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From 74 feet to NBA-size, high school basketball courts come in all sizes (slideshow, graphics)

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With no mandated size, is it the size of the court that wins for a basketball team? Or the size of the basketball team that wins on a court?

With no mandated size, is it the size of the court that wins for a basketball team? Or the size of the basketball team that wins on a court?


Akron rises to challenge, Kent State does not - local college hoops this morning

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Needing homecourt wins Tuesday night to get on step closer to quality MAC Tournament position, Akron steps up for a win over Buffalo while Kent State falls to Miami.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Akron Zips won Tuesday night to keep their hopes alive for a top four seed in the Mid-American Conference Tournament. Kent State lost to put its chances at hosting a first round home court game serious jeopardy. In both cases, the box score pretty much told the whole story.

Akron's 83-71 victory over the Buffalo Bulls was arguably its best effort in weeks, and came on the night 6-7 sophomore shooter Reggie McAdams (six points) returned from missing five games due to mononucleosis, and 6-8 senior Nick Harney (14 points, four rebounds) shook the rust off his recent five-game suspension for conduct detrimental to the team.

The victory came as first-year Buffalo head coach Bobby Hurley was called for a technical foul just as Akron was answering the Bulls opening second half run to take a 47-42 lead. Afterward, Hurley said he is no worse on the sidelines than any other coach in the MAC and that, "I feel like I have been targeted unfairly.''

The running box score shows this: At halftime, with Akron leading, 35-30, Akron had been whistled for eight fouls to six for UB. Three Akron players already had two fouls, including leading scorer and rebounder Demetrius Treadwell. UB's best player, Javon McCrea only had one, but both UB guards had two. Buffalo shot 11 free throws in the first half to three for Akron.

In the second half, as UB jumped to a 47-42 lead with 14:49 to play, Treadwell had picked up his third foul, Akron still had more fouls (10-8). With 12 minutes to play Buffalo was up to 12 fouls, including the technical, to Akron's 10. But UB was still well ahead in free-throw attempts (13-4).

With 7:57 left in the game the fouls were even, 15-15, and the attempted free throw gap was closing (15-11), as Akron held a slim 59-55 edge. Treadwell was on the bench with four fouls, and UB guard Jarod Oldham also had four. Finally, with 3:16 to play, and before UB turned the game into a free-throw challenge down the stretch, the fouls were still even (17-17), the Bulls still led in attempted free throws (18-11). Treadwell was still at four fouls while Oldham had fouled out.

Read into that what you wish.

As for Kent State (16-14, 7-10), Senior Night exposed this team once again to be well less than its predecessors, when Kent consistently found ways to contend in the MAC and win 20 games 14 out of the past 15 seasons. Needing a victory to lock down a winning season, as well as homecourt advantage for an opening round MAC Tournament game, the Golden Flashes were lifeless and down by 20 points (45-25) at halftime to Miami.

By the end, senior starters Darren Goodson and Mark Henniger combined to score 18 points, and were not helped at all by Kent's two leading scorers on the season, junior guards Kris Brewer or Derek Jackson. They combined for just seven points on 3-for-17 shooting.

Throughout conference play this edition of the Flashes would pull the surprise upset to raise hopes, only to fail against lesser teams. It was just four games ago that Kent was riding a three-game win streak, coming off a 75-63 win on the road over the same RedHawks. In that game Jackson and Brewer were a combined 13-for-20 shooting for 38 points.

Kent is 1-3 since, twice losing to teams KSU had already defeated. Unless the Flashes do the unthinkable and win Friday's 7 p.m. road game at Akron, they will not win two games against any team in the conference this season. Again, read into that what you wish.

Jenna Stegmaier of Cuyahoga Heights girls basketball goes Off the Court

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CUYAHOGA HEIGHTS, Ohio -- This week's Off the Court weekly girls basketball feature stars Cuyahoga Heights' Jenna Stegmaier. The Northeast Ohio Media Group caught up with Stegmaier to discuss basketball, music, and taking on the challenge of guarding the opposing team's best player. In the video below the junior guard tells us more about herself and tells us about...

CUYAHOGA HEIGHTS, Ohio -- This week's Off the Court weekly girls basketball feature stars Cuyahoga Heights' Jenna Stegmaier. The Northeast Ohio Media Group caught up with Stegmaier to discuss basketball, music, and taking on the challenge of guarding the opposing team's best player.

In the video below the junior guard tells us more about herself and tells us about Redskins pregame mix-tape. We also learn Stegmaier is fan of rapper Eminem, enjoys pizza, and has a warning for opposing players who dare her to shoot the ball.

School: Cuyahoga Heights

Year: Junior

Accomplishments:  Jenna Stegmaier has started every game of her career and the team is 65-7 in those games. She scored her 1000th career point in a game against Gilmour. As a sophomore she averaged 18.8 points, 8.2 rebounds, 2.0 steals, 1.9 blocks, and 3.8 assists per game. In her freshman year she averaged 11.4 points, 5.1 rebounds, 2.1 steals, 1.8 blocks and 3.8 assists per game. Stegmaier was MVP of the Chagrin Valley Conference as a sophomore and junior. She was also Northeast Lakes District player of the year this season.

The scoop on Stegmaier: This season she is averaging 14.7 points, 5.9 rebounds, 2.1 steals, 1.8 blocks and 3.3 assists. Stegmaier is also shooting 82% from the free throw line. Her team will take on Ashland Perry in the regional semifinal hosted by Massillon Perry Thursday 6:15 p.m.

Should the Cleveland Cavaliers one day retire LeBron James' jersey?

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LeBron James, one of Zydrunas Ilgauskas' former teammates and friends, is expected to be in attendance Saturday night when Big Z has his jersey retired. As James looks on, he has to wonder whether his number will once hang high atop the Q.

CLEVELAND, Ohio - On Saturday night, the Cavs will honor Zydrunas Ilgauskas.

The former Cavs center will enter exclusive company, joining other great Cavaliers who have had their numbers retired in the rafters at Quicken Loans Arena. LeBron James, one of Ilgauskas' former teammates and friends, is expected to be in attendance, sharing in Big Z's special night.

As James looks on Saturday, he has to wonder whether his number will once hang high atop the Q, the building he called home for seven spectacular seasons. 

