Tag Archive for: KNIGHTS

HOBAN FIGHTS THROUGH THE BULLDOGS BITE

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AKRON OH- With the days of high school basketball’s regular season fading, many teams have various goals during the final games of the season. Some are looking to rest their starters prior to the tournaments, others are in the midst of a conference championship and then some are just looking to prepare themselves with tough competition. On Tuesday night, much like the entirety of the season, The Archbishop Hoban boys basketball teams chose the latter! Welcoming fellow 15 win team at the time, The Green Bulldogs, into The Castle for a premier bout! 

Last season saw the two programs meet twice on the court, with Green taking the regular season home contest and Hoban knocking The Bulldogs out of the tournament in an overtime thriller! Thus leaving plenty of animosity between the two strong schools, adding plenty of intrigue and entertainment value to the matchup. The Knights wasted little time jumping ahead, as Jonas Nichols was finding his shot, propelling Hoban to a 10-1 lead on an impressive first quarter run. However, The Bulldogs stayed calm through the early deficit, as superstar scorer, Brady Rollyson started to will Green back into the game by trimming the deficit to just a possession after a quarter. 

With Hoban leading 19-16 after a quarter, they looked to create some distance once again from The Bulldogs. Green trimmed their deficit to just a single point at the start of quarter number two; however, The Knights armor held up! Joey Hardman made use of his minutes, hitting a three, and separating Hoban from Green once again. Nick Bundalo started to find his shot in the second, creating an effective one-two offensive punch with his teammate Brady Rollyson. The combination of Rollyson (15 PTS) and Bundalo (9 PTS) made up all the first half scoring for The Bulldogs, but The Knight still led 30-24 at the half. 

The battle continued in the second half, with Green continuing to try and get over the hump and Hoban fending off hungry Bulldogs in an effort to maintain their lead. Green once again battled to within a point, but once again were pushed back, this time by sharpshooter Logan Vowles finding a distance shot, putting his team right back up by two possessions. William Scott helped space the floor, while finding his own shots, especially in the second half to keep The Knights in front 43-37 after three. 

In the final eight minutes of play, with a rocking crowd behind them, The Hoban Knights started to put the finishing touches on a game that, despite being a battle, they never trailed in. Salting the game away, out-scoring Green 12-6 in the fourth quarter claiming a 12 point win 55-43 over The Bulldogs in Hoban’s sweet 16th victory of the season. Green (15-5)(8-3) will keep their talents on the road, traveling to GlenOak (16-4)(8-3) as they will try to separate themselves in the three-way tie in The Federal League, also with Massillon Jackson, on Friday, February 10th. Also on Friday, The Archbishop Hoban Knights (16-3) will stay home and entertain The Cornerstone Christian Patriots (16-3) in another premier matchup on YSN! Interviews with winning Head Coach T.K. Griffith and Player of The Game Jonas Nichols can be found below! 

 

Scoring (Hoban)

Jonas Nichols: 21 PTS (Player of The Game)

William Scott: 13 PTS.

Logan Vowles: 11 PTS.

Sam Greer: 7 PTS.

Joey Hardman: 3 PTS.

Scoring (Green)

Brady Rollyson: 21 PTS.

Nick Bundalo: 13 PTS.

Lucas Bitong: 4 PTS.

Mark Danner: 3 PTS.

Anthony Fortunato: 2 PTS.

 

Scoring by Quarter

Q1: Hoban 19 – 16 Green

Q2: Hoban 13 – 8 Green

Q3: Hoban 11 – 13 Green

Q4: Hoban 12 – 6 Green

Final: Hoban 55 – 43 Green

*Contributed By YSN’s Ty Bartell

KNIGHT’S STEEL STRONGER THAN IRON

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AKRON OH- In their second game this week, The #3 YSN Power Ranked boys basketball team The Archbishop Hoban Knights welcomed The Cleveland Central Catholic Ironmen to The Castle! However, the two programs are no strangers to one another as both were once members of the old North Coast Conference just a few years ago. The Knights have emerged victorious in 4 of their last 5 matchups with one of Cuyahoga Counties respected programs.. The last time Tri-C beat Hoban? Back on January 3rd, 2020, another instance when The Ironmen made the trip to Summit County and spoiled the home matchup for The Knights. This season, Hoban rapidly served up a baker’s dozen in the win column while only falling short twice through 15 games this regular season heading into Friday night. 

