Meyer snagged a lot of top guys at Florida, starting with Percy Harvin, but he made some interesting signings at Bowling Green and Utah as well.

COLUMBUS, Ohio – Maybe someday Vonn Bell will be added to Urban Meyer's list. Or Raekwon McMillan. Or Joey Bosa or Noah Spence.

To be considered one of the best recruits for one of the best recruiters in college football is quite a thing. At Ohio State, Meyer will sign his second full class on Wednesday, after jumping aboard after the 2011 season and finishing off a 2012 class with some big-name signings like Spence. Bell and Bosa were among the big gets a year ago. McMillan, a five-star linebacker from Georgia, is the gem of this class so far.

Meyer has done this before. In two years as the head coach at both Bowling Green and Utah, he only had one full recruiting class at each school to call his own. In a six-year career at Florida, five classes had the full Meyer stamp.

The guys he managed to sign there gave Ohio State fans an indication of what they could expect when he arrived in Columbus. Here are Meyer's five best recruits from before he arrived at Ohio State, and we didn't include Tim Tebow, because that was too easy.

What makes a “best” recruit? It could be an under-the-radar guy that Meyer snagged who turned into a success, or a big name where Meyer had to fight off every top program in the country to get the pledge. You can offer your own suggestions in the comments below.

1. Percy Harvin, WR, Florida 2006

Maybe Harvin should be eliminated too, just like Tebow was, because it's so obvious. But Harvin was so integral to what Meyer does as an offensive coach, we invoke his name every week when talking about the H-back/receiver/running back hybrid position in the Ohio State offense. What if that was named something else?

Meyer had to beat out everyone to get Harvin, a Virginia native who wasn't exactly in Florida's backyard. Harvin was ranked as the No. 1 overall prospect in the Class of 2006, and he picked the Gators over USC.

Maryland receiver Derrick Williams had been the top player in the Class of 2005, and Meyer made a strong play for him as well as soon as he was hired at Florida. Williams wound up at Penn State, wooed by Nittany Lion assistant Larry Johnson, now the Buckeyes' new defensive line coach. But Williams' high school coach told me this month that if Meyer had a few more weeks, and hadn't gotten a late start to the process, he may have landed Williams.

Instead, Meyer grabbed the top guy in his first full recruiting class, and Harvin went on to play a major role on two national title teams and help define how Urban Meyer football is played.

2. Dominique Easley, Ronald Powell and Sharif Floyd, DL, Florida, 2010

By early in 2010, everything had begun to change for Meyer. The Gators lost their undefeated season in 2009 when they were dominated by Alabama in the SEC Championship. Meyer's now infamous hospital incident followed that game. Meyer decided to resign, then changed his mind and turned it into a leave of absence. Key assistants Charlie Strong and Billy Gonzalez left for other jobs.

Yet, somehow, Meyer continued to haul in top recruits, including big gets from outside the South.

Easley pledged to Florida over Penn State, Miami and Oregon the day after the Gators beat Cincinnati in the Sugar Bowl. The top player in New York and No. 7 overall player in the Class of 2010, according to Rivals, wanted to be a Gator despite the changes.

He joined overall No. 1 player Ronald Powell, a defensive end from California, and defensive tackle Sharif Florida, the No. 4 overall player and Ohio State target from Philadelphia. Amid all that uncertainty, Meyer and the Gators brought in three of the top four defensive recruits in the nation, none of them from the South.

After Meyer left the Gators, Floyd was an All-American as a junior and declared for the draft, going No. 23 in the first round last year to Minnesota. Easley tore his ACL during his senior year this season, but after a strong career is still projected as a second- or third-round pick. Powell struggled at times, and missed a season after tearing his ACL twice, but he is projected as a fifth-round pick in the draft.

As he was reaching his low point at Florida, Meyer got them all to be Gators.

Before he won the Heisman Trophy for Auburn, Cam Newton was originally recruited to Florida by Urban Meyer.Craig Ruttle, Associated Press

3. Cam Newton, QB, Florida 2007

You may have heard of this guy. Newton was first a Gator before he was an Auburn Tiger, a national champion, a Heisman Trophy winner, the No. 1 pick in the draft and an NFL franchise quarterback. Newton's career at Florida ended after two seasons when he was arrested for buying a stolen computer. Later reports said Newton's academic standing there was in trouble over cheating.

But in 2008, Newton was just a big-time recruit from Georgia, the No. 2 dual-threat quarterback in the class according to Rivals and the No. 28 overall player in the country.

The most impressive part of his recruitment? Meyer landed Newton and quarterback John Brantley, the No. 47 overall player according to Rivals and the No. 3 pro-style quarterback, in the same class. And there was a third QB, from junior college, in the class as well.

"I am a Gator all the way," Newton told Rivals.com in late December 2006. "I committed early in the season and ever since then, the Gators have been progressing and ever since then, people have been jumping on board. I mean, who wouldn't want to jump on the bandwagon? You'll get commits from here, there and everywhere.

"It's going to be fun. Especially getting taught by a Dan Mullen and learning under a Tim Tebow. Certainly, John Brantley coming in will be an excellent challenge for me. It's going to make me a better athlete, better person and a better quarterback.”

Newton later became almost as known for the NCAA investigation about how he got to Auburn, which led to no violations. But at the time, he was just one of three top quarterbacks Meyer attracted at the same time, all of them knowing they maybe had another three years to sit behind Tebow before hitting the field.

4. Eric Weddle, DB, Utah 2003

Meyer's recruiting at Utah and Bowling Green, because of his limited time at the schools and the lower level of competition, wasn't as developed as what it was at Florida and is at Ohio State. But he still got some guys.

Weddle, a 190-pound athlete from California who projected as a safety, picked Meyer and the Utes over New Mexico State, Wyoming and UNLV.

"I liked the coaches," Weddle told Rivals.com at the time. "It was more of friend to friend rather than coach to player. I just felt real comfortable about Utah."

A two-star recruit, Weddle was almost a forgotten part of Meyer's first class in Utah, with Weddle's pledge coming just over a month after Meyer was hired. But he started as a freshman, and as a sophomore he was third on the team in tackles as the Utes went 12-0. Meyer then moved on to Florida.

Bowling Green QB Omar Jacobs never took the field under Urban Meyer, but the current Ohio State coach recruited Jacobs and the Florida native put up big numbers for the Falcons after Meyer left for Utah.AP file photo

Weddle went on to become the Mountain West Defensive Player of the Year as a junior, a first-team All-American as a senior and then was taken in the second round of the 2007 NFL Draft by San Diego. He made his second Pro Bowl this year, his seventh in the league.

5. Omar Jacobs, QB, Bowling Green 2002

Meyer and Bowling Green grabbed the Florida native after a previous quarterback pledge to the Falcons fell through. Jacobs was looking for a home after thinking he'd wind up at Kansas State, only to have his visit canceled.

