Cleveland Cavaliers point guard Kyrie Irving showed off his wide array of offensive skills early in Monday's game against the Indiana Pacers, even throwing down the 12th dunk of his NBA career.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Cleveland Cavaliers point guard Kyrie Irving showed off his wide array of offensive skills early in Monday's game against the Indiana Pacers, even throwing down the 12th dunk of his NBA career. 

Irving, listed at 6-foot-3, ran ahead of the defense and received an outlet pass from LeBron James for the uncontested slam to push the Cavs' lead to eight at the time. 

Kyrie gets UP in transition! @NBATV #NBARapidReplay #CLEatIND https://t.co/tgxbitBQ67

-- NBA (@NBA) February 2, 2016

The point guard scored six points in the first. 

The 2007 Crestwood graduate and Copley football assistant confirmed Monday he will replace Scott Pollock, pending school board approval. Tallmadge’s board of education is set to meet Wednesday, Feb...

CLEVELAND, Ohio – Alan Vanderink is set to become Tallmadge’s next football coach.

The 2007 Crestwood graduate and Copley football assistant confirmed Monday he will replace Scott Pollock, pending school board approval. Tallmadge’s board of education is set to meet Wednesday, Feb. 17.

Tallmadge finished 2-8 in 2015, and Pollock resigned in November after one season.

Copley was 9-2 and shared the Suburban League American Division title with Aurora. Vanderink coordinated the Indians’ passing game and special teams, helping an offense that scored at least 41 points in nine games.

Twinsburg plays in the same division, so Vanderink is familiar with the program.

“I know they played very young,” he said. “Eight of the 11 guys (on offense) were juniors or sophomores. I think they’ve got 14 starters back. Historically, you’re going to have great tough kids.”

This isn’t Vanderink’s first head coaching job. He guided Berkshire to a 4-6 record as a 23-year-old in 2012, but resigned when a full-time teaching job fell through.

Vanderink currently teaches physical education at Copley. He also joins new St. Vincent-St. Mary coach Marcus Wattley as the second former Copley assistant to land a head coaching job this winter.

At Crestwood, Vanderink played three sports. His former basketball coach, Josh Jakacki, posted Friday on Twitter congratulations to Vanderink for landing the Tallmadge job.

Day keeps getting better!! Former player and assistant coach Alan Vanderink just accepted Head Football position at Tallmadge 🏈 #proudday

— Josh Jakacki (@jakacki_ke) January 29, 2016

Vanderink excelled in track as a sprinter and earned 2007 Plain Dealer all-star honors, but football took him to Kent State on a scholarship. He played slot receiver, some running back and returned kicks, but a back injury ended his playing career as a junior.

Suddenly, Vanderink veered into coaching sooner than expected.

Former Kent State coach Doug Martin suggested Vanderink keep his scholarship as a student coach. He signaled plays and remained on staff for Darrell Hazel’s first season as Golden Flashes coach.

“That time was important for me to catapult me to today,” Vanderink said. “Without that, I don’t think I’d be where I’m at.”

Contact sports reporter Matt Goul on Twitter (@mgoul) or email (mgoul@cleveland.com). Or log in and leave a message below in the comments section.

It took half a dozen years and an overtime period, but the Cleveland Cavaliers finally snatched a win in Indiana, 111-106 over the Indiana Pacers on Monday night at Bankers Life Fieldhouse.

INDIANAPOLIS - It took half a dozen years and an overtime period, but the Cleveland Cavaliers finally snatched a win in Indiana with a 111-106 defeat of the Indiana Pacers on Monday night at Bankers Life Fieldhouse.

Cleveland (35-12) outscored Indiana (25-23) 15-10 in the extra five-minute period. The Cavs extended their win streak to five.

The Cavs' Kyrie Irving scored eight of his 25 points in overtime and he distributed seven assists. LeBron James provided 24 points, 12 boards and six assists. Kevin Love added 18 points and eight boards. J.R. Smith knocked down four 3-pointers and finished with 19 points.

The last time the Cavaliers won a game in Indiana was on Jan. 29, 2010. It was James' final season with the Cavaliers before taking off for South Beach. Before Monday, Irving had never tasted victory in this building.

Cavs coach Tyronn Lue said he wasn't aware of the six-year losing period.

"I'm aware now," he said before the game.

Due to injuries, Indiana is playing a conventional frontcourt lineup these days. The Cavaliers used their new high-tempo offense to wear down and tire out the slow-footed Pacers, and it allowed them to jump out to an early 14-point lead

James stole the ball from Paul George and was off for a breakaway dunk before the first-half buzzer sounded. Cleveland put up a whopping 60 points in the first half and held an 11-point advantage.

A different second half

Cleveland fell apart in the second half and it almost cost them the game.

