FLASHES GRAB VICTORY NUMBER TEN

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WARREN OH- Champion showcased their dominance with a resounding 52-19 victory over Newton Falls, securing their 10th win of the season. Bella Meyer led the charge with an impressive 17 points, closely followed by Kennedy Caldwell contributing 16 points. Sam Strock and Kayla Haynie also played pivotal roles, adding 9 and 6 points, respectively.

Newton Falls faced a tough challenge, with Dani Drake scoring 6 points as their leading contributor. However, Champion’s solid defense and offensive prowess proved too much for Newton Falls to handle.

With this victory, Champion boosts their record to 10-4 and sets their sights on hosting Brookfield in the upcoming Thursday matchup. On the other hand, Newton Falls, now standing at 4-9, aims to bounce back as they travel to face Campbell on Thursday.

MINERAL RIDGE STAYS ENERGIZED

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NORTH JACKSON OH- Mineral Ridge asserted dominance in the MVAC, securing a convincing 59-37 victory over Jackson Milton. Ava Hulett led the charge with an impressive performance, contributing 22 points and 8 rebounds. Sullivan Sandy added 14 points, while Gianna Gilbert, Lily Merolillo, and Ava Carkido each chipped in with crucial points.

On the opposing side, Amani Yasin led Jackson Milton’s effort with 12 points, closely followed by Emma Johns with 10 points. Despite their contributions, Mineral Ridge’s early control of the game proved insurmountable for Jackson Milton.

With this win, Mineral Ridge now stands at an impressive 11-1 record and looks forward to hosting Sebring in their upcoming league play on Thursday. Jackson Milton, at 7-5, will hit the road to face Springfield in their next matchup on Thursday.

FALCONS STAYING UP FRONT IN RACE FOR AAC

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It’s the month of January and that means All American Conference (AAC) basketball has fully started and is underway. Saturday afternoon had another AAC matchup in the wide open girls side of the conference. The Saturday special featured a battle of the conference birds with The Austintown-Fitch Falcons battling last year’s conference champions, The Canfield Cardinals!

The Falcons jumped ahead early with a 15-8 advantage after a quarter of play. Both teams would subsequently lock things down defensively in the second quarter, this time Canfield would have the edge, being a bucket better than Fitch 7-5 in quarter number two. However, Fitch still managed to hold the 20-15 lead at the halftime buzzer.

The second half started with Canfield making a run to get within striking distance of tying or taking the lead in the ballgame. But every time The Cardinals got close, The Falcons had a response and once again it was with the defense. Holding Canfield to a single digit score for the third quarter in a row, Fitch added to their lead with a 12-8 third quarter to reclaim a 9 point advantage at 32-23 heading into the final quarter of regulation. The Cards put together their best quarter offensively in the fourth, but it was a stalemate with both teams scoring 11 points in the fourth, seeing Fitch get their second conference victory with the 43-34 win over Canfield!

Ayla Ray led all scorers with 19 points for Fitch, earning her Player of the Game honors! Following Ray was Rachedl Spalding who had 7 points and Kylie Folkwein who finished with 5 points. Meanwhile, The Cards were led by Jenna Triveri who had 15 points and Camie Dill who ended with 9 points.

Fitch (10-3)(2-0) will now keep themselves in AAC action when they host The Boardman Spartans (8-3)(1-0) on Wednesday, January 10th with a 7 p.m. tip-off. Canfield (6-5)(0-2) will also be in action on Wednesday when they are on the road, once again, to attempt to gain their first conference win of the season against The Howland Tigers (9-2)(1-0). YSN is your home for AAC basketball all season long with live games, scores, stats, stories and more!

LEAVE IT TO LEVENSKY

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LEAVITTSBURG OH- In a season where many might predict LaBrae’s success to be in the future, the Vikings are already proving the naysayers wrong with a stellar 9-1 start. Amidst this thriving team, one of the emerging leaders is junior standout Marissa Levensky.

With just one senior on the roster, LaBrae relies on the youthful energy and determination of players like Levensky to shape a winning culture. Her contributions extend beyond the stat sheet, embodying what it means to be a leader on and off the court.

Levensky set her sights on improvement at the start of the season, and she has delivered. Averaging an impressive 7.4 points per game, she has become a scoring force for the Vikings. What’s even more remarkable is her growth in confidence, solidifying her position as one of the team’s premier players.

Balancing academics, work, and sports might seem like an insurmountable challenge, but for Levensky, it’s a testament to her unwavering determination and discipline. Taking AP classes while holding down a job, Marissa exemplifies the commitment required to excel both academically and athletically.

As LaBrae’s journey unfolds, all eyes are on Marissa Levensky—a dynamic force pushing herself to new heights as a leader, player, and an inspiring individual. The future is undoubtedly bright for this rising star of LaBrae’s girls’ basketball program.

