Tag Archive for: Mustangs

MUSTANGS POWER PAST DRAGONS

Ashtabula, OH- In a commanding display of skill and teamwork, the Grand Valley Mustangs girls’ basketball team secured a resounding victory over the Lakeside Dragons. The final scoreline, 60-23, showcased the Mustangs’ dominance in every quarter of the game.

Quarter Scores

Lakeside Dragons: 6 | 8 | 7 | 2 – Total: 23
Grand Valley Mustangs: 20 | 12 | 10 | 18 – Total: 60

Player Stats

Lakeside Dragons

  • Marlaya McCoy: 9 points
  • Jalena Torrence: 6 points
  • AnnaMae Walter: 8 points

Grand Valley Mustangs

  • Morgan Crawford: 19 points (including three 3-pointers)
  • Dixie Miller: 12 points, 13+ rebounds
  • Abbey Eland: 2 points
  • Reagan Boiarski: 8 points
  • Alex Hunt: 4 points
  • Kaitlyn Bauman: 2 points
  • Cloe Turk: 9 points
  • Kira Dolan: 4 points

Morgan Crawford’s exceptional performance stood out as she led all scorers with 19 points, showcasing her accuracy from beyond the arc with three successful 3-pointers. Dixie Miller, not only contributing 12 points but also wrangling in over 10 rebounds for a double double which played a pivotal role in securing the Mustangs’ dominance on both ends of the court.

Upcoming Matches

The Grand Valley Mustangs (7-3) are set to play a crucial home game against the Wickliffe Blue Devils (7-2) on 1/5/24. The Blue Devils are entering the matchup with momentum from a 44-29 triumph over the Brooklyn Hurricanes.

Meanwhile, the Lakeside Dragons (1-7) will look to rebound in their upcoming home game against the Conneaut Spartans (3-6). The Spartans are riding high on a convincing 62-24 victory over the Girard Yellowjackets.

MUSTANGS GALLOP PAST SPARTANS

Orwell, OH- In a thrilling Ashtabula County matchup, the Grand Valley Mustangs showcased their dominance, securing a decisive 83-57 victory over the Conneaut Spartans. The game unfolded with intense action across all four quarters.

  • 1st Quarter: Grand Valley 25, Conneaut 20
  • 2nd Quarter: Grand Valley 19, Conneaut 10
  • 3rd Quarter: Grand Valley 27, Conneaut 14
  • 4th Quarter: Grand Valley 12, Conneaut 13

The standout performance of the night belonged to Jerry Schultz, who not only led the Mustangs with a game-high 31 points but also electrified the crowd with a thunderous slam dunk through traffic in the 2nd quarter. Schultz’s display of athleticism and scoring prowess left spectators in awe and set the tone for the Mustangs’ commanding performance.

The scoring sheet showcased a well-rounded effort from the Grand Valley squad, with significant contributions from key players:

  • Peyton Dryer: 2 points
  • Teagan Fenton: 2 points
  • Bobby Rogers: 17 points
  • Ben Cozad: 9 points
  • Sammy Goforth: 4 points
  • Payton Pligza: 7 points
  • Braden Hart: 11 points

On the opposing side, the Conneaut Spartans fought valiantly, led by Chance Loomis, who delivered an impressive 39-point performance. Despite their efforts, the Spartans couldn’t match the collective strength and strategic gameplay of the Mustangs.

Looking forward, the Grand Valley Mustangs (2-5) are set to defend their home court against the Cardinal Huskies (2-6) on January 6, 2024. The Huskies will be coming off a game against the Mathews Mustangs on January 2, presenting a challenging matchup for both teams. Meanwhile, the Conneaut Spartans (3-4) will hit the road for their next game against the Fairport Harding Skippers (3-2) on January 3, 2024. The Skippers enter the matchup with confidence following a commanding 95-53 win over the Maplewood Rockets.

As the Grand Valley Mustangs savor their well-earned victory, fans eagerly anticipate the upcoming clashes, confident in the team’s ability to build on this success and make waves in the remainder of the season. The electrifying performance against Conneaut has set a high standard for the Mustangs, and they are poised to face future challenges with determination and skill.

