Tag Archive for: High School

WARRIORS START OFF BEACH WEEK WITH A BASH

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Photo Credit Dominic Hall

Story contributed by Larry Jennings

Vera Beach, Florida- The Edgewood Warriors commenced their 2024 season with a resounding 13-3 victory, invoking the mercy rule against the Westby Norsemen from Westby, Wisconsin. The clash took place at the former LA Dodgers spring training facility in Vero Beach, Florida.

Despite the Norsemen notching a run in the opening frame, the Warriors swiftly retaliated. Zane Naylor’s bases-loaded hit-by-pitch drove in their first run, followed by Aidan Hernandez’s single, bringing home pinch runner Logan Randolph for Tony Hall. Riley Baldwin’s solid line drive plated two more, with Caleb Johnson’s double extending the lead to 6-1 after the first inning.

In the bottom of the second, Alex Sperduto’s sacrifice fly added another run for the Warriors, while Westby managed to score one more in the top of the third.

As Westby threatened in the fifth, loading the bases and scoring one run, Alex Sperduto replaced Anthony Ciesicki on the mound, striking out the next two batters to halt the momentum.

The Warriors unleashed a barrage of offense in the bottom of the fifth, tallying six more runs through a combination of hits, wild pitches, and walks, sealing the 13-3 victory under the mercy rule.

The game was not without its physical toll, as the Warriors endured a total of seven hit-by-pitches, ensuring they might feel a few bruises come Thursday morning.

Tony Hall and Riley Baldwin led the Warriors in hits with two each, with Baldwin also topping the team with three runs batted in, highlighting their impactful contributions to the team’s triumphant season opener.

 

BERNIE BRINGS IT BACK!

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YOUNGSTOWN, OH- Local legend and former football quarterback Bernie Kosar, known for his career with the Cleveland Browns and the University of Miami, shared valuable insights and experiences during a special interview for the YSN podcast. The interview was part of the lead-up to the YSN slam dunk contest taking place at Boardman High School.

Kosar expressed gratitude for being able to contribute to the YSN event and outlined the importance of community involvement and giving back. He emphasized the challenges that young athletes face today, particularly in dealing with pressures and anxieties, and highlighted the need for holistic approaches to mental well-being.

During the interview, Kosar also touched on the lessons he learned through sports, emphasizing discipline, respect, and the value of competing on and off the field. He discussed the impact of sports on young athletes, emphasizing the importance of nurturing life skills and holistic development.
Additionally, Kosar shared his personal journey in dealing with health challenges and the importance of seeking natural and holistic approaches to well-being. He spoke openly about the adverse effects of certain medications and the responsibility he feels in sharing his experiences to support others in making informed decisions regarding their health.

Kosar’s heartfelt and candid reflections were a source of inspiration for many, and his commitment to giving back to his community and supporting the next generation of athletes was evident throughout the interview.

The YSN event, set to take place, promises to not only showcase athletic talent but also underscore the importance of community involvement and support. Kosar’s participation has added an extra layer of significance to the event, and his message of resilience, self-improvement, and community engagement is sure to resonate with attendees.

As the YSN event approaches, the community eagerly anticipates the positive impact that Kosar’s insights and the overall event will bring to local sports and the community at large.

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DON’T DOUBT DOTA

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MINERAL RIDGE, OH- 8th grade standout Delaney Dota recently sat down with DJ Yokley for an exclusive interview at the Post Office Pub in Mineral Ridge. Delaney, a multi-sport athlete, shared her thoughts on her impressive basketball season, future aspirations, and the support she receives from her family.

Delaney expressed her excitement and nervousness about transitioning to high school, emphasizing the need for hard work and team growth to match the level of high school competition. She also highlighted the importance of running and cross country in preparing her for basketball and her dedication to improving her game, particularly in becoming more aggressive on the court.

During the interview, Delaney revealed her highest-scoring game as 19 points and her desire to expand her shooting range beyond the banned three-point line. She also credited her uncle and family, especially her father, for instilling the discipline and work ethic that have contributed to her success.