Indiana regrouped and came out of the locker room motivated. They started the third quarter on an 11-2 run to trim the margin to one. Monta Ellis scored seven of his 14 points in that span. With 3:55 remaining in the quarter, the Pacers took the lead after a Myles Turner offensive put-back layup sent his team up two.

As for the Cavaliers in the quarter, their pace slowed down, they were outhustled, ball movement stopped, isolation returned, and sloppiness with the ball plagued the 12 minutes. They managed to score only 15 points and went into the final quarter down four.

Giving up offensive rebounds hurt the Cavaliers. Indiana led in that department, 17-10. In the fourth, James didn't box out Paul George as Indiana gathered another offensive possession. And to make matters worse, James didn't run after George in time as he ended up wide open for a baseline midrange jumper that he hit with a late James closing in.

On the other side of the ball, Irving had a mismatch on 6-11 Turner out on the perimeter midway in the quarter. Irving danced, dribbled in place and went nowhere as he eventually fumbled the ball and it led to a jump-ball. It was a wasted opportunity.

The next time down, James attempted to flush a one-handed jam in transition, but Turner blocked his stuff. It prompted an eruption of cheers in the sold-out arena. Turner did a little bit of everything. He had 14 points, 10 rebounds and four blocks.

Indiana had a chance to win it with the final possession of regulation, but Ellis milked the clock and put up a terrible shot that clanked off the backboard. The game went into overtime, where The Big Three scored all 15 of its team's points. Love had a huge block on George with 48 seconds left in OT that would have given the Pacers the lead. Cleveland took care of business from there.

Tristan Thompson registered 14 points and 12 rebounds. He was 7-for-7 from the field. Cleveland shot 50 percent for the night. After knocking down his second trey of the game late in the third, Smith passed his former teammate Mike Miller (1,577) for 18^th all-time in 3-pointers drained.

Cleveland has the best record in the NBA since Dec. 28 at 10-1.

On deck

The Charlotte Hornets will host the Cavaliers for the second time this season on Wednesday at 7 p.m. The game will be televised on FOX Sports Ohio. Cleveland defeated Charlotte 95-90 on Nov. 27.

Reghi says fans need to trust Hue Jackson to pick the right quarterback for the Browns. Watch video

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Michael Reghi is willing to acknowledge that skepticism towards the Browns' new front office is fair. He's not, however, willing to give fans cynical of new head coach Hue Jackson picking the next quarterback for this team the benefit of the doubt.

Reghi explained why he believes Jackson should get every opportunity to pick the quarterback he wants for the franchise and its future. Watch the video above.

A month-by-month look at the remaking the Browns.

Check out the January timeline here

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Browns are completely changing the way they're doing things this offseason. We're keeping up with all the offseason happenings with our timeline of the entire offseason. We'll have a separate post for each month of the offseason.

February 1, 2016

The probe into Johnny Manziel is ongoing.

NFL probe continues

February 2, 2016

And then the bomb drops.

Browns will waive Johnny Manziel on March 9

Here is the full statement:

#Browns statement on Johnny Manziel. File this under things you don't want your employer saying about you. pic.twitter.com/StfADOw9Fl

— Dan Labbe (@dan_labbe) February 2, 2016

The Ohio State football program will sign Florida defensive tackle Malik Barrow on Feb. 3 as part of its recruiting class for National Signing Day 2016. Here is an in-depth look at this member of the Buckeyes' recruiting class.

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- The Ohio State football program already has Florida defensive tackle Malik Barrow enrolled. He officially signs Feb. 3 as part of the Buckeyes'  recruiting class for National Signing Day 2016. Here is an in-depth look at him.

Malik Barrow

School: Bradenton (Fla.) IMG Academy 

Position: Defensive tackle 

Height, weight: 6-foot-3, 270 pounds

247Sports Rating: Barrow is rated the No. 30 defensive tackle in the 2016 recruiting class in the 247Sports composite rankings. He's rated the No. 41 overall player in the state of Florida. 

Other schools: Barrow chose the Buckeyes over 21 other scholarship offers, including ones from Alabama, Maryland, Miami (Fla.), Michigan State, Mississippi State, Nebraska, North Carolina, North Carolina State, Penn State, Pittsburgh, UCLA, Wake Forest and others. 

What's the deal? Barrow has been committed to Ohio State since April, and he looked like he was going to be one of the most dominant defensive linemen in the country during his senior year before he tore his ACL. 

Maybe you don't remember how Barrow started off his season, but it was in a big way. Check out this clip below: 

2016 #Buckeyes commit Malik Barrow (@MalikB_54) gets the interception and hits the Bosa shrug for IMG pic.twitter.com/SKCP0Z1Zxo

-- Ryan Donnelly (@RDonnellyBG) August 30, 2015

After injuring his knee, Barrow signed a financial aid agreement with Ohio State and remained firm with his commitment. He's an impressive physical specimen that has the type of athleticism Urban Meyer wants on his defensive line. 

