Tag Archive for: Player Profile

ARIANA IS GRAND

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To build a good program and not just a good team, you need to continue to build on young players. Poland has a handful of promising young players this season, and one of those players is Ariana Daniels. The freshman Daniels came found a new school in Poland this year. It can be a difficult task to sync in with a brand new group of people. This was not the case for Daniels. She felt the family atmosphere immediately when she stepped into Poland’s gym. That atmosphere is something Coach Blanch has taken time to build and make strong. Daniels said that meeting coach Blanch was intimidating, she knew what the program had done in the last couple years and wanted to live up to that standard. But as soon as that meeting happened Ariana knew it was going to be a good fit. Daniels says she came into this year struggling with confidence, but quickly gained it on this team. Everyone supports everyone at Poland, and that makes an immediate impact. Now Ariana is in a place where she feels completely comfortable out on the court. Daniels is a player that plays on both JV and Varsity. She gets to navigate being a leader on the JV team, and then be lead by the captains on varsity. Coach Blanch says that it’s grooming Daniels into being a great leader in the future. Ariana said the same thing, she gets to take in the lessons from the varsity leaders and then use them to lead the JV squad. She’s got a lot to live up to wearing the number 2, the same as Sarah Bury who was so important to the last four years of the program. Daniels said she just wants to make Bury proud that she’s continuing the legacy. You can make a good bet that Daniels will make an impact on the team for years to come just like Bury. Poland has one less problem with Ariana on the team. They’ve added a sweetener to the group. If you watch you will see that Ariana is grand. 

Anthony Hartwig got the chance to sit down with Ariana this week. They discuss coming to a new school, the family atmosphere of the team, and much more. Get to know another Poland Bulldog in the latest Player Profile Ariana is Grand.

A CASE OF THE MUNDY’S

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Being a team captain means you have been selected by your teammates as a person they want to represent the program. That person is someone who shows up to practice with the attitude of wanting to get better each and every day, always looks to build up his teammates, and always wants to show everyone that he has their back. When you ask around the Lisbon community for who that player might be on the Blue Devils boys basketball team, the resounding answer by everyone is senior, Nic Mundy. Not only is Nic the soft-spoken captain of the team, he is one person you could always look to for consistency. Nic does not miss a practice and when he puts on that Lisbon jersey, he knows it is time to go to work. His work ethic is seen by the rest of the team and because of that, they want to work just as hard. Nic leads by example and does so in everything he sets out to accomplish. Nic can be best described as the one teammate everyone loves because he is always there to support you, back you up when you need it, and will always be there to pick you up when you’re down.

So far throughout the 2019-2020 basketball season, Nic is averaging about 3 points per game and 3 rebounds per game, but outside of what the stats can tell you, Nic is the “big man in the middle” as he is always guarding the opposition’s post player. Although he only averages three rebounds per game, Nic is usually tasked with keeping the other team’s post player from getting the rebound by boxing him out and allowing one of the other Lisbon players to get the rebound.

D.J. Yokley sat down to chat with the Blue Devils’ senior forward to discuss what Nic is as they talked about his goals for this season, how his personal success all gets tied together whether it’s on the football field, the hardwood, or the baseball diamond, what his plans for after high school are, and much much more. Learn all about him in this player profile with Lisbon Blue Devils team captain, Nic Mundy!

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ON THE HEIGHTS OF HEIKKINEN

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To be a great team in basketball, it’s no secret that you need a little bit of size. For the South Range Lady Raiders they get their height from Hannah Heikkinen. Just a sophomore Hannah has made great strides between her freshman and sophomore seasons. Her personal goals this season were to be a player that makes her team better on and off the court. Coach Fishel says as a role player she is accomplishing that goal. Hannah also treasures the team bonding exercises her squad has gone through this season. They bring a certain joy to the game. The team also has a strong community outreach program. Hannah spends her summers volunteering at hospitals and animal shelters so getting to go and help people with her teammates has been a great addition to her experience. Coach Fishel says that Hannah is really starting to hit her stride in the last couple weeks, and you just might be seeing more and more of her on the floor in the weeks to come. 

