Highlights include basketball games for Ohio State, Cleveland State and Kent State, and the Cavaliers at Toronto.

CLEVELAND, Ohio

Today's TV sports listings

AHL

7:30 p.m. Hamilton at LAKE ERIE MONSTERS, AM/1220 radio

AUTO RACING

3 p.m. 24 Hours at Daytona, start of race, Speed Channel

BOXING

10 p.m. Jermell Charlo vs. Harry Joe Yorgey;

Selcuk Aydin vs. Jesus Soto-Karass;

Lucas Matthysse vs. Mike Dallas Jr., Showtime

BULL RIDING

10 p.m. PBR Built Ford Tough Series (tape), CBSSN

COLLEGE FOOTBALL

4 p.m. Senior Bowl, NFL Network

CYCLING

1:30 p.m. Tour Down Under, stage 5 (tape), NBCSN

EXTREME SPORTS

2 p.m. X Games, ESPN

4 p.m. X Games, WEWS

9 p.m. X Games, ESPN

FIGURE SKATING

3 p.m. U.S. Championships, WKYC

GOLF

4:30 a.m. Qatar Masters, Golf Channel

1 p.m. Farmers Insurance Open, Golf Channel

3 p.m. Farmers Insurance Open, WOIO

HIGH SCHOOL BOYS BASKETBALL

7 p.m. Westlake at Avon, AM/1380 radio

9 p.m. Whitney Young (Ill.) vs. Simeon (Ill.), ESPNU

MEN'S COLLEGE BASKETBALL

11 a.m. Syracuse at Villanova, ESPNU

Noon Louisville at Georgetown, ESPN

Noon OHIO STATE at Penn State, ESPN2

1 p.m. West Virginia at Oklahoma State, ESPNU

1 p.m. Maryland at Duke, WOIO; FM/92.3

2 p.m. Alabama at Tennessee, ESPN

2 p.m. CLEVELAND STATE at Youngstown State, SportsTime Ohio

2 p.m. Dartmouth at Harvard, NBCSN

2 p.m. Delta State at Valdosta State, CBSSN

2 p.m. Marshall at Memphis, Fox Sports Ohio

2 p.m. Minnesota at Wisconsin, Big Ten Network

3 p.m. Northwestern at Nebraska, ESPNU

4 p.m. Bucknell at Holy Cross, CBSSN

4 p.m. Oklahoma at Kansas, ESPN

4 p.m. Western Kentucky at Middle Tennessee, ESPN2

4 p.m. UCLA at Arizona State, Fox Sports Ohio

4 p.m. New Mexico at San Diego State, NBCSN

5 p.m. Vanderbilt at Missouri, ESPNU

6 p.m. Xavier at Saint Joseph's, CBSSN

6 p.m. Ohio at KENT STATE, SportsTime Ohio

6 p.m. Temple at Butler, ESPN2

7 p.m. North Carolina at NC State, ESPN

7 p.m. Southern Cal at Arizona, ESPNU

8 p.m. La Salle at VCU, CBSSN

8 p.m. Florida at Mississippi State, ESPN2

11 p.m. BYU at Portland, ESPNU

MEN'S COLLEGE HOCKEY

6:10 p.m. Penn State at Michigan State, Big Ten Network

MEN'S COLLEGE WRESTLING

4 p.m. Iowa at Minnesota, Big Ten Network

MIXED MARTIAL ARTS

8 p.m. Erik Koch vs. Ricardo Lamas;

Anthony Pettis vs. Donald Cerrone;

Rampage Jackson vs. Glover Teixeira;

Demetrious Johnson vs. John Dodson, WJW

NBA

7 p.m. CLEVELAND CAVALIERS at Toronto, Fox Sports Ohio, WUAB; AM/1100

7 p.m. Chicago at Washington, NBATV; WGN

9:30 p.m. Indiana at Utah, NBATV

NHL

7 p.m. Toronto at N.Y. Rangers, NHLN

TENNIS

3 a.m. (Sun.) Australian Open, men's final, ESPN2

WOMEN'S COLLEGE BASKETBALL

11:30 a.m. Delta State at Valdosta State, CBSSN

Noon Oklahoma at Baylor, Fox Sports Ohio

WOMEN'S COLLEGE SWIMMING

Noon Indiana at Purdue, Big Ten Network

Louisiana State's Mingo could provide a pass rush from the outside at a position of need for the Browns, especially in a 3-4 defense. Dawson, one of the game's best kickers, is not under contract for next season. More Browns story links.

Louisiana State's Barkevious Mingo could provide a strong pass rush from outside linebacker in a 3-4 defense, which the Cleveland Browns will likely play next season. Associated Press  

Among the first orders of business for the new leadership team is preparation for the April 25-27 NFL draft. Plain Dealer and cleveland.com Browns coverage will track the build-up to the draft for the Browns, who are scheduled to make the sixth pick in the first round.

Plain Dealer Browns coverage includes Mary Kay Cabot's story that new defensive coordinator Ray Horton says the Browns will play a 3-4 defense, and a poll on which team -- the Browns, Indians or Cavaliers -- will be the first to win a championship.

Following its first round draft pick at No. 6, Cleveland -- barring a trade -- will not have a second-rounder. The Browns surrendered that to acquire wide receiver Josh Gordon in the NFL supplemental draft. For now, the Browns' second selection will be the sixth pick in the third round.

Outside linebacker is likely to be a Browns' priority in the draft, regardless of what their base defense will be.

A mock draft on WalterFootball.com recognizes the Browns' need, and predicts the sixth pick in the first round will be:

Cleveland Browns: Barkevious Mingo, DE/OLB, LSU

The Browns have to find a franchise quarterback to compete for the AFC North. There are none worth taking here, however, but that's OK because they need to improve their pass rush as well. Jabaal Sheard led the team in sacks with only seven. Juqua Parker-Thomas was next with six, and he'll be a 35-year-old free agent this offseason.

It's either Barkevious Mingo or Jarvis Jones at this spot, but the Browns may opt to be cautious because the latter has too many red flags.

Why it must be a priority for the Browns to keep kicker Phil Dawson, who is not under contract for next season. (By Brian Murtaugh, Bleacher Report)

Despite Browns coach Rob Chudzinski not saying much about the subject, Brandon Weeden will probably again be the quarterback next season. (By Steve DiMatteo, Dawg Pound Daily)

New offensive coordinator Norv Turner talks like Brandon Weeden will get a good look at quarterback. (By Steve Doerschuk, Canton Repository)

With Rob Chudzinski the coach and Norv Turner running the offense, could the Browns move the football like they did in 2007, when Chudzinski was the offensive coordinator? (By Fred Greetham, Orange and Brown Report)

The Browns, with Ray Horton the new defensive coordinator, seem ready to switch from the 4-3 to the 3-4. (By Nate Ulrich, Akron Beacon Journal)

Rob Chudzinski says the Browns haven't made decisions yet on kicker Phil Dawson and returner-receiver Josh Cribbs, both of whom are not under contract for next season. (By Scott Petrak, Elyria Chronicle-Telegram and Medina County Gazette)

Brandon Weeden will have to earn the Browns' starting quarterback job. (By Jamison Hensley, ESPN.com)

It looks like Ray Horton may be a coach who will say what's on his mind. (By Steve Doerschuk, Canton Repository)

The new Browns' coaching staff has a knack for teaching. (By Vic Carucci, clevelandbrowns.com)

Victoria Azarenka won her second consecutive Australian Open title, beating Li Na 4-6, 6-4, 6-3 in a dramatic final that contained a break for fireworks, two medical timeouts and a nasty fall to the court by Li.

View full size Victoria Azarenka of Belarus kisses her trophy after winning the women's final against China's Li Na at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Saturday, Jan. 26, 2013. AP Photo, Andy Wong  

Lake Erie Monsters rookie Andrew Agozzino becomes the first Monster to be named a starter in the game.

Lake Erie Monsters left winger Andrew Agozzino, right, defends fallen Rockford Icehogs winger Ben Smith, who had fallen while playing the puck in the first period, Nov. 23.
Gus Chan / The Plain Dealer




 

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Lake Erie Monsters rookie foward Andrew Agozzino has been picked as a starter for the Western Conference in the American Hockey League All-Star Game. He becomes the first-ever player in the six-year history of the Lake Erie Monsters organization to be named a starter for the All-Star Game.

