CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Villa Angela-St. Joseph’s boys basketball starting lineup of Brian Parker, Carlton Bragg, Dererk Pardon, Simon Texidor and Maurice Johnson has proven to be one of the most formidable in Ohio on any level. VASJ will take that starting lineup into Division III state semifinal action against Columbus Bishop Ready on Friday at 10:45 a.m. at Ohio...

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Villa Angela-St. Joseph’s boys basketball starting lineup of Brian Parker, Carlton Bragg, Dererk Pardon, Simon Texidor and Maurice Johnson has proven to be one of the most formidable in Ohio on any level.

VASJ will take that starting lineup into Division III state semifinal action against Columbus Bishop Ready on Friday at 10:45 a.m. at Ohio State's Value City Arena. The Vikings are trying to become the first team in Ohio to win a state title in all four divisions.

The Vikings are 21-7 and finished the regular season ranked No. 3 in the cleveland.com Top 25 boys poll and were No. 2 in the Division III AP poll. They beat Warrensville Heights to win the district title, Canton Central Catholic in the regional semifinal and Youngstown Ursuline to win the regional final.

Parker was named first team All-Ohio for Division III and was one of three players of the year. He is a 6-foot-3 guard and averages 18.8 points a game. His dedication to defense and sharing the ball with teammates have been as important as his scoring.

Bragg made the second team in spite of missing time due to a toe injury during the season. The forward has been a major component in the Vikings' success with scoring, rebounding and passing skills.

Pardon was special mention on the Division III All-Ohio team and averages 11.5 points and 10.6 rebounds per game. He's been a consistent presence in the post throughout the season.

Johnson runs the point and leads the team by controlling the ball. His ability to make the opposing guards work on offense and defense set the tone for the Vikings.

Northeast Ohio Media Group's David Cassilo picked VASJ to cut down the nets in Columbus and with its impressive line-up it's easy to see why.

Links to Villa Angela-St. Joseph boys basketball coverage from other media outlets:

The Vikings use tough regular season schedule to prepare them for tough playoff games. (The News-Herald).

Simon Texidor and Maurice Johnson have a special bond. (The News-Herald).

Playoff preview from the angle of Columbus Bishop Ready. (The Columbus Dispatch).

VASJ is in the state tournament for the 13th time. (Fox Sports Ohio).

The Vikings have been one of the most consistent teams in Ohio. (The News-Herald).

Kentucky sent assistant coach to watch Carlton Bragg. (Nation of Blue).

Christian Bryant has Florida, Michigan State, Wichita State and Creighton in his Final Four.

View full sizeChristian Bryant.Marvin Fong, The Plain Dealer 

CLEVELAND, Ohio - It's time for the eighth annual Celebrity Bracketology Challenge on cleveland.com. Four local celebrities will square off to see who ends up with the best bracket.

Former Ohio State safety and Glenville star Christian Bryant is taking Florida over Michigan State and Wichita State over Creighton in the Final Four, with Florida coming out the winner. In case you're wondering -- and I know you are -- Bryant has Ohio State falling to Syracuse in the round of 32.

See Bryant's handwritten bracket at the top of this post. The brackets of the other three celebrities competing in the contest will be posted on Wednesday afternoon and Thursday morning.

Bryant's biggest second round upset is No. 12 North Dakota State over No. 5 Oklahoma. Bryant already finds himself in a bit of a hole before the second round games begin as Xavier, his pick to beat St. Louis in the second round, didn't advance past their opening round game.

As for Bryant's chief college rival, Michigan -- he has the Wolverines falling to Duke in the Sweet Sixteen. Of all the Big Ten teams in the tournament, Michigan State is the only team Bryant has advancing to the Elite Eight.

Bryant, who was a part of Glenville's 2009 state runner-up team, played four years at Ohio State, appearing in 36 games and totaling 171 tackles and two interceptions. Bryant's senior year was cut short by a broken ankle suffered in the Buckeyes' game against Wisconsin last season.

About the Celebrity Bracketology Challenge: Some of Cleveland’s biggest sports stars are competing in cleveland.com's eighth annual Celebrity Bracketology Challenge. See brackets at cleveland.com/marchmadness. The 2013 winner, former Browns running back Trent Richardson, did not respond to invitations to participate again and try to defend his victory. Standings will be updated weekly.

2014 Celebrity Bracket Challenge participants

CLEVELAND, Ohio — We're one day away from the boys basketball state final four tipping off in Columbus. Catch up with all the coverage right here. Here is a roundup of cleveland.com's coverage and links to coverage from other media outlets across the state.

CLEVELAND, Ohio — We're one day away from the boys basketball state final four tipping off in Columbus. Catch up with all the coverage right here.

Here is a roundup of cleveland.com's coverage and links to coverage from other media outlets across the state.

Look for a similar roundup post every day this week. See Tuesday's post here.

See videos featuring players, coaches from local teams

Players and coaches from St. Edward, East Tech and St. Vincent-St. Mary chatted about their seasons and getting ready for the state tournament. Check out the video interviews here.

Brackets galore

See brackets for the final four in all four divisions, as well as local brackets for all the sectionals/districts and regionals across town.

All-Ohio released for Division III and IV

The Division III and Division IV teams were released on Tuesday night and top honors went to Villa Angela-St. Joseph’s Brian Parker in Division III and Cornerstone Christian’s Bryan Gee in Division IV.

Checking in with the OHSAA

Reporter Stephanie Kuzydym is asking OHSAA Assistant Commissioner Jerry Snodgrass about the ins and outs of the high school basketball state tournament in a five-part series this week. Part three continued today with what changes he would make to the state tournament. Stay tuned this week for parts 4 and 5.

AP's Mr. Basketball watch

Before the Associated Press announces this year's Mr. Basketball recipient tonight at 6:30 see a compilation of top contenders across the state, including a poll on who you think will win, by Mark Kern. And stay tuned for news of the announcement at 6:30 p.m. on cleveland.com

St. Vincent-St. Mary focused on the prize ahead

Reporter Stephanie Kuzydym spoke with St. Vincent-Mary boys basketball players and coach Dru Joyce on their rematch against Columbus Bishop Watterson. And learn more about the Irish and their 2014 season in a report by Mark Kern.

Villa Angela-St. Joseph going for sixth state title

Catch up on Villa-Angela-St. Joseph's season as the Vikings try to defend their state title, this year in Division III.

Plain Dealer columnist Terry Pluto's take on East Tech

Could East Tech be the underdog in the state tournament? The Plain Dealer's Terry Pluto believes so. 

News from across the state

Louisville St. Thomas Aquinas prepares for run in state semifinal. (Canton Repository)

Villa Angela-St. Joseph's Maurice Johnson and Simon Texidor chat about relationship. (News-Herald)

A year ago, it was Cody Allen who worried about being sent to the minors. Now, it's Vinnie Pestano.

GOODYEAR, Arizona -- It was a about a year ago that Cody Allen was told to see the manager.

Two weeks left in spring training, and he was being cut already? Allen tried not to believe that. But he had a rocky spring in the Arizona desert. In March of 2013, Allen had been a pro for only two years, and his big-league experience was 29 innings.

"I was pressing," remembered Allen. "Tito saw it."

How manager Terry "Tito" Francona handled Allen last March was one of the many signs that the Tribe had someone special in the dugout.

"Tito told me that I had made the team," said Allen. "Hearing that with two weeks left in spring training -- it was awesome. I mean, just awesome!"

Thinking back, Francona smiled.

"Cody was throwing the ball 97 mph," said the manager. "He just needed to relax. I knew what he could do, and he needed to know he made the club."

To be exact, Allen was trying to throw every pitch through the Great Wall of China. The baseball term is "over-throwing." The real explanation is a combination of fear, adrenaline and perhaps a bit of panic.

"I didn't want to go back to the minors," said Allen.