Anthony Hartwig made the trip to South Range to catch up with Hannah this week. They discuss personal goals this season, her time management skills, and much more. Gear up for the latest Lady Raider Player Profile On the Heights of Heikkinen.

RISE OF THE ROHMAN EMPIRE

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When you look at the Lisbon boys basketball program in recent years, one of the things you might see is that they have produced a lot of players that truly know how to shoot the ball and shoot it well. Gaige Rohm is another one of those shooters that can be seen on the floor this season as he returned back home to Lisbon from Virginia for his senior year of high school. Gaige has worked hard to perfect his shooting touch as he gets likes to get up as many shots as he can during the week in practice so on game day, he feels comfortable hitting some shots from deep. Although Gaige was away from the team throughout high school, the current senior class welcomed him back with open arms as he played with them throughout junior high. With that being said, most kids might miss a beat or be a little set back trying to fit in, for Gaige, he stepped right in and meshed great, and that can be seen on the floor as his chemistry with the others allows him to currently be shooting exactly 50% from the field on the season.

YSN’s own, D.J. Yokley was able to sit down with Gaige to talk about what it means to be back in a Lisbon Blue Devils uniform for his senior year, but also what the main differences are between playing down in Virginia compared to northeast Ohio, what his post-graduation plans are, and much more. Learn all about Gaige in this player profile with the Lisbon Blue Devils sharpshooter, Gaige Rohm!

 

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COUGRAS ON THE PROWL

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There are a lot of young talented players around the area that area in girls basketball getting attention. One that might be flying under the radar is Poland sophomore Connie Cougras. In typical fashion for this program, Connie does not mind being under the radar. It gives her more room to navigate and grow. One of the first players off of Poland’s bench, Cougras is becoming more and more of an impact as the season goes on. Development is not an issue when it comes to Cougras, she is able to understand what mistakes she makes and takes upon herself to get in the gym and work on them. She says she gets an extra boost of energy in practice after a game in which she wasn’t pleased with herself. This ability to self correct makes her very easy to coach. Coach Blanch couldn’t say enough about her work ethic. Connie has a brother Michael who is a senior in the boys program. She says his support, and her support of him has helped both of them out a lot. They haven’t had a sibling three point contest as of yet, but you never know one could be on the horizon. Connie has quickly become a key member of program. And for now, she’s doing it in the shadows. The Cougras is on the prowl. And you better believe you don’t want to be her prey. 

Anthony Hartwig caught up with Connie this week. They discussed moving up to varsity, working through mistakes, and much more. Turn that volume dial all the way up and enjoy the latest Lady Bulldog Player Profile Cougras On The Prowl. 

THE CROWN JULES

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Sometimes there are players that can’t be measured or defined by words. South Range sophomore Julia Gregory is one of those athletes. Her time in the spotlight began last season when she was able to knock down important shots late in games proving to herself she belongs on the floor. That is the moment she sites as a major boost in her confidence. Now in her sophomore season, she is working harder than ever to become an impact for her team. She’s a deadly shooter when left in space but now coach Fishel says she is adding more tools to her offensive game every day. Julia has felt with her fair share of adversity. Like most shooters she goes through highs and lows. Her mental toughness is on fool display when she fights through the shooting slumps she finds herself in. Coach Fishel applauds her perseverance and commitment to the process. We can already tell Julia is going to be a star player for the Raiders, a crown jewel. And everyone knows how much Raiders like jewels. 

Anthony Hartwig went to South Range to catch up with Julia. They discuss her confidence, the team’s community outreach, and much more. You won’t want to miss the latest Lady Raider Player Profile The Crown Jules.

HARK THE HARRELL

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The difference between good teams and great teams is a deep bench. The ability to trust the next round of players to go in and execute as well as your starters. For Poland junior Ella Harrell that’s a role she accepts with honor. There is not one ounce of bitterness in her bones over not being a starter. She loves the opportunity to come on the floor in the middle of a game and make an impact. Standing at 5’8, Harrell has the size to execute as a post, but also has the ability to play in the perimeter as a guard. A Swiss Army knife of a player. Ella’s personal goal coming into this year was to further her abilities to become even better at executing both of those roles. Coach Blanch says she is a player who is always staying after practice and working on extra ball handling drills. That’s one of the reasons he trusts her so much on the floor. He also says that Harrell is one of their more vocal players. She has no problem communicating on defense, which is so important. It’s something that makes Harrell such a tremendous asset off the bench. Ella and her team can easily run 8 or 9 players deep and Harrell is the example everyone else can look to. When leaders talk, you have to listen. Hark the Harrell. 

