Tag Archive for: Hoban

HOT START FOR HOBAN CONTINUES

By Ty Bartell 

AKRON OH- The Archbishop Hoban Knights Volleyball Team has been rolling to say the least at the start of the 2023 campaign. Heading into Thursday evening, Hoban sported a 6-0 record, taking their talents on the road against The Federal League’s own, Green Bulldogs. Losing just three sets all year, The Knights have shown a dominant display of volleyball, focusing primarily on moving the ball around on offense and being floor protectors on defense.

Despite having just a 2-1 record heading into the Thursday matchup, Green is no stranger to success, with a .500 record or better in each of the last four seasons. However, Knights head coach James Maloof would not have it any other way! Favoring the independent schedule strength and the preparation it offers his girls for the end of season state tournament.
The first set of this year’s contest was competitive until Hoban put together a run that would generate enough separation from their adversaries, capturing the 25-18 set victory.

Not done there, The Knights, like many times this season, got better as the match moved along. Leaving little to question, Hoban blitzed The Bulldogs for the 25-13 set two win and got themselves a favorable 2-0 set lead on the road. The win was so nice The Knights had to do it twice! Knowing they do not get paid by the hour…..or at all, The Hoban Knights made short work of Green with the straight set sweep, earning their seventh win of the season!

Amber Watson was the top kill-getter for Hoban once again, notching 11 on the evening, while Sophia Day spread the love around with 19 assists in the match. Offense aside, Macie Mintz kept The Knights defense cool and fresh with 16 digs, while Ava Norfolk was the ultimate starter, recording 4 aces and 18 service points in the match!

Hoban (7-0) will now look to keep the streak going as they return home to a very talented Highland Hornets (5-1) on Saturday, September 9th at 10 a.m.

HOBAN USES BIG SECOND HALF TO SAIL TO VICTORY

ERIE PA- In a clash that showcased their unbeatable spirit, Hoban maintained their spotless record with a resounding victory in Week 2, triumphing over Erie Cathedral Prep with a commanding score of 44-12.

The first quarter brought early action and drama:
– At 6:29, Erie Cathedral Prep’s Luke Costello bulldozed his way to a 1-yard TD run, though the extra point attempt was thwarted. The scoreboard read 6-0 in favor of ECP.
– Just before the quarter ended, Hoban’s Tysen Campbell electrified the stadium with a stunning 60-yard punt return for a TD. Ryan Burns’ successful extra point kick swiftly shifted the momentum, placing Hoban in the lead at 7-6.

As the game intensified, the second quarter saw more points on the board:
– Erie Cathedral Prep’s Suhtaun Lewis muscled through for a 1-yard TD run at 6:55. Although the 2-point conversion attempt fell short, ECP regained the lead at 12-7.
– Hoban responded with finesse, as Boykin connected with Syncere Hill for a 15-yard passing TD at 3:16. Despite a blocked extra point, Hoban narrowed the gap to 13-12.

The halftime break provided both teams an opportunity to regroup and strategize.

In the third quarter, Hoban’s resurgence continued:
– At 4:09, Boykin’s precision pass found Jalen Hightower for a 2-yard passing TD. Ryan Burns’ successful extra point extended Hoban’s lead to 20-12.
– Hoban’s Caleb Jones powered through for a 15-yard TD run at 3:22, and Burns’ precise extra point widened the gap to 27-12.

The fourth quarter sealed Hoban’s domination:
– At 11:51, Burns nailed a 26-yard field goal, bolstering Hoban’s lead to 30-12.
– Caleb Jones contributed once again with a 1-yard TD run at 9:22, as Burns’ successful extra point kick pushed the score to 37-12.
– The game’s excitement reached its zenith at 6:22, as Brayton Feister sprinted an impressive 52 yards for a TD. Jeremy Hammel’s extra point kick was on target, securing Hoban’s commanding 44-12 victory.

The final score marked Hoban’s triumphant reign: Hoban 44, Erie Cathedral Prep 12.

