WELLSVILLE GETS THEIR REVENGE

WELLSVILLE OH- In a redemption-filled Friday night, Wellsville avenged an early-season loss to Leetonia, securing a decisive victory with a final score of 61-31.

Tyrell Watkins led Wellsville’s charge with an outstanding performance, amassing 33 points, 17 rebounds, and 7 steals. Elijah Douglas added 11 points and contributed 7 assists, while Richie Dowling chipped in with 6 points. Leetonia’s efforts were led by Carson Brock with 12 points, and Ashbee Merritt and CJ Faulkner each contributed 5 points.

With a 6-5 record, Wellsville now prepares for a non-conference road trip to Toronto on Tuesday. Leetonia, with a 3-10 record, aims to bounce back as they host Sebring on Saturday.

HERALDS SHOOT THE LIGHTS OUT IN WIN OVER CHALKER

Photo Credit: Mickey Zheng Photography

Ashtabula, OH- In a riveting basketball rematch, the St. John Heralds triumphed over the Chalker Wildcats with a commanding lead before the game was abruptly halted due to a power outage caused by extreme weather conditions. The Heralds showcased their prowess in the first three quarters, dominating the Wildcats with a final score of 50-32.

Game Highlights:

Quarter Scores:

  • St. John Heralds: 18 (Q1), 14 (Q2), 18 (Q3)
  • Chalker Wildcats: 8 (Q1), 11 (Q2), 13 (Q3)

Player Stats:

St. John Heralds Total Points:

  • Vin Narducci: 14
  • Anthony Severino: 13
  • Aaron Wychock: 12
  • Aj Henslee: 10
  • Brady Cole: 1
  • Donald Crawford: 2
  • Anthony Petrochello: 1

Chalker Wildcats Total Points:

  • Tanner Kelson: 7
  • Zack Pack: 2
  • Andrew Kirkland: 9
  • Daniel Kellar: 6
  • Nick Karr: 8

The game showcased stellar performances from key players on both teams, with Vin Narducci and Anthony Severino leading the scoring for the Heralds and Andrew Kirkland making significant contributions for the Wildcats.

Game Interruption:

Unfortunately, the game came to an abrupt end after the third quarter due to a power outage caused by extreme weather conditions. Despite the unexpected halt, the St. John Heralds secured a decisive victory over the Chalker Wildcats.

Upcoming Matches:

The St. John Heralds (2-6) will now prepare for a challenging road game against the Badger Braves (9-3) on January 16, 2024. The Braves, coming off a dominating 90-48 win over the Lordstown Red Devils, will be a formidable opponent for the Heralds.

On the other hand, the Chalker Wildcats (3-7) are set to play at home against the Cardinal Huskies (2-10) on January 13, 2024. The Huskies are looking to bounce back from a recent 60-44 loss to the Kirtland Hornets.

POLAND STAYS SECURE IN FIRST PLACE

STRUTHERS OH-  Securing their position at the top of the NE8, Poland emerged victorious on Friday, defeating Struthers with a final score of 61-46.

Key players for Poland included Carmine Tukalo, leading the charge with an impressive 22 points, followed by Cole Fulton with 13 points. Andrew Todd, Oliver McCully, and Danny Nitolli each contributed 8 points to Poland’s well-rounded performance. Struthers showcased notable efforts from Jondel Estrada, who scored 20 points, and contributions from Jason Dukes with 8 points and Sincere Miller with 7 points.

With an 8-3 record, Poland aims to maintain their unbeaten conference status as they travel to Hubbard on Tuesday. Struthers, standing at 6-4, looks ahead to a matchup against South Range after a 7-day break.

ROCKETS FINDING SOME GOOD VIBES

LOWELLVILLE OH- Continuing their upward trajectory, Lowellville powered through the halfway point of the season with a decisive victory over Sebring on Friday night, securing a 61-38 win.

Leading the charge for Lowellville were notable performances from Michael Ballone with 15 points, Ryan Neider contributing 13 points, and Matt Lucido adding 10 points. Josh Pazel also made his mark with 8 points. Sebring’s efforts were led by Dustin Black and Colby Kliffmueller, each scoring 14 points, and Kaleb Rowles contributing 10 points.

With a 5-5 record, Lowellville now prepares for their next challenge at home against Western Reserve on Tuesday. Sebring, standing at 3-8, looks ahead to a matchup against Leetonia on Saturday with a scheduled tip-off at 1:00.

DRAGONS FIRST QUARTER FIRE LIFTS THEM PAST SPARTANS

Photo Credit: CM Photography

Ashtabula, OH- The Lakeside Dragons delivered a commanding performance as they outpaced the Conneaut Spartans in a high-scoring battle. The quarter scores tell the tale of Lakeside’s dominance, with the Dragons consistently maintaining on their lead throughout the game.

