Tag Archive for: Girls Basketball

LADY IRISH MAKE A STATEMENT IN FINAL HOME GAME

Emma Ericson and Kim Henderson, the sole seniors on this Ursuline varsity team, were recognized prior to last night’s game against the Labrae Vikings. And while it cannot be for certain, it definitely appeared that the added motivation of it being the final home game for them pushed the Irish all game long.

Labrae came into the game 11-5, a tough and physical team led by two sisters, Heidi and Jenna Reppart. While the records were somewhat flip flopped in this matchup, the Irish were not intimidated. Ursuline jumped out to a very early lead, Cara McNally hit two big 3 pointers, and Jamie Nelson’s ferocious defense seemed to give the Vikings fits. Labrae was forced into multiple turnovers in the first half, whilst Ursuline would capitalize, playing unselfish and well disciplined basketball. Junior Anissa Moorman led the Irish with 13, hitting a 3 pointer as well, but it was the balance of the offense that carried them. Nearly every single player who took the court for the Irish got on the scoreboard, and they would carry a 34-15 score into the second half.

The Vikings attempted to answer defensively with more zone, but the Irish simply passed around the perimeter, and forced Labrae into more mistakes. The Irish, who have had their struggles this year holding onto leads, did not let this victory slip through their fingers. Late in the third, a dagger 3 pointer by guard Rachel Fabry pushed the lead to 30 points. The fourth saw plenty of fresh faces enter the game on both sides, and while Briley Daniels for Labrae managed to snag a couple steals and fast break layups, the lead was just too great. A sensational performance against a very tough opponent, Ursuline would go on to win 53-29, the lowest Labrae had scored all year.

Ursuline will now be on the road for the remainder of the regular season, their next game another tough test against the East Golden Bears.

MOONEY GIRLS BASKETBALL COACH’S CORNER (EP3 WITH JASON BAKER)

The Lady Cardinals have been a streaky team this year. When they’re on, they can compete with the best teams in the district. When they’re off, they struggle to get out of their own way. Despite being 10-7, plenty of those losses boiled down to a poor start or self inflicted mistakes. Still, a physically tough team who prides itself on defense can always light the fire when they need too.

Only five games remain on the schedule for Mooney, and Nate Keiper caught up with Coach Baker moments before the Cardinals would take the court against East. In this episode of the Coach’s Corner, sponsored by MP Vivo, Coach Baker discusses the difficulties this season has presented, previews the matchup against East, and explains how the multitude of different styles of opponents can prepare you for the tournament.

 

POLAND GIRLS BASKETBALL COACH’S CORNER (EP8 WITH NICK BLANCH)

It’s been another dominant week in the NE8 for Poland. They keep taking it one game at a time with wins over Girard and Lakeview. In the Girard game Jackie Grisdale tied the record for threes in a game. In the Lakeview game, a lot of young players got in and had a lot of success. Coach Blanch said that is so important for the future of the program. Now the Bulldogs look ahead to games against Jefferson and Hubbard. 

Anthony Hartwig made the journey to Poland this week to sit down with Coach Blanch. They discuss the young success, record setting performances, and much more. Get your weekly fix of Lady Bulldog basketball in Episode 8 of Coach’s Corner with Nick Blanch.

ARIANA IS GRAND

To build a good program and not just a good team, you need to continue to build on young players. Poland has a handful of promising young players this season, and one of those players is Ariana Daniels. The freshman Daniels came found a new school in Poland this year. It can be a difficult task to sync in with a brand new group of people. This was not the case for Daniels. She felt the family atmosphere immediately when she stepped into Poland’s gym. That atmosphere is something Coach Blanch has taken time to build and make strong. Daniels said that meeting coach Blanch was intimidating, she knew what the program had done in the last couple years and wanted to live up to that standard. But as soon as that meeting happened Ariana knew it was going to be a good fit. Daniels says she came into this year struggling with confidence, but quickly gained it on this team. Everyone supports everyone at Poland, and that makes an immediate impact. Now Ariana is in a place where she feels completely comfortable out on the court. Daniels is a player that plays on both JV and Varsity. She gets to navigate being a leader on the JV team, and then be lead by the captains on varsity. Coach Blanch says that it’s grooming Daniels into being a great leader in the future. Ariana said the same thing, she gets to take in the lessons from the varsity leaders and then use them to lead the JV squad. She’s got a lot to live up to wearing the number 2, the same as Sarah Bury who was so important to the last four years of the program. Daniels said she just wants to make Bury proud that she’s continuing the legacy. You can make a good bet that Daniels will make an impact on the team for years to come just like Bury. Poland has one less problem with Ariana on the team. They’ve added a sweetener to the group. If you watch you will see that Ariana is grand. 

Anthony Hartwig got the chance to sit down with Ariana this week. They discuss coming to a new school, the family atmosphere of the team, and much more. Get to know another Poland Bulldog in the latest Player Profile Ariana is Grand.

ON THE HEIGHTS OF HEIKKINEN

To be a great team in basketball, it’s no secret that you need a little bit of size. For the South Range Lady Raiders they get their height from Hannah Heikkinen. Just a sophomore Hannah has made great strides between her freshman and sophomore seasons. Her personal goals this season were to be a player that makes her team better on and off the court. Coach Fishel says as a role player she is accomplishing that goal. Hannah also treasures the team bonding exercises her squad has gone through this season. They bring a certain joy to the game. The team also has a strong community outreach program. Hannah spends her summers volunteering at hospitals and animal shelters so getting to go and help people with her teammates has been a great addition to her experience. Coach Fishel says that Hannah is really starting to hit her stride in the last couple weeks, and you just might be seeing more and more of her on the floor in the weeks to come. 

