1st and Goal: Shedeur Sanders got the start and almost the comeback win

The Browns started Shedeur Sanders at quarterback in place of Deshaun Watson, who was recovering from a recent concussion. Sanders struggled for a large part of the game as did his offense. But then things changed in the fourth quarter as he began to make some big plays. The biggest one was to his receiver KC Concepcion who caught a deep pass and then sprinted across the football field for a 64 yard touchdown.

Photo via Reuters

That score gave the Browns a 13-9 lead with 5:21 remaining in the game. The Cleveland defense wasn’t able to hold the lead though as the Saints scored a touchdown with 58 seconds left. Sanders however, was able to get his offense in position for a game tying 51 yard field goal by Andre Syzmt.

The teams went to overtime. After New Orleans scored a touchdown, Sanders wasn’t done as he found tight end Harold Fannin for a 39 yard touchdown to put the Browns a point behind at 23-22. The Browns then tried to win the game in overtime but the pass from Sanders to Denzal Boston was dropped. 

Photo via Reuters

Sanders finished the game going 19 for 31 and 297 yards and two touchdowns. Is the performance enough to start him in next week’s home game against the Houston Texans? We’ll wait and see what Cleveland coach Todd Monken decides this week. 

2nd and Goal: Browns defense fails in critical moments

For all the good things the Cleveland defense did for a majority of the game, they failed in two key drives by the Saints late in this game. The Browns grabbed the lead 13-9 late in the game. The Saints got another shot at taking the lead with 1:48 and they scored on the Browns in 50 seconds to grab the 16-13 lead with only 58 seconds left.

The Browns offense was able to tie New Orleans though with only 8 seconds left that sent the game into overtime. But again the Cleveland defense couldn’t stop the Saints in that overtime as they scored a touchdown. It forced the Cleveland offense to score their own touchdown. 

When both sides of the ball can get on the same page then the Browns will start winning games again. 

Photo via Reuters

3rd and Goal: Where was the Browns run game?

The answer to that was there wasn’t one. Again, the Cleveland backfield including Quinshon Judkins and Dylan Sampson didn’t do enough to help their team and offense in this game. The offensive line of the Browns is to blame for this problem too. Judkins had 15 carries for 43 yards and Sampson had 10 carries for 28 yards. Sampson contributed a bit more in the pass game as he also caught three passes for 27 yards. 

Until the Browns can establish a run game, the pressure will continue to be on Sanders or Watson to make plays and that’s never a good formula to winning. 

4th and Goal: Penalties, Penalties. Penalties!

Another problem with this Browns team is their poor fundamental play especially with the number of penalties that get called on them. The Browns led the NFL with 82 penalties called on them coming into this game. They added to that with another 10 penalties in this game. 

Photo via Reuters

On the last play of the game, Sanders almost completed the 2 point conversion to wide receiver KC Concepcion. But the play, even if it had been successful, would have been called back because Browns offensive lineman Tytus Howard got called for a holding penalty. It was kind of the appropriate way to end the game and described how the day went for the Browns.

If this Cleveland team would cut down the mistakes, they would be winning more games. A part of this issue also falls on the Browns coaching staff and head coach Todd Monken. This team is very young, but many of these problems are being made by veterans.

Hopefully, Monken and his staff work on addressing this glaring problem of the team. 

The post Browns 1st and Goal Report: Browns fall short to Saints in OT appeared first on NEO Sports Insiders.

The regional playoffs follow bracket format, with the better seeded team serving as the host through the first three rounds of the playoffs. Neutral sites will be used beginning in the Regional Finals on Friday, November 20. Rebracketing will occur for the state semifinals, which will be played on Friday, November 27, with the state championship games then hosted at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton December 3-5.

2026 Playoff Brackets and Information: https://www.ohsaa.org/Sports-Tournaments/Football/Football-2026/2026-OHSAA-Football-Tournament-Coverage

OHSAA football home: https://ohsaa.org/sports/football

Tickets: Tickets for all playoff games will be available on Tuesdays starting at 10 a.m. at www.ohsaa.org/tickets. Details on state championship game tickets are posted at: https://www.ohsaa.org/news-media/ohsaa-announces-football-state-championships-schedule-and-tickets-8

OHSAA Football Regional Semifinal Pairings

Pairings shown with regional seed and record. All games on Friday, November 13, at 7 p.m., unless indicated otherwise.  