Starters were selected by online fan voting.

Fellow Monsters rookie forward Mike Sgarbossa will also represent Lake Erie on the Western Conference All-Star Team. The game will be played Monday in Providence, R.I.

NORTH CANTON, Ohio - Five questions with John Hay senior point guard Emeka Iheama, who tallied five points, four rebounds and three assists in the Hornets’ 85-49 loss to Central Catholic on Saturday afternoon at the Dunk 4 Diabetes Shootout. 1. What happened to the Hornets today, losing to Central Catholic in the opener of the two-day shootout?

John Hay point guard Emeka Iheama had five points, four rebounds and three assists in the Hornets’ 85-49 loss to Central Catholic on Saturday afternoon at the Dunk 4 Diabetes Shootout. - (Courtesy of Chris Sanders)

NORTH CANTON, Ohio - Five questions with John Hay senior point guard Emeka Iheama, who tallied five points, four rebounds and three assists in the Hornets’ 85-49 loss to Central Catholic on Saturday afternoon at the Dunk 4 Diabetes Shootout.

1. What happened to the Hornets today, losing to Central Catholic in the opener of the two-day shootout?

“We were expecting we were going to dominate and we didn’t do it. Central Catholic played much harder and tougher and that’s why they came away with the victory. I wouldn’t say the stage was too big for us. Earlier this season we played a similar (event) against Villa Angela-St. Joseph at Garfield Heights and we were in the game pretty much the whole time.” 

2. What are John Hay’s main goals the rest of the way?

“We have the conference playoffs coming up. In the first round we’ll probably play Glenville. We want to make the city championship game then get down to district and win district, then get down to regionals and win regionals so we can get to state.”

3. John Hay had a rough start but has improved and stands 9-7 after today’s defeat. What has been the key?

“We started out around 3-5 and we just committed to playing together and we committed to playing defense.”

4. What’s something people don’t know about you?

“I'm always smiling. I like to have a good time and I like being around people. A lot of people have different interpretations and viewpoints and I like to learn about those. I like to keep (company) with all different types of cultures and get to know a wide base of people.”

5. What’s next for you?

“A couple of (Division II and III) colleges are interested in me. I haven’t decided yet. I’ll probably decide after the season ends because I want to focus on winning right now. Coach (Chris Sanders) keeps me updated about which schools are expressing interest and coming to see a game.”

The facts are Art Modell was not a Hall of Fame-caliber owner.

View full size Regardless of Art Modell's best intentions, his record as an owner in the NFL argues against his supporters' case for his Hall of Fame candidacy, says Terry Pluto. PD file  

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Before the 1995 Browns season, Art Modell went to five banks before he found one willing to lend him $5 million to sign Andre Rison. Not only that, the former Browns owner often told that story to media members and fans.

There is so much wrong in that one paragraph.

A. Modell owned an NFL franchise, where virtually everyone makes money because of a great television contract and revenue sharing -- but his credit was so bad, he was turned down by four banks before finding a lender willing to write him a check.

B. He thought it was a good idea to sign a receiver known as Bad Moon Rison, and that would be the missing piece to a Super Bowl winner.

Several months later, Modell was moving his franchise to Baltimore.

When Modell became a finalist for the Hall of Fame, I remembered the Rison story. And once again, I wondered, "Where did all the money go that he made off the Browns for 33 years?" We'll never know. But when considering an owner for the Hall of Fame, three things must be present:

1. His teams generally were winners.

2. He ran a solid business operation.

3. He cared about the fans.

If you do the first two, the fans will be happy.

When it comes to winning, the strongest statement for Modell in the Hall of Fame is really a case for Blanton Collier to be in the Hall of Fame.

Modell bought the Browns in 1961. He fired legendary coach Paul Brown a year later. Many Browns fans still hold that against him. After researching my book, Browns Town 1964, most of the members of that championship team told me that Modell made the right move. Brown had become rigid and very impatient with his players.

Collier was a Paul Brown disciple, only with a personality better suited to the players of that era -- and a more modern approach to the game. In Brown's last four years in Cleveland, his records were 7-5, 8-3-1, 8-5-1 and 7-6-1. In Collier's first four, the Browns were 10-4, 10-3-1, 11-3 and 9-5.

Collier made them a better team, period.

From 1962-69, the Browns went to the NFL championship game four times in eight years, winning in 1964. Collier's record was 74-34, a .688 winning percentage. Collier also ran the football side of the front office.

Collier retired as head coach in 1971. In the next 25 years, the Browns were 187-188 ... with 12 winning seasons. Modell went through seven coaches after Collier, and only two had winning records -- Nick Skorich (30-24) and Marty Schottenheimer (44-27). Modell's playoff record after Collier was 4-10.

So who really made the Browns of the 1960s? It was Collier, who preached the gospel of Paul Brown. And what did Modell do after the 1995 season? He moved to Baltimore. And what happened in Baltimore? Once again, he ran out of money despite a sweet stadium deal and other perks.

His record as owner of the Ravens? Try 53-58-1. Yes, his Ravens did win the Super Bowl after the 2001 season. And yes, he had to sell the team in the spring of 2003 because of more financial problems.

And yes, he moved the Browns when he easily could have sold the franchise to his former best friend Al Lerner, and kept it in Cleveland. Lerner was the billionaire who eventually was awarded the Browns' expansion team in 1999.

You can talk about how Modell helped the league with television deals. You can say he left the name and colors in Cleveland (only after hit with lawsuits on several fronts). You can say Modell was engaging and good public relations for the league.

But a Hall of Fame owner?

The facts say otherwise.

Former Buckeyes star is finding his way successfully in his first NBA season.

View full size Rookie forward Jared Sullinger is averaging six points and six rebounds in 20 minutes of action for the Celtics this season. Elise Amendola, Associated Press  

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- A quick conversation this week with the former Ohio State star and rookie forward with the Celtics.

Q: What's the biggest thing you've learned so far from teammate Kevin Garnett?

A: It's been going great. I'm learning a lot from Kevin. A lot of ups and downs, but it's going all right. I think defensively I got a lot better. Just communication on defense kind of helped me get rolling on the defensive side.

Q: Doc Rivers said you're 'not an athlete' and you play below the rim. Do you feel like you have to prove you still belong in the NBA?

A: You definitely got to prove yourself at this level. But I'm definitely not an athlete. I play below the rim. I mean, it is what it is, though. That's been me for three years. So why change now? I'm already here, so there's no point in changing. I've just got to learn to adapt.

Q: There were a lot of questions about your transition from Ohio State to the NBA, that you might not be a good pro player. Do you feel like you've proven everyone wrong?

A: I knew I could always play. That's everybody's opinion. Everybody has their own opinion. I don't mind it. They're just trying to do their job, sell papers and news feeds and stuff like that. So thank you, guys.

Q: Is your backside still your biggest weapon at the pro level?

A: It's always been like that. My mom blessed me with a beautiful backside. You can tell her I said that.

Q: How do you use it?

A: That's pretty much how I get my rebounds -- I pretty much throw my butt out there and grab the board. That's just me.

The 14-point margin of victory was the Penguins' largest in the rivalry since 1983.

View full size Kamren Belin had a career day against Cleveland State on Saturday. YSU photo  

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio -- Cleveland State whittled a 17-point second-half deficit down to six, but a late run by Youngstown State helped the Penguins to a 73-59 win over the Vikings on Saturday afternoon at the Beeghly Center.

CSU slipped to 10-12 overall and 2-6 in the Horizon League, while the Penguins improved to 12-8 overall and 4-3 in league play. The 14-point margin of victory was the Penguins' largest in the rivalry since 1983.

Bryn Forbes led the Vikings with 19 points, seven rebounds and three assists. Charlie Lee scored 12 points with four rebounds and Tim Kamczyc scored 10 points, all in the second half. Marlin Mason added seven points and seven rebounds and Aaron Scales, playing for the first time in four games after suffering a concussion, came in to grab three rebounds in eight minutes.

Youngstown's Kamren Belin paced all scorers with a career-high 24 points, while Kendrick Perry scored 17 and Damian Eargle added 14 points and four blocked shots. YSU outscored the Vikings out the free-throw line by 16 points, making 21 of 24 attempts, to CSU's 5-of-7.

The first half was a half of runs, with the Penguins taking a 21-11 lead at the 12:19 mark on Belin's three-pointer. However, CSU answered, using a Lee three-pointer with just under seven minutes to play to cap a 14-3 run and give the Vikings their first lead, 25-24.

