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Chat live at 2:30 with OHSAA commissioner Dan Ross, Sylvania Northview athletic director about state hockey tie, co-championship

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CLEVELAND, Ohio - Participate in a live video chat today at 2:30 p.m. with Ohio High School Athletic Association commissioner Dan Ross and Sylvania Northview athletic director Chris Irwin. Live streaming video by Ustream

CLEVELAND, Ohio - Participate in a live video chat today at 2:30 p.m. with Ohio High School Athletic Association commissioner Dan Ross and Sylvania Northview athletic director Chris Irwin.


Live streaming video by Ustream

They will talk about the OHSAA’s decision to name co-state champions in hockey on Saturday after seven overtimes were played between St. Ignatius and Sylvania Northview and the teams were tied, 1-1.

They will answer your questions as well. Post your questions in the comments section below. You will need a free cleveland.com community account to comment. Click here for an account (it’s quick and easy to sign up).


Could Raekwon McMillan be Ohio State's starting middle linebacker? Luke Fickell says, 'Yeah, he can'

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"Coach Meyer, he always tells us that he wants incoming freshmen to play early," freshman Raekwon McMillan said. "He wants us not to sit back and relax and wait for the next guy, but to practice every day like you're competing for a job and attack every drill like it's your last drill." Watch video

COLUMBUS, Ohio – Having a new five-star toy to play with has been fun for Luke Fickell. But believe it or not, he'd rather have senior Curtis Grant keep his spot as Ohio State's starting middle linebacker.

"We need senior leadership," Fickell said. "You’re best when your seniors play best. You can evaluate all the years I’ve been here, when the seniors play really well, you’re going to have a good season.”

Don't tell that to Raekwon McMillan.

Urban Meyer didn't.

"Coach Meyer, he always tells us that he wants incoming freshmen to play early," McMillan said. "He wants us not to sit back and relax and wait for the next guy, but to practice every day like you're competing for a job and attack every drill like it's your last drill.

"I know nothing is given at Ohio State."

Grant is proof.

It has been three years since Grant was McMillan, a five-star prospect coaches thought would be an instant impact player. But as a senior participating in his final spring, Grant still hasn't ran away with the starting middle linebacker spot.

That means he hasn't lived up to the five-star expectations with which he'll forever be saddled.

"It can be tough being (a five-star). Some don't understand how to handle the pressure," Grant said. "It's just a label somebody gave you. At the end of the day, its all about what you do on the field. And if you come out here as a five-star and don't do anything, then you look like an idiot.

"I wish I would have took coaching better and adjusting to things quicker so I could have played."

Grant's career got off to a slow start because he had a hard time adjusting to the mental aspect of the college game. When he finally earned the starting spot as a junior, Grant's season was cut short because of a high ankle sprain and a minor back injury.

Now fully healthy, Grant has taken personally responsibility in helping the linebacker position get back to the level Meyer expects. As it stands now, the linebackers are still Meyer's top concern in a defense that faltered down the stretch of last season.

That's why Grant will be looking over his shoulder at McMillan at the same time he tries to help the freshman adjust quicker than he could.

Grant's first piece of advice? Forget about recruiting rankings.

"Your expectations when you come in as a five-star are very high," Grant said. "Everybody expects you to be unstoppable, but what they don't understand is it takes time. Coming out of high school and playing with grown men is totally different.

"A lot of people think faster and are a lot quicker than you. You just have to get a chance to get adjusted to that. Once you get adjusted, you'll be fine."

Curtis Grant Adolphus Washington 2013 Ohio State celebrateView full sizeSenior linebacker Curtis Grant (14) has to hold on to his starting job, then it would help the Ohio State defense if he emerged as a stabilizing force in 2014.

Meyer's top mandate for his defense this year is to play faster, which was Grant's biggest struggle early in his career. In order to allow his players to do that, Meyer has instructed Fickell and co-defensive coordinator Chris Ash to simplify the defense.

That should play into McMillan's hand as he tries to take Grant's job

Less thinking, more physicality.

“The less thinking we have to do, the faster we play," Grant said. "The more thinking we do, the slower we play because we’re worried about checks and stuff. The less checks we have, the faster we play.” 

Fickell hopes the simplified game plan also helps Grant flourish in a way he never has. 

But right as Fickell got done again explaining the importance of senior leadership, the follow-up question was about the freshman. 

Is it possible for McMillan to start? 

"I don't know. He's in here early, which is a big help to him," Fickell said. "Can a freshman do it? Yeah, he can." 

Terry Francona: 'If I told you that I knew what we were going to be doing at third base, I wouldn't be telling you the truth'

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Indians manager Terry Francona met with reporters on Monday morning and talked about his recruiting tactics, the third-base competition, David Murphy's presence and the struggles of prospect Jesus Aguilar.

GOODYEAR, Ariz. -- Indians manager Terry Francona met with reporters on Monday morning and talked about his recruiting tactics, the third-base competition, David Murphy's presence and the struggles of prospect Jesus Aguilar.

On roster decisions:

"If I told you that I knew what we were going to be doing at third base, I wouldn't be telling you the truth," Francona said.

On what he tells players when convincing them to sign with the Indians or come to spring training:

"I try to be brutally honest," Francona said, "to the point where the first couple conversations are probably painting the picture more bleak than the situation actually is, because the last thing I want to do is be a used car salesman, talk a guy into coming into camp and then him not having a fair shake or what we told him. That wouldn't work."

On right fielder David Murphy being the perfect fit as an offseason addition:

"That's what we thought," Francona said. "You probably get a chance at him because he had a down year, similar to [Ryan] Raburn the year before. If he would've had his normal year, he probably wouldn't have been as available. We jumped in early because he was a target for us."

On first base prospect Jesus Aguilar, who is 0-for-14 this spring:

"This by no means defines what his career is going to be," Francona said. "We'd love to sit here and watch him hit a couple balls. It happens all the time. He's getting at-bats most of the time later in the game. He has 14 at-bats. That's maybe three or four days in a season. It happens."


Elton Alexander's Top 25 poll vote: No rhyme or reason to rankings this season

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Still no Ohio State in Elton's weekly AP Top 25 poll vote.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Man, how the mighty have fallen. Remember when Michigan State and Kansas were lock No. 1 seeds? Remember when many thought Duke was a fluke? Remember when Ohio State, and Kentucky were considered powerhouse teams?

That was yesterday, even yesteryear, and those days are gone. The weekly AP Top 25 Poll has become a weekly check of who's in and who's out, as much as who has moved up or down.

For the record (since we had Iowa, Kentucky and Ohio State out last week), we dropped SMU from our list and Green Bay, adding VCU and Gonzaga.

An injury here, a little overexposure, a little off-court drama along the way and the college basketball world as we knew it this season has now come down to this: Harvard and Wichita State are locks for the 2014 NCAA Tournament.

Based on what we've seen so far, any of the remaining teams about to head into their conference tournaments have just as much chance of imploding as they do of winning it all.

My Top 25 poll for this week:
1. Florida
2. Wichita State
3. Villanova
4. Arizona
5. Duke
6. Virginia
7. San Diego State
8. Syracuse
9. Kansas
10. Wisconsin
11. Louisville
12. Michigan
13. Cincinnati
14. Creighton
15. North Carolina
16. Iowa State
17. UConn
18. Memphis
19. St. Louis
20. New Mexico
21. Oklahoma
22. Michigan State
23. Harvard
24. VCU
25. Gonzaga

My Top Five in the state this week:
1. Cincinnati, 26-5
2. Xavier, 20-11
3. Ohio State, 23-8
4. Dayton, 22-9
5. Toledo, 26-5
Waiting in line: All the rest.

