Brecksville-Broadview Heights held off visiting Glenville, 58-53, on Tuesday night in a nonleague boys basketball game between ranked Plain Dealer teams. The Bees (17-3), ranked No. 14, were paced by Mark Chrzanowski with 16 points. The No. 15 Tarblooders (16-3), who won the Senate Athletic League title Friday, got 14 points each from Jimond Ivey and Glenn Williams.

Brecksville-Broadview Heights held off visiting Glenville, 58-53, on Tuesday night in a nonleague boys basketball game between ranked Plain Dealer teams.

The Bees (17-3), ranked No. 14, were paced by Mark Chrzanowski with 16 points. The No. 15 Tarblooders (16-3), who won the Senate Athletic League title Friday, got 14 points each from Jimond Ivey and Glenn Williams.

The game was tied, 30-30, at halftime, and the Bees led, 44-41, after three quarters.

No. 5 Garfield Heights 94, Strongsville 41: The Bulldogs (14-4, 6-2 Northeast Ohio Conference Valley Division) held the visiting Mustangs (2-16, 0-7) to 11 second-half points and pulled away for the win. Garfield Heights seniors Robbie Hurst and Richard Parker scored 22 and 14 points, respectively.

No. 8 Cleveland Heights 79, John Hay 53: The Tigers (12-5) used a 15-0 run to start the fourth quarter to put away the visiting Hornets (11-8) in the nonleague contest. Marcus Bagley and Dairyon Davis each scored 16 points, with Antonio Harper contributing 13 points and seven rebounds for the winners.

No. 22 Archbishop Hoban 68, Akron East 42: Jaelen Hollinger led the host Knights (15-4) with 21 points, while DeAllen Jackson scored 16 and Saadiq Muhammad added 13.

Padua 72, Elyria Catholic 64: The host Bruins (6-12) went 14-for-16 from the free-throw line in the fourth quarter to hold off the visiting Panthers (10-9) in the nonleague game. Tyler Ptacek had 27 points for the Bruins, with Ceeven Shelton scoring 19 for the Panthers.

Cuyahoga Heights 54, Independence 53: Jordan Martin's buzzer beater gave the host Redskins (7-12, 3-10) the Chagrin Valley Conference Metro Division win. Jason Kleppel had 22 points for the winners, with Carey Artrip scoring 14 for the Blue Devils.

Lakewood 53, Valley Forge 36: Junior Cameron Silver had a career-high 18 points for the host Rangers (13-6) in the nonleague game.

Bedford 79, Rhodes 46: Senior Chris Carter led the Bearcats (14-6) with 15 points, as 12 different players scored for the home club in the nonleague game.

Girls diving

Northwest District: Strongsville sophomore Julia Oppedisano totaled 425.10 points to finish first at the Division I Northwest District competition. Findlay junior Bethany Glick was the runner-up (420.40).

Magnificat senior Brianna Kljun took fifth (388.20) and North Royalton sophomore Kristen Denk was sixth (374.25). The top six divers advanced to next week's state competition in Canton.

District hockey

Padua 1, Parma 0: Junior defenseman Matt Goebel's goal with 1:30 left in the second period stood up for the Bruins (6-26) at the Brooklyn District. Senior goaltender Austen Peppo had 22 saves in the shutout.

Parma senior goaltender Nate Tracy came up with 44 saves as the Redmen ended their season at 12-17-1.

Amherst 10, Brooklyn 0: Junior Michael Dzoba scored four goals and senior Connor Morris had five assists as the Comets (22-6-1) advanced at the Brooklyn District. The Hurricanes bowed out at 7-11-1.

NDCL 8, West Geauga 4: Senior Ryan Manfredi had four goals and senior Garrett Ferry scored three as Notre Dame-Cathedral Latin (17-13) won its opening tournament game at the Kent District. Freshman Skyler Rossbach had three goals for the Wolverines (17-7).

Orange 10, Canfield 0: The Lions (24-7) got two goals each from Emory Butcheck, Eli Newman and Cory Bonda to advance at the Kent District. Canfield finished at 3-21.

Boys basketball CHAGRIN VALLEY CONFERENCE

Boys basketball

CHAGRIN VALLEY CONFERENCE

Metro Division

#11 Beachwood12 11 17 15--55

#10 Richmond Hts.20 8 23 9--60

Beachwood (16-3, 11-2): Davis 9-3-22, Jones 2-0-5, Richardson 5-0-10, Sanders 3-0-7, Stevens 2-2-6, Tramer 2-0-5

Richmond Heights (17-2, 14-0): Bamba 0-1-1, Barber 1-0-3, Hudson 2-0-4, Jones 5-2-12, Moore 9-5-27, Wilcox 6-0-13

Hawken14 7 26 18--65

Wickliffe8 12 17 15--52

Hawken (8-10, 7-6): Beck 1-0-2, Bell 7-0-16, Burton 2-0-4, Dell 0-4-4, Dlugosz 1-0-2, Dzomba 6-0-14, Opalich 1-0-2, Starks 2-3-8, Stilson 5-1-13

Wickliffe: Bolon 2-0-4, Fitz 2-0-4, Fitz 1-0-2, Gray 1-0-2, Kline 6-5-17, Mohar 3-0-6, Nobbe 4-0-11, Skiba 2-0-6

Independence11 15 13 14--53

Cuyahoga Hts.14 8 7 25--54

Independence (6-11, 3-8): Artrip 5-4-14, Baran 3-6-12, Kershner 2-2-7, LoConti 1-2-4, Martin 2-0-5, Mathews 4-2-11

Cuyahoga Heights (7-12, 3-10): Alpert 0-2-2, Bryk 3-0-6, Gallo 2-0-6, Kleppel 7-6-22, Martin 2-2-6, Surman 5-2-12

NORTHEAST OHIO CONFERENCE

Lake Division

Overtime

#13 N. Royalton14 13 9 9 6--51

Elyria16 12 12 5 4--49

North Royalton (18-2, 8-0): Chuppa 0-2-2, Krempasky 6-0-12, Lapeus 1-1-3, Spellman 5-7-17, Tarnowski 3-2-9, Woods 2-0-6, Wypasek 1-0-2

Elyria (16-5, 6-2): Bender 7-2-19, Dukes 3-0-6, Glover 2-0-4, Johnson 2-0-4, Kurtz 2-0-4, Walton 4-4-12

Double overtime

Parma18 15 13 18 12 12--88

Mayfield9 17 24 14 12 10--86

Parma (7-12, 5-3): Janjetovic 1-0-2, Purpura 1-3-5, Rantanes 5-0-13, Schmook 4-4-15, Smalley 17-0-34, Toth 8-0-18

Mayfield (6-14, 2-7): Flowers 7-3-19, Galloway 1-0-3, Koski 5-6-18, Krajcirik 2-0-4, LoPiccolo 3-3-9, Martin 2-0-5, Nahra 6-0-16, Tagg 3-3-10, Tighe 1-0-2

River Division

Solon13 10 15 16--54

#21 Brush24 15 20 18--77

Solon (8-12, 2-6): Davis 3-1-7, Fair 4-2-8, Fisher 1-0-2, Glass 4-3-11, Jackson 3-1-7, Redding 6-2-14, Reynolds 1-0-2, Rowell 0-1-1, Young 0-2-2

Brush (12-6, 5-1): Dawson 14-4-32, Days 0-1-1, Gooden 2-1-5, Oakley 5-0-11, Onunwor 3-0-6, Ransom 3-2-11, Robinson 2-3-7

Triple overtime

Stow11 4 2 10 4 6 0--37

#18 Hudson0 7 7 13 4 6 2--39

Stow-Munroe Falls (9-11, 2-6): Beech 7-4-19, Bower 1-4-7, Devitis 1-0-2, Williams 3-9

Hudson (15-4, 6-2): Albright 1-0-3, Boslet 1-2-4, Brandy 1-2-5, Guadagni 4-0-8, Mushock 1-2-4, Zuccaro 2-4-8, Zullo 3-0-7

Valley Division

Medina8 18 11 16--53

#19 Brunswick10 13 4 24--51

Medina (8-9, 2-4): Bennett 1-0-3, Geschke 8-9-26, Kaminski 1-2-4, Wiesler 2-0-4, Wilkins 4-3-11, Winkler 2-0-5

Brunswick (9-10, 3-5): Applebee 1-0-3, Armagost 2-0-4, Hartill 1-0-2, Jarvis 1-0-2, Parker 4-2-11, Wheeler 11-5-29

Overtime

#1 Mentor11 20 29 6 2--68

#6 Shaker Hts.17 12 16 21 9--75

Mentor (16-4): Burger 1-1-3, Foreman 6-0-15, Fritts 4-3-11, Gallagher 1-4-6, Krizancic 4-2-12, Nelson 5-2-12, Potter 3-2-8

Shaker Heights (13-6): Ahmad 10-4-24, Hurley 9-1-19, Kinney 1-0-2, Leach 3-7-13, Pope 2-2-6, Roy 3-5-11

Strongsville17 13 6 5--41

#5 Garfield Hts.21 24 33 16--94

Strongsville (2-16, 0-7): Aske 0-2-2, Bailey 1-0-3, Barnes 5-2-13, Dindia 1-1-3, Krokey 3-3-9, Meehan 3-0-6, Richissin 0-1-1, Robertson 0-3-3, Warren 0-1-1

Garfield Heights (14-4, 6-2): Bell 6-2-14, Burge 4-1-10, Collier 2-0-4, Franklin 1-0-2, Glover 1-0-2, Hurst 8-1-22, Jackson 5-2-12, Johnson 1-0-2, McConaha 1-0-2, Parker 5-0-14, Stergis 0-3-3, Wright 2-2-7

PRINCIPALS ATHLETIC CONF.

#25 CVCA16 14 7 22--59

Triway10 13 11 10--44

Cuyahoga Valley Christian Academy (18-2, 12-1): B.Peters 4-10-19, Kleibscheidel 4-1-9, Lee 0-7-7, M.Peters 3-4-12, Punka 3-6-12

Triway (5-14, 5-8): Carmichael 4-3-12, Furr 1-0-3, Kearney 3-1-7, Kinney 0-1-1, Kinney 4-3-11, Kopp 1-0-3, Miller 3-1-7

NONLEAGUE

Akron East13 11 12 6--42

#22 Arch. Hoban23 15 14 16--68

Akron East (11-7): Nash 2-1-6, Philpott 1-0-2, Ray 8-2-21, Stafford 2-0-5, Townsend 4-0-8

Archbishop Hoban (15-4): Christian 3-3-9, Hollinger 10-1-21, Jackson 7-0-16, Londa 1-0-3, Merle 1-0-2, Muhammad 5-3-13, Udovich 1-0-2, Waite 1-0-2

Akron North12 16 19 11--58

Norton21 13 17 20--71

Akron North (3-16): Al-Qaadir 2-0-4, Balknight 8-6-25, Bowman 8-1-22, Harris 1-0-2, Robbins 2-0-5

Norton (17-3): Blanks 5-1-12, McGlone 6-1-13, Pratt 4-0-8, Schulte 5-0-15, Sherman 3-2-8, Smith 3-2-8, Ventrua 3-0-7

Avon14 18 19 19--70

North Olmsted5 8 12 18--43

Avon (14-6): Baker 1-1-3, Gill 1-0-3, Kelly 5-0-13, Kistler 1-0-3, Lawrence 0-3-3, Lawrence 3-0-6, Poyle 3-1-8, Pulice 4-0-10, Rauterkus 5-1-11, Sprecher 1-0-3, Torbert 1-1-3, Warren 1-0-2, Winters 1-0-2

