Sports briefs for April 14, 2005

Thursday, April 14, 2005 | 10:32 a.m.

Rebels land big recruit

Jerome Johnson, a powerful 6-foot-8, 235-pound post player from Hargrave Military Academy in Chatham, Va., officially became the sixth member of Lon Kruger's 2005 recruiting class on Wednesday.

Johnson averaged 15 points, eight rebounds and three blocked shots per game as a senior for one of the nation's top prep school squads which finished 26-1. He originally signed with Clemson last spring after his senior year at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Fla., but failed to meet minimum NCAA freshman eligibility requirements.

"Jerome will add size and athleticism in the front court for us," Kruger said. "He took full advantage of his opportunity at Hargrave Military Academy and we are excited to have him become a part of our program."

UNLV is expected to announce the signing of another player, 6-foot-4 guard Jason Petrimoulx of Dixie State College in St. George, Utah, as early as today.

-- Steve Guiremand

Three Utah players transferring out

Starting forward Justin Hawkins and reserves Jake Schmidt Jermaine Calvin are leaving the Utah basketball team.

Coach Ray Giacoletti refused to talk at length about any of the departures or address reports that Hawkins disagreed with the coaching staff. None of the three players were recruited by Giacoletti.

CCSN ranked third nationally

Community College of Southern Nevada remained idle in this week's NJCAA Division I poll, still behind Connors State (Okla.) College and Young Harris (Ga.) College.

The Coyotes(37-7) host a critical four-game series this weekend against Salt Lake Community College, with the doubleheaders scheduled to begin at 4 p.m. Friday and noon Saturday.

Rebels ranked No. 1

After winning its second team title of the season at the ASU Thunderbird Invitational in Tempe, Ariz., on Saturday, the UNLV men's golf team climbed up the NCAA Division I Team Rankings and are now the top-ranked team in the country.

Individually, senior Ryan Moore continues to be the nation's top-ranked player. Other Rebels who are ranked are senior Travis Whisman at No. 30, junior Andres Gonzales at No. 57, junior Ryan Keeney at No. 83, sophomore Sam Hunt at No. 128, freshman Matt Kinsinger at No. 173 and freshman Jarred Texter at No. 186.

Patient 51s stroll past Stingers

In a game that featured 30 mph winds howling in from right field, the Las Vegas 51s blew away the Salt Lake Stingers 9-4 in Salt Lake City.

The 51s broke a scoreless tie with a five run fifth inning. Stingers starter Scott Dunn (0-1) struggled with his control, as he walked three and hit a batter setting up the big inning for Las Vegas. Altogether, Salt Lake pitchers combined to walk eight batters in the game, with six of those blossoming into runs.

Brian Myrow led Las Vegas with a pair of doubles and three runs batted in, while Joe Thurston and Mike Rose each drove in two.

Argentine player arrested during match

An Argentine soccer player was detained after a Copa Libertadores match in Brazil, accused of making racist insults.

Quilmes defender Leandro Desabato was escorted off the field by police and later charged with insulting Sao Paulo striker Grafite with racist remarks in Sao Paulo's 3-1 victory.

Police agent Oswaldo Nico Goncalves said he ordered the arrest because the insults were caught by television cameras and because Grafite made a formal complaint against the Argentine player during halftime. Desabato could face from one to three years in prison if convicted.

-- Sun wire services