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BARRISH BRUSHES IN THE PAINT

HOWLAND OH-  In the hallowed halls of Howland’s basketball program, senior Mia Barrish stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of the Tigers. Having grown up within the program, Barrish has seamlessly transitioned from an admirer of past greats to a beacon of inspiration for the younger players who now look up to her.

This season, Howland finds itself with the rare luxury of returning the exact same roster from the previous year. Barrish, along with her fellow seniors, has leveraged this continuity to cultivate strong leadership qualities over the past two years. Their collective experience and cohesion have become instrumental in shaping the team’s identity and fortifying its mental toughness.

Often operating under the radar, Barrish embodies the essence of a player who does the unglamorous work that goes unnoticed by many. Her contributions extend beyond the stat sheet, with a notable prowess in rim protection that denies opposing guards easy access to the hoop. As one of the team’s most reliable rebounders, Barrish dominates the paint with an artistry that defines her as prolific in this essential aspect of the game.

While Barrish’s impact on the court is undeniable, her future aspirations extend beyond the hardwood. A nursing journey awaits her at Ohio University, showcasing her commitment to making a difference in the lives of others. Despite not pursuing basketball at the collegiate level, Barrish envisions keeping the game woven into the fabric of her life. The prospect of Coach Mia Barrish gracing the sidelines in the future isn’t far-fetched, as her leadership qualities and love for the game are destined to leave a lasting legacy in Howland’s basketball program.

 

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LADY WARRIORS STAY PERFECT THROUGH 2023

East Ashtabula- December 28, 2023

In a commanding performance, the Edgewood Warriors Girls Basketball team demonstrated their prowess on the court as they cruised to an 80-32 victory over the St. John Heralds. The Warriors dominated each quarter, showcasing their offensive firepower and defensive resilience.

Game Highlights:

First Quarter: The game started with a competitive edge, with Edgewood Girls leading 18-16 at the end of the first quarter. Both teams displayed impressive offensive skills, setting the stage for an intense matchup.

Second Quarter: The Warriors turned up the heat in the second quarter, outscoring St. John Girls 26-10. Stellar teamwork and accurate shooting allowed Edgewood to extend their lead, heading into halftime with a comfortable advantage.

Third Quarter: Edgewood Girls continued their dominance in the third quarter, adding another 26 points to their total. The St. John defense struggled to contain the Warriors’ offensive onslaught, contributing to the widening point gap.

Fourth Quarter: In the final quarter, Edgewood Girls maintained their momentum, closing out the game with a 10-0 run. St. John Girls were unable to respond, resulting in a final score of 80-32 in favor of the Warriors.

Top Performers:

Edgewood Girls:

  • McKenna Vencill: 15 points
  • Katelynn McCollister: 19 points
  • Leigha Guyton: 12 points

St. John Girls:

  • Mickey Zheng: 9 points
  • Alyssa Cevera: 7 points
  • Grace DiSalvatore: 9 points

Three-Point Prowess: The Warriors’ shooting prowess was evident throughout the game, with the team successfully sinking six three-pointers. This accuracy from beyond the arc played a crucial role in Edgewood’s offensive strategy.

Upcoming Matches: The undefeated Edgewood Warriors (9-0) are set to face a formidable opponent as they square off against the Madison Blue Streaks (9-0) at home on January 5, 2024. The Blue Streaks are coming off a 45-36 victory over the Nordonia Knights, promising an exciting clash between two powerhouse teams.

On the other hand, the St. John Heralds (2-6) will be looking to bounce back as they take on the Chalker Wildcats (1-3) on January 4, 2024. The Wildcats are coming off a challenging 69-9 loss to the Badger Braves, setting the stage for a competitive matchup.

The Edgewood Warriors continue to establish themselves as a dominant force in girls’ basketball, and fans eagerly anticipate their upcoming clash against the Madison Blue Streaks in what promises to be a thrilling contest between two undefeated teams.

HUSKIES SHOOTING TOO MUCH FOR HERALDS

Photo Credit: Joclyn Nicholas Photography

Ashtabula, OH- In a riveting Girls Basketball matchup, the St. John Heralds faced off against the Cardinal Huskies, resulting in a hard-fought battle that saw Cardinal emerging victorious with a final score of 46-35. Let’s break down the action quarter by quarter and analyze the standout performances from key players.

