Dec. 6 by The Canton Repository

SPORTS

The Independent | IndeOnline.com |

MOM KNOWS BEST

Ohio State freshman gets a call from home to pump him for win against North Carolina. PAGE B5

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Friday, December 6, 2019

OHSAA STATE FOOTBALL FINALS, DIVISION II: CIN. LA SALLE 34, MASSILLON 17

TOUGH TO TAKE

Tigers unable to slow down Lancers’ running attack during second straight championship game defeat

INDEPENDENT KEVIN WHITLOCK

■ The Massillon Tigers gather together for the school’s alma mater following Thursday’s Division II state championship loss to Cincinatti La Salle at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton. See more

photos at FridayNightOhio.com.

By Chris Easterling

OHSAA STATE FOOTBALL FINALS (All games at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium, Canton)

Today Division VI: No. 1 Anna (13-1) vs. No. 2 New Middletown Springfield (14-0), 10 a.m. Division III: No. 9 Mansfield Senior (13-1) vs. No. 7 Trotwood-Madison (11-3), 3 p.m. Division I: No. 9 Cincinnati Elder (12-2) vs. No. 3 Pickerington Central (13-1), 8 p.m.

Saturday Division VII: No. 7 Lucas (12-2) vs. No. 1 Maria Stein Marion Local (12-2), 10 a.m. Division IV: No. 4 Newark Licking Valley (14-0) vs. Clyde (10-4), 3 p.m. Division V: No. 5 Ironton (13-1) vs. No. 1 Kirtland (14-0), 8 p.m.

The Independent

CANTON It hasn’t been too often this season Massillon has found itself trying to recover from a second-half deficit. Unfortunately for the Tigers, the first time they truly found themselves in that position came in Thursday night’s Division II state championship game against Cincinnati La Salle. It proved to be too much, as they would suffer a 34-17 loss in front of 11,286 at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium. “First thing’s first, you have to give credit to La Salle,” Massillon head coach Nate Moore said after his team finished with its second consecutive 14-1, state runner-up season. “They’re a great football team and played a great ballgame. They put us in some tough spots, so you have to give them a lot of credit.” La Salle did so with a

three-headed rushing attack that gained 337 yards, the most Massillon had given up in a game this season. The Lancers had a pair of 100-yard rushers, with quarterback Zach Branam gaining 166 yards on 22 carries while Gi’Bran Payne added 133 yards and a touchdown on 15 rushes. Payne’s lone score was a 6-yard run that put La Salle in front 7-3 midway through the first quarter, on which he had been originally ruled down at the Tiger 1. It was the first play to be looked at by instant replay, that went approved for the state championship games for the first time this season. Cam Porter was the third piece of the rushing attack for La Salle. Porter gained 57 yards on 18 carries, with touchdown runs that gave the Lancers leads of 14-3, 21-10 and 28-17. SEE TIGERS, B4

CANTON REPOSITORY RAY STEWART

■ Cincinnati La Salle running back Cam Porter scores in the second quarter of Thursday’s Division II

championship game at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton.

La Salle’s ‘D’ shuts down big plays By Chris Easterling The Independent

CANTON Massillon’s offense has spent much of the season leaving defenses swimming because of its big-play ability. During the first half of Thursday night’s Division II state championship game at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium, the Tigers were doing just that. The problem was that La Salle was able to take that big play away after halftime, leaving Massillon unable to completely recover in a 34-17 loss. “Anytime you get into those individual things, there’s a lot of things that go into that,” said Massillon

head coach Nate Moore, whose team was shut out in the second half after trailing 28-17 at halftime. “The fact of the matter is, we didn’t open up enough holes. We didn’t get enough creases to run the ball effectively. ... It’s pretty much that simple.” The big play helped the Tigers get an early lead. It also helped them to get back in it when it appeared La Salle may be on the verge of blowing things open in the first half. A 59-yard Aidan Longwell to Andrew Wilson-Lamp pass put Massillon inside the Lancer 10 on its first possession. La Salle, though, held the Tigers to just a 21-yard Alex Bauer field goal and a 3-0 lead. Wilson-Lamp also pulled

Massillon to within 28-17 when he brought in a 69-yard touchdown pass with 1:10 remaining in the half. Those accounted for both of Wilson-Lamp’s catches, totaling 128 yards. The only other pass of more than 30 yards for the Tigers was a 38-yard Longwell to Ballard touchdown pass. That pulled Massillon within 21-10 in the second quarter. “Our defensive coordinator made some adjustments at halftime,” said La Salle linebacker Cam Porter, who had a sack and a forced fumble. CANTON REPOSITORY RAY STEWART “It worked. We made some big ■ LaSalle defenders Jaymar Hargrove-Mundy (left) and Cam Porter plays and came out with a win. force a fumble from Massillon running back Terrance Keyes Jr.

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SEE PLAYS, B4

during the first half of Thursday’s game. The Tigers suffered three turnovers in the loss.

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B2 Friday, December 6, 2019 | The Independent | IndeOnline.com

TV, RADIO

PRO BASKETBALL

TODAY

NBA Orlando at Cleveland, 7 p.m., Fox Sports Ohio, WTAM-AM 1100, WHBC-AM 1480, WAKR-AM 1590 NBA Denver at Boston, 8 p.m., ESPN L.A. Lakers at Portland, 10:30 p.m., ESPN NHL HOCKEY Chicago at New Jersey, 7 p.m., NHL Network AHL HOCKEY Cleveland at Belleville, 7 p.m., WMMS-HD2 99.1 FM COLLEGE FOOTBALL Pac-12 Championship Game: Utah vs. Oregon, 8 p.m., WEWS, WKNR-AM 850 MEN'S COLLEGE BASKETBALL Iowa at Michigan, 6:30 p.m., Fox Sports 1 Providence at Rhode Island, 7 p.m., ESPN2 Southern California at Texas Christian, 9 p.m., ESPN2 MEN'S COLLEGE HOCKEY Minnesota at Ohio State, 8 p.m., Big Ten Network Penn State at Michigan, 8:30 p.m., Fox Sports 1 WOMEN'S COLLEGE SOCCER NCAA Division I Tournament, semifinal: Washington State vs. North Carolina, 7 p.m., ESPNU NCAA Division I Tournament, semifinal: UCLA vs. Stanford, 9:30 p.m., ESPNU HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL OHSAA Division VI state championship game: Anna vs. New Middletown Springfield, 10 a.m., Spectrum News 1, ESPN-AM 990, WQKT-FM 104.5 OHSAA Division III state championship game: Mansfield Senior vs. Trotwood-Madison, 3 p.m., Spectrum News 1, ESPN-AM 990, WQKT-FM 104.5 OHSAA Division I state championship game: Cincinnati Elder vs. Pickerington Central, 8 p.m., Spectrum News 1, ESPN-AM 990, WQKT-FM 104.5 BOYS HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL Marietta at Dover, 7:30 p.m., WNPQ-FM 95.9 Zanesville at New Philadelphia, 7:30 p.m., WJER-FM 100.9 Hoover at Green, 11 p.m., WIVM GOLF PGA: The Hero World Challenge, third round, 11 a.m., The Golf Channel; Father-Son Challenge: Pro-Am, 5 p.m., The Golf Channel PGA Australasia: The Emirates Australian Open, third round, 8 p.m., The Golf Channel European PGA: The AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open, third round, 2:30 a.m. (Saturday), The Golf Channel SWIMMING U.S. Open: Finals, 7 p.m., NBC Sports Network

COLLEGE SCHEDULE TODAY

Swimming and diving Malone at Akron Zippy Invitational, 9 a.m. Mount Union at Wooster Invitational Wrestling Kent State at Cliff Keen Las Vegas Invitational, Noon Mount Union at Messiah Petrofes Invitational

H.S. SCHEDULE TODAY

Boys basketball All games 7:30 unless noted Hubbard at Louisville, 7 Salem at Minerva, 7 Marlington at Canton South, 7 West Branch at Alliance, 7 Lake Center Christian at Rootstown, 7 McKinley at GlenOak Jackson at Lake Hoover at Green Manchester at Fairless CVCA at Northwest Triway at Tuslaw East Canton at Newcomerstown Sandy Valley at Claymont Malvern at Ridgewood Tusky Valley at Indian Valley