HERALDS LATE GAME COMEBACK FALLS SHORT

Photo Credit: Mickey Zheng Photography

Ashtabula, OH- The game between the St. John Heralds and the Mathews Mustangs unfolded in a series of closely contested quarters that kept the spectators eagerly anticipating each play. The opening quarter saw both teams matching each other point for point, with a balanced score of 13-13. However, the second quarter proved to be a turning point as the Mathews Mustangs surged ahead, outscoring the Heralds by a notable margin, establishing a 36-20 lead by halftime. Despite the Heralds’ efforts to close the gap in the third quarter with a 16-point effort, the Mustangs maintained their advantage, heading into the final quarter with a 56-36 lead. The Heralds showed resilience in the fourth quarter, putting up 23 points, but the Mustangs managed to secure the victory with a final score of 69-59. The back-and-forth nature of the quarters highlighted the competitive spirit of both teams, making for an exciting and hard-fought game.

Top Performers:

St. John Total Points:

  • Anthony Severino: 16 points
  • Aaron Wychock: 2 points
  • Aj Henslee: 11 points
  • Brady Cole: 7 points
  • Vin Narducci: 23 points
  • Anthony Petrochello: 3 points

Mathews Total Points:

  • Dom Spagnoletta: 35 points
  • Jake Petak: 10 points
  • Dom Toto: 10 points
  • Cody Kuhn: 3 points
  • Ty Grimes: 6 points
  • Anthony Marinkovich: 2 points
  • Billy Woodall: 3 points

Long Range Success:

Anthony Severino showcased his three-point shooting prowess, sinking 3 shots from beyond the arc, including 2 crucial baskets in the fourth quarter. Vin Narducci also made an impact from long range, hitting 2 three-pointers, with a pivotal one in the final quarter.

Despite the individual standout performances, the Heralds couldn’t overcome the Mustangs’ consistent scoring throughout the game.

Game Analysis:

The first half saw both teams neck and neck, with St. John and Mathews tied at 13 points each after the opening quarter. However, Mathews surged ahead in the second quarter, outscoring the Heralds by ten points and establishing a lead they maintained until the final buzzer.

Vin Narducci’s impressive 23-point contribution for the Heralds and Dom Spagnoletta’s stellar 35-point performance for the Mustangs were standout moments, showcasing the individual talents on display throughout the game.

Despite the loss, the Heralds exhibited resilience and determination, making it a hard-fought battle for Mathews.

Looking Ahead:

The St. John Heralds, now with a record of 0-6, will hit the road for their next challenge against the Chalker Wildcats (2-4) on 01/05/24. The Wildcats, coming off a tough loss to the Bristol Panthers, will be eager to bounce back.

Meanwhile, the Mathews Mustangs (6-1) will enjoy home-court advantage in their upcoming matchup against the Cardinal Huskies (2-4) on 01/02/24. The Huskies, fresh from a defeat against the Pymatuning Valley Lakers, will be seeking redemption in this clash of rivals.

As the season progresses, both teams will strive to leave their mark on the league, and fans can expect more exciting matchups and memorable performances in the games to come.

BADGERS CLAW PAST MUSTANGS

Burton, OH- In a closely contested battle, the Grand Valley Mustangs faced off against the Berkshire Badgers, resulting in a heart-wrenching 41-38 loss for the Mustangs. The game, played on 12/20/23, kept fans entertained as both teams fought tooth and nail for the victory.

Quarter-by-Quarter Breakdown

The game began with Berkshire taking an early lead in the first quarter, outscoring the Mustangs 13-8. Grand Valley responded in the second quarter, narrowing the gap to 20-15. The third quarter saw both teams putting up a strong fight, with Berkshire maintaining a slight advantage at 30-25. In a tense final quarter, both teams traded blows, but the Badgers managed to secure the win with a final score of 41-38.

Player Point Totals

Berkshire Badgers

  • Jake Patterson: 4 points
  • Miles Miller: 5 points
  • Jack Hastings: 13 points
  • Gavin Hipp: 7 points
  • Cameron Beam: 4 points
  • M. Mendolera: 8 points

Grand Valley Mustangs

  • Bobby Rogers: 8 points
  • Jerry Schultz: 20 points
  • Braden Hart: 10 points

Turnovers Take a Toll

Despite the valiant efforts of the Grand Valley Mustangs, turnovers proved to be a significant challenge throughout the game. The team will undoubtedly focus on tightening up their ball control and minimizing mistakes in future matchups.

