CANFIELD, OH– A solid, stingy defense and just enough offense enabled South Range to oust Columbiana 52-32 here Friday night. The Raiders frustrated the Clippers attack all night long not allowing them to find any rhythm.
The defensive nature of the game was evident from the outset. Both teams tenaciously challenged each other making offense difficult to execute. It was the Raiders though who were able to open up a lead late in the first quarter and control the action the rest of the way. Nick Matus had a strong start scoring 7 points giving the Raiders a 16-7 lead after one, and South Range took a 25-12 advantage into the locker room.
Columbiana kept the game within reach through three quarters getting as close as ten points with 3:20 to play in the third. South Range led 37-25 heading to the final stanza before steadily pulling away.
Chris Brooks led all scorers with 15. Jaxon Andersen had 10 while Ben Irons, Dante Digaetano, and Matus chipped in with 7 apiece. Sean Whitehead scored all of his 14 in the second half, and Matt Mazei netted 9 for the Clippers whose strong second half of the season ended with a 13-11 record.
South Range (17-6) head to Salem for a District semi-final against Canton Central Catholic Tuesday at 7 p.m.
Some people have the ability to take on high-pressure situations in life and maintain a slow heartbeat.
For example, taking on two of the nations top college baseball teams in back to back starts, and coming out relatively unscathed after 10.2 innings pitched, five strikeouts, and an ERA of 3.38? That’s looking into the face of greatness and not blinking. That is the Sophomore 6’3 Southpaw for YSU. That is Colin Clark.
Youngstown State Baseball vs. Niagara at Eastwood Field – April 24, 2018 (Photo by Chris Kilroy)
Clark is a business major at YSU, and business has been good on the diamond. Colin has gone 5.1 innings in both outings, and like all things, is only getting better with time. Colin gave up three earned runs in the opening series versus Mississippi State, and followed that performance up in Tallahassee with a gem against the Seminoles of Florida State letting up only one earned run while striking out 4.
It’s no surprise to those who know him, though. At Logan Elm High School, Clark was the recipient of three varsity letters and was a team captain for two of them. Also before his time at YSU, Clark played in the Mizuno Senior All-Star Series and recorded a league-best 72 strikeouts his senior season.
Youngstown State baseball vs. Wright State at Nischwitz Stadium – May 24, 2018 (Photo by Erin Pence – Wright State University)
So, it’s no surprise that there’s a certain comfort the Guins have in giving the ball to the guy who continues to frustrate hitters and excite Penguin Nation. When the giants are in the other dugout and there’s nowhere to turn, who are you gonna call? YSN’s General Manager Steve Leslie had a chance to catch up with the answer to that question for this week’s YSU Baseball Player Profile: CALLIN’ CLARK.
https://ysnlive.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/clark-2019-6912-e1551455831854-scaled.jpg20092560YSN Staffhttps://ysnlive.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Default-Email-Signature-2673571-300x70.pngYSN Staff2019-03-01 16:10:172023-07-14 15:50:21CALLIN’ CLARK
AUSTINTOWN, OH-The Poland Lady Bulldogs won their first district championship since 2000 tonight with a 65-51 win over Ursuline.
The Bulldogs set the tone quickly as Sarah Bury took the tip away from Ursuline and got a fast-break layup. Poland’s pressure defense forced 7 Irish turnovers in the 1st quarter. Dayshanette Harris fought tooth and nail to keep her team in it scoring the first 9 Irish points. Poland led after a quarter, 24-14.
Poland continued to pressure the Irish as the first half went on. They forced 6 more Irish turnovers in the 2nd quarter and seemed to be capitalizing on every single one. Jackie Grisdale starting to catch fire from the perimeter, she had a big three-pointer that stretched the Poland lead to 29-14. Poland held Dayshanette Harris to just 3 points in the whole second quarter, which is a big reason their lead ballooned to 37-22 at the half.
On the first offensive possession of the 3rd quarter, Harris took it into the lane and hit the deck hard. Irish fans held their breath as she stayed on the ground for a good 3 minutes being looked at by the trainers. She left the game, but Ursuline held strong with her, not on the floor. With about 5:00 to go in the 3rd Harris came back into the game, bandages wrapped on her left elbow. It had no effect on her as she immediately hit a pull up three. Seeing their star fight through an injury inspired the Irish and they went on a 19-11 run to end the 3rd frame, and only trailed 50-41.
