Tag Archive for: MVAC

ROCKETS DEFEND LAUNCHPAD AGAINST SEBRING

/in /by

LOWELLVILLE, OH- The Lowellville Rockets were firing on all cylinders Friday night, cruising to a dominant 71-26 victory over the Sebring Trojans in boys high school basketball action. From the opening tip, the Rockets imposed their will on both ends of the court, showcasing their depth and precision in a statement win.

Leading the charge for Lowellville was Drew Modelski, who delivered an impressive 21-point performance. Modelski set the tone early, slicing through the Sebring defense and hitting shots from all over the floor. Vinny Sullivan added 12 points, demonstrating his versatility with strong finishes in the paint and a smooth jumper.

Ricky Willrich and Bruce Brenner each chipped in 9 points, keeping the pressure on Sebring with their relentless scoring efforts. Josh Pazel contributed 7 points, while Nate Yon added 5, and Michael Lucido rounded out the Rockets’ balanced attack with 4 points.

Despite the tough loss, Sebring found contributions from several players. Kaleb Rowles led the Trojans with 8 points, showcasing his ability to get to the basket. Aidan Seevers followed with 7 points, battling hard on both ends of the floor. Tony Baddeley chipped in with 5 points, while Thomas Lair added 3 points to round out Sebring’s scoring.

Lowellville came out of the gate with intensity, using suffocating defense to create turnovers and transition opportunities. Modelski’s hot hand and Sullivan’s consistent scoring gave the Rockets an early lead that only grew as the game progressed.

The Rockets also showcased their depth, with contributions coming from every corner of the roster. Whether it was Brenner and Willrich knocking down shots or Lucido and Yon making key plays, Lowellville’s well-rounded effort proved too much for Sebring to handle.

Defensively, Lowellville smothered Sebring’s offense, limiting the Trojans’ looks at the basket and controlling the boards. The Rockets’ dominance on both ends of the floor left no doubt about the outcome.

LADY ROCKETS SOAR PAST SEBRING

/in /by

LOWELLVILLE, OH- Lowellville’s girls basketball team was firing on all cylinders Friday night as the Rockets dominated Sebring with a commanding 46-30 victory. From the opening tip, Lowellville showcased their offensive firepower and defensive tenacity, leaving no doubt about the outcome.

McKenna Lewis was lethal, draining seven three-pointers on her way to 21 points, giving the Trojans no room to breathe on defense.

Sydney Procick contributed a solid 7 points, while Michelle Cavna and Alyssa Kuzan added 6 and 5 points, respectively. Morgan Lewis chipped in with 4 points to round out a balanced offensive showing from Lowellville.

Despite the tough loss, Sebring found bright spots in Wynn Raegan, who poured in 17 points to lead the Trojans. Kiera Kemmary added 8 points, and Ava Coen contributed 3 points. Davi Bowyer managed 2 points in a game where scoring opportunities were hard to come by against a relentless Rockets defense.

Lowellville’s fast-paced offense and swarming defense overwhelmed Sebring early, forcing turnovers and converting them into quick points. The Rockets’ sharp shooting from beyond the arc, highlighted by McKenna Lewis’s three-point clinic, opened up the floor and kept Sebring off balance.

On the other end, the Rockets clamped down defensively, making life difficult for Sebring’s key scorers. Despite Wynn Raegan’s valiant effort, Sebring couldn’t match Lowellville’s firepower or intensity.

BRUNGARD BUILDS HER OWN LEGACY

/in /by

NEW MIDDLETOWN OH – Springfield High School senior, Jameka Brungard, has firmly established herself as a cornerstone of the school’s basketball program. In a recent interview with YSN’s Anthony Hartwig, the seasoned player reflected on her decorated high school career and detailed her aspirations for her final season on the court.

For years, Brungard has been a dominant force in Springfield’s girls’ basketball, leading her team deep into the tournament and setting a high bar for future players. Her versatility extends beyond the paint, as she continues to expand her skill set, including better ball-handling and playing a guard role at times. Despite the pressure of being the focal point of the team, Brungard remains focused and poised, an attitude evident in both high-pressure games and routine practices.

