Tag Archive for: preseason

WYLLIE COYOTE

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MINERAL RIDGE OH- Mineral Ridge’s senior softball standout, Sydney Wyllie, recently shared her thoughts on the upcoming season and her journey through the sport in a recent interview with YSN’s Anthony Hartwig. As she prepares for her final year on the team, Wyllie reflects on the emotions that come with senior season and the unique leadership position she finds herself in.

Throughout the interview, Wyllie emphasized the strong bond she shares with her teammates and the sense of camaraderie they’ve built over the years. The group of senior leaders, including Wyllie, has developed a supportive environment that helps underclassmen grow both on and off the field. “It’s just super awesome to be out there with my teammates, even if it is for the last season,” she remarked. Wyllie, who plays in the outfield and is known for her skills as a slapper, passionately discussed her approach to the sport. Her dedication is evident in the way she strives to be a dependable leader and an inspiring role model, especially for the fresh faces on the team. Recalling the guidance she received as a freshman from older players, she now hopes to pass on her knowledge and enthusiasm to the younger members of the team.

Off the field, Wyllie has her sights set on an academic future. While undecided between attending the University of Cincinnati or Ohio State, she plans to major in architecture, merging her love for art and academics into her career path. As Wyllie anticipates graduation and the transition to college, she carries with her not only cherished memories from softball but also the leadership skills and friendships that have shaped her high school experience. The season ahead is sure to be emotional, yet full of opportunities for Sydney Wyllie to leave her mark on Mineral Ridge softball.

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THE THARP THING TO DO

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PERRY OH- Rosalyn Tharp, a senior captain of the Perry girls basketball team, has made a mark in her final year as she leads her team to a district championship. In a recent interview with Anthony Hartwig on YSN, Rosalyn discussed the emotional rollercoaster of her senior season and the factors contributing to her team’s success.

As a senior, Rosalyn acknowledges the pressure that comes with realizing it’s her last season. “Honestly, I think the emotions of thinking that it’s going to end have pushed me harder,” she said, emphasizing her desire to extend the season as far as possible for a strong tournament run. The Perry team’s bonding and perseverance have been integral to their victorious year. Starting the season on a rocky note, the team quickly found their footing. “Us seniors, we lost the district final our sophomore year… I think this year was just kind of like a comeback,” Rosalyn shared about their motivation to capture the district title.

Rosalyn, who regards the summer before the season as an essential period for development, reported a strong commitment from her teammates. Many of them participated in multiple sports while still dedicating time to summer scrimmages and extra gym practices. Heading into the district championship game, Rosalyn confessed to feeling nervous but was fueled by adrenaline once stepping onto the court. The title win against a tough opponent with a final score of 38-28 reflected the team’s defensive prowess and composure under pressure. As a team captain, Rosalyn has taken on the responsibility of nurturing younger players, pushing them to excel while fostering camaraderie through team dinners and other activities. “Just being a captain… is huge,” she noted, inspired by the impactful leadership she experienced during her sophomore year.

With the district championship secured, Rosalyn and her team are focused on the regional rounds ahead. While they took time to celebrate their success, they quickly returned to intense practice sessions to continue their journey. Reflecting on her high school basketball career, Rosalyn notes the significance of mentors like Coach Involve and Coach Austin, who have coached her since third grade. Their support and dedication have been vital in shaping not only her basketball skills but also her leadership qualities. As she prepares to graduate, Rosalyn takes pride in both her academic accomplishments, having passed numerous AP tests, and her contributions to the Perry girls basketball team’s success. Her journey, marked by personal growth and lasting friendships, stands as a testament to her resilience and leadership.

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ITS ALL AN EASE WITH PEASE

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East Liverpool, Ohio – Senior year is a milestone filled with reflection and anticipation, emotions that East Liverpool High School basketball standout Cohen Pease knows all too well. In the recent interview with YSN the senior athlete shared his experiences and aspirations with host Anthony Hartwig.

Cohen Pease has been a dynamic force on the court for the Potters, and his dedication doesn’t go unnoticed. As he navigates his last basketball season wearing the Potter uniform, Pease emphasizes the camaraderie and mutual respect within his team. “We have a great senior group,” he notes fondly, referring to the significant contingent of eight or nine seniors who’ve been playing together since junior high. His dedication to the sport is evident in the rigorous offseason regimen he undertook, focusing on strength training and refining his skills to become a versatile, three-level player. “I put a lot of work in over the summer,” Pease shared. This relentless drive is not just for personal achievement but aims to cement the legacy of his senior class and inspire future generations of East Liverpool athletes.

