Tag Archive for: High School

HOBAN GETS SECOND STRAIGHT OVER THE LEOPARDS

AKRON OH— Hoban wasted no time flexing their muscle on Tuesday, jumping on Louisville early and never letting up in an 8-0 shutout win.

The Knights set the tone right out of the gate. Andrew Karhoff smoked a two-run double in the first, and Breyan Stewart followed with an RBI single to make it 3-0 before Louisville could blink.

Brady Wachter kept the offense rolling in the third, ripping a triple to center to plate two more. In the fourth, Stewart launched a solo shot and Colt Andrews drove in another on a double play ball, pushing the lead to 7-0.

Karhoff was just as sharp on the mound as he was at the plate. The righty threw six scoreless innings, scattering three hits and striking out six while keeping Louisville hitters off balance all game long. Peyton Weigand came in to finish it off with a clean inning of relief.

Wachter, Karhoff, and Stewart each had a pair of hits and two RBI to lead the charge. The Knights worked the count all day, drawing seven walks, with Grady Falkenstein picking up two of them. Nico Cella was a menace on the bases, swiping three bags as Hoban racked up four steals overall.

Louisville managed four hits in the game but couldn’t string anything together. They turned one double play defensively, but the damage had already been done. Hoban heads to Steele on Thursday with momentum on their side and all phases clicking.

BROOKFIELD GETS SECOND STRAIGHT ONE RUN WIN

BROOKFIELD OH-  Brookfield scratched out a 4-3 win over Newton Falls on Monday, leaning on a fast start and some clutch swings early. The Warriors got rolling right away when Madison Obermiyer dropped a single into the outfield to cash in the game’s first run.

Newton Falls didn’t blink, though. They answered in the second with a pair of RBI singles to take a 2-1 lead and put the pressure back on Brookfield. But Brookfield had an answer of their own. Mya Jumper cracked a two-run triple to the gap to flip the lead right back, and Obermiyer stayed hot with another RBI knock to make it 4-2 by the end of the second. That would be just enough.

Obermiyer took care of the rest in the circle. The lefty went the distance, scattering six hits and striking out seven to lock down the win.

At the plate, Obermiyer couldn’t miss, going 3-for-3 to lead the charge. Jumper drove in a pair, and Elaina Boyce chipped in two hits and swiped a couple bags to keep the offense moving. Brookfield’s defense came through when it had to, turning a key double play to stop a Newton Falls rally.

Newton Falls got some big swings from Madison Davis, Madalyn Knight, and Addison Garro, and Hanna Wright had a nice day at the plate going 2-for-3, but they couldn’t find the big inning late to pull even. These two squads are right back at it Tuesday, this time at Newton Falls.

 

BADGER SLIDES THROUGH THE SKIPPERS

FAIRPORT OH-  Badger had the bats humming and the arms dealing Monday, rolling over Fairport 15-0.

Samantha Bradbury was a nightmare for Fairport pitching, stacking up three hits — two doubles and a single — to help power the Braves’ offense all afternoon.

Badger wasted no time lighting up the scoreboard. Riley Thomas punched a single to right, Reghan Broadwater followed with a double to left, Sarah Miller roped a double to center, and before Fairport could blink, they were chasing five runs out of the first.

The Braves weren’t done. They kept pouring it on in the second and third, cashing in on errors, fielder’s choices, and patience at the plate. Badger worked 15 free passes on the day and made every mistake hurt.

Bradbury got it done in the circle too, tossing four innings of one-hit ball, striking out six and walking just two to grab the win. Madison Lindus came in and slammed the door with a clean inning in relief.

Badger finished with 11 hits overall. Thomas and Bradbury tore it up back-to-back in the lineup, each racking up three knocks. Miller, Broadwater, Thomas, and Autumn Yesko all drove in a pair. Kiyah Scharfenberg showed great patience, drawing three walks, and Lindus ran wild on the bases, swiping three bags.

The defense backed it up, flashing leather all game long with no errors. Broadwater led the way with seven putouts. Fairport struggled to find anything at the plate but got a hit from Sadler to break up the no-no. Badger heads to Bristol on Tuesday looking to keep the momentum rolling.

