Tag Archive for: Braves

TIGERS REPEAT HOPES STAY ALIVE AT THE BUZZER

By Noah Doughty 


MINERAL RIDGE OH- It was districts at Mineral Ridge as #2 Badger took on #5 Springfield both teams’ defenses played tough with it being tied 14-14 at the half. It felt like the whole second half was the final stretch where every basket felt like it had a huge impact. And with Badger tying it up with under 10 seconds remaining Sprinfeild had a final drive where Ava Vecchione hit a buzzer beater with time expiring to give the Tigers a 40-38 win.

 

For the Badgers Katie Grexa led with 21 points and Hannah Betts made it into double digits with 10. For Springfield Jameka Brungard led with 14 points and Maren Vinkler made a huge impact for the Tigers off the bench with 8 points 6 of them coming in the third. Ava Vecchione also had 8 points as well in the win.

 

With the Win the Tigers advance on to district finals where they will take on Warren JFK this Saturday, March 2nd at 7:00 pm.

 

BRAVES SHINE IN TOURNAMENT DEBUT

KINSMAN OH- In a long-awaited tournament debut, Badger unleashed a dominant performance on Saturday, overcoming Jackson Milton with a commanding 59-41 victory to advance to the district round. After a delayed start to their postseason campaign, Badger wasted no time asserting their dominance on the court, showcasing their talent and determination in front of their home crowd.

Leading the charge for Badger was Hannah Betts, who delivered a stellar performance with a game-high 19 points, leading the offensive charge with her scoring prowess. Gabriella Miller contributed 14 points, while Katie Grexa added 13 points, providing additional firepower to propel Badger to victory.

Despite a spirited effort from Jackson Milton, led by Amani Yasin with 15 points and Emma Johns with 12 points, they were unable to withstand Badger’s relentless attack.

With the win, Badger advances to the district semifinals, where they are set to face off against Springfield. The highly anticipated matchup is scheduled for Wednesday at Mineral Ridge, with tip-off slated for 6:00.

MOY STORY

KINSMAN, OH- Duncan Moy, a standout basketball player from the Badger program, is making a significant impact in the world of high school basketball. Moy, known for his remarkable skills on the court, recently sat down with YSN for an exclusive interview, giving us a glimpse into his journey as a premier player.

The conversation highlighted Moy’s dedication to the game, with insights into his upbringing in a basketball-centric family and his deep-rooted love for the sport. He credited his parents and siblings for instilling a strong work ethic, emphasizing the importance of never giving anything less than his best effort.

In the interview, Moy reflected on his experiences and aspirations, shedding light on his love for the game and his relentless pursuit of excellence. With a focus on becoming an accountant, alongside his ambition to continue playing basketball at the collegiate level, Moy revealed his plans to join California University of Pennsylvania where he aims to make significant strides in his academic and athletic pursuits.

Furthermore, Moy spoke about the impact of his community and the support he has received throughout his high school career, emphasizing the importance of being a role model for younger players who look up to him.

Looking ahead, Moy expressed his desire to achieve success both on and off the court. From plans to pursue accolades in college basketball to a steadfast commitment to personal growth and leadership, Moy’s dedication stands as a testament to his future aspirations.

As he continues to navigate his senior year, Moy’s unwavering determination and exceptional skills make him a name to watch in the basketball world and beyond.

With a promising future ahead, Duncan Moy exemplifies the qualities of a true leader and athlete, leaving an indelible mark on the basketball community and inspiring those around him.

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FALCONS PREY ON BRAVES

Photo Credit: Joclyn Nicholas

Jefferson, OH- In a exciting performance, the Jefferson Falcons soared to victory over the Badger Braves with a decisive final score of 87-54. The Falcons’ potent offense and strong defensive presence proved too much for the Braves to handle throughout the game.

QUARTER SCORES
Jefferson Falcons: 14 | 19 | 27 | 27 = 87
Badger Braves: 13 | 11 | 13 | 17 = 54

Jefferson Falcons Total Points:

  • Anthony Covetta: 34
  • Joey DeGeorge: 20
  • Joel Navarro: 10
  • Robbie Pisano: 10
  • Caleb Welser: 8
  • Dylan Beebe: 5

Badger Braves Total Points:

  • Duncan Moy: 20
  • Lewis Flower: 14
  • Jack Harnett: 14
  • Preston Geracitano: 4
  • Bryce Gross: 2

Leading the charge for the Falcons was Anthony Covetta, who put on a scoring clinic with an impressive 34 points. Covetta’s scoring prowess was complemented by Joey DeGeorge, who contributed 20 points, and Joel Navarro and Robbie Pisano, who each added 10 points to the scoreboard. Caleb Welser and Dylan Beebe rounded out the Falcons’ scoring efforts with 8 and 5 points, respectively.

