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Tariffs have thrown the stock market into dizzying moves, moving up and/or down based on whatever news headlines circulate. The broader stock market indexes have all declined, although they are holding on to their 200-day simple moving average (SMA). The Nasdaq Composite ($COMPQ) fell below the average on Tuesday, but recovered on Wednesday and closed above it.

Looking at weekly performance, Real Estate, Health Care, and Consumer Staples are the top three S&P sector performers. These sectors fall under the defensive category, which suggests that investor uncertainty is still in the air. Gold and silver prices are rising, an indication of risk-off sentiment.

The Mag 7 Breakdown

Investors were flocking to the Mag 7 stocks not too long ago, but this is no longer the case. The daily chart of the Roundhill Big Tech ETF (MAGS), a basket of the Mag 7 stocks, illustrates that this group of stocks has technically broken down.

FIGURE 1. DAILY CHART OF ROUNDHILL BIG TECH ETF (MAGS). The ETF which holds all the Mag 7 stocks has broken down. However, it bounced off its 200-day simple moving average, and the relative strength index stayed above the 30 level.Chart source: StockCharts.com. For educational purposes.

Note that despite the downward trend, MAGS managed to bounce off its 200-day SMA. The relative strength index (RSI) didn’t dip below 30. Does this mean the Mag 7 could bounce back? Semiconductor stocks were up two days in a row, which may have helped MAGS stay afloat. But semiconductors are vulnerable to tariffs, so why are these stocks showing green shoots? It’s a very challenging market and I would monitor the MAGS chart daily. You wouldn’t want to miss out on a strong upside move.

Change is in the Air

President Trump’s tariffs have stirred the pot and caused shifts in investor sentiment. International stocks are gaining momentum, something we haven’t seen in a long time. The weekly chart below summarizes the performance of US stocks against the rest of the world.

FIGURE 2. US VS. THE REST OF THE WORLD. The Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF which consists of large growth US stocks is declining in performance against international stocks.Chart source: StockCharts.com. For educational purposes.

It’s also worth noting the performance of the US dollar. The US dollar plunged and is now trading below its 200-day SMA. The Canadian dollar and Mexican peso are showing signs of gaining strength against the US dollar (see chart below).

FIGURE 3. THE WEAKENING US DOLLAR. After tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico were implemented, the US dollar started to weaken against the Canadian dollar and Mexican peso.Chart source: StockCharts.com. For educational purposes.

The Bottom Line

Now’s a good time to test your patience. It’s not exactly the type of market you want to open long positions. It’s more of a “wait and see” type of market. We’ll get the February jobs report on Friday, but how much it’ll impact the market is unclear. With investors focused on tariffs, the jobs report may be brushed off, unless it comes in vastly different than the forecast. Expect more volatility in the weeks ahead.


Disclaimer: This blog is for educational purposes only and should not be construed as financial advice. The ideas and strategies should never be used without first assessing your own personal and financial situation, or without consulting a financial professional.

The Denver Broncos fired outside linebackers coach Michael Wilhoite following his arrest for an altercation in the departure area of Denver International Airport.

‘After thorough discussions as an organization, I met with Michael Wilhoite and informed him we have decided to part ways,’ Broncos head coach Sean Payton said in a statement to the Denver Post’s Parker Gabriel. ‘We recognize the serious nature of the allegations against him and believe this is the best course of action at this time.

‘I appreciate Michael’s contributions to the Broncos and am confident he will move forward in a positive direction.’

Per a Denver Police probable cause statement, the alleged altercation happened on Sunday, Feb. 23 when Wilhoite left his 2021 Ford Bronco unattended. When he came back to the vehicle, an officer approached him and told him he couldn’t leave the car like that, according to the statement.

Wilhoite told the officer to ‘shut the (expletive) up,’ according to the probable cause statement. The officer again told Wilhoite he couldn’t leave his vehicle like that and Wilhoite repeated what he said and bumped the officer in the chest.

The officer shoved him in response and Wilhoite reacted by punching the officer, the statement said.

Wilhoite was charged with second-degree assault of a police officer on Feb. 25 and is expected to appear again in court on March 10.

Wilhoite was hired on to the Broncos’ staff under Payton in 2023. He spent the 2019 and 2020 seasons on Payton’s staff with the New Orleans Saints as a special teams and defensive assistant.

Before reuniting with Payton in Denver, Wilhoite worked as a linebackers coach for the Los Angeles Chargers in 2021 and 2022.

Wilhoite spent six years as a linebacker in the NFL. He played for the San Francisco 49ers from 2012-16 and the Seattle Seahawks in 2017.

This post appeared first on USA TODAY

Washington Capitals star Alex Ovechkin is on pace to pass Wayne Gretzky’s NHL career goal record before season’s end.