He said he didn't even know where Bowling Green was when Meyer and Bowling Green QB Dan Mullen coach were in scramble mode two weeks before National Signing Day in 2002 and found Jacobs among the remaining possibilities at quarterback.

"I still had doubts," Jacobs told the Toledo Blade at the start of the 2005 season. "As a high school athlete, you always want to go to the big schools, the Floridas, the Florida States, the Miamis. I thought I had the potential to go there. At first, I was like, 'Bowling Green?' You kind of wonder what happened. But God works in mysterious ways and things happen for a reason. I'm glad I'm here now."

Jacobs redshirted in 2002, Meyer's second season at the school, and then the coach was gone. Jacobs backed up Josh Harris in 2003. As a first-year starter as a sophomore in 2004, he led the country with 41 touchdown passes while throwing just four interceptions. His production diminished with a shoulder injury as a junior, but he still threw 25 touchdown passes before declaring for the NFL Draft and getting picked in the fifth round by the Pittsburgh Steelers.

While Jacobs never played for Meyer, he left the first school that made him a head coach with a quarterback to remember.

CLEVELAND, Ohio – Earl Boykins, the former Cleveland Central Catholic star and NBA player, will have his jersey retired tonight at the Ironmen's game against Villa Angela-St. Joseph. (Check cleveland.com later for coverage, including video). Having a jersey retired is one of the best individual honors a player can receive. It is a great way to take a look...

CLEVELAND, Ohio – Earl Boykins, the former Cleveland Central Catholic star and NBA player, will have his jersey retired tonight at the Ironmen's game against Villa Angela-St. Joseph. (Check cleveland.com later for coverage, including video).

Having a jersey retired is one of the best individual honors a player can receive. It is a great way to take a look back at a terrific career and allow the future to know who helped lay the foundation for the program.

So, our High School Sports Question of the Day is this: What former boys and girls basketball players deserve to have their jersey retired? Leave your thoughts in the comments section.

New this school year: Readers can now comment on all cleveland.com high school sports stories — and we encourage it.

Look for the comments section at the bottom of every post. Registering for an account is free and takes just a few minutes (click here for an account). Once you register you will have the ability to comment on all posts.

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.

STRONGSVILLE, Ohio -- This week we caught up with Strongsville swimming and diving coach Tom Stacy for five questions as his team prepares for sectionals and qualifying for state. The girls team is undefeated in dual meets this season. The boys team is 6-1 in duals with a three point loss to rival Solon. Stacy feels his team has...

STRONGSVILLE, Ohio -- This week we caught up with Strongsville swimming and diving coach Tom Stacy for five questions as his team prepares for sectionals and qualifying for state. The girls team is undefeated in dual meets this season. The boys team is 6-1 in duals with a three point loss to rival Solon. Stacy feels his team has a good chance to do well at the state meet and tells us why here.

How do you feel your team is coming along this season?

"We have a lot of great swimmers this year led by junior Mike Pichette, sophomore TJ Arslanian, and seniors Ian Simpson and Austin Wilson on the boys side. Pichette has been great on the 200 free and on our relay teams. Arslanian is very fast, especially when you consider how young he is. Simpson has been clutch in the 100 breast and Wilson is willing to swim any relay and hold his own."

What about the girls, coach?

"Molly Washko has been our top swimmer and she's a better person. She has such a competitive fire, she has tons of talent and picks up on coaching so well. She gets all the girls psyched up and knows how to push their buttons. When they see our best swimmer work that hard they know they can't slack off. We also have other girls like Gabi D'Abato who is great at being encouraging. She's the one setting up team bonding activities and rallying the group. That mix of Washko to keep them honest and D'Abato to bond makes my life easier. I'm very fortunate to have this group."

You told me what makes Molly Washko great as a teammate but what makes her special in the pool?

"She really trains hard and smart. It's easy to work hard in the pool and weight room, but she gets into the mental aspect of swimming. Washko is a true student of the game. I know it's an overused cliche but for her it's real. I believe she has a chance to do some very special things in Ohio and nationally."

What is your strategy going into sectionals?

"We have several swimmers who we think will have state times already but we want to defend our titles. Our girls team has won the Lakewood sectional every year since 2006 and our boys since 2009. We are going to treat with respect and come in trying to qualify as many swimmers as possible for state. Our kids are excited to see how the match up with some of the top teams like St. Ignatius and St. Edward. If we can beat them then we can't help but to feel good going into state."

How strong is Northeast Ohio swimming this year?

"All of the top three swimmers in the state boys and girls are from this area. We have this power point we get from the national coaches association and when you do the numbers it shows how great the swimmers are here. Guys like Ross Palazzo from Hudson and girls like Macie McNichols from Gilmour, you're going to scrap for every point. When you see that type of quality you're ready for anything. Our boys and girls have a good shot to do well as individuals and as a team. We just have to our best swims at the right time."

Anderson Varejao has had his last three seasons cut short by a series of bizarre injuries. He was worried this would be another one.

NEW YORK -- Cavaliers center Anderson Varejao said his left knee was still sore and said he wouldn't know until game time whether he'd be able to play against the New York Knicks tonight at Madison Square Garden.

Frankly, he's a little bit surprised at that. After Markieff Morris rolled into his left knee late in Sunday's 99-90 loss to Phoenix, he expected the worst.

"I didn’t see the replay, but from the reaction of the crowd (gasping) I knew it wasn’t pretty," Varejao said after Thursday morning's shootaround at Baruch College.

"Right away I thought the worst. I thought I was done. Again. It was very painful. It was one of those things it was very, very, very, very painful. Then it went away. My blood was rushing, I was going. I said I’m going to play. Then the next day was sore."

He was diagnosed with a left knee contusion and hyperextension. He missed Tuesday's game against New Orleans and hopes to be back sooner rather than later. That's good news for a guy who has had his last three seasons cut short by a series of bizarre injuries. He was worried this would be another one.

"Unbelievable,'' he said with a smile. "So stupid, right? Get the rebound and all of a sudden the guy comes and hits my knee. How can you control that?''

Probable starters: Cavs -- F Luol Deng, F Tristan Thompson, C Anderson Varejao, G C.J. Miles, G Kyrie Irving. Knicks -- F Carmelo Anthony, F Iman Shumpert, C Tyson Chandler, G Raymond Felton, G Pablo Prigioni.

Injuries: Cavs -- Varejao (left knee contusion and hyperextension) game-time decision, Carrick Felix (left patella stress fracture) out. Knicks -- Kenyon Martin (sprained left ankle) and Shumpert (sprained right shoulder) questionable. Andrea Bargnani (torn ligament, left elbow) and Amar'e Stoudemire (sprained left ankle and bone bruise) out.

Officials: Ed Malloy, Marat Kogut, Eric Lewis

Up next for Cavs: At Houston on Saturday.

