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Doug Lesmerises talks Buckeyes basketball going into Big Ten Tournament : Video

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The Plain Dealer's Doug Lesmerises recently spoke with Cinesport's Tara Petrolino about the Ohio State Buckeyes men's basketball team going into the Big Ten Tournament.

matta.JPGView full sizeWhat can Buckeyes' coach Thad Matta do to prepare his team for the NCAA Tournament?
The Plain Dealer's Doug Lesmerises recently spoke with CineSport's Tara Petrolino about the Ohio State Buckeyes men's basketball team going into the Big Ten Tournament.

They discussed what the Buckeyes must do to continue their winning ways through March. They also talk about what coach Thad Matta can do to prepare his team for the NCAA Tournament, which would be giving his bench guys more time.

Doug then predicted No. 5 seed Indiana to beat the No. 3 seed Buckeyes in the Big Ten Tournament Finals, stating that the Hoosiers are just too hot right now.

For more Cinesport video, go here.


Central Michigan locks down Miami, 78-64, in Mid-American Conference Basketball Tournament women's quarterfinal

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Fifth-seeded CMU (19-14) advances to face No. 1 Bowling Green (24-5) on Friday afternoon.

jasmine-bracey.jpgJas'Mine Bracey, CMU

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- In what amounted to steel-cage match without the steel cage, Central Michigan defeated Miami, 78-64, Thursday in a Mid-American Conference Women's Basketball Tournament quarterfinal at The Q.

Fifth-seeded CMU (19-14) advances to face No. 1 Bowling Green (24-5) on Friday afternoon.

Fourth-seeded Miami slipped to 21-9.

"I loved our defense," Chippewas coach Sue Guevara said. "We did a very nice job of disrupting Miami. We pressured the ball and came up with some steals."

CMU finished with 11 steals and, thanks largely to an active zone, held Miami to 27.9 percent shooting (19-of-68). The RedHawks committed 20 turnovers.

"Miami's a pretty good passing team," Guevara said. "We hurried them up."

CMU is 3-0 in the MAC tournament, including victories in the past two days. Miami had not played since a two-point victory over Ohio on Feb. 28. Whether Miami was hurt by too much rest is uncertain, but CMU clearly was helped by having survived a three-point, low-scoring contest against Ohio on Wednesday.

This quarterfinal featured teams not necessarily fluid in their movements, but whose players compensate with toughness and competitiveness. They produced the good type of physicality -- nothing dirty, just old-school scratching and clawing on every possession. As a result, fans got plenty of entertainment value for their ticket.

"The more the game gets physical, the better we play," freshman guard Brandie Baker said. "We look forward to it."

CMU can pass and shoot when necessary, as well. Their skip passes in the second half, in particular, consistently were on the money and often led to baskets, directly or indirectly.

The Chippewa doing the most catching and scoring was freshman forward Jas'Mine Bracey, who had a game-high 21 points on 10-of-13 shooting. It is no accident that Bracey has superb hands.

"I have to catch them in practice or all the post players have to run," she said.

The RedHawks played well enough in the first half. Courtney Osborn's two free throws built a 30-23 lead with 1:28 left. But Jessica Green, Bracey and Jalisa Olive scored baskets in the final minute to pull CMU within one.

Miami went 11-of-35 from the floor in the first half; CMU was 12-of-39.

The Chippewas held several double-digit leads in the second half. Miami did not let it get out of hand but never mounted a serious charge. Whenever the Chippewas felt mildly threatened, they found a way to make a big defensive play or basket.

CMU's defense frustrated Osborn, Miami's All-MAC First Team guard. Osborn finished with eight points on 2-of-15 shooting.

The Chippewas avenged a 79-57 loss to Miami on Feb. 2 in Mount Pleasant, Mich.

To reach this Plain Dealer reporter:

dmanoloff@plaind.com; 216-999-4664

On Twitter: @dmansworldpd

Kyrie Irving's clutch plays are no surprise to his Cleveland Cavaliers teammates

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Whereas opposing coaches and players are just getting to know -- and appreciate -- Irving, those in his own locker room get to see him every day, and they are voicing their support louder and more publicly.

kirving.jpgKyrie Irving goes up for the winning basket in the Cavaliers' 100-99 win Wednesday night in Denver. The rookie's ability to come through at crunch time is no surprise to his teammates.

DENVER, Colo. — Daniel Gibson knows what it's like to be a rookie in the zone.

Few Cavs fans will forget his performance in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference finals against Detroit that clinched the 2007 conference championship. Gibson scored 31 points, including a franchise-record 19 in the fourth quarter, as the Cavs advanced to the NBA Finals for the first -- and only -- time.

Now he sees that same sort of confidence in his teammate, Kyrie Irving.

"I see it in his eyes," Gibson said. "It's like a confidence to where it doesn't matter about the moment. He just loves playing the game and he's invested at that time and in that moment. You can see it at the end of the game, he made a layup and was like 'Fourth quarter, this is my time, this is my time!' If he gets everybody else to feeling the same way, you can feel it in his eyes when that time comes. He relishes that moment."

Whereas opposing coaches and players are just getting to know -- and appreciate -- the young point guard, those in his own locker room get to see him every day, and they are voicing their support louder and more publicly.

After Irving's driving layup lifted the Cavs to a 100-99 victory over the Denver Nuggets on Wednesday night, Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert tweeted: "Just think about how good KI is going to be when he turns 20 years old. Are you kidding me?!!"

Similarly, Gibson tweeted after that game: "Rookie of the YEAR. Kyrie Irving. Big Time plays. Good Road Win."

Oddly enough, while Gibson said he sees something special in Irving's eyes, coach Byron Scott doesn't even look at his rookie during a huddle with the game on the line.

"Nah, not really," Scott said. "It's like, 'We've got what? 15 seconds? All right, let's spread the floor and get the ball to the young fella and let him make a play for himself or his teammates.' It's that simple. I don't even look at him during the timeouts."

But his teammates can't take their eyes off him in those situations. He has now beaten three teams -- Denver, Dallas and Boston -- with driving layups in the final seconds and another -- Sacramento -- with two late free throws.

"We're accustomed to seeing him night in and night out," Antawn Jamison said. "But for our opponents who only see it on film, it's totally different when you're trying to guard him. He's always under control. He does a great job of setting opponents up and he finishes around the rim better than anyone I've ever played with."

Added Anthony Parker: "He makes certainly more great plays than anybody else on the team. His poise, his control, his understanding of the game, understanding when to attack, how to attack, his incredible ability to finish, body control despite his size. . . . He just finds a way to get it up on the backboard and it goes in. Right or left hand, it's amazing to watch.

"His ceiling -- how high can he go? What is his upside? He's already so good, so advanced. He's on that track of a Derrick Rose or a Chris Paul. Not that he's either of those guys. He's a combination. But I love playing with him and I love watching him play. He does things that, after you've been around for so long, he still does things that make you say, 'Wow.' The crossovers he does, the way he finishes, it's amazing."

Parker took a breath. Then he smiled and asked, "He's not going to hear this, is he?"

Veterans, of course, like to keep rookies humble. Irving maintains his personal credo is to stay hungry and humble. But his teammates are happy to toot his horn for him. They've gotten to the point where nothing he does surprises them any more.

