Tag Archive for: EBC

SPARTANS GET SIGNATURE WIN OVER BRANCH

BOARDMAN, OH- In a nail-biting showdown between West Branch High School and Boardman High School, the Spartans emerged victorious with a final score of 64-60, wrapping up their regular season in style. It was a game marked by intense competition and impressive displays of skill from both sides.

Boardman showcased their best performance of the season, demonstrating exceptional consistency in their gameplay while effectively managing turnovers and maintaining a steady scoring pace throughout the match.

Leading the charge for the Spartans was Grayson Eicher, who delivered a stellar performance with a career-high 27 points and 8 rebounds. Eicher’s standout contributions were crucial to Boardman’s success, particularly his flawless 4/4 free throw performance during the critical moments of the game.

Not to be outdone, Terrell McDowell also made his presence felt on the court, contributing 20 points, including an impressive 6/8 performance from the free-throw line in the decisive fourth quarter, securing the victory for his team.

Sullivan Smith rose to the occasion with 6 points of his own, including a crucial free throw that sealed the game with just 7 seconds remaining on the clock. Noah Ziak also played a vital role, adding 4 points to the scoreboard and demonstrating resilience during the intense final moments of the match.

Nico Holzschuh and Kaden Mayhew contributed 2 points each, with Holzschuh showcasing remarkable determination in battling against West Branch’s formidable size advantage in the paint. Zach Haus and Vince Butto rounded out the scoring, each connecting on a pivotal free throw while providing essential energy and defensive prowess throughout the game.

Jeffrey Markovitch and Jayse Varley also played their part in securing the victory, contributing to the team’s collective effort and determination on the court.

For West Branch, Jaxon Robb finished with 23 points to lead the way.  Gavin Gregory and Cooper Anderson each had double-doubles.  Gregory scored 13 and grabbed 12 rebounds while Anderson knocked down 12 and had 13 boards.

The Warriors will close out the regular season on Friday at home against Heartland Christian.

With this impressive win under their belt, Boardman now sets their sights on tournament play, with their next matchup scheduled for Wednesday, February 28 at Massillon Perry. As they carry the momentum from this triumph into the postseason, the Spartans are poised to make a strong statement on the basketball court.

BARTY PARTY

SALEM, OH- Salem High School senior and standout basketball player, Lauryn Barton, has captured hearts and attention with her unwavering perseverance and exceptional talent on the court. Known for her infectious personality and remarkable resilience, Barton has emerged as one of the region’s top players, particularly distinguished for her defensive prowess and scoring abilities.

In a recent interview on the YSN podcast, Barton reflected on her senior year, acknowledging the rapid passage of time and expressing gratitude for the impactful experiences she has had within her team. From bonding moments with her teammates to the unwavering support of younger fans, Barton’s journey is marked by meaningful connections and lasting memories.

She credits her former coach, Eric Bailey, as a significant influence, emphasizing his role in honing her skills and providing invaluable guidance both on and off the court. Barton revealed that Bailey’s mentorship has been instrumental in her growth as a player, highlighting his pivotal support and technical expertise.

Barton’s dedication to her sport and teammates shines through her unwavering commitment to uplifting those around her, particularly younger players looking to follow in her footsteps. She emphasizes the importance of being a role model and instilling confidence in aspiring athletes, drawing from her own experiences of rising through the ranks with resilience and determination.

Looking towards the future, Barton aspires to pursue a career in nursing, driven by a deep-seated desire to make a positive impact and assist others. While considering the possibility of playing at the collegiate level, she remains steadfast in her determination to excel in both academics and athletics, aiming to bring her unparalleled work ethic and passion to whatever path she chooses to pursue.

Barton’s journey serves as an inspiration to athletes and individuals alike, exemplifying the transformative power of hard work, authenticity, and a relentless pursuit of one’s goals. As she blazes a trail forward, she continues to embody the spirit of perseverance and resilience that will leave a lasting impression on the Salem community and beyond.

 

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RYLED UP

SALEM, OH- Salem High School’s senior athlete, Rylee Hutton, has carved a remarkable legacy in the realm of sports during her time at the school. Hutton, a multifaceted athlete, has accomplished extraordinary feats in figure skating, basketball, soccer, and track and field.

