STRUTHERS STARTING TO STREAK

STRUTHERS OH- In a nail-biting contest on Monday, Struthers secured a narrow 48-47 victory over Hubbard, claiming their second NE8 win of the season.

Emma Morris led the scoring charge for Struthers with an impressive 21 points. Supporting the effort were Ava Croyle, Gianna Martin, and Natalie Wokikow, each contributing with 7 points, 6 points, and 6 points, respectively.

Hubbard’s offensive efforts were led by Khamyah Howell with 12 points, closely followed by Claire Murphy and Rheanna Barr, who both added 10 points to the team’s total.

Struthers (5-11) is determined to maintain their current win streak, looking forward to Thursday’s matchup against Girard. Meanwhile, Hubbard (6-9) aims to bounce back as they hit the road on Thursday to face South Range, seeking to regroup and secure a victory in their next NE8 battle.

POLAND STAYS ON POINT

POLAND OH- Poland continued their dominance in the NE8 with a convincing home victory on Monday night, defeating Niles 59-38.

Leading the charge for Poland, Elliana Thompson showcased her scoring prowess with an impressive 17 points. The team’s well-rounded effort saw contributions from Kylee Hudran with 8 points, Cassie Blanch with 7 points, and Sophia Generalovich and Leanne Williams each adding 6 points.

On the Niles side, Kherington Stanford led the scoring efforts with 10 points, followed by Gianna Wagner contributing 9 points.

With this win, Poland maintains their top spot in the NE8 with a record of 9-5. Looking ahead, they aim to stay undefeated in the league as they travel to face Lakeview on Thursday. Niles, with a record of 7-10, will venture outside of the conference on Thursday when they host East, seeking to regroup and secure a victory.

Game Photos HERE: https://ysn.smugmug.com/1-22-g-bb-poland-niles/1-22-g-bb-poland-niles/104EOS1D

CARDINALS EMBRACE A ROAD TRIP TO GIRARD

By Matt Maher


GIRARD, OH – Cardinal Mooney made their way out to Girard to take on one of the top teams in the Northeast 8 on Monday night. Girard showed their skill level early on in this one but showing up so early is what allowed Mooney to figure out a game plan that would allow them to find some impressive buckets and even better defense in a 55-44 victory on the road.

 

The Indians scored the first 4 points of the game before Mooney hit 1-of-2 free throws from Samantha Rotunno to break the silence. Girard would continue to stay consistently on top of Mooney with 5 points from Makenzee White and 3 from Mia Malito but Mooney stayed close with 4 points from Sophia Rotunno and 2 more from Samanthantha Rotunno.

 

With the stage set, Mooney decided to tear it all down and came back with an even better look, a look that would net them 21 points and hold Girard to only 11. Sam Rotunno led the charge with 10 points in the quarter alone which was the most by far on her team. Caylee Wilkes and White would both score 4 points to help the Indians in their quest to keep up with the cardinals. With Rotunno catching fire and much better man-to-man defense, Cardinal Mooney set themselves up nicely for the rest of the night.

 

The scoring slowed down for Mooney out of the break but the good news for them was their defense reigned supreme, only allowing Girard 4 points in the quarter. Gianna Schubert found 2 points in the paint while Malito hit 2-of-2 free throws. Mooney saw Rotunno add 5 more points with two made 2’s and 1-of-2 made free throws. Sophia Diorio would also make a dent by hitting the games first and only 3 pointer. 

 

Girard would not back down in the 4th with a 21 point performance that helped them get close to Mooney at times but the Cardinals found more buckets as well and netted 17 more p;pints which would be enough for them to keep Girard at arms length. Samantha Rotunno added 5 more points which allowed her to finish with 23 points while Diorio added 7 points including 5-of 6 made free throws. 

 

While Girard found their second wind in the 4th it came too late as Cardinal Mooney had done enough to top the Indians and send them to Thursday with another loss. Cardinal Mooney (6-8) are back home on January 24th when they take on the red hot Boardman Spartans at 7:00PM while Girard (8-8) will stay at home for another big conference game when they host Struthers on January 25th at 6:15PM.

