DESALVO CONTINUES TO BUILD HER LEGACY

HOWLAND OH- As the Howland girls basketball team embarks on a journey filled with redemption and resilience, senior standout Jessie DeSalvo emerges as a beacon of strength and determination. After a season devoid of seniors just a year ago, DeSalvo and her teammates returned with a renewed sense of purpose, driven by the valuable lessons learned from the challenges of the past.

For DeSalvo, basketball is not just a sport but a cherished family affair. Playing alongside her sister Jamie during the formative years of her career, DeSalvo honed her skills and developed into the exceptional player she is today. The bond forged on the court with her sister served as a catalyst for personal growth and athletic excellence, shaping DeSalvo’s journey in profound ways.

However, amidst the triumphs and trials of her basketball career, DeSalvo faced an unexpected hurdle with the diagnosis of type 1 diabetes. Despite the initial struggle, DeSalvo embraced this new reality with unwavering courage, drawing strength from the unwavering support of her family and teammates. Rather than allowing diabetes to hinder her dreams, DeSalvo transformed adversity into an opportunity for growth, emerging not only as a resilient athlete but also as an inspiration to her peers.

On the court, DeSalvo’s contributions have been instrumental in propelling Howland towards success, culminating in a showdown for the district championship against Copley. Her tenacity, skill, and leadership have served as the driving force behind the team’s impressive journey, with each game showcasing her unwavering dedication to her craft.

Despite averaging 6.4 points per game this season, DeSalvo’s impact transcends mere statistics, as she embodies the spirit of perseverance and excellence that defines the Howland Tigers. As her senior year unfolds, DeSalvo remains steadfast in her commitment to leading her team to victory, determined to savor every moment on the court and cherish the opportunity to leave a lasting legacy.

As she continues to write the final chapter of her high school basketball career, DeSalvo remains resolute in her pursuit of success, fueled by a relentless desire to win and a commitment to making every game count. With her sights set on tournament glory, DeSalvo epitomizes the heart and soul of the Howland Tigers, inspiring her teammates and fans alike with her unwavering passion and unyielding determination.

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WARRIORS WORK THEIR WAY TO DISTRICTS

BELOIT OH- In a thrilling tournament matchup, the West Branch Warriors showcased their resilience and determination as they powered past the East Tech Tigers with a final score of 62-49. Despite trailing 9-7 after a closely contested first quarter, the Warriors quickly shifted gears, seizing control of the game to claim a 23-16 lead by halftime.

Leading the charge for West Branch was Jeremiah Thomas, whose stellar performance saw him net an impressive 19 points, guiding his team towards victory. Supported by the dynamic efforts of Gavin Gregory with 13 points and Jaxon Robb contributing 12 points, the Warriors’ offense proved to be a force to be reckoned with throughout the game. Additionally, Copper Anderson’s nine points further bolstered West Branch’s commanding performance on the court.

With this hard-fought win under their belt, West Branch now sets their sights on the OHSAA District Tournament at Notre Dame Cathedral Latin. The Warriors’ next challenge awaits them in the form of the Revere Minutemen, whom they are scheduled to face on Thursday, March 7th at 7 PM.

BULLDOGS KEEP THE CATS IN THEIR CAGE

By Matt Maher 


POLAND, OH – The Bulldogs welcomed the Canton South Wildcats to town for a high energy defensive brawl in the OHSAA playoffs!. The Bulldogs used their defense in the 2nd quarter and let their offense soar in the second half in their 59-49 round 2 victory. 

 

The Wildcats jumped out to a hot start with Tavon Castle and Julius Kimbrough lighting up the hardwood with a combined 17 points. Poland struggled in the opening frame and only recorded 9 points. Carmine Tukalo hit a long 3 for the Bulldogs and Danny Nittoli notched 4 hard fought points under the rim. The Bulldogs began slow and the Wildcats thought they had set the tone but boy did the Bulldogs have a huge response coming.

 

Poland may have only scored 10 points in the 2nd quarter but those 10 points look fantastic when compared to the 2 points Canton South was able to muster. The 2 points for the visiting Wildcats came from the charity stripe with Poochie Snyder sinking both of his shots. The Poland defense stood very tall and allowed for Tukalo to add another triple along with Andrew Todd’s monstrous three as well. 