Hutton’s journey in sports began at the young age of three when she ventured into figure skating. Facing the challenges of the highly competitive sport, Hutton developed a resilient and competitive mindset that would serve her well in all her athletic pursuits. The discipline and dedication she learned from figure skating have been instrumental in her overall growth as a sportsman.

Her impact on the Salem sports scene is undeniable. With numerous records shattered and rewritten in her name, Hutton’s relentless drive and passion for sports have propelled her to remarkable heights, making her an inspiration to aspiring athletes in Salem and beyond. Despite her humility about her achievements, Hutton’s incredible talent and work ethic have made her a standout figure in the district’s sports history.

In her interview on the YSN podcast, Hutton spoke about the invaluable support of her teammates, family, and coaching staff, emphasizing the importance of teamwork and the role they played in her journey. She also highlighted the influence of her competitive family, particularly her sister, who has been a major pillar of support, having broken records in the sport of golf at the collegiate level.
Navigating the challenges of a new coaching staff in her senior year, Hutton displayed resilience and adaptability, overcoming adversity to lead her team to success. Her leadership and commitment both on and off the field have been instrumental in guiding the team through transitions and setbacks.

Looking toward the future, Hutton expressed her aspirations to continue playing basketball at the collegiate level, aiming to balance her athletic pursuits with early childhood education, reflecting her passion for teaching and mentoring young children.

As she embarks on the next chapter of her athletic and academic journey, Rylee Hutton leaves a lasting impression on Salem High School and sets a compelling example for young athletes, encouraging them to dream big, work hard, and strive for excellence in all their endeavors.

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QUAKERS START SLOW, FINISH STRONG AGAINST SPRINGFIELD

NEW MIDDLETOWN, OH- It’s all about setting the pace, and for Salem- it took being on the wrong end of a Springfield 5-0 run to wake the jumpshots, and go on a 14-0 run themselves to finish to the tune of 56-33.

Led by standout performances from Rylee Hutton, who commanded the court with a game-high 22 points, and Lauren Barton, who contributed 11 points to the scoreboard, the Lady Quakers showcased their offensive prowess and teamwork throughout the game. Their dynamic play and strategic execution propelled Salem to a decisive victory, capping off their regular season on a high note.

Despite facing a formidable opponent, the  Lady Tigers demonstrated resilience and determination throughout the contest. Jameka Brungard led the charge with an impressive 14 points, while Ava Vecchione contributed 10 points to the Lady Tigers’ efforts. Despite their valiant performance, the Lady Tigers were unable to overcome Salem’s relentless offensive attack and suffocating defense.

With the regular season now concluded, the Lady Tigers look ahead with optimism and determination as they prepare for postseason play. Despite the setback, the team remains focused on their goals and committed to making a strong showing in the upcoming playoffs.

Salem finishes their regular season campaign on Saturday against Austintown Fitch.

SALEM LEFT SOUR AGAINST CARROLLTON

SALEM, OH- The Salem Quakers were left looking for their first EBC win on Friday night after Carrollton walked away victorious with a 45-41 win.

For Salem, the offense was spread across the board with Colin Riesen and Cam Sampson taking home the honors of the Quaker high point men with 8 apiece.  Lance Bailey posted 7 points on the evening, and the Quakers were supplemented by a six-point effort from Evan Jones, and five from Deontay Steele.

Carrolton was led by Lincoln Mallarnee’s 18 points and Bryce Lonca’s 9 points.

Salem will look to bounce back on Tuesday when they battle Marlington.

SALEM REBOUNDS TO BEAT RESERVE

LISBON, OH-In a consolation matchup at the Lisbon Tip-Off Tournament, the Salem Quakers showcased their resilience on the basketball court, securing a convincing 49-31 victory over the Western Reserve Blue Devils.

Western Reserve would start off strong with an eight point lead heading into the second quarter.  The real story unfolded in the third frame when Salem blanked Reserve 18-0, and held on the seal the game in the fourth quarter.

Trent Fink proved to be a dominant force for Salem, leading all scorers with an impressive 16 points. Derek Oesch contributed 3 points, while three Quakers, namely Deontay Steele, Lance Bailey, and Evan Jones, each notched 6 points. Cam Sampson and Ben Severe added to the balanced scoring effort with 5 points each.