Ohio State's basketball team has dropped five of its last six games, but the Buckeyes could look differently soon -- with alternate throwback uniforms.

COLUMBUS, Ohio – Right now, Ohio State’s basketball team is simply trying to figure out how to win a game after the No. 24-ranked Buckeyes fell at home to Penn State, 71-70, on Wednesday evening. 

But pretty soon, the Buckeyes – who have now lost five of their last six – could look differently on the floor … with new throwback alternate uniforms.

The Buckeye room, a Columbus retail store that specializes in selling Ohio State memorabilia and apparel, posted pictures of an alternate grey jersey with a throwback look they received from Nike on Thursday. 

@PhilHecken @Landgrant33 pic.twitter.com/nXXEaO5o1B

— The Buckeye Room (@BuckeyeRoom) January 30, 2014

@PhilHecken @Landgrant33 we did just receive this jersey from Nike...front and back pic.twitter.com/GlsQvbYReX

— The Buckeye Room (@BuckeyeRoom) January 30, 2014

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- This week’s boys basketball video spotlight features four players from No. 2 Shaker Heights and No. 15 Mentor, two cleveland.com Top 25 teams. Below, check out the video players to get to know them more as people off the court. Featured are Shaker Heights' Rosel Hurley and Esa Ahmad, and Mentor's Caleb Potter and Kade McClure. The teams will tip...

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- This week’s boys basketball video spotlight features four players from No. 2 Shaker Heights and No. 15 Mentor, two cleveland.com Top 25 teams. Below, check out the video players to get to know them more as people off the court.

Featured are Shaker Heights' Rosel Hurley and Esa Ahmad, and Mentor's Caleb Potter and Kade McClure. The teams will tip off against each other for the second time this season on Friday at Shaker Heights. The Raiders defeated Mentor, 82-77, Dec. 19 at Mentor.

Ahmad has helped lead Shaker Heights to a 13-4 record. The junior forward averages 27.7 points and 11.5 rebounds per game (as of Jan. 24). Ahmad is ranked No. 51 in the country by ESPN for the Class of 2015. Listen to who his favorite team to play is in his Media Day interview at the Northeast Ohio Media Group with reporter Stephanie Kuzydym.

Hurley averages 10.8 points and 4.5 rebounds per game (as of Jan. 24) in 13 games this season. Watch his off-the-court video with reporter Tim Bielik, and find out who his celebrity crush is. 

Potter is part of the defending Division I state champion team. He has averaged 18.9 points and 5.7 rebounds per game for Mentor. Potter sat down with Bielik at Media Day to talk about his life off the court. Hear about where he's traveled to, and why.

McClure is averaging 13.1 points and 5.6 rebounds per game for the 6-8 Cardinals. He is signed to play baseball at Louisville. McClure sat down with Kuzydym at Media Day and shared which teammate has the best nickname. 

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.

The Browns may be OK with Mike Pettine's defensive coaching staff, but finding the right coaches for offense is a real problem.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Talking to myself about the Browns' search for assistant coaches:

Question: What do you think of the coaching staff so far?

Answer: Mike Pettine did exactly what I'd do when it comes to his defense. The new head coach said he plans to keep the same basic 3-4 defense used last season, because he used a form of it in Buffalo. That's a relief. The last thing this team needs after spending big money on outside linebacker Paul Kruger and making Barkevious Mingo (also an outside linebacker) their first-round pick is to jam these guys into a 4-3 defense.

Q: How about Pettine saying he'll call the defensive plays?

A: I prefer the head coach to have coordinators call plays (especially on offense), but I'm OK with Pettine doing it the first year.

Q: Why?

A: Because the Browns blew up the coaching staff … again … the second time in two years. And they were the last team (of seven) to hire a new coach. That means many top assistants already have been hired ... no matter what the Browns say to the contrary.

Q: What does that have to do with Pettine calling defensive plays?

A: He wants some continuity in a franchise where there is none. He has hired four of his former assistants from Buffalo: Jim O'Neil (new defensive coordinator), Chuck Driesbach (linebackers), Brian Fleury (assistant linebackers) and Jeff Haney (secondary). Pettine was the Bills' defensive coordinator with these guys on his staff -- and that defense made a major improvement last season. So he can have at least this part of the team running somewhat in sync.

Q: But isn't this just hiring his buddies?

A: That's true, at least in some cases. But the Bills defense was pretty good last season. Consider that Buffalo ranked No. 8 (the Browns were 30th) in allowing touchdowns inside the 20. In 2012, the Bills ranked No. 31.

Q: That's fine, but …

A: On third down conversions, the Browns ranked 31st (45 percent), the Bills were 14th (37 percent). Buffalo was second in the NFL in sacks (57), the Browns ranked 16th (40).

Q: What about points?

A: The Browns were 23rd (25.4), the Bills were 21st (24.2). At least the Bills improved from a 26th ranking a year ago.The biggest negative was his Bills ranked 28th vs. the run. They were No. 4 vs. the pass.

Q: Enough about the Bills already …

A: I'm making no claims that this was a great defense. But it was pretty good, and a coaching staff that had worked together before should help stabilize that side of the ball.

Q: Which brings us to offense, right?

A: This is where the long search has really hurt.

Q: Meaning what?

A: This team needs a strong, experienced coordinator.

Q: Like Norv Turner?

A: I knew you'd bring that up. Yes, like Turner, who left the Browns after Rob Chudzinski was fired and will now be calling plays for Minnesota.

Q: Like Rob Chudzinski?

A: You don't fire a head coach and bring him back as offensive coordinator. But if Chudzinski had been fired by another team, he would make a good candidate for the Browns.

Q: So now what?

A: They expressed an interest in Gary Kubiak, but the former Houston head coach went to Baltimore. If you're Kubiak and you want to return to being a head coach, Baltimore (with Joe Flacco) is a good spot. Jim Caldwell was fired as head coach of the Colts. He eventually became Baltimore's offensive coordinator, and now is the new head coach of the Detroit Lions. With a strong front office and stable, winning situation -- why would anyone pass up Baltimore for the Browns?

Q: That hurts.

A: Sometimes, the truth does sting, and that's why things have to change here by actually having some stability and success.

Q: So who should they hire?

A: I really don't know. They are talking to John DeFilippo. He never has been a coordinator, other than one year (2011) at San Jose State. He's mostly been a quarterback coach with Oakland. He's 34 and wouldn't be my choice because of his lack of experience.

Kyle Shanahan had good and bad times as offensive coordinator for Washington's Robert Griffin III.AP

Q: How about Kyle Shanahan?

A: He has been involved with some good offenses. He was an offensive coordinator at age 28 for Kubiak in Houston, when the Texans were third and fourth in total yards. That was in 2008-09 with a hot Matt Schaub and Andre Johnson. How much was Kubiak, and how much was Shanahan?

Q: Who called the plays?

