Tag Archive for: Ohio high school sports

RUNNING WEDNESDAYS WITH RICK SYPERT (EP 6) STATE CHAMPIONSHIP RECAP

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The latest episode of YSN’s “Running Wednesdays” delivered inspiration and excitement as hosts DJ Yokley and Anthony Hartwig interviewed three of the Mahoning Valley’s standout high school track athletes: Drew Zajack and Julianna Krumpak of McDonald, and Ava Hulett of Mineral Ridge.

Fresh from their trips to the podium at the state championships, Zajack and Krumpak joined the show live from vacation. Zajack, who captured the Division III state title in discus with a dramatic final throw, recounted overcoming injury and the pressure of the moment. “It was a hard week before. I didn’t really get in any throws… I was nursing a pretty bad back injury,” Zajack shared. Despite physical setbacks, he found focus for the final, clutch throw. “I released it and did like a little ballerina and got out the back of the ring. That’s all that matters.” Krumpak, meanwhile, highlighted the team atmosphere that powered McDonald’s relay squads to the podium after missing out in previous seasons. “Coming back this year was really big for us, and we wanted to really show what we could do. We were able to do that and made it on the podium – it was a great feeling,” she said. Both athletes credited the massive support McDonald fans brought to Columbus, with Zajack calling it “the best feeling ever” to celebrate with teammates, family, and community.

Ava Hulett of Mineral Ridge, a recent graduate and now Wright State commit, reflected on her journey as a high school athlete who left a lasting impact on her program. Hulett set the school record in the 100-meter hurdles and brought home state medals in multiple events this season. Looking back, she expressed pride in her accomplishments and what she’s passed on to younger athletes: “I know a lot of younger athletes look up to me now and they respect me. I’ve taught some of them a lot of things I hope they can carry into future seasons.” She also emphasized the importance of balancing hard work with rest, advising Ridge’s incoming freshmen not to push themselves to burnout. With the season behind them, all three athletes shared their plans for well-deserved downtime—relaxing at the beach, shopping trips, and simply savoring a rare break from daily practice before training begins again. As Coach Rick Sypert summed up, these are the stories of legacy and inspiration: young athletes pushing through adversity, supporting each other, and setting standards that will shape their programs for years to come. The Mahoning Valley has plenty to be proud of as these champions look ahead to bright futures both on and off the track.

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NE8 ANNOUNCES CONFERENCE CHAMPIONS AND SELECTIONS

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YOUNGSTOWN, OH- The Northeast 8 Conference wrapped up a jam-packed spring season with standout performances across the board—from the diamond to the track and even the tennis courts. Here’s how it all shook out for the NE8’s best during the Spring 2025 campaign.

Baseball: Hubbard Reigns Behind Songer’s Dominance

Hubbard took the crown in NE8 baseball, thanks in large part to Player of the Year Braydon Songer, who anchored a team that delivered in the clutch all season long. On the mound, Gabe Rusnak joined Poland’s Tyson Tarajack as the league’s top arms.

The infield saw firepower from South Range’s Julian Tranovich and Gavin Hiscox, while Girard’s Zach Ward and Hubbard’s Jonny Adamson added to the punch. Kyle Barr and Will Hynes, and Isaiah Lantz patrolled the outfield with grit, and the always-reliable Jaden Royal (Girard) and Jacob Hayes (Poland) rounded out the first-team catcher/utility slots.

Second-team nods featured more rising talent, including South Range hurler Brennen Klasovsky and Poland’s Joe Zuccaro. Young bats like Gaven Nagy (South Range) and Cam Herrick (Girard) showed they’re next up in the conference.

Softball: Lakeview’s Stowe Leads the Pack

Lakeview softball brought home the NE8 title behind Player of the Year Mackenzie Stowe, whose leadership and production powered the Bulldogs all spring. Stowe had plenty of help—Isabella Isenberg shined in the circle, while Kennedy Bartlett, Kalyssa Werner, and Rylee Barnot filled out a loaded first-team lineup.

South Range ace Ashley Rupert made a strong case herself, joined by slugger Jayli Wilt and speedster Solena DeJesus. Poland’s Elliana Thompson and Leanna Boccieri also earned top honors, while Hubbard’s Haleigh Taylor crushed it at the plate.

