Tag Archive for: United

UNITED OPENS UP THEIR TOURNAMENT RUN WITH A BANG

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HANOVERTON OH- Coming into Wednesday night’s opening round matchup with Labrae, it could have been easy for United to be happy with a 16 win campaign and the title of league champs.

The Vikings found out quickly United is not yet satisfied with its accomplishments as the Eagles came out determined to add to that list on their way to a dominating 48-22 victory.

United controlled the game from the opening tip with a game plan to limit the Viking offense to one opportunity and clean the defensive glass each trip down the floor. That game plan worked, coupled with a smothering 2-3 zone, the Labrae offense could only generate two transition layups as United raced out to a 13-4 lead after the first quarter. “ Rebounding has been a challenge for us all year, we know if we can rebound then we are tough to beat. The girls did a great job on both ends of the floor crashing the offensive glass for 2nd chance opportunities, while we held Labrae to 1 and done”” explained United coach Josh Sigler.

The beginning of the second quarter began with much of the same narrative as United reeled off six straight points increasing their lead to 19-4 on their way to a 25-11 lead at the intermission. The defense of the Eagles stepped up keeping the Labrae offense searching for open looks all night. “ Our last couple games we have been setting goals on the defensive end for the girls to achieve. Their intensity has increased, they are communicating more, and it is starting to pay off” said Sigler. The defense kept Labrae sharp shooting guard Laura McCoy in check the entire evening as McCoy could only muster a team high 9 points. The size of the Eagles proved too much for the Vikings in the end as well.

Coming out of the locker room the Eagles used that size often in the second half lead by Junior Taylor Cope. Cope controlled the game inside the rest of the way as the Junior contributed 16 points and 10 rebounds to lead the Eagles to victory. The balanced attack of United saw Grace Knight pour in 11 points while Grayson Kidder contributed 12 points off the bench. The United head coach knew how much this opening game at home meant to his program “Anytime you win a tournament game it can be a confidence builder for your team. We talked about what a great opportunity we had with possibly playing two games at home vs two quality opponents. The girls were very excited for the opportunity to compete on their home floor.”

Following the victory Wednesday night the focus quickly turned to what lies ahead for the Eagles in Saturday’s Sectional Final. United is set to meet Ursuline for the second time in just 11 days. The first game saw the Eagles come out on top 51-46 in overtime, but the United head coach knows his team must be ready for the rematch, “Ursuline is a very athletic / active team that had us beat the first time. We were very fortunate to win that game, our rebounding and ability to take care of the basketball must improve this time around if we are to come out victorious and move on in the tournament.”

The rematch is set for the Sectional Final as United vs Ursuline is slated for Saturday at 1pm in Hanoverton.

*Contributed By YSN’s Chris Sigler

BULLDOGS WEAR DOWN UNITED

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HANOVERTON OH- The matchup on Saturday Poland vs United was looked at by many as a David vs Goliath contest.  Poland, serving the role as Goliath survived everything United could give them on their way to a 59-36 victory.

Poland immediately out of the gate wasted no time showing everyone why they are one of the best teams in the area.  The Bulldogs full court pressure forced the Eagles into multiple turnover situations which Poland turned into a quick 10-1 run.  United settled things down offensively matching baskets with the Bulldogs trailing 16-9 at the end of the first quarter.

Poland to begin the second quarter appeared to take their foot off the gas and United responded quickly to prove they could play with the high powered Bulldogs.  Poland Head Coach Nick Blanch was puzzled by his squad “For some reason we thought the game was already over and it showed in our effort during the second quarter.  Give them credit they played hard and fought their way back.”

Behind a motived defense United indeed fought their way back using a 9-2 run to take the lead at 23-18. United guard Madison Kibler found her stride fueling the comeback with her team high 9 points coming in the first half.  Poland responded prior to the half following a quick timeout to take the lead 28-26 going into the locker room.

United Coach Josh Sigler was ecstatic on the effort of his squad “Really proud of our effort.  We were down 10-1 quickly and battled back, for me that shows maturity and the will to be a better team.  We kept fighting.”