Quarter Scores:

  • Q1: Lakeside Dragons 43, Conneaut Spartans 18
  • Q2: Lakeside Dragons 25, Conneaut Spartans 27
  • Q3: Lakeside Dragons 18, Conneaut Spartans 18
  • Q4: Lakeside Dragons 19, Conneaut Spartans 19

Total Points:

  • Lakeside Dragons: 105
  • Conneaut Spartans: 82

The Lakeside Dragons led by top scrorer Dyln Newsome who scored 30 with 18 in the first quarter alone, showcased a well-rounded offensive effort, with multiple players contributing significantly to the team’s total points.

Lakeside Dragons – Top Scorers:

  • Dyln Newsome: 30 points
  • Aiden Hathy: 21 points
  • Chase Newsome: 14 points
  • Alex DiSalvatore: 8 points
  • Connor Mead: 8 points
  • Jarez Osborne: 9 points
  • Jay Lopez: 5 points
  • Zach Palmer: 3 points
  • Nick Roach: 3 points
  • Kerrye White: 2 points
  • Michael Hendricks: 2 points

Conneaut Spartans – Top Scorers:

  • Chance Loomis: 33 points
  • Jordan Kulko: 16 points
  • Noah Hamm: 16 points
  • Cole Stump: 6 points
  • JR Hutchinson: 4 points
  • Devonte Harris: 4 points
  • Cayson Hayes: 3 points

With this victory, the Lakeside Dragons improve their record to 3-7 and set the stage for an upcoming home game against the Hudson Explorers on 1/13/24. The Explorers, boasting a 7-4 record, will face a determined Lakeside team eager to continue their winning momentum.

Meanwhile, the Conneaut Spartans, now standing at 3-8, will gear up for a home matchup against the Edgewood Warriors on 1/16/24. The Warriors, coming off a close 69-67 overtime loss to the Madison Blue Streaks, will be looking to bounce back, setting the stage for an intense battle on the court.

WARRIORS FALL IN CLOSING MOMENTS OF ANOTHER OT BATTLE

East Ashtabula, OH- In another thrilling encounter that went down to the wire, the Edgewood Warriors clashed with the Madison Blue Streaks, resulting in a nail-biting overtime showdown. The final scores stood at Edgewood Warriors 67, Madison Blue Streaks 69, marking the 5th game this season for the Warriors that has come down to the final shot and the 3rd game that has extended into overtime.

QUARTER SCORES
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | OT | TOTAL
Edgewood Warriors | 15 | 14 | 15 | 14 | 9 | 67
Madison Blue Streaks | 16 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 11 | 69

Player Stats:

Edgewood Warriors:

  • Jacob Ernst: 18 points
  • Mason Thorr: 20 points
  • Logan Kray: 23 points
  • Brady Andrejack: 2 points
  • Russell Thomas: 2 points
  • Zach Carlton Hull: 2 points

Madison Blue Streaks:

  • JP Dragas: 50 points
  • Noah Crites: 6 points
  • Seth Negin: 5 points
  • Knolan Albert: 4 points
  • Bryant Perkins: 2 points
  • Mac Steele: 2 points

Game Highlights:

The game showcased an exceptional performance by the Madison Blue Streaks’ JP Dragas, who single-handedly accounted for an impressive 50 points, including the crucial final two free throws that secured the victory for the Blue Streaks. Dragas’s outstanding contribution proved to be the deciding factor in this closely contested matchup.

For the Edgewood Warriors, Jacob Ernst, Mason Thorr, and Logan Kray displayed remarkable scoring prowess, combining for a total of 61 points. However, the collective effort fell just short of overcoming Dragas’s individual brilliance.

Overtime Drama:

The game reached new heights of excitement as it extended into overtime, marking the third time this season that the Warriors found themselves in such a situation. Both teams battled fiercely in the extra period, but it was ultimately the Blue Streaks who emerged victorious.

Upcoming Matches:

Looking ahead, the Edgewood Warriors (8-3) will hit the road to face the Conneaut Spartans (3-8) on January 16, 2024. The Spartans, coming off a challenging loss, will be eager to rebound against the Warriors. Meanwhile, the Madison Blue Streaks (9-3) are set to play at home against the Harvey Red Raiders on the same date. The Red Raiders, having recently faced defeat, will be aiming to turn things around against the formidable Blue Streaks.

JFK PLAYS ANOTHER ONE SIDED BATTLE

WARREN OH- In a Friday night showdown, Warren JFK hosted the Southeast Pirates in a one-sided battle that ended with the Eagles soaring to a commanding 74-41 victory.

Key contributors for Warren JFK included Nick Ryan with 17 points, Jaden Rishel adding 13 points, and Quinn Meola with 10 points. Michael Condoleon and Nico Ciminero each contributed 8 points to the team’s impressive win.

With a notable 11-1 record, Warren JFK now enjoys a week off before gearing up for their next challenge against Rootstown next Friday.

