Tag Archive for: High School Girls Basketball

HANNA TO LEAD FALCONS ON THE COURT AND THE FIELD

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Ashtabula, OH- The Jefferson Falcons are gearing up for an exciting season ahead next year as they announce Brandon Hanna as their new head high school girls basketball coach. Hanna, already renowned for his leadership as the Falcons’ head football coach, brings a wealth of coaching experience and a proven track record of success to the girls basketball program.

Having steered the Falcons’ football team to its first-ever regional championship, Hanna is no stranger to guiding teams to greatness. His appointment follows the departure of former head coach TJ Furman, who played a pivotal role in the development of the girls basketball program at Jefferson over the years.

Expressing his gratitude for the opportunity, Hanna credits Coach Furman for his mentorship and the solid foundation he’s inherited. “I’m blessed and honored to lead both of these programs,” Hanna remarks. “We thrive in these uncommon opportunities.”

With six years of coaching experience in girls AAU and a successful stint as the Jefferson Falcons’ 8th grade girls coach, Hanna is poised to make an immediate impact. His previous coaching endeavors boast an impressive 17-2 record as the girls 8th grade coach, indicative of his ability to nurture talent and drive results.

Hanna’s transition to coaching girls basketball is seamless, given his longstanding involvement with the sport. “I’ve been running the only local girls AAU program in the county for a few years now,” he shares. “I’m believing that will help our program in the near future.”

Excited about the prospects of the upcoming season, Hanna is confident in the talent and dedication of the players under his wing. “Excited would be an understatement,” he exclaims. “We have a solid group of girls returning, as well as a solid group of girls coming out of our Jr. High program.”

Setting ambitious goals for the team, Hanna aims high with aspirations of reaching the state tournament. “The goal is to punch our ticket to Dayton,” he declares. “The larger the vision, the greater the process! We understand there are many things that need to happen before that, but we’re looking forward to thriving in the process!! I thank God daily for preparing me for these moments.”

Addressing any concerns about his transition from football to girls basketball, Hanna reassures everyone of his commitment to the team. “If anyone is worried about the coaching transition from Football to Girls Basketball, just know that I’m a Girl Dad first,” he affirms.

As Brandon Hanna embarks on this new chapter as head girls basketball coach, the Jefferson Falcons can anticipate a season filled with determination, growth, and a relentless pursuit of excellence under his guidance.

GIRLS BASKETBALL ALL STATE TEAMS FOR DIVISIONS 1 & 2 ANNOUNCED

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What a basketball season it has been for the YSN family. One day after we put a bow on the season, the state of Ohio has announced the biggest honor it can give with the All-Ohio teams.  YSN has plenty of representation on the list for Divisions 3 & 4.  The names are below.

Division 1

Special Mention
Niera Stevens (Hoban)
Mackenzie Riccitelli (Boardman)
Brooke Haren (Louisville)

Honorable Mention
Mackenzie Edingburgh (Hoban)
Courtney Barwick (Louisville)
Sarah Bero (Boardman)
Ayla Ray (Austintown Fitch)
Alyssa Brown (Chaney)

Division 2

Second Team

Sophia Gregory (West Branch)

Special Mention

Katie McCollister (Edgewood)
Rylee Hutton (Salem)
Alyssa Massucci (Howland)

Honorable Mention

Kenzie Headley (East Liverpool)
Olivia Showalter (West Branch)
Camie Dill (Canfield)
Cami Hritz (Canfield)
Lily Scott (Ursuline)
Mia Malito (Girard)
McKenna Vencill (Edgewood)

Congratulations to all of YSN’s basketball players on an incredible season.  We look forward to seeing everyone back on the floor next winter.

GIRLS BASKETBALL ALL STATE TEAMS FOR DIVISIONS 3 & 4 ANNOUNCED

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What a basketball season it has been for the YSN family. One day after we put a bow on the season, the state of Ohio has announced the biggest honor it can give with the All-Ohio teams.  YSN has plenty of representation on the list for Divisions 3 & 4.  The names are below.

