LADY RAIDERS HUSTLE TO FIRST WIN

CANFIELD, OH- After starting the season with three straight losses, the South Range Lady Raiders knew it would take more effort and energy to accomplish what they wanted this season, and they showed exactly that on Thursday night with at 54-40 victory over Struthers.

In a matchup riddled with fouls and turnovers, South Range was able to find a rhythm in their effort- and it was enough to seal their first victory of the season.

The Lady Raider seniors had a lot to do with it, veteran point guard Devin Sauerwein provided a spark throughout the contest with her speed and ball-handling, but also bucketed 13 to lead the burgundy and gold.  Madi Dado showed poise and determination in her leadership with 9 points and great displays of effort on both sides of the court.  Gwen Lowry showcased her skills to the tune of 12 points, and Sydney Penick had 6.  Other scorers for South Range included Ceci Foster (2) Sophia Lucente (3) and Taylor Dado with 9 points, respectively.

Struthers had a great game plan for South Range, and that was to spread out their scorers, which they did.  Offensively, Katelyn Kimble led the way with 11, and was able to find pockets of scoring from Gianna Mark (8), Emma Morris and Ava Croyle (5), Ava Hall (4), and Taiya Baraka (3).

South Range records their first victory of the season and is now 1-3, while Struthers falls to 1-4 overall.

RAMS SHOW THEY MEAN BUSINESS

YOUNGSTOWN OH- In a clash of titans, undefeated Mineral Ridge showcased their dominance on the road against Chaney, securing a resounding 73-47 victory in a highly anticipated matchup.

Leading the scoring for Mineral Ridge were Gianna Gilbert and Ava Hulett, each contributing an impressive 19 points. Sullivan Sandy added 14 points, while Samantha Aulet and Kelcee Dye both chipped in with 8 points, highlighting a well-rounded offensive effort.

Chaney’s scoring efforts were led by Alyssa Brown, who posted a game-high 26 points, showcasing her offensive prowess. Jaziya Burley-Anderson added 9 points in the effort.

With this convincing win, Mineral Ridge maintains their unblemished record at 6-0 and will return to league play on Monday with a road trip to Lowellville. Chaney, now 4-3, will have a week off before hosting Valley Christian on Thursday, December 21st, as they regroup from the tough contest against Mineral Ridge.

Game Photos HERE: https://ysn.smugmug.com/12-14-g-bb-mineral-ridge-chaney/12-14-g-bb-chaney-mineral-ridge/103EOS1D/

UNITED REGAINS WINNING WAYS

United swiftly regained their momentum on Thursday night, dispatching Wellsville with a dominant 48-15 victory. The Eagles asserted control right from the start, securing a commanding 22-3 lead in the first quarter.

Leading the charge for United was Grace Knight, who delivered an impressive 17-point performance. Katie Dees contributed 10 points, and Addy Blazer added 8 points, showcasing a well-rounded offensive effort.

On the Wellsville side, Bella Poppleriter managed to score 6 points in the face of United’s strong defensive presence.

With this convincing win, United advances to a 5-1 record and looks forward to carrying that momentum into a crucial league matchup against Columbiana on Monday. Meanwhile, Wellsville, now 4-3, seeks to bounce back as they host East Palestine on Monday, aiming to regroup from Thursday night’s challenging contest.

SPRINGFIELD SURVIVES SCARE FROM THE ROCKETS

By Michael Ginocchi

 

NEW MIDDLETOWN, OH- The Springfield lady Tigers basketball team earned a hard fought 58-54 win over Lowellville on Thursday evening. The Rockets came in upset minded, and it seemed like they were going to pull it off. Springfield responded late in the game to grab another close win.

 

For the Tigers Ava Vecchione had the hot hand throughout the game. She knocked down 4 three pointers from beyond the arch in route to her impressive 23 points. Lowellville did a nice job limiting Jameka Brungard in the first half forcing her into some tough shots. Brungard however, stayed persistent and eventually ended up scoring 18. Mariana Tuscano was a key piece defensively forcing some turnovers and adding 9 points.

