Tag Archive for: NAC

WILLIAMS LOCKED IN FOR HERALDS IN WIN OVER LAKERS

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Photo Credit: Kristy Call

ASHTABULA, OH – In front of their home crowd at Smith Field, the Saint John Heralds sealed the 2025 NAC Conference title in dominant fashion, defeating conference rival Pymatuning Valley 10-2 on their home turf.

The Heralds wasted no time getting on the scoreboard, plating two runs in the bottom of the first inning. Ryan Williams grounded out to bring in the game’s first run, followed by a clutch RBI double to center field from Kyle Hejduk to make it 2-0.

Saint John kept the pressure on in the second, adding three more runs thanks to RBI singles from Will Anderson and Ezra Campbell. By the end of the third inning, the Heralds had built a commanding 8-0 lead, highlighted by a two-run double off the bat of Brady Cole and a run scored on a passed ball.

On the mound, freshman Carson Williams delivered a gritty performance. The right-hander went five innings, allowing just three hits and two runs (one earned) while striking out five and walking five. His counterpart, Wludyga, started for the Lakers and struggled against the Heralds’ potent lineup, surrendering 10 runs (six earned) on nine hits over four innings.

Ezra Campbell led the charge offensively for Saint John, driving in four runs and going 2-for-4 from the three-hole. He was one of four Heralds with multiple hits, joined by Chase Newsome, Brady Cole, and Kyle Hejduk. Newsome also showcased his speed with two stolen bases, part of a six-steal performance by the team.

Pymatuning Valley managed just three hits on the day, with Croston, Wludyga, and Smith each contributing one. Smith went 1-for-2 with an RBI, driving in one of the Lakers’ two runs.

With the NAC championship now secured, Saint John  will look to keep the momentum rolling as they head to Jefferson Area for their next matchup on Monday.

ANDERSON NAILS 100TH CAREER HIT IN SENIOR NIGHT DOUBLE HEADER

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Photo Credit: JJ Pawlowski

ASHTABULA, OHIO – It was a special afternoon at Smith Field as the Saint John Heralds celebrated Senior Night, honoring seniors Aaron Wychock, Dyln Newsome, Kyle Hejduk, Will Anderson, Ryan Williams, Sullivan Twinning, Manny Cooper, and Ezra Campbell. The Heralds capped the celebration with a dominant sweep of NAC rival Windham in a doubleheader. The day was made even more memorable when senior Will Anderson recorded his 100th career varsity hit in the first game.

Game 1 Recap: Saint John 12, Windham 1

Kyle Hejduk put on an offensive show in Game 1, going 3-for-3 with a triple, a double, and a single, leading Saint John to a 12-1 victory.

The Heralds opened the scoring in the second inning when Hejduk tripled to left, and RBI singles from Aaron Wychock and Manny Cooper followed. In the third, Saint John added more runs thanks to Hejduk’s double, a sacrifice fly by Ryan Williams, and a bases-loaded walk drawn by Sullivan Twinning.

A six-run fourth inning put the game out of reach. Wychock singled in a run, an error and a passed ball brought in two more, Will Anderson singled home another, and Anthony Severino capped the frame with a two-run single.

Anderson earned the win on the mound, pitching three innings while allowing five hits and just one run, striking out five without a walk. Ryan Williams came in for one inning of scoreless relief.

The Heralds totaled nine hits in the game, with Severino, Hejduk, and Wychock each driving in two runs. Twinning showed great patience at the plate, drawing three of the team’s seven walks.

Windham was led offensively by Dylan McCune, who drove in the Bombers’ lone run. McCune, M Bolyard, J Ridenbaugh, K Kiser, and Jack Eye each recorded a hit for Windham, who also turned a double play defensively.

Game 2 Recap: Saint John 10, Windham 0

Saint John picked up right where they left off in Game 2, blanking Windham 10-0 to complete the sweep.

