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Cleveland Cavaliers add veteran survivor Shaun Livingston

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New Cavalier Shaun Livingston survived a gruesome injury to continue his NBA career.

shaun-livingston.JPG View full size Point guard Shaun Livingston, seen above at left playing for Washington against Atlanta last week, is the newest Cavalier.  

WASHINGTON -- That Shaun Livingston is still in the NBA, much less the newest Cavalier, is the real story.

The Cavaliers picked up Livingston, 27, off waivers Tuesday, when the team waived guard Donald Sloan.

Livingston was the No. 4 pick in the draft by the Los Angeles Clippers in 2004 after a standout prep career that included two state titles and a Mr. Basketball award at Peoria (Ill.) Central, but he is probably best known in the NBA for the gruesome knee injury he suffered when he landed awkwardly after a layup in a game against Charlotte on Feb. 26, 2007.

He tore three ligaments, along with his meniscus, and suffered a patella dislocation as well as a tibia/femoral dislocation when his left leg snapped laterally. Video of the injury is so horrific that ESPN warned viewers before showing it.

He missed the final 26 games of that season and the entire 2007-08 campaign before returning with Miami in 2008-09, followed by stints with Oklahoma City, Charlotte, Milwaukee and Washington (twice). The Wizards waived him earlier this week.

He knows his story provides encouragement to other players facing injuries.

"I hope so," he said before Wednesday's game at Verizon Center. "It's a testament to faith, hard work and perseverance more than anything, just knowing you can do anything you put your mind to. It was a tough thing to come back from, but I had a good supporting cast. Guys see an injury like mine, I can come back, so they should be able to come back."

For the time being, he will be the Cavs' third point guard behind Kyrie Irving and backup Jeremy Pargo.

"I'm excited about the opportunity," Livingston said, specifically mentioning Irving and coach Byron Scott. "I'm looking forward to it."

Asked what he brings, he said: "I hope just a steady hand, as far as advice goes. Not really getting shaken. Try to be steady, consistent as well, try to stay calm, go out there, focus on trying to get the job done."

Scott has long been a Livingston fan.

"I've always been very intrigued with Shaun," Scott said. "I've always liked him, especially at that point-guard position because of his size and his basketball IQ. He's a pass-first guy. We thought it would be good to give him a try.

"We know what type of player he was in high school. He's been around a little bit. He came out of high school and had some bad breaks over the years. It just seems like, the last couple years, he's really getting his act back together. I'm really intrigued with a 6-7 point guard who can pass the way he passes the ball and see the floor the way he sees the floor.

"It's a lot like Luke [Walton], another guy who just knows how to play."

Scott said releasing Sloan was tough.

"That's a very good, quality person," Scott said. "I know Donald will end up back on his feet."

Irving's apology

Irving admitted he was photographed with two women on his lap but said he didn't post it on Twitter on Tuesday and also said he was not married as he Tweeted an apology.

"It was a picture that got misconstrued," he said Wednesday. "I take full responsibility for the picture. Obviously, I'm in the picture. But it was just one of those things where somebody violates your privacy. Because of who you are and the position I'm in, obviously, they were looking for attention. That's basically what happened."

Irving pointed out that he isn't married as he Tweeted an apology. But he does have a girlfriend.


Cleveland Cavaliers beat Washington for first winning streak of season

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Kyrie Irving scores 26 points to lead Cavs to second straight win.

kyrie-irving.JPG View full size The Cavs' Kyrie Irving keeps the ball from going out of bounds as the Wizards' Martell Webster watches during the second half of the Cavs' 87-84 win Wednesday in Washington.  

WASHINGTON -- One would think Cavs coach Byron Scott would be smiling a little more after the Cavaliers beat the Washington Wizards, 87-84, on Wednesday at Verizon Center to win consecutive games for the first time this season.

"I should be a lot happier than I am, I guess," he said as the Cavs improved to 7-23 after the battle between the two teams with the worst records in the Eastern Conference. "But some of the boneheaded mistakes that we made, some of the fouls, some of the things we did on the defensive end to allow them to have some of the shots that they had, especially toward the end, we've just got to be a little bit smarter when the game's on the line like that. We had an opportunity to really close it out, and we just couldn't make free throws.

"Seeing Kyrie [Irving] miss four out of six free throws is unusual. But we won the game, so we'll see what happens, go home, get some work in and get ready for [Atlanta on] Friday."

Actually, the Cavs' flight was delayed by weather Wednesday night, as it was last week heading to Milwaukee. The Cavs are now 2-0 in weather delays.

Gallery preview"I'll see if I can talk to Mother Nature and see if she can do that about 45 more times," Scott said with a smile. "That would help."

Irving led the Cavs with 26 points, eight assists and six rebounds, but he made just 2 of 6 free throws in the fourth quarter.

"Man, I started thinking too much," Irving said. "After my first two, I moved back on the free-throw line, tried some different things. It just couldn't fall. It was frustrating. But I'm glad it's behind me and we got this win."

Still, Tristan Thompson's three-point play with 24.4 seconds left gave the Cavs an 85-82 lead, and they were able to hold on. Thompson finished with 15 points and 12 rebounds and struggled mightily against Wizards power forward Nene, who finished with 16 points and seven rebounds for Washington, 3-23, which lost its eighth straight game.

"We had a lot of trouble with him [Nene] at the beginning, for sure," Scott said. "I thought the second half we did a much better job. The game plan was to try to front him as much as possible, not allow him to catch the ball. Tristan decided he wanted to play behind him. I told him when we took him out in the first quarter, 'If you play behind him, he's either going to score, or you're going to be in foul trouble, or both. So try to stick to the game plan and try to front him as much as possible.' " The second half, we did a better job of pushing him out and trying to get him [Thompson] a little help. But he's a load. Nene's a heck of a player, especially on the offensive end and on the post. He's good."

The Cavs struggled in the first quarter as the Wizards pounded the ball inside. Nene had 10 points and Emeka Okafor eight, as Washington outscored Cleveland in the paint, 20-6, while building a 22-10 lead. But when Wizards coach Randy Wittman went to his bench, that advantage vanished, and the Cavs closed the quarter on a 12-4 run to get within 26-22.

Irving took over in the second quarter, scoring 12 points while making 5 of 7 shots, including 2 of 3 3-pointers, as Cleveland took a 45-43 lead at the half. Irving made 7 of 13 shots in the first half, while his teammates made just 9 of 33 (27 percent).

Nene returned to start the second half, and so did the Wizards' dominance. Washington opened the third quarter on a 19-8 run, taking a 62-53 lead on a three-point play by Jordan Crawford with 7:03 left. But with Nene out, Cleveland responded with a 15-6 run for a 68-68 tie heading into the final 12 minutes.

Cleveland Browns' Colt McCoy has injured shoulder; Thad Lewis may start at QB on Sunday

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Like Brandon Weeden, Browns quarterback Colt McCoy suffered a shoulder injury in Denver and was idle Wednesday. Thad Lewis, called up from the practice squad Monday, might have to start Sunday in Pittsburgh.


thad-lewis.JPG View full size Quarterback Thad Lewis, fresh from the practice squad, might start Sunday in Pittsburgh because of injuries to Brandon Weeden and Colt McCoy.  

BEREA, Ohio -- Brandon Weeden wasn't the only Browns quarterback who flew home from Denver on Sunday night with a bad wing.

Colt McCoy, who replaced Weeden with 3:54 left in the third quarter, suffered the same fate -- a sprained shoulder on a sack. As a result, practice-squad call-up Thad Lewis might have to make his NFL regular-season debut as the starter in Sunday's season finale in Pittsburgh.

The Browns also signed fifth-year quarterback Josh Johnson, who will serve as Lewis' backup in Pittsburgh if Weeden and McCoy can't play.

McCoy and Weeden were idle Wednesday, and Lewis took all the first-team reps.

Browns coach Pat Shurmur has yet to rule out either of the two injured quarterbacks, or injured running back Trent Richardson, who suffered a sprained left ankle on the second-to-last play of the game when McCoy fell on it.

The Browns breathed a sigh of relief this week that the injuries weren't as serious as originally feared. Richardson's was of particular concern because he has screws in both ankles to keep the ligaments intact.

Richardson, who was carted off the field and hobbled to the team bus in a walking boot Sunday, hopes to play against Pittsburgh, in part, because he's only 50 yards from 1,000 for the season. If he can't play, Montario Hardesty will start in his place.

The injuries to McCoy and Richardson on the final drive caused a stir among several Browns players, who were miffed that the team used three timeouts on the previous drive instead of letting the clock run down. Trailing, 34-12, and with less than two minutes remaining, the Browns passed on every play and kept Richardson in to block. The Broncos' fearsome pass-rushers attacked relentlessly.

Shurmur defended the strategy Monday, saying he was still competing and that all the starters were in. Weeden, Richardson and McCoy weren't available for comment Wednesday.

Shurmur has faith in Lewis, whom he coached in St. Louis.

"I've had experience with Thad in the past," he said. "He hasn't had a lot of opportunity in regular-season games to go in there and play, but if he's in there playing, we definitely trust that he'll do a good job."

Lewis (6-2, 200) signed with the St. Louis Rams as an undrafted free agent out of Duke in 2010 and spent the final 16 weeks of the season on the practice squad. The Browns claimed him off waivers in September 2011, and he was inactive for most of the season. This season, he made the roster out of camp but was waived Oct. 11 and signed to the practice squad two days later.

"If I get the start, it'll be wonderful," Lewis said. "It'll be like living out a childhood dream. Right now, I'm just taking it all in and enjoying it while I can in practice, taking the reps. If my number does get called, it will be amazing."

Lewis was reminded that McCoy was thrown into the fire under similar circumstances, when he had to start in Pittsburgh as a rookie in 2010 with no reps due to injuries. The Browns lost, 28-10, but McCoy held his own in the face of the Steelers' zone blitzing.

"No, I didn't talk to him about it, but now that you mention it, I'll make sure I'll do it since he has experience," Lewis said. "But those guys have been supportive. They're saying, 'Go out there and practice and just do the things you know how to do.' That's what you look for in a teammate."

Lewis wouldn't classify it as a baptism by fire.

"No, I'd just say it's a challenge," he said. "Every week, any team could beat a No. 1 defense. But just because you're facing a No. 1 defense, you've just got to go out there and do the things that you're coached to do, make the right decisions and let the guys help you out, no matter what team it is. If it wasn't Pittsburgh, it was a different team, it would be the same process going into it."

Johnson (6-3, 205), who ran the scout team Wednesday, was Tampa Bay's fifth-round draft pick out of the University of San Diego in 2005. He spent four seasons in Tampa Bay, losing all five of his starts, with five touchdowns and 10 interceptions.

Cleveland Browns' QBs Brandon Weeden and Colt McCoy both idle with shoulder injuries, Thad Lewis will take first-team reps

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Browns quarterbacks Brandon Weeden and Colt McCoy both suffered shoulder injuries in Denver, and both are idle today. Neither has been ruled out for Pittsburgh.

AX090_2791_9.JPG View full size Both Colt McCoy and Brandon Weeden have shoulder injuries.  

BEREA, Ohio -- Brandon Weeden isn't the only Browns quarterback with a shoulder injury heading into Sunday's game in Pittsburgh.
 
 Colt McCoy also suffered a shoulder injury in Denver, and both quarterbacks will be idle today during practice.

 The Browns have promoted Thad Lewis from their practice squad, and he'll take all the first team reps today.

They've also signed free agent quarterback Josh Johnson. To make room, they placed safety Usama Young on injured reserve with a thumb injury. He's likely to undergo surgery, coach Pat Shurmur said.

Shurmur said the injuries to Weeden and Trent Richardson (ankle) were not as serious as originally thought and that neither will require surgery. He has not ruled out either for the season finale in Pittsburgh.

If Lewis starts, it will be his first action in a regular season game.

