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Poland tops Liberty

POLAND — Junior David Baker had 10 points, nine rebounds and three steals to lead the Poland High boys basketball team to an 81-55 victory over visiting Liberty on Tuesday.

Niko Fatimos had 19 points for the Bulldogs (5-1), who took a 50-31 halftime lead. Luke Wollet added 10 points, six assists and three steals, Ben Donlow had 10 points and three steals and Andy Bartos scored 10 points.

Liberty (2-4) was led by Anthony Cleveland, who scored 18 points. Teshawn Letlow added 12.

Christina Seara rolls 942 to win

YOUNGSTOWN — Christina Seara had a total pinfall of 942 to win the 2008 BVL Singles “Bowl Where You Are” Tournament.

The “Bowl Where You Are” event was held at area lanes during league play.

Karen Simmons was runnerup with 791, followed by Theresa Lenhart (786), Esther McCain (779) and June McFate (775).

Senior singles event slated Jan. 3 & 4

YOUNGSTOWN — The 11th Annual Youngstown Senior Singles Championship will be Jan. 3 & 4 at Amron Lanes and Boardman Lanes.

The event, sponsored by the Youngstown Senior tournament committee, is open to all male USBC-sanctioned bowlers age 55 & over.

Age divisions are: Super Senior (75 & over), A (70 to 74), B (65 to 69), C (60 to 64) and D (55 to 59).

Saturday’s bowling is at Amron and Sunday’s will be at Boardman. Starting time both days is 1 p.m.

Entry fee is $30.

Contact Ted Bundy at (330) 770-8161 or via e-mail at tbundy1234@neo.rr.com. Entries are at the local alleys.

Strike Out Cancer

YOUNGSTOWN — The Youngstown-Salem USBC Women’s Bowling Association will hold its seventh annual “Strike Out Cancer” benefit bowling tournament in February.

The tournament will be a 9-pin, no-tap scotch doubles event at Bell-Wick Bowl, Feb. 6-8.

Businesses may sponsor a lane for $100, donate a prize item for a silent auction or actively participate by entering a team.

Money raised will be donated to several local cancer care charities.

Cost is $20 per couple (two women, two men, mixed couples, Jr.-Adult).

Reservations are preferred. To pre-register or to arrange for donated item pick-up, call (330) 792-5444.

Ski trip

CORTLAND — The Good Times Ski Club of Trumbull County will sponsor its third annual “Learn to Ski/Snowboard” day at Cockaigne Resort in New York State on Jan. 3.

Cost is $60 for members and $70 for non-members.

Participants will receive bus transportation to and from Cockaigne, a lift ticket and a lesson for beginners and beyond.

For details, call Lynn at (330) 638-1920.

REGION

Gradkowski likely to start for Browns

BEREA — Bruce Gradkowski is likely to start at quarterback for the Cleveland Browns in Sunday’s season finale after Ken Dorsey did not practice Wednesday. Dorsey is “very questionable” for the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Dorsey sustained a rib injury and mild concussion in Sunday’s 14-0 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals.

Gradkowski started 11 games for Tampa Bay in 2006. He was signed Dec. 2 by the Browns as an emergency pickup after quarterbacks Brady Quinn and Derek Anderson suffered season-ending injuries. If he does start, Gradkowski will become the 13th QB to play for the Browns since 1999.

Gradkowski grew up in the Pittsburgh area.

NATION

Cowboys QB Romo misses practice

IRVING, Texas — Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo missed practice Wednesday because he was ill, an absence that comes days before a game Dallas must win to make the playoffs.

The Cowboys (9-6) play at Philadelphia on Sunday. They’re guaranteed of getting an NFC wild card with a victory.

Romo has been limited by a back injury and earlier this season missed three games with a broken pinkie on his throwing hand. He said Tuesday he would be ready to play.

“It’s December,” he said. “Everybody plays with different things. It’s part of the game.”

Jets QB Favre mum on future

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — Brett Favre insists he hasn’t decided whether he’ll return to the New York Jets next season, but says the health of his right arm could be a factor.

The 39-year-old quarterback has struggled for several weeks, with one touchdown and six interceptions. Favre’s arm strength doesn’t appear to be what it was earlier this season.

Vindicator staff/wire reports