Ex-West Branch coach Laut in Hall of Fame

July 16, 2013 at 12:00a.m.

Former West Branch head coach Jim Laut has been named to the Ohio High School Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame for the Class of 2014. He will be inducted at the association’s banquet in June.

Laut retired from West Branch in 2003 after 38 years and a career record of 216-108-8. His record included a 28-11 victory over Clyde in 1994 to win the Division III state championship and complete a 14-0 season. Laut also was a football head coach at Massillon Jackson.

Other coaches to be inducted are John Downey of Archbold, Mike Schneider of Wayne and Miamisburg, Paul Culver of Sheridan, Tony Pusateri of Columubs DeSales and Reynoldsburg and Mike Mauk of Kenton.

Astro Falcons lead Class B all-league team

STRUTHERS

Astro Falcons led the way with six representatives on the Youngstown Class B Baseball all-league team for 2013. Creekside Fitness had five players named and Kuboff & Associates had four.

Astro’s all-league players were Max Augustein (4-0, 1.20 ERA), Brendan Cox (25 runs, 22 RBI), Sam Fragale (.363 BA), Jim Leone (4-0, 0.50 ERA), Chris Wastchak (.514 BA, 35 RBI) and Bubba Wells (.382 BA, 21 runs).

Representing Creekside Fitness are Dylan Jones (.459 BA, 39 runs), David Lemasters (6-0, 0.98 ERA), Brandon Ritchie ( 3-1, 0.88 ERA), Jared Weisen (.505 BA, 39 runs) and Kevin Yarabinec (5-0, 1.71 ERA, 35 K).

Kuboff & Associates players selected were Joel Hake (.409 BA), Brian Penz (3-0, 0.40 ERA), Greg Popatak (.362 BA) and Robert Vargo (4-0, 0.00 ERA, 34 K).

Other all-league selections: Accrohealth — Jake Foster (.390 BA) and Ty Wiery (.407 BA, 28 runs); Toyota of Warren — Pat Carlozzi (.416 BA, 22 RBI) and Edmond Pilolli (.457 BA); Baird Brothers — Vincent Haddox (.389 BA, 22 RBI); Bel-Park — Jon Mudrinich (.406 BA); Ohio Glaciers — Seth Cox (4-2, 2.52 ERA, 46 K); Roth Brothers — Cody Stanoszek (4-1, 1.56 ERA); Youngstown Express — Dom Dundee (.358 BA).

Mill Creek teams sweep state titles

FAIRFIELD

The Mill Creek Baseball 12-U team won its fifth straight game Monday afternoon after an opening-round loss to capture the Cal Ripken Baseball State tournament title.

The state championship by the 12-U team completed a sweep of Cal Ripken State titles by Mill Creek teams. The local 11-U, 10-U and 9-U squads also won State titles last weekend in Fairfield.

The teams advance to Ohio Valley Regional play next: 12-U at Matoon, Ill., July 24-28; 11-U at Gaylesburg, Ind., July 31-Aug. 4; 10-U at Lake Cumberland/Somerset, Ind., July 24-28; and 9-U at Conersville, Ind., July 31-Aug. 4.

World Peace says he will sign with Knicks

LAS VEGAS

Metta World Peace is coming home to play for the New York Knicks. The Knicks said the contract has not been signed but an agreement has been reached. “The team is amazing, the players. I’m excited to play and hustle,” World Peace said Monday while attending the NBA summer league in Las Vegas.

World Peace was waived Thursday by the Los Angeles Lakers, who used the amnesty clause to create salary cap space. The 6-foot-7 forward will still be paid the $7.7 million that was owed to him by the Lakers.

Coach: Heels’ star faces ‘serious consequences’

CHAPEL HILL, N.C.

North Carolina coach Roy Williams said Monday that leading scorer P.J. Hairston will face “serious consequences” after being arrested last month on a drug charge during a traffic stop. In a statement, the Hall of Fame coach said he hasn’t yet determined a punishment for Hairston, who has also been cited twice by police while driving a rental vehicle linked to a convicted felon.

Williams said there are “several options available” as punishment, including a possible suspension. Hairston faces an August court hearing and isn’t enrolled in summer school.

Vindicator staff/wire reports