Tag Archive for: Featured

LONGHORNS STAMPEDE PAST FALCONS IN DISTRICTS

/in , /by

North Ridgeville, OH- In a hard-fought battle on the court, the Jefferson Falcons faced off against the Lutheran West Longhorns in the OHSAA playoffs district semifinal, ultimately falling short with a final score of 44-65.

QUARTER SCORES
Jefferson Falcons: 9 | 15 | 5 | 15 = 44
Lutheran West: 10 | 19 | 21 | 15 = 65

Jefferson Falcons Total Points:

  • Joey DeGeorge: 14
  • Anthony Covetta: 12
  • Dylan Beebe: 10
  • Robbie Pisano: 5
  • Joel Navarro: 2
  • Terry Brown: 1

Lutheran West Total Points:

  • Jayson Levis: 21
  • Tino Yli-Junnila: 15
  • Matt Meyer: 8
  • Josh Meyer: 8
  • Dylan Bartchok: 7
  • Nick Parker: 6

Despite a valiant effort by the Falcons, led by standout performances from Joey DeGeorge, Anthony Covetta, and Dylan Beebe, they were unable to overcome the formidable Lutheran West squad. DeGeorge led the Falcons’ scoring with 14 points, followed closely by Covetta with 12 points and Beebe with 10 points. However, the Falcons faced a tough defensive challenge from Lutheran West, which limited their offensive opportunities throughout the game.

On the other side, Lutheran West showcased their offensive prowess, with Jayson Levis leading the charge with 21 points, followed by Tino Yli-Junnila with 15 points. The Longhorns’ balanced scoring attack, coupled with their strong defensive performance, proved to be the difference-maker in securing the victory and advancing to the district championship game.

While the Falcons’ season comes to an end with this loss, they can look back on a season filled with remarkable achievements and milestones. Notably, both senior Joey DeGeorge and junior Anthony Covetta reached the impressive milestone of 1,000 career points, highlighting their outstanding contributions to the team.

As for Lutheran West, they will now prepare to face the winner of the Rocky River Pirates vs. Howland Tigers game in the district championship game. With their strong performance in the semifinal matchup, the Longhorns are poised to continue their postseason success and vie for the district title.

IRISH SLAM THEIR WAY TO THE FINALS

/in /by

By Tim Corso 


WARREN OH- Ursuline rolled past Streetsboro 64-35 Wednesday night.

The Irish were looking to advance to the district title game for the second consecutive year with a win over the Rockets, and they did just that.

After the first basket of the game was scored by Streetsboro’s Jack Batten, Ursuline controlled the rest of the first quarter, outscoring the Rockets by 12 to finish the first frame up 16-6.

When it came down to it, Coach Gunther’s halftime adjustments put the nail in the coffin pushing his squad’s lead to 23.

Eight of those 23 points came from Senior Jayden Payne, who finished with a game-high 26 points.

Three more players finished in double figures for the Irish.

Geno Lucente had 13 points, while Jaylen Gunther and Noah Bell added 12 and 10 points, respectively.

The Irish’s lead grew each quarter and resulted in them playing for its first district title since 2017.

Streetsboro was led by Jackson Gula with 8 points. Michael Berry and Jack Batten both added 6.

Ursuline (21-3) will play the winner of Edgewood and Notre Dame-Cathedral Latin on Saturday 3/9.

MARIANA’S TRENCH

/in /by

NEW MIDDLETOWN OH- As a junior at Springfield, Mariana Tuscano has embraced the increased responsibility that comes with being an upperclassman, demonstrating leadership both on and off the court. Alongside her fellow returning starters, Mariana has spearheaded the team’s quest for success, determined to prove that they can continue to excel at a high level.

This season, Mariana and her teammates have once again showcased their dominance, capturing another MVAC championship and securing their third consecutive district title—a testament to their talent, dedication, and relentless work ethic. For Mariana, success has become a tradition, with district championships becoming a hallmark of her high school career.

Known for her sharpshooting ability from the perimeter, Mariana has continued to refine her game, focusing on expanding her offensive repertoire. While she has always been a threat from beyond the arc, this season she has added a new dimension to her game by attacking the hoop with increased aggression, making her a more well-rounded and versatile player. With her ability to hit shots from deep, she can sink shots as deep as the Mariana Trench.

Despite facing challenges on the court, Mariana has remained a steady presence for Springfield, contributing 8.6 points per game and leading the team with 29 made threes. Additionally, her defensive prowess has been on full display, averaging 2.3 steals per game, showcasing her ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor.

As Mariana looks ahead to the remainder of the season, she remains focused on achieving her goals and leading her team to even greater heights. With a district championship in every season of her high school career, she is determined to continue her winning ways and fight for a second regional championship, as the Tigers set their sights on a return to the state semifinals. With her skill, determination, and leadership, Mariana Tuscano is poised to leave an indelible mark on the Springfield girls’ basketball program and cement her legacy as one of the team’s all-time greats.

