Tag Archive for: player confidence

FOLLOW THE BAKER’S RECIPE

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BEAVER, PA – Just a sophomore, but already a standout, Annsley Baker continues to blaze a trail on the basketball court. After a breakout freshman year that saw her lighting up the scoreboard, Baker’s sophomore season comes with heightened expectations—and she’s more than meeting them.

Baker, a 10th grader at Beaver High School, first caught the local sports community’s attention last year when she seemingly erupted onto the scene, putting up impressive numbers and taking everyone by surprise. “You kind of snuck up on people,” YSN’S Anthony Hartwig remarked during the interview. “People know all about you now.” Despite the added pressure of being on every opponent’s scouting report, Baker remains unfazed. “It’s definitely a little bit of pressure, but I just have to work through it,” she explained. “I’ve had a pretty good season for the most part, so I hope I can keep it going.”

As she transitions from being a newbie to an experienced player, Baker attributes her growth to greater team cohesion and personal development. “Last year we did get a new coach, so our team experience wasn’t all there. But this year, we are working more as a team,” she said, highlighting the importance of collaboration and a smooth transition into the new season. Finding confidence on the court has been pivotal for Baker, fueled by her genuine passion for basketball. “I’m very passionate about it, so when my teammates encourage me and build me up, that helps a lot too,” she said.

Baker’s basketball journey began in fourth grade with both school team play and community camps. Playing up on a fifth-grade team as a fourth grader, she quickly gained valuable experience. The competitive streak continued through middle school and into high school, where a new coach recognized her potential, offering significant minutes as a freshman. Beyond the court, Baker maintains strong ties with her teammates, underscored by team bonding activities like sleepovers and attending boys’ games together. She is particularly close with Bridget Mayo, a friendship forged through basketball that she cherishes deeply. Managing the dual roles of athlete and student, Baker navigates challenging classes like Honors Geometry with the same determination she brings to the basketball court. Passionate about history and burgeoning interest in chemistry, she balances her academic and athletic commitments with equal fervor.

In addition to basketball, Baker actively participates in high school cheer, leveraging both her competition cheer experience and her peppy spirit to boost team morale. “I obviously love when my teammates do something well, and they love it when I do something well. It’s just all around a team experience,” she noted. With an eye on future goals, Baker aims to become an all-section player, hit a thousand career points, and eventually play college basketball. As she continues to grow, she remains grounded by the unwavering support of her parents, grandparents, brother, and friends. A sophomore with both feet firmly planted on the court and a bright future ahead, Annsley Baker represents the epitome of Beaver Bobcat pride. As she continues to rise, she not only elevates her game but also the spirit of the entire Beaver community.

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MAGOULICK STEPPING IN THE SPOTLIGHT

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LEAVITTSBURG OH- In a season marked by unexpected challenges and triumphs, freshman basketball sensation Ally Magoulick has taken the varsity scene by storm at Lebrae High School. Thrust into a significant role due to team injuries, Magoulick has emerged as a key player, demonstrating poise and skill far beyond her years.

Magoulick’s transition from middle school to varsity basketball has been nothing short of impressive. “It’s been a big change from middle school,” Magoulick admitted. “The game is more upbeat and fun. Playing with my teammates and under such amazing coaches has made the experience incredible.” Despite initial nerves, Ally has grown more comfortable on the court, highlighted by a pivotal moment where she sank a crucial bucket in a tight game against Gerard. “I still get nervous, but it’s getting better,” she confessed. “My confidence comes from my coaches and teammates who always have my back.”

The influence of head coach Mandy Rowe and her coaching staff has been instrumental in Magoulick’s development. Having been coached by Rowe for years, the familiarity has eased her transition into high school sports. “Mandy has always believed in me, and that makes me want to play even better.” Off the court, Magoulick has managed the academic demands of high school seamlessly, ensuring that her schoolwork remains a top priority. “I’m not a procrastinator,” she stated, highlighting her dedication to balancing athletics and academics.

Her family has also played a vital role in her success. “My mom and dad push me to be my best and come to many of my games. My brother and I are very competitive, and we have fun with family game nights.” In addition to basketball, Magoulick is a standout in volleyball, which has helped her adapt to the busy schedule of high school sports. Participating in travel volleyball with Club One keeps her skills sharp and prepares her for competitive play. As she looks ahead, Magoulick is focused on improving both her offensive and defensive skills. “I love playing defense, and I want to get even better at it,” she said. With a promising freshman season underway, Ally Magoulick’s future shines brightly both on and off the court. As she continues to develop and refine her talents, Lebrae High School can look forward to many more remarkable moments from this budding basketball star.