A: In 2008, Kubiak did. In 2009, Shanahan did.

Q: Then what?

A: Then Shanahan went to Washington to join his father -- head coach Mike Shanahan. Kubiak was a former offensive coordinator for Mike Shanahan -- and yes, Kubiak hired Kyle. So it's a tight circle. But it does appear that Kyle Shanahan was the primary play-caller in Washington, but you know his father had to be a significant influence.

Q: How did Shanahan do in Washington?

A: There was a complete mess with Robert Griffin III last season being benched, the team finishing 3-13 and everyone being fired. In 2012, Washington had a very dynamic offense with Griffin and the read option. Once again, it's hard to know exactly how much of the offense was truly that of Kyle Shanahan.

Q: But the Browns need to find out, right?

A: It's paramount. Pettine is a defensive coach. Yes, he has thoughts on offense, but Pettine also will serve as defensive coordinator. The offense has to be led by a steady hand. Shanahan has interviewed for coordinator jobs in Baltimore (Kubiak hired) and Miami (hired Eagles quarterback coach Bill Lazor).

Q: Any other thoughts?

A: A reader sent me this suggestion -- Randy Fichtner. Yes, he is the son of former Browns defensive back Ross Fichtner. Randy Fichtner has been with the Steelers since 2007. He was a wide receivers coach for the first three years, then quarterback coach since 2010. He also was an offensive coordinator for 10 years, splitting that time between Memphis State and Arkansas State. He seems worth an interview.

Q: Do any of these names excite you?

A: Not really, and that's the problem for the Browns. They need to build an entire offensive staff soon, and it's not easy finding a top coordinator.

ESPN NBA Insider Chad Ford holds a weekly chat where he takes questions from readers all around the country. Today's second question was about the Cavs. Ford was asked about future of Chris Grant and Mike Brown as well as whether the team will consider making another significant trade after trading for Luol Deng a few weeks back.

CLEVELAND, Ohio - ESPN NBA Insider Chad Ford holds a weekly chat where he takes questions from readers all around the country. Today’s second question was about the Cavs. Ford was asked about future of Chris Grant and Mike Brown as well as whether the team will consider making another significant trade after trading for Luol Deng a few weeks back. He responded:

"Virtually every GM in the league believes that Grant will be gone this summer if things don't get turned around this season. He doesn't have much time. The thinking is that there's no way Dan Gilbert is going to let him make another lottery pick if that's the direction the Cavs end up heading. Grant's goal (via his owner) is to get this team competitive and into the playoffs. The Deng move was supposed to help. But so far ... nothing. Chemistry is a major issue there and some of that is on Mike Brown. But more of it is on the collection of players in Cleveland at the moment. Something has to happen quick.”

Ford was just getting started. After speculating about the future of the Cleveland’s general manager, Ford went on to drop a bomb about the franchise’s cornerstone player.

“Kyrie Irving has been telling people privately he wants out. Cleveland can't afford to lose him and LeBron. They know the urgency. I expect them to be major players at the deadline."

The Cavs have become a story this season for all the wrong reasons. A team whose owner has proclaimed the days of being in the lottery are over with has underachieved. An aggressive off-season by Grant hasn't paid off. First pick Anthony Bennett is in the midst of a historically bad rookie season. The signing of Andrew Bynum did not have the kind of impact expected, leading to a trade out of Cleveland. And Earl Clark and Jarrett Jack have had minimal impact as free agent signings.

The future of Irving in Cleveland seems cloudy. Frustrations continue to build as the team looks for answers on how to save the season. But Irving has a contract next year and the Cavs can extend him a qualifying offer the following year. Unless they decide to steer the franchise in a new direction.

McNabb was the quarterback in Shanahan's system during his time with the Washington Redskins.

NEW YORK -- Six-time Pro Bowl quarterback Donovan McNabb, who clashed with Browns offensive coordinator candidate Kyle Shanahan in Washington in 2010, said the former Redskins coordinator can succeed in Cleveland if he adapts to the strengths of his quarterback.

"Obviously, Kyle has learned a lot of football from his father (Mike) and being an offensive coordinator under his dad all of those years will help,'' McNabb said on radio row at the Super Bowl before sitting down for a stint on NBC Sports Radio. "He's very knowledgable about the game and knows his offense. But will he be willing to adapt his offense to whichever quarterback they draft? That's what he'll have to do to be successful.''

Shanahan, interviewed for the Browns' coordinator position on Wednesday, and Raiders quarterbacks coach John DeFilippo talked to the Browns on Thursday. Former Titans offensive coordinator Dowell Loggains has also been on their radar, either as quarterbacks coach or coordinator.

League sources said Shanahan's interview went very well, but that a decision isn't imminent. The search could stretch into the middle of next week, a source added.

McNabb has been very vocal about his discord with Kyle and Mike Shanahan, saying that they tried to change his mechanics and force him into their scheme instead of vice versa. McNabb ripped the two as recently as a 2012 in a interview with ESPN's FirstTake, saying they'd put their egos ahead of what was best for quarterback Robert Griffin III.

The Shanahan's were fired after this season in part because of the Redskins' 3-13 record and last-place finish, but also because of their strained relationship with RG3, who didn't see eye-to-eye with the father-son duo.

"Sound similar?'' said McNabb, who was demoted to Redskins' third-string quarterback under the Shanahans after a 5-8 mark in 2010. "But I think over time Kyle has learned a little bit more about what not to do and some things that you can do. Does he deserve another opportunity? Absolutely.''

McNabb said Shanahan, 34, could be a good selection for the Browns, but questioned if he has enough experience to run the show for a first-time head coach in Mike Pettine and a defensive one at that.

"Somebody's got to be the elder statesman to kind of set the tone,'' said McNabb. "I don't know if they're bringing him in to be that guy, but you'd think a first-time head coach would need someone on the staff with some head coaching experience, or at least someone who's been in the business for a long period of time.''

Shanahan, who spent four seasons as Redskins' coordinator and two with the Texans, has produced top 10 offenses in four of his six years as a coordinator.

"The Browns are going to have a draft a quarterback, and Kyle is going to have to work well with that quarterback and play to this strengths,'' said McNabb. "If he does that, he should be fine. Will he be successful in Cleveland? We'll just have to wait and see.''

The Indians packed two semi trucks with apparel and equipment on Friday as Spring Training inches closer. Watch video

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Spring has arrived.

The subzero temperatures, the dirtied banks of snow and the blanket of salt on the streets might not indicate as much, but the pair of semi trucks departing the Cleveland Indians' loading dock suggest otherwise.

The team's staff of clubhouse attendants and equipment crew members packed the two vehicles on Friday morning with player jerseys and pants, exercise machines, nearly 300 cases of bottled water, manager Terry Francona's red scooter and 12 cases of Bertman's Ballpark Mustard.