North Olmsted (1-17): Ahmad 1-0-3, Brent 1-0-3, Lucien 1-0-2, Nachar 1-0-2, Needles 7-2-18, Starcovic 1-2-4, Velaquez 1-1-3, Wolfe 3-1-8

Bedford23 23 10 23--79

Rhodes8 20 13 5--46

Bedford (14-6): Beidleman 2-0-4, Brandon 1-1-3, Carter 7-1-15, Fisher-Grace 1-6-8, Hewston 0-2-2, Meredith 4-0-9, Perry 3-0-9, Peterson 3-0-6, Prewitt 6-1-13, Rhodes 3-0-6, Smith 1-0-2

Rhodes (5-12): Brown 1-0-2, Douglas 7-2-19, Golson 4-4-12, Lewis 1-2-4, Stewart 2-0-4, Wells 2-1-5

#14 Brecksville17 13 14 14--58

#15 Glenville17 13 11 12--53

Brecksville-Broadview Heights (16-3): Chrzanowski 6-0-16, Csuhran 4-1-9, Titupa 5-2-15, Totupa 3-0-9, Tyler 3-1-7, Tytupa 1-0-2

Glenville (14-2): Banks 1-0-2, Butts 2-0-4, Dowdell 2-2-6, Eubanks 1-2-4, Ivey 4-5-14, Sykes 4-1-9, Williams 5-2-14

Buckeye8 11 16 16--51

Amherst Steele13 13 11 18--55

Buckeye (11-7): Bacho 1-1-3, Beck 1-1-3, Grauel 1-1-4, Inman 1-2-5, Kinney 1-3-5, Miller 2-3-7, Tighe 5-0-10, Vogt 6-2-14

Amherst Steele (10-9): Glowacki 1-2-4, Klekota 8-6-23, Kneisel 1-0-2, Lamb 4-2-10, Schuler 2-0-4, Srnis 4-1-12

Collinwood19 14 12 11--56

#9 Cle. Cent. Cath.17 23 28 22--90

Collinwood (7-10): Ballew 0-3-3, Bates 4-0-8, Christopher 2-0-4, Hall 6-2-14, Hill 1-0-2, Mallory 6-1-14, Rogers 0-1-1, Rucker 1-2-5, Scott 1-3-5,

Cleveland Central Catholic (11-6): Beck 6-1-14, Cooper 1-5-7, Crosby 2-4-9, Lillard 2-3-7, Montgomery 5-7-17, Owensby 3-0-8, Peters 2-4-8, Stone 1-1-3, Washington 4-0-11, White 3-0-6

Elyria Catholic13 17 20 14--64

Padua16 17 13 26--72

Elyria Catholic (10-9): Bennett 3-0-6, C.Riddell 3-1-9, Graham 1-1-4, Shelton 6-5-19, Strasko 1-0-2, Stursa 3-2-6, T.Riddell 3-2-9, Whitacre 3-0-7

Padua (6-12): Huml 2-0-4, King 1-0-2, Link 8-1-17, Milliken 3-6-12, Paulitzky 2-2-7, Ptacek 8-9-27, Sechler 2-0-4

Euclid11 12 12 13--48

Eastlake15 9 18 19--61

Euclid (8-11): Carmichael 1-1-4, Chambers 1-0-2, Coleman 4-1-11, Goggans 3-0-7, Harper 6-7-19, Haynes 0-1-1, Stephens 2-0-4

Eastlake North (11-6): Asnejo 2-2-6, Caspio 3-0-6, Eldosov 3-1-8, Josipovic 2-0-4, Lang 7-8-26, Vrebec 3-2-9

Fairview9 15 27 10--61

Revere8 22 13 28--71

Fairview (4-15): Arnold 1-0-2, Kerchenski 1-1-3, Kolcan 4-1-9, Miles 12-4-29, Swain 1-0-2, Williams 6-0-16

Revere (3-16): Geig 3-6-12, Holtkamp 1-2-4, Hughes 6-0-14, Lalkowski 8-6-22, Rozek 3-5-11, Seikel 3-0-8

John Hay6 16 16 15--53

#8 Cleveland Hts.18 22 13 26--79

John Hay (11-8): Lamar-Taylor 2-0-4, Lumbus 2-1-5, Noel 2-1-5, O'Field 4-1-9, Roberts 0-2-2, Thomas 6-0-12, Umar 5-3-16

Cleveland Heights (12-5): Bagley 7-2-16, Bates 1-0-2, Curry 1-0-2, Davis 6-2-16, Davis 0-1-1, Harper 6-1-13, Holmes 2-2-8, Jackson 1-0-2, Jones 4-4-12, McDowell 1-1-3, Pearson 2-0-4

Kirtland11 20 20 11--62

Lutheran East9 8 10 11--38

Kirtland (10-2): Eilerman 1-0-3, Finkler 4-0-8, Kusar 4-3-11, Madden 2-0-4, Miller 2-0-5, Seelinger 7-4-20, Smith 4-0-9, Tommy 1-0-2

Lutheran East (10-8): Brye 2-0-5, Hardnick 5-2-12, Rashad 2-2-6, Rivers 5-4-15

Lutheran West14 13 18 23--68

Trinity11 22 20 27--80

Lutheran West (8-7): Bremer 0-1-1, Cerny 1-0-3, Hillenbrand 9-2-20, Koza 1-0-2, Kunze 5-2-13, Masek 3-0-7, O'hara 2-2-6, Ranc 4-5-14, Scott 1-0-2

Trinity (12-6): Biller 3-1-7, Fecko 15-1-36, Filippi 3-0-6, Gerrick 1-2-4, Haire 2-4-9, Hohman 1-0-2, Novack 2-0-4, Simun 5-2-12

Midview8 10 12 11--41

Avon Lake6 9 13 17--45

Midview (9-9): Davic 9-2-20, Dombrowski 0-1-1, Duffner 3-1-7, Eason 1-0-3, Overy 3-0-8, Pasenow 1-0-2

Avon Lake (11-7): Aiello 1-1-3, Gabanic 1-0-2, Hamilton 2-9-13, Hessell 3-0-6, Jones 5-0-13, Muck 2-1-5, Outcalt 0-1-1, Russell 1-0-2

New Day Academy8 18 22 7--55

Cleveland MLK15 18 25 22--80

New Day Academy (10-9): Davidson 2-1-5, Hood 1-1-4, Martin 6-7-19, Moore 2-3-8, Smith 1-0-3, Stevens 0-4-4, Valerio 3-3-11, Williams 0-1-1

Cleveland Martin Luther King Jr. (8-8): Unavailable

NDCL12 11 19 13--55

Youngs. Ursuline10 10 14 16--50

Notre Dame-Cathedral Latin (13-6): Cirillo 10-5-25, Hamby 2-0-4, Malone 0-3-3, Powell 0-3-3, Sapp 4-4-12, Shkil 3-2-8

Youngstown Ursuline: Gunther 1-0-3, Hughes 1-2-4, Jackson 4-3-11, McElroy 4-0-10, Pierce 1-0-2, Strollo 6-4-20

Poland Seminary20 16 18 21--75

Streetsboro8 14 14 16--52

Poland Seminary: Andrews 1-0-2, Black 2-2-6, Bole 1-0-2, Bouchedid 1-0-2, Chammas 5-0-10, Dixon 4-4-15, Gajdos 1-0-3, Hubbell 3-2-8, Roemer 1-3-5, Wolfe 9-2-22

Streetsboro (11-9): Gency 7-0-17, Jenkins 3-2-8, Kelly 0-2-2, Matusik 4-0-11, Rencher 1-3-5, Reyes 1-0-2, VanReeth 0-2-2, Williams 1-2-5

Riverside6 16 13 14--49

West Geauga15 21 21 24--81

Riverside (3-5): Aiken 5-0-10, Brubaker 3-3-10, Clifford 0-3-3, Hackman 4-3-11, Rinella 1-0-2, Smith 0-1-1, Wadas 4-2-10, Wade 0-2-2

West Geauga (13-6): Archiable 2-0-4, Bidar 9-1-19, Formichelli 5-2-12, Iacampo 1-0-3, Insana 2-0-4, Monaco 0-1-1, Rabe 3-6-13, Rakich 4-1-9, Slusarz 1-0-2, Stafford 1-0-2, Wolfhope 0-2-2, Zurcher 4-0-10

Rocky River10 4 19 14--47

Berea5 14 15 22--56

Rocky River (9-8): Bremkamp 2-0-4, Connors 5-2-13, Dickey 5-0-10, McCrone 6-0-13, Schade 3-0-7

Berea (11-8): Brown 5-11-21, Dobbertin 7-0-20, Horner 5-1-13, Robertson 1-0-2

#7 SVSM15 12 15 19--61

#20 Walsh Jesuit13 15 6 16--50

St. Vincent-St. Mary (10-9): Bickley 1-0-2, Hargrove 2-0-4, Hudson 6-4-21, King 6-5-21, Wells 4-1-9, Williams 1-0-2, Woolridge 0-2-2

Walsh Jesuit (13-5): Cona 0-3-3, DiCillo 1-1-3, Kay 3-2-9, Lewis 2-0-6, Mittiga 8-1-22, Siwik 2-0-4, Stuffel 0-3-3

University School15 20 12 9--56

Kenston17 18 9 11--55

University School (12-6): Austin 5-2-14, Bentz 5-0-14, Bonner 1-2-4, Calo 5-0-11, Gibbons 3-0-7, Johnston 1-0-2, Scadlock 2-0-4

Kenston (13-7): Coverdale 2-0-4, Fruchter 2-0-6, Porter 2-0-5, Quigley 1-0-2, Richards 8-6-23, Weemhoff 3-2-8, Weemhoff 3-0-7

Valley Forge14 4 6 12--36

Lakewood10 12 17 14--53

Valley Forge (3-16): Drum 3-0-6, Jackson 1-1-3, Postoloski 4-0-10, Schmidt 3-0-7, Stadalsky 4-0-8, Turner 1-0-2

Lakewood (13-6): Amawi 0-1-1, Angers 1-2-4, Donahoe 0-1-3, Fehrenbach 3-0-6, Goolsby 4-0-8, McDonald 5-0-11, Porter 1-0-2, Silver 7-4-18

WRA11 11 8 15--45

Normandy12 9 8 7--36

Western Reserve Academy (7-8): Barba 1-3-5, Bryant 3-4-10, Coffman 1-0-3, Fleischmann 3-0-6, Kramer 1-0-2, Roberts 4-0-8, Saucier 4-3-11

Normandy (3-14): Campbell 1-0-2, Colovas 1-3-5, Eberling 2-0-4, Hogan 0-2-2, Kitko 3-0-8, Massa 1-0-3, Newman 1-0-3, Tancak 3-0-9

