EAGLES FLY THE NEXT TO NEXT CHAPTER

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WARREN, OH- Warren JFK High School has always been a breeding ground for stellar student-athletes, and this year is no exception. Here’s a look at some of the top talents who are ready to take their games to the collegiate stage.

Ava Darney: A Force on and off the Court
Ava Darney, known for her fierce presence in basketball, has committed to Slippery Rock University. An accomplished athlete, Ava has been a three-time captain for the basketball team, achieving district runner-up and gaining All-League, District, County, and State honors. Her leadership extends beyond basketball, as she’s also captained the volleyball, softball, and soccer teams, earning All-League honors in each. With a perfect 4.0 GPA and accolades in Theology, Math, and English, Ava’s academic prowess is just as impressive as her athletic capabilities.

Nico Ciminero: A Versatile Playmaker
Next up, Nico Ciminero is heading to Marietta College. Nico’s high school career is adorned with highlights, including being the all-time assist leader in school history, a top leader in assists across Ohio for consecutive years, and earning multiple honors across basketball, soccer, and baseball. Notably, he was a key player in the 2021 Division IV State Champion baseball team. Beyond sports, Nico’s charisma shines through, capturing titles like 2023 Homecoming King and the prestigious Eagle of the Cross Award.

Michael Condoleon: Community Champion and Basketball Star
John Carroll University will welcome Michael Condoleon, a young man whose high school journey is marked by significant community service and basketball achievements. Michael has volunteered extensively, from serving at St. Vincent DePaul soup kitchen to leading community cleanup initiatives. On the basketball court, he’s made his mark as JFK’s all-time 3-point leader, a 1,000-point scorer, and a multi-year team captain, collecting numerous awards along the way.

 Jaden Rishel: Baseball Prodigy
Jaden Rishel has chosen Malone University for his next chapter. A consistent performer on the baseball field, Jaden has secured a spot in the 1000 Point Club on the court as well and has been recognized as a 2nd Team PTC player, with multiple All Ohio Honorable Mentions. His dedication to baseball is clear with a four-year letter-winning streak and notable team contributions leading to various regional accolades.

 Marina Sanders: Multi-Sport Leader
Rounding out this group of exceptional athletes, Marina Sanders is set to attend the University of Mount Union. Marina’s high school sports portfolio is impressive, featuring three varsity letters in basketball and additional letters in soccer and volleyball, where she also served as a captain. Her leadership skills extend into academic and community spheres as a member of the National Honor Society and various student councils.

These student-athletes from Warren JFK are not just stars in their respective sports but also role models in their community, embodying the spirit of excellence and dedication. As they move on to bigger challenges and opportunities, their legacy at JFK will surely inspire future generations.

WARRIORS INDUCT NEXT HALL OF FAME CLASS

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On Saturday, December 30th the West Branch Local Schools inducted four more members into the West Branch Hall of Fame.  This years inductees were Nancy Penrod (represented below by Luke and Jake Davis), Brenden Wells, Justin Buttermore, and Melinda Trimmer Taylor.

A banquet was held at 4:00 PM in the High School cafeteria.  The new members were announced to the community in between the varsity girls and varsity boys basketball games against Canfield in the West Branch Fieldhouse.

Justin Buttermore, Class of 1993– Justin’s journey in the world of education and coaching is a testament to his passion for both fields. Born and raised in West Branch, he graduated from West Branch High School in 1993. During his high school years, Justin made a mark as a versatile athlete, earning two letters in football, two in basketball, and one in track. His leadership skills and commitment to excellence were evident as he served on the Student Council and was a proud member of the National Honor Society.

Post-graduation, Justin pursued higher education at Capital University, where he earned his degree in secondary education in 1997. His dedication to continuous learning led him to the American College of Education, where he obtained his Masters degree in 2015.

In his high school days, Justin’s athletic prowess garnered him all-league honors in both football and basketball. He captained the basketball team during his senior year and was part of two League Championship football teams and one League Championship basketball team, both advancing to the regional finals.

