Tag Archive for: Ursuline

BROOKFIELD SOFTBALL COACH’S CORNER WITH DAVID DEJOY 3-12-25

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BROOKFIELD OH- In a recent interview with YSN, hosts Anthony Hartwig and DJ Yokley sat down with David DeJoy, the head coach of the Brookfield Warriors softball program. As the team prepares for the upcoming season within the MVAC gray tier, Coach DeJoy shared insights on last year’s challenges and the exciting prospects for 2023.

Reflecting on a season of growth, DeJoy acknowledged the previous year’s setbacks after graduating 11 seniors. With a renewed focus this year, he’s optimistic about his players, particularly returning pitcher Madison Obermeyer, who gained valuable varsity experience last season. Despite the decrease from 38 initial signups to 27, DeJoy is thrilled to maintain full varsity and junior varsity rosters. He mentioned the unique challenges of providing sufficient playing time while fostering team development. The energetic group of 27 has impressed him with their camaraderie and dedication, a vital element in maintaining and nurturing Brookfield’s growing program.

Facing a “gauntlet” within the NBAC, DeJoy is particularly wary of teams like Champion and Labre. Nevertheless, he’s confident in his team’s improved defense and budding leadership skills, seeing promise in both returning players and incoming freshmen. Coach DeJoy emphasized his commitment to fostering positive attitudes among the players, focusing not just on physical skills but also on building character through “effort, attitude, and respect.” As for DeJoy’s personal coaching journey, he reflects on his love for the game and its challenges, hinting that as long as the enjoyment remains, he’ll continue guiding the Warriors. The Brookfield Warriors are poised to tackle the season ahead, motivated by a blend of experienced leadership and promising young talent, striving to reclaim success on the softball field.

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URSULINE SOFTBALL COACH’S CORNER WITH KRISTINA DUGAN 3-11-25

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As the Ursuline Fighting Irish softball team prepares for the upcoming season, head coach Kristina Dugan is focused on developing a competitive and cohesive squad. With two returning senior leaders, Katie Koulianos and Mackenzie Smith, the Irish will rely on experience and leadership to guide a group of younger players stepping into bigger roles. Koulianos, an all-district honorable mention, has been a key contributor at third base, while Smith, a veteran catcher, leads by example on and off the field.

“We have some juniors and sophomores with experience who we’re looking forward to seeing step up,” Dugan said. “Brooke Opalick, Kayla Sztary, Brooke Burton, Arianna Schiavone, and Lauren O’Leary are players we believe can elevate their roles this season.”

Ursuline’s roster also features promising freshmen Eva Camuso and Emma Davies, whom Dugan is eager to see develop at the varsity level. The team has emphasized key areas such as communication, aggressiveness, and capitalizing on small opportunities to sharpen its overall approach.

A challenging schedule awaits the Irish, including matchups against tough opponents like Austintown -Fitch, Canfield, Walsh Jesuit, Mathews, and Archbishop Hoban. Dugan views the demanding slate as preparation for the postseason.

“Playing high-level competition gets us ready for the tournament,” she said.Aside from performance on the field, the coaching staff places a strong emphasis on the mental aspect of the game. Dugan believes instilling confidence and resilience in her players is just as crucial as refining their physical skills.

“We focus on self-reflection and making sure they recognize both positives and areas for improvement,” Dugan said. “Bringing fun back into the game is important, too. These girls work so hard year-round, and we want to keep their passion for the sport alive.”

With a mix of veteran leadership and emerging talent, Dugan is optimistic about the season ahead. “Our players are hardworking, coachable, and eager to improve,” she said. “Even the younger players have opportunities to step up and lead. It’s about owning what they know and growing as a team.”

The Irish will open their season at home against Brookfield on March 22 at Youngstown State University. Shortly after, the team will travel to Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, for a series of games, providing a valuable bonding experience for the group.

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GUNTHER THE GAME CHANGER

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By Ty Bartell

YOUNGSTOWN OH- Sophomore Jaylen Gunther is establishing himself as one of the best point guards in the area, quickly becoming a standout player for the Ursuline Fighting Irish. With his exceptional skills and basketball IQ, Gunther is not only one of the leading scorers for the Irish but also a playmaker with incredible passing ability.

This season, Gunther has demonstrated his offensive prowess by consistently putting points on the board, utilizing a versatile scoring game that includes accurate shooting from long range and strong finishes at the rim. His ability to read the game allows him to create opportunities for himself and his teammates, making him a dual threat on the court.

