Tag Archive for: Poland

FAIRVIEW ENDS THE BULLDOGS SEASON

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POLAND OH- Poland kicked off its tournament run with a hard-fought battle against Fairview, but in the end, the Bulldogs fell just short in a 50-48 heartbreaker.

As the higher seed, Poland got to play host, but Fairview made sure the long trip was worth it. Both teams had stretches where they looked ready to take control, but neither side backed down. It all came down to the final seconds. With 1.8 left on the clock, Poland inbounded from the opposite baseline and somehow got a look in the paint to force OT, but it just wouldn’t fall.

Sophia Generalovich led the Bulldogs with 15 points, while Kate Harrell added 8. Izzy Greco chipped in 7, Leanna Boccieri finished with 6, and Lucy Harrell had 5.

Poland wraps up the season at 11-12, while Fairview moves on to the district semis at Crestview on Tuesday at 7:00.

WRESTLING WEDNESDAYS WITH GARY ALTHISER (EP 8) FEATURING ELLA THOMAS

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POLAND OH- In an insightful interview on the “YSN Wrestling Wednesday”, Poland High School’s wrestling sensation, Ella Thomas, detailed her determined journey toward wrestling excellence. Speaking with hosts Anthony Hartwig and Gary Althiser, Thomas reflected on her successful state run last year and her elevated ambitions for the current season.

Ranked second in the state, Thomas expressed surprise at her substantial achievements last year, which have since laid the foundation for her newfound confidence. “I had a bunch of hard, tough tournaments,” Thomas shared, attributing her rigorous competition schedule to the enhancement of her skills and mental fortitude. With aspirations of defeating top-ranked McKenna Craft, Thomas emphasized a key focus on maintaining a robust mentality. Her experiences at high-profile competitions such as Iron Man and Finley taught her valuable lessons, particularly the importance of entering matches with the belief that anything is possible.

Thomas’s development is supported by a dedicated coaching team at Poland. “Jordan Beetle and John Arnett have really taught me over these years,” she noted, acknowledging their influence on her focused approach this season. Now drilling with promising eighth-grader Michael Miller, Thomas benefits from a competitive yet encouraging training environment that pushes her to continually improve. As she prepares for the upcoming sectionals, Thomas is committed to staying healthy and refining her technique. Her statement, “I’m gonna beat it this year,” highlights her unwavering determination to achieve her goal of reaching the top of the state podium. Ella Thomas’s journey is more than just personal ambition. Her role as an exemplar within Poland’s up-and-coming girls’ wrestling team underscores her influence as both a competitor and a leader, inspiring peers and younger wrestlers alike. With her eyes set firmly on championship success, Thomas embodies the resilience and drive of a true wrestling champion.

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GIRARD WINS AT POLAND FOR FIRST TIME IN NE8 PLAY

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POLAND OH- Girard wrapped up the regular season and conference play in historic fashion Monday night, going into Poland and grabbing their first-ever NE8 road win over the Bulldogs. The Indians held a slim 24-21 lead at halftime but took control in the second half, pulling away for a 50-36 victory.

Caylee Wilkes was unstoppable, dropping 24 points to lead the charge. Ally Gassman added 15, and Makenzee White chipped in 8 as Girard finished strong. For Poland, Isabel Greco led with 13, while Lucy Harrell added 8.

With the regular season in the books, Girard now shifts focus to tournament play, hitting the road Saturday for a matchup at Southeast. Poland also gears up for the postseason, hosting Fairview the same night.

CLIPPERS SHOOT THE LIGHTS OUT IN POLAND

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POLAND OH- Columbiana isn’t taking the easy route heading into tournament time. The Clippers hit the road Thursday to face a tough, defensive-minded Poland squad and handled business with a 66-49 win.

Poland came out swinging, jumping to a 13-4 lead, but Columbiana didn’t flinch. The Clippers responded with a 14-0 run to close the first quarter up 18-13 and never looked back, gradually pulling away the rest of the way. Ava Heinrich led the charge with 24 points, knocking down six threes. Annah Clemmer added 16, while Evy Rapp put up 15. Ellie Venezia chipped in 6 to round out the scoring.

For Poland, Lucy Harrell paced the Bulldogs with 15 points, while Kate Harrell added 9. Sophia Generalovich finished with 8, and Ava Stabi contributed 7.

Columbiana has one last road test before wrapping up the regular season. They’ll head to Western Reserve on Saturday, looking to cap off a perfect season. Poland finishes up at home Monday against Girard.

Game Photos Can Be Found HERE

BULLDOGS HAND SOUTH RANGE FIRST NE8 LOSS

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POLAND OH-  Poland made sure South Range didn’t escape with a perfect conference run, locking down the home court and edging out the Raiders 61-58 on Tuesday. The win not only split the season series but also proved the Bulldogs weren’t backing down from the fight.

Carmine Tukalo led the charge with 22 points, while Oliver McCully dropped 15. Jacob Hayes added 8, and Brady Kendall chipped in 6 as Poland held off South Range’s late push.

Graham Heikkinen was on fire, putting up a game-high 25 points. Luke Rohan added 13, and Nate Lewis finished with 8, but South Range couldn’t quite complete the comeback.

Poland steps out of league play Friday with a road test at Boardman, while South Range looks to bounce back at home against Niles.

