YOUNGSTOWN OH- In a closely contested matchup, Howland faced a significant test on Wednesday night against Ursuline, and they rose to the occasion with a tight 52-50 victory on the road.
Alyssa Massucci led the scoring for Howland with an impressive 21 points, supported by Mia Barrish contributing 10 points, and Gia Hoso adding 7 points. Jesse DeSalvo chipped in with 6 points to round out the Tigers’ offensive effort.
Ursuline’s Lily Scott had a standout performance with a game-high 28 points, showcasing her scoring prowess. Kennedy Carpenter contributed 11 points, while Carly Casey added 6 points.
With this hard-fought win, Howland improves to a 4-1 record and looks to continue their success at home on Saturday against Chardon. Ursuline, aiming to bounce back, will face West Branch at home on Wednesday, December 20th.
https://ysnlive.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/A91229ED-40B2-48CE-9B89-5D106DC12016-scaled.jpeg11822560Anthony Hartwighttps://ysnlive.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Default-Email-Signature-2673571-300x70.pngAnthony Hartwig2023-12-14 00:23:472023-12-14 00:48:34TIGERS RISE TO CHALLENGE
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.
HIRAM OH- On the opening night of basketball for The Archbishop Hoban Knights girls basketball team, they went down to Hiram College to do battle with The Ursuline Fighting Irish who were coming off a win over Canton Central Catholic.
Scoring sharply and swiftly, The Knights jumped out to an early lead 15-6 after the first quarter and 24-10 at halftime! Ursuline managed to battle back a bit in the third, cutting their deficit to 9 points at the end of the quarter, trailing The Knights 35-26. However, Hoban put the game faces on in the fourth and steamrolled their way to an emphatic 55-26 win with a 20-0 run in the final quarter to clinch it!
Niera Stevens led Hoban in scoring with 12 points on the evening, while also managing 6 rebounds, 1 steal and 1 block. Devin Harris was also a force on both sides of the court! As Harris ended the night with 10 points, 3 rebounds, 6 steals and 2 blocks! The Player of the Game was Tayln Banta for her ability to do everything on the floor as The Knights point guard. Banta finished the games with 4 points, 4 rebounds, 5 assists, 7 steals and 5 blocks!
The win for Hoban (1-0) now starts their season off on the right foot as their next game will come at John Marshall on Wednesday, November 29th at 7 p.m.
Meanwhile, Ursuline (1-1) when they host The Lakeview Bulldogs (1-1) at John J. & Janet Cafaro Gymnasium also on Wednesday. Stay up-to-date with both Ursuline Fighting Irish and Archbishop Hoban Knights athletics with live games, scores, stats, stories and more on YSN!
https://ysnlive.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/30398553-D642-4B86-91EE-47DAC45AE4CA.jpeg4911089Anthony Hartwighttps://ysnlive.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Default-Email-Signature-2673571-300x70.pngAnthony Hartwig2023-11-27 15:22:012023-11-27 15:22:01HARRIS EARNS GAME MVP IN HOBAN’S OPENER
YOUNGSTOWN OH- In the tip-off to the girls high school basketball season, The Ursuline Fighting Irish opened up on the earliest possible day, with the November 22nd opener on Wednesday. Their opponent? Hosting in a very tough, admirably scheduled Canton Central Catholic Crusaders. The Irish were coming off a 15-9 season last year, while The Crusaders were 12-11 a season ago. It was a fun atmosphere between two talented programs looking to start the campaign 1-0!
The first quarter saw both teams testing the waters and gain comfortability as the opening minutes progressed. After one, The Crusaders managed a 7-4 lead, highlighted by a Grace Finefrock triple! By the second quarter, The Irish offense woke up, out scoring Canton Central Catholic 10-7, led by 5 points by Kennedy Carpenter in the quarter to help tie the ballgame up 14-14 heading into halftime!