Second-teamers like Ava Bacon (Lakeview) and Gianna Saxon (Girard) showed the depth across the league, with Struthers’ Riley Guy and South Range’s Glada Pauline proving there’s no drop-off in talent on the back end of the roster.

Boys Track & Field: South Range Runs the Show

South Range claimed the boys track title with Player of the Year Emmitt Slabach leading the charge. Slabach was a machine, winning the 1600, 800, and anchoring the first-place 4×800 relay. Add in wins from Troy Combs (200m), Tristan Toy (400m), and Asher Moorefield (Discus), and the Raiders couldn’t be touched.

Girard sprinter Josiah Hunter turned heads in the 100m and relays, while Lakeview’s Landon Hall and Caden Baldwin showed off in hurdles and pole vault. Hubbard’s relay teams put in serious work too, grabbing multiple first and second-team selections.

Girls Track & Field: Girard Sprints to the Title, Dado Shines

Girard sprinted past the competition to earn the girls track championship, with South Range’s Taylor Dado locking up Player of the Year honors thanks to big wins in the 400m and long relay legs.

Girard’s Jessica Hansen stole the show with victories in the 100m, 200m, and as part of the 4×100 and 4×200 relay squads. Gianna Sabatino added a win in the 3200m, while teammates Emily Ragozine and Adira Peterman kept the relay machine humming.

Lakeview showed up strong in distance events, thanks to Jalyn DeLeon and the DeLeon-Lowe tandem in the relays. South Range made its presence felt with Gabriella Spooner (Long Jump) and Cassandra Habeger (Shot Put), while Hubbard’s Mia Micheline tossed her way to a first-team Discus title.

Boys Tennis: Poland Stays on Top

On the courts, Poland Seminary once again proved to be the class of the NE8, bringing home the team title and seeing Player of the Year honors go to ace Andrew Aey. He was backed by a strong cast in Saminder Tulli and Carter Iberis, while Struthers and Lakeview also made noise behind Thomas Cope and Colben Schick, respectively.

The second team saw rising stars like Ethan Shackelford (Lakeview) and Blayne Kuehm (Struthers) earn well-deserved recognition as they helped push their squads deeper into competition.

Final Whistle

From dominant pitching performances and offensive fireworks to speed demons on the track and finesse on the tennis court, the NE8 saw its athletes rise and deliver in Spring 2025. Hubbard baseball, Lakeview softball, South Range boys track, Girard girls track, and Poland tennis all walked away with titles—but the depth of talent across the conference was the real story. The NE8’s future looks fast, fierce, and full of stars.

SALEM, UNITED, AND BEAVER LOCAL SHINE AT COLUMBIANA COUNTY MEET

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EAST PALESTINE, OH- It was a thrilling day at Reid Stadium as the best of Columbiana County competed fiercely in the 2025 Track and Field Championships. Salem dominated the overall standings, securing both the girls’ and boys’ team championships with impressive scores.

On the boys’ side, United’s Danny Milburn put on a clinic in the sprint events, blazing to victory in the 100m (11.29), the 200m (22.63), and earning a solid third-place finish in the 400m (50.78). His teammate Trent Ellyson flexed his muscle in the field events, capturing the discus throw with a commanding 161-09 toss and securing fourth place in the shot put.

Salem’s athletes displayed outstanding depth and talent, highlighted by Hunter Owen’s powerful 50-04.25 victory in the shot put and Lucas Adams taking the long jump with a leap of 20-11.25. In the relay events, Salem’s boys claimed victories in the 4×100 (44.06) and 4×200 (1:32.28), showcasing their balanced strength across sprint events.

East Liverpool’s Julius Jones and Maddox Roach made some noise in the distance events. Jones took home first place in the 800m with a blistering time of 1:55.64, while Roach dominated the 1600m, setting a meet record at 4:19.96. They combined with teammates to capture the 4×400 relay, setting another meet record at 3:25.84.

In girls’ action, Beaver Local’s Mallory Miller dazzled spectators, sprinting to first-place finishes in both the 100m (12.93) and the 200m (26.27), while also anchoring her team to second place in the 4×200 relay. Her teammate Ralyn Gilson cruised to victory in the 300m hurdles (49.33) and secured second in the 100m hurdles.

