Tag Archive for: Toyota of Warren

BREAKING BIRCH

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EAST LIVERPOOL, OH- In a feat that has left the local community buzzing with excitement, the sharpshooter Nate Birch has etched his name into the annals of East Liverpool High School history. Breaking the school’s long-standing record, Birch nailed an astonishing 11 three-pointers in a single game, a testament to his exceptional talent and dedication.

In a recent episode of the YSN Power Hour, hosted by DJ Yokley, Birch reflected on his monumental achievement and the journey leading up to it. “It means a lot,” Birch said, humbly acknowledging the significance of his record-breaking performance. Despite facing a shooting slump in previous weeks, Birch found his rhythm thanks to the unwavering support of his teammates. “They know I was hot, obviously,” he added.

This season marks Birch’s debut as a starter, a role he has embraced with determination. His off-season regime, which involved tirelessly shooting 100-150 long-range shots daily, has clearly paid off. Encouraged by his father, who installed a basketball hoop in their backyard, Birch honed his skills over the summer, demonstrating an exemplary work ethic that extends beyond the court.

Birch is not just a scorer but a versatile player who contributes in various facets of the game. “It’s not always about who starts; it’s about who finishes and who finishes it the right way,” DJ Yokley highlighted during their conversation. Birch has taken this philosophy to heart, consistently striving to help his team achieve victory.

Off the court, Birch enjoys spending time with friends and family, particularly his best friend Cohen and his father, whom he regards as his role model. His dedication to both his sport and his loved ones underscores his well-rounded character.

Although his immediate focus is on winning crucial games – aiming for district, OVAC, and even state titles – Birch remains thoughtful about his future. With aspirations to study Graphic Design in college, he is planning for a career that promises numerous opportunities.

As the season progresses, all eyes will be on Nate Birch, not just for his prowess behind the three-point line but for his continuing journey of growth and success. His story is one of hard work, resilience, and a bright future that extends beyond the basketball court.

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PEASE ON EARTH

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EAST LIVERPOOL, OH- As the East Liverpool High School basketball team surges to an impressive 9-2 record, one name stands out among the talented roster: Cohen Pease. The senior guard has been instrumental in the Potters’ successful season, showcasing skill, leadership, and an unwavering dedication to his team.

In the latest episode of YSN’s “Power Hour” podcast, host DJ Yokley caught up with Pease to discuss his preparation, achievements, and aspirations. Pease, who has been a fixture in the local basketball scene for years, has worked tirelessly to elevate his game. Over the summer, he focused on improving his skills and conditioning, adding ten pounds of muscle and honing his shooting accuracy.

“I put in a lot of work over the summer, from skills training to the weight room. My goal was to be a winning program and aim for a championship,” Pease shared during the podcast.

Pease’s selfless nature and team-first mentality have gained him respect both on and off the court. When teammate Nate broke the school record with 11 three-pointers, Pease was among the first to congratulate him, exemplifying the strong camaraderie within the team. Raised by a father who instilled values of humility and teamwork, Pease attributes his selflessness to his upbringing.

“Being a great teammate, cheering for others, and having good body language are crucial,” said Pease. “Those are qualities my dad always emphasized.”

Pease’s influence extends beyond his teammates; he’s a role model for younger athletes in the community. “Playing in front of a packed house and knowing people want to watch Potter basketball is a blessing,” he remarked.

As he looks to the future, Pease has already garnered interest from several Division III colleges and is eager to continue his athletic career at the collegiate level, although he has yet to make a final decision.

For now, Cohen Pease remains focused on leading East Liverpool through a memorable season, embodying the spirit and determination that make him a standout both on the court and in the community.

 

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EAST LIVERPOOL BASKETBALL COACH’S CORNER WITH KADE REYNOLDS (1/8/25)

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EAST LIVERPOOL, OH- The East Liverpool Potters’ basketball program is making headlines this season, thanks largely to the efforts of first-year head coach, Kade Reynolds. Known for his deep-rooted ties to the community and the school, Reynolds has swiftly transitioned from a hopeful dreamer to an inspirational leader, shattering expectations along the way.