Shurmur said McCoy came in this week complaining of shoulder pain, and that it might be as serious as Weeden's injury. McCoy relieved Weeden in the third quarter of Sunday's 34-12 loss in Denver and was sacked four times.

He's believed to have injured the shoulder on the last play of the game, a 7-yard sack by Wesley Woodyard. He was seen wincing getting up from that sack.

Richardson suffered his ankle injury on the second-last play of the game, when former Browns safety Mike Adams blitzed and drove McCoy to the ground. On the way down, McCoy fell on Richardson's ankle, and Richardson had to be carted off.

He left the Stadium in a walking boot.

Several players were angry that Shurmur called three timeouts on the Broncos' final drive and passed every down on the Browns' last drive, which they felt put players such as Richardson and McCoy at risk.

With Young out, rookie Tashaun Gipson (foot) might be back in action at safety. He sat out last week's game. The starters would most likely be Gipson and Eric Hagg.

Young played in 13 games with 11 starts this year.  He recorded 52 tackles, 1.5 sacks, three interceptions, seven passes defensed and a fumble recovery.

Johnson was a fifth-round draft choice of Tampa Bay in 2008.  He was with the Buccaneers for four seasons before signing with San Francisco this past offseason.  He was released by the 49ers on August 31. In four years with the Bucs, he played in 26 games with five starts.  He completed 96 of 177 passes for 1,042 yards with five touchdowns and 10 interceptions.  Four of Johnson’s five starts came during the 2009 season.  He also has rushed for 254 yards on 37 attempts in his NFL career.

The 6-3, 205-pound Johnson played at the University of San Diego (2004-07) where he set school career records for passing yards (9,699), touchdown passes (113), completions (724) and attempts (1,065).  He also rushed for 1,864 yards and 19 touchdowns during his collegiate career.  Born May 15, 1986, Johnson is a native of Oakland, Calif., where he attended Oakland Tech High School. He will wear No. 8.

In addition, the club signed defensive back Jordan Mabin to the practice squad.

Originally signed by Baltimore as an undrafted free agent on May 15, 2012, Mabin spent two weeks on the Ravens’ practice squad this season. He appeared in 51 career games at Northwestern (2008-11) where he recorded 252 tackles, seven interceptions three fumble recoveries and two forced fumbles.  Born October 31, 1988, the 5-11, 185-pound Mabin is a native of Northfield Center, Ohio, where he attended Nordonia High School.

 
  

Kent State offensive lineman Brian Winters ready to get back to football

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The Hudson High graduate has a busy month ahead, playing in a bowl game with the Golden Flashes and then heading to the Senior Bowl, where he will be scrutinized by NFL scouts.

kent-winters.jpg View full size Kent State's Brian Winters is the only MAC player invited to the Senior Bowl.  

KENT, Ohio -- Kent State senior offensive tackle Brian Winters has no complaints about the on-again, off-again practice schedule for the Golden Flashes' Jan. 6 bowl game being back on, beginning today.

Since the season ended Nov. 30 with Kent's 43-37 overtime loss to Northern Illinois in the Mid-American Conference championship game, the team has had a sporadic practice schedule.

And in between, there have been the emotional ups and downs of first losing head coach Darrell Hazell to Purdue, the wait during the coaching search, and then the hiring of former Kent player Paul Haynes as the Flashes' next head man.

"It's a good thing," said Winters, a Hudson native. "We get some rest from a long season. I know everyone's body is beat up. Being off three, four, five days at a time has been awesome to have the break to rest your body for the bowl game.

"It's definitely good to get the mental break. Everyone needs it. The bodies are beat, but their minds have been beat, too. It's a long season, and this is a great break, for sure."

But now the focus turns back to the challenge at hand as Kent travels to Mobile, Ala., to face Arkansas State (9-3) in the GoDaddy.com Bowl (Jan. 6, 9 p.m., ESPN). This will be Kent's first bowl appearance in 40 years, and just the third in school history. It also will be Hazell's final game as head coach, with Haynes sitting in the stands as a proud alum and coach-in-waiting.

Winters said with so much history tied into the contest, the players have just one focus.

"Everyone wants to go out, the last game of the season, with a 'W,' " he said. "Everyone is fully focused on what is at hand. We realize what's in front of us. We are appreciative that we finally made a bowl game and want to come back to something like this. So we're going to fight to get the 'W.' "

Win or lose, football will not stop for Winters. The 6-4, 315-pound lineman is projected to be taken in the NFL Draft, and has been selected to play in the Senior Bowl, Jan. 26.

Winters will be the only player from the MAC in the Senior Bowl.

"It's pretty crazy," Winters said. "Right after the bowl game, I have to go start training 20 days for the Senior Bowl. Busy schedule. It's a lot of football, but it's all for my future. So it's a good thing."

Adding to his challenge will be the good chance he will see action at a new position in the Senior Bowl, at least during the highly scrutinized practices by NFL personnel.

"The majority of the teams are saying guard," Kent's four-year starter at tackle said. "A lot of people are also saying it depends on the team that I go to and the style of offense. But right now, it looks more like offensive guard, which I'm totally fine with."

A ranking of draft prospects on cbssports.com rates Winters as the 11th best tackle available and projects he will be drafted in the third or fourth round.

MAC bowl update: Four games done and the MAC stands 1-3 in bowl games. Central Michigan picked up the first MAC win, 24-21, in the Little Caesars Pizza Bowl in Detroit on Wednesday. Bowling Green lost to San Jose State, 29-20, in Thursday's Military Bowl in Washington.

The MAC has three more bowl games to go: the Independence Bowl tonight in Shreveport, La. (Ohio vs. Louisiana-Monroe), the Orange Bowl on New Year's Day (Northern Illinois vs. Florida State) and the GoDaddy.com Bowl on Jan. 6 (Kent State vs. Arkansas State).

Walsh Jesuit's Sandra Yu headlines The Plain Dealer's 2012 girls soccer high school All-Star team

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GIRLS SOCCER ALL-STAR TEAM Sandra Yu knew 2012 had to be something special.

Sandra Yu collected 16 goals and 20 assists for Walsh Jesuit's soccer team, leading the Warriors back to the top of Division II. - (Joshua Gunter, The Plain Dealer)

GIRLS SOCCER ALL-STAR TEAM

Sandra Yu knew 2012 had to be something special.

After going through too much disappointment as a junior, the Walsh Jesuit senior wanted her final season of high school soccer to end as it did as a sophomore -- with a state championship. That's just how it turned out as the Warriors went 21-0-2 to win the Division II title to become the first program in any division, boys or girls, to win a sixth state championship.

Playing solid throughout with 16 goals and 20 assists, the Notre Dame recruit is The Plain Dealer's Girls Soccer Player of the Year. She was also named Ms. Soccer by the Ohio Scholastic Soccer Coaches Association.

"We definitely used last year as a motivation," said Yu, referring to a 1-0 shootout loss to Toledo Ursuline in a 2011 state semifinal. "Losing on penalty kicks, I didn't want my last high school game ending like that."

Yu also did not want physical adversity to keep her off the field. Suffering with hip and back pain through most of her junior season, she was unable to play until eight games were left in 2011.

After numerous medical tests, it was determined she needed a gluten-free diet to get well.

"Not being able to play last year was really tough," she said. "It taught me to appreciate the game. There were times I thought I might not play again. The pain would keep me up all night."

Playing for one of the strongest programs in the state, Yu said there was pressure to maintain the program's winning tradition. But it was an aspect she relished.

"I don't think I will ever play on teams that were this good," she said. "It definitely flew by. That's what I have tried to tell the freshmen. It goes by so fast, make sure you appreciate it."

Yu lives in Strongsville with her mother, Barbara. She has three sisters and a brother.

PLAYER OF THE YEAR

SANDRA YU

Walsh Jesuit

Senior

Midfielder

College: Notre Dame recruit.

Notable: She scored 16 goals, with 20 assists, for the Division II state champions. It was the second state title of her career. She finished her career with 50 goals and 52 assists and was named Ms. Soccer by the Ohio Scholastic Soccer Coaches Association.

ALL-STARS

ALEX BROWN

Bay

Senior

Forward

College: Undecided.

Notable: A four-year starter, she led the Rockets with 13 goals and 13 assists to help win the West Shore Conference and a No. 2 ranking in Division II. She finished her career with 50 goals and 41 assists and was a first-team Ohio Scholastic Soccer Coaches Association pick.

KRISTEN CONFROY

Solon

Junior

Goalkeeper

College: Undecided.

Notable: She recorded 14 shutouts for the Comets (18-3), who reached the Division I regional final. She had 11 shutouts as a sophomore.

ABBY ELINSKY

Rocky River

Junior

Forward

College: Undecided.

Notable: She tallied 28 goals and nine assists to help the Pirates (17-3) reach the Division II regional semifinals.

NICOLETTE GRIESINGER

Strongsville

Senior

Midfielder

College: Dayton recruit.

Notable: She scored 14 goals, with five assists, to help the Mustangs go 19-2 and reach the Division I state semifinals. Strongsville won 18 straight before losing to eventual state champion Perrysburg. Was a second-team Ohio Scholastic Soccer Coaches Association pick.

SARAH KORNICK

Walsh Jesuit

Senior

Defender

College: Loyola (Ill.) recruit.

Notable: A two-year starter, she anchored a defense that allowed seven goals in going 21-0-2 to win the Division II state championship.

ALEXIS MANOA

Strongsville

Senior

Forward

College: Bowling Green recruit.

Notable: She scored 14 goals and had 18 assists to help the Mustangs reach the Division I state semifinals. Was a first-team Ohio Scholastic Soccer Coaches Association selection.

LYSETTE ROMAN

Hathaway Brown

Senior

Midfielder

College: Colgate recruit.

Notable: She scored 16 goals and had eight assists to help the Blazers (13-5-2) reach the Division II regional semifinals. She tallied 38 goals and 26 assists in career and was a first-team Ohio Scholastic Soccer Coaches Association pick.

MARISA SCULLIN

Medina

Senior

Defender

College: Slippery Rock recruit.

Notable: The three-year starter anchored the middle defense to help the Bees (13-6-2) reach the Division I regional final. The captain played all four years, including the 2009 state title season. She was the lone senior on the playoff roster and was a first-team Ohio Scholastic Soccer Coaches Association pick.

SARAH SIVIC

Brecksville-Broadview Heights

Senior

Midfielder

College: Akron recruit.

Notable: She collected 19 goals and two assists to finish her career with 44 goals and 20 assists.

NICKY WALDECK

Western Reserve Academy

Senior

Midfielder

College: Michigan recruit.

Notable: She scored a single-season school record 43 goals and finished her career with 111 goals and 28 assists. She was a first-team Ohio Scholastic Soccer Coaches Association selection.

COACH OF THE YEAR

DINO MCINTYRE

Walsh Jesuit

Notable: The only coach for all 20 years of the program, he has a 351-38-28 record after going 21-0-2 this past season. The Warriors are the only program, boys or girls, to win six state championships. They also won Division II titles in 2001 and 2000, adding Division I championships in 2010, 2006 and 2004. The University of Akron graduate led teams to the semifinals in 2007 and 2009.

SPECIAL MENTION

Grace Bennett, Rocky River; Maria Collica, Solon; Natalie Coury, Magnificat; Chelsea Day, Beaumont; Cassie Daye, Wickliffe; Caroline Dreher, Holy Name; Ashleigh Ementt, Kirtland; Margaret Francati, Bay; Julie Gavorski, Madison; Kelly Gough, Hudson; Sydney Hanzlik, Hawken; Anna Haverchak, Copley; Kelly Johnson, Berea; Katherine Kouzelos, Cuyahoga Valley Christian Academy; Michelle Krebs, Gilmour Academy; Nicki Krejci, Twinsburg; Abbie Lawson, Stow; Marissa Milazzo, Revere; Kynslie Murphy, Valley Forge; Sarah Newcomb, Kenston; Leah Rauscher, St. Vincent-St. Mary; Emily Rogers, Walsh Jesuit; Paige Rombach, Magnificat; Leah Runkle, Wadsworth; Hannah Schippers, Solon; Brianna Steward, North Royalton; Allison Stucky, Brecksville-Broadview Heights; Melissa Vajskop, Hathaway Brown; Jen Wisniewski, Independence; Lauren Wisnor, Elyria Catholic; Mykaela Zingale, Archbishop Hoban; Jessica Zurcher, Firelands.

