SOUTH RANGE BOYS BASKETBALL COACH S CORNER WITH PAT CARDEN 1 30 25

CANFIELD, OH- South Range Boys Basketball has experienced a significant resurgence under the leadership of Coach Pat Carden. Known for being one of the youngest and most talented coaches in the area, Carden has brought South Range back to prominence with his team standing undefeated at 8-0 in the Northeast 8 Conference.

The journey to the top hasn’t been easy, but Carden credits the success to the dedication and effort of his players. “When we came in last year, we were very fortunate. We got great players,” Carden reminisces, acknowledging the efforts of standout players like Landon, who set the single-season scoring record and accumulated the second-most points in boys’ history for the school.

Carden’s team includes seven seniors, with six having lettered last year. The return of Graham has also been a significant boost. The strong presence of multi-sport athletes, especially from the football team, has added a level of toughness and winning mentality to the basketball squad.

Early in the season, transitions were challenging, particularly for the football players adapting to basketball. “You would love to have that toughness with them,” Carden noted, explaining the adjustment period and the trust required to get these athletes into basketball shape.

DJ Yokley, the host who interviewed Carden, praised the coaching staff’s ability to strategize and adapt, even when early season shots weren’t falling. Carden explained, “We were able to kind of see that, but we’re to the point in the season where we have started to hit our stride.”

Furthermore, Carden’s comprehensive view includes building a strong foundational program from junior high all the way to varsity. He participates actively in youth practices and awaits upcoming talents with enthusiasm. He highlighted the contributions of freshmen like Nick Toy and Tommy Titus and expressed confidence in the potential evident in younger grades.

Beyond the court, Carden’s commitment extends to supporting other sports within the South Range community. His visible support at girls’ basketball games, football games, and other sports events has fostered a sense of unity and multi-sport participation among students.

Carden’s personal ties are deeply rooted, drawing inspiration and support from his father, a former athletic director. His family serves as a cornerstone of his dedication to coaching, with sacrifices made evident by his wife’s understanding during the demanding basketball season.

In summary, under Carden’s coaching, South Range boys’ basketball not only focuses on strategic wins but also on building a holistic, supportive sports community. As the postseason approaches, all eyes will be on South Range to see how far this revitalized team can go.

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SOUTH RANGE GIRL S BASKETBALL COACH S CORNER WITH JEFF FISHEL 1 27 25

CANFIELD, OH- In a recent episode of YSN’s “Coach’s Corner,” South Range Lady Raider’s basketball coach, Jeff Fishel, sat down with DJ Yokley to discuss the team’s dynamics, his approach to coaching, and his personal influences.

Opening the episode with a light-hearted conversation about Coach Fishel’s iconic suits and unique wardrobe choices, Fishel explained how he adopted the trend from a coaching peer and how it evolved into a team tradition. “It gets our girls excited. They know it’s a big game, they understand what’s happening, and it’s something that they enjoy,” he shared, emphasizing that his primary goal is to motivate his players, not overshadow them.

The conversation soon shifted to the team’s current season. With only one senior, CC Foster, on the squad, Fishel described the challenges and benefits of having a rotating leadership. “We’ve been more balanced in scoring this year… but the other side of that, it’s a little bit frustrating because we’re inconsistent,” he noted. This unpredictability, however, makes the team harder to scout, providing a strategic edge.

Fishel also praised the resilience of his players amidst the season’s inevitable challenges, including injuries and illnesses. “You have to expect [adversity]. If you’re able to expect that, you can deal with it a little bit better,” he remarked. This pragmatic approach is a testament to his adaptive coaching style.

When discussing his coaching influences, Fishel paid homage to his former coaches and mentors, crediting them for much of his professional success and personal development. From his playing days under Coach McHugh to his early coaching years with Burt Sellers, these figures have significantly shaped his coaching philosophy.

Continuing on a personal note, Fishel shared his deep-rooted love for the South Range community, a place where he has spent his entire life. “I remember when I was a kid… It was a treat for me growing up,” he fondly recalled.