 

5TH INNING BOMB BOOSTS BOARDMAN PAST HERALDS

Photo Credit: JJ Pawlowski

ASHTABULA, OH – A nine-run outburst in the fifth inning proved too much for the Saint John Heralds to overcome, as they fell to the visiting Boardman Spartans, 13-3, on Thursday afternoon at Smith Field.

Boardman got on the board in the top of the second inning when Kaden Mayhew reached on a fielder’s choice that brought in the game’s first run. The Spartans extended their lead in the third as Donovan Whippo roped a double to center, plating two more runs.

The fifth inning was the difference-maker, as Boardman erupted for nine runs on six hits. Ryan Neifer started the rally with a two-run single, and an error allowed another run to cross. Vince Butto followed with a two-RBI single, Mayhew tagged up to score on a fly ball, Tyler Kirlik knocked in a run with a single, and Whippo capped the frame with a two-run homer over the left field fence.

Kirlik earned the win on the mound for the Spartans, tossing 3.2 innings. He allowed four hits and three runs, striking out five while walking four. Saint John starter Aaron Wychock was tagged with the loss, going two innings and giving up four runs on three hits with five walks and one strikeout.

Saint John got on the board thanks to RBIs from Ezra Campbell, Wychock, and Ryan Williams. Wychock was a bright spot at the plate for the Heralds, finishing 2-for-3 to lead the team in hits.

Boardman tallied nine hits in total, with Whippo powering the offense. He went 3-for-4 with four RBIs and a home run. Kirlik also contributed two hits in three at-bats, while Ivan Rudiak and Cory Pekkanen each drew two walks as part of the Spartans’ disciplined approach at the plate, finishing the day with seven total free passes.

Saint John will look to bounce back on Friday as they remain at home to host Pymatuning Valley.

FLASH FORWARD: MADDISON’S RISE

By Ty Bartell

WARREN OH- As the 2025 high school softball season is upon us, The Champion Golden Flashes are one of the teams with a lot of talk surrounding them. One of the players that will look to be a spark plug as a bridge player for The Flashes offense will be junior Maddison Sylvester! Batting .281 last year and starting in all 27 games her sophomore year, Sylvester has played in 56 varsity games for Champion since her freshman season. “Definitely being a freshman on varsity was very, very nerve wracking. I’m so glad I got to experience it, though, because it was a great experience knowing everybody that I’ve known and having coached by Coach Weaver.” Sylvester said. She will rely on that experience going forward as she looks to take the next step as a softball player.

With that growth and development the last couple seasons, Sylvester, like all softball players, had to battle slumps. One again, Sylvester relies on her experience to overcome adversity, “I like to take a minute and think about all the things that I’ve already been through and all the slumps that I’ve already overpassed. And I know that I can get past it. Just reminding myself that I’ve done it before and I can do it again. That definitely helps me get through it.” Sylvester said.

With the way she has grown and continues to grow, Sylvester serves as a beacon for incoming freshmen playing for a prestigious softball program like Champion. “Freshman year can be tough, especially in a program like ours, but if you just believe in yourself, you’ll find your place. Don’t be afraid to speak up and take chances, because everyone is there to help you succeed.” Sylvester said. As an upper-classmen this season, Sylvester will look to use her voice to help the younger players more this year. “It’s going to help me going into junior year because I know what I can handle and I know how much pressure I can put on myself and know what I’m goinginto. I’ve been through a lot of the same challenges already, so I feel more prepared and confident to step up and really take on more of a leadership role this season.” Sylvester said.

Catch Maddison and all of her Flashes teammates this season with live games, scores, stats, stories and more on Your Sports Network!

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FALCONS HAVE ANOTHER CAROLINA CRUSHFEST

By Ty Bartell

NORTH MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. — Austintown-Fitch wrapped up its trip to The Grand Strand Classic on a high note Thursday, rolling past The Paul VI Panthers out of Chantilly, Virginia by a score of 13-2 in five innings to improve to 13-2 on the season. The Falcons have now won three straight, outscoring opponents 48-3 during that run.

Freshman lefty Tori Greathouse remained unbeaten, allowing five hits and two unearned runs while walking three. Keeping Paul VI in check through five innings. Fitch struck early with three runs in the first. Kaliana Ray and Alyssa Rodgers reached on bunts and scored on a Panther error and Morgan Roby’s sacrifice fly. Abby Toth followed with her team-leading fifth home run, a two-run shot to left.