Presented By:

STOPPING DOM CRUZ IS MISSION IMPOSSIBLE

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CANFIELD OH- As a captain of Canfield’s basketball squad, Dom Cruz is not just making waves; he’s creating a tsunami. The senior guard has invested years honing his skills, and this season, his dedication is paying off in remarkable ways.

Cruz etched his name into the record books by breaking the three-pointers record in a single half – a testament to his sharpshooting prowess. With multiple games in double figures and an average offensive output of 55.4 points per game, Cruz has been instrumental in Canfield’s success, including two games with scores exceeding 80 points.

Wearing the number zero, Cruz embodies his philosophy: zero excuses for anything less than greatness. This mindset has propelled Canfield to an impressive eight-game winning streak, showcasing Cruz’s impact on and off the court.

Learning from the legendary Coach John Cullen, Cruz has evolved into an exceptional leader for the Cardinals. Drawing from his experience, he guides a roster laden with returning players, providing stability and mentorship.

As Canfield eyes a promising future, Cruz is already setting his sights on playing basketball at the collegiate level. While the destination is yet to be revealed, it’s undeniable that any team securing Cruz’s talents will be gaining a phenomenal player and leader. The journey for Dom Cruz is not just about records; it’s about leaving an indelible mark on the game he loves.

Presented By:

BEAVERS BLAST THEIR WAY PAST LISBON

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EAST LIVERPOOL OH- Beaver Local showcased their prowess on the court over the weekend, securing a commanding victory against Lisbon with a final score of 65-36.

Peyton Roberts led the offensive charge for Beaver Local, delivering an impressive 23-point performance. The team’s well-rounded effort featured notable contributions from Addison Eells with 13 points, Karsyn Bowyer with 7 points, and Bella McClevey adding 6 points.

On the opposing side, Lisbon’s Morgan Lively displayed resilience, tallying 19 points, with support from Brooklyn Cousins contributing 8 points.

The win propels Beaver Local to a 5-7 record, and they aim to sustain their momentum as they face Harrison Central on Tuesday. Meanwhile, Lisbon, now standing at 3-8, seeks a rebound in their upcoming matchup against United on Monday.

MUSTANGS FINAL PUSH ENOUGH FOR THE WIN

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Orwell, OH- In a thrilling matchup that had fans on the edge of their seats until the very end, the Grand Valley Mustangs secured a hard-fought victory against the Cardinal Huskies, with a final score of 64-57. The game, played with intense energy and determination, showcased the resilience and skill of both teams.

Quarter Breakdown:

Quarter 1: The Opening Exchange (15-15)

The game began with an electrifying first quarter as both the Grand Valley Mustangs and the Cardinal Huskies showcased their offensive and defensive prowess. The teams traded baskets, with neither side willing to yield an inch. The quarter concluded with a deadlock, both teams finishing with 15 points apiece, setting the stage for a closely contested battle.

Quarter 2: Mustangs Take Control (28-32)

In the second quarter, the Grand Valley Mustangs managed to gain a slight advantage over the Cardinal Huskies. The pace quickened as both teams intensified their efforts, with Bobby Rogers and Braden Hart leading the Mustangs’ charge. The Huskies fought valiantly, but the Mustangs outscored them 17-13 in this quarter, heading into halftime with a four-point lead.

Quarter 3: Intense Back-and-Forth (43-47)

As the second half commenced, the intensity on the court escalated. The third quarter witnessed a fierce back-and-forth battle, with Troy Domen and the Huskies refusing to let the Mustangs extend their lead comfortably. Both teams traded blows, with each possession becoming crucial. The Mustangs added 15 points to their total, maintaining a slim four-point lead heading into the final quarter.

Quarter 4: Mustangs Secure the Win (64-57)

The fourth quarter unfolded with a crescendo of excitement. The Grand Valley Mustangs showcased their resilience and determination, putting up an impressive 21 points. Jerry Schultz continued his stellar performance, leading the Mustangs to a decisive victory. The Cardinal Huskies, though valiant in their efforts, managed only 10 points in the final quarter, allowing the Mustangs to secure the win with a final score of 64-57.

Top Performers:

Grand Valley Mustangs:

  • Jerry Schultz: 25 points
  • Bobby Rogers: 16 points
  • Braden Hart: 15 points
  • Ben Cozad: 3 points
  • Joey Galfidi: 3 points
  • Sammy Goforth: 2 points

Cardinal Huskies:

  • Troy Domen: 21 points
  • Cal Camello: 11 points
  • Aiden Gallagher: 11 points
  • Dominic Naples: 10 points
  • Landon Gallagher: 4 points

Key Highlights:

Jerry Schultz not only led all scorers with an impressive 25 points but also dominated the boards, leading both teams in rebounds. Schultz’s all-around performance played a pivotal role in the Mustangs’ success.