Ovechkin, 39, entered this season needing 42 goals to break Gretzky’s record of 894 career goals, which has stood since 1999. The Washington captain has 32 goals this season and needs 10 more with 20 games left to become the NHL’s all-time leader.

Ovechkin scored 15 times in his first 18 games before suffering a fractured left fibula during a Nov. 18 game against the Utah Hockey Club. He has scored 17 times since he returned on Dec. 28.

This season, he moved into second place with 20 consecutive 20-goal seasons and set a record for number of goalies scored against in his career. He tied records for game-winning goals and most franchises against which he has a hat trick. And he became the first player to score 200 goals in three different decades.

If he doesn’t reach Gretzky’s goal record this season, he has one more season left on his contract.

Here’s where Ovechkin stands in his chase of Gretzky’s goal record (stats through March 5):

OVECHKIN VS. GRETZKY: Comparing the two greats

How many goals does Alex Ovechkin have?

Ovechkin has 885 career goals.

How many goals does Alex Ovechkin need to pass Wayne Gretzky?

Ovechkin needs 10 goals to break Gretzky’s record.

Can Alex Ovechkin break Wayne Gretzky’s record this season?

Ovechkin has 32 goals and 17 assists in 46 games. Factoring in the 16 games he missed, that is a 46-goal pace, giving him a chance to reach the 42 goals he needs to break the record this season. As of Wednesday, Ovechkin has played 15 fewer career games than Gretzky.

What did Alex Ovechkin do in his last game?

Ovechkin scored a power-play goal on five shots in a 3-2 overtime win against the New York Rangers. He charged in, picked up a loose puck and beat Igor Shesterkin to tie the game in the third period. Shesterkin robbed him in overtime with a glove save.

When is Alex Ovechkin’s next game?

The Capitals play Friday, March 7, at home against Detroit. Ovechkin has 25 goals in 36 career regular-season games against the Red Wings.

Alex Ovechkin goals in 2024-25

  • Oct. 19: 1 vs. New Jersey
  • Oct. 23: 1 vs. Philadelphia
  • Oct. 29: 2 vs. N.Y. Rangers
  • Oct. 31: 1 vs. Montreal
  • Nov. 2: 1 vs. Columbus
  • Nov. 3: 1 vs. Carolina
  • Nov. 6: 1 vs. Nashville
  • Nov. 9: 2 vs. St. Louis
  • Nov. 17: 3 vs. Vegas
  • Nov. 18: 2 vs. Utah
  • Dec. 28: 1 vs. Toronto
  • Dec. 29: 1 vs. Detroit
  • Jan. 2: 1 vs. Minnesota
  • Jan. 4: 1 vs. N.Y. Rangers
  • Jan. 11: 1 vs. Nashville
  • Jan. 16: 1 vs. Ottawa
  • Jan. 23: 1 vs. Seattle
  • Jan. 30: 1 vs. Ottawa
  • Feb 1: 1 vs. Winnipeg
  • Feb. 4: 1 vs. Florida
  • Feb. 6: 1 vs. Philadelphia
  • Feb. 23: 3 vs. Edmonton
  • Feb. 25: 1 vs. Calgary
  • March 1: 1 vs. Tampa Bay
  • March 5: 1 vs. N.Y. Rangers

Alex Ovechkin career goals breakdown

Even strength: 559, third overall

Power play: 321, a record

Short-handed: 5

Empty net: 64, a record

Game winners: 135, tied for first with Jaromir Jagr

Overtime goals: 27, a record

Multi-goal games: 178, second overall

Goalies scored against: 181, a record

Hat tricks: 32, tied for fifth overall. Ovechkin has hat tricks against 20 franchises, tying Brett Hull’s record.

20-goal seasons: 20, tied for second

30-goal seasons: 19, a record

40-goal seasons: 13, a record

Alex Ovechkin empty-net goals

Ovechkin has a record 64 empty-net goals, but Gretzky is up there, too, with 56. Ovechkin passed Gretzky in that category last season.

Alex Ovechkin goals per season

Season: Goals, career total

  • 2005-06: 52, 52
  • 2006-07: 46, 98
  • 2007-08: 65*, 163
  • 2008-09: 56*, 219
  • 2009-10: 50, 269
  • 2010-11: 32, 301
  • 2011-12: 38, 339
  • 2012-13: 32*, 371
  • 2013-14: 51*, 422
  • 2014-15: 53*, 475
  • 2015-16: 50*, 525
  • 2016-17: 33, 558
  • 2017-18: 49*, 607
  • 2018-19: 51*, 658
  • 2019-20: 48*, 706
  • 2020-21: 24, 730
  • 2021-22: 50, 780
  • 2022-23: 42, 822
  • 2023-24: 31, 853
  • 2024-25: 32, 885

*-led league in goals that season

NHL all time goal leaders

The top 21 NHL all-time goal scorers all have 600 or more goals. All of the players are in the Hockey Hall of Fame, except Ovechkin, Sidney Crosby and Jagr, who are still playing.