CHAMPION’S SWEEP OF THE VIKINGS GIVES COLE 200 WINS

WARREN OH- In an intense matchup on Monday night, Champion secured a season sweep of LaBrae with a hard-fought 52-47 victory. The game took an unexpected turn as LaBrae surged to a 21-12 lead after the first quarter, but Champion rallied for a remarkable comeback.

Kayla Haynie showcased her scoring prowess for Champion, contributing 16 points, including four three-pointers. Carlie Easterday added 11 points and 7 rebounds, while Bella Meyer and Addie Warzala chipped in with 8 points and 7 points, respectively, enhancing the team’s overall performance.

On the LaBrae side, Mariah Jones led the scoring effort with an impressive 19 points, securing the game-high. Ella Kuszmaul contributed 13 points, and Riley Rowe added 8 points to bolster the Vikings’ offensive efforts.

Notably, the victory marked a significant milestone for Champion head coach Michael Cole, achieving his 200th career win, a testament to his coaching prowess and the team’s success under his leadership.

Champion (13-4) looks ahead to their next challenge, hosting Campbell on Thursday. LaBrae (12-3) aims to bounce back in their upcoming game on Thursday as they host Brookfield, seeking to regain their winning momentum after a hard-fought battle against Champion.

THE DOUBLE DOUBLE MACHINE

BROOKFIELD OH- In the wake of senior departures from the previous year, Brookfield’s success this season has found a cornerstone in the leadership of senior standout Cailey Wellman. Stepping up admirably to the role of senior leadership, Wellman has been pivotal in guiding the team through challenges and fostering a positive, growth-focused environment.

Wellman’s ability to keep the team positive amid adversity speaks volumes about her leadership qualities. Beyond maintaining morale, she ensures that the team remains unwaveringly focused on continuous improvement, a testament to her dedication to both individual and collective success.

Averaging a double-double in back-to-back seasons is no small feat, and Wellman’s accomplishment reflects not only her talent on the court but also the relentless hard work she invested to make it happen. Setting her sights on this goal, she pursued it with determination, turning what seemed aspirational into an attainable reality.

Looking ahead to the next chapter, Wellman has plans to continue her basketball journey at the collegiate level. Alongside her athletic pursuits, she envisions a future in veterinary sciences, aspiring to become a veterinarian. This dual commitment to academics and athletics showcases Wellman’s multifaceted dedication and ambition.

Beyond individual achievements, Wellman has played a pivotal role in the continued success and development of the Brookfield program. Her leadership, both on and off the court, has contributed not only to the team’s accomplishments but also to the ongoing legacy and growth of the Brookfield girls’ basketball program. Wellman’s impact extends far beyond statistics; she embodies the spirit of leadership, hard work, and dedication that leaves an indelible mark on the program’s journey to success.

Presented By:

THE HEART OF THE BRAVES

KINSMAN OH-  In the heart of Badger’s resurgence as a basketball program stands senior standout Katie Grexa, whose impact transcends the court. Grexa has been a driving force behind the team’s resurgence, embodying leadership, skill, and an unwavering love for the game.

Grexa’s passion for basketball is palpable, extending beyond the court to her dedication to learning, playing, and watching the game. Her genuine love for the sport has not only fueled her individual success but has become an infectious spirit, influencing her teammates and contributing to the Braves’ collective success.

What sets Grexa apart is not just her prowess as a player but her ability to be an extra coach for the team. Her insights and understanding of the game give her the authority to halt practices when adjustments are needed. Grexa’s leadership extends to nurturing her teammates, offering encouragement, and setting high standards for the entire team.

Maintaining an unbelievable standard for herself, Grexa sets the bar high, pushing not only for personal excellence but also inspiring those around her to elevate their game. Her commitment to excellence is a testament to her character and the impact she has on the team’s culture.

Grexa’s dedication to her craft earned her a commitment to play at the next level, showcasing her talent at Lake Erie College. Achieving a milestone as a junior with her 1,000th career point, Grexa now has her sights set on an impressive 1,500 before concluding her illustrious high school career.

A significant pillar in Grexa’s journey has been her relationship with coach LaVell Turnage. While Turnage transitioned to coach Ursuline this season, his influence remains a cornerstone of Grexa’s success. Their bond transcends coaching changes, highlighting the enduring impact of mentorship and support in shaping a player’s trajectory. Grexa’s story is not just about basketball; it’s a testament to leadership, commitment, and the enduring impact of genuine passion for the game.

