Tag Archive for: Ashtabula County

HERALDS HOT BATS LEAD TO WIN OVER WARRIORS

/in , /by

Photo Credit: Joclyn Nicholas

Ashtabula, OH- The Saint John Heralds erupted for nine runs in the fifth inning to secure a decisive 13-3 victory over the Edgewood Warriors on Tuesday at Smith Field in Ashtabula, Ohio. The offensive explosion propelled the Heralds to a run-rule win in their home opener.

Edgewood struck first in the top of the second inning when Vegh drew a bases-loaded walk to bring home a run. However, Saint John responded in the bottom of the fourth to take control of the game. Chase Clutter got things started with a sacrifice fly to drive in a run, followed by Will Anderson’s RBI single. A costly Edgewood error allowed two more runs to cross the plate, giving the Heralds a 4-1 advantage.

The fifth inning proved to be the turning point as Saint John broke the game wide open. Chase Newsome singled in a run, Anderson followed with a two-run single, and Ezra Campbell delivered a clutch two-run double. Additional runs came across on a pair of Edgewood errors and a fielder’s choice off the bat of Kyle Hejduk, capping off the nine-run outburst.

Gus Petros got the start for the Heralds, delivering a solid outing on the mound. He worked four innings, allowing three hits and two runs while striking out four and walking four. Hejduk and Carson Williams came on in relief to close out the game.

Edgewood’s starting pitcher, Measel, held his own early but ran into trouble in the later innings. He allowed five hits and four unearned runs over 3.2 innings, striking out four and walking two.

Offensively, Anderson led the charge for Saint John, going 2-for-4 with three RBIs. Campbell also contributed two hits, while Hejduk and Aaron Wychock displayed patience at the plate with two walks apiece. The Heralds played flawless defense, committing no errors, with Dyln Newsome recording five putouts.

For Edgewood, Sperduto and Vegh each drove in a run, while Braat showed discipline at the plate with two walks. The Warriors drew six walks as a team but struggled to string together hits against the Heralds’ pitching staff.

Saint John will play their next games all at home Wednesday against the Lordstown Red Devils, Thursday against Warren JFK, and Friday against Bristol. The Warriors will play their next game on the road against the Pymatuning Valley Lakers on Thursday, followed by a home game against West Geauga on Friday.

Saint John will look to build on this strong performance as they continue their season, while Edgewood aims to bounce back in their next game.

COVETTA STAMPS HIS NAME IN HISTORY IN FALCONS WIN OVER WICKLIFFE

/in , /by

Photo Credit: Life Speaks Photography

Jefferson, OH – The Jefferson Falcons capped off their regular season in dominant fashion, cruising past the Wickliffe Blue Devils 82-40 on Wednesday night at Jefferson High School. The victory secured the Falcons’ final tune-up before the postseason, finishing with an impressive 18-4 record and a Chagrin Valley Conference Lake Division championship.

The night belonged to Jefferson senior Anthony Covetta, who made history in front of a raucous home crowd. Covetta’s second-quarter bucket—his 22nd point of the game—etched his name in the record books as the all-time leading scorer in Ashtabula County history. He surpassed the previous mark of 1,681 career points set by Grand Valley’s AJ Henson in 2012. The game paused momentarily as Covetta received a standing ovation, celebrating the milestone with his parents in an emotional embrace in the stands.

On the court, Jefferson wasted no time setting the tone, storming out to a 22-6 lead in the first quarter. The Falcons’ relentless defensive pressure and offensive efficiency overwhelmed Wickliffe, which struggled to keep pace. Despite a stronger second quarter from the Blue Devils, Jefferson carried a commanding 37-20 lead into halftime.

The Falcons took full control in the third quarter, outscoring Wickliffe 27-9 behind Covetta and Terry Brown, who combined for 44 points on the night. Brown was lights out from three-point range, knocking down four triples on his way to 20 points. Luis Padilla added 11, while Dylan Beebe contributed eight points to round out a well-balanced Jefferson attack.

