Tag Archive for: Basketball

DARNEY JOINS 1,000 POINT CLUB; BOARDMAN WALKS AWAY WITH WIN

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BOARDMAN, OH- It’s not easy to cross the 1,000 point threshold in the first place, having to do it in enemy territory presents an additional challenge, but last night in Boardman, the community gave Warren JFK’s Ava Darney a warm, standing ovation as the JFK Senior sank the first bucket of the game from beyond the arc.  Darney came into the contest with 998 points in her historic career, and as JFK and Boardman did battle, the Boardman Spartans took center stage to celebrate their senior players in a  62-47 victory over the Eagles.

The game unfolded with a thrilling rhythm, as the Spartans’ seniors—Sam Duble, Mackenzie Riccitelli, and M.C. Werth—lit up the court with an impressive display of three-point shooting. All 11 of Boardman’s three-pointers came from the hands of these seasoned players, with Werth sinking 5, Duble nailing 4, and Riccitelli contributing 2.

Boardman’s dominance wasn’t just about long-range shots. They showcased a balanced offense, with four players reaching double digits. Duble and Sarah Bero led the charge with 16 points each, while Werth added 15 and Riccitelli battled foul trouble to secure 10 points.

Despite the intense competition, the Spartans’ victory was more than just about the scoreline. It was a heartfelt farewell to the seniors, who bid farewell to their home court in style. As the game concluded, Mikayla Rivera and Jocelynn Torres stepped up, allowing the seniors to bask in the well-deserved applause from the crowd.

Warren JFK’s Ava Darney led her team admirably with 17 points, reaching the milestone of 1,000 career points during the contest’s opening bucket. Didi Ryan and Gianna Pompelia also contributed with ten and eight points respectively for the Lady Eagles.

The Spartans expressed immense gratitude to their fans, whose energy and support fueled their performance throughout the game. With the regular season drawing to a close this Saturday against Salem, the team now gears up for the playoffs, with a home game scheduled against Massillon Perry on February 17th.

PURCHASE GAME PHOTOS HERE

 

BOARDMAN TAKES ANOTHER STEP FORWARD IN WIN

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YOUNGSTOWN, OH- The Boardman Girls Basketball Program has turned a corner, and it doesn’t appear they’re looking back.

The Lady Spartans basketball team showcased their dominance on the road, securing a resounding 52-17 victory against Youngstown East. The win marks the Spartans’ sixth consecutive triumph and propels their season record to an impressive 14-4, underscoring their status as a formidable force in the area.

Once again, it was Mackenzie Riccitelli who spearheaded the Spartans’ offensive onslaught, delivering a stellar performance with a game-high 23 points, highlighted by an impressive display from beyond the arc with 5 three-pointers. Riccitelli’s all-around contribution was exemplary, as she amassed 6 steals, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists, showcasing her versatility and impact on both ends of the court.

Ava Freeborough proved to be a pivotal playmaker for the Spartans, tallying 8 points while dishing out a season-high 7 assists, orchestrating the team’s offensive rhythm with precision and finesse. Sarah Bero, a consistent presence in the paint, added 7 points and dominated the boards with an impressive 10 rebounds, anchoring the Spartans’ defensive efforts.

Sam Duble showcased her sharpshooting prowess, knocking down two crucial three-pointers en route to 6 points and contributing 3 steals to the defensive end. M.C. Werth provided valuable contributions with 4 points and 5 rebounds, epitomizing the Spartans’ depth and resilience as a team.

Tori Strines and Mikayla Rivera made notable contributions from the perimeter, with Strines sinking a three-pointer and Rivera adding a free throw to the scoreboard. The collective effort of the entire team was evident, as all 14 players saw action on the court, underscoring the Spartans’ unity and cohesion.

Amira Mousa, Jocelynn Torres, Janessa Prisby, Ava Gaps, Olivia Combis, Lily Ison, and Emma Terlesky seized the opportunity to showcase their talents in the second half, further highlighting the depth of the Spartans’ roster and their commitment to excellence.

For Youngstown East, Alyssa Crankfield and Yelian Seda led the scoring charge with five points each.

As the Lady Spartans savor their latest triumph, they shift their focus to their upcoming showdown against Warren Harding, a crucial AAC contest that promises to test their mettle once again. With confidence soaring and momentum on their side, the Spartans are poised to continue their pursuit of greatness, fueled by determination, teamwork, and a relentless drive to succeed.