First Quarter: The opening quarter set the tone for a competitive game, with St. John taking a slight lead at 9 points, while Cardinal trailed closely with 7 points.

Second Quarter: Cardinal turned the tide in the second quarter, outscoring St. John 17-5. Emily Pleva was a force to be reckoned with, contributing significantly to Cardinal’s offensive efforts.

Third Quarter: St. John mounted a comeback in the third quarter, scoring 13 points. However, Cardinal maintained their lead with a 12-point effort, showcasing the resilience of both teams.

Fourth Quarter: In the final quarter, Cardinal secured their victory by adding another 10 points to their total, while St. John managed 8 points.

Player Stats:

St. John Total Points:

  • Mickey Zheng: 12 points
  • Izzy Holler: 4 points
  • Alexa Jordan: 6 points
  • Marissa Williams: 5 points
  • Grace DiSalvatore: 8 points

Cardinal Total Points:

  • Emily Pleva: 19 points
  • Natalie Soltis: 2 points
  • Ivy Kaminski: 15 points
  • Olivia Kreus: 4 points
  • Adelyn Grant: 3 points
  • Nova Young: 4 points

Despite the loss, standout performances from Mickey Zheng and Grace DiSalvatore showcased the tenacity of the St. John team. On the other side, Emily Pleva’s impressive 19-point contribution, including 5 3 pointers, played a pivotal role in Cardinal’s triumph.

Upcoming Games: The St. John Heralds (2-5) will regroup and prepare to play at home against the Chalker Wildcats (1-3) on 1/4/24. Meanwhile, the Cardinal Huskies (2-8) are gearing up for a home game against the Kirtland Hornets (3-4) on 1/5/24. The Hornets are riding high on a recent 45-44 victory over the West Geauga Wolverines, setting the stage for an exciting matchup.

WRESTLING WEDNESDAYS WITH GARY ALTHISER (EP 5) FEATURING CYLE BURT

As the calendar quickly turns towards the new year, the wrestling world is gearing up for a busy January month.  The sport really hits the ground running once the new year hits with conference duals during the week, and tournaments every weekend.  But first things first we have to close out the year of 2023. On this episode of Wrestling Wednesdays with Gary Althiser Gary and the boys recap the D3 meet at Waterloo, Hubbard winning at Pymatuning Valley, Canfield taking down Beaver Local and much more. They also preview the NE8 championships.

The special guest for the week is Salem’s own Cyle Burt.  Cyle is a hungry wrestler that is climbing his way to be in the state conversation.  Salem wrestking is not just known for its winning, but also its consistent sizable roster.  Wrestlers like Cyle keep holding that torch up high to bring more guys into the wrestling room to grow the team.

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MOONEY THRIVES AT HOME

YOUNGSTOWN OH- Cardinal Mooney enjoyed a taste of home cooking on Friday night, securing a significant 56-50 win against NDCL in an exciting basketball matchup.

Leading the scoring effort for Mooney was Ashton O’Brien, who contributed an impressive 18 points. Rocco Turner added 14 points, showcasing the team’s offensive prowess. Eddie Nieves and Nick Pregibon each contributed 6 points, further solidifying Mooney’s balanced scoring attack.

The home victory marks a positive turn for Cardinal Mooney, bringing their record to 5-3. As they prepare for one more matchup before the calendar turns to 2024, hitting the road for a game at Valley Christian, Mooney carries the momentum of this home win into their continued journey through the basketball season. The win showcased the team’s ability to perform on their home court and sets the stage for future matchups as they look to build on their success.

WARREN JFK GETS THROUGH TEST ON THE ROAD

BOARDMAN OH- Warren JFK faced a formidable challenge on Friday night as they ventured into one of the toughest environments in the area, taking on Boardman. In a tightly contested matchup, JFK emerged victorious, edging out the Spartans 57-52 in a thrilling contest.

Jaden Rishel led the scoring charge for Warren JFK with an impressive 20-point performance, displaying skill and composure on the court. Michael Condoleon contributed significantly with 16 points, while Nick Ryan added 12 points and Nico Ciminero chipped in 9 points to round out the scoring for JFK.

Boardman fought valiantly in front of their home crowd, with Grayson Eicher leading the team with 14 points. Noah Ziak added 12 points, Kaden Mayhew contributed 9 points, and Nico Hozschuli tallied 8 points in a collective effort.

