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Mavericks coach Rick Carlisle delighted Virginia is back in the Final Four for the first time in 35 years

THEY’RE BACK 

LONG TIME COMING — After a 35-year drought, the Virginia men’s basketball program is back in the Final Four. The champions out of the South Region, the top-seeded Cavaliers (33-3) will face Midwest Region champion, fifth-seeded Auburn (30-9), Saturday at 5:09 p.m. CST from U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis. (Getty Image Photo)

DALLAS — The Virginia men’s basketball program is back in the Final Four for the first time in 35 years.

Amongst the UVA alums who seems the proudest is Dallas Mavericks coach Rick Carlisle.

Prior to Friday night’s game versus the Memphis Grizzlies in the American Airlines Center, Carlisle spoke of how delighted he is to witness Virginia atone for last year’s NCAA Tournament’s first-round exit by reaching the national semifinals.
The champions out of the South Region, the top-seeded Cavaliers (33-3) will face Midwest Region champion, fifth-seeded Auburn (30-9), Saturday at 5:09 p.m. CST from U. S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis.

The second national semifinal matchup will pit No. 3 seed Texas Tech (30-6), the West Region champion, squaring off against East Region champion, No. 2 seed Michigan State (32-6).

For UVA, which became the first ever No. 1 seed to lose to a No. 16 seed when it was dealt a 74–54 drubbing by the University of Maryland-Baltimore County in last year’s opening round of the Big Dance, Carlisle applauded Cavaliers coach Tony Bennett for a job well done with a program that is making its third Final Four appearance in school history (1981, 1984, 2019). 

IN RETROSPECT 

THE LAST TIME — Carlisle (left) was a member of Virginia’s 1984 Final Four squad that lost in the national semifinals to Akeem Olajuwon and No. 2 seed Houston, 49-47, in overtime.

“They’ve been consistently great all year,” Carlisle said of the Cavaliers, winners of four straight and 13 of their last 14. “I think they’ve only lost two or three games by two or three points. They have a real resolve as a team.”

In reaching the Final Four for the first time since 1984, Virginia demonstrated some much-needed resolve in the waning moments of the South Region final against third-seeded Purdue.

The Cavaliers, in fact, needed a rather awkward buzzer-beater by junior swingman Mamadi Diakite just as time expired to tie the game at 70 and force overtime, then outscored the Boilermakers, 10-5, in the extra session to preserve the win, thus erasing the memory of last year’s opening-round heartbreaker to UMBC.

According to ESPN’s Matchup Predictor, Virginia has a 79.9 percent chance of defeating Auburn, which is making its first Final Four appearance in school history.

Michigan State, meanwhile, has a 61.1 percent chance to upend Texas Tech, according to ESPN’s Matchup Predictor.

As for who Carlisle’s predicting to win the first of two national semifinal games, well, that essentially goes without saying.

PRAYER ANSWERED — The Cavaliers needed a buzzer-beater by junior swingman Mamadi Diakite just as time expired to tie the game at 70 and force overtime, then outscored the Boilermakers, 10-5, in the extra session to preserve the win, erasing the memory of last year’s opening-round heartbreaker to UMBC. According to ESPN’s Matchup Predictor, UVA has a 79.9 percent chance of defeating Auburn, which is making its first Final Four appearance in school history.

“They have a style that you need into today’s game,” said Carlisle, who was a member of Virginia’s 1984 Final Four squad that lost in the national semifinals to No. 2 seed Houston, 49-47, in overtime. “They preach defense first thing and they really understand how to play with each other. You know, the way they won the Purdue game last week was really special.”

Now that they’ve atoned for last year’s postseason disappointment, can the grit and grind Cavaliers manage two more wins to capture the school’s first ever national title?

“They’ve got a real chance now,” Carlisle said.

With a slight grin.

That, much to his delight and to the satisfaction of the rest of the UVA faithful, is a far cry from last year’s disastrous turn of events in the Big Dance.

Andre Johnson is the award-winning Founder/Publisher & Editor In Chief of Making Headline News. A 2000 graduate of the University of Memphis School of Journalism and a former reporter of sports for the Memphis Commercial Appeal newspaper, Johnson covers the NBA Southwest Division from Dallas, Texas. To reach Johnson, call him at 901-690-6587 or send email to andre@makingheadlinenews.com. Also, follow him on Twitter @AJ_Journalist.