"It doesn't surprise me because of his demeanor," Gibson said of Irving's success. "He feels like that moment is his. He doesn't shy away from it. You never see him bashful about anything. He's always up front about everything he does. It doesn't surprise me one bit at the end of the game he doesn't hesitate to take those shots.

"Some people just got it. He's one of those guys that has that confidence about himself and his game."

For Ubaldo Jimenez, heaven isn't Iowa, it's Cleveland: Indians Insider

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Jimenez is happy to be in Cleveland after undergoing a tough time in Denver.

Ubaldo Jimenez.JPGView full sizeIndians pitcher Ubaldo Jimenez didn't enjoy his time with the Colorado Rockies and is happy to be in Cleveland.

GOODYEAR, Ariz. — Ubaldo Jimenez had another so-so Cactus League start Thursday. One bad inning, one good inning and one reference to heavenly intervention.

"This is like being in heaven for me," Jimenez said about pitching for the Indians.

The Indians acquired Jimenez on July 31 for No. 1 picks Alex White and Drew Pomeranz and two other players. After pitching two innings in a 6-5 loss to the Los Angeles Angels at Goodyear Ballpark, Jimenez said he was glad the Rockies traded him.

"It was kind of hard being with the Rockies," he said. "I went through a lot of things that people outside the organization don't know. But me and the people in the front office know.

"It works both ways. They're happy and I'm happy. I'm happy to be here and they're happy with what they got."

Jimenez traced his problems with the Rockies to his days in the minors.

"It was always a tough time dealing with them," he said. "That's the past. I was there. I'm not there anymore."

Jimenez allowed two runs on two hits and two walks in two innings. After throwing 31 pitches in the first, he threw eight in the second.

"I feel happy here," he said. "I don't have anything in my mind. I don't have to worry about anything but going out and pitching. When you don't have to worry about things that are going on off the field, it's easier to pitch."

Jimenez said he couldn't control his sinking fastball in the first. He turned to his four-seam fastball in the second and retired the Angels in order.

"I don't think any power pitcher is going to have his command in the second outing of spring training," manager Manny Acta said. "I'll be worried if a power pitcher was still bouncing balls and throwing them all over the place 10 days before the start of the season."

Jimenez, as stated above, is happy to be an Indian.

"You only hear good things about this organization," he said. "The thing is they treat everyone the same. They are trying to develop every single player. It doesn't matter how much money you got when you signed."

Albert the Great: Albert Pujols, the Angels' new $245 million first baseman, made the trip to Goodyear. He went 0-for-2, walking against Jimenez and grounding out to short twice against Josh Tomlin.

Pujols is 4-for-15 with one double, two walks and three strikeouts lifetime against Jimenez. The Indians and Angels meet six times during the regular season.

"I like challenges and he's a really a tough challenge," said Jimenez. "As a pitcher, you don't want to pitch him with the bases loaded, but it's fun to face a hitter like Pujols. He's one of the best."

Freak injury: Catcher prospect Chun Chen had his right foot in a boot Thursday morning after spraining his ankle running to practice.

"I slipped in my cleats after stretching," Chen said.

Comeback: Cristian Guzman took last season off. The veteran shortstop was having problems with his right shoulder and didn't play.

This spring he's in camp with the Indians on a minor-league contract. Offensively, he has a new look.

"He's already set a record," said Acta, who managed Guzman in Washington. "It takes him months sometimes to get two walks. He's got two in one week. It means his eyesight is good."

Guzman has two walks in four at-bats. He walked 23 times in 612 at-bats for the Nationals in 2008. In 2009, he walked 16 times in 555 at-bats.

"We used to bet in D.C. when he was going to get his first walk," said Acta. "That's not his game."

Next: Derek Lowe will face Milwaukee lefty Randy Wolf today at 3:05 p.m. in Phoenix. The game will be carried on cleveland.com's webcast. Justin Masterson will face San Diego on Saturday in Goodyear. SportsTime Ohio will televise the 4:05 p.m. game and it will be on the radio at WTAM AM/1100.

To reach this Plain Dealer reporter: phoynes@plaind.com, 216-999-5158

On Twitter: @hoynsie

Michael Phelps takes on a lighter load to keep his head from swimming

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Phelps won't try to duplicate his eight-gold-medal effort from 2008, but he says he's regained his love for the sport.

michael phelps.JPGView full sizeAmerican swimmer Michael Phelps won eight gold medals at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing. It's the only time in his career, he says, in which he felt he had "broken down" at a meet. Now 26, Phelps won't try to replicate that feat, and because of it, he says, "I've been able to find a love for the sport back again."

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Four years ago, Michael Phelps went eight for eight in his record-breaking quest for Olympic gold medals. He won't go for eight golds again at the London Games this summer. But he's getting back to being that Phelps who, in China in 2008, secured his place as one of the greatest Olympians ever.

"I've been able to find a love for the sport back again. This is the first time I've really had it since Beijing," said Phelps, 26, on Thursday at Ohio State's McCorkle Aquatic Pavilion, where he's competing this weekend in the Columbus Grand Prix, the fourth stop in a swimming series designed to prepare athletes for the Olympic Trials in late June and early July.

"Being able to find that again and find the passion and find the motivation is going to play a big role in what happens over the next four months," Phelps said. "I still hate to lose, so that part's the same. The biggest difference is just that I'm older. That's it."

He's also a lot more famous, his coach, Bob Bowman, conceding that the attention has complicated Phelps' life. And Phelps has admitted to some mistakes. His plan now is to attempt between five and six events in London, though neither coach nor swimmer would get more specific.

"I wouldn't say that he could do the same program, but he can definitely do a big program and do it well," Bowman said. "I don't think we know exactly what it's going to be. We kind of do. But we don't know 100 percent."

Phelps is swimming the 200 freestyle, 200 butterfly, 100 freestyle and 200 backstroke in Columbus.

"I don't think I'll do eight again. I don't know if my body could handle it again. To be in that kind of shape, that was obviously the best shape of my life," said Phelps, who added that Beijing was the first time he had ever felt "broken down" at a meet.

Phelps also swam eight events in 2004, winning six gold and two bronze medals, but he hopes cutting an event or two allows him to max out in the events he does swim. And regardless of what happens in London, that eight is still hanging out there as the standard for everyone else.

Phelps said he doesn't think about his legacy and swims "for myself and that's it." But his adventures in London will be the end of his swimming career, and he's pleased with his training benchmarks so far this year. So he might as well go out on top.

"One of the things that Michael has going for him is that he's already done something nobody's ever done, probably won't do again," Bowman said. "Anything he does in London is going to be gravy -- that's the way we approach this. Whatever he does in London will only add to his Olympic legacy. It'll only bring attention to the sport of swimming, which is a very important goal for Michael and myself. So we just feel it's a win-win. Whatever he does is going to really help swimming, and he's going to be fine with it."

To reach this Plain Dealer reporter: dlesmerises@plaind.com, 216-999-4479

Preview capsules for local Division III men's and women's college basketball tournament games

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Wooster's men's team and Mount Union's women's team each face Illinois Wesleyan.

NCAA Division III Men's Tournament Round of 16

No. 15 Wooster vs. Illinois Wesleyan

Tipoff: 7:30 p.m. at Timken Gymnasium, Wooster, Ohio.