Coming out of the locker room for the 3rd quarter Poland’s Connie Cougras was determined to help her squad quickly squash any upset dreams United may have had.  The senior guard found the gas pedal in the third quarter on her way to a game high 21 points.  Poland turned up the heat on defense as well limiting United to just 6 points while widening their lead 46-32 and never looking back.

Morgan Kluchar contributed a 13 point / 10 rebound double double for Poland in the victory.  Addyson Blazer chipped in 8 points & 5 steals in defeat for United.

Coach Blanch following the game was happy with the efforts his kids showed out of the locker room “At halftime I told them look if you think that team is just going to let you win because we are Poland you need to wake up.  United is a very well coached team and we needed to execute.”

Coach Josh SIgler  on his team’s efforts following the game “This game should give us confidence in that we can play with anyone. there is still a lot to play for and we are very excited about that.”

 

Both coaches have a ton of respect for each other which was on display after the game. Each coach agreed the score at the end did not reflect how competitive the game actually played out.

 

Coach Blanch: “Josh is a great coach, I knew when we put United on our schedule he would have his girls ready to make us compete, and that’s exactly what they did.  That is a good team and we were challenged today.” Coach Sigler: “Poland is a D2 power in our area and Nick is one of the best.  They are deep and have skill at all positions, they are very good, so happy we hung with them.”

Poland (13-1) travels Tuesday to take on Champion. United (10-4) will also be on the road traveling to Wellsvlle on Thursday.

 

*Contributed By YSN’s Chris Sigler.

EAGLES CAPTURE EMOTIONAL WIN

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HANOVERTON OH- Schools districts are usually  direct reflections of the communities they encompass.  When it comes to the love and passion those communities put on display for their school, United Local may not only be one of the best in our area but one could argue the best in the state of Ohio.  Those qualities were on full display Thursday night as United harnessed all that energy and defeated Southern Local 57-32 in front of a very energized crowd.

Entering Thursday night United held a two game lead on Southern in the EOAC title race and the Eagles wasted no time proving who belonged on top.  Behind a motivated defense United bullied the Indians into multiple turnovers racing out to a 19-4 first quarter lead.  Down big to start the second quarter Southern took advantage of United foul trouble and cut the lead to 22-11.  Not to be deterred the Eagles showed their offensive capabilities and finished the quarter on a 11-2 run extending the lead to 33-13 at the half.

The talented offense of United led by Grace Knight slammed the door shut on any second half comebacks Southern may have had in mind.  Knight, just a sophomore, is becoming one of the Eagles go to players turning in a 16 point /10 rebound performance in victory.

Coach Josh Sigler has noticed the increased output “Grace Knight is slowly becoming very good all-around player.  She makes us a dangerous team moving forward.”  Knight along with  teammate Addyson Blazer combined for 17 rebounds on the night.  The offensive output of this Eagles squad doesn’t end with just one player.  Grayson Kidder came off the bench and added a 15 points of her own.

“Grayson is very much in the conversation of making us a really good team.  We have different players every night stepping up in the scoring column.  This team does not care who scores, they just want to score.”  YSN Big Dog of the Valley nominee Madison Kibler helped guide the offense to victory with 8 points, 5 steals and team high 9 assists.  Ashley Shroades turned in a solid 15 point performance in the loss for the Indians.

Following the win Coach Sigler knows he has a tough opponent next up on the schedule “We have no time to celebrate, Poland comes to town on Saturday.  They are a very good  well coached Division 2 basketball team.  We have to be on our “A” game and have to show the fight and will to compete.  We are definitely getting better and that’s what you want to see this time of year.”

  Thursday night was made extra special due to the “Random act of Kindness” The Kim & Ashley Bergman Memorial Fund provided free admission to the students from both schools. Those students took full advantage and provided a great atmosphere for the game.  “ The crowd and atmosphere was unreal.  Cannot say enough about our student section, these girls absolutely love the energy they bring.  We have one heck of a community when it comes to supporting our student athletes.”

Prior to the game that support was on full display along the sidelines as the United coaching staff honored Ashley Bergman with her own spot on the bench placing the number 23 jersey over one of the chairs.  “This game was for Bergs.” The win set the stage for Saturday as United (10-3, 9-0) vs Poland  (12-1) is slated for 11am in Hanoverton.