The hard-fought victory propels Warren JFK to an 8-1 record, and they will look to maintain their momentum when they host Badger on Wednesday. Boardman, now standing at 3-5, will hit the road on Tuesday for a matchup against Canfield, seeking to bounce back from a challenging but competitive contest. The game showcased the intensity of high school basketball and sets the stage for both teams as they continue their respective seasons.

Game Photos HERE: https://ysn.smugmug.com/12-29-b-bb-boardman-jfk/12-29-b-bb-boardman-jfk/103EOS1D/

RAIDERS CAP OFF THEIR CLASSIC WITH A WIN

CANFIELD OH- In a Friday night thriller, South Range concluded their Holiday Hoops Classic by hosting their old school rival, Springfield. The Raiders delivered a heart-pounding performance, making crucial plays down the stretch to secure a hard-fought 40-37 victory in the nightcap.

Gwen Lowry played a pivotal role for South Range, contributing 11 points, including a game-tying three late in the contest that added to the dramatic tension. Devin Sauerwein showcased her clutch capabilities with 11 points, including a crucial steal and fast break with under a minute left that ultimately gave South Range the edge. Madison Dado added 8 points, and impressively, seven different players contributed to South Range’s scoring effort.

For Springfield, Jameka Brungard displayed a dominant performance, notching a double-double with 15 points and 15 rebounds. Marianna Tuscano added 12 points, and Ava Vecchione contributed 7 points in a hard-fought effort.

The win marked a memorable night for South Range, and as they return to conference play on Thursday hosting Poland, they carry the momentum forward. Springfield, now standing at 7-4, will be on hiatus until Saturday, January 6th, when they face United. The game encapsulated the competitive spirit of the Holiday Hoops Classic, leaving fans on the edge of their seats until the final buzzer.

WARRIORS KNOCK DOWN RED DRAGONS

Photo Credit: Edgewood Athletics

Niles, OH- In their last road test of 2023, the Edgewood Warriors secured a decisive victory against the Niles Red Dragons, with a final score of 59-47. The Warriors showcased their dominance throughout the game, improving their season record to an impressive 6-1.

Quarterly Breakdown:

  • Q1: Edgewood 16, Niles 7
  • Q2: Edgewood 18, Niles 13
  • Q3: Edgewood 10, Niles 16
  • Q4: Edgewood 15, Niles 11

Top Performers for Edgewood:

  1. Mason Thorr: The standout player for Edgewood, Thorr, led the team in scoring with an impressive 18 points. His offensive skills and clutch plays were instrumental in securing the victory.
  2. Jacob Ernst: Ernst contributed significantly with 14 points, showcasing his versatility and playing a crucial role in maintaining the team’s momentum.
  3. Brady Andrejack: Andrejack added 10 points to the scoreboard, displaying his scoring ability and providing a valuable offensive boost.
  4. Peyton Williams: Williams played a key role with 9 points, contributing on both ends of the court to secure the win.
  5. Logan Kray: Kray rounded out the top scorers with 8 points, demonstrating his skills and making crucial plays during the game.

Looking ahead, the Edgewood Warriors will hit the road to face the Brookfield Warriors (4-3) on 1/03/24. The Brookfield Warriors are coming off a 49-42 victory over the Maplewood Rockets (1-8), setting the stage for an exciting matchup.

Meanwhile, the Niles Red Dragons (2-6) will return home to face the Liberty Leopards (0-8) on the same date. The Leopards are seeking redemption after a challenging 67-27 loss to the West Branch Warriors.

MUSTANGS GALLOP PAST SPARTANS

Orwell, OH- In a thrilling Ashtabula County matchup, the Grand Valley Mustangs showcased their dominance, securing a decisive 83-57 victory over the Conneaut Spartans. The game unfolded with intense action across all four quarters.

  • 1st Quarter: Grand Valley 25, Conneaut 20
  • 2nd Quarter: Grand Valley 19, Conneaut 10
  • 3rd Quarter: Grand Valley 27, Conneaut 14
  • 4th Quarter: Grand Valley 12, Conneaut 13

The standout performance of the night belonged to Jerry Schultz, who not only led the Mustangs with a game-high 31 points but also electrified the crowd with a thunderous slam dunk through traffic in the 2nd quarter. Schultz’s display of athleticism and scoring prowess left spectators in awe and set the tone for the Mustangs’ commanding performance.

