Tag Archive for: defense

BUSTING BRACKETS: SCHIRALDI BREAKS DOWN THE MADNESS

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YOUNGSTOWN, OH- In the latest episode of the YSN podcast, host DJ Yokley was joined by the renowned basketball expert Dennis Schiraldi for an in-depth discussion on March Madness and bracket predictions. Sheraldi, hailed as the “guru” and “wizard of the brackets,” shared his insights and analysis on the upcoming NCAA men’s basketball tournament.

The episode delved into various aspects of the tournament, including team performances, key factors for success, underdog picks, and potential Cinderella stories. Sheraldi emphasized the importance of defensive play, rebounding, and guard performance in determining the success of teams in the tournament. He also highlighted the impact of one shining moment for players, providing a platform for them to showcase their potential in the basketball world.

Shiraldi’s predictions for the Final Four included teams such as UConn, Auburn, Illinois, Houston, and Duke, offering a comprehensive overview of potential contenders. He also discussed potential Cinderella runs, including Grand Canyon, adding an element of anticipation for unexpected upsets.

The conversation concluded with Sheraldi’s bold prediction of UConn as the 2024 NCAA men’s basketball champion. His reasoning included the coaching prowess of Danny Hurley, the strong defensive capabilities of the team, and the overall impact of UConn’s performance in the tournament.

The podcast episode was not only a comprehensive guide to the upcoming tournament but also showcased Sheraldi’s in-depth knowledge and passion for the sport of basketball. Listeners were left with valuable insights and anticipation for the thrilling action set to unfold in March.

 

RAE IS RARE

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PEPPER PIKE, OH- Junior basketball standout, Rae Oberster, is poised to make a significant impact on the court as a leader for the Orange Lady Lions. In a recent interview on the YSN podcast, Oberster shared insights into the challenges and aspirations that come with being a junior on the team.

Oberster recognizes the weight of her new role, highlighting the delicate balance between authority and unity among teammates. As the team’s floor general, she strives to lead by example, emphasizing the importance of understanding and directing plays to guide the team to success.

When asked about her passion for basketball, Oberster credited her parents for inspiring her determination, especially her mother’s courageous move to a foreign country during high school. She reflected on her love for the sport, emphasizing the value of hard work and the gratification of seeing results through dedication and skill.

While her offensive prowess is undoubted, Oberster’s commitment to growth and patience during times of adversity bodes well for the Lady Lions. She emphasized the significance of celebrating small victories as key stepping stones towards a successful season.

Oberster’s family plays a significant role in her life, particularly her father, with whom she shares a strong bond over basketball. Her enthusiasm for the game extends even to her Christmas wish, as she eagerly anticipates a win at the Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse.

As she gears up to represent her school and community on the court, Oberster’s infectious excitement and dedication make her a standout player to watch this season. With her leadership and offensive prowess, all signs point to a promising season for the Orange Lady Lions.

The Orange Lady Lions’ fans can look forward to witnessing Rae Oberster’s unwavering commitment and skill as she takes charge on the court.

 

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A UNIQUE WAY FOR ANEKWE

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PEPPER PIKE, OH- In the podcast episode titled “YSN⧸ORANGE BASKETBALL PLAYER PROFILE: DOM ANEKWE,” we get an inside look at the life and mindset of Dom Anekwe, a senior basketball player at Orange High School. Dom talks about the physicality and toughness required for his position as a big man down low for the Lions. He emphasizes the importance of staying motivated, being consistent, and constantly improving his game, especially his mid-range shooting.

Throughout the conversation, Dom reflects on his track and field experience and how it has contributed to his basketball skills, with a core focus on consistency. He also shares his expectations for the team’s upcoming season, including their defensive strength and their ability to handle close games.
One of the most poignant moments of the episode is when Dom talks about his role models, including Kobe Bryant, Michael B. Jordan, and LeBron James. However, he reserves a special place in his heart for his grandmother, who is a source of unwavering support, encouragement, and valuable life advice.
Dom’s deep admiration for his grandmother is evident as he shares how she attends all his games and provides him with wisdom and guidance. He discusses the impact of her presence in his life, and the valuable advice she has given him, which includes keeping God in his favor.