Justin began his coaching career as a graduate assistant football coach at Clarion University in 1997. The following year, he embarked on his teaching and coaching journey at Hilliard Davidson High School, where he spent five impactful years.

In 2004, Justin assumed the position of head coach and teacher at Tri-Valley High School, a role he held for an impressive 14 seasons. Under his guidance, the team achieved remarkable success, winning nine league titles and making 10 playoff appearances. Justin left Tri-Valley with a remarkable record of 124 wins and 38 losses, establishing himself as the winningest coach in school history.

The pinnacle of his coaching career at Tri-Valley was in 2017 when they became regional champions and finished as state runners-up in Division III. In 2018, Justin moved on to Granville High School, where he continued to achieve success with a 20-4 record and two league titles.

Since 2020, Justin has been the Head Coach at Upper Arlington High School, where he has already made a significant impact. Under his leadership, the team has won 30 games and lost 10, securing two league titles. In 2021, Upper Arlington High School won their first regional championship in 20 years, narrowly missing out on the state title against eventual champions St. Edwards.

Throughout his coaching career, Justin has amassed an impressive overall record of 174-51, earning league Coach of the Year honors 12 times. He was recognized as the 2006 Division III OHSAA Coach of the Year and Division I Coach of the Year in 2021.

Justin’s decision to become a teacher and coach was deeply influenced by the mentors and role models he encountered at West Branch High School. Justin married Abby Buttermore (formerly Abby Doak), also a West Branch graduate. Together, they have two sons—Bo, currently serving as an assistant coach at the University of Toledo, and Doak, a sophomore at Ohio University majoring in Business Finance. The family is completed by their daughter, a current senior at Upper Arlington High School

Melinda Trimmer Taylor, Class of 2015– Melinda Taylor, a distinguished individual and athlete, traces her roots back to West Branch, where she graduated in 2015 with an outstanding academic and athletic record. During her high school years, Melinda showcased her exceptional skills on both the basketball court and soccer field, earning a well-deserved reputation as a four-year letter winner in both sports.

In the sport of basketball, Melinda’s leadership qualities were evident as she was selected as the team captain twice. Her prowess is etched in the Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA) record book, where she holds an impressive eight entries, including career assists (800), season assists (262), assists in a game (19), games played (107), season free throw percentage (83%), and consecutive free throws made (36). Her senior year achievements were particularly remarkable, earning her the title of Northeast Inland District Player of the Year and Ohio Division II Co-Player of the Year. Melinda also secured a spot on the 1st team all-Ohio and was named Player of the Year twice in her four-time 1st team all-league selections.

On the soccer field, Melinda earned four letters and demonstrated her leadership skills as a two-time captain. Her consistent performance led to four consecutive 1st team all-league selections and three appearances as an All-District member.

Melinda’s athletic prowess did not end with high school. She continued her academic and basketball journey at Youngstown State University, where she graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Biology in 2019. During her time at YSU, she set records for consecutive free throws made (35), single-season Assist to Turnover Ratio (2.23), and single-season free throw percentage (94.8%).

Following her undergraduate success, Melinda pursued her passion for medicine at the Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine. Throughout her medical school journey, she consistently received Academic Honors and became a proud member of esteemed organizations such as the Sigma Sigma Phi Honor Society, American College of Osteopathic Obstetricians and Gynecologists, and the American Medical Women’s Association.

In her personal life, Melinda is happily married to Beau Taylor, and together they have a son named Roman. They have chosen to make their home in North Canton, Ohio, where Melinda’s legacy continues to inspire those around her, both in the medical field and within her community.

Brenden Wells, Class of 2013– Brenden, a proud West Branch High School graduate of the class of 2013, carved his name into the annals of his alma mater’s sports history with an exceptional athletic career that spanned both football and baseball.

