Tag Archive for: Boys Basketball

COVETTA’S COLD BLOODED 3 SENDS FALCONS TO DISTRICT CHAMPIONSHIP

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Photo Credit: Joclyn Nicholas Photography

JEFFERSON, OHIO – In a game filled with momentum swings, clutch plays, and high stakes, it was only fitting that the Jefferson Falcons’ biggest win of the season came down to the final shot. With the score tied at 54 and time winding down, senior guard Anthony Covetta delivered in dramatic fashion, sinking a contested three-pointer as the buzzer sounded to lift the Falcons to a thrilling 57-54 victory over the Bay Village Rockets in the OHSAA district semifinals on Wednesday night.

Jefferson (20-4) punched its ticket to the district championship, where it will face the Buchtel Griffins on March 1.

The Falcons got off to a slow start defensively, giving up 20 points in the first quarter as Bay Village’s Melvin and Miller found success attacking the lane. But Jefferson responded in the second quarter, holding the Rockets to just four points while putting up 16 of their own to take a 30-24 lead at halftime. Covetta led the charge offensively, finding his rhythm early and keeping the Falcons in striking distance.

Bay Village made its push in the third, storming back with a 21-point quarter to reclaim the lead. Melvin continued to be a problem for the Jefferson defense, finishing with a game-high 20 points, while Miller added 15. Entering the fourth, the Rockets led 45-42, setting up a dramatic finish.

The Falcons battled back in the final frame, getting key contributions from Joel Navarro (11 points), Dylan Beebe (7), Terry Brown (7), and Dylan Shetler (5). Covetta, though, was the difference-maker, delivering a 27-point performance, including the game-winning shot that sent the home crowd into a frenzy.

Scoring Summary

Jefferson Falcons:

  • Anthony Covetta – 27 points
  • Joel Navarro – 11 points
  • Dylan Beebe – 7 points
  • Terry Brown – 7 points
  • Dylan Shetler – 5 points

Bay Village Rockets:

  • Melvin – 20 points
  • Miller – 15 points
  • Evans – 6 points
  • Cockburn – 5 points
  • Mack – 4 points
  • Rinhart – 2 points
  • Willmitch – 2 points

Jefferson now turns its focus to Buchtel, where it will look to extend its playoff run and claim a district title. If Wednesday night’s thriller was any indication, the Falcons are more than ready for the moment.

MUSTANGS HEADED TO DISTRICT CHAMPIONSHIP

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Photo Credit: Life Speaks Photography

ORWELL, Ohio – The Grand Valley Mustangs punched their ticket to the Division 6 district championship game with a commanding 57-44 win over the Cuyahoga Heights Red Wolves in the district semifinals on Tuesday night at Grand Valley High School.

From the opening tip, Grand Valley (21-3) set the tone with a tenacious defensive effort and a balanced offensive attack. The Mustangs led 10-7 after the first quarter and steadily built on their advantage, heading into halftime with a 23-14 lead.

Carter Turk delivered a stellar performance, pouring in a game-high 30 points to lead the Mustangs. Braden Hart provided key scoring support with 14 points, while Payton Plizga chipped in with seven. Solly Shultz (3), Ben Cozad (2), and Sammy Goforth (1) also contributed to the scoring effort.

Cuyahoga Heights (16-8) made a strong push in the third quarter, outscoring Grand Valley 17-13 behind a 22-point effort from McClardey, but the Mustangs responded with a dominant fourth quarter, putting up 21 points to seal the victory. Boyers (11), Unger (8), and Apathy (3) also contributed for the Red Wolves.

With the win, Grand Valley advances to the district championship, where they will face the Dalton Bulldogs on March 1 at 4pm in Salem, Ohio. Meanwhile, Cuyahoga Heights sees its season come to an end with a 16-8 record.

The Mustangs will look to carry their momentum into the championship game as they seek to add to an already impressive postseason run.

