MOONEY TURNS AWAY THE CRUSADERS

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By Michael Ginocchi


Youngstown, OH- On Friday night, the Cardinal Mooney boys’ basketball team faced off against a formidable Canton Central Catholic team in a fiercely contested matchup. The Crusaders were coming off of a big win over Warren JFK and were looking to grab a win over Mooney. After Struggling in the first half with the Cardinals press, the Crusaders found their rhythm. They cut the lead to just one late in the fourth, but clutch shooting from the field and foul line helped Mooney grab a big 61-52 win.

 

Rocco Turner was clutch for the Cardinals knocking down six threes while scoring 22 points. Whenever his team required a crucial shot, he consistently delivered. Eddie Nieves made a significant impact on the scoreboard, contributing to his team’s success by scoring an impressive 15 points and reaching double figures in the game. Finally, Will Desmond who is only a freshman was doing most of the dirty work. He constantly kept extra possessions alive.

 

Canton Central Catholic’s Luke Vlacovsky was his team’s MVP. He lit up the scoreboard with an impressive 23 points in a stellar performance. Vlacovsky was able to handle Mooney’s press with ease. Three other Crusaders all finished with 8 points on the night. Towards the end of the game, Coach Palermo’s team ramped the pressure back up causing Canton Central Catholic to turn the ball over.

 

With the Win Cardinal Mooney improves to 10-4 on the season. The Cardinals will be back in action at home on Tuesday for a big SVC matchup vs Youngstown East. Canton Central Catholic drops to 8-7 with the loss. The Crusaders will host Manchester this upcoming Tuesday.

URSULINE HUSTLES THEIR WAY TO SEASON SWEEP OF EAST

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By Tim Corso


YOUNGSTOWN OH- Ursuline fought past East to complete the season sweep Friday night 63-53

Ursuline got off to a fast start early getting up 8-2 in thanks to scoring eight unanswered right out the gate.

From that point, the remainder of the quarter was fairly even with Keith Gunther’s squad leading 20-14 after the first eight minutes. 

The Golden Bears fought back in the second frame. 

They battled from down nearly 20 at one point to cut the Ursuline lead to as little as four. Isaiah McCray was the catalyst of that run, hitting a trio of three pointers in just the second quarter.

McCray finished with a game-high 21 points.

Ursuline used its big third quarter however to propel its lead to double digits and never look back. 

A pair of three pointers from Freshman Jaylen Gunther sparked his 8-point third quarter to propel the Irish. 

Gunther finished with 15 points on the night. 

When it was all said and done though, Jayden Payne had every answer Easy threw at him. 

Payne hounded the glass for double-digit rebounds and a team-high 19 points.

That team effort propelled the Irish to another Steel Valley Conference win.

Deshaun Will added 9 points and Noah Bella had 7 points as well.

Ursuline (11-2) will follow the win up with a Steel Valley battle against at Chaney on Tuesday 1/30. 

East (7-6) will travel to Cardinal Mooney to take on the Cardinals on Tuesday 1/30.

FALCONS BOUNCE BACK IN A BIG WAY

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Photo Credit: Noelle Nunes

Conneaut, OH- In a commanding display of skill and precision, the Jefferson Falcons dominated the Conneaut Spartans in a high-scoring basketball matchup. The final scoreline reflected the Falcons’ dominance, as they secured a resounding 91-31 victory.

Quarter Scores:

  • 1st Quarter: Jefferson Falcons 32, Conneaut Spartans 15
  • 2nd Quarter: Jefferson Falcons 20, Conneaut Spartans 6
  • 3rd Quarter: Jefferson Falcons 19, Conneaut Spartans 2
  • 4th Quarter: Jefferson Falcons 20, Conneaut Spartans 8
  • Total: Jefferson Falcons 91, Conneaut Spartans 31

Player Stats – Jefferson Falcons:

  • Anthony Covetta: 41 points
  • Joey DeGeorge: 20 points
  • Caleb Welser: 13 points
  • Joel Navarro: 8 points
  • Robbie Pisano: 4 points
  • Dylan Shetler: 3 points
  • Terry Brown: 2 points

Player Stats – Conneaut Spartans:

  • Jordan Kulko: 10 points
  • JR Hutchinson: 6 points
  • Chance Loomis: 6 points
  • Noah Hamm: 4 points
  • Davonte Harris: 3 points
  • Cayson Hayes: 2 points

The Falcons’ three-point shooting was nothing short of spectacular, sinking an impressive 13 shots from beyond the arc. Leading the charge was Anthony Covetta, who lit up the scoreboard with a remarkable 41 points, including six successful three-pointers.

With this win, the Jefferson Falcons improved their record to 6-7. Their next challenge awaits them at home against the Madison Blue Streaks (10-4) on January 30, 2024. The Blue Streaks are seeking redemption after a recent 63-42 loss to the Perry Pirates.

