Tag Archive for: high School sports

A TIME WERNER CLASSIC

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CORTLAND OH—With an infectious smile and 100 career hits under her belt, Lakeview junior Kalyssa Werner is living a dream season on the softball diamond. The Bulldogs, fresh off an impressive campaign, are set to play in the state semifinals—a moment that Werner says still feels surreal. “It doesn’t hit you until afterwards,” Werner admitted in a recent interview on the YSN podcast. “I’m like, oh my goodness, we’re actually going to States. There’s no other team I’d rather be doing it with.”

Lakeview’s ascent hasn’t come by accident. Werner credits the team’s self-belief and bustling lineup, where every hitter boasts an average over .350 and anyone can step up when it matters most. “If I’m having an off day hitting, I know Kennedy behind me’s got me, Mac’s got me, Isabella… It can be anybody, honestly,” she explained. Werner recently surpassed 100 hits in her career—a milestone she didn’t even know she’d reached until her mom signaled from the stands. “I’m not a very stats person… I liked not knowing because it puts less pressure on you,” Werner said.

Despite being regarded as underdogs by outsiders, she says the Bulldogs stay focused on their own high standards. “We have such a great culture. What’s going on outside doesn’t really affect me,” she noted, highlighting the role of her supportive parents and coaches. There’s just one catch—Werner has never seen a “Star Wars” movie, a playful point of contention with her coach and teammates. “I like the princess movies,” she said with a laugh, promising to do her homework before next season. With a deep lineup and calm confidence, Kalyssa Werner and the Lakeview Bulldogs are ready to take their shot at state glory—no force required.

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DEARMITT HAS DESTINY ON HER SIDE

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LEAVITTSBURG OH-  LaBrae High School’s softball team is on a tear this season, and much of their success has been driven by the stellar play and humble leadership of sophomore standout Leah DeArmitt. Recently highlighted on the YSN Live podcast, DeArmitt discussed her pivotal role on a squad known for its unity, talent, and record-setting plays.

DeArmitt made headlines last weekend after a jaw-dropping diving catch in the outfield—a play that quickly went viral on social media. Despite the excitement, DeArmitt downplayed the moment, crediting her coach’s last-minute adjustment and her focus on just making the catch. “My coach moved me in the pitch before, and then it got hit over my head, but I just wanted to make the catch,” she said modestly. The Vikings, propelled by strong pitching and collective effort, have pushed deep into the playoffs with DeArmitt contributing both in the circle and as a reliable outfielder. She credits the program’s family-like atmosphere: “We all just work together collectively, and our coaches do a great job of keeping everyone excited and together. I think that’s just really special to have.”

Although she admits to being a quieter presence, DeArmitt has naturally stepped into a leadership role, inspired by upperclassmen before her and eager to set an example for younger players in the Labrae community. Off the field, DeArmitt enjoys English and history classes and is contemplating a future as a teacher. With interests in both softball and volleyball—she plays both at high levels—she’s still weighing which sport she might pursue in college. For now, with a district championship on the line and an entire community behind her, DeArmitt remains focused on the game. “I’m just kind of proud to play sports here. We have great programs, great coaches, and it’s been really fun playing for us,” she said. As LaBrae chases more wins, one thing’s for sure: Leah DeArmitt’s poised leadership and highlight-worthy plays are helping to put Levittsburg softball on the map.

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SONGER HITTING ALL THE NOTES

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HUBBARD OH— Freshman Layla Songer’s debut year at Hubbard High School has been nothing short of remarkable, making waves both in the classroom and on the softball field. In a recent appearance on the YSN podcast, Songer opened up about adjusting to high school athletics, her competitive drive, and the support that propels her forward.

Songer, who maintains a perfect academic record alongside a packed sports schedule, described the transition from middle school to high school as challenging but welcome. “The work is a lot harder up here. Sports are definitely more intense … but I like it a lot better than middle school,” she said. Already a leader in both offensive and defensive softball stats, Songer credits her years of travel ball experience for her poise as a varsity athlete. “What I was seeing in travel and what I was seeing in high school really wasn’t much different,” she noted. This background has fueled a confident start to her high school career, and she believes daily high school practices will only sharpen her skills for upcoming travel tournaments.

