BOARDMAN OH- Boardman came in to Wednesday’s game against Warren Harding knowing they needed momentum for the rest of the season. A well timed win can be a perfect springboard. The timing was right for the Spartans, as they ran away from the Raiders to a 50-35 win.
Mackenzie Riccitelli led the way for the Spartans with 12 points on the night. The Spartans got off to an 11-2 start, and Emma Mills was a big reason why. She also finished in double figures with 11. Sarah Bero came off the bench and added a solid 7.
Boardman will look to capitalize on the momentum as they travel to East on Saturday for a non conference matchup.
Postgame Interview With Mackenzie Riccitelli:
https://ysnlive.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/05E8E3B3-8684-42F3-AFAE-42D4D25DE0AF.jpeg15642315Anthony Hartwighttps://ysnlive.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Default-Email-Signature-2673571-300x70.pngAnthony Hartwig2022-01-13 16:13:152023-07-14 23:30:37BOARDMAN HOPES TO BUILD MOMENTUM
HOWLAND CENTER, OH – It was a highly anticipated rivalry that both teams needed to win to stay on track in the AAC, but it was Warren Harding who held the edge, holding off their fierce rival in the Howland Tigers by a final score of 61-59 on Friday night. This was considering the fact that the Raiders did not even play a game in three weeks due to rising COVID-19 cases amid the ongoing pandemic. Coach Keelyn Franklin was excited that they came off the hiatus with the nail biting victory over their big rival.
“It’s huge, it’s huge. I mean anytime you’re out for that amount of time, you know, to come out and get a win, that first game back is huge, especially a conference game for one, and against Howland, who is, you know, our rival, so it’s huge for us moving forward.”
Harding had a strong start to the contest with an 11-6 lead, but Howland came storming back and ended the first quarter on a 9-4 run to be locked at 15-15 at the end of the period. In the second period, Howland continued a big stretch to go on top 24-17 with the help of guys like Alex Henry, who would end up leading the Tigers with 19 as a young sophomore. Harding used a strong transition game and aggressive running towards the ball to help end the first half strong. They went on a 15-5 run, which included a Jacob Lawrence buzzer beater from downtown, to end the half with a 32-29 lead.
The Raiders used the second half to make Howland work from behind. A key goal for the Raiders was to lock down Howland’s best scorer Anthony Massucci, who was held to single-digits until the fourth quarter. It was an even third-quarter with 13 points by each side as it was 45-42 at the end of three. As Howland came back to tie the game up at 52-52, Harding would use a mid-range jumper from Lawrence and a putback to go on top 56-52. There was still a ton of fight left in the Tigers as Henry hit a crucial three-pointer and Massucci connected on two important free throws to put Howland up by one. Coach Franklin paid attention to the amount of adversity that his team had to endure.
“I just told them we’ve got to stay locked in. I mean a lot of times when adversity hits, we kind of go in the opposite direction that we should and we kind of strayed away from each other and come apart instead of together, and I think that’s what we did tonight, is we kind of just banded together when adversity hit and understood that we had to continue to get stops and try to take care of the ball on the other end and get as many good looks as possible. Staying together was key.”
The Raiders were not able to finish off without the heroics of Tyriq Ivory. He was called on to shoot free throws for Harding in the final minute of the contest. He would make clutch shots, which was vital in the two-point victory. Franklin really appreciated how he stepped up down the stretch.
“Tyriq, he was great tonight. He’s one of those athletes, when he gets going, he’s tough to deal with. He’s a dynamic type of athlete, so to see him have that success wasn’t a surprise to me. It’s something that we expect from him, but I was glad to see him have that success for sure.”
The Raiders with the win will improve to 3-4 on the year as they start off their conference slate with a 1-0 mark. They will play another pivotal conference game on Tuesday as they will head back home to take on another fierce rival in the Austintown Fitch Falcons. Coach Franklin is aware of the intensity that will show up in the Harding gym on Tuesday night and will prepare heavily.
“We’ll watch some film tomorrow. We’ll get up in the morning, watch some film, get some shots up. We’re familiar with each other, we played each other, I don’t know, maybe seven or eight times in the summer, so I think they know us well, we know them well, so it’s going to come down to who’s the tougher team and who executes better.”