Division 3

2nd Team
Addison Rhodes (Crestview)

Special Mention

Luvrain Gaskins (Crestview)
Isabella Meyer (Champion)
Ava Hulett (Mineral Ridge)

Honorable Mention
Soia Henderson (Edison)
Ella Kuszmaul (LaBrae)
Grace Knight (United)
Cailey Wellman (Brookfield)
Ellie Venezia (Columbiana)
Leah DeMoss (Pymatuning Valley)

DIvision 4

2nd Team
Ashley Shroades (Southern)
Alyssa Cevera (St. John)
Katie Grexa (Badger)

3rd Team
Jameka Brungard (Springfield)

Special Mention
Mickey Zheng (St. John)
Ava Darney (Warren JFK)

Honorable Mention
DiDi Ryan (Warren JFK)
Grace DiSalvatore (St. John)

Congratulations to all of YSN’s basketball players on an incredible season.  We look forward to seeing everyone back on the floor next winter.

2024 YSN GIRLS ALL STAR GAME ROSTERS AND EVENTS

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BOARDMAN OH- The time has come once again to put a bow on another fantastic basketball season.  Across the YSN family we saw thrilling finishes, career milestones, and record breaking performances all throughout the winter.  Now before these athletes hang up the jerseys and shoes it’s time for them to lace up one last time in the 2024 YSN All Star Game.

We are proud to introduce the rosters of this year’s girls all star game which can be found below.  The teams are broken into a home and away team. Team Stars will be the home team and will be coached by Boardman’s Jeff Hammerton and West Branch’s Walt DeShields. Team Stripes will be the away team and they’ll be coached by Amy Harrison from Mineral Ridge and Michael Skrinjar from Southern Local.

The girls game will tip off at 5:00 at Boardman High School on Sunday March 24th.  Player check in will open at 3:30, as well as the doors opening to the public. Tickets will be sold at the door.  All proceeds from the gate will be donated to Sleep In Heavenly Peace. YSN is proud to continue its tradition of using the All Star events to help benefit local charities that do fantastic work in the community.  Sleep In Heavenly Peace is an organization that builds and delivers beds to children who would not have them otherwise.

A waiver will need to be signed for each athlete to take part in the All Star event.  If the student athlete is 18 or older, they can sign for themselves. If the student athlete is under 18 they will need to be signed for by a parent or guardian.  A link to a digital waiver can be found at the bottom of this article.  There will also be a link to the waiver provided at player check in

We are tremendously excited to celebrate these fantastic all stars on a night that is sure not to be forgotten.  We hope you can join us at Boardman!

Girls TEAM STARS  Home (White Jersey)

COACHES: Jeff Hammerton- Boardman & Walt DeShields- West Branch

Archbishop Hoban Niera Stevens

Badger Katie Grexa

Beaver Annsley Baker

Beaver Local Cami Starkey

Boardman Mackenzie Riccitelli

Boardman Sam Duble

Brookfield Cailey Wellman

Campbell Memorial Diamon Sims

Columbiana Ellie Venezia

East Liverpool Reagan Edwards

East Palestine Leila Martin

Edison Rebecka Evans

Garrettsville Garfield Mandy Cardinal (injured)

Grand Valley Kaelyn Hart

Jackson-Milton Amani Yasin

Jefferson Mia Contenza

Lisbon Morgan Lively

Lowellville Serinna Tych

Mineral Ridge Ava Hulett

Mineral Ridge Sullivan Sandy

Mohawk Erynne Capalbo

Salem Lauryn Barton

Sebring Reagan Wynn

Springfield Jameka Brungard

United Grace Knight

Ursuline Kennedy Carpenter

Warren JFK Gianna Pompelia

Warren JFK Didi Ryan

West Branch Sophia Gregory

West Branch Chloe Dennison

Western Reserve Quincy Miller

Girls TEAM STRIPES Away (Dark Jersey)

