AKRON OH- After Hoban was given a scare in the first round of the tournament, they refocused themselves on Thursday against Cuyahoga Falls. In the sectional final the Knights took control from the jump with suffocating pressure on defense. The amount of turnovers they forced let them race out to a 46 point first half. That is three more points than the Knights scored in the whole game on Saturday against Kent Roosevelt.
Offensively the Knights were led by Mackenzie Edingburgh with 13 points. Kennedy Arison was also in double figures for the Knights in her last home game of her career. She scored 11 points on the night. Both Makenzie Grant and Niera Stevens finished the game with 9 points. Emma Rasmussen chipped in 8 as well.
Hoban advances to the district semifinals on Tuesday. They’ll be matched up with 11th seeded Shaker Heights. That game will be on Tuesday February 21st at Perry High School. Tip off is scheduled for 6:00.
https://ysnlive.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/D7A8D70D-8E3C-4C9A-B9C4-AC1BD2E5529A-scaled-1.jpeg15452560Anthony Hartwighttps://ysnlive.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Default-Email-Signature-2673571-300x70.pngAnthony Hartwig2023-02-17 03:41:342023-02-17 03:41:34HOBAN LOCKS IN ON DISTRICTS
GARFIELD OHIO – Garrettsville Garfield girls basketball team got a huge win over the struggling Campbell Memorial Lady Red Devils on Wednesday night courtesy of a 42-5 final score.
Garfield got production on the offensive end from six different players, including Laura McCoy who led the team with 10 points, Mandy Cardinal and Maggie Fogel both had nine points, Nora Trent had eight points, Karleigh Clelland had four points, and Madeline Shirkey had two points. As for the Red Devils, this was not the ideal way to end what has been a hard season.
Garfield could not have asked for a better start to the tournament as they have added to what has been a spectacular season as they shift their focus to their next round opponent.
*Contributed By YSN’s Michael Wolfgang
https://ysnlive.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/F50E4DBA-7BFF-4ACF-839A-E8CCCD8E390C.jpeg14512239Anthony Hartwighttps://ysnlive.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Default-Email-Signature-2673571-300x70.pngAnthony Hartwig2023-02-16 17:48:592023-02-16 17:48:59GARFIELD HANDLES THIRD MATCHUP WITH RED DEVILS
ATWATER OH- As February meets its midway point and March is around the corner, that can only mean one thing. Playoff basketball! On the girls side of high school basketball, a handful of teams already tipped-off their first tournament game, with some already setting dates for their next round matchup. However, Wednesday night was a full-blown kickoff of tournament time in Ohio! Over in Atwater, YSNs own, #2 seeded Waterloo Vikings hosted a very tough, time-tested, #4 seeded Canton Central Catholic Crusaders came to town.
Defense tends to take precedence in the playoffs and this matchup was no different! As both squads struggled to find offense, prompting a carefully calculated chess match to ensue on the hardwood amongst the two programs. Rose Couts opened the scoring for Waterloo, but The Crusaders Makayla Johnson responded promptly, creating a theme for the evening. The first eight minutes saw The Vikings take a small lead 12-9 after a quarter of play. If you thought the defense was good in the first quarter, well kick up the intensity because these amps go to 11 during playoffs! The Crusaders kept trucking along and found the counter offensive run they were looking for in the second. Subsequently, The Vikes went ice cold from the field, being held without a field goal in the second quarter, leaving Waterloo to make up their points at the free throw line. Despite the offense falling out of rhythm, it did not waiver The Vikings spirit on defense, keeping it close but The Crusaders held the slim halftime lead 17-15 heading to the locker room.