*Contributed By YSN’s Chris Sigler

 

UNITED CONTINUES DOMINATION OF EOAC

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HANOVERTON OH-

United Local faces one of their toughest stretches of the season this week as three very important games awaited them on the schedule.  The Eagles took to the court Monday night with nothing but purpose on their minds.  That purpose was victory and Leetonia played the role of victim as United won in convincing fashion 77-40.

Leetonia came out ready to compete using their tough inside presence hung with United early trailing at the end of the first quarter 16-10.  The depth of the Eagles however proved to be too much for Leetonia in the second quarter.  Behind a constant full court pressure United forced Leetonia into 16  first half turnovers on their way to building a commanding 38-21 halftime lead.

United took advantage of their depth as their transition offense hit another gear in the second half. The offense hit their stride as Sophomore Grace Knight got hot on her way to a team high 19 points leading her squad to victory in the second half.  Taylor Cope once again made her presence felt on the inside for United.  Cope was able to turn in another top performance garnering a  13 point / 12 rebound  double double stat line.  Starting point guard Addyson Blazer contributed 8 points and 6 rebounds for the victors as well.

    Coach Josh Sigler is liking where his offense is heading hitting the 70 point mark for the second time in a week “Our transition game has really put pressure on the opposing teams.  We are doing a much better job moving without the basketball,  it’s opening up more inside for Taylor and she has really stepped up her game.”

United’s bench has also played a key role as of late providing an offensive spark outside of their starters.  Grayson Kidder poured in 10 points and Katie Dees chipped in 8 for the Eagles.  “Cannot say enough about what the players coming off our bench are contributing.  Three Sophomores and a Freshman are providing us the depth and a spark in all facets of the game.  They are as fearless as our starters.” says Sigler.

Leetonia only dressing 8 players for the game never quit despite the deficit in the second half.  Ella Gregorino faced with handling the United pressure all night answered the call leading the Bears with 13 points.  Teammate Allison Francosky contributed 12 points / 7 rebounds for Leetonia.  Despite the success on offense Coach SIgler knows what the team needs to improve on moving forward “ We still need to keep improving on defense.  Sometimes we relax, we just need to get to the point of relaxing when the game is over.”

United (9-3) (8-0) will have no time to relax as Southern Local (13-2) (6-2)  will travel to Hanoverton for a crucial EOAC matchup on Thursday.  Leetonia looks to rebound traveling to East Palestine on Thursday.

*Contributed By YSN’s Chris Sigler

UNITED KEEPS ROLLING THROUGH EOAC

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HANOVERTON OH- United Local entered the New Year with the resolution to become fierce competitors in every facet of the game.  That resolution has become loud and clear throughout the EOAC as they have come out of the gates in 2022 in dominating fashion.   Thursday night would be no different as United defeated Valley Christian 63-23 in Hanoverton.

Following Monday night’s dominating performance in Lisbon the Eagles came out of the gate strong defensively forcing Valley into multiple turnover situations garnering a 14-6 lead after the 1st quarter. The pressure defense from United found another gear in the 2nd quarter. Behind a deep rotation off the bench the Eagles used their pressure defense to wear down an undermanned Valley Christian squad.  The defense fueled a 10-0 run late in the period to extend their lead to 39-9 at the half.

Junior Taylor Cope entered the 3rd quarter on what looked like a mission. Cope took control of the game on her way to a  team high 20 points / 6 rebounds performance to help guide her team to victory.   Madison Kibler, 7 points  / 8 Rebounds / 7 Steals, also turned in a very workman like performance for the victors. Colby Burton and Grace Knight each contributed 9 points respectively for United. Head Coach Josh Sigler

“Last night was another good win for us.  I was worried about a let down from the standpoint that the atmosphere was going to be different with no one in the visitor stands. We told them they were going to have to create the atmosphere themselves.”

Atmosphere is something that is going to heat up with a flurry of games coming this month. Sigler knows everyone will bring their best game moving forward:  “ Monday starts the 2ndround of league play.  Now is when it matters the most.  Everyone knows each other’s weaknesses, records are 0-0.”   United is set to begin a tough stretch Monday with two crucial EOAC games before entertaining perennial power Poland next Saturday. “Right now is when being competitive at everything we do will truly benefit us moving forward, starting with practice today, we really need to get after it.”

