas Mavericks forward Anthony Davis (3) drives to the basket while guarded by Utah Jazz forward Cody Williams (5) during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Tyler Tate)

Wizards acquiring Anthony Davis from Mavericks in 8-player trade, AP source says

February 4, 2026

A person with knowledge of the deal says the Washington Wizards are acquiring Anthony Davis in an eight-player trade with the Mavericks that includes draft picks for Dallas. The move is a signal the Mavericks are moving on from the widely criticized trade that sent superstar Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers for a package headlined by Davis last year. The Wizards are sending Khris Middleton, AJ Johnson, Malaki Branham and Marvin Bagley III to the Mavericks along with two first-round draft picks and three second-rounders. Washington gets Jaden Hardy, D’Angelo Russell and Dante Exum.

The shadow of Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic is visible on the court during player introductions prior to an NBA basketball game between the Dallas Mavericks and Lakers Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026, in Dallas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)

Mavericks put their hope in health as the 1-year anniversary of the Luka Doncic trade approaches

January 29, 2026

The Dallas Mavericks are putting their hope in health as the one-year anniversary of the stunning trade of Luka Doncic approaches. Oft-injured big man Anthony Davis has missed more games than he has played for Dallas since coming from the Los Angeles Lakers in the Doncic deal. The Mavericks also are waiting for Kyrie Irving to come back from a knee injury. Rookie No. 1 pick Cooper Flagg is living up to the promise he brought from a standout year at Duke. But the future is murky at best for the franchise that finally fired general manager Nico Harrison as a way to move on from the ill-fated Doncic deal.

Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic looks on following an NBA basketball game against the Dallas Mavericks Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026, in Dallas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)

Luka Doncic’s emotions ease in 2nd Dallas visit as Lakers star beats his former team again

January 24, 2026

Luka Doncic walked toward the wrong locker at halftime before a quick U-turn by the Los Angeles Lakers star in his second trip to Dallas. Hey, at least he wasn’t weeping on the bench before the game against the Mavericks, or still trying to process the emotions of the shocking trade that sent him to the Lakers almost a year ago. A big fourth-quarter rally by the Lakers in a 116-110 victory over Dallas was a nice bonus for Doncic. He also took another step toward the rest of his career with a visit to his first NBA city that wasn’t nearly as emotional as his return last April.

Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) throws up a shot against Dallas Mavericks forward Naji Marshall (13) during the first half of an NBA basketball game Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026, in Dallas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)

Luka Doncic beats the Mavericks again as Lakers rally in 4th for 116-110 victory

January 24, 2026

Luka Doncic had 33 points and 11 assists, and the Lakers erased a 15-point deficit in the final seven minutes of a 116-110 victory over the Mavericks in the star guard’s second visit to Dallas since his shocking trade to Los Angeles almost a year ago. LeBron James scored 11 of his 17 points in the fourth quarter. Rui Hachimura had a four-point play before another 3-pointer on the next possession to put the Lakers in front for good as Doncic improved to 4-0 against his former team. Max Christie scored 24 points for Dallas.

Dallas Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd reacts during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Denver Nuggets Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026, in Dallas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)

Jason Kidd leans into youth baseball the same way the Mavs coach did with girls basketball

January 15, 2026

Jason Kidd had to choose basketball over baseball 30-plus years ago when it became clear the whiz kid of a point guard would be one of the top picks in the NBA draft. The Hall of Fame player turned coach is now in a position to indulge one of his childhood passions, and Kidd is choosing a path similar to one he took with girls youth basketball. The Dallas Mavericks has announced the launch of JK Select Baseball. It’s an ambitious vision with a long-term goal of more than 1,000 teams nationwide but a more immediate plan to build around a regional approach in the Dallas area.

Baylor center James Nnaji (50) and Texas Christian University forward Xavier Edmonds (left) laugh during an NCAA college basketball game, Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026, Fort Worth, Texas. (AP Photo/Jessica Tobias)

Onetime NBA draft pick James Nnaji of Baylor gets frequent boos in college debut at TCU

January 3, 2026

Onetime NBA draft pick James Nnaji drew plenty of boos in his college debut with Baylor at TCU. The 7-foot center from Nigeria finished with five points and four rebounds in the Bears’ 69-63 loss to the Horned Frogs. TCU fans jeered Nnaji every time he touched the ball. The 21-year-old didn’t return after picking up his fourth foul late in the game. Nnaji was drafted by Detroit in 2023. His draft rights have since been traded to Charlotte and New York. He played professionally in Europe but never signed an NBA contract.

