Tag Archive for: Basketball

LAKERS MAKE A SPLASH AT HOME

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Andover, OH-In an early season thriller, the Jefferson Falcons suffered a close defeat against the Pymatuning Valley Lakers with a final score of 70-71. Despite a strong effort from key players like Anthony Covetta and Joey DeGeorge, the Falcons fell short by just one point.

The individual scoring showcased impressive performances, starting with Joey DeGeorge’s outstanding 31 points leading the Falcons, followed closely by Anthony Covetta with 22. Dylan Beebe contributed 12 points, while Robbie Pisano and Joel Navarro added 3 and 2 points, respectively.

On the home side, the Pymatuning Valley Lakers secured the victory with a well-rounded team effort. Zane Neczeporenko led the Lakers with an impressive 29 points, supported by Seth Bryan with 14 points. Blake Krznaric contributed 13 points, and other players like Trevor Clute, Ryan Croston, and Brady Tisch added to the team’s overall success.

Looking ahead, the Jefferson Falcons, now 0-1, will face the Benedictine Bengals on the road. The Bengals, also 0-1, aim to bounce back from their recent loss to Gilmour Academy. On the other hand, the Pymatuning Valley Lakers, with a 1-0 record, will go on the road to take on the Bristol Panthers, who are also 1-0 after a convincing 62-40 win over the McDonald Blue Devils. The upcoming matchups promise exciting basketball action on 12/08/23 and 12/05/23, respectively.

HERALDS FALL IN HOME OPENER

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Ashtabula, OH- In a challenging season opener, the St. John Heralds faced a tough defeat against the Crestview Red Devils, with a final score of 60-26. The Heralds showed resilience throughout the game but were unable to overcome Crestview’s early lead, trailing 23-8 at the end of the first quarter and 40-16 at halftime.

Vin Narducci led the scoring effort for St. John with an impressive 11 points, supported by AJ Henslee with 6 points. However, Crestview’s Dekota Johnson showcased exceptional skill, contributing 16 points to his team’s victory. Other key contributors for Crestview included Charlie Scheickert with 13 points and Brody Durham with 8 points.

Looking ahead, the St. John Heralds (0-1) will aim to bounce back in their upcoming game against the Bristol Panthers on the road scheduled for 12/08/23. On the other hand, the Crestview Red Devils (1-0) will carry their momentum into a matchup against the Ravenna Ravens on the road on 12/07/08.

Despite the challenging start, the Heralds remain optimistic about their season and are determined to make a strong comeback in the games to come. Heralds fans can anticipate an exciting and competitive season ahead as the team works to fine-tune their strategy and build on their strengths.

BEAVER LOCAL STARTS OUT HOT

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RICHMOND, OH- The Beaver Local Lady Beavers started their girls’ basketball campaign on a strong note, securing a decisive 62-22 victory over Edison. The Beavers strategically dictated the game defensively, generating numerous turnovers that translated into easy baskets. In the second half, Beaver Local widened the gap, outscoring the Wildcats 33-4. Senior Peyton Roberts led the charge with an impressive 32 points, supported by Karsyn Bowyer with 10 points, and contributions from Mallory Miller (6 points) and Cami Starkey (5 points).

The Beavers (1-0) will face East Liverpool on Thursday at The Beaver Dome, with JV action beginning at 5:30 pm.

Box Score:
BEAVER LOCAL: 11-18-23-10–62
EDISON: 11-7-3-1–22

Beaver Local Scoring:
Cami Starkey 2-0-5, Kamryn Young 0-0-0, Peyton Roberts 8-14-32, Calli Sorge 1-1-3, Danica Germanovich 0-0-0, Rylee Thomas 0-0-0, Tori Druschel 1-0-2, Bella McLevey 2-0-4, Karsyn Bowyer 5-0-10, Becca Talbott 0-0-0, Emily Culp 0-0-0, Mallory Miller 3-0-6. TEAM TOTALS: 22, 15-21: 62.

Edison Scoring:
Lacie Summer 0-1-1, Kylee Stull 1-0-2, Abigail Carpenter 0-1-1, Sophia Henderson 3-4-10, Presley Meadows 0-2-2, Rebecca Evans 2-2-6. TEAM TOTALS: 6, 10-19: 22.

Three-point goals: Beaver 3 (Roberts 2, Starkey).