PRO FOOTBALL NFL

AMERICAN CONFERENCE East W L T Pct PF PA New England 10 2 0 .833 322 145 Buffalo 9 3 0 .750 257 188 N.Y. Jets 4 8 0 .333 204 280 Miami 3 9 0 .250 200 377 South W L T Pct PF PA Houston 8 4 0 .667 293 271 Tennessee 7 5 0 .583 276 234 Indianapolis 6 6 0 .500 261 257 Jacksonville 4 8 0 .333 220 292 North W L T Pct PF PA Baltimore 10 2 0 .833 406 219 Pittsburgh 7 5 0 .583 236 225 Cleveland 5 7 0 .417 246 272 Cincinnati 1 11 0 .083 179 298 West W L T Pct PF PA Kansas City 8 4 0 .667 348 265 Oakland 6 6 0 .500 237 324 Denver 4 8 0 .333 198 237 L.A. Chargers 4 8 0 .333 244 241 NATIONAL CONFERENCE East W L T Pct PF PA Dallas 6 6 0 .500 310 236 Philadelphia 5 7 0 .417 274 284 Washington 3 9 0 .250 173 290 N.Y. Giants 2 10 0 .167 230 339 South W L T Pct PF PA x-New Orleans 10 2 0 .833 298 248 Carolina 5 7 0 .417 280 320 Tampa Bay 5 7 0 .417 340 346 Atlanta 3 9 0 .250 260 323 North W L T Pct PF PA Green Bay 9 3 0 .750 289 255 Minnesota 8 4 0 .667 319 242 Chicago 6 6 0 .500 212 208 Detroit 3 8 1 .292 280 315 West W L T Pct PF PA San Francisco 10 2 0 .833 349 183 Seattle 10 2 0 .833 329 293 L.A. Rams 7 5 0 .583 283 250 Arizona 3 8 1 .292 255 351 Thursday’s game Dallas at Chicago, late Sunday’s games Washington at Green Bay, 1 Detroit at Minnesota, 1 Carolina at Atlanta, 1 San Francisco at New Orleans, 1 Cincinnati at Cleveland, 1 Indianapolis at Tampa Bay, 1 Denver at Houston, 1 Miami at N.Y. Jets, 1 Baltimore at Buffalo, 1 L.A. Chargers at Jacksonville, 4:05 Tennessee at Oakland, 4:25 Kansas City at New England, 4:25 Pittsburgh at Arizona, 4:25 Seattle at L.A. Rams, 8:20 Monday’s games N.Y. Giants at Philadelphia, 8:15 Thursday’s game N.Y. Jets at Baltimore, 8:20 Dec. 15 games Denver at Kansas City, 1 Tampa Bay at Detroit, 1 Houston at Tennessee, 1 Miami at N.Y. Giants, 1 Seattle at Carolina, 1 Chicago at Green Bay, 1 New England at Cincinnati, 1 Philadelphia at Washington, 1 Cleveland at Arizona, 4:05 Jacksonville at Oakland, 4:05 Minnesota at L.A. Chargers, 4:05 Atlanta at San Francisco, 4:25 L.A. Rams at Dallas, 4:25 Buffalo at Pittsburgh, 8:20 Dec. 16 game Indianapolis at New Orleans, 8:15

GOLF HERO WORLD CHALLENGE Thursday At Albany Nassau, Bahamas Yardage: 7,309; Par: 72 Second Round Patrick Reed Gary Woodland Henrik Stenson Jon Rahm Tiger Woods Justin Thomas Rickie Fowler Justin Rose Webb Simpson Kevin Kisner Matt Kuchar Chez Reavie Xander Schauffele Jordan Spieth Bubba Watson Patrick Cantlay Bryson DeChambeau Tony Finau

66-66—132 66-69—135 69-67—136 70-66—136 72-66—138 69-69—138 69-69—138 69-70—139 73-68—141 71-70—141 71-70—141 68-73—141 73-70—143 75-70—145 72-73—145 74-72—146 76-71—147 79-68—147

NBA

EASTERN CONFERENCE Atlantic Division W L Pct GB Boston 15 5 .750 — Toronto 15 5 .750 — Philadelphia 15 7 .682 1 Brooklyn 11 10 .524 4½ New York 4 17 .190 11½ Southeast Division W L Pct GB Miami 15 6 .714 — Orlando 10 11 .476 5 Charlotte 9 14 .391 7 Washington 7 13 .350 7½ Atlanta 5 17 .227 10½ Central Division W L Pct GB Milwaukee 19 3 .864 — Indiana 14 7 .667 4½ Detroit 8 14 .364 11 Chicago 8 14 .364 11 Cleveland 5 15 .250 13 WESTERN CONFERENCE Southwest Division W L Pct GB Dallas 15 6 .714 — Houston 13 7 .650 1½ San Antonio 8 14 .364 7½ Memphis 6 15 .286 9 New Orleans 6 15 .286 9 Northwest Division W L Pct GB Denver 13 5 .722 — Utah 12 10 .545 3 Minnesota 10 10 .500 4 Portland 9 13 .409 6 Oklahoma City 8 12 .400 6 Pacific Division W L Pct GB L.A. Lakers 19 3 .864 — L.A. Clippers 16 6 .727 3 Phoenix 9 11 .450 9 Sacramento 8 12 .400 10 Golden State 4 19 .174 15½ Wednesday’s games Charlotte 106, Golden State 91 Milwaukee 127, Detroit 103 Orlando 128, Phoenix 114 Boston 112, Miami 93 Brooklyn 130, Atlanta 118 Chicago 106, Memphis 99 Indiana 107, Oklahoma City 100 Dallas 121, Minnesota 114 L.A. Lakers 121, Utah 96 Portland 127, Sacramento 116 Thursday’s games Washington 119, Philadelphia 113 Denver at New York, late Houston at Toronto, late Phoenix at New Orleans, late Today’s games Brooklyn at Charlotte, 7 Indiana at Detroit, 7 Orlando at Cleveland, 7 Denver at Boston, 8 Golden State at Chicago, 8 Minnesota at Oklahoma City, 8 Washington at Miami, 8 L.A. Clippers at Milwaukee, 8:30 Sacramento at San Antonio, 8:30 L.A. Lakers at Portland, 10:30 Saturday’s games New Orleans at Dallas, 2 Cleveland at Philadelphia, 7:30 Indiana at New York, 7:30 Phoenix at Houston, 8 Memphis at Utah, 10 Sunday’s games Denver at Brooklyn, 3 Atlanta at Charlotte, 5 Chicago at Miami, 6 L.A. Clippers at Washington, 6 Toronto at Philadelphia, 6 Sacramento at Dallas, 7 Oklahoma City at Portland, 9 Minnesota at L.A. Lakers, 9:30

NBA G LEAGUE

EASTERN CONFERENCE Atlantic Division W L Pct GB Maine 7 3 .700 — Delaware 6 4 .600 1 Raptors 3 6 .333 3½ Westchester 3 7 .300 4 Long Island 2 8 .200 5 Central Division W L Pct GB Wisconsin 10 1 .909 — Canton 8 3 .727 2 Grand Rapids 8 5 .615 3 Windy City 5 4 .556 4 Fort Wayne 2 9 .182 8 Southeast Division W L Pct GB Lakeland 6 4 .600 — Capital City 5 5 .500 1 College Park 5 5 .500 1 Erie 4 7 .364 2½ Greensboro 3 7 .300 3 WESTERN CONFERENCE Midwest Division W L Pct GB Memphis 9 0 1.000 — Iowa 5 5 .500 4½ Sioux Falls 5 6 .455 5 Oklahoma City 3 5 .375 5½ Pacific Division W L Pct GB Stockton 7 3 .700 — South Bay 5 4 .556 1½ Santa Cruz 5 6 .455 2½ Agua Caliente 4 5 .444 2½ Northern Arizona 2 7 .222 4½ Southwest Division W L Pct GB Salt Lake City 6 2 .750 — Texas 6 5 .545 1½ Austin 5 5 .500 2 Rio Grande Valley 2 10 .167 6 Wednesday’s games Westchester 104, Santa Cruz 100 Austin 137, Texas 126 South Bay 129, Grand Rapids 122 Thursday’s games Long Island 117, Raptors 116 Canton 116, Rio Grande Valley 109 Erie 131, Fort Wayne 124, 3OT Wisconsin 123, Maine 118 Memphis at Northern Arizona, late South Bay at Salt Lake City, late Windy City at Agua Caliente, late Today’s games Capital City at Delaware, 7 College Park at Grand Rapids, 7 Greensboro at Lakeland, 7 Santa Cruz at Long Island, 7 Sioux Falls at Austin, 8:30 Saturday’s games Canton at Capital City, 7 Delaware at Maine, 7 Greensboro at Lakeland, 7 Raptors at Fort Wayne, 7 Westchester at Erie, 7 Iowa at Austin, 8 Memphis at South Bay, 8 Rio Grande Valley at Wisconsin, 8 Stockton at Oklahoma City, 8 Northern Arizona at Salt Lake City, 9 Sunday’s games Grand Rapids at College Park, 2 Texas at Oklahoma City, 8 Windy City at Santa Cruz, 8