Philadelphia 76ers guard Vj Edgecombe (77) shoots the ball against the Dallas Mavericks during the first half of an NBA basketball game Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026, in Dallas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)

Tyrese Maxey scores 34 in strong all-around showing as 76ers beat Mavs 123-108

January 1, 2026

Tyrese Maxey had 34 points, 10 assists and eight rebounds, Joel Embiid added 22 points and the Philadelphia 76ers beat the Dallas Mavericks 123-108. Rookie guard VJ Edgecombe scored 23 points two nights after hitting a 3-pointer in the final seconds of a 139-136 overtime victory at Memphis. Oft-injured Anthony Davis returned for Dallas after missing two games with a sore adductor muscle. He finished with 13 points and eight rebounds as the Mavericks matched their season worst with a fourth consecutive loss.

Ohio State kicker Jayden Fielding, with Joe McGuire holding, misses a field goal against Miami during the first half of the Cotton Bowl College Football Playoff quarterfinal game Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)

Another bye bites the dust as defending champ Ohio State falls to Miami in CFP quarterfinals

December 31, 2025

These Ohio State Buckeyes won’t win the first back-to-back national championships in school history and the College Football Playoff still doesn’t have a winner from teams with the first-round byes. No. 10 Miami held on for a 24-14 victory in the Cotton Bowl quarterfinal. The No. 3 Buckeyes were bounced a year after they won four CFP games on the way to the title. Ohio State trailed 14-0 at halftime, but was within three at 17-14 on Jeremiah Smith’s 14-yard touchdown catch on fourth-and-2 early in the fourth quarter. He finished with 157 yards on seven catches, but a shiny second half wasn’t enough.

Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark stands on the sideline during the playing of the national anthem before the first half of a Big 12 Conference championship NCAA college football game between BYU and Texas Tech Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)

Big 12’s Brett Yormark says college athletics needs legislation that’s stalled in Congress

December 6, 2025

Big 12 Commission Brett Yormark says legislation currently stalled in Congress is needed to regulate college athletics and put a stop to what he essentially calls uncapped spending for name, image and likeness in football. Yormark was speaking before the Big 12 championship game. Congress was on track to vote on the SCORE Act before the effort failed for now in the U.S. House of Representatives. Yormark says he supports revenue sharing but not unregulated spending on players.

Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg (32) and forward Anthony Davis (3) react after a basket against the Miami Heat during the second half of an NBA basketball game Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2025, in Dallas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)

Cooper Flagg didn’t wilt without Anthony Davis and now Mavs hope they flourish together

December 3, 2025

Cooper Flagg didn’t wilt in the month the Dallas Mavericks were without injured forward Anthony Davis. Now that the rookie No. 1 overall pick is playing alongside the 10-time All-Star again, Dallas hopes they can flourish together. The Mavericks are on their first winning streak of the season. Dallas beat Miami 118-108 for a third consecutive victory. Flagg found himself in the company of LeBron James while Davis was sidelined with a calf strain. Now the Mavs hope Flagg can find life a little easier with Davis. There’s the longer-term hope of injured star guard Kyrie Irving returning.

North Texas head coach Eric Morris, front right, walks the sideline during an NCAA college football game against Temple, Friday, Nov. 28, 2025, Denton, Texas. (AP Photo/Jessica Tobias)

Eric Morris stresses all-in message at North Texas despite impending move to Oklahoma State

November 28, 2025

North Texas coach Eric Morris is stressing his all-in message despite his impending move to Oklahoma State. The Mean Green have a shot at the College Football Playoff after clinching a spot in the American Conference championship game with a 52-25 victory over Temple. Word of Morris’ decision got to his players before he could deliver the news in a team meeting. He says he’ll have to live with that and is spending time trying to open up to his players to keep them on board. Morris says he’s coaching until the end of the season even if a CFP snub leads to a bowl without much at stake.

Miami head coach Mario Cristobal greets players as they come off the field during the first half of an NCAA college football game against SMU, Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025, in Dallas. (AP Photo/Jeffrey McWhorter)

No. 10 Miami’s margin for error is gone after critical mistakes in 26-20 OT loss to SMU

November 1, 2025

No. 10 Miami doesn’t have any more margin for error after the second loss in three weeks for the Hurricanes. SMU won 26-20 in overtime. Miami’s mistakes played a big role. Carson Beck’s second interception put the Mustangs in perfect position to win in OT. Marquise Lightfoot’s critical penalty took away a chance to finish off a victory late in regulation. The Hurricanes still have a viable path to the College Football Playoff. And two more home games are coming. Then it’s back on the road to finish the regular season.