Songer is also quick to credit her support system, especially upperclassmen teammates like Haley Taylor and Lauren Komorak, as well as her family. She admits to persisting pregame rituals—like always putting on her socks and belt in her own room—and plenty of friendly rivalry with her older brother Braden, a standout on the baseball team. “Everything between me and him is always a competition,” Songer joked. With goals of reaching 1,000 career kills, digs, points, and 100 hits before graduation, Songer’s ambitions are set high. She hopes to play softball at the college level, and with her dedication, the future looks bright. “You have to surround yourself with people that you know will pick you up and not put you down,” she advises younger teammates. Layla Songer’s freshman season is proving that the Eagles’ promising star isn’t waiting for tomorrow—she’s making her impact felt today.

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WARRIORS HANDLE BUSINESS; SHUT DOWN SALEM

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SALEM, OH- West Branch stayed in control Wednesday night and knocked off rival Salem 6-2 in a steady all-around performance.

Salem struck first with a bases-loaded walk in the opening frame, but West Branch didn’t blink. Carson Wike roped a shot down the line to tie it up in the second, then the Warriors blew the game open in the fourth. Grady Close and Anthony Perry came up clutch with RBI singles, helping West Branch hang a four-spot and flip the momentum for good.

Wike got it done on the bump too, tossing five strong innings. He gave up just one hit and one earned while working around four walks. Dominic Fotheringham came in to slam the door with two clean innings of relief.

Offensively, Perry led the charge with two knocks, and Drake Stryffeler was chaos on the basepaths, swiping three bags. The Warriors worked six free passes and stole five bases total, putting constant pressure on Salem’s defense.

The Quakers couldn’t get much going at the plate—Ben Kuboff, Keegan Sommers, and Derek Oesch each had a hit, but the bats never found a rhythm.

West Branch is back in action Thursday, hitting the road to face Carrollton.

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EVANS IS ELITE EVERYWHERE SHE STEPS

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MCDONALD OH — Sophomore pitcher Aubrey Evans has quickly become a standout on McDonald High School’s softball team, earning recognition as one of the area’s top players, as highlighted in a recent episode of the YSN podcast.

Evans sat down with hosts Anthony Hartwig and DJ Yokley to reflect on her journey to the pitcher’s mound, where she’s now filling the shoes of last year’s senior starters. “It means a lot this year that I get to come in and take up that spot and fill in their shoes,” Evans shared, noting the hard work she put in during the offseason to prepare for her new leadership role. Transitioning from travel to high school softball came with surprises, including a grueling game schedule and the physical toll of pitching multiple times a week. “This week I think we’re playing five games in five days, so it’s a lot more tiring,” Evans said.

Despite these challenges, Evans has posted impressive numbers: an ERA just above 1.1 and more than 100 strikeouts, leading her team in innings pitched. While she admits to being naturally quiet, Evans is embracing the responsibilities that come with her pivotal role. “Just being nice to everybody and uplifting everybody in the dugout helps with leadership a lot as well,” she explained. Support from her coaches—and especially her father, who has been a constant presence and mentor—has been crucial to Evans’ development. “He helps me with whatever… he’s really helped me improve a lot,” she said.

Off the field, Evans enjoys spending time with her teammates, often gathering at local spots like Calaveras or nearby ice cream shops after games. With her star on the rise, Evans serves as both an inspiration and a source of pride for her tight-knit community. As for her competitive spirit, Evans didn’t shy away from a playful challenge: when asked if she’d pitch to the McDonald baseball team, she responded with a grin, “Some of them are kind of cocky, so maybe.” With her strong work ethic and positive attitude, Aubrey Evans is not only helping to lead her team—it’s clear she’s also writing the next exciting chapter of McDonald High School softball.

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CALLING CAPTAIN TAGGART

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WARREN, OH- On the latest episode of YSN, standout multi-sport athlete Taggart Carfangia joined hosts DJ Yokley and Anthony Hartwig for a memorable conversation that covered everything from his unique name’s origins to his impressive journey through sports and academics at Warren JFK.

Taggart’s unique first name has always sparked curiosity. But, as DJ Yokley quickly learned, its roots are both unexpected and memorable. “Where did the name Taggart come from?” DJ asked early in the interview.

Taggart shared, “So when my mother was younger, my mother and my, her sister, her sister had a boss and she didn’t like that boss too much. But my mom thought the name Taggart was super unique and she’d never heard of the name Taggart before, so that’s just what she went with.”

