Tag Archive for: EOAC

POPPELRITER LEADS THE WAY AS WELLSVILLE OUSTS EP

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EAST PALESTINE, OH- The Wellsville Tigers surged in the second half to secure a 34-19 victory over East Palestine in Eastern Ohio Athletic Conference action on Wednesday. A dominant 20-8 run in the final two quarters propelled the Tigers to an 8-7 overall record and 7-3 mark in the EOAC, while the Bulldogs fell to 3-12 overall and 1-9 in conference play. Bella Poppelriter led Wellsville with a game-high 20 points, including two three-pointers, while Kenzie Bosco added eight points to support the Tigers’ offense.

For East Palestine, Jacklyn Ogle was a standout, scoring 10 points and grabbing nine rebounds, accounting for over half of the Bulldogs’ offensive production. Marley Blythe chipped in five points, while Alivia Magness and Liv Dyke each added two.

The game was tightly contested early, with Wellsville holding a slim 16-12 lead late in the third quarter. However, the Tigers seized control with a decisive 12-0 run, stretching their advantage to 28-12 with 6:41 remaining in the game. East Palestine struggled offensively during this stretch, managing just one point in the third quarter and seven in the fourth.

East Palestine will look to bounce back quickly as they travel to Lisbon on Thursday. Meanwhile, Wellsville hopes to maintain their momentum as they continue their EOAC campaign. The Tigers’ balanced attack and strong second-half defense proved too much for the Bulldogs, solidifying their position as a competitive force in the conference.

BULLDOGS BITE BACK TO GET SIGNATURE WIN

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EAST PALESTINE, OH- The East Palestine Bulldogs pulled off a thrilling comeback to defeat Wellsville, 55-53, in a crucial EOAC matchup. The win improves the Bulldogs’ record to 6-5 overall and 3-4 in league play, while the Tigers fall to 4-7 and 3-4. Owen Jurjavcic and Landyn Cope led the charge for East Palestine with 14 points each. Jurjavcic also added five rebounds and seven assists, while Cope contributed three rebounds and three steals. Kyler Bourne made a solid impact with eight points and six boards, while Drew Bycroft tallied six assists and three rebounds. Will Dixon delivered four rebounds and four steals, stepping up in key moments, including a coast-to-coast layup at the buzzer to help seal the victory.

Wellsville’s freshman point guard, Jeron Jackson, had a career night with 17 points, eight assists, and three steals. Tyrell Watkins recorded a double-double with 14 points and 13 rebounds, while Darnell Roe chipped in nine points. Despite the strong performances, foul trouble ultimately derailed Wellsville’s late-game momentum. Watkins and Landon Ramsey fouled out in the fourth quarter, leaving the Tigers vulnerable down the stretch.

The Tigers looked poised for victory, holding a 53-46 lead with 2:18 left after an Austin Adkins layup. However, East Palestine’s freshman Clark Rutledge nailed a clutch three-pointer to cut the deficit to 53-49 with two minutes remaining. Moments later, Dixon was fouled on a three-point attempt and calmly sank two free throws to bring the Bulldogs within two points. Wellsville then committed two turnovers in quick succession, giving East Palestine a chance to tie the game. With 19 seconds on the clock, Jurjavcic found Bourne for a layup, knotting the score at 53-53. Wellsville missed a potential game-winner, and East Palestine raced down the court, where Dixon delivered the game-winning layup with just 1.8 seconds remaining.

Both teams will return to EOAC action on Friday, with East Palestine visiting United and Wellsville traveling to Lisbon. This game showcased the resilience and determination of the Bulldogs, proving that anything can happen when you play until the final whistle.

LADY CLIPPERS UPEND EP

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COLUMBIANA, OH- The Columbiana Lady Clippers showed why they remain undefeated, rolling to a 59-3 victory over the East Palestine Lady Bulldogs on Monday night. It was another complete performance for the Clippers, who spread the scoring across their roster, with nine players contributing offensively.

Annah Clemmer led the way for Columbiana, dropping 13 points in the rout. Evalyn Rapp followed closely with 12, and Megan Moser added 9. Sydney Spaite chipped in 8 points, while Camille Jeffries, Lexi Davis, and Tori Waselich each contributed 4. Ava Heinrich had 3 points, and Madison Janis rounded out the scoring with 2. The Clippers dominated from the tip, using their depth and relentless energy to keep the Bulldogs off balance all night.