Upcoming Games:

The Grand Valley Mustangs (3-5) are geared up for a challenging road game against the Kirtland Hornets (4-2) on 1/9/24. The Hornets, coming off a close loss to the Crestwood Red Devils, will look to defend their home court.

Meanwhile, the Cardinal Huskies (2-8) are set to face the Berkshire Badgers (2-5) at home on 1/9/24. The Badgers, who recently suffered a narrow defeat to the Wickliffe Blue Devils, will aim to bounce back in this matchup.

The clash between these teams promises another exciting chapter in high school basketball, with both the Mustangs and Huskies determined to make their mark on the season.

THE RAMS STAY IN THE HUNT

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By Matt Maher 


BERLIN CENTER, OH – Oh what a night! When Western Reserve welcomed Mineral Ridge to their fortress we all knew this game was going to be close but it was also just big since both teams came into this one tied for second in the MVAC Scarlet division and the winner would move on to own second place and allow them to stay one step behind Springfield for first. So knowing the stakes this game brought lets dive into the meat and potatoes of this fantastic matchup.

 

The first quarter started out fairly slow with only about 10 points being scored by the halfway point. It was clear something needed to change and thanks to the energy these kids had it didn’t take long for them to both start putting up points and get us to the score of 12-10 for the Blue Devils. Mineral Ridge saw Ava Hulett put up 4 points with Sam Aulet following behind her with a made 3 pointer. Western Reserve saw Angelina Cappabranea light up the hardwood with 5 points while Alyvia Hughes scored behind her with 4 points including 2 of 2 made free throws. 

 

Mineral Ridge clapped back in the second where they would match Reserve’s 1st quarter tally of 12 and keep the Blue Devils to scoring just 8. Western Reserve saw Kylee Ramsey put up 3 of 4 free throws and Cappabranea added another 3 to her total. Mineral Ridge found money in the second with Sullivan Sandy dropping two 3’s and Kelcee Dye making 2 of 2 tosses from the charity stripe. 

 

Western Reserve, down by 4 points after halftime came out swinging with a 5 point run that saw them take over the lead for a brief stint. Despite the explosive start to the half, Mineral Ridge managed to outscore Western Reserve 18-15 in the quarter. This quarter saw both teams rack up fouls quickly and was dominated from the free throw line. The Blue Devils went 9 for 12 as a team from the line including 4-for-4 from Cappabranea, 3-for-4 from Lisa Eichert and a solid 2-for-2 from Quincy Miller. Mineral Ridge struggled from the line only posting 4-for-10 as a team. Most of their scoring came from the paint with the exception of a 3 thrown in by Aulet.

 

Western Reserve needed to pick things up and they played a very tight and aggressive 4th that netted them 12 points to Mineral Ridge 8 which would allow the teams to tie 47-47 and force overtime. The Rams saw Gianna Gilbert score 4 more points on her night with the other 4 coming from both Hulett and Lilly Merolillo who both put up a 2. Western Reserve saw Hughes score 6 points with a 3 and a two pointer and a foul that allowed her to drain the and-1. Miller would also throw a 3-pointer into the mix.

 

Despite the great 4th quarter Reserve put up they couldn’t replicate the magic in overtime and only scored 7 points to the Rams 15. Isabella Mauro led her team in overtime with 4 points including 2 of 2 free throws cashed in. Ridge saw Aulet drop two 3’s and  hit 1 of 2 free throws in the extra frame and Hulett found 5 points as well.

 

Mineral Ridge came out on top in an exciting game and their players showed it with four of them posting 10 or more points: Gianna Gilbert with 10, Sam Aulet with 13, Sullivan Sandy with 14 and Ava Hulett with 15. Western Reserve showed their skill but just ran out of steam at the end, they were led by Alyvia Hughes with 10 points and Angelina Cappabranea with 13. Mineral Ridge (10-1) (4-1) continue their road trip when they travel to Jackson-Milton on January 8th at 6:15PM and Western Reserve (6-4) (3-2) will hit the road when they play Lowellville on January 8th at 6:15PM. 

EAGLES FLY PAST SPARTANS

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Geneva, OH- In a challenging matchup, the Conneaut Spartans faced off against the Geneva Eagles, ultimately succumbing to a 92-64 defeat. The game, played in four intense quarters, showcased the skill and determination of both teams.

Quarter-by-Quarter Breakdown:

First Quarter: The Eagles started strong, amassing 18 points in the opening quarter, while the Spartans managed to put up 12. The initial period set the tone for a closely contested game.

