CINCINNATI SPORTS LAST WEEK

Xavier announced the commitment of two top recruits. Michael Chandler, a wide-bodied power forward from Indianapolis, Indiana and D'Vauntes Smith-Rivera, a guard also from Indy.

The Reds' Joey Votto was named the Hank Aaron Award winner as the best offensive player in the National League. There should be another big award coming his way soon.

The Bearcats opened preseason basketball on Monday with an easy 89-57 win over Carleton College of Canada. Yancey Gates had 23 for the Cats.

The Musketeers opened preseason basketball on Tuesday with a tough 73-62 win over Northern Kentucky University. Kenny Frease led Xavier with 17 points. and 10 rebounds.

The Reds picked up the options for 2011 on Bronson Arroyo ($11mil) and Jonny Gomes ($4 mil). They declined to do the same on Aaron Harang ($12.75 mil) and Orlando Cabrera ($4 mil). These two are now free agents and could sign with any club including the Reds.

George Sparky Anderson moved into a new league on Thursday. May he rest in peace or coach another team full of Hall-of-Famers in Heaven.

Xavier basketball now lost Jamel McLean for up to six weeks when he took an elbow to the face in practice. Ouch!

Tournament time for girls volleyball. Fenwick swept Versailes 3-0 in the first round.

Friday (and Saturday) night lights ... playoff time.

Colerain over Hamilton 42-14; St. X over LaSalle 30-14; Centerville over Moeller 27-17; Wayne over Middletown 21-0;