Tag Archive for: Lions

LIONS FEND OFF THE WILDCATS

COLUMBIANA OH- In a fierce showdown on Wednesday night, Heartland Christian displayed unwavering determination to protect their home court, securing a hard-fought 58-49 victory against visiting Edison.

Leading the charge for Heartland was Rylee Shadowens, who showcased an impressive offensive performance, contributing 19 points to the team’s winning effort. Emily McDowell added significant firepower with 16 points, while Rachel Reynolds chipped in with 10 points.

Edison, eager to challenge the home team, found standout performances from Sophia Henderson, who led all scorers with 18 points. Presley Meadows added 12 points, and Rebecka Evans and Abigail Boka contributed 9 and 8 points, respectively.

The game unfolded as a testament to both teams’ resilience and skill, with each possession hotly contested. Heartland Christian’s ability to maintain composure and execute crucial plays down the stretch ultimately secured the victory.

With this win, Heartland Christian continues to defend their home turf and adds another success to their season. As the players and fans celebrate the triumph, Edison will regroup and prepare for their next challenge.

LIONS CANT GET CLOSE TO CRESTVIEW’S LEVEL

COLUMBIANA OH- Crestview continued their dominant run on Saturday with a commanding 68-24 victory over Minerva, showcasing their prowess on the basketball court.

Addison Rhodes led the scoring charge for Crestview with an outstanding 25 points, followed closely by Luvrain Gaskins contributing 16 points. Emily Downey added 11 points, while Bri DiCross chipped in with 6 points.

With this emphatic win, Crestview maintains an unblemished 8-0 record, underscoring their formidable presence in the league. The team wastes no time returning to action, diving back into league play on Monday as they host Newton Falls. Crestview’s consistent performance and offensive firepower make them a force to be reckoned with as they navigate the season.

BLUE JAYS FIND THEIR TEMPO

In a methodical performance, Jackson Milton steadily extended their lead over Heartland Christian, securing a significant 51-31 victory against the Lions, who entered the game with only one loss.

Leading the way for Jackson Milton was Hannah Huzyak, contributing 19 points and 6 rebounds. Amani Yasin delivered an impressive double-double with 11 points and an outstanding 16 rebounds. Nora Schwarten added 10 points to the team’s success, while Macayle Thornhill chipped in with 6 points.

Heartland’s efforts were led by Rachel Reynolds, who scored 7 points and grabbed 9 rebounds. Mackenzie Lighltly, Emily McDowell, and Rylee Shadowens each contributed 6 points.

Jackson Milton is set to resume conference play with a game against Sebring on Monday, while Heartland Christian aims to bounce back on December 16th with an away game against Lisbon.

A UNIQUE WAY FOR ANEKWE

PEPPER PIKE, OH- In the podcast episode titled “YSN⧸ORANGE BASKETBALL PLAYER PROFILE: DOM ANEKWE,” we get an inside look at the life and mindset of Dom Anekwe, a senior basketball player at Orange High School. Dom talks about the physicality and toughness required for his position as a big man down low for the Lions. He emphasizes the importance of staying motivated, being consistent, and constantly improving his game, especially his mid-range shooting.

Throughout the conversation, Dom reflects on his track and field experience and how it has contributed to his basketball skills, with a core focus on consistency. He also shares his expectations for the team’s upcoming season, including their defensive strength and their ability to handle close games.
One of the most poignant moments of the episode is when Dom talks about his role models, including Kobe Bryant, Michael B. Jordan, and LeBron James. However, he reserves a special place in his heart for his grandmother, who is a source of unwavering support, encouragement, and valuable life advice.
Dom’s deep admiration for his grandmother is evident as he shares how she attends all his games and provides him with wisdom and guidance. He discusses the impact of her presence in his life, and the valuable advice she has given him, which includes keeping God in his favor.

The conversation takes a heartwarming turn as Dom shares his excitement for the upcoming Thanksgiving celebration, highlighting his grandmother’s delicious dishes and the memorable family moments they share.

In a lighthearted moment, Dom reveals his cooking skills and his specialty—spaghetti, and eagerly responds to the idea of trying a spaghetti sandwich, showing his fun and adventurous side.

The episode wraps up with Dom expressing his excitement and determination as he gears up for the games, ready to give his best and be great for the Lions. The conversation offers a glimpse into the life of a dedicated high school basketball player, highlighting the impact of family, values, and the determination to succeed both on and off the court.