YSU came right back, scoring the next 18 points until a Forbes jumper with 36 seconds left broke the streak. The Penguins led at halftime, 42-27.

• Final CSU-YSU statistics

The Vikings hurt themselves with 11 first half turnovers which YSU turned into 16 points. Belin scored 15 points in the opening half, making four three-pointers.

The Penguins took their largest lead, 54-37, on three free throws by Belin, but CSU rattled off 10 of the next 12 to pull back within 56-50 midway through the second half.

But a three-pointer by DJ Cole and a layup and three-pointer by Perry pushed the lead back to 64-50 and the Penguins weren't challenged again.

NORTH CANTON, Ohio - Five questions with Richmond Heights senior point guard Rico Jones after his team routed Warren JFK, 74-59, Saturday at the Dunk 4 Diabetes Shootout at Walsh University. Jones helped lead the 12-2 Spartans, ranked 10th by The Plain Dealer and eighth in the Division IV state poll, with four points, 12 assists, six rebounds and...

Richmond Heights point guard Rico Jones, left, is known for his ability to distribute the ball as well as his large and colorful sock collection. - (Thomas Ondrey, The Plain Dealer)

NORTH CANTON, Ohio - Five questions with Richmond Heights senior point guard Rico Jones after his team routed Warren JFK, 74-59, Saturday at the Dunk 4 Diabetes Shootout at Walsh University. Jones helped lead the 12-2 Spartans, ranked 10th by The Plain Dealer and eighth in the Division IV state poll, with four points, 12 assists, six rebounds and three steals.

1. You guys were supposed to play Pittsburgh power Gateway but the opponent was changed early Saturday when Gateway was unable to travel here because of the weather. When did you learn you had a new opponent and how did you guys adjust?

“When we walked in (to the gym). We were really looking forward to playing Gateway because we thought it would be a great matchup. When we found out we were playing a different team we had to change our game plan. I didn’t know anything about Warren JFK.”

2. How did the game plan change?

“Everything revolves around (Dominic Naples) so we kept a specific guy on him and just had to come out and play.” (The Spartans limited Naples to 13 points on 6-of-12 shooting).

3. Richmond Heights has reached the regional finals the past two years, one win shy of the state final four. How does this year’s team compare?

“We’re actually bigger in size and way more talented than we were last year.”

4. What do you like to do besides play basketball?

“I’m always playing basketball. I like to watch cartoons. My favorite is ‘Phineas and Ferb’ because it’s interesting and they’re always thinking of something new.”

5. I can’t let you get back to watching other games without asking you about your sock game. 

“Yeah I have a lot of socks. I have roughly at least 35 to 36 pairs, all kinds of different colors for home and away games. NBA socks, Jordans. My favorite pair is my red, white and blue ones. I call them my cotton candies because of all the colors and they go with my shoes.”

5A. So, how do you decide which pair to wear for a game?

“I put a bunch of different socks in my gym bag and pull out whatever ones look good.”

NBA trades today are all about salary-cap space and draft picks -- not players.

View full size The arrival of big man Marreese Speights (powering to the basket against Milwaukee's Larry Sanders) had a lot more to do with the Memphis Grizzlies' pocketbook than that franchise's interest in ex-Cavalier Jon Leuer. Thomas Ondrey, The Plain Dealer  

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- In the old days, it all seemed so simple. If one team liked a player on another team, they'd swap players. The hardest part was persuading the other team to complete the deal.

But times change. Salary caps and luxury taxes and new CBAs mean a different world in the NBA.

"Usually you see the name trades. Now you'll see guys and think, 'Why would they do this trade?'" Boston Celtics coach Doc Rivers mused a few days ago. "It's an economic trade."

The Cavaliers and Memphis Grizzlies did just that last week in a deal that left many average fans wondering what just happened and why. In essence, the Cavaliers agreed to absorb the salaries of three players (Marreese Speights, Wayne Ellington and Josh Selby) in return for one bench warmer (Jon Leuer). Cleveland also landed a first-round draft pick in the deal.

The pick was the key for Cleveland, which has amassed an impressive collection -- some with odd restrictions -- of first-round draft choices in upcoming years.

The reason for all this attention to luxury taxes and draft picks? It all has to do with the CBA signed after the 2011 lockout. Under the terms of the new(ish) agreement, teams will be penalized more than ever for exceeding the salary cap. This season, the salary cap is $58.044 million, but the tax level is $70.307. The tax level is where teams begin to be punished for excessive spending.

Right now, teams are penalized dollar-for-dollar when over the tax level. That means if a team's payroll is $75.307, it would owe an additional $5 million in luxury taxes. However, harsher penalties begin to kick in for the 2013-14 season.

Starting in the fall, the luxury tax will be assessed on a rising incremental basis. A team no more than $4.99 million over the tax level will pay $1.50 for every $1 over; a team $5-$9.99 million over pays $1.75 for every $1 over the limit -- and it climbs higher from there.

That means the L.A. Lakers, currently with the largest payroll in the league at $100.087 million would see its luxury tax increase from $29.78 million this season to $126.57 million in 2013-14 if it maintained the current roster and salaries (the Lakers' tax penalty would be $4.25 for every $1).

That's huge. For the 11 teams currently over the cap, most will be eager to make deals with the other 19 teams to avoid penalty taxes. Thus, the willingness of the Grizzlies to part with three players and a draft pick for one Cavaliers bench warmer. Thus the average fan's confusion over why the Grizzlies would want to make such a deal. Memphis decreased its payroll to $67.84 million while the Cavaliers increased to $69.15 -- which ranks 14th in the NBA.

The key for the Cavaliers, in this case, was obtaining the draft pick. And, again, everyone can thank the CBA for that. Draft picks also have become more valuable, according to many cap experts, because they:

1) provide a steady influx of new talent; and

2) can be valuable assets in future trades.

For this 2013 draft, the Cavaliers potentially have three first-round draft choices -- their own, Sacramento's (top-13 protected) and Miami's (top-10 protected). They also have the right to swap the Lakers' pick (which now belongs to Phoenix and is top-14 protected) with the most favorable of those three picks.

Some of the deals include detailed protections because teams are becoming more and more unwilling to part with draft picks. For instance, one of the conditions on the deal with Sacramento includes a provision that states if the Cavaliers haven't received the Kings' first-round pick by 2017, then the Kings will surrender their second-round pick that year -- protected 56-60. Who protects the final four picks of the draft?

Teams under the new CBA, that's who. Ones who care about luxury taxes and payrolls, and draft picks who can replenish talent.

"The new tax is a big tax," Rivers said. "I think there will be a couple teams that won't worry about it, but I think the majority will. So you will see some cap moves. Teams that are close to the threshold, and you'll see some that are clearing out space to get close to the threshold with another trade.

"In the old days you'd just make the trade. I think you still should be able to."

Sam Thompson leads a balanced offense as the Buckeyes pick up their fifth conference win of the season.

View full size Ohio State's Lenzelle Smith Jr. (32) works past Penn State's D.J Newbill during the first half of Saturday's OSU victory in State College, Pa. Ralph Wilson, Associated Press  

STATE COLLEGE, Pa. -- Sam Thompson scored 16 points on 6-of-7 shooting, and No. 14 Ohio State took advantage of cold-shooting Penn State in a 65-51 victory Saturday.

DeShaun Thomas added 11 points, well below his Big Ten-leading average of 20.5. Thompson picked up the slack against the Nittany Lions, who went 11-plus minutes of the first half without a field goal.

Ohio State (15-4, 5-2 Big Ten) gradually asserted control in the second half, though scrappy Penn State (8-12, 0-8) tried to hang around with defense and got within 10 points with 2:41 remaining. But the Nittany Lions couldn't stop Thompson. Left open in the corner, the lithe 6-foot-7 forward drove the baseline and contorted his body around 6-9 center Sasa Borovnjak for a layup, three-point play and 43-27 lead with about 13:30 left.

Jermaine Marshall had 16 points for the Nittany Lions, who have lost 18 straight to the Buckeyes.

Penn State still hasn't won a game in the Big Ten this season.

D.J. Newbill had 15 points and six assists, while Borovnjak added nine points. The Nittany Lions did draw within 59-49 with 2:41 left off two foul shots from Marshall. But Ohio State had an answer at the free throw line in Lenzelle Smith Jr., who went hit five of six from the stripe over the final 4:13. Smith finished with 11 points and eight rebounds.