AROUND OHIO

Akr. Coventry 44, Hartville Lake Center Christian 34

Akr. Hoban 68, Akr. East 42

Akr. Manchester 60, Massillon Tuslaw 51

Akr. SVSM 61, Cuyahoga Falls Walsh Jesuit 50

Alliance Marlington 69, Austintown Fitch 53

Amherst Steele 55, Medina Buckeye 51

Avon 70, N. Olmsted 43

Avon Lake 45, Grafton Midview 41

Batavia Amelia 58, N. Bend Taylor 33

Bedford 79, Cle. Rhodes 46

Berea 56, Rocky River 47

Berlin Hiland 52, Magnolia Sandy Valley 34

Bloomdale Elmwood 47, Rossford 46

Bowling Green 70, Napoleon 68

Brecksville-Broadview Hts. 58, Cle. Glenville 53

Brookfield 66, Warren Champion 38

Can. South 63, Dover 47

Can. Timken 61, Navarre Fairless 54

Canfield 61, Youngs. Liberty 57

Casstown Miami E. 45, Milton-Union 37

Centerville 72, Beavercreek 68

Chardon NDCL 55, Youngs. Ursuline 50

Chesterland W. Geauga 81, Painesville Riverside 49

Chillicothe Unioto 88, Jackson 41

Chillicothe Zane Trace 55, Bainbridge Paint Valley 27

Cin. Anderson 66, Cin. Sycamore 57

Cin. Christian 62, Franklin Middletown Christian 56

Cin. Clark Montessori 63, Cin. Mt. Healthy 44

Cin. Country Day 69, New Richmond 61

Cin. Gamble Montessori 55, Batavia 53

Cin. Indian Hill 60, Boone Co., Ky. 51

Cin. Mariemont 68, Norwood 61

Cin. McNicholas 56, St. Henry, Ky. 51

Cin. NW 84, Cin. Glen Este 74

Cin. Princeton 78, Cin. Winton Woods 57

Cin. Purcell Marian 64, Cin. Seven Hills 59

Cin. Summit Country Day 94, Cin. Taft 70

Cin. Walnut Hills 52, Cin. St. Xavier 37

Cin. Withrow 66, Cin. Shroder 61

Cin. Wyoming 64, Monroe 49

Cle. Cent. Cath. 90, Cle. Collinwood 56

Cle. Hts. 79, Cle. JFK 53

Cle. MLK 80, New Day Academy 55

Cols. Beechcroft 65, Cols. Linden McKinley 59

Cols. Brookhaven 75, Cols. Whetstone 49

Cols. DeSales 44, Hilliard Davidson 37

Cols. East 71, Cols. Mifflin 70

Cols. Northland 80, Cols. Centennial 57

Cols. Wellington 92, Johnstown Northridge 80

Columbiana Crestview 70, Lisbon Beaver 67

Conneaut 84, Thompson Ledgemont 33

Crooksville 45, Zanesville W. Muskingum 39

Cuyahoga Falls CVCA 59, Wooster Triway 44

Cuyahoga Hts. 54, Independence 53

Day. Carroll 65, Germantown Valley View 63

Day. Chaminade-Julienne 73, Cin. N. College Hill 43

Day. Dunbar 92, Day. Stivers 55

Delaware Hayes 81, Cols. Briggs 51

Dresden Tri-Valley 71, McConnelsville Morgan 49

Dublin Jerome 43, Granville 38

Eastlake N. 61, Euclid 48

Eaton 54, New Paris National Trail 47

Elida 56, Bellefontaine 45

Fairborn 71, Riverside Stebbins 67

Fairfield Christian 76, Delaware Christian 50

Fayetteville-Perry 78, Bethel-Tate 64

Findlay 74, Tol. St. Francis 43

Franklin 105, Carlisle 44

Franklin Furnace Green 69, Portsmouth Sciotoville 57

Fredericktown 83, Cardington-Lincoln 43

Galloway Westland 58, Cols. Franklin Hts. 49

Garfield Hts. 94, Strongsville 41

Garfield Hts. Trinity 80, Rocky River Lutheran W. 68

Gates Mills Hawken 65, Wickliffe 52

Georgetown 67, Ripley-Union-Lewis- Huntington 48

Girard 54, Struthers 52

Gnadenhutten Indian Valley 68, Zoarville Tuscarawas Valley 41

Goshen 47, Hillsboro 46

Grand River Academy 70, Fuchs Mizrachi 46

Greenup Co., Ky. 51, Wheelersburg 47

Grove City Christian 60, Madison Christian 56

Hamilton Ross 65, Reading 61

Heartland Christian 59, Sebring McKinley 45

Hebron Lakewood 71, Pataskala Watkins Memorial 65

Hudson 39, Stow-Munroe Falls 37, 3OT

Hudson WRA 45, Parma Normandy 36

Hunting Valley University 56, Chagrin Falls Kenston 55

Ironton 75, Chillicothe 52

Kings Mills Kings 60, Lebanon 55 (OT)

Kinsman Badger 61, Mineral Ridge 54

Lakewood 53, Parma Hts. Valley Forge 36

Leavittsburg LaBrae 77, Windham 57

Lewis Center Olentangy Orange 50, Thomas Worthington 37

Lewistown Indian Lake 86, Waynesfield-Goshen 75

Lisbon David Anderson 48, Rootstown 43

Logan 43, Albany Alexander 36

London 71, Washington C.H. 69 (OT)

Louisville Aquinas 81, Beloit W. Branch 59

Lowellville 76, Vienna Mathews 60

Lynchburg-Clay 75, Chillicothe Huntington 48

Lyndhurst Brush 77, Solon 54

Mansfield Christian 52, Howard E. Knox 40

Marysville 65, Worthington Christian 51

McArthur Vinton County 58, Athens 55

McComb 43 (OT)toville 39

McDermott Scioto NW 68, New Boston Glenwood 43

Medina 53, Brunswick 51

Mentor Lake Cath. 87, Jefferson Area 48

Miamisburg 66, Day. Oakwood 46

Milford Center Fairbanks 36, Plain City Jonathan Alder 34

Millbury Lake 67, Elmore Woodmore 48

Minerva 73, E. Can. 50

Minford 66, Frankfort Adena 39

Mogadore 66, Mogadore Field 57

N. Royalton 51, Elyria 49

New Concord John Glenn 38, Zanesville Maysville 34

New Madison Tri-Village 55, Sidney Lehman 26

Newark Cath. 49, Cols. Bexley 48

Newcomerstown 61, Warsaw River View 59 (OT)

Newton Falls 57, Orwell Grand Valley 34

Norton 71, Akr. North 58

Oregon Stritch 55, Northwood 42

Parma Padua 72, Elyria Cath. 64

Pataskala Licking Hts. 67, Sunbury Big Walnut 49

Pemberville Eastwood 71, Fostoria 58

Pickerington Cent. 71, Canal Winchester 58

Poland Seminary 75, Streetsboro 52

Portsmouth W. 56, Manchester 49

Proctorville Fairland 77, Coal Grove Dawson-Bryant 66

Reedsville Eastern 45, Pomeroy Meigs 31

Reynoldsburg 69, Dublin Scioto 59

Richfield Revere 71, Fairview 61

Richmond Hts. 60, Beachwood 55

S. Point 66, Bidwell River Valley 56

Salem 74, Campbell Memorial 51

Salineville Southern 64, Hanoverton United 38

Shaker Hts. 75, Mentor 68

Southeastern 53, Circleville 51

Sparta Highland 60, Utica 54

Spring. Shawnee 60, Spring. Cath. Cent. 33

Springfield 58, Spring. Kenton Ridge 44

St. Bernard 78, Williamsburg 60

Stewart Federal Hocking 61, Nelsonville-York 47

Sugarcreek Garaway 44, Tuscarawas Cent. Cath. 32

Thornville Sheridan 49, New Lexington 34

Tol. Whitmer 77, Lima Sr. 55

Tol. Woodward 62, Lima Perry 50

Tontogany Otsego 78, Genoa Area 52

Tree of Life 52, Granville Christian 46

Troy Christian 78, Day. Miami Valley 70

Twinsburg 68, Cuyahoga Falls 66

Uhrichsville Claymont 50, Philo 40

Vincent Warren 67, Marietta 47

W. Jefferson 64, Cols. Horizon Science 40

W. Lafayette Ridgewood 48, Strasburg- Franklin 42

Warren Howland 62, Cortland Lakeview 43

Westerville Cent. 70, Lancaster 54

Whitehouse Anthony Wayne 54, Perrysburg 48

Willard 78, Norwalk St. Paul 58

Williamsport Westfall 75, Leesburg Fairfield 63

Willow Wood Symmes Valley 58, Crown City S. Gallia 51

Xenia 76, New Carlisle Tecumseh 71

Xenia Christian 53, Day. Christian 49

Youngs. Christian 58, New Middletown Spring. 49

Girls basketball

NONLEAGUE

New London14 15 4 2--35

Firelands22 9 21 18--70

New London: Unavailable

Firelands (17-5): Bari 1-1-3, Hall 7-2-16, Holowecky 8-4-20, Melendez 1-0-2, Morrissette 7-4-19, Samples 3-2-8, Young 1-0-2

Open Door4 1 4 9--18

Max Hayes20 6 22 11--59

Open Door Christian (10-10): Bryant 1-0-2, Kayanja 0-1-1, Mindling 2-2-6, Nejadford 2-0-4, Newkirk 1-0-3, Turner 1-0-2

Max Hayes (8-9): Bermudez 6-0-12, Harshaw 8-0-16, Lewis 8-0-16, Morales 2-0-4, Morgan 2-0-4, Pearson 0-2-2, Spraggins 2-1-5

AROUND OHIO

Arcadia 53, New Riegel 49 (OT)

Archbold 53 (OT)tawa-Glandorf 51

Baltimore Liberty Union 51, Sugar Grove Berne Union 34

Bellevue 66, Milan Edison 30

Bellville Clear Fork 44, Loudonville 33

Bucyrus 43, Mt. Blanchard Riverdale 36

Carey 55, Arlington 52

Celina 70, Ft. Recovery 49

Cols. Grandview Hts. 32, Millersport 13

Cols. Watterson 34, Westerville S. 30

Defiance Ayersville 66, Continental 60 (OT)

Doylestown Chippewa 58, Creston Norwayne 49

Dublin Coffman 45, Galloway Westland 39

Findlay Liberty-Benton 61, Bluffton 39

Gorham Fayette 58, Delta 56

Heath 53, Whitehall-Yearling 26

Hillsboro 59, Goshen 55 (OT)

Kalida 29, Delphos St. John's 23

Kidron Cent. Christian 54, Mansfield Temple Christian 23

Lancaster Fairfield Union 61, Ashville Teays Valley 59

Lewis Center Olentangy 58, Newark 45

Lima Cent. Cath. 76, Spencerville 43

Lima Sr. 68, Van Wert 56

Madison 52, Conneaut 26

Mansfield St. Peter's 65, Mansfield Sr. 60

Maria Stein Marion Local 64, St. Marys Memorial 35

Marion Elgin 48, Sparta Highland 25

McGuffey Upper Scioto Valley 55, Kenton 48

Minster 56, Wapakoneta 39

Montpelier 65, Sherwood Fairview 48

Oak Harbor 59, Kansas Lakota 25

Oberlin Firelands 70, New London 35

Pandora-Gilboa 57, Ada 42

Paulding 42, Defiance 30

Pettisville 60, Liberty Center 37

Pioneer N. Central 46, Hicksville 41

Port Clinton 47, Fremont Ross 32

Sandusky 58, Huron 53

Shekinah Christian 59, Marysville 45

Smithville 64, Jeromesville Hillsdale 29

Spring. Greenon 42, Arcanum 27

Sunbury Big Walnut 56, Worthington Kilbourne 47

Sycamore Mohawk 65, N. Baltimore 40

Upper Sandusky 56, N. Robinson Col. Crawford 45

Ursuline Academy 57, Kettering Alter 45

W. Salem NW 57, Apple Creek Waynedale 53

W. Unity Hilltop 52, Antwerp 40

Wauseon 55, Rossford 36

Wood County Christian, W.Va. 76, OVC 35

Hockey

Sectional tournament

BROOKLYN DISTRICT

#5 Amherst 10, Brooklyn 0

A (22-5-1): Dzoba 4, Miller 2, Morris, Burgett, Jenkins, Sheffield.

Goalies: A, Kuhn (3 saves); B, Squires (30).

