Tag Archive for: Golden Bears

BOARDMAN TAKES ANOTHER STEP FORWARD IN WIN

YOUNGSTOWN, OH- The Boardman Girls Basketball Program has turned a corner, and it doesn’t appear they’re looking back.

The Lady Spartans basketball team showcased their dominance on the road, securing a resounding 52-17 victory against Youngstown East. The win marks the Spartans’ sixth consecutive triumph and propels their season record to an impressive 14-4, underscoring their status as a formidable force in the area.

Once again, it was Mackenzie Riccitelli who spearheaded the Spartans’ offensive onslaught, delivering a stellar performance with a game-high 23 points, highlighted by an impressive display from beyond the arc with 5 three-pointers. Riccitelli’s all-around contribution was exemplary, as she amassed 6 steals, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists, showcasing her versatility and impact on both ends of the court.

Ava Freeborough proved to be a pivotal playmaker for the Spartans, tallying 8 points while dishing out a season-high 7 assists, orchestrating the team’s offensive rhythm with precision and finesse. Sarah Bero, a consistent presence in the paint, added 7 points and dominated the boards with an impressive 10 rebounds, anchoring the Spartans’ defensive efforts.

Sam Duble showcased her sharpshooting prowess, knocking down two crucial three-pointers en route to 6 points and contributing 3 steals to the defensive end. M.C. Werth provided valuable contributions with 4 points and 5 rebounds, epitomizing the Spartans’ depth and resilience as a team.

Tori Strines and Mikayla Rivera made notable contributions from the perimeter, with Strines sinking a three-pointer and Rivera adding a free throw to the scoreboard. The collective effort of the entire team was evident, as all 14 players saw action on the court, underscoring the Spartans’ unity and cohesion.

Amira Mousa, Jocelynn Torres, Janessa Prisby, Ava Gaps, Olivia Combis, Lily Ison, and Emma Terlesky seized the opportunity to showcase their talents in the second half, further highlighting the depth of the Spartans’ roster and their commitment to excellence.

For Youngstown East, Alyssa Crankfield and Yelian Seda led the scoring charge with five points each.

As the Lady Spartans savor their latest triumph, they shift their focus to their upcoming showdown against Warren Harding, a crucial AAC contest that promises to test their mettle once again. With confidence soaring and momentum on their side, the Spartans are poised to continue their pursuit of greatness, fueled by determination, teamwork, and a relentless drive to succeed.

BEARS BEAT CHANEY TO THE PUNCH

By Matt Maher 


YOUNGSTOWN, OH – The Golden Bears welcomed the CowGirls to their side of town for another installment of Steel Valley girls basketball where the 2nd best team in Campbell took down the 4th best team by the final score of 44-37. Both teams showed some great skill on the court but it would be the Golden Bears spectacular grit and the great efforts of  Alyssa Crankfield and Johniqua Clay that would be the key differences in this game.

 

Chaney showed they could tango with East in the first where they were able to find 8 points to Campbells 9. The Cowgirls were led by Alyssa Brown who scored all of Chaney’s points in the quarter with two made 2’s and 4-of-4 made free throws. East saw Clay put up 4 all in the paint and Crankfield found 5 points in the paint as well for the Golden Bears including a successful and-1.

 

Johniqua Clay would keep up her dominance by scoring 5 points in the 2nd quarter all within the arc with two 2’s and a made free throw. Crankfield would add an impressive 3 into the mix as well and make 2-of-2 free throws. Chaney saw Madonna Jones step up with 3 points from beyond the arc and Iysis Harmon would add a bucket to give Chaney another score. 

 

Chaney continued to stay close to east after the break, scoring 13 points to East’s 12, though their close quarters were still hurting Chaney’s chances. Alyssa Brown entered back on to the score sheet with 12 more points including 3 more made free throws, a 3 and three 2’s. Brianna Wright added 6 points to her total and Crankfield found 8 points for herself with three 2’s and another great trip to the line with both shots hitting from the stripe. 

 

The 4th quarter was another close quarter, with East putting up 12-11. Brown would add 7 more points and finish with a team leading 20 points on the night. Jaziya Burley-Anderson added another 3 to the mix and Alexandria Pete would find her first point in the form of a free throw. East saw Clay find 4 more points with a nice layup and hitting 2-of-2 shots from one of her trips to the line. Crankfield continued to impress with 8 more points including three 2’s and another great trip to the line with both shots connecting, she ended 5-for-5 from the line and with 20 points on the night!

