Tag Archive for: High School Girls Basketball

SPRINGFIELD SURVIVES SCARE FROM THE ROCKETS

By Michael Ginocchi

 

NEW MIDDLETOWN, OH- The Springfield lady Tigers basketball team earned a hard fought 58-54 win over Lowellville on Thursday evening. The Rockets came in upset minded, and it seemed like they were going to pull it off. Springfield responded late in the game to grab another close win.

 

For the Tigers Ava Vecchione had the hot hand throughout the game. She knocked down 4 three pointers from beyond the arch in route to her impressive 23 points. Lowellville did a nice job limiting Jameka Brungard in the first half forcing her into some tough shots. Brungard however, stayed persistent and eventually ended up scoring 18. Mariana Tuscano was a key piece defensively forcing some turnovers and adding 9 points.

 

Lowellville came in with a great early game plan as the Rockets really limited the post presence of Brungard and got after it defensively. In the end, Springfield’s defense was too much to overcome during the game’s final minutes causing a number of turnovers. Morgan Lewis led the way with 19 points. She was effective from the free throw line as well going (4 for 6). Sydney Procick knocked down some big shots scoring 12, while Serinna Tych added 11.

 

Springfield improves to 5-2, 3-0 inside the MVAC with the win. They will travel to Sebring on Monday. Lowellville drops to 2-4, 0-2 inside the MVAC. The Rockets will head over to Mineral Ridge to battle the Rams.

POLAND FINISHES STRONG TO SECURE A VICTORY

In a hard-fought battle, Poland faced off against Girard on Thursday night, and it was a contest that kept fans on the edge of their seats. However, a resilient finish propelled the Bulldogs to victory as they sealed the game with an impressive 55-45 win, culminating in a decisive 8-0 run.

Leading the charge for Poland was Mary Brant with a stellar performance, amassing 16 points. Leanne Williams contributed 10 points, while Avery Jakabovic added 9 points, and Elliana Thompson chipped in with 7 points, showcasing a well-rounded offensive effort.

Girard countered with a strong showing, with Mia Malito leading the way with 16 points. Mackenzie White contributed 14 points, and Caylee Wilkes added 7 points in their competitive effort.

With this victory, Poland advances to a 4-2 record and looks ahead to a road matchup on Saturday for a non-conference battle with Columbiana. On the other side, Girard, now 3-3, prepares for another road challenge as they travel to face Badger on Saturday, aiming to bounce back from Thursday night’s closely contested game.

SHROADES TO GLORY

SALINEVILLE OH- When talking about Southern Girls Basketball, the name Ashley Shroades has become synonymous with excellence, grit, and a relentless pursuit of improvement. From a stunning debut in her freshman season to the cusp of becoming the program’s all-time leading scorer in her senior year, Shroades has left an indelible mark on the court.

It all began with a remarkable 55-point performance against Heartland Christian in her freshman year, a game that resonated throughout the league. Since then, opponents facing Southern knew they were in for a challenge whenever Ashley stepped onto the court. Now, as a seasoned senior, Shroades stands on the verge of etching her name into the program’s history books, a mere four points away from becoming the all-time leading scorer.

What sets Shroades apart is not just her innate talent but her relentless dedication to improvement. Faced with doubters questioning her game, she transformed her weaknesses into strengths. Critics once said she could only hit layups; now, her shooting form is a testament to her hard work. They doubted her left-hand prowess; today, she maneuvers effortlessly to the left, proving that limitations only exist if you allow them.

Off the court, Ashley Shroades embraces her role as a role model. A distinctive feature is the Ashley Shroades headband, proudly worn by aspiring young players in the Southern youth teams. Shroades sees herself not just as a player but as a catalyst for the future success of the program, inspiring the next generation of athletes.

As she navigates her senior season, Shroades faces the inevitable question about her college choice. While the decision is pending, one thing is clear – basketball at the next level is a goal she’s eyeing. Beyond the court, Ashley harbors a passion for animals, setting her sights on a journey toward becoming a veterinarian after high school.