Gunther’s passing skills set him apart as a true floor leader. He excels at finding open teammates, threading the needle with precise assists that often lead to easy baskets. His court vision and ability to distribute the ball enhance the overall effectiveness of the Fighting Irish offense.

Defensively, Gunther is equally committed, applying pressure on opponents and utilizing his speed to disrupt their plays. His tenacity on both ends of the court reflects his determination to elevate his game and contribute to the team’s success.

Beyond his individual talents, Gunther fosters a sense of unity within the team, encouraging his teammates and helping to create a supportive atmosphere. As he continues to develop his skills and gain experience, Jaylen Gunther is poised to play a vital role in the Fighting Irish’s pursuit of victory.With his combination of scoring, passing, and leadership, Gunther is certainly a player to watch as he continues to make an impact for Ursuline basketball.

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THE BELL RINGS TRUE

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YOUNGSTOWN, OH — Noah Bell, a sophomore at Ursuline High School, is making waves on the basketball court as he emerges as a key player for the school’s varsity team. In a recent interview on YSN with Anthony Hartwig, Bell shared insight into his journey, the team’s dynamic, and his aspirations.

Bell, alongside classmates Jace and Jay, forms the backbone of Ursuline’s sophomore class. Their shared history dates back to playing together in eighth grade on the AAU circuit, fostering a chemistry that translates into strong performances on the court. “We love playing with each other. We all love each other on and off the court, and it shows out there,” said Bell, expressing the camaraderie among teammates. Reflecting on last season’s success and the pressure to replicate it, Bell emphasized the team’s readiness to face challenges head-on. “We know we have a bullseye on our backs, and everyone’s going to give us their best game,” he noted, adding that Coach Gunther’s rigorous training sessions have prepared them well.

Set on a path to become a Division 1 athlete, Bell’s dedication is evident. From a young age, he envisioned himself dunking before turning 14, which he achieved at 13, showcasing his commitment to continual improvement. Whether dominating inside the paint or hitting shots from the perimeter, Bell’s versatility makes him a formidable opponent. Coach Gunther, who has coached Bell since eighth grade, plays a pivotal role in his development. Bell appreciates the trust and relentless drive that Gunther instills in him and his teammates. Acknowledging the legendary status of Ursuline’s athletic programs, Bell expressed pride in being part of a school that holds tradition and success in such regard. Balancing academic excellence with athletic prowess, Bell is a straight-A student, crediting time management and support from his mother and coaches as crucial to his success. As Ursuline heads into tournament season, all eyes are on Bell and his team to see how far their talent and determination will take them. With two more high school years ahead, the sky’s the limit for this young basketball star.

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URSULINE THROWS THE LAST PUNCH AGAINST CARDINALS

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YOUNGSTOWN OH- Friday night in Youngstown? You already know what that means when Ursuline and Mooney square off it’s the Holy War, and this one didn’t disappoint.

Ursuline came out swinging, building an early lead and heading into halftime up 30-19. But Mooney wasn’t going down without a fight. The Cardinals came out of the locker room on a mission, chipping away in the third and cutting it to 42-38. They even got within two early in the fourth, making it anyone’s game.

That’s when Ursuline slammed the door shut. Three straight daggers from deep killed Mooney’s momentum, and the Irish never looked back, pulling away for a 61-46 win. Jaylen Gunther led the charge with 28 points, lighting it up from deep with six threes. Noah Bell added 17, while Jace Riccardo chipped in 11. For Mooney, Kingston Powell paced the Cardinals with 11, Dom Letlow finished with 10, and the trio of Grayson Dubos, Marvin Dubos, and Ford Stacy each added 7.

With the win, Ursuline wraps up the regular season and now shifts focus to the tournament, hosting Struthers on Friday. Mooney will look to bounce back when they hit the road for Crestwood on Saturday, February 22.

KNIGHTS PREVAIL IN NAIL BITER WITH URSULINE

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By Ty Bartell

 

AKRON, OH – The No. 23 Archbishop Hoban Knights defeated No. 25 Ursuline Fighting Irish in a hard-fought battle between two of Ohio’s top boys basketball teams, winning 70-65 on Tuesday night at Hoban.

The Knights (16-3) held off a late fourth-quarter surge by the Fighting Irish (13-4), outscoring Ursuline 25-27 in the final frame. Hoban’s balanced scoring attack, led by Deron “Bub” Jennings’ 15 points and James McCarthy’s 14, proved pivotal in securing the victory. Sam Greer and John Johnson each added 12 points for the Knights.

