BLUE DEVILS CAGE THE BULLDOGS

LISBON, OH – The Lisbon Blue Devils dominated the basketball court tonight, securing a resounding victory over EOAC foe, the East Palestine Bulldogs with a final score of 75-42. From the opening tip-off, Lisbon set the tone for the game, showcasing their offensive talent and defensive tenacity. The first quarter saw Lisbon racing to a 14-4 lead. The Blue Devils’ coordinated efforts on both ends of the court left the Bulldogs struggling to find a rhythm.

At halftime, Lisbon maintained control with a 30-18 lead. The first-half performance underscored the team’s depth, as multiple players contributed to the scoring effort. The Bulldogs, led by Will Dixon and Kyler Bourne, faced a daunting task in overcoming Lisbon’s strong defensive presence.

The third quarter proved to be a pivotal period, with Lisbon extending their lead to 50-27. Trevor Siefke continued his scoring barrage, finishing the game with an impressive 25 points as the Blue Devils continued showcasing the well-rounded offensive capabilities.

Despite facing a formidable opponent, East Palestine’s Will Dixon fought valiantly, finishing the game with 13 points. Kyler Bourne added 9 points to the Bulldogs’ effort, but Lisbon’s relentless pace and efficient scoring made it challenging for East Palestine to mount a comeback.

As the final buzzer sounded, Lisbon celebrated a convincing 75-42 victory. Adding on to Siefke’s 25 points were Hunter Dailey with 17 and Austin Dailey with 13.

Up next for Lisbon will be a home matchup with their EOAC rivals, the Columbiana Clippers on Friday night. East Palestine will return home on Friday night to take on the Valley Christian Eagles.

MUSTANGS STAMPEDE PAST BLUE DEVILS

Wickliffe, OH- In a thrilling match-up, the Grand Valley Mustangs showcased their prowess on the court as they secured a hard-fought victory against the Wickliffe Blue Devils. The final scoreline of 42-35 reflects the intense competition and strategic gameplay that unfolded throughout the four quarters.

Game Highlights

The game’s opening quarter set the tone for a closely contested battle, with the Grand Valley Mustangs trailing the Wickliffe Blue Devils 9-11. However, the Mustangs demonstrated resilience and strategic skill in the subsequent quarters, outscoring their opponents and clinching the lead. The final quarter saw a remarkable display of teamwork and determination, as the Grand Valley Mustangs secured their victory with a total of 42 points to the Wickliffe Blue Devils’ 35.

Top Performers

Leading the charge for the Grand Valley Mustangs was Kaelyn Hart, contributing an impressive 13 points to the team’s total. Other notable scorers included Reagan Boiarski with 9 points, Dixie Miller with 7 points, and Cloe Turk with 5 points. The combined efforts of the team showcased the depth of talent and skill within the Grand Valley roster.

On the opposing side, the Wickliffe Blue Devils had standout performances from Ava Gabriel, who secured an impressive 22 points, and Eliza Wills, who contributed 6 points. Despite their strong individual efforts, the Blue Devils fell short against the determined play of the Grand Valley Mustangs.

Looking Ahead

With a current overall record of 3-1, the Grand Valley Mustangs are set to face the Crestwood Red Devils (1-2) in an upcoming away game on December 8, 2023. This promises to be another exciting matchup, providing the Mustangs with an opportunity to further solidify their standing in the league.

Meanwhile, the Wickliffe Blue Devils (3-1) will return to their home court for a game against the Cardinal Huskies (0-2). As they aim to return to their winning ways, the Blue Devils will be looking to build on their strengths and continue to improve.

COLUMBIANA HANGS ON TO CLINCH BIG EOAC MATCHUP

COLUMBIANA OH- In a tightly contested EOAC matchup on Monday night, Columbiana faced a fierce challenge from Southern, forcing the Clippers to cling to their lead in the fourth quarter. Despite seeing their significant advantage dwindle to just two points, Columbiana managed to secure the victory.

Contributing to Columbiana’s scoring effort were players like Ellie Venezia, who notched 10 points, along with Megan Moser, Averi Marshall, and Alaina Johnston, each adding 5 points to the scoreboard.

On the Southern side, Ashley Shroades showcased an outstanding performance, earning a game-high 14 points, while Josie Stanley chipped in with 6 points. The competitive clash highlighted the resilience of both teams, emphasizing the intensity of EOAC competition.

