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Rocky River back in girls basketball Top 25 poll for Jan. 14, 2014 (video)

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CLEVELAND, Ohio – The top teams have continued their dominance throughout the season, proving they belong among the top. We are excited to introduce comments to all cleveland.com high school sports stories this school year. Please sound off and share your top 25 in the comments section at the bottom of this post.

CLEVELAND, Ohio – The top teams have continued their dominance throughout the season, proving they belong among the top.

We are excited to introduce comments to all cleveland.com high school sports stories this school year. Please sound off and share your top 25 in the comments section at the bottom of this post.

Make sure to also check out our talking points, which breaks down the girls high school AP poll. It’s posted every Tuesday, too.

Which girls basketball team do you think is the best in Northeast Ohio? Let us know in the comments.

With the teams entering the stretch run before the playoffs start up, there are plenty of opportunities for teams to show that they belong at the top of the poll.

Check back shortly for a video of Stephanie Kuzydym and Mark Kern discussing the Top 25.

(Records through Monday. Last week's ranking in parentheses.)

1. St. Vincent-St. Mary, 14-0 (1)

Trending: Steady.

Last week: Defeated Akron Kenmore and Medina.

This week: Saturday vs. Dublin Coffman, Monday vs. Mansfeld Senior.

The Fighting Irish have been getting incredible play from Jordan Korinek, who averaged 27.5 PPG in ther teams two games last week.

2. Wadsworth, 13-0 (2)

Trending: Steady.

Last week: Defeated Revere and Firestone.

This week: Cloverleaf on Wednesday, Toledo Rogers on Sunday at the Classic in the Country.

The Grizzlies are coming off a dominating week, but have a big test looming on Sunday against Toledo Rogers at Classic in the Country.

3. Berea-Midpark, 13-0 (3)

Trending: Steady.

Last week: Defeated then No. 24 Olmsted Falls.

This week: Saturday at Avon Lake.

The Titans  continue to impress this season, with nine of their 13 victories this season coming by at least 27 points.

4. Solon, 10-2 (4)

Trending: Steady.

Last week: Defeated then No. 7 Magnificat and then No. 21 Twinsburg.

This week: Tuesday vs. Hathaway Brown, Thursday vs. Hudson and Sunday vs. Kettering Fairmont at Classic in the Country.

It was not easy for the Comets last week, but they were able to win two road games against Top 25 teams. The schedule not get any easier this week, as a matchup against Kettering Fairmont looms.

5. Stow-Munroe Falls, 13-0 (5)

Trending: Steady.

Last week: Defeated Massillon Jackson and then No. 10 Mentor.

This week: Tuesday vs. Twinsburg.

The Bulldogs saw a double-digit lead disappear against the Cardinals on Saturday, but made enough plays late to hang on for the victory.

6. North Royalton, 12-1 (6)

Trending: Steady.

Last week: Defeated Mayfield.

This week: Saturday at Strongsville.

The Bears did not play their best game of the season against Mayfield, but showed the poise of a winning team by hanging on for the victory,

7. Magnificat, 8-3 (7)

Trending: Steady.

Last week: Lost to No. 4 Solon and Defeated Youngstown Ursuline.

This week: Tuesday vs. Hoover.

The Blue Streaks bounced back from a close loss to the Comets by defeating Youngstown Ursuline by 36 points.

8. Westlake, 12-1, (9)

Trending: Rising.

Last week: Defeated Highland and No. 24 Olmsted Falls.

This week: Saturday at Amherst Steele.

Despite being a young team, the Demons are showing the ability to win games they do not play their best, and that could be a big thing come playoff time.

9. Walsh Jesuit, 10-4 (11)

Trending: Rising.

Last week: Defeated then No. 21 Twinsburg and Lake Catholic.

This week: Saturday vs. Archbishop Hoban.

The Warriors offense has been on fire in their last three games, averaging 70.6 PPG in those three victories.

10. Cuyahoga Heights, 14-0 (12)

Trending: Rising.

Last week: Defeated Beachwood and then No. 19 Richmond Heights.

This week: Saturday vs. Hawken.

Coach Al Martin said the team has not shot the ball as well as they would like to be, but the Redskins remained undefeated by defeated a talented Richmond Heights team in overtime.

11. Mentor, 9-3 (10)

Trending: Falling.

Last week: Defeated Cleveland Heights and lost to No. 5 Stow-Munroe Falls.

This week: Saturday at Shaker Heights.

The Cardinals showed tremendous heart in the loss to the Bulldogs, coming back from a 12-point first quarter deficit to have a chance to win the game.

12. Lakewood, 9-1 (8)

Trending: Falling.

Last week: Defeated Midview and lost to Rocky River.

This week: Friday vs. No. 22 Avon.

The Rangers lost a tough road game at Rocky River on Saturday, but still are a talented team that can play with anybody on any given night.

13. Holy Name, 9-3 (13)

Trending: Steady.

Last week: Defeated Trinity.

This week: Wednesday at No. 20 Rocky River, Saturday at No. 16 Villa-Angela St. Joseph.

The Green Wave have a balanced offensive attack, led by Kim Cook, who is averaging 15.4 PPG.

14. St. Joseph Academy, 8-3 (14)

Trending: Steady.

Last week: Defeated Beaumont and Shaker Heights.

This week: Wednesday at Brunswick, Saturday vs. Youngstown Ursuline and Monday vs. No. 23 Gilmour.

Brittany Morrison is a talented post player that is capable of going for a double-double on any given night.

15. Eastlake North, 12-1 (15)

Trending: Steady.

Last week: Defeated and Riverside.

This week: Saturday vs. Willoughby South.

In their victory over Riverside, the Rangers showed their ability to hit the deep ball, hitting 15 3-pointers in the victory.

16. Villa Angela-St. Joseph, 10-2 (17)

Trending: Rising.

Last week: Defeated Cleveland Central Catholic.

This week: Wednesday at No. 16 Elyria Catholic and Saturday vs. No. 13 Holy Name.

A difficult week looms for the Vikings, as they play two Top 25 teams.

17. Nordonia, 11-3 (16)

Trending: Falling.

Last week: Lost to Green.

This week: Wednesday at Chardon and Saturday vs. Copley.

The Knights were up going into the fourth quarter, but could not hang on against Green.

18. Avon, 10-4 (22)

Trending: Rising.

Last week: Defeated Vermilion and Midview.

This week: Wednesday vs. Avon Lake and Friday at No. 12 Lakewood.

The Eagles have a big game coming up on Friday as they play at Lakewood.

19. Elyria Catholic, 10-2 (23)

Trending: Rising.

Last week: Defeated Rocky River and Bay.

This week: Wednesday vs. No. 16 Villa Angela-St. Joseph and Friday vs. Vermillion.

The Panthers scored a big victory at Rocky River, and face another difficult test on Wednesday.

20. Rocky River, 7-4 (NR)

Trending: Rising.

Last week: Lost to then No. 23 Elyria Catholic, defeated then No. 8 Lakewood.

This week: Wednesday vs. No. 13 Holy Name and Friday vs. Bay.

The Pirates had the biggest win of the week, knocking off then No. 8 Lakewood.

21. Brecksville-Broadview Heights, 7-2 (25)

Trending: Rising.

Last week: Defeated Avon Lake.

This week: Thursday vs. Kenston.

The Bees won a hard-fought game against Avon Lake last week, and will look to move their winning streak two five games.

22. Mogadore 13-0 (NR)

Trending: Rising.

Last week: Defeated Southeast and Akron Springfield.

This week: Wednesday at Woodridge.

The Wildcats have continued their strong run from the end of last season to this year, winning their first 13 games.

23. Gilmour, 8-2 (NR)

Trending: Rising.

Last week: Defeated Ashtabula Edgewood, Laurel and Padua.

This week: Wednesday at Lake Catholic, Saturday vs. Youngstown East and Monday at No. 14 St. Joseph Academy.

The Lancers move back into the Top 25 with a three win week.

24. Independence

Trending: Rising.

Last week: Defeated then No. 19 Richmond Heights and Trinity, lost to Hawken.

This week: Wednesday vs. Berkshire and Saturday at Wickliffe.

The Blue Devils had a big win against Richmond Heights, and then bounced back from a disappointing loss to Hawken to defeat Trinity.

25. Richmond Heights, 7-3 (19)

Trending: Falling.

Last week: Lost to Independence and then No. 12 Cuyahoga Heights.

This week: Wednesday at Harvey and Saturday at Beachwood.

The Spartans will look to bounce back from two losses last week, but took the undefeated Cuyahoga Heights Redskins to overtime before losing on Saturday.

Dropped out: Hudson, East Tech, Olmsted Falls and Twinsburg.

Contact high school sports reporter Stephanie Kuzydym by email (skuzydym@cleveland.com) or Twitter (@stephkuzy). Also contact high school sports reporter Mark Kern by email (mkern@cleveland.com) or on Twitter (@MarkKern11). Or log in and leave a message in the comments section below.


Ash Tuesday: New co-defensive coordinator could be remedy to Ohio State's ailing pass defense

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Chris Ash led one of the nation's top defenses at Wisconsin in 2011 and 2012. Now he brings his expertise to Columbus.

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Nothing ailed the Buckeyes more in 2013 than their porous pass defense.

Urban Meyer first identified the symptoms in October, when he referred to the play of the secondary as "very alarming." Then, over its final three games, Ohio State surrendered 451 yards to Michigan's Devin Gardner, a career-high 304 yards to Michigan State's Connor Cook and 378 yards to Clemson's Tajh Boyd.

Meyer vowed to search for a remedy during the Buckeyes month of preparations for the Orange Bowl. Despite inserting Vonn Bell into the lineup and moving Tyvis Powell to safety, Ohio State came up relatively empty in South Beach. Boyd picked apart the defense, as the senior quarterback accounted for 505 total yards and six touchdowns. Receiver Sammy Watkins, named the bowl game's Most Valuable Player, hauled in 16 catches for 227 yards.

Could a dose of Chris Ash relieve the Buckeyes of their defensive backfield woes? Ash is reportedly leaving Arkansas and head coach Bret Bielema to become Ohio State's co-defensive coordinator and secondary coach. He'll replace Everett Withers, who accepted the head coaching position at James Madison.

