Tag Archive for: district championship

LISBON GIRLS BASKETBALL COACH’S CORNER (EP 1) WITH NIKKI MEEK

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LISBON OH- The Lisbon Blue Devils Girls Basketball program is charting a new course this season under the leadership of their newly appointed head coach, Nikki Meek. A former player and assistant coach within the program, Meek is poised to bring a fresh yet familiar energy to the court.

In a recent edition of “Coach’s Corner,” Meek shared her excitement about taking over the head coaching position and her vision for the team’s culture and philosophy. Emphasizing teamwork, high intensity, and a strong defensive mindset, Meek aims to elevate the team’s standards and performance. Some key players to watch this season include juniors Lila Brown and Jaden Smith, who are returning lettermen and have shown great dedication during the offseason. Senior Michaela Farson is expected to have a significant impact, and new addition Emmy Cook, along with promising freshman Bridget Newbold, adds depth to the roster.

Highlighting the importance of leadership, Meek praised the commitment of upperclassmen and introduced Mara Householder, a senior who is new to the basketball program but already demonstrating invaluable leadership skills drawn from her softball experience. The Blue Devils face a challenging schedule both within and outside the EOAC conference. With opponents like United, Colombiana, and Southern standing strong, Meek’s squad is ready to compete and make their mark. Additionally, non-conference games against teams like Louisville, Bridgeport, Malvern, and Heartland will test their mettle as they aim for a deep tournament run.

The expansion of tournament divisions offers Lisbon an exciting opportunity to compete on a more level playing field, similar to their volleyball counterparts who reached the district finals this past season. Meek hopes to carry that momentum into basketball and brings a renewed sense of optimism to the program. Supporting Meek in this endeavor is assistant coach Jamie Wise, along with dedicated junior high coaches Ryan Brown and Susan Rome. Their collective experience and commitment are pivotal as they work together to rebuild and strengthen the program. As the Blue Devils prepare for their season opener, the community eagerly anticipates the journey ahead. Coach Meek’s vision and leadership promise to usher in a new era of Lisbon Girls Basketball.

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SWEET SIX IN A ROW FOR CRESTVIEW

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STREETSBORO OH- Crestview’s reign continued Thursday night as the Rebels secured their sixth straight district championship with a dominant 3-0 sweep over South Range (25-8, 25-15, 25-13).

Abbey Emch led the charge with 18 kills, 15 digs, and 2 blocks for a double-double. Lainy Auer followed suit with a double-double of her own, putting up 13 kills, 10 digs, and 9 assists. Sophia Stewart kept the offense humming with 26 assists and 5 aces, while Sophia Datillio added 5 kills and 3 blocks. Natalie Blakeman chipped in with 8 digs and 2 aces.

For South Range, Anna Toy had 5 kills and 9 digs, while Hayden Carey contributed 4 assists and 4 digs. Addison Freedy added 5 digs and 2 aces.

Crestview now moves on to the regional semifinals, set for Thursday, October 31st, at Berkshire. They’ll face the winner of Mentor Lake Catholic vs. Tuslaw, with the match set for 8:00 pm.

THE CONQUEST OF COSTANTINO

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MCDONALD OH- In the latest McDonald Volleyball Player Profile, Anthony Hartwig delved deep into the extraordinary journey of Gianna Constantino, a standout senior volleyball player for the McDonald Blue Devils. The team is currently riding high on an undefeated season, largely attributed to the impeccable teamwork and leadership exemplified by Constantino. “From the get-go, our team just clicked,” Constantino shared. “We’ve worked so well together; it’s been a collective effort that’s led us to this unbeaten run.”

The Blue Devils faced significant challenges early in the season, particularly against their rivals, but they emerged victorious, gaining momentum that propelled them towards an inspiring campaign. Constantino, tasked with increased responsibilities following the graduation of a strong senior class, acknowledged the pivotal role of new setter Ava Salomone. Their chemistry, developed as early as February during open gyms, has been instrumental in maintaining the team’s high performance.

