RAY ALLEN AND THE PREGAME SHOOTING ROUTINE

Ray Allen's clutch three point shot with just seconds remaining in Game 6 of the 2013 NBA Finals will go down in the annals of NBA Finals history as one of the greatest shots in one of the biggest games of all time. Allen's three pointer from the corner tied the game, sending it to overtime, where the Heat eventually prevailed to force a Game 7.  It was an amazing shot that will always be remembered.  Everyone watching around the world only witnessed one amazing, heroic shot from Ray Allen; they haven't witnessed the millions of shots from Ray Allen in solitude...practicing, working, and shooting to be the best shooter in the game.  People see the success, but don't realize the work and the hours that Allen put in for that moment of glory.  Take a look at the two YouTube videos that detail Ray Allen's obsession with being the best:  the pre-game shooting routine.

RAPH RHYMES FULFILLS HIS OMAHA PROMISE

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The College World Series is currently being played in Omaha, and it is one of the most exciting sporting events in America.  Check out this article, written by Jeffrey Marx (author of Season of Life) about Raph Rhymes of the LSU Tigers and fulfilling a dream, linked here

AHLERS SISTERS REPRESENT LE MARS TENNIS AT STATE

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It's been a fantastic tennis season for the Le Mars girls tennis team.  After reaching the state team tournament, the individual state tournament is underway.  Check out this great article from the Sioux City Journal about sisters Carolyn and Emily Ahlers as they compete at the state individual tournament, linked here.  For updates from the state tournament, you can follow @LCHSGIRLSTENNIS on Twitter.

LE MARS SOFTBALL PLAYING WITH A NEW FOCUS

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After the tragic death of former teammate Kelby Klein from an automobile accident earlier this spring, the Le Mars softball team has added inspiration for playing this summer.  Check out the great article from the Sioux City Journal, linked here

BOB HURLEY AND ST. ANTHONY HS

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If you haven't read The Miracle of St. Anthony, then you should.  It's an amazing book about boys basketball coach Bob Hurley and St. Anthony HS in Jersey City, NJ.  Hurley and the school have also been featured in the movie The Street Stops Here (also highly recommended).  Check out this update on Hurley and the school, as they fight for funds to keep the school afloat, linked here

ARE YOU A GYM RAT?

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Interesting insights about true "gym rats" in this article, linked here

MORE ON E. WAYNE COOLEY

Check out the well-written column from the "Iowa Boy" Chuck Offenburger, honoring the late pioneer of girls athletics in Iowa, E. Wayne Cooley.  The link is here, and Chuck's column is on the right side of the page.