BOARDMAN OH- If you go and watch Boardman’s girls basketball team one thing will become abundantly clear, they are set in the point guard position. Mackenzie Riccitelli runs the point for the Spartans offense, and already seems to have a solid grasp of the position. Not only is she a fantastic leader on the floor, she has mastered the art of knowing when to distribute and when to look to score. Mackenzie is a big reason for Boardman’s success, and will continue to be a key to what they do in the future.
Riccitelli won week 1 of Baird Brothers Big Dogs of the Valley. The Boardman community backed her up and voted her to the top. She had the chance to come on to Running Point to talk about her season so far with Anthony and Ty. She talks about being a leader, how much she’s grown, and much more. Don’t miss this exclusive interview with Mackenzie Riccitelli.
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https://ysnlive.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/29FBCE0A-3CD8-4593-B0AA-EFBE82C56C1C.jpeg15982400Anthony Hartwighttps://ysnlive.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Default-Email-Signature-2673571-300x70.pngAnthony Hartwig2021-12-16 01:28:452023-07-14 23:09:51RICCITELLI RUNS POINT
Rolling into their home opener on a two-gamewinning streak the Chaney Cowboys (2-1) played host to the rival Boardman Spartans (1-0) in what was their first game of the season.
With fans at full capacity back in the stands for a regular season matchup for the first time since before the pandemic, the crowd for both sides were in full effect. At times, it felt as if this game was being played on Glenwood. After an 8-point run to end the first half, highlighted by back-to-back threes from Seth Cervello, the Boardman crowd erupted as their Spartans exited the halftime locker room.
Boardman kept the momentum in their corner as the third quarter began, limiting their turnovers early and continuing to dictate the tempo. By the end of the third, the Spartans held the lead, 38-30.
The Chaney Cowboys had fought all night long, continuing to play their brand of smothering defense and high tempo offense, but each time the Cowboys would score, the Spartans would stay composed and respond.
Midway through the fourth, and the Spartans had seemingly put the game on ice, expanding their lead to 16, the largest margin of the night. Failing to record a single three till this point in the ballgame, the Cowboys’ Josiah Gonzalez would knock one down from range to kickstart the Chaney offense. Senior guard, Isiah Williams, would score four points on the inside in the fourth battling through a lower half injury that forced him to sit out for the majority of the final three minutes.
Five different Cowboys would score in the fourth, and the Cowboys were able to cut the Spartans lead all the way down to one with less than 20 seconds to go thanks to a clutch D’Juan Waller three pointer. The Cowboys would foul, and the Spartans would miss both legs of the double bonus.
Moving the ball up the floor quickly, the Chaney ball handlerwould slip and lose his footing, turning the ball back over to the Spartans via a traveling violation. The Cowboys still saw themselves with a chance to win after the Spartans would miss both free throws again in the double bonus, but the Chaney three quarters court heave would hit off the side of the iron. Boardman would avenge their two-point loss at home last season, picking up the victory in hostile territory, 50-49.
LEADING SCORERS:
CHANEY:
Isiah Williams–15 points
Josiah Gonzalez – 11 points
Cameron Sly–9 points
BOARDMAN:
Trey DePietro – 15 points
Seth Cervello – 9 points
UP NEXT:
Chaney – After dropping their first game on the young season, the Cowboys will remain home for their fourth straight matchup against a Division I team, the Warren G. Harding Raiders (1-1). Harding will come into the matchup on the back of their first victory of the season, defeating Liberty 65-57. Catch all the action Tuesday, December 7th at 7:00 pm on YSN Live.
Boardman –Starting their season with a huge road win, the Spartans will return home for their home opener, against the Tallmadge Blue Devils (2-0). The Blue Devils have recorded back-to-back wins over Akron teams in Springfield and Firestone. The Spartans and Blue Devils will tip at 7:00 pm Tuesday, December 7th , on YSN Live.
Contributed By YSN’s Jamie Thomson
Postgame Interview With Pat Birch:
Postgame Interview With Trey DiPietro:
https://ysnlive.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/03547026-62D8-4C31-8B42-8879BB326809.jpeg14022400Anthony Hartwighttps://ysnlive.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Default-Email-Signature-2673571-300x70.pngAnthony Hartwig2021-12-04 22:46:402023-07-14 22:50:57BOARDMAN WINS THRILLER IN YOUNGSTOWN
BOARDMAN OH- Louisville was looking for their third win in a row on Wednesday night as they ventured in to Boardman to take on the Spartans.
The Leopards found themselves in a battle from the jumps. The teams went back and forth for the first several minutes. However, Louisville’s defense forces several consecutive turnovers that led to an offensive run. They pushed to a 20-9 lead by the 6 minute mark of the second frame. Boardman wouldn’t go away, they used a 8-2 run to cut the lead to 22-17. Louisville did push back before halftime to take a ten point lead into the locker room 34-24.