1. Wayne Gretzky, 894 goals in 1,487 games

2. Alex Ovechkin, 885 goals in 1,472 games

3. Gordie Howe, 801 goals in 1,767 games

4. Jaromir Jagr, 766 goals in 1,733 games

5. Brett Hull, 741 goals in 1,269 games

6. Marcel Dionne, 731 in 1,348 games

7. Phil Esposito, 717 goals in 1,282 games

8. Mike Gartner, 708 goals in 1,432 games

9. Mark Messier, 694 goals in 1,756 games

10. Steve Yzerman, 692 goals in 1,514 games

11. Mario Lemieux, 690 goals in 915 games

12. Teemu Selanne, 684 goals in 1,451 games

13. Luc Robitaille, 668 goals in 1,431 games

14. Brendan Shanahan, 656 goals in 1,524 games

15. Dave Andreychuk, 640 goals in 1,639 games

16. Jarome Iginla, 625 goals in 1,554 games

17. Joe Sakic, 625 goals in 1,378 games

18. Sidney Crosby, 611 goals in 1,333 games

19. Bobby Hull, 610 goals in 1,063 games

20. Dino Ciccarelli, 608 goals in 1,232 games

21. Jari Kurri, 601 goals in 1,251 games

This post appeared first on USA TODAY

As Arizona State running back Cam Skattebo prepares for the 2025 NFL draft, he is being sued for more than $300,000 by one of his former Sun Devils teammates, Jason Wolf of the Arizona Republic reports.

Attorney Neil Udulutch filed a civil complaint on behalf of Mattheos Katergaris – a former walk-on offensive lineman at Arizona State – that alleges one count of negligence resulting in injury against both Skattebo and the Arizona Board of Regents, the governing body that oversees the state’s public universities.

The complaint stems from an incident in July 2023 during which Skattebo allegedly ‘jumped up and down’ on the back of a golf cart during a football practice, causing the back seat to break and Katergaris to fall to the ground.

Players had been informed only two players could ride a cart at a single time. There was also a 600-pound limit for the cart. There were two players riding the cart when Skattebo allegedly boarded it.

Udulutch detailed that Kategaris significantly injured his triceps as a result of the fall.

‘He got a really bad laceration, essentially going all the way down to the bone in his elbow,’ Udulutch told The Republic, ‘and it essentially ruptured his distal triceps tendon 90 percent of the way, so he required surgery and months of physical therapy.

‘It’s not like how a lot of the (initial) articles are painting it. He actually was very injured.’

Udulutch added Kategaris ‘can’t play anymore’ and that the former walk-on is still experiencing pain more than a year after the injury.

‘He said his arm hurts really bad when he does anything with it,’ Udulutch detailed to The Republic. ‘It moves, but it’s definitely not as strong as it was. And part of that could be the initial injury. Some of that’s definitely attributable to the way the surgery had to unfold. You’ve got to cut into there. But he’s not the same, for sure.

‘Everyone’s saying he entered the transfer portal, but he really just didn’t go anywhere.’

Skattebo wasn’t named in the original complaint, which was made in May 2024. However, it has been amended twice – most recently on Jan. 27, 2025 – when Skattebo was added as a defendant.

At the time, Skattebo was just two weeks removed from a breakout senior season at Arizona State, during which he ran for 1,711 yards and 21 touchdowns while leading the Sun Devils to a College Football Playoff berth. He is expected to be selected during the 2025 NFL draft, and potentially early on in it.

Udulutch insisted the timing of Skattebo’s addition to the lawsuit was merely coincidental.

‘I’m aware of the speculation and how that looks, but I can’t comment on the rationalization,’ Udulutch told The Republic. ‘All I can say is that we became aware that it was actually him that was on the back of the golf court, jumping up and down, according to my client.’

The Arizona Board of Regents noted in its response to the complain that it ‘has reason to believe Defendant Skattebo boarded the back of the golf cart while two other players were sitting on the rear section.’

Process servers have been attempting to locate Skattebo to deliver the legal paperwork to him. They have been unable to find him at his most recent known addresses in Arizona and California.

As a result, the court has granted permission for Udulutch to serve Skattebo by publication, which involves publishing the summons and complaint in a Maricopa County newspaper for four consecutive weeks.

Udulutch referred to the process as ‘archaic’ and ‘a last resort.’

‘He’s been hard to pin down,’ Udulutch said of Skattebo. ‘I have reason to believe he was in Florida preparing for the combine and then I know he was in Indy. I don’t know if he even lives in Arizona anymore. Maybe he’s bouncing around hotels. I just don’t know, so I was done chasing him.

‘My hope is that he or his family will retain an attorney and help us out here, but otherwise we’ll have to go that route. It’s kind of an archaic procedure. It is definitely a last resort.’

