By Saturday, the Vikings will know if they are playing for second place in the Horizon League standings -- which will be good for a bye to the semifinals of the Horizon League Tournament -- or if they will be hosting a first-round game Tuesday.

View full sizePD fileD'Aundray Brown is expected back in the lineup on Saturday.

CLEVELAND, Ohio — Cleveland State's victory against the Detroit Titans on Thursday night came with some good postgame news. Injured senior D'Aundray Brown (groin), who has missed six of the past seven games and played just eight minutes in the other, will be back in action at 2 p.m. Saturday against Wright State.

"He plays Saturday," said coach Gary Waters. "This is probably the best-case scenario for us."

By Saturday, the Vikings will know if they are playing for second place in the Horizon League standings -- which will be good for a bye to the semifinals of the Horizon League Tournament -- or if they will be hosting a first-round game Tuesday. Either way, Brown will be eased back into action against the Raiders in order to be fresh for the tournament push.

Montgomery's cliff: Cleveland State's issues during its losing streak are numerous, but one of the biggest has been the scoring drop-off from starting guard Jeremy Montgomery. In the five games before the Vikings' game with Detroit, Montgomery was a combined 17-of-54 shooting, with just two games in double figures.

Against the Titans, Montgomery was once again trapped high by double- and triple-teams early in the game, then later suffered leg cramps and a bruised thigh, which had him limping off the court several times for treatment. In the end, Montgomery finished with eight points on 2-of-4 shooting, hitting one of two 3-pointers.

Whew: The Vikings officially got their swagger back with 12 seconds to play in the game, when senior guard Trevon Harmon (16 points), got behind the Detroit defense for a dunk to end the game. That snapped the five-game losing streak. The hugs and chest bumping from Cleveland State players on the court spoke volumes.

Goalie Cedrick Desjardins, making his first start since suffering a lower body injury on Dec. 28, returns to lead the Monsters to a 4-3 victory over Hershey at The Q.

View full sizeCedrick Desjardins

CLEVELAND, Ohio — Late in the second period, the scoreboard showed a fan holding a sign that read, "Welcome back, Cedrick."

No doubt that also was the sentiment of Lake Erie coach David Quinn and the rest of the Monsters on Thursday night at The Q. Goalie Cedrick Desjardins, making his first start since suffering a lower body injury on Dec. 28, stopped 27 shots as the Monsters held off the Hershey Bears, 4-3, before 5,489 noisy fans.

"It's always good to get one of the best goalies in this league -- if not the best goalie -- back," said Quinn, who also praised goalies Trevor Cann, James Reid and Gerald Coleman who played in Desjardins' absence. "Our goaltending has been a strength of ours all year, and it continued to be a strength of ours tonight when we needed it to be."

By sweeping the two-game series with the Bears, the Monsters improved to 27-24-2-2, and they are 8-2-0-1 in their past 11 games. Hershey slipped to 29-17-4-5.

Ryan Potulny gave Hershey a 1-0 lead late in the first period, but Lake Erie dominated the second period, outshooting the Bears, 12-4, and outscoring them, 3-0.

"That second period was one of the best periods I've seen for a while," Desjardins said. "It was like a playoff game for us."

With the Monsters swarming to open the second, Patrick Rissmiller connected from the left faceoff circle to tie the score at 6:55. Patrick Bordeleau rapped one in from the doorstep to put Cleveland up, 2-1, at 13:30 of the second period. Then a diving Zach Cohen scored with assists from Danny Richmond and Eric Hunter. His shot from outside the right pipe slid along the mouth of the goal, glanced off the left pipe and then went in off goalie Dany Sabourin's glove to give the Monsters a 3-1 lead at 17:04.

"Bordeleau, Hunter and Cohen were immense for us tonight," Quinn said. "They've played well. They've been a very big part of why we've had the success we've had lately. Zach Cohen has really come on. That was a big-time goal he scored. At this stage of the game, you need all four lines. You need everybody contributing. We certainly had that tonight."

The Bears, who have the top two scorers in the league and the best power play, made a charge in the third period, outshooting the Monsters, 15-6. Chris Bourque pushed his league-leading point total to 74 with an assist on a power-play goal by Cody Eakin at 5:16 as the Bears closed to 3-2. The Monsters answered with a power-play goal of their own -- by Peter MacArthur -- just 17 seconds after Bourque was called for slashing at 17:23. That proved to be the game-winner after Tomas Kundratek was credited with a goal that went off Desjardins' pants at 18:35.

The Monsters will play their next three games on the road, starting Friday night in Grand Rapids. They will return to The Q on March 3 to face the Charlotte Checkers in back-to-back games.

To reach this Plain Dealer reporter: mschmitt@plaind.com, 216-999-4668

Adams says he's learned from his mistakes and that he hopes to prove that during the combine.

View full sizeAPMike Adams

Ohio State offensive tackle Mike Adams drew a large crowd for his interview Thursday at the NFL Scouting Combine -- and no wonder. Adams' stock continues to rise; many analysts and publications have him going in the second half of the first round. NFLDraftScout.com recently rated him No. 4 among tackle prospects and No. 25 overall.

Here are some quick hits from the Adams interview:

• On official height/weight: "I'm 6-7, 323."

• On possibility of going in first round: "It's a blessing just to be in position to be drafted. If my name's called in the first round, I can't even explain how that would feel."

• On character issues surrounding him: "My character is something my teammates and coaches at Ohio State will vouch for. Anybody who knows me, knows I'm not a bad guy. I've made some mistakes, but I've learned from them. [The combine] is a chance to show I'm a good guy."

• On losing to Michigan as a senior: "At Ohio State, losing to Michigan is something nobody ever wants to go through. But I've got three pairs of gold pants from beating them, so I'm all right, I guess."

• On staying at Ohio State for four years despite exit of coach Jim Tressel: "My decision was made because I wanted to stay and help my teammates. I made a pledge to the university to go there and play football for four years. That's exactly what I did. I think coach Tress would have wanted that."