"This is a great day," said Marty Bokovitz, the Indians' assistant equipment manager. "I think it signifies spring."

The trucks will arrive at the Indians' spring training complex in Goodyear, Ariz., on Tuesday. The staff will begin the two-hour unloading process early Wednesday morning.

"Not long after that, we'll be fully functional," Bokovitz said.

Pitchers and catchers are scheduled to report to Goodyear on Feb. 11. The full squad reports on Feb. 15, with the first full-squad workout set for Feb. 17.

Bokovitz said the staff begins counting, sorting, assembling, preparing and wrapping during the last week of December. Much of the cargo eventually transported on the trucks arrives at Progressive Field in early January.

Each player receives two dozen bats. Bokovitz estimated that they ship half of those to Goodyear. They no longer haul baseballs across the country. Instead, they ship about 700 dozen directly to the spring site. They do, however, bring bikes and golf clubs and other warm-weather accessories.

And, of course, they lug Francona's motor scooter, which he rides every day to the ballpark. The skipper said he even braved the harsh winter conditions last week and rode it to Tribe Fest.

"The scooter is probably one of the more interesting ones," Bokovitz said.

The trucks will stop in St. Louis, Amarillo, Texas, and New Mexico before arriving at their ultimate destination. Bokovitz said the team ends up toting more back to Cleveland, as players accumulate extra belongings during their two-month stay down south.

The Indians commence their exhibition schedule on Feb. 26 against the Reds, with whom they share the facilities in Goodyear. The team breaks camp on the final week in March before heading to Oakland to open the 2014 campaign against the Athletics. The Indians return to Cleveland to face the Twins in their home opener on April 4.

"Spring is here," Bokovitz said. "It's not far off."

Three years ago, the Buckeyes' top six players were all from Ohio and they reached No. 1 in the country that year. Now they have just two of 10 scholarship players from Ohio in a year they are struggling.

COLUMBUS, Ohio – Benji Burke, whose son, Trey, went from Columbus to Michigan to become college basketball's national player of the year and a first-round NBA Draft pick, understands this situation like no one else. That makes him perhaps the best and worst person to talk to about the current Ohio hole on the Ohio State basketball roster.

It should be temporary. It might be a blip. It might be understandable. But three years ago, the Buckeyes were ranked No. 1 in the nation for part of the season with their top six guys all hailing from Ohio. We even made a cool map for a story about it. Three years later, an OSU roster with two Ohio kids out of 10 scholarship players has lost five of its last six games.

• The All-Ohio, All-Big Ten, non-Ohio State team

When the Buckeyes travel to Madison on Saturday to face a Wisconsin team that is struggling almost as much, Ohio State will see a couple guys that maybe could have been Buckeyes in Ohio natives Traevon Jackson and Nigel Hayes.

There are holes. It happens. Ohio's high school talent has been down a bit in the past couple recruiting classes, though the future is looking up. Reminded of that 2010-11 team that featured in-state stars like Jared Sullinger, William Buford, David Lighty and Jon Diebler, and asked what happened now, Thad Matta said the difference could be random.

“It's kind of the luck of the draw sometimes,” Matta said, “in terms of being centralized (in recruiting) if you can.”

If the Buckeyes were winning, the roster could be filled with guys from the moon. Or New Jersey. It wouldn't matter to most. But as Ohio State struggles while carrying three open scholarships, it's fair to wonder if there aren't some Ohio kids around the Big Ten – from Wisconsin's Hayes to Michigan sophomore Caris LeVert to Iowa junior Aaron White - who could be helping the Buckeyes right now.

“A lot of those kids were really high on Ohio State,” said Burke, a major AAU coach in Columbus with All-Ohio Red, “but I think they were all backup plans. And all the kids felt that. I just think Ohio State is missing the boat and needs to get some of their recruiters closer to the street as far as the local talent.

"It's always sexier to get the point guard out of Atlanta, Ga., (who) is going to be a big deal. That's a lot sexier than Trey Burke in Columbus or Traevon Jackson at Westerville South. But they kind of missed the boat on that. And we discuss that all the time in the barbershop – if there are kids sitting on the bench and not playing, why not have a Traevon Jackson as a local do that as opposed to someone else?”

You'll notice in there the recruit that has stuck in the craw of those who wanted Trey Burke in Columbus – OSU junior point guard Shannon Scott, the Atlanta native. While he struggles offensively, and Michigan natives Amir Williams and Trey McDonald have been inconsistent big men, and Italy's Amedeo Della Valle is the closest thing this team has to a pure shooter, the Ohio questions magnify.

In Matta's defense, he tried that bench thing recently with a couple Ohio kids and they transferred – Jordan Sibert of Dayton and J.D. Weatherspoon of Columbus both left after the 2012 season because they weren't getting enough playing time. They'd be seniors on this team, would bring the Ohio roster count to four, and probably would be contributing by now.

But there probably is a point to be made about the Buckeyes keeping alert for under-the-radar Ohio players and not focusing too much energy on the national chase for elite players. Matta has built a consistent winner in his decade in Columbus based off three main recruiting wins so far – his Indianapolis connections that landed Greg Oden and Michael Conley, mining 3-star Evan Turner out of Chicago and developing him into star, and a stream of in-state talent from Daequan Cook and Lighty through Kosta Koufos and B.J. Mullens to Sullinger and Aaron Craft.

But, you may remember, Craft was under-the-radar as well. And if his pledge to Tennessee hadn't blown up because of Bruce Pearl's NCAA violations, and if Sullinger hadn't kept suggesting the Buckeyes offer Craft, the senior point guard may be on this list right now of in-state guys who got away.

The overall OSU success under Matta should be a draw to Ohio kids, should make them want to be Buckeyes even more. It worked with freshman Marc Loving of Toledo, the state's Mr. Basketball last year and, along with Craft, one of the two in-state scholarship players on the roster.

“Growing up watching guys like Evan Turner and Michael Conley, they were basically the guys I looked up to,” Loving said, naming, ironically, two Buckeyes not from Ohio. “It made it very easy for me to basically commit here so early when I had the opportunity.”

Current Badger freshman Hayes didn't have that opportunity. In a phone interview this week, his parents, Talaya and Albert Davis, said their son had early interest from Ohio State, then the Buckeyes backed away. They returned with an offer late in the process, but Wisconsin and coach Bo Ryan had already settled in and worked on Hayes for years by that point.

“They showed him love and they kept on him. It was a no-brainer,” Talaya Davis said.

Ryan this week said he loved Hayes' personality.

“Does it take a character to know a character? I don't know,” Ryan said. “He's such a delight to be around. But when he competes, everything else goes out the window. He competes as hard as anybody we've ever had.”

At 6-7 and 250 pounds, Davis is not the stretch four, a lithe power forward that can shoot like LaQuinton Ross, that Matta prefers. But as a freshman who Ryan said has very good feet, Hayes already has offensive moves more advanced than either Williams or McDonald. And Ryan said Hayes guarded players who are 6-2 to 7-feet tall. So the Buckeyes, who do go small at times, could have worked Hayes in as their center, and he may have given them something they don't have.