With their undefeated status intact, Hoban now looks forward to returning home for their next challenge, as they prepare to face Trinity Episcopal on Saturday at 7:00 PM. Their 2-0 record stands as a testament to their unwavering determination and exceptional teamwork.

 

 

HOBAN BRINGING HOME ANOTHER DISTRICT CROWN

CANTON, OHIO- The Archbishop Hoban Knights defeated the Massillon Tigers 6-1 on Thursday to claim a Division I District Championship.

In the first inning, the Knights got their offense started when Andrew Karhoff singled on a 0-2 count, scoring one run. The Knights then added four more runs in the fifth inning as Parker Falkenstein, Karhoff, and Michael Ciavolella each had RBIs in the frame. The Knights racked up 11 hits on the day as Zack Zimmerman, Karhoff, Falkenstein, and Masud Jennings each managed multiple hits.

Landan Browning was the winning pitcher of the day as the pitcher allowed three hits and one run over six innings, striking out five. Jordan Kievman threw one inning in relief out of the bullpen.

Christian Marsh led things off on the mound for the Tigers as he lasted four innings, allowing eight hits and four runs while striking out four and walking zero. Brock Polilli threw two innings out of the bullpen.

Archbishop Hoban will now move on to the Regional Semifinal round where they will take on the University School Preppers on June 1st at Oberlin College. First pitch is scheduled for 5:00. 

 

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REGIONAL POWERHOUSE NO MATCH FOR THE KNIGHTS

AKRON OH- Both teams were strong in the pitcher’s circle Thursday, but Archbishop Hoban defeated Brecksville-Broadview Heights 3-1. Faith Porter allowed just three hits to the Bees.

In the second inning, Hoban got their offense started when Mya Akers grounded out, scoring one run.

Porter was the winning pitcher for the Knights. The pitcher allowed three hits and one run over seven innings, striking out five.

Emma Cozza started the game for the Bees. The pitcher allowed five hits and three runs over six innings, striking out one.

Nylah Durham led Hoban with two hits in three at bats. The Knights didn’t commit a single error in the field. Robyn Ryan had the most chances in the field with eight.

Brecksville-Broadview Heights was sure-handed and didn’t commit a single error. Anna Wise made the most plays with seven.

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HOBAN OUTLASTS IN THRILLER AGAINST JFK

AKRON, OH- Both teams were strong on the pitcher’s mound on Thursday, but Archbishop Hoban was just a little bit stronger at the plate in a victory over Warren JFK on Thursday. Jaden Rishel started the game for the Eagles and recorded 18 outs, respectively.

Jordan Kievman earned the win for Hoban. The fireballer lasted five innings, allowing four hits and zero runs while striking out seven. Luke Driscoll threw two innings in relief out of the bullpen.

Rishel started the game for JFK. Rishel went six innings, allowing three runs on five hits and striking out one.

Aidan Rossi, Michael Condoleon, Andrew Lapolla, Micheal Bartoe, and Dominic Ryan each collected one hit to lead John F. Kennedy Catholic Varsity Eagles.

Michael Ciavolella went 2-for-3 at the plate to lead the Knights in hits. Archbishop Hoban didn’t commit a single error in the field. Blake Bantum had nine chances in the field, the most on the team.

HOBAN STRUGGLES TO HOLD UP

By Alek Koberna

Two of the biggest names in the Akron baseball scene met this past Thursday at the brand new H.O.C. Family Field as the No. 10 Archbishop Hoban Knights played host to the No. 15 Walsh Jesuit Warriors.

The Warriors were the first to the plate and they got the night off to a hot start as their leadoff man got on base and set the table for a strong start. However, the next two went down on outs and the leadoff double from Alejandro Covas looked like it might be left on the table. But then a line drive to left would score Covas from second just as Justin Bremner stepped up to the plate. This at bat would prove to be the biggest one of the day as he sent a baseball over the centerfield fence to bring around three runs in the first inning. Bremner would later come in to score as well giving the Warriors a four run lead to start the game.

With the game looking bleak early on the Knights stepped up to the plate searching for anything that could get them right back in the game. But the lights quickly turned on for the Hoban offense as an error would allow their leadoff batter to reach first base quickly. A walk and two strikeouts late from Ryan Piech, the Walsh Jesuit pitcher, the Knights were in danger of stranding their two early baserunners.