The Dayton Flyers started strong, with non-conference wins over Gonzaga and Baylor, then kind of faded until a stretch run saw the Flyers take out Top 25 St. Louis and former Top 25 UMass. If you're counting, that's four Top 50 RPI wins, which is about as good as you can get to locking down a NCAA Tournament at-large bid. Toledo should have it so good.

Demetrius Treadwell leads three Akron Zips on All-MAC men's and women's first team

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Akron senior Demetrius Treadwell is the only Zip named to the All-MAC First team.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Akron senior forward Demetrius Treadwell joined Western Michigan seniors Shayne Whittington and David Brown on the All-MAC men's basketball first team voted on by the 12 coaches in the Mid-American Conference.

The All-MAC women's first team included a pair of Zips with guard  Hanna Luburgh and center Rachel Tecca.

Rounding out the top men's team was Buffalo senior Javon McCrea and junior guard Julius (Juice) Brown from Toledo.

The All-MAC second team featured a pair from Ohio University in senior guard Nick Kellogg and junior forward Maurice NDour. Also named to the second team was Akron's Quincy Diggs, Miami's Will Feldor and Toledo's Rian Pearson.

MEN

All-MAC First Team: Julius "Juice" Brown, G, Toledo; David Brown, G, Western Michigan; Javon McCrea, F, Buffalo; Demetrius "Tree" Treadwell, F, Akron; Shayne Whittington, F, Western Michigan.

All-MAC Second Team: Quincy Diggs, G, Akron; Will Felder, F, Miami; Nick Kellogg, G, Ohio; Maurice NDour, F, Ohio; Rian Pearson, G, Toledo.

All-MAC Third Team: Justin Drummond, G, Toledo; Chris Fowler, G, Central Michigan; Richaun Holmes, F, Bowling Green; Majok Majok, F/C, Ball State; Karrington Ward, F, Eastern Michigan.

Honorable Mention: Kris Brewer, G, Kent State; Josh Freelove, G, Buffalo; Connor Tava, F, Western Michigan; Jordan Threloff, C, Northern Illinois; J.D. Weatherspoon, F, Toledo.

All-MAC Freshman team: Aaric Armstead, Northern Illinois; Tucker Haymond, Western Michigan; Zavier Turner, Ball State; Jon Williams, Toledo; Shannon Evans, Buffalo.

WOMEN
All-MAC First Team: Hanna Luburgh, G, Akron; Rachel Tecca, C, Akron; Jillian Halfhill, G. Bowling Green; Alexis Rogers, F, Bowling Green; Crystal Bradford, G, Central Michigan.

All-MAC Second Team: Nathalie Fontaine, G, Ball State; Mackenzie Loesing, G, Buffalo; Cha Sweeney, G, Eastern Michigan; Inma Zanoguera, F, Toledo; Miracle Woods, C, Western Michigan.

All-MAC Third Team: Kristen Sharkey, F, Buffalo; Jas’Mine Bracey, F, Central Michigan; Niki DiGuilio, G, Central Michigan; Amanda Corral, G, Northern Illinois; Andola Dortch, G, Toledo.

All-MAC Honorable Mention: Brandy Woody, G, Ball State; Erica Donovan, F, Bowling Green; Jessica Green, G, Central Michigan; Kiyanna Black, G, Ohio; Marquisha Harris, F, Western Michigan.

All-Freshman Team: Hannah Plybon, G, Akron; Alexus Malone, F, Buffalo; Janay Morton, G, Eastern Michigan; Cha Sweeney, G, Eastern Michigan; Quiera Lampkins, G, Ohio.

Defensive Player of the Year: Crystal Bradford, Central Michigan, G/F

Sixth Player of the Year: Taylor Johnson, Central Michigan, F

Q&A; with St. Vincent-St. Mary girls basketball coach Joe Jakubick: OHSAA coaches' conferences call

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CLEVELAND, Ohio -- St. Vincent-St. Mary coach Joe Jakubick is about to take part in something he always dreamed of doing when he was a high school basketball player. Go to state.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- St. Vincent-St. Mary coach Joe Jakubick is about to take part in something he always dreamed of doing when he was a high school basketball player.

Go to state.

Jakubick told the media on Monday in an OHSAA coaches' conference call that he never even won a district title.

Now he's about to coach four of five starters he's been coaching since they were in fourth grade in a big game in Columbus.

The following are questions asked by the Northeast Ohio Media Group and other media outlets throughout the state.

Question:If you could start out talking about the regional championship game.

Joe Jakubick: As far as our regional finals we played West Branch. It was a game that was obviously pretty closely contested and we were really behind the majority o the game. Got down as much as seven, nine points there in the third quarter... We closed out to make it 29-28 in the third. In the fourth just was able to get enough offense and get control of the game but key to the game was defensively, Melinda Trimmer and we just, in the second half, held her scoreless.

What are your thoughts on making it to state?

JJ: I start five seniors. Four of those girls started as sophomores. Obviously, it was always a goal to get there but obviously a lot of great teams don’t get there. Not only do you have to be pretty talented but you have to be fortunate and lucky to make the plays when you need to make them.

It was always a goal but to make it, it’s a dream come true. I told my young ladies, I was fortunate to have a decent basketball career  ... but I never won a district championship. For these young ladies to win a regional championship and have an opportunity to be one of the final four teams in the state of Ohio , it’s a tremendous accomplishment.  

It’s really humbling.

Division II is wide open. Can you talk about the field briefly and your opponent?

JJ: West Holmes is 27-0. Very talented team. Very well coached. Obviously it’s going to be a very challenging contest for my young ladies. We play a very challenging schedule and I think that they have experience they’ve been there before.

I really feel though that with the young ladies I have on the team, if the young ladies are capable of going out there and playing the game that's what I expect them to do.

... We had some challenging games, a very challenging schedule and hopefully that will prepare us for what we’re going to see on Thursday.

Can you talk about being a basketball player and your career at Madison and coming up short and the fulfillment of taking a team like this to state, as well as your daughter being on the team?

JJ: I've been very blessed. I’ve enjoyed so many great basketball experiences. ... I just want these young ladies to experience some of what I was able to. It's a lifetime of memories.

With my daughter, and really four of my starting five, I’ve coached them since fourth grade. I sort of know their makeup. They’re almost like all my daughters, I’ve been coaching them for so long but I must admit there’s a little extra emotion for my daughter to be able to play in a state tournament.

That was my goal as a player which is obviously what I failed to do but the thing is my daughter we didn’t have her she missed a whole year due to an ACL injury. The thing that I guess not only as a coach but as a father, that’s a whole year we missed of memorable experiences.

After our game on Saturday, I was talking to her and I was like, 'So Cassie, I've got a question for you. If I told you last year that you’re going to miss your whole junior year of basketball but you’re going to make it to Columbus your senior year, would it be worth the sacrifice?' And she said, 'Oh it'd definitely be worth the sacrifice.'

We thought we had a chance to get past Hathaway Brown last year with her. ... I can’t even put into words to have my daughter be able to go play in the final four, it’s worth more that all my personal basketball experience for her to experience this.