In every aspect of her life, Ashley Shroades embodies resilience, determination, and a commitment to leaving a lasting impact. As she inches closer to rewriting the record books at Southern, her legacy extends far beyond the basketball court, inspiring both present and future athletes to strive for greatness.

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MOHAWK MUSTERS UP A MIDWEEK WIN

NEW CASTLE OH- In a hard-fought contest on Wednesday night, Mohawk secured a well-earned victory against a resilient Beaver Area Bobcats team, emerging with a 46-31 win.

Leading the way for Mohawk was Erynne Capalbo, who delivered an impressive performance with 19 points. Kiera Julian and Anicka Young each contributed 9 points, showcasing a balanced offensive effort.

For the Beaver Area, Annsley Baker led the scoring with 13 points, and Lauren Nesbella added 7 points in their determined effort.

WARRIORS END FOUR GAME SKID AGAINST SALEM

by Ty Bartell 

BELOIT OH- In the world of high school sports, very few rivalries run as deep between two programs that encapsulate their communities like The West Branch Warriors and The Salem Quakers do! You know the rivalry means business when it’s not just one, but all sports under the programs banner share the same rival. In the recent chapters of Salem versus West Branch on the girls basketball side, it has been The Quakers who have drafted recent history. Winning the last four consecutive games against The Warriors, Salem was looking to carry the streak into the new season. Meanwhile, West Branch was looking for their first win against Salem since February 10th, 2021. With a storied rivalry that writes itself and a great crowd on hand in Beloit to witness the next chapter of Quakers and Warriors!

The opening quarter looked very similar to the recent installments between the two squads, with defense being the focal point as a low-scoring opening quarter ensued. With points at a premium, The Warriors managed to grab a 4 point lead at 11-7 after a quarter. Scoring did not pick up in the second quarter either, as both defenses forced plenty of turnovers both in the transition game and the half court, making offense difficult to set-up. West Branch managed to hold a slim advantage 19-18 at halftime, as it looked like a wild finish was going to be in the books for Beloit!
However, the second half was very unkind to The Quakers and The Warriors took full advantage!

Outsourcing Salem 30-5 in the second half of the game with a 16-3 third quarter and a 14-2 fourth quarter! The Warriors routed Salem in the second half to pick up their first win over The Quakers in almost three years with a 49-23 final!

Sophie Gregory was magic once again! A player of the Game performance for Gregory in which she scored 25 points with 11 rebounds, 7 assists, 5 blocks and 4 steals she more than made an impact in every facet of the game. Also a notable performance from Chloe Dennison who heated up in the second half scoring all 10 points on the night during crunch time while knocking down a pair of triples! Audrey Eaton also made contributions, nailing down a pair of threes as well and finishing with 6 points. Lauryn Barton was the leading scorer for Salem, finishing with 8 points followed by Rylee Hutton with 5 points.

West Branch (6-0)(5-0) now has firm control of the Eastern Buckeye Conference (EBC) with a perfect record the first time through. The Warriors next contest will be a former conference foe when they host The Louisville Leopards (5-1) on Saturday, December 16th. For Salem (2-5)(1-4) they will now look ahead to Canfield (2-2) in a home bout with The Cards at The Cab, also on Saturday! Keep updated with all West Branch and Salem winter athletics with live games, scores, stats, stories and more on YSN!

BLUE JAYS STARTING A STREAK

SEBRING OH- In an impressive display of dominance, Jackson Milton secured their second consecutive win on Monday night, rolling to a commanding 55-21 victory over Sebring.

Amani Yasin delivered a standout performance, achieving a rare triple-double with 19 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 steals. Macayle Thornhill contributed significantly with 16 points, showcasing perfection at the free-throw line (8/8) and securing a double-double with 12 steals. Emma Johns added 11 points to round out the Lady Jays’ formidable offensive effort.

With a current record of 3-2, Jackson Milton looks to maintain their winning streak as they hit the road to face the Western Reserve Lady Blue Devils in an upcoming MVAC contest on Thursday, December 14. The Lady Jays aim to continue their strong start to the season with another impressive performance.