Ash will likely have one primary duty: Fix the pass defense. Statistics indicate he could be up for the task.

Ohio State ranked 47th in the nation in total defense, allowing 377.4 yards per game. They ranked 112th, however, in pass defense, yielding 268. Only Indiana sported a lower-ranked pass defense among Big Ten teams. No team in the conference gave up more passing touchdowns than Ohio State's 31.

Ash served as defensive coordinator at Wisconsin from 2011-12 before accompanying Bielema to Arkansas in 2013. His Badgers defenses stymied opposing quarterbacks and receivers.

In 2011, Wisconsin ranked 15th in the nation in total defense and fourth in pass defense. The Badgers permitted only 163.6 passing yards per game. In 2012, Wisconsin ranked 15th in total defense and 18th in pass defense. That year, opponents passed for an average of 193.6 yards.

In 2013, Ash took over an Arkansas defense that had allowed 285.8 passing yards per game the year before, 116th in the nation. The Razorbacks improved to 73rd this past season, having yielded 235 yards per game.

The Badgers held Braxton Miller to fewer than 100 passing yards in both 2011 and 2012. Granted, the Buckeyes ran the ball on 58 of 70 plays in the '11 meeting and on 41 of 59 plays the next year. Still, Miller totaled 89 passing yards against Wisconsin at Ohio Stadium in 2011, with 40 coming on a last-minute, game-winning, desperation touchdown heave to Devin Smith. A year later at Camp Randall Stadium, Miller completed 10 of 18 passes for 97 yards in an overtime win.

Ohio State offensive coordinator Tom Herman told the Big Ten Network last summer that he was "out-coached" by Ash in the 2012 affair. 

"He could adjust to any formation or motion we gave him," Herman said. "And he had his kids extremely well coached-up on recognition of plays and alignments. We were trying to run the ball into a nine-man front. I did a poor job in not having confidence in our throw game. You have to throw it over their heads and our guys have to make plays if they are going to commit both safeties to the run the way that they did. 

"Even though we won in overtime, Chris had his guys more prepared than I did."

It remains to be seen how much authority Ash will have relative to his fellow co-defensive coordinator, Luke Fickell. But for months, Meyer has stressed the need to alleviate the Buckeyes' most prevalent pain.

The coach is hoping Ash has the cure.

Chris Ash teaches you how to operate a successful defense:


Dave McFarland in line as Lorain's new football coach

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LORAIN, Ohio — Dave McFarland is close to being named as Lorain's new football coach. The recommended approval could come as early as next month at the monthly school board meeting. “I am excited to be at Lorain High School,” McFarland said in statement. “It is a unique opportunity to work with great kids and an administration that is...

LORAIN, Ohio — Dave McFarland is close to being named as Lorain's new football coach. The recommended approval could come as early as next month at the monthly school board meeting.

“I am excited to be at Lorain High School,” McFarland said in statement. “It is a unique opportunity to work with great kids and an administration that is committed to student success in education and on the playing field.”

McFarland will succeed interim coach Tony Shoulders, following the summer resignation of Mark Solis.

McFarland previously coached at Elyria Catholic, Oberlin and Berea-Midpark.

“During the interview process, he really blew us away with his plan to build this program from the ground up,” Athletic Director Bryan Koury said. “We are extremely excited about the future of Lorain football.”

L.A. Lakers' Pau Gasol not concerned about trade that didn't happen: Cleveland Cavaliers Insider

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Pau Gasol has moved on from the trade rumors that had him coming to Cleveland in exchange for Andrew Bynum.

LOS ANGELES -- Lakers center Pau Gasol was at the musical The Lion King last week when he turned his phone on during intermission. It was full of texts and tweets about him being traded to the Cavaliers.

Obviously, that didn't happen. Instead, the Cavs traded Andrew Bynum and three draft choices to Chicago for Luol Deng. Now, Gasol said, he's more worried about his sore left big toe than what might have happened.

"It could have been that way, for sure,'' Gasol said after the Lakers' shootaround on Tuesday, ahead of the game against the Cavaliers at Staple Center. "I try not to put any thoughts into it. I'm just focusing and worried about this (injury) so I always have plenty of things in my mind that stop me from thinking of other stuff.''

Gasol won't know if he will be able to play until game time, but, for a while, it looked as if he might be in the visitors locker room instead of the Lakers'.

"It would have been different,'' he admitted. "It would have been weird. It would have been a process -- just like it would if it happened with any other team. Then so quickly come back to the home that has been your home so long, and then it's not your home any more, it would have been weird. It's something that didn't happen, something that might happen [being traded somewhere, not necessarily Cleveland], but it still hasn't.''

How did he manage to ignore the rumors that were all over the papers, television and the Internet? "You've got to try to stay out of the channels and focus on putting your time and energy and thoughts into something totally different,'' he said.

Gasol said he didn't have any plans to talk to former Lakers coach Mike Brown before the game, but only because he will be focused on his own pre-game routine.

"I'm usually pretty focused when I start off the games and I don't really get to talk to coaches or players unless they're really close to me,'' Gasol said. "I don't usually do that with any coach, really.''

The veteran center was asked to describe Brown's time with the Lakers.

"We worked hard, that's for sure,'' Gasol said. "We tried to make it work. For different reasons it didn't quite work for us. I like Mike as a guy. He's disciplined and dedicated to the game and his job. It just didn't quite fit here.''

Why?

"It's hard to pinpoint one or two things,'' Gasol said. "The last year, when he got let go, the team was new, everybody was trying to put it together. We had a pretty awful preseason. We didn't win a game. Dwight [Howard] came back from that [back] injury. It was a bunch of things had influence on it, and it just didn't work out. It wasn't a lack of interest or work from anybody. Everybody was trying to give their best to it, but it just didn't quite work. We were putting in the Princeton offense ... and it didn't quite work.''

Cavs at Lakers

Probable starting lineups: Cavs -- F Luol Deng, F Tristan Thompson, C Anderson Varejao, G C.J. Miles, G Kyrie Irving. Lakers -- F Wesley Johnson, F Pau Gasol, C Robert Sacre, G Jodie Meeks, G Kendall Marshall.

Injuries: Cavs -- None. Lakers -- Steve Blake (torn ulnar collateral ligament) is out. Kobe Bryant (fractured left knee) is out. Jordan Farmar (left hamstring tear) is out. Xavier Henry (right knee bone bruise) is out. Steve Nash (nerve root irritation) is out. Nick Young (sore back) is probable.

Up next for Cavs: At Portland on Wednesday


Why did four teams drop out of this week's girls basketball poll? cleveland.com Top 25 explained for week of Jan. 14, 2014

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CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Top 5 in cleveland.com's girls basketball poll stayed the same, but the rest of our poll felt some movement. Check out this week's poll.  Each week after posting the updated Top 25, we'll post another story like this with talking points, including insight into why some teams moved up or down, or in or out...

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Top 5 in cleveland.com's girls basketball poll stayed the same, but the rest of our poll felt some movement. Check out this week's poll

Each week after posting the updated Top 25, we'll post another story like this with talking points, including insight into why some teams moved up or down, or in or out of the rankings.

Do you have additional questions about our poll decisions? Post your questions in the comments section below and we will answer you.

We also invite you to provide your input in the comments section, a new feature added to high school stories this school year. Tell us what you agree or don't agree with. You can even post your own rankings, which we welcome.

Talking point No. 1: Will we see a new Top 5 next week?

There's always a possibility. Both No. 2 Wadsworth and No. 4 Solon head to Classic in the Country with games against some of the top-ranked teams in the state, so that could cause some shakeup. There's also always a chance for upsets to force some changes (see Richmond Heights vs. Independence). But right now, the top 5 remains steady as a rock in their respective positions.

Talking point No. 2: Why did Rocky River join the poll this week after falling out last week?

This 6-4 team surprised us. After back-to-back losses against ranked Olmsted Falls and Elyria Catholic, we decided to drop the Pirates out of the Top 25. Then they went and upset No. 8 Lakewood.

Talking point No. 3: Why did four teams fall out of the Top 25?

Hudson: The Explorers have lost four straight, falling to 5-7.

East Tech: The former No. 20 team lost to a 3-7 Medina.

Olmsted Falls: The No. 24 team lost to two good teams in Berea-Midpark and Westlake and then beat Vermillion, but were a product of other teams moving in front of them.

Twinsburg: Losers of three straight to Top 25 teams, Twinsburg's wobbly season continues.

Talking point No. 4: Why did Mentor fall out of the Top 10 even though they lost to an unbeaten team?

The Cardinals split time between two freshman starters and a third who sees about half of the game. If it weren't for Kayla Gabor's 20+ points, the Cardinals wouldn't have seen just a two-point loss to the Bulldogs.

Contact high school sports reporter Stephanie Kuzydym by email (skuzydym@cleveland.com) or Twitter (@stephkuzy). Or log in and leave a message in the comments section below.

Ranking the last 20 Browns' quarterbacks, John Axford is a bargain, effect of Luol Deng trade: Blog Roundup

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Here are what blogs from Cleveland and around the country are saying about the Browns, Cavaliers and Indians. Featured today are the Stepien Rules, Wahoo's on First and Return of Cleveland.

Here are what blogs from Cleveland and around the country are saying about the Browns, Cavaliers and Indians.

AX036_51E7_9.JPGWhere does Brian Hoyer rank with the last 20 QBs of the Browns? (Joshua Gunter/ The Plain Dealer)
Cleveland Browns

Matt Friedman over at Return of Cleveland ranks the last 20 Browns' quarterbacks.
"4. Brian Hoyer

I know it’s difficult to place Hoyer this high on the list after only two full games, but take another look at the rest of the list. Who else could you really move up? There is also the reality that we saw a small sample size; if Jason Campbell got hurt after his first two starts, I would have ranked him very highly as well. We have to see what Hoyer can do in more games, but I would argue the leadership and poise that he showed was unlike anything we have seen from a Browns quarterback since Bernie Kosar.