East Palestine struggled to generate offense against Columbiana’s smothering defense. Jacklyn Ogle scored 2 points while also grabbing 5 rebounds. Emma Gingher added 5 rebounds of her own, and Liv Dyke made her presence felt defensively with 2 blocks. Marley Blythe scored 1 point to round out the scoring for the Lady Bulldogs, who continued to battle despite the deficit.

The win moves Columbiana to an impressive 15-0 overall and 9-0 in league play, solidifying their spot atop the standings. East Palestine falls to 3-11 on the season and 1-8 in league action.

Columbiana will look to keep their perfect record intact as they prepare for their next challenge Thursday in Southern, while East Palestine will regroup and focus on bouncing back in their upcoming game Tuesday vs. Wellsville.

BULLDOGS HOLD ON TIGHT AGAINST LEETONIA

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EAST PALESTINE, OH-  The East Palestine Bulldogs defended their home court on Tuesday night, topping the Leetonia Bears, 56-46. The victory pushes the Bulldogs to 5-5 on the season (2-4 in conference) and sends the Bears to 3-7 (0-5 in the EOAC).

Right from the tip, both teams came out with energy, trading baskets in a fast-paced first quarter. Leetonia leaned on the offensive prowess of Dylan Brown, who led the Bears with 14 points, and Dylan Johns, who contributed 13. Despite the Bears’ efforts, East Palestine’s defensive intensity—spearheaded by Clark Rutledge—posed problems all night. Rutledge not only made his presence felt on the defensive end, but also pitched in 4 points.

On offense, the Bulldogs were powered by the hot shooting of Landyn Cope, who racked up 17 points, including five three-pointers that electrified the home crowd. Teammate Owen Jurjavcic added 12 points, making key shots to keep the Bulldogs in control, while Drew Bycroft’s 11 and Kyler Bourne’s 10 provided East Palestine with balanced scoring across the board.

Leetonia remained within striking distance for much of the contest thanks to timely buckets from Carson Brock (8 points), CJ Faulkner (3), and Ethan Mathias (4). However, each time the Bears seemed ready to close the gap, Cope’s outside shooting and the Bulldogs’ interior defense shut down any momentum.

As the fourth quarter wound down, East Palestine’s steady offense and tight defensive play sealed the win. With conference play heating up, both teams will look to build on the lessons from this matchup. The Bulldogs continue their push in the EOAC, while the Bears regroup and prepare to chase their first conference victory of the season.

LADY BULLDOGS GET GRITTY AGAINST LEETONIA

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EAST PALESTINE, OH= It wasn’t the prettiest game, but it sure was gutsy. The East Palestine Lady Bulldogs fought their way to a 32-23 victory over Leetonia on Tuesday night, clawing back after a sluggish first half. With only six players available due to injuries, the Bulldogs leaned on heart, hustle, and some sharp decision-making from Head Coach Rick Gates to pull off the win.

The game didn’t start in East Palestine’s favor. Leetonia’s scrappy defense kept the Bulldogs off rhythm in the first half, and East Palestine trailed 15-12 going into the break. But Coach Gates wasn’t rattled. He expertly rotated his shorthanded roster to keep fresh legs on the court, and his adjustments paid off in the second half.

The Bulldogs flipped the script in the third quarter, outscoring Leetonia 7-3 to reclaim the lead. Sophomore Marley Blythe led the charge with a relentless effort on the boards, pulling down seven rebounds and giving East Palestine second-chance opportunities. Her dominance in the paint sparked the Bulldogs’ offense, while Sydney Javorsky found her rhythm, dropping in 12 points to lead all scorers.

By the time the fourth quarter rolled around, the Bulldogs were in control. Liv Magness was a force defensively, snagging four steals and turning them into fast-break opportunities. East Palestine closed the game strong with a 13-point final quarter to seal the deal.

Leetonia couldn’t muster much offense in the second half, scoring just eight points as East Palestine’s defense tightened the screws. The Bulldogs showed poise and grit, playing smart basketball to protect their lead and secure their second win of the season.

Jacklyn Ogle led the way in points for EP with 12, but was accompanied by a half dozen by both Emma Gingher, and Marley Blythe.  Alyvia Magness and Sydney Jurjavcic each had four points.

For Leetonia- Taylor Chapman led the way with eight, but the scoring was spread out after that with six from Starr Neel, and four points from Carli Simms.

