Tag Archive for: Basketball

WESTERN RESERVE HSBB COACH’S CORNER (EP 3) WITH JOE SERENSKY

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BERLIN CENTER, OH- In a recent episode of the YSN podcast, “Western Reserve HSBB Coach’s Corner (Ep 3) with Joe Serensky,” Coach Serensky discusses his team’s recent wins and the impact of his senior players on the basketball program.

Coach Serensky expressed optimism about the team’s recent performance, stating, “We’re gaining ground on guys.” He acknowledged the challenges of changing the team’s playing style mid-season but highlighted the progress and momentum they are building.

Addressing the youthful makeup of the team, Coach Serensky emphasized the long-term vision, noting that the team is not just built for the current season but for the future as well. He mentioned strategically giving opportunities to younger players to assess their potential impact in the upcoming seasons.
One player who received praise from Coach Serensky was Josh Classic, whom he described as a versatile and dedicated athlete with a passion for the game, emphasizing his work ethic and determination to improve.

Speaking about the contributions of senior players, Coach Serensky emphasized their positive impact on the team’s culture and camaraderie, expressing gratitude for their leadership and support for the younger players. He particularly highlighted the selfless and positive attitudes of the senior players in the locker room during challenging moments.

The podcast also touched on Coach Serensky’s personal influences in the world of basketball, citing his father, uncle, and local coach Steve Spees as key figures who inspired his passion for the sport.
The importance of scouting reports in game preparation was another topic discussed, with Coach Serensky emphasizing their significance in developing effective game strategies and adapting to opponents’ styles of play.

The podcast wrapped up with Coach Serensky expressing excitement for upcoming games and sharing his passion for the sport.

Overall, the episode provided insight into Coach Joe Serensky’s perspective on team development, the impact of senior players, and the meticulous preparation that goes into guiding a high school basketball team.

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LADY SPARTANS WIN SEESAW BATTLE OVER HOWLAND

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BOARDMAN, OH-In a highly anticipated AAC matchup, the Boardman girls’ basketball team secured a hard-fought victory against the Howland Tigers with a final score of 60-52. The Spartans displayed their resilience and skill, improving their season record to 10-4 (3-1 in the conference), while Howland moved to 10-4 with the loss.

Mackenzie Riccitelli led the Spartans with an outstanding performance, contributing a game-high 25 points, 19 of which came in the second half. Riccitelli showcased her all-around game, recording 4 assists, 5 rebounds, and 6 steals, and maintaining a perfect 7-7 from the free-throw line.

Sarah Bero continued her impressive season, securing another double-double with 16 points and 12 rebounds. Bero maintained a perfect shooting record, going 7 for 7 from the field. Sam Duble added to the offensive firepower, connecting on three 3-pointers and finishing with 12 points.

Despite facing adversity, M.C. Werth delivered a gritty performance, scoring 5 points and grabbing 5 rebounds before leaving the game with an ankle injury. Tori Strines stepped up to match Howland’s size and contributed 2 points, hitting both of her free throws.

Ava Freeborough, leading the team in assists with 5, played a crucial role in the second half, limiting Howland’s star shooting guard, Alyssa Massucci, to just 8 points after an impressive 16-point first half.

Freshman guard Mikayla Rivera showcased ball-handling skills against Howland’s trap defense and secured two crucial rebounds late in the game. The Spartans demonstrated a collective effort, with each player contributing to the team’s success.

For Howland, Senior Alyssa Massucci had 24 points, with a 16-point effort in the first half alone.  Gia Hoso supplemented the scoring with eight of her own.

Looking ahead, Boardman gears up for a significant conference battle against the Canfield Cardinals on Saturday, with tip-off set for 2:30 pm. The Spartans aim to build on their recent victory and continue their strong performance in the conference.

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HOWLAND TAKES CARE OF BUSINESS IN BOARDMAN

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BOARDMAN, OH- The Boardman boys’ basketball team faced another setback on Tuesday night, extending their losing streak to ten games with a 52-42 defeat against Howland. Despite a strong start in the first quarter, Boardman couldn’t maintain the lead, as Howland rallied and dominated in the later stages of the game.

Boardman’s early 18-4 lead showcased their potential, but Howland made strategic adjustments to turn the tide. Howland’s press defense and offense began to click, erasing Boardman’s lead and putting them on the back foot.

With Boardman stuck at 34 points, Howland staged a comeback, scoring 13 unanswered points and taking the lead. Although Boardman showed resilience, narrowing the gap to a single point in the final quarter, Howland’s strategic play, including effective free-throw shooting, secured their victory.

For Howland, John Perry led the way with 17 points.

Grayson Eicher continued to shoot the ball well, with multiple 3’s on his way to 10 points. Nico Holzschuh and Jeffrey Markovitch both scored 7 points. Terrell McDowell and Noah Ziak each scored 6 points. Kaden Mayhew scored 4 points and Zach Haus rounded out the scoring with 2 free throws. Vince Butto, Sullivan Smith and Jayse Varley each contributed as well.

