CANTON OH- Perry ran into a tough test in the regional round Monday night, squaring off against a stacked Laurel squad at Canton Memorial Fieldhouse. The Pirates battled from start to finish but couldn’t get over the hump, falling 59-43.
Victoria Lynch led the charge with 16 points, while Emily Mechenbier dropped 11. Mia Lynch added 9, and Audrey Austin chipped in 7, but it wasn’t enough to keep pace with Laurel’s firepower.
The Pirates close out their season with 18 wins, a CVC title, and a district championship to their name—a run to be proud of.
PERRY, OH – In a thrilling finish to an impressive season, the Perry girls basketball team clinched the district championship with a hard-fought victory over West Branch, 38-28. Coming off a challenging season last year, the team, led by Coach Roy Infalvi, demonstrated remarkable growth and cohesion, particularly in the latter half of this season.
Coach Infalvi attributes the team’s impressive run to a combination of strong leadership from the seniors and significant contributions from younger players. “We have four seniors and three captains who have taken the responsibility of leading and uniting the team seriously. Their efforts have fostered a team spirit that is evident on and off the court,” said Infalvi. The team’s challenging schedule, designed to prepare them for tough matches, proved beneficial. “Playing against strong teams forced us to handle adversity, which prepared us for the critical games,” Infalvi explained.
Freshman Emily McKenbire emerged as a standout player, becoming a vital component of the team’s success. “Emily worked hard, gradually earned more minutes on the court, and played a key role in our second half of the season,” praised Infalvi. After celebrating their district triumph, the team quickly turned their focus to the next challenge. “Winning the district was a big milestone, but we’re not satisfied yet,” stated Infalvi, preparing the team for their next match against Laurel in the regional semifinals. As the Pirates set their sights on further success, Coach Infalvi exemplifies dedication, keen to leave no stone unturned ahead of the upcoming fixtures. “By the time we were back in school, we were already planning for Laurel,” he noted. The team hopes their hard work and team-first mentality will carry them to more victories in the regional rounds. The future looks bright for the Perry girls basketball team as they continue to push the boundaries of their potential.
Presented By:
https://ysnlive.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/IMG_5360.png10801920Anthony Hartwighttps://ysnlive.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Default-Email-Signature-2673571-300x70.pngAnthony Hartwig2025-02-26 01:27:182025-02-26 01:27:18PERRY GIRLS BASKETBALL COACH’S CORNER WITH ROY INFALVI 2-25-25
PERRY OH- In the latest YSN Player Profile, Anthony Hartwig sat down with senior basketball captain Audrey Austin to discuss her remarkable journey at Perry High School. Audrey has been a driving force behind her team’s success, culminating in a district championship this year.
Reflecting on her senior year, Audrey shared how meaningful it has been to finish her high school athletic career on such a high note. “It’s amazing, especially having this as my senior year,” she said. Known for her poise on the court, Audrey attributes her growth in confidence to the unwavering support of her teammates, who have been instrumental in her development as both a player and a leader. Audrey also highlighted the incredible support from the community, which she believes plays a significant role in their achievements. “Our community just supports all the sports,” she said, acknowledging the town’s reputation as a dominant football school while also appreciating the enthusiasm for basketball.
Beyond basketball, Audrey shines in tennis, a sport she plans to continue at the collegiate level. She expressed excitement about her future as a college athlete, saying, “I’ve been playing tennis since I was 4, and I just can’t imagine myself without a sport yet.” Audrey’s dedication extends beyond the court or field, as she plans to pursue a major in accounting, driven by her love for math. With strong support from her family, coaches, and teammates, Audrey Austin is set to embark on an exciting new chapter, leaving a lasting legacy at Perry High School.
Presented By:
https://ysnlive.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/IMG_5359-scaled.jpeg10792560Anthony Hartwighttps://ysnlive.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Default-Email-Signature-2673571-300x70.pngAnthony Hartwig2025-02-26 01:01:142025-02-26 01:01:14PERRY’S DOUBLE A BATTERY
PERRY OH- Rosalyn Tharp, a senior captain of the Perry girls basketball team, has made a mark in her final year as she leads her team to a district championship. In a recent interview with Anthony Hartwig on YSN, Rosalyn discussed the emotional rollercoaster of her senior season and the factors contributing to her team’s success.
As a senior, Rosalyn acknowledges the pressure that comes with realizing it’s her last season. “Honestly, I think the emotions of thinking that it’s going to end have pushed me harder,” she said, emphasizing her desire to extend the season as far as possible for a strong tournament run. The Perry team’s bonding and perseverance have been integral to their victorious year. Starting the season on a rocky note, the team quickly found their footing. “Us seniors, we lost the district final our sophomore year… I think this year was just kind of like a comeback,” Rosalyn shared about their motivation to capture the district title.