Notable: Wooster (26-4) will try to win today and Saturday on its home court to earn the right to play in the Division III Final Four next week in Salem, Va. IWU, from Bloomington, Ill., is 21-7. Illinois Wesleyan knocked off No. 1-ranked Hope College, 108-101, in double overtime in the previous round. Today's first game at 5:30 p.m. will feature No. 23 North Central (Ill.), which is 22-7, vs. No. 22 Wittenberg (23-6).

Next: Today's winners play in the sectional championship Saturday at 7 p.m.

NCAA Division III Women's Tournament Round of 16

No. 6 Mount Union vs. No. 16 Illinois Wesleyan

Tipoff: 7 p.m. at the McPherson Academic and Athletic Complex, Alliance, Ohio.

Notable: Mount is 28-1 and on a school-record 23-game winning streak. The Purple Raiders have not lost at home in 25 games and will try to run that streak to 27 this weekend to earn a trip to the Final Four next weekend in Holland, Mich. Illinois Wesleyan (24-5) is in the Sweet 16 for the fourth year in a row. Carthage (Wis.), which is 22-7, and No. 22 Centre (Ky.), which is 26-3, will play in today's first game at 5 p.m.

Next: Today's winners play in the sectional championship Saturday at 7 p.m.

-- From staff reports

Alonzo Gee makes a 'wow' play in victory over Denver Nuggets: Cleveland Cavaliers Insider

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Gee may have made the most spectacular play of the game Wednesday with his monstrous dunk that knocked down defender Chris "The Birdman" Andersen.

alonzo gee.JPGView full sizeAlonzo Gee
DENVER, Colo. — Kyrie Irving won the game at Denver with his driving layup, but Alonzo Gee may have made the most spectacular play with his monstrous dunk that knocked down defender Chris "The Birdman" Andersen. Even more surprising than the power with which Gee threw it down was the fact that the normally placid Gee actually glared at Andersen afterward.

"My teammates got me doing that to add a little hype," Gee said, implicating Anthony Parker, Daniel Gibson and Manny Harris. But he quickly backed off, denying it was his new move.

"No, no," he said. "That was only one time."

Andersen tried to block the shot but couldn't.

"It was too late," Gee said. "I already had taken off. It was too late for him."

Did Andersen say anything to him?

"He doesn't say much, he just came up to me at halftime and said, 'I'm going to try to get you back,' " Gee said.

Sound strategy: Cavs coach Byron Scott prefers to let Irving drive full court at the end of games if there's enough time left -- 10 seconds or more -- than advance the ball to halfcourt after a timeout.

"I just thought going full length with 15 seconds to go just opens the floor up," Scott said after practice at a local Denver health club Thursday. "We didn't necessarily want to go quick, but if we can get it to Kyrie and they're pressuring him, he's going to go by the guy. He's going to create an opportunity for himself to get to the basket. We were going to spread the floor out anyway, so he was going to have somebody to throw the ball to. I just thought taking it to halfcourt . . . the court is much more condensed. It's harder to get the ball inbounds. I just figured, 'Hey, let's go full court, run what we would normally run, press offense, get it in his hands, spread it out and let him go to work. It worked out perfectly."

D problem: Denver coach George Karl, a former Cavs coach, was upset that his team allowed the Cavs to finish the game with five straight layups, including the game-winner by Irving with 4 seconds left.

"To lose the game by giving up layups is everyone's fault," Karl said. "It's my fault. You can't let a guy drive 84 feet and get a layup without him making a pass at the end of the game. It just can't be done."

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

Off the Ice With ... Zach Cohen, Lake Erie Monsters left wing

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When not playing hockey, Cohen enjoys playing golf, and would really like a chance to play at Pebble Beach, Calif.

zach cohen.JPGView full size

Born: Feb. 6, 1987, Schaumburg, Ill.

Signed: By Colorado Avalanche as free agent in March 2010.

PD: Preferred off-ice activities?

ZC: Golf, reading books, playing video games.

PD: Favorite course ever played?

ZC: Tour 18 Dallas, where they re-create some of the best 18 holes in American golf.

PD: Course you really want to play?

ZC: Pebble Beach.

PD: Favorite book?

ZC: A fantasy series -- "The Wheel of Time," by Robert Jordan.

PD: Preferred video games?

ZC: Right now, "Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3."

PD: Any teammates who play the game with you?

ZC: Ryan Stoa and Luke Walker are the main guys.

PD: You played at Boston University when current Monsters coach David Quinn was an associate head coach there. Any change in him since?

ZC: Obviously, he has a bigger role, but he's pretty much the same. He's straightforward and lets you know how he feels.

PD: Favorite NHL player to watch at the moment?

ZC: Steven Stamkos.

PD: Favorite nonhockey athlete?

ZC: Derrick Rose of the Bulls.

PD: Favorite junk food?

ZC: Pizza, with grilled chicken, tomatoes and green peppers.

PD: Best hockey advice received/from whom?

ZC: Move your feet. From my mom.

PD: If not a hockey player, what?

ZC: Tough to tell. Probably a 9-to-5 job somewhere.

PD: Toughest part of being a pro hockey player?

ZC: The grind. The bus trips.

PD: What do you need to do to get to the next level and stay there?

ZC: Be more consistent with everything, including eating healthy. Do extra stuff on and off the ice.

PD: One thing your teammates might not know about you?

ZC: I went to Hebrew school for nine years, kindergarten through eighth grade.

PD: Have you always been left-handed?

ZC: Hockey is pretty much the only thing I'm left-handed in. I'm right-handed in writing, golf, soccer, basketball. . . . I started playing hockey when I was 3, and I guess I just picked up a stick and started playing lefty.

-- Dennis Manoloff


Northeast Ohio fishing report for the weekend of March 9-11

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Thursday's rains will be troublesome for stream fishermen, muddying the waters. Brisk, variable winds and dingy waters will plague Lake Erie anglers.

fishing cleveland.JPGView full size

Big winds and melting snow have been major problems this week around Northeast Ohio. It is still winter, of course, but a cold-weather campaign without ice fishing. Thursday's rains will be troublesome for stream fishermen, muddying the waters. Brisk, variable winds and dingy waters will plague Lake Erie anglers.

Rivers and streams: Rivers and streams will be the best bet for success for later this weekend if rains on Thursday don't give the rivers too much of a boost. River levels have been good in recent days and mostly clearing, with the Grand River still a bit muddy. Good numbers of steelhead trout are in the rivers and more should be moving in from Lake Erie very soon. The early spring season is considered the best time for a big trout, and anglers are enjoying one of the most productive steelhead campaigns in recent years because of warmer-than-usual weather.

This weekend, spawn bags and jig-maggot rigs will rule, especially when rains kick up levels and muddy the water. Fly fishers should eventually get in on the action when waters return to a stained condition. Fly selection should include small streamers and bait fish patterns, as well as egg patterns, sucker spawn and bead head nymphs.

Lake Erie: The big waters of Lake Erie have been on a roller-coaster ride this week, with big winds that keep changing direction a problem. After a few days of big waves, dingy waters will be a problem for anglers trolling for walleye. The best areas for walleye have been the reefs north of the Camp Perry area. Fishermen are relying on minnow-style plugs, worked with on-line planer boards 50 to 70 feet behind the boat. Slow speeds have been the key in water that is 35 to 37 degrees.

Inland lakes and ponds: The spring fling for crappie has begun to warm up, with some reports starting to come in from around the western Lake Erie harbors. At this time of year, crappie begin to move to shallow water structure, including boat docks, and hit jigs tipped with minnows or jigs with soft plastic tails.