Despite going 3-0 as a starter, Hoyer could return to backup status next season after the Browns draft the next “quarterback of the future.” I would hope and think the Browns will give him a shot to compete for the starting job since Michael Lombardi is such a big fan of his. Hoyer is not an outstanding quarterback, but he looked above average for the Browns, and it’s amazing how much of a difference that can make. Read that sentence again and try not to be depressed."
AX093_774F_9.JPGLuol Deng. (AP Photo/George Frey)
Cleveland Cavaliers

Cleveland Jackson at Stepien Rules takes a look at the effect of the Luol Deng trade.
"Right now Chris Grant has said that he sees Deng as a long term part of the team’s future. “We’d like to keep him here long-term. At 28 years old, we see him as part of our core and our youth moving forward.”

But the bottom line is this. As maligned as Grant and Gilbert have been in the mainstream and national media, the Cavaliers strategic plan to rebuild was clearly tied into its own negotiation strategy in working the CBA. The same owners that were reportedly annoyed at the hard line positions taken by Gilbert in negotiating the CBA, Jerry Buss of the Lakers and James Dolan of the Knicks, are the ones that are in some of the most severe "repeater tax" trouble, while the Cavaliers just literally walked away from negotiations to trade Bynum for Pau Gasol because the Lakers wanted more than the cap relief Bynum's contract offered for Gasol."
AX226_0732_9.JPGIs John Axford one of the best bargain signings in baseball? (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
Cleveland Indians

Brian Heise at Wahoo's On First says the signing of John Axford is one of the best bargain finds in baseball.
"Now it is the Indians turn to reap the benefits of this mechanical adjustment (Axford doesn’t reveal what the change was and for good reason). Looking for a closer to replace Chris Perez, they will plug in a pitcher who once converted 46 of 48 save opportunities. If it is true that Axford has eliminated the delivery problems that were causing him to tip his pitches, then the Indians suddenly find themselves in possession of an elite level closer, not just for the 2014 season, but beyond thank to his added years of team control due to service time.

So while other teams have gone out and spent big bucks on closers, only to see them fail to live up to expectations, the Indians have once again bought way low and may win out in the end. This goes along with the traditional manner in which they have attempted to fill the closer role. With the exception of Kerry Wood, the Indians have rarely committed big money to a closer. It just goes to show that despite the apparent importance of the closer, they can be found almost anywhere and on the cheap."

Have a post that you think should be featured in our daily Blog Roundup? Email the link here. You can also follow Glenn on Twitter.

Watch video and vote for best boys basketball play for week of Jan. 14, 2014 (video, poll)

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CLEVELAND, Ohio -- We get back into regular season boys basketball play with our fifth installment of the boys basketball top plays of the week. Highligts providers Steven Newton and Robert Holmes of 3rdcoasthoops.com joined reporters Lexi Pluym and Nathaniel Cline in studio to talk about four impressive plays from last week. 

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- We get back into regular season boys basketball play with our fifth installment of the boys basketball top plays of the week.

Highligts providers Steven Newton and Robert Holmes of 3rdcoasthoops.com joined reporters Lexi Pluym and Nathaniel Cline in studio to talk about four impressive plays from last week. 

The featured players this week are John Hay's Cristen Wilson, Warrensville Heights' C.J. Franklin, Akron Buchtel's La'Shawn Johnson and Warrensville Heights' Jahmere Howze.

Let us know which one you thought was most impressive by voting in the poll below, and feel free to say why in the comments section at the bottom of the page.

Check cleveland.com every Tuesday for the play of the week video and poll. 

In the most recent video play of the week poll, John Hay's Cristen Wilson won with 41 percent of the votes.

Do you have video of a play you think belongs in the poll? Be sure to email your highlight videos weekly to Lexi Pluym via email or Twitter by Mondays at noon. See contact information below.

You can also follow the highlights providers on Twitter (@3rdcoasthoops). 

Contact high school sports reporter Lexi Pluym by email (apluym@cleveland.com) or Twitter (@LexiPluym). Or log in and leave a message in the comments section below.

John Peterson returns as assistant with Akron Zips football

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Akron hires John Peterson as assistant football coach.

PETERSON_JOHN_11439895.JPGJohn Peterson

AKRON, Ohio -- Head football coach Terry Bowden put some good medicine on a painful wound Tuesday. He announced the hiring of John Peterson as offensive line coach and assistant head coach to replace Alan (Tank) Arrington, who died during the Christmas holidays following an automobile accident.

Peterson, a Middletown, Ohio native who played at Ohio State (1987-90), returns to Akron where he was an assistant (1995-98) under former coach Lee Owens. Peterson spent eight years as an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator with Jim Tressel at Ohio State (2004-10), and has spent the last two seasons as offensive line coach at Alabama-Birmingham.

"We are excited about having John join our staff,'' Bowden said in a release. "He has been a part of several successful programs and none more so than Ohio State, where he was both a coach and a student-athlete. He has extensive ties to Ohio, which is obviously our recruiting base, and he is well known, nationally."

The Zips have one more coaching vacancy to fill, as secondary coach Terrell Buckley recently left for a comparable position at Louisville.


'He's going to haunt the Big Ten': New Ohio State assistant Larry Johnson should make recruiting splash for Buckeyes

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'Oh Lord, he's going to haunt the Big Ten,' a Maryland high school coach said of Johnson. 'No disrespect to the staff there, but Urban just got better and the Buckeyes just got better.'

COLUMBUS, Ohio – Larry Johnson and Urban Meyer are no strangers to each other on the recruiting trail. Back in December of 2004, soon after Meyer was hired at the University of Florida, coach Rick Houchens remembers Meyer showing up at Eleanor Roosevelt High School in Greenbelt, Md., to check in on receiver Derrick Williams, the No. 1 player in the Class of 2005.

“If Urban Meyer could have had a little longer, I think he might have had Derrick Williams instead of Percy Harvin (a year later),” Houchens said in a phone interview Tuesday.

A few weeks after that visit from Meyer, Williams announced that he was going to Penn State. Nittany Lions assistant Johnson, one of the best recruiters in the last two decades in the Maryland/Washington D.C. area, had helped lock down Williams for coach Joe Paterno.

Now Johnson and Meyer are going to be on the same team.

“I was like, 'Oh Lord, he's going to haunt the Big Ten,” Houchens said after learning of Johnson's addition to the Ohio State staff. “No disrespect to the staff there, but Urban just got better and the Buckeyes just got better.”

As reported by SI.com, Johnson will be Ohio State's new defensive line coach after coaching at Penn State since 1996. A source confirmed that Ohio State plans to make the official announcement of the hire on Wednesday. Johnson is expected to make an immediate impact for the Buckeyes in recruiting one of the more talent-rich areas on the East Coast. Whenever Meyer hires an assistant, he says the ability to recruit is what matters most.

“Larry is probably one of the most genuine guys I've met in the coaching profession,” said Elijah Brooks, the football coach at DeMatha Catholic in Hyattsville, Md., who has running back Mark Allen pledged to Penn State's 2014 class. “He's one of the most respected people in this business and I just think it's a huge pickup for Ohio State. Coach Johnson always has a great rapport with the coaches in this area and it doesn't matter where he goes, he'll be able to attract players, and recruits love him. It's definitely going to make a huge impact.”

Ohio State also hired Chris Ash as its new co-defensive coordinator and safeties coach. Ash was at Arkansas for a year after arriving with Bret Bielema from Wisconsin.

Johnson was at Penn State forever, and had created a crucial pipeline of talent for the Nittany Lions from the Maryland area, where Johnson has served as a successful high school coach before Paterno hired him. Houchens said Johnson and current Maryland offensive coordinator Mike Locksley, a former assistant at Illinois and at Florida with Meyer, were the two best recruiters of the area he has seen.

Houchens figures Johnson, 61, will have a strong desire to recruit for his new boss after serving as the interim coach at Penn State after Bill O'Brien left for the NFL, but for the second time not getting the full-time head coaching job. New coach James Franklin offered Johnson the chance to stay as the Nittany Lions' defensive line coach, but Johnson chose to move on.

“It's going to be different seeing him in red and silver instead of blue and white,” said Houchens, now the head coach at Archbishop Carroll High School in Washington, D.C. “I guarantee you he's got a fire burning inside him right now. Larry's that type of guy that's very personable, but he's a real competitor. He's going to take all this stuff personally.

“He's going to feel like he got slighted, so he's going to have a little chip on his shoulder to say, 'I'm going to show those people what they lost.' He's got something to prove, and I just think there's a lot of reasons Ohio State just got better. But I'm excited because it's going to take Urban's program to another level.”

Johnson coached seven first-team All-Americans on the defensive line at Penn State, with six becoming first-round NFL draft picks, including Courtney Brown, the overall No. 1 pick to the Browns in 2000. Johnson is also the father of former Penn State and NFL running back Larry Johnson Jr. and former Penn State receiver Tony Johnson.

He'll take over at Ohio State for former Buckeye Mike Vrabel, who left to join the Houston Texans after three years coaching in Columbus. In that time, Vrabel had begun to establish a reputation as a passionate recruiter and good teacher of the skills he acquired during his NFL playing career.

“He was an outstanding coach,” OSU AD Gene Smith said after Vrabel's departure. “Now we'll have to go find another one.”

They found someone who has been doing his job much longer.

“He's a first-class guy,” said Bob Milloy, the head coach at Good Counsel High School in Olney, Md. That's the alma mater of receiver Stefon Diggs, a sought-after recruit whom the Buckeyes finished second for in recruiting behind Maryland two years ago.

“He's always got his navy blue suit on with a white shirt and navy tie, very professional. And if he tells you something, he does it. There have been four or five guys I've worked with in recruiting that are great, and Larry is right there.”

Milloy was the former head coach of OSU legend Shawn Springs at Springbrook High School in Maryland. He liked talking football with Meyer during Diggs' recruitment, when Meyer was heavily involved. He said he's dealt with Luke Fickell the most on the OSU staff in recent years and said he likes Fickell a lot. But the idea of Ohio State jumping on the chance to hire Johnson made sense.

“Urban Meyer has never been known for being dumb,” Milloy said. “Larry will no question make a difference. He's just been doing it for so long.”

For the first time, Johnson will be doing it for another school.


Cleveland Browns' coaching search ambling along like Trent Richardson hitting the hole - Bud Shaw's Sports Spin

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Two more teams hired coaches in the past few days. Ken Whisenhunt went to Tennessee and Jim Caldwell to Detroit. Only the Browns and Minnesota have yet to fill their head coaching positions.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Browns interviewed Chip Kelly for seven hours last year. Josh McDaniel’s audience lasted the same amount of time a few weeks ago.

