Tag Archive for: Maplewood

WRITING A CHECK HER SKILL CAN CASH

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CORTLAND OH- Maplewood High School has seen a remarkable addition to its girls basketball team this year with the arrival of freshman standout, Claire Urcheck. The young athlete has already proved her mettle by making an immediate impact on the court, leaving spectators and coaches equally impressed.

In a recent episode of YSN’s player profile, hosted by Anthony Hartwig, Claire opened up about her transition from middle school to high school basketball. “It’s really been amazing to play on this team,” Claire shared, expressing her excitement about finally playing at the high school level, a goal she had eagerly awaited.  Preparation and dedication have been key factors in Claire’s seamless transition. She credits the hard work she invested over the summer for her readiness to take on a pivotal role straight away. Claire’s confidence, as observed by many, stems from this laborious preparation and the unwavering support of her teammates. “My teammates really have confidence in me, and they show that to me. So I think that gives me confidence,” she stated. The influence of family runs deep in Claire’s passion for basketball. With her father, a former coach of the Maplewood boys varsity team, instilling a love for the game from an early age, Claire has always aspired to excel in basketball. “Ever since I was younger, I’ve always wanted to be good at it,” she affirmed.

Her journey is not just about personal growth but also about contributing to the team’s success. While acknowledging the pride she feels in meeting her goals, Claire remains focused on the team’s aspirations to achieve more. Mentored by a supportive coaching staff and encouraged by a family legacy of basketball excellence, Claire continues to push her boundaries. “We’re not done yet. We want more than this,” she asserted. As the Maplewood community rallies behind its promising player, Claire Urcheck’s freshman year is setting the stage for an inspiring high school basketball career. Her story, defined by hard work, resilience, and a supportive network, is a testament to the rewarding journey of a dedicated athlete making her mark on the hardwood.

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ROCKETS TURN ON THE AFTERBURNERS

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CORTLAND OH- Maplewood wasted no time making a statement in their tournament opener, rolling past Windham 70-5 on Saturday.

Aliah Brumit led the charge with 18 points, while Morgan Himes poured in 17. Claire Urcheck added 13, Katie Wear chipped in 9, and Lauren Krieg finished with 7 as the Rockets dominated from start to finish.

With the win, Maplewood moves on to the district semifinals on Tuesday, where they’ll host the winner of Wellsville vs. Sebring.

KRIEG CRANKS IT UP A NOTCH

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CORTLAND OH- Anthony Hartwig of YSN recently featured junior Raegan Krieg from the Maplewood girls basketball team, exploring her journey and insights on the successful 20-win season of the Maplewood Rockets. As one of the few upperclassmen on a young roster, Krieg relishes the opportunity to lead and mentor younger teammates. Reflecting on the team’s staggering improvement from a 12-win season to 20 wins, she attributes this success to the hard work over the summer months, where the starting five collectively put up over 10,000 shots. This dedication off the court has translated into substantial game-time success, fostering a robust team dynamic.

Krieg, a seasoned player since fourth grade, values the influential role she now embodies, having once looked up to older athletes. She finds pride and responsibility in guiding underclassmen, ensuring they have strong role models as she once did. Family plays a pivotal role in Krieg’s life, providing unwavering support from the sidelines. Sharing the court with her twin sister, Lauren, has been a unique journey filled with mutual encouragement and growth since their early years in junior high.

Beyond basketball, Krieg has her sights set on college, aiming to continue her softball career while aspiring to become an athletic trainer or sports psychology professional. Amidst the stressful recruitment process, she seeks collegiate programs that prioritize positive team culture and academic support. In an inspiring conclusion, Krieg extended heartfelt thanks to her family, teammates, coaches, and alumni, acknowledging their crucial roles in her athletic and personal development. As the season progresses, both Krieg and the Maplewood Rockets anticipate achieving new heights, with her leadership shining both on and off the court.

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ALL TIME HIMES

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CORTLAND OH- Maplewood High School junior, Morgan Himes, is making her mark as a leader on the Maplewood Rockets girls’ basketball team. Emerging as an upperclassman amidst a young roster, Himes embraces her role as both a mentor and a player. “It’s definitely great being an upperclassman,” she shared, highlighting the joy she finds in guiding her younger teammates.