Crappie are also in the spotlight on inland reservoirs, with Mosquito and Berlin lakes hot spots for the slab-side fish. Water levels are only about five feet low at Mosquito, while Lake Milton, Berlin and West Branch are eight to 11 feet below summer pool.

Wallace Lake continues to be fair to good for stocked rainbow trout. Other lakes stocked by the Cleveland Metroparks were Shadow, Ledge, Ranger and Judges.

Ohio Division of Wildlife begins its spring trout stockings this week, but Northern Ohio won't get in on the action until April. Local lakes to get a trout transfusion include the Westlake Recreation Center pond (April 2); Hinckley Lake (April 11); Akron's Little Summit Pond and Geauga County's Punderson Lake (April 14); Painesville's Veterans Park Pond; East Cleveland's Forest Hill Pond; Shadow Lake and Silver Creek Lake (April 20); and the Ohio & Erie Canal Reservation Pond (May 4).

-- D'Arcy Egan

St. Edward alum Matt Stainbrook devastated by ejection: MAC Tournament Insider

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Stainbrook is so distraught by his ejection late during a loss to Kent State that he leaves for the bus immediately after the game and waits for his teammates and coaches there.

Matt Stainbrook.JPGView full sizeKent State's Justin Greene, front, drives past Western Michigan's Matt Stainbrook, a St. Edward alum, during the first half Thursday at The Q.

CLEVELAND, Ohio — Western Michigan's 6-9, 290-pound sophomore center Matt Stainbrook (St. Edward) was ejected with 9:24 left for elbowing Kent State's Michael Porrini in the face on a rebound. Officials checked the replay before making the call, but ruled it was a flagrant foul and he was gone. Apparently motivated to step it up without their big man, the Broncos went on a 15-3 run without him.

"When Stainbrook went down, we had to put our arms around each other," said power forward Flenard Whitfield.

Stainbrook was so distraught that he left for the bus immediately after the game and waited for his teammates and coaches there.

"I don't think he meant anything by it," Porrini said.

Stainbrook said by phone from the bus that he was disappointed in himself and felt his senior teammates deserved better.

"I think if you ask the other guy, I think he knows that I wasn't intentionally trying to elbow him," he said. "[The team] talked before the game about how they do miss some easy shots, and I was looking to rebound. I haven't looked at the replay or anything, but I'm pretty sure it would show I was trying to rebound and I was just trying to box out. I'm not happy I had to end my sophomore season ejected from a game."

Bench power: Kent State's bench outscored Western Michigan, 20-13, and no one came up bigger for the Flashes than 6-7 junior forward Chris Evans, who hit 5-of-7 shots and 3-of-4 from the foul line for 13 points in 23 minutes.

"Chris has had a great year," said Kent coach Rob Senderoff. "He averaged close to 10 points a game. He's a great athlete. . . . I expect that from him every night."

Chillin': "We're taking ice baths, resting our legs and staying in our rooms." -- Central Michigan's Jas'Mine Bracey, who scored 21 points on 10-of-13 shots against Miami to advance, on how the team deals with the grind of playing three games in three days.

Surrounded: "There was a tent and a mobile home and a house parked near Yo, and she had nowhere to go." -- Toledo coach Tricia Cullop, on how center Yolanda Richardson was so heavily guarded by Northern Illinois that her team had to find other ways to score. It did, as former Akron Kenmore (and Barberton) high school star Andola Dortch, a former Plain Dealer of the Year, scored 24 points and dished out eight assists for a 72-62 win.

Under glass: Miami's Lillian Pitts (Shaker Heights) grabbed 18 rebounds and teammate Kirsten Olowinski pulled down 15 more -- usually a dominant combination. But not when you're shooting just 28 percent from the floor. In fact, the 78-64 Central Michigan victory was a textbook lesson in winning "in the paint" as CMU outmuscled and outscored Miami, 52-24, inside. The teams combined for a whopping 100 rebounds on Miami's errant shooting and Central Michigan's foul-line misfires (just 60 percent).

Bouncing back: Central Michigan coach Sue Guevara calls it "The Ball State Debacle."

On Feb. 18, the Chippewas lost, 84-76, in Muncie, Ind., to one of the Mid-American Conference's worst teams. Guevara was seething as team personnel boarded the bus. Guevara turned over stat books and the game tape to her players.

"I said, 'You guys have to tell me what you did,' " she said.

Later, the answers were not pretty. "They said there was a lot of one-on-one, a lack of communication, bad passing, bad shots," Guevara said.

Since TBSD, Central Michigan is 6-0, including 3-0 in the MAC Tournament. In the first round, the Chippewas hammered Ball State, 86-62.

"[The Ball State loss] turned out to be an epiphany game," Guevara said. "Since then, we're sharing the ball much better, our shot selection is better and our defense is better."

Plain Dealer reporters Elton Alexander, Jodie Valade, Bill Lubinger and Dennis Manoloff contributed to this story.

Medina nurse Karen Metzker named Field & Stream Hero of Conservation: Outdoors Notebook

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Metzker's Lake and Trails organization, which hosts youth camps in spring and fall at Camp Muskingum on Leesville Lake in Carroll County, is also being given the Dawson Award at the April 21 convention of the Outdoor Writers of Ohio.

wild turkey.JPGView full sizeHunters will talk turkey March 25 at the Northcoast Limbhangers Banquet at Holy Spirit Center in Parma. the Cuyahoga County Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation is also hosting its Turkey Patterning Day on April 21.

Karen Metzker works diligently all year so youngsters have the chance to learn about and enjoy fishing and hunting, an important mission that has made her one of Field & Stream's Heroes of Conservation.

Metzker's Lake and Trails organization, which hosts youth camps in spring and fall at Camp Muskingum on Leesville Lake in Carroll County, is also being given the Dawson Award at the April 21 convention of the Outdoor Writers of Ohio. A nurse, Metzker and her husband, Rich, live in Medina.

Metzker said her Field & Stream monthly award is featured in the March magazine, and includes a $500 prize for Lake and Trails. "It is a direct reflection on the great job our committee does throughout the year, the excellent work our instructors and volunteers do at our camps and our support from the outdoor community," said Metzker.

Field & Stream's top conservationist for 2012 is awarded a new Toyota Tundra truck. The six finalists receive $5,000 grants for their organization.

It seems most major sportsmen's clubs in the area are sponsors of Lake and Trails, and for a good reason. Many area clubs support scholarships for the camps, and members volunteer to work with the kids.

"From the very beginning, Karen took the bull by the horns and created a tremendous program for the kids," said Mike Samsel, long-time official with the Cleveland Chapter of Safari Club International. "All of the groups know their future is in the kids, and Lake and Trails has introduced hundreds of youngsters to the outdoor sports at its camps. To do it right requires a lot of time and funding, and Karen is tireless at generating grants and raising those funds."

Samsel began hunting as a youngster under the guidance of Metzker's father, the late Bill Kirkpatrick, a mainstay of the League of Ohio Sportsmen.

The group's Spring Fishing Camp is May 4-6. The Youth Outdoor Camp that includes hunting and the shooting sports is Oct. 4-7. Visit lakeandtrails.org or email karen@lakeandtrails.org.