 

*Contributed via BLAthletics.org

URSULINE GIRL’S BASKETBALL COACH’S CORNER (EP 1) WITH LAVELL TURNAGE

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YOUNGSTOWN, OH- In the latest episode of the YSN podcast, host and basketball enthusiast, DJ Yokley catapults audiences into the world of Ursuline Girls Basketball. Joined by first-year head coach, LaVell Turnage, they dive into the highs and challenges of coaching the Lady Irish.

During the conversation, Turnage reflects on the emotional journey of coming back home to his alma mater. He discusses the immense pride he feels walking into the gym, reminiscing about the memories created during his time as a student and athlete. For him, being back at Ursuline isn’t just about being a coach; it’s about making a lasting impact on the lives of his players and instilling important life lessons.
The topic shifts towards the upcoming season and the adjustments that come with being a head coach. Turnage acknowledges that the team’s success lies in building a cohesive unit, with each player understanding their role as a puzzle piece. Emphasizing the importance of communication, he encourages the girls to focus on mastering simple fundamentals such as layups, free throws, and defense, which will keep them competitive in games.

The conversation also highlights the challenging schedule ahead for the Lady Irish, with tough matchups against schools like Hoban and St. Vincent-St. Mary. While acknowledging the difficulty, Turnage states that he appreciates the opportunity to test his team’s mettle and see how they respond to adversity.
As the podcast delves deeper, Coach Turnage reveals the key players to watch out for this season. Point guard Lily Scott, committed to Mount Union next year, is lauded for her skill and dedication to the game. Coach highlights other standouts who have shown immense potential despite transitioning from middle school basketball.

However, Turnage acknowledges that challenges lie ahead, particularly in nurturing the underclassmen and helping them find their identity within the team. With more underclassmen than upperclassmen, he sees it as an opportunity to build for the future and cultivate a team that will compete at a high level in the coming years.

Throughout the podcast, Turnage’s love for Ursuline and his dedication to the development of young women are evident. Drawing from his own experiences growing up in a single-parent household, he sees coaching as a means to provide guidance and love to his players. He strives to move the needle for girls’ basketball, both locally and nationally, and inspire his players to pursue opportunities in the sport beyond the high school level.

The YSN podcast continues to shed light on the impactful work being done by passionate coaches like LaVell Turnage. His commitment to his team and his desire to mold young women extends beyond the basketball court, making him a role model for players and coaches alike.

 

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ORANGE GIRLS BASKETBALL COACH’S CORNER (EP 1) WITH LASHAWN BROWN

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PEPPER PIKE, OH- In the premiere episode of the YSN podcast, “Orange Girls Basketball Coach’s Corner,” host DJ Yokley sits down with the renowned La’Shawn Brown, head coach of the Orange High School’s girls basketball team. With an impressive 14-year coaching career and a legendary basketball background herself, Brown offers a captivating glimpse into her life and coaching philosophy.

For Brown, basketball was not initially on her radar. Standing as the tallest girl in her high school and middle school, she originally had ambitions to pursue track. However, she was encouraged to give basketball a try, despite facing the setback of having lost her fingers in an accident at a young age. Overcoming this challenge, Brown showcased her skills and had a breakthrough sophomore year at Heights High School, paving the way for a storied basketball career.

Through her personal adversities, Brown developed resilience and discipline, instilled in her by her grandmother, who taught her to view herself no differently from anyone else. The experience of being treated like any other player and accepting her amputated hand propelled her to excel on and off the court.

As the head coach of the Orange girls basketball team, Brown is grateful for the opportunity to build a strong program and elevate her team’s level of play. She acknowledges the progress made in her inaugural year as head coach and expresses high expectations for the upcoming season. Brown commends her players’ dedication and hard work during the summer and anticipates the positive impact of new team members on the court.

Reflecting on her coaching journey, Brown highlights the importance of instilling discipline and affirmations to push her players beyond their comfort zones. She aims to create an environment where being uncomfortable, tired, or sore is accepted as part of the growth process.

Challenges remain for Brown in controlling expectations, particularly when it comes to understanding her players’ abilities and pushing them to exceed their limits. However, she welcomes the assistance of her experienced coaching staff and relishes the opportunity to mold her team into one that is prepared to fight, hustle, and do whatever it takes to succeed.