Rosalyn, who regards the summer before the season as an essential period for development, reported a strong commitment from her teammates. Many of them participated in multiple sports while still dedicating time to summer scrimmages and extra gym practices. Heading into the district championship game, Rosalyn confessed to feeling nervous but was fueled by adrenaline once stepping onto the court. The title win against a tough opponent with a final score of 38-28 reflected the team’s defensive prowess and composure under pressure. As a team captain, Rosalyn has taken on the responsibility of nurturing younger players, pushing them to excel while fostering camaraderie through team dinners and other activities. “Just being a captain… is huge,” she noted, inspired by the impactful leadership she experienced during her sophomore year.
With the district championship secured, Rosalyn and her team are focused on the regional rounds ahead. While they took time to celebrate their success, they quickly returned to intense practice sessions to continue their journey. Reflecting on her high school basketball career, Rosalyn notes the significance of mentors like Coach Involve and Coach Austin, who have coached her since third grade. Their support and dedication have been vital in shaping not only her basketball skills but also her leadership qualities. As she prepares to graduate, Rosalyn takes pride in both her academic accomplishments, having passed numerous AP tests, and her contributions to the Perry girls basketball team’s success. Her journey, marked by personal growth and lasting friendships, stands as a testament to her resilience and leadership.
Presented By:
https://ysnlive.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/IMG_5358-scaled.jpeg11252560Anthony Hartwighttps://ysnlive.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Default-Email-Signature-2673571-300x70.pngAnthony Hartwig2025-02-26 00:25:262025-02-26 00:25:26THE THARP THING TO DO
PERRY OH- In an insightful conversation with Anthony Hartwig of YSN, Perry High School senior and basketball captain, Victoria Lynch, shared her journey to securing a district championship with the Perry Girls Basketball team. Despite facing challenges last season, the team celebrated a victorious 38-28 win in the district championship, marking a significant achievement after falling short in previous years.
Lynch attributed this year’s success to the team’s determination and the impactful presence of new freshmen, like Emily and Sophie. The road wasn’t smooth, with the team encountering obstacles along the way, but those setbacks only fueled their resolve to excel in tournament play. As a dedicated leader, Lynch valued the opportunity to mentor her teammates, ensuring they were organized and prepared for each game. For her, winning the district championship was a personal triumph, especially after last year’s disappointments. Cutting down the nets was an emotional moment for Lynch, symbolizing perseverance and teamwork.
Looking ahead, with the regional tournament approaching, Lynch and her team swiftly transitioned from celebration to preparation, eager to continue their winning streak. Beyond basketball, Lynch aspires to be an elementary school teacher, driven by her passion for working with children, which she discovered through experiences with young students. As the season nears its conclusion, Lynch reflects on her high school journey with gratitude, cherishing the bond with her sister, also on the team, and the support from her family and coaches. Her dedication both on and off the court makes her a respected role model for future generations of Perry Pirates
Presented By:
https://ysnlive.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/IMG_5357-scaled.jpeg11052560Anthony Hartwighttps://ysnlive.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Default-Email-Signature-2673571-300x70.pngAnthony Hartwig2025-02-25 23:48:592025-02-25 23:48:59THE VICTORIAN AGE
PERRY OH- Perry kept their season rolling Tuesday night, powering past Keystone 50-38 to move on in the district tournament. The Pirates took control early and never looked back, locking in defensively and spreading the scoring around.
Audrey Austin led the way with 12 points, while Rosalyn Tharp added 10. Victoria Lynch chipped in 9, with Mia Lynch and Emily Mechenbiar each dropping 5 to keep Perry in command.
Next up, the Pirates head to Akron North on Saturday for a district title showdown with West Branch. Tip-off set for 7:00.
https://ysnlive.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/IMG_5276-scaled.jpeg11382560Anthony Hartwighttps://ysnlive.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Default-Email-Signature-2673571-300x70.pngAnthony Hartwig2025-02-19 11:34:202025-02-19 11:34:20PIRATES SAILING TO THE NEXT CHALLENGE
PEPPER PIKE, OH – Coach Marvin Rashad and his Orange Lions were looking to rebound after a tough going Tuesday night against Hawken. They did just that on Thursday evening as they used a 19-6 third quarter to push themselves against conference foe Perry 61-50.
After a back-and-forth opening period that saw the Lions leading 12-8 after eight minutes, the Pirates of Perry responded by outscoring Orange 21-12 in the second quarter. Perry’s Vince Tomasic picked 11 points in the frame, as he ended the night with a game-high 21. Josh Zentgraf also contributed in a big way, draining four trays on his way to a 13-point outing.
Trailing 29-24 at the break, Orange roared away with 16 of their 19 third-quarter points coming from Alex McCulloch and Jonah Marderstein, both of them picking up eight in the period. McCulloch led his team with 14 tallies, while Marderstein finished with a total of 9. Nine players were able to get on the board overall for the Lions as Major Calhoun tagged along at 9 points, with 7 of them coming in the first half. Luke Oblaczynski and Jean-Marie Morris-Barrie also picked up 8 apiece.
