CANFIELD OH- It was a highly anticipated matchup on Friday as Canfield and Poland got together to bring in the new year with a bang. The first half was as electric as anyone could have hoped. Both teams were trading blows back and forth. Canfield was doing it from the perimeter hitting five three pointers in the first two quarters. The Cardinals shot their way to a 27-23 lead at halftime. The third quarter was when Canfield flexed their muscles as they outscored the Bulldogs 19-10 in the frame. It would set the scene for a 54-39 win.
Carlie Harman shot the lights out for the Cardinals. In her best performance of the season she finished with 24 points. Kate Sahli put in a solid night finishing in double figures with 14. Abby Muckleroy collected another double figure game finishing with 11.
Poland was led by a tough nosed effort from Mary Brant finishing with 11 points. Ariana Daniels was also in double figures with 10. Eight different Bulldogs scored on the night.
Canfield will open the new year with a matchup against AAC rival Boardman on the road on Wednesday. Poland also returns to league play on Thursday as they host Hubbard.
https://ysnlive.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/3F47D83A-4BCA-4A08-BE58-0DA36FCA3963.jpeg9961796Anthony Hartwighttps://ysnlive.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Default-Email-Signature-2673571-300x70.pngAnthony Hartwig2023-01-02 06:50:192023-01-02 06:50:19CANFIELD GRABS VICTORY IN BATTLE OF 224
POLAND OH- First place was on the line Thursday night as Struthers came in to Poland. Both the Wildcats and Bulldogs came in undefeated in the NE8. The game went down exactly how you’d expect a battle for first place to go. The game was full of runs and lead changes. Struthers had a solid first half and went into the locker room sporting a 31-23 lead. Poland would quickly respond starting the third on a 8-0 run and controlling the whole third frame. The Bulldogs outscored Struthers 19-4 in the third quarter to take a 42-35 lead into the final frame. This time it was the Wildcats turn to run. They used their perimeter dominance to get right back in the game. With a minute to go they lead 56-55. After a couple of empty possessions Poland found themselves with the ball still down 1 with 17 seconds left. After Sarah Forsyth drove in the lane, she missed her first shot attempt, got her own rebound and then got fouled shooting the putback. With 1.7 seconds to go the senior would go to the line to shoot two. She was 4/9 at the line going into those shots, but she buried them both to put Poland ahead for good 57-56.
Katie McDonald got herself healthy in time for the game, and had one of her best games of her basketball career. She finished with a team-high 18 points. Forsyth played hero at the line, and finished with 15. Ariana Daniels was also in double figures with 10.
Faith Stellato had a stellar day for Struthers especially from beyond the arc. She drilled seven threes on her way to a 24 point performance. Chloe Neider finished in double figures for Struthers with 13 points. Emma Morris was also in double digits with an impressive 10 points.
Poland will be off for 8 days as they return to action Friday December 30th traveling to Canfield. Struthers will get back to the floor in the new year. They will host Ursuline on January 2nd.
https://ysnlive.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/1DE262E8-8E61-4F8F-B7B6-1A65AEC428A0.jpeg12341968Anthony Hartwighttps://ysnlive.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Default-Email-Signature-2673571-300x70.pngAnthony Hartwig2022-12-23 03:44:232022-12-23 03:44:23FORSYTH PUTS ON A CAPE AND KEEPS POLAND ON TOP
Since 2006, Niles has only one once against the Poland Bulldogs, coming in 2019. The Red Dragons under coach Doug Foster were looking for their fifth win of the season, but a fast first half slowly turned into a struggle second half with the Bulldogs pulling away and never looking back, winning by the final score of 50 to 37.
On Poland’s side it was JP Genova finishing with a high of 15 points and was followed by another double digit scorer in Noah Huda who had 10 points. Both Andrew Todd and Carson Maurer finished with a combined 10, six points for Danny Nittoli and two points for Luke Generalovich.
On Niles, they got off to a hot nine point run but fell. Sam Perrone finished with 13 points, never missing from the corner and Anthony Budak finished with 11 points. Robert Strickland finished with five points, Keyshon Talley with four and a combined four points for Stefon Dorsey and Matt Kozak. Niles will host the Mineral Ridge Rams after the break, while Poland will get ready after the break for the battle of 224 basketball edition against the Canfield Cardinals.