In football, Brenden’s prowess was unmatched, earning him the distinction of being a four-year letter winner. His legacy is etched in the record books, with career statistics that still stand as a testament to his skill and determination. Notably, he holds records for Career rushing yards (3,747), Career touchdowns (44), Career points (264), and the most rushing yards in a single game. His on-field achievements have become an inspiration for aspiring athletes at West Branch.

On the baseball diamond, Brenden’s star continued to shine brightly. A two-time 1st team All-Ohio selection in 2011 and 2013, he was named the NBC Player of the Year in 2013. His consistent excellence earned him a spot on the first team of the NBC three times. The record books bear witness to his incredible achievements in baseball, including season and career records for triples, stolen bases, hits, and runs scored. His 29 career triples and 102 stolen bases place him among the all-time greats in the state of Ohio.

Post high school, Brenden’s journey continued at Marshall University, where he earned an athletic scholarship. In 2017, he transferred to Malone University, where he played four remarkable seasons. His impact was felt in every game, leading the team in batting average for three seasons and becoming Malone’s career leader in triples with an impressive 16. In his senior year, he topped the Great Midwest Athletic Conference in hits with 70.

Brenden’s contributions to Malone University earned him two-time All-League Second Team selections and the distinction of being named Player of the Week twice during his collegiate career. His dedication to the game and exemplary performance have left an indelible mark on the university’s baseball program.

Currently residing in Beloit, Brenden has found professional success at Wally Armour Auto Group. His journey from West Branch to collegiate stardom is a testament to his dedication, skill, and passion for the sports that have shaped his life. Brenden continues to be a source of pride for his community and an inspiration for aspiring athletes.

Nancy Penrod,– Nancy Penrod was a 1970 graduate of Salem High School.  She also received her Bachelors Degree in Education from Bowling Green State University in 1974. Nancy served as a teacher in the West Branch School District for 33 years where she earned the Golden Apple award and was twice honored at the Top 10% banquet. After her retirement from West Branch she served as a math coach at Lisbon then as an employee of the Salem Public Library.

Nancy gave back to the school and the community in so many different ways. She was a member of the Sebring American Legion Youth Foundation which provides scholarships to Sebring and West Branch students. She also was a member of the West Branch Education Association where she sat on several negotiation committees and served as the Associations secretary for many years. At Knox she was the secretary of the PTO and helped with the Knox Share-a-Christmas.

Where Nancy really stood out was the work she did with the West Branch Booster Club. She served as the booster treasurer for years, sold 50/50 tickets at football games and sat on the Scholarship committee. If you wanted to find Nancy on a Thursday night you would have to go to the Bingo hall. She was there from the beginning of Booster Bingo and helped for 28 years.

*Contributed By Ryan Wolf at wbathletics.org

OHSAA STUDYING EXPANSION OF TOURNAMENT DIVISIONS IN MULTIPLE SPORTS

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COLUMBUS, OH- The Ohio High School Athletic Association Board of Directors and staff have been discussing expanding tournament divisions in several sports, Executive Director Doug Ute has announced. The OHSAA will hold statewide meetings in January to present data and gather feedback on the topic, which seeks to address the wide enrollment differences from the top to bottom of the current divisional structure. Changes could mirror the OHSAA’s current football model, which puts a smaller number of the state’s largest schools in Division I.

Of note, the proposal does not add any additional tournament games and would be expected to be a revenue neutral expansion. The Board of Directors could act on a proposal as soon as early 2024. The sports currently being discussed include the sports of girls volleyball, girls and boys soccer, girls and boys basketball, softball and baseball.

Currently, more than 200 schools enter the postseason tournament in some divisions to compete for a state championship.

“Almost since day one when I became executive director (in September 2020), many administrators and coaches have expressed interest in expanding tournament divisions in several of our sports,” Ute said. “As everyone knows, we have seven tournament divisions in the sport of football, so why not give student-athletes, schools and their communities the same, or at least comparable, opportunities to compete for a state championship in some of our other sports.