Poor shooting early had spoiled Penn State's thoughts for an upset. Ohio State pulled away midway through the first half after Penn State went cold from the field after an impressive drive by Newbill. The Nittany Lions guard stopped suddenly in the lane, causing Buckeyes standout defender Aaron Craft to trip backward to leave an obstacle-free path to the basket for Newbill for an 11-all tie with 13:34 left.

Then the Nittany Lions went more than 11 minutes until their next field goal. By that time, Marshall's 3 with 1:27 in the half cut Ohio State's lead to 27-16.

In between, they had bad misses from their big men; a drive from Marshall that bounced tantalizingly on the rim before skipping off; and five missed 3s in the half by Brandon Taylor, several wide open from the wing.

Defense helped the Nittany Lions hang around in spite of the dry spell. Though they often lack in talent, coach Patrick Chambers' team has been team well-schooled in hustling and scrambling for loose balls for 40 minutes.

The Buckeyes weren't playing particularly well, either, but good ball movement gave them sound looks from the corners. Thompson's behind-the-back pass to an open Shannon Scott in the right corner gave the Buckeyes a 17-11 lead with 12 minutes left.

In this game, against cold-shooting Penn State, it seemed like a double-digit deficit to the delight of the healthy sprinkling of fans wearing Ohio state red.

Thomas finished 4-of-13 shooting.

NORTH CANTON, Ohio - Five questions with Mentor junior forward Brandon Fritts on Saturday before the Cardinals took on West Virginia power Huntington Prep late Saturday night at the Dunk 4 Diabetes Shootout at Walsh University. Fritts recently returned to full time duty in the starting lineup after suffering a broken ankle in the Cardinals’ state semifinal football game...

Mentor junior forward Brandon Fritts and the Cardinals battled West Virginia power Huntington Prep late Saturday night at the Dunk 4 Diabetes Shootout in North Canton.

NORTH CANTON, Ohio - Five questions with Mentor junior forward Brandon Fritts on Saturday before the Cardinals took on West Virginia power Huntington Prep late Saturday night at the Dunk 4 Diabetes Shootout at Walsh University. Fritts recently returned to full time duty in the starting lineup after suffering a broken ankle in the Cardinals’ state semifinal football game against Toledo Whitmer. 

1. Mentor this week became the new No. 1 team in the area. What has been key for the Cardinals thus far?

“We’re all contributing and we have balanced scoring. Everyone can score. Being 7 to 9 deep has helped a lot.”

2. What’s it like being an inside player at Mentor, where there is so much focus on outside shooting, and your critical role when the three-pointers aren’t falling?

“It’s a little different this year. We like to go inside a lot more this year and try to attack early and open up a lot of our 3-point game. Coach (Bob Krizancic’s) philosophy is still the same but I think this year we have a little more height and guys who can run the floor.”

3. With your future at the next level in football as a wide receiver, what do the next few months have in store for you once the basketball season ends?

“As soon as basketball season ends I’ll go back to lifting to get bigger and stronger. Maybe I’ll go to a couple of summer camps and take a couple of visits to schools and see what happens and maybe a couple more offers come here and there.”

4. Which colleges have offered football scholarships so far?

“Minnesota, Toledo and Bowling Green. Minnesota was the most recent offer, about a week ago.”

5. Now that you have had time to process the season and the epic playoff wins over St. Edward in the regional semifinal and St. Ignatius in the regional final, what lingers as your favorite moment from the season?

“Obviously being with the team every day but if you want one specific moment it’d have to be catching the 2-point conversion in triple-overtime against St. Ignatius. I wish I could remember how that moment felt. I was too excited when it happened.” 

North Canton -- You have to hand it to Warren John F. Kennedy and coach Shawn Pompelia for filling in at the last minute Saturday in the second Dunk4Diabetes at Walsh University. Pompelia was on his way to school early Friday evening for his team's North Coast League game against visiting Villa Angela-St. Joseph when he got a call...

North Canton -- You have to hand it to Warren John F. Kennedy and coach Shawn Pompelia for filling in at the last minute Saturday in the second Dunk4Diabetes at Walsh University.

Pompelia was on his way to school early Friday evening for his team's North Coast League game against visiting Villa Angela-St. Joseph when he got a call from VASJ coach Babe Kwasniak. Kwasniak asked if Pompelia would be interested in replacing Gatewood, Pa., which pulled out of the D4D event earlier that day, citing inclement weather.

"The jayvees were 10 minutes away from tipoff," Pompelia recalled. "Babe said, 'Can you do me a favor? Can you play in this showcase?' "

Kwasniak, whose team is ranked second in the state in Division IV, didn't act like a guy asking a favor. The Vikings defeated their hosts, 86-36.

But, after Kwasniak filled Pompelia in about the D4D, he agreed to fill in against Richmond Heights.

The Spartans, ranked eighth in Ohio in Division IV, rolled, 74-59.

"Our kids competed," Pompelia said. "We played hard. Think of it, in less than 24 hours, we played the Number 2 team in the state and the Number 8 team in the state. We are a D-4 school, so this is an experience and opportunity we are thankful for."

Ground work Hiram assistant coach Chris Kiblek coach and John Hay head coach Chris Sanders huddled long after the Hornets lost to Central Catholic. Sanders said Kiblek expressed interest in Brian Roberts, Joshua Lumbus and Emeka Iheama. Roberts missed Saturday's game in order to take the SAT.

Quote of the day, Part I "This isn't a scrimmage!" -- Firestone head coach Dave Milo to one of his players who entered the game without first reporting to the official scorer.

Quote of the day, Part II "I don't agree with you but I'll act that I do." -- Brunswick coach Joe Mackey when "discussing" a call with an official.

Fancy footwear John Hay won the award for most fashionable footwear. The Hornets' fluorescent chartreuse Nikes won, ah, hands down.

Faces in the crowd College coaches in early attendance included Ken Johnson (Indiana), Jayson Gee (Cleveland State, checking on recruit Demonte Flannigan, no doubt), Kevin Higgins (Mount Union).

Numbers game Four of the teams in the Dunk 4 Diabetes Shootout were State Final Four teams in 2012; Seven made appearances in the Regional finals and more than 20 were in the District finals.

There's just a couple of weeks before pitchers start to report to Arizona, which sparks plenty of interest in this week's Indians mailbag.

View full size It's been a couple of years since Russell Branyan went deep in the big leagues. But at least one Indians fan is a believer in seeing "Russell The Muscle" back in a Tribe uniform. AP file  

Hey, Hoynsie: I've asked some off the wall questions in the past, but trust me, this one is legit! Considering the names being mentioned concerning the Tribe's 2013 DH spot, Thome, Hafner, Ramirez, is it crazy to think maybe Russell Branyan could be an option? He might have a few miles left on the tires -- and would come relatively cheap, wouldn't he? -- Brett Ormsby, Bay Village

Hey, Brett: If you're into all-or-nothing swingers, Branyan would have to be an option. Branyan, 37, didn't play in the big leagues last year after signing a minor-league deal with the Yankees and coming down with back problems.

When you think of power hitters, you think of Branyan. He's hit 194 homers in the big leagues and 222 in the minors. One day at Baseball City, Kansas City's old spring training site in Florida, Branyan hit the longest homer I've ever seen. It cleared the right-field fence, a road behind the fence, and a fence behind the road before landing in a sand pile.

Hey, Hoynsie: Me and some guys who post on cleveland.com want to know the contract terms of players such as Ryan Raburn and Ben Francisco, who signed minor-league deals with the Indians and get invited to spring training. -- Eric Hawkins, Mentor

Hey, Eric: I'll see what I can find out.

Hey, Hoynsie: I hear the Tigers are looking for late-inning relief and a middle infielder and are willing to part with starter Rick Porcello. Meanwhile, the Indians have been shopping Chris Perez and Asdrubal Cabrera, and are looking for a starting pitcher. Yet, the Tribe never seems to be mentioned among the teams the Tigers are talking to. Do you know why? Is there an intra-division trade taboo at work here? -- Wayne Smith, Wattsburg, Pa.

