Tag Archive for: off-season training

MILLER’S TIME TO BE IN THE SPOTLIGHT

BERLIN CENTER OH- Western Reserve junior Quincy Miller recently joined the YSN’s Anthony Hartwig to discuss her journey through high school basketball and the evolving responsibilities she faces as an upperclassman. Miller, who once tasted the triumph of a district championship as a freshman, is now more motivated than ever to lead her team back to glory.

“Winning a district championship my freshman year really drives me,” Miller shared. “Falling short last year has made us all the more hungry to win it this time around.” This determination has fueled the team’s off-season dedication, particularly in improving their ball-handling skills, a focus Miller emphasized as crucial for their progress. Miller’s role on the team transcends performance metrics as she steps into more significant leadership responsibilities. With a smaller, tight-knit squad this year, she finds herself in a supportive position for younger teammates like freshman Kyla. “We’re all pretty close, which makes it easier for us to work together and help each other get better,” Miller noted.

The bond among teammates isn’t confined to the court. Miller describes how off-the-court activities, like playing dodgeball after practices, have enhanced their chemistry. “Sometimes we all get food after games or engage in some fun activities during practice. It really helps in keeping our spirits high and making us a stronger unit,” she added. Balancing academics and athletics, Miller faces typical challenges but maintains a forward-thinking attitude toward her future. Though she remains undecided about playing basketball at the collegiate level, she is exploring options like beautician school. Through it all, her family, with her father as her head coach and her brother contributing as a JV coach, remains a pivotal source of support and inspiration.

“Some girls might not like having their dad as a coach, but I find it beneficial. It’s not just about becoming a better basketball player; it’s about growing as a person,” Miller said. As the season progresses, Miller’s focus remains clear. With each game, practice, and off-court interaction, she embodies the spirit of a dedicated athlete and a committed teammate ready to overcome past setbacks and propel her team to new heights. For now, Western Reserve’s basketball community looks forward to the journey ahead, undoubtedly inspired by Miller’s steadfast dedication and leadership.

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

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.

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COLT 44

LISBON, OH- The Lisbon Blue Devils’ football team has been turning heads this season with their cohesive gameplay and significant growth. A key figure in this transformation is junior captain Colt Tullis. Stepping up as both a leader and a versatile player, Tullis has set the tone for a young team eager to make their mark.

In a recent interview on the YSN podcast, Tullis offered insights into the team’s progress and his journey. “We’ve taken it game by game,” he said. “Our big focus is getting better after every game, every practice. We got a bunch of guys that want to get better.”

Tullis’s ability to adapt is exemplified by his transition from tailback to right guard, a move he made selflessly to benefit his team. “I wanted to help the team play as big of a role as I could and do what we needed to win some games,” Tullis shared.

This season, Tullis’s leadership has drawn comparisons to past captains, notably last year’s quarterback, Trevor Sifky. “He had the most drive. He wanted to win. He wanted to be great, and I really admire that,” Tullis remarked.

Away from the field, Tullis has his sights set on a future in criminology, aspiring to become a U.S. Marshal. His commitment and focus, both academically and athletically, are poised to serve him well beyond his high school years.

As the Blue Devils continue their season, the influence of their junior captain, Colt Tullis, will undoubtedly be felt, both in the huddle and in the hearts of his teammates.

YSN is proud to spotlight such a dedicated athlete and leader, embodying what it means to be a Lisbon Blue Devil.

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NATE LEWIS AND THE NEWS

CANFIELD, OH- Under the bright lights of South Range football, few athletes have risen to prominence as swiftly and impressively as number 14, Nate Lewis.
Emerging as a dynamic player this season, Lewis’s journey has been far from straightforward. After being sidelined by an early-season injury last year, Lewis faced the challenging task of constant rehabilitation. “It was really hard just going to practice every day and not being able to do anything,” he revealed. However, perseverance paid off as, during the last three games, Lewis became a pivotal figure for the Raiders, proving his mettle on the field.

Host DJ Yokley describes Lewis as “an absolute weapon,” noting his unmatched speed and agility. Not surprisingly, Lewis attributes his swiftness to his track background, where he competes in events like the 4×1 and the 4×2. While he admits he didn’t fully enjoy track, it undeniably honed his speed and endurance.

Lewis’s on-field chemistry with teammate Tristan is particularly noteworthy. Yokley likens their connection to that of NFL legends Roethlisberger and Antonio Brown, citing an almost telepathic ability to locate each other during gameplay.

Off the field, Lewis is a typical teenager. He enjoys video games, with Minecraft and the new NCAA football game being among his favorites. He also aspires to be remembered for his hard work and dedication, traits instilled in him by his family. “Definitely my parents and my grandparents,” Lewis acknowledges, emphasizing the support and values they have imparted.

When asked about his future ambitions, Lewis remains uncertain, but his current focus is clear: to continue excelling both in sports and academics, where his favorite subject is math.

As a student-athlete, Lewis exemplifies the values of hard work, humility, and perseverance. His story is not just about athletic success but also about character and determination. South Range and the broader community have a lot to look forward to from this rising star.

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WARREN JFK FOOTBALL COACH’S CORNER (EP 1) WITH DAMON BUENTE

WARREN, OH-  As the new football season continues, Warren JFK High School is showcasing a level of enthusiasm and determination like never before, thanks to the driving force of their head coach, Damon Bente. Known for his transparent and relentless approach, Bente is steering the Eagles towards excellence by emphasizing the core values that have historically defined JFK football.

