Tag Archive for: Poland

POLAND TOP DOG IN CLASH WITH SOUTH RANGE

Control of the league hung in the balance Monday night when Poland traveled to South Range. Poland proved to still be the class of the league with an impressive 51-35 win over the Raiders.

The magnitude of the game was felt from the tip as the jump ball to start the game flew out of bounds before anyone could get to it, on the second try there was an immediate scrum on the floor for it. The Raiders got on the board in their first possession with a pair of free throws. 2-0 would prove to be the only lead the Raiders would have. Brooke Bobbey nailed a three on the other end to make it 3-2 and Poland would lead throughout the rest of the game.

That’s not to say the Raiders didn’t keep it competitive. They trailed by just one towards the end of the first gram before Grisdale hit a three in the closing seconds. She would do the same in the closing seconds of the first half to make a four point lead seven. 22-15 Poland led at the break. Izzy Lamparty had to spend much of the second quarter on the bench with three fouls.

The Raiders came out of the break with energy and got the lead cut to three, 28-25 but Jackie Grisdale seemed to hit a shot in every big situation for the Bulldogs. She made it 30-25 and the Bulldogs would score five more before the end of the third to make it 35-25.

Poland jumped way ahead in the final frame opening it on a 6-0 run and stretching their lead to 41-25. The Raiders with one more gasp of hope put together an 8-0 run cutting the lead to 41-33 with just over two minutes left in the game. Out of a timeout Brooke Bobbey hit maybe the biggest shot of the game as her fourth three of the game put Poland up 44-33 and pretty much ended any comeback bid the Raiders had.

Jackie Grisdale led the Bulldogs with 19 points 6 rebounds. Brooke Bobbey added 13. She hit four threes on the night.

Lexi Giles had a strong night for South Range with 13 points. Izzy Lamparty finished in double figures with 12.

Poland returns to action Thursday as they host Struthers.

South Range gets back to work Thursday as they host Lakeview.

POLAND FALLS IN DEFENSIVE SHOWDOWN OF 224

POLAND, OH- Poland faced their rival Canfield on Saturday looking to add to their winning streak. The Cardinals would end their streak in a game where Canfield only allowed 33 points in a defensive heavy matchup by both teams. Canfield would pick up the victory 35-33 against the Bulldogs in this one.

The first half was a strong defensive half by both teams. Poland and Canfield were tied at the end of the first quarter at 10. Poland’s Michael Gordon and Michael Cougras both had 3 points in the quarter while Canfield’s Brent Herrman had 5 points for the Cardinals. Second-quarter only saw 9 points scored by both teams. Poland’s Zach Kassem had 4 points at this point in the game while Canfield’s Herrman had 6 points.

The game was all tied up at 22 by the end of the third quarter. Poland’s Zach Kassem had 9 points at the end of the third while Canfield’s Joe Bruno also had 9. Canfield separated themselves in the fourth quarter after the Dogs got into foul trouble. Poland fought back towards the end of the game but was unable to retake the lead. The Cardinals beat the Bulldogs 35-33. Bruno finished the game 10 points. Zach Kassem had 13 points.

Poland will face Hubbard on January 14th. Canfield will face Boardman on January 17th.

*Story contributed by YSN’s Anthony Melone

BLUE’S KLU’S

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.

 

POLAND TAKES BATTLE OF BULLDOGS

POLAND, OH- Poland, OH- Coming off a big win against Struthers, the Poland Bulldogs faced the Lakeview Bulldogs at the beginning of a three-game homestand. Lakeview would have the lead throughout the game until the final quarter. Lakeview’s Forward Jake Wilms led his team in points with 14 points while Poland’s Guard Andrew Centofanti finished the night with 12 points. Poland wins a close one 49-41.

In the first-quarter Lakeview went up early with Wilms adding 8 points in the quarter. Poland would storm back after Guard Andrew Centofanti added 6 points and Zach Kassem added 3 more to make the game 11-14, Lakeview. In the second quarter, Wilms would get some assistance from his Lakeview teammates to maintain the lead at halftime, 22-21. Poland would keep up with Lakeview after Michael Cougras added 5 points while Zach Kassem added 3 more points before halftime.

Both teams would find success at the 3 point line in the third quarter. The Poland starting 5 would contribute 32 points to this point in the game highlighted by Centofanti’s reaching double digits. Lakeview would keep the lead at the end of the quarter with Forward Brendan Kilpatrick nailing a half-court shot at the buzzer to make the score, 33-34 Lakeview. Poland’s JP Genova would catch fire in the opening minutes of the fourth quarter and Poland would take the lead for the remainder of the game. Genova had 8 points in this quarter alone(9 overall). Lakeview’s Wilms would finish the game with 14 points while Kilpatrick has 12 points.

Poland will host Jefferson on Friday, January 10th. Lakeview will host Hubbard on the same day.

*Story contributed by YSN’s Anthony Melone

BULLDOGS FLY AHEAD OF EAGLES

The Poland girls got back to NE8 play on Monday night with a 64-24 win over Hubbard.

It was all Poland from the jump as the Bulldogs started the game on a 9-0 run and never looked back from there. It was once again their defense leading the way who suffocated the Eagles offense all night. It was the third time this season they’d held an opponent below thirty. The Bulldogs got contributions from a lot of players on the night. 12 Bulldogs got on the stat sheet. Only one player that got into the game didn’t score.

Jackie Grisdale led the team with 21 points 5 rebounds. Morgan Kluchar added 7, three players finished with 6. Kailyn Brown, Brooke Bobbey, and Arianna Daniels.

Poland returns to action Thursday as they travel to Niles.

Hubbard hosts Struthers on Thursday night.