Jefferson Player Scoring Summary:

  • Anthony Covetta: 24 points
  • Terry Brown: 20 points (4 three-pointers)
  • Luis Padilla: 11 points
  • Dylan Beebe: 8 points
  • Caleb Welser: 5 points
  • Joel Navarro: 3 points
  • Preston Hitchcock: 3 points
  • Shawn Miklacic: 2 points
  • George Dzura: 2 points
  • Dylan Shetler: 4 points

 

Wickliffe Player Scoring Summary:

  • Cable: 16 points
  • Anderson: 2 points
  • Rossman: 8 points
  • Zivnokska: 1 point
  • Urban: 8 points
  • Donner: 5 points

With the regular season behind them, the Falcons now shift their focus to the postseason. They will host the Niles Red Dragons on Feb. 22 in the sectional round of the OHSAA playoffs. Wickliffe, also gearing up for the playoffs, will take on the Shaw Cardinals at home on the same night.

As Jefferson sets its sights on a deep tournament run, Covetta’s historic night serves as a reminder of the talent and determination that has fueled the Falcons all season long. With momentum on their side, the stage is set for an exciting postseason in Jefferson.

HERALDS SCORCH THE NETS IN WIN OVER SPARTANS

/in , /by

SAYBROOK, OH – The Saint John Heralds (12-8) continued their strong season with a commanding 70-31 victory over the Conneaut Spartans (1-18) on Wednesday night at Saint John High School. The Heralds overwhelmed the Spartans with their sharpshooting, knocking down 11 three-pointers en route to a wire-to-wire win.

From the opening tip, Saint John established their offensive rhythm, Dyln Newsome knocking down a 3 pointer to start the Heralds 20 points in the first quarter while holding Conneaut to 13. The Heralds’ defense intensified in the second quarter, allowing just five points as they extended their lead to 36-18 at the half. The second half was more of the same, with Saint John outscoring Conneaut 20-7 in the third quarter before closing out the game with a 14-6 fourth quarter.

Heralds’ Offensive Showcase

Senior Dyln Newsome put on a scoring display, leading all players with 27 points, including three three-pointers. Newsome was aggressive in transition and capitalized on his outside shot to fuel the Heralds’ offensive attack. Fellow senior Vin Narducci was also a key contributor, finishing with 21 points while draining four shots from beyond the arc.

Senior Aaron Wychock had an electric night, tallying 11 points while connecting on three triples. Freshman Gus Petros added four points, while senior Grayson Petros chipped in three points with a three-pointer of his own. Sophomore Chase Newsome and junior Donald Crawford rounded out the scoring with two points each.

Conneaut’s Struggles Continue

The Spartans had difficulty establishing a consistent offensive rhythm against Saint John’s relentless defense. Jordon Kulko led Conneaut with 12 points, followed by Devante Harris with seven. Luis Cedeno and Hamilton Spero each added three points, while Noah Hamm, Caden Webb, and Jacob Thompson each finished with two.

Scoring Summary

Saint John Heralds

  • Dyln Newsome – 27 points (3 three-pointers) 
  • Vin Narducci – 21 points (4 three-pointers)
  • Aaron Wychock – 11 points (3 three-pointers)
  • Gus Petros – 4 points
  • Grayson Petros – 3 points (1 three-pointer)
  • Chase Newsome – 2 points
  • Donald Crawford – 2 points

Conneaut Spartans

  • Jordon Kulko – 12 points
  • Devante Harris – 7 points
  • Luis Cedeno – 3 points
  • Hamilton Spero – 3 points
  • Noah Hamm – 2 points
  • Caden Webb – 2 points
  • Jacob Thompson – 2 points

With the victory, Saint John improves to 12-8 on the season and will hit the road for their next game against the Crestwood Red Devils on February 14. Meanwhile, Conneaut will look to regroup as they return home to face the Maplewood Rockets on February 15.

HERALDS BOUNCE BACK AGAINST ROCKETS

/in , /by

 

Photo Credit: Kristy Call

Saybrook, OH- The Saint John Heralds (8-7) delivered a well-rounded performance on their home court, defeating the Maplewood Rockets (4-13) by a decisive 67-49 margin in NAC conference play. With contributions from multiple players and a strong defensive showing, the Heralds built an early lead and maintained control throughout the game to secure the win.