The battle ensued out of the half, both teams exchanged scores out of the gates in an attempt to set the tone for their respective offenses. The Crusaders would end up a bucket better after three quarters, holding a 23-21 advantage heading into the final quarter of play. Ursuline would lock it up defensively down the stretch, holding Central Catholic to just 5 points in the fourth quarter to capture the 33-28 victory, off the backs of 6-for-6 free throw shooting in the quarter.
Lily Scott did a good job dishing the rock for Ursuline while also scoring 6 points. Meredith Gray made a couple big fourth quarter buckets to finish the night with 4 points. Kayla Grope would also finish with 4 points on the night, managing a bucket and a couple made free-throws. Leading the way for The Irish was Kennedy Carpenter, who finished with 16 points, going 7-for-10 at the free throw line! Her performance was impressive and earned her Player of the Game honors! The Crusaders were highlighted by a trio of scorers with Grace Finefrock
Leading the way with 9 points and both Alicia Varacky and Lily Belden right behind with 8 points each.
Ursuline (1-0) will now look ahead to The Ohio Tip-Off against Akron Archbishop Hoban (0-0) on Sunday, November 26th at Hiram College. For Canton Central Catholic (0-1) they will look to get in the win column when they host The Field Falcons (0-0) on Tuesday, November 28th.
https://ysnlive.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/BDA50B27-6BCF-42EC-829B-2936496B53C1.jpeg8891961Anthony Hartwighttps://ysnlive.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Default-Email-Signature-2673571-300x70.pngAnthony Hartwig2023-11-23 03:27:292023-11-23 03:27:29URSULINE DEFENSE CLUTCHES UP CRUSADERS
YOUNGSTOWN OH- Ursuline is coming off a boys basketball season that has a mixed bag of emotions attached to it. The Irish had one of if not the best regular season their program has ever had, but they fell short of the goal in postseason. Irish fans shouldn’t have to worry though because Keith Gunther is back for his 21st season as the head coach of the Irish, and he thinks this year’s group is something special. They’ve beefed up their schedule even more, and have a lineup with weaknesses that are hard to find. You might just hear a lot about how good the Irish are this year.
Coach Gunther was able to spend some time talking with YSN’s Anthony Hartwig to preview the upcoming season. They discuss the new faces on the team that have everyone excited, the ramp up in schedule difficulty, and much more. Check out Episode 1 of Coach’s Corner with Keith Gunther only on YSN!
Presented By:
https://ysnlive.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/60B8FADB-A0A9-499B-9749-29C3B1AC9AD3.png16202880Anthony Hartwighttps://ysnlive.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Default-Email-Signature-2673571-300x70.pngAnthony Hartwig2023-11-20 16:56:242023-11-20 16:56:24URSULINE BASKETBALL COACH’S CORNER (EP 1) WITH KEITH GUNTHER
Ravenna, OH- In a highly anticipated matchup between 2 powerhouse programs, the Ursuline Fighting Irish faced off against the Chardon Hilltoppers in a Division 3 matchup that ultimately ended in a 31-14 victory for Chardon.
The first quarter set the tone as Vinny Columbi’s 5-yard touchdown run capped a 70-yard drive, putting Chardon ahead 7-0. Ursuline quickly responded with Joe Balog’s 5-yard TD run, tying the game at 7-7 with 2:42 left in the quarter.
Chardon seized an opportunity in the second quarter, recovering a fumble at Ursuline’s 24-yard line. AJ Bruce’s 13-yard carry set up Vinny Columbi’s 1-yard TD run, giving Chardon a 14-7 lead at halftime.
The third quarter saw Chardon extend their lead with Sam Sacerich’s 27-yard field goal, making it 17-7. However, Ursuline fought back, with Jack Ericson connecting with DC Ferrell on a 13-yard TD pass to narrow the gap to 17-14.
As the game entered the fourth quarter, Chardon continued to press their advantage. Caleb Hewitt’s 34-yard TD run extended their lead to 24-14. Ursuline, facing a crucial drive from their own 35, stalled at the Chardon 38, turning the ball over on downs with 9:45 remaining.