The Heralds struck early, plating four runs in the first inning behind big hits from Anthony Severino, Ezra Campbell, Ryan Williams, and Aaron Wychock. They kept building in the second with a double by Campbell, an RBI single by Williams, and a sacrifice fly from Wychock.

On the mound, senior Dyln Newsome was outstanding, tossing four scoreless innings, allowing just two hits while striking out five without issuing a walk.

Saint John collected 13 hits in the nightcap. Will Anderson, Campbell, and Williams each notched two hits, while Campbell, Wychock, Brady Cole, and Williams each drove in two runs. The Heralds were aggressive on the basepaths, racking up nine stolen bases, with Anderson, Hejduk, and Wychock swiping multiple bags.

Defensively, Saint John was sharp, turning a double play. Windham got hits from Cam Batterby and Michael Bolyard, and played error-free defense, with Jack Eye leading the Bombers with three defensive plays.

Saint John will look to continue their momentum when they travel to Lordstown on Wednesday.

BIG BATS STRONG ARMS PUSH HERALDS PAST BOMBERS

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Photo Credit: YSN

ASHTABULA, OH – The Saint John Heralds kicked off Senior Night in style Monday evening, riding a lights-out performance from pitcher Isabelle Holler to an 8-1 victory over the visiting Windham Bombers.

Holler was in command from the circle, striking out 10 batters while allowing just three hits and one run across seven innings. The right-hander also issued five walks but worked out of any jams to keep Windham in check all game long.

The Heralds wasted no time providing run support, plating five runs in the bottom of the first inning. Nadia Lagoa got things started with an RBI groundout, followed by a pair of runs scored on Windham errors. Bella Brent delivered the big hit of the frame with a two-run single to cap the early outburst.

Saint John added to their lead in the second when Lagoa singled home another run, giving the center fielder two RBIs on the day. Lagoa finished 1-for-3 at the plate.

The Heralds racked up 13 hits in the win. Brent, Maddie Holler, Caitlyn Carney, and Rylee Frasure each recorded two hits, helping power the offense from top to bottom.

The evening also featured a heartfelt tribute to Saint John’s lone senior, Gianna Torres. On her Senior Night, Torres delivered a strong showing, going 1-for-2 with a single and a walk. Fittingly, she sealed the victory by fielding a grounder and firing to first for the final out of the game.

Windham was limited offensively, with Breille Jones, Libby Inman, and Lillian Pesa-Garrett each tallying a hit. Elaina Tucker led the Bombers in patience at the plate with two walks as Windham drew five free passes overall. The Bombers also turned a double play defensively.

With the win, the Heralds look to carry momentum into their next matchup as they travel to Lordstown on Wednesday.

HERALDS EXPLOSIVE AT THE PLATE IN WIN OVER ROCKETS

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Photo Credit: JJ Pawlowski

ASHTABULA, OH — The bats were alive at Smith Field on Monday as the Saint John Heralds outslugged the visiting Maplewood Rockets in a back-and-forth NAC matchup, coming away with a 12-9 victory.

With the win, the Heralds improve to 6-2 on the season, while Maplewood drops to 4-2.

Senior standout Dyln Newsome led the way offensively for Saint John, turning in a perfect 4-for-4 performance. Newsome wasted no time making his presence felt, smashing a two-run double to center in the first inning before adding three singles over the course of the game—one each in the third, fourth, and sixth innings.

Maplewood struck first, capitalizing on a pair of early walks in the opening frame. Ryan Sexton drew a bases-loaded walk to bring in the game’s first run. However, Saint John wasted no time responding. In the bottom of the first, Kyle Hejduk’s RBI single down the right field line tied things up, and Newsome’s two-run double gave the Heralds a 4-2 lead.

The Rockets bounced back quickly, tying the game at 4-4 in the second inning thanks to RBI singles, including one from Coleton Logan.

The Heralds briefly regained the lead in the second when Will Anderson grounded out to score a run. A passed ball in the third extended Saint John’s advantage to 6-4.