Hoban controlled much of the game early, taking a 16-12 lead after the first quarter and extending their advantage to 30-25 at halftime. The Knights maintained a steady pace in the third quarter, entering the final frame with a 45-38 lead.

Ursuline made a strong push in the fourth quarter behind Jaylen Gunther’s dominant 28-point performance, including three three-pointers and six made free throws. Jace Ricardo chipped in 13 points for the Fighting Irish, while Noah Bell added 11 points, but their efforts fell just short.

Hoban shot efficiently, tallying 21 two-point field goals and five three-pointers while converting 13 of 19 free-throw attempts. Ursuline relied heavily on their three-point shooting, connecting on 10 shots from beyond the arc, but their 3-of-6 performance from the free-throw line limited their ability to close the gap.

The Knights will return to action at home against the Canton Central Catholic Crusaders (13-5) on Saturday, February 8, with tip-off set for 7 p.m. Ursuline will look to bounce back on the road against the Howland Tigers (8-9) on Friday, February 7, also at 7 p.m.

 

THERES NO PLACE LIKE HOME FOR WEST BRANCH

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BELOIT OH- West Branch felt right at home Saturday, rolling past Ursuline 43-29 to pick up another win and improve to 14-1 on the season. The Warriors controlled the tempo from start to finish in their home gym.

Tallie Muniz led the way with 14 points, while Carter Shepard added 6. Audrey Eaton, Mati Hawk, Presley Egli, and Hallie Vie Burton each chipped in 4 to round out the scoring.

The Warriors won’t stay home for long—they’re back on the road Wednesday, heading to Carrollton for more EBC action.

CARPENTER’S BIG DAY LIFTS URSULINE

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YOUNGSTOWN OH-  Ursuline came out firing on all cylinders Thursday night, rolling past Struthers with a commanding 53-31 win. The Irish were in control from the jump, locking in on both ends of the floor.

Kennedy Carpenter led the charge for Ursuline, dropping a game-high 26 points in a dominant performance. Sophia Oravec added 10 points, keeping the offense humming, while Cam Hopkins chipped in 6 points and played solid in the paint.

Struthers fought hard, with Gianna Martin leading the Wildcats with 12 points. Natalie Wolikow added 9, and Vivian Marker scored 5, but it wasn’t enough to keep pace with the Irish.

Next up, Ursuline has a big rivalry showdown at home against Cardinal Mooney on Saturday. Meanwhile, Struthers will look to bounce back in a league battle on the road at Poland.

TIGERS SHOWCASE THEIR TALENT

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CANFIELD, OH — The Massillon Washington Tigers delivered another commanding performance, defeating the Ursuline Fighting Irish 56-23 on Friday night in a lopsided matchup.

Massillon set the tone early, building a 14-8 lead in the first quarter. A dominant second quarter saw the Tigers outscore Ursuline 24-2, taking a 38-10 advantage into halftime. The Tigers continued to control the game in the second half, extending their lead to 53-19 by the end of the third quarter and sealing the win with a 56-23 final score.

Delaney Pierce and La Nia Moore led the way for Massillon with 16 points each. Hannah Nicola contributed 10 points, while Jaryn Wolff added eight to round out the Tigers’ offensive output.
Ursuline struggled to find their rhythm but saw Kennedy Carpenter and Sophia Oravec each score six points, with Brooke O’Palick adding three.

Massillon improves to 6-5 on the season and will face the Dover Crimson Tornadoes (5-2) on the road on Saturday, January 4, at 1 p.m. Ursuline, now 1-10, will look to rebound at home against Struthers (2-6) on Thursday, January 2, with a 6:15 p.m. tip-off.

HOBAN OPENS HOLIDAY CLASSIC IN STYLE

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CANFIELD OH- Hoban opened the 7th annual South Range Holiday Hoops Classic with a commanding 62-32 victory over Ursuline on Friday morning. The Knights dominated the second half, pouring in 37 points to pull away and secure the win.

Hoban was led by Finley Kennedy, who finished with 18 points, while Niera Stevens added 14 points. Taylyn Banta chipped in 9 points, and Rhyan Garman contributed 6. For Ursuline, Kennedy Carpenter paced the Irish with 10 points, while Kam Hopkins and Brooke O’Palick each added 5.

Both teams will return to South Range on Saturday. Hoban will take on Mooney at 10:00 AM, and Ursuline will face Massillon Washington in the following game, scheduled for approximately 11:30 AM.