Chardon capitalized on the opportunity, as AJ Bruce’s 13-yard TD run sealed the victory with a final score of 31-14. Ursuline’s attempt to mount a comeback ended with a sack of Ericson on 4th down at the Chardon 33, sealing their fate.
With this loss, the Ursuline Fighting Irish concluded their season with a record of 13-1, while the Chardon Hilltoppers (11-3) advanced to the Division 3 state semi-final against the Toledo Central Catholic Fighting Irish in week 14.
https://ysnlive.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/AF887EF4-9B44-4F81-BCF6-7411C72776A8.jpeg10182168Sam Torreshttps://ysnlive.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Default-Email-Signature-2673571-300x70.pngSam Torres2023-11-18 00:38:392023-11-18 00:38:39HILLTOPPERS GROUND GAME TOO MUCH FOR IRISH
ALLIANCE OH- Ursuline held off a late comeback attempt from Villa Angela-St. Joseph Friday night 27-20.
Going into the Regional Semifinal matchup from Marlington, the talk from the Irish sideline was the absence of Senior tailback Christian Lynch.
It was a highly anticipated second matchup between Lynch and Vikings’ standout back, Bo Jackson.
The first meeting in Week 8 didn’t disappoint as each back found the endzone in Ursuline’s 38-18 win.
However, it was Joe Balog that stepped into the starting role alongside Jack Ericson, and he didn’t disappoint.
Balog put the lone first half points on the board from 14 yards out to give Ursuline the lead 6-0 early.
He accumulated nearly 150 yards on the ground to lead the Irish backfield.
The third quarter was the one that determined this game in the end.
Coach Reardon’s squad posted three touchdowns, including a school record, 98-yard touchdown from pass from Ericson to Devonte Taylor.
Ericson also tossed a score to John Frangos, while Ty’ReqDonlow ran in the final score from 11 yards out.
The biggest threat to the 27-0 lead that Ursuline held in the fourth was Kylan Steuball and the Vikings.
Steuball led not one, not two, but three fourth quarter scoring drives to nearly bring Villa all the way back to tie the game. That included a 99-yard touchdown pass to Brian Kortovich.
The story in the key moments was the Irish stout defense. Both Balog and Jy’QuiseLiason picked off the Villa signal caller.
At that point, the Villa comeback attempt was too little, too late.
The last gasp of hope was following the third Viking touchdown, when Ursuline’s offense was in 4th and 1 in opponent’s territory.
With the game on the line, Ericson decided to call his own number and ran for the first down to ice the game.
From that point, they ran the clock out and advanced to the Regional Final.
Ursuline (13-0) will play Chardon (10-3) for a Regional Championship next Friday, November 17th at a site TBD.
https://ysnlive.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/AF234978-7D7A-46C3-9A69-BB762B67E13A.jpeg408836Anthony Hartwighttps://ysnlive.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Default-Email-Signature-2673571-300x70.pngAnthony Hartwig2023-11-11 02:54:582023-11-11 13:22:22IRISH PULL OFF ANOTHER CLOSE CALL
YOUNGSTOWN OH- Canfield came into the 2023 season as the defending Division 3 State Champions. However, we all know the saying, “To be the best, you need to beat the best”. And Ursuline did just that.
The Irish rallied to top the Cardinals 16-13 in the Regional Quarterfinal Friday night.
It was a highly anticipated rematch from last year’s Regional Semifinal, where the Cardinals topped the Irish 33-25, but it was defense that showed up in last night’s clash.
After a scoreless third quarter for both teams, Ursuline’s defense came up with a big stop when it needed it most.
Moving the ball into Irish territory, Canfield came up 4th-and-1 from the Ursuline 39-yard line. Scottie Eaton, who had been running through Ursuline’s defense all night took the ball to the outside on a run looking to move the chains.