The opening quarter was a competitive back-and-forth battle. Maplewood came out aggressive, keeping pace with Saint John’s quick offensive start. Senior Dyln Newsome led the way for the Heralds in the early minutes, attacking the basket and setting the tone with his aggressive drives. Grayson Petros also made his presence felt with timely scoring and solid execution. Despite Maplewood’s efforts, Saint John held a narrow 17-14 lead at the end of the first quarter.

In the second quarter, the Heralds tightened their defensive grip and found their rhythm offensively. Maplewood struggled to penetrate Saint John’s defense and was held to just nine points in the period. Meanwhile, the Heralds added 19 points to their total, extending their lead to 36-23 by halftime. Chase Newsome, a sophomore, made several key plays during the quarter, contributing to the team’s strong run.

Coming out of halftime, both teams battled evenly in the third quarter, scoring 15 points apiece. Maplewood’s Nivenski and Kern worked to cut into Saint John’s lead, with Nivenski knocking down key shots to keep the Rockets competitive. Despite their best efforts, the Rockets couldn’t gain significant ground as senior Vin Narducci made crucial plays to help Saint John maintain their advantage.

The fourth quarter saw Saint John maintain composure and finish strong, outscoring Maplewood 16-11 to seal the victory. Freshman Gus Petros and junior Donald Crawford added contributions on both ends of the court, showing the depth and balance of the Heralds’ lineup. Even with Maplewood’s continued effort, Saint John’s consistent scoring and disciplined defense ensured the win.

Nivenski led all scorers for Maplewood with 17 points, followed by Kern with 14. Despite their contributions, the Rockets were unable to keep pace with the Heralds’ efficient attack.

This win marks an important step for Saint John as they continue to build momentum in NAC play. The Heralds will stay at home for their next game on February 4 against the St. Thomas Aquinas Knights. Maplewood, meanwhile, will look to bounce back when they travel to face the Pymatuning Valley Lakers on the same date.

Saint John Player Scoring Summary

  • Dyln Newsome: 19 points
  • Grayson Petros: 16 points
  • Chase Newsome: 13 points
  • Vin Narducci: 12 points
  • Gus Petros: 4 points
  • Donald Crawford: 2 points
  • Carlo Fasano: 1 point

Maplewood Player Scoring Summary

  • Nivenski: 17 points
  • Kern: 14 points
  • Webster: 7 points
  • Shipman: 6 points
  • Clover: 3 points

FALCONS LOCK IN SHARE OF CVC TITLE AFTER WIN OVER EAGLES

/in , /by

Photo Credit: Joclyn Nicholas Photography

Jefferson, Ohio — The Jefferson Falcons secured a critical 62-56 victory over the Geneva Eagles on January 31, 2025, at Jefferson High School, clinching at least a share of the Chagrin Valley Conference (CVC) Lake Division title. The win pushes the Falcons’ record to 14-2 overall and 8-1 in conference play, while Geneva falls to 10-7 overall and 7-2 in conference play. Jefferson now controls its destiny: a win on the road against the Madison Blue Streaks on February 7 would make the Falcons the sole champions of the CVC Lake Division.

The Falcons came out blazing in the first quarter, outscoring Geneva 21-10 thanks to a dominant offensive effort led by senior standout Anthony Covetta. Covetta was virtually unstoppable throughout the night, finishing with a game-high 32 points. Jefferson’s early lead set the tone for a matchup that was competitive until the final buzzer.

Geneva responded with resilience in the second quarter, narrowing Jefferson’s lead to 34-27 at halftime. Luke Barbo fueled the Eagles’ comeback efforts, pouring in 22 points on the night and keeping Geneva within striking distance. The third quarter saw the Eagles continue to chip away, outscoring Jefferson 15-12 to trail by just four points entering the final frame.

Despite Geneva’s relentless push, Jefferson’s balanced scoring and disciplined play sealed the victory. Covetta’s scoring prowess was complemented by strong performances from Dylan Beebe (11 points) and Terry Brown (10 points), who made crucial plays down the stretch. Joel Navarro added 7 points, while Luis Padilla contributed 2 points.

The Eagles made a late surge in the fourth quarter, led by Barbo along with key contributions from Hayden Diemer (10 points) and Andrew Oros (8 points). Caden Proy also added 8 points for Geneva, while Noah Hicks and Nate Csiszar contributed 3 points each. Antonio Rivera rounded out the scoring for the Eagles with 2 points.