DEGEORGE JOINS 1,000 POINT CLUB IN WIN OVER RED RAIDERS

Jefferson, OH- Looking to bounce back from a tough road loss, the Jefferson Falcons showcased their prowess on the court as they secured a convincing 67-51 victory over the Harvey Red Raiders. The Falcons dominated each quarter, displaying a well-rounded performance that left their opponents struggling to keep up.

Quarter Scores:

  • Jefferson Falcons: 20 | 16 | 18 | 13 = 67
  • Harvey Red Raiders: 6 | 11 | 16 | 18 = 51

Game Highlights:

First Quarter (Jefferson 20, Harvey 6): The Falcons set the tone early, establishing a comfortable lead with Anthony Covetta leading the charge. Covetta’s sharpshooting skills were on full display as he contributed significantly to the team’s first-quarter surge.

Second Quarter (Jefferson 36, Harvey 17): Building on their momentum, the Falcons continued to extend their lead. Joey DeGeorge, a senior standout, showcased not only his scoring ability but also made a mark with multiple blocked shots and impressive rebounds. The Jefferson Falcons entered halftime with a commanding advantage.

Third Quarter (Jefferson 54, Harvey 33): The Falcons remained relentless in the third quarter, maintaining their offensive efficiency. Joel Navarro and Dykan Beebe also made significant contributions, further solidifying Jefferson’s dominance on the court.

Fourth Quarter (Jefferson 67, Harvey 51): Despite a spirited effort from the Harvey Red Raiders, the Jefferson Falcons sealed the victory with a well-balanced performance in the final quarter. Terry Brown and Robbie Pisano chipped in with valuable points, securing the win for the Falcons.

Player Stats:

Jefferson Falcons:

  • Anthony Covetta: 30 points
  • Joey DeGeorge: 15 points
  • Joel Navarro: 10 points
  • Dykan Beebe: 5 points
  • Terry Brown: 5 points
  • Robbie Pisano: 2 points

Harvey Red Raiders:

  • Armani Hall: 20 points
  • Devon Badley: 10 points
  • Chase Goines: 8 points
  • Dominick Snyder: 3 points
  • Mason Haffa: 3 points
  • Leftwich: 3 points
  • Deonte Ware: 2 points
  • Neeman Booker: 2 points

Key Highlights: The standout performance of the game came from Anthony Covetta, the dynamic sharpshooter for the Jefferson Falcons, who led the scoring with an impressive 30 points. Senior Joey DeGeorge also made a significant impact, contributing 15 points and showcasing stellar defensive skills with multiple blocked shots and numerous rebounds. DeGeorge’s performance marked a milestone as he joined Jefferson’s prestigious 1,000 career point club.

Upcoming Games: The Jefferson Falcons, with a current record of 4-5, are set to face a tough challenge at home against the Geneva Eagles (10-2) on 1/16/24. The Eagles, coming off a 53-50 win over the Perry Pirates, promise to test the Falcons’ resilience on their home court. Meanwhile, the Harvey Red Raiders (6-6) will be hitting the road to take on the Madison Blue Streaks (9-3). The Blue Streaks are riding high after a thrilling 69-67 overtime victory against the Edgewood Warriors.

As the Falcons celebrate this victory, anticipation builds for the upcoming clash with the Eagles, setting the stage for an exciting matchup that promises to be a highlight of the season.

FITCH MAKES THE RIGHT PLAYS DOWN THE STRETCH

In a game that required adjustments to fend off a furious Howland comeback, Fitch secured their second conference win of the year with a final score of 51-40. Howland cut a lead as big as 18 in the second half down to 3 in the fourth quarter.

Leading the charge for Fitch was DeShawn Vaughn, who delivered an outstanding performance with 23 points. Marcel Finley contributed 15 points, while Carter Owens added 8 points. Howland’s efforts were led by Alex Henry with 17 points, Chris Fenton with 9 points, and John Perry with 7 points.

With a 7-4 record, Austintown Fitch is set for a trip to Ohio Dominican on Sunday to face Newark. Meanwhile, Howland, standing at 6-7, is gearing up for an AAC play at Boardman on Tuesday.

CRESTVIEW’S PERFECTION CONTINUES

COLUMBIANA OH- Maintaining their unbeaten streak, Crestview showcased their dominance on Thursday by swiftly defeating Liberty at home with an impressive score of 67-26.

Key players for Crestview included Addison Rhodes, delivering a stellar performance with 17 points, 12 rebounds, 6 assists, and 3 steals for a remarkable double-double. Emily Downey contributed 12 points, while Luvrain Gaskins secured a double-double with 11 points and 14 rebounds. Ava Bucey added 10 points, and Myer Miller chipped in with 7 points.

With an unblemished record of 15-0, Crestview sets their sights on maintaining their undefeated status as they travel to Struthers on Monday. Liberty, with a 1-11 record, is gearing up to host South Range for their next matchup on Monday.