Tag Archive for: spartans

MASSUCCI BREAKS BOARDMAN’S HEART AT THE BUZZER

/in /by

By Noah Ricks 


HOWLAND CENTER, OH – In another AAC classic, the Howland Lady Tigers would steal one from the Boardman Spartans. Senior Alyssa Massucci drained in a long two at the buzzer to lift the Tigers to a 54-52 shocker over the Spartans at home.

 

Most of Massucci’s points came in the first half as she picked up 12 in the first sixteen minutes, en route to an 18-point performance. She was also just one of three Howland girls in double figures as Maya Kubanscek picked up 14 and Sophia Powell cashed in 10. The Tigers led by as much as 11 at one point, keeping pace with the first-place Spartans. They were also aided from shooting 77% from the foul line.

 

Howland led 30-25 at the break before Boardman would respond with a 20-8 third quarter. Senior Mackenzie Riccitelli would pick up 10 of those third-quarter points, and she would end the afternoon leading all scorers with 19. Tagging along Riccitelli was M.C. Werth, who picked up 13 points. Samantha Duble also had a strong quarter, as she compiled all nine of her tallies in the second, all of them coming from beyond the arc. Overall, the Spartans would pick up 10 three-pointers as a unit.

 

Boardman led by two possessions in the final minutes thanks to a three-pointer from Riccitelli, but the Tigers came roaring back. After a made bucket, Maya Kubanscek drew a shooting foul on the following possession and sank both of her free throws to tie it up at 52-52. The Tigers then got a key rebound and called a timeout with 2.9 seconds left to give Massucci a chance to end it in regulation. Massucci then received the inbound pass and shot it up to hit nothing but net, igniting the celebration.

 

Howland (14-5, 4-3 AAC) will now travel out to Lakeview on Thursday to square off with the Bulldogs. The Tigers won last year’s meeting at home 62-34. Boardman (15-5, 6-2 AAC) has their six-game winning streak snapped as they will look to get back in the win column Monday at home against Warren JFK.

 

You can watch interviews with Howland head coach Aaron Pounds and YSN Live Player of the Game Alyssa Massucci below.

SPARTANS ZAPPED BY THE BLUE STREAKS

/in , /by

Photo Credit: Noelle Nunes

2/2/2024

Madison, OH- In a challenging match-up against the Madison Blue Streaks, the Conneaut Spartans faced a formidable opponent that proved too much to handle. The final scoreboard reflected a tough night for the Spartans, with the Madison Blue Streaks emerging victorious with a score of 92-47.

Quarter Scores:

  • Conneaut Spartans: 10 | 12 | 5 | 20 | 47
  • Madison Blue Streaks: 23 | 27 | 24 | 18 | 92

Player Stats:

Conneaut Spartans Total Points:

  • Chance Loomis: 20 points
  • Jordan Kulko: 9 points
  • Davonte Harris: 9 points
  • Noah Hamm: 8 points
  • JR Hutchinson: 1 point

Despite the challenging game, Chance Loomis continued to showcase his scoring ability, leading the Spartans with an impressive 20 points. Jordan Kulko and Davonte Harris also contributed significantly with 9 points each.

On the opposing side, the standout performer for the Madison Blue Streaks was JP Dragas, who had an outstanding night with a whopping 52 points and an impressive 7 three-pointers.

Looking Ahead:

The Conneaut Spartans (3-13) will regroup and aim to bounce back in their next game against the Lakeside Dragons (3-11) at home on 2/6/24. The Dragons are coming off a 90-61 loss to the Geneva Eagles.

Meanwhile, the Madison Blue Streaks (11-5) will face the Edgewood Warriors at home on 2/6/24. The Warriors are coming in with momentum after a 70-59 victory over the Jefferson Falcons.

Despite the setback, the Spartans remain determined, and fans can expect an intense and competitive performance in their upcoming game.

TIGERS DEFENSE BATTLES THROUGH TO VICTORY

/in /by

 By Noah Ricks

 

HOWLAND CENTER, OH – In what was a low-scoring affair, Howland got the last laugh against Boardman. Steven Bubon, son of Howland head coach Dan Bubon, put in a clutch and-1 with 14.1 seconds left, ultimately leading the Tigers to a nail-biting 34-33 victory over the Spartans.