This post appeared first on USA TODAY

As March Madness approaches, fans are beginning to wonder: which players are going to immortalize themselves on college basketball’s biggest stage? Just last year, we saw a player like Jack Gohlke put himself on the national radar with a tremendous first-round performance to help Oakland upset Kentucky.

However, while America may love an underdog story, the players that will likely have the biggest impact on the NCAA Tournament are the stars we already know. So, who are those players? And who is the best of the best?

Here are the top 10 players in men’s college basketball with March Madness just a few weeks away.

The best players in men’s college basketball

All stats entering play Wednesday.

10. LJ Cryer, Houston

2024-25 stats: 15.0 PPG, 2.2 RPG, 1.9 APG, 41.9 FG%, 42 3P%

Although Cryer’s stats don’t pop off the page, his talent is undeniable. He’s an obvious shooting threat, leading the Big 12 in 3-point percentage, but that alone isn’t what makes him the likely Big 12 Player of the Year. He’s also an outstanding athlete with great handles. His playmaking could certainly use some work, though.

9. Hunter Dickinson, Kansas

2024-25 stats: 16.9 PPG, 9.9 RPG, 2.0 APG, 53.1 FG%, 20.9 3P%

Although Kansas has lost three of its last five games, that has been no fault of Dickinson, who has recorded four double-doubles in that span and was one rebound away vs. Texas Tech from making that five of five.

While Dickinson’s stats are not as gaudy as they were a season ago, it’s merely because he’s playing fewer minutes as the Jayhawks now boast a solid backup option in Flory Bidunga. The option for Dickinson to play fewer minutes could pay massive dividends come NCAA Tournament time, as he should be fresher than ever. That said, the Jayhawks have struggled against top-tier opponents this season, so perhaps even Dickinson’s stellar play and fresh legs will not be enough.

8. Bennett Stirtz, Drake

2024-25 stats: 18.9 PPG, 4.4 RPG, 5.9 APG, 49.7 FG%, 38.1 3P%

Stirtz is almost single-handedly carrying the Drake Bulldogs into relevancy this year. He’s been outstanding and seemingly has gotten better as the season’s progressed. He’s scored 20 or more points in eight of his last 10 games. While Drake’s competition certainly isn’t the toughest in the country, Stirtz has the Bulldogs earning top-25 votes for a reason.

7. Chaz Lanier, Tennessee

2024-25 stats: 17.8 PPG, 3.9 RPG, 1.0 APG, 42.5 FG%, 40.7 3P%

While Lanier does struggle a bit with consistency, having produced six games where he shot under 30% from the floor, he has also produced nine games shooting over 50%. When Lanier gets going, he’s nearly impossible to stop; the Volunteers are a stellar 11-0 when Lanier scores 20 or more points.

6. PJ Haggerty, Memphis

2024-25 stats: 21.3 PPG, 5.4 RPG, 3.7 APG, 49.1 FG%, 40.9 3P%

Many people were unsure if Haggerty’s incredible stats at Tulsa a season ago would translate to a team like Memphis, looking to make noise during March Madness. They have, and Haggerty has looked stellar all the while, racking up over 21 points per game for the second consecutive season.

Haggerty’s remarkable ability to get to the free throw line has played well all season for the Tigers, including in their runner-up finish at the Maui Invitational. He’s maintained that same level of play all season and has the Tigers looking for a No. 3 or 4 seed in the NCAA Tournament.

5. Mark Sears, Alabama

2024-25 stats: 19.1 PPG, 3.0 RPG, 5.0 APG, 41.2 FG%, 36.1 3P%

After a relatively slow start to the season, Sears has taken his game up another level, averaging 22.1 points per game over his last eight. We all knew Sears could take command of games at a moment’s notice, but he’s really come into his own as a leader as well. Even in games where Alabama loses, Sears is often able to keep the contests close. In fact, Alabama entered Wednesday with only one loss by more than 10 points all season. Much of that can be attributed to Sears’ incredible knack for scoring.

4. Braden Smith, Purdue

2024-25 stats: 16.3 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 8.7 APG, 44.6 FG%, 40.6 3P%

Smith is a wizard with the ball in his hands — and the ball always finds a way into his hands. He leads the Big Ten in both assists per game (8.7) and steals per game (2.4), and he does it all while maintaining some of the best shooting numbers among guards in college basketball. There isn’t a single area of Smith’s game where he struggles. Although he doesn’t light up a box score like most other players on this list, he’s more than capable of taking over games when he needs to. As of Wednesday, he’s scored 23 points in back-to-back games en route to solid wins over Rutgers and UCLA.

3. Kameron Jones, Marquette

2024-25 stats: 18.4 PPG, 4.3 RPG, 6.2 APG, 48.8 FG%, 31.5 3P%

There were a few skeptics wondering whether Jones would be able to transition from wing to guard in just one season. Those skeptics were quieted quickly. Jones has been just as good, maybe better, than he was a season ago. He’s carrying more of Marquette’s offensive load, all without being a detriment in the turnover department. In fact, he’s averaging almost three times as many assists as last year (2.4) while only marginally increasing his turnover rate (1.4 to 1.8 per game).