The Tigers will drop to 6-5 overall, having dropped their third straight after a 6-2 start. They will start their grueling conference schedule with an 0-2 start. They will stay home on Tuesday as they will look to snap their losing skid in a non-conference outing with Louisville.
YSN’s Noah Ricks got a chance to talk to winning coach Keelyn Franklin following tonight’s contest. You can watch the full interview below.
Postgame Interview With Keelyn Franklin:
https://ysnlive.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/83FD7250-4FF2-4CCE-A992-D3F7784E49FB-scaled.jpeg17072560Anthony Hartwighttps://ysnlive.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Default-Email-Signature-2673571-300x70.pngAnthony Hartwig2022-01-09 05:40:172023-07-14 23:24:58RAIDERS HAND HEARTBREAKER TO HOWLAND
NILES, OH – The South Range Lady Raiders inch closer to the top of the NE8 with their eighth victory of the season Thursday night, as they took on the Niles Lady Red Dragons. South Range put on another dominating performance, leading 20-7 at half and 36-9 after three quarters of play. The Lady Raiders defensive play, and Lexi Giles scoring helped the Raiders come out on top over Niles, 40-21
For South Range, Giles led the team with 16 points on the night. Devin Sauerwein contributed 6 for the Lady Raiders.
For Niles, Kennedy Barrell led the way with 7 points on the night.
South Range will be back in action on Monday, as they travel to Girard to take on the Lady Indians. Niles will also be back in action on Monday, as they host Struthers. Don’t miss it on YSN!
*Contributed By YSN’s Brendan Miller
https://ysnlive.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/EDE9F2FE-7921-4DA8-B771-12B6B18151A3.jpeg16042270Anthony Hartwighttps://ysnlive.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Default-Email-Signature-2673571-300x70.pngAnthony Hartwig2022-01-07 20:10:192023-07-14 23:23:28RANGE MAKES IT THROUGH DRAGON’S DEN
AUSTINTOWN OH- The Austintown Fitch Lady Falcons (7-5) went into their first matchup of the new year with an in-conference matchup against The Warren Harding Lady Raiders (2-3)!
Fitch brought a 3-game winning streak into Wednesday’s game, looking to carry that success over to AAC play.
The Lady Falcons, who were 0-7 in the tough AAC last year, were now looking to be the wildcard competitive team.
The first quarter played like most AAC matchups do, hard-nosed on defense, with active hands to create steals that teams hope translates to buckets.
Both Fitch and Harding brough that energy early one, as they were jockeying for position on one another, ending the first in a 12-12 tie.
Leaving Coach Jeff Wilson no choice, needing a defensive spark, he called to The Enforcers! The Group of Liz Spalding, Jordan Binion and Lannie Henning all brought a defensive energy and physicality that helped turn the whole game on its head.
Ayla Ray and Rachel Spalding were a couple of thieves on the night! Generating a boatload of steals that stopped countless Lady Raiders transition opportunities.
Destanie Mccullough had the hardwood frozen, putting Warren on ice with her driving moves throughout the night.
Austintown and Coach Jeff Wilson reached deep into his bench, and had contributions from all over the floor. With nine different Lady Falcons putting up numbers in the box score!
However, when the offense is locked up, you need a key. Thankful Fitch has one in Zayda ’The Key’ Creque, who had another masterful performance on the night! Scoring 28 for her team, the same night she was featured as a BIG DOG Candidate for a second time! Averaging 23.5 points per game in her last four, Creque has been on a different level!
The good team effort led Fitch to their fourth straight victory 62-36, pushing Fitch’s record to 8-5.
Both The Lady Falcons and Lady Raiders continue conference play with a couple of Saturday afternoon matchups.
Canfield and The Lady Cardinals will welcome in Harding January 8th at 2:30 p.m.
Likewise, Fitch also plays at 2:30 p.m. as they hit the road to take on Coach Pounds and The Howland Lady Tigers Saturday!
