Tag Archive for: Mineral Ridge

MINERAL RIDGE COACH’S CORNER WITH JEN STITH

MINERAL RIDGE, OH-  In a recent interview on the YSN, Mineral Ridge Athletic Director Jen Stith discussed the significance of her hometown community, the evolving landscape of women in sports, and the potential impact of the expansion of divisions in the Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA).

Stith, who has deep roots in Mineral Ridge as a former student and long-time educator, expressed her personal connection to the community and the special role it plays in the success of the athletic programs. She highlighted the supportive and family-like atmosphere that has contributed to the rise of girls’ sports and the positive relationships between coaches and students.

Addressing the changing perceptions of women in sports, Stith shared her perspective as a woman athletic director in what was traditionally a male-dominated arena. She emphasized the growing recognition of women’s capabilities and the increasing opportunities for women to take on leadership roles in athletics at all levels.

When discussing the OHSAA division expansion, Stith expressed optimism about the potential for more competitive balance, particularly for smaller schools like Mineral Ridge. She hoped that the move would provide opportunities for schools of similar sizes to compete at a level where they can excel and achieve success, suggesting that it could lead to more championships.

Stith also touched on the significance of rivalries within the community, underlining the role of community engagement and support in fostering a strong sports culture.

The interview with Jen Stith provided valuable insights into the intersection of community, women in sports, and the future of high school athletics in Ohio. As Mineral Ridge continues to thrive in its athletic endeavors, Stith’s perspective offers a unique and important outlook on the impact of these interconnected elements on the sports landscape.

Overall, Jen Stith’s reflections serve as a testament to the transformative power of community support, the increasing prominence of women in sports leadership, and the potential benefits of the OHSAA division expansion for schools like Mineral Ridge.

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NO STOPPING RAMS MOMENTUM

MINERAL RIDGE OH- In a night filled with celebration and dominance, Mineral Ridge’s basketball team honored their seniors in style with a commanding 74-33 victory over Maplewood on Wednesday.

Leading the charge for Mineral Ridge was Ava Hulett, who delivered a standout performance with an impressive 25 points. Gianna Gilbert contributed 13 points, while Sullivan Sandy added 12 points and Ava Carkido chipped in with 10 points, showcasing the team’s depth and scoring prowess.

With this resounding win, Mineral Ridge concludes their regular season with an outstanding 20-2 record, setting the stage for an exciting postseason journey. As they await their first tournament opponent, Mineral Ridge remains focused and determined to carry their momentum into the playoffs.

RAMS WIN MVAC ON THEIR HOME COURT

MINERAL RIDGE OH- In a thrilling matchup that determined the fate of the MVAC Scarlet Tier Championship, Mineral Ridge wasted no time establishing their dominance, sprinting to a fast start en route to a commanding 66-39 victory over Jackson Milton.

Led by stellar performances from Ava Hulett, who contributed 20 points, and Sullivan Sandy, who added 15 points, Mineral Ridge showcased their depth and skill on both ends of the court. Gianna Gilbert chipped in with 9 points, while Lily Merolillo added 7 points to the Rams’ impressive offensive display.

Despite a valiant effort from Jackson Milton’s Emma Johns, who notched a game-high 23 points, the Rams’ relentless defense proved too much for the opposition.

With the win, Mineral Ridge secures the MVAC Scarlet Tier Championship, boasting a formidable 18-2 record. Their sights now turn to one final tournament tune-up as they host Maplewood on Thursday, gearing up for postseason action. On the other hand, Jackson Milton (8-9) will hit the road for a Thursday matchup against Campbell, looking to bounce back from the defeat and finish the season strong.

RIDGE BACKS UP FIRST PLACE SPOT

MINERAL RIDGE OH- Securing their first-place position in the MVAC, Mineral Ridge triumphed over Western Reserve with a convincing 56-40 victory on Thursday. Ava Hulett led the charge with an outstanding performance, notching 22 points and grabbing 9 rebounds. Sam Aulet contributed 9 points, while Lily Merolillo added 8 points and secured 9 rebounds. Gianna Gilbert chipped in with 6 points.

With this win, Mineral Ridge boasts an impressive 18-2 record and looks ahead to hosting Jackson Milton on Monday. On the other side, Western Reserve (11-7) will return home to face Lowellville in their upcoming matchup.

RAMS KNOT UP TOP OF MVAC

NEW MIDDLETOWN OH- In a pivotal clash that knotted up the MVAC title race, Mineral Ridge staged a comeback on Monday, triumphing over Springfield 58-49 and leveling the playing field. The Rams showcased resilience after trailing 14-6 at the end of the first quarter, rallying to secure a crucial victory on the road.