 

Neither team led by more than five in a game where only 67 combined points were cashed in. Howland only led 14-13 at halftime before the Spartans made it a game of lead changes in the final 32 minutes. Terrell McDowell would lead the Boardman charge with 9 points, including a crucial three-pointer off of a Howland turnover to give the Spartans a short-lived lead late in the contest.

 

Despite Howland’s offensive struggles, Bubon came in at the right time. Although he only scored 5 points on the night, they were all he needed as he found the open lane and put up the bank shot with pivotal contact from the Spartans. His foul shot would fall out, however, but the Tigers held off Boardman at the buzzer as a Spartan putback off an offensive rebound just fell out. Assisting Bubon on the night was Alex Henry with 11 points, along with another 8 points from John Perry.

 

Howland (9-9, 3-4 AAC) completes their first season sweep of the Spartans since the 2017-18 season. They will now head into a rematch at home on Tuesday as they welcome in rival  Canfield. The Cardinals won the first meeting 54-37 back on January 26th. Boardman (3-14, 0-7 AAC) will take a week off from play before they travel to North Canton Hoover next Friday night to end a two-game road stand. 

 

You can watch interviews with Howland head coach Dan Bubon and our YSN Live Player of the Game Steven Bubon below.

ANOTHER OVERTIME WIN GIVES BOARDMAN THE AAC

/in /by

WARREN OH- In a nail-biting contest that extended beyond regulation, Boardman secured a thrilling 47-41 victory on the road against Warren Harding on Wednesday. The Spartans prevailed in their third consecutive overtime matchup, displaying resilience and determination throughout the game.

The significance of this win goes beyond the final score, as it guarantees Boardman at least a share of the AAC title. This accomplishment holds special weight for the program, marking their first league title since 2005 and signaling a notable achievement for the team.

Mackenzie Riccitelli led the scoring charge for Boardman with an impressive 15-point performance, supported by Sarah Bero’s 13 points and Samantha Duble contributing 10 points. The Spartans showcased a balanced offensive effort, proving their mettle in the crucial moments of the game.

With this victory, Boardman’s record stands at 15-4, and they now have the opportunity to clinch an outright AAC title on Saturday. The Spartans face Howland on the road in what promises to be another challenging but pivotal matchup.

SPARTANS FALL SHORT AGAINST EAGLES

/in , /by

Conneaut, OH- In a challenging battle on the court, the Conneaut Spartans faced a tough defeat against the Geneva Eagles with a final score of 72-31. Despite their efforts, the Spartans struggled to keep up with the Eagles throughout the game.

Quarter Scores:

  • 1st Quarter: Conneaut Spartans 17, Geneva Eagles 26
  • 2nd Quarter: Conneaut Spartans 8, Geneva Eagles 32
  • 3rd Quarter: Conneaut Spartans 4, Geneva Eagles 11
  • 4th Quarter: Conneaut Spartans 2, Geneva Eagles 3
  • Total: Conneaut Spartans 31, Geneva Eagles 72

Top Scorers for Conneaut Spartans:

  • Chance Loomis: 17 points
  • JR Hutchinson: 4 points
  • Noah Hamm: 3 points
  • Jordan Kulko: 3 points
  • Ryan Turner: 2 points
  • Davonte Harris: 2 points

Top Scorers for Geneva Eagles:

  • Luke Barbo: 23 points
  • Andrew Oros: 14 points
  • Caden Proy: 9 points
  • Haiden Diemer: 7 points
  • Luke Smith: 7 points
  • Jahmil Daghlas: 6 points
  • Mark Stamper: 3 points
  • Nate Csiszar: 2 points
  • Donny Shymske: 1 point

Despite the loss, Chance Loomis showcased an impressive performance, leading the Spartans with 17 points. The Geneva Eagles, on the other hand, had a well-distributed scoring effort, with Luke Barbo standing out as the top scorer with 23 points.

The Conneaut Spartans (3-12) look to bounce back in their upcoming game on the road against the Madison Blue Streaks (10-5) on February 2, 2024. The Blue Streaks, coming off a 56-36 loss to the Jefferson Falcons, present another tough challenge for the Spartans.

Meanwhile, the Geneva Eagles (13-3) are set to play at home against the Lakeside Dragons (3-9) on the same day. The Dragons, having suffered a 63-51 loss to the Edgewood Warriors, will try to turn things around against the formidable Eagles. Basketball fans can expect another thrilling matchup as both teams aim for victory in their respective contests.