“The Board of Directors has been very supportive when discussing this, and I have been pleased that we seem to be on the same page and could possibly have a proposal in front of the Board in the very near future,” Ute said. He added that the OHSAA will discuss adding tournament divisions in other sports in the future.

While the OHSAA Board of Directors has not recently been asked to act on formal proposals specifically on expansion, the Board has heard proposals that addressed the enrollment disparity between the schools at the top to the bottom of Division I in both 2006 and 2019. The only modification the OHSAA currently has in place addressing that issue is in football, where Division I is comprised of the top 10 percent of schools based on enrollment and the other six divisions are divided as evenly as possible. Currently in the sports of baseball, basketball, soccer, softball and girls volleyball, the enrollment difference from the top to the bottom of schools in Division I is an average of 939 students, with highs of 955 in boys soccer (an enrollment range of 346 to 1,301); 954 in boys basketball (346 to 1,300); 944 in baseball (356 to 1,300) and 940 in girls volleyball (319 to 1,249).

The OHSAA has studied the number of tournament divisions and formats in other states and has found that several states, including many that have fewer schools, have more tournament divisions than Ohio. Other than football, the OHSAA has not expanded divisions in team sports since the 1980s. Ute also said that as many schools throughout the state have lost enrollment, the trend has been for those schools to leave their conferences or leagues and join ones that more closely resemble them from an enrollment standpoint. Placing schools into tournament divisions with those that have similar enrollments is one of the key elements that would be addressed by expansion.

“Our No. 1 goal is to do what’s best for the student-athletes,” Ute said. “We believe our member schools and their participants would support this. From a financial standpoint, we would not be playing more contests overall, we simply would be putting the same number of teams into more divisions. So, our initial thought is this would not have an impact on the OHSAA financially one way or the other.”

School administrators will be sent information on the statewide meetings in January, and the OHSAA will also continue to collect input from the various state coaches associations.

Any proposed changes in the number of tournament divisions would need to be approved by the OHSAA Board of Directors, as those guidelines are part of the OHSAA General Sports Regulations, not the OHSAA Constitution or Bylaws. Any changes to the OHSAA Constitution or Bylaws would require a vote of the membership.

CURBSTONE COACHES

CURBSTONE COACHES SET TO INDUCT 12 IN MAY

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YOUNGSTOWN, OH- The upcoming 55th Curbstone Coaches Hall of Fame banquet, generously sponsored by Briarfield Health Care Centers and Ed and Diane Reese, is scheduled for Sunday, May 5. The event will take place at Mr. Anthony’s Banquet Center in Boardman, featuring the enshrinement of 12 new members.

Guest speaker for the occasion is Gene Steratore, a former NFL official and current national television rules analyst.

The distinguished 2024 class comprises individuals such as the late Sean Durkin (basketball, baseball coach), Jill Harmon (softball), Ken Kimerer (bowling), Bob Laricca (basketball, coach), Ken Linden (all-sports award), Bill Metzinger (baseball), Terry O’Halloran (swimming & diving, coach), Kelly Pavlik (boxing), Brett Powell (wrestling, coach), Ron Strollo (contribution to sports), Cheryl Weaver (softball, coach), and Dan Yeagley (football, coach).

Doors open at 4 p.m., followed by dinner at 5 p.m. The official program is set to commence at 6 p.m.

Individual tickets are priced at $60 each, and tables of eight can be reserved for $480 starting January 1.

For additional details, interested individuals can contact 330-506-6774 or visit the organization’s website at www.thecurbstonecoaches.org.

SOUTH RANGE ANNOUNCES COMPLETION OF NEW STADIUM EXPANSION

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NORTH LIMA, OH-  South Range Athletic Boosters are pleased to announce the completion of a state-of-the-art stadium extension. The expansion promises an enhanced experience for players, coaches, and fans alike.

