IRISH PICKING UP THE PACE

YOUNGSTOWN OH- In the much-anticipated round one of the Holy War, Ursuline took on arch-rival Mooney, delivering a dominant performance that reflected their control of every aspect of the game. After Mooney scored first, Ursuline seized control of the pace and emerged victorious with a convincing 47-24 win.

Ursuline’s Lily Scott led the scoring charge with an impressive 15-point contribution, showcasing her offensive prowess. Kennedy Carpenter added 11 points, while Brooklyn Brown and Nia Burney each chipped in 6 points. Meredith Gray rounded out the scoring with 5 points.

For Mooney, Sophia Diorio led the scoring effort with 9 points, while Sam Rotunno added 5 points.

With this victory, Ursuline extends their winning streak to three games, boasting a 6-5 record. The team will now shift their focus to a road trip to Warren Harding on Saturday. Mooney, now standing at 2-7, will stay at home for their next matchup against Southeast on Saturday. The game highlighted Ursuline’s dominance in the Holy War opener, setting the stage for both teams as they continue their respective seasons.

SKIPPERS SAIL PAST SPARTANS

Fairport Harbor, OH- In a high-scoring clash, the Conneaut Spartans faced off against the Fairport Harding Skippers, ultimately succumbing to the Skippers’ offensive prowess. The game unfolded with electrifying plays and impressive individual performances, but the Spartans couldn’t overcome the relentless assault from Fairport Harding.

Quarter 1: Conneaut 13 – Fairport Harding 23

The first quarter saw a fast-paced exchange of baskets, with both teams finding success on the offensive end. However, Fairport Harding managed to create a slight lead, finishing the quarter with a score of 23 to Conneaut’s 13.

Quarter 2: Conneaut 15 – Fairport Harding 19

The second quarter intensified the competition, but Fairport Harding maintained their edge. Conneaut fought hard to close the gap, but the Skippers’ offense proved resilient. At halftime, the Spartans trailed 28-42.

Quarter 3: Conneaut 14 – Fairport Harding 28

The third quarter witnessed an offensive explosion from Fairport Harding. The Skippers extended their lead with an impressive 28 points in the quarter, making it challenging for the Spartans to mount a comeback. Conneaut added 14 points to their total, but the gap widened as Fairport Harding surged ahead.

Quarter 4: Conneaut 24 – Fairport Harding 23

In the final quarter, the Spartans showed resilience, outscoring Fairport Harding. However, the Skippers’ earlier lead proved insurmountable. Conneaut managed to score 24 points in the quarter, but Fairport Harding matched them with 23, securing the victory with a final score of 93-66.

Player Stats:

Conneaut Total Points:

  • Chance Loomis: 33
  • Ryan Turner: 10
  • Jordan Kulko: 15
  • Davonte Harris: 2
  • JR Hutchinson: 5
  • Aiden Goudge: 1

Fairport Harding Total Points:

  • Yomar Castellano: 22
  • Trisitan Doeing: 14
  • James Gadomski: 23
  • Jan Castellano: 8
  • Josh Parsons: 16
  • Michael Hess: 6
  • Kevin Castellano: 2
  • Myles Merchak: 2

Despite the loss, Chance Loomis led the Spartans with an impressive 33 points.

Upcoming Games:

The Conneaut Spartans (3-6) will hit the road to face the Geneva Eagles (7-2) on 1/6/24. Meanwhile, the Fairport Harding Skippers (5-2) will defend their home court against the Mathews Mustangs (7-1) on 1/5/24.

EDGEWOOD’S EIGHT 3 POINTERS FUEL WIN OVER BROOKFIELD

Brookfield, OH- In a standout performance on their home court, the Edgewood Warriors showcased their scoring prowess against the Brookfield Warriors, sealing a convincing 68-50 victory. The game was marked by ability to finish at the bucket and impressive 3-point shooting, particularly from the hands of Jacob Ernst and Logan Kray.

First Quarter: Edgewood Sets the Pace

Edgewood started the game with authority, establishing a 9-4 lead in the first quarter. Jacob Ernst began his scoring onslaught early with 7, setting the tone for the rest of the game.

Second Quarter: Lead Building

The second quarter saw Edgewood extending their lead with a score of 14-13 with Ernst’s consistency, kept Edgewood in control.

Third Quarter: Edgewood’s 3-Point Barrage Continues

Edgewood’s dominance continued into the third quarter, outscoring Brookfield 19-19. The team’s 3-point shooting became a decisive factor, with Kray leading the charge with 2 huge 3’s. Mason Thorr also contributed to the offensive onslaught, helping Edgewood build a comfortable lead.

Fourth Quarter: Closing Strong with 3-Pointers

In the final quarter, Edgewood showcased their resilience and determination. Logan Kray’s exceptional 3-point shooting, including three crucial shots in the fourth quarter alone, proved instrumental in securing the win. The team closed the game with a 26-14 quarter, capping off an impressive display of offensive firepower.