BOARDMAN TAKES ANOTHER STEP FORWARD IN WIN

/in /by

YOUNGSTOWN, OH- The Boardman Girls Basketball Program has turned a corner, and it doesn’t appear they’re looking back.

The Lady Spartans basketball team showcased their dominance on the road, securing a resounding 52-17 victory against Youngstown East. The win marks the Spartans’ sixth consecutive triumph and propels their season record to an impressive 14-4, underscoring their status as a formidable force in the area.

Once again, it was Mackenzie Riccitelli who spearheaded the Spartans’ offensive onslaught, delivering a stellar performance with a game-high 23 points, highlighted by an impressive display from beyond the arc with 5 three-pointers. Riccitelli’s all-around contribution was exemplary, as she amassed 6 steals, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists, showcasing her versatility and impact on both ends of the court.

Ava Freeborough proved to be a pivotal playmaker for the Spartans, tallying 8 points while dishing out a season-high 7 assists, orchestrating the team’s offensive rhythm with precision and finesse. Sarah Bero, a consistent presence in the paint, added 7 points and dominated the boards with an impressive 10 rebounds, anchoring the Spartans’ defensive efforts.

Sam Duble showcased her sharpshooting prowess, knocking down two crucial three-pointers en route to 6 points and contributing 3 steals to the defensive end. M.C. Werth provided valuable contributions with 4 points and 5 rebounds, epitomizing the Spartans’ depth and resilience as a team.

Tori Strines and Mikayla Rivera made notable contributions from the perimeter, with Strines sinking a three-pointer and Rivera adding a free throw to the scoreboard. The collective effort of the entire team was evident, as all 14 players saw action on the court, underscoring the Spartans’ unity and cohesion.

Amira Mousa, Jocelynn Torres, Janessa Prisby, Ava Gaps, Olivia Combis, Lily Ison, and Emma Terlesky seized the opportunity to showcase their talents in the second half, further highlighting the depth of the Spartans’ roster and their commitment to excellence.

For Youngstown East, Alyssa Crankfield and Yelian Seda led the scoring charge with five points each.

As the Lady Spartans savor their latest triumph, they shift their focus to their upcoming showdown against Warren Harding, a crucial AAC contest that promises to test their mettle once again. With confidence soaring and momentum on their side, the Spartans are poised to continue their pursuit of greatness, fueled by determination, teamwork, and a relentless drive to succeed.

BOARDMAN TAKES COMMAND OF AAC

/in /by

BOARDMAN, OH- In a nail-biting showdown that kept fans on the edge of their seats, the Boardman High School girls’ basketball team clinched a remarkable victory over the Austintown Fitch Falcons, emerging triumphant with a 56-44 win in overtime. The Spartans showcased resilience, determination, and skill, securing their fifth consecutive win in a season marked by outstanding performances.

The game unfolded as a fierce battle from the outset, with both teams demonstrating their prowess on the court. Despite facing a challenging deficit of three points with merely 30 seconds remaining, the Spartans refused to concede defeat. Mackenzie Riccitelli, a standout player of the evening, stepped up under pressure, sinking a crucial free throw. However, it was her remarkable playmaking ability that stole the spotlight, as she delivered a flawless no-look pass to Sarah Bero, igniting fervor among the Boardman faithful and forcing the game into overtime.

The overtime period witnessed a dominant display from the Spartans, who outscored the Falcons 16-4, ultimately sealing a commanding 12-point victory. Riccitelli’s performance was nothing short of spectacular, as she matched her career-high with 28 points while contributing 6 assists, 6 rebounds, and 4 steals, showcasing her versatility and impact on the court.

Sarah Bero complemented Riccitelli’s stellar performance with 10 points and an impressive 8 rebounds, exemplifying the Spartans’ depth and resilience as a team. M.C. Werth displayed her scoring prowess, tallying 9 points, including a pivotal three-pointer, while Ava Freeborough and Sam Duble made significant contributions from beyond the arc, adding 6 and 3 points respectively to the scoreboard.

Notably, Mikayla Rivera and Tori Strines provided crucial minutes off the bench, underscoring the team’s collective effort and unity in pursuit of victory. With this triumph, the Spartans enhance their season record to an impressive 13-4, reaffirming their status as a force to be reckoned with in the AAC.

