Tag Archive for: Valley Christian

AN INSTANT CLASSIC ENDS WITH A TIGER UPSET

YOUNGSTOWN OH- If you weren’t at Valley Christian on Friday night, you missed an instant classic. Springfield, playing the role of the underdog, never blinked. The Tigers took everything Valley threw at them and answered right back.

Carson Cunningham drilled a buzzer-beater to force overtime, and from there, it was chaos. Three extra frames later, Springfield pulled off a gutsy 61-60 upset.

Cunningham put the Tigers on his back, dropping a ridiculous 37 points. Aiden Appel added 13, and Isaac LaMorticella chipped in 9. And while Dante Gentile only put up 2 points, they were the biggest ones of the night—knocking down the game-winning free throws in triple OT.

Valley had a balanced attack with Deion Miller (18), Jordan Tutwiler (14), and Jaylen Robinson (12), but in the end, Springfield just wouldn’t go away.

With the win, the Tigers move on to the district semifinals, where they’ll hit the road again, this time heading to LaBrae for a 7:00 showdown on Tuesday.

COLUMBIANA BASKETBALL COACH S CORNER WITH TODD JOHNSON 2-13-25

COLUMBIANA, OH= Todd Johnson, head coach of the Columbiana Clippers basketball team, has delivered an unforgettable season, guiding his team to back-to-back EOAC championships and an impressive 19-2 record. In a recent episode of the YSN podcast, Johnson shared insights on his coaching philosophy and the journey of nurturing basketball talent in the area.

Coach Johnson, a proud Columbiana alum himself, discussed how he’s dedicated the last nine years to building a solid foundation for the Clippers. Emphasizing the importance of developing youth programs, he proudly recounted how their efforts to engage boys in grades two through six have significantly contributed to the team’s success.

A key highlight of the season included a critical victory over Valley Christian on the road, a game that showcased the determination and grit of the Clippers. Johnson acknowledged the team’s ability to perform under pressure, crediting the hard work and persistence of his players in turning moments of adversity into triumphs.

As the Clippers prepare for the postseason, Johnson maintains his focus on the next game, ensuring his team remains motivated and united. His passion and dedication have not only elevated the Clippers but have inspired a new generation in Columbiana to pursue basketball excellence. The community and players alike cherish Johnson’s commitment, as he continues to bleed Columbiana colors and foster a culture of success for the Clippers.

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HAKE’S TAKE; ROAD TO REDEMPTION

YOUNGSTOWN, OH- In a heartfelt episode of the YSN podcast, Andy Hake, head coach of the Mineral Ridge Rams, shared his emotional journey through a challenging five-year period marked by personal mistakes, public scrutiny, and ultimate redemption. Hake candidly recounted the events from 2020 when he used a vape pen at school due to stress and anxiety, leading to a case that has now been resolved.

During the discussion, Hake emphasized the lessons learned from his experience and expressed gratitude to those who supported him during trying times. He highlighted the unwavering support of Valley Christian and the Mineral Ridge community, including a unanimous 5-0 vote by the board of education reaffirming their faith in his abilities as a coach and educator.

Hake acknowledged that moments of weakness are common and should not define a person’s entire body of work. He shared his commitment to serving the kids at Mineral Ridge with renewed vigor and dedication, aiming to be the best version of himself.

As the state released him from the five-year case, Hake expressed readiness to return to teaching and coaching, emphasizing the importance of imparting values such as faith, family, and patriotism to the young generation. His story of resilience and redemption serves as a reminder that second chances are vital for personal growth and transformation.

This candid and inspiring conversation from the YSN podcast showcases Hake’s journey from adversity to redemption, leaving listeners with a profound sense of hope and optimism.

COLUMBIANA TIES UP THE EOAC AT THE BUZZER

YOUNGSTOWN OH-  Columbiana’s Seth Struharik saved his best shot for the final seconds as he hit a half=court 3 pointer to lift the visiting Clippers to a 55-52 win over Valley Christian.

The win moved the Clippers to 17-2 for the season and a 12-1 mark in the EOAC. Valley had its 14 game win streak snapped and fell to 15-3 fir the season and a tie in the EOAC with Columbiana at 12-1. A 20 point outburst in the final frame propelled Columbiana to the win. Down 10 heading into the 4th quarter the Clippers defense tightened up and held Valley to 7 points.

Struharik led all scorers with a game high 22 points as teammate Cooper Brown followed with 15 points. For Valley, Jaylen Robinson scored 14 points and Jordan Tutwiler had 12 points.

Columbiana is right back at it on Saturday as they return home to host Lowellville.  Valley Christian is also back in action on Saturday as they host Mooney.