The first quarter tipped-off and Hoban wasted little time jumping ahead to a 7-0 lead. Freshman Sam Greer was making big plays all over the floor for The Knights in the opening quarter. Playing superb defense in the post, with a lethal combination of size and speed. Greer also showed off his ability to shoot the rock from distance in the 7-0 run, while also demonstrating great passing, finding his team Lamar Sperling off a cut in the same run. The Knights would control the tempo through the first eight minutes of play as Anrew Griffith and Colin Coyne both nailed down three pointers to help Hoban secure a 19-8 lead after the first quarter of play. 

Cleveland Central Catholic ended up hitting a three at the end of the first and used that to build momentum off of in the second. The Ironmen had a response ready in the form of Arnell Edmonds and Ka’elon Hurt who both found their rhythm before the half. Being able to flip the script, Tri-C out scored Hoban 18-7 in the second quarter and was capped off with Tafari Williams hitting a game-tying three at the buzzer to knot the two programs up 26-26 at halftime!

Out of the half, the game was up in the air for either team to take it! Will Scott Jr. became that guy for The Knights. Scoring consistently throughout all four quarters, his third was one of his best! Passing flawlessly to get his teammates open looks while scoring 8 points himself in the third quarter alone. Will Scott Jr. running the point was like watching poetry in motion on Friday night! Hoban regained their lead with a 17-9 third quarter and never looked back from that point. The Ironmen tried for one last attempt at the comeback in the fourth, but key three-point buckets by Logan Vowles and Sam Greer helped ice the game away for The Knights, allowing Hoban to gain the second win this week 55-48 over Tri-C. Proving, at least for this season, Steel is stronger than iron!

Following the loss, Cleveland Central Catholic (7-10) will stay on the road as they will visit Warren JFK (11-2) on Tuesday, January 31st. The win for Archbishop Hoban (14-2) now sets them up for an, always exciting, battle of Akron! With Akron St. Vincent & St. Mary’s (12-5) hosting Hoban, also on Tuesday! It will be another classic battle between The Knights and The Fighting Irish with a lot of momentum riding with the victor! 

Interviews with winning Head Coach Tk Griffith and Player of The Game Will Scott Jr. can be found below!

*Contributed By YSN’s Ty Bartell

HOBAN LIGHTS UP THE GYM ON SENIOR NIGHT

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AKRON OH- It was a backyard brawl on Thursday night on the campus of Archbishop Hoban.  The Knights honored their three seniors before the game.  Rylee Bennett, Emma Rasmussen, and Kennedy Arison we’re all recognized for their endless contributions to the Hoban program.  On the floor, the Knights welcomed in Ellet who currently leads the Akron City Series conference and sported 15 wins coming into the night.  The Orangemen set the tone fast as they grabbed a 20-13 lead after one quarter. Stand out sophomore Caitlyn Holmes scored 12 points in the first quarter alone for Ellet.  However, Hoban has played against upper tier talent plenty of times.  They made defensive adjustments and held Holmes to just 10 points the rest of the game.

As for the Knight’s offense they were sparked in the second quarter by Bennett’s ability to drain shots from the perimeter.  They outscored Ellet 19-4 in the second quarter to grab complete control of the game. They took a 32-24 lead into the locker room, and quickly ballooned it to a 52-36 lead heading into the final 8:00 minutes.  In the end the Knights ran away with a 75-51 victory to move to 11-7.

Bennett led the Knights offensive charge with 22 points. She hit four threes on the night.  Rasmussen was also in double figures for Hoban as she put in 15 points.  MaKenzie Grant put in a solid night for Hoban racking in 10.  Arison contributed 9 points as well.

Hoban will be back in action on Wednesday as they make the quick trip to Akron St Vincent St Mary to take on the Irish.

