Tag Archive for: Bulldogs

BLUE DEVILS QUIET BULLDOGS, LISBON TOPS EAST PALESTINE

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EAST PALESTINE, OH – On a night that saw two teams jockeying for a better position in the EOAC standings, it was the Lisbon Blue Devils that emerged victorious in the first of the two match ups this season between these two squads.

The two squads battled almost evenly through the first part of the first quarter until the Blue Devils caught fire from deep, connecting on three straight threes as the quarter wrapped up which put the score at 19-9 in favor of Lisbon. The second quarter saw Lisbon begin to stretch their legs a little bit more as they took a 33-17 lead into the intermission. As the second half progressed, the Blue Devils kept steady as the Bulldogs tried to scrap their way back into the game but as the final buzzer sounded, the Blue Devils were just too far ahead, winning 67-42.

The Blue Devils were led by Blayne Brownfield, who tallied another double double, with 25 points and 12 rebounds, while Ryan McCullough added 15 points and 7 assists. Kaden Crawford also chipped in with 8 points and 7 rebounds.

East Palestine was led by Johnathan Bertovich with 22 points and Brandon Turcola with 8 points.

Lisbon (5-7) will put their three game winning streak to the test on Tuesday night as they will travel to Columbiana to take on the Clippers as part of a boy/girl, varsity only, double header.

East Palestine (2-7) is back in action on Tuesday, January 14th, as they will play host to the Lions of Heartland Christian.

BLUE’S KLU’S

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Last season the basketball world had to be informed of Morgan Kluchar’s presence. As a freshman, she had to prove that she belonged on the court with the upperclassmen. She did just that. Now as a sophomore, it’s a different feeling for Morgan. She has earned her spot and her respect, and now it’s all about continuing to grow as a player. She says that this season she is grasping a lot more of the fine details of the game. That comes from all the time she got on the varsity floor her freshman season. She also says nerves have really gone down from last year to this year. They’re still there for sure, but not nearly as strong. Two main goals are at the top of Morgan’s list. The first is to improve her defense. She admits that last season her defense did not reach her own standards and definitely wants to improve on that. Second is to become more of a threat from the outside. That would make her a more well rounded offensive player. Last season we asked you to get a clue about Morgan as a freshman, and now the clues are there for you, so figure it out that Morgan Kluchar is a one of a kind talent. 

Anthony Hartwig went on down to Poland to sit down with Morgan. They discuss the team dealing with adversity, taking a leadership role, and much more. Get to know the Lady Bulldog sophomore with the latest Player Profile Blue’s Klu’s.

 

POLAND TAKES BATTLE OF BULLDOGS

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POLAND, OH- Poland, OH- Coming off a big win against Struthers, the Poland Bulldogs faced the Lakeview Bulldogs at the beginning of a three-game homestand. Lakeview would have the lead throughout the game until the final quarter. Lakeview’s Forward Jake Wilms led his team in points with 14 points while Poland’s Guard Andrew Centofanti finished the night with 12 points. Poland wins a close one 49-41.

In the first-quarter Lakeview went up early with Wilms adding 8 points in the quarter. Poland would storm back after Guard Andrew Centofanti added 6 points and Zach Kassem added 3 more to make the game 11-14, Lakeview. In the second quarter, Wilms would get some assistance from his Lakeview teammates to maintain the lead at halftime, 22-21. Poland would keep up with Lakeview after Michael Cougras added 5 points while Zach Kassem added 3 more points before halftime.

Both teams would find success at the 3 point line in the third quarter. The Poland starting 5 would contribute 32 points to this point in the game highlighted by Centofanti’s reaching double digits. Lakeview would keep the lead at the end of the quarter with Forward Brendan Kilpatrick nailing a half-court shot at the buzzer to make the score, 33-34 Lakeview. Poland’s JP Genova would catch fire in the opening minutes of the fourth quarter and Poland would take the lead for the remainder of the game. Genova had 8 points in this quarter alone(9 overall). Lakeview’s Wilms would finish the game with 14 points while Kilpatrick has 12 points.

Poland will host Jefferson on Friday, January 10th. Lakeview will host Hubbard on the same day.

*Story contributed by YSN’s Anthony Melone

BULLDOGS FLY AHEAD OF EAGLES

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The Poland girls got back to NE8 play on Monday night with a 64-24 win over Hubbard.

It was all Poland from the jump as the Bulldogs started the game on a 9-0 run and never looked back from there. It was once again their defense leading the way who suffocated the Eagles offense all night. It was the third time this season they’d held an opponent below thirty. The Bulldogs got contributions from a lot of players on the night. 12 Bulldogs got on the stat sheet. Only one player that got into the game didn’t score.

Jackie Grisdale led the team with 21 points 5 rebounds. Morgan Kluchar added 7, three players finished with 6. Kailyn Brown, Brooke Bobbey, and Arianna Daniels.

Poland returns to action Thursday as they travel to Niles.

Hubbard hosts Struthers on Thursday night.

POLAND ALL SMILES IN WIN OVER LIBERTY

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POLAND, OH- The Poland Lady Bulldogs were in a place on Saturday where they haven’t been in quite some time, in a losing streak. The schedule did not get any easier either as they welcomed in a one-loss Liberty team. However, Poland looked sharp as they dominated Liberty in a 63-43 victory.

The first quarter lived up to the billing of the matchup. Liberty and Poland traded blows back and forth. Both offenses seemed to be in a good rhythm as the first quarter ended with 12-11 Liberty lead. This trend would not last, however, as Poland’s defense started to rush the Leopards into plenty of unforced turnovers. That coupled with Liberty foul trouble made It easy for Poland to shoot ahead and take a commanding lead.