• On strengths/weaknesses: "My athleticism blocking in space is definitely a strength. And I love to play through the whistle in the run game. I need to work on my technique in pass drops -- getting my hands a little too high and maybe over-setting."

• On his favorite player, active or retired: "Orlando Pace."

-- Dennis Manoloff

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Prahalis, playing in her final home game, leads the Buckeyes to an 81-56 rout of Minnesota.

View full sizePaul Vernon, Associated PressOhio State's Samantha Prahalis, right, goes up for a shot against Minnesota's Kiara Buford during the second half Thursday in Columbus. Prahalis broke a school record with 42 points in the game.

Prahalis, leading the Big Ten in scoring (21.3 points per game) and assists (6.7), had 22 points by halftime as the Buckeyes (24-4, 11-4 Big Ten) built a 12-point lead.

The Buckeyes' only senior hit 15-of-27 shots from the field including 7-of-12 3-pointers, and was 5-for-5 at the line. She also had six rebounds, four assists and three steals.

Rachel Banham had 18 points to lead Minnesota (14-15, 6-9).

Mount Union 84, Capital 78 Kori Wiedt (North Olmsted) scored 29 points and Rosa LaMattina (Westlake) scored 15 as the top-seeded Purple Raiders (25-1) beat the visiting Crusaders (18-9) in an Ohio Athletic Conference Tournament semifinal.

Mount Union will host second-seeded Ohio Northern for the OAC title on Saturday.

Men

Kyle Hubbard (St. Edward) led John Carroll with 11 points. The Blue Streaks shot 40 percent from the field while Wilmington made 51 percent of its shots.

Rain and snow are in the forecast and could slow the trout fishing on Lake Erie tributaries in Northeast Ohio.

View full sizePlain Dealer file photo

Steelhead trout fishermen will have to keep an eye on the weather. Rain and snow are in the forecast and could slow the trout fishing on Lake Erie tributaries in Northeast Ohio.

A little moisture will be a good thing, staining the river waters and giving anglers an advantage when trying to hook wary trout. Too much snow and rain will kick up water levels, slowing steelhead trout fishing. Fishermen can keep an eye on water levels by checking online river flow gauges at oh.waterdata.usgs.gov.

Steelhead trout caught this week have been a mix of large adult fish that have been in the rivers for a while, as well as young trout in the 16- to 18-inch range. The top tactic has been to tempt trout with mesh sacks of trout or salmon eggs, hair jigs tipped with maggots or waxworms, as well as small soft plastic baits that include white tube jibs. Fly fishers have been casting egg patterns, sucker spawn, bead head nymphs and woolly buggers, as well as small streamers and minnow patterns.

Inland lakes: Stocked rainbow trout are still being caught around the Cleveland Metroparks lakes on ice jigs tipped with PowerBait, trout or salmon eggs, maggots and waxworms. Wallace Lake in Berea is the best bet, followed by Shadow, Ledge, Judges and Ranger lakes.

Local lakes generally are featuring open water, despite the cold nights. Some largemouth bass have been taken around the Portage Lakes on Vi-vee lures. Crappies are being caught, but the fishing has been inconsistent.

Lake Erie: Warm weather continues to lure boat anglers to Lake Erie, where walleye are being caught around the outside edges of the limestone rock reef structure off Camp Perry, west of Port Clinton. Trolling Reef Runner and Rapala Husky Jerk lures at 1 mph, or less, has been the top tactic, setting lures so they will run 10 to 15 feet below the surface. Blue and purple lure colors have been best.

This weekend's windy forecast could make Lake Erie a perilous fishing hole. Anglers must have a full complement of safety gear and keep a close eye on the wind and weather. Lake Erie water temperatures have ranged from 32 to 34 degrees.

Dog trial results

All-Breed Hunter's Trial

South Cuyahoga Sportsmen's Association

Chatham Township

All-Age -- Pointing: Gary Thozeski, Brittany (Brit), Ember; Bill Keplar, English pointer (EP) Huck; John Zutavern, wirehaired pointing griffon, Mocha. Flushing: Shawn McCraw, English springer spaniel (ESS), Reba; Dave Rydzinski, Labrador retriever (Lab), Ambur; Tim Reznik, Lab, Amber.

Open -- Pointing: Larry Jennings, German shorthaired pointer (GSP), Zeke; Bill Keplar, EP, Peaches; Bob Lowman, GSP, Jay. Flushing: Tom Bossman, Lab, Brie; Eric Lingler, Lab, Hunter; Allen Dudra, Lab, Violet.

Derby -- Pointing: No awards. Flushing: Eric Lingler, Lab, Duke; Nick Chmara, Lab, Malley; Dennis Collins, Lab, Colt.

Puppy -- Pointing: Mike Manges, Brit, Jake; Art Jones, GSP, Oliver; Jimmy Nomikos, GSP, Buckeye. Flushing: John Denczak, ESS, Powder; Chuck Weber, ESS, April; Ken Prince, golden retriever, Duke.

For 17 days this summer -- July 27 to Aug. 12 --more than 200 countries will compete in 26 events.

View full sizeAlastair Grant, Associated PressA crane stands next to the ArcelorMittal Orbit, a partially completed 377-foot-tall observation deck, at London's Olympic Park at sunset Thursday. In the background is Olympic Stadium.

The 2012 Summer Olympics in London are 154 days away.

We are ramping up, so climb aboard. Every Friday, we will pause to look at the Olympic scene as if perched atop the 377-foot ArcelorMittal Orbit (more about that later). We will talk about what's happening, what's coming up and what you might have missed.

There will be endless intrigue and common goals as Americans join athletes from across the globe to represent, to compete and to win. Most do so in relative obscurity for 205 of the 208 weeks of an Olympic quadrennium, and when we peek into their world, it's not hard to be entertained, inspired and amazed.

From Michael Phelps to Usain Bolt, and from Jessica Beard to LeBron James, theirs are the stories we can't wait to tell.