As she looks ahead to her future in high school, Delaney’s leadership and commitment to improvement are sure to make her a key player to watch in the coming years.

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YSN HSGBB TOP 25 RELEASED FOR 1/24/24

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EAST PALESTINE, OH- As the high school basketball season continues to unfold, the Your Sports Network (YSN) Power Rankings provide a comprehensive overview of the top 25 teams in the region. The rankings are determined by various factors, including the Rating Percentage Index (RPI), winning percentage (WP), opponent winning percentage (OWP), and opponent’s opponent winning percentage (OOWP) as well as recent performance.

1. Archbishop Hoban (Akron)
– **RPI:** 0.721562
– **WP:** 0.866667
– **OWP:** 0.66083
– **OOWP:** 0.574419
– **W/L:** 13-2

2. Edgewood (Ashtabula)
– **RPI:** 0.715708
– **WP:** 1.000
– **OWP:** 0.525102
– **OOWP:** 0.527691
– **W/L:** 13-0

 3. Crestview (Columbiana)
– **RPI:** 0.67789
– **WP:** 1.000
– **OWP:** 0.423489
– **OOWP:** 0.518673
– **W/L:** 18-0

4. West Branch (Beloit) – 0.675868

5. Boardman (Youngstown) – 0.657206

6. Columbiana – 0.655372

7. Badger (Kinsman) – 0.627107

8. John F. Kennedy Catholic (Warren) – 0.626759

9. Mineral Ridge – 0.626306

10. Howland (Warren) – 0.635695

11. Poland Seminary (Poland) – 0.591082

12. Austintown-Fitch (Youngstown) – 0.620001

13. Champion (Warren) – 0.605771

14. LaBrae (Leavittsburg) – 0.605042

15. Grand Valley (Orwell) – 0.604298

16. Springfield (New Middletown) – 0.603216

17. Canfield – 0.609369

18. Southern (Salineville) – 0.564397

19. Pymantuning Valley (Andover) – 0.554817

20.  United (Hanoverton) – 0.54949

21. Ursuline (Youngstown) – 0.548587

22. Western Reserve (Berlin Center) – 0.540896

23. East Liverpool – 0.537738

24. Jefferson Area (Jefferson) – 0.525881

25. Chaney (Youngstown) – 0.524846

 

On the Bubble 
Teams on the bubble are knocking on the door of the top 25 and could break in with strong performances in upcoming games.

Mohawk

Girard

Jackson-Milton (North Jackson)

Wellsville

East Palestine

Heartland Christian (Columbiana)

Windham

Beaver Local (Lisbon)

Salem

Cardinal Mooney (Youngstown)

South Range (Canfield)

As the season progresses, keep an eye on these bubble teams, as they aim to secure a coveted spot in the YSN Power Rankings’ top 25. Stay tuned for more exciting high school basketball action!

WRESTLING WEDNESDAYS WITH GARY ALTHISER (EP 4) FEATURING NICK BOWSER

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The Wrestling season is starting to hear up as the callender inches closer to January.  With our YSN grapplers getting into the groove of the season, we start to see who is going to be separating themselves from the rest.  YSN’s wrestling guru, and the head coach at Wellsville Gary Althiser joins Anthony Hartwig on Running Point for another edition of Wrestling Wednesdays.  They discuss the hot start Beaver Local is out to, West Brach sending their first girls team representative to a match in school history, and much more.

Also in the Episode, special guest Nick Bowser from Hubbard.  Nick is one of the area, and states best heavyweight wrestlers.  His sophomore he missed out on a trip to state thanks to a tough 1-0 decision and last season although he pushed through to Columbus, injuries hampered his ability to shine the way he knows how on that stage.  That just means the lights are ready to shine the brightest in his senior season.  He’s certainly no stranger to big time wrestling. He has clear goals to be the first wrestler to bring a trophy back to Hubbard. The road is long, the journey is tough, but what can’t Bowser do? Enjoy Episode 4 of Wrestling Wednesdays with special guest Nick Bowser.