From the moment he walked across the draft stage in a white suit, becoming the first-overall pick in 2003, LeBron had a special look, and as a basketball player his accomplishments are numerous.

It can be argued that James is the best player to ever wear Cavs colors. Though he fell short of his goal, which was bringing a championship to Cleveland, he delivered magical moments for a franchise in need of a serious lift.

Akron's own racked up MVP trophies and All-Star game appearances. He led the Cavs to record-setting regular season victory totals and numerous playoff wins. He even carried the Cavs into the NBA Finals, where they lost to the San Antonio Spurs.

His jersey one day getting retired seems like a no-brainer.

But then there's the other side to James, who famously spurned the franchise, leaving for Miami in the summer of 2010. At one time seen as Cleveland's own, he became the target of hatred for the way he announced his "decision." He did it on national TV, and it led to burning jerseys, fans returning his brand tennis shoes and heckling every time he has returned to Cleveland. Some have yet to forgive him.

Should the Cavs honor LeBron James one day by retiring his jersey in the rafters at the Q? Did his "decision" end any chance of that happening? Share your thoughts in the comments section.


Spring Training 2014: Expanded replay 'does away with the shame,' more MLB buzz and headlines

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Here's a look at the biggest storylines from around the league as Major League Baseball teams continue Cactus and Grapefruit league play.

Here's a look at the biggest storylines from around the league as Major League Baseball teams continue Cactus and Grapefruit league play:


Expanded replay put through its paces

Baseball is getting an early look at the expanded replay system that will take full effect once the regular season begins. The system, which previously could be used only to determine if a batted ball was a home run or not, has now been expanded to include most calls other than balls and strikes.

The system was first implemented on Monday in three Spring Training stadiums and it didn't take long for a manager to challenge a play. The first challenge came in a game between the Blue Jays and Twins on a close play at first base that was eventually upheld.

The review took two minutes, 34 seconds -- about twice as long as MLB officials would like -- and umpires didn't have access to the multitude of camera angles that will be available for all games once the regular season begins. Nevertheless, it was a momentous occasion and signaled the beginning of a new era of baseball, said umpire Fieldin Culbreth, who presided over the review: (via ESPN.com)

"I'm looking at this thing as, this is the future of the game. And I'm going to treat these games here the same way that I'm going to treat them during the regular season," Culbreth said.

Brian Dozier, Angel HernandezMinnesota Twins' Brian Dozier, bottom, is called out by third base umpire Angel Hernandez after Dozier over slid third base trying to advance on a throwing error by Miami Marlins catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia during the first inning of an exhibition spring training baseball game Tuesday, March 4, 2014, in Jupiter, Fla. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
Tuesday, a challenged play in a contest between the Rangers and Angels took just 90 seconds to sort out. Rangers manager Ron Washington said "it won't always be that easy," but with additional camera angles and a practiced routine, it seems challenges will soon be a normal occurrence.

However, Sports Illustrated's Tom Verducci doesn't believe replays will be as common as you might think, and MLB provided the statistics to back it up. According to MLB, in 2,431 games last season, only seven calls on a "catch or no catch" play in the outfield would have been overturned by a review. 

In total, umpires missed 377 calls last season for an average of one blown call per 6.4 games. So it turns out umpires are great at what they do. Yet, Verducci isn't minimizing the positive effect expanded replay will have on baseball, even for games that have no calls overturned by replay:

The use of expanded replay is the best thing to happen to baseball since ballpark nachos. Baseball now has the ability to get most calls right. Replay does away with the shame of a ballgame being decided by an obvious blown call and the resultant ignominy for the umpire (Denkinger, Garcia, Joyce, et al). It also allows the paid customer in the stands to finally see what the couch potato does, because while a play is under review, teams are permitted for the first time to show replays on the video board from the home television feed.

The advent of expanded replay throws a new wrinkle of strategy for teams to best take advantage of their one challenge per game. To aid in this, teams are allowed a designated "replay adviser" to be in charge of watching each play and determining in real-time if his/her team should challenge the play. The protocol is still very much a work in progress, but teams are hiring their replay coordinators and laying out a framework for how the process will work.

The Indians hired former minor league pitcher, coach and manager Gregg Langbehn as their replay coordinator. Indians manager Terry Francona said that during games, timely communication will be key and the procedure will depend on the specific game situation: (via Cleveland.com)

"I won't call him because if there's something going on, I've got to go out on the field," said Francona. "In some instances, where it's the third out of an inning, you need to go out to show the umpire you're thinking about it (challenging the call). If you don't, you lose your chance.

"There's some learning to do for sure."

Watch umpire Brian Gorman discuss the challenges and potential impact of the new replay system with Fox Sports analyst Gabe Kapler:


Ian KinslerThis is a 2014 photo of Ian Kinsler of the Detroit Tigers baseball team. This image reflects the Tigers active roster as of Sunday, Feb. 23, 2014 when this image was taken at spring training in Lakeland, Fla. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
Kinsler bitter about breakup with Rangers

Now with the Tigers after eight seasons as a Ranger, Ian Kinsler spoke out about how he ended up in Detroit for an article in an upcoming issue of ESPN The Magazine. Kinsler's new beginning as a Tiger started with a one-for-one trade that sent slugger Prince Fielder to Texas, but the saga that led up to it was many months in the making.

It began with the Rangers shopping and eventually trading Michael Young, the undisputed face of the franchise and leader in the clubhouse. Kinsler didn't care for the move and things only deteriorated from there. In the end, Kinsler heard about his being traded to the Tigers in a text from a Dallas radio personality.

The ordeal left Kinsler with a host of frustrations toward Rangers general manager Jon Daniels, who Kinsler referred to as a "sleazeball" in an interview with ESPN's Robert Sanchez. 

In Kinsler's opinion, former Rangers CEO Nolan Ryan guided the team back to success before he was squeezed out by Daniels.

"He [Daniels] got in good with the owners and straight pushed Ryan out. He thought all the things he should get credit for, Ryan got credit for. It's just ego. Once we went to the World Series, everybody's ego got huge, except for Nolan's."

Kinsler said he will miss his teammates and manager Ron Washington, but his feelings for the organization as a whole speaks much louder:

"To be honest with you, I hope they go 0-162. I got friends, and I love my friends, but I hope they lose their (expletive)."