Turkey talk: Ohio's spring turkey season doesn't begin until April 23, but hunters will talk turkey March 25 at the Northcoast Limbhangers Banquet at Holy Spirit Center in Parma. Jim Cartellone (330-220-7185, northcoastlimbhangers@aol.com) has $65 tickets, $90 for couples. Just as importantly, the Cuyahoga County Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation is also hosting its Turkey Patterning Day on April 21, a couple of days before the opener of the spring turkey season.

Hunters can check the pattern of their shotgun on McKenzie 3-D turkey targets while trying a variety of different shot shells. Sportsmen can shoot from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Things to do: The Fishing & Hunting Flea Market is Saturday at Germans Villa in Vermilion from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. . . . Dave Dunbar of Critter Buster Game Calls headlines the Coyote Hunting Seminar at 7 p.m. Saturday at the Leetonia Sportsman's Club in Leetonia. . . . Columbia Game Club has an All-Breed Hunter's Trial on Sunday at its Sullivan grounds. . . . The turkey shoots continue Sunday at the South Cuyahoga Sportsmen's Association grounds in North Royalton. . . . Fin Feather and Fur Outfitters in Ashland has its Walleye Weekend on Saturday and Sunday, featuring pros Matt Davis, Dan Gies and Mark Brumbaugh. . . . The big Field & Stream Deer & Turkey Expo takes over the Ohio State Fairgrounds in Columbus on March 16-18. . . . The Dutchland Hunting & Fishing Show invades Middlefield next Friday and Saturday. . . . The Rodmaker's Shop in Strongsville hosts its Spring Tackle Show March 17-18.

The fifth annual Western Reserve Friends of the NRA fundraiser in Mentor is not until May 25, but $100 discount tickets for the banquet and reverse raffle that support local and national shooting sports programs are only available through Thursday at 1-888-752-9119.

Check cleveland.com/outdoors for more details.

Bust a clay: The popular sporting clays competitions return to the South Cuyahoga Sportsmen's Association grounds in Chatham Township on March 25 with its March Madness Shoot. The season highlight will again be the Medina Open on May 6, a combined shoot at SCSA and Hill 'n Dale Club in Medina. For registered shooters, the Medina Open has $20,000 on the line. All of the regular SCSA sporting clays shoots are open to the public, with reservations needed. Contact Ed Coyne (216-926-8138, emc777@frontier.com).

Hunting preserve news: Pheasants have been in short supply this winter at local hunting preserves. The warm winter weather has created a demand for the game birds all around the country. That includes pheasant hot spots such as South Dakota and Iowa. Steve McMillan (steve.flyingridgehuntclub@yahoo.com) at Flying Ridge Hunt Club in Wayne County says he still has some pheasant and chukar partridge, and a few other preserves are still in action. Those birds won't last long, though.

To reach this Plain Dealer reporter: degan@plaind.com, 216-999-5158

OHSAA boys ice hockey analysis: How St. Edward defeated St. Ignatius

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The St. Edward hockey faithful were in full throttle before Saturday's district final showdown against rival St. Ignatius. "Thirty-nine and one! Thirty-nine and one!"

St. Edward hockey players drop their helmets and sticks as they celebrate their victory over St. Ignatius last Saturday. - (Marvin Fond, PD)

The St. Edward hockey faithful were in full throttle before Saturday's district final showdown against rival St. Ignatius.

"Thirty-nine and one! Thirty-nine and one!"

Hey, the Wildcats could have been 0-39 and the Eagles' partisans would have been quick to cheer, "Zero and Forty!"

But with St. Ignatius, already with the most wins in state history, trying to become the second team in state history to go undefeated, this had the makings of something special. That's just what the packed crowd of just more than 2,000 at the Brooklyn Recreation Center got.

On paper it may have looked as if the Wildcats were a lock to win and advance to this week's state semifinals. After all, they had defeated the Eagles three times this season.

Here's how the Eagles pulled off the 3-2 upset:

• They capitalized on early chances, scoring two goals within 90 seconds of the first period. The second came on a power play.

• They committed only two penalties. St. Edward had been prone to picking up too many silly fouls during the season.

• They focused on St. Ignatius senior Paddy Spellacy, who had 42 goals coming in and 134 for his career. At one point, four Eagles collapsed on Spellacy when he crossed the blue line.

• They were familiar with the Wildcats from the three previous games.

• They kept the pressure on, not only with the early lead, but also by matching the Wildcats with 38 shots.

• They got excellent goaltending from senior Logan Galati. A hot goalie in the playoffs is more than a luxury.

• They kept their composure when the Wildcats tied the game, 2-2, with 6:15 to play. Junior Connor King needed only 45 seconds to put the Eagles back on top.

• They played with nothing to lose.

• They had the chip on their shoulder that no one respected their game or tradition. After all, St. Edward has won a record 11 state championships.

It was only an upset if you wanted it to be one.

-- Joe Maxse

OHSAA boys ice hockey: Scouting the 2012 state tournament

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Where: Nationwide Arena, Columbus. When: Saturday and Sunday.

University School's Connor Judson, left, and Kevin DeGulis and the rest of the Preppers will face St. Edward in a state semifinal Saturday in Columbus. - ( Tim Harrison, Special to PD)

Where: Nationwide Arena, Columbus.

When: Saturday and Sunday.

Saturday: St. Edward (19-12-3) vs. University School (23-9-3), noon; Lewis Center Olentangy Orange (34-8) vs. Sylvania Northview (29-1-3), 3 p.m.

Sunday: Championship game, 11 a.m.

TV on SportsTime Ohio: St. Ed vs. US, same-day tape, 7 p.m. Saturday; Olentangy Orange vs. Northview, same-day tape, 9 p.m. Saturday; Championship game, same-day tape, 5 p.m. Sunday.

Tickets: $10 adults; $8 students.

St. Edward outlook: The Eagles are coming off stirring 3-2 victory over previously-undefeated St. Ignatius in the Brooklyn District final. They have gone about their business against a rugged schedule just as they did a year ago in reaching the title game. The Eagles are making their record 20th state semifinals appearance, with a record 11 titles. They were denied a 12th last year by Toledo St. Francis in overtime, 2-1. After losing to Lake Catholic in the Baron Cup, St. Edward has outscored four tournament opponents, 19-5. Defense has been key, especially in a 2-1 overtime win over Shaker Heights in the district semifinal and against the Wildcats. Senior C.J. Hoy has 21 goals and 22 assists, with junior Connor King at 19 goals and 26 assists and junior Gabe Lampron at 17 goals and 28 assists. Senior goaltender Logan Galati has been sure in the postseason, especially tested in the past two wins. The Eagles have found a way to come up with the clutch goal.

University School outlook: The Preppers are making their 10th trip to the state semifinals, all since 1990. They have been here eight times in the past 11 seasons, with championships in 2009 and '03. After a Baron Cup loss to Shaker Heights, they have knocked off four tournament foes by a combined, 29-4. US defeated Gilmour Academy in the Kent District final, 4-2. The club got a nice boost with the return of senior captain Matt Wipper, who missed 13 games with a concussion. Wipper has 21 goals and 17 assists. Junior Tyler Dalton leads the club with 34 goals and 23 assists, with senior Kevin DeGulis at 16 goals and 40 assists. Senior Brad Marshall has 11 goals. Four other players have double-digit assists. Senior goaltender Sam Althans has allowed less than two goals per game in going 17-4. The Preppers have won their past 10 meetings against the Eagles, including an overtime win in a 2009 state semifinal. They are getting healthy at the right time.