The additions to Rominger Stadium boasts several exciting features designed to elevate the overall experience for spectators including: -Two new buildings, one housing a concession stand and Raider Team Shop. The other building includes restroom facilities to provide an improved game-day experience. -A spacious plaza has been built overlooking the field. It includes enough room for fans to socialize and congregate without having to miss any game time action. -Two new ticket booth buildings at our main entrance and a finished walkway under the grandstands.

The South Range Athletic Boosters are grateful to all the partners, sponsors, and community members who have supported this stadium extension project from its inception. Their belief and collaboration have made this ambitious endeavor a reality. The new stadium extension is an investment not only in the Raiders’ future but also in the community’s pride and spirit.

The South Range Athletic Boosters are confident that this development will not only enhance the athletic experience but also bring the community closer together, fostering unforgettable memories for all.

***The official inauguration ceremony will be prior to the Raiders’ first home game on August 25th with arrival at 4:45 and a ribbon cutting at 5:00 PM. The South Range Marching Band, Cheerleaders, and Football team will be present to help welcome the community into this new space. Please come and support our ribbon cutting as we open this beautiful new facility.***

YSN HEADQUARTERS TO BE REMOTE UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE

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EAST PALESTINE, OH- The brick-and-mortar “Headquarters” of Your Sports Network (YSN) based in East Palestine has been shut down until further notice following the train derailment on February 3, 2023.

After a mandatory evacuation within the 1-mile radius of the impact zone, YSN Headquarters along with several businesses and hundreds of homes fell into that order.

Upon lifting the evacuation order following the press conference on February 8, residents were given the option to return to their homes, and businesses could also return at their convenience.

“We returned home on Wednesday evening after the Chief, and Governor had lifted the evacuation, but when I tried to return to HQ (YSN) on Thursday, there was an odor that was faint outside the building and packed quite a punch as soon as you stepped foot inside,” said YSN Founder and CEO, DJ Yokley.

“At this time, we’re opting to shut down our headquarters temporarily to our team and the general public until we can have the air quality monitored, as well as water and several other aspects.  Much like the school and town officials have indicated- the safety of our people come first, and if we can’t deliver a safe environment to work- we’re fortunate enough through technology, that we’ll work remotely.”

While Yokley says streams and shows may look slightly different, the show must go on.

“Our team is committed to continuing to provide the area’s best sports coverage, and while our fans might have to be a little patient for some aspects- our hope is to keep the volume of games each evening at the frequency players, coaches, and fans have grown accustomed to over the years.  I believe our persistence will shine through this process.”

Fans have asked questions about the Baird Brothers Big Dogs of the Valley contest, and if there will be other interruptions due to the effects of the evacuation.  “It put a slight delay on this particular week, but I’m confident we’ll be able to promote the athletes in a timely fashion, perhaps just a day or two pushed back from what is our ‘normal’ timeframe,” added Yokley.

YSN is currently located on East Taggart Street in East Palestine.

 

ATHLETIX TO PARTNER WITH YSN

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COLUMBIANA, OH- “Stream City” will have a new address in 2024.

Plans were announced yesterday between Athletix and Your Sports Network to partner together to reside on the same campus in the next 14 months.  Currently centralized in East Palestine until January 2024, YSN has made its headquarters since its first day of business in 2017 in a plaza just off the main drag in Bulldog Country.

“To be able to start any business in my hometown was a dream come true, but to draw attention, and have student-athletes, announcers, coaches, and leaders visit East Palestine over the last 5 years has been surreal,” said YSN Founder and CEO, DJ Yokley.

The Broadcast/Streaming company will funnel into the brand-new Athletix facility that boasts two top-tier structures that are equipped with the area’s best technology for athletes of all skill levels, two full-size basketball courts, an entire field of athletic turf, TopGolf Swing Suites, a batting/pitching cage, workout facilities, interactive study rooms, as well as a fully-engaged workout facility.

“This partnership is a huge win for athletes in the area with opportunities to train and compete in our state-of-the-art facilities and gain tremendous opportunities for exposure through the impressive reach of YSN,” said Athletix co-founder, Sean Wardle.  “YSN and Athletix create an amazing team that will comet together with the common goal of providing opportunities to athletes in the Mahoning Valley and beyond,” added Wardle.

