Tag Archive for: United

POLAND REFUSES TO LOSE

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POLAND OH- It was only two days ago that Poland suffered their first conference loss to Girard. They were happy that they didn’t have to sit on a loss for long, but they also understood the United team coming to town was no pushover.  The Eagles gained everyone’s attention as they led most of the way through three quarters. Although their biggest lead of the day was only 5, the Eagles never gave in to Poland throughout the day. That was until the final frame.  Trailing 31-29 heading into the last 8 minutes, the Bulldogs outscored the Eagles 13-4 and walked away with a 42-35 win.

Sarah Forsyth paced Poland on the day with a hard fought 13 points. Katie McDonald played an excellent 4th quarter and finished in double figures with 11 points.  Mary Brant contributed 6 points to the Poland offense.

United was led by Grace Knight with 12 points. Maddie Kibbler had a solid day getting in to double figures with 10 points.  Taylor Cope chipped in with 7 points on the day.

Poland returns to NE8 play on Thursday as they host Niles.  United will also get back to their conference on Thursday as they travel to Leetonia.

EAGLES KEEP THEIR PERCH AT THE TOP

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HANOVERTON OH- United came into Monday night’s game with Lisbon looking to maintain their undefeated record in the EOAC through the halfway point of conference play. The Golden Eagles responded after a sluggish start to top the Blue Devils 43-23 and solidified their spot atop the perch in the EOAC.

Lisbon came to Hanoverton ready to play as the Devils brought the intensity on the court matching whatever United threw at them as the teams were tied 7-7 after one quarter. United would begin to separate themselves in the second quarter scoring 8 unanswered behind Samantha Lippiatt and  Grace Knight 3 point shots building the Eagles lead to 15-7. Lisbon would simply refuse to lie down as a Lylah Brown layup would complete a 6-0 run bringing the Devils within 15-13. The momentum would be short lived as the Eagles would finish the half in a flurry as a Knight runner in the lane would make it 23-15 at the break.

Grace Knight would go on to finish the evening recording a double double recording 15 points and 14 rebounds. The second half would prove to be the Blue Devils demise as the Eagles behind Madison Kibler’s 7 third quarter points separated themselves from their opponents building the lead to 37-20. The United defense would limit Lisbon to just 3 points in the 4th quarter sealing the victory.

Madison Kibler contributed 9 points in victory for United, teammate Addyson Blazer added 8 points and 5 steals for the victors. Lylah Brown led the way for Lisbon with 8 points, Morgan Lively added 7 points and 10 rebounds for the Blue Devils. Lisbon (3-8, 2-4) will look ahead to a home contest Thursday as they take on East Palestine. United (7-4, 6-0) will make the trip north to take on Valley Christian as well on Thursday.

*Contributed By YSN’s Chris Sigler

EAGLES PROTECT THE NEST ON FEATURED NIGHT

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HANOVERTON, OH- It was a very special night in the Eagles Nest on Friday night as United hosted their EOAC rivals, East Palestine.  The second annual Dunks for Downs game took place, and honorary captain Tucker Anderson was indeed the star of the show in United’s 43-38 win over East Palestine.

United would start out quickly with a 17-7 lead in the first quarter, only to be matched by a tremendous Bulldog comeback when EP went on a 10-1 run to take the lead at 19-18 in the second quarter.  The Eagles would tirelessly come back to have the lead at half 25-21.

East Palestine wouldn’t be down for long as they once again came out firing on offense, and recaptured the lead 33-32 after some big stops on defense and opportunistic conversions on the other side of the floor.

However, the Eagles outscored EP down the stretch 11-3 to close out the victory and nailing down their fourth win of the year, and third in the conference.

Luke Courtney led United on the floor and played the majority of the second half in foul trouble while pacing all scorers with 20 points.  Courtney was supplemented by Nevin Hahlen’s 11 points, and Grant Knight’s 7 tallies.

The Bulldogs were led by Weston Jones’ smooth jumper that accumulated 14 points, and Owen Elliott’s six points.

East Palestine (2-7, 1-3) will now turn their attention to Columbiana on Tuesday for the traveling trophy, while United will host Lisbon on 1/10.

MILLER HITS 1000; REBELS ROLL

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COLUMBIANA, OH- Kirkland Miller has been a key for the Rebel Basketball program since his freshman campaign, and last night he etched his name in the record books forevermore.

Miller becomes only the sixth Rebel in program history to score 1,000 points for the Black and Gold.

Kirkland and his teammates would add on to the historic moment with an emphatic victory over United 59-35 on Tuesday night.

Miller, would lead the way with 30 points on the night along with nine boards.  The newest Big Dog of the Valley, James Best chipped in six points and six helpers, and Matt Lindsay would rip down eight boards in the contest.

For United, Grant Knight returned to score 16, and Nevin Hehlen tossed up four three-pointers, to help out the Eagles.

Crestview (6-3, 2-0)will host Brookfield on Tuesday, and United (2-6) will host Lordstown to start 2023 on Tuesday as well.

REBELS COMPLETE SOLID ROAD VICTORY

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HANOVERTON OH- Crestview took some time out of the conference on Wednesday to travel to United.  This matchup of top 10 YSN power ranked teams Crestview controlled the tempo. They ran away with a 59-27 win.