Player Scoring Summary

Jefferson Falcons

  • Anthony Covetta: 32 points
  • Dylan Beebe: 11 points
  • Terry Brown: 10 points
  • Joel Navarro: 7 points
  • Luis Padilla: 2 points

Geneva Eagles

  • Luke Barbo: 22 points
  • Hayden Diemer: 10 points
  • Andrew Oros: 8 points
  • Caden Proy: 8 points
  • Noah Hicks: 3 points
  • Nate Csiszar: 3 points
  • Antonio Rivera: 2 points

With the victory, Jefferson stands on the cusp of a historic season. A win against Madison on February 7 would secure the program’s outright claim to the CVC Lake Division crown. Meanwhile, Geneva will look to regroup as they prepare for a tough road test against the Kirtland Hornets on the same date.

As the Falcons continue their quest for postseason success, their triumph over a formidable Geneva squad underscores the team’s resilience and determination. Fans will be eager to see if Jefferson can finish the job and claim sole possession of the division title next week.

HERALDS TAKE ROAD WIN OVER THE SPARTANS

/in , /by

 

Conneaut, OH- The Saint John Heralds secured a key road victory Friday night, defeating the Conneaut Spartans 72-63 in a game filled with offensive firepower. Senior Dyln Newsome led the way for the Heralds with a commanding 27-point performance, helping Saint John improve to 6-6 on the season.

The first half saw the Heralds establish control early, using a balanced offensive approach and strong perimeter shooting. Saint John edged out Conneaut 15-12 in the opening quarter and extended the lead to 34-25 by halftime. The Heralds’ sharpshooting from beyond the arc proved to be a decisive factor, as they drained 9 three-pointers, three of which came from senior Vin Narducci, who finished the night with 13 points.

The Spartans (1-13) found their rhythm in the third quarter, led by standout Jordan Kulko, who tallied a game-high 23 points. Conneaut outscored Saint John 22-16 in the period, closing the gap and setting the stage for a competitive fourth quarter. Davonte Harris and Noah Hamm contributed 15 and 12 points respectively, giving the Spartans a strong offensive push.

However, the Heralds responded with composure, erupting for 22 points in the final frame to secure the victory. Sophomore Chase Newsome provided key contributions with 13 points, while senior Grayson Petros added nine. Freshman Gus Petros chipped in seven points, and senior Aaron Wychock rounded out the scoring with three.

Despite the Spartans’ determination and offensive spark, Saint John’s ability to execute down the stretch preserved their lead and earned them a much-needed win.

Looking ahead, the Heralds will remain at home for a matchup against the Cardinal Huskies on January 29. The Spartans will seek redemption when they host the Lakeside Dragons on January 31.

COVETTA SETS SCHOOL RECORD IN WIN OVER WARRIORS

/in , /by

Photo Credit: Joclyn Nicholas Photography

 

Story by: Larry Jennings

East Ashtabula, OH – The Edgewood Warriors hosted the Jefferson Falcons on Friday night in a Chagrin Valley Conference Lake Division matchup that will be remembered for a stunning individual performance. The Warriors entered the game with a 4-8 record (3-3 in the conference), while the Falcons boasted an impressive 9-2 record (5-1 in the conference). These two teams met previously on December 14 at Jefferson, where the Falcons secured a 67-53 victory.

The Warriors started strong, with Logan Mezak hitting two three-pointers to help Edgewood take a 17-12 lead at the end of the first quarter. However, the game took a dramatic turn in the second quarter, thanks to Jefferson’s Anthony Covetta.

After going scoreless in the first quarter, Covetta erupted in the second, scoring 18 points by hitting three three-pointers, three two-point field goals, and going a perfect 3-for-3 at the foul line. Covetta’s scoring spree accounted for all but one of the Falcons’ points in the quarter, giving Jefferson a 31-26 lead at halftime.

Covetta’s dominance continued in the third quarter, where he added another 15 points, including three more three-pointers and three two-point shots. By the end of the third, the Falcons had extended their lead to 59-42. Covetta capped off his incredible night with 13 more points in the fourth quarter, finishing with 46 points—Greg Juhola, Jefferson athletic director said that this is a new Jefferson school record, surpassing the previous mark of 45 points set by Joey DeGeorge last year.

