Duo honored for

2008 season

Tallmadge resident Mark Talbott, who recently concluded the season as a member of the Cuyahoga Valley Christian Academy boys cross country team, earned All-Principal Athletic Conference recognition for 2008. CVCA head coach Rick Lyons, also a Tallmadge resident, was named the PAC-7 Coach of the Year.

Stow graduate

scores knockout

Stow-Munroe Falls graduate Shawn Porter, a Cuyahoga Falls resident, improved to 2-0 in his professional boxing career with a first-round knockout Nov. 1 in West Memphis, Tenn.

Porter scored the knockout 53 seconds into the bout against Toris Smith (4-28) of Covington, Tenn.

Porter was expected to box in Cincinnati at the Duke Energy Center in front of about 5,000 fans, but he had to settle for a bout with Smith in his opponent's home town.

The show started late because Smith was late getting dressed. Once the fight began, Porter dominated with a bevy of devastating punches.

His vicious right hand to Smith's chin drove Smith to the ropes. Smith got his right hand tangled in the ropes and Porter unleashed three uppercuts.

With Smith slumping over, the referee stopped the fight briefly. After freeing Smith from the ropes, the referee signaled for the bout to continue.

Porter then landed a one-two punch and a left hook to Smith's body and head.

As Smith moved to his left, Porter cut off the ring and landed a right hook to the body, followed by an overhand right.

Porter added a left hook and an uppercut that lifted Smith off the floor and eventually, to the canvas.

At that point, the referee stopped the bout to give Porter the win.

Porter has won both his professional bouts by knockout.

He is scheduled to fight Phillip Hammock Nov. 22 at the Fitzgerald Casino in Tunica, Miss.

Teams needed for

basketball league

The Hudson Community Education and Recreation Men's 30 and Over Fast Break League features an eight- or 12-team league playing at Hudson High School, plus a single-elimination tournament to determine the league champion.

Teams are needed now to fill out the league. Visit www.hudson.edu/hcer or call the Hudson Community Education and Recreation office at 330-653-1210 to register.

Each team will be permitted two players who are younger than 30 on its team roster.