#6 Padua 1, Parma 0

Pad (6-22): Goebel.

Goalies: Pad, Peppo (22 saves); Par, Tracy (44).

KENT DISTRICT

NDCL 8, West Geauga 4

NDCL: Manfredi 4, Ferry 3, Wilson. WG: Rossbach 3, Georgevitch.

Goalies: NDCL, Douglas (60 saves); WG, Judson (17).

#7 Orange 10, Canfield 0

O: Butcheck 2, Newman 2, Bonda 2, Raupp, Yelsky, Sonkin, Gotlieb.

Goalies: O, Russell (1 save); C, Cole (30).

Girls swimming

District tournament

Division I

NORTHWEST DISTRICT

Note: Top six divers to the state tournament at Branin Natatorium in Canton.

State qualifiers

Diving: 1. *Oppedisano (Strongsville) 425.10; 2. Glick (Findlay) 420.40; 3. Siford (Clay) 413.35; 4. Fleckner (Findlay) 388.85; 5. Kljun (Magnificat) 388.20; 6. Denk (North Royalton) 374.25.

*-Division I meet record

Jimmy Haslam promises he'll still devote plenty of time and energy to the Browns despite reassuming his title as CEO of Pilot Flying J.

Browns owner Jimmy Haslam will still be heavily involved with running the Browns despite reassuming his title as CEO of Pilot Flying J. Joshua Gunter, The Plain Dealer  

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Browns owner Jimmy Haslam promised fans on Tuesday that he'll still be heavily involved in all aspects of the team -- including free agency and the draft -- despite reassuming his role as CEO of Pilot Flying J.

"I want to assure everybody I'm more excited today about having the opportunity to own the Cleveland Browns -- which is a very distinct and rare privilege -- as I've ever been," he said in a phone interview. "I still plan on being heavily involved in all key Browns decisions."

Haslam raised concern with his passionate fan base on Monday when he announced he was returning to his longtime job as CEO of the family truck-stop business, telling his hometown Knoxville News Sentinel, "this is about me realizing my first love is running Pilot J and wanting to return to that job."

But Haslam said he'll spend no less time with the Browns despite taking his old job back from former PepsiCo president John Compton, who is now strategic advisor to Pilot Flying J, the Browns and the Haslam family. Haslam turned the CEO role over to Compton on Sept. 11 and became chairman instead.

"My time in Cleveland is not going to change at all," said Haslam, who has a home in Bratenahl with his wife, Dee, and was named to the Cleveland Clinic board of directors last week. "During the season we're there a day or two a week and we're there on weekends or wherever we're playing. We'll be very active and very visible during training camp and we're obviously going to be there a lot during the free agency and draft periods which are obviously so important to the future of the Browns.

"We're going to be there as much as we need to be to insure success. We feel great about the team we've put in place but we're still going to be highly involved and I think you saw how much we were there from August to December. We're going to have a big presence in Cleveland."

Haslam stressed that he'll still be one of the team's four decision-makers, along with CEO Joe Banner, coach Rob Chudzinski, and Vice President-Player Personnel Mike Lombardi.

"I probably will not go to the [NFL] combine next week, but I wasn't planning on going before this so that hasn't changed anything," he said. "We'll have plenty of representatives there. I'll be [in Cleveland] the day before the combine. We're going to have an all-day meeting on our free-agent plans. Then I'll be there after the combine to analyze it and finalize our free agent plans which I believe the key dates are March 12-16.

"The next really two and a half months, with free agency and the draft, are vitally important to the Cleveland Browns and we're going to be heavily involved."

He said he'll help decide on all key player acquisitions in free agency, trades and the draft, April 25-27.

"Absolutely," he said. "Joe and I had an hour and a half conversation [Monday night]. I was driving back from Nashville after visiting stores all day and we went through where we are on all the key personnel, both coaches, players, etc. and we'll continue to be very involved.

"I know people always ask who has the final say, and this is going to be a collaborative effort just like we've described before."

He added that he'll make draft visits when necessary, and be here when top prospects come to town. The Browns have the No. 6 overall pick.

"When we zero in on who our key draft picks are going to be -- especially our first-round pick -- we'll be heavily involved in meeting those individuals to make sure we not only get a great player but the kind of person we want to represent the Cleveland Browns," he said. "When we bring in key free agents, I've got the dates blocked out that I need to be up there."

He re-iterated what he said during Super Bowl week, that he doesn't think the Browns will make a big splash in free agency -- despite plenty of speculation to the contrary.

"My instincts are strongly the same as we said on Aug. 3 in Berea, that we'll continue to build through the draft and use free agency to supplement our team and improve our team where advantageous without mortgaging our future," he said.

Regarding widespread speculation that the Browns will pursue big-name free agents such as Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco, linebacker Paul Kruger and Steelers receiver Mike Wallace, Haslam said, "I've seen some of the rumors of who we're going to sign and that's what makes the NFL so exciting. I'm glad a lot of people are covering it and a lot of people are interested."

He said the confidence he has in Banner and Lombardi had no bearing on his decision to run Pilot Flying J again.

"I think we have two consummate pros in those positions," he said. "I think we have a great head coach, I think we have great coordinators. I think the same about our key guys at Pilot Flying J. But I still want to be involved in a hands-on manner and we'll continue to do so with the Cleveland Browns."

Likewise, he said the purchase in September of Maxum Petroleum, now Pilot Logistic Services, did not lead him back to the corner office. The new company is a major supplier of diesel fuel to drilling and fracking operations in the nation's emerging shale gas fields.

"It really didn't," he said. "I like to have a lot of things going on and I have the ability to multi-task."

Haslam confirmed that Compton will work with the Browns in an "advisory, consultant role. John's a smart guy so if we have a question about branding or marketing and we want to know who the president of this company is and John happens to know him and can make a call, we'd be crazy not to leverage those abilities and those contacts and his wisdom."

Overall, Haslam stressed that he'll bring the same fervor to the Browns that he has since coming on board Aug. 2.

"I don't think anyone would question our passion, effort, intensity, or devotion to the Cleveland Browns and candidly to Northeast Ohio," he said. "Our family has a tremendous investment and we want to win as bad as anybody does up there and we're going to do whatever it takes to win."

On Twitter: @marykaycabot

A school that has won five team titles and produced 27 champions will close in June.

View full size St. Peter Chanel senior Kalil Evans rides an exercise bike in front of wall displaying all of Chanel's state qualifiers and place-winners since 1980. At Thursday's final full-team practice, he was one of just three remaining wrestlers at the school, which is slated to close in June. Joshua Gunter, The Plain Dealer  

BEDFORD, Ohio -- Almost two years ago, Kalil Evans joined a throng of St. Peter Chanel wrestlers on Ohio State's Value City Arena floor, cheering and celebrating as his teammates accepted the Division III state championship wrestling trophy.

“St. Peter Chanel is the only school in Ohio history,'' a public address announcer said in dramatic tones, ''to finish first or second at the state tournament in all three divisions during its history.''

The statement said much about how the Firebirds continued to be a state power for more than 40 years despite declining enrollment. Evans didn't win a varsity match in 2010-11, but he remembers being excited and proud of his team almost beyond description.

“It was the best feeling of my life. I'll never forget it,'' he said. “We were thinking, 'Next year, we're winning it again, and the year after that. It'll never stop.'

“Then, one day, you wake up, and they announce your school is closing.''

The “year after that” is here, and Chanel is almost gone. The venerable Catholic school in Bedford, founded in 1957, will close in June. The unexpected news came Dec. 14. The Cleveland Catholic Diocese blamed shrinking enrollment and mounting financial losses.

“There was no warning. It was real sad day, real devastating,'' Evans said in a somber voice. “Everybody was crying. Teachers were leaving.''

As hard as that is to digest for East Siders, another difficult image for Firebird fans unfolded Thursday afternoon at Chanel. On the final full-team practice in the program's rich history before Friday's sectional tournament begins, all that remained were three wrestlers and first-year coach Tim Scarl.

Sophomore Darrell Childress and freshman Jose Morales paired up while Scarl sparred with Evans, a talented senior from Cleveland Heights. They used just two of the 21 white wrestling circles on a sea of bright red mats.

St. Peter Chanel senior Kalil Evans, right, works out with first-year coach Tim Scarl during practice Thursday. Evans is one of only three wrestlers left at the school, which is closing in June. Joshua Gunter, The Plain Dealer      

It was among the saddest sights I've seen in my nearly three decades of covering high school wrestling. Chanel owns one of the state's largest and sleekest wrestling rooms, an annex to the school paid for and built by Chanel wrestling boosters in 2006, a symbol of the program's prowess and passionate support.

Bright white walls lined with Ohio-shaped plaques pay tribute to the more than 150 state qualifiers, more than 100 placers and state 27 champions since 1980, plus five team titles and seven runner-up finishes.

“We're losing a lot of tradition,'' Evans said.

“This is one of the better wrestling programs in the state of Ohio and now that it's over, it's like wow, I can't believe it. I see on the wall guys winning in 1980. That was a long time before I was even born.''

The man who put those names on the wall is having a hard time with the situation, too.

“It's sad,'' said longtime coach Graham Coghill, reached by phone Thursday. He left Chanel last spring and now is an assistant at Nordonia. “I gave a big part of my life to wrestling at St. Peter Chanel. The success I had and getting into the (Ohio Wrestling) Hall of Fame is because of Chanel.''

The history speaks for itself. Closing Chanel won't change a word of it. What also is sad is having one less school that offers faith-based education for boys and girls on the East Side.

Scarl, a former state champ at St. Edward, was hoping to add to that legacy when he got the head coaching job last fall. Chanel began the season with 12 wrestlers and even won two of its four dual meets. Its numbers quickly dwindled following the Dec. 14 announcement.

Evans, Childress and Morales are sticking it out until the end, and in them, there remains what is at the core of a sport that demands an uncommon will.

“It's been pretty amazing,'' Scarl said. “The kids that are still left have done everything I've asked of them since they found out school is closing. It's caused them to work even harder because they know they are the last Chanel wrestling team.''

Scarl says Evans has a good chance to add his name to the list of state placers on the wrestling room wall. That in itself would be a good story because Evans didn't win his first varsity match until late last season. If he does place at state and earn the right to put his name on that wall, there will be no one left to see it.

“But I'll be a Firebird forever,'' he said.

OHSAA transfer bylaw update: Last month, I wrote about the Ohio High School Athletic Association possibly loosening up its transfer bylaws. On Thursday, its Board of Directors voted to place that legislation on the May referendum ballot for a vote by high school principals.

If approved, athletes who transfer no longer will be required to sit out 12 months. They will be eligible after missing 50 percent of the season at their new school. In football, that would be five games and in basketball 11 games.

The proposed change also gives the the commissioner the power to reduce or waive the 50-percent rule.

Essentially, the proposal would create a nearly unabated free-agent market for high school athletes.

Patience then a big paycheck led to the Tribe signing Michael Bourn.

View full size The arrival of Michael Bourn is a happy addition to the Indians' lineup in 2013, but also reflects a front office that balanced a need to improve with smart business, says Terry Pluto. AP file  

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Michael Bourn always was high on the Tribe's winter wish list.

Even before they made the four-year, $44 million offer to free agent Shane Victorino, the Indians checked in with Bourn's agent -- Scott Boras. The Indians let it be known that a similar contract offer could be made for Bourn, who made the 2012 All-Star team while playing a superior center field for the Braves.

This was about a month after the season. At that point, rumors were that Boras had originally asked Atlanta for a whopper of a deal in the $100 million range. The Braves decided that was not a good idea.

Instead, they turned to B.J. Upton, who signed a five-year, $75 million deal to play center field.