The conversation takes a heartwarming turn as Dom shares his excitement for the upcoming Thanksgiving celebration, highlighting his grandmother’s delicious dishes and the memorable family moments they share.

In a lighthearted moment, Dom reveals his cooking skills and his specialty—spaghetti, and eagerly responds to the idea of trying a spaghetti sandwich, showing his fun and adventurous side.

The episode wraps up with Dom expressing his excitement and determination as he gears up for the games, ready to give his best and be great for the Lions. The conversation offers a glimpse into the life of a dedicated high school basketball player, highlighting the impact of family, values, and the determination to succeed both on and off the court.

 

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URSULINE GIRL’S BASKETBALL COACH’S CORNER (EP 1) WITH LAVELL TURNAGE

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YOUNGSTOWN, OH- In the latest episode of the YSN podcast, host and basketball enthusiast, DJ Yokley catapults audiences into the world of Ursuline Girls Basketball. Joined by first-year head coach, LaVell Turnage, they dive into the highs and challenges of coaching the Lady Irish.

During the conversation, Turnage reflects on the emotional journey of coming back home to his alma mater. He discusses the immense pride he feels walking into the gym, reminiscing about the memories created during his time as a student and athlete. For him, being back at Ursuline isn’t just about being a coach; it’s about making a lasting impact on the lives of his players and instilling important life lessons.
The topic shifts towards the upcoming season and the adjustments that come with being a head coach. Turnage acknowledges that the team’s success lies in building a cohesive unit, with each player understanding their role as a puzzle piece. Emphasizing the importance of communication, he encourages the girls to focus on mastering simple fundamentals such as layups, free throws, and defense, which will keep them competitive in games.

The conversation also highlights the challenging schedule ahead for the Lady Irish, with tough matchups against schools like Hoban and St. Vincent-St. Mary. While acknowledging the difficulty, Turnage states that he appreciates the opportunity to test his team’s mettle and see how they respond to adversity.
As the podcast delves deeper, Coach Turnage reveals the key players to watch out for this season. Point guard Lily Scott, committed to Mount Union next year, is lauded for her skill and dedication to the game. Coach highlights other standouts who have shown immense potential despite transitioning from middle school basketball.

However, Turnage acknowledges that challenges lie ahead, particularly in nurturing the underclassmen and helping them find their identity within the team. With more underclassmen than upperclassmen, he sees it as an opportunity to build for the future and cultivate a team that will compete at a high level in the coming years.

Throughout the podcast, Turnage’s love for Ursuline and his dedication to the development of young women are evident. Drawing from his own experiences growing up in a single-parent household, he sees coaching as a means to provide guidance and love to his players. He strives to move the needle for girls’ basketball, both locally and nationally, and inspire his players to pursue opportunities in the sport beyond the high school level.

The YSN podcast continues to shed light on the impactful work being done by passionate coaches like LaVell Turnage. His commitment to his team and his desire to mold young women extends beyond the basketball court, making him a role model for players and coaches alike.

 

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EAST PALESTINE BOYS BASKETBALL COACH’S CORNER (EP 1) WITH TRISTAN REYNOLDS

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COLUMBIANA, OH- In a recent episode of the YSN podcast’s “Coach’s Corner”, Tristan Reynolds, the head coach of the East Palestine Bulldogs boys basketball team, sat down to discuss the team’s progress and his personal Thanksgiving favorites. As the Bulldogs embark on their second year under Reynolds’ leadership, there is a renewed sense of excitement surrounding the program.

Reynolds expressed his enthusiasm for the growing numbers of players in the basketball program. He attributed this success to the strong support from the community and the school. The coach spoke fondly about East Palestine’s basketball history, highlighting the team’s championship-winning years under the legendary Bingham.