Maplewood continued to battle, tying the game once again in the sixth inning on a balk and a groundout by Josh Suba that brought in the tying run.

But Saint John refused to let the game slip away. In the bottom of the sixth, Anderson delivered a clutch RBI single to break the tie, followed by a two-run double from Anthony Severino to give the Heralds the breathing room they needed at 12-9.

Hejduk got the start on the mound for Saint John, allowing four runs on six hits over three innings while striking out two. Brady Cole came on in relief and threw a scoreless inning, surrendering just one hit.

The Heralds tallied 13 hits on the day. Anderson and Ezra Campbell each turned in multi-hit performances, while Severino showcased patience at the plate with two walks. In total, the Heralds drew seven walks and turned a key double play defensively.

Maplewood matched Saint John’s hit total with 13 of their own, led by a red-hot Logan who went 4-for-5 with two RBIs. Tyson Webster and Zach Suba each collected multiple hits, while Kenyan Clover swiped three bases and drew two walks. The Rockets showed discipline at the plate as well, working eight free passes.

Saint John (6-2) will look to keep rolling as they host Grand Valley on Wednesday. Maplewood (4-2) will aim to bounce back in their next contest

FALCONS FLEX FIREPOWER IN ORWELL

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Photo Credit: Life Speaks Photography

ORWELL, Ohio – In a matchup between two conference champions, the Jefferson Falcons (17-3) showcased their firepower, cruising to a dominant 75-37 victory over the Grand Valley Mustangs (19-3) on Friday night at Grand Valley High School. With both teams preparing for the upcoming OHSAA sectional playoffs, the Falcons delivered a resounding statement win on the road.

Jefferson wasted no time asserting control, riding a scorching first-quarter performance from senior guard Anthony Covetta. Covetta exploded for 30 points in the first half, including a staggering eight three-pointers in the opening quarter alone. His hot hand propelled the Falcons to a commanding 28-11 lead after one period, setting the tone for the night.

The offensive onslaught continued in the second quarter as Jefferson’s perimeter shooting remained red-hot. The Falcons hit a total of 14 three-pointers as a team, with Terry Brown, Dylan Shetler, and Caleb Welser, and Grady Lendzian contributing to the barrage from beyond the arc. By halftime, Jefferson had built a comfortable 50-20 advantage, effectively putting the game out of reach.

Grand Valley, the NAC champions, struggled to find an offensive rhythm against Jefferson’s defensive intensity. Carter Turk led the Mustangs with 14 points, while Payton Plizga and Braden Hart added five and six points, respectively. However, the Mustangs could not generate enough consistent scoring to mount a comeback.

After a dominant first half, Jefferson dialed back the tempo in the third and fourth quarters but still controlled the game on both ends. Covetta finished with a game-high 39 points, while Terry Brown and Padilla added eight and nine points, respectively. The Falcons’ defense held Grand Valley to single-digit scoring in every quarter, sealing the emphatic win.

Player Scoring Summary:

Jefferson Falcons:

  • Anthony Covetta – 39 points
  • Luis Padilla – 9 points
  • Terry Brown – 8 points
  • Dylan Shetler – 5 points
  • Caleb Welser – 5 points
  • Dylan Beebe – 4 points
  • Grady Lendzian – 3 points
  • George Dzura – 2 points

Grand Valley Mustangs:

  • Carter Turk – 14 points
  • Braden Hart – 6 points
  • Payton Plizga – 5 points
  • Solly Schultz – 5 points
  • Adam Hylton – 3 points
  • Ben Cozad – 2 points
  • Sammy Goforth – 2 points

With the victory, Jefferson gains momentum heading into the OHSAA sectional round, where they will host the Niles Red Dragons on Feb. 21. Grand Valley will look to regroup before taking on the United Golden Eagles at home in their playoff opener on the same night.

Both teams will aim to build on their successful regular seasons as they transition into the postseason, where every game carries added significance.