The senior class, of which Brungard is a key member, has nurtured a camaraderie that dates back to their early years. This bond, combined with their shared experiences, has propelled the team to unprecedented successes in school history, which includes multiple appearances in regional finals. As the leader of the squad, Brungard emphasizes guiding younger teammates by setting a robust example both on and off the court. Beyond the hardwood, Brungard reveals a balance between athletics and academics, enjoying a lighter senior year with minimal classroom stress. This has allowed her to focus on her game, although she admits that lacking a full class schedule sometimes leaves her with excessive downtime.

With graduation on the horizon, Jameka Brungard has clear plans for her future, intending to pursue a career in dental hygiene—a field she discovered through a career exploration class. While she has decided not to play sports at the collegiate level, she remains committed to finishing her final season on a high note, driven by the motivation of it being her last dance in Springfield’s colors. Born into a family known for their athletic prowess, including notable achievements by her cousins and siblings, Brungard spoke candidly about the pressure to uphold the family name. Despite this, she has consistently demonstrated her ability to handle such pressure with grace and excellence, leaving an indelible mark on Springfield High School’s athletic heritage. As the basketball season progresses, Jameka Brungard’s legacy at Springfield is cemented not just by her stats and victories but by her leadership and the positive influence she leaves behind for future Tigers!

Presented By:

HAKE’S HOMECOMING

/in /by

By Andy Hake

 

I love sports.  I always have.  It’s one of the most wonderful aspects of our great American culture.  Sports, at all levels, have inspired, motivated, molded, and shaped many of us to be the people that we are today.  Due to the tremendous influence that sports has had on my life, I became a teacher and a coach, just like my heroes:  my parents.  I have had the honor and privilege to have grown up in the Mahoning Valley, where sports were ingrained into our way of life, and where the critical life lessons, principles, and values that are correlated with sports was embedded into the fabric of our culture.  I am so proud to be an American from this part of our country.    

I also have always had a love for football.  Every aspect of it. Being on a team, giving yourself up for a common goal, surrendering personal goals for the cause of the team, taking command, and loving your teammates.  Everything about the game has a strong correlation to life in general.  I love this game so much I immediately became a coach and tried to instill into young people these principles and values that I hold so dear. 

I began coaching at my alma mater in Mineral Ridge.  I was a very young man.  I loved coaching kids in my hometown.  I established relationships with life-long friends that I talk to frequently today.  We were blessed with kids at that time who were hardworking and extremely talented.  Made playoff appearances and helped Mineral Ridge win their last league championship in 2004.  

The opportunity then came to coach in the city of Youngstown at The Rayen School and East High.  What a tremendous experience I had in the city.  Some of the most hardworking and loyal people I have ever met.  Winning city series championships, being a part of many transitions in the city at that time and most importantly making connections to wonderful kids and their families had such a great impact on me and my perspective on life.  I will always cherish those memories.

Then came the opportunity to lead the program at Western Reserve.  What a time I had on this earth.  Blessed with kids and families that believed in a cause and a movement that shook both heaven and earth.  Winning 7 league Championships, playoff appearances in 9 of 11 years, appearing in 3 regional championships and two state semi-final games.  In 2011 we even won the Mystic A.P. state championship.  More importantly, we were able to raise kids the right way.  God, Family, Country, Grades, and Football.  So many children participated in our cause and sold out for the movement.  I will always remember the great kids and coaches that I had the opportunity to run with during those years.  Really a golden time for the school.  

I then had a life-changing experience followed by opportunity.  I fell from grace by making a poor choice in dealing with my own pressure, anxiety and struggles. But from the darkness, a special place took a chance on a wretch like me.  Youngstown Valley Christian.  A charter school on the South Side of Youngstown.  These gracious and wonderful human beings believed in me gave me an opportunity to gain redemption.  They saw something in me and helped me gather myself and use my experience, knowledge, love for young people and football to help the children in their school.  For the last four seasons, I proudly led the young men of Valley Christian on the gridiron.  We didn’t have a lot but we had each other and that was enough.  I owe these folks more than I could ever give back to them.  Honorable people who pour love and Christ’s teachings into their youth.  Is there anything better?  We were able to win our fair share of games and even had the first 10-0 team in school history.  Love those boys forever.