It's not that Hayes is setting the world on fire – he's averaging 6.8 points and 16.2 minutes, though Ryan recently told Hayes he has earned more playing time. But could he have helped this OSU team, this season and down the road? Sure.

“It wasn't a great fit,” Matta said of recruiting Hayes. “Nigel is a very, very intelligent kid. Obviously he's having a great year and I think he as a kid was kind of looking at what he viewed as the best situation for him to go in at probably an early age and make an impact, not only in style of play, but what other teams had.”

The problem is that for right now, there are things the Buckeyes obviously don't have.

Next year's recruiting class should help solve things, and frankly, it looks like what may be a perfect class for Matta. It includes two major out-of-state players in scorers Keita Bates-Diop of Illinois and D'Angelo Russell of Florida, both ranked among the top 25 players in the nation by Rivals.com. It includes two Ohio players in Pickerington Central's Jae'Sean Tate, who comes from the same school as LeVert, and Garfield Heights big man project David Bell.

Benji, who coaches Tate in AAU ball, thought Tate gave his pledge to the Buckeyes too early, before his recruitment had a chance to develop.

“I thought he could have waited and got a better fit for his game,” Burke said. “That's just my opinion. He's an undersized three, that I just don't know where he fits in Ohio State's system. I'm not saying he should not have gone to Ohio State, I'm saying he should have shopped around a little bit.”

If that's the case, then that was well done by the Buckeyes to wrap him up before anyone else could.

Meanwhile, Bell is exactly the kind of player that Matta should be looking for in Ohio – maybe not a star, but a guy worth taking a chance on. He's a player who could develop into a starter, and at the very least add some depth that this year's team could use. Maybe he'll wind up as the next Aaron White or Nigel Hayes, but this time in scarlet and gray.

Beyond Bell and Tate, Matta shouldn't have a problem finding Ohio players.

Dayton point guard A.J. Harris is already pledged for 2015. And that class also includes major in-state stars that interest the Buckeyes like Carlton Bragg of Villa Angela-St. Joseph and Luke Kennard of Franklin. And 2016 includes huge OSU target V.J. King of St. Vincent-St. Mary.

So the in-state roots should grow again. Of the 43 players Matta has either signed in Columbus, or currently has oral commitments from, 16 have come from Ohio.

It's all part of the balance that the Buckeyes must strike. They have been the best team in the Big Ten since Matta's arrival and emerged as a consistent national contender for the Sweet 16 and Final Four. But the Buckeyes are also a team that has often relied on local talent. And they aren't quite Kansas or Duke or Kentucky, teams that can compete for the top 10 recruits in the nation each year, regardless of geography.

The Buckeyes have reached this point by successfully recruiting Ohio, and Ohio successfully providing that talent. This season might be some indication of what happens when that connection is off.

AVON LAKE, Ohio — This is part of a series of recruiting snapshots we'll roll out leading up to National Signing Day on Feb. 5. Name: Kyle Kuhar.

AVON LAKE, Ohio — This is part of a series of recruiting snapshots we'll roll out leading up to National Signing Day on Feb. 5.

Name: Kyle Kuhar.

School: Avon Lake.

Position: DL/TE.

Height, weight: 6-5, 275.

Rivals.com rating: 2-star.

College: Ohio.

Others considered: Ball State, Buffalo, Western Michigan and Bowling Green.

Major: Business.

How I fit: I think I’ll fit in great. I’m really looking forward to it. I believe the coaches are great and the team is great. I think I’ll fit in well.

The first thing I'm going to do when I get to campus is… Probably just go check out the stadium and check out all the facilities.

My college dream is to… From a football standpoint, I want to win a MAC championship. From an academic standpoint, I want to graduate and get a job.

What we've written about Kuhar

May 8, 2013: Avon Lake's Kyle Kuhar commits to play football at Ohio University.

What others have written about Kuhar

May 9, 2013: Two-way talent Kuhar picks Ohio (ESPN.com).

Nov. 2, 2012: Kyle Kuhar's big play on both sides of the ball have Avon Lake rolling (Chronicle-Telegram).

Contact high school sports reporter Bill Landis by email (blandis@cleveland.com) or Twitter (@blandis25). Or log in and leave a message in the comments section below.

SHAKER HEIGHTS, Ohio — This is part of a series of recruiting snapshots we'll roll out leading up to National Signing Day on Feb. 5. Name: Ja’Merez Bowen.

SHAKER HEIGHTS, Ohio — This is part of a series of recruiting snapshots we'll roll out leading up to National Signing Day on Feb. 5.

Name: Ja’Merez Bowen.

School: Shaker Heights.

Position: DL.

Height, weight: 6-6, 280.

Rivals.com rating: 3-star.

College: Cincinnati.

Others considered: Kentucky, Georgia Tech, Washington State, UCLA and West Virginia.

Major: Broadcasting and communications.

How I fit: I think I’ll fit in well there. As long as I come into work, I can adjust to the environment.

I knew I made the right college decision when… Speaking with my recruiting coach, he basically said he wanted me more as a person than as a player.

My college dream is to… Go down there and work in the classroom and on the field.

What we've written about Ja'Merez Bowen

Jan. 24, 2014: Shaker Heights defensive lineman Ja'Merez Bowen verbally commits to play football for Cincinnati.

Contact high school sports reporter Bill Landis by email (blandis@cleveland.com) or Twitter (@blandis25). Or log in and leave a message in the comments section below.

The wily coyote first arrived in Ohio in 1919, and can now be found in all of Ohio's 88 counties as they continue to expand their range.

CLEVELAND, Ohio – The wily coyote has infiltrated all of Ohio’s 88 counties since its arrival in the Buckeye State in 1919. The predator has been vilified for killing and eating livestock, pets and the wild game Buckeye sportsmen love to hunt.

Wildlife managers are struggling to control the coyote populations, even as growing numbers of sportsmen have taken up the challenge to hunt or trap them. Utah recently established a $50 bounty on coyotes to protect its deer herd. Pennsylvania legislators are considering a $25 bounty.

Coyote hunting contests have been popping up. The 5th annual Coyote Open on Feb. 14-17 is held by Geauga County’s Maple Country Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation.

“We do have a lot of coyotes in Ohio,” said furbearer biologist Susie Prange at the Ohio Division of Wildlife office in Athens. “The Ohio population, however, can't match what I'd seen while studying them in the Chicago area a few years ago."

Prange worked with urban coyote expert Dr. Stanley D. Gehrt, assistant professor of wildlife ecology at the Ohio State University’s School of Environment and Natural Resources.

