Tag Archive for: High school basketball

CANFIELD TAKES REGULAR SEASON FINALE

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EAST LIVERPOOL OH- In a thrilling showdown on Thursday night, the Canfield faced a tough test on the road against East Liverpool. Despite the hostile environment, Canfield delivered a consistent effort that propelled them to a hard-earned 66-56 victory over the Potters.

Leading the charge for Canfield was Ben Weaver, whose impressive performance saw him rack up a team-high 23 points, showcasing his scoring prowess and clutch play when it mattered most. Sam Castranova also made a significant contribution with 20 points, while Dom Cruz added 10 points to bolster Canfield’s offensive attack.

Despite facing a formidable opponent in East Liverpool, Canfield’s resilience and determination shone through, allowing them to maintain their composure and execute their game plan effectively throughout the contest.

On the other side, East Liverpool put up a valiant effort, led by Preston Kerr with 19 points, Quinton Conrad with 15 points, and Cohen Pease with 11 points. However, their efforts were ultimately not enough to overcome Canfield’s relentless pressure and offensive firepower.

With this crucial win, Canfield concludes their regular season with an impressive record of 18-4, setting the stage for what promises to be an exciting tournament run. They now turn their focus towards tournament time, where they will host Akron East on Tuesday in their first postseason matchup.

Meanwhile, East Liverpool will regroup and prepare for their upcoming tournament game on March 2nd, where they will host Zanesville in a bid to make some noise in postseason play.

 

VIKINGS REFUSE TO BE STOPPED

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By Matt Maher


LEAVITTSBURG, OH – The Vikings were on a mission to earn their 20th win of the season on Tuesday night and their opponent was on a mission to avoid their 20th loss and after a hard fought battle the kings of the MVAC showed everyone they were more than just that and took down their Northeast 8 opponent by the score of 70-62. 

 

The first quarter saw these two fierce competitors play a very tight game that saw several lead changes but ultimately saw LaBrae take the lead of 17-13 into the second but Girard stayed right behind them and never got too far out of reach from here. Dom Philips was electric from everywhere and that electricity started production in the first with an 8 point start including two 2’s a 3 and a made free throw. Stephen Sims also showed up with 5 points of his own. The Vikings showed a more balanced offense with four different guys scoring in the first. Austin Rowe and David Blackmon III both came out with 6 points while Derek Wilson warmed himself up with a 3 and Jay McGarry hit 2. 

 

The Vikings continued their offensive night and never lost the lead by putting up 17 more points to Girards improved 14 points. Philips continued to lead his team with 4 more points all found with tough shots down low to give him 12 first half points,  while Kaiden Claire and Cam Herrick both sank a 3 apiece. Austin Rowe continued to contribute, this time with two made 3’s to give him 12 first half points to match Girards Philips. Jay McGarry also sank two 3’s to help his team stay atop of the Indians.

 

While the IDom Philips continued to Impress, the Indians continued to trail after the third, with a 15-13 difference that went the way of LaBrae and a 49-40 overall score at the buzzer, Girard needed a huge boost going down the stretch. Philips continued his dominance with an 8 points quarter all found from within the paint. Sims found 2 more points while Claire hit another 3. Derek Wilson found himself atop his team in scoring this frame with 6 points all from within the arc while Rowe added another 5 points with 3 coming from range. 

 

The Indians geared up and showed a great push in the final 8 minutes and even outscored LaBrae 22-20 but it was too little too late as the Vikings just couldn’t be denied one last victory before heading into the postseason. The Vikings were fouled 9 times in the fourth and their free throw shooting, an excellent 14-for-17, ended up being the difference maker it needed to be. Girard saw scoring from all over the quart including two 3’s from Claire and two ore from Herrick as well as 6 points in the paint from Sims including a perfect steal and a breakaway late and 4 more points from Philips who would get the only two free throws of the quarter for his team and sank them both. 

 

Despite a solid effort everywhere on the floor for Philips and Girard, LaBrae had enough left in the tank after an excellent campaign to pull off another victory and send another team home wondering what more they could do. LaBrae celebrated their win over Girard while also celebrating their first place finish in the MVAC,complete with t-shirts and plenty of photos. Dom Philips led all scorers with 24 points with Austin Rowe a triple behind him with 21. Girard (2-20) gear up for tournament play when they travel to Glenville on February 27th at 7:00PM while LaBrae earned the first round bye and awaits the winner of Manchester vs Keystone and will play on March 1st at 7:00PM.