As the Orange girls basketball team heads into a new season, Coach Brown wants opponents to know that her team won’t back down. With a resilient and determined mindset, her players are ready to give their all, fight for every win, and leave it all on the court.

To hear more from Brown and gain insight into the world of Orange girls basketball, tune in to the full episode of the “Orange Girls Basketball Coach’s Corner” on the YSN podcast.

Stay tuned for future episodes highlighting the behind-the-scenes stories of coaches and athletes in the Orange High School community.

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ASHTABULA COUNTY HOOPS PREVIEW

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Ashtabula,OH- As the winter season approaches, the anticipation for high school basketball in Ashtabula County is reaching its peak. The upcoming 2023-2024 season promises thrilling matchups, fierce competition, and a showcase of young talent. Let’s take a closer look at some of the teams that are gearing up for an exciting campaign.

Lakeside Dragons: Rising with Height and Experience

The Lakeside Dragons enter the season with a determination to improve upon their 6-17 record from the previous year, and they have the tools to make it happen. Head coach Josh Hartz leads a squad with a formidable frontcourt, boasting four seniors, all standing at 6’3 or taller.

Aiden Hathy, a 6’6 senior swing player, brings versatility to the team, excelling in both paint defense and scoring from inside and outside. Alex DiSalvatore, a 6’4 senior, adds toughness and strength in the paint, complemented by his ability to defend perimeter shooters. With seniors Connor Mead and Kerrye White also contributing, the Dragons aim to utilize their size advantage strategically.

In the backcourt, junior guard Dylan Newsome assumes the role of primary ball handler and distributor, showcasing sharpshooting prowess on offense and formidable on-ball defense.

Jefferson Falcons: A Deep and Skilled Lineup

The Jefferson Falcons, coming off a 16-7 season, present a well-rounded team with depth and skill. Junior Anthony Covetta leads the charge, showcasing shooting ability, ball skills, and an increased focus on defense that positions him as one of the county’s most dangerous players.

Supporting Covetta is the experienced Robbie Pisano, a cerebral point guard, and senior Joey DeGeorge, a 6’5 stretch four with a high release point. The Falcons feature depth in the guard position with talents like sophomore Joel Navarro and junior Caleb Welser.

Entering the challenging CVC conference for the first time, the Falcons aim to make their mark and build on last year’s success.

Edgewood Warriors: Filling Big Shoes with a Well-Rounded Approach

The Edgewood Warriors face the challenge of filling the void left by their top scorer, Zach Vencill. With a 15-10 record in the previous season, the Warriors look to senior Jacob Ernst to lead the charge. Ernst’s well-rounded game includes excellent ball handling, three-point shooting, and strong finishes at the rim.

Senior Logan Kray, known for his rebounding prowess, contributes on the offensive end with his shooting and playmaking abilities. The underrated defender Brady Anderjack adds a tenacious on-ball defense to the mix.

The Warriors’ strategy involves spreading the floor with sharpshooters and pushing the pace with quick guards like Zach Carlton-Hull.

St. John Heralds: Youthful Backcourt and Emerging Big Men

After finishing the 2022-2023 season at 6-17, the St. John Heralds face the challenge of filling the gap left by the graduation of post player Jesus Hernandez. With a youthful team, senior AJ Hensley leads as the lone senior.

The Heralds will heavily rely on their backcourt play, with junior Vin Narducci and sophomore Anthony Severino leading the charge. Narducci’s scoring ability and Severino’s slippery moves on the court bring a dynamic element to the team. Junior Aaron Wychock, known for his quick defensive presence, adds energy to the backcourt.

In the paint, the Heralds turn to sophomores Anthony Petrochello and Donald Crawford to control the boards and provide a strong presence.

Grand Valley Mustangs: Frontcourt Dominance

Coming off a 7-16 season, the Grand Valley Mustangs aim to replace the scoring and court presence of dynamic guard Nate Boiarski. The team looks to seniors Bobby Rogers and Jerry Schultz to lead the charge in the frontcourt.

Rogers, with unmatched athleticism and elite off-ball defensive skills, contributes both in rebounding and scoring. Schultz, following a breakout junior season with a double-double average, anchors the center position with scoring and shot-blocking prowess.

Guards Braden Hart and Sammy Goforth take charge of ball handling and setting the tone on offense, showcasing their scoring ability and playmaking skills.