Looking Ahead

With a current record of 1-4, the Grand Valley Mustangs are gearing up for a road game against the Windham Bombers on December 23, 2023. The Bombers, currently standing at 3-2, are coming off a tough 70-49 loss to the Southeast Pirates. The Mustangs will aim to bounce back and secure a crucial victory on the road.

Meanwhile, the Berkshire Badgers, now holding a 1-2 record, are set to face the Utica Redskins (0-4) on the same date. Both teams will be eager to build on their performances and secure a win as they head into the holiday break.

HERALDS SERVE UP HOME COOKING BEHIND CEVERA’S 29

Ashtabula, OH- In a commanding display of skill and teamwork, the St. John Heralds girls’ basketball team secured a resounding victory against the Mathews Mustangs. The final score reflected the Heralds’ dominance, ending at 61-11, with the team showcasing their prowess across all four quarters.

Key Player: Alyssa Cevera Shines Bright

Leading the charge for the Heralds was senior guard Alyssa Cevera, whose stellar performance earned her the title of both leading scorer and player of the game. Cevera’s remarkable 29 points not only showcased her scoring ability but also underscored her leadership on the court. Her dynamic play was a force to be reckoned with, contributing significantly to the team’s success with blocks, steals, and assits as well.

Joining Cevera in the spotlight was sophomore Mickey Zheng, who added 10 points to the Heralds’ impressive total. Zheng’s contributions extended beyond scoring, as she showcased exceptional skills in stealing and assisting, further solidifying her role as a key player for the team.

Team Contributions and Scores

The well-rounded effort from the entire St. John Heralds team was evident in the distribution of points. Other notable contributors included Caitlyn Carney with 7 points, Alexa Jordan with 8 points, and Grace DiSalvatore with 5 points. The team’s collective effort and coordinated gameplay were instrumental in securing this decisive victory.

On the opposing side, the Mathews Mustangs faced a tough challenge throughout the game. Their total points were spread thin, with Ava Clayton leading the team with 5 points, and Katherine Rowan, Riley Paddock, and Marlee Ruiter each contributing 2 points.

Looking Ahead: Upcoming Matches

With this triumph, the St. John Heralds now stand at a 2-2 record and are gearing up for their next challenge on the road against the Lakeside Dragons, who currently hold a 0-4 record. The Dragons are coming off a 61-18 loss to the Madison Blue Streaks, setting the stage for an intriguing matchup on 12/20/23.

Meanwhile, the Mathews Mustangs, now at a 1-5 record, will face the Fairport Harding Skippers (0-3) in their upcoming game on 12/14/23. The Skippers, fresh from a 45-23 loss to the Rhodes Rams, will be looking to rebound, making this game an important test for both teams.

As the season unfolds, the St. John Heralds look poised for success, building on their recent triumph and aiming for further victories in the competitive basketball landscape.

DRAGONS FLY HIGH IN HARTZ FIRST WIN

Photo Credit: CM Photography

Orwell, OH- In a thrilling CVC matchup that showcased the Lakeside Dragons’ prowess on the court, the team secured a convincing 48-32 victory against the Grand Valley Mustangs. This win not only marked an important triumph for the Dragons but also represented the inaugural victory for first-year head coach Josh Hartz.

The Dragons took control of the game early on, establishing an 8-7 lead in the first quarter. As the match progressed, Lakeside continued to build momentum, outscoring Grand Valley in each subsequent quarter.

Key Performances:

  • Lakeside Dragons:
    • Alex DiSalvatore led the scoring charge for the Dragons, contributing an impressive 15 points.
    • Aiden Hathy showcased his offensive skills, adding 10 points to the team’s total.
    • Jay Lopez and Dylan Newsome combined for 15 points, emphasizing the Dragons’ balanced attack.
  • Grand Valley Mustangs:
    • Jerry Schultz and Braden Hart led the scoring effort for the Mustangs, each contributing 8 points.
    • Bobby Rogers and Sammy Goforth added 11 points combined, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the Dragons’ dominance.