MOORE NOW SECOND ON THE SOUTH RANGE SCORING LIST

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NEW MIDDLETOWN OH- In a highly anticipated matchup filled with hometown pride and intense rivalry, the South Range High School basketball team squared off against Springfield on Tuesday night. With the coaching staff hailing from Springfield, the game carried added significance for both teams. In the end, it was South Range who emerged victorious, storming to a commanding 66-41 win over their rivals.

From the opening tip-off, it was clear that South Range was determined to assert their dominance on the court. Fueled by the energy of the rivalry and the support of their fans, the Raiders came out firing on all cylinders, overwhelming Springfield with their relentless attack.

Leading the charge for South Range was Landon Moore, whose outstanding performance saw him tally 19 points and move to second on the South Range career scoring list. Moore’s scoring prowess and leadership were on full display, inspiring his teammates to elevate their game to new heights.

Supporting Moore’s offensive onslaught was Dylan Turvey, who contributed 15 points, and Luke Rohan, who added 14 points to bolster South Range’s scoring effort. Tristan Toy chipped in 7 points to further solidify the Raiders’ dominance.

Despite Springfield’s efforts to mount a comeback, they were unable to contain South Range’s relentless pressure. Dylan Sheely led Springfield’s scoring effort with 9 points, while Sean Guerriero and Chris Cunningham added 8 points each. Drew Miller contributed 7 points in a valiant but ultimately unsuccessful attempt to rally his team.

With this statement win, South Range improves their record to 15-6 as they prepare for their regular season finale against Salem on Thursday. Meanwhile, Springfield, with a record of 16-5, shifts their focus to tournament play, where they will host Open Door Christian in their first tournament game on February 27th.

THE NEST IS PROTECTED IN UNITED

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HANOVERTON OH- In a thrilling showdown on Tuesday night, the United High School basketball team faced a formidable challenge as they hosted Crestview. With both teams vying for supremacy, the stage was set for an intense battle on the hardwood. In the end, it was United who emerged victorious, protecting their home court with a hard-fought 64-56 win over Crestview.

Leading the charge for United was Jason Pratt, whose stellar performance saw him rack up an impressive 20 points, showcasing his scoring prowess and leadership on the court. Pratt was well-supported by Beau Eichler, who contributed 15 points, and Luke Courtney, who added 14 points to bolster United’s offensive attack.

Crestview put up a valiant fight, with Justin McKee leading the scoring effort with 16 points, followed closely by Jameson English with 14 points and Jonathan Best with 13 points. Despite their best efforts, Crestview ultimately fell short against a determined United squad.

With this crucial win, United improves their record to 9-13 as they now turn their attention to tournament play. Their next challenge will be against Brookfield at home as they look to make a splash in postseason action.

Meanwhile, Crestview concludes their regular season with a record of 7-14, with their sights set on finishing strong as they host Liberty on Thursday.

Game Photos HERE: https://ysn.smugmug.com/2-20-b-bb-united-crestview/2-20-b-bb-united-crestview/105EOS1D

URSULINE’S ABILITY TO SCORE TRAVELS WELL

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EAST LIVERPOOL OH- Ursuline showcased their offensive prowess on Monday night as they traveled to East Liverpool and emerged with a commanding 72-53 victory. The Irish wasted no time asserting their dominance, storming ahead early and never looking back.

Leading the charge for Ursuline was Jayden Payne, who delivered a stellar performance with 18 points, showcasing his scoring ability and leadership on the court. He was well-supported by Noah Bell and Jaylen Gunther, who each contributed 14 points, while Deshaun Will and Geno Lucente added 9 and 8 points respectively to bolster the team’s offensive output.

Despite East Liverpool’s efforts to mount a comeback, they were unable to contain Ursuline’s relentless offensive attack. Preston Kerr led East Liverpool’s scoring effort with 15 points, followed closely by Blake Adkins with 12 points and Quinton Conrad with 9 points.

With this convincing win, Ursuline improves their record to an impressive 17-3 as they return home to host Howland on Thursday. Meanwhile, East Liverpool, with a record of 16-5, faces another tough challenge ahead as they host Canfield on Thursday.

