WRITING SAMPLES

I currently work for cleveland.com covering the Cleveland Browns. Previously, I worked for the Akron Beacon Journal, was a beat writer at The Toledo Blade, and freelanced for numerous outlets While living in D.C., I had the opportunity to write web stories for NBC News. While in college, I served as assistant sports editor for The Carroll News. To view each article, just click the arrow below the title. You can also view archives of my work for Cleveland.com, the Beacon Journal, Fear The Sword, NEO Sports Insiders, Swish Appeal and The Carroll News.

Cleveland.com

For one Browns safety, a backyard wheelbarrow is a reminder of his long, rocky road to the NFL

Browns rookie kicker Cade York has fallen in love with the process of reaching for the unattainable

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce: What’s behind the phenomenon of the world’s most popular power couple

Moving the chain(s): The Browns defense is rocking 2 incentive-based accessories this season

Deshaun Watson excited to make Browns debut; declines non-football questions in 1st interview since Aug. 18

Dalvin Tomlinson playing as a force, an unsung hero, and the Browns’ very own ‘Kung Fu Panda’

Browns defense didn’t forget Ravens LB Roquan Smith’s ‘beat their tails’ comments, and showed it in big win over Baltimore

How the Browns got some unexpected kickoff help after Dustin Hopkins exited against Texans, and how it’s emblematic of their team

Nick Chubb’s injury hits home for Anthony Walker Jr., given their shared history

How Maurice Hurst II ended up back with the Browns (and why he’s so happy about it)

New Browns DT is one of ‘biggest technicians’ in Jim Schwartz’s scheme and has big opportunity ahead

Inside the most debated call - Joel Embiid’s 6th foul reversal - in the Cavs’ loss to the Sixers

Excitement of Taylor Swift’s The Eras Tour hits different for a Browns reporter: Ashley Bastock

Jim Brown statue offers remembrance for fans after his death: ‘Jim is basically the embodiment of what Cleveland is’

Why the Browns’ last 3 games were a huge teaching point for Cade York

Browns hopeful there could be ‘big opportunities’ in the run game with Deshaun Watson at quarterback

‘I don’t think you’ll find another room like it:’ Browns quiet receiver room content to let play do the talking

Browns LT Jedrick Wills Jr., no longer hindered by ankle injury, focused on his future in Cleveland

Baker Mayfield tattoos represent more than just the quarterback for Browns fans

What the Browns need to accomplish during the bye week

Browns’ Myles Garrett promises dunks and delivers in NBA All-Star Celebrity game

Cavs fan Greg Newsome II hopes NBA All-Star Weekend foreshadows the excitement the Browns could bring

High school football roots still go deep for Kareem Hunt, Denzel Ward, Kevin Stefanski as Browns give back

Jarrett Allen’s return exemplifies culture the Cavaliers have built, even as they fall short in playoff push

Browns holding three separate walkthroughs on Wednesday after positive COVID-19 cases

Browns quarterback Nick Mullens ready for anything as Cleveland prepares to face Raiders

Browns OT Jack Conklin ‘ready to roll’ for Steelers game Sunday

Evan Mobley and Darius Garland connect for ‘game-sealer’ as Cavaliers top Nets

Cavaliers’ Darius Garland should definitely be an All-Star, say Dwyane Wade and Candace Parker

Kevin Love and Cedi Osman connect for “back-breaking” play in fourth quarter against Pacers

MVP Stephen Curry’s historic 3-point flurry turns boos to cheers, helps swing NBA All-Star Game 2022

Ward’s record-breaking Browns contract extension ‘a blessing’ as they solidify young core

Kentucky Derby-winning jockey Sonny Leon was an underdog, but also Northeast Ohio racing community favorite

What makes Amari Cooper great? For the Browns, it’s about more than route running

A September injury changed everything for Anthony Walker Jr.; Now, he just wants to play again

No, Taylor Swift isn’t ‘ruining football.’ She’s just not hiding her relationship with Travis Kelce - Ashley Bastock

The underrated part of Amari Cooper’s game - one he doesn’t even consider a skill - that’s helping the Browns offense

