Tag Archive for: Florida

FINLEY’S NOT FINISHED

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AKRON OH- In this latest YSN Player Profile, Anthony Hartwig sits down with Finley Kennedy, a standout senior on the Hoban girls basketball team. Kennedy, the sole senior this season, opens up about the emotional journey of her final high school season and the responsibilities that come with being the team’s veteran leader.

Kennedy admits the emotional weight of being the only senior and the inevitable transition of leaving her teammates behind. Yet, her ambitions continue beyond high school as she eyes playing basketball at the next level. Reflecting on her role, she credits her composure and experience in keeping the team calm and focused. Kennedy emphasizes the importance of balancing emotional expression to maintain positive momentum on the court. The Hoban Knights, known for their winning tradition across all sports, hold a significant legacy that Kennedy upholds. She speaks proudly of the high standards, particularly in the girls’ basketball program, known for their intense defensive pressure and their reputation for rigor and success.

Kennedy’s basketball roots run deep, influenced by her mother, a college basketball coach, who instilled both skill and a strong faith in her daughter. Her comfort in navigating her basketball journey is evident in how she balances athletics with academics, maintaining a strong performance even with a lighter class load during her senior year. Looking ahead, Kennedy is considering a move to Florida, fueled by the promise of sunshine, as she pursues business marketing. Her decision-making process in choosing a college revolves around the value of forming relationships both on and off the court. Finley’s journey, supported by her faith and family, is a testament to her resilience and ambition. As she steps off the court for Hoban, her legacy of leadership and tenacity leaves a lasting impact on her team and the Hoban sports community.

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PREGIBON PUTS THE PRESSURE ON

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YOUNGATOWN OH – Junior Katie Pregibon is making waves both on and off the court as she steps into her role as an upperclassman for the Cardinal Mooney girls basketball team. Known for her remarkable three-point shooting, Pregibon’s journey from a timid freshman to a confident leader is inspiring both teammates and coaches alike.

In a recent interview on the YSN Podcast, Katie discussed the challenges and rewards of becoming one of the team’s veterans. “I’ve enjoyed trying to be a good leader for the team, and I think it’s been going pretty well,” she shared. Her growth in leadership is evident, particularly in her efforts to guide younger players and her determination to improve her vocal presence on the court. Much of Katie’s newfound confidence stems from rigorous practice sessions and the unwavering support of her senior teammates and coaching staff. “Confidence comes from practice,” she emphasized, crediting her seniors for their constant encouragement.

Head Coach Dom DiurIo and his staff have also played a crucial role in Katie’s development. “Coach Diureo definitely helps me become confident,” she noted, highlighting the positive reinforcement and constructive criticism that push her to excel. Katie’s prowess as a shooter has been a significant asset for the team, particularly her ability to find a rhythm beyond the arc. “It’s very rewarding when it goes in, especially in clutch time,” she exclaimed. Her journey in basketball began at a young age, playing with friends at the YMCA and St. Charles. Transitioning to high school ball and AAU competition, Katie’s passion for the game only grew stronger. Katie’s athletic prowess is not confined to basketball; she also excels in golf, following in her mother’s footsteps—a Hall of Fame golfer at Mooney. Her family’s supportive presence in her sporting life further fuels her drive. “It’s really rewarding to look up in the stands and see my dad cheering me on,” she shared.

Academically, Katie faces the rigorous challenges of her junior year head-on, excelling in tough courses like AP Biology and managing her time effectively to balance sports and studies. With aspirations to study biology, possibly marine biology, Katie’s future shines bright, both on the court and in the classroom. Her hard work and dedication make her a role model for her peers and a standout player for Cardinal Mooney.

As the holiday season approaches, Katie reflects fondly on family traditions and support, particularly enjoying family dinners cooked by her dad and reminiscing about memorable Christmas gifts like family trips to Florida. In her closing remarks on the podcast, Katie expressed heartfelt gratitude to her support system, including her parents, brother, coaches, and close family friends. As Katie Pregibon continues to develop her skills and leadership, she stands as an exemplary figure for the Cardinal Mooney community, embodying the spirit of hard work, perseverance, and teamwork.

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BLESSED TO HAVE SINN

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BERLIN CENTER, OH- In a recent episode of the YSN podcast, “The Devil’s Hour with Caleb Sinn,” the dynamic athlete was joined by host Chris Colucci at Ben’s Restaurant to discuss his stellar performances in both football and wrestling, providing an in-depth look into his sporting life and aspirations.

