Tag Archive for: Vikings

VIKINGS REFUSE TO BE STOPPED

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By Matt Maher


LEAVITTSBURG, OH – The Vikings were on a mission to earn their 20th win of the season on Tuesday night and their opponent was on a mission to avoid their 20th loss and after a hard fought battle the kings of the MVAC showed everyone they were more than just that and took down their Northeast 8 opponent by the score of 70-62. 

 

The first quarter saw these two fierce competitors play a very tight game that saw several lead changes but ultimately saw LaBrae take the lead of 17-13 into the second but Girard stayed right behind them and never got too far out of reach from here. Dom Philips was electric from everywhere and that electricity started production in the first with an 8 point start including two 2’s a 3 and a made free throw. Stephen Sims also showed up with 5 points of his own. The Vikings showed a more balanced offense with four different guys scoring in the first. Austin Rowe and David Blackmon III both came out with 6 points while Derek Wilson warmed himself up with a 3 and Jay McGarry hit 2. 

 

The Vikings continued their offensive night and never lost the lead by putting up 17 more points to Girards improved 14 points. Philips continued to lead his team with 4 more points all found with tough shots down low to give him 12 first half points,  while Kaiden Claire and Cam Herrick both sank a 3 apiece. Austin Rowe continued to contribute, this time with two made 3’s to give him 12 first half points to match Girards Philips. Jay McGarry also sank two 3’s to help his team stay atop of the Indians.

 

While the IDom Philips continued to Impress, the Indians continued to trail after the third, with a 15-13 difference that went the way of LaBrae and a 49-40 overall score at the buzzer, Girard needed a huge boost going down the stretch. Philips continued his dominance with an 8 points quarter all found from within the paint. Sims found 2 more points while Claire hit another 3. Derek Wilson found himself atop his team in scoring this frame with 6 points all from within the arc while Rowe added another 5 points with 3 coming from range. 

 

The Indians geared up and showed a great push in the final 8 minutes and even outscored LaBrae 22-20 but it was too little too late as the Vikings just couldn’t be denied one last victory before heading into the postseason. The Vikings were fouled 9 times in the fourth and their free throw shooting, an excellent 14-for-17, ended up being the difference maker it needed to be. Girard saw scoring from all over the quart including two 3’s from Claire and two ore from Herrick as well as 6 points in the paint from Sims including a perfect steal and a breakaway late and 4 more points from Philips who would get the only two free throws of the quarter for his team and sank them both. 

 

Despite a solid effort everywhere on the floor for Philips and Girard, LaBrae had enough left in the tank after an excellent campaign to pull off another victory and send another team home wondering what more they could do. LaBrae celebrated their win over Girard while also celebrating their first place finish in the MVAC,complete with t-shirts and plenty of photos. Dom Philips led all scorers with 24 points with Austin Rowe a triple behind him with 21. Girard (2-20) gear up for tournament play when they travel to Glenville on February 27th at 7:00PM while LaBrae earned the first round bye and awaits the winner of Manchester vs Keystone and will play on March 1st at 7:00PM.

NO DOUBT ABOUT THE VIKINGS

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LEAVITTSBURG OH- In a showcase of offensive firepower, LaBrae left no doubt about their dominance on Friday night as they surged to a commanding 55-27 victory over Springfield. Utilizing their high-octane offense to full effect, LaBrae overwhelmed their opponents, leaving them struggling to keep pace.

Leading the charge for LaBrae were Jay McGarry, Derek Wilson, and David Blackmon, each contributing 13 points to lead their team’s scoring effort. Alongside them, Austin Rowe added 11 points, further solidifying LaBrae’s offensive prowess.

Despite Springfield’s best efforts to mount a comeback, they were unable to contain LaBrae’s relentless attack. Dylan Sheely led Springfield’s scoring with 8 points, while Isaac LaMorticella and Sean Guerriero added 5 points each in a valiant but ultimately unsuccessful effort.

With this win, LaBrae improves their impressive record to 19-2 as they prepare to close out the regular season with a matchup against Girard on Tuesday. Meanwhile, Springfield, with a record of 16-4, looks to bounce back as they host South Range in their upcoming game on Tuesday.

BADGER FENDS OFF INVADING VIKINGS

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KINSMAN OH- In a highly anticipated matchup between two teams eyeing a deep tournament run, Badger hosted LaBrae on Thursday night in a clash that lived up to its billing. In a thrilling contest that kept fans on the edge of their seats, Badger managed to fend off the visiting Vikings to secure a hard-fought 62-57 victory.

Leading the charge for Badger was Hannah Betts, whose stellar performance saw her tally an impressive 18 points, showcasing her scoring prowess when it mattered most. Avery Rice and Brianna Huscroft also made significant contributions, notching 15 and 12 points respectively, to propel Badger to victory.

