Tag Archive for: Blue Devils

RESERVE CANT FIND A CHINK IN THE SPARTANS ARMOR

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By Matt Maher 


AKRON, OH – It’s safe to say that Western reserve has seen enough of Richmond Heights over the past few days. After the girls lost to the Spartans in disappointing fashion on Saturday, the boys were looking to avenge their classmates in their district Semi-finals matchup against the Spartans. While the game was played pretty sloppily by both teams off the opening tip, The Spartans would rally together and turn on the electricity to surge past the Blue Devils 62-26.

 

Both teams had their struggles in the first but Western Reserves was that they had too many empty possessions and couldn’t put up a single basket where Richmond earned 24 points. Demaris Winters Jr. found an impressive 11 points for the Spartans to lead his team in this dominant first frame. 

 

The Blue Devils had some fight in them at the start of the second with Peyton Hartzell tossing a dime from beyond the arc to find the first score of the quarter and of the night for Western Reserve. The scoring continued for the Blue Devils and they managed to find 11 points while the Spartans stayed the course and scored 25 more points to lead 49-11 at halftime. 

 

Hartzell led Reserve with 5 points in the second quarter including that opening 3 and a layup later on while Andrew Hendricks found 4 points with two in the paint and the other two from the free throw line. Winters added another 8 points to his and his team’s total.

 

Richmond Heights scoring was slowed down by the running clock that was implemented at the start of the second half. Richmond was able to secure 10 more points and held Western reserve to 6 points in the frame. Josh Klasic would lead the Blue Devils in scoring with 4 points all from the line going a perfect 4-for-4, Hendricks added another 2-point bucket to round out their scoring.

 

The 4th quarter belonged to the Blue Devils where they outscored Richmond 9-3. While the small victory of winning a quarter against this giant finally came about, the battle itself was already lost for Western Reserve. Jackson Young would lead his team this quarter with 4 points, 2 from the paint and 2 from the line, while Gavin Thake put up a long shot from beyond the arc. 

 

The Blue Devils showed resilience in the second half but with the running clock in the half their big time scoring never came and the first half woes ended up to be too much to handle in the end. Peyton Hartzell ended with the most points for the Blue Devils with 7 points while Andrew Hendricks and Josh Klasic both earned 6 points each. Demaris Winters Jr would finish atop of all scorers with 21 points.

 

Western Reserve played some great games this postseason and were able to win their sectional against McDonald which was very impressive knowing how good those Blue Devils were this season. Unfortunately for Reserve, the Spartans were too powerful and knew how to move around the court without traveling or getting called for too many fouls. Western Reserve finished their season 9-13 in the regular season, 7-7 in conference play and 2-1 in tournament games and shocked many by advancing to the district round as a 22 seed!

SPARTANS SLOW THINGS DOWN TO GET PAST RESERVE

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By Matt Maher 


ORWELL, OH – Basketball may be known for its fast gameplay and quick decision making but Richmond Heights sought to prove the world wrong on Saturday night when they beat Western Reserve by the final score of 24-20. This score was achieved by playing basketball for about a quarter and a half and then playing keep away for the remainder of the night. 

 

The first quarter saw both teams play in a well played defensive battle where Richmond Heights outscored the Blue Devils 12-11. Western Reserve saw three players tally 3 points in the frame with Quincy Miller and Angelina Cappabianca both scoring from beyond the arc and Alysia Hughes putting in a bucket in the paint and going 1-for-2 from the line. The Spartans were led by Honor Hall with 6 points and Hall would continue to be their big name player but not for the reason most would expect in a huge playoff game. 

 

The second quarter had an even lower score of 9-4 in favor of Richmond. Lisa Eichert and Hughes combined for the 4 points for Reserve with Hughes finding a layup and Eichert showing skill from the line throwing a perfect 2-for-2. Hall was huge for her team on offense because she found two triples to earn another 6 points and she held onto the ball for a good 4 minutes spread across three different occasions. While that may seem excessive just wait until you read on to the third quarter.

