Tag Archive for: Falcons

FALCONS GET A STRONG START TO AAC PLAY

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By Ty Bartell

 

AUSTINTOWN OH- After months of anticipation, the All American Conference (AAC) opened up conference
play for all of its teams this week, starting on Tuesday with the boys and following it up Wednesday with the girls. Two conference games occurred amongst the five teams in the AAC on Wednesday night, including The Austintown-Fitch Falcons hosting in The Warren G. Harding Raiders. Fitch is 7-3 in their last 10 matchups with The Raiders, with the last Harding victory against The Falcons coming on January 13th, 2021.

Always a fun matchup between the two schools, the first quarter looked like the game was in-store for a low-scoring, grind it out type of ball game. With the lid being on the bucket through the first eight minutes, Fitch was able to capture a small 5-4 lead after the first. The second quarter saw Austintown begin to separate themselves from The Raiders off the backs of a 12-2 second quarter to own a 17-6 halftime lead. Through the first 16 minutes, The Falcons dominated the rebounding department, especially on the offensive glass. However, a lower than average shooting percentage from the field for Fitch kept Harding within striking distance heading into the halftime locker room.

Out of the second half, The Falcons offense woke up big time! With a massive 23-6 third quarter, spearheaded by Kylie Folkwein and Rachel Spalding, Fitch blew the roof off this popsicle stand with a 40-12 lead going into the final quarter of play. The tempo did not change much in the fourth, with a running clock, Austintown put the finishing touches on a 51-16 win to open up AAC play.

Leading the way for Fitch was one of the Players of the Game in Kylie Folkwein! Finishing with 13 points, Folkwein looks to be returning to form after a minor setback with an injury earlier this season. The other Player of the Game was Rachel Spalding, who was also impactful for lighting the third quarter offensive spark when she scored the first two baskets in the second half to get The Falcons offensive tempo rolling, as Spalding finished with 8 points in the game. Interviews with both Kylie Folkwein and Rachel Spalding can be found below! Beyond that, Destanie McCullough had 7 points and Ayla Ray had 6 points for Fitch. Meanwhile, a total of 10 different Falcons scored in the ballgame, the definition of spreading the love around!

Fitch (9-3)(1-0) will get a few days rest before picking it back up in the conference when they host AAC rival Canfield (6-4)(0-1) on Saturday, January 6th with a 2:30 p.m. tip-off. Meanwhile, Harding (5-5)(0-2) will go back out of conference when they host The Ursuline Fighting Irish (6-5) also on Saturday with a 2:30 p.m. tip-off. YSN is your home for AAC basketball this season with live games, scores, stats, stories and more found on The Network!

RAIDERS ANCHOR IN ANOTHER CLOSE WIN

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AUSTINTOWN OH- Facing a formidable test on the road, South Range entered the nest of Austintown Fitch for what turned out to be another hard-fought battle. In a game that remained close throughout, the Raiders managed to secure a victory in a tight 63-61 contest on Saturday.

Landon Moore emerged as a scoring force for South Range, delivering an outstanding 34-point performance that played a pivotal role in the team’s success. Luke Rohan added 15 points, contributing to the Raiders’ offensive output.

For Austintown Fitch, the duo of DeShawn Vaughn and Marcel Finkley each scored 16 points, showcasing their offensive prowess. Despite a valiant effort, Fitch found themselves on the wrong side of a possession game that could have gone either way.

South Range’s resilience and ability to navigate tough contests have become a hallmark of their recent seasons, and this win adds to a series of hard-earned victories. With a 6-3 record, South Range looks forward to the new year, gearing up for a matchup at Poland on January 5th. Austintown Fitch, now standing at 5-3, will shift their focus to AAC play, hosting Warren Harding on January 2nd. The game exemplified the competitive nature of high school basketball and sets the stage for both teams as they progress through their respective seasons.

FITCH DOESN’T WAVER DOWN THE STRETCH

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CANFIELD OH- In a nail-biting encounter, Austintown Fitch added another victory to their South Range Holiday Hoops Classic campaign, edging out Green 46-42 in a hard-fought battle.

Destanie McCollough proved to be the hero of the game for Fitch, making a crucial bucket through contact when the score was deadlocked at 42-42. Her clutch play was capped off by completing the three-point play, ultimately securing the win for Fitch.

McCollough led the scoring effort for Fitch with 15 points, showcasing her composure and skill in critical moments. Ayla Ray contributed 9 points, while Rachel Spalding and Dasiyia Donlow each added 7 points, highlighting the team’s balanced offensive performance.