2. Johni Broome, Auburn

2024-25 stats: 18.0 PPG, 10.7 RPG, 3.3 APG, 50.4 FG%, 28.6 3P%

Sure, Broome is on a bit of a cold stretch. He’s scored fewer than 10 points four times all season, but two of those instances have come in Auburn’s last two games. Still, despite the recent struggles, Broome is performing at elite levels for a big man, especially on the defensive end, where he leads the SEC in both rebounds per game and blocks per game (2.4).

1. Cooper Flagg, Duke

2024-25 stats: 19.6 PPG, 7.5 RPG, 4.2 APG, 49.7 FG%, 38.2 3P%

Flagg is assumed to be the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NBA draft, and deservedly so. Flagg’s incredible skill on both the offensive and defensive ends are unmatched in college basketball. His only drawback so far has been his 3-point shooting, but that has been tremendous of late, with Flagg shooting 50% from beyond the arc over his last 10 games.

This post appeared first on USA TODAY

No. 1 Texas, No. 2 USC, No. 3 UConn, No. 4 UCLA, No. 5 South Carolina and No. 6 Notre Dame have emerged as top contenders for the NCAA Tournament title, but there isn’t a clear favorite. USC has wins over UCLA and UConn, but lost to Notre Dame. UConn dropped matchups against Notre Dame and USC, but blew out South Carolina. South Carolina also had losses against UCLA, but split the regular-season series against Texas. Texas also dropped a game against Notre Dame. You get the picture it’s anyone’s game.

The NCAA Tournament championship is going to come down to stellar performances from the best players on the court. Who are those players?

Here are the top 10 players in women’s college basketball with March Madness weeks away:

The best players in women’s college basketball

All stats entering play Wednesday.

10. Mikayla Blakes, Vanderbilt

2024-25 stats: 23.3 PPG, 3.5 RPG, 3.1 APG, 2.5 SPG, 46.4 FG%, 35 3PT% (30 games)

The freshman guard etched her name in the history books when she broke the NCAA freshman single-game scoring record with 53 points in Vanderbilt’s 99-86 win over Florida on Jan. 3. She broke the record again with a career-high 55 points in the Commodores’ 98–88 overtime win over Auburn in February. Blakes was named the SEC’s Freshman of the Year and was named a finalist for the Naismith Hall of Fame’s Ann Meyers Drysdale Award, given to the nation’s top shooting guard.

9. Georgia Amoore, Kentucky

2024-25 stats: 18.8 PPG, 2.1 RPG, 6.9 APG, 42.4 FG%, 32.2 3PT% (28 games)

New division, no problem. Amoore followed former Virginia Tech head coach Kenny Brooks to Kentucky and the move proved beneficial for Amoore. The 5-foot-6 guard scored in double digits in all but one game this season and leads the SEC in assists per game (6.9). Amoore, who is third in the nation with 192 total assists on the season, is 18 assists away from setting a new single-season record at Kentucky. She was rightfully named the SEC’s Newcomer of the Year.

8. Ta’Niya Latson, Florida State

2024-25 stats: 25.4 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 4.7 APG, 2.2 SPG, 45.8 FG%, 35.5 3PT% (26 games)

Latson is the top scorer in the nation at 25.4 points per game and is a key piece to the Seminoles having the highest-scoring offense in the country (88.2 ppg). Latson has recorded at least 20 points in 23 of 26 games this season. She had six 30-point games this year and a career-high 40-point performance against Virginia Tech on Jan. 2. Latson became the fastest player in Florida State basketball history to score 2,000 points this season and picked up her third All-ACC First Team selection. She’s also a finalist for the Ann Meyers Drysdale Award.

7. Aneesah Morrow, LSU

2024-25 stats: 18.2 PPG, 14 RPG, 1.4 APG, 2.5 SPG, 48.5 FG%, 27.6 3PT% (30 games)

6. Madison Booker, Texas

2024-25 stats: 16 PPG, 6.5 RPG, 2.9 APG, 1.6 SPG, 46.4 FG%, 41.7 3PT% (30 games)

Texas earned the No. 1 ranking in the latest USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll, in large part thanks to Booker’s sophomore campaign. The 6-foot-1 forward recorded 20 or more points in 11 games this season and increased her efficiency from the 3-point line, improving from 30.6% beyond the arc to 41.7% this season. Texas may have lost the No. 1 seed in the SEC tournament to South Carolina by way of a coin toss, but the Longhorns head into the postseason with lots of momentum after six straight wins against ranked opponents, including South Carolina, LSU and Kentucky. Booker averaged 21.5 points per game during that span and was named the SEC’s Player of the Year. The Longhorns will be looking to improve on their Elite Eight finish last year.