For Fitch, Senior Destanie McCollough led the Lady Falcons with 11 points with Kylie Folkwein scoring 10. Rachel Spalding chipped in with 7 while seniors Ayla Ray and Lannie Henning each finished with 5. Kaelyn Bower and Dasiyia Donlow had 3 points apiece to round out the scoring.

Looking ahead, the Boardman girls’ basketball team remains focused and determined as they prepare for their upcoming encounter against East High School on Monday night. As they hit the road once again, the Spartans are poised to continue their winning streak, fueled by the passion, dedication, and unwavering support of their fans.

 

FALCONS BOUNCE BACK IN A BIG WAY

/in , /by

Photo Credit: Noelle Nunes

Conneaut, OH- In a commanding display of skill and precision, the Jefferson Falcons dominated the Conneaut Spartans in a high-scoring basketball matchup. The final scoreline reflected the Falcons’ dominance, as they secured a resounding 91-31 victory.

Quarter Scores:

  • 1st Quarter: Jefferson Falcons 32, Conneaut Spartans 15
  • 2nd Quarter: Jefferson Falcons 20, Conneaut Spartans 6
  • 3rd Quarter: Jefferson Falcons 19, Conneaut Spartans 2
  • 4th Quarter: Jefferson Falcons 20, Conneaut Spartans 8
  • Total: Jefferson Falcons 91, Conneaut Spartans 31

Player Stats – Jefferson Falcons:

  • Anthony Covetta: 41 points
  • Joey DeGeorge: 20 points
  • Caleb Welser: 13 points
  • Joel Navarro: 8 points
  • Robbie Pisano: 4 points
  • Dylan Shetler: 3 points
  • Terry Brown: 2 points

Player Stats – Conneaut Spartans:

  • Jordan Kulko: 10 points
  • JR Hutchinson: 6 points
  • Chance Loomis: 6 points
  • Noah Hamm: 4 points
  • Davonte Harris: 3 points
  • Cayson Hayes: 2 points

The Falcons’ three-point shooting was nothing short of spectacular, sinking an impressive 13 shots from beyond the arc. Leading the charge was Anthony Covetta, who lit up the scoreboard with a remarkable 41 points, including six successful three-pointers.

With this win, the Jefferson Falcons improved their record to 6-7. Their next challenge awaits them at home against the Madison Blue Streaks (10-4) on January 30, 2024. The Blue Streaks are seeking redemption after a recent 63-42 loss to the Perry Pirates.

On the other side, the Conneaut Spartans (3-11) will be looking to regroup as they prepare to face the Geneva Eagles (12-3) at home. The Eagles are coming off a 59-51 loss to the Harvey Red Raiders, setting the stage for an intriguing matchup.

The Falcons’ impressive performance serves as a testament to their skill and teamwork, and fans eagerly anticipate their upcoming games as they continue to strive for success in the basketball season.

LADY SPARTANS TOPPLE MOONEY

/in /by

YOUNGSTOWN, OH- In a thrilling matchup that kept fans on the edge of their seats, the Boardman girls’ basketball team soared to victory against Cardinal Mooney High School with a decisive score of 53-39. The clash between these two rivals showcased the Spartans’ prowess and determination on the court.

From the opening tip-off, it was evident that both teams came prepared to battle for supremacy. However, it was the Spartans who seized control early on, setting the tone for the game with their relentless offensive and defensive efforts.

The scoreboard tells a story of resilience and teamwork for Boardman High School. Throughout the game, they displayed remarkable cohesion and balanced scoring, with four players reaching double figures. Leading the charge was freshman sensation Mikayla Rivera, whose stellar performance off the bench saw her net 12 crucial points, including a flawless 5-5 from the free-throw line.

Mackenzie Riccitelli showcased her all-around skills, contributing 11 points along with an impressive 5 steals, demonstrating her impact on both ends of the court. Meanwhile, Sarah Bero’s commanding presence in the paint yielded 10 points and 7 rebounds, showcasing her versatility and determination.

Despite battling foul trouble, Ava Freeborough showcased her shooting prowess, tallying 10 points, including two crucial three-pointers that ignited the Spartans’ offense. M.C. Werth exhibited grit and determination, adding 4 hard-earned points to the team’s tally.