Ava Hulett emerged as the driving force for Mineral Ridge, delivering a standout performance with an impressive 24 points and 12 rebounds. Sullivan Sandy added 11 points, complemented by Gianna Gilbert with 9 points, Lily Merolillo with 8 points, and Norah Schnieder contributing 7 points. The Rams’ collective effort proved pivotal in their comeback victory.

Springfield, despite a valiant effort, couldn’t withstand Mineral Ridge’s surge. Jameka Brungard led the Tigers’ offensive charge with an impressive 22 points, while Marianna Tuscano added 11 points.

With this win, Mineral Ridge (16-2) tightens its grip on the MVAC title race and looks to maintain its winning momentum at home on Wednesday. On the other side, Springfield (13-6) is determined to bounce back and will host Ursuline on Thursday. As the regular season heads toward its conclusion, the MVAC race remains unpredictable, promising more thrilling matchups in the quest for the title.

VIKINGS FIND FIRST PLACE MOJO

By Ty Bartell

 

ATWATER, Ohio — In a crucial Mahoning Valley Athletic Conference (MVAC) Scarlet Division matchup, the Waterloo Vikings boys basketball team triumphed over the Mineral Ridge Rams, clinching a key conference victory.

The first quarter saw a low-scoring affair, with The Rams edging ahead 4-2. However, Waterloo quickly turned the tide in the second quarter, outscoring Mineral Ridge 9-0 and establishing an 11-4 lead at the halftime buzzer.

The Vikings continued their dominance in the third quarter, besting The Rams 17-10 to take a commanding 28-14 lead into the final frame. In the fourth quarter, Waterloo sealed the deal with a 15-10 performance, securing a convincing 43-24 victory.
The standout performance of the night came from Waterloo’s Jackson Eichler, who earned the Player of the Game honors. Eichler delivered an impressive display, tallying 26 points and sinking six 3-point shots. Gage Hawley also contributed with 9 points for The Vikings. On the opposing side, Mineral Ridge’s offensive efforts were led by Chase Moore, who finished with 10 points.

With this win, Waterloo (11-4, 8-2) finds itself in a first-place tie in the conference standings with Springfield. Looking ahead, the Vikings will shift their focus to another MVAC opponent, as they prepare to face the Jackson-Milton Blue Jays (5-9, 3-7) on Tuesday, January 30th, with a 7 p.m. tip-off.

Meanwhile, Mineral Ridge (5-11, 2-8) aims to bounce back when they hit the road to take on the Lowellville Rockets (8-6, 7-2) on the same Tuesday evening. Basketball enthusiasts can stay updated on MVAC action throughout the season, with live games, scores, stats, stories, and more available on YSN!

RAMS ON THE REBOUND

By Matt Maher 


MINERAL RIDGE, OH – The Rams were on a mission, a mission to beat a team called McKinley and that’s exactly what they did in their 61-52 victory over Niles. After a disappointing loss to Sebring (also known as McKinley) on Friday night, the Rams were hungry for a win and beating Niles, while not directly or personally, was a nice bit of payback to our 25th Presidents last name. 

 

The first quarter was close and high energy with Niles narrowly winning it 11-10. After about 2 minutes of scoreless action, Nile struck first but Ridge stayed right behind them the whole time. Chase Moore was, well, Chase Moore and led his team with 6 points including 2 from under the hoop and 2-of-2 from the line. Jack Geddes also found a beautiful 3 to help out his team. Niles saw a more rounded out team effort with Avon Fryer, Anthony Budak and True Carey-Hardin all scoring 3 and Stef Dorsey adding 2.

 

Niles picked up the torch and scored 15 points to the Rams 10 in the second. For the Rams, Chase Moore continued to impress with another rebounded 2 and 2-of-4 from the line. Niles saw Anthony Georgalas hit a 3 off the bench, Hardin-Carey found 4 points in the paint and Dorsey and Yausene Blackmon both scored 2 points. The real headline came from Avon Fryer who took the ball from an inbound with 2 seconds on the clock and put up a why not type of shot from half court and buried it for a career highlight!

 

Niles kept up the pressure going up by 10 points early in the 3rd but the Rams saw that and came back and erased that lead with relative ease and came out with an impressive 22 point quarter. Niles saw Carey-Hardin score 6 points, hitting two 3’s while Fryer came back with another 3 (this time from much closer in). The Rams saw Moore, Geddes and Kaden Shaffer all put up 4 points while Blake Basista and Landon Bingham both found some nice scores from beyond the arc. 

 

The Rams continued to play with authority and came out with a 19-13 point 4th that would propel them over Niles. The Red Dragons saw Budak score 5 points including an and-1 while Dorsey found 6 more points with two 3’s. Ridge saw Chase Moore continue his dominance with 11 more points allowing him to finish with 25 points. Basista continued to add to the score sheet with 4 more points including making 2-of-2 free throw attempts. 

