Tag Archive for: Heartland

MATTHEWS HAS MASSIVE NIGHT; LADY LIONS ROLL

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COLUMBIANA, OH – Heartland Christian freshman Emme Matthews stole the spotlight on Thursday night, leading the Lions to a 62-41 victory over Toronto. Matthews was unstoppable, finishing with an impressive 32 points and scoring at least six in every quarter.

Rachel Reynolds added 10 points and Emily McDowell chipped in 9, providing strong support in the Lions’ balanced offensive effort. The win improves Heartland Christian’s record to 10-8 on the season.

Toronto’s Tatum Derrington led her team with 18 points, including eight in a strong first quarter. Jayna Reeves contributed 10 points, while JJ Rebich and Olivia Owings each scored 4. Despite their efforts, the Red Knights, now 8-10, couldn’t keep up with Heartland’s pace.

Heartland set the tone early with a 15-13 lead after the first quarter and extended the advantage with a dominant 17-point second quarter. The Lions maintained control throughout the second half, closing out the game with an 18-point fourth quarter to secure the win.

The Lions will look to carry this momentum forward as they continue their season, while Toronto aims to bounce back in their next matchup.

LIONS CLAW PAST SOUTHERN

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SALINEVILLE — Heartland Christian rode a massive second-quarter surge to secure a 75-53 victory over Southern Local on Wednesday night. A dominant 30-point second quarter and sharp three-point shooting propelled the Lions past a strong individual performance by Southern freshman Braxton Sloan.

Isaiah Matthews led Heartland with 18 points, knocking down four shots from beyond the arc. Collin Kalaher added 16 points, while Brody Conaway contributed 15 in a balanced team effort. The Lions’ hot shooting, including nine three-pointers, proved to be the difference.

Heartland took control early, building a 47-18 lead by halftime and extending it to 64-28 by the end of the third quarter. With the win, Heartland improved to 9-4 on the season, while Southern dropped to 5-7.

For Southern, Braxton Sloan was a standout, finishing with 30 points, including seven three-pointers, while also adding four rebounds, four steals, and three assists. Richie Sloan chipped in nine points and three steals, Mason Pitts led the team with eight rebounds, and Landon Heffner recorded two assists.

Both teams are back in action later this week. Southern will host Leetonia on Friday, while Heartland welcomes Youngstown East on Saturday.

VALLEY CHRISTIAN BASKETBALL COACH’S CORNER (EP 1) WITH DOLPH CARROLL

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YOUNGSTOWN OH—The highly anticipated Valley Christian boys’ basketball season is set to begin, bringing fresh hopes and excitement. Head coach Dolph Carroll, alongside assistant coach Anthony Hartwig, recently sat down for an exclusive podcast episode of YSN’s Coach’s Corner to discuss the upcoming season and share insights into the team’s preparation.

Reflecting on last year’s challenges, Coach Hartwig emphasized the growth shown by his players, particularly their improvement in mental toughness and understanding of the team’s philosophy. This year, Valley Christian boasts a roster rich with returning talent. With three seniors leading the pack, the team is gearing up for what promises to be an interesting season. Coach Carroll acknowledged the competitive nature of the Eastern Ohio Athletic Conference (EOAC), highlighting the respect he holds for the other coaches and their programs. “Every night, we have to bring it,” Carroll asserted, emphasizing the importance of focusing on their own performance rather than worrying about the opposition.

In addition to their rigorous conference schedule, Valley Christian will face strong non-conference opponents, including Mooney and Brookfield, as part of a challenging road-heavy early season designed to build resilience and mental toughness. Coach Hartwig, also serving as Valley Christian’s Athletic Director, shared his excitement for the basketball season, noting the unique and supportive school environment that contributes to the team’s success. The Eagles’ coaching staff, featuring long-time assistant Bill Yelby, former player John Peccia, Ken Madison, and Tony Du Felice, remains committed to developing both the athletic skills and character of their players. Coach Carroll praised the entire Valley Christian community, whose unwavering support helps to nurture the young men both on and off the court.

Valley Christian fans won’t have to wait long to see their team in action. The Eagles will open their season on December 6th with a road game against Brookfield, followed by games at Lowville and Mooney. As they embark on this journey, Coach Hartwig and Coach Carroll remain focused on one goal: guiding the Valley Christian boys toward a successful and memorable season.