In USA Today, Bob Nightengale wrote, "The Braves ... made Upton their top center-field target when it became clear that Bourn's demands would be too prohibitive for their budget." ESPN and other outlets reported Bourn's agent seeking $100 million.

Meanwhile, the Tribe signed Nick Swisher to $56 million for four years, and added Drew Stubbs in a trade to revamp the outfield. They didn't think they'd have a shot at Bourn.

At the start of the free agent period, estimates by ESPN and fangraphs.com predicted Bourn would sign a five-year, $75 million contract. Last week, as Bourn remained unsigned, the Indians wondered if he'd accept four years and far fewer dollars as spring training was opening.

Boras was willing to talk. The Dolan family was willing to pay, especially because the contract is back-loaded, starting at $7 million in 2013. The final totals were $48 million for four years. Ownership had more than $130 million in contracts this winter, raising the current payroll from $65 million in 2012 to the $85 million range.

The Mets thought they'd sign Bourn, but stalled because they didn't want to surrender a first-round draft pick. Because of baseball's complicated rules and the Tribe coming off a horrible 68-94 season, the Indians lost only a pick between the second and third rounds (the 69th pick) to the Braves as compensation for Bourn.

New York later said it refused to give Bourn a $12 million option for a fifth season, and that's why the deal fell apart. The Indians did, but it becomes guaranteed only if Bourn has 550 plate appearances in 2017, and he also passes a physical. If he's good enough to bat 550 times in 2016, it would seem the same team would want him back the following season -- so the option is a non-issue.

Bourn, a two-time Gold Glove winner, is considered by many to be the best defensive center fielder in the majors. The Indians' internal stats last season rated their outfield the worst defensively in the majors. Fansgraphs ranked them 29th of 30 teams.

The Indians' 2013 starting outfield -- with three guys who played center field in 2012, Michael Brantley, Stubbs and Bourn -- is a pitcher's dream for all the fly balls they'll be chasing down.

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 Ezequiel Carrera into some type of left fielder. They combined to hit .221 with a .280 on-base percentage and a .631 OPS -- the worst in baseball.

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 Stubbs.

Is there risk in giving a 30-year-old Bourn four years because his main asset is speed? Of course. They would have liked to add another outfielder with power (Swisher is moving to first base), but none was available.

The Indians had to be bold. Either they trade away every decent player and lose 105 games hoping the kids develop, or they aggressively enter the free-agent market determined to upgrade the roster and bring in the best talent they could find.

And that's what they did, along with a premier manager in Terry Francona.

Will they contend? Will they even have winning record? Who knows?

But they are better and they have fans talking Tribe in the winter for the first time in a long time.

In Terry Francona's eyes Jason Giambi isn't just a veteran, but the veteran of all veterans. But does Giambi, 42, have enough left to make the Indians as a part-time DH and pinch-hitter. Watch video

View full size "I truly feel it's an honor that he's in our camp," Indians manager Terry Francona says of veteran slugger Jason Giambi. "That's how strongly I feel about him. This guy is everything you want in a ballplayer." AP file  

GOODYEAR, Ariz. -- Take it from Indians manager Terry Francona, there are veterans and then there is Jason Giambi.

"He's the veteran of veterans," said Francona.

Giambi, who's hit 429 home runs in 17 seasons, is in camp trying to win a job. He's 42 and made his big-league debut in 1995 when the Indians were on their way to winning 100 games and going to  their first World Series in 41 years. He has been around so long that at the end of last season, he interviewed to be the Colorado Rockies' manager and almost got the job.

When the gig went to Walt Weiss, Giambi decided to try and keep playing.

"I want to give it one more shot and see what I have left," he said Thursday.

If Giambi makes the Indians, he will fill the smallest of roles on the 25-man roster. He'd be a left-handed hitting DH, pinch-hitter, emergency first baseman and locker-room wise man. His chances were much better before Monday, when the Indians spun their defense like a roulette wheel with the acquisition of Michael Bourn.

When the wheel stopped spinning, Bourn was in center field, Michael Brantley in left, Drew Stubbs in right, Nick Swisher at first base and Mark Reynolds at DH. Reynolds, in getting bumped from first to DH, will get most of the at-bats, leaving Giambi with limited opportunities.

Francona, however, believes there's a place for Giambi.

"I truly feel it's an honor that he's in our camp," said Francona. "That's how strongly I feel about him. This guy is everything you want in a ballplayer."

Giambi has spent parts of the last four years playing for Colorado in the league that doesn't recognize the DH except for interleague play. He's had to pinch hit and play first base, all the while longing to DH. In his meeting with Francona and GM Chris Antonetti on Thursday, he made sure that message got across.

"I told Tito as long as I can get four at bats in one game once, twice or three times a week and don't always have to pinch hit against a guy throwing 100 mph in the ninth inning, I'll take it," said Giambi.

Off the field, his job would be as a mentor. He did it in Colorado and Francona wants him to do it with the Indians.

"When I broke in with Oakland, I had a great opportunity with Mark McGwire, Terry Steinbach and Dennis Eckersley," said Giambi. "They really helped me through my learning curve. I'd like to do that here. I think that's how you pass the game on."

The Indians have a lot of young players who could benefit from Giambi's knowledge, but Francona believes it goes beyond that.

"Young players, veterans, coaches and the manager could benefit from him," said Francona. "This guy might be one of the most respected players in the game."

In 2003, the FBI named Giambi as one of the players who received steroids in the BALCO investigation. Years later he publicly apologized for using them.

"I've been on top of the world in this game and I've been down in the gutter in this game," said Giambi, a five-time All-Star and AL MVP in 2000. "I've faced a lot of adversity and I'm still here in this chair talking to you guys."

As for his steroid use, Giambi said, "That was almost 10 years ago. I hope it's in the past. ... Major League Baseball has been incredible about [testing] and being diligent about it. ... If this would have been around when I was a young player, I wouldn't have gone through that. Unfortunately, we didn't have testing then."

This is just the second time in Giambi's career he's gone to spring training without a guaranteed job. Francona knows it's a unique position for the 6-3, 250-pound Giambi, but he told him to be patient, listen to his body and not try do too much too soon.

When asked if the bench job was Giambi's to lose, Francona said it would be inappropriate to answer that so early in spring training.

"We want to see the best of him and we'd love to have him on our team," said Francona.

On Twitter: @hoynsie

Boys basketball NORTHEAST OHIO CONFERENCE

Boys basketball

NORTHEAST OHIO CONFERENCE

Lake Division

Normandy22 3 7 13--45

#13 N. Royalton13 15 9 19--56

Normandy (3-15, 1-7): Campbell 3-0-6, Colovas 4-0-8, Hogan 1-1-3, Kitko 4-1-12, Massa 3-0-8, Suchy 1-0-2, Tancak 2-0-6

North Royalton (19-2, 9-0): Chuppa 1-0-3, Gabanic 1-0-2, Hudec 1-0-2, Krempasky 4-1-9, Smolinski 1-0-2, Spellman 6-1-13, Tarnowski 2-0-4, Wypasek 9-0-21

NONLEAGUE

Lincoln-West4 17 12 17--50

Maple Hts.17 18 20 16--71

Lincoln-West (3-16): Akili 2-0-6, Martin 5-0-12, Miller 4-0-8, Quinones 1-0-3, Stalla 6-4-17, Toro 1-0-2, mindell 1-0-2

Maple Heights (12-6): Black 11-2-32, Crews 1-0-3, Fields 2-0-6, Garner 4-0-8, Ivey 1-0-2, Jackson 1-0-2, Shell 0-1-1, Taylor 2-0-4, Wilson 3-0-8, wilson 1-3-5

#2 St. Ignatius9 15 12 22--58

#8 Cleveland Hts.15 4 20 15--54

St. Ignatius (14-3): Barbra 0-2-2, Black 2-2-7, Black 2-2-6, Bova 1-0-2, Fisher 0-2-2, Santiago 4-2-14, Sloan 4-9-15, Sterpka 3-3-10

Cleveland Heights (12-6): Bagley 5-1-11, Davis 4-0-9, Davis 1-1-3, Harper 2-2-6, Holmes 4-0-11, Jones 5-0-13, Pearson 0-1-1

Girls basketball

NONLEAGUE

Beachwood15 19 14 12--60

Laurel12 11 11 5--39

Beachwood (18-2): Aldridge 8-1-19, Hardin 6-0-12, Kaiser 3-1-7, Leathers-Clayborne 2-0-4, Nunn 1-0-2, Pounds 1-1-3, Robinson 2-3-7, Stevens 1-2-4

Laurel (11-8): Amkraut 2-0-5, Chmiel 2-0-4, Cronin 4-1-9, Felice 3-0-6, Heller 3-0-6, Lamb 4-1-9

Chardon4 2 8 13--27

Chagrin Falls13 11 8 6--38

Chardon (15-6): Hunter 1-2-4, Lyons 4-0-11, Spear 2-1-5, Tusick 0-4-4, Wawrowski 0-3-3

Chagrin Falls (17-5): Clegg 1-0-2, Dishong 1-0-2, Dishong 1-0-2, Owen 1-0-2, Thome 6-2-14, Thome 6-3-16

NDCL24 21 17 22--84

Our Lady of the Elms2 6 12 7--27

Notre Dame-Cathedral Latin (7-15): Castrataro 7-0-17, Claudio 2-0-4, Evans 3-1-7, Flowers 4-1-9, Miller 2-0-4, Pearce 2-0-4, Pollutro 5-0-14, Susinskas 2-0-4, Trotta 4-0-8, Trushel 1-0-2, Zbinovec 4-2-11

Our Lady of the Elms (0-3): Beck 3-0-6, Coury 1-0-3, Farr 0-1-1, Frew 3-0-6, LaFlame 0-1-1, Masturzo 2-0-4, Schmidt 2-0-4, Tustin 1-0-2

Open Door11 11 18 12--52

Fuchs Mizrachi6 11 6 10--33

Open Door Christian (10-10): Camera 3-2-9, Kayanja 2-1-5, Mindling 4-0-8, Rodgers 10-0-20, Turner 1-0-2, Turner 1-0-2, Worley 3-0-6

Fuchs Mizrachi: Ashwal 2-0-5, Jaffe 1-0-2, Laserson 1-2-4, Lindenberg 1-0-3, Rosenblum 7-2-16, Rubin 1-0-3

Hockey

Sectional tournament

BROOKLYN DISTRICT

Semifinals

#9 Elyria Catholic 6, Avon 0

EC (15-10): Donat 2, Lester, Gentry, Kukucka, Ng. Av (15-17).

Goalies: EC, Farmer (18 saves); A, Sefchik (35).

#6 Padua 9, #7 Strongsville 1

P (7-26): Kacsmarik 4, Wtulich 2, Demsey, Goebel, McGoughran. S (3-25): Supanich.

Goalies: P, Peppo (15 saves); S, Dixon (43).

KENT DISTRICT

First Round

#9 Kent Roosevelt 1, #10 Kenston 0

KR: Smith.

Goalies: KR, Grootegoed (20 saves); Ken, Malik (22).

North Canton Hoover 6, Aurora 1

NCH: Harcourt 3, Hankins 2, Lawson. A: N. Schwartz.

Goalies: NCH, Davis (11 saves), Zalewski (5); A, R. Schwartz (38).

Boys swimming

District tournament

Division I

NORTHEAST DISTRICT

Note: Top seven divers to the state tournament at Branin Natatorium in Canton.

