SPARTANS GET SIGNATURE WIN OVER BRANCH

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BOARDMAN, OH- In a nail-biting showdown between West Branch High School and Boardman High School, the Spartans emerged victorious with a final score of 64-60, wrapping up their regular season in style. It was a game marked by intense competition and impressive displays of skill from both sides.

Boardman showcased their best performance of the season, demonstrating exceptional consistency in their gameplay while effectively managing turnovers and maintaining a steady scoring pace throughout the match.

Leading the charge for the Spartans was Grayson Eicher, who delivered a stellar performance with a career-high 27 points and 8 rebounds. Eicher’s standout contributions were crucial to Boardman’s success, particularly his flawless 4/4 free throw performance during the critical moments of the game.

Not to be outdone, Terrell McDowell also made his presence felt on the court, contributing 20 points, including an impressive 6/8 performance from the free-throw line in the decisive fourth quarter, securing the victory for his team.

Sullivan Smith rose to the occasion with 6 points of his own, including a crucial free throw that sealed the game with just 7 seconds remaining on the clock. Noah Ziak also played a vital role, adding 4 points to the scoreboard and demonstrating resilience during the intense final moments of the match.

Nico Holzschuh and Kaden Mayhew contributed 2 points each, with Holzschuh showcasing remarkable determination in battling against West Branch’s formidable size advantage in the paint. Zach Haus and Vince Butto rounded out the scoring, each connecting on a pivotal free throw while providing essential energy and defensive prowess throughout the game.

Jeffrey Markovitch and Jayse Varley also played their part in securing the victory, contributing to the team’s collective effort and determination on the court.

For West Branch, Jaxon Robb finished with 23 points to lead the way.  Gavin Gregory and Cooper Anderson each had double-doubles.  Gregory scored 13 and grabbed 12 rebounds while Anderson knocked down 12 and had 13 boards.

The Warriors will close out the regular season on Friday at home against Heartland Christian.

With this impressive win under their belt, Boardman now sets their sights on tournament play, with their next matchup scheduled for Wednesday, February 28 at Massillon Perry. As they carry the momentum from this triumph into the postseason, the Spartans are poised to make a strong statement on the basketball court.

VIKINGS REFUSE TO BE STOPPED

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By Matt Maher


LEAVITTSBURG, OH – The Vikings were on a mission to earn their 20th win of the season on Tuesday night and their opponent was on a mission to avoid their 20th loss and after a hard fought battle the kings of the MVAC showed everyone they were more than just that and took down their Northeast 8 opponent by the score of 70-62. 

 

The first quarter saw these two fierce competitors play a very tight game that saw several lead changes but ultimately saw LaBrae take the lead of 17-13 into the second but Girard stayed right behind them and never got too far out of reach from here. Dom Philips was electric from everywhere and that electricity started production in the first with an 8 point start including two 2’s a 3 and a made free throw. Stephen Sims also showed up with 5 points of his own. The Vikings showed a more balanced offense with four different guys scoring in the first. Austin Rowe and David Blackmon III both came out with 6 points while Derek Wilson warmed himself up with a 3 and Jay McGarry hit 2. 

 

The Vikings continued their offensive night and never lost the lead by putting up 17 more points to Girards improved 14 points. Philips continued to lead his team with 4 more points all found with tough shots down low to give him 12 first half points,  while Kaiden Claire and Cam Herrick both sank a 3 apiece. Austin Rowe continued to contribute, this time with two made 3’s to give him 12 first half points to match Girards Philips. Jay McGarry also sank two 3’s to help his team stay atop of the Indians.

 

While the IDom Philips continued to Impress, the Indians continued to trail after the third, with a 15-13 difference that went the way of LaBrae and a 49-40 overall score at the buzzer, Girard needed a huge boost going down the stretch. Philips continued his dominance with an 8 points quarter all found from within the paint. Sims found 2 more points while Claire hit another 3. Derek Wilson found himself atop his team in scoring this frame with 6 points all from within the arc while Rowe added another 5 points with 3 coming from range. 

 

The Indians geared up and showed a great push in the final 8 minutes and even outscored LaBrae 22-20 but it was too little too late as the Vikings just couldn’t be denied one last victory before heading into the postseason. The Vikings were fouled 9 times in the fourth and their free throw shooting, an excellent 14-for-17, ended up being the difference maker it needed to be. Girard saw scoring from all over the quart including two 3’s from Claire and two ore from Herrick as well as 6 points in the paint from Sims including a perfect steal and a breakaway late and 4 more points from Philips who would get the only two free throws of the quarter for his team and sank them both. 