On the opposing side, LaBrae fought valiantly, with standout performances from Ella Kuszmaul, who tallied 15 points, along with Marissa Levensky and Riley Rowe, who added 13 and 12 points respectively to keep the game competitive until the final buzzer.

With this win, Badger concludes their regular season on a high note, boasting an impressive record of 20-2 as they shift their focus to the upcoming tournament. Despite notching a loss, LaBrae (17-5) remains a formidable contender heading into postseason play, with their sights set on a strong showing in the tournament. Badger’s next opponent is yet to be determined as they enjoy a bye, while LaBrae will kick off their tournament campaign by hosting Norwayne next Wednesday, setting the stage for an exciting postseason showdown.

CRESTVIEW COMPLETES PROGRAMS FIRST PERFECT SEASON

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In a historic regular season finale, Crestview made program history by finishing undefeated for the first time ever, with a stellar 22-0 record. The Rebels sealed their remarkable achievement with a commanding 64-33 road victory over LaBrae.

Leading the charge for Crestview was Addison Rhodes, who delivered a standout performance with 27 points, supported by Luvrain Gaskins contributing 18 points and Emily Downey adding 8 points to the winning effort.

Despite a spirited effort from LaBrae, with Ella Kuszmaul scoring 11 points, they couldn’t overcome Crestview’s dominance.

Now, Crestview (22-0) eagerly awaits the start of tournament play on February 21st, where they will face off against Andrew’s Osborne Academy. The Rebels enter the postseason with momentum and confidence, poised to make a deep run.

On the other hand, LaBrae (16-4) looks to fine-tune their game in a tournament tune-up opportunity against Cardinal on Monday, gearing up for postseason action.

ROWING THE BOAT

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LEAVITTSBURG OH-  LaBrae’s sophomore sensation, Austin Rowe, burst onto the scene with an extraordinary freshman season that left spectators in awe. Known for his exceptional skills and knack for making crucial plays, Rowe quickly established himself as a player to watch.

The dreaded “sophomore slump” seemed to have no place in Rowe’s trajectory. His secret? A relentless work ethic combined with unshakeable confidence on the court. While some players may find the transition to their second year challenging, Rowe embraced the opportunity to elevate his game and exceed expectations.

One key factor contributing to Rowe’s success is the trust bestowed upon him by his coaches. Always given the green light to shoot from anywhere on the floor, Rowe’s confidence soars. This freedom has not only allowed him to showcase his scoring abilities but has also made him a dynamic threat in various game situations.

Beyond the court, Rowe’s basketball journey is deeply rooted in family ties. His mom, leading the charge as the head coach of the girls’ team, brings a unique perspective and unwavering support to his game. Adding to the family affair, Rowe’s sister is a fellow player on the LaBrae basketball squad. The Rowe family’s basketball discussions can get competitive, with each member vying for the title of having the best game on any given night.

As LaBrae notches an impressive 14-2 start to the season, Rowe’s impact on the Vikings is undeniable. His skill set, combined with leadership qualities, has been a driving force behind the team’s success. Looking ahead, Rowe is poised to continue shaping the Vikings’ basketball legacy over the next two pivotal years of his high school career. The court is his canvas, and Austin Rowe is painting a masterpiece that promises to captivate the audience for seasons to come.

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WATERLOO SNEAKS OUT OF MCDONALD WITH FIRST PLACE IN TACT

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By Matt Maher 


MCDONALD, OH – Another Friday night, another great matchup between two Mahoning Valley Athletic Conference teams! This time around McDonald hosted Waterloo and these two fierce competitors showed strong defense and great free throw shooting in a tight 37-33 game that went to Waterloo in the final seconds.

 

The first quarter was close for the majority of play but Waterloo, with the help of some fouls, started to run away as the quarter ended 15-9 in favor of the visitors. Drew Zajack led his team in scoring with 5 points while Wyatt Wilford scored the first 2 points and found 2 more from the line. Gage Hawley was an impressive rebounder for the Vikings and found 5 points to start off his night including going a perfect 2-for-2 but the real star of the free throw line was Jackson Eichler who found 5 of his 7 points from the line going a perfect 5-for-5.

 

Waterloo found more scoring from the field in the 2nd while McDonald struggled to find any room in the crowded offensive zone. The quarter would go to Waterloo 13-8. Zajack found 4 more points in the paint while Joey Cappuzzello and Wilford both scored 2 points. Eichler continued to lead his team with 5 more points including a 3 and Kyle Werbeck and Hawley both found points beyond the arc. 