You know how both those turned out.

How Denver’s Adam Gase can be the frontrunner if the two sides haven’t talked is, a) reason to think they have talked to some extent somewhere along the way, b) hard to imagine and a scary thought, c) evidence of the trust Jimmy Haslam has in Peyton Manning from their University of Tennessee connection. And also a scary thought.

To be safe, I'd add, d) evidence of Nick Saban's influence since Gase has a connection there.

Gase was supposedly the first call the Browns made after firing Rob Chudzinski. That alone suggests they’d done some homework prior to the end of the season, but maybe not.

The Browns' management team may be overly confident, even egomaniacal. The organization might be set up in such a way that any search will scare off the most experienced and strongest candidates. But they’re smart men. They wouldn’t really embark on another search and wait until February while every other team filled its vacancy if they didn’t have reason to believe Gase was a great fit and, beyond that, seriously interested in them.

Right?

While checking out Gase doesn’t speak too well of their commitment to the head coach still at work in Berea in December, it’s smart business. At least it suggests they threw Chud overboard to land the coach they really wanted.

That’s a preferable scenario to the alternative; that they fired Chudzinski just to hold another round of open auditions and wait to be wowed over a plate of linguini. Until we see more proof of an actual succession plan, though, it’s difficult to keep faith in the current search.

Best case scenario: they hire a 35-year-old with no head coaching experience to replace the older rookie they just fired, in part because Chud didn’t look the part of head coach to them.

Worst case: Gase decides another year with Manning will only raise his profile and the number of teams in pursuit.

With Tennessee and Detroit closing out their searches Tuesday, Minnesota and the Browns are the only open jobs. If not Gase for the Browns, who? Seattle defensive coordinator Dan Quinn?

The Browns’ organizational structure, with Joe Banner at the top, limits the candidate pool. Banner has further limited it by age (young), philosophy (aggressive offense, preferably) and his trust in his own ability to project a position coach (as he did with Andy Reid).

I’ve said it before. The Browns seem more interested in discovering a head coach than hiring one. The signs point to Gase, who has been an offensive coordinator for all of one year. (I know, but look how he’s developed Peyton Manning, right?)

You’d feel better about the Browns if Gase weren’t such a projection. But you’d feel best about the Browns if they had a Plan B to Gase. Or Plan C, or D, or wherever this coaching search stands.

Last year, Chip Kelly determined he was returning to Oregon, before a chance meeting days later revived his interest in becoming the head coach at Philadelphia.

(The Browns’ version was that once they detected he wasn’t all-in on the NFL, they crossed him off the list).

McDaniels? Who knows what to believe? But we’re told he wanted to know if he was the frontrunner and wasn’t about to pursue a job he might not get. Since then, Tennessee hired Ken Whisenhunt and Detroit hired Jim Caldwell. Both have been head coaches in the NFL.

The Browns want a strong personality. At least that's what Haslam said. Just not as strong as Bengals defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer, apparently.

The sense is that they haven’t missed out on a sure thing (even Bill O’Brien is a projection for Houston) the past few weeks. But they’re also not waiting to interview Nick Saban when he comes back from vacation. They're waiting to interview Adam Gase.

If Manning’s high praise is the weight thrown behind Gase’s candidacy, I guess there are worse recommendations. But I’d feel better if the question Haslam asked Manning was, “Johnny Manziel, Teddy Bridgewater or Blake Bortles?

SPINOFFS

• The Cavs lost to Sacramento by 44 points, the biggest margin in the NBA this season.

It’s a little early to expect Luol Deng to change the culture in just his second game with the team.

I mean that’s 36 fewer games than Mike Brown, who is actually getting paid to do it.

Dion Waiters is no distant relation to Debbie Downer.



If you were wondering.

Bad body language isn’t a new thing for young NBA players like Waiters. But he is making millions in the NBA, right. It’s not as if he’s a “You Said It” contributor alone for the holiday season.

Again.

• The book on the Trent Richardson trade is closed for 2013. The Browns will receive the 26th pick in the first round from the Colts. For that, Indianapolis got Richardson’s 2.9 yards per carry average – the third lowest in the league among running backs with at least 100 carries. In the playoffs, he carried four times for one yard and one fumble.

I don’t know where Richardson’s career will eventually take him.

I just know he runs into more traffic than a Chris Christie political opponent.

Deion Sanders, who will serve as team captain along with Jerry Rice at the Pro Bowl, would like to play in Hawaii.

As expressed through the most official channel available in modern sports. Twitter:



Whether he plays in the friendly exhibition won’t change his legacy. This game, like his entire NFL career, will end without Sanders making a single tackle.

• Seattle’s fans roared so loudly during Marshawn Lynch’s TD run Saturday that a small earthquake was detected, according to Pacific Northwest Seismic Network.

Earlier this season, Seahawks fans set a record with a decibel level of 136.6 during a big win over the 49ers.

Here, we recognize that common sound as the door slamming on another head coach.

• Carolina Panthers receiver Steve Smith got angry when a reporter asked him whether he’d root for Seattle or San Francisco in the NFC Championship game. The question came minutes after Smith’s Panthers lost at home to the 49ers.

Sometimes the timing of the question is bad. Sometimes the question itself is the worst.

And sometimes it’s a dead heat.

• The Cubs have a mascot for the first time in 98 years. It’s a bear named Clark.

I don’t want to say Cubs’ fans are defeatist in nature but he was quickly described on social media as “sad-eyed.”

And the guess was he answers to “Jack” and could probably also hit Cubs pitching at will.

• San Diego quarterback Philip Rivers dismissed the criticism of offensive coordinator Whisenhunt interviewing for head coaching jobs in the days leading up to Sunday’s playoff game against Denver.

Rivers called suggestion that the team was distracted “crazy.”

Equally outlandish: Interviewing for a head coaching job the day before a playoff game.

• Peyton Manning could be heard hollering “Omaha” over and over at the line of scrimmage against San Diego. What does it mean?

Sometimes it means he’s changing plays. Sometimes it means he’s changing the direction of a play. And sometimes it means nothing.

For the record when he yells “Cleveland” it means he’s going to throw a four-yard completion on third-and-five.

• Manning is said to be highly recommending Adam Gase to the Browns and Jim Caldwell to the Detroit Lions (who hired him on Tuesday). But apparently not Caldwell to the Browns or Gase to the Lions?

Which is at least as confusing as yelling “Omaha.”

Tom Brady is said to relish the role of underdog as the Patriots travel to Denver for the AFC championship game. I think the last time anyone thought of Brady as an underdog was when he waited until the sixth round to get drafted.

That was in 2000.

The only reason to think of him as an underdog now is if you thought he would win four Super Bowls and marry two supermodels, instead of his current count of three and one.

• After singing “Happy Birthday” to a ruthless dictator and besmirching the reputation of an American missionary held hostage in North Korea, Dennis Rodman landed back in the U.S. to find the sports world disgusted with the behavior.

Of Alex Rodriguez.

A thank you note to A-Rod is in order.



• Rodriguez is suspended for 2014 after arbitrator Frederic Horowitz ruled in his case.

Since baseball purchased documents incriminating Rodriguez that turned out to be stolen, when Horowitz said the penalty was “unprecedented” but “so was the misconduct,” he probably needed to be a little more specific.

• And then there’s the Yankees, who gave Rodriguez a $275 million deal – plus $30 more available in home run incentives – and now are shocked, shocked that Rodriguez never stopped using PEDs after his Texas days.

At least his stupidity is still technically an allegation.

YOU SAID IT

(The Expanded Browns' Coaching Search Edition)

Bud: Is it true that A-Rod is closing three of the four lanes on the bridge to Cooperstown? – Jim Lefkowitz, Pepper Pike

No. But let it be written that it is easier for Chris Christie to go through the eye of a needle than for A-Rod to enter the Baseball Hall of Fame.

Hey Bud: Now that a man claims to have killed Bigfoot, what are you going to hunt for in your spare time? – Doug, Westlake

The object of my search hasn’t changed since I lost it when I started writing Spin. My pride.

Hey Bud: Are there any differences in the symptoms of H1N1 and following the Browns coaching search? – Bob H, Strongsville

Same basic symptoms. But for the affliction that leaves you the sickest and makes you assume the fetal position and cry out for your mother, there is no vaccine.

Bud: Do you think the Browns are just playing a joke on Chud and got him out of the way while they remodel his office? -- Bob Demian, Brunswick Hills.

If that's how it works in Berea, George Kokinis' office must look like the Taj Mahal by now.

Hi, Bud: Barkevious Mingo’s mother says he “eats quarterbacks.” Could this be the reason he’s so underweight? – Bob C, Middleburg Hts.

First-time “You Said It” winners receive a T-shirt from the Mental Floss collection.

Bud: Last night, Bobo, from “Finding Bigfoot,” was walking out of Browns headquarters. Has it come to this? – O. Bill Stone

Repeat winners delude themselves.

Bud: Are the Browns using Channel 43's old prize wheel to find a coach? – Bobby A

Some repeat winners can spin it any way they want they’re still not getting a second T-shirt.

Bud: With all due respect to State Farm Insurance, as this coaching search drags on, I can't help but think the Browns are looking for a "Discount Belichick?" -- Jim Corrigan, Fairview Park

No hoodie for repeat winners either.

The Center Mat Podcast: Wrestling analyst Josh Lowe, Brecksville-Broadview Heights coach Todd Haverdill are this week's guests

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CLEVELAND, Ohio - This week we expand our high school wrestling coverage to include a weekly podcast - The Center Mat. The podcast will post each Tuesday with Northeast Ohio Media Group reporters Scott Patsko and Nathaniel Cline taking a look at the top storylines from around the region, as well as welcoming a guest or two.

CLEVELAND, Ohio - This week we expand our high school wrestling coverage to include a weekly podcast - The Center Mat.

The podcast will post each Tuesday with Northeast Ohio Media Group reporters Scott Patsko and Nathaniel Cline taking a look at the top storylines from around the region, as well as welcoming a guest or two.

In this debut podcast we let our guests – national wrestling analyst Josh Lowe and Brecksville-Broadview Heights coach Todd Haverdill - do most of the talking.