 

Despite a solid effort everywhere on the floor for Philips and Girard, LaBrae had enough left in the tank after an excellent campaign to pull off another victory and send another team home wondering what more they could do. LaBrae celebrated their win over Girard while also celebrating their first place finish in the MVAC,complete with t-shirts and plenty of photos. Dom Philips led all scorers with 24 points with Austin Rowe a triple behind him with 21. Girard (2-20) gear up for tournament play when they travel to Glenville on February 27th at 7:00PM while LaBrae earned the first round bye and awaits the winner of Manchester vs Keystone and will play on March 1st at 7:00PM.

MOORE NOW SECOND ON THE SOUTH RANGE SCORING LIST

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NEW MIDDLETOWN OH- In a highly anticipated matchup filled with hometown pride and intense rivalry, the South Range High School basketball team squared off against Springfield on Tuesday night. With the coaching staff hailing from Springfield, the game carried added significance for both teams. In the end, it was South Range who emerged victorious, storming to a commanding 66-41 win over their rivals.

From the opening tip-off, it was clear that South Range was determined to assert their dominance on the court. Fueled by the energy of the rivalry and the support of their fans, the Raiders came out firing on all cylinders, overwhelming Springfield with their relentless attack.

Leading the charge for South Range was Landon Moore, whose outstanding performance saw him tally 19 points and move to second on the South Range career scoring list. Moore’s scoring prowess and leadership were on full display, inspiring his teammates to elevate their game to new heights.

Supporting Moore’s offensive onslaught was Dylan Turvey, who contributed 15 points, and Luke Rohan, who added 14 points to bolster South Range’s scoring effort. Tristan Toy chipped in 7 points to further solidify the Raiders’ dominance.

Despite Springfield’s efforts to mount a comeback, they were unable to contain South Range’s relentless pressure. Dylan Sheely led Springfield’s scoring effort with 9 points, while Sean Guerriero and Chris Cunningham added 8 points each. Drew Miller contributed 7 points in a valiant but ultimately unsuccessful attempt to rally his team.

With this statement win, South Range improves their record to 15-6 as they prepare for their regular season finale against Salem on Thursday. Meanwhile, Springfield, with a record of 16-5, shifts their focus to tournament play, where they will host Open Door Christian in their first tournament game on February 27th.

SPARTANS LOOMIS REACHES 1,000 CAREER POINTS ON SENIOR NIGHT

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Photo Credit: Noelle Nunes

Conneaut, OH- In a hard-fought battle between the Conneaut Spartans and the Perry Pirates, the Pirates emerged victorious with a final score of 66-53. Despite the Spartans’ valiant effort, highlighted by Chance Loomis reaching a career milestone, the Pirates’ offensive firepower proved to be too much to handle.

QUARTER SCORES
Conneaut Spartans: 8 | 17 | 16 | 12 = 53
Perry Pirates: 13 | 19 | 16 | 18 = 66

Conneaut Spartans Total Points:

  • Chance Loomis: 25
  • Jordan Kulko: 10
  • Davonte Harris: 8
  • Noah Hamm: 6
  • JR Hutchinson: 4

Perry Pirates Total Points:

  • Vincent Tomasic: 14
  • Derreon Malone: 24
  • Braylen Richards: 12
  • Allen Morris: 2
  • Ryan Zurinsky: 2
  • Walter Moses: 9
  • Josh Zentgraf: 3

Despite the loss, the Spartans had a notable milestone to celebrate as Chance Loomis reached his 1,000th career point during the game. Loomis, a talented scoring machine for the Spartans, achieved this milestone on senior night in the Spartans’ final home game of the season, adding a special moment to the evening’s proceedings.

Loomis led the charge for the Spartans with an impressive 25 points, showcasing his scoring prowess and determination on the court. He received support from Jordan Kulko with 10 points, while Davonte Harris, Noah Hamm, and JR Hutchinson also contributed points for the Spartans.

Despite Loomis’ milestone performance, the Pirates proved to be a formidable opponent, led by Derreon Malone with 24 points. Vincent Tomasic and Braylen Richards also made significant contributions with 14 and 12 points, respectively, leading the Pirates to victory.

With this loss, the Conneaut Spartans move to a record of 4-16 on the season, but they remain determined to bounce back in their next game against the Pymatuning Valley Lakers. The Spartans will look to build upon Loomis’ milestone performance and continue to compete at a high level.

As for the Perry Pirates, they celebrate a hard-fought win and prepare for their next game against the Jefferson Falcons. With a record of 10-9, the Pirates remain focused on finishing the season strong and making a statement in the postseason.

While the outcome may not have been what the Spartans had hoped for, Loomis’ milestone achievement serves as a testament to his talent and dedication, and the Spartans will look to rally around this accomplishment as they strive for success on the court.