After the game, Ian O’Brien caught up with coach Eric Fender and player of the game JP Genova about the game and what to expect next.
*Contributed by YSNs Ian O’Brien*
https://ysnlive.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/2C260D87-7A62-4D29-BBA1-E4810D347A27.jpeg10621976Anthony Hartwighttps://ysnlive.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Default-Email-Signature-2673571-300x70.pngAnthony Hartwig2022-12-21 19:07:192022-12-21 19:07:19POLAND’S DOMINANCE OF THE DRAGONS CONTINUES
POLAND OH- Like many teams across the state of Ohio, Poland is currently dealing with low numbers due to illness. That didn’t stop them from strapping up and welcoming in conference rival Jefferson Monday night. The Falcons came in with a fighter’s mentality and never backed down from the Bulldogs. However, the Bulldogs used their bench depth to overwhelm Jefferson and stay undefeated in the NE8 with a 55-37 win.
Mary Brant led the Bulldogs with a big second half to finish the night with 15 points. Kylee Hudran came off the bench and hit four threes to finish in double figures with 12. 8 other Bulldogs put themself in the stat book. Ariana Daniels, and Sarah Forsyth both finished with 6 points. Leanne Williams had her first career varsity start and contributed plenty of rebounds in the paint, and 3 points.
Jefferson also had several players contribute to their scoring in the losing effort. They were led by Mia Contenza who got into double figures with 10. Tatum Bordeaux, Darbie Skytta, and Riley Franklin all finished with 6 for the Falcons.
Poland’s win sets up a first place battle with Struthers on Thursday. Jefferson will stay on the road as they travel to Girard on Thursday.
https://ysnlive.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/2291AE82-2622-4D28-8B19-3D8C891A37F7.jpeg5951028Anthony Hartwighttps://ysnlive.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Default-Email-Signature-2673571-300x70.pngAnthony Hartwig2022-12-20 05:32:512022-12-20 05:32:51POLAND’S DEPTH COMES THROUGH
CANFIELD OH- Every year the NE8 in girls basketball has come down to matchups between South Range and Poland. So even though the first matchup between the two this new season came so early in the campaign, you can imagine why people were paying attention. The Bulldogs and Raiders went back and forth, both hitting each other with runs in the game. The difference in the game really proved to be the second quarter. After Poland jumped ahead 11-2, South Range stormed back to cut the deficit to 11-10. From that point until halftime Poland outscored the Raiders 15-0. A 26-10 halftime lead would be more than enough. The Bulldogs absorbed another Raider run in the third, and then won the game 47-26. In fact, the 1st and 3rd quarters were 13-10 Poland in the first, and South Range won the third 14-10, Poland however dominated quarters 2 and 4 winning the 2nd 15-0 and the fourth 11-2.
Ariana Daniels is starting to find her stride into basketball season as she led the team with 13 points. Sarah Forsyth was also in double figures for Poland with 11 points. Leanne Williams scored an important 7 points off the bench for the Bulldogs. Mary Brant contributed 6 points.
Emma Cunningham and Taylor McClish both paced the Raiders scoring 6 points a piece. Cici Foster and Devin Sauerwein both added 5.
Both teams are home for their next contest. The Bulldogs return home Monday to host Jefferson, while the Raiders stay at home on Monday to host Niles.
https://ysnlive.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/6E434BAC-CAB3-437B-BCB4-BE6C4B82DAE4.jpeg12391936Anthony Hartwighttps://ysnlive.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Default-Email-Signature-2673571-300x70.pngAnthony Hartwig2022-12-16 05:58:002022-12-16 05:58:00POLAND TAKES A BIG STEP IN THE NE8
NILES OH- The last time the Lady McKinley Red Dragons won against Poland was nearly ten years ago in 2013. Last night was an opportunity to end the winless streak against their Northeast 8 rival Bulldogs and gain momentum against Jefferson and before the Holidays. Unfortunately, that would not happen their way as the Poland Lady Bulldogs came out fast and never looked back winning 61 to 15.