With the team seeing an impressive turnaround from last year’s 12 wins to a remarkable 20 wins this season, Himes attributes the success to team confidence and encouragement. “All of our confidence is really just from all of us as a team,” she noted, emphasizing the collective spirit that fuels their performance. The Rockets have become known for their vibrant community support, which Himes describes as an exhilarating experience, especially during home games. “I’ve never played a basketball game with as many fans as we had this year,” she remarked, reflecting on the electrifying atmosphere.

Beginning her basketball journey in the fourth grade, Himes has developed a profound love for the sport. Drawing inspiration from former high school athletes like Marissa Ventura and encouragement from role models such as Maddie Murray, Himes continuously seeks to evolve as both a player and a leader. “It’s really great to be in the position just like she was,” she said of Ventura. Looking ahead, Himes remains committed to fostering the team’s growth and achieving even more success as she and the Rockets prepare for upcoming tournament play. Her journey reflects dedication, unity, and the power of leadership in bringing out the best in a young and dynamic team. “This whole team has been great to play with,” she concluded, expressing her appreciation for her teammates and coaches.

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BRUMIT BROOMS AWAY THE OPPOSITION

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CORTLAND OH- In a dynamic conversation with YSN, sophomore Aliah Brumit shared her journey and the Maplewood girls basketball team’s remarkable turnaround this season. Reflecting on her transition from freshman to sophomore year, Aliah noted, “The pace of the game is definitely different. And then also a mental game. Having a strong mental game, I think that’s super important for the high school level.”

Aliah credited the team’s confidence and trust in one another for their outstanding performance this season, saying, “I think our coaches have a lot of trust in us. I think also my teammates, we have a lot of trust in each other.” Highlighting her personal growth, she shared, “I struggled with [confidence] freshman year, but really sophomore, my sophomore season of volleyball, I kind of like grew out of the struggle of having that confidence.”

Discussing her pregame routine, Aliah revealed, “I listen to music. I think music kind of helps calm my nerves and like, kind of gets me prepared.” When asked about balancing her busy life as a student-athlete, Aliah emphasized the importance of organization, stating, “I stay organized with a lot of my schoolwork and like just having a calendar.” Grateful for the support around her, Aliah concluded with heartfelt thanks, saying, “First, I would probably say my parents. I wouldn’t be here without them… My family and friends… as well as coaches, they pushed me very hard.” With a promising season ahead, Aliah and the Maplewood team aim to continue their impressive journey.

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MAPLEWOOD GETS ENOUGH TO MOVE PAST CHALKER

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SOUTHINGTON OH- Maplewood had to bring the firepower Friday night, and they did just enough to fend off Chalker in a 65-61 shootout.

Ethan Nevinski and David Kern carried the load, each dropping 21 to keep the Rockets in control. Tyson Webster added 9, while Trevor Shipman and Andrew Donaldson each put up 7 to help seal the deal.

With the win, Maplewood wraps up the regular season on Saturday with a road trip to Conneaut.

2025 GIRLS BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT CENTRAL

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COLUMBIANA OH-  It is officially tournament time in Ohio Girls Basketball! It’s the best time of year for hoops fans, and it’s when the great get separated from the good.  It has been an exciting regular season with plenty of teams making statements along the way.  All 22 games preparing each squad for this moment when it’s win or go home.  In this article you will be able to easily find the tournament matchups that are coming up, and the road ahead for your favorite team in the YSN Family.  Until the District Finals, all higher seeds will be the host schools of tournament games.

DIVISION II

There is only 1 Division II team in the YSN family and that honor belongs to Austintown Fitch.  They are the 15 seed in the Northeast District.  Because of the size of their bracket they will start their tournament run in the district semifinals on Wednesday February 19th against 27th seeded Euclid at home.  The 2 seed Olmstead Falls is on the other end of the bracket, and they are favorites to get into the district final, and most likely who Fitch will have to conquer if they win against Euclid.