 

Shaker Heights' Kendal Anderson headlines The Plain Dealer’s 2012 field hockey high school All-Star team

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FIELD HOCKEY ALL-STAR TEAM Shaker Heights senior Kendal Anderson considers herself a relatively shy person.

Shaker Heights senior Kendal Anderson tallied 24 goals and 12 assists this season for the Raiders, leading them to a 12-4-1 record. - (Joshua Gunter, The Plain Dealer)

FIELD HOCKEY ALL-STAR TEAM

Shaker Heights senior Kendal Anderson considers herself a relatively shy person.

Except when she's ready to play field hockey.

"I've opened up a little bit and I have field hockey to thank for that," said Anderson, 17 and The Plain Dealer's Field Hockey Player of the Year. "I play field hockey all year round and I travel a lot.

"It's fun meeting all new [kinds] of people at the camps, clinics and tournaments I've been at and it's really helped me learn to communicate better."

Anderson spoke loud and clear during this past season without having to say too much in leading the Raiders to a 12-4-1 record. A midfielder and Michigan State recruit, she tallied 24 goals and 12 assists.

"We had a good year and we were a close group," said Anderson. "There was no drama because we all got along and it made the season enjoyable."

As enjoyable as it was, Anderson wishes she could have a replay of her team's two, one-goal losses to perennial power Hathaway Brown.

The Raiders fell one game short of their goal -- a state final four berth -- in the latter loss to HB, 3-2, in what was Anderson's last high school game.

"We had the talent to go further in the tournament and we just fell a bit, but it was just a great experience," said Anderson, who took up field hockey in the eighth grade. "I used to play soccer and [ice] hockey but my mom played field hockey and always talked about how good of a game it is.

"So I gave it a shot and I'm happy I did."

Her Shaker Heights teammates are happy, too.

PLAYER OF THE YEAR

Kendal Anderson

School, year: Shaker Heights, Senior

Position: Midfielder

College: Michigan State recruit.

Notable: She was an All-Ohio and All-Northeast Ohio League performer, along with being a member of the Harrow Sports/National Field Hockey Coaches Association All-Midwest Region team. She scored a team-best 24 goals. Her variety of shots and moves, along with her ability to see the field and distribute the ball, are reasons she also totaled 12 assists.

ALL-STARS

Kasidy Anderson

School, year: Shaker Heights, Sophomore

Position: Midfielder

College: Undecided.

Notable: She earned All- Northeast Ohio League first- team and All-Ohio honors. Her 5-foot-10 frame and strength make her an impeccable one-on-one player. She totaled 22 goals and eight assists in 14 games and is the younger sister of Player of the Year Kendal Anderson

Annie Artz

School, year: Hawken, Senior

Position: Center midfielder

College: Tufts recruit.

Notable: The four-year starter, All-Northeast Ohio League and All-Ohio performer has masterful stick skills. A Gates Mills resident, she scored a school-record 33 goals and added seven assists in 17 games.

Shelby Bauer

School, year: Shaker Heights, Senior

Position: Centerback

College: Undecided.

Notable: The All-Northeast Ohio League first-team choice tied for team honors in assists with 12 over 17 games, and her consistent play on defense was crucial to her team's success. Her solid hit and strength made it difficult for opposing players to get around her.

Annie Carter

School, year: Western Reserve Academy, Junior

Position: Forward

College: Undecided.

Notable: The All-Northeast Ohio League first-teamer turned in another stellar season and has barely scratched the surface. Her versatility and intelligence are big reasons the Hudson resident scored five goals and collected seven assists in 15 games.

Erin Hoover

School, year: Hudson, Junior

Position: Midfielder

College: Undecided.

Notable: The All-Northeast Ohio League first-teamer had key roles in numerous games and also played defense and at forward. A dynamic player with strong stick skills, she scored seven goals and dishhed six assists in 18 games.

Mary Kate Hutchinson

School, year: Magnificat, Senior

Position: Forward

College: Undecided.

Notable: The All-Northeast Ohio League first-team performer was one of the reasons her team tallied a school-record 13 wins. She is an all-around player with solid knowledge of the game and possesses nifty stick work. A Bay resident, she accounted for 19 goals and 12 assists.

McKenzie Retino

School, year: Hathaway Brown, Senior

Position: Forward

College: Undecided.

Notable: The All-Northeast Ohio League first-teamer has a nose for the goal. Her constant- motion style is the reason she's always in or near the offensive mix. The Kirtland resident had 18 goals, nine assists and 36 offensive interceptions in 19 games.

Maria Russell

School, year: Hudson, Junior

Position: Forward

College: Undecided.

Notable: The All-Northeast Ohio League first-teamer is noted for her speed. She is crafty with the ball and is an effective one-on-one player. She has a quick stick in front of the net and is her team's corner rush. Tallied 13 goals and eight assists in 17 games.

Sarah Speroff

School, year: Hawken, Junior

Position: Goalkeeper

College: Undecided.

Notable: The two-time All- Northeast Ohio League first- teamer stands just 5-4 but played much taller. A Cleveland resident, she made 163 saves, including 37 against eventual state champion Columbus Academy. She saved 87 percent of the shots she faced and had seven shutouts.

Elizabeth Warner

School, year: Hathaway Brown, Senior

Position: Forward

College: Harvard recruit.

Notable: The All-Northeast Ohio League and All-Ohio selection was the player opposing teams keyed on. A Shaker Heights resident, she scored 10 goals, had 10 assists and 72 offensive interceptions in 19 games.

COACH OF THE YEAR

Oksana Fedorova

School: Magnificat

Notable: The Blue Streaks have made a steady climb during Fedorova's five-year stint. They've gone from a 4-5-2 record her first season to post a 13-5-1 mark this year, setting a school record for wins in a single season. Fedorova, who will enter next season with a 33-33-6 record, started playing field hockey at age 8 and played professionally for the Ukrainian national team before she moved to the United States. An Olmsted Twp. resident, she served as an assistant coach for two seasons at the all-girls parochial school in Rocky River before being promoted to head coach.

SPECIAL MENTION

Annie Brockett, Hathaway Brown; JackieDiGeronimo, Magnificat; Kiley Merrill, Hudson.

 

Mentor’s Mitch Trubisky headlines The Plain Dealer’s 2012 football offensive All-Star team

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FOOTBALL ALL-STAR TEAM -- OFFENSE The talent never was in question.

Mentor quarterback Mitch Trubisky is The Plain Dealer's Football Offensive Player of the Year for the second straight season. - (Joshua Gunter, The Plain Dealer)

FOOTBALL ALL-STAR TEAM -- OFFENSE

The talent never was in question.

Mentor coaches raved about Mitch Trubisky's arm and feet before he arrived as a sophomore, and he didn't disappoint when he first shared the quarterback position, and then laid claim to it.

What made Trubisky special in the long run was his drive to improve and ability to lead. He not only got better between seasons, he raised his level of play as seasons wore on and victories accumulated. His teams won 30 games in three seasons, and for the second year in a row, Trubisky is The Plain Dealer's Football Offensive Player of the Year.

There were times during his career that Trubisky, a 6-foot-3 senior, was slow out of the gate in the first and third quarters, such as the St. Ignatius loss or a narrow playoff win over Solon in 2011. It was a key area of improvement this season. He played better and better in big games, especially memorable playoff wins over top-ranked St. Edward and No. 4 St. Ignatius this fall.

"He brings that calmness," Mentor coach Steve Trivisonno said. "He's never very high or very low. Even when we got beat in Week 3, he said, 'Let's get to work and get it done,' and he got better and better."

Trubisky also won Mr. Football, the Associated Press' award given annually to the top high school football player in Ohio. He graduates this month and is to enroll early at the University of North Carolina in January, in anticipation of signing his letter of intent with the Tar Heels in February.

During Mentor's 9-1 regular season, Trubisky completed 159 of 242 attempts (66 percent) for 2,470 yards and 28 touchdowns, and he threw eight interceptions. He also was the team's leading rusher with 579 yards and scored nine touchdowns on 98 carries.

Trubisky is The Plain Dealer coverage area's all-time passing leader. He threw for 9,126 yards and 92 touchdowns. He also had 1,560 yards rushing and 33 TDs.

PLAYER OF THE YEAR

MITCH TRUBISKY

Mentor

Senior

Quarterback

6-foot-3, 195 pounds

College: North Carolina recruit.

Notable: He passed for 2,470 yards in the regular season, completing 159 of 242 attempts (66 percent) for 28 touchdown passes and eight interceptions. He also was the team's leading rusher with 579 yards and scored nine touchdowns on 98 carries. He finished his career as Greater Cleveland's all-time passing leader (9,126 yards, 92 touchdowns) and was named Ohio's Mr. Football by the Associated Press.

ALL-STARS

JIMMY BYRNE

St. Ignatius

Junior

Lineman

6-4, 285

College: Notre Dame recruit.

Notable: Rated as a four-star player by two national scout services, his blocking helped pave the way for the Wildcats to roll up 5,425 yards of offense and 71 touchdowns. One of six area players named to the All-Ohio offense. While he has played tackle in high school he said it is likely he'll move to guard in college, a tribute to his agility and footwork.

SAM COVERDALE

Kenston

Senior

Lineman

6-7, 280

College: Northwestern recruit.

Notable: He began the season as a highly regarded run blocker and enhanced his reputation this fall when Kenston switched to a spread attack. Has outstanding quickness and was able to protect and clear running lanes for a mobile quarterback.

PATRICK DOUGHERTY

Aurora

Senior

Lineman

6-5, 265

College: Indiana recruit.

Notable: He graded as a 97-percent blocker with seven pancake blocks despite playing much of the season with a shoulder injury. The injury eventually forced him to have season-ending surgery after Week 8.

BRANDON FRITTS

Mentor

Junior

Wide receiver

6-4, 210

College: Undecided.

Notable: He caught 42 passes for 759 yards (18.1-yard average) and 10 touchdowns in the regular season and excelled in the postseason. A physical and agile receiver, he excelled at positioning himself and making tough catches.

JORDAN HARGROVE

St. Vincent-St. Mary

Senior

Wide receiver

6-0, 180

College: Undecided.

Notable: Outstanding speed. Reliable hands. Able to withstand a hit. He had 54 receptions in the regular season for 812 yards and 10 touchdowns. He added 26 catches for 447 yards and three scores in five playoff games as he helped the Irish win the Division III state championship. He caught seven passes for 96 yards in the title game.

KAREEM HUNT

Willoughby South

Senior

Running back

5-11, 210

College: Undecided.

Notable: His outstanding speed and underrated power added up to 2,508 yards rushing on 227 carries (11-yard average) and 42 touchdowns. He also caught 10 passes for 212 yards and one touchdown, and scored on kickoff returns of 88 and 98 yards.

GRANT LINGAFELTER

Chagrin Falls

Senior

Lineman

6-5, 270

College: Miami (Ohio) recruit.

Notable: A nimble and powerful left tackle, he did not miss a game for two straight years, safely protecting the quarterback's back while run blocking on a team that dominated on the ground. He has great combination of agility, strength and reach.

TIM MCVEY

St. Ignatius

Senior

Running back

5-10, 186

College: Buffalo recruit.