*Contributed by YSN’s Ty Bartell
Postgame interview With Jeff Wilson:
Postgame Interview With Zayda Creque:
https://ysnlive.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/11B000B6-5012-4408-B79A-0B2D389F2634-scaled.jpeg14942560Anthony Hartwighttps://ysnlive.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Default-Email-Signature-2673571-300x70.pngAnthony Hartwig2022-01-06 15:05:532023-07-14 23:21:41WARREN’S RAID HALTED BY FITCH
STRUTHERS, OH – The South Range Lady Raiders collected their seventh victory of the season Monday night, as they took on the Struthers Lady Wildcats. Lexi Giles and Chloe Neider came to play for their respective teams, but Giles had the upper hand as she helped boost the Raiders to the victory over Struthers with a game-high in points in a close one, 35-30.
For South Range, Giles led the team with a game-high 19 points on the night. Emma Cunningham contributed 4 for the Lady Raiders. Cunningham and Devin Sauerwein both hit big shots in the final minutes of the game.
For Struthers, Chloe Neider led the Lady Wildcats with 15 points. And Faith Stellato contributed 8 points on the night.
South Range will be back in action on Thursday, January 6th as they travel to Niles to take on the Lady Red Dragons. Struthers will also be back in action on Thursday, as they host Girard. Don’t miss it on YSN!
*Contributed by YSN’s Brendan Miller
https://ysnlive.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/225B871A-44F2-467B-AFA7-43B3A4FE77EA.jpeg9991788Anthony Hartwighttps://ysnlive.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Default-Email-Signature-2673571-300x70.pngAnthony Hartwig2022-01-04 16:42:002023-07-14 23:20:06RAIDERS STAY ON PACE IN THE NE8
NEW MIDDLETOWN, Ohio- The Springfield Tigers played host to rival South Range in front of an electric crowd at Leigh Klingensmith Court on Tuesday night in what turned out to be an all-time classic.
Though the Tigers led for almost the entirety of regulation, South Range stayed close. The Raiders only let the Tigers lead blossom to nine points, which allowed them to stay within striking distance. South Range was led by Ayden Leon, who led all scorers with 21 points, before eventually fouling out.
The Raiders took their first lead since they were up 5-4 with just under one minute remaining in the fourth quarter, but Springfield answered. After a near-miss by Beau Brungard from just inside half court at the end of regulation, the game headed to overtime.
The Tigers struggled themselves with committing fouls, as seniors Alex Rothwell and Jake Joyce fouled out in the fourth quarter and first overtime session respectively.
Adam Wharry guided the Tigers through extra time, playing all 44 minutes in the contest. He led the Tigers with 19 points. Beau Brungard added in nine points of his own.
Springfield’s four seniors (Brungard, Joyce, Rothwell, Wharry) combined for 56 of Springfield’s 67 points.
UP NEXT
Springfield: After a nail-biting victory, the Tigers (5-0) will play host to the winless Hubbard Eagles on Thursday night.
South Range: After a tough loss, the Raiders (1-8) will travel to Poland for a crucial NE8 tilt with the Bulldogs.
SALEM OH- After falling in tough game to Mooney the night before, Salem bounced back with a 50-45 win over South Range. The Quakers had to hold off a furious South Ranfe comeback to secure the win. After three quarters Salem led 44-26. However a 16-1 run by the Raiders quickly made it a 45-42 game late. The Quakers did do enough to hang on though.
Drew Weir led the Quakers offense with 11 points. He was one of three players in double figures. Brock Young, and Cam Sampson both added 10 points.
Landon Moore was big in the Raiders comeback attempt. He led the Raiders with a game-high 20 points.
Both teams have big rivalry games next on their schedule as Salem travels to West Branch, and the Raiders invade Springfield. Both games are slated for Tuesday at 7:00.
https://ysnlive.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/5529C949-79DC-4154-982F-4156004F90CB-scaled.jpeg14462560Anthony Hartwighttps://ysnlive.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Default-Email-Signature-2673571-300x70.pngAnthony Hartwig2021-12-24 21:03:342021-12-24 21:03:34SALEM HOLDS OFF RAIDERS TO SPLIT HOLIDAY CLASSIC
CANFIELD OH- A tough one point loss to league leading Poland would be enough to discourage a lot of teams, but there was no signs of that on Thursday in South Range. The Raiders got right back to work winning a defensive struggle with Hubbard 33-16. The Raiders held the Eagles to just 6 second half points.
