Tag Archive for: Girls Basketball

THE CROWN JULES

Sometimes there are players that can’t be measured or defined by words. South Range sophomore Julia Gregory is one of those athletes. Her time in the spotlight began last season when she was able to knock down important shots late in games proving to herself she belongs on the floor. That is the moment she sites as a major boost in her confidence. Now in her sophomore season, she is working harder than ever to become an impact for her team. She’s a deadly shooter when left in space but now coach Fishel says she is adding more tools to her offensive game every day. Julia has felt with her fair share of adversity. Like most shooters she goes through highs and lows. Her mental toughness is on fool display when she fights through the shooting slumps she finds herself in. Coach Fishel applauds her perseverance and commitment to the process. We can already tell Julia is going to be a star player for the Raiders, a crown jewel. And everyone knows how much Raiders like jewels. 

Anthony Hartwig went to South Range to catch up with Julia. They discuss her confidence, the team’s community outreach, and much more. You won’t want to miss the latest Lady Raider Player Profile The Crown Jules.

HARK THE HARRELL

The difference between good teams and great teams is a deep bench. The ability to trust the next round of players to go in and execute as well as your starters. For Poland junior Ella Harrell that’s a role she accepts with honor. There is not one ounce of bitterness in her bones over not being a starter. She loves the opportunity to come on the floor in the middle of a game and make an impact. Standing at 5’8, Harrell has the size to execute as a post, but also has the ability to play in the perimeter as a guard. A Swiss Army knife of a player. Ella’s personal goal coming into this year was to further her abilities to become even better at executing both of those roles. Coach Blanch says she is a player who is always staying after practice and working on extra ball handling drills. That’s one of the reasons he trusts her so much on the floor. He also says that Harrell is one of their more vocal players. She has no problem communicating on defense, which is so important. It’s something that makes Harrell such a tremendous asset off the bench. Ella and her team can easily run 8 or 9 players deep and Harrell is the example everyone else can look to. When leaders talk, you have to listen. Hark the Harrell. 

Anthony Hartwig made the trip down to Poland to talk to Ella. They discuss her role on the team, personal goals, and much more. Learn all about the Bulldog junior on the latest Player Profile Hark The Harrell

POLAND GIRLS BASKETBALL COACH’S CORNER (EP6 WITH NICK BLANCH)

It’s been awhile since we have had the chance to talk to coach Nick Blanch. A medical condition made him have to step away for a couple games. In his absence the team has taken care of business with wins over Liberty, Niles, and Hubbard. He returned on Saturday when they beat Lakeview to set up a big matchup with South Range. The Bulldogs handled the hype and came away with a 16 point victory over the Raiders.

Now they look ahead to matchup with Struthers on Thursday. Catch up with everything Lady Bulldogs basketball with Anthony Hartwig in Episode 6 of Coach’s Corner with Nick Blanch.

THE PARTY KEEPS ON GOING

Gabby Lamparty has been quite possibly the most anticipated player to come through the Lady Raider program. Fans have been waiting to see her on the varsity quart since she was in 7th grade. She has shared the anticipation to play. She has waited for the chance to play with her older sister Izzy since she was a little girl. And now as a freshman Gabby finally gets that chance, and she is not disappointing the fans that patiently waited for her to get to this level. She is already dazzling the crowd with behind the back passes and reverse layups that show off her athleticism. However, she has also dealt with her fair share of struggles transitioning from eighth grade to varsity so fast. She says the game is a lot quicker at the varsity level than she anticipated. Gabby also has the responsibility of being a leader on the court. One she takes very seriously. She says it doesn’t matter what your age is if you’re called to be a leader you have to show up. Show up is exactly what she’s been doing this season. Coach Fishel says Gabby is a special talent that doesn’t come around too often. And he says that she matches that talent with an undeniable work ethic. The party in South Range is just getting started as this freshman will be suiting up for a while. 

Anthony Hartwig caught up with Gabby after the Raiders win over Jefferson. They discuss starting as a freshman, playing with her sister, and much more. Get ready to learn about the upcoming star in the latest Player Profile The Party Keeps on Going.

BLUE’S KLU’S

Last season the basketball world had to be informed of Morgan Kluchar’s presence. As a freshman, she had to prove that she belonged on the court with the upperclassmen. She did just that. Now as a sophomore, it’s a different feeling for Morgan. She has earned her spot and her respect, and now it’s all about continuing to grow as a player. She says that this season she is grasping a lot more of the fine details of the game. That comes from all the time she got on the varsity floor her freshman season. She also says nerves have really gone down from last year to this year. They’re still there for sure, but not nearly as strong. Two main goals are at the top of Morgan’s list. The first is to improve her defense. She admits that last season her defense did not reach her own standards and definitely wants to improve on that. Second is to become more of a threat from the outside. That would make her a more well rounded offensive player. Last season we asked you to get a clue about Morgan as a freshman, and now the clues are there for you, so figure it out that Morgan Kluchar is a one of a kind talent. 