State qualifiers: 1. Romanik (Nordonia) 496.85l; 2. Talley (Brunswick) 459.80; 3. Obendorf (Hudson) 439.95; 4. Schlafer (Uniontown Lake) 424.60; 5. Baad (Glenoak) 417.85; 6. Gray (Canton McKinley) 390.00; 7. Styrt (Solon) 365.30.

Late results

NORTHWEST DISTRICT

Note: Top seven divers to the state tournament at Branin Natatorium in Canton.

State qualifiers: 1. Layman (St. John's Jesuit) 452.25; 2. Nock (Avon Lake) 424.65; 3. Green (Strongsville) 418.10; 4. Harper (Midpark) 409.65; 5. Evola (Toledo St. Francis DeSales) 387.70; 6. Minor (Toledo St. Francis DeSales) 382.85; 7. Liber II (Lakewood) 374.65.

Girls swimming

District tournament

Division I

NORTHEAST DISTRICT

Note: Top seven divers to the state tournament at Branin Natatorium in Canton.

State qualifiers: 1. Mills (Solon) 457.05; 2. Francetic (Walsh Jesuit) 450.75; 3. Sand (Kenston) 401.55; 4. Shane (Cuyahoga Falls) 401.25; 5. Posch (Cleveland Heights) 383.30; 6. Moock (Brecksville) 366.00; 7. Rozsa (Cuyahoga Falls) 353.10;

Boys bowling

Sectional tournament

LAKE COUNTY

Note: Top four teams and top four individuals not on a qualifying team advance to the district tournament.

How they finished: 1. Fairport 4285 (Cohagan 650, Morenz 645, Zalar 639, Johnson 578, Vale 570); 2. Mentor 4043 (Santiago 634, Stanic 614, Wiese 612, Moore 590, Sansavera 504); 3. Brush 3925 (Miller 608, Breeze 581, Miozzi 550, Taddeo 492, Toney 332); 4. Benedictine 3898 (Wells 652, Wasinski 626, Anderson 532, Meinecke 521, Stockdale 378); 5. Cuyahoga Heights 3763; 6. Notre Dame-Cathedral Latin 3724; 7. Mayfield 3705; 8. Wickliffe 3571; 9. Garfield Heights 3471; 10. St. Peter Chanel 3364; 11. Eastlake North 3255; 12. Willoughby South 3164; 13. Cleveland Central Catholic 3114; 14. Cleveland Heights 2820.

Individual qualifiers: 1. Macuga (Notre Dame-Cathedral Latin) 699; 2. Mace (Mayfield) 616; 3. Bouk (Garfield Heights) 606; 4. New (Mayfield) 603.

Girls bowling

Sectional tournament

LAKE COUNTY

Note: Top two teams and top two individuals not on a qualifying team advance to the district tournament.

How they finished: 1. Mentor 3683 (Fortuna 615, Brown 584, Brancato 491, Harrison 472, Strogin 467); 2. Wickliffe 3369 (Kendzierski 548, McCoy 547, Freed 474, Hill 470, Cain 129, Foster 110); 3. Notre Dame-Cathedral Latin 3080; 4. Cleveland Central Catholic 2920; 5. Cleveland Heights 2536; 6. Mayfield 2289; 7. Brush 2119; 8. Cuyahoga Heights 1944.

Individual qualifiers: 1. Becony (Garfield Heights) 572; 2. Duke (Notre Dame-Cathedral Latin) 541.

No. 2 St. Ignatius' defense was tenacious in the second quarter, limiting No. 8 Cleveland Heights to four points in a 58-54 road win. Derek Sloan, Francisco Santiago and Austin Sterpka combined for 39 points for the Wildcats (14-3), while Donald James and Marcus Bagley combined for 24 points for the Tigers (12-6). No. 13 North Royalton 56, Normandy...

No. 2 St. Ignatius' defense was tenacious in the second quarter, limiting No. 8 Cleveland Heights to four points in a 58-54 road win. Derek Sloan, Francisco Santiago and Austin Sterpka combined for 39 points for the Wildcats (14-3), while Donald James and Marcus Bagley combined for 24 points for the Tigers (12-6).

No. 13 North Royalton 56, Normandy 45 Junior guard Evan Wypasek led all scorers with 21 points and forward Omari Spellman added 13 more for the Bears (19-2, 9-0), whose defense held the Invaders to 10 total points in the second and third quarters. Kenny Kitko led Normandy with 12 points.

Girls basketball

No. 15 Chagrin Falls 38, Chardon 27 The Tigers (17-5) held the Hilltoppers to just six points in the first half. Freshmen Hannah and Hallie Thome combined for 30 points for Chagrin Falls and Lindsey Lyons led Chardon with 11 points.

Hockey

Kent Roosevelt 1, Kenston 0 Credit Gordie Fisher and Kyle Manning with assists on Gabe Smith's game-winning, third-period goal for ninth-seeded Kent Roosevelt at Kent State, where Rough Riders goalie Nate Grootegoed (20 saves) outdueled Bombers goalie Ryan Malik (22 saves).

Elyria Catholic 6, Avon 0 Forward Colin Lester's wrist shot from the left side of the net opened the floodgates for the ninth-seeded Panthers (15-10) in the second period, followed by two goals from center Stephen Donat and a solo shot by left wing Will Gentry in a sectional hockey game at Brooklyn's John M. Coyne Recreation Center. Panthers goalie Luke Farmer had 18 saves.

Division I district diving

Boys Stephen Romanik of Nordonia was first (496.85), Ty Talley of Brunswick second (459.80) and Alex Obendorf of Hudson third (439.95) at Cleveland State. The top seven finishers advance to next week's state meet.

Girls Sivan Mills of Solon was first (457.05), Kailey Francetic of Walsh Jesuit second (450.75) and Maddie Sand of Kenston third (401.55) at Cleveland State.

Sectional bowling

Boys Fairport Harbor (4,285), Mentor (4,043), Brush (3,925) and Benedictine (3,898) advance to the Lake County district tournament. Casey Cohagan's 650 pins led the Skippers, Tylar Santiago (634) paced the Cardinals, Trent Miller (608) led the Arcs and Mike Wells (652) paced the Bengals. Michael Macuga of Notre Dame-Cathedral Latin led all bowlers with a 699 (212-244-243). Other qualifiers are Mayfield's Josh Mace (616) and Tyler New (603), and Garfield Heights' Ryan Bouk (606).

Girls Cardinals bowlers Ashley Fortuna (615) and Sarrah Brown (584) led all scorers as Mentor (3,683) and Wickliffe (3,369), led by Beth Kendzierski (548) and Erika McCoy (541), advance to the Lake County district tournament. Sarah Becony of Garfield Heights (572) and De'Aydra Duke of Notre Dame-Cathedral Latin (541) also qualified.

Highlights include the Rising Stars Challenge game, including Cavs Kyrie Irving, Tristan Thompson, Dion Waiters and Tyler Zeller as part of the NBA's All-Star Weekend. Also, Green Bay at Cleveland State basketball.

CLEVELAND, Ohio

Today's TV and radio sports listings

AHL

7 p.m. LAKE ERIE MONSTERS at Grand Rapids, AM/850

AUTO RACING

5 p.m. The Sprint Unlimited practice, Speed Channel

6:30 p.m. The Sprint Unlimited "Happy Hour Series," Speed Channel

BOXING

9 p.m. Delvin Rodriguez vs. George Tahdooahnippah, ESPN2

GOLF

9 a.m. Africa Open (tape), Golf Channel

12:30 p.m. Women's Australian Open (tape), Golf Channel

3 p.m. Northern Trust Open, Golf Channel

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

HIGH SCHOOL BOYS BASKETBALL

7 p.m. Keystone at Buckeye, AM/930

7:30 p.m. Madison at Lakeside, AM/970

MEN'S COLLEGE BASKETBALL

7 p.m. Iona at Manhattan, ESPNU

9 p.m. Green Bay at CLEVELAND STATE, ESPNU

9 p.m. Georgetown at Cincinnati, ESPN

MEN'S COLLEGE HOCKEY

6:30 p.m. Northern Michigan at Michigan State, Big Ten Network

7:30 p.m. Boston U. at Maine, NBCSN

7:30 p.m. Notre Dame at Miami (Ohio), CBSSN

NBA

9 p.m. RISING STARS CHALLENGE, TNT

NHL

7:30 p.m. Anaheim at Detroit, NHL Network

10:30 p.m. COLUMBUS BLUE JACKETS at Los Angeles, Fox Sports Ohio; AM/930

Oscar Pistorius held his head in his hands and wept openly in court Friday as prosecutors said they would pursue a charge of premeditated murder against the Paralympic superstar

Which five positions will the Browns focus on during the NFL Combine?

CLEVELAND, Ohio - The NFL Combine begins next week in Indianapolis, and the Cleveland Browns will get a chance to evaluate some talent, and the trip will help the brass decide the direction the team will go during the NFL Draft.

The Browns need help at several positions, including cornerback, wide receiver and outside linebacker (especially since the team will play a 3-4).

Bleacher Report reporter Andrea Hangst writes how the Browns will keep a close eye on five positions, including safety and offensive guard:

Overall, the Browns have a very solid offensive line, but
there's always room for improvement, specifically at the right guard
position, which belonged to Shawn Lauvao in 2012. Lauvao gave up three
sacks, nine quarterback hits and 15 pressures last season, graded poorly in run-blocking and also racked up eight penalties. The Browns may be able to do better in the draft.

On today's episode of Sports Insider, former Cleveland Browns quarterback and current Georgia Bulldogs Radio Network color analyst Eric Zeier joined cleveland.com's Glenn Moore to talk about Jarvis Jones, a potential Browns draft pick at No. 6. Watch video

 

Cleveland Cavaliers power forward Tristan Thompson of Team Chuck hopes to break the BBVA rebounding record of 23 in tonight's game

Cleveland Cavaliers power forward Tristan Thompson says he'll be chasing rebounds tonight at the Rising Stars Challenge during NBA All-Star Weekend. John Kuntz, The Plain Dealer  

HOUSTON, Texas -- It's good to have goals, and Tristan Thompson has a big one.

The Cavaliers power forward said he wants to set the rebounding record in the BBVA Rising Stars Challenge tonight during All-Star Weekend here.

He said this in spite of not knowing that San Antonio's DeJuan Blair holds that record of 23, with 10 offensive and 13 defensive boards in 2010.

"I'm trying to get the most rebounds ever in this game,'' said Thompson, who is the lone Cav on Team Chuck. Teammates Kyrie Irving, Dion Waiters and Tyler Zeller are all on Team Shaq. "I don't know what the record is, but I'm going to go for it. Everyone's going to be sleeping and worrying about offense. I'm going to be worried about defensive rebounds and offensive rebounds.''

He was asked if he'll miss playing with his teammates.

"They're missing out,'' he said with a smile. "They should be disappointed I'm not with them. Just for that, I'm going to make them feel it tonight.''

Just to show he's up for anything, Thompson was the lone player on Team Chuck to volunteer to dance with young fans during a break in practice Friday morning at the NBA Jam Session.

No Fitch: Former Cavs coach Bill Fitch was not named a finalist for the 2013 Class of the Basketball Hall of Fame. He was a candidate.

"They should not waste a roster spot on him. The team has added enough veterans. They need people that can produce. He is way past his prime. If he wants to stay and become a coach that is fine. 24 strikeouts in 89 abs shows his bat speed is gone. Give the spot to one of the young guys." - Badger947

One cleveland.com reader says the Indians shouldn't waste a roster spot on Jason Giambi, who is past his prime. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)  

"They should not waste a roster spot on him. The team has added enough veterans. They need people that can produce. He is way past his prime. If he wants to stay and become a coach that is fine. 24 strikeouts in 89 abs shows his bat speed is gone. Give the spot to one of the young guys."