Division I

Region 1

No. 5 Hudson (9-3) at No. 1 Lakewood St. Edward (10-1)

No. 7 Canton McKinley (9-3) at No. 3 Mentor (9-2)

Region 2

No. 8 Hilliard Darby (8-4) at No. 4 Huber Heights Wayne (7-4)

No. 3 Perrysburg (10-1) at No. 2 Springfield (9-2)

Region 3

No. 4 Powell Olentangy Liberty (7-4) at No. 1 Gahanna Lincoln (11-0)

No. 6 Pickerington North (9-3) at No. 2 Upper Arlington (9-2)

Region 4

No. 4 Cincinnati Archbishop Moeller (8-3) at No. 1 Cincinnati Princeton (11-0)

No. 6 Cincinnati St. Xavier (7-5) at No. 2 Cincinnati Elder (9-2)

Division II

Region 5

No. 4 Mayfield (11-0) at No. 1 Medina Highland (10-1)

No. 3 Macedonia Nordonia (10-1) at No. 2 Cuyahoga Falls Walsh Jesuit (8-2)

Region 6

No. 4 Oregon Clay (9-2) at No. 1 Toledo Central Catholic (9-2)

No. 3 Avon (9-2) at No. 2 Olmsted Falls (9-2)

Region 7

No. 4 New Albany (9-2) at No. 1 Columbus Bishop Watterson (10-0)

No. 3 Massillon Washington (10-1) at No. 2 Sunbury Big Walnut (11-0)

Region 8

No. 5 Troy (10-2) at No. 1 Cincinnati Anderson (10-1)

No. 3 Trotwood-Madison (8-2) at No. 2 Harrison (9-2)

Division III

Region 9

No. 12 Hunting Valley University School (7-4) at No. 8 Youngstown Ursuline (8-4)

No. 3 Garfield Heights (9-2) at No. 2 Chardon Notre Dame-Cathedral Latin (10-1)

Region 10

No. 4 Wapakoneta (8-3) at No. 1 Celina (10-1)

No. 6 St. Marys Memorial (9-3) at No. 2 Ontario (10-1)

Region 11

No. 5 Dover (10-2) at No. 1 Steubenville (9-2)

No. 3 Columbus East (10-1) at No. 2 Newark Licking Valley (11-0)

Region 12

No. 5 Washington Court House Miami Trace (11-1) at No. 1 Bellbrook (11-0)

No. 3 Cincinnati Archbishop McNicholas (9-2) at No. 2 Tipp City Tippecanoe (10-1)

Division IV

Region 13

No. 5 Chesterland West Geauga (10-2) at No. 1 Streetsboro (9-2)

No. 3 Beloit West Branch (10-1) at No. 2 Rocky River (11-0)

Region 14

No. 4 Bellville Clear Fork (9-2) at No. 1 Ottawa-Glandorf (11-0)

No. 3 Sandusky Perkins (11-0) at No. 2 Shelby (11-0)

Region 15

No. 5 Uhrichsville Claymont (11-1) at No. 1 Gnadenhutten Indian Valley (10-0)

No. 3 Millersburg West Holmes (9-2) at No. 2 New Lexington (10-1)

Region 16

No. 9 Springfield Kenton Ridge (10-2) at No. 5 Urbana (9-3)

No. 3 Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy (10-1) at No. 2 London (9-2)

Division V

Region 17

No. 4 Garrettsville Garfield (11-0) at No. 1 Perry (11-0)

No. 3 Girard (11-0) at No. 2 Barnesville (11-0)

Region 18

No. 4 Archbold (10-1) at No. 1 LaGrange Keystone (10-0)

No. 10 Coldwater (8-4) at No. 3 Pemberville Eastwood (10-1)

Region 19

No. 5 Wheelersburg (9-3) at No. 1 Ironton (10-1)

No. 3 Gahanna Columbus Academy (8-3) at No. 2 Beverly Fort Frye (10-1)

Region 20

No. 4 Waynesville (9-2) at No. 1 St. Paris Graham Local (10-1)

No. 6 Middletown Bishop Fenwick (7-5) at No. 2 Williamsburg (10-1)

Division VI

Region 21

No. 4 Jeromesville Hillsdale (10-1) at No. 1 Kirtland (10-1)