NBA SCORING

Harden, HOU Antetokounmpo, MIL Doncic, DAL Young, ATL Beal, WAS Lillard, POR Davis, LAL Towns, MIN Leonard, LAC James, LAL Siakam, TOR Ingram, NOR Wiggins, MIN

G FG FT PTS AVG 19 204 237 739 38.9 21 240 136 647 30.8 19 187 148 581 30.6 20 186 125 564 28.2 18 177 101 504 28.0 18 153 127 492 27.3 19 172 130 496 26.1 17 149 79 441 25.9 15 141 83 389 25.9 20 198 77 513 25.6 19 183 73 487 25.6 16 148 74 408 25.5 16 151 59 397 24.8

BROWNS NOTEBOOK

TODAY’S ODDS NBA

FAVORITE LINE O/U UNDERDOG DETROIT OFF OFF Indiana Orlando 31/2 2121/2 CLEVELAND Brooklyn 21/2 2171/2 CHARLOTTE OKLAHOMA CITY 21/2 221 Minnesota MIAMI OFF OFF Washington CHICAGO 5 2121/2 Golden State BOSTON 3 203 Denver MILWAUKEE 31/2 232 LA Clippers SAN ANTONIO OFF OFF Sacramento LA Lakers 3 2211/2 PORTLAND

COLLEGE BASKETBALL

FAVORITE LINE UNDERDOG MICHIGAN 81/2 Iowa CENT. MICHIGAN 101/2 UT Martin RHODE ISLAND 3 Providence Duke 51/2 VIRGINIA TECH SOUTH FLORIDA 7 Dartmouth TENNESSEE STATE 211/2 Chicago State LOUISVILLE 131/2 Pittsburgh PEPPERDINE 141/2 Idaho State TCU 51/2 SOUTHERN CAL MONTANA 71/2 North Dakota PORTLAND STATE 6 CS Northridge

NHL

FAVORITE LINE UNDERDOG NEW JERSEY -138 Chicago PITTSBURGH -165 Arizona NY RANGERS -108 Montreal EDMONTON -164 Los Angeles Washington -140 ANAHEIM

LINE +128 +155 -102 +154 +130

COLLEGE FOOTBALL

FAVORITE LINE O/U UNDERDOG Friday Utah 61/2 451/2 Oregon Saturday Cent. Michigan 6 54 Miami Ohio APPALACHIAN ST 6 56 La-Lafayette Oklahoma 81/2 64 Baylor FAU 8 491/2 UAB MEMPHIS 9 571/2 Cincinnati BOISE ST 14 641/2 Hawaii LSU 7 55 Georgia Ohio State 151/2 56 Wisconsin Clemson 28 571/2 Virginia

NFL

Sunday FAVORITE LINE O/U UNDERDOG Baltimore 6 44 BUFFALO GREEN BAY 12 411/2 Washington HOUSTON 9 421/2 Denver NEW ORLEANS 2 441/2 San Francisco CLEVELAND 71/2 411/2 Cincinnati ATLANTA 3 47 Carolina MINNESOTA 121/2 43 Detroit NY JETS 51/2 451/2 Miami TAMPA BAY 3 47 Indianapolis LA Chargers 3 431/2 JACKSONVILLE NEW ENGLAND 3 481/2 Kansas City Pittsburgh 21/2 431/2 ARIZONA Tennessee 3 471/2 OAKLAND LA RAMS PK 47 Seattle Monday PHILADELPHIA 10 46 NY Giants

PRO HOCKEY NHL

EASTERN CONFERENCE Atlantic GP W L OT Pts GF GA Boston 29 20 3 6 46 104 69 Florida 27 13 9 5 31 96 97 Buffalo 28 13 10 5 31 85 83 Montreal 29 12 11 6 30 95 101 Toronto 30 13 13 4 30 95 101 Tampa Bay 26 13 10 3 29 95 86 Ottawa 29 12 16 1 25 76 91 Detroit 30 7 20 3 17 63 119 Metropolitan GP W L OT Pts GF GA Washington 30 21 4 5 47 112 86 N.Y. Islanders 27 19 6 2 40 80 65 Philadelphia 29 16 8 5 37 92 82 Carolina 29 17 11 1 35 91 80 Pittsburgh 28 15 9 4 34 96 78 N.Y. Rangers 27 14 10 3 31 87 89 Columbus 28 11 13 4 26 70 87 New Jersey 27 9 14 4 22 69 101 WESTERN CONFERENCE Central GP W L OT Pts GF GA St. Louis 30 18 6 6 42 90 78 Colorado 28 18 8 2 38 103 78 Winnipeg 28 17 10 1 35 82 77 Dallas 29 15 11 3 33 76 73 Minnesota 29 14 11 4 32 88 92 Nashville 27 12 10 5 29 89 88 Chicago 28 11 12 5 27 78 88 Pacific GP W L OT Pts GF GA Arizona 30 17 9 4 38 85 70 Edmonton 30 17 10 3 37 93 89 Vegas 31 15 11 5 35 93 88 Vancouver 29 14 11 4 32 97 86 San Jose 30 15 13 2 32 86 99 Calgary 29 13 12 4 30 73 86 Anaheim 28 12 12 4 28 75 84 Los Angeles 29 11 16 2 24 73 96 NOTE: Two points for a win, one point for overtime loss. Top three teams in each division and two wild cards per conference advance to playoffs. Wednesday’s games Colorado 3, Toronto 1 Pittsburgh 3, St. Louis 0 Ottawa 5, Edmonton 2 Washington 3, Los Angeles 1 Thursday’s games Arizona 3, Philadelphia 1 N.Y. Islanders 3, Vegas 2, OT N.Y. Rangers 3, Columbus 2 Chicago 4, Boston 3, OT Minnesota 5, Tampa Bay 4 Colorado 3, Montreal 2 Carolina 3, San Jose 2, SO Winnipeg at Dallas, late Buffalo at Calgary, late Today’s games Chicago at New Jersey, 7 Montreal at N.Y. Rangers, 7 Arizona at Pittsburgh, 7 Los Angeles at Edmonton, 9 Washington at Anaheim, 10

RANGERS 3, BLUE JACKETS 2

N.Y. Rangers 1 2 0 — 3 Columbus 1 0 1 — 2 First Period—1, Columbus, Atkinson 5 (Foligno), 12:43. 2, N.Y. Rangers, Lemieux 5 (Kakko, Zibanejad), 19:52. PenaltiesNieves, NYR, (tripping), 5:21; Lemieux, NYR, (roughing), 13:27. Second Period—3, N.Y. Rangers, Trouba 4 (Fox, Strome), 5:46 (pp). 4, N.Y. Rangers, Panarin 13 (DeAngelo, Howden), 15:32. PenaltiesBemstrom, CBJ, (high sticking), 4:23; Jenner, CBJ, (slashing), 8:54; Fox, NYR, (holding), 19:41. Third Period—5, Columbus, Jones 4 (Kukan), 3:33. PenaltiesN.Y. Rangers bench, served by Buchnevich (delay of game), 3:33; Skjei, NYR, (tripping), 17:50. Shots on Goal—N.Y. Rangers 6-11-219. Columbus 18-11-1847. Power-play opportunities—N.Y. Rangers 1 of 2; Columbus 0 of 5. Goalies—N.Y. Rangers, Georgiev 7-4-1 (47 shots-45 saves). Columbus, Korpisalo 11-10-1 (19-16). A—15,785 (18,500). T—2:25. Referees—Trevor Hanson, Pierre Lambert. Linesmen—Ryan Gibbons, Brad Kovachik.