HERALDS CELEBRATE SENIOR NIGHT WITH WIN AND MILESTONE

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Ashtabula, OH — In a game filled with milestones and emotional moments, the Saint John Heralds (10-8) secured a hard-fought 60-56 victory over the Windham Bombers (10-9) on February 7, 2025. The night was memorable for more than just the final score as the Heralds celebrated senior night and witnessed senior star Dyln Newsome etch his name in school history.

Newsome capped off his impressive performance by scoring his 1,000th career point on a clutch fourth-quarter three-pointer. The crowd erupted in a standing ovation as his parents came down from the stands to embrace him, creating a special moment that will be remembered by the Saint John community for years to come.

The Heralds honored their senior athletes from the 2024-2025 winter season in a pregame ceremony, recognizing the contributions of Dyln Newsome, Vin Narducci, Aaron Wychock, and Grayson Petros boys basketball along with Isabelle Stern and Chloe DeJesus for girls basketball and Addy Clough, Chrissy Biggins, Hannah Kile, Kate Kovacs, Molly Fortune, and Gianna Torres for Cheerleading.

Saint John came out strong, building an early 14-10 lead in the first quarter. The Bombers responded with 17 points in the second to cut the Heralds’ halftime advantage to just 30-27. Windham continued to battle, outscoring Saint John 17-14 in the third quarter to tie the game at 44 heading into the fourth.

However, the Heralds displayed resilience down the stretch. With clutch scoring from the Newsome brothers and steady contributions from their seniors, Saint John outscored Windham 16-12 in the final frame to seal the victory.

Scoring Breakdown:

  • Saint John Heralds:
    • Dyln Newsome: 27 points
    • Chase Newsome: 12 points
    • Vin Narducci: 11 points
    • Aaron Wychock: 6 points
    • Grayson Petros: 4 points
  • Windham Bombers:
    • Bruton: 21 points
    • McCune: 11 points
    • Hopper: 11 points
    • Kolaczek: 6 points
    • Petrich: 4 points
    • Smith: 2 points
    • Ramsey: 1 point

Saint John will look to keep the momentum going on February 11 when they travel to face the Lordstown Red Devils. Windham will aim to bounce back at home against St. Thomas Aquinas on February 10.

MUSTANGS RUN WILD AT HOME AGAINST MATHEWS

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Orwell, Ohio —  The Grand Valley Mustangs continued their stellar season on Tuesday night, securing an impressive 61-34 victory over the Mathews Mustangs at Grand Valley High School. The win not only bolstered Grand Valley’s already commanding record to 16-2 but also brought them one step closer to clinching the NAC Stars Division title outright. A victory in their next game against Maplewood on February 7 will cement their position as sole champions.

Strong Start Sets the Tone

Grand Valley took early control of the game, outscoring Mathews 11-7 in the first quarter. Senior guard Braden Hart led the charge with his aggressive play on both ends of the floor, contributing a game-high 20 points. By the second quarter, Grand Valley tightened their grip, putting up 19 points while holding Mathews to just six. Heading into halftime, Grand Valley held a commanding 30-13 lead.

Defensive Dominance and Offensive Efficiency

Grand Valley’s relentless defense was a major factor throughout the contest, forcing Mathews into difficult shots and capitalizing on turnovers. The third quarter saw Mathews muster just nine points, as Grand Valley’s balanced offensive attack continued to shine. Contributions came from multiple players, including Carter Turk with 13 points and Solly Schultz, who added 12.

Despite Mathews’ efforts to mount a comeback in the final quarter, Grand Valley matched their energy, scoring 19 points to close out the game. Peyton Plizga added eight points to the victory, while Sammy Goforth, Joey Galfidi, Ben Cozad, and Noah Waldo rounded out the scoring with crucial contributions.

Key Performers

Braden Hart’s leadership and 20-point performance stood out, complemented by Turk’s presence beyond the arc and Schultz’s abilty to attack the basket. Mathews struggled to find consistent offense, with Petak leading his team with 10 points, followed by Marinkovich with eight.

