News-Journal from Mansfield, Ohio • 9

10 Scoreboard 11 Indians feature Brickyard 400 preview 11 mimmmimimaiti New Mansfielder plays pro ball J0.1 SPENCER id By RickSzabrak New Journal correspondent News Journal Cooper pens praise for Galloway i 11 season coming up. This year we have a chance if the Italian players are ready every night." Perry feels added pressure as an American player. Since each team is only allowed two foreigners, they are looked to be the stars of the team. "They put pressure on you," Perry said. "You're expected to play 40 minutes a game no matter what If I had a fever or wasn't feeling well, they wanted me to play.

"If you don't, they'll trade you without a blink of an eye." But there are good points to being an American in Italy, especially now that she can speak the language. "They treat foreign players like their God's gift to basketball," said Perry. "The fans and young kids are really affectionate to us." The respect and celebrity status had to be earned by Perry, who played for the United States national team from 1986-87 and was the last player cut from the 1988 Olympic team. The two are now engaged, and this year Perry has spent her offseason living in Mansfield. After marriage, the two plan to stay in Mansfield and raise a family.

Perry feels lucky being able to play basketball professionally, and in the 16-team Italian League. There are only two foreigners allowed on each team, meaning there are only 32 players in the league that are not Italian. "Every year I could be replaced," the 27-year-old said. "I do feel priveleged to play for six years." Perry is currently playing for Famila Schio, her third team in the league. Schio is a town about 45 minutes outside of Venice.

Last season, while playing for Famila, Perry averaged more than 20 points and 10 rebounds per game. She ranked in the top 10 in both scoring and boards. But personal accomplishments were the only success for Perry last year, as Famila dropped out of the playoffs early. "Last year was a disappointing season," Perry said. "I'm looking forward to this MANSFIELD When pursuing a professional basketball career women usually find themselves looking far and wide for a job.

For Chana Perry, her search took her to Italy. After graduating from San Diego State University, Perry joined the Italian Women's Basketball League, which is touted as the premier women's league in the world. Perry, who will be leaving for her sixth season in the league this Tuesday, has become one of the top performers, and top paid players in the league. The 6-5 center is now making over $70,000 per season. "I'm playing basketball and getting paid for something I enjoy doing," Perry said.

Perry's basketball tour has taken a detour though, as the Los Angeles native has found herself in Mansfield. But she's not here for professional reasons. While in Italy, Perry met Mansfield native Jeff Luttrell, who was working on military vehicles for the United States in Italy. Chana Perry fires a jump shot at John Todd Park. (Photo by Alexander Horvath) Edwjohs peon againnstl: As if John Cooper doesn't have enough to worry about already, like finding an offensive lineman (or four), the Ohio State football coach has taken on added responsibility.

Say hello to Joey Galloway's silver-haired press agent. Inserted into the OSU media guides given to the press this week at the Big Ten Kickoff Convention in Chicago was a letter from Cooper endorsing Galloway, the gamebreaking wide receiver, for All-America honors and the Heisman Trophy. No, turning the crank on the hype machine is not a common practice among coaches. Yes, it's the first time Cooper has ever stumped for a player like this. And, no, Cooper may never do it again not if Galloway is as "special" as Cooper says he is.

"I'm fond of making the comment that the good Lord didn't create us all equal," said Cooper. "There isn't many "Big Daddies" (Dan Wilkinson). And Galloway is special, too. He's a great athlete with a great work ethic." Galloway's 47 receptions last season were good for Big Ten highs of 946 yards and a 20.1 average per catch. He made a school WHAT: Cleveland Browns (00) at New York Giants (0-1) preseason game.

1 WHEN: Giants Stadium, 8 p.m. TV: The game can be seen live and again at noon Sunday on WOIO-TV (Channel 19). Jim Mueller will describe the action, Paul Maguire will serve as the color analyst and former Brown Reggie Rocker will report from the sidelines. RADIO: The game will be aired on WKNR-AM (1220), WDOK-FM (102.1) and WRQK-FM (106.9). Casey Coleman will handle the play-by-play and Doug' Dieken will begin his 10th season as color analyst.

The pre-game show begins at 6 p.m. on WKNR and WDOK and 7 p.m. on the Browns' radio network that consists of 40 stations. KS'-f A V' i ivjMMf j'J 1 "wv 0m Wr A BEREA, Ohio (AP) The Cleveland Browns under fourth-year coach Bill Belichick open their exhibition schedule tonight against the New York Giants, the team that last gave Belichick a taste of glory as its defensive coordinator in a Super Bowl championship season in 1990. Through three losing seasons in Cleveland, Belichick has gradually stripped the team of some of the players with strong Browns identities.

Quarterback Bernie Kosar is now with Miami, and linebacker Clay Matthews has joined Atlanta. Clearly, this is a team Belichick can truly call his own. His draft choices and hand-picked free agents now have key roles. A year ago, quarterback Vinny Testaverde was trying to just get used to new surroundings after leaving Tampa Bay. Now he is entrenched as the starting quarterback, with veteran Mark Rypien backing him up.

On defense, Belichick is committed to two of his favorites from his years with the Giants. Linebackers Carl Banks and Pepper Johnson are both returning to Giants Stadium for the first time as Browns players. "There's a lot of tradition in Giants Stadium," Banks said. "The crowd helps make it that way. They're always into the game." The Giants played the Miami Dolphins last Saturday at Giants Stadium, losing to Miami 20-19.

The Browns practiced with the Chicago Bears last week. "They may have an advantage, because they already played the game against the Dolphins," Beli- chick said. "We did get some pretty good work practicing against the Bears, but we'll have more things we can do by game time this week. You build your offenses and defenses in stages at this time of year." The Browns signed their two first-round draft picks, corner-back Antonio Langham and wide receiver Derrick Alexander, this week. Belichick said both might see some limited action against the Giants.

