CARDINALS SLIP BY SALEM FOR SECOND STRAIGHT SEASON

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UNIONTOWN OH- In a hard-fought battle that kept fans on the edge of their seats, Canfield took a significant step closer to their championship aspirations with a gritty 43-35 victory over Salem in the district semifinal showdown on Wednesday. The game remained deadlocked at 29-29 heading into the fourth quarter, setting the stage for a thrilling finish.

Leading the charge for Canfield was Camie Dill, who delivered a stellar performance with a game-high 14 points, showcasing her scoring prowess and clutch play when it mattered most. Carly Fleming also made significant contributions with 11 points, while Cami Hritz added 6 points to bolster Canfield’s offensive attack.

Salem put up a formidable fight, with Reese Davidson-Chuck leading the way with 13 points, followed closely by Rylee Hutton with 11 points and Maddy Andres with 7 points. However, it wasn’t enough to overcome Canfield’s resilience and determination down the stretch.

With the win, Canfield punches their ticket to the District Final on Saturday, where they will face off against Akron St. Vincent St. Mary. The highly anticipated matchup is scheduled for 7:00 at Uniontown Lake High School, as Canfield looks to continue their postseason journey with hopes of capturing championship glory.

DESTANIE IS CALLING

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AUSTINTOWN OH- As Destanie McCullough prepares to bid farewell to her high school basketball career at Austintown Fitch, her journey over the past four years reflects a commitment to excellence, unwavering leadership, and a relentless drive to elevate her team to new heights.

Since stepping foot onto the court as a freshman, McCullough poured her heart and soul into the Fitch basketball program. Through countless hours of practice, dedication, and perseverance, she honed her skills and emerged as a pivotal figure for the Falcons, both on and off the court.

McCullough’s leadership played a crucial role in propelling Fitch to one of its most successful seasons in program history. Her unwavering determination and ability to rally her teammates in the face of adversity were instrumental in guiding the Falcons to numerous victories and memorable moments on the court.

One of the most special aspects of McCullough’s senior season was the opportunity to share it with her fellow seniors, teammates she has grown and bonded with over the years. Together, they forged a strong bond and created lasting memories that will endure long after their time at Fitch.

On the court, McCullough’s strength and tenacity were undeniable. Her ability to finish through contact and dominate the boards made her a force to be reckoned with, providing a crucial presence in the paint for the Falcons. With an average of 8.3 points per game (second on the team) and 6 rebounds per game (first on the team), McCullough consistently delivered when her team needed her most. Additionally, her defensive prowess, averaging 1.7 steals per game, showcased her versatility and impact on both ends of the floor.

As McCullough reflects on her time at Fitch, she takes pride in knowing that she has played a role in shaping the future of the program. By setting an example of hard work, determination, and selflessness, she has paved the way for the next generation of Fitch basketball players to continue the legacy of success she leaves behind.

As she prepares to embark on the next chapter of her basketball journey, McCullough leaves a lasting impact on the Fitch community, her teammates, and all those who have had the privilege of witnessing her talent and leadership on the court. Her legacy will endure as a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and the indomitable spirit of a true leader.

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WARRIORS HAVE ANOTHER CLOSE ONE WITH EAST

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By Michael Ginocchi 


Beloit, OH- The first round sectional game for the West Branch Boys basketball team wasn’t your typical matchup. Hosting the formidable and underseeded East Golden Bears, the Warriors knew they were in for a tough battle, especially considering the Bears were seeking revenge for their earlier season loss to West Branch by just two points in overtime.The game lived up to expectations, with both teams giving it their all in a hard-fought and physical contest. In the end, West Branch managed to secure a narrow 50-47 victory, clinching their spot in the sectional championship. 

 

West Branch was led by Camden Lane, who had a significant impact with 14 points. His three-point shooting, not typically a strong aspect of his game, played a crucial role. Lane sunk three three-pointers, including a contested shot from the corner, showcasing his ability to deliver in key moments. His unexpected success from beyond the arc was pivotal in securing West Branch’s hard-fought victory. 

 

Jeremiah Thomas had a nice performance scoring 12 points while Cooper Adnerson contributed 10.The Warriors’ big men played a crucial role by showcasing physicality and dominance on the boards, effectively thwarting East’s attempts to secure rebounds.

 

Isiah McCray, the standout player for Youngstown East, faced tough defense throughout the game, limiting his usual impact. Despite this, he still managed to put up 16 points, including a last-second attempt at a buzzer-beater to force overtime. Cameron Sly and Tyris Davis also made significant contributions, each finishing in double figures to bolster Youngstown East’s scoring effort.

 

With the Win West Branch improves to 19-4 and will host 20th seeded East Cleveland Technical on Friday Mar. 1 for a trip to districts. Youngstown East ends their season at 11-10.

