Tag Archive for: Flashes

NO DOUBT ABOUT NADAUD

By CJ Bako


Warren OH- Champion has had a remarkable season being 21-0 after the win in the regional semifinals over Norwayne. It’s easy to look at the success of the flashes and put it on the offense, but the defense has been absolutely fantastic and that unit is led by senior captain Mia Naduad.

Naduad has had to battle adversity this year being a forward her entire career, but with seniors leaving, the team needed help on the defensive end and Naduad stepped up. It may be uncomfortable to learn a new position especially in one year but Mia has not missed a beat. Shutting down multiple schools only allowing 15 goals all year! Naduad has stepped into not only a much needed role on the defensive end, but also as a leader and voice for this flashes team.

In talking to Mia she states “the success of this team has been because of the coaches teaching us something new everyday, and the great group of young players able to step up”. The flashes hope to keep their momentum and play in the regional finals on Saturday November 4th against Akron Manchester.

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REBELS STILL REIGN ON TOP

COLUMBIANA OH- In a display of sheer dominance, the Crestview volleyball team secured their eighth consecutive conference championship with a resounding sweep of Champion, prevailing with scores of 25-11, 25-4, and 25-11. The Rebels showcased their prowess on the court, leaving no doubt about their place atop the conference hierarchy.

The match was highlighted by exceptional performances from Crestview’s key players. Grace Auer played a pivotal role with 15 kills and 16 assists, achieving a remarkable double-double. Auer’s versatility and ability to contribute both offensively and as a playmaker were on full display.

Abbey Emch was another standout for Crestview, tallying 12 kills, 2 blocks, and an impressive 5 aces. Her dynamic presence at the net and from the service line created significant challenges for the opposing team.

Katie Lissi added to the offensive firepower with 4 kills, while Emily Downey anchored the defense with 10 crucial digs. Lainy Auer showcased her exceptional skills as a setter, recording 18 assists and 11 digs to secure her own impressive double-double. Lydia Campbell contributed 2 kills and 1 block to the winning effort.

With this victory, Crestview not only clinched their eighth consecutive conference championship but also extended their unbeaten streak. The Rebels now set their sights on their next challenge, a conference matchup against Garfield, as they continue their quest for success this season.

Game Photos HERE: https://ysn.smugmug.com/10-3-vb-crestview-champion/10-3-vb-crestview-champion/i-97bZ93q

ITS A RECORD BREAKING NIGHT FOR CAMPBELL

WARREN OH- In a historic night for Campbell volleyball, the team etched their names in the annals of the program’s history with a remarkable victory over Champion. The four-set battle culminated in a program-record seventh conference win, solidifying their dominance with set scores of 25-20, 25-19, 21-25, and 25-17.

Carla Ramirez Ortiz was the standout star of the night, delivering a record-breaking performance that will be remembered for years to come. She not only set the school record for most assists in a game but also surpassed the career record with a staggering 1982 assists to her name. Her ability to orchestrate the team’s offense was pivotal in securing the victory.

Kendall Brunn shone brightly on the offensive front, recording an incredible 22 kills with a remarkable hitting percentage of .396. Her ability to find the right angles and deliver powerful attacks was a constant source of trouble for the Champion defense.

MiLeena Williams added to the offensive firepower with 15 kills, while Cyra Cross contributed 12 kills, showcasing the team’s depth in attacking talent. Williams and Brunn each recorded 2 blocks, highlighting their presence at the net.

Carla Ramirez Ortiz’s all-around contribution extended beyond assists, as she notched 4 aces to her name. MiLeena Williams added 3 aces to the mix, keeping the pressure on Champion.

In the backcourt, Cyra Cross demonstrated her defensive prowess with an impressive 21 digs, followed by Angeliz Diaz with 17 and Carla Ramirez Ortiz with 15.

Campbell’s victory was not just about numbers; it was a testament to their teamwork, dedication, and unwavering spirit. Setting a program record for conference wins is a historic achievement and a testament to the hard work and determination of the entire team.

KENNEDY STORMS PAST FLASHES

LIBERTY, OH- In a thrilling opening match of the season, the Warren John F Kennedy High School football team clashed with the Champion Flashes in a game that showcased remarkable plays and intense competition. The game started with a burst of energy as Champion’s Carter Boggs carved his way through the defense, dashing 57 yards for an impressive touchdown with 7 minutes and 40 seconds left in the first quarter. This put Champion in the lead, 7-0. However, Kennedy quickly responded as Riley Littler displayed his kicking prowess, nailing a 32-yard field goal with 5 minutes and 30 seconds remaining in the quarter, reducing the deficit to 7-3.