Cody's story

Allen had a terrific 2013 season, appearing in 77 games -- second most in the American League. Only Bobby Howry (79 appearances in 2005) has pitched in more games for the Tribe than Allen did last season.

Obviously, Francona was able to read Allen's personality. Even though Francona was in his first season as the Tribe's manager, he realized that Allen was a 23rd-round pick in 2011. He was never a hot prospect. He knew that Allen had the stuff to dominate in the bullpen.

But Allen needed to know his manager had faith in him.

"So much of this game is confidence," said Allen. "I remember being so amped up last spring, thinking about what I had to do to make the team. That's why knowing you're on the team -- it's so hard waiting until the end of spring training to find out."

The 25-year-old Allen's average fastball last season was 95.4 mph. He lit up the radar gun at 98 mph several times. About one of every four pitches is a devastating overhand curveball that drops straight down -- and is effective against lefty and righty hitters.

Vinnie Pestano knows he's fighting for a spot in the bullpen.Chuck Crow, The Plain Dealer

Vinnie's story

This spring, Allen has no concerns other than making sure he is healthy and ready for the season. He was 6-1 with a 2.43 ERA, including a 2.05 ERA after Aug. 1 during the playoff race.

Instead, it's Vinnie Pestano's uncertain spring.

A year ago while Allen was fretting, Pestano's roster spot was secure.

He owned the eighth inning. He had two strong seasons behind him, a combined 2.44 ERA in 2011-12.

But then came some elbow problems, a trip to the minors and he was left off the 2013 playoff roster.

Now, the eighth inning belongs to Allen.

"I have to prove myself," said Pestano. Rather than talk about his role in the bullpen, Pestano discusses making the team.

He has allowed only one run in six spring innings, fanning five. His velocity is a modest 89-92, but his slider seems sharper than in 2013.

"And my natural movement is back," he said.

A year ago, that wasn't the case. His pitches were flat. Then again, at one point, his elbow was so cranky, it hurt to turn a doorknob.

"I was just trying to find a way to get guys out," he said. "The pain was shooting on the outside of my elbow…"

And pitchers often try to "throw through it," hoping it would go away. But it never did … at least, not completely.

"Not until now," he said. "I feel confident and comfortable. I'm happy how I'm throwing the ball, but there are still more bricks to be laid."

In other words, he's still rebuilding his career.

Their story

Allen and Pestano have much in common. Both are 6-foot right-handers. Most scouts prefer right-handers to be at least 6-3. As Allen said, "They like big guys who throw hard like Justin (Masterson)."

Allen and Pestano are both college pitchers. Both had Tommy John surgeries on their elbows while in school. Pestano's was in 2006. Allen had it in 2009. Allen was the 698th pick in the 2011 draft, Pestano went 611 in the 2006.

Neither was a phenom. Both were immediately put in the bullpen by the Tribe, and both had to make quick impressions. They did just that, flying up the minor-league ladders to Cleveland.

But both know how things change, especially because both have had elbow issues. Relievers often burn out, smolder for a while, then a year or so later regain the old flame in their arms.

Just look at what has happened to Allen and Pestano in the last 12 months, how things can drastically change.

"(Pestano) came in having a lot to prove to himself," said Francona. "It's hard not to pull for him. Sending him down (to Columbus) last year was hard for everyone. No one likes it. You pull for him to get it back."

Allen has earned the complete confidence of his manager, based on his superb 2013 season. Pestano is trying to make a believer out of himself and those picking the final roster.

Francona said Pestano has "really good life" on his fastball, meaning it's sliding and sinking. The manager added that Pestano could gain "a couple of more miles" on his fastball. He has been clocked at 88-92 mph this spring. In his best seasons, his fastball averaged 92.7.

He throws two pitches, a fastball and slider. So a little more zip would help his cause. The more he pitches, he may gain velocity because his arm is feeling better than a year ago.

"At this point, I don't worry about what inning I'll pitch," he said. "I just want to make the team."

Three-time defending champ Penn State is favored, and Ohio State is a dark horse. Nearly 10 percent (31) of the qualifiers are from Ohio.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- A capsule preview of the NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships.

When: Thursday-Saturday

Where: Chesapeake Energy Arena, Oklahoma City, Okla.

Broadcast and livestream: ESPN will livestream or broadcast every match in all six sessions. The livestream site is espn.go.com/watchespn. ESPNU will air the preliminary sessions and medal round and ESPN will televise the semifinals and finals.

Brackets: Available at ncaa.com/sports/wrestling/d1

What to watch: Three-time defending champion Penn State is favored to repeat, but the chase pack is large and includes Iowa, Minnesota, Oklahoma State and Oklahoma. Other schools that could finish in the top five include Ohio State, Cornell and Northern Iowa. Penn State has two returning champs and three other All-Americans back from a team that came from behind to beat Iowa by four points last year.

PSU senior 165-pounder David Taylor was a four-time Ohio high school champ at St. Paris Graham and has reached three NCAA finals, winning the title in 2012. He lost last year to four-time champion Kyle Dake, the Cornell grad with roots in Westlake. Taylor's teammate, senior Ed Ruth (184 pounds), is going for a third consecutive title. They are among nine former champions in the field, including Ohio State junior two-time champ Logan Stieber of Monroeville, who has moved up a weight class and is seeded second at 141. The other returning champs are Illinois’ Jesse Delgado (125), Oklahoma’s Kendric Maple (149) and Andrew Howe (174), Oklahoma State’s Chris Perry (174), Iowa's Derek St. John (157), and Minnesota’s Tony Nelson at 285.

Ohio State outlook: The young Buckeyes are a dark horse with eight qualifiers, led by Stieber and senior two-time All-American Nick Heflin, who is seeded first at 197. Three are locals: sophomore 133-pounder Johnni DiJulius (Walsh Jesuit), sophomore 174-pounder Mark Martin (St. Edward) and freshman heavyweight Nick Tavanello (Wadsworth). Also qualified are freshman Nick Roberts (125), senior Ian Paddock (149) and sophomore Kenny Courts (184). Ohio State is expected to be a strong contender in 2015.

Ohio University, Kent State outlooks: OU coach Joel Greenlee has a reputation for taking under-the-radar recruits and turning them into national qualifiers. His six qualifiers this year are the most in his 17 years and among them are a quartet of Greater Clevelanders: Tywan Claxton (149, Brush), Harrison Hightower (165, University School), Cody Walters (174, St. Peter Chanel) and Phil Wellington (197, Villa Angela-St. Joseph). Led by No. 4 seed Ian Miller (157), Kent State has four qualifiers, including Caleb Marsh (174), Mack McGuire (133), Michael DePalma (149).

Ohio qualifiers: Pennsylvania leads the tournament with 63 of its high school grads in the field, and Ohio is second with 31 among the 330 total qualifiers (10 weight classes, 33 at each weight).

Here are the Ohio qualifiers with their college and high school in parentheses:

125 pounds: Ryan Taylor (Wisconsin, St. Paris Graham), Cory Stainbrook (West Virginia, Walsh Jesuit), Kory Mines (Edinboro, Maple Hts).

133: Johnni DiJulius (Ohio State, Walsh Jesuit), Vinnie Pizzuto (Eastern Michigan, Jackson-Milton).

141: Edgar Bright (Pittsburgh, St. Edward), Anthony Collica (Oklahoma State, Solon).

149: Gus Sako (Virginia, St. Edward), David Habat (Edinboro, St. Ignatius), Zach Neibert (Virginia Tech, St. Paris Graham), Tywan Claxton (Ohio, Brush).

157: Ian Miller (Kent State, Oak Harbor), Isaac Jordan (Wisconsin, St. Paris Graham), Markus Scheidel (Columbia, St. Edward).

165: Nick Sulzer (Virginia, St. Edward), Pierce Harger (Northwestern, Cincinnati Moeller), Harrison Hightower (Ohio, University School), Zach Toal (Missouri, Troy Christian).