When asked about his team’s prospects for the upcoming seasons, Reynolds emphasized the importance of a strong work ethic and a buy-in from his players. He praised the toughness of the athletes who also played football, believing it would translate into their basketball performances. The coach expressed confidence in the team’s ability to compete and put on a show for their supporters.

Reynolds spoke highly of the players who will play key roles for the Bulldogs. Owen Yuriyuchi, the team’s captain, was commended for his versatility and leadership qualities. Shane Richardson, a senior returning after battling injuries last year, was identified as a player to watch. The coach also mentioned Kyler Bourne, the big man on the team, who has been working hard to improve his game. Additionally, Reynolds highlighted the potential of freshman RJ Mae, who brings a unique spark to the team.

The coach acknowledged the anticipation surrounding the younger classes but emphasized the importance of seizing the present moment. He encouraged his players to go after their goals with determination and effort, as no team will give them victories easily. Reynolds stressed the need to perform well against tough conference opponents, considering the Eastern Ohio Athletic Conference as a formidable basketball league.

Looking beyond the conference games, the coach discussed the significance of non-conference matchups as important preparation for the end-of-season tournaments. East Palestine’s schedule includes games against Urban Scholars, Kingsway Christian, East Liverpool Christian, Springfield, and Lordstown.

In a departure from the basketball talk, Reynolds agreed to participate in a fantasy Thanksgiving draft with the podcast host. With his first pick, Reynolds surprised listeners by selecting his mother’s famous pepperoni rolls. He went on to choose buttered rolls, turkey, stuffing, and cranberry ginger ale to complete his Thanksgiving favorites.

As the interview wrapped up, Reynolds reflected on his growth as a head coach and the responsibilities that come with the position. He acknowledged that coaching at the varsity level involves more than just on-court strategy, as it requires representing the school and community.

In closing, Coach Reynolds expressed his gratitude for the support and wished everyone a happy Thanksgiving. With a promising basketball season ahead and a favorite Thanksgiving feast in mind, the Bulldogs and their dedicated coach are poised for success on and off the court.

 

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David Rach, South Range

SOUTH RANGE FOOTBALL COACH S CORNER EP 12 WITH DAVID RACH

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CANFIELD, OH- In the latest episode of “YSN’s South Range Football Coach’s Corner,”  DJ Yokley sits down with head football coach of the South Range Raiders, David Rach. With the theme of Thanksgiving in the air, the conversation takes an interesting turn as the two engage in a fantasy Thanksgiving draft, selecting their favorite holiday dishes.

Coach Rach surprises with his first pick, going for buttered noodles with gravy as his top choice. Meanwhile, DJ opts for a crowd favorite, fried turkey, as his first overall pick. The draft continues with Rach selecting deviled eggs and pickled eggs, emphasizing his love for unique and traditional holiday dishes. Yokley counters with mashed potatoes and cranberry sauce, adding a classic touch to his team.

As the draft progresses, Coach Rach shocks Rach with his fifth and final pick, choosing rolls or biscuits over popular options like green bean casserole. The selection leaves DJ amused, questioning Rock’s vegetable intake.

Amidst the lighthearted draft, Coach Rach reflects on his first year coaching the South Range Raiders. He expresses the immense pride he feels for his team’s efforts and the love and belief they have for each other, citing it as the most rewarding aspect of being a head coach.

The conversation takes a brief detour as DJ challenges Coach Rock to explain the controversial rule of a forward fumble, particularly on fourth down. While the coach admits to his lack of knowledge on the specifics, he recalls an encounter with officials explaining that it is not a rule exclusive to high school football.

With the podcast episode coming to a close, Coach Rach gears up for the upcoming game against the Perry Pirates. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining the team’s high standards and executing their three-phase approach to secure victory. Additionally, the coach acknowledges the challenges they may face against a tough opponent like Perry but reinforces his belief in the South Range Raiders’ abilities.

