HOWLAND DOMINATES IN THEIR REGULAR SEASON FINALE

AUSTINTOWN OH- In a commanding performance on Tuesday night, Howland asserted their dominance from start to finish, securing a resounding 63-43 win over Fitch on the road. It was a game marked by Howland’s relentless offense and suffocating defense, as they controlled the tempo throughout the matchup.

Leading the scoring charge for Howland was Alyssa Massucci, who delivered a standout performance with an impressive 26 points. Gia Hoso added to the offensive onslaught with 10 points, while Mia Barrish, Sophia Powell, Jessie DeSalvo, and Maya Kubanscek each contributed 6 points, showcasing Howland’s balanced attack.

Despite a valiant effort from Fitch, led by Kaliana Ray with 12 points and Ayla Ray with 9 points, they struggled to contain Howland’s offensive firepower and fell short in their attempts to mount a comeback.

With this win, Howland improved their season record to 16-6, setting the stage for the upcoming tournament as they prepare to host Ravenna on February 21st. The victory provides momentum and confidence as Howland looks ahead to postseason play.

Meanwhile, Fitch, with a record of 13-8, has one more regular-season game remaining, scheduled for Saturday at Salem. As they prepare for their final matchup before the postseason, Fitch will aim to regroup and finish their regular season on a high note, seeking to carry positive momentum into the playoffs.

FALCONS FLY HIGH IN WIN OVER MUSTANGS

Photo Credit: Joclyn Nicholas Photography

Jefferson, OH- In a commanding display of skill and determination, the Jefferson Falcons secured a resounding victory over the Grand Valley Mustangs with a final score of 70-34. Led by the unstoppable Joey DeGeorge, the Falcons showcased their dominance throughout the game, leaving their opponents struggling to keep pace.

QUARTER SCORES
Jefferson Falcons: 19 | 24 | 20 | 7 = 70
Grand Valley Mustangs: 9 | 4 | 14 | 7 = 34

Jefferson Falcons Total Points:

  • Joey DeGeorge: 34
  • Anthony Covetta: 13
  • Joel Navarro: 11
  • Robbie Pisano: 6
  • Caleb Welser: 3
  • Dylan Beebe: 2
  • Dylan Shetler: 1

Grand Valley Mustangs Total Points:

  • Jerry Arrington: 17
  • Braden Hart: 8
  • Bobby Rogers: 4
  • Noah Waldo: 2
  • Payton Plizga: 2
  • Ben Cozad: 1

Joey DeGeorge put on a stellar performance, lighting up the scoreboard with an impressive 34 points. His remarkable consistency was evident as he scored 12 points in both the second and third quarters, setting the tone for the Falcons’ dominance.

Supporting DeGeorge’s efforts were Anthony Covetta with 13 points and Joel Navarro with 11 points, further solidifying the Falcons’ offensive prowess. Robbie Pisano, Caleb Welser, Dylan Beebe, and Dylan Shetler also contributed to the scoreboard with a combined total of 12 points.

Despite facing a tough opponent, the Grand Valley Mustangs put up a commendable effort, with Jerry Arrington leading the charge with 17 points. Braden Hart, Bobby Rogers, Noah Waldo, Payton Plizga, and Ben Cozad also contributed to the Mustangs’ scoring efforts.

With this victory, the Jefferson Falcons improve to a record of 11-8 on the season, showcasing their ability to dominate on both ends of the court. Looking ahead, the Falcons will prepare to face off against the Badger Braves on February 16th, 2024, in what promises to be an exciting matchup.

On the other hand, the Grand Valley Mustangs will look to regroup as they prepare to take on the St. John Heralds in their next game on the same day. With a record of 6-12, the Mustangs remain determined to bounce back and finish the season strong.

Joey DeGeorge’s standout performance and the Falcons’ collective effort highlight their potential as they aim to make a deep postseason run. As the season progresses, the Falcons will continue to rely on their depth and determination to achieve success on the court.

URSULINE TAKES OUT REIGNING STATE CHAMPION

By Tim Corso 


YOUNGSTOWN OH- Ursuline fought its way past Akron Hoban Tuesday night 55-52.

A highly anticipated matchup lived up to the billing between the Irish and Knights as the game came down to a potential game-tying shot that fell short at the buzzer.

Despite outscoring Ursuline 15-9 in the final frame, Hoban’s comeback attempt fell short.