THE NEST IS PROTECTED IN UNITED

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HANOVERTON OH- In a thrilling showdown on Tuesday night, the United High School basketball team faced a formidable challenge as they hosted Crestview. With both teams vying for supremacy, the stage was set for an intense battle on the hardwood. In the end, it was United who emerged victorious, protecting their home court with a hard-fought 64-56 win over Crestview.

Leading the charge for United was Jason Pratt, whose stellar performance saw him rack up an impressive 20 points, showcasing his scoring prowess and leadership on the court. Pratt was well-supported by Beau Eichler, who contributed 15 points, and Luke Courtney, who added 14 points to bolster United’s offensive attack.

Crestview put up a valiant fight, with Justin McKee leading the scoring effort with 16 points, followed closely by Jameson English with 14 points and Jonathan Best with 13 points. Despite their best efforts, Crestview ultimately fell short against a determined United squad.

With this crucial win, United improves their record to 9-13 as they now turn their attention to tournament play. Their next challenge will be against Brookfield at home as they look to make a splash in postseason action.

Meanwhile, Crestview concludes their regular season with a record of 7-14, with their sights set on finishing strong as they host Liberty on Thursday.

Game Photos HERE: https://ysn.smugmug.com/2-20-b-bb-united-crestview/2-20-b-bb-united-crestview/105EOS1D

WARRIORS END REGULAR SEASON WITH A BANG

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Photo Credit Edgewood Athletics

Saybrook, OH- In an entertaining showdown between the Edgewood Warriors and the St. John Heralds, the Warriors emerged victorious with a resounding 84-43 win. Led by standout performances from Payton Williams and Jacob Ernst, the Warriors showcased their offensive firepower and secured an impressive victory to close out their regular season.

QUARTER SCORES
Edgewood Warriors: 20 | 17 | 26 | 21 = 84
St. John Heralds: 16 | 12 | 11 | 4 = 43

Edgewood Warriors Total Points:

  • Payton Williams: 27
  • Jacob Ernst: 27
  • Mason Thorr: 13
  • Geno Measel: 6
  • Brady Andrejack: 3
  • Logan Kray: 2
  • Russell Thomas: 2
  • JJ Dufour: 2
  • Justin Richmond: 2

St. John Heralds Total Points:

  • Aaron Wychock: 15
  • Anthony Severino: 13
  • Donald Crawford: 4
  • Anthony Petrochello: 6
  • Brady Cole: 2
  • John Miller: 2
  • AJ Henslee: 1

The Warriors’ offense ignited in the second half after a close first half, with Payton Williams leading the charge by knocking down an incredible 9 three-pointers throughout the game. Meanwhile, senior standout Jacob Ernst reached a career milestone by becoming Edgewood’s newest 1,000-point scorer. His historic achievement was punctuated by a thunderous slam dunk, sending the crowd into a frenzy and highlighting his impact on the court.

Joining Williams and Ernst in the scoring column, Mason Thorr contributed 13 points, while Geno Measel, Brady Andrejack, Logan Kray, Russell Thomas, JJ Dufour, and Justin Richmond all chipped in points to bolster the Warriors’ offensive onslaught.

Despite a valiant effort from the Heralds, led by Aaron Wychock with 15 points and Anthony Severino with 13 points, they were unable to contain the Warriors’ potent offense.

With this win, the Edgewood Warriors conclude their regular season with a record of 17-5, setting the stage for a promising postseason run. As they await their opponent in the sectional semifinals of the OHSAA tournament, the Warriors will look to build upon their momentum and continue their winning ways.

As for the St. John Heralds, they conclude their regular season with a record of 3-18 and shift their focus to the upcoming OHSAA playoffs, where they will face the Maplewood Rockets in the first round. With a determination to compete at a high level, the Heralds will look to make a statement as they embark on their postseason journey.

URSULINE’S ABILITY TO SCORE TRAVELS WELL

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EAST LIVERPOOL OH- Ursuline showcased their offensive prowess on Monday night as they traveled to East Liverpool and emerged with a commanding 72-53 victory. The Irish wasted no time asserting their dominance, storming ahead early and never looking back.

Leading the charge for Ursuline was Jayden Payne, who delivered a stellar performance with 18 points, showcasing his scoring ability and leadership on the court. He was well-supported by Noah Bell and Jaylen Gunther, who each contributed 14 points, while Deshaun Will and Geno Lucente added 9 and 8 points respectively to bolster the team’s offensive output.

Despite East Liverpool’s efforts to mount a comeback, they were unable to contain Ursuline’s relentless offensive attack. Preston Kerr led East Liverpool’s scoring effort with 15 points, followed closely by Blake Adkins with 12 points and Quinton Conrad with 9 points.

With this convincing win, Ursuline improves their record to an impressive 17-3 as they return home to host Howland on Thursday. Meanwhile, East Liverpool, with a record of 16-5, faces another tough challenge ahead as they host Canfield on Thursday.