As the discussion drew to a close, Fishel touched on the importance of family. With a disciplined military father and a nurturing mother, he attributes much of his character to their upbringing. These experiences have also influenced how he raises his own children, striving to instill the same values he was taught.

In his closing remarks, Fishel expressed gratitude towards the South Range community and his team’s supporters. He ended with a hopeful note for Anthony, a community member recovering from an illness, showcasing once again, his commitment to both his team and his community.

Jeff Fishel’s appearance on YSN’s “Coach’s Corner” not only provided insights into the Lady Raider’s season but also highlighted the coach’s personal journey and the profound impact of community and mentorship in shaping his coaching career.

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LOWELLVILLE FOOTBALL COACH’S CORNER WITH JIM TSILIMOS (1-8-25)

LOWELLVILLE, OH- The Louisville Rockets have officially announced the hiring of Jim Tsilimos as their new head football coach. Tsilimos, a state champion and future hall of fame coach, brings a wealth of experience and success to the Rockets, who are eager to build on their storied tradition.

In an interview with YSN’s DJ Yokley on the “Louisville Football Coach’s Corner” podcast, Tsilimos expressed his excitement about taking on the new challenge. “I really like their tradition,” Tsilimos said. “They seem to be right up in the league every year, and they make the playoffs. That’s a coach’s dream because that’s part of my goals.”

Tsilimos, who has had successful coaching stints at Carrollton and Lisbon, is known for his strong emphasis on the running game and defense. “Louisville always seems to find someone to run the rock,” he commented, reflecting his confidence in the team’s ability to maintain a dominant ground game.

One of Tsilimos’s key strategies will include a mix of formations, with about 60% of plays under center and 40% in pistol, a departure from the prevalent shotgun-only approach. He stressed the importance of a strong offensive line for achieving success.

Beyond the Xs and Os, Tsilimos places a high value on multi-sport participation and overall student-athlete development. “I want you playing basketball; I want you going out for track or baseball in the spring. Enjoy yourself in high school,” he advised his players, emphasizing the fleeting nature of high school sports.

Looking ahead, Tsilimos plans to build on the existing foundation, promising a well-coached and competitive team. He also aims to engage younger athletes and develop a strong program from the lower levels up.

While specific names for his coaching staff are yet to be finalized, Tsilimos assured fans that skilled and dedicated assistants will soon join him.

As Louisville looks forward to the upcoming season, the community is buzzing with optimism, eager to see the impact of Tsilimos’s leadership on their beloved Rockets.

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LOWELLVILLE VOLLEYBALL COACH’S CORNER WITH LISA MODELSKI (1-9-25)

LOWELLVILLE, OH- In a special “Coach’s Corner” episode recorded at Giovanni’s in downtown Lowellville, Girls Basketball Coach Lisa Modelski opened up about the highs and lows of the current season and her nine-year tenure with the team.

Joined by host DJ Yokley, Modelski discusses the struggle of maintaining student interest in sports, specifically basketball, in a small school environment. Highlighting the demanding physical toll on players, she praised the determination and resilience of her nine-player squad.

“Basketball is hard,” Modelski acknowledged. “These girls sacrifice their bodies for their community. They play with such dignity, and I’m so proud of them.”

Facing challenges with maintaining player numbers and dealing with injuries, Coach Modelski focuses on developing her players beyond just their athletic skills. She emphasized that creating a positive atmosphere is key, noting that keeping the team spirits high is as vital as winning games. “It’s not always about winning,” she stated. “It’s about making these girls better basketball players and individuals.”

Modelski also expressed her commitment to fostering a family-like environment within the team. Reflecting on her own family’s involvement in basketball, she strives to instill a sense of unity and support among her players. “You don’t have to be best friends, but when you’re here, you’re going to be sisters,” she said.

The coach mentioned the significant impact of her three seniors, Alyssa Kazan, Morgan Lewis, and Michelle – highlighting their leadership and perseverance despite personal and injury challenges.

As the season progresses, Modelski remains focused on reigniting the team’s motivation and maintaining a positive outlook. “They need to get back to just focusing on having fun and what they do well,” she urged.