As DJ put it, “So you got named after a bum boss?” Taggart laughed, “I guess that’s how the story goes.”

Over his high school career, Taggart has earned a whopping ten varsity letters across golf, soccer, basketball, and baseball. When asked what drives him to compete in so many sports, Taggart credited his upbringing: “Growing up, I was a super athletic kid. My parents always pushed me and drove me to really be the best I could. My dad always told me, if you’re going to do something, do it at 110%.”

But balancing sports with academic and social life can be daunting. Taggart admits there are challenges: “I do get burnt out, just like everybody on this planet does—I’m human, we’re all human. Recovery is key… I like to keep my whole body in a correct order. I like to eat healthy, you know, after a game, maybe go get a smoothie or something, you know, really rebuild myself.” He also emphasizes the importance of friends and stepping away from sports, adding, “I like to hang out with my friends… just kind of keeping a level head, you know, taking care of my body is the real good key.”

It hasn’t all been smooth sailing. Taggart revealed that the summer before his senior year, he hit a major setback: “My junior year, summer, I tore both of my hip flexors, which is kind of a bummer because that’s really when you need your baseball and golf swing. But, you know, coming back from that, getting, having the best PT in the entire planet, just kind of got a grind through it… Since I can’t do a bunch of physical stuff, I just make sure my mental is all tough.”

Mental toughness and a support network played a huge role in his recovery: “If I’m having a bad game or something, [I] make sure I find ways to pick myself up and just keep going through it.”

Despite being a state champion in golf, Taggart chose to pursue baseball at the next level. “I started playing baseball when I was a very, very young age. My dad threw me in. He was like, you’re either gonna be good at it or you’re not. So I was like, okay, so I might as well, you know, be really good at it,” Taggart recalls. “The atmosphere, everything, just makes the love, my love for the sport grow.”

Leadership has been another central part of his story. Asked how he’s adjusted to shifting roles on the team—from underclassman to upperclassman, outfielder to shortstop—Taggart discussed the importance of nurturing younger players: “I like to take them in and, you know, show them what’s right, what’s wrong. And yes, that does come with some vocal things and some physical things, like maybe getting them riled up before a game or giving them a few words.”

He named a few underclassmen who have impressed him—like Landon Snyder (“he’s the best all around catcher I think I’ve seen at JFK”) and Lucas Mele (“our play styles are so similar”).

Taggart’s journey to play collegiate baseball at Chatham University was marked by persistence. “Junior year I struggled to get any offers but, you know, I always tried, tried, tried and tried. And that’s what I really pride myself in is I really never give up. I really don’t like to take no for an answer… I hammered the recruitment camps and everything.”

His advice for aspiring athletes? Never settle for less. “My father told me, always strive for greatness, never settle for less.”

Taggart plans to study business and finance at Chatham, but he remains open to where his academic journey takes him. As he steps into college life, he’s excited about independence but admits leaving the nest is a little nerve-wracking: “One thing that makes me nervous is being away from my parents, actually not having that guidance… But I think that my parents have given me the right—the correct steps to be able to live life on my own.”

In closing, Taggart credits his parents and role models for molding him into the young man he is today: “It’s always been my parents. And then two of the guys that I really give props to is my cousin Jacob Carfangia and Hubbard’s Andrew Kali. Those two guys went to play college ball. I looked up to those guys. They took me in when I was a freshman and they showed me the ropes… It really inspired me to chase greatness.”

With dedication, resilience, and a sense of humor about a name most often mispronounced, Taggart Carfangia leaves behind a legacy at Warren JFK—and the promise of even more achievements ahead.

NOTHING BUT CLEAR SKIES

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MINERAL RIDGE OH- Skylar Leach’s journey to the Middle Ridge softball team is a story about finding courage, building connections, and embracing leadership—especially when it matters most. As a senior, Skylar joined the team for her first and only year of fast-pitch softball, a choice she admits was influenced by both a nudge from Coach Will and a desire to do something memorable before graduating. Although she originally wanted to play as a freshman, nerves got the best of her. That changed when Coach Will, who previously coached her to a basketball championship and was her teacher at Gerard, reached out to invite her for one last season together. His familiar encouragement helped push her out of her comfort zone.