BOARDMAN’S SEASON ENDS AT DISTRICTS

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PERRY, OH- In a hard-fought battle at Perry High School, the Boardman Spartans girls basketball team concluded their season in the District Semi-Final, falling short against Rocky River with a final score of 51-42. Despite facing an uphill battle throughout the game, the Spartans showcased resilience and determination, leaving everything on the court until the final buzzer.

The first half proved to be a tough challenge for the Spartans, as they struggled to find their rhythm and trailed by 23 points heading into halftime. However, halftime served as a rallying point for the team, igniting a fiery determination to fight back and give it their all in the second half.

With unwavering heart and tenacity, the Spartans mounted an impressive comeback, cutting Rocky River’s lead to just 7 points with under four minutes remaining in the game. Despite their valiant efforts, they couldn’t close the gap further, ultimately falling short by a 9-point margin.

Leading the charge for the Spartans was Mackenzie Riccitelli, who delivered a stellar performance with 20 points and 4 steals. M.C. Werth showcased her sharpshooting skills, contributing 9 points, including three crucial 3-pointers. Sarah Bero made her presence felt on both ends of the court, tallying 6 points and grabbing 8 rebounds.

Sam Duble, Ava Freeborough, and Tori Strines also made important contributions to the team’s effort, while Mikayla Rivera provided valuable minutes off the bench. As the final buzzer sounded, seniors Sam Duble, Mackenzie Riccitelli, and M.C. Werth bid farewell to the court, leaving behind a legacy of dedication and leadership.

Despite the outcome, the Spartans achieved remarkable success throughout the season, boasting a 19-win record, securing an outright AAC Championship, and making a memorable run in the District Tournament. Their contributions to the program will be cherished and remembered for years to come, serving as an inspiration to future generations of Spartans.

LISBON’S SEASON ENDS IN HEART BREAKER

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LISBON OH- In a fiercely contested tournament matchup, Lisbon’s season came to an end in a heart-wrenching defeat on Tuesday, as they narrowly fell to Cornerstone Christian by a slim margin of 68-65. Despite putting up a valiant effort, Lisbon ultimately couldn’t overcome their opponents’ offensive firepower in a tightly contested battle that went down to the wire.

Leading the charge for Lisbon was Trevor Siefke, who delivered a standout performance with a game-high 27 points, showcasing his scoring prowess and determination on the court. Hunter Dailey also made significant contributions with 19 points, while Alex Schreffler added 6 points to round out Lisbon’s scoring effort.

Although Lisbon’s season may have concluded sooner than they had hoped, they can take pride in their achievements, finishing the season with an impressive record of 18-5 and earning the title of Co-EOAC champions.

FORTUNA’S MILESTONE PROPELS BROOKFIELD TO ADVANCE

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HANOVERTON OH- In an electrifying start to their tournament journey, Brookfield surged to victory in the first round, securing a convincing 52-38 win over United. With an impressive display of skill and determination, Brookfield showcased their resilience and tenacity on the court, earning themselves another opportunity to compete.

Leading the charge for Brookfield was Matteo Fortuna, whose outstanding performance not only propelled his team to victory but also marked a significant milestone as he surpassed 1000 career points. Fortuna’s remarkable effort included a game-high 20 points, underlining his importance to the team’s success. Shaun Dungee contributed 11 points, while Judah DeJoy added 10 points, providing crucial support to fortify Brookfield’s offensive arsenal.

Despite a valiant effort from United, led by Luke Courtney with 11 points, Brookfield’s balanced attack and stout defense proved too much to overcome.

With the win, Brookfield advances to the sectional final on Friday, where they face a challenging road matchup against Mooney.

BLUE DEVILS EARN ANOTHER GAME

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MCDONALD OH- In a solid start to their tournament campaign, McDonald seized control of the court with a convincing 50-37 victory over Kidron Central Christian, securing their spot in the sectional championship. From the opening tip-off, McDonald displayed their determination and skill, executing their game plan with precision to come out on top.

Leading the offensive charge for McDonald was Joey Cappuzzello, who delivered an impressive performance with a game-high 21 points, showcasing his scoring prowess and leadership on the court. Drew Zajack also made significant contributions with 13 points, providing valuable support to help propel McDonald to victory.

With the win, McDonald advances to the next round of the tournament, where they will face off against Western Reserve at home on Friday.

TIGERS NEVER HAVE A DOUBT IN FINAL HOME GAME

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HOWLAND OH- In a commanding performance from start to finish, Howland showcased their strength and determination in their first tournament win on Tuesday, defeating Harvey with a decisive 65-44 victory. The Tigers displayed consistency and composure throughout the game, never relinquishing their control as they imposed their will on both ends of the court.