Hey, Wayne: I don't think the Indians are going to give up an All-Star shortstop and an All-Star closer for an inconsistent starter. Besides, the Indians and Tigers have made deals in the past. In 2010, the Indians traded shortstop Jhonny Peralta to Detroit for minor-league left-hander Giovanni Soto.

Peralta has helped the Tigers win consecutive AL Central titles, while Soto was invited to his first big-league camp last week by the Tribe. And don't forget Rocky Colavito.

Hey, Hoynsie: When Paul Dolan recently stated that he "remains committed to winning a World Series" was that via press release or did he actually state that in person? -- L.K., Carson, Calif.

Hey, L.K.: Not that it makes that much of a difference, but Dolan was quoted on a team press release.

View full size After a season and a half in Detroit, Delmon Young wasn't retained by the Tigers and signed a one-year deal -- with weight clauses -- with the Phillies. AP file  

Hey, Hoynsie: Delmon Young (27) signs for $750,000, the Indians sign Ben Francisco (31) for $450,000. Why? Character issues? Albert Belle and Brandon Phillips come to mind. Please, let's give Tito the best talent so he can win ballgames. With another pitcher and another hitter, this team is not that far from competing. -- Bill Drummer, Wauseon

Hey, Bill: The Indians weren't the only team that shied away from Young. Otherwise, it seems like he could have gotten a better deal and at least stayed in the American League where he could DH some.

Hey, Hoynsie: In terms of Nick Swisher's $56 million contract, the Tribe doesn't pay that money up front, right? Isn't that about what Travis Hafner signed for five years ago? -- Bill Rawls, Cleveland

Hey, Bill: The deal is spread over four years with Swisher receiving $11 million in 2013, $15 million in 2014, $15 million in 2015 and $15 million in 2016. Hafner got a multiyear extension in 2007.

Hey, Hoynsie: Are you surprised Chris Perez is still with the Indians? While he is a top-tier closer, the Indians have a very deep bullpen that could probably handle his departure. With a starting pitching rotation that has a bunch of questions and a lineup that could still use a few upgrades, wouldn't it be smart to peddle Perez? -- Leslie Gora, Sagamore Hills

Hey, Leslie: I never really thought the Indians would trade Perez. They definitely talked to several teams about him, but I've always felt that a good closer is hard to find.

Hey, Hoynsie: Since the Indians don't have a DH, why not sign free-agent pitcher Micah Owings? Owings could be the 13th pitcher, but he could also be our DH. In 205 ML at bats, he has hit .283 with 58 hits in 205 at-bats with 14 doubles, two triples and nine homers and 35 RBI. With a little time in spring training, he might be able to play some first base, too. -- Joe Eversole, Pelham, Ala.

Hey, Joe: You're thinking outside the box and that's good. But you're a little too far out there for me. Besides, I think you've asked this question before.

Hey, Hoynsie: Have you had an opportunity to get to know Terry Francona? Any thoughts on why he would co-author a book? Does he feel that he is a celebrity? I realize his team won two World Series, but was he ever a Manager of the Year? -- William Rawles, Painesville

Hey, William: Remember how baseball was in Cleveland when the Indians dominated the AL Central from 1995 through 2001? Remember how they went to two World Series and were in the postseason almost ever year?

Well, that's how baseball is every year (win or lose) in Boston. It's not the fringe sport it has become in Cleveland. It is a big deal all day, every day.

Francona was the manager who broke the curse of the Bambino. In 2004, he directed the Red Sox to their first World Series in 86 years. Then, he did it again. I think that's worthy of a book. In 2007, following Francona's second World Series title, he was named manager of the year by Baseball America.

By the way "Francona: The Red Sox Years" is a good read. Halfway through it.

-- Hoynsie

A crowd of 14,142 watched the Monsters (23-16-2-2) lose for the first time in five games.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- On Hawaiian Beach Party Saturday Night, the Hamilton Bulldogs kicked sand in the visors of the Monsters and made off with the coconuts.

The Bulldogs snapped a five-game winless skid with a 2-1 shootout victory at The Q. The shootout lasted nine rounds. Hamilton goalie Cedrick Desjardins made 22 saves and played a large role in his former team misfiring on its final eight shootout attempts.

A crowd of 14,142 watched the Monsters (23-16-2-2) lose for the first time in five games. Lake Erie earned a point, but coach Dean Chynoweth was disappointed in his players.

"We were sloppy," he said. "We weren't sharp. Some guys had checked out before the All-Star break. It's a missed opportunity, but all the credit goes to Hamilton: They worked extremely hard. They don't score a lot of goals, but they work extremely hard and make you pay a price. We didn't pay that price."

Hamilton (14-21-1-5) entered with 85 goals, the lowest total in the AHL.

The game opened with on-ice fireworks, two fights taking place in the third minute. Monsters Brent Henley and Brian Sutherby more than held their own against the respective opponents. The remainder of the first period was a study in frustration for the Monsters, who finished with three shots. Hamilton, benefiting from Lake Erie penalties, had nine.

Midway through the second period, Monsters defenseman Karl Stollery used a high stick and was whistled for a double minor. Lake Erie goalie Sami Aittokallio picked up his teammate by making several fantastic saves.

At 16:52 of the second, the Monsters appeared to be in good shape when Hamilton defenseman Morgan Ellis went to the penalty box for holding. But 18 seconds later, a miscommunication in the Lake Erie end led to a loose puck. Bulldogs center Gabriel Dumont pounced and easily beat Aittokallio for his 13th.

"A freebie," Chynoweth said. Hamilton out-shot the Monsters, 18-7, in the second.

The Monsters finally broke through against Desjardins at 6:47 of the third. Right winger Bill Thomas received a pass, settled the puck and went top-shelf for his 16th. It came on the power play.

With less than 20 seconds remaining in the five-minute overtime, the Monsters created a chance. Stollery's shot was high. Hamilton skated hard the other way, only to have center Michael Bournival get denied by Aittokallio.

In the shootout, Hamilton's fourth and ninth shooters converted. Lake Erie's tally had come from Mike Sgarbossa.

Earlier in the day, Monsters rookie forward Andrew Agozzino was named one of six starters for the Western Conference at the AHL All-Star Game. He becomes the first player in the six-season history of the franchise to be named an All-Star starter. Starters were selected by online fan voting.

Sgarbossa also will represent Lake Erie on the Western Conference team. The game will be played Monday in Providence, R.I.

On Twitter: @dmansworldpd

The Zips won their 11th straight, but it wasn't easy as Alex Abreu and Demetrius Treadwell each score 13 points.

Christopher Siders

Special to The Plain Dealer

Akron coach Keith Dambrot never said an 11-game winning streak would be without a heart-stopping thrill or two. At Rhodes Arena in Akron on Saturday night, despite being down by 20 points against the Buffalo Bulls in the first half, the Zips (15-4, 6-0 Mid-American Conference) had two runs that kept the streak alive, winning, 68-64.

"The only thing I can compare this victory to is a punch-drunk boxer," Dambrot said. "He gets his bell rung like we did in the first half and comes back and shows guts, and that is exactly what we did."

Even though the Bulls (7-13, 2-4) dominated the first half on 15-of-28 field-goal shooting (53 percent) and an unstoppable barrage of 3-pointers (7-of-12, 58 percent), the Zips remained composed -- and tough.

Dambrot said despite the Bulls' offensive prowess in the first half -- Jarryn Skreete had 14 points and Tony Watson 11 -- Akron remained calm. His team, according to Dambrot, kept its emotions in check. Even players such as Deji Ibitayo, who didn't score, had an unshakeable mind-set.

Despite only shooting 46 percent in the first half, including 1-of-6 beyond the 3-point arc, and missing offensive rebounds, the Zips stepped up their play in the second half, thanks to junior guard Alex Abreu.

"We missed a lot of assignments early on," Abreu said. "We switched to a zone defense and began chipping away at their lead."

As Abreu goes, so do the Zips. He stepped up his play, finishing with 13 points, hitting 4 of 6 free throws down the stretch.

Dambrot's gut told him to switch to a zone in the second half.

According to Dambrot, the key to the Zips' zone is its effectiveness against the 3-pointer.

That stifling defense, combined with instant offense from its freshman, led the Zips to a 19-7 run to finish the first half and a 12-0 run in the second.

Freshman Jake Kretzler had 18 points on 2-of-5 shooting, and Carmelo Betancourt had six points to help with the second-half scoring surge off the bench.