Indians vs. Angels: Live updates and chat

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Get scoring updates and analysis from today as the Indians continue Cactus League play against the Los Angeles Angels at Goodyear Ballpark. Join Indians reporter Zack Meisel in the comments section of this post at 4:05 p.m.

GOODYEAR, Arizona -- Get scoring updates and analysis from today as the Indians continue Cactus League play against the Los Angeles Angels at Goodyear Ballpark. Join Indians reporter Zack Meisel in the comments section of this post at 4:05 p.m.

If you're viewing this on your mobile device, click here to get updates and comment.

Where to watch/listen: SportsTime Ohio and indians.com.

Today's lineup: CF Michael Bourn, 1B Nick Swisher, 2B Jason Kipnis, 3B Carlos Santana, LF Michael Brantley, RF Mike Aviles, DH Nyjer Morgan, SS Erik Gonzalez, C Matt Treanor

Today's pitchers: Danny Salazar vs. Jered Weaver; Also: Trevor Bauer, Vinnie Pestano, Blake Wood, Colt Hynes, Preston Guilmet


Why was Ohio State QB Braxton Miller's shoulder surgery delayed? Hey, Doug!

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Did Luke Fickell get a free pass for the defense last season? He took a load of criticism, and the Buckeyes brought in Chris Ash, so that isn't quite free.

COLUMBUS, Ohio - Our first edition of the Hey, Doug! restart focused on Ohio State basketball. Now we deal with some football. Hey, Doug!

Hey, Doug: Why was there a delay of almost two months before Braxton Miller had his shoulder surgery, which results in him missing all of spring practice? -- Bruce Eberlin, Sarasota, Fla.

Hey, Bruce: I asked Urban Meyer that question last week, and his full response is in the video at the top of this post. Miller hurt his throwing shoulder in the Orange Bowl, and Meyer said the Buckeyes tried to rehab it for four weeks first, hoping to avoid a surgery. No reason to rush into even a minor surgery. When that didn’t work, Miller had surgery on Feb. 21, seven weeks after the Orange Bowl and 11 days before the first day of spring practice.

“It wasn’t making progress,” Meyer said, “and we made the decision to fix it.”

Hey, Doug: How will the Buckeyes’ coaching staff develop and improve the back end of OSU defense? There's no doubt Coach Meyer and staff have athletes on the roster, but understanding scheme, system, overall decision-making and performing under pressure were the Achilles heel late last season. -- Brian Gilboy, Twinsburg, Ohio

Hey, Brian: New secondary coach Chris Ash will make a difference. And there are two major ideas. One, simplify the defense. Good thing. Two, get the secondary on the same page in practice, by having the safeties and cornerbacks work together more often and gather in the same meeting room. Ash is now the overall secondary coach with Kerry Coombs assisting him, rather than having the safeties and corners have different coaches and meetings. Seems like a good idea. Makes you wonder why they hadn’t done that before.

Hey, Doug: Like many diehard OSU football fans I continue to be concerned about the defense. During the Tressel years the D was very disciplined and well-coached, even with Tressel basically turning it over to Jim Heacock. Now with Meyer also concentrating on offense, it has become a source of concern, with arguably more talented players. To what do you attribute the problems, and can Fickell/Ash turn it around quickly? -- John Tibaldi, Mayfield Heights, Ohio

Hey, John: Meyer said he’d be more involved with the defense this season, which I think is an important step. A head coach doesn’t get a free pass for problems on the side of the ball that isn’t his focus. One thing is that as offenses get more spread out and more up-tempo, defensive numbers look worse and offensive numbers look better everywhere. But for Ohio State to rank 112th in the nation in pass defense won’t cut it. Cutting down on blown coverages that lead to huge plays would be a first step. And Meyer still wants to attack more. I think the defense will be better – it would be hard for it to be worse. But I also don’t think you snap your fingers and start dominating on that side of the ball after the problems of last year. And while Tressel always talked about not wanting to put his defense in a bad spot, Meyer is more intent on attacking offensively. Sometimes, that results in more points. Sometimes that may result in more pressure being putting on your defense. And the defense hasn't always been up to that.

Hey, Doug: Why was a free pass given to Luke Fickell despite the pathetic performance by the OSU defense last year? -- Ray Tomazic, Medina, Ohio

Hey, Ray: I don’t think Fickell got a free pass. He endured a lot of criticism, much of it fair. And after calling the defensive signals for two years, after previously spending a season as the head coach, the Buckeyes brought in Ash, a guy who had been the full defensive coordinator at Arkansas. Ash will have more influence than Everett Withers did. That means Fickell will have less say, regardless of who exactly calls the defense. So that, in my mind, isn’t a free pass. I do think Meyer does like Fickell as a recruiter – he was big in getting Raekwon McMillan here.

Hey, Doug: Who do you think will start at safety this year? When Christian Bryant went down it appeared the backups didn't possess the skill sets to get the job done. -- Harry Eighmy, Erie, Pa.

Hey, Harry: Vonn Bell, who is out for the rest of spring with a knee injury, and Tyvis Powell should be the starters in the fall, with Cam Burrows the No. 3 safety and/or top nickelback. Meyer likes them all. One of the problems last year was all the transfers from the secondary in recent years. Jeremy Cash, an All-ACC pick at Duke, would have been great back there, but he left Ohio State after Tressel’s departure. There still isn’t great depth there, but the top three are good, and recruit Erick Smith looks like a good one as well.



Cleveland Indians renew contract of RHP Zach McAllister; 40-man roster signed

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The Indians have signed all the players on their 40-man roster.

GOODYEAR, Ariz. – In reaching contracts with all players on the 40-man roster Monday, the Indians announced they had renewed the contract of right-hander Zach McAllister.

The Indians also announced that they had reached one-year deals with Cody Allen, Scott Barnes, Carlos Carrasco, Yan Gomes, Erik Gonzalez, Preston Guilmet, Nick Hagadone, Jason Kipnis, Carlos Moncrief and Bryan Price.

All these players had fewer than three years in the big leagues and were not eligible for arbitration. Last year Vinnie Pestano and Carrasco had their contracts renewed.

A player gets his contract renewed when he is unable to reach agreement with the club. Without the leverage of free agency or arbitration, a player must take what the team offers him in those situations.

Tuesday is the MLB deadline for players on the 40-man roster to be signed.


David Murphy dealing with cranky left elbow: Quick hits from Cleveland Indians

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David Murphy says a sore left elbow is no big deal. He said it happens every spring and if it was the regular season, he'd be playing.

GOODYEAR, Ariz. -- Some quick Indians notes:

-Right fielder David Murphy has a sore left elbow and has made his last two starts at DH.

“It’s normal for me in spring training,” said Murphy. “If this was the regular season, I’d be playing. They want to make sure I’m 100 percent.”

The Indians signed Murphy to a two-year, $12 million deal in November.

“We got a chance to sign David because he had a down year (with Texas),” said Francona. “It’s very similar to how we got Ryan Raburn the year before. We jumped in early on David because we liked him. He complements our team really well.”

-Third baseman Carlos Santana says he’s going to keep working at the hot corner.

“I don’t worry about catching the ball,” he said. “I’ve had some trouble when it comes to throwing. Third baseman make the throw from three-quarters. Catchers throw over the top, but I’ve been working on it with Sarbie (infield coach Mike Sarbaugh) every day.”

Santana is trying to make the switch from catcher to third base. He’s competing with Lonnie Chisenhall.