The Center Mat Podcast

Lowe is a national wrestling analyst for intermatwrestle.com and contributor to JJHuddle.com. He discussed the region's overall talent level compared to past years, which of the area's defending state champs has the easiest road to a repeat, and what to look for in this week's duals and tournaments.

Haverdill led his team to a third-place finish at least season's Division I individual state tournament. The Bees are ranked No 1 in the cleveland.com wrestling Top 10.

On the podcast, Haverdill talked about this team's rise over the past decade, how he ended up on a wrestling mat as a kid, and what the Bees need to do to sustain success.

Feel free to share your thoughts on the podcast or suggest future guests by leaving a comment in the comments section. You can register for an account here. 

Each week, look for a post promoting the next podcast. That's your chance to submit any topics you'd like the hosts to discuss.

Contact high school sports reporter Scott Patsko by email (spatsko@cleveland.com) or Twitter (@ScottPatsko). Or log in and leave a message in the comments section below.

Mary Kay Cabot with the latest news on Browns, Peyton Manning with Jimmy Haslam: Podcast

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Why didn't the Browns interview Jim Caldwell? Could we see Peyton Manning working for Jimmy Haslam? Our Browns beat reporter Mary Kay Cabot answered those questions and more during today's podcast.


Mary Kay Cabot Podcast, Jan. 14, 2014


Why didn't the Browns interview Jim Caldwell? Could we see Peyton Manning working for Jimmy Haslam?

Cleveland.com's Browns beat reporter Mary Kay Cabot answered those questions and more during today's podcast with cleveland.com’s Glenn Moore.

Among other topics discussed:

• Will the Browns make a hire before Adam Gase is available to interview?

• What if Gase says no? Who is the backup option?

You can download the MP3 or listen with the player to the right.

SportsTime Ohio will televise at least 158 Cleveland Indians games during 2014 schedule

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SportsTime Ohio will televise at least 158 Indians games this season.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- SportsTime Ohio will televise at least 158 Indians games this season, the team announced Wednesday, along with starting times for home games. Details for four games are to be determined (May 31, June 21, July 5, July 12).

Radio flagship WTAM/AM 1100 will broadcast 161 games (Cavaliers game conflict April 16), with a vast majority -- 150 in 2014 -- simulcast on WMMS/FM 100.7 for the second straight season.

The scheduled first pitch for the Tribe's home opener April 4 against Minnesota will be 3:05 p.m. The game will be televised on SportsTime Ohio and WKYC/Ch. 3 and broadcast on WTAM and WMMS.

The Indians open the season March 31 in Oakland. They play a three-game series against the Athletics, then have an off-day April 3.

The first homestand comprises three-game series against the Twins and San Diego Padres. In addition to San Diego, home interleague opponents include Cincinnati, Colorado and Arizona. The Indians will visit Cincinnati, San Francisco, the Los Angeles Dodgers and Arizona from the National League.

The Indians' longest homestand is July 4-13 (vs. Kansas City, New York Yankees and Chicago White Sox). They have three 10-game trips: June 6-15 (Texas, Kansas City, Boston); July 18-27 (Detroit, Minnesota, Kansas City); and Sept. 12-21 (Detroit, Houston, Minnesota).

Monthly home/road breakdown: March/April (13 home/16 road); May (15 home/13 road); June (12 home/16 road); July (13 home/12 road); August (13 home/14 road); September (15 home/10 road).


MARCH/APRIL
March 31@ OAK, 10:05 p.m. STO
April 1 @ OAK, 10:05 p.m. STO
April 2@ OAK, 3:35 p.m. STO
April 4 vs. MIN, 3:05 p.m. STO/WKYC
April 5 vs. MIN, 1:05 p.m. STO
April 6 vs. MIN, 1:05 p.m. STO
April 7 vs. SD, 7:05 p.m. STO
April 8 vs. SD, 7:05 p.m. STO
April 9 vs. SD, 12:05 p.m. STO
April 10 @ CWS, 8:10 p.m. STO
April 11 @ CWS, 8:10 p.m. STO
April 12 @ CWS, 2:10 p.m. STO
April 13 @ CWS, 2:10 p.m. STO
April 15 @ DET, 7:08 p.m. STO
April 16 @ DET, 7:08 p.m. STO
April 17 @ DET, 1:08 p.m. STO
April 18 vs. TOR, 7:05 p.m. STO
April 19 vs. TOR, 1:05 p.m. STO
April 20 vs. TOR, 1:05 p.m. STO
April 21 vs. KC, 7:05 p.m. STO
April 22 vs. KC, 7:05 p.m. STO
April 23 vs. KC, 7:05 p.m. STO
April 24 vs. KC, 12:05 p.m. STO
April 25 @ SF, 10:15 p.m. STO
April 26 @ SF, TBD STO
April 27 @ SF, 4:05 p.m. STO
April 28 @ LAA, 10:05 p.m. STO
April 29 @ LAA, 10:05 p.m. STO
April 30 @ LAA, 7:05 p.m. STO
MAY
May 2 vs. CWS, 7:05 p.m. STO
May 3 vs. CWS, 6:05 p.m. STO
May 4 vs. CWS, 1:05 p.m. STO
May 5 vs. MIN, 7:05 p.m. STO
May 6 vs. MIN, 7:05 p.m. STO
May 7 vs. MIN, 7:05 p.m. STO
May 8 vs. MIN, 12:05 p.m. STO
May 9 @TB, 7:10 p.m. STO
May 10 @ TB, 7:10 p.m. STO
May 11 @ TB, 1:40 p.m. STO
May 13 @ TOR, 7:07 p.m. STO
May 14 @ TOR, 7:07 p.m. STO
May 15 @ TOR, 7:07 p.m. STO
May 16 vs. OAK, 7:05 p.m. STO
May 17 vs. OAK, 7:05 p.m. STO
May 18 vs. OAK, 1:05 p.m. STO
May 19 vs. DET, 7:05 p.m. STO
May 20 vs. DET, 7:05 p.m. STO
May 21 vs. DET, 12:05 p.m. STO
May 22 @ BAL, 7:05 p.m. STO
May 23 @ BAL, 7:05 p.m. STO
May 24 @ BAL, TBD STO
May 25 @ BAL, 1:35 p.m. STO
May 26 @ CWS, 2;10 p.m. STO
May 27 @ CWS, 8:10 p.m. STO
May 28 @ CWS, 8:10 p.m. STO
May 30 vs. COL, 7:05 p.m. STO
May 31 vs. COL, TBD TBD
JUNE
June 1 vs. COL, 1:05 p.m. STO
June 2 vs. BOS, 7:05 p.m. STO
June 3 vs. BOS, 7:05 p.m. STO
June 4 vs. BOS, 7:05 p.m. STO
June 6 @ TEX, 8:05 p.m. STO
June 7 @ TEX, 8:05 p.m. STO
June 8 @ TEX, 3:05 p.m. STO
June 9 @ TEX, 8:05 p.m. STO
June 10 @ KC, 8:10 p.m. STO
June 11 @ KC, 2:10 p.m. STO
June 12 @ BOS, 7:10 p.m. STO
June 13 @ BOS, 7:10 p.m. STO
June 14 @ BOS, 4:05 p.m. STO
June 15 @ BOS, 1:35 p.m. STO
June 16 vs. LAA, 7:05 p.m. STO
June 17 vs. LAA, 7:05 p.m. STO
June 18 vs. LAA, 7:05 p.m. STO
June 19 vs. LAA, 12:05 p.m. STO
June 20 vs. DET, 7:05 p.m. STO
June 21 vs. DET, TBD TBD
June 22 vs. DET, 1:05 p.m. STO
June 24 @ ARI, 9:40 p.m. STO
June 25 @ ARI, 9:40 p.m. STO
June 27 @ SEA, 10:10 p.m. STO
June 28 @ SEA, 10:10 p.m. STO
June 29 @ SEA, 4:10 p.m. STO
June 30 @ LAD, 10:10 p.m. STO
JULY
July 1 at LAD, 10:10 p.m. STO
July 2 @ LAD, 3:10 p.m. STO
July 4 vs. KC, 7:05 p.m. STO
July 5 vs. KC, TBD TBD
July 6vs. KC, 1:05 p.m. STO
July 7 vs. NYY, 7:05 p.m. STO
July 8 vs. NYY, 7:05 p.m. STO
July 9 vs. NYY, 7:05 p.m. STO
July 10 vs. NYY, 7:05 p.m. STO
July 11 vs. CWS, 7:05 p.m. STO
July 12 vs. CWS, TBD TBD
July 13 vs. CWS, 1:05 p.m. STO
July 14-17: All-Star Break
July 18 @ DET, 7:08 p.m. STO
July 19 @ DET, 7:08 p.m. STO
July 20 @ DET, 1:08 p.m. STO
July 21 @ MIN, 8:10 p.m. STO
July 22 @ MIN, 8:10 p.m. STO
July 23 @ MIN, 1:10 p.m. STO
July 24 @ KC, 8:10 p.m. STO
July 25 @ KC, 8:10 p.m. STO
July 26 @ KC, 7:10 p.m. STO
July 27 @ KC, 2:10 p.m. STO
July 29 vs. SEA, 7:05 p.m. STO
July 30 vs. SEA, 7:05 p.m. STO
July 31 vs. SEA, 7:05 p.m. STO
AUGUST
Aug. 1 vs. TEX, 7:05 p.m. STO
Aug. 2 vs. TEX, 7:05 p.m. STO
Aug. 3 vs. TEX, 1:05 p.m. STO
Aug. 4 vs. CIN, 7:05 p.m. STO
Aug. 5 vs. CIN, 7:05 p.m. STO
Aug. 6 @ CIN, 7:10 p.m. STO
Aug. 7 @ CIN, 7:10 p.m. STO
Aug. 8 @ NYY, 7:05 p.m. STO
Aug. 9 @ NYY, 1:05 p.m. STO
Aug. 10 @ NYY, TBD STO
Aug. 12 vs. ARI, 7:05 p.m. STO
Aug. 13 vs. ARI, 7:05 p.m. STO
Aug. 15 vs. BAL, 7:05 p.m. STO
Aug. 16 vs. BAL, 7:05 p.m. STO
Aug. 17 vs. BAL, 1:05 p.m. STO
Aug. 19 @ MIN, 8:10 p.m. STO
Aug. 20 @ MIN, 8:10 p.m. STO
Aug. 21 @ MIN, 1:10 p.m. STO
Aug. 22 vs. HOU, 7:05 p.m. STO
Aug. 23 vs. HOU, 7:05 p.m. STO
Aug. 24 vs. HOU, 1:05 p.m. STO
Aug. 26 @ CWS, 8:10 p.m. STO
Aug. 27 @ CWS, 8:10 p.m. STO
Aug. 28 @ CWS, 8:10 p.m. STO
Aug. 29 @ KC, 8:10 p.m. STO
Aug. 30 @ KC, 7:10 p.m. STO
Aug. 31 @ KC, 2:10 p.m. STO
SEPTEMBER
Sept. 1 vs. DET, 4:05 p.m. STO
Sept. 2 vs. DET, 7:05 p.m. STO
Sept. 3 vs. DET, 7:05 p.m. STO
Sept. 4 vs. DET, 7:05 p.m. STO
Sept. 5 vs. CWS, 7:05 p.m. STO
Sept. 6 vs. CWS, 7:05 p.m. STO
Sept. 7 vs. CWS, 1:05 p.m. STO
Sept. 9 vs. MIN, 7:05 p.m. STO
Sept. 10vs. MIN, 7:05 p.m. STO
Sept. 11 vs. MIN, 12:05 p.m. STO
Sept. 12 @ DET, 7:08 p.m. STO
Sept. 13 @ DET, 7:08 p.m. STO
Sept. 14 @ DET, 1:08 p.m. STO
Sept. 15 @ HOU, 8:10 p.m. STO
Sept. 16 @ HOU, 8:10 p.m. STO
Sept. 17@ HOU, 8:10 p.m. STO
Sept. 18@ HOU, 8:10 p.m. STO
Sept. 19 @ MIN, 8:10 p.m. STO
Sept. 20 @ MIN, 7:10 p.m. STO
Sept. 21 @ MIN, 2:10 p.m. STO
Sept. 22 vs. KC, 7:05 p.m. STO
Sept. 23 vs. KC, 7:05 p.m. STO
Sept. 24 vs. KC, 7:05 p.m. STO
Sept. 26 vs. TB, 7:05 p.m. STO
Sept. 27 vs. TB, 6:05 p.m. STO
Sept. 28 vs. TB, 1:05 p.m. STO