COLLEGE BASKETBALL MEN NO. 6 OHIO ST. 74, NO. 7 NORTH CAROLINA 49

Late Wednesday OHIO ST. (8-0) Young 4-6 1-2 9, K.Wesson 3-7 3-4 10, Walker 4-8 0-0 10, Washington 6-15 2-3 18, Muhammad 1-2 0-0 2, Hookfin 0-0 0-0 0, Gaffney 0-0 0-0 0, Liddell 4-6 4-4 12, A.Wesson 2-6 0-0 5, Ahrens 0-2 0-0 0, Carton 2-4 2-2 8, Hummer 0-0 0-0 0. Totals 26-56 12-15 74. NORTH CAROLINA (6-2) Brooks 3-7 2-2 8, Bacot 1-2 0-0 2, Anthony 4-15 3-4 15, Black 2-9 0-0 5, Robinson 3-9 2-2 9, Miller 0-1 0-0 0, Rush 0-1 0-1 0, Huffman 0-1 0-0 0, McAdoo 0-0 0-0 0, O’Han 0-0 0-0 0, Keeling 1-4 0-0 2, Ellis 0-1 0-0 0, Smith 0-2 0-0 0, Platek 0-2 1-4 1, Pierce 3-8 0-0 7. Totals 17-62 8-13 49. Halftime—Ohio St. 29-27. 3-Point Goals—Ohio St. 10-26 (Washington 4-8, Walker 2-4, Carton 2-4, K.Wesson 1-3, A.Wesson 1-4, Muhammad 0-1, Ahrens 0-2), North Carolina 7-23 (Anthony 4-8, Black 1-3, Pierce 1-4, Robinson 1-5, Rush 0-1, Brooks 0-1, Smith 0-1). Fouled Out—None. Rebounds—Ohio St. 44 (A.Wesson, K.Wesson 9), North Carolina 26 (Brooks 7). Assists—Ohio St. 17 (A.Wesson 5), North Carolina 10 (Robinson, Anthony 3). Total Fouls—Ohio St. 18, North Carolina 15.

MEN’S SCORES

EAST St. Francis (NY) 84, Hartford 78 SOUTH High Point 70, Elon 66, OT Howard 94, Hampton 91, OT SOUTHWEST Oklahoma 82, North Texas 80

WOMEN’S SCORES

EAST Binghamton 59, Cornell 56 Fordham 51, Manhattan 45 Mass.-Lowell 56, CCSU 54 Penn St. 78, Pittsburgh 73 Richmond 64, Md.-Eastern Shore 52 Rutgers 73, Virginia 63 UConn 92, Seton Hall 78 UMass 67, New Hampshire 65 SOUTH Cincinnati 58, VCU 56 Coastal Carolina 86, UNC-Pembroke 44 Davidson 75, Newberry 46 ETSU 67, Wake Forest 60 Furman 62, Georgia St. 55 Georgia Tech 60, Wisconsin 41 Iowa St. 75, Alabama 66 Louisiana Tech 79, McNeese St. 54 NC State 66, Maryland 59 Norfolk St. 49, Longwood 46 North Alabama 120, Oakwood University 38 North Carolina 85, Illinois 60 Old Dominion 69, William & Mary 58 Vanderbilt 75, Tennessee Tech 61 Virginia Tech 67, Purdue 54 MIDWEST Bradley 70, N. Dakota St. 64 Cent. Michigan 70, Iona 50 Dayton 58, Morehead St. 41 Drake 103, Waldorf 18 Missouri 83, Saint Louis 58 Ohio St. 67, Louisville 60 S. Dakota St. 94, Coppin St. 41 Valparaiso 77, Detroit 58 SOUTHWEST Florida 51, Prairie View 44 FAR WEST Gonzaga 70, Montana St. 55

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Beckham vague on future with team Odell Beckham Jr.’s disappointing first season with the Browns isn’t even over, and the star wide receiver is already making predictions about the next one. “2020’s going to be my year,” he said. He didn’t say if it would be in Cleveland. Beckham was vague about his future on Thursday during a post-practice interview session in which he discussed his maturity as a person and player and the Browns’ growing pains amid unfulfilled expectations. However, Beckham, who has not had the impact he or the Browns (5-7) had hoped, wouldn’t squelch rumors that he might not be with the team on a long-term basis. Asked if he wanted to be with Cleveland next season, Beckham, who is under contract through 2023, gave a muddled answer. “No one knows what the future holds tomorrow,” he said. “I couldn’t tell you what’s going to happen. My locker is right beside one of the men (teammate Jarvis Landry) that means the most to me in the world. I think about just being able to come to work and see him every single day and how special this could be. I couldn’t sit here and tell you whether I’m going to be here, want to be here, don’t want to be here — this is exactly where I’m at now and I wouldn’t rather be anywhere else. “In the offseason, everything will figure itself out. I feel like I’ve been here before, answering questions about the next team when I’m on a team already. That’s just something I’m going to tune out for right now. Catch me in the offseason, and we’ll see what happens. I don’t know God’s plan.” Although Beckham is under contract and the Browns would not likely cut him, he could request a trade if he wants out. One of the NFL’s most dynamic playmakers, Beckham hasn’t been able to consistently deliver the kind of game-breaking moments this season that have helped

stuff. Odell has been fine. He has been good. Helps everybody, helps the young guys. Baker and Odell have a good dialogue. Everything is good.”

Mayfield throws in practice

AP RON SCHWANE

n Browns wide receiver Odell

Beckham Jr. was vague when asked about staying in Cleveland after this season.

define his career. He’s got 57 catches for 805 yards and just two touchdowns. Beckham also has gone six consecutive games without topping 100 yards for the first time in his career. To his credit, Beckham hasn’t publicly complained about his lack of production, and swears his only goal is to win. “Ï’m going to get 1,000 yards,” he said. “And this is a bad year. I tell people when we talk about 1,000 yards — that’s the minimum, that’s the starting point. ... As far as touchdowns and other stats, I don’t see that so much happening. And right now that’s really not what’s important. I just care about winning and hopefully getting a shot to go to the playoffs — the wildest wild card or whatever. If they just let us in there. “All the stats, that’s been out the window for me. I’m just trying to finish the season strong with the most wins we can possibly have.” Beckham’s reputation as a diva preceded him to Cleveland. However, Browns head coach Freddie Kitchens said the 27-year-old has been a terrific teammate. “Odell has not been a problem at all,” Kitchens said. “Really, if it was not Odell, we would not be even asking these questions about that kind of outlier type

Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield threw in practice for the first time since injuring his right hand in Sunday’s loss at Pittsburgh. Mayfield’s bruised throwing hand remains wrapped, but he zipped passes to Cleveland’s running backs and tight ends during the early portion of Thursday’s workout open to reporters. Mayfield showed both touch and velocity — his last pass was a 30-yard dart — on his throws, erasing any doubt he will start Sunday against the Cincinnati Bengals (1-11). The second-year QB did not throw any passes on Wednesday but he vowed he would play, saying his mom “didn’t raise a wuss.” After practice, Kitchens said Mayfield “looked good. Yesterday was just to give a little bit of a break on some of the throws. Baker will be fine.” Mayfield injured his hand when he banged it on the helmet of Steelers linebacker Bud Dupree late in the first half last week. He played the second half while wearing a protective, supportive glove. Mayfield, who also is dealing with some sore ribs after being roughed up in Pittsburgh, has thrown just two interceptions in his past five games after throwing a league-high 12 in the first seven. He has 15 touchdown passes after breaking the league rookie record with 27 last season. Running back Nick Chubb, who leads the NFL with 1,175 yards rushing, said it would take more than a bruised hand to keep Mayfield out. “It’s Bake, he’s tough, he’s going to fight,” Chubb said. “No matter what, he’s going to go out there and lay it on the line every game. That’s one thing that without a doubt no one questions.” THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

SPORTS IN BRIEF

GOLF

Reed takes Hero lead A tropical breeze replaced the raging wind and made golf a lot easier for Patrick Reed, Tiger Woods and just about everyone else Thursday in the Hero World Challenge. Reed took advantage of the back nine at Albany Golf Club in Nassau, Bahamas, for the second straight day. He was tied for the lead until making six birdies over his last 10 holes for a 6-under 66 that gave him a three-shot lead over U.S. Open champion Gary Woodland. Reed was at 12-under 132. Woods, playing for the first time since he won in Japan for his record-tying 82nd career victory on the PGA Tour, kept a clean card to match Reed’s 66 and remain six shots behind. Unlike the opening round, when Woods started poorly and ended even worse to wipe out a good back nine, he played bogey-free and made up ground on the back nine.

Narváez becomes Milwaukee’s replacement for Yasmani Grandal, who signed a $73 million, four-year contract with the Chicago White Sox.

NFL

Conner still is out Pittsburgh running back James Conner’s aching right shoulder will keep him out of the lineup for a third straight game when the surging Steelers visit the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday. Conner took some reps with the scout team on Thursday but declared himself out as the effects of the sprained AC joint he suffered in late October continue to linger. Conner initially hurt the shoulder in the final minutes of a victory over Miami on Oct. 28. He briefly returned against Cleveland on Nov. 14 but managed just 16 yards on six touches before exiting.