 

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ORANGE WRESTLING COACH’S CORNER (EP 1) WITH BRODY ARRUNDALE

PEPPER PIKE, OH- In the latest episode of YSN’s “Orange Wrestling Coach’s Corner,” Coach Brody Arrundale opens up about his first year as head coach of the varsity wrestling program at Orange High School in Pepper Pike.
Coach Arrunndale reflects on the rising popularity of wrestling, crediting the inclusion of women in the sport for its recent growth. He emphasizes the importance of managing expectations for the young team, highlighting their potential and strong leadership qualities.
With a focus on making the sport enjoyable and beneficial for the student-athletes, Arrundale stresses the significance of instilling discipline and nurturing personal growth. He also shares his own journey into wrestling, speaking about his passion for the sport and the invaluable lessons it has taught him.
As the team only has one senior, Arrundale sees this as both a challenge and an opportunity for the underclassmen to step up and develop their skills.
Arrundale’s leadership style revolves around creating a supportive and motivating environment, where students are encouraged to work hard for each other and understand the personal growth that comes from their dedication to the sport.
The coach’s personal motivation stems from his deep understanding of what wrestling can offer beyond traditional achievements, and he is committed to passing on the sport’s valuable lessons to the next generation of athletes.
Orange High School’s wrestling program is in good hands with Coach Arrundale at the helm, and the upcoming season looks promising under his guidance.

 

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LIONS ROARING TO A STRONG START

CAMPBELL OH- Heartland Christian continued their impressive start to the season, securing their third win with a commanding 47-34 victory over Campbell Memorial.

The Lions displayed a balanced offensive effort, with Rachel Reynolds leading the scoring charge with 14 points, closely followed by Sarah Reynolds contributing 13 points, and Rylee Shadowens adding 12 points to the total. Campbell Memorial fought valiantly, and Diamon Sims showcased her scoring prowess with an impressive 20 points, while Angelis Espada added 10 points.

Despite a spirited effort from Campbell Memorial, Heartland Christian’s cohesive team performance proved pivotal in securing another decisive win.

BLUE DEVILS TAME THE LIONS; WIN TIPOFF CLASSIC

LISBON, OH – In a high-scoring basketball showdown, the Lisbon Blue Devils triumphed over the Heartland Christian Lions with a final score of 74-61. The game was a rollercoaster of intensity, showcasing impressive performances from both teams. The first quarter saw Heartland Christian taking an early lead, with a score of 18-15. Jake Walker and Will Morgan led the Lions’ offensive charge, setting a competitive tone. However, Lisbon quickly regrouped and shifted the momentum in the second quarter.

By halftime, Lisbon had turned the tide and surged ahead with a 40-36 lead. The dynamic duo of Hunter Dailey and Trevor Siefke powered Lisbon’s offensive resurgence. The Blue Devils showcased their versatility, combining sharp outside shooting with strong drives to the basket.

The third quarter further solidified Lisbon’s control of the game, as they extended their lead to 55-46. Heartland Christian continued to fight, with Jake Walker’s remarkable 37-point performance leading their offensive efforts. Will Morgan contributed 10 points, but Lisbon’s well-rounded team play proved difficult to overcome.

In the final stretch, Lisbon maintained their composure and executed strategically to secure the 74-61 victory. The combined efforts of Dailey and Siefke, along with a cohesive team performance, propelled the Blue Devils to success. Hunter Dailey finished the night with 23 points and Trevor Siefke added 19 points.

Up next for the Blue Devils will be a home match up with EOAC foe, East Palestine, on Tuesday night. Heartland Christian will take on the Jackson-Milton Bluejays on Tuesday as well.

Game Photos can be found HERE; https://ysn.smugmug.com/12-2-b-bb-lisbon-heartland/12-2-b-bb-lisbon-heartland/100EOS1D/

HEARTLAND SPREADS WEALTH IN WIN

LISBON, OH- In an intense matchup at the Lisbon Tipoff Tournament, the Heartland Christian Lions secured a hard-fought victory over the Salem Quakers with a final score of 70-61.

Heartland’s scoring was well-distributed, with Collin Kalaher leading the Lions with 14 points, closely followed by Jake Walker with 13 points. Isaiah Matthews contributed 9 points, while Tyler Rarick and Johnny Myer each had 7 points. Brody Conaway and Will Morgan rounded out the scoring with 6 points each. The Lions’ offensive efforts were instrumental in their success, demonstrating teamwork and efficiency on the court.