When his quotes went public this week, Kinsler said he meant what he said, but that he thought his words were used to stir up emotions and over-dramatize the situation: (via MLive.com)

"I thought that was a little ridiculous. Seems a little childish, but that's what's written," he said. "There's nothing I can say to reverse that or reverse people's opinions. It is what it is." ...

As for the comment in which he reportedly said he hopes the Rangers "go 0-162" this season and "lose their (expletive)," Kinsler said it was meant as a joke.

"I've told that to my ex-teammates to their face," he said. "It's not anything new to them."

Zack GreinkeIn this Monday, Feb. 10, 2014 file photo, Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Zack Greinke throws during spring training baseball practice in Glendale, Ariz. It wouldn't bother Zack Greinke if he didn't have to travel for the Los Angeles Dodgers; opener against Arizona in Australia. "I would say there is absolutely zero excitement about it," was quoted as saying in a story by ESPNLosAngeles.com last weekend. "There just isn't any excitement to it. I can't think of one reason to be excited for it." (AP Photo/Paul Sancya, File)
Injury news

• Dodgers pitcher Zack Greinke, who earlier this spring said he had "zero excitement" for his team's season-opening twin bill with the Diamondbacks in Australia, won't pitch in Australia after straining his calf last Thursday. (via MLB.com)

Greinke was originally scheduled to throw 90 pitches in a game before the Dodgers' March 22 opener, but won't be able to reach the mark, according to manager Don Mattingly.

• Tigers outfielder Andy Dirks will undergo back surgery and is expected to miss 12 weeks. Dirks first complained of a sore back on Sunday, and learned Tuesday that he will require surgery. Dirks' extended absence opens the door for newly acquired outfielder Rajai Davis, who was originally expected to be Dirks' primary backup in left field. 

• Mets pitcher Matt Harvey threw on back-to-back days for the first time since Tommy John surgery on Monday and Tuesday. Harvey had a breakout 2013 season before suffering a torn ligament in his throwing elbow. Despite making strides in his recovery, Harvey is likely to miss the 2014 season.

• The leader in the clubhouse for the weirdest non-baseball related injury of the year is Angels infielder Ian Stewart, who missed a game Monday due to a bruised nose he received from his 4-year-old daughter: (via the Los Angeles Times)

"She was lying in bed on her stomach watching TV, and when I went to put her to bed, I kind of lunged at her," Stewart said. "I don't know if I scared her, or what, but she sat up and our heads came together at the same time, my nose to the back of her head.

"I heard a crunchy sound and got an immediate headache. I thought I broke my nose. She just looked at me and laid back down."

Starlin CastroChicago Cubs' Starlin Castro connects for a base hit against the Arizona Diamondbacks during the first inning of a spring training baseball game, Thursday, Feb. 27, 2014, in Mesa, Ariz. (AP Photo/Matt York)
Around the Horn

• Every season there are unproven players with newfound lofty expectations. Sports Illustrated found five players that fit the mold and will be a big part of their teams' success or failure this season. One such player is Cubs shortstop Starlin Castro, who played well in 2012 but managed a season of career-lows in 2013. 

• Yankees pitcher CC Sabathia lost a few pounds in the offseason, but that's not all he's getting used to living without. Sabathia's fastball has dropped from an average of 94 mph in 2009 to 91 in 2013, and didn't get above 88 mph Saturday in his first appearance of the spring. The good news for Sabathia is he has former Yankee great Andy Pettitte in his corner, who happens to have gone through the same transition. (via NJ.com)

"CC's got everything it takes to be successful," said Pettitte, who appeared with the Yankees at George M. Steinbrenner Field as a special guest instructor, throwing batting practice. "I mean, mentally. His pitches -- stuff-wise, look, when you're velocity isn't there, you have to rely a little bit more on movement and command and to be able to change speeds and do different things pitching.

"And he can do all those things. ... Now it's just time to go out there and pitch. It's not a big secret to it."

• Two-time AL Cy Young Award winner Johan Santana agreed to a minor league contract with the Baltimore Orioles on Tuesday. Santana threw the Mets' first ever no-hitter on June 1, 2012, but missed all of last season after requiring a second major shoulder surgery. (via the Associated Press)

• Diamondbacks manager Kirk Gibson announced that 24-year-old pitcher Patrick Corbin will start against the Dodgers in Australia, one year after his first full season in the majors. Trevor Cahill will start for the Diamondbacks in Game 2. The Dodgers have not yet announced their starters for the season-opening series. (via NBCSports.com)

Cleveland Browns and NFL Links: Is T.J. Ward a good fit with the Chicago Bears?

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Plenty of teams are interested if T.J. Ward leaves the Browns.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- NFL Free Agency begins on March 11 and rumors have already started on where players may land.

Since it appears signing T.J. Ward is not a major priority of the Cleveland Browns, rumors out of Chicago have the Bears possibly landing Ward.

Reporter Lester A. Wiltfong Jr. writes on SBNation.com how the Bears desperately need a safety because the Bears had the worst safety play in the league last season. It was so bad that Chris Conte and Major Wright were Nos. 1 and 2 in missed tackles at the position, according to Pro Football Focus. Ward, Wiltfong Jr. continues, was second in tackles among all safeties. And because the Bears gave up nearly 30 points per game last season, the Bears need a reliable last line of defense.

The Bears did have horrendous safety play last year, but a lot of that was brought on by the garbage in front of them. A safety upgrade is definitely needed, but they also need to address the front seven.

Signing Ward would allow the Bears to focus on the defensive line in the draft, but there is the money issue, adds Wiltfong Jr.

Ward will probably get an annual salary in the neighborhood of $8 million, so the Bears would have to get creative with a few other contracts to sign him.

More Browns and NFL links

The Browns release wide receiver Davone Bess (Cleveland.com).

T.J. Ward remains open for discussion with the Browns (Cleveland.com).

It's official, Joe Banner no longer works for the Browns (Cleveland.com).

The Browns have supporters if they are leaning away from Johnny Manziel (Cleveland.com).

Coach Mike Pettine attends the workout of linebacker Khalil Mack (Cleveland.com).

Cleveland Browns do not raise season-ticket prices (Cleveland.com).

Cleveland native, WVU safety Darwin Cook, is focused on his NFL future (Cleveland.com).

Coach Mike Pettine knows what free agents he would like to have (CantonRep.com).