Transitioning from slow pitch to fast pitch wasn’t entirely foreign to Skylar—she brought years of experience and a solid base of knowledge with her. Yet, the switch did challenge her, particularly in adjusting her hitting skills. Right from the start, she stepped into a leadership role as a senior on a team full of new faces, bringing energy and positivity, especially to the younger players. Skylar made it her mission to lift others’ spirits and lead by example, determined to keep energy levels high and remind everyone of the fun and family that Middle Ridge softball is all about.

Her time on the team strengthened her bond with classmates and helped her create new friendships, particularly with the freshmen she might not have otherwise gotten to know. The sense of togetherness and “team over me” mentality is what she cherishes most about the group. She works hard to recover quickly from mistakes, knowing her mood can influence her teammates, and sees leadership as helping others keep their heads up—even on tough days.

Off the field, Skylar’s enthusiasm for school shines through. She loves English and biology classes, credits a few influential teachers at both Gerard and Middle Ridge (like her second-grade teacher, Ms. Napa), and has a special fondness for “The Outsiders”—both the book and the movie. As for music, her walk-up song “California Love” sets the tone before games, and her playlists range from hype rap like Drake and Eminem to country tunes.

Looking forward, Skylar plans to attend YSU in the fall and study early childhood education, a path inspired by her teachers and her desire to stay close to family. She sees her grandfather, who cares for her grandmother, as a role model of strength and selflessness. The lessons she’s learned from him—like not sweating the small stuff—help her through tough days.

Beyond academics and athletics, Skylar lives in a lively household filled with pets, especially her beloved French bulldog, who she thinks could easily become the team mascot. She’ll miss the tight-knit, spirited atmosphere of Middle Ridge, from fun school events to dugout snacks and chants. But more than anything, she’s grateful—for the family, coaches, teammates, and community who’ve supported her every step of the way. The conversation closes with Skylar reflecting on her journey, expressing gratitude, and embracing the excitement—and bittersweetness—of reaching the end of this chapter. She’s ready to give her all for the rest of the season, hoping to finish as a champion, and carry the lessons of leadership, family, and hard work into whatever comes next.

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NIGHT OF THE HUNTER

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Berlin Center, OH – Western Reserve junior Hunter Stacy continues to make headlines as one of the top baseball talents in the area, earning repeated YSN All-Star honors and catching the attention of teams and fans alike. In a recent profile on the YSN podcast, Stacy opened up about his mindset, work ethic, and what fuels his standout performances on the field.

With an unwavering commitment to improvement, Stacy explained that he’s driven not just by natural talent but by constant dedication. “I don’t want to just even out—I want to keep getting better exponentially,” Stacy shared, noting that even during basketball season he puts in extra work, whether it’s extra batting practice or weight training. Baseball’s mental demands are famous, and Stacy credits his ambition to play at the college level for keeping him resilient after bad games. “If I give up on myself, then the idea of going to the next level is further away,” he said. Each day, he mentally resets, approaching the game with fresh determination.

On the mound, Stacy embraces competition and welcomes the challenges that come with being a marked opponent. “I like going best on best, and I feel like it makes everyone else around you better,” he said, seeing every big matchup as a learning opportunity. Aside from his athletic prowess, Stacy is a self-described math enthusiast and enjoys hands-on learning through his building trades class—which he pairs with the support of his family, especially his parents and grandparents, who have supported his passion from the start.

Asked about his baseball idols and jersey number, Stacy credits Major League first basemen Anthony Rizzo and Paul Goldschmidt as inspirations for wearing number 44. He takes special pride in his left-handed swing, a feature that’s earned praise from rival coaches. Whether it’s hundreds of swings in a single practice or competing for Western Reserve in front of a supportive community, Stacy was quick to credit the Blue Devils’ team chemistry and local backing. “Just to go out there and show up for your community…they’re always there to support,” he said. “It’s our responsibility to go out there and show them what we’re made of.” With his work ethic and love of the sport, Hunter Stacy is poised for an exciting future—one that Western Reserve baseball fans will be eagerly following.

