OFF AND RUNNING

Valor Christian’s Scherer named Colorado Gatorade Player of the Year

Valor Christian junior Cole Scherer was named Colorado’s Gatorade Boys Basketball Player of the Year on Thursday after leading the Eagles to the Class 6A state title earlier this month.

The 6-foot-2 guard is the first boys basketball player from Valor to win the award, which he received after averaging 22 points, 5.4 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 2.1 steals per game for the Eagles (26-2). Scherer upped his production when it mattered most with averages of 26 points and 7.2 rebounds during the playoffs, including a 28-point outburst in a 52-40 win over Thunderridge in the 6A championship.

In the classroom, Scherer carries a weighted 3.87 GPA. He has volunteered with the Musana Community Development Organization, which focuses its non-profit work in Uganda, and given time to mission ministries, which builds homes for needbased families in Mexico.

NFL

Lions release Sutton as search for DB continues on domestic violence warrant

DETROIT>> The Detroit Lions have released Cameron Sutton as authorities continue to search for the defensive back to serve a domestic violence warrant in Florida. The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office has asked for help in finding Sutton. The seven-year pro just finished his first season with the Lions and helped them reach the NFC championship game for the first time in 32 years.

SOCCER

U.S. beats Jamaica 3-1 to reach Nations League final

ARLINGTON, TEXAS >> The United States escaped defeat with an own goal in the sixth minute of second-half stoppage time, Haji Wright scored twice in extra time and the Americans rallied past Jamaica 3-1 Thursday night to reach the CONCACAF Nations League final against Mexico or Panama.

Greg Leigh scored 30 seconds in for the 57th-ranked Reggae Boyz, and the No. 13 Americans were on the verge of losing their third straight match. Instead, Wright scored in the sixth and 19th minutes of extra time and the U.S. will try to win the Nations League for the third straight time on Sunday.

TENNIS

Kalinina ends Wozniacki’s Miami Open early with rally

MIAMI GARDENS, FLA.>> Anhelina Kalinina was down and almost out with former top-ranked player Caroline Wozniacki one point away from winning in straight sets at the Miami Open. But the Ukrainian saved that match point and won the last five games of the second set before taking the third in a 5-7, 7-5, 6-4 victory in the second round.

Beatriz Haddad Maia also overcame a slow start in hot and humid conditions. The Brazilian rallied to beat Diane Parry 3-6, 6-1, 6-4.

WORLD CUP SKIING

Downhill training canceled at finals to protect slope before speed races begin

SAALBACH-HINTERGLEMM, AUSTRIA>> The men’s and women’s downhill trainings at the skiing World Cup finals in Saalbach, Austria, have been canceled.

The sessions on Wednesday went ahead as scheduled but it was decided to cancel Thursday’s trainings in order to protect the slope before the speed races. There are two supergs on Friday and the women’s downhill on Saturday. The men’s downhill on Sunday brings the season to a close.

Lara Gut-behrami and Swiss compatriot Marco Odermatt lead both disciplines. They have locked up the overall championship as well as winning the giant slalom titles.