“If I told you we knew what we were going to do at third base, I wouldn’t be telling you the truth,” said manager Terry Francona.

-Ryan Raburn wanted to play Monday, but the Indians will make him wait one more day because of the left knee he bruised running into the right field fence Friday at Cubs Field.

Raburn is leaving the club on March 17 to return to Florida where his wife, Suzanne, is expecting the couple’s second child.

“I’d like to get some at-bats before I leave,” said Raburn.

Francona said Raburn is scheduled to DH in a B game Tuesday against the White Sox.

“’We want to DH him in the B game,” said Francona. “Get him a bunch of at-bats and then get him back (healthy).”

-Jeff Francoeur is still looking  for the culprit who keeps changing his name on the lineup card to Frenchy Frazz and highlighting it with an orange marker.

Francoeur says he’s thinking about installing 24-hour surveillance cameras.

“I think it’s more than one guy,” said Francoeur, with a smile, “because the handwriting is different.”

-A reliever to watch in camp is right-hander Bryan Price. He suffered a hamstring injury early in February, which usually puts a player so far behind he has no chance of making the opening day roster. Price’s chances of doing that still aren’t good, but he has come back to make three solid appearances out of the pen and he’s scheduled to pitch again later this week.

Last year Price made 47 appearances at Class AAA Columbus and Class AA Akron. He struck out 75 and walked 12 in 59 innings at Columbus.

“We took it slow right after the injury and it’s worked out,” said Price. “It’s feeling really good right now. In both outings, I’ve had to test it a little bit by covering first base twice and it’s been all right.”

The Indians acquired Price, 27, from Boston as part of the Victor Martinez trade in 2009.


Terry Pluto looks at the discouraging story that is this season's Cleveland Cavaliers

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The Cavs are last in the NBA in field-goal percentage and 23 of their 40 losses have been by at least 10 points.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Confession time: I picked the Cavaliers to win 40 games and make the playoffs.

You can say 40-42 was a homer prediction, or someone who simply refused to accurately view reality.

But the ESPN stat geeks projected the Cavs to be 37-45, just missing the playoffs.

In fact, they wrote: "After a summer of augmenting the roster with high-grade talent, and bringing back an old coach in Mike Brown to refurbish Cleveland's on-court emphasis, the new-look Cavaliers are ready to establish an identity all their own."

ESPN called adding free agent Jarrett Jack a "perfect fit" for the team's young backcourt of Dion Waiters and Kyrie Irving.

The website also thought top pick Anthony Bennett has "big time" scoring potential. He's averaging 4.1 points, shooting 35 percent, and out for at least three weeks with a knee problem.

And the Cavs are 24-40, three games out of the playoffs.

Once upon a time, some in the media were keeping track of the record after General Manager Chris Grant was fired. Remember when the Team went on a six-game winning streak following the announcement?

Well, they have lost 7-of-9 since then with a brutal West Coast trip looming.

Some of the losses were due to injuries. They played several games without Anderson Varejao, C.J. Miles and Waiters.

But the fact is the Cavs wasted their playoff chances early in the season.

They had a five-game losing streak in November.

A six-game losing streak in December.

And yes, they also lost six in a row again -- this time in late January and early February.

Breaking down

When the Cavs win, the ball moves.

Players spread out, and passes go from one side of the court to another. Guys even cut to the basket.

But when the shots are banging off the rim and the scoreboard looks as ugly as their shooting percentage, many of the young players -- especially Irving and Waiters -- tend to dominate the ball.

It looks like selfishness, but it's more trust issues.

Waiters and Irving view themselves as the best scorers on the team. They believe no one defender can stop them. They are convinced they can drive to the rim, almost at will.

But when they stop and dribble, dribble, dribble ... the defense swarms them, their teammates watch and stagnant offense and bad shots are the result.

And a sad situation becomes even more depressing.

When the Cavs were 8-6 in February, they beat some losing teams and gained some confidence in passing the ball around. They averaged 101 points in those 14 games.

In March, they have lost to Memphis, San Antonio, Charlotte and New York. All are in the playoffs, or close to making the post-season cut. These are pressure games for the young Cavs, and they are 0-4 -- averaging only 96.5 points.

This has been a rough year for Brown, as the coach and the players have been frustrated with each other. I have taken Brown to task about the offense in the past, and my concerns are the same as the Cavs rank 23rd in scoring, dead last in field goal percentage.

luol deng mike brown horizontalThe Cavs are 12-17 since Luol Deng joined the team, and he has struggled in Mike Brown's offense.

Adding Deng

The front office tried to help during the season.

Grant imported Luol Deng, the first legitimate small forward since LeBron James left.

They are 12-17 since Deng joined the team. He has struggled with being traded for the first time in his 10-year career.

Deng was scoring 19 points per game with Bulls, but is at 14.4 points and shooting a dismal .401 (.321 on 3-pointers) for the Cavs.

You'd rather have Deng than the combination of Alonzo Gee and Earl Clark at small forward, but Deng's legs look too tired on too many nights.

He has been bothered by a sore Achilles, which supposedly is getting better.

With the Bulls, he had 12-of-168 shots in the paint blocked.

With the Cavs, it's 29-of-160.

Is that because Deng isn't receiving sharp passes on his quick cuts to the basket?

Perhaps.

But it's also that he doesn't have the same lively legs that he showed in Chicago, be it because of injury or age.

It would be very risky for the Cavs to give Deng a long-term deal with big money at the end of season.

Adding Hawes

New general manager David Griffin traded for Spencer Hawes, and the 7-footer is averaging 15.2 points and 9.6 rebounds. He does an excellent job of moving the ball. He either shoots it, or quickly passes.

But the Cavs are only 2-7 since he joined the team. Several of those games were played when Waiters, Varejao and Miles were all hurt.

A free agent at the end of the year, the 26-year-old Hawes is a keeper.

With 18 games left, the Cavs are one of the league's more disappointing teams.

One NBA executive told me that the team has talent, but "some of the guys just don't fit together."

They certainly play as if that's true when they are losing. They have lost 23 games by at least 10 points.

That's right, 23 of their 40 losses have been by at least 10 points!

Only Milwaukee, Utah and Philadelphia have lost more games by at least 10 points this season.

I'd like to say this trend will change, that the Cavs will suddenly turn hot -- but there are no real indications of that.

A year ago, they finished 24-58.

So they have won as many games as last season -- but so much more was (and should have been) expected.

Good news, bad news: Varejao expected to play more, Bennett out three weeks for Cleveland Cavaliers

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Rookie Anthony Bennett will miss about three weeks with a strained left patellar tendon, the Cavaliers announced. Anderson Varejao, meanwhile, continues to recover from a sore back that kept him out 12 games.

INDEPENDENCE, Ohio – The Cavaliers celebrated Saturday when Anderson Varejao played in his first game in a month after missing 12 games with a sore back -- even if the energetic center could manage just nine minutes of play.

And they are cautiously hopeful that C.J. Miles will be able to return this week from a sprained left ankle that has kept him out of the lineup for three weeks.

But their optimism for a healthy team at long last came with a dash of bad news Monday: rookie Anthony Bennett will miss about three weeks with a strained left patellar tendon, the team announced.

Bennett is averaging 4.1 points and 2.9 rebounds in 12.7 minutes. The 2013 No. 1 draft pick had been playing some of his best basketball of the season, with two double-doubles in the last month.