Salem’s girls dominated the long-distance track events, led by Maggie Hopple and Maggie Hall. Hopple won the 1600m (5:15.82), closely followed by Hall, who finished second, and Hall later grabbed the 800m title (2:28.38), reversing roles with Hopple who placed second.

Southern’s Maddy Jones owned the throwing events, capturing gold in both the discus (124-06) and the shot put (38-04.25). Salem’s Madolyn Gorby and Peyton Colbert led the high jump event, finishing first and second, respectively.

Adding inspiration to the meet, Beaver Local’s Savannah Nign set a new stadium record in the girls’ wheelchair shot put (11-00.00), impressively surpassing her own previous best.

Ultimately, the Salem Quakers left no doubt about their prowess, winning the girls’ team competition with 174 points and topping the boys’ team standings with 147. East Liverpool and Beaver Local showed commendable performances, taking home second and third places, respectively.

It was a memorable day of competition, highlighting athletic excellence across Columbiana County.

HEARTLAND SNAPS LISBON’S WINNING STREAK

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LISBON, OH- The Lisbon Blue Devils couldn’t keep pace with a steady offensive attack from Heartland Christian, falling 14-2 on Friday evening, and providing Lisbon their first loss of the young season.

Lisbon got on the board first with a Marc Moore RBI groundout in the opening inning, but Heartland Christian responded in the second and never looked back. A wild pitch tied things up, then Brennan Murray delivered a two-run single to put the Lions up 3-1.

Heartland kept piling on runs, while Christian Hamilton held Lisbon in check on the mound. The right-hander went the distance, allowing just three hits and two runs while striking out two and walking three over seven innings.

Bryce Esarey started for Lisbon and struck out nine over 3.1 innings, but was tagged with the loss after allowing four runs (three earned) on just one hit. The Blue Devils struggled defensively and couldn’t contain the Lions’ aggressive baserunning and patient approach at the plate.

Ashton Hinchliffe, Aiden Myers, and Brady Carpenter recorded hits for Lisbon, with Moore and Myers each driving in a run. Lisbon showed some spark on the bases with five stolen bags.

For Heartland, Brady DeSantis led the RBI charge with two, while Jack Morgan paced the offense with a 2-for-5 day from the leadoff spot. The Lions drew 10 walks and ran wild, swiping nine bases in the game. Paul Bender, Morgan, and Alex Hamilton each played a key role in pressuring Lisbon’s defense.

The Blue Devils will look to bounce back on Saturday when they host East Canton.

BULLDOG BATS STAY HOT; GROUND LOWELLVILLE

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STRUTHERS, OH- A monster third inning and relentless plate discipline powered East Palestine to a commanding 15-3 win over Lowellville on Friday afternoon.

The Bulldogs broke things wide open in the third, scoring eight runs on a flurry of base hits and smart baserunning. Phoenix Marvin, Peyton Rutledge, and Jaxson Robb each delivered 2-RBI singles, while Cale Moraski chipped in an RBI of his own. A run also came across on a dropped third strike as East Palestine turned a tight game into a rout.

East Palestine wasn’t done.

In the fifth, they piled on seven more runs—this time scoring mostly without swinging the bat. The Bulldogs worked six walks and took advantage of Lowellville miscues before Moraski capped the inning with an RBI single.

Marvin got the win on the mound, going 4.1 innings and allowing just two hits and two runs while striking out six. Lowellville’s Braylon Bolger took the loss, giving up seven runs in 2.1 innings.

Robb led the way with 3 RBIs, and Moraski continued to rake from the top of the order, going 3-for-4. Rutledge added 2 hits and 3 walks, while Kealin Simon drew three walks and swiped two of East Palestine’s seven stolen bases.

Lowellville’s Kaden Primous was a bright spot, going 2-for-3 and driving in a run. Cody Nolfi and Geno Perry also added RBIs for the Rockets.

East Palestine’s offense was relentless, drawing 15 walks and applying constant pressure on the base paths. They’ll look to keep the momentum rolling next week, while Lowellville will take on Chalker on Saturday.

 

WYMER MAKES ‘EM PAY; LEADS TIGERS PAST STRUTHERS

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NEW MIDDLETOWN, OH-  Makenna Wymer was locked in on both sides of the ball Thursday night, driving in four runs and pitching a gem to lead the Springfield Tigers to a dominant 13-3 win over Struthers in five innings.