This mock draft predicts the Browns will move up and select Blake Bortles (CBSSports.com).

Ozzie Newsome is elected into national prep hall of fame (Baltimore Sun).

Live Friday: Villa Angela-St. Joseph vs. Warrensville Heights district final

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A district title is on the line Friday night at Garfield Heights High School when Villa Angela-St. Joseph and Warrensville Heights face off for the right to advance to the Division III regional tournament in Canton. Cleveland.com's live coverage of high school basketball continues with a live webcast of the game beginning approximately 10 minutes prior to tip-off. Northeast...

A district title is on the line Friday night at Garfield Heights High School when Villa Angela-St. Joseph and Warrensville Heights face off for the right to advance to the Division III regional tournament in Canton.

Cleveland.com's live coverage of high school basketball continues with a live webcast of the game beginning approximately 10 minutes prior to tip-off. Northeast Ohio Media Group's Dan Labbe and Chris Fedor will then have the call of the game at 7 p.m.

You can find the link to the live game here on Friday.

Be sure to tune in next week as we will have complete regional tournament coverage as well.

More high school basketball:

Tamir Goodman's Zone190 aims to train basketball players to get better faster

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"This is the first time that players of all positions can practice on the same piece of equipment," said creator Tamir Goodman. "Since it's 190 degrees around, you can replicate getting the ball from all angles, just like you would in a game."

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Tamir Goodman, a former Israeli pro basketball player turned entrepreneur, has created what he believes is the perfect piece of training equipment to help basketball players of all sizes and skill levels get better faster. And both his patent-pending Zone190 and his unabashed faith in it are drawing some serious attention.


The Zone190, which looks and acts like a trampoline for basketballs, lets players toss and catch passes as if they were playing with their teammates. It weighs 44 pounds and retails for $699 (three for $1,780). 

Although it has been on the market only since January 2013, its buyers include the Detroit Pistons, Towson University, Mentor High School, and the King James Shooting Stars. Benedictine High School has ordered four.

"No matter what position you play, you can benefit," Goodman said. "From a 7-foot point guard to a child in the back yard, it's great for everyone at all levels. The feedback and testimonials we've been getting are just unbelievable ... The Pistons bought it on the spot."


Goodman won't say how many he has sold, other than that they have been purchased for every level of basketball, from kids shooting hoops in their driveways to National Basketball Association teams they can't name because of confidentiality agreements.

"When Tamir came in to demonstrate it, the players tried it and tested it and they really liked it," said Bob Krizancic, the boys basketball coach at Mentor High School, whose team won the 2013 Ohio Division 1 State Championship. "Our players came in and used it to work on their dunks. I think it's a great piece of equipment."

The Friendship Circle of Cleveland, a nonprofit social center that pairs high school volunteers and children with special needs, was one of the first buyers. "It's just a beautiful opportunity for the children to throw the ball and catch it," because the ball bounces back up toward them, said Rabbi Yossi Marozov, executive director.

And Goodman expects plenty more sales. The Women's Basketball Coaches Association has just invited him to run a 45-minute courtside clinic and demonstration of the Zone190 at the Final Four Convention in Nashville on April 6.

20131227_101502.jpgView full sizeCleveland South High and Miami University star Chester Mason practices drills with the Zone190 in a promotional video. 

"Tamir will be demonstrating his Zone 190 during an on-court shooting session for 2000+ women's basketball coaches of all levels at the WBCA National Convention during the Women's Final Four," said Bonnie M. Norman, the WBCA's manager of professional development and legislation.

"The Zone allows players of all levels, from beginner to pro, to work on foundational fundamentals such as ball handling, hand-eye coordination and catch and shoot skills," she said.

 "If I were still coaching at the scholastic level, I know I would have purchased one," Norman said. "We believe our coaches are going to be amazed with the Zone 190 and will really enjoy an amazing shooting session."

Goodman says that with basketball season winding down and players about to start their postseason training regimens, this is the ideal time to show them how the Zone190 can maximize their practices.

"This is the first time that players of all positions can practice on the same piece of equipment," he said. "Since it's 190 degrees around, you can replicate getting the ball from all angles, just like you would in a game." He said most teams use training equipment that returns the ball at the same angle and is only useful for the drills certain players need.

He said the Zone190 is more versatile, helping players improve their shooting, passing, dribbling and conditioning, and has shared training videos on the company website, www.zone190.com and via the @Zone_190 twitter account.

Additional sales also would benefit the Ohio companies that make and support the Zone190. The steel frame is made by Best Fab in Elyria, the trampoline netting is made by Forest City in Cleveland, the painting is by A&I Metal Finishing Co. in Vermillion. The company's patent lawyer is local attorney Carlos Garritano of Hahn Loeser.

When Goodman played at Towson, he was in the spotlight as much for his basketball skills as he was for being an observant Jewish player who would not play on the Sabbath.

"I was a professional basketball player until I blew my knee out," he said. "The doctors told me in 2009 that I was never going to play again." Determined to prove them wrong, he tried to improve his hoop skills on his own. But he quickly found that every piece of equipment returned the ball the same way every time, limiting what he could practice.

Tamir-Goodman-Headshot-HighRez.jpgView full sizeTamir Goodman

Goodman moved to Cleveland because this is where his wife, Judy, is from, and said Northeast Ohioans could not have been more welcoming and supportive of his big idea. "Everyone in Cleveland has been great, just going the extra mile to help me launch this," he said. 

Zone One Ninety LLC is based in Ipswich, Mass., because that's where its other two partners, Scott Cohen and Frank Hertz, live. But Cohen said Zone190 will continue to be manufactured solely in Ohio.

Based in part on feedback from schools and younger fans, Cohen said they are planning to create a more affordable street version of Zone190 by 2015. "The bounce-back that a professional athlete expects is probably different than what a 14-year-old expects," he said.



Cleveland Central Catholic releases statement about resignation of boys basketball coach Jonathan Harris

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CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Cleveland Central Catholic basketball coach Jonathan Harris resigned from his position on Tuesday. On Wednesday, the school released a statement about the resignation. In an email, school president Leo Hyland said:

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Cleveland Central Catholic basketball coach Jonathan Harris resigned from his position on Tuesday. On Wednesday, the school released a statement about the resignation.

