MOONEY RULES THE ROOST IN YOUNGSTOWN

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By Matt Maher 


YOUNGSTOWN, OH – Some days you’re feeling good and some days you’re feeling great and on Saturday afternoon Cardinal Mooney felt the latter when they traveled to Valley Christian and dominated with a capital D. The Cardinals never looked off and their shots reflected that in the final score which ended as a 75-45 win for Mooney.

 

Mooney came out with a statement and that statement was “get out of the way, we’re going to score” and score they did as they put up 22 points to the Eagles 8. Mooney saw some great scores from the likes of Nick Pregibon, Nico Genova and Jibri Carter but it was Ashton O’Brien who dazzled in the first. O’Brien put up 9 points including two elite looking 3’s and a beautiful drive to the net that resulted in an and-1 that he delivered on. The Cardinals would just be getting started while the Eagles just couldn’t get much past Mooney’s defense but what they did get through was 4 points for Deion Miller and two more scores from two separate sources.

 

Valley Christian looked much better in the second and as a result they doubled their score from the first with 16 points. Jaylen Robinson hit a dramatic and-1 and Patrick Riley went 3-for-4 from the stripe. While we saw some good individual efforts from the Eagles we saw greatness from Ra’Shaun Bell who found 8 points against a menacing cardinals defense. Bell had two field goals but he also went a perfect 4-for4 from the line which helped, not only himself, but his team find more confidence. 

 

While Valley Christian looked better, Mooney was still, well, Mooney and they put up 24 more points to end the half with 46 points! Pregibon added to his total with two and-1’s and O’Brien found two more points for his day but the real story was Carter who not only found 7 points but also hit his 200th career 3-pointer and cemented himself in school history! 

 

Valley Christian continued to stay consistent into the second half. The Eagles found 11 points in quarter number three with 5 of them coming from Robinson and 4 more coming from Bell. Mooney started to settle down a bit by only scoring 20 points with Carter putting up 7 more points including his 201st 3 and O’Brien and Pregibon both found 5 points. 

 

The final frame went by in a flash due to Mooney scoring enough to trigger the running clock and as a result saw them only score 9 points as a team with Carter scoring 4 more to end his night at 20 points. Valley Christian was able to out score the Cardinals in this frame but finding 10 points with 6 of them coming from Bell with a nice 3 and yet another and-1, he would end the game with 18 points. 

 

While Cardinal Mooney played an exceptional game, Valley Christian still looked very good defensively but just left some holes that were just big enough for Mooney to squeeze through which was ultimately what allowed Canfield to put up 75 but if anything they still played a good game and proved that the score doesn’t tell the whole story. Cardinal Mooney (6-3) will continue their road trip when they travel to East Liverpool on January 5th at 7:00PM while Valley Christian (3-3) stays home when they host Lowellville on January 2nd at 7:00PM. 

CARDINALS KEEP THEIR STREAK ALIVE IN OVERTIME

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BELOIT OH- In a clash of two teams riding high on winning streaks, Canfield and West Branch engaged in a basketball showdown that lived up to the anticipation on Saturday night. Both teams entered the game with a five-game winning streak on the line, and the contest played out as a back-and-forth battle with plenty of lead changes.

Despite a valiant effort from both sides, four quarters proved insufficient to determine a winner, and the game extended into overtime. In the additional period, the Cardinals demonstrated resilience and determination, ultimately prevailing with a final score of 59-53.

Canfield’s Dom Cruz led the scoring effort with an impressive 20 points, showcasing his offensive prowess. Sam Castranova contributed 15 points, and Tony Russo added 12 points to the Cardinals’ balanced scoring attack. Ben Weaver chipped in 7 points to round out the scoring.

For West Branch, Jaxon Robb delivered a standout performance with a game-high 22 points. Jeremiah Thomas and Gavin Gregory each contributed 9 points, but it wasn’t enough to secure the win.

With this hard-fought victory, Canfield extends their winning streak to six games and sets the stage for their upcoming conference play as they host Boardman on Tuesday. West Branch, now standing at 6-2, will hit the road to face Garfield in an effort to bounce back from this overtime thriller. The game showcased the competitive spirit of both teams, leaving fans eagerly anticipating their future matchups.

