Tag Archive for: Bombers

ANDERSON NAILS 100TH CAREER HIT IN SENIOR NIGHT DOUBLE HEADER

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Photo Credit: JJ Pawlowski

ASHTABULA, OHIO – It was a special afternoon at Smith Field as the Saint John Heralds celebrated Senior Night, honoring seniors Aaron Wychock, Dyln Newsome, Kyle Hejduk, Will Anderson, Ryan Williams, Sullivan Twinning, Manny Cooper, and Ezra Campbell. The Heralds capped the celebration with a dominant sweep of NAC rival Windham in a doubleheader. The day was made even more memorable when senior Will Anderson recorded his 100th career varsity hit in the first game.

Game 1 Recap: Saint John 12, Windham 1

Kyle Hejduk put on an offensive show in Game 1, going 3-for-3 with a triple, a double, and a single, leading Saint John to a 12-1 victory.

The Heralds opened the scoring in the second inning when Hejduk tripled to left, and RBI singles from Aaron Wychock and Manny Cooper followed. In the third, Saint John added more runs thanks to Hejduk’s double, a sacrifice fly by Ryan Williams, and a bases-loaded walk drawn by Sullivan Twinning.

A six-run fourth inning put the game out of reach. Wychock singled in a run, an error and a passed ball brought in two more, Will Anderson singled home another, and Anthony Severino capped the frame with a two-run single.

Anderson earned the win on the mound, pitching three innings while allowing five hits and just one run, striking out five without a walk. Ryan Williams came in for one inning of scoreless relief.

The Heralds totaled nine hits in the game, with Severino, Hejduk, and Wychock each driving in two runs. Twinning showed great patience at the plate, drawing three of the team’s seven walks.

Windham was led offensively by Dylan McCune, who drove in the Bombers’ lone run. McCune, M Bolyard, J Ridenbaugh, K Kiser, and Jack Eye each recorded a hit for Windham, who also turned a double play defensively.

Game 2 Recap: Saint John 10, Windham 0

Saint John picked up right where they left off in Game 2, blanking Windham 10-0 to complete the sweep.

The Heralds struck early, plating four runs in the first inning behind big hits from Anthony Severino, Ezra Campbell, Ryan Williams, and Aaron Wychock. They kept building in the second with a double by Campbell, an RBI single by Williams, and a sacrifice fly from Wychock.

On the mound, senior Dyln Newsome was outstanding, tossing four scoreless innings, allowing just two hits while striking out five without issuing a walk.

Saint John collected 13 hits in the nightcap. Will Anderson, Campbell, and Williams each notched two hits, while Campbell, Wychock, Brady Cole, and Williams each drove in two runs. The Heralds were aggressive on the basepaths, racking up nine stolen bases, with Anderson, Hejduk, and Wychock swiping multiple bags.

Defensively, Saint John was sharp, turning a double play. Windham got hits from Cam Batterby and Michael Bolyard, and played error-free defense, with Jack Eye leading the Bombers with three defensive plays.

Saint John will look to continue their momentum when they travel to Lordstown on Wednesday.

BIG BATS STRONG ARMS PUSH HERALDS PAST BOMBERS

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Photo Credit: YSN

ASHTABULA, OH – The Saint John Heralds kicked off Senior Night in style Monday evening, riding a lights-out performance from pitcher Isabelle Holler to an 8-1 victory over the visiting Windham Bombers.

Holler was in command from the circle, striking out 10 batters while allowing just three hits and one run across seven innings. The right-hander also issued five walks but worked out of any jams to keep Windham in check all game long.

The Heralds wasted no time providing run support, plating five runs in the bottom of the first inning. Nadia Lagoa got things started with an RBI groundout, followed by a pair of runs scored on Windham errors. Bella Brent delivered the big hit of the frame with a two-run single to cap the early outburst.

Saint John added to their lead in the second when Lagoa singled home another run, giving the center fielder two RBIs on the day. Lagoa finished 1-for-3 at the plate.

The Heralds racked up 13 hits in the win. Brent, Maddie Holler, Caitlyn Carney, and Rylee Frasure each recorded two hits, helping power the offense from top to bottom.

The evening also featured a heartfelt tribute to Saint John’s lone senior, Gianna Torres. On her Senior Night, Torres delivered a strong showing, going 1-for-2 with a single and a walk. Fittingly, she sealed the victory by fielding a grounder and firing to first for the final out of the game.

Windham was limited offensively, with Breille Jones, Libby Inman, and Lillian Pesa-Garrett each tallying a hit. Elaina Tucker led the Bombers in patience at the plate with two walks as Windham drew five free passes overall. The Bombers also turned a double play defensively.

With the win, the Heralds look to carry momentum into their next matchup as they travel to Lordstown on Wednesday.

MORE DOMINATION FROM MAPLEWOOD

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CORTLAND OH- Maplewood made quick work of Windham on Wednesday, cruising to a 17-0 win behind big bats and lockdown pitching. Katie Wear had herself a day, driving in five runs on two hits—including a three-run blast to left in the fourth and a bases-clearing single back in the first.