Myles Garrett disappointed Odell Beckham Jr. situation spiraled ‘out of control’

The Browns’ improbable run to the playoffs is leaving me speechless. Let’s attempt to put it into words: Ashley Bastock

‘There is no such thing as burning out:’ Browns defense confident it can get back to dominating ways after two straight losses

Alex Wright has learned to take more of a backseat in his 2nd year -- and it helped notch his 1st career sack

‘He means a lot more than just football to us:’ After Nick Chubb’s injury, Jerome Ford will need to use everything he’s learned from Browns’ star RB

Cade York’s Browns tenure was defined by the battle for perfection: Ashley Bastock

This Ohio State product has been a preseason spark for the Browns defense. Will it be enough to make the roster?

Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley made game-changing plays as Cavs clinched playoff berth, showing a glimpse of their postseason potential

How new Browns receiver Marquise Goodwin found a motivation bigger than football

Browns WR Donovan Peoples-Jones says Cleveland ‘feels like home’ as he becomes extension eligible

Joe Thomas, with Hall of Fame star power, made being a Browns fan fun even when it wasn’t: Ashley Bastock

Browns rookie David Bell laments tipped ball that led to Deshaun Watson INT in Saints loss: ‘I take full responsibility’

Greg Newsome II says Browns had Bengals game circled after feeling disrespected: ‘We had to shut them up again’

Without scoring a point, Ricky Rubio is the X-factor in Cavs’ come-from-behind win over Bulls

Browns RB Kareem Hunt, seeking a contract extension, says he’s “100%” after 2021 calf, ankle injuries

What’s the Browns’ identity after their ‘Jekyll and Hyde’ loss to the Patriots?

Why Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah didn’t claim Baker Mayfield’s jersey number after trade

Cavaliers’ Jarrett Allen ready to prove he’s a one-of-a-kind NBA All-Star

Denzel Ward’s record-breaking Browns contract extension exciting to see for Nordonia football, where he got his start

Cavaliers prove they are ‘built to win ugly’ against Pelicans

Browns’ sense of urgency still has room to improve before rematch vs. Ravens, Myles Garrett says

Forcing takeaways proves contagious for Browns defense in win over Bengals

Why Myles Garrett says he is eliminating short sleeves from his gameday wardrobe

Cavaliers have improved third quarters and learned how to play with a lead in the process

Cavaliers’ free throw missteps keep popping up at inopportune times

Despite battling back injury, Darius Garland showed he never lost focus in Cavaliers’ win over Spurs

How WR Drake London’s basketball background helps him stand out in a deep NFL Draft class

Deshaun Watson’s legal issues: What to know about them, and what lies ahead

Browns’ Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah has made a name by being versatile -- on and off the field

Cavaliers’ Donovan Mitchell embraced the Browns the moment he arrived in Cleveland. It hasn’t gone unnoticed

From the time he was a kid, Donovan Peoples-Jones prepared for his moment

The injured Browns player who’s still ‘pivotal’ to production as Cleveland begins the postseason

No. 3: Browns rookie David Bell and his mission to remember his late teammate Dijon Anderson

‘Bring on the problems:’ Why the Browns are a team built to cause chaos in the postseason - Ashley Bastock

Inside the Saturday meeting that helped the Browns defense get its ‘swagger’ back in win over the Jaguars

Grant Delpit wearing ‘his heart on his sleeve’ and making plays in strong start for Browns defense

‘It’s a beautiful thing:’ Browns defense relishes creating confusion and chaos

The misconception about David Bell and the Browns -- and why he doesn’t care

Travis and Jason Kelce, brothers and Super Bowl opponents, are still ‘Cleveland Heights through and through’

This stellar Game 1 Donovan Mitchell play may be overlooked -- but it could help fuel Cavs in series vs. Knicks

Browns DE Isaiah Thomas has matured on and off the field this year thanks to major life events

‘It’s definitely breathtaking:’ Anthony Walker Jr.’s injury leaves Browns defense without one of its most vocal leaders

Few fans, no traffic, boos and cheers, offensive issues: What it was like covering Deshaun Watson’s return to the field

