LOUISVILLE OH- Canfield’s basketball team showcased their dominance on Thursday, securing a convincing 66-47 victory over Northwest and punching their ticket to the district championship once again.
Led by a balanced scoring attack, Canfield put on an impressive display on both ends of the court. Tony Russo led the charge with 15 points, while Dom Cruz and Sam Castronova each contributed 13 points. Ben Weaver also made his presence felt with 12 points, rounding out a formidable offensive performance for Canfield.
With this win, Canfield sets their sights on the district championship, scheduled for Saturday at 2:00 at Louisville High School. Standing in their way is a formidable opponent in Glenville, as both teams vie for the coveted trophy and the title of district champions. Canfield will look to carry their momentum from this victory into the championship game, aiming to emerge victorious and etch their names into the annals of school history once again.
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AKRON, OH – The Bulldogs faced a big test on Wednesday night in the Rubber City when they took on the CVCA Royals to try and advance to the district finals. While Poland had a decent second half with energetic runs that showed us all why they were there, it would be their slow start in the first half that would ultimately decide this game and give the Royals the 64-47 victory.
It’s never a good sign when you start off a playoff game down 17-3 after the first quarter but man was that Royals defense locked in. Every man had a partner and even when they doubled up on a Bulldog they had the floor well covered and forced Poland to take shots they weren’t comfortable with and scooped up rebounds or just stole the ball from Poland all together.
Danny Nittoli would be the only scorer for Poland in the first with a double and 1-of-2 free throws made. CVCA had ice in their veins, not just on defense, but on offense too and that was spearheaded by Lavelle Sharpe who made two 3’s and led his team with 6 points.
The second frame bore better results for Poland with 12 points scored on offense but their defense was still underperforming and the result was a 20-12 edge for CVCA in the quarter. Nittoli continued to be the main source of offense for the Bulldogs with 5 points while Carmine Tukalo got himself warmed up with a 3 and Jas Stefancin went 2-for-2 from the stripe. Sharpe for CVCA continued his dominance with two more 3’s and his first double of the night.
Poland came out of the break hungry and ready to play and their offense reached new heights scoring 15 points and their defense kept CVCA below them with 14 points. Tukalo warmed up in a big way, earning 8 points with two 3’s and a 2 while Michael Daley, Jacob Hayes and Oliver McCully scored 2 points each. Sharpe was confined to just 2 points for CVCA but Niles Nuru picked up the slack and kept Poland on their toes with 7 points.
Poland continued to outscore their opponent in the 4th with a 17-13 line. Tukalo continued his hot streak with two more 3’s and Andrew Todd joined the party with a nice 3 and a perfect trip to the free throw line notting him 5 points for the night. Sharpe would add 2 more points to his night and Nuru earned 3.
Poland certainly put forth a valiant effort in the second half but couldn’t overcome the huge deficit they faced after the first half and the score tells the rest of the story. Carmine Tukalo finished the night with a team leading 17 points while Danny Nittoli tallied 10 of his own. The Bulldogs end their season 11-1 in the Northeast 8, good for first place, 15-7 overall and 1-1 in postseason play. Congratulations to the Bulldogs on another great season of Basketball!
https://ysnlive.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/D72F6D92-2C91-4237-84DD-7EAE7DAF267B-scaled.jpeg11272560Anthony Hartwighttps://ysnlive.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Default-Email-Signature-2673571-300x70.pngAnthony Hartwig2024-03-07 12:08:072024-03-07 12:08:07POLAND’S SEASON ENDS IN THE SEMIS
ALLIANCE OH- In a thrilling district semifinal matchup on Wednesday night, the Louisville basketball team faced off against a resilient Medina squad. It was a hard-fought battle from start to finish, but Louisville managed to secure a hard-earned 49-44 victory, keeping their season dreams alive.
Led by standout performances from Tate Aljancic and Avery Anderjcik, who contributed 15 and 11 points respectively, Louisville displayed great resilience and determination throughout the game. Kolton Loy and Hayden Nigro also made crucial contributions, each adding 7 points to the scoreboard.
With this win, Louisville advances to its program’s first-ever district championship game in division 1, marking a historic moment for the team. This achievement is particularly significant as the Leopards have previously competed in division 2 in their five previous appearances in the district championship game.
Furthermore, the victory against Medina not only propelled Louisville into uncharted territory but also saw them tie the program’s record for most wins in a single season, with an impressive total of 23 victories.