For 17 days this summer -- July 27 to Aug. 12 --more than 200 countries will compete in 26 events. Sadly, baseball or softball are no longer among them. They were kicked out of the Olympics, apparently for being too American. At the Games, as in most of the world, we're not as big of a deal as we think we are.

Women's boxing is new this year, and golf and rugby sevens will be added to the 2016 Olympics docket in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Ohio will have a nice role in London, just as it did in 2008, when 32 Ohio Olympians won 17 medals, seven of them gold.

One returning gold medalist will surely vex Northeast Ohioans. How do you feel about rooting for a U.S. team that stars LeBron?

Perhaps it will be easier to cheer Beard, who hopes to continue Cleveland's historic track legacy. The Olympic spotlight will turn to Cleveland once again when the London Olympics honor East Tech grad and Richmond Heights resident Harrison Dillard, who won two of his four career gold medals at the 1948 London Games.

The Olympics return to London for the third time -- it also hosted in

1908 -- and we can expect a uniquely British mix of historic hyperbole and subtle grandeur.

Venerable venues such as Wimbledon (tennis), Hyde Park (triathlon) and the Royal Horse Guards Parade (beach volleyball) are among 10 competition sites spread around the city. Eight other venues stretch from Glasgow, Scotland, (soccer) to Portland Harbour on the south coast (sailing). The hub is 2.5-square-mile Olympic Park, where nine new venues were built in London's East End. The former industrial center was transformed with lush riverside gardens and that twisted, red-steel Orbit that resembles a Cedar Point ride stuffed in a blender.

The place looks wonderful in photos. Plain Dealer Ohio State beat writer Doug Lesmerises and I will travel to Great Britain to cover our first Summer Olympics and bring a fresh eye to sport's greatest spectacle.

We look forward to telling you about it in detail in The Plain Dealer and on cleveland.com in 154 days.

To reach this Plain Dealer reporter: twarsinskey@plaind.com, 216-999-6177

On Twitter: @TimsTakePD

Ten former Olympians are entered, including two-time Olympic medalist Matt Emmons.

Event: U.S. Olympic Airgun Team Trials. This is the second and final round of trials for the three airgun events. The first round was held in December in Alabama. Scores from that event will be combined with those from Camp Perry to determine U.S. Olympic team members.

Where: Marksmanship Center, Camp Perry, Port Clinton, Ohio. Call: 419-635-2141.

When: Saturday and Sunday, 8 a.m. to about 8 p.m. both days. Sunday finals are at noon, 1 p.m. and 6 p.m.

Admission: Free

Links: usashooting.org,

odcmp.com

Olympic berths: Six total berths are up for grabs -- two each in women's 10-meter air rifle, men's 10-meter air rifle and men's 10-meter air pistol.

Who: About 180 competitors are expected.

Notable entrants: Ten former Olympians are entered, including two-time Olympic medalist Matt Emmons, who has already qualified in men's small-bore rifle. He trails U.S. Army Cpl. Matt Rawlings by two points in the 10-meter air rifle. Three-time Olympian and U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Daryl Szarenski leads the men's 10-meter air pistol by 18.3 points. Women's 10-meter air rifle leaders Sarah Scherer and two-time Olympian Emily Caruso are in a virtual first-place tie, two points ahead of 2008 Olympian Jamie Gray.

Local connections: Canton native John Bickar, 34, is fifth in men's 10-meter air pistol, 5.5 points out of second place. Abagail Stanec, 20, of Wadsworth, is sixth in women's 10-meter air rifle but withdrew to compete this weekend for her college team, Mississippi, in a conference championship.

What they do: Men and women shoot 60 and 40 shots, respectively, at electronic targets 32.8 feet (10 meters) downrange. Men have one hour, 45 minutes, and women have one hour, 15 minutes to finish each round. Airguns use compressed air as their propellant.

-- Tim Warsinskey

He could be a guard, a forward or a post player. He could be a sophomore, junior or senior. A freshman, even.

Lake Catholic’s Mark Baniewicz, seen above at right driving against Chanel’s Ishmael Hargrove in January, is a tenacious rebounder capable of giving the Cougars an immediate boost. - (Joshua Gunter, PD)

He could be a guard, a forward or a post player.

He could be a sophomore, junior or senior. A freshman, even.

He could be a defensive specialist or a player who provides instant offense.

He could be your little brother.

Whatever category he falls under, his worth to his high school basketball team often goes unnoticed or underappreciated by practically everyone but his coach and teammates. And, of course, his parents.

Until now.

It is a given that stars will be stars when high school basketball's postseason begins Monday. Those who have brought their teams to the dance rarely become wallflowers, especially now.

Coaches like to talk about athleticism, chemistry, quickness, size and skill -- not necessarily in that order -- when it comes to the qualities of a championship team.

They also like to talk about depth.

For example, it stands to reason that Mentor's chance of being successful is pretty high when Justin Fritts and Danny Wallack play well. The same goes for Shaker Heights with Terry Rozier and Kash Blackwell. Ditto for Garfield Heights with Mike Davis and Tony Farmer.

As teams advance deeper and deeper into the postseason and the competition becomes stiffer, chances are a third wheel will be needed. A party of the third part, if you will. Even LeBron James and Dru Joyce III needed a Romeo Travis.

Who are those guys this season? Who are the players who bring another option to their teams, the players who give opponents something else to game-plan for?

Following is a look at 16 sweet players who might be able to help their teams win a district championship to advance to the Sweet 16.

DIVISION I

Brush

Jameel Moore, G, Jr.

In support of: Pharaoh Brown, Curtis Oakley.

Lowdown: What Brown and Oakley are to the Arcs' inside game, Moore is to the perimeter. At 6-3, he is a tough guy for many guards to defend and he is involved in everything the Arcs try to do at both ends of the floor.

Cleveland Heights

Najeeb Johnson, F, Sr.

In support of: Kojo Lockhart, Marcus Bagley.

Lowdown: With injured guard Tyree Gaiter done for the season, the ball will be in Johnson's hands more than previously anticipated. He's a versatile athlete. Even at 6-1, he is capable of scoring in the paint or from the perimeter.

