Tag Archive for: Player of the Year

SOUTH RANGE GIRLS BASKETBALL COACH S CORNER WITH JEFF FISHEL 2-21-25

CANFIELD, OH-  In an exhilarating episode of YSN’s “Coach’s Corner,” hosts Anthony Hartwig and DJ Yokley sat down with South Range Girls Basketball Coach, Jeff Fishel, as his team gears up for the district finals. With excitement in the air, DJ opened the conversation by acknowledging the nail-biting games South Range has recently endured, highlighted by a series of one-point thrillers that Coach Fishel admitted added years to his life.

Reflecting on the team’s journey, Coach Fishel praised the commitment and leadership shown by this year’s squad. He particularly noted how players like Sophia, Gwen, and Ceci have risen to the occasion, embodying the dedication and hard work that’s become a hallmark of South Range basketball. Their efforts have paid dividends, leading the team to an impressive playoff performance.

Despite a challenging season with ups and downs, Coach Fishel emphasized the resilience and unity of his team. Their strong bond was especially evident in their recent victorious matchup against Gerard, a game where they were widely underestimated but ultimately triumphed. “The journey is the reward,” Coach Fishel reminded his team, underscoring the importance of camaraderie and growth over the course of the season.

As the Raiders prepare for Saturday’s game against Norwayne, Coach Fishel is hopeful and focused on the task at hand. He commended the South Range community for its unwavering support and expressed gratitude for the team’s opportunity to play in such a crucial match.

PRESENTED BY

12 TO 11

CANFIELD, OH- The South Range Raiders are in the thick of a thrilling season, fueled by standout performances from senior leaders Gaven Nagy and Tristan Toy. Both players, pivotal to the Raiders’ success, represent the grit and determination that has defined this team’s championship pursuit.

Gaven Nagy: The Quiet Storm

In the heart of Boardman, at Giangelo’s on 224, fans gathered for the South Range Raiders Show to celebrate Nagy, a dynamic wide receiver whose recent 12-catch game brought him within one grab of a school record. However, Nagy brushes off personal accolades, focusing instead on the bigger picture. “Any win is a win in our book,” he said with a quiet determination.

A multi-sport athlete, Nagy brings the same intensity to baseball as he does to the gridiron. He thrives on being in the “zone,” a mindset that sharpens his focus and enables him to outlast opponents. Despite an early-season injury, Nagy has returned stronger, ready to face Poland in a high-stakes rematch with strategic composure, not vengeance.

Nagy’s off-the-field life is equally inspiring, anchored by a family that shows up game after game. “It means everything to me that they’re there,” Nagy shared, reflecting on the post-game hugs and support that fuel his drive.

Tristan Toy: The Field General

While Nagy dominates the receiving corps, senior quarterback Tristan Toy has been the engine of South Range’s offense, earning MVP honors in the Northeast 8 Conference. Toy has led the Raiders to a spotless record through 13 weeks, driven by a relentless work ethic that begins before practice even starts.

“We’re all in there lifting and getting stronger,” Toy said, describing the Raiders’ “meathead workouts,” a tradition that combines physical strength training with mental toughness. The sting of last season’s 32-0 playoff loss to Perry serves as constant motivation, even inspiring a team group chat named “32 to 0.”

Toy’s leadership is evident in every aspect of his game, from his elusiveness on the field to his composure under pressure. “Coach Rach tells us not to let outside noise get the best of us,” he said, showing a maturity that resonates across the locker room. Toy’s hard-hitting, action-packed style mirrors his father’s combative spirit, a family legacy he carries proudly.

Off the field, Toy enjoys unwinding with “Impractical Jokers” and action movies, but his focus never strays far from football and the ultimate goal of bringing a championship to South Range.

Eyes on the Prize

With Nagy’s record-chasing performances and Toy’s unwavering leadership, the Raiders are set for what could be one of the most significant playoff runs in recent Youngstown history. The community rallies behind these two standouts, filling the stands and creating an electric atmosphere.

As South Range prepares for their rematch against Poland, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Both players, along with their teammates, are determined to rise to the occasion, leaving it all on the field in pursuit of their championship dreams.

Together, Nagy and Toy embody the heart and soul of the Raiders—a team with talent, grit, and an unshakable bond. South Range football is on a mission, and these two seniors are leading the charge.

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RHODES NAMED 2021 YSN BASEBALL PLAYER OF THE YEAR

EAST PALESTINE, OH- Salem’s Lane Rhodes has been named 2021 Your Sports Network Baseball Player of the Year.

Rhodes has led his Quakers on both sides of the diamond to a 26-3 record and has Salem believing in the “Quaker 9” in 2021.  Rhodes’ selection is more than just numbers on a stat sheet, it’s what he’s done, and who he’s been for this team during his senior campaign.  However, make no mistake about it, The Quaker Captain has been nothing short of impressive along the way.

On the bump, Rhodes has posted a 7-0 record over his opposition, which includes 55.1 innings pitched, a .88 ERA, striking out 66 batters, and posting a pair of complete-game tournament victories at the time of publication.  Oh, and not to mention a no-hitter against his team’s top rival, West Branch.  Defensively, Rhodes also played all over the infield, and wherever he was needed with stints at third base, shortstop, and at first base as well.