 

The low scoring was left to the first half and Poland exploded with offense after the halftime break and put up 22 points to Canton Souths 13. Castle added to his already impressive night with two doubles while the other 9 points all came from beyond the arc. Carmine Tukalo unlocked and unloaded a tsunami of offense with 10 big points all from under the hoop with two of the tallies drawing fouls and allowing him to turn the 2 into 3. Todd continued to impress with two made 3’s and Oliver McCully added 4 points to his total. 

 

The 4th quarter saw a much tighter defensive game from the Wildcats and seemed to do a good job boxing out the Bulldogs but, while it was good, it wasn’t great because Poland still found their way around the traps and put up 18 points to South’s 17. Castle added a triple to end his night with 13 while Kimbrough entered the score sheet again with 5 more points to cap off his night with 16 points. Tukalo continued to amaze with 7 more points to finish off his team leading and game leading 23 point night. As a team Poland went 9 for 11 from the stripe and sealed this game.

 

While Canton South came out sprinting, Poland maintained a steady pace and then made their move near the end and never looked back as they crossed the finish line and advanced to the next round. The Bulldogs will have this big win in their back pocket as they look towards Valley Christian Academy who will try to stop the Bulldogs on March 6th in North Hill in Akron at 7:00PM. 

JEFFERSON BEATS BENGALS IN OVERTIME THRILLER

Photo Credit: Joclyn Nicholas

Jefferson, OH- In a nail-biting showdown, the Jefferson Falcons soared to victory over the Benedictine Bengals in a thrilling overtime battle, clinching a hard-fought win with a final score of 71-59.

QUARTER SCORES
Jefferson Falcons: 19 | 15 | 10 | 10 | 17 = 71
Benedictine Bengals: 12 | 12 | 11 | 14 | 10 = 59

Jefferson Falcons Total Points:

  • Anthony Covetta: 27
  • Joey DeGeorge: 25
  • Joel Navarro: 13
  • Robbie Pisano: 3
  • Dylan Beebe: 2
  • Terry Brown: 1

Benedictine Bengals Total Points:

  • Kris Smith: 23
  • John Horn: 16
  • Makell Byrd: 13
  • Damone Darmond: 5
  • Bryce Meitan: 3
  • Noah Whistler: 2
  • Matthew Torres: 2

The Falcons’ victory was marked by an incredible display of determination and resilience, with senior Joey DeGeorge delivering a clutch performance when it mattered most. DeGeorge’s last-second three-pointer at the end of regulation sent the game into overtime, igniting the crowd and propelling the Falcons to victory.

Leading the charge for the Falcons were Anthony Covetta and Joey DeGeorge, who combined for an impressive 52 points. Their stellar offensive contributions, coupled with Joel Navarro’s 13 points, proved instrumental in securing the win for the Falcons.

Despite the Bengals’ formidable efforts, led by Kris Smith with 23 points and John Horn with 16 points, they ultimately fell short in overtime. The Falcons’ relentless determination and clutch performances proved to be the deciding factor in this intense playoff matchup.

With this thrilling victory, the Jefferson Falcons advance to the district semifinals of the OHSAA playoffs, where they will face the Lutheran West Longhorns. Riding high on the momentum of their overtime triumph, the Falcons look to continue their postseason success and advance further in the playoffs.

As for the Benedictine Bengals, their season comes to an end with this hard-fought loss in the sectional final.

FALCONS FLY BY MUSTANGS

Photo Credit: Joclyn Nicholas

Hillsdale, OH- In a hard-fought playoff battle, the Grand Valley Mustangs faced off against the Hillsdale Falcons, but ultimately fell short with a final score of 70-54. Despite a valiant effort from the Mustangs, the Falcons’ offensive firepower proved to be too much to handle.

QUARTER SCORES
Grand Valley Mustangs: 12 | 10 | 15 | 17 = 54
Hillsdale Falcons: 19 | 16 | 17 | 18 = 70

Grand Valley Mustangs Total Points:

  • Braden Hart: 22
  • Jerry Arrington: 15
  • Bobby Roger: 8
  • Sammy Goforth: 5
  • Payton Plizga: 4

Hillsdale Falcons Total Points:

  • Troy Bennett: 23
  • Braylon Jaris: 19
  • Brian Knichbaum: 18
  • Jack Fickes: 5
  • Gabe Stack: 3
  • Hayden McFadden: 2

Despite facing a formidable opponent in the Falcons, the Mustangs showcased determination and resilience throughout the game. Led by Braden Hart’s impressive performance with 22 points, the Mustangs fought hard to keep pace with the Falcons’ offensive onslaught.