174: No. 8 Cody Walters (Ohio, St. Peter Chanel), Mark Martin (Ohio State, St. Edward), Brad Wukie (Penn, University School), Caleb Marsh (Kent State, Marysville).

184: Max Thomusseit (Pittsburgh, St. Paris Graham), Domenic Abounader (Michigan, St. Edward).

197: Phil Wellington (Ohio, Villa Angela-St. Joseph).

285: Jeremy Johnson (Ohio, Brecksville), Nick Tavanello (Ohio State, Wadsworth), Ty Walz (Virginia Tech, St. Edward)

Notable: Blair Academy in New Jersey leads the nation's high schools with eight qualifiers. St. Edward has six and St. Paris Graham has four. ... The 2015 championships are in St. Louis. Quicken Loans Arena hosts the tournament in 2018, which will be 20 years after it was held at the Wolstein Center. ... Taylor is ranked No. 1 in the NCAA's most dominant wrestler standings, average 5.10 points. Stieber is second at 4.58.

"I probably would still be there if I didn't lose all of my minutes," Jordan Sibert said. "It is frustrating if you're playing a lot at the beginning of the year then you lose that playing time. I felt like I had to find a better situation."

BUFFALO, N.Y. – Most of Dayton's players sat in front of their lockers Wednesday unbothered as media members conversed in the center of the locker room anticipating Jordan Sibert's arrival.

When Sibert finally emerged, the anxious chatter stopped immediately as he found his way to his locker. Reporters hastily swarmed.

"This is what I left Ohio State for," Sibert said.

It was always Sibert's vision to be a starter, his team's leading scorer and one of the faces of an NCAA Tournament team. When the No. 11 Dayton plays No. 6 Ohio State in the first round of the tournament Thursday, that vision will have officially manifested into a reality.

So it's natural that Sibert never second guessed his decision to transfer from the Buckeyes to Dayton after the 2011-12 season. But looking back at it, Sibert still thinks he could have arrived at this success without leaving schools if he would have been given a better shot at Ohio State.

"I felt like I earned more playing time," Sibert said. "But that was a coach's decision, and I just had to live with it. ... I made a decision to find a better situation for myself, and it couldn't have worked out more perfectly. It's perfect."

It wasn't that Sibert never had his chance. He began his sophomore season as a main fixture in Ohio State's rotation, averaging 14 minutes on the the floor in the first 17 games. But a poor shooting percentage and mediocre defense led to diminished playing time, as he saw the floor in just four of the final 18 games. Then his minutes disappeared completely. He didn't play at all in the NCAA Tournament.

Sam Thompson was a freshman that year, and he saw his minutes increase as he became a reliable defender with length and athleticism ideal for Ohio State's run to the Final Four. Sibert was along for the ride, but became the odd man out as Thompson and Lenzelle Smith Jr. beat him out for the spot he once had firmly in his grasp.

"I probably would still be there if I didn't lose all of my minutes," Sibert said. "It is frustrating if you're playing a lot at the beginning of the year then you lose that playing time. I felt like I had to find a better situation."

But from Smith's point of view, coach Thad Matta had the right man on the court. And though Sibert's situation is often defined by how he shot the ball at Ohio State, Smith saw it from a different angle. He saw it in practice.

View full sizeTwo years after transferring from Ohio State, Jordan Sibert is Dayton's leading scorer with 12.5 points per game. He'll face his former team in the first round of the NCAA Tournament on Thursday. Associated Press

"He is successful at Dayton, but that doesn't mean he would be successful here," Smith said. "You have to be able to play a certain level of defense to play on this team. And as well as he does offensively, I don't know if he has that capability of playing the same caliber of defense that we need.

"We guard a little bit different in practice and games, so if you're struggling on offense your defense better be on top of your game. You better get 10 rebounds, if you can, or at least five steals. I think when he struggled, he wasn't producing the same type of effort on defense and that's what I think got to him a little bit."

The NCAA Tournament is the perfect stage for irony. Ohio State's biggest deficiency is poor shooting, particularly from beyond the arc, and now it is facing the player that likely could have helped it the most had he stayed in the program.

After sitting out last season under NCAA transfer rules, Sibert leads Dayton with 12.5 points per game as a redshirt junior, and he's shooting 43.9 percent from beyond the arc. Ohio State's best three-point shooters are LaQuinton Ross (36.2 percent) and Smith (33.6 percent).

But Sibert made only 21 of 82 long-range attempts as a freshman and sophomore. That's 25.6 percent. That's what Matta remembers.

"I think the way you see him playing right now is where I thought he'd be," Matta said. "I think he is a guy that could shoot the basketball. He didn't shoot a great percentage for us, but like I said, I think he's really happy with the role he has with Dayton. And that's all that matters to me -- that he's happy."

Sibert's happiness is where Matta's thoughts stopped. There are no regrets from his standpoint, and he doesn't lay awake at night asking himself, "what-if?" Players leave, then you move the ones you have into the right spots.

Matta chose defense. He'll choose that every time.

View full sizeLenzelle Smith Jr. beat out Sibert for the starting shooting guard spot two years ago. Smith remains a starter while Sibert is at Dayton. Associted Press

"(His defense) was probably one of the things (that caused him to lose playing time)," Matta said. "I never really thought of that -- in the last two years, I should say, because I was thinking about it all the time then."

With Sibert, it was more about his trouble remaining a viable defensive option when he wasn't making his shot. Smith also goes into very cold shooting slumps -- "I'm kind of in one now," he quipped “-- but always remains valuable on the boards and on defense. That's why Smith won the job.

Senior point guard Aaron Craft, who lived with Sibert and Deshaun Thomas the year before Sibert's departure, tried to get him to stay. The defense will come, Craft urged his former roommate.

"It is always frustrating when you aren't playing as much as you think you should." Craft said. "Obviously living with Deshaun and I, with the amount we played, it was always tough."

Sibert wanted a new start, and there was no convincing him otherwise. Now he'll get a chance to prove what he thought he should have finished at Ohio State.

"I would be lying if I said I didn't have an edge about me or I wasn't hyped about it," Sibert said. "I definitely want to go out there and perform. But the thing is, I don't want to go out there and lose my mind and end up losing the game because of it."

But Sibert already got what he wanted.

Two years ago he was one of the unbothered players in Ohio State's locker room as it made a run to the Final Four.

Now the lights are on his face. 

Here are what podcasts and blogs from Cleveland are saying about the Cavaliers and Indians. Featured today are Wahoo's On First, Right Down Euclid Podcast and Waiting For Next Year.

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

Cavaliers

Rebuilding is not easy in any professional sport. There are no guarantees. In fact, Alamar’s 2013 Sloan panel was titled “True Performance and The Science of Randomness.” Alamar recalled a time when a GM, obviously Presti, texted him about Brook Lopez beating up on his team. Shortly thereafter, he shared this caveat about using analysis within an organization’s strategy: “And baked in, there’s an understanding that there’s risk involved. There’s no certainty in the data. It’s not fact. It’s just a probability.”

So when will the storyline be about the Cavaliers, the team that get rich quick? It’s all in the odds. With brilliant minds like Ben Alamar and Jon Nichols working for the team, you should probably stand pat for now, not necessarily double down. There won’t be just one decision or one jaw-dropping hat that changes everything. But over time, assuming the organization holds the course, it’s likely the success probability will be tilted just a little bit better.

Indians

The Browns also did not attend the pro day for Louisville's Teddy Bridgewater earlier this week.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Hey Teddy Bridgewater, don't feel bad.

Browns coach Mike Pettine, offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan and quarterbacks coach Dowell Loggains all skipped the Pro Day of University of Central Florida quarterback Blake Bortles on Wednesday too, league sources told cleveland.com.