Anthony Hartwig went on down to Poland to sit down with Morgan. They discuss the team dealing with adversity, taking a leadership role, and much more. Get to know the Lady Bulldog sophomore with the latest Player Profile Blue’s Klu’s.

 

SOUTH RANGE GIRLS BASKETBALL COACH’S CORNER (EP6 WITH JEFF FISHEL)

It’s back to work for the Lady Raiders this week after a much needed week off. The Raiders got back to business in Girard escaping an upset bid from the Indians. A game that Coach Fishel thinks they may not have won two weeks ago when they were fatigued. Looking ahead the Raiders finish off the week against Jefferson, and then welcome in Poland to start off next week. If both teams stay the course this week, Monday’s matchup will put the winner in the NE8 driver’s seat. 

Anthony Hartwig made the trip to South Range to talk to Coach Fishel. They discuss the Girard win, the big matchups to come, and much more. Get your fix of Lady Raider basketball in Episode 6 of Coach’s Corner with Jeff Fishel

BURCH’S DOUBLE DOUBLE ENDS MOONEY’S WIN STREAK

Rebounding and free throws, redundant in practice but key to winning games. And those were the two areas of struggle for the Lady Cardinals tonight in their loss to the Warren Harding Raiders.

A strong first quarter, with Mooney’s trademark defense, held the high octane Raider offense to only 9 points. But the bigs for Harding, specifically Faith Burch, dominated the glass from the opening moments of the second quarter. Burch would finish with a double double, 20 points and 10 rebounds. Mooney was outscored 22-9 in the quarter. Mooney also struggled from the line, shooting just over 50% on the day.

The Cardinals made a small run at the start of the third quarter, 6 straight points from Catie Perry cut the deficit to 10. But Burch and Heilman were simply too much underneath. Mooney would lose 56-39, their first loss in over a month. Mooney has a quick turnaround as they will host the Crestview Rebels on Monday.

SOUTH RANGE GIRLS BASKETBALL COACH’S CORNER (EP5 WITH JEFF FISHEL)

The South Range Lady Raiders split their Holiday Hoops tournament last weekend dropping a game to West Branch, and beating Salem the next day. Now the Raiders have 9 days to get back in the gym and get better. For Coach Fishel this chance to work with the team in practice was much needed. It’s in an important spot in the season as well. The Raiders look ahead to finish the first half of NE8 play next week with games against Girard and Jefferson. 

Anthony Hartwig went down to South Range to catch up with Coach Fishel. They discuss their Holiday Hoops tournament results, his expectations and reality of the job have matched up, and so much more. Get your weekly fix of South Range basketball with Episode 5 of Coach’s Corner with Jeff Fishel.

V FOR VIDMAN

Although the South Range Raiders have plenty of returning faces to the team this season, there are some new players you may not recognize. Sophomore Mallory Vidman is one of those new faces. She knew coming into this season that there were some spots on varsity up for grab and she was determined to get one. No one worked harder than Vidman in the offseason. Workouts, and open gyms were nothing but wide open opportunity for Mallory. She says she takes great pride in that work ethic. She quickly earned that starting spot on varsity and has now become a consistent member of the varsity squad. With so much court time Mallory has had to grow in to a leader for her team. She describes herself as someone who is always available for her teammates no matter the need. She also loves the opportunities to go out into the community with her team and not just be a leader on the court, but a leader in the community. This valorous player has vowed to lead her team to victory via her hard work and dedication to success. The vector of triumph is very clear and always in sight. Mallory Vidman, or you can just call her V. 

Anthony Hartwig traveled out to South Range to sit with Mallory. They discuss her new role on the team, her biggest change over the last two years, and much more. Take a good listen to the latest Lady Raider Player Profile V For Vidman.

MOONEY CARDINALS GIRLS BASKETBALL COACH’S CORNER (EP2 WITH JASON BAKER)

There’s a plague in the Mooney gymnasium that says “Tradition doesn’t graduate”, and a tradition of consistency has been established by the Lady Cardinals and Coach Jason Baker. One of tenacity, toughness, discipline and unselfishness. Fighting through injury and developing an offense week to week, the Cardinals have relied on those traditions early on and it’s carried them to a 6-2 start.

While every team around this team of year is balancing practices with time off for the holidays, the Cardinals are still preaching the basics of team defense and smart basketball. Nate Keiper managed to sit in for one of these practices, and talked with the Coach about fighting through adversity, and how they are preparing for an extremely tough test against Warren Harding this week.