Player Stats: Edgewood Warriors

  • Jacob Ernst: 29 points
  • Logan Kray: 18 points (5 three-pointers)
  • Mason Thorr: 11 points
  • Peyton Williams: 3 points
  • Brady Andrejack: 3 points
  • Russell Thomas: 2 points

Player Stats: Brookfield Warriors

  • Mateo Fortuna: 22 points
  • Judah DeJoy: 12 points
  • Brandon Hardman: 5 points
  • Nevon Huffman: 9 points
  • Riley Russo: 2 points

The 3-Point Game

Edgewood’s victory was fueled by their prowess beyond the arc, nailing a total of 8 three-pointers in the game. Logan Kray’s sharpshooting was particularly noteworthy, hitting 5 three-pointers, including the crucial ones that solidified the win.

Looking Ahead

With a 7-1 record, the Edgewood Warriors are set for a challenging road game against the reigning CVC champions, the Perry Pirates (2-4), on 1/6/24. Meanwhile, the Brookfield Warriors (4-4) will face the LaBrae Vikings (6-1) on the road on 1/5/24. Both teams are gearing up for intense matchups, seeking to build on their recent performances and secure victories in the upcoming games.

MUSTANGS POWER PAST DRAGONS

Ashtabula, OH- In a commanding display of skill and teamwork, the Grand Valley Mustangs girls’ basketball team secured a resounding victory over the Lakeside Dragons. The final scoreline, 60-23, showcased the Mustangs’ dominance in every quarter of the game.

Quarter Scores

Lakeside Dragons: 6 | 8 | 7 | 2 – Total: 23
Grand Valley Mustangs: 20 | 12 | 10 | 18 – Total: 60

Player Stats

Lakeside Dragons

  • Marlaya McCoy: 9 points
  • Jalena Torrence: 6 points
  • AnnaMae Walter: 8 points

Grand Valley Mustangs

  • Morgan Crawford: 19 points (including three 3-pointers)
  • Dixie Miller: 12 points, 13+ rebounds
  • Abbey Eland: 2 points
  • Reagan Boiarski: 8 points
  • Alex Hunt: 4 points
  • Kaitlyn Bauman: 2 points
  • Cloe Turk: 9 points
  • Kira Dolan: 4 points

Morgan Crawford’s exceptional performance stood out as she led all scorers with 19 points, showcasing her accuracy from beyond the arc with three successful 3-pointers. Dixie Miller, not only contributing 12 points but also wrangling in over 10 rebounds for a double double which played a pivotal role in securing the Mustangs’ dominance on both ends of the court.

Upcoming Matches

The Grand Valley Mustangs (7-3) are set to play a crucial home game against the Wickliffe Blue Devils (7-2) on 1/5/24. The Blue Devils are entering the matchup with momentum from a 44-29 triumph over the Brooklyn Hurricanes.

Meanwhile, the Lakeside Dragons (1-7) will look to rebound in their upcoming home game against the Conneaut Spartans (3-6). The Spartans are riding high on a convincing 62-24 victory over the Girard Yellowjackets.

TIGERS TROUNCE OAK GLEN

WELLSVILLE OH- In a compelling matchup on Tuesday night, Wellsville showcased their strength on their home court against Oak Glen. After a closely contested first quarter, the Tigers took control of the game, securing a convincing 56-38 victory.

Wellsville’s Tyrell Watkins delivered a standout performance, notching an impressive double-double with 21 points and a staggering 23 rebounds. Watkins also displayed defensive prowess with 7 steals, contributing significantly to Wellsville’s success. Elijah Douglas added 12 points, while Richie Dowling chipped in 11 points, bolstering the Tigers’ scoring effort.

With this home win, Wellsville advances to a 4-4 record and will hit the road for their next challenge as they travel to face Lisbon on Friday. The Tigers’ dominant performance illustrated their command of the game, setting a positive tone as they continue their journey through the season.

BOBCATS ROAR BACK FROM BREAK

By Noah Doughty 


NEW CASTLE PA- Coming back from break saw a return to section play for the Beaver Bobcats as they took on the Central Valley Warriors. Beaver’s offense was too much for Central Valley and they went on to win 67-55.

 

Beaver ended the first with a 14-9 lead and was able to maintain their lead the whole game. One area the Bobcats excelled in was working the rebound as they were able to capitalize on second chance opportunities.

 

For Beaver the lead scorer was Ty Butler with 26 points Brady Mayo was not far behind contributing 23 points in the win. For Central Valley Isiah Jeter was the lead scorer with 33 points. 

 

Beaver improves to 6-5 on the season and 2-1 in section play. The next game will be Friday, January 6th on the road against Blackhawk.