The Lord works in mysterious ways.  I am an example of that.  My life has been a story of a great climb to a mountain top of success in my field only to be humbled and have a tremendous fall.  But through the grace of God and the support of my wonderful family and those who believed in me I was able to rise from the ashes and once more live out my life’s work—helping young people.

This past month a great opportunity occurred.  My hometown of Mineral Ridge had a head football opening.  I always dreamt of returning to my hometown like many folks do in this profession.  To once again put on my alma mater colors and lead my most cherished friend’s children to success on the battlefield and more importantly in life.  With the most humble of hearts, I had to leave a place that gave me my life back.  But it’s time to come home.  This cause is my civic duty.  One that I could not look past.  This calling here goes way above football.  I have a responsibility to lead, in more ways than one.  I am taking this job with full seriousness.  My presence here in Mineral Ridge can and will make a difference.  I am a Ridge kid.  I believe in Christ.  I love my country. I believe that great families make great communities which in turn makes a great nation.  Kids need role models and heroes.  My son, Augustus needs a role model and hero.  I will not let my son and family down.  I will not let my community down.  It is time to raise the colors and be the flag bearer of the most wonderful place on earth….home.  We will create an environment that will be all about our kids.  Make connections with youth from all walks of life and invite them to join our heroic cause, our movement.  This is our mission.  With the help of a few good men and the support of the leaders of the community, we can’t lose. 

I am now and forever a Mineral Ridge Ram!

–Andy

CAMPBELL WINS THRILLER AGAINST RESERVE

/in /by

BERLIN CENTER, OH- The Campbell Red Devils were down 11 at halftime, but that didn’t stop them from making adjustments in the final 16 minutes of the game to walk away with a 67-63 against Western Reserve on Monday night.

Teyon Harris led the Red Devils in scoring, standing out in the paint throughout the night with 25 points.  Sway Rodriguez chipped in 18 in the victory, aided by 0 from Jared Colon, and five points from DJ Lambert.

Western Reserve was led by 31 points from Connor Cochran, who got it done on both sides of the floor.  Josh Klasic was supplemental with 13 points, and Nico Paris had the inside reserved for 10 points as well.

Campbell will travel to Lowellville on Thursday, while Western Reserve will host McDonald.

LIBERTY WINS HOOPS AT NOON CLASSIC

/in /by

LIBERTY, OH- The Liberty Leopards claimed victory over the Lisbon Blue Devils in a high-energy matchup at the Hoops at Noon Classic on Liberty’s home court. Played in front of a packed house of students and select academic achievers, the Leopards edged out the Blue Devils 64-58 in an entertaining contest that showcased grit and determination on both sides.

Liberty came out firing in the first quarter, putting up 20 points to Lisbon’s 14. The Leopards rode the wave of their home crowd’s energy, creating an early cushion that would prove critical. Lisbon kept things close in the second quarter, holding Liberty to just 11 points while scoring 9 of their own, leaving the Leopards ahead 31-23 at halftime.

The Blue Devils found their rhythm in the third quarter, outscoring Liberty 19-13. They clawed their way back into the game, fueled by a strong effort on both ends of the floor. Heading into the final period, the Leopards’ lead had been trimmed to just 44-42.

But Liberty wasn’t about to let this one slip away. The Leopards cranked up the intensity in the fourth quarter, dropping 20 points while holding Lisbon to 16. The balanced attack and key defensive stops sealed the deal, securing Liberty’s first win in the Hoops at Noon Classic series.

AJ Ramgeet led all scorers with 27 for Lisbon, and Aiden Ramgeet finished with 10.  For Liberty, Dearmani Franklin had 14, Evan Bates had 13, Joe Croom had a dozen and Ramsey Hadi-Cox dropped nine.

The Hoops at Noon Classic will continue in February when the schools’ girls’ basketball teams square off in Lisbon. If this game is any indication, fans can expect another electrifying showdown.

HARRIS HAS WHAT IT TAKES

/in /by

Lowellville, OH – Ethan Harris, a standout lineman for the Lowellville Rockets’ football team, has been making waves both on the offensive and defensive lines. Recently, Harris shared insights into his journey and dedication to the sport.