Browns CB Martin Emerson Jr., thriving against top competition in his rookie year, hopes opposing QBs keep testing him

Browns rookie Isaiah Thomas has been a pleasant surprise despite small sample size

Should the Browns have gone for it on their opening drive 4th down? It’s a nuanced debate

Browns rookie Isaiah Thomas embracing new role as a dad, still fighting on the field

Browns defense relishes chance to seal victory against Ravens

Browns’ mysterious Alpha Dog training camp competition fueling defense

Masters of verticality- What it would mean for the Cavaliers defensively if Jarrett Allen rejoins Evan Mobley

Injuries raised ‘what if’ questions about the Cavaliers’ season, but also tested and strengthened mental toughness

Joel Bitonio’s contract extension is about more than money for the longest-tenured Cleveland Brown

Browns’ Myles Garrett plays through pain, frustration in loss to Packers

Why were Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt on the sideline for the Browns’ final drive?

Darius Garland’s maturation the key to unlocking Cavaliers’ offense this season

Evan Mobley’s short memory a gift for the Cavaliers

Kevin Love gets hot from 3, ditches first-half hesitancy as Cavaliers top Hornets

Patience, finding the right pieces key to the Cavaliers’ success, says TNT’s Charles Barkley, Kenny Smith

Browns GM Andrew Berry expects strong return from Jack Conklin, says Jedrick Wills will remain at left tackle

Browns offensive tackle Chris Hubbard returning to Cleveland on a one-year deal, according to league source

The inside story of Anthony Schwartz’s mental health struggles this season: ‘Don’t be scared to find a solution’

Browns rookie receiver comes from a football family, but has always run his own route

Meet the former Brown behind the hilarious incident that almost derailed Joe Thomas’ NFL-record snap streak

Cade York’s uneven rookie year has ‘tested everything’ for the Browns kicker

Chase Winovich chopped his hair -- now he wants to show he’s a cut above with the Browns

‘Do you see swag?’ - Browns defense living up to big preseason talk

Browns All-Pro guard fought through back injury in win over Texans, but must repeat it with a short week looming

Browns rookie Dawand Jones gains learning experience he expected against T.J. Watt

Big dawgs gotta eat: Browns DTs are responding to challenges and relishing freedom in Jim Schwartz’s defense

How Sione Takitaki has impressed during ACL rehab, and why he’s hopeful for his defensive role

Cavs, Donovan Mitchell create ‘something out of nothing’ to help ice Celtics’ Grant Williams at the foul line

Donovan Mitchell: ‘I feel like I wasn’t the player I needed to be’ as Cavs make early playoff exit

A Jim Brown quote worth revisiting after his death: Ashley Bastock

Browns QB Deshaun Watson stays silent on Wednesday, but teammates talk excitement of his return

Deshaun Watson struggled in the preseason, but Browns don’t put much stock in that

Browns’ former Ohio State and Michigan players ready for The Game 2022: ‘It’s kind of built in to you’

Bone Collectors: How dog bones became a sought-after prize for the Browns defense

Baker Mayfield brought young fans back to the Browns and that will always be part of his Cleveland legacy

What’s going on with the Browns’ punting battle? Corey Bojorquez gives his insight

Jadeveon Clowney feels ‘ahead of the curve’ going into the offseason

Browns’ Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah prioritizing holistic approach to football entering year 2

Evan Mobley’s 100th career block comes in spectacular fashion as Cavaliers top Clippers

Cavaliers’ Evan Mobley repeatedly proved how special he was as a rookie, but his ceiling is nowhere in sight

Browns kicker Cade York has already gotten advice from Phil Dawson, enters rookie minicamp with confidence

Nick Chubb tries to be the hero for the Browns, but it’s not enough in loss to Packers: Ashley Bastock

COVID outbreak turns the week into a topsy-turvy mess for the Browns, their fans and the NFL league office

Cavaliers’ dazzling Evan Mobley continues to show he isn’t your average NBA rookie

Cavaliers’ Evan Mobley repeatedly proved how special he was as a rookie, but his ceiling is nowhere in sight