Overall, the conversation provides insight into Coach Rach’s mindset and the South Range Raiders’ season journey. With reflective moments, humorous exchanges, and football-related discussions, this episode of “YSN’s South Range Football Coach’s Corner” offers a well-rounded perspective on the team’s dynamics and aspirations.

Be sure to tune in to the next episode for more updates and interviews with South Range football players and coaches. The competition heats up as the Raiders face off against the Perry Pirates in an exciting clash. Stay connected with YSN for all the latest South Range football updates.

 

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FISCHING FOR GREATNESS

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BERLIN CENTER, OH- In this episode of YSN’s Player Profile, we dive deep into the world of Fischer Himes, the senior offensive lineman who has been an integral part of his team’s success this season. Known for his dedication and leadership, Himes sheds light on the bond within the team and discusses their upcoming playoff game against Lowellville.

Himes, who has helped pave the way for his team to score six rushing touchdowns, emphasizes the importance of team effort and acknowledges the praise they receive from their coaches. This recognition serves as a confidence boost for the offensive line, reminding them of their crucial role in their team’s victories.

As they prepare for their rematch against Lowellville, Himes expresses confidence in their advantage, having analyzed their opponent’s tactics in their previous encounter. The team’s strong performance in the first game provides them with the necessary confidence to face Lowville once again.

In regards to their offensive strategies, Himes appreciates the versatility and dynamism of their offense, where the ball can be distributed to six different players, keeping the opposing defense on their toes. This balanced and unpredictable style of play has proven successful throughout the season.

The conversation also touches on the importance of a fresh defense, with Himes emphasizing the significance of player substitutions to maintain a high level of performance throughout the game.

Outside of football, Himes reveals his passion for fishing and playing Xbox games. Himes is particularly excited for the release of Fortnite, a highly anticipated game in which he plans to join his peers.

When asked about his future plans after high school, Himes mentions his interest in pursuing a business degree, potentially at Kent State University. While he does not envision playing football beyond high school, he is focused on giving his all during his final season.

Switching to lighter topics, Himes shares his favorite gas station order, including Cheddar Slim chips and strawberry milk – a classic favorite. He also admits to enjoying throwback music.

In a lighthearted Q&A, Himes humorously relates to the scenario of having a million dollars and choosing to invest it in the most expensive boat possible, allowing him to sail along the coast indefinitely.

As Himes bids farewell and prepares for the upcoming playoff game against Lowellville, YSN wishes him and his team the best of luck in their pursuit of victory and continued success on and off the field.

 

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WESTERN RESERVE FOOTBALL COACH’S CORNER WITH COLLIN DOTSON

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BERLIN CENTER, OH- Western Reserve’s defensive coordinator, Coach Collin Dotson, shared his insights on the team’s successful season and their upcoming rematch against Lowellville.

Coach Dotson, who has been coaching alongside Head Coach John Armeni since 2015, expressed his admiration for Coach Armeni as a mentor and friend. He described the experience of working with him as “unbelievable” and emphasized the importance of the tight-knit coaching staff at Western Reserve.

When asked why he chose football as his coaching path, Coach Dotson credited his experiences as a player at Howland for instilling in him a passion for leadership and mentoring young men. He shared his love for being around student-athletes and the opportunity to give back by offering them a positive experience like he had as a player.

Speaking about his time at Western Reserve, Coach Dotson highlighted the incredible support from the community. He described the community as tight-knit and caring, with a genuine love for their coaches and players. Coach Dotson attributed much of the team’s success to this community support and emphasized that it was not mere lip service. The genuine care and affection within the community inspired the coaching staff to reciprocate that love.

The camaraderie among the coaching staff at Western Reserve also played an essential role in their success. Coach Dotson spoke highly of the diverse backgrounds and expertise brought by each member of the staff. From former players to veteran coaches, the staff’s tight bond, both on and off the field, has contributed significantly to the team’s achievements this season.