In an email, school president Leo Hyland said:

"Jonathan Harris has resigned as Head Boys' Basketball Coach at Cleveland Central Catholic for personal and family reasons.  As a matter of policy, the school does not comment on personnel issues."

The Ironmen play on Wednesday in the Division II Stow District semifinal against Tallmadge. As of Tuesday night, assistant Jordan Duke was set to take over as head coach, but a final decision will be made on Wednesday.

Harris was in his third season with the team and steered the Ironmen to a 15-6 record in the regular season. The team won its first two playoff games. Its sectional final win on Saturday against Benedictine was Harris' last game.

On Tuesday, the former Ironmen coach cited family reasons as part of the reason he made the decision to leave the team when he did.

"Nothing bad happened; I got my family," Harris said. "Even in a playoff push, you want to have your mental state right."

He went on to add, "The timing was bad, but there was a lot of stuff going on. There's a time where you have to take a stand."

The Ironmen, ranked No. 4 in the final cleveland.com poll, are the top seed in the Stow District and were ranked No. 1 in the Divison II state AP poll at a point during the season.

Contact high school sports reporter David Cassilo by email (dcassilo@cleveland.com) or Twitter (@dcassilo).

Cleveland Browns release troubled WR Davone Bess, off the hook for his guaranteed $3.067 million

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The Browns have released receiver Davone Bess, who exhibited erratic behavior at the end of the season.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Browns have released troubled receiver Davone Bess, who engaged in a series of bizarre behaviors and was recently arrested at Ft. Lauderdale airport for assaulting a police officer.

The Browns owed Bess, 28, a guaranteed $3.067 million for 2014, but they don't have to pay it because the previous regime put specific language in the contract to protect the club in the event of such a scenario.

The language included a list of things that would void future guarantees -- one of which was landing on the non-football injury list.

Bess was placed on the list for the final two games of the season with emotional distress over members of his family and other issues. During that time, he posted a photo of himself on social media with what looked like marijuana and wearing a Rasta flag around his neck.

Bess' release ends an ill-fated saga that began with the Browns acquiring him in a trade with the Miami Dolphins that included mid-round draft picks. Days after the trade, the Browns rewarded Bess with a three-year contract extension worth $11.million, including $5.75 million guaranteed. The big payday came weeks after Bess was hospitalized in Florida against his will for irrational behavior.

In an interview with The Plain Dealer's Branson Wright last month, Bess said "betrayal and mistrust" led to a series of bizarre incidents that culminated in his arrest and led to him checking himself into a medical treatment facility.

"I haven't talked to the Browns [front office], and I don't know how they feel about me," said Bess, who caught 42 passes for 362 yards and two touchdowns in 2013. "I see they made changes, and change is often good. I did have communication with [offensive coordinator] Kyle Shanahan. He sent out a group message [to the offensive players] and I replied … I'm looking forward to the season and getting better on and off the field."

Bess admitted himself into a medical treatment facility in Florida shortly after the arrest. He also posted a nude photo of himself in the days after the incident.

"I was in a point of my life where there was a lot of betrayal and mistrust and I didn't know how to handle it," Bess said. "So I went and got some help. I went through the process and learned it's OK to express my feelings but I have to do it in a positive way."

Bess said most of his issues involved his family and those close to him, but he didn't elaborate on the specifics. It isn't the first time Bess has received help at a medical facility, but it's the first time Bess took it upon himself.

"I learned to be able to talk about things built up over the years," Bess said. "I handled my emotions the wrong way."

Things came to a head for Bess when he was arrested in January at the Ft. Lauderdale airport.

According to police, Bess was acting irrationally and was dancing and singing as his pants repeatedly fell down. When an officer approached Bess and asked if he was all right, Bess didn't respond. He then grabbed a cup of coffee that didn't belong to him and squeezed it, causing the hot liquid to spill on the officer's uniform, the report said.

"It was a bunch of misunderstandings," Bess said. "From my side, I was targeted and that's all it comes down to. I didn't assault anyone. I didn't throw coffee on anyone. I had my headphones on listening to music, and the next thing I know these officers walked up on me, and they took it too far by twisting my wrist -- doing extra stuff."

Bess led the NFL in dropped passes this season, including a few key ones in a loss to the Chiefs.

Clearly, the Browns didn't do enough homework on Bess before they made the trade and gave him the big new contract. Fortunately for them, they didn't surrender any picks in the deal, just moved back in rounds four and seven. The Dolphins gave up Bess and picks 111 (fourth round) and 217 (seventh round). The Browns gave Miami their 104th (fourth round) and 164 (fifth round).

The Browns also released receiver Brian Tyms and linebacker Paul Hazel.


St. Edward's Kyle Hegedus blends football, baseball skills into bowling success

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NORTH OLMSTED, Ohio -- St. Edward bowler Kyle Hegedus stands out among his teammates during their Tuesday practice session at Buckeye Lanes. It's easy to spot a football player who is rolling a bowling ball that looks like a baseball.

NORTH OLMSTED, Ohio -- St. Edward bowler Kyle Hegedus stands out among his teammates during their Tuesday practice session at Buckeye Lanes.

It's easy to spot a football player who is rolling a bowling ball that looks like a baseball.

But the unusual ball and the power with which it is delivered are not all that make Hegedus unique.

When he's not bowling, Hegedus is a broad-shouldered safety and backup tailback for the Eagles football team that reached the Division I final four last season. He is also set to compete on the diamond this spring as a member of the St. Edward varsity baseball team.

In the meantime, the junior from Middleburg Heights hopes to reach a level that no other St. Edward bowler - or bowling team from Northeast Ohio - has yet to achieve. The Eagles are one of five local teams heading to Columbus this weekend for the Ohio High School Athletic Association Division I state tournament, and Hegedus said bringing home a title would be a dream come true. 

"It would be incredible to be the first to do it," he said. "What a tremendous impact, not just for me, but for everybody on the team."

Hegedus led the Greater Cleveland Interscholastic Bowling League with a 209 average this season and helped the Eagles to a 5-3 record, tied for fourth in the conference. He also registered one of the highest individual series (704) in conference play. St. Edward was fourth at the Elyria sectional tournament and sixth at the Fairlawn district, qualifying to states for the first time in school history.

Coach Fred Marquardt said Hegedus was the main reason St. Edward advanced. 

