Coach who knocked Wisconsin out of March Madness has unique Packers connection PORTLAND, Ore. – The coach who ended the Wisconsin Badgers’ 2025-26 season in the NCAA Tournament has a personal link to the Green Bay Packers, the NFL team based in Wisconsin. Flynn Clayman, the head coach of High Point University, is the son of Richard Clayman, who created a one-man play about legendary Packers coach Vince Lombardi. The play, titled “Vince: The Life & Times Of Vince Lombardi,” premiered in Los Angeles in the 1990s and provided Clayman with early exposure to Lombardi’s legacy. The play’s debut helped shape Clayman’s connection to the Packers. Before the production gained wider attention, Clayman worked behind the scenes, operating the lights during performances. A writer from the Los Angeles Times noticed the play and wrote about it, drawing the interest of Packers legends. Clayman had the opportunity to meet Bart Starr, Willie Davis, and other Hall of Fame players. The experience also led to a performance at the Packers’ Hall of Fame, where the play was staged. Notably, the production was even used to open the Super Bowl once, highlighting its significance to the team’s history. Clayman’s fandom of the Packers began through this connection. Growing up in Los Angeles, he had no local NFL team to follow, so he turned to the Packers. The team’s success during his formative years, including their Super Bowl wins, solidified his loyalty. “They won the Super Bowl right around when I started becoming a fan in New Orleans against the Patriots,” he said. “And I’ve just stayed a fan. That’s my team.” The connection to the Packers also influenced Clayman’s career path. The play about Lombardi sparked his interest in storytelling and leadership, which later translated into his coaching role.#green_bay_packers #los_angeles #ncaa_tournament #high_point_university #vance_lombardi
High Point's Chase Johnston Aims for Upset Against Wisconsin in NCAA Tournament Chase Johnston, the standout guard for High Point University, has drawn significant attention ahead of the NCAA Tournament due to his exceptional three-point shooting ability. His performance has drawn comparisons to Jack Gohlke, a former March Madness standout known for his long-range skills. Both players have thrived from beyond the arc, with Johnston averaging a 48.5% shooting rate from three-point range this season, ranking seventh nationally. His reliance on deep shots is evident, as he has attempted just four two-pointers this year and is 0-4 from those spots. Johnston’s potential to make an impact will be tested in High Point’s first-round matchup against No. 5 seed Wisconsin. The Panthers, ranked 12th in the tournament, will face the Badgers in the West Region of the NCAA Tournament. Wisconsin’s defense has struggled to contain opponents from long range, allowing 24.4 three-point attempts per game with an 8.1 made percentage. These numbers place the Badgers near the bottom of the country in terms of defensive efficiency from beyond the arc. The team’s recent performance in the Big Ten tournament further supports this trend, as they allowed 24 three-pointers in a three-game stretch. Johnston’s ability to thrive in such matchups could be pivotal. During High Point’s run to the Big South Championship, he shot 6 of 10 from three-point range, contributing to an offense that ranks third nationally in scoring at 90 points per game. The Panthers’ high-octane attack will need to capitalize on Wisconsin’s defensive vulnerabilities to create an upset. The game, set for Thursday at 1:50 p.m.#wisconsin #ncaa_tournament #high_point_university #chase_johnston #jack_gohlke
Chase Johnston's High Point stats: How 3-point sharpshooter compares to Jack Gohlke in March Madness The NCAA Tournament is one of the most thrilling events in sports because unpredictability defines every game. Smaller programs that rarely appear on television often get a chance to shine, allowing unknown players to gain national attention. Each year, fans are treated to stories of unsung heroes from lesser-known schools who explode on the stat sheet and become household names. Jack Gohlke, a standout player for Oakland University in the 2024 NCAA Tournament, exemplified this phenomenon. He led his team to an upset victory over No. 3 Kentucky, scoring 32 points in the process. That performance etched his name into college basketball history, and now, fans are eager to identify the next potential Gohlke. While the next star might not replicate Gohlke’s 32-point explosion, they could bring a unique flair to the tournament. Enter Chase Johnston, a senior guard from High Point University. Johnston, who averages just six points per game, has carved out a niche with his elite three-point shooting. In 32 regular-season games, he made no two-point shots, relying entirely on long-range accuracy. Over the course of the season, he attempted 136 shots, with 132 of them coming from beyond the arc. His 49.9% three-point shooting percentage is a testament to his precision, though it’s his complete abandonment of two-point attempts that sets him apart. While Johnston isn’t expected to score 30 points against No. 5 Wisconsin in the first round, his story is compelling. His ability to consistently hit from deep creates an intriguing narrative, especially in a tournament where underdog stories often dominate. Fans are already speculating how his shooting prowess could shape the 2026 NCAA Tournament.#ncaa_tournament #high_point_university #chase_johnston #jack_gohlke #oakland_university
High Point University Men, Women Learn NCAA Tournament Spots High Point University’s men’s and women’s basketball teams secured their spots in the NCAA Tournament after securing automatic bids by winning their respective Big South Conference tournaments. The Panthers’ inclusion in the tournament selection process was celebrated by fans and players, with a packed crowd gathered at the Qubein Center to witness the announcement. “We’re excited to be in the tournament,” said D2:5 p2=:J29 r@==:?D, head coach of the men’s team. “This is a testament to the hard work of our players and staff. We’re looking forward to the challenge ahead.” The coach emphasized the importance of the tournament as a platform for the team to showcase their skills. Similarly, the women’s team coach, D2:5 p??2 w286C, expressed pride in the team’s achievement. “This is a huge milestone for our program. We’ve worked tirelessly to get here, and now it’s time to take it to the next level,” he said. Both coaches highlighted the significance of the tournament as a chance to compete at the highest level. The selection process for the NCAA Tournament was a pivotal moment for High Point University, as the teams were among the top contenders in their conference. The men’s team, which had dominated the Big South throughout the season, was a clear favorite to secure an automatic bid. The women’s team, meanwhile, had a strong finish to the regular season, earning them a spot in the tournament. The tournament selection process is a critical event for college basketball teams, as it determines their path to the postseason. For High Point, the inclusion in the NCAA Tournament represents a significant achievement for both programs.#big_south_conference #high_point_university #qubein_center #men_s_basketball_team #women_s_basketball_team