The ensuing two-out rally from Hoban would feature four straight RBI hits with the biggest one coming from Michael Ciavolella who knocked a ball all the way to the wall allowing two runs to score and leaving enough time to make it all the way around to third before having to stop. After one the two Coaches Poll Top-15 teams were in a tight battle with Hoban leading their rival 5-4.

Following the electrifying start to the game Walsh Jesuit wasn’t done hunting at the plate as they continued to pour on the baserunners as every one of the first four batters reached base safely and they found themselves in a tied ball game, with no outs, and the bases loaded. Two sacrifice flies later the Warriors had reclaimed their lead in the second inning. Hoban had no answer as their bats were shut down in order leaving Walsh Jesuit in the lead 7-5.

From that point on the Warriors continued to add on as they collected six more hits in the final three innings of the game and put together eight runs between the third and fourth innings to give themselves a 10 run lead going into the fifth.

Jack Stephens took over on the mound in the fifth inning for Hoban and held the Warriors lineup in check for the entire inning as they weren’t able to score and had only one hit. Hoban entered the bottom of the filth down by just ten thanks to their relief pitcher putting an end to the offensive onslaught they had been up against all night.

However, this strong outing would not translate to the offensive side of the ball for the Knights as Walsh Jesuit brought in Freshman Shawn Sullivan to shut the game down in the fifth. Sullivan looked like an ace out there as he sent down the Knights in order and punctuating the finale with a strikeout to secure the victory.

Player of the game went to Justin Bremner as he finished 2-3, with 4 RBI’s. Archbishop Hoban falls to (9-4) and they will look to bounce back at Kent State University Friday night as they take on Tallmadge.

For the Walsh Jesuit Warriors they improved their record to (8-2) and find themselves getting closer to a top seed in the postseason in a few weeks. They will continue their road trip in Uniontown as they take on Lake.

HOBAN STREAKS ON UNIONTOWN LAKE

UNIONTOWN OH- Archbishop Hoban won big over Lake 8-2 on the road on Saturday.

The Knights opened up scoring in the first inning, when Kennedy Bray singled on a 0-2 count, scoring one run.

Archbishop Hoban scored three runs in the seventh inning. They scored their runs on a home run by Taylor Gerring.

Faith Porter pitched the Knights to victory. The righty lasted seven innings, allowing six hits and two runs while striking out 14.

Peyton Ury took the loss for Lake. Ury allowed 11 hits and eight runs over seven innings, striking out one.

Archbishop Hoban hit two home runs on the day. Mackenzie Wood put one out in the second inning. Gerring went yard in the seventh inning.

The Knights racked up 11 hits on the day. Lacie Quarles, Nylah Durham, and Sidney Conti all managed multiple hits. Quarles led the way with three hits in four at bats.

Jocelyn Quior went 3-for-3 at the plate to lead the Blue Streaks in hits.

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25 YEARS OF WAITING ARE OVER; HOBAN IS GOING TO STATE

Hoban Ends 25 Year Final Four Drought

Stories, the very thing that creates added intrigue to athletic contests of all types. It can motivate teams, fan bases and create plenty of bulletin board material at times. When looking at the Division 1 Region 2 regional final, there is no doubt that there are numerous stories to be present. Not just the fact that The Walsh Jesuit Warriors and The Archbishop Hoban Knights are all too familiar with one another with perennial regular season contests. Their matchup this year swung the way of the Knights in a thrilling 58-55 win back on January 24th. But the story stretches back even further than that! Despite Hoban having the slight edge in the past five regular season matchups 3-2 against The Warriors, Walsh Jesuit has knocked The Knights out of the tournament in three of the last four seasons!