Despite a valiant effort from the Braves, led by Duncan Moy with 20 points and Lewis Flower and Jack Harnett with 14 points each, they were unable to keep pace with the Falcons’ relentless offensive onslaught.

With this victory, the Jefferson Falcons improve to a record of 12-8 on the season, showcasing their ability to perform at a high level against tough opponents. Looking ahead, the Falcons will prepare to face off against the Lakeside Dragons on February 17th, 2024, aiming to continue their winning momentum.

Meanwhile, the Badger Braves have concluded their regular season with a record of 16-6 and will now shift their focus to the OHSAA postseason tournament. After receiving a bye in the first round, the Braves will await the winner of the Heartland Christian Lions and Chalker Wildcats game, prepared to make a deep playoff run.

The Falcons’ dominant performance serves as a testament to their talent and determination as they look to make a strong push in the postseason. With their potent offense and solid defense, the Falcons are poised to make a significant impact in the playoffs.

BADGER FENDS OFF INVADING VIKINGS

KINSMAN OH- In a highly anticipated matchup between two teams eyeing a deep tournament run, Badger hosted LaBrae on Thursday night in a clash that lived up to its billing. In a thrilling contest that kept fans on the edge of their seats, Badger managed to fend off the visiting Vikings to secure a hard-fought 62-57 victory.

Leading the charge for Badger was Hannah Betts, whose stellar performance saw her tally an impressive 18 points, showcasing her scoring prowess when it mattered most. Avery Rice and Brianna Huscroft also made significant contributions, notching 15 and 12 points respectively, to propel Badger to victory.

On the opposing side, LaBrae fought valiantly, with standout performances from Ella Kuszmaul, who tallied 15 points, along with Marissa Levensky and Riley Rowe, who added 13 and 12 points respectively to keep the game competitive until the final buzzer.

With this win, Badger concludes their regular season on a high note, boasting an impressive record of 20-2 as they shift their focus to the upcoming tournament. Despite notching a loss, LaBrae (17-5) remains a formidable contender heading into postseason play, with their sights set on a strong showing in the tournament. Badger’s next opponent is yet to be determined as they enjoy a bye, while LaBrae will kick off their tournament campaign by hosting Norwayne next Wednesday, setting the stage for an exciting postseason showdown.

BADGER SECURES NAC TITLE

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.

THE HEART OF THE BRAVES

KINSMAN OH-  In the heart of Badger’s resurgence as a basketball program stands senior standout Katie Grexa, whose impact transcends the court. Grexa has been a driving force behind the team’s resurgence, embodying leadership, skill, and an unwavering love for the game.

Grexa’s passion for basketball is palpable, extending beyond the court to her dedication to learning, playing, and watching the game. Her genuine love for the sport has not only fueled her individual success but has become an infectious spirit, influencing her teammates and contributing to the Braves’ collective success.

What sets Grexa apart is not just her prowess as a player but her ability to be an extra coach for the team. Her insights and understanding of the game give her the authority to halt practices when adjustments are needed. Grexa’s leadership extends to nurturing her teammates, offering encouragement, and setting high standards for the entire team.

Maintaining an unbelievable standard for herself, Grexa sets the bar high, pushing not only for personal excellence but also inspiring those around her to elevate their game. Her commitment to excellence is a testament to her character and the impact she has on the team’s culture.

Grexa’s dedication to her craft earned her a commitment to play at the next level, showcasing her talent at Lake Erie College. Achieving a milestone as a junior with her 1,000th career point, Grexa now has her sights set on an impressive 1,500 before concluding her illustrious high school career.

A significant pillar in Grexa’s journey has been her relationship with coach LaVell Turnage. While Turnage transitioned to coach Ursuline this season, his influence remains a cornerstone of Grexa’s success. Their bond transcends coaching changes, highlighting the enduring impact of mentorship and support in shaping a player’s trajectory. Grexa’s story is not just about basketball; it’s a testament to leadership, commitment, and the enduring impact of genuine passion for the game.

Grexa has done a great job setting up the future of Badger girls basketball with her leadership and work ethic.  She still has work to do this season, but when she graduates Badger will be in a great place to keep succeeding.