With a senior-heavy roster, Coach Dotson applauded the leadership and resilience displayed by the players. Despite experiencing numerous coaching changes during their high school careers, these seniors have learned to adapt and have become a tough group of young men. Coach Dotson expressed his gratitude for their buying-in mentality and wished he could have had them on the team for more years.

As the defensive coordinator, Coach Dotson’s aggressive mentality shines through in his coaching style. He enjoys the versatility and freedom that coaching defense provides. Instead of sitting back and playing it safe, Coach Dotson and his defense line up in multiple formations, coverages, and blitzes, making it challenging for opposing teams to counter their strategies.

In terms of their successful season, Coach Dotson stressed the importance of performing well both in the conference and the non-conference games. He highlighted the competitiveness of their conference, including challenging matchups against teams like Mineral Ridge, Springfield, and Lowellville, with whom they now have a rematch.

Looking ahead to their upcoming matchup against Lowellville, Coach Dotson mentioned the advantage of having faced their offense before, allowing for better game planning and adjustments. He expressed confidence in his defensive unit’s ability to rise to the occasion.

The Western Reserve Blue Devils, currently the third seed in the playoffs with a 9-2 record, undoubtedly owe their success, in part, to the hard work and dedication of Coach Collin Dotson and the entire coaching staff. As they continue their playoff journey, their cohesive bond and aggressive defensive approach will undoubtedly be crucial factors in their pursuit of victory.

 

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A PERFECT TENNEY

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CANFIELD, OH- On this episode, we have a special player profile for you, featuring an impressive athlete from the Canfield Cardinals. Get ready to dive into the world of Colton Tenney, a talented fullback and defensive end. 

We’ll explore Colton’s passion for football and how it has shaped his life. From the moment he attended his first football camp in Canfield, to his dedication to the sport year after year, we’ll learn what drives Colton’s aggression on the field.But don’t be fooled by his tough exterior. Off the field, Colton describes himself as a “respectful gentle giant,” a stark contrast to the intensity he brings to the game. We’ll find out how his coaches played a crucial role in helping him tap into his aggressive side, transforming him into a force to be reckoned with on the gridiron.As we delve deeper into our conversation, we’ll uncover Colton’s preference for defense, his love for chasing down opponents with the ball, and how the adrenaline rush fuels his performance.

We’ll also hear about his experiences as a fullback, battling it out on the offense and tackling the challenges that come with it.Football serves as more than just a sport for Colton. It has become a vital outlet, allowing him to channel his inner strength and resilience. Listen closely as he shares how football has helped shape his character and taught him the importance of perseverance, even when faced with adversity.Moreover, Colton sheds light on the significance of donning the “C” on his chest and representing the Canfield Cardinals.

We’ll discover what it means to him to be part of a tight-knit brotherhood and how their state championship win has fueled their determination to overcome obstacles and reach new heights.Join us as we explore the remarkable journey of Colton Tenney, a young athlete who exemplifies the spirit of never giving up.

Get ready for an inspiring and exhilarating episode that showcases the true power of football in shaping lives.

 

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David Rach, South Range

SOUTH RANGE FOOTBALL COACH’S CORNER (EP 8) WITH DAVID RACH

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CANFIELD, OH-  In today’s episode of “South Range Football Coach’s Corner,” we have a special guest, David Rach, the head football coach of the South Range Raiders. Coach Rach joins us to discuss the team’s recent dominant win and how they are preparing for their upcoming game against Niles. We delve into the details of their execution on offense, defense, and special teams, and Coach Rach shares his thoughts on the challenges they faced and the areas they need to improve on.

Additionally, we talk about the importance of maintaining focus and intensity throughout the season and the role of player development in the team’s success. With a championship on the line, Coach Rach shares his perspective on the game against Niles and the team’s determination to secure a decisive victory.

Get ready for an insightful and exciting conversation with Coach David Rach in this episode of “South Range Football Coach’s Corner.”

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