Tag Archive for: Bulldogs

THE VOICE OF A GENERATION

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For many that come in and out of the “Dog Pound” in East Palestine, there’s a recognizable voice that allows you to know you’re in Bulldog Country.  A warm, raspy tone welcomes you to East Palestine, and for many allows them to feel as if they’re home.

Many things have changed in the town over the past few decades.  However, the one constant has been the gentle giant in the stands, and at the announcer’s table.  East Palestine’s very own: Vaughn Brunson.  Whether it’s his incredible knowledge of sports and music history, or if you are just looking for a pleasant friend to talk to, Brunson fits the mold.  He has no issues taking a bad at-bat and making you smile with his spot-on impressions of Elvis.  Or perhaps your son or daughter is about to make history in their sport, Vaughn is a walking encyclopedia when it comes to when, where, and how it happened for the Brown and White.

It was nearly a decade ago that Brunson was approached by then-Athletic Director, Jim Wilson to announce basketball games.  It was a mission Vaughn had waited a long time to accept, and one he was born for.  Brunson keeps the fans entertained throughout the game with announcements, as well as play-by-play that allows fans of all ages to understand what’s transpiring before them.  In a world full of technology advancements, and the “next best thing” East Palestine’s Vaughn Brunson keeps us all connected to the yesteryear every time we find a seat in the gymnasium.  A traditional voice for untraditional times.

YSN’s Tim Figley sat down with East Palestine’s keynote speaker for a special sports profile.  Vaughn Brunson: THE VOICE OF A GENERATION.

 

KOHLER SPARKS SOUTH RANGE OVER LAKEVIEW

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CANFIELD, OH- South Range Sophomore, Bree Kohler, was bad news for opposing pitchers on Monday, driving in five on one hits to lead the South Range Raiders past Lakeview 10-2 in their first game of the year.  Kohler drove in runs on a home run in the first, a fielder’s choice in the second, as well as in the fourth.

South Range opened up scoring in the first inning, when Bree Kohler homered on a 1-0 count, scoring three runs.  The Raiders scored three runs in the fourth inning as well. The offensive firepower by South Range was led by Drew Feren, Kohler, and Hanna Dennison, all driving in runs in the inning.

The headaches didn’t end there for Lakeview, as Kohler also pitched the burgundy and gold to victory. She allowed three hits and two runs over seven innings, striking out 15 and walking none.

For Lakeview, Cair Kelm took the loss. She surrendered ten runs on eight hits over six innings, striking out three.

Senior, Marlaina Slabach went 2-for-3 at the plate to lead South Range Raiders in hits.

 

“Powered by Narrative Science and GameChanger Media. Copyright 2019. All rights reserved.” 

SOUTH RANGE OPENS NE8 ACTION WITH VICTORY

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CANFIELD, OH- The South Range Raiders defeated Lakeview 3-0 on Monday as two pitchers combined to throw a shutout. Trey Pancake struck out Ellsworth-Myers to finish off the game.  The pitching was strong on both sides. Raiders pitchers struck out ten, while Vogt sat down seven.

South Range got things moving in the first inning, when Vogt threw a wild pitch allowing one run across the plate for the Raiders.  One bright spot for Lakeview was a single by Kilpatrick in the fifth inning.  Jake Gehring took the win for the Raiders. He went six innings, allowing zero runs on two hits, striking out eight and walking zero. Pancake threw one inning in relief out of the bullpen.  Pancake recorded the last three outs to earn the save for the Raiders.

Vogt took the loss for Lakeview. He went six innings, allowing three runs on five hits, striking out seven and walking one.

Gehring, Nick Habeth, Brandon Mikos, Ben Rivera, and Josh Stear each managed one hit to lead South Range.  The Raiders didn’t commit a single error in the field. Jared Bajerski had ten chances in the field, the most on the team.

 

“Powered by Narrative Science and GameChanger Media. Copyright 2019. All rights reserved.” 

CLIPPERS LEASH BULLDOGS

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COLUMBIANA, OH-  Chase Franken settled in after a rough start to the 2019 campaign going the distance as Columbiana defeated East Palestine 5-2 here at frigid Firestone Park.  After the Bulldogs scored two unearned in the first and threatened in the second, Franken retired 16 of the last 17 en route to complete game win. He struck out 11 and walked two.

The Bulldogs had an aggressive mindset at the plate.  Connor Elliot hit the first pitch of the game to left center for a double and scored on a ball that got through the left side.   With two out, another error allowed Dalton Vance to score for an early 2-0 advantage. However, Sean Helpy gave up two walks to start the bottom of the second which set up the Clippers’ go-ahead inning. Wayne Davis had the big hit. His knock scored Zach Pleska, and Erik Hopfenziz followed after a throwing error. Davis then scored on a wild pitch to put the Clippers ahead for good 3-2.   They added single runs in the fourth and sixth as junior Ryan Fahs had an RBI single.

There weren’t many hard-hit balls as a cold, biting wind made it very difficult for both teams at the plate.  Helpy was the hard-luck loser as he pitched effectively into the sixth.

The Eastern Ohio Athletic Conference and Route 14 rivals will meet again in East Palestine at the Next Level complex on Wednesday at 5 p.m.   

 

**Written by YSN’s Voice of Columbiana: Mark Franken**

A PRIDEFUL FINISH FOR POLAND

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BARBERTON, OH-The Poland Lady Bulldogs had their season come to an end Friday night with a 56-46 loss to Akron St Vincent St Mary.