Olentangy Orange outlook: The Pioneers are making their first state semifinals appearance for a program that is only four years old. They knocked off Dublin Jerome in four overtimes, 4-3. Olentangy has seven players with double-digit goals, totaling 184 as a team. Jake Shepherd leads the club with 33 goals and 34 assists, with Nick Murley at 31 goals and 20 assists. Dar Faroughy has 27 goals and team-high 36 assists. Dino Cappocia (18 goals), Taylor Hardy (14), Chris Pennington (13) and Brandon Voytus (10) round out the scorers. The goaltending has been split between Chase Green (14-1) and Clay Horvath (15-7), with Eddie Kerbler at 5-0.

Sylvania Northview outlook: Making its ninth state semifinals, the Wildcats have had to settle for four runner-up finishes, including a 2010 loss to St. Ignatius. They have won 23 straight, knocking off Toledo St. John's Jesuit for the fourth time this season in the district final, 2-1. Their lone loss was to Dublin Jerome, 4-2, with ties against Hudson, Lake Catholic and a scoreless affair with University School. Dalton Carter paces the scoring with 21 points and 23 assists. Cody Estrel has 20 goals and 24 assists, with Zach Felser at 19 goals and a team-high 34 assists. Nick Laplante (14 goals), Drew Crandall (13), Brady Storer (12) and Ian Clement (11) are in the mix. Austin Gryca (15-0-1) and Phil Bowles (14-1-2) have been splitting time in the net. Coach Mike Jones said the goalkeeper would be a game-time decision.

-- Joe Maxse

OHSAA boys ice hockey: St. Edward in a defensive zone heading into state semifinal

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Now comes the hard part. After handing record-setting rival St. Ignatius its only loss of the season Saturday, St. Edward has to come up with an encore. In fact, two of them.

St. Edward and its fans hope to celebrate a boys ice hockey state championship this weekend, but the Eagles must first get past University School on Saturday. - (Marvin Fong, PD)

Now comes the hard part.

After handing record-setting rival St. Ignatius its only loss of the season Saturday, St. Edward has to come up with an encore. In fact, two of them.

The Eagles will need to win a pair of games to claim their record 12th state hockey championship. They have to get the first victory Saturday when they take on longtime opponent University School in a state semifinal at Nationwide Arena in Columbus.

While they are still feeling flush after ruining the Wildcats' quest for perfection at 39-1, the Eagles' 3-2 win Saturday in the Brooklyn District final is already on its historical fade. If St. Edward is going to make it a dozen titles, or "12 in '12," it will have to accomplish the goal as it has all season -- with defense.

"From day one as a freshman, whether we win 1-0 or 10-0, it's all about not giving up goals," said senior defenseman and assistant captain Chris Day.

"That's been built into us. We don't have one guy running the show. We have 20 guys getting the job done."

That has definitely been the case during the Eagles' four-game tournament run.

Obviously, holding the high-scoring Wildcats, who totaled 240 goals this season, to two goals was huge. But it was especially evident in a 2-1 overtime win over Shaker Heights in the district semifinal when the Raiders held a man-advantage for five minutes, the final three of regulation and first two of overtime, and could not score.

"All four guys have to know where everybody is in the rotation," Day said of his club's penalty-killing prowess. "When we held them the first two minutes of the overtime, that's when we felt we had the momentum."

The Eagles won it on a goal by junior Gabe Lampron 90 seconds after killing off the penalty.

That's how it was supposed to work for all the defensemen, seniors Matt Geib, Alex Norton and Josh Greenaker, along with juniors Andy Schroeck and Patrick Flannery.

"We knew what we had to do to get back to last year," said Geib, making a second straight trip to Columbus. "We are not the most flamboyant team. We come up with those greasy goals -- the game-winners."

Senior goaltenders Logan Galati and Andrew Smith, the last line of defense, can't be overlooked. Galati has made 32 and 38 saves, respectively, the past two games.

"You always expect them to make one more pass, especially a team like Ignatius," said Galati, of his thoughts when going against an extra skater. "We would rather have a guy take a shot outside than have one in front. I think our defense is just as good as last year."

That was supposed to be the case as coach Troy Gray expected to have seven senior defensemen returning. However, injury sidelined Marty Clancy and two others left for junior hockey.

"We had no room for error," said Gray, in his second season. "They had to stay healthy and log a lot of ice. The defensemen are not the glory guys. They have done all the dirty work when we had to have it. We are not getting in any shootouts."

In going 8-2-1 down the stretch, the Eagles have allowed 15 goals.

To reach this Plain Dealer reporter: jmaxse@plaind.com, 216-999-5168

On Twitter: @JoeMaxse

OHSAA boys ice hockey: University School's Matt Wipper never stops wearing the 'C'

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Matt Wipper did not know what, or who, hit him. But during a game against Shaker Heights on Jan. 6, the University School senior captain saw everything twice. Not even a 3-0 victory against the rival Raiders helped ease the pain and confusion caused by a concussion.

University School senior captain Matt Wipper, seen above blasting a shot past Gilmour’s Calvin Bleick on March 3, missed 13 games with a concussion but never missed a chance to be with his teammates. He and the Preppers play St. Edward in a state semifinal on Saturday. - (Tim Harrison, Special to PD)

Matt Wipper did not know what, or who, hit him.

But during a game against Shaker Heights on Jan. 6, the University School senior captain saw everything twice. Not even a 3-0 victory against the rival Raiders helped ease the pain and confusion caused by a concussion.

For 13 games over the next six weeks, the Preppers had to play without their standout center, hoping he would return at some point. He finally did on Feb. 25, a district tournament victory over Kent Roosevelt.

Now Wipper looks to cap his career as his club takes on St. Edward in a state semifinal at Nationwide Arena in Columbus on Saturday at noon.

"There was a shift where I saw double, but I didn't really notice until after the game," Wipper said of the concussion. "I was behind the net and going to try a wraparound and someone caught my face. It was crazy. It wasn't hard. Sometimes the perfect hit."

Wipper, 18, and a Plain Dealer All-Star selection as a sophomore when he scored 27 goals and had 20 assists, said the two weeks after the game were the worst. He said there were headaches, but also a sense of sadness and depression.

"I felt kind of hopeless, like I was out for my senior year," said the 5-10, 170-pounder. "Friends told me, 'You're going to be OK. Be positive about it.' "

The Preppers (23-9-3) were not about to call off the season. They suffered their worst loss of the season, 9-2, to St. Ignatius the day after Wipper's injury. But there was some anxiety.

"Wipp's a huge part of our team, but coach [Bill Beard] told us to prepare like he won't be back the rest of the season," said junior Tyler Dalton, who leads the club with 34 goals and 23 assists. "He was still here every day at practice. He was still our leader. We had to change our lines a little bit, changed our power play."

The Preppers went 7-5-1 after losing Wipper. Not bad, but not the success rate expected of a state contender.

They struggled down the stretch in consecutive losses to Shaker Heights, the latter in the Baron Cup semifinals. But the players and coaches knew Wipper was getting close to coming back.

He had returned to skating and was gradually getting his faculties back. He finally was cleared by his personal physician and team trainer, John Brandt.

"It was an opportunity for the younger guys without Matt carrying the load," said senior Kevin DeGulis, who helped fill the void with 16 goals and 40 assists. "Against Shaker, we weren't coming out with any fire. It has definitely been a boost."