BOARDMAN TAKES COMMAND OF AAC

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BOARDMAN, OH- In a nail-biting showdown that kept fans on the edge of their seats, the Boardman High School girls’ basketball team clinched a remarkable victory over the Austintown Fitch Falcons, emerging triumphant with a 56-44 win in overtime. The Spartans showcased resilience, determination, and skill, securing their fifth consecutive win in a season marked by outstanding performances.

The game unfolded as a fierce battle from the outset, with both teams demonstrating their prowess on the court. Despite facing a challenging deficit of three points with merely 30 seconds remaining, the Spartans refused to concede defeat. Mackenzie Riccitelli, a standout player of the evening, stepped up under pressure, sinking a crucial free throw. However, it was her remarkable playmaking ability that stole the spotlight, as she delivered a flawless no-look pass to Sarah Bero, igniting fervor among the Boardman faithful and forcing the game into overtime.

The overtime period witnessed a dominant display from the Spartans, who outscored the Falcons 16-4, ultimately sealing a commanding 12-point victory. Riccitelli’s performance was nothing short of spectacular, as she matched her career-high with 28 points while contributing 6 assists, 6 rebounds, and 4 steals, showcasing her versatility and impact on the court.

Sarah Bero complemented Riccitelli’s stellar performance with 10 points and an impressive 8 rebounds, exemplifying the Spartans’ depth and resilience as a team. M.C. Werth displayed her scoring prowess, tallying 9 points, including a pivotal three-pointer, while Ava Freeborough and Sam Duble made significant contributions from beyond the arc, adding 6 and 3 points respectively to the scoreboard.

Notably, Mikayla Rivera and Tori Strines provided crucial minutes off the bench, underscoring the team’s collective effort and unity in pursuit of victory. With this triumph, the Spartans enhance their season record to an impressive 13-4, reaffirming their status as a force to be reckoned with in the AAC.

For Fitch, Senior Destanie McCollough led the Lady Falcons with 11 points with Kylie Folkwein scoring 10. Rachel Spalding chipped in with 7 while seniors Ayla Ray and Lannie Henning each finished with 5. Kaelyn Bower and Dasiyia Donlow had 3 points apiece to round out the scoring.

Looking ahead, the Boardman girls’ basketball team remains focused and determined as they prepare for their upcoming encounter against East High School on Monday night. As they hit the road once again, the Spartans are poised to continue their winning streak, fueled by the passion, dedication, and unwavering support of their fans.

 

RESERVE SNAGS THE TROPHY OVER JACKSON

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BERLIN CENTER, OH-  In a clash of titans that epitomized the essence of high school basketball rivalry, the Western Reserve Blue Devils emerged victorious over the Jackson Milton Blue Jays in a thrilling showdown for the illustrious President’s Memorial Trophy. With the 57th installment of their storied competition unfolding on the hardwood, Reserve showcased their mettle with a commanding 68-44 triumph over their fierce adversaries.

From the opening tip-off, it was evident that both teams were prepared to leave everything on the court in pursuit of glory and honor. The stakes were high, the atmosphere electric, and the intensity palpable as fans from both camps filled the stands, eagerly anticipating a contest for the ages.

Leading the charge for the Western Reserve Blue Devils was their formidable big man, Andrew Hendricks. With a dominating double-double performance, Hendricks showcased his prowess in the paint, tallying 14 crucial points while asserting his presence with authority under the boards. Hendricks’ unwavering commitment to excellence earned him the prestigious title of Player of the Game, a testament to his invaluable contributions to Reserve’s victory.

But Hendricks wasn’t the lone star shining bright for the Blue Devils. Dom Ricciardi, with a stellar display of offensive firepower, led all Devil scorers with an impressive 17 points, demonstrating his ability to rise to the occasion when it mattered most. Luke Henning bolstered Reserve’s offensive onslaught with 13 points of his own, while Brock Wellman rounded out the quartet of double-digit scorers with a solid 11 points, underscoring the team’s depth and resilience.

On the opposing side, the Jackson Milton Blue Jays fought valiantly throughout the contest, led by the dynamic duo of Ryan Romigh and Alex Rotuna. Romigh’s outstanding performance saw him finish with an impressive 23 points, while Rotuna contributed 10 points of his own in a commendable display of skill and determination.

Despite the Blue Jays’ tenacity and determination, they ultimately found themselves unable to withstand the relentless offensive barrage unleashed by their formidable opponents.

With this crucial victory, the Western Reserve Blue Devils improved their standing in the MVAC to three wins and six losses, while boasting an overall record of 4-11. Conversely, the Jackson Milton Blue Jays now stand at 3-6 in conference play, with an overall record of 5-8, as they regroup and prepare for the challenges that lie ahead.