SMU head coach Rhett Lashlee celebrates on the field with fans after his team's 26-20 overtime win over Miami in an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025, in Dallas. (AP Photo/Jeffrey McWhorter)

SMU knocks off No. 10 Miami 26-20 in overtime, damaging playoff hopes for Hurricanes

November 1, 2025

T.J. Harden scored on a 1-yard run in overtime, and SMU upset No. 10 Miami 26-20, handing the Hurricanes their second loss in three weeks and damaging their playoff hopes. Ahmaad Moses put the Mustangs in position to win even with a field goal by intercepting Carson Beck just short of the goal line on the first possession of the extra period. Harden’s score came on the last of his four consecutive runs as the Mustangs won their 13th consecutive home conference game a week after losing an ACC regular-season game for the first time in their second season since returning to a power league.

San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama, right, is defended by Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg (32) as forward Anthony Davis, second from left, looks on during the second half of an NBA basketball game in Dallas, Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2025. (AP Photo/LM Otero)

Victor Wembanyama uses Cooper Flagg’s debut as a reminder of why he was so hyped

October 23, 2025

Victor Wembanyama dunked on Cooper Flagg’s debut. And shot over it. And dribbled around it. And reminded everyone what was missing the last two months of the French star’s second season. Wembanyama wowed the Dallas crowd and had a noisy San Antonio contingent chanting “M-V-P! M-V-P!” in a season opener. He had 40 points and 15 rebounds in the Spurs’ 125-92 rout of the Dallas Mavericks. Flagg, the No. 1 overall pick, was the talk of the Dallas opener going in. Coming out, the talk was Wembanyama. He offered quite the reminder that he was the top overall choice just two years ago.

San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) reacts near Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg (32) during the first half of an NBA basketball game in Dallas, Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2025. (AP Photo/LM Otero)

Wembanyama scores 40 as Spurs spoil Flagg debut with 125-92 rout of Mavericks

October 22, 2025

Victor Wembanyama had 40 points and 15 rebounds, helping the San Antonio Spurs spoil No. 1 overall pick Cooper Flagg’s debut in a 125-92 rout of the Dallas Mavericks. Flagg is the second-youngest player to start in his NBA debut by two days behind LeBron James. The 18-year-old from Duke didn’t score until the first possession of the second half and finished with 10 points and 10 rebounds. Dylan Harper was the second overall pick in the draft. He came off the San Antonio bench midway through the first quarter and had 15 points.

New York Yankees' Aaron Judge reacts to striking out during the fourth inning of a baseball game against the Texas Rangers, Tuesday, Aug. 5, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/LM Otero)

Aaron Judge returns to the lineup at DH as the Yankees wait for clarity on his throwing arm

August 5, 2025

Aaron Judge is back in the lineup as the designated hitter for the New York Yankees following a 10-day stint on the injured list with a flexor tendon strain in his right elbow. There’s still no clarity on when the All-Star slugger will return to the outfield. Judge went 0 for 3 with two strikeouts in a 2-0 loss to the Texas Rangers on Tuesday night. Manager Aaron Boone said Judge is supposed to start a throwing program Wednesday. Boone all but ruled out Judge returning to the outfield as early as the next couple of days.

Dallas Wings guard Paige Bueckers celebrates after a basket in the second half of a WNBA basketball game against the Phoenix Mercury Thursday, July 3, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)

Paige Bueckers is matching the hype, and then some, as the No. 1 pick for the Wings

July 9, 2025

Paige Bueckers has been just about everything the Dallas Wings hoped as the No. 1 overall pick in the WNBA draft. She has matched Caitlin Clark from a year ago as a rookie All-Star starter while shouldering a heavy load for a rebuilding team. The former UConn star is also passing her most predictable test. Bueckers is handling losing when she didn’t have much experience with it in college. Bueckers has even helped engineer quite the response. The Wings are 5-3 since blowing an 11-point lead late in a loss at Las Vegas that dropped them to 1-11.

BYU coach Kalani Sitake avoids comment on QB Jake Retzlaff’s status amid transfer rumors

July 8, 2025

BYU coach Kalani Sitake is not directly addressing the status of Jake Retzlaff amid reports that the quarterback is transferring after being accused of sexual assault in a civil lawsuit that was dismissed. Retzlaff reportedly plans to enter the transfer portal rather than face a suspension for violating BYU’s honor code. Retzlaff acknowledged a consensual sexual relationship in his defense against the lawsuit.