Katie McDonald led the Bulldog pack with 12 points and was able to get the much needed rebounds and put backs in the paint all night. Behind her was Elliana Thompson scoring nine, seven for Mary Brant, six for Ava Nicholudis, five for Brooke Rowe and Allie Grope, four for Ariana Daniels, three for Sarah Forsyth, Lucy Harrell, and Leanne Williams and finishing it off was two points for Kylee Hudran. On Niles, it was Abbey Reed who’s been averaging 10 points per game being the leading scorer with six. That would be followed by Gianna Wagner with five, and four points combined for Alaina Thigpen and Katie Heinselman.
Both teams will continue NE8 conference Rivalry action thursday. Niles (2-4) will travel to Jefferson while Poland (5-1) will travel to the South Range. After the game, Ian O’Brien caught up with head coach Nick Blanch and player of the game Katie McDonald.
*Contributed by YSNs Ian O’Brien*
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POLAND OH- A couple weeks have gone by and Poland has started yet another season on the basketball court with high hopes. They started the season 4-0 with an impressive non conference slate, and then a NE8 opening win against Girard. The undefeated Bulldogs then would put their skills to the test by welcoming in fellow undefeated Salem. The Quakers got the better of the Bulldogs in Poland and gave them their first loss. Head coach Nick Blanch thinks they can learn from both the wins, and the loss as they truck forward into their season. The Bulldogs have a week full of road conference games with Niles on Monday, and South Range on Thursday.
Coach Blanch took the time to talk with YSN’s Anthony Hartwig to talk about the start to their season. They discuss what he’s been able to learn about his team in the first few weeks of the season, preview the tough week ahead, and much more. Check out Episode 2 of Coach’s Corner with Nick Blanch.
Presented By:
https://ysnlive.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/CC_-Poland-Lady-Bulldogs-1456383.png16202880Anthony Hartwighttps://ysnlive.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Default-Email-Signature-2673571-300x70.pngAnthony Hartwig2022-12-12 15:34:582023-07-15 04:36:18POLAND GIRLS BASKETBALL COACH’S CORNER (EP 2) WITH NICK BLANCH
POLAND OH- In the third game of the day at Poland’s United Way Classic, the fans were treated to a huge matchup between two undefeated teams. Salem would square up with the host Bulldogs. With the game tied at the end of both the first two quarters, it was the second half adjustments that saw Salem pull away. They outscored Poland 34-21 in the final two frames to win 53-40.
Abbie Davidson just kept on scoring like she has all season. Poland’s stout defense had no answer for Davidson, and she scored 19 points. Rylee Hutton was also in double figures for the Quakers scoring 13. Kami Rohm was close to a double double with 9 points, and 7 rebounds. She also had 4 steals, and 3 blocks.
Both teams get back to league action this week as Poland will travel to Niles to open a tough road stretch, and Salem will get back home and host West Branch.
https://ysnlive.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/1B4F7EE1-8278-49B5-8598-30F68E4169F7-scaled-1.jpeg15132560Anthony Hartwighttps://ysnlive.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Default-Email-Signature-2673571-300x70.pngAnthony Hartwig2022-12-12 07:30:262022-12-12 07:30:26SALEM TAKES THE BATTLE OF UNBEATENS
POLAND OH- A lot of pre season NE8 polls showed this could be a down year for Poland inside the conference. With teams like Struthers, Girard, and South Range always nipping at the heels, some people thought it was their time. But no one asked the players in Poland’s locker room. On Thursday night they showed exactly what they thought of their doubters with a 42-22 win over Girard to open the NE8 season.
The scoring was spread out for Poland. Much like their win in Boardman on Monday the Bulldogs are finding many players with opportunities to score. 9 different Bulldogs scored on the night. They were led by Mary Brant who finished with 9. Sarah Forsyth wasn’t far behind her finishing with 7. Ariana Daniels, and Ava Nicholudis both finished with 5 as well.
