Tag Archive for: Player Profile

DREAM WEAVER, GAME CHANGER

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CANFIELD OH- In the heat of battle inside the paint, it takes grit and determination to find success. Canfield’s junior power forward, Ben Weaver, stands out for his sheer grit and determination on the court. Standing shorter than some of his opponents, Weaver compensates with an unparalleled work ethic, out-hustling and outmaneuvering anyone in his path to secure rebounds and score points in the paint.

Weaver’s tenacity has been instrumental in Canfield’s back-to-back AAC Championships, proving that size isn’t everything when it comes to dominating the post position. His ability to carve out space, fight for every loose ball, and convert opportunities into points has been a linchpin of Canfield’s success.

As an upperclassman, Weaver has shouldered increased responsibility with grace and maturity. Embracing his role as a leader on and off the court, he has set an example for his teammates, demonstrating a willingness to take on challenges and lead by example.

For Weaver, team chemistry is paramount. He understands that success on the court is rooted in trust, camaraderie, and a shared commitment to excellence. Off the floor, Weaver and his fellow leaders at Canfield foster a tight-knit bond that translates seamlessly onto the hardwood, allowing them to play as a cohesive unit and elevate each other’s performance.

This season, Weaver has averaged 8 points and 4 rebounds per game, showcasing his versatility and impact on both ends of the floor. But beyond the statistics, Weaver harbors a dream of playing college basketball, and with each game, that dream edges closer to reality. His dedication, skill, and passion for the game make him an attractive prospect for college recruiters, who recognize his potential to make a significant impact at the next level.

As Canfield gears up for an upcoming tournament run, players like Weaver could prove to be the difference-makers. With his gritty play in the post, unyielding determination, and team-first mentality, Weaver has the potential to lead Canfield to further success on the court and beyond. As the stakes grow higher, Weaver’s presence on the court becomes all the more crucial, as he looks to leave an indelible mark on the Canfield basketball program and pave the way for a bright future ahead.

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DEVIN ELEVEN AT YOUR CONVENIENCE

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By Ty Bartell

AKRON OH- Once again, The Archbishop Hoban Knights girls basketball team has secured a #1 seed in the postseason, following another impressive regular season, finishing with a 16-3 record. One of the reasons The Knights have had the success of four consecutive district championships is because of players like Devin Harris! A player that quite literally is whatever you need her to be on any given night.

With the speed of a guard, but the height and length of a forward, Harris is capable of leading her team in scoring in a game, but also could be the team leader in rebounds, blocks, assists, steals, you name it and she is capable! An ultimate team player, Devin Harris is every head coach’s dream as she is unselfish, understanding and unphased by pressure. Learning the game with an older brother toughened her up in her early chapters, enabling her to be the warrior she is today! Gearing up for her final postseason run with The Knights, there has not been a year at Hoban where she has not tasted district championship success. However, Devin Harris looks to put that stamp on her senior season with a deep run and perhaps some more nets to cut down.

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MACK HAS THE BOOK ON BALLIN

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By Ty Bartell 

AKRON OH- After the conclusion of another successful regular season, The Archbishop Hoban Knights girls basketball season ended the campaign with a 16-3 record as they gear up for the postseason as the #1 seed in The Division 1, Region 1, Northeast 3 bracket. One of the leaders of the season so far has been one of The Knights seniors Mackenzie Edingburgh! An all-around scoring combo guard that does not need much space to pull the trigger from distance, but can also burn defenses with impressive speed to the post!

With ten years and counting worth of basketball experience, Mack has learned and honed in all her skills from years past, putting it all on display for her senior campaign. Practice gets you closer to perfect, and the practices have been memorable ones for Mack, always tough but also fun, especially when Coach Willie has one of his famous practice injuries that have racked up over the years! That perfectly sums up Mackenzie Edingburgh’s mentality as a baller, walking that line between locked-in serious and light-hearted having fun. As Mack looks to return to the experiences of freshman season, The Knights look to be back…..in Dayton.

 

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NO ONE DOES IT LIKE DIORIO

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YOUNGSTOWN OH- For Cardinal Mooney girls basketball, Sophia Diorio isn’t just a player; she’s a cornerstone of their basketball program. With a legacy that spans several seasons, Diorio has etched her name into the fabric of Cardinal Mooney basketball, leaving an indelible mark as one of the most impactful players in recent memory.

Over the past few years, Diorio has not only excelled on the court but has also emerged as a formidable leader for her team. In the last two seasons, her leadership has blossomed, guiding her teammates with a blend of poise and determination that commands respect.

When it comes to controlling the flow of the game, no one does it quite like Diorio. As the primary ball-handler and orchestrator of the offense, she possesses an innate ability to dictate the tempo and direction of each play, showcasing her basketball IQ and court vision with every dribble.