An ESPN.com bracket projection has No. 4 Ohio State and No. 13 Akron playing in their first tourney game.

View full size Akron center Zeke Marshall, left, has led the Zips to an 11-0 start in MAC play. How would they fare against Ohio State in an NCAA Tournament matchup? Joshua Gunter, The Plain Dealer  

COLUMBUS, Ohio – It’s silly season for NCAA Tournament brackets. With 24 days left until the end of the regular season, getting into the tournament and positioning for seeds is something that fans, at the very least, can start thinking about.

With that in mind, who’s up for Ohio State vs. Akron?

In the current mock bracket on ESPN.com, the Buckeyes are a No. 4 seed in the West Region and the Zips are a No. 13 seed. That puts them in a first-round matchup in Kansas City. I think most of us could get behind that showdown.

Akron is 20-4 and on a 16-game win streak, with one win against a top 50 RPI team, according to ESPN.com, an 82-77 win over No. 29 Middle Tennessee. After Thursday’s win over Northwestern, Ohio State is 18-6, with two wins over top 50 RPI teams in No. 6 Michigan and No. 35 Wisconsin.

The Zips, at 11-0 in conference play, have been dominating the MAC, which maybe isn’t as strong as it often is. The Buckeyes, at 8-4 in conference play, have been mucking through the best conference in America, trying to stay in the race after winning or sharing the last three Big Ten titles.

With 7-foot center Zeke Marshall (12.5 points, 6.7 rebounds) , 6-7 Demetrius Treadwell (11 points, 7.4 rebounds) and 6-7 Nick Harney (9.5 points) the Zips could certainly stack up with the Buckeyes in the frontcourt. Deshaun Thomas, at 6-7, is a matchup problem for most teams while averaging 20 points per game, and he can score inside and outside, but Treadwell might have a chance to harass him.

But Ohio State’s defensive pressure on the perimeter, led by Aaron Craft, Lenzelle Smith and Shannon Scott, would be something the Zips haven’t seen much. Though Alex Abreu averages 9.5 points and 6.1 assists for the Zips, defense has been the calling card for the Buckeyes all season.

Ohio State has played two in-state teams in the tournament in recent years, beating Cincinnati last year in the Sweet 16 and Xavier in the second round in 2007. But for Northeast Ohio, this game would be something else. Akron’s three NCAA tournament appearances – in 2011, 2009 and 1986 – ended in first-round losses to Notre Dame, Gonzaga and Michigan.

An Ohio State-Akron matchup this year would be a game. Maybe LeBron would show up.

The Buckeyes have several chances remaining to improve their NCAA stock, though in the mock bracket being put together by reporters this week, Mark Snyder of the Detroit Free Press reported Friday morning that Ohio State at the moment was a No. 6 seed, and the seventh overall Big Ten team, behind Indiana, Michigan State, Michigan, Wisconsin, Illinois and Minnesota.

The Zips, meanwhile, are No. 48 in ESPN.com’s RPI rating, and they’ll have to win the MAC Tournament to 100 percent assure themselves of a tourney bid.

As OSU coach Thad Matta always says, there’s a lot of basketball left to be played. But thinking about Ohio State-Akron should give basketball fans something to hope for on Selection Sunday.

Who should the Browns take at No. 6? With the NFL Combine just a few days away, cleveland.com debuts its first mock draft with a look at the entire first round. Chris Fedor will be updating his mock draft every two weeks up until the draft on April 25.

LSU's Barkevious Mingo didn't have the production of some of the other pass-rushers in the draft but his freakish athleticism and skill-set can't be taught. Associated Press  

Who should the Browns take at No. 6? With the NFL Combine just a few days away, cleveland.com debuts its first mock draft with a look at the entire first round. Chris Fedor will be updating his mock draft every two weeks up until the draft on April 25.

1. Kansas City Chiefs - Geno Smith, Quarterback, West Virginia

While it will be very tempting for the Chiefs to select Texas A&M offensive tackle Luke Joeckel, it would be a mistake. Despite having just two wins in 2012, the Chiefs roster actually has some quality pieces and an improvement at quarterback could allow KC to compete in the weak AFC West. Smith is not Andrew Luck or Robert Griffin III. He is not a finished product but the tools are there to solidify KC's QB spot.

2. Jacksonville Jaguars - Damontre Moore, Defensive End, Texas A&M

Moore made the switch from 3-4 outside linebacker to 4-3 defensive end look easy. "DaMonster" won't wow with his physical traits, but he has a non-stop motor and was extremely productive despite playing in the best conference in the country. The bottom line is Moore just always finds ways to get after the quarterback and it's something that the Jaguars have needed on their defensive line for the last few years.

3. Oakland Raiders - Sharrif Floyd, Defensive Tackle, Florida

The Raiders would probably love the opportunity to get their hands on Geno Smith to solve their quarterback issues but he will probably be gone by the time they make this selection. Oakland needs a difference maker on the defensive side of the ball and even though Utah's Star Lotuleilei is the better and more polished prospect, the upside and unique quickness of the former Gator will be too much to pass up.

4. Philadelphia Eagles - Jarvis Jones, Outside Linebacker, Georgia

It has been quite the offseason for the Philadelphia Eagles and they could go a number of different directions with this pick. The Eagles offensive line was one of the worst in the NFL but much of that had to do with injuries. Texas A&M's Luke Joeckel could be in play but the real issues for Philly start on the defensive side of the ball. Playing in the same division with Robert Griffin III, Eli Manning and Tony Romo means it's imperative to put pressure on the quarterback and college football's leader in sacks would be a cornerstone for the Philly D.

5. Detroit Lions - Luke Joeckel, Offensive Tackle, Texas A&M

The only reason the best player in the draft falls this far is because of the other needs for other teams drafting before them. The Lions have lots of issues on defense. They need multiple pass-rushers and their secondary is woeful. However, the Lions will only go as far as quarterback Matthew Stafford can take them. With left tackle Jeff Backus being 35-years-old and right tackle Gosder Cherilus being an unrestricted free agent, offensive line becomes the biggest priority once again for the Lions. 

6. Cleveland Browns - Barkevious Mingo, Outside Linebacker, LSU

The Browns could definitely take a long look at Alabama cornerback Dee Milliner but having Joe Haden in the secondary allows Cleveland to focus on improving its pass-rush in the new 3-4 scheme. Mingo didn't have the production of some of the other pass-rushers in the draft, but his freakish athleticism and skill-set can't be taught. Mingo is raw and needs some coaching but he has the skill-set to be a pass-rushing force in the right defense. Not to mention it wouldn't be a bad thing to bring "Bark" to the "Dawg Pound."

7. Arizona Cardinals - Eric Fisher, Offensive Tackle, Central Michigan

Quarterbacks like Mike Glennon of N.C. State, USC's Matt Barkley and even Tyler Wilson from Arkansas will all be considered here but that would be a major mistake by the Cardinals. Quarterback is not the biggest issue in the desert. The offensive line is and it has been for years. Incumbent starter Kevin Kolb got the Cards off to a undefeated start to the season and it wasn't until his injury that Arizona's offense went in reverse. The offensive line has been neglected for too long to pass on Fisher. 

8. Buffalo Bills - Dion Jordan, Defensive End/Outside Linebacker, Oregon

New defensive coordinator Mike Pettine comes from the Jets' organization where they played an extremely aggressive style of defense. That's what he knows and that's what he wants to bring to Buffalo. The Bills could take a look at a run-stuffing defensive tackle to try to improve their second worse run defense from 2012 but Buffalo also needs someone opposite defensive end Mario Williams. Jordan's athleticism and freakish physical traits will be too tantalizing for Buffalo to pass up.

9. New York Jets - Cordarrelle Patterson, Wide Receiver, Tennessee

Former General Mananger Mike Tannenbaum recently said in a radio interview that last year the Jets didn't do a good enough job addressing the wide receiver spot. He's right. The Jets desperately need playmakers on offense to help out whoever happens to be quarterbacking the team in 2013 and beyond. Patterson, the former JUCO transfer is a big play waiting to happen. While he is not polished, he has the most upside of any receiver in the class.

10. Tennessee Titans - Bjoern Werner, Defensive End, Florida State

Alabama road-grader Chance Warmack could also be in play with this pick. Warmack would give quarterback Jake Locker more comfort and he would widen the running lanes for running back Chris Johnson. However, the Titans pass-rush was lacking last season and Werner, the German born pass-rusher, would be too difficult to pass up at this point and he would bring his combination of speed and power to Nashville. 

11. San Diego - Lane Johnson, Offensive Tackle, Oklahoma

The Chargers were hurt when former Pro Bowl offensive tackle Marcus McNeill decided to hang up his cleats at the age of 28. Philip Rivers never looked comfortable and running back Ryan Mathews had nowhere to run in 2012. This may be a bit high for the third best offensive tackle in this class but the former quarterback, yes quarterback, is just scratching the surface of how good he can be. Finding a blindside protector with the skills of Johnson is awfully difficult.

12. Miami - Dee Milliner, Cornerback, Alabama

The Miami Dolphins will probably take a long look at wide receiver with this pick and rightfully so. However, no other player at the position is worthy of being taken this high and it's a deep class that can be addressed later on. With cornerback Sean Smith set to hit free agency, the Dolphins have to come up with a contingency plan and getting the best cornerback in the draft with the 12th pick in a passing league is a steal. 

13. Tampa Bay - Xavier Rhodes, Cornerback, Florida State

The Buccaneers would be heartbroken to see the top cornerback in the draft go the pick right before them but would gladly take Rhodes at this spot. While he is not a burner, Rhodes is tall and long and can very much hold his own in coverage. Tampa spent a number of draft picks reinventing their defense last season and the makeover should continue this year. Playing in a division with the Saints, Falcons and Panthers means the secondary has to at least be NFL-caliber. Last year it wasn't.

14. Carolina Panthers - Star Lotuleilei, Defensive Tackle, Utah

The Panthers have some nice pieces on the offensive side of the ball and Defensive Rookie of the Year Luke Kuechly gives them at least one building block on defense. They need to continue to add to that. The interior of the defensive line needs some help and Lotuleilei could easily be a top five pick in this year's draft. He commands a double team at all times, is extremely powerful and is ready to step in right away and help anchor a defense.

15. New Orleans Saints - Sheldon Richardson, Defensive Tackle, Missouri

The New Orleans Saints have one of the best offenses in the NFL but when they won their Super Bowl, it was an opportunistic defense that helped along the way. Adding an interior force like Richardson could help them return to that level. Richardson is an incredibly active tackle that does a good job using his hands and would be an excellent addition to the New Orleans defense under new coordinator Rob Ryan.

16. St. Louis Rams - Chance Warmack, Offensive Guard, Alabama

The Rams made a nice improvement this season under the watch of head coach Jeff Fisher. Quarterback Sam Bradford showed the flashes that made him Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2010. If they are going to continue to climb the standings in the NFC West, they will need to protect Bradford from defenses like Arizona, San Francisco and Seattle. The Alabama road-grader is the second best player in the draft but his position is not one that carries a ton of value and slips to this spot because of that.

17. Pittsburgh Steelers - Ezekial Ansah, Defensive End, BYU

Ansah is one of the most intriguing players in the draft. He got off to a rocky start during practices at the Senior Bowl but he stole the show during the game itself. Ansah comes with some risk due to his one productive year and the lack of polish to his game but an organization like the Steelers could get the most out of his unique ability. 

18. Dallas Cowboys - Jonathan Cooper, Offensive Guard, North Carolina

It was amazing that Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo was able to have the kind of success he had last season considering the offensive line that he played behind. It was brutal, especially on the inside. Cooper is not nearly the prospect that Warmack is at the position but his versatility is a bonus and Romo will probably sip champagne on draft day with an addition like Cooper. 

