Tag Archive for: Mary Brant

THE BRILLIANT BULLDOGS

POLAND, OH – The Poland Lady Bulldogs are having a season to remember as they are currently undefeated in the NE8 with a chance to win the league outright this week! That success can be linked to many things but one main reason is a group of talented senior leaders. Mary Brant and Ava Sabrin are the two that form the dynamic defensive duo on the Poland Lady Bulldogs soccer team, bringing their exceptional skills and commitment to the pitch. As seniors, they have not only been a formidable force on the field but also inspirational leaders for their teammates. Brant is known for her rock-solid defensive prowess, with a keen sense of anticipation and remarkable agility, she has stopped countless opposition attacks, earning her a reputation as a tenacious defender. Her ability to read the game and initiate crucial counterattacks from the backline has been pivotal to the Lady Bulldogs’ success. Sabrin, on the other hand, complements Mary’s skills perfectly as a fellow senior defender, Ava brings her own brand of determination and skill to the team. Her exceptional ball control and precision passing make her a vital cog in both the defensive and transitional phases of the game. Together, Mary Brant and Ava Sabrin exemplify the teamwork and dedication that have defined the Poland Lady Bulldogs soccer program.

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BRANT ALWAYS BRINGS IT

POLAND OH- Poland has something special in the water. They have consistently brought fantastic athletes through their sports program. The latest player to show off their talents in every sports season is current junior Mary Brant. Whether it is being a captain on the soccer pitch, one of the leading scorers on the basketball, or now as one of the big sources of power in the softball lineup.  Mary seems to shine at everything she does. From the outsider who watches her play, it may seem effortless.  But behind the scenes Brant puts in more work than anyone to get herself where her team needs her to be.  Her work ethic is what makes her the player she is. She doesn’t rest on her talents.

When it comes to softball, Mary put a lot of work into her swing in the off-season. She was able to notice some holes in her swings, and then make the proper moves to correct them. That has elevated her game from a good hitter, to one of the most dangerous hitters in the area.  Her glove doesn’t slouch on the field either.  As the shortstop, Mary commands the middle of the infield making every play look easy.

Brant is currently hitting .549 at the plate for Poland.  Her power has been huge for the Bulldogs lineup.  With 11 doubles, 6 HR and 27 RBI she is one of the most productive hitters in the conference.  In fact, 17 of her 39 total hits have been of the extra base variety.  In 71 at bats Brant has only struck out 7 times this season.  As a fielder, Mary has only made 2 errors all season.  That gives her a fielding percentage of .974.

Brant was kind enough to talk with YSN’s Anthony Hartwig about her season. She also talks about the work she put in heading into this year, how she has handled being more of a leader as an upperclassman, and so much more. Check out the latest Poland Softball Player Profile only on YSN.

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BRANT BRINGS HOME 2023 BIG DOG OF THE YEAR

POLAND OH- Its been a long season of Big Dogs Of The Valley brought to you by Baird Brothers.  To win Big Dog of the Year, not only do you have to win the weekly poll against the regular season, but you also have to win two sets of polls against fellow winners.  It is a great testament to a community to have a player named Big Dog of the Year.  The votes this season are in and Poland was the fanbase that clicked the most. Your 2023 Big Dog of the Year in girls basketball is Bulldog junior Mary Brant.

Mary brought a ton of leadership to the Bulldogs roster this season. In a year that a lot of people undervalued the team, the Bulldogs still won yet another NE8 championship.  Brant was also named  first team All NE8 by the coaches of the conference.  Congratulations again to the Poland community, and to Mary Brant on winning the 2023 Baird Brothers Big Dog of the Year!

POLAND USES BALANCE TO WIN OVER BULLDOGS

POLAND OH- There may not have been any eye popping stats for Poland in their 49-27 win over Lakeview on Thursday night, but six players scored at least 5 points to balance their offense.

Leading the way for Poland was Mary Brant, Morgan Kluchar, and Ella Harrell all with 8 points. Jackie Grisdale finished with 7.

Melanie Wolffe had a game-high 11 points to pace the Lakeview offense. Maggie Pavlansky added 7 for the Bulldogs.

Poland will stay at home on Saturday to host Boardman.

POLAND KEEPS ON WINNING

CANFIELD OH- Poland played their second game in less than 24 hours Tuesday afternoon, as they took on Western Reserve in the South Range Holiday Hoops Classic. The Bulldogs beat Fitch Monday night at home, and turned around Tuesday afternoon to beat the Blue Devils 51-39.

Poland won with defense, like they have so many times before. They switched defenses well all day and gave Reserve all kinds of problems. The loss was the first of the season for the Blue Devils.

Jackie Grisdale had her best game of the season with 30 points on the day. She went 8 for 8 at the free throw line. Mary Brant finished with a strong 8 point performance to chip in.

Dani Vuletich led the Blue Devils with 17 points. Kennedy Miller was also in double figures with 10.

Poland will kick off the New Year on Monday as they make a trip back to South Range to take on the Raiders. The Blue Devils have a game against Lowellville on Monday.

BULLDOGS BOUNCE BACK AT NORTON

NORTON OH- Poland had a game at Waterloo on Saturday canceled at the last minute and scrambled to schedule a game against a very talented Norton team. The Panthers came in to the game with a perfect 2-0 record, but the Bulldogs snuck out a close one 51-48.

Freshman Mary Brant took a step into the spotlight leading the Bulldogs offensively with 17 points. She buried three 3’s. Jackie Grisdale was also in double figures with 13. Morgan Kluchar contributed 9.

Poland returns home on Monday to host Jefferson. This will be Poland’s senior night.

JAMISON NOTCHES 1,000 SALEM SECURES VICTORY

POLAND OH- Salem faced their first big test of the season on Wednesday night as they traveled to Poland to take one of the more dominant programs in our area. Salem used a strong 3rd quarter to secure a 46-41 victory.

Poland controlled the first half with strong defense. The Bulldogs and their trade mark trapping forced the Quakers into plenty of turnovers in the first two frames. Jackie Grisdale also put together a strong two quarters scoring 11 points.

It was Salem ray came out strong though after halftime. They forced a turnover on the first three Poland possessions on their way to a 12-2 run. The Quakers would eventually outscore the Bulldogs in the third frame 17-5. However, Bulldog Freshman Mary Brant came up with some big plays in the fourth quarter. With Poland trailing 39-36, Grisdale buried a three tying the game late at 39-39. Those were Grisdale’s only points of the second half. Salem closed the game on a 7-2 run including Kyla Jamison’s 20th point that gave Salem a 43-41 lead. It also push Jamison over the 1,000 point mark in her career. She managed to stay in the game with four fouls needing just one bucket to reach the career milestone.

Jamison led the Quakers with 20 points. Abbie Davidson added 10 for the Quakers. Casey Johnson finished with 8.

Grisdale led the Bulldogs with 14 points. Brant added 9. Sarah Forsyth     had 5 big 2nd quarter points during Poland’s run before the half.

Salem will have their home opener on Thursday hosting South Range. Poland travels to Waterloo.