TWO IN A ROW FOR LIBERTY

NILES OH- Liberty showcased their resilience and determination on Tuesday night, securing an impressive 60-43 victory over Niles and injecting new momentum into their season. The road win against the Dragons highlighted Liberty’s ability to execute effectively and control the pace of the game.

Evan Bates led the scoring charge for Liberty with a stellar 25-point performance, showcasing his offensive prowess. Armani Franklin added 14 points, and Adam Huynh contributed 8 points, providing valuable support to the team’s scoring effort.

For Niles, Yausene Blackman led the Dragons with 13 points, while Anthony Budak and True Carey-Hardin added 11 and 9 points, respectively.

With this win, Liberty improves to a 2-8 record and will carry the positive momentum into league play on Friday as they host Garfield, aiming for their third consecutive victory. On the other side, Niles, standing at 2-7, will regroup and prepare for their upcoming matchup at home against Struthers on Friday. The game highlighted Liberty’s determination and sets the stage for both teams as they continue their journey through the season.

VALLEY LOCKS IT DOWN LATE

By Michael Ginocchi


Youngstown, OH-
Valley Christian hosted Lowellville in a non-conference match Tuesday evening. Both teams were coming off a loss and were looking to get a key win. Both teams were going back and forth throughout the night as the score was 30-25 at half in favor of Valley. In the second half, Lowellville was able to take a lead and had the Eagles on the ropes. The Eagle defense was suffocating during the final 3 minutes of the game not allowing the Rockets to get hardly any shots off. In the end Valley Christian held on for the thrilling 47-43 win! 

 

Rashaun Bell came up big for Valley Christian all night. It seemed like anytime the Eagles needed a basket, he came through. Bell led the Eagles with 23 points and was an effective 6/9 from the foul line. What was most impressive is that Rashaun Bell was excellent defensively making it tough for anyone to score on him. Deion Miller was also solid, scoring 11 points in helping Valley to victory.

 

Although it wasn’t the outcome they wanted, Lowellville had three players score in double figures. Michael Balone led the Rockets with 12 points. Matt Lucido chipped in 11, while Tino Ocasio-Rivera added 10. Lowellville had multiple chances from the foul line, but that was an area of struggle. The Rockets were just 9/23 from the foul line which proved to be the difference in the game.

 

With the win, Valley Christian improves to 4-3 on the season. They will host Southern Local on Friday at 7:00 pm. Lowellville, drops to 2-5 with the loss.The Rockets will hit the road again this Friday at Mineral Ridge.

 

 

WARRIORS ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THIS OVERTIME THRILLER

The varsity boys basketball team used solid free throw shooting in overtime to defeat Akron Garfield this afternoon in a rare weekday matinee game.  The Warriors are now 7-2 on the season while Garfield falls to 6-3.

The Warriors took control early leading 19-7 after one and 30-19 at the half.  The Rams started to chip away in the third quarter but a strong start to the fourth on both ends of the court led to the comeback, eventually tying the game and taking the lead late.  With :17 second left in the game and down 48-46, Camden Lane was fouled on the in bounds pass and went to the line.  Lane would sink both free throws tying the game.  The Rams would get two decent looks at the hoop in the final seconds but failed to convert sending the game into overtime.

In overtime, the Rams would score first taking a 50-48 lead, but West Branch would ramp up the defensive pressure along with some good rebounding helping the Warriors limit Ram opportunities while finding a way to the line on the offensive end.  All eight of the Warrior overtime points came from the free throw line.  Joey Jackson would hit two of four from the stripe, while both Jaxon Robb and Lane would knock down 3-4 each to help lead the Warriors to the win.

Robb would finish the day with 22 points including three 3-pointers, while Lane finished with 18 including two 3’s.  Gavin Gregory would add eight for West Branch.

The Warriors will return home on Friday to take on Alliance for the lead in the EBC as the Aviators also sit at 2-0 in the league.  Game time is scheduled for 6:45 following the JV game.

*Contributed By Ryan Wolf at wbathletics.org

CLIPPERS CANT BE STOPPED

Columbiana Dominates Mineral Ridge in a 61-15 Victory

Columbiana asserted their dominance on Tuesday night as they hosted Mineral Ridge, delivering a commanding 61-15 victory. The Clippers showcased a balanced scoring attack, stifling the Rams and securing a convincing win.

Devin Dougherty led the way for Columbiana with an impressive 16-point performance, highlighting his scoring prowess. Maddox Brown contributed 12 points, while Seth Struharik and Ian Less added 11 and 10 points, respectively, underscoring the Clippers’ well-distributed offensive effort.

For Columbiana, the victory propels them to a 6-3 record as they prepare to resume league play on Friday against Leetonia at home. Meanwhile, Mineral Ridge, now standing at 3-5, will regroup for their upcoming matchup as they play host to Lowellville on Friday.