Balancing her professional and personal life, Modelski credited her coaching staff for helping her remain centered. “They center me,” she said, appreciating the mutual support within her team.

Looking ahead, Modelski dreams of a beach vacation in Fiji to unwind from the season’s stresses. However, she remains dedicated to her team’s growth and success above all.

Coach Modelski’s unwavering dedication continues to inspire her players and the Lowellville community, proving that success is measured by more than just the number of wins.

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EAST LIVERPOOL BASKETBALL COACH’S CORNER WITH KADE REYNOLDS (1/8/25)

EAST LIVERPOOL, OH- The East Liverpool Potters’ basketball program is making headlines this season, thanks largely to the efforts of first-year head coach, Kade Reynolds. Known for his deep-rooted ties to the community and the school, Reynolds has swiftly transitioned from a hopeful dreamer to an inspirational leader, shattering expectations along the way.

In a recent interview on YSN’s podcast, hosted by DJ Yokley, Reynolds spoke candidly about the whirlwind of emotions that have characterized his inaugural season. “It’s been something I’ve dreamed about,” Reynolds said. “We’re winning games, and I’m coaching a great group of kids. We’re just having fun.”

East Liverpool boasts a strong 9-2 record, with a perfect score in their division. Reynolds attributed this success not only to strategic game plans but also to the extraordinary skills of his players. Among the stars are Nate Burch, who recently delivered a stunning performance with 11 three-pointers in a single game, and Cohen Pease, another standout senior.

Reynolds emphasized the importance of defense as East Liverpool prepares for a challenging second half of the season. “We need to play defense because those district games are going to be in the 50s and 60s. The more stops we get, the more shots we’re going to get,” he explained.

The coach’s approach is clear: embrace tough competition to sharpen skills and prepare for the playoffs. Teams like Canfield, Big Red, and Cardinal Mooney are all part of the Potters’ grueling schedule. “We need to have these teams on our schedule if we want to be prepared for big moments,” Reynolds stated.

Family support has been vital to Reynolds’ success. He praised his wife for backing him in his demanding role, highlighting the joy of raising their child in the basketball-centric environment. “Without her support, none of this would be possible,” he acknowledged.

Reynolds’ commitment and vision have quickly won over the Potter faithful, earning accolades from both school officials and the community. DJ Yokley summed it up best on the podcast: “East Liverpool, you’ve got a good one. You’ve got a guy who’s going to bring a lot of success and excitement back to the Potter field house.”

With their sights set on district and state championships, the Potters’ journey under Reynolds’ leadership is a story of renewed hope and relentless pursuit of excellence.

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ORANGE BASKETBALL COACH’S CORNER (EP 1) WITH MARVIN RASHAD

By Noah Ricks


PEPPER PIKE OH- Marvin Rashad is entering his second season as head coach of the Orange boys’ basketball team. Coming off a 9-15 season a year ago, he looks to put on a showcase to the people of Pepper Pike. He comes into the season with promising talent and tremendous depth as he has been motivating his kids to go to the best of their ability day in and day out.

 

Coach Rashad grew up on the east side of Cleveland, graduating from Collinwood High School. His basketball prowess saw him make a huge journey around the world. He first stayed in town after high school to play collegiately at Tri-C downtown, but then later went on to play at D2 powerhouse Fairmont State in West Virginia, just 20 miles south of Morgantown. It would turn out to be a fun career for Rashad as he was an 1,000-point scorer at both colleges before having a four-year professional career overseas. He then transitioned into high school coaching in 2010 when he retired from playing and got his first head coaching gig in 2014 at Cleveland Central Catholic. After a five-year stint with the Ironmen, he then coached at Shaw for three seasons before landing his current job in June of 2023.

 

The 2024-25 campaign should be a good test for the team as Rashad has put together a battle-tested schedule. He is staying true to his eastside roots by scheduling tough schools like Warrensville Heights, Euclid, and Glenville. It should be a schedule that he hopes will prepare his team for tournaments, as well as a touch CVC Chagrin tier that features powerhouses in West Geauga and Hawken.