Rewinding back to last season, both teams also got revenge against the squads that ended their seasons a year ago. When Hoban had their season end at the elite eight against St. Edward in 2022, they were able to get over the hump and beat The Eagles to advance to the regional final. Walsh Jesuit had their hearts broken and their minds stunned when Stow-Munroe Falls ended The Warriors season all too early in a thrilling upset in the previous campaign. This year, The Warriors went through the overtime excitement and saw themselves on top against The Bulldogs to arrive at the regional championship game. Adding to the excitement was the fact that Hoban had not been to the final four stage since 1998, while Walsh Jesuit had yet to reach the stage, meaning some new representation in the northeast was guaranteed! 

Opening up the game, The Knights immediately went on an 8-0 run, highlighted by YSN Freshman of the Year, Sam Greer imposing his will on both sides of the floor, including splashing home a three pointer.The Warriors would respond with some buckets late to end the quarter, but Hoban ultimately led 14-8 after one. The Knights continued playing good team basketball and by clamping down with great defense they were able to force a fair amount of turnovers from Walsh Jesuit, allowing Hoban to extend their lead at the halftime buzzer 25-15.

Jonas Nichols and Will Scott were tone setters coming out of the half and continuing to keep The Knights in front! Continuing the great run of defense, Hoban held Walsh Jesuit to just 9 team points in the third quarter, making it three consecutive quarters holding The Warriors under double-digits. This allowed The Knights to further their lead 41-23 with just eight minutes left in the ball game. Knowing The Warriors would not go down without a fight, Hoban prepped as Walsh Jesuit was ready to throw their best punch on offense! Accomplishing that by getting into rhythm offensively, The Warriors got it going from distance in the final frame, putting up their best quarter of the night offensively; however, it would not be enough as The Hoban Knights held on to claim the 56-37 regional final victory, and punch their ticket to the state final four for the first time in 25 years! 

A fantastic season by Walsh Jesuit as The Warriors have nothing to be ashamed of with another incredible run! We here at YSN wish them the best of luck in their future endeavors! For Hoban (24-3) they will now gear up and get ready to make the trek down to Dayton, Ohio to do battle in The State Semi-Final against Toledo St. John’s Jesuit (20-8) on Saturday, March 18th slated for an 8:30 p.m. tip-off! An Interview with Head Coach T.K. Griffith can be found below! 

 

Scoring (Hoban)

Jonas Nichols: 18 PTS.

Will Scott Jr.: 12 PTS.

Sam Greer: 11 PTS.

Logan Vowles: 9 PTS.

Joey Hardman: 3 PTS.

Andrew Griffith: 2 PTS.

Colin Coyne: 1 PT.

 

Scoring (Walsh Jesuit)

Ruel Tomlinson: 11 PTS.

Tyler Bell: 7 PTS.

Zach Halligan: 7 PTS.

Jesse James: 5 PTS.

Sean Spicer: 5 PTS.

Jack Burke: 2 PTS.

 

Scoring by Quarter

Q1: Hoban 14 – 8 Walsh Jesuit

Q2: Hoban 11 – 6 Walsh Jesuit

Q3: Hoban 16 – 9 Walsh Jesuit

Q4: Hoban 15 – 14 Walsh Jesuit

Final: Hoban 56 – 37 Walsh Jesuit

*Contributed By YSN’s Ty Bartell

HOBAN GRABS THEIR SPOT IN THE ELITE EIGHT

By Ty Bartell

KENT OH- Tournament time in basketball is one of the most exciting times of the year, where the phrase “survive and advance” is more than just a saying! Of course, most coaches like to take the playoffs in chunks and often do not deviate from the “one game at a time” mentality, but as victories start piling up, the goals are greater and the picture is bigger! The first step for a lot of teams? Win districts. At the conclusion of last Saturday’s slate of games, two storied and well-known programs added another district title to their collection. Winning the northeast 1 (Twinsburg District) The Archbishop Hoban Knights set up a premier matchup with northeast 4 (Lakewood District) The St. Edward Eagles on a regional stage! 

Both teams have large support systems in their fan bases with The M.A.C.C. at Kent State University playing host site to the sweet sixteen matchup, it was sure to be loud inside those four walls. Both teams also sported 20+ win seasons this year, an accomplishment not to be taken lightly, as a great level of difficulty comes with the task of defeating 20 basketball teams on the schedule both programs put together year in and year out. 