Reflecting on her final season in the McDonald uniform, Constantino expressed a sense of nostalgia and gratitude. “It’s exciting and bittersweet. I’ve made incredible memories with my teammates, and I’m trying to enjoy every moment.”
As the postseason looms, the Blue Devils aim to replicate last year’s success of winning the district championship. Constantino believes their preparation will be crucial. “We focus extensively on film study and simulate our opponents’ strategies during practice. This meticulous approach readies us for any challenge.”

Beyond the court, Constantino’s future shines brightly. While she plans to study business or finance in college, she has decided to cap her competitive volleyball journey at the high school level. This decision makes every moment on the court this season even more significant for her. When asked to reflect on her high school career, Constantino, vying for valedictorian, highlighted her determination and the support from friends and family. “I’ve always given my best effort in everything I do, whether in academics or athletics. The support from my family and friends has been invaluable.” With an admirable balance of academic rigors and sports, Constantino epitomizes dedication. She often juggles college-level courses and maintains a social life, managing her time expertly. As the Blue Devils forge ahead into the postseason, the community supports Constantino and her teammates in their quest to make history again. Her leadership and passion continue to inspire, both on and off the volleyball court.

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YOU DON’T KNOW ‘JACK

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CANFIELD, OH-  South Range High School’s junior baseball player, Tyson Tarajack, has been making waves in the local sports scene with his exceptional talent and unwavering dedication to the game. In a recent podcast interview with DJ Yokley, Tyson shared insights into his journey, his aspirations, and the importance of faith and family in his life.

Despite carrying the weight of a renowned family name in the baseball community, Tyson has made it his mission to pave his path and create his legacy. He mentioned, “I’ve decided to actually take it up a notch recently in my career. I feel like I’ve actually shown that all the work I put in, and I have a lot of people behind me on my team.”

Growing up with a strong support system, Tyson credits his father as his ultimate role model. “My dad will always be my role model, no matter what. He has done everything possible to get me where I am right now,” he shared during the interview. Tyson also highlighted the significant role his grandmother plays in his life, acting as a pillar of support alongside his father.

Faith plays a vital role in Tyson’s life, providing him with solace during challenging times. He expressed, “My faith is super important to me just to get through things. Finally giving my life to God and putting all my problems towards God has really cleared my mind.”

The recent loss of a close friend deeply affected Tyson and the South Range community. In response, they have rallied around the family and dedicated the rest of the season to honor the young man’s legacy. “We want to do everything we can for the family and honor him,” Tyson stated, reflecting on the tragedy.

Known for his composure on the field, Tyson emphasized the importance of staying focused and working diligently to improve his craft. “The biggest thing I have is just composure. No matter what happens on the mound, I don’t let anything get to me,” he noted.

With dreams of reaching the MLB and a strong work ethic driving him forward, Tyson remains focused on his goals. “When it’s all said and done, I just want to go as far as possible in baseball,” he shared, highlighting his determination to excel at the highest levels of the sport.

In conclusion, Tyson Tarajack exemplifies the resilience, determination, and humility that define a true sportsman. As he navigates the highs and lows of his baseball journey, his unwavering faith, family support, and commitment to his craft continue to guide him toward a bright future in the world of baseball.

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WARDLE AND PEACE

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CANFIELD, OH-  In the latest episode of the YSN Player Profile podcast, hosted by DJ Yokley, we had the privilege of diving deep into the life and career of South Range baseball standout, Tyler Wardle. As Tyler embarks on the tail end of his senior year, he reflects on the years of effort, dedication, and growth that have shaped him both on and off the field.

The senior year is a whirlwind for many student-athletes, but for Tyler, it’s been particularly special. “I’ve been so blessed to spend with my teammates, with my senior class, the guys around me,” he shared. “These are the guys I grew up with, the people who’ve been around me for so long. And I am so blessed to share an experience like this with them.”

One of the key themes that Tyler echoed throughout the interview was the impact of falling short of expectations and how it drives him. He explained, “There’s something to be said of falling short of expectations. You know, it puts a sour taste in your mouth. It lights a fire under you. You know, you go from something that… this is our goal, this is what we’re going to do. And then you fall short of that… it’s a punch in the mouth.”