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THE BATTLE OF THE RARICK’S GOES TO THE BIRDS

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CANFIELD, OH- It was a real family showdown at Canfield as the Rarick brothers squared off on the mound, turning the game into a sibling rivalry showcase.

Trent Rarick was on fire for Canfield, striking out 11 batters, giving up four hits and three runs over four solid innings. Despite a rocky start with an error that gave Canfield an early lead, Heartland Christian quickly tied things up when Tyler Rarick daringly stole home in the second inning.

Heartland Christian then snatched the lead 3-1 in the third, fueled by Tyler’s bat and a wild pitch that brought another runner home. But Canfield wasn’t down for long. They stormed back in the bottom of the third, hammering out five runs with Zain Jadallah’s bases-clearing double capping off a wild inning to put them up 6-3.

Unfortunately for Heartland Christian, Tyler Rarick couldn’t contain the Canfield lineup, yielding six runs over three innings and eventually taking the loss. On the flip side, Sean Harrington came in relief for Canfield and pitched three shutout innings, not allowing a single hit and keeping the Lions at bay.

Canfield’s bats were alive with Jadallah, Enzo Cocca, Anthony Groner, Joey Gabriel, Michael Patellis, and Noah Anzevino each snagging a hit. Jadallah and Groner were big-time players, knocking in three runs apiece. The base paths were busy, too, with Canfield stealing six bases as they kept the pressure on all game.

For Heartland Christian, Tyler Rarick did his best to keep pace, notching a couple of hits and swiping two bases himself, proving he was as much a threat with his legs as with his arm.

The Cardinals next take the field against Poland on Monday in the Battle of 224, and featuring two of the top teams in our area.

EDISON CONTINUES TO SHINE IN WIN OVER HEARTLAND

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NEW WATERFORD, OH- The Heartland Christian Lions fell short against Edison, losing 7-4 on Tuesday.

The game got off to a rocky start for Heartland Christian as Edison quickly put runs on the board in the first inning. Chase Freeman kicked things off with a single, a Lions error allowed another run, and Kayden Russell added a single to bring in yet another run, setting Edison up with an early lead.

On the mound, Cash Meadows was solid for Edison, allowing just one unearned run over four innings while scattering six hits. He struck out one and walked three, snagging the win. Jake Walker, pitching the distance for Heartland Christian, ended up on the losing end despite a gritty performance, allowing seven runs (only two earned) across seven innings.

At the plate, Tyler Rarick and Drew Gault led the way for Heartland Christian with two hits apiece. Brett Walker, Will Morgan, and Owen Bender each knocked in a run, trying to spark a rally for the Lions. Walker also showed great discipline, drawing two of the team’s eight walks.

Edison’s lineup saw Freeman and Russell each putting up two hits and combining for four RBIs, helping to keep their team ahead throughout the game. Nolan Haught also added two hits to Edison’s total.

Looking ahead, Heartland Christian will try to bounce back in their next game as they head to Columbiana on Friday, hoping to tighten up their game and turn things around.

GAULT PROVIDES THE HEAT; LIONS POUND EP

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NEW WATERFORD, OH- Drew Gault has been working towards days like these.  In a dazzling display of power-hitting, Drew Gault led the charge for the Heartland Christian as they clinched a decisive 12-2 win over East Palestine on Monday. Gault’s impressive performance, highlighted by two home runs and five RBIs, stole the spotlight and propelled his team to victory.

Gault wasted no time making his mark, launching homers in both the second and fourth innings to ignite the Lions’ offense and send the crowd into a frenzy.

Despite East Palestine striking first with a run in the opening frame, the Lions quickly responded, seizing the lead in the bottom of the inning. Brett Walker’s timely single drove in two runs, giving Heartland Christian the early advantage.

East Palestine managed to tie the game in the second inning, but Gault’s homer in the bottom half of the inning swung the momentum back in favor of the Lions, propelling them to a 5-2 lead.

The Lions continued to pile on the runs, with Tyler Rarick adding another tally in the third by stealing home. However, it was the explosive fourth inning that truly showcased Heartland Christian’s offensive prowess. Gault’s second homer of the game, coupled with errors that allowed additional runs to score, extended the Lions’ lead to a commanding 10-run margin.

On the mound, Jake Walker delivered a gutsy performance, stifling East Palestine’s offense and securing the win for the Lions. Walker’s six innings of work saw him allowing just three hits and two runs while racking up an impressive eight strikeouts.

Despite East Palestine’s efforts, they were unable to contain the Lions’ relentless offense and solid defense. Heartland Christian’s aggressive baserunning, highlighted by six stolen bases, kept the pressure on their opponents throughout the game.