Barrow graduated early and could be close to fully healthy by the time the Buckeyes kick off fall camp in August. 

How he fits in Ohio State's plans: Ohio State lost a few instrumental pieces to its starting defensive line in Adolphus Washington and Nick Bosa, but the Buckeyes have recruited well enough to have some replacements already on the roster. 

The Buckeyes, however, have been searching for another defensive tackle in this recruiting class and haven't yet gotten one. So Barrow now could be in line for more reps than a freshman usually would get. 

Projections for 2016: It's hard to crack the defensive line rotation as a freshman -- there aren't a lot of Joey Bosas -- and Barrow is coming off a major knee injury. Though it helps that he enrolled early and is under the supervision of Ohio State's training staff, he likely won't be ready to go during the spring. There's a good chance he redshirts his freshman year. 

What we've written about Barrow: 

The Cleveland Browns all but guaranteed they will part company with Johnny Manziel in March when the new salary cap goes into effect. That's one fresh start. Wish Manziel good luck in his own, because he's going to need it.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -  If Johnny Manziel cared as much about his job as his supporters cared about rationalizing his failings, he would've been responsible for at least 100 of the 142 text messages Hue Jackson received the day he became head coach.

Instead, Browns owner Jimmy Haslam showed up at the Greater Cleveland Sports Awards last week with a rationalization of his own: No, Jackson hadn't talked to Manziel but, hey, there's 53 players and more on the practice squad.

Haslam said he was sure they'd be talking at some point.

Speculation was Jackson had told the Browns in the interview process that he wanted to move on from Manziel. If I'm Manziel's agent and Manziel had been trying to call the new head coach, I'd be trumpeting that fact near and far.

Haslam's take was such weak tea, it's probably best the Browns no longer need to trump up excuses after Sashi Brown's statement Tuesday all but guaranteed Manziel's release come March.

They've clearly run out of justifications for Manziel's behavior, and for how they can possibly start fresh while saddling a new head coach and staff with an old problem.

The Browns either learned more about the latest Manziel incident in Texas or simply don't want to answer questions about their intentions for the next five weeks knowing they can't take Manziel's salary cap hit until March 9.

Manziel can't be defended. Not any longer. That's been the case for at least a month. Even most of his fans stopped defending him in early January when a second consecutive season ended in similar fashion.

Manziel spent the final game of two seasons separated from his teammates.

Sashi Brown issues strong statement about Johnny Manziel

The first year he was sequestered in the locker room in Baltimore with Justin Gilbert - there's a reality show there, somewhere - after needing security to rouse him at his apartment a day earlier.

This time he couldn't wait for the final school bell to ring Monday following the Steelers game. So he took off for Vegas Saturday, missing a Sunday medical check-in, missing a final home game with his teammates - many of whom had defended, supported and answered a hundred questions about him.

If you're Manziel and your priority is your career, you wait 36 hours. Barring that, you're on your new boss' doorstep the day after he's hired. You're explaining yourself the best you can.

The story about Vegas and the disguise? Not true. Here's what happened...

You're back again Monday morning. Helicopter search in Texas? Let me explain. It's not the way it looks...

Manziel either hasn't cared enough about his future in Cleveland or he's too sick to care. Either way, the Browns can't rely on him at a time when there are still valid questions about his ability to lead a team to the playoffs.

They've known it for a long time. They just finally decided there was no good reason to hide it any longer.

Counting on him after a rehab stay would be risky even if he had the best of intentions. He doesn't. His next team will have to judge the benefits and the challenges of playing chaperone in his development as a quarterback and a person.

If a change of scenery is what Manziel wanted - and I don't believe that was his intent - it was a curious way to go about it. He's damaged his reputation worse than he damaged the Browns.

There's no reason to congratulate the Browns for taking a stand. The Browns drafted a problem that became a bigger problem. But they've given themselves a chance to start over with a new head coach and a different quarterback. You can't fault them for that.

In the meantime, if you liked Manziel, wish him luck.

Even if you didn't, wish him more luck. Based on his first two NFL seasons on and especially off the field, he's going to need it.

In his latest video commentary, Joe Vardon discusses LeBron James' statistical performance and shows what it means for him and the Cleveland Cavaliers. Watch video

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- LeBron James is quietly having his worst statistical season since his rookie year.

Now, perhaps the reasons James' decline is "quiet" are that he's averaging 24.9 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 6.4 assists while shooting 50.5 percent.

Most, as in, all but maybe two or three players in the NBA, would love to trade James for his stats.

But a look at James' numbers over this season and last -- when we were first harping on him for posting some of the worst regular-season numbers of his career -- and you can see the decline.

There's no reason for alarm. Again, his statistics are beyond All-Star worthy. He's fine, and should hold onto the back end of his prime years for at least another season beyond this one.