The game tipped-off and started like you expect both powerhouse teams to start, with points at a premium and defense taking center stage. Max McClellan was doing a big part of the scoring through the early quarters for The Eagles junior. Will Scott Jr. was “the answer” and looked like he might have been powered by AI with some of the robotic, superhuman scores the senior was able to compile. St. Ed’s distributed the ball well, and can score through multiple avenues, like they have done to teams all season. The Eagles kept up the team scoring mentality to take a 15-11 lead after a quarter. 

Not having to play from behind too often this playoffs, The Knights rapidly looked for a response. But what would be their avenue? Defense of course! Lopsided quarters and crooked numbers are what Hoban has been able to capitalize on this season, making them a special group. Holding St. Edward to  just five points as a team in the second quarter, Hoban only had three shots drop through the second eight minutes of action, including YSN Freshman of the Year, Sam Greer hitting a three in the waning seconds of the half, enough to knot the game up 20-20 at the buzzer! Leaving the big age old question, how will each team adjust from here?

Starting the third quarter and The Eagles emerged from the locker room determined to recapture a lead. They did not have to wait too long as Danny Lavelle delivered what they were asking for, scoring the first five points of the third quarter for  either team, putting The Eagles in a familiar advantage once again. However, Hoban was once again able to respond through Jonas Nichols banking home a three and Will Scott Jr. keeping up his production scoring the rock. Leaving St. Ed’s with just a single point lead 31-30 with just eight minutes left in the ballgame! 

With tension rising and palms sweating throughout The M.A.C.C. only one team could punch their ticket to the elite eight and the game was still up in the air! The Eagles managed the lead for the majority of the quarter and with a little over three minutes remaining in the final quarter of play, St. Ed’s was in front 40-36, then in a matter of 40 seconds everything changed. Will Scott Jr. showed off another feat of athleticism with an acrobatic take to the rack and an immediate steal of The Eagles the following possession, translated to an Andrew Griffith clutch three point bucket to put The Knights up 41-40 with 2:35 remaining! Becoming a game of free throws down the stretch, Jonas Nichols hit two to put Hoban up by three prior to making an incredible save on a ball traveling out of bounds to keep possession with The Knights. Joey Hardman was the recipient of Jonas Nichols save and immediately drew the foul to put Hoban back at the line. Hardman made phenomenal use of his minutes on both sides of the court throughout the game, but no moment was bigger than the made free throw to put The Knights up by four with 10.5 seconds left! With an Akron heavy crowd and the roof ready to blow off the building…….3…….2…….1…….Ballgame! Holding on for the 44-40 victory, The Archbishop Hoban Knights are heading back to the elite eight! 

We here at YSN, of course, wish nothing but the best to the St. Edward seniors as they go on to do great things starting their life journey and for the players coming back, we wish them the best of luck in their 2023-24 campaign! The win for Hoban (23-3) set a single season record in wins for The Knights as they will be set to return to action Friday, March 10th  at 7:00 p.m. to face the winner of Walsh Jesuit (19-7) vs. Stow-Munroe Falls (24-2) on Wednesday night! An interview with winning Head Coach T.K. Griffith can be found below! 

 

Scoring (Hoban)

Will Scott: 27 PTS.

Jonas Nichols: 5 PTS.

Sam Greer: 5 PTS.

Joey Hardman: 4 PTS.

Andrew Griffith: 3 PTS.

 

Scoring (St. Ed’s)

Max McClellan: 11 PTS.

Danny Lavelle: 8 PTS.

Cameron Grant: 7 PTS.

Wendell Henry: 5 PTS.

Lucas Perusek: 4 PTS.

Brevyn Coleman: 3 PTS.

Joey Scarpitti: 2 PTS.

