Convenience Big Store: Brooks isn't just 'Dillon the Villain' on return to Memphis

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Today's starting lineup

"Dillon the Villain" was born in Memphis, where Dillon Brooks and the Rockets will play Friday for the first time since his prickly departure from the Grizzlies organization.

Danielle Lerner takes a closer look at the Rockets' new forward and why there's more to him than just his reputation.

Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud missed another practice as he goes through the concussion protocol and is even more doubtful to play on Sunday at Tennessee. What's it like in the concussion protocol? Jonathan M. Alexander talked with linebacker Henry To'oTo'o who went through it earlier this year.

It's state championship week for UIL football in Arlington. When the top four teams in the two divisions of Class 6A play on Saturday, it will be a watershed moment for Texas high school sports: the first time all four coaches have been Black. Jerome Solomon tells us why that matters.

It's also the five-year anniversary of North Shore's Hail Mary pass to beat Duncanville for the title. Jon Poorman looks back on that play as the teams prepare to play again for the title. Follow our coverage all week here at state championship central.

Stat of the day: 6. Texas' Madison Skinner had an NCAA Final Four record six aces in the Longhorns' win over Wisconsin in the semifinals.

Reid Laymance
Sports editor
reid.laymance@houstonchronicle.com

Rockets / NBA

Houston Rockets forward Dillon Brooks (9) stares on the court before the first half of an NBA basketball game at Toyota Center, Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2023, in Houston.

Photo by: Jason Fochtman, Staff Photographer

Brooks isn't just 'Dillon the Villain,' but will Griz fans agree?

Memphians loved the forward's persona when he was one of them. On Friday, he'll find out how they feel now that he's a Rocket.

Texans / NFL

Houston Texans linebacker Henry To'oTo'o takes a break on the field at the end of practice during an NFL training camp Tuesday, Aug. 8, 2023, in Houston.

Photo by: Brett Coomer, Staff Photographer

NFL concussion protocol, from eyes of Texan who went through it

Linebacker Henry To'oTo'o' knows just what fellow rookie C.J. Stroud is navigating as he waits to get back on the field.

Out again: C.J. Stroud missed another day of practice while in the concussion protocol.

High School Football

Photo by: Jason Fochtman/Staff Photographer

Solomon: Final four of Black head coaches a new day in Texas

Only 12 Black head coaches have won UIL state titles but two more a guaranteed this week as all four Class 6A head coaches are Black

Hail Mary: This year marks the five-year anniversary of North Shore's miracle play against Duncanville in the 2018 state championship that gave the Mustangs their third title.
History lesson: A look back at the previous four state championship matchups between North Shore and Duncanville.
Big D: The defensive unit has keyed another undefeated run to the state final for top state-ranked North Shore.
Hammer time: Summer Creek's defense and its sledgehammer are ready for match against DeSoto's big offensive line and running game
Thursday's games: Albany, Gunter earn repeat titles while Malakoff stops Franklin's bid.
Band of brothers: Senior defensive lineman D.J. Sanders and junior running back D.D. Murray have been causing havoc on both sides of the field all year long for Bellville.

College Volleyball

Photo by: Chris O'Meara/Associated Press

Texas advances to NCAA volleyball championship game

Madisen Skinner had 18 kills and a Final Four record six aces to lead defending champion Texas past Wisconsin in the NCAA volleyball tournament semifinals.