Cedi Osman, Kevin Love team up to lead Cavaliers’ biggest comeback win of the year, 98-85 over Pacers

What I’ll remember about NBA All-Star Weekend 2022

Browns Kevin Stefanski says locker room chemistry isn’t an issue- “Winning is a deodorant”

Browns draft WR David Bell of Purdue with No. 99 pick

Akron Beacon Journal:

Cleveland fan battling cancer in hospice, attends game of a lifetime as Browns clinch playoff spot

Twins Chris and Cordell Livingston transferring to Oak Hill Academy from Buchtel

STVM's Malaki Branham accepts Ohio Mr. Basketball Award, bringing standout career to a close

Zach Plesac among players welcoming Cleveland Guardians name as an exciting change

Cavaliers' Collin Sexton and Darius Garland excelling with offensive production this month

Offensive rebounds, turnovers erase Cavaliers' 'flashes' of good against Hornets

Jarrett Allen out with concussion leaving Cavaliers without any centers against Kings

STVM tops Columbus DeSales to claim ninth state title

Joyce says patience will be key going forward for STVM

Dru Joyce III dancing in first-ever NCAA Tournament as Cleveland State assistant coach

Sophomores Kramer, Brustoski give Falls major contributions

Hudson-Jackson girls lacrosse rivalry offers early glimpse at potential postseason matchup

Revere softball claims Division II district crown over Norton thanks to decisive 6-run sixth inning

Bronny James shows flashes of father, but more of himself during basketball showcase at St. Vincent-St. Mary

Hudson volleyball standout Anna Faust refuses to let juvenile rheumatoid arthritis slow her down

Foul fans pushing more officials to quit. Could high school sports be sidelined as a result?

Cleveland's Wilson Ramos finds Major League opportunity against his former team

Larry Nance Jr.'s leadership important as Cavaliers look to overcome last-second loss to Kings

While Cavaliers made good run against Wizards, inexperience in clutch situations proves costly

Cavaliers' Isaac Okoro calls praise from Miami's Jimmy Butler 'a blessing'

STVM shows it's a well-oiled machine by dissecting Lima Shawnee's offense

With COVID-19 fan restrictions, area high schools turn to livestreaming athletic events

Buchtel's Chris Livingston named Gatorade's Ohio boys basketball player of the year

CVCA's Casalinova can score, but she's not focused on it

Hudson softball's tournament run ends with loss to Perry in Div. I district semifinals

Chloie Brown, Tallmadge softball's lone varsity returner, brings unique leadership style

Chris Livingston's versatility, 'generational talent' on display as Buchtel tops East

STVM juniors Pryor, Harris already looking to continue legacy

With trade deadline looming, Cavaliers center JaVale McGee a bright spot in loss to Kings

Cavaliers say execution needs to match talk following loss to Pistons

Cavaliers fail to make the most of opportunity against Bulls, harming play-in goal

Third quarter soured even further for Cavaliers as Darius Garland goes down with injury

Cleveland's Shane Bieber best version of himself in pitcher's duel against White Sox

All-star games highlight Akron-area softball players from classes of 2020 and 2021

Livingston scores 2,000th point, Buchtel wins district title

Walsh Jesuit advances to Div. I baseball state tournament with 7-0 win over Mayfield in regional final

Hudson's Maddie Roukey shows adaptability in early stages of senior season

Copley sophomore guard Khoi Thurmon transferring to Buchtel for 2021-22 school year

Woodridge girls and boys basketball teams in quarantine due to separate COVID-19 exposures

The Joyce name brings strong connection from area high schools to Cleveland State

STVM's Malaki Branham makes history winning Ohio's Mr. Basketball

Bobby Bradley gets second walk-off in as many days for Cleveland as Triston McKenzie rebounds on the mound

In Greg Buckner's unexpected coaching debut, Cavs up their competitiveness, defeat Bulls

Darius Garland shows increased confidence, growth with career high as Cavaliers top Spurs

Isaiah Hartenstein, influenced by Nikola Jokic and ready to learn, set to make debut with Cavaliers