The Preppers took care of Hudson, 5-2, before defeating Gilmour Academy, 4-2, last Friday in the Kent District final.

Wipper has scored three goals in three tournament games, including the score that put the Preppers in front to stay against Gilmour.

"I didn't care if he ever played hockey again," said Beard, seeking his third state title in 14 seasons with the Preppers, winning in 2003 and 2009. "He had to be well. But here he was at practice every day bringing a lot of leadership to the locker room. He started skating with no contact.

"Was he going to be able to skate for a long term with no ill effects? Then he was ready."

Wipper, undecided on whether to play junior hockey or attend college, said his time away from the game made him appreciate it more. With a nasty gash to his left chin after the Gilmour victory, he wore that satisfied look of a tough season on the comeback trail.

"We want to win, but regardless, these are the last games of my high school career," said Wipper, who went to the state semifinals as a freshman and sophomore. "I want to have fun with the games and absorb the atmosphere. It's all good."

To reach this Plain Dealer reporter: jmaxse@plaind.com, 216-999-5168

On Twitter: @JoeMaxse


Getting to know Matt Wipper

School: University School.

Class: Senior

Age: 18.

Position: Center.

Residence: Kirtland Hills.

Family: Parents, Mark and Jane. Sister, Megan, attends Ohio University.

College: Undecided. May play junior hockey. Has interest in attending Ohio University, Michigan State or Hobart (N.Y.).

Major: Business. Interested in marketing.

Statistics: Tallied 10 goals and 11 assists as a freshman when the Preppers won the state championship in 2009; 27 goals and 20 assists as a sophomore, the Preppers reaching the state semifinals; 23 goals and 16 assists as a junior; 21 goals and 17 assists this season. Totals are 81 goals and 64 assists. On champion Baron Cup I Tournament teams his first three seasons.

Honors: Named to the Greater Cleveland High School Hockey League Red Division All-Star team three years. Plain Dealer All-Star in 2010.

Did you know? He plays the guitar and is giving piano a try.

-- Joe Maxse


Thad Matta dislikes league tourneys, but he has won 6 of them: Ohio State Men's Basketball Insider

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Thad Matta doesn't know how his team will react, but at least Ohio State has a coach who knows how to win conference tournaments.

thad matta.JPGView full sizeOhio State coach Thad Matta.

COLUMBUS, Ohio — For a guy who doesn't care much for them -- "I've never been a big proponent of conference tournaments," Thad Matta said after Sunday's win over Michigan State in the regular-season finale -- Matta sure has won a lot of them.

The Ohio State coach has won six conference tournaments in 11 seasons -- one in his only year at Butler, two in three seasons at Xavier and three in his first seven years with the Buckeyes -- which is reason enough to give the Buckeyes a shot in Indianapolis this weekend. Adding the 2002 title won under Jim O'Brien to Matta's crowns in 2007, 2010 and 2011, the Buckeyes have won four of the Big Ten's 14 conference tournaments. Four schools have won two -- Michigan State, Iowa, Wisconsin and Illinois.

After winning two road games at Northwestern and Michigan State last week, which gave them a three-way share of the regular-season title, the Buckeyes are a No. 3 seed for today's quarterfinal against No. 6 Purdue, and seemingly should be showing some confidence. But Matta was making sure his team had really learned from past mistakes.

"I've got both eyes peeled for it," Matta said. "I think you hope the last month has taught this team a lot about togetherness and staying with what we have to do. But those games don't win you the next game unless you really pay attention to the small, minute details of why you won those games. That's what you hope you're building on as you move forward."

Matta said he wasn't sure how his team feels because, for instance, he had an issue in practice again Wednesday when the starters played well but the backups couldn't keep up with them.

"Not that the other team didn't try, they just couldn't get anything done," Matta said. "I felt good from that perspective, but I didn't feel good about the other perspective." Even if he doesn't like the tournament in which he's playing, he has some idea of how to get the Buckeyes rolling this weekend.

"Each team is different," Matta said. "I will be anxious to see how this team plays in this setting."

Sullinger's feet: Some have continued to wonder whether OSU big man Jared Sullinger is completely healthy. Point guard Aaron Craft said before that Sullinger has an "irregular gait" but there are times on the court where it seems that his feet, or something, look like they're bothering him. ESPN analyst Jay Bilas wrote on Twitter during Sunday's game: "Jared Sullinger has not looked right to me for several weeks now. I have no information on it, but he doesn't look completely healthy to me."

Asked specifically about Sullinger's feet this week, Matta said there is no problem.

"Not that I'm aware of," Matta said. "He told me a week ago he feels as good as he's ever felt. I think he's in good shape."

Bracket math: Though the Big Ten is viewed as the toughest conference in the country, it's unlikely that the conference will see a team earn a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament. In the latest brackets from ESPN.com and CBSSports.com, both Ohio State and Michigan State are No. 2 seeds and Michigan is a No. 3 seed. Asked if one of the regular-season tri-champs should earn a No. 1 seed with a Big Ten tournament title, Matta said, "I could see the validity in it. I don't know if it'll happen, though."

To reach this Plain Dealer reporter: dlesmerises@plaind.com, 216-999-4479

Conservative approach to free agency is consistent for GM Tom Heckert: Cleveland Browns Insider

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Hecker says the team has targeted several players it thinks can help, but isn't expecting them to make or break the team.

mario williams.JPGView full sizeThe Browns have little interest in pursuing Texans defensive end Mario Williams (90).

BEREA, Ohio — In keeping with his philosophy, Browns General Manager Tom Heckert said the Browns won't load up in free agency after it opens Tuesday at 4 p.m.

"You guys know how I feel about free agency," he said during an informal chat with reporters Thursday. "I think everybody else is on board with it. We're not going to go crazy in free agency. We're not going to do it."

He said the team has targeted several players it thinks can help, but isn't expecting them to make or break the team.

"I know Green Bay didn't sign one free agent when they won [the Super Bowl] two years ago," he said. "I don't think the Giants signed anybody, or at least anybody you've ever heard of as a free agent.

Heckert virtually ruled out any interest in Texans premier pass-rusher Mario Williams when he said: "I don't think there's a [Hall-of-Famer such as] Reggie White in this free agency. If there was, I'd go after him in a heartbeat. I just don't think there is."

He said the Browns will try to re-sign all of their own free agents, including running back Peyton Hillis, safety Mike Adams and cornerback Dimitri Patterson.

Heckert said he would like to sign some before free agency starts, but he also said the Browns probably won't talk to Hillis' agent until after Hillis hits the market.

Heckert said the Browns are more likely to sign solid contributors such as Patterson, than big-name starters. "I think Dimitri helped us last year a lot," he said. "Dimitri played almost 50 percent of the plays, maybe more."

Heckert said linebacker Marcus Benard is under contract and not set to be an unrestricted free agent.

Pashos surgery: Right tackle Tony Pashos, who missed the first three games of last season with a left ankle injury, had surgery on the ankle Tuesday and his status with the Browns for 2012 is uncertain. Pashos, 31, battled through the season on the sore ankle and never used it as an excuse.

Dawson not thrilled? Heckert said he hasn't yet talked to kicker Phil Dawson about franchising him again for 2012.

"I don't think he's happy about it," Heckert said. "Our goal is to get a long-term deal done. It really is."

Dawson, who was also franchised last season, is set to make $3.8 million this season, but might have been interested in testing the market. Heckert said he left Dawson a message but he hasn't heard back from him.

