Tag Archive for: Player Profile

THE MARINA IS THE PLACE TO GO

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CANFIELD OH- In basketball, adaptation is often the key to success. For Canfield junior Marina Koenig, this season has been a testament to her ability to thrive in a larger role on the basketball court. Stepping into the spotlight with grace and determination, Marina has emerged as a vital asset for her team, making a significant impact in every game she plays.

Drawing from her experience of competing in last year’s state championship in softball, Marina brings a wealth of resilience and composure to the basketball court. Her ability to handle pressure-packed moments with poise and confidence is a testament to her versatile skill set and unwavering determination. Whether it’s sinking a clutch shot or making a crucial play on defense, Marina’s past experiences have equipped her with the mental fortitude needed to excel in any situation.

Despite her individual talents, Marina understands the importance of relying on her teammates and support system. By fostering a sense of camaraderie and trust on the court, she not only elevates her own performance but also creates opportunities for her teammates to shine. This collaborative approach not only boosts team morale but also keeps Marina grounded and confident in her abilities.

One of Marina’s greatest strengths lies in her unwavering reliability with the ball in her hands. Her teammates and coaches alike trust her implicitly to make smart decisions and execute plays flawlessly. Whether orchestrating the offense or driving through lanes with finesse, Marina’s ball-handling skills and scoring prowess make her a formidable force on the court.

Beyond her individual achievements, Marina remains committed to learning and growing as a player and a leader. By observing and absorbing the wisdom of her senior teammates, she is laying the groundwork for her own future leadership role within the team. Marina’s dedication to self-improvement and mentorship exemplifies her maturity and determination to leave a lasting impact on the program.

As Canfield gears up for the district championship showdown against St. Vincent-St. Mary on Saturday at 7:00, Marina stands ready to rise to the occasion once again. With her blend of skill, leadership, and unwavering determination, she is poised to play a pivotal role in her team’s pursuit of victory. As the spotlight shines brightly on Marina, she remains focused and determined to make every moment count, leaving an indelible mark on the court and inspiring those around her with her passion and tenacity.

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DESTANIE IS CALLING

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AUSTINTOWN OH- As Destanie McCullough prepares to bid farewell to her high school basketball career at Austintown Fitch, her journey over the past four years reflects a commitment to excellence, unwavering leadership, and a relentless drive to elevate her team to new heights.

Since stepping foot onto the court as a freshman, McCullough poured her heart and soul into the Fitch basketball program. Through countless hours of practice, dedication, and perseverance, she honed her skills and emerged as a pivotal figure for the Falcons, both on and off the court.

McCullough’s leadership played a crucial role in propelling Fitch to one of its most successful seasons in program history. Her unwavering determination and ability to rally her teammates in the face of adversity were instrumental in guiding the Falcons to numerous victories and memorable moments on the court.

One of the most special aspects of McCullough’s senior season was the opportunity to share it with her fellow seniors, teammates she has grown and bonded with over the years. Together, they forged a strong bond and created lasting memories that will endure long after their time at Fitch.

On the court, McCullough’s strength and tenacity were undeniable. Her ability to finish through contact and dominate the boards made her a force to be reckoned with, providing a crucial presence in the paint for the Falcons. With an average of 8.3 points per game (second on the team) and 6 rebounds per game (first on the team), McCullough consistently delivered when her team needed her most. Additionally, her defensive prowess, averaging 1.7 steals per game, showcased her versatility and impact on both ends of the floor.

As McCullough reflects on her time at Fitch, she takes pride in knowing that she has played a role in shaping the future of the program. By setting an example of hard work, determination, and selflessness, she has paved the way for the next generation of Fitch basketball players to continue the legacy of success she leaves behind.

As she prepares to embark on the next chapter of her basketball journey, McCullough leaves a lasting impact on the Fitch community, her teammates, and all those who have had the privilege of witnessing her talent and leadership on the court. Her legacy will endure as a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and the indomitable spirit of a true leader.