As the teams were warming up it was easy to tell the size differential on the court. And the Irish took full advantage of it in the 1st quarter. Running their offense exclusively from the paint Poland struggled to keep the Irish posts in check. After the two teams traded buckets back and forth to tie the game at 6, the Irish began separating themselves. With the score 15-9 Jackie Grisdale hit a three to stop the momentum. The Irish however, were not phased as they scored the final 4 points of the frame and led 19-12 after 1.  

With the score at 22-17 early in the 2nd the Irish went on another run to separate themselves. This was an 8-0 run and put them up 30-17 with just under 4 minutes to go in the half.  This was a tipping point in the game where the Irish could really pull away, but the Bulldogs weren’t having it. They clawed back to cut the lead to 32-24 at the break.

The Poland defense took that momentum that closed the 1st half and did what they’ve done so many times this season, hold offenses down. The defense only allowed 6 points in the entire 3rd quarter, which let their offense claw all the way back to cut the lead to 38-36 after 3.

The Bulldogs had all the momentum coming out of the 4th quarter, their defense kept getting stops allowing them to tie the game at 38.  Later in the 4th still tied at 38-38 Kat Partika hit a huge three to give Poland their first lead of the game. The Irish tied the game at 41 off an old fashioned three point play. The Bulldogs were clearly tired at this point. Battling tooth and nail against a team that was bigger than them at every position took its toll.  Poland missed a couple of close range shots that would have given them the lead back but instead led to transition buckets for the Irish. Just like that the momentum swung back to St Mary and they ended the game on a 18-5 run to walk away with a 56-46 victory.

Jackie Grisdale had her best statistical tournament game of her career with 18 points to lead the way going 4/7 from three. Sarah Bury was also in double figures with 11. Poland end the season with a record of 26-1, a AP poll championship, and a district championship.

GET A KLU

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Great teams always have a mix of experienced leadership, and young talent. The senior leaders of the Poland Lady Bulldogs have been well documented, but as far as the young talent goes look no further than freshman Morgan Kluchar.

PHOTO CREDIT: SEMINARY+

Not too many players can say they started their high school varsity careers by having an undefeated regular season and playing for a trip to the state playoffs. Morgan Kluchar is one of the few who can. After some preseason injuries thrusters Kluchar into the starting lineup, the young stud has shined bright. Now a consistent starter on the number 1 team in the state, her confidence is sky high.

YSN’s Anthony Hartwig sat down with Morgan before the team’s regional championship game to talk about the emotions of her first start, how much the seniors and other experienced members of the team have done for her, and what keeps her so loose in high-pressure situations. Join us in learning about the Bulldogs young pup Morgan Kluchar in the latest Player Profile Get a Klu.

POLAND BASKETBALL COACH’S CORNER W/ NICK BLANCH (EP 8)

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The Lady Bulldogs after their regional semifinal victory are now 1 win away from a coveted trip to the Schottenstein Center in Columbus. Standing in their way is Akron St Vincent St Mary.

With just two days to prepare for the biggest test of their season, the Bulldogs are putting a premium on focus and endurance.  Head coach Nick Blanch knows making sure his players are as fresh as possible is most important. The scene is set in Barberton for a regional championship that is sure to entertain.

So what things went so well in their regional semifinal win? What would yet another net cutting mean to Coach Blanch and his team? And what does each member of the coaching staff bring to the table? All that and more as our own Anthony Hartwig talks with Nick Blanch in Episode 8 of Poland Basketball Coach’s Corner With Nick Blanch

BLUE TURNS TO BROWN

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Changes don’t happen without effort. To say that Poland junior Kailyn Brown has put in the effort to make changes would be an understatement. Kailyn has gone from a shy freshman now a consistent starter as a junior.

Now in her junior season, Brown has become an intricate part of a historical Poland Bulldog team. She brings toughness and confidence to an already great lineup. Like colors of leaves change through the seasons, Brown has become a dominant presence for her team.

 

PHOTO CREDIT: SEMINARY SPORTS+

YSN’s Anthony Hartwig sat down with the junior to talk about her growth over the years, the experience this season has been, and much more. Hear it all on the latest Lady Bulldog Player Profile BLUE TURNS TO BROWN.

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POLAND BASKETBALL COACH’S CORNER W/ NICK BLANCH (EP 7)

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The Poland Lady Bulldogs have achieved their first district championship since 2000 and are hungry for more.

The Bulldog community has rallied around the girl’s basketball team all season and it has paid off.  Fresh off their district championship the Lady Bulldogs now set their sights on Akron Buchtel in the regional semifinals taking place in Barberton. The constant attention this season has prepared the team for the bigger stage, and they are ready to put their best paw forward.

What does the district title mean to Coach Blanch? And how long did he celebrate it? What should fans expect from Buchtel and the atmosphere at Barberton? How important will the senior leadership be in these tournament rounds? All will be answered as our very own Anthony Hartwig chats with Coach B on Episode 7 of Poland Coach’s Corner with Nick Blanch

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POLAND BASKETBALL COACH’S CORNER W/ NICK BLANCH (EP 6)

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The Poland Lady Bulldogs have 2 fresh tournament wins under their belt, but the toughest task may await.

The district championship against Ursuline looms on the Bulldogs. Last year’s tournament game against the Irish came down to a single point in overtime.  The stage gets bigger this time around as the winner goes to Barberton for a regional semifinal.

What does Coach Blanch expect from this game? How does the coaching staff deal with the long season of hard work? What does the team bring to the classroom? All is revealed in Episode 6 as our own Anthony Hartwig sits down with Coach B in Poland Coach’s Corner with Nick Blanch.  

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