It was a struggle offensively for the Indians. They were led by Abbie Rafferty who dropped points. Sieasia Triplett had a nice day with 5 points.
https://ysnlive.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/FDC36E8D-1DFE-47F2-B4C0-3FD95EE1427A.jpeg9761643Anthony Hartwighttps://ysnlive.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Default-Email-Signature-2673571-300x70.pngAnthony Hartwig2022-12-09 04:44:352022-12-09 04:44:35POLAND SHOWS THEY CAN STILL BE TOP DOG
An early season non-conference matchup saw a rivalry renewed. Perhaps not to the same intensity as that of a Canfield or South Range, but Fitch and Poland basketball are perennial opponents to each other almost every season. The Bulldogs had a ten point victory against Austintown when Poland hosted them in the 2021 campaign, this time around, Fitch brought it to their court.
The 2020 season ended up skipping Fitch’s turn in the home and away rotation year to year, meaning the last time these two teams locked horns on Austintown turf was 2018! It has been even longer since The Falcons tasted victory against Poland, with their last victory against The Bulldogs coming on January 26th, 2016! The win came when the two teams were playing each other twice a season as conference opponents part of The All American Conferences (AAC) Red Division.
The Tuesday matchup is what you expect when these two teams go at it like in the past, with a lot of hustle, heart and determination being shown from both sides. A pair of gritty teams that know the value in playing a hard-nosed brand of defense.
Points were at a premium as both teams exchanged in some back and forth scoring, with neither team establishing a distinct advantage and a few lead changes throughout. Premier athletes in the Poland community such as Danny Nittoli and Noah Huda provided a nice one-two punch as a guard and a big for The Bulldogs. While Guys like Bryce Barringer and Luke Generalovich made a trifecta of three point shots a piece, expanding the offensive range of Poland.
On the other side, the scoring trio of Marcel Finkley, Gianni Maley and Carter Owens each contributed by scoring in double digits on the night. While the twin bigs in Alex and Allen Hill were defensive juggernauts on their 15th birthday! The Player of the Game was Carter Owens and give him that legendary “ice in his veins” badge, as he knocked down a pair of critical threes late in the game whilst coming up with some big free throws to help salt a Fitch victory away. A big win for Austintintown as they ended their near seven year drought against The Bulldogs by a final score of 47-41.
Both teams are in action again this upcoming Friday, with Poland (1-2) going back home to prepare for an in-conference dog fight, literally! Hosting The Lakeview Bulldogs (1-3) in both teams first conference bout of the season. For Fitch (2-0) they will stay home and take to the skies as a 2021 Regional Finalist in The Cardinal Mooney Cardinals (2-0) comes to town. Both games are slated to be on YSN!
Stats (Fitch)
Carter Owens: 12 PTS, 8 REB, 1 AST. (Player of the Game)
Gianni Maley: 10 PTS, 2 REB, 3 STL.
Marcel Finkley: 14 PTS, 2 REB, 1 AST, 1 STL.
Allen Hill: 6 PTS, 6 REB, 1 AST, 1 STL, 3 BLK.
Alex Hill: 3 REB, 1 AST, 4 BLK.
Cecil Fidram: 3 PTS, 3 REB, 2 STL.
Kendall Ziegler: 2 PTS.
Stats (Poland)
Luke Genralovich: 9 PTS, 1 REB, 1 STL.
Bryce Barringer: 9 PTS, 1 REB, 1 STL.
Danny Nittoli: 7 PTS, 8 REB.
Cole Fulton: 7 PTS, 3 REB, 1 BLK.
Carson Maurer: 4 PTS, 2 REB, 1 STL.
Noah Huda: 3 PTS, 2 REB, 1 STL.
Jake Allsopp: 2 PTS, 1 AST, 1 STL.
Nico Genova: 1 REB, 1 AST, 1 STL.
*Contributed By YSN’s Ty Bartell.
https://ysnlive.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/32D9816C-0342-4780-8382-87E29EA1C640.jpeg14752326Anthony Hartwighttps://ysnlive.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Default-Email-Signature-2673571-300x70.pngAnthony Hartwig2022-12-07 16:45:302022-12-07 16:45:30FALCONS WIN A DOG FIGHT WITH POLAND