Starting his football career in eighth grade, Ethan was quickly noticed by coaches for his impressive size and potential. “The coaches wanted me for how big I was,” Harris revealed. His journey, however, has been marked by hard work, weightlifting, and a slew of training sessions. mBlocking for star player Geno Perry, who boasts nearly 2,000 yards this season, Harris finds his role crucial yet gratifying. “If you have a good guy that can make the cuts and reads, then you just have to block once,” he said, underscoring the trust and coordination essential in football.

Ethan’s admiration for his current quarterback, Ricky Willrich, was evident. Describing Roach’s leadership, Harris said, “It’s just easy having a quarterback that knows what he’s doing and can support everyone on the team.” Interestingly, Harris prefers the offensive side of the game, enjoying the aggressiveness it allows. He shared, “Whenever you’re on offense, you can hit people where you know they’re going to be.” His preference for run blocking over pass blocking further highlights his aggressive play style. The experience of playing alongside his brother adds another unique dimension to his football career. Playing alongside a family member adds another layer of motivation and connection for Ethan.

Winning back-to-back MVAC titles stands out as a cherished moment in his football career. When asked about his favorite teams to compete against, Harris quickly cited Springfield and Reserve, highlighting the intense rivalries that fuel his competitive spirit. Outside of football, Ethan enjoys lifting weights and working outdoors and credits his parents for their unwavering support. “My dad’s really the one that got us into lifting and being a big part of the football team,” Harris mentioned. Looking ahead, the senior lineman has set his sights on a career in diesel technology, planning to jump straight into the workforce post-graduation, reflecting his pragmatic and determined nature. Ethan Harris’s story is one of hard work, dedication, and a strong support system. As the season continues, Lowellville fans and teammates alike look forward to seeing more of Harris’s contributions on the field.

Presented By:

LOWELLVILLE GIRLS BASKETBALL COACH’S CORNER (EP 1) WITH LISA MODELSKI

/in /by

LOWELLVILLE, OH – The anticipation for the new girls’ basketball season in Lowellville is palpable as Coach Lisa Modelski gears up for another exciting year. Modelski, who has led the Rockets to multiple district semifinal appearances, recently joined Anthony Hartwig to give an inside look into the upcoming season.

Reflecting on last year, Coach Modelski highlighted the growth of her young team. “We started two freshmen last year, and I’m excited to see their development as sophomores,” she shared. The Rockets boast a blend of experience and youth, with key returners like Morgan Lewis, Sydney Prosek, and Gianna Palumbo expected to lead the charge. “The experience is there, but we’re still quite young,” Modelski noted. “Our seniors, especially those coming back from injuries like Michelle Kavanaugh and Alyssa Kuzian, are going to be critical.”

Despite being low in numbers this season, with only nine players on the roster, Coach Modelski remains optimistic. “These girls are committed and they bring a tenacity that’s admirable,” she said. The Rockets face a challenging schedule within the MVAC, competing against strong teams such as Mineral Ridge and Springfield. Outside the league, they’ll be tested by non-conference matchups against Bristol, Newton Falls, and Valley Christian. “We might have a small roster, but our non-conference schedule is strong enough to prepare us for the tournament,” Modelski said.

Underlining the season’s emotional undertone, Modelski paid tribute to the late Coach Rick Palumbo, a beloved figure in Lowellville basketball who passed away this year. “We lost a great member of our staff, but his spirit and lessons will guide us through,” she remembered. Coach Modelski also extended her excitement for the new boys’ basketball coach, Antonio Matisse, who has previously led the Rockets’ girls’ team to great heights. “Having someone like Tony, who understands the program’s values and history, will only strengthen our athletics department,” Modelski stated.

The Rockets open their season on the road against Bristol on November 23rd, eager to showcase their growth and resilience. Despite the travel-heavy early schedule, Modelski believes in the backing of the Lowellville community. “Our fans are dedicated, and we hope they’ll support us on the road.” As the Rockets set their sights on another successful season, one thing is clear: with Coach Modelski at the helm, Lowellville girls’ basketball is in good hands.