Offensively, “Big Game Lane” showed up, and showed off to the tune of a .384 batting average, with 33 hits, with nearly half of those going for extra bases (12 doubles, 2 triples, and 1 home run.)  Rhodes also served as a table-setter in the 3-hole this season, scoring 33 times, driving in 20 runs, and stealing 11 bags along the way.

Again, although the stats are outstanding, it’s the intensity and leadership that Lane Rhodes provides that set him apart this season from each nominee.

While Lane looks to continue his Quaker career in Akron, his next steps will be toward Youngstown as he will join the roster of the YSU Penguins this Fall to continue his academic and athletic career.

Congratulations to Lane Rhodes for a great high school baseball career, and best of luck in all he does moving forward!

YSN WELL REPRESENTED IN THE COLUMBIANA COUNTY GIRLS VOTING

COLUMBIANA, OH – The Columbiana County girls basketball player of the year and team voting is complete! Below are the selections for the players of the year and the first and second team selections!

 

Player of the Year:

Kyla Jamison – Salem

 

First Team Selection:

Grace Witmer – Columbiana

Krista Perry – Crestview

Mikayla Reed – East Liverpool

Joclyn Fristik – East Palestine

Madi Matthews – Heartland Christian

Taran Ferry – Leetonia

Kyla Jamison – Salem

 

Second Team Selection:

Jordan Palmer – Beaver Local

Tori Long – Columbiana

Mara Halas – Crestview

Payton Sherry – East Palestine

Ella Gregorino – Leetonia

Parker Henthorne – Lisbon

Abbie Davidson – Salem

Madison Kibler – United

YSN WELL REPRESENTED IN THE COLUMBIANA COUNTY BOYS VOTING

COLUMBIANA, OH – The Columbiana County boys basketball player of the year and team voting is complete! Below are the selections for the players of the year and the first and second team selections!

 

Co-players of the Year:

Blayne Brownfield – Lisbon

Drew Weir – Salem

 

First Team Selection:

Drake Golden – Crestview

Cole Dailey – East Liverpool

Jonathan Bertovich – Heartland Christian

Joey Donofrio – Heartland Christian

Blayne Brownfield – Lisbon

Drew Weir – Salem

Luke Green – Wellsville

 

Second Team Selection:

Skylar Pappas – Beaver Local

Nick Million – Columbiana

Zavea Green – East Liverpool

Ian Davis – Leetonia

Ryan McCullough – Lisbon

Hunter Griffith – Salem

Keaton Baker – United

Jaxon Brewer – Wellsville

HOFFMAN NAMED YSN/BAIRD BROTHERS PLAYER OF THE YEAR

STRUTHERS, OH- There have only been two things consistent this summer: Rain, and the leadership performance of Astro Falcon shortstop, Josh Hoffman.

The Beaver graduate continued his ambush on Class B opposition this year to the tune of a .414 average that consisted of 16 runs scored, 3 doubles, 3 walks, 13 RBI, and 15 stolen bases.  That run also ignited the Astro Falcons to their first Class B Championship in 5 years.

Hoffman is set to join Manager Dan Bertolini and Youngstown State in the Fall and looks to help the Penguins compete for a title in 2020.

For his outstanding numbers, his character on and off the field, Josh has been named the 2019 YSN/Baird Brothers Player of the Year for the Youngstown Class B League.

Congratulations to Josh on a stellar season, and best of luck as he continues his student-athlete career at Youngstown State University.

BIG DOGS OF THE YEAR ANNOUNCED

With over 410,000 votes during the final poll, the first-ever Baird Brothers/YSN Big Dogs of the Valley Players of the Year were awarded during intermission of the YSN All-Star Game last night.  The award was based on three separate pieces of data which were weighted and scored.

For the girls, Beaver Local’s Jenna Riccardo will wear the crown for 2019.  Riccardo won the Week 1 vote for BDOV, and was nominated 11 out of the 12 weeks the contest was held.  In only her junior season, Jenna became the all-time leading scorer for the Beavers.  She also averaged a double-double this year with 23 points, and 13.3 rebounds per game alongside her 2.6 steals and nearly two blocks to boot.  She also was recognized for being the Columbiana County player of the year, and most recently was named third-team All-Ohio.

PHOTO CREDIT: JILL RICCARDO

Taking home the award for the guys is Lisbon Senior, Justin Sweeney.  A young man who’s battled through many obstacles just to be on the court this season.  However, when he stepped back on the floor, he owned it.  After returning to the court less than 3 months after reconstructive knee surgery, Justin came back to average 21 points per game with 8 rebounds in 2019 while becoming Lisbon’s All-Time Leading Scorer.  Sweeney took home the Week 4 honors for BDOV, and had nominations in each week thereafter.  Earlier this week, Justin was named to the Division IV All-Ohio team.

PHOTO CREDIT: JKB PHOTO

Congratulations to both Jenna and Justin from all of us at YSN, and on behalf of Baird Brothers.  An extraordinary season for both players, and well-deserved accomplishments this season from many outlets.