 

Scoring by Quarter

Q1: Hoban 11 – 15 St. Ed’s

Q2: Hoban 9 – 5 St. Ed’s

Q3: Hoban 10 – 11 St. Ed’s

Q4: Hoban 14 – 9 St. Ed’s

Final: Hoban 44 – 40 St. Ed’s

KNIGHTS MAKE A SEMIFINAL STATEMENT

TWINSBURG OH- One of the best things about postseason basketball, especially in the high school realm, are the storylines created from the games. Sometimes it’s an intriguing third matchup between conference teams, other times it’s a renewed matchup of squads that have not met in years and then there are the revenge games! You may have heard of these right? The regular season non-conference battle that may not go one team’s way, but it always leaves you wondering “what if….what if they matched up just one more time?”
Twinsburg high school was the site and a Division 1 Region 2 district semi final was the fight between two Northeastern Ohio powerhouse squads this season. Of course we are talking about #4 seeded Archbishop Hoban Knights going to battle with #7 seeded GlenOak Golden Eagles! The previous encounter happened back in December of last year when GlenOak snuck away with the 60-59 victory over The Knights, contributing to just one of Hoban’s three losses this season. Many players at Hoban felt like they did not put forth their best outing, while GlenOak rolled with confidence already knowing they own a victory over their district semi opponent.

Like you would expect from most Division 1 schools, from the opening tip, they were off to the races! Scoring at will, both sides exchanged shots trying to set the temp early. Ja’Corey Lipkings defines every bit of the word “athlete” and more, as the junior created a distraction on the court as someone you have to keep eyes on at all times. However, The Knights had their own #0 to turn to, Jonas Nichols, who looked like he sewed a “23” on his back instead with the number of crisp mid-rangers he was able to swish through in the opening quarter. Both teams held a lead in the first, but The Knights pulled away in the final moments to hold an 18-10 lead after one. The second quarter played fairly similar to the first, with both teams finding buckets from different spots on the floor, that was, until the final two minutes of play in the first half. That is when The Knights kicked it into high gear and it was foot on the gas pedal time for Hoban. Striking quickly and often, The Knights started unleashing a barrage of threes that started raining down on The Golden Eagles! Thus helping Hoban hold a halftime lead 42-28.

If you may have thought a ten minute intermission would slow down The Knights offense, guess again! Picking up essentially where they left off, Hoban kept up with the distance shots while also turning defense into offense with their live ball turnovers converting directly into fastbreak buckets! Guys like Will Scott, Logan Vowles and Joey Hardman all contributed double-digit scoring efforts on the evening, while in a blink of an eye, Hoban held a 35+ point lead and the running clock began by the waning moments of the third. Six different Knights hit a three pointer on the impressive run, totaling a baker’s dozen made threes on the night in a big 81-46 district semi win!
Congratulations are in order to the members of The GlenOak basketball team as well as Coach Hairston for another phenomenal season of Golden Eagles basketball! As we here at the network wish the GlenOak seniors nothing but the best in their future endeavors!

The win for Hoban (21-3) will seat up a “fight knight!” with #3 seeded Macedonia Nordonia (19-5) in a battle for a district championship! Interviews with winning Head Coach, T.K. Griffith and Player of The Game Jonas Nichols can be found below!

Scoring (Hoban)
Jonas Nichols: 27 PTS.
Will Scott: 15 PTS.
Logan Vowles: 12 PTS.
Joey Hardman: 11 PTS.
Sam Greer: 7 PTS.
Colin Coyne: 3 PTS.
Lamar Sperling: 2 PTS.
Andrew Griffith: 2 PTS.
Nate Korwin: 2 PTS.

Scoring (GlenOak)
Ja’Corey Lipkins: 16 PTS.
Jalen McElroy: 11 PTS.
Reese Zerger: 6 PTS.
Roman Woods: 4 PTS.
Elliott DeVan: 2 PTS.
Kenny Scott: 2 PTS.
Robert Brown: 2 PTS.
Lisbon James: 1 PT.
Dai’John Robinson: 1 PT.
Bryson Hill: 1 PT.

Scoring by Quarter:
Q1: Hoban 18 – 10 GlenOak
Q2: Hoban 24 – 18 GlenOak
Q3: Hoban 34 – 11 GlenOak
Q4: Hoban 5 – 7 GlenOak
Final: Hoban 81 – 46 GlenOak

*Contributed By YSN’s Ty Bartell