COACHES: Amy Harrison- Mineral Ridge & Michael Skrinjar- Southern Local

Ashtabula St. John Mickey Zheng

Austintown-Fitch Ayla Ray

Canfield Camie Dill

Canfield Cami Hritz

Canfield Grace McQuiston

Cardinal Mooney Sophia Diorio

Champion Bella Meyer

Chaney Alyssa Brown

Conneaut Kayla Farley

Crestview Addison Rhodes

East (Youngstown) Johniqua Clay

Girard Mia Malito

Heartland Christian Rachel Reynolds

Howland Gia Hoso

Hubbard Rheanna Barr

LaBrae Ella Kuzsmaul

Liberty Mia Parker

Louisville Brooke Haren

McDonald Juliana Krumpak

Newton Falls Dani Drake

Niles Kherington Stanford

Poland Elliana Thompson

Pymatuning Valley Zoey Painter

Salem Rylee Hutton

South Range Gwen Lowry

Southern Ashley Shroades

Springfield Mariana Tuscano

Warren JFK Ava Darney

Wellsville Bella Poppelriter

3 Point Competition

  1. Sam Duble- Boardman
  2. Ella Kuszmaul- LaBrae
  3. Ashley Shroades- Southern
  4. Chloe Dennison- West Branch
  5. Cami Hritz- Canfield
  6. Gwen Lowry- South Range
  7. Ava Darney- JFK

3-2-1 Competition

  1. Addison Rhodes- Crestview
  2. Grace Knight- United
  3. Ava Hulett- Mineral Ridge
  4. Niera Stevens- Hoban
  5. Bella Meyer- Champion
  6. MC Werth- Boardman

ATHLETE WAIVER: https://waiver.smartwaiver.com/w/4ixxdgte5ebeunbwcrulhr/web/

 

SPRINGFIELD KEEPS FINDING A WAY

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MASSILLON OH- In a nail-biting showdown that kept fans on the edge of their seats, Springfield once again emerged victorious in a close contest, securing a hard-fought 34-31 win over Richmond Heights in the Regional Semifinals. With their third consecutive one-possession victory, the Tigers showcased their resilience and determination, proving their mettle on the biggest stage.

Leading the charge for Springfield was Ava Vecchione, whose stellar performance saw her contribute 12 points, including crucial baskets down the stretch. Jameka Brungard added 10 points to the scoreboard, while Karigan Mullen chipped in with 8 points, highlighting the team’s balanced offensive effort.

With this crucial win, Springfield moves one step closer to a return trip to Dayton for the state Final Four, fueled by their unwavering determination and championship mindset.

Next up for the Tigers is a showdown against top-seeded Loudonville in the Regional Finals. Set to take place on Saturday at 7:00 at Massillon Perry High School, the game promises to be another intense battle as Springfield looks to punch their ticket to the state tournament.

MARIANA’S TRENCH

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NEW MIDDLETOWN OH- As a junior at Springfield, Mariana Tuscano has embraced the increased responsibility that comes with being an upperclassman, demonstrating leadership both on and off the court. Alongside her fellow returning starters, Mariana has spearheaded the team’s quest for success, determined to prove that they can continue to excel at a high level.

This season, Mariana and her teammates have once again showcased their dominance, capturing another MVAC championship and securing their third consecutive district title—a testament to their talent, dedication, and relentless work ethic. For Mariana, success has become a tradition, with district championships becoming a hallmark of her high school career.

Known for her sharpshooting ability from the perimeter, Mariana has continued to refine her game, focusing on expanding her offensive repertoire. While she has always been a threat from beyond the arc, this season she has added a new dimension to her game by attacking the hoop with increased aggression, making her a more well-rounded and versatile player. With her ability to hit shots from deep, she can sink shots as deep as the Mariana Trench.

Despite facing challenges on the court, Mariana has remained a steady presence for Springfield, contributing 8.6 points per game and leading the team with 29 made threes. Additionally, her defensive prowess has been on full display, averaging 2.3 steals per game, showcasing her ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor.