Garfield Heights

Terrell Byrd, PG, Sr.

In support of: Mike Davis, Tony Farmer.

Lowdown: The ball will be in his hands a good portion of the time and his intensity makes everyone around him play better. Coach Sonny Johnson believes he is the best defensive guard in Ohio.

John F. Kennedy

Ra'mond Bell, G, Jr.

In support of: Anthony Howard, Jordan Marrow.

Lowdown: While Howard and Marrow supply most of the Eagles' offense, the 5-11 Bell is the team's best defensive player. He has been a consistent performer all season, the kind of kid coach William Marrow can rely on.

Mentor

Jeff Foreman, G, Jr.

In support of: Justin Fritts, Danny Wallack.

Lowdown: His value increases significantly when the Cardinals are running. As a 6-3 slasher, he is capable of scoring 25 points. Opponents are forced to put their best defensive player on Fritts, which gives Foreman an opportunity, especially against an undersized guard. He is athletic, skilled and quick.

St. Edward

Mike Newton, G, Sr.

In support of: Myles Hamilton, Mark Murray.

Lowdown: His 5.5 assists vs. 1.0 turnover per game pretty much says it all. He runs the show and can shut down his opposing counterpart.

St. Ignatius

Francisco Santiago, G, Jr.

In support of: Jack Tupa, Derek Sloan.

Lowdown: He is capable of scoring off the dribble or off a catch. He stretches the defense and gives his team consistency around the perimeter. Opponents cannot leave him unattended.

Shaker Heights

Esa Ahmad, F, Fr.

In support of: Terry Rozier, Kash Blackwell.

Lowdown: Yes, he's a freshman. But, he's also 6-6 with terrific hands, feet and post moves. He is an outstanding free throw shooter (78 percent) and a solid defender who will only get better.

Stow

Mike Waggoner, G, Sr.

In support of: David Walker, Kyle Scelza.

Lowdown: He is the kind of player coach Dave Close loves -- willing to risk skin or chin to go after a loose ball or grab an offensive rebound. He's listed as a guard, but he's really a 6-0 center. Yet, he has been effective in defending taller post players.

DIVISION II

Akron East

Sir Charles Travis, C, Sr.

In support of: Davonte Brunson, Mycle Shadie.

Lowdown: An agile, cerebral player who understands the game and has improved his offensive skills since the start of the season. Plays a lot bigger than 6-2 and is a defensive presence, pulling down 9.5 rebounds per game.

Benedictine

Winston Grays, G, Sr.

In support of: Desmond Ridenour, Mike Roberts.

Lowdown: Has matured into more than just a 3-point shooter and has made a commitment to giving a solid effort on the defensive end. He has a high basketball I.Q. and is a team leader.

Lake Catholic

Mark Baniewicz, F, Jr.

In support of: Joey Vuyancih, Mike Whalen.

Lowdown: If he gets on a roll, he takes the Cougars to a different level. At 6-3, he is a scrappy, tenacious rebounder and just one of those hard-nosed kids.

St. Vincent-St. Mary

Franshon Bickley, G, Jr.

In support of: D.J. Blanks, Lorenzo Cugini.

Lowdown: A fine two-sport athlete. He has cut down on the fouls he commits and developed into a fine defender. He is capable of getting the ball where it needs to be and he has shown he can hit some big shots.

DIVISION III

St. Peter Chanel

Kyree Brewer, F, Sr.

In support of: Tommie Williams, Damon Jones.

Lowdown: At 6-5, he is a solid low-post defender. Opponents often put their best big-man defender on him and that helps create space for frontcourt mate Ishmael Hargrove.

DIVISION IV

Richmond Heights

Kareem Rock, G, Sr.

In support of: Rico Jones, Tommy Scales.

Lowdown: As the Spartans' best defensive player, he is the key to everything they try to do on that end of the floor. He also has the ability to relieve some of the pressure against Jones and Ishaam Smith.

Villa Angela-St. Joseph

Karl Garner, G, Sr.

In support of: Demonte Flannigan, Duane Gibson.

Lowdown: Defenders must respect his team-leading 3-point shooting and he has shown he can make shots in the clutch.

To reach this Plain Dealer reporter: trogers@plaind.com, 216-999-5169

On Twitter:@TimRogersPD

Team boosters

Here is a look at some additional players who could make a difference for their teams in the playoffs.

Chris Carter, Bedford: His value to the Bearcats is that he can play four positions. He is capable of getting to the basket but can also shoot the 3-pointer at crunch time.

Jake Cramer, Mogadore: Outstanding passer who gets the ball to leading scorers Mike Duma and Hunter Van Camp in advantageous positions. Has a 2.8 to 1.0 assist-to-turnover ratio. Fine on-the-ball defender.

Bryan Mackenzie, Westlake: While most teams concentrate on stopping Gavin Skelly and Grant Gase, the 6-2 junior provides a toughness along the baseline and is a high-percentage shooter.

Daryll Richards, Kenston: Eric Truog can score when he gets the ball down low. Pierce Cumpstone can be deadly when he gets the ball on the wing. The job of getting the ball to where it's supposed to be belongs to Richards, a 6-3 junior guard.

Jordan Richardson, Beachwood: The 6-3 junior is his team's inside presence, complementing guards John Davis and Ellis Cohen. Solid rebounder who energizes his teammates.

Parker Rickey, Windham: The 6-0, 175-pound freshman forward has made an impact, averaging 11.5 points and 6.5 rebounds.

Julian Turner, Orange: The 6-1 senior guard runs the floor well, shoots the ball well and rebounds well. Very athletic. Will attend the Naval Academy to play football.

Alex Zander, Cuyahoga Heights: Good-sized point guard at 6-2 and is a clutch shooter on a close-knit team. Makes sure leading scorer Darin Lewis and team MVP Austin Lane get the ball in the right spots. Good defender.

-- Tim Rogers

The 35-year-old power is the focus of trade rumors, but he expects to still be with the team after the March 15 trade deadline.

