In a rematch from early last seasonthe Liberty Leopards (1-3) played host to the Akron Archbishop Hoban Knights (1-0).Coming off a regional final appearance in 2022, the Knights quickly showed why they’re considered one of the top teams in Northeast Ohio.
The duo of Will Scott and Jonas Nichols that helped lead the Knights to last seasons 20-8 record combined for 48 total points in Hoban’s 81-40 routing of Liberty. Scott started the game strong, dropping 13 first quarter points.Liberty sophomore forward, Evan Bates, paced the Leopards with 7 in the first period.
Following up Scott’s 13 point first, Jonas Nichols responded with 13 of his own points in the second quarter, helping Hoban take a 50-25-point lead into the half.KJ Turner led the Leopards with 7 points in the second quarter.
Scott and Nichols continued to dominate in the second half, totaling 8 points apieceas Hoban sprinted away with the game in hand.
LEADING SCORERS –
LIBERTY:
KJ Turner –14 points
Evan Bates – 12 points
Bra’Sean Black – 8 points
HOBAN:
Will Scott – 26 points
Jonas Nichols – 22 points
Liberty –The difficult start to the season gets no easier for the Leopards with their next opponent, a road test against the Chaney Cowboys (2-1). The Cowboys are coming off back-to-back road wins against Warren Harding and Howland.
Hoban–The defending Twinsburg district champions continue their road trip to start the season, as the Knights will travel South to take on the Dalton Bulldogs (1-2).
*Contributed By YSN’s Jamie Thomson
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As a cool December chill filled the air, The Austintown Fitch Falcons and Cardinal Mooney Cardinals looked to bring the heat. A perennial matchup every year between the two programs and a matchup that, every year, brings us some memorable moments. Checking in as the third game on the season for both teams, they both brought a goose egg opposite the win column going into Friday night.
Fitch, being 2-0, was looking for the win to give the program one of its best starts in recent years. On the other side, Mooney was coming off a Regional Finals appearance in the 2021 campaign and was looking to build off a great season. The first quarter saw Fitch jump out of the gate with a fury, grabbing an early lead with an energetic crowd feeding momentum. The opposite side saw a well-traveled Mooney student section that helped revitalize The Cardinals to come storming back and capture a 17-14 lead after one quarter of play.
Having possession out of the second quarter, Mooney’s Rocco Turner put a beautiful alley-oop pass on a dime to a back cutting Eddie Nieves that sent the cardinal crowd into a frenzy. Mooney would build on that momentum to extend their lead into double digits in the second quarter. However, a calm, cool and collected Falcons squad was able to nickel and dime their way back to a two point deficit going into halftime, with Mooney leading 28-26.
Austintown would make the correct adjustments out of the half, getting their big three scorers involved in Gianni Maley, Marcel Finkley and Carter Owens. All would be in the double-digits in scoring for the third time in three games this year. With Finkley and Maley operating smoothly when pressed by the defense of Mooney. Adding to that, the twin Hills were more like mountains, as Alex Hill and Allen Hill had The Cardinal offense seeing double, as they swatted away many would be shot attempts.
The Falcons played superb defense, allowing only seven points in the second half, while Carter Owens showed why he is “The Perfect 10” from behind the arc, splashing home some dagger 3’s to send Fitch to 3-0!
Fitch (3-0) will hit the road for the first time this year, heading to Leopard Country in a matchup with Louisville (2-2) on Tuesday, December 13th. As for Mooney (2-1) they will have little rest to recover in a quick turn around game with Girard (2-1) on Saturday, December 10th.
Scoring (Fitch)
Carter Owens: 15 PTS. (Co-Player of The Game)
Marcel Finkley: 12 PTS. (Co-Player of The Game)
Gianni Maley: 11 PTS.
Alex Hill: 6 PTS.
Allen Hill: 4 PTS.
Total: 48 PTS.
Scoring (Mooney)
Ashton O’Brien: 11 PTS.
Eddie Nieves: 7 PTS.
