Tag Archive for: Heralds

HERALDS LOSE HEARTBREAKER IN FINAL SECONDS

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Photo Credit: Mickey Zheng Photography

Windham, OH- In early season NAC play, the St. John Heralds clashed with the Windham Bombers in a thrilling matchup. The final buzzer echoed through the gymnasium, leaving the Heralds with a close defeat at the hands of the Bombers. Let’s break down the action quarter by quarter and highlight the standout performances from both teams.

First Quarter: Heralds Face an Early Deficit

The opening quarter set the tone for the game as the Windham Bombers raced ahead, outscoring the St. John Heralds 24-14. Despite the Heralds’ efforts, the Bombers showed determination and offensive prowess, building an early lead that would prove challenging to overcome.

Second Quarter: Heralds Mount a Comeback

Undeterred by the early deficit, the St. John Heralds rallied in the second quarter. They tightened their defense and unleashed an impressive offensive display, putting up 18 points. The Windham Bombers, however, managed to maintain their lead, heading into halftime with a 30-32 advantage.

Third Quarter: Back-and-Forth Battle

As the game progressed, both teams engaged in a back-and-forth battle. The Heralds managed to keep pace with the Bombers, with each team scoring 7 points in the third quarter. The stage was set for a nail-biting final period.

Fourth Quarter: Heralds Fight Until the End

In the last quarter, the St. John Heralds fought relentlessly, determined to secure a comeback victory. They posted an impressive 22 points, showcasing their offensive prowess. However, the Windham Bombers maintained their composure, responding with 18 points to secure the win.

Key Players for the Heralds: Vin Narducci and Aaron Wychock

Vin Narducci emerged as the top scorer for the Heralds, contributing an impressive 30 points to the team’s total. Aaron Wychock also made a significant impact with 12 points. The duo displayed excellent long-range shooting, each making 4 three-pointers.

Windham Bombers’ Standouts: C. Brenton and Nick Hopper

For the Windham Bombers, C. Brenton led the way with an outstanding performance, scoring 23 points. Nick Hopper also played a crucial role, adding 16 points to the Bombers’ total.

Looking Ahead

Despite the tough loss, the St. John Heralds are gearing up for their next challenge. On 12/08/23, they will face off against the Bristol Panthers, who boast a 2-0 record in the NAC league. The Bombers, with a 1-0 record, will take on the Lordstown Red Devils on the same date. Basketball enthusiasts can expect another thrilling showdown as these teams continue their quest for victory in the upcoming games.

HERALDS FALL IN HOME OPENER

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Ashtabula, OH- In a challenging season opener, the St. John Heralds faced a tough defeat against the Crestview Red Devils, with a final score of 60-26. The Heralds showed resilience throughout the game but were unable to overcome Crestview’s early lead, trailing 23-8 at the end of the first quarter and 40-16 at halftime.

Vin Narducci led the scoring effort for St. John with an impressive 11 points, supported by AJ Henslee with 6 points. However, Crestview’s Dekota Johnson showcased exceptional skill, contributing 16 points to his team’s victory. Other key contributors for Crestview included Charlie Scheickert with 13 points and Brody Durham with 8 points.

Looking ahead, the St. John Heralds (0-1) will aim to bounce back in their upcoming game against the Bristol Panthers on the road scheduled for 12/08/23. On the other hand, the Crestview Red Devils (1-0) will carry their momentum into a matchup against the Ravenna Ravens on the road on 12/07/08.

Despite the challenging start, the Heralds remain optimistic about their season and are determined to make a strong comeback in the games to come. Heralds fans can anticipate an exciting and competitive season ahead as the team works to fine-tune their strategy and build on their strengths.

ASHTABULA COUNTY HOOPS PREVIEW

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Ashtabula,OH- As the winter season approaches, the anticipation for high school basketball in Ashtabula County is reaching its peak. The upcoming 2023-2024 season promises thrilling matchups, fierce competition, and a showcase of young talent. Let’s take a closer look at some of the teams that are gearing up for an exciting campaign.

