Today's sports briefs: 3-21

Boys’ Cornbelt team announced

The boys’ basketball Cornbelt all-conference team was announced on Tuesday.

Making the first team were Alex Robertson, Canistota; Seth Wethor, Bridgewater/Emery; Shaun Becker, Freeman; Janson Van Winkel, Canistota; Clayton Dye, Bridgewater/Emery.

On the second team were Jacob Bartscher, Hanson; Cody Bunger, Canistota; Jordan Marquardt, Hanson; Caleb Lang, Freeman; Reid Smith, Hanson.

Girls’ Region 4B team announced

By The Daily Republic

The girls’ Region 4B basketball team all-region team was announced on Tuesday.

The players are junior Kieran O’Malley, Centerville; senior Haley Jorgensen, Viborg/Hurley; senior Samantha Blake, Centerville; senior Paige Herrboldt, Freeman; senior Anna Leloux, Parker; sophomore Shenia Doering, Alcester-Hudson; senior Jaime Tschetter, Freeman Academy; sophomore Chloe Nielsen, Canistota; junior Micalanne Hanten, Parker; senior Carly Uecker, Freeman.

William Hansen from Viborg/Hurley was named coach of the year.

Vikings sign free agent fullback Jerome Felton

EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. (AP) — The Minnesota Vikings have signed fullback Jerome Felton.

The team announced the addition Tuesday. The 25-year-old Felton was a fifth-round draft pick by the Detroit Lions from Furman in 2008. Claimed off waivers by the Carolina Panthers before last season, he was let go and finished the year with the Indianapolis Colts. He was an unrestricted free agent.

Felton left college as Furman’s all-time leader with 63 career rushing touchdowns, but he has been more of a blocker in the NFL. Ryan D’Imperio and Matt Asiata are the other fullbacks on the roster.

The Vikings also confirmed the signing of defensive tackle Letroy Guion, who agreed to terms last week. Guion has been a backup for four seasons since being drafted in the fifth round out of Florida State.

End of the road for South Dakota women’s team

VERMILLION (AP) — The season is over for the University of South Dakota women’s basketball team.

The Coyotes lost to Colorado 64-55 on Monday night in the second round of the Women’s National Invitation Tournament. USD cut a 16-pound deficit to five in the final minute but the rally fell short.

USD was the last college team in South Dakota still playing in the postseason. The South Dakota State University men and women both lost in the NCAA tournament.

The Dakota State men lost in the NAIA Division II tournament.

Eagles acquire linebacker Ryans from Texans

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — The Philadelphia Eagles have acquired two-time Pro Bowl linebacker DeMeco Ryans from the Houston Texans for a fourth-round draft pick in 2012.

The Eagles and Texans also announced Tuesday they were swapping third-round choices in 2012. The Eagles now have the 89th pick overall, while the Texans have the 77th pick.

Alex Smith, 49ers close to deal

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — A person with knowledge of the negotiations says Alex Smith and the San Francisco 49ers are working to finalize a three-year contract.

NFL Network first reported the sides had agreed on a new deal.

The person, speaking on condition of anonymity because no announcement had been made, said Tuesday night final details are still being worked out and an announcement could come as soon as today.

Earlier in the day, Peyton Manning was formally introduced in Denver after the 49ers pursued the four-time NFL MVP.

The 27-year-old Smith had met with Miami on Sunday but ultimately decided to stay put with the team that drafted him first overall in 2005.

Smith had a breakthrough season last year, helping San Francisco reach the NFC title game.

Tags: sports, updates, basketball, football, vikings, usd, coyotes