Not willing to be outdone, Kennedy’s offense came alive as Freddy Bolchalk and Noah Elser executed a precise 17-yard pass for a touchdown, propelling Kennedy to a 10-7 advantage. The second quarter showcased Kennedy’s dominance as they expanded their lead. Marcus Komora’s explosive 52-yard run found the end zone, extending Kennedy’s lead to 17-7 with 8 minutes and 17 seconds left in the first half. Bolchalk and Noah Elser continued to shine, connecting with a 25-yard pass for another touchdown just over 4 minutes before halftime, giving Kennedy a commanding 24-7 lead as the teams headed to the locker rooms.

Despite both teams’ efforts, the second half remained scoreless, save for a pivotal moment in the final quarter. Kennedy’s defense made a statement early in the fourth quarter, as a high snap on a punt attempt led to a safety, further solidifying their grip on the game. When the final whistle blew, Kennedy emerged triumphant with a final score of 26-7, claiming victory in their season opener. With this win, Kennedy started the season strong at 1-0, while Champion faced an early setback, falling to 0-1. The game showcased Kennedy’s offensive prowess and defensive tenacity, setting the stage for an exciting season ahead.

GAME PHOTOS HERE

CHAMPION IS BACK IN THE HISTORY BOOKS

By Noah Ricks

 

LEAVITTSBURG, OH – It was a long time coming for the illustrious Champion softball program. After COVID canceling the 2020 season, falling short in the district finals in 2021, and then in the sectional finals in 2022, they finally got back to where they wanted to be. As a result, they won their first district championship since 2019 with a hard-fought 2-0 victory over Lakeview in front of a packed house at LaBrae High School.

 

Champion had a field day out on the field as they just had to sit back and let young sophomore Gabby Gradishar do her splendid work on the mound. She just missed out on another perfect game in the tournament, giving up just one hit and compiling 13 strikeouts on the evening. Assisting Gradishar was the intact communication of second base player Savannah Tvaroch and first base player Abigail Meadors, as they were right there to tag the Lakeview runner out.

 

Despite the batting struggles, Lakeview’s defense had a strong showing against the loaded batting core of Champion, as they had nice saves with tagging the bags in the knick of time, all while guarding the home plate well. However, Champion relied on Meadors to find the hole in that defense as her 2 RBIs helped pave the way to Golden Flash victory. Her RBIs came in the first inning, as she caught the Bulldogs on an error, and then in the fifth inning as she had the right placement just into the right field grass to extend the lead. It then took none other than a Gradishar strikeout in the top of the seventh to seal the deal for the team.

 

Champion improves to 24-3 with their district championship win in four years. They will start their run at their first regional title since their state title run of 2018 when they play LaGrange Keystone at the Willig Softball Complex in Canton on Wednesday at 2:00 PM. Lakeview finishes their Cinderella season at 18-4. 

 

YSN’s Noah Ricks talked to Champion coach Cheryl Weaver, starting pitcher Gabby Gradishar, and first base player Abigail Meadors following the contest. All three interviews can be watched below.

FLASHES SIMPLY LOOK UNSTOPPABLE

By Michael Wolfgang

LEVITTSBURG OH- Perfection, literally, is the one word to describe Champion’s 15-0 win over Wickliffe on Tuesday to advance to the District Finals. Gabrielle Gradishar pitched the game of her life as she was flat out untouchable, flawless, and of course perfect in the pitcher’s circle for Champion.

Gradishar went the distance, a shortened five inning ball game, and finished with a line of zero hits and zero runs allowed while striking out ten and zero base on balls to of course come out of the game as the winning pitcher. 

On the offensive side, Champion was powered by Morgan Davis who went 4-for-4 in the batter’s box. The line for Davis included a homerun, two doubles, and one triple. The Champion offense gathered up 15 hits with Davis, Madison Ziegler, Isabella Meyer, and Maddison Sylvester each went for multi-hit games and were the top dogs hitting wise in the Champion lineup.

Champion sent four balls over the fence with Warzala, Davis, Gradishar, and Ziegler going deep for homers. Champion did not commit a single error in the field defensively.

Champion’s next opponent will be Thursday against Lakeview at 5:00 p.m.

GRADISHAR MAKES HER FIRST TOURNAMENT GAME ONE TO REMEMBER

WARREN OH- As a freshman Gabby Gradishar had to watch her teammates compete in the district tournament. Unable to make an impact on the field due to injury, she has been hungry all season to finally get a chance to shine in bracket play.  She let everything loose on Thursday in her first career tournament game helping Champion cruise to a 18-0 win over Berkshire to advance into the district rounds.