Lakeside Dragons: Rising with Height and Experience

The Lakeside Dragons enter the season with a determination to improve upon their 6-17 record from the previous year, and they have the tools to make it happen. Head coach Josh Hartz leads a squad with a formidable frontcourt, boasting four seniors, all standing at 6’3 or taller.

Aiden Hathy, a 6’6 senior swing player, brings versatility to the team, excelling in both paint defense and scoring from inside and outside. Alex DiSalvatore, a 6’4 senior, adds toughness and strength in the paint, complemented by his ability to defend perimeter shooters. With seniors Connor Mead and Kerrye White also contributing, the Dragons aim to utilize their size advantage strategically.

In the backcourt, junior guard Dylan Newsome assumes the role of primary ball handler and distributor, showcasing sharpshooting prowess on offense and formidable on-ball defense.

Jefferson Falcons: A Deep and Skilled Lineup

The Jefferson Falcons, coming off a 16-7 season, present a well-rounded team with depth and skill. Junior Anthony Covetta leads the charge, showcasing shooting ability, ball skills, and an increased focus on defense that positions him as one of the county’s most dangerous players.

Supporting Covetta is the experienced Robbie Pisano, a cerebral point guard, and senior Joey DeGeorge, a 6’5 stretch four with a high release point. The Falcons feature depth in the guard position with talents like sophomore Joel Navarro and junior Caleb Welser.

Entering the challenging CVC conference for the first time, the Falcons aim to make their mark and build on last year’s success.

Edgewood Warriors: Filling Big Shoes with a Well-Rounded Approach

The Edgewood Warriors face the challenge of filling the void left by their top scorer, Zach Vencill. With a 15-10 record in the previous season, the Warriors look to senior Jacob Ernst to lead the charge. Ernst’s well-rounded game includes excellent ball handling, three-point shooting, and strong finishes at the rim.

Senior Logan Kray, known for his rebounding prowess, contributes on the offensive end with his shooting and playmaking abilities. The underrated defender Brady Anderjack adds a tenacious on-ball defense to the mix.

The Warriors’ strategy involves spreading the floor with sharpshooters and pushing the pace with quick guards like Zach Carlton-Hull.

St. John Heralds: Youthful Backcourt and Emerging Big Men

After finishing the 2022-2023 season at 6-17, the St. John Heralds face the challenge of filling the gap left by the graduation of post player Jesus Hernandez. With a youthful team, senior AJ Hensley leads as the lone senior.

The Heralds will heavily rely on their backcourt play, with junior Vin Narducci and sophomore Anthony Severino leading the charge. Narducci’s scoring ability and Severino’s slippery moves on the court bring a dynamic element to the team. Junior Aaron Wychock, known for his quick defensive presence, adds energy to the backcourt.

In the paint, the Heralds turn to sophomores Anthony Petrochello and Donald Crawford to control the boards and provide a strong presence.

Grand Valley Mustangs: Frontcourt Dominance

Coming off a 7-16 season, the Grand Valley Mustangs aim to replace the scoring and court presence of dynamic guard Nate Boiarski. The team looks to seniors Bobby Rogers and Jerry Schultz to lead the charge in the frontcourt.

Rogers, with unmatched athleticism and elite off-ball defensive skills, contributes both in rebounding and scoring. Schultz, following a breakout junior season with a double-double average, anchors the center position with scoring and shot-blocking prowess.

Guards Braden Hart and Sammy Goforth take charge of ball handling and setting the tone on offense, showcasing their scoring ability and playmaking skills.

Pymatuning Valley Lakers: Reloaded for Success

After a stellar 20-4 season crowned with a NAC conference championship, the Pymatuning Valley Lakers enter the new season without dynamic players Tyler Britton and John Moschell, who graduated. However, the team returns with a talented post player in Blake Krznaric, a sharpshooter with shot-blocking abilities who stands at a towering 6’5.

The Lakers’ backcourt features dynamic guards in Ryan Croston and Zane Neczeporenko. Croston stands out as the team’s best on-ball defender, while Neczeporenko’s ball-handling and shooting skills contribute to offensive opportunities.