Game Notes:

  • Player of the Game: Marley Blythe, for her rebounding dominance and key energy plays.
  • Coach’s Highlight: Rick Gates’ masterful substitution strategy kept the team fresh despite the short bench.
  • Next Up: East Palestine takes on Lisbon at home this Saturday at noon.

The Bulldogs improved to 2-6 overall and 1-4 in league play, proving that even with a thin roster, they’re not backing down from a fight.  The Lady Dogs will now prepare for another EOAC battle at home on Saturday against Lisbon.  Tipoff is at Noon on YSN.

SOUTHERN GIRLS BASKETBALL COACH’S CORNER (EP 1) WITH MICHAEL SKRINJAR

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SALINEVILLE OH- Southern Local’s girls basketball program is gearing up for an exciting season under the steady leadership of head coach Michael Skrinjar. Despite losing key players to graduation, the Lady Indians remain resilient, determined to build on last year’s remarkable achievements.

Coach Skrinjar, in a recent interview with YSN, reflected on the team’s back-to-back sectional championships and a three-way tie for the league title—milestones not reached in over two decades. Skrinjar highlighted the impact of last year’s senior leaders, Josie Stanley and Ashley Shraodes, on the development of returning players, emphasizing how these experiences have prepared the current roster for leadership roles.

This season, the Lady Indians will rely on a diverse group of 12 dedicated players. Skrinjar showcased standout athletes such as freshman Emerson Gotschall, known for her rebounding prowess, and the highly athletic sophomore core, including Sarah Hawk, Ava Reed, and more. Juniors McKenna Jones and Alyssa Shroades, both seasoned starters, bring invaluable experience and skill to the team.

Skrinjar is optimistic about the Lady Indians’ prospects in the competitive EOAC, noting the fierce rivalries and strong coaching throughout the league. “Every team in our league has the ability to surprise you on any given night,” Skrinjar remarked, underlining the challenges and excitement ahead. Supporting Skrinjar is a dedicated coaching staff and a robust youth program, critical to the long-term success of Southern Local’s girls basketball. With contributions from volunteers and former players, the program is fostering future stars from kindergarten through high school. As the season unfolds, fans can look forward to witnessing the Lady Indians’ relentless pursuit of excellence, bolstered by an unwavering commitment to teamwork and a strong sense of community. Stay tuned as YSN continues to cover Southern Local’s journey throughout the year. Coach Skrinjar’s vision and dedication promise a season filled with passion, growth, and memorable moments on the court.

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CLIPPERS LIGHT UP THE SCOREBOARD ON LEETONIA

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COLUMBIANA OH- Columbiana brought the heat Friday night, lighting up the scoreboard and cruising to a 67-49 win over Leetonia in EOAC action. The Clippers’ offense was firing on all cylinders, and Leetonia just couldn’t keep up.

Seth Struharik was unstoppable, dropping 26 points to lead Columbiana. Hunter Davanzo added 16, and Cooper Brown chipped in 10 to round out the scoring attack.

Leetonia got a solid effort from Carson Brock with 12 points, Brayden Earl with 11, and CJ Faulkner adding 9, but it wasn’t enough to hang with the Clippers.

Columbiana stays home Tuesday for another league test against East Palestine, while Leetonia looks to bounce back as they host Southern.

BULLDOGS BOUNCE BACK AGAINST JCC

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EAST PALESTINE, OH-The East Palestine Bulldogs showed resilience Tuesday night, shaking off a tough loss to Wellsville with a commanding 71-35 victory over the Jefferson County Christian Royals.

From the opening tip, the Bulldogs took control, outscoring the Royals 19-8 in the first quarter and never looking back. Their relentless pace extended through all four quarters, as they piled up points and kept the Royals in check defensively.

Leading the charge for the Bulldogs were the seniors  Owen Jurjavcic with 21, Kyler Bourne with 20, and Landyn Cope, who lit up the scoreboard with 12 points, displaying a knack for hitting key shots in crucial moments.  Michael Chestnut and Will Dixon chipped in with 7 and 4 points, respectively, showcasing the depth of East Palestine’s roster. Isaac Cozza and Clark Rutledge had 4 points, and 3 points respectively.

On the defensive side, the Bulldogs were relentless, forcing turnovers and making life difficult for Jefferson County Christian’s shooters. They held the Royals to just 17 first-half points, effectively sealing the game by halftime.

The Royals struggled to get much going offensively, but they had a few bright spots with three players hanging nine points apiece in Lee Gump, Jack Anderson, and Wyatt Hervey.