Notable: Arguably the most underrated back in Ohio. Durable and capable of breaking tackles, he was the go-to guy on any down, rushing for 1,699 yards and scoring 39 touchdowns, a single-season school record. He finished his career with a school-record 61 touchdowns. One highlight was scoring seven touchdowns in the first half during a regional semifinal vvictory over North Royalton.

DONOVAN MUNGER

Shaker Heights

Senior

Lineman

6-4, 285

College: Ohio State recruit.

Notable: He graded as a 98-percent blocker with 34 pancake blocks. Has great ability to drive off the line and moves well downfield blocking. He could play either side of the ball in college, but was recruited as a defensive tackle.

PIERCE ROYSTER

Hudson

Junior

Place-kicker

5-10, 165

College: Undecided.

Notable: A former soccer player, he was a valuable option for an offense that averaged 32.5 points per game. He converted 37 of 39 extra points and displayed the ability to put the ball in the end zone with 22 touchbacks, five in one game. He made nine of 12 field goal attempts, with a season-best of 46 yards.

GARY STRAIN

Mogadore

Senior

Running back

6-1, 205

College: Undecided.

Notable: He began the season as questionable with a broken foot and surgery. He ended the season -- and a terrific high school career -- regarded as one of the top five backs in the school's rich history. In helping the Wildcats reach the Division VI state semifinals, he rushed for 1,261 yards and caught 14 passes, leading to 23 touchdowns in nine games totaling 24 quarters. His fellow backs rushed for a combined 1,000 yards behind his blocks.  

 


Ohio State recruit Tracy Sprinkle of Elyria headlines The Plain Dealer’s 2012 football defensive All-Star team

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FOOTBALL ALL-STAR TEAM -- DEFENSE All the signs are right for Tracy Sprinkle.

Elyria's Tracy Sprinkle, a 6-foot-5, 256-pound defensive end, recorded 19 sacks and 11 other tackles for lost yardage in 10 games this past season. - (Joshua Gunter, The Plain Dealer)

FOOTBALL ALL-STAR TEAM -- DEFENSE

All the signs are right for Tracy Sprinkle.

Sprinkle stopped by Elyria High to say his good-byes on Dec. 21.

On Jan. 6 he will leave for Ohio State. On Jan. 7 he will begin taking classes. On Jan. 8 he will begin weight room workouts with his future teammates. By August he hopes to have a spot on the roster secured.

As an off-the-field mirror to his playing style, things will move fast for Sprinkle, who has been chosen as The Plain Dealer's Football Defensive Player of the Year.

"They told me they recruit players to play, not to redshirt," Sprinkle said of his discussions with the OSU coaching staff. "I take that as a good sign. Plus, they wanted me there early. That's another good sign."

Sprinkle, a 6-foot-5, 256-pound defensive end who, in 10 games, used his agility and quickness to record 19 sacks and 11 other tackles for lost yardage, admitted it will be difficult to put Elyria in his rear view mirror. He intends to return often.

"It's the people," he said. "People outside don't realize how many great people are in this city. Elyria is a small city, but it's full of a lot of great people. And, there is a lot of talent here, too."

At OSU, Sprinkle will hook up with former teammate Chase Farris, who is in his second year with the Buckeyes as a two-way lineman.

"That's another good thing," said Sprinkle, whose sack total was acknowledged as one of the top marks in the state. "Chase has been there. He knows what's going on and he'll be able to help me, teach me the ropes."

Sprinkle said he leaves Elyria with a feeling of accomplishment.

"I reached just about every goal I set for myself," he said, referring to being named as the state's Division I co-defensive player of the year this season. "The only thing I'm sorry about is not making the playoffs. I wanted to help my teammates do that. It would have been nice."

PLAYER OF THE YEAR

TRACY SPRINKLE

Elyria

Senior

Lineman

6-foot-5, 256 pounds

College: Ohio State recruit.

Notable: He was a constant presence in opposing backfields with 11 tackles behind the line of scrimmage on running plays and 19 sacks, one of the top marks in the state. This despite being double-teamed on nearly every down. He lived up to the preseason claim as the area's top defensive player, finishing with 103 tackles. He was named as the Division I co-defensive player of the year in Ohio.

ALL-STARS

DOMENIC ABOUNADER

St. Edward

Senior

Safety

6-0, 195

College: Michigan wrestling recruit.

Notable: A quick and outstanding open-field tackler, he routinely made big plays on defense. He had 103 total defensive stops, including 50 solo tackles and four sacks. He picked off three passes.

MYLES ALEXANDER

Euclid

Senior

Linebacker

6-0, 212

College: Undecided.

Notable: A big hitter with a nose for the ball, he led the Panthers with 78 first hits, 46 assists, six tackles for loss, four sacks, two interceptions, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery.

KYLE BERGER

St. Ignatius

Junior

Linebacker

6-3, 215

College: Undecided.

Notable: He was an integral part of a defense that posted three shutouts and held regular-season opponents to fewer than 10 points per game. He was in on 109 tackles, with 54 solos, 10.5 sacks and 46 tackles that resulted in lost yardage. He also forced one fumble, had one interception and knocked down five passes. Has offers from Ohio State, West Virginia, Michigan State, Illinois and Cincinnati.

DANTE BOOKER

St. Vincent-St. Mary

Junior

Linebacker

6-4, 215

College: Undecided.

Notable: He sparked a defense that held five playoff opponents to a little more than 15 points per game and helped the Irish win the Division III state championship. During the regular season, he was in on 72 tackles, with six sacks, eight tackles for lost yardage, two interceptions, two forced fumbles and one fumble recovery. He was the Division III co-defensive player of the year in Ohio.

JOSH BREBANT

Copley

Senior

Punter

6-0, 200

College: Northern Illinois recruit.

Notable: The Division II All-Ohio punter also was an effective place-kicker. He averaged 43.1 yards -- outstanding at the high school level -- on 28 punts. He was adept at positional kicking, dropping 11 inside the 20-yard line and repeatedly putting opponents in poor field position. As a place-kicker, he was good on 25 of 27 conversion kicks and 6 of 10 field goals -- with a long of 47 yards.

BEN GEDEON

Hudson

Senior

Linebacker

6-2, 220

College: Michigan recruit.

Notable: An effective two-way player -- he was solid at running back -- he made his mark on the defensive side. The All-Ohioan was in on 95 tackles in the regular season. He had 19 solo tackles and was in on 76 other stops. He had five sacks and five other tackles behind the line of scrimmage, while forcing two fumbles and intercepting one pass. This is his second appearance on this team.

JIMMY HESSEL

Avon Lake

Senior

Defensive back

6-2, 175

College: Undecided.

Notable: The all-purpose player had nine interceptions, returning one for a touchdown. At wide receiver, he caught 59 passes for 965 yards and 11 touchdowns. He ran for 107 yards, with another score, and returned two punts for touchdowns. He also returned kickoffs.

KEVIN KAVALEC

St. Ignatius

Senior

Lineman

6-3, 240

College: Boston College recruit.

Notable: He faced double-team blocking in practically every game, yet was in on 61 tackles, including 40 solos. In making this team for the second year in a row, he had 29 tackles for lost yardage on running plays and 8.5 sacks. He forced two fumbles and recovered four others. He came up with one interception, recorded one safety and scored one touchdown. In two seasons he totaled 24 sacks.

LOGAN PAUL

Westlake

Senior

Linebacker

6-0, 190

College: Undecided.

Notable: He was in on 92 tackles, with 62 solos, and had one sack, one interception and one fumble recovery as the Demons shared the Southwestern Conference title for the first time since 1984 and reached the playoffs for the first time since 1989. At running back, he had 230 carries for 1,410 yards and 18 touchdowns.

ZACH SMIERCIAK

Aurora

Senior

Lineman

6-3, 225

College: Miami (Ohio) recruit.

Notable: He constantly disrupted plays despite opponents' tendency to run away from him. He had 114 tackles, with 49 solos, four sacks and 10 tackles for losses. He also intercepted five passes and knocked down six.

DAMON WASHINGTON

Kirtland

Senior

Cornerback

5-10, 178

College: Miami (Ohio) recruit.

Notable: A lockdown corner, he had 21 tackles, one interception and six passes knocked down while few teams threw in his direction. He led Kirtland to its second straight state final. He twice was named Ohio's Division V offensive player of the year as a tailback.

Plain Dealer announces its 2012 high school football coach of the year and special mention player honorees

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FOOTBALL COACH OF THE YEAR STEVE TRIVISONNO

Mentor football coach Steve Trivisonno led the Cardinals to the Division I, Region 1 title with consecutive, dramatic victories over No. 1-ranked St. Edward and No. 4 St. Ignatius. - (Special to The Plain Dealer)

FOOTBALL COACH OF THE YEAR

STEVE TRIVISONNO

Mentor

Notable: The Cardinals were 9-1 in the regular season and Northeast Ohio Conference Valley Division champions. They were ranked seventh in the final Associated Press state poll. The lone loss was to St. Ignatius, which Mentor avenged in the playoffs. Mentor defeated Warren Harding in the first round of the Division I, Region 1 playoffs and won the regional title with consecutive, dramatic victories over No. 1-ranked St. Edward and No. 4 St. Ignatius. The Cardinals were the first team in eight years to beat St. Edward and St. Ignatius in consecutive playoff games. Mentor bowed out of the playoffs with a state semifinal loss to Toledo Whitmer and finished 12-2. Trivisonno, a 1981 Mentor graduate, has a 122-52 career record in 16 seasons, all at Mentor.

SPECIAL MENTION PLAYERS (offense and defense in alphabetical order)

Jay Banyasz, Columbia; Fransohn Bickley, SVSM; Matt Blaha, Euclid; Evan Brettrager, Kirtland; Cody Callaway, Midview; Joe Callihan, Mogadore; Jack Campbell, Chagrin Falls; Parris Campbell Jr., SVSM; Crissean Caver, Walsh Jesuit; Tra'Von Chapman, Kent Roosevelt; Mike Cray, St. Ignatius; Jackie Curry, Shaw; Ryan Davis, St. Edward; Ross Douglas, Avon; Nick Evans, NDCL; Ryan Fallon, St. Edward; Matt Gawlik, St. Ignatius; Brandon Gency, Streetsboro; Shelton Gibson, Cleveland Heights; Kevin Gladney, Firestone; Darian Hicks, Solon; Tommy Iammarino, Chagrin Falls; Richard Johnson, John Hay; Dave Katusha, St. Ignatius; Conner Krizancic, Mentor; Mike LaManna, St. Ignatius; Jerome Lane, Firestone; De'Niro Laster, Cleveland Heights; Marshon Lattimore, Glenville; Collin Lucas, Avon Lake; Marcus McShepard, Cleveland Heights; Deontae Moore, Kenmore; Robbie Nash, NDCL; Nick Peyakov, Manchester; Zach Quinn, Aurora; Branson Repasy, Midpark; Lavonte Robinson, St. Edward; Canon Schroeder, Kirtland; Brandon Short, Mentor; Ralph Smith, Avon; Matt Sommers, Kent Roosevelt; Michael Starcovic, North Olmsted; John Stepec, Lake Catholic; Eric Stone, Southeast; Travis Tarnowski, North Royalton; Tyler Tarnowski, Brecksville-Broadview Heights; Trei Thomas, Kent Roosevelt; Jason Tretter, Revere; Tim Tupa, Brecksville-Broadview Heights; Tommy Tupa, Brecksville-Broadview Heights; Doug Verbofsky, Midpark; Jalen Washington, Twinsburg; Dorian Williams, Streetsboro; Newman Williams, SVSM; David Winkel, Avon Lake; Christopher Worley, Glenville; Keith Yohman, Brunswick; David Zeh, Avon.

 

Walsh Jesuit's Brian Brennan headlines The Plain Dealer’s 2012 boys cross country high school All-Star team

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BOYS CROSS COUNTRY ALL-STAR TEAM Some runners are made for tracks and some for trails. Walsh Jesuit senior Brian Brennan isn't happy unless there's mud on his shins and a hill in his way.