Anthony Hartwig made the trip down to Poland to talk to Ella. They discuss her role on the team, personal goals, and much more. Learn all about the Bulldog junior on the latest Player Profile Hark The Harrell. 

THE PARTY KEEPS ON GOING

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Gabby Lamparty has been quite possibly the most anticipated player to come through the Lady Raider program. Fans have been waiting to see her on the varsity quart since she was in 7th grade. She has shared the anticipation to play. She has waited for the chance to play with her older sister Izzy since she was a little girl. And now as a freshman Gabby finally gets that chance, and she is not disappointing the fans that patiently waited for her to get to this level. She is already dazzling the crowd with behind the back passes and reverse layups that show off her athleticism. However, she has also dealt with her fair share of struggles transitioning from eighth grade to varsity so fast. She says the game is a lot quicker at the varsity level than she anticipated. Gabby also has the responsibility of being a leader on the court. One she takes very seriously. She says it doesn’t matter what your age is if you’re called to be a leader you have to show up. Show up is exactly what she’s been doing this season. Coach Fishel says Gabby is a special talent that doesn’t come around too often. And he says that she matches that talent with an undeniable work ethic. The party in South Range is just getting started as this freshman will be suiting up for a while. 

Anthony Hartwig caught up with Gabby after the Raiders win over Jefferson. They discuss starting as a freshman, playing with her sister, and much more. Get ready to learn about the upcoming star in the latest Player Profile The Party Keeps on Going.

BLUE’S KLU’S

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Last season the basketball world had to be informed of Morgan Kluchar’s presence. As a freshman, she had to prove that she belonged on the court with the upperclassmen. She did just that. Now as a sophomore, it’s a different feeling for Morgan. She has earned her spot and her respect, and now it’s all about continuing to grow as a player. She says that this season she is grasping a lot more of the fine details of the game. That comes from all the time she got on the varsity floor her freshman season. She also says nerves have really gone down from last year to this year. They’re still there for sure, but not nearly as strong. Two main goals are at the top of Morgan’s list. The first is to improve her defense. She admits that last season her defense did not reach her own standards and definitely wants to improve on that. Second is to become more of a threat from the outside. That would make her a more well rounded offensive player. Last season we asked you to get a clue about Morgan as a freshman, and now the clues are there for you, so figure it out that Morgan Kluchar is a one of a kind talent. 

Anthony Hartwig went on down to Poland to sit down with Morgan. They discuss the team dealing with adversity, taking a leadership role, and much more. Get to know the Lady Bulldog sophomore with the latest Player Profile Blue’s Klu’s.

 

V FOR VIDMAN

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Although the South Range Raiders have plenty of returning faces to the team this season, there are some new players you may not recognize. Sophomore Mallory Vidman is one of those new faces. She knew coming into this season that there were some spots on varsity up for grab and she was determined to get one. No one worked harder than Vidman in the offseason. Workouts, and open gyms were nothing but wide open opportunity for Mallory. She says she takes great pride in that work ethic. She quickly earned that starting spot on varsity and has now become a consistent member of the varsity squad. With so much court time Mallory has had to grow in to a leader for her team. She describes herself as someone who is always available for her teammates no matter the need. She also loves the opportunities to go out into the community with her team and not just be a leader on the court, but a leader in the community. This valorous player has vowed to lead her team to victory via her hard work and dedication to success. The vector of triumph is very clear and always in sight. Mallory Vidman, or you can just call her V. 

Anthony Hartwig traveled out to South Range to sit with Mallory. They discuss her new role on the team, her biggest change over the last two years, and much more. Take a good listen to the latest Lady Raider Player Profile V For Vidman.