The Falcons added five more in the second, fueled by three walks and an RBI double from Toth. In the third, Ray tripled in a run before Rodgers delivered a two-run inside-the-park homer to make it 11-0. Fitch added single runs in the fourth and fifth, while Paul VI (11-10) scored twice in the fourth after a walk and an outfield error.

Ray finished 3-for-3 with three runs and an RBI. Rodgers went 3-for-4 with three RBI, and Toth added two hits and three RBI. Fitch totaled 12 hits and committed one error, while the Panthers had five hits and three errors.

ABBY HOJDILA THE FLYING BOBCAT

BEAVER PA- Beaver’s very own Abby Hojdila has been garnering attention for her extraordinary performances on the softball field. Known for a jaw-dropping play that transformed her into a local legend, Abby passionately described the maneuver that saw her leaping over a catcher to score a crucial run. This play was not just a show of athleticism but one that embodied her instinct for the game.

Beyond her spectacular plays, Abby is a key player in the Beaver softball team and a role model for younger athletes. She highlighted her journey from being a young girl inspired by her brother’s baseball games to becoming a leader on the field starting her freshman year when she began playing varsity. Abby now takes pride in leading her team, emphasizing the importance of teamwork and enjoying the sport. A passionate follower of softball beyond her high school games, Abby plays with the Ohio Athletics during the travel season, training at high-level facilities that she now calls a second home. She dreams of playing in college with aspirations to study animal science or biology, proving her ambition stretches beyond the diamond.

In a candid chat during the podcast episode on YSN, her insights on softball, leadership, and future aspirations were both inspiring and heartwarming. Abby embodies what it means to be a student-athlete, balancing her dedication to her sport with her academic ambitions seamlessly. In yellow Hummer style, her arrival at games is as memorable as her prowess on the field. Abby Hojdila continues to set an example for her peers and remains a treasured athlete in the Beaver community.

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LADY HERALDS GRAB FIRST SEASON WIN OVER PANTHERS

Ashtabula, OH — Isabelle Holler delivered a dominant performance in the circle on Friday evening, striking out 12 batters to lead the Saint John Heralds to a 6-4 victory over the visiting Bristol Panthers in Northeastern Athletic Conference (NAC) action.

Holler went the distance for the Heralds, allowing 11 hits and four earned runs over seven innings while walking just two. Her command and composure on the mound helped Saint John battle back from an early deficit and hold off a late push from Bristol.

The Panthers broke through in the top of the fourth inning. M. Workman singled to bring in the game’s first run, and A. Atchinson followed with a two-run double to give Bristol a 3-0 lead.

Saint John answered in the bottom of the fifth. A wild pitch allowed a run to score, then Maddie Holler came up clutch with a bases-clearing double that gave the Heralds a 5-4 advantage.

Gianna Torres added a spark for the Heralds, ripping a triple and scoring twice on the night to help fuel the comeback. Her aggressive base running and timely hitting proved to be key in a close contest.

Isabelle Holler also contributed offensively, driving in three runs and going 1-for-1 at the plate. Caitlyn Carney helped set the tone at the top of the lineup, collecting two hits in four at-bats.

Workman took the loss for Bristol, pitching five and one-third innings while allowing five runs on four hits. She struck out seven and walked three. At the plate, she led the Panthers with a 4-for-5 effort. Atchinson chipped in with a 2-for-4 performance and two RBIs.

Bristol finished with 11 hits and was sharp defensively, committing no errors. S. Gibson led the team in the field with eight chances.

The Heralds (1-0) will look to stay unbeaten as they hit the road Monday for another NAC matchup against Bloomfield.

THE PRICE IS RIGHT IN JEFFERSON

The Jefferson Falcons softball team is set to embark on an exciting season under the leadership of first-year head coach Nick Price. While this may be his first year at the helm, Price is no stranger to the program, having been on the coaching staff since 2019. With over a decade of coaching experience in both travel and high school softball, Price is ready to guide the Falcons through a season filled with promise and potential.