It was Ursuline going on a 13-0 run to end the first half that carried its momentum to the win.

The work on both ends of the floor for Jayden Payne sparked the Irish win, as well as forcing countless Knights’ turnovers.

Payne finished with a game-high 15 points while grabbing double-digit rebounds.

Akron Hoban’s push back was in thanks to the hot shooting of Joey Hardman.

Hardman used a couple big shots to cut down the lead to just one for Ursuline after they held a 7-point advantage following the third quarter.

Hardman finished with a team-high 14 points in the setback.

Jonas Nichols added 8 for the Knights, while Jaylen Gunther finished with 13 for the victorious Irish.

Ursuline (15-3) will host Bristol next on Friday 2/16. Akron Hoban (13-7) will travel to Gilmour Academy on 2/16.

Game Photos HERE: https://ysn.smugmug.com/2-13-b-bb-ursuline-hoban/2-13-b-bb-hoban-ursuline/105EOS1D

CARDINALS FIGHT THEIR WAY THROUGH CHANEY

YOUNGSTOWN OH- In a physical battle that showcased the resilience of both teams, Mooney emerged victorious with a hard-fought 47-39 win over Chaney on their home court. It was a game marked by intense competition and relentless effort from start to finish.

Leading the scoring charge for Mooney was Jibri Carter, who delivered a stellar performance with 15 points, supported closely by Rocco Turner with 14 points. Eddie Nieves also made significant contributions with 7 points, helping to propel Mooney to victory.

Despite a valiant effort from Chaney, led by Asuante Mickel with a game-high 16 points and Cliffton Scott with 6 points, they couldn’t overcome Mooney’s determined defense and offensive firepower.

With this win, Mooney improved their season record to 15-5, setting the stage for a crucial matchup against Hubbard on Friday as they look to maintain their momentum heading into the postseason.

Meanwhile, Chaney, with a record of 5-9, will hit the road once again on Friday for a matchup against Benedictine, aiming to bounce back from their tough loss to Mooney.

WARRIORS SINK SKIPPERS AFTER LATE GAME PUSH

East Ashtabula, OH- In yet another thrilling contest, the Edgewood Warriors secured a hard-fought victory over the Fairport Skippers with a final score of 43-40. The game, characterized by tight defense and clutch shots, kept fans on the edge of their seats until the very end.

QUARTER SCORES
Edgewood Warriors: 8 | 8 | 11 | 16 = 43
Fairport Skippers: 11 | 12 | 8 | 9 = 40

Edgewood Warriors Total Points:

  • Jacob Ernst: 14
  • Logan Kray: 11
  • Brady Andrejack: 8
  • Mason Thorr: 8
  • Payton Williams: 2

Fairport Skippers Total Points:

  • James Gadomski: 16
  • Josh Parsons: 8
  • Yomar Castellano: 8
  • Tryston Doeing: 8

The first quarter set the tone for the game, with both teams trading baskets and playing tough defense. The Skippers managed to take a slim lead, ending the quarter ahead 11-8. In the second quarter, the Warriors fought back, but Fairport maintained their lead, heading into halftime with a 23-16 advantage.

The third quarter saw the Warriors’ offense come alive, as they closed the gap to just two points, trailing 31-29 heading into the final period. In the fourth quarter, with the game on the line, the Warriors turned up the intensity on both ends of the court. Led by Jacob Ernst, who finished with a team-high 14 points, the Warriors executed crucial plays down the stretch to secure the victory.

Logan Kray contributed 11 points, while Brady Andrejack and Mason Thorr each added 8 points for the Warriors. Despite a valiant effort from the Skippers, including a 16-point performance from James Gadomski, the Warriors’ resilience proved too much to overcome.

The win improves the Edgewood Warriors’ record to an impressive 15-5 on the season, highlighting their ability to perform under pressure in close games. Looking ahead, the Warriors will face off against the West Geauga Wolverines on February 16th, 2024, in what promises to be another exciting matchup.

As for the Fairport Skippers, they will look to bounce back in their next game against the Cardinal Huskies on the same day. With a record of 14-5, the Skippers remain a formidable opponent in their conference.

Late-game heroics and thrilling finishes have become a trademark of the Warriors this season, with seven games decided by under three points and two resulting in overtime. Their ability to come through in clutch situations speaks to their resilience and determination on the court.