Salem, led by Trent Fink’s impressive 24 points, showcased resilience throughout the game. Evan Jones contributed 10 points, while Deontay Steele and Colin Riesen each added 9 and 8 points, respectively. Lance Bailey and Cam Sampson also made contributions with 8 and 2 points, respectively.

The tournament continues today in Lisbon with Heartland lining up against the Blue Devils of Lisbon, and Salem taking on Western Reserve.

VIKINGS SEASON STARTS WITH A BANG

LEAVITTSBURG OH- In a commanding season opener, LaBrae asserted their dominance with a resounding 64-28 victory over Heartland Christian. Ella Kuszmaul led the scoring charge for LaBrae, contributing 13 points to the team’s impressive total. Angel Scruggs added 9 points, while Marissa Levensky and Riley Rowe each chipped in with 7 points.

On the Heartland Christian side, Rachel Reynolds showcased her scoring prowess with a notable 17 points, leading her team’s efforts. Sarah Reynolds contributed 8 points in a valiant effort.

LaBrae’s collective performance demonstrated a well-rounded and potent offensive strategy, overpowering their opponents from the start. As they savor this convincing win, LaBrae will undoubtedly carry the momentum into future matchups. Heartland Christian, on the other hand, will regroup and strategize for their upcoming games, seeking to bounce back from the challenging season opener. The stage is set for an exciting basketball season for both teams.

ORANGE BOY’S BASKETBALL COACH’S CORNER (EP 1) WITH MARVIN RASHAD

PEPPER PIKE, OH- In a recent episode of the “YSN – Orange Boys Basketball Coach’s Corner” podcast, host DJ Yokley sat down with Marvin Rashad, the new head basketball coach at Orange High School. The conversation was filled with excitement and optimism as Coach Rashad shared his vision for the team and his passion for the game.

Coach Rashad, a former player himself, spoke about how basketball has been a blessing in his life, teaching him valuable lessons of discipline, hard work, and perseverance. He expressed his belief that the game is not just about wins and losses, but also about personal growth and the development of life skills.

Describing his journey to Orange High School as a “Cinderella story,” Coach Rashad recounted a pivotal game three years ago when his previous team, Shaw High School, faced off against Orange in a sectional championship. Against all odds, Shaw emerged victorious, and Coach Rashad’s coaching prowess caught the attention of the administrators at Orange High School.

Since taking over as head coach, Coach Rashad has been focused on changing the culture and instilling a sense of responsibility and accountability in his players. He emphasizes that they represent not only themselves and their families but also the school and the coaching staff. The players are urged to approach the game with a sense of urgency and to give their best, knowing that every action reflects on their coach and the program.

The enthusiasm surrounding Coach Rashad’s appointment is evident in the response from the players. Over 60 students expressed their desire to play for him, a testament to his ability to inspire and motivate. Coach Rashad humbly acknowledged this overwhelming support and expressed his commitment to Orange High School, stating that he has found his home and plans to build a successful program for years to come.

Cleveland is a community that deeply values basketball, and Coach Rashad understands the high expectations that come with leading a team in this city. He acknowledges the competitive nature of the game but encourages his players to play with confidence and freedom, while still maintaining discipline and structure. He aims to create a team that is known for its resilience and fighting spirit, regardless of the outcome on the scoreboard.

As a coach who has played at the next level himself, Coach Rashad recognizes the aspirations of his players to play college basketball. He advises them to embrace the challenges that come with that goal, emphasizing the importance of listening, being coachable, and developing a resilient mindset. He wants his players to understand that nothing comes easy and that they must be ready to fight for their dreams.

Coach Rashad’s journey to becoming a basketball coach was influenced by his junior high coach, Nick Daniel Wright, who not only cared about his players’ performance on the court but also showed genuine concern for their well-being outside of basketball. This experience ignited Coach Rashad’s desire to become a coach who genuinely cares about his players’ personal growth and success.

In summary, Coach Marvin Rashad brings enthusiasm, inspiration, and a strong commitment to the Orange Boys Basketball program. He aims to build a culture of responsibility and accountability while instilling confidence and freedom in his players. With his own experiences and positive mentorship, Coach Rashad is ready to make a lasting impact on the lives of his players and the success of the program.

 

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