East Palestine’s relentless effort on both ends of the floor was evident as they coasted through the second half, putting the finishing touches on a dominant performance. With this victory, the Bulldogs move to 1-1 on the young season and will look to carry this momentum into their next matchup.

LIBERTY WINS HOOPS AT NOON CLASSIC

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LIBERTY, OH- The Liberty Leopards claimed victory over the Lisbon Blue Devils in a high-energy matchup at the Hoops at Noon Classic on Liberty’s home court. Played in front of a packed house of students and select academic achievers, the Leopards edged out the Blue Devils 64-58 in an entertaining contest that showcased grit and determination on both sides.

Liberty came out firing in the first quarter, putting up 20 points to Lisbon’s 14. The Leopards rode the wave of their home crowd’s energy, creating an early cushion that would prove critical. Lisbon kept things close in the second quarter, holding Liberty to just 11 points while scoring 9 of their own, leaving the Leopards ahead 31-23 at halftime.

The Blue Devils found their rhythm in the third quarter, outscoring Liberty 19-13. They clawed their way back into the game, fueled by a strong effort on both ends of the floor. Heading into the final period, the Leopards’ lead had been trimmed to just 44-42.

But Liberty wasn’t about to let this one slip away. The Leopards cranked up the intensity in the fourth quarter, dropping 20 points while holding Lisbon to 16. The balanced attack and key defensive stops sealed the deal, securing Liberty’s first win in the Hoops at Noon Classic series.

AJ Ramgeet led all scorers with 27 for Lisbon, and Aiden Ramgeet finished with 10.  For Liberty, Dearmani Franklin had 14, Evan Bates had 13, Joe Croom had a dozen and Ramsey Hadi-Cox dropped nine.

The Hoops at Noon Classic will continue in February when the schools’ girls’ basketball teams square off in Lisbon. If this game is any indication, fans can expect another electrifying showdown.

EAST PALESTINE GIRLS BASKETBALL COACH’S CORNER (EP 1) WITH RICK GATES

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East Palestine, OH – The East Palestine High School has ushered in a fresh era for their girls’ basketball program by appointing Rick Gates as the new head coach. Gates, who boasts a storied coaching career in the region, is set to lead the Bulldogs through an exciting journey this season.

Gates, renowned for his successes with both boys’ and girls’ programs, joins East Palestine after a beneficial stint assisting Tristan Reynolds with the boys’ team. His transition to the girls’ side comes with high hopes and notable enthusiasm. “I’m just excited to get started on my new journey and our team’s new journey with the girls program at EP,” Gates remarked during a recent episode of YSN’s “Coach’s Corner” with Anthony Hartwig.

Taking over the program in August, Gates faced immediate challenges due to a late start and the no-contact period of fall sports. His focus swiftly moved to instilling a solid foundation, emphasizing fundamentals and team culture. Despite limited initial contact, Gates expressed optimism about the team’s potential. The Bulldogs’ roster features two juniors, five sophomores, and one freshman, setting a stage for a youthful yet promising team. Key players like juniors CamI Kridler and Liv Dyke are expected to take on leadership roles, guiding their younger teammates through the season.

Without seniors and with only eight players in the squad, Gates adopts a unique coaching strategy. “We need all eight of them to contribute every single night in practice,” he emphasized. “We don’t have a superstar, so we need eight solid players that are all going to fill in their roles.” The Eastern Ohio Athletic Conference (EOAC) presents a significant competitive challenge. Gates acknowledges the strength of teams like Columbiana, Southern, and United but remains confident that his team can also vie for success. “We have a shot to play competitively with [them],” he noted. Non-conference games will serve as essential trials for Gates’ Bulldogs, aiming to prepare the squad for intense league matches and the upcoming postseason.

Joining Gates in this new chapter are assistants Jill Baird, Jocelyn Fristake, Addison Glavin, Alexis Gates Hauser, Carson Rotledge, and Kevin McKinstry. The diverse and experienced staff aims to foster growth and success within the program. “We have really had this take a step back and go fundamentals first,” Gates revealed, highlighting the collaborative and developmental focus of his staff. This comprehensive approach underscores the promising direction in which Gates intends to steer the East Palestine girls’ basketball program. YSN’s Anthony Hartwig concluded with optimism for the team and appreciation for Gates’ leadership: “Congratulations on the job. We know you’re going to do great things in East Palestine.” As the new season tips off, East Palestine fans eagerly anticipate the evolution and successes ahead under Rick Gates’ experienced leadership.

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