Tag Archive for: EOAC

SENIOR’S SHINE AS EP LACES LEETONIA IN DOUBLE DIP

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NEW WATERFORD, OH- East Palestine came out swinging and never looked back in a dominant doubleheader sweep over Leetonia on Wednesday, winning 8-0 and 6-0 behind two shutdown pitching performances and some aggressive base running.

In game one, Cale Moraski was untouchable. The righty punched out 14 batters across five innings of two-hit ball, walking none and completely owning the strike zone. He didn’t just do it on the mound either—Moraski went a perfect 3-for-3 at the plate with a pair of singles that helped keep the pressure on Leetonia all game. East Palestine opened the scoring in the first with a Simon RBI single and an error, then tacked on more in the second behind Moraski’s bat and smart baserunning. The Bulldogs walked seven times and swiped seven bags, making life miserable for the Leetonia defense.

Game two saw more of the same, just a different name on the bump. Blake Noel took the ball and tossed five innings of one-hit, shutout baseball while striking out eight and walking nobody. The Bulldogs exploded for five runs in the first inning to set the tone early—Kyler Bourne delivered a two-run single, Brad Bartels brought one in on a groundout, and both Tommy Beatty and Jaxson Robb chipped in RBI singles. Bourne wasn’t done either, knocking in another run in the second and finishing 2-for-2 with 3 RBIs. East Palestine added six more stolen bases to their tally in game two, once again turning walks into runs.

With the sweep, East Palestine tightened the screws defensively, stayed disciplined at the plate, and kept the pressure high on the basepaths. They’ll carry that momentum into Thursday’s road matchup at Heartland Christian.

MORASKI IS PERFECT AGAINST LISBON

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NEW WATERFORD, OH- Cale Moraski dealt a perfect game, and East Palestine broke things wide open in the fifth and never looked back, shutting out Lisbon 10-0 on Tuesday.

It was a pitchers’ duel early until East Palestine broke through in the third. Moraski doubled to center, then Phoenix Marvin and Kyler Bourne followed with RBI knocks to put the Bulldogs up 3-0.

The floodgates opened in the fifth. East Palestine put up a seven-run frame on eight hits. Marvin slapped a two-run single, Kyler Bourne worked a bases-loaded walk, Tommy Beatty and Luke Kinkead each drove in a run with singles, and Moraski capped the rally with another RBI base knock.

Moraski was dominant on the hill, tossing a five-inning no-hitter with 11 strikeouts and zero walks, a perfect game..  Total control from start to finish.

Lisbon’s Brady Carpenter struck out eight over four innings but took the loss after giving up seven earned on seven hits.

Defensively, both teams played clean — no errors from either side. Aiden Myers had nine chances in the field for the Blue Devils, while Phoenix Marvin led East Palestine with 11.

At the plate, Moraski went 3-for-4 from the leadoff spot, while Marvin drove in three and went 2-for-3. East Palestine swiped four bags and racked up 11 total hits.

Lisbon heads home Wednesday to battle EP, and then to Salem on Saturday, looking to bounce back.

COLUMBIANA BASEBALL COACH’S CORNER WITH BRYCE FRANKEN 3-19-25

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COLUMBIANA, OH – As warm weather approaches, the anticipation for high school baseball builds within the Columbiana community. The Clippers, led by head coach Bryce Franken, are preparing to embark on a new season characterized by significant turnover, but teeming with potential.

Coach Franken highlights the fresh dynamics following the departure of seven seniors, five of whom were everyday players. Despite the challenges of fielding new faces, Franken remains committed to maintaining the team’s strong track record within the Eastern Ohio Athletic Conference (EOAC), where the Clippers have remained unbeaten under his guidance. “I’ve never lost a game in the EOAC,” Franken shared, emphasizing the team’s unwavering focus. “Even though we’ve got a lot of turnover, I’m still looking to continue that trend.”

Several returning players are set to anchor the team this season. However, the team will be missing the leadership of a key pitcher on the mound for the initial games due to an injury, prompting younger talents to step into more crucial roles. With new challenges come new opportunities. Franken believes the current scenario offers a unique chance for athletes to display their competitive zeal and fight for positions. “It’s exciting to see those guys competing for spots and, you know, seeing the young guys really start to step up,” he stated, noting the intense competition unfolding during preseason scrimmages.

The teamwork extends beyond players to the robust support from the coaching staff and school administration. The program is bolstered by assistant coaches who continue to foster a culture of excellence. The Clippers’ season officially begins against Wellsville on March 28, and eyes are firmly set on navigating both the EOAC and newfound challenges in the Ohio Valley Athletic Conference (OVAC). “We’re not taking any games for granted this year,” Franken declares, outlining a strategy rooted in humility and hard work. “We are starting from the bottom, working our way up.” As the first pitch draws near, the Columbiana Clippers are not just ready to play but determined to uphold a legacy of success, one game at a time.