NASCAR

Elliott wins popularity honor

BASEBALL

Reds sign Moustakas

Chase Elliott’s run as NASCAR’s most popular driver hit two consecutive years All-Star infielder Mike Moustakas comwhen he was voted as the sport’s top star. pleted a $64 million, four-year contract Elliott won the award last season, the first Thursday with the Cincinnati Reds, the big- since Dale Earnhardt Jr. retired to end his gest free agent deal in franchise history. streak of 15 consecutive years as winner. They agreed to the deal earlier in the Earnhardt Jr. fell one year short of the week. Moustakas was in town to sign it record 16 set by Hall of Famer Bill Elliott — Thursday and get introduced at the team’s Chase’s father. annual fan festival. The award is based on a fan vote and He gets $12 million next year, $14 million sponsored by the National Motorsports in 2021, $16 million in 2022 and $18 million Press Association. Bill Elliott won the award in 2023. Cincinnati has a $20 million option every year between 1984 and 2002 until for 2024 with a $4 million buyout. he removed his name from consideration. Moustakas has a $250,000 bonus for But the honor was returned to his family winning an MVP award, $200,000 for last year with Chase’s first victory, and the finishing second and $150,000 for third. He 24-year-old now seems to be a lock to reel would receive $100,000 for winning a Gold off his own impressive run. Glove, and $75,000 apiece for becoming AWARD TO GIBBS Joe Gibbs was honored an All-Star or winning a Silver Slugger. He with the Bill France Award of Excellence, will donate 1% of his base salary to the Reds’ capping a year in which he was elected to charity. NASCAR’s Hall of Fame, won his fifth Cup TRIBE SIGNS HOYT Right-hander James championship as a car owner and thorHoyt has a salary of $608,500 in the major oughly dominated the competition. Gibbs leagues as part of his contract with the was surprised with the honor, given at the Cleveland Indians and $156,000 while in the start of Thursday night’s season-ending minors. Hoyt agreed to the deal Wednesawards ceremony. day, two days after he was removed from the 40-man roster when Cleveland failed COLLEGE WOMEN’S BASKETBALL to offer a 2020 contract by the tender deadline. The 33-year-old had a 2.16 ERA OSU upsets No. 2 Louisville in eight September appearances with the Dorka Juhasz scored 15 points and Indians, striking out 10 and walking two in McKinley High School graduate Kierstan 8 1/3 innings. He was 2-0 with a 3.43 ERA in Bell added 14 as Ohio State knocked off No. 40 games at Triple-A Columbus, striking 2 Louisville 67-60 in a Big Ten/ACC Chalout 48 in 42 innings. lenge game on Thursday night. METS TRADE Outfielder Jake Marisnick Ohio State took a 60-53 lead with 5 was acquired by the New York Mets from minutes left after Bell turned a steal into a the Houston Astros for two prospects — layup and Juhasz scored from underneath. left-hander Blake Taylor and outfielder The Cardinals closed to within 62-57 at the Kenedy Corona. Marisnick is an excellent 3-minute mark and were within five points defender with speed but hasn’t hit well in with 17 seconds left, but couldn’t score. A the majors. He could play center field and pair of foul shots by Madison Greene sealed allow the Mets to use Brandon Nimmo priit late for the Buckeyes. marily in left. Dana Evans had 18 points for the CarBREWERS GET CATCHER The Milwaukee dinals (8-1), who were plagued by poor Brewers acquired catcher Omar Narváez shooting, especially down thee stretch from the Seattle Mariners for minor league when they had to chase the Buckeyes. pitcher Adam Hill and a compensation round pick in next June’s amateur draft. THE ASSOCIATED PRESS Newsroom tips: Call 330-775-1126 / email veronica.vandress@indeonline.com

The Independent | IndeOnline.com | Friday, December 6, 2019 B3 n Cincinnati

DIVISION II FOOTBALL NOTEBOOK

La Salle running back Jack Lutz kisses the state championship trophy following the Lancers’ win in the OHSAA Division II state final Thursday at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton.

n The Cincin-

nati LaSalle sideline reacts to a video review crediting running back Gi’Bran Payne with a touchdown in the first quarter Division II title game Thursday. CANTON REPOSITORY RAY STEWART

CANTON REPOSITORY RAY STEWART

Welcome to TV replay

Zwick reflects

History was made in Ohio high school football in the first quarter of Thursday night’s Division II state championship game. With 6:27 remaining in the first quarter, instant replay was used in an Ohio high school game. It overturned a call on the field on La Salle’s Gi’Bran Payne’s 6-yard touchdown run, which put the Lancers in front 7-3. Payne had originally been ruled down shy of the goal line. After about a two-minute review, it was determined Payne had not been touched prior to crossing the goal line. Instant replay came to high school football this summer when the National Federation of State High School Associations approved the use of instant replay for postseason games. The Ohio High School Athletic Association adopted it solely for the seven state championship games this weekend. “There’s a separate company, it’s called DV Sport,” OHSAA spokesman Tim Stried explained. “They’re the pros at this. They do college games, they do pro games. We have two officials in the booth here, one works college games, one works pro games.” There are no coaches’ challenges for the replay. All replays are initiated by the officials in the booth. Only a limited number of plays can actually be reviewed. Those essentially are limited to plays like Payne’s run, which was questioning a potential scoring play, or turnovers. It can also be used to check the correct down, as well at the game clock at the end of the second or fourth quarters. “They have four monitors in there,” Stried said. “They’re watching every play. If they see a play that they feel like they need to look at again, they buzz down to the head official, who stops the game.”

Former quarterback Justin Zwick was among a large contingent of exMassillon Tiger players who were in attendance Thursday. While he was obviously in attendance to watch his alma mater, he also is handling statewide broadcasts for the OHSAA. Zwick, who did win a state championship as a freshman at Orrville, couldn’t help but soak in the atmosphere as the Tigers played in their second consecutive state championship game. “This is special,” Zwick said. “Coming up here, I got here about 4:30 today. There was a line 30-deep of people looking to get in. All orange and black. It meant a ton to the city.” Zwick came within a game of playing for a state title in his senior season at Massillon. The Tigers fell to St. Ignatius in the Division I state semifinal at the Akron Rubber Bowl in 2001 in his final game.

Elite company Nate Moore is one of only five head coaches to lead a pair of teams to the state championship game. He led La Salle to the state title in 2014, and has lead Massillon to back-to-back title games. Going into this season, only Tom Lombardo had won titles at two different schools: Lake Catholic in 2001 and St. Edward in 2015 and 2018. Thom McDaniels won a state title at McKinley in 1997, and finished second at McKinley in 1985 and Warren Harding in 2002. John Gibbons won titles at Lake Catholic in 1992 and 1993, while finishing second at St. Edward in 2003. Ed Glass won it all at Warren in 1974, while finishing second at Hoover in 1984. Reach Chris at 330-775-1128 or chris.easterling@indeonline.com. On Twitter: @ceasterlingINDE

Lancers run to win

Three-headed ground attack overpowers Massillon

Massillon even though its only loss of the season came Thursday. Last week in a 35-10 win over Avon, Joey CANTON For the better part of 14 weeks, the Lance ran for 182 yards on 35 carries out of the front seven of Massillon has done a great job of wildcat formation. It was the most the Tigers eating up the running game. had given up to an individual all season. On Thursday, the Tigers got a taste of their It also was all Branam and Co. needed to own medicine in front of 11,286 fans at Tom keep things going the way of the Lancers. Benson Hall of Fame Stadium. “That’s our offense. That’s what we do,” It happened in the Division II state final and McLaughlin said. “We get the ball in Payne ultimately led to the second straight chamand Porter’s hands and get the ball in space. pionship loss as La Salle won its fourth state We were trying to read the defensive line. That title, this time against former coach Nate offensive line was gigantic. Our playoff run Moore, 34-17. was because of them.” A squad used to owning the line of scrimWhile he never found the end zone, Bramage, the Tigers (14-1) were run over by the nam’s 166 yards on 22 carries led all rushers as three-headed attack of Gi’Bran Payne, Zach the third-team All-Ohio quarterback pulverBranam and Cam Porter. ized Massillon. “What you saw is what we did all year,” “We knew we could expose them with the Lancers head coach Pat McLaughlin said. “We run, especially with the running back as an tried to get the ball in space and tried to get the extra blocker,” Branam said. “We saw an ball downfield with Zach and ‘G’ and Cam. We advantage in that and wanted to expose it.” grinded it out like we did all year.” When the read option wasn’t working, La Salle did it behind offensive linemen Payne (15 rushes, 133 yards, TD) and Porter (18, Markell Harden, Dylan Eddings, Austin Rack, 57, 3) were punching holes in a defense that Paul Haywood and Daylon Fischer, who took only gave up 102.9 yards rushing per game and everything the Tigers had to offer and still 221.1 offense. carved up big yards. “They’ve got a good group of kids,” MasThe 337 yards rushing were the most the sillon head coach Nate Moore said. “We just Tigers gave up all season as the Lancers (13-2) weren’t able to get off blocks, especially with averaged 5.7 yards per carry. the outside zone. “Man, they were opening up holes all week “Those kids play with a lot of heart. You in practice,” Porter said. “I just knew they have to give them a lot of credit.” were going to come out here and play. I just “Our line was amazing,” Payne said. “The ran behind them. They made all the holes. It holes they created were great. As we shot was like a truck could have run through them. through them, there was a lot of space. You They were opening up holes all night.” could see they were frustrated. When that There was a blueprint for how to beat happened, we knew it was over.” By Brad Bournival

Special to The Independent

Thursday, December 5 through Saturday, December 7, 2019 EXPERIENCE THE GAME DAY ENERGY INSIDE TOM BENSON HALL OF FAME STADIUM DURING SEVEN OHIO HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL DIVISION CHAMPIONSHIPS.