LeBron James' career statistics.NBA.com 

It's just, well, LeBron IS getting older, and however slowly, his regular-season production is in decline.

In my latest video commentary, I discuss James' stats, why they matter, and what they mean for the Cavs. 

Ohio politicians on Tuesday lauded Mount Union college in Alliance for winning the NCAA Division III football championship for 2015.

WASHINGTON - The football team at tiny Mount Union college in Alliance has already been recognized as the NCAA Division III football champs for 2015, and now a trio of Ohio politicians wants to recognize them in Congress.

On Tuesday, Niles area Democratic Rep. Tim Ryan joined with Ohio's U.S. Senators -- Democrat Sherrod Brown and Republican Rob Portman -- in a resolution to publicly commend the team for their championship and undefeated record last year. The trio noted the school has won 12 Division III football championships and competed for the title 19 times.

"After winning their record 12th Division III NCAA Championship, there is no doubt that the Mount Union Purple Raiders are the perfect example of what success looks like on and off the football field," said a statement from Ryan.

"Congrats to Coach (Vince) Kehres and the Purple Raiders on capping their undefeated season with a championship," Portman added.

Here's the full text of the resolution:

Congratulating the University of Mount Union football team for winning the 2015 NCAA Division III Football Championship.

Whereas on December 18, 2015, the Mount Union Purple Raiders football team won their 12^th NCAA Division III Football Championship with a 49-35 victory over the University of St. Thomas Tommies;

Whereas the Mount Union Purple Raiders' head coach led them to a national championship win in his third year, bringing the University of Mount Union's total number of national championships in NCAA Division III football to 12;

Whereas the Mount Union Purple Raiders' victory broke the school's own record for number of national titles held by one program in any division;

Whereas the Mount Union Purple Raiders defeated last year's national champion, the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater Warhawks, in this year's semifinal 36-6 to advance to the national championship game;

Whereas the Mount Union Purple Raiders' running back, number 34, rushed for 220 yards and two touchdowns on 25 carries;

Whereas the Mount Union Purple Raiders' quarter back, number 11, threw for 201 yards and three touchdowns with zero interceptions;

Whereas the Mount Union Purple Raiders' wide receiver, number 3, caught five passes for 127 yards, including a 63 yard catch;

Whereas the Mount Union Purple Raiders' defensive back, number 21 - a freshman - recorded the game's only interception;

Whereas the Mount Union Purple Raiders' finished the 2015 season with a record of 14 wins and 0 losses, and continued a 103 game regular-season winning streak that dates back to 2005;

Whereas the Mount Union Purple Raiders' won the Ohio Athletic Conference championship, their 24^th consecutive title,' and the program's 27^th conference title overall.

Whereas the Mount Union Purple Raiders' junior offensive lineman, number 52, was the 2015 Division III Rimington Award winner, given to the Most Outstanding Center in NCAA Division III College Football;

Whereas the Mount Union Purple Raiders' senior defensive lineman, number 90, was named to the American Football Coaches Association Division III All-American team.

Whereas the Mount Union Purple Raiders' senior linebacker, and three-time team captain, number 4, was awarded the NCAA Elite 90 Award, for the third straight year, as well as named the Academic All-American of the Year for Division III Football by the College Sports Information Directors of America;

Whereas the Mount Union University Purple Raiders' senior safety, number 31, was named one of 10 finalists for the Gagliardi Trophy, given to the top all-around football player in NCAA Division III football;

Whereas The University of Mount Union President and director of athletics have fostered a continuing tradition of athletic and academic excellence at the institution;

Whereas The University of Mount Union has proven to be a perennial championship contender in Division III National Collegiate Athletic Association football; and

Whereas The University of Mount Union Marching Band, cheerleaders, students, faculty, alumni, and fans have supported the football team through a season filled with triumph; Now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That the Senate--

(1) congratulates The University of Mount Union Purple Raiders football team for winning the 2015 Division III College Football Playoff national championship;

(2) recognizes the players, coaches, staff, and fans whose hard work led to the championship; and

(3) respectfully requests that the Secretary of the Senate prepare an official copy of this resolution for presentation to--

(A) the President of The University of Mount Union;

(B) the director of athletics at The University of Mount Union; and

(C) the head coach of The University of Mount Union football team.

By proving, without a doubt, that he wasn't The Guy, Manziel did the Browns a favor by letting them move on, rather than wasting several years with a guy who likely wasn't ever going to be a Super Bowl quarterback.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The accolades for Lady Gaga in 2016 are continuing, as she has been chosen to perform the national anthem at Super Bowl 50. According to the NFL.com, Lady Gaga will perform "The Star-Spangled Banner" Sunday, February 7 to kick off the championship game between the Carolina Panthers and Denver Broncos. Accompanying Gaga will be Marlee Matlin,...