YSN HSBB POWER RANKINGS RELEASED FOR 1/26/24

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EAST PALESTINE, OH- As the high school basketball season unfolds, the competition is fierce, and teams are jockeying for position in the rankings. Your Sports Network (YSN) has evaluated teams based on various factors, including the Rating Percentage Index (RPI), winning percentage (WP), opponent winning percentage (OWP), and opponent’s opponent winning percentage (OOWP) and recent success/momentum. Let’s dive into the rankings:

1. John F. Kennedy Catholic (Warren)
– **RPI:** 0.728116
– **WP:** 0.923077
– **OWP:** 0.635416
– **OOWP:** 0.545958
– **W/L:** 12-2

 2. Ursuline (Youngstown)
– **RPI:** 0.690662
– **WP:** 0.833333
– **OWP:** 0.603117
– **OOWP:** 0.584951
– **W/L:** 10-2

3. LaBrae (Leavittsburg)
– **RPI:** 0.64529
– **WP:** 0.846154
– **OWP:** 0.537842
– **OOWP:** 0.474336
– **W/L:** 11-2

4. East Liverpool – 0.637339

5. David Anderson (Lisbon) – 0.631076

6. Canfield – 0.631733

7. Poland Seminary (Poland) – 0.612005

8. Pymatuning Valley (Andover) – 0.612984

9. Cardinal Mooney (Youngstown) – 0.617002

10. Badger (Kinsman) – 0.61758

11. West Branch (Beloit) – 0.61894

12. Springfield (New Middletown) – 0.603519

13. Austintown Fitch – 0.600702

14. Edgewood (Ashtabula) – 0.594858

15. Heartland Christian (Columbiana) – 0.583468

16. Newton Falls – 0.57736

17. Memorial (Campbell) – 0.577266

18. Columbiana – 0.574458

19. South Range (Canfield) – 0.589136

20. Hubbard – 0.509149

21. Lowellville – 0.526699

22. Waterloo (Atwater) – 0.561961

23. Howland (Warren) – 0.523109

24. East (Youngstown) – 0.521267

25. McDonald – 0.492494

 

ON THE BUBBLE: 

Struthers

Lakeview (Cortland)

Wellsville

Brookfield

United (Hanoverton)

Orange (Pepper Pike)

Note: The teams are ranked in descending order based on their RPI values.

These rankings provide a snapshot of the current landscape in high school basketball. The teams are battling hard, and every game counts as they aim for success in the season. Stay tuned for more updates as the competition unfolds.

POTTERS PUSH PAST BEAVER LOCAL

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EAST LIVERPOOL, OH- In a commanding display of skill and teamwork, the East Liverpool High School girls’ basketball team secured a decisive victory over Beaver Local High School with a final score of 62-25. The game, played with intensity and determination, showcased East Liverpool’s dominance on both ends of the court.

From the opening tip-off, East Liverpool established their authority, building a substantial lead early in the game. The team’s offensive prowess, coupled with their tenacious defense, proved too much for Beaver Local to handle throughout all four quarters.

The first quarter set the tone for East Liverpool’s dominance, as they surged ahead to a commanding 18-5 lead. Their relentless pressure and precision shooting kept Beaver Local on the back foot, unable to mount a significant comeback.

As the game progressed, East Liverpool maintained their momentum, displaying exceptional skill and cohesion on both offense and defense. The team’s balanced scoring attack, led by Aynsley Galeoti with 14 points and Kenzie Headley with 16 points, showcased their depth and versatility on the court.

East Liverpool’s defensive efforts were equally impressive, limiting Beaver Local’s scoring opportunities and forcing turnovers. The team’s collective hustle and determination kept Beaver Local at bay, allowing East Liverpool to maintain control of the game from start to finish.

For Beaver Local, Karsyn Bowyer led the scoring effort with 5 points, supported by contributions from Addi Eells, Tori Druschel, and Bella McLevey. Despite their efforts, Beaver Local struggled to contain East Liverpool’s offensive onslaught and fell short in their bid to narrow the deficit.

The game also featured impressive three-point shooting from both teams, with Beaver Local sinking four triples, including shots from Bowyer, Druschel, McLevey, and Calli Sorge. East Liverpool answered with five three-pointers, with notable contributions from All Furman, Cate Davis, and Kenzie Walker.

As the final buzzer sounded, East Liverpool celebrated a well-deserved victory, further solidifying their position as a formidable force in high school girls’ basketball. The team’s resilience, skill, and unwavering determination serve as a testament to their commitment to excellence on the court.