"We kept looking at them [Buffalo], and the way they were shooting in the first half was unreal," said junior Demetrius Treadwell, who finished with 13 points and seven rebounds.

"We were all looking at each other wondering what we could do to change up everything."

The freshman off the bench and the switch to the zone saved the game, Treadwell said.

This was the largest deficit overcome by Akron since Nov. 26, 2005, when it trailed Youngstown State, 27-10, at the half and came back to win, 67-62.

Akron's winning streak stands alone as the longest one in the nation -- 11 games.

Christopher Siders is a freelance writer in Lakewood.

Sorting through the Cavaliers mailbag with beat writer Mary Schmitt Boyer.

View full size Tyler Zeller has had his ups and downs as a rookie big man in the NBA. Mary Schmitt Boyer says any inconsistency is hardly a source for concern. Thomas Ondrey, The Plain Dealer  

Hey, Mary: I saw the Cavs at Sacramento last week. I was able to sit mid-court a few rows up because no one else goes to Kings games. I would love your comments on a few thoughts:

1) Kyrie doesn't play any defense and doesn't even hustle back on defense. What is going on and who is holding him accountable?

2) Tyler Zeller plays way too straight up and gets pushed around for a guy his size. I was actually impressed as he was the tallest guy on the court by 2-3 inches.

3) Dion Waiters has no left. Someone develop a left-hand shot for him so when he goes left and comes back to his right it doesn't get blocked. -- Joe Carter, Davis, Calif.

Hey, Joe: You also make some good points, but all three of the players you mention are young and learning how to play in the NBA. Defense clearly is not Irving's strong suit, as Irving and coach Byron Scott will attest, but he is working at it and actually played better defense at Portland and at home against Boston. Zeller needs to get stronger, but he was never projected to be a starting center this year. He was supposed to be learning and developing behind Anderson Varejao. Waiters does prefer his right but, again, he's a work in progress. The one thing about all three is they want to get better, and they're willing to put in the work to do so. This season and this summer will be huge in their development.

Hey, Mary: The Cavs are getting killed inside, they can't sign a big man free agent, and the upcoming draft is slim on interior players ... so, why not take a chance on DeMarcus "Boogie" Cousins? They could get him at a reduced rate, the change of city would do him a lot of good and, if it works out, he could be the next Z-Bo. It's not like we could be much worse. -- Aaron Fink, Boulder, Colo.

Hey, Aaron: You make some good points, but I don't see the Cavs going in that direction. Also, I can't imagine covering a team with a Boogie and a Boobie.

Hey, Mary: Hearing the news that Seattle will replace Sacramento next season, do the Cavs still have the rights to the first-round draft pick from the Kings? Also, will the new Seattle team stay in the same division or switch with the Thunder? -- Mike L., North Royalton

Hey, Mike: The move isn't finalized yet, but if/when it is, all deals will be honored. So, yes, the Cavs still have the protected pick from the Kings obtained in the trade for Omri Casspi. There is no word yet on which division the team will play in.

-- Mary

North Canton, Ohio -- For the second year in a row nationally-ranked Huntington (W.Va.) Prep came into Walsh University's Alumni Arena and left with a narrow victory. The Express, led by a player regarded as the best high-schooler in the country and a lineup loaded with more Division I recruits than most schools can dream of, rallied in the...

North Canton, Ohio -- For the second year in a row nationally-ranked Huntington (W.Va.) Prep came into Walsh University's Alumni Arena and left with a narrow victory.

The Express, led by a player regarded as the best high-schooler in the country and a lineup loaded with more Division I recruits than most schools can dream of, rallied in the second half and went on to defeat Mentor, 61-59, in the marquee game of the second Dunk 4 Diabetes Shootout.

Andrew Wiggins, a 6-8 senior who has narrowed his college choices to Florida State, North Carolina, Kentucky and Kansas, led the second-half surge that handed the Cardinals (13-3) their first loss in five games. He had 30 points, 14 rebounds and five blocked shots.

Teammate Moses Kingsley, an Arkansas recruit, had 11 points, 12 rebounds and eight blocked shots as the Express, ranked seventh in the country by USA Today, improved to 21-2. The Express beat St. Edward in a close game in this event last year.

"At the Arby's Classic we played some really great teams and that prepared us," said Mentor coach Bob Krizancic. "I think we can compete with the best teams in the country and we wanted to compete and we did compete. When they asked me to play in this tournament the first thing I said is I'm not playing unless we play Huntington Prep.

"Defensively I thought we did a pretty good job. Andrew Wiggins, he hit a couple of threes on us. It's tough. He's very talented."

Mentor trailed, 60-59, when it chose to hold the ball after a missed free throw with less than one minute to play. The Cardinals called timeout with 8.2 seconds to play. Huntington senior Xavier Rathan-Mayes picked off the inbounds pass to end Mentor's hopes.

Mentor, ranked first in The Plain Dealer Top 25, had a 34-30 lead at the half as Prep missed six of 10 free throws and the Cardinals made eight of nine.

Caleb Potter and Conner Krizancic had eight points each, and Potter battled the taller Express for seven rebounds.

Wiggins had nine points, seven rebounds and three blocked shots in 15 minutes and Kingsley had seven points and seven rebounds.

Mentor made 6 of 19 shots from 3-point range to counter Prep's strength inside. The Express made just 2 of 10 from 3-point range.

The Cardinals eventually built their lead to 46-36 with 3:30 remaining in the third quarter.

Wiggins asserted himself during the period with eight points and three rebounds and gave the Express their first lead of the second half when he made a 23-footer early in the fourth.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- There's nothing super happening today, but that doesn't mean we don't have plenty of reason to be talkin' ... About the Browns ... 1. Because there has been so much change with the Browns, it's easy to identify players as "Savage guys ... Mangini guys ... Heckert guys ..." The goal for the new Browns regime...

View full size New owner Jimmy Haslam (right) says he wants an NFL franchise with stability, which means he's staking the Browns' future on personnel boss Mike Lombardi (center) and CEO Joe Banner (left). Terry Pluto can only hope that it's the right combination. Thomas Ondrey, The Plain Dealer  

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- There's nothing super happening today, but that doesn't mean we don't have plenty of reason to be talkin' ...

About the Browns ...

1. Because there has been so much change with the Browns, it's easy to identify players as "Savage guys ... Mangini guys ... Heckert guys ..." The goal for the new Browns regime is to have players identified with the franchise -- not the person who acquired them.

2. In the AFC North, the story is stability. Baltimore's Ozzie Newsome has been picking players and running the Ravens since 1996. Not only do the Steelers rarely change coaches, but Kevin Colbert has been the general manager since 2000. He picks the players. Marvin Lewis just finished his 10th season as coach of the Bengals, and he also has a strong say in player acquisition.

3. The Browns have been the opposite of these teams. Mike Lombardi is the sixth general manager/player personnel type running the team since 1999. Rod Chudzinski will be the sixth coach to open the season. Brandon Weeden was the 10th quarterback to start an opener. Stability isn't everything, but it's something.

4. The big question is if the leadership team of owner Jimmy Haslam, CEO Joe Banner and Lombardi can actually put together something that looks like a well-run AFC North operation. Of the five previous coaches (not counting interim Terry Robiskie), three were fired after two years -- Chris Palmer, Eric Mangini and Pat Shurmur.

5. The Browns need to establish what is a "Browns-type player." The Ravens have that identity, as do the Steelers. Even the Bengals have a very good idea of the type of athlete that fits their approach to the game. When coaches change in Baltimore or Pittsburgh, the general style of play remains the same.

6. With the Browns, Norv Turner/Chudzinski will bring probably the fourth different offense since Chudzinski was here in 2008, calling plays. New defensive coordinator Ray Horton is moving to a 3-4 system, meaning they will be back to what the Browns played in 2009-10 under Mangini and Rob Ryan.

7. The Browns have had different general managers and different coaches drafting different players for different systems -- and never staying with much of anything for very long. That's why so many Browns fans are so fearful of the latest changes. They know a new coaching staff/front office usually means more losses as the roster is overhauled -- yet again. It's up to this group to create real change -- by stopping all the changes.

View full size Ray Horton, the Browns' new defensive coordinator, has made it clear that the franchise will change back to the 3-4 defense as soon as possible. AP file  

About Ray Horton ...