Grexa has done a great job setting up the future of Badger girls basketball with her leadership and work ethic.  She still has work to do this season, but when she graduates Badger will be in a great place to keep succeeding.

Presented By:

KNIGHTS KEEP PROTECTING THE CASTLE

By Ty Bartell

AKRON OH- A strong team with a strong schedule this season, The Archbishop Hoban Knights girls basketball team has shown tremendous success against some of the state’s top programs. At home The Knights have been an unstoppable force, with a perfect 5-0 clip at Barry Gym heading into Saturday, Hoban has beaten programs such as Gilmour Academy and Toledo Central Catholic at The Castle this season! Next up on the list? The Toledo Rogers Rams! Hoban opened up the gates early with a scoring outburst from The Knights with Niera Stevens, Finley Kennedy and MacKenzie Edingburgh setting the tone to take a 21-8 lead after the first quarter.

The second quarter was much more even, with both teams methodically trying to score the basketball through some ferocious defense! Rogers would get the edge in the quarter 11-10; however, Hoban held the 31-19 advantage heading to the halftime locker room.
At the start of the third quarter, The Rams were on a mission and put together an incredible quarter, spearheaded by Breayah Jefferson who had 13 points in the third as Rogers outscored Hoban 24-18, trimming the deficit, as Hoban led 49-43.  The Knights would get back on track in the fourth, locking things down defensively and closing the game out with a 15-9 fourth to secure their 13th win by a final of 64-52.

The Player of the game was “Zig” Niera Stevens who finished with a career-high 22 points while also grabbing 9 rebounds! Other key contributors for The Knights include Mackenzie Edingburgh who finished with 15 points and 2 rebounds, Finley Kennedy who had 13 points and 3 rebounds, Devin Harris had a 9 point and 9 rebound game and MaKenzie Grant played another tremendous defensive game, while also notching 5 points and 9 rebounds as well! For Rogers, they were led by Breayah Jefferson who had an outstanding game-high 30 points followed by Ni’Rah Clark who had a double-double with 16 points and 16 rebounds!

Hoban (13-2) will now focus on their final road game of the regular season when they travel to Holland to battle The Springfield Blue Devils on Saturday, January 27th with a 1 p.m. tip-off. The Knights will then return home on Wednesday, January 31st to start their first of five consecutive home games to close out the season. Stay updated with Hoban basketball all season long with live games, scores, stats, stories and more on YSN!

RICCITELLI CROSSES 1000 IN THRILLER OVER CANFIELD

BOARDMAN, OH- It was a memorable day in the Spartan Dome to say the least.  With storylines seemingly cascading from every crevice of Boardman High School, along with the standings in the AAC, it was only fitting that the Lady Spartans and Canfield would need not one, but two extra frames to decide a 63-60 Boardman victory.

Senior Boardman standout and Wooster hoops commit, Mackenzie Riccitelli came into the contest just 4 points shy of the 1000-Point Club, a feat that had only been performed a dozen times before in the history of the program.  It might have been the worst kept secret in the public sector, and Canfield had their eyes set on not allowing the feat to be against them.

With every shot Riccitelli had, the crowd held their breath in anticipation and would release on uncharacteristic misses, as if everybody in the gym could feel the pressure Riccitelli carried on her frame.  The Lady Cardinals held Riccitelli to 3 points going into the third quarter, opening up an opportunity for the likes of Sarah Bero’s powerful performance in the post.

While the anticipated moment came in the third quarter for Riccitelli with an up-and-under layup, you could almost read her body language that there was much left work to do with her teammates to walk away with the bigger accomplishment the day had in store- the season sweep against Canfield.

Canfield’s Camie Dill hit a huge shot at the end of regulation to force overtime, and give the Lady Cards a shift of momentum to their side of the gymnasium, and many thought with six seconds left in overtime that Canfield would spoil the day, until the Lady Spartans found Riccitelli from long distance and 41 splashed one of the biggest shots of her career to send the crowd into a frenzy, and the game into double overtime.