"He'd been coming along," coach Mike Brown said. "He had some pretty good games for us on both ends of the floor. It's tough with the amount of time we have left in the season, but that's part of this."

The Cavaliers have 18 games remaining and currently are tied with New York for the No. 10 spot in the Eastern Conference – 3.5 games behind No. 8 seed Atlanta, which has the final playoff spot.

A healthy team would go a long way toward helping Cleveland in a final push in an attempt to make the playoffs.

But Kyrie Irving missed Monday's practice with illness, and his status is unknown.

And Varejao's recovery still is being monitored; his minutes will be increased incrementally until he is fully healthy. He is expected to play around 15 minutes Wednesday at Phoenix if he encounters no setbacks.

After Saturday's game against New York, Varejao said only that he "felt pretty good."

Miles, meanwhile, participated in Monday's practice without engaging in contact and said if all goes well, he's "aiming to play on this West Coast trip." The Cavaliers play at Phoenix, Golden State and the L.A. Clippers in the next week.

"I hate it, man," Miles said of missing the last nine games. "Honestly, I'm going crazy, like my life is in shambles. I'm just walking around, ready to pull my hair out. I obviously want to be able to help my team, but at the same time, not being able to do what you love to do is hard on anybody."

With the injury hard luck the Cavaliers have experienced of late, however, Brown is hesitant to count on Miles return.

"You hope that he can, but again, I'm not going to forecast anything because I don't know," he said. "You hope that he gets completely healthy especially when we're trying to make this stretch run."

Yes, the Cavaliers still hope that they can make a final push for the playoffs – despite losing four straight.

"We've got 18 more games. It's up to us," Varejao said. "If we compete the right way, if we play the right way, we've got a chance. I still believe."

Amid the scorched earth of Berea, Cleveland Browns must prove to Alex Mack things will be different: Analysis

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Even if Mack stays this season he should have plenty of suitors in 2015.

CLEVELAND, Ohio – Like arsonists perishing in their own blaze, the former Browns management team of Joe Banner and Michael Lombardi was consumed by the comical coaching search it started by firing Rob Chudzinski.

The scenario is rich with irony. If Banner and Lombardi had not agitated for a second coaching change in a year, they probably would still be working for Jimmy Haslam.

Beyond the national jokes regarding the Browns’ annual dysfunction, the latest shakeups produced damage inside the team’s locker room. New general manager Ray Farmer and coach Mike Pettine are still dealing with the fallout as free agency opens Tuesday at 4 p.m.

Center Alex Mack, the club’s top free agent, is tired of grown men playing fantasy football with the organization’s coaching staff and roster. Spare him the rhetoric about making changes because Browns’ fans deserve better. What they deserve is smart leadership, something that’s been in short supply in Berea.

The All Pro center told USA Today his recent meeting with Haslam, Farmer, Pettine, offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan and offensive line coach Andy Moeller was “cool.” In the same article he referred to his five seasons with the Browns in past tense.

“My time in Cleveland was interesting to say the least,” he said. “It was never boring.”

More on NFL free agency 2014

Nothing short of an outrageous contract offer from the Browns contingent could have convinced Mack to sign a long-term deal. How does he know Farmer and Pettine will even be in positions of power next year given Haslam’s track record and potential troubles with federal investigators?

Mack liked Chudzinski and deeply respected his longtime line coach George Warhop, who left for Tampa Bay before the Browns settled on Pettine. Prior to Chudzinski’s ouster, the center sounded receptive to re-signing in Cleveland. He spoke of owning a home here and potentially duplicating the Kansas City Chiefs’ quick turnaround of a season ago.

“It would be very easy to come back,” Mack said days before the regular-season finale.

Maybe that’s a free agent saying the right thing to local reporters. But the fact Mack didn’t show his face in the locker room the day after the firing – none of the Browns’ leaders did – was significant.

It wasn’t just about Chud’s popularity or potential. It’s about veterans sick of blowing up the organization and starting anew every year. Haslam needs to understand he didn’t just buy the team, but also its history – the good and bad.

The Browns had to apply a transition or franchise tag to Mack or risk losing him on the open market. He’s one of the league’s premier centers and the position is becoming more valuable in the face of exotic multi-front defenses. Sack totals soared last season. Having a smart center who can decode blitz schemes and call out changes is vital.

You can debate whether the Browns should have chosen the franchise tag – a one-year, $11.654 million deal that would have taken him off the market. The transition tag affords Mack a one-year, $10.039 million contract and gives the Browns the right to match any free-agent offer. 

Could another club craft a deal the Browns would be unwilling to equal? Perhaps. Mack’s agent Marvin Demoff is one of the savviest in the business. He told Sports Illustrated's Peter King on Monday he's confident he can structure a deal the Browns couldn't match. Of course, Demoff must find a team willing to take such an agreement.

If Mack truly wants to leave, signs the offer sheet and the Browns’ match a competitor’s bid – they have $49 million in cap space -- then he’s stuck in Berea long term. Look for Mack to spend the coming days meeting with other franchises to gauge his options for 2015 and eventually sign the Browns’ one-year transition tag.

Then, the center who hasn’t missed a snap in five years will wait until next offseason to decide his future. Is Cleveland still an option? Absolutely.

But Farmer and Pettine will have 12 months to prove to Mack that the Browns aren’t still the Browns. They have 12 months to draft smartly, win more than six games and demonstrate a club with a handful of All Pros finally is ready to contend.

The Browns essentially are buying time -- very expensive time seeing as how Mack will earn $2 million more than any other center if he signs the tag.

If the team progresses, Mack might be willing to keep his house and his talents off the market. If not, the organization would realize the folly of trying to tag him again.

Banner and Lombardi are gone, but past experience tells us Haslam knows where the gas can and matches are kept.


Cleveland Browns have now expressed interest in Bills safety Jairus Byrd, reports say: NFL free agency 2014

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The Browns have expressed interest in Bills free safety Jairus Byrd, according to reports.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- On the eve of free agency, the Browns have expressed interest in Bills free safety Jairus Byrd, according to multiple reports.

As of Sunday afternoon, the Browns had not yet reached out to the three-time Pro Bowler, a source told cleveland.com. It means they let the first 24 hours of the negotiating pass without jumping into the mix.

The Associated Press and nfl.com now have both reported that the Browns, Dolphins and Rams are among the teams that have made contact with Byrd's agent, Eugene Parker. The Bills are also believed to still be a possibility.

Meanwhile, a source told cleveland.com Monday that the Browns are "very serious'' about signing 49ers safety Donte Whitner, the Cleveland native and former star at Glenville High and Ohio State.

Although coach Mike Pettine's safeties are interchangeable, Whitner would be more of a hard-hitting, run-stopping safety in the mold of a T.J. Ward, who has drawn interest from 11 teams, including the Browns, a source told cleveland.com.

More on NFL free agency 2014

Byrd, who's more of a free safety along the lines of Tashaun Gipson, played for Pettine in Buffalo last year and knows his scheme inside and out. Byrd, however, has already rejected an offer from the Bills worth about $30 million over the first three years, according to The Associated Press, and is looking to be one of the highest-paid safeties in the game, if not the highest.

Byrd, who was franchised by the Bills last year at $6.9 million, held out until late August in protest of the tag. He then missed the first five games of the season because of plantar fasciitis in both feet.