The trio also stayed away from Bridgewater's underwhelming Pro Day Monday at Louisville -- but Browns general manager Ray Farmer attended both sessions.

According to Tony Pauline of draftinsider.net, Farmer met with Bortles Wednesday morning before the Pro Day and set up a private workout with the Browns.

The Browns were one of five teams that spent time with Bortles leading up to his Pro Day, according to ESPN's Sal Palantonio. The others were the Texans, Jaguars, Raiders, and Vikings. All five pick in the top eight of the draft.

While Pettine stayed away from the Bortles' showcase, head coaches from four of the top eight teams in the first round of the draft were in attendance. They were Texans coach Bill O'Brien (No. 1), Jaguars coach Gus Bradley (No. 3), Bucs coach Lovie Smith (No. 7) and Vikings coach Mike Zimmer (No. 8).

Vikings offensive coordinator Norv Turner was also there.

So what does it mean that the Browns' key coaches aren't attending the Pro Days of these top quarterbacks?

And will they handle Johnny Manziel's Pro Day March 27th the same way?

A source said not to read too much into it, because the Browns will most likely conduct private workouts with all of top prospects and also bring them to Berea for visits and medical exams.

But it also might mean that Farmer is serious when he says he might not necessarily pick a quarterback at No. 4 overall. It could also be designed to throw other teams off during this pre-draft period of rampant lying and smokescreens.

John McClain of the Houston Chronicle reported Wednesday, "Bortles had a long meeting with the Texans last night. Will meet with them again in Houston.''

And Greg Augman of the Tampa Bay Times tweeted, "Jaguars spent 90 minutes with Blake Bortles (Wednesday) night.''

The Browns also opted not to interview any of the quarterbacks at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis last month.

By most accounts, Bortles outperformed Bridgewater with a solid Pro Day performance, which was orchestrated by Bortles' tutor and NFL quarterback Jordan Palmer. USA Today's Tom Pelissero reported that he completed 41 of 50 attempts, with six deep misses, including several overthrows.

“I thought it looked like it was supposed to look,'' NFL Network's Mike Mayock said on the air. "When you’re talking about a (6’4, 229-pound) quarterback, he’s athletic and that’s obvious. I thought Jordan Palmer did a nice job of highlighting what this kid does well; a lot of movement, a lot of throws both left and right, short, intermediate and deep. I thought it was really solid from every perspective.

"Again, I always say I have to see a quarterback throw live and it’s just another box for me to check off. (He has) really good arm strength; I wouldn’t say elite, I’d say really good. I think the word for this kid is potential. He’s young, he’s got a lot of work to do – I can see that on tape – but what I saw out there is he’s potentially a franchise quarterback.”

Mayock, who panned Bridgewater's subpar workout on Monday, so no similar red flags in Bortles' performance.

"The kid threw the ball – we talked about how well he would throw the football, he did,'' said Mayock. "He did everything you’d ask and that’s what you want from a potential first-round quarterback. You just want to check the boxes and that’s why 95 percent of the workouts are good from high-level quarterbacks because they come in, you see arm strength, you see accuracy, you see movement skills and today we saw all of that.”

 Unfortunately for Bridgewater, he fell in that other 5%.

"(He was) very average at best,'' Mayock said on air Monday. "To be honest, I expected a little more. …I saw a lot of flutters, a lot of inaccuracy.''

NFL Network analyst Kurt Warner was also not impressed.

"I think he's got some things to work on from a mechanical standpoint…the more movement you have, the more inaccurate you're going to be,'' he said.

With Johnny Football up next, will the Browns top coaches attend? Or will they wait for his private workout too?

Gee started in place of injured Luol Deng on Tuesday and was tasked with stopping LeBron James. He might start again Thursday, and will have to slow down Kevin Durant.

INDEPENDENCE, Ohio – For Alonzo Gee's first game as a starter since Dec. 23, the Cavaliers small forward earned the honor of defending Miami's LeBron James, the NBA's two-time defending MVP.

James scored 43 points.

For what likely will be Gee's second start in that span and perhaps his second game earning more than 20 minutes of play since Feb. 7, he will have the delightful opportunity of attempting to contain Oklahoma City's Kevin Durant.

Durant is averaging 31.8 points per game, the highest of his career.

"Nobody can really defend those guys one-on-one," Cavaliers coach Mike Brown said. "[But] after watching the tape, I said to him in front of the group before the film session started, 'I know you guys are probably going to look at me like I'm crazy, but Zo, you did a decent job on LeBron. You did a nice job on LeBron.'"

"Nice" is relative considering James hit 14 of 19 attempts. But the Heat star was in a self-professed "zone" and hit all but one shot attempt en route to 25 first-quarter points.

"It's one of those things that you just tip your hat off to LeBron for who he is," Brown said. "You appreciate the effort that Zo gave."

Particularly since Gee's minutes have dropped significantly since the Cavaliers acquired Luol Deng via trade, and even before that when Brown began using his preferred three-guard lineup.

Gee is averaging 15.5 minutes, the lowest of his four-year stint with the Cavaliers. Still, he's a steady player that Brown can depend upon when needed; Deng remains a game-time decision with a sprained left ankle.

"He's going to have to bring it again tomorrow night whether he starts or comes off the bench," Brown said. "KD's another guy who you can't really guard [alone]. You just hope that he misses some shots. You try to make him work as hard as you can."

Gee wasn't all defense against Miami, though. He also added 12 points on 5-for-11 shooting, and delivered one of the game's highlight moments when he slammed in a putback dunk in the first quarter.

Although the Cavaliers are facing their second league MVP candidate in two days while  six games behind the final Eastern playoff spot, and the 49-18 Thunder own the third-best record in the league, Brown is confident that Gee and the rest of his squad won't quit.

"I've been in this league a long time -- 99 percent of teams in our situation would have folded up shop right now and tried to coast through the rest of the season," Brown said. "But it matters to the guys in the locker room when we lose. And they feel good about winning. As long as we continue to fight, try to be consistent with it, I'm going to have the confidence in them no matter who we play."

Cavs vs. Thunder

Time: 7 p.m. Thursday at The Q.

TV/radio: Fox Sports Ohio, WTAM AM/1100.

Notable: This is the second of a three-game homestand for the Cavaliers. ... Cleveland topped the Thunder, 114-104, in the first meeting between the teams, as the Cavaliers outscored Oklahoma City, 42-28, in the fourth quarter.

"Cleveland is everything to me - it is where I grew up, it is where I went to high school," LaForce said. "I went to college in Ohio, my first job out of college was in Cleveland. ... And I'll be a suffering Cleveland sports fan for life and that will never change. I know they are the greatest fans in the land. I love my hometown and my city.

BUFFALO, N.Y. – Allie LaForce has been loving life since she relocated to Southern California nearly a year and a half ago, but she was overjoyed when she found out she was headed to Buffalo. Seriously.

Formerly with WJW Channel 8 in Cleveland, LaForce, now a national sideline reporter and talkshow host with CBS Sports Network, couldn't wait to cover the NCAA Tournament. 

"I was thrilled because there are so many Ohio connections," LaForce said while preparing for tomorrow's first round games, one of which is No. 6 Ohio State vs. No. 11 Dayton.

A native of Vermilion, Ohio, LaForce attended Ohio University before landing positions in Cleveland out of college. Then CBS found her clips on YouTube, and her career has skyrocketed ever since. 

Now she's mingling with top college basketball coaches and preparing for her on-air role as a sideline reporter for the NCAA Tournament games. It helps her already enthusiastic nature that she's covering an Ohio State program she grew up admiring. 

"I grew up an Ohio State fan, I was there when the football team won the Fiesta Bowl in the national championship in Tempe," she said. "My family drove all the way across the country to see that game. I grew up a Buckeye basketball fan as well." 

LaForce is engaged to former Cleveland Indians reliever Joe Smith, who is now with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, and she's excited about what's to come with her career. She's already done everything from college basketball to NFL playoff games, and she's the co-host or "Lead Off" with Doug Gottlieb. 