The scoring sheet showcased a well-rounded effort from the Grand Valley squad, with significant contributions from key players:

  • Peyton Dryer: 2 points
  • Teagan Fenton: 2 points
  • Bobby Rogers: 17 points
  • Ben Cozad: 9 points
  • Sammy Goforth: 4 points
  • Payton Pligza: 7 points
  • Braden Hart: 11 points

On the opposing side, the Conneaut Spartans fought valiantly, led by Chance Loomis, who delivered an impressive 39-point performance. Despite their efforts, the Spartans couldn’t match the collective strength and strategic gameplay of the Mustangs.

Looking forward, the Grand Valley Mustangs (2-5) are set to defend their home court against the Cardinal Huskies (2-6) on January 6, 2024. The Huskies will be coming off a game against the Mathews Mustangs on January 2, presenting a challenging matchup for both teams. Meanwhile, the Conneaut Spartans (3-4) will hit the road for their next game against the Fairport Harding Skippers (3-2) on January 3, 2024. The Skippers enter the matchup with confidence following a commanding 95-53 win over the Maplewood Rockets.

As the Grand Valley Mustangs savor their well-earned victory, fans eagerly anticipate the upcoming clashes, confident in the team’s ability to build on this success and make waves in the remainder of the season. The electrifying performance against Conneaut has set a high standard for the Mustangs, and they are poised to face future challenges with determination and skill.

HERALDS LATE GAME COMEBACK FALLS SHORT

Photo Credit: Mickey Zheng Photography

Ashtabula, OH- The game between the St. John Heralds and the Mathews Mustangs unfolded in a series of closely contested quarters that kept the spectators eagerly anticipating each play. The opening quarter saw both teams matching each other point for point, with a balanced score of 13-13. However, the second quarter proved to be a turning point as the Mathews Mustangs surged ahead, outscoring the Heralds by a notable margin, establishing a 36-20 lead by halftime. Despite the Heralds’ efforts to close the gap in the third quarter with a 16-point effort, the Mustangs maintained their advantage, heading into the final quarter with a 56-36 lead. The Heralds showed resilience in the fourth quarter, putting up 23 points, but the Mustangs managed to secure the victory with a final score of 69-59. The back-and-forth nature of the quarters highlighted the competitive spirit of both teams, making for an exciting and hard-fought game.

Top Performers:

St. John Total Points:

  • Anthony Severino: 16 points
  • Aaron Wychock: 2 points
  • Aj Henslee: 11 points
  • Brady Cole: 7 points
  • Vin Narducci: 23 points
  • Anthony Petrochello: 3 points

Mathews Total Points:

  • Dom Spagnoletta: 35 points
  • Jake Petak: 10 points
  • Dom Toto: 10 points
  • Cody Kuhn: 3 points
  • Ty Grimes: 6 points
  • Anthony Marinkovich: 2 points
  • Billy Woodall: 3 points

Long Range Success:

Anthony Severino showcased his three-point shooting prowess, sinking 3 shots from beyond the arc, including 2 crucial baskets in the fourth quarter. Vin Narducci also made an impact from long range, hitting 2 three-pointers, with a pivotal one in the final quarter.

Despite the individual standout performances, the Heralds couldn’t overcome the Mustangs’ consistent scoring throughout the game.

Game Analysis:

The first half saw both teams neck and neck, with St. John and Mathews tied at 13 points each after the opening quarter. However, Mathews surged ahead in the second quarter, outscoring the Heralds by ten points and establishing a lead they maintained until the final buzzer.

Vin Narducci’s impressive 23-point contribution for the Heralds and Dom Spagnoletta’s stellar 35-point performance for the Mustangs were standout moments, showcasing the individual talents on display throughout the game.

Despite the loss, the Heralds exhibited resilience and determination, making it a hard-fought battle for Mathews.

Looking Ahead:

The St. John Heralds, now with a record of 0-6, will hit the road for their next challenge against the Chalker Wildcats (2-4) on 01/05/24. The Wildcats, coming off a tough loss to the Bristol Panthers, will be eager to bounce back.

Meanwhile, the Mathews Mustangs (6-1) will enjoy home-court advantage in their upcoming matchup against the Cardinal Huskies (2-4) on 01/02/24. The Huskies, fresh from a defeat against the Pymatuning Valley Lakers, will be seeking redemption in this clash of rivals.

As the season progresses, both teams will strive to leave their mark on the league, and fans can expect more exciting matchups and memorable performances in the games to come.