BROOKE BREACHES THE TOP

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LOUISVILLE OH- For years, Brooke Haren has been the heartbeat of the Louisville basketball program, embodying the spirit of resilience, dedication, and leadership both on and off the court. As a senior, she stands as a living testament to the power of perseverance and the rewards of unwavering commitment to one’s craft.

Haren’s journey has been marked by both triumph and adversity. Last season, her promising campaign was cut short by injury, casting a shadow of uncertainty over her basketball future. However, true to her resilient nature, Haren refused to let setbacks define her. With unwavering determination, she dedicated herself to rehabilitation, determined to return stronger than ever.

This season, Haren has not only bounced back but has soared to new heights, etching her name into the annals of Louisville basketball history as the program’s all-time leading scorer. Her relentless work ethic, combined with her natural talent and passion for the game, has propelled her to this remarkable achievement, solidifying her legacy as one of the greatest players to ever don the Louisville jersey.

Off the court, Haren sets the tone and example for every young player in the Louisville community. Her leadership transcends the hardwood, inspiring her teammates to strive for excellence and embody the values of teamwork, perseverance, and sportsmanship. As a role model and mentor, Haren’s impact extends far beyond the confines of the basketball court, shaping the lives of those around her for years to come.

Despite her individual accolades, Haren remains focused on the collective success of her team. Committed to playing basketball at the next level, she has set her sights on Ursuline College, where she plans to continue her athletic and academic pursuits. Her dedication to honing her craft and pursuing her dreams serves as a shining example of determination and perseverance for aspiring athletes everywhere.

As Haren prepares to embark on the next chapter of her basketball journey, her focus remains firmly fixed on the present. Determined to make some noise in the district tournament, she leads Louisville into battle with a fire burning in her eyes and a steely resolve in her heart. With Haren at the helm, Louisville stands poised to defy expectations and leave an indelible mark on the basketball landscape.

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DREAM WEAVER, GAME CHANGER

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CANFIELD OH- In the heat of battle inside the paint, it takes grit and determination to find success. Canfield’s junior power forward, Ben Weaver, stands out for his sheer grit and determination on the court. Standing shorter than some of his opponents, Weaver compensates with an unparalleled work ethic, out-hustling and outmaneuvering anyone in his path to secure rebounds and score points in the paint.

Weaver’s tenacity has been instrumental in Canfield’s back-to-back AAC Championships, proving that size isn’t everything when it comes to dominating the post position. His ability to carve out space, fight for every loose ball, and convert opportunities into points has been a linchpin of Canfield’s success.

As an upperclassman, Weaver has shouldered increased responsibility with grace and maturity. Embracing his role as a leader on and off the court, he has set an example for his teammates, demonstrating a willingness to take on challenges and lead by example.

For Weaver, team chemistry is paramount. He understands that success on the court is rooted in trust, camaraderie, and a shared commitment to excellence. Off the floor, Weaver and his fellow leaders at Canfield foster a tight-knit bond that translates seamlessly onto the hardwood, allowing them to play as a cohesive unit and elevate each other’s performance.

This season, Weaver has averaged 8 points and 4 rebounds per game, showcasing his versatility and impact on both ends of the floor. But beyond the statistics, Weaver harbors a dream of playing college basketball, and with each game, that dream edges closer to reality. His dedication, skill, and passion for the game make him an attractive prospect for college recruiters, who recognize his potential to make a significant impact at the next level.

As Canfield gears up for an upcoming tournament run, players like Weaver could prove to be the difference-makers. With his gritty play in the post, unyielding determination, and team-first mentality, Weaver has the potential to lead Canfield to further success on the court and beyond. As the stakes grow higher, Weaver’s presence on the court becomes all the more crucial, as he looks to leave an indelible mark on the Canfield basketball program and pave the way for a bright future ahead.

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DEVIN ELEVEN AT YOUR CONVENIENCE

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By Ty Bartell

AKRON OH- Once again, The Archbishop Hoban Knights girls basketball team has secured a #1 seed in the postseason, following another impressive regular season, finishing with a 16-3 record. One of the reasons The Knights have had the success of four consecutive district championships is because of players like Devin Harris! A player that quite literally is whatever you need her to be on any given night.

With the speed of a guard, but the height and length of a forward, Harris is capable of leading her team in scoring in a game, but also could be the team leader in rebounds, blocks, assists, steals, you name it and she is capable! An ultimate team player, Devin Harris is every head coach’s dream as she is unselfish, understanding and unphased by pressure. Learning the game with an older brother toughened her up in her early chapters, enabling her to be the warrior she is today! Gearing up for her final postseason run with The Knights, there has not been a year at Hoban where she has not tasted district championship success. However, Devin Harris looks to put that stamp on her senior season with a deep run and perhaps some more nets to cut down.

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