Maplewood came out hot with a six-run first inning, sparked by a two-run double from Raegan Krieg and a clutch single from Wear. They added a couple more in the second after Windham kicked the ball around a bit.

Then came the knockout punch—a nine-run fourth inning. Wear’s homer was the headline, but Maplewood kept the line moving with an RBI single from Claire Urchek, a double by Ava Calvert, and a pair of errors that brought in four more.

Addison Marker was dominant in the circle, tossing three no-hit innings with five strikeouts. Emily Perline came in to finish it off, sealing the combined shutout. Windham’s starter took the loss after giving up six runs in the opening inning.

Maplewood finished with 10 hits—Wear, Hayley Flinner, and Urchek each had two. Urchek also drew a pair of walks as the Rockets showed solid plate discipline, working five total free passes. Clean defense backed it up too—zero errors on the night, with Krieg leading the way with nine clean plays. Windham picked up a couple of hits late, but never threatened the scoreboard. Next up, Maplewood heads to Bloomfield on Thursday looking to keep the momentum rolling.

WINDHAM SOFTBALL COACH’S CORNER WITH TOM VANKIRK 3-11-25

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As the Windham Bombers softball team gears up for another season, Head Coach Tom VanKirk is focused on developing a program that extends far beyond wins and losses. VanKirk, who took over as head coach two years ago, is a Windham alum, and he brings a deep sense of pride to the role. Having coached for nearly 20 years, including at the youth and travel levels, VanKirk’s goal is to revitalize the Bombers’ program and build a foundation for the future.

“We’re trying to establish a culture, not just an extracurricular activity,” VanKirk said. “I want this to be a program that the community and the girls truly own. The players and the coaches all have a stake in it.” The Bombers are a mix of youth and experience. With just one senior on the roster, Quinn Justham, who has been a standout since her freshman year, the team will rely heavily on its juniors and sophomores. Among the key players are junior Breille Jones, returning from an injury, and Libby Inman, who will be a main pitcher. Additionally, sophomore Alex Hudak is expected to make an impact, along with Mackenzi Blockinger, another versatile player who can excel in various positions.

The coaching staff is equally important in VanKirk’s eyes. With the addition of a junior varsity team this year, the Bombers now have more opportunities for players to develop and grow. VanKirk credits the team’s success to his dedicated coaching staff, including Larry Jones, a local coach with years of experience, and Dan Peterson, who now leads the JV team.“We’ve really got a great group of assistants who are hands-on, always contributing and coming up with drills,” VanKirk said. “They all bring something unique to the table.”

While the Bombers face challenges, particularly with the competition in their conference, VanKirk is confident in his team’s ability to compete at a high level. The Bombers have already made strides in base running, an area where they excelled last year. With a focus on aggressive plays like stolen bases and bunting, VanKirk hopes to continue that success. “Base running is one of the easiest things to coach, but it’s also one of the most rewarding when done correctly,” he said.

Looking ahead, VanKirk has big aspirations for the Bombers, including fostering a competitive environment that will carry the team into the postseason. The schedule is packed with tough competition, including a highly anticipated game against Garrettsville on opening day, which will reignite a local rivalry.

As a coach, VanKirk’s philosophy is clear: play with fearlessness and embrace mistakes. He encourages his players to make mistakes in practice, learning from them, and carrying that mindset into games. “Fail at full speed,” VanKirk said. “We want to make our mistakes in practice and play with confidence when it matters.”

VanKirk’s passion for softball is palpable. After years of coaching and raising his own family in the community, he is committed to making Windham a powerhouse in the sport. For him, softball is more than just a game – it’s about building a program that lasts.“I love the speed of the game,” he said. “Softball is like a chess match, and I’m just excited to see where we can take this program.” With a strong foundation in place and a deep sense of community pride, the Windham Bombers are ready to face whatever challenges lie ahead in the 2025 season.

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ROCKETS TURN ON THE AFTERBURNERS

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CORTLAND OH- Maplewood wasted no time making a statement in their tournament opener, rolling past Windham 70-5 on Saturday.

Aliah Brumit led the charge with 18 points, while Morgan Himes poured in 17. Claire Urcheck added 13, Katie Wear chipped in 9, and Lauren Krieg finished with 7 as the Rockets dominated from start to finish.

With the win, Maplewood moves on to the district semifinals on Tuesday, where they’ll host the winner of Wellsville vs. Sebring.

RIDGE CELEBRATES SENIORS BY EVADING BOMBERS

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MINERAL RIDGE OH- Mineral Ridge sent their seniors off in style Wednesday night, taking down Windham 64-45. It was a slow start for both squads, but the Rams found their rhythm by halftime, heading into the break up 25-16. The offenses picked up in the second half, but Ridge never let go of the lead.