Jaxon Menough: 6 PTS.
Jibri Carter: 5 PTS.
Rocco Turner: 4 PTS.
Will Desmond: 2 PTS.
*Contributed By YSN’s Ty Bartell
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KINSMAN, OHIO- The Badger Braves came out firing away tonight as they took on the visiting Chalker Wildcats. Badger’s defense set the tone early as allowed only 8 points in the first quarter.
The hot hand for the braves on the offensive side tonight was freshman, Preston Geracitano. Gercacitano led the braves in scoring with 20 points and had help from Brad Hamilton who had 11 points, Cole Burnett who had 10 points, and as well as Duncan Moy who put up 12 points, which included a huge in transition dunk.
The Braves were too much for the wildcats to handle as they went on to win 71-30. Badger will be back at home tuesday to take on the Bristol Panthers.
*Contributed By YSN’s Matt Morrison
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COLUMBIANA OH- The game on Friday night in Crestview certainly did not start the way that the Rebels would have liked. They saw Springfield break out to a 26-10 lead after one quarter of play. The Rebels could not get a hold of Seandelle Gardner. He scored 16 points for the Tigers in that frame alone. However, the rest of the game would go differently. The Rebels outscored the Tigers 42-22 the rest of the way to win 52-48.
James Best led the Rebels with an inspired performance on both sides. He tallied 16 points, and also played lock down defense on Gardner for the last three quarters. Wyatt Miller led the offense with a dominating performance down low scoring 18 points. Kirkland Miller added 7 points to the cause.
Springfield was paced by Gardner who finished with 24. Sean Guerriero chipped in 9 points for the Tigers.
Both teams hit the road on Tuesday to continue their season. Crestview is 3-1 and travel to Heartland Christian while Springfield will look to start conference play at Sebring.
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HANOVERTON OH- Prior to any season coaches tend to circle certain matchups on the schedule as potential tone setters for their team. United head coach Cory Leek certainly had Thursday night circled on his schedule as Southern Local led by one of the area’s top scorers came to Hanoverton looking to challenge the defending conference champs. United quickly proved why they are still the favorite to repeat as they dispatched Southern Local 45-23 on an emotional night in Hanoverton.
The Eagles wasted no time attacking the Indians racing out to a 9-1 advantage behind the sharpshooting of senior standout Madison Kibler. Southern kept their composure through the 1st quarter as the Indians behind clutch free throw shooting closed the gap to 11-8. Southern’s Ashley Shroades has been one of Columbiana County’s premier players the last 2 seasons., During the 2nd quarter of play United’s Madison Kibler made her own statement for that claim. Kibler welcomed her assignment of guarding Shroades limiting the Indians guard to just 5 first half points. The United senior guard also showed her ability on the offensive end as well connecting 2 more times from long range on her way to a game high 19 points leading the Eagles to the locker room with a 27-15 lead.
Coach Cory Leek on Kibler’s stellar performance “Ashley is such a great player, but Maddie proved tonight why she is also one of the best players in the county” United came out of the locker room looking to put the squeeze on any Indians thought of a comeback. Behind a lockdown defense the Eagles limited the Indians to just 2 points in the quarter extending the lead to 34-17. Taylor Cope led the offense for United in the 3rd quarter on her way to a 14 point, 13 rebound night. The 4th quarter played out much of the same as the Eagle defense took control finishing off the important early season victory.
Southern’s Ashley Shroades would finish the night with a team high 13 points and 11 rebounds. Olivia Kerns added 6 points, 7 rebounds, and 9 blocks. Leek on his team’s big early statement win “I’m very proud of how we stepped on defense and defended our home floor, limiting them to just 8 points total in the 2nd half really and forcing 21 turnovers shows what we are capable of defensively.”