On the other side, the Conneaut Spartans (3-11) will be looking to regroup as they prepare to face the Geneva Eagles (12-3) at home. The Eagles are coming off a 59-51 loss to the Harvey Red Raiders, setting the stage for an intriguing matchup.

The Falcons’ impressive performance serves as a testament to their skill and teamwork, and fans eagerly anticipate their upcoming games as they continue to strive for success in the basketball season.

LIONS POUNCE ON THE URBAN SCHOLARS

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COLUMBIANA OH- In a commanding performance on Friday, Heartland Christian demonstrated their dominance over the Academy of Urban Scholars, securing a resounding 68-22 victory.

The scoring leaders for Heartland were Collin Kalaher with an impressive 18 points, closely followed by Jake Walker contributing 16, and Tyler Rarick with 11. Brody Conaway added 6 points to the team’s well-rounded effort.

With the win, Heartland Christian advances to a 10-4 record and will aim to maintain their momentum as they face Lordstown on Wednesday. The comprehensive victory not only showcases Heartland’s scoring prowess but also sets a positive tone as they continue their basketball campaign.

EAGLES FALL, BUT RYAN RISES UP

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MOGADORE OH- Despite a significant milestone for Warren JFK with Nick Ryan entering the 1000-point club, the Eagles faced a tough challenge against Mogadore, falling 63-53.

In addition to Ryan’s milestone achievement, Michael Condoleon led JFK’s scoring with an impressive 20 points, followed closely by Ryan contributing 18, and Nico Ciminero adding 9.

With a 12-3 record, Warren JFK now looks ahead to another big test as they hit the road to face Canfield on Tuesday. The milestone night for Nick Ryan adds a memorable chapter to the Eagles’ season, even in the face of a competitive matchup against Mogadore.

BIG FINISH PAVES THE WAY FOR CANFIELD

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CANFIELD OH- Canfield showcased their resilience on Friday night, using a dominant final quarter to pull away from Howland with a convincing 54-37 victory. The Cardinals outscored their opponents 20-8 in the fourth quarter, sealing the win.

Leading the scoring for Canfield was Dom Cruz with an impressive 17 points, followed by Sam Castronova contributing 11, and Drew Shapiro with 7. Ben Weaver added 5 points to the team’s balanced attack.

Howland’s Anthony Chieffo led their scoring effort with 9 points, while Chris Fenton and Alex Henry each chipped in with 6.

With a 10-4 record, Canfield now looks ahead to building a new streak as they host Salem on Saturday. Howland will return to the floor on Tuesday, hosting Fitch and seeking to bounce back from the challenging matchup. Canfield’s strong finish demonstrates their ability to rise to the occasion and control the game when it matters most.

ROCKETS FIND REDEMPTION

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NEW MIDDLETOWN OH- In a redemption-filled matchup on Friday night, Lowellville avenged an earlier season loss to Springfield by securing a 54-43 victory on the road.

Lowellville’s Michael Ballone led the scoring charge with an impressive 19 points, followed closely by Matt Lucido contributing 16, and Ryan Nieder with 9. Josh Pazel added 6 points to the winning effort.

Springfield, despite the efforts of Carson Cunningham with 15 points and Drew Miller with 12, couldn’t overcome Lowellville’s determined performance. Aiden Appel and Sean Guerriero each contributed 7 points.

With the win, Lowellville improves to an 8-6 record and will return home to host Mineral Ridge on Tuesday. Springfield (11-4) will aim to bounce back at home on Tuesday against Sebring. The victory for Lowellville not only avenges an earlier defeat but also solidifies their competitive standing as they navigate through the season.

WARRIORS RUN PAST DRAGONS ON THE ROAD

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Photo Credit: Edgewood Athletics

Ashtabula, OH- The Edgewood Warriors showcased their dominance against the Lakeside Dragons, securing a solid victory with a final score of 63-51. The Warriors had a well-distributed scoring effort, with Jacob Ernst leading the charge with an impressive 23 points including 3 rim rattling dunks.

The first two quarters set the tone for the Warriors’ success, outscoring the Dragons 17-11 and 22-9, respectively. However, the Dragons fought back in the third quarter, narrowing the gap with a 22-14 run. Yet, the Warriors maintained their composure in the final quarter, securing the win with a 10-9 scoreline.

Quarter Scores:

  • 1st Quarter: Edgewood Warriors 17, Lakeside Dragons 11
  • 2nd Quarter: Edgewood Warriors 22, Lakeside Dragons 9
  • 3rd Quarter: Edgewood Warriors 14, Lakeside Dragons 22
  • 4th Quarter: Edgewood Warriors 10, Lakeside Dragons 9
  • Total Score: Edgewood Warriors 63, Lakeside Dragons 51

Top Performers:

Edgewood Warriors Total Points:

  1. Jacob Ernst: 23 points
  2. Logan Kray: 14 points
  3. Brady Andrejack: 10 points
  4. Russel Thomas: 7 points
  5. Mason Thorr: 6 points
  6. Zach Carlton-Hull: 3 points

Lakeside Dragons Total Points:

  1. Dyln Newsome: 12 points
  2. Alex DiSalvatore: 11 points
  3. Jay Lopez: 7 points
  4. Connor Mead: 7 points
  5. Aiden Hathy: 6 points
  6. Jarez Osborne: 4 points
  7. Josh Alexander: 2 points
  8. Chase Newsome: 2 points

Apart from Ernst’s standout performance, Logan Kray and Brady Andrejack also contributed significantly with 14 and 10 points, respectively. The Warriors’ teamwork and balanced scoring were evident throughout the game.