Tickets start at $15. Club seat packages and individual game tickets are on sale now at

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INDEPENDENT PHOTOS KEVIN WHITLOCK

n Massillon’s Jayden Ballard reels in a pass in the end zone for a first-half a touchdown eluding the

pressure of La Salle’s Devonta Smith.

INDEPENDENT KEVIN WHITLOCK

n A frustrated Preston Hodges motions as the Tigers are unable to stop a La Salle running play

during the fourth quarter of Thursday’s game.

PLAYS From Page B1

Longwell finished 12-of-23 for 245 yards with two scoring passes in his final game as a Tiger. Seven of those passes and 88 of those yards went to Ballard. Massillon had 224 yards at halftime, despite only running 18 plays. Of

those, 171 yards came on just four completions. In the second half, La Salle grew stingy on defense, especially defending the deep pass. Anthony Pedro’s 26-yard catch in the third quarter was the only pass of more than 10 yards in the second half for the Tigers. “We switched to a cover-six in a

two-by-one formation,” said La Salle linebacker Luke Thiemann, who has a sack, a forced fumble and two tackles for loss. “We could get our safety over in the back two-thirds and have our linebacker cover the curl. It was effective in the second half.” Reach Chris at 330-775-1128 or chris.easterling@indeonline.com. On Twitter: @ceasterlingINDE

n Masssillon’s Andrew Wilson-Lamp eludes La Salle’s Devonta Smith as he scores a first-half touch-

down on a pass from Aidan Longwell.

TIGERS

Massillon finished with 327 total yards. In the From Page B1 second half, however, the Tigers had only 103 yards on 27 plays. “If you watch us all What also hurt Massilyear, that’s what we do,” lon was a pair of fumbles said La Salle coach Pat — of three total in the McLaughlin, whose 13-2 game — in its own terteam brought the school’s ritory. There was one fourth state title in the last six years. “We run the in each half, and both ball. We’re not necessar- resulted in points for the Lancers. ily thinking plays, we’re The first came on the thinking players. We want first play of the second to get Cam and Gi’Bran quarter, when the Tigers and Zach in space and coughed it up at their own making them defend the 17. Porter’s first touchentire run game.” down run, a six-yarder, The problem for Maswould make it 14-3 La sillon was that La Salle Salle. was able to defend much The second came on the of its offense, especially first play of Massillon’s in the second half. The second third-quarter Tigers did get a pair of possession, this time on long pass plays to Andrew Wilson-Lamp, a 59-yard its own 38. The Lancers would close out that drive completion to set up an opening-drive Alex Bauer with Porter’s final scoring run, a 3-yarder, to make it field goal and the other a 69-yard touchdown to pull them within 21-17 in the second quarter. Jayden Ballard also brought in a 38-yard touchdown pass in the second quarter to cut the deficit to 21-10. Ballard finished with seven catches for 88 yards, while quarterback Aidan Longwell was 12-of-23 for 245 yards. “They were (changing) a little bit,” said Longwell, who was held to 8-of-16 passing for 74 yards in the second half. “Their corners were playing off the ball a little bit more. We just didn’t have a good play, I guess.”

28-17 with just under two minutes left in the third. “We’ve said it all week,” said McLaughlin, whose team picked up Jake Seibert field goals of 43 and 38 yards in the fourth quarter. “Big games come down to three things. No. 1 is the turnover battle, and I think we were up three. So, the turnover battle, which we won; the ability to run the ball and stop the run, which we did; and then I think we have the No. 1 kicker in the nation, and it come down to plays in the kicking game. “So, you stop the run, you force turnovers and you kick the ball, those six points were very valuable.” Reach Chris at 330-775-1128 or chris.easterling@indeonline.com. On Twitter: @ceasterlingINDE

SUMMARY CIN. LA SALLE 34, MASSILLON 17

Cin. La Salle 7 14 7 6 — 34 Massillon 3 14 0 0 — 17 MAS — Bauer 21 field goal, 8:39 LS — Payne 6 run (J. Seibert kick), 6:27 LS — Porter 6 run (J. Seibert kick), 10:54 MAS — Ballard 38 pass from Longwell (Bauer kick), 8:47 LS — Porter 9 run (J. Seibert kick), 6:05 MAS — Wilson-Lamp 69 pass from Longwell (Bauer kick), 1:10 LS — Porter 3 run (J. Seibert kick), 1:52 LS — J. Seibert 43 field goal, 9:30 LS — J. Seibert 38 field goal CLS MAS First Downs 26 10 Rushes-Yards 59-337 22-82 Comp-Att-Int 4-12-60-0 12-23-245-0 Passing Yards 60 245 Fumbles-Lost 0-0 3-3 Penalty Yards 6-61 4-40 Records 13-2 14-1 Total Yards 397 327 Punts-Avg. 4-32.0 3-48.0

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OHIO STATE BASKETBALL REPORT Mom helps set tone It was a simple message from mom that helped set a tone for E.J. Liddell. Entering Ohio State’s first road game of the season, head coach Chris Holtmann had openly expressed concern and intrigue over how his youthful team would react to hostile energy. In particular, he was speaking of his freshmen, led by key contributors D.J. Carton and E.J. Liddell. So as he prepared to take the court in North Carolina’s Dean E. Smith Center where dozens of jerseys and banners hang, Liddell listened to mom. “My mom texts me before every game,” Liddell said after scoring a career-high 12 points in a 74-49 win against the No. 7 Tar Heels. “She knows how excited I can really get. She just told me to take a deep breath and just live in the moment, which I did. I worked off my teammates and they helped me out a lot tonight.” Befitting the stage and the situation, the No. 6 Buckeyes endured a nervy start and came up empty on their first three possessions, all of which ended in turnovers. They trailed 5-3 and then 8-6, but sophomore Duane Washington Jr. hit three 3-pointers to score nine of Ohio State’s first 12 points and cover up some of his team’s mistakes. Then, with the lead at 12-8, Liddell checked in at the 14:08 mark. Not even a minute later, he got the ball at the right elbow, turned over his left shoulder and hit a jumper for his first points. Two possessions later, he did the same thing from the left elbow, helping keep the Tar Heels at bay in the early going. It set a tone, and it came from a freshman Holtmann said will look back and laugh at how raw and out-of-control he appeared in his debut in the season opener. “He’s getting there, I think,” the coach said of Liddell. “He’s really getting there. We’ve got to try to put him in positions where he can impact the game offensively. He blocked a couple shots tonight, which was good. He’s got to continue to get fitter and better defensively, but he knows that he can come in and impact the

OHIO STATE FOOTBALL REPORT Fields will wear brace vs. Wisconsin

Penn State at Ohio State Saturday, noon Value City Arena, Columbus TV BTN

game offensively. He’s got a confidence about him.” In only 15:31, Liddell was 4 of 6 from the floor, perfect on four free throws and added five rebounds, two blocks, a steal and an assist with no turnovers. Those two early jumpers were shots Liddell said are part of an overall game he is eager to show. “I feel like I could do that in the post a lot,” he said. “They played me one-onone in the post and in high school I didn’t get that. It was a lot of double teams. When I got the opportunity, I took the shots.” Washington, who had a game-high 18 points, said the freshman has shown steady improvement as a result of his daily focus. “He’s been approaching practice the same way: serious-minded,” the sophomore said. “We all have. I feel like every time we have the opportunity to get better, we’re getting better. I think that’s really, really important right now in this month of December. He’s just prepared: prepared for his moment, prepared for his time and tonight you could see why.” Asked if it was really as simple as a straightforward message from mom Wednesday night, Liddell smiled. “Yes,” he said. “And my dad called me tonight too and said he knows what I can do. Just go out there and play hard. They just worry about me playing as hard as I can. I’ve got to bring the energy off the bench and bring a motor.”