 

Lowellville came in with a great early game plan as the Rockets really limited the post presence of Brungard and got after it defensively. In the end, Springfield’s defense was too much to overcome during the game’s final minutes causing a number of turnovers. Morgan Lewis led the way with 19 points. She was effective from the free throw line as well going (4 for 6). Sydney Procick knocked down some big shots scoring 12, while Serinna Tych added 11.

 

Springfield improves to 5-2, 3-0 inside the MVAC with the win. They will travel to Sebring on Monday. Lowellville drops to 2-4, 0-2 inside the MVAC. The Rockets will head over to Mineral Ridge to battle the Rams.

POLAND FINISHES STRONG TO SECURE A VICTORY

In a hard-fought battle, Poland faced off against Girard on Thursday night, and it was a contest that kept fans on the edge of their seats. However, a resilient finish propelled the Bulldogs to victory as they sealed the game with an impressive 55-45 win, culminating in a decisive 8-0 run.

Leading the charge for Poland was Mary Brant with a stellar performance, amassing 16 points. Leanne Williams contributed 10 points, while Avery Jakabovic added 9 points, and Elliana Thompson chipped in with 7 points, showcasing a well-rounded offensive effort.

Girard countered with a strong showing, with Mia Malito leading the way with 16 points. Mackenzie White contributed 14 points, and Caylee Wilkes added 7 points in their competitive effort.

With this victory, Poland advances to a 4-2 record and looks ahead to a road matchup on Saturday for a non-conference battle with Columbiana. On the other side, Girard, now 3-3, prepares for another road challenge as they travel to face Badger on Saturday, aiming to bounce back from Thursday night’s closely contested game.

SHROADES TO GLORY

SALINEVILLE OH- When talking about Southern Girls Basketball, the name Ashley Shroades has become synonymous with excellence, grit, and a relentless pursuit of improvement. From a stunning debut in her freshman season to the cusp of becoming the program’s all-time leading scorer in her senior year, Shroades has left an indelible mark on the court.

It all began with a remarkable 55-point performance against Heartland Christian in her freshman year, a game that resonated throughout the league. Since then, opponents facing Southern knew they were in for a challenge whenever Ashley stepped onto the court. Now, as a seasoned senior, Shroades stands on the verge of etching her name into the program’s history books, a mere four points away from becoming the all-time leading scorer.

What sets Shroades apart is not just her innate talent but her relentless dedication to improvement. Faced with doubters questioning her game, she transformed her weaknesses into strengths. Critics once said she could only hit layups; now, her shooting form is a testament to her hard work. They doubted her left-hand prowess; today, she maneuvers effortlessly to the left, proving that limitations only exist if you allow them.

Off the court, Ashley Shroades embraces her role as a role model. A distinctive feature is the Ashley Shroades headband, proudly worn by aspiring young players in the Southern youth teams. Shroades sees herself not just as a player but as a catalyst for the future success of the program, inspiring the next generation of athletes.

As she navigates her senior season, Shroades faces the inevitable question about her college choice. While the decision is pending, one thing is clear – basketball at the next level is a goal she’s eyeing. Beyond the court, Ashley harbors a passion for animals, setting her sights on a journey toward becoming a veterinarian after high school.

In every aspect of her life, Ashley Shroades embodies resilience, determination, and a commitment to leaving a lasting impact. As she inches closer to rewriting the record books at Southern, her legacy extends far beyond the basketball court, inspiring both present and future athletes to strive for greatness.

Presented By:

MOHAWK MUSTERS UP A MIDWEEK WIN

NEW CASTLE OH- In a hard-fought contest on Wednesday night, Mohawk secured a well-earned victory against a resilient Beaver Area Bobcats team, emerging with a 46-31 win.

Leading the way for Mohawk was Erynne Capalbo, who delivered an impressive performance with 19 points. Kiera Julian and Anicka Young each contributed 9 points, showcasing a balanced offensive effort.

For the Beaver Area, Annsley Baker led the scoring with 13 points, and Lauren Nesbella added 7 points in their determined effort.

