Tag Archive for: High school basketball

CANFIELD TAKES CONTROL EARLY AND NEVER LETS GO

LOUISVILLE OH- Canfield’s basketball team showcased their dominance on Thursday, securing a convincing 66-47 victory over Northwest and punching their ticket to the district championship once again.

Led by a balanced scoring attack, Canfield put on an impressive display on both ends of the court. Tony Russo led the charge with 15 points, while Dom Cruz and Sam Castronova each contributed 13 points. Ben Weaver also made his presence felt with 12 points, rounding out a formidable offensive performance for Canfield.

With this win, Canfield sets their sights on the district championship, scheduled for Saturday at 2:00 at Louisville High School. Standing in their way is a formidable opponent in Glenville, as both teams vie for the coveted trophy and the title of district champions. Canfield will look to carry their momentum from this victory into the championship game, aiming to emerge victorious and etch their names into the annals of school history once again.

POLAND’S SEASON ENDS IN THE SEMIS

By Matt Maher 


AKRON, OH – The Bulldogs faced a big test on Wednesday night in the Rubber City when they took on the CVCA Royals to try and advance to the district finals. While Poland had a decent second half with energetic runs that showed us all why they were there, it would be their slow start in the first half that would ultimately decide this game and give the Royals the 64-47 victory.

 

It’s never a good sign when you start off a playoff game down 17-3 after the first quarter but man was that Royals defense locked in. Every man had a partner and even when they doubled up on a Bulldog they had the floor well covered and forced Poland to take shots they weren’t comfortable with and scooped up rebounds or just stole the ball from Poland all together. 

 

Danny Nittoli would be the only scorer for Poland in the first with a double and 1-of-2 free throws made. CVCA had ice in their veins, not just on defense, but on offense too and that was spearheaded by Lavelle Sharpe who made two 3’s and led his team with 6 points.

 

The second frame bore better results for Poland with 12 points scored on offense but their defense was still underperforming and the result was a 20-12 edge for CVCA in the quarter. Nittoli continued to be the main source of offense for the Bulldogs with 5 points while Carmine Tukalo got himself warmed up with a 3 and Jas Stefancin went 2-for-2 from the stripe. Sharpe for CVCA continued his dominance with two more 3’s and his first double of the night.

 

Poland came out of the break hungry and ready to play and their offense reached new heights scoring 15 points and their defense kept CVCA below them with 14 points. Tukalo warmed up in a big way, earning 8 points with two 3’s and a 2 while Michael Daley, Jacob Hayes and Oliver McCully scored 2 points each. Sharpe was confined to just 2 points for CVCA but Niles Nuru picked up the slack and kept Poland on their toes with 7 points. 

 

Poland continued to outscore their opponent in the 4th with a 17-13 line. Tukalo continued his hot streak with two more 3’s and Andrew Todd joined the party with a nice 3 and a perfect trip to the free throw line notting him 5 points for the night. Sharpe would add 2 more points to his night and Nuru earned 3. 

 

Poland certainly put forth a valiant effort in the second half but couldn’t overcome the huge deficit they faced after the first half and the score tells the rest of the story. Carmine Tukalo finished the night with a team leading 17 points while Danny Nittoli tallied 10 of his own. The Bulldogs end their season 11-1 in the Northeast 8, good for first place, 15-7 overall and 1-1 in postseason play. Congratulations to the Bulldogs on another great season of Basketball!

LEOPARDS BUZZ THE BEES

ALLIANCE OH- In a thrilling district semifinal matchup on Wednesday night, the Louisville basketball team faced off against a resilient Medina squad. It was a hard-fought battle from start to finish, but Louisville managed to secure a hard-earned 49-44 victory, keeping their season dreams alive.

Led by standout performances from Tate Aljancic and Avery Anderjcik, who contributed 15 and 11 points respectively, Louisville displayed great resilience and determination throughout the game. Kolton Loy and Hayden Nigro also made crucial contributions, each adding 7 points to the scoreboard.

With this win, Louisville advances to its program’s first-ever district championship game in division 1, marking a historic moment for the team. This achievement is particularly significant as the Leopards have previously competed in division 2 in their five previous appearances in the district championship game.

Furthermore, the victory against Medina not only propelled Louisville into uncharted territory but also saw them tie the program’s record for most wins in a single season, with an impressive total of 23 victories.

Looking ahead, Louisville now eagerly anticipates their next challenge as they await the winner of the Canton McKinley vs. Glen Oak matchup. The district championship showdown is scheduled for Saturday at 2:00 at Alliance High School.

Game Photos can be found HERE: https://ysn.smugmug.com/3-6-b-bb-louisville-mediana/3-6-b-bb-louisville-mediana/106EOS1D

STRONG FINISH DOES THE TRICK FOR THE POTTERS

CADIZ OH- In a thrilling contest that showcased their resilience and determination, East Liverpool powered past John Glenn to secure a spot in the district championship game with a commanding 62-49 victory. It was a hard-fought battle that saw the Potters dominate the final quarter, outscoring their opponents 17-5 to seal the win in dramatic fashion.