Looking ahead, Louisville now eagerly anticipates their next challenge as they await the winner of the Canton McKinley vs. Glen Oak matchup. The district championship showdown is scheduled for Saturday at 2:00 at Alliance High School.
CADIZ OH- In a thrilling contest that showcased their resilience and determination, East Liverpool powered past John Glenn to secure a spot in the district championship game with a commanding 62-49 victory. It was a hard-fought battle that saw the Potters dominate the final quarter, outscoring their opponents 17-5 to seal the win in dramatic fashion.
Leading the charge for East Liverpool was Preston Kerr, whose stellar performance saw him pour in an impressive 28 points, demonstrating his scoring prowess and ability to rise to the occasion when it matters most. Quinton Conrad also made significant contributions with 16 points, while Preston Dawson added 13 points to the scoreboard, highlighting the team’s balanced offensive attack.
With this crucial win, East Liverpool advances to the district championship game, where they are set to face off against Tri Valley. The upcoming matchup promises to be another intense battle as both teams vie for the coveted district title. The matchup is set to take place on Saturday at 7:00 at Claymont High School.
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North Ridgeville, OH- In a hard-fought battle on the court, the Jefferson Falcons faced off against the Lutheran West Longhorns in the OHSAA playoffs district semifinal, ultimately falling short with a final score of 44-65.
Despite a valiant effort by the Falcons, led by standout performances from Joey DeGeorge, Anthony Covetta, and Dylan Beebe, they were unable to overcome the formidable Lutheran West squad. DeGeorge led the Falcons’ scoring with 14 points, followed closely by Covetta with 12 points and Beebe with 10 points. However, the Falcons faced a tough defensive challenge from Lutheran West, which limited their offensive opportunities throughout the game.
On the other side, Lutheran West showcased their offensive prowess, with Jayson Levis leading the charge with 21 points, followed by Tino Yli-Junnila with 15 points. The Longhorns’ balanced scoring attack, coupled with their strong defensive performance, proved to be the difference-maker in securing the victory and advancing to the district championship game.
While the Falcons’ season comes to an end with this loss, they can look back on a season filled with remarkable achievements and milestones. Notably, both senior Joey DeGeorge and junior Anthony Covetta reached the impressive milestone of 1,000 career points, highlighting their outstanding contributions to the team.
As for Lutheran West, they will now prepare to face the winner of the Rocky River Pirates vs. Howland Tigers game in the district championship game. With their strong performance in the semifinal matchup, the Longhorns are poised to continue their postseason success and vie for the district title.
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WARREN OH- Ursuline rolled past Streetsboro 64-35 Wednesday night.
The Irish were looking to advance to the district title game for the second consecutive year with a win over the Rockets, and they did just that.
After the first basket of the game was scored by Streetsboro’s Jack Batten, Ursuline controlled the rest of the first quarter, outscoring the Rockets by 12 to finish the first frame up 16-6.
When it came down to it, Coach Gunther’s halftime adjustments put the nail in the coffin pushing his squad’s lead to 23.
Eight of those 23 points came from Senior Jayden Payne, who finished with a game-high 26 points.
Three more players finished in double figures for the Irish.
Geno Lucente had 13 points, while Jaylen Gunther and Noah Bell added 12 and 10 points, respectively.
The Irish’s lead grew each quarter and resulted in them playing for its first district title since 2017.
Streetsboro was led by Jackson Gula with 8 points. Michael Berry and Jack Batten both added 6.
Ursuline (21-3) will play the winner of Edgewood and Notre Dame-Cathedral Latin on Saturday 3/9.
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NEW MIDDLETOWN OH- As a junior at Springfield, Mariana Tuscano has embraced the increased responsibility that comes with being an upperclassman, demonstrating leadership both on and off the court. Alongside her fellow returning starters, Mariana has spearheaded the team’s quest for success, determined to prove that they can continue to excel at a high level.
This season, Mariana and her teammates have once again showcased their dominance, capturing another MVAC championship and securing their third consecutive district title—a testament to their talent, dedication, and relentless work ethic. For Mariana, success has become a tradition, with district championships becoming a hallmark of her high school career.
Known for her sharpshooting ability from the perimeter, Mariana has continued to refine her game, focusing on expanding her offensive repertoire. While she has always been a threat from beyond the arc, this season she has added a new dimension to her game by attacking the hoop with increased aggression, making her a more well-rounded and versatile player. With her ability to hit shots from deep, she can sink shots as deep as the Mariana Trench.