Beyond the court, Pease’s leadership transcends into the classroom. Holding a commendable 3.6 GPA, he is as committed to his academic pursuits as he is to basketball. “Student first,” he emphasizes, mindful that excelling academically is crucial for his ambition to play college basketball. Looking ahead, Pease dreams of playing at the collegiate level, a goal he’s pursued since childhood. He seeks a college program that provides a “home-type of feel,” underscoring the importance of comfort and support in his next chapter. “Comfortability matters where you’re going,” he states, aptly encapsulating his future ambitions.

As Pease approaches his final days at East Liverpool, he’s proud of his achievements—both academic and athletic. Graduating with high honors and leaving a lasting impact on and off the court are among his proudest accomplishments. Reflecting on the mentorship he received from former players and the unwavering support from his family, especially his father, Pease is grateful and hopeful.

The interview concluded with Pease expressing heartfelt thanks to his coaches, family, teammates, and teachers who have significantly influenced his journey. Their support has been instrumental in shaping him into the leader he is today. Cohen Pease’s senior year may soon be a memory, but his contributions to East Liverpool High School will resonate for years to come. As he prepares to take his next steps, the entire community eagerly anticipates the remarkable achievements that lie ahead for this exceptional young man.

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COLUMBIANA BASKETBALL COACH’S CORNER (EP 1) WITH TODD JOHNSON

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Columbiana, OH – As the fall leaves give way to winter and basketball season approaches, the Columbiana Clippers boys’ basketball team is gearing up for an exciting new chapter. In the latest Columbiana Coach’s Corner, head coach Todd Johnson sat down with Carter Thick Mills to discuss the upcoming season, recapping last year’s successes, and highlighting the promising future for the Clippers.

Last season, the Clippers clinched a share of the EOAC (Eastern Ohio Athletic Conference) title with a commendable 19-win record, demonstrating their hard work and dedication. However, with a lot of senior talent having graduated, Coach Johnson reflected on the lessons the returning players learned from their predecessors. “I hope they took away the dedication and hard work that ultimately led to our success,” Johnson said.

The focus now shifts to the new leaders stepping up to fill these big shoes. Senior Seth Struharik has emerged as a vocal leader, keeping the morale and energy high during practices. Seniors Luca Cagliuso and Reese Roush have also started to assert themselves more vocally as the team gears up for the season. Johnson also provided a detailed breakdown of the team roster. Aside from Herrick, the team will rely on juniors Hunter DaVanzo and Brayden Clancy, alongside sophomore talents Carter Johnson and Avery Young. Freshman Senator Johnson stood out during practices, and expectations are high for his contributions.

Discussing the Clipper’s schedule, Johnson noted that the EOAC remains a tough and competitive league, predicting that this season will be filled with parity and tight contests. Outside the conference, notable matchups include the season opener at Jackson Milton and tough games against South Range and Springfield, among others. In an exciting development for Ohio high school basketball, the expansion to seven divisions presents new opportunities for smaller schools like Columbiana. “I do like the move. It brings more parity and opportunities for special years to make deeper runs,” Johnson remarked.

Columbiana Clippers have their eyes set on another strong season, with the community eagerly anticipating the first home game against the Urban Scholars on December 8. Coach Johnson’s staff, featuring former players who returned to contribute to the program’s success, reflects a deep-rooted passion and commitment to Columbiana basketball. As Coach Johnson aptly put it, “It’s great to have former players come back and help build the program. It speaks to their love of the game and their dedication to seeing us succeed.” With renewed leadership, a promising roster, and unwavering community support, the Columbiana Clippers are ready to take to the court and make their mark this season.

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BEHIND PAZEL’S EYES

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Lowellville, OH – YSN had the pleasure of sitting down with Josh Pazel, Lowellville’s stellar wide receiver, at Bedford Trails to discuss his journey in football and beyond. Starting his football career in third grade with flag football and transitioning to tackle football by fifth grade, Pazel has become a cornerstone of the Lowellville Rockets football team.

In the interview, Pazel explained his early inspiration came from watching YouTube videos, igniting a passion for the sport. Playing for a smaller school like Lowellville, Pazel values the close-knit community feeling, stating, “You just want to go out and show everyone all your skills.”

Known for forming one-half of a formidable receiving duo with Bruce, Pazel elaborated on the dynamic between them: “The only way you can stop either of us is through a double team. You can’t double team both of us.” Their synergy has significantly contributed to the Rockets’ strong passing game this season, bolstered by sophomore quarterback Ricky Woolwich. “I even worked with him last year, preparing for this year, and everything’s just really clicking,” Pazel remarked. Beyond football, Pazel is an all-around athlete, participating in basketball and track. While he loves basketball the most, he acknowledges the success he’s had in track. Commenting on his basketball skills, particularly his jumping abilities, Pazel humorously noted his varied success with dunks last season but affirmed, “I can get up there.”