Leading the charge for Howland was John Perry, who delivered a stellar performance with a team-high 17 points, setting the tone for the Tigers’ offensive attack. TJ Douglas contributed 15 points, while Alex Henry added 11 points and Anthony Chieffo chipped in with 10 points, highlighting the balanced scoring effort that propelled Howland to victory.

With the win, Howland advances to the sectional final on Friday, where they will face a tough road matchup against Madison.

KNIGHTS GO ORANGE PICKING

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By Ty Bartell

RAVENNA, Ohio — The Archbishop Hoban Knights girls basketball team delivered a commanding performance, defeating the Akron Ellet Lady Orangemen in the district semi-final with a resounding score of 86-38 on Wednesday night.
The victory marked a rematch from the regular season, where Hoban narrowly secured a road win against Ellet with a score of 49-45. However, in this crucial playoff matchup, Hoban wasted no time asserting dominance, launching into the game with a blistering 14-0 run.

Key contributors “Zig” Niera Stevens and Mackenzie Edingburgh spearheaded Hoban’s early onslaught, propelling the Knights to a commanding 23-8 lead by the end of the first quarter.

Hoban maintained their momentum into the second quarter, with Niera Stevens delivering a career-best performance, supported by Zoey Hodge, who emerged as the Knights’ “secret weapon” against Ellet. By halftime, Hoban had built a formidable 47-23 lead.
Entering the second half, the Knights showed no signs of letting up, intensifying their pressure on Ellet and effectively enforcing a running clock by the midway point of the third quarter. Outscoring their opponents 39-15 in the second half, Hoban sealed an emphatic 86-38 victory.

Standout performances from Niera Stevens and Zoey Hodge earned them the recognition of Players of the Game. Stevens recorded a career-high 28 points, while Hodge contributed a significant 18 points. Additionally, Mackenzie Edingburgh and Makenzie Grant added double-digit scores of 17 and 11 points, respectively, further solidifying the Knights’ dominance.

With the win, Archbishop Hoban (19-3) advances to pursue their fifth consecutive district championship. They are set to face off against the #8 seeded Medina Battling Bees (21-4) on Friday, March 1st at 7 p.m. The matchup will take place at Ravenna High School.
Fans can stay updated on Archbishop Hoban Knights basketball throughout the season, with live games, scores, stats, stories, and more available on YSN.

COUGARS POUNCE ON LAKERS IN OHSAA PLAYOFFS

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Photo Credit: Kelly York Summers

Andover, OH- In a hard-fought sectional round matchup, the Pymatuning Valley Lakers faced off against the Lake Catholic Cougars in a game filled with intensity and determination. Despite a valiant effort from standout player Blake Krznaric, the Lakers were unable to secure the victory, ultimately falling short with a final score of 59-64.

QUARTER SCORES
Pymatuning Valley Lakers: 16 | 6 | 16 | 21 = 59
Lake Catholic Cougars: 15 | 10 | 18 | 21 = 64

Pymatuning Valley Lakers Total Points:

  • Blake Krznaric: 20
  • Caydence Wiser: 7
  • Zane Neczporenko: 10
  • Seth Bryan: 6
  • Trevor Clute: 3
  • Brady Tisch: 2
  • Ryan Croston: 11

Lake Catholic Cougars Total Points:

  • Peterlin: 24
  • Pellecchia: 15
  • Budrys-Rini: 14
  • Nimmo: 4
  • Rozman: 4
  • Trinetti: 3

Despite facing a tough opponent, the Lakers showcased their resilience throughout the game, led by Blake Krznaric with an impressive 20 points. Krznaric’s leadership and scoring prowess were instrumental in keeping the Lakers competitive against the Cougars.

However, the Cougars proved to be a formidable adversary, with standout performances from Peterlin, who led the team with 24 points, and Pellecchia, who contributed 15 points. Despite the Lakers’ efforts, they were unable to contain the Cougars’ offensive firepower in the final moments of the game.

With this loss, the Pymatuning Valley Lakers conclude their season with a final record of 17-6. Despite the disappointment of the defeat, the Lakers can take pride in their successful season, which included notable victories and the milestone achievement of Blake Krznaric reaching 1,000 career points as a Laker.

As for the Lake Catholic Cougars, they advance to the next round of the OHSAA playoffs, where they will face the Campbell Memorial Red Devils in the sectional final on 3/1/24. With their hard-fought victory over the Lakers, the Cougars look to carry their momentum forward and continue their postseason journey.

Although the outcome may not have been what the Lakers had hoped for, they showcased determination and resilience throughout the game, leaving everything on the court in their pursuit of victory. As they reflect on their season, the Lakers will look to build upon their successes and lessons learned, setting the stage for future achievements on the basketball court.