Tag Archive for: OHSAA

ONE LAST STOP ON THE “REVENGE TOUR” FOR CANFIELD

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AKRON, OH- Malena Toth was incredible on the state’s second biggest stage, striking out 13 batters as the Canfield Cardinals cruised past Kenton Ridge Cougars 3-0 on Friday afternoon. Toth gave up just one hit and didn’t allow a run over seven innings, with no walks.

Both teams had solid pitching, but Canfield’s staff was untouchable with 13 Ks, while Kenton Ridge managed four.

The Cardinals got on the board in the second when Caylee Ortiz smashed a solo homer to center. Ortiz, hitting from the eighth spot, led the way with two RBIs, going 2-for-3. Marina Koenig and Jenna Triveri also chipped in with two hits each.

Kyanne Tyson started for Kenton Ridge, giving up eight hits and three runs over seven innings, striking out four and walking three. Chloe Glass had the lone hit for the Cougars.

Canfield’s defense was flawless, with Leah Figueroa leading with 13 chances in the field.

Next up, Canfield heads to the state championship game, aiming to finish their “Revenge Tour” with a gold trophy.  The Lady Cards will play Bryan or Logan Elm at 3:30 on Saturday afternoon.

THE UNDERDOGS ARE ON THEIR WAY!

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AKRON, OH- There may never have been an underdog with more bite than the South Range Lady Raider Softball team, and after Thursday night’s contest, they’re hoping the doubters kept receipts in an 11-4 triumph over South Webster in the OHSAA State Semi-Finals.

South Range jumped on the board early, with Giada Pauline’s RBI single in the first. They extended their lead in the third after an error and an Ashley Rupert single brought in runs.

South Webster tied it up in the bottom of the third with Jaiden White’s single and Bella Claxon’s double. But South Range turned it around in the fifth, exploding for five runs on six hits. Pauline’s two-run single was the highlight of the inning.

Jayli Wilt took the win for South Range, allowing seven hits and four runs over seven innings, with six strikeouts and two walks. White took the loss for South Webster, pitching all seven innings and giving up 11 runs on 19 hits, striking out four and walking none.

Keira Brogan went 3-for-5,  Brogan doubled in the first and seventh innings and singled in the fifth to set the tone for the Raiders.

South Range’s offense was on fire with 19 hits. Brogan, Pauline, and Rupert each had three hits. Pauline was especially clutch, going 3-for-4 with four RBIs. Anna Aey, Solena DeJesus, and Heidi Bartels also had multiple hits.

For South Webster, Bella Claxon drove in three runs, going 2-for-3 in the game.

South Range’s dominant performance at the plate and solid pitching secured their victory, clinching their spot in the Division III Title game at 12:45 Saturday against Liberty Union.

**VIEW GAME PHOTOS HERE**

WE ARE IN THE GOOD OLD DAYS

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By DJ Yokley

COLUMBIANA, OH- There’s a scene in the series finale of NBC’s The Office where the happy-go-lucky, musically-inclined character, Andy Bernard mentions “I wish there was a way to know you’re” in the Good Old Days before you’ve actually left them.”

For sports in Northeast Ohio: They’re here, folks.

You see, the good old days are not just felt with wins and losses, they’re parlayed with competitive balance (not the OHSAA kind,) with a dash of generational talents, incredible coaches, knowledgable fan-bases, and an opportunity to be seen by more than just those in their community.

The last decade in this region has put our area back on the map.  While we’ve patiently awaited manufacturers to come back, and jobs have come and gone- our sports have shined through.  Our area of the state has a hunger for sports like no other- and not just when the trees lose their leaves.  We all know and bow down to football, but it’s fact that there are more of our student-athletes playing on a diamond at the next level than any other sport.  You look at this time of year, and our tiny place on the map we call home has representatives at all four different levels competing to win championships, our boys aren’t far behind.

I’m not taking anything away from players of yesteryear- they’re all being enshrined in halls all over for the work they did, but they were at a disadvantage with who could see them, and who heard their name called throughout the year.  Simply put, nobody told the fans, the coaches, the media, or the players that those moments were the best we’d have until their kid’s names were on the backs of jerseys.

It’d be a tragedy to see that happen again in this region.