 

McDonald was disappointed with their first half efforts and came out with a strong response in the third, scoring 12 points and only allowing Waterloo 3. 2 of Waterloo’s points came from Drew Flarida who put up a contested jumper while Eichler found 1-of-2 from the line. Casey Miller found some energy and mustered 5 points starting off with a huge 3. Wilford found 4 points while Brady Klockner found his first 3 of the night.

 

Both teams locked down their defense in the 4th quarter and after McDonald got so close in the 3rd, Waterloo needed this quarter to go the way it did with them scoring 5-4 and capping off the night their way. Miller went 1-for-2 from the stripe while Zajack hit a game tying 3 but that tie would not last for too long as Waterloo was able to draw 3 different fouls in this frame with the last one on Hawley being the nail in the coffin, The Vikings went 5-for-5 from the line with 4 coming from Eichler and the other two from Hawley.

 

The free throws were landing for Waterloo and their precise shooting was ultimately what won this game for them and kept them neck and neck with Springfield for 1st place as they went 14-15 as a team. McDonald can’t be underestimated because they have proved all season they can compete against the big dogs of this conference and tonight was no different. Waterloo (13-4, 10-2) have the biggest game of the season on tap when they host Springfield on February 6th at 7:00PM (that game is scheduled to be on YSN) and McDonald (9-9, 6-5) will host Jackson-Milton on the 6th at 7:00PM. 

VIKINGS BRING THE HURT TO CAMPBELL

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LaBrae dominated on the road Thursday night, delivering a commanding performance against Campbell in a decisive 55-14 victory. The Vikings showcased their offensive prowess and defensive tenacity, leaving little room for their opponents to mount a response.

Marissa Levensky led the scoring charge for LaBrae with an outstanding 17-point performance, closely followed by Ella Kuszmaul with 15 points. Mariah Jones contributed 9 points, adding to the well-rounded offensive effort displayed by the Vikings.

Campbell, facing a formidable LaBrae squad, found themselves limited on the scoreboard. Diamon Sims led the charge for Campbell with 12 points, but the Vikings’ relentless defense proved challenging.

With this emphatic win, LaBrae’s record now stands at an impressive 15-3. The Vikings will aim to maintain their winning momentum as they host Grand Valley on Saturday. Meanwhile, Campbell (2-16) looks to regroup and kickstart a turnaround on Monday as they face Liberty.

LABRAE ABSORBS WARRIORS BEST SHOT

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By Matt Maher 


BROOKFIELD, OH – The 5th place Warriors welcomed the 1st place Vikings to town for one heck of a battle that saw Brookfield hold their own and stay extremely close to the powerhouse LaBrae has proven themselves to be. While the Warriors stood strong and showed everyone they could tussle with the big dogs they could never deliver the final blow and take back the lead and the result was a 66-59 win for LaBrae. 

 

Brookfield started off well with a nice stop after the tip and the first 2 points of the game but it didn’t take long for LaBrae to wake up and show us what they could really do and the result was a 7 point run that would help lead them to a 22-12 1st. Brookfield saw their scoring come from Matteo Fortuna, Judah DeJoy and Riley Russo who all scored 4 points in the paint. Jay McGarry and Austin Rowe would have an impressive 1st with McGarry sinking two 3’s and Rowe sinking two 3’s as well as a 2, Derek Wilson would also find his first 4 points of the night as well.

 

The second quarter was even and the score reflected that with both teams putting up 14 points. DeJoy and Teagan Barbie both hit 3’s while Shaun Dungee went a perfect 2-for-2 from the line. Derek Wilson accounted for 11 of LaBraes points with three made 2’s and 50% from the line with 3-of-6 made free throws, Rowe found the other 3 from beyond the arc.

 

Brookfield stepped up their game and built off of a solid 2nd and finished the 3rd 21-15. Owen Boone found himself leading LaBrae in the 3rd with a made layup and-1 and two more made free throws. Jaxson Lancaster would also go 2-for-2 and Rowe and Wilson both hit 3’s. The headline of the quarter was Matteo Fortuna who found 13 points all by rushing into the paint and either laying them in or drawing fouls, he found for 2’s and went 5-for-5 from the line. 

 

The 4th quarter stayed close but Brookfield would only score 12 while LaBrae found 16 more points to cap off the night. Fortuna went cold only hitting 1-of-2 free throws and Dungee, DeJoy and Barbe all hit 3’s. Rowe stepped up once more for LaBrae with 7 more points including a 3 and two 2’s. Boone added two more points by going 2-for-2 from the line  and McGarry capped his night off with a 3.

 

While LaBrae showed a great effort and earned the victory, Brookfield looked fantastic against the MVAC’s best and showed that they have what it takes to stand toe to toe with the top teams. LaBrae saw Austin Rowe finish with 16 points, Derek Wilson with 18 and Jay McGarry with 10 while Brookfield was led and at times carried by Matteo Fortuna who led all scorers with 21 points. LaBrae (13-2, 9-1) will be back at home on February 2nd when they host Liberty at 7:00PM while Brookfield (6-10, 4-6) will hit the road to take on Campbell Memorial on February 2nd at 7:00PM.