 

Despite the individual boost from Alyssa Brown, Chaney couldn’t find enough consistency in the scoring department to top the Golden Bears. Johniqua Clay and Alyssa Crankfield both deserve standing ovations after their performances on Wednesday night. The Cowgirls (10-5, 2-3) will be back at home when they face Campbell Memorial on January 20th at 2:45PM and East (7-6, 1-3) will travel to Harding on January 22nd at 7:00PM.

 

EAST BASKETBALL COACH’S CORNER (EP 1) WITH CHIVAS WHIPPLE

By Ty Bartell

YOUNGSTOWN OH- When talking about Youngstown East athletics, one thing is for sure, the love for the programs runs deep! Community support from far and wide all over the country there is love for The Golden Bears. Members of the Steel Valley Conference (SVC) once again, The Bears feel they are up for the challenge to compete for a conference crown. Although a smaller conference that only features four teams, when it comes to basketball on the boys side, it’s a free-for-all when it can be anyone’s year!

The Golden Bears are continuing to build and feel like they are just the tip of the iceberg of what the program can become. YSNs Ty Bartell got the opportunity to talk with Head Coach Chivas Hipple about the upcoming hoops season for East. Talking about the team, the tough conference ahead, the key to get wins this year and much more! Always a fun chat with an always great coach and leader, you do not want to miss this edition of Coaches Corner with Chivas Whipple! Stay updated with East basketball this season with live games, scores, stats, stories and more on YSN!

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EAST GIRLS BASKETBALL COACH’S CORNER (EP 1) WITH TANISHA FRANKLIN

By Ty Bartell

YOUNGSTOWN OH- Juggling the responsibilities of being an athletic director and a head coach is never easy.
Things are not made any simpler when a program needs to be re-established to the success it once had. But for Youngstown East Golden Bears girls basketball Head Coach Tanisha Franklin, it is the hard work and grit that is needed that she is more than accustomed to! Doubling as the schools Athletic Director, Coach Franklin is a driving force behind athletic programs at East making a turn around. For the girls basketball team, Coach Franklin and The Golden Bears are coming off one of their best seasons in recent years, with a 13-8 record a season ago, East looks to build off last year.

In this year’s edition of Coaches Corner, YSNs Ty Bartell got the chance to speak with Coach Franklin on the takeaways from last year, how to continue success this season, the impactful players to expect this year and so much more! Catch this first episode of Coaches Corner and catch all East High School scores, stats, stories and more on YSN!

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CHANEY WINS CLASH IN YOUNGSTOWN

YOUNGSTOWN OH- In a Week 10 showdown between Youngstown rivals, Chaney delivered a resounding 35-6 victory over East.

The first quarter set the tone for the game, with Matt Jones making his presence known with a 7-yard touchdown run at 6:37, followed by a second touchdown run of the same length just four seconds before the quarter’s end, both capped off with successful PATs, setting Chaney ahead 14-0. The second quarter continued the trend, with Jones extending his scoring spree with a 13-yard touchdown run at 5:59 and a 2-yard run at 1:30, each accompanied by successful PATs, pushing the lead to a commanding 28-0.

The third quarter remained scoreless, but the fourth quarter saw Bryson Douglas contribute with an 11-yard touchdown run at 8:20, again with a successful PAT, increasing the lead to 35-0. East managed to break the silence late in the game with Andrew Blackmon connecting with Jose Castro for an 8-yard touchdown pass at 1:45, although the two-point conversion was unsuccessful, resulting in a final score of 35-6.

 

CARDINALS SOAR PAST THE BEARS

* CONTRIBUTED BY ERIC HUGHES

YOUNGSTOWN. OH – It was a chilly Friday evening as the Cardinal Mooney Cardinals took on the East Golden Bears in a thrilling high school football matchup. The excitement in the air was palpable, and both teams were determined to claim victory on the gridiron.

The game kicked off with a burst of energy from the East Golden Bears. Just one minute into the first quarter, running back Thomas Davis exploded with a spectacular 57-yard run. The crowd cheered as Davis showcased his speed and agility. Shortly after, Davis punched the ball into the end zone with a 1-yard touchdown run, giving East an early lead of 6-0. However, their two-point conversion attempt was unsuccessful.

