Metro Sports Report

Some late-spring basketball thoughts

Yes, I know the temperature outside Tuesday afternoon nearly read in the triple-digits, but it's not too early to talk some hoops.

First off, let's look back at a big "summer" weekend of basketball here in town with the Corridor Basketball Classic. Twenty-four teams descended on Kennedy, Jefferson and Xavier high school's to "kick the tires" so to speak on next year's squads.

Coaches could take a look at their returning and incoming talent for the 2012-13 season. Although somewhat limited as far as interaction with the kids, these team tournaments are still important to programs, and especially programs with brand new coaches.

Carlson makes pitch for new role at Prairie

The Cedar Rapids Prairie baseball team found a new pitcher Wednesday night. As it turned out, he's been standing just a few feet away as their all-state second baseman.

Brayton Carlson allowed only a scratch single in five innings as the Hawks defeated Davenport West, 11-1, in a six-inning affair at Prairie.

Schemmel helps Saints top Clinton

Eric Schemmel made his first start on the mound a good one for the Xavier Saints Wednesday night.

Schemmel allowed only four hits in six innings as the Saints topped Clinton, 5-2, in a non-conference ballgame at Ken Charipar Field.

Former Metro preps in pro baseball

RYAN SWEENEY (Xavier, Boston Red Sox) -- Placed on 15-day disabled list June 17 with broken bone in foot. Year to date -- BA - .292, AB - 171, R - 19, H - 50, RBI - 13, 2B - 17, 3B - 1, HR - 0, SB - 0.

SCOTT SCHEBLER (Prairie, Great Lakes Loons (Dodgers), MWL) -- There were no games scheduled Wednesday in the Midwest League, which is on its all-star break through Wednesday. Scott has hit safely in five straight games, during which he is 10-for-21 with seven RBIs, four doubles and a home run. Scott is tied for the Midwest League lead in triples (6). Year to date -- BA - .274, AB - 270, R - 37, H - 74, RBI - 43, 2B - 20, 3B - 6, HR - 5, SB - 10.

KELLEN SWEENEY (Jefferson, Vancouver Canadians (Blue Jays), NWL) -- Started at third base Wednesday and was 0-for-4 with two strikeouts in Vancouver's 5-3 loss to Tri-City. Vancouver totals -- BA - .125, AB - 24, R - 5, H - 3, RBI - 1, 2B - 1, 3B - 0, HR - 0, SB - 0.