Addison Rhodes was dominant as ever as she put together a double double finishing with 24 points and 14 rebounds.  Ava Bucey was also in double figures for Crestview with 13 points.  Luvrain Gaskins also had a double double for Crestview with 10 points and 16 rebounds. United was led by both Grace Knight, and Taylor Cope scoring 8 points each.

Crestview will look ahead to the new year as they return to league play on January 2nd against Campbell. United will have another matchup with a MVAC powerhouse as they matchup with Springfield on December 28th.

SALEM’S DEFENSE TELLS THE STORY

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The Salem Lady Quakers came into Monday looking to rebound off of their first defeat of the season on Saturday. Standing in their way was a United squad, winners of six straight, looking to cement their status as one of the area’s best teams. The Quakers behind a strong first quarter outlasted the upset minded Eagles 36-25 in Hanoverton on Monday.

Salem, behind a hounding man to man defense, led by their guard duo of Abbie Davidson and Rylee Hutton dictated the pace early as the Quakers raced out to a 12-4 lead. United guard Addyson Blazer would help gather the Eagles offense in the second quarter as her squad would outscore the Quakers in the frame making it 19-13 at the break. Each team came out of the locker room looking to separate themselves early. The separation came by way of the offensive rebound for Salem.

The Quakers opportunities in the second half would come off of countless second and third chances to score. Despite the rebounding difference, Salem would struggle to score as United stayed within striking distance 30-23 heading to the fourth quarter.  That would be as close as the Eagles would come the rest of the way as the United offense just could not capitalize on opportunities in the fourth quarter.  Salem, only having made 3 field goals the entire second half, did their job from the free throw line during the game shooting 16-21 and ultimately sealing the victory. Abbie Davisdon converted from the line all night going 8-11 leading the way for Salem with 13 points. Rylee Hutton contributed 12 points, 6 rebounds and 6 steals in victory.

Addyson Blazer led United with 11 points and 6 rebounds. Grace Knight added 5 points and 6 rebounds for the Eagles. Salem (7-1, 4-1) continues their tough schedule as they travel to Canfield on

Wednesday. United (6-2, 5-0) will take on another tough out of conference opponent on Wednesday as they welcome Crestview to Hanoverton.

*Contributed By YSN’s Chris Sigler

UNITED KEEPS UP THEIR DOMINANCE OF THE EOAC

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COLUMBIANA OH- United traveled to Columbiana Thursday looking to cement their place at the top of the EOAC standings. Despite a late rally by the Clippers, the Eagles survived 47-38 claiming their 6th straight victory.

UnIted started off quickly behind the inside play of Taylor Cope. Cope scored 8 of her 10 points on the night in the 1st quarter helping build the United lead to 20-12  The 2nd quarter was quite the struggle for both offenses. Neither team could find their groove, Grayson Kidder would provide the lone highlight as the junior hit a buzzer beating bank shot for three as the Eagles took a 27-14 to the locker room. United came out of the locker room with a purpose, building their lead to 38-20 as the game was quickly getting away from the Clippers.

The offense for the Clippers came alive in the final frame. Back to back three point baskets by Alaina Johnston and Ellie Venezia to start the quarter quickly brought the Clippers faithful to life down 12.

The Eagles offense, plagued by many turnovers in the quarter, was kept on life support by Grace Knight. Knight, 16 points & 7 rebounds, would be the source offense in the 4th keeping the lead at double digits. The Clippers behind Averi Marshall, 12 points & 8 rebounds, would storm back cutting the deficit to just 5 points, 43-38 with 2 minutes to go. That would be as close as the Clippers would come as the Eagles would seal their fate closing out the victory at the free throw line. Alaina Johnston and Ellie Venezia contributed to the Columbiana rally posting 10 points each respectively.

The Clippers (4-4, 2-2) have a big test on Monday as they travel to Springfield. United (6-1, 5-0) will close out December with a tough non conference slate starting Monday as they host unbeaten rival Salem.

*Contributed by YSN’s Chris Sigler

UNITED STREAKS PAST IRISH

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YOUNGSTOWN OH- Road wins in the game of basketball are always a key component to a successful basketball season. United accomplished just that as they traveled to Youngstown and came away with a big non conference win defeating Ursuline 40-35.

The Eagles fresh off a deceive win over Southern on Thursday were looking to keep that momentum going on Saturday. Out of the gate United did just that, matching the Irish physical play behind inside play Taylor Cope (9 points / 7 rebounds), as she put the Eagles ahead 8-5. Ursuline would answer as Lily Scott hit a clutch shot from downtown evening the score at 8-8. Each team would trade baskets evening the score at 10 after 1 quarter of play. Defense dictated the 2nd quarter as both squads failed to gain anything consistent on the offensive end. Ursuline would do just enough to gain a 16-15 halftime advantage.