Pazel credits his success and development to coaches like Coach Career and, of course, his parents, who have been his steadfast supporters. Drawing inspiration from NFL greats like Odell Beckham Jr. and Julio Jones, Pazel strives to emulate their explosive play styles. As for his pre-game rituals, Pazel prefers to mentally lock in, listening to music and preparing himself visually. Despite being a junior, Pazel already has clear aspirations for his future. He plans on pursuing a career in photography, an art form he finds “the coolest thing ever” for its ability to showcase creativity.

POLAND FOOTBALL COACH’S CORNER (EP 3) WITH TOM PAVLANSKY

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POLAND, OH-  As the football season charges full steam ahead, the Poland Bulldogs find themselves four weeks in with an impressive momentum. Head Coach Tom Pavlansky, guiding this spirited team, sat down with YSN to reflect on the journey and the challenges that lie ahead.

This year’s Bulldogs team stands out, with Pavlansky applauding his players’ dedication and camaraderie. “We have great kids here at Poland. They play hard and with great enthusiasm,” Pavlansky commented, emphasizing the mutual respect and unity within the squad.

Transitioning seamlessly through pregame itineraries and facing unpredictable weather conditions, the Bulldogs have demonstrated resilience. Their recent shutout victory is a testament to that. Pavlansky attributes this notably to a “total team effort,” praising both players and coaching staff for their coordination and execution. Defensive resilience amidst rain and mud showcased their commitment.

Offensive prowess has also been a highlight. Key players, Vito Camaro and Chase Jones, led a dominant ground game last week, collectively nearing 200 rushing yards. Pavlansky underscored the role of the offensive line and the significant tactical adjustments made due to weather conditions, ensuring ball security and strategic play.

Looking forward, the Bulldogs are gearing up for their upcoming rivalry against Canfield, a historic fixture that stirs the local community. Pavlansky recalled vivid memories from past encounters, expressing both personal and historic attachments. “It’s our rival; that can’t be understated,” he remarked, adding that memories from games as far back as 1974 still resonate with him.

As they prepare, the focus remains on daily progress and discipline. “We’ve got to put the work in,” Pavlansky asserted, reflecting the team’s commitment to continuous improvement.

Friday’s game is poised to be more than just another match; it’s about legacy and creating lasting memories, especially for the seniors. The Bulldogs are set to take on Canfield with determination to secure a victory that will be remembered for years to come.

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SOUTH RANGE VOLLEYBALL COACH’S CORNER (EP 2) WITH TJ IRONS

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CANFIELD, OH- In this episode of the YSN’s South Range Coach’s Corner, we join host DJ Yokley at GIAngelo’s in Boardman for the South Range Raiders show. His special guest for the night is the head volleyball coach of the South Range Raiders, TJ Irons. They kick off the conversation by discussing the unusual break in their schedule, with a couple of Tuesdays off in a row.

Coach Irons explains that while it’s strange, volleyball allows for more flexibility in scheduling compared to other sports. The discussion then turns to the tough schedule that the team has had in the past week. Coach Irons recounts the challenging matches against Gerard, East Liverpool, and Lakeview, all of whom are strong teams in their league. Despite the tough competition, the girls came back ready to go after a breather against Western Reserve.  The conversation shifts to the delicate nature of high school sports and how external factors can sometimes affect the team’s performance. Coach Irons mentions that homecoming festivities added a bit of distraction for the girls, with some of them getting their nails and hair done. However, he commends the girls for looking great and having fun at the homecoming dance. Looking ahead to the playoffs, Coach Irons discusses the importance of creating a legacy for the team. He mentions the success of other South Range teams in various sports and how it inspires the volleyball team to believe in their ability to go far in the tournament. The host notes that the girls seem to have adopted a winning mentality from their fellow athletes in the school, with many having brothers on successful teams. With five seniors on the team, Coach Irons emphasizes the special role that they play and the discussions they have about the legacy they want to leave. He acknowledges that thinking about legacy is not easy for high school kids, but they are aware of how fortunate they are to compete with their friends every night. The main focus before every game is to have fun and make the most of the opportunity.

In reflection, Coach Irons is pleased with the team’s progress throughout the season. He mentions the increased emphasis on strength training in the weight room, hoping it will give them an advantage in the upcoming postseason. Overall, it’s a candid and insightful discussion about the challenges and aspirations of the South Range Raiders volleyball team, as they strive to leave their mark in the playoffs and create a lasting legacy for their school.

 

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