POLAND RALLIES PAST THE RANGE

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CANFIELD, OH – After trailing at halftime, the Poland Lady Bulldogs turned up the intensity in the second half to secure a 35-28 win over South Range in a gritty defensive battle.

South Range controlled the pace early, taking the lead into the break, but Poland responded with a strong third quarter to seize momentum. Once the Bulldogs went ahead, they never looked back, holding off the Raiders down the stretch.

Sophia Generalovich led the way for Poland with 10 points, while Kate and Lucy Harrell each contributed 7. Isabel Greco added 8 points, and Ava Stabi chipped in 3 to round out the scoring effort.

Gwen Lowry paced South Range with a game-high 14 points, keeping the Raiders in contention. Taylor Dado and Sophia Lucente each scored 4, while Ceci Foster and Heidi Bartels finished with 3 apiece.

 

TWO DOGS, ONE BONE; POLAND GETS IT

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POLAND, OH- Poland earned a pivotal league victory on Thursday, edging out Lakeview 48-40 in a closely contested game. The Poland Lady Bulldogs built an early lead and managed to hold off a strong fourth-quarter push from Lakeview to secure the win.

Sophia Generalovich led the charge for Poland with 14 points, showcasing her consistency on both ends of the court. Lucy Harrell added 11 points, providing crucial support in the victory.

Lakeview’s Mackenzie Stowe delivered an impressive performance, finishing with a game-high 15 points to keep her team in the fight. However, Lakeview’s late surge wasn’t enough to overcome Poland’s balanced scoring and steady play.

CATCHING UP WITH CARMINE

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POLAND, OH – Junior basketball sensation Carmine Tukalo of Poland High School continues to make headlines. Following a breakout sophomore season that thrust him into the spotlight, Tukalo is now one of the most formidable players in his conference, expertly balancing new leadership responsibilities and elevated expectations.

Reflecting on his rapid ascent, Tukalo attributes his success to his consistent play style and the solid support from his teammates. He notes that familiarity with his game has made other teams more aggressive, but his confidence and trust in his teammates have bolstered his performance this season. “Just stick to my game and play the same way I did last year,” Tukalo said. “I’m surrounded with a bunch of my teammates that I love and I trust.” Tukalo’s leadership extends beyond his on-court prowess. As an underclassman, he began cultivating a team spirit that has persisted into his junior year. Despite a rough start this season, Tukalo and his teammates have found their rhythm, currently riding a winning streak that showcases their resilience.

His basketball journey is rooted deeply in his early passion for the sport. Starting at the tender age of four at the YMCA, Tukalo’s dedication blossomed in middle school, where competitive tournaments across Tennessee, Kentucky, and Ohio honed his skills significantly. These experiences have not only improved his game but also offered him a glimpse of the wider basketball world, complete with scouts and high-level competition. As Tukalo navigates the crucial junior year recruiting trail, he remains focused on his development and potential college prospects, expressing a particular affinity for the University of Pittsburgh—his parents’ alma mater. In addition to basketball, Tukalo is also a standout baseball player. He values the continuous competitive environment, seamlessly transitioning from the basketball court to the baseball diamond each season. His athletic versatility is matched by academic diligence, despite the demanding schedule.

Off the court, Tukalo cherishes the unwavering support from his family, who attend every game and provide constructive feedback. This familial foundation, coupled with Coach Fender’s trust and guidance, has been integral to his development. “My family is always there to support me, and Coach Fender has pushed me to be the best I can be,” Tukalo remarked. Carmine Tukalo’s story is one of hard work, dedication, and community support, promising an exciting future for this young athlete as he continues to lead and inspire.

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WILDCATS BECOME FIRST NE8 TEAM TO SWEEP POLAND

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STRUTHERS OH- Struthers came into Thursday with a chance to make history—something no team in the NE8 has done in its seven-year run and something their program hasn’t pulled off since 2016: sweep Poland in a season series. It wasn’t pretty, but the Wildcats gutted out a gritty 42-38 win, scoring the final 4 points after Poland tied it up at 38 with a minute to go.

Gianna Martin led Struthers with 12 points, while Ava Croyle and Katelyn Kimble each added 10. The Wildcats also cashed in at the line, going 8-for-12 as a team. Poland’s Lucy Harrell dropped a game-high 17 points, with Kate Harrell adding 7 and Sophia Generalovich chipping in 6.

Struthers will hit the road Monday for a non-conference matchup at East. Poland gets back to NE8 action Thursday, hosting Girard.

POLAND HAPPY TO BE BACK HOME

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POLAND OH- Poland got back on track Monday night, leaning on their defense to grind out a 39-34 win over Salem. The Bulldogs came out hot, ripping off a 16-0 run in the first quarter that gave them just enough of a cushion to hold off Salem’s push down the stretch.

Lucy Harrell led the way for Poland with 11 points, while Kate Harrell added 10. Leanna Boccieri chipped in 7 points, and Sophia Generalovich contributed 5. On the other side, Reese Davidson Chuck kept Salem in the game with a game-high 18 points, and Abby Knickerbocker pitched in 8.

Poland heads back to NE8 action Thursday for a road rematch with Struthers, while Salem returns to EBC play Wednesday, hosting Carrollton.