Though she's living the dream in Southern California – not to mention all the fun travelling she's been doing with her job – LaForce said she'll always have a huge spot in her heart for Cleveland. 

"Cleveland is everything to me - it is where I grew up, it is where I went to high school," LaForce said. "I went to college in Ohio, my first job out of college was in Cleveland. ... And I'll be a suffering Cleveland sports fan for life and that will never change. I know they are the greatest fans in the land. I love my hometown and my city. 

"I really defend Cleveland when people talk bad about them no matter where I go because I think it is a wonderful place and somewhere I will always call home. Hopefully it can be home eventually down the road again." 

Orange County will just have to suffice for now. 

For the complete interview with LaForce, see the video above. 

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The 1984-85 boys basketball season is one coach Tedd Kwasniak tries to forget. It was the only one between 1981 and 1999 that his teams at the school now known as Villa Angela-St. Joseph did not go to the regional tournament. That’s when Brian Parker Sr. and East High got in his way.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The 1984-85 boys basketball season is one coach Tedd Kwasniak tries to forget. It was the only one between 1981 and 1999 that his teams at the school now known as Villa Angela-St. Joseph did not go to the regional tournament.

That’s when Brian Parker Sr. and East High got in his way.

“He was the reason we lost,” Kwasniak said. “And I mean, he was the reason.”

But for Kwasniak, who is now an assistant for the Vikings while his son, Babe, is head coach, it’s nearly impossible to go even a day without thinking about that game because Parker’s son, Brian Parker Jr., is on the current Vikings team.

“Papa Kwas reminds me about it all the time,” Parker Jr. said.

Parker Sr., 47, was the driving force behind taking East to the state semifinals in 1985. Before East Tech did it this year, it was the last time a Cleveland public school had made it to Columbus.

Parker Jr. is proving to be a chip off the old block. He helped lead the Vikings to a state title last season in Division IV, and this year, he was named Division III co-player of the year by the Associated Press. He has helped the Vikings reach the state semifinals again, where they play Columbus Bishop Ready on Friday at 10:45 a.m. at Ohio State.

At 6-foot-7, Parker Sr. is five inches taller than his son, but that didn’t stop the former Cleveland State player from sharing his moves with him. While Parker, a junior on the Vikings, looks like a guard, he plays like a forward.

“He taught me all my post moves,” Parker Jr. said. “He would always emphasize pump fakes. I do that a lot.”

Parker Sr. was a punishing interior player for now-closed East, according to Tedd Kwasniak. He averaged 18 points and 10 rebounds as a senior. He was as competitive as they come, and that’s another characteristic his son has picked up.

“The worst part for Brian Parker [Jr.] is the pregame handshake,” Babe Kwasniak said. “He’d rather shake your hand after he tries to beat you. That’s refreshing.”

Parker Sr. believes his son first got interested in playing basketball by watching Cleveland State games with him. Parker Jr., who is his only son, began to fall in love with the game like he did.

Their bond strengthened over basketball, and the two Parkers talk before every game.

“I love him dearly," Parker Sr. said. "He’ll always be my son no matter how old he gets.”

The Parker family lives in Richmond Heights, but when it came to pick a high school, it settled on Villa Angela-St. Joseph.

During Parker’s freshman year, the Vikings were eliminated by the Spartans, and that defeat intensified his willingness to work harder.

“Of all games losing, I hated that game because they were my personal rival,” Parker Jr. said.

Since then, Parker Jr. has been on a mission. As a sophomore, he started for a team that went down to Columbus last season for the state tournament.

The trip to the Ohio State campus meant another generation of the Parker family would have a chance at a title.

“It was probably more exciting to watch him play because I knew what it meant,” Parker Sr. said. “I knew how difficult it was to get there.”

The Vikings got the job done. They defeated Leipsic, 87-63, and Parker Jr. had 15 points for his team in the state championship win.

Parker Jr. hasn’t been satisfied with just one title, though. He’s come back this season as a better player. He’s averaging 17.7 points, 6.4 rebounds and 5.5 assists per game, while shooting 61 percent from the field.

He knows that he’s part of something special at Villa Angela-St. Joseph and is on the path to be remembered one day like father at East.

“I’m hoping to leave a legacy here,” Parker Jr. said. “I’m not trying to win three in a row. I’m trying to win one. It’s hard enough to win one.”

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.

Trevor Bauer will pitch against Oakland in a Class AAA game against Oakland on Thursday. Manager Terry Francona says Bauer's fastball command is imnproving. Watch video

GOODYEAR, Ariz. – Manager Terry Francona says Trevor Bauer is still in the race for the open spot in the rotation although he hasn’t pitched in a Cactus League game since getting knocked around by the Angels on March 10.

“He’s still in camp,” said Francona. “As long as guys are still in camp (they’re in competition). We told guys we’d talk to them when we thought it was appropriate.

“I do think with Trevor looking at the big picture is important. We really value this kid. We think at some point whether it’s next week or two weeks from now, he’s going to help us win games.”

Josh Tomlin, Carlos Carrasco and Aaron Harang are pitching for the job as well. All three have been pitching well.

The Indians have stressed to Bauer that they want him to improve his fastball command.

“Trevor will pitch against Oakland in a Triple-A game on Thursday,” said Francona. “His last couple of bullpen sessions have been better. He’s really trying hard.”

Bauer has one option left.

Bonus time: Harang, Jason Giambi and David Aardsma are eligible for $100,000 retention bonuses on March 25 if they agree to start the season in the minors. If they do, they can opt out of the contract by June 1 if they have not been added to the big league club or the big league disabled list.

The Indians can avoid paying the bonus by releasing the players before March 25 or adding them to the 25-man roster or disabled list by opening day.

Roster cuts: The Indians optioned right-handers Preston Guilmet and Frank Herrmann, left-hander Colt Hynes and infielder David Adams to Class AAA Columbus. There are 42 players still in camp.

Herrmann had Tommy John surgery on his right elbow on March 31 and spent all last season rehabbing. He made two appearances and was hit hard, allowing six runs on eight hits in 1 2/3 innings.

“He gave up some runs and we tried to explain to him that his camp was a complete success,” said Francona. “Now he just needs to go out and enjoy getting back to his form and maybe being even better than he was before.

“He worked so hard last year that we tried to make him understand that he should enjoy the next couple of months because you put in all that time last year. He put himself in position to working his way back to helping the major league team.”

Good sign: Bryan LaHair, in his second Cactus League game of the spring, went 3-for-4 Tuesday night against the Giants. They were his first hits since undergoing surgery on his left wrist in September.

LaHair was back in the lineup on Wednesday against the A’s at first base.

“Anytime you hit the ball well and have some good at-bats, it gives you some extra confidence,” said LaHair, in camp on a minor-league deal. “I just want to continue to have good at bats.”

Just where LaHair will be at the end of March is unknown except that he won’t be with the big league club. It will be interesting to see if the Indians send him to Triple-A or if he would agree to go.

As for the Tribe’s message to LaHair concerning his immediate future, Francona said, “We really haven’t talked to him. We just wanted to see get him healthy so we could watch him play.”

What’s up Zach? Zach McAllister said there was one saving grace about his performance Tuesday against the Giants.

“It’s nice that it was spring training and it doesn’t count,” said McAllister. “That’s what is nice about it.”

Other than that, McAllister said he didn’t get the job done. The Giants scored nine runs on six hits, including three homers, in three innings against him.

“The results weren’t there and it was a rough night for the majority of us pitchers,” said McAllister. “It was combination of things. I missed a little bit, they put some good swings on pitches and they hit some good pitches. It was one of those nights.”

Finally: Nyjer Morgan returned to the lineup on Wednesday and had no ill effects from the strained left calf muscle that sidelined him for five days. “I’m just trying to open some eyes,” said Morgan. “I got to show off the wheels a little. I’m fine.”

