SPORTS digest

Scrappers receive NYPL honor

NILES

The Mahoning Valley Scrappers have received the New York-Penn League’s Vincent McNamara Outstanding Club Award.

The Scrappers are a finalist for the John H. Johnson President’s Award, which will be awarded at the Baseball Winter Meetings in Orlando, Fla., in December. The Johnson Award honors a “complete” baseball franchise that has demonstrated franchise stability and significant contributions to its community, league and the baseball industry.

The Scrappers saw a 14 percent increase in attendance during the 2017 season. Morew than 200 events were held at Eastwood Field, including high school and Youngstown State University baseball games.

The Scrappers charitable contributions are on pace to surpass $400,000 this season, reaching more than 350 area organizations.

Southington to host 3-on-3 charity tourney

SOUTHINGTON

Youth and adult teams are needed for the 7th annual This Means War 3-on-3 basketball tournament. Net proceeds from the event will help a Alexandria Baker, a Warren mother of two battling breast cancer. Baker graduated from Warren Harding in 2008.

The tournament will start at 9 a.m. on Oct. 9 at Southington High School. The entry fee is $20 per youth player and $25 per adult. Prices will increase by $5 per player after Oct. 8 and no game-day registration will be accepted.

To register for the tournament or learn about the fundraiser, visit WarAgainstBreastCancer.webs.com. Contact Ken at 330-307-7871 or email WarAgainstBreastCancer@hotmail.com for any questions.

Richard Pitino supports father

MINNEAPOLIS

Minnesota coach Richard Pitino says “it’s been a tough week for our family” after his father, Rick Pitino, was placed on administrative leave at Louisville.

Rick Pitino is on his way out with the Cardinals after the program came under federal investigation in a nationwide bribery and corruption case. Richard Pitino says he never saw anything while he was at Louisville that would corroborate the charges of paying prized recruits.

Richard Pitino says he loves his father and is there for him as Rick Pitino goes through the ordeal.

Richard Pitino says he hopes the federal probe will eventually help college basketball by addressing some of the issues that have plagued it for years.

Memphis football player charged with armed robbery

MEMPHIS, Tenn.

Memphis has dismissed defensive back Shaun Rupert from its team after police said he used a handgun in May to steal two watches, an Xbox and a laptop from another student’s apartment.

Rupert was arrested Thursday on charges of aggravated burglary, aggravated robbery and possession of a firearm during commission of a dangerous felony.

Memphis (3-0) plays at Central Florida (2-0) on Saturday.

Spain coach says Pique is loyal

Spain coach Julen Lopetegui has defended Gerard Pique from critics who question his loyalty to the national team because of his support for a disputed referendum on Catalan independence.

“Gerard gives it his all each and every time he plays with us,” Lopetegui said Friday. “I judge players’ commitment to the national team by their behavior. That is where I put my focus and in that sense I have no doubts about Pique.”

Pique posted a message on social media on Thursday calling for people in Spain’s northeastern region of Catalonia to participate peacefully in Sunday’s vote that police have been ordered by courts to stop.

“From today until Sunday we will express ourselves pacifically,” Pique tweeted. “Don’t give them any excuse (for a crackdown). That’s what they want. And sing loud and clear.”

Staff/wire report\