As Mariana looks ahead to the remainder of the season, she remains focused on achieving her goals and leading her team to even greater heights. With a district championship in every season of her high school career, she is determined to continue her winning ways and fight for a second regional championship, as the Tigers set their sights on a return to the state semifinals. With her skill, determination, and leadership, Mariana Tuscano is poised to leave an indelible mark on the Springfield girls’ basketball program and cement her legacy as one of the team’s all-time greats.

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SPARTANS SLOW THINGS DOWN TO GET PAST RESERVE

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By Matt Maher 


ORWELL, OH – Basketball may be known for its fast gameplay and quick decision making but Richmond Heights sought to prove the world wrong on Saturday night when they beat Western Reserve by the final score of 24-20. This score was achieved by playing basketball for about a quarter and a half and then playing keep away for the remainder of the night. 

 

The first quarter saw both teams play in a well played defensive battle where Richmond Heights outscored the Blue Devils 12-11. Western Reserve saw three players tally 3 points in the frame with Quincy Miller and Angelina Cappabianca both scoring from beyond the arc and Alysia Hughes putting in a bucket in the paint and going 1-for-2 from the line. The Spartans were led by Honor Hall with 6 points and Hall would continue to be their big name player but not for the reason most would expect in a huge playoff game. 

 

The second quarter had an even lower score of 9-4 in favor of Richmond. Lisa Eichert and Hughes combined for the 4 points for Reserve with Hughes finding a layup and Eichert showing skill from the line throwing a perfect 2-for-2. Hall was huge for her team on offense because she found two triples to earn another 6 points and she held onto the ball for a good 4 minutes spread across three different occasions. While that may seem excessive just wait until you read on to the third quarter.

 

Richmond Heights began the half with possession and with a quick inbound to Hall the Spartans quickly dribbled the ball over the center court line and she set up shop just beyond the line. For 7 minutes and 35 seconds Honor Hall just stood in the offensive zone, sometimes dribbling the ball and sometimes holding it and did absolutely nothing of interest or of note other than letting the clock run out. The Blue Devils never once pressed Hall and allowed her to stand there and drain the clock and to be fair the Spartans did have the lead and in a big game as this you need to find the right strategy to win and with the OHSAAs rules being as they are this strategy did end up working very well for Richmond. 

 

The fourth quarter actually saw scoring and ball movement and everything you would expect from a basketball game. Western Reserve mounted a comeback attempt that would fall short with the Blue Devils finally outscoring Richmond 5-3. Hall continued to contribute and lead in offense with 2 of the 3 points for her team. All scoring in the frame was found from the free throw line with Hall going 2-for-6. Western Reserves free throws showed better results with Kylee Ramsey and Quincy Miller both hitting 2 free throws while Alycia Hughes went 1-for-2. 

 

Despite a well played 1st quarter and an exciting 4th what was sandwiched in between was about 4 minutes of basketball and 12 minutes of standing around. While there are many opinions on what this means for the game and what should be done to prevent this kind of behavior on the court it doesn’t help this game since the rules allow for players to hold onto the ball for long periods of time if the defense doesn’t look to pressure the offense this was a very clean game played very intelligently by Richmond who saw a Blue Devils team who could defend them and potentially beat them which is what we almost saw in the 4th. Unfortunately this game did not end the way the Blue Devils wanted and their great season came to its conclusion as their district runner up. Congratulations to Western Reserve for making it to this stage and for playing great basketball all season long!

TIGERS FIGHT FALLS JUST SHORT

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By Ty Bartell

 

ELYRIA, Ohio — In a thrilling showdown at Elyria High School, the Copley Indians girls basketball team clinched victory over the Howland Tigers, securing a 50-37 win in the Ohio Division 2, Region 6, Northeast 4 district championship.

The game commenced with an intense first quarter as the Tigers surged to an early 6-0 lead. However, the Indians quickly retaliated with a commanding 10-0 run, seizing control of the game. The momentum shifted when Copley’s standout player, Izzy Callaway, encountered foul trouble, forcing her to the bench for the majority of the first half. Despite Callaway’s absence, Howland managed to narrow the gap with a last-second 3-point shot by Maya Kubancsek, ending the quarter 14-9 in favor of Copley.