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CLIPPERS HOIST THEIR SECOND STRAIGHT EOAC TROPHY

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HANOVERTON OH- Columbiana rolled into United on Tuesday night and handled business, locking up their second straight EOAC championship with a 65-43 win. The Clippers will split the crown with Valley Christian, who took care of Leetonia the same night.

Seth Struharik was lights out, dropping 25 points to lead the way. Cooper Brown chipped in 16, while Luca Cagliuso and Hunter Davanzo each added 6.

United got 8 points from Matthew Hoopes, while M’Kyan Haynes and Luke Mercer each put up 7.

Next up, Columbiana wraps up the regular season Friday on the road at Mathews. United stays home to take on the Academy of Urban Scholars.

WRESTLING WEDNESDAYS WITH GARY ALTHISER (EP 7) FEATURING EVAN PROTOPAPA

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In a recent feature on YSN’s Wrestling Wednesdays, Evan Protopapa, the junior wrestling standout from Austintown Fitch, shared insights into his journey and aspirations in the sport. Despite being an underclassman, Protopapa has taken on the mantle of leadership as one of the captains of a predominantly young team, showcasing his maturity and dedication to the sport.

Protopapa’s commitment to wrestling became evident when he decided to focus solely on the sport beginning his freshman year, putting aside his time with travel soccer to hone his skills on the mat. His dedication has been rewarded with a captaincy role, a testament to the respect he has earned from both his peers and coaches. The young wrestler thrives on the deep competition within the Austintown Fitch program, where he cites the camaraderie and rigorous training environment as key factors in his development. His drilling partner, Joey Janis, a senior, plays a crucial role in pushing him to excel during practice sessions. With a clear focus on his goals, Protopapa aims for the state podium, citing this as his chief aspiration. His competitive spirit is matched by a well-rounded approach to wrestling, as evidenced by his disciplined diet of chicken and rice, which reflects his commitment to maintaining peak physical condition.

Beyond the physical demands, Protopapa acknowledges the importance of mental preparation in wrestling. He emphasizes keeping a positive mindset as crucial to his success, a lesson that has been reinforced by his coach, John Bird, whom he credits as a significant motivator. Off the mat, Protopapa is equally passionate about academics, particularly in math. This balanced approach to student-athlete life underscores his dedication both as a wrestler and a scholar. Concluding the interview, Protopapa expressed gratitude to those who have supported him along the way, including his mother, his coaches, and fellow wrestlers, showcasing the network of support that fuels his drive to succeed. Evan Protopapa’s journey is a testament to the values of hard work, focus, and leadership—qualities that make him a rising star in the Austintown Fitch wrestling program. As he continues to strive for excellence, the local wrestling community watches with anticipation, eager to see his potential come to fruition on the state stage.

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UNITED WIN SETS UP TITLE SHOT

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HANOVERTON, OH – United rolled past Wellsville 52-24 on Thursday night, setting the stage for a crucial Eastern Ohio Athletic Conference matchup on Monday. With the win, the Lady Eagles improved to 12-8 overall and 12-1 in league play, keeping them in contention for a share of the EOAC title. A win over first-place Columbiana on Monday would earn United a piece of the championship.

Marin Stryffeler stole the show, knocking down a school-record eight three-pointers on her way to a game-high 24 points. She surpassed the previous mark of seven set by Chrissy Young in the 1994-95 season. Reagan Good contributed 8 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 steals, while Maelee Smith added 6 points, 10 rebounds, and 3 steals. Ally Lacey played a key role as well, finishing with 5 steals and 6 assists.

Wellsville, now 9-10 overall and 8-6 in the EOAC, struggled to find offensive rhythm against United’s defense. Bella Poppelriter led the Tigers with 10 points and 8 rebounds, while Olivia Edison and Kenzie Thompson each knocked down two three-pointers, finishing with 6 points apiece. Abby Forsythe chipped in with a rebound and a free throw.

United jumped out to a 16-7 lead in the first quarter and extended its advantage to 30-8 by halftime. Wellsville put together a stronger second half, but the deficit was too much to overcome as the Golden Eagles remained in control until the final buzzer.

United will travel to East Liverpool on Saturday before hosting Columbiana in a highly anticipated league showdown on Monday. Wellsville will look to bounce back in an OVAC consolation game at Conotton Valley.

SOUTHERN LIMITS EP

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EAST PALESTINE, OH – A second-quarter flurry powered by Raelea Carosiello helped Southern pull away from East Palestine in a 41-20 victory Thursday night in an EOAC showdown.

Carosiello led the charge with 13 points, including a pair of three-pointers that sparked a key run before halftime. She also contributed three rebounds and two steals. Hailey Maines added a career-best six points along with five rebounds and two steals, while Allyssa Shroades and Makenna Jones each finished with eight points. Shroades stuffed the stat sheet with five rebounds, five steals, and two assists, while Jones added seven boards and four assists. Maddy Jones had a strong all-around game, collecting a game-high eight rebounds and six assists, and Lidia Spahlinger pulled down four rebounds.

With the win, Southern improves to 12-8 overall and finishes EOAC play at 9-5, tying Wellsville for third place in the league.

