MACK HAS THE BOOK ON BALLIN

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By Ty Bartell 

AKRON OH- After the conclusion of another successful regular season, The Archbishop Hoban Knights girls basketball season ended the campaign with a 16-3 record as they gear up for the postseason as the #1 seed in The Division 1, Region 1, Northeast 3 bracket. One of the leaders of the season so far has been one of The Knights seniors Mackenzie Edingburgh! An all-around scoring combo guard that does not need much space to pull the trigger from distance, but can also burn defenses with impressive speed to the post!

With ten years and counting worth of basketball experience, Mack has learned and honed in all her skills from years past, putting it all on display for her senior campaign. Practice gets you closer to perfect, and the practices have been memorable ones for Mack, always tough but also fun, especially when Coach Willie has one of his famous practice injuries that have racked up over the years! That perfectly sums up Mackenzie Edingburgh’s mentality as a baller, walking that line between locked-in serious and light-hearted having fun. As Mack looks to return to the experiences of freshman season, The Knights look to be back…..in Dayton.

 

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LADY SPARTANS SHOW RESILIENCY IN VICTORY

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BOARDMAN, OH- It’s certainly become a special year in Boardman, and the Lady Spartans weren’t ready to hang up their jerseys just yet.  In an electrifying first-round matchup of the OHSAA Tournament, the Boardman High School Spartans hosted the Perry High School Panthers and secured a thrilling 54-40 victory, propelling them into the Sectional Final against Revere on Thursday. The Spartans’ resilience and determination were on full display as they overcame a slow start to seize control of the game and secure the win.

Initially, the Panthers managed to build a narrow 16-8 lead in the first half, capitalizing on the Spartans’ sluggish start. However, Boardman quickly found their rhythm, ending the half on a remarkable 11-0 run to take a 19-16 lead into halftime. The momentum shift set the stage for an impressive comeback by the Spartans.

Boardman unleashed a relentless offensive onslaught in the third quarter, outscoring the Panthers 17-8 and establishing a commanding 12-point lead heading into the final period. The Spartans’ cohesive teamwork and tenacious defense proved to be the difference-makers as they maintained their advantage and secured the victory.

Leading the charge for the Spartans was Mackenzie Riccitelli, whose hot hand from behind the arc propelled her to an impressive 25-point performance, including four three-pointers and a flawless 7-7 record from the free-throw line. Sarah Bero contributed double digits with 11 points and grabbed 7 rebounds, while Sam Duble added 8 points, including two crucial three-pointers.

Ava Freeborough made her presence felt with 5 points and crucial offensive rebounds, while M.C. Werth showcased her playmaking abilities with 4 assists and a key three-pointer. Mikayla Rivera chipped in 2 points to round out the scoring, while Tori Strines provided valuable depth in the post.

With the victory, the Spartans improved their record to an impressive 18-5 and set their sights on the Sectional Final against Revere. The team’s unwavering determination and resilience have positioned them for a shot at the Sectional Championship and advancement to the Districts.

The Spartans invite their loyal fans to join them on Thursday night at 7 pm as they face Revere in a crucial showdown. With the support of the community behind them, the Spartans are poised to continue their postseason journey and chase glory on the basketball court. Let’s pack the stands and cheer the Spartans to victory!

LEOPARDS SNAP TOURNAMENT SKID

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Louisville wasted no time in making their mark in the postseason, delivering a dominant performance to secure a resounding 61-29 victory over Cleveland Heights in the sectional semifinals. The win snaps a three game tournament losing streak for the Leopards.

Leading the charge for Louisville was Brooke Haren, whose stellar performance saw her rack up an impressive 22 points, just one point shy of breaking the Louisville tournament scoring record. Haren’s scoring prowess and leadership on the court proved instrumental in guiding her team to victory.

Adding to Louisville’s offensive firepower was Courtney Barwick, who contributed 13 points of her own, while Sammi Beatty chipped in 9 points to further bolster the team’s scoring effort.