DREAM WEAVER, GAME CHANGER

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CANFIELD OH- In the heat of battle inside the paint, it takes grit and determination to find success. Canfield’s junior power forward, Ben Weaver, stands out for his sheer grit and determination on the court. Standing shorter than some of his opponents, Weaver compensates with an unparalleled work ethic, out-hustling and outmaneuvering anyone in his path to secure rebounds and score points in the paint.

Weaver’s tenacity has been instrumental in Canfield’s back-to-back AAC Championships, proving that size isn’t everything when it comes to dominating the post position. His ability to carve out space, fight for every loose ball, and convert opportunities into points has been a linchpin of Canfield’s success.

As an upperclassman, Weaver has shouldered increased responsibility with grace and maturity. Embracing his role as a leader on and off the court, he has set an example for his teammates, demonstrating a willingness to take on challenges and lead by example.

For Weaver, team chemistry is paramount. He understands that success on the court is rooted in trust, camaraderie, and a shared commitment to excellence. Off the floor, Weaver and his fellow leaders at Canfield foster a tight-knit bond that translates seamlessly onto the hardwood, allowing them to play as a cohesive unit and elevate each other’s performance.

This season, Weaver has averaged 8 points and 4 rebounds per game, showcasing his versatility and impact on both ends of the floor. But beyond the statistics, Weaver harbors a dream of playing college basketball, and with each game, that dream edges closer to reality. His dedication, skill, and passion for the game make him an attractive prospect for college recruiters, who recognize his potential to make a significant impact at the next level.

As Canfield gears up for an upcoming tournament run, players like Weaver could prove to be the difference-makers. With his gritty play in the post, unyielding determination, and team-first mentality, Weaver has the potential to lead Canfield to further success on the court and beyond. As the stakes grow higher, Weaver’s presence on the court becomes all the more crucial, as he looks to leave an indelible mark on the Canfield basketball program and pave the way for a bright future ahead.

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RAIDERS END NE8 PLAY WITH A BANG

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CANFIELD OH- After a prolonged wait due to rescheduling, South Range finally squared off against Struthers on Saturday in a crucial league matchup. The Raiders wasted no time asserting their dominance on the court, ultimately clinching a hard-fought 55-43 win to cap off their conference schedule on a high note.

Leading the charge for South Range was Landon Moore, whose impressive performance saw him light up the scoreboard with a game-high 24 points. With this remarkable showing, Moore finds himself just 13 points away from claiming the number 2 spot on the all-time scoring list at South Range, a testament to his remarkable talent and dedication to the game.

Supporting Moore’s offensive onslaught was Nate Lewis, who contributed 11 points, and Dylan Turvey, who added 8 points to bolster South Range’s scoring effort.

On the opposing side, Struthers put up a valiant fight, with Jason Dukes leading the charge with 20 points, followed by Lucas Patti with 11 points. Despite their efforts, Struthers ultimately fell short against a determined South Range squad.

With this win, South Range improves their record to 14-6 as they prepare to hit the road for their upcoming game against Springfield on Tuesday. Meanwhile, Struthers, with a record of 9-9, will also be on the road as they face off against Campbell on the same day.

MOONEY BREAKS SHOOTING RECORDS IN BIG WIN

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YOUNGSTOWN OH- Cardinal Mooney put on a shooting clinic on Friday night, setting records en route to a commanding 75-31 victory over Hubbard. The team’s sharpshooting prowess was on full display as they shattered program records, lighting up the scoreboard with an astounding 18 three-pointers.

Leading the charge for Cardinal Mooney was Rocco Turner, whose scintillating performance saw him establish a new program record with an incredible 9 three-pointers, finishing the game with a game-high 29 points. Turner’s sharpshooting display left the Hubbard defense scrambling to contain him, but to no avail.

Supporting Turner’s offensive onslaught was Nick Pregibon, who contributed 13 points of his own, adding to Cardinal Mooney’s offensive barrage.

Despite Hubbard’s efforts to keep pace, they were unable to contain Cardinal Mooney’s relentless attack. Kenyan Franklin led Hubbard’s scoring effort with 12 points, but it was not enough to overcome Cardinal Mooney’s offensive firepower.