No. 6 Hanoverton United (10-1) at No. 2 Canfield South Range (10-1)

Region 22

No. 4 Columbus Grove (10-1) at No. 1 Liberty Center (11-0)

No. 11 Delta (9-3) at No. 7 Carey (8-4)

Region 23

No. 4 Woodsfield Monroe Central (8-3) at No. 1 Hannibal River (11-0)

No. 7 Sugarcreek Garaway (9-3) at No. 6 Waterford (9-2)

Region 24

No. 12 Versailles (8-4) at No. 9 St. Henry (9-3)

No. 6 Mechanicsburg (10-2) at No. 2 Cincinnati Deer Park (10-1)

Division VII

Region 25

No. 4 New Middletown Springfield (8-3) at No. 1 McDonald (10-1)

No. 3 Mogadore (9-2) at No. 2 Cuyahoga Heights (10-1)

Region 26

No. 5 Sycamore Mohawk (11-1) at No. 1 Leipsic (11-0)

No. 3 McComb (10-1) at No. 2 Bascom Hopewell-Loudon (11-0)

Region 27

No. 5 Shadyside (10-2) at No. 1 Willow Wood Symmes Valley (11-0)

No. 3 Toronto (10-1) at No. 2 Danville (11-0)

Region 28

No. 4 Minster (8-3) at No. 1 Maria Stein Marion Local (11-0)

No. 7 New Bremen (7-5) at No. 3 DeGraff Riverside (9-2)

OHSAA Official Press Release

The post OHSAA Football Regional Semifinal Pairings appeared first on NEO Sports Insiders.

There was a time when these schools ALWAYS scheduled each other prior to conference play. But conference affiliations had changed things over the past 20 years. But regular season matchups are back in vogue! Here is a quick review of the past few days.

Dayton Flyers

The University of Dayton is seemingly stuck in neutral the past few seasons. Last night, the Flyers lost in overtime to Northern Illinois, 81-76. Senior guard David Douglas, Jr. dropped 27 for the Huskies. Dayton clawed back from a halftime deficit of 40-29, only to see NIU’s Max Weisbrod hit a triple with 13 seconds left to send it to OT. The Flyers were led by super frosh Aiden Derkack, who dropped 20 again for the second time in this young season. The 6’6” guard had some help from Landen Joseph, UD’s sophomore guard, who contributed 19.

The Flyers were 2 of 17 from behind the arc, with Joseph netting both. This is NOT a good loss for Dayton, since NIU had lost to Grambling and Tulsa before this win.

Dayton has Sienna at the UD Arena on Tuesday night.

University of Cincinnati

University of Cincinnati didn’t play Saturday, but their Thursday night win over Green Bay saw Senior Myles Colvin light up the scoreboard at Fifth Third Arena dropping 31 points for the Bearcats in their 81-64 romp. Cincy plays Minnesota Monday evening then heads up I-75 for a date with the Flyers on Saturday, November 14. UC recorded 21 steals that led to 23 fastbreak points Thursday night. Cincinnati was 10 of 31 from triple territory, with Myles hitting seven.

Xavier University

Xavier played Friday night at the Cintas Center and cruised to a win over Eastern Michigan, 76-53. Senior guard Chance Westry led all scorers with 13 points in 21 minutes of action. This is Chance’s fourth team in four years, with stints at Auburn, Syracuse, UAB and now Xavier. Richard Pitino’s Musketeers are an interesting team to watch this year. In his second year in Cincinnati, Pitino could be primed to lead his team in the brutal Big East conference this year.

Ohio State

Ohio State needed a second half surge to defeat Youngstown State Friday night, 89-65. Junior point guard John Mobley Jr. netted 25 points on 7 of 9 shooting. It wasn’t until a 2nd half push  by teammates Andrija Jelavic and Amare Bynum that saw the Buckeyes take control of the contest. OSU will host Marshall Monday at the Schottenstein Center. But they don’t want to look too far ahead. Friday, Ohio State heads to UConn to play the #2 ranked team in the country!

Miami University

Finally we look at the team that hasn’t lost a regular season game in 617 days, Miami University. The Redhawks jumped out to a 36-31 lead and hung on to defeat a tough Bellarmine squad, 80-73. Miami had five score in double figures as coach Travis Steele used the game to get more game time for his bench. With two wins so far, Miami continues its stretch of being undefeated during the regular season. But with two Missouri Valley Conference foes back to back this next week or so in Evansville and UIC, that streak is in jeopardy.