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RAY BANS REQUIRED

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By Ty Bartell

AUSTINTOWN OH- Few players have the natural ability to lead by example, the type where few words need
to be said and when they are true weight is held in every one that they speak. Leaders are not often chosen, rather the position chooses them. That is the case for Austintown-Fitch senior Ayla Ray! Now, you may have heard “the Ace of Base” lighting up box scores on a softball field before, but Ayla has rapidly become “The Ace of Lace” when she steps foot on the basketball court!

Averaging a team-high 11.6 point per game this season to go along with another team-high in made 3-point shots with 33 this year, “Ace” has been the place to get your helpful offense all year long. Coming from great parents, both Tatum and Renauld have shown unwavering support for their oldest daughter as she has blazed the trail for her younger sisters to follow. Always a special connection with her dad, Ayla and Renauld bonded over basketball despite the frequent coaching looks, Ayla could always count on the coach at home.

Although Ayla may be going to the next level for softball, there is no doubt in the waves that she has made in basketball! With plenty of noticeable improvements from freshman year until now, Ayla has proved and continued to prove that hard work pays off! YSNs Ty Bartell got the opportunity to sit down with “Ace” to recap the season so far, her role as a leader, The Falcons second sectional final win in 30 years and much more!

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LIFE IN THE FAST LANE

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By Ty Bartell

AUSTINTOWN OH- The makeup of most successful basketball teams generally need the following: A
shooter, someone who can make buckets when needed down the stretch. A point guard to start the offense and keep it flowing. A post player, someone with good height to secure rebounds. And finally a bruiser, someone who will step up on defense to guard the opponents toughest player, someone who shows fearlessness on a nightly basis, someone who wears bruises and cuts as badges of honor from the times they went to war with their team by their side Austintown-Fitch senior Lannie Henning exemplifies all what it means to be a bruiser and more!

Starting at a young age in rec ball with fellow senior Ayla Ray, Lannie Henning has been around the sport of basketball for quite some time! No easy paths to play at the varsity level, Lannie grinded her way through each season, no matter who the skipper of the squad was, Henning brought a good attitude and a willingness to get better while taking the best of what each coach had to offer. As the door to play at the next level has unexpectedly opened for Lannie, what could the future hold for this determined athlete? Catch this edition of Player Profile as YSNs Ty Bartell had the opportunity to sit and chat with Lannie about the basketball journey so far, some highlight memories and some future plans for The Falcons senior!

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CEVERA SOLIDIFIES HER LEGACY

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ASHTABULA OH- In the history of St. John’s rich basketball history, there are few players who have left an indelible mark quite like senior standout Alyssa Cevera. Heralded as a once-in-a-generation talent, Cevera’s remarkable journey on the court has mirrored the rise of St. John’s as a powerhouse in girls’ basketball.

For Cevera, basketball isn’t just a sport; it’s a passion that runs deep within her veins. Throughout her illustrious career, she has epitomized the essence of leadership, determination, and sheer talent, becoming the cornerstone of Herald’s success on the hardwood.

However, Cevera’s journey to greatness was not a solitary one. She followed in the footsteps of her older sister Emily, whose stellar career at St. John set the stage for Alyssa’s own rise to prominence. With Emily’s legacy as an 1000-point scorer at the school serving as both inspiration and motivation, Alyssa was driven to carve out her own path and etch her name into the annals of St. John’s basketball lore.

In January, Cevera achieved a monumental milestone, notching her 1000th career point and cementing her status as one of the program’s all-time greats. Her prolific scoring prowess and unwavering dedication to her craft have propelled St. John to unprecedented heights, establishing her as the program’s all-time leading scorer by season’s end.

As Cevera’s high school career draws to a close, the question of her future at the next level looms large. While the path forward may be uncertain, one thing remains abundantly clear: the invaluable lessons and experiences gained at St. John will serve as a guiding light, empowering Cevera to excel in whatever endeavors lie ahead. Whether she continues her basketball journey or ventures into new arenas, Alyssa Cevera’s legacy as a beacon of excellence at St. John High School will endure, inspiring generations to come.