Wymer crushed a two-run double in the third to spark a six-run inning and later blasted a two-run homer to left in the fourth as Springfield piled on seven more in the frame. She finished 2-for-3 with 4 RBIs and also earned the win in the circle, striking out nine and allowing just two hits and three unearned runs across five innings.

Struthers got on the board first in the opening frame with a run off a groundout from Katie Morris, but Springfield took control in the third and never let go.

The fourth inning saw Springfield’s bats explode — Wymer’s homer was followed by an RBI double from Olivia Allen, a 2-run single by Corissa Allen, and an RBI single from Hannah Stouffer, helping push the Tigers’ lead to double digits.

Springfield racked up 12 hits on the day, with Gracie Maldonado, Stouffer, Gina Romeo, and Wymer each collecting two hits.

For Struthers, Gia Smiley and Sam Minno each recorded a hit, while Hannah Susany knocked in a run. Morris was tagged with the loss, allowing 13 runs (8 earned) in four innings of work.

Springfield improves to 2-0 on the season and will return to action Friday at home against Jackson-Milton.

SOUTHERN GIRLS AND EP BOYS STAND OUT IN EARLY SEASON MEET

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EAST PALESTINE, OH – The track season kicked off in style Tuesday at Reid Memorial Stadium, as Salem Southern and East Palestine traded punches in a competitive quad meet with David Anderson and Leetonia.

Southern’s girls team dominated the meet, collecting 113 points behind standout performances from Kiah Sloan, Caty Brewer, and Maddy Jones. Sloan sprinted her way to victories in the 100m (13.66), 200m (28.32), and long jump (15-06.5), while Brewer claimed the 400m (1:11.27) and 800m (2:50.76). Jones swept the throws, winning the shot put (35-03.25) and discus (105-06). Southern also cruised to relay wins in the 4×100, 4×400, and 4×800.

East Palestine’s girls earned 53 points, led by McKenna Paperella, who won both hurdle events (100H – 19.90, 300H – 1:04.07), and a strong second-place showing in the 4×400 relay.

Lisbon (41 pts) took gold in the high jump with freshman Brooklyn Kline clearing 4-04. Leetonia (17 pts) picked up key points in the hurdles and sprints.

On the boys’ side, East Palestine took top honors with 98 points, thanks to a balanced effort in both the sprints and field events. Isaac Cozza claimed the high jump (5-06) and took third in the 100m (12.32). Braxton Sloan from Southern delivered a standout performance, winning the 400m (52.28) and finishing fifth in the long jump.

Richie Sloan, another Southern standout, was the fastest on the track, grabbing gold in the 100m (11.90), 200m (24.44), and long jump (18-08).

Lisbon tallied 51 points, helped by Ashton Hinchliffe’s second-place finish in the long jump and runner-up run in the 100m (12.27). Kolt Cappitti shined in distance events, winning the 3200m (11:57.14) and finishing second in the 1600m (5:37.36).

Leetonia finished with 21 points, paced by Dylan Johns (3rd in long jump) and Graydon Henderson in the 100m hurdles.

Team Standings

Girls
🥇 Southern – 113
🥈 East Palestine – 53
🥉 Lisbon – 41
🏅 Leetonia – 17

Boys
🥇 East Palestine – 98
🥈 Southern – 63
🥉 Lisbon – 51
🏅 Leetonia – 21

Highlighted Event Winners

  • Girls 100m/200m/Long Jump: Kiah Sloan (Southern)
  • Girls Shot Put/Discus: Maddy Jones (Southern)
  • Girls Hurdles: McKenna Paperella (East Palestine)
  • Girls 400m/800m: Caty Brewer (Southern)
  • Girls High Jump: Brooklyn Kline (David Anderson)
  • Boys 100m/200m/Long Jump: Richie Sloan (Southern)
  • Boys 400m: Braxton Sloan (Southern)
  • Boys 1600m/3200m: Logan Mccartney (Southern), Kolt Cappitti (David Anderson)
  • Boys High Jump: Isaac Cozza (East Palestine)
  • Boys Shot Put: Ashton Hinchliffe (David Anderson)
  • Boys Discus: Brock Kleinknecht (East Palestine)

Next up, these teams look to build off early-season momentum as they prepare for larger meets later in April.