DIVISION III

Sectional Finals: February 15th

Northeast 6 Bracket: #23 Louisville vs #41 Wooster. 2:00

Northeast 1 Bracket: #4 Akron Archbishop Hoban vs #42 Bedford 7:00

Northeast 2 Bracket: #15 Chaney vs #27 Akron Garfield 7:00

Northeast 4 Bracket: #43 Lakeside @ #11 Akron Ellet 7:00

Northeast 5 Bracket: #16 Howland vs #24 Bay 7:00

Northeast 5 Bracket: #19 Boardman @ #14 Kent Roosevelt 7:00

Overciew: Division III is full of talented teams with deep rosters as most higher divisions are.  This means that more so than other divisions the middle seeds can be very dangerous.  For example Chaney is the 15 seed but they also feature one of the highest scoring players in the YSN family in sophomore Alyssa Brown, who can wreck anyone’s tournament dreams.  Even 19 seeded Boardman has shown how dangerous they can be with a balanced offense led by senior Sarah Bero.  The 4th seeded Hoban Knights are the highest seeded YSN team in the division, and they have earned every ounce of that seed.  The Knights play a very strong independent schedule and they’ve come out of it with a nearly spotless record.  The Knights have plenty of offensive weapons but they’re headlined by their fantastic defense that has held almost all of their opponents under their season average.  The Knights had an early exit to the tournament last season, and they are hungry to make a run this year.

DIVISION IV

Sectional Finals February 13th

East 1 Bracket: #11 Beaver Local @ #10 Minerva 7:00

East 1 Bracket: #6 East Liverpool @ #5 Maysville 7:00

Sectional Finals  February 15th

Northeast 6 Bracket: #27 Niles @ #26 Akron Springfield 1:00

ALL Following Games 7:00 start

Northeast 1 Bracket: #24 Hubbard vs #28 Lutheran West

Northeast 2 Bracket: #19 Lakeview vs #30 Woodridge

Northeast 2 Bracket: #25 Ursuline @ #14 Cloverleaf

Northeast 3 Bracket: #9 Perry vs #39 Akron Coventry

Northeast 3 Bracket: #29 Struthers @ #22 Salem

Northeast 3 Bracket: #6 West Branch vs #44 Cleveland East Tech

Northeast 4 Bracket: #35 Orange @ #11 Field

Northeast 5 Bracket: #33 Conneaut @ #18 Villa Angela – St Joseph

Northeast 6 Bracket: #12 Edgewood vs #17 Firelands

#1 Canfield advances to the District Semifinal by forfeit by Jefferson.  They are in the Northeast 2 Bracket.

Overview:  Division IV is filled with YSN teams that made big strides as the season went on.  Their seeds might not indicate how good they actually are, or how good they’re playing at the moment.  25th seeded Ursuline may not have all the results they want in their regular season record, but a monster schedule has prepared them for any kind of basketball they’ll see. 19th seeded Lakeview has had to navigate the most competitive conference in the area in the NE8.  They are the definition of battle tested.  The Bulldogs can score in many different ways which makes them a lot to handle.  Sophie Irwin is deadly from beyond the arc, but players like Mack Stowe, and Izzy Isenberg force you to protect the paint as well.  West Branch is the highest seeded team in the YSN family in the division.  Like many Warrior teams before them, defense is the Warriors calling card.  Their defense has allowed just 1 team to get over 50 points and it was Fitch with 51.  Their opponents have been under 40 in 20 out of their 22 games. Canfield is top seed, and although they have a week to wait before they start, there will be no rust on the Cardinals.  They have been able to take an almost brand new roster from a year ago, and they’ve out done anyone’s expectations.