Coach Hartz’s Debut Victory:

For Coach Josh Hartz, this game marked a significant milestone in his coaching career. Taking charge in his first year as head coach, Hartz guided the Lakeside Dragons to a well-deserved win, showcasing strategic prowess and effective leadership on the sidelines.

Looking Ahead:

The Lakeside Dragons, now boasting a 1-1 record, will return to their home court on 12/13/23 to face the Jefferson Falcons (0-3). The Falcons are seeking redemption following a challenging 100-83 loss to the Chartiers Valley Colts in the Marshden Roundball Classic.

On the other hand, the Grand Valley Mustangs (0-2) will strive for a comeback in their upcoming game against the Wickliffe Blue Devils (0-2) scheduled for 12/12/23. Both teams will aim to rebound from early-season setbacks and turn the tide in their favor.

As the Lakeside Dragons celebrate their victory, the fans eagerly anticipate a promising season under Coach Hartz’s guidance, hoping for more impressive performances and exciting moments on the basketball court.

MUSTANGS STUMBLE LATE AGAINST RED DEVILS

Crestwood, OH- In a hard-fought league game, the Grand Valley Mustangs faced off against the Crestwood Red Devils, ultimately succumbing to a final score of 35-29. The game, played with intense energy and skill, showcased the determination of both teams throughout all four quarters.

First Quarter: Grand Valley 8, Crestwood 3

The opening quarter set the tone for a competitive matchup as both teams jockeyed for control. Grand Valley’s Reagan Boiarski and Dixie Miller combined for a solid offensive effort, contributing to their team’s early lead. However, Crestwood’s defense, led by Lily O’Bryant, held firm, limiting the Mustangs to just 8 points.

Second Quarter: Grand Valley 2, Crestwood 10

Crestwood seized the momentum in the second quarter, with Hannah Ward and Liv Martin spearheading a comeback. The Red Devils’ offense found its rhythm, outscoring the Mustangs 10-2 in the quarter. Grand Valley faced a halftime deficit but remained within striking distance.

Third Quarter: Grand Valley 8, Crestwood 12

The battle intensified in the third quarter as both teams exchanged blows. Grand Valley’s Kaelyn Hart showcased her scoring prowess with 15 points, while Crestwood responded with a balanced attack, led by Becca Brady. The Mustangs fought to close the gap, setting the stage for a dramatic final quarter.

Fourth Quarter: Grand Valley 11, Crestwood 10

In a nail-biting finish, both teams left it all on the court. Grand Valley mounted a late-game surge, with Kaitlyn Bauman and Morgan Crawford contributing crucial points. However, Crestwood maintained composure, securing the win with a final push led by Brady and Abby Guyetie. The Mustangs’ resilience was evident, but Crestwood emerged victorious in a closely contested battle.

Top Performers:

Grand Valley Mustangs:

  • Kaelyn Hart: 15 points
  • Reagan Boiarski: 5 points
  • Dixie Miller: 4 points

Crestwood Red Devils:

  • Becca Brady: 9 points
  • Hannah Ward: 8 points
  • Liv Martin: 8 points

Looking Ahead:

The Grand Valley Mustangs, now with a 3-1 record, will hit the road to face the Berkshire Badgers (1-3) on December 12, 2023. The Badgers are coming off a thrilling 35-32 victory over Crestwood and will look to build on their momentum. Meanwhile, the Crestwood Red Devils (1-3) face an away game against the Cardinal Huskies (0-4) on the same date. The Huskies aim to bounce back from a tough loss to the Wickliffe Blue Devils, setting the stage for another exciting round of high school basketball action.

MUSTANGS STAMPEDE PAST BLUE DEVILS

Wickliffe, OH- In a thrilling match-up, the Grand Valley Mustangs showcased their prowess on the court as they secured a hard-fought victory against the Wickliffe Blue Devils. The final scoreline of 42-35 reflects the intense competition and strategic gameplay that unfolded throughout the four quarters.

Game Highlights

The game’s opening quarter set the tone for a closely contested battle, with the Grand Valley Mustangs trailing the Wickliffe Blue Devils 9-11. However, the Mustangs demonstrated resilience and strategic skill in the subsequent quarters, outscoring their opponents and clinching the lead. The final quarter saw a remarkable display of teamwork and determination, as the Grand Valley Mustangs secured their victory with a total of 42 points to the Wickliffe Blue Devils’ 35.