Another player looking to get his first game action is linebacker Travis Hill, projected as a high draft choice out of Nebraska until he suffered a serious knee injury in a bowl game his final college season. He was on Cleveland's disabled list all last season. "It's a big thrill for me," Hill said. "This is what I've been working for, and I'll be ready for it." Cleveland quarterback Vinny Testaverde settles behind the line during Thursday's workouts in Berea. (Photo by Alexander Horvath) recora-iymg j.i loucnaown graDS and also scored twice on running plays for the Big Ten co-champions.

But unless the Buckeyes come close to last year's 10-1-1 record, pushing Galloway for postseason honors might become a hard sell. After all, Michigan probably feels it has two better wideouts in Amani Toomer and Mercury Hayes, Penn State and Wisconsin have Bobby Engram and Lee De-Ramus, respectively, and Michigan State likes to boast about Mill Coleman. And that's just the Big Ten. "What was Joey's average last year 20 yards a catch?" said Cooper. "A lot of these guys just catch four or five hitches a game, the short stuff.

We've got to get (Galloway) the ball and let him make something happen." To that end, the OSU coaching staff has pored over tapes of 1972 Heisman winner Johnny Rodgers to see how Nebraska utilized him in different ways as a receiver and runner. Expect to see Galloway in a slot, in motion, even lining up in the backfield this autumn. Last year he scored a TD every 4.3 times he touched the ball. That might not be good enough this year, given that the Buckeyes must replace seven starters on offense. "It's always possible to get smarter; it's always possible to learn," Galloway said of the strides he hopes to make in "94.

"One of my former coaches always said, 'The better you are, the better you have to Defenses are going to try to take me out of the game, so I have to keep improving to stay on top of that." During his OSU career, Galloway has seen teammates Alonzo Spellman, Robert Smith, Roger Harper and Wilkinson leave early for the pros. The Bellaire tive took a hard look at making that move last spring, but ultimately chose to return for his senior season. That decision partly explains the motivation behind Cooper's letter-writing campaign. "I'm appreciative of Joey Gallo way coming back," Cooper said. "He's doing everything he can to help John Cooper and our football program, so I'm going to do everything I can for him." Galloway said he hasnt seen the letter, but the gesture practically rendered him speechless.

"It shows the respect Coach Cooper has for me and my ability," he said. "I don't really know what else to say." Fortunately for OSU, he's always been one to let his actions than words. Mansfield youth hoops team proves dominant By Larry Phillips Newt Journal Dream Team II thumps China HAMILTON, Ontario (AP) There was no scare for Dream Team II this time. One night after trailing unheralded Spain late in the first half before winning by 15 points, the U.S. national team bombed China 132-77 Friday night for its second victory in the World Championship of Basketball.

After being criticized for poor defense and sloppy play in its first game, Dream Team II invited one favorable comparison of the original Dream Team of two years ago. Friday night's 132 points surpassed the Dream Team I high of 127 against Brazil and Lithuania in the 1992 Olympics. The American team of NBA all-stars led 19-6 54 minutes into the game, but the Chinese stayed close to that margin for the next 10 minutes, trailing 47-33 with four minutes left In the last 3:50 of the period, Dream Team II put on an awesome display of offense and defense, out-scoring China 26-5 for a 71-38 halflime lead. The Americans especially put on a show in the final 1:19, scoring 16 points six by Joe Dumars and five each by Reggie Miller and Alonzo Mourning and forcing four of China's 21 first-half turnovers. Mourning, who fouled out in nine minutes against Spain, came back with 13 points Friday night, 11 in the first half.

Seven Americans scored in double figures and 10 had eight or more points. Shaquille O'Neal had 16 of his 22 points in the second half, including two free throws that gave the United States a 99-56 lead with 10 minutes left Dominique Wilkins and Miller had 15 points each, I fulfil "They had a very good attitude and they worked as a team." Among the younger team members were Adam Molyet, Brandon Gaddy, Kris Kline, Rafeal demons, Tim Swain, and Dustin Hall. Each of these players was part of the Brinkerhoff 4th and 5th grade title team. Added to that mix for the L.A. Gear League were Bryant Bond, of Brinkerhoff, Lance Hood, of Ranchwood, and Sherrod Feagin and Marquis Lucas, both of Sherman.

One parent, Jeff Molyet, also noted that five of the 10 members on the team also made the Merit Roll during the last school year. The squad lost only one game by one point while compiling a 7-1 record in the A. Gear league. Rolling from that performance, the Mansfield youngsters then won their semifinal game 52-46, and claimed the championship with a 5848 decision. MANSFIELD As far as Mansfield is concerned, our own Dream Team is being formed at the elementary school level.

A group of city youngsters in grades 4 6 has now won a pair of junior basketball championships in the space of four months. The team, coached by local residents Courtney Avery and Eugene Gaddy, first won the 4th and 5th grade Mansfield YMCA Biddy League basketball championships in March. They recently followed up that trophy with yet another. Last week in the L.A. Gear ARC North Basketball League (Future Stars Division) at Brookhaven High School in Columbus, 10 youngsters, six from the same Brinkerhoff team that captured the YMCA League, won its second championship.

"We have some great players for that level," Avery said. VS. guard Kevin Johnson slices through two Chinese defenders daring Thursday's game. (AP Photo) Dumars 13, Kevin Johnson 10 and Shawn Kemp 10 for Dream Team II, whose largest lead was 132-75 ifl the final minute. The United States plays its final Pool A game Sunday against Brazil, which lost to China in overtime Thursday night Two pools of four teams each will be set up for a round-robin quarterfinal playoff round, with two teams from each of those pools advancing to the final four..