DIVISION V

Sectional Semifinals February 12tb ALL Games 7:00 Start

Northeast 1 Bracket: #21 Champion @ #7 Chippewa

Northeast 2 Bracket: #12 Pymatuning Valley vs #18 Triway

Sectional Finals Saturday February 15th

Northeast 2 Bracket: #10 South Range vs #12 Pymatuning Valley / #18 Triway winner 1:00

ALL Following Games Start at 7:00

Northeast 2 Bracket: #11 Girard @ #9 Southeast

Northeast 2 Bracket: #15 Garrettsville Garfield @ #14 Wickliffe

Northeast 3 Bracket: #26 Liberty @ #1 Crestview

Northeast 3 Bracket: #13 Poland vs #17 Fairview

Northeast 3 Bracket: #20 Cardinal Mooney @ #3 Canton South

Overview: There are some very interesting matchups that come out of the Division IV Sectionals.  We see a 9 vs 10 matchup as Girard travels to Southeast.  Girard has had a program defining season as they won the NE8 for the first time.  Their three headed offensive monster of Ally Glassman, Caylee Wilkes, and Makenzee White make them a hard team to defend.  Southeast has made a tough journey through the MVAC where they’ve had to play both the first seeded Crestview in Division V and the 7 seed in Division VI LaBrae both twice.  They split with LaBrae, and although they dropped both contests to Crestview, they made their presence felt in both contests.  Crestview is the top seeded team in Division V, and after an early exit last season, the Rebels have beefed up their schedule to hopefully make them even more prepared to get through a district.  Addison Rhodes will lead them along the way as the statistical leader of the team, and most of the YSN family.

DIVISION VI

Sectional Semifinals February 12th ALL Games Starting At 7:00.

Northeast 1 Bracket: #7 LaBrae vs #27 Hillsdale

Northeast 3 Bracket: #24 Newton Falls @ #8 Canton Central Catholic

Northeast 2 Bracket: #20 United @ #18 McDonald

Sectional Finals February 15th

Northeast 2 Bracket: #32 East Palestine @ #14 Dalton 1:00

ALL Following Games Start at 7:00

Northeast 1 Bracket: #11 Grand Valley vs #27 Hillsdale or @ #7 LaBrae

Northeast 2 Bracket: #18 McDonald / #20 United winner @ #6 Columbia

Northeast 3 Bracket: #30 Brookfield @ #9 New Middletown Springfield

Northeast 3 Bracket: #15 Waynedale @ #4 Columbiana

Northeast 4 Bracket: #35 Campbell Memorial @ #2 Smithville

Northeast 4 Bracket: #19 Southern vs #26 Medina Christian

Mineral Ridge has advanced to the district semifinals by forfeit from Our Lady Of The Elms.

Overview: The Northeast 3 Bracket in Division VI might just be the most intriguing bracket in the whole tournament.  Mineral Ridge, Springfield, and Columbiana all find themselves in the mix.  They have all played each other, and every game has been a close finish.  It is possible that Columbiana could play Springfield in the District Semis, and then have to meet up with Mineral Ridge in the finals if both teams get there.  Although some tough non YSN teams will be in the way of that.  Canton Central Catholic is on Mineral Ridge’s side of the bracket, and their schedule gives them a ton of high level basketball experience, Canton South will be Columbiana’s first obstacle and although they haven’t had the most eye popping record, they are a young and talented team.

DIVISION VII

Sectional Finals February 15th

Northeast 2 Bracket: #16 Sebring @ #12 Wellsville 1:00

Northeast 1 Bracket: #14 Lisbon vs #19 Mathews 3:30

Northeast 2 Bracket: #24 Ashtabula St John @ #2 Mogadore 5:00

ALL Following Games Start at 7:00

Northeast 1 Bracket: #23 Leetonia @ #1 Warren JFK

Northeast 1 Bracket: #13 Badger @ #9 Lowellville *MOVED TO 4:00*

Northeast 2 Bracket: #18 Windham @ #4 Maplewood

Northeast 3 Bracket: #20 Valley Christian @ #10 Heartland Christian

Northeast 3 Bracket: #5 Western Reserve vs #21 Lake Ridge Academy

Overview: Division VII has just as much interest as any of the divisions above.  Warren JFK is the 3rd YSN team to have to top seed in the division.  Their offense has been rolling on full cylinders all season.  They are dangerous everywhere on the floor.  Maplewood as the 4 seed is having a huge turnaround season. They have improved their win total by 8, and won the NAC.  Western Reserve is a strong sleeper in Division VII.  As a 5 seed they are placed in a pretty good draw.  They battled mostly higher division teams inside their conference, and competed well.  The Blue Devils are a team that can score from the outside and inside which makes them hard to prepare for.