With the partnership, YSN plans to add to its coverage of high school sports with leagues that occur at Athletix through live streaming, and broadcasting championship-caliber events at the facility.  “It’ll have the same look and feel as what our fans are accustomed to, but being able to focus on youth and adult leagues gives both Athletix and YSN a new demographic, and new opportunities that cannot be found anywhere else in the country.”

The Network will feature chosen tournaments and leagues to be covered via streaming, and stories/pictures for the website that will include things such as pickleball, softball, basketball, hitting leagues, golf leagues, and other sports that happen in the facility.  “The opportunities are limitless.  The growth that Columbiana has seen is remarkable, and Athletix will be a cornerstone in even more growth ahead. To be able to team up with a family cut from the same cloth, and share the same vision and goals will make both companies stronger on every front, and like always, we’ll do things ‘brick by brick’,” said Yokley.

Future plans for the partnership also include a remote studio within the facility alongside “The Home Plate” concession area, as well as a full studio and office build that will house shows such as “Audible Call” “Running Point” and “Power Hour” each weekday.  Athletes and coaches will also be interviewed at the Athletix in each respective studio space for Player Profiles and Coach’s Corners.

FALL AND WINTER SPORTS SEE DIVISIONAL CHANGES

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EAST PALESTINE OH- Every two seasons, the OHSAA realigns its divisional breakdowns to account for changes in enrollment, and competitive balance.  Because of COVID-19 in 2020, it’s been a while since we’ve seen changes to divisions. Below you’ll find the teams in YSN’s family who have moved divisions.

GIRLS SOCCER:

– Poland moves from Division 2 to Division 3

– Lakeview moves from Division 2 to Division 3

– Cardinal Mooney moves from Division 2 to Division 3.

BOYS SOCCER:

– Ursuline moves from Division 3 to Division 2

– Edison moves from Division 3 to Division 2

VOLLEYBALL

-Howland moves from Division 1 to Division 2

-Canfield moves from Division 1 to Division 2

-Ursuline moves from Division 3 to Division 2

-Poland moves from Division 2 to Division 3

-Lakeview moves from Division 2 to Division 3

-Mineral Ridge moves from Division 4 to Division 3

-East Palestine moves from Division 3 to Division 4

FOOTBALL

-Hubbard moved from Division 3 to Division 4

-Niles moves from Division 3 to Division 4

-East moves from Division 3 to Division 4

-Lakeview moves from Division 4 to Division 5

-Springfield moves from Division 6 to Division 7

– Jefferson moves from Division 5 to Division 4

– Waterloo moves from Division 5 to Division 6

BOYS BASKETBALL

-Howland moves from Division 2 to Division 1

– Louisville moves from Division 2 to Division 1

– Lakeview moves from Division 2 to Division 3

– Valley Christian moves from Division 4 to Division 3

– Brookfield moves from Division 4 to Division 3

– Springfield moves from Division 3 to Division 4

GIRLS BASKETBALL

– Canfield moves from Division 1 to Division 2

– Howland moves from Division 1 to Division 2

– Ursuline moves from Division 3 to Division 2

– Beaver Local moves from Division 2 to Division 3

– Poland moves from Division 2 to Division 3

– Lakeview moves from Division 2 to Division 3

– Cardinal Mooney moves from Division 2 to Division 3

– Mineral Ridge moves from Division 3 to Division 4

– Waterloo moves from Division 3 to Division 4

– East Palestine moves from Division 3 to Division 4

BOWLING

– Hubbard moves from Division 2 to Division 1

SWIMMING & DIVING

– Canfield moves from Division 1 to Division 2

WRESTLING

– Jefferson moves from Division 3 to Division 2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

YSN PARTNERS WITH GAMECHANGER TO BOOST STREAMING EXPERIENCE

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EAST PALESTINE, OH- One of the nation’s leading broadcast streaming companies is teaming up with one of the world’s top sports scoring and content apps.  Your Sports Network (YSN) is proud to announce the beginning of a partnership with GameChanger this Summer.