VIKINGS FIND FIRST PLACE MOJO

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By Ty Bartell

 

ATWATER, Ohio — In a crucial Mahoning Valley Athletic Conference (MVAC) Scarlet Division matchup, the Waterloo Vikings boys basketball team triumphed over the Mineral Ridge Rams, clinching a key conference victory.

The first quarter saw a low-scoring affair, with The Rams edging ahead 4-2. However, Waterloo quickly turned the tide in the second quarter, outscoring Mineral Ridge 9-0 and establishing an 11-4 lead at the halftime buzzer.

The Vikings continued their dominance in the third quarter, besting The Rams 17-10 to take a commanding 28-14 lead into the final frame. In the fourth quarter, Waterloo sealed the deal with a 15-10 performance, securing a convincing 43-24 victory.
The standout performance of the night came from Waterloo’s Jackson Eichler, who earned the Player of the Game honors. Eichler delivered an impressive display, tallying 26 points and sinking six 3-point shots. Gage Hawley also contributed with 9 points for The Vikings. On the opposing side, Mineral Ridge’s offensive efforts were led by Chase Moore, who finished with 10 points.

With this win, Waterloo (11-4, 8-2) finds itself in a first-place tie in the conference standings with Springfield. Looking ahead, the Vikings will shift their focus to another MVAC opponent, as they prepare to face the Jackson-Milton Blue Jays (5-9, 3-7) on Tuesday, January 30th, with a 7 p.m. tip-off.

Meanwhile, Mineral Ridge (5-11, 2-8) aims to bounce back when they hit the road to take on the Lowellville Rockets (8-6, 7-2) on the same Tuesday evening. Basketball enthusiasts can stay updated on MVAC action throughout the season, with live games, scores, stats, stories, and more available on YSN!

VIKINGS GET VENGEANCE ON LOWELLVILLE

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By Ty Bartell

ATWATER OH- The beautiful thing about conference basketball is the fact that you have to play conference opponents twice, meaning one loss is not always the endgame for conference championship hopes. In the Mahoning Valley Athletic Conferences (MVAC) Scarlet Division, a log jam is starting to build of teams competing for the top conference spot this year. The Springfield Tigers currently lead with just one look inside the MVAC this season; however, The Lowellville Rockets sat only a half game back of Springfield after Lowellville managed the tough road win against The McDonald Blue Devils. Also in the hunt for the top spot was The Waterloo Vikings who sat a full game back of Springfield, needing this win, entering Tuesday night against Lowellville!

With The Rockets and The Vikings squaring-off to clear up some conference chaos. Both teams managed early buckets and early leads, as momentum hung in the balance between the conference foes. Michael Ballone would end the first quarter putting Lowellville up off an impressive step-back three to take a 15-13 lead after a quarter for The Rockets. However, the second quarter belonged to The Vikings! As Jackson Eichler propelled the Waterloo offense with 10 points of his own in the second, The Viking defense was shut down, complementing the offense, outsourcing Lowellville 18-4 in the second to take an emphatic 31-19 halftime lead! “We made shots!” Viking Head Coach Jason Wise said as Waterloo put up more points in the first half on Tuesday than they did the entire game in the loss at Lowellville on December 15th.

From the point of grabbing a big lead in the second quarter, The Vikings would not look back and would not allow Lowellville to score double-digits in another quarter in the ballgame. Besting The Rockets 13-8 in the third allowed enough separation for Waterloo that the 9-7 Rocket favoring fourth quarter could not top The Vikings! The 51-36 win for Waterloo gets them revenge against The Rockets for the slip up earlier this campaign and puts them right in the thick of the conference race!

The Player of the Game was Jackson Eichler, who was raining three-point bombs on The Rockets all night long! Finishing with 24 points and six shots from distance, The Vikings senior was able to space the floor to create a plethora of offensive opportunities for his teammates! Following Eichler was Gage Hawley who finished with 11 points and both Kaii Warren and Kyle Werbeck who each had 6 points. For Lowellville, they were led by Michael Ballone who had 10 points followed by Matt Lucido with 8 points.

Waterloo (10-4, 7-2) continues to control their own destiny in conference play, as they will now look to host another MVAC opponent in The Mineral Ridge Rams (5-10, 2-7) on Friday, January 26th with a 7 p.m. tip-off. As for Lowellville (7-6, 6-2) The Rockets have a big test, traveling to conference-leading Springfield (11-3, 8-1) also on Friday! Keep updated with all MVAC basketball this season with live games, scores, stats, stories and more on YSN!