On the Western Reserve side, Connor Cochran led the Blue Devils with 9 points, displaying skill and determination on the court. Dominic Ricciardi contributed 8 points, while Josh Klasic added 4 points to the team’s total. Two Devils, Luke Henning and Andrew Hendricks, each scored three points.

The Quakers’ defensive tenacity and well-rounded offensive contributions paved the way for their success in the tournament. Salem’s ability to distribute scoring and limit the Blue Devils’ offensive opportunities was key to their commanding 18-point victory.

PURCHASE GAME PHOTOS: HERE

 

WEST BRANCH HOUSE CALL SENDS THEM TO NEXT ROUND

BELOIT, OH- In a riveting matchup, the West Branch Warriors held off a determined Streetsboro Rockets team to claim a hard-fought 31-28 victory in a game that kept fans on the edge of their seats.

The Rockets were the first to make their mark on the scoreboard as Preston Hopperton powered through the Warriors’ defense for a 6-yard touchdown run, putting Streetsboro up 7-0 in the first quarter. Garrett Tiller’s successful kick added the extra point, giving the Rockets an early lead.

The Warriors, under the guidance of play-caller Tim Cooper, responded with a powerful second quarter. Beau Alazaus connected with Jeremiah Thomas for a 24-yard touchdown pass, and Eliza Hirst’s successful extra point brought the score level at 7-7. West Branch didn’t stop there. Boston Mulinix bulldozed through the Rockets’ defense for a 12-yard rushing touchdown, and Jeremiah Thomas added a 7-yard touchdown run, putting the Warriors ahead 21-7 at halftime.

Streetsboro refused to back down, with Cohen Klimak connecting with Jackson Gula for a 27-yard touchdown pass in the final minute of the second quarter. Garrett Tiller’s successful kick narrowed the gap to 21-14.

In the third quarter, Eliza Hirst extended the Warriors’ lead with a 25-yard field goal, making it 24-14. However, Streetsboro’s Preston Hopperton answered with a spectacular 58-yard touchdown run, and Garrett Tiller’s kick brought the Rockets within striking distance at 24-21.

The fourth quarter was a thrilling showdown. Preston Hopperton once again showcased his skills with another 58-yard touchdown run, giving Streetsboro a 28-24 lead.

With the game on the line, West Branch’s Joey Jackson delivered a game-changing play, returning the kickoff 79 yards for a touchdown. Eliza Hirst’s successful kick sealed the deal, and the Warriors regained the lead at 31-28.

Despite the Rockets’ efforts to mount a comeback, the Warriors’ defense stood strong, securing the narrow victory.

Both offenses put on a show, combining for nearly 1000 yards on the night.  West Branch gained a total of 454 yards, compared to Streetsboro’s 418.  Preston Hopperton led the Rockets’ rushing attack with 197 yards on 19 carries while Boston Mulinix led West Branch’s ground game with 170 yards on 20 carries.

Beau Alazaus completed 16 of 24 passes for 184 yards for the Warriors through the air while  Cohen Klimak passed for 103 yards for the Rockets.

The West Branch Warriors now set their sights on their next challenge in Week 13, while the Streetsboro Rockets displayed their fighting spirit in a game that will be remembered by both teams and their fans.

BRANCH BLANKS MARLINGTON

BELOIT, OH- In what turned out to be a historic matchup, West Branch celebrated its 400th football victory in school history by delivering a resounding 56-0 triumph over Marlington in a game that showcased both their offensive prowess and defensive dominance.

The West Branch Warriors entered the game with an impressive 6-1 record and a perfect 2-0 standing in the Eastern Buckeye Conference. Their defense had been on an incredible streak, securing their third consecutive shutout, a feat not seen since 1990. The Warriors were eager to continue their winning ways as they looked ahead to hosting Alliance in their next matchup, especially after Alliance’s upset loss to Carrollton, which also now stands at 2-0 in the league.

Boston Mulinix emerged as the star of the game, leading the Warriors with an outstanding performance. He carried the ball 16 times for a remarkable 197 yards, finding the end zone four times, including a historic 99-yard touchdown run in the third quarter, setting a new school record. Beau Alazaus also played a crucial role, passing for 217 yards and contributing three touchdowns through the air.

