Sports

Boys basketball power rankings: Who are the top teams in the area?

by Marc Pendleton, Staff Writer

Here’s who we consider the top boys high school basketball teams for the area power rankings. 1. Butler (5-0): d. Greenville 75-22, d. Northmont 70-60; hosts Troy on Fri., hosts Sidney on Tue. 2. Springfield (2-2): d. Miamisburg 36-31, lost 73-61 at Upper Arlington; at Centerville on Fri. 3. Sidney (3-1): d. Troy 67-48; hosts Piqua on Fri., at Butler on Tue. 4. Wayne (2-2): d. Beavercreek 53-48...

Bengals have one more chance to reward what’s left of home crowd

by Laurel Pfahler, Contributing Writer

The Cincinnati Bengals have one more chance to reward home fans for the investment of their time and money, but it might be too late. Cincinnati (5-8) drew its smallest crowd since 2011 during the last game at Paul Brown Stadium on Dec. 2, and the Bengals host one of the few teams worse than they are Sunday in their home finale against the Oakland Raiders (3-10). »RELATED: Bengals-Raiders game...

Ohio State football: All hands on deck as Buckeyes prepare for Rose Bowl

by Marcus Hartman

Ohio State is playing in the Rose Bowl on January 1. Who will be playing for Ohio State, though? That’s become an increasingly necessary question throughout college football as more and more draft-eligible seniors and juniors opt to skip the postseason and get a head start on preparation for the NFL draft. The trend hit Ohio State last season when cornerback Denzel Ward chose...

GWOC shakeup: From 20 schools to 8, area’s largest conference in midst of significant changes

by Marc Pendleton, Staff Writer

Having experienced growing pains, Greater Western Ohio Conference membership ultimately decided less is best. The area’s largest high school affiliation with 20 member schools, the GWOC will be down to eight teams beginning in 2020 following Wednesday’s announcement that Trotwood-Madison will be dropped. “It’s been a struggle and challenging year for the GWOC as a whole,&rdquo...

Reds GM on trade for pitcher: ‘This is the first of more to come’

by Janie McCauley, Associated Press

Tanner Roark figured he would be pitching in Washington’s star-studded rotation next year alongside Max Scherzer, Stephen Strasburg and newcomer Patrick Corbin. Instead, he found himself part of the majors’ first Tanner-for-Tanner trade, headed to the rebuilding Reds. Cincinnati acquired him for fellow right-hander Tanner Rainey on Wednesday during the winter...

Boys Basketball: Southeastern ready to compete under new coach

by Michael Cooper, Contributing Writer

The Southeastern High School boys basketball team won just three games last season, but that didn’t faze John O’Laughlin when he took the head coaching job last May. He knew there was talent in South Charleston. “It was just about getting them to play as a team and understand that their effort has to be 100 percent every day,” said O’Laughlin, who coached junior varsity...

Ohio State football season review: Coaching performances a mixed bag

by Marcus Hartman

What was expected With Dwayne Haskins directing a new-look offense and the usual stout defense (despite heavy losses to the NFL for a third straight year), the Buckeyes were picked to win the Big Ten East for the seventh time in seven years under head coach Urban Meyer. Another conference title and a return to the College Football Playoff...

Hard work on 3-point shooting paying off for Raiders’ Ernsthausen

by Doug Harris, Contributing Writer

Most teams would want their biggest player closest to the basket. But if 6-foot-11 senior Parker Ernsthausen is lurking around the rim on offense, he’s in the wrong place. Wright State already has a proven inside scorer in 6-8, 280-pound Loudon Love, and he needs room to operate without a teammate bringing an extra defender in the post. »PREVIEW: Wright State-Northwestern Ohio That&rsquo...

Blackburn McCafferty trophy, which Dayton and Xavier fought over for decades, up for auction

by David Jablonski

Xavier University is auctioning off its copy of the Blackburn McCafferty Trophy, the rivalry trophy the Musketeers and the Dayton Flyers fought over for decades. The Xavier Athletics Department auction on EBTH.com describes the trophy as being in fair condition with “scratches to wood and metal” and “chips in the acrylic ball case.” The most recent high bid was...