Second Quarter: Geneva continued their offensive prowess, extending their lead with 27 points in the second quarter. Conneaut, however, struggled to keep pace, contributing 17 points to their tally.

Third Quarter: Despite the Spartans’ efforts to close the gap, Geneva maintained control, adding 32 points in the third quarter. Conneaut battled hard but managed to secure only 18 points in this period.

Fourth Quarter: In the final stretch, both teams fought relentlessly. The Eagles secured the victory with 15 points in the fourth quarter, while the Spartans managed to muster 17 points, showing resilience until the end.

Top Performers:

Geneva Eagles:

  • Luke Barbo: 27 points
  • Luke Smith: 20 points
  • Caden Proy: 11 points

Conneaut Spartans:

  • Chance Loomis: 30 points
  • Noah Hamm: 11 points
  • Ryan Turner: 10 points

Despite the challenging loss, the Spartans showcased individual talent and determination, with Chance Loomis leading the team with an impressive 30 points.

Upcoming Games:

The Conneaut Spartans (3-6) will regroup and prepare for a home game against the Madison Blue Streaks (7-3) on 1/9/24. Madison is coming off a narrow 57-56 victory over the Jefferson Falcons, promising an exciting matchup.

On the other hand, the Geneva Eagles (8-2) will hit the road to face the Lakeside Dragons (2-6) on the same date. The Dragons, fresh from a 60-51 loss to the Harvey Red Raiders (6-4), will look to bounce back against the formidable Eagles. Both matchups hold the promise of intense basketball action as the teams strive for victory in the upcoming games.

WARRIORS FALL JUST SHORT IN LOSS TO PERRY

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Perry, OH- In a nail biting game that kept fans on the edge of their seats, the Edgewood Warriors faced off against the Perry Pirates, ultimately succumbing to a narrow defeat with a final score of 67-64. The game was a rollercoaster of emotions, marked by standout performances and dramatic moments.

Quarter Breakdown:

  • Perry Pirates: 67
    • 1st Quarter: 14
    • 2nd Quarter: 16
    • 3rd Quarter: 21
    • 4th Quarter: 16
  • Edgewood Warriors: 58
    • 1st Quarter: 17
    • 2nd Quarter: 15
    • 3rd Quarter: 16
    • 4th Quarter: 10

Top Performers:

Perry Pirates:

  • Vincent Tomasic: 20 points
  • Desmond Malone: 8 points
  • Brayden Richards: 19 points
  • Walter Moses: 11 points
  • Allen Morris: 7 points
  • Josh Zentgraf: 2 points

Edgewood Warriors:

  • Logan Kray: 28 points, 7 three-pointers
  • Jacob Ernst: 20 points
  • Brady Andrejack: 10 points
  • Payton Williams: 3 points
  • Mason Thorr: 3 points

Key Moments:

Brayden Richards and Vincent Tomasic emerged as a formidable duo for the Perry Pirates. Tomasic showcased not only his offensive prowess with 20 points but also demonstrated lock-down defense that set the tone for the team. Richards, with his athleticism and precise layup finishes at the rim, added another layer to Perry’s attack.

On the Edgewood side, Logan Kray stole the spotlight with an impressive display of sharpshooting, knocking down 7 three-pointers during the game. The final minute of the game was nothing short of a basketball spectacle. Despite facing adversity, with players Mason Thorr and Russell Thomas fouled out, the Warriors fought valiantly, closing the gap to within 3 points.

A highlight of the game was a long three-point shot from Brady Andrejack, banking in off the backboard, bringing the Warriors within striking distance. However, the subsequent play saw Logan Kray intercepting an inbound pass intended for Brayden Richards. Kray’s steal and a strategic timeout set the stage for a final attempt to tie the game. The inbound play had Kray swinging around for an open shot at the top of the arc, but tight defense by Vincent Tomasic left the Warriors with no choice but to attempt a contested shot. Although the defense seemed to hint at a foul, no call was made, sealing the fate of the game at 67-64 in favor of the Perry Pirates.

Upcoming Games:

The Edgewood Warriors (7-2) will regroup for their next challenge at home against the Jefferson Falcons (4-4) on 1/9/24. The Falcons, coming off a heartbreaking 57-56 loss to the Madison Blue Streaks, will be eager to bounce back. This matchup which has become a rivalry game in the past few years will surely be one to watch.

Meanwhile, the Perry Pirates (3-5) will hit the road for their next game against the Harvey Red Raiders (6-4). The Red Raiders, riding high on a 60-51 win over the Lakeside Dragons, pose a formidable challenge for the Pirates in the upcoming matchup. Basketball fans can expect more excitement and fierce competition as both teams look to make their mark in the CVC.