Contributions came from all corners of the roster, with Sam Duble and Tori Strines each sinking key three-pointers to keep the momentum in favor of the Spartans. Their collective effort and unwavering resolve propelled Boardman High School to a well-deserved victory, marking another milestone in their impressive season.

With this triumph, the Spartans improve to an impressive 12-4 record for the season, reaffirming their status as a force to be reckoned with in the league. As they return home, their sights are set on the next challenge as they prepare to face the Austintown Fitch Falcons in a highly anticipated showdown between the top two teams in the AAC.

The stage is set for a captivating clash of titans, and the Spartans are calling upon their loyal supporters to pack the stands and rally behind them as they strive for greatness. Tip-off is scheduled for 2:30 PM, and the Boardman community is urged to come out in full force to cheer on their beloved team.

As the season unfolds, the Boardman girls’ basketball team continues to inspire with their indomitable spirit, unwavering determination, and relentless pursuit of excellence. With each victory, they etch their names into the annals of school history, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of fans and supporters alike. The journey towards glory continues, and the Spartans are ready to seize every opportunity that comes their way.

SPARTANS BLAST PAST HERALDS AT ROCKET MORTGAGE FIELDHOUSE

/in , /by

1/17/24

Cleveland, OH- In an exciting encounter that took center stage at the iconic Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse, the Conneaut Spartans and St. John Heralds delivered a spectacle that will be etched in the memories of basketball enthusiasts in Ashtabula County. The game, played on the same court as the Cleveland Cavaliers, provided a unique experience for both teams, leaving fans cheering from begining to end.

1st Quarter:

  • St. John Heralds: 12
  • Conneaut Spartans: 18

The game kicked off with both teams showing their offensive prowess, with the Conneaut Spartans taking a slight lead after the first quarter.

2nd Quarter:

  • St. John Heralds: 8
  • Conneaut Spartans: 15

The Spartans continued to build on their lead in the second quarter, outscoring the Heralds and showcasing a well-rounded performance on both ends of the court.

3rd Quarter:

  • St. John Heralds: 10
  • Conneaut Spartans: 14

The third quarter saw a competitive battle, with both teams exchanging baskets. The Spartans maintained their lead, heading into the final quarter with confidence.

4th Quarter:

  • St. John Heralds: 6
  • Conneaut Spartans: 16

In the crucial final quarter, the Conneaut Spartans turned up the heat, extending their lead with a strong offensive and defensive showing. Bella Fix’s standout performance, especially in the fourth quarter, played a key role in securing the victory for the Spartans.

Final Score: Conneaut Spartans – 62, St. John Heralds – 36

Player Stats:

St. John Heralds:

  • Alyssa Cevera: 16 points
  • Mickey Zheng: 11 points
  • Alexa Jordan: 5 points
  • Grace DiSalvatore: 4 points

Conneaut Spartans:

  • Bella Fix: 21 points
  • Kayla Farley: 16 points
  • Alexis Kiser: 11 points
  • Alexis Warner: 6 points
  • Addison Kennedy: 5 points
  • Finley Evans: 3 points
  • Adia Ingram: 1 point

Game Highlights:

The star of the night for Conneaut was undoubtedly Bella Fix, who dominated the court with an impressive performance. Fix’s scoring prowess was on full display as she notched up a total of 21 points, with 8 crucial points coming in the fourth quarter alone. Her dominance extended beyond scoring, as she asserted control in the paint, securing numerous rebounds and making impactful defensive plays with blocked shots.

On the opposing side, the Heralds were led by the dynamic duo of Alyssa Cevera and Mickey Zheng. Cevera finished with 16 points, showcasing her scoring ability, while Zheng contributed 11 points and displayed finesse with multiple steals and eye-catching finishes in the face of tight defense.

Upcoming Matches:

The Conneaut Spartans (5-9) are set to hit the road for their next challenge against the Cardinal Huskies (2-11) on 1/22/24. The Spartans aim to build on their momentum following this convincing victory. Meanwhile, the St. John Heralds (5-9) will return to their home court for a clash against the Fairport Harding Skippers (4-10). Both teams are hungry for success, looking to bounce back from recent defeats and secure a positive outcome in their upcoming matchups.

As the Spartans continue their season, the thrilling performance at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse serves as a testament to their determination and skill. Basketball enthusiasts can anticipate more excitement and competitive action as the Conneaut Spartans aim to make their mark in the remainder of the season.