Pymatuning Valley Lakers: Reloaded for Success

After a stellar 20-4 season crowned with a NAC conference championship, the Pymatuning Valley Lakers enter the new season without dynamic players Tyler Britton and John Moschell, who graduated. However, the team returns with a talented post player in Blake Krznaric, a sharpshooter with shot-blocking abilities who stands at a towering 6’5.

The Lakers’ backcourt features dynamic guards in Ryan Croston and Zane Neczeporenko. Croston stands out as the team’s best on-ball defender, while Neczeporenko’s ball-handling and shooting skills contribute to offensive opportunities.

Conneaut Spartans: New Coach, Young Talent

After a 5-18 season, the Conneaut Spartans embark on the 2023-2024 journey with a new coach, Rich Marshall. The team, featuring only two seniors in Chance Loomis and JR Hutchinson, embraces a youthful roster.

Loomis, a talented guard with exceptional ball-handling skills and sharpshooting ability, provides offensive firepower. Hutchinson, playing guard and forward, contributes through defense and energy, aiming to spark the Spartans.

With no players over 6’2, the Spartans plan to utilize pace, energy, and technical play to navigate the challenges of the upcoming season. Rotations featuring Noah Hamm, Ryan Turner, Jordan Kulko, Cole Stump, and Devonte Harris will provide different looks and maintain a dynamic playing style.

As the season unfolds, basketball enthusiasts in Ashtabula County can look forward to witnessing the growth and development of these teams, filled with promising talents and a shared passion for the game. Whether it’s the Dragons utilizing their size advantage, the Falcons showcasing depth, or the Lakers defending their conference championship, the stage is set for an exhilarating journey on the hardwood. The county’s basketball landscape is rich with stories waiting to be written, and each team is poised to contribute its chapter to the unfolding narrative of the 2023-2024 season. This year looks to be a fun and exciting year in hoops and you will be able to watch and follow all your favorite teams right here on www.ysnlive.com your home for northeast ohio high school sports.

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

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PEPPER PIKE, OH- In a recent episode of the “YSN – Orange Boys Basketball Coach’s Corner” podcast, host DJ Yokley sat down with Marvin Rashad, the new head basketball coach at Orange High School. The conversation was filled with excitement and optimism as Coach Rashad shared his vision for the team and his passion for the game.

Coach Rashad, a former player himself, spoke about how basketball has been a blessing in his life, teaching him valuable lessons of discipline, hard work, and perseverance. He expressed his belief that the game is not just about wins and losses, but also about personal growth and the development of life skills.

Describing his journey to Orange High School as a “Cinderella story,” Coach Rashad recounted a pivotal game three years ago when his previous team, Shaw High School, faced off against Orange in a sectional championship. Against all odds, Shaw emerged victorious, and Coach Rashad’s coaching prowess caught the attention of the administrators at Orange High School.

Since taking over as head coach, Coach Rashad has been focused on changing the culture and instilling a sense of responsibility and accountability in his players. He emphasizes that they represent not only themselves and their families but also the school and the coaching staff. The players are urged to approach the game with a sense of urgency and to give their best, knowing that every action reflects on their coach and the program.

The enthusiasm surrounding Coach Rashad’s appointment is evident in the response from the players. Over 60 students expressed their desire to play for him, a testament to his ability to inspire and motivate. Coach Rashad humbly acknowledged this overwhelming support and expressed his commitment to Orange High School, stating that he has found his home and plans to build a successful program for years to come.

Cleveland is a community that deeply values basketball, and Coach Rashad understands the high expectations that come with leading a team in this city. He acknowledges the competitive nature of the game but encourages his players to play with confidence and freedom, while still maintaining discipline and structure. He aims to create a team that is known for its resilience and fighting spirit, regardless of the outcome on the scoreboard.

As a coach who has played at the next level himself, Coach Rashad recognizes the aspirations of his players to play college basketball. He advises them to embrace the challenges that come with that goal, emphasizing the importance of listening, being coachable, and developing a resilient mindset. He wants his players to understand that nothing comes easy and that they must be ready to fight for their dreams.

Coach Rashad’s journey to becoming a basketball coach was influenced by his junior high coach, Nick Daniel Wright, who not only cared about his players’ performance on the court but also showed genuine concern for their well-being outside of basketball. This experience ignited Coach Rashad’s desire to become a coach who genuinely cares about his players’ personal growth and success.