United 8-3 (7-0) looks to stay on top of the EOAC as Leetonia visits Monday.

*Contributed By YSN’s Chris Sigler.

UNITED BLOWS PAST BLUE DEVILS

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LISBON OH- United Local headed into Monday night’s contest at Lisbon looking to end a two game skid.  After playing outside of the EOAC against a very formidable non-conference schedule the last two games United used what they learned and taught Lisbon a thing or two en route to a dominating 71-25 victory.

Lisbon back in action for the first time in two weeks came out ready to challenge United early.  Behind a challenging zone defense and fresh legs the Blue Devils stayed with the Eagles early on only trailing 16-8 after the 1st quarter.  United looking to separate themselves from the Lisbon received quite the spark it was looking for in the 2nd quarter.   Sophomore Samantha Lippiatt helped provide that spark coming off the bench scoring 17 first half points helping ignite the United offense outscoring Lisbon 21-5 on their way  to a 37-13 halftime lead.

Lippiatt would finish the game with a career high 19 points but was far from alone filling the stat sheet on the night.  Fellow Sophomore Grace Knight helped put the Eagles on her back in the second half on her way to her own career night.  Knight ended the evening with an outstanding all around performance 25 pts, 13 rebs, 8 ast. United outscored Lisbon 35-12 in that second half and never looked back.

The performance of the two Sophomore’s caught the attention of their head coach: “Grace & Sam definitely provided a spark tonight. We have had two games in a row where kids on this team have had career nights, with points, rebounds, assists all different stats.  The stat the girls really seem to focus on is winning, they were very excited as a group tonight.”  Madison Kibler contributed 8 points / 6 assists, Taylor Cope chipped in 7 points to help fuel the United offense.  Parker Henthorne contributed 10 points for Lisbon.

Getting back on the winning track was most important to Sigler “We challenged our kids the last two practices to compete at everything from drill work to running sprints. Tonight hopefully is just the beginning of our girls seeing what their capabilities are when they compete and show maximum effort the entire game.”  United (7-3, 6-0) looks to continue their success Thursday welcoming Valley Christian to Hanoverton.

*Contributed By YSN’s Chris Sigler

TIGERS PASS NON CONFERENCE TEST

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HANOVERTON OH- The Springfield Tigers, winners of seven straight, rolled into Hanoverton looking to keep the train moving on a very successful season.  The train never stopped at the station as Springfield picked up win their 8th straight win defeating United Local 59-48.

United, back from a 12 day layoff, came out of the gate ready to shake the rust off trading baskets with Springfield who lead at the end of the 1st quarter 15-11.  The 2nd quarter proved to be difference in the game when Springfield Junior Jacey Mullen took over.  The 5’11 forward put her talents on full display pouring in 15 of her game high 33 points in that quarter leading the Tigers to a 36-25 halftime lead.

United came out of the locker room needing a spark to be able to answer the inside play of Springfield.  Taylor Cope for the Eagles attempted to be that spark as she challenged the Tigers inside on her way to posting 20 points on the night.  The Eagles played right with the Tigers throughout the 3rd quarter trailing 50-40 heading to the final frame.

Much of the 4th quarter saw both teams pick up the defense as each squad struggled to score from the field.  It was the inside play of the Tigers and their ability to be tenacious on the offensive glass that proved to be too much in the end for United.  Jameka Brungard and Madison Lesnak were key contributors for the Tigers each contributing 6 points respectively.

Coach Josh Sigler for United knew after the game the key difference between both squads “We need to compete at a higher level outside of the EOAC.  We have lost two straight outside of our league facing very good programs, these schools are on our schedule for a reason.”  “It is a varsity sport if you do not show up ready to give maximum effort you will lose, the other team is ready to compete, we must match that intensity if we want to be able to take this program to that level.”

Springfield (9-1) (4-0) looks to extend their winning ways Monday as they entertain Western Reserve.  United (6-3) (5-0) will travel to Lisbon on Monday.

*Contributed By YSN’s Chris Sigler

UNITED SHOWS STRONG PERFORMANCE AGAINST EP

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EAST PALESTINE, OH- While the scoring started slow for the Lady Eagles on Thursday night, the finish was anything but as the Lady Eagles rushed into Bulldog Country, and walked away with a 55-14 victory in EOAC play.