Looking ahead, Boardman will seek a turnaround as they face Canfield at home on Friday. Meanwhile, Howland (7-7) has an opportunity to build momentum with an upcoming game against Warren G. Harding on January 23.

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OBERSTER NAMED MVP OF MLK TOURNEY

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RICHMOND HEIGHTS, OH- Congratulations to Orange junior Rachel Oberster as she earned game MVP at the MLK Tournament at Richmond Heights High School on Sunday.  Her 22 points led the Lions to a 40-36 win over Euclid.  Oberster had 2 three-pointer of her 7 field goals and made 6 of 10 from the foul line.

BOARDMAN KEEPS EYES ON THE PRIZE

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BOARDMAN, OH- In an action-packed showdown, the Boardman girls’ basketball team showcased their depth on the court, securing a convincing 64-46 victory over the Warren Harding Raiders. The Spartans, determined to bounce back, delivered an impressive performance in a physical game that saw them dominate the second half and seal an 18-point win.

Leading the charge for Boardman was Samantha Duble, who lit up the scoreboard with a game-high 18 points, including four three-pointers. Duble’s sharpshooting prowess was complemented by her tenacious rebounding, securing six boards for the team. Sarah Bero continued to impress, notching another double-double with 15 points and 10 rebounds, marking her fourth of the season.

Mikayla Rivera made a significant impact off the bench, achieving a career-high in varsity play with 13 points. Mackenzie Riccitelli added 11 points to the tally and showcased her defensive skills by leading the team with four steals. Ava Freeborough contributed five points and led the team in assists with three, while Tori Strines rounded out the scoring with two points and pulled down five rebounds.

The depth of the Spartans’ roster was on full display, with players like Amira Mousa, Jocelynn Torres, Janessa Prisby, Ava Gaps, Olivia Combis, Emma Terlesky, and Lilly Ison all making valuable contributions during their time on the court.

With this triumph, the Spartans improved their season record to an impressive 9-4, maintaining a strong 2-1 standing in the AAC. The team’s collective effort and resilience were evident, setting the stage for a confident return to home court on Wednesday night against the Howland Tigers.

 

 

IRISH HOLD THE LINE IN HOLY WAR

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YOUNGSTOWN, OH- In a packed gymnasium filled with enthusiastic fans, the Ursuline Fighting Irish boys basketball team triumphed over Cardinal Mooney with a 69-58 home victory. This marked Ursuline’s seventh consecutive win in the heated rivalry between the two teams.

The game unfolded with Ursuline taking an early lead, but Cardinal Mooney rallied in the second quarter, showcasing a formidable offense. Despite the Cardinals’ surge, Ursuline remained composed and finished the half with a four-point advantage.

Senior guard Jibri Carter stood out for the Cardinals, contributing significantly to their offensive efforts with 20 points, even battling through an apparent cramp in the third quarter. Mooney’s Eddie Nieves added 14 points, but defensive lapses became a significant factor in their loss.

In the second half, Cardinal Mooney struggled to regain the momentum they had in the second quarter. Ursuline, with both offensive and defensive consistency, extended its lead and controlled the clock as the game progressed, ultimately securing a seventh consecutive victory against the Cardinals.

Senior Geno Lucente and freshman Jaylen Gunther, each scoring 19 points, were named players of the game, both of which were outstanding on both sides of the floor.

The Fighting Irish, with a record of 9-2 (3-0), look ahead to a road game against Farrell on January 20, while Mooney (8-4, 1-1) aims to bounce back in a Steel Valley Conference matchup against Chaney on January 19.

As the season unfolds, the Ursuline Fighting Irish continue to build on their success, aiming to reach new heights and surpass the achievements of previous years. The passionate rivalry between Ursuline and Cardinal Mooney adds an extra layer of intensity to each encounter, making it a spectacle for basketball fans.

LADY BULLDOGS OPENING THE PRESENT IN WIN

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EAST PALESTINE, OH- There are many that look at the 2024 East Palestine Girls Basketball roster and wonder what the future will look like, and the  exciting potential it has in Bulldog Country.  Then there’s the actual roster this season that realizes that there is no time like the present to put potential on full display.  That was apparent on Thursday night in EP as the Lady Bulldogs showcased a true team victory to the tune of 38-29 over EOAC rival, Lisbon.

Senior Leila Martin helped EP shake off a slow start by leading all scorers with 17 points, and hustled on both sides of the floor.  Freshman Alivia Magness was a bright light for the Bulldogs as well, and she tallied seven points in victory.  Senior Gabby Andre had a pair of three-pointers that dazzled all in attendance as well, while freshman Marley Blythe chipped in 4 points in a great effort.

Lisbon was led by Layla Brown who was all over the floor and contributed 12 points on the evening. Morgan Lively was contested by double-teams throughout the night but was still able to post 9 points, while Alyssa Wells and Brooklyn Cousins were held to 3 points apiece.