Top Performers

Leading the charge for the Grand Valley Mustangs was Kaelyn Hart, contributing an impressive 13 points to the team’s total. Other notable scorers included Reagan Boiarski with 9 points, Dixie Miller with 7 points, and Cloe Turk with 5 points. The combined efforts of the team showcased the depth of talent and skill within the Grand Valley roster.

On the opposing side, the Wickliffe Blue Devils had standout performances from Ava Gabriel, who secured an impressive 22 points, and Eliza Wills, who contributed 6 points. Despite their strong individual efforts, the Blue Devils fell short against the determined play of the Grand Valley Mustangs.

Looking Ahead

With a current overall record of 3-1, the Grand Valley Mustangs are set to face the Crestwood Red Devils (1-2) in an upcoming away game on December 8, 2023. This promises to be another exciting matchup, providing the Mustangs with an opportunity to further solidify their standing in the league.

Meanwhile, the Wickliffe Blue Devils (3-1) will return to their home court for a game against the Cardinal Huskies (0-2). As they aim to return to their winning ways, the Blue Devils will be looking to build on their strengths and continue to improve.

WARRIORS HOLD ON IN HOME OPENER

Photo Credit: Edgewood Athletics

East Ashtabula, OH- Starting the year off in thrilling fashion, the Edgewood Warriors emerged victorious against the Grand Valley Mustangs in a game that kept fans on the edge of their seats. The final score of 47-44 tells the story of a hard-fought battle that unfolded across four intense quarters.

The Edgewood Warriors took an early lead in the first quarter, 8-5 in a low scoring quarter. The Grand Valley Mustangs responded with determination in the second quarter, outscoring the Warriors 14-10. As the halftime buzzer sounded, the Mustangs held a slim lead of 19-18.

The third quarter proved to be a pivotal moment in the game, with both teams battling fiercely for control. The Edgewood Warriors each scored 18 points setting up for an epic 4th quarter conclusion.

In the fourth quarter, the Warriors demonstrated resilience and strategic play, securing 11 points to clinch the victory. Logan Kray led the charge with an impressive 18 points, showcasing his skills on the court. On the Grand Valley side, Braden Hart’s 18-point contribution highlighted the Mustangs’ determination.

As the final buzzer echoed through the arena, the Edgewood Warriors celebrated their well-deserved triumph, marking a 1-0 record. Their next challenge awaits on the road against the Harvey Red Raiders on 12/13/23. Meanwhile, the Grand Valley Mustangs will regroup and prepare for their upcoming battle at home against the Lakeside Dragons on 12/09/23.

ASHTABULA COUNTY HOOPS PREVIEW

Ashtabula,OH- As the winter season approaches, the anticipation for high school basketball in Ashtabula County is reaching its peak. The upcoming 2023-2024 season promises thrilling matchups, fierce competition, and a showcase of young talent. Let’s take a closer look at some of the teams that are gearing up for an exciting campaign.

Lakeside Dragons: Rising with Height and Experience

The Lakeside Dragons enter the season with a determination to improve upon their 6-17 record from the previous year, and they have the tools to make it happen. Head coach Josh Hartz leads a squad with a formidable frontcourt, boasting four seniors, all standing at 6’3 or taller.

Aiden Hathy, a 6’6 senior swing player, brings versatility to the team, excelling in both paint defense and scoring from inside and outside. Alex DiSalvatore, a 6’4 senior, adds toughness and strength in the paint, complemented by his ability to defend perimeter shooters. With seniors Connor Mead and Kerrye White also contributing, the Dragons aim to utilize their size advantage strategically.

In the backcourt, junior guard Dylan Newsome assumes the role of primary ball handler and distributor, showcasing sharpshooting prowess on offense and formidable on-ball defense.

Jefferson Falcons: A Deep and Skilled Lineup

The Jefferson Falcons, coming off a 16-7 season, present a well-rounded team with depth and skill. Junior Anthony Covetta leads the charge, showcasing shooting ability, ball skills, and an increased focus on defense that positions him as one of the county’s most dangerous players.

