Tag Archive for: Mackenzie Riccitelli

RETURN OF THE MACK

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BOARDMAN, OH- Boardman High School has a sports gem in the form of Mackenzie Riccitelli, a standout athlete who has left an indelible mark on the basketball court, track, and cross country. In a recent player profile on the YSN podcast, Mackenzie shared insights on her journey, work ethic, and the impact she’s had on her team and the community.

From reaching the milestone of scoring a thousand points in basketball to being a vital force in recruiting players and coaches, Mackenzie’s journey has been marked by hard work, determination, and a positive mindset. She attributes her success to giving everything her all and the unwavering support of her family, friends, and the community.

Mackenzie’s impact has extended beyond the court, as she has become a role model for younger athletes and an inspiration to many. Her commitment to excellence in academics and sports has set a standard for aspiring athletes, and her influence has been felt not only in her community, but also in the wider sports scene.

Her recruitment process, despite facing challenges due to her height and physical attributes, led her to Wooster, where she found a perfect fit both academically and athletically. Her goal to be a game-changer for the Wooster team reflects her dedication and ambition to make a positive impact wherever she goes.

The close-knit bond between Mackenzie, her teammates, and the community has been a source of strength for her, providing an unwavering support system no matter the results on the court. Her father, also a coach, has been an integral part of her journey, and their emotional moments together on and off the court serve as a testament to the special relationship they share.

Mackenzie Riccitelli’s story is one of perseverance, resilience, and the power of positivity. Her influence goes beyond winning games, as she has left an indelible mark as a leader, a beacon of light, and a role model for aspiring athletes. Her impact will continue to resonate for years to come, as she transitions from a high school standout to the next phase of her journey, leaving a legacy of hard work, dedication, and inspiration.

As Mackenzie Riccitelli moves forward, her journey serves as a powerful reminder of the impact that determination, resilience, and a positive mindset can have on and off the playing field.

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BOARDMAN TAKES COMMAND OF AAC

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BOARDMAN, OH- In a nail-biting showdown that kept fans on the edge of their seats, the Boardman High School girls’ basketball team clinched a remarkable victory over the Austintown Fitch Falcons, emerging triumphant with a 56-44 win in overtime. The Spartans showcased resilience, determination, and skill, securing their fifth consecutive win in a season marked by outstanding performances.

The game unfolded as a fierce battle from the outset, with both teams demonstrating their prowess on the court. Despite facing a challenging deficit of three points with merely 30 seconds remaining, the Spartans refused to concede defeat. Mackenzie Riccitelli, a standout player of the evening, stepped up under pressure, sinking a crucial free throw. However, it was her remarkable playmaking ability that stole the spotlight, as she delivered a flawless no-look pass to Sarah Bero, igniting fervor among the Boardman faithful and forcing the game into overtime.

The overtime period witnessed a dominant display from the Spartans, who outscored the Falcons 16-4, ultimately sealing a commanding 12-point victory. Riccitelli’s performance was nothing short of spectacular, as she matched her career-high with 28 points while contributing 6 assists, 6 rebounds, and 4 steals, showcasing her versatility and impact on the court.

Sarah Bero complemented Riccitelli’s stellar performance with 10 points and an impressive 8 rebounds, exemplifying the Spartans’ depth and resilience as a team. M.C. Werth displayed her scoring prowess, tallying 9 points, including a pivotal three-pointer, while Ava Freeborough and Sam Duble made significant contributions from beyond the arc, adding 6 and 3 points respectively to the scoreboard.

Notably, Mikayla Rivera and Tori Strines provided crucial minutes off the bench, underscoring the team’s collective effort and unity in pursuit of victory. With this triumph, the Spartans enhance their season record to an impressive 13-4, reaffirming their status as a force to be reckoned with in the AAC.

For Fitch, Senior Destanie McCollough led the Lady Falcons with 11 points with Kylie Folkwein scoring 10. Rachel Spalding chipped in with 7 while seniors Ayla Ray and Lannie Henning each finished with 5. Kaelyn Bower and Dasiyia Donlow had 3 points apiece to round out the scoring.

Looking ahead, the Boardman girls’ basketball team remains focused and determined as they prepare for their upcoming encounter against East High School on Monday night. As they hit the road once again, the Spartans are poised to continue their winning streak, fueled by the passion, dedication, and unwavering support of their fans.

 

RICCITELLI CROSSES 1000 IN THRILLER OVER CANFIELD

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BOARDMAN, OH- It was a memorable day in the Spartan Dome to say the least.  With storylines seemingly cascading from every crevice of Boardman High School, along with the standings in the AAC, it was only fitting that the Lady Spartans and Canfield would need not one, but two extra frames to decide a 63-60 Boardman victory.

Senior Boardman standout and Wooster hoops commit, Mackenzie Riccitelli came into the contest just 4 points shy of the 1000-Point Club, a feat that had only been performed a dozen times before in the history of the program.  It might have been the worst kept secret in the public sector, and Canfield had their eyes set on not allowing the feat to be against them.

With every shot Riccitelli had, the crowd held their breath in anticipation and would release on uncharacteristic misses, as if everybody in the gym could feel the pressure Riccitelli carried on her frame.  The Lady Cardinals held Riccitelli to 3 points going into the third quarter, opening up an opportunity for the likes of Sarah Bero’s powerful performance in the post.

While the anticipated moment came in the third quarter for Riccitelli with an up-and-under layup, you could almost read her body language that there was much left work to do with her teammates to walk away with the bigger accomplishment the day had in store- the season sweep against Canfield.