Walsh Jesuit's Brian Brennan was the fastest area runner at the state cross country meet, placing third in Division I with a time of 15 minutes, 22.63 seconds. - (Joshua Gunter, The Plain Dealer)

BOYS CROSS COUNTRY ALL-STAR TEAM

Some runners are made for tracks and some for trails. Walsh Jesuit senior Brian Brennan isn't happy unless there's mud on his shins and a hill in his way.

"I'm not a fan of running around in circles the whole time," Brennan said. "I like the longer distances, and I can run forever when we're training [for cross country]. We get to run at a bunch of national parks for practice and take in all the scenery."

The challenging trails of Kendall Hills in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park are frequent Walsh stomping grounds, and an appropriate metaphor because Brennan emerged this year out of the woods and into the running spotlight.

A year after placing 40th at the state cross country meet and five months after failing to advance out of the district track meet in the 3,200 meters, Brennan was the fastest area runner at the state cross country meet. He placed third in the Division I race with a time of 15 minutes, 22.63 seconds, and Brennan is The Plain Dealer's Boys Cross Country Runner of the Year.

Running a challenging schedule throughout the fall, Brennan was successful, but didn't light it up. He won one regular season race while he continuously trained hard and ran faster. When the season peaked, so did he.

"Everything revolved around having the best race at the end of the season," said Brennan, an Akron resident and the nephew of former Firestone All-Ohioan Tim Brennan, who got Brian into running.

"I was really excited at state, and I had a smile on my face the whole time. You train all that time for 15 minutes. I definitely think being a senior, I was composed. I knew how I had envisioned it and saw how it was playing out. When it actually happened, it was kind of crazy. I was having fun the whole race."

He was, after all, on a trail to success.

RUNNER OF THE YEAR

BRIAN BRENNAN

Walsh Jesuit

Senior

College: Undecided.

Notable: He was the fastest area runner at the state meet, finishing the 5,000-meter course at National Trail Raceway in 15:22.63, and placing third in Division I. He dropped 16 seconds off his previous personal-best time. He won the North Coast League meet and was the Goodyear district champion. He was fourth at the Boardman regional and won the Galion Invitational and had three third-place finishes.

ALL-STARS

GARRETT CRICHLOW

Twinsburg

Junior

College: Undecided.

Notable: In just his second season of cross country, he placed eighth at the Division I state meet in a personal-best 15:33. He finished third at the Boardman regional and Goodyear district. He won the Northeast Ohio Conference meet and was the champion at the GlenOak and Dave Clegg North Canton Hoover Invitational (Division I). He also placed second at the Strongsville Invitational and fourth at the Boardman Invitational.

NICHOLAS ELSWICK

Chardon

Junior

College: Undecided.

Notable: He placed fourth at the Division I state meet in a personal-best 15:24.01, a 15-second improvement of his previous best, and he was the first non-senior to finish. He was unbeaten prior to the state meet, winning nine races, including the Boardman regional, Lakeland district, Strongsville Invitational, Boardman Invitational, Mentor Invitational and OHSAA Preseason Invitational.

MICK IACOFANO

St. Vincent-St. Mary

Senior

College: Undecided.

Notable: The Division II state champion ran a personal-best 15:32.98, winning by 14 seconds over Abel Flores of Defiance, the pre-race favorite and the early leader. Iacofano improved his previous PR by 26 seconds. His other victories were at the Goodyear district and Dave Clegg North Canton Hoover Invitational (Division II). He also placed third at the Tiffin regional and was the Boardman Invitational runner-up.

JACK MILLER

St. Ignatius

Senior

College: Undecided.

Notable: He placed 13th at the Division I state meet in a personal-best 15:42.55. He was third at both the Tiffin regional and Strongsville district meets. He was the runner-up at the GlenOak, Midwest Catholic and Legends meets, and finished sixth at the Midwest Meet of Champions. His best time heading into the state meet was 15:56.

KYLE POLMAN

Independence

Senior

College: Undecided.

Notable: He placed third in a competitive Division III state meet in a personal-best 15:24.30, and became a four-time All-Ohioan. His previous state meet finishes were fourth, 12th and ninth. This season, he also was the Boardman regional runner-up and won the Strongsville district, Chagrin Valley Conference meet and Cardinal Invitational.

DAN ZUPAN

Berea

Senior

College: Undecided.

Notable: He placed 11th at the Division I state meet, finishing in a personal-best time of 15:40.87. He was the Tiffin regional, Strongsville district and Southwestern Conference champion. He won six races, including the Todd Clark Cloverleaf Invitational and Medina Festival, and was sixth at the Tiffin Invitational, where he ran a 15:54.

COACH OF THE YEAR

JEFF HOWARD

Woodridge

Notable: The Bulldogs won their sixth Division II state championship in seven years, and this was one of their remarkable titles. Woodridge returned three runners from last year's fourth-place team, and featured just three seniors. With three in the top 10 and its No. 5 runner placing 43rd, Woodridge won with 83 points and beat Defiance by 26 points. The Bulldogs also won the Tiffin regional and Goodyear district titles.

SPECIAL MENTION

Kevin Blank, Solon; Ben Bockoven, Cuyahoga Valley Christian Academy; Austin Fascana, Avon; Patrick Ferguson, Tallmadge; Alex Frederick, Woodridge; Ryan Gallagher, Buckeye; J.J. Grizinic, Buckeye; Jeff Gudowicz, Mentor; James Marks, Elyria; Kyle Mau, Hudson; Vince Moeglin, Hudson; Justin Riordan, Solon; Jordan Shepherd, Walsh Jesuit; Luke Wagner, St. Ignatius; Matt Wojcik, Woodridge.

 

Solon's Therese Haiss headlines The Plain Dealer’s 2012 girls cross country high school All-Star team

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GIRLS CROSS COUNTRY ALL-STAR TEAM Time has lent perspective to the disappointment Solon senior Therese Haiss felt at the state cross country meet. Her lofty goals of breaking 18 minutes and being among the leaders at the finish were not met, but she pushed herself to new heights at the same time, and that leaves her with a sense...

Solon senior Therese Haiss placed ninth at state in Division I, finishing in 18 minutes, 13.55 seconds for the fastest time among area runners. - (Joshua Gunter, The Plain Dealer)

GIRLS CROSS COUNTRY ALL-STAR TEAM

Time has lent perspective to the disappointment Solon senior Therese Haiss felt at the state cross country meet. Her lofty goals of breaking 18 minutes and being among the leaders at the finish were not met, but she pushed herself to new heights at the same time, and that leaves her with a sense of accomplishment.

"I didn't reach my goals, but they were pretty high," she said. "I would say I was disappointed, but at the same time, I finished the season with a PR [personal-record time] by five seconds. I've thought about the fact there's a lot of girls that don't get a PR. I got to finish my career with a personal best."

Haiss placed ninth in Division I, finishing the 5,000-meter course at National Trail Raceway in 18 minutes, 13.55 seconds, the fastest time among area runners. She has been named The Plain Dealer's Girls Cross Country Runner of the Year.

Haiss is not a typical cross country runner in many ways. She's smaller (5-foot-4) with a more muscular build than many, and she has unusual range of talent. She won the 800 meters at the state track meet, was the 1,600 runner-up and was The PD's athlete of the year in girls track last spring.

"I have biceps and shoulder muscles and big calves. At the second or third meet, I heard someone say as I was running by them, 'Oh my gosh, she looks like a body builder,' " Haiss recalled, laughing.

A highlight for Haiss came early when she won the Division I crown at the Dave Clegg North Canton Hoover Invitational. It was one of seven consecutive titles she won, including the Northeast Ohio Conference Valley Division and the Goodyear district meets.

She also demonstrated strong leadership on a very young team throughout the season, as well as some personal resilience. Her state meet was a bounce back from a disappointing regional meet in which she placed third in 19:13.

Haiss orally committed to run track for Oregon on Thursday.

RUNNER OF THE YEAR

THERESE HAISS

Solon

Senior

College: Oregon track recruit.

Notable: She was the fastest area runner at the state meet, covering the 5,000-meter course at National Trail Raceway in 18:13.55 and placing ninth in Division I. She dropped five seconds off her previous best time and was a top-10 finisher for the second year in a row. She placed third at the Boardman regional and was the Goodyear district champion in a course-record 18:51. After placing second in her first race of the season, she won seven straight meets, including the Northeast Ohio Conference, Tiffin, Strongsville (big-school division) and Medina meets. She also was a strong leader of a very young team. As the only senior, she helped lead the Comets to second-place finishes at the district and NOC Valley Division meets. The versatile Haiss was the 800 meters state track champion and 1,600 runner-up in June, and was named Plain Dealer girls track athlete of the year.

ALL-STARS

MADDIE BRITTON

Bay

Junior

College: Undecided.

Notable: The first-time state qualifier cut 26 seconds off her previous best time and placed 10th in Division I at the state meet with a time of 18:13.64. Bay placed ninth in the team race. She won four meets and was a force late in the season, winning consecutive titles at the Fostoria Invitational, West Shore Conference meet and Lorain district. She placed third at the Tiffin regional, and earlier was seventh at the Tiffin Carnival and third at the Strongsville Invitational.

RACHEL IACOFANO

St. Vincent-St. Mary

Freshman

College: Undecided.

Notable: She was the Division II state runner-up and led SVSM to its fourth consecutive state championship. Maintaining a strong early pace, she crushed her previous best time by 41 seconds and set a school record, 18:20.70. The younger sister of boys state champ Mick Iacofano, Rachel steadily improved all season. She won the final regular season meet, the Legends Invitational, and was the Goodyear district and Tiffin regional runner-up.

CORINNE KULE

Chardon

Senior

College: Undecided.

Notable: One of the season's heartwarming stories, she rebounded from an anemia diagnosis that wrecked her 2011-12 campaign. She was 11th in Division I at the state meet in 18:13.95, an improvement of 50 spots over her 2011 state race, while she bettered her personal record by 25 seconds. She won eight races, starting the season with victories at the OHSAA Preview and Berkshire and Mentor invitationals. She finished with wins at the Stow Invitational, Premier Athletic Conference meet, Lakeland district and Boardman regional. She also won the Boardman Invitational, was second at Strongsville and fourth at Tiffin.

ALEXANDRA MARKOVICH

Hawken

Senior

College: Undecided.

Notable: She ran an 18:19.55, improved her previous best time by 10 seconds and placed fourth at the Division III state meet, one year after missing the 2011 state race with an injury. She won titles at seven of the nine major meets she entered, including the Strongsville district, Boardman regional, Chagrin Valley Conference meet and Strongsville and Boardman invitationals. She was the Tiffin Carnival runner-up. She is the defending Division III 3,200 meters state track champion.

MELINDA RENUART

Walsh Jesuit

Junior

College: Undecided.

Notable: One of the most improved runners at the state meet, she placed 21st in Division I and was the top finisher for a young Walsh team in 18:37.15. She broke 19 minutes for the first time and bettered her previous personal record by 36 seconds. She was third at the Goodyear district and fifth at the Boardman regional. She was a champ at the Walsh Tomahawk Run, Todd Clark Cloverleaf Invitational and North Coast League meet.

MARISSA ROSSETTI

St. Vincent-St. Mary

Senior

College: Toledo recruit.

Notable: She placed ninth at the Division II state meet in 18:19.65. A team leader throughout the season, she helped the Irish win their fourth consecutive state title. She is the eighth girl in Ohio history to score on four state championship teams. Coaches said she continually sacrificed her own training to improve the SVSM pack. Rossetti was the Goodyear district champ and placed third at the Tiffin regional. She won the GlenOak and Dave Clegg North Canton Hoover (Divisions II-III) invitationals and was the Legends and Boardman runner-up.