BEAVER LOCAL LOCKS IN HUGE WIN OVER BROOKE

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EAST LIVERPOOL, OH-  The Beaver Local High School boys’ basketball team stormed to victory against Brooke High School with a commanding 67-33 win. The game, held on Thursday, showcased Beaver Local’s prowess on the court, led by standout player Owen Hill, who poured in an impressive 22 points to secure the win.

The victory marked Beaver Local’s second triumph in six games, pushing their season record to 7-9. Meanwhile, Brooke High School, despite their efforts, faced a tough defeat, dropping to an 8-5 record.

From the opening tip-off, Beaver Local established their dominance, racing to a formidable 36-18 halftime lead. Austin Cline played a pivotal role in the early momentum, contributing nine of his 11 points in the first half. Luke Rettos also made his presence felt with eight points, adding to the Beavers’ commanding lead.

Despite Brooke’s efforts to rally, Beaver Local’s relentless offense and staunch defense proved too much to handle. The team’s cohesive play and strategic execution throughout all four quarters kept them firmly in control of the game.

In the junior varsity matchup, Brooke High School managed to secure a victory with a final score of 58-44. Matt Anderson led the charge for Beaver Local with 14 points, showcasing the depth and talent within the program.

Looking ahead, Beaver Local is set to face Bellaire in a highly anticipated Buckeye 8 placement game at noon on Saturday, hosted at Indian Creek. With their recent victory fueling their momentum, the Beavers are poised to continue their pursuit of excellence on the court.

Individual performances also shone brightly for both teams. Peyton Teopfer led Brooke High School with 8 points, supported by Garrett Milam with 6 points and Leyton Toepfer with 9 points. For Beaver Local, Hill’s standout performance was complemented by contributions from Hunter Warrick, Briar Germanovich, and Evan Stephenson, among others.

The game also witnessed impressive three-point shooting, with Brooke sinking three triples courtesy of Milam and Toepfer, while Beaver Local connected on four from downtown, with notable contributions from Warrick, Cline, Anderson, and Aiden Dray.

LADY SPARTANS TOPPLE MOONEY

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YOUNGSTOWN, OH- In a thrilling matchup that kept fans on the edge of their seats, the Boardman girls’ basketball team soared to victory against Cardinal Mooney High School with a decisive score of 53-39. The clash between these two rivals showcased the Spartans’ prowess and determination on the court.

From the opening tip-off, it was evident that both teams came prepared to battle for supremacy. However, it was the Spartans who seized control early on, setting the tone for the game with their relentless offensive and defensive efforts.

The scoreboard tells a story of resilience and teamwork for Boardman High School. Throughout the game, they displayed remarkable cohesion and balanced scoring, with four players reaching double figures. Leading the charge was freshman sensation Mikayla Rivera, whose stellar performance off the bench saw her net 12 crucial points, including a flawless 5-5 from the free-throw line.

Mackenzie Riccitelli showcased her all-around skills, contributing 11 points along with an impressive 5 steals, demonstrating her impact on both ends of the court. Meanwhile, Sarah Bero’s commanding presence in the paint yielded 10 points and 7 rebounds, showcasing her versatility and determination.

Despite battling foul trouble, Ava Freeborough showcased her shooting prowess, tallying 10 points, including two crucial three-pointers that ignited the Spartans’ offense. M.C. Werth exhibited grit and determination, adding 4 hard-earned points to the team’s tally.

Contributions came from all corners of the roster, with Sam Duble and Tori Strines each sinking key three-pointers to keep the momentum in favor of the Spartans. Their collective effort and unwavering resolve propelled Boardman High School to a well-deserved victory, marking another milestone in their impressive season.

With this triumph, the Spartans improve to an impressive 12-4 record for the season, reaffirming their status as a force to be reckoned with in the league. As they return home, their sights are set on the next challenge as they prepare to face the Austintown Fitch Falcons in a highly anticipated showdown between the top two teams in the AAC.

The stage is set for a captivating clash of titans, and the Spartans are calling upon their loyal supporters to pack the stands and rally behind them as they strive for greatness. Tip-off is scheduled for 2:30 PM, and the Boardman community is urged to come out in full force to cheer on their beloved team.

As the season unfolds, the Boardman girls’ basketball team continues to inspire with their indomitable spirit, unwavering determination, and relentless pursuit of excellence. With each victory, they etch their names into the annals of school history, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of fans and supporters alike. The journey towards glory continues, and the Spartans are ready to seize every opportunity that comes their way.