Game Photos HERE: https://ysn.smugmug.com/12-4-g-bb-clippers-southern/12-4-g-bb-clippers-southern/102EOS1D/i-Pzd6qQs

KENNEDY CATHOLIC EDGES OUT THE CARDS

By Noah Doughty

CANFIELD OH-  It was a cross state matchup tonight in Canfield where they were hosting Kennedy Catholic from Hermitage Pennsylvania. Canfield was looking to pick up its third win of the year. It was Kennedy Cathjolic’s first game of the year looking to defend its state championship. Offense got off to a slow start in the game and Canfield trailed by nine at the half. But a second half run saw Canfield pull it to within a single basket with seconds remaining but ultimately fell 51-48 to Close Kennedy Catholic.

 

Canfield’s Jenna Triveri led the team with 14 points. Grace McQuiston and Cami Hritz both contributed points. It was Layke Fields for Kennedy Catholic who led the game in scoring with 22 points and Belle Magestro also contributed 15.

 

Canfield looks ahead to Wednesday where they travel to take on Louisville who is 3-1 to start the season

RESERVE RUNS AWAY IN THE FOURTH

By Ty Bartell

BERLIN CENTER OH- A new week has begun, not only on the countdown to Christmas, but also another full
week of high school basketball tipped-off the week on Monday night. Multiple games, both conference and non-conference matchups, were featured on the network with a total of 10 games aired live!
One of those matchups took place in Berlin Center, Ohio known as the home to The Western-Reserve Blue Devils. Members of The Mahoning Valley Athletic Conference’s (MVAC) Scarlet Division,

The Blue Devils scheduled themselves a trio of tough early-season matchups to prepare for the conference. Still searching for their first win, Reserve hosted The Struthers Wildcats of The Northeast 8 (NE8) who were also searching for their first taste of victory in the new season. With plenty to play for and a lot to be excited about, both these teams have worked hard and someone was getting their first win to show for it!
The Blue Devils grabbed the early momentum, playing good defense while it seemed there was a lid on the bucket for The Cats, allowing Western-Reserve to grab the early advantage 14-7 after a quarter. Struthers would hang around a deal some blows of their own following some great effort defensive plays that created turnovers in the second. The Blue Devils managed to hold off a hot Struthers team in the second to hold a Monsters Inc. lead of 23-19!
A defensive-focused third quarter saw both teams held under double-digits in the frame, with Reserve still leading 31-26 after three as Struthers began to surge. Only able to hold the surging Wildcats off for so long as Katelyn Kimble came back into the game from an injury and nailed down a big three to take a lead for Struthers in the second half. However, Western-Resrve took that punch and got red hot in the fourth! Shooting the lights out from distance! The Blue Devils managed to outscore Struthers 25-16 in the fourth, courtesy of both Quincy Miller and Kylee Ramsey, propelling Western-Reserve past Struthers by a final score of 56-42.

Player of the Game went to Kylee Ramsey for knocking down three shots from distance in the fourth and piling up 10 of her 16 points in the final quarter. Her partner in crime Quincy Miller also had herself a great game, scoring 15 points and having 10 of her own fourth quarter points. Meaning both Ramsey and Miller made up 20 of their teams 25 fourth quarter points! Alyvia Hughes and Izzy Mauro followed behind them with 8 points each and Lisa Eichert finished with 7 points. For Struthers, The Cats had multiple players score 5 points in the game, leading the way was Natalie Adams who had 7 points on the night.

Western-Reserve (1-2) will now rest for a week before hitting the road to battle MVAC Scarlet champs from a year ago, The Springfield Tigers (2-1) on Monday, December 11th with a 7 p.m. tip-off. Stuthers (0-3) will look to get on track when they host STeel Valley Conference’s (SVC) Youngstown East (1-1) also on Monday, December 11th.

Keep updated with MVAC, NE8 and SVC basketball all season long with live games, scores, stats, stories and more featured on YSN!

FALCONS DON’T FLINCH ON THE ROAD

AUSTINTOWN OH- Carrying their 3-1 record into a road encounter against Walsh Jesuit, the Fitch girls’ basketball team secured their first away victory of the season with a final score of 40-34 against Walsh.

Senior Ayla Ray led the Fitch scoring effort with an impressive 11 points, complemented by the juniors Rachel Spalding and Samantha Severn, who contributed 10 points each. Senior Destanie McCollough added 7 points to the team’s overall tally.

The Lady Falcons’ resilient performance and effective scoring paved the way for success on the road. Looking ahead, they will return to Falcon Country for their next challenge, facing Ursuline on Wednesday, December 4, with tipoff scheduled for 7:00 pm.