View full sizeThomas Ondrey, The Plain DealerAntawn Jamison is having a solid season for the Cavs, averaging 17.4 points and 6.5 rebounds per game.

CLEVELAND, Ohio — Antawn Jamison said his goodbyes in the locker room late Wednesday night as teammates scattered for the All-Star break. He's not planning any more farewells, however, until the Cavaliers clean out their lockers after their final game.

The 35-year-old power forward, who's enjoying his best stretch in Cleveland, not only wants to remain with the team for the rest of the season, but he also expects to still be here after the March 15 trade deadline.

Jamison, who has an expiring contract, and point guard Ramon Sessions are the two players most rumored to be dealt from the rebuilding franchise. There's also speculation that Jamison could be bought out if a suitor isn't found. But with the Cavs in playoff contention and the veteran performing so well, management might be compelled to keep him.

"Honestly, deep down inside, I don't want to go anywhere, and I don't feel like I'm going anywhere," Jamison said. "I enjoy playing with these guys. These guys are very receptive to what I tell them and what I do on the court."

Jamison has played a central role in keeping the Cavaliers (13-18) in the hunt for one of the final Eastern Conference playoff spots, a development few imagined when the season began.

He is averaging 22 points, nine rebounds and an outrageous 36 minutes in 11 February games.

Since center Anderson Varejao fractured his right wrist Feb. 10, Jamison has registered 39 minutes or more three times.

"The way he has played the past couple of weeks has been fantastic," said coach Byron Scott. "I have played him a bunch because I'm looking down the bench and saying, 'I don't have another guy who can do what he does.' "

Some Cavaliers fans have never warmed to the 14-year veteran, acquired from Washington in a three-team deal on Feb. 17, 2010. He was supposed to be the final piece to a championship team that instead flopped in the second round of the postseason. Jamison didn't play well and neither did others, as stunned fans watched LeBron James peel off his Cavaliers' jersey for the last time in Boston.

While the nucleus of that flawed club was gutted, Jamison and his large contract remained. He was part of the NBA record 26-game losing streak last season and fractured his little finger a year ago this week.

"It was a whirlwind when I first got here. I couldn't get my feet on the ground," Jamison said. "Last year, I had a lot of personal things going on [but] this year, all of that stuff is behind me and I can just concentrate on playing basketball and having fun with these guys. It's as much fun as I've had in a while."

Jamison is the only Cavalier who played during the 1998-99 lockout-shortened season, and in December let his young teammates know what to expect during a condensed season. He's also taught them the value of conditioning, appearing in all 31 games, averaging a team-high 32.6 minutes and a second-best 17.4 points.

On a roster with few legitimate scoring options, he has taken pressure off rookie point guard Kyrie Irving and allowed his heir apparent, Tristan Thompson, to develop at a more gradual pace.

Some fans are perturbed by his shot total -- he averages 16.03 per game (17th most in the NBA) -- and his penchant for getting beat defensively. But few players his age are being asked to take on such a large role.

After back-to-back poor team efforts against Chicago and Atlanta in late January, Jamison spoke out about the individual play creeping into the Cavaliers' game. It hasn't been an issue during the past month.

"He is giving us everything he can on the court and off the court," Scott said. "He has been a great mentor to our young guys -- Kyrie and Tristan, especially. He has been a great role model on the floor as well -- a true professional."

But being in the playoff picture won't stop Cavaliers' management from making moves that are best for long-term growth. Whether that includes jettisoning Jamison isn't clear.

Until then, he will log his minutes, take his shots and try to get the surprising Cavaliers into the postseason. He won't be back next season, but he's not ready to leave just yet.

Starstruck: Irving and Thompson flew to Orlando to participate in All-Star Weekend. Both will play today in the Rising Stars Challenge. Irving will also compete in the skills competition Saturday.

"It is a dream come true," Irving said. "I followed it at home, watching All-Star activities. Being able to enjoy it firsthand, it will be a great experience."

Irving and Thompson will play on opposite teams in the Rising Stars Challenge.

Dribbles: The Cavaliers will return to practice Monday night. . . . Their first two games after the break are against Boston and New York, teams that currently occupy the final two playoff spots.

To reach this Plain Dealer reporter: treed@plaind.com, 216-999-4370

Here's today's and tonight's sports listings for TV and radio for the Cleveland area.

Joshua Gunter, The Plain DealerCavaliers rookies Kyrie Irving (left) and Tristan Thompson (right) will play in the Rising Stars Challenge, which will be televised tonight at 9 on TNT. The game, featuring rookies and second-year pros, is part iof the NBA's All-Star Weekend.

CLEVELAND, Ohio

Today on the air

(Click on to links for more team or event information)

AUTO RACING

11 a.m. Daytona 500 practice, Speed

12:30 p.m. Daytona 500 practice, Speed

2 p.m. Drive4COPD 300 qualifying, ESPN2

4 p.m. NextEra Energy Resources 250 qualifying, Speed

7:30 p.m. NextEra Energy Resources 250, Speed

BOXING

9 p.m. Juan Carlos Burgos vs. Cristobal Cruz, ESPN2

GOLF

10:30 a.m. Women’s Champions (tape), Golf Channel

2 p.m. Match Play Championship, Golf Channel

6:30 p.m. Mayakoba Classic (tape), Golf Channel

HIGH SCHOOL BOYS BASKETBALL

7:30 p.m. North Ridgeville vs. Vermilion, WDLW/1380-AM

HOCKEY

6 p.m. NCAA, OHIO STATE at Miami (Ohio), CBS Sports Network

(Plain Dealer and cleveland.com Ohio State coverage)

7 p.m. AHL, MONSTERS at Grand Rapids, WKNR/850-AM

(Plain Dealer and cleveland.com Monsters coverage)

7 p.m. NHL, Colorado at COLUMBUS, Fox Sports Ohio (preview)

7:30 p.m. NCAA, Boston U. at Vermont, NBC Sports Network

8:30 p.m. Michigan State at Notre Dame, CBS Sports Network

10 p.m. NCAA, North Dakota at Denver, NBC Sports Network

MEN’S COLLEGE BASKETBALL

7 p.m. Butler at Valparaiso, ESPNU

7 p.m. Loyola (Md.) at Rider, ESPN2

9 p.m. Fairfield at Iona, ESPNU

9 p.m. Marquette at West Virginia, ESPN (preview)

NBA

9 p.m. Rising Stars Challenge, TNT

WOMEN’S COLLEGE GYMNASTICS

8 p.m. Nebraska at Minnesota, Big Ten Network

Lin's final line: 1 for 11 from the field, eight points, three assists and eight turnovers - a long way from the 23.9 points and 9.2 assists he had been averaging over his first 11 games in the Knicks' rotation.