The Cardinal Mooney Cardinals quickly responded, showing their resilience and offensive prowess. With 1:51 left in the first quarter, running back Adyn Page carried the ball 8 yards into the end zone, giving the Cardinals their first touchdown of the game. Kicker Chris Clautti’s extra point was good, and Mooney took the lead, 7-6.

Mooney’s momentum continued to build as the first quarter came to a close. Quarterback Ashton O’Brien displayed his passing skills, connecting with tight end Johnathan Brenner on a 19-yard touchdown pass with just 32 seconds remaining. Chris Clautti’s reliable leg added the extra point, extending Mooney’s lead to 14-6.

The East Golden Bears, however, were not to be outdone. In the second quarter, Thomas Davis struck again with a 6-yard touchdown run, narrowing the gap to 14-12 as their two-point attempt fell short.

But the Cardinal Mooney Cardinals continued to make their presence felt. O’Brien’s arm was on full display as he connected with wide receiver Matt Kay on a 9-yard touchdown pass with 5:21 left in the second quarter. Clautti’s PAT was good, and Mooney’s lead grew to 21-12.

The East Golden Bears refused to back down and clawed their way back into the game. Quarterback Andrew Blackmon orchestrated a drive that culminated in a 1-yard touchdown pass to tight end Nathaniel Torres. East’s two-point conversion attempt was once again unsuccessful, but they managed to narrow the gap to 21-18 with just 1:27 remaining in the second quarter.

As the clock wound down in the second quarter, Ashton O’Brien had one more trick up his sleeve. He launched a 12-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Tyon Flowers, and with Clautti’s extra point, Mooney’s lead stretched to 28-18.

The second half continued to favor the Cardinal Mooney Cardinals. With 8:45 left in the third quarter, running back Cam Paige powered through with a 4-yard touchdown run, making it 35-18 after Clautti’s PAT.

O’Brien, the talented Mooney quarterback, extended their lead even further with a 19-yard touchdown run, and kicker Mason Janis added the extra point to make it 42-18 with 5:23 left in the game.

Mooney was not finished, and in the final minutes, O’Brien connected with Matt Kay again. This time, it was an 18-yard tip-drill touchdown pass that left the East Golden Bears in disbelief. The extra point attempt was no good, but Mooney sealed the deal with a commanding 48-18 lead.

When the final whistle blew, the Cardinal Mooney Cardinals emerged as the victors, their determination and skill on full display. The win was a testament to their teamwork and resilience, and their fans celebrated this exciting victory on that chilly Friday night under the stadium lights.

MOONEY TAKES FOOTHOLD IN STEEL VALLEY CONFERENCE

Cardinal Mooney launched into conference play triumphantly by sweeping East in a 3-0 victory (25-18, 25-21, 25-14).

Jaida Lane’s standout performance included 10 kills and 2 blocks, while Brinkley Bair added 9 kills and 6 digs. Amarra Anderson’s 6 kills contributed to the team’s success. Natalie Blasko orchestrated the offense with 27 assists and 2 aces, and Maria Pecchia’s defensive prowess was on display with 14 digs and 2 aces.

Cardinal Mooney is set to compete again next Monday, facing off against Columbiana.

HUBBARD GRINDS OUT A DEFENSIVE BATTLE

By Jamie Thomson


YOUNGSTOWN
, Ohio – Garland Warren punched in a 5-yard touchdown run with 1 minute and 17 seconds remining in the ballgame to lead Hubbard (1-0) past Youngstown East, 10-6, on Friday night.

The Eagles’ game winning drive came after a forced three and out and a short punt the netted just 20-yards for the Golden Bears, setting Hubbard up at the East 30.

The 6-play possession took just over 2 minutes off the clock, and helped the Eagles escape with a miraculous victory in a game that felt was firmly in the hands of the Golden Bears. Hubbard survived four turnovers while forcing three in the process.

Still, the Golden Bears had a chance to tie the game in the closing seconds. After seeing starting quarterback Andrew Blackmon exit the game due to an injury, East backup quarterback Daryan Brownlee forced the ball down the field with urgency. The Golden Bears would get all the way down to the Eagle 24-yardline before time would expire.

Hubbard had the ball in East’s redzone on three separate occasions prior to the game winning drive but were only able to muster points once. Sophomore kicker Caleb McKay’s 29-yard field goal early in the second quarter would prove to be vital in the closing moments.