Covetta’s final stat line was nothing short of spectacular: seven three-pointers, ten two-point field goals, and a perfect 5-for-5 at the free-throw line. His historic performance led the Falcons to an 82-56 victory.

Supporting Covetta’s effort were Joel Navarro, who scored 12 points, and Terry Brown, who added 10. The Warriors were led by Mason Thorr, who had an impressive 21 points, and Logan Mezak, who contributed 12.

Looking ahead, the Warriors will travel to Chardon on January 21, hoping to bounce back. The Falcons, meanwhile, will host Lake Catholic on the same day, aiming to build on their momentum.

FINAL SECONDS PLAY OF LIFTS MUSTANGS PAST HERALDS

/in , /by

 

Orwell, Ohio-  The Grand Valley Mustangs narrowly escaped with a 63-62 victory over the Saint John Heralds in a nail-biting high school basketball game on Friday night at Grand Valley High School. Both teams brought their best effort, and the packed gymnasium was treated to a contest filled with highlight-worthy moments and high drama.

First Half

Grand Valley started strong, opening the game with an 18-9 lead after the first quarter behind a balanced offensive attack. Saint John rallied in the second quarter, led by senior Vin Narducci’s spectacular buzzer-beating, one-legged three-pointer to close the half. The momentum-shifting shot cut the Mustangs’ lead to 29-23 heading into the locker room.

Second Half

Saint John carried their newfound energy into the third quarter, outscoring Grand Valley 18-12 to pull within two points. However, the Mustangs closed the quarter with their own clutch play as Sammy Goforth drained a three-pointer in the final seconds, giving Grand Valley a slight edge heading into the final period.

The fourth quarter was a high-stakes battle, with both teams trading baskets. Narducci continued to carry the Heralds, finishing with a game-high 22 points, while teammate Dyln Newsome added 19, including a crucial three-pointer with 10.7 seconds left to bring Saint John within one, 63-62.

Final Moments

The final moments of the game were nothing short of chaotic. Following Newsome’s three-pointer, Grand Valley turned the ball over on the ensuing inbounds play, giving Saint John a chance to take the lead. The Heralds inbounded the ball, but the Mustangs’ smothering defense forced a jump ball with 4.7 seconds remaining. Saint John retained possession but was unable to capitalize as Grand Valley’s defense disrupted the inbound pass, allowing Braden Hart to secure the loose ball and dribble out the clock.

Scoring Summary

Grand Valley Mustangs

  • Carter Turk: 21 points
  • Solly Schultz: 13 points
  • Braden Hart: 11 points
  • Sammy Goforth: 8 points
  • Payton Plizga: 6 points
  • Ben Cozad: 4 points

Saint John Heralds

  • Vin Narducci: 22 points
  • Dyln Newsome: 19 points
  • Chase Newsome: 8 points
  • Aaron Wychock: 8 points
  • Grayson Petros: 3 points
  • Donald Crawford: 2 points

The Grand Valley Mustangs (12-1) will hit the road for a matchup against Fairport on January 18, while the Saint John Heralds (4-6) will look to bounce back at home against the Maplewood Rockets on January 21.

FALCONS SHARP IN HOME WIN OVER LAKERS

/in , /by

Photo Credit: Joclyn Nicholas

JEFFERSON, OHIO – The Jefferson Falcons (9-2) put on a commanding performance Tuesday night, defeating the Pymatuning Valley Lakers (8-3) 78-60 at Jefferson High School. Behind a brilliant offensive effort from senior guard Anthony Covetta and standout defensive contributions from Joel Navarro, the Falcons secured their ninth win of the season.

Falcons Strike First

Jefferson started the game with a blistering first quarter, outscoring Pymatuning Valley 25-12. Covetta set the tone early, hitting several three-pointers as part of his game-high 38 points, which included eight shots from beyond the arc. On the other end of the court, Joel Navarro was a disruptive force on defense, recording multiple steals and locking down key matchups to stifle the Lakers’ offense.