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Miami Heat LeBron James goes to the basket against the New York Knicks' Jeremy Lin during the first quarter of an NBA basketball game at the AmericanAirlines Arena in Miami, Fla., on Thursday, Feb. 23, 2012. (AP Photo/El Nuevo Herald, David Santiago)

MIAMI -- Jeremy Lin collided with LeBron James shortly after tip-off, stumbling backward.

With that, the tone was set.

And Lin's rise from unknown to stardom hit its first major snag.

Chris Bosh scored 25 points, Dwyane Wade added 22 and James put up 20 points, nine rebounds, eight assists, five steals and two blocks - the first such stat line in the NBA since James himself had a night like that four years ago - as the league-leading Miami Heat stopped Lin and the New York Knicks 102-88 on Thursday night.

It was Miami's eighth straight win, all coming by at least 12 points.

"A learning experience," Lin said afterward, before heading to Orlando for his role in All-Star weekend. "A tough one."

Lin's final line: 1 for 11 from the field, eight points, three assists and eight turnovers - a long way from the 23.9 points and 9.2 assists he had been averaging over his first 11 games in the Knicks' rotation, when he breathed immeasurable life into a team that was floundering.

Not this time. Lin paid the Heat a great compliment, saying their defense made it tough to even dribble.

"First of all, he deserves all of the credit he's been given," Wade said. "We knew it was going to be a tough task guarding him. ... He's a good player, but we put a lot of pressure on him and it was a success."

The scene was electric, and for much of the night, the game matched the hype.

Spike Lee, Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Chad Ochocinco all sat within seven seats of each other on one sideline, Mike Stanton and Logan Morrison of the Miami Marlins were on another sideline, and members of the New York Mets' front office reportedly jumped aboard a helicopter for the quick trip from the team's spring-training home in Port St. Lucie down to Miami.

Even the First Fan took note of the hubbub surrounding the game.

"In another life, I would be staying for the Knicks-Heat game tonight, then going up to Orlando for NBA All-Star weekend," President Barack Obama told cheering students at the University of Miami earlier in the day. "But these days, I've got a few other things on my plate. Just a few."

When Air Force One was headed to Orlando for a Thursday night fundraiser, yes, there were televisions tuned to Heat-Knicks on board.

"This has been about a three-week push for us and it's a good way to end before the break," Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said. "I think everyone in that locker room needs a handful of days. We've been really focused ... to make this push. We played a team that with more time they're going to improve and become a very dangerous team. They already are right now."

The Heat defense wasn't geared just toward Lin, but rather slowing the entire Knicks' offense. New York shot 39 percent, turned the ball over 19 times and had 10 shots blocked - five of them by Miami center Joel Anthony, who also had six rebounds and took only one shot, which he missed.

"I'm sure they were all geeked up for him," Knicks coach Mike D'Antoni said of the Heat defense against Lin. "And they took the challenge and they did a great job. It's hard to be Peter Pan every day."

If proof was needed that the Heat wanted to make a point against Lin, there was some clear evidence.

Exhibit A: Mario Chalmers stole the ball from Lin and went in for a two-handed dunk in the early minutes. Exhibit B: Norris Cole, Chalmers' backup at point guard, did the same thing in the second quarter.

Combined dunks this season for Chalmers and Cole entering Thursday? Zero.

Those strip-and-scores were part of a six-turnover first half from Lin, matching his third-highest total in any half this season. Amare Stoudemire also had six turnovers in the first 24 minutes, the Knicks were outscored 30-16 in the paint, 12-1 on fast breaks and 12-3 off turnovers.

Lin had two assists in the first 1:26 of the game. He had one in the final 46:34.

"He's a good player, a really good player," James said of Lin. "And they're going to do some great things. But for us, we come in and take care of business."

Said Carmelo Anthony, who led the Knicks with 19 points: "We have some work to do. Nobody said it would happen overnight."

J.R. Smith scored 14 for New York off the bench. Stoudemire finished with 13 and Steve Novak scored 12 for the Knicks, who never led in the second half.

Early on, back and forth they went, just as everyone wanted.

"It's always big when the Knicks come in," Bosh said. "They have that New York-Miami thing. The crowd enjoyed it. And we enjoyed it."

It was classic Knicks-Heat stuff, just like those playoff battles in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Bodies were flying, tempers were flaring, Tyson Chandler and D'Antoni picked up technicals arguing the same play in the first quarter ... and more than a few Knicks fans who paid big money for tickets - the average price for the game on the resale markets was over $700, by one estimate - made their presence known loudly and often.

"It's one game," D'Antoni said. "And we're not there yet. They're there. They're the team right now to beat for everybody. They're playing better than everybody. And we're trying to get our team together."

Lin said he was already eager for the second half to start.

"I'm not going to hang my head or anything like that," Lin said. "I know I went out there and I played hard. Can't win 'em all. Can't have a great game every game. But at the same time, I need to understand, 'OK, what'd I do wrong? How can I improve?' I think that's going to be exciting."

NOTES: Wade spoke to the sellout crowd before the game, thanking them on behalf of the NBA and especially the six All-Star weekend-bound Heat players for their support the first half of the season. ... A number of arena workers snapped photos of Lin as he warmed up on the court about two hours before game time. ... In Orlando, where All-Star festivities were getting under way, NBA Commissioner David Stern said "it's fair to say that no player has created the interest and the frenzy in this short period of time, in any sport, that I'm aware of like Jeremy Lin has."