The second quarter witnessed a strategic battle, with Copley employing a slow-paced approach to maintain their lead and facilitate Callaway’s return to the court. Although Howland edged the Indians 6-5 in the quarter, Copley retained the advantage, heading into halftime with a 19-15 lead.

As the game progressed into the second half, the pace intensified, with both teams exchanging rapid-fire shots. Callaway and Howland’s Alyssa Massucci showcased their scoring prowess, keeping the contest fiercely competitive. Despite Howland’s efforts, Copley emerged victorious in the third quarter, extending their lead to 37-31.

In the decisive fourth quarter, Copley delivered clutch performances, embarking on a scoring run to secure a double-digit lead. The Indians dominated the quarter, outscoring the Tigers 13-6 and clinching their second district championship in three years with a final score of 50-37.

Izzy Callaway earned the title of Player of the Game for Copley, contributing 15 points despite limited playing time. Evelyn McKnight also played a crucial role for the Indians, chipping in with 11 points during Callaway’s absence. Meanwhile, Alyssa Massucci led Howland with an impressive 18-point performance, including three crucial 3-pointers.

With the victory, Copley (23-3) advances to face the Bellevue Lady Redmen (22-5) in the upcoming matchups. Meanwhile, Howland (19-7) concludes another successful season as district runners-up. We here at YSN wish noth but the best to the Howland seniors in all their future plans and goals! It has and always will be an honor to be your supporter and fan.
As the excitement of high school basketball continues, fans can stay updated on live games, scores, and more on YSN!

BRUNGARD’S BIG GAME PULLS SPRINGFIELD TO THREE-PEAT

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MINERAL RIDGE OH- In a quest for a historic three-peat, Springfield entered this year’s district tournament with determination and a hunger for victory. Despite facing formidable opponents, the Tigers showcased their resilience and championship pedigree throughout the tournament.

Their journey to the district crown was fraught with challenges, as they narrowly escaped Badger with a thrilling buzzer-beater victory. However, their true test came in the championship game against Warren JFK, where they engaged in a tense battle until the final buzzer.

In yet another nail-biter, Springfield managed to edge past Warren JFK with a narrow 52-49 victory, securing their third consecutive district championship. Led by the outstanding performance of Jameka Brungard, who poured in an impressive 33 points, and Marianna Tuscano contributing 12 points, the Tigers displayed their offensive prowess when it mattered most.

Despite Warren JFK’s valiant effort, with notable performances from Didi Ryan (21 points), Gianna Pompelia (11 points), and Ava Darney (10 points), they couldn’t withstand Springfield’s relentless pressure down the stretch.

With this hard-fought victory, Springfield advances to the Regional Semifinals, where they will face off against Richmond Heights at Massillon Perry on Thursday. Tip-off is scheduled for approximately 8:00, as the Tigers continue their pursuit of further postseason success.

CANFIELD CAN’T STAND UP TO TOP SEEDED IRISH

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UNIONTOWN OH- Canfield faced an uphill battle against top-seeded Akron St. Vincent-St. Mary in the district championship on Saturday, knowing the challenge that lay ahead. Despite their best efforts, the Irish came out firing on all cylinders, swiftly establishing a commanding lead. With a blistering start, Akron St. Vincent-St. Mary surged to a 19-4 advantage after the first quarter, setting the tone for the rest of the game.

Maintaining their momentum throughout the contest, the Irish never relinquished their grip on the game, ultimately securing a dominant 66-23 victory and clinching the district championship title.

Although Canfield fought valiantly, with Grace McQuiston, Carly Fleming, and Cami Hritz contributing 6, 6, and 4 points respectively, they couldn’t overcome the relentless onslaught from Akron St. Vincent-St. Mary.

With the conclusion of the season, Canfield finishes with a respectable 17-9 record, extending their remarkable streak to 47 consecutive winning seasons, a testament to their enduring excellence on the basketball court.