The momentum was on the Irish side as the final frame began. The two teams traded a few buckets and then Ursuline cut the lead to seven. A very important moment in the game as the Poland defense made a few tough stops while their offense was trying to get back into a rhythm. Ursuline had to feel like this was their chance to take control of the game but Poland’s defense held strong. With the game at a tipping point, senior Kat Partika sidestepped a defender and hit a 15-foot jumper to put Poland’s lead back in double figures 54-43. Brooke Bobbey would then step up with back to back steals that would lead to layups, and just like that Poland was back up 60-45. Bobbey then hit her first three of the game that gave them a 63-47 lead and sealed the win for the Bulldogs. Poland would go on to win by a final score of 65-51.
The Irish were led by a gritty performance from Dayshanette Harris fighting through an injury to score 30 points. Anya Curd was also in double figures adding 10.
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The Bulldogs had 3 players get into double figure led by Sarah Bury with 17 points 8 rebounds. Jackie Grisdale added 13 points 7 rebounds and Kailyn Brown finished with 12 points 7 rebounds. Poland moves on to play Akron Buchtel on Tuesday, March 5th at 8:00 at Barberton High School.
Sarah Bury Interview:
Nick Blanch Interview:
Kailyn Brown Interview:
Jackie Grisdale Interview:
https://ysnlive.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/IMG_3122-e1551412221119-scaled.jpg15342560Anthony Hartwighttps://ysnlive.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Default-Email-Signature-2673571-300x70.pngAnthony Hartwig2019-03-01 04:00:492023-07-14 15:50:00POLAND PLUCKS LUCK FROM LADY IRISH
Bulldog Pride is alive and well, and so is the winning streak for the Poland Lady Bulldogs.
Late season games can be tricky and tough, the focus turns from one season to the next. Mission accomplished during the regular frame, winning the first-ever NE8 Championship, and ranked atop the state rankings for the first time in program history.
How does Coach keep the girls focused on all the spinning plates? What does it mean to this team to be at the top of the AP Poll?
Our Anthony Hartwig sits down with Coach B for our fourth episode of Poland Coach’s Corner with Nick Blanch.
We’re headed to the heart of the postseason. Coach Nittoli and his staff have the girls ready to compete for some hardware this year and have already started their quest with a win under their belt.
Now as they meet the competition in neutral territory away from the home cooking at “The Cab” what cards will be dealt for the Lady Quakers?
We pick the brain of the Head Ball Coach on this week’s Salem Basketball Coach’s Corner with Vince Nittoli (Ep 3.)
Salem Senior, Ellie Davidson has been known to have a fiery side on the basketball court. With her aggressiveness that has been passed down from her siblings (she is one of 9) Ellie has learned not to take too much grief from anybody, no matter what size they are.
Davidson serves as the team’s anchor when it comes to leadership and course-bearing. During the West Branch game, Davidson just grew frustrated with losing to the Lady Warriors throughout her career, and at halftime during their final matchup, she drew the line in the sand. “We’re not losing this game.” Davidson proclaimed. Her teammates followed, and for the first time in nearly a decade, Salem defeated their arch-rivals.
PHOTO CREDIT: GARY LEININGER
The aggressiveness that Ellie shows isn’t about to just go away. Ellie looks to utilize her love for contact with a degree from Kent State with a path toward criminal justice and hopes to someday work with a federal agency of some type.
We sat down with the Quaker Captain for this week’s Salem Basketball Player Profile: ELL’ ON WHEELS.
https://ysnlive.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/ellie-davidson-e1551302705531.jpg12101813YSN Staffhttps://ysnlive.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Default-Email-Signature-2673571-300x70.pngYSN Staff2019-02-27 21:57:242023-07-14 15:49:05ELL’ ON WHEELS
With OVER 100,000 votes cast between Sunday at 7 PM and Wednesday at midnight, the Week 12 Winners have been chosen for Baird Brothers’ Big Dog of the Valley.
Congratulations to Leetonia’s Brock Simpson(18,072 votes) whose 17 Points/8 Assists/3 Steals against Heartland earned him the Week 12 reward.
PHOTO CREDIT: JKB Photography
Congratulations to Struthers’ Emma Elia(50,373 votes) who posted 18 Points/3 Assists/2 Steals in her game against Lakeview, and got the Week 12 nod for the ladies.
