Tag Archive for: East

BOARDMAN BOYS TAKE GOLD AT MAHONING COUNTY CHAMPIONSHIPS

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AUSTINTOWN, OH- This past Saturday marked a momentous occasion for Boardman High School as they clinched the Mahoning County Track and Field Championship, a feat they hadn’t achieved since 2010. It was a spectacular end to fourteen years of waiting, with the Spartans toppling the defending champions, Austintown Fitch, by a narrow 6-point lead, 171 to 165.

Senior Aiden Berg was a standout performer, earning MVP honors after winning the 400 meters and taking third in both the 100 and 200 meters. His efforts were crucial in helping Boardman rally from a 26-point deficit to capture the title.

The Spartans set the tone early, grabbing a first-place finish in the 4×800 relay thanks to the efforts of junior David D’Altorio, senior Ethan Boots, sophomore Adam Nigro, and freshman Jonathan Burgos-Perez. The momentum continued with freshman Ethan Timblin securing sixth in the 110H, and the Spartan 4×200 relay team placing seventh.

Brock Farris shined in the middle distances, winning the 1600 and later the 800, with Boots and Nigro also snagging top spots in their events. In the sprints, besides Berg’s heroics, Sava Crnjak took fourth in the 400 meters.

The field events also saw Boardman athletes excelling. Robrick Taylor won the high jump, while Kayant Fontanez-Waid and Santino Radjukovic made their marks in the long jump and discus, respectively. The younger competitors also showed up big, with sophomores like Ahmed Mohammed and James Mitchell and juniors like Isaiah Doyle and Chase Conner making significant contributions.

The championship was ultimately sealed in the final event, the 4×400 meter relay, where Boots, Nigro, Crnjak, and Farris dominated, winning by a staggering 10 seconds.

Head Coach John Phillips couldn’t contain his pride, stating, “I am so proud of the effort from our kids, and the leadership from our seniors. We didn’t start off very well today, but the team held it together—that’s a huge credit to them and to our coaching staff. We are putting a lot on the shoulders of freshmen and sophomores this year, and those young kids really stepped up today in big moments. I am so happy for our seniors, they deserve this. This was fun and we will enjoy it, but we have a lot to improve on so it’s back to work this week.”

FRANKLIN LEAVES A LEGACY AT EAST

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YOUNGSTOWN, OH- As Coach Tanisha Franklin steps down from her role as the girl’s basketball coach at Youngstown East High School, the entire basketball community pauses to express profound gratitude for her unparalleled dedication and remarkable contributions to the team and the institution as a whole.

For an illustrious 13 years, Coach Franklin has been the driving force behind the Youngstown East women’s basketball program, leaving an indelible mark on the players she mentored and the school she served. Her decision to transition into the role of faculty manager reflects her continued commitment to the betterment of Youngstown East High School.

Throughout her esteemed career spanning 22 years in coaching, Coach Franklin’s achievements have been nothing short of extraordinary. Under her guidance, the Youngstown East women’s basketball team has soared to unprecedented heights, capturing an impressive array of titles and accolades. With an astounding 13 City Series Championships, 1 SVC Championship, and 2 District Championships, Coach Franklin’s leadership has propelled the team to unparalleled success, setting a standard of excellence that will be remembered for years.

“We are happy coach is going to get a breather and enjoy some time with friends and family.  Coach has been a huge part in the resurgence of the city programs and her taking a hiatus from coaching the girls and focusing on her role as faculty manager allows her to continue to make a difference for all students at East HS.  We couldn’t thank Tanisha enough for everything she has done for the scholars and the game of basketball.” said Youngstown City School Athletic Director Nick Sferra.

Beyond the trophies and championships, Coach Franklin’s impact extends far beyond the basketball court. She has been a mentor, a role model, and a source of inspiration for countless student-athletes, instilling in them the values of discipline, resilience, and teamwork. Her unwavering dedication to her players’ personal and academic growth has helped shape them into confident, empowered individuals ready to tackle life’s challenges head-on.

With an overall record of 169-145, Coach Franklin’s legacy is not merely defined by numbers but by the lives she has touched and the lasting impression she has left on the Youngstown East community. Her passion for the game, her unwavering commitment to her players, and her tireless pursuit of excellence serve as a beacon of inspiration for all who have had the privilege of knowing her.

As Coach Franklin embarks on this new chapter in her journey at Youngstown East High School, we express our deepest gratitude for her immeasurable contributions to the women’s basketball program and the profound impact she has had on the lives of countless students. While her presence on the sidelines will be missed, her spirit will continue to resonate throughout the halls of Youngstown East, serving as a testament to the transformative power of mentorship, dedication, and love for the game.