 

Richmond Heights began the half with possession and with a quick inbound to Hall the Spartans quickly dribbled the ball over the center court line and she set up shop just beyond the line. For 7 minutes and 35 seconds Honor Hall just stood in the offensive zone, sometimes dribbling the ball and sometimes holding it and did absolutely nothing of interest or of note other than letting the clock run out. The Blue Devils never once pressed Hall and allowed her to stand there and drain the clock and to be fair the Spartans did have the lead and in a big game as this you need to find the right strategy to win and with the OHSAAs rules being as they are this strategy did end up working very well for Richmond. 

 

The fourth quarter actually saw scoring and ball movement and everything you would expect from a basketball game. Western Reserve mounted a comeback attempt that would fall short with the Blue Devils finally outscoring Richmond 5-3. Hall continued to contribute and lead in offense with 2 of the 3 points for her team. All scoring in the frame was found from the free throw line with Hall going 2-for-6. Western Reserves free throws showed better results with Kylee Ramsey and Quincy Miller both hitting 2 free throws while Alycia Hughes went 1-for-2. 

 

Despite a well played 1st quarter and an exciting 4th what was sandwiched in between was about 4 minutes of basketball and 12 minutes of standing around. While there are many opinions on what this means for the game and what should be done to prevent this kind of behavior on the court it doesn’t help this game since the rules allow for players to hold onto the ball for long periods of time if the defense doesn’t look to pressure the offense this was a very clean game played very intelligently by Richmond who saw a Blue Devils team who could defend them and potentially beat them which is what we almost saw in the 4th. Unfortunately this game did not end the way the Blue Devils wanted and their great season came to its conclusion as their district runner up. Congratulations to Western Reserve for making it to this stage and for playing great basketball all season long!

Q THE VICTORY BELL

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BERLIN CENTER OH- When talking about the plethora of young talent in the area, Western Reserve sophomore Quincy Miller stands out as a remarkable talent, defying the typical expectations associated with underclassmen. Fearless and determined, Quincy possesses a maturity and confidence that belies her age, making her a formidable force on the court.

One of Quincy’s most impressive attributes is her high-profile perimeter shooting, a skill that has propelled the Blue Devils to new heights this season. With her ability to drain shots from beyond the arc with consistency and precision, Quincy has become a key offensive weapon for her team, capable of swinging the momentum of a game in an instant.

But Quincy’s success is no accident; it is the result of countless hours of hard work and dedication. Known for her relentless work ethic, Quincy is often found in the gym, honing her craft and perfecting her shooting technique. Whether it’s shooting hundreds of shots or working on her footwork, Quincy is always willing to put in the extra effort to elevate her game to the next level.

A significant factor in Quincy’s development as a player is the unique dynamic of having her father as the head coach. With her father’s guidance and mentorship, Quincy has thrived, absorbing invaluable wisdom and insight that has helped shape her into the player she is today. Additionally, Quincy’s older sister Kennedy, who also came through the Western Reserve program, has been a constant source of support and inspiration, paving the way for Quincy’s success. In honor of her sister, Quincy proudly wears the number 30 jersey, a symbol of her deep respect and admiration for Kennedy’s influence on her basketball journey.

As Quincy prepares to lead her team into battle in the district championship game against Richmond Heights, she does so with a sense of purpose and determination. Eager to build on last year’s success and secure a second consecutive district championship, Quincy knows that the stakes are high, but she thrives under pressure. With her unwavering confidence, relentless work ethic, and unwavering support system, Quincy Miller is poised to leave her mark on the court and lead her team to victory once again.

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RESERVE WINS THIRD IN A ROW OVER MCDONALD

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MCDONALD OH- In a thrilling district quarterfinal showdown, Western Reserve solidified their dominance over McDonald, securing a crucial 40-36 victory to advance to the semifinals of the tournament. With this win, Western Reserve completed a perfect three-game sweep against McDonald this season, showcasing their resilience and determination on the court.

The game began with both teams trading baskets in a closely contested battle, setting the stage for a tense and exciting matchup. As the game progressed, McDonald launched a late-game surge, mounting a formidable 9-0 run to close out the third quarter and narrow the gap on the scoreboard. However, Western Reserve refused to relinquish control, swiftly regaining the lead in the final frame and holding firm until the final buzzer sounded.

Leading the charge for Western Reserve was Josh Klasic, whose impressive performance saw him tally 14 points, guiding his team to victory with his scoring prowess and leadership on the court. Klasic’s contributions proved pivotal in securing the win for Western Reserve, as he led by example and stepped up when it mattered most.