Madison Kibler led the way in points for a well-balanced United offense with 11, while Taylor Cope locked down the paint with a double-digit performance as well with 10.  Grace Knight and Addyson Blazer finished with 8, Sam Lippiatt and Katie Dees put 6 on the board as well for the Lady Eagles.

For East Palestine, Leila Martin paced the way with 7 and Marah Zimmerman had four.  Also of note, Gabby Andre had a bucket, and Anna Yonker scored her first varsity point in her career.

United will prep for Salem for a 1:30 matinee matchup on Saturday and East Palestine will prepare for Western Reserve next Thursday.

 

INTERVIEWS

Head Coach Josh Sigler

Addyson Blazer

Madison Kibler

EAGLES GAIN GROUND IN EOAC

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HANOVERTON OH- Heading into the season United knew if they were to live up to the lofty expectations of their peers and take control of the EOAC, defeating Columbiana would be the measuring stick.  Eagle nation showed up Monday night ready to help fly their team to the top of the standings. Behind a very large and vocal home crowd the Eagles did not disappoint defeating Columbiana 39-26 taking over sole possession at the top of the EOAC standings.

Coach Josh Sigler knew the magnitude of this victory “This is a big win for us, Columbiana has always been at the top and for us to get to that level we knew we had to beat them.”

Led by a stingy defense and timely shooting the Eagles were able to take a 11-5 lead after the first quarter.  Columbiana was able to regroup in the second scoring the first five points of the quarter behind a defense that caused United to turn the ball over on their first four possessions. Trailing by just 1 point Columbiana had the momentum early in the second, however this was the closest the Clippers would come the rest of the night.  United after a timeout was able to calm themselves and execute on offense.

Sophomore Grayson Kidder picked a great time to score her 5 points on the night connecting on two clutch shots extending the Eagle’s lead.  United guard Madison Kibler decided to become clutch herself, taking the ball the length of the of the floor hitting a three at the 2nd quarter buzzer igniting the United crowd and extending their lead to 21-12 at the break. Kibler in the first half really helped spark her squad offensively on her way to a game high 17 points.

Coach Sigler likes what he is seeing in Kibler “She is becoming the leader of this squad.  Her shooting and ball handling ability is very noticeable but it’s her defense which is really sparking our team” Coming out of the locker room the Clippers implemented their patented 2-2-1 pressure to help dictate the pace in the second half. The pressure defense of Columbiana at times confused United leading to numerous offensive opportunities for the Clippers

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Behind a strong showing on the offensive glass Columbiana was able to trim the United lead to single digits early in the fourth quarter. Caitlyn Pleska helped lead the Clippers charge with a team high 8 points. The comeback attempt ended there as United, behind Senior Colby Burton’s key rebounding  on the defensive end, held Columbiana to just seven 4th quarter points leading to their 5th straight victory.  Moving forward with this season.

Sigler knows many challenges await his squad “This is just the beginning, we told the girls before the game it’s time to put their big girl pants on.  Beginning with this game our schedule really ramps up the rest of December.”  The Eagle’s coach also acknowledged the efforts of those in the stands “ Our crowd was tremendous, I could not be happier that the student body turned out in full force tonight.  This was a team victory by everyone involved.”

Columbiana (4-2, 3-1) looks to get back on track Thursday hosting Leetonia.  United (5-1, 4-0) begins a three game road trip on Thursday visiting East Palestine.

*Contributed By YSN’s Chris Sigler

UNITED TAKES BIG STEP IN EOAC

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LEETONIA OH- The United Eagles rolled out to a 39-16 halftime lead and never looked back as they defeated the Leetonia Bears 69-30 in Friday night hardwood action.

Steffen Jarrett paced the Eagles with 14 points followed by teammates Nevin Hahlen with 13 points and Grant Knight adding 11 points.

For the Bears Andrew Hendrick dropped 9 points and Joe Guido added 8.

United returns to action Tuesday night with a battle at Southern and the Bears will  host the Bulldogs from East Palestine. Check out ysn.smugmug.com for more action shots.

 

*Contributed by YSN’s Gary Leininger