Thank you, Coach Franklin, for everything you have done and continue to do for our school and our community.

WARRIORS HAVE ANOTHER CLOSE ONE WITH EAST

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By Michael Ginocchi 


Beloit, OH- The first round sectional game for the West Branch Boys basketball team wasn’t your typical matchup. Hosting the formidable and underseeded East Golden Bears, the Warriors knew they were in for a tough battle, especially considering the Bears were seeking revenge for their earlier season loss to West Branch by just two points in overtime.The game lived up to expectations, with both teams giving it their all in a hard-fought and physical contest. In the end, West Branch managed to secure a narrow 50-47 victory, clinching their spot in the sectional championship. 

 

West Branch was led by Camden Lane, who had a significant impact with 14 points. His three-point shooting, not typically a strong aspect of his game, played a crucial role. Lane sunk three three-pointers, including a contested shot from the corner, showcasing his ability to deliver in key moments. His unexpected success from beyond the arc was pivotal in securing West Branch’s hard-fought victory. 

 

Jeremiah Thomas had a nice performance scoring 12 points while Cooper Adnerson contributed 10.The Warriors’ big men played a crucial role by showcasing physicality and dominance on the boards, effectively thwarting East’s attempts to secure rebounds.

 

Isiah McCray, the standout player for Youngstown East, faced tough defense throughout the game, limiting his usual impact. Despite this, he still managed to put up 16 points, including a last-second attempt at a buzzer-beater to force overtime. Cameron Sly and Tyris Davis also made significant contributions, each finishing in double figures to bolster Youngstown East’s scoring effort.

 

With the Win West Branch improves to 19-4 and will host 20th seeded East Cleveland Technical on Friday Mar. 1 for a trip to districts. Youngstown East ends their season at 11-10.

BEARS SHOW WHAT THEY’RE MADE OF

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East Dominates Lowellville in Convincing Win

East High School showcased their full potential on the basketball court, delivering a commanding performance to defeat Lowellville with a final score of 73-46. In a display of skill and teamwork, East left no doubt about their capabilities as they raced past their opponents.

Leading the charge for East was Isaiah McCray, whose stellar performance saw him rack up an impressive 26 points, demonstrating his scoring prowess and ability to take control of the game. Not far behind was Cam Sly, who added 19 points to further bolster East’s offensive onslaught.

Supporting their teammates, Michael Franklin, Kevin Pullen, and Jerry Smith each contributed 6 points, underscoring the depth of talent within the East lineup.

Despite Lowellville’s efforts to keep pace, they were unable to contain East’s relentless attack. Matt Lucido and Josh Pazel led Lowellville’s scoring efforts, each notching 11 points, while Michael Ballone and Drew Modelski added 7 points apiece in a valiant but ultimately unsuccessful attempt to close the gap.

With this win, East improves their record to 12-9 as they gear up for tournament play. Their next challenge will be a road trip to West Branch on February 27th to open the tournament.

Meanwhile, Lowellville, with a record of 13-8, looks to regroup as they prepare to host McDonald in their upcoming game on Friday.

EAST GETS THEIR TENTH WIN OF THE YEAR

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YOUNGSTOWN OH- In a clash of titans within the Steel Valley, East emerged victorious over Chaney with a final score of 54-44 on Friday night. Led by standout performances from their key players, East showcased their prowess on the court.

Isaiah McCray led the charge for East, pouring in an impressive 19 points, while Tyris Davis added 13 points and Cam Sly contributed 12 points to bolster their team’s offense.

On the other side, Chaney fought valiantly, with Matt Jones leading their scoring efforts with 11 points, supported by Asuante Mickel and Latrell Kimbrough, who both chipped in 8 points each.

Despite a hard-fought battle, Chaney couldn’t overcome East’s relentless attack, ultimately falling short in their efforts to secure the win.

With this victory, East improved their season record to 10-9, setting their sights on a challenging matchup against Struthers on Tuesday. Meanwhile, Chaney, now standing at 5-8 for the season, will aim to bounce back as they face off against Mooney on the same day.

OVERTIME BOUT TILTS THE WAY OF THE WARRIORS

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By Michael Ginocchi 


Beloit, OH- The matchup at West Branch High School between the West Branch Warriors and the Youngstown East Golden Bears was an absolute must-see event. The atmosphere was electric, with a packed crowd eagerly anticipating the clash between these two formidable teams. The  Golden Bears held the lead throughout the entire game. With just about 2 seconds left on the clock, Jaxon Robb was fouled while attempting a game-tying three-pointer. Showing nerves of steel, he sank all three free throws, forcing the game into overtime. In a heart-pounding finish, the Warriors narrowly clinched a thrilling 73-71 victory on their home court.