Despite the defeat, McDonald’s Drew Zajack delivered a standout performance, finishing with a game-high 20 points in a valiant effort to rally his team. Zajack’s exceptional skill and determination were on full display throughout the game, as he battled tirelessly to keep McDonald within striking distance of their opponents.

With their ticket punched to the district semifinals, Western Reserve now sets their sights on their next challenge against Richmond Heights. Scheduled to take place on Monday at Firestone.

RESERVE ROLLS INTO THE FINALS

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By Ty Bartell

ORWELL, Ohio — The Western Reserve Blue Devils girls basketball team secured a decisive
victory over the Canton Central Catholic Crusaders, emerging triumphant with a 40-19 win in the district semi-final clash at Grand Valley High School on Wednesday night.

In a slow-paced first quarter characterized by stout defensive play from both teams, Reserve managed to seize an early lead, edging ahead 6-2 after the opening eight minutes of play. Quincy Miller emerged as a pivotal figure for the Blue Devils, showcasing sharpshooting prowess with three successful shots from beyond the arc. Miller’s contributions fueled Reserve’s offense, propelling them to a dominant 19-4 second quarter, establishing a commanding 25-6 halftime lead.

As the teams returned from halftime, the pace of play intensified, with both sides displaying more balanced efforts in the third quarter. The Devils maintained their advantage, outscoring the Crusaders 10-9 in the period to hold a 35-15 lead heading into the final quarter.

Senior standout Alyvia Hughes assumed the role of closer for Reserve, delivering a stellar performance in the second half and making crucial baskets to seal the victory with authority, ultimately securing a 40-19 triumph for the Blue Devils.

Quincy Miller and Alyvia Hughes earned recognition as Players of the Game for their impactful contributions. Miller provided an explosive opening act, notching nine points in the first half, while Hughes showcased her prowess with 11 points, notably excelling in the latter stages of the contest.

With the victory, #8 Western Reserve (16-9) advances to vie for their third district championship in four years. They are set to face off against #3 Richmond Heights (18-4) on Saturday, March 3rd, at Grand Valley High School in Orwell, Ohio, with tip-off scheduled for 7 p.m.

Fans can stay updated on Western Reserve Blue Devils basketball throughout the season, with access to live games, scores, stats, stories, and more on YSN.

 

LISBON VOLLEYBALL COACH’S CORNER (EP 1) WITH DANA BLACKBURN

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LISBON, OH – In a recent development, the Lisbon community has welcomed the esteemed Dana Blackburn as the new head volleyball coach for the Lisbon Lady Blue Devil volleyball team at David Anderson High School. Blackburn, a familiar name in the local sports scene who has previously made significant contributions to YSN (Your Sports Network), brings with her a wealth of experience and a passion for mentoring young athletes.

With a career spanning over 35 years, Blackburn is set to bring her expertise to the high school level after making her mark at the middle school level. Emphasizing the importance of timing in her decision to take on this new role, Blackburn expressed that her current life stage allows her the time and dedication needed to build a successful program.

Notably, Blackburn aims to instill a strong work ethic, accountability, and character in her players, values she has honed through her extensive coaching experience. Furthermore, she envisions empowering her team to compete at the highest level within their league, with a particular eye on achieving parity with their formidable opponents from the EOAC.

In addition to her focus on on-court performance, Blackburn intends to collaborate with the wider community, recognizing the pivotal roles that coaches and community members play in the development of young athletes. As she and football head coach Bill Meek share the common ground of working in child development, they plan to integrate their programs and encourage community engagement throughout the season.

Expressing her excitement at this new chapter in her coaching career, Blackburn views this opportunity as the culmination of her years of commitment and hard work in coaching. With her proven track record and unwavering dedication to her craft, Blackburn’s appointment signifies a promising era for Lisbon’s volleyball program.

As the fall sports season approaches, the Lisbon community eagerly anticipates the positive impact that Coach Dana Blackburn is poised to bring to the Lady Blue Devil volleyball team. Her formidable leadership and extensive experience are set to shape the young athletes under her tutelage, ensuring a bright future for the program and its players.