Presented By:

LIONS ADVANCE TO PROGRAM’S FIRST DISTRICT FINAL

/in /by

COLUMBIANA OH- Heartland Christian made program history by advancing to their first-ever district championship game, stunning the second-seeded Bristol with a sensational 55-43 victory. The win not only propelled the Lions to new heights but also marked a significant milestone for head coach Josh Scott, who celebrated his 200th career win in memorable fashion.

Fuelled by a collective determination to defy expectations, Heartland Christian delivered a standout performance on both ends of the court, showcasing their resilience and grit in the face of adversity.

Leading the charge for Heartland were standout performances from Jake Walker, who led the team with 16 points, and Isaiah Mathews, who contributed 12 points to the scoreboard. Brody Conaway added 9 points to the Lions’ offensive effort, while Will Morgan chipped in with 7 points, highlighting the team’s balanced scoring attack.

With this historic win, Heartland Christian punches their ticket to the district championship, where they are set to face top-seeded Warren JFK. The upcoming matchup promises to be a thrilling showdown between two determined teams, as both vie for the coveted district title. Set to take place on Friday at 7:00 at Grand Valley High School, the district championship game holds immense significance for Heartland Christian.

RAIDERS RIGHT BACK IN TO DISTRICT FINALS

/in /by

SALEM OH- In a fiercely contested matchup, South Range showcased their determination and resilience as they powered past Perry with a gritty 58-49 victory, earning themselves a spot in the district championship game. With their sights set on redemption and a shot at glory, the Raiders left everything on the court, refusing to let their opponents stand in their way.

Leading the charge for South Range was Landon Moore, whose stellar performance saw him tally an impressive 24 points, setting the tone for his team’s offensive onslaught. Dylan Turvey contributed 9 points, while Luke Rohan and Nate Lewis each chipped in with 8 points, highlighting the Raiders’ balanced scoring attack.

With this hard-fought win, South Range secures their second consecutive appearance in the district championship game—a testament to their unwavering determination and commitment to success. Their upcoming matchup against Cardinal Mooney promises to be a thrilling showdown, with both teams vying for their first-ever district championship title. That matchup is slated for Friday at Salem, and will tip off at 7:00.

CAN’T SAY NO TO CASTRONOVA

/in /by

CANFIELD OH- As a senior at Canfield High School, Sam Castronova embodies the spirit of determination and leadership that defines his team’s quest for a district championship. Alongside a talented group of seniors, Sam is driven by a hunger to etch their names in Canfield basketball history before graduation.

For Sam and his fellow seniors, years of playing together have forged a bond that transcends the court. Their shared experiences and camaraderie have cultivated a strong team chemistry, evident in their seamless execution and cohesion on game day.

On the court, Sam’s versatility shines through in Canfield’s multifaceted offense. Whether draining shots from beyond the arc or driving to the hoop with finesse, he poses a constant threat to opposing defenses, showcasing his adaptability and skill set.

Sam’s journey to success at Canfield hasn’t been without its challenges. Despite limited playing time during his junior high years, he refused to let setbacks deter him. Instead, he seized the opportunities presented to him during his freshman season, finding his stride and building confidence with each game.

This season, Sam has been a key contributor for Canfield, averaging 10 points per game and ranking second on the team in assists with 2 per game. His ability to contribute both offensively and defensively highlights his value to the team’s success.

While basketball has been a significant part of Sam’s high school experience, he has set his sights beyond the court. Opting not to pursue college basketball, Sam has instead focused on achieving academic excellence, with plans to attend the prestigious Ohio State University. His dedication to his studies reflects his commitment to personal growth and achieving his long-standing goals.

Looking ahead, Sam is determined to leave a lasting legacy at Canfield—one that inspires and empowers future generations of players. He hopes to instill in them the same sense of confidence and resilience that has fueled his own journey, laying the foundation for continued success within the program.

As Sam and his teammates gear up for the challenges that lie ahead, they do so with a shared vision of championship glory and a legacy of excellence that will endure long after their time on the court has ended.

Presented By:

KENNY FROM THE BLOCK

/in /by

By Ty Bartell

AKRON OH- Following their win of the 2023 division 1 State Championship, The Archbishop Hoban
Knights would be in need of new faces to step up after losing a large and contributing senior class from the year prior. One of those new faces that knows a thing or two about basketball is Hoban’s newest combo guard in junior Kenny Scott! Starting at a very young age,

Scott found his love for basketball as early as he can remember. Always with a basketball in his hands and always wanting to improve, Kenny keeps the winners mentality of never being satisfied. Averaging over 9 points per game this season, Scott has become one of the main offensive options to go for Hoban this season. Not just a scorer, Kenny also leads his team in assists per game at 3.9!

Winners of a sectional title against Boardman at the time of this article, The Knights are now 16-7 on the season and see themselves right in the thick of another gauntlet of a division 1 tournament. One thing is for sure, as long as Kenny has the ball in his hands, good things are sure to happen! YSNs Ty Bartell got the opportunity to talk with The Knights junior about his move to Hoban, the culture of the team, his role with The Knights and some future goals for the junior. All that and more in this edition of Player Profile exclusively on YSN!