Things were never in doubt for the Bulldogs after halftime as the closest the Leopards could get in the second half is 9 points. Poland’s defense is what everyone would expect. Their offense however who has struggled at times this year really had success. 63 points is the highest total for the Bulldog offense, and on the other end of the floor 43 was by far the lowest total Liberty had been held to this season.

Jackie Grisdale led the Bulldogs with 20 points 7 rebounds and Kailyn Brown gathered a double-double with 17 points 10 rebounds.

Poland returns to action Monday as they host Hubbard.

WILDCATS, BULLDOGS, AND COUGRAS, OH MY; POLAND WINS OT THRILLER

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STRUTHERS, OH- For many, Struthers Fieldhouse will forever be remembered for the events that have been hosted in its time, but on Friday night, the historic building served as home to another set of memories for many as Poland and Struthers played in an instant classic inside the CatHouse.  Poland rallied to force overtime and later prevailed on a Michael Cougras layup that sealed a 57-56 NE8 victory.

This was Struthers’ first loss of the season.

Cougras would finish with 19- a game-high on either side of the sideline, while teammate Adam Kassem supplemented with a dozen points.

For Struthers, Brandon Washington and Carson Ryan continued to be steady for the Wildcats.  Ryan led the way with 15, while Washington had 13.  Week 2 YSN/Baird Brothers Big Dog of the Valley, Trey Metzka had 8.

Poland (4-2) will now host Lakeview on Tuesday, while Struthers (6-1) will host South Range.  Both games will be available on YSN if you can’t make it in person.

 

BIG FINISH IN BULLDOG COUNTRY; EP WINS OVER EAGLES

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EAST PALESTINE, OH- Bulldog Head Coach, Bill Stanton knew how teams would approach his offense this year.  “Stop number 11.”  What he had up his sleeve was that if he could carve out a scorer or two with the heart his team possesses, it could give teams fits.  To open up the new year, East Palestine did things a bit different in their 64-57 victory over United, they found confidence with the basketball, which in turn, made them a very dangerous team.

John Bertovich, AKA “Number 11”, was able to muster up 31 points in what was an impressive showing all around the floor.  Dazzling buckets on the inside, and shots from beyond the arc that would make Steph Curry blush.  However, it was the combination of Tyler Bistarkey, Brandon Turcola, Zion Figley, and Westin Jones that sealed the deal in this one.  Figley showed incredible heart and determination when he splashed a pair of three’s at crucial moments to keep the Bulldogs surging while finishing with 12 tallies on the night.  Bistarkey had 10 points, but his defense was his calling card on Friday, as he was tasked with defending 6’7 Nate Miller down low, and at one point had a rejection that sent the Dog Pound into a frenzy.  Brandon Turcola and Westin Jones combined for 11 points, but the hustle and drive throughout the game closed out the victory for East Palestine.

United continues to look for its first victory on the season.  Nate Miller finished with 22 for the Eagles on the inside, while Keaton Baker had 14.  Parker Berdine would finish with 6 on the night for the Eagles as well.

East Palestine (2-5) will now prep for EOAC leader, Columbiana on Tuesday in the Dog Pound.  Tip is set for 7pm, with Dan and Tim Figley on the call on YSN.

EAST PALESTINE BASKETBALL COACH’S CORNER (EP 4) WITH BILL STANTON

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EAST PALESTINE, OH- The youth movement in East Palestine is underway, and the Bulldogs are earning their minutes on the floor under 2nd-year skipper, Bill Stanton.

The Bulldogs are well aware of the challenges they face in 2019-2020, but embrace them and are willing to fight through in order to establish a new culture in EP!

We caught up with Coach Stanton for a bit of a recap, and a look forward to what his Bulldogs face moving forward!

All that and more on this week’s East Palestine Basketball Coach’s Corner with Bill Stanton

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THE THUNDERING HERD

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Lizzy Herdman is one of the new faces to a Lady Bulldog team that returns four out of five starters from the 2018 season. Lizzy’s position was not handed to her. She has worked her way up in the program over the last two seasons. Putting her time in on the JV level and constantly growing. That time is something Coach Blanch respects in a player. Herdman doesn’t have the need of instant gratification, she understands everything has to be earned. Coming in to this summer she was determined to take her place at the varsity level. The coaching staff saw pretty quickly how much of an asset Herdman was going to be. She was rewarded a starting role and in the first game of the season, she showed she belonged by leading the team in rebounds against a physical Champion squad. Lizzy still isn’t satisfied with just getting to start, she says her personal goal as the season goes on is to become more of an offensive impact for her team. She also understands that now as a junior she needs to be a leader of this team. Strong leadership has been a pin of the program over the years and Herdman is determined to continue that trend. It’s been a long time coming for this junior, she’s been building her skills and waiting for her time. Now nothing can stop the thundering herd from dominating down low. 

Anthony Hartwig went down to Poland to talk to Lizzy. They discuss earning her new spot, what she expects from herself going forward, and much more. Get your fix of Lady Bulldog basketball with the latest Player Profile The Thundering Herd.

EAST PALESTINE GIRLS BASKETBALL COACH’S CORNER WITH WILL FRANKLIN (EP 2)

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EAST PALESTINE, OH- Coming off the most successful year in recent history, and Coach Franklin’s most successful as the Head Coach, the Lady Bulldogs are looking to build on a 17-win season just a year ago.  It won’t be an easy road, but it’s certainly attainable.

The Lady Dogs are flying high after a big victory over Springfield in overtime this week.  Now, as the calendar turns over to 2020, the Lady Dogs turn their attention back to the EOAC, and have their hands full with Columbiana this week.

We caught up with Coach “Frank” to discuss the opportunities ahead as well as what he’s looking to build upon this season.

All that and more on this week’s episode of East Palestine Coach’s Corner with Will Franklin.

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