Supporting Covetta is the experienced Robbie Pisano, a cerebral point guard, and senior Joey DeGeorge, a 6’5 stretch four with a high release point. The Falcons feature depth in the guard position with talents like sophomore Joel Navarro and junior Caleb Welser.

Entering the challenging CVC conference for the first time, the Falcons aim to make their mark and build on last year’s success.

Edgewood Warriors: Filling Big Shoes with a Well-Rounded Approach

The Edgewood Warriors face the challenge of filling the void left by their top scorer, Zach Vencill. With a 15-10 record in the previous season, the Warriors look to senior Jacob Ernst to lead the charge. Ernst’s well-rounded game includes excellent ball handling, three-point shooting, and strong finishes at the rim.

Senior Logan Kray, known for his rebounding prowess, contributes on the offensive end with his shooting and playmaking abilities. The underrated defender Brady Anderjack adds a tenacious on-ball defense to the mix.

The Warriors’ strategy involves spreading the floor with sharpshooters and pushing the pace with quick guards like Zach Carlton-Hull.

St. John Heralds: Youthful Backcourt and Emerging Big Men

After finishing the 2022-2023 season at 6-17, the St. John Heralds face the challenge of filling the gap left by the graduation of post player Jesus Hernandez. With a youthful team, senior AJ Hensley leads as the lone senior.

The Heralds will heavily rely on their backcourt play, with junior Vin Narducci and sophomore Anthony Severino leading the charge. Narducci’s scoring ability and Severino’s slippery moves on the court bring a dynamic element to the team. Junior Aaron Wychock, known for his quick defensive presence, adds energy to the backcourt.

In the paint, the Heralds turn to sophomores Anthony Petrochello and Donald Crawford to control the boards and provide a strong presence.

Grand Valley Mustangs: Frontcourt Dominance

Coming off a 7-16 season, the Grand Valley Mustangs aim to replace the scoring and court presence of dynamic guard Nate Boiarski. The team looks to seniors Bobby Rogers and Jerry Schultz to lead the charge in the frontcourt.

Rogers, with unmatched athleticism and elite off-ball defensive skills, contributes both in rebounding and scoring. Schultz, following a breakout junior season with a double-double average, anchors the center position with scoring and shot-blocking prowess.

Guards Braden Hart and Sammy Goforth take charge of ball handling and setting the tone on offense, showcasing their scoring ability and playmaking skills.

Pymatuning Valley Lakers: Reloaded for Success

After a stellar 20-4 season crowned with a NAC conference championship, the Pymatuning Valley Lakers enter the new season without dynamic players Tyler Britton and John Moschell, who graduated. However, the team returns with a talented post player in Blake Krznaric, a sharpshooter with shot-blocking abilities who stands at a towering 6’5.

The Lakers’ backcourt features dynamic guards in Ryan Croston and Zane Neczeporenko. Croston stands out as the team’s best on-ball defender, while Neczeporenko’s ball-handling and shooting skills contribute to offensive opportunities.

Conneaut Spartans: New Coach, Young Talent

After a 5-18 season, the Conneaut Spartans embark on the 2023-2024 journey with a new coach, Rich Marshall. The team, featuring only two seniors in Chance Loomis and JR Hutchinson, embraces a youthful roster.

Loomis, a talented guard with exceptional ball-handling skills and sharpshooting ability, provides offensive firepower. Hutchinson, playing guard and forward, contributes through defense and energy, aiming to spark the Spartans.

With no players over 6’2, the Spartans plan to utilize pace, energy, and technical play to navigate the challenges of the upcoming season. Rotations featuring Noah Hamm, Ryan Turner, Jordan Kulko, Cole Stump, and Devonte Harris will provide different looks and maintain a dynamic playing style.

As the season unfolds, basketball enthusiasts in Ashtabula County can look forward to witnessing the growth and development of these teams, filled with promising talents and a shared passion for the game. Whether it’s the Dragons utilizing their size advantage, the Falcons showcasing depth, or the Lakers defending their conference championship, the stage is set for an exhilarating journey on the hardwood. The county’s basketball landscape is rich with stories waiting to be written, and each team is poised to contribute its chapter to the unfolding narrative of the 2023-2024 season. This year looks to be a fun and exciting year in hoops and you will be able to watch and follow all your favorite teams right here on www.ysnlive.com your home for northeast ohio high school sports.