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The accolades for Lady Gaga in 2016 are continuing, as she has been chosen to perform the national anthem at Super Bowl 50.

According to the NFL.com, Lady Gaga will perform "The Star-Spangled Banner" Sunday, February 7 to kick off the championship game between the Carolina Panthers and Denver Broncos.

Accompanying Gaga will be Marlee Matlin, who will perform in American Sign Language.

Lady Gaga, whose real name is Stefanie Germanotta, won her first Golden Globe for her role as The Countess in the most recent season of "American Horror Story," created by Ryan Murphy.

A look at the four Ohio State commits who play for Northeast Ohio area schools.

CLEVELAND, Ohio — Four local high school football players will become Ohio State Buckeyes on Wednesday during National Signing Day.

Perry's Luke Farrell, Maple Heights' Kierre Hawkins, North Ridgeville's Demario McCall and Walsh Jesuit's Jack Wohlabaugh all committed to OSU for the Class of 2016 and will sign their National Letters of Intent on Wednesday.

Here's a look at the four future Buckeyes including scouting reports, stories and videos from their high school careers.

Luke Farrell, TE, Perry

Scouting report: The 6-foot-6, 245 pounder starred at tight end and defensive end for Perry, which reached the first round of the Division IV regional playoffs.

What you need to know about his senior season: Farrell caught 33 passes — second-most on the Pirates — for a team-high 448 yards and seven touchdowns. Defensively, he had 5.5 sacks, 35 tackles and 10 tackles for a loss.

More stories about Farrell

Farrell, Hausmann give Buckeyes top tight ends in 2016 class (247Sports.com)

Freshmen expected to step up for Buckeyes (Columbus Dispatch)

Farrell brings size, athleticism to Ohio State

Videos of Farrell

Kierre Hawkins, TE, Maple Heights

Scouting report: A 6-foot-4, 225-pound H-back and defensive end, Hawkins is headed to the Buckeyes as an "athlete." That means he could play at multiple spots. Recruiting services ranked him as a tight end — 247Sports rated him 11th at that position in the Class of 2016. He might be a little big to play H-back in the traditional sense at Ohio State.

What you need to know about his senior season: Hawkins helped Maple Heights to a 7-3 finish. He rushed for 435 yards and scored 12 touchdowns. Defensively, he had 69 tackles and 15 sacks.

More stories about Hawkins

Hawkins’ Ohio State recruiting profile

Freshmen expected to step up (Columbus Dispatch)

Meet four-star recruit Kierre Hawkins (Scout.com)

Hawkins’ season over, but he’s just getting started (ElevenWarriors.com)

Hawkins helps Maple Heights past rival Bedford

Videos of Hawkins

Demario McCall, RB, North Ridgeville

Scouting report: At 5-foot-11, 180 pounds, McCall is one of the fastest athletes in Northeast Ohio and his change of direction is outstanding. His quickness, elusiveness and top speed make him tough for anyone to stop.

What you need to know about his senior season: McCall had multiple injuries as a senior, which kept him from having the type of year people thought he would have. His North Ridgeville team did make the playoffs this season.

More stories about McCall

Demario McCall's Signing Day profile

North Ridgeville RB and Ohio State commit Demario McCall reflects on 2016 U.S. Army All-American Bowl experience

Four-star RB Demario McCall commits to Ohio State during visit: Buckeyes recruiting

Ohio State commit, North Ridgeville RB Demario McCall gives Buckeyes a combination of speed, vision (photos, video)

Videos of McCall

Jack Wohlabaugh, OL, Walsh Jesuit

Scouting report: The 6-foot-4, 285-pound lineman is the son of former Browns lineman Dave Wohlabaugh. The younger Wohlabaugh played on the interior line and is quick off the ball and has enough athleticism to be a good pulling guard in the running game.

What you need to know about his senior season: Even though the Warriors struggled last season, going 3-7, Wohlabaugh was named a first team All-Ohioan in Division II.

More stories about Wohlabaugh

Jack Wohlabaugh looks forward to joining 'slobs' (Columbus Dispatch)

Ohio State earns commitment from three-star OL Jack Wohlabaugh of Walsh Jesuit

Ohio State OL commit Jack Wohlabaugh of Walsh Jesuit gives Buckeyes 'a lot of toughness and meanness' (video)

Videos of Wohlabaugh

Check out the third AP state girls basketball poll for the 2015-16 season, including where teams from Northeast Ohio are ranked.

COLUMBUS, Ohio – Here's how a state panel of sports writers and broadcasters rates Ohio high school girls basketball teams in the second weekly Associated Press poll of 2015-16. With won-lost record and total points (first-place votes in parentheses).