However, the Falcons proved to be a tough challenge, with Troy Bennett leading the charge with an outstanding 23-point performance. Supported by Braylon Jaris and Brian Knichbaum, who contributed 19 and 18 points respectively, the Falcons maintained their lead throughout the game.

Despite the loss, the Mustangs had several standout moments to celebrate this season, including senior Jerry Arrington’s achievement as the all-time leader in rebounds for Grand Valley. Although their playoff journey comes to an end with this defeat, the Mustangs can take pride in their hard work and dedication throughout the season.

As for the Hillsdale Falcons, their victory propels them into the district semifinals of the OHSAA playoffs, where they will face off against the Warren JFK Eagles. With their potent offensive attack and resilient defense, the Falcons look to continue their postseason success and advance further in the playoffs.

WARRIORS ON FIRE IN SECTIONAL FINAL WIN

East Ashtabula, OH- In a thrilling sectional final showdown, the Edgewood Warriors delivered a commanding performance against the Gilmour Academy Lancers, securing a resounding victory with a final score of 77-57. Led by the stellar scoring efforts of Jacob Ernst and Peyton Williams, the Warriors showcased their offensive prowess and defensive tenacity throughout the game.

QUARTER SCORES
Edgewood Warriors: 16 | 16 | 24 | 21 = 77
Gilmour Academy Lancers: 4 | 10 | 14 | 29 = 57

Edgewood Warriors Total Points:

  • Jacob Ernst: 41
  • Peyton Williams: 14
  • Brady Andrejack: 8
  • Logan Kray: 6
  • Mason Thorr: 4
  • Russell Thomas: 4

Gilmour Academy Lancers Total Points:

  • Jimmy Lawless: 10
  • Nick Iliano: 9
  • Tim Lee: 8
  • Kenn Flaherty: 8
  • David Pfundstein: 6
  • Zae Titas: 6
  • Brady Olson: 5
  • Tanner Deweese: 2
  • Kingston Seeles: 2
  • Brayden Titas: 1

From the opening tip-off, Jacob Ernst demonstrated his scoring prowess, delivering a dominant performance that set the tone for the game. With an explosive first quarter, Ernst showcased his sharpshooting abilities, knocking down five 3-pointers and contributing 14 points to the Warriors’ early lead. Peyton Williams also displayed his shooting skills, adding to the Warriors’ offensive onslaught with four 3-pointers of his own.

Despite the Lancers’ efforts to mount a comeback in the second and third quarters, the Warriors maintained their composure and continued to control the tempo of the game. With a balanced offensive attack and stifling defense, the Warriors extended their lead heading into the final quarter.

In the fourth quarter, the Warriors showcased their resilience and determination, fending off a late surge from the Lancers to secure the sectional championship victory. With Jacob Ernst leading the charge with an impressive 41-point performance, the Warriors celebrated their well-deserved triumph on the court.

With this victory, the Edgewood Warriors (18-5) clinch the sectional championship title and advance to the district semifinals of the OHSAA playoffs. They will await the winner of the Notre Dame Cathedral Latin Lions vs. Geneva Eagles game as they continue their postseason journey.

As for the Gilmour Academy Lancers (15-9), their season comes to an end with this loss in the sectional final.

THE MARINA IS THE PLACE TO GO

CANFIELD OH- In basketball, adaptation is often the key to success. For Canfield junior Marina Koenig, this season has been a testament to her ability to thrive in a larger role on the basketball court. Stepping into the spotlight with grace and determination, Marina has emerged as a vital asset for her team, making a significant impact in every game she plays.

Drawing from her experience of competing in last year’s state championship in softball, Marina brings a wealth of resilience and composure to the basketball court. Her ability to handle pressure-packed moments with poise and confidence is a testament to her versatile skill set and unwavering determination. Whether it’s sinking a clutch shot or making a crucial play on defense, Marina’s past experiences have equipped her with the mental fortitude needed to excel in any situation.