Cleveland.com wrestling Top 10 teams keep strong grasps on rankings (video)

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CLEVELAND, Ohio – The cleveland.com wrestling Top 10 remained intact for the third straight week. Brecksville-Broadview Heights and St. Edward continue to top the poll, which only saw two teams move this week.

CLEVELAND, Ohio – The cleveland.com wrestling Top 10 remained intact for the third straight week.

Brecksville-Broadview Heights and St. Edward continue to top the poll, which only saw two teams move this week.

Do you agree or disagree with our poll? Let us know in the comments section, or share your own Top 10. To comment you will need to register, but it's fast, easy and free.

Each Wednesday we will release an updated poll, along with a video discussing the picks. Also, watch for weekly talking points post, which will explain some of the decisions that go into shaping each week's poll.

(The Top 10 takes into account both dual and tournament results. Previous ranking in parentheses.)

1. Brecksville-Broadview Heights (1)

Trending: Steady.

Last week: Defeated Westlake 67-12, Olmsted Falls 65-15. Finished 2-2 at the Detroit Catholic Central Super Duals.

This week: At Bill Dies Memorial Tournament (Firestone) Friday, Saturday.

Comment: The Bees held their own against some of the top teams in the country at the DCC Super Duals. They will try to defend their Bill Dies title this weekend.

2. St. Edward (2)

Trending: Steady.

Last week: Defeated Marysville 57-13, Toledo Central Catholic 48-12, Marmion Academy (Ill.) 36-27.

This week: Hosts St. Paris Graham Saturday.

Comment: St. Edward and St. Paris Graham swept the team and individual state tournament titles last season in Division I and II.

3. Perry (3)

Trending: Steady.

Last week: Defeated Grand Valley, Kirtland.

This week: At Madison Wednesday; At Maumee Bay Classic (Oregon Clay) Friday, Saturday.

Comment: The Pirates will go up against fellow heavyweights Perrysburg, Delta and Oregon Clay at the Maumee Bay event this weekend.

4. Wadsworth (4)

Trending: Steady.

Last week: Defeated Green 65-3, Copley 52-12.

This week: Hosts No. 5 Nordonia Thursday; At Lexington tri-match Saturday.

Comment: The Grizzlies have their third dual against a Top 10 team when they host Nordonia this week. They have lost to both Perry and St. Edward this season.

5. Nordonia (6)

Trending:  Steady.

Last week: Defeated Copley 35-24, Green.

This week: At No. 4 Wadsworth Thursday; At Top Gun Tournament (Alliance) Friday, Saturday.

Comment: The Knights and Grizzlies have been circling each other in double duals this season. They finally get to face off this week.

6. St. Vincent-St. Mary (5)

Trending: Falling.

Last week: Finished seventh at Perrysburg Invitational with two runners-up; Lost to Coventry 46-20.

This week: At Top Gun Tournament (Alliance) Friday, Saturday.

Comment: The loss to Coventry was deceiving as the Irish had four forfeits and a 6-4 advantage in match wins.

7. Brunswick (7)

Trending: Steady.

Last week: Defeated Brunswick 42-28, Padua 48-16.

This week: At Bill Dies Memorial Tournament (Firestone) Friday, Saturday.

Comment: The Blue Devils turned away two teams looking to shake up the Top 10 last week.

8. Elyria (8)

Trending: Steady.

Last week: Defeated Mayfield 61-12; Lost to Oregon Clay, Loveland.

This week: At Bill Dies Memorial Tournament (Firestone) Friday, Saturday.

Comment: The Pioneers continued to roll in the Northeast Ohio Conference last week. They'll be among the top challengers to Brecksville-Broadview Heights at Bill Dies this weekend.

9. Crestwood (9)

Trending: Steady.

Last week: Defeated Ravenna 37-28, Springfield 66-12.

This week: At Aurora Friday.

Comment: The Red Devils suffered a blow last week with the loss of Aaron Yonker to a season-ending injury.

10. Lake Catholic

Trending: Steady.

Last week: Idle.

This week: At Catholic Invitational (Cleveland State University) Saturday, Sunday.

Comment: The Cougars jump back on the mat this weekend at the Catholic Invitational, where they finished fourth last season.

Dropped out: None.

Just off the mat: Padua, St. Ignatius.

 

Contact high school sports reporter Scott Patsko by email (spatsko@cleveland.com) or Twitter (@ScottPatsko). Or log in and leave a message in the comments section below.

Ohio Sires Stakes get big boost in purses: Horse Racing Insider

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The Ohio Sires Stakes action for trotters and pacers will have extra rewards for horse owners this year. Purses for the four division races in each category will increase to $40,000, and the eight championship races now have $200,000 purses.

Dave Palone.jpgPennsylvania reinsman Dave Palone, winner of the $84,000 Courageous Lady Pace with Charisma Hanover last spring at Northfield Park, was named the nation'™s top driver by Harness Tracks of America.

CLEVELAND, Ohio – The Ohio Sires Stakes schedule is set for 2014, and there’s more cash available for the 2- and 3-year-old Ohio-sired trotters and pacers. All four legs of each division will have at least a $40,000 purse. The championships are all $200,000 races.

Scioto Downs has the corner on the premier OSS action. The Columbus oval is again hosting OSS Super Night on Sept. 27, with all eight $200,000 championships.

Miami Valley Raceway will kick off the rich stakes races with three-year-old filly and colt races on May 2-3. Northfield’s first sires stakes event won’t be raced until July 3, when the two-year-old filly trotters and pacers match strides.

Palone is HTA top driver: The winningest driver in harness racing history, Dave Palone, 51, was voted the Driver of the Year for the seventh time since 1999 by the Harness Tracks of America. The Waynesburg, Pa. reinsman does much of his racing close to home at The Meadows race track, but he often visits Northfield Park to compete in stakes races. Palone won the $84,000 Courageous Lady Pace on April 26 at Northfield for the powerhouse Burke Racing Stable.

Palone was second for the most wins in 2013, finishing behind Ronnie Wrenn Jr., a Northfield regular, 714-645. He was 12th in money earnings with $6.12 million and third in the Universal Driver Ratings compiled by the U.S. Trotting Association. It was the seventh time Palone had won the title.

Chip Noble III dies: Long recognized as one of the most popular and talented harness horsemen in Ohio, Sam “Chip” Noble III, 60, died on Monday, according to the U.S. Trotting Association. No cause of death was reported. A member of the Ohio Harness Racing Hall of Fame, the Xenia native learned the harness racing ropes from his father, Sam, and passed his knowledge and talent on to son Dan, the winningest driver in North America in 2011.

Wearing his familiar red-and-white silks, Noble was a study of consistency, winning the North American Universal Driver Ratings crown in 1978, 1981 and 1983. He had more than 5,000 driving victories and trained more than 1,000 winners. Noble won the Kaltenbach Memorial Award in 1993 and 1998 as the top trainer on the Ohio Sires Stakes circuit. Some of his top horses included Hall of Famer Nobleland Sam, Concussion and Deal Direct.

Noble is survived by his wife, Debbie, and sons Sam, Dan and daughter Meredith.

Miami Valley opens Feb. 7: Construction crews are putting the finishing touches on the new Miami Valley Raceway as the track counts down to its Feb. 7 opener. Owned by Churchill Downs Inc. and Delaware North Gaming & Entertainment, the track is on I-75, between Cincinnati and Dayton.

The standardbreds are racing Wednesday through Sunday during the 66-night meeting. The racino and simulcast racing opened Dec. 12. The James K Hackett stakes races for Ohio-sired sophomore colts and fillies, a fixture at the nearby Lebanon County Fairgrounds, will now be held at Miami Valley. The elimination heats race for $7,500. The finals on April 25 have been increased to $25,000.