But it’s not just her playmaking ability that sets Diorio apart. This season, she has taken her game to new heights, displaying a newfound confidence in her scoring prowess. With an improved jump shot and her already exceptional ball-handling skills, Diorio has evolved into a legitimate scoring threat, keeping opposing defenses on their toes.

Diorio’s impact extends beyond the offensive end. This season, she made history by breaking the program record for steals in a season, amassing an impressive tally of over 150 steals. Her tenacity on defense and her ability to disrupt passing lanes have been invaluable assets for Cardinal Mooney throughout the season.

Adding to the narrative is the unique family connection that Diorio shares with the team. With her father serving as the head coach and her younger sister also gracing the court alongside her, basketball is truly a family affair for the Diorios. This familial bond adds an extra layer of chemistry and cohesion to the team dynamic, fostering an environment of trust and camaraderie.

As Diorio prepares to graduate and move on to the next chapter of her basketball journey, there’s no denying the void she will leave behind. Her departure will undoubtedly be felt deeply within the Cardinal Mooney community. However, with the foundation she has laid and the standards she has set, the program is poised to thrive in her absence. Diorio’s legacy will serve as a guiding light for future generations of Cardinal Mooney basketball players, inspiring them to strive for greatness both on and off the court.

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BRAYDEN PLAYS ABOVE THE RIM

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By Ty Bartell

LOUISVILE OH- The Louisville Leopards are in the midst of a very successful regular season, primarily due to the younger players stepping up to fill major roles. When losing a player like WIll Aljancic a season ago, you look to fill those missing numbers in other outlets. For Louisville, they found a big contributor in their junior Brayden Gross!

The only thing gross about Brayden is the nasty dunks he is able to throw down! As a constant rim rattling threat, Gross is just shy of averaging a double-double this season with 16.1 points per game and 9.4. rebounds per game. The recipient of many highlight-reel alley-oop slams this year, BG has been electric in his role for Louisville this year!

YSNs Ty Bartell got the chance to sit down and chat with Brayden Gross about the season they are having, some early memories in the sport and the go to Wendy’s order. All that and more in this edition of Player Profile on YSN!

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MILLER IS MAKING A WAY

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COLUMBIANA OH- Stepping onto the varsity stage as a freshman can be a daunting challenge for any athlete, but for Kerrigan Miller of Crestview High School, it’s been nothing short of a seamless transition. From the moment she donned the Crestview jersey, Kerrigan has proven herself to be a force to be reckoned with, showcasing maturity and skill beyond her years.

One of the most remarkable aspects of Kerrigan’s freshman campaign has been her unflappable demeanor. Despite the pressure and expectations that come with competing at the varsity level, Kerrigan has remained composed and focused, never letting the moment overwhelm her. Her ability to stay poised under pressure has been a key factor in her success on the court.

As the season has progressed, Kerrigan has only continued to grow in confidence. With each game, she has displayed a growing belief in her abilities, leading to standout performances and clutch plays when her team needed them most. Her rapid development and unwavering self-assurance have been a testament to her work ethic and dedication to the game.

For Kerrigan, being part of Crestview’s undefeated 22-0 season has been a dream come true. To experience such success in her first year of high school basketball is an unforgettable experience, one that has fueled her passion for the game and motivated her to strive for even greater achievements in the future.

The support Kerrigan has received from her teammates, coaches, and the community has been instrumental in her success. Their encouragement and belief in her abilities have helped her stay focused and locked in, even during the most challenging moments of the season. Kerrigan’s ability to handle the ball with confidence and precision in the face of speed and pressure on the varsity level has been nothing short of impressive. Her poise and composure under duress have been a valuable asset to Crestview’s success this season.

Looking ahead, the future is undeniably bright for Kerrigan Miller and the Crestview girls’ basketball program. With three more seasons ahead of her, Kerrigan has the potential to leave a lasting legacy at Crestview, setting the stage for continued success and championships in the years to come. As she continues to hone her skills and refine her game, there’s no telling how far Kerrigan can go in her basketball journey. One thing is for certain – she’s a name to remember in the world of high school basketball.

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SIEGFRIED IS A CERTIFIED WINNER

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Every great basketball team needs a great point guard, a motor that makes the machine go. For The Louisville Leopards boys basketball team, that box has been checked off with flying colors this season, thanks to the talent of Beau Siegfried!

Averaging an impressive 6.4 assists per game thi season, Siegfried has also found his spots to strike scoring at the tune of 12.2 points per game this year. YSNs Ty Bartell got the opportunity to talk with the outstanding point guard!

Having the unique ability of having his dad be his head coach, it has been more than that, he has been Beau’s mentor since day one and has given him everything he needed, even when he necessarily did not want to hear it. Currently one of the leaders of the 17 win Leopards team, Beau is one of the higher IQ basketball players under the network as the car talks with dad have been led by Beau in recent months.
Aspirations of playing college basketball, Beau looks to follow in his older sister’s footsteps of participating in athletics collegiately; however, the goal this season is taking this Leopards team to new heights.