MCQUISTON SENDS CANFIELD OFF THE FLOOR IN STYLE

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BELOIT OH- Canfield set the tone for an exciting doubleheader on Saturday with a dramatic victory as the girls’ team clinched a thrilling 36-34 win against West Branch. In a game marked by suspense, the Cardinals showcased their resilience, securing the victory with a late three-pointer from Grace McQuiston.

The tension escalated when West Branch managed to take a late 34-33 lead. However, Canfield swiftly responded, racing down the court and relying on McQuiston to deliver a clutch three-pointer with little time remaining. Remarkably, this shot marked McQuiston’s first made field goal of the night, making it all the more significant.

Jenna Triveri led Canfield in scoring with 9 points, followed closely by Camie Dill with 8 points. Carly Fleming contributed 6 points, while Cami Hritz and McQuiston each added 5 points to the Cardinals’ scoring effort.

For West Branch, Sophia Gregory led all scorers with 16 points, showcasing an impressive individual performance. Chloe Dennison added 7 points, contributing to the Warriors’ offensive output.

With this thrilling win, Canfield moves to a 6-3 record and looks ahead to their first conference game of the season on Wednesday, hosting Boardman. West Branch, now standing at 9-2, will embark on the second half of EBC play with a matchup at Minerva on Wednesday. The game exemplified the excitement and unpredictability of high school basketball, leaving fans eagerly anticipating the subsequent boys’ game and future matchups for both teams.

IRISH DOMINATE LAKE CENTER

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YOUNGSTOWN, OH- In a commanding performance, the Ursuline basketball team showcased their offensive dominance as they outpaced Lake Center Christian with a final score of 81-41. The game, which unfolded with Ursuline taking a significant lead early on, solidified their position with both an impressive overall record of 7-2.

From the opening tip-off, Ursuline set the tone, dominating each quarter and leaving little room for Lake Center Christian to mount a comeback. The quarter scores tell the story, with Ursuline securing a commanding lead of 24-9 in the first quarter and building on it consistently throughout the game.

Individual standout performances from Ursuline players contributed to their decisive victory. Geno Lucente finished for the Irish with 12 points, showcasing accuracy both inside and outside the arc. DaShaun Will was a sharp shooter nailing 5 threes and finishing second on the team with 15 points.  Jaylen Gunther and Noah Bell also made significant contributions with 14 and 17 points, respectively. Bell finished with the team lead in points. The team’s offensive balance was evident, with multiple players making key shots and free throws to secure the win.

On the Lake Center Christian side, Tanner Norman emerged as the leading scorer with 19 points, displaying versatility by contributing both from beyond the arc and at the free-throw line. However, Ursuline’s solid defensive efforts limited the scoring opportunities for the rest of Lake Center Christian’s lineup.

From a statistical standpoint, Ursuline’s free-throw efficiency was notable, boasting an impressive 85.7% success rate. In contrast, Lake Center Christian faced challenges at the free-throw line, converting only 50% of their attempts.

BARRISH BRUSHES IN THE PAINT

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HOWLAND OH-  In the hallowed halls of Howland’s basketball program, senior Mia Barrish stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of the Tigers. Having grown up within the program, Barrish has seamlessly transitioned from an admirer of past greats to a beacon of inspiration for the younger players who now look up to her.

This season, Howland finds itself with the rare luxury of returning the exact same roster from the previous year. Barrish, along with her fellow seniors, has leveraged this continuity to cultivate strong leadership qualities over the past two years. Their collective experience and cohesion have become instrumental in shaping the team’s identity and fortifying its mental toughness.

Often operating under the radar, Barrish embodies the essence of a player who does the unglamorous work that goes unnoticed by many. Her contributions extend beyond the stat sheet, with a notable prowess in rim protection that denies opposing guards easy access to the hoop. As one of the team’s most reliable rebounders, Barrish dominates the paint with an artistry that defines her as prolific in this essential aspect of the game.

While Barrish’s impact on the court is undeniable, her future aspirations extend beyond the hardwood. A nursing journey awaits her at Ohio University, showcasing her commitment to making a difference in the lives of others. Despite not pursuing basketball at the collegiate level, Barrish envisions keeping the game woven into the fabric of her life. The prospect of Coach Mia Barrish gracing the sidelines in the future isn’t far-fetched, as her leadership qualities and love for the game are destined to leave a lasting legacy in Howland’s basketball program.