Green fought valiantly, with Jenna Slates leading the team with 15 points. However, it was Fitch’s late-game heroics that proved decisive.

With this win, Fitch improves to an 8-3 record and looks ahead to league play on Wednesday as they host Warren Harding. The victory in the South Range Holiday Hoops Classic adds another chapter to Fitch’s successful season, leaving fans eager to see how they fare in upcoming challenges.

FITCH MAKES THEIR PRESENCE FELT

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CANFIELD OH- Austintown Fitch made a resounding statement at the South Range Holliday Hoops Classic, opening their campaign with a commanding 61-16 victory over Garfield.

The scoring prowess of Fitch was on full display, led by Kaliana Ray’s impressive 15-point performance. Destanie McCullough contributed a double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds, showcasing her versatility on the court. Ayla Ray added 10 points to the scoreboard, while Rachel Spalding and Sam Severn rounded out the scoring effort with 9 and 7 points, respectively.

Garfield faced a tough defensive challenge from Fitch, with Mandy Cardinal leading the team in scoring with 7 points, and Zoey Nay adding 5 points.

The win propels Fitch to a 7-3 record, setting the stage for a highly anticipated matchup against Greeb on Friday at 5:30 in Day 2 of the Holliday Hoops Classic. Meanwhile, Garfield will regroup and face Struthers in their next game at the same classic, scheduled for 10:00.

Austintown Fitch’s dominant performance in this opening game showcased their strength and skill, leaving fans eager to see how they fare in the subsequent battles of the Holliday Hoops Classic.

FALCONS PREY ON SPARTANS

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Jefferson, OH- In a commanding performance, the Jefferson Falcons soared to victory over the Conneaut Spartans, securing a resounding win with a final score of 81-35. The Falcons dominated each quarter, showcasing their offensive prowess and defensive tenacity throughout the game.

First Quarter: Jefferson Takes an Early Lead

The Falcons wasted no time establishing their dominance, outscoring the Spartans 20-2 in the opening quarter. Anthony Covetta led the charge with an impressive offensive display, contributing significantly to the team’s early lead.

Second Quarter: Falcons Continue to Soar

Maintaining their momentum, the Falcons added another 14 points to their tally in the second quarter. Joey De George emerged as a key contributor, showcasing his scoring ability and making it challenging for the Spartans to mount a comeback.

Third Quarter: Offensive Explosion

The third quarter witnessed an offensive explosion from the Falcons, as they piled on 30 points. Covetta and De George continued to shine, supported by contributions from Dylan Beebe, Terry Brown, and Robbie Pisano.

Fourth Quarter: Closing Out Strong

In the final quarter, the Falcons showed no signs of letting up, adding 15 more points to their total. The team’s well-rounded performance highlighted their depth and versatility on both ends of the court.

Player Point Totals: Covetta and DeGeorge Lead the Way

Jefferson Falcons:

  • Anthony Covetta: 37 points
  • Joey DeGeorge: 33 points
  • Dylan Beebe: 7 points
  • Terry Brown: 2 points
  • Robbie Pisano: 2 points

Conneaut Spartans:

  • Ryan Turner: 5 points
  • Davonte Harris: 8 points
  • Noah Hamm: 8 points
  • JR Hutchinson: 3 points
  • Chance Loomis: 11 points

Key Takeaways: Covetta and DeGeorge Shine

The Falcons’ victory was propelled by outstanding performances from Anthony Covetta and Joey DeGeorge, who not only scored impressively but also made significant contributions on the boards. The team’s well-coordinated efforts on both offense and defense were evident throughout the game.

Upcoming Games: Road Ahead for Both Teams

The Jefferson Falcons (2-4) are set to face the Madison Blue Streaks (4-2) on January 5, 2023, in what promises to be an exciting matchup. Meanwhile, the Conneaut Spartans (3-3) will hit the road to take on the Grand Valley Mustangs (1-4) on December 29, 2023. As the season progresses, both teams will look to build on their performances and make a strong push in the CVC.

EDGEWOOD STILL AMONG THE UNBEATEN RANKS

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ASHTABULA OH- Edgewood showcased their dominance on Tuesday night, securing a 57-45 triumph over their local rival, Jefferson, to keep their unblemished record intact.

Leading the scoring charge for Edgewood, Katie McCollister delivered an outstanding performance with 24 points. Supporting the offensive effort were Anne Mae Johnston with 9 points, and both Leigha Guyton and McKenna Vencill contributing 8 points each.

Edgewood’s well-rounded display on both ends of the court proved instrumental in securing another victory and maintaining their perfect 7-0 record for the season.