ARCHBISHOP HOBAN GIRLS BASKETBALL COACH’S CORNER (EP 1) WITH PAMELA DAVIS

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AKRON OH- A heartfelt welcome to the Archbishop Hoban Knights to the YSN family! In our first ever Coach’s Corner from Hoban we hear from girls hoops head coach Pamela Davis.  Davis has ties to the valley as an Austintown Fitch and has taken the lessons learned with her on a fabulous coaching journey that has seen over 600 wins.  In her fourth season at Hoban she has the Knights sitting at 10-7.  They have won their first two games as members of the YSN family over Lutheran East and Notre Dame Academy out of Kentucky.  Now they look ahead to senior night on Thursday where they’ll honor their three seniors and take on Akron Ellet.

Coach Davis took the time to sit down with YSN’s Anthony Hartwig to introduce us to their program. They talk about some of the big contributors to their team this season, what Hoban teaches their athletes off the court, and much more.  Check out Episode 1 of Coach’s Corner with Pamela Davis.

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EDINGBURGH’S MVP PERFORMANCE LIFTS KNIGHTS

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COLUMBUS OH- It was another business trip for Hoban on Saturday as the Knights traveled to Bishop Hartley High School to compete in the “Battle in the Hawk’s Nest” tournament. The Knights were matched up with a tough Notre Dame Academy team coming out of Kentucky. One of the keys to the Knights win was major ball pressure on Notre Dave’s guards. They held the Pandas to just 37 points, which was their second lowest point total of the season.  Hoban won by a final tally of 46-37.

Leading the way for the Knights was Rylee Bennett putting in 13 points.  Playing great basketball on both sides of the floor was Mackenzie Edinburgh who was named Hoban’s MVP of the game.  She finished in double figures with 10 points.  Emma Rasmussen was able to contribute 7 points.

Up next for the Knights is a trip back home to host Akron Ellet on Thursday.  Tip off for the matchup is set for 6:30.

HOBAN BREAKS THE DOORS DOWN

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AKRON OH- Hoban sports one of the hardest schedules in the state of Ohio this season. So it hasn’t been too often they’ve been able to blast right through opponents. In fact, the last two wins that they’ve secured have been by a combined 5 points. That was not the case however on Thursday night as the Knights stormed their way to a 83-54 victory over Lutheran East.

Leading the Knights in scoring was Finley Kennedy who put in 25 points. She certainly wasn’t the only form of offense though as Mackenzie Edinburgh racked 16.  Senior Rylee Bennett was also in double figures with 10 points.

Hoban will get right back in to action on Saturday as they compete in the “Battle In The Hawk’s Nest” tournament at Bishop Hartley High School. The Knights will square off with Notre Dame Academy out of Kentucky at 4:15.

BADGER PASSES BIG MID SEASON TEST

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KINSMAN, OHIO- The St. Thomas Aquinas Knights traveled to farm town, USA to take on the Badger Braves. The Braves got off to a hot start and led 26-16 at the half. The knights made a huge comeback and it was all back and forth from that point on.

Freshman Lewis Flowers made some key rebounds that saved possessions for the Braves. The scoring by the braves was led by Duncan Moy, with 25, and as well as Cole Burnett, with 16. Brad Hamilton added on 12 more points as well as making the key free throws that put the Braves in front for good. The Braves snuck away with the 62-56.

The Braves improve to 9-0 and will be back in action on against Conneaut next Friday.

*Contributed By YSN’s Matt Morrison

MCCOY MAGIC KEEPS GARFIELD UNDEFEATED

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Day two of the fifth annual South Range Holiday Hoops Classic saw a rematch between The Garrettsville Garfield Lady G-Men and The Nordonia Knights from a year ago. What turned out to be a turning point for The G-Men last season, had a completely different feel this time around. With Garrettsville protecting their perfect 8-0 season record in their quest to a conference crown in The Gray Division of The  Mahoning Valley Athletic Conference (MVAC) and perhaps a repeat as district champions. 

In this go around with The Knights, Garfield found success with guard Laura McCoy finding her shot from all over the floor to help lead her team in scoring throughout the first half. Utilizing multiple scorers as well in the passing game, McCoy was able to get her teammates involved to create the machine that is The G-Men offense, while also scoring 15 first half points herself. Madeline Shirkey complimented them with a fancy, finesse layup to end the half and put Garfield up 30-14 at halftime!

