SPORTS DIGEST || YSU’s Plummer, Stewart leaving team

YOUNGSTOWN

The Youngstown State men’s basketball team will lose two more players, sophomore guard Jalon Plummer (6-foot-5) and junior guard Shaun Stewart (6-0), according to an ESPN report.

The Penguins were already set to lose sophomore guard Marcus Keene and sophomore forward Osandai Vaughn, whose departures were reported last week.

Stewart appeared in 32 games last season with three starts. He averaged 4.8 points and 2.0 rebounds per game. Stewart played last season at Cloud County Community College after spending the 2012-13 season at North Carolina A&T.

Plummer started 11 of YSU’s first 13 games, but appeared in just four games afterward for a total of four minutes. Plummer averaged 4.0 points and 2.4 rebounds per game. He also played in 14 games as a YSU freshman in 2013-14.

YSU went 11-21 last season, including 2-14 in Horizon League play.

James honored in hometown with award

AKRON

Cavaliers superstar LeBron James has received a distinguished award from his hometown for leadership, inspiring youth and philanthropic efforts.

James was given the H. Peter Burg Award on Tuesday night during the Greater Akron Chamber’s annual meeting. The award goes to a business or community leader who has served as a role model and enhanced local and economic development.

The 30-year-old James has established several youth-related programs in Akron, and the LeBron James Family Foundation has mentored and sponsored thousands of area school kids.

Royals release infielder Furcal

PEORIA, Ariz.

The Kansas City Royals have released three-time All-Star shortstop Rafael Furcal, two weeks after he signed a minor league deal.

Furcal didn’t appear in a Cactus League game as he recovered from a hamstring injury sustained in winter ball.

The 37-year-old Furcal played nine games last year with Miami after missing all of the 2013 season following elbow reconstruction surgery.

Staff/wire reports