FLYNN PREPARED FOR HISTORIC RUN AT STATES

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HUBBARD, OH- As the state wrestling tournament approaches, all eyes will be on Emily Flynn, who enters the competition with a chance to etch her name even deeper into the OHSAA Girls Wrestling Record Book.

The senior standout has put together a dominant final season, amassing 72 takedowns, which ranks third-most in a single season in OHSAA history. Her 41 wins place her tied for fifth, while her 38 pins are the second-most in a season—a testament to her ability to finish matches with authority.

This performance builds on an already remarkable career. Last season, Flynn racked up 40 wins (tied for seventh all-time) and 37 pins (third-most in a season), showing she’s been a force on the mat for years.

Now, as she heads into the biggest weekend of the year, Flynn boasts an astounding 147 career wins, the second-most in OHSAA history. With every match, she has the chance to further solidify her legacy among Ohio’s all-time greats.

Expect Flynn to be a major contender as she battles for a state title, looking to cap off her record-setting career in unforgettable fashion.

RAIDERS STAY A STEP AHEAD OF CRESTVIEW

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CANFIELD, OH- The South Range Raiders came out firing in their OHSAA Sectional Opener, putting on an offensive clinic to take down the Crestview Rebels 83-57 at home. The win sends the Raiders into the next round as they continue their postseason push.

Luke Rohan was unstoppable for South Range, torching the net for 30 points to lead all scorers. Graham Heikkinen added 14 points, while Nick Toy chipped in 13 to round out a well-balanced attack. Tristan Toy dropped in 8 points, with Nate Lewis contributing 5. DaHaeven Cooperwood, Gavin Hiscox, Gaven Nagy, Michael Garwacki, and Tommy Valentine all added to the scoreboard in a dominant team effort.

Crestview fought hard but couldn’t keep up with the Raiders’ relentless pace. Jonathan Best led the Rebels with 14 points, followed by Tyler Savage with 11. Jameson English added 8 points, with Xavier Nelson, Isaac Unkefer, and Tanner Guy each scoring 5. Evan Neff contributed 5 points, while Dylan Stoffer rounded out the scoring with 2.

With the victory, South Range advances to the next round, where they will host the winner of Crestwood vs. Cardinal Mooney on Wednesday at 7 p.m. Fans can catch the game live on Your Sports Network as the Raiders look to keep their postseason run alive.

PURCHASE GAME PHOTOS HERE

THIRD TIME THE CHARM FOR LADY RAIDERS AGAINST GIRARD

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CANFIELD, OH- In a game that came down to the wire, the South Range Raiders pulled off a stunning 37-36 victory over the Girard Indians in the girls’ district semifinals. After dropping both regular-season matchups to the NE8 champions, the Raiders flipped the script at the perfect time, bouncing Girard from the tournament and keeping their championship hopes alive.

Girard controlled much of the game, managing to stay ahead late in each of the first three quarters. But when it mattered most, South Range found a way to finish strong. The Raiders capitalized at the free-throw line down the stretch, with Ceci Foster knocking down two clutch shots to tie the game at 35. Then, with everything on the line, Gwen Lowry sealed the deal from the charity stripe, pushing the Raiders into the district championship.

Sophomore point guard Sophia Lucente was the heart and soul of South Range’s effort, putting it all on the line defensively. She grabbed key rebounds, hustled after loose balls, and took contact without hesitation—whatever it took to keep the Raiders’ season alive.

South Range was led offensively by Gwen Lowry with 11 points, followed closely by Sophia Lucente, who contributed 10. Kiera Winner added 7, while Ceci Foster chipped in 5, and both Taylor Dado and Haylie John finished with 2 points each. For Girard, Ally Gassman led the way with 11 points, while Mackenzee White and Caylee Wilkes each scored 8. Gianna Saxon added 5, with Brooke Perry and Gianna Schubert both scoring 2 points.

With the dramatic win, South Range now sets its sights on the district championship, where they’ll face Norwayne on Saturday at 4 p.m. at Woodridge High School. One more win, and the Raiders will punch their ticket to the next round.