But he was still voted to the Pro Bowl for the third time after leading the team with four interceptions. Overall, Byrd has 22 interceptions -- including a league-leading nine as a rookie -- and 11 forced fumbles in 73 games over his five seasons.

Byrd, 27, was a second-round pick of the Bills in 2009 out of Oregon, where he played for Eagles coach Chip Kelly. Ward, the Browns' second-round pick out of Oregon in 2010, also played for Kelly.


Donte Whitner expects to be a Cleveland Brown by 4 p.m. today, source says

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Whitner, a Cleveland native, was a standout at Ohio State and Glenville High before going to the NFL.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- 49ers safety Donte Whitner expects to sign with his hometown Cleveland Browns shortly after 4 p.m. today, a source close to Whitner told cleveland.com.

If all goes as planned, Whitner will agree to a deal with the Browns right way, say farewell to the 49ers and their fans and head back home to Cleveland.

Whitner, 28, is expected to replace Pro Bowl strong safety T.J. Ward, who figures to be lost in free agency. The 49ers were interested in re-signing their two-time Pro Bowler, but Whitner is set to come home instead.

The source said Whitner is excited to return to Cleveland and help turn his beloved city around. He starred at Glenville High under Ted Ginn Sr. and at Ohio State.

"This would be a chance for him to come back home and give back to the community,'' the source. "He feels it's his responsibility to make his hometown a better place.''

Whitner would also fill the leadership void left by D'Qwell Jackson. Heading into his ninth NFL season, he's an outspoken leader and role model for younger players.

Whitner was drafted No. 8 overall by the Bills in 2006, he was only 20 years old, the youngest player to be drafted at the time. He spent his first five seasons with the Bills and signed with the 49ers as a free agent in 2011, inking a three-year deal worth $11.75 million. Since then, he's been to three NFC Championship Games and the Super Bowl.

Whitner, who has contemplated changing his name to "Hitner,'' is known for his ferocious collisions. He was voted to his second Pro Bowl this season after finishing the year with 73 tackles, 12 passes defensed and two forced fumbles. Whitner would pair with free safety Tashaun Gipson.

Meanwhile, the Lions are reportedly interested in Ward, and there are conflicting reports as to whether or not the Eagles have reached out to him. Ward engaged in several talks with the Browns but failed to reach an agreement.



A look at the key players in Division's I and II at the 2014 OHSAA state girls basketball tournament

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COLUMBUS, Ohio -- With the state tournament kicking off this weekend, it is time to take a look at the players that have the ability to lead their team to a state title. Sasha Dailey, Toledo Rogers: Dailey is an absolute blur with the ball, putting pressure on the defense the entire game. Her ability to get up and...

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- With the state tournament kicking off this weekend, it is time to take a look at the players that have the ability to lead their team to a state title.

Sasha Dailey, Toledo Rogers: Dailey is an absolute blur with the ball, putting pressure on the defense the entire game. Her ability to get up and down the court forces the opponents to be a little hesitant to send a lot of people to the offensive glass. Rogers is a talented team that is capable of making a run this weekend, and Dailey is a huge reason why.

Tierra Floyd, Toledo Notre Dame: Floyd is the leader on a team that will be going back to the state tournament for a third consecutive year. Floyd is regarded by many as the best junior in the state, and it would be hard to argue with her numbers. She averaged 18.3 points, and is a very difficult guard at 6-foot-2.

Jordan Korinek, St. Vincent-St. Mary: Korinek has a chance to get a double-double every single night out, and does a terrific job of controlling the pain for the Irish. While she did not have a big scoring game in the regional final victory against West Branch, she did have 15 rebounds to help the Irish pull away for the victory. If the Irish are going to make a run this weekend, Korinek will have to dominate the paint.

Kelsey Mitchell, Princeton: Mitchell is one of the most talented players in the state, and she showed what she is capable of in a win against defending state champion Kettering Fairmont. Mitchell scored 50 points in that game, dominating off the bounce. If there is one player that can take over this weekend and lead her team to the state tournament, Mitchell is that player.

Laina Snyder, Millersburg West Holmes: Snyder was recently named the Division II co-player of the year, averaging 15 points on an undefeated team. Snyder and Korinek will be guarding each other in one of the best individual matchups in the semifinal round. Snyder does a great job of scoring, but is very difficult to double-team because of her ability to get the ball out to the perimeter players.

Marquia Turner, Hoover: The Xavier commit was dominating in the victory against Solon in the regional semifinal, scoring 10 points in the first quarter while getting to the paint at will. She does a terrific job at finishing at the rim, but is also a great passer. If she is able to get running in transition, the Vikings become very difficult to slow down.

Kaylee Stroemple, Hoover: While Turner runs the show for Hoover, it is Stroemple that does the work down low in the paint. In the regional final victory against Solon, she finished with 29 points and 19 rebounds. Stroemple is a talented player that is absolutely relentless on the glass. If she comes to play like she did last weekend, the Vikings have a great chance to cut down the nets in Ohio.

Terry Francona on Trevor Bauer: 'The last thing we're going to do is ever bail on him'

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"There are going to be bumps in the road," Francona said. "The last thing we're going to do is ever bail on him. We're just going to continue to -- whether it's fight through it, work through it, communicate through it and get to the point where he's a finished product. It may not always be easy."

GOODYEAR, Ariz. -- Indians manager Terry Francona met with reporters on Tuesday morning and discussed Trevor Bauer's tribulations and the similarities between his current bullpen and the one he had in Boston.

On Trevor Bauer, who allowed seven runs (six earned) in two-plus innings on Monday:

"There are going to be bumps in the road," Francona said. "The last thing we're going to do is ever bail on him. We're just going to continue to -- whether it's fight through it, work through it, communicate through it and get to the point where he's a finished product. It may not always be easy."

On the relationship between Bauer and the coaching staff, particularly pitching coach Mickey Callaway, in working to refine the right-hander's delivery:

"He is used to doing it alone," Francona said. "He's opened up somewhat to us, which we appreciate. I don't think you earn trust overnight. When I listen to Mickey talk to Trevor, if I was a pitcher, I'd run through a wall. When I hear Mickey talk to not just Trevor, but the pitchers, I feel good and I think Trevor does, too."

On the similarities between the back end of Cleveland's current bullpen and the one Francona managed in Boston:

"Cody [Allen] reminds me a lot of Daniel Bard," Francona said. "I told him that. When Bard came to the big leagues, I told him once he gained trust, 'You're going to pitch when the game's on the line.' And he loved it. Cody is the same way. And Shaw, too. Shaw is a little different style, but Cody knows that when we need an out, with the bases loaded or whatever, he's going to pitch. I think he enjoys that. I think he embraces it, and it makes us a better team."


OHSAA overtime state hockey final ended with right call and wrong conclusion: Tim Warsinskey's Take

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The adults correctly made the most important call of the night, but failed the kids from that point forward.

CLEVELAND, Ohio – Never before has the Ohio High School Athletic Association done something so right and so wrong at the same time.

The OHSAA found itself in a box of its own making Saturday night in Columbus. The St. Ignatius and Northview hockey teams skated to a 1-1 tie through seven overtimes, only to have their state championship game halted by the OHSAA because of safety concerns for what it presumed were exhausted players.

After 101 minutes of hockey and 100 shots on goal, St. Ignatius and Northview were declared co-champions on a night – even with that unpopular conclusion – that could have been a shining moment for both teams, but was reduced to awkward emptiness by the OHSAA.