So football might be on the wane, but basketball is heating up!

Stay tuned for Ohio University, Toledo, Kent, Akron and a host of others!

The post Men’s Basketball Division 1 Heating Up For Ohio Schools! appeared first on NEO Sports Insiders.

This was not a quiet finish from Mitchell. He made five 3-pointers and went 13-for-22 from the floor, providing the kind of shot-making that can turn a fading night into a fight. But his production stood apart no other Cavalier scored more than 12 points. Cleveland had a star carrying the offense, not an offense sharing the load.

Photo by Doug Tayek

The game slipped away in the middle

The Cavs led 27–26 after the opening quarter, then scored 26 in the second and just 17 in the third while New York posted 37 and 25. By the time Cleveland found its fourth-quarter scoring punch, it was playing catch-up against a team that had already seized control.

Jalen Brunson supplied the pivotal burst, scoring 18 consecutive Knicks points in the second quarter. For Cleveland, that stretch exposed the central problem: there was no sustained answer when New York’s lead guard took over.

Too little help, too many missed chances

Photo by Doug Tayek

Evan Mobley finished with 12 points, nine rebounds and five assists, while Peyton Watson added 12 points. James Harden, however, managed seven points on 2-for-9 shooting. The Cavs hit 16 of 50 attempts from beyond the arc and only 11 of 19 free throws — missed opportunities that Mitchell’s late surge could not erase.

Cleveland also lost the rebounding battle, 49–40, with New York collecting 16 offensive boards. Karl-Anthony Towns finished with 29 points and 13 rebounds, giving the Knicks another source of production while the Cavs searched for one alongside Mitchell.

The absences mattered: Jarrett Allen, Jaylon Tyson and Sam Merrill were unavailable because of knee, ankle and elbow injuries, respectively. That is important context for Cleveland’s depleted rotation, though it does not make the result any easier to swallow.

The Cavaliers leave the night at 5–5 and head to Charlotte on Monday. Saturday’s takeaway is less about whether Mitchell can ignite a comeback than whether Cleveland can build enough around him to avoid needing one. His fireworks made the finish worth watching. The Cavs need a steadier game before the finale.

Three Cavs takeaways

• Mitchell needs more scoring help. His 37 points kept Cleveland competitive, but no teammate scored more than 12. A more balanced attack would ease that burden.
• The middle quarters need fixing. Cleveland scored just 17 points in the third after allowing 37 in the second. The Cavs cannot rely on a late surge to repair those stretches.
• Clean up the controllables. An 11-for-19 night at the foul line and 16 offensive rebounds allowed gave Cleveland little margin for error. Converting free throws and finishing defensive possessions are clear priorities.

Photo by Doug Tayek

For Cleveland, the challenge now is to turn urgency into consistency. Mitchell supplied the lift, but the Cavs need more than a furious finish: they need an offense that shares the burden and a defense that finishes possessions. The response to this loss will not be measured by how spectacular the next comeback looks. It will be measured by whether they can avoid falling behind in the first place.

The post Mitchell brings the spark, but Cavs run out of answers against Knicks appeared first on NEO Sports Insiders.

That’s exactly why the I.C.Change Basketball Showcase was created.

Known as “The Big Showcase for the Small Schools,” the event focuses on providing exposure and opportunities to student-athletes interested in playing at the NCAA Division III, NAIA, USCAA, NCCAA and junior college levels.

Hill was certainly capable of playing college basketball, and his senior season proved it.

After graduating from Cleveland Heights High School in 2022, Hill had earned First Team All-Conference honors, was named Team MVP and team captain, and helped lead his team to a district championship.

A proud Northeast Ohio native, Hill has always had a love for the area and a passion for helping others in his community. After receiving several opportunities to continue his education and basketball career, the 6-foot-2 guard ultimately decided that Division III Hiram College was the right fit.

Photo via Ian Cunningham

The Terriers provided an opportunity for Hill to make an immediate impact, and he didn’t waste much time.

Hill scored 15 points in just his second collegiate game against Baldwin Wallace. During his sophomore season, he appeared in 23 games, averaged 5.3 points per game and finished second on the team in three-point field goals made with 22. He also recorded 17 steals.

Unfortunately, an injury kept Hill off the court during his junior season.