COACH OF THE YEAR

DAN LANCIANESE

St. Vincent-St. Mary

Notable: He guided the team to the Division II state championship as SVSM became the fourth Ohio school to win four straight girls titles. The Irish scored 53 points and were 21 points ahead of runner-up Lexington. Three of the SVSM top five ran significant personal-best times. The title capped a dominant season in which SVSM was regarded as Ohio's best team regardless of division. It won the Tiffin regional with just 27 points and the Goodyear district with a paltry 17 points. The Irish won the Midwest Meet of Champions, where they beat eventual Division I state champion Mason. The SVSM state lineup featured three seniors, a junior, three sophomores and a freshman. Lancianese benefits from a veteran coaching staff that includes Chris Miloscia, Bob Shell and Mike Iacofano. Lancianese, who teaches special education, is the boys and girls cross country and track head coach and his teams have won six state titles in four years, including one boys and one girls track championship.

SPECIAL MENTION

Alexis Anton, Gilmour Academy; Natalie Camardo, Strongsville; Abby Christel, Bay; Madison Connelly, Rocky River; Micheala Foisy, Elyria Catholic; Julia Mendiola, St. Vincent-St. Mary; Kaylie Murray, Kent Roosevelt; Kinsey Robinson, Mentor; Geneva Sandridge, Solon; Caroline Sauers, Hudson; Stephanie Sherman, Notre Dame-Cathedral Latin; Alexis Szivan, Amherst; Jennifer Wisniewski, Independence.

 

Kenston's Jaime Kosiorek headlines The Plain Dealer’s 2012 volleyball high school All-Star team

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VOLLEYBALL ALL-STAR TEAM There's good news and bad news concerning Kenston 6-foot outside hitter Jaime Kosiorek, The Plain Dealer's Volleyball Player of the Year.

Kenston outside hitter Jaime Kosiorek averaged 5.2 kills, 6.1 digs and 2.04 serve receptions per set in helping her team reach the state final four. - (Joshua Gunter, The Plain Dealer)

VOLLEYBALL ALL-STAR TEAM

There's good news and bad news concerning Kenston 6-foot outside hitter Jaime Kosiorek, The Plain Dealer's Volleyball Player of the Year.

The good news is she's only a junior so the Bombers have her for one more season. The bad news is opposing teams will have to put up with her another year.

"Sure, we wanted to win the state title," said Kosiorek, who helped lead her team to a Division I state final four berth, "but I couldn't be happier.

"We had a good year."

The Bombers defended their Chagrin Valley Conference Chagrin Division title by running their league win streak to 100 matches, but more importantly, avenged last season's district title-match loss to Solon.

"That match, plus our win over Beaumont, were turning points in our season," said Kosiorek, an Ohio University recruit. "We were having internal problems around the Beaumont match and to beat them without a couple of starters, was a real boost for our confidence.

"Solon's also a very good team and to beat them in three straight [sets], we really started clicking as a team and carried it through to the state tournament."

Eventual runner-up Massillon Jackson put an end to Kenston's season with a four-set victory in the state semifinals.

Kosiorek sprained her ankle in the first set and was unable to deliver her powerful jump serve but she still led the team with 14 kills and 12 digs.

"It was our first time [playing in Wright State's Nutter Center] and we were a little nervous," said Kosiorek. "That's a huge court and it takes some getting used to.

"We just never go into a rhythm."

PLAYER OF THE YEAR

JAIME KOSIOREK

Kenston

Junior

Outside hitter

College: Ohio University recruit.

Notable: The Division I All-Ohio second-teamer was the center of concern for opposing teams and a big reason her team qualified for the state tournament. She is a solid, all-around player who averaged 5.2 kills, 6.1 digs and 2.04 serve receptions per set and also served at a 95.3 percent efficiency with 89 aces.

ALL-STARS

KYRA COUNDOURIDES

Walsh Jesuit

Junior

Setter

College: Virginia Tech recruit.

Notable: The Division I All-Ohio second-teamer from Brunswick was her team's offensive catalyst. The school's career assist leader averaged 8.8 assists, two digs and one kill per set. She also ranks second, third and fourth for assists in a single season at the school.

WHITNEY CRAIGO

Avon Lake

Senior

Setter

College: Maryland recruit.

Notable: The Division I All-Ohio third-teamer was an outside hitter her first two seasons before transitioning into a full-time setter as a junior. Averaged 8.57 assists, 2.9 digs and 1.36 kills per set. An 88 percent server, she totaled 51 aces.

MAIRIN JERSE

Beaumont

Senior

Libero

College: Undecided.

Notable: The Euclid resident was one of the primary reasons Beaumont was able to win the Division II state title. She averaged 5.3 digs and 2.3 serve receptions per set. It's no coincidence her team lost two of the three matches she didn't play in because of a concussion.

EMILY MARCINOWSKI

Padua

Junior

Outside hitter

College: Undecided.

Notable: The Division II All-Ohio first-teamer and Strongsville resident was a force at the net. Her powerful arm swing produced 6.6 kills per set on 91.2 percent efficiency. She also averaged 1.2 blocks, 2.8 digs and was a 91.2 percent server.

KRISTI TEKAVEC

Solon

Senior

Outside hitter

College: Fordham recruit.

Notable: The Division I All-Ohio second-teamer played with a vengeance after sitting out her junior season with a torn ACL. She averaged 4.5 kills, 4.09 digs, 3.95 serve receptions and almost one block per set. Served at an 89 percent efficiency with 18 aces.

COACH OF THE YEAR

Pat Royer

Beaumont

Notable: The Cleveland resident's 13th season at the helm proved to be the gem. After qualifying for their first state final four in 2011, the Blue Streaks captured this year's Division II state crown. The banner season raised his career record to 205-53. The championship puts Royer one title behind his brother, Mark, who coached Villa Angela-St. Joseph to Division III crowns in 2001 and 2005.  

SPECIAL MENTION

Allison Baird, North Royalton; Cayley Balser, Magnificat; Shae Bauchens, Brooklyn; Haley Beavers, Wadsworth; Lauren Beck, Notre Dame-Cathedral Latin; Amanda Bedell, Hudson; Kelsey Bittinger, Strongsville; Gabbie Bulic, Brunswick; Kayla Byler, Berkshire; Alexis Castro, Lorain; Nikki D'Anna, Brecksville-Broadview Heights; Molly Davet, Beaumont; Abby Detering, Lake Catholic; Megan Garrison, Stow; Veronica Gehring, Cuyahoga Heights; Mackenzie Harrison, Twinsburg; Tamara Heller, Ledgemont; Jess Janota, Gilmour Academy; Mary Grace Kelly, Walsh Jesuit; Taylor Lattimore, Maple Heights; Megan May, Black River; Nicole Nugent, Willoughby South; Kit O'Shaughnessy, Elyria Catholic; Aubrey Polasky, Field; Leah Switalski, Holy Name; Ashley Watson, Chagrin Falls; Kady Whitsel, Brookside; Alana Woodard, Southeast; Heather Younkin, Clearview.

 

Westlake’s Lauren Golick headlines The Plain Dealer’s 2012 girls tennis high school All-Star team

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GIRLS TENNIS ALL-STAR TEAM Westlake tennis star Lauren Golick didn't know what she had until it was firmly in her grasp.

Westlake’s Lauren Golick wins The Plain Dealer's Girls Tennis Player of the Year award an unprecedented third consecutive year. - (Joshua Gunter, The Plain Dealer)

GIRLS TENNIS ALL-STAR TEAM

Westlake tennis star Lauren Golick didn't know what she had until it was firmly in her grasp.

"You can think about it and dream about it and hope you'll be able to get there someday, but you never really know what it's going to be like," Golick said of the Division I singles state championship she won in October. "But once you win it, it is just the best feeling in the world. You come to the realization that all the hard work, all the practicing, all the sacrifices, all the years have paid off and it is just an incredible feeling. That's the best way I can describe it."

The championship was the cherry on top of Golick's ice cream sundae career and earned her a third consecutive Plain Dealer Girls Tennis Player of the Year award. She is the first to accomplish that feat.

Golick stars as much in the classroom as she does on the tennis court. She carries a 4.76 grade-point average and ranks 17th in her class of 349. She accepted a scholarship to Cleveland State, where she plans on studying accounting, finance or business law.

"I will miss high school tennis, but I am excited about getting on with the next stage of my life," she said. "I have been very fortunate that my family has always been there to support me. Now, they'll still be able to be there at Cleveland State."

Just because the high school season is over does not mean Golick is taking it easy. She still practices about five days a week, with the sessions running between 90 minutes and two hours.

Golick rolled through her first three matches in Columbus and was one point away from her state title when Cincinnati Mt. Notre Dame's Sandy Niehaus, the 2010 champ, was forced to retire with leg cramps. By no means does that diminish Golick's achievement. After losing the first set, Golick battled back to win the second and had a 5-3 lead in the third when Niehaus could not continue. With the championship one stroke away, Golick was not about to let it get away and never experience "the best feeling in the world."

PLAYER OF THE YEAR

LAUREN GOLICK

Westlake

Senior

Singles

College: Cleveland State recruit.

Notable: She is the first girls tennis player to win three consecutive Plain Dealer Player of the Year awards, capping a remarkable four-year career that included an overall record of 129-14, three straight Division I district championships, three straight Southwestern Conference titles and a state championship this year. A four-time state qualifier, she placed in the top four in each of the past three years. She was a one-time winner of the John Harlow Sportsmanship Award presented by state tournament officials.

ALL-STARS

KATELYN HISSONG

Walsh Jesuit

Senior

Singles

College: Undecided.

Notable: She compiled a 23-10 record at first singles and made a third trip to the state tournament, facing some of the toughest competition in Ohio. She will leave Walsh Jesuit with two sectional titles and three top-three finishes in the district tournament. One of her postseason losses this season was to eventual state champ Lauren Golick of Westlake. She was a member of the team state championship squad as a freshman.

ARIANA IRANPOUR

Hathaway Brown

Junior

Singles

College: Undecided.

Notable: She compiled a 20-4 record in first singles and a 6-2 mark in doubles and went on to win Division II sectional and district championships and qualify for the state tournament for the third straight season. She won four of six matches against some of the top singles players in the state and helped the Blazers finish fourth in the state team competition. In winning sectional and district titles, she won 48 of 59 games in straight-set victories in the semifinals and finals.

NATASHA BIRZE

Kenston

Sophomore

Doubles

College: Undecided.

Notable: A two-time state qualifier, she will be one of the area's top players in 2013. She had a 33-2 record and was the Chagrin Valley Conference champion at second singles, then paired with Amanda Marchant to win Division I sectional and district championships in doubles, as well as the Laurel Invitational doubles title. She will take a 64-9 career record into next season.

AMANDA MARCHANT

Kenston

Senior

Doubles

College: Dayton recruit.

Notable: The team captain compiled an outstanding 31-4 season playing first singles before teaming with Natasha Birze to form a doubles team that went on to win Division I sectional and district championships. They also were the champions of the Laurel Invitational doubles tournament. A four-time state qualifier in doubles, she completed her singles career with a 112-27 record and was named MVP of the Chagrin Valley Conference.

SYDNEY GREEN

Hawken School

Sophomore

Doubles

College: Undecided.

Notable: She made the most of the "second season" when she teamed with Emily Leizman to finish second in the Division II state doubles tournament after winning sectional and district championships. She had a 5-7 record at first singles and won one match in the Chagrin Valley Conference tournament before making her mark in doubles.

EMILY LEIZMAN

Hawken School

Senior

Doubles

College: Undecided.

Notable: Paired with Sydney Green, they were sectional and district champions and went on to win three matches and finish second in the Division II state doubles tournament. They were the only area team in either division to advance beyond the first round. Before moving to doubles, she compiled a 7-5 record and won two matches in the Chagrin Valley Conference tournament.

COACH OF THE YEAR

NORA MYERS

Hathaway Brown

Notable: A native of Budapest, Hungary, and a four-time All-Big Ten player at Minnesota, she recently completed her third season as coach. The Blazers finished fourth in the state team competition. She also coached junior Ariana Iranpour to sectional and district championships and had a doubles team finish as sectional runner-up.