Looking Ahead

Grand Valley’s next game will be a pivotal matchup against the Maplewood Rockets on February 7. With a win, the Mustangs will secure sole possession of the NAC Stars Division title, a testament to their hard work and dominant season.

Mathews, now 14-4, will look to rebound when they face the Academy of Urban Scholars at home on February 7.

HERALDS BOUNCE BACK AGAINST ROCKETS

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Photo Credit: Kristy Call

Saybrook, OH- The Saint John Heralds (8-7) delivered a well-rounded performance on their home court, defeating the Maplewood Rockets (4-13) by a decisive 67-49 margin in NAC conference play. With contributions from multiple players and a strong defensive showing, the Heralds built an early lead and maintained control throughout the game to secure the win.

The opening quarter was a competitive back-and-forth battle. Maplewood came out aggressive, keeping pace with Saint John’s quick offensive start. Senior Dyln Newsome led the way for the Heralds in the early minutes, attacking the basket and setting the tone with his aggressive drives. Grayson Petros also made his presence felt with timely scoring and solid execution. Despite Maplewood’s efforts, Saint John held a narrow 17-14 lead at the end of the first quarter.

In the second quarter, the Heralds tightened their defensive grip and found their rhythm offensively. Maplewood struggled to penetrate Saint John’s defense and was held to just nine points in the period. Meanwhile, the Heralds added 19 points to their total, extending their lead to 36-23 by halftime. Chase Newsome, a sophomore, made several key plays during the quarter, contributing to the team’s strong run.

Coming out of halftime, both teams battled evenly in the third quarter, scoring 15 points apiece. Maplewood’s Nivenski and Kern worked to cut into Saint John’s lead, with Nivenski knocking down key shots to keep the Rockets competitive. Despite their best efforts, the Rockets couldn’t gain significant ground as senior Vin Narducci made crucial plays to help Saint John maintain their advantage.

The fourth quarter saw Saint John maintain composure and finish strong, outscoring Maplewood 16-11 to seal the victory. Freshman Gus Petros and junior Donald Crawford added contributions on both ends of the court, showing the depth and balance of the Heralds’ lineup. Even with Maplewood’s continued effort, Saint John’s consistent scoring and disciplined defense ensured the win.

Nivenski led all scorers for Maplewood with 17 points, followed by Kern with 14. Despite their contributions, the Rockets were unable to keep pace with the Heralds’ efficient attack.

This win marks an important step for Saint John as they continue to build momentum in NAC play. The Heralds will stay at home for their next game on February 4 against the St. Thomas Aquinas Knights. Maplewood, meanwhile, will look to bounce back when they travel to face the Pymatuning Valley Lakers on the same date.

Saint John Player Scoring Summary

  • Dyln Newsome: 19 points
  • Grayson Petros: 16 points
  • Chase Newsome: 13 points
  • Vin Narducci: 12 points
  • Gus Petros: 4 points
  • Donald Crawford: 2 points
  • Carlo Fasano: 1 point

Maplewood Player Scoring Summary

  • Nivenski: 17 points
  • Kern: 14 points
  • Webster: 7 points
  • Shipman: 6 points
  • Clover: 3 points

HERALDS LOSE HEARTBREAKER IN FINAL MOMENTS

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Saybrook, OH- In a competitive NAC matchup on January 31, 2025, the Saint John Heralds (7-7) hosted the Bristol Panthers (12-6) at Saint John High School in Ashtabula, Ohio. Both teams entered the game seeking a key conference win as the regular season winds down.

Game Summary:

The Heralds came out firing in the first quarter, fueled by an energetic crowd and sharp offensive execution. They put up an impressive 23 points while holding the Panthers to 15. Sophomore standout Chase Newsome showcased his scoring prowess early, setting the tone for the Heralds’ strong start.