Friday, December 6, 2019

AP GERRY BROOME

■ Ohio State forward E.J. Liddell (left) and North Carolina guard

Cole Anthony struggle for possession of the ball during the second half of Wednesday’s game. Ohio State won 74-49.

be out for a while,” the coach said. Holtmann said the game changed “tremendously” when Bacot went down. “He’s a tremendous player,” the coach said. “He’s so much a part of what they do, on the glass, in their post, their size. Roy typically has four or five bigs and I think they’re a little bit thinner this year, but it was a tremendous difference.” His absence undoubtedly played a key role in keeping the Tar Heels down, and he wasn’t the only player struggling. Williams said star freshman guard Cole Anthony was sick and had been dealing with a fever since Tuesday night. He also suffered a gash on his forehead when Ohio State forward Alonzo Gaffney caught him with an inadvertent elbow. Aside from Gaffney’s elbow, the Buckeyes obviously keyed on North Big change Carolina’s primary scorer and shooter. He finished The Tar Heels, who with a team-high 15 points already have dealt with a on 4-of-15 shooting, but all number of injuries, took a of his field goals came from significant blow during the beyond the three-point line. first half when second-leadBy the numbers Inside the arc, he was scoreing scorer Armando Bacot less on seven attempts. landed on another player’s Ohio State entered the Sophomore guard Luther foot and was done for the night 2-12 all-time against Muhammad drew primary night. He could not put any the Tar Heels. Its last win weight on his left leg and had defensive responsibilities, but came on March 27, 1992, he played only 8:28 due to foul to be carried to the locker when the Buckeyes beat trouble. Junior CJ Walker, room by two teammates, North Carolina 80-73 in who had played here before but afterward head coach the Sweet Sixteen. Otherwhile at Florida State, shadRoy Williams said it was a wise, the only Ohio State owed him often, and senior sprained ankle. on-campus win against the Andre Wesson did as well. “It was swollen by the Tar Heels was a 43-30 home win in the first-ever meeting time they got to the locker ADAM JARDY, room so my guess is he will between the programs on THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH January 2, 1929. The Buckeyes had lost seven straight to the Tar Heels and were winless in their two prior trips to the Dean Center. It also snapped a losing streak in the ACC-Big Ten Challenge that stretched back to the 2013-14 season. Since the Buckeyes beat Maryland 75-60 on Dec. 4, 2013, they had lost five straight games in the Challenge and had dropped to 7-11 overall as participants. No team has cracked 57 points against Ohio State this season, and the Tar Heels join Purdue Fort Wayne (46 points) as the second team to fail to crack 50 points against the Buckeyes. Morgan State still holds the best shooting percentage against the Buckeyes after going 21 for 56 (37.5 %) in Ohio State’s 90-57 win last Friday.

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Ohio State quarterback Justin Fields plans to wear a bulkier knee brace in the Big Ten championship game against Wisconsin on Saturday. Fields first wore the brace in the third quarter at Michigan last week after he aggravated a sprained medial collateral ligament in his left knee. Earlier in the game, he had worn a smaller brace underneath his pants before switching to the larger brace, one seen as more common among offensive linemen. He described it as a preventive measure. “I just feel more secure with it on, especially with my knee being where it is right now,” Fields said. “But I definitely can’t run as fast, and I definitely won’t be able to be as mobile.” If Fields is restricted against the Badgers, it will leave the Buckeyes offense without his running ability. He has rushed for 470 yards and 10 touchdowns, an added element for an offense that was directed last season by a less-mobile quarterback in Dwayne Haskins Jr. Once Fields returned against Michigan, he did not run the ball once. All six of his carries occurred before he aggravated the injury. Fields felt a heavier brace would have only so much of an effect on him, and none on his throwing ability. “In the game, you can’t really worry about what’s on your body,” he said. Head coach Ryan Day, who also serves as the primary play-caller, remarked that he would remain mindful of Fields’ status when designing plays. “You try to do the best you can to risk/reward it,” Day said. “It’s good to know that he’s so tough and he can handle that stuff.” Day said there had been no consideration about resting him against the Badgers. “He’ll be playing,” Day said. “We’ll use him all 60 minutes.”

Reflecting on first year Exactly one year ago Wednesday, Day was announced as Urban Meyer’s

OSU vs. Wisconsin Big Ten Championship 8 p.m. Saturday Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis TV FOX (WJW Channel 8)

successor as Ohio State’s football coach. It has been an eventful and successful 365 days. Day has made a seamless transition from offensive coordinator to head coach in leading the top-ranked Buckeyes to an undefeated record. His hair remains jet black — no tinges of gray hastened by the stress of the job But with Ohio State preparing for the Big Ten championship game, Day’s focus is on the present, not the past year. “I really didn’t want to reflect on this until we get through that finish line, because I just don’t think that’s the right thing to do at this point,” he said. “I’m looking forward to reflecting on it — everything that’s gone on this year — but I don’t think now is the time. I really want to get this team and coaching staff ready to go win this game.” Tuesday, Day accomplished something no other Buckeyes coach has in 40 years. In voting by the media, Day was named Big Ten coach of the year. “It means a lot,” Day said on the Big Ten Network. “More importantly, it means our players have done an unbelievable job and our coaching staff has done an unbelievable job. I’m honored and humbled, but really deflecting the praise (to others).” For now, his attention is devoted to Saturday’s game. “They’ve gotten better as the season has gone on,” Day said of Wisconsin. “It’s going to be a big challenge. It’s going to be hard. (We’ll have to) go all the way to the fourth quarter.” The Buckeyes got that kind of effort last weekend in a 56-27 victory at Michigan. Day acknowledged the pressure he felt. Asked if his primary emotion was relief or happiness, Day didn’t hesitate. “Relief, and it’s not even close,” he said. ADAM JARDY, THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

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B6 Friday, December 6, 2019 | The Independent | IndeOnline.com

Democrats: Trump impeachment charges must come swiftly By Lisa Mascaro and Mary Clare Jalonick The Associated Press

WASHINGTON House Democrats moved aggressively to draw up formal articles of impeachment against President Donald Trump on Thursday, with Speaker Nancy Pelosi saying he “leaves us no choice” but to act swiftly because he’s likely to corrupt the system again unless removed before next year’s election. A strictly partisan effort at this point, derided immediately by Trump and other leading Republicans as a sham and a hoax, it is a politically risky undertaking. Democrats say it is their duty, in the aftermath of the Ukraine probe, while Republicans say it will drive Pelosi’s majority from office. Congress must act, Pelosi said. “The democracy is what is at stake.” “The president’s actions have seriously violated the Constitution,” she said in a somber address at the Capitol. “He is trying to corrupt, once again, the election for his own benefit. The president has engaged in abuse of power, undermining our national security and jeopardizing the integrity of our elections.” Trump has insisted he did nothing wrong. He tweeted that the Democrats “have gone crazy.” At the core of the impeachment probe is a July phone call with the president of Ukraine, in which Trump pressed the leader to investigate Democrats, including political rival Joe Biden. At the same time the White

House was withholding military aid from Ukraine, an ally bordering an aggressive Russia. Drafting articles of impeachment is a milestone moment, only the fourth time in U.S. history Congress has tried to remove a president, and it intensifies the rigid and polarizing partisanship of the Trump era that is consuming Washington and dividing the nation. The speaker delivered her historic announcement in solemn tones at the Capitol, drawing on the Constitution and the Founding Fathers in forcefully claiming Congress’ oversight of the president in the nation’s system of checks and balances. Democrats are already beginning to prepare the formal charges, pushing toward House votes, possibly before Christmas. “Sadly, but with confidence and humility, with allegiance to our founders and a heart full of love for America, today I am asking our chairmen to proceed with articles of impeachment,” Pelosi said. Seemingly eager to fight, Trump tweeted that if Democrats “are going to impeach me, do it now, fast.” Though he has fought the House investigation, trying to bar current and former officials from testifying, he said he now wants to move on to a “fair trial” in the Senate. Approval of articles of impeachment is considered likely in the Democratic-majority House. Conviction in a following trial in the Republican-dominated Senate seems

very unlikely. Once reluctant to pursue impeachment, warning it was too divisive for the country and needed to be bipartisan, Pelosi is now leading Congress into politically uncertain terrain for all sides just ahead of the election year. Republican are standing lockstep with Trump, unswayed by arguments that his actions amount to wrongdoing, let alone impeachable offenses. That is leaving Democrats to go it alone in a campaign to consider removing the 45th president from office. Pelosi emphasized the Russia connection, from special counsel Robert Mueller’s probe into 2016 election interference to the president’s phone call this summer with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy that set off alarms in Washington. Russia and President Vladimir Putin benefited most from Trump’s actions toward Ukraine, she said. “All roads lead to Putin. Understand that,” she declared at a news conference. “That was the a-ha moment.” She spoke solemnly and calmly, but that changed when she was asked as she was leaving if she hates Trump. Pelosi stiffened, returned to the podium and responded sharply that the president’s views and politics are for the voters to judge at elections but impeachment “is about the Constitution.” She said that as a Catholic, she does not hate the president but rather is praying for him daily. Trump quickly tweeted back that he didn’t believe her.