 

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Minneapolis entrepreneur Nikisha Simmons-Maclin embracing her ‘second chance’ courtesy of two flourishing ventures

MAKING HEADLINE NEWS WELCOMES NIKISHA SIMMONS-MACLIN

 

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28)

 

If anyone knows that we serve of a God of second chances, Nikisha Simmons-Maclin certainly does.

TWIN CITY SENSATION — Minnesota Businesswoman Nikisha Simmons-Maclin is the CEO of High Fashion And Events, a flourishing online fashion store that is widely known for offering fashionable styles for juniors, mature women, and full figure women, all the while exemplifying an excellent online shopping experience, accompanied by efficient customer service. Interestingly, Simmons-Maclin also is the founder of Renewed Life Counseling Services, a progressive institution whereby her responsibilities include — but aren’t limited to — inspiring and motivating individuals of all ages around the country to apply daily principles, thus stay true to LIFE, an acronym that stands for Live Inspirationally Faithfully Everyday.

“I have always believed that God gave me a second chance,” Simmons-Maclin, during an interview this week with Making Headline News, said before sharing a familiar Biblical passage to back up her suggestion. “Romans 8:28 says, ‘And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.’”

For Simmons-Maclin, there is no doubt that she has been strategically called according to God’s purpose for such a time as now, most notably by way of her immeasurable gifts through entrepreneurship.  

A 39-year-old native of Compton, California, Simmons-Maclin is making some remarkably brilliant strides as a thriving businesswoman, considering she is the mastermind of not one, but two successful Minneapolis, Minnesota-based business ventures.

She is the CEO of High Fashion & Events, a flourishing online fashion store that is widely known for offering fashionable styles for juniors, mature women, and full figure women, all the while exemplifying an excellent online shopping experience, accompanied by efficient customer service.

Interestingly, Simmons-Maclin also is the founder of Renewed Life Counseling Services, a progressive institution whereby her chief responsibilities include — but aren’t limited to — inspiring and motivating individuals of all ages around the country to apply daily principles, thus stay true to LIFE, an acronym that stands for Live Inspirationally Faithfully Everyday.

MORE ON NIKISHA’S HIGH FASHION & EVENTS: https://www.facebook.com/highfashionandevents/

COMPTON, COMPTON — Raised in Compton’s historic Dominguez Valley community, Simmons-Maclin is an honors graduate of Long Beach (Calif.) Jordan High School.

“As a former plus-size model, my dreams became reality in 1999 when I took third place in a nationwide modeling contest,” explained Simmons-Maclin, recalling what undoubtedly was a defining moment that had ultimately given way to her being offered a five-year, $10,000 guaranteed modeling contract with Wilhelmina Models of New York. “(I was) inspired by many models such as Naomi Campbell, Tyra Banks, and Queen Latifah, but I never gave up on my revelation of modeling.”

Even when she had become the subject of criticism and negative predictions by people who refused to acknowledge her worth, there was Simmons-Maclin, diligently going after the purpose for which she was created.

“I was told many times to get my head out of the clouds,” Simmons-Maclin said. “I suffered from (low) self-esteem and self-worth issues, sexual abuse, dysfunctional behaviors, broken relationships, and self-abuse.  From 2001 to 2002, I went back and forth between California and New York and, in 2003, relocated to New York.”

For what it’s worth, all of the going back and forth was a risk worth taking, considering this resilient and resourceful businesswoman didn’t stop until she reaped the favorable results she so desperately sought.

“I left many people, many places, and many things in pursuit of what I thought was happiness,” said Simmons-Maclin, who eventually left her native home state for good in 2009 and relocated hundreds of miles away from the Pacific to the Central time zone — Minnesota to be technical.

That is when she began to witness all things working together for her good.

Yep. That’s just like God.

“I have recently accepted that this is my call and that I am on assignment,” Simmons-Maclin said of her business ventures that are enjoying sustained success. “I enjoy working with people, inspiring people, motivating people, and loving on people.”

GOD’S PLAN — Even when she had become the subject of criticism and negative predictions by people who refused to acknowledge her worth, there was Simmons-Maclin, diligently going after the purpose for which she was created.

Her High Fashion & Events venture went into full operations in 2014 and caters to women ranging from teenagers to 60 years of age.

As for her already congested itinerary, Simmons-Maclin is expected to be on hand for the upcoming Second Annual Hair Show in Minneapolis and, as a notable member of Toastmasters, she announced that additional public appearances and speaking engagements are presently in the works.

Raised in Compton’s historic Dominguez Valley community, Simmons-Maclin is an honors graduate of Long Beach (Calif.) Jordan High School.