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BUCKINGHAM’S PALACE

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COLUMBIANA OH-  Columbiana High School boasts a shining star in their swimming program, junior Preston Buckingham. Widely regarded as the best swimmer to come through Columbiana, Buckingham’s remarkable talent and dedication have propelled him to extraordinary heights in the pool.

Buckingham’s list of achievements is nothing short of impressive. With a staggering ten school records to his name, he has left an indelible mark on Columbiana’s swimming program. From the 100 Freestyle to the 400 Free Relay, Buckingham’s versatility and skill across various events showcase his exceptional ability in the water. Buckingham holds school records in all of the following:

100 Freestyle
200 Freestyle
500 Freestyle
100 Backstroke
100 Breaststroke
100 Butterfly
200 Individual Medley 200 Medley Relay 200 Free Relay
400 Free Relay

This year marks Buckingham’s third consecutive qualification for the state championships, a testament to his consistent excellence and unwavering commitment to his craft. With each appearance at the state level, Buckingham has represented Columbiana with pride and determination, leaving a lasting impression on the swimming community.

Adding to Buckingham’s success is the opportunity to swim alongside his sister, who is a freshman this season. The bond shared between siblings in the pool not only strengthens their connection but also serves as a source of inspiration and motivation for both athletes.

Beyond his impressive accomplishments in swimming, Buckingham’s leadership extends far beyond the pool deck. As the class president of the 2025 class, a member of the junior leadership of Columbiana County, and a participant in the Teen Advisory Board for the state of Ohio, Buckingham exemplifies the qualities of a true leader both in and out of the water. His dedication to serving his school and community underscores his character and integrity as a student-athlete.

With one more year of swimming ahead at Columbiana, Buckingham remains focused on reaching new heights and achieving his personal best. As he prepares to compete at the state championships once again, Buckingham’s determination, talent, and leadership promise to continue making waves in the pool and beyond. With his sights set on continued success, the future looks bright for Preston Buckingham and the Columbiana swimming program.

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WRESTLING WEDNESDAYS WITH GARY ALTHISER (EP 11) FEATURING ELLA THOMAS

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We are days away from the sectionals getting started for wrestling! Gary and the boys of Running Point could not be more excited for the postseason. As we get through the calm before the storm, we thought it’d be a good time to recognize one of the brightest young stars on the mats this season. From Poland freshman Ella Thomas has reigned nothing but dominance on the girl’s side of grappling.  With a record of 35-0 and 33 pins, all challengers have fallen by the wayside when standing across from Thomas.  So now the question is how can she continue that success all the way to the state podium? Hear it from the phenom herself as Thomas joins wrestling Wednesday, and the guys get ready for the journey to Columbus!

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FOLGER BREWING UP SUCCESS

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SALEM OH- Sophomore Ryan Folger has brought a wave of excitement and enthusiasm to the Salem swim program, making history as the first male swimmer in school history to qualify for the state championships. His achievement marks a significant milestone for Salem, with Folger being the first overall swimmer to reach the state level since 2000.

Folger’s journey to state has been fueled by his unwavering determination and relentless pursuit of excellence. After narrowly missing the cut last season, he dedicated himself to rigorous training and focused on improving his performance in the pool. His hard work paid off, as he secured qualification for the state championships this year in the 200 breaststroke and the 400 individual medley, cementing his status as one of Salem’s top swimmers.

In addition to his impressive state qualification, Folger has left an indelible mark on Salem’s swimming program by setting multiple school records. With records in the 50, 100, 200, and 500 freestyle, as well as the 200 Individual Medley, 100 Breaststroke, and 100 Butterfly, Folger has established himself as a standout performer in a variety of events. His versatility and skill in the pool have set him apart from his peers and positioned him as a force to be reckoned with in the swimming community.

Despite his already impressive list of accomplishments, Folger remains humble and hungry for success. With two more years left in his high school career, he is poised to achieve even greater heights in the pool. His dedication, work ethic, and passion for swimming serve as an inspiration to his teammates and a testament to his potential for future success.