On Tannehill: Heckert offered this assessment of Texas A&M quarterback Ryan Tannehill, who could be available to the Browns somewhere in the first round: "I think he's untapped. He's a guy fairly new to the position, was playing wide receiver. He's a big kid, strong arm, he's another guy that looks like a quarterback. I think he's got a lot of upside to him. I really do."

On Richardson: Heckert praised Alabama running back Trent Richardson: "He's a big, tough, physical runner. We really like him. He can pass-protect, he's a smart kid. Obviously people are going to compare him to [Mark] Ingram and they're very similar. I think he's probably going to run a little faster than Ingram did, I think. We'll wait and see. They're both really good players. That's amazing those two guys came out of the same school."

Kiper notes: Mel Kiper Jr. said on a conference call that the Browns will probably have to outbid the Redskins for the Rams' No. 2 pick and that Redskins owner Dan Snyder knows how to "win the off-season." He added that Snyder "has a history of throwing draft choices out the window." Kiper said Oklahoma State quarterback Brandon Weeden would be taken between No. 10 and No. 15 if he were 22 instead of 28 . . . Kiper said Akron native Whitney Mercilus, who led the nation with 16 sacks at Illinois, could go between No. 18 and No. 22 and could be a good fit for the Browns, who have the 22nd pick.

To reach this Plain Dealer reporter: mcabot@plaind.com, 216-999-4670

On Twitter: @marykaycabot

Travis Hafner's time with the Cleveland Indians is winding down

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This spring training likely will be Hafner's last with the Indians. The Tribe and Hafner are trying to keep things cordial until the inevitable countdown works its way to the end of the season on Oct. 3.

travis hafner.JPGView full sizeTravis Hafner gets ready for batting practice during a workout in Goodyear, Ariz.

GOODYEAR, Ariz. — If it had worked out differently, there should have been a lot more nights like July 7, 2011.

The Indians trailed Toronto, 4-1, with one out in the ninth inning at Progressive Field. The bases were loaded with Travis Hafner facing rookie left-hander Luis Perez. Hafner sent Perez's first pitch on a high arc into the right-field seats for a game-winning grand slam.

Hafner turned sideways, clapped his hands and growled so loud it could be heard in the Indians' dugout before starting his jog around the bases and into the mass of teammates waiting for him at the plate. What could be better?

There were only 18,816 fans in the park, but they sounded like 40,000. The Indians were in first place in the American League Central and Pronk was going deep again.

"I usually don't show that much emotion," Hafner said. "But I was so happy. We were in first place and it seemed like this was our year. It was a great moment. Something I'll never forget."

The fairy tale soon ended. The Tigers ran down the Indians and won the Central by 15 games.

Hafner made his second trip of the season to the disabled list in late August. He finished the season hitting .280 with 13 homers and 57 RBI in 94 games.

This spring training will probably be Hafner's last with the Indians.

It certainly will be the last under the four-year, $57 million extension he signed in 2007 at midseason. The Indians hold a $13 million club option for 2013, which will not be exercised.

It's not like Hafner didn't earn the deal. He hit 141 homers in 649 games -- one homer for every 4.6 games -- from 2003 through '07. He just didn't fulfill the expectations of the deal. He hit 47 homers in 369 games -- one for every 7.9 games -- from 2008 through '11.

A right shoulder injury in 2008 turned the deal into a nightmare. Hafner played 57 games that year, finally having surgery in October. The shoulder limited him in 2010 and 2011, as well.

"I think without a doubt the shoulder injury [changed my career]," Hafner said. "Obviously the amount of practice time and swings that you take [is limited]. It really changes things around mechanically and forces you to be a different hitter where everything is unnatural. But everybody deals with injuries. You have to find a way to compete and play at a high level."

While Hafner dealt with pain, the Indians dealt with a contract that tied their hands when it came to building a team. Their highest-paid player was not producing at the rate he was being paid.

And he wasn't going anywhere. Rumors that the Indians and Yankees were talking about a Hafner for A.J. Burnett deal just before the start of spring training were the first concerning Hafner since his shoulder went bad in 2008.

Now the Indians and Hafner are trying to keep things cordial until the inevitable countdown works its way to the end of the season on Oct. 3.

Hafner came to camp strong and healthy for the second straight spring. But at 34, he's no longer the hitter who averaged 32 homers and 109 RBI per year from 2004 through '07.

"If Travis can be a productive major-league hitter this year, we'll be happy," General Manager Chris Antonetti said.

Hafner said he would like to play 140 games. He has not played that many games in a season since 2007.

Pronk's power, however, will probably never be recaptured.

"Last year he was very effective for us when he was on the field," manager Manny Acta said. "I'm just hoping to have him on the field as much as I can this year.

"I'm not going to sit here and tell you about power numbers because I haven't seen it in two years, mainly because he's been hurt. I'm not going to stand here and talk about Pronkville. I'm just being honest."

Hafner is the Indians' all-time leader in homers and RBI for a DH. He ranks 10th in franchise history with 188 homers, two behind Rocky Colavito.

If this is really Hafner's final act in Cleveland, he has an idea how he would like to go out.

"I'd definitely like to see us have a winning season, get into the playoffs and, hopefully, win a World Series," Hafner said. "Winning has always been important to me. Hopefully, we can do it this year."

To reach this Plain Dealer reporter: phoynes@plaind.com, 216-999-5158

On Twitter: @hoynsie

Cleveland Browns: Why won't the Browns pursue Peyton Manning? Poll

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Why won't we see Peyton Manning in a Browns' uniform?

peyton manning.jpgPeyton Manning

Peyton Manning is one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history, but the Cleveland Browns are not interested in Manning joining us here in Cleveland.

GM Tom Heckert told reporters recently that the Browns are not going into the direction of trying to sign Manning, who is a free agent.

Of course Heckert wasn't specific, but why wouldn't the Browns try to pursue Manning?

 








Hathaway Brown field hockey coach Sydney Van Der Merwe resigns

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SHAKER HEIGHTS, Ohio - Hathaway Brown has found a volleyball coach but it now looking for a field hockey coach. Sydney Van Der Merwe, who compiled a 61-11-4 record and earned four final four appearances, a state runner-up finish and a state title in four seasons, has resigned as the Blazers' field hockey coach.

Sydney Van Der Merwe, who coached Hathaway Brown to a state title and a runner-up finish, has resigned because his family is moving to New Jersey. - (Allison Carey, The Plain Dealer)

SHAKER HEIGHTS, Ohio - Hathaway Brown has found a volleyball coach but it now looking for a field hockey coach.

Sydney Van Der Merwe, who compiled a 61-11-4 record and earned four final four appearances, a state runner-up finish and a state title in four seasons, has resigned as the Blazers' field hockey coach.

"Coach Van Der Merwe and his family are relocating to New Jersey in the upcoming months," HB assistant athletic director Paul Barlow said in a statement. "He's done a fantastic job with our program and will certainly be missed.

Meanwhile, Sarah Dunn has been promoted to volleyball coach after serving as an assistant.

Dunn was a junior varsity coach at Walnut Hills in Cincinnati for two seasons before relocating to Cleveland. The Blazers posted a 14-34 record the past two seasons under Katy Gentile and her supplemental contract was not renewed, according to Barlow.

"We decided to go in a different direction for the program," he said.

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