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Luke Kennard could have been Mr. Football. Instead, he has won the state's top award in basketball first. The 6-foot-6 Franklin High School junior, also an all-state quarterback, was a unanimous choice as winner of the Ohio Associated Press Mr. Basketball award, emblematic of the best boys player in the state.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Luke Kennard could have been Mr. Football. Instead, he has won the state's top award in basketball first.

The 6-foot-6 Franklin High School junior, also an all-state quarterback, was a unanimous choice as winner of the Ohio Associated Press Mr. Basketball award, emblematic of the best boys player in the state.

His numbers were staggering. Maybe that's why the list of his final five college basketball choices reads like a who's who: Duke, Ohio State, Kentucky, North Carolina and Michigan. He notes that those are in no particular order.

Kennard averaged 41 points, 10.4 rebounds, four assists and two steals a game. He scored 50 points or more three times while shooting over 50 percent from the field, 42 percent on 3-pointers and 85 percent at the line.

"He's a very intense guy. He's not a screamer but he'll kind of let you know what he wants, but do it in a very deliberate way," junior Sam Thompson said of Matta.

BUFFALO, N.Y – There were big brother, little brother questions put to Ohio State and Dayton on Wednesday before this in-state pseudo-rivalry taking place by the Canadian border. They were dismissed.

But there is a big brother, little brother aspect at play for the Buckeyes and Flyers, who meet in the NCAA Tournament at 12:15 p.m. Thursday. Sean Miller has been knocked out of the NCAA Tournament twice by friend, mentor and former boss Thad Matta, at Xavier in 2007 in overtime and at Arizona last season on a last-second LaQuinton Ross 3-pointer. Now Dayton coach Archie Miller can avenge his older brother by beating Matta, also his friend, mentor and former boss.

“When you work for Thad, you know how it is,” Miller said Wednesday. “He’ll walk around with a smile on his face, but he’s going to try and stomp on your head the first chance you get.”

That description is as good as any you’ll find for Matta, the 46-year-old coach who must be counted among the advantages for the No. 6 Buckeyes (25-9) as they prepare for the No. 11 Flyers (23-10). According to Stats Inc., Matta’s 78.1 career winning percentage in March and April (57-16) is second in the nation behind only Kentucky’s John Calipari. His 23-11 record in the NCAA Tournament leaves him ninth in winning percentage among coaches in the tournament with at least 10 games of NCAA experience.

The Buckeyes are the only team in the country to make the last four Sweet 16s. He’s pretty good this time of year, at least in the early rounds. Matta lost his first game just once, in 2009, in 11 NCAA appearances at Butler, Xavier and Ohio State. He’s 5-1 at Ohio State in his second tournament game.

Assistant Jeff Boals said Matta successfully keeps players fresh mentally and physically at the end of the year, one of several staffers to call Matta a psychological master. While guard Shannon Scott said Matta is the calmest coach he’s been around or heard about, forward Sam Thompson struggled to explain his coach’s approach.

“Thad is definitely not a screamer,” Thompson said. “But he’ll get into us if we’re messing up. He’s a very intense guy. He’s not a screamer but he’ll kind of let you know what he wants, but do it in a very deliberate way.

“He doesn’t want us feeling good, he doesn’t want us in a comfort zone. He wants our minds to be focused for the task at hand.”

Strength coach Dave Richardson, in his ninth season with Matta, said his boss is not a micromanager, but he’ll swing by to talk training methods on occasion. But Dave Engelhoff, the Buckeyes’ director of basketball operations who has been with Matta for eight seasons, remembers Matta wanting bigger towels in the locker room and longer beds in their dorm rooms to help the players be comfortable.

“He wants our guys waking up every day loving Ohio State and loving what they’re doing, and if they wake up happy and in a good mood, it’ll translate on the floor,” Engelhoff said.

When the Buckeyes prep for a tournament team, as they did Sunday night when the bracket came out, assistant Greg Paulus runs through the offensive plays that he thinks should work against the opponent. Boals breaks down how Ohio State is going to defend, Thompson calling him “a defensive genius.”

Matta oversees the session with remote in hand, running back plays he wants to go over again.

He has dropped Will Ferrell movie clips into video sessions in the past. But recent viewing while prepping for the Flyers emphasized the small mistakes, sometimes early in the game, that ended Ohio State’s last three NCAA trips. Their losses to Wichita State in the Elite Eight, Kansas in the Final Four and Kentucky in the Sweet 16 the last three years were by a total of eight points. Ohio State hasn’t lost an NCAA Tournament game by more than four points since the 84-75 national title game loss to Florida in 2007.

Matta doesn’t yell about those little mistakes – maybe an open 3-pointer allowed in the first 10 minutes – but he wants the players to absorb them.

“He does a phenomenal job of motivating guys and getting the best out of them without being critical,” Richardson said. “His coaching style is different than most guys I’ve been around.”

Getting last season’s team, with this roster plus Deshaun Thomas and Evan Ravenel, within four points of the Final Four was probably Matta’s best coaching job. That would be unless he gets this group to make a lengthy run.

First he has to get them past this first game, get himself to 24-11 in the tournament, 11-1 in the opening round and 3-0 against the Millers.

Smile. Stomp.

“(Darn) right,” Matta said, grinning when told of Miller’s comment.

Matta said how happy he was for Miller, who reached the NCAA Tournament for the first time as a head coach. But then he said when the game’s going on, he won’t even notice whom the other coach is.

The Buckeyes will notice who’s leading them. Even if they can’t exactly explain him.

Redshirt freshman Jalin Marshall will be lost for the remainder of spring practice after undergoing knee surgery on Friday morning. The receiver is expected to miss four-to-six weeks, but he's expected to be ready for the beginning of fall camp.

BUFFALO, N.Y. – Ohio State sophomore Jalin Marshall had knee surgery on Friday morning, a source close to the situation told Cleveland.com on Wednesday evening. The news was first reported by Bucknuts.com.

The surgery was to repair a torn meniscus and he'll be out four-to-six weeks, keeping him out for the remainder of spring practice.

The injury comes at a bad time for Marshall, a former five-star prospect who spent last year redshirting while learning the wide receiver position. 

Marshall, a former quarterback in high school, is expected to compete for playing time this year after the Buckeyes lost leading receiver Corey "Philly" Brown.

Coach Urban Meyer singled out Marshall as a player who made vast improvements after Ohio State's first spring practice. 

Marshall should be back in time to fully participate in Ohio State's fall camp. 

Watch Andrew Hawkins talk about being a Cleveland Brown after signing a four-year, $13.6 million deal that the Bengals declined to match.

BEREA, Ohio – Andrew Hawkins officially became a Cleveland Brown when the Bengals declined Tuesday to match the Browns offer for the restricted free agent wide receiver.

The Browns made it difficult for the Bengals to match when they frontloaded the four-year $13.6 million deal, with a $3.8 signing bonus and $10.8 million over the first two years.

Hawkins (5-7, 180) will replace recently released slot receiver Davone Bess.

In 2008, Hawkins participated in the Browns rookie minicamp after he went undrafted out of Toledo.  He then played two years (2009-10) with the Montreal Alouettes in the Canadian Football League.

Hawkins broke into the NFL in 2011 as a free agent with St. Louis. He was acquired by the Bengals via waivers before that season began.

In 2012, Hawkins became the Bengals regular slot receiver and ranked third on the team in both reception (51) and receiving yards (533) with four TDs.

Last year, he played in only the final eight games because of a broken ankle suffered in the preseason.

Hawkins becomes the sixth free agent signed by the Browns in the last week.  He joins safety Donte Whitner, inside linebacker Karlos Dansby, cornerback Isaiah Trufant, tight end Jim Dray and running back Ben Tate.