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LISBON FOOTBALL COACH’S CORNER (EP 1) WITH BILL MEEK

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LISBON, OH- In a special debut for Lisbon, YSN’s Coaches Corner hosted an exclusive interview with the brand new football coach for the Lisbon Blue Devils at David Anderson High School. Bill Meek, a veteran coach with 35 years of experience, was introduced as the first-time head coach during the episode.

Meek, who comes from a coaching family and has extensive experience coaching in various schools, emphasized his excitement for the new opportunity. His retirement from the federal prison service paved the way for him to apply for the head coaching job, fulfilling a career milestone he had been waiting for.
Having a strong connection to Lisbon, Meek reflected on his previous coaching stint in 2003 and highlighted the significance of the football tradition in the community. With a focus on team unity and a strategy centered around the team’s strengths, he expressed his enthusiasm for the upcoming season despite the changes in the roster.

The episode also revealed some surprising additions to the coaching staff, including three experienced coaches, one of whom is an 83-year-old veteran with exceptional expertise in football strategies.
Meek’s coaching style, rooted in a belief in discipline and a team-first approach, reflects his background as a therapist. His emphasis on representing the school and community in a first-class manner indicates a commitment to the holistic development of his players.

The Lisbon community eagerly anticipates the arrival of Coach Meek and his staff as the Blue Devils prepare for what could be an exciting season in the Eastern Ohio Athletic Conference (EOAC).
With high hopes for the future, Lisbon welcomes Coach Bill Meek as he embarks on this new chapter with the Blue Devils.

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LISBON’S SEASON ENDS IN HEART BREAKER

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LISBON OH- In a fiercely contested tournament matchup, Lisbon’s season came to an end in a heart-wrenching defeat on Tuesday, as they narrowly fell to Cornerstone Christian by a slim margin of 68-65. Despite putting up a valiant effort, Lisbon ultimately couldn’t overcome their opponents’ offensive firepower in a tightly contested battle that went down to the wire.

Leading the charge for Lisbon was Trevor Siefke, who delivered a standout performance with a game-high 27 points, showcasing his scoring prowess and determination on the court. Hunter Dailey also made significant contributions with 19 points, while Alex Schreffler added 6 points to round out Lisbon’s scoring effort.

Although Lisbon’s season may have concluded sooner than they had hoped, they can take pride in their achievements, finishing the season with an impressive record of 18-5 and earning the title of Co-EOAC champions.

BLUE DEVILS EARN ANOTHER GAME

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MCDONALD OH- In a solid start to their tournament campaign, McDonald seized control of the court with a convincing 50-37 victory over Kidron Central Christian, securing their spot in the sectional championship. From the opening tip-off, McDonald displayed their determination and skill, executing their game plan with precision to come out on top.

Leading the offensive charge for McDonald was Joey Cappuzzello, who delivered an impressive performance with a game-high 21 points, showcasing his scoring prowess and leadership on the court. Drew Zajack also made significant contributions with 13 points, providing valuable support to help propel McDonald to victory.

With the win, McDonald advances to the next round of the tournament, where they will face off against Western Reserve at home on Friday.

ROCKETS WIN DEFENSIVE CONFERENCE STRUGGLE

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LOWELLVILLE OH- In a gritty defensive showdown, Lowellville emerged victorious over conference rival McDonald, prevailing in a hard-fought battle by a final score of 38-33. In a game characterized by tough defense and intense competition, Lowellville managed to secure a crucial win.

Leading the charge for Lowellville was Matt Lucido, who paced the team with 11 points, while Michael Ballone added 7 points and Drew Modelski contributed 6 points, helping to power Lowellville’s offense against McDonald’s stout defense.

On the McDonald side, Drew Zajack led all scorers with 13 points, followed closely by Wyatt Wolford with 12 points, but their efforts ultimately fell short against Lowellville’s defensive resilience.

With the win, Lowellville improves to a 14-8 record on the season and looks ahead to their next challenge in the tournament. They are set to face the winner of Springfield vs. Open Door Christian on March 1st in what promises to be an exciting postseason matchup.

Meanwhile, McDonald will regroup and prepare for their own tournament game, as they are slated to host Kidron Central Catholic on Tuesday. Despite the setback, McDonald remains a formidable opponent and will surely bring their A-game as they look to make a statement in the postseason.