He responded by returning for his senior campaign, appearing in 25 games with three starts. Hill averaged 6.3 points per game and scored in double figures seven times, including a season-high 17-point performance against Allegheny on February 21.

Now, Hill is entering his fifth year at Hiram College as a graduate student, preparing for another opportunity to compete in the game he loves.

Photo via Ian Cunningham

Leadership Beyond the Basketball Court

Head Coach Pierce Cumpstone, entering his third season leading the Terriers, has high expectations for his veteran guard. Cumpstone previously served as an assistant coach with the program from 2022–2024 after completing a five-year professional playing career in Europe.

With a challenging schedule ahead in the competitive Presidents’ Athletic Conference, Hill’s experience, leadership and accountability will be important pieces for Hiram.

But Coach Cumpstone and his staff understand that building a successful basketball program means developing young men beyond the game. Their commitment to making an impact in the community reflects that philosophy.

For Hill, that message hits close to home.

A double major in Sport Management and Entrepreneurship, he is already thinking about life after basketball. He understands that his education and the relationships he builds along the way will be just as important as anything he accomplishes on the court.

And what Hill has chosen to do outside the classroom is something that deserves recognition.

Bigger Than Sports: Making an Impact on the Next Generation

Hill has made giving back a priority. He has taken time out of his busy schedule as a college student-athlete to visit juveniles at multiple county detention centers, including the Portage County and Cuyahoga County Juvenile Detention Centers.

During these visits, Hill spends quality time talking with residents, sharing his experiences and, of course, playing basketball with them.

These visits aren’t about recognition, statistics or personal accomplishments. They’re about connecting with young people who may need someone to believe in them.

Photo via Ian Cunningham

For a college athlete, making time for these visits is a tremendous commitment. But for Hill, it’s something he takes seriously.

When asked about his motivation, Hill explained that if he can make an impact on young people in the area and change even one life, that alone is enough reason to continue visiting and spending time with them.

Hill understands the power of sports because basketball played a significant role in his own life. He believes the game helped keep him in school and out of trouble.

Now, he wants young people facing difficult circumstances to understand that college can be an opportunity to change the direction of their lives.

He hopes that by sharing his journey, he can become the bridge that helps someone else see what’s possible.

That’s what mentorship is about. It’s about showing up, building relationships and allowing young people to see examples of what their futures could look like.

We need more people willing to give back through sports, mentorship and community involvement. Sometimes, a few hours of someone’s time can make a difference that lasts a lifetime.

The Journey Is Just Beginning

Hill recently opened his final season with the Terriers, scoring 11 points in a tough road loss.

While the final chapter of his collegiate basketball career is approaching, his impact on the community is only beginning.

Basketball has given Dushawn Hill opportunities, friendships, an education and experiences that will last well beyond his playing days.

But perhaps one of his greatest contributions will have nothing to do with the points he scores or the games he wins.

Photo via Ian Cunningham

It will be the young person who remembers that a college basketball player took the time to visit, listen, share his story and show them that there is more waiting for them beyond their current circumstances.

As Hill continues his journey, one thing is clear: It’s always bigger than the game.

Life is what keeps him going, and his journey has only just begun.

BIGGER THAN SPORTS.

X: @iancle1
Instagram: @icchangeshowcase

Follow Dushawn Hill

X: @isoduj
Instagram: @duj_hill

The post Dushawn Hill: Bigger Than Basketball – A Journey of Opportunity, Leadership and Giving Back appeared first on NEO Sports Insiders.

That contrast defined James’ return in a Philadelphia uniform. Donovan Mitchell delivered 23 points, seven rebounds and eight assists. Evan Mobley added 22 points as the Cavaliers defeated the 76ers 119–95.

Mitchell helped Cleveland seize the initiative with an early finish assisted by James Harden, followed by a pair of scores off Mobley passes. His influence went beyond leading the scoring…he also added two steals and a block. That sequence captured the Cavaliers’ best basketball defense feeding movement, with Mitchell ready to turn an opening into points.

Photo by Doug Tayek

With Allen unavailable, Mobley anchored Cleveland at both ends. On offense, he made eight of 13 shots, including three of four from deep, and recorded four assists without committing a turnover. His passes added to his impact beyond scoring. He also collected six rebounds, a steal and a block, turning away Embiid in the first quarter.