On Twitter: @CLEvideos

Northern Ohio fishermen are in transition this week, wrapping up the ice fishing season and getting ready for open water spring fishing now that the vernal equinox has arrived.

CLEVELAND, Ohio – Northern Ohio fishing is in transition this week, as anglers wrap up the ice fishing season and get ready for open water spring fishing now that the vernal equinox has arrived.

There is still ice around the region thick enough to support fishermen, but no ice is ever really safe. That is especially true this week, as windy, warm, wet weather has created lots of open water on ponds, lakes and all around Western Lake Erie.

The days are starting to get longer, the warming weather is stutter stepping into the region and the rivers all along the Lake Erie shoreline are losing their ice cover. The rivers are in poor shape after this week's rains and snowmelt. They will take a few days to clear before steelhead trout fishermen will find consistent success.

INLAND LAKES, RESERVOIRS

Hatchery rainbow trout are in the spotlight, with stockings scheduled all around the area.

The Cleveland Metroparks began its spring stockings of foot-long trout in the East Branch of the Rocky River at mid-week, with trout sprinkled throughout the stream from Rt. 82 in Strongsville to just south of Wallace Lake in Berea. It could take the trout a few days to become acclimated to the chilly waters.

The Ohio Division of Wildlife is stocking Granger Pond at Mentor's Veterans Park in the Lake County Metroparks with trout on Wednesday. State stockings will continue on April 1 at Hinckley Lake in Hinckley, Shadow Lake in Solon and the pond at the Westlake Recreation Center. Forest Hill Pond in East Cleveland and the Painesville Recreation Park Pond will be stocked with trout on April 4.

Pymatuning Reservoir ice fishing is fair on the remaining good ice. The hot spots for crappie, yellow perch and walleye have been around Cabin Beach off the state park on the Ohio side, and off Manning's Landing and Tuttle Point on the Pennsylvania side of the big reservoir. Some fish are being caught from open water along the causeway.

Mosquito Creek Reservoir ice is quickly melting. A few anglers have been taking advantage of the open water along the causeway to catch crappie and walleye. Around the Portage Lakes, Nimisila ice anglers are taking some nice crappies while Long Lake anglers are fishing the shoreline for crappie.

The tailwater fishing should be good in the coming days. Good lakes to try include Atwood, Charles Mill, Pymatuning and Mosquito.

Few fishing reports are available for most of the northeast Ohio lakes. Anglers have been reluctant to risk heading out on the ice this week, with most waiting for open water spring fishing.

RIVERS AND STREAMS

The local rivers are now open, but this week's rain and snowmelt has kicked up river levels and muddied the steelhead trout waters. To monitor the water levels and flow of all of Ohio's major rivers pouring into Lake Erie visit riverboss.com.

The optimistic experts predict some steelhead trout could be caught as early as Sunday by targeting the upstream tributaries as the waters clear.

LAKE ERIE

The ice is hanging around along the Ohio shoreline of Western Lake Erie, but extreme caution is needed when heading out. The cracks are widening along the shoreline. There is a risk of major ice floes breaking off with the windy weather and Lake Erie current.

The best ice fishing for walleye and yellow perch has moved closer to shore, with reports of good catches 3 to 3.5 miles off the beaches at Camp Perry, Magee Marsh and Crane Creek. Life jackets or float suits are a must; as is a full complement of safety gear, including marine electronics, cell phones or a marine radio. Keep an eye on weather reports.

Rain, sleet or snow is predicted for the weekend, along with brisk southerly and westerly winds.

DOG TRIAL RESULTS

All-Breed Hunter's Trial

Columbia Game Club, Sullivan

All-Age – Pointing: Bill Keplar, English pointer (EP), Huck; Dan Kaminski, German shorthaired pointer, Tucker. Flushing: Rachel Reznik, Labrador retriever (Lab), Amber; Regis Wolanin, English springer spaniel (ESS), Dakota; John Masseria, ESS, Coriander.

Open – Pointing: Bill Keplar, EP, Peaches; Dale Berthold, EP, Lacey; Greg James, Irish setter, Cooper. Flushing: Justin Reznik, Lab, Lily; Dan Steingraber, ESS, Scout; Nick Chmara, Lab, Malley.

Derby – Pointing: No awards. Flushing: Dan Steingraber, Lab, June; Matthew Jackson, Lab, Tana.

Puppy – Pointing: No awards. Flushing: Dan Steingraber, Lab, June; Matthew Jackson, Lab, Tana; Don Spice, golden retriever, Jackson.

Greg Cahlik Memorial All-Breed Hunter's Trial

R & G Ventures, Chatham Twp.

Dogs of the Day – Pointing: Bill Kepler, English pointer (EP), Jazz. Flushing: Dwight Gregory, golden retriever (GR), Jesse.

All-Age – Pointing: Marc Toennies, English setter (ES), Hazel; Jim Schina, EP, Jager; Gary Thozeski, Brittany (Brit), Chili; Gary Thozeski, Brit, Ember. Flushing: Shawn McCraw, English springer spaniel (ESS), Dolly; Joan Kelley, ESS, Titan; Lou Monaco, ESS, Casey; Eric Lingler, Labrador retriever (Lab), Duke.

Gun Dog – Pointing: Bill Kepler, EP, Jazz; Bill Kepler, EP, Peaches; Dale Dike, Brit, Nash; Deb Hronek, EP, Tec. Flushing: Dwight Gregory, GR, Jesse; John Kristof, GR, Molly; Ed Karban, Lab, Hershey; John Kelley, Lab, Duke.

Derby – Pointing: Ed Karban, ES, Apollo; Mike Lemineger, Lab, Sandy. Flushing: Joel Steingraber, Lab, June; Mike Lemmeyer, Lab, Sandy; Jacob Steingraber, Lab, Drake; Eddie Karban, Lab, Thor.

Puppy – Pointing: Bob Morris, German shorthaired pointer, Mattie. Flushing: Joel Steingraber, Lab, June; Adam O'Neil, GR, Zoey; Joe May, Honest, n/a; Don Spice, GR, Jaxson.

Senior – Pointing: Joe Pitts, EP, Rocky; Rodger Schock, EP, Maggie; Joe Kusmierczyk, EP, Mack; John Costanzo, EP, Haily. Flushing: Howard Shanklin, Lab, Jack; Nick Divita, ESS, Tobey; Ed Karban, Chesapeake Bay retriever, Zeus; Ron Burkey, Lab, Swaaade.

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Before the season started, Jalen Hudson had it all figured out. He was going to lead St. Vincent-St. Mary to a state title and the head to Virginia Tech to play college basketball. But in the span of a week, Hudson's plan were turned upside down. First on Monday, Virginia Tech fired its head basketball coach,...

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Before the season started, Jalen Hudson had it all figured out. He was going to lead St. Vincent-St. Mary to a state title and the head to Virginia Tech to play college basketball.

But in the span of a week, Hudson's plan were turned upside down. First on Monday, Virginia Tech fired its head basketball coach, James Johnson. That has caused Hudson, who signed with the Hokies in November, to reconsider his college choices.

"I'm going to wait and see who the coach is before I make a decision," Hudson said. "Right now, I'm committed to Virginia Tech."

On Thursday, Hudson's week went from bad to worse, as St. Vincent-St. Mary lost 56-51 to Columbus Bishop Watterson in the Division II state semifinal. It was the second straight year that Hudson's season ended at the hands of the Eagles.

Hudson and the Irish were ready for the rematch but the result was still the same.

"There were no surprises," Hudson said. "We prepared for them all week, but we just couldn't finish around the basket."

Hudson was one of the few St. Vincent-St. Mary players who played well on Thursday. In his final game, he finished with 18 points, five rebounds and four blocks.

Before the game began, Hudson was nervous about the possibility that Thursday could be his last time wearing the Irish uniform.