Despite her individual talents, Marina understands the importance of relying on her teammates and support system. By fostering a sense of camaraderie and trust on the court, she not only elevates her own performance but also creates opportunities for her teammates to shine. This collaborative approach not only boosts team morale but also keeps Marina grounded and confident in her abilities.

One of Marina’s greatest strengths lies in her unwavering reliability with the ball in her hands. Her teammates and coaches alike trust her implicitly to make smart decisions and execute plays flawlessly. Whether orchestrating the offense or driving through lanes with finesse, Marina’s ball-handling skills and scoring prowess make her a formidable force on the court.

Beyond her individual achievements, Marina remains committed to learning and growing as a player and a leader. By observing and absorbing the wisdom of her senior teammates, she is laying the groundwork for her own future leadership role within the team. Marina’s dedication to self-improvement and mentorship exemplifies her maturity and determination to leave a lasting impact on the program.

As Canfield gears up for the district championship showdown against St. Vincent-St. Mary on Saturday at 7:00, Marina stands ready to rise to the occasion once again. With her blend of skill, leadership, and unwavering determination, she is poised to play a pivotal role in her team’s pursuit of victory. As the spotlight shines brightly on Marina, she remains focused and determined to make every moment count, leaving an indelible mark on the court and inspiring those around her with her passion and tenacity.

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REBELS SET THE STAGE FOR A CHAMPIONSHIP

CORTLAND OH- In a hard-fought battle on Wednesday, Crestview steadily asserted their dominance over Tuslaw, ultimately clinching a well-deserved spot in the district championship game with a final score of 56-44. The Rebels showcased their resilience and determination as they gradually pulled away from their opponents to secure the victory.

Leading the charge for Crestview were Addison Rhodes and Luvrain Gaskins, who both delivered standout performances with an impressive 20 points each. Their combined efforts propelled the team to success, as they consistently found ways to contribute on both ends of the court.

With this crucial win under their belts, Crestview now sets their sights on the district championship game, where they are slated to face off against the second-seeded Keystone. The highly anticipated matchup is scheduled to take place at Lakeview on Saturday, with tip-off set for 7:00.

BOARDMAN PULLS OFF THRILLING ROAD UPSET

In a heart-stopping battle on the road, Boardman pulled off a stunning upset against Massillon Perry, clinching a nail-biting victory with a final score of 58-57. The game was a rollercoaster of emotions, with both teams leaving everything on the court in pursuit of the win.

Leading the charge for Boardman was Terrell McDowell, whose heroic performance included sinking the game-winning shot with just 6 seconds remaining on the clock, sealing the fate of the match. McDowell’s clutch play earned him 18 points on the night, cementing his status as a key player in the team’s success.

Contributing to Boardman’s triumph was Grayson Eicher, who delivered a solid performance with 16 points, showcasing his scoring prowess when it mattered most. Additionally, Nico Holzschuh added 9 points to the scoreboard, demonstrating the team’s depth and resilience.

With this momentum-boosting win, Boardman advances to the next round of the tournament with their sights set on further glory. They are set to face off against Hoban on Saturday at 7:00, where they will look to build upon their recent success and continue their journey towards postseason triumph.

TIGERS REPEAT HOPES STAY ALIVE AT THE BUZZER

By Noah Doughty 


MINERAL RIDGE OH- It was districts at Mineral Ridge as #2 Badger took on #5 Springfield both teams’ defenses played tough with it being tied 14-14 at the half. It felt like the whole second half was the final stretch where every basket felt like it had a huge impact. And with Badger tying it up with under 10 seconds remaining Sprinfeild had a final drive where Ava Vecchione hit a buzzer beater with time expiring to give the Tigers a 40-38 win.

 

For the Badgers Katie Grexa led with 21 points and Hannah Betts made it into double digits with 10. For Springfield Jameka Brungard led with 14 points and Maren Vinkler made a huge impact for the Tigers off the bench with 8 points 6 of them coming in the third. Ava Vecchione also had 8 points as well in the win.

 

With the Win the Tigers advance on to district finals where they will take on Warren JFK this Saturday, March 2nd at 7:00 pm.