With this impressive win, Edgewood now looks ahead to their next challenge on Friday, where they will aim to continue their undefeated streak as they host Pymatuning Valley. The consistent success of Edgewood underscores their strength and determination, making them a formidable force as they navigate the basketball season.

FITCH JAMS OUT IN THE SECOND HALF

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Austintown, OH- The Hickory Hornets traveled across the state line once again this time playing the Austintown Fitch Falcons. Hickory was looking to make its record 2-0 vs Ohio after beating Girard earlier this season. The Falcons got off to a slow start trailing at halftime 24-17, but exploded in the second half. Fitch scored 51 third quarter points to help guide them to a 66-51 victory.

 

Head Coach Brian Beany had some excellent halftime adjustments for his team. They turned Hickory over 25 times during the game. The second half was where Fitch brought the energy defensively for 16 straight minutes.  Beany said “ what we did in the second half is extremely hard to do from the tip. It just exerts so much energy and we were able to gain back the momentum we had established earlier in the first quarter.”

 

Fitch had a number of players in double figures. Allen Hill was a presence inside for the Falcons. He scored 17 points and was 3 for 3 from the foul line. He also brought the effort on the defensive end. Carter Owens who struggled in the first half ended up red hot scoring 17 points while knocking down 3 big ones from beyond the arch. Marcel Finkley ended up with a quiet 15 points, while Alex Hill added 7. Hickory kept Deshaun Vaughn in check, but he found other ways to help out his team with rebounding, assists and getting steals.

 

After a solid first half from Hickory, shots were hard to come by in the second. Rylan Dye led the hornets with 11 points. Marco Miller chipped in 8 points while Braden Bittler and Uberti each had 6. The Hornets were able to turn Fitch over 21 times, but in the end it still was not enough. 

 

Austintown Fitch improves to 5-1 with the win. The Falcons will look to keep things rolling at Erie Cathedral Prep on December 27. Hickory drops to 4-2 with the loss. The Hornets will look to get back in the win column vs Trinity also on December 27. 

KNIGHTS STORM THE GATES IN AUSTINTOWN

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AUSTINTOWN OH- In an action packed Saturday on the network, a total of 18 games were featured live on YSN! One of those intriguing matchups occurred in Austintown when the Fitch Falcons girls basketball team played host to The Archbishop Hoban Knights! Both teams entered Saturday with winning records, with Fitch sporting a 6-2 record and Hoban at the perfect 7-0 clip.

The Knights stormed the gates in the first quarter, jumping ahead 20-6 after the first eight minutes of play, thanks in large part to the hot shooting hand of MacKenzie Edingburgh who scored 13 points in the first! The Falcons would trim the initial deficit, battling back behind an 11-7 second quarter in favor of Fitch, cutting the Hoban lead to 10 points at 27-17 following the halftime buzzer.

The third quarter saw The Knights offense come back to form with MacKenzie Edingburgh and Finley Kennedy leading the way, helping Hoban outscore Fitch 21-9 in the third and hold an emphatic 48-26 lead heading into the final quarter of play. Not messing around, The Knights closed out the game with a 15-10 quarter, effectively gaining their eighth victory of the season with a 64-36 win over The Falcons.

The Player of the Game honors went to both MacKenzie Edingburgh and Finley Kennedy! “E” was on a different level scoring the ball with 24 points in the game behind four 3’s in the game! Kennedy found a way to produce in multiple facets in the game, grabbing boards, sharing the ball for assists and scoring 9 points of her own! Taylyn Banta also managed to score 9 points for The Knights followed by “Zig” Ziera Stevens with 8 points. Fitch was led in scoring by Sam Severn with 9 points followed by both “Ace” Ayla Ray and Destanie McCullough with 8 points and Rachel Spalding with 7 points.

Hoban (8-0) will keep their perfect record on the season until they meet their next challenger in The Springfield Blue Devils (2-4) out of Holland, Ohio as a part of the Wendy’s Holiday Hoopla at Mount Vernon Nazarene University on Friday, December 22nd. Fitch (6-3) will wait till after the holidays as they will be in-action next on Thursday, December 28th as part of the South Range Holiday Hoops Classic when they battle Garretsville Garfield (1-4). Stay updated with both The Archbishop Hoban Knights and The Austintown-Fitch Falcons this basketball season with live games, scores, stats, stories and more!