 

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LADY WARRIORS STAY PERFECT THROUGH 2023

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East Ashtabula- December 28, 2023

In a commanding performance, the Edgewood Warriors Girls Basketball team demonstrated their prowess on the court as they cruised to an 80-32 victory over the St. John Heralds. The Warriors dominated each quarter, showcasing their offensive firepower and defensive resilience.

Game Highlights:

First Quarter: The game started with a competitive edge, with Edgewood Girls leading 18-16 at the end of the first quarter. Both teams displayed impressive offensive skills, setting the stage for an intense matchup.

Second Quarter: The Warriors turned up the heat in the second quarter, outscoring St. John Girls 26-10. Stellar teamwork and accurate shooting allowed Edgewood to extend their lead, heading into halftime with a comfortable advantage.

Third Quarter: Edgewood Girls continued their dominance in the third quarter, adding another 26 points to their total. The St. John defense struggled to contain the Warriors’ offensive onslaught, contributing to the widening point gap.

Fourth Quarter: In the final quarter, Edgewood Girls maintained their momentum, closing out the game with a 10-0 run. St. John Girls were unable to respond, resulting in a final score of 80-32 in favor of the Warriors.

Top Performers:

Edgewood Girls:

  • McKenna Vencill: 15 points
  • Katelynn McCollister: 19 points
  • Leigha Guyton: 12 points

St. John Girls:

  • Mickey Zheng: 9 points
  • Alyssa Cevera: 7 points
  • Grace DiSalvatore: 9 points

Three-Point Prowess: The Warriors’ shooting prowess was evident throughout the game, with the team successfully sinking six three-pointers. This accuracy from beyond the arc played a crucial role in Edgewood’s offensive strategy.

Upcoming Matches: The undefeated Edgewood Warriors (9-0) are set to face a formidable opponent as they square off against the Madison Blue Streaks (9-0) at home on January 5, 2024. The Blue Streaks are coming off a 45-36 victory over the Nordonia Knights, promising an exciting clash between two powerhouse teams.

On the other hand, the St. John Heralds (2-6) will be looking to bounce back as they take on the Chalker Wildcats (1-3) on January 4, 2024. The Wildcats are coming off a challenging 69-9 loss to the Badger Braves, setting the stage for a competitive matchup.

The Edgewood Warriors continue to establish themselves as a dominant force in girls’ basketball, and fans eagerly anticipate their upcoming clash against the Madison Blue Streaks in what promises to be a thrilling contest between two undefeated teams.

HUSKIES SHOOTING TOO MUCH FOR HERALDS

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Photo Credit: Joclyn Nicholas Photography

Ashtabula, OH- In a riveting Girls Basketball matchup, the St. John Heralds faced off against the Cardinal Huskies, resulting in a hard-fought battle that saw Cardinal emerging victorious with a final score of 46-35. Let’s break down the action quarter by quarter and analyze the standout performances from key players.

First Quarter: The opening quarter set the tone for a competitive game, with St. John taking a slight lead at 9 points, while Cardinal trailed closely with 7 points.

Second Quarter: Cardinal turned the tide in the second quarter, outscoring St. John 17-5. Emily Pleva was a force to be reckoned with, contributing significantly to Cardinal’s offensive efforts.

Third Quarter: St. John mounted a comeback in the third quarter, scoring 13 points. However, Cardinal maintained their lead with a 12-point effort, showcasing the resilience of both teams.

Fourth Quarter: In the final quarter, Cardinal secured their victory by adding another 10 points to their total, while St. John managed 8 points.

Player Stats:

St. John Total Points:

  • Mickey Zheng: 12 points
  • Izzy Holler: 4 points
  • Alexa Jordan: 6 points
  • Marissa Williams: 5 points
  • Grace DiSalvatore: 8 points

Cardinal Total Points:

  • Emily Pleva: 19 points
  • Natalie Soltis: 2 points
  • Ivy Kaminski: 15 points
  • Olivia Kreus: 4 points
  • Adelyn Grant: 3 points
  • Nova Young: 4 points

Despite the loss, standout performances from Mickey Zheng and Grace DiSalvatore showcased the tenacity of the St. John team. On the other side, Emily Pleva’s impressive 19-point contribution, including 5 3 pointers, played a pivotal role in Cardinal’s triumph.