I'm waving the surrender flag on the 3-4 vs. 4-3 defense debate. The Browns played the 4-3 in the last two seasons under Dick Jauron. New defensive coordinator Ray Horton is a 3-4 disciple, much like the Steelers -- where he was an assistant for seven years.

My fear is that several Browns best suited for the 4-3 will struggle in the 3-4. I've decided to let the football people work it out ... and the Browns defense was ranked 22nd last season, so maybe this change will be an improvement.

I had a short talk with Chudzinski, and he said that defenses vary so much now because of all the passing -- very few teams play a strict 3-4 or 4-3.

"Sometimes, you are in your base defense only on first down," he said. "After that you morph into what the offense is doing."

Rather than dwell on the formation, Chudzinski focused on the coach and the style of play. He wanted a "pressure and attack defense." While he was waiting for Horton's contract situation with Arizona to be resolved, he watched tapes of Horton's Cardinals. He saw a defense that used "multi-fronts." He saw creativity.

"And I saw a coach who is very confident, very demanding and not afraid to get on guys and hold them accountable," said Chudzinski.

Horton took over an Arizona defense ranked 29th in 2010. In the next two years, the Cardinals rose to 18th and then 12th in 2012. They were ranked No. 2 in blitzes, using it 42 percent of the time. Houston was first at 47 percent. The Browns ranked 17th at 27 percent.

Football Outsiders is a respected service that uses a more complicated rating system. They had Arizona's defense at No. 6 last season, the Browns at No. 19. They rated the Cardinals No. 2 against the pass.

"I didn't know Ray that well," said Chudzinski. "But I watched his defense from afar, and then on tape. When he became available, I talked to him once and wanted to hire him. He was the best guy out there."

Chudzinski's mentor Turner has known Horton for a long time, so that also had an impact on Chudzinski's desire to bring the former NFL defensive back to Cleveland.

Horton's hiring is critical, because he will be what amounts to the head coach of the defense -- as Turner and Chudzinski's backgrounds are on offense.

View full size Drew Stubbs is just part of the Indians' plan to create a much better outfield defense in 2013. AP file  

About the Tribe ...

1. Fangraphs rated the Tribe's outfield defense 29th among the 30 major-league teams in 2012. The Indians' internal stats had the defense as baseball's worst. That's why they believe the new outfield of (left to right) Michael Brantley, Drew Stubbs and Nick Swisher will be an upgrade in virtually every area.

2. Left field has been a nightmare for years. The Indians ranked last offensively among all teams at that position in 2012. Fans remember the attempt to turn a combination of Shelley Duncan, Johnny Damon, Aaron Cunningham and Zeke Carrera into some type of left fielder. They combined to hit .221, .280 on base and .631 OPS -- the worst in baseball. They ranked last defensively by Fangraphs.

3. Shin-Soo Choo ranked last defensively among all AL right fielders, according to Fangraphs. So yes, if you thought he was bad, the metrics proved it. He'll be replaced by Swisher, who ranked fourth in the AL.

4. While new manager Terry Francona says he hasn't decided about Stubbs or Brantley in center, Stubbs ranked second defensively among centerfielders in the National League with the Reds last season. So why move him to left field? He'll play center.

5. Brantley ranked fourth in center last season. In the past, he has ranked well-above average in left. So based on last season's ratings, the Indians would have outfielders who ranked 4-2-4 defensively heading in 2013. That has to help the pitching staff.

6. This is what Reds manager Dusty Baker told Hal McCoy (Dayton Daily News) about Stubbs last summer: "He brings the one element that we need more of, which is speed. And he also brings an easy element in the outfield on defense. He makes everything look easy out there. He has a strong arm and prevents runs. He is like a rebounder in basketball. He prevents that second shot."

7. The challenge for the Tribe is to do something with Stubbs at the plate. He hit only .213 (.610 OPS) with 14 homers and 40 RBI. He stole 30 bases, but his 166 strikeouts in 493 official at bats is alarming -- especially given his .277 on-base percentage. You'd like more walks and homers to offset all that swinging and missing.

8. The Indians hope Stubbs can perform as he did in 2010 (.255, .773 OPS, 22 homers, 77 RBI, 30 steals ... and yes, 168 strikeouts). At least, Stubbs does hit lefties. While 2012 was his worst season, he still batted .283 (.788 OPS) vs. lefties. He was dismal (.186, .541 OPS) vs. righties.

9. No clue why the Tribe would consider bringing back Travis Hafner. Last season, their DH spot ranked 13th (out of 14) in batting average (.226) and slugging percentage (.385). Hafner hit .228 with 12 homers, 34 RBI and a .784 OPS in 219 at-bats. He batted .161 (18-of-112) with runners on base. There were two more trips to the disabled list, making it five in the last three years. He is 35. It's hard to imagine him being healthy enough even for 400 at-bats -- something that hasn't happened since 2007. I also think Hafner needs a fresh start with a different team.

10. Francona seems to be leaning in the direction of no full-time DH, using the spot for different players. The ability of Mike Aviles to play every infield and outfield spot will allow the Tribe to rest different players and use them as a DH. It's possible that they'd prefer to have a part-time outfielder such as Ben Francisco (a spring-training invitee) on the roster as opposed to a full-time DH.

View full size Dion Waiters may not give the Cavaliers a second Rookie of the Year winner, but he is showing fans why the Cavaliers believe he can be an impact scorer in the NBA. Thomas Ondrey, The Plain Dealer  

About Dion Waiters ...

How's Dion Waiters doing?

"O.K," said Cavs coach Byron Scott. "He's been better lately. He won't admit it, but coming off the bench has helped him."

I recently talked with Scott about the first-round pick. The veteran coach loved Waiters before the draft and believes "you can see how he'll become a very good player."

The biggest struggle for Waiters has been learning to play shooting guard, where the ball is not in his hands. Often, he stands on the wing or in the corner and watches Kyrie Irving dribble -- rather than move to get open. Or Waiters catches a pass and heaves up a long jumper.

"He is so good driving to the basket," said Scott. "He's explosive. Coming off the bench, he's doing more of that."

Waiters is averaging 14.6 points and shooting 38 percent. In nine games as the team's sixth man, it's 17.1 points and 44 percent shooting -- in six fewer minutes per game. That's because Waiters is now on the floor when Irving rests. The rookie from Syracuse takes over the offense at point guard.

"Dion is very hard on himself," said Scott. "Coming off the bench has helped his confidence. Sometimes, I know I have to give him a hug as reinforcement. I'm going to start him again, but I'm not sure when. I'm just happy to see him getting his game back."

Waiters started the last two games heading into Saturday night because C.J. Miles was sick. He shot 3-of-12 for seven points against Boston, but had 16 on 6-of-12 shooting against Milwaukee on Friday.

Meanwhile, ESPN's David Thorpe named Waiters "the best scoring rookie." Here are some of Thorpe's comments:

"A scorer is someone who can create his own points, not just rely on others to get him open and then make uncontested shots. This is a weak class of scorers, but Waiters has proved he can put up big numbers when he gets rolling ... but still has a long way to go to be both a productive and efficient scorer on a consistent basis.

"Waiters has the requisite athletic, physical and ball skills to be a terrific partner to Kyrie Irving. They could form the most potent set of scoring guards in the league if Waiters figures out how to play the right way."

View full size Even before he produced 17 points in his second game as a Cavaliers on Saturday night, Mo Speights is proving to be a solid pickup for a team in need of some toughness in the middle. Chris Young, Canadian Press  

About the Cavaliers ...

1. The Cavs made an excellent trade with Memphis for the simple reason that they traded Jon Leuer (not in their plans) for a couple of players who can help the bench right now -- Marreese Speights and Wayne Ellington. Then there's some type of future first-round pick. Furthermore, they still have $4 million left on their salary cap this season. Next season, they could have as much as $17 million on their cap, as Daniel Gibson, Omri Casspi and Luke Walton will be free agents this summer.

2. Memphis made this deal to cut payroll and stay under the $70 million luxury tax payroll limit. The Cavs used their salary cap room because they wanted another future first-rounder. They also have an interest in Speights, because he's 6-10 and has been a solid backup for the last five years. Only 25, Speights has a player option for $4.5 million next season. If he exercises it, the Cavs will be glad to keep him.

3. The Cavs hope Anderson Varejao recovers from both his leg surgery and blood clot in the lung so that he can play next season. They don't say it, but there must be concern about how healthy Varejao can stay, given his history of major injuries in the last three seasons. The Cavs have only two viable big men in Tristan Thompson and Tyler Zeller.