Dallas Mavericks' Cooper Flagg, the No. 1 overall pick in the NBA draft, speaks during an NBA basketball press conference at the team's practice facility, Friday, June 27, 2025, in Dallas. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)

Cooper Flagg looks comfortable in new home as No. 1 pick gets introduced in Dallas

June 27, 2025

Cooper Flagg looked right at home in his new home as the No. 1 pick in the NBA draft was introduced in Dallas. Flagg offered a “hello” before general manager Nico Harrison could even start his opening remarks. The 18-year-old former Duke star only grew more comfortable from there. Flagg is joining a team with three NBA champions in Kyrie Irving, Anthony Davis and Klay Thompson. Expectations will be to win, and Flagg has no problem with that. He’s also just fine carrying on the All-Star lineage of European stars Dirk Nowitzki and Luka Doncic.

FILE - Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving advances the ball up court during an NBA basketball game against the Milwaukee Bucks in Dallas, Saturday, March 1, 2025. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez,File)

Kyrie Irving and Mavs agree on $119M, 3-year deal that aligns with Anthony Davis, AP source says

June 24, 2025

A person with knowledge of the deal says the Dallas Mavericks and Kyrie Irving have agreed on a $119 million, three-year contract with the All-Star guard still recovering from a torn ACL that will sideline him into the 2025-26 season. Irving is declining the $43 million player option in the final year of his current three-year contract. The new contract will align Irving with co-star Anthony Davis, who joined the Mavericks in the seismic trade that sent Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers in February.

FILE - Dallas Mavericks CEO Rick Welts, left, and team Governor Patrick Dumont, center, watch the team play against the Toronto Raptors in the first half of an NBA basketball game in Dallas, April 11, 2025. (AP Photo/LM Otero, file)

‘Craziest’ reversal of fortune puts Mavs on path to Flagg after all the Doncic drama

June 23, 2025

Dallas Mavericks CEO Rick Welts marvels at the “craziest” reversal of fortune for the club that landed the rights to draft Cooper Flagg just months after the seismic trade of Luka Doncic. Dallas had just a 1.8% chance to win the draft lottery when Welts was telling his staff it was about to embark on the most important offseason in franchise history. He was thinking about the lingering fallout of the widely reviled Doncic trade. Suddenly the Mavs have a chance to grow with another young player who has superstar potential in Flagg, the teenager from Duke.

Competition should stiffen for unproven Americans in CONCACAF Gold Cup quarterfinals

June 22, 2025

The competition is about to stiffen for the U.S. in the CONCACAF Gold Cup. The Americans finished their seventh 3-0 run through group play in the Gold Cup with a 2-1 victory over Haiti. Next up is Costa Rica or Mexico. Both countries are ranked higher than all three group play opponents. The unproven U.S. squad has seen uneven performances so far. Goalkeeper Matt Freese’s gaffe cost the U.S. the lead against Haiti before Patrick Agyemang’s tiebreaking goal. The attack was more dangerous against Haiti, but the U.S. missed on plenty of scoring chances.

United States forward Patrick Agyemang (24), center right, is congratulated by teammates after scoring a goal during a CONCACAF Gold Cup soccer match against Haiti, Sunday, June 22, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Jessica Tobias)

Tillman and Agyemang goals overcome Freese gaffe, US beats Haiti 2-1 to win CONCACAF Gold Cup group

June 22, 2025

Patrick Agyemang scored a tiebreaking goal in the 75th minute, and the United States overcame Matt Freese’s goalkeeping gaffe to beat Haiti 2-1 and win its CONCACAF Gold Cup group with a 3-0 record. Malik Tillman put the U.S. ahead in the 10th minute with his third goal of the tournament but Freese botched a clearing attempt that led to Louicius Don Deedson’s 19th-minute goal. Using largely a B team in the tournament, the Americans already had clinched a spot in the quarterfinals against Mexico or Costa Rica next weekend.

Kansas City Royals' Jac Caglianone celebrates in the dugout after hitting his first career home run during a baseball game against the Texas Rangers, Thursday, June 19, 2025, Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Albert Pena)

Royals top prospect Jac Caglianone goes deep twice at Texas for his 1st big league homers

June 19, 2025

Jac Caglianone has gone deep twice for his first two home runs in the big leagues. The top prospect of the Kansas City Royals hit both homers in lefty-lefty matchups in a 4-1 victory over the Texas Rangers. Caglianone won lefty-left matchups both times a day after sitting for the first time in the majors in part because of a left-handed starter for Texas. The 22-year-old hit a pair of solo homers. The first led off the second inning, and the second opened the ninth.