Upcoming Games: The St. John Heralds (2-5) will regroup and prepare to play at home against the Chalker Wildcats (1-3) on 1/4/24. Meanwhile, the Cardinal Huskies (2-8) are gearing up for a home game against the Kirtland Hornets (3-4) on 1/5/24. The Hornets are riding high on a recent 45-44 victory over the West Geauga Wolverines, setting the stage for an exciting matchup.

MOONEY THRIVES AT HOME

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YOUNGSTOWN OH- Cardinal Mooney enjoyed a taste of home cooking on Friday night, securing a significant 56-50 win against NDCL in an exciting basketball matchup.

Leading the scoring effort for Mooney was Ashton O’Brien, who contributed an impressive 18 points. Rocco Turner added 14 points, showcasing the team’s offensive prowess. Eddie Nieves and Nick Pregibon each contributed 6 points, further solidifying Mooney’s balanced scoring attack.

The home victory marks a positive turn for Cardinal Mooney, bringing their record to 5-3. As they prepare for one more matchup before the calendar turns to 2024, hitting the road for a game at Valley Christian, Mooney carries the momentum of this home win into their continued journey through the basketball season. The win showcased the team’s ability to perform on their home court and sets the stage for future matchups as they look to build on their success.

WARREN JFK GETS THROUGH TEST ON THE ROAD

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BOARDMAN OH- Warren JFK faced a formidable challenge on Friday night as they ventured into one of the toughest environments in the area, taking on Boardman. In a tightly contested matchup, JFK emerged victorious, edging out the Spartans 57-52 in a thrilling contest.

Jaden Rishel led the scoring charge for Warren JFK with an impressive 20-point performance, displaying skill and composure on the court. Michael Condoleon contributed significantly with 16 points, while Nick Ryan added 12 points and Nico Ciminero chipped in 9 points to round out the scoring for JFK.

Boardman fought valiantly in front of their home crowd, with Grayson Eicher leading the team with 14 points. Noah Ziak added 12 points, Kaden Mayhew contributed 9 points, and Nico Hozschuli tallied 8 points in a collective effort.

The hard-fought victory propels Warren JFK to an 8-1 record, and they will look to maintain their momentum when they host Badger on Wednesday. Boardman, now standing at 3-5, will hit the road on Tuesday for a matchup against Canfield, seeking to bounce back from a challenging but competitive contest. The game showcased the intensity of high school basketball and sets the stage for both teams as they continue their respective seasons.

Game Photos HERE: https://ysn.smugmug.com/12-29-b-bb-boardman-jfk/12-29-b-bb-boardman-jfk/103EOS1D/

RAIDERS CAP OFF THEIR CLASSIC WITH A WIN

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CANFIELD OH- In a Friday night thriller, South Range concluded their Holiday Hoops Classic by hosting their old school rival, Springfield. The Raiders delivered a heart-pounding performance, making crucial plays down the stretch to secure a hard-fought 40-37 victory in the nightcap.

Gwen Lowry played a pivotal role for South Range, contributing 11 points, including a game-tying three late in the contest that added to the dramatic tension. Devin Sauerwein showcased her clutch capabilities with 11 points, including a crucial steal and fast break with under a minute left that ultimately gave South Range the edge. Madison Dado added 8 points, and impressively, seven different players contributed to South Range’s scoring effort.

For Springfield, Jameka Brungard displayed a dominant performance, notching a double-double with 15 points and 15 rebounds. Marianna Tuscano added 12 points, and Ava Vecchione contributed 7 points in a hard-fought effort.

The win marked a memorable night for South Range, and as they return to conference play on Thursday hosting Poland, they carry the momentum forward. Springfield, now standing at 7-4, will be on hiatus until Saturday, January 6th, when they face United. The game encapsulated the competitive spirit of the Holiday Hoops Classic, leaving fans on the edge of their seats until the final buzzer.