“It's like a one-of-a-kind of fairytale story that's never happened before," St. Ignatius senior captain Beck Schultz said Sunday. “I'm excited and happy at the same time to be a state champion, but there's always going to be a part where it's unfinished business, and you can't do anything about it now. The adults made the decision."

Did they make right decision? The game has sparked heated national debate about whether it should have been resumed a day later or ended with a spontaneous shootout, suggestions made by fans who for the most part are unfamiliar with the rules and parameters of a state tournament. The ongoing debate says as much about us as it does the parties involved.

Our society puts far, far too much emphasis on sports. That has blurred the lines between high schools and the college and pro levels in many regards. The importance of prep sports outcomes is elevated to unnatural heights.

As a result, we too often equate the issues and values of high school sports with those found in the pros, two realms with less in common than we suppose. We are entertained by both, and yet high school sports do not exist for our entertainment. Winning is not everything in high school sports. Their true value is the transformative effect they have on youth and foundational opportunities they provide for a fruitful life. It is up to adults to foster high school sports in a way that it can thrive, while protecting the participants.

The debate about how to end the state hockey final obscures the most important issue, which is the health of the players. It cannot be said loudly enough that these are teenage boys, the future of our communities. Any serious risk beyond those assumed in the heat of competition must be avoided, and the adults on hand Saturday night were duty-bound to ensure that trust. While the timing of the decision can be questioned, OHSAA Commissioner Dan Ross, Assistant Commissioner Steve Neil, Northview athletic director Chris Irwin and coach Michael Jones and St. Ignatius athletic director Rory Fitzpatrick and coach Patrick O'Rouke acted appropriately in ending the game before exhaustion contributed to a serious injury.

The subsequent uproar that followed created a nation of judges casting verdicts on those involved in stopping the game, in which no one was injured. Had there been a serious injury during the eighth or ninth overtime, Ross, Neil, Irwin, Jones, Fitzpatrick and O'Rouke would not be facing a court of public opinion. They would be facing a grand jury, followed by a civil court jury. That is the society we live in, and they knew that when they made the decision.

When I first heard the game had been stopped for safety concerns, my thoughts turned to David Stinson, the Kentucky high school football coach who in 2008 was charged with reckless homicide and wanton endangerment in the heat-stroke death of sophomore lineman Max Gilpin during an August workout. Stinson was acquitted, and the case focused attention on risks incurred when pushing student-athletes too far.

At some point, the game needed to be stopped. What's appalling is the National Federation of State High School Associations and the OHSAA do not have a protocol for ending a multi-overtime games, an oversight that led to Saturday night's debacle.

It's not as if they didn't have warning. St. Edward and Gilmour played a four-overtime state semifinal in 2011; a district final between St. Edward and St. Ignatius lasted six overtimes in 2009 and a district game between Solon and Aurora was decided in the eighth overtime. In addition, a 2008 Michigan state final was halted and declared a tie after eight overtimes in 2008. (The national record is 11 overtimes between two Minnesota teams in 1955.)

What more evidence did the OHSAA need? National high school hockey rules do not include protocols for a shootout, so that wasn't an option Saturday night. But there is wiggle room for each state to develop its own end-game procedure. OHSAA spokesman Tim Stried said discussions for a shootout began before this season, and no action was taken. The OHSAA now knows it dragged its feet too long and I'll be shocked if it doesn't have a rule next season. The new procedure likely will include four-on-four and three-on-three formats after a certain number of overtimes, followed by a last-resort shootout.

Of lesser concern, but still of note, is how Ross and Neil handled the end-game in Nationwide Arena. During an ice cut following the seventh overtime, Ross and Neil huddled with athletic directors Fitzpatrick and Irwin and coaches O'Rourke and Jones and discussed when to pull the plug if no one scored.

O'Rourke and Jones were in favor of playing at least one more overtime. They said their players were hydrated, stretched, ready and willing. Ross said he mostly listened while the others came to a consensus, but Jones and O'Rourke said they felt Ross pushed them toward ending the game right there.

“It seemed more and more clear that it was what they preferred,'' O'Rourke said. “I don't know if they were seeing something on the ice that made them think the players were in danger. It was a really hard-hitting game. I didn't think there was anybody in danger out there. I think they (Ross and Neil) were citing fatigue and cramps.''

Both coaches said they did not want to continue the game Sunday, an option that was never offered, but has been discussed often. It was a logistical nightmare because everyone had checked out of their hotels for the night game. O'Rourke said, in hindsight, a one-hour break would have been appropriate, but that option was not on the table.

Neither coach wanted to call the game a draw, but after more discussion, Ross offered the idea of co-state champions. Jones and O'Rourke agreed and shook hands.

“It's awful; it's terrible, but its the right call,'' Jones said. “We didn't like it. We wanted to play. Sometimes the adults need to make decisions on the kids' behalf.''

ST._IGNATIUS_HOCKEY_HUDDLE.JPGView full sizeSt. Ignatius coach Patrick O'Rourke prays with his team for the final time after a pep rally to honor the co-state champion hockey team Monday. The team is to receive its trophy within about a week, and individual medals will arrive later, Athletic Director Rory Fitzpatrick said Tuesday.

Ross and Neil guided the teams toward the right decision, then mishandled the postscript. The teams should have had a one-overtime notice that the game would end in a possible draw. Ross and Neil should have either acted sooner, before the sixth or seventh overtime, or told the teams after the seventh overtime the game would last one more extra period. That way, teams could have developed game plans for all-out attacks with power-play lines and given the championship the fitting conclusion it deserved – a true state champion.

With the crowd knowing what was at stake, the drama would have been palpable. Even if the game ended in a tie, the crowd surely would have showered both teams with cheers instead of the ugly, bizarre scene that occurred.

The last-minute bumbling led to perhaps the worst ending in state finals history. St. Ignatius took the ice while O'Rourke was involved in the hallway negotiations, but Northview waited in the locker room for Jones. The horn sounded as officials checked the goal moorings. Fans assumed Northview had quit and began chanting “forfeit.'' The OHSAA had unintentionally embarrassed Northview, especially considering the fact Northview had played gallantly with two lines against St. Ignatius' four.

O'Rourke gathered his players at the bench and Jones did the same in the locker room, explaining the decision. Players on both teams were upset. Northview players hurled helmets and slammed sticks in the locker room. They refused to take the ice for a team photo, telling Jones, “If we're not playing, we're not going on the ice." He talked them into it and they came out and shook hands with St. Ignatius.

Ross informed the crowd of the decision and skedaddled to a chorus of boos.

“They just sort of dropped the mike and left. It was unique," O'Rourke said.

With only one set of championship hardware available, the teams amicably took turns posing with the trophy. The OHSAA failed once again in not recognizing each member of both teams. Every player should have had his name announced and hand shook by Ross or Neil -- or anyone -- at center ice. It was a tough situation for Ross and Neil, but each kid deserved that moment in front of their fans.

The adults correctly made the most important call of the night, then failed the kids from that point forward. When a second trophy and set of medals arrives, Ross and Neil should be the ones presenting them to each student athlete at Northview and St. Ignatius. They are, after all, state champions.

One new NBA Draft projection has Ohio State's Aaron Craft, LaQuinton Ross both in the second round

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The Buckeyes have the longest streak in college basketball with players taken in the last seven NBA drafts. Craft and Ross, if he turns pro, have a chance to keep that alive in June.