The Lady Bulldogs improve to 5-7 overall and 3-4 in the conference, while Lisbon drops to 3-9 and 2-6 in the EOAC.

LIONS WIN IN FINAL SECONDS OVER GEAUGA

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PEPPER PIKE, OH- In a game that went back and forth all night, the Orange Lions with key foul shots by Mi’Kya Fleshman and Courtney Norton in the final minute gave the Lions a 46-44 win.

Orange opened the game with 12-1 run to take an early lead.  Scoring by Rachel Oberster and Kynnade Bates got the Lions going in the first quarter.  But West Geauga would battle back in the second quarter and would cut the Lions lead to 21-20 at the break.  Faelynn Bectrest scored 11 of her team-high 19 points in the quarter for West Geauga.The second half became a battle of lead changes.  The Wolverines would take a 34-32 lead going into the final frame.  The Lions would battle back and take a 44-42 lead heading into the final minute of play.  Scoring for the Lions were Oberster and Olivia Jackson.  The Lions would put the game away with foul shots by Norton and Fleshman.  West Geauga would have one last chance when Bectrest drove in the lane but could not tie the game.

The Lions were led by Rachel Oberster with 20 points and Kynnade Bates with 12 points.  The Lions will be back in action on Sunday when they travel to Richmond Heights to take on Euclid High School in an MLK Weekend game.

West Geauga

Michaela Platt  1-0-0-2

Faelynn Beckrest  8-2-5-19

Ava Borz  1-1-2-3

Callie Kormos  1-0-0-2

Elsa Henderson  1-0-0-3

Maggie Furst  5-5-10-15

3 Point FG‘s (Bekrest-1, Henderson-1)

 

Orange

Kynnade Bates  6-0-2-12

Rachel Oberster  9-2-6-20

Courtney Norton  1-1-2-3

Mi’Kya Fleshman 2-1-2-5

Olivia Jackson  3-0-0-6

3 Point FG’s (None)

 

*Article written by Tim Porter via ohslions.com

WESTERN RESERVE HSGBB COACH’S CORNER (EP 3) WITH STEVE MILLER

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BERLIN CENTER, OH- Western Reserve’s head girls’ basketball coach, Steve Miller, opened up about the team’s recent performance and the adjustments they’ve made to their game plan in a podcast interview with DJ Yokley on YSN’s “WESTERN RESERVE HSBB COACH’S CORNER (EP 3) WITH STEVE MILLER.”

Coach Miller discussed the team’s current third-place ranking in the MVAC, expressing satisfaction but acknowledging that there is still room for improvement. He attributed the team’s recent shift in strategy to a focus on half-court defense, a departure from their earlier approach. Miller emphasized the importance of players understanding and executing the game plan, particularly in response to opponents’ playing styles.

Addressing the loss of a player due to transfer rules, Miller shared his insights into managing the impact on the team dynamics. He spoke about the shift in responsibilities for the remaining players and the adjustments made to accommodate the absence on the court. While acknowledging the challenge of adapting to uncharted territory, he highlighted the opportunities for player development and leadership growth arising from the situation.

The coach also touched on the versatility of key players, such as Lisa and Angelina, highlighting their adaptability and contributions to the team’s performance. Furthermore, he elaborated on the pivotal role of senior players in leading the team both on and off the court, providing context for the team’s ongoing preparations for future games and tournaments.

Coach Miller’s insights provide a behind-the-scenes look at the strategic and adaptive process undertaken by the Western Reserve girls’ basketball team, shedding light on the dynamics and challenges faced during the season.

The podcast episode offers a firsthand account of the team’s journey, reflecting the resilience and determination that underpin their pursuit of success in the high school basketball arena.

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BY THE NUMBERS

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BERLIN CENTER, OH- Lisa Eichert, a senior basketball player at Western Reserve High School, has been making waves both on and off the court. In a recent interview on the YSN podcast, Eichert revealed her passion for numbers and her plans to pursue accounting at Youngstown State University. She attributes her love for numbers to her natural skill and fond memories of excelling in math from an early age.

Eichert’s dedication to basketball and her team is evident in her journey through the program. She has experienced highs and lows, including the adversity of tough losses and injuries among teammates. However, she remains a strong and dedicated player, aiming to push through challenges and secure victories in the season ahead.

Beyond her prowess on the court and in the classroom, Eichert is a family-oriented individual. She treasures time spent with her family, especially enjoying watching movies together and savoring her father’s cooking. Eichert also showcased her culinary skills by treating her family to a homemade fried chicken sandwich and coleslaw during a break.

As Eichert prepares to transition to college, she looks forward to new experiences and making lasting memories. Her positive outlook and determination have garnered praise from her peers and fans. Her commitment to her sport, academic pursuits, and family dynamics make her a role model for aspiring athletes and students alike.

Eichert’s story serves as a source of inspiration for her fellow students and athletes, reflecting the values of hard work, integrity, and dedication. As she continues to make her mark both on and off the court, she sets an exemplary standard for those around her.

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