Texas Rangers first base Jake Burger (21) hands the baseball game ball to starting pitcher Kumar Rocker during the fifth inning against the Chicago White Sox, Sunday, June 15, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/LM Otero)

Texas rookie Kumar Rocker keeps scoreless start intact with help from pickle juice

June 15, 2025

Texas Rangers rookie Kumar Rocker kept a scoreless start intact by working through an eventful fifth inning that included downing three small bottles of pickle juice, the last of which resulted in a mound visit charged to a ball boy. The 25-year-old right-hander apparently cramped up after striking out White Sox outfielder Michael A. Taylor for the first out of the fifth. First baseman Jake Burger brought two small bottles of pickle juice from the dugout as Rocker chatted with the trainer. Play resumed, and the ball boy soon brought out a third bottle. Umpires charged Texas with a mound visit for that. Rocker eventually got out of the inning and didn’t allow a run over his five frames.

Ben Griffin celebrates after winning the Charles Schwab Challenge golf tournament at Colonial Country Club in Fort Worth, Texas, Sunday, May 25, 2025. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)

Ben Griffin hangs on at Colonial through tough final round, beats Matti Schmid by 1

May 25, 2025

Ben Griffin has his first individual PGA Tour victory a month after winning a team event. He hung on to beat Matti Schmid at Colonial after breaking a tie with his co-leader for good on the first hole. Griffin shot a 1-over 71 to finish at 12-under 268 in the Charles Schwab Challenge. He beat Schmid by one stroke as both struggled through the final round on a warm day with wind gusts around 30 mph at Hogan’s Alley. Scottie Scheffler couldn’t match the third-round run he made when the world No. 1 was trailing by 10. Scheffler was six back entering the final round and shot 69.

Ben Griffin hits off the ninth tee on the during the first round of the Charles Schwab Challenge golf tournament at Colonial Country Club in Fort Worth, Texas, Thursday, May 22, 2025. (AP Photo/LM Otero)

Ben Griffin, Matti Schmid share Colonial lead with Fowler stalking, Scheffler 10 shots back

May 23, 2025

Ben Griffin shot a 7-under 63 in the Charles Schwab Challenge at Colonial to share the second-round lead with Matti Schmid at 11 under. First-round leader John Pak is two shots back after a 68. Rickie Fowler trails by five after making the turn in 29 and settling for a 64. Scottie Scheffler is coming off his third major win at last week’s PGA Championship last weekend and is 10 shots back after shooting 71. The world No. 1 is trying to become the first player to win three consecutive starts since Dustin Johnson in 2017.

Scottie Scheffler hits out of a bunker on the 18th hole during the first round of the Charles Schwab Challenge golf tournament at Colonial Country Club in Fort Worth, Texas, Thursday, May 22, 2025. (AP Photo/LM Otero)

Scottie Scheffler opens Colonial with an eagle and trails tour rookie John Pak by 5 shots

May 22, 2025

Scottie Scheffler and John Pak enjoyed the same start to the Charles Schwab Challenge at Colonial with eagles on their respective first holes. The world No. 1 couldn’t keep up with the PGA Tour rookie from there. A week after winning his third major at the PGA Championship, Scheffler opened his attempt at three consecutive victories with a 2-under 68. Pak shot 63 for a three-shot lead over nine players, J.J. Spaun the highest-ranked among them at 27th. Tommy Fleetwood and 2023 British Open champion Brian Harman were among nine players four back of Pak. Another nine players, headlined by Scheffler, are five strokes back.

Scottie Scheffler, wife Meredith pose with their son Bennett after winning the PGA Championship golf tournament at the Quail Hollow Club, Sunday, May 18, 2025, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Matt York)

Scottie Scheffler goes for 3 in a row by jumping right back in at Colonial after PGA win

May 21, 2025

Scottie Scheffler is skipping some of his usual prep work for the Charles Schwab Challenge at Colonial after winning the PGA Championship last weekend. The world No. 1 doesn’t want an emphasis on rest and recovery to be misunderstood. Scheffler says he didn’t show up at Colonial “to just walk around and celebrate last week.” Scheffler’s third major also set him up to be the first player since Dustin Johnson in 2017 to win three consecutive PGA Tour starts. The streak started with a win in his hometown CJ Cup Byron Nelson north of Dallas. Davis Riley is the defending Colonial champion.

SCHUYLER DIXON Sports Writer.