DIVISION I

1, Wadsworth (15)                       18-1     194

2, W. Chester Lakota W. (2)             19-1     178

3, Sidney (2)                           20-0     165

4, Mason (1)                            18-2     139

5, Pickerington Cent.                   17-3     114

6, Canton McKinley                      15-2    94

7, Powell Olentangy Liberty             18-2    70

8, Huber Hts. Wayne (1)                 19-1    62

9, Louisville                           16-3    38

10, N. Can. Hoover                       17-3    29

Others receiving 12 or more points: 11, Lewis Center Olentangy 14. 12, Dublin Coffman 12.

DIVISION II

1, Kettering Alter (11)                 18-2     191

2, Oak Harbor (3)                       18-0     174

3, Bellbrook (2)                        19-0     162

4, Millersburg W. Holmes (2)            18-2     139

5, Ottawa-Glandorf                      17-1     116

6, Zanesville Maysville                 18-2    76

7, Tol. Rogers (1)                      13-5    67

8, Bellevue                             14-3    51

T9, Circleville                          18-2    40

T9, Clarksville Clinton-Massie        12-3    40

Others receiving 12 or more points: 11, Washington C.H. Miami Trace (1) 21. 12, Steubenville 20. 13, Cortland Lakeview (1) 13.

DIVISION III

1, Ashland Crestview (18)               16-0     205

2, Sugarcreek Garaway                   14-1     142

3, Columbus Grove                       17-1     122

4, Anna                                 18-2     107

5, Lynchburg-Clay (1)                   19-1     102

6, Cin. Summit Country Day              16-2     77

7, Doylestown Chippewa                  16-3    73

8, Marion Pleasant                      16-2    71

9, Archbold                             16-2    67

10, Metamora Evergreen                   14-2    32

Others receiving 12 or more points: 11, Cardington-Lincoln 25. 12, Ironton (1) 19. 13, Cols. Africentric 16.

DIVISION IV

1, New Madison Tri-Village (6)          18-1     160

2, Arlington (4)                        18-1     146

3, Waterford (3)                        17-1     136

4, Carey (2)                            13-0     120

5, Berlin Hiland (2)                    18-3     18

6, Minster (1)                          17-3     109

7, Ottoville (1)                        17-2    99

8, Ft. Loramie (1)                      15-3    81

9, Fairfield Christian                  16-1    75

10, Haviland Wayne Trace                 14-4    17

Others receiving 12 or more points: 11, N. Baltimore (1) 16.

A total of 83 local football players expected to sign on National Signing Day. See the list here.

CLEVELAND, Ohio - National Signing Day begins Wednesday, so here is some information to help prepare for the number high school football players from Northeast Ohio who signing to NCAA Division II, III, NAIA or junior college programs next season.

Contact sports@cleveland.com if there is player missing. Please provide name, height, weight, position, high school and college.

Click here to see the updated chart football signings.

Signing Day 2016: Landing spots for Northeast Ohio's top high school football seniors

Wyatt McInturff from Western Reserve Academy committed to Marist College on Tuesday.

CLEVELAND, Ohio – Western Reserve Academy senior defensive tackle Wyatt McInturff has committed to Marist College in New York.

The 6-foot-3, 285-pound tackle finished his senior season with 62 tackles, 22 solos, eight tackles for a loss and two forced fumbles. He weighed an offer from Valparaiso before committing to the Red Foxes.

I am extremely blessed to announce that I have officially committed to Marist College. #DefendTheDen pic.twitter.com/KtsftQSwfR

— Wyatt McInturff (@GnarlyTown) January 27, 2016

McIntruff played a season as a postgraduate at Western Reserve Academy following his graduation from James Hubert Blake in Maryland. He was named a member of the AP Northeast Ohio Inland All-District Team as a defensive lineman helping to lead the Pioneers to a 5-3 finish.

See related: Wyatt The Diesel.

Contact Nathaniel Cline via email (ncline@cleveland.com) and Twitter (@nathanielcline).

The Browns will waive Johnny Manziel when the league year opens March 9. Will Jerry Jones finally get his man? Will the Browns draft a quarterback at No. 2?

Central Michigan rolls past banged up Kent State, 88-61.

MOUNT PLEASANT, Mich. -- Central Michigan used the long ball in defeating banged up Kent State, 88-61, in a Mid-American Conference men's basketball game in McGuirk Arena.

Playing without injured guards Xavier Pollard and Jaylin Walker, the Golden Flashes fell to 15-7 overall, 6-3 in the MAC and out of a first-place tie with Akron. Central Michigan improved to 13-9, 6-3 and is 11-1 at home.

CMU came into the game ranked 17th in the country in 3-point makes per game and improved on their average by hitting 14 of 29.

Kent State fell behind early and couldn't catch up. Central Michigan led, 38-31, at the half.

