The Latest From the SSM WriterS:
The Nati Report 5/25:
From a dominant six-goal display at TQL Stadium to a chaotic, weather-fueled week on the diamond for the Redlegs, the Queen City sports scene didn’t slow down for the rain. Plus, Cincinnati Baseball officially secures its historic back-to-back ticket to the NCAA tournament, and a massive roster boost breathes new life into regional college hoops.…
Hometown Hero: 2027 5* Recruit Kam Mercer Commits to Cincinnati
Kam Mercer grew up with his dad being a Cincinnati Bearcat fan. Born in 2009, his early memories of basketball likely revolved around the Mick Cronin era of Cincinnati basketball. He grew up a Cincinnati fan as well. Fast Forward to now, and Kam has committed to Cincinnati and coach Calhoun just weeks after visiting…
NKU Lands Estonian Patrick Otto Mäe!
NKU basketball continues to reload its roster, this time adding 6’8″ Estonian wing Patrick Otto Mäe. Bringing raw athleticism and a 6’10” wingspan from the Tilton School, Mäe adds intriguing international depth to the Norse system. Here is a breakdown of his film, stats, and projected fit in Highland Heights.
The Nati Report 5/18
From the Bengals’ newly dropped 2026 schedule and crazy finishes at TQL Stadium to massive local baseball tournament runs and international recruiting wins, we have your complete weekly roundup of the Queen City sports scene. Read the latest edition of The Nati Report to catch up on the Reds, FCC, UC, Xavier, NKU, and Miami.
Norse Stay International: Breaking Down Gabrielius Jokubauskas’ Commitment to NKU
The Norse stay active on the international recruiting trail! Head coach Darrin Horn and staff have landed 6’5″ Lithuanian wing Gabrielius Jokubauskas. While his 31% mark from deep leaves room for growth, his fearless “shooters shoot” mentality and high defensive motor make him a high-reward addition to the roster.
The Nati Report 5/11/26: Messi, Championships, and the Ohio Cup
It certainly wasn’t an ideal week for Cincinnati professional sports, especially with the Reds’ late-inning struggles and an 8-game slide. However, the college side brought plenty of hardware home as NKU Women’s Softball secured a Horizon League title and a trip to the Knoxville Regional. We break down the Reds’ weekend turnaround, preview a massive…
Akai Fleming Commits to Cincinnati: What the Georgia Tech Transfer Brings to the Bearcats
With a late-season surge at Georgia Tech and high-level scoring potential, Akai Fleming brings a high-upside spark to the backcourt. Explore our deep dive into his efficiency profile, tools, and how he fits into Jerrod Calhoun’s system and long-term vision for the program.
Nati Report 5/4/26
May the 4th be with you! While it was a relatively quiet week in the Queen City, don’t let the lull fool you—local baseball and softball are peaking as we head into tournament season. From the Reds’ struggle for offensive identity to the Bearcats’ firm grip on a potential 2-seed, we’re breaking down the data…
NKU Land B.J. Davis-Ray from SMU
Following a quiet freshman season at SMU, former 3-star recruit B.J. Davis-Ray is heading to Highland Heights. At 6’6″ with a 3-level scoring pedigree, Davis-Ray represents a high-upside addition for Coach Horn as the Norse look to reload their wing depth for the 2026-27 season.
An Open Letter to the NCAA
The NCAA is moving toward a 76-team tournament, but at what cost? Expanding the field doesn’t just add games; it threatens the very soul of March: the Cinderella. From Saint Peter’s to Dunk City, here is why moving the ‘little guys’ to a play-in tier is losing the plot.