4. Speights averaged 6.6 points and 4.7 rebounds in 15 minutes for Memphis. Scott said Speights has a "pretty good medium range jumper" and the coach expects him to play a key role off the bench.

5. Ellington is a solid 3-point shooter (42 percent) and the 6-4 guard is supposed to be a good defender. The Cavs have been looking for some outside shooting coming off the bench. Gibson has struggled to stay healthy. Casspi has been inconsistent.

6. When it comes to the first rounder, the Cavs like to make trades that seem like calculus problems. Starting in 2015, if the pick falls between 6-14 in the first round, it goes to the Cavs. If not, it's wait until next year. By 2017, the pick is protected 1-5, after that, it goes to the Cavs. By 2019, if the pick hasn't been used -- it's unprotected.

7. Don't spend a lot of time figuring the odds on the draft pick. Because it's very possible the Cavs may use it in a future trade, just as they used a first-rounder last summer to trade up for Zeller. The point is, the Cavs now own six future first-round picks, and they are very valuable when it comes to trades.

For the second consecutive Saturday, the Avon Eagles girls basketball team (8-5, 6-2) pulled off a West Shore Conference upset and now they find themselves in the thick of the title race. Avon's 20-12 scoring advantage in the second quarter held up in a 48-46 win over visiting Elyria Catholic.

For the second consecutive Saturday, the Avon Eagles girls basketball team (8-5, 6-2) pulled off a West Shore Conference upset and now they find themselves in the thick of the title race.

Avon's 20-12 scoring advantage in the second quarter held up in a 48-46 win over visiting Elyria Catholic.

The loss dropped the Panthers (14-2, 7-2), ranked No. 24 by The Plain Dealer, into a second-place tie with the Eagles, who handed Lakewood its first conference loss a week ago.

Avon failed to have a player reach double digits, but displayed balance as Sierra Davidson and Jessica Yurkovich finished with nine points each and Alexandra Bjorn chipped in with eight. Karissa McGrath tallied 13 points for Elyria Catholic.

No. 1 Twinsburg 67, No. 17 Mentor 51: The defending Division I state champion Tigers (17-0, 5-0) bolted out to a 22-6 first-quarter lead to remain atop the Northeast Ohio Conference Valley Division and run their win streak against Ohio teams to 61 games. Purdue recruit Ashley Morrissette scored nine of her team's first 15 points en route to a game-high 18 points for the state's top-ranked team while Cleveland State recruit Brooke Smith had 15 points. Lauren Stefancin and Kayla Gabor scored 17 points apiece for the host Cardinals.

No. 2 Hathaway Brown 58, DuPont (Ky.) Manual 53: The defending Division II state champion Blazers (14-4) bounced back from Friday's loss to nationally ranked Marion County (Ky.) to defeat DuPont at the Raatz Fence/O'Shea's Basketball Classic. Princeton recruit Vanessa Smith's 21 points and 13 rebounds led HB, ranked third in the state poll. Cornell recruit Nia Marshall added 10 points and 12 rebounds and Stephanie Solano chipped in with 10 points, five rebounds and three assists. DuPont is the defending Kentucky champ.

No. 4 Walsh Jesuit 72, Notre Dame-Cathedral Latin 42: Walsh (13-3, 7-0) kept in front of the North Coast League Blue Division pack and shook off Wednesday's loss to Mentor by getting 18 points from Jessa Gilberto.

North Royalton 50, No. 11 Medina 25: The Battling Bees (12-5, 5-1) slipped into a first-place tie with Mayfield in the NOC River Division after being held to single digits in each quarter by Royalton (9-6, 4-3), who got an 18-point effort from Alison Smolinski.

No. 19 Kenston 63, Perry 48: The Bombers (12-4, 7-1) snapped their two-game losing streak behind Grace Moran's 17 points, along with Mandy Marchant's 16-point effort.

No. 21 Cuyahoga Heights 42, Wickliffe 30: The Redskins (14-2, 8-0) ran their win streak to eight games and kept a grasp on first place in the Chagrin Valley Conference Metro Division behind Jenna Stegmaier's 13 points, four assists and four blocked shots.

Fairview 42, Lutheran West 35: The Warriors (15-3, 9-3) ran their win streak to 11 games, avenged an earlier-season loss to West and, in the process, remained a game behind Patriot Athletic Conference Stripes Division leader Clearview. Fairview, which held the Longhorns to four points in the fourth quarter, had Katie Smith collect nine points.

Euclid 66, Warren Harding 33: The Panthers (14-3, 9-1) got 22 points from Caroline Stewart to stay in the running for the Lake Erie League crown.

Beachwood 45, Independence 41: The Bison (15-1, 8-1), ranked No. 10 in the Division III state poll, pulled off the Chagrin Valley Division road win despite being outscored, 24-21, in the second half. Aneish Hardin poured in 18 points in leading Beachwood, with Mikah Aldridge adding 11 points.

Tallmadge 55, Highland 44: On Senior Day, seniors Leah Makuch, Amanda Brumbaugh and Demi DeLorenzo accounted for 28 points in the Suburban League win over Highland.

Kirtland 53, Berkshire 37: The CVC Valley Division-leading Hornets (13-3, 8-0) won their seventh consecutive game as Karen Somes and Alexa Knezevic tallied 13 and 11 points, respectively. Kayla Byler scored 14 points for Berkshire, including her 1,000th career point. Finishing with 14 points was her teammate, Peyton Neumore.

Hawken 49, Richmond Heights 45: A 23-9 halftime lead was enough to help the Hawks (11-4, 5-3) earn the CVC Metro Division win as Gabby Zuccaro and Hannah O'Day teamed up for 23 points and 24 rebounds.

Mayfield 72, Elyria 39: Coupled with Medina's loss to North Royalton, the Wildcats (10-6, 5-1) moved into a first-place tie in the NOC River Division as Shannon Zajec and Halle Rubino threw in 24 and 13 points, respectively.

Boys basketball

No. 3 St. Ignatius 64, No. 20 Walsh Jesuit 46: The visiting Wildcats (11-3) busted the game open in the second quarter by outscoring Walsh, 19-6, to take a 36-21 lead into intermission. Francisco Santiago netted 20 points for St. Ignatius while the Warriors had Mark Mittiga finish with 14 points.

No. 12 North Royalton 73, Solon 55: Evan Wypasek and Nick Krempasky tallied 15 and 12 points, respectively, when the Bears (14-1) won the Northeast Ohio Conference crossover game.

No. 24 Maple Heights 62, Eastlake North 59: The Mustangs had to outscore visiting North, 22-8, in the fourth quarter to salvage the nonleague win as Phil Black's 24 points paved the way.

John Adams 53, Bedford 52: Bedford had a 52-51 lead with 10 seconds left but missed the front end of a 1-and-1. John Adams (10-6) grabbed the rebound and raced down to the other end of the court where Devin Robinson made a layup with five seconds left. Robinson finished with 18 points while Chris Carter paced Bedford with 17.

Hockey

Orange 3, Cuyahoga Valley Christian Academy 2: Adam Rukin's goal with 37 seconds left to play proved the difference for Orange in the White East Division win in front of a Senior Night crowd. Jacob Yelsky and Evan Raupp also scored with Rukin and Raupp also getting credit for an assist.

St. Edward 7, Strongsville 0: The No. 7-ranked Eagles blanked the Mustangs behind goalie Michael Vetrano's 22 saves, Tyler Harkins' two goals and Gabe Lampron's goal and three assists.

Westlake 5, North Olmsted 2: Two goals and an assist each by Ben Thurstone and Connor Fife led the Demons to the White West Division victory.

Kenston 2, Chagrin Falls 1: Jonatan Weigand scored both goals for the Bombers, including the winner with 11:55 to play on Alex Petre's second assist, during the White East Division win.

Girls swimming

Solon 101, Mayfield 85: Anna Wong stole the show for the Comets, placing first in the 200 freestyle (2:02.72), 100 backstroke (1:02.69) and being part of the winning 200 free relay (1:43.89) and 400 free relay (3:48.46).

Boys swimming

Mayfield 103, Solon 83: Justin Ciferno reigned in the 200 freestyle (1:46.48), 100 free (48.1) and made up a fourth of the winning 200 free relay (1:28.55) and 400 free relay (3:17.50).