Phantoms’ Connor 13th on prospects list

Phantoms’ Connor 13th on prospects list

YOUNGSTOWN

The latest ISS Hockey list of the top prospects for June’s NHL Draft ranks Youngstown Phantoms forward Kyle Connor 13th.

Connor is one of four USHL forwards on the list of top 30 prospects. The others are members of the U.S. National Development Program: Jordan Greenway (17), Colin White (23) and Jeremy Bracco (27). Greenway moved up six spots from last month’s rankings.

Byfuglein awaits NHL punishment

NEW YORK

The NHL’s Department of Player Safety will hold a hearing today to determine punishment for Jets defenseman Dustin Byfuglein for a crosscheck to the neck of Rangers forward J.T. Miller (East Palestine) during Tuesday’s game in Winnipeg.

Miller had fallen and was defenseless, kneeling in front of the Winnipeg crease, when Byfuglein struck him from behind, driving his face into the ice.

There was no penalty called for the incident.

The hearing is via phone. A suspension cannot exceed five games without an in-person hearing.

After the 3-2 win by the Rangers, Miller declined to discuss the crosscheck which left him with a sore neck and a cut across his nose.

Heat’s Wade confirms James calls plays

MIAMI

Heat guard Dwyane Wade was one of the few unsurprised to hear that former teammate LeBron James calls his own plays in Cleveland.

Wade would know because James at times did the same in Miami the previous four seasons. In fact, Wade said it’s common for superstars to calls plays during games.

“I think from a standpoint, certain guys have a feel of the game,” Wade said. “Whether you’re a point guard or have the ball a lot, there are certain plays you’re going to call. That’s common. The coach calls plays and [James] probably calls some.”

The Internet was abuzz when a report said James called the plays for the Cavaliers instead of coach David Blatt. Wade said he felt it wasn’t a sign of disrespect toward Blatt, who is in his first year as an NBA head coach. The Heat and Cavs play tonight at Quicken Loans Arena.

Serena captures 700th career win

KEY BISCAYNE, Fla.

Serena Williams abused her racket, scolded herself and even made angry faces at the sun.

In the end, as usual, she took out her frustration on the ball.

The seven-time Key Biscayne champion overcame her annoyance and shaky play Wednesday for her 700th career victory, beating Sabine Lisicki 7-6 (4), 1-6, 6-3 to reach the semifinals of the Miami Open.

Williams won despite an unreliable serve, a poor second set and 51 unforced errors. She looked flatfooted and listless at times, and seemed especially vexed when playing on the side looking into the sun.

“It’s always tough on that side,” she said. “You just don’t see. You just have to adjust.”

She did, earning her 16th consecutive victory on Key Biscayne, where she’s the two-time defending champion.

East defeats West in McDonald’s game

CHICAGO

Cheick Diallo scored 18 points and had 10 rebounds to lead the East to a 111-91 win over the West in the boy’s McDonald’s All-American game on Wednesday night.

Trailing 69-61, the East went on an 8-0 run in the second half to tie the score at 69.

Antonio Blakeney, an LSU commit, had two dunks in the span. Dwayne Bacon, a Florida State commit, opened up the lead for the East with a three-point play to put the East up 76-71.

Diallo, the game’s MVP, extended the East lead to 83-72 after spinning by Jalen Brunson for an impressive layup.

The Mali native is choosing among Iowa State, Kansas, Kentucky, Pittsburgh and St. John’s. He is listed at 6 feet, 9 inches, 230 pounds.

Staff/wire report