COLUMBUS, Ohio - Ohio State's streak of eight straight years of landing players on the All-Big Ten first team ended on Monday night.

Another streak will be on the line in June. Ohio State currently has the longest streak in college basketball of having a player taken in the draft, dating back seven years to 2007, when Greg Oden, Mike Conley Jr. and Daequan Cook all went in the first round. Deshaun Thomas saved the streak last season when he slid in as the third-to-last pick in the draft, taken at No. 58 in the second round by the San Antonio Spurs.

Now Aaron Craft, named second team by the media and third team by the coaches in the All-Big Ten picks, and maybe LaQuinton Ross, named third team by the coaches, will try to keep this streak alive.

Craft is a senior and his NBA Draft stock is intriguing and will be investigated more thoroughly once this season is over. He's certainly going to take a shot at the pros.

Ross is a junior, and when asked by Cleveland.com after Sunday's home finale after whether he may turn pro, he didn't really want to get into it, not surprisingly, saying, "We'll see." But there's at least a chance he'll turn pro.

Both are in the draft mix.

DraftExpress.com put out a new mock draft on Monday, and it had both Craft and Ross going in the second round.

Ross was projected to Charlotte as the overall No. 44 pick, No. 14 in the second round.

Craft was projected to Philadelphia as the overall No. 51 pick, No. 21 in the second round.

ESPN.com draft analyst Chad Ford lists Ross No. 56 overall among his top 100 draft prospects, while Craft checks in at No. 99.

So one streak ended. Another has a chance to go on.

Donte Whitner's legs, shattered when he was 6, bringing him back home to Cleveland to play for the Browns

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After being hit by a car in front of his Kinsman Road house, Whitner was told he probably would never walk again. He began playing sports, a journey that has taken him from Glenville High to Ohio State, Buffalo, San Francisco and now, according to a cleveland.com report, home again as a free-agent signee with the Browns.

Editor's note: Donte Whitner is expected to sign with the Browns this afternoon as a free agent, allowing him to play for his hometown team in 2014. Here is a look back at a feature on Whitner written by Mary Kay Cabot from Jan. 20, 2012, when Whitner and the San Francisco 49ers were preparing for the NFC Championship, a game they would win against the New York Giants. The 49ers would go on to lose the Super Bowl to the Baltimore Ravens:

CLEVELAND, Ohio - San Francisco 49ers safety and Cleveland native Donte Whitner went from being told as a little boy that he would probably never walk again to being one step away from playing in the Super Bowl.

"It's tremendous to even be playing football at all," said Whitner, who will face the New York Giants in the NFC championship game on Sunday. "To be one victory away from being in the Super Bowl after everything I've been through is my biggest dream come true." 

At 6 years old, Whitner was playing catch in his Kinsman Road driveway, and the ball rolled into the street. He darted out after it and was struck by a car driving down the street. His mom, Deborah Robinson, got the call at work that her eldest son had been hit by a car, and she was convinced he was dead.

"Nobody would tell me anything but that he had been hit," she said. "All I could think of was that he was gone and they weren't telling me."

She raced home from her job at a nearby nursing home, blinded by her tears and screaming hysterically. "I could've been killed myself," she said. She was driven to Rainbow Babies & Children's Hospital, where Whitner had been taken by ambulance.

"I had to be strong in front of him," she said. "But the doctors told me he'd probably never walk again and that he'd never, ever play sports again."

Whitner's legs had been shattered in 15 places, and he was placed in a full-body cast for six months. Robinson bought a little red wagon to cart him around, and carried him up and down the stairs at home. After that, he was placed in a half-cast for another eight weeks and then had to learn how to walk all over again.

"He kept trying to tear those casts off his legs," she said.

donte whitner 2.JPGView full sizeDonte Whitner as a Glenville Tarblooder and a Plain Dealer All-Star.

Whitner vividly recalls being told by the doctors that he would probably never walk again.

"Even when you're 6, you understand what it means when somebody tells you you're not going to walk or play sports again," said Whitner. "It was the first time in my life where I actually had to believe in myself when nobody else did."

About four months after he took those first steps, he asked his mom to buy him a basketball hoop.

"I didn't want to do it," said Robinson. "I was so scared those little legs were going to pop. But I couldn't say no. He was so under the weather that he needed something. Sports was all he thought about."

Before long, Whitner was shooting hoops. By age 8, he wanted to play Pop Warner football, but knew his mom would never let him. He forged her signature and had his aunt help him get the physical.

"One day, his coach called me and said, 'Where's Donte? He's missed a few practices and we really need him!' " recalled Robinson. "I said, 'You must be talking about one of my nephews. Donte doesn't play football.' "

Robinson searched the back porch and found Whitner's hidden uniform.

"He had stopped going because he thought I wouldn't approve," said Robinson, who keeps the forged registration form in a frame. "And he's right, I probably would've never let him play."

As time went on, word kept getting back to Robinson about how good her son was in football. "I went and watched and I could see what they were talking about, when I was able to keep my eyes open."

Whitner brought a certain ferocity to the football field, and they both knew where it came from.

"I grew up in a single-parent household, and I didn't really have a relationship with my father [Lindsey Robinson] growing up," he said. "He did so much time in prison for different reasons. I dealt with it on the football field. I always played like an angry man."

At home, it was a different story. Whitner was the man of the house from the time he was young. His mom raised not only him and his little brother, but also four and sometimes five of her nephews that her brothers and sisters left with her.

"Ever since I could walk, I was doing chores," said Whitner, who now has a good relationship with his father. "I cleaned, did the wash, wiped down walls, stairways and toilets. I also cooked. My most famous thing was pork and beans. That and a big pitcher of Kool-Aid took care of everybody."

Because his mother worked two jobs, Whitner, second-oldest of the seven boys, got the kids up for school and made sure they were all in the house at night. On Sundays, they went to church and sang in the choir.

"With the help of my grandma, my mom was able to make sure seven boys were fed, got good grades, had a home and went to church," said Whitner, now a father of three.

A near straight-A student, Whitner started out at Benedictine, but ended up at Glenville after his freshman year with coach Ted Ginn Sr. There, he became close friends with current teammate Ted Ginn Jr. and former 49er Troy Smith, and they all went to Ohio State together.

"Since the day I met Ted Ginn Sr., everything's been going uphill for me," said Whitner. "He put us through rigorous workouts before and after school. He was like a father to me. The determination came from coach Ginn. It was all his vision from Day One."

Whitner won the national championship at Ohio State and then was a first-round draft pick -- eighth overall -- of the Bills in 2006, where he started at strong safety for five seasons. He signed with the 49ers last off-season and quickly became one of the team leaders. It was his crushing blow on New Orleans' Pierre Thomas on the opening drive last week that popped the ball loose and set the tone for the 49ers' victory.

Whitner is excited about the matchup against the Giants, but knows the 49ers will have their hands full.

"Eli [Manning's] playing the best of his career. He's getting the ball to the right guys, he knows where to go with the football before the ball is even snapped, and he's not turning the ball over," said Whitner.

What makes the playoffs even more special for Whitner is he's getting to share it with Ginn Jr., who is like a brother to him. "We've dreamed of this for a long time," he said.

Whitner was so determined to get to this point, not even two shattered legs were enough to stop him.

"This shows you that with enough determination and belief in yourself, you can do anything," he said.


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