19. New York Giants - Manti Te'o, Inside Linebacker, Notre Dame

The Giants don't have a lot of weaknesses. A tight end like Zach Ertz or Tyler Eifert could also be considered here, especially because tight end Martellus Bennett is a free agent. However, the Giants need to stay strong up the middle of their defense. The Heisman Trophy finalist's stock has taken a hit after a crazy offseason and he will be placed under a microscope at the Combine. Those issues aside, Te'o is a solid player that should make a long living in the NFL due to his instincts, awareness and leadership ability. 

20. Chicago Bears - Alec Ogletree, Inside Linebacker, Georgia

The last time the Bears took a former safety and converted him to inside linebacker it worked out pretty well. It was Brian Urlacher in 2000. Why not try it again with Alec Ogletree? Urlacher is 34-year-old free agent that has dealt with numerous injuries recently. Now is the time for the Bears to find his replacement and Ogletree would be a great fit. The former safety has good size, speed and flies to the football.

21. Cincinnati Bengals- Kenny Vaccaro, Safety, Texas

The Bengals defensive line has a ton of promise and thanks to the find of linebacker Vontaze Burfict as an undrafted free agent last year, they are off to a good start at linebacker, as well. The safeties though? That's a different issue. Vaccaro is exactly the kind of player that NFL teams are looking for. He can play wide receivers in the slot, he can help out in coverage with tight ends and he has shown the ability to come up in the box and support the run. The former Longhorn would bring an explosive element to the back-end of the Bengals defense that is currently missing.

22. St. Louis Rams - Keenan Allen, Wide Receiver, California

The St. Louis Rams decided to bypass the former Oklahoma State wide receiver Justin Blackmon in last year's draft. And while they added some solid receivers like the speedy Chris Givens and the raw but intriguing Brian Quick, neither projects as a No. 1 receiving option. Allen does though. The former safety was once one of the top recruits coming out of high school. He has everything teams want in a wide receiver with the exception of elite speed and will be a better pro than college player considering the awful QB situation he had to deal with at Berkley.

23. Minnesota Vikings - DeAndre Hopkins, Wide Receiver, Clemson

For some reason the Vikings have reportedly put out trade feelers for their second best player, wide receiver Percy Harvin. Even if they hang on to Harvin, they still need to help out their young quarterback, Christian Ponder, by giving him some weapons in the passing game. Hopkins was a bit overshadowed by Clemson teammate Sammy Watkins but he may be the most polished wide receiver in the class and is a true playmaker at the position. 

24. Indianapolis Colts - D.J. Fluker, Offensive Tackle, Alabama

The Colts will have an interesting choice here and they could easily try to address their defensive line, especially with defensive minded coach Chuck Pagano running things. However, after seeing the final few games of the season it became clear that offensive line needs to be a priority to protect quarterback Andrew Luck. Indy would probably prefer an interior offensive lineman but with both off the board it makes sense to turn their attention to the big tackle that was probably a bit overshadowed at Alabama.  

25. Seattle Seahawks - Sylvester Williams, Defensive Tackle, North Carolina

The Seahawks don't have a lot of needs. Their defense was number one in the NFL for a reason. Williams is good against the run and can also be disruptive in the passing game. Not to mention, at age 24, Williams has some polish to his game and can help boost the Seahawks defensive line rotation immediately.

26. Green Bay Packers - Sam Montgomery, Defensive End/Outside Linebacker, LSU

It's hard to peg what the Packers will do with this pick. Alabama running back Eddie Lacy could be a possibility and would take the Packers offense to another level. Offense isn't the problem in Green Bay though. The defense is. Green Bay needs to find another pass-rusher besides Clay Matthews Jr. that teams have to pay attention to and Montgomery would fill that role.

27. Houston Texans - Matt Elam, Safety, Florida

The Texans defense is solid but it can't be considered elite until they find a way to at least show some resistance against the top offenses in the game. Elam is not great in coverage but he provides a physical presence. His aggressive and attcking style of play fits well with what defensive coordinator Wade Phillips wants to do and Elam's versatility and athleticism would help negate some mismatches.

28. Denver Broncos - Johnathan Hankins, Defensive Tackle, Ohio State

Everyone that watches the Broncos knows how dominant their pass-rushers, Elvis Dumervil and Von Miller, can be. The problem with the Broncos defense lies on the interior. Justin Bannan is already 33-years-old and past his prime and Kevin Vickerson is nothing to write home about. Hankins showed a lot of inconsistency at Ohio State and his 2012 season was disappointing. However, Hankins is a big-bodied defensive tackle that would help the Broncos run defense immmediately.

29. New England Patriots - Tavon Austin, Wide Receiver, West Virginia

The New England Patriots are always on the lookout for playmakers, hence their interest in Tavon Austin. Austin lined up all over the field for West Virginia. He was a threat in the running game, the receiving game and the return game. With the uncertain future of Wes Welker, Austin would be a great insurance policy, while providing opposing defenses another headache. 

30. Atlanta Falcons - Zach Ertz, Tight End, Stanford

It's no secret how much Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan likes to use his tight end. Tony Gonzalez looks like he has played his last season in the NFL. Ertz has great hands and his ability to line up all over the field would create yet another mismatch for the Falcons' explosive passing game. 

31. San Francisco 49ers - Kawann Short, Defensive Tackle, Purdue

This pick would be a huge help for both the San Francisco 49ers and for Short. He struggles with inconsistency and the kind of coaching that he would get in San Fran would help allleviate that. The Boilermaker is a powerful interior defensive lineman who can occupy blockers and take pressure off other players on the defensive side of the ball. His presence would help linebackers Aldon Smith and Ahmad Brooks as well as defensive lineman Justin Smith.

32. Baltimore Ravens - Kevin Minter, Inside Linebacker, LSU

It won't be easy, but the Baltimore Ravens need to replace linebacker Ray Lewis. Minter is a bit undersized for the position but he is tough, reliable and incredibly instinctive.The quarterback of the Ravens defense would make an excellent replacement for Lewis and could start in Baltimore from day one.

"I'd take him if he were there at 6. I don't think the medical issue will scare away teams. Personally I don't think he will make it out of the top 5. A lot will depend if KC takes Geno Smith or not." - dawgtillIdie

One cleveland.com reader says Jarvis Jones' medical condition shouldn't deter the Browns from drafting him. (AP Photo)  

"I'd take him if he were there at 6. I don't think the medical issue will scare away teams. Personally I don't think he will make it out of the top 5. A lot will depend if KC takes Geno Smith or not."

Bosh replaces Boston's injured point guard, Rajon Rondo, as a starter.

View full size Chris Bosh (photo) will start at power forward for the Eastern Conference in Sunday's All-Star Game, with Miami Heat teammate LeBron James opening at point guard. Associated Press  

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Kyrie Irving of the Cleveland Cavaliers will not start in Sunday's All-Star Game in Houston, leaving the Eastern Conference without a true point guard to open the game.

David Hill writes for nbcmiami.com, the website for Channel 6 television in South Florida:

Miami Heat coach Erik Spoelstra announced Friday that Heat center Chris Bosh will replace the injured Rajon Rondo on the Eastern Conference starting line-up in Sunday's NBA All-Star game.

Spoelstra gets to coach in the All-Star game because the Heat have the best record in the conference. Rondo, the Celtics point guard voted into the starting line-up by fans, is out with a torn knee ligament. Spoelstra will take the unusual move of shifting Heat power forward LeBron James to the point guard slot, with Bosh moving to power forward.

Thus, Irving -- the NBA's Rookie of the Year last season -- will come off the bench. Irving is averaging 23.5 points, 5.5 assists and 1.7 steals for the Cavs this season, shooting 47 percent from the field -- including 43 percent on 3-point attempts -- and 85 percent at the foul line.

Michael Bourn and his four-year $48 million deal are officially the property of the Cleveland Indians.

Michael Bourn's deal with the Tribe is official. AP file  

GOODYEAR, Ariz. -- Outfielder Michael Bourn will be introduced as the newest Indian at a press conference Friday after passing his physical Thursday. The Indians signed Bourn to a four-year, $48 million contract on Monday.

Bourn, who will wear No.24, will be the Indians center fielder and leadoff hitter. He is the second big free-agent signing of the offseason for the Tribe. In December, they signed Nick Swisher to a four-year, $56 million deal. Swisher, who will play first base, left the team Thursday to attend the funeral of his mother in Columbus. It is not known when he'll return.

The Indians have spent $117 million this winter on free agents Bourn, Swisher, Brett Myers and Mark Reynolds. The deals for Swisher and Bourn are the biggest free-agent signings in franchise history.

Bourn, who took part in the Tribe's first full-squad workout Friday, can vest a club option for 2017 worth $12 million if he gets 550 plate appearances in 2016 and passes a physical at the end of the year.

Last year, Bourn hit .274 (171-for-624) and set career highs with nine homers, 57 RBI and 70 walks for Atlanta. He stole 42 bases in 55 attempts. In the previous three years, he led the National League in steals with 61, 52, and 61 steals.

Bourn, 30, is a career .272 (820-for-3,015) hitter with 125 doubles, 45 triples, 22 homers and 215 RBI in seven seasons with Philadelphia, Houston and Atlanta. He has stolen 276 bases in 340 attempts (81 percent) and has scored 459 runs in 871 runs.

Defensively, Bourn is considered one of the best center fielders in the game. He's won two Gold Gloves and went to the All-Star game in 2010 and 2012.

U.S. national team midfielder Robbie Rogers, currently a free agent, stunned American soccer on Friday with a blog post entitled "The Next Chapter" that revealed that he is gay and "stepping away" from the game at only 25 years of age.

Robbie Rogers, right, challenges David Beckham. AP File Photo  

"Things are never what they seem. My whole life I have felt different, different from my peers, even different from my family," Rogers began. He then went on to detail the "internal damage" caused by the weight of carrying a close-held secret and the conflict he felt trying to come to terms with his own identity and his relationship with his family and with God.

"Try convincing yourself that your creator has the most wonderful purpose for you even though you were taught differently," he wrote. "I always thought I could hide this secret. Football was my escape, my purpose, my identity. Football hid my secret, gave me more joy than I could have ever imagined."

But Rogers discovered that he was hiding too much of himself for too long.

"Now is my time to step away," he concluded. "It's time to discover myself away from football. It's 1 a.m. in London as I write this, and I could not be happier with my decision. Life is so full of amazing things. I realized I could only truly enjoy my life once I was honest. Honesty is a bitch but makes life so simple and clear.

"My secret is gone, I am a free man, I can move on and live my life as my creator intended."

Rogers was born in Southern California, attended the University of Maryland and represented the U.S. at the Beijing Olympics in 2008.

He spent part of a season at Dutch club Heerenveen after leaving school and then returned to the U.S. to play for the Columbus Crew, where he had five productive years. A mobile midfielder with good attacking instincts, he won an MLS Cup in 2008, two Supporters Shield titles and a spot on the 2008 MLS Best 11.

He left MLS for England's Leeds United last winter but struggled with injuries (a concussion and then an ankle) and was sent on loan to third-tier Stevenage in August. Last month, his Leeds contract was canceled by mutual consent.

Rogers played 18 times for the senior U.S. national team. He was one of the final cuts from the 2010 World Cup squad and scored two international goals, including the first goal of coach Jurgen Klinsmann's tenure in a 1-1 draw with Mexico in 2011.

-- Brian Straus, Sporting News. This article originally appeared on SportingNews.com.