In this inspiring episode of Blacklight on Sports, we welcome Crystal Flint—a Minnesota basketball legend whose impact extends far beyond the court. Crystal made history in 1994 by leading the University of Minnesota women’s basketball team to its first-ever NCAA Tournament appearance. Since then, she's coached players of all ages, officiated seven state tournaments, and founded the acclaimed Triple Threat Girls Basketball camp.

Now serving as Director at Conway Community Center with The Sanneh Foundation, Crystal remains dedicated to mentoring youth, championing education, and creating lasting community change.

Listen in as Crystal discusses leadership, the power of representation, and her lifelong mission of uplifting the next generation through sports.

Executive Producer/CEO Publisher
Tracey Williams-Dillard

Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder
3744 4th Ave South
Minneapolis MN 55409
612-827-4021

MSR Digital Studio
Ray Seville

Charles Hallman
MSR Sports Columnist

Dr. Mitchell Palmer McDonald, PhE.
MSR Sports Columnist

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED BY
MINNESOTA SPOKESMAN-RECORDER 1934

In this powerful episode of Blacklight on Sports, hosts Charles Hallman and Dr. Mitchell Palmer McDonald sit down with Sam Willis—former basketball standout turned entrepreneur and youth mentor. Hailing from Minneapolis Roosevelt’s legendary 1993 squad, Willis went on to play college and professional ball before returning home with a new mission: serving his community.

Today, Willis is the proud owner of Just Turkey in South Minneapolis and a familiar face in the world of local journalism, having appeared on WCCO and SPNN. He opens up about his journey from athlete to business owner, his work with Save Our Sons, and how he's using food, mentorship, and storytelling to give back to the city that raised him.

Whether you're a sports fan, entrepreneur, or someone who believes in the power of second chapters, this episode is for you.

🎧 Subscribe to Blacklight on Sports and catch the full video on the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder YouTube channel.

Executive Producer/CEO Publisher
Tracey Williams-Dillard

Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder
3744 4th Ave South
Minneapolis MN 55409
612-827-4021

MSR Digital Studio
Ray Seville

Charles Hallman
MSR Sports Columnist

Dr. Mitchell Palmer McDonald, PhE.
MSR Sports Columnist

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED BY
MINNESOTA SPOKESMAN-RECORDER 1934

In this episode of Blacklight on Sports, hosts Charles Hallman and Dr. Mitchell Palmer McDonald sit down with Minnesota basketball legend Angel Robinson. A high school and collegiate Hall of Famer, Angel led St. Paul Central to a state title, earned Miss Basketball honors, and went on to shine at Marquette before playing professionally overseas.

Today, she’s shaping lives as the head girls basketball coach at Tartan High School and a special education teacher at St. Paul Johnson. Tune in as Angel reflects on her journey, what it means to give back, and how she's using her platform to mentor the next generation.

Executive Producer/CEO Publisher
Tracey Williams-Dillard

Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder
3744 4th Ave South
Minneapolis MN 55409
612-827-4021

MSR Digital Studio
Ray Seville

Charles Hallman
MSR Sports Columnist

Dr. Mitchell Palmer McDonald, PhE.
MSR Sports Columnist

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED BY
MINNESOTA SPOKESMAN-RECORDER 1934

This episode of Blacklight on Sports with hosts Charles Hallman and Dr. Mitchell Palmer McDonald, PhE., features a Twin Cities basketball standout whose influence stretches well beyond the court.

From South Minneapolis to St. Paul

Robert Finney, a 1989 graduate of Minneapolis Washburn High School, was a three-time all-conference selection before continuing his career at Concordia University-St. Paul, where he again earned all-conference honors. But Finney’s contributions to the game didn’t stop at playing.

A Coach, Mentor and History Maker

From 1993 to 2000, Finney returned to Minnetonka High School to coach and became the school’s first Black head boys’ basketball coach. He also helped shape the Minnesota Elite AAU program, co-founding it alongside Crystal Flint, Robert Grace and Randy Carter. The program became a launching pad for young talent across the region.

Leading in the Boardroom

Today, Finney brings that same competitive spirit and strategic mindset to the tech industry. He currently leads a Revenue Enablement Team at Invoice Cloud, a financial services SaaS company based in Boston. His work in leadership and mentorship continues to reflect the values forged during his basketball journey.

Tune in for Leadership Lessons That Transcend the Game

In this episode, Finney reflects on what basketball has taught him about resilience, community impact and leading with purpose. From gym floors to corporate strategy meetings, he continues to break barriers and build bridges.

Executive Producer/CEO Publisher
Tracey Williams-Dillard

Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder
3744 4th Ave South
Minneapolis MN 55409
612-827-4021

MSR Digital Studio
Ray Seville

Charles Hallman
MSR Sports Columnist

Dr. Mitchell Palmer McDonald, PhE.
MSR Sports Columnist

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED BY
MINNESOTA SPOKESMAN-RECORDER 1934