"When Kyle is locked in, he's as good as any bowler in Northeast Ohio," Marquardt said. "He's very athletic, and his release is flawless. He looks like he should be on TV on Saturdays."

Just how important is Hegedus to St. Edward's success? The Eagles lost three of the four early-season matches they played before Kyle returned to the team from football. With Hegedus in the lineup, Marquardt's team is undefeated this season.

Hegedus credits the turnaround to his growth as a leader on the team. 

"Freshman year I was just taking it all in and trying to play a role," he said. "Once I started to feel comfortable, I made sure everybody stayed relaxed and competed at their highest level. During football I was a vocal guy in the secondary. With bowling, you can talk to everybody a lot more easily and make sure they're all on the same page."

But Friday won't be the first time a member of Hegedus' family rolls in the state tournament. Kyle's sister, Kourtney, reached states for Midpark as a sophomore and as a junior in 2011-12.

"Everybody in my family bowls," Hegedus said. "I started when I was 3. My dad has been bowling as long as I can remember."

That family tradition is obvious, right down to the baseball-style bowling ball that Hegedus often uses. The ball belonged to his father and was handed down to Kyle last year.

The ball is also a reminder that the spring season is right around the corner, and Hegedus said his baseball teammates are constantly bugging him about when bowling season will be over.

"This is the farthest we've ever gone, so this year is a little different," he said.

Hegedus realized once he reached high school that he could compete at a high level in bowling, and that his love for football and baseball would keep him "in season" throughout the year. But was there ever a time he considered picking a different winter sport?

"I've been asked to wrestle plenty of times, but there was never a chance to fit it in because bowling takes place in the winter," Hegedus said. "And I wasn't going to give that up."

Contact high school sports reporter Joe Noga by email (jnoga@cleveland.com) or Twitter (@JoeNogaCLE). Or log in and leave a message in the comments section below.

St. Ignatius and Glenville discuss the boys basketball postseason: Full Court Press podcast

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CLEVELAND, Ohio — This week’s edition of the Full Court Press podcast features St. Ignatius coach Sean O'Toole and Glenville coach Michael Holt and senior guard Jimond Ivey. St. Ignatius hosts Lakewood in the Division I Grafton District semifinal on Thursday. The Wildcats go about 12 players deep and are led by seniors Eric Black and Danny Bova. O'Toole...

CLEVELAND, Ohio — This week’s edition of the Full Court Press podcast features St. Ignatius coach Sean O'Toole and Glenville coach Michael Holt and senior guard Jimond Ivey.

St. Ignatius hosts Lakewood in the Division I Grafton District semifinal on Thursday. The Wildcats go about 12 players deep and are led by seniors Eric Black and Danny Bova. O'Toole discusses why his team might be playing its most consistent basketball right now.

Glenville plays Mentor in the district semifinal of the Division I Euclid District on Thursday. Ivey, a senior committed to the University of Akron, has established himself as one of the best scorers in Cleveland.

Full Court Press Podcast

0:00-2:55: Intro and discussion of Cleveland Central Catholic coaching situation.

2:56-5:43: A look at surprise teams in the postseason

5:44-12:58: St. Ignatius coach Sean O'Toole joins

12:59-19:13: Glenville coach Michael Holt and guard Jimond Ivey join

19:14-End: Discussion of Villa Angela-St. Joseph vs. Warrensville Heights and outro

The Full Court Press is a weekly podcast, featuring insight from David Cassilo (@dcassilo), Mark Kern (@MarkKern11) and Bill Landis (@blandis25) 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. Make sure to keep checking cleveland.com for all of the latest content about the boys basketball postseason.

We'll be back next week to preview the regional final action and take an early look at the teams that can make it to Columbus.

Former Cleveland Browns linebacker D'Qwell Jackson signs with the Indianapolis Colts

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Jackson reportedly signs a four-year, $22 million with $11 million guaranteed.

CLEVELAND – Few players in the Browns locker room last season were big supporters of coach Rob Chudzinski than D’Qwell Jackson.

“He’s a leader of men,” the former Browns defensive captain called the team’s former coach.

Jackson and Chudzinski are reunited in Indianapolis. The inside linebacker reportedly signed a four-year, $22 million deal with an $11 million guaranteed.

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport first reported the signing and various outlets have supplied the terms.

The Browns released Jackson a week ago rather than pay the 30-year-old linebacker a $4 million roster bonus. He was due to make $3.93 million in base salary.

Jackson actually will earn more guaranteed money with the Colts this season and have a legitimate shot at his first playoff appearance. He only won more than five games once in his eight years with the Browns. He was part of the 4-12 team a year ago that got their rookie head coach fired.

The linebacker took news of Chudzinski’s dismissal hard, not even appearing before the media the day after the season ended. Chudzinski is now special assistant to Colts coach Chuck Pagano.

Jackson had made the rounds in the past week meeting with the Tennessee Titans, Miami Dolphins and Denver Broncos. He told Northeast Ohio Media Group he was searching for more organizational stability.

"We are pleased to announce the signing of inside linebacker D'Qwell Jackson," general manager Ryan Grigson said in a statement. "He is a team-first guy that has been a very consistent producer on the field. The tempo, energy and determination he plays with are right up there with the best in this league. He brings a welcomed element of experience and natural leadership to our team and we are excited to add him to the strong nucleus of linebackers we currently have on our roster."

The Colts hope Jackson can buoy a run defense that ranked 25th a year ago. He likely will start alongside Jerrell Freeman.





Shaker Heights' Esa Ahmad remains in the driver's seat: Boys basketball Player of the Year watch for week of March 6, 2014 (poll, videos)

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CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Playoff time is supposed to mean it's tougher to produce at a high level, but you wouldn't know it from Shaker Heights' Esa Ahmad. The talented junior followed an 11-point performance against Lakeside in the sectional final by putting up 32 points against Bedford on Wednesday in the district semifinal. He's the main reason why Shaker...

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Playoff time is supposed to mean it's tougher to produce at a high level, but you wouldn't know it from Shaker Heights' Esa Ahmad.

The talented junior followed an 11-point performance against Lakeside in the sectional final by putting up 32 points against Bedford on Wednesday in the district semifinal. He's the main reason why Shaker Heights is a state title threat.