HS Scores 12/12: Thomas leads Tecumseh in win

by Romello Morris

Boys Basketball Tuesday’s Results Alter 56, LaSalle 49: Uhl (A) 23; Lemons (L) 16 Beavercreek 60, Fairborn 57: Herbert (B) 18; Monore (F) 32 Butler 70, Northmont 60 Carlisle 66, Milton Union 44: Gay (C) 19, Stone (MU) 12. Catholic Central 55, Greeneview 34: Doolittle (S) 20; Caudill (G) 14. Cinncinnati Christian 63, St.Bernard 50: Rogers (C) 13; Gans (S) 12. Fairbanks 85, Triad 56: Hackathorne...

Trotwood-Madison’s announcement it had been voted out of the GWOC

by Marc Pendleton, Staff Writer

Trotwood-Madison High School was notified on Wednesday that its Greater Western Ohio Conference membership was ending. By an 8-1 vote, the Rams were informed they have until the end of the 2018-19 school year to remain in the conference. Athletic directors from the eight eventual remaining GWOC schools – Beavercreek, Centerville, Fairmont, Miamisburg, Northmont, Springboro, Springfield and Wayne...

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Reds trade one Tanner for another at baseball’s winter meetings

by David Jablonski

The Cincinnati Reds traded one right-handed pitcher named Tanner for another right-handed pitcher named Tanner on Wednesday in their first deal at baseball’s winter meetings in Las Vegas, Nev. The Reds deal Tanner Rainey to the Washington Nationals for Tanner Roark. Roark, 32, was 64-54 with a 3.59 ERA in six seasons with the Nationals. He started 141 games and made 31 relief appearances...

Business as usual at Ohio State despite Urban Meyer’s pending retirement

by Marcus Hartman

What is the mood in the Woody Hayes Athletics Center like since Urban Meyer announced he will retire from coaching after the Rose Bowl? Robert Landers was among the Buckeyes who described it as pretty much the same as before. “Coach Meyer is still Coach Meyer,” the junior defensive tackle from Wayne High School said. “We’re still out here working hard. He&rsquo...

Familiar faces: Bengals-Raiders game will ‘be like one big reunion’

by Laurel Pfahler, Contributing Writer

There could be some similarities in the two defenses that take the field Sunday at Paul Brown Stadium. The Cincinnati Bengals (5-8) host the Oakland Raiders (3-10) in their home finale, facing former defensive coordinator Paul Guenther for the first time since he left this offseason. Marvin Lewis has taken some pages from the team’s old playbooks since he assumed Cincinnati’s defensive...

Northwestern Ohio at Wright State: What to know about Thursday’s game

by Doug Harris, Contributing Writer

Who: Northwestern Ohio (4-9) at Wright State (4-6) When: 7 p.m. Thursday TV: ESPN+ Radio: 106.5-FM Series: First meeting Coaches: Scott Nagy is 49-28 in his third year at Wright State and 459-268 in 24 years overall. Caleb Williams is 18-25 in his second season at Northwestern Ohio. Probable Wright State starters Mark Hughes, 6-4, Sr., G, 9.5 Cole Gentry, 5-10, Jr., G, 13.3 Alan Vest, 6-3, Sr., G...

Greater Western Ohio Conference votes Trotwood-Madison out

by Marc Pendleton, Staff Writer

The Greater Western Ohio Conference on Wednesday voted to “dismiss” Trotwood-Madison High School from the area’s largest affiliation. GWOC Commissioner Eric Spahr cited schedule concerns, a disparity in enrollment and Trotwood’s inability to field teams below the varsity levels in some sports. The eight remaining GWOC members eventually will be Beavercreek, Centerville, Fairmont...

Girls Basketball: Tecumseh gears up for league title chase, postseason

by Michael Cooper, Contributing Writer

The Tecumseh High School girls basketball program has lofty goals this season. After winning their third straight Central Buckeye Conference Kenton Trail Division title, the Arrows upset top-seeded Lebanon in the Division I postseason tournament, but were bounced by Fairmont in the next round. Tecumseh (2-2, 2-0 CBC Kenton Trail) has loaded its schedule in hopes of making its first district appearance...

Ohio State football season review: Defense a major disappointment

by Marcus Hartman

What was expected In short, another dominating unit. Ohio State ranked fifth in defensive S&P+ (an advanced metric that combines play-by-play efficiency and explosiveness, much like OPS in baseball) in 2016 and eighth in 2017. Despite the loss of seven starters, SBNation/Football Outsiders numbers projected a third-straight top 10 unit thanks in large part to All-American end Nick Bosa...