Orange (6-6, 2-4 CVC Chagrin) will hit the road on Tuesday when they head out to DI Euclid. The Lions look to take on a tough matchup against the Panthers, who currently sit with a 4-7 mark. Perry (6-2, 2-2 CVC Chagrin) has their four-game winning streak snapped as they will look to get back in the win column at home on Tuesday against Edgewood.
You can watch interviews with Orange head coach Marvin Rashad and YSN Live Player of the Game Alex McCulloch below.
https://ysnlive.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/2DE3AE4D-278C-497C-B3FE-C2ECD81EF1AC.jpeg4401058Anthony Hartwighttps://ysnlive.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Default-Email-Signature-2673571-300x70.pngAnthony Hartwig2025-01-10 13:38:092025-01-10 13:38:09LIONS LEAVE THE PIRATES SHIPWRECKED
MADISON OH- Perry pulled off a nail-biter on Saturday, edging Madison 49-47 in overtime in a game that had fans on the edge of their seats. The Pirates fought off a relentless Madison squad to secure the win in clutch fashion.
The game was tight from the tip. One of Perry’s early highlights came when Victoria Lynch dished a slick pass to Audrey Austin to tie it at 6. That score held through the end of the first quarter. Madison’s Zoey Deligianis was a problem for Perry’s defense all game and opened the second quarter with a bucket. But the Pirates started finding their rhythm. Jaidyn Newsome knocked down a three from the wing, giving Perry an 18-12 lead, and they took a 19-12 advantage into halftime.
Madison came out firing in the second half. Buckets from Deligianis and Kaylee LeMarco fired up the home crowd and cut into Perry’s lead. With the Pirates up 27-23 in the third, Lynch drained a clutch three to push the lead back to 7. She struck again in the fourth, putting Perry up 34-27. But Madison wasn’t done. LeMarco hit a long two to make it 40-37 with 32 seconds left, and Deligianis buried a deep three with 16 seconds on the clock to send the game to overtime.
In the extra frame, Perry found balanced offense, with Emily Mechenbier and Audrey Austin coming up with key buckets. The Pirates held on for the 49-47 win in a thriller.
Perry showed grit, and Madison proved they’re a team that won’t back down. Both squads gave fans a game to remember.
https://ysnlive.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/6ACDBE59-0005-4CCD-824C-01862A02FDF7.jpeg10652298Anthony Hartwighttps://ysnlive.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Default-Email-Signature-2673571-300x70.pngAnthony Hartwig2025-01-05 16:19:422025-01-05 16:19:42PIRATES PLANT THEIR FLAG ON OVERTIME WIN
CANFIELD OH- Perry came up clutch down the stretch to take down Fitch, 55-47, on Friday at the South Range Holiday Hoops Classic. The Panthers leaned on a strong finish to seal the deal in a hard-fought battle.
Lila Kleve led the charge for Perry with 21 points, while Riley Minor added 17 to keep the offense rolling. Alivia Randulic chipped in 6 to round out the scoring.
For Fitch, Liz Spalding dropped 14 points, and the duo of Sam Severn and Rachel Spalding each added 10, but it wasn’t enough to match Perry’s late surge.
Both squads are back in action Saturday at South Range. Perry will face Warren JFK, while Fitch looks to rebound against St. Vincent-St. Mary.
https://ysnlive.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/107D9360-3217-41B5-B6DC-8BD78A68FF74.png10801920Anthony Hartwighttps://ysnlive.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Default-Email-Signature-2673571-300x70.pngAnthony Hartwig2024-12-27 18:06:592024-12-27 18:07:23PANTHERS PUT TOGETHER STRONG FINISH
PERRY OH- After a 12-day layoff, Canfield hit the court like they never missed a beat. The Cardinals leaned on their trademark smothering defense to disrupt Perry’s flow, walking away with a 46-32 win.
Jenna Triveri led the charge for Canfield with 17 points, while Carly Fleming added 13. Marina Koenig and Sofia Castronova each chipped in 5, keeping the offense steady.
For Perry, Victoria Lynch led the way with 11 points, with Rosalyn Tharp and Emily Mechenbiar adding 6 apiece, but they struggled to break through Canfield’s defensive wall.
Next up, Canfield faces a big challenge on Friday against Norton. Perry will look to bounce back Saturday at home against Mentor.
https://ysnlive.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/21BB876A-7C27-48DA-A2A1-3D9712F93013-scaled.jpeg11892560Anthony Hartwighttps://ysnlive.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Default-Email-Signature-2673571-300x70.pngAnthony Hartwig2024-12-24 00:22:302024-12-24 00:22:30CANFIELD HAPPY TO GET BACK ON THE FLOOR