Anthony Hartwig made the trip to South Range to catch up with Hannah this week. They discuss personal goals this season, her time management skills, and much more. Gear up for the latest Lady Raider Player Profile On the Heights of Heikkinen.

SOUTH RANGE GIRLS BASKETBALL COACH’S CORNER (EP 8 WITH JEFF FISHEL)

The Lady Raiders have had a slow week in the game department. With Martin Luther King day giving them a well earned day off, the Raiders look to use the time to get better. The Raiders did grab a win over Lakeview on Thursday. Now they look forward to games against Hubbard and Struthers, both on the road. Jeff Fishel says long road stretches are nothing new and expects his team to be ready to go.

Anthony Hartwig sat down with Coach Fishel this week. They discuss the week that was, the week to come, and much more. Get your weekly fix of Lady Raider basketball with Episode 8 of Coach’s Corner with Jeff Fishel.

POLAND GIRLS BASKETBALL COACH’S CORNER (EP 7 WITH NICK BLANCH)

Another successful week for the Poland Lady Bulldogs as they got two wins since we last caught up with coach Blanch. A home victory over Struthers, and then an important Saturday road win over Mooney. Coach Blanch was pleased with the energy and physicality against Struthers, who he says always pushes people around. He less pleased however with the third quarter of the Mooney game where they saw a 23 point lead shrink to 12. They were able to bounce back, but he says an incomplete game is not this team’s standard. They look ahead to games against Girard and Lakeview on the horizon. 

Anthony Hartwig went down to Poland to talk to coach Blanch before a home boys game. They discussed young players who are stepping up, the connection between the boys and girls programs, and much more. Enjoy the seventh edition of Poland Lady Bulldogs Coach’s Corner with Nick Blanch.

COUGRAS ON THE PROWL

There are a lot of young talented players around the area that area in girls basketball getting attention. One that might be flying under the radar is Poland sophomore Connie Cougras. In typical fashion for this program, Connie does not mind being under the radar. It gives her more room to navigate and grow. One of the first players off of Poland’s bench, Cougras is becoming more and more of an impact as the season goes on. Development is not an issue when it comes to Cougras, she is able to understand what mistakes she makes and takes upon herself to get in the gym and work on them. She says she gets an extra boost of energy in practice after a game in which she wasn’t pleased with herself. This ability to self correct makes her very easy to coach. Coach Blanch couldn’t say enough about her work ethic. Connie has a brother Michael who is a senior in the boys program. She says his support, and her support of him has helped both of them out a lot. They haven’t had a sibling three point contest as of yet, but you never know one could be on the horizon. Connie has quickly become a key member of program. And for now, she’s doing it in the shadows. The Cougras is on the prowl. And you better believe you don’t want to be her prey. 

Anthony Hartwig caught up with Connie this week. They discussed moving up to varsity, working through mistakes, and much more. Turn that volume dial all the way up and enjoy the latest Lady Bulldog Player Profile Cougras On The Prowl. 

POLAND STAVES OFF MOONEY RALLY, WINS THRILLER AGAINST THE CARDINALS

The reputation of both Poland and Cardinal Mooney’s girls basketball teams are eerily similar. Tenacious defense, sound and disciplined play, and most importantly, a refusal to quit no matter the score.

The two teams took a while to settle in, both forcing turnovers on each other. Not to mention a fire alarm mishap that paused in game action twice during the first half. But Poland needs very little wiggle room to blow a game wide open. After a sluggish start, Poland hit three straight 3 pointers, one from Jackie Grisdale and two from Kailyn Brown, the latter not known for long distance shooting. Because of the early deficit, Mooney got out of their usual gameplan, and their offense suffered greatly from it. Poland’s defense tightened, and the Bulldogs took a massive 35-12 lead into the half.

But the Cardinals would not quit. In an unbelievable third quarter, Mooney would claw their way back into the game, allowing only four points, two coming from the free throw line. Freshman Maria Fire stoned any attempt at an inside shot, registering 5 blocks. Gia Diorio began shadowing Grisdale, and Mooney found themselves down only 11 once the fourth quarter began.

Poland would respond though. Offensive adjustments alongside a huge dagger 3 pointer from Grisdale, who finished with 19 points, sealed the deal. While the comeback was valiant, Mooney could not cut the deficit below double digits. Poland would win 59-42. The Bulldogs go to 13-2 on the season, and the Cardinals drop to 8-6.

SOUTH RANGE GIRLS BASKETBALL COACH’S CORNER (EP7 WITH JEFF FISHEL)

Since we last caught up with Jeff Fishel the Lady Raiders have split a pair of games in the NE8. They looked very impressive in a win over Jefferson, and fell short in a hard fought game against Poland. Now they look to rebound with games against Lakeview and Hubbard coming up on the slate. Coach Fishel says the energy is high and the team expects to keep going forward. They don’t want to let one loss define their season. 

 

Join Anthony Hartwig for the latest in all things Lady Raiders with Episode 7 of Coach’s Corner with Jeff Fishel.