SPARTANS CHARGE PAST HERALDS

Photo Credit: Mickey Zheng

Saybrook, OH- In a thrilling matchup that saw both teams trading baskets and momentum shifts throughout, the Conneaut Spartans emerged victorious over the St. John Heralds with a final score of 79-66. Despite a valiant effort from the Heralds in the second half, the Spartans’ early lead proved insurmountable.

The game began with the Spartans jumping out to a commanding lead, outscoring the Heralds 18-3 in the first quarter. However, the Heralds refused to back down, mounting a comeback effort in the second quarter to narrow the gap to 46-20 by halftime.

The third quarter saw the Heralds continue to chip away at the Spartans’ lead, but Conneaut’s offense remained potent, maintaining a 64-44 advantage heading into the final period. In the fourth quarter, despite a spirited effort from the Heralds, the Spartans managed to hold on for the win, sealing the victory with a final score of 79-66.

St. John Heralds Total Points:

  • Vin Narducci: 25
  • AJ Henslee: 13
  • Anthony Severino: 12
  • Jaylin Streit: 6
  • Brady Cole: 4
  • Aaron Wychock: 4
  • Donald Crawford: 2

Conneaut Spartans Total Points:

  • Chance Loomis: 38
  • Davonte Harris: 16
  • JR Hutchinson: 12
  • Ryan Turner: 6
  • Cayson Hayes: 3
  • Cole Stump: 3
  • Noah Sigley: 1

Leading the way for the St. John Heralds was Vin Narducci, who finished with an impressive 25 points. He was supported by AJ Henslee with 13 points and Anthony Severino with 12 points. Despite their efforts, the Heralds ultimately fell short against the Spartans’ offensive onslaught.

On the Conneaut side, Chance Loomis delivered a standout performance, pouring in a game-high 38 points and inching closer to the 1,000 career points milestone as a Spartan. Davonte Harris also made a significant impact, knocking down five three-pointers and finishing with 16 points.

With this win, the Conneaut Spartans improve to a record of 4-12, while the St. John Heralds drop to 3-16 on the season.

Looking ahead, the Heralds will hit the road to face off against the Grand Valley Mustangs on February 16th, 2024. Meanwhile, the Spartans will also be on the road for their next game against the Wickliffe Blue Devils, with Conneaut’s Chance Loomis poised to reach a significant career milestone just 28 points away from 1,000 career points.

MILLER IS MAKING A WAY

COLUMBIANA OH- Stepping onto the varsity stage as a freshman can be a daunting challenge for any athlete, but for Kerrigan Miller of Crestview High School, it’s been nothing short of a seamless transition. From the moment she donned the Crestview jersey, Kerrigan has proven herself to be a force to be reckoned with, showcasing maturity and skill beyond her years.

One of the most remarkable aspects of Kerrigan’s freshman campaign has been her unflappable demeanor. Despite the pressure and expectations that come with competing at the varsity level, Kerrigan has remained composed and focused, never letting the moment overwhelm her. Her ability to stay poised under pressure has been a key factor in her success on the court.

As the season has progressed, Kerrigan has only continued to grow in confidence. With each game, she has displayed a growing belief in her abilities, leading to standout performances and clutch plays when her team needed them most. Her rapid development and unwavering self-assurance have been a testament to her work ethic and dedication to the game.

For Kerrigan, being part of Crestview’s undefeated 22-0 season has been a dream come true. To experience such success in her first year of high school basketball is an unforgettable experience, one that has fueled her passion for the game and motivated her to strive for even greater achievements in the future.

The support Kerrigan has received from her teammates, coaches, and the community has been instrumental in her success. Their encouragement and belief in her abilities have helped her stay focused and locked in, even during the most challenging moments of the season. Kerrigan’s ability to handle the ball with confidence and precision in the face of speed and pressure on the varsity level has been nothing short of impressive. Her poise and composure under duress have been a valuable asset to Crestview’s success this season.

Looking ahead, the future is undeniably bright for Kerrigan Miller and the Crestview girls’ basketball program. With three more seasons ahead of her, Kerrigan has the potential to leave a lasting legacy at Crestview, setting the stage for continued success and championships in the years to come. As she continues to hone her skills and refine her game, there’s no telling how far Kerrigan can go in her basketball journey. One thing is for certain – she’s a name to remember in the world of high school basketball.