Despite facing challenges on the court, Mariana has remained a steady presence for Springfield, contributing 8.6 points per game and leading the team with 29 made threes. Additionally, her defensive prowess has been on full display, averaging 2.3 steals per game, showcasing her ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor.
As Mariana looks ahead to the remainder of the season, she remains focused on achieving her goals and leading her team to even greater heights. With a district championship in every season of her high school career, she is determined to continue her winning ways and fight for a second regional championship, as the Tigers set their sights on a return to the state semifinals. With her skill, determination, and leadership, Mariana Tuscano is poised to leave an indelible mark on the Springfield girls’ basketball program and cement her legacy as one of the team’s all-time greats.
COLUMBIANA OH- Heartland Christian made program history by advancing to their first-ever district championship game, stunning the second-seeded Bristol with a sensational 55-43 victory. The win not only propelled the Lions to new heights but also marked a significant milestone for head coach Josh Scott, who celebrated his 200th career win in memorable fashion.
Fuelled by a collective determination to defy expectations, Heartland Christian delivered a standout performance on both ends of the court, showcasing their resilience and grit in the face of adversity.
Leading the charge for Heartland were standout performances from Jake Walker, who led the team with 16 points, and Isaiah Mathews, who contributed 12 points to the scoreboard. Brody Conaway added 9 points to the Lions’ offensive effort, while Will Morgan chipped in with 7 points, highlighting the team’s balanced scoring attack.
With this historic win, Heartland Christian punches their ticket to the district championship, where they are set to face top-seeded Warren JFK. The upcoming matchup promises to be a thrilling showdown between two determined teams, as both vie for the coveted district title. Set to take place on Friday at 7:00 at Grand Valley High School, the district championship game holds immense significance for Heartland Christian.
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SALEM OH- In a fiercely contested matchup, South Range showcased their determination and resilience as they powered past Perry with a gritty 58-49 victory, earning themselves a spot in the district championship game. With their sights set on redemption and a shot at glory, the Raiders left everything on the court, refusing to let their opponents stand in their way.
Leading the charge for South Range was Landon Moore, whose stellar performance saw him tally an impressive 24 points, setting the tone for his team’s offensive onslaught. Dylan Turvey contributed 9 points, while Luke Rohan and Nate Lewis each chipped in with 8 points, highlighting the Raiders’ balanced scoring attack.
With this hard-fought win, South Range secures their second consecutive appearance in the district championship game—a testament to their unwavering determination and commitment to success. Their upcoming matchup against Cardinal Mooney promises to be a thrilling showdown, with both teams vying for their first-ever district championship title. That matchup is slated for Friday at Salem, and will tip off at 7:00.
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CANFIELD OH- As a senior at Canfield High School, Sam Castronova embodies the spirit of determination and leadership that defines his team’s quest for a district championship. Alongside a talented group of seniors, Sam is driven by a hunger to etch their names in Canfield basketball history before graduation.
For Sam and his fellow seniors, years of playing together have forged a bond that transcends the court. Their shared experiences and camaraderie have cultivated a strong team chemistry, evident in their seamless execution and cohesion on game day.
On the court, Sam’s versatility shines through in Canfield’s multifaceted offense. Whether draining shots from beyond the arc or driving to the hoop with finesse, he poses a constant threat to opposing defenses, showcasing his adaptability and skill set.
Sam’s journey to success at Canfield hasn’t been without its challenges. Despite limited playing time during his junior high years, he refused to let setbacks deter him. Instead, he seized the opportunities presented to him during his freshman season, finding his stride and building confidence with each game.
This season, Sam has been a key contributor for Canfield, averaging 10 points per game and ranking second on the team in assists with 2 per game. His ability to contribute both offensively and defensively highlights his value to the team’s success.
While basketball has been a significant part of Sam’s high school experience, he has set his sights beyond the court. Opting not to pursue college basketball, Sam has instead focused on achieving academic excellence, with plans to attend the prestigious Ohio State University. His dedication to his studies reflects his commitment to personal growth and achieving his long-standing goals.
Looking ahead, Sam is determined to leave a lasting legacy at Canfield—one that inspires and empowers future generations of players. He hopes to instill in them the same sense of confidence and resilience that has fueled his own journey, laying the foundation for continued success within the program.
As Sam and his teammates gear up for the challenges that lie ahead, they do so with a shared vision of championship glory and a legacy of excellence that will endure long after their time on the court has ended.
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