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CRESTVIEW BASEBALL COACH’S CORNER WITH TODD KIBBY (FEATURING GARY KNITTLE 4-10-25)

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COLUMBIANA, OH- In a recent episode of YSN’s “Crestview Baseball Coach’s Corner,” hosts DJ Yokley and Anthony Hartwig welcomed two prominent figures from the Crestview Rebels, Head Coach Todd Kibby and Assistant Coach Gary Knittle. The episode was a mix of reminiscing, sharing insights, and candid discussions about the realities of coaching baseball in unpredictable weather conditions.

Right from the start, Coach Todd Kibby expressed a sentiment that many coaches in the area would resonate with. “Good,” he replied when asked about his current state, “Just be nice if the weather would break and we could play some consistent baseball adventure every day.” This longing for stable weather was a recurring theme throughout the conversation, reflecting the challenges coaches face in keeping their teams engaged when Mother Nature doesn’t cooperate.

Assistant Coach Gary Knittle mirrored Kibby’s sentiments, “As Coach Kibby said, I think we’d rather be outside and see a little bit of sun, but I guess we’ll settle for this.” Despite these challenges, both coaches demonstrated an optimistic outlook and a commitment to nurturing local talent. Knittle highlighted the significance of the talent pool in the area, recalling the past achievements and the continuing journey of local players. “You mentioned the local talent, and we get asked all the time. There’s a lot of talent in this area, and, you know, and we’re very fortunate.”

The conversation also delved into the dynamics of keeping a team motivated when weather and schedules disrupt regular play. According to Kibby, “Keeping the guys with their task on hand, especially with us, where we have a good mixture of young guys, but getting them that exposure and that experience out of the gate is hard.” It’s a delicate balance of managing practice, ensuring readiness, and building resilience.

Knittle’s transition from retirement back to coaching was another key highlight. “He made me an offer I couldn’t refuse. I mean, it’s pretty simple. It’s like the Godfather,” he chuckled, describing his return to the fold under Coach Kibby. This camaraderie and shared history between the coaches evidently strengthen their team’s foundation.

The episode was not just an insight into Crestview Baseball but also a reflection on the commitment and passion these coaches bring to their roles despite frequent obstacles. As Kibby aptly summarized, “Every day is a new adventure… It’s done. Nothing else you can do.” For listeners and aspiring coaches, the episode stands as a testament to perseverance and adaptability.

 

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CAMPBELL AND SPRINGFIELD SPLIT TWINBILL

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STRUTHERS, OH- Game One: Campbell Memorial 9, Springfield 7

The Campbell Memorial Red Devils rode a six-run second inning to outlast Springfield 9-7 in the opener of Tuesday’s doubleheader.

Springfield struck first with an RBI single from Alec Fusco in the top of the first, but a fielding error in the bottom half allowed Campbell to knot things up quickly. In the second, Springfield jumped back in front, capitalizing on a Red Devil error and RBI singles from Noah Troggio and Greyson Seifert.

Then came the turning point.

Campbell Memorial erupted for six runs in their half of the second despite managing just two hits. A crucial error by Springfield opened the floodgates, allowing the Red Devils to take a 7-4 lead. Jared Colon added insurance in the third with a two-run single that pushed the margin to five.

Springfield mounted a comeback with a pair of runs on a groundout and a single, but Campbell held on late to secure the win.

Malik Young went five innings on the bump to earn the win, allowing 10 hits but only two earned runs while striking out three. Josue Rodriguez led the Red Devils at the plate with two hits, while Colon and Young each drove in a pair. Troggio had a perfect day for Springfield, going 4-for-4 to lead their 10-hit effort.

Game Two: Springfield 11, Campbell Memorial 1

Springfield wasted no time flipping the script in game two, hanging an eight-spot in the bottom of the first and cruising to an 11-1 win.

Campbell Memorial once again drew first blood, with Malik Young driving in a run in the top of the first. But Springfield answered with a fury—four hits, six walks, and a costly Red Devil error powered an eight-run outburst that put the game out of reach early.

Springfield tacked on insurance in the second and third, including RBI singles by Jack Plant and Jackson Ensley. Plant was a spark plug from the eight spot, going 2-for-2 with three RBIs.

Rodriguez took the loss for Campbell, though none of the nine runs charged to him were earned. Young, Rodriguez, and Pano Kolidakis each had one hit for the Red Devils.

Springfield’s defense played clean behind Payton Novak, who tossed three innings of three-hit ball with five punchouts.

Campbell Memorial (1-1 on the day) will regroup and get ready to host Chaney on Thursday.