For Tyler, learning from these moments, especially within such a competitive conference, has been crucial. “Baseball is all about learning from what you’ve done wrong and what you can do better. And I think having a competitive league like we have is such a good experience.” This idea of continual learning was further emphasized when Tyler recalled a personal lesson from his time on the junior varsity team: “I showed up late and … got benched for that day. … It humbled me greatly and I realized that not everything is given. Sometimes I take things for granted and I have to learn not to do that.”

Navigating setbacks and growth wasn’t all that Tyler discussed. His burgeoning faith plays a significant role in his life, especially during challenging times. “During COVID I started reading my Bible. … I realized how much in there applied to me and how much I could apply to my life,” he said. His leadership in faith became even more prominent as he took on a role within the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) at South Range, stating, “God has made me the man I am today. It’s an absolute blessing.”

Heading to Grove City next year, the recruitment process was enlightening for Tyler. Contrary to the glamorous perception many have, it required intensive effort and visibility. “You gotta go make yourself known,” Wardle noted. “I never would have gotten recruited by Grove City if I didn’t go to their camp and be around the coaches.”

Tyler’s humility and team-centric attitude have left an indelible mark on his coach and teammates. Reflecting on his relationship with Coach Hanek, Tyler admitted that he initially found it challenging to connect. However, by striving to be a beacon of communication and leadership, he further solidified their bond, ensuring that the team operated harmoniously.

The senior quartet at South Range, which includes Tyler, has developed a unique camaraderie. Despite the individual pressures they face, they always come back stronger as a unit. Tyler said, “I … appreciate everything they’ve done for me, everything they’ve done for our team, and honestly, just for them being around, being good friends.”

Lastly, the influence of Tyler’s family has been monumental in his journey. With heartfelt gratitude, he mentioned his dad’s mentorship: “He’s like a watching presence who knows what you’re doing wrong and knows how to help you with it. He’s been an absolutely amazing father to me.” He also shared a touching sentiment about his mother: “After every game, she gives me a hug and says, ‘Good game, buddy.’ Having that hug and that, you know, little bit, means the world to me.”

In conclusion, Tyler Wardle’s story is one of resilience, faith, and unwavering support from his loved ones. As he moves forward to new challenges and opportunities at Grove City, we at YSN and the South Range community will undoubtedly cherish his contributions and root for his continued success.

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AUL OR NOTHING

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MINERAL RIDGE, OH- Mineral Ridge High School volleyball senior Samantha Aulet recently sat down with DJ Oakley on the YSN podcast to discuss her transformative senior year, leadership on and off the court, and her impressive record of 2000 assists.

Aulet expressed the excitement of approaching her senior year and the desire to make lasting memories while leading her team. She emphasized the importance of not just leading the offense as a setter, but also providing guidance and support for the younger players and during practice sessions.

Having been a pivotal player throughout her high school career, Aulet talked about her evolving role and leadership style, highlighting the shift from focusing on the back row as a freshman to leading the entire team and fostering a positive attitude.

During the podcast, Aulet also shared insights into the strategic aspects of the game, discussing her role as a coach on the floor and the communication with coaches and teammates during the games.
Aulet credited the growth of the volleyball program to the solid foundation laid by former players, emphasizing the contribution of her senior-year teammates in building the team’s success.

Regarding her record of 2000 assists, Aulet candidly discussed the competitive nature within her family and how she set her sights on achieving the record after her sister accomplished the same feat. Though she fell six assists short due to an injury during a game, Aulet’s determination and competitiveness shone through as she reflected on the experience and the lessons learned from facing adversity.

The podcast showcased Aulet’s pride in her career achievements, including winning the league three out of four years and her role in the team’s success. She also humorously mentioned the regret of an injury that occurred during a game and how it affected her pursuit of the record.

Aulet’s resilience and dedication were highlighted throughout the interview, showcasing her positive impact on Mineral Ridge’s volleyball program. As she looks forward to the next chapter, Aulet’s commitment to leadership and her impressive record of 2000 assists set a shining example for future athletes at Mineral Ridge High School.

With her senior year coming to a close, Mineral Ridge’s Samantha Aulet continues to leave a lasting legacy in the volleyball program, overcoming challenges and making a profound impact both on and off the court.

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