 

Jaxon Robb displayed remarkable composure as he stepped up to the line, sinking all three of his foul shots to force the game into overtime. His calm demeanor was evident throughout the game, where he showcased his athleticism with several highlight-reel plays en route to scoring 22 points. Jeremiah Thomas demonstrated his lightning-quick reflexes on the court tonight, tallying 15 points. Notably, he even surprised fans by sinking a crucial three-pointer, a shot he typically doesn’t attempt.

 

Gavin Gregory also contributed 15 points to the scoreboard, matching Jeremiah Thomas’s impressive performance. Cooper Anderson also helped the Warriors offensively with his eleven points. Meanwhile, Joey Jackson held his ground defensively, limiting Isiah McCray to just 10 points in the second half while chipping in with 10 points of his own on the offensive end

 

For East, Isaiah McCray was tough to stop! He drilled five three pointers and scored a game high 29 points. Cam’Eron Sly finished with 18 points. His ability on the offensive glass kept extra possessions alive. Finally, Jerry Smith scored 10. 

 

With the win West Branch improves to 15-3 on the season. The Warriors will be back in action on Friday at 7:00 PM  for a big rivalry game vs Salem. East drops to 8-9 with the loss and will host Chaney on Friday in a big SVC matchup at 7:00 PM.

 

MOONEY ESCAPES TOUGH STEEL VALLEY TEST

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By Michael Ginocchi 


Youngstown, OH- The Cardinal Mooney boys’ basketball team encountered a formidable challenge when they hosted the East Golden Bears. East came it with an 7-6, 0-4 record inside the Steel Valley Conference, but had played teams close. As expected, the game went down to the wire and Mooney escaped with a thrilling 56-53 win.

 

Ashton O’Brien made a significant impact for Mooney as they relied on him heavily for offense. He led the way with 23 big points. Jibri Carter demonstrated exceptional composure in handling the pressure thrown at him by East. He finished with 16 while shooting a solid 6/8 from the free throw line. The Golden Bears effectively contained Rocco Turner, limiting him to just 6 points.

 

Despite key players being in foul trouble throughout the game, East still managed to compete with their physical play. Isaiah McCray showcased his status as one of the area’s top players by scoring 22 points, including three three-pointers. Unfortunately,  McCray fouled out during the game’s final minutes. Cam Sly was also in foul trouble most of the night and only finished with 6 points. Jared Colon finished with 7 off the bench. Colon made a good effort to tie the game at the buzzer by throwing up a shot from just inside half court, but his attempt fell short.

 

With the win, Mooney improves to 11-4 (1-1 SVC) on the season. The Cardinals will have another tough game at hand on Friday when they travel to Chaney. East drops to 7-7 (0-5 SVC)  with the loss. The Golden Bears will be back in action Friday at East Liverpool.

 

BOARDMAN TAKES ANOTHER STEP FORWARD IN WIN

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YOUNGSTOWN, OH- The Boardman Girls Basketball Program has turned a corner, and it doesn’t appear they’re looking back.

The Lady Spartans basketball team showcased their dominance on the road, securing a resounding 52-17 victory against Youngstown East. The win marks the Spartans’ sixth consecutive triumph and propels their season record to an impressive 14-4, underscoring their status as a formidable force in the area.

Once again, it was Mackenzie Riccitelli who spearheaded the Spartans’ offensive onslaught, delivering a stellar performance with a game-high 23 points, highlighted by an impressive display from beyond the arc with 5 three-pointers. Riccitelli’s all-around contribution was exemplary, as she amassed 6 steals, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists, showcasing her versatility and impact on both ends of the court.

Ava Freeborough proved to be a pivotal playmaker for the Spartans, tallying 8 points while dishing out a season-high 7 assists, orchestrating the team’s offensive rhythm with precision and finesse. Sarah Bero, a consistent presence in the paint, added 7 points and dominated the boards with an impressive 10 rebounds, anchoring the Spartans’ defensive efforts.

Sam Duble showcased her sharpshooting prowess, knocking down two crucial three-pointers en route to 6 points and contributing 3 steals to the defensive end. M.C. Werth provided valuable contributions with 4 points and 5 rebounds, epitomizing the Spartans’ depth and resilience as a team.

Tori Strines and Mikayla Rivera made notable contributions from the perimeter, with Strines sinking a three-pointer and Rivera adding a free throw to the scoreboard. The collective effort of the entire team was evident, as all 14 players saw action on the court, underscoring the Spartans’ unity and cohesion.