The basketball had a homecoming backdrop. James drew cheers during introductions in his first Cleveland appearance since joining Philadelphia in the offseason. Once play began, affection had its limits… scattered boos accompanied his touches during the first half. The city could salute its championship hero without rooting for his new team.

LeBron’s intro as he returns to Cleveland for the first time as a Philadelphia 76er. credit @dougtayek #LetEmKnow https://t.co/2Wzpulp8Q4

— NEO Sports Insiders (@NEOSportsInside) November 7, 2026

The warmth stopped at the court. James scored eight points on three-of-12 shooting and missed all four attempts from beyond the arc. He played 31 minutes and exited with 3:54 remaining. The game was firmly in Cleveland’s hands.

The Cavaliers set the pace early, finishing the first quarter ahead 33–22. A Mobley alley-oop helped push the lead to 46–30 three minutes into the second period. Philadelphia reached halftime trailing 62–54, but Cleveland answered with a 29–20 third quarter and kept the game on its terms.

Without Jarrett Allen, sidelined by a bruised right knee, Cleveland still controlled the rebounding battle. Mario Hezonja supplied 15 points and 10 rebounds off the bench, while Peyton Watson collected nine boards after missing two games with right hamstring tightness. James Harden added 17 points.

Photo by Doug Tayek

Cleveland’s advantage was not one player’s production, but the number of players finding ways to matter. Watson supplied 13 points and two assists, giving Cleveland more than rebounding on his return. Alongside his 17 points, Harden made three of seven three-pointers and contributed six rebounds and three assists. Deeper in the rotation, Meleek Thomas scored 12 points, Thomas Bryant added 13 points and six rebounds, and Tyrese Proctor grabbed four offensive rebounds while collecting two steals.

Photo by Doug Tayek

Philadelphia’s offense offered few answers. The Sixers shot 36.5 percent from the field and made only 10 of 40 three-point attempts. Joel Embiid missed all nine of his field-goal attempts, getting his six points entirely at the foul line. Jaylen Brown led Philadelphia with 20 points, followed by VJ Edgecombe with 19 and Tyrese Maxey with 17.

For Cleveland, the win interrupted a stretch of consecutive losses to Oklahoma City and lifted its record to 5–4. Philadelphia slipped to 8–2. The Cavaliers host New York on Saturday; the Sixers visit Chicago on Sunday.

James’ place in Cleveland history needs no defense. His two stints included the franchise’s 2016 championship. Friday belonged to Mitchell’s orchestration, Mobley’s finishing and the supporting players’ less glamorous work. The Cavaliers honored the past at introductions, then gave the crowd a reason to celebrate the present.

The post Cleveland welcomes LeBron James back, then takes command in a 119–95 win over Philadelphia appeared first on NEO Sports Insiders.

COLUMBUS, Ohio – The Eighth District Court of Appeals issued a decision Thursday that allows the Ohio High School Athletic Association to sanction Cleveland Metropolitan School District and Glenville High School.

As a result, the OHSAA is able to enforce its Oct. 29 decision to remove Glenville from the playoffs. Hunting Valley University School will advance to play a Division III regional quarterfinal game at Salem Friday night.

“The OHSAA and our member schools are committed to the integrity and fairness of our tournaments,” said Doug Ute, OHSAA Executive Director. “While it is a difficult decision to remove students from a tournament, all member schools must abide by the rules and regulations that they have voted into place and that the OHSAA works to enforce.”

The decision Thursday reinforces the trial court’s decision Tuesday; “The Court … is not asked, nor permitted, to determine who is entitled to play in the Playoffs. It is beyond the scope of this Court’s authority to order that one team be entered into the Playoffs over another, or that one team advance in the Playoffs over another.”

The OHSAA will continue to work with Cleveland Metropolitan School District regarding the participation opportunities for non-enrolled students within their district.

Official OHSAA Press Release

The post Court of Appeals Issues Decision to Preserve OHSAA’s Ruling appeared first on NEO Sports Insiders.

The OHSAA agrees with the court’s conclusion within the order:

“The Court emphasizes that it is not asked, nor permitted, to determine who is entitled to play in the Playoffs. It is beyond the scope of this Court’s authority to order that one team be entered into the Playoffs over another, or that one team advance in the Playoffs over another.”