 

Coach Rashad has a wealth of basketball knowledge that he wants to instill in a program that has not won a district title in almost three-quarters of a century (1951). It is a challenge that he has taken head on as he wants to bring excitement and spark interest from everyone all the way down to elementary school. From hard film sessions to high-intensity practices, the team has been buying into the new mentality. When you come to an Orange Lions game on a cold winter night, you will be amazed with the basketball on display.

 

You can watch an exclusive interview of Coach Rashad with YSN’s Noah Ricks below.

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GIRARD GIRLS BASKETBALL COACH’S CORNER (EP 1) WITH JOE BORNEMISS

 

Girard, OH — The Girard Lady Indians’ basketball team has entered the new season with a blend of youthful enthusiasm and seasoned experience. Head Coach Joe Bornemiss, in his second year at the helm, is optimistic about the team’s prospects, focusing on growth and building upon last year’s performance.

“We’re still a relatively young team,” Bornemiss remarked during the latest episode of YSN’s Girard Girls Basketball Coach’s Corner. He emphasized the type of leadership the team enjoyed last year from players like Melito, and how they are adapting to her departure. “Even though they got quality minutes last year… we wanted to make sure that we had some girls that were going to come back and be leaders,” he added.

Returning players like senior Makenzee White, who is currently recovering from an ankle injury, are expected to be crucial to the team’s success. Other notable players include AlilyGasman, Brooke Perry, Gianna Schubert, Caylee Wilkes, and Ivory Hewitt, many of whom are sophomores but already boast significant playing experience. “The practices have been more effective this year,” Bornemiss noted, highlighting the advantage of having players familiar with his coaching style and terminology. “Even though they’re only sophomores and juniors, they understand what we’re trying to preach.”

He also spoke about the tough competition they expect within their league, with teams like Poland, Lakeview, and Hubbard showing significant improvement. Beyond the league, Girard has scheduled challenging matchups with non-conference powerhouses like Columbiana, Salem, and West Branch to ensure they are tournament-ready. Looking ahead, Bornemiss discussed the expansion of the tournament this year, which adds another layer of unpredictability. “There’s so many more teams in [Division 5]… you have to be very conscientious and you’ve really got to try to win as much as you can during the year,” stated Bornemiss. However, he remained optimistic that the expanded brackets could offer more opportunities for Girard to advance further. The coach also expressed gratitude towards his supportive staff and administration, noting the close-knit bond that has been fostered within the team. With experienced help from assistants like Doug Foster and enthusiastic newcomers like seventh-grade coach Michaela Butler, the Girard Lady Indians are poised for a promising season.

“We’re just excited for the whole program,” Bornemiss said as he reflected on the levels of engagement and dedication he’s witnessed, including calls from junior high players eager to join in team activities. As the season unfolds, the Girard community and fans can look forward to a team built on a foundation of strong leadership, rigorous practice, and a united coaching staff, all pushing towards a successful year on the court. For more insights and updates on Girard Girls Basketball, tune in to YSN’s Girard Girls Basketball Coach’s Corner with Anthony Hartwig and Joe Bornemiss.

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AUSTINTOWN FITCH BASKETBALL COACH’S CORNER (EP 1) WITH BRIAN BEANY

By Ty Bartell

AUSTINTOWN OH- Get ready Falcon faithful, another high school basketball season is upon us! For Austintown, the boys side will once again be under the direction of Head Coach Brian Beany. Serving as Fitch’s skipper for several years now, Coach Beany looks to lead his Falcons into an open and competitive All American Conference (AAC).

The five team juggernaut that is The AAC looks to be stronger, yet more open than ever before. With all five teams being evenly matched in talent, it really is a case of “any given night.” However, Coach Beany sees The Falcon being right in the thick of it this year!
In this edition of Coaches Corner, YSNs Ty Bartell gets the chance to catch up with The Falcons head coach. Featuring topics like the impact players this year, the expanded playoff divisions, the future of high school basketball and much more right here on YSN, your streaming home for The Austintown-Fitch Falcons.