Out of the half the great game adjuster, Coach Kevin Longanecker, made a few tweaks in coaching with players like Bayley English and Rose Couts facing foul trouble and Kaylee Webb out with injury. Hoping the law of averages would finally fall their way in the second half, after a cold second quarter and going the entirety of the first half without a made three point shot. Enough offense was found for Waterloo as Bayley English connected from deep to help propel The Vikings back in front 23-22 with the final quarter still to play. Rolling with momentum into the final quarter, both Makayla Johnson and Kaira English were having block parties against one another in a battle of anything you can do I can do better, effectively limiting each other’s game with great defense. Jewel Lilley played some crucial minutes down the stretch that helped ease some of the worries of players fouling out before the end of the game. Abby Mazur hit “The Mazur’s Edge” three pointer from the wing that boosted The Viking lead to seven in the waning moments of the fourth! A team performance through and through, but it was the smallest girl with the biggest heart on the court, Lilly Foster who earned Player of The Game nods for her outstanding defense through four quarters of play, creating turnovers, winning 50/50 balls and helping turn the tides in Waterloo’s favor. Rose Couts sealed it with some made free throws, winning the sectional semi-final matchup 33-26!
With nothing short of heart, hustle and determination shown by a team of just six girls, The Waterloo Lady Vikings are moving on! The win will earn #2 Waterloo (15-7) another home playoff matchup, this time against #7 East Canton (5-16) in a meeting with The Wizards on Saturday, February 18th for a 1:00 p.m. tip-off! Interviews with winning Head Coach Kevin Longanecker and Player of The Game Lilly Foster can be found below!
*Contributed By YSN’s Ty Bartell
https://ysnlive.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/23F8CFA9-A729-4CB0-ADCD-160AB64EB247.jpeg10981926Anthony Hartwighttps://ysnlive.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Default-Email-Signature-2673571-300x70.pngAnthony Hartwig2023-02-16 17:22:062023-02-16 17:22:06A WATERLOO WINNER IN ROUND ONE
BROOKFIELD, OHIO- The Brookfield Lady Warriors took on the Cardinal Mooney Lady Cardinals in round one of the Division III tournament. In what was a thrilling game, The 18 seeded Cardinals kept pace with 5th seeded Warriors.
The Warriors were led by Sophia Hook, who dropped 26 points and had 13 rebounds. The Cardinals were led by Sophia Diorio, with 17 points. The Cardinals also had help from Maria Fire, with 13 points and Sam Rotunno, with 12 points. The game was sent into overtime after Rotunno heaved a last second half court shot to tie the game as time expired.
The Cardinals would later overcome the Warriors in overtime, winning 51-48. The Cardinals will continue their cinderella run when they take on Lakeview in the sectional final on Saturday.
*Contributed By YSN’s Matt Morrison
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HOWLAND CENTER, OH – The girls’ basketball tournament is officially underway, and the Howland Tigers pulled off a nice start to their postseason. On Wednesday night, they welcomed Notre Dame Cathedral Latin in a Division 2 Sectional Semifinal. It was a game in which Howland held the lead for a good majority, as they would pick up the 53-32 victory.
Howland junior Alyssa Massucci was the player of the hour yet again, as she would lead all scorers 23. She compiled an impressive night from the foul line, as she connected on 10 of 13 shots from the stripe. In the second half, she would contribute 13 of those points, all while drilling three shots from downtown on the night in total.
Despite the Lions hanging in the game throughout the first half, the Tigers’ defense was a huge factor, holding NDCL to single digits in three of the four quarters. They would also do a good job defending the key, giving up just two shots from beyond the arc. The Lions were not without their successes, however, as they came crashing in on offensive rebounds to set up second and third attempts. Melissa Brownlee led NDCL with 9 points.
Howland improves to 11-12 with the win as they will play host to Alliance on Saturday in the Sectional Final. The Tigers will try to win back-to-back Sectional titles as they are hosting the Aviators in a rematch of a 54-48 victory back on December 17th. Tip-off will be at 1:00 P.M.
Tigers coach Aaron Pounds talked with YSN’s Noah Ricks following the contest. You can click on the video below to watch the full interview.
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Beloit OH- The West Branch Lady Warriors cruised to a 49-12 victory over Ravenna in round 1 of the OSHAA Playoffs. They are now winners of four straight and are looking to make a deep run this postseason. West Branch is the 11th seed in the Division 2 Northeast 1 District.
It was a balanced scoring effort in the win for West Branch. Not a single girl scored in double figures, but everyone contributed equally. Live Showalter and Sophie Gregory led the way with 8 points. Hannah Egli, Mikalyn Fitts, Chloe Dennison, and Carter Shepherd all scored as well. The post players did a nice job rebounding as they created multiple extra possessions for the team.
