Metro Sports Report

Burger's 26 points lead Saints past J-Hawks

Mitch Burger poured in 26 points and Adam McDermott added 21 to help Xavier rally past Jefferson for a 70-59 win Tuesday night in MVC boys basketball at Jefferson.

Jacob Olson tallied 24 points and Tyler Konigsmark 23 for Jefferson (5-13, 3-11).

Calvin Winker added 11 points for Xavier (11-7, 7-6).

Xavier outscored Jefferson 19-8 in the third quarter to turn a three-point halftime deficit into a 47-39 lead.

Lions trimmed by Wahlert, 69-67

DUBUQUE - Dubuque Wahlert was two points better than Linn-Mar again Tuesday night.

The Golden Eagles defeated the Lions, 69-67, in Dubuque for their second two-point victory over Linn-Mar this season.

Wahlert nudged the Lions, 57-55, in Marion Jan. 14.

Kellen Sweeney got tips from Carew

Kellen Sweeney does not feel like a .198 hitter in the low minors, but that’s where he stands after four years with the Toronto Blue Jays.

He hopes some batting tips from Hall of Famer Rod Carew will help jump-start his career.

Ryan Sweeney, Kellen’s older brother who plays for the Chicago Cubs, took lessons from Carew last winter and it helped his power numbers during the 2013  campaign. Kellen followed Ryan’s advice and spent several days with Carew in California this winter.

Cole Johansen dies peacefully at 67

Beloved longtime Jefferson High School teacher and coach Cole Johansen, 67, passed away peacefully at his home Saturday afternoon of cancer.

His wife, Trudy, said he was in no pain and merely stopped breathing as family and friends were gathered around to watch the Iowa State basketball game on television.

A high school prep star at Woodstock, Ill., Johansen was a four-year scholarship player for the Cyclones in the mid 1960s. His team once played at UCLA in the midst of legendary Coach John Wooden's 88-game consecutive win streak.