As Ryan Folger continues to make waves at Salem High School, he does so with the knowledge that his journey is just beginning. With his sights set on continued improvement and a bright future ahead, Folger is a rising star in the swimming world, destined for greatness both in and out of the pool.

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DINAPOLI’S DAY ISN’T DONE

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Gina DiNapoli: Boardman’s Swimming Sensation

As a junior at Boardman, Gina DiNapoli has already etched her name into the record books of the school’s swimming history. Last year, DiNapoli made waves when she broke school records and qualified for the state championships, showcasing her talent and determination in the pool. This year, she has taken her performance to new heights, surpassing her own records and once again earning a ticket to the state meet.

For DiNapoli, the experience of competing at the state level last season has proven invaluable in her journey this year. Armed with the confidence and knowledge gained from her previous state appearance, DiNapoli approached this season’s state qualification with a sense of determination and poise, knowing what it takes to excel on the biggest stage.

DiNapoli’s impressive performance in the pool this season has earned her qualification for the state championships in the 100 Butterfly, as well as the relays for the 200 Medley and the 200 Free. Her versatility and skill in multiple events highlight her status as one of Boardman’s top swimmers and a key contributor to the team’s success.

Excitement abounds for DiNapoli as she prepares to represent Boardman at the state meet, especially considering the collective success of the team. With five girls and four boys qualifying for the state championships, DiNapoli is thrilled to be part of a swimming program that is making a significant impact on the statewide stage.

As DiNapoli reflects on her junior year and looks towards the future, thoughts of her swimming career at the next level loom large. With aspirations of competing at the collegiate level, DiNapoli is actively considering her options and exploring career paths that will allow her to stay involved in sports beyond high school.

As DiNapoli prepares to make a splash at the state championships once again, she does so with the knowledge that her hard work, dedication, and passion for swimming have brought her to this moment. With her sights set on continued success in the pool and beyond, DiNapoli’s journey is one of determination, resilience, and unwavering commitment to excellence.

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LONG IS BUILT TO LAST

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EAST LIVERPOOL OH- In all of sports, talent knows no age, and freshman Cole Long of Beaver Local is living proof of this adage. From the moment he stepped onto the pool deck, Long has dazzled spectators and competitors alike with his exceptional skill, unwavering determination, and fearless attitude.

Despite being a freshman, Long has wasted no time making his mark in the swimming world. With a confidence and maturity beyond his years, he has seamlessly transitioned into the limelight, embracing the pressure and expectations that come with competing at the varsity level.

Long’s list of accomplishments this year is nothing short of impressive. As the Ohio Valley Athletic Conference (OVAC) winner in both the 200IM and 100 backstroke events, he has already established himself as a force to be reckoned with in the pool. Moreover, Long’s dominance extended to the Buckeye 8 conference, where he not only claimed victory in the 200IM and 100 backstroke but also shattered the conference record in the 200IM.

As if his conference performances weren’t enough, Long has also made waves on the state level, earning qualification for the prestigious state meet in both the 100 backstroke and 200IM events. His accomplishments don’t end there – Long has rewritten the record books at Beaver Local, breaking four school records in the process: the 200 freestyle, 200IM, 500 freestyle, and 100 backstroke. Additionally, he holds the distinction of being the first Beaver Local swimmer to qualify for the state meet since 2008.

Looking ahead, Long’s future in swimming shines brightly. Despite his remarkable achievements this season, he remains focused on continuous improvement and is already setting his sights on making next season even better. Even with the state meet looming on the horizon, Long’s dedication to his craft is unwavering, as he tirelessly strives to elevate his performance and reach new heights in the sport he loves.

With his talent, work ethic, and passion for swimming, Cole Long is poised to leave an indelible mark on the Beaver Local swimming program and the broader swimming community. As he continues to make waves in the pool, there’s no telling how far his journey will take him. One thing is for certain – the future is bright for this rising star of Beaver Local swimming.

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