Canfield’s Camie Dill hit a huge shot at the end of regulation to force overtime, and give the Lady Cards a shift of momentum to their side of the gymnasium, and many thought with six seconds left in overtime that Canfield would spoil the day, until the Lady Spartans found Riccitelli from long distance and 41 splashed one of the biggest shots of her career to send the crowd into a frenzy, and the game into double overtime.

Riccitelli finished with 25-points on the afternoon, Sarah Bero had a big day as well with 17 points and 12 rebounds.  MC Werth gutted out a memorable performance with 12 points to her credit as well.  The duo of Ava Freeborough and Sam Duble each chipped in five points, respectively.

Boardman outrebounded Canfield 44-27 overall, and 20-4 on the offensive boards.

For Canfield, who lost Jenna Triveri just moments into the contest with an ankle injury, Camie Dill (23) and Cami Hritz (15) carried the load for the Cards with 38 points combined.  Carly Fleming had an outstanding performance on both sides of the floor while dropping 8 offensively.  Marina Koenig showed up to the tune of six points, and Grace McQuiston had five.

With the victory, Boardman takes over the top spot in the AAC at 4-1, and 11-4 overall.  Canfield drops to 2-3 in conference and 9-6 on the year.

LADY SPARTANS BOUNCE BACK IN A BIG WAY

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BOARDMAN, OH- On a day when Mackenzie Riccitelli blew out 18 candles on her birthday cake, she and her teammates blew out Tallmadge on the scoreboard.  The Boardman girls’ basketball team showcased resilience and determination, securing a commanding 52-38 victory on Friday night. The game unfolded as a back-and-forth battle, with the Spartans overcoming halftime challenges to outscore the Blue Devils 22-5 in the final quarter, ultimately sealing a 14-point triumph.

The win served as a strong rebound for Boardman, coming off a tough loss to Aurora just days prior. With this victory, the Spartans improved their record to an impressive 5-2, while Tallmadge dropped to 6-3.

Mackenzie Riccitelli emerged as the star of the game, delivering a phenomenal performance with a game-high and career-high 28 points, showcasing precision from the free-throw line with a perfect 10-10 record. Riccitelli’s impact extended beyond scoring, contributing 7 rebounds and 4 steals. Ava Freeborough added 8 crucial points, including a pivotal three-pointer in the fourth quarter that helped solidify Boardman’s lead.

Despite facing foul trouble, Sarah Bero displayed resilience, finishing with 7 points and 5 rebounds. Tori Strines, coming off the bench, made a significant contribution with a key three-pointer in the first half. Sam Duble, M.C. Werth, and Mikayla Rivera each added 2 points to the tally, with Werth’s noteworthy hustle play late in the game earning an extra possession for the Spartans.

Boardman’s success at the free-throw line was a highlight, boasting an impressive 18-22 record in the game. The girls look ahead to their next challenge, returning to action in the South Range Holiday Classic next Thursday, where they are set to face the Struthers Wildcats.

SPARTANS CLAMP DOWN DEFENSIVELY TO BEAT VIKINGS

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BOARDMAN, OH- The Boardman Spartans hosted a division 1 opponent on Monday night in the North Canton Hoover Vikings. The Spartans had one of the best defensive games of the year to pick up an 18 point victory.

Boardman came out strong after losing three consecutive games. The Spartans held the Vikings to just 7 first quarter points while scoring 13. Boardman extended the lead to double digits at the half after Reagan Smith knocked down two three-pointers in the second quarter. Boardman went into the locker-room leading 25-15.

The Hoover Vikings had an early push in the third quarter, cutting the lead down to 4 points midway through the third. Head Coach Jeff Hammerton called a timeout, and the Spartans came out fired up scoring 8 consecutive points to lead by 12 late in the third quarter. Hoover made one more late push to cut the deficit to 7 points, trailing 36-29 at the end of the third. Boardman amped up the defensive pressure in the fourth quarter and held the Vikings scoreless in the final quarter. The Spartans picked up a huge victory over North Canton Hoover, winning by a final of 47-29. The 29 points was the least amount of points that Hoover has scored all season long.

Junior point guard Mackenzie Riccitelli led the team scoring 12 points, with senior Gia Triveri right behind with 9 points. The Spartans improve to 11-8 on the season, and will host Harding on Saturday. Coach Hammerton sat down with our YSN crew after the game, here is what he had to say:

 

RICCITELLI RUNS POINT

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BOARDMAN OH- If you go and watch Boardman’s girls basketball team one thing will become abundantly clear, they are set in the point guard position. Mackenzie Riccitelli runs the point for the Spartans offense, and already seems to have a solid grasp of the position. Not only is she a fantastic leader on the floor, she has mastered the art of knowing when to distribute and when to look to score. Mackenzie is a big reason for Boardman’s success, and will continue to be a key to what they do in the future.

Riccitelli won week 1 of Baird Brothers Big Dogs of the Valley. The Boardman community backed her up and voted her to the top. She had the chance to come on to Running Point to talk about her season so far with Anthony and Ty. She talks about being a leader, how much she’s grown, and much more. Don’t miss this exclusive interview with Mackenzie Riccitelli.

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WARRIORS DOMINATE BOARDMAN

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BOARDMAN OH- West Branch won their Third game in a row on Monday night as they went into Boardman and handled the Spartans 65-28.

The Warriors were in control from the tip as they took a 19-7 lead into the second frame, and never looked back from that point on.

Sydney Mercer and Anna Lippiatt both led the charge for the Warriors each scoring 15. Emma Egli was also in double figures with 10.

Boardman was led by Mackenzie Riccitelli with 9 points.

The now 7-2 Warriors hit the road on Wednesday to take on Carrolton. Boardman will try to regroup as they get ready to play Hoban on Monday at South Range.