PHOTO CREDIT: FRANK MARR
https://ysnlive.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/brock-simpson-1-e1551301893806.jpg7301190YSN Staffhttps://ysnlive.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Default-Email-Signature-2673571-300x70.pngYSN Staff2019-02-27 20:25:262023-07-14 15:49:00WEEK 12 BIG DOGS OF THE VALLEY WINNERS ANNOUNCED
LISBON, OH- The Sectional Final is now set with Lisbon overpowering Heartland Christian 74-42. Lisbon set the pace early leading in the first-half leading 31-17 going into the locker room.
The Blue Devils never let off the throttle in the second-half, Lisbon senior Justin Sweeney paced the way offensively with a triple-double, 25 points, 13 boards, 10 steals, and 8 assists. Ryan McCollough chipped in 15 points, Blayne Brownfield added 11 points.
Seniors Logan Bell (8 points) and Brice Blackburn (6 points) had a solid night of defense under the hoop for the Devils.
Heartland Christian’s Ronnie Mathews had 23 points to lead the Lions.
Lisbon will matchup Friday at Sebring for Sectional Final 7 pm.
https://ysnlive.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/IMG_4260-e1551236541937-scaled.jpg18272560Dana Blackburnhttps://ysnlive.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Default-Email-Signature-2673571-300x70.pngDana Blackburn2019-02-27 03:03:132019-02-27 03:03:13DEVILS POUNCE ON THE LIONS TO MOVE ON
COLUMBIANA, OH- The Columbiana Clippers drove to the basket early and often as they cruised past rival East Palestine 64-42 to open sectional play.
Junior Sean Whitehead started strong in place of injured senior Seth Ross scoring six points in the first two minutes as the Clippers raced out to a 12-2 lead midway through the first quarter. The Bulldogs could find no rhythm on offense and trailed 13-5 at the end of the first quarter.
Back to back threes by Dominic Posey and Abel Figley tightened things up early in the second, but the Clippers quickly responded. A 13-2 run opened things up and they never looked back. “Our boys were really pumped up tonight hosting a playoff game,” said coach Todd Johnson. And the Clips were clicking on all cylinders as seven players scored in the second quarter en route to a 40-19 lead at intermission.
With the Bulldogs unable to muster any semblance of a comeback, the Clippers simply maintained control throughout the second half. Coach Johnson lauded his bench and the balanced attack. Nine players scored at least three points led by Carter Pasco and Whitehead who had 10 apiece. Senior Erik Hopfenziz had 9 points and 8 rebounds. Posey led the Bulldogs with 13 points.
The Clippers travel to Canfield to face a strong South Range team on Friday night.
**STORY COURTESY OF YSN’S MARK FRANKEN**
https://ysnlive.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/CLIPPERS-ALMA-MATER.jpg720960YSN Staffhttps://ysnlive.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Default-Email-Signature-2673571-300x70.pngYSN Staff2019-02-27 02:48:092019-02-27 02:48:09CLIPPERS CRUISE TO VICTORY
AUSTINTOWN, OH- The Ursuline Irish advanced to the district championship Monday night with a dominant win over their rival Cardinal Mooney 59-37.
The game started out pretty even, both teams were aggressive on both sides of the court, and both teams left a few points on the free throw line. But Ursuline’s three buckets from beyond the arc kept them ahead 13-6 after the first quarter was said and done.
The second quarter is when the Irish really separated themselves. The Irish outscored the Cardinals 21-4 in the second frame. They hit 3 more three-pointers bringing their total in the first half to 6. Mooney just couldn’t find an answer offensively. At halftime, the Irish held a dominating 34-10 lead.
Mooney stabilized in the 2nd half finding some offense down low in the post with Conchettta Rinaldi and actually outscored the Irish in the final two quarters. The deficit they faced was just too big. The Irish would cruise to a 59-37 win.
Leading the Cardinals offensively was Rinaldi with 14 points, and 5 rebounds.
The Irish were led by Dayshanette Harris with 26 points. Destiny Goodnight was also in double figures with 12. The Irish move on to play in the District Championship against Poland at 7:00 at Austintown Fitch High School.
https://ysnlive.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/100_7279-scaled.jpg19202560Anthony Hartwighttps://ysnlive.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Default-Email-Signature-2673571-300x70.pngAnthony Hartwig2019-02-26 04:12:172019-02-26 04:12:17LADY IRISH CATCH FIRE BEYOND THE ARC, FINISH MOONEY