COMMENTARY: Big Ten realignment a solution for a problem that does not exist

by Marcus Hartman

Jim Delany said last week the Big Ten has had discussions about realigning or eliminating its divisions. Let’s be clear: Neither should happen. Concerns about imbalance existed since the (welcome) switch to geographical divisions in 2014, but they ignored the possible positive outcome that has come to pass in four of the five years since. If the West winner gets to Indianapolis...

HS Scores 12/11: Herbert leads Beavercreek in win

by Romello Morris

Alter 56, LaSalle 49: Uhl (A) 23; Lemons (L) 16 Carlisle 66, Milton Union 44: Gay (C) 19, Stone (MU) 12. Beavercreek 60, Fairborn 57: Herbert (B) 18; Monore (F) 32 Catholic Central 55, Greeneview 34: Doolittle (S) 20; Caudill (G) 14. Fairbanks 85, Triad 56: Hackathorne (F) 15; Bundy (T) 11. Fort Loramie 47, Houston 40: Brandewie (F) 13; Leist (H) 11 Greenon 67, Southeastern 50: Cade (G) 18; Grim (S)...

HS Roundup 12/11: Rubin leads Oakwood boys in rally win

by Travis Erickson

The Oakwood boys basketball team rallied in the second half for a 48-45 win versus Valley View on Tuesday. Darren Rubin scored 16 points and Daniel Hu had 11 for Oakwood. Gio Geiger totaled 13 points and Cade Cradlebaugh 10 for Valley View. Boys Basketball Alter 56, LaSalle 49: Brady Uhl led the way with 23 points and Conor Stolly added 11 to help Alter hold off LaSalle. Beavercreek 60, Fairborn 57...

Depth fueling winning streak for Wright State women

by Doug Harris, Contributing Writer

Wright State women’s basketball coach Katrina Merriweather has never wanted a team that was led by a single star. She’d prefer having capable players at every position, rather than relying on one prolific scorer as the program has in recent seasons with Horizon League players of the year Chelsea Welch and Kim Demmings. After getting off to a shaky start this season, which wasn’t...

Cincinnati Bengals Week 15: First look at the Oakland Raiders

by Laurel Pfahler, Contributing Writer

The Oakland Raiders have struggled even more than the Cincinnati Bengals this season, but they will be riding into Sunday’s matchup at Paul Brown Stadium on a high note. Oakland recovered a botched last-second field goal to seal a 24-21 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday, giving the Raiders their third victory of the season after dropping seven of the last eight and two straight. They...

Ohio State football season review: Offense lived up to the hype... and then some

by Marcus Hartman

What was expected In short: More and bigger fireworks. Despite losing J.T. Barrett, the Big Ten’s all-time leader in total offense (12,697 yards) and touchdowns passes (104), the Ohio State offense entered the year with high expectations. While Dwayne Haskins had only thrown 24 passes prior to the season-opener against Oregon State, he showed off a lot of natural ability and played...

Former Red Billy Hamilton signs with American League team

by Associated Press, Staff Writer

The Kansas City Royals and speedy outfielder Billy Hamilton have agreed to a $5.25 million contract for next season that includes up to $1 million in incentives, a person familiar with the negotiations told The Associated Press. The Royals hope that spacious Kauffman Stadium will allow Hamilton to better use his speed than the bandbox of Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati, where he spent his first...

Anthony Grant Show highlights: Dayton coach looks back at Detroit Mercy, Auburn games

by David Jablonski

Dayton Flyers coach Anthony Grant reflected on a 98-59 victory against Detroit Mercy and an 82-72 loss at No. 8 Auburn last week during his weekly show Monday on WHIO Radio with Larry Hansgen. Here are some highlights: On Detroit game: “We were really concerned. They were coming off a loss at Akron before our game and had the nation’s second-leading scorer and some guys who can really...