SENIORS LEAD THE WAY IN HERALDS PLAYOFF WIN

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SAYBROOK, OHIO – In a hard-fought battle on their home court, the Saint John Heralds punched their ticket to the OHSAA Division 7 sectional final with a 66-58 victory over the Jackson-Milton Blue Jays on Friday night. The win improves the Heralds to 14-9 on the season and sets up a matchup against the winner of Lordstown and Hillsdale on February 26.

Senior Dyln Newsome led the way for the Heralds with a game-high 26 points, providing a steady scoring presence throughout all four quarters. Fellow senior Vin Narducci added 19 points, stepping up in key moments to keep the Heralds ahead.

The game was closely contested in the first half, with Saint John holding a narrow 12-10 advantage after the first quarter. Both teams traded baskets in the second frame, but the Heralds managed to extend their lead to 30-27 at halftime.

Jackson-Milton fought back in the third quarter behind a stellar performance from Ryen Romigh, who poured in a game-high 36 points. The Blue Jays outscored Saint John 19-14 in the period to take a 46-44 lead heading into the final eight minutes.

With their season on the line, the Heralds responded in the fourth quarter with a dominant 22-12 run, fueled by clutch baskets from Newsome and Narducci. Chase Newsome and Grayson Petros each chipped in seven points, while Aaron Wychock and Gus Petros combined for seven more to help secure the victory.

Despite the loss, Jackson-Milton’s Romigh put on an outstanding performance, accounting for more than half of his team’s points. Vincent Fay contributed nine, while James Croyle and Ethan Kerr added five each.

Saint John now turns its attention to the sectional final on February 26, where they will look to continue their postseason run. Jackson-Milton finishes its season with a 10-13 record, battling until the final buzzer in a strong effort.

Saint John Scoring Leaders:
Dyln Newsome – 26
Vin Narducci – 19
Chase Newsome – 7
Grayson Petros – 7
Aaron Wychock – 5
Gus Petros – 2

Jackson-Milton Scoring Leaders:
Ryen Romigh – 36
Vincent Fay – 9
James Croyle – 5
Ethan Kerr – 5
Jackson Horner – 2
Blake Hochendoner – 1

COVETTA STAMPS HIS NAME IN HISTORY IN FALCONS WIN OVER WICKLIFFE

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Photo Credit: Life Speaks Photography

Jefferson, OH – The Jefferson Falcons capped off their regular season in dominant fashion, cruising past the Wickliffe Blue Devils 82-40 on Wednesday night at Jefferson High School. The victory secured the Falcons’ final tune-up before the postseason, finishing with an impressive 18-4 record and a Chagrin Valley Conference Lake Division championship.

The night belonged to Jefferson senior Anthony Covetta, who made history in front of a raucous home crowd. Covetta’s second-quarter bucket—his 22nd point of the game—etched his name in the record books as the all-time leading scorer in Ashtabula County history. He surpassed the previous mark of 1,681 career points set by Grand Valley’s AJ Henson in 2012. The game paused momentarily as Covetta received a standing ovation, celebrating the milestone with his parents in an emotional embrace in the stands.

On the court, Jefferson wasted no time setting the tone, storming out to a 22-6 lead in the first quarter. The Falcons’ relentless defensive pressure and offensive efficiency overwhelmed Wickliffe, which struggled to keep pace. Despite a stronger second quarter from the Blue Devils, Jefferson carried a commanding 37-20 lead into halftime.

The Falcons took full control in the third quarter, outscoring Wickliffe 27-9 behind Covetta and Terry Brown, who combined for 44 points on the night. Brown was lights out from three-point range, knocking down four triples on his way to 20 points. Luis Padilla added 11, while Dylan Beebe contributed eight points to round out a well-balanced Jefferson attack.