Game Photos HERE: https://ysn.smugmug.com/12-16-g-bb-hoban-fitch/12-16-g-bb-hoban-fitch/103EOS1D/

FALCONS SOAR PAST DRAGONS FOR FIRST CVC WIN

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Ashtabula, OH- In a high-scoring showdown, the Jefferson Falcons soared to a commanding 68-40 triumph over the Lakeside Dragons. The Falcons showcased their offensive prowess, particularly from beyond the arc, en route to their first conference victory of the season.

Quarter by Quarter Recap:

  • First Quarter: The game kicked off with both teams battling fiercely, but the Falcons managed to edge ahead with a 15-13 lead.
  • Second Quarter: Jefferson continued to build momentum, outscoring Lakeside 19-13 in the second quarter. The offensive effort was led by sharpshooter Anthony Covetta, who contributed significantly to the Falcons’ growing point total.
  • Third Quarter: The Falcons dominated the third quarter, posting an impressive 21 points while holding Lakeside scoreless. The Lakeside Dragons faced a challenging defensive effort from the Falcons.
  • Fourth Quarter: Although Lakeside fought back in the final quarter, the Falcons maintained their offensive prowess, securing a 68-40 victory by the end of the game.

Top Performers:

  • Jefferson Falcons:
    • Joey DeGeorge was the standout performer for the Falcons, contributing a staggering 30 points to the team’s total.
    • Anthony Covetta showcased his sharpshooting skills, knocking down four crucial three-pointers and finishing the game with 16 points.
    • Robbie Pisano also played a key role, adding 9 points to the scoreboard while creating extra possesions with multiple steals.
  • Lakeside Dragons:
    • Connor Mead led the Lakeside team with 13 points, showcasing his scoring ability.
    • Jay Lopez and Dylan Newsome also made valuable contributions, with 8 and 7 points, respectively.

Beyond the Arc: The Falcons’ success beyond the arc was a defining factor in the game, as they sunk a total of seven three-pointers. Anthony Covetta, in particular, proved deadly from long range with four successful three-point shots.

Upcoming Matches:

The Jefferson Falcons, now boasting a 1-3 record, will look to build on their success as they face the Conneaut Spartans on December 22, 2023. The Lakeside Dragons, with a 1-2 record, will aim to rebound at home against the Madison Blue Streaks, who are coming off a victory over the Geneva Eagles. The upcoming matchups promise to be intense battles as both teams seek to make their mark in the conference standings.

CADETS COME TO OHIO TO FIND A WIN

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By Ty Bartell

AUSTINTOWN OH- Early season basketball can make for a really fun and exciting time with the amount of non-conference games that are featured early on. You get potential glimpses at what could be a playoff opponent down the road, you can test your team thus preparing them for conference-play and you can possibly see something you have never seen before. Tuesday night in Austintown, Ohio the intriguing matchup on the hardwood was a battle between Ohio and West Virginia when The Austintown-Fitch Falcons hosted in The Linsly Cadets out of Wheeling, West Virginia, Both teams showed their athleticism and talent early on, as highlight reel play after highlight reel play occurred between the two squads in the opening quarter. The Cadets would pull away slightly, holding a 13-9 lead after a quarter.

Rolling into the second, The Falcons battled back with some key turnovers turned into points as well as getting Linsly into foul trouble to get Fitch to the line. This time around, The Falcons would hold the advantage after the second quarter with a 22-21 lead over Linsly at halftime.

The back-and-forth contest ensued into the second half when everytime one team would score, the other would have a response. One team would go on a run, the other made sure they had a running partner, keeping pace with one another the whole way with Linsly holding the one point advantage 37-36 after three quarters. However, the forth would prove to be unkind to The Falcons as Linsly opened up the frame with a 9-0 run in the first two minutes of the quarter off the back of 6 turnovers by Fitch in that time. Linsly would go up by double-digits and never look back, outscoring Austintown 20-11 in the fourth to claim the 57-47 win, staying undefeated and hanging the first loss on Fitch this year.

Linsly was led by Will Taylor who finished with a game-high 17 points and acted as the primary ball-handler in the second half, helping lead The Cadets to a win! Following Taylor was Naseef Lubowa who had 14 points. For The Falcons they were led by Deshawn Vaughn who had 13 points, with Marcel Finkley behind him with 12 points and Allen Hill with 10 points.

Fitch (3-1) will try and get back on track with their next contest coming on Saturday, December 16th when they hit the road to battle The Mayfield Wildcats (0-4). Also in-action again on Saturday will be The Linsly Cadets (3-0) when they stay on the road to battle The Harrison-Central Huskies (3-0). Stay updated with all Austintown-Fitch athletics this winter sports season with live games, scores, stats, stories and more on YSN!