Conneaut Spartans: New Coach, Young Talent

After a 5-18 season, the Conneaut Spartans embark on the 2023-2024 journey with a new coach, Rich Marshall. The team, featuring only two seniors in Chance Loomis and JR Hutchinson, embraces a youthful roster.

Loomis, a talented guard with exceptional ball-handling skills and sharpshooting ability, provides offensive firepower. Hutchinson, playing guard and forward, contributes through defense and energy, aiming to spark the Spartans.

With no players over 6’2, the Spartans plan to utilize pace, energy, and technical play to navigate the challenges of the upcoming season. Rotations featuring Noah Hamm, Ryan Turner, Jordan Kulko, Cole Stump, and Devonte Harris will provide different looks and maintain a dynamic playing style.

As the season unfolds, basketball enthusiasts in Ashtabula County can look forward to witnessing the growth and development of these teams, filled with promising talents and a shared passion for the game. Whether it’s the Dragons utilizing their size advantage, the Falcons showcasing depth, or the Lakers defending their conference championship, the stage is set for an exhilarating journey on the hardwood. The county’s basketball landscape is rich with stories waiting to be written, and each team is poised to contribute its chapter to the unfolding narrative of the 2023-2024 season. This year looks to be a fun and exciting year in hoops and you will be able to watch and follow all your favorite teams right here on www.ysnlive.com your home for northeast ohio high school sports.

ST JOHN GIRLS BASKETBALL COACH’S CORNER (EP 1) WITH NICK IAROCCI

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By Ty Bartell

ASHTABULA OH- Are you ready St. John Fighting Herald?! Basketball season is almost upon us and the girls basketball team for St. John is in a unique and exciting situation this year! Despite losing some seniors with starting minutes from a season ago, The Fighting Herald returned three of their top five scorers from a season ago and with a year of experience under a lot of the sophomores belts, St. John looks to make a run at their conference this year! Another season under The Northeastern Athletic Conferences (NAC) Stripe Division, The Fighting Herald look to dethrone the conference crown defending Chalker Wildcats this season.

In this first edition of Coaches Corner, YSNs Ty Bartell got the chance to talk with The St. John Head Coach Nick Iarocci. Covering topics including the look of the team this season, the conference outlook, what Fighting Herald faithful can expect this year and so much more! Enjoy this edition of Coaches Corner as well as additional coverage of St. John girls basketball this season with live games, scores, stats, stories and more on YSN!

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LAKERS GRAB FIFTH CONSECUTIVE NAC CHAMPIONSHIP IN WIN OVER HERALDS

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Photo Credit: Joclyn Nicholas Photography

Andover, OH- Trying to finish strong, the Pymatuning Valley Lakers (6-3, 3-0 NAC) asserted their authority over the St. John Heralds (3-6, 1-3 NAC) in a commanding 60-6 victory, securing their fifth consecutive NAC championship. This game was a testament to the Lakers’ unwavering dedication to their powerful rushing attack, led by the dynamic duo of Ty Vickery and Ryan Croston.

The Lakers wasted no time in setting the tone for the game, with Ryan Croston making a statement early in the first quarter. Croston’s 13-yard touchdown run, followed by a successful 2-point conversion, put Pymatuning Valley on the board at 8-0. Moments later, Vin Narducci of St. John felt the heat of the Lakers’ defense, throwing an interception to Jayce Fulkman. Within moments, Croston was back in the end zone with a 5-yard touchdown run, and the Lakers extended their lead to 16-0.

Despite a brief interception from Croston, the Lakers continued their offensive onslaught with Ty Vickery’s 4-yard touchdown run, although the 2-point conversion was unsuccessful, making the score 22-0. Before the end of the first quarter, Croston connected with Matthew Adkins for a 6-yard touchdown pass, and with another 2-point conversion, the Lakers ended the first quarter with a commanding 30-0 lead.

The Lakers continued their relentless charge into the second quarter, as Ty Vickery scored another touchdown with a 5-yard run, and the 2-point conversion was good, extending their lead to 38-0. Vickery struck again with a 7-yard touchdown run, making it 44-0.