POLAND ALL SMILES IN WIN OVER LIBERTY

POLAND, OH- The Poland Lady Bulldogs were in a place on Saturday where they haven’t been in quite some time, in a losing streak. The schedule did not get any easier either as they welcomed in a one-loss Liberty team. However, Poland looked sharp as they dominated Liberty in a 63-43 victory.

The first quarter lived up to the billing of the matchup. Liberty and Poland traded blows back and forth. Both offenses seemed to be in a good rhythm as the first quarter ended with 12-11 Liberty lead. This trend would not last, however, as Poland’s defense started to rush the Leopards into plenty of unforced turnovers. That coupled with Liberty foul trouble made It easy for Poland to shoot ahead and take a commanding lead.

Things were never in doubt for the Bulldogs after halftime as the closest the Leopards could get in the second half is 9 points. Poland’s defense is what everyone would expect. Their offense however who has struggled at times this year really had success. 63 points is the highest total for the Bulldog offense, and on the other end of the floor 43 was by far the lowest total Liberty had been held to this season.

Jackie Grisdale led the Bulldogs with 20 points 7 rebounds and Kailyn Brown gathered a double-double with 17 points 10 rebounds.

Poland returns to action Monday as they host Hubbard.

WILDCATS, BULLDOGS, AND COUGRAS, OH MY; POLAND WINS OT THRILLER

STRUTHERS, OH- For many, Struthers Fieldhouse will forever be remembered for the events that have been hosted in its time, but on Friday night, the historic building served as home to another set of memories for many as Poland and Struthers played in an instant classic inside the CatHouse.  Poland rallied to force overtime and later prevailed on a Michael Cougras layup that sealed a 57-56 NE8 victory.

This was Struthers’ first loss of the season.

Cougras would finish with 19- a game-high on either side of the sideline, while teammate Adam Kassem supplemented with a dozen points.

For Struthers, Brandon Washington and Carson Ryan continued to be steady for the Wildcats.  Ryan led the way with 15, while Washington had 13.  Week 2 YSN/Baird Brothers Big Dog of the Valley, Trey Metzka had 8.

Poland (4-2) will now host Lakeview on Tuesday, while Struthers (6-1) will host South Range.  Both games will be available on YSN if you can’t make it in person.

 

THE THUNDERING HERD

Lizzy Herdman is one of the new faces to a Lady Bulldog team that returns four out of five starters from the 2018 season. Lizzy’s position was not handed to her. She has worked her way up in the program over the last two seasons. Putting her time in on the JV level and constantly growing. That time is something Coach Blanch respects in a player. Herdman doesn’t have the need of instant gratification, she understands everything has to be earned. Coming in to this summer she was determined to take her place at the varsity level. The coaching staff saw pretty quickly how much of an asset Herdman was going to be. She was rewarded a starting role and in the first game of the season, she showed she belonged by leading the team in rebounds against a physical Champion squad. Lizzy still isn’t satisfied with just getting to start, she says her personal goal as the season goes on is to become more of an offensive impact for her team. She also understands that now as a junior she needs to be a leader of this team. Strong leadership has been a pin of the program over the years and Herdman is determined to continue that trend. It’s been a long time coming for this junior, she’s been building her skills and waiting for her time. Now nothing can stop the thundering herd from dominating down low. 

Anthony Hartwig went down to Poland to talk to Lizzy. They discuss earning her new spot, what she expects from herself going forward, and much more. Get your fix of Lady Bulldog basketball with the latest Player Profile The Thundering Herd.

CARDINALS CAUSE PROBLEMS FOR POLAND

The rivalry for 224 is renewed. Canfield came in to Poland on Saturday afternoon and came away with an impressive four point victory 40-36.

The Bulldogs spent all day working hard for every point they got. The Cardinal Defense was suffocating and did not allow any free space for the Poland offense. The offensive struggles put Poland in an early 19-9 hole in the first half. Then freshman Arianna Daniels came off the bench and gave Poland a spark with a tough basket from the baseline. The Bulldogs ended the first half on a 9-0 run to only trail 19-18 at the break.

Kailyn Brown started to get things going in the third quarter as Poland tied up the game before heading into the final frame. With the score tied at 32 in the fourth Canfield hit a big three after securing a loose ball and catching Poland out of position. This would prove to be a turning point in the game as the Cardinals scored five of the next six points in the game. This was mainly due to three straight offensive rebounds off of free throws. Connie Cougras hit a late three but it was too little too late for the Bulldogs as they feel to Canfield 40-36.

Kailyn Brown led Poland with 12 points 10 rebounds. Connie Cougras gave the Bulldogs a strong 8 points off the bench.

Poland takes a week off and will host Liberty on Saturday January 4th.

JACKIE OF ALL TRADES

Jackie Grisdale is the definition of someone who can do it all. She is on pace to receive 20 varsity letters when her career at Poland is over. That would be a school record. But the question remains how does Jackie avoid fatigue. She says she’s never really had to deal with it. She handles the small breaks she gets, and makes sure her body is always well rested. A true example of an all around athlete. 

As far as basketball season goes, Jackie came in knowing she’d be asked to do more than she was a season ago. She worked all summer on her ball handling and court awareness. As a captain on the team she is also being asked to become a stronger leader on the floor than ever before. As a daughter of coaches, understanding the game has never been a problem for Jackie. She  uses her strong knowledge of the game to strengthen her leadership abilities. She gets her teammates in the best position to score. 

Anthony Hartwig traveled to Poland to catch up with Jackie and talk about her multi sport ability, new leadership tools, and much more. Learn all about one of the Lady Bulldog captain in the latest Player Profile Jackie of All Trades.