Tag Archive for: West Branch

WARRIORS MAKE WISHES COME TRUE

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CANTON OH- West Branch traveled to GlenOak on Monday to take part in the wonderful Wishes can Happen Basketball event where some of northeast Ohio’s most talented girls basketball teams came together. The Warriors were matched up with West Geauga, a team that lost a thrilling overtime district semifinal game at Poland last season. For the Warriors, it wasn’t much of a match. They controlled the game from the tip to win 59-30.

After a couple of tough games, Sophie Gregory got back on track leading the Warriors with 18 points on the night. Sydney Mercer was also in double figures with 12 points. Anna Lippiatt added an important 7 points to the cause.

West Branch moves on to play Minerva at home on Wednesday to continue EBC play.

SALEM DEFENSE COMES THROUGH AGAIN

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BELOIT OH- It should be no surprise that Salem found themselves in another defensive struggle on Wednesday night. In what might be the biggest rivalry in the area, the Quakers traveled to West Branch and brought their intense ball pressure with them. For the fifth time this season the Quakers held their opponent under 30 points. It was just enough too as the Quakers won 30-29.

After getting shut out in the third quarter, Salem outscored the Warriors 15-10 in the final frame. It was the most productive quarter for both teams. Abbie Davidson hit a layup with the clock ticking away, then West Branch had a chance at the game winning shot, but it wouldn’t fall.

Davidson led the Quakers with 10 points on the night. Rylee Hutton would add 6 points to the Quakers offense. Salem did not attempt a single free throw on the night, West Branch only attempted 3.

West Branch was led by Cami Campbell who finished with 7 points. Mikayla Fitts added 6, while Sydney Mercer, and Anna Lippiatt had 5 a piece.

Salem returns to action Saturday as they host United. West Branch will hit the road to Canton South on Saturday.

WARRIORS HOLD STRONG TO GIVE POLAND THEIR FIRST LOSS

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POLAND OH- West Branch controlled the first three quarters of the game Saturday but had to hold on as Poland made a fierce comeback bid. What was a thirteen point lead quickly shrunk to as low as three. The Warriors made enough plays to hold on to a 46-42 win. The Poland girls team came into the day as the only team in the United Way Classic’s 10 year history to be undefeated in the event’s games. They are now 9-1 in 10 seasons competing in the Classic.

Anna Lippiatt led the Warriors with 13 points on the night. Hannah Egli hit some big shots from behind the arc on her way to a 9 point night. Sophie Gregory, and Livvie Showalter both added 8.

Poland was paced by Connie Cougras with 11 points. Morgan Kluchar had a solid night in double figures with 10 points. Katie McDonald chipped in with 6 points.

A big matchup awaits for both teams as West Branch will lock horns with Salem on Wednesday, while Poland travels to South Range on Monday.

WARRIORS TAKE CARE OF FIRST EBC WIN

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BELOIT OH- Jaxon Hendershott scored 22 points and Dru DeShields added 20 points as the West Branch Warriors dropped the visiting Carrollton Warriors 63-47 in Friday’s hoop action.

West Branch found the bottom of the net from outside the 3 point arc 5 times.

The Warriors will return to action Tuesday with a home contest with Youngstown East.

*Contributed By YSN’s Gary Leininger

WEST BRANCH STANDS TALL

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BELOIT OH- After striving a scare from Carrollton on Saturday, West Branch meant business on Wednesday against Austintown Fitch. The Warriors wasted no time getting ahead, and staying ahead. They cruised to a 62-38 win.

The Warriors were led by Sydney Mercer who led with 17 points. Sophie Gregory was right behind her finishing with 15 points. Hannah Egli had a solid night contributing 9 points to the cause.

Fitch was led by Zayda Creque who put in 17 points. Kara Pirone contributed 6 points to the offense.

West Branch gets back at it on Saturday as they travel to Poland. Fitch will also be in action on Saturday as they host Struthers.

LOCAL ATHLETES FILL ALL-STATE DIVISION IV ROSTER

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COLUMBUS, OH- There’s no doubt the area is rich in football talent across the board, but Division IV was peppered with elite skill as the All-Ohio teams were released on Tuesday.

Leading the way on the first team was Ursuline’s DeMarcus McElroy who finished the season with 2,191 yards on 315 attempts, a  7-yard per carry average.  McElroy also scored 41 times on the ground for the Irish.

Dru DeShields was also listed as first-team talent with his dual-threat weaponry, Dru finished with 3,661 yards through the air, and 40 of those passes going for touchdowns.  Drew’s 67% completion percentage on 383 throws was also impressive.  We can’t forget about DeShields ground factor either, with over 1100 yards on the ground and 15 additional touchdowns- DeShields only being a junior scares many coaches for the ’22 campaign.