Kaden Shaffer paced the Rams with 17 points, while Chase Moore dropped 9. Blake Basista, Jon Rozzi, and Landon Bingham each knocked down 8.

Windham’s Carlos Bruton led all scorers with 20, Dylan McCune added 11, and Jayquon Smith finished with 7.

Mineral Ridge wraps up the regular season Friday at home against Jackson-Milton, while Windham hits the road Tuesday to face Garfield.

Game Photos Can Be Found HERE 

NEWTON FALLS GETS A MASSIVE WIN

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NEWTON FALLS OH-  Newton Falls rolled into the postseason with a strong finish, dominating Windham 45-16 on Saturday. It’s the Tigers’ biggest win since their season-opening 48-10 rout of Leetonia.

Lilly Sait led the way with 13 points, while Kennedy Howard added 9. Madison Davis chipped in 7, and both Logan Elliot and Addison Pope finished with 6 as Newton Falls spread the scoring around.

With the regular season in the books, the Tigers turn their focus to tournament play, hitting the road Wednesday for a matchup with Canton Central Christian. Windham also shifts gears to the postseason, heading to Maplewood on Saturday.

HERALDS CELEBRATE SENIOR NIGHT WITH WIN AND MILESTONE

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Ashtabula, OH — In a game filled with milestones and emotional moments, the Saint John Heralds (10-8) secured a hard-fought 60-56 victory over the Windham Bombers (10-9) on February 7, 2025. The night was memorable for more than just the final score as the Heralds celebrated senior night and witnessed senior star Dyln Newsome etch his name in school history.

Newsome capped off his impressive performance by scoring his 1,000th career point on a clutch fourth-quarter three-pointer. The crowd erupted in a standing ovation as his parents came down from the stands to embrace him, creating a special moment that will be remembered by the Saint John community for years to come.

The Heralds honored their senior athletes from the 2024-2025 winter season in a pregame ceremony, recognizing the contributions of Dyln Newsome, Vin Narducci, Aaron Wychock, and Grayson Petros boys basketball along with Isabelle Stern and Chloe DeJesus for girls basketball and Addy Clough, Chrissy Biggins, Hannah Kile, Kate Kovacs, Molly Fortune, and Gianna Torres for Cheerleading.

Saint John came out strong, building an early 14-10 lead in the first quarter. The Bombers responded with 17 points in the second to cut the Heralds’ halftime advantage to just 30-27. Windham continued to battle, outscoring Saint John 17-14 in the third quarter to tie the game at 44 heading into the fourth.

However, the Heralds displayed resilience down the stretch. With clutch scoring from the Newsome brothers and steady contributions from their seniors, Saint John outscored Windham 16-12 in the final frame to seal the victory.

Scoring Breakdown:

  • Saint John Heralds:
    • Dyln Newsome: 27 points
    • Chase Newsome: 12 points
    • Vin Narducci: 11 points
    • Aaron Wychock: 6 points
    • Grayson Petros: 4 points
  • Windham Bombers:
    • Bruton: 21 points
    • McCune: 11 points
    • Hopper: 11 points
    • Kolaczek: 6 points
    • Petrich: 4 points
    • Smith: 2 points
    • Ramsey: 1 point

Saint John will look to keep the momentum going on February 11 when they travel to face the Lordstown Red Devils. Windham will aim to bounce back at home against St. Thomas Aquinas on February 10.

ROCKETS STAY AT FULL SPEED

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WINDHAM OH- Maplewood came out firing Friday night, setting the tone early and cruising to a 54-27 win over Windham. The Rockets dominated from the jump, never giving the Bombers a chance to get off the ground.

Morgan Himes led the charge with 17 points, while Aliah Brumit added 15. Claire Urcheck chipped in 10, and Lauren Krieg dropped 7 to round out Maplewood’s scoring attack. For Windham, Brielle Jones put up 10 points, and MaKenna Jones added 5.

Maplewood hits the road Saturday for a matchup with Chalker, while Windham is also back in action, traveling to Mogadore.

HERALDS GRAB 2ND WIN WITH AFTER LATE GAME PUSH

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Windham, OH- The Saint John Heralds (2-1) secured an impressive road win over the Windham Bombers (2-1) on December 17, 2024, prevailing 71-66 in a tightly contested matchup at Windham High School.

The Heralds were powered by an outstanding performance from junior guard Dyln Newsome, who led all scorers with 29 points. Grayson Petros provided a strong supporting effort, contributing 17 points to the offensive attack. Aaron Wychock added 11 points, further bolstering Saint John’s scoring depth.

Other key contributors for the Heralds included Vin Narducci with 5 points, Chase Newsome with 4, Donald Crawford with 2, and Gus Petros with 3. The team showcased a balanced scoring effort and steady play to outlast the Bombers down the stretch.

The victory improves the Heralds’ record to 2-1 on the season, while Windham falls to 2-1. Saint John will look to continue their momentum when they travel to take on the Mathews Mustangs on December 20, 2024.