The collective effort of Louisville’s players overwhelmed Cleveland Heights, as they executed their game plan with precision on both ends of the court.

With this convincing win, Louisville advances to the sectional finals, where they will host Chaney on Thursday at 7:00 PM. As they prepare to face their next challenge, Louisville will look to build upon their strong showing and maintain their momentum as they aim for postseason success.

RAIDERS END NE8 PLAY WITH A BANG

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CANFIELD OH- After a prolonged wait due to rescheduling, South Range finally squared off against Struthers on Saturday in a crucial league matchup. The Raiders wasted no time asserting their dominance on the court, ultimately clinching a hard-fought 55-43 win to cap off their conference schedule on a high note.

Leading the charge for South Range was Landon Moore, whose impressive performance saw him light up the scoreboard with a game-high 24 points. With this remarkable showing, Moore finds himself just 13 points away from claiming the number 2 spot on the all-time scoring list at South Range, a testament to his remarkable talent and dedication to the game.

Supporting Moore’s offensive onslaught was Nate Lewis, who contributed 11 points, and Dylan Turvey, who added 8 points to bolster South Range’s scoring effort.

On the opposing side, Struthers put up a valiant fight, with Jason Dukes leading the charge with 20 points, followed by Lucas Patti with 11 points. Despite their efforts, Struthers ultimately fell short against a determined South Range squad.

With this win, South Range improves their record to 14-6 as they prepare to hit the road for their upcoming game against Springfield on Tuesday. Meanwhile, Struthers, with a record of 9-9, will also be on the road as they face off against Campbell on the same day.

STREETSBORO SNEAKS AWAY IN LAST TUNE UP

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CANFIELD OH- In a highly anticipated matchup between two formidable teams, Canfield and Streetsboro clashed on Saturday afternoon in a final tournament tune-up. Both squads, ranked in the top 15 in district seeding, were eager to test their mettle before postseason play.

The game was a hard-fought battle from start to finish, with Canfield holding the lead for much of the contest. However, Streetsboro showed their resilience, making clutch plays down the stretch to secure a narrow 41-38 victory.

Leading the charge for Canfield was Camie Dill, who delivered an impressive performance with 17 points, showcasing her scoring prowess and leadership on the court. Grace McQuiston and Cami Hritz contributed 6 points each, while Carly Fleming added 5 points to bolster Canfield’s offensive effort.

On the opposing side, Streetsboro was propelled to victory by the standout performance of Naomi Benson, who recorded an impressive double-double with 21 points and 13 rebounds. Benson’s dominant showing proved to be the difference-maker for Streetsboro, as they executed crucial plays in the closing minutes to seal the win.

With this result, Canfield concludes their regular season with a record of 14-8, now turning their attention to tournament play. They will open sectional play on Wednesday, hosting Brookside as they look to make a strong postseason push.

BIG GAMES FROM COVETTA AND DEGEORGE LIFT FALCONS OVER DRAGONS

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Jefferson, OH- In a matchup between the Jefferson Falcons and the Lakeside Dragons, the Falcons emerged victorious with a convincing 72-53 win. The game was highlighted by stellar performances from Anthony Covetta and Joey DeGeorge, who led the Falcons to victory with their scoring prowess and all-around contributions on the court.

QUARTER SCORES
Jefferson Falcons: 20 | 16 | 20 | 16 = 72
Lakeside Dragons: 15 | 11 | 19 | 8 = 53

Jefferson Falcons Total Points:

  • Anthony Covetta: 24
  • Joey DeGeorge: 24
  • Robbie Pisano: 10
  • Joel Navarro: 7
  • Terry Brown: 4
  • Dylan Beebe: 3

Lakeside Dragons Total Points:

  • Alex DiSalvatore: 17
  • Dyln Newsome: 13
  • Aiden Hathy: 11
  • Chase Newsome: 9
  • Conner Mead: 3

Anthony Covetta and Joey DeGeorge led the charge for the Falcons, each scoring an impressive 24 points while also making significant contributions in rebounds, steals, and blocked shots. Their outstanding performances set the tone for the Falcons’ dominance throughout the game.