Coach Deshields knows that the next game will not be easy! West Branch will make the long trip up to Ashtabula for the sectional championship against the Edgewood Warriors. Edgewood has had a fantastic season with a 19-3 record, but Coach Deshields feels confident in his team. He said, “Our schedule helps us prepare for games like this. We have played three top ten teams in the State of Ohio in division 2, and we will be prepared for the tough task at hand.” The game will take place this Saturday at 1 p.m.
*Contributed By YSN’s Michael Ginocchi
https://ysnlive.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/51B8C43E-AD29-4625-A7C0-6CA83D24D392.jpeg6351153Anthony Hartwighttps://ysnlive.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Default-Email-Signature-2673571-300x70.pngAnthony Hartwig2023-02-16 16:40:282023-02-16 16:40:28WARRIORS EARN A TRIP TO EDGEWOOD
KINSMAN, OHIO- The Badger Lady Braves took on the Valley Christian Lady Eagles in round one of the Division IV girls tournament. In what was a memorable night for the Braves in two ways. One being that Katie Grexa surpassed the 1,000 point mark and the other being the 50th career win for Badger coach Lavell Turnage.
The Braves controlled the game quickly as they were led by Katie Grexa, with 22 points and by Hannah Betts, with 11 points. The Eagles kept pace for a little bit as they were led by DiAndra Tensley and Samantha Newkirk, who combined for 12 points but the Braves would come out with the 57-16 win to move onto the second round, which will take place this Saturday when they take on Sebring.
*Contributed By YSN’s Matt Morrison
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SALINEVILLE, OHIO- Round one of the Division IV girls basketball playoff began as the Leetonia Lady Bears took on the Southern Lady Indians in the sectional semifinals. It was the third matchup of the season between the two teams, and Southern was looking to complete the sweep.
It was all Indians as they were led by Ashley Shroads, who dropped 27 points and also came away with 10 steals to grab another double double.
Leetonia was led by Mckendra Cole, who had 7 points, but the Southern defensive was consistent with 21 steals in the game as Southern came away with the 59-15 victory.
Southern moves on to the sectional championship on Saturday. The Indians will host the winner of Warren JFK vs Ashtabula St John. We congratulate Leetonia on a hard fought season and their seniors on a great career!
https://ysnlive.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/64A94E4D-BB1C-46C2-854B-3E522B90EDA1.jpeg8841669Anthony Hartwighttps://ysnlive.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Default-Email-Signature-2673571-300x70.pngAnthony Hartwig2023-02-15 20:01:072023-02-15 20:01:07SOUTHERN SLAMS THROUGH TO NEXT ROUND
NILES OHIO – The Newton Falls boys basketball team defeated the Niles Red Dragons on Tuesday night by way of a 47-40 score.
In the narrow, seven point road win for the Tigers, Mac Haidet led the team in scoring with 13 points, backed up by teammate Jacob Sipka who had nine points and Landon McGregor who had six points.
Matt Kozak led the Red Dragons with 13 points, where Anthony Budak had 10 points as did Robert Strickland who had 10 points as well.
With the win, the Tigers improve their record to 16-5 and the Red Dragons drop to 10-11. Newton Falls finishes up the regular season slate on Friday with a non-conference road game against Windham at 7 p.m. Niles wraps up their regular season on Friday on the road against Howland at 7 p.m.
*Contributed by YSN’s Michael Wolfgang
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LOWELLVILLE OH- Warren JFK defeated Lowellville 75-74 to snap the Rockets’ 10-game winning streak in a shootout Tuesday night.
Warren JFK controlled most of the first half, leading by double digits at one point, and having the lead at halftime.
Lowellville stormed back in the 3rd quarter to take the lead and took it into the 4th quarter, but the Eagles retook control late and held it the rest of the game.
Michael Condoleon lead the way for the Eagles with 27 points and Nick Ryan had 24 points, including a two-hand slam dunk in the second half.
Lucente dropped 31 for the Rockets despite the loss and Bunofsky had 17.
Vinny Ballone also had 10 points and a pair of blocks, including a highlight chase-down block toward the end of the first half.
*Contributed By YSN’s Eric Hughes
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