Jefferson Player Scoring Summary:

  • Anthony Covetta: 24 points
  • Terry Brown: 20 points (4 three-pointers)
  • Luis Padilla: 11 points
  • Dylan Beebe: 8 points
  • Caleb Welser: 5 points
  • Joel Navarro: 3 points
  • Preston Hitchcock: 3 points
  • Shawn Miklacic: 2 points
  • George Dzura: 2 points
  • Dylan Shetler: 4 points

 

Wickliffe Player Scoring Summary:

  • Cable: 16 points
  • Anderson: 2 points
  • Rossman: 8 points
  • Zivnokska: 1 point
  • Urban: 8 points
  • Donner: 5 points

With the regular season behind them, the Falcons now shift their focus to the postseason. They will host the Niles Red Dragons on Feb. 22 in the sectional round of the OHSAA playoffs. Wickliffe, also gearing up for the playoffs, will take on the Shaw Cardinals at home on the same night.

As Jefferson sets its sights on a deep tournament run, Covetta’s historic night serves as a reminder of the talent and determination that has fueled the Falcons all season long. With momentum on their side, the stage is set for an exciting postseason in Jefferson.

WARRIORS OUTLAST RED DRAGONS ON SENIOR NIGHT

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Story by: Larry Jennings

East Ashtabula, OH — The Niles Red Dragons stormed into Edgewood Gymnasium looking to end their regular season on a high note, but the Warriors had other plans, holding off a late comeback attempt to secure a hard-fought 59-54 victory.

The Warriors (7-14) jumped out to an early lead thanks to a hot start from Logan Mezak, who drained a three-pointer from the corner off the opening tip. Edgewood dominated the first quarter, closing with a commanding 14-4 advantage.

The Red Dragons (8-13) responded in the second quarter, clawing back into the game by outscoring the Warriors 15-9. At one point, Niles briefly held the lead, but Edgewood managed to regroup and took a narrow 23-21 lead into halftime.

Both teams came out firing in the third quarter, trading baskets in an aggressive, fast-paced battle. The Warriors managed to widen their lead, finishing the quarter ahead 38-29.

Niles made one final push in the fourth, cutting the deficit to just four points. However, in their attempt to regain possession, the Red Dragons repeatedly sent Mezak to the free-throw line, where he delivered under pressure. Mezak converted seven crucial points from the stripe to seal the Warriors’ victory.

Mason Thorr led Edgewood with 14 points, while Mezak and Dallas Patterson each added 13. Devin Christine also contributed with 11 points. Niles was paced by Izaiah Redd’s 13 points, followed by A’Von Fryer and True Carey-Hardin, who both scored 12.
Coach Jay Bowler stated after the game that he got more players involved in the game, as some of the younger JV players had been proving themselves on the court, and he’s looking forward to the sectional game that is coming up.
With the regular season now complete, Edgewood will travel to Pepper Pike Orange for their sectional playoff game on February 21. The Red Dragons will also be in action that night, facing Jefferson on the road.

HERALDS SCORCH THE NETS IN WIN OVER SPARTANS

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SAYBROOK, OH – The Saint John Heralds (12-8) continued their strong season with a commanding 70-31 victory over the Conneaut Spartans (1-18) on Wednesday night at Saint John High School. The Heralds overwhelmed the Spartans with their sharpshooting, knocking down 11 three-pointers en route to a wire-to-wire win.

From the opening tip, Saint John established their offensive rhythm, Dyln Newsome knocking down a 3 pointer to start the Heralds 20 points in the first quarter while holding Conneaut to 13. The Heralds’ defense intensified in the second quarter, allowing just five points as they extended their lead to 36-18 at the half. The second half was more of the same, with Saint John outscoring Conneaut 20-7 in the third quarter before closing out the game with a 14-6 fourth quarter.

Heralds’ Offensive Showcase

Senior Dyln Newsome put on a scoring display, leading all players with 27 points, including three three-pointers. Newsome was aggressive in transition and capitalized on his outside shot to fuel the Heralds’ offensive attack. Fellow senior Vin Narducci was also a key contributor, finishing with 21 points while draining four shots from beyond the arc.