While Jensen Stehlik for Nordonia was an and-one machine for the nights, adding multiple three point plays, as well as the ever-rare four point play as she tried to will he team back into the game. Finishing with 22 points on the day, Stehlik certainly did her job and more for The Knights. 

By the start of the second half, Garfield ensured that they corrected the mistakes of Wednesday’s contest against Mooney, in that they kept their foot on the gas through halves. Scoring at will with some phenomenal ball-distribution throughout the contest, The G-Men were able to open up looks through their passing game. Laura McCoy continued her scoring dominance, finishing with 32 of her team’s 66 points at the end of the day to cap-off the win for Garfield 66-44 in her Player of The Game Performance! 

The loss for The Knights sent them to 3-10 on the campaign, while Garretsville stayed a perfect 2-0 in The Holiday Hoops Classic and 9-0 on the season! Garfield will now look to Monday, January 2nd where they will get back to conference play, as they host The Newton Falls Tigers. 

Interviews with both Head Coach Aaron Gilbert and Player of The Game Laura McCoy can be found below!

*Contributed By YSN’s Ty Bartell

ALLIANCE OPENS UP HOLIDAY CLASSIC WITH WIN

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 CANFIELD OH- In the first game of the fourth annual South Range Holiday Tournament for girls basketball, a couple of non-YSN teams squared off in the opening bout. With The Eastern Buckeye Conference (EBC) representative in The Alliance Aviators matching up with The Nordonia Knights. 

The first half score was reflectant of the defense played by Alliance, followed up with some quality passing in their fastbreak opportunities to convert baskets. Leading by 18 points at halftime over Nordonia, as a lid on the bucket, paired with good Aviator defense, held The Knights to just 10 first half points. Ella Smith started Alliance off on the right tempo, scoring 9 of The Aviators 28 first half points. 

The second half looked to be much of the same, that is, until the fourth quarter. As Nordonia opened up by hitting three consecutive 3-Point shots, to cut the once 20 point plus, Alliance lead. Haydn Paul and Taylor Root attempted to lead the comeback for The Knights, but The Aviators were able to take off on offense once again in the closing moments.

With X’Zariah Fanin being a force on the inside for Alliance, dominating in both the interior defense and the rebounding department. However, The Player of the Game went to Jayla Callock who scored 13 total points in the game, with a majority of those coming in the second half to help lead The Aviators to their fourth victory of the season. Both teams will be in action for the holiday tournament again on Thursday, December 29th. Live streams of the contests can be found at Ysnlive.com!

*Contributed By YSN’s Ty Bartell

HOBAN PROVES A TALL TASK FOR LEOPARDS

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LIBERTY, Ohio –

In a rematch from early last season the Liberty Leopards (1-3) played host to the Akron Archbishop Hoban Knights (1-0). Coming off a regional final appearance in 2022, the Knights quickly showed why they’re considered one of the top teams in Northeast Ohio.

The duo of Will Scott and Jonas Nichols that helped lead the Knights to last seasons 20-8 record combined for 48 total points in Hoban’s 81-40 routing of Liberty. Scott started the game strong, dropping 13 first quarter points. Liberty sophomore forward, Evan Bates, paced the Leopards with 7 in the first period.

Following up Scott’s 13 point first, Jonas Nichols responded with 13 of his own points in the second quarter, helping Hoban take a 50-25-point lead into the half. KJ Turner led the Leopards with 7 points in the second quarter.

Scott and Nichols continued to dominate in the second half, totaling 8 points apiece as Hoban sprinted away with the game in hand.

LEADING SCORERS –

LIBERTY:

KJ Turner – 14 points

Evan Bates – 12 points

Bra’Sean Black – 8 points

HOBAN:

Will Scott – 26 points

Jonas Nichols – 22 points

Liberty – The difficult start to the season gets no easier for the Leopards with their next opponent, a road test against the Chaney Cowboys (2-1). The Cowboys are coming off back-to-back road wins against Warren Harding and Howland.

Hoban – The defending Twinsburg district champions continue their road trip to start the season, as the Knights will travel South to take on the Dalton Bulldogs (1-2).

*Contributed By YSN’s Jamie Thomson