Bristol, however, would not be rattled. The Panthers rallied in the second quarter, outscoring Saint John 19-9 behind a dominant performance from Jack Berry, who proved to be a scoring machine throughout the night. By halftime, the Panthers had seized a narrow 34-32 lead.

The third quarter saw both teams struggle offensively as defenses tightened. Bristol edged Saint John 9-6 in the frame, extending their lead to 43-38 heading into the final quarter. Despite trailing, the Heralds refused to back down.

Saint John mounted a valiant fourth-quarter comeback attempt, with senior guard Vin Narducci and sophomore Chase Newsome leading the charge. They combined for key baskets, cutting into Bristol’s lead. The Heralds scored 15 points in the final frame, but the Panthers’ balanced scoring and clutch free throws secured a hard-fought 56-53 victory.

Key Performers:

Saint John Heralds:

  • Chase Newsome: 16 points
  • Vin Narducci: 12 points
  • Dyln Newsome: 10 points
  • Grayson Petros: 9 points
  • Aaron Wychock: 5 points
  • Gus Petros: 1 point

Bristol Panthers:

  • Jack Berry: 23 points
  • Kaiden Kohler: 13 points
  • Brody Smith: 10 points
  • Diesel Williams: 9 points
  • Croc Thorp: 1 point

Jack Berry’s 23-point performance was instrumental in Bristol’s win, as he consistently found ways to score against Saint John’s defense. Kaiden Kohler and Brody Smith provided solid secondary contributions for the Panthers.

Looking Ahead:

Saint John (7-8) will look to bounce back quickly as they host fellow NAC member Maplewood Rockets on February 1, 2025. Bristol (13-6) will aim to maintain their momentum when they return home to face the Chalker Wildcats on the same night.

Despite the loss, the Heralds’ resilience and balanced scoring highlighted their growth as a team. With key contributions from both upperclassmen and underclassmen, Saint John continues to be a formidable presence in the NAC.

NARDUCCI REACHES 1K IN HERALDS WIN OVER HUSKIES

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Saybrook, OH– In a memorable night at Saint John High School, the Heralds (7-6) dominated the Cardinal Huskies (2-17) in a decisive 66-29 victory on January 29, 2025. The Heralds were fueled by an incredible milestone moment for senior standout Vin Narducci, who scored his 1,000th career point on a second-quarter three-pointer in front of a packed home crowd and his family, who had flown in to surprise him for the occasion. The magical moment was a fitting highlight for Narducci, who remarkably scored his very first high school points against Cardinal as a freshman.

Saint John set the tone early, outscoring the Huskies 14-4 in the opening quarter. Narducci’s three-pointer in the second quarter was part of a 23-point explosion that gave the Heralds a commanding 37-13 lead at halftime. The Heralds continued their strong play in the third quarter, adding 18 more points before closing out the game with an 11-point fourth quarter.

Narducci led all scorers with 24 points, showcasing his offensive versatility and leadership. Senior Dyln Newsome was a force on both ends of the court, contributing 18 points, while sophomore Chase Newsome added 11 points to round out the Heralds’ double-digit scorers. Freshman Gus Petros chipped in 3 points, while seniors Grayson Petros and Aaron Wychock, along with John Miller and Donald Crawford, all made key contributions to secure the victory.

On the Huskies’ side, Sindelav led the scoring with 9 points, followed by Naples with 7. Tucker and Caldwell added 6 and 5 points, respectively, while Pannetti contributed 2 points.

The win highlighted the Heralds’ depth and teamwork, as eight different players found their way onto the scoresheet. The victory also gave Saint John valuable momentum as they prepare for a key NAC matchup against the Bristol Panthers at home on January 31.

As for Cardinal, the Huskies will look to regroup as they head on the road to face the Pymatuning Valley Lakers on February 1.

The Heralds’ faithful will long remember Narducci’s milestone moment, which stands as a testament to his dedication and excellence over his high school basketball career. With more exciting games ahead, Saint John is poised to continue building on this special night.