Looking ahead, the Edgewood Warriors (12-4) are gearing up for a home matchup against the Perry Pirates (7-5) on 1/30/24. The Pirates are coming off a convincing 63-42 win over the Madison Blue Streaks, making the upcoming clash an exciting contest. On the other hand, the Lakeside Dragons (3-9) will be hosting the Harvey Red Raiders (8-8), who are riding high after a 59-51 victory against the Geneva Eagles. Fans can anticipate thrilling basketball action as both teams look to build on their recent successes.

BUCEY ALWAYS BOUNCES BACK

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COLUMBIANA OH- In the face of adversity, Crestview’s sophomore Ava Bucey has exemplified remarkable resilience throughout her basketball career. Battling through multiple injuries would be enough to deter many, but not Ava.

Ava’s journey has been marked by an unwavering grit and determination, a testament to her relentless spirit to keep coming back, no matter the setbacks. It’s a quality that sets her apart and fuels her commitment to the sport she loves.

This season brought a pivotal realization for Bucey – the importance of giving herself grace. Understanding that the path to recovery doesn’t always lead to an immediate return to 100%, Ava took a significant mental step. Overcoming not just the physical challenges but also addressing the mental aspects showcases her holistic approach to the game.

Since her return to the floor, Ava Bucey has proven to be a key addition to the 19-0 Rebels. Her comeback game, under high stakes at Champion when first place in the conference was on the line, demonstrated her ability to perform under pressure. Averaging an impressive 7.9 points per game, she brings both skill and resilience to the team.

What makes Ava stand out is her unwavering determination to not only overcome challenges but to exceed expectations. Her commitment to reaching her full potential and contributing to Crestview’s team goals is undeniable. As the Rebels aim for success on every front, Ava Bucey’s story becomes an inspiring narrative of perseverance and triumph over adversity.

Presented By:

YSN HSBB POWER RANKINGS RELEASED FOR 1/26/24

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EAST PALESTINE, OH- As the high school basketball season unfolds, the competition is fierce, and teams are jockeying for position in the rankings. Your Sports Network (YSN) has evaluated teams based on various factors, including the Rating Percentage Index (RPI), winning percentage (WP), opponent winning percentage (OWP), and opponent’s opponent winning percentage (OOWP) and recent success/momentum. Let’s dive into the rankings:

1. John F. Kennedy Catholic (Warren)
– **RPI:** 0.728116
– **WP:** 0.923077
– **OWP:** 0.635416
– **OOWP:** 0.545958
– **W/L:** 12-2

 2. Ursuline (Youngstown)
– **RPI:** 0.690662
– **WP:** 0.833333
– **OWP:** 0.603117
– **OOWP:** 0.584951
– **W/L:** 10-2

3. LaBrae (Leavittsburg)
– **RPI:** 0.64529
– **WP:** 0.846154
– **OWP:** 0.537842
– **OOWP:** 0.474336
– **W/L:** 11-2

4. East Liverpool – 0.637339

5. David Anderson (Lisbon) – 0.631076

6. Canfield – 0.631733

7. Poland Seminary (Poland) – 0.612005

8. Pymatuning Valley (Andover) – 0.612984

9. Cardinal Mooney (Youngstown) – 0.617002

10. Badger (Kinsman) – 0.61758

11. West Branch (Beloit) – 0.61894

12. Springfield (New Middletown) – 0.603519

13. Austintown Fitch – 0.600702

14. Edgewood (Ashtabula) – 0.594858

15. Heartland Christian (Columbiana) – 0.583468

16. Newton Falls – 0.57736

17. Memorial (Campbell) – 0.577266

18. Columbiana – 0.574458

19. South Range (Canfield) – 0.589136

20. Hubbard – 0.509149

21. Lowellville – 0.526699

22. Waterloo (Atwater) – 0.561961

23. Howland (Warren) – 0.523109

24. East (Youngstown) – 0.521267

25. McDonald – 0.492494

 

ON THE BUBBLE: 

Struthers

Lakeview (Cortland)

Wellsville

Brookfield

United (Hanoverton)

Orange (Pepper Pike)

Note: The teams are ranked in descending order based on their RPI values.

These rankings provide a snapshot of the current landscape in high school basketball. The teams are battling hard, and every game counts as they aim for success in the season. Stay tuned for more updates as the competition unfolds.