In the third quarter, Croston exhibited his explosive speed with a 48-yard touchdown run, and Ben Crouser successfully converted the 2-point attempt. Jayce Fulkman joined the scoring parade with a 28-yard touchdown run, and the Lakers continued to dominate with a 60-0 lead.

In the fourth quarter, the St. John Heralds managed to avoid a shutout when Ryan Williams scored a 1-yard touchdown run with only 29 seconds left on the clock, but time expired before they could attempt the extra point.

With this convincing victory, the Pymatuning Valley Lakers not only secured their NAC championship but also secured their spot in the OHSAA state playoffs. Their playoff journey promises to be exciting, and their fans can look forward to the prospect of a 1st round game against the Labrae Vikings with a loss to Windham, or a week 1 rematch against Mineral Ridge in the first round with a win over Windham. The Lakers’ commitment to their running game, exemplified by Ty Vickery and Ryan Croston, was the driving force behind this triumph. As the Lakers head into Week 10, they continue to be a force to be reckoned with, while the St. John Heralds will regroup for their upcoming matchup against the Lincoln West Wolverines.

HERALDS FALL TO SKIPPERS IN RAINY NAC BATTLE

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Geneva, OH- In a rain-soaked battle at the Spire in Geneva, the Fairport Harding Skippers managed to outlast the Heralds with a final score of 12-0. The heavy downpour proved to be a significant factor in the game, as both teams struggled to effectively pass the ball throughout the match.

The first quarter saw Fairport’s James Gadomski connecting with Yomar Castellano on a 25-yard touchdown pass, giving the Skippers an early lead of 6-0. Unfortunately, Fairport couldn’t convert the two-point conversion, leaving the score at 6-0.

As the second quarter was winding down, Gadomski made a costly mistake, throwing an interception to St. John’s Anthony Severino. This turnover gave the Heralds a glimmer of hope, but they couldn’t capitalize on the opportunity, and the score remained 6-0 heading into halftime.

The game continued to be a defensive struggle in the third quarter, with both teams battling through the slippery field conditions. However, in the fourth quarter, Fairport’s Castellano managed to break through, scoring on an 8-yard touchdown run, extending the Skippers’ lead to 12-0.

Both teams’ defenses played exceptionally well, preventing any big plays and keeping the score relatively low. Ultimately, the final score stood at 12-0 in favor of the Fairport Harding Skippers.

With this win, the Skippers improved their record to 3-5 overall and 2-1 in the NAC. Meanwhile, the St. John Heralds fell to 3-5 overall and 1-2 in the NAC. Looking ahead, the Heralds will face a tough road matchup against the Pymatuning Valley Lakers (5-3, 2-0 NAC) who boast one of the best rushing offenses in the conference in week 9. On the other hand, the Skippers will play a non-conference game at home against the Jackson Milton Bluejays (6-2) in their upcoming week 9 clash. Both teams will be eager to build on their performances in this hard-fought contest as they continue their season.

HERALDS MORE EXPLOSIVE IN WIN OVER BOMBERS

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Windham, OH- In a game decided in the final 12 seconds, the St. John Heralds managed to edge out the Windham Bombers by a final score of 36-33. This game had everything a football fan could ask for: incredible plays, multiple lead changes, and a nail-biting finish.

The first quarter started with a bang as Windham’s Jack Eye scored a 22-yard touchdown, putting the Bombers on the board. With the extra point good, the Heralds found themselves trailing early, 7-0.

The second quarter saw Windham extend their lead when Anthony Paolella rushed for a 2-yard touchdown, though the extra point attempt was unsuccessful. The Heralds answered back with Will Anderson’s 11-yard touchdown run, but the two-point conversion fell short. Windham then added to their lead with Carlos Bruton’s 22-yard touchdown run, making it 19-6.

The third quarter brought hope for the Heralds as Anderson found the end zone again, this time with a 5-yard run. However, they couldn’t convert the two-point attempt. St. John’s Vin Narducci brought them within striking distance with a 2-yard touchdown and a successful two-point conversion, making the score 20-19 in favor of the Heralds.