Presented By:

SIEGFRIED IS A CERTIFIED WINNER

Every great basketball team needs a great point guard, a motor that makes the machine go. For The Louisville Leopards boys basketball team, that box has been checked off with flying colors this season, thanks to the talent of Beau Siegfried!

Averaging an impressive 6.4 assists per game thi season, Siegfried has also found his spots to strike scoring at the tune of 12.2 points per game this year. YSNs Ty Bartell got the opportunity to talk with the outstanding point guard!

Having the unique ability of having his dad be his head coach, it has been more than that, he has been Beau’s mentor since day one and has given him everything he needed, even when he necessarily did not want to hear it. Currently one of the leaders of the 17 win Leopards team, Beau is one of the higher IQ basketball players under the network as the car talks with dad have been led by Beau in recent months.
Aspirations of playing college basketball, Beau looks to follow in his older sister’s footsteps of participating in athletics collegiately; however, the goal this season is taking this Leopards team to new heights.

Beau Siegfried has stepped up in a big way, creating highlights and memories in front of packed houses at Louisville and, most importantly, having fun while doing it.

Presented By:

TIGERS GET BACK AT BROOKFIELD

NEWTON FALLS OH- In their final regular-season showdown, Newton Falls delivered a stellar performance to secure a decisive 38-25 victory over Brookfield. From the opening tip-off, the Tigers asserted their dominance, propelled by a strong start and a lockdown defensive effort that proved too much for Brookfield to handle.

The Tigers wasted no time in setting the tone for the game, racing to a commanding lead by winning the first quarter 15-4. This early advantage set the stage for Newton Falls’ continued success throughout the matchup.

Leading the scoring charge for Newton Falls was Dani Drake, who poured in a game-high 12 points, showcasing her offensive prowess on the court. Lilly Sait also made significant contributions with 9 points to bolster the Tigers’ offensive output.

Despite a valiant effort from Brookfield, led by Cailey Wellman with 10 points and Mya Jumper with 9 points, they struggled to overcome Newton Falls’ relentless defense.

With this win, Newton Falls concludes their regular season with a record of 10-12, ending on a high note and carrying momentum into the postseason. Their next challenge awaits in the tournament, as they prepare for a trip to Windham on February 21st to open tournament play.

Meanwhile, Brookfield, with a record of 8-14, will also await their first tournament matchup on the road at Trinity on February 21st.

THE COMEBACK OF THE SEASON GETS RESERVE PAST CHANEY

By Ty Bartell

 

BERLIN CENTER, Ohio — The Western Reserve girls basketball team orchestrated a stunning comeback on Monday night, rallying from behind to secure a thrilling 59-56 victory over the Chaney Cowgirls.
Chaney came out firing on all cylinders, dominating the early stages of the game and building a significant lead over the Blue Devils. After the first quarter, the Cowgirls held a commanding 16-8 advantage, doubling the score of their opponents. Their momentum carried into the second quarter, as Chaney extended their lead to as much as 19 points late in the period. However, Western Reserve launched a crucial counter-attack, narrowing the deficit to 34-22 by halftime.

The third quarter saw both teams trading baskets, with the Blue Devils edging out Chaney 16-13 in the period to cut the deficit to single digits, with the Cowgirls still in front 47-38 heading into the final quarter. In a remarkable turn of events, Western Reserve unleashed a furious fourth-quarter surge, outscoring Chaney 21-9 to complete the incredible comeback and clinch the 59-56 victory.

Angelina Cappabianca earned Player of the Game honors for her consistent performance throughout all four quarters, leading Western Reserve with 17 points. Quincy Miller contributed 15 points, while Lisa Eicher added 12 points to the scoreboard for the Blue Devils. On the Chaney side, freshman standout Alyssa Brown delivered a stellar performance, tallying a game-high 29 points.

With the win, Western Reserve improves to a 13-9 record on the season and looks ahead to tournament play, where they will host the Rittman Indians (2-18) on Wednesday, February 21st.

Meanwhile, Chaney (13-9) awaits their opponent from the matchup between the Louisville Leopards (14-8) and the Cleveland Heights Tigers (6-15), with their destination contingent on the outcome of that game.
For comprehensive coverage of girls basketball and more, stay updated with live games, scores, stats, stories, and more on YSN throughout the season.