HS Scores 12/10: WLS rallies past Ft. Loramie

Girls Basketball Monday’s Results Bellbrook 65, Northmont: Mescher (B) 12; McCrary (N) 8 Dunbar 63, Belmont 8: McClusky, Moore, Jones (D) 8; Miamisburg 36, Lebanon 34: Pringle (M) 20 Miami Valley 33, Dayton Christian 21: LCA 61, Yellow Springs 21: Ahner (L) 17; New Bremen 51. Lincolnview 40: Madison (N) 19; Mendenhall (L) 11 Tri- Village 58, Houston 32: Downing (T) 17; Monnier (H) 11 West Liberty...

HS Roundup 12/10: Bellbrook blows past Northmont

Bellbrook 65, Northmont 30: Maria Mescher paced Bellbrook with 12 points and Dreann Pryce added 10. Dunbar 63, Belmont 6: 13 girls got in on the scoring for Dunbar in the blowout victory. Lakota East 40, Harrison 36: Logan Fox finished with 14 points and Lily Rupp 10 as Lakota East had a 10-points swing in the final quarter to pull out the win. Lebanon 36, Miamisburg 34: Kendall Folley led Lebanon...

Cincinnati Reds claim relief pitcher on waivers from Red Sox

by John Boyle, Staff Writer

The Cincinnati Reds on Monday claimed left-handed relief pitcher Robby Scott on waivers from the Boston Red Sox. Scott, 29, made just nine appearances (0-1, 8.10 ERA) with the Red Sox last season, but was dominant in 45 games (1.86 ERA, 45 1/3 innings, 63 strikeouts) at Triple-A Pawtucket. In 2017, Scott was 2-1 with a 3.79 ERA in 57 games out of the Red Sox bullpen.

Miami RedHawks get commitment from local linebacker

by Marcus Hartman

Max Wynn won’t have to go far to continue his football career. The Centerville linebacker announced Sunday he has verbally committed to Miami University. The 6-foot-1, 220-pound Wynn had 35 tackles in five games for the Elks last season. He is Ohio’s No. 56 player in the 247Sports Composite rankings and a three-star prospect. As a junior, Wynn logged 96 stops, including...

Running back Mixon a bright spot for struggling Bengals

by Laurel Pfahler, Contributing Writer

Joe Mixon went four straight weeks averaging just over a dozen carries per game, and although mostly productive in those limited touches, game situations prevented the Cincinnati Bengals from using the second-year running back more. Finally on Sunday, the Bengals were able to unleash Mixon, and the result was his second 100-yard rushing performance this season. He gave Cincinnati a chance in a ...

Former Xenia star transferring from Cincinnati

by Marcus Hartman

Meechi Harris is on the move. The Xenia High School graduate announced Sunday night he has decided to transfer from the University of Cincinnati, where he played one game this season as a freshman. “Just so everyone is informed,” Harris wrote on Twitter, “I am transferring from the University of Cincinnati. Nothing is wrong with the program or staff. I also want to thank...

Ohio State football: Ryan Day ready to take on recruiting challenges

by Marcus Hartman

Matching Urban Meyer’s winning percentage at Ohio State will be difficult for Ryan Day. Maintaining his recruiting success will be even harder. Day, who is set to replace Meyer as head coach of the Buckeyes after the Rose Bowl, won’t get a chance to add to his 3-0 career record total until September, but he is already at work on the latter. Ohio State begins the week...

REPORT CARD: Grading the Bengals’ 26-21 loss to the Chargers

by Laurel Pfahler, Contributing Writer

A negated touchdown, missed two-point conversions and untimely penalties prevented the Cincinnati Bengals from taking advantage of an uncharacteristically poor game for the Los Angeles Chargers. The Bengals (5-8) dropped their fifth game in a row with a 26-21 loss to the Chargers on Sunday, and head coach Marvin Lewis summed it up in his press conference afterward saying the decisions he made in the...

Cleveland Browns in the hunt for the playoffs? It’s true

by Marcus Hartman

The Browns started 2-6-1 but a 3-1 stretch has Cleveland (5-7-1) hanging onto playoff hopes with three weeks go to in the NFL season. The inconsistencies of the Steelers (7-5-1) and Ravens (7-6) along with the collapse of the Bengals (5-8) has helped, of course, but it’s still remarkable considering the team won four games over the previous three seasons. According to CBSSports...

