Tag Archive for: Track

HU LETTS LOOSE

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MINERAL RIDGE, OH- Ava Hulett, a standout junior athlete at Mineral Ridge High School, is setting her sights on leaving a lasting legacy in her senior year. In a recent interview with YSN’s DJ Yokley at the Post Office Pub, Hulett shared her thoughts on her impressive basketball season, her multi-sport dedication, and her aspirations for the future.

Hulett, a key player in the girls’ basketball program at Mineral Ridge, expressed pride in her team’s performance, despite the challenges of a tough schedule. The team’s resilience and unity were evident as they overcame obstacles throughout the season.

As a multi-sport athlete, Hulett balances her focus between basketball and volleyball, showcasing her determination and versatility both on and off the court. Her commitment to excellence serves as an inspiration to young athletes in the community.

Looking ahead to her senior year, Hulett reflects on the opportunities available to female athletes in today’s sports landscape. She emphasizes the importance of hard work and perseverance, acknowledging the impact of being a role model to aspiring athletes.

With her eyes set on her final year, Hulett aims to achieve a significant milestone in basketball by reaching 1,000 points and potentially breaking a school record. Her dedication and drive have already garnered attention, positioning her among the elite athletes in the region.

As Hulett continues to excel in her athletic endeavors, she remains focused on leaving a lasting mark at Mineral Ridge High School. Her determination and sportsmanship make her a role model for young athletes and a force to be reckoned with on and off the court.

The Mineral Ridge community eagerly anticipates the next chapter in Hulett’s athletic journey as she continues to shine in her pursuits.

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NOTHING BY A G THING

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MINERAL RIDGE, OH- Sophomore sensation Gianna Gilbert of the Mineral Ridge Lady Ram basketball team recently sat down with YSN for an exclusive interview at the Post Office Pub. The talented young athlete opened up about her proudest moments, dedication to the sport, and her pre-game routines that have contributed to her success on the court.

When asked about her proudest achievement, Gilbert emphasized the dedication and hard work that she and her teammates put into the game. Reflecting on their victories in the MVAC and the strong team connection, she acknowledged the challenges they overcame, including injuries, and the unwavering commitment from the entire team.

Gilbert also provided insight into the rigorous behind-the-scenes work required for success, emphasizing the long hours of practice, drills, film sessions, and summer leagues that lay the foundation for their on-court performances.

One surprising reveal during the interview was Gilbert’s pre-game rituals and superstitions. From selecting a specific song for each season to wearing the same spandex for different games, tying her shoes a certain way, and even holding on to specific pregame routines, Gilbert highlighted the importance of maintaining a consistent mindset and preparation for each game.

Amidst these revelations, it was evident that basketball holds a special place in Gilbert’s heart, with the sport providing her with a constant source of joy, motivation, and a means to connect with others.

As a rising star in Mineral Ridge’s basketball scene, Gianna Gilbert’s future looks bright, and her dedication to the sport is sure to inspire many aspiring athletes.

The YSN interview shed light on both the hard work and passion that drive Gianna Gilbert’s success, offering an inspiring glimpse into the life and mindset of this young basketball phenom.

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MINERAL RIDGE BASKETBALL COACH’S CORNER (EP 1) WITH AMY HARRISON

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MINERAL RIDGE, OH- In a recent episode of the YSN podcast, Mineral Ridge Lady Rams’ coach, Amy Harrison, sat down with host DJ Yokley to discuss the team’s remarkable 22-season, which culminated in an 11-1 record and a share of the MVAC championship.

During the interview, Coach Harrison reflected on the program’s success and the transition from being a player to coaching a new generation of players. She expressed gratitude for the coaching she received as a player and highlighted the continuity of the program as former players, now coaches themselves, are involved in shaping the next generation of players.

Moreover, Coach Harrison shared her pride in the team’s accomplishments and discussed how she instills the value of pride, respect, and multi-sport participation in her players. She also acknowledged the challenges faced by female athletes and emphasized the importance of encouraging versatile athletic participation.

Looking towards the future, Coach Harrison discussed the transition from a winning season to preparing for new challenges, noting the significance of maintaining the players’ confidence and drive for success. She credited the strong personalities of the team and stressed the importance of maintaining a winning mindset from one season to the next.

