area

area

Fitch’s Gibbs commits to YSU

AUSTINTOWN — Fitch senior Sylvestry Gibbs verbally committed to play football at Youngstown State on Tuesday.

Gibbs (6-0, 189) was a first team All-Federal League selection at defensive back and a second-team selection his junior year.

“YSU was one of the first schools to offer me and they made me feel like I was at home,” said Gibbs, who took his official visit last weekend. “They basically made me feel wanted and not just necessarily needed.”

The three-year letterman and two-way starter had 50 tackles (30 solo) and an interception on defense. He also carried the ball 139 times for 843 yards and 11 TDs and caught seven passes for 41 yards and a TD. He’s leaning toward a major in sports psychology and will likely play safety for the Penguins.

“When I went on my visit and met the players, it felt like I was already part of the team,” he said. “I made the decision to stay home, stay local and be a part of the Penguins.”

Howland basketball

HOWLAND — Tickets are now on sale at the Howland High School Activities Office for two upcoming basketball games at the Chevrolet Centre.

Howland girls meet Canfield on Jan. 28 and the Tiger boys take on Beaver Local on Jan. 30.

The office is open Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. until 3 p.m.

Tickets available

NILES — Tickets are now on sale at the Niles High School Athletic Office for an upcoming basketball game at the Chevrolet Centre.

The Niles boys meet Poland on Jan. 30 at 7:45 p.m.

The office is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. until 3:30 p.m.

Makeup scheduled

SALEM — In a makeup game, the Girard boys basketball team will play at Salem on Jan. 27.

The junior varsity game starts at 6 p.m.

Couto to speak

BELOIT — Jeff Couto, a teacher and coach at Louisville High School, will speak at the West Branch High School Fellowship of Christian Athletes on Jan. 26 at 7 p.m.

The FCA meets at West Branch the fourth Monday of every month at 7 p.m.

Shkreli scores four

ANN ARBOR, Mich. — Mahoning Valley Phantoms forward Nick Shkreli scored four points Monday during a game at the North American Hockey League’s second annual Top Prospects Tournament.

Shkreli, a late addition to the North Division roster, scored four and was named first star of the game as the North rallied past Team Central for a 5-2 win.

He’s one of six Phantoms participating in the event.

Jordy Trottier, Skreli’s linemate, tallied two goals and an assist.

Phantoms captain Johnny Meo added an assist while assistant captain Carl Nielsen finished with a plus-one rating.

Correction

Ryan Demyen collected the game-tying goal that forced the overtime in Monday’s Ursuline/Mooney’s 4-3 win over Canfield.

Demyen also assisted on the winning goal.

Another player was credited with the hockey highlight in Tuesday’s paper.

nation

Television adjustment

NEW YORK — Major League Soccer and ESPN are moving games from a regular Thursday night time slot to different days of the week in hopes of boosting ratings.

The average audience on ESPN2 decreased 12 percent from 288,800 viewers in 2007 to 253,000 in 2008.

The league and network are entering the third year of an eight-year contract.

The shift is expected to result in better lead-in programming, which would mean more people are already tuned into ESPN2 when the games start.

On Thursday nights, taped shows often aired before MLS matches; the mix of nights will mean the games more often will follow live events, which generally draw higher ratings.

Ross becomes Miami majority owner

MIAMI — New Miami Dolphins majority owner Stephen Ross won’t mess with success: He says Bill Parcells will remain in charge of the football operation.

Ross, a New York real estate billionaire, completed his purchase of 95 percent of the franchise for $1 billion Tuesday, with Wayne Huizenga retaining a 5 percent interest.

Ross then addressed the subject of Parcells’ status. The sale triggered a clause in Parcells’ contract allowing him to leave and still receive the $9-12 million remaining on the four-year contract he signed a year ago.

Sailing victory

KEY WEST, Fla. — Italian businessman Vincenzo Onorato raced Mascalzone Latino to a win and a second-place finish Tuesday at the Acura Key West sailing regatta.

After the two Farr-40 class races, Onorato’s team has a solid six-point lead over defending champion Barking Mad, skippered by James Richardson of Newport, R.I.

Vindicator staff/wire report