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The IWC-Lone Peak boys basketball club team made quite an impression as it reached the Final Four in the Elite bracket of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame National Invitational this week in Springfield, Mass.

IWC fell in the semifinals to Connecticut Basketball Club 56-44 but led early and was in the contest right up to the final minutes.

“I’ll tell you what, the Lone Peak team was the talk of the tournament, especially down the stretch with the run that they made,” said Colin Tabb, director of the event.

“It’s amazing how their story and their play just began to spread among the college coaches and everybody started talking about them, how well they played together as a team and how good some of their guys are,” he continued.

“They put up a great fight against one of the best teams in the country, with the consensus No. 1 player.

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As the evening of May 25 drew to a close, the Spanish Fork girls softball team faced a long road. A disappointing 3-2 loss to Mountain Crest meant that the Dons would have to win five straight games in two days against the best competition in Class 4A.

The player that would have to shoulder the biggest load was junior pitcher Kailey Christensen. At 6-feet tall, the talented athlete had the size and strength to take on the challenge but it was still a daunting task to pitch inning after inning, game after game.

With her team backing her up every step of the way, Christensen guided her squad to victory after victory until Spanish Fork stood alone as 4A state champions.

As impressive as that run was, Christensen also displayed talent, character and a drive to succeed throughout the season. For this, the Daily Herald is pleased to name her the 2011 Utah Valley Softball Player of the Year.

“I’m so proud,” Christensen said. “It’s an honor that all my hard work paid off.

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COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Former All-Pro linebacker Mike Vrabel is retiring from the Kansas City Chiefs and returning to his alma mater as an Ohio State assistant coach.

Vrabel confirmed Monday morning the end of his 14-year career and that he had taken the job as linebackers coach with the Buckeyes. The position was previously held by his college roommate and teammate, Luke Fickell, who was elevated to interim head coach when Jim Tressel resigned May 30.

Vrabel played for Pittsburgh and New England before closing out his career with the Chiefs. He announced his retirement in a statement issued through his agent.

Vrabel played eight seasons with the Patriots, winning three Super Bowl titles as a hybrid defender and a spot short-yardage and goal-line offensive player.

Utah Valley enjoyed another strong boys soccer season in 2011, paced by Mountain View’s charge to the 4A state finals. With all the talent, it’s tough to narrow it down but here are the top players from this season:

2011 Boys soccer All-Valley Team

Valley Player of the Year: Besser Davila, Jr. MF, Mountain View

The hub of the Bruin wheel, overcame injury and personal tragedy to lead his team to a state silver trophy. Swift, sure-footed and relentless, the ball went through him on both sides of the field.

Striker of the year: Winston Sorhaitz, Sr., Pleasant Grove

Led the Valley in goals per game and scored 17 on the year. One of the county’s best and most feared forwards is now a Cougar.

Midfielder of the year: Payden Pemberton, Jr., Salem Hills

Fast and athletic, he was the second-leading 4A scorer in the Valley with 14 goals, but his most important role was as a team leader.

Defender of the year: Dallin Christensen, Sr., Lone Peak

Tough, physical fullback made a direct approach to the net almost impossible.

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COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Ohio State University on Tuesday dropped its review of car purchases by football players and family members after two separate investigations found dealerships made money on almost all of the sales.

The university made its decision in light of a report by the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles and a separate review by the Ohio Independent Automobile Dealers Association.

“We have seen no evidence that would lead us to believe that Ohio State student athletes violated any policies when purchasing used cars,” said university spokesman Jim Lynch.

The reviews were launched after questions about players’ car purchases arose in the wake of a scandal in which some players received cash and tattoos for autographs, championship rings and equipment.

In a 65-page report issued Tuesday, the state BMV said two Columbus-area dealerships made money on 24 of 25 sales made to players and family members.

The BMV, however, did not interview Ohio State players or officials and did not examine records of financial transactions that players file with the university’s athletic compliance office.

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