Leading the charge for East Liverpool was Preston Kerr, whose stellar performance saw him pour in an impressive 28 points, demonstrating his scoring prowess and ability to rise to the occasion when it matters most. Quinton Conrad also made significant contributions with 16 points, while Preston Dawson added 13 points to the scoreboard, highlighting the team’s balanced offensive attack.

With this crucial win, East Liverpool advances to the district championship game, where they are set to face off against Tri Valley. The upcoming matchup promises to be another intense battle as both teams vie for the coveted district title. The matchup is set to take place on Saturday at 7:00 at Claymont High School.

IRISH SLAM THEIR WAY TO THE FINALS

By Tim Corso 


WARREN OH- Ursuline rolled past Streetsboro 64-35 Wednesday night.

The Irish were looking to advance to the district title game for the second consecutive year with a win over the Rockets, and they did just that.

After the first basket of the game was scored by Streetsboro’s Jack Batten, Ursuline controlled the rest of the first quarter, outscoring the Rockets by 12 to finish the first frame up 16-6.

When it came down to it, Coach Gunther’s halftime adjustments put the nail in the coffin pushing his squad’s lead to 23.

Eight of those 23 points came from Senior Jayden Payne, who finished with a game-high 26 points.

Three more players finished in double figures for the Irish.

Geno Lucente had 13 points, while Jaylen Gunther and Noah Bell added 12 and 10 points, respectively.

The Irish’s lead grew each quarter and resulted in them playing for its first district title since 2017.

Streetsboro was led by Jackson Gula with 8 points. Michael Berry and Jack Batten both added 6.

Ursuline (21-3) will play the winner of Edgewood and Notre Dame-Cathedral Latin on Saturday 3/9.

LIONS ADVANCE TO PROGRAM’S FIRST DISTRICT FINAL

COLUMBIANA OH- Heartland Christian made program history by advancing to their first-ever district championship game, stunning the second-seeded Bristol with a sensational 55-43 victory. The win not only propelled the Lions to new heights but also marked a significant milestone for head coach Josh Scott, who celebrated his 200th career win in memorable fashion.

Fuelled by a collective determination to defy expectations, Heartland Christian delivered a standout performance on both ends of the court, showcasing their resilience and grit in the face of adversity.

Leading the charge for Heartland were standout performances from Jake Walker, who led the team with 16 points, and Isaiah Mathews, who contributed 12 points to the scoreboard. Brody Conaway added 9 points to the Lions’ offensive effort, while Will Morgan chipped in with 7 points, highlighting the team’s balanced scoring attack.

With this historic win, Heartland Christian punches their ticket to the district championship, where they are set to face top-seeded Warren JFK. The upcoming matchup promises to be a thrilling showdown between two determined teams, as both vie for the coveted district title. Set to take place on Friday at 7:00 at Grand Valley High School, the district championship game holds immense significance for Heartland Christian.

RAIDERS RIGHT BACK IN TO DISTRICT FINALS

SALEM OH- In a fiercely contested matchup, South Range showcased their determination and resilience as they powered past Perry with a gritty 58-49 victory, earning themselves a spot in the district championship game. With their sights set on redemption and a shot at glory, the Raiders left everything on the court, refusing to let their opponents stand in their way.

Leading the charge for South Range was Landon Moore, whose stellar performance saw him tally an impressive 24 points, setting the tone for his team’s offensive onslaught. Dylan Turvey contributed 9 points, while Luke Rohan and Nate Lewis each chipped in with 8 points, highlighting the Raiders’ balanced scoring attack.

With this hard-fought win, South Range secures their second consecutive appearance in the district championship game—a testament to their unwavering determination and commitment to success. Their upcoming matchup against Cardinal Mooney promises to be a thrilling showdown, with both teams vying for their first-ever district championship title. That matchup is slated for Friday at Salem, and will tip off at 7:00.

CAN’T SAY NO TO CASTRONOVA

CANFIELD OH- As a senior at Canfield High School, Sam Castronova embodies the spirit of determination and leadership that defines his team’s quest for a district championship. Alongside a talented group of seniors, Sam is driven by a hunger to etch their names in Canfield basketball history before graduation.

For Sam and his fellow seniors, years of playing together have forged a bond that transcends the court. Their shared experiences and camaraderie have cultivated a strong team chemistry, evident in their seamless execution and cohesion on game day.

On the court, Sam’s versatility shines through in Canfield’s multifaceted offense. Whether draining shots from beyond the arc or driving to the hoop with finesse, he poses a constant threat to opposing defenses, showcasing his adaptability and skill set.

