Connor helps Phantoms shut out Capitols

February 9, 2015 at 12:00a.m.

MADISON, WIS.

Forward Kyle Connor tallied a pair of goals to help the Youngstown Phantoms shut out the Madison Capitols 5-0 on Sunday.

Forwards Max Letunov, Kiefer Sherwood, and Chase Pearson each scored lone goals for the Phantoms (22-13-5). Goaltender Colin DeAugustine stopped all 26 shots for his second shutout of the season.

Youngstown outshot Madison, 50-26. The Phantoms return home this weekend for a two-game series against the Dubuque Fighting Saints beginning on Friday at 7:05 p.m.

Poland girls win in triple overtime

JEFFERSON

Emily Melnek had 15 points and 10 rebounds to lead Poland to a 73-67 win over Jefferson in triple overtime on Saturday.

Bella Gajdos scored 17 points to lead the Bulldogs (14-5, 8-3 All-American Conference White), who outscored the Falcons 8-2 in the third overtime. Theodora Constantine added 13 points and Kaylin Donnadio had 12 points and six rebounds.

Emily Smock had 27 points and 11 rebounds for Jefferson.

Vindicator seeks basketball statistics

The Vindicator will publish boys and girls basketball statistical leaders on Friday.

Coaches and scorekeepers are asked to submit statistics to sports@vindy.com by 5 p.m. Wednesday. Statistics also can be faxed at 330-747-6712. Call 330-747-1471, ext. 1292 with any questions.

Belmonte wins third USBC Masters title

GREEN BAY, Wis.

Australia’s Jason Belmonte became the first bowler in the 64-year history of the United States Bowling Congress Masters to win the event three consecutive times on Sunday, defeating collegiate bowler AJ Johnson of Oswego, Ill., 202-157.

Belmonte, the two-time reigning Professional Bowlers Association Player of the Year, pulled away down the stretch at The Ashwaubenon Bowling Alley to claim the Masters for the third straight year live on ESPN.

Utilizing his unique two-handed delivery, Belmonte has amassed 11 career PBA Tour titles, including four major victories. He earned $50,000 for winning the Masters.

Belmonte joined USBC Hall of Famer Mike Aulby (1989, 1995 and 1998) as the event’s second three-time champion.

Lillard replaces Griffin at NBA All-Star game

NEW YORK

Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard has been added to the All-Star team in place of Clippers forward Blake Griffin, who needs surgery for a staph infection in his right elbow.

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver selected Lillard to the West roster Sunday.

Lillard is averaging a career-high 21.6 points, 4.6 rebounds and 1.49 steals this season. He is also averaging 6.3 assists.

It is the second All-Star nod for Lillard, who also played in the game last season, his second in the league. He joins teammate LaMarcus Aldridge on the roster.

West coach Steve Kerr of the Golden State Warriors will pick Griffin’s replacement in the starting lineup.

The All-Star game is next Sunday at Madison Square Garden.

Bradley, Dempsey lead US men past Panama

CARSON, Calif.

Michael Bradley put a corner kick into the net in the 27th minute, and the United States snapped a five-game winless skid with a 2-0 victory over Panama on Sunday.

Clint Dempsey scored his 40th career goal later in the first half for the Americans, who wrapped up a monthlong training camp with their best result in 10 games since winning their opener at last year’s World Cup.

The U.S. had won just once since beating Ghana in Brazil, but coach Jurgen Klinsmann’s squad looked considerably sharper in its home opener for a big year that includes the Gold Cup and World Cup qualifying.

Vindicator staff/wire reports