Since mid-January, we've ranked the Top 10 players in the area as a way to follow the race to be named the cleveland.com Player of the Year at the conclusion of the season. Starting this week, we'll focus on just the top three candidates.

To be clear, these are not rankings for who is the top college recruit or who will be the best college player. These rankings are based purely on which players are having the best seasons in Northeast Ohio.

With all of the debate over top players, it's important to get your voice heard whether you agree, disagree or just want to nominate a player. You can do all of that in the comments section below. To register, go to the top of this webpage and create an account. It's free and takes just a few moments from your day.

There's also a poll at the bottom of the post to have your input heard, as well. But remember, those votes are just for fun and don't actually determine who wins the award at the end of the season.

And now here's a look at how the players stack up for this week as decided by the Northeast Ohio Media Group staff, as well as a few video highlights.

(Points per game averages as of Thursday for all players; all other stats as of noted date below; last week's ranking in parentheses)

1. Esa Ahmad (1)

Shaker Heights, junior, forward.

Height: 6-foot-7. Weight: 210 pounds.

2013-14 stats: 25 points, 10.7 rebounds and 3.3 assists per game (as of Feb. 10).

Ahmad, who has been atop this list since the rankings began, is in a good place right now. He's playing well (32 points against Bedford in Wednesday's district semifinal), and his team is good enough to give him several more opportunities to shine. However, he could play Garfield Heights on Saturday, and the Bulldogs have played him well defensively in two meetings this season.

2. Brian Parker (3)

Villa Angela-St. Joseph, junior, forward.

Height: 6-2. Weight: 185 pounds.

2013-14 stats: 17.8 points, 6.6 rebounds and 5.6 assists per game (current).

On Monday, Parker was named the Northeast Ohio Lakes District Division III Player of the Year. A day later he scored 20 points in a district semifinal victory over Columbia. Next up is a district final showdown with Warrensville Heights on Friday. While his offense is important, helping stop Yavari Hall will be his most important task.

3. Omari Spellman (2)

North Royalton, sophomore, forward.

Height: 6-8. Weight: 230 pounds.

2013-14 stats: 22 points, 9.9 rebounds and 3.6 blocks per game (as of Feb. 28).

Spellman was unable to help propel his team to a deep tournament run, as North Royalton fell to Lakewood in the sectional final. In his only playoff game, Spellman had 13 points, all of which came before halftime. It's a sour note to a terrific season for North Royalton and Spellman. You can expect him to be pushing for Player of the Year again next season.

Contact high school sports reporter David Cassilo by email (dcassilo@cleveland.com) or Twitter (@dcassilo). Or log in and leave a message in the comments section below.

Cleveland Browns and NFL Links: Reporter says Browns must trade up for OSU LB

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Should the Cleveland Browns move up to select linebacker Ryan Shazier?

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The upcoming NFL Draft will give the Browns a chance to fill several holes on offense and defense.

Quarterback is projected as the biggest need, but reporter Sam Ingro writes on BuckeyeStateSports.com how the Browns should move up from the No. 26 slot in the draft and select Ohio State linebacker Ryan Shazier.

On the other hand, where the team should look to move up, is at No. 26. When they do, the prospect they must have in mind is Ohio State linebacker Ryan Shazier. The Browns were victimized last season by Craig Robertson, while they said goodbye to D’Qwell Jackson this month, the position must be addressed early.

In 2013, Mike Pettine‘s Buffalo Bills defense utilized a 4-1-6 defense on 170 plays, with the one linebacker being rookie phenom Kiko Alonso, writes Ingro. So that means the role is vital in his defense, as evidenced by the likes of Ray Lewis in Baltimore, Bart Scott in New York and Alonso in Buffalo. The team, adds Ingro, must find a playmaker in this year’s draft.

Shazier is an athletic monster, capable of dropping into coverage just as well as he can rush the passer. Pure and simple, Shazier is a do-it-all gamer, and he projects very well at an inside linebacker position in the NFL.

More Browns and NFL news

Massillon native George Whitfield Jr. is the QB whisperer (Cleveland.com).

Johnny Manziel wasn't the only QB the Browns didn't talk to at the combine (Cleveland.com).

Safety T.J. Ward or Jairus Byrd for the Cleveland Browns (Cleveland.com)?

Repairing the offense should be goal No. 1 for the Browns in the 2014 NFL Draft (Cleveland.com).

Here are the nine biggest wild cards in free agency (NFL.com).

Pittsburgh Steelers extend jobs but release others (Post-Gazette).

Colin Kaepernick will get paid now or get paid later (CBSSports.com).

LB Jordan Tripp could become draft-day surprise (Fox Sports).

The Browns add a wrinkle to the interviewing process (ESPNCleveland.com).

The Cleveland Browns will have cutting-edge uniforms (USAToday.com).

Former Browns WR Andre Rison is a high school football coach (AZCentral.com).


Wadsworth coach Andy Booth joins Pick-and-Roll Podcast for Feb. 6, 2014

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CLEVELAND, Ohio — This week's edition of the girls basketball Pick-and-Roll podcast features Wadsworth coach Andy Booth.

CLEVELAND, Ohio — This week's edition of the girls basketball Pick-and-Roll podcast features Wadsworth coach Andy Booth.

Pick and Roll Podcast for March 6 2014

Pick And Roll Podcast

0-2:30 Intro and catch up playoff games: Solon, St. Vincent-St. Mary, Wadsworth

2:31-3:59 Previewing Cuyahoga Heights' regional semifinal game for Thursday 

4:00-9:18 Wadsworth coach Andy Booth interview

9:19-21:34 Weekend Matchups

Northeast Ohio Media Group reporters Stephanie Kuzydym (@stephkuzy) and Mark Kern (@MarkKern11) spoke with Booth about his team's continued success this season which has led the Grizzlies to a regional final against Toledo Notre Dame, who they've face in the previous two post seasons. Kuzydym and Kern also talk about Solon and Twinsburg's regional semifinal games as well as St. Vincent-St. Mary's and Wadsworth's playoff victories.

The Pick-and-Roll is a weekly podcast, featuring insight from Kuzydym and Kern, as well as discussions with area players and coaches. We’ll have a promo post each week inviting you to share 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.