Ursuline came out of the locker room looking to separate themselves from United. Alayna Smith would lead that charge consistently hitting the offensive glass for opportunities helping extend the Irish lead to 26-19 midway through the 3rd quarter. Smith would finish the day with 11 points and 9 rebounds. United would claw their way back into the game as Grace Knight would provide the spark her team needed scoring back to back buckets as the Irish lead was 27-25 heading to the 4th quarter. Knight stepped up for United on the day scoring a game high 17, 13 of which came in the 2nd half. “She did not have her best game the other night against Southern, however great players show up in big moments.

“She is the ultimate teammate doing whatever it takes to win as she proved today with her efforts all over the floor. I was very proud of her performance” United Coach Cory Leek.   The 4th quarter saw the momentum turn to the visitors from Hanoverton. Tied at 29-29 a Grace Knight runner in the lane would put the Eagles on top 31-29. Ursuline’s Lily Scott would answer with a huge 3 pointer putting the Irish back on top 32-31. Scott would finish the day with 10 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists. The next possession saw emotions get in the way as a held ball led to a technical foul being assessed to Ursuline. Senior Madison Kibler, held scoreless to that point, stepped to line calm and collected, nailing both attempts putting the Eagles back on top 33-32.

The free throw line decided the outcome as United was able to finish off the Irish in the final minute hitting their final 6 free throw attempts sealing the important road win. United guard Addyson Blazer turned in a solid performance on the day for the victors as well adding 7 points, 8 rebounds & 4 assists. Leek on his team’s impressive road win “This is a great win for us, to be able to come here and defeat a D2 school on the road really sets the tone moving into next week.

“Our schedule will continue to get tougher as we move deeper into December. A win like this provides us with a ton of confidence moving forward.” Ursuline (2-3) will continue to be tested as they travel to Warren Harding on Wednesday. United (4-1, 3-0), winners of 4 straight, continues the road trip as they travel to EOAC foe Wellsville on Monday.

*Contributed By YSN’s Chris Sigler

UNITED SHOWS THEIR MIGHT

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HANOVERTON OH- Prior to any season coaches tend to circle certain matchups on the schedule as potential tone setters for their team. United head coach Cory Leek certainly had Thursday night circled on his schedule as Southern Local led by one of the area’s top scorers came to Hanoverton looking to challenge the defending conference champs. United quickly proved why they are still the favorite to repeat as they dispatched  Southern Local 45-23 on an emotional night in Hanoverton.

The Eagles wasted no time attacking the Indians racing out to a 9-1 advantage behind the sharpshooting of senior standout Madison Kibler. Southern kept their composure through the 1st quarter as the Indians behind clutch free throw shooting closed the gap to 11-8. Southern’s Ashley Shroades has been one of Columbiana County’s premier players the last 2 seasons., During the 2nd quarter of play United’s Madison Kibler made her own statement for that claim. Kibler welcomed her assignment of guarding  Shroades limiting the Indians guard to just 5 first half points. The United senior guard also showed her ability on the offensive end as well  connecting 2 more times from long range on her way to a game high 19 points leading the Eagles to the locker room with a 27-15 lead.

Coach Cory Leek on Kibler’s stellar performance “Ashley is such a great player, but Maddie proved tonight why she is also one of the best players in the county”  United came out of the locker room looking to put the squeeze on any Indians thought of a comeback. Behind a lockdown defense the Eagles limited the Indians to just 2 points in the quarter extending the lead to 34-17. Taylor Cope led the offense for United in the 3rd quarter on her way to a 14 point, 13 rebound night.  The 4th quarter played out much of the same as the Eagle defense took control finishing off the important early season victory.

Southern’s Ashley Shroades would finish the night with a team high 13 points and 11 rebounds. Olivia Kerns added 6 points, 7 rebounds, and 9 blocks. Leek on his team’s big early statement win “I’m very proud of how we stepped on defense and defended our home floor, limiting them to just 8 points total in the 2nd half really and forcing 21 turnovers shows what we are capable of defensively.”

Southern  (4-1, 2-1) looks to get back to winning as they welcome East Palestine on Monday. United (3-1 , 3-0) has a big non conference test on Saturday afternoon as they travel to Ursuline.  The game itself had a special meaning for both communities. This matchup was dedicated to the memory of United Graduate and former Southern Coach Ashley Bergman, and through the Kim and Ashley Bergman Fund every student attending the game was admitted free. United’s Taylor Cope and Southern’s Makenna Jones were each given exemplary awards by the Bergman Family prior to the game. Anyone who knew Ashley would agree “This one is for Bergs”

*Contributed By YSN’s Chris Sigler

EAGLES LOOK LOCKED IN

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HANOVERTON OH- United had a mighty impressive showing on Tuesday night that might have sent a message to the EOAC.  After losing a tough game to Heartland in the first game of the season, the Eagles took out their frustration on Leetonia. The best down the Bears to a tune of 55-16.

Nevin Hahlen had a great night for the Eagles paving the way with 16 points.  Grant Knight was also in double figures for the Eagles finishing with 11 points on the night.  Brock Rhodes was able to chip in 7 points to the cause.  Ashbee Merritt fought hard for the Bears trying to keep them in the game. He led the team with 5 points.

Both teams hit the road on Friday as United will make a trip to Salineville to take on Southern, while Leetonia will stay on the road at East Palestine.