Riccitelli finished with 25-points on the afternoon, Sarah Bero had a big day as well with 17 points and 12 rebounds.  MC Werth gutted out a memorable performance with 12 points to her credit as well.  The duo of Ava Freeborough and Sam Duble each chipped in five points, respectively.

Boardman outrebounded Canfield 44-27 overall, and 20-4 on the offensive boards.

For Canfield, who lost Jenna Triveri just moments into the contest with an ankle injury, Camie Dill (23) and Cami Hritz (15) carried the load for the Cards with 38 points combined.  Carly Fleming had an outstanding performance on both sides of the floor while dropping 8 offensively.  Marina Koenig showed up to the tune of six points, and Grace McQuiston had five.

With the victory, Boardman takes over the top spot in the AAC at 4-1, and 11-4 overall.  Canfield drops to 2-3 in conference and 9-6 on the year.

LADY DOGS LOCK UP VALLEY

YOUNGSTOWN, OH- In a commanding performance, the East Palestine Bulldogs secured a resounding win against Valley Christian with a final score of 52-17. The game showcased East Palestine’s offensive prowess and solid defense, leaving Valley Christian struggling to keep up throughout the matchup.

The scoring unfolded quarter by quarter, highlighting East Palestine’s consistent and dominant play:

East Palestine’s offensive efforts were led by a balanced scoring attack, with Leila Martin and Alivia Magness each contributing 13 points to the team’s total. Marah Zimmerman also played a significant role, adding 13 points to the Bulldogs’ impressive scoring display. The Bulldogs displayed efficiency from the free-throw line, converting 16 of 28 attempts.

Valley Christian faced a challenging defensive effort from East Palestine, struggling to find offensive opportunities. The scoring for Valley Christian was led by Levy with 6 points, while Miles added 4 points to the team’s total. The Bulldogs’ defensive prowess limited Valley Christian’s scoring options, resulting in a challenging night for the Eagles.

The Bulldogs’ control over the game was evident in all aspects of play, from scoring to defense. East Palestine’s commitment to both ends of the court showcased their determination and skill.

While Valley Christian managed to sink one three-pointer courtesy of Levy, East Palestine’s overall defensive effort limited the Eagles’ ability to capitalize from beyond the arc.

As the game concluded, East Palestine’s dominance secured a convincing victory, providing a testament to their teamwork and execution on the court. The Bulldogs’ well-rounded performance showcased their capabilities and set a positive tone for the remainder of the season.

 

EAST PALESTINE: 17-14-19-2–52

VALLEY CHRISTIAN: 4- 1- 9-3–17

LADY CATS SCRATCH PAST BEAVER LOCAL

EAST LIVERPOOL, OH- In a closely contested girls’ basketball matchup, the Edison Wildcats secured a hard-fought victory against Beaver Local with a final score of 62-56. The game showcased the competitive spirit of both teams, each striving for dominance on the court.

The scoring unfolded quarter by quarter, with Edison maintaining a consistent performance throughout. The quarter-by-quarter breakdown was as follows:

Edison’s offensive effort was led by Rebecka Evans, who contributed significantly with 16 points. Sophia Henderson also made a substantial impact, recording 18 points, while Kylee Stull added 13 points to the team’s total. Edison’s scoring was a collective effort, with various players making valuable contributions to secure the victory.

On the Beaver Local side, the team displayed resilience and determination. Addison Eells led the Beavers with 12 points, followed closely by Karsyn Bowyer, who contributed 9 points. Tori Druschel and Peyton Roberts also played crucial roles, scoring 11 and 6 points, respectively.

Three-point shooting proved to be a factor in the game, with Edison sinking three shots from beyond the arc, courtesy of Stull and Henderson. Beaver Local responded with five three-pointers, showcasing their ability to score from long range.

The contest was not only a showcase of offensive skills but also highlighted the defensive efforts of both teams. Free throws played a role in the final outcome, with Edison converting 15 of 25 attempts, while Beaver Local managed to connect on 9 of 18.

In the end, Edison’s well-rounded performance secured the victory, demonstrating their ability to execute both offensively and defensively. The game served as a testament to the competitive nature of high school basketball, with each team leaving everything on the court.

EDISON: 17-14-15-16–62

BEAVER LOCAL: 16- 8-11-21–56