Warrensville Heights' Yavari Hall, Archbishop Hoban's Anthony Christian, Christian Waite featured in boys basketball spotlight (videos)

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CLEVELAND, Ohio – In this week’s boys basketball spotlight, we feature Warrensville Heights sophomore Yavari Hall and Archbishop Hoban senior Christian Waite and sophomore Anthony Christian. Hall averages 13 points and four rebounds per game for the Tigers. Warrensville Heights will face Villa Angela-St. Joseph on Friday in the Garfield Heights district final. Hall sat down with cleveland.com’s Chris...

CLEVELAND, Ohio – In this week’s boys basketball spotlight, we feature Warrensville Heights sophomore Yavari Hall and Archbishop Hoban senior Christian Waite and sophomore Anthony Christian.

Hall averages 13 points and four rebounds per game for the Tigers. Warrensville Heights will face Villa Angela-St. Joseph on Friday in the Garfield Heights district final. Hall sat down with cleveland.com’s Chris Fedor at the boys basketball Media Day in November at the Northeast Ohio Media Group.

Find out what Hall said is a basketball trend on the court, who the best singer on the team is, and his favorite hobby outside of basketball.

Christian averages 15.5 points and nine rebounds per game. The Knights face Cuyahoga Valley Christian Academy tonight in a Stow district semifinal.

He sat down with reporter David Cassilo at Media Day. Find out his favorite song to warm up to, what his hidden talent is beyond the court, and the teammate he says is best dressed and the best singer. 

Waite averages 16.1 points and four assists per game for Hoban. The senior looks to help his team tonight in a run to the district final game. Waite sat down with reporter Tim Bielik at Media Day to talk about things off the court. Hear who his celebrity crush is, who he considers Hoban’s biggest rival to be, and who he thinks the team clown is.

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.

Indoor track championships: Ohioans top contenders at IAAF World and NCAA meets

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Sprinter Tianna (Madison) Bartoletta and high jumper Erik Kynard are world championship contenders.

CLEVELAND, Ohio – Ohioans could have a major impact on international and national track and field stages over the next week.

Sprinter Tianna (Madison) Bartoletta, who grew up in Elyria, Toledo high jumper Erik Kynard, and Ashland shot putter Kurt Roberts are medal contenders at the IAAF World Indoor Track and Field Championships Friday through Sunday in Sopot, Poland.

Bartoletta, who lives and trains in Florida, is coming off a season-best 7.08 seconds in the 60-meter dash Feb. 28 in Albuquerque. Only Murielle Ahouré of the Ivory Coast has gone faster (7.03 and 7.05) this season. Ahouré was the outdoor 100-meter world silver medalist in 2013.

Kynard's season-best 7-8 (2.34 meters) ranks fourth in the high jump this season.

Roberts, with a season-best 70-6½ (21.50m), is No. 2 in the shot put behind U.S. teammate Ryan Whiting.

At the NCAA indoor championships March 14-15 in Albuquerque, N.M., Penn State sprinter Mahagony Jones of Cleveland, Ohio State hurdler Donovan Robertson of Berea and Florida high jumper Taylor Burke of Medina are among the top qualifiers.

Jones, a Rhodes High graduate, is a high seed in the 60 dash, 200 and 4x400. Former outdoor All-American Burke is seeded third in women's high jump. Robertson and teammate Demoye Bogle qualified fourth in the 60 hurdles, though Bogle was injured last week at the Big Ten indoor meet and did not compete.

Others to watch include Notre Dame junior Jade Barber of Midpark in 60 hurdles, Georgetown junior Hannah Neczypor of North Royalton in distance medley, LSU junior Quincy Downing of Glenville in the 400 and 4x400, Penn State sophomore Brannon Kidder of Lancaster in the 800 and distance medley, and University of Akron pole vaulter Shawn Barber and heptathlete Alex McCune.

Cleveland Browns extend contract tender to ILB Craig Robertson

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Robertson had a career-best 89 tackles, but struggled in pass coverage.

CLEVELAND – Craig Robertson had a disappointing season a year ago, but with the Browns’ dearth of inside linebackers they weren’t about to let him walk.

The club extended a contract tender to the 26-year-old on Thursday as an exclusive-rights free agent, a team spokesman confirmed. The move comes on the same day former Browns inside linebacker D’Qwell Jackson signed with the Indianapolis Colts.

Robertson earns $575,000 next season after which he’ll be eligible for restricted free agency.

Following an impressive rookie season, the 6-foot-1, 234-pound Robertson struggled as a first-year starter alongside Jackson. He had particular difficulty in pass coverage and ranked 52nd out of 55 inside linebackers, according to Pro Football Focus. Robertson registered a career-high 89 tackles, three sacks, an interception, a forced fumble and fumble recovery.

Inside linebacker figures to be a Browns’ priority in the draft and perhaps in free agency.


Three wrestling state champions join final Center Mat podcast: Noah Baughman, Travis Linton and Billy Miller

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CLEVELAND, Ohio — The weekly Center Mat wrestling podcast concludes today as Northeast Ohio Media Group reporter Nathaniel Cline wraps up the wrestling season. The final edition of the Center Mat podcast features three guests who were crowned state champs at Ohio State University: Wadsworth sophomore 106-pounder Noah Baughman and two-time defending state champions, senior 182-pounder Travis Linton from...

CLEVELAND, Ohio — The weekly Center Mat wrestling podcast concludes today as Northeast Ohio Media Group reporter Nathaniel Cline wraps up the wrestling season.

The final edition of the Center Mat podcast features three guests who were crowned state champs at Ohio State University: Wadsworth sophomore 106-pounder Noah Baughman and two-time defending state champions, senior 182-pounder Travis Linton from Rootstown, and senior heavyweight Billy Miller from Perry.

03/05/14 Center Mat Podcast

Highlights from the podcast

0:34-4:23: Rootstown senior Travis Linton.

4:23-8:49: Perry senior Billy Miller.

8:49-12:23: Wadsworth sophomore Noah Baughman.

12:23-12:48: Cline thanks guests and bids farewell to the wrestling season. 

Check out the post from Northeast Ohio Media Group reporter Scott Patsko about the eight observations at the state tournament and additional highlights.

Have a state champ you would like to acknowledge or do you want to leave a remark? Leave it in the comments section below. Register for an account by clicking here.

Contact high school sports reporter Nathaniel Cline by email (ncline@cleveland.com) or Twitter (@nathanielcline). Or log in and leave a message in the comments section below.

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