J.C. Mejia exits in first inning as Cleveland falls 8-2 against St. Louis, further highlighting starting rotation questions

Hudson lacrosse's Jonathan Cosentino motivates team with attitude following injury

Buchtel falls to Lima Shawnee in Division II regional final

Firestone's Jonny Marshall wins state title in 100 backstroke

Hudson-Brecksville softball rivalry is one built on mutual respect

Hudson boys lacrosse cruises to regional quarterfinal win in tournament opener

3-point effort from Trimble, Jackson helps Akron top Ohio in MAC opener

The Blade:

Rise of Zia: Cooke's path to becoming one of best ever from Toledo area

Michigan DE Paye, teammates take part in Ann Arbor march

MLB deal an interesting footnote in Shea Patterson's career

Michigan, Eastern Michigan student-athletes join for BLM protest

Five-star QB J.J. McCarthy remains '100 percent' committed to Michigan

Big Ten postpones all fall sports, could possibly play in spring

Michigan's Aidan Hutchinson getting 'creative’ without spring football

Whitmer grad Wormley adjusting to Steelers amid coronavirus protocols

Michigan defensive coordinator Brown takes blame for Ohio State loss

What effect could coronavirus have on NBA draft prospects like Michigan’s Livers?

Back in Toledo, Nigel Hayes hopes to give back amid pandemic

Michigan players hold impromptu 'pro day' in Rossford

3-point defense a major factor in 2nd straight loss for Michigan

Michigan's Ruiz poised to become first-round draft pick

Central Catholic product Mike Warren enjoying 'dream come true' invite to NFL combine

Collins' effect on Michigan's offense goes beyond catching passes

Analysis: Michigan's path to catching Ohio State starts with recruiting

Franz Wagner ready to forge his own path at Michigan

What does 'The Team Up North' drill mean? Details are hazy

Do you hear the safety sing? Central Catholic's Dailey leads on the field and stage

How friendship with Auriemma spurred Martelli's Michigan arrival

Inside what drives 5-star Michigan recruit J.J. McCarthy

Returning for 5th year was easy choice for Michigan's Carlo Kemp

Harbaugh, players, parents protest in Ann Arbor for season

Jim Harbaugh reacts to Big Ten's return: 'Let’s play football'

Michigan's defensive line relying on experience during unique time

What Michigan LB Josh Ross learned battling back from ankle injury

2 University of Michigan athletes test positive for coronavirus

Michigan athletics projecting $26.1 million deficit in next fiscal year

Challenges of NFL teams evaluating Michigan's viper position

Minor League Baseball, Mud Hens season officially canceled

Toledo native Christine Brennan wins national award, talks Olympics

John Beilein returns to Crisler Center on senior night

Shea Patterson enters NFL combine with chip on his shoulder

NFL combine a learning experience for Toledo football's head athletic trainer

Methodical Mets rookie Pete Alonso wins 2019 Home Run Derby

Cavaliers' big task: Moving on without LeBron

Mike Danna making the most of opportunity at Michigan

The anatomy of the game-clinching play in Toledo's loss to Western Michigan

Video gaming yields unexpected: St. Francis player earns scholarship

How Michigan basketball is recruiting with NCAA coronavirus restrictions

How Michigan basketball's Austin Davis was shaped by his hometown

Ed and Edward Warinner look forward to being on Michigan sideline this season

Michigan commit Will Tschetter is old school with a new-school game

Michigan's Dylan McCaffrey opting out of 2020 season, expected to transfer

'He couldn't have been more excited:' Michigan's Shea Patterson signs with Kansas City Chiefs

Conversations about more than basketball as Michigan players return to campus

Jim Harbaugh remains hopeful there will be college football in 2020

Michigan's Reynolds, Shibley, Harbaugh among those on Big Ten's Anti-Hate and Anti-Racism Coalition

Michigan LB Glasgow confident in game tape after combine snub

Will Mud Hens coaches work with taxi squad? Nothing decided yet

Big Ten cancels men's basketball tournament, halts all competition through the end of the academic year

Michigan NFL prospect Uche nearly quit football as a kid

Chase Young: 'I don't want to waste time being a combine athlete'