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LEVENSKY LEAVING A LASTING IMPRESSION

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LEAVITTSBURG OH- LaBrae High School’s senior basketball standout, Marissa Levensky, is making her mark in her final year, showcasing not just her athletic talent but also her exceptional leadership abilities. In a recent interview on YSN Levensky shared her journey from eager junior to influential senior, reflecting on her growth and the challenges she has embraced.

Stepping into her senior year, Levensky has become a vital leader for the LaBrae girls’ basketball team. “It’s wonderful,” she said about her new role. “I want to be that player that all of the other players look up to.” Her positive influence is evident as she supports her teammates, especially amid tough times like dealing with injuries that have affected key players on the team. Despite the setbacks, Levensky’s strong leadership has helped keep team morale high. “When injuries happened, it was very hard on our team, but my goal was just to be there and always support the girls. We strive to do our best just for [the injured teammates],” she shared.

Beyond the court, Levensky has set personal goals to excel as both a player and a teammate. She prioritizes focus and resilience, learning to shake off mistakes and maintain confidence. “This year, I really wanted to focus on being the best teammate on and off the court,” she stated. “Confidence plays a big key in that for me.” In the classroom, Levensky’s senior year is less stressful, allowing her to concentrate more on her athletic commitments. With plans to attend Kent State at Salem for their radiology program, she demonstrates a commitment to her future beyond high school sports. “I’ve always wanted to work in the medical field,” Levensky revealed, eyes set on becoming a radiology technician.

Reflecting on her time at LaBrae, Levensky cites becoming homecoming queen as a testament to her positive impact on those around her. “Seeing that all of that has paid off, that really made me feel good about myself,” she said. As she contemplates her future, Levensky hasn’t ruled out a potential return to the court in a different capacity. The idea of becoming a coach excites her, hoping to inspire future athletes as her coaches have inspired her. Marissa Levensky’s journey is a testament to her character, resilience, and dedication. Whether on the court or in the classroom, she continues to leave an indelible mark on LaBrae High School, making herself and her community proud.

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LIBERTY GIRLS BASKETBALL COACH’S CORNER (EP 1) WITH ELAINE JACOBS

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Liberty OH– The Liberty High School community is buzzing with excitement as they welcome Elaine Jacobs as the new head coach of the Liberty Leopards Girls Basketball team. Jacobs, a Liberty alumna and former associate athletic director at Youngstown State University, brings a wealth of experience and enthusiasm to the program.

In a recent episode of “Liberty Girls Basketball Coach’s Corner,” co-hosted by Anthony Hartwig, Jacobs shared her vision for the team’s future. She emphasized her dedication to fostering a strong team culture focused on accountability and selflessness. Jacobs brings years of involvement in Liberty’s youth basketball program, which she believes will create a seamless transition for players as they advance to high school. “I’m passionate about Liberty basketball and young people. I hope to bring all the developmental aspects from our youth program to the high school program, providing these young ladies the best opportunities they deserve,” Jacobs said.

This season, Jacobs aims to instill a comprehensive philosophy and develop key leadership among players like Armani Franklin and promising freshmen. Her focus on a holistic approach to coaching, caring for her players both on and off the court, reflects her long-term vision for sustainable success. Jacobs acknowledged that the journey ahead isn’t without challenges, particularly in a highly competitive MVAC conference. However, her optimistic and community-oriented approach is already resonating well within the team. “Our culture is more important. I want to make sure that when we do things, we do it the right way,” she noted.

Jacobs also credited the program’s supportive administration, highlighting athletic director Todd Smith, high school principal Tom Zetts, and superintendent Brian Knight for their openness and commitment to enhancing Liberty’s basketball programs. As the Liberty Leopards prepare to take on the upcoming season, the community eagerly anticipates the positive changes and renewed energy that Coach Elaine Jacobs will undoubtedly bring to the court. The first game of the season is set to be a litmus test for the new culture Jacobs hopes to solidify. Stay tuned for more updates on Liberty Girls Basketball as Coach Jacobs and her team bring a new era of passion and excellence to the hardwood. Go Leopards!

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