The fourth quarter was a rollercoaster ride. Windham’s Jack Eye scored twice, once from 2 yards out and again from 5 yards, with one successful two-point conversion. However, the resilient Heralds came roaring back. Will Anderson connected with Anthony Severino for a stunning 60-yard touchdown pass, and they successfully converted a two-point attempt, closing the gap to 33-26.

The Heralds’ determination paid off when they recovered an onside kick, giving them a chance to take the lead. Will Anderson seized the opportunity with a 2-yard touchdown run, and another successful two-point conversion put St. John ahead, 36-33.

With the clock ticking down, the St. John Heralds held onto their lead and emerged victorious in this high-scoring showdown. Their record now stands at 3-4 (1-1 NAC), and they will look to build on this thrilling win as they prepare to face the rival Fairport Skippers in week 8.

The Windham Bombers, now at 2-5 (1-2 NAC), will regroup and get ready for their upcoming home game against the Chalker Wildcats in week 8. This game will surely be remembered as a classic NAC battle between two determined teams that left fans on both sides breathless with excitement.

HERALDS FALL IN FINAL MOMENTS AT HOME

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Geneva, OH- In an exciting but ultimately heartbreaking ending, the St. John Heralds clashed with the Mathews Mustangs, providing fans with a nail-biting contest that went down to the wire. The final score read St. John Heralds 28, Mathews Mustangs 30, but this game will be remembered for its dramatic twists and explosive plays.

The first quarter set the stage with both teams failing to put points on the board, but the second quarter quickly picked up the pace. St. John’s quarterback, Vin Narducci, connected with Donald Crawford for a 5-yard touchdown pass, followed by a successful 2-point conversion to Sully Twining, putting the Heralds ahead 8-0. Narducci struck again with a 16-yard touchdown pass to Will Anderson, though the extra point attempt was unsuccessful, extending their lead to 14-0.

Mathews wasn’t about to let the game slip away, as Dom Spagnoletta found Connor Thompson with a 12-yard touchdown pass, closing the gap to 14-7 just before halftime.

The third quarter proved to be another thrilling chapter in this contest, with Spagnoletta showcasing his versatility, scoring a 15-yard rushing touchdown and securing the extra point to tie the game at 14-14. However, Narducci and Anderson once again proved to be a lethal duo, connecting on a 47-yard touchdown pass, followed by a successful 2-point conversion, reclaiming the lead for the Heralds at 22-14.

The fourth quarter unleashed more fireworks, as Mathews’ Trenton Hyde delivered a 45-yard touchdown pass to Spagnoletta, and a successful 2-point conversion knotted the score at 22-22. Then, with just over two minutes remaining, Spagnoletta powered through for a 2-yard rushing touchdown, and the Mustangs converted another 2-point attempt, taking a 30-22 lead.

But the Heralds weren’t finished yet. In a stunning turn of events, Narducci unleashed an 80-yard touchdown pass to Anthony Severino, electrifying the crowd. Although the 2-point conversion failed, the Heralds were back within striking distance at 28-30.

As the clock wound down, Mathews had a chance to seal the game, but St. John’s defense held strong, stopping them on a crucial 4th down turnover on downs at the 30-yard line with just 55 seconds remaining.

Narducci once again displayed his arm strength, connecting on a 40-yard pass igniting the crowd. The Heralds comeback would fall short at the 17-yard line with 33 seconds left when Mathews’ defense held firm, denying St. John on a 4th down attempt with just seconds remaining, securing a heart-pounding 30-28 victory.

In a game defined by explosive plays, Narducci shined brightly with an impressive 340 passing yards and four touchdowns. Anthony Severino, Ryan Williams, and Will Anderson were standout receivers, each amassing over 100 yards in receptions.

With this thrilling contest in the books, the St. John Heralds (2-4) will look to carry their offensive momentum into their upcoming clash with NAC opponent Windham Bombers (2-3) in week 7, while the Mathews Mustangs (1-5) will travel to face the Mineral Ridge Rams (4-1) in what promises to be another exciting matchup. Football fans can’t wait to see what these teams have in store for the rest of the season.