Mason Ludwig had a big year for the Potters in East Liverpool.  Ludwig’s 6’6, 280 pound frame has recruiters all across the NCAA salivating, and his first-team selection in 2021 for All-Ohio will only strengthen those conversations.

West Branch’s Greg Rockwell joins his QB on the first-team list.  The 6’1, 250 pound offensive lineman checks the box during his impressive senior year on the gridiron.

The First-Team Defense showcased Ty’Req Donlow who created issues for offenses all season long, and a much-deserved accolade for the agitator.  Steven Marra was outstanding with 30 touchdowns on offense, but ultimately his defense at linebacker lands him with first-team honors.

The second-teamers in the area stood out with Ursuline QB1, Brady Shannon headlining the squad.  Shannon threw for over 2600 yards, and 27 touchdowns for the Irish, while running for 8 more.  Similarly, Salem’s Jackson had a stellar year with 2,733 yards through the air and 33 touchdowns, alongside 1,238 yards on the ground and 20 more scores with his legs.

Harvard commit, Dean Boyd of Ursuline also pens his name on the second team with 52 grabs for 916 yards and 9 touchdowns on the campaign.  Blaize Exline had a stellar year and ends up on the second team with a 99-catch, 1,216-yard season that culminated with 17 touchdowns through the air, and 11 more scores on the ground, and several records along the way for the Quakers.

From the big boys, Ursuline’s Brian Frasco, and Isaac Lucas made it on the second-team O-line, while West Branch’s Mitchell Coffee was selected on the D-line.

Jakylan Irving of Ursuline represented the Ursuline defensive backfield with a second-team selection, and Ben Tolson of West Branch gained a selection on special teams.

Third Team All-Ohio saw Thomas Egli of West Branch etch his name on the defensive line.

Honorable Mention contained Beaver Local sophomore QB, Austin Cline and Dorian Jackson, East Liverpool’s Devin Toothman, Michael Gordon and Christian Colosimo of Poland, and Jake Dohy and Connor Strain of Girard.

Congratulations to all these young men and their families on representing themselves at the highest level in the Buckeye State.

WEST BRANCH WINS TUG OF WAR WITH RAIDERS

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CANFIELD OH- West Branch rolled into their second game of the season on Tuesday night as they visited South Range. The Raiders hungry for their first win, gave the Warriors all they could handle. In a game where both teams traded big runs, the Warriors had the last laugh in a 53-47 win.

The Warriors were led by Jaxon Hendershott with a game-high 19 points. He hit 4 three pointers during the evening. Dru DeShields was also in double figures with 15 points. Nick Wilson added a solid 8 points.

The Raiders were paced by Ayden Leon who finished with 17 points. He was one of three Raiders in double figures. Dylan Turvey contributed 11 points, while Landon Moore chipped in 10.

The Warriors get back to action Friday as they host Carrollton. South Range will still look to get their first win on the road against Girard on Friday.

Postgame Interview With Michael Brown:

Postgame Interview With Jaxon Hendershott:

WARRIORS SURVIVE SCARE FROM CARROLLTON

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BELOIT OH- Nothing comes east inside the EBC conference. That point was made apparent on Saturday as West Branch was pushed the brink by a Carrollton team that came in without a win to their credit. Carrollton led 38-37 after 3 quarters of play. West Branch found enough plays down the stretch to outscore Carrollton 12-7 in the final frame and escape the upset bud and win 49-45.

Sophie Gregory led the Warriors with another impressive game. She finished with 18 points. Anna Lippiatt was also in double figures scoring 12 points. Livvie Showalter added 6 to the cause.

West Branch will continue their season on Monday as they host Fitch.

WARRIORS GET FIRST WIN INSIDE EBC

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ALLIANCE OH- West Branch started their journey to fight for an EBC crown on Wednesday as they traveled to Alliance to take on the Aviators. They lead the whole way and roll to a 57-38 win.

Sophie Gregory led the Warriors with an impressive 25 point performance. Livvie Showalter was also in double figures adding a solid 18 points to the Warrior cause.

West Branch will stay in EBC play on Saturday as they host Carrollton.

CANFIELD’S DEFENSE LOCKS WARRIORS DOWN

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BELOIT OH- Tuesday night was the second game of the season for both Canfield, and West Branch. Both teams were coming off season opening wins. It was the Cardinals though that would take the day. Their defense made life miserable for the Warriors all night. Canfield won a low scoring affair 45-23.

Canfield was led by Alyssa Dill who secured double figures finishing with 13. Carlie Harmon, and Deanna Mike both finished the night with 6.

West Branch was led by Liv Showalter with 6 points. The Warriors only had 14 points through 3 quarters of play.

Canfield will return home on Friday and take part in a boy/girl double header against Marlington. Boys varsity is set for 6:00, girls varsity will follow. West Branch will stay on the road and travel to East Liverpool on Saturday.