Baylor quarterback Robert Griffin III has measured 6-2 3-8, NFL.com analyst Gil Brandt said.

AP FileFears Baylor quarterback Robert Griffin III is shorter than 6'2 have apparently been put to rest at the NFL Combine.

INDIANAPOLIS -- Former Baylor quarterback Robert Griffin III measured 6-2 3/8 at the NFL Scouting Combine, NFL.com analyst Gil Brandt reported this morning.

Griffin, who won the Heisman Trophy in 2011, had said he would measure taller than his listed 6-2. Some analysts wondered if he would even be 6-1.

Griffin's height news adds to his already bullish draft stock. He and Andrew Luck are virtual locks to go Nos. 1-2 in April.

The Indianapolis Colts hold the first pick and are expected to take Stanford's Andrew Luck. St. Louis holds the second pick and is looking to deal; the Browns and Redskins are considered to be the leading suitors.

Brandt is a former longtime executive with the Dallas Cowboys.

Cleveland Browns head coach Pat Shurmur speaks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis on Thursday. Shurmur explained how the Browns will incorporate Tom Heckert, who is still in Cleveland sick, in interviews with draft prospects. Watch video

Cleveland Browns head coach Pat Shurmur speaks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis on Thursday.

Shurmur explained how the Browns will incorporate Tom Heckert, who is still in Cleveland sick, in interviews with draft prospects.

He also stated that the Browns are up for trading their two first-round picks to
the St. Louis Rams at No. 2 to select Baylor quarterback Robert Griffin III.

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The Plain Dealer's Mary Kay Cabot gives her Friday morning update from Indianapolis at the NFL Scouting Combine. She discusses Robert Griffin III's height measurement and what to to expect from player interviews throughout the day. Watch video

Day Two at the NFL Scouting Combine is underway and The Plain Dealer's Mary Kay Cabot gives her morning update.

She discusses Robert Griffin III's height measurement, which was reported at 6-2 3/8 this morning here at the NFL Combine. She also explains what to expect from Griffin with his media availability today.

Players like wide receiver Justin Blackmon and running back Trent Richardson will also speak today. Richardson underwent minor knee surgery, which will prevent him from participating
in on-field activities at the combine or the Crimson Tide’s pro day on
March 7.

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NFL Combine Day 2 is under way.

AP Photo/Michael ConroyDenver Broncos general manager John Elway speaks during a news conference at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis.

INDIANAPOLIS -- It's Day 2 of the 2012 NFL Scouting Combine, where more than 300 NFL players will be evaluated by all 32 teams.

The Plain Dealer's Mary Kay Cabot and Dennis Manoloff and cleveland.com's Glenn Moore are at Lucas Oil Stadium. They will provide updates throughout a day on which quarterbacks Andrew Luck and Robert Griffin III headline the interview schedule.

THOMPSON ON FLYNN: Packers GM Ted Thompson declined to speculate on the team's plans for backup quarterback Matt Flynn, who might be on the Browns' radar if he becomes available.

He said "our policy is to keep all of our players. I'm not going to stand here and tell all 31 other teams what I think about Matt Flynn.''

He did allow, "Matt is a professional. He does a good job.''

The Packers' options include franchising Flynn and trading him. His franchise number would be more than $14 million. 

The Dolphins are expected to be interested in acquiring him if they don't sign Peyton Manning. -- MKC 

No surprise: John Elway, the Broncos' executive vice president/football operations, was the first to meet with reporters.

First question: "Tim Tebow -- any thoughts?''

Elway: "What took you so long?''

Of course Tebow was going to be the hot topic. Even though Tebow was a first-round pick in 2010, he essentially came out of nowhere to lead the Broncos to the AFC West title this past season. The Broncos defeated the Steelers in the opening round of the playoffs at home before getting drilled at New England; they finished 9-9.

"Tim gave us a great spark,'' Elway said. "We're really happy with his progress and we're hoping he'll be with us for a long, long time.''

Tebow relied on athleticism and determination to win games with late comebacks, but he struggled with his throwing mechanics. He is working with a quarterbacks guru at UCLA.

Elway, obviously, would like to work more with Tebow. But the collective bargaining agreement limits interaction.

"I know Tim will do everything he can to get better in the offseason,'' Elway said.

When evaluating quarterbacks, Elway said he focuses on motion, release, footwork and how the ball comes out of the hand. He said Stanford's Luck and Baylor's Griffin  are "unbelievable prospects.''

"They're mature, intelligent guys,'' Elway said. "Those two are going to have a lot of success in the NFL.''

Elway was not asked about The Drive. Or The Fumble.  -- DM

FALCONS NO REGRETS: Falcons GM Thom Dimitroff said his team has no regrets about the blockbuster trade with the Browns last draft day that netted them receiver Julio Jones.

The Browns received the Falcons' first-round pick this year, which turned out to be No. 22. They also received an extra fourth this year, the No. 21 last year, the No. 2 that brought Greg Little and the No. 4 that reaped fullback Owen Marecic.

"I feel very comfortable with it,'' said Dimitroff. "We will never look on our move as being overly expensive.''

He said he ranks Oklahoma State receiver Justin Blackmon right up there with Jones and Cincinnati's A.J. Green, the top two receivers in last year's draft and predicts that teams will be willing to trade up to select Blackmon this year.

He said they picked Jones to become "more explosive'' not just immediately but for the long haul. -- MKC    

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The Plain Dealer's Dennis Manoloff spoke with former Cleveland Browns quarterback Bernie Kosar at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis. Watch video

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Grady Sizemore will probably open season on disabled list for the second straight year.

Chuck Crow / The Plain DealerGrady Sizemore

GOODYEAR, Ariz. -- Center fielder Grady Sizemore will probably miss Opening Day on April 5 with a lower back injury.

"It's unlikely Grady will be ready for opening day," said Lonnie Soloff, Indians head athletic trainer.

Soloff made the announcement Friday, the day before the Indians first full squad workout of spring training was scheduled.