East Palestine struggled to find offensive rhythm but was led by Jacklyn Ogle, who finished with 12 points and five rebounds. Marley Blythe grabbed seven rebounds, and Cami Kridler added four boards while scoring two points.

Southern set the tone early, forcing 17 East Palestine turnovers in the first half, including 11 in the second quarter. That defensive pressure helped the Indians build a commanding 20-6 halftime lead. A 12-2 second-quarter run sealed the momentum shift, with Carosiello knocking down two three-pointers and Shroades adding another.

The Bulldogs will be back in action on Saturday for a varsity-only matchup at Western Reserve, tipping off at 11 a.m. Southern will begin OVAC Class 2A tournament play with a semifinal game at River on Monday at 6 p.m.

POPPELRITER GOES FOR 31; TIGERS LOCK DOWN LEETONIA

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WELLSVILLE, OH – Wellsville senior Bella Poppelriter put on a show Wednesday night, dropping a season-high 31 points to power the Tigers past Leetonia 42-34 in Eastern Ohio Athletic Conference action.

Poppelriter was dominant on both ends, adding 10 rebounds to complete a double-double performance. The Tigers, now 10-9 overall and 9-4 in the EOAC, also got key contributions from Kenzie Bosco, who grabbed six rebounds, and Myleigh Jackson, who chipped in 3 points. Olivia Edison added 4 points, while Johnnie Tice and Bosco each scored 2.

Leetonia kept the game competitive behind a team-high 13 points from Starr Neel, who also knocked down two three-pointers. Breyle Merritt added 8 points, while Taylor Chapman contributed 7. Aryana Chapman and Hallie Lewis each chipped in a bucket to round out the Bears’ scoring.

The game remained close in the first quarter, with both teams locked at 9-9. Wellsville seized control in the second, outscoring Leetonia 18-4 to take a commanding 27-13 halftime lead. The Bears made a push in the fourth, putting up 13 points, but the Tigers held strong to close out the win.

Wellsville continues to build momentum as it approaches the end of the regular season, while Leetonia, now 1-15 overall and 0-11 in the EOAC, looks to regroup and finish strong.

LADY CLIPPERS REMAIN DOMINANT

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COLUMBIANA, OH – Columbiana’s dominance in the Eastern Ohio Athletic Conference continued Wednesday night as the Clippers cruised to a 42-11 win over Southern.

Ava Heinrich led the charge with 14 points, including four three-pointers, while Ellie Venezia added 11 points, knocking down six free throws. Evy Rapp contributed 7 points, and Megan Moser chipped in 6 to round out Columbiana’s balanced scoring effort.

With the win, the Clippers remain undefeated at 18-0 overall and 12-0 in conference play, holding a one-game lead over United in the EOAC standings. Columbiana will face Valley Christian in its next matchup on Thursday. The Clippers have dominated league competition all season, outscoring EOAC opponents by an average margin of 59-12.

Southern struggled to find an offensive rhythm but saw a highlight performance from Allyssa Shroades, who led the team with 6 points. Shroades also made history, breaking her own single-season record for three-pointers, surpassing her previous mark of 51 with her 52nd of the season. Maddy Jones was active on the boards, securing 10 rebounds, while Emerson Gotschall and Jones combined for five points at the free-throw line.

The Indians now sit at 11-8 overall and 8-5 in EOAC play. They will look to bounce back quickly as they travel to East Palestine for their next game.

Columbiana controlled the game from start to finish, jumping out to a 5-1 lead after the first quarter and extending their advantage to 17-3 by halftime. A strong second half sealed the Clippers’ dominant win, as they continued their march toward a perfect regular season.

POPPELRITER TAKES HER TALENTS TO BETHANY

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WELLSVILLE, OH-  Wellsville senior standout Bella Poppelriter has officially committed to Bethany College to continue her academic and athletic career. Poppelriter will join the Bison volleyball program while pursuing a degree in Chemistry. Bethany competes at the NCAA Division III level in the Presidents’ Athletic Conference.

Poppelriter leaves behind a remarkable legacy at Wellsville High School. As a setter and defensive anchor, she surpassed 1,000 career assists and digs, playing a pivotal role in the Tigers’ success. During her career, she helped lead Wellsville to two EOAC Championships, three OVAC Championships, and two deep OHSAA regional tournament runs.

Her individual accolades are just as impressive. Poppelriter is a two-time All-District First Team honoree, a three-time OVAC First Team selection, a two-time All-EOAC standout, and an OHSVCA Honorable Mention.

In addition to volleyball, Poppelriter excelled on the basketball court, where she joined the prestigious 1,000-point club earlier this winter, adding another milestone to her stellar high school career.

The Wellsville School District expressed pride in Poppelriter’s achievements, both on and off the court, praising her hard work, leadership, and dedication to the athletic programs. Her presence will be deeply missed, but her future at Bethany College looks incredibly bright.

Congratulations, Bella, on this well-deserved next chapter!