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BOARDMAN WRESTLING COACH’S CORNER (EP 1) WITH HADI HADI

BOARDMAN, OH-  The atmosphere at Boardman High School was charged with excitement as Spartans Giving Day showcased not only the school’s spirit but also the robust wrestling program led by Head Coach Hadi Hadi. Now in his third year steering the wrestling team, Coach Hadi shared the progress and high expectations for the upcoming season during YSN’s Spartan Coaches Corner podcast hosted by DJ Yokley.

The Spartans wrestling team, once in a rebuilding phase, has seen remarkable growth under Hadi’s leadership. “We started this season with 58 kids, although we had to make cuts due to coaching limitations,” said Hadi. The roster now stands strong at 46-47 athletes, reflecting the successful implementation of a three-year participation plan.

Hadi’s disciplined approach and focus on time management have set a high bar for the team. He emphasizes making better people out of his athletes, instilling values of punctuality and dedication. Despite the unavoidable challenges of student growth and maintaining weight classes, Hadi remains optimistic about the season.

The team’s line-up includes formidable wrestlers like Maxwicka, last year’s league champion at 150 pounds, and Santino Slipkovich, a runner-up in his weight class. “We expect high outcomes and chase after them rigorously,” Hadi noted, mindful of the league’s vast scope with 28 schools vying for top honors.

Managing expectations and distractions during the holiday season is no small feat. Coach Hadi credits discipline and education on proper nutrition as key factors in keeping his athletes focused. “Our kids are super disciplined,” he remarked, recounting how they managed to exercise restraint even during Spartans Giving Day celebrations.

Looking ahead, Coach Hadi remains thankful for the opportunities and the support around him. “I’m thankful for the good people I have around me, that always makes things great,” he shared.

Boardman High School’s wrestling program under Hadi Hadi’s mentorship promises an exciting season, showcasing not just athletic prowess but the values and discipline that make the Spartans a team to watch.

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BOARDMAN GIRLS BASKETBALL COACH’S CORNER (EP 2) WITH ANNIE PAVLANSKY

BOARDMAN, OH- The Boardman High School Lady Spartans basketball team has welcomed a fresh face to its sidelines as Annie Pavlansky assumes the role of head coach. Known for her deep-rooted family ties in coaching, Pavlansky is taking the helm with high hopes and expectations for the team.

The announcement was made at the annual Spartan coaches corner event, coinciding with the festive Spartans giving celebration. Pavlansky expressed her honor and excitement about leading such a storied program.

“I am so honored that they even chose me and considered me for this role,” Pavlansky said. “It’s been such a great program, and they’ve set such a great expectation, great tradition, and I’m just hoping to carry that moving forward.”

Pavlansky steps up from within the Spartan ranks, following a successful handover from championship coach Jeff Hammerton. With no change in championship expectations, Pavlansky is aiming to build on the legacy of Mackenzie Riccitielli’s era, ensuring the team remains competitive and driven.

Returning key players, such as Ava Freeboro and Sara Barrow, alongside emerging talents, will be instrumental as the Lady Spartans navigate a potentially challenging season. Pavlansky commended the players’ efforts in adapting to her coaching style and embracing the rigorous demands of practice.

“We’re young and inexperienced a little bit but are learning to play together. They are responding to everything we’re telling them and working hard and pushing each other,” Pavlansky noted.

The new coach emphasizes consistency and good habits, understanding that basketball is a marathon, not a sprint. With the holiday season approaching, maintaining focus and dedication remains integral.

When asked about her coaching style, Pavlansky described herself as “cool, calm, and collected,” though she admits her competitive spirit comes alive during critical moments in games. She values collaborative leadership, often involving her assistant coaches in steering the team.

Looking forward, Pavlansky is grateful for the strong support from her family and colleagues, particularly her father and uncles, who are seasoned coaches.

Expressing gratitude on the eve of Thanksgiving, Pavlansky said, “I’m thankful for my family, my friends, all of our girls, and the incredible coaching staff here at Boardman.”

With unwavering support and a clear vision, Pavlansky’s debut season as the head coach of the Lady Spartans promises to be an exciting new chapter in Boardman High School’s proud basketball tradition.

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