In a recent interview on YSN’s podcast, hosted by DJ Yokley, Reynolds spoke candidly about the whirlwind of emotions that have characterized his inaugural season. “It’s been something I’ve dreamed about,” Reynolds said. “We’re winning games, and I’m coaching a great group of kids. We’re just having fun.”

East Liverpool boasts a strong 9-2 record, with a perfect score in their division. Reynolds attributed this success not only to strategic game plans but also to the extraordinary skills of his players. Among the stars are Nate Burch, who recently delivered a stunning performance with 11 three-pointers in a single game, and Cohen Pease, another standout senior.

Reynolds emphasized the importance of defense as East Liverpool prepares for a challenging second half of the season. “We need to play defense because those district games are going to be in the 50s and 60s. The more stops we get, the more shots we’re going to get,” he explained.

The coach’s approach is clear: embrace tough competition to sharpen skills and prepare for the playoffs. Teams like Canfield, Big Red, and Cardinal Mooney are all part of the Potters’ grueling schedule. “We need to have these teams on our schedule if we want to be prepared for big moments,” Reynolds stated.

Family support has been vital to Reynolds’ success. He praised his wife for backing him in his demanding role, highlighting the joy of raising their child in the basketball-centric environment. “Without her support, none of this would be possible,” he acknowledged.

Reynolds’ commitment and vision have quickly won over the Potter faithful, earning accolades from both school officials and the community. DJ Yokley summed it up best on the podcast: “East Liverpool, you’ve got a good one. You’ve got a guy who’s going to bring a lot of success and excitement back to the Potter field house.”

With their sights set on district and state championships, the Potters’ journey under Reynolds’ leadership is a story of renewed hope and relentless pursuit of excellence.

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URSULINE GIRL’S BASKETBALL COACH’S CORNER (EP 1) WITH LAVELL TURNAGE

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YOUNGSTOWN, OH- In the latest episode of the YSN podcast, host and basketball enthusiast, DJ Yokley catapults audiences into the world of Ursuline Girls Basketball. Joined by first-year head coach, LaVell Turnage, they dive into the highs and challenges of coaching the Lady Irish.

During the conversation, Turnage reflects on the emotional journey of coming back home to his alma mater. He discusses the immense pride he feels walking into the gym, reminiscing about the memories created during his time as a student and athlete. For him, being back at Ursuline isn’t just about being a coach; it’s about making a lasting impact on the lives of his players and instilling important life lessons.
The topic shifts towards the upcoming season and the adjustments that come with being a head coach. Turnage acknowledges that the team’s success lies in building a cohesive unit, with each player understanding their role as a puzzle piece. Emphasizing the importance of communication, he encourages the girls to focus on mastering simple fundamentals such as layups, free throws, and defense, which will keep them competitive in games.

The conversation also highlights the challenging schedule ahead for the Lady Irish, with tough matchups against schools like Hoban and St. Vincent-St. Mary. While acknowledging the difficulty, Turnage states that he appreciates the opportunity to test his team’s mettle and see how they respond to adversity.
As the podcast delves deeper, Coach Turnage reveals the key players to watch out for this season. Point guard Lily Scott, committed to Mount Union next year, is lauded for her skill and dedication to the game. Coach highlights other standouts who have shown immense potential despite transitioning from middle school basketball.

However, Turnage acknowledges that challenges lie ahead, particularly in nurturing the underclassmen and helping them find their identity within the team. With more underclassmen than upperclassmen, he sees it as an opportunity to build for the future and cultivate a team that will compete at a high level in the coming years.

Throughout the podcast, Turnage’s love for Ursuline and his dedication to the development of young women are evident. Drawing from his own experiences growing up in a single-parent household, he sees coaching as a means to provide guidance and love to his players. He strives to move the needle for girls’ basketball, both locally and nationally, and inspire his players to pursue opportunities in the sport beyond the high school level.

The YSN podcast continues to shed light on the impactful work being done by passionate coaches like LaVell Turnage. His commitment to his team and his desire to mold young women extends beyond the basketball court, making him a role model for players and coaches alike.

 

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