A season-ending program on May 4 will feature Grand Circuit races for older trotting and pacing mares, each with a $50,000 purse. Former Northfield Park racing secretary Greg Keidel now runs the racing office at Miami Valley.

Eclipse Awards due: The top thoroughbreds of 2013 will be honored Saturday night at the 43rd annual Eclipse Awards at Gulfstream Park in Hallandale Beach, Fla. The finalists for Horse of the Year are Much Macho Man, Will Take Charge and Wise Dan. Competing for the prestigious three-year-old colt of the year are Orb, Palace Malice and Will Take Charge.

Strange, but true: A field of seven trotters were involved in a very unusual accident on Saturday at New Jersey’s Freehold Raceway, crashing into the starting gate. On a slick and slippery track surface, driver Robert Blum and the starting gate spun out of control in the first turn when the vehicle should have been pulling away from the field.

The only horse, sulky and driver to escape hitting the starting gate was Civic Duty, driven by James Clarry. While none of the horses suffered a serious injury, driver Cat Manzi, 63, reportedly suffered a collapsed lung. Horsemen described the track as a sheet of ice. Track management was criticized for not halting the race program.


A busy week of wrestling could shake up the rankings: cleveland.com Top 10 explained

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CLEVELAND, Ohio - Earlier today we posted the cleveland.com high school wrestling Top 10. (Follow the link to check out this week's rankings). Each week after posting the updated poll, we'll post another story with talking points, including insight into why some teams moved up or down, in or out of the rankings.

CLEVELAND, Ohio - Earlier today we posted the cleveland.com high school wrestling Top 10. (Follow the link to check out this week's rankings).

Each week after posting the updated poll, we'll post another story with talking points, including insight into why some teams moved up or down, in or out of the rankings.

We also invite you to provide your input in the comments section, a new feature added to high school stories this school year. Tell us what you agree or don't agree with. You can even post your own rankings.

Talking point No. 1: Can any new teams break into the top three spots?

It's going to be tough to break up Brecksville-Broadview Heights, St. Edward and Perry. While the state dual tournament will certainly present opportunities for top teams to fall, the Bees, Eagles and Pirates have passed every local test this season.

Barring any upsets in the state dual tournament, or at conference tournaments, it's more likely that the No. 1 spot sees a change than any of the current top three teams taking a plunge in the poll.

Talking point No. 2: Why is St. Vincent-St. Mary ranked sixth after losing to Coventry?

It's evident that the Irish are still getting up to speed due to an extended football season. At full strength, the team is one of the best in the area. But against Coventry, the Irish weren't at full strength.

The Irish lost four matches by forfeit and actually won six of the remaining 10 matches against the Comets. The 46-20 loss dropped the Irish down a spot this week, but it wasn't enough to send them into free fall.

Talking point No. 3: What duals and tournaments will shape next week's Top 10?

It's a busy week ahead.

No. 4 Wadsworth hosts No. 5 Nordonia on Thursday. The Knights then travel to the Top Gun Tournament, which will also feature No. 6 St. Vincent-St. Mary.

No. 1 Brecksville-Broadview Heights, No. 7 Brunswick and No. 8 Elyria will battle at the Bill Dies Memorial Tournament.

No. 10 Lake Catholic will compete at the Catholic Invitational this weekend at Cleveland State University.

Contact high school sports reporter Scott Patsko by email (spatsko@cleveland.com) or Twitter (@ScottPatsko). Or log in and leave a message in the comments section below.

The NFL draft has a quarterback feel to it for the Cleveland Browns: Mock Draft Roundup

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Let's take a look at which way the experts are leaning with the Browns' two first-round picks in May.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The NFL draft is less than four months away. Even though the Browns still don't have a coach, there are plenty of other things to keep them busy. 

With two picks (No. 4 and No. 26) in the first round, they have already racked up the frequent flyer miles scouting the 2014 class. This week it's the East-West Shrine Game. Next week it's the Senior Bowl. Soon it will be the Scouting Combine. Then Pro Days. Things are just beginning as today is the deadline for underclassmen to declare.

It's a critical off-season for the Browns, one that they have put extra emphasis on so let's take a look at which way the experts are leaning with the two picks.

ESPN.com's Mel Kiper Jr. has the Browns targeting two need areas in round one, with an emphasis on offense.

"QB Blake Bortles, Central Florida - Suffice to say, no coach in Cleveland makes this a pretty difficult projection. While there's plenty of debate in NFL circles regarding which QB in this class has the most upside in terms of overall ability, from a physical standpoint Bortles is at the top of the list. At 6-foot-4, 230 pounds, with not elite but good arm strength, and the ability to move both in the pocket and to make plays down the field as a runner, he has a chance to add value and eliminate negative plays with his mobility as he develops as a passer. It goes without saying that Cleveland will look to address its QB situation through the draft or via a trade, and this is potentially a good fit for Bortles. 

Carlos Hyde Orange Bowl 2014 Ohio StateView full sizeOhio State running back Carlos Hyde increased his draft stock this past season.

RB Carlos Hyde, Ohio State - For one, I think this is a good spot for the Browns to move down and allow a team that really wants a QB to move up and grab one. This is a good spot to go and get a player like Derek Carr. So while it might seem crazy that Cleveland would trade a running back for a first-round pick, then go out and take one with the pick it got in return, it also reflects the fact that this becomes a pretty mobile spot on the board for the Browns, and they do need to get a starting-level RB at some point, perhaps in Round 2."

NFL.com's Bucky Brooks released his first mock this week, with a pair of Aggies landing in Cleveland.

"QB Johnny Manziel, Texas A&M - Johnny Football would energize an organization desperate for a legitimate franchise quarterback.

WR Mike Evans, Texas A&M - Why not add Johnny Football's favorite target to the mix to alleviate the pressure on Josh Gordon on the perimeter? Evans would not only alter coverage, but he would give Manziel a jump-ball specialist to lean on in the red zone."

Dane Brugler of CBSSports.com sees plenty of help coming on both sides of the ball in his latest projection.

"QB Johnny Manziel, Texas A&M - Brandon Weeden won't be back in Cleveland, Jason Campbell is a stopgap and while Brian Hoyer is still in the team's long-term plans, he's coming off an ACL injury and Cleveland needs to add a young arm to the mix. Manziel will certainly create colorful discussions between now and May, not only on Twitter and your local bar, but also scouting war rooms around the league. He will be an option for the Browns here.

C.J. MosleyView full sizeLinebacker C.J. Mosley will continue the trend of Alabama players drafted in the first round.

ILB C.J. Mosley, Alabama - If the Browns go quarterback at No. 4 overall, their second first round pick is a wildcard with several need areas on the Cleveland roster. And while linebacker isn't tops on that list, if a player like Mosley is still available, he makes sense inside next to D'Qwell Jackson."

SI.com's Chris Burke has the Browns forming a dangerous, new QB-WR tandem in 2014.

"QB Blake Bortles, Central Florida - Bortles is the man of the hour in draft circles, with his Fiesta Bowl win putting the capper on a brilliant season. He has a chance to be great at the next level. Right now? I'd say he could be pretty good as a rookie as he undergoes some growing pains. For the Browns, the notion of finally nabbing a franchise quarterback will outweigh any concerns.

WR Jordan Matthews, Vanderbilt - The Browns nabbed their QB earlier in this mock. Now, they add a terrific receiver for him. Cleveland already boasts one of the league's budding offensive stars in Josh Gordon, and he'd welcome the arrival of Matthews, a polished prospect with a productive college career behind him. Matthews will be capable of starting from the get-go next season."

CBSSports.com's Rob Rang still sees offensive line help coming the way of the Browns with their first pick.

"OT Greg Robinson, Auburn - Regardless of the identity of Cleveland's next head coach, the Browns are expected to draft a quarterback with this pick. A passionate fan base might love the idea of Johnny Manziel, but the gusts and grass of FirstEnergy Field may not be the best fit for a quarterback so reliant on his mobility and lacking elite size or arm strength. Otherwise, pairing the most dominant run blocker in the draft in Robinson with All Pro left tackle Joe Thomas could give the Browns the bookend tackles to make a quarterback drafted later likelier to enjoy success.

QB Derek Carr, Fresno State - Until the identity of the Browns' next head coach is known, projecting which quarterback they'll add in the offseason is going to be difficult. Carr's struggles against Southern Cal in the Vegas Bowl has his stock in flux but he possesses as much arm talent as any quarterback in the 2014 draft class, including projected No. 1 overall pick Teddy Bridgewater."

Matt Miller of Bleacher Report says the Browns desire to fix their quarterback position could have them reaching in May.

"QB Blake Bortles, Central Florida - The Browns are desperate for a franchise quarterback but don't rule out Brian Hoyer as the 2014 opening-day starter. That would allow the team to draft a player who needs a little time to develop—like Blake Bortles. The UCF quarterback is a dual-threat star and has a little Andrew Luck or Ben Roethlisberger in his game. He's the type of smart, savvy passer the Browns have needed.

WR Odell Beckham, LSU - The Browns grabbed their quarterback at the top of the round, but now they must finish filling out the offense by adding a threat at receiver. The team has a future star in Josh Gordon, but he's one slip-up away from a season-long suspension, and Greg Little continues to disappoint on the other side of the formation. Odell Beckham isn't the biggest guy, but he plays tough over the middle and has a second gear to run away from defenders after the catch. He's an ideal complement for the bigger, stronger Gordon."

Charlie Campbell, from Walter Football, is on the same page with so many experts that see a new QB on the horizon.

"QB Johnny Manziel, Texas A&M - The Browns land their quarterback. With Brett Hundley and Marcus Mariota returning to college, Cleveland probably can't afford to wait until its second first-round pick to take a quarterback. The concern that Manziel (6-1, 200) is undersized is being eased by the quality play of some other short NFL quarterbacks. Drew Brees is a dominant force and future Hall of Famer; Russell Wilson has been phenomenal to help disprove the height requirement. Based off the past two seasons, plenty of teams will be willing to overlook the height issue. However, his maturity is a bigger concern according to sources. While Manziel's running ability gets a lot of attention, he showed that his passing skills are improved and underrated. 