Amira Mousa, Jocelynn Torres, Janessa Prisby, Ava Gaps, Olivia Combis, Lily Ison, and Emma Terlesky seized the opportunity to showcase their talents in the second half, further highlighting the depth of the Spartans’ roster and their commitment to excellence.

For Youngstown East, Alyssa Crankfield and Yelian Seda led the scoring charge with five points each.

As the Lady Spartans savor their latest triumph, they shift their focus to their upcoming showdown against Warren Harding, a crucial AAC contest that promises to test their mettle once again. With confidence soaring and momentum on their side, the Spartans are poised to continue their pursuit of greatness, fueled by determination, teamwork, and a relentless drive to succeed.

URSULINE HUSTLES THEIR WAY TO SEASON SWEEP OF EAST

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By Tim Corso


YOUNGSTOWN OH- Ursuline fought past East to complete the season sweep Friday night 63-53

Ursuline got off to a fast start early getting up 8-2 in thanks to scoring eight unanswered right out the gate.

From that point, the remainder of the quarter was fairly even with Keith Gunther’s squad leading 20-14 after the first eight minutes. 

The Golden Bears fought back in the second frame. 

They battled from down nearly 20 at one point to cut the Ursuline lead to as little as four. Isaiah McCray was the catalyst of that run, hitting a trio of three pointers in just the second quarter.

McCray finished with a game-high 21 points.

Ursuline used its big third quarter however to propel its lead to double digits and never look back. 

A pair of three pointers from Freshman Jaylen Gunther sparked his 8-point third quarter to propel the Irish. 

Gunther finished with 15 points on the night. 

When it was all said and done though, Jayden Payne had every answer Easy threw at him. 

Payne hounded the glass for double-digit rebounds and a team-high 19 points.

That team effort propelled the Irish to another Steel Valley Conference win.

Deshaun Will added 9 points and Noah Bella had 7 points as well.

Ursuline (11-2) will follow the win up with a Steel Valley battle against at Chaney on Tuesday 1/30. 

East (7-6) will travel to Cardinal Mooney to take on the Cardinals on Tuesday 1/30.

BEARS BEAT CHANEY TO THE PUNCH

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By Matt Maher 


YOUNGSTOWN, OH – The Golden Bears welcomed the CowGirls to their side of town for another installment of Steel Valley girls basketball where the 2nd best team in Campbell took down the 4th best team by the final score of 44-37. Both teams showed some great skill on the court but it would be the Golden Bears spectacular grit and the great efforts of  Alyssa Crankfield and Johniqua Clay that would be the key differences in this game.

 

Chaney showed they could tango with East in the first where they were able to find 8 points to Campbells 9. The Cowgirls were led by Alyssa Brown who scored all of Chaney’s points in the quarter with two made 2’s and 4-of-4 made free throws. East saw Clay put up 4 all in the paint and Crankfield found 5 points in the paint as well for the Golden Bears including a successful and-1.

 

Johniqua Clay would keep up her dominance by scoring 5 points in the 2nd quarter all within the arc with two 2’s and a made free throw. Crankfield would add an impressive 3 into the mix as well and make 2-of-2 free throws. Chaney saw Madonna Jones step up with 3 points from beyond the arc and Iysis Harmon would add a bucket to give Chaney another score. 

 

Chaney continued to stay close to east after the break, scoring 13 points to East’s 12, though their close quarters were still hurting Chaney’s chances. Alyssa Brown entered back on to the score sheet with 12 more points including 3 more made free throws, a 3 and three 2’s. Brianna Wright added 6 points to her total and Crankfield found 8 points for herself with three 2’s and another great trip to the line with both shots hitting from the stripe. 

 

The 4th quarter was another close quarter, with East putting up 12-11. Brown would add 7 more points and finish with a team leading 20 points on the night. Jaziya Burley-Anderson added another 3 to the mix and Alexandria Pete would find her first point in the form of a free throw. East saw Clay find 4 more points with a nice layup and hitting 2-of-2 shots from one of her trips to the line. Crankfield continued to impress with 8 more points including three 2’s and another great trip to the line with both shots connecting, she ended 5-for-5 from the line and with 20 points on the night!

 

Despite the individual boost from Alyssa Brown, Chaney couldn’t find enough consistency in the scoring department to top the Golden Bears. Johniqua Clay and Alyssa Crankfield both deserve standing ovations after their performances on Wednesday night. The Cowgirls (10-5, 2-3) will be back at home when they face Campbell Memorial on January 20th at 2:45PM and East (7-6, 1-3) will travel to Harding on January 22nd at 7:00PM.