WPIAL Class 4A

Round Of 16 February 17th: #5 Beaver vs #12 Freeport (PA)

 

Tournament time is always exciting! YSN is determined to have the best coverage possible.  The live broadcast of any tournament games will need to be sponsored to offset the OHSAA fees in place.  If you are interested in sponsoring a team’s tournament games reach out to us on socials, or email us at [email protected].  Good luck to all the teams starting their postseason journey this week!

MAPLEWOOD SNAGS A TWENTY WIN SEASON

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East Ashtabula, OH – In a highly anticipated non-conference matinee matchup, the Maplewood Rockets showcased their strength, defeating the Edgewood Warriors 49-36 on Saturday. The battle between two strong programs—Maplewood (20-2) and Edgewood (15-4)—was defined by defensive intensity and timely shooting from the Rockets.
It was Senior Night, in recognition of the four seniors playing in the game tonight, and the only seniors play for Edgewood.  Those four: Leigha Guyton, Jay Philip, Nevaeh Beals, and Avery Vencill.

Both teams started with a defensive-minded approach, but Maplewood’s ability to knock down shots from beyond the arc gave them an early advantage. Three first-quarter three-pointers helped the Rockets take a 15-8 lead after the opening frame. Meanwhile, Edgewood struggled from deep throughout the contest, managing just one three-pointer—courtesy of Avery Vencill in the second quarter.

Despite their shooting struggles, the Warriors fought back in the second quarter, outscoring the Rockets 10-4 to cut the deficit to a single point at halftime, 19-18.

However, Maplewood responded in the third quarter, pulling away with an 18-9 scoring run to establish a 10-point lead heading into the final period. The Rockets sealed the win in the fourth, thanks in large part to Claire Urchek, who poured in 10 of her game-high 21 points in the final frame.

Urchek led all scorers with 21 points, while teammate Aliah Brumit added 14 for the Rockets. Edgewood was paced by Faith Vencill and Carly Kray, who both finished with 12 points.

With the victory, Maplewood extends its impressive record and now looks ahead to a matchup with Windham on February 15. Edgewood, eager to bounce back, will travel to Corry on February 10 to make up a previously postponed game.

MAPLEWOOD’S PERFECT CONFERENCE RECORD DIDN’T COME EASY

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CORTLAND OH- Maplewood wrapped up a perfect 14-0 run through the conference Friday night, but Grand Valley didn’t make it easy. The Rockets had to grind through overtime before pulling out a 48-42 win to lock in their title.

Claire Urcheck led the charge with 19 points, while Aliah Brumit added 16. Lauren Krieg chipped in 6, and Morgan Himes tacked on 5 to round out the scoring. On the other side, Grand Valley’s Cloe Turk dropped 20, with Bre Rowland adding 11 and Reagan Boiarshi finishing with 5.

Maplewood has one more regular season tune-up on Saturday, heading to Edgewood for a 1:45 tip. Grand Valley now shifts focus to tournament play, opening at LaBrae on February 15th.

MAPLEWOOD FINISHES THE JOB ATOP THE NAC

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ANDOVER OH- Maplewood is back on top. For the first time since the 2019-2020 season, they’re conference champs, locking it up with a gritty 41-33 road win over Pymatuning Valley on Monday.

Claire Urcheck led the way with 14 points, while Morgan Himes chipped in 10. Katie Wear added 9, and Lauren Krieg dropped 5 to help Maplewood grind out the win.

Pymatuning Valley got 8 points from Kelsie Britton and 6 from Sadie Paul, but it wasn’t enough to hold off Maplewood’s push.

The Rockets aren’t done yet. They’ve got one more conference game on Thursday at home against Grand Valley, looking to cap off an undefeated run. Pymatuning Valley will try to bounce back as they host Fairport Harding the same night.