West Branch to hold pep rally for girls team

March 17, 2015 at 12:00a.m.

The West Branch Warriors girls basketball team is headed to Columbus for the state tournament this weekend.

But before they leave, the school will hold a pep rally on Wednesday at 2 p.m. in the Field House located in the high school. The entire student body, kindergarten through seniors, will be in attendance. The district will also honor three of the varsity wrestlers that went to the state tournament this past weekend.

To support the Warriors, the district will be canceling school on Friday so that fans can attend their semifinal game at 3 p.m. in Columbus. Several student and community spirit buses will be leaving the high school at 10 a.m. on Friday to head for Columbus.

Four local officials headed to Columbus

Four local basketball officials were selected for this weekend’s state tournament.

Diane Martino of Poland, in her 11th season as an OHSAA official (21st overall), will make her third state tournament appearance. Jake Sell of Salem, in his 19th season, also earned his third state tournament selection.

Bobby Starks of Lordstown, in his 11th season, will officiate his first state tournament. Colleen Thompson of Leavittsburg, in her 4th season, will also make her first state tournament appearance.

The officials are selected on a process that includes rating by coaches and voting by athletic administrators, league assigners, the OHSAA and Northeast District Board, and by fellow officials.

Ursuline’s Leonard picks John Carroll

Tyler Leonard of Ursuline High School has selected John Carroll University to further pursue his academic and football career.

Leonard was a three-year letter winner with the Irish and carries a 4.10 GPA. He received all-state recognition and earned Northeast Inland Division V defensive player of the year honors this past season.

Browns sign CB Williams, DL Starks

The Browns plugged two defensive holes opened in free agency Monday, signing cornerback Tramon Williams and agreeing to terms with lineman Randy Starks.

Cleveland was in the market for defensive help after versatile cornerback Buster Skrine signed last week with the New York Jets, and outside pass rusher Jabaal Sheard went to New England.

Williams, who turned 32 on Monday, spent the past eight seasons with the Green Bay Packers. The 6-footer has been durable, missing just one start in the past five seasons.

Browns general manager Ray Farmer called Williams “a really good and consistent player” and “a pro’s pro who believes great preparation leads to great performance.”

Serena Williams makes return to WTT

Serena Williams is returning to play World TeamTennis for the Washington Kastles for the first time since 2011.

The 19-time major champion’s participation in the league that will run from July 12 to Aug. 2 was announced by WTT on Monday, when its draft took place.

Williams’ sister Venus will also be on the Kastles, as will International Tennis Hall of Fame member Martina Hingis. The Washington team has won four consecutive WTT titles.

Eugenie Bouchard, the Wimbledon runner-up last year, was taken No. 1 in the draft by the Boston Lobsters.

Brookfield HS to host moonlight bowling

The Brookfield High School bowling program is hosting a scotch doubles moonlight bowling fundraiser to benefit the school’s teams.

It will be held at Bellwick Bowl on March 28th at 10 p.m.

Interfaith softball coaches meeting tonight

There will be a interfaith softball coaches meeting held at St. Joseph’s Church in Newton Falls today at 7 p.m.

Call Al Ratini at 330-872-0626 for more information.

Staff/Wire reports