SPECIAL MENTION

Natalie Arcoria, Hudson; Danielle Buchinsky, Laurel; Gina Costanzo, Walsh Jesuit; Andreja Didovic, Notre Dame-Cathedral Latin; Mitsuki Fukamachi, Mayfield; Ali Garrity, Medina; Maddie Haskell, Cuyahoga Valley Christian Academy; Mary Brigid Joyce, Notre Dame-Cathedral Latin; Bea Konstan, Cuyahoga Valley Christian Academy; Anne-Marie Kurtz, Walsh Jesuit; Grace Lu, Hudson; Anna Pietsch, Beachwood; Isabel Quinones, Rocky River; Jamie Vizelman, Mayfield; Emily Witt, Magnificat; Adrian Young, Orange.

 

Wadsworth's pressure defense too much for Midpark

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WADSWORTH, Ohio --It was a defensive clinic put on by the Wadsworth Grizzlies, leaving visiting Midpark to contemplate its second consecutive blowout loss. Employing a run-and-jump man-to-man that stymied Midpark's inexperienced ball-handlers, Wadsworth jumped to first-quarter leads of 10-2, 20-4 and 24-6 Thursday before cruising to a 70-52 victory. The Grizzlies are now 9-1, while Midpark falls to 6-3....

WADSWORTH, Ohio --It was a defensive clinic put on by the Wadsworth Grizzlies, leaving visiting Midpark to contemplate its second consecutive blowout loss.

Employing a run-and-jump man-to-man that stymied Midpark's inexperienced ball-handlers, Wadsworth jumped to first-quarter leads of 10-2, 20-4 and 24-6 Thursday before cruising to a 70-52 victory. The Grizzlies are now 9-1, while Midpark falls to 6-3.

"That's a really good team," Midpark coach Tom Thompson said. "They're for real. They play so well together. They know how to exploit teams. That's what they did to us."

The Meteors have one of the best post players in the area in 6-foot-3 junior Stasha Carey. But when you struggle to get the ball across the midcourt line--Midpark had nine turnovers in the first quarter--it's difficult to take advantage of your size.

"That was the game," Wadsworth coach Andrew Booth said. "Our first key, our second key and our third key tonight was ball pressure. We don't have anybody size-wise to match up with Stasha. I thought our ball pressure was outstanding on the perimeter and we didn't give them the opportunity to get the ball where they wanted."

The loss comes in the middle of a difficult stretch for the Meteors, who lost to two-time defending state champion Twinsburg last Saturday, 63-33, and face Brunswick tonight at Solon.

"They jumped on us early, which is what Twinsburg did," Thompson said. "We didn't learn from that one. We kept throwing the ball to the white [Wadsworth] jerseys. That obviously sparked their start and put us behind the 8-ball."

When pressure defense is clicking it results in quick, easy points. The Grizzlies led, 28-11, after one quarter and 44-25 at halftime, with many of their points being a direct result of Midpark turnovers. Of the 16 field goals Wadsworth scored in the first half, 11 were layups, and seven came on fast breaks.

"When our defense is working like that it really gets our offense going," Booth said.

Senior Rachel Goddard led Wadsworth's balanced attack with 14 points, followed by McKenzie O'Brien with 13, Peyton Booth with 12 and Hannah Centea and Jodi Johnson with eight each.

Before the game O'Brien was recognized for scoring the 1,000th point of her varsity career on Dec. 15th against Copley. The senior played her first two years at Mansfield St. Peter's and was an All-Ohio selection before her family relocated to Wadsworth.

Carey finished the game with 14 points for Midpark despite missing a stretch in the first half with an ankle injury. She went down with 1:51 remaining in the first quarter with her team down, 22-6, and returned at the 5:03 mark of the second period with the score at 37-11. She was icing the ankle after the game but appeared to be fine.

Kyla Johnson also had 14 points for the Meteors and Meghan Stornes and Jessica Barnes each had nine.


Gilmour's Andrew Bieber headlines The Plain Dealer’s 2012 boys golf high school All-Star team

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BOYS GOLF ALL-STAR TEAM He won two individual state championships and was part of a state championship team. Throw in a couple more individual tournament titles and a blossoming amateur career in the summer and it all adds up to a pretty stellar resume.

Gilmour golfer Andrew Bieber has two individual state titles and a fourth-place finish in three state tournament appearances. - (Joshua Gunter, The Plain Dealer)

BOYS GOLF ALL-STAR TEAM

He won two individual state championships and was part of a state championship team. Throw in a couple more individual tournament titles and a blossoming amateur career in the summer and it all adds up to a pretty stellar resume.

And, it might have just begun.

But ask Andrew Bieber what he will remember most of his three-year stay at Gilmour Academy -- after his family relocated here from the Pittsburgh area prior to his sophomore season -- and the answer might surprise you.

"What I'll probably cherish the most is the friendships I've made through Gilmour and golfing," said Bieber, who has been chosen as The Plain Dealer's Boys Golfer of the Year. "My coaches, my teammates and the other players. It has been a rewarding experience.

"Of course, winning back-to-back state championships wasn't too bad, either."

Undoubtedly, with his list of accomplishments at both the high school and amateur levels, Bieber is one of the most talented athletes in the class of 2013. Just as assuredly, he is one of the most insightful and intelligent. He has signed a letter of intent with Duke.

"When you talk to Andrew you can tell he contemplates your questions before he answers," said Gilmour coach Charlie Tremont, who has produced the past three Plain Dealer MVPs in Bieber and Alex Andrews, now at Wittenberg. "He is a very intelligent young man and is one of the school leaders, not just on the golf course. He works as hard on the academic side as he does the golf side. I am certainly going to miss him."

In three state tournament appearances, Bieber finished fourth in 2011 when the Lancers won the Division III team title and won individual titles in each of the past two seasons. His second title came at the NorthStar Golf Resort in October, when he shot rounds of 73-71 for an even-par 144. His seven-shot victory equaled former teammate Andrews for the largest margin of victory in Division III over the past 14 years.

GOLFER OF THE YEAR

ANDREW BIEBER

Gilmour Academy

Senior

College: Duke recruit.

Notable: Shooting rounds of 73-71 at the NorthStar Golf Resort while battling a virus that eventually hospitalized him, he won his second straight Division III state championship. In winning by seven shots, he became the 14th player in Ohio history to repeat as a state champion, joining the likes of Jack Nicklaus, Ben Curtis and former teammate Alex Andrews. His 144 was even-par and capped a season in which he won the Hoban Invitational at Firestone, as well as sectional and district championships. He plans to major in neuroscience and psychology and minor in theology or philosophy at Duke.

ALL-STARS

ANDREW HINTON

Aurora

Senior

College: Undecided.

Notable: Shot 77-79--156 to finish in a tie for seventh in the Division I state tournament at Ohio State's Scarlet Course. That earned him second-team All-Ohio honors. He also was third in the district tournament at Pine Hills and tied for fourth in the sectional at Candywood. He was the medalist at the Aurora Invitational at Barrington, where he shot 74, and finished in the top five at the Explorer Invitational at Hudson. He averaged 76.2 in all matches and 37.4 in Chagrin Valley Conference events.

IAN HOLT

Stow

Junior

College: Kent State recruit.

Notable: A two-time Northeast Ohio Conference player of the year and former Division I state co-champion, he finished in a tie for fifth in the Division I state tournament at Ohio State's Scarlet Course with a score of 154. He qualified as an individual by shooting 76 at the Pine Hills district after winning the sectional tournament with a scintillating 67 at Candywood. He also was the medalist with rounds of 68 at the Cardinal Mooney Classic at Mill Creek North and at the Cuyahoga Valley Christian Academy Invitational at Silver Lake. Also won invitationals at Twinsburg and Aurora.

CHASE JOHNSON

Walsh Jesuit

Junior

College: Kent State recruit.

Notable: He had the best season of any Division I player in the area, capping his year with a runner-up finish by two shots in the Division I state tournament at Ohio State's Scarlet Course with a score of 5-over 147. Won eight tournaments, including the district at Pine Hills (71), the prestigious Kiely Cup at Canterbury (69), the Explorer Invitational at Hudson (72), the North Coast League tournament at Pine Hills and a tri-match with University and Gilmour at Quail Hollow (68). His 71 at Pine Hills helped the Warriors win the district title for the first time since 1997.

PATRICK LUTH

Medina

Senior

College: Cleveland State recruit.

Notable: A four-year starter, two-time Northeast Ohio Conference choice and the NOC Valley Division player of the year, he averaged 75.9 during 18-hole matches -- the fourth-best average in school history -- and 37.7 in 9-hole events. He helped the Bees finish fifth in the Division I state tournament at Ohio State's Scarlet Course after a runner-up finish in the district at Pine Hills. He was the overall medalist in the NOC tournament with a par round of 71 at Congress Lake and won the Walker Jones event at Shale Creek with a round of 72.

COACH OF THE YEAR

JEANNE PRITCHARD

Medina

Notable: She is one of the most accomplished golf coaches in the state. In 11 seasons as coach of the boys, her teams have compiled a 148-13 record in dual- and tri-matches and at one point won 60 consecutive conference matches, winning or sharing nine league/division titles. She has taken teams to the state tournament seven times with fifth-place finishes in 2010 and 2012. She began the girls program at Medina in 1997 and won two conference titles with her teams compiling an 89-33 record. She taught health and physical education for 30 years at Medina after graduating from Ohio State in 1974.

SPECIAL MENTION

Spencer Koch, Medina; Joey Krecic, St. Edward; Ben Meola, Lake Catholic; Zach Mosholder, Tallmadge; Sawyer Opalich, Hawken; Sean Sherman, Medina; Brad Snyder, Kirtland; Tim Straka, Fairview; Austin Terry, Shaker Heights.

 

Highland's Jessica Porvasnik headlines The Plain Dealer’s 2012 girls golf high school All-Star team

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GIRLS GOLF ALL-STAR TEAM When Jessica Porvasnik was called to talk about winning a third consecutive Plain Dealer Golfer of the Year award she was on her way to a practice session.

Highland senior Jessica Porvasnik has been named as The Plain Dealer's Girls Golfer of the Year for the third straight year. - (Joshua Gunter, The Plain Dealer)

GIRLS GOLF ALL-STAR TEAM

When Jessica Porvasnik was called to talk about winning a third consecutive Plain Dealer Golfer of the Year award she was on her way to a practice session.

Things hadn't changed in four years.

"Jessica is always looking for ways to improve," Highland coach Mary Becker has said numerous times.

The Highland senior and Ohio State recruit capped a marvelous four-year career by winning the Division I state championship while leading her team to a school-best runner-up finish.

She will leave Highland with no regrets.

"Definitely, no regrets," she said. "I had an excellent four years, not just for the golf, but for all the people I've met and the friendships I've made. The only thing I'll regret is that I will miss high school golf, coach Becker and the overall experience. It's been awesome."

Porvasnik, who committed to OSU in April, shot rounds of 68-72 to win the state championship by seven shots, the widest margin of victory in the Division I championship since 2001.

"I came a long way over the last four years," she said. "I never dreamed I would become the player that I have. My main goal was to win a state title and when I didn't win it as a junior I came back as a senior and I really wanted to win."

While Porvasnik's senior year was not her best, it was better than everyone else. She played in 12 tournaments, winning three and finishing second seven times. She had two other top-five finishes. For her career, she played in 49 tournaments with 21 victories, 15 runner-up finishes and five top-fives.

And left a legacy that will be hard to duplicate.

GOLFER OF THE YEAR

JESSICA PORVASNIK

Highland

Senior

College: Ohio State recruit.