Senior Aaron Wychock had an electric night, tallying 11 points while connecting on three triples. Freshman Gus Petros added four points, while senior Grayson Petros chipped in three points with a three-pointer of his own. Sophomore Chase Newsome and junior Donald Crawford rounded out the scoring with two points each.

Conneaut’s Struggles Continue

The Spartans had difficulty establishing a consistent offensive rhythm against Saint John’s relentless defense. Jordon Kulko led Conneaut with 12 points, followed by Devante Harris with seven. Luis Cedeno and Hamilton Spero each added three points, while Noah Hamm, Caden Webb, and Jacob Thompson each finished with two.

Scoring Summary

Saint John Heralds

  • Dyln Newsome – 27 points (3 three-pointers) 
  • Vin Narducci – 21 points (4 three-pointers)
  • Aaron Wychock – 11 points (3 three-pointers)
  • Gus Petros – 4 points
  • Grayson Petros – 3 points (1 three-pointer)
  • Chase Newsome – 2 points
  • Donald Crawford – 2 points

Conneaut Spartans

  • Jordon Kulko – 12 points
  • Devante Harris – 7 points
  • Luis Cedeno – 3 points
  • Hamilton Spero – 3 points
  • Noah Hamm – 2 points
  • Caden Webb – 2 points
  • Jacob Thompson – 2 points

With the victory, Saint John improves to 12-8 on the season and will hit the road for their next game against the Crestwood Red Devils on February 14. Meanwhile, Conneaut will look to regroup as they return home to face the Maplewood Rockets on February 15.

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.

HERALDS POWER PAST LIONS BEHIND POWERFUL OFFENSE

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Photo Credit: Kristy Call

The Saint John Heralds improved their record to 9-8 with a commanding 73-60 victory over the St. Martin de Porres Lions (3-6) in an intense home matchup. Senior star Dyln Newsome led the charge with 28 points, while his teammates contributed key plays on both ends of the court.

Game Breakdown

The Lions edged Saint John 17-16 in a competitive first quarter, with Scott and Smith leading the way. However, the Heralds found their offensive rhythm in the second quarter, outscoring St. Martin de Porres 21-15 to take a 37-32 halftime lead.

Saint John’s defense dominated the third quarter, holding the Lions to just 7 points while adding 19 of their own. Despite a late push by the Lions in the fourth quarter, the Heralds’ balanced efforts secured the win.

Saint John Player Highlights:

  • Dyln Newsome: 28 points, showcasing scoring versatility with aggressive drives and mid-range jumpers.
  • Vin Narducci: 21 points, delivering key baskets throughout the contest.
  • Chase Newsome: 3 points, but made a massive impact with multiple steals and rebounds that disrupted the Lions’ offensive flow.
  • Grayson Petros: 8 points, contributing strong defense and critical rebounds.
  • Aaron Wychock: 7 points, providing consistent support on both ends of the court.
  • Gus Petros: 5 points, including key plays that energized the team.

St. Martin de Porres Key Performers:

  • Scott and Smith: 14 points each, anchoring the Lions’ offense.
  • Swopes: 10 points, battling hard for his team.

Looking Ahead:

Saint John will remain at home to face the Windham Bombers on February 7, 2025. St. Martin de Porres returns to Cleveland for a matchup against Max S. Hayes Lakers on the same date.

SHORTHANDED HERALDS STUMBLE AGAINST KNIGHTS

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Photo Credit: Kristy Call

Saybrook, OH- The Saint John Heralds (8-8) faced off against the St. Thomas Aquinas Knights (7-6) at Saint John High School in Ashtabula, Ohio. Despite being shorthanded due to illness, the Heralds fought hard but ultimately fell 82-43 in a challenging matchup.