Lexi Giles led the way for the Raiders scoring 13 points. Emma Cunningham added an important 7 points as well.
Peytyn Slovesko led the Eagles with 8 points. She hit the only three pointer of the night for the Eagles.
South Range will look ahead to their holiday tournament starting on Tuesday December 28th. The Raiders will play Tallmadge in the night cap on Tuesday. Hubbard will travel to Valley Christian on Monday.
https://ysnlive.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/19DF0F15-FF8B-4577-BAEF-EBFEA6AAC409.jpeg13442221Anthony Hartwighttps://ysnlive.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Default-Email-Signature-2673571-300x70.pngAnthony Hartwig2021-12-17 16:35:042021-12-17 16:35:04RAIDERS GET WIND BACK IN THEIR SAILS
CANFIELD OH- Jefferson came in to Tuesday night’s game at South Range looking to start their league season with a bang. They did just that as they shot the lights out in the Raiders gym. Before you could blink, the Falcons had already hit six three pointers as a team. Led by Bobby Ray who was hit from the start, the Falcons shooting overwhelmed the Raiders zone defense.
However, South Range was not without fight. They would turn a 48-30 deficit in the third quarter to a 50-42 Jefferson lead heading into the fourth quarter. The Raiders ran out of gas though as Jefferson ran away with 4th Quarter, winning the frame 19-8, and winning the game 69-48.
Bobby Ray was electric all night for the Falcons and led them with 32 points. Grant Hitchcock also was a strong contributor while Brock Bean did hard work down low against a physical Raider defense. He even had to exit the game with a nasty cut. He had it taken care of, and seemed to come back even stronger.
The Raiders were led by Landon Moore with 16 points. Ayden Leon added a solid 8 points to the effort.
Jefferson returns to action on Friday as they will host Girard. South Range will stay at home as well as they look to get on track hosting Lakeview on Friday.
Postgame Interview with Rob Pisano:
Postgame Interview With Bobby Ray:
https://ysnlive.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Jefferson-Falcons-ball.png720960Anthony Hartwighttps://ysnlive.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Default-Email-Signature-2673571-300x70.pngAnthony Hartwig2021-12-15 15:09:052021-12-15 15:09:05JEFFERSON PUTS ON A SHOW
CANFIELD OH- First place was on the line on Monday night as it always seems to be when South Range meets with Poland. The Bulldogs escaped a fourth quarter rally to win 35-34.
The Raiders jumped out in front early, going up 4-0 in their first couple of possessions. Katie McDonald stemmed the tide for Poland though scoring their first six points. McDonald would finish with 8. The 2nd quarter was an offensive stand still as the two teams combined for 6 points. Poland went into halftime with a 16-12 lead. They’d balloon that lead to as much as 27-17 in the 3rd quarter. The Raiders weren’t done yet though, they came storming back in the fourth quarter to make a game of it. Lexi Giles hit a pair of free throws to make it a 35-34 Poland lead with 5.5 to go. Poland would miss the following free throw, but the Raiders couldn’t get a look at the game winning shot.
Mary Brant led the Bulldogs with 12 points. Abby Farber contributed 7, including an important three pointer in the 3rd frame that seemed to give Poland’s offense some flow.
Lexi Giles finished with a game-high 18 points to lead the Raiders. Hannah Heikkinen was very important in the Raiders comeback scoring all 6 of her points in the final frame. Emma Cunningham hit the only three of the game for the Raiders.
The two teams will meet again on January 24th in Poland. They both hope that their spots in the league will stay where they are now. There’s a lot of basketball before then though, Poland will stay on the road to face Girard on Thursday and South Range will stay at home to host Hubbard.
Postgame Interview With Nick Blanch:
Postgame Interview With Abby Farber:
https://ysnlive.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/9ED190EB-6D96-4B9F-AF38-4BC9C82C795A-scaled.jpeg17012560Anthony Hartwighttps://ysnlive.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Default-Email-Signature-2673571-300x70.pngAnthony Hartwig2021-12-14 15:48:092023-07-14 23:07:06POLAND SECURES TOP SPOT IN NE8