"It's nerve wrecking," Hudson said. "I just wanted to leave it all out on the floor while I was out there.:

Hudson was one of two senior starters for the Irish. He was a first-team member of the Northeast Inland District Division II team along with teammate VJ King.

The senior also piled up the wins. He led the Irish to Columbus in each of the last two seasons, and he will be missed by coach Dru Joyce.

"I applaud the effort of these guys, especially Jalen,"  Joyce said. "We're going to miss him. I feel him for in this moment because I know the commitment that he made."

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.

Wesley Saunders led the Crimson (27-4) with 12 points as Harvard pulled off an upset for the second straight year.

SPOKANE, Wash. -- Those kids from Harvard are getting a passing grade when it comes to the first game of the NCAA tournament.

Ask New Mexico last year. Ask Cincinnati now.

Siyani Chambers scored 11 points, including five straight in the final two minutes, and 12th-seeded Harvard won its second NCAA tournament game in history, upsetting Cincinnati 61-57 Thursday.

HIGHLIGHT: @hoopsatharvard gets the upset over Cincinnati. (by @InfinitiUSA) #MarchMadness http://t.co/TlQtQd079G

-- NCAA March Madness (@marchmadness) March 20, 2014

Wesley Saunders led the Crimson (27-4) with 12 points as Harvard proved last year's upset of New Mexico as a 14 seed was no fluke. The Crimson became the first Ivy League school with NCAA tournament wins in consecutive years since Princeton in 1983-84. They will play either Michigan State or Delaware in the third round.

Harvard never trailed after the opening moments. They played with confidence and scrap against the No. 5 seed Bearcats, who shared the American Athletic Conference regular season title. Sean Kilpatrick led seed Cincinnati (27-7) with 18 points, but the Bearcats failed to win a tournament game for the second straight year.

There was a reason Harvard was a popular upset pick. Even President Barack Obama had the Crimson taking out the Bearcats.

The reason: defense and balance. All five starters averaged in double figures for the season and that balance was needed against Cincinnati's aggressive defense. Laurent Rivard, the Crimson's 3-point specialist, finished with 11 points, while Steve Moundou-Missi and Brandyn Curry both scored nine.

Harvard also improved to 15-0 this season when holding its opponent to 60 points or less. They entered the tournament with the 13th best scoring defense in the country. That defense helped overcome a shaky performance at the free throw line where Harvard was 17 of 28.

Cincinnati had its chances. Justin Jackson finished with 13 points and 11 rebounds, but the Bearcats shot only 37 percent and missed a number of shots around the rim.

Harvard withstood the early second-half push from the Bearcats. Jackson's dunk while being fouled and subsequent free throw pulled Cincinnati within 42-39 and Titus Rubles' driving layup later trimmed the margin to 45-43.

The Crimson then forced turnovers on three straight Bearcats' possessions. Saunders flipped in a driving finger roll to push the lead to five. As Harvard went to the bench for a timeout, Chambers grinned and coach Tommy Amaker pumped his fists in approval.

Harvard was not going to be denied another moment. They got second and third chances at their own misses. They littered the floor scrounging for loose balls.

Cincinnati went more than five minutes without scoring.

But the Bearcats fought back and cut the lead to one before Chambers stepped up. He hit a pullup 17-footer with 1:57 left for a 56-53 lead. Kyle Casey then drew an offensive foul against Kilpatrick with 1:33 left.

Chambers hit a trio of free throws in the final minute and Saunders sealed it hitting a pair with 11 seconds left, setting off the celebration.

Every team has to have someone who's accountable, who will take responsibility for winning or losing when the ball is not in his team's hands. That thankless role was Craft's.

BUFFALO, N.Y. – At 2:19 p.m. Thursday, while Dayton players romped exuberantly and screamed joyously around him, Aaron Craft bent over near the basket where his final shot had missed. His hands were on his knees, in the age-old basketball body language of exhaustion and dejection, after Ohio State's 60-59 defeat.

Craft’s career was over at Ohio State because there were no more games for the senior to play. This is what happens to players who go to college as a serious commitment, not as a stopover on the way to the NBA. Players like Craft graduate and move on to careers that have more meaningful ups and downs than a bouncing ball. The last final horn is as sharp a break as a bone for them and for the coaches who taught them.

“All the early departures we’ve had, all the guys came back and said, ‘Hey, the NBA is great, but, man, I miss college,” said Ohio State coach Thad Matta the other day. "They say you can always go back and get your degree, but, in essence, you really can’t go back to college.”

This is why, even bowed in defeat, someone like Aaron Craft will be the player with whom Ohio State fans will identify -- average size, intense commitment, someone who got everything he could out of his basketball career and his entire college experience.

Three times an Academic All-American as the most academically imposing Ohio State basketball player since Jerry Lucas, Craft has in common with the great icon of the 1960s outstanding grades in demanding majors, outstanding teams and white skin. (Craft’s cheeks, rosy red from effort, seemed to accentuate that.) Nothing more. Maybe he needs nothing more.

Lucas was a highly skilled offensive player. Craft was never that guy. He was in an agony of mistrust any time he was faced with an open outside shot Thursday, usually choosing to pass it up.

He did not trust his off hand, his left, and made a layup from the pretzel position that gave Ohio State its last lead in the last 15.5 seconds from the left side, shooting right handed, against taller defenders.

The attention usually goes to offense. Even when it begins away from the ball, the self-aggrandizing dunk on a cut for an alley-oop pass is what makes the highlights.

Mike Conley was a better playmaker than Craft. Scoonie Penn, too. In a vastly different game, and out of the center position, Lucas was probably a better facilitator than Craft was at guard. (The lack of a catch-and-shoot scorer this season on Craft's passes off penetration helped clinch that argument.)

But Craft actually dominated games with hustle and defense. It is an ironic twist that what he said was the fourth game-winner  against him in his Ohio State career Thursday ended it.

The best team Craft played on lost to Kentucky when Brandon Knight scored over him in the 2011 Sweet 16. The worst team lost to the Flyers on Thursday when Vee Sanford got a step on Craft going right and banked in a floater in the final four seconds.

Part of the Flyers’ victory margin was the two free throws on an intentional foul correctly assessed to Craft. He is not a dirty player, by any means, but he made no attempt to play the ball then, and he has always pushed contact to the very limits of the rules.

Below average in offense, Craft had his own floating shot, taken after a headlong drive, taken amid a knot of Flyers, rattle the rim and kiss the glass and fall out of the basket as time ran out.

“It’s the way our season has gone. I thought I got it high enough, but obviously I didn’t,” he said.

In basketball, we celebrate the buzzer-beaters. CBS montages show Bryce Drew, eternally young, on the tipped-pass shot he turned into a stunning game-winner for Valparaiso against Mississippi; or Christian Laettner, his arms forever held up in celebration, as his shot went down against Kentucky in overtime; or Tyus Edney, again saving UCLA’s 11th and last national championship with a baseline-to-baseline dash against Missouri.

But it also takes a leader, someone willing to be accountable, to take the responsibility when the ball is not in his team’s hands. That thankless task was Craft's.

Craft brought more attention to defense probably than any non-shot-blocker ever. He was absolutely unique, reckless with his body, a player with a football background who, by anticipation, will and recklessness could close down the quickest guards of almost any size in college basketball.

"You look at his career, in my mind, in the 10 years I've been at Ohio State, he's going down as one of the greatest players ever to put on the scarlet and gray," said OSU coach Thad Matta. "I'd live and die with that kid any day of the year on what he's going to do defensively. Me telling him how to play defense would be me like me telling somebody how to build a rocket ship."

If Craft could just shoot adequately, he possibly could come off the bench in the NBA for eight to 10 disruptive minutes against a point guard who was about to take over a game.

Instead, his legacy will be that he represented all that is right in a player who became a star for doing the unglamorous stuff. And that he made the "student" in the term "student-athlete" far more than a cynical joke.