Caleb Sinn, a junior at Western Reserve High School, has become a standout in the local sports scene, particularly known for his prowess on the defensive line. His recent accolade of “Athletix Player of the Game” at the McDonald game highlighted his ability to dominate the backfield, a skill he credited to his dedication and love for defense.

“I like playing on defense because we get a chance to show our coaches that offense doesn’t just win games,” Sinn remarked, emphasizing the thrill and importance of teamwork on the defensive front.

A multi-sport athlete, Sinn has found significant crossover benefits between wrestling and football. “Wrestling helps a lot with football, especially with tackling and the physicality of the game,” he explained. When asked to choose between the two sports, Sinn expressed a deep-seated passion for wrestling, a sport he has cherished since sixth grade.

Despite his athletic commitments, Sinn has his sights set on another noble pursuit post-high school—enlisting in the Marines. His sense of duty towards his country was notably commended by Colucci during the interview.

Reflecting on a recent game against Camel, Sinn noted the strengths of their opponent’s offensive line and the strategic adjustments his team made. His preferred technique on the defensive line, the swim move, was also discussed, showcasing his tactical approach and football IQ.

Beyond sports, Sinn shared a glimpse of his personal likes and day-to-day routines. From his favorite vacation spots like Florida and Hawaii to his go-to gas station snacks—chocolate milk and a protein bar—Sinn’s grounded and straightforward nature shone through.

Chris Colucci closed the interview by highlighting the continuous support from local businesses like Ben’s Restaurant, urging the community to participate in Friday night events that celebrate student-athletes. Significantly, Colucci praised Sinn’s relentless spirit and his future potential in both wrestling and football.

With an inspiring blend of athletic talent and a commitment to service, Caleb Sinn is undoubtedly a rising star to watch in the coming years. His journey serves as an example for young athletes, proving that dedication and passion can pave the way for remarkable achievements.

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SALOMONE STEPPING UP AND SETTING UP

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MCDONALD, OH – The McDonald volleyball team has been turning heads this season, with junior setter Ava Salomon taking on a pivotal role in the team’s undefeated streak. Filling the shoes of Megan Klockner, last year’s stalwart setter, Salomon has proven herself a formidable force on the court. In the latest McDonald Volleyball Player Profile, Salomon shared her experiences and insights into her new leadership role. “It’s been a lot of fun,” she noted. “The girls are great, and Megan helped me a lot over the summer. It’s about helping my team succeed and being a leader out there.”

Salomon’s dedication and hard work during the off-season have been crucial to her seamless transition. “We worked hard all summer, especially with Megan there to guide me. It’s all about confidence and shaking off mistakes,” she explained. This determination has paid off, as her connection with her hitters has resulted in a series of unbroken victories for the team. The chemistry within the McDonald squad is evident both on and off the court. Post-game dinners at local favorites such as Chipotle and Chick-fil-A, along with summer camps and trips, have helped forge strong bonds among the players. “We go out and get food after almost every game and practice. These moments bring us closer, and it shows in our performance,” Salomon revealed.

Ava’s journey to perfecting her role hasn’t been without challenges. Serving was initially a tough spot for her, but she’s seen significant improvement. “It wasn’t great at first, but it’s gotten a lot better,” she admitted. Balancing her burgeoning volleyball career with school life, Salomon maintains strong academic performance. She enjoys chemistry and government classes, despite the latter’s difficulty. The junior dreams of pursuing a career in dentistry and hopes to study at a college by the beach.

As the McDonald volleyball team continues their season, Salomon remains focused and driven. Her leadership and skillful setting have not only filled the void left by her predecessor but have also propelled the team to new heights. With a supportive coach, dedicated teammates, and an unyielding ambition, Ava Salomon is undoubtedly setting a high bar for future McDonald volleyball players to follow.

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ALL ABOARD THE E TRAIN

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CANFIELD, OH-  In this episode, we have the pleasure of sitting down with the talented senior player from South Range, Blake Ewert.

Known as the “E Train” and “Spike”, Blake has been a standout on the field for years, gaining the admiration of his teammates and younger brothers alike.

We dive deep as we discuss Blake’s last ride as a senior, the electrifying moments on the football field, and the goals he has set for himself.

Join us as we get to know Blake Ewert, the running back sensation. Tune in to this captivating episode of YSN!

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