Lakers Respond in the Second

Pymatuning Valley regrouped in the second quarter, with Max Smith dominating the paint and controlling the boards. Smith’s strong play inside, combined with Justin Britton’s smooth shooting, helped the Lakers cut into Jefferson’s lead. The duo helped cut into the Falcon lead as Pymatuning Valley outscored Jefferson 20-13. By halftime, the Lakers had trimmed the deficit to 38-32, keeping the game within striking distance.

Jefferson Takes Control in the Third

After the break, the Falcons unleashed another offensive surge, scoring 26 points in the third quarter to extend their lead. Covetta continued to light up the scoreboard, while teammates Dylan Shetler and George Dzura added nine points each. Navarro’s defensive tenacity remained a critical factor, as his ability to force turnovers and disrupt passing lanes helped Jefferson hold the Lakers to 16 points in the period. By the end of the quarter, Jefferson had built a 64-48 advantage.

Lakers Fall Short in the Fourth

Despite Smith’s continued dominance on the boards and in the paint, the Lakers couldn’t close the gap in the final quarter. Smith finished with 19 points, showcasing his ability to control the interior, while Britton added 17 points. Ryan Croston contributed six points for the Lakers, but Jefferson’s balanced attack and defensive intensity proved too much to overcome.

Covetta’s 38 points led the way for Jefferson, but the Falcons also benefited from contributions across the roster. Luis Padilla chipped in eight points, Caleb Welser added five, and Joel Navarro provided four points alongside his outstanding defensive effort.

Looking Ahead

Jefferson will face the Edgewood Warriors on the road in a critical CVC Lake Division matchup on Thursday, January 17. Pymatuning Valley, meanwhile, will return home to host the Bristol Panthers in an NAC conference contest on the same evening.

The Falcons showcased their depth and discipline on both ends of the court, with Covetta’s shooting and Navarro’s defense stealing the show. For Pymatuning Valley, Smith’s dominance in the paint and on the boards was a bright spot, but the Lakers struggled to match Jefferson’s offensive firepower. Both teams will look to build on this game as they head into pivotal conference matchups later this week.

LAKERS COMEBACK IN FINAL SECONDS IN WIN OVER HERALDS

/in , /by

Saybrook, OH- In a thrilling NAC showdown on January 7, 2025, the Pymatuning Valley Lakers (7-2) pulled off a dramatic 63-59 victory over the Saint John Heralds (3-4). Both teams battled fiercely in a game that wasn’t decided until the final seconds, leaving fans on the edge of their seats.

The Heralds came out firing, building a 14-9 lead in the opening quarter. Freshman Gus Petros, making his first varsity start, dazzled with a career-high 16 points, providing a spark for Saint John. Senior Dyln Newsome was in top form, pacing the team with 20 points, while senior Vin Narducci also found his stride scoring 12. Saint John’s energy carried them into halftime with a 26-22 advantage.

Pymatuning Valley began to turn the tide in the third quarter, thanks to the standout play of Max Smith. Smith was a force on the court, pouring in a game-high 25 points and controlling the boards to keep the Lakers within striking distance. The Lakers outscored the Heralds 19-16 in the third, narrowing the deficit to just one point, 42-41, heading into the final period.

The fourth quarter was a heart-pounding affair as both teams traded big plays and momentum. Justin Britton, who tallied 17 points on the night, delivered the defining moment. With just 10 seconds remaining and the score knotted at 59, Britton coolly sank a three-pointer to put the Lakers up 61-59. The Heralds had a chance to respond but couldn’t convert, and Ryan Croston iced the game with two clutch free throws in the closing moments. Croston finished with 14 points, while the Lakers showcased a balanced offensive attack.

Despite the tough loss, Saint John had plenty of bright spots. Petros’ breakout performance highlighted the team’s potential, while sophomore Chase Newsome contributed nine points and played a key supporting role. The Heralds showed grit and resilience against a formidable opponent.

The win bolsters Pymatuning Valley’s position as a top contender in the NAC, improving their record to 7-2. They’ll aim to carry this momentum into their next game on January 10, 2025, when they hit the road to face the Lordstown Red Devils. Meanwhile, the Heralds will look to bounce back in a highly anticipated neutral-site matchup against fellow NAC member Badger Braves on January 9, 2025, at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland, Ohio.