Sports briefs

Zehner verbally commits to Bucknell

Tamaqua girls basketball standout Amy Zehner has verbally committed to continue her academic and basketball careers at Bucknell University.

Zehner, a junior, has already topped the 1,000 point mark in her high school career. She has been TIMES NEWS Girls Basketball Player of the Year each of the last two seasons.

Artest's miracle shot leads Lakers past Suns

A path through the lane suddenly opened up before Ron Artest. Kobe Bryant's missed 3-pointer dropped right into his hands, and Artest's awkward layup banked neatly through the net as the buzzer sounded on Game 5 of the Western Conference finals.

What a pretty finish to an ugly game for the Lakers' veteran troublemaker, who has struggled to find his role throughout his first season with the defending champions - and what a strange, thrilling way for Artest to carve out his own spot in the Lakers' playoff lore.

Artest banked home the winning shot after grabbing the biggest offensive rebound of his career, nudging the Lakers past the Phoenix Suns 103-101 on Thursday night to take a 3-2 series lead.

Bryant had 30 points, 11 rebounds and nine assists for the Lakers.

Saints' Shockey suffers seizure

New Orleans Saints tight end Jeremy Shockey was taken by ambulance to a hospital Thursday afternoon after suffering what was later diagnosed as a seizure.

"I am OK. Thanks to everyone who has shown their concern," Shockey said in a message posted on his Twitter account. "Don't worry about me. I will be fine."

Saints safety Darren Sharper, who was seen at the hospital where Shockey was being treated, also was with Shockey in the Saints' weight room when the seizure took place.

NFL clears 'Big Ben'

to return to Steelers

Ben Roethlisberger was cleared by the NFL to return to the Pittsburgh Steelers beginning next week, although no decision has been made on the length of his suspension.

The quarterback was suspended without pay for six games last month by commissioner Roger Goodell after a 20-year-old college student accused him of sexual assault in Milledgeville, Ga. No charges were filed.