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POLAND DEFENSE STRIKES AGAIN

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By Matt Maher 


GIRARD, OH – Another game, another Bulldogs Win thanks to a fantastic offensive effort and aggressive Defense. Poland had eight guys find tallies on the scoresheet resulting in a complete team 39-23 victory on the road against the Indians.

 

Girard was the better team in the first quarter, out scoring Poland 7-4. Poland started off the game with a quick 3-pointer but quickly found themselves down 6-2 and eventually gave up a free throw from Ahmad Curd. Allen Hess-Cardona put up four points in the first to help the Indians get off on the right foot. For Poland the exclamation mark was the opening three made by Andrew Todd.

 

The Bulldogs were much more sound offensively and defensively and put up 10 points to Girards three. Cole Fulton was the talk of the town, finding all four of his points at the free throw line going 4-for-6 in the quarter. Paul Greco hit a three and Oliver McCully found three of his own with a bucket and went 1-for-2 at the line. Girards lone three points came from the hands of Nick Rafferty.

 

Halftime was no cause for hesitation from Poland as they kept up the pressure they built and scored 11 points over Girard including five points from Oliver McCully and Fulton put up his first and only field goal by draining in a two. For Girard Dom Phillips found himself four points and Hess-Cardona added two more to his total.

 

The Bulldogs continued to play well through he fourth and found 14 more points with six of them coming from Todd and the other eight coming from five different scorers. Girard would match their highest scoring quarter, the first, with seven more points from Phillips (5) and Stephen Sims (2). 

 

While both teams showed good defense it was the overall power of the Bulldogs scorers that would be the difference maker in this game. Todd ended with 10 points, McCully with eight and Fulton with seven to help lead their team to the victory. Girard was led by Dom Phillips who was the only other scorer to reach double digits with 11 and Hess-Cardona who put up six points.

 

The Bulldogs (4-1, 2-0) will show off their skills next when they host Niles on Tuesday December 19th at 7:00PM and the Indians (0-4, 0-2) will hit the road when they face Salem on the 19th as well with their start time being scheduled for 6:45PM.

ORANGE GIRLS BASKETBALL COACH’S CORNER (EP 1) WITH LASHAWN BROWN

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PEPPER PIKE, OH- In the premiere episode of the YSN podcast, “Orange Girls Basketball Coach’s Corner,” host DJ Yokley sits down with the renowned La’Shawn Brown, head coach of the Orange High School’s girls basketball team. With an impressive 14-year coaching career and a legendary basketball background herself, Brown offers a captivating glimpse into her life and coaching philosophy.

For Brown, basketball was not initially on her radar. Standing as the tallest girl in her high school and middle school, she originally had ambitions to pursue track. However, she was encouraged to give basketball a try, despite facing the setback of having lost her fingers in an accident at a young age. Overcoming this challenge, Brown showcased her skills and had a breakthrough sophomore year at Heights High School, paving the way for a storied basketball career.

Through her personal adversities, Brown developed resilience and discipline, instilled in her by her grandmother, who taught her to view herself no differently from anyone else. The experience of being treated like any other player and accepting her amputated hand propelled her to excel on and off the court.

As the head coach of the Orange girls basketball team, Brown is grateful for the opportunity to build a strong program and elevate her team’s level of play. She acknowledges the progress made in her inaugural year as head coach and expresses high expectations for the upcoming season. Brown commends her players’ dedication and hard work during the summer and anticipates the positive impact of new team members on the court.

Reflecting on her coaching journey, Brown highlights the importance of instilling discipline and affirmations to push her players beyond their comfort zones. She aims to create an environment where being uncomfortable, tired, or sore is accepted as part of the growth process.

Challenges remain for Brown in controlling expectations, particularly when it comes to understanding her players’ abilities and pushing them to exceed their limits. However, she welcomes the assistance of her experienced coaching staff and relishes the opportunity to mold her team into one that is prepared to fight, hustle, and do whatever it takes to succeed.