Although the Leopards couldn’t completely separate from the Spartans in the second half, they also didn’t allow them to get too close for comfort. Mid way through the final frame is when the Leopards finally pushed away for good. They ran their lead up to 15 and eventually would win 59-47.
The Leopards had 3 players who finished with 16 points. Kelsey Adelman, Brooke Haren, and Aubrey Thorne all led the team.
Emma Mills led the Spartans with 15 points. Mackenzie Riccitelli added 14 to the cause. She had 12 at halftime, and Louisville did a good job keeping her in check in the second half.
Postgame interview with Jeff Couto:
Postgame Interview With Brooke Haren:
https://ysnlive.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/BBA8C9F5-EC6D-40FB-B60A-F5BFE379494D-scaled.jpeg16652560Anthony Hartwighttps://ysnlive.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Default-Email-Signature-2673571-300x70.pngAnthony Hartwig2021-12-02 15:40:512021-12-02 15:40:51LEOPARDS BALANCE ENOUGH TO GET PAST BOARDMAN
YOUNGSTOWN OH- In a game between two old school rivals on Saturday night, it was Boardman that would come away with bragging rights. A defensive struggle unfolded, but the Spartans made all the big plays when they mattered. They came away with a 47-43 win.
The Spartans were led by sophomore guard Mackenzie Riccitelli with 15 points, 10 of which came in the fourth quarter. She also added 5 rebounds. Junior Cami Goske was tough under the basket and scored 11 points and pulled own 8 rebounds. Emma Mills contributed 8 points and 8 rebounds with great help defense, while Reagan Smith had 6 points and Bella Martin 5 points.
Angelina Rotunno led Mooney with 15 points. Alaina Scavina and Olivia Rouser both chipped in 7 points to the cause.
Boardman will return to action on Wednesday as they host Louisville. Mooney will also get back to it on Wednesday as they travel to Canton Central Catholic.
https://ysnlive.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/117E516E-CCD2-4DDB-8F3D-92C9553C4527.jpeg11801837Anthony Hartwighttps://ysnlive.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Default-Email-Signature-2673571-300x70.pngAnthony Hartwig2021-11-28 16:50:082021-11-28 16:50:08SPARTANS INVADE MOONEY AND ESCAPE WITH VICTORY
BOARDMAN OH- There aren’t to many teams in the area that are going to challenge themselves the way the Boardman Spartans boys basketball team does. This season will be no different. The Spartans will look to navigate the season with a loaded schedule of division 1 teams. With a core group of players returning, the Spartans should be able to build off of last season’s momentum. While they will have to replace some key players, that is nothing new to coach Pat Birch who has been there and done that in the coaching world.
Pat graciously took the time to join YSN’s Running Point this week to talk about the Spartans. He talks with Anthony Hartwig, and Ty Bartell about the Spartans schedule, his favorite things about being in Boardman, and so much more. Episode 1 of Coach’s Corner with Pat Birch is live.
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https://ysnlive.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Boardman-Boys.png21602160Anthony Hartwighttps://ysnlive.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Default-Email-Signature-2673571-300x70.pngAnthony Hartwig2021-11-05 03:29:312023-07-14 22:10:24BOARDMAN BOYS BASKETBALL COACH’S CORNER (EP 1) WITH PAT BIRCH
BOARDMAN OH- Canfield’s offense has been high flying and impossible to stop all season. That was until they had to make a trip to Boardman. The Spartans defense who gave up 17 to Fitch in a loss last week, kept their team in the game holding Canfield to 13 total points. Unfortunately for them, Canfield’s defense was there with the answer. They turned Boardman’s offense away and won the game 13-6.
Broc Lowry was responsible for both Canfield touchdowns on the night. He hit on through the air early in the game to give Canfield a 7-3 lead. He would then find pay dirt with his legs to make it 13-3.
Boardman kicked a field goal late in the game to make it 13-6, then recovered an onside kick. They had momentum. When it seemed they had a chance to tie it with a long touchdown pass called back by a holding call. That took the wind out of the Spartan sails and they couldn’t muster another burst.
Canfield will now advance to the OHSAA state playoffs. Stay tuned to YSN to find out who they get paired up with in Week 11.
https://ysnlive.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/5C5256DF-9E6C-4567-825E-B568B74E7D19.jpeg7821253Anthony Hartwighttps://ysnlive.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Default-Email-Signature-2673571-300x70.pngAnthony Hartwig2021-10-24 00:10:012023-07-14 21:52:45CARDINALS PREVAIL IN DEFENSIVE BOUT WITH BOARDMAN
BOARDMAN, OH – The Boardman Spartans and head coach Seth Antram are currently ranked as the sixteen seed in the most recent OHSAA playoff projections in Region 5 of Division II. Coming off a tough loss in week nine against Austintown Fitch, the Spartans are eager to get back on the field and keep grinding as they will play hosts in week ten as they will welcome in the Canfield Cardinals to Spartan Stadium on Friday night.