The conversation shed light on the close-knit community of Mineral Ridge, where Coach Harrison has deep personal connections and where she has dedicated herself to shaping future generations of athletes. She expressed her pride in raising the championship banner and how the experience is something her players will carry with them throughout their lives.

In the spirit of reflection, Coach Harrison revealed that if she could change one thing from the season, it would be to start one of the games differently, believing that an altered approach could have made a significant difference.

The episode provided valuable insight into the dedication and passion Coach Amy Harrison brings to the Mineral Ridge Lady Rams’ basketball program, as well as the impactful experience of leading a successful team in a tight-knit community.

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DON’T DOUBT DOTA

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MINERAL RIDGE, OH- 8th grade standout Delaney Dota recently sat down with DJ Yokley for an exclusive interview at the Post Office Pub in Mineral Ridge. Delaney, a multi-sport athlete, shared her thoughts on her impressive basketball season, future aspirations, and the support she receives from her family.

Delaney expressed her excitement and nervousness about transitioning to high school, emphasizing the need for hard work and team growth to match the level of high school competition. She also highlighted the importance of running and cross country in preparing her for basketball and her dedication to improving her game, particularly in becoming more aggressive on the court.

During the interview, Delaney revealed her highest-scoring game as 19 points and her desire to expand her shooting range beyond the banned three-point line. She also credited her uncle and family, especially her father, for instilling the discipline and work ethic that have contributed to her success.

As she looks ahead to her future in high school, Delaney’s leadership and commitment to improvement are sure to make her a key player to watch in the coming years.

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WILLIAMS DOES IT ALL

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BERLIN CENTER, OH- Senior shooting guard and defensive specialist, Kaleigh Williams, opened up about her journey with the Western Reserve basketball team. The podcast, hosted by DJ Yokley, provided insight into Williams’ dedication to the sport and her aspirations for the future.

Williams discussed her triumphant return to the court following a challenging junior season plagued by a quad injury. Expressing her commitment to the team, she expressed her desire to leave a lasting legacy as the toughest defensive player in Western Reserve history.

Uniquely, Williams’ passion for basketball extends beyond the court, reflecting her dedication to the Western Reserve community and her involvement in softball, track, and cross country. She emphasized the importance of the tight-knit bond shared among her fellow teammates.

Beyond her athletic prowess, Williams’ future aspirations were also explored. She spoke of her dedication to animal science and her involvement in the Biomed program at the career center. With a comprehensive vision for her future, Williams demonstrated a deep connection to her roots, stemming from her upbringing on a farm and her involvement in 4H.

Throughout the interview, Williams credited her strong support system, including her parents and Coach Miller, for instilling values of dedication and hard work, both on and off the court. Her unwavering commitment to her sport, studies, and community solidified her status as an ideal role model for her peers and the younger generation.

Overall, Kaleigh Williams’ profile on YSN offered an inspiring look into the life of a dedicated student-athlete, exemplifying resilience, determination, and a deep-rooted connection to her community. Her impact on the Western Reserve basketball program and aspirations for her future endeavors serve as a testament to her unwavering spirit and dedication.

 

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ORANGE GIRLS BASKETBALL COACH’S CORNER (EP 1) WITH LASHAWN BROWN

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PEPPER PIKE, OH- In the premiere episode of the YSN podcast, “Orange Girls Basketball Coach’s Corner,” host DJ Yokley sits down with the renowned La’Shawn Brown, head coach of the Orange High School’s girls basketball team. With an impressive 14-year coaching career and a legendary basketball background herself, Brown offers a captivating glimpse into her life and coaching philosophy.

For Brown, basketball was not initially on her radar. Standing as the tallest girl in her high school and middle school, she originally had ambitions to pursue track. However, she was encouraged to give basketball a try, despite facing the setback of having lost her fingers in an accident at a young age. Overcoming this challenge, Brown showcased her skills and had a breakthrough sophomore year at Heights High School, paving the way for a storied basketball career.

Through her personal adversities, Brown developed resilience and discipline, instilled in her by her grandmother, who taught her to view herself no differently from anyone else. The experience of being treated like any other player and accepting her amputated hand propelled her to excel on and off the court.