VALLEY CHRISTIAN DODGES THE DEVILS

YOUNGSTOWN OH- Valley Christian and Lisbon went blow for blow Tuesday night in a tight EOAC showdown, but a monster third quarter made the difference. The Eagles exploded for 25 points in the frame and held on late for a 58-54 win.

Balanced scoring carried Valley Christian, with Patrick Riley and Jordan Tutwiler each dropping 13. Jarrell Miles and Jaylen Robinson both added 11, while Deion Miller chipped in 10 to round out a strong team effort

AJ Ramgeet led all scorers with 22, while Aiden Ramgeet poured in 14. Luke Kraft added 13, and Blaine Barnes finished with 7, but Lisbon couldn’t quite close the gap in the fourth.

Valley Christian stays in the league fight with a big one at home Friday against Columbiana. Lisbon is right back at it Wednesday, hitting the road for a conference test at United.

OGLE STANDS TALL; EP CLIPS EAGLES

EAST PALESTINE — Jacklyn Ogle powered East Palestine to a 34-28 victory over Valley Christian on Thursday night, leading the way with 23 points and seven rebounds. Cami Kridler provided valuable support, contributing five points, five rebounds, and four assists to help secure the win. The victory moves East Palestine to 4-14 overall and 2-10 in the Eastern Ohio Athletic Conference, while Valley Christian falls to 4-11 and 2-8 in conference play.

Valley Christian opened the game with a 10-8 lead after the first quarter, but East Palestine responded with a dominant 16-point second quarter to take control. Both teams struggled offensively in the second half, but East Palestine’s strong defensive effort held off Valley Christian’s attempts to rally. Crockett led the scoring for Valley Christian with 17 points, while Bratton added five, including the team’s lone three-pointer. East Palestine also hit one three-pointer, courtesy of Ogle.

East Palestine will look to carry this momentum into their next game on Monday when they travel to Leetonia. Valley Christian will aim to bounce back in their next outing.

 

VALLEY STAYS ON THEIR PATH

SALINEVILLE OH- Valley Christian stayed locked in on their push for an EOAC title Friday night, rolling past Southern 74-51. The Eagles handled business from start to finish, keeping their momentum alive.

Jaylen Robinson and Deion Miller each dropped 19 points to lead Valley Christian, while Jordan Tutwiler added 15 to round out the scoring. Southern was led by Braxton Sloan with 18 points, while Jacob McCurdy chipped in 8. Landon Heffner and Richie Sloan each added 7.

Up next, Valley Christian hosts St. Thomas Aquinas on Tuesday for a non-conference battle. Southern is back at it Sunday with a road game against Conotton Valley.

VALLEY TOPPLES CLIPPERS PERFECT SEASON

COLUMBIANA OH- Valley Christian made a statement on Saturday, rolling into Columbiana and handing the Clippers their first loss of the season with a convincing 56-37 win. The Eagles were in control from the jump, locking in on both ends of the floor and never letting Columbiana find a groove.

Deion Miller was unstoppable, pouring in 22 points to lead Valley Christian. Jaylen Robinson added 10 points, while Jordan Tutwiler chipped in 7 to round out the scoring.

For Columbiana, Seth Struharik did his best to keep the Clippers in it, dropping 17 points, but it wasn’t enough to overcome Valley’s balanced attack.

Up next, Valley Christian heads back home for an EOAC matchup with Leetonia on Tuesday. Columbiana will look to bounce back as they stay at home to take on United, also on Tuesday.

INDIANS WIN YET AGAIN

SALINEVILLE OH- Southern kept rolling Thursday night, turning up the heat on EOAC rival Valley Christian for a solid 56-38 win. The Indians used relentless pressure to control the game from the jump.

Allyssa Shroades led the charge with 16 points, while Makenna Jones added 13. Maddy Jones chipped in 9, and Haylee Kellogg contributed 8 to round out a balanced attack.

Southern looks to keep the momentum going Monday when they host Leetonia. Valley Christian will regroup and try to bounce back Thursday at home against United.

THERES NO STOPPING THE EAGLES

LISBON OH- Valley Christian’s offense was unstoppable Tuesday night, rolling past Lisbon 69-45. The Eagles poured in 27 points in the fourth quarter to slam the door on the Blue Devils.

Deion Miller led the charge with 19 points, while Jaylen Robinson added 14. Alfred Coward and Patrick Riley each chipped in 13 to round out a balanced attack for Valley Christian.

Lisbon got 17 points from AJ Ramgeet, with Aiden Ramgeet adding 11 and Blaine Barnes contributing 7, but the Blue Devils couldn’t keep up with Valley Christian’s high-powered offense.

Up next, Valley Christian heads back into conference play Saturday with a trip to Columbiana. Lisbon will also hit the road, traveling to Leetonia on Friday.