>> Queens Hockey Challenge
The Knights of Columbus-Queens County Conference is hosting
its first-ever free Hockey Challenge in College Point for boys and girls ages 10-17. The event takes place April 16 at 1 p.m. at the rink located at Ulmer Street and 25th Avenue. Families/participants can register at the rink the day of the event. No gear necessary.
>> Record-Setter
Markquis Nowell, a senior guard on the Kansas State University men’s basketball team, set a new NCAA Tournament record on March 23 when he recorded 19 assists in the Wildcats’ victory over Michigan State. The Harlem native was a two-time Tablet All-Star in 2016 and 2017 for Bishop Loughlin H.S., Fort Greene, and was selected to the CHSAA’s ‘AA’ All-League First Team in both seasons.
>> Talking Baseball
“The group was very lively, and there was some great input and discussions,” Father Devlin said. “Everyone had a chance to talk it up a little bit. It really went very well. Overall, I think it was a smash.”
A main topic of discussion was the new rule changes, including larger bases, the implementation of a pitch clock, and the elimination of the defensive shift. Participants were mixed on these.
Also of note, the World Baseball Classic invited heated debate. The New York Mets lost their All-Star closer Edwin Díaz during the classic, so the participants discussed the best time of year to hold the international tournament, with some thinking it best to scrap the event altogether.
As for the Mets’ and New York Yankees’ chances this year, it all depends on who gets hurt at what time. If both teams can stay relatively healthy — the participants agreed — both teams should be in contention in their respective divisions.