BIG PERFORMERS

HUBBARD:

Garland Warren: 9 carries, 40 rushing yards, 1 TD

YOUNGSTOWN EAST:

Thomas Davis: 9 carries, 42 rushing yards, 1 TD

UP NEXT

Hubbard: Opening the season with a road win for the first time since 2016 (the Eagles lost their only other opportunity in 2019) Hubbard will now head home for a cross-state matchup against the Greenville (PA) Trojans who have yet to kick off their regular season. The two squads faced off last season in a matchup that saw Hubbard escape with a 8-3 victory.

Youngstown East: Back-to-back season with back-to-back opening week losses to the Hubbard Eagles has the Golden Bears tied for last in the SVC. While the two catholic schools (Ursuline and Mooney) won their openers, the two publics both fell to 0-1 (East and Chaney). The Golden Bears will look to get back on track against a familiar foe in the East Cleveland Shaw Cardinals (0-1). Shaw will make the long drive to Rayen Stadium coming off a 58-0 shellacking against Mayfield.

COWBOYS RIDE THROUGH EAST

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio –

Chaney’s big three combined for 78 points in the Cowboys 86-67 win over the rival East Golden Bears.

Youngstown East (8-9) held the lead after the first quarter led by Cam Sly’s eight and Jarrod Colon’s five, however, Chaney (10-7) would take the lead just a few minutes into the second and would never look back. The two squads battled into the break but the Cowboy’s would hold a seven point lead at half.

Coach McGaughy’s Cowboys would explode out toas many as a 20-point lead in the third. Matt Jones and Josiah Gonzalez would both connect from deep in the quarter, while Jason Hewlett led the way with eight.

Hewlett would score six more fourth quarter points to eclipse the thirty-point mark, while Matt Jones’ 13 points in the final stanza saw him fall just shy of 30. While Chaney dominated the Golden Bears in the second half, a herculean effort from East’s Cam Sly would keep the score respectable. Sitting out most of the second quarter in foul trouble, Sly was still able to finish the night with 32 points, 22 of which came in the second half.

TOP PERFORMERS

CHANEY:

Jason Hewlett – 32 points

Matt Jones – 29 points

Josiah Gonzalez 17 points

EAST:

Cam Sly – 32 points

Jarrod Colon – 14 points

WHAT’S NEXT –

Chaney: After completing the season sweep of the rival Golden Bears, the Cowboys will travel north to take on the Mentor Cardinals (12-4). The squads have split the previous two matchups with Mentor winning in 2021, while Chaney took last seasons affair. The Cardinals and Cowboys will faceoff tonight, February 4th, at 7:00 pm.

East: Now losers of four in a row, the Golden Bears have dropped below .500 for the first time since mid-December. East will look to get back on track this coming Tuesday, February 7th, when they take on the Ursuline Irish (15-1). Ursuline dominated the Golden Bears in their first matchup, 79-37.

*Contributed by YSN’s Jamie Thomson

EAST HOLDS STRONG ON THEIR HOME FLOOR

Youngstown OH- The West Branch boys basketball team traveled to Youngstown to take on the East Golden Bears last night hoping to gather a road victory. That, unfortunately, did not happen as East walked away with a very impressive 43-32 victory. East has been having quite the season after winning just  1 game in last year’s season.

 

That East defense was big all night. They held the Warriors to just seven first-quarter points and 14 points at the half. The Warrior offense just couldn’t get a quality look the entire night as East made them work for just about every shot. Jeremiah Thomas led West Branch with 9 points and Jaxon Robb contributed 7.

 

East only scored 43 points but that offense made some big shots. Isaiah McCray was the high scorer with 17 points. Tyrone Hudson and Jose Castro each contributed 7 points respectively. Castro was solid defensively as he came up with several steals. Talking to coach Whipple after the game, he said the biggest turnaround for this East program was “changing the culture starting in the classroom.” He said that being disciplined in the classroom helps you become more focused and prepared for when it comes to playing basketball. 

 

With the win, East improves to 6-4 on the season. They will look to gather another win when they travel to Mooney on Friday at 7 P.M. West Branch drops to 4-4 with the loss and will look to bounce back against Carrollton on Friday.

 

*Contributed By YSN’s Michael Ginocchi