Southern (4-1, 2-1) looks to get back to winning as they welcome East Palestine on Monday. United (3-1 , 3-0) has a big non conference test on Saturday afternoon as they travel to Ursuline. The game itself had a special meaning for both communities. This matchup was dedicated to the memory of United Graduate and former Southern Coach Ashley Bergman, and through the Kim and Ashley Bergman Fund every student attending the game was admitted free. United’s Taylor Cope and Southern’s Makenna Jones were each given exemplary awards by the Bergman Family prior to the game. Anyone who knew Ashley would agree “This one is for Bergs”
*Contributed By YSN’s Chris Sigler
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YOUNGSTOWN OH- Valley Christian got their basketball season started last night with a similar tune they’ve heard the last few months. Winning and Jon’Trell Mixon. The big man dropped a game high 19-points on their way to a 59-41 win over fellow EOAC member East Palestine in Tuesday’s first contest. Both teams were off to the races early on in this one as after the first quarter it was 13-9 in favor of the Eagles. But that would be the last time it was close as Valley Christian popped off 22-points in the second quarter while the Bulldogs managed 11-points on their end of the floor. The Eagles would not let off the gas either as they would add on another 15-points in the third quarter to take a near 20-point lead into the final eight minutes. East Palestine would finally outscore the Eagles in a quarter as Valley went to the bench late and the Dogs jumped on the opportunity to tack on some late points.
The Eagles came out with a 59-41 victory to open up the season. Ten different players would record scores for them during the game with Ra’Shawn Bell being the only other eagle in double digit scoring after dropping two early threes in the first quarter.The Bulldogs were led by great performances from Ryan Rosen and Owen Elliot who combined for 20 of the teams’ points in the loss.
Valley moves to (1-0) on the season and in conference play and they will look to build on their good start against Lisbon this Friday. For the Bulldogs they drop their second game of the season and will attempt to find the win column for the first time this season against Beaver County Christian on the road Thursday night.
*Contributed By YSN’s Alek Koberna
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HANOVERTON OH- United had a mighty impressive showing on Tuesday night that might have sent a message to the EOAC. After losing a tough game to Heartland in the first game of the season, the Eagles took out their frustration on Leetonia. The best down the Bears to a tune of 55-16.
Nevin Hahlen had a great night for the Eagles paving the way with 16 points. Grant Knight was also in double figures for the Eagles finishing with 11 points on the night. Brock Rhodes was able to chip in 7 points to the cause. Ashbee Merritt fought hard for the Bears trying to keep them in the game. He led the team with 5 points.
Both teams hit the road on Friday as United will make a trip to Salineville to take on Southern, while Leetonia will stay on the road at East Palestine.
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An early season non-conference matchup saw a rivalry renewed. Perhaps not to the same intensity as that of a Canfield or South Range, but Fitch and Poland basketball are perennial opponents to each other almost every season. The Bulldogs had a ten point victory against Austintown when Poland hosted them in the 2021 campaign, this time around, Fitch brought it to their court.
The 2020 season ended up skipping Fitch’s turn in the home and away rotation year to year, meaning the last time these two teams locked horns on Austintown turf was 2018! It has been even longer since The Falcons tasted victory against Poland, with their last victory against The Bulldogs coming on January 26th, 2016! The win came when the two teams were playing each other twice a season as conference opponents part of The All American Conferences (AAC) Red Division.
The Tuesday matchup is what you expect when these two teams go at it like in the past, with a lot of hustle, heart and determination being shown from both sides. A pair of gritty teams that know the value in playing a hard-nosed brand of defense.
Points were at a premium as both teams exchanged in some back and forth scoring, with neither team establishing a distinct advantage and a few lead changes throughout. Premier athletes in the Poland community such as Danny Nittoli and Noah Huda provided a nice one-two punch as a guard and a big for The Bulldogs. While Guys like Bryce Barringer and Luke Generalovich made a trifecta of three point shots a piece, expanding the offensive range of Poland.