Presented By:

LIBERTY GIRLS BASKETBALL COACH’S CORNER (EP 1) WITH ELAINE JACOBS

/in /by

Liberty OH– The Liberty High School community is buzzing with excitement as they welcome Elaine Jacobs as the new head coach of the Liberty Leopards Girls Basketball team. Jacobs, a Liberty alumna and former associate athletic director at Youngstown State University, brings a wealth of experience and enthusiasm to the program.

In a recent episode of “Liberty Girls Basketball Coach’s Corner,” co-hosted by Anthony Hartwig, Jacobs shared her vision for the team’s future. She emphasized her dedication to fostering a strong team culture focused on accountability and selflessness. Jacobs brings years of involvement in Liberty’s youth basketball program, which she believes will create a seamless transition for players as they advance to high school. “I’m passionate about Liberty basketball and young people. I hope to bring all the developmental aspects from our youth program to the high school program, providing these young ladies the best opportunities they deserve,” Jacobs said.

This season, Jacobs aims to instill a comprehensive philosophy and develop key leadership among players like Armani Franklin and promising freshmen. Her focus on a holistic approach to coaching, caring for her players both on and off the court, reflects her long-term vision for sustainable success. Jacobs acknowledged that the journey ahead isn’t without challenges, particularly in a highly competitive MVAC conference. However, her optimistic and community-oriented approach is already resonating well within the team. “Our culture is more important. I want to make sure that when we do things, we do it the right way,” she noted.

Jacobs also credited the program’s supportive administration, highlighting athletic director Todd Smith, high school principal Tom Zetts, and superintendent Brian Knight for their openness and commitment to enhancing Liberty’s basketball programs. As the Liberty Leopards prepare to take on the upcoming season, the community eagerly anticipates the positive changes and renewed energy that Coach Elaine Jacobs will undoubtedly bring to the court. The first game of the season is set to be a litmus test for the new culture Jacobs hopes to solidify. Stay tuned for more updates on Liberty Girls Basketball as Coach Jacobs and her team bring a new era of passion and excellence to the hardwood. Go Leopards!

Presented By:

G-MEN GET BY REBELS ON THE ROAD

/in /by

By Ty Bartell

 

COLUMBIANA, Ohio (AP) — The Garrettsville Garfield G-Men earned a hard-fought 23-22 victory over the Crestview Rebels on Friday night, securing a share of the Mahoning Valley Athletic Conference Gray Division title in the process.

Crestview (7-2, 5-1 MVAC) jumped out to an early lead in the first quarter, following a lost fumble by Garrettsville, Max Hawkins punched it through the endzone on a 6-yard run with 1:15 remaining. Jake Noling ran in the 2-point conversion to put the Rebels ahead 8-0. In the second quarter, coming off an Ethan Kane interception, The Rebels would score again with Noling later connecting with Kane for a 26-yard touchdown pass, and Noling’s 2-point conversion run extended Crestview’s advantage to 16-0 with 10:28 left in the half.

Garfield (8-1, 6-0 MVAC) answered late in the second quarter when Harper Troyer scored on a 14-yard touchdown run. A 2-point conversion pass from Jack Neikirk to Brandyn Bogucki cut the deficit to 16-8 going into halftime.

The G-Men came out strong in the third quarter, tying the game on the opening drive with a 57-yard touchdown run by Bogucki, who also ran in the 2-point conversion. Crestview responded quickly with a 6-yard touchdown run by Mikey Proctor, but their 2-point conversion attempt failed, leaving the score at 22-16 with 8:36 left in the quarter.

Garfield reclaimed the lead with 4:25 remaining in the third quarter on a 22-yard touchdown run by Devin Bates. Hannah Timmons’ extra point proved to be the game-winner, as the G-Men held a 23-22 advantage.

In a scoreless fourth quarter, Garfield’s defense made two crucial stops on turnovers on downs, sealing the narrow victory on the road.

Garfield will finish the regular season at Brookfield (3-6, 3-3 MVAC) next week, while Crestview looks to rebound in a key matchup at LaBrae (7-2, 4-2 MVAC).