5. Lauren Betts, UCLA

2024-25 stats: 19.7 PPG, 9.9 RPG, 2.7 APG, 2.8 BPG, 62.4 FG% (26 games)

The 6-foot-7 center is a dominant force in the paint and was unanimously named the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year after setting UCLA’s single-season blocks record (73). She also broke the university’s single-game blocks record with nine blocked shots in UCLA’s win over Baylor on Jan. 20. Betts is averaging a career-high 2.8 blocks per game, the most in the conference, and her 9.9 rebounds per game marks a career-high. She had 16 double-doubles this season. UCLA ended the season with a disappointing 80-67 loss to USC, where Betts was held to 11 points and 11 rebounds on her home court, but the Bruins will attempt to shake off the thumping and make it further than their Sweet 16 finish in last year’s NCAA Tournament.

4. Olivia Miles, Notre Dame

2024-25 stats: 16.5 PPG, 6.1 RPG, 5.9 APG, 50.9 FG%, 41.6 3PT% (29 games)

Miles missed the entire 2023-24 season due to a knee injury, but made a statement in her first game back with a 20-point, 10-rebound and 10-assist triple-double to open the season on Nov. 4. She became the first player in ACC history to record back-to-back triple-doubles a month later against Loyola and Virginia. Miles’ three triple-doubles lead the nation. The floor general also leads the ACC in assists per game (5.9). Notre Dame stumbled to the finish line, dropping back-to-back games to NC State and Florida State in late February, but expect Miles to dazzle in her first NCAA Tournament since 2023.

3. Hannah Hidalgo, Notre Dame

2024-25 stats: 24.2 PPG, 5.3 RPG, 3.8 APG, 3.7 SPG, 46.4 FG%, 40.1 3PT% (27 games)

Notre Dame’s backcourt has been the best in women’s basketball all season long, so you can’t have Miles on the list of best players without also having her partner-in-crime. Hidalgo is the third-leading scorer in the nation at 24.2 points per game and ranks fourth in the country in steals (3.7 per game). Hidalgo was named the ACC’s Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year (for the second consecutive season), becoming only the third player in ACC history to win both in the same season.

2. Paige Bueckers, UConn

2024-25 stats: 18.6 PPG, 5.0 APG, 4.5 RPG, 53.4 FG%, 40.8 3PT% (29 games)

The 2025 WNBA draft isn’t called the Paige Bueckers sweepstakes for nothing. Bueckers burst onto the scene in 2021 with a breakout freshman campaign that earned her AP Player of the Year and Naismith College Player of the Year honors. Although a string of injuries forced Bueckers to miss significant time, including the entire 2022-23 season with an ACL tear, the fifth-year senior guard has returned to form and is looking to lead the Huskies to the Final Four for the fourth time in her career. Bueckers is currently UConn women’s basketball’s sixth all-time leading scorer with 2,223 points and is widely expected to be the No. 1 overall pick of the draft.

1. JuJu Watkins, USC

2024-25 stats: 24.4 PPG, 6.7 RPG, 3.6 APG, 42.9 FG%, 33.9 3PT% (28 games)

Watkins cemented herself as the best player in women’s college basketball with a dominant 30-point performance in USC’s 80-67 win over rival UCLA to claim the regular-season title and No. 1 seed in the Big Ten Conference tournament. She went on to be named Big Ten Player of the Year for good reason. Watkins became the fastest USC player to reach 1,000 career points (38 games) in November and has the Trojans primed for a run at the national championship after winning eight straight games against ranked opponents, including UConn, UCLA and Maryland. Did we mention she’s only a sophomore?

Honorable Mentions

  • LSU G Flau’Jae Johnson: 18.9 PPG, 5.8 RPG, 2.4 APG, 46.5 FG%, 37.2 3PT% (30 games)
  • TCU C Sedona Prince: 17.6 PPG, 9.4 RPG, 2.3 APG, 3.1 BPG, 59.2 FG% (30 games)
  • South Carolina G Te-Hina Paopao: 10.2 PPG, 2.7 RPG, 3.0 APG, 45.7 FG%, 38.2 3PT% (30 games)
  • Kansas State G Serena Sundell:13.5 PPG, 4.6 RPG, 7.1 APG, 48.8 FG%, 29.7 3PT% (31 games)

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Silver47 Exploration Corp. (TSXV: AGA) (FSE: QP2) (‘Silver47’ or the ‘Company’) is pleased to announce closing of the first tranche (the ‘First Tranche’) of its previously announced non-brokered private placement (the ‘Offering’) in the Company’s news releases of February 19 and 24, 2025. Pursuant to the closing of the First Tranche, the Company issued (i) 6,912,400 units of the Company (the ‘Units’) at a price of $0.50 each; and (ii) 929,192 flow-through units of the Company (the ‘FT Units’) at a price of $0.57 each, for aggregate gross proceeds to the Company of $3,985,839. In addition, the balance of the Offering is expected to occur on or about March 12, 2025 or as may be determined by the Company.