RAMS STILL RUNNING UNBEATEN

Mineral Ridge continued their undefeated streak with yet another dominant performance, this time overpowering Liberty with a resounding 54-20 victory.

The Rams showcased their offensive prowess, led by Ava Hulett, who delivered an impressive 20-point performance. Gianna Gilbert contributed 11 points, and Sullivan Sandy added 7 points to the team’s tally. The well-rounded effort also featured valuable contributions from Kelcee Dye with 5 points, Lily Merolillo and Sam Aulet with 4 points each, and Norah Schneider chipping in with 3 points.

The Lady Rams’ cohesive play and offensive efficiency proved too much for Liberty. Their next challenge awaits as they gear up to face Sebring this Thursday at Sebring.

LIONS ROARING TO A STRONG START

CAMPBELL OH- Heartland Christian continued their impressive start to the season, securing their third win with a commanding 47-34 victory over Campbell Memorial.

The Lions displayed a balanced offensive effort, with Rachel Reynolds leading the scoring charge with 14 points, closely followed by Sarah Reynolds contributing 13 points, and Rylee Shadowens adding 12 points to the total. Campbell Memorial fought valiantly, and Diamon Sims showcased her scoring prowess with an impressive 20 points, while Angelis Espada added 10 points.

Despite a spirited effort from Campbell Memorial, Heartland Christian’s cohesive team performance proved pivotal in securing another decisive win.

CRESTVIEW EARNS ANOTHER HUGE ROAD WIN

By Matt Maher 


GIRARD, OHIO – Dominant is spelled G.A.S.K.I.N.S. At least that’s how the Rebels see it because Luvrain Gaskins put up 29 points and played some of the best defense on the team to help Crestview cruise into a 53 to 40 victory over the Indians. 

 

It all began, as every game does, in the first quarter where Girard found themselves up on top 3-0 thanks to a bucket and foul combo by Caylee Wilkes. The lead didn’t last long, however, because Crestview responded with five points of their own and would finish the quarter on top 10-7 thanks to two buckets in the paint by Gaskins.

 

The second quarter saw an explosion in rebels scoring as they put up 20 points to Girards 10. Gaskins really showed her dominance under the hoop as she found an abundance of rebounds and scored on a good handful of them helping her pick up 12 more points in the quarter. Brianna DiCross also showed up big time on defense causing multiple turnovers and was an all around headache for Girard.

 

The third period saw Girard commit multiple fouls with the first two being in the act of shooting. Gaskins was one of two players to head to the line in the quarter having a total of four shots and nailing three of them, pair that with her early 2 point bucket that opened up scoring for the half and add five more points to her total. Girard only found eight points in the third and trailed 39-25 going into the final frame.

 

Quarter four was Girards best when it came to scoring since they found a combined 15 points including 3 twos for Makenzie White as well as an impressive three pointer by Caylee Wilkes. Despite Girards offense finding a productive quarter, Crestview didn’t lay down and found 14 more points including eight more by Gaskins and a nice pair of made free throws by Addison Rhodes. 

 

The Rebels went on to win 53 to 40 over the Indians and the big reason was Luvrain Gaskins who paired up very well defending against Makenzee White and was Johnny on the spot under the hoop to gather rebounds and clean up messes even if she had to do it herself. 

 

The Rebels continue their road trip as they visit Liberty on Thursday December 12th with a start time of 5:30 PM scheduled. Girard will remain at home when they host Jefferson on Saturday December 9th with a tip set for 2:30 PM.

POLAND ESCAPES A OVERTIME THRILLER IN HOME DEBUT

POLAND OH-  In a thrilling encounter, Poland hosted Springfield for their first home game of the season on Monday night. The Bulldogs provided ample excitement for their home crowd, facing a Tigers team that reached the State Final Four last year. In a closely contested battle, Poland secured a hard-fought victory with a last-second defensive stand in overtime, clinching the win with a final score of 42-41.

Poland’s offensive efforts were led by Mary Brant, who notched an impressive 16 points, and Leanne Williams, contributing 15 points.

On the Springfield side, Mariana Tuscano led the scoring with 13 points, followed closely by Jameka Brungard with 12 points and Kerrigan Mullen with 8 points.

The overtime drama and the one-point difference in the final score showcased the competitive nature of the game. Poland will continue their home stand, welcoming Boardman on Saturday for the United Way Classic, while Springfield prepares for league play with a Thursday matchup at Jackson Milton.