WARRIORS END FOUR GAME SKID AGAINST SALEM

by Ty Bartell 

BELOIT OH- In the world of high school sports, very few rivalries run as deep between two programs that encapsulate their communities like The West Branch Warriors and The Salem Quakers do! You know the rivalry means business when it’s not just one, but all sports under the programs banner share the same rival. In the recent chapters of Salem versus West Branch on the girls basketball side, it has been The Quakers who have drafted recent history. Winning the last four consecutive games against The Warriors, Salem was looking to carry the streak into the new season. Meanwhile, West Branch was looking for their first win against Salem since February 10th, 2021. With a storied rivalry that writes itself and a great crowd on hand in Beloit to witness the next chapter of Quakers and Warriors!

The opening quarter looked very similar to the recent installments between the two squads, with defense being the focal point as a low-scoring opening quarter ensued. With points at a premium, The Warriors managed to grab a 4 point lead at 11-7 after a quarter. Scoring did not pick up in the second quarter either, as both defenses forced plenty of turnovers both in the transition game and the half court, making offense difficult to set-up. West Branch managed to hold a slim advantage 19-18 at halftime, as it looked like a wild finish was going to be in the books for Beloit!
However, the second half was very unkind to The Quakers and The Warriors took full advantage!

Outsourcing Salem 30-5 in the second half of the game with a 16-3 third quarter and a 14-2 fourth quarter! The Warriors routed Salem in the second half to pick up their first win over The Quakers in almost three years with a 49-23 final!

Sophie Gregory was magic once again! A player of the Game performance for Gregory in which she scored 25 points with 11 rebounds, 7 assists, 5 blocks and 4 steals she more than made an impact in every facet of the game. Also a notable performance from Chloe Dennison who heated up in the second half scoring all 10 points on the night during crunch time while knocking down a pair of triples! Audrey Eaton also made contributions, nailing down a pair of threes as well and finishing with 6 points. Lauryn Barton was the leading scorer for Salem, finishing with 8 points followed by Rylee Hutton with 5 points.

West Branch (6-0)(5-0) now has firm control of the Eastern Buckeye Conference (EBC) with a perfect record the first time through. The Warriors next contest will be a former conference foe when they host The Louisville Leopards (5-1) on Saturday, December 16th. For Salem (2-5)(1-4) they will now look ahead to Canfield (2-2) in a home bout with The Cards at The Cab, also on Saturday! Keep updated with all West Branch and Salem winter athletics with live games, scores, stats, stories and more on YSN!

BEAVER FALTERS AGAINST SOUTH FAYETTE

By Noah Doughty


BEAVER PA- The Beaver Bobcats took on South Fayette last night in boy’s basketball and even though they were able to go on a couple runs it saw them ultimately fall 66-56. 

 

The Bobcats started out down 7 early but with South Fayette getting into some 1st quarter  foul trouble they were able to end the 1st up 16-14. However South Fayette got some great production from their bench with Gavin Orosz and Tyson Wright. The Lions were able to expand the lead out to 14 in the 3rd quarter. However the Bobcats had one last run in them and was able to cut the deficit down to 3 but the Lions were able to get Beaver into foul trouble and took advantage at the line to secure a late victory.

 

For the Bobcats the lead scorer was Brady Mayo who had 23 points. Ty Butler and Nick Krzeczowki each contributed 10 points as well.

 

The Bobcats next stop is Saturday, December 16th as they head to Rocket Mortgage Field House to take on West Carrollton. Beaver is now 2-3 on the season and is looking to bounce back. West Carrollton is 2-0 on the season and coming off a 43-34 win over Piqua. 

TIGERS RISE TO CHALLENGE

YOUNGSTOWN OH- In a closely contested matchup, Howland faced a significant test on Wednesday night against Ursuline, and they rose to the occasion with a tight 52-50 victory on the road.

Alyssa Massucci led the scoring for Howland with an impressive 21 points, supported by Mia Barrish contributing 10 points, and Gia Hoso adding 7 points. Jesse DeSalvo chipped in with 6 points to round out the Tigers’ offensive effort.

Ursuline’s Lily Scott had a standout performance with a game-high 28 points, showcasing her scoring prowess. Kennedy Carpenter contributed 11 points, while Carly Casey added 6 points.

With this hard-fought win, Howland improves to a 4-1 record and looks to continue their success at home on Saturday against Chardon. Ursuline, aiming to bounce back, will face West Branch at home on Wednesday, December 20th.