Each Unit consists of one common share in the capital of the Company (a ‘Common Share‘) and one-half of one Common Share purchase ‎warrant (a ‘Half-Warrant‘, with two Half-Warrants being referred to as a ‘Warrant‘). Each Warrant entitles the holder thereof to acquire one Common Share at a price of $0.75‎ within 36 months ‎following issuance. Each FT Unit consists of one Common Share and a Half-Warrant (subject to the same terms as indicated above), each issued as a ‘flow-through share’ pursuant to the Income Tax Act (Canada).

The Company intends to use the net proceeds from the sale of the Units to fund exploration activities at the Red Mountain Project in Alaska and for general working capital and to use the gross proceeds from the sale of FT Units for exploration expenditures at the Company’s Adams Plateau Project.

The proceeds from the sale of the FT Units will be used to incur eligible ‘Canadian exploration expenses’ that qualify as ‘flow-through mining expenditures’ as both terms are defined in the Income Tax Act (Canada), and for British Columbia subscribers, ‘BC flow-through mining expenditures’ as defined in the Income Tax Act (British Columbia), (the ‘Qualifying Expenditures‘) on the Company’s Adams Plateau Project in British Columbia, with such expenses to be incurred on or before December 31, 2026, and the Company will renounce all the Qualifying Expenditures in favour of the subscribers of the FT Units effective December 31, 2025.

In connection with the First Tranche, the Company has paid certain persons (‘Finders‘) ‎finders’ fees totaling $199,699, representing 7% of the aggregate proceeds raised by the Finders, and issued 398,888 finders’ warrants (the ‘Finder’s Warrants‘), representing 7% of the number of securities sold to subscribers introduced to the Company by the Finders. Each Finder’s Warrant is exercisable for one Common Share at an exercise price of $0.75 for a period of 36 months from the date of issuance.

All securities issued under the Offering are subject to a hold period of four months and one day from the date of issuance under applicable securities laws. The Offering is subject to the final approval of the TSX Venture Exchange (the ‘TSXV‘).

Certain directors and officers of the Company acquired an aggregate of 720,000 Units under the First Tranche. The issuance of securities to such insiders is considered a ‘related party transaction’ as defined under Multilateral Instrument 61-101 – Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions (‘MI 61-101‘). The Company is relying on exemptions from the formal valuation and minority shareholder approval requirements of MI 61-101 as the Company is listed on the TSXV and neither the fair market value of securities issued to related parties nor the consideration being paid by related parties will exceed 25% of the Company’s market capitalization.

This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of any securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation, or sale would be unlawful. The securities have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the ‘1933 Act‘), or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold in the ‘United States’ or to ‘U.S. persons’ (as such terms are defined in Regulation S under the 1933 Act) unless registered under the 1933 Act and applicable state securities laws, or an exemption from such registration requirements is available.

About Silver47 Exploration Corp.

Silver47 wholly-owns three silver and critical metals (polymetallic) exploration projects in Canada and the US: the Flagship Red Mountain silver-gold-zinc-copper-lead-animonty-gallium VMS-SEDEX project in southcentral Alaska; the Adams Plateau silver-zinc-copper-gold-lead SEDEX-VMS project in southern British Columbia, and the Michelle silver-lead-zinc-gallium-antimony MVT-SEDEX Project in Yukon Territory. Silver47 Exploration Corp. shares trade on the TSXV under the ticker symbol AGA. For more information about Silver47, please visit our website at www.silver47.ca.