Robbie Pisano added 10 points for the Falcons, while Joel Navarro, Terry Brown, and Dylan Beebe contributed points as well, showcasing the Falcons’ balanced offensive attack.

Despite a valiant effort from the Dragons, led by Alex DiSalvatore with 17 points and Dyln Newsome with 13 points, they struggled with foul trouble throughout the game. By the fourth quarter, three of the Dragons’ starters found themselves in foul trouble, hindering their ability to mount a comeback against the Falcons’ relentless offense.

With this win, the Jefferson Falcons improve to a record of 12-8 on the season, setting the stage for a highly anticipated matchup against the Perry Pirates in their next game. The Falcons will look to carry the momentum from this win and continue their strong performance as they push for postseason success.

As for the Lakeside Dragons, they will regroup and prepare for their next game against the Chagrin Falls Tigers. With a record of 5-13, the Dragons remain determined to bounce back and finish the season on a positive note, aiming to build upon their competitive spirit and resilience.

The Falcons’ victory over the Dragons serves as a testament to their talent and determination, as they continue to strive for success on the court. As the season progresses, the Falcons will look to maintain their focus and intensity as they aim to make a deep playoff run.

MOONEY BREAKS SHOOTING RECORDS IN BIG WIN

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YOUNGSTOWN OH- Cardinal Mooney put on a shooting clinic on Friday night, setting records en route to a commanding 75-31 victory over Hubbard. The team’s sharpshooting prowess was on full display as they shattered program records, lighting up the scoreboard with an astounding 18 three-pointers.

Leading the charge for Cardinal Mooney was Rocco Turner, whose scintillating performance saw him establish a new program record with an incredible 9 three-pointers, finishing the game with a game-high 29 points. Turner’s sharpshooting display left the Hubbard defense scrambling to contain him, but to no avail.

Supporting Turner’s offensive onslaught was Nick Pregibon, who contributed 13 points of his own, adding to Cardinal Mooney’s offensive barrage.

Despite Hubbard’s efforts to keep pace, they were unable to contain Cardinal Mooney’s relentless attack. Kenyan Franklin led Hubbard’s scoring effort with 12 points, but it was not enough to overcome Cardinal Mooney’s offensive firepower.

With this emphatic win, Cardinal Mooney improves their record to an impressive 16-5 as they gear up for their final game of the regular season, where they will host Struthers on Friday. Meanwhile, Hubbard wraps up their regular season with a record of 11-11 and looks ahead to tournament play, where they will host Orange on February 27th.

BEARS SHOW WHAT THEY’RE MADE OF

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East Dominates Lowellville in Convincing Win

East High School showcased their full potential on the basketball court, delivering a commanding performance to defeat Lowellville with a final score of 73-46. In a display of skill and teamwork, East left no doubt about their capabilities as they raced past their opponents.

Leading the charge for East was Isaiah McCray, whose stellar performance saw him rack up an impressive 26 points, demonstrating his scoring prowess and ability to take control of the game. Not far behind was Cam Sly, who added 19 points to further bolster East’s offensive onslaught.

Supporting their teammates, Michael Franklin, Kevin Pullen, and Jerry Smith each contributed 6 points, underscoring the depth of talent within the East lineup.

Despite Lowellville’s efforts to keep pace, they were unable to contain East’s relentless attack. Matt Lucido and Josh Pazel led Lowellville’s scoring efforts, each notching 11 points, while Michael Ballone and Drew Modelski added 7 points apiece in a valiant but ultimately unsuccessful attempt to close the gap.

With this win, East improves their record to 12-9 as they gear up for tournament play. Their next challenge will be a road trip to West Branch on February 27th to open the tournament.

Meanwhile, Lowellville, with a record of 13-8, looks to regroup as they prepare to host McDonald in their upcoming game on Friday.