In summary, Coach Marvin Rashad brings enthusiasm, inspiration, and a strong commitment to the Orange Boys Basketball program. He aims to build a culture of responsibility and accountability while instilling confidence and freedom in his players. With his own experiences and positive mentorship, Coach Rashad is ready to make a lasting impact on the lives of his players and the success of the program.

 

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EAST PALESTINE BOYS BASKETBALL COACH’S CORNER (EP 1) WITH TRISTAN REYNOLDS

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COLUMBIANA, OH- In a recent episode of the YSN podcast’s “Coach’s Corner”, Tristan Reynolds, the head coach of the East Palestine Bulldogs boys basketball team, sat down to discuss the team’s progress and his personal Thanksgiving favorites. As the Bulldogs embark on their second year under Reynolds’ leadership, there is a renewed sense of excitement surrounding the program.

Reynolds expressed his enthusiasm for the growing numbers of players in the basketball program. He attributed this success to the strong support from the community and the school. The coach spoke fondly about East Palestine’s basketball history, highlighting the team’s championship-winning years under the legendary Bingham.

When asked about his team’s prospects for the upcoming seasons, Reynolds emphasized the importance of a strong work ethic and a buy-in from his players. He praised the toughness of the athletes who also played football, believing it would translate into their basketball performances. The coach expressed confidence in the team’s ability to compete and put on a show for their supporters.

Reynolds spoke highly of the players who will play key roles for the Bulldogs. Owen Yuriyuchi, the team’s captain, was commended for his versatility and leadership qualities. Shane Richardson, a senior returning after battling injuries last year, was identified as a player to watch. The coach also mentioned Kyler Bourne, the big man on the team, who has been working hard to improve his game. Additionally, Reynolds highlighted the potential of freshman RJ Mae, who brings a unique spark to the team.

The coach acknowledged the anticipation surrounding the younger classes but emphasized the importance of seizing the present moment. He encouraged his players to go after their goals with determination and effort, as no team will give them victories easily. Reynolds stressed the need to perform well against tough conference opponents, considering the Eastern Ohio Athletic Conference as a formidable basketball league.

Looking beyond the conference games, the coach discussed the significance of non-conference matchups as important preparation for the end-of-season tournaments. East Palestine’s schedule includes games against Urban Scholars, Kingsway Christian, East Liverpool Christian, Springfield, and Lordstown.

In a departure from the basketball talk, Reynolds agreed to participate in a fantasy Thanksgiving draft with the podcast host. With his first pick, Reynolds surprised listeners by selecting his mother’s famous pepperoni rolls. He went on to choose buttered rolls, turkey, stuffing, and cranberry ginger ale to complete his Thanksgiving favorites.

As the interview wrapped up, Reynolds reflected on his growth as a head coach and the responsibilities that come with the position. He acknowledged that coaching at the varsity level involves more than just on-court strategy, as it requires representing the school and community.

In closing, Coach Reynolds expressed his gratitude for the support and wished everyone a happy Thanksgiving. With a promising basketball season ahead and a favorite Thanksgiving feast in mind, the Bulldogs and their dedicated coach are poised for success on and off the court.

 

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TOY STORY 2

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CANFIELD, OH- Welcome back to another episode of South Range Player Profile, the podcast that brings you all the latest updates on South Range Raiders sports.

In this week’s episode, we have a special player profile segment featuring freshman volleyball player, Anna Toy. Get ready to hear about Anna’s journey into the sport of volleyball, her dedication to the game, and how she has become an integral part of the South Range Raider team.

Join us as we dive into Anna’s story and discover what makes her such a talented and promising athlete. Stay tuned, because this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

 

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ALL GO FOR CVERCKO

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BOARDMAN, OH- In today’s episode, titled “Boardman Player Profile: Andrew Cvercko,” we delve into the fascinating world of a talented young athlete from a sports-oriented family. Andrew joins us to discuss the unique dynamics and pressures that come with being part of a competitive household.

We explore his journey in various sports, from soccer to swimming, and the influential role his family has played in his athletic pursuits.

Join us as we uncover Andrew’s passion for football, his determination to excel, and his plans for the future. So, sit back, relax, and get ready for another engaging player profile on YSN!

 

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