The scoring frenzy for West Branch began early in the game and continued throughout:

– Boston Mulinix kicked things off with a 2-yard rushing touchdown, followed by a successful kick by Eliza Hirst.
– The Warrior defense got in on the action as Zach Coffee returned an interception 50 yards for a touchdown.
– Beau Alazaus connected with Jeremiah Thomas for a 42-yard touchdown pass, further extending the lead.
– Cooper Anderson added another touchdown reception from Alazaus, this time for 10 yards.
– Boston Mulinix showcased his versatility with a 20-yard rushing touchdown, his second of the game.
– Mulinix continued to find the end zone, this time with a 1-yard rushing touchdown.
– The highlight of the game came when Mulinix broke free for a historic 99-yard touchdown run.
– To cap off the impressive performance, Grady Close caught a 25-yard touchdown pass from Jeremiah Thomas.

On the defensive side, West Branch demonstrated their dominance with an interception by Zach Coffee and a fumble recovery by Colby Smith. Additionally, they displayed a successful onside kick recovery by Lukas Black.

In contrast, Marlington struggled to find their footing in the game, tallying only 123 total yards of offense and failing to score any points.

West Branch’s victory not only marked a historic milestone but also showcased their excellence in both offense and defense, making them a formidable force in the Eastern Buckeye Conference.

QUAKERS FIND FIRST WIN OF THE SEASON

MINERVA, OH- In an Eastern Buckeye Conference showdown, Salem secured their first win of the season in style, defeating Minerva with a dominant score of 36-7, and sophomore quarterback Gavin Colbert made a memorable impact in his first start under center.

Colbert showcased his talent by throwing three touchdown passes during the first three quarters, helping the Quakers clinch the victory at Hines Stadium on Friday night. This win marked Salem’s break from an eight-game losing streak, propelling them to a 1-6 overall record and a 1-1 standing in the EBC. Meanwhile, Minerva, struggling with a 26-game losing streak and an overall record of 0-7, fell to 0-2 in league play.

The Quakers opened the scoring in the game with two quick touchdowns late in the first quarter. Will Harmon was on the receiving end of a 21-yard pass from Colbert, followed by a 32-yard reverse run, pushing Salem ahead 13-0.

Salem’s defense played a pivotal role, recovering a Minerva fumble on the Lions’ first series, setting up the Quakers’ first score. The defense also demonstrated its prowess by snagging three interceptions, with Cyle Burt contributing two of them.

Marcus Phillips added to the offensive onslaught with a 14-yard touchdown reception, further extending Salem’s lead to 20-0 in the second quarter. Colbert, filling in for the injured starting quarterback Cletis Monroy, showcased his skills with 134 passing yards in the first half.

The third quarter witnessed a resolute defensive effort by Salem when Minerva threatened with a first-and-goal from the 3-yard line. The Quakers’ defense held strong, stopping Minerva at the 1-yard line on a crucial fourth-down play.

Salem continued to build on their lead, with Derek Oesch scoring on a 3-yard pass from Colbert, bringing the score to 26-0 with just over three minutes left in the third quarter.

Minerva finally found the end zone in the fourth quarter when Devon Patterson broke free for a 46-yard touchdown run up the middle, putting them on the scoreboard and crossing the 100-yard mark for the game.

Salem closed out the game with two more scores, including a 23-yard field goal by Troy Gibson and a 32-yard run by Marcus Phillips following Burt’s second interception.

As both teams return to league play next Friday, Salem will face Carrollton, while Minerva takes on Marlington.

LADY QUAKERS TAKE CARE OF BUSINESS

SALEM, OH-The Lady Quakers move to 14-2 on the season as they defeated the Carrollton Warriors in EBC conference play 53-37. Kaylee Carlisle had a career-high 14 points on the night and contributed 5 boards. Rylee Hutton also contributed 14 points with 3 steals. Abbie Davidson and Lauryn Barton had 8 points apiece.

The Quakers will travel to state-ranked Marlington next Wednesday for EBC play.

In JV action the Quakers fell just short and lost 38-39. Reese Davidson-Chuck had 17 points while Muirin Lesko chipped in 12.

 

*Story contributed by Sarah Hamilton-Phillips and salemathletics.org