On the other side, the scoring trio of Marcel Finkley, Gianni Maley and Carter Owens each contributed by scoring in double digits on the night. While the twin bigs in Alex and Allen Hill were defensive juggernauts on their 15th birthday! The Player of the Game was Carter Owens and give him that legendary “ice in his veins” badge, as he knocked down a pair of critical threes late in the game whilst coming up with some big free throws to help salt a Fitch victory away. A big win for Austintintown as they ended their near seven year drought against The Bulldogs by a final score of 47-41.
Both teams are in action again this upcoming Friday, with Poland (1-2) going back home to prepare for an in-conference dog fight, literally! Hosting The Lakeview Bulldogs (1-3) in both teams first conference bout of the season. For Fitch (2-0) they will stay home and take to the skies as a 2021 Regional Finalist in The Cardinal Mooney Cardinals (2-0) comes to town. Both games are slated to be on YSN!
Stats (Fitch)
Carter Owens: 12 PTS, 8 REB, 1 AST. (Player of the Game)
Gianni Maley: 10 PTS, 2 REB, 3 STL.
Marcel Finkley: 14 PTS, 2 REB, 1 AST, 1 STL.
Allen Hill: 6 PTS, 6 REB, 1 AST, 1 STL, 3 BLK.
Alex Hill: 3 REB, 1 AST, 4 BLK.
Cecil Fidram: 3 PTS, 3 REB, 2 STL.
Kendall Ziegler: 2 PTS.
Stats (Poland)
Luke Genralovich: 9 PTS, 1 REB, 1 STL.
Bryce Barringer: 9 PTS, 1 REB, 1 STL.
Danny Nittoli: 7 PTS, 8 REB.
Cole Fulton: 7 PTS, 3 REB, 1 BLK.
Carson Maurer: 4 PTS, 2 REB, 1 STL.
Noah Huda: 3 PTS, 2 REB, 1 STL.
Jake Allsopp: 2 PTS, 1 AST, 1 STL.
Nico Genova: 1 REB, 1 AST, 1 STL.
*Contributed By YSN’s Ty Bartell.
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BELOIT OH- The West Branch Boys opened up against South Range in what was both teams first game of the season. The Raiders held the Warriors to just four points in the first quarter and held a 25-23 lead at the half. West Branch exploded in the second half and walked away with a convincing 56-39 victory.
Sophomore guard Joey Jackson had a big night offensively leading the way scoring 18 points. Jackson Rob was also in double figures scoring 11 and Thomas Egli added 8 points. One of the biggest contributors for the Warriors only scored 5 points. Freshman Jeremiah Thomas put on a show defensively. Thomas was a key contributor to forcing the Raiders into tough shots and also had a number of steals.
South Range had a balanced scoring, but unfortunately, not a single player was able to get into double figures. Leading the way for the Raiders was Ayden Leon, Dylan Turvey, and Landon Moore who all chipped in with 7 points. Jared Klucinec had 6 points and Logan Baxer added 5 points respectively for South Range.
Head Warrior Basketball Coach MIke Brown was pleased with his team’s effort and knew that both teams would be a little bit rusty after successful football seasons. Coach Brown said that he really likes his guard play and will use their quickness to create turnovers. He said, “We would also like to score a lot of points this year on fast breaks.”
West Branch Travels to Marlington this Friday at 7 for a tough EBC matchup against the Dukes. South Range will stay on the road traveling to Struthers for a tough matchup inside the NE8.
NEW MIDDLETOWN OH- Springfield hasn’t even opened up Conference play yet, but they’ve already seen a slew of high caliber opponents cross their vision. With what promises to be a highly contested MVAC season, Springfield is earning their stripes in the non conference schedule. On Monday they past their latest test in Hubbard. The Tigers were able to lock down on defense and come away with a 44-35 win.
Jacey Mullen continued her impressive start to the season leading the Tigers with 19 points. Ava Vecchione also contributed 8 points to the Tigers offense. The Eagles were led by Mary Frangos who finished in double figures with 11 points.
Springfield looks ahead to opening their conference schedule on Thursday as they host McDonald. Hubbard also wil open their conference schedule on Thursday as they host South Range.
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