First Half Overview:
The Knights established early dominance, outscoring the Heralds 20-9 in the first quarter. Their aggressive play on both sides of the court created scoring opportunities that Saint John struggled to counter. By halftime, Aquinas held a commanding 35-23 lead.

Second Half Surge by Aquinas:
St. Thomas Aquinas came out of the locker room firing on all cylinders, dropping 20 points in the third quarter and 27 more in the fourth. Johnson (16 points), Knowles (15 points), and Jeremy Thomas (14 points) led the offensive barrage for the Knights, who displayed balanced scoring and effective ball movement.

Saint John’s Efforts:
Despite the deficit, senior leaders Vin Narducci and Dyln Newsome pushed hard to keep the Heralds competitive. Newsome led the team with 17 points, showcasing his ability to drive to the basket and hit tough shots under pressure. Narducci contributed 14 points, while sophomore Chase Newsome added 8 points in a solid performance. Donald Crawford and Aaron Wychock chipped in with 2 points each.

Scoring Breakdown:
Saint John Heralds:

  • Dyln Newsome: 17 points
  • Vin Narducci: 14 points
  • Chase Newsome: 8 points
  • Donald Crawford: 2 points
  • Aaron Wychock: 2 points

St. Thomas Aquinas Knights:

  • Johnson: 16 points
  • Knowles: 15 points
  • Jeremy Thomas: 14 points
  • Simpson: 12 points
  • Perdue: 9 points
  • Jordan Thomas: 4 points
  • Welch: 4 points
  • Cross: 3 points
  • Ballard: 3 points
  • Harris: 2 points

Looking Ahead:
The Heralds will look to rebound quickly as they host the St. Martin de Porres Lions on February 5, 2025. Meanwhile, the Knights will travel to face the Mogadore Wildcats on February 7, 2025.

MUSTANGS RUN WILD AT HOME AGAINST MATHEWS

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Orwell, Ohio —  The Grand Valley Mustangs continued their stellar season on Tuesday night, securing an impressive 61-34 victory over the Mathews Mustangs at Grand Valley High School. The win not only bolstered Grand Valley’s already commanding record to 16-2 but also brought them one step closer to clinching the NAC Stars Division title outright. A victory in their next game against Maplewood on February 7 will cement their position as sole champions.

Strong Start Sets the Tone

Grand Valley took early control of the game, outscoring Mathews 11-7 in the first quarter. Senior guard Braden Hart led the charge with his aggressive play on both ends of the floor, contributing a game-high 20 points. By the second quarter, Grand Valley tightened their grip, putting up 19 points while holding Mathews to just six. Heading into halftime, Grand Valley held a commanding 30-13 lead.

Defensive Dominance and Offensive Efficiency

Grand Valley’s relentless defense was a major factor throughout the contest, forcing Mathews into difficult shots and capitalizing on turnovers. The third quarter saw Mathews muster just nine points, as Grand Valley’s balanced offensive attack continued to shine. Contributions came from multiple players, including Carter Turk with 13 points and Solly Schultz, who added 12.

Despite Mathews’ efforts to mount a comeback in the final quarter, Grand Valley matched their energy, scoring 19 points to close out the game. Peyton Plizga added eight points to the victory, while Sammy Goforth, Joey Galfidi, Ben Cozad, and Noah Waldo rounded out the scoring with crucial contributions.

Key Performers

Braden Hart’s leadership and 20-point performance stood out, complemented by Turk’s presence beyond the arc and Schultz’s abilty to attack the basket. Mathews struggled to find consistent offense, with Petak leading his team with 10 points, followed by Marinkovich with eight.

Looking Ahead

Grand Valley’s next game will be a pivotal matchup against the Maplewood Rockets on February 7. With a win, the Mustangs will secure sole possession of the NAC Stars Division title, a testament to their hard work and dominant season.

Mathews, now 14-4, will look to rebound when they face the Academy of Urban Scholars at home on February 7.