Beau Siegfried has stepped up in a big way, creating highlights and memories in front of packed houses at Louisville and, most importantly, having fun while doing it.

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HART IN THE VALLEY

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ORWELL OH-  As seasons go by, certain players become synonymous with their respective programs, embodying the spirit and essence of the team. For Grand Valley, that player is none other than senior standout Kaelyn Hart. Over the past four years, Hart has established herself as the cornerstone of the Grand Valley basketball program, leaving an indelible mark on the court and in the hearts of her teammates and coaches.

From the moment Hart stepped onto the court as a freshman, her leadership qualities were evident. Her unwavering determination and passion for the game set the tone for the entire team, earning her the respect and admiration of her peers. As the saying goes, “How Kaelyn goes, the team goes.” Her leadership is the heartbeat of the program, driving her teammates to exceed expectations and reach new heights.

But Hart’s impact extends beyond her role as a leader. She is the epitome of dedication and hard work, both on and off the court. During the offseason and summer months, while many of her peers were enjoying their break, Hart could be found honing her skills through AAU competitions and dedicated workouts. Her commitment to continuous improvement not only elevates her own game but also inspires those around her to strive for greatness.

The culmination of Hart’s dedication and talent came with her recent commitment to play at the collegiate level for Hiram College. For Hart, signing on to play at the next level was more than just a personal achievement – it was a validation of her years of hard work and sacrifice. It was a significant milestone, one that lifted a weight off her shoulders and filled her with pride as she embarks on the next chapter of her basketball journey.

As Hart’s senior year draws to a close, she finds herself leading Grand Valley to unprecedented success. For the first time in her career, the team secured a conference championship and a home tournament game, milestones that fuel Hart’s desire to lead her team as far as they can go. With a heart like hers, there’s no limit to what they can achieve.

In the annals of Grand Valley basketball history, Kaelyn Hart’s name will undoubtedly be etched in bold letters, a testament to her leadership, dedication, and unwavering passion for the game. As she prepares to leave her mark on the collegiate stage, Hart’s legacy at Grand Valley will serve as a shining example for future generations of players, reminding them of the power of heart and determination both on and off the court.

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HAYDEN HAS IT ALL

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By Ty Bartell 

LOUISVILLE OH- After last season concluded for Louisville Leopards boys basketball, questions
surrounded what this season would bring. For one lone senior on the team, Hayden Nigro took it as a challenge. Putting in countless hours of offseason work to prepare for his senior season as the one and only this year. 17 wins and counting later, The Leopards are not just one of the best teams in the county, but the entire state as perennially ranked in the top ten week in and week out. YSNs Ty Bartell got the chance to chat with The Leopards senior.

Nigro is doing it in more ways than one, as The Leopards leading scorer, currently averaging 19.5 points per game this season while also averaging over 4 rebounds and 2 assists a game as well! The future may be bright for Hayden, but his focus is not on that right now, staying present in the moment and with this team, he looks to take Louisville to new heights! You do not want to miss out on this edition of Player Profile with the lone senior of Louisville, Hayden Nigro!

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LOWRY GETTING LOOKS

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CANFIELD OH-  South Range has a  sophomore sensation in Gwen Lowry has emerged as a shining star this season for the Raiders, stepping into the limelight this season as the team’s leading scorer. Her remarkable journey from a promising talent to a formidable force on the court has been fueled by dedication, hard work, and an unwavering determination to excel.

During the offseason, Lowry devoted countless hours to honing her skills, particularly focusing on her shot. Alongside her teammates, she immersed herself in rigorous training sessions, determined to elevate her game to new heights. The hard work paid off as Lowry returned to the court with a refined shooting stroke, ready to make her mark on the season.

One notable aspect of Lowry’s game this year has been her boost in confidence. With a newfound self-assurance, she fearlessly takes any shot she gets on the floor, unafraid to seize the moment and make an impact for her team. This unwavering confidence has not only elevated her individual performance but has also inspired her teammates to raise their level of play.

What sets Lowry apart on the court is her versatility as a scorer. Whether driving to the basket with finesse or draining shots from beyond the arc, she poses a constant threat to opposing defenses. Her ability to score inside and out makes her incredibly difficult to defend, a nightmare matchup for any opponent.

Lowry’s standout performances against powerhouse teams like Poland further solidify her status as a rising star. In a pivotal matchup against the six-time reigning conference champions, she showcased her scoring prowess by tallying 21 points in a crucial win. In the rematch, she proved her consistency by contributing 15 points, further cementing her place as a standout performer. That 36 combined is more than any player in the program’s history has had in two games against Poland in league play.

Looking ahead, the future of South Range basketball shines brightly with Lowry at the helm. With two more seasons to write her legacy, she has the opportunity to continue growing as both a player and a leader, guiding her team to new heights of success. As she continues to hone her skills and inspire those around her, the sky’s the limit for Gwen Lowry and for South Range.

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