YSN’s own, Steve Leslie, had the opportunity to catch up with Coach Antram at Cocca’s Pizza in Canfield this week to discuss the week nine game against Austintown Fitch, what Coach feels the Spartans did right compared to wrong in that game, how he and his staff have been able to keep everyone focused and ready each week as the season is winding down, and what some of his keys to the game are for week ten against Canfield.
All that and much much more in this week’s episode of Boardman football coach’s corner with head coach, Seth Antram!
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https://ysnlive.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Boardman-Coachs-Corner-1.png720960Quinn Puskarhttps://ysnlive.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Default-Email-Signature-2673571-300x70.pngQuinn Puskar2021-10-20 23:12:072023-07-14 21:32:28BOARDMAN FOOTBALL COACH’S CORNER (EP. 7) WITH SETH ANTRAM
AUSTINTOWN OH- Dramatic finished have become a pattern for Fitch this season. So when the game against Boardman was tied 14-14 late in the game, the Falcons weren’t sweating. They’d been in tight finishes before. As time expired Junior Josiah Berni fulfilled every kicker’s dream hitting the game winning field goal to secure the 17-14 Falcon win.
The Falcons led 14-0 at the half before having to grind out a game winning drive. Their scores came from a short run in from Tyree Mitchell, and a pass from Devin Sherwood to Donnie Ellis. Sherwood was efficient as always going 16/18 through the air with 239 yards and a touchdown. Mitchell split carries with DJ Willians who gained 54, and 51 yards respectively.
Can Thomas ran back a punt return for Boardman to give them momentum after trailing 14-0. Terrence Thomas ran for 55 yards on 9 carries. Sean O’Horo went 65 yards on 12 carries.
Fitch finished the regular season with a Week 10 clash with Warren Harding. Boardman has another big test coming to town as they will host Canfield.
https://ysnlive.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/F82C3A82-34BA-4E64-8DB9-EDDAB74B5107.jpeg10341740Anthony Hartwighttps://ysnlive.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Default-Email-Signature-2673571-300x70.pngAnthony Hartwig2021-10-17 19:36:082023-07-14 21:47:25FITCH GETS WALK OFF FIELD GOAL
BOARDMAN OH- Howland boys soccer has been the premiere program in the area for the decade. They came into the season with not just 7 consecutive league titles, but also a state championship. Boardman was not intimidated however, and knocked off Hiwland earlier in September yo snap a 42 regular season game winning streak. The conference came down the second meeting between the two. Howland got the last laugh this time around in a 2-1 victory.
Boardman got on the board first when Cole Congson scored in the first half, giving the Spartans a 1-0 lead that they’d take into halftime. Just a few minutes into the second half, the equalizer would be scored by Dylan DiPiero. Later in the game, the game winning goal would be netted by Kylan Mowatt-Larsen.
The win gave Howland sole possession of their 8th straight AAC championship.
https://ysnlive.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/8257CF39-1A27-4811-88CE-D71682235B7B.jpeg13662048Anthony Hartwighttps://ysnlive.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Default-Email-Signature-2673571-300x70.pngAnthony Hartwig2021-10-15 14:16:102023-07-14 21:41:53TIGERS TAKE COMMAND OF EIGHTH STRAIGHT AAC CROWN
AUSTINTOWN OH- Falcons Beat Boardman on Senior Night
The Falcons and their seniors took to the court of Austintown Fitch High School for the last time this season.
As The Falcons faced, crosstown rival, and upcoming Boardman Spartans. Both teams brought the energy, as hundreds of fans lined the bleachers in celebration of a season that was.
Fitch jumped ahead 1 set to 0 after winning the first set by 10. After the excitement of senior night settled down, Boardman was able to cut the deficit in half, falling to The Falcons by just 5 in set 2.
By set 3, with their backs against the wall, The Spartans battled Fitch in a close one. However, The Lady Spartans remained resilient, downing the Falcons in set 3 by a score of 25-23. Thanks in part to the fantastic play of Jenna Olexa and Gia Triveri, each with 8 kills and a combined 28 digs between the two.
Set 4 was winding down to be a close one. With both teams exchanging scores until the late stages of the set.
Austintown had some key contributions by younger players, such as sophomore Afton Roby who had 3 blocks on the night. As well as junior Avery Rosko who stepped up as the libero for Fitch.
However, it was the captains for Austintown that came up big down the stretch. Jocelyn Jourdan, with her game leading 24 kills, helped fuel The Falcons to take a lead late in set 4. But it was senior Alyssa Leskovac that finished it off. After a long volley back and forth, a free ball sent over to Fitch, they got it to Leskovac. Ballgame.
Scores of the sets:
Set 1 Fitch 25 – Boardman 15
Set 2 Fitch 25 – Boardman 20
Set 3 Boardman 25 – Fitch 23
Set 4 Fitch 25 – Boardman 19
Key stats for the game
Fitch stat leaders
Jocelyn Jourdan: 24 Kills
Sammi Misik: 15 Digs
Erin Burke: 35 Assists
Afton Roby: 3 Blocks