The court order included additional findings that the OHSAA will challenge in appellate court in Cleveland Wednesday morning. More information regarding Salem’s playoff opponent this Friday will be released Wednesday. The OHSAA has stayed in communication with Salem and appreciates the school’s cooperation and patience.

The OHSAA also has released additional information regarding the case against the Glenville football team, including:

–         The lawsuit last Friday was brought by two student-athletes from Glenville. The lawsuit was not brought by Cleveland Metropolitan School District or Glenville High School. It was brought by two student-athletes.

–         Since the middle of last week, Glenville and Cleveland Metro has submitted conflicting residential documentation of numerous student-athletes on the Glenville football team.

–         Of note, 63 of the 64 student-athletes on the Glenville football roster this season do not attend Glenville High School and Cleveland Metro has not successfully proven that many of those student-athletes should have been participating at Glenville.

–         Cleveland Metro and Glenville have not met the participation regulations and expectations that were set in 2007 when Ginn Academy opened. Glenville was removed from the football playoffs in 2018 for violations of these and OHSAA regulations. The lack of administrative control by Cleveland Metro and Glenville will result in additional penalties and do not meet the expectations of the other 812 member schools of the OHSAA.

The OHSAA removed Glenville from the football playoffs on Thursday, Oct. 29. A court order temporarily halted the OHSAA’s ruling pending a hearing Monday, which continued today. The OHSAA first requested student residential information from Cleveland Metropolitan School District on September 28. The OHSAA received an initial batch of information from CMSD on Oct. 22. On Thursday (Oct. 29) in a meeting with Glenville, the school did not object to the findings of the OHSAA audit.

OHSAA Official Press Release

The post Court Not Asked or Permitted to Determine Who is Entitled to Play in OHSAA Playoffs appeared first on NEO Sports Insiders.

The cruelest part wasn’t the shot Shai Gilgeous-Alexander made. It was the one he missed.

In the final minute Monday night, Cleveland had the beginning of the defensive possession it needed: an unsuccessful attempt from Oklahoma City’s star. Then the Cavaliers fumbled the rebound out of bounds. The stop was still sitting there, unfinished. Gilgeous-Alexander got another chance.

With 32.6 seconds remaining, he buried the go-ahead three. Sam Merrill missed Cleveland’s answering attempt from the corner, and Ajay Mitchell’s two free throws with 15.4 seconds left finished a 117–112 Thunder victory.

That is the difference between making a scorer miss and actually stopping him. One is a promising development. The other requires taking the ball home.

Photo by Doug Tayek

The bill came due at the line

Gilgeous-Alexander scored 43 points, but this wasn’t some frictionless shooting exhibition. He needed 35 field-goal attempts and made 14. Cleveland did force misses. What it couldn’t do was make those misses expensive enough. He finished with eight assists, four made threes and an 11-for-12 night at the foul line.

The Cavaliers went 14-for-24 at that same line. Oklahoma City went 21-for-23. No elaborate defensive coverage is necessary when you’re standing alone, holding the ball, waiting for permission to shoot. Cleveland still left points there.

The rebounding ledger was just as unforgiving: 54–46 to Oklahoma City, with Isaiah Hartenstein collecting 14 boards, including seven offensive rebounds. His five points barely register beside Shai’s total. His work mattered because a possession doesn’t care which player keeps it alive.

A comeback is not a closing argument

There was plenty here that Cleveland could reasonably like. Down 59–48 at halftime and 69–55 early in the third, the Cavaliers hit nine of 17 threes in the third quarter to work their way back. The fourth quarter became a revolving door: eight ties, eight lead changes, neither team willing to disappear.

Photo by Doug Tayek

Donovan Mitchell produced 17 points and 11 assists. Meleek Thomas, making his first NBA start, matched those 17 points. Evan Mobley added 16 points, seven rebounds and four assists; Jarrett Allen and James Harden scored 14 apiece. Mario Hezonja supplied 12 points and eight rebounds, while Tyrese Proctor scored 10 off the bench.

That is real distribution, not an empty claim about everybody contributing. Cleveland recorded 31 assists and made 18 threes. The offense had enough cooperation to produce a win. It did not produce the win.

Photo by Doug Tayek

At 3:21 remaining, Mitchell found a cutting Mobley for a basket that put Cleveland ahead 108–105. The comeback had gone beyond making the score respectable; the Cavaliers had a lead to protect.