JOHNSTON JUST GETS IT DONE

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ASHTABULA OH- Gabbie Johnston, the junior outside hitter for St. John’s, has not only been a statistical powerhouse on the court since she first stepped onto the volleyball scene but has also evolved into a true leader for her team, both on and off the court. As she continues to mature into her junior year, her growth and contributions have become indispensable to the 10-1 St. John’s team.

In her sophomore season in 2022, Johnston had a standout year, showcasing her prowess as an offensive and defensive force. She recorded an impressive 278 kills, averaging 3.2 per set, a testament to her ability to deliver powerful and precise hits when her team needed them most. Her defensive capabilities were equally impressive, with 358 digs to her name, averaging a remarkable 13.3 per match. Additionally, Johnston displayed her serving skills with 56 aces, making her a multifaceted asset to the team.

As the 2023 season unfolds, Johnston has continued to shine. Through 11 matches, she has already amassed an impressive 117 kills and is currently hitting at an impressive .249 percentage, showcasing her consistency and accuracy at the net. Her defensive contributions remain steadfast, with 146 digs and an average of 13.5 per match, reaffirming her role as a reliable backcourt presence. Notably, Johnston is also making her mark from the service line with 44 aces to her name.

One remarkable milestone lies within Johnston’s reach: 1000 career digs. She needs just 133 more to achieve this significant accomplishment, a testament to her dedication and tenacity on the court.

Gabbie Johnston’s journey and growth were recently discussed in an interview with YSN’s Anthony Hartwig, shedding light on her perspective and aspirations for her junior season. As a dynamic player and emerging leader, she continues to be a key figure in St. John’s volleyball success, and her contributions are sure to propel the team to new heights. Stay tuned for more updates on this rising star in the world of high school volleyball, only on YSN.

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CRUSADER’S 2ND QUARTER TOO MUCH FOR THE HERALDS

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Steubenville,OH- With one of the most action packed 2nd quarters you will ever see, the Steubenville Catholic Central Crusaders cruised past the St. John Heralds, securing a decisive victory with a final score of 34-7.

The first quarter began with an impressive 7-yard touchdown run by Steubenville Catholic’s BJ Fallon, followed by a successful extra point kicked by Daniel Bolster, giving the Crusaders an early lead of 7-0. Both teams showcased strong defenses, preventing any further scoring in the opening quarter.

The second quarter saw Steubenville Catholic extending their lead, with BJ Fallon showcasing his skills once again, scoring two more touchdowns with runs of 10 and 50 yards. Bolster’s precise kicking game was instrumental, as he converted both extra points. Additionally, Tyler Ialenti added another touchdown with a 1-yard run, although the two-point conversion attempt failed. Tommy Pergi contributed with a 7-yard touchdown run, and Bolster remained consistent with extra point conversions. The Crusaders dominated the second quarter, ending it with a commanding lead of 34-0.

The third quarter remained scoreless as both teams continued to put up strong defensive efforts.

In the fourth quarter, St. John’s Vin Narducci connected with Will Anderson for an impressive 76-yard touchdown pass. Emanuele Fantozzi’s successful extra point put the Heralds on the board with a score of 34-7.

One of the game’s pivotal moments occurred in the second quarter when Daniel Bolster executed back-to-back kickoffs that stopped on the 1-yard line, forcing St. John to start their offensive series deep in their own territory.

Despite the loss, the St. John Heralds had some bright spots, including senior Hank Wagner grabbing his 3rd sack of the year, Vin Narducci’s 118 passing yards on 7 completions, and Will Anderson’s impressive performance with 4 receptions for 104 yards and 1 touchdown.

The final score remained Steubenville Catholic Central Crusaders 34 – St. John Heralds 7. The Crusaders improved to 4-0 and are set to face the Fairport Harding Skippers (1-3) in week 4, while the Heralds, now 1-3, will host the Chalker Wildcats (2-0) in their upcoming game.