On Behalf of the Board of Directors

Mr. Gary R. Thompson
Director and CEO
gthompson@silver47.ca

For investor relations
Meredith Eades
info@silver47.ca
778.835.2547

No securities regulatory authority has either approved or disapproved of the contents of this release. Neither the TSXV nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSXV) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This release contains certain ‘forward looking statements’ and certain ‘forward-looking information’ as defined under applicable Canadian securities laws. Forward-looking statements and information can generally be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as ‘may’, ‘will’, ‘expect’, ‘intend’, ‘estimate’, ‘upon’ ‘anticipate’, ‘believe’, ‘continue’, ‘plans’ or similar terminology. Forward-looking statements and information include, but are not limited to: closing of the Offering, including the number of Units and FT Units issued in respect thereof; anticipated use of proceeds; expected closing date of the Offering; payment of finder’s fees; ability to obtain all necessary regulatory approvals; insider participation in the Offering; the statements in regards to existing and future products of the Company; and the Company’s plans and strategies. Forward-looking statements and information are based on forecasts of future results, estimates of amounts not yet determinable and assumptions that, while believed by management to be reasonable, are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies. Forward-looking statements and information are subject to various known and unknown risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the ability of the Company to control or predict, that may cause the Company’s actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied thereby, and are developed based on assumptions about such risks, uncertainties and other factors set out herein, including but not limited to: the ability to close the Offering, including the time and sizing thereof, the insider participation in the Offering and receipt of required regulatory approvals; the use of proceeds not being as anticipated; the Company’s ability to implement its business strategies; risks associated with general economic conditions; adverse industry events; stakeholder engagement; marketing and transportation costs; loss of markets; volatility of commodity prices; inability to access sufficient capital from internal and external sources, and/or inability to access sufficient capital on favourable terms; industry and government regulation; changes in legislation, income tax and regulatory matters; competition; currency and interest rate fluctuations; and the additional risks identified in the Company’s financial statements and the accompanying management’s discussion and analysis and other public disclosures recently filed under its issuer profile on SEDAR+ and other reports and filings with the TSXV and applicable Canadian securities regulators. The forward-looking information are made based on management’s beliefs, estimates and opinions on the date that statements are made and the Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements if these beliefs, estimates and opinions or other circumstances should change, except as required by applicable securities laws.

No forward-looking statement can be guaranteed, and actual future results may vary materially. Accordingly, readers are advised not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.

NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISTRIBUTION OR DISSEMINATION IN OR INTO THE U.S.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/243504

News Provided by Newsfile via QuoteMedia

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Here’s a quick recap of the crypto landscape for Wednesday (March 5) as of 9:00 p.m. UTC.

Bitcoin and Ethereum price update

Bitcoin (BTC) is currently trading at US$90,372.22, reflecting a 4 percent increase over the past 24 hours. The day’s trading range has seen a high of US$90,468.07 and a low of US$87,736.82.

Ethereum (ETH) is priced at US$2,231.25, marking an increase of 4.3 percent over the same period. The cryptocurrency reached an intraday high of US$2,232.93 and a low of US$2,168.29.

Altcoin price update

  • Solana (SOL) is currently valued at US$145, up 2.7 percent over the past 24 hours. SOL experienced a high of US$145.84 and a low of US$140.61 during Wednesday’s trading session.
  • XRP is trading at US$2.50, reflecting a 2.1 percent increase over the past 24 hours. The cryptocurrency recorded an intraday high of US$2.51 and a low of US$2.43.
  • Sui (SUI) is priced at US$2.67, showing a 7.2 percent increase over the past 24 hours. It achieved a daily high of US$2.68 and a low of US$2.46.
  • Cardano (ADA) is trading at US$0.9882, reflecting a 9 percent increase over the past 24 hours. Its highest price on Wednesday was US$0.9956, with a low of US$0.937.

Crypto news to know

Bitcoin’s ‘special status’ in US crypto reserve

In a Wednesday interview with the Pavlovic Today, US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick clarified that Bitcoin will have “special status” in a planned national cryptocurrency reserve.

The reserve will hold a basket of cryptocurrencies, including ETH, SOL, ADA and XRP. Lutnick said the Trump administration will likely reveal more details at the upcoming White House Crypto Summit.

The Trump administration has faced criticism since it announced its intention to create a reserve that includes cryptocurrencies other than Bitcoin. Industry insiders, including Coinbase and Gemini CEOs Brian Armstrong and Tyler Winklevoss, have argued that Bitcoin is the only cryptocurrency that meets the criteria of a reserve asset.

Ethereum’s Pectra upgrade faces second setback

After initially announcing the successful deployment of Ethereum’s Pectra upgrade on its final testnet, Sepolia, Ethereum blockchain developer Tim Beiko reported a technical issue that caused transaction processing software to malfunction, leading to the creation of blocks without any transactions.

The Wednesday issue marks the second setback in the process of the Pectra upgrade, which is anticipated to improve Ether staking, layer-2 network scalability and overall network capacity.

During a test run of the Pectra upgrade on the Holesky test network on February 24, a mistake in how the computers that validate transactions were set up caused the network to split into two separate, conflicting versions.

The estimated time to resolve the issue and successfully implement the upgrade on the test network is approximately 18 days. More information, including a possible final date of the Pectra mainnet implementation, is expected during Ethereum’s All Core Developers call on Thursday (March 6).

Senate passes IRS resolution

The US Senate voted 70 to 27 to pass a resolution to repeal a Biden-era rule requiring decentralized finance protocols to report to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and brokers to disclose gross proceeds from crypto sales.

The issue was brought forward by Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) on January 21.

The resolution will now move to the House of Representatives. If it passes a vote there, it will be sent to President Donald Trump for his signature. David Sacks, the Trump administration’s artificial intelligence and crypto czar, has already said the White House supports the resolution.

Securities Disclosure: I, Giann Liguid, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.

Securities Disclosure: I, Meagen Seatter, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.

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