WEST BRANCH STAYING LOCKED IN

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By Matt Maher 


GIRARD, OH – The red hot Warriors made their way out to Girard for an end of season tuneup against the Indians. After a fairly close 1st quarter, the Warriors continued to outscore Girard and found themselves with a 65-40 victory. West Branch fought hard with great defensive coverage and took advantage of most of their possessions while Girard had their struggles.

 

The Warriors started out the night by winning the opening tip and quickly converting the first 2 points and while Girard did have a response it wasn’t nearly as powerful as what West Branch was showing and the frame ended 19-11 in favor of the Warriors. The 3 ball was the specialty for Girard in the first quarter with Kaiden Clare hitting two of them to get 6 of his 8 points and a third coming from Melvin Dixon. While Girard specialized from beyond the arc, West Branch was hard to tame in the paint, finding 7 of their field goals from within the arc with Gavin Gregory scoring four of them. Camden Lane found the first 3 of the game for West Branch and went 1-for-2 from the charity Stripe as well.

 

Both teams slowed down the offensive output in the 2nd quarter with West Branch finding 16 to Girards 7. Dom Philips found 4 points with a layup and 1 as well as putting up 1-of-2 later down the stretch, Nick Rafferty found another 3 ball for the Indians as well. Cooper Anderson found three 2’s to lead his team with 6 points in the frame while Ricky Hendershott followed Anderson with 5 points including another 3 for his team. 

 

Girard had a better 2nd half and started it out with a 10 point 3rd quarter that came up just 3 points shy of West Branches 13 points. The Indians found four scores from four different sources: Dixon and Stephen Sims both put up 2’s and Cam Herrick and Rafferty both shot from range and put up a combined 6 points. Jaxon Robb was the leader for West branch in the 3rd, with 7 points that came from two 2’s and a good 3-for-4 from the line he helped his team keep Girard at bay.

 

The Indians had their highest scoring quarter yet with a 12 point 4th. While Girard was reaching new heights late in this game, West Branch was staying put and scored 16 points to really put this one to bed. The Indians yet again found all their scoring from four different sources but this time all of them each hit a 3, Ahmad Curd, Nick Rafferty, Chris Cardiero and Cam Herrick all found buckets for Girard. West Branch spread the wealth as well with 7 different players all scoring at least 1 point with Gregory leading the cause with 4 points and Lane adding one last triple.

 

Girard was excellent from beyond the arc on Friday night but it wasn’t enough to take down one of the top teams in our area. West Branch found themselves in some favorable spots throughout the game and that was due in part to their excellent play making as well as some less than desirable coverage from their opponent. West Branch (17-3) will stay on the road when they face Boardman on February 20th at 7:00PM while Girard (2-19) will finish off their season at LaBrae on the 20th as well at 7:00PM.

NO DOUBT ABOUT THE VIKINGS

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LEAVITTSBURG OH- In a showcase of offensive firepower, LaBrae left no doubt about their dominance on Friday night as they surged to a commanding 55-27 victory over Springfield. Utilizing their high-octane offense to full effect, LaBrae overwhelmed their opponents, leaving them struggling to keep pace.

Leading the charge for LaBrae were Jay McGarry, Derek Wilson, and David Blackmon, each contributing 13 points to lead their team’s scoring effort. Alongside them, Austin Rowe added 11 points, further solidifying LaBrae’s offensive prowess.

Despite Springfield’s best efforts to mount a comeback, they were unable to contain LaBrae’s relentless attack. Dylan Sheely led Springfield’s scoring with 8 points, while Isaac LaMorticella and Sean Guerriero added 5 points each in a valiant but ultimately unsuccessful effort.

With this win, LaBrae improves their impressive record to 19-2 as they prepare to close out the regular season with a matchup against Girard on Tuesday. Meanwhile, Springfield, with a record of 16-4, looks to bounce back as they host South Range in their upcoming game on Tuesday.