Presented By:

RESERVE CANT FIND A CHINK IN THE SPARTANS ARMOR

/in /by

By Matt Maher 


AKRON, OH – It’s safe to say that Western reserve has seen enough of Richmond Heights over the past few days. After the girls lost to the Spartans in disappointing fashion on Saturday, the boys were looking to avenge their classmates in their district Semi-finals matchup against the Spartans. While the game was played pretty sloppily by both teams off the opening tip, The Spartans would rally together and turn on the electricity to surge past the Blue Devils 62-26.

 

Both teams had their struggles in the first but Western Reserves was that they had too many empty possessions and couldn’t put up a single basket where Richmond earned 24 points. Demaris Winters Jr. found an impressive 11 points for the Spartans to lead his team in this dominant first frame. 

 

The Blue Devils had some fight in them at the start of the second with Peyton Hartzell tossing a dime from beyond the arc to find the first score of the quarter and of the night for Western Reserve. The scoring continued for the Blue Devils and they managed to find 11 points while the Spartans stayed the course and scored 25 more points to lead 49-11 at halftime. 

 

Hartzell led Reserve with 5 points in the second quarter including that opening 3 and a layup later on while Andrew Hendricks found 4 points with two in the paint and the other two from the free throw line. Winters added another 8 points to his and his team’s total.

 

Richmond Heights scoring was slowed down by the running clock that was implemented at the start of the second half. Richmond was able to secure 10 more points and held Western reserve to 6 points in the frame. Josh Klasic would lead the Blue Devils in scoring with 4 points all from the line going a perfect 4-for-4, Hendricks added another 2-point bucket to round out their scoring.

 

The 4th quarter belonged to the Blue Devils where they outscored Richmond 9-3. While the small victory of winning a quarter against this giant finally came about, the battle itself was already lost for Western Reserve. Jackson Young would lead his team this quarter with 4 points, 2 from the paint and 2 from the line, while Gavin Thake put up a long shot from beyond the arc. 

 

The Blue Devils showed resilience in the second half but with the running clock in the half their big time scoring never came and the first half woes ended up to be too much to handle in the end. Peyton Hartzell ended with the most points for the Blue Devils with 7 points while Andrew Hendricks and Josh Klasic both earned 6 points each. Demaris Winters Jr would finish atop of all scorers with 21 points.

 

Western Reserve played some great games this postseason and were able to win their sectional against McDonald which was very impressive knowing how good those Blue Devils were this season. Unfortunately for Reserve, the Spartans were too powerful and knew how to move around the court without traveling or getting called for too many fouls. Western Reserve finished their season 9-13 in the regular season, 7-7 in conference play and 2-1 in tournament games and shocked many by advancing to the district round as a 22 seed!

NOTHING SLOWING MOONEY DOWN YET

/in /by

SALEM OH- In a dominant display of basketball prowess, Cardinal Mooney left no room for doubt in Monday’s district semifinals at Salem High School, overpowering Mapleton with a commanding 82-32 victory. From the opening tip-off to the final buzzer, Mooney asserted their dominance on both ends of the court, showcasing their skill and determination.

Leading the charge for Mooney were standout performances from Jibri Carter, who led the team with 16 points, and Nico Genova and Ashton O’Brien, who each contributed 13 points. Eddie Nieves also made his presence felt with 11 points, adding to the team’s impressive offensive output.

With this convincing win, Cardinal Mooney punches their ticket to the district championship, where they eagerly await the outcome of the matchup between South Range and Perry. Set to take place on Friday at 7:00 at Salem High School, the championship game promises to be another thrilling contest as Mooney looks to continue their quest for postseason glory.

As the anticipation builds and the championship showdown draws near, Mooney’s players and fans alike are filled with excitement and determination. With their sights set on victory, the Cardinals are ready to leave everything on the court as they strive to capture the district championship and make their mark on the postseason stage.

EAGLES CUT THROUGH TO THE FINALS

/in /by

ORWELL OH- Warren JFK continued their relentless pursuit of a state tournament berth with a commanding performance on Monday, cruising past Hillsdale with an emphatic 81-49 victory. Displaying their offensive prowess and defensive tenacity, the Eagles left no doubt about their determination to advance further in the postseason.

Leading the charge for Warren JFK were standout performances from Nick Ryan, who poured in 22 points, and Nico Ciminero and Michael Condoleon, who each contributed 16 points to the scoreboard. With a balanced scoring attack and contributions from players like Jaden Rishel, who added 9 points, the Eagles proved to be a formidable force on the court.

With this convincing win, Warren JFK advances to the district championship, eagerly awaiting the outcome of the matchup between Heartland Christian and Bristol. Set to take place on Friday at 7:00 at Grand Valley High School, the district championship game promises to be another thrilling contest as Warren JFK looks to continue their journey towards the state tournament.

As the Eagles prepare to face their next challenge, fans can’t help but feel the excitement and anticipation building as Warren JFK aims to make their mark on the postseason stage. With their sights set on victory, the Eagles are determined to soar to new heights and achieve their ultimate goal of state tournament glory.