“High density for coyotes is one to two animals per square kilometer,” Prange said. “In the Chicago area, it’s well beyond that. Coyotes could be seen along six-lane highways in daytime. Every available niche was filled with coyotes, and there were “floaters” waiting for a small patch of habitat to open up.

“Coyotes in Ohio are far more wary (because they’re hunted and trapped here). That’s a good thing. You don’t want them to lose their fear of people and begin to develop bad habits.”

Coyotes have been a curiosity around Northeast Ohio, where their howling can sometimes be heard late at night. Few ever see the shy and nocturnal predators. To put the spotlight on coyotes, and to dispel many myths about them, the Cuyahoga Valley National Park will feature a lecture and video by Gehrt at the Happy Days Lodge on Friday at 7 p.m. Admission is $6, $3 for kids 3 to 12.

“There are a lot of people who are afraid of coyotes because they don’t understand them,” said Gehrt. “If they’re worried about their dogs and cats, pets make up a miniscule portion of their diet. For the most part, coyotes feed on rodents and small animals.”

Gehrt confirmed that coyotes do feast on Ohio’s popular white-tailed deer, but generally only at specific times of the year. The deer-hunting season is a bonus for them, providing dead and wounded deer and gut piles left by hunters. Coyotes have been known to chase deer to an ice-covered lake, said Gehrt, where the slippery surface can cause a deer’s legs to splay, preventing a buck or doe from getting back on its feet.

“The most common coyote damage is in spring,” Gehrt said. With a den full of hungry pups, it is an unfortunate coincidence that deer fawns and farmer's lambs are readily available prey at that time of year. Ohio’s ruffed grouse and wild turkey numbers are not impacted much by coyotes, he said, but red fox and grey fox have significantly declined.

Coyotes around Ohio are shy and nocturnal. They are skilled predators that generally eat rodents and small animals, but will opportunistically feed on deer fawns and farmer's lambs in spring when they have hungry young pups in the den. Tim Daniel / Ohio Division of Wildlife

“Coyotes have an incredible instinct to remove competitors, such as fox, from their territory,” he said. “It is probably the same reason they will kill but don’t usually eat house cats.”

Gehrt disagrees that a bounty can control coyotes. Bounties never work in the wild, he said.

In the dead of winter, coyote fur is in its prime, making them valuable animals to harvest with gun, snare or leg-hold trap. Prices for coyote, raccoon, muskrat, fox and beaver have been on the rise because of a demand for fur in Russia and China.

Once native only to the western states and provinces, few of Ohio’s coyotes are full-blooded, said Prange. The coyotes that migrated around the north side of the Great Lakes and subsequently arrived in Ohio from the east have wolf in their DNA. Coyotes coming from the west have dogs in their family tree. The mixture of dog or wolf is only about 5 percent.

There are no closed seasons or bag restrictions on coyotes in Ohio, although a hunting or trapping license is needed. Hunting aids, including electronic coyote calls, moving decoys and flat-shooting high-powered rifles, have made coyote hunting more interesting.

“With more hunters, and more technology, we’re seeing more coyote being killed,” Gehrt said. “Despite that, there are more coyote in Ohio than ever before.”

The Ohio Division of Wildlife found out recently just how popular coyote hunting and trapping is becoming. The agency offered a recent seminar in Akron on the basics of coyote hunting and trapping. In just a few days, all of the reserved seats were taken.

MENTOR, Ohio — This is part of a series of recruiting snapshots we'll roll out leading up to National Signing Day on Feb. 5. Name: Kent Berger.

MENTOR, Ohio — This is part of a series of recruiting snapshots we'll roll out leading up to National Signing Day on Feb. 5.

Name: Kent Berger.

School: Mentor.

Position: DE.

Height, weight: 6-4, 250.

Rivals.com rating: 2-star.

College: Ohio.

Others considered: Toledo, Buffalo, Akron and Massachusetts.

Major: Marketing and finance.

How I fit: I think it will be great. They play a bunch of guys on the D-line, they rotate guys in. If I work hard I can have a chance of playing my freshman year.

I knew I made the right college decision when… After I went on a visit down there, just the campus and the facilities, I knew it was the place to go. It was also a little better academically than most of the other schools.

My college dream is to… Make first-team All-MAC during my career.

What we've written about Berger

Nov. 26, 2013: Mentor football coach Steve Trivisonno and DE Kent Berger talk about playoff rematch with St. Edward.

May 6, 2013: Mentor defensive end Kent Berger commits to Ohio University.

What others have written about Berger:

Nov. 27, 2013: High school football: Mentor's defensive line has been lights out (News-Herald).

May 6, 2013: High school football: Mentor's Kent Berger commits to Ohio University (News-Herald).

Contact high school sports reporter Bill Landis by email (blandis@cleveland.com) or Twitter (@blandis25). Or log in and leave a message in the comments section below.

MENTOR, Ohio — This is part of a series of recruiting snapshots we'll roll out leading up to National Signing Day on Feb. 5. Name: Kiyah Powell.

MENTOR, Ohio — This is part of a series of recruiting snapshots we'll roll out leading up to National Signing Day on Feb. 5.

Name: Kiyah Powell.

School: Mentor.

Position: CB.

Height, weight: 5-9, 168.

Rivals.com rating: N/A.

College: Duquesne.

Others considered: Gannon, Mercyhurst, St. Francis and Mt. Union.

Major: Psychology.

How I fit: I like their defense. I spoke to their D-coordinator and he said I fit in very well. He said I’m ready to compete and that I’m far along.

I knew I made the right college decision when… I came out of the tunnel into Pittsburgh, the city is right there, and it just looked great. I like the diversity.

What people don't know about me is… I can cook minute rice in 57 seconds.

Contact high school sports reporter Bill Landis by email (blandis@cleveland.com) or Twitter (@blandis25). Or log in and leave a message in the comments section below.

Forty percent of Americans would steer their child away from football. Would you? Vote in our poll and voice your opinion.

A new NBC News/Wall Street Journal poll shows forty percent of Americans would encourage their children to play a different sport than football due to concerns about concussions.

"The almighty dollar has a lot to do with it, yes. Some parents are putting a football or baseball in their kids' hands when they're 3 years old, and it's not just for a fun little photograph. Parents are projecting 10, 12 years. Don't get me wrong, I'm for sports. I love sports. I want these kids to reach their full potential, and if the potential is a college scholarship, great. If it's a pro career, great. But to think they're all going to be professional athletes is misguided. The odds against it are so very, very high. Even the ones who get college scholarships comprise a much smaller percentage than parents think."

U.S. Olympic speedskater Kelly Gunther of Lorain is writing a blog from the Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia. Today is her first installment, following the speedskating team's arrival in Sochi on Thursday.

U.S. Olympic speedskater Kelly Gunther is writing a blog from the Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia. Today is her first installment, following the speedskating team's arrival in Sochi on Thursday. She writes about bumping into team doctor Bill Moreau, who treated Gunther after she shattered her ankle in a race in March 2010.

