DaytonDailyNews.com

KETTERING — From wide receiver Chris Henry's left ankle to safety Herana-Daze Jones' right knee, the eight-man Cincinnati Bengals basketball team used some ice bags at Trent Arena at Fairmont High School on Saturday afternoon, March 22.

"Preventative maintenance," said Eric Ball, the Bengals' director of player relations.

As for their opponent, well, pass the aspirin for the aches and pains.

The Bengals put on a show, defeating a squad of local celebrities, 72-55, in front of 2,200 spectators in a charity game that benefitted the Kettering Education Foundation's grant programs and scholarship initiatives.

"These games are a lot of fun," linebacker Eric Henderson said, "especially because they mean a lot to the community. They're something we definitely enjoy. We like to have fun."

Jones led all scorers with 20 points, while tight ends Daniel Coats had 13 and Nate Lawrie added 12.

Two plays stood out, both worthy of a highlight reel.

Jones flipped a ball high off the backboard, and Henry soared, snatched it above the rim and dunked. Later on, 335-pound guard Nate Livings set a pick that sent Donnell Gregory crumbling to the floor, clearing a path for Coats to drive the lane for a dunk.

"I tried to show off my hops a little bit," said Henry, who had seven points. "It's always fun coming out here, letting the fans get a chance to see you and meet you, sign some autographs and put on a show for the kids."

The Bengals' offseason workout program begins Monday at Paul Brown Stadium, and Coats and Lawrie look forward to meeting tight end Ben Utecht, who was signed away from the Indianapolis Colts.

"Hey, the more (tight ends), the merrier," Coats said. "I can't wait to get back into a football routine. When you're out of season, you're lost."

Added Lawrie: "Ben's had some success, and it's a good chance for us to use him as a measuring stick to see where we're at. It's all about the competition and the teamwork. Adding Ben is a good thing for the Bengals."

The Kettering Education Foundation auctioned off a No. 51 Odell Thurman Bengals jersey signed by all eight players. The only person missing was Thurman, who hopes to be reinstated after a two-year suspension for violating the NFL's substance abuse policy.

"I've got confidence in Odell," linebacker Rashad Jeanty said. "He's the kind of guy who wants to be the best. He displayed that his rookie year (2005). He's been through a lot. I feel he'll overcome his obstacles. We've just got to wait and see what happens."