1990 basketball card appears to show Menendez brothers in background

by Bob D’Angelo, Cox Media Group National Content Desk

A sports card that has been practically worthless for more than 25 years has suddenly become a sensation in the collectibles hobby. >> Read more trending news That’s because the two men in the background of a 1990-91 Hoops basketball card of Mark Jackson look like the infamous Menendez brothers, the New York Daily News reported. While there has been no confirmation that the...

Heisman Trophy winner Kyler Murray apologizes for anti-gay tweets

by Michelle Ewing, Cox Media Group National Content Desk

Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Kyler Murray issued an apology Sunday after coming under fire for years-old anti-gay tweets. "I apologize for the tweets that have come to light tonight from when I was 14 and 15," Murray, 21, tweeted Sunday, just one day after the University of Oklahoma junior won the award. "I used a poor choice of word that doesn't reflect who I am or what...

Bengals drop fifth straight game, fall to last place in AFC North

by John Boyle, Staff Writer

The Cincinnati Bengals were better, but that didn’t translate to a win Sunday against the Los Angeles Chargers. Instead, the Bengals suffered their fifth straight loss, a 26-21 decision to the Chargers at the StubHub Center in Carson, Calif. »RELATED: View photos from the game Running back Joe Mixon’s touchdown with 1:50 to play got the Bengals (5-8) within two points, but quarterback...

PHOTOS: Cincinnati Bengals vs. Los Angeles Chargers

by John Boyle

Oklahoma quarterback Kyler Murray wins Heisman Trophy

by Jeff Kolb, Fox23.com

Kyler Murray has won the Heisman Trophy, becoming the University of Oklahoma's seventh Heisman winner, beating fellow finalists Tua Tagovailoa of Alabama and Dwayne Haskins of Ohio State on Saturday. Murray gives the Sooners back-to-back years with Heisman Trophy-winning quarterbacks (Baker Mayfield, 2017), something no school has done before. It's the latest award of the week for Murray...

Atlanta United wins MLS Cup, beats Portland 2-0

by Doug Roberson, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

The Kings of the South are the Kings of MLS. Behind goals from Josef Martinez and Franco Escobar, Atlanta United defeated Portland 2-0 to win the MLS Cup in front of record announced attendance of more than 73,000 on Saturday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. No one, from owner Arthur Blank to the players, were shy in the past few weeks about expressing their ambition to ...

Twenty photos: Dayton Flyers rally in second half but fall to No. 8 Auburn

by David Jablonski

HS Scores 12/8: Conley, Thomas go over 50-point mark in wins

Two area basketball players had record-setting nights on Saturday. Ethan Conley sounded off with 54 points for Franklin Monroe in a 92-80 victory versus Houston in boys basketball and Corinne Thomas exploded for 51 points in Tecumseh’s 104-42 win versus London in girls basketball. Both Conley and Thomas set the single-game scoring record for their perspective schools. SCORES LIST Boys Basketball...

Turnovers doom Dayton in 10-point loss at Auburn

by David Jablonski

The Dayton Flyers made a run at the No. 8 Auburn Tigers in the second half, cutting a 19-point deficit to six but lost 82-72 on Saturday at Auburn Arena. The Flyers (5-4) lost their fourth game to a team ranked in the top 50 of the Ken Pomeroy rankings. In each of the games against Virginia, Oklahoma, Mississippi State and Oklahoma, they had the lead or were competitive in the second half. Dayton...

Wright State lets second-half lead slip away in loss to Kent State

by Doug Harris, Contributing Writer

Wright State put itself in position to end its losing skid with a strong second-half surge, but Kent State scored on its final 10 possessions to pull out an 83-76 home win Saturday. The Raiders took a 71-66 lead on two free throws by Mark Hughes with 4:24 to go, but the Golden Flashes, led by All-Mid-American Conference guard Jaylin Walker (25 points), had their offense in high gear at that stage...

Cincinnati Bengals: 5 storylines to watch in Sunday’s game vs. Chargers

by Laurel Pfahler, Contributing Writer

The Cincinnati Bengals haven’t figured out how to turn things around while facing teams with losing records the past three weeks. Now they’ll try against one of the top teams in the AFC West. Cincinnati (5-7) carries a four-game losing streak into Sunday’s game with the Los Angeles Chargers (9-3) at the StubHub Center in Carson, Calif. »RELATED: What Chargers coach said about...