Sam’s journey to success at Canfield hasn’t been without its challenges. Despite limited playing time during his junior high years, he refused to let setbacks deter him. Instead, he seized the opportunities presented to him during his freshman season, finding his stride and building confidence with each game.

This season, Sam has been a key contributor for Canfield, averaging 10 points per game and ranking second on the team in assists with 2 per game. His ability to contribute both offensively and defensively highlights his value to the team’s success.

While basketball has been a significant part of Sam’s high school experience, he has set his sights beyond the court. Opting not to pursue college basketball, Sam has instead focused on achieving academic excellence, with plans to attend the prestigious Ohio State University. His dedication to his studies reflects his commitment to personal growth and achieving his long-standing goals.

Looking ahead, Sam is determined to leave a lasting legacy at Canfield—one that inspires and empowers future generations of players. He hopes to instill in them the same sense of confidence and resilience that has fueled his own journey, laying the foundation for continued success within the program.

As Sam and his teammates gear up for the challenges that lie ahead, they do so with a shared vision of championship glory and a legacy of excellence that will endure long after their time on the court has ended.

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KENNY FROM THE BLOCK

By Ty Bartell

AKRON OH- Following their win of the 2023 division 1 State Championship, The Archbishop Hoban
Knights would be in need of new faces to step up after losing a large and contributing senior class from the year prior. One of those new faces that knows a thing or two about basketball is Hoban’s newest combo guard in junior Kenny Scott! Starting at a very young age,

Scott found his love for basketball as early as he can remember. Always with a basketball in his hands and always wanting to improve, Kenny keeps the winners mentality of never being satisfied. Averaging over 9 points per game this season, Scott has become one of the main offensive options to go for Hoban this season. Not just a scorer, Kenny also leads his team in assists per game at 3.9!

Winners of a sectional title against Boardman at the time of this article, The Knights are now 16-7 on the season and see themselves right in the thick of another gauntlet of a division 1 tournament. One thing is for sure, as long as Kenny has the ball in his hands, good things are sure to happen! YSNs Ty Bartell got the opportunity to talk with The Knights junior about his move to Hoban, the culture of the team, his role with The Knights and some future goals for the junior. All that and more in this edition of Player Profile exclusively on YSN!

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RESERVE CANT FIND A CHINK IN THE SPARTANS ARMOR

By Matt Maher 


AKRON, OH – It’s safe to say that Western reserve has seen enough of Richmond Heights over the past few days. After the girls lost to the Spartans in disappointing fashion on Saturday, the boys were looking to avenge their classmates in their district Semi-finals matchup against the Spartans. While the game was played pretty sloppily by both teams off the opening tip, The Spartans would rally together and turn on the electricity to surge past the Blue Devils 62-26.

 

Both teams had their struggles in the first but Western Reserves was that they had too many empty possessions and couldn’t put up a single basket where Richmond earned 24 points. Demaris Winters Jr. found an impressive 11 points for the Spartans to lead his team in this dominant first frame. 

 

The Blue Devils had some fight in them at the start of the second with Peyton Hartzell tossing a dime from beyond the arc to find the first score of the quarter and of the night for Western Reserve. The scoring continued for the Blue Devils and they managed to find 11 points while the Spartans stayed the course and scored 25 more points to lead 49-11 at halftime. 

 

Hartzell led Reserve with 5 points in the second quarter including that opening 3 and a layup later on while Andrew Hendricks found 4 points with two in the paint and the other two from the free throw line. Winters added another 8 points to his and his team’s total.

 

Richmond Heights scoring was slowed down by the running clock that was implemented at the start of the second half. Richmond was able to secure 10 more points and held Western reserve to 6 points in the frame. Josh Klasic would lead the Blue Devils in scoring with 4 points all from the line going a perfect 4-for-4, Hendricks added another 2-point bucket to round out their scoring.

 

The 4th quarter belonged to the Blue Devils where they outscored Richmond 9-3. While the small victory of winning a quarter against this giant finally came about, the battle itself was already lost for Western Reserve. Jackson Young would lead his team this quarter with 4 points, 2 from the paint and 2 from the line, while Gavin Thake put up a long shot from beyond the arc. 

 

The Blue Devils showed resilience in the second half but with the running clock in the half their big time scoring never came and the first half woes ended up to be too much to handle in the end. Peyton Hartzell ended with the most points for the Blue Devils with 7 points while Andrew Hendricks and Josh Klasic both earned 6 points each. Demaris Winters Jr would finish atop of all scorers with 21 points.

 

Western Reserve played some great games this postseason and were able to win their sectional against McDonald which was very impressive knowing how good those Blue Devils were this season. Unfortunately for Reserve, the Spartans were too powerful and knew how to move around the court without traveling or getting called for too many fouls. Western Reserve finished their season 9-13 in the regular season, 7-7 in conference play and 2-1 in tournament games and shocked many by advancing to the district round as a 22 seed!