It appeared Eaton had the first down, and then some, but was tripped up by Jy’Quise Liason at the last second. That big stop propelled Dan Reardon’s troops into great field position and a chance to mount a game-winning drive.
Irish quarterback Jack Ericson lost this game a year ago but didn’t plan on it this year. He hit Sophomore Devonte Taylor for a chunk play that brought Ursuline to the Canfield 25-yard line.
Moments later, on a 3rd-and-7 Ericson found D.C. Ferrell at the 5-yard line. The drive was then capped off by Christian Lynch, who found the endzone from two yards out for his second score of the game, and 24th of the season.
The ensuing Cardinal drive, Canfield quarterback Paul Bindas was looking to move the ball with time dwindling but threw an interception into the arms of Luke Kollar.
Mike Pavlansky’s defense was able to force Ursuline into a three-and-out and set up a play that could’ve been talked about forever.
With three seconds on the clock and the game on the line, Bindas took his time and let the ball go for the endzone.
When the final whistle blew, the pigskin was laying on the turf, ruled incomplete, and resulted in an Ursuline win.
Both teams came into the came with successful offenses. Ursuline was scoring 39.9 point per game, while Canfield was at 26.
After the Canfield lead was 13-9 at half, the defenses showed up and allowed just one combined score the rest of the way.
Christian Lynch and Scottie Eaton lived up to the hype in the battle of 1k backs, but it was Lynch, the Princeton commit, who got the last laugh.
Ursuline (12-0) moves on to face Cleveland Villa Angela-St. Joseph (9-3) in the Regional Semifinal at a site TBD. Canfield’s season ends at 7-4.
https://ysnlive.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/23F81FDC-6FC6-4590-95BD-2A27EFFE8485-scaled.jpeg12322560Anthony Hartwighttps://ysnlive.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Default-Email-Signature-2673571-300x70.pngAnthony Hartwig2023-11-04 01:05:562023-11-04 01:05:56IRISH COME UP CLUTCH AGAINST REIGNING CHAMPS
YOUNGSTOWN OH- Ursuline took care of business against New Philadelphia 42-7 on Friday night.
It was the first round of the 2023 OHSAA State Playoffs from Stambaugh Stadium and the #1 seed Irish were looking to stay away from trap game versus a very competitive New Philadelphia squad that has missed the playoffs just once in the past 10 seasons.
It was a battle of 1000-yard running backs with Christian Lynch and Etnie Richardson leading their respective teams in the backfield.
While Richardson put together a solid performance, it was Lynch that stole the show. He reached the endzone three times, and almost knocked off as many helmets doing so.
It started on Ursuline’s first drive of the game when Ericson found four different receivers in what would be a game-opening touchdown drive.
One of those receivers was Tairan Davis, who Ericson connected with on a touchdown late in the first half inside the redzone.
That was one of two touchdown tosses for Ericson. The other went to D.C. Ferrell.
Ferrell finished his last game with 7 catches for 98 yards and a score and showed out once again in the playoff opener.
While offense is all the talk right now, the stout defense forced a turnover and came up with a number of clutch sacks.
Senior Ty’ReqDonlow tallied three sacks for the game. Two of the sacks came on early fourth down plays that thwarted any hope of a productive Quaker drive.
Ursuline (11-0) will host one last game at Stambaugh Stadium next Friday night against Mahoning County foe Canfield (7-3) in the second round.
For New Philadelphia (6-5), they finish of its third consecutive 6-5 season with the loss.
https://youtu.be/4IARu8eJbjk?si=AWkRzuVkkmGZ48gW
https://ysnlive.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/1D74A716-54D2-480D-87AF-63610EC7E89F.jpeg11922470Anthony Hartwighttps://ysnlive.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Default-Email-Signature-2673571-300x70.pngAnthony Hartwig2023-10-27 23:51:152023-10-27 23:51:15IRISH ROLL IN ROUND ONE