Trump asks Supreme Court to void subpoena for his financial records WASHINGTON President Donald Trump asked the Supreme Court on Thursday to void a subpoena from the House of Representatives that seeks the president’s financial records from his accounting firm. The justices already have shielded the documents from being turned over while they consider whether to hear Trump’s

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4 WAYS TO PLACE YOUR AD PHONE IN 580-8400 or toll free 877-580-8400 MAIL IN Classified Connection 500 Market Ave. S. Canton, OH 44702

WALK IN

We are located at the corner of 5th & Market Ave. South across from the downtown post office.

classconnect@cantonrep.com

4130

Special Notices

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York banks also is headed for the Supreme Court, and the justices are likely to prevent the handover of any documents for the time being. The two court cases involving House subpoenas are distinct from the ongoing impeachment inquiry.

7080

Christmas Trees

CHOOSE AND CUT CHRISTMAS TREES.

WILLIAMS TREE FARM, 1926 Battlesburg St. S.W., 330-484-5306

CHRISTMAS TREES at Stocks Draperies 2725 Fulton Dr. NW Canton, Ohio 44718

8050

Commercial Property

Storefront 512 5th St NW, Canton, OH 44703 $475 plus electric only

King Properties (330) 452-5464

8100

Duplex For Rent

7240

8116

7310

8120

7330

5280

HIRING

7010

Antiques/Collectibles

ALL GUNS & FISHING Tackle Wanted rifles, pistols, shotguns, lures rods & reels. Top Dollar Private coll. 330-644-3801 Route 43 Antique Mall Christmas Open House, Everything on Sale! Sat. Dec. 7th. 10am-5pm & Sun. Dec. 8th, Noon-5pm. 8340 Kent Ave., Canton. 330-494-9268

By Matthew Lee The Associated Press

WASHINGTON The Pentagon is considering sending several thousand additional troops to the Middle East to help deter Iranian aggression, amid reports of escalating violence in Iran and continued meddling by Tehran in Iraq, Syria and other parts of the region. John Rood, defense undersecretary for policy, told senators Thursday that Defense Secretary Mark Esper “intends to make changes” to the number of troops deployed in the region. Other officials said options under consideration could send between 5,000 and 7,000 troops to the Middle East, but they all stressed that there have been no final decisions yet. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss internal deliberations. The troop deliberations follow several decisions since spring to beef up the U.S. presence in the Middle East because of a series of maritime attacks and bombings in Saudi Arabia that the U.S. and others

have blamed on Iran. President Donald Trump has approved those increases, even though he also routinely insists that he is pulling U.S. troops out of the Middle East and withdrawing from what he calls “endless wars” against extremists. In October, Trump told his supporters that despite the sacrificing of U.S. lives in Iraq and other parts of the Middle East, the region is less safe and stable today. “The single greatest mistake our country made in its history,” he said, “was going into the quicksand of the Middle East.” Asked about a possible troop increase, Trump told reporters Thursday that, “We’ll announce whether we will or not. Certainly there might be a threat. And if there is a threat, it will be met very strongly. But we will be announcing what we may be doing — may or may not be doing.” Military leaders have argued that the U.S. needs to increase its presence in the region in order to deter Iran from conducting more and broader attacks.

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Reader Notice: This DUPLEX FOR RENT: 2818 Tree Lot Open Daily newspaper will never 4th St. NW, Canton 2BR., Monday-Thursday knowingly accept any 1 BA. upstairs unit. Readvertisement that is ilNoon-9pm cently remodeled. Quiet legal or considered Friday & Saturday neighbors. NO Pets $625 fraudulent. If you have 9am-9pm & mo., water included. questions or doubts Sundays 9am-6pm Contact Jay 330-418-6335 about any ads on these LOT OPENS BLACK pages, we advise that FRIDAY, November 29th before responding or Mass. Clean, 2-BD, sending money ahead of Across from park, $560 time, you check with the Household Goods mo., plus util,. sec. dep., local Attorney General's refer. 330-833-3867 Consumer Fraud Line and/or the Better Busi- Queen sz Sealy mattress. ness Bureau. Also be adClean/excellent cond. Garages For Rent vised that some phone $175. 330-833-5642 numbers published in these ads may require GARAGE. Short term Miscellaneous an extra charge. In all avail. 1 car 10x20. For Sale cases of questionable $89 mo., 330-305-1751. value, such as promises or guaranteed income Attention: Oxygen Users! from work-at-home proGain freedom with a House For Rent grams, money to loan, Portable Oxygen Conetc., if it sounds too centrator! No more good to be true -- it may heavy tanks and refills! ! Jackson Twp ! in fact be exactly that. Guaranteed Lowest Beautiful 3 Br, 2 Bath This newspaper cannot brick ranch. $1375.00 be held responsible for Prices! Call the Oxygen Concentrator Store: mth. Drive by 4575 any negative con844-290-6436 Meadowview Dr NW sequences that occur as a result of you doing # on sign business with these adPets/Supplies vertisers. Thank you. ! Perry Twp ! Classified Connection Beautiful 3Br 3bth Ranch Beautiful Golden ReW/ oversized 3 car attriever Christmas Puptached garage $1400.00 Restaurant Help pies, $500. (330)451-9925 Mth. # on sign. Drive by 1731 Sherwood Dr NW

Line Cook, Busser, and Server at Susannas Dining at 707 South Main St., North Canton. Apply within.

U.S. considers sending several thousand more troops to Mideast

7390

Want To Buy/ Trade

WANTED FREON R12. We pay CASH. R12 R500 R11. Convenient. Certified professionals. Refrigerantfinders.com 312-291-9169

8010

Auctioneers

Dave Kaufman Realtor-Auctionner Sugarcreek, Ohio Phone (330)852-4111 Whipple Auction & Realty 330-477-9365

www.whippleauction.com

Feeling Great Classified

Delivery or or billing billing question: question: Call Call 330-580-8500 330-580-8500 / email circulationcomplaints@indeonline.com Delivery

8150

Lots & Acreage

BRUNER LAND COMPANY, INC. (740)630-6724 or (740)685-8138

www.brunerland.com "Owner Financing Available" All mineral rights reserved.

CARROLL CO: Brown Twp., 82.8 acres, $364,900. Near Carrollton on Lee Rd. N.W.

HARRISON CO:

Archer Twp., 96 acres, open and wooded, $399,900. Hanover Ridge Rd.

MONROE CO:

Perry Twp., 22 acres with nice building, pasture and woods, $249,900. Free gas to home. Mechanicsburg Rd. along the Little Muskingum River.

TUSCARAWAS CO:

Washington Twp., 23.5 acres, $98,900. Off River Hill Rd., on Gilmore Rd. S.E. Left side of road.

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Mortgages/Loans

LENDING OPPORTUNITES ******NOTICE****** Borrow Smart. Contact the Ohio Division of Financial Institutions' Office of Consumer Affairs BEFORE you refinance your home or obtain a 2437 - 9th St NW, Canton. loan. BEWARE of reNewly remodeled 3Br + quests for any large ad3 car gar, A/C, No pets. vance payment of fees $750/mo + dep & utils. or insurance. Call the Office of Consumer Affairs Ref's needed. toll free at 1-866-278330-353-0520 0003 to learn if the mortgage broker or lender is NAVARRE, 2 BR. AC. properly licensed. This Fenced. $700 + utils., notice is a public service dep., 330-418-5121. announcement of The Repository The Massillon Independent and The Turn those unwanted Suburbanite. Dust Collectors into quick cash for your pocket. Classified 330www.cantonrep.com 580-8400, 330-833-2633

1616 Hammond Ave SW, Canton. 3Br, 1Ba, gar, C/A, sec system, $600/mo + utils. No pets, No Sec 8. 330-685-3071

GARAGE

$ALE