 

Game Photos HERE: How https://ysn.smugmug.com/12-11-g-bb-sebring-jackson-milton/12-11-g-bb-sebring-jackson-milton/102EOS1D/

JAGUARS POUNCE ON FALCONS EARLY

By Ty Bartell

AUSTINTOWN OH- Following 6 consecutive wins, The Austintown-Fitch girls basketball team were back at home to host another non-conference opponent. This time the competition came out of the Cleveland area with The St. Joseph Academy Jaguars coming to town! Always a great program, The Jaguars are yearly contenders for district championships!

The importance of starting out on the right foot was apparent in the first quarter as The Jaguar pounced on The Falcons early with a 7-0 run out of the gates! The Falcons would take the big initial punch and be able to battle and keep it close; however, St. Joseph Academy built a respectable 19-10 lead after a quarter. Into the second quarter, the next 8 minutes of the contest we’re closer than the first. Both teams exchanged buckets, with The Jaguars again edging out Fitch 14-13 in the quarter and built a double-digit lead at halftime at 33-23.

Fitch would get closer as the shots ran cold for St. Joseph in the third, The Falcons started heating up to take the quarter 16-13, cutting the deficit to 4 points at 43-39 Jaguars after three quarters. The fourth quarter would not be kind to Fitch, as The Jaguars locked it down on the defensive side, closing out the game with 10-5 quarter in the final frame, winning the contest without ever surrendering the advantage with the final score of 56-44.

Fitch was led in scoring by Rachel Spalding with 14 points followed by both Ayla Ray and Destanie McCullough who both had 10 points.

The Falcons (6-2) will look to get back in track when they host The Archbishop Hoban Knights (6-0) on Saturday, December 16th with a 12:30 p.m. tip-off. Catch that game plus keep updated with both The Austintown-Fitch Falcons and Archbishop Hoban Knights basketball seasons with live games, scores, stats, stories and more on YSN!

WILDCATS STAY FOCUSED DOWN THE STRETCH

In a gritty comeback, Struthers showed resilience on the court, rallying in the fourth quarter to secure a 35-29 victory over East. The Wildcats didn’t blink, overcoming a 23-22 deficit after three quarters.

Leading the charge for Struthers was Katelyn Kimble with 11 points, while Taiya Baraka contributed 6 points. Emma Morris and Ava Croyle each added 5 points, showcasing a collective effort in their comeback win.

Looking ahead, Struthers is set for a road challenge on Thursday against South Range, aiming to build on their momentum. Meanwhile, East will hit the road on Saturday, traveling to Chaney in their pursuit of a rebound performance.

CHAMPION ROUTS REIGNING DISTRICT CHAMPS ON THE ROAD

GARRETTSVILLE OH- In a statement victory, Champion sought revenge on Monday night, dismantling reigning District champions Garfield with a commanding 58-20 win.

Bella Meyer led the charge for Champion with an impressive 18 points, while Kennedy Caldwell contributed 14 points, and Sam Strock added 8 points. Addie Warzala rounded out the scoring with 6 points, highlighting a well-rounded offensive performance.

Garfield’s efforts were led by Mandy Cardinal, who scored 15 points in a challenging contest against Champion’s stout defense.

Looking ahead, Champion gears up for a significant league matchup on Thursday as they host LaBrae, aiming to continue their winning momentum. On the other side, Garfield hits the road for a clash against Campbell, seeking to bounce back from Monday night’s tough defeat.

POLAND STILL THE TEAM TO BEAT IN THE LEAGUE

HUBBARD OH- Continuing their tradition of success, Poland, the reigning NE8 champions, kicked off another season with a convincing conference win on Monday night, triumphing over Hubbard 45-28.

Leading the Bulldogs in scoring were Elliana Thompson and Mary Brant, each contributing 10 points, followed closely by Allie Grope with 8 points. Khamyah Howell added 11 points, while Phoebe Rusnak chipped in with 6 points, showcasing a balanced offensive effort.

Poland’s victory sets the stage for their upcoming matchup as they return home to host Girard on Thursday, eager to build on their early-season success. Meanwhile, Hubbard looks to rebound on the road as they travel to Niles, seeking a turnaround in their next conference showdown.