With contributions from players like Rarick and Owen Bender, who stole multiple bases, and a patient approach at the plate that resulted in six walks, the Lions showcased their depth and versatility on both sides of the ball.

For East Palestine, Phoenix Marvin started the game on the bump, and surrendered three hits and two runs (one earned) over one inning, striking out one and walking none.  Payyon Rutledge took the tough loss for East Palestine. The reliever went one and one-third innings, surrendering one run on three hits, striking out two and walking one. 

Offensively, EP’s Marvin, Logan Guy, and Jason Robb each collected one hit for East Palestine. Morrison and Beatty each drove in one run for the Bulldogs.

As they look ahead to their next matchup, Heartland Christian will prepare to face Ursuline on Tuesday at the Ace of Diamonds facility. 

 

HEARTLAND SPREADS WEALTH IN WIN

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LISBON, OH- In an intense matchup at the Lisbon Tipoff Tournament, the Heartland Christian Lions secured a hard-fought victory over the Salem Quakers with a final score of 70-61.

Heartland’s scoring was well-distributed, with Collin Kalaher leading the Lions with 14 points, closely followed by Jake Walker with 13 points. Isaiah Matthews contributed 9 points, while Tyler Rarick and Johnny Myer each had 7 points. Brody Conaway and Will Morgan rounded out the scoring with 6 points each. The Lions’ offensive efforts were instrumental in their success, demonstrating teamwork and efficiency on the court.

Salem, led by Trent Fink’s impressive 24 points, showcased resilience throughout the game. Evan Jones contributed 10 points, while Deontay Steele and Colin Riesen each added 9 and 8 points, respectively. Lance Bailey and Cam Sampson also made contributions with 8 and 2 points, respectively.

The tournament continues today in Lisbon with Heartland lining up against the Blue Devils of Lisbon, and Salem taking on Western Reserve.

HEARTLAND ROARS ON OFFENSE; CHILLS BLUE DEVILS

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NEW WATERFORD, OH-Heartland Christian  asserted their will over Lisbon on their way to an 8-2 victory

Heartland notched four runs in the second inning. The Lions scored their runs on a double by Drew Gault.

Brett Walker got the win for Heartland Christian. The pitcher went five innings, allowing two runs on four hits and striking out three. Luke Rafferty threw one inning in relief out of the bullpen.

Ryan Reckner was on the hill for the Blue Devils. Reckner went five innings, allowing eight runs on five hits and striking out seven. Wallace threw one inning in relief out of the bullpen.

Drew Walker started the game for the Lions. Walker allowed three hits and zero runs over one inning, striking out one and walking one

Heartland Christian saw the ball well on Saturday, racking up five hits. Walker and Gault all had multiple hits for Heartland to lead the team.

Reckner went 2-for-4 at the plate to lead Lisbon in hits.

LIONS MESS WITH THE RAMS, GET THE HORNS

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MINERAL RIDGE, OH- The Mineral Ridge Rams offense was led by the trio of Bickerstaff, Bunch, and Myers. All three had a team-high 2 runs scored apiece. Myers and Bickerstaff also led the team with 2 hits each.

Zupko got the win going 5 innings allowing 2 runs on 3 hits while striking out 7 and walking 4. Ty Tamburro threw the final 2 innings. He allowed 2 hits while Striking out 5 and walking 1.

With the win, the Rams improve to 10-4 on the season

 

*Contributed by Anthony Ragozine

EDISON RUNS WILD IN BATTLE OF THE CATS

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RICHMOND, OH- Heartland Christian stayed in it until the end, but Edison pulled away late in a 13-3 victory on Monday. The game was tied at three with Edison batting in the bottom of the fourth when Ian Mcbone drew a walk, scoring one run.

The Lions struggled to put runs on the board and had a tough time defensively containing Edison, giving up 13 runs.

Heartland got on the board in the first inning. The Lions scored one run when Nate Garzanich doubled.

Hunter Rothacker led things off on the mound for Edison. The fireballer surrendered three runs on six hits over five innings, striking out nine.

Seth Walker started the game for Heartland Christian. The pitcher lasted three and two-thirds innings, allowing five hits and ten runs while striking out three. Garzanich threw one-third of an inning in relief.

Garzanich led Heartland Christian with two hits in three at-bats.

Gage Cline went 3-for-4 at the plate to lead Edison in hits.