UM coach Juwan Howard reflects on 'hero, icon' Kobe Bryant

No place like home for Santana, who will make first All-Star appearance

Patterson's early memories of Michigan-Ohio State rivalry go back to Toledo

Michigan run game flattens Notre Dame, 45-14

UT pauses men's basketball activities due to coronavirus outbreak

For Lindsay Gottlieb, Cavaliers job is about more than just blazing a trail

Michigan promoting mental health awareness with program for athletes

Paye's 'Black Panther' celebration more meaningful after death of Boseman

Michigan DE Kwity Paye still eager to play senior season

Detail-oriented Jackson ready for increased role at Michigan

Patterson adapting to NFL virtually as a rookie

Slow and steady recruiting approach paying off for Michigan basketball

Gattis: No 'front-runner' in Michigan quarterback battle

Analysis: Pros and cons of the NBA's return plan

Whitmer, Michigan product Wormley reflects on draft experience

Cooke coping with canceled NCAA women’s basketball tournament

The best game I ever covered: A LeBron James buzzer-beater

Support from Ohio State fans 'meant the world' to Burrow

Dobbins still feeling effects of high ankle sprain, may not do drills at NFL combine

In repeat performance, Michigan defense slashed by Ohio State

'Surreal' moment leads to All-Star Game MVP for Bieber

How Louisville shut down Michigan basketball's offense

Toledo-area Boston Marathon runners enjoy challenge, atmosphere

As competition and participation increase, volleyball becomes year-round sport

The Associated Press:

Indians retire Hall of Famer Jim Thome’s No. 25

Throw back: Browns rookie Chubb brings 'old school' vibe

Sports Business Journal:

Cleveland’s ‘hidden gem’ builds pipeline to NFL

Workshop gives students flavor for sports sales

Fear The Sword:

Why losing David Griffin didn’t help the Cavs keep LeBron

2017-18 Cleveland Cavaliers exit interview: The harsh realities of J.R. Smith’s season

Fueled by Chipotle, George Hill gave the Cavs options in Game 6

Jeff Green’s improbable journey to the NBA Finals

Scary mismatch: LeBron James vs. Terry Rozier is getting the Cavs the looks they want

Another LeBron James game-winner gives the Cavs a 105-103 victory over the Raptors in Game 3

2017-18 Cleveland Cavaliers exit interview: Kevin Love once again proved to be an undeserving scapegoat

How J.R. Smith has made his playoff resurgence happen

NEO Sports Insiders:

LeBron James announces he is joining the Los Angeles Lakers

Yan Gomes makes All-Star roster as Wilson Ramos is declared inactive

The many layers of LeBron James’ latest buzzer-beater

Trevor Bauer looks to build on 2017 campaign and hopes a new pitch will help him do it

Tristan Thompson stayed ready, and it paid off in Game 7

The 22-game win streak may be over, but the legend will live on

LeBron James calls NCAA ‘corrupt’ amid latest college basketball scandal

Lorain mounts second half comeback to take district crown

Swish Appeal:

Heart (and soul) of Los Angeles Sparks’ defense — Alana Beard

Family Matters: The house that Brenda Frese built

Indiana Fever take a Knee

No. 1 UConn demolishes No. 10 Stanford in resounding fashion

Parker, Ogwumike vehemently disappointed about WNBA fines

History Made: What UConn’s 100th straight win means

Bloody nose can't stop Boyd, Toledo as Rockets punch NCAA bid

Coach Summitt: 'The role model I never played for'

NBC News:

Cruz on Trump Skipping CPAC: ‘He Was Told Conservatives…Were Going To Be Here’

Marco Rubio: I Support Any Legislation That Reduces Abortions

A ‘Brokered’ GOP Convention? John Kasich Thinks So

Charles Ramsey Thinks 'Some Incident' Will Take Place at Conventions

NYC Police Commissioner Bill Bratton: NYPD Won’t Be ‘Politicized’

The Carroll News:

A game to remember

Humans of John Carroll: Mike Moran

Senate race gets personal for Sherrod Brown

Gen. Carter Ham Visits JCU