GameChanger features over 550,000 teams on its platform and has over 26 million games scored since the app was launched in 2009.  With an additional six million hours of content, GameChanger stands alone when it comes to sports data input and connecting families from across the globe.

YSN will bring its experience in sports broadcast streaming to the partnership to help boost the experience on the GameChanger platform, and grow the brands simultaneously through the education and entertainment during each respective season on both platforms.

“We’re overjoyed to connect with the team at GameChanger, it’s a perfect fit for both companies.  Both sides have the best interest of families, programs, and the athlete in mind, and we’re looking forward to bringing a more exciting experience to all the teams and organizations that utilize GameChanger, YSN, and the synergy that will come along with it,” said YSN Owner and Founder, DJ Yokley.

Your Sports Network currently is partnered with over 50 schools and 20 organizations in Northeast Ohio and Western Pennsylvania.

The partnership will include simulcasted sports broadcasts live to the GC platform with YSN commentary and broadcast-quality streams.  Programs that choose to utilize this service can sign their teams up at no cost at GC.com, or download the app to their device.  GameChanger also recently unveiled automatic video clipping for baseball and softball that allows athletes and their families to find their clips and create their own highlight reels, or share to social media at their convenience.

 

YSN TO HOST ANNUAL ALL-STAR GAMES THIS SUMMER

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EAST PALESTINE, OH- It’s the most wonderful time of the year, it’s baseball and softball all-star season, and the area will once again be well represented this summer at the YSN All-Star Games.

Each YSN school will have at least one player invited to attend and play in the Summer Classic, players will be drafted in the weeks to come by YSN to their respective teams.  Coaches will be selected by YSN Executive Staff, and will be invited to bring their coaching staffs to the game to represent their schools and communities as well.

This year’s logos were developed and designed by Kyle Wills of Canfield.  Wills is a student at Youngstown State University, and currently serves as an intern at YSN.

The YSN Baseball All-Star Game will once again take place under the bright lights of Bob Cene Park on Saturday, June 25th at 7pm.  Cene Park will showcase over 50 schools and uniforms on the field in the same night, which is an honor that no other game can claim stake to.

The YSN Softball All-Star game will take place this summer as well (date TBA) at Youngstown State University.  The Ladies will have one more chance to represent their school on the area’s biggest stage!

In both cases, as YSN always does; the All-Star Games will focus on a deserving foundation and/or local business that inspires change, and major impact directly in our area- and for this particular set of events YSN is partnering with Project MKC to assist in awareness and benefitting the local organization.

“We are pleased to be partnering with YSN who does such a fantastic job highlighting our local athletes in the Mahoning Valley,” said Project MKC’s Justin Coffin  “Loyal, Local, and Live are key attributes to YSN’s mission and success and at Project MKC our mission is to make the lives of children and their families a little brighter by focusing on their individual needs with the help of volunteers. These missions are both a solid partnership because of both of our organization’s belief of kids in our area!”

Project MKC our main program is our diaper bank which distributes over 80,000 diapers a month and roughly a million diapers per year along with wipes and other essentials. We distribute 1,200 comfort kits a year to children in foster care throughout 10 counties in Northeast Ohio.

“We’re once again honored to have our local student-athletes represent their schools in this showcase.  While it’s always important to shine a light on the talent on the field, it’s awesome to see these young men and women make an immediate impact locally,” said YSN Founder/Owner, DJ Yokley.  “Project MKC is a perfect example of a mission that continues to contribute to area families with no strings attached.  They’ve affected more families than they’ll ever understand, and if we can help be a small part of helping in that mission- it’s the least we can do.”

This will be the second year for the events, and all proceeds of ticket sales will benefit Project MKC.