A 39-year-old native of Compton, California, Simmons-Maclin is making some remarkably brilliant strides as a thriving businesswoman, considering she is the mastermind of not one, but successful Minneapolis, Minnesota-based business ventures.

In addition, she holds an Associate’s Degree from Minneapolis Community Technical College (MCTC) — she graduated with honors in Criminal Justice and Addiction Counseling — and is a graduate of Metro State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Human Services.

“God, family, church, and my community,” said Simmons-Maclin, when asked who were amongst those who inspired her to pursue her entrepreneurship dreams. “The world is in a place where its soul has been held bondage to the daily trials and tribulations of life. Although many have creativity for others, we have lost our ability of believing, dreaming, and (having a) vision.

“When one’s vision is clear, you know what you desire is possible. You cannot go back, because you will become too busy looking at what is ahead. With hard work, commitment, dedication, and disciplined, you can be successful and manifest all desires and expectations.”

Talk about making good on a second chance.

For more information about Minneapolis Businesswoman Nikisha Simmons-Maclin, or to schedule her for a public appearance, connect with her via social media under: Nikisha Simmons-Maclin. Also, send email to: nikishasimmons@hotmail.com.

EDITOR’S NOTE: If you are an entrepreneur, business owner, producer, author, athlete, musician, barber, life coach, motivational speaker, cosmetologist, tax preparer, model, or pastor/minister who is seeking exposure and would like to share your story with an in-depth news feature, call Reporter Andre Johnson at 901-690-6587 or Facebook message him under “Andre T. Johnson” for details.

Andre Johnson is the award-winning Founder and Publisher for Making Headline News. A 2000 graduate of the University of Memphis School of Journalism and a former staff reporter of sports for the Memphis Commercial Appeal newspaper, Johnson covers the NBA Southwest Division from Dallas, Texas. To reach Johnson, send email to andre@makingheadlinenews.com or to memphisgraduate@yahoo.com. Also, follow him on Twitter @AJ_Journalist.

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Minnesota author Ronisha Williams recalls near-death experience in pair of life-changing books

Ronisha Williams doesn’t merely look like what she’s been through.

That, after all, practically explains why she isn’t about to refrain from sharing before the world her testimony, one that, truth be told, nearly robbed her of her precious, fragile life.

MORE THAN A CONQUEROR — After having outlasted a near-death encounter, Ronisha Williams, this gifted minister of the Gospel has no plans of dying anytime soon, as evidenced by the monumental step she’s taken in recent years, one that came wrapped up in an awe-inspiring book entitled, From The Hospital To The Pulpit.

It all transpired some two years ago.

Williams, a rather young, vibrant spokesperson for Christ, found herself confined to a hospital bed, paralyzed from the waist down.

So how in the Name of Jesus Christ could something so heartbreaking, so tragic, just downright life-changing happen to a woman whom, to her credit, isn’t ashamed to let folk know just how on fire she is for Almighty God?

If you really want to know the truth, it doesn’t matter how it happened.

At least not at this point.

All that matters at this present time, really, is that Williams’ faith has only increased amid arguably the most challenging, darkest season of her life.

Need more proof?

“During a three-year period from 2013 to 2016, I fought a hard battle of not only being paralyzed from the waist down, but I lost my ability to eat or even formulate a word,” Williams told Making Headline News during a weekend interview from Minnesota. “The simple things like brush my teeth or get dressed, I couldn’t do. The doctors gave up on me. But God.”

BUY RONISHA’S BOOK HERE: https://www.amazon.com/Hospital-Pulpit-Ronisha-Williams/dp/1547110546/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1531013816&sr=8-2&keywords=ronisha+williams

She got that right. But God.

Which, much to Williams’ delight, is a spiritually-enhancing cliché she, in all likelihood, will utter until the day she dies.

But let’s get one things straight in the meantime.

This beloved minister of the Gospel has no plans of dying anytime soon, as evidenced by the monumental step she’s taken in recent years, one that came wrapped up in an awe-inspiring book entitled, From The Hospital To The Pulpit.

“I was intubated over 48 times during this three years,” said Williams, recalling a near-death encounter that has miraculously turned into a dramatic comeback for the ages.

A book that is comprised of 118-pages in length, Williams’ From The Hospital To The Pulpit has been a constant spiritual eye-opener for countless individuals throughout the Body of Christ since it’s much anticipated release in June 2017.

Williams a wife to an amazing husband of 16 years, Arthur Williams, and a mother of three beautiful children.