With this emphatic win, Cardinal Mooney improves their record to an impressive 16-5 as they gear up for their final game of the regular season, where they will host Struthers on Friday. Meanwhile, Hubbard wraps up their regular season with a record of 11-11 and looks ahead to tournament play, where they will host Orange on February 27th.

BEARS SHOW WHAT THEY’RE MADE OF

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East Dominates Lowellville in Convincing Win

East High School showcased their full potential on the basketball court, delivering a commanding performance to defeat Lowellville with a final score of 73-46. In a display of skill and teamwork, East left no doubt about their capabilities as they raced past their opponents.

Leading the charge for East was Isaiah McCray, whose stellar performance saw him rack up an impressive 26 points, demonstrating his scoring prowess and ability to take control of the game. Not far behind was Cam Sly, who added 19 points to further bolster East’s offensive onslaught.

Supporting their teammates, Michael Franklin, Kevin Pullen, and Jerry Smith each contributed 6 points, underscoring the depth of talent within the East lineup.

Despite Lowellville’s efforts to keep pace, they were unable to contain East’s relentless attack. Matt Lucido and Josh Pazel led Lowellville’s scoring efforts, each notching 11 points, while Michael Ballone and Drew Modelski added 7 points apiece in a valiant but ultimately unsuccessful attempt to close the gap.

With this win, East improves their record to 12-9 as they gear up for tournament play. Their next challenge will be a road trip to West Branch on February 27th to open the tournament.

Meanwhile, Lowellville, with a record of 13-8, looks to regroup as they prepare to host McDonald in their upcoming game on Friday.

WEST BRANCH STAYING LOCKED IN

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By Matt Maher 


GIRARD, OH – The red hot Warriors made their way out to Girard for an end of season tuneup against the Indians. After a fairly close 1st quarter, the Warriors continued to outscore Girard and found themselves with a 65-40 victory. West Branch fought hard with great defensive coverage and took advantage of most of their possessions while Girard had their struggles.

 

The Warriors started out the night by winning the opening tip and quickly converting the first 2 points and while Girard did have a response it wasn’t nearly as powerful as what West Branch was showing and the frame ended 19-11 in favor of the Warriors. The 3 ball was the specialty for Girard in the first quarter with Kaiden Clare hitting two of them to get 6 of his 8 points and a third coming from Melvin Dixon. While Girard specialized from beyond the arc, West Branch was hard to tame in the paint, finding 7 of their field goals from within the arc with Gavin Gregory scoring four of them. Camden Lane found the first 3 of the game for West Branch and went 1-for-2 from the charity Stripe as well.

 

Both teams slowed down the offensive output in the 2nd quarter with West Branch finding 16 to Girards 7. Dom Philips found 4 points with a layup and 1 as well as putting up 1-of-2 later down the stretch, Nick Rafferty found another 3 ball for the Indians as well. Cooper Anderson found three 2’s to lead his team with 6 points in the frame while Ricky Hendershott followed Anderson with 5 points including another 3 for his team. 

 

Girard had a better 2nd half and started it out with a 10 point 3rd quarter that came up just 3 points shy of West Branches 13 points. The Indians found four scores from four different sources: Dixon and Stephen Sims both put up 2’s and Cam Herrick and Rafferty both shot from range and put up a combined 6 points. Jaxon Robb was the leader for West branch in the 3rd, with 7 points that came from two 2’s and a good 3-for-4 from the line he helped his team keep Girard at bay.

 

The Indians had their highest scoring quarter yet with a 12 point 4th. While Girard was reaching new heights late in this game, West Branch was staying put and scored 16 points to really put this one to bed. The Indians yet again found all their scoring from four different sources but this time all of them each hit a 3, Ahmad Curd, Nick Rafferty, Chris Cardiero and Cam Herrick all found buckets for Girard. West Branch spread the wealth as well with 7 different players all scoring at least 1 point with Gregory leading the cause with 4 points and Lane adding one last triple.

 

Girard was excellent from beyond the arc on Friday night but it wasn’t enough to take down one of the top teams in our area. West Branch found themselves in some favorable spots throughout the game and that was due in part to their excellent play making as well as some less than desirable coverage from their opponent. West Branch (17-3) will stay on the road when they face Boardman on February 20th at 7:00PM while Girard (2-19) will finish off their season at LaBrae on the 20th as well at 7:00PM.