In a recent Coaches Corner interview with YSN’s Sam Torres, Price discussed his transition to head coach, the talent returning to the roster, and the expectations for the upcoming season. Despite the new responsibilities that come with the head coaching role, Price has embraced the challenge, with media obligations being one of the few unexpected adjustments. “The media stuff, really,” Price admitted when asked what has caught him off guard. “Between newspapers and interviews, that was always done by the previous coach. But everything else has been the same, just like running travel.”

One advantage for Price is his familiarity with the program and its players. The Falcons return six starters from last year’s team, a strong foundation for building success. While the departure of three key starters initially posed a concern, a standout freshman, Alaina Barress, has stepped up in a big way. “We walked in a freshman, Alaina Barress, who does not play like a freshman,” Price said. “It’s probably the best outfield Jefferson’s had in quite some time.”

The team is anchored by a strong group of seniors, led by standout Allison Hill. “I think she’s the best player in the county,” Price stated confidently. “Experienced kid, hard worker, I’ve never seen anybody outwork her. Selfless player. Huge bat.” Another key senior, Marillia Matuz, is making the move from third base to shortstop, a transition she has handled seamlessly. “It doesn’t seem like she’s never played there. Great stick, contact hitter, strong arm,” Price added.

Junior Kennidie Rogers is another returning player poised for a big year. Moving back to center field, her natural position in travel ball, Rogers brings a powerful bat and explosive potential. “The one goal I gave her is to keep her emotions in check. Play each at-bat like it’s the first one. She does that, and she’s going to light the world on fire.”

Beyond the experienced upperclassmen, younger players are making their presence felt. Alongside Barris, sophomore Julia Sprague and junior Riley DeMattea are expected to contribute significantly. “Julia has come a long way in one year, and I’m looking for her to really compete,” Price said. “Riley just keeps getting better and better with the bat. Defensively, she’s strong.”

Perhaps the most crucial component to Jefferson’s success will be its pitching. Price acknowledges that the team’s young pitchers had a tough freshman year but sees major growth heading into this season. “Coming into this year, I got two good ones. I think you can put them on any other team in the county besides maybe Edgewood, and they would be a starter,” he explained. “I’m excited, and I got two of them. Their arms are going to be fresh come playoff time.”

With a deep lineup of hitters, a vastly improved pitching staff, and a group of dedicated athletes putting in extra work outside of high school ball, Jefferson is poised for a strong campaign. “They work hard. A lot of people don’t see that,” Price noted, emphasizing the players’ commitment to private coaching, travel ball, and weight training. “They’re getting coached well, and it’s making my job a lot easier when I get them into high school.”

As the season gets underway, all eyes will be on the Falcons to see how they perform under Price’s leadership. With a mix of veteran leadership and emerging young talent, Jefferson looks ready to compete at a high level. Expect the Falcons to be a team to watch come playoff time, as Price’s squad aims to make a deep run in his inaugural season as head coach.

STOUFFER IS ALWAYS FRESH

NEW MIDDLETOWN OH- Springfield  senior Hannah Stouffer is in the spotlight on the latest YSN Player Profile.  As she prepares to wrap up her high school journey, Stouffer opened up about the bittersweet emotions of her final year playing softball, a sport she’s been dedicated to for years.

Reflecting on these past four years, Hannah admits a whirlwind of emotions, balancing between excitement for the future and nostalgia for the memories made on the field. “I’m ready for it to be over, but at the same time, looking back…I’m just going to miss it,” she shared. Drawing from her experience in both softball and soccer, Stouffer talks about her transition into a leadership role. Alongside fellow seniors Olivia Allen and Sarah, she strives to set a positive example for younger teammates, emphasizing the influence of attitude and readiness on team dynamics.

Off the field, Hannah is a high-achieving student with a 3.97 GPA and plans to pursue nursing at Youngstown State University, inspired by her mother’s career in the medical field. Balancing academics with athletics has been no small feat, yet one she’s most proud of. Stouffer also disclosed her love for reading and true crime documentaries—a pastime that offers her a mental break from her busy schedule. The kind of balance one needs while aiming for her simple yet ambitious goal this softball season: “Win games.” As Hannah gears up to take on new challenges post-graduation, she’s deeply grateful for the unwavering support of her family, coaches, and friends. Her reflections on high school life underscore the impact of community in cultivating growth and accomplishment.

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