A layup by Jimmy Hall and a 3-pointer by Chris Ortiz cut CMU's lead to 44-41 early in the second half, but the Chippewas used a 9-0 run to make it 53-41 with 15:20 remaining. CMU got the lead to 18, 64-46, on a 3-pointer by Josh Kozinski. Another Kozinski 3-pointer made it a 25-point lead, 84-59, with 1:59 remaining.

Jimmy Hall led Kent State with 24 points and nine rebounds and Kellon Thomas added 12 points.

CMU had seven players in double figures, led by Kozinski with 17. Braylon Rayson and Chris Fowler had 14 each, Rayshawn Simmons had 13, and Luke Meyer and John Simons added 12 apiece.

Up next: The Golden Flashes begin a stretch of four of five games at home when they host Toledo on Saturday at 7 p.m. ... Central Michigan is at Akron on Friday at 8.

The Akron Zips continued on a roll in the Mid-American Conference with a strong road win at Ohio University, 80-68.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Freshman guard Josh Williams came off the bench to lead the Akron Zips to a solid 80-68 victory over Ohio University on Tuesday night in Athens, Ohio.

Williams scored 20 points, missing only one shot, as the Zips spotted the Bobcats a 6-5 lead early, then led the rest of the game.

The Zips entered the game tied for first in the Mid-American Conference while the Bobcats were looking to solidly get back into the thick of the conference race. But with the victory Akron lifts its slate to 18-4, 7-2 and takes sole possession of first, with a full head of steam on a five-game win streak. OU falls to 13-8, 4-5.

Isaiah Johnson also came off the bench and had 18 points and nine rebounds as the showdown of big men between he and the Bobcats Antonio Campbell was effectively a draw. Campbell had 18 points and 12 rebounds.

Up next: The Zips return to Rhodes Arena at 8 p.m. Friday to face Central Michigan, which knocked off Kent State, 88-61. A victory over the Chippewas would give the Zips a vice grip on the league race just past the halfway mark.

AKRON (18-4): Cheatham Jr. 2-5 0-0 5, Robotham 1-6 11-12 14, McAdams 3-10 0-1 8, Forsythe 2-5 2-3 6, An. Jackson 1-8 0-0 2, Ivey 1-2 0-0 2, Williams 7-8 2-2 20, Kretzer 2-7 0-0 5, Johnson 8-13 2-3 18. Totals 27-64 17-21 80.

OHIO (13-8): Setty 8-11 0-3 17, Simmons 2-9 3-6 7, Kaminski 4-12 2-3 12, Campbell 7-12 3-3 18, Dartis 1-5 0-0 3, Mompremier 0-0 1-2 1, Block 1-4 0-0 3, Laster 0-1 1-2 1, Taylor 2-3 2-2 6. Totals 25-57 12-21 68.

Halftime-Akron 36-29. 3-Point Goals-Akron 9-28 (Williams 4-5, McAdams 2-9, Cheatham Jr. 1-1, Robotham 1-3, Kretzer 1-6, An. Jackson 0-4), Ohio 6-20 (Kaminski 2-8, Setty 1-2, Campbell 1-2, Dartis 1-3, Block 1-4, Simmons 0-1). Fouled Out-Simmons. Rebounds-Akron 38 (Johnson 9), Ohio 40 (Campbell 12). Assists-Akron 11 (Robotham 3), Ohio 12 (Simmons 8). Total Fouls-Akron 17, Ohio 18. A-6,403.

As Browns prepare to cut ties, Manziel never came close to fulfilling expectations.

BEREA, Ohio - Johnny Manziel started fewer games for the Browns than Charlie Frye, won as many as Todd Philcox and earned more media attention than Otto Graham.

Such is the new math of sports celebrity.

Poor "Automatic Otto" played in the days before he could build his brand on Twitter, Instagram and Snapchat. If the legendary Browns quarterback guzzled champagne from a magnum bottle like Manziel it was only to celebrate one of his seven titles. And, he probably needed Paul Brown's consent.

Manziel produced no championships in his Browns' career which, according to cleveland.com's Mary Kay Cabot and others, will end next month when the club expects to release him. His two turbulent seasons here -- producing more patents (10) than victories (two) -- comes with only one unofficial crown:

Pro sports' most over-hyped athlete.

Move over, Brian Bosworth. Take a seat, Sebastian Telfair. Todd Marinovich and Tony Mandarich, you guys are playing for nothing better than second place. In the pantheon of style-over-substance, Manziel has no equal, at least to this point. He is Anna Kournikova with more Google searches.

Manziel is 23 and, if he can get his life in order, might develop into a serviceable starter. It's highly unlikely, however, he achieves the athletic stardom some forecast two years ago when the Browns drafted him No. 22 overall.

Related: Browns to waive Johnny Manziel

He's appeared in just 14 games, starting eight, while compiling a pedestrian 74.4 passer rating. He's more curiosity than quarterback less than five years after winning the Heisman Trophy at Texas A&M.