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HIGH FLYING DUNCAN PUSHES BRAVES PAST HERALDS

Kinsman, OH- In a matchup that showcased the Badger Braves’ prowess on the basketball court, they secured a decisive victory against the St. John Heralds. The final score reflected the Badger Braves’ dominance, with a total of 82 points, leaving the Heralds trailing at 40.

Player Stats:

Badger Braves:

  • Duncan Moy: 30 points
  • Prestine Geracitano: 18 points
  • Alton Winchek: 5 points
  • Lewis Flowers: 10 points
  • Jack Harnett: 7 points
  • Kyle Richards: 1 point
  • Bryce Gross: 5 points
  • Jared Schmidt: 2 points
  • Jason Parsons: 4 points

St. John Heralds:

  • Vin Narducci: 14 points
  • Aaron Wychock: 8 points
  • Anthony Severino: 6 points
  • Brady Cole: 6 points
  • Donald Crawford: 6 points

The standout performer of the night was undoubtedly Duncan Moy, who delivered a high-flying spectacle with six dunks, including an alley-oop that will be remembered as one of the most entertaining plays of the year. Moy’s incredible performance led all scorers with an impressive 30 points.

With this win, the Badger Braves improved their season record to 10-3, further solidifying their position as a formidable force in the league. Their next challenge awaits on the road against the Windham Bombers (5-6) on 1/19/24. The Bombers, coming off a 62-52 loss to the Maplewood Rockets, will face a tough test against the Braves.

Meanwhile, the St. John Heralds (2-7) faced a tough defeat and are set to play on the road against the Lordstown Red Devils (0-9). The Red Devils, coming off a 90-48 loss to the Badger Braves, will be eager to bounce back, creating an intriguing matchup for both teams.

As the Badger Braves continue their winning streak, fans eagerly anticipate more electrifying performances and thrilling victories throughout the remainder of the season.

BADGER BOYS BASKETBALL COACH S CORNER EP 2 WITH JOSH UPSHIRE

KINSMAN, OH- In the latest episode of YSN’s “Badger Boys Basketball Coach’s Corner,” host DJ Yokley and guest Josh Upshire, celebrated a milestone win and discussed the impact and influence of basketball and community on their lives.

Highlighting the significance of his 100th win, Upshire conveyed his gratitude to his players, coaching staff, and the community, emphasizing that the achievement is a collective effort. The episode shed light on the journey from Upshire’s first buzzer-beater victory to achieving this incredible milestone, emphasizing the lessons learned and the evolution of his coaching style.

Upshire’s commitment to youth development and community engagement were prominent topics of discussion. The podcast delved into his dedication to the K-2 league and creating opportunities for young talent, symbolizing his investment in the future of the program.

Additionally, Upshire emphasized the importance of nurturing positive behavior in students and incentivizing it with opportunities to witness high school basketball, fostering a supportive and enthusiastic community around the sport.

Host DJ Yokley lauded Upshire’s exemplary character and positioned him as not just a basketball figure, but a model community leader. The conversation encompassed the influences that guided Upshire’s journey, from honoring his family’s contribution to the impactful mentorship he received from key figures in his life.
The episode resonated as a tribute to the far-reaching impact of passion, determination, and community spirit within the realm of sports. Upshire’s unwavering commitment to the game and the community serves as an inspiration, encapsulating the essence of the YSN podcast and the positivity it aims to promote.

Overall, the episode highlighted the profound influence of basketball beyond the courts, exemplifying the power of sports in shaping lives and communities.

The episode is a testament to the larger narrative of sportsmanship, leadership, and community building, representing the values that YSN aims to showcase in their podcast content.

The discussions in this episode serve as a reminder of the remarkable impact of sports on individuals and communities, and the invaluable spirit of camaraderie and support that defines the world of athletics and beyond.

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UPSHIRE NAILS DOWN WIN 100; BADGER ROLLS

KINSMAN, OH- It’s been a record year for Badger on multiple fronts already, and on Tuesday, they added another bullet point to their campaign with Coach Josh Upshire getting his 100th career win with a 65-34 win over Chalker.

For Badger, Senior Dunan Moy paced the play with 26 points.  The Braves were supplemented by Jack Harnett and Alton Winchek’s 11 points apiece, along with eight points for Jason Parsons.

Chalker was led on the floor with 18 points by Dan Kellar, and five-point performances from Andrew Kirkland and Tanner Kelson.

Badger improves to 8-3, while Chalker falls to 2-7 on the campaign.