 

Hard work and concentration helped the Rams soar over the Red Dragons on Saturday night and gave them that much needed win to help them in their hunt for a playoff spot. Niles (4-11) are back home on January 23rd when they host Poland in another big NE8 matchup at 7:00PM, Mineral Ridge (5-9) will stay at home on January 23rd when they host McDonald for another pivotal MVAC matchup at 7:00PM.

SEBRING FINDS THEIR FIRST LEAGUE WIN

By Matt Maher 


MINERAL RIDGE, OH – The Rams hosted the Trojans Friday night in a matchup that didn’t fail to entertain. Both sides showed some great skill rebounding and several players shined bright in the 65-61 victory for Sebring. Without a conference win or a large fan showing, Sebring had “underdog” written all over them but the fantastic play of Kaleb Rowles, Dustin Black and Colby Kliffmueller gave the Trojans the boost they needed to get past the energetic Rams.

 

Mineral Ridge came out red hot in the first quarter scoring 11-4 in the first 5 minutes but Sebring turned on the ignition and sped back into this game with the quarter ending 19-18 in favor of Mineral Ridge. Sebring had only two players score in this frame with one being Black who put up 5 points and Kliffmueller who put up the other 13! Kliffmueller found three 2’s, two 3’s and went 1-for-2 at the line, he used his tall size of 6’4” and surprising speed to help wake up his team. Ridge showed more of a team effort on the ball with five guys adding to their total including Blake Basista who scored 5 and Chase Moore who led his team with 7 points including two made 2’s and three made free throws including an and-1.

 

Sebring continued their energetic play in the 2nd quarter with another 18 point showing to the Rams 16. Kliffmueller sat back in the scoring department with 4 points but became more of a playmaker, aiding Black in his 5 points and Rowles with his 9. Kaleb Rowles found two 2’s, a 3 and went 2-for-3 from the line all on the same trip after being fouled after taking a shot from beyond the arc. Mineral Ridge was met with better defense but that didn’t stop Derrick Hester from hitting two 3’s and Jack Geddes from going 2-for2 from the line.

 

Mineral Ridge played another tight quarter coming out of halftime but were able to outscore Sebring 15-13. Rowles continued to roll with 6 more points on the night including two 2’s and going 2-for4 from the stripe. Black and Kliffmueller both added two points and Reece Runyon joined the party with 3 after checking into the game.

 

The 4th quarter was close with both teams trading 1 point leads throughout but it would be the fouls that would be the Rams undoing as they found themselves down late and in need of a possession but with no shot clock the fouls had to come quick and early and with Black receiving the majority of the fouls, the plan didn’t work well for Ridge and Sebring scored 16 more points the Mineral Ridges 11. Black went 4-for-6 from the line while Rowles went 2-for-2 as well as adding 7 more points from the field and Joel Seals finally got on the board with a made free throw that would ultimately put this game to rest. 

 

Despite good offense and an aggressive defense the Rams just couldn’t stop the Trojans from marching into their first conference win of the season. Chase Moore of Ridge scored an impressive 20 points for his team leading by a dominant example while Colby Kliffmueller had 21, Dustin black had 15 and Kaleb Rowles found 24 points leading all scorers! Sebring (5-10, 1-7) will be back at home on January 23rd when they take on Jackson-Milton at 7:00Pm while Mineral Ridge (4-9, 2-6) have a quick turnaround when they host Niles at 7:00PM on January 20th. 

RAMS ARE STILL ON THE RUN

MINERAL RIDGE OH- In a dominating performance, Mineral Ridge made quick work of McDonald on Thursday, securing a decisive 71-22 victory and maintaining their strong position in the MVAC.

Sullivan Sandy led the scoring charge for Mineral Ridge with an impressive 20 points, supported by Ava Hulett contributing 16 points, and Gianna Gilbert, Lily Merolillo, Norah Schnieder, and Sam Aulet each adding points to the winning effort.

With this commanding win, Mineral Ridge (14-1) looks forward to a home non-conference game on Monday as they host Mogadore. Meanwhile, McDonald (5-7) will stay within the league, traveling to Sebring on Monday in pursuit of a rebound victory.

RIDGE RINGS THE VICTORY BELL AGAIN

In a thrilling non-conference showdown between two one-loss teams, Mineral Ridge emerged victorious, outlasting Columbiana with a final score of 45-39.

Mineral Ridge was led by Ava Hulett’s impressive performance, scoring 22 points, while Gianna Gilbert added 10 points and Ava Carkido contributed 7 points to secure the win.

Columbiana fought hard, with Ellie Venezia leading their efforts with 13 points, closely followed by Megan Moser with 12 points and Evy Rapp adding 5 points.

With this hard-fought triumph, Mineral Ridge advances to a stellar 13-1 record and gears up for their next challenge at home against McDonald on Thursday. Meanwhile, Columbiana, now 11-2, will aim to bounce back on Monday as they host Lowellville.