Oklahoma City had Ajay Mitchell, who finished with 20 points and a perfect six-for-six free-throw line, and Gilgeous-Alexander, who kept accepting the responsibility of the next shot. Cleveland had useful performances spread across the roster. The Thunder had the decisive one.

There is a temptation to reduce the whole night to the familiar explanation: great player makes great shot. Fair enough. But that explanation lets Cleveland off too easily. The Cavaliers gave that great player a second opportunity in the final minute, after forcing the miss they needed.

The teams meet again Wednesday in Oklahoma City. Cleveland won’t have to wait long for another chance.

The assignment isn’t to stage a better comeback. It’s to finish the possession that makes a comeback count.

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The Cleveland Browns are leading the AFC North Division as they head into their Week 8 matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Cleveland already beat Pittsburgh in a Week 4 game. The team has actually split their season series the last three years against the Steelers. While Pittsburgh holds a 83-66-1 series record dating back to 1950, the tide could be turning.

A part of that recent history in the series that needs to be broken by the Browns is a 22 game losing streak in Pittsburgh. They did beat the Steelers in Pittsburgh in a big playoff game back in the 2020 season but the Browns still haven’t won a regular season game against their rival since 2003.

Photo via Reuters

2nd and Goal:” Cleveland’s young talent making a difference this season

The Browns have benefited this season from several newly drafted players over the past two years. The team drafted two wide receivers this year in KC Concepcion and Denzel Boston. While Boston started the season with a bang catching several big passes from quarterback Deshaun Watson, Concepcion has come on strong over the last few games.

In last week’s win against the Tennessee Titans Concepcion caught eight passes for 129 yards just in the first half alone. 

Then there’s tight end Harold Fannin drafted last year who continues to make a big impact on the team. Last week, Fannin caught a pass that he turned into a 36 yard gain that set the Browns up for the game winning field goal.

Both second year running backs Quinshon Judkins and Dylan Sampson also turned up the heat in their last game. Judkins carried the ball for 96 yards and had two touchdown runs while Sampson also had a few good runs and caught a few screen passes that he took for big yardage.

We can’t leave out the young talent on defense as well. Linebacker Carson Schwesinger in only his second season has been dynamite. He already has 64 combined tackles on the season, forced two fumbles, and recorded a sack. He’s been everywhere on the field. 

Then there’s newly drafted safety Emmanuel McNeil Warren who’s been playing a lot more over the last few games. He’s recorded 27 tackles, including two for losses and defended three passes.

3rd and Goal: Deshaun Watson’s 4th quarter comebacks worth noting 

Photo via Reuters

Deshaun Watson has been making it a habit this season of leading the Browns offense on late game comebacks. The Browns now have three of them this season and Watson has led game winning drives in each of Cleveland’s wins. 

Considering where the Browns fan base was mentally going into this season with their love or hate for the highly polarizing quarterback, it’s been a strange time in Browns fandom history.

While fans are happy to see the Browns win, not many saw Watson being one of the main reasons the team is winning.

We’ll have to see how things continue this season. Can Watson continue these late game heroics? For the season Watson is playing his best ball as a member of the Browns. After four up and down seasons with the team he seems to have found his stride. 

He’s already passed for 1,482 yards which is the most in his Browns career and he’s only played through Week 7. His 64.8 completion percentage is his best as well. He also is averaging 211 yards a game, his best average as a Brown. 

In addition he’s run the ball 48 times for 215 yards which is the most he’s had as a Brown. During Watson’s 2018 season as a member of the Houston Texans, he carried the ball 99 times for 551 yards and five touchdowns. So, Watson is using his legs much more already this season and that dual threat ability is making it more difficult for opposing defenses to defend. 

Photo via Reuters

4th and Goal: Browns vs. Steelers prediction

I’ve been wavering all week on this prediction. The 22 game losing streak on the road by the Browns is hard to ignore but I also see a very young and talented team coming into their own especially in the mental part of the game and their belief in themselves.

Often times, sports comes down to the mental side of things especially the NFL when the talent level is very even. 

I think it’s important in this matchup with the Steelers that the Browns score some points early. I don’t think they can go down 14-0 like they have the last two games and expect to win like they have in the past.

I’m going to trust these young and talented Browns players in this battle and give Cleveland the win. They will break that 22 game losing streak! 

Game prediction

Browns 23

Steelers 20

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