Sports round-up week of Jan. 31

Local Spotlight

Local mixed martial artist T.J. Laramie won his fight in Calgary, on the Hard Knocks Fighting 49 card, via a 25 second knockout. A graduate of St. Joseph’s High School in East Windsor, Laramie’s video surfaced Feb. 2 and was recognized by much of the city. Laramie’s next fight is scheduled for Feb. 20 in Novi, MI.

 A big day in NCAA football as “national signing day” was recognized across North America. National signing day is used for division one football schools to recruit the next crop of potential all-American athletes. Six-foot-six quarterback Dominic Johnson, from Catholic Central, committed to the State University of New York at Buffalo on a full-ride scholarship.

Raptors bounce back after loss

The Toronto Raptors had their 11 game winning-streak snapped Feb. 1 at the hands of the Denver Nuggets (112-93). However, the Raptors were able to win the next two games against Western Conference opponents Phoenix Suns and Portland Trailblazers.

The Raptors are on a roll having won 13of their last 14 games. They now sit in second place in the Eastern Conference (34-16), two games behind Lebron James and the leading Cleveland Cavaliers (35-13).

NBA all-star weekend

Toronto is set to host the NBA all-star weekend Feb. 12-14 at the Air Canada Centre. The game itself will take place Feb. 14 as the Eastern and Western conference square off in a game which includes emerging stars and future hall-of-famers.

However most of the attention will be turned to TNT’s all-star Saturday night. The competitors for the events were announced Feb. 4. Last year’s winners include:

Zach Levine – slam dunk contest

Stephen Curry – three – point contest

Patrick Beverly – skills challenge

Taco Bell Skills Challenge: Patrick Beverly (HOU), CJ McCollum (POR), Isiah Thomas (BOS), Jordan Clarkson (LAK), Draymond Green (GSW), Demarcus Cousins (SAC), Karl Anthony Townes (MIN).

Foot Locker Three-Point Contest: James Harden (HOU), Stephen Curry (GSW), Khris Middleton (MIL), Klay Thompson (GSW), Kyle Lowry (TOR), Chris Bosh (MIA), JJ Reddick (LAC), Devin Booker (PHX).

Sprite Slam Dunk Contest:

Zach Levine (MIN), Aaron Gordon (ORL), Andre Drummond (DET), Will Barton (DEN).

73’s take an early series lead.

The Essex 73’s defeated the Alvinston Flyers 9-0 in the opening game of the Great Lakes Junior C Hockey League quarter-finals. Assistant captain Tyler Scott registered four points, (1 G, 3 A).

Trevor Wheaton recorded the shutout on 25 saves.

Rest of schedule:   *= If necessary

Game 2

Fri, Feb 5 in Alvinston 7.30

Game 3

Tues, Feb 9 in Essex 7.00

Game 4

Fri, Feb 12 in Alvinston 7.30

Game 5

Tues, Feb 16 in Essex 7.00*

Game 6

Fri, Feb 19 in Alvinston 7.30*

Game 7

Sun, Feb 21 in Essex 2.30*