Cincinnati Reds: Pitching, outfield help top offseason to-do list

by Mark Schmetzer, Contributing Writer

That the Cincinnati Reds hope to upgrade their pitching this offseason — either by adding a couple of starters or bolstering the bullpen or both — is not news. The Reds added to their to-do list last week when they decided to not offer center fielder Billy Hamilton a 2019 contract, avoiding arbitration and making him a free agent. Just like that, Cincinnati opened a hole in the outfield...

Dayton Flyers: What do advanced analytics say about the team?

by David Jablonski, Staff Writer

The Dayton Flyers won five of their first games in the 2018-19 season. That’s only a one-win improvement over Anthony Grant’s first season as coach in the same time frame. However, the numbers do show an improved team, and that could add up to a big change in the win-loss column by March. Advanced analytics show a team that has made major strides on defense and shown some improvement on...

WATCH: Top 15 Dayton Flyers plays of the 2018-19 season (so far)

by David Jablonski

Throughout the 2018-19 Dayton Flyers season, I’ll keep track of the top offensive plays I’ve shot in this video, which you can see at the top of the story. Here’s a quick glance at the first 15 to make the highlight reel: 1. Nov. 23 vs. Oklahoma: Jalen Crutcher throws an alley-oop pass to Trey Landers, who soared high above the rim to dunk the ball with one hand. The play came during...

Archdeacon: ‘I like my momma and I like my name’

by Tom Archdeacon, columnist

Growing up, she said she always liked being different: “I knew if someone said my name, they were talking to me. There was no confusion. “There was just one Calamity.” And Calamity McEntire gave her name little more thought than that until a second-grade classroom lesson threw her for a loop. “That was the one day I was like ‘Whaaaaat?’” she recalled with...

Big second half lifts Springfield past Miamisburg in home opener

by Michael Cooper, Contributing Writer

The Springfield High School boys basketball team needed a offensive boost in its home opener on Friday night. The Wildcats scored just three points in the first quarter and trailed 14-7 at the half against Miamisburg. Springfield’s solution? Turn up the pressure. »RELATED: Friday’s high school scoreboard »RELATED: Friday’s high school roundup »RELATED: Boys basketball...

HS Scores 12/8: Curtis leads Xenia in win

Boys Basketball Friday’s Results Allen East 42, New Knoxville 25: J. Osborne (N) 9. Badin 62, Alter 55: Hegeman (B) 13; Uhl (A) 18. Bethel 64, Newton 47: James (B) 17. Butler 75, Greenville 22 Catholic Central 65, Madison Plains 51 Cedarville 62, Greenon 51: Cross (C) 32; Andrew(G) 17. Celine 60, New Bremen 41: Schwieterman (C) 18; Archie (T) 13 Covington 53, Mississinawa 44: Collins (M) 44...

‘Coach on the court’ leads Shawnee past Tecumseh

by Jeff Gilbert, Contributing Writer

D.J. Hayden used to do his job quietly while others like Aaron Schack, Billy Lord and Camden Van Velzor got the attention. Now it’s his job to be a scorer, talk a lot on the floor and lead one of the most inexperienced teams Chris McGuire has coached at Shawnee. “It’s my job as a senior to kind of be the coach on the court and make those guys go to the right spots, be in the right...

HS Roundup 12/7: CJ, Badin boys pick up rally victories

by Travis Erickson

Boys Basketball Badin 62, Alter 55: Nathan Hegemann led five players in double-digit scoring to help Badin win in rally fashion. Hegemann had 13 points and Zach Switzer and Justin Pappas pitched in 12 apiece. Brady Uhl led Alter with 18 points. Bethel 64, Newton 47: Kendall James turned in 17 points and Ethan Rimkus 15 for Bethel. Ryan Mollette and Chet Jamison netted 14 points apiece for Newton....

Cincinnati Bengals: What L.A. Chargers coach said about Sunday’s game

by Laurel Pfahler, Contributing Writer

The Los Angeles Chargers are still settling in at their temporary home on the campus of California State University following a move from San Diego last season, but they’ve given the new fan base something to latch onto in Year 2. »RELATED: Bengals center talks Urban Meyer The Chargers (9-3) have already matched their win total from last year (9-7), and coach Anthony Lynn said he likes...