🏅 Southern Tier Sports Now
Friday, July 24, 2026
From the NewsXR Sports Center
The Southern Tier sports world stayed busy this week, from national headlines involving one of basketball’s biggest stars to local athletes competing at the highest levels of their sports. Professional teams are preparing for championship runs, Section IV standouts continue earning national recognition, and the countdown to another high school sports season is officially underway.
🏀 WNBA Spotlight: Caitlin Clark Speaks Out After Controversial Play
One of the biggest stories in sports continues to center on Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark following a controversial incident during a game against the Phoenix Mercury.
Clark was struck in the throat area during a scramble involving Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas, sending Clark to the floor. Officials did not assess a foul during the game, but after review the WNBA issued Thomas a one-game suspension.
Clark later addressed the situation publicly, emphasizing that player safety must remain a priority while condemning the toxic online attacks surrounding the incident.
“There should never be question of character. None of that is OK, and I don’t want anybody to ever experience that,” Clark said. “The league has to do better protecting our players.”
Medical experts noted that direct trauma to the trachea can pose serious risks depending on the severity of the impact, while lawmakers publicly discussed player safety concerns in professional sports.
Thomas has maintained the contact occurred during a chaotic basketball play and later spoke out about receiving racial slurs, death threats, and harassment following the suspension. WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert has condemned the abuse directed toward everyone involved.
⚾ Rumble Ponies Snap Four-Game Skid
The Binghamton Rumble Ponies returned to the win column with a gritty 2-1 victory over the Portland Sea Dogs at Mirabito Stadium.
After four straight losses, the Ponies got the offense they needed in the sixth inning when Corey Collins delivered a clutch two-run single that proved to be the game winner.
The victory provides valuable momentum as Binghamton continues its push through the second half of the Eastern League season.
⚾ Two Bearcats Selected in MLB Draft
Binghamton University baseball celebrated a major milestone after pitchers Connor Griffin and Jackson Mitchell were both selected in the Major League Baseball Draft.
Both players have announced they intend to sign with their respective organizations, continuing the recent success of the Bearcats program in developing professional talent.
⚾ Elmira Pioneers Continue Playoff Chase
The Elmira Pioneers remain in a tight race for postseason positioning in the Perfect Game Collegiate Baseball League.
Currently sitting fourth in the West Division, Elmira is battling the Niagara Power as the regular season enters its final stretch.
🏃 Southern Tier Athletes Compete Among Nation’s Best
Two Section IV graduates represented the Southern Tier at the USA Track & Field Outdoor Championships in New York City.
Union-Endicott graduate Emily Mackay continued her outstanding season by finishing second in her preliminary heat of the women’s 1,500 meters with a time of 4:04.29, advancing to the national finals.
Corning-Painted Post graduate Lindsey Butler competed in the same event, recording a strong 4:07.20 while finishing 14th overall in one of the nation’s deepest fields.
🏒 Black Bears Preparing for Another Title Defense
The three-time defending FPHL Commissioner’s Cup Champion Binghamton Black Bears continue assembling another championship-caliber roster.
Playoff MVP CJ Stubbs has officially re-signed after posting an incredible season that included 39 goals and 97 points, helping lead Binghamton to its third straight championship.
The club also added Quebec forward Ludovik Tardif to the roster.
The Black Bears will open their 56-game season on October 10 at home against the Watertown Wolves as the FPHL begins play under its new conference alignment.
🏆 Youth & Amateur Sports
Corning-Painted Post Wins Sectional Championship
The Corning-Painted Post Senior Little League team captured the Sectional Championship and now advances to represent the region at the New York State Senior Little League Tournament, which will be hosted in Binghamton.
Horseheads’ Tournament Run Ends
The Horseheads Majors 12U All-Stars thrilled fans with a 16-12 extra-inning victory over Auburn before their outstanding postseason run came to an end after two narrow losses.
Gus Macker Returns to Elmira
Downtown Elmira was packed as the legendary Gus Macker 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament returned, drawing players and fans from throughout the Twin Tiers.
Honoring Coach Mike D’Aloisio
Area football linemen gathered for the annual Coach Mike D’Aloisio Memorial Lineman Camp, continuing the legacy of one of the Southern Tier’s most respected high school coaches.
🏓 The Paddle House Coming to Binghamton
One of the region’s fastest-growing sports is getting a major boost.
The Paddle House, created by Binghamton University students and recognized during the 2026 Binghamton Business Plan Competition, plans to bring a modern indoor pickleball facility featuring four to six courts, app-controlled 24-hour access, and a community lounge.
Developers hope to open the facility this winter.
🎓 Elmira College Hall of Fame
Elmira College Athletics has announced its 2026 Hall of Fame Class.
The induction ceremony this fall will honor former athletes, coaches, and contributors whose accomplishments helped shape generations of Soaring Eagles athletics.
🎒 High School Sports Now
Recruiting Momentum Builds
Several Section IV track and field athletes continue attracting significant college recruiting attention following outstanding performances during this summer’s championship season.
Summer Basketball Success
Area boys’ and girls’ basketball programs enjoyed productive offseasons during the BCANY Summer Hoops Festival, building chemistry ahead of winter competition.
All-State Recognition
The New York State Sportswriters Association announced its All-State Baseball and Softball teams, with numerous athletes from Corning-Painted Post, Horseheads, and Elmira earning First Team honors following exceptional spring campaigns.
Fall Season Approaches
The wait is almost over.
Section IV football, soccer, cross-country, volleyball, and other fall sports programs officially begin preseason practices on Monday, August 24, signaling the start of another exciting school year.
🎤 SportsXR Summary
🏀 Caitlin Clark’s controversial on-court incident continues to dominate national sports headlines.
⚾ The Rumble Ponies snapped a four-game losing streak while two Binghamton University pitchers were selected in the MLB Draft.
🏃 Emily Mackay advanced to the national finals and Lindsey Butler represented the Southern Tier at the USA Track & Field Championships.
🏒 The Black Bears continue strengthening their roster in pursuit of a fourth consecutive Commissioner’s Cup.
🎒 High school athletes continue earning statewide recognition as the countdown to the fall sports season begins.
👉 Drop your comments below. Which Southern Tier athlete or team are you watching most closely this summer?
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