As the Orange girls basketball team heads into a new season, Coach Brown wants opponents to know that her team won’t back down. With a resilient and determined mindset, her players are ready to give their all, fight for every win, and leave it all on the court.

To hear more from Brown and gain insight into the world of Orange girls basketball, tune in to the full episode of the “Orange Girls Basketball Coach’s Corner” on the YSN podcast.

Stay tuned for future episodes highlighting the behind-the-scenes stories of coaches and athletes in the Orange High School community.

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KOZAK’S CAUSE

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PEPPER PIKE, OH- In a recent podcast episode of YSN titled “Orange Swimming Player Profile: Emma Kozak,” the spotlight was on senior swimmer Emma Kozak from Orange High School. The episode provided insights into her journey as a swimmer, her role as a senior leader, and her aspirations for the future.

Emma, a seasoned swimmer, began competing at the age of eight. While admitting to a love-hate relationship with the sport, she persevered and continued to pursue her passion. Along the way, it was her friends and teammates who motivated her to keep swimming. She embraced her role as a leader both vocally and through her actions, encouraging her teammates during practices and pushing them to give their best effort.

As a senior, Emma enjoys the privilege of being the top dog in the school. She laughs off the misconceptions that seniors are scary, highlighting the camaraderie and support that exists within the team. Her ability to create a positive and fun atmosphere during practices has made her a mentor figure to her teammates, inspiring them to push through tough workouts and strive for their goals.

Representing Orange High School in the pool holds a special significance for Emma, as she has been attending the school since preschool. She expressed her gratitude for the honor and recognizes the opportunity to make a lasting impact.

When it comes to role models, Emma looks up to her fellow swimmer, Lily Klingensmith, who has shown her how to maintain a balanced life while excelling in swimming and academics. Outside of the pool, Emma credits her mother as her ultimate role model, appreciating her amazing qualities and particularly her culinary skills. Emma’s favorite dish, her mom’s lasagna roll-ups, is renowned amongst her family.

Looking ahead, Emma has her sights set on college. While considering the University of Kentucky among her options, she plans to pursue a career in healthcare. Her personal experiences with her mother’s battle with cancer have fueled her desire to help others and make a difference in their lives.

As Emma heads towards graduation, the Orange High School community rallies behind her. With her leadership, determination, and compassion, Emma Kozak is set to leave a lasting legacy in the pool and beyond.

We wish Emma the best of luck in all her future endeavors.

 

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EAST GIRLS BASKETBALL COACH’S CORNER (EP 1) WITH TANISHA FRANKLIN

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By Ty Bartell

YOUNGSTOWN OH- Juggling the responsibilities of being an athletic director and a head coach is never easy.
Things are not made any simpler when a program needs to be re-established to the success it once had. But for Youngstown East Golden Bears girls basketball Head Coach Tanisha Franklin, it is the hard work and grit that is needed that she is more than accustomed to! Doubling as the schools Athletic Director, Coach Franklin is a driving force behind athletic programs at East making a turn around. For the girls basketball team, Coach Franklin and The Golden Bears are coming off one of their best seasons in recent years, with a 13-8 record a season ago, East looks to build off last year.

In this year’s edition of Coaches Corner, YSNs Ty Bartell got the chance to speak with Coach Franklin on the takeaways from last year, how to continue success this season, the impactful players to expect this year and so much more! Catch this first episode of Coaches Corner and catch all East High School scores, stats, stories and more on YSN!

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GLISTA DEMANDS

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BOARDMAN, OH- This week we’ll be profiling Aaron Glista, an impressive offensive lineman who embodies the true essence of being a Spartan. Join us as we explore his journey, from his love for Spirit Week to his passion for football and the energy he feels when playing in front of his supportive school.

We’ll also learn about his family dynamics, his favorite holiday traditions, and even some interesting insights into his potential future career as a history teacher.

Get ready to be inspired by Aaron’s dedication and love for the game as we delve deep into his player profile.

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