In 2022, we witnessed what we felt was impossible when Canfield and South Range struck gold in back-to-back games in the OHSAA State Championship.  We’ve seen the return of high expectations for Ursuline football and basketball, and the championship story continues for Warren JFK in nearly every sport they compete in.  Fitch, Canfield, and South Range return to the states where we saw Austintown Fitch battle their way to a 2023 title, and look to repeat again.  Champion continues to be a household name in most circles thanks to Hall of Fame Coach, Cheryl Weaver.  We’ve seen other sports like soccer,  bowling, and lacrosse really truly excel including Howland’s soccer run was one we may never witness again.  Boardman’s State Bowling Title this year.  Archbishop Hoban Boys Basketball ending the draught in hoops with a gold trophy, and another great run the following year.  West Branch and Salem girls basketball of the last few years have been remarkable with the superior talent on the court and on the sidelines.

We’re sending over 100 athletes to Dayton this weekend to compete for championship(s) for their respective schools in track and field.  Absolutely unheard of.

I know I’m missing teams, and the list does certainly go on.

While most people play schools from the MAC, and need new shorts- its OUR teams that never waiver, and bring the best games to those teams.  Sometimes we win, sometimes we learn, but my point is that it takes two to tango in today’s day and age, and while that particular conference to the West has a fair share of titles, it’s understanding in the back of their mind that they’ll see our school’s on the other side of the bracket that keeps the dynasty talk muffled.

Our talent is significantly better than it’s ever been- and before all you Summer Joe Torre’s start barking about travel ball- my estimation is the work that is done in the offseason is the biggest difference-maker for these teams.  Studies show a direct correlation between understanding the game better, knowing their bodies better, and simply training and playing multiple sports boost student-athletes in several categories.  The days of specialization are done, or are at least reserved for the elite (no, sadly that’s probably not you.) With the construction of indoor facilities like Athletix in Columbiana popping up, athletes have scientific data to get better and aren’t just working hard, they understand strengths and weaknesses, and attack them with their own data- and the last decade has shown technology if used in the proper context, instead of a carnival game- excels those who participate regularly.

Surely, some doubters will tell us about “how soft” this generation of athletes are with wanting to look good, to feel good, to play good.  However, just remember those bicycle shorts you used to think made you look officially like a coach on the sidelines.

We are sending more student-athletes to college than ever before.  More skilled tradesmen and women than ever before.  This is the era this area has been salivating for a generous helping and a big thank you is owed to sports.

This particular generation over the last decade has proved our area’s work ethic.  In the open sea of college recruiting in today’s era, coaches would rather fish in the murky waters of a portal than the clean springs of high schools.  Loyalty is rare in college sports, the athletes will put something on tape and will jump to the next best opportunity for them and their families.  I don’t blame them, and I would never judge- but it just seals the deal for me that high school and amateur sports are one of the last things that we can hold sacred in sports.

This area, while fiercely competitive, gets it.

We pull for the teams that continue even though our team didn’t.  We either show up or tune in to watch this area succeed with that glimmer of hope and maybe a misty eye when the final score is posted.

We understand that when COVID killed our sports seasons, it was more important than ever to become creative at home and perhaps get a golf club into the student-athletes’ hands for the first time.  Not to mention the first major events back to a somewhat normal level?  Sports.

This area continues to excel in all levels of sports, not just because we’re good.  It’s because in some cases, these memories we create now are the only ways to restore the flames of what once was.

A story.

A picture.

A memento.

Paying homage.

As I prepare and reflect on the potential these next 2 weeks of competition could bring to the area, I wish ALL the teams well- bring home the gold, enjoy every moment, and cherish every memory.

These are the good old days, folks.  I’m here to tell you.

LADY RAIDERS HOT START GIVES THEM SEAT IN FINALS

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BEREA, OH- South Range came out swinging, scoring six runs in the first inning to set the tone for a 10-2 victory over Tuslaw on Wednesday. The first-inning fireworks included a sac fly by Gretchen Bartels, a two-run single from Ashley Rupert, a two-run homer from Solena DeJesus, and an RBI single by Keira Brogan.

The Raiders extended their lead to 7-0 in the third inning thanks to an error. Tuslaw’s Kaydence Chapman managed a solo inside-the-park home run in the fifth, but South Range kept the pressure on, adding two more runs in the sixth. A passed ball brought one in, and Anna Aey launched a solo homer to left field.

