Exciting weekend in sports with the Mavs and Heat taking 2-1 leads in their respective NBA Conference Finals, the NHL playoffs heating up, David Toms rebounding from his TPC playoff loss to win the Crowne Plaza Invitational and interleague play in the MLB kicking off. Here are a few highlights from The Inspirational Sports Report:

Ricky Stenhouse Jr., snags first NASCAR victory

In just his second full-time NASCAR Nationwide Series season, Ricky Stenhouse Jr., picked up that first career victory at Iowa Speedway’s John Deere Dealers 250 on Sunday. It was a rare chance for the Nationwide guys to take center stage as the Sprint Cup drivers had wrapped up All-Star festivities in Charlotte the night before. Stenhouse Jr., held off the only two Sprint drivers competing (Carl Edwards and Brad Keselowski) in his #6 Roush Fenway Racing Ford Fusion.

Watch the final moments of Stenhouse’s big win here.

The 2010 Nationwide Rookie of the Year is finally starting to live up to high expectations but has still managed to keep his head on straight. Stenhouse Jr., does so by attending Bible studies with other drivers like Trevor Bayne, Michael McDowell and Justin Allgaier as well as chapel services led by Motor Racing Outreach.

Lance Berkman makes spectacular grab, takes one for the team

Not known for being the fleetest of foot, Cardinals right fielder Lance Berkman made a pretty spectacular grab last week during the series against his old team, the Houston Astros. Berkman spent most of his career in Houston before being traded to the Yankees midway through last season and then signing with the Cardinals this year.

Check out the catch here.

Even though Berkman has played mostly at first base, the slugger has adjusted nicely and is having one of his best seasons yet.

Drew Brees organizes player-led practices, covers some costs out of own pocket

In an interview with ESPN, New Orleans Saints quarterback revealed that he had not only been organizing player-led practices during the NFL lockout but was also paying for some of his teammates’ expenses. He discusses why he has put himself on the front line during this collective bargaining and revenue sharing debate in the following clip:

You can also learn more about Brees’ Christian faith by watching this video produced by my good friends at FCA and Sharing the Victory magazine:

Last week, Inspiring Athletes posed the question “Does character matter?” We’ll try to answer that in tomorrow’s blog. See you all then.