During a recent episode of the “YSN’s Warren JFK Football Coach’s Corner” podcast, Bente shared insights into his strategies and philosophy for the team. A self-professed football junkie, Bente enjoys the off-season preparation just as much as the intensity of game days. “To be at a place where things matter…there’s fading qualities in American society that I think matter still here,” Bente stated, emphasizing values such as grit, chivalry, and service.

Reflecting on the previous season’s challenges, Bente acknowledged the team’s inconsistencies and his own role in improving them. “We have played five quarters of good football out of twelve quarters,” he candidly admitted. He vowed to hammer home consistency, believing this focus will yield better results.

Bente, who is anything but complacent, insists on self-scouting and returning to the basics to trim any excess from their playbook. “We should just be tweaking it, trimming the fat on both sides of the ball,” he explained. This meticulous approach is a testament to his dedication to the sport and the team.

A key takeaway from the podcast was Bente’s unwavering loyalty to the Kennedy football program. He highlighted the importance of maintaining the school’s high standards, even when facing formidable opponents. “When you are in the fire, I think that I’ve learned a lot more about people in my life when things go poorly than when things are going great,” Bente reflected.

Aside from football, Bente expressed profound gratitude for his family, attributing his drive to their influence. “You need to provide value and service to others,” he said, aligning his personal philosophy with his professional mission.

With the support of his dedicated coaching staff and a team of eager players, Damon Bente is committed to upholding the legacy of Warren JFK’s football excellence. As the Eagles gear up for their next challenge, one thing is clear: under Bente’s leadership, they are poised to soar higher than ever before.

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WESTMINSTER COACHES CORNER: 9/12/24

NEW WILMINGTON, OH-As the Westminster Titans football team gears up for the 2024 season, Head Coach Scott Benzel shared his insights on the team’s preparations and expectations in a recent discussion on WCN’s “Westminster Caches Corner” podcast.

Coach Benzel, reflecting on a summer filled with personal joys such as watching his son play various sports, emphasized the value of a productive off-season camp. A notable addition this year was a leadership development group from the military, which enhanced the team’s focus on preparation and teamwork. Despite moments of tension among players, the overall experience was positive, setting a strong foundation for the upcoming season.

This year, significant adjustments have been made to simplify the defensive strategies while expanding offensive concepts, especially due to the return of the experienced offensive line group, who are expected to drive the team’s success. The strategic decision to have a first-week bye aims to motivate the players and provide them with necessary rest mid-season, a move spotlighting Coach Benzel’s careful planning.

Key players Ty McGowan, Ty Elam, and Ryan Gomes were highlighted for their leadership and impactful play. McGowan is transitioning into a more vocal leadership role, while Elam, returning from injury, is known for his energetic and playmaking abilities. Gomes, although missing the first two games due to an incident from last year, remains a crucial component with his preparation and leadership on the field.

The team’s first game follows a week one bye, pitting them against Waynesburg—a challenge Coach Benzel and the Titans eagerly anticipate. Benzel underlined the importance of maintaining high performance and energy throughout games, focusing on minimizing mistakes, and making big plays.

The Titans have set progressive seasonal goals, with the primary aim of qualifying for the playoffs. The team looks to capitalize on the coaching strategies discussed by RJ Scott and other podcast guests, which include exploiting opponent weaknesses and effective in-game adjustments.

In addition to football, the podcast featured Coach Garrish Takar, who reflected on his 22-year career coaching men’s and women’s soccer at Westminster. Takar shared insights on his coaching approach, the challenges following key player losses, and the strategies moving forward. Both coaches emphasized the importance of mental preparation, discipline, and community impact through sports.

As the Westminster Titans embark on a challenging season, they remain motivated by their preseason PAC ranking and the tough schedule ahead. With a strong sense of community and teamwork, they aim to prove their capabilities, one game at a time.

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A UNIQUE WAY FOR ANEKWE

PEPPER PIKE, OH- In the podcast episode titled “YSN⧸ORANGE BASKETBALL PLAYER PROFILE: DOM ANEKWE,” we get an inside look at the life and mindset of Dom Anekwe, a senior basketball player at Orange High School. Dom talks about the physicality and toughness required for his position as a big man down low for the Lions. He emphasizes the importance of staying motivated, being consistent, and constantly improving his game, especially his mid-range shooting.

Throughout the conversation, Dom reflects on his track and field experience and how it has contributed to his basketball skills, with a core focus on consistency. He also shares his expectations for the team’s upcoming season, including their defensive strength and their ability to handle close games.
One of the most poignant moments of the episode is when Dom talks about his role models, including Kobe Bryant, Michael B. Jordan, and LeBron James. However, he reserves a special place in his heart for his grandmother, who is a source of unwavering support, encouragement, and valuable life advice.
Dom’s deep admiration for his grandmother is evident as he shares how she attends all his games and provides him with wisdom and guidance. He discusses the impact of her presence in his life, and the valuable advice she has given him, which includes keeping God in his favor.

The conversation takes a heartwarming turn as Dom shares his excitement for the upcoming Thanksgiving celebration, highlighting his grandmother’s delicious dishes and the memorable family moments they share.

In a lighthearted moment, Dom reveals his cooking skills and his specialty—spaghetti, and eagerly responds to the idea of trying a spaghetti sandwich, showing his fun and adventurous side.

The episode wraps up with Dom expressing his excitement and determination as he gears up for the games, ready to give his best and be great for the Lions. The conversation offers a glimpse into the life of a dedicated high school basketball player, highlighting the impact of family, values, and the determination to succeed both on and off the court.

 

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