YSN HSGBB TOP 25 RELEASED FOR 1/24/24

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EAST PALESTINE, OH- As the high school basketball season continues to unfold, the Your Sports Network (YSN) Power Rankings provide a comprehensive overview of the top 25 teams in the region. The rankings are determined by various factors, including the Rating Percentage Index (RPI), winning percentage (WP), opponent winning percentage (OWP), and opponent’s opponent winning percentage (OOWP) as well as recent performance.

1. Archbishop Hoban (Akron)
– **RPI:** 0.721562
– **WP:** 0.866667
– **OWP:** 0.66083
– **OOWP:** 0.574419
– **W/L:** 13-2

2. Edgewood (Ashtabula)
– **RPI:** 0.715708
– **WP:** 1.000
– **OWP:** 0.525102
– **OOWP:** 0.527691
– **W/L:** 13-0

 3. Crestview (Columbiana)
– **RPI:** 0.67789
– **WP:** 1.000
– **OWP:** 0.423489
– **OOWP:** 0.518673
– **W/L:** 18-0

4. West Branch (Beloit) – 0.675868

5. Boardman (Youngstown) – 0.657206

6. Columbiana – 0.655372

7. Badger (Kinsman) – 0.627107

8. John F. Kennedy Catholic (Warren) – 0.626759

9. Mineral Ridge – 0.626306

10. Howland (Warren) – 0.635695

11. Poland Seminary (Poland) – 0.591082

12. Austintown-Fitch (Youngstown) – 0.620001

13. Champion (Warren) – 0.605771

14. LaBrae (Leavittsburg) – 0.605042

15. Grand Valley (Orwell) – 0.604298

16. Springfield (New Middletown) – 0.603216

17. Canfield – 0.609369

18. Southern (Salineville) – 0.564397

19. Pymantuning Valley (Andover) – 0.554817

20.  United (Hanoverton) – 0.54949

21. Ursuline (Youngstown) – 0.548587

22. Western Reserve (Berlin Center) – 0.540896

23. East Liverpool – 0.537738

24. Jefferson Area (Jefferson) – 0.525881

25. Chaney (Youngstown) – 0.524846

 

On the Bubble 
Teams on the bubble are knocking on the door of the top 25 and could break in with strong performances in upcoming games.

Mohawk

Girard

Jackson-Milton (North Jackson)

Wellsville

East Palestine

Heartland Christian (Columbiana)

Windham

Beaver Local (Lisbon)

Salem

Cardinal Mooney (Youngstown)

South Range (Canfield)

As the season progresses, keep an eye on these bubble teams, as they aim to secure a coveted spot in the YSN Power Rankings’ top 25. Stay tuned for more exciting high school basketball action!

BADGER SECURES NAC TITLE

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KINSMAN, OH- In a commanding performance, the Badger High School girls’ basketball team clinched at least a share of the Northeastern Athletic Conference (NAC) title by defeating Mathews with a resounding score of 64-15. With this victory, Badger advances to an impressive 15-2 overall record, remaining unbeaten in conference play at 12-0.

Badger asserted its dominance from the opening tip-off, controlling the game on both ends of the court. The victory not only showcased the team’s prowess but also secured at least a share of the NAC title, marking a significant achievement for the program.

Katie Grexa emerged as the offensive standout for Badger, leading the scoring charge with an impressive 22 points. Grexa’s scoring outburst was complemented by Brianna Lendak, who contributed 9 points, and Gabriella Miller and Sophie Stanhope, adding 8 and 6 points, respectively.

The well-rounded offensive contributions underscored Badger’s depth and versatility, making them a formidable force in the NAC.

With this victory, Badger has set the stage for a potential outright clinch of the NAC title. The team is now scheduled to face a crucial matchup against PV on Thursday, offering them an opportunity to secure the title outright.

Badger’s success was not limited to the offensive end, as their defense played a pivotal role in limiting Mathews to just 15 points. The team’s commitment to defensive excellence has been a defining factor in their impressive run this season.

For Mathews, Clayton showcased resilience by contributing 7 points in the face of Badger’s staunch defense. Despite the challenging matchup, individual efforts like Clayton’s highlight the determination within the Mathews squad.

As Badger continues its quest for an outright championship, the upcoming clash against PV will be a decisive moment. The team aims to carry the momentum from this victory into the final stretch of the season, setting their sights on further success in both conference and postseason play.

The Badger community celebrates the team’s remarkable achievement of clinching at least a share of the NAC title and eagerly anticipates the outcome of Thursday’s matchup, where Badger will strive to secure the championship outright.