Gunther, who grew up in Lorain, will compete in the longtrack 1,000 meters Feb. 13, and she is an alternate for the team pursuit Feb. 21-22. The Plain Dealer and cleveland.com will follow Gunther and 17 other Ohio Olympians throughout the 2014 Winter Olympics.

SOCHI, Russia -- Hiiii Everyone!

I just wanted to say and I am safe and sound in Sochi! And I don't have enough words to even say how amazing this place is! It's one amazing place and so awesome to be here!

View full sizeThe Athletes Village in Sochi Russia.Kelly Gunther / Special to The Plain Dealer

The Village is just unbelievable to even say the least! Each country has their own building and flags all over it! We don't have flags yet, because they got lost when they shipped them in October! But hey! Maybe we will get them!! (:

The first picture you see in the Villages and those are the buildings behind it! They did a pretty good job, huh!?!?

This is my really good friend and buddy, USOC team doctor Bill Moreau! Without this, one of the amazing doctors, I wouldn't be here! I'll never forget going into his office and

View full sizeLorain native Kelly Gunther (left) and U.S. Olympic team doctor Bill MoreauPhoto courtesy Kelly Gunther

asking him if I could even face this or what was ahead of me … Even he wasn't sure if I was going to be able to do it! But he must have believed, and knew I was going to be okay!

So, after not being in Colorado for some time, I finally got to see him TODAY! And it was so good to see him and my support group from the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs! He today told me, when I did go into his office, I was the kind of person that was going to be okay and knew nothing was going to stop me, because if I didn't go to there to do my rehab I wouldn't be skating! So, when I say Thank you so much for my team in the Springs, this is why! Couldn't have done it without any of them!!

View full sizeU.S. Olympic speedskaters Heather Richardson and Kelly Gunther at the Adler Arena longtrack speedskating venue in Sochi, Russia.Kelly Gunther / Special to The Plain Dealer

Here is speedskating teammate Heather Richardson and I at the rink! It's kinda hard to see behind us, but it's a pretty amazing place!! LOVE IT!! :)

This is all I have for now!

Thanks Everyone for joining me on this road!! (:

Love Always!

Kel

   Xoxo

CLEVELAND, Ohio — January is about to come to a close, but not before another busy night of high school boys basketball. 19 of the 25 teams ranked in the cleveland.com Top 25 boys basketball poll will be in action, including a pair of matchups within the top 15.

CLEVELAND, Ohio — January is about to come to a close, but not before another busy night of high school boys basketball.

19 of the 25 teams ranked in the cleveland.com Top 25 boys basketball poll will be in action, including a pair of matchups within the top 15.

Every Tuesday and Friday, we will set up the night's action in boys basketball on cleveland.com. And on Wednesday and Saturday, we will have a rundown of big developments to complement the box scores and recaps with how the games all played out. Look for those posts every week.

Here is a look at what you need to know heading into tonight's games:

GAME OF THE NIGHT

No. 15 Mentor at No. 2 Shaker Heights, 7:30 p.m.

Mentor opened its season with a hard-fought loss at home to Shaker Heights. The Cardinals seem to be playing much better of late heading into their rematch with the Raiders, having defeated Garfield Heights and holding their own against Villa Angela-St. Joseph last week.

Esa Ahmad and the Raiders have been off since they lost by 42 points last week to Huntington (W. Va.) Prep at Dunk 4 Diabetes.

Shaker Heights can keep itself in first place in the competitive Northeast Ohio Conference Valley Division with a big win at home against the defending Division I state champions.

Reporter David Cassilo will be in Shaker Heights to cover the action. Follow him on Twitter for all the updates, and get a full recap with pictures and video tonight on cleveland.com. 

KEEP AN EYE ON

No. 8 Garfield Heights at No. 6 Medina: Medina plays host to a matchup featuring two of the top underclass guards in Northeast Ohio: Garfield Heights' Willie Jackson and Medina's Craig Randall. The Bees won the first matchup between the two teams on the road.

No. 10 St. Vincent-St. Mary at Buchtel: The Irish are in major need of a bounce-back win after losing two close games last week. They have a good challenge on the road against a solid Buchtel team.

Bedford at No. 19 Cleveland Heights: Two Lake Erie League rivals clash as the Tigers hope to stay in first place. The Fastbreak will be in Cleveland Heights to cover the action, with Chris Fedor and Dan Labbe on the call.

Archbishop Hoban at No. 25 Lake Catholic: The Cougars will be eager to erase their loss to Archbishop Hoban earlier this season in which the Knights' Christian Waite scored 15 points in the fourth quarter.

Here are some highlights from earlier this week...

No. 3 Villa Angela-St. Joseph 54, No. 4 Cleveland Central Catholic 44: Without star junior Carlton Bragg, the Vikings relied on their defense to slow down the Ironmen for a big road victory. Brian Parker led VASJ with 20 points. The win spoiled a special night for Central Catholic, which retired the number of CCC alum and longtime NBA player Earl Boykins.

No. 1 St. Edward 83, No. 18 Gilmour 57: Led by 28 points from Kipper Nichols, the Eagles overcame a slow start to get a convincing win over an upset-minded Gilmour team. The win was St. Edward's tenth in a row.

LOOKING AHEAD

Just as January closes out with some great basketball games, Saturday will get February off to a good start as well with some big matchups scheduled.

Here's a quick look at three of the biggest games on Saturday.

Walsh Jesuit at No. 10 St. Vincent-St. Mary: Two rivals go head-to-head with both looking to get back on track. Walsh Jesuit has lost three of its last four headed into Friday night and the Irish themselves have struggles to work through.

No. 20 Lakewood at Elyria: The Rangers put up nearly 200 points in two games the past week. They will need to bring a strong effort against a defensive-minded Elyria team full of length and athleticism.

No. 1 St. Edward at Toledo St. John's Jesuit: The top-ranked Eagles head out west to face a red-hot Toledo St. John's team which has lost just once since Dec. 3, 2013.

Contact sports reporter Tim Bielik by email (tbielik@cleveland.com) or on Twitter (@bielik_tim). Or log in and leave a message in the comments section below.

What can be done to fix the Cavs? Have they tuned out Mike Brown? Would it be smart for the Cavs to consider trading Kyrie Irving? The Plain Dealer's Dennis Manoloff answered those questions and more in his weekly podcast.

What can be done to fix the Cavs? Have they tuned out Mike Brown? Would it be smart for the Cavs to consider trading Kyrie Irving? 

The Plain Dealer's Dennis Manoloff answered those questions and more in his weekly podcast with cleveland.com's Chris Fedor.

Among other topics discussed:

• Is the Browns' search for an offensive coordinator concerning?
• How to judge Dan Gilbert as an owner.
• Who will win the Super Bowl?

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

Be sure to follow DMan on Twitter.