Gradishar went 3-3 at the plate, which is probably the most underwhelming part of her stat line. Her 3 hits were all home runs, including a grand slam. She knocked in 8 RBI on the day. She also walked once, letting her reach in all four plate appearances.  That is impressive enough, but Gradishar also had work to do in the circle. She threw a perfect game in 5 innings striking out 9.  Safe to say this is a performance that will go down in everyone’s memory bank.

Gradishar was helped on offense by her teammates as well.  Abigail Meadors went 2-4 on the night with 3 RBI.  Addie Warzala continued her hot streak going 2-3 on the day with 2 RBI.  Bella Meyer was perfect at the dish going 4-4 on the night.  Maddie Ziegler also knocked in 2 RBI on a 2-3 day.

Champion advances to the district semifinals on Tuesday where they’ll match up with Wickliffe. That game is set to be played at LaBrae High School. First pitch will be at 2:00.

FLASHES STRIKE FAST AND OFTEN

BROOKFIELD, OHIO- Four hits from Tyler Skaggs helped lead the Champion Golden Flashes past the Brookfield Warriors 12-2 on Monday as Skaggs doubled in the first, doubled in the third, singled in the fourth, and singled in the fifth.

The Flashes got on the board in the first inning when Skaggs doubled on a 1-0 count, scoring one run then added four runs in the fifth inning.  The rally was led by  by Micah Nolan and Joey Fell, a single by Skaggs, and by Carson Fife.

Fife was credited with the victory on the mound as the fireballer went six innings, allowing two runs on five hits, striking out eight and walking zero.

Hunter Warrender took the loss for the Warriors as he surrendered six runs on 13 hits over four innings, striking out one and walking one.

Champion totaled 16 hits in the game as Skaggs, Zack Morris, Nolan, Fife, Brett Channell, and Fell each had multiple hits. Brookfield and Champion will take each other on once again on Tuesday.

 

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DON’T CHANGE THE CHANNELL

WARREN OH- A trip to Champion’s baseball this season will feature seeing a ton of senior leadership. It’s not too often you see a team with as big of a group of seniors. With so much leadership on the team, one thing you know for sure is the Flashes will always be in the right headspace.  One of their exceptional senior leaders is Brett Channell. Channell has given everything he has to the Champion athletics room. The multiple sport athlete has poured his sweat, blood, and time to the programs he has played on. Because of his dedication, every one of his teammates has the perfect standard to follow.  That is Channell’s biggest leadership attributes. His ability to set a standard.  That is so important for a successful program. Without a set standard, a program will never be able to find consistent success.  Channell keeps Champion consistent.

With all his leadership, Channell backs it up with his talent on the field. Channell has dazzled Champion fans with his gifts on the field.  He is a legitimate threat with a bat in his hand, and is even more prolific with his glove.  Channell has also taken innings on the mound for Champion filling the role well when given the opportunity.

Channell was kind enough to take the time to talk with YSN’s Anthony Hartwig. They discuss the tradition of Champion, having a brother who played on a state championship team, and so much more. Check out the latest Champion Baseball Player Profile only on YSN!

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CHAMPION WITH BACK TO BACK BLASTS OF NORTH ROYLALTON

NORTH ROYLATON OH-

Game 1:

Gabrielle Gradishar shut down North Royalton, throwing a complete game shutout and leading Champion to a 11-0 victory on Saturday

Champion got things moving in the first inning, when Gradishar hit a solo homer.

Gradishar earned the win for the Golden Flashes. Gradishar allowed four hits and zero runs over six innings, striking out nine and walking zero.

Champion hit two home run on the day. Gradishar had a four bagger in the first and second innings.

Champion racked up 15 hits. Morgan Davis, Abigail Meadors, Addison Warzala, Gradishar, Isabella Meyer, and Hailey Householder each racked up multiple hits. Meadors and Davis all had three hits to lead. The Flashes were sure-handed and didn’t commit a single error. Warzala made the most plays with ten.

Game 2:

Champion coasted to an easy victory over North Royalton 11-1 on Saturday

Champion scored four runs in the fifth inning. The big inning was thanks to a single by Abigail Meadors, a home run by Addison Warzala, and a groundout by Isabella Meyer.

Meadors earned the victory on the rubber for the Flashes. The pitcher allowed eight hits and one run over six innings, striking out five.

Champion socked one home run on the day. Warzala went for the long ball in the fifth inning.

The Flashes tallied 13 hits in the game. Meadors, Warzala, Morgan Davis, Meyer, and Gabrielle Gradishar all managed multiple hits. Meadors led the way with three hits in four at bats. Champion didn’t commit a single error in the field. Warzala had five chances in the field, the most on the team.

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