Sizemore suffered the injury two weeks ago while fielding grounders in center fielder. The injury hit the hard-luck Sizemore with a double whammy because had to stop rehabbing his surgically repaired right knee.

Soloff said Sizemore was ahead of schedule with his running and hitting while recovering from last year's knee surgery. He injured the knee in May and underwent surgery on Oct. 8.

This means Michael Brantley will probably move from left field to center field. He could hit leadoff as well.

"We were obviously aware of some of the potential risks with Grady's rehab," said GM Chris Antonetti. "We were cognizant of that as we structured our roster. We feel we have a quality group of candidates in the event Grady isn't ready."

The Indians have 13 outfielders in camp besides Sizemore.

On Oct. 31 the Indians made Sizemore a free agent by not exercising his $9 million club opltion.  They re-signed him to a one-year $5 million deal with enough performance incentives that could take him $9 million.

If Brantley moves to center, Ezequiel Careera, Aaron Cunningham, Shelley Duncan, Ryan Spilborgs, Felix Pie, Fred Lewis and Chad Huffman could get a look in left field.

Browns general manager recently underwent a serious surgery, but is expected to make a full recovery, according to the team's flagship station WTAM-AM.

Chuck Crow, Plain Dealer file photoBrowns General Manager Tom Heckert had surgery, which prevented him from attending the Combine.

INDIANAPOLIS -- Browns general manager Tom Heckert's absence from the NFL Combine is because he had a serious surgery, the team's flagship station WTAM-AM is reporting.

Heckert is expected to make a full recovery, according to the station.

The Browns declined to comment on the specifics of Heckert's illness.

"Tom's personal medical issues are his private affair and not for the club to comment on,'' said team spokesman Neal Gulkis. "As we said yesterday, he's doing fine.''

Heckert was in his office in Berea earlier this week and is expected to be there next week too. Because he's still recovering, he was not permitted to make the trip to Indianapolis.

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If LeBron James ever plays for the Cavaliers again, he must abide by the "Eight Simple Rules for Dealing With a Diva,'' Bill Livingston writes.

David Santiago, El Nuevo HeraldIf LeBron James ever decides to take his talents away from South Beach and move them to the North Coast, things will have to be different the second time around.

So, Bron-Bron . . . I can call you Bron-Bron, can't I? What? Oh, I can't. Not after I said you quit against the Celtics?

OK, Let's start over then.

So, LeBron, if you're serious about deigning to play in little old Cleveland again in 2014, we need to have a new program. Here are:

Eight Simple Rules for Dealing With a Diva

1. Lose the lackeys. None of the posse from the neighborhood will be allowed in the locker room, on the bench, at practice or on the payroll. NBA basketball is a game as well as a business. It is not a support group.

2. No more tardiness. Buy a watch. You can afford a good one. Dean Smith -- remember him? Coach at North Carolina, one of the five or six schools you mentioned as possible college choices -- made tardiness his pet peeve. That's why Larry Brown, a former Smith player and one of his most illustrious coaching disciples, suspended you for an exhibition game before the 2004 Olympics. Smith said someone who is habitually late obviously considers his time more valuable than that of everyone else. That pretty much summed up your view here.

3. If you ever shoot a left-handed free throw again, you'd better leave the arena with your right elbow in a sling or a cast.

It was incredibly self-indulgent and irresponsible for you to take (and miss) a wrong-handed free throw with a three-point lead in that close-out playoff game against the Bulls, most of all because they had a timeout left to advance the ball.

I've seen fake injuries before. George McGinnis grabbed his hamstring at practice as soon as media members were shepherded into the gym during the last days of the countdown to his first NBA playoffs. A coach said: "Don't even write about it. He needs a crutch in case he plays bad."

Moses Malone had a much ballyhooed visit to the hospital on the eve of the playoffs in the 76ers' "fo', fo', and fo' " season. He emerged with no lingering physical problems whatsoever. He needed a crutch too.

In your case, missing that left-handed free throw would have been close to throwing the game if Luol Deng hadn't lost track of the time and faked and feinted most of the last seconds away without getting off a good shot.

4. If the franchise makes a good faith move to bring in a certifiable legend to help you try to win a championship, at least seem interested. When the next Shaq is introduced to the media and fans, get your butt to the news conference and smile.

5. No pre-game skits. The fraternity handshakes are fine. Every NBA team does that. The other stuff -- the "baseball game," the "family portrait" -- just seemed sophomoric. A leader can't be one of the boys. When you were here, it seemed that you valued being in the fraternity more than leading the team.

6. If you're knocked down on a foul (and, frankly, it would take a Joe Frazier left hook to deck a man of your size), confine the drama queen antics to a rub of the injured area. What are you, rolling and writhing around in near-death throes, a World Cup soccer player?

7. The "1-4 Set" -- that boring play where you pounded the ball at the top of the foul circle with teammates on the wings and in the corners, dribbling, dribbling, until Anderson Varejao finally set a pick for you -- that won't be your thing here anymore.

You fly down the wings on the fast break and let Kyrie Irving find you. Posting up would be nice too.

You, LeBron, will always have the biggest up-side of any player ever because of the size and speed equation. If anybody is isolated with the ball for the last shot, however, it's going to be the pure point guard with the great explosiveness and the competitive heart. At the highest level, it comes down to character, not talent.

8. Some seriously disruptive guys have come to new teams and found redemption. The list would include Rasheed Wallace, Dennis Rodman, Latrell Sprewell and Metta World Peace, the player formerly known as Ron Artest.

Wallace made the difference for the 2003-04 Pistons. Sprewell took an eighth-seeded Knicks team to the NBA Finals. Rodman was the last piece to the puzzle in the Bulls' second three-peat. Artest's late 3-pointer clinched the seventh game of the Finals for the Lakers against the Celtics. None was the signature player on his team.

You're not close to as big a distraction as they were. But you would have to accept that the Cavaliers will be Irving's team in 2014, even more than they already are. So go with the flow.

And remember to act like you care.