Notable: Arguably the most talented golfer ever to come out of a Northeast Ohio high school, she becomes the first to be named as The Plain Dealer's Golfer of the Year three consecutive seasons. She won the Division I state championship by seven shots at the Gray Course at Ohio State, leading her team to an all-time best runner-up finish, by shooting even-par 68-72--140. In 12 tournaments, she had three firsts, seven seconds and two other top-five finishes while averaging 71.2 strokes in 18-hole tournaments and 35.3 in 9-hole matches. She hit the fairway 60 percent of the time and was on the green in regulation 83 percent of the time.

ALL-STARS

JESSICA MCRAE

Highland

Senior

College: Miami (Ohio).

Notable: She helped the Hornets to their best finish ever in the state tournament -- second by one shot to Dublin Jerome -- by shooting 72-79 to finish seventh in the individual race. She was steady all season, averaging 36.7 strokes in 9-hole matches and 76.9 in 18-hole events. She was fourth in the sectional at Turkeyfoot (75) and fifth in the district at The Legends of Massillon (75). She had nine runner-up finishes -- all to teammate Jessica Porvasnik -- throughout the season in duals and tournaments.

KASEY NIELSEN

Kent Roosevelt

Sophomore

College: Undecided.

Notable: She came on strong during the postseason, finishing fourth in the Division I sectional at Tamer Win, tying for fifth in the district at The Legends of Massillon and tying for fifth in her first state tournament appearance with rounds of 70-80. She averaged 39.9 in 9-hole events and 79 for full contests. She was medalist in four of 10 dual matches and had four other top-five finishes in tournaments and other dual matches.

NIKI SCHROEDER

Avon Lake

Sophomore

College: Ohio State recruit.

Notable: Has an opportunity to become one of Northeast Ohio's all-time best after finishing second in the Division I state tournament in her second year on the varsity team to earn all-state honors. Is a two-time MVP of the Southwestern Conference and the first girl in school history to qualify for the state tournament. She averaged 73 strokes for 18 holes and 39 in 9-hole events. She also won the Turkeyfoot Invitational (67), the Edison Invitational at Thunderbird Hills North (71) and the North Olmsted Invitational at Springvale (35).

ASHLEY YARBROUGH

Hathaway Brown

Senior

College: Undecided.

Notable: One of the most consistent players in the area over the past three years, she makes her second appearance on this team in three years after finishing third in the Division II state tournament on the Gray Course at Ohio State with a score of 152. She had championship performances at the Lady Bruin Invitational at Pine Hills (74), the Panther Invitational at Turnberry (76), the Walsh Jesuit Invitational at Ohio Prestwick (76) and the Midwest Girls Golf Classic at Skyland Pines (74).

COACH OF THE YEAR

MARY BECKER

Highland

Notable: In her seventh season as coach after founding the program in 2006, she led the Hornets to a program-best, runner-up finish in the Division I state tournament. Under her direction, the program has grown into one of the most successful in the area, if not the state. Her teams have won four straight Suburban League championships, four straight sectional championships and have improved their finish in the state tournament in each of the past four seasons. The team has lost one dual match in four years and has a 47-20 record since 2007. Becker, a native of Midland, Mich., was a two-sport athlete at the University of Dayton. She and her husband, Matthew, are the parents of Allison, a senior at Xavier, and Mark, a junior at St. Ignatius.

SPECIAL MENTION

Alexis Gray, Solon; Alice Ho, Wadsworth; Jillian Hollis, Magnificat; Rachel Horvath, Highland; Emily Jereb, Notre Dame-Cathedral Latin; Olivia Jereb, Notre Dame-Cathedral Latin; Hannah Maczko, Green; Chloe McKinzie, Highland; Reva Morris, Notre Dame-Cathedral Latin; Ali Nageotte, Magnificat; Kaitlin Neumann, Avon; Kelly Nielsen, Kent Roosevelt; Kelly Poe, Kenston.

 

Globetrotters dazzle Cleveland fans in rule-change melee (gallery)

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Globetrotters dazzle Cleveland fans in rule-change melee. And, of course, they win. See a Lynn Ischay photo gallery. 

Gallery previewGlobetrotters dazzle Cleveland fans in rule-change melee. And, of course, they win. See a Lynn Ischay photo gallery. 


Shaker Heights wins tournament game in New York: Sports Roundup

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Shaker Heights' Esa Ahmad made quite an impression in New York, where the Raiders were plahing in the Coaches Vs. Cancer Boys Basketball Classic. The 6-7 sophomore scored 26 points, had 18 rebounds and blocked three shots Thursday during the Raiders' 67-57 victory over Holy Cross (N.Y.). Kash Blackwell chipped in 19 points for Shaker (6-1).

Shaker Heights' Esa Ahmad made quite an impression in New York, where the Raiders were plahing in the Coaches Vs. Cancer Boys Basketball Classic.

The 6-7 sophomore scored 26 points, had 18 rebounds and blocked three shots Thursday during the Raiders' 67-57 victory over Holy Cross (N.Y.). Kash Blackwell chipped in 19 points for Shaker (6-1).

The Plain Dealer's top-ranked team broke open a close game by outscoring Holy Cross, 23-8, in the second quarter.

No. 13 Beachwood 85, Rhodes 47 The unbeaten Bison (6-0) opened the second half with a 10-0 run and coasted to the nonleague win. Jordan Richardson had 19 points and eight rebounds and John Davis contributed 13 points, five rebounds and six assists.

Girls basketball

No. 2 Hathaway Brown 53, Edgewater (Fla.) 38 The defending Division II state champion Blazers (8-2) won to advance to the semifinals of the Naples (Fla.) Holiday Shootout. HB will play Whitney Young, ranked No. 2 in MaxPreps. Senior Princeton recruit Vanessa Smith finished with 16 points and 10 rebounds for HB, while Cornell recruit Nia Marshall added 14 points .

No. 7 St. Joseph Academy 54, Walsh Jesuit 51 The Jaguars (10-0) beat the Warriors to remain unbeaten, as Katie Battaglia and Greta Burry scored 17 and 12 points, respectively, for the winners.

No. 8 Hudson 65, No. 5 Solon 58 The Explorers (7-2, 3-1) rode a 22-13 first-quarter lead to a Northeast Ohio Conference Valley Division road win as Youngstown State recruit Hannah Boesinger scored a game-high 30 points.

Mentor 57, No. 14 Kenston 35 The Cardinals (6-3) sprinted to a 14-4 first-quarter lead and went on to win the first game of the Mayfield Tournament. Lauren Stefancin scored a game-high 19 points for Mentor.

No. 25 Stow 44, Kent Roosevelt 33 Chrissie Vaughan scored 11 points for the Bulldogs (6-2), who gave head coach Bob Podges his 200th career win, in the Tallmadge Tournament's opening game.

Eastlake North 67, No. 22 Mayfield 63 The visiting Rangers (5-4) overcame a 31-24 halftime deficit to upset the Wildcats at their own tournament. Steph Chlad, Lexi Balausky and Lynsey Englebrecht scored 50 of North's points.

Hockey

St. Edward 4, Dublin Coffman 3 Tyler Harkins scored two goals, including the game-winner with 52 seconds remaining, in the St. Edward Eagle Classic victory. Harkins also had an assist.

Mayfield 5, Midview 4 Mitchell Ford, Paul Jablonski, Domonic Horvath, John Schreiber and Chris Sentle scored for the Wildcats in a win at the Solon Holiday Tournament.

For Cleveland Browns safety Tashaun Gipson, there's nothing meaningless about Sunday's game

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The undrafted rookie from Wyoming sees the game against Pittsburgh as another chance to show what he can do in the NFL.

BEREA, Ohio -- On a day reporters were asking veterans about looming off-season changes and the Pro Bowl nomination of popular Phil Dawson, Browns rookie Tashaun Gipson sat in his dressing room stall speaking about the importance of "putting out some good tape" in the finale against Pittsburgh.

This Browns-Steelers game rates among the most anti-climatic in the rivalry's recent history. Both teams are eliminated from playoff contention. Most Browns fans are more intrigued with what happens after the final gun Sunday than before it. Unless, of course, you believe Thad Lewis is a viable long-term solution at quarterback.

But in the 20 locker rooms of the NFL's non-postseason qualifiers, the season's last game is anything except meaningless for players such as the 22-year-old Gipson. The undrafted free agent has performed well enough to remain on the active roster all season and play defense in nine games, starting two.

The coaching staff that has trusted Gipson, however, could be swept out like 2012 by Monday at midnight. So for safeties Gipson and Eric Hagg, who will start in place of injured T.J. Ward and Usama Young, the chance to face Ben Roethlisberger and his speedy Steelers receivers is massive.

"I know he will use his veteran craftiness against me," said Gipson of Roethlisberger, a two-time Super Bowl winner. "I'm still just a rookie and at the end of the day he will try to play mind games with me. My biggest thing is knowing my assignment and doing what I'm taught to do. . . . I am embracing the challenge."

The 5-11, 205-pound converted cornerback has slowly risen up the Browns' depth chart since earning six snaps in the season opener versus Philadelphia. Four weeks ago, he started in place of an injured Young, playing every defensive snap, and followed that effort with his first career interception against Kansas City.

The Browns tout his toughness and quickness and the "suddenness" with which Gipson closes on ball-carriers. Defensive coordinator Dick Jauron said he liked him in training camp, but found himself searching for deficiencies.

"You just wonder why he wasn't a draft pick," Jauron said. "You would like to say all the time, 'It doesn't matter how they get to your camp, everybody starts equal in their play,' but there's always some doubt. [You say] . . . There's got to be something that's missing,' but we never found it from almost the first day on."

Gipson arrived in the NFL from Laramie, Wyo., where the sky is big and the buildings are scared of heights. Eager for a chance to start as a freshman, he followed his brother, Marcell, from their native Dallas to the University of Wyoming located on a high plain nestled between two mountain ranges. The campus boasts the state's tallest structure, White Hall, which towers 12 stories above ground level.

"It looked so foreign to me, super foreign to me," said the loquacious Gipson of his first visit to the city of about 31,000 residents. "It was a lot of open space and open land. It was mountain life, country life and believe me the Cleveland winters have nothing on Laramie.

"I didn't know how [Marcell] did it. They have like four fast-food restaurants in the entire city. I never pictured myself having that kind of college experience, but looking back I wouldn't change it for the world."

He started in the same secondary as his brother and benefited from the coaching of former Mount Union safety Alex Grinch, whom Gipson considers a mentor.

"He has a skill set that is pretty unique," said Grinch, now a safeties coach at Missouri. "He has the corner skills to play man coverage and the suddenness to come downhill and attack a ball carrier. He's also one of the smartest players I've been around."

Early in his senior season, Gipson was asked to make the change to safety. He trusted Grinch enough to switch positions. Five credits shy of a communications degree, Gipson concedes there was never an alternative plan if he hadn't latched onto an NFL team.

His brother, who began the season in Minnesota's camp, is back in Dallas working with their father in a methanol-hauling business.

"It might sound like a cliche, but I put all of my marbles into football because this is what I wanted to do," said Gipson, who nevertheless plans to return to Laramie at season's end and earn his diploma.

He missed an opportunity to play last week in Denver -- two hours south of Laramie -- after suffering a foot injury in practice. But Gipson said he's ready to face the Steelers in a game in which the Browns could be without quarterbacks Brandon Weeden and Colt McCoy, halfback Trent Richardson and cornerback Sheldon Brown.

It is that time of the season when injuries mount and fan interest turns to the draft and the latest rumor regarding the potential regime change. But for youngsters such as Gipson, who dream of becoming a "crafty vet like Sheldon Brown," Sunday is pregnant with possibility. It's a chance to make a play on Big Ben, a chance to prove to new CEO Joe Banner he merits another look come next season, a chance to delay thinking about life outside the NFL.

"I can't control what happens and who is here," Gipson said. "There is nothing I can do except go out there and play the way I'm coached. My main goal right now is to be putting out some good tape."

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