As the head coach of the Orange girls basketball team, Brown is grateful for the opportunity to build a strong program and elevate her team’s level of play. She acknowledges the progress made in her inaugural year as head coach and expresses high expectations for the upcoming season. Brown commends her players’ dedication and hard work during the summer and anticipates the positive impact of new team members on the court.

Reflecting on her coaching journey, Brown highlights the importance of instilling discipline and affirmations to push her players beyond their comfort zones. She aims to create an environment where being uncomfortable, tired, or sore is accepted as part of the growth process.

Challenges remain for Brown in controlling expectations, particularly when it comes to understanding her players’ abilities and pushing them to exceed their limits. However, she welcomes the assistance of her experienced coaching staff and relishes the opportunity to mold her team into one that is prepared to fight, hustle, and do whatever it takes to succeed.

As the Orange girls basketball team heads into a new season, Coach Brown wants opponents to know that her team won’t back down. With a resilient and determined mindset, her players are ready to give their all, fight for every win, and leave it all on the court.

To hear more from Brown and gain insight into the world of Orange girls basketball, tune in to the full episode of the “Orange Girls Basketball Coach’s Corner” on the YSN podcast.

Stay tuned for future episodes highlighting the behind-the-scenes stories of coaches and athletes in the Orange High School community.

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BOOTS ON THE GROUND

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BOARDMAN, OH- Welcome back to another episode of Boardman Player Profile! In today’s player profile, we have the talented Connor Boots, a young man who has made quite an impression in the sports world.

From being a state champion baseball player to taking a leap into cross country, Connor’s journey has been anything but ordinary. Join us as we dive into his decision to transition sports, the influence of his brother on his athletic pursuits, and the unwavering support of his incredible family.

Plus, we’ll get things off the course as we discuss his favorite and not-so-favorite Halloween costumes. Stay tuned for an inspiring conversation with Connor Boots right here on YSN!

 

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NOBODY BETTER THAN JONATHAN

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BOARDMAN, OH- Welcome back to another exciting episode of YSN’s Player Profile, the podcast where we bring you all the latest updates and profiles of talented athletes. In today’s episode, we have a special player profile featuring Jonathan Vergos-Perez, a freshman on the Boardman cross country team.

Join us as we dive deep into Jonathan’s background, his love for running, and his journey from California to Ohio. We’ll also discuss his experiences in different sports and his ambitious goals for the future. Stay tuned to hear about Jonathan’s determination, his family’s support, and his plans to excel in both academia and athletics. Get ready to be inspired by this talented young athlete.

 

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EAST PALESTINE PLAYER PROFILE: BULLDOG ROUNDTABLE

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EAST PALESTINE, OH- In today’s episode, “East Palestine Football Bulldog Roundtable,” we gather an exclusive panel of talented players from the East Palestine Bulldogs football team. Shane Richardson, Ayvre Klingensmith, RJ May, and Anthony Lehman are joining us, each representing a different grade level – senior, sophomore, freshman, and junior, respectively.

Hosted by the “Voice of the Bulldogs” Tim Figley, this roundtable discussion takes us through the journey of these dedicated athletes, from their offseason training and team improvements to memorable moments and individual accomplishments throughout the season.

As we dive deeper into their experiences, we uncover the challenges they’ve faced, the impact of other sports on their performance, and the camaraderie that drives them forward. From heart-pumping touchdowns to game-changing tackles, this episode provides an intimate look at the mindset and dedication required to excel in high school football. So, get ready to hear inspiring stories, valuable insights, and the unwavering passion of these remarkable Bulldog athletes. Stay tuned for an episode that’ll have you cheering from the sidelines.

This is YSN: East Palestine Football Bulldog Roundtable. Let’s get started!

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DAN EVANS 3.0

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AUSTINTOWN, OH- In today’s episode ofPlayer Profile, we dive into the exciting world of high school football with a profile on the talented Dan Evans III from Austintown Fitch High School. Dan, also known as “D111,” has made quite the name for himself with his record-breaking performances and numerous college offers.

We’ll hear from Dan as he reflects on his journey, his senior year, and the recruitment process amidst the new normal of COVID.

But it’s not all about football with Dan. We’ll also learn about his competitive nature, his love for video games, and his favorite NFL wide receivers. And of course, we’ll discuss the important role his family and fans play in his life on and off the field

. Get ready for an exciting and insightful profile on one of Youngstown, Ohio’s most electrifying football players.

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