Jayli Wilt pitched a gem for South Range, allowing six hits and two runs (one earned) over seven innings while striking out six and walking one. Camryn Kiefer took the loss for Tuslaw, giving up 10 runs (nine earned) on 10 hits, striking out seven and walking two over six innings.

South Range tallied 10 hits in the game. DeJesus led the charge with two RBIs from the number seven spot, going 2-for-3. Brogan set the pace at the top of the lineup with three hits in four at-bats. Aey also contributed with two hits in four at-bats. The Raiders were solid defensively, committing no errors and turning one double play. Heidi Bartels made the most plays with seven.

Chapman led Tuslaw with one RBI, going 1-for-3. Danica Crescenze, Kylie Johnson, Kiefer, Shaylyn Fox, Isabel McCune, and Chapman each chipped in with a hit for the Mustangs.

The Lady Raiders will now gear up for a Regional Final against Champion on Friday at 5pm.

RISHEL LEADS THE WAY AS JFK PUNCHES TICKET TO FINALS

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NILES, OH- Jaden Rishel had a stellar game, driving in four runs on three hits to lead Kennedy past Maplewood 6-1 on Tuesday in the District Semifinals at Wilder Field. Rishel knocked in runs with singles in the second, fourth, and sixth innings.

The bottom of Kennedy’s lineup was clutch, with Santino Ciambotti, Rishel, and Nico Ciminero combining for six of the team’s 12 hits, scoring once and driving in six runs.

Kennedy got on the board in the second when Rishel singled to bring in a run.

Rishel also shined on the mound, going the distance and giving up just two hits and one unearned run over seven innings. He struck out eight and walked two. Coleton Logan took the loss for Maplewood, pitching six innings, allowing six runs on 12 hits, striking out five and walking two.

Taggart Carfangia, Andrew Lapolla, Micheal Bartoe, and Ciminero each had multiple hits for Kennedy.

For Maplewood, Logan and Kenyan Clover each had a hit. Zach Suba drove in the lone run for the Rockets, who also turned two double plays in the game.

The Eagles will return to action on Thursday against either Mineral Ridge or Jackson Milton at 5pm.

BOMBS AW-AEY; RAIDERS UNLOAD ON MATHEWS

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BESSEMER, PA- South Range Sophomore Anna Aey crushed two homers and racked up four RBIs as the Lady Raiders steamrolled Mathews 12-1 on Monday. Aey’s bombs came in the first and fourth innings, setting the tone for a dominant performance.

South Range exploded for 11 runs in the fourth inning to seal the deal. The rally included a walk by Ashley Rupert, a hit-by-pitch for Solena DeJesus, another walk for Riley DeCiancio, a bases-clearing double by Heidi Bartels, Aey’s three-run homer, a single by Kiera Winner, and a double from Katie Dance.

Aey kicked things off in the first with a solo shot to center, putting South Range on the board early.

Jayli Wilt snagged the win for South Range, giving up just two hits and no runs over two innings, striking out five without a walk. DeJesus came in for three innings of relief, allowing three hits and one unearned run, striking out three and walking one. Matheny took the loss for Mathews, pitching three innings and giving up one run on one hit, striking out four without a walk.

South Range was patient at the plate, drawing five walks throughout the game.

For Mathews, Delgarbino managed one RBI, going 1-for-2 on the day, while Paddock led the team with two hits in two at-bats.

South Range will look to keep the momentum going when they take on Tuslaw on Wednesday in the Regional semi at Baldwin Wallace.

ORANGE DOMINATES AT DISTRICTS

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AKRON, OH-  Orange tennis teams have been making waves, and this year’s D2 Akron district tournament was no exception. For the third time in four years, the doubles final featured an all-Orange showdown, and for the third straight year, the singles champ was also a Lion.

The Lions have a history of strong doubles teams, and this year was no different with senior co-captains Ace Bloom and Gabi Kalir leading the charge. But the real surprise came from juniors Adam Saab and Gabe Guiler, who took an unconventional path to the title match.