As a media member, one who covered Manziel day to day in Cleveland, I've contributed my share to the hype. I can't tell you how many times I sat down to write articles asking myself, "Would this be a story if the subject was anyone but Johnny?" I once filed a report about him trotting onto the practice field wearing optic yellow Nike cleats before returning to the locker room and changing his footwear.

Cleveland Scene perfectly captured the mania, dubbing Manziel: "Clickbait Jesus." He is the Truman Show come to life in the social-media age. We've never had to wonder, "What's Johnny doing this weekend?" TMZ or Busted Coverage captured every swan ride and money phone call. It was fun and pathetic and sad and rarely about football.

His time in the NFL and Cleveland is lacquered with irony.

Manziel was the biggest draw in a 2014 draft class that's mass-produced quality: Khalil Mack, Anthony Barr, Odell Beckham Jr., Aaron Donald, Zack Martin, C.J. Mosley, Teddy Bridgewater, Derek Carr, Allen Robinson, Devonta Freeman. Stephon Tuitt, Martavis Bryant, etc.

None of those players, however, received anywhere near the pre-draft exposure of Manziel. ESPN couldn't stop promoting him. In fairness, the network reported on the red flags as much as the great college performances, but the over-saturation was suffocating. Some liken Manziel's polarizing presence to that of Tim Tebow, but at least the former NFL quarterback led the Broncos to the postseason and won a playoff game.

Manziel's most notable spiral is the downward one that continued last weekend with his second domestic incident in less than four months. It was the final act for a new Browns regime that crafted a strongly-worded statement authored by head of football operations Sashi Brown. It also marked the second Cleveland-based team to cut ties with Manziel in a month.

LeBron James' marketing agency turned its back on him Jan. 6. The friends and former business partners offer a stunning contrast in how to deal with celebrity. No athlete entered pro sports with more expectations than James in 2003. He's made his mistakes - his decision to leave the Cavaliers in 2010 ranks as the biggest in the minds of Clevelanders. He is, however, the rarest of superstars, one who lived up to the hype.

Unlike Manziel, the basketball prodigy did not come of age during the height of social media. James has made far better choices, though, and taken a different path to stardom. LeBron came from nothing and built himself into a sports empire. Manziel was born on second base and finds himself in a rundown between third and home with a police helicopter tracking his whereabouts.

To quote his former general manager Ray Farmer, the movie is not over for Manziel. He might achieve football relevance at his next stop. He's also not the biggest bust in sports. He's not JaMarcus Russell, Kwame Brown, Darko Milicic or Freddy Adu.

But Manziel was a bigger amateur sensation than all of the above, and still dominates the headlines if only for the wrong reasons.

He leaves Cleveland seven titles shy of Graham's mark. It's a pity Automatic Otto didn't trademark that nickname.

An influx of transfers and junior college players should give the Akron Zips a quick talent boost for next season.

AKRON, Ohio -- The Akron Zips filled their needs along the offensive line on National Signing Day 2016. As usual, coach Terry Bowden played the recruiting game the way the big guys do, massaging the numbers with players who signed in the past but did not enroll until after the first semester began, are second semester enrollees, junior college transfers and preferred walk-ons.

Bowden calls this his "newcomers class" and it includes the offensive line influx of five new players, along with transfer receivers Kevin Gladney from Nebraska by way of Akron's Firestone High School, and Bruce 'JoJo' Natson from Utah State.

"He was the best return man in the Mountain West Conference,'' Bowden said of Natson, a senior who was dismissed after three transgressions with the Aggies. "He's a difference maker. He'll be a big threat for us on the other side of Jerome Lane."

Gladney was dismissed by Nebraska before the start of last season for unspecified reasons.

If history is an indicator, Bowden admits the potential is there for at least one graduate transfer recruit arriving after the spring semester.

Two of the five offensive line recruits arrive as juniors, including Jovann Letuli, a native of San Diego, and Cedric McCoy of Palatka, Florida. Both are junior college transfers with immediate eligibility. McCoy is already on campus.

"We lost five starters and had to replace them, which is not the perfect situation,'' Bowden said. "But Clemson lost five offensive line starters prior to last season and almost won the national championship. So it can work. And I really like what we got.''

Overall, the Zips made their recruiting mark in Florida, landing a quarterback (5-11, 155-pound Kalyn Nelson), a safety, a tailback, wide receiver, fullback and two offensive linemen. In the end, Akron signed 14 new recruits, with seven added to that list from last season.

Included among the seven were linebacker Brian Bell, Gladney, tight end Kevin Junk, receiver Vince Lockett, offensive lineman Xavier Quigley, defensive end Daumantas Venckus, and linebacker Josh Ward. All seven were on the roster last season, with Bell and Venkus getting playing time.