“This book is not just about me overcoming sickness in my body. It’s really about why I got sick, running from the call of God on my life,” Williams explained in a detailed breakdown of her book at Amazon.com. “It’s my story of being made whole. From tragedy to triumph, overcoming many obstacles with my health and childhood trauma. I am a living miracle. My passion is to share my story with the world that many would be made free. God is still a miracle-working God.”

MORE ON RONISHA WILLIAMS:http://www.ronishawilliams.com/

Even as her life was left hanging in the balance, amongst the things about which Williams admittedly was guilty of was routinely obeying God’s specific commands.

“God told me to record everything I was going through, because not only was I going to come out of it, but a book was going to be birthed that will deliver nations,” Williams said.”

BUY RONISHA’S BOOK HERE: https://www.amazon.com/Swallowed-Up-Demand-Greater-You/dp/1575500779

Mission accomplished.

But God — in case many of you have forgotten.

“One single reason I chose to produce my book is because I knew there were so many people not only struggling from a physical sickness, but an eternal one as well,” Williams said. “I grew a strong passion and desire to see people free from the place I call the ‘little you.’ So many people are adults, but stuck in a time capsule of the wounded little girl and boy inside. My passion was to see people set free from pain, anger, bitterness, etc.”

BUT GOD — Williams, a rather young, vibrant spokesperson for Christ, found herself confined to a hospital bed, paralyzed from the waist down.

A book she began composing during the rehabilitation stages of her hospitalization, Williams needed only a few months to finish her published masterpiece, which went to press in October 2016.

She’s since written a second book, this one entitled Swallowed Up: A Demand For The Greater You, a 90-page project that is a little more than two months removed since its ceremonious release.

“The divine message for this book is for every reader to discover that God is putting a demand on the greater in you to come forth,” Williams said of her latest book that was officially released on May 12, 2018. “Just like Jonah in the Bible encountered God in the belly of the fish, you also will discover that whatever your trials, whatever your burdens, they were all worth it. You will understand that, although you hit rock bottom God allowed it. Yes, God allowed it so that’s you can discover he is he rock at the bottom. He is the rock that will deliver you and thrust you forward into the greater you.”

All things considered, the feedback for both of Williams’ book has been favorable.

SHE’S NOT DONE — Williams has since written a second book, this one entitled Swallowed Up: A Demand For The Greater You, a 90-page project that is a little more than two months removed since its ceremonious release

“The feedback for both books has been nothing short of remarkable,” said Williams, who’s widely known also as a mentor, life coach, a prophet, and an inspirational speaker. “For the first book, I got so much feedback that so many people’s eyes were open and it really encouraged them to go through their process of healing and to trust God. People said they were moved by how transparent I was, and it’s truly blessed them. Everyone say they couldn’t put the book down, because it was so captivating. My second book, the feedback was they felt the power and glory of God reading it and how their life will never be the same. Some say they just keep reading it, because it is so powerful.”

Which, much to her delight, is a far cry from her having been confined to a hospital bed, paralyzed from the waist down some two years ago.

So how in the Name of Jesus Christ could something so heartbreaking, so tragic, so downright life-changing happen to a woman whom, to her credit, isn’t ashamed to let folk know just how on fire she is for God?

“The hardest part of all this was that I was also going through an internal battle with depression, bitterness, etc.,” Williams said. “But God kept His promise, and every word He spoke has literally come to pass. I am a living, breathing, walking talking miracle. My heart’s desire is to see every man, woman, boy, and girl made free walking in their purpose.”

Well said by one of God’s beloved spokesperson — a godly and gifted woman of devout, relentless faith, one who doesn’t merely look like what she’s been through.

For more information about Author Ronisha Williams or to schedule her for a public appearance or speaking engagement, log on to: http://www.ronishawilliams.com/. Also, send email to: admin@ronishawilliams.com.

 

EDITOR’S NOTE: If you are an entrepreneur, business owner, producer, author, athlete, musician, barber, life coach, motivational speaker, cosmetologist, tax preparer, model, or pastor/minister who is seeking exposure and would like to share your story with an in-depth news feature, call Reporter Andre Johnson at 901-690-6587 or Facebook message him under “Andre T. Johnson” for details.

Andre Johnson is the award-winning Founder and Publisher for Making Headline News. A 2000 graduate of the University of Memphis School of Journalism and a former staff reporter of sports for the Memphis Commercial Appeal newspaper, Johnson covers the NBA Southwest Division from Dallas, Texas. To reach Johnson, send email to andre@makingheadlinenews.com or to memphisgraduate@yahoo.com. Also, follow him on Twitter @AJ_Journalist.

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