Saab, who splits his time with the varsity soccer team, has been a standout on the ‘B’ tennis squad until this season. His transition to a starter, alongside Guiler, has been nothing short of impressive. They battled top-ranked opponents like the Hawken duo of Piazza and Snyder, and the University School pair of Kirchick and Weidenbecher. Their win against US was particularly thrilling, as they rallied from a 4-6, 1-4 deficit to clinch a 4-6, 6-4, 6-4 victory. Although they lost the final to their teammates, both Orange doubles teams are poised for favorable draws in next week’s state tournament at the College of Wooster.

Senior co-captain Chika Nwaozuzu continued his dominant season, clinching the district singles title with wins over Heartland Christian’s Cooper Grim and University School’s top player Dean Kirchick. Nwaozuzu, along with the two doubles teams, will represent Orange at the state tournament on Thursday and Friday at the College of Wooster tennis center at 9 am.

RAMS SLIDE INTO DISTRICTS AGAIN

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MINERAL RIDGE, OH-\ Mineral Ridge pulled off a solid 4-2 win over Grand Valley, securing their second sectional championship in three years.

The game started slow on offense for the Rams, but Xavier Klamer and the defense kept things tight despite some tricky spots, holding Grand Valley to just a 2-run lead.

The breakthrough came in the 5th inning. Jackson Geddes sparked a rally with a clutch two-out base hit. Gavin Harding and Jack Gillie followed with hits, and Nick Anderson blew the game open with a single that scored two runs.

Klamer started on the mound, going four innings and giving up 2 runs on 4 hits, with 5 walks and 6 strikeouts. Anderson came in for relief and was lights out, pitching three scoreless innings, allowing just one hit, walking two, and striking out one to earn the win.

Next up for the Rams is a matchup against Jackson Milton in the district semifinals at Niles on Tuesday night at 5 pm.

FALCONS BLANKED IN SECTIONAL TITLE GAME

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AUSTINTOWN, OH- The Austintown-Fitch Falcons found themselves outmatched in a tough 9-0 shutout against Glenoak Golden Eagles on Thursday, bringing their season to a close.

The Golden Eagles started scoring in the second inning with a double from Birchler that brought a runner home. They sealed their dominance in the seventh, thanks to a deep home run to left by Mazeke after a tough 6-pitch duel.

Birchler was on fire, tossing a gem from the mound with a complete game shutout, scattering just three hits and racking up eight strikeouts. John Darnley shouldered the loss for the Falcons after giving up four runs over nearly five innings of work.

Jackson Cheeks tried to spark the Falcons’ offense, picking up two hits, but the team just couldn’t capitalize on their chances. Defensively, the Falcons were sharp, turning two double plays to keep things from getting worse.

Glenoak showed strength at the plate with nine hits. Mazeke and Moff were key contributors, with Moff driving in a game-high four runs and going 2-for-4. The Golden Eagles also showed patience, working six walks to keep the pressure on all game long.

Fitch finishes the campaign at 19-8.

MILLER CLUTCH AS LEPS WALK OFF LAKE

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LOUISVILLE, OH – The Louisville Leopards clinched a dramatic 5-4 walk-off win over Lake in extra innings Thursday. The deadlock was broken in the eighth when Cole Miller ripped a double to drive in the winning run.

Miller kicked off the scoring in the first inning with an RBI double, setting the stage for a tightly contested game.

Lake squared things up in the second when Josh Sedmock’s line out brought home a run. They then took a 2-1 lead in the third, thanks to Noah Kubasky’s single.

Louisville pulled even in the fifth with some smart base running and a clutch single by Bryce Graziani.

Zach Root bagged the win after a solid five innings on the mound, yielding four runs on eight hits. Joe Woodin, pitching in relief for Lake, was saddled with the loss after allowing a couple of runs over more than three innings.

Jeriah Davis started strong for Lake, holding Louisville to just one run during his stint, while Miller turned in three scoreless innings of relief for the Leopards, adding to his day’s highlights.

At the plate, Miller was a major force for the Leopards, driving in a total of two runs and going 2-for-4. Graziani matched Miller’s hit tally, while Jakeb Beard walked three times, showing off the Leopards’ patience at the plate.

Lake put together 10 hits, with Kubasky and Adam Larimore standing out. Kubasky notched two RBIs, and Larimore went a perfect 4-for-4, setting the table effectively.

The Leopards are back in action at home against New Philadelphia on Friday, riding the momentum from their thrilling win as they prepare for District play next week.