WR Kelvin Benjamin, Florida State - The Browns get a mismatch receiver to pair with Josh Gordon. Cleveland wants to have a vertical passing attack, and Benjamin could be a devastating weapon on the other side from Gordon. Benjamin has been a big-time play-maker for the Seminoles this season. Even though other receivers saw more targets, the redshirt sophomore produced a lot of long receptions for Jameis Winston. In 2013, Benjamin had 54 receptions for 1,011 yards with 15 touchdowns. The 6-foot-5, 234-pounder is a mismatch nightmare with a ton of upside." 

Blake BortlesView full sizeCentral Florida quarterback Blake Bortles (5) dashes for a rushing touchdown as Baylor safety Terrell Burt (13) defends during the second half of the Fiesta Bowl NCAA college football game, Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2014, in Glendale, Ariz.

Eric Galko of Sporting News sees more touchdowns coming for Cleveland's offense in 2014.

"QB Blake Bortles, Central Florida - In a good place as a franchise in terms of roster depth at key positions, the Browns must find their franchise quarterback. While their new coach might determine the type of QB they'd like, Bortles has the skills to fit in multiple schemes. 

WR Mike Evans, Texas A&M - After drafting a quarterback with their first pick, adding another weapon for him in Evans is a dream for any young quarterback. Josh Gordon can take the top off of defenses, Jordan Cameron can control the seam, and Evans can maximize any one-on-one opportunities."

NFL.com's Daniel Jeremiah has the Browns breaking the "no running back in the first round" trend.

"QB Johnny Manziel, Texas A&M - Manziel is the most creative quarterback I've evaluated in the last 10 years. He has an uncanny ability to feel pressure, escape the pocket, and make accurate throws on the move. He is also very skilled from inside the pocket. He has a live arm and is very accurate to all three levels despite throwing from a variety of platforms and arm angles. As a runner, he is sudden and is able to make defenders miss without gearing down. His lack of size and aggressive running style is the main concern. He seeks out contact as a runner. That has to change at the next level.

RB Carlos Hyde, Ohio State - Hyde had a monster senior season, rushing for 1,521 yards and 15 touchdowns. He has excellent size, power, vision, and burst. He rarely goes down on first contact and has sneaky breakaway speed when he gets past the second level of the defense. He is also a viable option in the passing game (three receiving touchdowns)."


Girls basketball opening tip: Setting up Wednesday's action for Jan. 15, 2014

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CLEVELAND, Ohio -- With the teams entering the final par the games are becoming more important every week. Wednesday night features some big games among ranked teams.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- With the teams entering the final par the games are becoming more important every week.

Wednesday night features some big games among ranked teams.

Check out our game of the night and the top matchups we think you should keep an eye on.

Every Wednesday and Saturday we'll be preparing you for all the action in girls basketball on cleveland.com. Make sure to check back every Monday and Thursday for a recap of the biggest games, highest scorers and most surprising upsets. And we're going to do it every week this season so make sure to stick right here at cleveland.com.

GAME OF THE NIGHT

No. 20 Rocky River at No. 13 Holy Name

The biggest move in the cleveland.com girls Top 25 poll was the Rocky River Pirates after their big win against Lakewood. In that game, the Pirates showed the ability to play shutdown defense, as they held Lakewood to just 10 points combined in the second and third quarter. Sophomore guard Nicole Popovich has emerged as a legitimate scorer, averaging 11 points.

While the defense of the Pirates sparked their upset, Holy Name team relies on its offense to get the job done. The Green Wave have scored at least 48 points in the every game this season, while reaching 60 points in nine of their games. Kim Cook leads the way for Holy Name, averaging 15.5 points. Stephanie Kuzdym (@stephkuzy) will be at the game with updates throughout the game.

KEEP AN EYE ON

No. 16 Villa Angela-St. Joseph at No. 19 Elyria Catholic

Villa Angela-St. Joseph comes into the game with a record of 9-2, but have a chance to get its biggest win of the year against Elyria Catholic. The Vikings are led by Mariah McGhee, who is coming off a 24-point performance against Cleveland Central Catholic on Saturday. She has proven to be able to get to the free throw line, connecting on 14-of-17 in that game. The Vikings are a team that relies on their inside game, while Elyria Catholic relies on its perimeter scoring.

Riley Schill averages 15.7 points for the Panthers, and is able to make plays both on the perimeter as well as driving to the basket. Elyria Catholic has won three consecutive games since falling to Lakewood, including a victory over No. 20 Rocky River. Mark Kern (@Markkern11) will be at the game with updates throughout the game.

No. 11 Mentor at No. 8 Westlake

The Cardinals will look to bounce back from a tough loss to No.5 Stow-Munroe Falls. Mentor was down 12 points after the first quarter, came all the way back to have a chance to tie the game in the final seconds. Kayla Gabor is averaging 15.8 points to lead the Cardinals, and has shown the ability to score in many different ways. Christine Dawson has also had a nice start, averaging just under 11 points.

Games have not been easy for the Demons as of late, but they have managed to find a way to win the game. Westlake has had to make fourth quarter comebacks in their last three games, including outscoring then No. 24 Olmsted Falls 11-0 in the fourth quarter. Corinne Furci leads the with 10.3 points, but the Demons have a plethora of guards that are capable of having a big game.

Contact high school sports reporter Mark Kern by email mkern@cleveland.com or Twitter (@Markkern11). Or log in and leave a message in the comments section below.

Cleveland Cavaliers rookie Anthony Bennett would be open to playing in NBA D-League

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Although the Cavaliers have resisted to this point, struggling rookie Anthony Bennett says he'd be open to playing with the Cavs NBA Development League team in Canton.

PORTLAND, Oregon -- Even before he didn't play a minute in a 120-118 victory over the Lakers on Tuesday night, rookie Anthony Bennett was being asked whether he'd be interested in going down to play with the Cavaliers' owned-and-operated NBA Development League franchise in Canton.

"It's something I'd think about, for sure," Bennett said before Tuesday's game. "It's not a bad thing, especially going down there, hopefully playing a lot, going out there, building my confidence."

Of course, it's not really up to Bennett. A few young players have asked to be sent down so they could get some playing time, but no No. 1 overall pick has ever been sent to the D-League. Hasheem Thabeet, the No. 2 pick by the Memphis Grizzlies in 2009, did spend time there, as did Minnesota's Shabazz Muhammad, the No. 14 pick in the 2013 NBA Draft, this season.

For now, Bennett says he's just trying to make up for a lost summer after shoulder surgery. As recently as three weeks ago in Boston, he referred to himself as ''clueless.''

"It's a learning process, and all I can do is just work hard, you know?'' he said. "I'm just patient. I missed the whole summer due to the surgery, so I'm kind of behind in everything, trying to catch up on everything. Like I said before, the only thing I can really do is work hard. It doesn't show much in the games, but in practice I've been going hard. My conditioning is a lot better. I lost weight and everything. So it's coming along slowly.''

Bennett is averaging 2.4 points and 2.2 rebounds in about 10 minutes a game. He's shooting just 26.9 percent (29 of 108). Much like Dion Waiters last year as a rookie, he relies too much on jumpers instead of driving to the basket. About a quarter of his shots  have been 3-pointers. He has made just four, or 14.3 percent.

To this point, the Cavs have resisted a Canton assignment, believing they can monitor his progress and development more carefully if he remains with the team.

"We've been able to find minutes for AB, from time to time, whether it's at the small forward or power forward," coach Mike Brown said on Tuesday. "That hasn't been a bridge we've crossed yet."

Bennett was asked what he thought had to happen for him to gain more confidence.

"To be honest, I don't really know,'' he said. "In practice, I'm going hard. I'm making shots, getting a little work done after practice, before practice, in the weight room, doing all that, building a routine.''

Felix to Canton: While Bennett remains with the Cavs, rookie guard/forward Carrick Felix was assigned to Canton on Wednesday. Felix has played a total of 26 minutes in six games, scoring a total of nine points. He already has played in three games for the Charge, averaging 9.3 points and 5.3 rebounds in 21.3 minutes.

Cavaliers at Portland

Probable starters: Cavs -- F Luol Deng, F Tristan Thompson, C Anderson Varejao, G C.J. Miles, G Kyrie Irving. Trail Blazers -- F Nicolas Batum, F LaMarcus Aldridge, C Robin Lopez, G Wesley Matthews, G Damian Lillard.

Injuries: Cavs -- None. Blazers -- None.

Officials: Tony Brothers, Pat Fraher, Scott Twardoski

Up next for Cavs: At Denver on Friday.

No. 1 St. Edward and No. 3 St. Ignatius boys basketball discuss their Saturday showdown: Full Court Press Podcast

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CLEVELAND, Ohio — On the third installment of cleveland.com’s Full Court Press boys basketball podcast, we preview the showdown between No. 1 St. Edward and No. 3 St. Ignatius, while also touching on No. 22 Mentor's big win. David Cassilo (@dcassilo), Mark Kern (@MarkKern11) and Bill Landis (@blandis25) of cleveland.com’s high school sports staff break down the action, and...

CLEVELAND, Ohio — On the third installment of cleveland.com’s Full Court Press boys basketball podcast, we preview the showdown between No. 1 St. Edward and No. 3 St. Ignatius, while also touching on No. 22 Mentor's big win.

David Cassilo (@dcassilo), Mark Kern (@MarkKern11) and Bill Landis (@blandis25) of cleveland.com’s high school sports staff break down the action, and talk with St. Edward coach Eric Flannery, as well as St. Ignatius coach Sean O'Toole and guard Danny Bova.

Full Court Press Podcast

Here's a rundown of this week's podcast:

0:00-3:15: Intro/Breaking down what Mentor's win over Garfield Heights means.

3:15-4:34: Taking a look at this weekend's Flyin to the Hoop showcase.

4:34-6:46: Breaking down St. Edward vs. St. Ignatius.

6:46-15:04: St. Edward coach Eric Flannery.

15:04-20:21: St. Ignatius coach Sean O'Toole and guard Danny Bova.

20:21-25:16: David, Mark and Bill make their picks for this week.

25:16-25:28: Wrap.

You can see the latest installment of the cleveland.com top 25 poll here.

The Full Court Press is a weekly podcast, featuring insight from David, Mark and Bill as well as discussions with area players and coaches. We’ll have a promo post each week inviting you to share any questions you have for our guests.

We look forward to hearing your thoughts on the high school basketball season and engaging with you throughout the year.

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